JUNEAU  A 34-year-old Friesland man faces charges of sexually assaulting a Fox Lake woman last summer after following her into a bathroom after the two had been drinking.

James A. Webb III faces felony charges of second-degree sexual assault and false imprisonment. He could face up to 46 years in prison and $110,000 in fines.

According to the criminal complaint, the woman reported July 3, 2016, that Webb had assaulted her the previous night while the two were in an apartment above Old Rock Tavern, W11070 Highway 16/60.

The woman said she went bowling with a few people and one of the people received a call from Webb. Webb, who was in Cambria, was intoxicated and upset, and they drove to meet him. They arrived at the apartment above the tavern July 3 between 1 and 3 a.m.

According to the criminal complaint, the woman said they were drinking and she left to go to the bathroom. Webb followed her. She said he would not leave when she asked him to, and he would not allow her to leave the room. The woman said she struck Webb several times while he was sexually assaulting her. At one point, she was able to push him hard enough that he stumbled backward and she was able to free herself.

The woman told police that when she got out of the bathroom she told her friends that they were leaving. One of her friends began to fight with Webb, and the alleged victim was injured when she tried to break up the fight.

Webb was questioned and told officers that he had helped the woman after she told him that she was going to be sick and denied any sexual contact. Webb submitted to a DNA test. A report from the state crime lab said an enzyme was detected on vaginal swabs that indicated the presence of saliva. The report indicated a mixture of DNA from at least two male individuals and indicated that Webb could have been one of the contributors. Webb was contacted after the report was completed in May and was told about the results. He continued to deny assaulting the woman.

Webbs initial appearance in Dodge County Circuit Court is scheduled for Oct. 2.
Lawmakers next week will take up a two-year spending plan that includes tax cuts for wealthy families and business owners but rejects Gov. Scott Walkers proposals to ease the tax burden on poorer families, under amendments adopted late Wednesday by the Legislatures Republican-controlled budget committee.

The Joint Finance Committee approved the package of tax provisions during its last day of work writing the $76 billion 2017-19 state budget, which was due on Walkers desk more than two months ago.

The committee rejected Walkers proposal to reduce the lowest income tax rate, which would have saved 70 percent of tax filers an average of $44 this year. The committee also rejected Walkers proposal to boost the earned income tax credit for the working poor by $20 million, which would have applied to about 130,000 families.

But the committees Republican majority approved a $74 million cut to the tax businesses pay for machinery and tools and moved to eliminate the states alternative minimum tax beginning in 2019.

The alternative minimum tax, which applies to individuals making between $200,000 and $500,000 annually and is meant to ensure filers with lots of tax deductions pay a minimum amount of income tax, would be eliminated starting in 2019. The change could mean a $7 million tax cut for those individuals.

The package also eliminates the states Working Families Credit, which has given a modest tax credit to about 725 individuals making about $9,000 a year. And the committee rejected Walkers proposal to exempt school supply shoppers from sales taxes during one weekend before the next school year starts.

Democrats blasted the tax package, saying it disproportionately helps Wisconsins wealthiest individuals.

Youre giving tax breaks to millionaires and youre kicking working families while theyre down, said Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point.

But Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, said many of the proposals  including the elimination of the alternative minimum tax and the Working Family Credit  apply to relatively few individuals and their elimination is just cleaning up the tax code.

Before the committee began its final day of work, committee co-chairs Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. John Nygren told reporters that there wasnt enough money to pay for everything Walker proposed.

Under Walkers plan to reduce the lowest income tax rate, nearly 2.2 million out of 3.1 million tax filers with an adjusted gross income of $30,000 or more would have seen a reduction in their taxes.

But Darling characterized the proposal as a modest cut and said lawmakers decided it wasnt the best bang for your buck.

In other changes, the GOP tax package would:

Limit the amount of tax credits for individuals restoring historic properties to $5 million per property.

Allow families that adopt children from other states and countries to deduct $5,000 for adoption expenses.

Exclude the value of medals won by athletes competing in the Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics from their taxable income.

Provide a tax credit to television and radio station owners and sales tax exemptions for the purchase of broadcast equipment, including satellite dishes and communication towers.

Eliminate the sales tax on internet service.

Exempt beekeepers and fish farm owners from sales taxes.

Also Wednesday, lawmakers voted 12-4 to set up a new regulation system for short-term lodging providers like Airbnb to allow municipalities to enforce local room taxes on such rental providers and require lodging marketplaces to register with the state and obtain a license.

And the committee voted to prohibit local governments from banning short-term rentals if the guests stays were longer than six days and shorter than 29 days, while requiring homeowners who rent out their homes for more than 10 days per year to register with the state.

Voucher changes

The budget also changes how students enroll in the states newest private voucher school program, designed for students with disabilities. The plan is expected to cost around $3.1 million and double the enrollment in the program that began in 2016.

Currently, children applying to be in the program must have applied to a school district under the states open enrollment program, have been denied and have been enrolled in a public school for one school year before applying for a voucher. Those rules would be eliminated under the proposals Republicans adopted Wednesday.

Sometimes kids are locked in a situation that is not best for them, Nygren said. But Democrats said the proposal funnels more money into schools that arent subject to as much public scrutiny as public schools.

Lawmakers also included a change in the amount private schools receive for each student using a voucher for students with disabilities, and for disabled students who attend a school district through the open enrollment program.

The current amount is set at $12,000 per child in each scenario. Under the language lawmakers put in the budget, the payment will be greater than what schools currently get or greater than the actual costs the private schools incur in the prior year to educate the students.

Fewer secret amendments

The panel also took up a general wrap-up motion, an often controversial maneuver legislators deploy at the end of the committees work to add major policy changes to the state budget with little or no public scrutiny. A key feature of the motion is that the lawmakers who sponsor policy components dont attach their names to the proposals  unlike amendments that are brought up in committee and on the floor.

But this years motion contained far fewer dramatic changes than one introduced two years ago, when lawmakers sought to drastically limit public access to government documents, and four years ago when it surfaced in the middle of the night.

In this years omnibus motion, lawmakers adopted a Walker proposal to require the UW System to monitor teaching workloads and report that data to the governor and the Legislature; to move up by a few months 2 percent raises for state employees; and to require an audit of family planning service reimbursements received under the federal medical assistance program between 2013 and 2016.

Overall, the budget will have about a $196 million cushion in its general fund in 2019  up from the $11.6 million Walker proposed.

Lawmakers in the Senate and Assembly plan to take up the budget next week.
Cheers to Wits Brewers

Wits students crowned as the 2017 SAB Intervarsity Beer Brewing Champions.

The University of Witwatersrand has been named the overall winner of the 10th Annual SAB Intervarsity Beer Brewing Champions 2017, ousting defending champions the University of Cape Town.

Wits' Big Petr Pils, a lager, claimed the top honour of Castle Lager Best Bru Award and the Carling Black Label Best Lager. The 10th annual SAB Intervarsity Beer Brewing Challenge pitted 16 of South Africas top tertiary institutions against one another in a bid to win the sought-after accolade of best beer brewing students.

Micro-brewing teams and their respective brews went up against each other at the final of the competition held on Saturday at SABs Cyril Ramaphosa World of Learning in Kyalami, Johannesburg. An independent panel of expert industry judges noted that the teams winning entry was a very drinkable style for South Africas warm weather conditions. It was well balanced, using the right amount of hops and that they used good brewing procedures for a style that requires precision in brewing technique.

The Best Cider was awarded to Cape Peninsula University of Technology (Apple Adventure Cider); the Best Speciality Beer went to University of Pretoria (Cloudy with a Chance of Ginger); Best Winter Warmer was awarded to University of Johannesburg (British Strong Ale); and the Best Label Design went to Central University of Technology Free State (Yet Another Lemon Tree). Sixteen local tertiary institutions took part in the competition.

The story was originally published on the IOL Online website. Click here to read the full story.




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US governor releases report on VC Summer flaws

06 September 2017

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Bechtel Corp highlighted "significant issues" at the VC Summer project 18 months before construction of two AP1000 reactors at the site in Fairfield County, South Carolina, was scrapped in July. Difficulties, such as flawed construction plans, faulty designs, inadequate management and low worker morale, were outlined in the engineering, construction and project management company's independent analysis of the project dated February 2016.

On 31 July, Scana Corporation subsidiary South Carolina Electric & Gas (SCG&E) announced its decision to cease construction of the two Westinghouse-designed units at VC Summer. The announcement followed co-owner Santee Cooper's decision to suspend construction because of projected completion delays and cost overruns.

Bechtel's report was released by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster's office on 4 September against objections from Santee Cooper's lawyers, who asked the governor not to place it in the public domain.

Issues

According to Bechtel's project assessment report for VC Summer, there were eight significant issues facing the project:

 While the consortium's engineering, procurement and construction plans and schedules are integrated, the plans and schedules are not reflective of actual project circumstances;

 The consortium lacks the project management integration needed for a successful project outcome;

 There is a lack of a planned vision, goals and accountability between the owners and the consortium;

 The contract does not appear to be serving the owners or the consortium particularly well;

 The detailed engineering design is not yet completed, which will subsequently affect the performance of procurement and construction;

 The issued design is often not constructible, resulting in a significant number of changes and causing delays;

 The oversight approach taken by the owners does not allow for real-time, appropriate cost and schedule mitigation;

 The relationship between the consortium partners (Westinghouse Electric Company (WEC)) and Chicago Bridge & Iron (CB&I)) is strained, caused to a large extent by commercial issues.

Recommendations

Bechtel's recommendations included creating a new "more achievable" project schedule.

The owners should develop an Owner's Project Management Organisation and supplement current owner staff with additional EPC-experienced personnel, it said. The owners and consortium should "align contract commercial conditions with the project goals and determine the realistic to-go forecast costs for project completion". The consortium should complete a "new, more achievable" project schedule. It should remove the "mandatory constraints" from the Integrated Project Schedule and allow the schedule to move "based on the logic". It should prioritise the development of mitigation/recovery plans based on their impact to the schedule, it said. It should also ensure appropriate time is allocated for the installation of bulk commodities (large and small bore piping, pipe supports, cable tray, conduit, cabling).

The consortium should "initiate a focused effort to complete WEC known engineering 'debt' and release the over 1000 drawing holds that exist"; intensify the efforts of the Strategic Planning group, work package planning, constructability reviews etc. to identify design changes needed well in advance of the construction need date; and stay on top of identifying and resolving emergent technical issues.

The consortium should also increase manual staffing levels to allow working of all available work areas, and evaluate methods "to have the craftsmen spend more time at the workface". It should implement actions "to improve craft productivity and retention, and simplify and streamline work packages", the report said.

In addition, Bechtel recommended that the consortium "complete the inventory revalidation effort and establish a program to continually validate the inventory". And it should "complete the procurement schedule adherence effort to ensure equipment delivery dates meet construction need dates".

Michael Bexley, senior vice president and general counsel at Santee Cooper, wrote to McMaster on 3 September, providing the Bechtel report as requested and asking that its contents remain confidential. McMaster's office said in a statement on 4 September the governor "believes there is no basis for their 'assertion of privilege' or confidentiality".

Westinghouse filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors in late March to enable strategic restructuring amid "financial and construction challenges" in its US AP1000 power plant projects.

VC Summer is one of two projects to build Westinghouse AP1000 pressurised water reactors in the USA. The other is Georgia Power's Vogtle plant under construction near Waynesboro in Georgia.

On 31 August, Georgia Power filed a recommendation with the Georgia Public Service Commission to complete construction of Vogtle units 3 and 4 as the most economic choice for customers. The company expects unit 3 to begin commercial operation in November 2021 and unit 4 in November 2022.

Construction of all four US AP1000s - VC Summer and Vogtle - began in 2013.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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NuScale proposes partnership for UK SMR

06 September 2017

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NuScale Power of the USA has today launched an action plan for the near-term deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the UK. The plan sets out how the company will partner with UK industry to deliver a "multi-billion pound SMR venture".

Through its five-point "UK SMR Action Plan", Portland, Oregon-based NuScale said the UK and USA can work together to develop "game-changing technology for the global energy system".

SMRs offer a low-carbon, secure, cost-competitive solution to the UK's growing energy challenge, the company said. Such reactors could replace retiring coal-fired power plants and ageing nuclear plants, helping the UK meet its decarbonisation targets.

Tom Mundy, NuScale's chief commercial officer and managing director for the UK and Europe, said: "Our UK SMR Action Plan sets out a clear vision for NuScale's technology to be rolling off production lines in UK factories, generating power for UK homes in the 2020s and transforming the UK into a hub for export into a lucrative global market."

However, he added, "The window of opportunity is closing, and for the benefits of our UK vision of near-term SMR deployments to be fully realised, decisions must be taken by government now."

A UK-US partnership offers the best option for near-term delivery of SMRs, NuScale said, and its action plan builds on collaboration it has been developing with UK organisations for the past few years. It already works in strategic partnership with Ultra Electronics, collaborates with Sheffield Forgemasters via a program supported by Innovate UK, and partners with the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. NuScale has also established a fully-funded internship with the University of Sheffield and Oregon State University. The UK has an opportunity to become a global leader in the development and deployment of innovative nuclear technology, seizing first-mover advantage of a UK-US partnership on SMRs, the company said.

Techno-economic assessment



Richard Harrington, the UK's secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, has said the government plans to publish a techno-economic assessment of SMRs later this year.



In response to a written question in parliament, he said the assessment was commissioned by the government "to help build the evidence base" on SMRs. The report has helped government asses the contribution SMRs could make to the UK energy supply as well as identifying the benefits and risks of SMR deployment, Harrington said.

Such an SMR venture will boost UK economic growth, productivity and wealth creation by providing high-value jobs, intellectual property rights and export opportunities, it said. The UK nuclear supply chain could provide 85% or more of content required for UK SMR deployments, it said. The UK would also be well positioned to capture a significant share of the global SMR export market, estimated to be worth up to 400 billion ($522 billion) by 2035.

An SMR could be deployed in the UK within the next ten years, NuScale said. Its SMR is a "mature design" with over $600 million and over 3.5 million person-hours already invested into it, the company added.

Its design certification application was accepted for review by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission earlier this year and regulatory approval is expected in the early 2020s. The first commercial 12-module NuScale power plant is to be built on the site of the Idaho National Laboratory, will be owned by the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems and operated by Energy Northwest, and is expected to begin generating electricity from 2026.

NuScale's self-contained SMR design houses the reactor core, pressuriser and steam generator inside a single containment vessel. It relies on convection, not pumps, to circulate water in the primary circuit. A single module can generate 50 MWe (gross) of electricity and is just under 25 meters in length, 4.6 meters in diameter and weighs around 450 tonnes. A power plant could include as many as 12 NuScale modules to produce as much as 600 MWe (gross).

NuScale Power announced in March 2016 that it would put its SMR forward as part of the UK government's competition to identify the best value SMR design for the UK.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

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Asian cities have recorded the fastest growth in the past century than any other continent in the world. Cities such as Dubai and Doha have grown from being small fishing villages to become major global cities. Majority of the Asian countries capital cities have some of the most beautiful skylines in the world due to the presence of lush greenery and the incorporation of traditional architectural designs to modern architecture.

12. Hong Kong

Hong Kong is home to one of the most beautiful skylines in Asia. The city has the highest number of skyscrapers in the world, surpassing even New York City and Dubai with Hong Kong being home to 317 skyscrapers (New York City has 265). The tallest of these is the 1,588-foot tall International Commercial Center. However, the true beauty of the citys skyline is not best showcased by its numerous skyscrapers, but through The Symphony of Lights, a nightly light show that is the worlds largest of its kind.

11. Shanghai

Another city in Asia with an unbelievably picturesque skyline is Shanghai. The city is home to numerous imposing skyscrapers with Shanghai being the only city in Asia to have three skyscrapers which exceed 400 meters in height. Shanghais skyline has changed over the past 50 years as a testament to the thriving Shanghai economy and growing real estate market. The Shanghai Tower which rises 2,073 feet is the tallest skyscraper in the city and is also the tallest in the world based on the height of the usable floor. The skyline also features many other tall structures including the Oriental Pearl Tower, a communications tower which has a height of 1,535 feet.

10. Taipei

Taipei is the largest city and administrative capital of the island of Taiwan. The city sits in an area that covers 104.94 square miles and has a population of over 2.7 million people. Taipei has the highest number of skyscrapers in Taiwan. These skyscrapers in Taipei are world-famous for their architectural designs which merge traditional Chinese architecture with modern architecture. Some of the most popular skyscrapers in Taipei are Taipei 101 (the tallest in Taiwan), the Tuntex Sky Tower, and the Shin Kong Life Tower among many others.

9. Doha

When visiting Qatar, one cannot help but marvel at the beauty of its capital city Doha. The city is not only the largest city in Qatar but also among the most important in the Middle East. The citys skyline is best viewed while at the waterfront of Doha Corniche. From this vantage point, one can see all the skyscrapers that make up Dohas skyline. The highest skyscraper in Doha is the Aspire Tower which has a total height of 984 feet.

8. Seoul

South Koreas capital city, Seoul is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The reason behind the stunning beauty seen in Seoul is the incorporation of green scenery to the towering skyscrapers. Seoul is located in a mountainous region, and several mountains surrounding the city. The highest of these mountains is Bukhan Mountain which has an elevation of 2,744 feet. Some magnificent skyscrapers that make up the Seoul skyline are the Lotte World Tower (tallest skyscraper in Seoul), the Three IFC Office Tower, the Samsung Tower Palace, Mok Dong Hyperion, and the 63 Building. There are several spots around the city from where one can get the best view of the spectacular Seoul skyline including the Namsan Seoul Tower whose high observation deck provides the best view of the citys skyline.

7. Tokyo

Tokyos skyline is a seemingly never-ending display of immense skyscrapers and structures which tower over the citys streets. 46 of these skyscrapers are over 607 feet in height. The highest structure in Tokyo is the Tokyo Skytree, a tower whose height of 2,080 feet makes it the tallest tower in the world. For a picturesque view of the skyline, visitors are encouraged to head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building which has an observation deck on its 45th floor. At the backdrop of the skyline is Mount Fuji, Japans highest mountain whose elevation of 12,389 feet is visible on the horizon despite being over 50 miles away. Tokyo skyline is expected to change drastically as more skyscrapers are built in the city in preparation for the hosting of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

6. Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailands largest city and is also the nations capital. Bangkok is the major entry point for visitors traveling to Thailand, and therefore it is difficult to miss the citys spectacular skyline. Bangkok is situated in the tropics and therefore has lush greenery that contrasts the towering skyscrapers dotting the Bangkok skyline. The tallest building in the city is the MahaNakhon skyscraper, which has a height of 1,031 feet. The building is one of the best pieces of architecture in the entire country with its glass facade seeming to have been chipped away. The city is filled with observations decks and is renowned for its rooftop views so getting a place to admire the Bangkok skyline should not be a problem.

5. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur gained world-fame after the construction of the Petronas Towers in the late 20th century which held the title of the worlds tallest building between 1998 and 2004. The city is home to other towering skyscrapers which characterize the skyline of Kuala Lumpur. The Petronas Towers offers the best view of the city through its glass skybridge.

4. Dubai

Dubai is arguably the skyscraper capital of the Middle East and is home to the worlds tallest building, the Burj Khalifa whose 161 floors tower 2,717 feet above the city streets below. A tour through Dubai leaves visitors awed at the sophisticated architecture displayed in its picturesque skyscrapers. Majority of the tallest skyscrapers are located in the Dubai Marina district. The best places to catch a glimpse of the Dubai skyline include the Burj Khalifa observation deck or at the Jumeirah beach.

3. Singapore

Singapore is labeled as the futuristic city of Asia as more skyscrapers appear to come up each day in the city. The city has one of the most beautiful skylines of any city in Asia due to the abundance of lush greenery all across the city as well as the modern skyscrapers which dot the skyline. The Tanjong Pagar Center which has a height of 951 feet is the tallest building in the city.

2. Chongqing

Chongqing city is located in southwest China. The city is not as famous as the other cities on the list, but its skyline is something to behold. Chongqing is one of the largest cities in China and boasts of having modern skyscrapers with heights that rival those in other well-known cities. The tallest building in Chongqing is the 1,112-foot-tall Chongqing World Financial Center.

1. Guangzhou

Guangzhou is the provincial capital of Guangdong in southern China, located on the Pearl River and it is about 90 miles north of Macau, and 75 miles northwest of Hong Kong. The city has a history of more than 2000 years and was one of the primary terminuses of the maritime Silk Road. Today the city of Guangzhou continues to serve as the main transport hub.Currently, the tallest skyscraper in the city is the Guangzhou CTF Finance center which rises to 1,740 feet above the ground. The building is the 7th tallest in the world and the 3rd tallest in China. Guangzhou has an impressive skyline having eight buildings reaching 984 feet high, two are more than 1312 feet tall, and one is more than 1640 feet tall, while Canton tower 1968 feet tall together with its spires.
Barkerville is a ghost town found in the province of British Columbia, Canada. The town was the main town during the Cariboo Gold Rush of the late 19th century and is also one of the best-preserved towns of that period. Barkerville was established in 1862 and was named after the first gold miner to strike gold in the town, Billy Barker. Today, Barkerville is a famous tourist attraction due to its cultural and historical significance.

Gold Rush and Establishment of Barkerville

The 19th century was an exciting and one of the most defining periods in the history of the British Columbia Province of Canada. It was in the early 19th century that gold deposits had been discovered in much of the province, particularly in the Cariboo region. The discovery coincided with the decline of gold deposits in the California mines as well as in the mines along the Fraser, and this ultimately led to the rise of the Cariboo gold rush. Among the prospectors who moved into British Columbia was Billy Barker, an English sailor who previously had no luck in striking any gold deposits. Billy Barker had heard of the rich gold deposits in William Creek and traveled to the region accompanied by many other English prospectors. Luck was on Billy Barkers side as he struck huge gold deposits on August 13th, 1862 and his claim would eventually be established to be 37,500 ounces of gold. Soon the news of the rich deposits had spread all over North America attracting thousands of people. In just a few years, Barkerville had grown to become one of the largest cities in North America and the largest in British Columbia. To cater for the increased demand for supplies in the city, the colonial authorities constructed the Cariboo Wagon Road which allowed the bulk transportation of supplies. Even the 1868 fire which consumed much of the city did not deter the growth and popularity of Barkerville.

Decline of Barkerville

However, as is the case with many gold-rush cities, Barkervilles prominence was short-lived. By the 1870s, the gold deposits in Barkerville became scarce which ultimately led to miners to seek other alternatives in other parts of British Columbia and North America in general. As the miners moved away from the town, the traders who had the miners as their clients had to shut down their establishments and move away as well. By the start of the 20th century, the town had become disserted. The founder of the town, Billy Barker shared the same fate as the city. Billys personal life had crumbled after his wife left him for younger men and this led him to spend his fortune on alcohol and saloons. Billy would later die of cancer on July 11th, 1894. Barkerville, later on, experienced a sudden growth during the Great Depression of the early 20th century, but after economic condition had improved, the town was again disserted leaving only a handful of residents.

Tourist Attractions

Barkerville was restored in 1957 and was used by the Canadian government as a tourist attraction with the ghost town being renamed as Barkerville Historic Town. During the process of restoration, the few residents who lived in the town were relocated to New Barkerville. Later, in 1960 a museum was opened in Barkerville (one of the best historical mining museums in the world) as well as the Barkerville Historic Park. The opening coincided with the 100-year anniversary of Billy Barkers gold strike in the town. One of the oldest buildings in Barkerville, the Chee Kung Tong Building was in 2008 designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.
What Is the Capital of Nevada?

Nevada is the 7th largest and the 34th most populous state of the United States of America. It joined the Union on October 31, 1864. It was annexed by the United States in 1848 during the MexicanAmerican War and became part of Utah in 1850 before it became the State of Nevada in 1864. After the construction of the Hoover Dam and the stock market crash of 1931, the state of Nevada legalized gambling through Assembly Bill 98 with the intention of increasing the state revenue. The city of Las Vegas in the Mojave Desert is the 28th most populous city in the US and is famous for gambling including 24-hour casinos and vibrant nightlife. However, Carson City outwits Las Vegas as the capital city of the state of Nevada.

Carson City Overview

The Consolidated Municipality of Carson City is the capital of the state of Nevada. It covers an area of about 157 sq mi, and has a population of approximately 57, 000. The city is named after Kit Carson, an American Mountain man who explored the area between 184344. In 1966 the state through a referendum approved the merger of Ormsby County and Carson City to form the Municipality of Carson City. In 1991 the city council passed a master plan that prohibits the construction of buildings taller than the State Capitol building within 500 ft.

Climate

Much of Nevada has a desert environment, including Carson City. Carson City experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool and cold winters. It experiences four seasons which are fairly mind compared to other parts of the country. During the winter moderate snowfall of about 8.9 inches is experienced. Precipitation occurs during winter and spring, but the summer is much drier than the neighboring state of California.

Economy

Carson City exhibits a diverse and growing economy. It acts as the regional and commercial and retail hub for Northwestern Nevada which is known for its irrigated farms, mining of silver and other minerals, and livestock farming. The service industry accounts for 30% of the workforce while the manufacturing industry employs 14%. After gambling was legalized in 1931, the number of tourists visiting the city has also been on a steady increase. The public sector employs 25% of the work force since the city acts as the center for federal and state governments.

Governance

After the merger of Ormsby County with Carson City the county dissolved and is currently governed as part of the Consolidated Municipality of Carson City. A five-member board consisting four supervisors and a mayor is responsible for governing the city. Each of the four supervisors represents a ward of which they must be residents of that particular ward. The supervisors and the mayor serve a four-year term. The mayor and the supervisors from Ward 2 and for are elected during the general elections in the US while representatives from Ward 1 and three are elected during the even years in between the presidential elections i.e. the same year gubernatorial elections are held.
Flags, Symbols, & Currencies of Moldova

The state of Moldova officially adopted its flag on November 6, 1990.The countrys flag resembles that of Romania, indicating the close association between the two nations. The two flags are made up of a vertical tricolor of red on the hoist side, yellow at the center, and blue on the fly side. The flag of Moldova has a court of arms charged on the middle vertical yellow stripe. The court of arms has a dark golden eagle that appears to hold a cross associated with the Orthodox Christianity in its peak. The eagle also holds a branch of an olive in the right claw and a yellow staff in its left claw. On the eagles chest is a blue and a red shield charged with Moldovas traditional symbols, the Aurochs head and there is a star located between the horns, and it is flanked by a rose and a crescent. History Of The Flag Of Moldova During the Russian revolution of 1917, the Bessarabia region, now Moldova became autonomous and was known as the Moldovan Democratic Republic until 1918 when it was absorbed as part of Romania, through a vote of the assembly. During this brief period, the flag was made up of the traditional blue color of the Romanian flag in horizontal format. In 1940 Romania ceded the Bessarabia to the Soviet Union and resulted in the formation of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1952, Moldova acquired distinctive flag with a green horizontal stripe through the center on a red field and had a hammer, a sickle, and a star, which is associated with communism on the canton side of the flag. At the time, the green represented the agricultural activities in the country. The Moldovan coat of arms consists of an eagle holding a cross in its beak, as well as a sceptre and an olive branch in its talons. Against the eagle's chest is a shield that contains the traditional symbols of Moldavia: an aurochs head with a sun between its horns, a flower to the left and a moon to the right.

Historical Flags of Moldova Flag of Principality of Moldova Red banner with a bull's head, crescent, star, and flower, all in gold Flag of Moldavian Democratic Republic Blue-yellow-red tricolor flag with seal centered on yellow and country's full name on blue. Flag of Moldova SSR Horizontal red, green, red flag with with sickle, hammer, and star on canton

Symbols of Moldova

National Coat of Arms of Moldova The Moldovan coat of arms is built on traditional design and was adopted in 1990. It consists of an eagle holding a cross in its beak, as well as a sceptre and an olive branch in its talons. Against the eagle's chest is a red and blue shield containing the traditional symbols of Moldavia: an aurochs head with a sun between its horns, a flower to the left and a moon to the right.

National Anthem Anthem Title: Limba noastra (Our Language)

Music composer: Alexandru Cristea

Lyricist: Alexei Mateevici

Date of Adoption: 1995 Limba noastra (Our Language) is the national anthem of Moldova, officially adopted on July 22, 1995. However, the anthem was in use as early as 1994 before the official adoption. In the early 1990s, Moldova's national anthem was"Desteapta-te, romane!" Romanian's national anthem. The lyrics for Limba noastra were written by Alexei Mateevici, just a month before he died (1917). The lyrics were set to music in 1942 by Alexandru Cristea. Limba noastra is a unique national anthem because it talks about the national language of Moldova (Romanian or Moldovan). However, it does not mention the language by name and only encourages the people to revive their native language. Limba noastra (Romanian) Limba noastra-i o comoara In adincuri infundata Un sirag de piatra rara Pe mosie revarsata. Limba noastra-i foc ce arde Intr-un neam, ce fara veste S-a trezit din somn de moarte Ca viteazul din poveste. Limba noastra-i numai cantec, Doina dorurilor noastre, Roi de fulgere, ce spintec Nouri negri, zari albastre. Limba noastra-i graiul painii, Cand de vant se misca vara; In rostirea ei batranii Cu sudori sfintit-au tara. Limba noastra-i frunza verde, Zbuciumul din codrii vesnici, Nistrul lin, ce-n valuri pierde Ai luceferilor sfesnici. Nu veti plange-atunci amarnic, Ca vi-i limba prea saraca, Si-ti vedea, cat ii de darnic Graiul tarii noastre draga. Limba noastra-i vechi izvoade. Povestiri din alte vremuri; Si citindu-le 'nsirate, Te-nfiori adanc si tremuri. Limba noastra ii aleasa Sa ridice slava-n ceruri, Sa ne spiue-n hram si-acasa Vesnicele adevaruri. Limba noastra-i limba sfanta, Limba vechilor cazanii, Care o plang si care o canta Pe la vatra lor taranii. Inviati-va dar graiul, Ruginit de multa vreme, Stergeti slinul, mucegaiul Al uitarii 'n care geme. Strangeti piatra lucitoare Ce din soare se aprinde Si-ti avea in revarsare Un potop nou de cuvinte. Rasari-va o comoara In adancuri infundata, Un sirag de piatra rara Pe mosie revarsata. Our Language Our language is a treasure That surges from deep shadows of the past, A necklace of rare gems That scattered all over the domain. Our language is a burning flame Amidst a people that without warning Awoke from the sleep of death Like the brave hero of the tales. Our language is made of songs From our soul's deepest desires, Flash of lightning striking swiftly Through dark clouds and blue horizons. Our language is the tongue of bread When the winds blow through the summer, Uttered by our forefathers who Blessed the country through their labour. Our language is the greenest leaf Of the everlasting codris, Gentle river Dniester's ripples Hiding starlight bright and shining. Utter no more bitter cries now That your language is too poor, And you will see with what abundance Flow the words of our precious country. Our language is full of legends, Stories from the days of old. Reading one and then another Makes one shudder, tremble and moan. Our language is singled out To lift praises up to heaven, Uttering with constant fervour Truths that never cease to beckon. Our language is more than holy, Words of homilies of old Wept and sung perpetually In the homesteads of our folks. Resurrect now this our language, Rusted through the years that have passed, Wipe off filth and mould that gathered When forgotten through our land. Gather now the sparkling stone, Catching bright light from the sun. You will see the endless flooding Of new words that overflow. A treasure will spring up swiftly From deep shadows of the past, A necklace of rare gems That scattered all over the domain

The Currency of Moldova is the Moldovan leu

The official currency used in Moldova is the Moldovan Leu (MDL). The National Bank of Moldova is responsible for managing the production, circulation, and stability of the currency, and is answerable only to the parliament of Moldova. Moldovan leu Coins One Moldovan leu consists of 100 bani (cents). In November 1993, the first coins made of aluminum were minted and circulated in the denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents. Nickel-Plated-Steel coins in denominations of 1 and 5 leu coins were also circulated. The 50-cent aluminum coins and the 1 and 5 leu coins were later removed from circulation, and in 1998 a new brass-clad steel 50-cent coin was introduced. The 1- and 5 leu coins were never introduced back into circulation, but they remain legal tender and hard to come by. Since 1996, several commemorative coins have been issued by the National Bank of Moldova for collection purposes only. Moldovan leu Banknotes There have been two series of the Moldovan leu Banknotes. The first series was in denominations of 1, 5, and 10 lei, and was short lived. The second series of the notes are used today and are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 lei. The observe side of the note portrays a portrait of Stefan cel Mare who was the prince of Moldavia from 1457 to 1504.

Moldovan leu Banknote Moldovan 1 leu Banknote Moldovan leu Coin Moldovan 10 bani Coin

Historical Currencies of Moldova Between 1918 and 1944, Moldova was part of the Romanian territory and recognized the Romanian Leu as its currency. Moldova sought independence from Romania on November 29, 1993, after the Soviet Union collapsed in December of 1991. It successfully replaced the Romanian Leu with the cupon at par between 1992 and 1993 before replacing the cupon with the Moldovan Leu at a rate of 1 Leu = 1,000 Cupon. Transnistria, an autonomous region seeking independence from Moldova, does not use the Leu as its currency but instead uses the Transnistrian Ruble. The state is not recognized by the international community, including the world bank, the IMF, the UN, and Moldova.
Logo of the company Shell seen at a retail site in US. (File photo)

THE HAGUE, NETHERLANDS: Royal Dutch Shell plc has opened its first service station in Mexico, with more sites due to start providing Mexican motorists with high-quality Shell fuels and retail services over the next few months.

Over the next 10 years, if market conditions continue to develop at their current rates, Shell plans to invest around $1 billion in Mexico. These investments will be channelled into expanding and improving the retail network, improving fuel logistics infrastructure and developing partnerships to deliver world-class products and services to Mexican consumers and businesses.

The new service station in Tlalnepantla on the outskirts of Mexico City promises an improved experience for Mexican motorists and their families, providing them with high-quality fuels in a welcoming environment. The new service station will also offer freshly-brewed gourmet coffee, healthy fresh food and free Wi-Fi, reflecting Shells focus on delivering a world-class retail experience to customers.

Shell Retails ambitions for 2025 include growing the convenience retail offer, significantly increasing the availability of low-emission fuels and reducing waste.

This is a major milestone for Shell and shows our ongoing commitment to Mexico. As the fifth-biggest consumer of gasoline in the world, it is an important and growing market. We have been present in Mexico for more than 60 years, but this is our first opportunity to improve Mexican motorists journeys through our unique retail experience, said Istvan Kapitany, Shell executive vice president of Retail.

 Worldofchemicals News
Eyesore buildings to be converted into social housing after standing derelict for years

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Sep 6th, 2017

Three eyesore buildings are to be given a fresh lease of life after standing derelict for over a decade.

The properties, located on the site of the former Victoria Garage in Ruabon, have stood vacant since 2004 when a developer started work on three homes on the site. However it was never completed, and the half-finished houses have sat empty ever since.

Work to secure the site and make it safe has been carried out in the interim by Wrexham Council, but due to the complications around ownership and development, the local authority say that the buildings could not be knocked down or outright redeveloped.

Yesterday Wrexham Council confirmed that there is a positive future for the trio of properties, which will be converted into social housing for the area.

The buildings were acquired by the Crown Estate, who in turn sold them to Wales & West Housing. This means that the housing association can now redevelop the site for much needed social housing in the area.

Cllr David Griffiths, Wrexham Councils Lead Member for Housing, said that it was excellent news to see that some progress is afoot with the properties.

He added: Id like to thank those at our Housing and Economy Department and Cllr Davies as the local member for all the work theyve put in on this  their efforts in following this up and ensuring a positive outcome have been indispensable.

Its also incredibly good news to see that the site will be redeveloped for social housing, which I am sure will be put to great use at the heart of Ruabon.

Cllr Dana Davies, local member for Ruabon and Chair of Ruabon Community Council, said: Im incredibly pleased to have some good news regarding this site.

The people of Ruabon have been blighted by this eyesore for too long, and Im sure Im not the only one wholl be glad to see these buildings redeveloped and put to good use.

Im very grateful for all the support weve received from the Housing Partnership team at Wrexham Council, who have put in a lot of hours over this issue.

Im also grateful that we were able to make use of the Welsh Governments empty homes funding which enabled the Council to pursue a successful legal solution.

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, said: Im thrilled for the people of Ruabon that they will soon no longer have to put up with this eyesore and Im pleased that the Welsh Government has been able to help.

Dana is one of a number of people who have worked incredibly hard over many years to deliver this very welcome result and Id like to congratulate and thank her  along with the community council and the residents of Ruabon  for not letting this important issue drop.

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of Wales & West Housing, added: Were delighted to be given the opportunity to transform this site into an attractive row of two bedroomed houses, to help meet the need for more affordable homes in Wrexham.

The news has also been welcomed by Plaid Cymrus Mabon ap Gwynfor, who in 2015 called on Wrexham Council to purchase the three properties and convert them into housing for ex-service personnel.

Last year a 700-strong petition calling for action to resolve the empty properties was handed into the local authority.

Mr ap Gwynfor, who started the petition, said: These derelict houses had been an eyesore on the High Street for many years. The late Plaid Cymru Cllr Barrie Price worked tirelessly to tackle the issue.

Ruabon Community Council did everything they could to get something done, and Cllr Davies did a lot of the heavy lifting as well. Ive knocked on the doors of a great many houses while campaigning in Ruabon, and this eyesore would invariably crop up in conversations.

The fact that Wrexham Council have finally managed to tackle the issue around ownership and ensure that Wales and West take ownership is to be welcomed. There is a high demand for affordable housing in the area, with local families wanting to stay in their communities.

I hope that the site can now be developed to ensure decent and affordable housing for local people, and that it will contribute positively to the street scenery in Ruabon.

For information about how to register for Affordable Housing, please contact the Councils Housing Department on 01978 298 993.
Wrexham Council to run Arts Hub for three years minimum as trust model rejected after legal advice

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Sep 6th, 2017

Wrexham Council will run the new multi-million pound arts and market development for a minimum of three years, despite initial plans to hand over the centre to an independent trust from the offset.

Previously it had been stressed that trust ownership and management for the OW Peoples Market was the best way forward for the development  opening up additional finance opportunities that the local authority could not access. This position had been reiterated to Wrexham.com earlier this year as still firmly the direction of travel and a desire, with the identification and appointment of trustees expected towards the end of this year.

However a report due before the Executive Board next week explains that the development will be kept in-house and operated by Wrexham Council for at least three years rather than via a trust.

The report references a decision made in July 2016 which authorised thee Head of Housing and Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member, to press ahead with development of a trust for the purposes of managing the newly established Peoples Market/Oriel Wrexham.

However it continues onto state that establishing suitable management arrangements for such a service is not clear cut, adding that complexities regarding State Aid and procurement legislation would not necessarily result in the local influence that has been envisaged.

Therefore, the report continues, it makes sense therefore, to ensure that a viable business is established prior to entering into any externalisation of the service.

Commenting on the management u-turn, Cllr Jones gave background to the situation, stating: It was felt very important to include a local element in management and that following advice at the time a trust element was the best option.

He added that a lot of advice has been taken by Wrexham Council from various experts, who had told the local authority that a trust was no longer possible due to EU and UK procurement regulations.

Cllr Jones stated there would have been a significant risk that if a trust was wanted it would have to go out to public advert, adding that it meant any organisation within Europe would be able to bid to run the trust. We could not restrict it to a local trust.

He continued: Establishment of a trust that was purely and simply a local trust is something we cannot legally do.

The trust model had been a factor which had been emphasised throughout the debate around the new development, with plans to create a Wrexham Culture Trust, which would have overseen libraries, museums and associated heritage services, previously put forward. However this plan was scrapped in 2015 due to no longer being financially viable.

At the time leader of the Labour group, Cllr Dana Davies queried if the decision will result in an issue over the timeframe and running of the Arts Hub  with Cllr Jones stating: It will be a trust model. With the timescale this will not impact it, we will have the appropriate Trust in time to operate the markets and the Arts Hub.

A draft business plan for the Oriel Wrecsam and Peoples Market development accidentally leaked in 2015 (and later made available to the public here) also commented on the strength of the OW Peoples Market being run as a trust.

The document states: The research suggests that removing the restrictions and burdens that inherently come from working within a council set-up, such as bureaucracy and slower decision-making, is one of the greatest advantages of moving to a devolved model. This can directly lead to significant improvements in the speed of decision making.

Newly gained independence from the council set-up also allows the organisation to become more

business-oriented. The assets can be managed in a more entrepreneurial fashion with greater emphasis and importance placed on marketing and the ability to combine both strategic and tactical planning.

The shift to an independent state can have a profound impact on the culture of the organisation, as significant changes are required.

While such change can be relatively slow, a successful transition can be achieved through strong and decisive leadership as well as meaningful consultation with staff to ensure they are involved in the process and are ready to embrace change when it was required.

However despite the development not being operated by a trust from the offset, Cllr Jones highlighted the possible strength and local involvement of Wrexham Council operating the hub for at least three years via an in-house delivery team.

He said: It means the delivery team who were present at the very beginning at the conception of the concept will be the team that will deliver it through to its fruition, and will see it through to being established as a successful trading entity.

The situation is, the business plan remains exactly the same, it is just that the management structure and the delivery will be in-house rather than in the hands of a trust.

It was also indicated that once the move to in-house management rather than the trust model is ratified by the Executive Board, there will be a further report to look at future management options that will focus on local elements of control.

There is a hint at future management in the report along with shorter term independent trust style board influence on the development, with the document stating: Development of the appropriate stakeholder involvement will be critical in the potential for future external models of governance, it is imperative that the appropriate skilled and experienced individuals are recruited to form a stakeholder management Board to work with the Council to influence the development of this facility from the outset and to optimise the opportunities for external management in the future. 

Despite the change in setup there have been assurances from Cllr Jones that the business plan has not changed. We pointed out that previously it had been said this business plan has been prepared on the basis that the future activities will be managed by an Arts Trust independent of the Council.

The report does state that the principles of the Fourth Street business plan will not change in terms of management operations, meaning that the markets, car park and retail elements will be managed under the plan.

There is no detail given if this therefore means Wrexham Council will in effect be running internally competing car parks, or if the current markets management will be up against the new market offer in attracting tenants.

The change does mean there is possibly around 75,000 savings on the capital project budget, with the same business plan noting: An indicative budget of 75,000 has been allocated for the transfer to independent governance, however it is unclear if that is a real saving to Wrexham Council or an internal recharge style cost.

The decision will be reviewed every year, and in three years time it is stated consideration should again be given to transferring the services of the OW Peoples Market to an external vehicle.

The report will be discussed by councillors on Tuesday 12th September at 10am. For those who cant attend the meeting it will be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.

Often in comments on arts hub related stories there is debate / confusion as to how the development has been funded, so for those uncertain a breakdown is listed below, which does not include ongoing costs.

-Vibrant and Viable Places (Welsh Government)  700,000

Arts Council Wales  2.3m

-Wrexham Council  1.5m

An additional 500,000 was also announced in March 2016.
The memory of a beloved pet inspires one couple's fight against injustice.
The catastrophic flooding of Hurricane Harvey in Houston is occasion to revisit the analysis and recommendations prepared by the American Society of Civil Engineers in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A damning 2007 report, The New Orleans Hurricane Protection System: What Went Wrong and Why, documented decades of neglect, underfunding, and policy failures. A 2014 follow-up, Flood Risk Management: Call for a National Strategy, showed nearly complete neglect of the recommendations.

Both documents are remarkable in the strength of the language used, well beyond the ordinary, expressing the clear frustrations of the authors at the disconnect between decades of political neglect and micromanagement of sound engineering practices, and the gulf between what was continually promised by government and what was delivered. The portrait that emerges is of a system in complete chaos, with dozens of local and federal agencies struggling even to maintain levees and pumping stations, some well over a century old, with no funding or centralized leadership to make progress.

The 2007 report was quite blunt: what is unique about the devastation that befell the New Orleans Area from Hurricane Katrinacompared to other natural disastersis that much of the destruction was the result of engineering and engineering-related policy failures. Again and again, the report documented the cutting of safety margins, the failure to critically revisit decades-old flood engineering in light of updated science, complete lack of coordinated planning or a coordinated systems analysis of critical risks in such a system, and even lack of such basic information as updated maps of the heights at which components of the system would be overtopped in a storm.

The ASCE report concluded, The southeast Louisiana hurricane protection system was planned, designed, and constructed over four decades without a system-wide approach or integration with land use, emergency evacuation, or recovery plans.  The hurricane protection system, however, is a system in name only. In reality, it is a disjointed agglomeration of many individual projects that were conceived and constructed in a piecemeal fashion.  The management of the hurricane protection system is chaotic and dysfunctional.

During Katrina, this resulted in a perfect storm of engineering and operational failures, leading to over 50 distinct breaches in New Orleans floodwalls. As the storm approached shore, pumping stations had to be evacuated by their operators, rendering them useless. Multiple gates in the flood control system could not be closed because of ongoing maintenance or neglect.

The ASCE noted that very few, if any of New Orleans hurricane protection system projects had been externally reviewed. As a result, questionable engineering decisions were made for the New Orleans hurricane protection system  The pressure for trade-offs and low-cost solutions likely compromised quality, safety, and reliability.

Katrina did not emerge as an unforeseeable event of nature. The levees of New Orleans had been breached by Hurricane Betsy in 1965, precipitating plans by the Army Corps of Engineers to provide more comprehensive flood protection measures. The timeframe for completion of these was the year 2015! In 1969, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, Camille, would come ashore at Category 5 strength, the highest, and devastate the Mississippi shore only 60 miles east of New Orleans. Katrina, by comparison, hit at only Category 3 strength.

More from the ASCE: Protecting against life-threatening risk was put on the back burner of public priority. Perhaps no one truly realized how catastrophic levee failures would be. Perhaps no one was willing to pay the price necessary to build a reasonably safe levee system. Perhaps the levee boards became distracted by development projects, airports, parks, casinos or other matters that were given priority above the primary task of caring for the levees.

The report concluded with a 10-point call to action, noting that the nation is now at a unique juncture where past mistakes in the hurricane protection system for New Orleans can be learned from and rectified.

The response to the ASCE recommendations can be gleaned from the title to the preamble of their 2014 follow-up: [Hello?] Is No One Listening?

Dozens of leading engineers participated, visiting many potentially affected communities, reviewing governmental and non-governmental actions and policies, and organizing a national flood risk summit.

The tone of their report showed incredulity and resignation. By 2014, the catastrophe of Katrina had been followed by that of Hurricane Ike in 2008, the Midwest floods of 2011, and Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Congress had authorized in 2007 a National Flood Vulnerability Assessment, and then failed to fund it.

The report declared: Proposals to deal with this challenge have languished in multiple congressional committees. The Unified National Program for Floodplain Management, called for by Congress, was last revised in 1994 and its recommendations lie dormant. The ASCE further notes climate change and population growth will further stress this already difficult situation, and, If something is not done to reduce risk, we are passing on to succeeding generations a potentially insurmountable challenge.

The engineering groups conclusion: A failure to act today will have enormous future consequences. The call for action must once again be sounded.

The 2013 ASCE report card for American infrastructure graded the condition of its levees as D- and its dams as D. The cost to upgrade these facilities, $50 billion apiece. This years Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act will direct some $80 million a year toward dam repair: at that rate, the existing deficiencies in dams would be rectified in six centuries. Levee repair, later estimated as an $80 billion cost, has not had a single dollar appropriated.

The ASCE warned, We are at an inflection point with respect to flood risk. Unusually for a policy document, it observed that land-use and flood control practices have effectively privatized benefits and socialized losses. Until our national approach to this issue changes the spiral of losses will continue.

Any serious analysis must conclude that the unfolding catastrophe in Houston will change nothing, so long as the capitalist economic and political structure remains unchanged.
The US General Services Administration is planning a 57-hour border closure and expansion at the US/Mexico San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego, California later this month. From 3 a.m. Saturday, September 23 until noon on Monday, September 25, all southbound car traffic into Tijuana will be halted.

The closure is expected to affect tens of thousands of immigrant families at the busiest border crossing in the world. Over the long weekend traffic is to be redirected to the Otay Mesa crossing, a port of entry some 10 miles away which has far less capacity.

The closure is part of a larger $741 million border renovation which is scheduled for completion in 2019. The September renovations involve a realignment and expansion of Interstate 5 southbound freeway lanes, which will double from five to 10, directing traffic from San Diegos San Ysidro port into Mexicos El Chaparral Port of Entry. Additionally, eight northbound vehicle inspection lanes will be added to San Ysidro, resulting in a total of 33 northbound lanes. The multiyear expansion will also include an additional 22-lane pedestrian inspection facility.

The San Ysidro Port of Entry is the busiest land border crossing in the world, with San Diego-Tijuana border region trade representing a $231 billion economy with over 5 million residents and nearly 2 million workers. Three hundred sixty-five days a year, 70,000 passenger vehicles, 20,000 pedestrians, and 4,000 commercial trucks cross back and forth.

Every day nearly 1 million people cross the US-Mexico border in both directions at 48 entry points along the nearly 2,000-mile-long border that extends along the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

The multiyear expansion is backed by the regions top binational business leaders and politicians, including San Diegos Republican mayor Kevin Faulconer and Tijuana mayor Juan Manuel Gastelum (PAN). Both mayors are involved in the advocacy group, Smart Border Coalition (SBC), which also includes top representatives from the real estate, manufacturing, health care, technology, solar energy, higher education, retail and telecommunications industries.

The expansion is being hailed by the Tijuana and San Diego media as a long overdue solution to the long border waits that workers and their families must tack on to the beginning and end of their day. Waits average two hours for each crossing, while nearly every commuter reports the occasional three- to four-hour wait time. The border dominates and divides all aspects of life from work and school to leisure activities, retail and groceries. Most K-12 grade schools along the border start closer to 9 a.m. to account for crossing time.

However, the border renovations are in no way directed at improving the quality of life of the working people and families who are burdened by it daily, but are directed at facilitating the smoother flow of capital and labor to be more efficiently exploited by multinational corporations.

Leaders of the SBC wrote in a San Diego Union Tribune opinion piece, We are a constellation of powerful industries in a productive cross-border partnership. In Tijuana, we showcase the worlds largest medical device cluster and Mexicos top aerospace, electronics and defense clusters, many of which have administration and operations facilities on the US side of the border. There are nearly 600 export manufacturing plants and 50 contract manufacturing options meeting world-class quality standards within a 15-mile radius south of the San Ysidro port of entry ...

Revealing the true nature of the border expansion, they write, From a purely commercial perspective, our borders are Americas cash registers. All exports and imports must pass through them. No place else in the US, however, could make their customers wait in line every day for two hours and stay in business.

The coalition cites a San Diego Association of Governments study, Economic Impacts of Wait Times at the San Diego-Baja California Border, which outlines that border traffic is estimated to cost corporations $6 billion annually in gross output.

What is meant by a Smart border is one that allows for higher traffic volumes while beefing up security measures and further militarizing Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The industries and corporations lobbying for a Smart border are the very ones who benefit from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which went into effect July 1, 1989 to open up the markets of Canada and Mexico to US and foreign investors.

NAFTA is currently being renegotiated at the request of the Trump administration and in July of this year Congressional testimony was heard from corporations invested in the modernization of NAFTA for a 21st Century NAFTA.

Having greatly benefited from the agreement, the corporate leaders requested that updates to NAFTA go much deeper in providing unbridled market access, that the US government must do more to curb practices that give state-owned firms access to more markets, and emphasized that borders be made cheaper and easier to cross for the export of goods and services, including e-commerce.

Amgad Shehata, senior vice president of Global Borders Policy at United Parcel Service (UPS), commented, Will [the updated] NAFTA open up trade lanes between the three countries? Restrictions, particularly by Mexico, are impacting UPSs ability to bring American goods to consumers beyond the border. These restrictions add barriers and unnecessary complications and cost to the import-export process for our customers. ... The administration should compel Mexico to lift entirely or, at minimum, raise the defined weight of an express shipment to the internationally recognized 70 kilos.

Gustavo Pupo-Mayo with the TV Association of Programmers Latin America (TAP) testified:

As an industry, we are firm believers that the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, should be maintained but strengthened because its current provisions have fallen short of fully and adequately protecting the interest of the US pay television programmers in Mexico represented by TAP. ...

Albert Zapanta, major general of the United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce, told Congress: In 2016 the United States exported $231 billion to Mexico, which is more than it did to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy combined. And nearly twice as much as it did to China. In agriculture, NAFTA provides the third largest destination for American products and crops. It is also telling to note that the current $500 billion trade gap was created by the relocation of American manufacturing and technology-based business out of the NAFTA partnership.

The efficiency by which goods and labor can pass through the border is of immense interest to shareholders in the region, particularly within San Diegos biotechnology, defense, pharmaceutical, software and communications sectors which account for nearly 30 percent of the areas workforce or 400,000 jobs. The largest drone manufacturer in North America, 3D Robotics, operates on both sides of the border to take advantage of the cheaper manufacturing costs in Tijuana.

US-based corporations are seeking even easier access to labor in Mexico, which is on average 40 percent cheaper than in the US with a daily minimum wage of approximately $5 USD. Half of Mexicos 127 million residents do not earn enough to meet basic needs, while one in five suffers from hunger. Half of Mexicos children live in poverty and a United Nations study found that 14 percent of children suffer from stunted growth as a result of malnutrition.

A recent study by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL) found that on the other pole of society, the top 10 percent of Mexicos highest earning families capture two-thirds of the nations income.

The need to expedite the flow of labor and capital at the US/Mexico border is yet another expression of the productive forces bursting through the seams of the nation state. Capitalist production has turned the entirety of the world into a single economic organism which continues to be divided up into nation states controlled by competing capitalist elites.

Calls for closed borders or the attempt by the Trump administration to stoke up nationalistic and anti-immigrant sentiment, are a desperate and noxious attempt to keep the working class divided.

Workers have the right to live and work wherever they choose with full citizenship rights, something they are denied under the capitalist system. While the material conditions exist and the conditions for the truly global integration of the economy have been laid, only the fight for a socialist society which unites the working class internationally can bring about such a change.

Only the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) fights for an end to the nation-state system and the elimination of borders which, in the SBCs own words, function as cash registers for the ruling elite, increasing the exploitation and division of the international working class. We urge workers on both sides of the US-Mexico border to take up the fight for socialism by joining the SEP.
A nationalist witch-hunt against members of the Australian parliament, who hold, or are simply entitled to hold, dual citizenship of another country, has plunged Canberra into its greatest constitutional crisis in over 40 years. In true McCarthyite fashion, seven politicians already face High Court hearings on the extraordinary grounds that they have allegiance to a foreign power.

The High Court, a reactionary institution with a history of endorsing the stripping away of fundamental democratic rights, will decide whether the seven are eligible to sit in parliament. The most prominent figure referred to the court so far is Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, upon whose fate the Liberal-National Coalition governments one-seat majority in the lower house depends.

The referrals to the High Court have been justified by Australias arcane 1901 constitution. Section 44 (i) proscribes anyone from standing for parliament who has allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign power or is entitled to the rights and privileges of a foreign power. In 1992, the court set a precedent. It ruled that dual citizenship amounted to allegiance and that two candidates in an election were ineligible to stand for parliament because they had failed to take reasonable steps to renounce their foreign citizenship.

Twenty-five years later, that precedent has been seized upon to investigate the backgrounds of federal politicians. It was virtually inevitable that some would fall foul of scrutiny. Due to large-scale migration since World War II, an estimated 50 percent of the Australian population holds or is entitled to hold dual citizenshipoften without being conscious of itbecause they were born overseas or a parent, grandparent or even great-grandparent was born overseas. As many as a dozen more politicians could be referred to the court, before the witch-hunt has finished working through its potential victims.

The vendetta over dual citizenship has been labelled a farce in the establishment media, and the outcome of the incompetence of politicians who have failed to ascertain their status. There is certainly an element of the absurd in the campaign, given that the politicians involved have lived all or most of their lives in Australia. But, if it were simply a farce, why is it being pursued with such vigour by the media and political establishment, even though it is further destabilising an already unstable parliamentary system? And why have none of the major parties even suggested that the constitution be amended or that fundamental democratic rights are at stake?

As the events have unfolded, the underlying reasons for this deeply anti-democratic witch-hunt, and its serious implications for the working class, have come into sharper focus. Under conditions of immense war tensions internationally, tremendous economic uncertainty and rising class antagonisms, it is being used to amplify a decades-long effort to divert and disorientate the population through nationalism and xenophobia.

The demand for unquestioned allegiance on the part of the parliamentary servants of the capitalist state is intended as a benchmark for implementation throughout society. Anyone who opposes the policies of the government will be labelled un-Australian, a servant of foreign interests, or, under conditions of war, downright treasonous.

Finally, the prospect of the High Court throwing out elected politicians has far-reaching implications. The unelected governor-general could be used to call new elections, under conditions of dissatisfaction and frustration in ruling class circles with the Coalition governments inability to pass legislation through the parliament. The aim of any change of government would be to facilitate a further political lurch to the right, including full and uncritical support for the US alliance and its criminal wars, deeper austerity cutbacks and a greater assault on democratic rights.

Behind the citizenship furore

The constitutional crisis is an expression of the same processes that have led to political upheavals in country after country. Amid the economic failure of world capitalism, parliamentary democracy is breaking down under the stresses of ever-widening social inequality and growing trade and geo-strategic tensions between the worlds major powers.

As in the US, the UK, France and elsewhere, election after election in Australia has demonstrated the growing alienation of millions of people from the two-party political system. Since 2007, government has changed hands three timescompared with twice in the preceding 24 years. As popular support for the major parties evaporates, official politics has degenerated into factional intrigue, muck-raking and conspiracy. In the past seven years, three elected prime ministers have been ousted by their own party before even completing a term in office. Just one year since the 2016 election, there is rampant speculation that a factional move will be made inside the Liberal Party against Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Under conditions of unprecedented political disaffection, the ruling elite is terrified of an explosion of class struggle, as economic conditions deteriorate and social distress becomes unbearable. After decades of economic restructuring, privatisations and public spending cuts under successive Labor and Coalition governments, the lives of millions of workers are dominated by stagnant wages, insecure employment and deteriorating services.

The ruling class and its political parties are just as fearful of a mass working-class movement against the US-Australia alliance and the rising danger of war. Since 2010, under constant pressure from Washington, successive governments have committed to supporting US imperialism as it prepares for a military confrontation with China. As part of this commitment, tens of billions of dollars have been directed into military spending, while US military forces are operating across the country in a manner not seen since World War II.

Now, both the ruling Coalition and Labor opposition have vowed to join a US-led war against North Korea, which could involve nuclear weapons and would vastly intensify antagonisms between the US and China.

The promotion of nationalism

Amid the immense dangers of a nuclear war, the citizenship crisis is an attempt to suppress anti-war sentiment and class tensions by promoting nationalism and patriotism. It follows a decades-long campaign by the political establishment to divide the working class by promoting vicious anti-immigrant and anti-foreigner xenophobia.

Since 2001, the fraudulent war on terror has been used to demonise the Muslim community and justify wars overseas and a wholesale assault on fundamental legal and democratic rights. Desperate refugees have been vilified and made the target of draconian military operations to prevent them reaching Australia. Those asylum seekers who do make it into the country are treated worse than stray dogs.

The Labor Party and the trade unions have increasingly resorted to protectionism, chauvinistically denouncing foreign workers and trade agreements, especially with China, for threatening Australian jobs, in order to cover up their own direct responsibility for plant closures and job destruction.

While Australias decades-long alliance with the US is constantly lauded, the media has launched a propaganda campaign against Chinese influence. Over the past year, media-driven investigations have vilified political and business figures, Chinese-born Australians and Chinese students studying in the country as a potential fifth column of the Chinese communist regime. At the same time, the government has blocked Chinese investments on the grounds of national security.

In the weeks before the citizenship furore, the Coalition government used the purported threat of terrorism to unveil sweeping new measures to foster Australian patriotism. In June, it proposed legislation to compel new citizens to formally pledge allegiance to Australia, pass a university-level English-language exam and sit a values test to demonstrate that they upheld community standards and laws and had integrated into Australian society.

Turnbull declared in parliament: We should make no apology for asking those who seek to join our Australian family to join us as Australian patriotscommitted to the values that define us, committed to the values that unite us. Weeks later, the government announced the creation of a new super security ministry; a centralised intelligence command working directly under the prime minister; the expansion of military call-out powers to deal with civilian unrest, and greater Internet monitoring.

It is entirely lawful that the nationalist hysteria against foreign dangers has been subsequently extended into the parliament. Australian imperialism is preparing for war abroad and class war at home, and cannot allow even the most limited avenues for political dissent and opposition.

The Australian ruling class has a particularly foul record of suppressing real or potential sources of opposition to imperialist war. The outbreaks of World War I and World War II were followed almost immediately by the internment of thousands of people who had migrated from enemy countries. Socialist and working-class organisations that opposed the wars were illegalised and denounced as traitors and enemy agents. Industrial action by workers that disrupted the war effort was likewise denounced as treason and subjected to brutal repression.

The accusations being widely made in the political and media establishment today, such as allegiance to a foreign power, agents of Chinese influence and un-Australian, recall these chapters in Australian history.

The political independence of the working class

The working class cannot afford to remain a passive bystander to this unfolding political crisis. The aim of what is taking place is to prepare the conditions for the wholesale repression of opposition to war and to ever-deeper attacks on the social and democratic rights of workers and young people.

The working class must intervene against the entire political establishment and the profit system it defends, on the basis of its own, independent class interests and with its own anti-capitalist, socialist and internationalist program. It cannot rely upon any faction of the pro-capitalist parliamentary establishment, or on the trade unions. None defends democratic and social rights. They have all fallen in behind the stoking of right-wing nationalism to further divide and disorientate the population.

Workers and youth need to draw the necessary political conclusions from the particularly grotesque manner in which self-styled progressive and left organisations have stepped forward as nationalist advocates of purging politicians for their allegiance to a foreign power.

Draping himself in the Australian flag, Greens leader Richard Di Natale has spearheaded demands for an audit to compel every politician to prove that he or she had repudiated any possible entitlement to dual citizenship before being elected. The Greens instructed two of its senators to publicly apologise for not knowing they held citizenship in New Zealand and Canada, and to resign immediately, before they were even referred to the High Court.

In an August 28 article in Red Flag, the pseudo-left organisation Socialist Alternative aligned itself completely with the reactionary citizenship clause of the constitution. Combining nationalism, opportunism and complacency, Socialist Alternative is deliberately covering up the motives behind the witch-hunt and its consequences for the working class.

The article's author, Louise O'Shea, wrote: ... now that this quiet achieving piece of constitutional law looks set to bring down a conservative government, Im starting to warm to it. Its not just that section 44 has managed to achieve what the combined might of the socialist movement, Labor Party and the unions havent: the probable demise of the reactionary Turnbull government. Its also that its rigorous enforcement is setting some exciting legal precedents.

Having adapted completely to the capitalist state and its constitution, she then changed tack, to treat the parliamentary crisis as nothing but a joke. All in all, she concluded, Ive never held any section of the Constitution in higher regard than section 44. Im even thinking of getting it framed and hung on the wall. Ill be sad to see it go when full democratic rights are eventually achieved in Australia.

The stance taken by the Greens and Socialist Alternative confirms that the defining feature of middle-class politics is its lack of independence from the ruling class. Any organisation that is prepared to align itself with the High Court to determine the composition of the parliament is reactionary. In hailing the utterly anti-democratic constitution, Socialist Alternative makes clear that there is nothing it will not accept if it suits its immediate opportunist aims, including the use of other bourgeois institutions, such as the governor-general, to shut down parliament altogether and institute rule through authoritarian methods.

The only party that fights for the revolutionary perspective of socialist internationalism as the only means for advancing the interests of the working class is the Socialist Equality Party. The SEPs program is the fight for a workers government that will end the ANZUS military alliance and all military deployments, expropriate the banks and major corporations and place them under public ownership and democratic control, abolish immigrant controls and citizenship criteria, and reorganise society to provide for the social and democratic rights of all.

We urge all those workers and young people searching for a means to fight against the capitalist system and the danger of war to apply to join the Socialist Equality Party, the Australian section of the International Committee of the Fourth International.
The Trump administration is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the government program that offered limited protection from deportation to nearly 800,000 immigrants brought to the US as children. The administration plans to phase out the program over the next six months.

The Department of Homeland Security will not consider any new applications for legal status. Those with a DACA permit expiring before March 5, 2018, will be eligible to apply for a two-year renewal that must be requested by October 5, 2017. For all others, legal status will end as early as March 6, 2018.

If Congress fails to act, nearly 300,000 people will begin losing protections in 2018, and more than 320,000 from January to August 2019. Once their DACA status expires, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, in collusion with local and state law enforcement, will have free rein to carry out detention and deportation.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, well known for his decades-long career of attacking immigrants and minorities, announced the end of the program on Tuesday. His speech combined vicious law-and-order and anti-immigrant demagogy with outright lies aimed at scapegoating immigrants for crime, violence, and terrorism in the US.

The effect of this unilateral executive amnesty [DACA]...contributed to a surge of minors at the southern border that yielded terrible humanitarian consequences, Sessions claimed. It also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same illegal aliens to take those jobs.

Trump echoed Sessions remarks on Twitter Tuesday morning following the announcement: We are a nation of laws. No longer will we incentivize illegal immigration. Make no mistake, we are going to put the interest of AMERICAN CITIZENS FIRST!

The Trump administration cites the rule of law to justify its attack on immigrants barely a week after Trump pardoned the notorious anti-immigrant Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was found guilty of criminal contempt charges for defying a federal judges order to stop racially profiling Latinos. Trump is himself the personification of the corporate and government criminality that operates with impunity in the United States.

As for the claim that the measures against immigrant youth are necessary to defend American jobs, this is an exercise in lying demagogy. The Trump administration is composed of billionaires intent on destroying public education, health care and other social programs, while its main domestic agenda is a massive tax cut for corporations and the wealthy.

While Democrats have issued criticisms of Trumps actions, the anti-immigrant policies of his administration are based on the actions of his predecessors, particularly the Obama administration.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Obama wrote that preserving DACA was about basic decencyabout whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way wed want our own kids to be treated. He went on to assure layers within the ruling class that these young people could possibly add to the economy, start new businesses or even serve in our military.

The DACA program was initiated by Obama in June 2012, largely as a cynical maneuver to court Hispanic voters in time for the 2012 election. It was also intended as a cover for his massive crackdown on immigrants, including through the expansion of Secure Communities, the further militarization of the border, and institution of the mandatory nightly bed quota of ICE detention facilities.

Implementation of the DACA programdone under the pretenses of a turn toward a more humane immigration policy was carried out by the Obama administration while it oversaw the largest deportation operation US history, resulting in the expulsion of almost 3 million immigrants in his eight years in office. This included the rounding up and deportation of child immigrants fleeing Central America in 2014.

Discussions are taking place within ruling circles of combining some form of a DACA renewal with comprehensive immigration reform, which if passed would be part of a reactionary bipartisan measure to increase the militarization of the border and place even more onerous requirements on anyone seeking citizenship rights. The ending of DACA is part of a broader anti-immigrant offensive of the Trump administration that has gone unopposed by the Democratic Party, which has spent the past seven months denouncing Trump for being too soft on Russia. The Democrats have hailed moves to strengthen the grip of the military over the administration, including through the elevation of retired general John Kelly, Trumps former Homeland Security Advisor, to chief of staff.

Kelly, who directly oversaw Trumps anti-immigrant measures before taking on his new post, was selected by Obama in 2012 to lead the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the military organization responsible for Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Kelly was confirmed in his first position in the Trump administration by a bipartisan 88-11 vote in the US Senate.

The ending of DACA marks a major escalation of Trumps war on immigrants and will have far-reaching consequences. The tools and methods of oppression being forged in the attack on immigrants under the banner of law and orderthe massive surveillance apparatus, the collection and sharing of data, the integration of all law enforcement agencies, and the arming of the police forces with military equipmentwill be used against the working class as a whole.

There is widespread opposition to the anti-immigrant policies of the Trump administration. This opposition cannot be channeled back behind the Democratic Party, which is no less beholden to the corporate elite than the Republicans.

The defense of immigrant workers requires the independent mobilization of the entire working class, in the United States and internationally, based on a program that advances its own solution to the world economic crisis: the reorganization of global economy to meet social need, not private profit. This unity must begin with the rejection of all attempts to divide native-born and immigrant workers, regardless of their legal status, and upholding the freedom of all workers to live and work in the country of their choice with full and equal rights.
Two works of art dealing with the fate of refugees and exiles have become the focus for fierce attacks at this years documenta art exhibition in Kassel, in central Germany.

The first target was a performance and poem by the Italian social commentator and media activist Franco Bifo Berardi, who denounced the mass deaths of refugees in the Mediterranean. His piece was titled Auschwitz on the Beach. Following protests, the performance and reading of his poem were canceled in what can only be regarded as an act of political censorship.

The second controversy concerned an obelisk by the Nigerian artist Olu Oguibe, which was denounced as degenerate art by the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Degenerate art was the term used by the Nazis in the 1930s to justify banning and suppressing all progressive art. The obelisk evokes the tragedy of the Nigerian civil war. Its pedestal bears the biblical quotation: I was a stranger and you cared for me in four languages.

documenta 14 is one of Europes leading exhibitions of contemporary art and takes place every five years in the city of Kassel. This years exhibition stood out for the many artists addressing burning social problems such as war, immigration, oppression, the consequences of new walls and borders, and the destruction of nature and culture. The exhibition met with a mixed reaction, with many media outlets denouncing its political nature.

An additional source of controversy was the fact that this years documenta chose Athens as a second venuerecalling the countrys historic role as the cradle of democracy, now threatened by vicious European Union (EU)-International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity diktats.

In contrast to the often hostile attitude of much of the media, the public has turned out in record numbers for documenta 14. The artists concerns have received a positive resonance, despite the individual weaknesses of their representations. A very diverse public appeared much more willing to engage with the questions and perspectives raised by the artists on culture and society than the media representatives.

Berardis performance

The announcement of Berardis performance on the documenta web site stated: The Archipelago of infamy is spreading all around the Mediterranean Sea. Europeans are building concentration camps on their own territory, and they pay their Gauleiters in Turkey, Libya, Egypt and Israel to do the dirty job on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea where salted water has replaced Zyklon B.

By employing such blunt language, Berardi intended to denounce the deadly policy adopted by European states to deter refugees from reaching the continenta policy that has turned the Mediterranean into a mass grave. Art has quite rightly the task of sharpening perceptions and focusing attention on crucial issues. The title Auschwitz on the Beach was deliberately chosen to provoke and polarise.

Berardi is a philosopher, writer, media activist and long-standing critic of capitalism. He was expelled from the Italian Communist Party in the 1960s because of alleged factionalism. He is considered to be the leader of Italys anarchist movement. In the 1980s he worked with Felix Guattari in developing an alternative psychoanalysis, and in the 90s he promoted so-called cyberpunk. His most recent book, Futurability (2017), was published by Verso Press. In 2009, he wrote a counter-manifesto to the famous Futurist Manifesto authored by Filippo Tomaso Marinetti in 1909.

Berardis broadside against the refugee policy of the EU at documenta was evidently a thorn in the side of those directly or indirectly responsible for the policy. There was a veritable wave of denunciations in the regional and national press of Berardis outrageous comparison with the Holocaust.

In Cicero magazine, Alexander Kissler denounced Berardi and political contemporary art as a whole: Stupid remains stupid  labels dont help ... This is so irrevocably stupid and vain and revisionist, it renders any refutation superfluous ... art as the battlefield of the left, open dialogue reduced to hermetic thinking, buzzwords instead of thought.

Several organizations, including two which had sponsored documenta, the city of Kassel and the state of Hesse, vehemently demanded the cancelation of Berardis performance. The mayor of Kassel spoke of an huge provocation, because any comparison with the Holocaust was impermissible.

Jewish organizations also entered the fray. The question of how we deal with the memory of the Shoah and the terms associated with it, and how we inform future generations of this inconceivable crime, is a matter for all of us, declared the chair of the Jewish community in Kassel, Illana Katz.

Christoph Heubner, vice-president of the International Auschwitz Committee, commented: Nobody, whether politician or artist, should misuse the name of Auschwitz for their own political or artistic campaigns.

The Holocaust commissioner of the World Jewish Congress, Charlotte Knobloch, also demanded the cancellation of the performance. She asserted: To describe the refugee issue with terms drawn from the context of the systematic National Socialist extermination of the Jews ... is untenable, testifies to unspeakable ignorance, and lacks any sense of shame.

This contorted argument does not reflect well on those putting it forward. Several generations have learned from the Holocaust that people must never again be persecuted or killed on the basis of their religion, origins or skin colour. There are no grounds for arguing that someone who points out similarities between the many thousands of deaths of helpless refugees in the Mediterranean Sea and the unspeakable conditions in Libyan refuge camps with the Holocaust is denigrating the victims of the latter. The reference to the criminal treatment of refugees does not question the singularity of the Shoah, but it does warn that they could face a similar fate.

Twenty years ago, when German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer (Green Party) justified German participation in the bombing of Belgrade with a comparison to Auschwitz, there was no such outcry.

Shame on us

Following the barrage of criticism Berardi and the documenta team eventually agreed to cancel the planned performance. In its place, a discussion took place on August 24 entitled Shame on us. The title referred to the many criticisms made of Berardi, but also to the shame European states should feel for mercilessly abandoning millions of immigrants to a cruel destiny.

On the home page of documenta 14 its artistic director Adam Szymczyk tried to justify the cancellation. They wanted to neither simply accept the allegations nor abandon discussion and critical thinking, but on the contrary encourage a dialogue.

At the August 24 event the rotunda of the Museum Fridericianum was overfilled with interested visitors. Over 150 people crowded in front of the entrance could not be allowed in. The Alliance against Anti-Semitism in Kassel demonstrated in front of the museum waving an Israeli flag. Over a megaphone a speaker from the organisation absurdly claimed that comparing the Holocaust with the situation of the refugees in the Mediterranean was anti-Semitic.

For his part Berardi distanced himself from his evocation of Auschwitz. Referring to the title of his talk Berardi declared: I am ashamed of fascism in Europe, which I cannot stop. He waved a piece of paper featuring his poem Auschwitz on the Beach: I do not need it, I can write a better poem, he shouted, tore up the paper and promised never to publish it.

I will not use the word Auschwitz, but the concept remains, he said in his contribution. He wanted to do something shocking to confront the people of Europe with the suffering of refugees in the Mediterranean. I wanted to use the name of Auschwitz as a protective shield, against fascism, which is returning. Against the Holocaust which lurks on the horizon! If the EU prefers to drown the people, then I call that destruction.

Berardis contribution led to a lively discussion. Many visitors were of the opinion that radical rhetoric was perhaps the only way today to arouse people. The word Auschwitz hurts, but the misery of the refugees also hurts, said one young woman.

Degenerate art

Toward the end of the discussion, the curator of documenta 14, Hendrik Folkerts, drew attention to the other Kassel controversy: In connection with Olu Oguibes obelisk, the AfD has used the concept of degenerate art, he said. I would urge everyone to pay as much attention to this word as the word Auschwitz.

Kassels culture committee had discussed purchasing Oguibes obelisks, which had been erected in the city centre. One city councillor Thomas Materner, a member of the AfD, rejected any plans that the city retain the work of art and threatened to organise protests in front of the obelisk every time a refugee commits an act of terror.

Materner then denounced the obelisk in the jargon of the Nazis as ideologically polarizing degenerate art, claiming there was much public anger directed against the art work. In the style of the Nazis the term degenerate is used to conjure up imagery of sickness, abnormalitysomething unnatural.

To their credit, other factions on the council were in favour of purchasing the documenta art work. The final location is still unclear and the money required remains to be budgeted. Mayor Christian Geselle said there were no legal or technical reasons to prevent the art work from remaining in the city centre. A survey of over Kassel 5,000 citizens revealed that more than 60 percent favoured retaining the obelisk on the citys Konigsplatz.

The stance taken by the AfD against the obelisk has been criticized in the media, but the partys open embrace of Nazi-style ideology and language indicates the most reactionary elements of society have been encouraged by the incessant and brutal policy of deportations of refugees combined with the attacks on freedom of expression.

There is a close link between the reactions to Berardi and Oguibe. Both are an expression of a massive shift to the right in official politics and the media. While the AfD openly articulate its far-right agenda, representatives of the mainstream media stoke up a debate about the Holocaust to cloak their own support for right-wing policiesthe partitioning of borders, brutal deportations, support for new wars, attacks on democratic rights and demands for censorship.
LEXINGTON - Rows and rows of antiques, guns, crafts and food were on sale this weekend during the annual Junk-n-tique Extravaganza at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.

The event featured more than 50 vendors and home based businesses offering antiques, and crafts, along with various food vendors and a free gun show.

Robert Watts, owner of Bunkys Gun Shop of Cedar Rapids, said he has attended both previous gun shows at the event.

"Its good advertising. I like to do it," Watts said about coming to the gun show at the Extravaganza.

Watts said Nebraska gun dealers are a close-knit bunch. He helped his daughter, Amy Meyer and her husband Lonnie Meyer, organizers of the gun show, set-up and was happy to do so.

"We are like one big family. All these dealers get together. We like to have a good time," Watts said.

Glen Williams, co-owner of GD Antik of Albany, Mo., with is wife Donna, said he has been coming to the Extravaganza for three years as a vendor.

"Its a good show, a nice one," Williams said. He said he goes to many antique shows in Nebraska and finds himself seeing many familiar faces at the Extravaganza.

"I see a lot of people I know. I know a lot of vendors," Williams said.

Willliams said he enjoys meeting and talking to people and potential customers. He is always happy to answer antique questions and bargain on prices.

Brenda Weber, owner of Wilber Kolache in Wilber with her husband Kirk, said this was the first time she came to the Extravaganza as a food vendor.

She described kolaches as a Czech ethnic pastry that can take many hours to bake properly. Although she had 13 different flavors on sale, the original Czech flavors are cherry, apricot, poppy seed and prune.

Weber said she has attended events in Kearney and had good business. A friend encouraged her to attend the Extravaganza.

People at the event had been very happy, laid back and happy to see her business, Weber said.

"Coming here has been a pretty big success. We have sold a lot," Weber said.

At the Car Show

A car show was held on Sunday at the Dawson County Fairgrounds as part of the event.

Scott Johnson had two cars on display at the car show, a Chevy Chevelle he owns and a Dodge Challenger which belongs to his wife, Ann.

This was the first time he showed his car at the event, usually he is camping or at the lake during Labor Day weekend, Johnson said.

Johnson said when he first saw his car on a lot it looked "nothing like it is now." It was gold colored and in need of work but he bought it.

"I had the motor rebuilt. It has new tires, rims put on it. The carpet has been redone," he said.

Wayne Lichtenwalder showed a 1939 Ford that he recently used as a racing car in the salt flats in Utah. His son Mark Lichtenwalder, drove the car, he said.

"Its been a racing car for a long time. It has a flathead Ford with overhead vale replacement. It has an Ardun engine, invented in 1947 by Ford," Lichtenwalder said.

The Ford had a white face drawn on a piece of metal to cover a part of the cars grill, to make the vehicle more aerodynamic by forcing the wind to go around the front end, he said.
The US governments bellicose response to the North Korean regimes nuclear test on Sunday has placed the world only a few steps away from a global war that would rapidly engulf Europe. As European governments denounce the North Korean regime in Pyongyang, Washington is pressing for aggressive actions leading to regime change in North Korea and a military standoff with North Koreas neighbors, Russia and China, that could lead to nuclear war in Europe.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said that Pyongyang is begging for war and told Russia and China to cut off trade with North Korea, including oil exports. This would rapidly bring North Koreas economy to a halt. If China and Russia acquiesce to these demands, or if Washington reacts to the likely Chinese and Russian refusal by launching a war with North Korea, Chinese and Russian forces in their countries and US forces in South Korea could all intervene in North Korea.

Significantly, when asked point-blank whether China would intervene militarily in North Korea if Washington attacks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang pointedly refused to deny it. Calling it a hypothetical question which it is hard to answer, Geng only said that military force was not on the list of means China would like to use to resolve the Korean crisis.

Amid the explosive tensions between NATO and Russia in Eastern Europe since the 2014 NATO-backed putsch in Kiev, Europe would inevitably be a theater of any resulting conflict. Since backing a putsch that toppled a pro-Russian regime in Kiev in 2014, NATO has sent tens of thousands of troops to Eastern Europe near the Russian border. Moreover, Germanys Sueddeutsche Zeitung recently reported that Washington is planning to annul the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty, in order to station nuclear missiles across Europe aimed at Russia.

Yesterday, Russia carried out large-scale exercises of its main strategic nuclear forces from Tver near Russias European border to Irkutsk, near Mongolia and China. Eleven missile regiments armed with Topol, Topol-M and Yars missiles are currently on patrol missions in areas from Tver to Irkutsk. One-third of them are conducting intensive maneuvering, the Russian Defense Ministry told the TASS news agency. The exercise encompasses 20 regions of the country.

Speaking at the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) summit in Xiamen, China, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that aggressive action by the United States and its allies against North Korea could lead to world war: Ramping up military hysteria in such conditions is senseless; its a dead end. It could lead to a global, planetary catastrophe and a huge loss of human life. There is no other way to solve the North Korean nuclear issue, save that of peaceful dialogue.

Putin made clear that Pyongyangs reckless pursuit of its nuclear weapons program is a desperate attempt to deter an attack like the 2003 US war of aggression against Iraq or the 2011 NATO war in Libya, in which European powers including France and Britain played leading roles in launching.

He said, We all remember what happened with Iraq and Saddam Hussein. His children were killed, I think his grandson was shot, the whole country was destroyed and Saddam Hussein was hanged ... We all know how this happened, and people in North Korea remember well what happened in Iraq. They will eat grass but will not stop their program as long as they do not feel safe.

The Korean crisis is the outcome of a quarter century of relentless imperialist war, waged by Washington and its European allies, since the Stalinist bureaucracys dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. By joining the Gulf War against Iraq in that year, the European powers signaled that they would also exploit the collapse of the Soviet military counterweight to wage neocolonial wars. In this context, the bankrupt regime in Pyongyang has manifestly concluded that only the possession of nuclear weapons will give it some protection from suffering Husseins fate.

The Trump administrations hysterical threats against North Korea are also exposing, moreover, the deep divisions that have emerged between Washington and its supposed European allies. While condemning the Pyongyang regimes nuclear tests, European governments have refused to endorse the Trump administrations threats of escalation against North Korea. They are continuing their opposition to US policy in Asia starting with the Obama administrations pivot to Asia, notably by defying US calls to boycott Chinas Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in 2015.

At present, the European powers are denouncing Pyongyang but calling for talks to defuse the Korean crisis. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement calling for sanctions: This latest provocation by the ruler in Pyongyang has reached a new dimension.  In addition to the United Nations Security Council, the European Union also has to act now. The Chancellor and the President expressed their support for a tightening of EU sanctions against North Korea. However, Merkel told the German parliament on Tuesday that only peaceful, diplomatic solutions to the crisis could be found.

Similarly, while London demanded tougher action to have North Korea stop this dangerous and destabilising activity, spokespeople for British Prime Minister Theresa May also called for moves to increase pressure and come to a peaceful solution. ... Its our view in the UK overwhelmingly that peaceful diplomatic means are best.

European countries including Switzerland, where North Korea President Kim Jong-Un studied in Bern, are attempting to mediate in the crisis. Mocking Trumps use of Twitter as not an adequate instrument in world diplomacy, Swiss President Doris Leuthard declared: We are ready to offer our role for good services as a mediator. I think in the upcoming weeks a lot will depend on how the US and China can have an influence in this crisis. Thats why I think Switzerland and Sweden can have a role behind the curtain.

This reflects not a desire for peace on the part of the European countries, in which the ruling elites are all pressing for big increases in military spending, but growing rivalries between US and European imperialism. Since Trumps election, after which he threatened to launch a trade war on German automobile exports, Merkel has come to regularly contacting Chinese President Xi Jinping before meeting with the US president.

These tensions are reflected in a wave of comments critical of US policy in Korea by European media over the Korean crisis, including calls for a broad reorientation of European foreign policy.

German television ZDF interviewed Professor Rudiger Frank, a former citizen of East Germany who studied in Pyongyang, who said that a radical rethink is necessary in North Korea. The toughest sanctions will not prevent North Korea from arming itself, Frank said, adding that Pyongyang had made a strategic decision to pursue its nuclear program in an attempt to persuade the Trump administration to negotiate with it.

Frank called for talks with Pyongyang, saying that otherwise, specific predictions about what could occur would be only cafe speculation. He refuted claims that North Korea was driving the conflict, saying: They say, if you attack us, if you for example strike our leader, then we will retaliate with everything we have, and that includes nuclear weapons. Because they know rather well in North Korea that we are not afraid of a million Kalashnikov rifles.

When Le Monde asked Antoine Bondaz of Frances Strategic Research Foundation (FRS) think tank about Trumps Twitter comments on Korea, Bondaz said: his outbursts are totally counterproductive. Telling North Korea we can wipe it off the map by using nuclear weapons against it only serves to further legitimate its nuclear program inside the country. Bondaz called for Europe to serve as an intermediary to facilitate dialogue and avoid a military escalation that would have a dramatic impact on European interests in Asia.
Thousands of Australian residents living near military airbases have potentially cancerous toxins in their blood. The compoundsPFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)which are used in fire-fighting foam, have been found at dangerous levels in water supplies near Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases.

Residents known to have been affected by PFOS and PFOA live near bases in Townsville and Oakey in Queensland, Williamtown in New South Wales, Darwin and Katherine in the Northern Territory, and in Perth, Western Australia. A Defence Department report late last year revealed that drinking water at the Townsville RAAF Base contained PFOS at 307 times the acceptable safe limit and PFOA 12 times the limit.

Australian and international studies have raised concerns about the impact of these chemicals on human health for almost two decades. However, consecutive federal Liberal-National and Labor governments allowed their use and are now refusing to provide any meaningful financial assistance to residents impacted by the poisons.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam, which was first produced by the giant 3M Corporation and marketed as 3M light water in 1964, is used in aviation firefighting applications and training exercises.

In 2000, the company began phasing out production of foam containing PFOS and PFAS. The decision followed negotiations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US and revelations that the compounds had entered the bloodstream of the general population. International bodies, such as the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, also said PFOS and PFOA are potentially dangerous to human health and highly persistent in the natural environment.

In 2003, Australias industrial chemicals regulator, the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS), warned against any unnecessary use of PFOA and PFOS foam. The following year, the Defence Department claimed it would phase out the material.

At Williamtown, near Newcastle, where PFOS and PFOA chemicals were detected in the soil and waterways in 2012, 400 residents have begun a class action lawsuit against the Defence Department. Residents living in a designated red zonei.e., in close proximity to the contaminationshave been advised by health authorities not to drink bore water or eat home-grown vegetables or eggs from chickens, and there are fishing bans in nearby waterways.

Despite the gradual withdrawal of the material, governments have downplayed the health consequences of its use. Defence and health officials continue to insist there is no scientific evidence PFOA and PFOS have adverse effects on human health. These statements fly in the face of the evidence.

The C8 science panel of leading epidemiologists in the US surveyed over 69,000 exposed people in 20052006 and found probable links between PFOA in drinking water and ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, pregnancy-induced hypertension and high cholesterol.

No exhaustive studies prove beyond doubt the health risks, but there is more than enough evidence available to warrant extreme caution and adopt measures to reduce exposure.

In Williamtown, children living in the red zone have been found to have significant levels of PFOS in their blood. At least 24 people who have lived or spent significant time in the red zone on Cabbage Tree Road near the Williamtown airbase have been diagnosed with cancer. On two properties either side of a small drain, five people have developed cancer since 2009.

Some 450 people from Oakey, near Toowoomba, are also taking legal action. In 2010, an area surrounding the Army Aviation Centre was found to be contaminated. Local bore water and farmland have been rendered unusable.

A Senate inquiry was initiated in late 2015 by Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon, designed to serve as a safety-valve for the frustration and anger of victims.

Submissions to the inquiry called for the development of national standards and regulatory mechanisms, compensation for residents and workers and the acquisition of devalued properties. The inquiry's recommendations are non-binding.

During last years national election campaign, the Turnbull government announced $55 million in funds for managing the environmental impacts and investigating the potential health effects of the chemicals. This pittance will provide little assistance to those poisoned by the foam. The government offered business hardship payments for local fishermen but these are capped at just $25,000 and only if the waterways used to earn a living remain shut.

By contrast, the Williamtown air base last year received $360 million for capital works to host the new Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) war planes. The total allocated for the JSF program so far is $12.4 billion.

Katherine and Darwin are the latest communities involved. Last month, major water restrictions were imposed in Katherine because of PFAS in the local water. The town of 10,000 is close to the Tindal RAAF base. This is the first time a town's water supply has been restricted as a result of PFAS contamination.

While the government offered free blood testing to some residents around Williamtown and Oakey, it has refused to do the same in Katherine, saying further investigations are needed.

In Darwin, recent research conducted by the University of Queensland in Rapid Creek and Ludmilla revealed that of the fish and crustacean specimens sampled, 91 percent contained PFOA and 100 percent contained PFOS.

Although the seafood is deemed safe for human consumption, the study did not consider human exposure to any other possible sources of contamination, such as groundwater or local produce. When combined, this could place individuals at risk.

The primary concern of federal and state governments, Liberal-National and Labor alike, is not the health of residents but the impact of compensation and relocation costs on their budgets.

The Senate inquiry and an associated $12.5 million health study are cynical attempts to keep the mounting anger over the contamination within the parliamentary framework. At the same time, the Turnbull government, backed by Labor, has introduced new laws that will create more toxic chemical disasters.

In the name of cutting red tape, the government tabled legislation last month that will slash industrial chemical regulation standards and allow companies to self-assess whether new chemicals threaten public health and the environment.

Last financial year, more than 10,000 new chemicals were examined by NICNAS. Under the proposed measure, NICNAS would assess only 0.75 per cent of new chemicals.
The Trump administration has issued an order to cease all work on a study relating to the potential health hazards for people living near areas of surface coal mining in Central Appalachia. The Department of the Interiors Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ordered the halt on August 18, stating in a letter that it was reviewing all of its grant disbursements in excess of $100,000.

The study was requested by the state of West Virginias Department of Environmental Protection and Bureau for Public Health in 2014. Undertaken over the last two years by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine through a $1 million grant from the Department of Interior, the study was investigating mountaintop removal operations in West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Mountaintop removal is a process of surface mining, in which land at the top of a mountain is blasted off to expose a coal seam considered too small to extract using an underground mine. The removed land, called overburden, is used to fill nearby valleys. Mountaintop removal requires a fraction of the labor force used in underground mining, and is therefore seen as more economical for mine companies. Central Appalachia has at least 500 mountaintop removal sites.

Previous studies into mountaintop removal and public health in Central Appalachia have linked mining pollutants to increased mortality rates, birth defects, some forms of cancer, and other diseases.

Mountaintop removal has been linked to increased risk of flooding due to valley waterways being used as dumping grounds for overburden. A study from 2014 published by Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology linked potentially dangerous air pollution levels in areas near surface coalmines. Slurry ponds, formed during the coal cleaning process, contaminate ground water with heavy metals, mercury, and arsenic, as well as other toxins, from seepage during heavy rains.

A 2014 study from West Virginia University published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology concluded, A growing body of evidence links living in proximity to MTM [mountaintop mining] activities to greater risk of serious health consequences, including significantly higher reports of cancer. The finding strengthens previous epidemiological studies linking MTM to increased incidence of lung cancer, and supports adoption of prevention strategies and exposure control, the Charleston Gazette-Mail reported October 16, 2014. At the time, the newspaper reported, the study was the first of its kind to directly link the human health data collected in the region to environmental data.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine study was supposed to address these issues. The study was halfway through its two-year process, and the money for the research had already been allocated. Department of Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift told the journal Nature,  The Trump administration is dedicated to responsibly using taxpayer dollars in a way that advances the departments mission and fulfills the roles mandated by Congress.

The mining industry has dismissed evidence linking diseases and pollution and continually seeks to suppress and discredit peer-reviewed research into the subject. The National Mining Association issued a statement regarding several previous studies, citing counter-analyses declaring that the studies may be unnecessary given the collapse in coal production in the region and that such research often failed to account for extraneous health and lifestyle effects.

In blaming cancers and premature deaths on lifestyle choices of residents, the coal industry is in lockstep with politicians at the local, state and federal levels who evade responsibility for the collapse of living conditions in the region and justify further cuts to social programs in the name of personal responsibility.

The studys funding is paltry by federal standards, when one considers that every hour, the nearly 16-year war in Afghanistan costs an estimated $4 million. The gutting of research funding is purely political, of a piece with a concerted attack on industrial and business regulations and workplace safety.

The Trump administration has already rolled back the Stream Protection Rule, aimed at protecting waterways from coal pollution, and lifted the moratorium issuing new coal leases on federal land. Both were token measures issued by the Obama administration late in its term. Trumps proposed 2018 budget includes a $1.6 billion funding cut to the Office of Surface Mining, including the axing of 4,000 staff. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told a Senate hearing, This is what a balanced budget looks like.

The ruling class declares that workers must choose between jobs and a safe and healthy environment. This is a false choice. In the coalfields region of Appalachia, Trump campaigned as a friend of coal and promised to bring back coal jobs in economically decimated mining areas. However, each measure lifting job-killing environmental regulations has only benefited coal bosses, with no improvement in the lives of working class residents. In an area stricken with poverty, opioid abuse and suicide, a study on the detrimental health effects associated with surface mining is considered an inconvenience for profit-making, and therefore must be halted.
Demonstrators marched throughout the United States Tuesday to protest the Trump administrations decision to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and to defend an estimated 800,000 children of undocumented immigrants who could face deportation.

Hundreds of protesters in Washington, DC gathered in front of the White House and then marched to the Department of Justice, where Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an orderly and lawful wind-down of the program. In a right-wing rant, Sessions denounced DACA recipients as mostly adult illegal aliens who had taken the jobs of hundreds of thousands of Americans.

Outside the Trump Tower in New York City, around 400 protesters blocked a stretch of Fifth Avenue. Demonstrations were also held in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Nashville, Tennessee and scores of other cities.

Walkouts in Denver and Phoenix were part of a wave of walkouts by high school and college students on the first day of classes. In Phoenix, more than 500 students walked out of South Mountain and North high schools and marched more than a mile to local police and Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) headquarters to protest the anti-immigrant attack and heavy-handed police presence in their schools. Many students chanted, Trump is not our president, as passing cars honked in support, according to local media reports.

In Denver, hundreds of students at several schools walked out of classes shortly after Sessions announcement. Other DACA rallies were held in Colorado Springs, Longmont, Glenwood Springs and Boulder.

WSWS reporting teams spoke with protesters in several cities.

New York City

Protests took place throughout the day in New York City, home to some 30,000 immigrants in the DACA program, and additional protests are expected this weekend. Around noon, hundreds of protesters blocked 5th Avenue and 57th Street by Trump Tower. New York Police Department officers, including Counterterrorism officers, arrested 34 people. One of the participating organizations, Movimiento Cosecha, tweeted that nine of the arrestees are DACA enrollees, also known as DREAMers.

Protesters chanted slogans in English and Spanish, including Aqui estamos, y no nos vamos (Were here and were not leaving) and When DACA is under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!

Fidel, a cook who is saving money to go back to college, told the WSWS, We are here to fight for our rights. I am protesting for DACA not to be eliminated because it has changed my life since I got it.

It opened doors for me to education and to work, and to getting a drivers license. School means everything. I went to regular high school in New Jersey, and I learned English. Without it you are in trouble, and when I came to this country, I couldnt even say Hi.

When I learned the language, I could apply for college. I want to get a degree in mechanical engineering. I was working as a cook while I was studying. DACA opened the door to getting a drivers license to drive without fear to school and to work. It would have been much harder to go to school and go to work without a valid drivers license and a car.

All my friends from high school are being affected by this attack on DACA. One was here with me this morning, and got arrested.

I think they should pass a law so that there are equal rights for all.

I dont trust Trump, and with the Democrats we have to see. I know what Obama did to be called the Deporter-in-Chief. Right now, the government of this country is so messed up.

We are here fighting for our rights, and we are not going anywhere. We are going to stay here fighting.

A young woman holding a homemade sign stopped briefly on the side of the march to tell the WSWS: I dont agree with the decision that was made by Trump. My family is affected, my sister-in-law. I am here to support them. The government needs to provide a legal path for DREAMers. These people are helping to provide for the country.

Detroit

In Detroit, a couple hundred protesters gathered in Clark Park in the southwest side, the home of large Hispanic and Arabic communities. Students from Western International High School joined the afternoon protest when their first day of classes let out.

The rally was organized by the immigrant advocacy group Michigan United, which includes sections of the trade union bureaucracy, including the United Auto Workers, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the HERE hotel workers union. While there was a spirited participation of some neighborhood residents, the official speakers, including a representative from Mayor Duggans office, encouraged illusions in the Democrats, even though under President Obama more immigrants were deported than any previous administration.

Juan, who came to the United States from Mexico when he was one, is part of the DACA program and could now face deportation. I could lose my job, my house, my car and my family and be sent to a foreign land I dont know. I was born in Mexico and Im proud of it, but I was raised in southwest Detroit. My dad worked here with a visa, he was legal. He decided to bring his family here. Three of my siblings were born here, and are all citizens. But my sister and I were born in Mexico and we both face the same threat.

DACA was never meant to be permanent. I want to be an American citizen. Im speaking out because I dont want to live in the shadows. We are all living in anxiety. In Houston, immigrants are afraid to appeal to the authorities for help because they could be deported. There was a case of an undocumented worker who was out saving other people and was swept away and killed. The government wouldnt let his mother in to bury her son.

Trump is feeding his base. Everything Sessions said today was a lie. He said DACA had caused the humanitarian disaster with the surge of Central American refugees in 2008. But DACA wasnt signed until 2012. Sessions never mentioned the US-backed wars in Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala that was the real cause.

Adam, a retired industrial worker, said, Its not fair to young people who were brought over many years ago and know the US more than their original countries. They came over from Third World countries and had to overcome a lot to adjust, and they adjusted well. Now they could be thrown back into countries they dont know. Trump is doing what the rich have always done. They turned the black against the white, the native-born against the immigrant. Its to divide and conquer.

Its horrible what is going on, said Michele, a worker from the east side. This country is made up of immigrants. Michigan is a diverse society, and everything we build or consume in Detroit and Michigan is touched by immigrant workers. Our future depends on immigrant workers and Dreamers.

Its a lie to say immigrants are stealing jobs. These are the worst jobsthe hours are horrible, the pay and conditions are horrible. Its capitalism, not immigrants, thats at fault.

Nashville, Tennessee

Between 300-400 people gathered at Nashvilles Centennial Park to hear a few speakers before marching along one of the citys main thoroughfares, West End Avenue.

Randy and Wesley, both university students, said they had come out to show their support. I have met a lot of DACA students and seen them do awesome things, Wesley said. I think it is important to be standing in solidarity with people who are having a hard time.

Randy said he had met and knew DACA students and it was time for the US Congress to pass a law approving the program. That would be a solution but I dont have much hope.

Asked about a socialist solution to abolish borders and give workers the same right as capital to go wherever they choose to earn a living, Randy said he was uncertain. Asked what is necessary if Congress balks at preserving the DACA program, he responded, Thats hard to say (and) thats the problem. Thats why Im here today because I dont know.

But Wesley added, I think we have a duty to accept people.

Charles, a junior and international business student at a local college, said he had grown up in a mixed cultural environment and built bridges during that time.

I have a lot of undocumented friends, and they have benefited from DACA. I have seen the contributions they have made, Ive gone to their homes and seen the sacrifices they have made. I appreciate that and what they have had to endure. I am supporting them now like they have supported me.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, where over 7,000 students and workers could be affected by the DACA phase-out, high school and college students across the state left their classes to participate in protest actions. Students and faculty at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque gathered to protest in front of the university bookstore in the morning.

Hundreds of students at several Albuquerque high schools walked out after lunch, chanted and marched. According to a KRQE report, A lot of the students are not DACA recipients, but they know plenty of kids who are. Student protesters decried the measure. One Albuquerque High student, Rowan Ortega, told reporters, Immigrants are allowed here. You do have a right to be here. No matter where you come from, you have a right to be who you are.

Many of the students then joined immigrant and native-born protesters later that afternoon at the downtown Civic Plaza, where speakers, some of them DREAMers, denounced Trumps decision, but avoided mentioning the attacks on immigrants by the Democrats, especially the deportations of nearly 3 million immigrants during the Obama administration. Their advice to the protesters consisted mostly of urging them to contact elected officials and to hold more protests.
Driver and guard members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union held their latest round of strike action over the last few days against Southern GTR, Northern and Merseyrail. They are opposing the extension of driver-only operated (DOO) trains on the three franchises.

At Southern GTR and Northern, walkouts took place on September 1 and September 4. Merseyrail held a three-day stoppage over the same period, including September 3.

The strike, one of the longest running industrial disputes in recent history, was subject to a virtual blackout in the mainstream media. This is despite strike action over DOO threatening to spread to other major franchises on the network--South Western Railway (formerly South West Trains) and Greater Anglia. The RMT is balloting its members for strike action on SWR and the result of a strike ballot at the latter is to be announced later in the month.

The three train operating companies (TOCS) reported different levels of disruption. Southern GTR planned to operate 90 per cent of trains with a reduction and withdrawal of certain services in the capital and south east region. Northern and Merseyrail ran reduced services, which were unable to operate beyond early evening. The RMT reported that the strike was rock solid.

The protracted nature of the dispute--which in the case of Southern GRT started in April 2016--testifies to the resolve of rail workers to defend jobs and safety conditions.

But they are being politically disarmed by the RMT and ASLEF in the face of a concerted government and corporate-organised assault. Rather than unify workers across all grades and franchises, the unions work to ensure that strike action has been fragmented, with the RMT citing anti-union laws as justification. Workers are instead diverted into protest actions that are repeatedly suspended in order to conduct fruitless talks with the three companies.

The recent actions only occurred after ASLEF and RMT suspended strike action at Southern GTR to meet with Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. Heralded as the basis for a settlement with the TOCS at round table talks with the government and unions, the position of Southern GTR, Northern and Merseyrail instead has become more entrenched. This in turn has emboldened Greater Anglia and South Western Railway to push ahead with DOO.

Rank-and-file members at Southern GTR have twice voted down ASLEFs company-backed deal on DOO. ASLEF has reportedly struck another deal with the government and Southern GTR, the contents of which have not been disclosed. RMT general secretary Mick Cash has criticised the deal, mainly on the basis that the RMT was excluded.

This type of manoeuvring and secrecy is the inevitable outcome of a settlement both unions are prepared to accept against drivers and guards. In the case of the RMT this is conducted behind a veil of militant rhetoric but in principle it is no different than ASLEFs grovelling stance.

Cash and the RMT claimed they had offered a solution to the government to remove the logjam in the dispute with Southern GTR. What this consisted of is unclear. However, the RMT has promoted the deal both unions reached at ScotRail last year.

The agreement reached at ScotRail amounts to a repudiation of any genuine fight against DOO. The RMT ended the strike at ScotRail on the basis of a formula in which responsibility for opening the doors was transferred to the driver. The Scottish franchise is already DOO-run on 50 per cent of its network and the union made an undertaking that this would not be challenged.

As the WSWS noted, The ScotRail deal is an erosion of one of the 35 vital safety roles assigned to the conductor. One is to ensure the train arrives safely in the station and is fully in the platform before opening the doors. This role has prevented many passenger deaths and injuries, and frees up the driver to concentrate on observing signals.

This type of agreement also serves to confuse the issues and enables the corporate and state media to belittle the issue as one of who gets to open and close train doors.

The implementation of DOO is at the centre of a cost cutting plan--the McNulty report--commissioned under Labour and adopted as Conservative policy in 2012. This envisioned the elimination of 6,000 guards/conductors positions as part of a reduction of jobs on the railways by 20,000.

The government and regulatory authorities will continue to proclaim to the rafters that DOO is a safe method of train despatch, while reducing rail maintenance funding. These lies are recycled in the mainstream media as modernisation that will benefit commuters.

Rail workers cannot allow their fight to be sold short. The dangers have been made clear by the recent intervention of guards that were critical in averting a disaster.

Equally, the attempts to scapegoat rail workers for the consequences of the further extension of DOO will only increase. The frame-up of Merseyrail guard Martin Zee for a passenger accident in 2015 at the train/platform interface only collapsed earlier this year after protests by rail workers and the diligence of the jury.

No less than in the case of the terrible fire that destroyed so many lives at Grenfell tower in west London, the government, the state and the media are concealing the dangerous situation that their actions have created for working people.

A genuine fight against DOO can only be carried through by formation of rank-and-file committees to take the dispute out of the hands of ASLEF and the RMT and link it with a broader struggle against austerity and cost-cutting in both the public and private sector.

There exists an undeniable urge to take the fight to the corporations and government. But the subordination of every aspect of life to the profit motive will not be changed through the trade unions and Labour Party.

The Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns pledge for a future Labour government to re-nationalise the railways is based on waiting until 2025 and only concerns five of the rail franchises, and only when their contracts expire. Moreover, it is aimed at keeping workers and youth tied to a party that is facilitating government cuts.

At Merseyrail it is the Labour-controlled Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) which is in the forefront of forcing through driver-only trains in collaboration with TOC Abellio/Serco. The LCRCA, through its public transport body, Merseytravel, awards the contract for the urban rail system. In December last year, Merseytravel announced the purchase of a new fleet of driver-only trains to be operational on the franchise by 2020.

Talks between Liverpool City Region metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, Merseytravel officials and the RMT broke down directly prior to the latest strike after it was made clear there would be no retreat in removing guards. Rotheram was formerly parliamentary private secretary to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP for Liverpool Walton. Corbyn welcomed his election as metro Mayor and endorsed Rotheram as a person of great integrity, who will stand up for the people of Liverpool.
When Australias parliament resumed this week after a two-week recess it was immediately preoccupied by two crises: Australias likely involvement in any US-led war against North Korea and the continuing witch-hunt against MPs accused of being entitled to citizenship of a foreign power.

The parliamentary proceedings point to the close connection between the two issues, by linking the danger of war to a reactionary drive to ensure that all members of parliament have undivided loyalty to the nation.

When question time began on Monday, Labor Party opposition leader Bill Shorten broke with parliamentary tradition. Instead of asking a question, he jumped to his feet to ask indulgence to make a statement on North Korea. He was permitted to do so after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull made his own announcement on the Korean crisis.

Turnbull told the House of Representatives that he convened a meeting that morning of the National Security Committee of Cabinet, which was briefed by the intelligence agency heads and military chiefs on North Koreas reported hydrogen bomb test.

The Liberal-National prime minister declared: This is the most dangerous moment in time on the Korean Peninsula since the end of the Korean War. Much is at stake. The reckless and illegal conduct of this regime cannot be rewarded. Turnbull blamed the besieged North Korean regime and its primitive nuclear arsenal for the confrontation, rather than Washington, the worlds greatest nuclear weapons power.

Moreover, Turnbull echoed the Trump administration in ratcheting up the pressure on China, insisting it had the greatest responsibility to use its economic leverage to bring this rogue regime to its senses.

Last month, without the slightest public consultation, Turnbull declared that Australia would join the US in any war against North Korea. In terms of defence we are joined at the hip, he said. Turnbull invoked the 1951 ANZUS Treaty, saying it required the country to come to the defence of the US in any conflict.

Granted indulgence by the government, Shorten assured the government of complete bipartisan support. Id like to say to all Australians who may be watching or listening to these proceedings in parliament that whatever disagreements might colour the next hour or so, on this question, the parliament is of one mind, he said. Like Turnbull, he accused Pyongyang, not Washington, of provoking the crisis, declaring: Labor unreservedly condemns North Koreas deliberate, dangerous and provocative nuclear testing.

The Labor Party then returned to the nationalist witch-hunt over dual citizenship by seeking to suspend standing orders to move a resolution that Turnbull immediately stand aside Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce. The motion called for Joyce to be removed from cabinet until the High Court rules on whether he can remain in parliament, after he admitted holding dual citizenship with New Zealand, via descent from his father, when he was first elected to parliament. The motion was narrowly lost by 74 votes to 73, with several crossbench MPs voting with Labor.

As soon as question time ended, Shorten asked for leave to make a personal explanation. He tabled a letter proving that he renounced his British dual citizenship before being entering parliament in 2007. Shorten, who had refused for several weeks to produce the document, said he needed to prove he was fit for office. I accept that, if I want to be elected prime minister, there cannot be any doubt about my constitutional eligibility, he said.

In effect, Shorten set a precedent that shifted the political burden of proof onto any MP accused of holding or being entitled to dual citizenship. For weeks, the Turnbull government and the entire parliamentary establishment have been convulsed by threats and counter-threats to refer MPs, possibly as many as 20, to the High Court for removal.

Already, Joyce and six other MPs, including two other National Party cabinet members, will appear before the court next month, facing potential disqualification under a reactionary, nationalist section of the 1901 Australian Constitution, leaving their political fate, and that of the government itself, in the balance for weeks.

On Monday, Regional Development Minister Fiona Nash and Senator Nick Xenophon, who heads his own four-member parliamentary team, became the sixth and seventh MPs to have their election referred to the High Court. Populist Senator Derryn Hinch and Labor Senator Katy Gallagher made statements to parliament declaring why they would not refer themselves to the court.

Section 44(1) states that any person who is under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign power, or is a subject or a citizen or entitled to the rights or privileges of a subject or a citizen of a foreign power is incapable of being elected to parliament. This potentially disqualifies up to half of Australias increasingly diverse population, because they are entitled to citizenship of another country, plus any citizen accused of allegiance to a foreign power.

After tabling his renunciation letter, Shorten reiterated Labors demand for Joyces removal. He asserted that if Joyce became acting prime minister, as scheduled when Turnbull leaves the country for a South Pacific forum on Friday, the entire legitimacy of this government and this parliament is at risk.

In part, this reflects concerns that every decision made by Joyce while remaining a ministersuch as approving mining projects or awarding government contractscould be challenged if the High Court disqualifies him, opening up a legal minefield.

The disqualification furore first emerged in mid-July, in still unclear circumstances. Two Greens senators immediately quit their seats once they were alleged to hold dual citizenship, simply because they were born in New Zealand and Canada respectively. Since then, the affair has evolved into the greatest constitutional crisis since the Governor-Generals dismissal of the Whitlam Labor government in 1975.

However, there is mounting concern in ruling circles that the loyalty witch hunt, while intended to whip up jingoistic sentiment, is adding to the already widespread popular hostility toward the political establishment amid worsening living conditions, escalating inequality and deep anti-war feeling.

On Monday, the Senate voted down a motion from Senator Pauline Hanson, the leader of the xenophobic right-wing One Nation party, to conduct an audit of the eligibility of all MPs and senators. Labor and the government joined hands to defeat the motion, hoping to contain the crisis, at least for now.

Significantly, Hansons motion was supported by the Greens, who have been at the forefront of the nationalist agitation. Greens leader, Senator Richard Di Natale, was the first to call for such an inquisition in July. While anxious to be the purest protectors of the patriotism of MPs, the Greens are also offering to stabilise the parliamentary system by helping Labor form a minority government if the Liberal-National Coalition loses its majority.

Whatever the outcome of this constitutional crisis, the result has already been a further lurch to the right by the entire political establishment.

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The dual citizenship furore in the Australian parliament: What is at stake for the working class?

[6 September 2017]
Elwood  An Elwood based 4-H club made its second service oriented trip to Kansas within five months.

This time the Pride of the Prairie 4-H club went to Fort Riley to help the All American Beef Battalion serve meals to more than 400 troops and their families.

The Aug. 23, 2017 event also included a Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Ceremony and the Pride of the Prairie 4-H group took five veterans with them to be recognized Loyle Debban, Rodney "Butch" Hilker, Glenn Hofman, Denny Kenning and Terry Lerdall.

Three of them were grandfathers of 4-H members.

The "welcome home" was planned to coincide with the wars 50th anniversary, and not something the veterans received at the time of their original homecoming.

The veterans were joined by active-duty soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division returning from deployments. They were greeted by Major General Joseph Martin. Additionally, there were family members, civilian patriots and volunteers such as the Pride of the Prairie 4-H group and members of the AABB.

The AABB was established in 2008 by Vietnam War veteran Bill Broadie who is a fifth-generation rancher. It combines his two loves: ranching and the military. It also brings individuals involved in the U.S. beef cattle industry together to support service members past and present, along with their families.

The all volunteer group of ranchers has the motto "thanking our troops one steak at a time." To date, they have served 360,000 troops and their families in the past nine years.

"We got to go down and help serve the people getting honored for fighting in Vietnam and we were representing Elwood," said 4-H member Cauy Bennett, 16, of highlights of the trip.

"I thought it was an honor to see one of my grandparents being honored, knowing that he fought for our country," he said.

His grandfather, Denny Kenning, said the trip was quite enjoyable. The five veterans from Elwood traveled on a charted bus alongside the 4-H kids and their sponsors. Kenning said he was impressed with how well behaved the kids were. He also took pride in observing his grandson in action in various scenarios.

"To have my grandson there made it super special. Hes always been a buddy of mine," said Kenning.

Kenning served in the Army from 1967 to 1970. He said he enlisted because he figured he would be drafted and he wanted to try to have some control of the situation.

Although he trained to operate a crane during AIT, or Advanced Individual Training, when he was sent to Vietnam he was put on a rock crusher. "I never seen one before," he said.

He also drove a jeep for a lieutenant, which was enjoyable and allowed him to see a lot of the country. Other duties included operating a dump truck, building roads, hauling materials and being part of a construction crew building a theater.

He was in a truck hit by a land mine while out doing mine detecting, during a time when he traded places with another solider.

Kenning said he was five trucks back from the lead when "all of the sudden kaboom. I didnt have to turn around I knew it was my truck."

Despite the hit, he wasnt injured.

"I never got injured, but I sure got the heck scared out of me quite a few times," said Kenning, also recalling mortars at night after "Taps" was played and the time one landed near the cafeteria where he was positioned nearby.

"That was quite an experience. It was something that after it was done I was sure glad to get through it, but wouldnt want to do it again," he said.

Another Elwood veteran honored at Fort Riley was Glen Hofman. He said he enlisted in the Navy and served from 1966 to 1967 aboard a submarine.

He said the highlight of being at Fort Riley was walking 100 yards through an area on the airfield draped in American flags and lined by greeters with motorcycles.

Hofman said he appreciated the generosity of the All American Beef Battalion volunteers who cooked the prime rib dinner. He also liked being able to watch the Elwood kids perform their service.

"It was a great opportunity for me. It was a real surprise," he said. "I was impressed with Fort Riley, the program and the Elwood kids and how they handled themselves," he said. Hofman had three grandchildren who are 4-Hers on the trip: Carson, Bryce and Becky Reiners.

Hofmans daughter Kate Reiners said she felt blessed to get to experience seeing her dad and other Elwood veterans be honored in such a special way.

"For me, it was one of the best experiences Ill carry with me for a long time because my children got to see their grandfather be recognized for his service to his country and I hope it stirred up in their hearts how important our freedom is because of people like these veterans," she said.

She said as the group was touring a museum on base she heard a man say to her dad "welcome home brother."

"That was a great moment," said Reiners.

"Many of the Vietnam veterans, through tear-filled eyes, told me it was amazing being welcomed home," said Pride of the Prairie 4-H leader Becky Chaney of Elwood. "It really meant a lot to me that our 4-H club could provide this memorable opportunity for our local heroes and to let them know how much we appreciate their service and their sacrifice."

She said it made an impact on the kids. "They were so engaged," she said. During the meal, they served food, carried plates and delivered drinks. They were also treated to a personal tour of Fort Riley and learned about combat helicopters and medic helicopters.

Chaney said a day after they returned home she received a phone call from Broadie expressing thanks for the kids service. Although he wasnt personally there he heard positive reports about the 4-H club and invited them to join forces again in the future.

"You can imagine how proud I was of our 4-H kids after I received that phone call. They worked hard all day, but most importantly they were responsible, respectful and truly connected with the Vietnam veterans and active duty soldiers," she said.

"Youth are often distracted today  cell phone use, gaming, making poor choices  so I am happy these 28 kids made the decision to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to pay it forward to not only Vietnam veterans, but to help the AABB feed 500 people. They were excited to thank soldiers for protecting our freedom and enjoyed helping the AABB serve lunch," said Chaney.

.

In advance of the trip, the Pride of the Prairie 4-H Club in Elwood won the Nebraska Governors Agricultural Excellence Award which was presented by Gov. Pete Ricketts on June 26 at the East Campus of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said Chaney. It provided a grant to help the AABB feed the soldiers at Fort Riley. The community of Elwood also sponsored the trip.

Chaney said there was so much community support they were able to charter a bus for 28 4-H kids, five veterans, three wives, several other family members and nine adult chaperones. A total of 44 people were able to experience "a very special adventure," she said.

The All American Beef Battalion, or AABB, is leading the charge again heading to Texas to grill up thousands of protein-rich burgers for those in need following Hurricane Harvey.

In a collaborative effort, the AABB is joining forces with the Kansas Livestock Association with support from three of the United States main meat packers  Cargill, National Beef and Tyson  all of whom have donated tens of thousands of pounds of meat.

With the capability to grill 10,000 burgers a day, the AABB hopes to not only fill bellies, but warm hearts on their mission to Texas, according to AABB Founder, Bill Broadie of Ashland, Kansas.

To support the efforts of the AABB and to make sure they dont run out of chips, buns and drinks, contributions can be made payable to the Kansas Livestock Foundation and mailed to 6031 SW 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66614. In the memo, put "Burger Feed."

For more information call the KLA at 785-273-5115. According the KLA President David Clawson and Bill Broadie, supporting Texas is so important because everyone rallied behind Kansas when the devastating wildfires swept through in March. KLA will also help with all additional bun, chip, drink or burger purchases if needed. One hundred percent of contributions go toward relief effort.
It takes time to understand this condition that seems to affect people in Nebraska. However, once you go to the Bonneville Salt Flats and experience the place where hot rodding really began, you cannot return without being afflicted with "salt fever."

Recently I spoke with Nebraska Rod and Custom Association, NRCA, members Wayne Lichtenwalter and Mark Lichtenwalter. Both confirmed they have this fever.

Waynes experience goes back to 1989. Marks experience is not that far off.

In 1998, Wayne took his 1939 Ford sedan to Speed Week, which is held the second week of August and to date has set 19 speed records.

The car has always run a flat head Ford motor but with many variations including motors with the rare Ardun overhead valve heads. The cars fastest speed was 154.9 miles per hour.

Wayne suffered a stroke, which now keeps him from driving the car. For the past six years the Bonneville record holder resided in the Classic Car Collection in Kearney. It seemed to this writer that the old race car 1939 Ford and Wayne had been retired.

Then apparently the "salt fever" returned and the car was recently removed from the collection and prepared to go back for the 2017 event. Mark was ready to be the driver and Wayne was excited about getting back on the salt as the crew chief.

This story has yet another twist. For years I have heard rumors that a teacher in Grand Island by the name of Bill Thomsen passed away and his son Dave Thomsen from Lincoln inherited and continued to race the Ardun motor for years. The motor was available and installed in Waynes 1939 Ford. It was also equipped with a 6-71 blower. This same motor had also been used in a Lakester and ran 218 miles per hour.

Ryan Krejti, grandson-in-law of Dave Thomsen, also had "salt fever" and went to Bonneville this year along with Wayne and Mark. Driving the car, Mark set one new record and Ryan set a new record in another class. When I asked Wayne and Mark if they were going back, they just smiled. "Mark and I think we would like to get an even 20 records," Wayne said.

Wayne lives west of Lexington and Mark is from Elwood. Others at Bonneville this year included Scott Blackburn and crew from Broken Bow. Blackburn spun out at high speed with his Loose Nuts flathead powered belly tank. When I spoke to him, he was still recovering and said the car went right back on the trailer to go home for some weight adjustments.

Salt fever will have all of the above mentioned racers back next year.
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Evacuated livestock from Florida could find a home in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries will be opening four temporary sheltering facilities.

The ADAI has been in contact with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Horse Council and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, about moving cattle among other animals as now Category 5 Hurricane Irma approaches Florida.

"Hurricane Irma, upgraded to a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, has the capability of causing catastrophic damage. We stand ready to assist our neighbors in Florida, by providing a place for those who need shelter for their livestock, said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan.

Alabama's State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier has also been in contact with Florida's State Veterinarian Dr. Michael Short about evacuating certain livestock and animals. According to the ADAI, those animals chosen for evacuation will be exempt from veterinary inspection.

The four temporary sheltering facilities are located in Andalusia, Montgomery, Dothan and New Brockton. If these four facilities should reach maximum capacity, updates will be posted to the AGI website.

The ADAI is asking that owners of the livestock being evacuated be sure to bring appropriate tools and items such as feed, water, records of feeding, vaccinations and proof of ownership.

The four temporary sheltering facilities are listed below:

Covington Center Arena; Andalusia, AL

Garrett Coliseum; Montgomery, AL

Houston County Farm Center; Dothan, AL

5 County Complex; New Brockton, AL

Copyright 2017 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
FLORIDA (WTXL) - As Irma continues to threaten the state, the possibility of evacuations grows by the hour.

In the Florida Keys, the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center has activated and might issue a mandatory tourist evacuation for Wednesday morning, and a resident evacuation for Thursday morning.

Those fleeing the now category five storm are likely to face gas prices that have spiked more than 30 cents in the past week. This, following Hurricane Harvey's damage along the Texas Gulf Coast.

According to Triple A, the cost of a gallon of gasoline in Florida is now $2.64, the highest price in the state since July, 2015.

Refineries in Texas and Louisiana are now beginning to move gas again, but Triple-A spokesman W.D. Williams says, the threat of Irma will likely keep prices high for now.

Governor Rick Scott, who already issued a state of emergency Monday because of Irma, asked today for pre-landfall assistance from the federal government.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Leon County Schools says that school operations will go on as normal for the remainder of the week.

LCS schools will be open on Thursday and Friday with no changes to operations as of Wednesday at 12:21 p.m.

The said that leadership was in communication with the Leon County Emergency Operations Center.

Based on that conversation, officials say they believe there is a low probability for severe weather in our area on Friday, leading them to the decision to continue operations as normal.

Due to Governor Rick Scott releasing all state workers from their jobs in order to prepare for Hurricane Irma, LCS says they will accept excused absences on Friday.

They say that they will continue to monitor the storm and keep residents updated on the status for Monday and Tuesday over the weekend via social media, email and local news outlets.

Officials ask that parents coordinate with your schools to let them know if your child will not be at school that day.

You can follow LCS on Facebook and on Twitter. We will also keep you updated of any school changes as Hurricane Irma approaches.

MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates.

Copyright 2017 WTXL via Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
TOLEDO, OH (WTOL) - A Central Catholic parent is in a standoff with the school over a hairstyle policy.

Maylin Wattley says her 14-year-old son Malachi should not have to cut his dreadlocks because they are a sign of strength within his culture.

"Dreadlocks is beautiful. It's about his culture," Wattley said. "It's about his religion, his heritage, tradition, pride, diversity, freedom."

Wattley says Malachi has been growing his dreadlocks since he was a baby.

"Dreadlocks is Malachi. Malachi is dreadlocks," Wattley said. "It's part of who he is."

Wattley says Malachi was given a citation about his dreadlocks earlier this week so she met with school officials about the issue. She says they could not reach an agreement.

The Catholic Diocese says Wattley knew about the school's hair policy, which is in the student handbook. She says she did sign it, because an education at Central Catholic was important to her and her son. She hasn't yet signed it for her daughter.

The Senior Director of Catholic Education says a note was sent to Wattley's home Friday, stating Malachi will have to cut his hair to his collar in order to return to school.

Wattley says Malachi will not cut his hair. She says she would like the school to work out a compromise.

"If we don't want to cut his hair because of cultural or religious purposes, why can't he wear it up? Why can't I braid it?" Wattley said. "There are so many things you can do with dreadlocks."

The Toledo Catholic Diocese said Wattley arrived to Central Catholic High School with unshorn dreadlocks on Tuesday. The school sent Wattley home until his hair meets the guideline in the student handbook.

Copyright 2017 WTOL. All rights reserved.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Warrants have been issued for a Tallahassee Police officer and a Tallahassee firefighter after an investigation revealed they hosted a fundraiser for first responders' families and used the donations for their own personal use.

The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) and Tallahassee Fire Department (TFD) said they were notified that warrants have been issued for Jennifer Amison with TPD and Joseph Mike Amison with TFD.

The two are facing the following charges:

Organized scheme to defraud

Failure to apply contributions in a manner substantially consistent with solicitation

Two counts of grand theft $10,000-$20,000

According to a complaint, the Amisons are accused of having a fundraiser in 2016.

The fundraiser was held following the passing of Tallahassee firefighter Chris Thurman, Tallahassee firefighter Captain Brad Deanda, and Shelby Allen, who is the late daughter of a Tallahassee firefighter. The fundraiser was intended to benefit the families of those who passed.

The complaint alleges that after the fundraiser was held, the Amisons did not give the money to the families, instead spending the money on personal things.

The complaint says that the Amisons kept nearly $12,000 from the families.

The documents say that the Amisons claimed to be having "health problems" as an excuse for not giving the families the money, though health records show otherwise.

An investigation revealed that the Amisons also demonstrated an "ongoing pattern of conduct by taking advantage of the tragedies of other first reponders by selling items under the guise of benefiting the families."

Due to interviews with victims and further investigation, warrants were issued for the Amisons' arrest.

Both employees have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of departmental investigations.

MOBILE USERS: Download our WTXL news app on your Apple and Android devices for the latest from South Georgia and North Florida. Also, download our WTXL Weather Now app for Apple and Android devices to get the latest local weather wherever you go.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional local news and hourly updates.

Copyright 2017 WTXL via Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Department of Corrections says that all weekend visitation has been cancelled for all of Florida's prisons.

They say the decision was made in response to travel restrictions throughout Florida and Hurricane Irma's arrival.

Officials report weekend visitation at all institutions for Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10, is cancelled. The cancellation includes all major institutions, work camps, community release centers and annex facilities.

They say staff are working around the clock to make necessary precautions for inmates in facilities statewide. Water and food supplies are being brought in and any evacuations will be made in the best interest of the inmates and public safety.

FDC says that in the event of an evacuation, announcements will be made. Inmate locations will be posted on the website approximately 24-hours after relocation, as per standard protocol.

For more information about the Department and facilities and programs, visit www.dc.state.fl.us
You are invited to Lexingtons first annual United by Culture Festival at Kirkpatrick Memorial Park on Sunday, September 17th from 4 to 8PM. There will be free kids activities, such as bounce houses, horse rides, face painting and balloon art! There will also be music and performances from local artists. The United by Culture Festival is being sponsored by Lexington Community Foundation, The Trinidad Center, Pinata Time, Inc., Jesusita and Santos Baros Courage & Fortitude Scholarships, El Rinconsito Restaurant and various small businesses in town. There will be raffle giveaways, such as gift cards from your favorite restaurants to pinatas! We are also excited to inform you that we are an official event for Nebraska 150 Celebration! Join us in singing Happy Birthday to Nebraska and eat some cake!

The United by Culture Festival is being planned by seven professional Latina women that know the importance of community in Lexington. Lexington has so much to offer in terms of being unique. Lexington is the third most diverse city in Nebraska. Lexington is a welcoming community and has a positive view of newcomers. Lets come together and celebrate the rich diversity that we have, lets learn about the cultures we have here at our doorstep. We have the opportunity to show unity in our community and welcome you to be a part of it!

There is still time to become a sponsor, vendor, sign up to volunteer or become a performer! Dont hesitate in contacting us by email at unitedbyculturefest@gmail.com or call at 308.217.2850.
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Update 12:30 p.m. - The Ellensburg and Kittitas School Districts will close schools until at least Monday, Sept. 11 after indoor air quality 
Yakima resident Griselda Rosales is scrambling to come up with the nearly $500 an attorney says she needs to renew her Deferred Action for Chi
The IDF's widespread combined arms exercise that began Tuesday in the country's northern region comes on the heels of the army coming to terms with the fact the next war in the northern sector versus Israel's main enemyHezbollahwill differ from what was planned a few years ago in light of the rapid-fire changes in Syria, Lebanon and the rest of the Shiite axis stetching all the way to Iran.

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The IDF has drawn the conclusion that Hezbollah is an organization that isn't growing nearly as much as it would have liked, thanks in part to the loss of life and resources invested in fighting the Syrian civil war alongside Assad, not to mention the frequent covert assaults against the organization, attributed to Israel.

A Hezbollah procession in Lebanon (Photo: AP)

Furthermore, IDF sees the organization's leader Hassan Nasrallah as an isolated figure surrounded by suspicious compatriots who question his ability to head of the terrorist organization following the assassination of his second-in-command Mustafa Badreddine last year.

Israel, claims the hit was intra-organizational and backed by Iran, based on Badreddine's refusal to submit himself to the organization's war in Syria.

The Israeli army further notes Hezbollah is suffering harsh economic hardships with 2,000 of the group's fighters killed in Syria, only 50 in the past year. For comparison's sake, 650 of the organization's men were killed fighting the IDF during the Second Lebanon War.

Having said that, the axis that Hezbollah makes up is inching ever closer to growing in strength. Iranian plans for building factories in Syria or Lebanon intended to Hezbollah missiles more accurate are definitely in place both in Tehran and in Dahieh, all part of Iran's grand scheme to entrench itself in Syria after the civil war.

The IDF's training exercise in the north (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

This scheme, in fact, crosses over several environs and is not restricted to the area of security, as Iran also aspires to create the basis for agriculture in the war-torn country and take over mines and ports, shoring up Syria's economic fortunes as those of ISIS shrink.

Some 16,000 Shiite militants are fighting on Syrian soil right now, most of them pledging their allegiance to Hezbollah with a small number of Iranian forces and advisors standing alongside local Shiite militias. In some of the cases, those Iranian forces and Hezbollah fighters fight shoulder to shoulder with the Russian forces, and are trying to glean any information they can from the latter both on the battlefield and in command outposts.

As of today, Israel has been unable to convince Russia to abandon its partnership with Iran, seeing as Moscow considers Tehran a strategic near-term partner for removing ISIS while fortifying Assad's regime.

Despite Nasrallah's misfortunes, it seems he has overseen development of some impressive independent capabilities and may no longer be considered a "puppet for the Iranians."

A Hezbollah propaganda video: "We are waiting"

While he's yet to receive the full brunt of Iranian assistance, on the intra-Lebanese playing field he enjoys a comfortable rapport with Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri who is pursuing a new elections law that may boost Hezbollah's parliamentary power from 12 to 15 or more seats.

Ironically, Nasrallah is waging a successful war against ISIS on the Syria-Lebanon border and even closes prisoner-swap deals with them. The only difference between his deals with ISIS, unlike similar deals with Israel, is Nasrallah is willing to give away more prisoners in return for fewer of his men, due to the growing sensitivity of the families of Hezbollah fighters.

Hezbollah's learning curve, despite the difficulties, has become one of its stronger suits. The terrorist organizationdeemed by some in the IDF as the "second-strongest army in the Middle East"is now capable of waging regimental war and utilizing offensive drones, along with efficient intelligence gathering and using attack tunnels and caves. It also fires both small arms and artillery while using tanks, all the while growing its ranks rapidly and expertly by 4,000 men in a specific areaas it has done only recently against ISIS.

Serving as backdrop to the above is the UN Security Council's recent decision to beef up United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s powers, allowing it to supervise Hezbollah activities inside Shiite villages, a decision the Israeli security establishment regards with cautious optimism.

Nevertheless, the IDF is far from content with the political move pushed by US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley and is already seeking an increase in activities foiling Hezbollah and Hamas power plays, emphasizing stopping attempts to transfer advanced weaponry to Nasrallah.
Israels Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit has asked the High Court of Justice to throw out a recently submitted petition asking it to instruct the state prosecutor to investigate Prime MInister Benjamin Netanyahu as a suspect in the submarine affair

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While police have carried out a wave of arrests of suspects closely associated with Netanyahu in the affaircommonly referred to as Case 3000the prime minister himself is not considered a suspect in the corruption-riddled purchase of military vessels for the IDF from the German ThyssenKrupp company.

Mandelblit urged the court to categorically reject the notion of turning Netanyahu into a suspect, arguing that the investigation was still in full swing and that judicial intervention would be entirely inappropriate.

The time for judicial review will come, insofar as there's a need for it, only at the end of the road after law enforcement officials have concluded their work," read a statement written by the state, which also claimed that the petition was merely part of a campaign designed to exert pressure on the law enforcement authorities.

PM Netanyhau (Photo: Marc Israel Sellem)

The statement also pointed out that it had been hinted in the petition that Netanyahu had been shielded from being questioning under caution due to his high stature.

Deriding the charge as baseless, the statement said it was inconsistent with case law regarding judicial intervention in a pending investigation.

It went on to debunk the claim by citing other examples in which Netanyahu has been questioned under caution in two other probes involving bribery offences, according to which he is suspected of receiving illicit gifts from rich donors (the so-called Case 1000) and holding talks with Yedioth Ahronoth owner Arnon Mozes (the so-called Case 2000) on receiving more favorable coverage in return for promoting legislation against Yedioth's rival newspaper Israel Hayom.

The charge was also fallacious, the statement said, because its also inconsistent with the simple reality that the prime minister was investigated under caution in other ongoing cases for which there was justification at the right time.

The statement also added that there was no intention to divulge the details of the submarine affairs development, raising objections the unnecessary publication of details surrounding it, which it said could be detrimental to the investigations progress.

Avichai Mandelblit (Photo: Yariv Katz)

The law enforcement authorities cannot publish every minute facts and findings they have collected and the steps they are taking or intending to take.

That said, the attorney general, the statement added, was cognizant of the importance of informing the public about the matter, saying the matter is considered from time to time, subject to the needs and development of the investigation.

It further highlighted the fact that in February it was already declared the the prime minister was not a suspect in the affair and promised that further details would be published in accordance with professional considerations of the law enforcement bodies in relation to the influence of the publications on the investigation and its proceedings, taking into account all necessary factors including the publics right to know.

The attorney responsible for the petition to place Netanyahu under the microscope however, urged the court to convene an urgent meeting about the petition. In order to avoid the loss of the publics trust in the rule of law.
Israeli billionaire Arnon Milchan was questioned under caution in London last week on suspicion of giving bribes to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu, signalling the latest development in what is referred to as Case 1000.

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According to investigators involved, Milchan's testimony, which was provided during a three-hour grilling, strengthened the case for indicting Netanyahu, who finds himself embroiled in a host of corruption investigations.

A close Netanyahu associate dismissed the notion out of hand that Milchan and the prime minister had transgressed in any way. "Any attempt to attach impropriety to the deep, years' long friendship between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Arnon Milchan is baseless and doomed to fail. We repeat: there won't be anything because there wasn't anything," the official defiantly stated, repeating Netanyahu's commonly-expressed mantra.

Milchan has already provided testimony twice in the recent past during his visit to Israel following suspicions which arose that he gave the prime minister and his wife bribes in the form of expensive gifts including champagne, cigars and jewelry. But during that time, he was never officially suspected of any wrongdoing.

Arnon Milchan (left) and PM Netanyahu (right) (Photo: Getty Images)

With the latest round of questioning of the Israeli magnate in London, Milchan became a suspect following complaints put forth by investigators that Netanyahu, who is suspected of accepting bribes and corruption, could hardly be indicted if the individual responsible for handing out the bribes was not made an official suspect.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu has stuck to the claim that any gifts given by Milchan were done so in friendship and entirely bereft of political motivations.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, speaking last week at The Bar Association Law Conference, said: The investigations are done professionally and thoroughly, without cutting corners. It is important to emphasize that on the note of public interest, law enforcement is not a political matter. It cannot be influenced by outside considerations when it comes to criminal procedures. This has never happened, it isnt happening and it wont happen.
The conclusion usually comes at the end of the article, keeping the reader in suspense till the finale, but today well start from the end: The bodies of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul most likely wont be returned to Israel anytime soon, and Abera Mengistu and Hisham Shaaban al-Sayed , who are alive as far as we know, wont be released from Gaza in the near future. The battered parents still have a long time to wait, and theres even a possibility theyll never stop waiting.

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We Israelis are to blame for that. Since the states establishment, weve created a myth that body parts equal a body, and we definitely have no intention of leaving an Israeli soldiers body in the hands of enemy forces. We fostered the myth that an IDF general deployed tank links on the Egyptian lines at night to rescue his son-in-laws body from a tank, we rejoiced over the exchange of half a dozen living IDF soldiers for 1,150 living terrorists in the Jibril deal, and we turned Gilad Shalits family into a national icon with a deal to release 1,027 living terrorists, dozens of whom have resumed their terrorist activity. We did this.

Leah and Simcha Goldin may never stop waiting for the return of their sons body (Photo: Shaul Golan)

In between, there were small deals too. The release of the hostages from the plane in Algeria, the release of the soldiers kidnapped in Lebanon, the release of watchman Shmuel Rosenwasser of Metula, and more. For example, the release of Israeli pilot Jonathan Etkes and three other hostages in exchange for 5,800 Egyptian hostages in the Sinai campaign.

Were also the ones who set the price. We wanted to prove to the entire world that one Israeli soldier equals hundreds and even thousands of enemy hostages, thereby also setting a price tag for hostage and prisoner swaps. We showed the world what were made of. Now, its too late to back down. The Arabs have gotten used to the big numbers too, and even the Jews in Israel and abroad have realized the price of these deals will always be unbearable.

The question is whats more importantIsrael's image or the truth on the battlefield? The IDF and the State of Israel voted a long time ago in favor of Israel's image, so theres no point in restarting the argument. During prisoner exchange negotiations, the Egyptians, Syrians, Jordanians and Palestinians were often heard saying: Do you really care if its 100 hostages less or 100 hostages more? You want to bring everyone back anyway.

Now, Israel is trying to turn back the clock. The Shamgar Committees recommendations and statements made by Knesset members and ministers and IDF commanders are aimed at paving the way. The Shalit deal offered its own contribution to the situation. The pressure of public opinion in Israel, which changed drastically following a successful PR and organizational campaign, brought the government and the prime minister to their knees. Shalit was returned, the terrorists returned to their nests, and it seemed everything had turned out well, if it were not for the Goldin and Shaul families who decided to infiltrate the publics consciousness.

The calls to avoid such deals in the future should be countered, however, by another voice saying: We fostered this mythand its a good thing we did. I believe swapping the hostages at the time was the right thing to do and theres no price for an IDF soldiers blood. No matter what happens, the required price should be paid for the simple reason that IDF service is mandatory and soldiers are not asked whether they would like to participate in a battle in which they could be killed or taken captive. The states duty is, at the very least, to return their bodies to the suffering families.

The terrorists high price should not deter decision makers from proving what no longer needs to be proved: The IDF does everything, and will do everything, even if it entails a terrible price, to bring the children home safely. A soldier who goes on out to fight and knows this in advance will always be a better soldierand we need better soldiers.
Istanbul  Turkish police shot dead an Islamic State militant who was set to carry out a suicide bomb attack on a police station in the Mediterranean city of Mersin on Wednesday, the interior ministry said.

The assailant, wearing a vest packed with explosives, was killed outside the police station in the Yenisehir district, which security sources said is located next to the regional headquarters of Turkey's MIT national intelligence agency.

"One member of the ISIS terrorist organisation, wearing a suicide bomb vest, was captured dead in front of the Mersin Yenisehir district's ... central police station," the interior ministry said in a statement.
President Donald Trump's administration is gearing up to limit, and perhaps even cancel, the use of J1 visas allowing thousands of Israelis and other foreign nationals each year to study or work in the United States.

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The administration has started work on a comprehensive scrapping of, or at least a radical curtailing the use of, the J1 visa used by foreign nationals to work in the US, the Wall Street Journal reports. This decision was made following an executive order signed by Trump called "Buy American and Hire American", which was meant to reform the entire visa process in order to protect the interests of American workers.

President Trump signs executive order (Photo: AFP)

Simultaneously, the administration amended visa regulations only a few weeks ago to allow American consuls to refuse relocation requests in cases where they believe the process would not benefit the interests of American workers. These new restrictions will nevertheless not apply to foreign nationals who've already started studying in the US in accordance with the J1 visa.

The US embassy in Israel approved more than 4,700 J1 visas in 2016, a large portion of which were granted to Israelis (oftentimes discharged soldiers) who then went on to serve as instructors in Jewish summer camps all across the United States.

The Jewish Agency is aware of the fact that canceling or limiting this particular visa will severely handicap American Jewish communities' summer camps. Indeed, more than 1,200 Israelis leave for these camps every summer.

Different organizations in the US have already launched a campaign aimed at rolling back the potential severity of latest move by Trumps, who campaigned throughout the election on the pledge to prioritize American workers and open the exit doors to unwanted, illegal or unnecessary foreign laborers. To that end, the organizations are attempting to put pressure on both the White House and legislators.

Canceling the visa will also harm thousands of Israelis coming into the US for academic studies, professional training programs and medical specializations in advanced fields.

The White House is also considering aborting one of the visa's biggest advantages providing the ability of the visa applicant's partner to also work in the US almost without restrictions.
Free newspapers are a classic subject for research in the field of communications. A free newspaper can engage in a personality cult of one politician for years, and thenfollowing one investigation or an insult to the landlordturn into the passionate servant of a rival politician. You go to sleep with a newspaper worshipping Benjamin Netanyahu and wake up in the morning with a newspaper worshipping Naftali Bennett. Its real magic.

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Lets leave the communications research for different times. What concerns me, and should concern many readers, including the attorney general, is one paragraph from an extensive interview with Bayit Yehudi leader Naftali Bennett, which was published in Israel Hayom last Friday. The interviewers were Naama Lanski and Shir Ziv.

According to Bennett, The prime minister and I agreed ahead of the last elections that he would appoint me defense minister, and that I wouldnt attack him during the campaign. In the end, he didnt appoint me defense minister, although I not only avoided attacking him but even embraced him.

Netanyahu (R) and Bennett. Corruption for personal and political promotion should concern us all (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)

Lets read the first sentence again: The prime minister and I agreed ahead of the last elections that he would appoint me defense minister, and that I wouldnt attack him during the campaign.

Bennett speaks about it nonchalantly, as if talking about spilled milk or trouble with his boss at work. The truth is, hes reporting a criminal offense, truly criminal. An agreement between candidates from rival parties, in which one side promises a senior appointment and the other side promises to keep its mouth shut, is allegedly a bribe agreement. It allegedly also violates the law requiring parties to present any coalition agreement to the Knesset. Netanyahu and Bennett went to elections without sharing this agreement with their voters. Netanyahu hid the agreement from then-Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, who was presented by the Likud as the defense minister-designate.

After the elections, a frustrated Bennett leaked that there had been an agreement that was violated by Netanyahu. Now, he is admitting it openly, in a direct quote. This is a litigants admission. Theres no escape from believing him.

The Penal Law defines five conditions for a bribery offense: (1) A public servant (2) takes (3) or offers a benefit (4) for an act related to his functions (5) in a bid to achieve a result. If Bennetts version is true, all these components exist in the agreement.

Its true that neither of them expected to put money in his pocket: One craved votes, the other wanted a ministerial promotion. But the legal authorities address political benefits just as they address material benefits. Mayors and their deputies have been indicted over agreements for political promotions, and so have NGO heads and others. Only recently, the police recommended filing an indictment against Raman Gan Mayor Yisrael Zinger on suspicions of a similar agreement. Moreover, in Case 242, also known as the Yisrael Beytenu affair, two indictments were filed for an agreement that pales into insignificance compared to this agreement. That agreement, with the Ayalim NGO, wasnt implemented. Nevertheless, the suspects were indicted.

Why does the State Attorneys Office treat certain politicians a certain way and other politicians differently? I detect two reasons for that. One, the broad public is usually stricter in judging politicians who took bribe money for themselves, but tends to forgive bribery offenses committed for the sake of the party or do not involve cash.

The second reason is the rank. A prime minister can do what a mayor isnt allowed to do. When it comes to bribery offenses, a prime minister will be prosecuted over cash, and perhaps over gifts purchased with cash, but bribery for political promotion will lead to the prosecution of mayors of small or medium-sized cities at the most.

In my opinion, its groundless. Take, for example, the uproar over the investigations against Sara Netanyahu. Theres a lot of uproar because they involve moneynot a lot of money, but money nonetheless. Lets say it is proven she inflated bills. Such an affair should have ended a long time ago, with a fine. She wont go to prison. At the most, shell bring a doctors note.

We should be much more concerned by corruption for personal and political promotion. We should be concerned precisely because it involves a prime minister, the leader of a party that seeks to lead the country, and a justice minister as well. I wonder what Ayelet Shaked has to say about this corrupt agreement.
BEIRUT  Lebanon has identified the bodies of 10 of its soldiers found along the Syrian border in an area taken back from Islamic State last week, the Lebanese National News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The army's offensive against the IS-held enclave in eastern Lebanon ended with an evacuation of Islamic State militants and their families to eastern Syria under a Hezbollah-brokered ceasefire deal.

Under the agreement IS militants identified where they had buried the soldiers, Lebanese army chief General Joseph Aoun said last week. DNA tests confirmed that all 10 bodies found in the former IS-enclave were the missing Lebanese soldiers, security sources and local media reported on Wednesday.
The east Jerusalem school year started on Tuesday, in spite of strikes in several schools, classroom overcrowding and poor infrastructures. Four new schools were opened, including an arts institutionthe first of its kind in the Arab sector.

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As Eid al-Adha concluded, the school year in east Jerusalem was officially opened, but only partially. No less than 4,000 students from the Dar al-Marefa school in the Kafr 'Aqab neighborhood stayed home. The Ministry of Education wanted to shut down the school, identified with Hamas, last year.

Ownership of the school was transferred before the current school year started. The owners of the buildings housing it, however, refused to rent them to the new administration.

Parents protesting outside a Shuafat school

In addition, 600 pupils from Shuafat's boys' school remained home as their parents protested a principal switch every year in the past four years, each of them failing to put the school back on track. Parents demonstrated in front of the school Tuesday morning, locked its gates and barred entry. Police were called to disperse them.

"This school has violence. No principal could educate the children and it was just a total mess," said the school's parents' association. The association claimed to have asked for an administrator from local authorities, but the request was denied.

"This year they brought in an administrator from outside the village and the parents rejected her. If she can't get one classroom in order, how could she put a 600-student school in order? Parents are adamant enough to have their children sit the entire year out," said Chairman of the east Jerusalem Parents' Association, Amhad Abu Eid.

Entrance to the school was barred

Abu Eid also commented on classroom overcrowding in the school. "In order to go to the bathroom, children have to climb over tables and jump from table to table just to reach the classroom's exit," he said.

A school in the Abu Tor neighborhood also failed to open the new school year amid claims from parents its infrastructures are in poor shape and won't allow studying throughout the entire year.

Apart from the strikes, the school year is also hampered by a large shortage in available classrooms, which stands at 2,000. A petition on the matter was submitted to the High Court after a previous onemade in 2011produced no results to speak of, despite the fact the court instructed the municipality to build the missing classrooms within five years.

Four new schools were built, however, including the Abda'a school for music and the arts. 5,800 east Jerusalem students will be studying in a program entitling them to an Israeli high school diploma this school year. This marks a 14 percent increase from last year.

In addition, the municipality launched a concentrated equal opportunity and gap reduction program for its east Jerusalem residents at an investment of NIS 25 million. The program will include enrichment and additional tutoring hours as well as learning centers, and will be put into practice in all post-primaryand some elementary schools in east Jerusalem as part of a long school day.
Israel has suspended granting work visas for new foreign charity workers arriving in the country, humanitarians say, in a move that some say could impede aid to Palestinians.

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Dozens of aid workers from major international NGOs have been unable to get work visas or faced delays in recent months, aid workers said.

A Turkish humanitarian aid truck bound to Gaza (Photo: AFP)

Israel says the matter is procedural, but has not found a permanent solution to the issue in more than a year.

"This situation could escalate into crippled humanitarian operations," a senior aid worker cautioned.

Israeli officials strongly denied that the delay was intentional, with the Social Affairs Ministry calling any such suggestion a "false accusation".

Palestinians are heavily dependent on aid, with more than two-thirds in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip reliant upon it, according to the United Nations.

Much of it is delivered by international charities, which usually operate through Israel.

Since June, however, no new aid workers have been able to get a B1 work visa, the most common type for foreign NGO workers in the country.

This followed similar suspensions from August to December 2016 and from March to April this year.

Aid organizations claim dozens of aid workers have been affected so far, with a number stuck outside the country waiting for their visas to come through.

"They can't replace me"

Others are working illegally on tourist visas, but fear they could be expelled.

"A country director who is waiting outside the country for months means timely delivery of aid will be affected," the senior aid worker said.

Another aid worker who arrived in Israel in June said she waited two months to hear from the Ministry of Social Affairs to no avail.

In August, the aid worker travelled outside Israel and on her return she said authorities told her she had a month to sort out her situation or leave.

Palestinian children in Gaza (Photo: AFP)

She expects to leave Israel in the coming days.

"They can't replace me, as any foreigner they bring in will have the same problem," she complained.

The head of the charity's operations in the West Bank is due to arrive in the coming weeks but is expected to face the same predicament.

Around 300 international NGO staff, including country heads, need B1 visas approved on a yearly basis, but to do so they need a letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Without such letters the Interior Ministry will not issue the visa, but the Ministry of Social Affairs has said it is no longer its responsibility and the Interior Ministry has said it could not issue new visas without the letters.

"Important work"

The Ministry of Social Affairs said the delays were due to "ongoing inter-ministerial considerations regarding the applications approval procedure."

"We believe the temporal delay will soon end, hopefully with minimal effect on the important work done by aid organizations and NGOs," it said in a statement.

Aid workers said, however, the problem began over a year ago and some expressed concerns the Israeli government is seeking to make their work harder.

The Ministry of Social Affairs said they "absolutely and completely deny this false accusation."

Previous delays were resolved when the ministry temporarily returned to the practice of delivering the letters.

Palestinian man fills water truck from depot (Photo: Getty Images)

Early this year, Israel passed a law allowing the Interior Ministry to ban entry to supporters of a movement boycotting Israel.

The senior aid worker suggested the Ministry of Social Affairs could be wary of giving recommendation letters as it does not have the ability to properly vet individuals.

Israeli officials have accused a number of aid workers of being biased towards the Palestinians and of being manipulated by the Islamist movement Hamas.

The Gaza head of the international Christian charity World Vision is on trial in Israel for allegedly providing support to Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States and the European Union.

Rights groups also fear their work is being curtailed by the Israeli government, considered the most right-wing in the country's history.

In February, Israel refused a visa for the American country head of Human Rights Watch, accusing the group of being "fundamentally biased" towards the Palestinians.

After international condemnation, however, the Israeli government reversed position and granted the visa.
Two Israelis residing in Florida recounted their preparations for hurricane Irma, expected to hit the United States later this week after passing through Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba in the Caribbean.

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"We've experienced several storms here, and I sincerely hope Irma won't reach the proportions of the Texas hurricane. They say it'll be one of the biggest storms in Florida's history, so we're not taking any chances. We have three kids and we're going to play it safe," Tomer Amar told Ynet.

Hurricane Irma heading towards Florida (Photo: Reuters)

"We placed shutters (on windows) all around the house, we packed some suitcases and (Wednesday) morning we're leaving for Carolina with some friends," Amar went on to say. "We took everything that was really important to us. We're leaving in a convoy, we decided to make a fun week out of it. We hope to have fun there and to come back to (find) the house still where we left it."

Floridians hoarding supplies (Photo: AFP)

Does that mean you might come back and not find the house where you left it?

"We hope for the best and pray that won't happen. We've done everything we could."

Water and gas have become hard to come by in Florida, Amar said. "This afternoon, gas was impossible to find, all the stations were empty. Water wasn't available anywhere either. It's like supermarkets were overrun by people and now all the water's gone. The Key West area is being evacuated, all 160,000 people. It's a few hours south of us, the southernmost tip of Florida, so there's going to be traffic too on top of everything else," he bemoaned.

A hurricane hit Florida last year as well, but it wasn't as destructive as Irma is projected to be.

Empty supermarket shelves (Photo: Sapir Simpali)

"We stayed through last year's storm," Amar recounted, "and it wasn't so bad. That was a category 2, maybe 3, storm, though. This is a category 5 one with winds of more than 220 kph. We're not going to stick around for it."

Eyal Melamed, another Israeli residing in Florida, went to a supermarket Tuesday morning and couldn't find water. "I'm in a Wal-Mart in Hallandale, Florida. There's no more water, the shelves are all empty so people are buying bottles," Melamed reported from the field.

Melamed then recounted his travails at a North Miami Beach gas station. "It's a mess," he said, "there's an insane line of cars waiting to fill up. The pump can't handle the strain so you have to wait until it comes back to life. Gas prices went up, they're now $2.69 a gallon. We're waiting it out for now, my wife is stressed but I'm okay. There's a problem with the gas, but we'll get by. Worst comes to worst, we'll walk."
BERLIN  Germany's Foreign Ministry says Iraqi prosecutors have opened an investigation into four Germans, including a teenage girl, who were detained in Iraq on suspicion of sympathizing with the Islamic State group.

German officials said in July that the fourall female, including 16-year-old Linda Wenzelwere found in Iraq as Mosul was liberated from the Islamic State group. They have been trying to determine whether the four can return to Germany, where all face an investigation.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer said Wednesday that Iraqi authorities have opened investigations against the Germans. He said he doesn't have details of what they're accused of and German authorities haven't yet seen an indictment.
The Samaria Regional Council has launched an application aimed at preventing the construction of illegal Palestinian homes in the West Bank, as residents attempt to ensure that it is not only illegal Israeli outposts that are evacuated.

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The issue of buildings and structures lacking government approval has increasingly come to the fore in Israeli discourse following a court-ordered evacuation of Amona earlier this year.

The new communal watchdog, named after the council, was launched after residents complained that Palestinians were building haphazard illegal structures throughout the area which, they claim, have resulted in security hazards on several occasions.

Construction in Ma'ale Adumim (File photo: Reuters)

The residents also complained about what they described as hostile takeovers of areas within the municipal boundaries of the council.

Yoav Hagar, a resident of Nofim in the West Bank, has already used the application to notify users of illegal construction.

Three days ago on my way to the community of Revava, I noticed a few temporary structures next to the community. I travel on the same road every day and suddenly these structures pop up. I went on the application and I reported it, said Hagar. I dont know for certain that they are illegal but this way the information is transferred to the council and they are supposed to check it.

Head of the council Yossi Dagan said that the application as a monitoring method had become absolutely essential given the breadth of illegal Palestinian construction.

Unfortunately we are suffering from illegal construction almost throughout the entire area. We see illegal building of almost every type. Sometimes we are shocked by the audacity, he explained.

The new app (Photo: Samaria Regional Council)

We have decided that as another tool to impose order in the area we will enable our residents to act as our eyes and report illegal construction, for the good of the council and for the good of the State of Israel...We are pleased that the residents are cooperating.

Ovad Arad, who manages activities of the Regavim organizationwhich works to ensure responsible, legal, accountable and environmentally friendly use of Israels national lands and the return of the rule of law to all areas and aspects of the land and its preservationpraised the new initiative as a counter mechanism to the phenomenon of unauthorized construction..

Every day, throughout the entire year the residents of our territory are in the areas where we suspect environmental damage is being caused, where illegal construction is taking place and where invasion of states land is occurring, Arad said.

Tens of thousands of monitors on social media also constitute eyes on the ground for us and they send us reports. Naturally, in Judea and Samaria, the enforcement is weaker than the rest of the country. So thats why the application that the Samaria Regional Council launched will synchronize us with acts uploaded by the residents. It is an important and significant step in the preservation of the land and its sites.
UN-mandated investigators said Wednesday that Syrian President Bashar Assad's air force conducted a sarin-gas attack in the spring that killed at least 83 civilians and sparked a retaliatory US strike.

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The investigators also appealed to the US-led coalition to better protect civilians as it strikes at Islamic State militants in the east.

The latest report by the Commission of Inquiry on Syria offers among the strongest evidence yet of allegations that Assad's forces conducted the April 4 attack on Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib province. The United States quickly blamed the Syrian government and launched a punitive strike on Shayrat air base, where the report says the Sukhoi-22 plane took off.

Syrian child affected by chemical weapons attack (Photo: EPA)

Syrian government officials have denied responsibility, and said last month that they would allow in UN teams to investigate.

"We have analyzed all the other interpretations" of who might have conducted the attack, commission chairman Paulo Pinheiro said at a Geneva news conference. "It is our task to verify these allegations, and we concluded ... that this attack was perpetrated by the Syrian air force."

Wednesday's report, the 14th by the commission since it was set up by the UN's Human Rights Council in 2011, covers little more than four months, from March to early July. The report is based on information retrieved from satellite images, video, photos, medical records, and over 300 interviews.

Photo: EPA

The Syrian government has denied the team access to the territory it controls.

"The commission finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Syrian forces attacked Khan Sheikhoun with a sarin bomb at approximately 6.45 a.m. on 4 April, constituting the war crimes of using chemical weapons and indiscriminate attacks in a civilian inhabited area," the report said.

The report, which also documents violations by al-Qaida's branch and other militant groups in Syria, comes at a time of considerable change in the political and diplomatic landscape and the emergence of de-escalation zones that have sharply reduced fighting in some areas.

Photo: AFP

Syrian government forces, backed by Russian and Iranian firepower and troops, on Tuesday broke a nearly three-year Islamic State siege of parts of the eastern city of Deir el-Zour. A US-led coalition is also battling the extremist group in Syria.

Syrian activists on Wednesday said fierce fighting is underway between pro-government forces and IS militants around a garrison in Deir el-Zour, after an IS counterattack late Tuesday involving multiple suicide bombings. The fighting was centered around the military base of the 137th Brigade on the outskirts of Deir el-Zour, where the siege had been breached the day before.

The advance of government forces in Deir el-Zour was a victory for Assad, and could soon provide relief for tens of thousands of civilians besieged by the militants since early 2015.
Border Police officers arrested a Palestinian armed with a knife near the Cave of the Patriarchs.

The Border Police said that the suspect was arrested after he aroused the suspicion of the soldiers at the inspection posts there.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross , Peter Maurer, to discuss the Israelis and bodies of IDF soldiers being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

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Maurer visited the strip on Tuesday and met with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar , asking him to be allowed to meet with "the Israeli soldiers missing in Gaza."

"We're concerned about this unbelievable cruelty," Netanyahu told Maurer. "We have bodies of our slain soldiers that even the information about them is kept (from us). And no less important, we have innocent, defenseless Israeli civilians held in the Gaza, which you sought to visit, (and) we want to get information about, but no. They're kept in a very closed and cruel way. I appreciate all of your help and all of your assistance in this humanitarian effort in the face of this Hamas cruelty."

Netanyahu meets with Red Cross head Maurer (: ")

X

"We have a mandate on international law but also on helping people and finding practical ways" to help, Maurer said. "I'm really looking forward once again to have an opportunity to look into some of the challenges we are confronted with today and see how the ICRC can eventually help with one or the other."

"I'm sure you can," Netanyahu responded. "Both in retrieving the bodies of our fallen soldiers but also in bringing back to Israel these defenseless, helpless civilians who are held by Hamas in contravention of all international norms and all the ideals the Red Cross has been established on."

Maurer and Netanyahu meet in Jerusalem (Photo: Koby Gideon, GPO)

Israel's intelligence community determined with high certainty that Hamas is holding two Israeli citizens: Abera Mengistu, 30, from Ashkelon, who has been in the strip since September 2014, and Hisham Shaaban al-Sayed, a Bedouin man from Hura, who crossed into Gaza in April 2015. Both are alive but suffering from physical and mental problems and need to be on medication on a regular basis.

In addition, Hamas is holding the bodies of IDF soldiers Lt. Hadar Goldin and Sgt. Oron Shaul, who were killed during the 2014 Operation Protective Edge in Gaza and their bodies were captured by Hamas.

Hamas is also holding an additional Israeli citizen, Jumaa Ibrahim Abu-Ghanima, whose presence in Gaza is defined as a "security affair" by the intelligence community, and he is not included on the list of POWs and MIAs. There is also doubt as to whether he really wants to return to Israel.

Sinwar has recently said he was willing to launch negotiations over the Israeli civilians and bodies of IDF soldiers being held by Hamas on the condition Israel frees Palestinian prisoners released in the 2011 Shalit deal who have been arrested again since for terror activity.
Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism) arrived in court earlier this week to request that an ultra-Orthodox teacher accused of physically abusing and sexually assaulting his students be allowed to attend a wedding.

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Porush asked that the defendant, Avraham Mordechai Rosenfeld , 49, be allowed to go out to his daughter's wedding, and even promised to keep watch on him to prevent him from doing anything that would constitute an obstruction of justice. The State Attorney's Office objects to the request.

In August 2016, an indictment was filed against six teachers at the Talmud Torah Machzikei Hadass School in Tel Aviv for years of assault on students aged 3-10. The other five were all convicted in July, sentenced to community service and ordered to pay NIS 10,000 in damages to the victims.

Deputy Education Minister Meir Porush (Photo: Avi Moalem)

Rosenfeld remains the main defendant as the allegations against him are much more severe than against the restwith 19 abuse charges he committed against minors and an additional charge of abuse against his son. He is also accused of extorting and threatening his wife.

The court decided he would remain in custody until the end of his trial. Recently, he submitted a request to the court to allow him to attend his daughter's wedding, which will take place a few days before his wife is due to testify.

"We heard a lot about the defendant," Porush said in his request. "We are actually talking about a bride here. This is the most important day in her life, and when the father is not there it's traumatic.

"I am willing to be responsible for his release from prison, to bring him to the wedding hall for a few hours and to make sure nothing (illegal) happens, God forbid. I am willing to accompany him throughout the event in line with the court's decision. All so the bride gets to have her father attend her wedding."

A representative of the Tel Aviv prosecutor's office explained in the hearing that the defendant is accused of a long list of instances of extreme violence and ill-treatment. "The concern is that if he leaves, he will influence his wife's testimony," he said.

The court will rule on the request in the coming days.

Attorney Haim Greenwald, who represents the defendant, said his client denies the charges against him. "His daughter asked him to come to the wedding," said the lawyer. "Honorable people came here promising to ensure that (he will be kept under watch). All the complaints against him were filed years ago, so where is the danger?

"There will be separation in the wedding between men and women, so he will not come into contact with (his wife). I do not understand the State Attorney's Office's obsession with him."
David Sharan, a former chief of staff at the Prime Minister's Office, received NIS 30,000 in cash from strategic consultants suspected of corruption in the submarine affair, Ynet learned on Wednesday.

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State witness Miki Ganor represented German conglomerate ThyssenKrupp in deals to sell submarines and patrol ships to Israel for its navy, as well as a deal to build an ammonia factory.

Ganor told police he transferred the alleged bribe money through strategic consultants Nati Mor and Tzachi Lieberwho were arrested earlier this weekto Sharan.

Ganor, Mor and Sharan (Photos: Amit Shaal, Orel Cohen)

Ganor provided investigators with information about a money transfer of NIS 50,000 plus VAT he had done less than a year ago to the two's bank account, following which Mor withdrew NIS 30,000 in cash from the account and allegedly gave them to Sharan.

Similar money transfers were done in 2014, after Lieber introduced Ganor and Sharan.

Ganor told investigators he considered Sharan another figure who could help promote his own interests as a representative of ThyssenKrupp in deals for which Ganor was expected to pocket millions in commissions.

Mor denied the allegations that he transferred the money to Sharan, saying he withdrew the sum for his own personal uses as an advance to his salary.

Investigators then asked Mor why Ganor transferred the money to the consulting firm's bank account, to which he had no answer. "The one who brought Ganor to the office is my partner Lieber. Ask him, he managed (Ganor's) account."

Mor's lawyer, Uri Keinan, tried to convince the judge to release his client from custody. "The police are not providing any information that ties my client to the matter, claiming they are showing everything to the court. My client denies any connection to the suspicions against him, and I hope the police reach the obvious conclusion that he is not involved at all," Keinan said.

Despite this, Mor's remand was extended by five days, with the judge noting there are "developments that strengthen the suspicions against him."

Lieber is scheduled to remain in custody until Thursday. His lawyer, Yair Regev, said in response, "We regret the fact the Investigations Unit chooses to release on bail the important suspects with the senior positions, while the minor suspects, who are not public servants, are kept in custody to pressure them to give the version they want. Ganor asked for the services of the consulting firm and paid them around NIS 100,000 for the consulting they provided. Taxes were paid and invoices were filed."

Sharan's lawyer declined to comment.
Drivers stuck in traffic as disabled protesters blocked the road were touched by an emotional display of humanity earlier this week when a policewoman tasked with dispersing protesters fed her own lunch to a wheelchair-bound woman with great patience, one spoonful after another.

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Dozens of disabled people began their demonstrations on Monday by blocking the entrances and exits to Caesarea, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lives, to protest the low disability benefits. During the hot afternoon, they continued north, toward the settlement of Bat Shlomo near Zikhron Ya'akov.

There, too, the disabled people left their cars and blocked the road, crying out for the prime minister to keep his promise to raise their benefits. "The holidays are coming, we can't survive this way," they shouted.

Police Sergeant Neta Shema feeds disabled protestor Iris Haya Zigdon (Photo: Zohar Shahar)

The Zikhron Ya'akov police officers dispatched to reopen the road showed great sensitivity to the protesters' plight. The policemen, who were given cold water bottles and lunch trays for themselves, handed them out to the disabled demonstrators instead.

"The oppressive heat made it very difficult for all of us, the policemen, and certainly the disabled," explained Neta Shema, 43, a sergeant at the Zikhron Ya'akov Police, who gave her lunch tray to Iris Haya Zigdon, 66, from Bat Yam, one of the disabled who were blocking the road.

"I explained to the nice policewoman that I was suffer paralysis in both hands, and I could not lift them to eat," Zigdon said Monday. "The amazing policewoman smiled at me and said: What's the problem? I'll make sure you eat.'

"She opened the tray that was intended for her, took a large spoon and fed me, in the middle of the roadblock, with rice and boiled vegetables. It was very hot, but she did not stop.

"The drivers who passed through the area applauded her. It's amazing to discover there are such policewomen out there. I have no words that would express my thanks to her."

Police Sergeant Neta Shema (Photo: Zohar Shahar)

The commander of the Police Coastal District, Amos Yaakov, explained that "it is important to enforce the law with determination, but with the necessary humanity toward to the disabled."
BRUSSELS - NATO urged all countries to step up efforts to enforce sanctions on North Korea and stop its weapons tests - an appeal that diplomats said was aimed at the reclusive state's trading partners, suspected of holding back on penalties.

All 29 ambassadors of the US-led military alliance issued the statement as world powers sought a common response to North Korea's sixth and largest nuclear bomb test, amid fears that more were on their way.

"It is now imperative that all nations implement more thoroughly and transparently existing UN sanctions and make further efforts to apply decisive pressure to convince the DPRK regime to abandon its current threatening and destabilising path," the statement read, referring to North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there were concerns that existing sanctions on North Korea have not been fully enforced by Pyongyang's few remaining trading partners, namely China and several African nations.

"China, African, other Asian countries continue to trade with North Korea. Our governments are saying to Guinea-Bissau, to Malaysia, to China that they need to tighten their sanctions enforcement," said a NATO diplomat involved in discussions about how to resolve the North Korea crisis.
PARIS - France's foreign minister said on Wednesday he was worried that US President Donald Trump could put into doubt a nuclear deal between Iran and a group of major world powers.

"The agreement which was passed two years ago enables Iran to give up on a nuclear weapon and so avoid proliferation. We have to guarantee this stance," Jean-Yves Le Drian said during a visit to Science-Po university in Paris.

"I am worried at this moment in time by the position of President Trump, who could put into question this accord. And if this accord is put into question then voices in Iran will speak up to say: 'Let's also have a nuclear weapon.' We are in an extremely dangerous spiral for the world."
WASHINGTON - The United States will send about 3,500 additional US troops to Afghanistan, US officials said on Wednesday, a figure broadly in line with expectations as the United States boosts support for the Afghan military.

The disclosure by the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, comes as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine General Joseph Dunford hold closed door briefings with members of Congress about President Donald Trump's regional strategy.

The Pentagon said it would not comment on additional troop numbers until Mattis makes an announcement.

If confirmed, it would bring the total number of US troops in Afghanistan to about 14,500.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

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Yangon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday suggested the setting up of a memorial to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose`s Indian National Army (INA) in Myanmar.

"It was in Myanmar that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose made the clarion call of `Give me blood and I will give you freedom`, to which many people responded," Modi said while addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora at the Thuwunna Stadium here on the second day of his three-day official visit to Myanmar.

He said that he had the good fortune to meet some of the soldiers of the INA in Myanmar who are now in very advanced stage of age.

"We (India and Myanmar) can together do a survey for an INA memorial here," he stated to much applause from the gathering.

Stating that people-to-people ties are the strength of India-Myanmar relations, he said that a road project connecting Manipur in northeastern India with Myanmar has been approved.

Estimates vary between 1.5 million and 2.5 million about the number of people of Indian origin living in Myanmar.

Praising the work of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for Indians abroad, Modi said: "She is sensitive to the concerns of every Indian in any part of the world and is always ready to help."

The Prime Minister said that all Myanmar citizens wishing to travel to India will get gratis visas. He also announced that 40 Myanmarese fishermen lodged in Indian jails would be released.

Talking about his government`s development initiatives, he said that "we are not merely reforming India but are transforming India".

"We have pledged to build a new India by the time independent India turns 75 in 2022," he said.

Stating that development of good infrastructure was necessary for this, Modi said: "Nineteenth century infrastructure cannot work in the 21st century. Good infrastructure is no longer about roads and rail only... it includes several other aspects that bring a qualitative change in society."

He also spoke about bringing about development in the agricultural sector.

"Infraculture is important. By infraculture I mean quality infrastructure that benefits our farmers," he said.

Stating that his government has not shied away from taking tough decisions, Modi said: "My government has not hesitated in surgical strikes, demonetisation and GST (Goods and Services Tax). GST is ushering in a new culture across the nation."

Earlier on Wednesday, Modi and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi headed delegation-level discussions in Nay Pyi Taw capital city, following which 11 agreements were signed between the two sides.

From Nay Pyi Taw, the Prime Minister went to the ancient city of Bagan where he visited the Ananda temple before coming to Yangon.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Tau on Tuesday on what is his first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had earlier to this country in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Summit.
Bengaluru: The Centre on Wednesday sought a detailed report from the Karnataka government even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ordered a probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh.

The Left-leaning journalist was shot dead in Bengaluru on Tuesday night.

According to ANI, Home Minister Rajnath Singh had instructed the Union Home Secretary to seek a report on murder of journalist from the Karnataka government.

Meanwhile, amid severe protests over the incident, the Congress government in Karnataka today ordered a SIT probe into the incident.

"An SIT has been formed, headed by an Inspector-General-level officer, to investigate the journalist killing," the Chief Minister said here after meeting top police officers at the state assembly Vidhan Soudha.

Asked if the investigation could be handed over to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team, Siddaramaiah said, "Have left it to the Director General of Police (RK Dutta) who will speak to the state Home Minister (Ramalinga Reddy) and decide."

"I have an open mind," the Congress leader said, adding that if the family members insist on a CBI investigation, the state could think about it.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her when she returned home from her office in the city.

Two hit her in the chest and one in the forehead.

She was the editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike".

In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against BJP leaders.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) MN Anucheth had told reporters that three special teams were set up to crack the case.

''They are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are tracking the movement of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders," he added.

"We have alerted our counterparts in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu as well," said Anucheth.

Gauri Lankesh Killing Triggers Political Storm

Meanwhile, the journalist's murder has also triggered a war of words between BJP and Congress.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today lashed out at the BJP saying, Anybody who speaks against ideology of BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

PM is a skilled Hindutva politician. There are two meanings of his words, one for his base and another for the world, Gandhi added.

The BJP had called Rahul Gandhis allegations baseless.

Baseless allegation, we have nothing to with Gauri Lankeshs murder, onus to maintain law and order is on the state government, that is Congress, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said.
Gaya: A sessions court here is set to pronounce on Wednesday the quantum of sentence against Rocky Yadav and three others in the Bihar road rage case for the murder of Aditya Sachdeva in May 2016 last year.

Rocky, the son of a powerful politician, was accused of shooting Aditya Sachdeva in a fit of rage after his car overtook his Land Rover on May 7.

Rocky was arrested on May 11 and later lodged in Gaya Central Jail.

The Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ), Sachchidanand Singh had on August 31 adjourned the decision against Rocky Yadav, son of suspended Janata Dal (United) leader Manorama Devi and three others in the death of Aditya Sachdeva.

Notably, a year after Aditya Sachdeva, a class 12 student was killed in a road rage case; Gaya District Court held Rocky Yadav and 3 others guilty in the murder case.

The Sessions court had reserved the quantum of sentencing for September 6.

In October last year, Rocky was granted bail by the Patna High Court but later the Supreme Court cancelled his bail and was sent back to jail.

According to police, Rocky has confessed that he killed Sachdeva.

Rockys mother Manorama Devi, suspended Janata Dal-United MLC, is a powerful figure and his father Bindi Yadav is a criminal-turned-politician in Gaya.
Mumbai: Actor Subrat Dutta, who is gearing up for the commercial release of "Sameer", says that the film is not about terrorism but the idea of terrorism and what we can do about it.



"It is a fictional story, inspired by a series of 21 blasts that happened in Ahmedabad on July 26, 2008, where more than 56 people died and over 200 people were injured. It is a political thriller on recent political scenarios. It is not about terrorism, it's about the idea of terrorism and what we can do about it.



"Where did it start and why has it increased to such an extent in today's date. In 2017 where the world has developed so much, why is terrorism still proving to be a problem for us?" he said on Tuesday.



Playing an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) officer is not an easy task, and Subrat, asked what were his references to play such a character, said meeting an ATS officer in Ahmedabad and an old co-actor's ATS husband helped him prepare for the role.



On the way he portrayed his character while filming, he said: "On a subconscious level, I was inspired by them (real ATS officers) while doing this role. The character is not very glamorous; it's like a normal simple man whose job is to encounter people.



"How he deals with all the problems on the field, how he struggles to gather information, how he manages to work under pressure, that's the character is all about. I have managed to incorporate everything into the character to create Mr Desai (his character name) on screen."



Nana Patekar has also played the role of "encounter specialist" in films like "Ab Tak Chhappan" and asked if he thinks there is a comparison between both the characters, Subrat said: "There is a similarity about their situations, there is lot of pressure to carry out their jobs, the difference is that in this film the officers already have the information about the blasts beforehand and their job is to stop the blasts from happening. So Desai is working in much more pressure, as he is in position to stop the blasts from happening."



Subrat has won Best Actor Award for Hindi film "Madholal-keep Walking" in International Competition Category at the 33rd Cairo International Film Festival in 2009 and for his Bengali film "BIBAR" (Calcutta, Unabashed) in International Competition Category, OsianCinefan in New Delhi in 2006.



"Sameer" also stars Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Anjali Patil, Chinmay Mandlekar, Seema Biswas, Manoj Shah, Alok Gagdeka, and Master Shubham Bajrange. Directed by Dakxin Bajrange Chhara, the film will release on September 8.
New Delhi: A union of Air India pilots on Wednesday asked the government to clear their salary arrears before the airline is privatised.

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) wrote a letter to Civil Aviation Minister A Gajapati Raju demanding the release of their "illegally withheld 25 per cent flying allowances and related allowances before disinvestment and/or privatisation".

The national carrier had resorted to salary cuts in 2012 for its employees as part of its turnaround plan. Since then, arrears have been accumulating even as certain section of employees accepted revised pay scales.

The letter by the pilots' union comes in the backdrop of the Union Cabinet approving disinvestment of Air India and appointing a group of ministers to chalk out the future course of action for the airline, which is saddled with a debt of Rs 48,876.81 crore as on March 31.

"We make a humble appeal to the government to issue orders for release of our illegally withheld 25 per cent flying allowances and related allowances before disinvestment and/or privatisation so that the new management can start with clean financial statements," says the ICPA letter.

The ICPA, which claims to have more than 1,000 members, represents the pilots of narrow-bodied planes of Air India.

The arrears to be paid to the 27,000-odd staff of Air India that includes pilots and cabin crew are estimated to be around Rs 1,200 crore. Out of the total amount, about Rs 400 crore is due for pilots, according to a senior pilot.

The union, however, said that they were not against the decision of privatisation per se.

"We are not averse to the decision of the government as we are confident that the government will act keeping in mind the best interest of the airline which has served the nation for decades," the letter said.

Fearing loss of jobs, other employees' unions of Air India have warned of large scale protests if the government went ahead with privatisation of the airline.

Raju, in an recent interview to PTI, had said that he thinks employees would still continue even after privatisation because of their technical know-how.
New Delhi: Directors of deregistered companies trying to siphon off money from bank accounts can face up to 10 years imprisonment, Ministry of Corporate Affairs said on Wednesday.

The move, part of a crackdown on illegal transactions and tax evasion, comes a day after authorities froze the bank accounts of 2.09 lakh suspected shell companies.

"In case the director or authorized signatory of any struck off company tries to unauthorizedly siphon-off money from its bank account, he/she may attract punishment of imprisonment of not less than six months extendible to 10 years," the Ministry of Corporate Affairs said in a statement.

"If it is found that the fraud involves public interest, the punishment shall not be less than 3 years and fine may also be imposed which would be three times the amount involved," it added.

In a review meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, P P Chaudhary today, it was also decided that the directors of shell companies that have not filed their returns for three or more years would be disqualified from holding such position in any other firm.

"It is expected that as a result of this exercise, at least two to three lakh of such disqualified directors shall get debarred," the statement said.

The government has also identified chartered accountants, company secretaries and cost accountants associated with shell firms in certain cases.

Professionals, CAs/ CSs/ Cost Accountants associated with Shell Cos & involved in illegal activities have been identified in certain cases.

 Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) September 6, 2017

On Tuesday, the government directed freezing bank accounts of more than 2.09 lakh companies whose names have been struck off from the records and had said action would be taken against more such firms.

About the directors and signatories of the over 2.09 lakh firms, the government had said they would not be able to operate bank accounts of such companies till these entities are legally restored.
New Delhi: For the first time in recent years India's second largest software exporter Infosys has delayed announcing its second-quarter results by nearly two weeks.

Citing logistics issues Infosys said that now the company will announce its Q2 results on October 24. Generally, Infosys discloses its quarter numbers within 15 days of the beginning of the next quarter.

It will be the The bellwether IT services firm's first earnings announcement after Nandan Nilekani's return to the company as the non-executive chairman.

Infosys reported better-than- expected 1.3 percent rise in its June quarter net profit.

Net profit in April-June 2017-18 at Rs 3,483 crore, or Rs 15.24 per share, was 1.3 percent higher than Rs 3,436 crore (Rs 15.03 a share) in the same period a year ago.

Infosys raised its US dollar revenue growth guidance for the fiscal to 7.1-9.1 percent, from the previously projected 6.1-8.1 percent. However, Infosys maintained its constant currency revenue guidance at 6.5-8.5 percent.
New Delhi: The Bombay High Court has asked Patanajali Ayurved not to air its toilet soap advertisement which allegedly attacked soap brands of Hindustan Unilever (HUL).

HUL has obtained an ad-interum injunction against the advertisement.

The order was passed by Justice KR Shriram.

The matter will be heard by the court on September 18.

Even from the digital platforms such as YouTube, the advertisement has been removed.

The advertisment allegedly mocks names of HUL soap brands such Lux, Lifebuoy, Pears and Dove.

In FY17, Patanjali Ayurved contributed Rs 9,634 crore to its turnover, while Divya Pharmacy that manufactures ayurvedic medicines had clocked Rs 870 crore sales.

During the fiscal, Patanjali ghee had a business of Rs 1,467 crore and oral care brand Dant Kanti Rs 940 crore. Its personal care brand Keshkanti had sales of Rs 825 crore and herbal soap Rs 574 crore.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to take all necessary steps to trace missing Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Najeeb Ahmad.

Najeeb Ahmad is missing since October 15, 2016.

The court order came after CBI filed the status report in HC detailing steps taken to trace the missing JNU student.

The central probe agency sought more time from the court to reach conclusion in the case.

Najeeb, 27, a first year M Sc student, has not been traced since he went missing from his JNU hostel on the night of October 14-15, allegedly after a row with members of the RSS' students wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

The high court had transferred the case to the CBI after the Delhi Police said it has carried out the investigation in a fair manner searching for Ahmad across India, but came up with zero success.

The court's direction came while hearing a habeas corpus plea filed by Fatima Nafees, Ahmad's mother, that her son be produced by the police and the Delhi government before the court.
New Delhi: Rakesh Kumar, a Special Protection Group (SPG) commando deployed at Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence, has gone missing, leaving the security agencies in a tizzy.

According to Jansatta.com, the SPG commando is missing since September 3, and the Tughlak Road Police team has begun a massive search for him.

However, all efforts by the Delhi Police have not yielded any results so far.

The SPG commando was not 'on duty' the day he went missing from Sonia Gandhi's residence.

The Delhi Police search team is now trying to figure out why he came to duty in 'uniform' on the day he was put off the daily roster.

Delhi Police is taking the matter seriously since it involves the security of Sonia Gandhi - a VVIP SPG protectee.

The 31-year-old missing SPG commando has been residing in a rented flat in Sector 8 of Dwarka along with his family.

Rakesh Kumar's father had lodged a missing person complaint with the Delhi Police after which the matter came to light.

According to initial investigation, Rakesh Kumar had reported to duty on September 1 and even met his colleagues deployed at Sonia Gandhi's residence.

He left the premises around 11 am and did not carry his service revolver.

Since he was also not carrying his mobile phone, no contacts could be made with him afterwards.

His family members have ruled out any enmity or personal feud with any one.

When he did not return home on September 2, Rakesh Kumar's family members assumed that he must have gone to meet a friend and stayed at his home.

Still clueless about him, his family reported the matter to senior authorities posted at the 10 Janpath residence on September 3.

A formal inquiry began after his family lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police.
Luxembourg: The EU`s top court on Wednesday threw out a challenge from Hungary and Slovakia against a quota scheme by Brussels to force member states to admit thousands of asylum seekers.

The European Union approved the controversial scheme two years ago as it grappled with Europe`s worst migrant crisis since World War II, but Hungary and Slovakia went to court to block the plan, backed by other eastern member states.

In its ruling, the European Court of Justice said: "The court dismisses the actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary against the provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers."

The verdict by the court in Luxembourg was welcomed by the European Commission, the executive of the 28-nation bloc.

"ECJ confirms relocation scheme valid. Time to work in unity and implement solidarity in full," said EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos.

The top court upheld the right of EU institutions to "respond effectively and swiftly to an emergency situation characterised by a sudden inflow of displaced persons".

It also held that the European Council, the body gathering the member states, "was not required to act unanimously when it adopted the contested decision".

It was referring to the decision by a majority of EU member states in Brussels in September 2015 to relocate 120,000 Syrian and other asylum seekers from overstretched Greece and Italy to most of the other 28 EU member states.

It is part of a scheme to relocate a total of 160,000 asylum seekers.

Officials in Brussels have argued that the scheme is legally binding on member states, including those that voted against the quotas like Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Romania.

Poland initially supported the plan but has come out strongly opposed since a right-wing government came to power.

The court statement said Poland intervened in support of Hungary during the proceedings, while the executive European Commission, along with Greece, Italy, Germany, Sweden and several other member states, backed the relocation plan.

Eastern European member states opposed the plan, saying they were not equipped to integrate people from mainly Muslim countries.

Brussels launched the relocation scheme in September 2015, the year more than one million migrants arrived in Europe by sea.

It was introduced as an exception to the so-called Dublin rules under which migrants must apply for asylum in the member state where they first land.

Under international and European law, countries are required to grant asylum to people fleeing war or persecution but not those classed as economic migrants.

Political pressures have eased with a decline in migrant flows.

This is mainly a result of a controversial deal the EU signed with Turkey in March last year to send back migrants in return for billions of euros in aid and for admitting asylum seekers directly from refugee camps in Turkey.

However, the scheme has faced trouble from the start.

EU figures show that just under 28,000 people have been relocated since the two-year scheme was launched in September 2015.

In addition to outright opposition from eastern member states, other EU member states have dragged their feet despite having voted for the plan.

Under the plan, Hungary must admit more than 2,300 asylum seekers, while Slovakia must in the long term take in 1,400.

The court verdict appears set to boost legal action the European Commission launched in June against Poland and Hungary for having failed to admit any asylum seekers.

It also took legal action against the Czech Republic for having stopped taking them but spared Slovakia which agreed to take a handful of them.

The EU action known as infringement proceedings could see the three countries referred to the Court of Justice and given stiff financial penalties.
Madrid: Spanish and Moroccan police have arrested five Moroccans and one Spaniard suspected of belonging to an Islamist militant cell that simulated decapitations, the Spanish interior ministry said on Wednesday.

The arrests mark the first big raids since a double Islamist attack in Catalonia in August that killed 16 people, most of whom were mown down by a van in Barcelona.

The cell was at an advanced stage of activity, the ministry said. It did not say whether those arrested were men or women.

The group held secret night meetings at which they planned large-scale attacks, and carried out physical training sessions in which they simulated cutting off victims` heads, the ministry said.

Five of the arrested were Moroccan, one with Spanish residence rights. One was Spanish of Moroccan heritage. One was arrested in the Spanish north African enclave of Melilla, and the rest in Morocco.

Spanish police have arrested 199 people in the country accused of connections to militant groups since raising the security alert to one notch below the highest level in 2015.
New Delhi: BJP chief Amit Shah will launch his party's campaign for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections by addressing what is being touted as the biggest ever townhall in the country in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

The theme of the program is 'Adikhan Gujarat' or 'Resolute Gujarat' during which the Shah will be fielding questions from young participants from the state.

Besides Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders are slated to hold dozens of rallies and roadshows in Gujarat in the run up to the assembly polls in the state.

PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe would visit the state for three days during mid-September.

Modi and Abe would also do the bhumi pujan, the ground-breaking ceremony, for the Ahmedabad-Mumbai high speed train during their visit to the state from September 13 to 15.

The saffron party has already launched a massive publicity drive ahead of the function, with the party releasing a jingle and an eight-minute video chronicling Gujarat's development under BJP rule.

Quota agitation spearheaded by Hardik Patel of the Patidar community has been the biggest political challenge BJP has faced in the last two decades it has been in power in the state.

The community, at the core of BJP's social coalition in Gujarat, had been seeking reservations in jobs and education. The agitation saw the participation of a large number of youths from the Patidar community.

Since then, party has made a concerted effort to reach out to a large section of the young voters in the state and Shah's townhall is being seen as a part of that larger campaign.

While 22 thousand people have already enrolled to participate in the program, the figure may touch one lakh by Sunday.

Besides, the party also plans to roll out 80 Narmada Raths. The water level in the Narmada Dam is expected to touch its maximum height next week. The chariots will ply across the state to commemorate the occasion, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also be travelling to Gujarat.

A slew of other events are also planned for next week before Election Commission announces poll dates and Model Code of Conduct comes into effect.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will be in Ahmedabad early next week to hold a workshop for BJP spokespersons and social media teams.
Sirsa: Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh continues to grab headlines even a fortnight after his conviction in rape cases of two sadhvis.

A former journalist from Haryana has made a starling claim that if excavation inside the Dera campus is carried out, a large number of human skeletons will be found.

Speaking exclusively to Zee Media, former Haryana journalist Ramanand Tatia suggested that the excavations should be done in the presence of national media.

Attempting to further expose the convicted Dera chief, the journalist claimed that those who opposed Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh were brutally murdered and then secretly buried inside the campus.

He claimed that if the entire Dera premise is thoroughly searched and excavated, truth about the mysterious disappearance of nearly 500 people will automatically come to fore.

Ramanand Tatia further claimed that several Dera followers were asked to sign an undertaking stating only they shall be responsible for their death.

He claimed that the influential Dera chief and his close aides had forcibly confiscated lands of several poor farmers for constructing a luxurious sultanate inside the sect's premises in Haryana's Sirsa and elsewhere.

Investigations have now revealed that Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh had spent crores for creating a sprawling mansion inside the sect's premises in Haryana's Sirsa.

Singh, currently serving a 20-year sentence in Rohtak jail after being convicted of raping two sadhvis or female followers, lived like a king, trying to recreate the seven wonders of the world.

The Punjab and Haryana governments will soon conduct search operations inside the premises under the supervision of a retired session judge appointed by the High court. Security has been beefed up inside and outside the Dera.

The search operation is expected to reveal many secrets of Ram Rahim who's currently lodged in Rohtak jail.
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday gave the CBI two weeks to conclude the probe in the Kotkhai rape and murder case of a teenager, and the custodial death of an accused, while voicing concern over the slow pace of investigation.

A division bench of the high court comprising acting Chief justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Sharma passed the order after the CBI submitted the status report in respect of both the cases in a sealed envelope.

When the bench asked why the investigation was taking so long, CBI lawyer Anshul Bansal told the court that the probe in the rape-cum-murder of the minor girl and the custodial death of an accused--Suraj--was almost complete and the challan would be filed soon.

He also urged the court not to make the status report public.

The CBI counsel said the investigation in the case of custodial death of Suraj would also help solve the rape-murder case of the class 10 student.

He also said the CBI wanted to conduct polygraphy test on the accused in Ahmedabad and more time would be required for it. The CBI has already sought the court's permission for the test. It also requires permission of the accused for polygraphy, popularly known as lie detector test.

The twin cases were ordered to be handed over to the CBI by the High Court on July 19. The central probe agency registered FIRs in the two cases on July 22.

The CBI has so far submitted three status reports to the high court.

Eight police officers including Z H Zaidi, an IG rank officer, and Manoj Joshi, DSP, were arrested by the CBI on July 29 in the custodial death case.

The court will resume hearing on September 21.

The school girl was raped and killed at Halaila village in Kotkhai area of Shimla district on July 4.

The girl had gone missing while on her way back from school and her body was found in a forest two days later, triggering massive protests.
Washington: Five Indian-Americans, including four women, have figured in the 2017 Politico 50 list for their note-worthy contributions in the US politics.

Led by US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, the list also comprises Seema Verma who heads a top health care position in the Trump administration, lawyer Neal Katyal, economist Aparna Mathur and lawyer Neomi Rao.

Describing Haley as "Trump's foreign policy good cop", the magazine said yesterday that the former South Carolina governor had quickly emerged as the security blanket that Republicans and even some Democrats can cling to when trying to grasp where the Trump administration stands on global affairs.

She is ranked at number 22.

"Haley's commitment to both her boss in the White House and a traditional foreign policy can sometimes induce cognitive dissonance. She is focused on human rights, sounding off on everything from Venezuela to South Sudan, but dismisses suggestions that Trump ? who seems indifferent to the topic ? doesn't care," the magazine said in its report.

Haley, 45, is followed by Verma at 26th spot as Administrator, center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

She has been described as Medicaid rollback engineer.

"Now Verma leads a 6,500-person federal bureaucracy that oversees not just Obamacare but Medicare for seniors and Medicaid for the poor. She has promised more flexibility for states to experiment with new Medicaid approaches that would let them skirt federal requirements, and signalled a willingness to green-light policy ideas she helped shepherd in Indiana," the report said.

Under Verma's oversight, Medicaid could look quite different, whether or not Obamacare remains the law of the land, it said.

Aparna Mathur, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, is ranked 32 for making the conservative case for family leave.

Neal Katyal, partner at Hogan Lovells is ranked 40 for being US President Donald Trump's travel ban's legal nemesis.

"Katyal, the 47-year-old Chicago-born son of Indian immigrants, has drawn particular attention for arguing that Trump's order runs afoul of immigration laws on the books that determine whom the president can exclude from the country and how visas are issued," the report said.

"That approach gives judges a chance to block the ban without wading into the politically explosive question of Trump's motivation and whether the president aimed to discriminate on the basis of religion," it said.

Neomi Rao, director office of Information and regulatory affairs has been described as Washington's new regulatory czar.

She has been ranked at 42nd position.

"As head of OIRA, Rao will scrutinise all significant regulations the Trump administration proposes, ensuring that agencies stick to the White House's agenda. She is also responsible for implementing Trump's executive orders directing agencies to repeal two regulations for each significant one they issue, and to draw up plans for regulatory reform," the report said.

The list is topped by Steve Bannon, the former White House Chief Strategist and concludes with Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the killing of senior Kannada journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh.

Commenting on the killing of Gauri Lankesh, the Congress leader said, It is a philosophy...anybody who speaks against the ideology of BJP and RSS, is pressurised, beaten, attacked and even killed.

People say that the PM is quiet and not said anything, the point is that the entire ideology is to crush dissent, Rahul Gandhi added.

Calling PM Modi a skilled 'Hindutva politician', Rahul said, "Sometimes, under pressure, the Prime Minister makes some statements. But the entire idea is to crush dissent," adding that "non-violence is the history of this nation... Murder cannot be justified".

The Gandhi scion further accused the PM of double speak.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also condemned the killing of Gauri Lankesh and said it was a chilling reminder that "intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society".

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of the senior journalist at her Bengaluru home and demanded a speedy investigation.

Gauri Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence.

Meanwhile, the brother of Gauri Lankesh on Wednesday confirmed that two CCTV cameras were fixed at near the gate and door, and the footage can reveal what actually happened on Tuesday night when her sister was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence.

"The two CCTV cameras (near the gate and door) even without lights has captured the whole incident and in fact from the footage we can make out what has actually happened there.. planning and execution everything is recorded there," the brother said.
Bengaluru: As the Karnataka Police is on the hunt to trace and nab the killers of Gauri Lankesh, the CCTV cameras installed at the residence of senior Kannada journalist-activist, are expected to provide enough evidence to crack the high-profile murder case.

The brother of Gauri Lankesh on Wednesday confirmed that two CCTV cameras were fixed at near the gate and door, and the footage can reveal what actually happened on Tuesday night when her sister was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence.

"The two CCTV cameras (near the gate and door) even without lights has captured the whole incident and in fact from the footage we can make out what has actually happened there.. planning and execution everything is recorded there," the brother said.

Gauri Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence.

The manner in which Lankesh was shot dead was reminiscent of the way Kannada progressive thinker and researcher MM Kalburgi was shot dead in August 2015 at his residence in Dharwad in the state's northwest region, about 400km from Bengaluru.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru and hoped that there would be a speedy investigation and justice delivered.
Delhi: The IIMC Alumni Association has demanded a court-monitored SIT probe into well-known journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder.

In a statement, they said on Wednesday, "IIMCA is shocked at the brutal murder of senior alumna and journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. We strongly condemn the use of violence as an arm to suppress the freedom of expression of a citizen. Gauri Lankesh, known for her fearless journalism and uncompromising stand on free speech, will live in our memories forever. Her murder is an attempt to silence the voice of dissent."

They added, "IIMC Alumni Association demands that the Karnataka Government take prompt actions to bring the culprits to justice for Gauri along with court monitored SIT probe into the killing."

The statement is signed by Mihir Ranjan, general secretary of the association.

Gauri, 55, was on Tuesday night shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her as she returned home from her office in the city.

Two bullets hit her in the chest and one in the forehead.

She was the editor of popular Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike'.

Her mortal remains were buried at a cemetery in Chamarajpet in central Bengaluru.



Gauri Lankesh hailed from the Lingayat community that does not cremate its dead.

Thousands of people bade a tearful farewell to renowned Kannada journalist-activist as she was laid to rest with full state honours in Bengaluru.



A police honour guard gave a gun-salute to the slain journalist.

(With IANS inputs)
New Delhi: India and Japan came together to condemn North Korea`s September 3 nuclear test, a joint statement released after India-Japan Annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue said on Wednesday.



The two-day dialogue was held on September 5-6, in Tokyo, between Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera.



(Though Nirmala Sitharaman was named the new Defence Minister on Sunday as part of a reshuffle on Sunday, Jaitley had said he would represent India at the Dialogue. "It is a very important security dialogue between the two countries ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister`s visit and therefore changes are not advisable. I will continue for next two days to complete the dialogue, and Ms. Sitharaman will take the charge of the ministry as soon as the dialogue ends," he had told reporters.)



The statement said the Ministers exchanged views on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.



"They condemned in the strongest terms North Korea`s nuclear test of September 3, 2017, which is in violation of its international obligations and commitments, including under relevant UNSC resolutions.



It also "called upon North Korea to cease such action which adversely impacts peace and stability of the region and beyond," the joint statement said.



The Ministers also expressed satisfaction at the success of Japan-India-US Trilateral Maritime Exercise Malabar 2017 in July, and confirmed their intention to further deepen and advance the objectives of this exercise.



Onodera expressed his intention to have state-of-the-art Japanese assets including P-1 to participate in the next edition of the Malabar exercise in 2018 and Jaitley welcomed his proposal, the statement said.



"The Ministers noted the importance of bilateral training interactions between Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The two sides will consider inclusion of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training to expand cooperation," it said.



In addition the ministers agreed to pursue exchanges and training by ASW aviation units such as Lockheed P-3 Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft. The Japanese side proposed to invite Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training held by JMSDF.
New Delhi: Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said the country should be prepared for a two-front war, insisting China has started "flexing its muscles", while there seems to be no scope for reconciliation with Pakistan whose military and polity saw an adversary in India.

Referring to the 73-day long Dokalam standoff, the Army Chief warned that the situation could gradually snowball into a larger conflict on the northern border.

He said there is a possibility that these conflicts could be limited in space and time or can expand into an all out war along the entire frontier, with Pakistan taking advantage of the situation.

"We have to be prepared. In our context, therefore, warfare lies within the realm of reality," he said, adding the Army's supremacy among the three services must be maintained to successfully combat external security threats.

The comments by Gen Rawat came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a "forward-looking" approach to Sino-India ties, putting behind the Dokalam standoff.

The Army Chief said India cannot afford to let its guard down against China.

"As far as northern adversary is concerned, the flexing of muscle has started. The salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, testing our limits of threshold is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations emerging which could gradually emerge into conflict," he said.

In military parlance salami slicing denotes divide and conquer process of threats and alliances used to overcome opposition.

He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies.

The Army chief also talked about China engaging in a psychological warfare by using the media and information technology against India during the Dokalam face-off.

The Army chief rejected the notion that credible deterrence could prevent war and pitched for adequate budgetary allocation for the armed forces.

Talking about Pakistan, Gen Rawat said there was no scope for any reconciliation with that country.

"As far as our western adversary is considered, we don't see any scope of reconciliation, because their military, the polity, and the people in that nation have been made to believe that there is an adversary, India, which is all out to break their nation into pieces," he said.

Gen Rawat also wondered how long the country will continue to tolerate the proxy war by Pakistan and when it would conclude that Pakistan has crossed the threshold limit, adding the scope of a possible conflict is difficult to predict. He said it was for the political masters to take a call on the issue.

Rawat also explained that credible deterrence does not take away the threat of war.

"Nuclear weapons are weapons of deterrence. Yes, they are. But to say that they can deter war or they will not allow nations to go to war, in our context that may also not be true," he said.
Yangon: Addressing the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that his government was not afraid of taking 'big' and 'tough' decisions in the interest of the country.

He asserted that his government could take such decisions because it considers the country above politics.

"In the national interest, we are not afraid of taking big and tough decisions because for us, the country is above politics. Whether it be the surgical strikes, demonetisation or GST, all decisions were taken without any fear or hesitation," PM Modi told the gathering.

Referring to the note ban, he said the step was taken to curb black money and that it had helped identify lakhs of people who had crores of rupees in bank accounts but never paid income tax.

He also said that registration of over two lakh companies had been cancelled in last three months as those had been found to be indulging in laundering of black money.

"To deal with corruption, we banned currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination. A handful of corrupt people were making 125 crore people pay for their misdeeds. This was not acceptable to us," PM Modi said.

"There used to be no clue as to from where black money was coming and where it was going," he said in 35-minute address.

Talking about GST, he said an "atmosphere of doing business with honesty" had been created in the country within a span of two months after its launch.

He said that over the last three years, his government had initiated massive changes and rules were being eased to unshackle the potential of the country.

"Now, the people of the country have begun believing that India can move forward. The shackles can be broken," he said.

"We are not merely reforming India but transforming India. We are not changing India, but we are building a new India," he said, adding 2022 was the target year to achieve this as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the country's independence.

In the context of building a new India, he talked about the pledge to rid the country of problems like terrorism, communalism and corruption.

Underlining the need for enhanced cooperation with Myanmar and other East Asian nations, Modi, who is on a three-day visit here, said the Kaladan multi-modal transport project should become a "development corridor".

He told the gathering that the Indian government had already taken decisions to merge Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) cards and do away with police reporting for those having long-term visas among various measures for their benefit.

He also showered praise on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, saying she was always there, ready to help any Indian in trouble anywhere in the world.

"People facing problems anywhere in the world contact Sushmaji through tweets without any hesitation... I do not think there will be any foreign minister like Sushmaji anywhere in the world who actively helps the countrymen in trouble just on the basis of a tweet," PM Modi said.

Later he tweeted:

I thank the Indian diaspora for their unforgettable affection during the community programme in Yangon. https://t.co/GE7emiDvAu  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2017

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: Slamming Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday termed as 'irresponsible, baseless and false' the allegations linking the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh to the BJP or people following its ideology.

"The present government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh," the Road Transport, Highways, Shipping and Water Resources Minister told reporters.

"The reaction on this incident by the president of a political party is very irresponsible, baseless and false," Gadkari said without naming the Congress chief.

Gadkari added that he condemned the incident but the manner in which the ruling party is being portrayed by some political parties was unfortunate and objectionable.

"If there is a murder and somebody is accused of it, unless and until there is any evidence, that person cannot be pronounced guilty. Some people have allergy with Bhartiya Janata Party. They are unable to digest the good work by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister. They are levelling such false and baseless allegations," the former BJP president said, as per PTI.

He said such "irresponsible and false" allegations "will cause harm to democracy" and any such projection that the BJP is linked to it is an injustice to the party.

The BJP leader also hit out at Rahul, who had alleged that anybody who spoke against the ideology of the BJP and the RSS, was pressured, beaten and even killed.

The Congress VP described PM Modi as a "skilled Hindutva politician" whose comments had one meaning for his supporters and another for the rest of the world.

Taking exception to the remarks, Gadkari said, "This is very unfortunate. The country's PM is not of one party and is the nation's honour. For a responsible leader of a political party, levelling such baseless and untrue allegation is unfortunate. It is not good for Indian democracy."

He added that the PM was presently abroad to further the country's interests and it was unfortunate that such allegations were being levelled against him.

Earlier, condemning the journalist's murder, Sonia had said that the party stood as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated. It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society," she said in a statement.

On the other hand, Rahul had said:

Anybody who speaks against the RSS/BJP is attacked &even killed. They want to impose only one ideology which is against the nature of India  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 6, 2017

Sometimes the PM speaks under pressure but the entire idea is to crush dissent and this is resulting in a very serious problem in India September 6, 2017

The Kannada journalist-activist was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence on Tuesday night.

(With PTI inputs)
Naypyidaw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi amid a raging crisis involving Rohingyas in the country's Rakhine state.

The two leaders discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.

Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi said Myanmar plays an important role in India's Act East Policy.

The deepening relationship with Myanmar is a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of 'Act East Policy', the Indian PM announced.

Addressing the media in Hindi, PM Modi said, New Delhi would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka saath sabka vikaas' initiative.

The PM announced that India will give Gratis visa for the Myanmar citizens visiting India.

He also touched upon the issue of Rohingya Muslims.

While raising the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries, the PM said that New Delhi wants a solution to the Rohingya crisis which is acceptable to all the parties.

"We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state, violence against security forces and the loss of innocent lives," the PM said, adding that "New Delhi hopes that all stakeholders together find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected."

PM stressed on the importance of maintaining security and stability along the long land and maritime borders of India and Myanmar.

Also Read - PM Modi in Myanmar: A meeting with Suu Kyi and the Rohingya crisis

Suu Kyi is under mounting international pressure to stop the alleged human rights violations against the Rohingyas, who are denied citizenship in Myanmar.

Thousands of Rohingyas are crossing over into Bangladesh -- where they are sparingly given refugee status -- to escape from the violence in Rakhine state. Media reports quoted the UNHCR spokesperson in Bangladesh as saying that at least 123,000 Rohingyas have crossed over.

The latest exodus began on August 25, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.
Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the famous early 12th-century Ananda Temple in Myanmar's ancient city Bagan which is being renovated with India's assistance after it was damaged in a tremor last year.

The Buddhist temple, one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture, is believed to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.

The temple's architecture shows Mon and Indian influence.

"Connecting with history. PM @narendramodi pays respects at Ananda Temple, the most historical and venerated temple in Bagan, Myanmar," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The second largest temple in the Bagan region was first damaged in an earthquake in 1975, and again when a 6.8 magnitude quake shook Myanmar last year.

India and Myanmar signed an agreement in 2010 to restore the Ananda Temple and New Delhi allocated USD 3 million to the project being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India. The ASI will also restore a number of pagodas and murals damaged by last year's earthquake.

Modi was briefed on the progress of the restoration by officials and through a photo exhibit at the temple. He prayed and also did a 'parikrama' of the temple during the visit.

Modi, in his address with Myanmar State State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, said he was excited to pay tributes to the monuments of religious and historical importance.

According to a legend, King Kyanzittha built the temple after eight monks from India visited him and told him about a cave temple in the Himalayas. The vision of a snowy landscape so impressed the king that he decided to replicate the temple in Bagan.
Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar is expected to chart a roadmap for closer cooperation between the two nations in areas like security and counter-terrorism.

PM Modi met Myanmar State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday morning. The meeting is expected to raise the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

PM Modi, who reached Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday from the BRICS summit in Xiamen, met Myanmar President Htin Kyaw and discussed steps to deepen the 'historical relationship' between the two neighbours.

"Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw," he later tweeted.

Presented Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween. pic.twitter.com/I84UUei3jk  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 5 September 2017

Myanmar is facing intense scrutiny over latest round of violence against roughly 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that Rohingyas were illegal immigrants and stand to be deported.

"I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingyas are registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or not. They are illegal immigrants in India," said Rijiju.

He also asserted that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

Nearly 14,000 Rohingyas living in India are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.
New Delhi: Amid reports of a rift in its Bihar unit, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met several party MLAs in the state and sought to know from them the political situation and also the future course of action.



Of the 27 Congress MLAs in Bihar, about 6-7 MLAs met Gandhi on Wednesday. The rest will meet him on Thursday.



"Rahulji wanted to know from us what was happening in the state in after the Grand Alliance broke and took our suggestions on our future course of action in Bihar," said an MLA who attended Wednesday`s meeting.



"It is the high command`s prerogative to change the state party leadership. But as of now, there is no infighting in the Congress state unit," the leader added.



Congress General Secretary in charge of Bihar C.P. Joshi said it was a regular meeting with the MLAs and their views were sought about the current political situation in the state.



Congress Legislature Party leader Sadanand Singh told IANS that he did not attend Wednesday`s meeting.



Congress Bihar unit President Ashok Choudhary had met party chief Sonia Gandhi on August 31 and said the state unit was united.


New Delhi: Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday hit out those expressing happiness at the killing of activist-journalist Gauri Lankesh on social media.

While several people condemned her murder in Bengaluru last night, many on social media also posted hateful comments. Some even justified Lankesh's murder.

"Expressing happiness on the killing of anyone is shameful, regrettable and totally against Indian traditions. Social media is not for that.

"I strongly condemn & deplore the messages on social media expressing happiness on the dastardly murder of #Gaurilankesh," Prasad said in a series of tweets.

He hoped that the Karnataka police would soon nab the killers.

The killing unleashed outrage across the country even as the Karnataka government quickly set up a Special Investigation Team to probe the crime.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a 13-year-old Mumbai rape survivor to terminate her 31-week-old pregnancy.

The bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar perused the medical report filed by a board of doctors of JJ hospital, set up by the court, and granted the nod for termination of pregnancy.

Keeping in view the age of the victim, the trauma she faced, we allow her to terminate her pregnancy, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said in his order.

The apex court passed the order while responding to a plea moved by the minor girl's mother who had sought its permission to terminate the pregnancy of her daughter.

During the previous hearing in the case, a bench comprising Justices SA Bobde and L Nageswara Rao had directed that a medical board would be constituted at Mumbai-based Sir JJ Group of Hospitals to examine the minor girl and ascertain the condition and advisability of permitting abortion.

Section 3(2)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act prohibits abortion of a foetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The minor girl's mother, through advocate Sneha Mukharjee, had filed a plea in the apex court seeking its nod to terminate the pregnancy of her daughter.

Earlier, on July 28, the top court had rejected a petition, on medical grounds, filed by another 10-year-old rape victim, who sought permission to terminate her 31-week-old pregnancy.

The minor girl had recently delivered a child in Chandigarh.

The court's order had come after taking note of a medical report that abortion would neither be good for the girl, nor for the foetus.
New Delhi: Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru and hoped that there would be a speedy investigation and justice delivered.

The Kannada journalist-activist, known for her left- leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence last night.

"Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted and justice delivered. Condolences to the family," the minister said on Twitter.

Lankesh, 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately, with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said.

She died instantaneously.
Srinagar: Senior Kashmiri separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik on Wednesday said the NIA raids would not deter them and they would court arrest at the headquarters of the anti-terror agency on September 9.

Addressing the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), the leaders said they have booked tickets for Delhi to court arrest. The statements came as the premier investigating agency that is presently probing the terror funding case in Jammu and Kashmir carried out fresh raids at 11 places in the Valley.

"We are your targets. Keep the doors of Tihar Jail open, we are coming," Pro-Azadi Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Malik said.

The separatist leaders announced that they will hold a protest march to the Delhi headquarters of the National Investigation Agency on September 9 and court arrest to protest against the "harassment" of separatist leaders by the investigation agency.

While Farooq and Malik were present at the press conference, Geelani addressed the media on phone since he is under house arrest in the city`s uptown Hyderpora area.

Geelani said the NIA had been "unleashed on the leaders of the local freedom movement" to break the people`s resolve, adding that such tactics would not deter the Kashmiris from seeking their basic right to self-determination.

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Malik said: "After repeated crackdowns and beating of locals, including young girls and elderly people, the government has brought in the NIA to discredit the people`s movement in Kashmir."

Questioning the credibility of official agencies, Malik alleged that those detained under the Public Safety Act but ordered to be released by the High Court were booked on some other charge under the said law.

He also claimed that people in Kashmir were spending lakhs of rupees on the education of their children who were accused by the government of getting paid Rs 300 to throw stones at security forces and thus risk their lives.

"In the name of crackdowns, young girls and old people are beaten up in south Kashmir areas in order to deter people from their struggle," the JKLF leader said.

The separatist response to court arrest came on a day the NIA conducted raids at 26 places, including 12 in the Valley and four in Delhi, in connection with a terror funding case.

"NIA teams searched 11 locations in Srinagar and five in Delhi. They are related to the Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case. The searches are still going on," an NIA official in Delhi told IANS.

In Srinagar, the raids were being carried out at the offices and residences of Bashir Ahmad Kaloo, Showkat Ahmad Kaloo, Abdul Rashid Bhat, Firdous Iqbal Wani, Sajad Syed Khan and Imran Causa.

In Delhi, the searches were being conducted in the Shadipur depot and Khari Baoli area at the residences and office premises of Ganga Bishan Gupta, Firoz Akhtar Siddiqui and Sunil Kumar Jain, the officer said.

The NIA in July arrested several separatist leaders in connection with the probe into the terror funding by Pakistan-based terrorist groups to stoke unrest in the Kashmir Valley.
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches at 11 locations in Jammu and Kashmir and the national capital in connection with its ongoing probe into the terror funding to stoke unrest in the Valley.

The probe agency is currently conducting raids at six locations in Srinagar and five in Delhi.

Earlier, the NIA had arrested seven separatist leaders in connection with its probe into terror funding from Pakistan and militant groups based there.

The NIA had alleged that money was being raised to fund separatist and terror activities in J&K.

The agency had claimed that the accused were waging war against the country and were involved in various offences punishable under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Shah was among those arrested. Other arrested are Nayeem Khan, Ayaz Akbar Khanday, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Peer Saifullah (all from Geelani's faction of Hurriyat), Shahid-ul-Islam (of the Hurriyat faction led by the Mirwaiz) and Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karatay of a faction of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front.

Kashmiri businessman Zahoor Watali was also arrested and sent to NIA custody by a court earlier this month.

Former Pakistan-administered Kashmir Prime Minister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhary had attended the marriage ceremony of Watali's son at the businessman's residence in the posh Srinagar neighbourhood of Baagaat. His business empire is reportedly spread in Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Dubai.

Watali was arrested by the NIA on the charges of receiving funds from Pakistan to sponsor terror activities and stone-pelting in Kashmir. He is said to be close to Geelani.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday flagged off `Narmada Mahotsav Yatra' from Surendranagar as part of a two-week celebration to mark the completion of Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river.

Eighty-four `Narmada Raths' or `chariots' would travel across the state in these two weeks to spread awareness about the importance of the project, an official release said.

The Yatra would culminate in Dabhoi town of Vadodara district on September 17, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend the closing ceremony. September 17 happens to be Modi's birthday.

While Rupani flagged off a chariot in Surendranagar, other vehicles, all carrying statues of `Maa Narmada' (Mother Narmada), were flagged off from other parts of the state.

Without naming the Congress, Rupani blamed the party for `stalling' the project when it was in power in the Centre.

The BJP government had fulfilled the "dream of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel", he said.

"Past governments used every trick in the book to stall this project all these years due to their anti-Gujarat mentality. But due to the consistent efforts of PM Narendra Modi, we have managed to bring Narmada waters to every nook and corner of the state today," said Rupani.

The event comes ahead of Assembly polls, due by year-end. The ruling BJP has decided to make the completion of Sardar Sarovar Dam a major campaign plank.

Fifty-six years after its foundation stone was laid by then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the dam was completed after the state, on June 17 this year, got permission from the Narmada Control Authority to close all the 30 gates of the dam, raising its height to 138.68 meters.

Construction was suspended in 1996 when the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) obtained a stay from the Supreme Court by raising environmental concerns and rehabilitation issues.

The apex court lifted the stay in October 2000. The court, however, said the permission to increase the height would be given in phases, conditional on resettlement of project-affected people.
Cuttack: Justice S K Mishra of Orissa High Court on Wednesday recused himself from hearing petitions seeking disqualification of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as an MLA for allegedly filing incorrect affidavits in the 2014 assembly elections.

As the cases were listed today, Justice Mishra withdrew from the case proceedings and requested the Chief Justice to allot the cases to another bench, said Pitamber Acharya, advocate of one of the petitioners.

It was not immediately ascertained as to why Justice Mishra recused himself from hearing the cases.

Sources said this could be due to the fact that one of the petitioners ? Subash Mohaptra, in the meantime, has approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of his case to the Delhi High Court.

Mohapatra had approached the Supreme Court last month and the apex court after admitting the petition, issued notices to Patnaik and Election Commission of India (ECI).

On the other hand, BJP leader Devananda Mohapatra, who has not made any plea in the apex court seeking to transfer his case, on the day, urged the High Court to adjudicate over his petition as was done before.

Both the petitioners had alleged gross discrepancies in the statements of account and expense the BJD supremo incurred during the May 2014 elections while contesting from Hinjili Assembly segment in Ganjam district.
New Delhi: Senior Kannada weekly tabloid editor and social activist Gauri Lankesh's murder has left the entire B-Town shocked. From actor Farhan Akhtar to filmmaker Shirish Kunder, a lot of celebrities took to social media to mourn her demise.

Lankesh was an editor of popular Kannada tabloid 'Lankesh Patrike'. Her last rites will be conducted on Wednesday in Bengaluru.

Here's how Bollywood reacted to Gauri Lankesh's death:

When "intellectual" becomes an abuse, words are replied with bullets.



RIP #GauriLankesh.  Shirish Kunder (@ShirishKunder) September 5, 2017

Shameful.. what kind of society are we becoming?? Deepest condolences to the family and hope justice is delivered soon. https://t.co/OTh49Gztz8  Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) September 6, 2017

Shocked & devastated...A person I knew & admired. In recent times we have seen a sharp decline in human rights, free speech, civil liberties https://t.co/QLIZd5Myj2 September 5, 2017

When the debate is lost, murder becomes the tool to strangle dissident thought .  Mahesh Bhatt (@MaheshNBhatt) September 6, 2017

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who had fired seven bullets at her when she returned home from her office in the city Tuesday evening.

Four had missed the target and hit the wall of the house, while three bullets had hit her -- two in her chest area and one in the forehead, Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar had told reporters on Tuesday.

(With IANS inputs)
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that is lauded the world over for its commendable space program experienced a minor setback during its latest satellite launch on August 31.

About three minutes into the launch  which was being aired live  something seemed amiss as the coverage was cut short.

Moments later, ISRO chief AS Kiran Kumar confirmed that the PSLV-C39 rocket's heat shield which was supposed to separate in order to release the satellite failed to do, resulting in the failure of the Rs 250-crore mission.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), that has earned the credit of exemplary launches of satellites that it carries on its 'rock solid' shoulders and has managed to create a niche for ISRO in the space world, failed this time.

ISRO officials were baffled with its performance themselves and decided to analyse the rocket's flight data before coming to a conclusion.

Now, after studying the data, ISRO officials say they strongly suspect the failure of pyro elements for the non-separation of the heat shield of its rocket PSLV's XL variant on August 31.

Normally the heat shield will be separated soon after the rocket crosses the earth's atmosphere.

According to K Sivan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), all the systems during the rocket's flight worked well while the only suspect place is the pyro elements.

The VSSC is part of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

"Tests are going on to find out the reasons for the failure of heat shield separation. Each test takes around 72 hours," Sivan told IANS.

One fortunate aspect of the failure is that ISRO has all the flight data as the rocket was not lost during its one way journey.

Sivan said the heat shield would separate after on-board computers give the command to ignite the explosives. The explosives would then ignite and explode to separate the two parts of the heat shield joined by bolts.

(With IANS inputs)
Chennai: The Madras High Court on Wednesday declined to quash an FIR filed against founder-chancellor T R Pachamuthu of SRM University in connection with a multi-crore medical admission scam.

Pachamuthu's counsel V T Gopalan had sought the quashing of the FIR against him, saying the as the complainants had agreed to withdraw their plaint, the high court was bound to quash the FIR by exercising its powers under the CrPC as the offences were compoundable.

Compoundable offences are those offences where the complainant (one who has filed the case, i.E. The victim), enters into a compromise and agrees to have the charges dropped against the accused.

Justice MS Ramesh, before whom the matter came up for hearing, directed the police to complete the probe into the case and file a final report within eight weeks in the trial court.

The judge, however, noted that the complainants had agreed to withdraw their complaints in view of the fact that the amount parted by them for securing medical seats would be returned as a consequence of such withdrawal.

Hence, it cannot be said that the claimants have voluntarily agreed to withdraw their complaints, he noted.

The alleged offences against Pachamuthu and Madhan were serious and not private in nature and had a serious impact on the society, the judge noted.

Pachamuthu, who along with film producer Madhan of 'Vendhar Movies' was allegedly involved in the admission scam.

The matter related to complaints filed with the police by parents of medical aspirants alleging that they paid huge money to secure medical seats in the SRM Medical College in 2016. The money was paid allegedly to Pachamuthu through Madhan by 136 aspirants seeking medical seats.

However, the seats were not given as promised and Madhan had absconded leaving behind a suicide note. He was later traced and arrested.

Pachamuthu was also arrested in the case and was released on bail after he deposited Rs 75 crore and furnished Rs 10 crore bank guarantee in the trial court.

The judge in his interim order said a larger question in the case was as to how the college management was justified in collecting exorbitant money for the medical seats.

This aspect needed to be further probed, the judge said and noted that Pachamuthu too had not disputed the payments made by the claimants.

The judge appointed former chief justice, Jammu and Kashmir High Court, N Paul Vasanthakumar as commissioner to disburse money to 136 claimants.

The money would have to be disbursed out of the Rs 85 crore deposited by Pachamuthu with the trial court.

The total amount due to 136 aspirants as per the preliminary investigation report was Rs 85,58,30,000 as against the claim of Rs 92,44,80,000.

The amount claimed by the claimants was accepted as correct and true as per the submission of counsel for Pachamuthu, the judge said.

Justice Ramesh said whether the FIR had to be quashed was a crucial point to be addressed. As regards who had collected money from students or their parents was a matter under probe.

It would, hence, be inappropriate for the court to step into the shoes of investigating officer and render findings, the judge said.

This is so in view of the probe which revealed that at least seven claimants had met Pachamuthu and they had given money to Madhan on the former's direction.

Also, Madhan had given a statement that money which was collected was handed over to Pachamuthu, the judge said and declined to countenance the submission that the complaint implicated only Madhan.
Chennai: Sidelined AIADMK (Amma) deputy chief T T V Dhinakaran is slated to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on Thursday, for the first time after 19 MLAs loyal to him expressed lack of confidence in Chief Minister K Palaniswami.

The Governor has given appointment at 12.30 PM tomorrow for Dhinakaran and his team, Raj Bhavan sources said.

Appointment for a total of 10 persons, including Dhinakaran, had been given, the sources said adding details about the other members of the delegation was not known.

However, Dhinakaran's key aides are expected to accompany him during the meeting which comes amid demands by opposition parties, including DMK, that the Governor direct Palaniswami to prove his majority in the assembly in view of the revolt.

A day after the formal merger of the two factions of ruling AIADMK led by Palaniswami and then rebel leader and present Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, the 19 MLAs owing allegiance to Dhinakaran had met Rao on August 22 and said they had lost confidence in the Chief Minister.

They had wanted his removal. The camp's strength has since then grown to 21 MLAs who are staying in neighbouring Puducehrry.

Palaniswami and Dhinakaran are involved in a tussle for power with the unified AIADMK declaring that the latter had been removed from the Deputy General Secretary post on August 10 itself and questioning his authority to make changes in the party set up.

DMK, Congress and Left parties had also met President Ramnath Kovind seeking a direction to the Governor to order a floor test.

Incidentally, during the hearing of a PIL seeking a floor test in the Madras High Court, the state Advocate General had contended that the revolt by 19 MLAs was an internal affair of AIADMK and the Governor cannot interfere in the matter.
New Delhi: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's upcoming television show 'Bigg Boss' season 11 is trending all over the social media, all thanks to the exciting promos. But, surprisingly, the person who Internet users are gushing about the most is not the 51-year-old actor. Interestingly, social media users are going gaga over his pretty padosan - actress Aditi Singh.

According to an India Today report, she is the daughter of veteran actor Jainendra Pratap Singh. She also featured in Telugu romantic-drama film 'Guppedantha Prema' in 2016. Reportedly, Aditi has also worked in Pakistani revenge-thriller 'Wujood'.

Check out some of her lovely pictures:

A post shared by Aditi Singh (@i.aditisingh) on Aug 26, 2017 at 9:34am PDT

A post shared by Aditi Singh (@i.aditisingh) on Aug 18, 2017 at 11:02pm PDT

A post shared by Aditi Singh (@i.aditisingh) on Aug 13, 2017 at 7:10am PDT

A post shared by Aditi Singh (@i.aditisingh) on Jul 31, 2017 at 8:38am PDT

A post shared by Aditi Singh (@i.aditisingh) on Aug 25, 2017 at 12:47pm PDT

So, do you think it is about time for Aditi's Bollywood debut?
New Delhi: The much-awaited baap of all reality shows 'Bigg Boss' is ready to be back on the small screens with a brand new season. This year is going to be the 11th season of 'Bigg Boss' and the first promo promises a fun-filled show in the offing.

The suspense is still intact over the list of expected contestants this year. From Dhinchak Pooja to Nia Sharmaall the names are floating in the rumour mills. Interestingly, this year the theme is reported to be that of a neighbour.

So, it has been reported that there will not one but two houses and contestants will be divided. The concept of 'love thy neighbour' seems like the motto this year. According to a popular Twitter handle The Khabri, which keeps a track of all the scoops related to Bigg Boss, the show will kickstart from October 1, 2017.

#BB11 will air from 10 pm to 11 pm on Colors on weekdays, and from 9 pm to 10 pm on weekends starting 1 Oct  The Khabri (@BiggBossNewz) September 6, 2017

Bigg Boss 11's new theme will be called #Neighbours / #Padosi  The Khabri (@BiggBossNewz) August 11, 2017

The show will telecast from 10 to 11 pm on weekdays and 9 to 10 pm on weekends reportedly.
Lucknow: Some members of the Samajwadi Party on Wednesday clashed with security officials after they were allegedly stopped from boarding the newly inaugurated Lucknow metro.

According to ANI, the incident took place in Lucknow's Transport Nagar.

Lathicharge by Police on Samajwadi Party workers in Lucknow's Transport Nagar. SP workers claim they were stopped from boarding #metro pic.twitter.com/bZ6PUTzzUH  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 6, 2017

The security forces resorted to mild lathicharge to disperse the SP workers.

The incident occurred on a day when the much-awaited Lucknow Metro rail, which was opened for public today, developed some major fault.

The second Metro train got stuck at the Mawaiya's special span near Alambagh station because of a technical glitch.

The passengers stuck inside the metro started panicking as the AC and the lights went off.

The Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) officials reached the spot and fixed the problem.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had inaugurated the first service of Lucknow Metro on Tuesday at the Transport Nagar Railway Station.

The first trial run of Lucknow Metro was held on December 1, 2016.
Greater Noida: The bodies of three youths were found on a railway track in Dadri area near here on Wednesday, police said.

Badalpur police station in-charge Krishan Kumar Rana said the deceased were identified as Patwari resident Balu Yadav (18), Kapil Yadav (18) and Rohit Yadav (19).

All the three were cousins.

Last night they drank liquor and when their relatives objected, they left home.

They then drank more liquor and lay down on the railway track to commit suicide.

Later, a train hit them and they were killed.

It appears to be a suicide case but police are probing the murder angle too.

The bodies have been sent for post-mortem.
Kolkata: Almost a day after RSS was forced to cancel an event that was scheduled to take place at a Kolkata's state-fun auditorium, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday was compelled to call off a major rally planned for its president Amit Shah here next week.

The BJP was scheduled to hold a major rally for its chief next week at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata and for this, the party had sought booking for September 10 or 13.

At least 12,000 party workers and supporters were expected to attend the programme. However, the party had to cancel the event after the stadium authorities denied reservation for the said dates citing pre-booking for the entire month, except for September 27-30.

Blaming the Bengal government for the denial of permission for the event, Sayantan Basu, general secretary of BJP, told Hindustan Times, "On August 30, we were told that the stadium was booked for the entire month except the Durga Puja days on September 27-30."

He further added that no other public hall was available for the event between September 10 and 13 in the capital city.

The Trinamool Congress soon retorted back at the charges made by BJP.

West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said, "Those incapable of filling the Netaji Indoor Stadium could only come up with such allegations. The state government has no role in it."

On Tuesday, RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat's event, that was scheduled to be held at state-run Mahajati Sadan auditorium was cancelled with authorities citing repair and restoration work as the reason for permission denial.

The event was scheduled to be held on October 3.

The authorities, while denying any 'political pressure' behind the cancellation of the event at the auditorium, said that the hall remains closed between September 6 to October 6 annually to undertake renovation work.
Darjeeling: In yet another blow to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leadership, a district court in West Bengal on Wednesday issued arrest warrant against eight of its leaders including party chief Bimal Gurung.

Other than Gurung, the warrants were issued against his wife Asha Gurung, GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri, party`s youth wing head Prakash Gurung and Chief Convenor of the Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee Kalyan Dewan.

The others GJM leaders against whom arrest warrants were issued are Amrit Yonzon and Tilak Roka.

"The warrants have been issued by Chief Judicial Magistrate Darjeeling on the prayer moved by the CID on Tuesday. The Court wanted to have a hearing in the day and the warrants were issued," Special Superintendent of Police, North, CID, Ajay Prasad.

He also said the warrants were issued in connection with a case lodged at Darjeeling Sadar Police station on June 8.

Last week, the CID had issued look out notice against Gurung and other GJM leaders.

The warrant against GJM leaders came at a time when the controversies erupted following a West Bengal Police raid attempt to arrest top GJM leaders in Sikkim`s Namchi and Sikkim Police asked their counterparts to produce arrest warrants.

Violence had erupted in Darjeeling hills on June 8, when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a cabinet meeting in the hill town.

Several police personnel were injured and army was deployed on June 8 to control the situation.
New York: Fifteen states and the District of Columbia on Wednesday filed a lawsuit in New York challenging President Donald Trumps plan to end protections and benefits for young people who were brought into the United States illegally as children.

The suit was announced by Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

The plaintiffs are - New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

Trump`s decision on Tuesday to end the five-year-old program instituted by former president Barack Obama plunged almost 800,000 young people, known as 'Dreamers', into uncertainty.

The move drew criticism from business and religious leaders, mayors, governors, Democratic lawmakers, unions and civil liberties advocates.

Trump shifted responsibility to a Congress controlled by his fellow Republicans, saying it was now up to lawmakers to pass immigration legislation that could address the fate of those protected by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

DACA, which provides work permits and protection from deportation, primarily benefits Hispanics.

Most people covered by the program are in their 20s.

Meanwhile, Obama has called decision to end DACA 'cruel, self-defeating and wrong'.

"Let`s be clear, the action taken isn`t required legally. It`s a political decision, and a moral question," Obama said in a post on Facebook.

"Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn`t threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us," he wrote.

To target hopeful young strivers who grew up here is wrong, because theyve done nothing wrong. My statement: https://t.co/TCxZdld7L4  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 5, 2017

(With Reuters inputs)
Hong Kong: Banners supporting independence for Chinese-controlled Hong Kong have appeared on a university campus at the start of classes, rekindling tensions over free speech in the semiautonomous city.

The black banners declaring "Hong Kong Independence" in English and Chinese were put up around the Chinese University of Hong Kong's campus on Monday.

The school quickly took them down but more were put up a day later, according to local media reports.

One remained strung up over a busy central square today. Posters on a nearby wall said, "Fight for our homeland. Fight for Hong Kong independence."

It's unclear who was responsible but student leaders have been wrangling with the university administration to keep them up.

University officials say the banners are illegal while the student union says they should be allowed to discuss current issues.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, maintains civil liberties unseen on mainland China including freedom of speech following its 1997 handover, but many residents fear Beijing is tightening its grip.

Some young activists start promoting the once-unthinkable notion of independence from mainland China after massive pro- democracy protests ended without resolution in 2014. There's almost no chance of success but their ideas have alarmed China's Communist leaders in Beijing.

Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government has clamped down on such sentiment, including using the courts to get two newly elected pro-independence lawmakers disqualified from office last year for making improper oaths of office.
New York: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged big powers to come up with a political solution to stop Kim Jong-un from advancing in the development of nuclear weapons and inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and warned against adopting military action, saying the "potential consequences to military action are too horrific."

"A confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences. The solution must be political. The potential consequences of a military action are too horrific," the Secretary General said, referring to the rhetoric being used by US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The Secretary General stressed that a dialogue and communication is necessary to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding.

Guterres said, "As the Secretary General, I am ready to support any efforts towards a peaceful solution of this alarming situation, and as I said, to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula."

Guterres's comments came hours after a top North Korean diplomat warned that his country is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States.

The United Nations has "unequivocally" condemned the latest nuclear and missile tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), denouncing them as "profoundly destabilising for regional and international security."

"The DPRK has broken the global norm against nuclear test explosions," Guterres said at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Han Tae Song, Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday.

"Yet again, the country has defied the Security Council and the international community."

"Yet again, the DPRK has needlessly and recklessly put millions of people at risk - including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights," he added.

The UNSC has reiterated that North Korea should fully comply with its international obligations, including the Security Council Resolution 2371, which was adopted last month.

The Council has adopted Resolution 2356 designating high-ranking North Korean government officials and the military's Strategic Rocket Forces Command for individual sanctions.
GENEVA/SEOUL (Reuters) - A top North Korean diplomat on Tuesday warned that his country is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyang`s latest nuclear weapons test.

Han Tae Song, ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday.

"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the U.S.," Han told a disarmament conference, using the acronym for the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea, the country`s formal name.

"The U.S. will receive more `gift packages` ... as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added without elaborating.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of "begging for war" with a series of nuclear bomb and missile tests, and urged the 15-member Security Council to impose the "strongest possible" sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

But Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday a U.S. bid for the Security Council to vote on Sept. 11 on new sanctions is a little premature. Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and wields veto power.

I dont think well be able to rush it so fast, Nebenzia told reporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Tuesday said imposing more sanctions was a "road to nowhere."

U.S. stocks sank, with the S&P 500 stumbling to its biggest single-day loss in about three weeks, as investors weighed the increasing tensions with North Korea.

Sanctions have done little to stop North Korea boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with U.S. President Donald Trump who has vowed to stop Pyongyang from being able to hit the mainland United States with a nuclear weapon.

Haley acknowledged on Tuesday that further sanctions on North Korea are unlikely to change its behaviour but would cut off funding for its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

"Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea? Not necessarily," she told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington. "But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles."

MORE SANCTIONS?

North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, marking a major step in its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that puts the U.S. mainland within range.

Satellite imagery appears to show the blast caused numerous landslides at North Korea`s Punggye-ri test site, according to 38 North, a Washington-based North Korean monitoring project.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday Trump continues to see denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as the priority in how it responds to the latest nuclear weapons test.

Sanders said "all options are on the table," including diplomatic and economic measures, but said talks with Pyongyang were not the current focus for the White House.

Diplomats have said the Security Council could consider banning North Korean textile exports, barring its airline and stopping supplies of oil to the government and military.

Other measures could include preventing North Koreans from working abroad and adding top officials to a blacklist aiming at imposing asset freezes and travel bans.

China accounted for 92 percent of North Korea`s trade in 2016, according to South Korea. China`s foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take part in Security Council discussions in "a responsible and constructive manner".

Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May agreed in a telephone call on Tuesday that China must do more to persuade North Korea to cease its missile tests, a spokesman for May said.

South Korea said an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on Seoul`s warheads would help it respond to North Korea`s nuclear and missile threat.

U.S. lawmakers and America`s biggest business lobby urged Trump not to scrap a free trade agreement with longstanding ally South Korea, especially at a time of heightened tensions.

Analysts and South Korean policymakers believe North Korea may test another weapon on or around Sept. 9, its founding day.

North Korea says it needs to develop its weapons to defend itself against what it sees as U.S. aggression.

South Korea, after weeks of rising tension, is talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defences.

Trump and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, agreed on Monday to scrap the warhead weight limit on South Korea`s missiles, South Korea`s presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of war.

South Korea and the United States are technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty.

Each side has thousands of rockets and artillery pieces aimed at the other across the world`s most heavily armed border.
Yangon: Global outrage over Myanmar's treatment of its Rohingya Muslims is being fuelled by "a huge iceberg of misinformation", Aung San Suu Kyi said on Wednesday, after the UN led calls for her government to end violence that has forced 146,000 to flee to Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees have poured over the border with Bangladesh, fleeing a massive security sweep in western Rakhine state by Myanmar forces following a series of deadly ambushes by Rohingya militants on August 25.

Suu Kyi's government has faced growing international condemnation for the army's response with refugees bringing with them renewed stories of murder, rape and burned villages at the hands of soldiers.

But in her first public comments since last month's ambushes, she said sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by "a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists".

The comments were made in a statement put out by her office following a call with Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan who has been particularly critical of Myanmar's treatment of the Rohingya, dubbing it a "genocide".

But Suu Kyi defended her government's actions saying her administration was "defending all the people" in Rakhine state.

The statement highlighted a now deleted tweet last week by Turkey's deputy prime minister Mehmet Simsek showing a series of gruesome pictures of bodies he wrongly claimed were of dead Rohingya.

Supporters of both the Rohingya and Myanmar's government have a track record of posting emotive images that are not from the conflict.

Myanmar's Rohingya are the world's largest stateless minority and have lived under apartheid-like restrictions on their movement and citizenship for years.

They largely eschewed violence but in October a new militant group called the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army launched a series of deadly ambushes on border police prompting a massive army-led crackdown.

More than 200,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since October.

That includes 146,000 in the last two weeks, piling huge pressure on an impoverished neighbour that already hosted 400,000 Rohingya who had fled Myanmar over the past four decades.

"The number is growing every day," UNHCR spokeswoman Vivian Tan, told AFP. "It's a growing humanitarian crisis."

An AFP reporter yesterday witnessed scores of new refugees wading through neck-deep water as they crossed the river Naf into Bangladesh after lengthy jungle treks.

"I walked seven days with my family members, carrying my 90-year-old mother on my back," exhausted refugee Ali Ahammad, 38, told AFP.

Gul Bahar, a mother of six, said she had traded her wedding jewellery with a boatman.

"We safely arrived by Allah's will but now we're nothing but penniless refugees," she said.

The latest violence has also hit Rakhine's Buddhist and Hindu populations with nearly 27,000 people displaced and fleeing in the opposite direction and some saying Rohingya militants had murdered their kin.

UNICEF said 80 per cent of the refugees coming into Bangladesh were women and children placing a huge burden on the country's overstretched refugee camps.

Aid agencies have also had to end food distribution in northern Rakhine because of the fighting. UNICEF said it was currently unable to reach some 4,000 children in the Rakhine towns of Maungdaw and Buthidaung it was previously treating for malnutrition.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent years under house arrest when Myanmar was under military rule, has come under intense pressure over her refusal to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or rein in the army.

Public anger is particularly acute in Muslim countries. Thousands protested in Jakarta today outside the Myanmar embassy.

"I think this is not only a religion issue, but moreover a humanitarian issue. What is happening there is very cruel," Tita Fatmawati, a teacher from nearby Bogor, told AFP.

Police in Jakarta have previously stopped two attempts by militants to bomb Myanmar's embassy.

Analysts say Suu Kyi's obduracy despite the years of pressure from rights groups is a sop to the powerful army and surging Buddhist nationalism in the Southeast Asian country.

The Rohingya are widely dismissed in Myanmar as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh despite many tracing their lineage back generations.

They are not formally recognised as an ethnic group and are derided by many in Myanmar as "Bengalis" - making supporting them hugely unpopular.

She also has little control over the army, which has a long track record of rights abuses and using overwhelming force against domestic insurgencies.

But detractors say Suu Kyi is one of the few people with the mass appeal and moral authority to swim against the tide on the issue, adding she has routinely defended the military's response.

Earlier this year United Nations investigators said Myanmar's military has used "devastating cruelty" in its security crackdown in what might constitute ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.

Suu Kyi's government has dismissed those allegations and has refused to grant visas to UN officials charged with investigating reports of atrocities.
Geneva: United Nations war crimes investigators on Wednesday said they had evidence that Syrian government forces were behind a chemical attack that killed dozens of people in Khan Sheikhun in April.

In the first UN report to officially blame Damascus, the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria said it had gathered an "extensive body of information" showing the Syrian airforce was behind the horrific sarin gas attack on April 4.

"All evidence available leads the Commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhun," the report said.

At least 83 people, a third of them children, were killed and nearly 300 wounded in the attack on Khan Sheikhun, a town in the opposition-held northern province of Idlib, it said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, has previously given a death toll of at least 87.

Syria`s government has denied involvement and claims it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender its chemical arsenal.

A fact-finding mission by the UN`s chemical watchdog, the OPCW, concluded earlier this year that sarin gas was used in the attack, but did not assign blame.

A joint UN-OPCW panel is currently working to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack.But Wednesday`s report is the first from the UN to officially lay the blame for the attack on Damascus.

The report also found the Syrian government responsible for at least 23 other chemical attacks in the war-ravaged country since March 2013.

The investigators, who have never been granted access to Syria, said they based their findings on photographs of bomb remnants, satellite imagery and eyewitness testimony.

They determined that a Su-22 fighter bomber, which is only operated by the Syrian air force, conducted four airstrikes in Khan Sheikhun at around 6:45 am on April 4.

"The Commission identified three of the bombs as likely OFAB-100-120 and one as a chemical bomb," the report said, adding that "photographs of weapon remnants depict a chemical aerial bomb of a type manufactured in the former Soviet Union."

The investigators said they had found no evidence supporting Syrian and Russian claims that the chemicals had been released when an air strike hit an opposition weapons depot in the area producing chemical munitions.

Their report, which covers the period from March 1 to July 7, also found that Syrian government forces had carried out chemical attacks on at least three other occasions since March  in Idlib, Hamah and eastern Ghouta  using weaponised chlorine.The report is the 14th from the COI, which has been tasked with detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed more than 330,000 people since 2011.

But despite documenting information about dozens of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity, the commission`s work has not yet led to any prosecutions.

That has fuelled criticism and questions about the panel`s usefulness, including from commission member Carla Del Ponte, who announced last month she was quitting, citing the failure to secure indictments.

Reacting to Wednesday`s finding, Human Rights Watch noted that "those responsible for chemical attacks in Syria have faced no real consequences."

"As evidence mounts, both the UN Security Council and the OPCW should take concrete measures to increase the pressure on the Syrian government to end the use of chemical weapons and to hold those responsible to account."
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United Nations: The United States on Wednesday asked the UN Security Council to slap an oil embargo on North Korea and freeze the assets of leader Kim Jong-Un, in response to Pyongyang`s sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

A US-drafted resolution obtained by AFP also called for banning textile exports and ending payments made to North Korean laborers sent abroad, further depriving the regime of revenue to pursue its military programs.

The United States circulated the proposed resolution to the 14 other council members two days after Ambassador Nikki Haley called for the "strongest possible measures" to be imposed on North Korea.

Haley said on Monday that the United States was seeking a vote on the new sanctions on September 11.

The draft text takes aim directly at North Korea`s leadership with a freeze on leader Kim`s assets as well as those of the ruling Worker`s Party of Korea and the government of North Korea.

Kim would be added to a UN sanctions blacklist that would subject him to a global travel ban, along with four other senior North Korean officials, according to the draft.

The state-owned Air Koryo airline would also be hit with an assets freeze, as would the Korean People`s Army, the ruling party`s central military commission and seven other government or party departments.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile, which was followed by signs that Pyongyang was preparing a new missile launch.

The United States presented the new raft of measures after President Donald Trump spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and told him that military action against North Korea was not his "first choice".

China, North Korea`s main ally and trading partner, and Russia argue that sanctions alone will not resolve the North Korea crisis and are calling for talks with Pyongyang.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The German foreign ministry has once again issued a travel warning to its citizens planning to visit Turkey, Deutsche Welle reports.

The ministry reminded that after the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, many Germans have been arrested in the country.

The ministry said arrests are even probable in tourism zones.

People who hold both German and Turkish citizenships, or who have personal ties to Turkey are at greater risk.

The German FM Mr. Gabriel mentioned that the statement is another reminder about the existing threats in Turkey.

According to the German foreign ministry, 54 of their citizens are currently imprisoned in Turkey.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Franck Thomas, Best Sommelier of France and Best Craftsman of France, Best Sommelier of Europe 2000, has tasted Armenian wines in his very own unique method , and praised its quality.

The French top sommelier arrived in Yerevan to participate in Armenian Wine Tasting and held a master class.

Armenia is an interesting country for me, because it is one of the birthplaces of wine  rich in traditions and history. Armenian wines can have their unique place in the international market due to the produced variants from local grape types, he said.

Franck Thomas arrived in Armenia at the invitation of Armen Mehrabyan, the advisor of Armenias agricutlre minister, and in assistance of the Armenian Viticulture and Winemaking Foundation, Dynamic Development Group International, TOVMASYAN Exceptional Food and Beverage, FineFood and WellFusion.

In 2000, Franck Thomas achieved the title of Best Sommelier of Europe.

In same year he won Best Sommelier of France and Best Craftsman of France. Four years later he was a semi-finalist for the Best Sommelier of the World.

In 2003 he opened his own restaurant in Nice called le Parcours , where he applied his innovative ideas when selling wine. His approach was quickly rewarded with a macaroon in the Michelin Guide.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Negotiations with Iran around partnership with the Eurasian Economic Union are nearing completion, Russias first Vice PM Igor Shuvalov said during the Eastern Economic Conference in Vladivostok.

We are negotiating with Singapore, and we are close to completing talks with Iran, he said, mentioning that the negotiations are difficult.

Earlier the minister for trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mrs. Veronica Nikishina said they might ask for a mandate in October to sign a temporary deal with Iran regarding EEU free trade zone. The talks with Iran are proceeding for more than 8 months.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. With the support of the Development Foundation of Armenia, 8 shoe manufacturing companies jointly represent Armenia at MosShoes-2017, which takes place in Moscow from 5-8 September. As a result of the exhibition held in March, the Armenian companies received export orders worth more than 300 million AMD, the Development Foundation of Armenia told ARMENPRESS.

MosShoes, the biggest exhibition of footwear and leather accessories in Russia and Eastern Europe, is held four times a year, attracting more than 10-12 thousand visitors, such as wholesale buyers, specialists and distributors. The DFA representatives assist the Armenian manufacturers in finding partners and holding meetings with potential buyers and costumers during the exhibition.

The Foundation represents Armenia and its competitive products at their best at various international platforms. It also creates all the necessary conditions enabling the attending companies to hold meetings with international buyers and suppliers. I am hopeful that Armenian companies will seize this opportunity to the maximum and will conclude new export contracts, noted the event manager of the Marketing team of DFA Lusine Hovhannisyan.

The Armenian Zenni, Babinni, K & K Shoes, Simar, Arma Leather companies and Arsen Badikyan, Karen Tarverdyan, Tigran Simonyan independent entrepreneurs have received assistance to attend the 73rd MosShoes exhibition within the scope of the export promotion policy aimed at enhancing recognizability of the Armenian products. More than 500 leading shoes and leather accessories companies, including world famous brands, attend the MosShoes 2017.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Opposition politicians of the United Kingdom urged Prime Minister Theresa May to launch an investigation into the Azerbaijani money laundering case and the involvement of British companies in the matter, the Guardian reports.

In response to the oppositions demand, Mays spokesperson said the national crime agency will look into the published materials. The agency will examine whether or not there is a need for an investigation, the spokesperson said.

Tim Farron, the former Liberal Democrat leader, led calls for an inquiry, saying this was what happened when the corporate landscape is too lightly regulated.

Thanks to the Guardian investigation we learn of something called the Azerbaijani Laundromat, he said. But now is the time to wash some fairly dirty laundry in public and find out exactly who paid money to whom and why.

We need a full investigation to see that dirty money has not been used to buy influence in the UK. The Azerbaijani government is guilty of systematic human rights abuses and it would appear the regime has been making payments on an industrial scale.

Lawmaker Margaret Hodge said: Until we know who owns companies and properties in Britain and in the tax havens we control, such unacceptable practices will continue and Britain will be culpable because of the governments failure to act.

Peter Dowd, Labours chief secretary to the Treasury, said: Money laundering hurts our economy, steals from others and corrupts our society. The financial system should effectively and efficiently provide investment that benefits the whole economy, not boost the offshore bank balances of plutocrats and criminals here and abroad.

One London-based beneficiary of the Laundromat, Jovdat Guliyev, resigned on Monday from the Anglo-Azerbaijani Society. Guliyev received nearly 400,000 from the scheme. A former British Petroleum employee, he works for Azerbaijans state oil company. The societys co-chair, Lord German, said Guliyev quit nine minutes after the Guardians story went online.

It is noteworthy that Baku has responded very loudly to this yet another accusation of illicit operations of the Aliyev family. Azerbaijan directly accused the Guardian, and the Armenian Diaspora.

Ali Hasanov, the Azeri presidents aide, said that the Aliyev regime has become a victim of the smear campaign of the British intelligence, the Armenian Diaspora and the US.

When has The Guardian written the truth about Azerbaijan? This newspaper is known for its anti-Azerbaijani nature for many years, Hasanov said.

Moreover, the Azeri presidents press office blamed George Soros and Armenian lobbyists for the revelations.

The fact that one of the authors of the article is Armenian Dina Nahapetyan, proves that the Armenian lobby stands behind these accusations, the Azeri officials said.

Immediately after the revelations, Azerbaijani authorities blocked access to the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project website. It was this very project that published details of the so-called Azerbaijani Laundromat scheme.

The money was allegedly channelled through four UK-based opaque companies.

People said to have been paid include European politicians who adopted a favourable attitude to the government.

There is no suggestion that all the recipients were aware of the original source of the money, it added.

The secret fund, nicknamed the Azerbaijan Laundromat, operated for two years until 2014, according to the investigation, carried out by a consortium of European newspapers and published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

The origin of the money was unclear, the report said, but there was "ample evidence of its connection to the family of President Ilham Aliyev".
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. A suicide bomber attempted to attack the police department in Turkeys Mersin province on September 6. The police building is located near the national intelligence service building.

Local media said police officers opened fire at the terrorist, killing him.

Law enforcement said en explosive device was found strapped on his body.

Mersin prosecutor Mustafa Ercan said the attacker was most probably from ISIS.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Moscow will insist that the US emphasizes the absence of a military solution for the Korean Peninsula crisis in its North Korea resolution in the UN, Russias foreign minister Sergey Lavrov told a press conference on September 6.

If Im correct, the Americans have already prepared the resolution on North Korea, and, perhaps it isnt appropriate to comment whether well block or endorse it without having seen the text, he said.

We will definitely advance the necessity to emphasize the absence of any alternative to negotiations, and the absence of a military solution, he added.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. A number of lawmakers of the Azerbaijani parliament, several representatives of the public and legal sector have called on the countrys President Ilham Aliyev to take action for the release of Mehman Aliyev, the jailed CEO of Turan news agency, local media reported.

The politicians, artists and journalists said in the letter to the president that Mehman Aliyev is greatly respected throughout Azerbaijan and has achieved great successes in his media career.

Mehman Aliyev was arrested on August 24 for tax evasion.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Law enforcement agencies of Spain and Morocco arrested six people who were plotting large-scale attacks, Spains interior minister said September 6.

The Spanish and Moroccan police eliminated the jihadist terrorist group, which consisted of six people, the statement of the interior ministry said.

Authorities said five of the terrorists were arrested in Morocco, and one in Spain.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The body of an Armenian man was found by Russian police September 5 in the Neva River in St. Petersburg, local media said.

After recovering the body from the river, law enforcement officers didnt find traces of violence on it.

The man was reportedly a local of Shirak province, Armenia.

Police found a train ticket in his possession, suggesting he had arrived to St. Petersburg from Krasnodar.

He body was sent to the Coroners Office for an autopsy.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Amid heightened tension around the North Korean nuke tests, South Korea said it will station an additional four THAAD air defense systems in the countrys US military base, local media said.

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems will be deployed on September 7 in the US military base 300kms from Seoul.

THAAD is designed to intercept ballistic missiles.

Russia and China are concerned over the deployment of these systems in the area. Japan on the other hand has supported the plans, saying it will contribute to peace and stability.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The scandal around the Azerbaijani delegation in PACE, the criminal proceedings, as well as the Azerbaijani bribery facts of European lawmakers was a slap for Europe, Armenias deputy foreign minister Shavarsh Kocharyan told reporters September 6.

Commenting on the recently revealed scandal involving a 3 billion dollar slush fund operated by the Aliyev family to bribe European lawmakers, Kocharyan emphasized that it is no coincidence that in the context of these events Azerbaijans response is the same  the Armenians have done it, whatever happens Armenians are to blame.

They say the Aliyev family has nothing to do with it, but they dont deny that all of this had happened. This is their official response. This means that in that country, where everything is controlled, three billion dollars was taken out without their knowledge, Kocharyan added.

Asked about Armenias opportunities of benefiting from the situation, the deputy FM said: Lets understand correctly. One is sitting in Court, he is being tried, and you are saying - what steps you can take. Actually, this is nothing more than a trial against Azerbaijan, figuratively speaking, not legally. What is currently happening throughout entire Europe proves that the patience of people is over. People are weak, even European lawmakers, they cant stand this temptation from Europes heart. If you are attentive, youll see that these are those lawmakers whose term in office is nearing an end, they dont have a chance to be re-elected.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenias minister of education and science Levon Mkrtchyan held a meeting with the delegation of Mercy Tembon, the World Banks director for South Caucasus. The delegation included the new director of World Banks Armenia Office Sylvie Bossoutrot, the ministry told ARMENPRESS.

During the meeting the minister wished productive work to Sylvie Bossoutrot. Mkrtchyan then briefed the World Bank officials on the educational programs which are implemented with assistance of the World Bank.

Expressing hope that future cooperation will be more productive, the minister emphasized the significance of the new stage of reforms in the educational sector.

Mercy Tembon said that education has a special place among World Bank projects in Armenia. Tembon expressed readiness to continue assistance for reforms.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Statement regarding the incidents on the border must be targeted, and these statements must be done not by the mediators, but by a relevant investigative commission, Armenias deputy foreign minister Shavarsh Kocharyan told a press briefing September 6.

Commenting on the OSCE Minsk Groups statement on the Chinari village incident, Kocharyan noted that it fits in the logic whereby the mediators always try to make untargeted statements.

The investigative mechanism which was being proposed was directed at this very thing that statements must be targeted and they must be done not by the mediators, but rather a relevant investigative commission. From this perspective it is no coincidence that Azerbaijan is hindering the formation of this mechanism, despite it has assumed this commitment in St. Petersburg and Vienna, Kocharyan said.

According to the deputy FM, Azerbaijan is constantly abusing the balanced approach of the mediators, moreover it gets angry when they go beyond this balance.

Asked whether or not this will be a chance for Azerbaijan to continue aggressive actions, Kocharyan said:

Naturally if the statements are unaddressed this first of all encourages Azerbaijan to take such actions. On the other hand, Azerbaijan is doing this very thing, but we see that this country is gradually being cut off from international rules of gameplay in all fields. This is important for us, however on the other hand Armenia shouldnt proceed from this in feeling secure, because first of all we must rely on our own powers.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The new Ambassador of Syria H.E. Mohammad Ahmad Haj Ibrahim presented his credentials to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on September 6.

Following the credential ceremony, the sides held a meeting where the Armenian president congratulated the Syrian Ambassador on his appointment and wished success.

At the meeting the sides discussed the agenda of the Armenian-Syrian relations.

The president and the Ambassador exchanged ideas around the situation in Syria and in the Middle East, regional issues and challenges.

Speaking about the Syrian Crisis, President Serzh Sargsyan expressed hope that the Syrian authorities and the brotherly people of Syria, led by the countrys president, will be able to overcome the trial, and that eventually peace and stability will be established, which is in the interests of Armenia.

The Ambassador thanked the president for the reception and stressed that Syria highly values Armenias stance and support in establishing peace and stability in the country.

The Ambassador spoke highly of the Syrian-Armenian community, which in his words have had huge contribution in the development of the country.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The UN is accusing the Syrian government in using chemical weapons earlier in April in the countrys Idlib province the Washington Post reported.

The UN is said to possess sufficient evidence to make such accusations. This is the first time that the UN is making direct accusations against Syria for using sarin gas.

At least 83 people were killed during the attack.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The Syrian Army has achieved crushing victories against the Islamic State in the central and eastern parts of the country, General Sergey Rudskin, head of the general tactical department of the General Staff of Russias Armed Forces said September 6, RIA Novosti reported.

The Russian general said ISIS terrorists were forced to retreat from 59 settlements.

As one of the major victories of the Syrian Army he pointed out the battle in the outskirts of Deir Ez Zor.

The battle against terrorist groups in the Deir Ez Zor region is won, which surpasses all previous victories with its importance. The Syrian people were waiting for this for more than three years, he said.
YEREVAN, 6 SEPTEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 6 September, USD exchange rate down by 0.03 drams to 478.26 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 2.50 drams to 570.80 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.06 drams to 8.33 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 4.51 drams to 623.03 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 36.39 drams to 20535.97 drams. Silver price down by 0.02 drams to 274.93 drams. Platinum price down by 16.35 drams to 15468.67 drams.
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kochayan has answered the question of Aysor.am regarding the statement of the Azerbaijani foreign minister, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia.

Question: Mr. Kocharyan, how would you comment on the statement of the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan that allegedly everyone knows what will be discussed during the upcoming meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan?

Answer: Everyone knows what the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan doesnt: first and foremost, the obstacles created in the result of Azerbaijans aggressive and provocative actions should be overcome and conducive conditions should be created for the advancement of the negotiation process on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement.

The settlement itself will be based on three principles and six elements presented in five statements of the heads of the Co-Chair countries, which includes as a main element the recognition of implementation of the right to self-determination by the people of Artsakh.
AMSTERDAMThe time to bolster 2017 year-end profits with new business opportunities has arrived! Webmaster Access Europe 2017 returns to the Double Tree by Hilton Centraal Station Amsterdam from September 8-11. The Webmaster Access team welcomes everyone to the 13th WMA show, Europes largest and best-known industry event.

This years show has once again grown and AVN Media Network wishes to thank our sponsors for their part in helping WMA achieve landslide attendance records in 2017. Support for Webmaster Access 2017 includes both new companies and repeat, time-honored sponsors. The WMA team sincerely appreciates everyones contribution in making our event all that it is.

Meet our list of 2017 sponsors, with links to their sites.

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For information about the show, visit WebmasterAccess.com.
BATH, EnglandLovehoney has tapped M Distribution to distribute Lovehoneys licensed brands in Australia.

The whole team at M Distribution are really excited to be distributing Lovehoney's iconic wholesale brands, said Michael Macgregor, founder of M Distribution. We have built strong relationships with retailers across Australia and our commitments to provide these retailers with the highest level of service and a vast range of products are at the centre of our Lovehoney venture.

The Queensland-based adult distributor will be stocking brands such as Fifty Shades of Grey- the Official Pleasure Collection, Fifty Shades Darker - the Official Pleasure Collection, Fifty Shades Freed- the Official Pleasure Collection and BlowYo.

We are so pleased to have M Distribution on board, distributing our many ranges of licensed brands and supporting POS to retailers in Australia. We look forward to working closely with Michael and his team, said Jade Bawa, Lovehoneys sales executive.

For more information, email tradeenquiries@lovehoney.co.uk, or visit Lovehoneytrade.com.
SAN DIEGOBANG! reps are headed overseas to attend industry trade shows in Europe this month: Webmaster Access, Xbiz Berlin and The European Summit.

Our team is excited to be taking BANG! on tour across Europe! We're looking forward to meeting with our partners and building new relationships, particularly with regard to advertising opportunities, brand partnerships, high-end content production, and lead generation, said Karll, BANG! representative.

BANG! has some been doing some very exciting things in 2017 with the introduction of exclusively produced BANG! Original Series including BANG! Gonzo, Bang! Casting, Bang! Real Teens, Bang! Japan, and most recently Bang! Confessions. Bang! Originals capture every detail with 4K cameras giving the viewer extreme close-ups and crisp view of the action. BANG! will be in attendance to support existing partners and to forge new relationships across various sectors of the industry.

BANG! team members Andrew and Karll with both in attendance during each show. Andrew will be taking meetings regarding marketing, payments, and content while Karll will be taking meeting focused on business development, traffic, and affiliates.

To set a meeting with Andrew, email [email protected] or to set a meeting with Karll, email [email protected].

To see everything BANG! has to offer visit their official website Bang.com and follow Bang! on their official social media accounts: Twitter @bang_twts, on Instagram @bang_grams, on Snapchat at BangOfficial and on YouTube.
Nestle has unveiled a new KitKat Chunky bar inspired by New York cheesecake.

The move is another example of confectionery businesses taking inspiration from baked goods  the launch comes a few months after Mars Chocolate UK unveiled the Mars Choc Brownie bar.

And Nestle last year rolled out a KitKat Chunky Cookie Dough variant, which it claimed was the number one chocolate singles launch in 2016.

The new KitKat Chunky New York Cheesecake bar will be available from 18 September with a recommended price of 65p  the same as a regular KitKat Chunky.

Nestle said each bar has the perfect balance of the taste of sweet vanilla and tanginess you would expect from a New York cheesecake dessert, adding the flavour was on-trend and was designed to bring new consumers into the brand and category.

The launch is being backed with a 1.2m media push, with posters outside newsagents, as well as social media including Facebook, Twitter and a dedicated Snapchat channel.

When Mars Chocolate UK rolled out its Mars Choc Brownie bar earlier this year, Bep Dhaliwal, trade communications manager, said: We know cakes and pastry snacking is the category most in growth among millennials. By combining this trend with our iconic Mars Chocolate, were confident weve created an innovative product that can help boost singles sales across the grocery and convenience channels and drive category growth.
Greencore has been fined 1m after a worker died at its cake and desserts factory in Hull.

A self-employed electrical contractor died after a falling from a stepladder while wiring a motor above a machine in October 2013.

According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Greencore agreed this work could be completed using a stepladder, which it had provided.

Hull Crown Court heard that an HSE investigation found Greencore had failed to properly plan the work from the beginning, including access arrangements to be made for installation of motors.

Greencore Grocery Ltd, of Amsterdam Road, Sutton Fields Industrial Estate, Hull, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined 1m with 30,000 costs.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Denise Fotheringham said falls from height remained one of the most common causes of work-related fatalities.

The risks associated with working at height are well known, she added. Work at height regulations require that all work at height is properly planned and appropriate access is provided.

If Greencore had carried this out, this death could have been prevented.

Greencore said everyone at the business was deeply saddened by the accident.

The company wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family, it added in a statement.

The health and wellbeing of our staff and contractors is of paramount importance to Greencore and we have worked closely with the Health & Safety Executive since the accident occurred to ensure every measure is in place to prevent anything of this kind happening again in future.
Last week, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released news that they'd found evidence that in April and May 2016, then-FBI Director James Comey prepared a statement letting former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton off the hook for her alleged mistreatment of classified information. As the senators noted, "As of early May 2016, the FBI had not yet interviewed Secretary Clinton. Moreover, it had yet to finish interviewing sixteen other key witnesses, including Cheryl Mills, Bryan Pagliano, Heather Samuelson, Justin Cooper and John Bentel. These individuals had intimate and personal knowledge relating to Secretary Clinton's non-government server, including helping her build and administer the device."This is patently insane.It's particularly insane given the fact that Comey posed for years as a by-the-book, no-nonsense advocate for the law. But the fact is that Comey knew that no matter what happened, Attorney General Loretta Lynch would exonerate Hillary Clinton, and so he decided to take the heat off of Lynch and President Obama by putting his reputation on the line on their behalf. As Andy McCarthy puts it at National Review, this was exactly the same time period in which President Obama was publicly attempting to brush off the Hillary accusations. McCarthy writes:This certainly calls for a full-scale investigation from the Justice Department. The media are consumed, day in and day out, with the possibility of quasi-obstruction of justice from the Trump administration regarding the Russia investigation; they're speculating that Trump must have fired Comey to protect himself, that he's impeding the investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, that his former campaign manager Paul Manafort might be pardoned by Trump in order to protect the president. But we saw activity at least as nefarious with President Obama and Hillary Clinton. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. If Attorney General Jeff Sessions isn't capable of taking on this investigation into Hillary and Obama and Comey, a special prosecutor should be appointed. It's past due.
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.
For the past two years, Adrian Crook's four eldest kids (aged 7-11) have ridden Vancouver's public transit to school together, traveling as a group from the bus stop in front of his condo to the bus stop in front of their school.



Crook's kids learned to ride the bus through a methodical process that started with full adult supervision that he gradually dialed down until the kids could make the whole, 45 minute ride on their own. The kids carry GPS-equipped phones that let him track them if they get off the bus early (and also helps him recover the phone if they lose it). There is no minimum age for kids to ride the Vancouver transit system on their own, and Crook gets fan mail from regular bus-riders to tell him what a well-behaved inspiration his kids are.

Then, some anonymous person contacted the Ministry of Children and Family Development to complain that Crook was putting his children in harm's way. A social worker was appointed to look into Crook's case, and Crook presented a wealth of information to show that his kids were safe, Vancouver's buses were safe, and that everything was fine.





In the end, the social worker admitted that Crook was right about everythingand that he'd have to stop letting his kids out of his sight unsupervised, anyway. They couldn't even play in the courtyard of his condo, let alone walk to the corner store, on their own.

When I was eight, I used to walk to our local swimming pool with my friend who was nine, crossing two major roads with a traffic light. When I was nine, I started riding two buses and a subway to school on my own. Toronto had a much higher violent crime rate then than it does now. There was no question of parental negligence: indeed, the small public alternative school I attended then used to kick all the 10-and-up kids out every second Wednesday afternoon to roam the city (a group of my friends and I once spent months trying all kinds of different Chinese restaurants for lunch, all over the city, and turned it into a report on Chinese regional cuisine).

Crook has learned that in the years since our childhoods, Canada's provinces have enacted a bizarre, inconsistent set of minimum ages for children to be left on their own: in Ontario, children can't be home alone until they are 16.

The social worker who handled Crook's case candidly admitted that once there was an anonymous complaint about his parenting, they were always going to order him to stop letting his kids out in public on their own, no matter what the evidence, because of the risk that something bad would happen to them later and the Ministry would then take fire for failing to act on a tip.

Crook is raising money for a legal challenge to the social worker's ruling.



Being a divorced, single dad who has his kids 50% of the time, I have little recourse to challenge the Ministry's decision. Disobeying it even in the slightest (i.e. allowing a trip to the corner store by my 9.75 year old), could result in the Ministry stripping me of equal custody of my children, a remarkably draconian outcome I would never risk. The Ministry has effectively mandated I either spend hours each day driving or busing with my kids, or hire a nanny to do that for me  an outcome they'd be hard pressed to recommend if I were a full-time single parent without the financial resources to accommodate this request. The result in this case is the Ministry once again reinforcing the damaging trend of "helicopter parenting" that robs our children of agency, independence, and responsibility. There's no weight given to the long game of good parenting  allowing kids to earn independence at a younger age, so they turn into better humans later in life. Instead, constant supervision and prevention of all risk on a minute-by-minute basis is the government's gold standard for parenting. I've already done some legal groundwork to challenge this determination, not for myself, but as a defence of children's freedom of mobility by public transit in Canada. Public transit is safe for kids, cost-effective (especially for low-income families), builds confidence and affords freedom to kids and parents alike. It's a vital public service that shouldn't be taken away from responsible families.

Very Superstitious: How Fact-Free Parenting Policies Rob Our Kids of Independence

[Adrian Crook/5 Kids 1 Condo]

(via Dan Hon)
With Donald Trump reversing Obama's ban on the use of private prisons for federal prisoners and vowing to deport 11 million people; and Attorney General Jeff Sessions instructing prosecutors to seek long prison sentences for minor offenses, the investor community could not be more bullish on the private prison sector.



Deutsche Bank analyst Kevin McVeigh has issued strong "buy" recommendations for incarceration profiteers CoreCivic (the latest incarnation of the murdering Corrections Corporation of America) and GEO Group. In a similar report, JPMorgan Chase acknowledges that both companies are likely to attract significant liability due to suicides, murders, sexual assaults, torture, escapes and riots in their overcrowded, under-resourced gulags, but assures investors that this will be covered by the companies' insurance policies.



The companies seemed to be aware of the windfall that Trump's election might bring them. During the election campaign, CoreCivic donated $254,000 to the Republicans and also provided an additional $250,000 for Trump's inaugural celebrations. The GEO Group spent even more, donating $1.1 million to the Republicans. Two former staff members of Sessions, who spent years in the Senate before becoming attorney general, took jobs in October at a lobbying firm that now represents the GEO Group. The bets these private prison operators made on the law-and-order duo Trump and Sessions are already paying off. Under their leadership, the U.S. prison population is likely to rise again  especially in the deportation detention centers along the border to Mexico.



The Golden Age of Private Prisons

[Marc Pitzke/Der Spiegel]





(via Naked Capitalism)
Police from Beaverton, Oregon are striking down what they say are bogus claims on social media about a missing baby giraffe, according to their twitter account.

Concerns grew after a Craigslist post emerged Saturday claiming a giraffe calf named Raffi disappeared during what was likely a quest for some grapes from a nearby vineyard, according to the Oregonian.

Beaverton PD says it never received any calls from the alleged owner and is not searching for a missing giraffe, but would, should such an incident arise.

The posting has since been flagged for removal.
BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia's government on Tuesday urged the ELN rebels to turn over as soon as possible the body of a Russian-Armenian hostage killed in April, while a commander with the guerrillas said they were in touch with the Russian embassy about the matter. Arsen Voskanyan, 42, was seized by the rebels in northwestern Choco province in November. The group claimed he was collecting endangered frogs and accused him of wanting to smuggle wildlife overseas. The National Liberation Army (ELN) is currently in peace talks with the government in a bid to end more than 53 years of war. The two sides, who are meeting in Ecuador, said on Monday they had agreed on a bilateral ceasefire starting in October and extending into next year, which includes a ban on kidnappings. The ELN unit that had been holding Voskanyan told Reuters he was shot when he grabbed a hand grenade in an effort to escape. ELN leaders in Quito later confirmed his death. "We are urging the (ELN) negotiators in Quito to facilitate the return of the Russian's body to his family, the negotiators have been in touch with the embassy," head government negotiator Juan Camilo Restrepo told journalists. "They said they have given instructions and have the utmost willingness to return the body of the Russian citizen as soon as possible, I hope they fulfill it, quickly," Restrepo added. The ELN's head negotiator, Pablo Beltran, said in Quito that Voskanyan had been buried and confirmed the group was in touch with the Russian embassy in Ecuador. Colombia's long and many-sided conflict has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; Editing by Paul Simao)
For those who are home, and for those who are on the way. For those who support the historic and just return of the land of Israel to its people, forever loyal to their inheritance, and its restoration.
Pure Radio Kaos looks at new releases from the Fatherland, Motherland and just about Anyland. Bobby Marquis has a website on Facebook called Frank Zappa on Pure Radio Kaos - Canada , where fans can join in and enjoy the music and legacy of Frank Zappa. Interviews with FZ Alumni , plus rare musical finds from the Zappa Archives.

PRK can also be heard online at www.ckcufm.com Click "LISTEN LIVE" for streaming.

ON DEMAND is a new feature which allows the listener to go back and listen to a program that he or she , or it missed.



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Frank Zappa is featured during the months of November and December every year.

Pure Radio Kaos explores various artists who performed with Zappa with interviews from musicians , fans , rare concerts and new releases from the archives!

Podcast:

Frank Zappa Alumni Interviews:

Pauline Butcher [Listen Here]

Arthur Barrow [Listen Here]

Bob Harris [Listen Here]

Patrice Zappa-Porter [Listen Here]

Ike Willis [Listen Here]

Tom Fowler [Listen Here]

Robert Martin [Listen Here]

Ed Mann [Listen Here]

Don Preston [Listen Here]

Nick Didkovsky (Doctor Nerve) [Listen Here]
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- A "biologic" drug in development to treat severe asthma reduces the rate of serious attacks by about two-thirds compared to a placebo drug, according to preliminary research findings.

If approved, the drug, tezepelumab, could join a group of costly medications that appear to offer relief when nothing else curbs respiratory distress.

"A new era has begun in which many new drugs are being developed for patients with severe asthma," said Dr. Elisabeth Bel, a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

"Similar to what has happened for rheumatoid arthritis, I expect that in a few years effective treatments will be available for almost all patients with severe asthma," said Bel, author of a commentary accompanying the new study.

The new research was funded by the drug's developers, Amgen and MedImmune, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease. Bel said an estimated 15 percent of asthma patients can't control the disease with current inhaled medications.

"They have severe disease with persistent airway inflammation, which causes continuous symptoms of breathlessness and exercise intolerance," Bel said. This also puts them at risk of severe attacks for which they have to be hospitalized, she added.

Tezepelumab, an injectable drug, is a monoclonal antibody -- a term that refers to how it's made.

Drugs in this category help many patients with severe asthma, but not all of them, Bel said. That's because the disease comes in different types, she explained.

The new study represents the second of three phases of research required before a drug can be approved in the United States. Researchers wanted to understand tezepelumab's effects on asthma patients who'd suffered at least one asthma attack that required hospitalization within the past year, or two attacks that forced physicians to increase their medication level.

The 584 study patients with severe asthma were nonsmokers, aged 18 to 75, who used asthma inhalers. They were randomly divided into low-dose, medium-dose or high-dose groups, or assigned to take a sham ("placebo") drug.

The researchers found that those on the drug had 61 percent to 71 percent fewer asthma attacks that required a hospital visit or change in medication dose than those who took a placebo.

Study co-author Dr. Rene van der Merwe said, "Tezepelumab also demonstrated improvements in lung function at all doses, in asthma control at the two higher doses, and in quality of life across all treatment groups relative to placebo." She's a researcher with MedImmune.

The study "did not reveal any unexpected safety concerns," said van der Merwe. Between 62 percent and 66 percent of the patients in the various groups reported side effects, and between 9 percent and 12 percent reported serious side effects.

The researchers reported two cases of serious side effects -- stroke and pneumonia in one patient, and Guillain-Barre syndrome in another. The patient with stroke and pneumonia died.

Bel said patients with severe asthma suffer greatly. "They have very poor quality of life and have much difficulty in functioning and cannot go to work," she said.

"Many of them have to take oral corticosteroids -- prednisone -- on a daily basis and suffer from the serious side effects. And these patients are at risk of severe asthma attacks, admission to the intensive care unit and death," she added.

In her commentary, she writes that "tezepelumab appears to be the broadest and most promising biologic for the treatment of persistent uncontrolled asthma to date."

The drug blocks a molecule that's key to the development of swelling in the airway, Bel said, "and is therefore effective in different subtypes of asthma."

As a result, "the chances that the drug will work in severe asthma patients are higher than with the existing monoclonals that are more selective for a specific subtype of patients," she said.

Van der Merwe said it's too early to estimate how much the drug may cost. A spokesperson for AstraZeneca also refused to discuss cost.

However, similar biologic asthma drugs cost $25,000 to $30,000 a year.

The study is published in the Sept. 7 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

More information

For more about asthma, see the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
EEOC Rule Repeal Means Employers Can Focus on Hiring

Diana Furchtgott-Roth, E21

President Trump's White House has put a stay on a burdensome new form from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that employers would have been required to submit next year.

Currently employers with more than 100 employees have to report the race and sex of their workers by broad occupational category on an EEO1 form. Last year the Obama administration approved the expansion of this form to include wages and hours worked. Read more here....
Azerbaijani authorities have arrested Mehman Aliyev, editor-in-chief of Turan Information Agency, and sentenced him to three months of pre-trial detention pending trial on charges of tax-evasion and abuse-of-power.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said, "We are deeply troubled by the August 24 arrest and three month pretrial detention of Mehman Aliyev, the prominent editor-in-chief of Azerbaijans only remaining independent media outlet, Turan Information Agency. Other restrictive actions against Turan, include freezing its bank accounts and initiating tax evasion charges against it, are also troubling."

"These actions by the government of Azerbaijan to curtail freedom of press and to further restrict freedom of expression," said Ms. Nauert, "are the latest in a negative trend that includes the governments May decision to block access to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and other independent media websites."

The United States urges the government of Azerbaijan to immediately release Mehman Aliyev, and all those incarcerated for exercising their fundamental freedoms, in accordance with its international and OSCE obligations.
EVA VAZQUEZ

Spaniards have suffered three kinds of nationalism. Two of them, Castilian and Basque nationalism, have already failed. The third  Catalan nationalism  is failing in plain sight of everyone. Even though supporters of each one consider their differences to be irreconcilable, the fact is that all three forms of nationalism have made very similar mistakes and excesses: building on artificial or deformed historical narratives, left in the hands of its most fanatical members, bereft of efficient checks in civil society, and through the manipulation of institutions to serve their own goals, they have created supremacist projects based on a presumed cultural and moral superiority. The result has been an intolerant attitude towards diversity, attacks against plurality, the exclusion of those who are different, and in varying degrees, coercion and violence against the dissidents.

The first of them, Castilian nationalism, is an old, familiar concept. National-Catholicism, as the official ideology of the Franco regime, attempted the cultural, linguistic and ideological assimilation of all Spaniards. To do so, it fell back on a historical-imperial narrative about the greatness of the Spanish nation; it defended a primordial identity, the Castilian identity, which became the Spanish identity, thereby excluding all other possible forms of identification with Spain; it created authoritarian and repressive political and cultural institutions, and it tried to impose one language, Castilian Spanish, as the sole language of the state. At its height, it suppressed the historical institutions of the Basques and the Catalans, banned and persecuted their languages, and considered people with non-Castilian identities to be inferior beings.

Fortunately, the bid to build Spain on the basis of Castilian nationalism failed. And even though its embers are occasionally revived, as when the far right and its sympathetic media deny that Spain is made up of a plurality of languages and identities, a majority of Castilian speakers seem to be immune to National-Catholicism: they have embraced the democratic, decentralized nation that was encoded in the 1978 Constitution, and either replaced or diluted Castilian ethnocentrism with a healthy dose of Europeanism  a project with which they also identify, both politically and culturally.

Basque nationalism is also in a state of healthy retreat. Even though its demands  recovering the rights, institutions, self-government and language that were eliminated by the Franco regime  were absolutely legitimate (historically, culturally and politically), Basque nationalism had been appropriated by two converging forces that twisted it into a clannish, chauvinistic ideology. On one hand, its legitimacy was eroded by the racist supremacy underlying the tenets developed by Sabino Arana [considered the father of Basque nationalism], who exuded contempt for other inhabitants of Spain and whose superiority complex differed but little from that displayed by Francos National-Catholicism.

The Franco regime attempted the cultural, linguistic and ideological assimilation of all Spaniards

On the other hand, and more grievously still, Basque nationalism was morally wounded by its justification of terrorism, itself derived from the way left-wing radicals (the abertzale) merged nationalist concepts with revolutionary Marxist-Leninist ideas. Shaped into an alleged movement of national liberation that employed terrorist violence and political assassination, this degraded form of nationalism  now happily overcome  achieved the cruel paradox of turning an extreme interpretation of Basque nationalism into a threat to democracy and to the lives and liberties of all Spaniards. Thus the retreat back to positions that, while not renouncing independence as a political goal, nevertheless reject violence as a means to achieve a Basque state and accept democratic methods as the only source that can legitimize political action.

Our third Spanish nationalism, Catalan nationalism, is no stranger to this rise-and-fall pattern. It is founded on a historical narrative that trumpets the achievements of a wise and noble people who are also honest and hard-working, and who allegedly have a long democratic tradition that goes all the way back to medieval times but was suppressed by fire and sword; a people who love freedom and self-government. Based on this story, Catalan nationalists were on the verge of constructing the perfect nationalism. And not just for sentimental reasons, but for reasons of efficiency as well: Catalonias economic success came on top of a generous, exemplary effort to ensure the cultural and linguistic integration of all the regions numerous immigrants, who, far from diluting Catalan identity, helped to reinforce it. There are few regional identities that have been so open and all-inclusive, or so successful at building an integration model.

This unmitigated success has triggered a pernicious temptation: riding high on their own hubris, Catalan nationalists are gambling away their social cohesiveness and economic success in order to secure a state of their own in which to finally build a political nation. And that is where Catalan nationalism has cracked. Mirroring the sequence of events with the other two forms of nationalism, some individuals have concluded that their ultimate goal justifies the means to get there. And armed with the deep conviction about the moral superiority of their cause, they are destroying or ready to destroy all that was good and healthy about Catalan nationalism, undermining its exemplary social integration, sowing division among good and bad Catalans who are categorized as first-rate and second-rate citizens; manipulating the institutions; turning everyones language into a national language; subverting the plurality of public media outlets and incorporating a type of supremacist rhetoric based on ethnic stereotypes and racist ideas (Spaniards, who are a lazy, backward and fascist bunch, are robbing and oppressing us).

Catalan nationalism is founded on a narrative that hails the achievements of a wise and noble people

Judging by the sheer level of noise created by the secessionist challenge, one might deduct that their project is about to succeed. Yet the failure of Catalan nationalism is already evident. Just like their Castilian and Basque predecessors, they have placed themselves at a juncture in which the desire to achieve a state of their own has made them put independence ahead of democracy, and to think that a morally superior goal justifies the use of illegal, anti-democratic methods. Just like other forms of nationalism, it will not conquer and it will not convince. And once it realizes its own failure, it will retreat  lets hope  to positions that are compatible with democracy and peaceful coexistence.

Let us end on an optimistic note, then, and say that this triple failure, caused by the excesses of each and every nationalism, is good news because it lets us gain insights into how to solve a historical problem: the battle between various national projects within the country, and the achievement, finally, of a political nation that is fully compatible with our diversity of identities. Perhaps we have not thought of the possibility that the triumph of a project to build a plural Spain with room for all our identities, languages and cultural traditions may in fact require the successive failure of all three forms of Spanish nationalism. A Spain that is the result of having domesticated three kinds of nationalism will surely be more livable than the one we have known historically, and may even more sincerely reflect the true identity of Spain as a plural country. Let us, then, welcome our friends to join the failed nationalist club. If the European community was built on the failure of its individual nationalisms, why not Spain as well?

English version by Susana Urra.
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the new pope, he underscored that his own origins lay on the other side of the world (in Argentina) and that his priorities would lie with the people living on the social, geographical and political fringes of the planet.

A woman selling pope souvenirs ahead of the visit. AFP

More information El Papa viaja hoy a Colombia para apoyar el proceso de reconciliacion

Now, for his 20th trip as Pope Francis, he is returning to the Americas, where he will be visiting a country that represents his goals like few others: Colombia. The trip will seek to show support for national reconciliation, encourage the fight against poverty, and highlight environmental issues.

There is enormous expectation surrounding the four-day visit, which begins on Wednesday. The pope is playing on his home turf, and not just because he will be able to speak Spanish to the millions of faithful who await him. Pope Francis is going to one of the most deeply Catholic countries in the world, a place where 45 million people have been baptized and where the Catholic Church still plays a relevant religious and institutional role that it has lost elsewhere.

Both the Vatican and Colombian authorities insist that the trip will be ecclesiastical in nature. But the fact is that the country is currently a crossroads of Latin American policy, a fact that will force the pontiff to make more or less overt references to the FARC guerrilla and to the crisis in neighboring Venezuela.

We sent letters to His Holiness asking him to support the peace efforts in Colombia. He very kindly replied

Ivan Marquez, a FARC leader

When President Juan Manuel Santos announced the popes visit last March, he made it clear that Jorge Mario Bergoglio would come to support Colombians in their peace-building. Many viewed this move as a way to legitimize the presidents own peace accords, which have been opposed by a section of Colombian society  most notably former president Alvaro Uribe.

The Vatican has strongly rejected the notion that the pontiff is taking sides, and asks simply that people listen to the pope. But in a video message of his own, Francis went further: You always need to take a first step in any project, he said. Peace is what Colombia has been seeking for a long time, and is working to achieve. Stable, long lasting. In order to see and treat one another as brothers, not as enemies.

And via a message posted on Twitter, the pontiff stated that the goal of his trip is the search for reconciliation and peace in that country.

The city of Bogota gets ready for the arrival of Pope Francis on Wednesday. RICARDO MALDONADO ROZO (EFE)

Colombia is going through an unprecedented transition that still needs to overcome a major hurdle in the form of tremendous social polarization. The peace process with the FARC, the oldest guerrilla group in the Americas, has officially ended an armed conflict with the Colombian state that had dragged on for over half a century. But the way it was handled has widened the gap between supporters and detractors of the deal.

The war against the insurgency (which left a trail of 220,000 deaths and six million displaced people), paramilitary groups, drug trafficking and inequality have turned Colombia into a country of victims and killers. Reconciliation between citizens and between politicians is still a faraway goal.

This backdrop has fueled all sorts of expectations with regard to the popes messages. The pontiff will begin his visit in Bogota and end it in Cartagena de Indias, and his agenda includes a prayer meeting in Villavicencio on Thursday with victims of violence, former guerrilla fighters, members of the military and police officers. Pope Francis will also go to Medellin, the city made infamous by the drug trafficker Pablo Escobar, where authorities expect a crowd of nearly a million people to turn up.

Colombia ranks seventh on the list of countries with the largest Catholic communities. The Church has traditionally supported conservative views, and at a referendum held last year seeking support for the peace accords, it helped push the vote against the deal. Yet even former FARC leaders are celebrating Franciss visit. We sent letters to His Holiness asking him to support the peace efforts in Colombia. He very kindly replied, says Ivan Marquez, the number-two man at FARC, which has just created a political party.

The Vatican has strongly rejected the notion that the pontiff is taking sides, and asks simply that people listen to the pope

FARC leaders also requested a private meeting with the pope, although this will not be taking place. The Vatican has also ruled out the possibility that Francis might meet privately with Venezuelan dissidents or even with bishops from that country, despite rumors to the contrary.

However, the deep institutional crisis affecting Venezuela will be an indirect presence during Pope Franciss trip, which comes 31 years after a visit by another pontiff, John Paul II.

English version by Susana Urra.
Today is the day we rise up, says with defiance Melodie K., a DACA beneficiary in Los Angeles, an hour after the official announcement of the termination of the program that protects immigrants in the United States who arrived at a young age from being deported , issuing them a work permit and social security number.

Similar scenes played out in Washington D.C., in front of the White House, on 5th Avenue in New York City, and in front of the Freedom Tower in Miami. This was the first wave of protests by groups that have been fighting for immigrants rights for decades, and they will continue their demonstrations in cities across the country. EL PAIS heard some of their stories on this miserable morning.

Miami

We are not going to give up. Trump awoke a sleeping giant, says Maria Angelica Ramirez, a 30-year-old Colombian, who arrived in the US 16 years ago and is a beneficiary of the DACA program.

The 11 million undocumented people are not going to let Trump drag us through the mud while he sits in his golden chair Armando Carrada

With 90,000 people, Florida is the state with the third-most DACA beneficiaries, after California and Texas. The protest took place at the entrance of the Freedom Tower, one of the citys first skyscrapers, and which once served as a welcome place for Cuban exiles in the 1960s.

Armando Carrada, 27, arrived in the United States at the age of seven, crossing the Texas border without papers with his mother, aunt, and sister. His family came from Oaxaca, Mexicos poorest region. As for Trump, he says: He wants to scare us, but we wont let him do it. Carrada said that for the foreseeable future, he still sees himself in the United States. The 11 million undocumented people in this country are right in front of you and we are not going to let you drag us through the mud while you are sitting in your golden chair, he says.

Protests in Miami on Tuesday. AP

Washington D.C.

Diego Quinones is on a hunger strike. He arrived in the United States from Guadalajara, Mexico at the age of seven and has not returned since. At 27, he has an American girlfriend, and works at a wood pallet company in Arkansas. Last year he was a fellow in the Democratic Senator Bob Menendezs office in Washington. But in six months, he could be deported.

In front of the gates of the White House, wearing a Real Madrid shirt, Quinones believes his cause is fair. We create jobs, we open businesses, we are doctors, engineers; this is something that does not make sense, he says. If Congress is not able to pass a law that protects dreamers in the next six months  the timeline set by the White House  Quinones will try to stay, even if it is illegal.

The leaders of several social organizations told the media that their struggle is just beginning. This president lied to us. For months he said I love the dreamers, I have a great heart for dreamers. Remember how his campaign started, he said we were rapists and criminals. We will not forget it, said Gustavo Torres, president of CASA, an organization dedicated to the legal defense of Latinos.

New York City

The dreamers made their voices heard at Trump Tower. Fifth Avenue was closed off to vehicle traffic temporarily at midday. Gloria Mendoza has spent 23 of her 26 years in the US. This Brooklyn artist recalls the fear her parents felt when she signed up for DACA  that the documents could betray them in the future and put them all in danger. They now know where I live, where I studied, and who my family members are, she says. But I think it was a very big step for our community.

These young dreamers are hopeful that Congress will agree on an alternative plan, although they concede that six months is a short time, because there are multiple other political battles ongoing.

A protester in Los Angeles accuses the Republican Party of "wrecking our dreams." AFP

Los Angeles

One in four DACA beneficiaries lives in California. Two hours after the governments announcement, Melodie K., leader of the dreamers movement in Los Angeles, said it was a day of shame for America. Dozens of activists gathered in front of the citys federal courts to protest against the decision and planned a major protest for that night.

This president lied to us . We remember how his campaign started and we will not forget it Gustavo Torres



There were tears, not of sadness, but of rage, according to Yamileth, who came to the US at age seven. My father was murdered and my mother had no other choice but to come, she says. Staying in Guatemala would have meant being raped or worse, so she risked it and came. These are the situations to which these immigrants could be sent back to if they lose their protection.

Melodie K., 23, who came from Guatemala at nine, got a masters degree in NGO management. But now she is asking herself: What good is it if I lose my papers?

English version by Debora Almeida.
Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data

From its title down to its very last section, Catalonias bill for a referendum on self-determination , which the regional parliament is set to pass on Wednesday through a fast-track procedure , is illegal according to international law.

A pro-independence flag on a Barcelona street. ALBERT GEA (REUTERS)

There is not one iota of lawfulness in it. It violates United Nations resolutions proclaiming the right to self-determination and supporting the secession of countries under colonial rule or foreign domination. It seeks to find backing in an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which validated Kosovos unilateral declaration of independence because it was allowed by its Constitutional Framework  the opposite of what is happening in this case. And it violates all substantive recommendations by the Council of Europes Venice Commission, an agency of reference that provides legal advice on constitutional matters and referendums.

The Catalan bill repeatedly and systematically incurs in legal violations, from beginning to end.

It violates United Nations resolutions proclaiming the right to self-determination

The first violation is encapsulated in Section 1 of the bill, which says that once it becomes law, it will regulate the holding of the referendum on self-determination. As per international standards, this role cannot be performed by an ordinary law that violates the countrys higher constitutional and statutory set of laws.

The use of referendums must comply with the legal system as a whole, and especially the procedural rules. In particular, referendums cannot be held if the Constitution or a statute in conformity with the Constitution does not provide for them, for example where the text submitted to a referendum is a matter for Parliaments exclusive jurisdiction, says the Venice Commission in its Code of Good Practices for Referendums (Section 3.1).

The last violation is the bills presumed effective date, less than a month before the referendums scheduled date of October 1. This runs counter to another item in the Venice code, which notes that the fundamental aspects of referendum law should not be open to amendment less than one year before a referendum. (Section 2.2 b))

The bill twists the Venice code of good practices

Everything in between these two items also flies in the face of the law: the unconstitutional attribution of sovereignty to the Catalan people (Section 3 of the bill); the attack against the legal hierarchy, since the bill proclaims that it will prevail over Catalonias own regional charter  the Estatut  and over the Spanish Constitution (Section 3.2); or the binding nature of the outcome (Section 1), in which a majority of affirmative votes will imply independence (Section 4.4) despite the fact that referendums on transcendental issues cannot be binding, as per Section 92 of the Spanish Constitution.

The bill twists the Venice code of good practices, which says that the Constitution or the law must clearly stipulate whether referendums are legally binding or merely consultative in nature.

The administrative body that would be in charge of the referendum, the Sindicatura Electoral de Catalunya, is also illegal as its members would be elected by an absolute majority in the regional parliament, meaning 69 seats (Section 19), instead of by two-thirds of the chamber, which would require 90 seats. Yet 90 votes is the minimum threshold for reforming the regional statute and to get electoral laws passed. Catalonia does not have an electoral law precisely because it has been unable to reach such a level of consensus in the four decades that its parliament has been in operation.

The Venice Commission warns against the unlawful practice of changing majorities through the back door

The Venice Commission also warns against the unlawful practice of changing majorities through the back door: it specifically recommends avoiding the use of referendums to undermine the legitimacy of representative institutions. It urges serious negotiations among all actors and cautions against using simple majorities in an abusive manner: Political parties or supporters and opponents of the proposal put to the vote must be equally represented on electoral commissions that control the body in charge or organizing the referendum (Section 2, 3.1.e).

For further details, it is necessary to see how the bill, soon to be a law, develops. But the Venice group warns against an improvised voter census: Electoral registers must be permanent or refer to a register that is constantly updated, says the code in section 1.2. It also states that the government should, it not act neutrally, at least avoid excessive unilateral campaigning. Public authorities must not influence the outcome of the vote by excessive, one-sided campaigning. The use of public funds by the authorities for campaigning purposes must be prohibited (Section 3.1).

And then there is the matter of the quorum (turn-out, minimum percentage). The Venice code does not advise them for normal consultations, but this rejection does not extend to secessionist referendums (if these are allowed by the Constitution), as was the case in Montenegro, where the European body supported a quorum of 50% of the census and a qualified majority of affirmative votes of between 55% and 65%, which was finally set at 55%.

For all of the above reasons, it is not surprising that Venice Commission President Gianni Buquicchio reminded the Catalan government, in a letter dated June 2, that the body he presides stresses the need for any referendum to be carried out in full compliance with the Constitution and with applicable law, such as Catalonias own charter of rights, the Estatut.

English version by Susana Urra.
Ryanair is making yet another change to its luggage policy. What the company is touting as a reduced checked bag fees, in reality will mean new charges for passengers who want to take two pieces of hand baggage on board flights, as they have been able to until now, thus avoiding that their larger cases are stowed in the hold.

Ryanair is changing its baggage policy once more.

Only Priority Boarding customers (including Plus, Flexi Plus & Family Plus) will be allowed to bring two carry-on bags on the aircraft, the company has announced via a press release. All other (i.e. non-priority) customers will only be allowed to bring one smaller carry-on bag on board the aircraft, while their second (bigger) wheelie bag must be placed in the hold (free of charge) at the boarding gate.

Priority boarding carries with it a charge of 5 per journey (6 if it is paid after the reservation is completed), and allows passengers to board the aircraft first. This fee will now also allow passengers to take a standard piece of hand luggage onto the plane. The remainder of Ryanair customers will have to make do with a small item, such as a handbag, and leave their larger case at the door of the aircraft, from where it will be stowed in the hold. This will mean a wait at the luggage belts at the airport of arrival.

Should a passenger who has not paid the fee refuse to put their bags in the hold? They will not be allowed to travel (without refunds).

And should a passenger who has not paid the fee refuse to put their bags in the hold? They will not be allowed to travel (without refunds).

The policy change makes official what Ryanair has been calling on customers to do for months already. When a flight is full, many passengers are unable to take a larger piece of luggage on board given that the space on their planes is very limited.

For the low-cost airline, a larger item is limited to dimensions of 55cm by 40cm by 20cm. The smaller item comes in at 35cm by 20cm by 20cm.

From November 1, when the new restrictions come into effect, the airline will organize two lines: one for priority clients, and another for the rest of the passengers, who will have to prepare their larger item to hand over at the gate.

As too many customers are availing of Ryanairs improved 2 free carry-on bags service, and with high load factors (97% in August) there is not enough overhead cabin space for this volume of carry-on bags, which is causing boarding/flight delays, the company explains in its press release.

During its expansion, Ryanair would strictly enforce its one-bag policy for flights, with boarding agents even insisting that passengers put books or other items in their luggage if they tried to board with them in their hands. Whats more, items taken onto planes would have to meet the strict dimensions imposed by the company. If not, they would have to be stowed, incurring a charge for the passenger.

With high load factors (97% in August) there is not enough overhead cabin space for this volume of carry-on bags Ryanair

Four years ago, however, the company relaxed its rules somewhat, and began to allow an additional, smaller piece of hand luggage per passenger.

This latest move is aimed at encouraging passengers to check their larger items.

In addition to the new rules, the company is also lowering its prices for checked suitcases. The check-in bag allowance will increase from 15kg to 20kg for all bags. The standard check-in bag fee will be cut from /35 to /25 for this 20kg bag, the press release reads. These new rules will also go into effect from November 1 onward.

The airline claims that these changes will cost it money. These bag policy changes will cost Ryanair over 50m p.a. in reduced checked bag fees, Ryanairs Kenny Jacobs announced via the press release. However, we believe offering bigger bags at reduced fees will encourage more customers to consider checking-in a bag, which will reduce the high volume of customers we have with two carry-on bags at the boarding gates, which is causing flight delays due to large numbers of gate bag and cabin bag offloads.

English version by Simon Hunter.
Not all countries are equal, says Antonio Javier Saborit Lopez, a Spanish national working in the construction sector in London, and one of a surprising number of Spaniards living in the UK who back Brexit .

At 41, Antonio says he is old enough to remember a time when wages and living standards were better. Large influxes of EU migrants to better-off countries such as the UK are to blame, he says, for worsening them. And despite having made a life in Britain for nearly four years  thanks to the very EU freedom of movement he now opposes  he says he would have voted for Brexit had he held a British passport.

The change has been terrible, he says. Everything has doubled, except wages. On top of that, I think every country should have control over its borders. Freedom of movement has proven to be a disaster.

Despite having made a life in Britain for nearly four years  thanks to the freedom of movement he now opposes  Antonio would have voted for Brexit

His views are more widespread than one might think. While much has been made of British nationals on the Spanish costas counterintuitively backing Brexit, there also appears to be a small but significant minority of UK-based Spaniards in parallel situations who feel the same way.

I saw Nigel Farage talking about the European Union and, sincerely, I liked what he had to say, says Ana Belen Vecino, a caterer who lives in London with her husband. [The pro-Brexit lobby] had a great campaign and fought for their objective.

The 34-year-old Podemos supporter from Madrid believes EU-led austerity measures in many European countries, including Spain, risk enslaving future generations. In her opinion, the Brexit vote is a reaction to the EUs neoliberal economic policies, and was a slap in the face for Brussels, while weakening the power of its policymakers.

Here [in Britain] I have seen many people protest against the cuts to the NHS [National Health Service] and about the money they were sending to the EU. And I know people who complained because they had to follow the orders of someone in Brussels.This is the reason I am happy about Brexit, because it has been a slap in the face for the EU. The UK was a heavyweight economic power in the EU and in losing it the EU has lost power.

Ana, who came to the UK three years ago for work, expects Britain and the country of her birth to strike a deal, meaning she and her fellow Spaniards will be able to stay, so she isnt worried about being forced to leave London come March 2019. Construction worker Antonio agrees. He expects Britain to gain from Brexit and doesnt believe his circumstances in the UK will materially change because of the close relationship between Spain and his adopted nation. I think the problem is worse for Eastern European countries, he says, highlighting the fact that fairly few Brits live in Romania and Bulgaria, while many have made their homes on the Costa del Sol.

For other pro-Brexit Spaniards, Britains historically detached approach toward the EU is why they would have voted to leave if theyd had the chance  despite the likely personal cost.

Britains historically detached approach toward the EU is why they would have voted to leave if theyd had the chance

One London-based finance worker, who requested anonymity, says: In my opinion the British have never fully identified with the European project, which has the ultimate objective of greater integration between states.

The 32-year-old, originally from the Canary Islands, adds: They have always shown attitudes at odds with the rest of the member states on issues of sovereignty and greater integration, and I sense they have always been within the union but as close to the fringes as possible.

For this reason, there have been many projects that the EU has not been able to make progress with for decades because one negative vote paralyses everything. So I think its best, since the British have never felt 100% part of the project, that they are out of it.

He adds that he expects Brexit to impact negatively on him through possible changes to healthcare and rights to work, especially if Britain pursues a so-called hard Brexit, but insists this wont change his opinion.

Many UK-based Spaniards emphasize that the pro-Brexit stance of some of their compatriots represents a minority. Interestingly, however, a few also stress that although they do not support Brexit, they can see advantages to it.

Some echo the concerns outlined above about Britain never really feeling like it was part of the EU, while others point out that leaving may put the brakes on the neoliberal momentum of the union. Several mainstream commentators, for example, believed the collapse of talks last year over the TTIP trade agreement between the EU and the US was in part a response to the shock of Brexit. The controversial Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership deal, which critics said meant scrapping regulation to meet the demands of big business, appeared to be dead in the water last August  less than two months after the pro-isolationist Brexit vote.

London bus driver Gines Martinez, who goes by the name Guinness in the UK, says some EU immigrants to Britain abuse freedom of movement in order to claim benefits  even though they have no interest in staying in the long term.

If people who abuse the system are not in the system, I think it would benefit those who use the system legally, no? Gines Martinez

Though he wouldnt have voted for Brexit, he says: I think Brexit is good for people like me who come to make lives for ourselves instead of taking advantage of the system.

The 34-year-old adds: If people who abuse the system are not in the system, I think it would benefit those who use the system legally, no? Brexit turns off the tap to those who use freedom of movement to do what they want on a whim.

Even some of those vehemently opposed to Britains EU exit see a silver lining. One woman, who works in finance for a US company based in London, says she welcomes the fact her firm will probably move most of its staff to a major EU city where living costs are likely to be cheaper.

The 34-year-old, who asked to remain anonymous, says: It would benefit us a lot to move to almost any other European city, where with the same salary we would have a better quality of life.

Many people want to move to other countries so they can live better and save some money  something that in London right now is impossible. Its a shame because it is a great city, but it has no quality of life.

It may or may not be true that, as Antonio puts it, not all countries are equal. Yet in UK cities as well as on the Spanish costas, there are clearly people in favor of something that risks significantly disrupting their lives. Britain and Spain, it seems, are equal in this respect at least.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian Foreign Ministers Elmar Mammadyarov, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Mikheil Janelidze have agreed to prepare a summit of presidents of three countries.

The countries also agreed to develop a road map for further cooperation, Mammadyarov said at a briefing following the trilateral meeting in Baku Sept. 6.

"Interesting and fruitful talks were held, he said. The three countries are implementing many regional projects and we have discussed the stage of their implementation."

Mammadyarov said that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway construction project will be implemented till late 2017.

"There is a need for this project, as well as the necessary volume of cargo transportation," he added. Three countries also intend to use other ways of cargo transportation."

"We also discussed the issues of cooperation in ICT, energy and other spheres, the minister added. We also signed an action plan for 2017-2019, which will cover cooperation in all spheres."

The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of a Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. Peak capacity of the railway will be at 17 million tons of cargo per year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia intend to raise economic relations to a new level, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a briefing following the trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries in Baku Sept. 6.

Cavusoglu added that the trilateral formats are making an important contribution to the development of regional cooperation.

"The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be used to strengthen cooperation between the three countries in the transport sector," he said.

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia must exert more efforts to solve a number of issues in such spheres as customs, logistics, transport, etc., the minister said.

In this aspect, he stressed the importance of giving an impetus to the work at the level of other ministries and departments of the three countries.

The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of the Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. The peak capacity of the railway will be 17 million tons of cargo per year. At the initial stage, this figure will be one million passengers and 6.5 million tons of cargo.
Details added (first version posted on 12:53)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia intend to raise economic relations to a new level, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a briefing following the trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries in Baku Sept. 6.

Cavusoglu added that the trilateral formats are making an important contribution to the development of regional cooperation.

"The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be used to strengthen cooperation between the three countries in the transport sector," he said.

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia must exert more efforts to solve a number of issues in such spheres as customs, logistics, transport, etc., the minister said.

In this aspect, he stressed the importance of giving an impetus to the work at the level of other ministries and departments of the three countries.

The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of a Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. Peak capacity of the railway will be at 17 million tons of cargo per year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Indonesia is ready for a broader economic partnership with Azerbaijan, said Ambassador of Indonesia Husnan Bey Fananie during an event dedicated to the 72nd anniversary of Indonesias independence.

He pointed out that according to Azerbaijan's State Statistics Committee, bilateral trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Indonesia increased from $19 million in 2015 to $46 million in 2016.

The increase in bilateral trade turnover shows that the two countries have many opportunities, added the ambassador.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Baku urges Ankara and Tbilisi to step up cooperation in resolving conflicts, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told a briefing in Baku following a meeting with his Turkish and Georgian counterparts Sept. 6.

The three countries approaches to the principles of territorial integrity of states coincide. Certainly, we stand for solving conflicts by diplomatic means. Conflicts are discussed in all international organizations, and I think we should further expand cooperation in this matter, Mammadyarov said.

The principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty must be primary in conflict resolution, according to him.

FM Mammadyarov noted that the unresolved conflicts in the GUAM member countries have been once again put on the agenda of the UN General Assemblys regular session.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts settlement requires taking a political decision, Mammadyarov stated.

The FM further said that his meeting with Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian will possibly be held as part of the UN General Assembly session.

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, Sept. 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

Some Western publications seem to have an editorial rule  they write about Azerbaijan whenever they dont know what to write about, especially if their articles are well-paid.

One can write not only about Azerbaijan, but also about Russia, or any other country a Western reader is not aware of enough to make up his or her own opinion and not to believe in the nonsense of Western journalists. For many years now, officials of Russia, Azerbaijan and some other countries attacked by Western journalists from time to time, cite facts of obvious manipulation of information allegedly obtained by pseudo-journalists, demonstrate the evidence to the contrary and demand refutation, but everything is in vain.

Yet another provocative, anti-Azerbaijani fake news concocted by The Guardian with reference to own investigation is the continuation of a long-term campaign against Azerbaijan.

For those, who don't know: term own investigation means that an article is based on rumors, gossip, lack of facts and evidence of what is described in it.

One immediately remembers the sensational story of one US female journalist from one of the most famous US TV channels, who brought a photo of a Syrian boy allegedly killed by the Russian Armed Forces to a meeting with Russian foreign minister. The boy was found alive and safe one year later.

It is clear that the Western media outlets have long been using any means necessary to promote the interests of those who pay them.

However, let's get back to the anti-Azerbaijani article by The Guardian and the question who benefits?

Planned hostile campaigns and attacks against Azerbaijan have long become a usual method of fighting of some external centers of power, which use considerable means, including financial ones, to create the necessary anti-Azerbaijani mood in the Western press.

Azerbaijan receives totally arbitrary accusations usually when the country achieves success by holding sporting and humanitarian events, a song contest or an election that, in fact, only concern the Azerbaijani people.

For many years, Baku has tried to prove that the accusations being brought against the country are a heap of such monstrous lies, falsification of facts and fiction that it is not even worth denying them. However, an unaware reader prefers to believe in what is written, and not recheck facts.

It has long been known that the anti-Azerbaijani network paid by George Soros, a notorious architect of color revolutions in different parts of the world, and the Armenian lobby, operates in Europe.

At the beginning of the year, the European Strategic Intelligence and Security Center (ESISC) published a comprehensive report, which discloses the Armenian Connection network within the PACE, which has led a merciless propaganda campaign against Azerbaijan to benefit Armenia.

By the way, the report cites even more interesting facts related to George Soros. It turns out that he was linked by tender friendship and long-term partnership with representatives of the ubiquitous Armenian diaspora in the US. The report provides information, for example, on cooperation of Soros with Berge Setrakian, president of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).

It is not surprising that a petition calling for US President Donald Trump to declare Soros a terrorist instantly gathered the necessary 100,000 signatures to be considered in the presidential administration.

It is clear that billionaire Soros and the non-poor Armenian diaspora have extra funds to buy two or three journalists. Though, it is not necessary to buy them, judging by the authors of the articles. It is unlikely that Dina Nagapetyants, the obviously Armenian author of the article published in The Guardian, would take money to drag Azerbaijan, the eternal Armenian enemy, into the mud.

However, the accusations of The Guardian are so absurd that it is probably not worth commenting on them. For all the years of independence, Azerbaijan regularly faced double standards of the West, because the country refused from the policy imposed on it and didnt want to be someones colony.

The fact that the small country that gained independence only 24 years ago, wants and can be on an equal footing with the world powers, surely worried the West, which was accustomed to some subordination of small countries and all these years for many times tried to destabilize the civil society in Azerbaijan. Fortunately, all the attempts were unsuccessful.

One can only hope that eventually the West will finally realize the futility of exerting political pressure on Baku, and the Western countries wont turn a blind eye to the obviously slanderous activity of their authoritative publications under the guise of the freedom of speech notion.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

Trend:

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order to provide funding for renovation of multi-story apartment buildings in the city of Lankaran.

Under the presidential order, AZN3 million is allocated from the Presidential Contingency Fund for renovation of 20 multi-story buildings in the city.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

Trend:

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to King Mswati III of Swaziland.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and all the people of your country on the occasion of the national holiday of the Kingdom of Swaziland  Independence Day, President Aliyev said in his letter.

On this remarkable day, I wish you the best of health and happiness, and the friendly people of your country peace and prosperity, the president said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

Trend:

Azerbaijani President`s Assistant for Public and Political Affairs Ali Hasanov spoken out regarding The Washington Post`s allegations.

On 20 July 2017, a new apartment building for employees of media outlets was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr Ilham Aliyev, and another 255 media representatives received apartments, Hasanov said. All journalists and media community in Azerbaijan highly appreciated and welcomed this noble and valuable initiative of the Azerbaijani president and described it as a clear manifestation of his attention to addressing social problems of media representatives, he added.

Unfortunately, this important initiative has, by tradition, provoked biased interpretations from some local political groups and media outlets controlled by them, and a number of foreign media outlets as well, which made absurd allegations of "restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression in the country", "efforts to bribe journalists", etc., he said.

Hasanov said that The Washington Post, which has always been biased against Azerbaijan, published a sponsored article headlined "In Azerbaijan, some journalists get free apartments. Others get jail cells".

By doing so, The Washington Post once again proved to be an example of prejudice, he said.

Linking the government`s measures to solve housing problems of journalists to cases of the persons who were arrested for concrete crimes is nothing but prejudice and nonsense. Lies, distortion of facts and bias are characteristics of this article and of The Washington Post`s information policy in general.

It`s not a coincidence that US President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused The Washington Post of publishing false information, distorting facts, serving interests of certain political groups and specializing in fake news, he said. In one tweet, Mr Trump said The Washington Post "fabricated the facts on my ending massive, dangerous, and wasteful payments to Syrian rebels fighting Assad..."

The US president believes that the fake Washington Post fabricated a number of stories about him and has in fact become a weapon in the hands of certain circles, he said.

Hasanov said that it is apparent that The Washington Post is being used as a tool for pressure on heads of state, public and political figures, businesses and even countries.

And there is no way The Washington Post can be considered as an example of a free media, he said. This is why The Washington Post`s and its patrons` "struggle for democracy" and calls for "media freedom" are nothing but pulling the wool over everyone's eyes.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

Trend:

The meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze is being held in Baku Sept. 6.

Janelidze is on a visit to Azerbaijan to participate in the trilateral meeting of the Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian foreign ministers.

The agenda of the talks between Cavusoglu and Janelidze includes such issues as development of cooperation in the political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian spheres, the implementation of regional projects and the exchange of views on regional security issues.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Seba Aghayeva - Trend:

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Azerbaijan in late September following his participation in the UN General Assemblys session, Turkish Foreign Minister Movlut Cavusoglu said in Baku Sept. 6.

Cavusoglu and his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov are discussing the prospects of bilateral and regional cooperation.

The negotiations between Mammadyarov and Cavusoglu are held as part of the meeting among Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian foreign ministers in Baku.

The agenda of the talks between the sides includes such issues as the development of cooperation in the political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian spheres, the implementation of regional projects and the exchange of views on regional security issues.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Elmar Mammadyarov, Mevlut Cavusoglu and Mikheil Janelidze, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia, will sign the Baku Declaration and Action Plan for 2017-2019 following the trilateral meeting in Baku, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministrys Spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told reporters in Baku Sept. 6.

The next meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries will be held in Baku Sept. 6.

The basis of the ministerial meeting was laid June 8, 2012 in the Turkish city of Trabzon within the framework of the Trabzon Declaration signed by the foreign ministers of the three countries.

The declaration reflects the most important areas of mutual cooperation among Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia in economy, energy, infrastructure, transport, culture and humanitarian sphere.

These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss in a trilateral format the possibilities of regional partnership, promote the development of bilateral relations based on mutual benefits, strengthening of regional prosperity, stability and security.

Starting from 2012, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet twice a year to discuss trilateral cooperation and regional issues.

The previous meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey was held February 19, 2016 in Tbilisi.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Baku, Ankara and Tbilisi intend to give a new impetus to relations, Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze said Sept. 6 in Baku at a briefing following the ministerial meeting.

He noted Tbilisis intention to expand cooperation with Baku and Ankara both at the bilateral level and in the regional format.

Regional projects cover a wider scope, he said, adding that the success achieved in the implementation of major regional projects makes great contribution to regional security.

The Georgian foreign minister also noted that the three countries successfully cooperate in the international arena, support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of one another, and cooperate fruitfully in this field at various venues.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

A petition calling for US President Donald Trump to declare George Soros a terrorist has got more than 100,000 signatures on the website of the White House in slightly more than 10 days.

Now the US administration should consider this appeal. The text of the appeal to the US president says: George Soros has willfully and on an ongoing basis attempted to destabilize and otherwise commit acts of sedition against the United States and its citizens.

By the way, this is far from being the first appeal against Soros in the US over the past year. In February, there was a similar petition addressed to Donald Trump, with a request to deprive George Soros of his citizenship and expel him from the country for the activities aimed at the collapse of the US. At the same time, several US cities hosted the Day of Truth rallies, timed to the third anniversary of Maidan protests in Ukraine, the participants of which called Soros the main sponsor of color revolutions and instability in the world.

Soros, a well-known financial speculator, who by no means earned his billions in an honest way, has been accused in recent years not only for his desire to undermine the constitutional system in the US and elsewhere in the world, but has been also charged with committing more terrible bloody crimes.

Soros, who wants to look like a philanthropist and benefactor, is actually a big rascal, who at the time decided not to limit himself with financial crimes, but moved into politics where he finally lost his mind in his lust for power. So who are you, Mr. Soros?

Soros is popular as the author of the banking crisis in England in the early 90s, which led the British pound to a disaster and the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, which resulted in a well-known default in Russia and a long-term financial crisis in the US.

However, Soros ambitions were not limited to financial issues. At some point, he began to invest money in power by financing hundreds of non-governmental organizations, which in fact were agents of his influence and guides of his will in different countries.

Soros has been constantly trying to use religious, ethnic and social issues around the world to get what he wants. Soros has actively sponsored regime changes and color revolutions, many times becoming a cause of bloody clashes between authorities and the people. His homeland, Hungary, declared him a persona non grata for attempting to overthrow Prime Minister Viktor Orban. In Russia, the Soros-funded NGOs began to cause numerous questions a few years ago, and their activities were in most cases suspended.

However, Soros has never rested on his laurels, continuing to pursue his policy to increase influence in the world. A terrible crisis in Myanmars Rakhine State  the place where the Rohingya people live  is his recent terrible creation.

The fact is that there is a huge offshore Shwe gas field near the shores of the Rakhine State  the place of residence of Muslims in Myanmar. The conflict in the Rakhine State between Buddhists, constituting the majority of the population, and numerous Rohingya Muslims, has lasted for a long time already, and thousands of people have become victims of this conflict.

Interestingly, organizations funded primarily by George Soros foundations play a big role in this conflict. And, of course, the activities of the Soros-funded NGOs could not remain unnoticed by the people of Myanmar.

In mid-August 2017, mass demonstrations of Buddhists took place in the capital of the Rakhine State, where they accused the UN and Soros-funded non-governmental organizations, operating in the country, of heating up the conflict with Muslims.

It is obvious that after Soros got his hands in blood, he knows no moral principles and feels no tortures of conscience.

As for Azerbaijan, Soros tried to change the situation from within by financing NGOs operating in the country. However, the authorities quickly stopped this activity, but Soros has continued his attempts trying to change the situation from the outside.

The European Strategic Intelligence and Security Center (ESISC) published a comprehensive report, titled The Armenian Connection: How a Secret Caucus of MPs and NGOs, since 2012, Created a Network Within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to Hide Violations of International Law, which discloses a network in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) that leads a propaganda campaign against Azerbaijan. The report links some PACE members with the Armenian lobby or organizations related to Armenia.

Authors of the report are convinced that Soros wants to destabilize the situation in sovereign states in order to impose his agenda and ensure the protection of his financial interests. They argue that the influence gained by Soros at higher authority levels in Ukraine is used to give advice or even make decisions on economic, financial and defense policies. Soros recommended the training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Romania  in a NATO member state  with the participation of US instructors.

This strategy of destabilization is not limited to Ukraine. It targets Russia, Turkey, Hungary, Macedonia, Serbia, as well as Azerbaijan, which suffers from numerous attacks by the Soros network and the Armenian network, whose secret operations within the Council of Europe institutions are described in the ESISC report. The comrades, who have specific but similar interests, dont hesitate to obstruct the democratic elections in sovereign nations by organizing protests and mobilizing their active followers in the media and social networks, according to the report.

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Elmira Tariverdiyeva is the head of Trend Agencys Russian news service
Details added (first version posted at 16:24)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

Trend:

Construction of the Khankendi vessel demonstrates Azerbaijans power, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said Sept. 6.

He made the remarks in Baku at a ceremony to launch the new Khankendi subsea construction vessel for the Shah Deniz Stage 2, built by Baku Shipyard under an order by BP.

I want to congratulate you on this wonderful event, President Aliyev said addressing the ceremony. The commissioning of the Khankendi vessel is indeed a historic event. I am happy that this big vessel was built in Azerbaijan, in Baku, and it was named Khankendi. This bears great significance.

Khankendi is our ancient city, and the name of Khankendi is very dear to us. It is no coincidence that the vessel, meeting unique world standards, was given exactly this name. Construction of this vessel demonstrates the power of our country and shows that any big construction work can be carried out in Azerbaijan today.

The construction of this vessel also means that the decision taken at one time to build a shipyard was correct. At that time, when taking this decision, we pursued this goal exactly  to ensure that Azerbaijan can build any type of vessel.

The construction of this vessel also shows that there is no such a vessel that could not be built at the shipyard, President Aliyev said.

Currently, four new vessels  two ferries and two tankers  are being built, Ilham Aliyev added.

The head of state said the construction of the Khankendi vessel cost about $400 million.

This demonstrates the power of our state. Services of this vessel in development of the Shah Deniz gas field will be indispensable. According to the information given to me today, there are only 10 vessels of this type in the world. One of them is in Azerbaijan, built in Azerbaijan, and the crew of this vessel mostly consists of Azerbaijani specialists. That is, trainings and preparatory work were conducted when building this vessel, and today, both the captain of the vessel and most of his crew are local staff.

President Aliyev went on to say that development of the Shah Deniz field is a strategic project for Azerbaijan.

I am glad that the work is going well in this area too, he said, adding that preparatory work on Shah Deniz has been completed by 96 percent.

It can be said that this project is already implemented. It is impossible to use Shah Deniz at great efficiency without this [Khankendi] vessel. We carry out all this work consistently. Investments were made and correct work with foreign partners was organized. Platforms, floating units, such big vessels, and the Sangachal terminal, as well as oil and gas pipelines are being built in Azerbaijan.

Major investments were made in a comprehensive, well-thought-out and planned way in the oil and gas sector of Azerbaijan. Today we see the results of it. Here, I want to note the joint activities of BP and SOCAR. As a result of this cooperation, historic achievements in Azerbaijans oil and gas sector are already a reality.

The president also commended the activities of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company.

Activities of the Shipping Company meet international standards. The company already operates with profit and pays big taxes to the budget. That means the successful development of our transport and energy infrastructure is a great contribution to the overall development of our country, he said.

Touching upon the Shah Deniz field, Ilham Aliyev noted that its gas reserves amount to at least 1.2 trillion cubic meters.

This is one of the largest gas fields in the world. Overall, our gas reserves amount to 2.6 trillion cubic meters. That means Azerbaijan will provide itself and many countries with natural gas for at least 100 years.

I want to congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on this historic event, Ilham Aliyev went on to say. I want to congratulate all citizens and specialists who participated in the construction of this vessel.

I would like to express my confidence that the Khankendi vessel will play its valuable role in the development of the Shah Deniz field and contribute to the strengthening of our country, the president added.
Details added (first version posted on 11:14)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

Trend:

The state-of-the-art Khankendi subsea construction vessel has been launched in Baku.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the ceremony.

President of the State Oil Company (SOCAR) Rovnag Abdullayev, BP Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey Gary Jones, chairman of the Caspian Shipping Closed Joint Stock Company Rauf Valiyev informed the head of state of the works done under the project.

The president watched a video on Khankendi subsea construction vessel.

The vessel is 155 meters in length and 32 meters in width with 2000 square metres of deck space. It has a total weight of 17,600 tonnes, a carrying capacity of 5,000 metric tonnes at 6.5 metres draft and two engine rooms with 6 x 4.4MW and 2 x 3.2MW generators. It is equipped with dynamic positioning to allow working in 3.5 metre significant wave height, a 900-tonne main crane capable of placing 750 tonne subsea structures down to 600 metres below sea level, an 18-man two-bell diving system, two work-class ROVs and a strengthened moon pool. The Khankendi can carry out complex activities without the need for anchors.

The head of state was also informed of the works done under the Shah Deniz Stage 2 project.

President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the launch of the vessel.

The vessel has a maximum capacity of 175 people on board, including the marine crew and discipline specialists. The personnel include both Azerbaijani nationals and expatriates with plans for extensive training, leading to the full nationalisation of the staff.

The Khankendi has been designed and built by the Baku Shipyard - a joint venture of SOCAR, the Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC) and Keppel O&M.

President Ilham Aliyev pressed a button to launch the vessel.

The state-of-the-art subsea construction vessel has been specifically designed and built to install the biggest subsea production system in the Caspian Sea as part of the Shah Deniz Stage 2 project.
Details added (first version posted on 11:47)

Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Park Joo-sun.

The head of state expressed his confidence that the visit of Park Joo-sun will play an important role in development of Azerbaijani-Korean relations.

President Ilham Aliyev praised a very good level of bilateral ties between the two countries. The head of state recalled his two visits to the Republic of Korea and visits of Korean high-level state officials to Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted successful involvement of Korean companies in construction and infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan. The head of state pointed out successful cooperation in economic and political fields and good cultural ties of the two countries. President Ilham Aliyev stressed the importance of holding the days of Korean culture in Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Republic of Korea achieved great economic success, describing the Koreans as talented and hardworking people. The head of state pointed out similarities between the two nations, saying it is important that the peoples try to keep their traditions. President Ilham Aliyev noted that the visit of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea will contribute to the development of inter-parliamentary ties.

Mr. President, we follow with pleasure the successes made in Azerbaijan not only in economic, but also in political area under your leadership as a continuation of national leader Heydar Aliyev's policy," said Park Joo-sun.

He also said the main aim of the visit is to develop relations between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Korea. Park Joo-sun underlined the importance of the fact that the visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Park Joo-sun highlighted the current development in the Korean peninsula. He thanked the head of state for supporting this process.

President Ilham Aliyev said the incidents occurring in the Korean peninsula raise concern and are a source of danger, expressing his hope that the tension will be tackled soon.

The sides stressed the importance of mutual cooperation and support of the two countries within international organizations.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

Trend:

Azerbaijani deputy prime minister, Deputy Chair and Executive Secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party Ali Ahmadov has condemned an anti-Azerbaijani report of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and articles published by some foreign media.

It is not a secret for anyone that slander against Azerbaijan and its leader has become a favorite business of some Western political circles, non-governmental organizations and media, said Ahmadov.

Therefore, taking into account the trends of the recent years there is nothing unusual in the article, which is a product of OCCRP and The Guardians fantasy and which is an attempt to draw attention by slandering Azerbaijan and its leader again. The same order, the same sponsors, the same executors, but with a slight difference, noted the official.

This time, the executors (and perhaps the sponsors) were so much eager to slander Azerbaijan that they did not even notice that they have discredited Europes most influential institutions. According to the anti-Azerbaijani report and article, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe makes very serious political decisions, to put it mildly, by receiving gifts. This is really a very serious accusation against PACE. Is the assembly ready to digest it? Ahmadov said.

There is no need to prove that the main target of the authors of the report and article is Azerbaijan and its rapidly growing positive image, he noted.

Another and still a key goal of the authors of the report and article is that annoyed by Azerbaijans recent superiority in diplomatic, propaganda and especially military areas in the fair settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, they want to launch a second front against Azerbaijan, Ahmadov added.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.6

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Baku will host first "IMAGINE" Euro Tolerance Festival 2017, Denis Daniilidis, Charge d'Affairs of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan told at a press conference introducing first festival of such kind organized by the EU.



"It is a great idea to celebrate this festival in a country which is so tolerant. Almost all countries of the EU will participate in the event," he said.



Daniilidis also expressed hope that this festival will become an annual event.



He also mentioned that the festival includes DokuBaku International festival and the festival conducted by Adam Mickiewicz Institute devoted to social change.



IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival will be held in Baku from 12 to 20 October 2017 and presents a dense calendar of events: musical performances, debates and discussions, film screenings, photo video contest, art exhibitions and more.



A number of well-known film directors, musicians and other artists and performers are expected to be present in Baku in the framework of IMAGINE.



IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival through promotes through different expressions of art, the values of tolerance, social respect, and coexistence.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

An export mission of Azerbaijani entrepreneurs will visit Hungarys capital Budapest on Oct. 1-4, said the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry in a message.

The entrepreneurs specialize in production of fruits and vegetables, mineral water, fruit juices, sugar and confectionery products, wine and other alcohol products, honey and its products, tea, hazelnut and other industrial products.

The composition of the export mission will be formed on the basis of a competition, to be held on Sept. 20, 2017, at the office of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO).

Applicants will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:

Production potential of goods  10 points;

Export potential of goods  10 points;

Experience in goods export (by indicating the export volume for 2016)  5 points.

Minimum passing score is 20 points.

For additional information please call: (+994 12) 598-01-47/48 (ext. 141)

Contact person: Fuad Jafarov

E-mail: [email protected]

According to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, the trade turnover with Hungary amounted to $20.12 million in January-July 2017.

Azerbaijan is sending trade missions to various countries since November 2016 in order to increase its exports. The country has already sent export missions to Qatar (in February) and Kazakhstan (in April), as well as to Germany, Afghanistan and Pakistan since early 2017.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

Azerbaijan plans to send export missions to China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until the end of 2017, Yusif Abdullayev, vice president of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), told Trend Sept. 6.

According to him, export missions help to diversify both the geography of export and the export portfolio.

Today our main goal is the diversification of export geography, as well as the expansion of export portfolio. Export missions has great role in this. Since the beginning of the year, we have already organized a number of missions, and will send a mission to Hungary in early October. Moreover, we plan to send export missions to China, the UAE, Russia and Saudi Arabia by the end of the year, noted Abdullayev.

He said that as part of promotion of the Made in Azerbaijan brand, it is also planned to take part in several big exhibitions.

More than 20 Azerbaijani companies will visit the biggest food fair  Anuga, to be held in Germanys Cologne in early October, said the vice president.

Meanwhile, we have already participated in such an exhibition, and as a result, one of Azerbaijani companies signed a contract on the supply of 500,000 bottles of wine to China, added Abdullayev.

Azerbaijan is sending trade missions to various countries since November 2016 in order to increase its exports. The country has already sent export missions to Qatar (in February) and Kazakhstan (in April), as well as to Germany, Afghanistan and Pakistan since early 2017.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 6

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan intend to increase their trade turnover up to $500 million per year.

The issue was discussed by representatives of the two countries business circles at a business forum held as part of the state visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Bishkek, Uzbekistans national news agency (UzA) reported.

An Uzbek delegation including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, State Committee for Investments, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and businessmen visited Kyrgyzstan to take part in the forum.

More than 20 companies of Uzbekistan and 40 companies of Kyrgyzstan participated in the business forum.

The parties noted that the two countries have all the prerequisites and economic opportunities for further development of trade and economic cooperation.

The two countries trade turnover rose by twofold in 1H17 and it is expected that the volume of bilateral trade will total $280 million in late 2017.

Uzbekistan is ready to import the products of mining enterprises, create joint ventures for the production of confectionery products, processing of automobile tires, food products and household appliances, said Adham Ikramov, chairman of Uzbekistans Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

As a result of the business forum, the two countries companies agreed to implement projects with a total worth of $115 million.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The number of Russian tourists visiting Turkeys resort province of Antalya in August 2017 increased by 6 percent as compared to the same month of 2016, the Mediterranean Tourist Hoteliers Association (AKTOB) said in a message.

According to AKTOB, the number of German tourists visiting Turkey decreased by seven percent in August 2017 as compared to the same month of 2016.

In January-August 2017, 7.144 million tourists visited the Antalya province that is 63 percent more than in the same period of 2016, says the message.

It should be noted that according to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), Turkeys revenues from tourism increased by 8.7 percent and totaled $5.413 billion in 2Q17 as compared to the same period of 2016.

The number of foreigners visiting Turkey in June 2017 rose by 43.01 percent as compared to the same month of 2016. In June 2017, 3.486 million tourists visited the country, and 41,991 of them traveled to other countries through Turkey.

In six months of 2017, 12.249 million tourists visited Turkey that is 14.05 percent more than in the same period of 2016.

It should be noted that 25.352 million tourists visited the country in 2016 that is by 30 percent less than in 2015.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Azercell Telecom LLC received an official delegation from Canada, led by Ontario regions Minister of Research, Innovation and Science Mr. Reza Moridi. Azercells management team lead by CEO Mr. Vahid Mursaliyev hosted the Canadian delegation at the head office of the company on September 5th, 2017. The meeting was held in an open and friendly atmosphere in light of the great interest of Mr. Reza Moridi and Canadian delegation to Azerbaijan and particularly to the mobile telecommunications sector of the country, which is developing with great speed. The two sides discussed different opportunities to strengthen collaborations between different organizations in Ontario and Azercell Telecom in the sphere or mobile technologies, innovations, entrepreneurship, human resources, etc.

It should be noted that Ontario is Canada's most populous province with nearly 40 percent of the country's population, and is the second-largest province in total area. It is home to the nation's capital city, Ottawa, and the nation's most populous city, Toronto. The Ministry of Research, Innovation and Science closely collaborates with research partners in universities, colleges and hospitals, entrepreneurs and business leaders in order to foster scientific discovery and commercialization of new technologies and products, as well as support job creation and economic growth.



During the meeting Mr. Reza Moridi provided extensive information on Canadian Government structure, huge economic growth in the last years and advancement of the province of Ontario in the sphere of ICT. He has also noted the focus of government and huge investments in 5G deployment, cyber security, as well as development of artificial intelligence and M2M technologies such as driverless cars. Taking into account Azercells achievements in wireless communication technologies, the Minister believes cooperation with Canadian organizations will be beneficial not only for the Company, but generally for Azerbaijan.

Azercell Telecom CEO Mr. Vahid Mursaliyev in his tern, expressed gratitude to Minister Mr. Reza Moridi and Ontarios official delegation for their visit and consideration of Azercell as a partner. He stated that there are many opportunities for cooperation on research and innovation between advanced Ontario province and Azercell Telecom- a leading mobile operator of Azerbaijan and pioneering company in the sphere of Innovative Mobile Technologies in the region of South Caucasus. He noted that the results of this collaboration might also bring new benefits to Azercell subscribers. Mr. Mursaliyev summarized on Azercells contribution to development of Telco sector and achievements of the companys engineers, ranking among worlds top ICT experts. He said that Azercell is open for further cooperation to build secure and innovative technological future to positively affect each and every citizens work and life.

For more information, please contact [email protected]
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

More than 50 percent of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project, envisaging transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, is now complete, a source in Axpo Holding AG, headquartered in Switzerland, told Trend.

A source in Axpo company, which holds 5 percent share in TAP, said that the project remains on track and on schedule to transport gas from Azerbaijans Shah Deniz field in 2020.

"We are pleased with the projects progress  being more than 50 percent complete and in accordance with schedule," said the source.

Axpo is preparing for its role as shipper and buyer/offtaker of Azerbaijani gas from 2020  setting up operating and allocation agreements, booking capacity in the Italian gas network, arranging trading processes etc, added the source.

TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.

The pipeline will connect to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south.

TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 kilometers, Albania 215 kilometers, Adriatic Sea 105 kilometers, and Italy 8 kilometers).

TAPs shareholding is comprised of BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

UK Petrofac has been awarded an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, valued at approximately 340 million euros, with South Stream Transport B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Russias Gazprom, for the development of onshore pipelines and a gas receiving terminal near Kiyikoy in Turkey, said the message on the companys website.

Under the contract, Petrofac will provide engineering, procurement and construction for the receiving terminal, which will be ready for commercial operations in December 2019. When completed, the facility will receive 31.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually from the TurkStream pipeline originating from the compressor station in Anapa, Russia, said the message.

TurkStream project envisages construction of two branches of the main gas pipeline under the Black Sea, the capacity of each branch being 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas.



One branch is meant to supply gas directly to the Turkish market and the other for the supply of gas by transit through Turkey to Europe. The intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Turkey also stipulates that these two offshore branches should be built by December 2019.

On Dec.8, 2016, South Stream Transport B.V., 100-percent subsidiary of Gazprom, signed a contract with Swiss Allseas Group on constructing the first line of the TurkStream gas pipelines offshore segment.

Later in February 2017, the two companies inked an agreement on constructing the second line of the pipelines offshore section.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept.6

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The next meeting of the Project Management Unit for the Ionian-Adriatic Pipeline (IAP) project will be held in Tirana, Albania, Sept.8, Zarko Djuranovic, Director of Energy and Consulting Department at Montenegro Bonus company, told Trend Sept.6.

Montenegro Bonus is one of the particpants of the Project Management Unit for IAP.

Djuranovic recalled that in August 2016, ministries in charge for energy of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro signed a Memorandum of Understanding and together with the Transmission System Operators for gas (TSO) from each country established the Project Management Unit (PMU) for the IAP project, devoted to defining further steps leading to the facilitation of development and implementation of the IAP project.

PMU promotes the IAP project and uses every opportunity to present the importance and significance of IAP to the interested parties, decision makers within international community and potential partners/investors, he said, adding that each country has two members in the PMU, one from the government and the other one from the TSO.

The Energy Community and Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR are the observers in the PMU.

The Permanent Secretariat of the PMU is hosted by the Ministry of Economy of Montenegro.

IAP is a proposed natural gas pipeline in Southeastern Europe (SEE) that will stretch from Albania through Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to Split in Croatia. It will be connected with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).

IAP will provide deliveries of Azerbaijani gas to several countries of South-Eastern Europe. The capacity of the pipeline will amount to five billion cubic meters of gas per year.

TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.

The pipeline will connect to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south.

TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 kilometers, Albania 215 kilometers, Adriatic Sea 105 kilometers, and Italy 8 kilometers).

TAPs shareholding is comprised of BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
A Chinese tourist with no Australian medical license has been charged with the manslaughter after police say she gave a woman an anesthetic during a procedure at a Sydney beauty clinic last week and the woman later died.

Shao Jie, 33, was not required to appear in Sydneys Central Local Court yesterday when a prosecutor announced that charges against her had been upgraded. Manslaughter carries a potential maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Shao allegedly administered drugs to Jean Huang, 35, during a breast procedure at Sydneys Medi Beauty Laser and Contour Clinic last Wednesday.

Huang was taken to hospital in critical condition and died Friday, police said.

Shao had been charged last week with causing reckless grievous bodily harm and using poison to endanger life. Each charge carries a potential maximum of 10 years in prison.

Court documents allege Shao administered an intoxicating substance, tramadol and Lidocaine to Huang during the procedure. Lidocaine is a numbing agent, and tramadol is a painkiller. She also allegedly injected Huang with Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan. It is a restricted substance that is commonly used to the cosmetic industry as a soft tissue filler to smooth facial wrinkles.

Shaos lawyer, Mary Underwood, said last week that her client was a graduate of a Chinese medical university and had arrived in Australia several days before the botched procedure on a tourist visa. Shao was a dermatology specialist who had practiced in Great Britain as well as China, Underwood said.

Shao has been in custody since her arrest and has yet to enter pleas. She will appear on court next on Oct. 31. AP
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

The methanol plant of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR produced 186,000 tons of methanol since the beginning of 2017, SOCAR Methanol LLC said in a message Sept. 6.

According to the message, the transfer of the methanol plant to SOCAR in November 2016 helped to restore the production process.

More than 90 percent of the output was exported, said SOCAR Methanol.

The methanol plant, which was built by AzMeCo LLC, is one of the biggest investments in Azerbaijans non-oil sector. One-of-a-kind for the South Caucasus and Central Asia regions, the methanol plant started selling its products in January 2014.

The plants annual output capacity is 720,000 tons per year.

AzMeCo for its outstanding debts was handed over to Aqrarkredit CJSC non-bank credit institution in accordance with a decision of Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers.

The methanol plant acquired by SOCAR costs $520 million.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev held a meeting with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, who arrived in Astana on a state visit, the press service of Kazakh president's website reported.

Nazarbayev warmly welcomed Duda and thanked him for participating in the national day of Poland within the framework of the international exhibition EXPO-2017.

Kazakhstan is open to polish businessmen. At your request, a direct flight was launched between the capitals of our countries. It should be noted that this air communication is in demand among the population of the two states and this once again underscores the interest of our peoples in establishing close contacts," Nazarbayev said.

In turn, Duda, expressing his gratitude for the invitation to visit Kazakhstan, noted the importance of joint participation in the work of the Kazakh-Polish business forum.

I remember with great joy all our meetings. Your last visit to Poland brought a lot of new to the development of economic cooperation of our countries. I would particularly like to note that it was your visit that gave a new impetus to the work carried out in this direction. Thus, the turnover from Poland to Kazakhstan grew by 50 percent and from Kazakhstan to Poland - by 80 percent," the polish president said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Kamila Aliyeva  Trend:

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev held a meeting in expanded format with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda, who arrived in Astana on a state visit, according to the message on the Kazakh president's official website.

Nazarbayev noted the results of his last year's visit to Warsaw, during which 15 commercial deals worth almost $1 billion were concluded at the Kazakhstani-Polish business forum and an agreement to launch direct airlines between Kazakhstan and Poland was reached.

The President also informed that last year 10 new enterprises with the participation of Polish capital appeared in Kazakhstan with about $100 million worth of investment.

He noted that both Kazakhstan and Poland expect the economy to grow by 4 percent this year.

"This growth allows us to look to the future with optimism," Nazarbayev said.

Further, the president familiarized the high-ranking guest with the reforms that are being implemented in Kazakhstan.

"We have started implementing five institutional reforms, called 'Plan of the Nation', in order to enter the 30 developed countries of the world. In the Global Competitiveness Index, we hold the 50th place, he said.

Nazarbayev also drew attention to the measures being taken by Kazakhstan to create conditions for businessmen and investors and emphasized the importance of further expansion of cooperation in the trade and economic sphere.

The investment climate in Kazakhstan is recognized by international organizations as very favorable. At present, we have established a company called Kazakhinvest, which works with foreign investors. In addition, following the EXPO exhibition the International Financial Center "Astana" will start operating. Almost all the world's leading financial institutions have agreed to work in the IFC," he said.

The Head of State stressed that Kazakhstan is a key trading partner for Poland in the region and a reliable springboard for entering the markets of Central Asian countries and the Eurasian Economic Union.

In turn, Duda noted that last year's visit of Nursultan Nazarbayev to Poland was the impetus for the improvement of trade and economic relations between the two countries.

I am sure that we will be able to achieve a high level of turnover through our joint efforts. Also, I want to thank you for the opportunity to visit the EXPO-2017 exhibition and see both the Polish and the Kazakhstan pavilions. This exhibition is a good demonstration of modern technologies related to renewable energy sources and safe use of traditional sources of raw materials for the environment," he said.

Following the state visit of the Polish president to Kazakhstan two documents were signed including Charter to the Green Bridge Partnership Program and agreement on economic cooperation between Kazakh Ministry of National Economy and Polish Minister of Development and Finance.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Sept. 6

By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:

Turkmenistan and the UNDP (the United Nations Development Program) are implementing a project to improve the state administration system, Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper said.

The Academy of Public Administration under the President of Turkmenistan, within the framework of the joint project, hosted a working meeting with the participation of UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Elena Panova.

The sides discussed prospects for partnership on improving the system of public administration, training of public servants..

During the meeting, the sides discussed the forthcoming activities of the project, including holding of a cycle of lecture classes in such areas as legal and organizational bases of public service at the international and national level, international legislation and tools for fighting corruption.

Organization of a number of round table meetings and seminars with elements of interactive forms of study with the participation of international experts on e-document turnover, strategic management and planning, as well as assessment of the needs of the population for social services, will serve to improve the efficiency of training of the Academys students.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sept. 6

By Demir Azizov Trend:

The joint statement and the agreement on the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border were signed by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev following the talks held as part of the Uzbek presidents state visit to Bishkek, the Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA) reported.

The agreement on the state border implies the delimitation of 85 percent of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border.

The intergovernmental agreements on trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian cooperation between Andijan and Osh, Tashkent and Bishkek cities, the agreement on scientific, technical cooperation were signed.

Moreover, a plan for joint activities to further intensify and expand cooperation between the border regions of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for 2017-2019, the memorandum on interparliamentary cooperation and other important documents were also signed.

During the talks, Mirziyoyev and Atambayev discussed the prospects for expanding and intensifying cooperation in the political, trade, economic, transport, communication, cultural, humanitarian and other spheres, as well as the current regional and international problems of mutual interest.
The US envoy to the UN says President Donald Trumps possible refusal to certify Irans compliance with its nuclear deal does not constitute US withdrawal from the agreement.

If the president chooses not to certify Iranian compliance, that does not mean the United States is withdrawing from the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), Nikki Haley said at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington on Tuesday, despite the US administrations repeated threats that it would scrap the deal.

If the president finds that he cannot certify Iranian compliance, it would be a message to Congress that the administration believes either that Iran is in violation of the deal, or that the lifting of sanctions against Iran is not appropriate and proportional to the regimes behavior, or that the lifting of sanctions is not in the US national security interest, or any combination of the three, she added.

The remarks came after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) verified Irans compliance with the JCPOA in its latest quarterly report on Thursday.

Haley described the JCPOA as a very flawed and very limited agreement that was designed to be too big to fail.

Last week, Trump administration sent Haley to Vienna to lobby with the IAEA to request access to Iranian military sites as part of the deal.

Iran has repeatedly contended that the US demands for access to Irans military sites are aimed at politicizing the JCPOA and that issues pertaining to Tehrans defense capabilities are non-negotiable.

Trump has also set up a team of his White House confidantes to present him with options other than certifying Iranian compliance with the deal to the Congress. Such certification is needed by US law every 90 days in order for the Congress to continue to withhold nuclear-related sanctions against Iran.

The Trump administration has twice so far certified Irans compliance with the deal. US media reports said Trump agreed to those certifications only reluctantly. All indications are that he wants to avoid a third certification.

The White House has been further pressuring US intelligence officials to produce intelligence that could be used to declare Iran in violation of the nuclear agreement.

Trump, who had made no secret of opposing Iran in his election campaign, has threatened to tear up the agreement, calling it the worst deal ever negotiated.

The JCPOA was inked between Iran and the P5+1 countries  namely the US, Russia, China, France, and Britain plus Germany  in July 2015 and took effect in January 2016.

Under the deal, limits were put on Irans nuclear activities in exchange for the removal of all nuclear-related bans imposed on the Islamic Republic, among other things.

Unlike the US, the European parties to the nuclear deal as well as Russia and China have never raised any complaints about the agreement with Iran and have stressed full commitment to it.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sep. 6

By Farhad Daneshvar  Trend:

While Tehran-Riyadh ties are at their worst in years, the recent remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif signal Tehrans intention to improve relations with the regional rival, though Riyadh steel appears reluctant.

Saudi Arabia is considered as a significant Islamic country therefore we are ready to cooperate with them [Saudis] on the issue of Rohingya Muslims, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a televised interview last night.

He also expressed Irans interest in cooperation with Saudi Arabia to resolve regional crisis.

This is not the only positive signal coming from Tehran as an Iranian official on the same day thanked the kingdom for its handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

However, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir immediately denied any warming of relations with the Islamic Republic, urging Iran to change its policies.

If Iran wants to have good relations with Saudi Arabia, it has to change its policies. It has to respect international law, he said.

At this time, we do not see... that theyre serious about wanting to be a good neighbor, Reuters quoted al-Jubeir as saying at a press conference in London.

Earlier in August, Zarif and his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir shook hands on the sidelines of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Turkey, in a move that could be interpreted as an improvement in ties.

Tehran and Riyadh accuse each other of destabilizing the regional security and supporting opposite sides in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The two countries have severed diplomatic relations since January 2016 after Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran protesting against the Saudi decision to behead a prominent Shia cleric.

Despite reasons behind hostility between the two Muslim countries, both sides, the Islamic Republic and the kingdom, need to reach a mutual understanding to safeguard the regional stability.

President Hassan Rouhanis administration appear to make efforts aimed at easing hostilities but success there depends on whether Riyadh is responsive to Tehrans signals.
Florida Governor Rick Scott has mobilized 100 National Guard members ahead of possible landfall by Hurricane Irma, according to a release published on Scotts website on Tuesday, Sputnik reported.

"Today, I am activating 100 members of the Florida Air and Army National Guard to immediately begin assisting with ongoing Hurricane Irma preparation," Scott stated. "Per my direction, they will be stationed throughout the state."

Scott noted that he also ordered all 7,000 National Guard members to report for duty on Friday.

Moreover, South Florida County governor will order mandatory evacuations ahead of the possible landfall of Hurricane Irma, the Countys office said in a press release on Tuesday.

"With the storm track of Category 5 Hurricane Irma still headed for the Florida Keys, Monroe County will be issuing a mandatory visitor evacuation expected to begin at sunrise on Wednesday. An evacuation for residents also will be issued," the release said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Scott asked President Donald Trump to declare a pre-landfall emergency for Florida as a result of Hurricane Irma.
Myanmar on Tuesday allowed a Turkish aid agency to distribute 1,000 tons of aid to Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state, according to Turkeys presidential spokesman, Anadolu reported.

Kalin said in a written statement that the permission from Myanmar came hours after President Recep Tayyip Erdogans telephone discussion with Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on the recent violations of human rights in Rakhine.

Myanmar government allows representatives of TIKA [Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency] to enter conflict region and distribute 1,000 tons of aid in the first phase, the statement read.

The moves makes TIKA the first foreign aid agency to get permission from the government to enter the region since the latest violence began on Aug. 25, Kalin noted.

He said the aid would be distributed by military helicopters along with the Rakhine state government as uncertainty and security concerns continue in the region.

The emergency aid packages contain rice, dry fish, and clothes, according to Erdogans aide.

He added that the Turkish aid agency would continue supplying aid, including food, clothes, and medicine, in the area in cooperation with the local government.

He highlighted that a Turkish delegation, including Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and TIKA head Serdar Cam, would visit Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district, where thousands of Rohingya have taken shelter in the last 10 days.

Kalin said that Turkey plans to initially distribute aid to 100,000 families in coordination with the governments of Bangladesh and Myanmar.

According to the UN on Tuesday, 123,600 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh as tens of thousands more were internally displaced by the latest violence.

Rakhine, which lies in western Myanmar, has seen simmering tension between its Buddhist and Muslim populations since communal violence broke out in 2012.

In a security crackdown launched last October in the states northern Maungdaw district, the UN has documented mass gang rapes, killings -- including infants and young children -- brutal beatings, and disappearances.

The report found evidence of human rights violations by security forces that indicated crimes against humanity.

Rohingya representatives have said that around 400 people were killed in the crackdown.

In recent weeks, the government has boosted its military numbers in Maungdaw, and the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) claimed responsibility for attacks in which the government said dozens were killed.

The ARSA said the attacks were in response to raids, killings, and looting by soldiers.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

Germany has urged its citizens to refuse from traveling to Turkey, the countrys media reported Sept. 6, citing the German Foreign Ministry.

The German Foreign Ministry said in a statement that German citizens may be arrested during their visit to Turkey due to the deterioration of relations between Berlin and Ankara, according to the media.

Such a statement was made after two German citizens were arrested last week in the Turkish province of Antalya on suspicion of espionage.

Recently there have been tensions in the relations between Germany and Turkey.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Aug. 25 that Germany was pushing its limits at a foreign ministers meeting between Turkey, Poland and Romania.

Germany is crossing the line. There is no benefit in populist remarks ahead of elections, said Cavusoglu in response to German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriels comments claiming that Turkey would never become an EU member state.

It is clear that in this state, Turkey will never become a member of the EU, said Gabriel in an interview with the Bild newspaper.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel had previously stated that Berlin would make no extra effort to maintain the customs union with Turkey.
Cambodias opposition leader was formally charged yesterday with treason for allegedly conspiring with the United States to topple the government, and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Kem Sokha had been expected to lead his Cambodia National Rescue Party in next years election in a strong challenge against the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has held power for three decades. The opposition party has denied the treason allegation, saying the charge is strictly politically motivated.

Kem Sokhas arrest on Sunday in the middle of the night came amid a crackdown on the media. Radio stations among the few mass media to carry voices critical of the government were shut down for alleged breaches of regulations, and the English-language Cambodia Daily, also independent of the government, was forced out of business after being presented with a huge but disputed tax bill.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesman Ly Sophana said y that Kem Sokha was charged after a thorough investigation, including interrogation and examination of the evidence. The crime is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison.

A statement issued by the court said Kem Sokha had secretly conspired with a foreign country to carry out an act harmful to the social order and that could cause unrest. It said he had been carrying out his plan since 1993 to topple the government step by step.

Speaking to 4,000 Cambodian garment factory workers Sunday, Hun Sen claimed Kem Sokha had colluded with the United States against his government and warned the opposition party it could be dissolved if it defended him. He provided no proof for his claim.

The government appeared to have based part of its claims against Kem Sokha on a video clip that shows the opposition leader giving a public speech in which he describes a grassroots political strategy to challenge Hun Sen with U.S. support.

The clip, which was released by the government Sunday, was published on YouTube by the Australia-based Cambodia Broadcasting Network in 2013. In it, Kem Sokha says the United States hired university professors and experts in America and Canada to advise me on [a] strategy to change the leadership in Cambodia.

A U.S. State Department spokeswoman, Heather Nauert, did not address the allegations against Washington, but issued a statement expressing grave concern over Kem Sokhas arrest, saying he has a long, distinguished, and internationally recognized commitment to human rights and peaceful democracy.

Nauert said the detention and unprecedented restrictions recently imposed on independent media and civil society raise serious questions about the governments ability to organize credible national elections in 2018.

Legal threats forced Kem Sokhas predecessor as leader, Sam Rainsy, to resign this year from the opposition party. He now lives in exile. Sopheng Cheang & Todd Pitman, Phnom Penh, AP
Baku, Azerbaijan, Sept. 6

By Rufiz Hafizoglu  Trend:

The EU has not kept any of its promises to Turkey, the Turkish media outlets quoted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying Sept. 6.

Turkey has no problems with the European Union, but it is obvious that the EU policy towards the country is based on double standards, says Erdogan.

Despite that Turkey is much stronger than some EU countries, Ankara has not been able to gain an EU membership so far, he noted.

President Erdogan said the EU should honestly admit if it does not want Turkeys accession.

Earlier, Turkeys Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the EU should state openly if it wants to stop the talks with the country on its accession to the union.

An association agreement between the EU and Turkey was signed in 1963. Ankara filed an application for the EU membership in 1987, but the negotiations on Ankaras accession to the EU started only in 2005.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
KYODO NEWS - Sep 5, 2017 - 22:40 | Urgent, All

Stab wounds have been found on the burnt bodies of an elderly Japanese couple found dead Monday at their rental house in southern Bali, an Indonesian doctor said Tuesday.

Dudut Rustyadi, head of Sanglah General Hospital's forensic medicine department, said the wounds were found on the bodies of Norio Matsuba, 76, and Hiroko Matsuba, 73.

There were a number of puncture wounds on the man's back and his neck had been sliced. The woman had been stabbed in the neck and stomach, and there was rope around her neck and wrists.

Both had extensive posterior burn injuries and a pile of stacked firewood was found next to their bodies.

Rustyadi said autopsies would help to determine the cause of death.

Police Commissioner Aris Purwanto, head of the Denpasar Criminal Investigation Department, said autopsies would be performed after getting approval from family members.

Purwanto said the police have questioned six people, including the couple's adopted son who found their bodies, as well as their maid and driver.

"We still need to conduct further investigation," he said.

The burnt bodies of the couple were found in their second floor bedroom by their adopted son just before noon.

The house is located in a quiet residential area of Jimbaran, located south of Bali International Airport.

According to Japanese and others living in the neighborhood, the couple began living there about a year ago and the husband could often be seen walking a dog.

A 45-year-old woman friendly with the couple said, "They were very friendly and I never heard of any trouble."
KYODO NEWS - Sep 6, 2017 - 22:34 | All, Feature

The Tokyo metropolitan government lit up its building in blue Wednesday to raise public awareness of the issue of North Korean abductions of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s.



In Japan, blue ribbons symbolize the campaign of relatives and supporters seeking the return of Japanese abductees.



The Tokyo government mounted the weeklong campaign through Tuesday ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 17, 2002, signing of a landmark declaration between Japan and North Korea over the basic idea of political and economic cooperation. Five abductees returned to Japan the following month.
An unexpected collaboration leads to the discovery of an early predictor of IBD

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--September 5, 2017--Scientist Shomyseh Sanjabi, PhD, joined the Gladstone Institutes seven years ago, and she brought with her a special type of mice that develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Coincidentally, microbiome expert Katherine Pollard, PhD, was looking for a model to study the disease. Particularly because she is an IBD patient herself.

That's how an unlikely collaboration started between an immunology researcher, Sanjabi, and a biostatistician, Pollard. They set out to uncover the role played by bacteria in the gut in IBD.

Your gut contains trillions of bacteria and tiny microbes--collectively called the microbiome--that mainly help with digestion and other bodily functions. But these bacteria have also been linked to IBD. Studies have shown that the microbiome is very different in sick and healthy individuals.

However, scientists don't know if bacteria are responsible for causing IBD, or if IBD causes bacteria in the gut to change. Equipped with Sanjabi's mouse model, she and Pollard realized they now had the tools to answer this "chicken or the egg" question.

Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are the two most common forms of IBD, which is an increasingly prevalent disease in which the immune system attacks tissues in the intestine. Symptoms vary between Improvpatients and can include severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.

Pollard has been living with IBD for the past decade.

"Like most patients, I didn't know I had a chronic disease for many years," says Pollard, director of the Convergence Zone at Gladstone. "At first, many people think they may be lactose intolerant or have an allergy to gluten. Then, when the symptoms are serious, they realize they have IBD."

The exact cause of IBD remains unknown. Because is hard to predict who will develop the disease, human studies typically occur after patients are quite sick. At that point, it is hard to determine if gut bacteria triggered IBD.

"These studies are valuable, but they don't reveal much about what causes the disease or how it evolves," explains Gladstone Assistant Investigator Sanjabi. "The mouse model gave us an opportunity to overcome the challenges of a human study and finally conduct a longitudinal study on IBD. We gathered data from birth to adulthood, so we could see the onset and progression of the disease."

The scientists got to work. They monitored the mice's immune system and collected fecal bacteria on a weekly basis. The study's first authors, Thomas Sharpton and Svetlana Lyalina, then analyzed the full DNA sequence of these bacteria.

"We detected changes in the genes of the gut bacteria before any symptom of IBD appeared," says Sanjabi, who is also an assistant professor at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). "Most of the changes in bacteria happened at the same time as the immune system started showing signs of an autoimmune disease. This model can help us identify exactly when the disease starts."

The scientists' findings, published today in the open-access journal mSystems, associate the progression of IBD with parallel changes in what gut bacteria are doing over time. They found that these changes in the microbiome may represent an early indicator of the disease.

Current therapies for IBD are like Band-Aids. They treat the symptoms, but not the root of the problem. If the researchers can pinpoint early signs of IBD and predict who might get sick, they could help develop diagnostic tools and find treatments to address the cause of disease.

"IBD drugs also increase risk for serious infections," says Pollard, also a UCSF professor. "Whenever I travel or visit a hospital, I need to stop my treatment, because it weakens my immune system. We need to discover what contributes to the development and severity of the disease to ensure accurate and effective health care."

Now, Sanjabi and Pollard know more than when they started. But they also have more questions than when they began.

They suspect that IBD is caused by the dynamic interaction between an abnormal immune response and opportunistic bacteria. Their next step will be to test whether they can trigger IBD by manipulating specific gut bacteria.

"This project was so personal because of Katie's own struggles with IBD," says Sanjabi. "She, and so many other patients, deserve better options. My hope is to, one day, develop targeted antibiotic treatments that could get rid of specific bacteria in the gut causing the disease."

Pollard's hope is the same.

"I'm encouraged by our promising results," says Pollard. "We could potentially analyze the microbiome of patient stool to classify and even predict disease. That would be an enormous step in the right direction."

###

About the research study

This project was supported by the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious diseases, through an R21 grant (AI108953). This grant is reserved for novel studies that break new ground.

Other contributors include Julie Luong, Joey Pham, and Emily M. Deal from Gladstone, as well as Courtney Armour and Christopher Gaulke from Oregon State University.
PHILADELPHIA--The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, also known as Obamacare, aimed to achieve parity in coverage between mental health care and other forms of health care. A new study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania suggests that ACA plans may still fall short of that goal. The Penn researchers found that provider networks in ACA Marketplace plans tend to offer far fewer choices for mental health care, compared to primary health care. ACA plan networks last year included, on average, only 11 percent of all mental health care providers in their coverage areas -- compared, for example, to 24 percent for primary care providers. The study is published today in the September issue of Health Affairs.

"Our findings highlight some persistent structural barriers to parity," said the study's lead author Jane M. Zhu, MD, MPP, a National Clinician Scholar in the department of General Internal Medicine at Penn and an associate fellow at Penn's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. "Better incentives for mental health care providers to participate in plan networks, and greater regulatory attention to network size and quality, could help overcome those barriers."

In the new study, Zhu and colleagues examined several nationwide databases on 2016 ACA plans, networks and providers. The researchers analyzed this large dataset in different ways, but their results consistently showed that choices of providers in ACA Marketplace plans were -- and presumably still are -- much narrower for mental health care than for primary care. For example, while about 58 percent of primary care physicians in covered areas participated in at least one ACA plan network, only 43 percent of psychiatrists did so. The participation rate was much lower, at 21 percent, for all mental health care specialists including non-physician providers, compared to 46 percent for all primary care providers.

Similarly, from the perspective of network size, ACA Marketplace plans' mental health care provider networks fell much more often into the categories of "small" or "extra-small," compared to primary care provider networks.

The ACA and an earlier law, the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, aim to make insurance coverage for mental health care as easy to obtain as coverage for other forms of health care. The ACA mandates, for example, that all Marketplace plans offer coverage for mental health care including treatment for substance abuse. The analysis by Zhu and colleagues suggests that despite these efforts, true parity in coverage remains elusive.

Part of the problem lies on the provider side, according to the Penn researchers: "Consistently with prior studies of this issue, we observed relatively low levels of network participation among mental health care providers," said senior author Daniel Polsky, PhD, a professor of Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine and executive director of Penn's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics.

There is evidence, he added, that mental health care providers tend to be reimbursed at lower rates than other health care providers, yet often face high demand for services. This situation incentivizes many of them to opt out of insurer networks in order to retain more freedom in pricing their services.

On the insurer side, narrowing the networks of providers is clearly one way to hold down costs. An insurer typically negotiates reimbursement rates with providers in advance, and in principle has more bargaining power when restricting network coverage to a smaller pool of providers. A smaller pool of providers may also specifically exclude the more expensive providers and sicker patients in a coverage area, and on the whole may make it harder for patients to find a covered provider within a reasonable traveling distance.

"The ACA eliminated important reimbursement limitations that insurers traditionally used to control their costs," Zhu said. "Narrow network design is one of the few cost-control strategies they're still allowed to use."

She noted that the ACA does address network size and quality, but only briefly and ambiguously. It requires Marketplace plans to maintain "a network that is sufficient in number and types of providers," including mental health care providers, albeit without defining "sufficient" in this context. "A key issue is that we don't yet know how narrow a network can be before it starts to impact access and health outcomes - understanding this may help regulators better define network size requirements."

Closing the gap between mental health care coverage and other health care coverage would require a consensus about minimum network size and quality, and regulations to enforce that standard, according to the Penn researchers. Coaxing more mental health care providers into networks also would be necessary, and that could mean, in part, improving their reimbursement rates as well as reducing the shortage of mental health care providers overall.

###

The other Penn author on the study was Yuehan Zhang.

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $6.7 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $392 million awarded in the 2016 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2016, Penn Medicine provided $393 million to benefit our community.
'Adrenaline' of the immune system discovered

Portuguese and Swiss scientists have discovered that neurons located at mucosal tissues can immediately detect an infection in the organism, promptly producing a substance that acts as an "adrenaline rush" for immune cells.

Under the effect of this signal, immune cells rapidly become poised to fight the infection and repair the damage caused to surrounding tissues, the researchers from Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown and Instituto de Medicina Molecular (both in Lisbon) and from the EFPL (Lausanne) report in Nature.

Most neurons in the body are located in the brain and its vicinity - the central nervous system -, with neurons projecting their axons to every tissue in the organism by way of the spinal cord. Nevertheless, throughout the body there is a very abundant number of peripheral nervous cells. These are so numerous in the gut that they have collectively been dubbed "the second brain".

In a previous study, senior author Henrique Veiga-Fernandes and colleagues demonstrated that a type of glial cells in the gut, they dubbed innate lymphoid cells 3 (ILC3), can trigger cells of the innate immune system to produce antibacterial compounds. In the current study, they turned to ILC 2 cells, which are located at the bodys barriers  the gut, the skin, and the lungs  to produce immune responses against foreign invaders.

The study brings "two big novelties", says Veiga-Fernandes. The first, he explains, "is that neurons define the immune cells' function. Nobody could have imagined that the nervous system coordinates, commands and controls the immune response throughout the whole organism." Second, he adds, "it's one of the fastest and most powerful immune reactions we have ever seen". Comparatively, the newly discovered neuronal stimulus induces an immune response in a few minutes, while the immune response following vaccination typically takes several weeks to mount.

"In high-resolution microphotographs of the lungs and gut of mice we saw that ILC2s were placed along the axons of neurons residing in these mucosa, a bit like pearls on a string", explains Veiga-Fernandes. "So we asked ourselves if these two distinct tissues could productively 'talk' to each other."

To test this hypothesis, the team started by analysing the whole genome of a series of immune cells - ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, T-cells, etc. -, "searching for genes that code molecules that may act as receivers of neuronal signals", said Veiga-Fernandes. They found that only ILC2s possessed a receptor protein (NMUR1) for a neuronal messenger called neuromedin U (NMU). Since neurons are the only cells that produce abundant levels of NMU, this indicated that only neurons could be sending this signal to ILC2s.

Later, they used a rodent parasite, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (a sort of hookworm) to infect control mice and mutant mice whose ILC2s didnt express NMU receptors. In the first group of animals, the innate immune cells immediately triggered a response to neutralise the parasite and repair damaged tissue. In the second group, the mice were unable to fight the infection and the damage caused by the parasite.

The researchers also showed that neurons are able to detect the products secreted by parasites that infect the organism - and that, when this happens, they rapidly produce NMU. In turn, NMU acts vigorously on ILC2s, thus generating a protective response in a few minutes.

Currently, the findings impact on humans are open. However, the analogs to ILC2s in humans also carry NMU receptors at their surface. Veiga-Fernandes has filed a patent application.

Veiga-Fernandes results are complemented by results of an international team headed by David Artis

from Cornell University and Donna L. Farber from Columbia University (both in NYC, US). Independently from Veiga-Fernandes and co-workers, they report in the same issue of Nature (doi:10.1038/nature23676) that ILC2s in the mouse gastrointestinal tract co-localize with cholinergic neurons that express the neuropeptide neuromedin U (NMU) and that ILC2s selectively express the NMU receptor 1 (NMUR1). Additionally, they demonstrated that vitro stimulation of ILC2s with NMU induced rapid cell activation, proliferation, and secretion of the type 2 cytokines IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13 that was dependent on cell-intrinsic expression of NMUR1 and Gq protein. In vivo administration of NMU triggered potent type 2 cytokine responses characterised by ILC2 activation, proliferation and eosinophil recruitment that was associated with accelerated expulsion of the gastrointestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis or induction of lung inflammation.

Conversely, worm burden was higher in Nmur1/ mice than in control mice. Furthermore, use of gene- deficient mice and adoptive cell transfer experiments revealed that ILC2s were necessary and sufficient to mount NMU-elicited type 2 cytokine responses. The US-led group concludes that "the NMUNMUR1 neuronal signalling circuit provides a selective mechanism through which the enteric nervous system and innate immune system integrate to promote rapid type 2 cytokine responses that can induce anti-microbial, inflammatory and tissue-protective type 2 responses at mucosal sites.
With a blanket ban on initial coin offerings (ICOs), China has sidestepped an issue plaguing regulators worldwide: are such tokens securities?

A cross between crowdfunding and an initial public offering, ICOs  which have raised at least USD1.25 billion globally so far  are the sale of tokens based on the blockchain, the technology underlying bitcoin. While they at least ostensibly promise the holder access to the final product, making them more like vouchers, the problem for regulators is they also often bear the characteristics of regulated securities, especially when buyers are betting on capital gains.

So far, regulators in most major markets havent taken actions as drastic as China, whose ban on ICOs spurred selloffs across bitcoin and ethereum. The U.S. said in July ICO issuers must adhere to federal securities law, while Singapore and Hong Kong have also said they will regulate such sales if the tokens constitute securities. The latter said in a statement yesterday that ICOs bear risks of fraud and money laundering.

Most of them are going to fall back on whatever they have released on what constitutes securities, said Arthur Hayes, founder of cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX in Hong Kong. Youll have a lot of people falling back on what theyve said previously as opposed to trying to come up with regulations for an industry they have absolutely no clue on.

Most cryptocurrencies slid amid increasing signs of a crackdown by China, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Ethereum  whose blockchain is the basis of most token sales  has plunged 18 percent over the past week, while NEO, which boasts Chinas first open source blockchain, lost 40 percent.

While the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission declined to bring charges in one high-profile case of digital assets stolen by hackers, it did note that the DAO tokens were securities. Canada published a notice in August with more detailed guidelines on the applicability of securities laws, noting that many cryptocurrency offerings involve sale of securities. As regulators show increased interest in ICOs, some sales have started to exclude investors in certain jurisdictions such as the U.S.

We believe more advanced economies with robust legal systems and mature financial regulation will follow the example of Canada and release some explicit guidelines for token sales, said Aurelien Menant, Hong Kong-based chief executive officer of Gatecoin Ltd., which runs a token exchange and advises ICOs. Specifically, this means clarifying whether token sales are subject to existing securities regulation and if so what processes are required to comply accordingly or apply for exemptions.

To avoid running afoul of the law, ICO issuers should establish a clear link between the rights attached to a token and its usage and performance on the blockchain platform, said Padraig Walsh, partner at law firm Bird & Bird in Hong Kong, who advises on ICOs. Companies can also impose a lock-up period during which the tokens cant be exchanged, or they can ban conversion entirely.

It is about the token representing the ability to operate on the blockchain platform thats being developed, so its less about giving a direct rate of return, he said. Once youve got that embedded speculative gain element to it, youre at risk.

There are many remaining questions in ICO regulation: who will be liable in case of any violations and what will happen to past ICOs? Regulating token sales is also especially difficult since investors can easily buy digital currencies and use them to invest in ICOs and issuers can simply mount a website to start a sale, BitMEXs Hayes said. What Chinas ban might do is curb high-

profile marketing and downsize upcoming ICOs, he added.

China has never shied away from drastic interventions in markets, whether its in stocks, currency or digital assets, especially given speculation tends to be more extreme there. Bitcoin trading plunged earlier this year after the biggest Chinese exchanges started charging transaction fees, following warnings and inspections by the central bank. For the nation, digital currencies are a particularly thorny problem, since they can be used to circumvent capital controls.

To the cryptocurrency world, the silver lining is that increased  but not draconian  regulation of ICOs might mean more legal clarity in the future. Justina Lee, Bloomberg
Troubles broiling in the U.S. restaurant industry over the past few quarters are known to all by now.



The amalgamation of consumer spending uncertainty in dining out, rising costs, weak comps, higher restaurant prices, decline in at-home food costs, market saturation and changing preferences of consumers has been weighing on sales and hurting performance. Resultantly, over a year, while Zacks Restaurant Industry gained 5.2%, the broader index added 12.9%.

However, despite the buzz over the so-called restaurant recession, a gradually improving U.S. economy  courtesy of a solid employment picture, rising wages, higher real income and increased household net worth  has reinforced consumer confidence and sentiment. In fact, the Consumer Confidence Index climbed from Julys reading of 120 to 122.9 in August.



This positive sentiment is likely to encourage consumers to dine out more and thereby put a check on declining traffic. In fact, restaurants are likely to be the first to gain from an improving economy and employment trend. Besides, restaurateurs are undertaking various sales building and digital initiatives to enhance guest experience and, in turn, drive traffic and comps.



Furthermore, according to the National Restaurant Association, 2017 is set to be the eighth consecutive year of real sales growth in this industry.



Additionally, long-term trends favoring eating out over eating at home are still in place. Thus, operators with solid fundamentals along with sufficient capacity for innovation and willing to evolve and stand out in a competitive market will continue to reap profits and remain compelling bets.



3 Restaurant Growth Plays



Growth investors look for stocks with aggressive earnings or revenue growth potential, which propel share price. With the help of the Zacks Style Score system, we have identified three restaurant stocks with excellent growth potential. These stocks have a solid Zacks Rank as well.



Our research shows that stocks with a Growth Style Score of A or B when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) offer the best opportunities in the growth investing space.



Here we put the spotlight on three restaurant stocks that are poised for healthy growth:



Headquartered in Louisville, KY, Papa John's International Inc. PZZA operates and franchises pizza delivery and carry-out restaurants under the brand Papa John's. To become the leading chain of pizza delivery restaurants in each of its targeted markets, the company has developed a strategy to enhance customer satisfaction and retention, as well as establish recognition and acceptance of the brand. Notably, in this regard, this Zacks Rank #2 companys commitment to provide quality food along with focus on product and digital innovation to attract new customers as well as drive growth and efficiency bodes well. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Notably, the stock carries a Growth Score of B. Moreover, the company has been seeing an upward trend in earnings estimate revision. Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has increased 1.4%. Additionally, for 2017, sales growth is pegged at 4.5% while EPS is likely to grow a solid 11.8%. Further, the stock has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 13%.



Based in Columbus, OH, Bravo Brio Restaurant Group, Inc. BBRG is an owner and operator of two distinct Italian restaurant brands, BRAVO! Cucina Italiana and BRIO Tuscan Grille. Notably, the long-term growth prospects of this Zacks Rank #2 company are compelling given continual focus on driving traffic via improvement in guest satisfaction scores and enhanced hospitality training program, menu innovation and other sales-driving initiatives.



Notably, the company flaunts a Growth Score of A. Moreover, an 8.3% rise in estimate revisions for current-year earnings add to the optimism in the stock. Additionally, for 2017, EPS is likely to witness an increase of 50%. Its long-term projected EPS growth rate is 10.3%.



Headquartered in Lake Forest, CA, Del Taco Restaurants Inc. TACO is the second largest Mexican-American QSR chain by units in the United States, serving more than three million guests each week. This Zacks Rank #2 companys strong expansion plans along with strategic initiatives including effective marketing, menu innovation and provision of limited time offers are likely to drive sales. Additionally, Del Tacos focus on expanding its mobile and online ordering platform as well as testing out delivery options hold well for long-term growth.



Del Taco has a Growth Score of B. Upward estimate revisions for current-year earnings add to the optimism. Moreover, for 2017, sales and EPS are projected to grow a respective 4.5% and 6.3%. Further, the stock has a long-term expected EPS growth rate of 16.7%.



To Conclude



While the restaurant industry is still grappling, effective sales and digital initiatives undertaken, particularly enhanced focus on mobile ordering and delivery to cater to ever-changing wants and needs of customers, are likely to help its stocks in getting their mojo back.



Picking any of the above-mentioned stocks with compelling growth prospects might offer solid returns even in this challenged market and satisfy your investment appetite.



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BERLIN  Living in the United States and seeing every other electronics-producing country try to sell its gadgets to us, it can be easy to think that the digital universe revolves around us. And most of the time thats true.

But spending days touring dozens of halls of tech exhibits here at the IFA trade show proved that sometimes manufacturers will decide that our money is no good.

Electroluxs camera-equipped oven

Electroluxs camera-equipped oven lets look in on your latest culinary masterpiece while you watch Netflix on your couch.

Fridge cameras have become an old-school technology  even if you opt out of buying some fridge-computer hybrid like Samsungs Family Hub, youll soon be able to buy aftermarket fridge cams  but the Swedish firm AB Electrolux is a bit ahead of the industry in adding a camera to an oven.

In a demo, a rep showed how the camera, mounted on the inside of the handle to see through a pane of glass to that protect its electronics, transmits a view of whats cooking to a companion smartphone app. That, in turn, frees you to run errands around the rest of the house while occasionally checking on the state of your pot roast, soufflee or whatever.

You cant, however, use this app to monitor your meals progress while away from your house. Thats because European Union regulations requires manufacturers to limit this feature to use on the same home network as the oven.

Its unclear whether anybody actually needs this. Its also unclear what other appliances would benefit from built-in cameras, but I have one idea: a washing-machine camera to capture the last moments of the smartphone you forgot to remove from a pants pocket.

Yales delivery-friendly smart lock

Yales Doorman lock lets you set a password that your delivery person can use to drop your packages in your house.

Lock manufacturer Yale, founded in the U.S. and now a subsidiary of the Swedish firm Assa Abloy, showed off a model for the Danish and Swedish markets with an unusual feature: guest access to a nameless delivery person. In a partnership with the partially state-owned firm PostNord, Yales Doorman lock, which can also be unlocked via fingerprint or a smartphone app, can be opened with a one-time code sent to a PostNord driver.

Story continues

The company emphasizes that this is an option customers can select; once the package has been dropped off and the door locked, theyll get a notification of the completed delivery on their phone.

Would Americans be keen on a smart lock with this feature? Well, Amazon (AMZN) is already anxious to dispatch delivery drones to our backyards, and a year ago the well-sourced tech-news site The Information reported that its been testing just such a smart-lock solution for in-home delivery. I cant wait to see an in-store display for it at Whole Foods

Heat and light from a household fuel cell

The Vitovalor 300-P is an in-home fuel cell that produces heat and electricity.

Panasonics sprawling exhibit featured one oddball bit of hardware: a home-scale fuel cell not much bigger than a traditional furnace or heat pump. The Vitovalor 300-P, built by the German firm Viessmann in partnership with the Japanese conglomerate, runs on natural gas but doesnt burn it.

Instead, it puts that fuel through an electrochemical reaction to generate both heat and electricity at considerably greater efficiency than fossil-fuel plants can manage. Its not cheap though, starting at 19500, or roughly $23,000. But an 11,100 (about $13,000) subsidy from the German government cuts that cost dramatically and should allow a homeowner to recover the upfront cost in energy savings in about 10 years.

Fuel cells  a technology once reserved for such edge cases as NASAs space shuttles  are seeing growing experimentation in the U.S. as a power source for vehicles. But the picture for in-home use looks less positive: The Trump administration wants to end the war on coal first, so I would not expect a comparable federal incentive before 2021, if ever.

TCLs high-touch TVs

The TCL XESS tops out at 85 inches and sports wood and copper accents for those high-class entertainment centers.

In the States, the Chinese firm TCL is best known for its line of affordably-priced TVs that feature built-in Roku media players. But at IFA, it revealed plans to go considerably upscale in other markets, with its flagship line of TVs called XESS. Yes, you pronounce it like excess.

These giant Ultra High Definition sets  they top out at 85 inches  feature sound systems by Samsungs newly-acquired audio subsidiary Harman, walnut and copper accents, and even a fabric covering on the back to shield your eyes from the sight of any potentially ugly electronics. TCL didnt talk pricing, but you would be mistaken to expect them to cost anything close to its Roku-equipped U.S.-market sets.

TCL also showed off a conversational artificial-intelligence interface that designer Tiago Abreu demonstrated by speaking his way through a menu of on-demand movies, then choosing an action flick and asking who is this guy? when the lead actor appeared onscreen. After a brief hiccup, the system correctly responded by IDing Australian actor Chris Hemsworth and reading out his biography.

The software behind it didnt come from Google (GOOG, GOOGL) or Amazon; instead, TCL worked with the Chinese web giant Baidu, which has not exactly been a champion of privacy rights. Something tells me that if TCL ever ships this feature on a U.S.-market TV, itll be one Chinese tech import that American customers will have no trouble declining.

Disclosure: IFAs organizers are covering most of my travel expenses and those of a group of U.S. journalists and analysts.

More from Rob:

Email Rob at rob@robpegoraro.com; follow him on Twitter at @robpegoraro.
Jung Yeon-Je | AFP | Getty Images. "If they keep testing the missiles, the markets are concerned that they fly over a populated area and come apart," Art Cashin says.

Stocks are falling Tuesday on worries that another missile launch by North Korea could result in an accident, closely followed trader Art Cashin told CNBC.

"If they keep testing the missiles, the markets are concerned that they fly over a populated area and come apart. You know, drop a piece of a missile into an apartment building or somewhere where it raised the ante in this greatly," Cashin, UBS' director of floor operations at the New York Stock Exchange said on "Squawk Alley."

He added no one on Wall Street believes the U.S. will start a military confrontation with North Korea.

The three major U.S. stock indexes were lower Tuesday as tensions between the U.S. and North Korea sent jitters down Wall Street after Pyongyang on Sunday set off its most powerful nuclear bomb yet.

In response, Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, warned the U.N. Security Councilthat North Korea is "begging for war."The Trump administration urged its allies to use all possible diplomatic measures and impose urgent economic sanctions to prevent a war.

Cashin also said investors are a little worried about Hurricane Irma, which strengthened into a highly dangerous Category 5 storm Tuesday as it barreled toward the Caribbean and the southern United States.

"You're already seeing orange juice futures and cotton and a variety of other things starting to move up. So, you've got that out there also," he said.

Cashin said perhaps stocks haven't fallen further because there is still some hope for President Donald Trump's business-friendly agenda and that Congress will act on the debt ceiling.

"We're going to find out pretty fast," Cashin said. "if they don't want to raise this debt ceiling, it'll be a bit of a problem."

He also said to remember that the day after Labor Day is historically a great day for "fake outs."





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Erika Andiola felt uneasy as she handed over a stack of personally identifying information to the federal government back in 2012, allowing them to photograph her and take her fingerprint. As an undocumented immigrant who came to the US from Mexico when she was a kid, Andiola had been trained to keep a low profile. Now here she was, sharing her home address, her height, her weight, and her phone number, among other details, all in order to receive protection from deportation under an Obama-era policy called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. If she submitted her application and got accepted, Andiola would become a so-called Dreamer. And so she took a leap of faith. Whats more, as an immigrant rights activist, she encouraged others to do it too.

It was a different time, Andiola says.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration's long-awaited decision to begin a "wind down" of DACA. This move toward expelling nearly 800,000 Dreamers is the fulfillment of President Trump's campaign trail promiseand Andiola's worst fears. Now, unless Congress acts to save the policy, Andiola and others worry that the same database that once secured her freedom could be used instead to take that freedom away. "Its definitely one of the bigger fears for a lot of us," Andiola says. "That includes not just putting ourselves in a vulnerable position but also putting our families in danger."

Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) waits for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to exit his plane after arriving for stop on his USA Thank You Tour event in Mobile, Alabama, U.S., December 17, 2016. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson - RTX2VHFQ

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Laurene Powell Jobs (center right) is cofounder of College Track. Mayra, Darwin, and Noe (left to right) are just three of the students she has mentored there

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Immigrants Fuel Innovation. Let's Not Waste Their Potential

Some of our nations most industrious individuals are barred from employment in the formal economy. Their talent, energy, and ideas are trapped with them.

President Obama introduced DACA in 2012 through executive action. The policy advised immigration enforcement agencies not to prioritize DACA recipients for deportation and set up a framework through which they could receive work permits. But in order to qualify, potential Dreamers had to pass a rigorous application process to ensure they met the policy's eligibility requirements with regard to their age, criminal record, and educational backgrounds. The data Andiola and others handed over helped US Citizenship and Immigration Services filter those applications.

When the Obama administration was designing DACA, privacy was a chief concern for immigration advocates, who worried about having undocumented immigrants identify themselves to the government. So USCIS vowed it would wall off that data, protecting it from other agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, that wanted to use it for deportation purposes. But because DACA was merely a policy, not a law, even the framers of this process knew full well that that promise to Dreamers was not binding.

"We knew that another administration could come in and either decide to rescind the DACA program itself or make different decisions about information sharing," says Tyler Moran, who served on the White House Domestic Policy Council for immigration when DACA was being drafted. "I guess this is the worst-case scenario now."

Moran and others say theyve heard rumblings from within the administration that ICE is already seeking access to Dreamer data from USCIS. When asked for comment on this, an ICE spokesperson directed WIRED to the frequently asked questions page about DACA, which reiterates that while the data is confidential, that can change. "This policy, which may be modified, superseded, or rescinded at any time without notice, is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law by any party in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter," it reads. On Tuesday, after Sessions made his announcement, an updated FAQ page indicated that while USCIS wouldnt "proactively" give over DACA information to law enforcement, the agency would provide it under certain circumstances.

Even if the Dreamer data remains confidential, however, immigration advocates fear that ICE already has all the information it needs to target Dreamers where they work. One reason many Dreamers applied for the program, after all, is to receive a work permit. Many employers use a system called e-verify to keep tabs on their employees immigration statuses. If President Trump reverses DACA protections and stops renewing those permits, theres not much stopping ICE from showing up at an employer's office the day after an employee's DACA permit expires. "Under this administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement is solely in the business of deporting people," says Ali Noorani, executive director of the National Immigration Forum. "Theres no prioritization of law enforcement resources. Theres no assessment of whether someone's a public safety threat."

Sessions' remarks this morning were light on detail about how the wind down would be implemented, and he didn't take questions from the press, but reports have surfaced indicating that the administration will immediately stop accepting new applications for DACA protection. Current DACA recipients whose permits expire between now and March 6, 2018 will be eligible to apply for a two-year renewal, according to reports, giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative solution. Andiola, whose permit expires in March 2019, would not be eligible, if that is the case.

The timing of today's announcement is not coincidental. State attorneys general who oppose DACA have threatened to sue the Trump administration if it didn't end DACA by September 5. At a press briefing last week, Homeland Security advisor Tom Bossert acknowledged that the attorneys generals' timeline would hasten the administration's decision. "We certainly have to watch the lawsuits and how they matriculate through the courts and when the deadlines would be imposed," he said.

President Trump has repeatedly waffled on the subject of DACA, and Tuesday's announcement is no different. It's an attempt to appease those local officials and his own base, while also giving Congress a window in which to turn DACA into law. In an early morning tweet, President Trump not so subtly tried to offload the responsibility of rescuing DACA to Congress.

Over the weekend, several Congressional leaders, including Republicans Lindsey Graham, Paul Ryan, and Orrin Hatch, expressed support for the program and indicated a legislative solution may be possible. Some immigration advocates fear, however, that DACA could become a bargaining chip in negotiations over other less popular immigration policies, such as funding for the southern border wall. In other words, there's no telling what exactly the next six months will bring.

President Trump has said in the past that Dreamers could "rest easy." And yet, the latest announcement makes resting easy tough for people like Andiola.

"I feel a little bit drained," she says. "I've spent so many months with the same anxiety. Its psychologically exhausting." For now, she's waiting along with nearly 800,000 Dreamersand the millions of others who just call Dreamers their colleagues, classmates, family, and friends.
From Woman's Day

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING

1.WINNER SELECTION: Winner[s](individually and collectively, the "Winner") will be selected on or about 11/30/2015 in a random drawing from among all eligible entries received. Each sweepstakes is a different drawing that must be entered separately. All the sweepstakes in these Official Rules are individually and collectively the "Sweepstakes." In the event the Sponsor does not receive any eligible entries, the Sponsor has the right to cancel the Sweepstakes. Drawing will be conducted Woman's Day, whose decisions are final. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. In the event Canadians are eligible to enter as specified in the Eligibility paragraph below, and if there is a Canadian Winner, the Winner will be required to correctly answer a mathematical skill testing question as a condition of receiving the prize. Important Notice: You may be charged for visiting the mobile website in accordance with the terms of your service agreement with your carrier. Please consult your wireless service provider regarding your pricing plan. You must use a Smartphone device to participate via your mobile phone. Not all mobile phone providers carry the necessary service to participate. Check your phone capabilities for specific Internet instructions. If your data usage exceeds what is allotted by your data plan, you could be subject to additional fees by your carrier. Please contact your mobile service provider with any questions regarding your bill.

2.WINNER NOTIFICATION: Winner will be notified within one (1) month of the last day of the Sweepstakes, via e-mail, and/or at Sponsor's discretion, via phone or postal mail. In the event the Winner doesn't respond to Sponsor's notification or does not accept the prize within five (5) business days of notification, the prize will be deemed forfeited and an alternate Winner will be selected. In the event that any one or more potential Winner(s) fails to respond as stated above, declines the prize or fails to provide signed affidavits or releases, such Winner(s) will be deemed to forfeit the prize and Sponsor will select an alternate Winner(s) from the remaining eligible entrants. If any alternate(s) similarly fails to respond or declines the prize, Sponsor will use a reasonable number of attempts, in its discretion, to award the prize(s) to another alternate(s) but if it is unable to do so, the prize(s) will be finally forfeited and Sponsor shall have no further liability in connection with said Sweepstakes. List of Winner(s): For the name(s) of the Winner(s), send a separate self-addressed, stamped envelope to September Sweepstakes Winners' List, Hearst Communications, Inc., 300 West 57th Street NY, NY 10019 within two (2) months from the Winner notification date as specified above.

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Hagen Cat Furniture Sweepstakes: There are two (2) ways to enter beginning 9/22/15 at 12:01 AM (ET) through 11/22/15 at 11:59 PM (ET) (the "Entry Period"): either (i) go to womansday.com/giveaways on a computer and complete and submit the entry form pursuant to the on-screen instructions or (ii) Wireless Entries: Download the Woman's Day Access WD app by visiting the App Store, Amazon Marketplace or Google Play. Then use your internet-enabled mobile phone to scan the appropriate Digimarc-enhanced Woman's Day icon for the sweepstakes you wish to enter and fully complete and submit the Official Entry Form presented. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR ENTRY WILL NOT BE COMPLETED UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM AND ENTERED YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION. Prizes & Approximate Retail Value: Three (3) Winner(s) will each receive a Hagen Vesper V-High Lounge. (Approx. retail value: $179.99). Total ARV: $539.97. Any difference between the stated ARV and the actual value of the prize will not be awarded in any form.

ENTRIES: Limit one (1) entry per person per day for Sweepstakes. Multiple entries from the same person per day will be disqualified. Entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned. Proof of submission does not constitute proof of receipt. If applicable, illegible, inaccurate, lost, late, misdirected, incomplete, mutilated, postage due or mechanically reproduced entry forms or entry forms that have been tampered with will be disqualified. Online entrants must have valid email address and it is entrant's responsibility to update Sponsor of any change in email address. The mobile phone number and wireless service provider/carrier of mobile entrants (if applicable) will be automatically captured in the Sweepstakes database and all participation will be limited to that phone number unless entrant notifies Sponsor of a change. If there is a dispute as to the identity of an online or mobile entrant, the prize will be awarded to the authorized account holder of the email address or mobile phone. The "authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person to whom the email address or mobile phone is assigned by an internet service provider, online service provider, carrier, mobile phone provider or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning the email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address or responsible for assigning the mobile phone number.

3.ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who have reached the age of majority in their state or territory of residence at time of entry. Legal residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) who have reached the aforementioned age in their province of residence at time of entry are also eligible to enter. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Employees of Sponsor, its parents, affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, independent judging organizations, and prize suppliers (and members of their immediate family and/or those living in the same of household of each such employee) are not eligible.

4.CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION: Expenses not specifically included in prize description and all taxes are the sole responsibility of the Winner. Each prize is awarded "as is" with no warranty or guarantee, either express or implied outside of manufacturer's limited warranty. No transfer, assignment or substitution of a prize permitted, except Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize for an item of equal or greater value in the event an advertised prize is unavailable. The Winner is required to comply with any and all applicable federal, state, provincial, if Canadians are eligible to enter, and local laws, rules and regulations. All federal, state and local taxes, and any other costs not specifically provided for in these Official Rules are solely the Winner's responsibility. If the actual retail value of any Winner's prize is $600 or more, the Winner must complete a W9 form and supply Sponsor with his/her social security number for tax purposes. An IRS Form 1099 will be issued in the name of the Winner (or, if a minor, in the name of the minor) for the actual value of the prizes received. Sponsor shall have no responsibility or obligation to the Winner or potential Winner who are unable or unavailable to accept or utilize prizes as described herein. Entrants agree to be bound by the terms of these Official Rules and by the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Sweepstakes. Winner (and parent or legal guardian if Winner is a minor) may be required to sign and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, a Liability Release and where legally permissible a Publicity Release within seven (7) days following the date of first attempted notification. Failure to comply with this deadline may result in forfeiture of the prize and selection of an alternate Winner. Return of any prize/prize notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate Winner. Winner hereby further agrees that it will sign any documents necessary to transfer copyright of his/her submitted entry, if applicable, to Sponsor within seven (7) days following the date of first attempted notification. By entering, Entrant grants permission for Sponsor, and any of its affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, and prize suppliers to use the entrant's submission (including an altered form of the entry), if any, for editorial, advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law. If images are being submitted to Sponsor as a requirement for entry, Entrants agree that they have all rights to use the images submitted and to allow Sponsor, any of its affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, and prize suppliers to reuse any of the images, without any liability, for editorial, advertising and promotional purposes. Additionally, acceptance of the prize by Winner constitutes permission for Sponsor and any affiliates and subsidiaries, participating advertising and promotion agencies, and prize suppliers to use Winner's name and/or likeness and biographical material for editorial, advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law. By accepting prize, Winner agrees to hold Sponsor, its advertising and promotion agencies and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, representative agents, successors, assigns, officers, directors, and employees harmless for any injury or damage caused or claimed to be caused by participation in the Sweepstakes or acceptance or use of the prize. Sponsor is not responsible for any printing, typographical, mechanical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the Sweepstakes or in the announcement of the prize.

5.INTERNET/MOBILE: Sponsor is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive entry information by Sponsor or presenter on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, at any Web site, or via the mobile phone or any combination thereof. If for any reason the Internet or mobile phone portion of the program is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes which corrupt of affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right to select winners from eligible entries received as of the termination date. Sponsor further reserves the right to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process. Sponsor may prohibit an entrant from participating in the Sweepstakes if it determines that said entrant is attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes by cheating, hacking, deception or other unfair playing practices or intending to abuse, threaten or harass other entrants. Caution: Any attempt by a participant to deliberately damage any Web site or undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such participant to the fullest extent of the law.

6.DISPUTES/CHOICE OF LAW: Except where prohibited, each entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by state or federal courts situated in New York, NY, (2) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, but in no event attorneys' fees; and (3) no punitive, incidental, special, consequential or other damages, including without limitation lost profits may be awarded (collectively, "Special Damages"), and (4) entrant hereby waives all rights to claim Special Damages and all rights to have such damages multiplied or increased. New York State law, without reference to New York's choice of law rules, governs the Sweepstakes and all aspects related thereto.

7.SPONSOR: The Sponsor of these Sweepstakes is Hearst Communications, Inc., 300 W. 57th Street, New York, NY 10019.

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He claims to have created more than 1 million jobs and sent stocks soaring. Yet President Donald Trump is increasingly antagonizing business leaders, who are getting bolder in defying him. Investors may be souring on Trump as well, with markets getting nervous about political chaos in Washington and an escalating confrontation with North Korea.

After Trump threatened deportation for 800,000 Dreamers brought to the United States illegally as children, Microsoft President Brad Smith responded with fightin words. About two dozen Microsoft employees are Dreamers, and if the government tries to round up any of them, its going to have to go through us to get that person, Smith told NPR. The Business Roundtable, a major corporate lobbyist, said it strongly opposes Trumps action on Dreamers. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, another business group, is developing a new policy in support of immigration in order to lobby against the new restrictions Trump is pushing.

This comes after several prominent CEOs quit Trumps advisory councils, following the presidents controversial remarks in August on racial violence in Charlottesville, Va. Trump has since threatened to cut off trade with China and other nations that also trade with North Korea, which would be an economic calamity. Trump seems to have made a deal with Democrats in Congress that will avert a nerve-wracking showdown over raising the governments debt ceilingbut only for a few months, so that issue will be back rattling markets before long.

So is Trump pro-business or not? In reality, he seems to favor some businesses more than others, based on how their interests align with his political agenda. Tech firms dependent on highly skilled workers  including many immigrants  have found no friend in Trump, so far. Energy and chemical firms, on their other hand, are likely to win big from Trumps promise to slash regulations. Heres how the winners and losers are shaping up:

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Trump policies that are friendly to business:

Tax cuts. Who knows if Congress can deliver, but Trump has begun pushing hard for a package of tax cuts, including a reduction in the corporate rate, which Trump wants to slash from 35% to 15%. Tax cuts are at the top of corporate Americas wish list, and the 9% run-up in stocks this year suggests investors still think tax cuts are coming.

Deregulation. Trump has ordered the executive branch to kill two regulations for every new one proposed or enacted, and this is beginning to make an impact. Bloomberg reports that Trump has dialed back regulations in ways that benefit builders, chemical firms and e-cigarette producers. Energy firms should benefit from a softer touch at the EPA. That might explain why Andrew Liveris, CEO of Dow Chemical, considers Trump and his team the most pro-business administration since the Founding Fathers.

Infrastructure spending. This is on the back burner, but Trump aides say theres still a plan to spend more on roads and bridges. That would mean more revenue for construction firms and other businesses.

Trump policies that are unfriendly to business:

Immigration cutbacks. Tech firms including Microsoft, Apple, Tesla and Alphabet have been outspoken in their opposition to Trumps effort to reduce legal immigration. Economists are on their side, saying America actually needs more immigrants, not fewer, to keep the labor market healthy and foster growth. The Dreamers technically are not legal immigrants, since they were undocumented when parents or family members snuck them into the country. But 800,000 Dreamers have earned work permits under a program President Barack Obama began in 2012, and most work now. So if Trump rescinds those permits and goes as far as deporting the Dreamers, hell be shifting several hundred thousand people out of the labor force at a time when there are 6 million open jobs in America and many employers are already struggling to find workers.

Trade restrictions. Trumps bark has been worse than his bite on trade, so far; he has threatened steep tariffs and other restrictions without yet following through on those threats. But efforts to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement are now underway, bringing closer the likelihood of new protectionist measures that could disrupt trade, which most businesses oppose. And Trump recently suggested that all U.S. trade with China be suspended if China doesnt help rein in North Koreas nuclear program. Thats impossible, but even modest new limits on trade with China could sink profits for some multinationals, force prices higher on many everyday goods, and provoke retaliatory measures from China. Trump could cause real damage to the economy if he follows through on his protectionist promises.

Raising the stakes on North Korea. Trump isnt the main antagonist here; North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is. But Trumps fiery rhetoric and threats of war arent calming the situation and may, in fact, be further encouraging a reckless young leader who clearly craves the worlds attention. There are no good options on North Korea, but there are a few terrible ones, and Trumps combative hyperbole is more likely to spook markets than reassure them.

A border wall. Trump said in late August that if Congress doesnt fund the wall he wants to build along the southwest border, he will shut down the government, presumably by vetoing the spending bills that would keep it running. This is another tactic that bothers business leaders. They dont want to see a government shutdown, which could generate controversy and ill will that makes tax reform even harder.

So what is Trump, on balance? Pro-business or anti-business? At the moment, its fair to say hes lucky the economy is strong enough to withstand the political whiplash swirling out of Washington. If he can coax tax cuts through Congress, while backing down on protectionism and immigration threats, CEOs will warm up to him again. But if tax cuts stall the way Republican efforts to reform health care did, markets will grow more sensitive to Trumps disruptive habits, and protests from corporate America will grow louder. Americas first businessman CEO may not be so good for business after all.

Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com. Encrypted communication available.

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Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
More than 200 active shooter events have occurred in the United States since 2000, averaging roughly one a month. No one can predict when or where the next one might happen. That's why law enforcement agencies across the nation participate in realistic training simulations that include gunmen, real bullets, and fake blood.

For his ongoing series Run, Fight, Hide, Spike Johnson shadowed cops, firefighters and other first responders participating in Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training in Texas. The gritty, black-and-white images resemble surveillance feed stills, with cops busting through doors, taking down shooters and carrying the victims to safety. The goal is to make it as real as possible. "They're not joking around," Johnson says. "Its really serious."

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ALERRT is an FBI-endorsed program at Texas State University, training more than 105,000 police officers and 85,000 civilians since 2002, including Fort Hood responders Sergeants Kimberly Munley and Mark Todd. Former police and military officers teach classes around the country as well as on ALERRT's 40-acre campus just outside of San Marcos. Trainees rush through mock offices, classrooms, and homes where they learn the best way to stop an attacker, treat the injured, and establish control of the perimeter. Props like dummy IEDs, severed mannequin limbs, and medical equipment add to the reality. Most simulations use rubber bullets, but some courses feature real ammunition. The more realism we can inject into the training, the better theyre going to be prepared for the things theyre going to see and hear and smell and feel during the real deal," says John Cornutt, assistant director of ALERRT.

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Johnson learned about the program after working on a project about a group of amateur survivalists, preppers, and militia near Dallas. ALERRT felt like the professional side of emergency prep. Rather than it being civilians that can be easily written off as extreme or paranoid its a legitimate national organization preparing for a similar event, he says. He got permission to photograph ALERRT's annual conference in San Marcos in November 2016, and a training session at the San Antonio Fire Academy in March.

He spent several hours at an ALERRT warehouse crouched on metal walkways above plywood rooms, watching as cops closed in on an active shooter below. The air hummed with intensity and raucous noise as police banged on doors, shouted at each other and the suspect, then unleashed a torrent of gunfire at a photograph representing the attacker. Johnson also documented a corresponding trade show, and listened to talks by survivors and victims' families. "Everythings overshadowed with this emotional reality," he says.

Johnson captured everything with a Nikon FM2 camera and 35mm film. The images feel frenetic, dark, and almost dystopian. None of it is real, but for the officers involved, one day it could be.
HPE (HPE) CEO Meg Whitman on Tuesday gave her clearest comments yet on her commitment to the company following reports that she was in the running to be the next CEO of taxi company Uber. On the company's quarterly earnings call with financial analysts on Tuesday, Whitman indicated that she isn't planning to leave anytime soon. A few other analysts on the call on Tuesday didn't bring up the elephant in the room and instead focused on HPE's latest financial results. But Toni Sacconaghi of Bernstein Research finally did bring it up, asking her to "clear the air." Here's what Whitman said: There has been some press. [Laughs.] Listen, I thought -- I was called in very late in the Uber search, and I thought it was a very interesting business model. To me, it's actually quite similar to eBay -- very disruptive. It relies on a community of drivers just like eBay relies on a community of sellers. And the growth prospects reminded the of eBay in its early days. And as you know, I'm also an investor in Uber. But in the end it wasn't the right thing. But I would say it really has nothing to do with HPE, which is quite special in its own right. And we have a very focused strategy and a path forward to build a very big business on what I think is quite a compelling strategy -- hybrid IT, edge computing, IoT and much more, and we also have a remarkable customer base and partner base. So the other thing is I've dedicated the last six years of my life to this company, and there is more work to do. And I'm here to make this company successful, and I'm excited about the new strategy. So lots more work to do, and I actually am not going anywhere. Whitman wasn't chosen to be the new CEO, and neither was GE CEO Jeff Immelt. Instead, the company's new CEO is Dara Khosrowshahi , who until now has led Expedia (EXPE). Whitman did resign from the board of HP (HPQ) Inc. -- the other company created from the break-up of Hewlett-Packard in 2015 -- during the Uber CEO search process. She also sent a out a series of tweets indicating her lack of interest in heading up Uber. tweet tweet tweet Nevertheless, multiple reports say Whitman talked to Uber's board about the position even after her tweets. The New York Times reported that on Sunday, August 27, Whitman met with some Uber board members and gave a presentation about what Uber would have to do to get her to take the job, including settling a lawsuit between investors Benchmark and former CEO Travis Kalanick. Later that day, the board chose Khosrowshahi to lead the company.



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Human Rights Watch says in a new report yesterday that China has tried to intimidate, blacklist and squelch the voices of rights advocates who operate within the U.N. system, calling on Beijing to stop such pressure and urging U.N. agencies to resist.

Announcing the report, HRW Executive Director Kenneth Roth said that Chinas influence and crackdown on civil society at home make it a model of bad faith that challenges the integrity of the U.N. rights system.

The New York-based groups report is based on interviews with 55 people including U.N. officials, diplomats and civil society representatives between May 2016 and March, and takes aim at a powerful, rising country with a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the Chinese government is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, and accused Human Rights Watch of being prejudiced against China.

We urge the relevant organization to remove its tinted lenses and view Chinas human rights development and its contribution to the international rights cause in an unbiased and objective way, and stop its groundless accusations against China, Geng told reporters at a regular briefing.

The report said some U.N. officials have pushed back at improper Chinese pressure at times, while they have capitulated at others. It pointed to detention, travel restrictions and reprisals faced by Chinese activists, as well as efforts to hinder supporters of the Dalai Lama when he travels even within the vicinity of U.N. venues.

In one instance, the group said, U.N. officials sent home some of the 3,000 staffers at the U.N. Geneva campus during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Switzerland in January, and barred NGOs from attending his speech there.

The report, in essence, pieces together individual incidents into a broader whole to suggest that China is systematically thwarting efforts to monitor and protect human rights  not just in China but abroad, too.

It cites examples of China failing to ratify language on protection of individuals, working to slash funding for human rights officers in U.N. peacekeeping missions and refusing to affirm civil societys role in a 2015 resolution at the U.N. Human Rights Council on public health.

Taken individually, many of Chinas actions against NGOs might be viewed as an annoyance or an irritant, the report says. But taken together, they amount to what appears to be a systematic attempt to subvert the ability of the U.N. human rights system to confront abuses in China and beyond.

The group also warns about China serving as an example that other countries might follow.

Chinas efforts to subvert the U.N. human rights system also need to be scrutinized because they have been adopted by other countries. China should not become a model for others that hope to hobble or obstruct U.N. human rights bodies, it said. The dangers to human rights posed by an assertive China at the U.N. are likely to increase as the rights situation in China under President Xi [Jinping] worsens.

Keith Harper, who served as President Barack Obamas ambassador to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, said Beijing absolutely had the ability to intimidate other countries into keeping quiet about its human rights record. AP
Jaquan Lugo stood stone-faced and somber inside a circular, wood-paneled courtroom on a Thursday afternoon in Paterson, New Jersey, as Superior Court Judge Donna Gallucio considered her options.

Just four days prior, the 22-year-old and two other men were arrested in Paterson, accused of six counts of attempted murder and various gun charges after a predawn drive-by shooting left a 17-year-old girl with a life-threatening wound near her lung. An off-duty officer heard the shots just a few blocks away and gave chase to the fleeing vehicle, a 2002 Jaguar, as someone inside the car fired back at him. Lugo and two of the cars other occupantsKashief Davis, 24, and Andre Green, 20allegedly got out of the car and tried to escape on foot before they were caught and brought to Passaic County Jail.

The victims friends and family crowded into the courtroom benches to hear the decision on Lugos fate, but Judge Gallucio wasnt there to determine his ultimate sentence. She was, instead, deciding whether Lugo should spend the months leading up to his trial in the county jail or at home.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with his client, Lugos lawyer, Gregory Aprile, argued for pretrial release, imploring Gallucio to consider one crucial factor: A new algorithmic tool that purports to predict a defendant's likelihood to reoffend, or to fail to appear in court, ranked Lugo as fairly low-risk. On an escalating scale of 1 to 6, it rated Lugo a 2 for failure to reappear and a 3 for likelihood of reoffending.

They arent arbitrary numbers, Lugo's attorney said of the so-called Public Safety Assessment, or PSA. It was the result of millions of statistics from around the country.

This may seem like an unusually technocratic approach to public defense. But its not so unusual anymore, at least not in New Jersey, where the state has recently undergone a holistic technological transformation of its arcane court system, all in the service of eliminating the use of bail statewide.

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New Jersey is far from the only state government taking a critical look at the centuries-old bail system in America. Politicians on both sides of the aisle, from California senator Kamala Harris to Kentucky senator Rand Paul, argue that bail sets up a two-tiered justice system, in which the wealthy can buy their way to freedom while the poor remain locked up until their day in court comes. In 2016, the Department of Justice, under President Obama, also issued a Dear Colleague letter to state and local courts around the country, advising them that courts must not employ bail or bond practices that cause indigent defendants to remain incarcerated solely because they cannot afford to pay for their release.

As it turned out, that described a large percentage of people who have spent time in New Jersey jails, according to one 2013 study by the New Jersey Drug Policy Alliance. The advocacy group found that some 75 percent of New Jerseys jail population at any given moment was simply awaiting trial, and 40 percent of jailed people were there because they couldnt afford $2,500 or less in bail. On average, people spent 10 months in jail before even getting to trial. Meanwhile, because New Jersey prohibited even the most violent criminals from being detained without bail, judges often had to set exorbitant bail amounts to keep violent offenders off the streets; sometimes, those people made bail anyway.

You had a situation where if you had money in New Jersey, no matter how serious your offense was, you could pay and walk away pending trial, says Roseanne Scotti, the Drug Policy Alliances senior director in New Jersey. If you didnt have money, no matter how minor your offense was, you sat in jail for months.

That system also meant people could pay for-profit bail bondsmen a small fraction of the 10 percent of their bail they needed to pay to get out of jail, only to owe even more money to the bondsmen over the longterm. Not only did that create a predatory industry but, says Passaic County Assignment Judge Ernest Caposela, A lot of dangerous people were making it out on bail.

Driven by advocates like Scotti, as well as the American Civil Liberties Union, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed the so-called Bail Reform and Speedy Trial Act, which went into effect on January 1 and is designed to virtually eliminate bail in the state. Of all of the attempts to curb the use of bail nationwide, New Jersey's approach is perhaps the most audacious. Pulling it off has required the state to harness the power of tech, not only to move people through the system more quickly but also to analyze who is least likely to pose a risk to society upon release.

Just months in, the experiment has already made an impact. New Jersey saw a 19 percent reduction in its jail population overall between January 1 and May 31 of this year, with just eight people being held on bail throughout the entire state over that time period. Others are either being released with certain conditions or detained without bail.

Escaped Fugitive Captured Near Canadian Border After 3-Week Manhunt Scott Olson/Getty Images

This shift has also prompted a number of lawsuits, including one filed by the mother of Christian Rodgers, a 26-year-old man who was allegedly murdered by a man named Jules Black, just days after he was released from jail without bail earlier this year. That suit targets both Christie as well as the Arnold Foundation, the nonprofit organization that designed the PSA tool.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the case is backed by the bail-bond industry, including reality star Duane Chapman, better known as Dog the Bounty Hunter. They argue that tech tools like the PSA offer a dangerously inadequate way of distributing justice. Scotti argues the bail-bond industry cares more about its bottom line than the public well-being. Now, as states across the country look to tech tools to reform their jail and prison systems, New Jerseys experiment illustrates both the promises and pitfalls of using technology to determine who does and doesnt remain behind bars.

Something Like Progress

Today is a great day, says John Harrison, clasping his hands together. Harrison helps run the countys newly created pretrial services division. Housed in a charmless, cubicle-filled office adjacent to Patersons historic courthouse, its the group responsible for running risk assessments on every person who enters the county jail.

The source of Harrisons delight? Today his team will move 23 peoplemore than averagethrough their pretrial hearings. They include a woman accused of prostitution, another accused of credit card theft and burglary, another accused of child endangerment, and a man charged with assault and disorderly conduct. One by one, their faces will appear on a television screen inside Judge Abdelmageid Abdelhadis courtroom, where he will rattle off their rights, their charges, and their PSA risk scores with the quick-tongued elocution of an auctioneer. Last year, this would be the part where the judge sets bail. Now, after the reform efforts, its where he tells each defendant whether theyre being released today no strings attached, released today with some type of monitoring, or whether the prosecutor is filing to have them detained until trial. The PSA score is one of several factors he considers. Within three minutes flat, hell wish each defendant good luck, before calling the next in line and reciting the same script. In Paterson, a once-illustrious industrial town now riddled with crime, that counts as progress.

When Harrison started working for the courts back in 1995, this whole process dragged. When a new person came into the jail, Harrison and others like him would have to go to the courts physical Rolodex machine and pull index cards on a given defendants record, in order to help the judge make bail decisions. That task was made all the more complicated, given the fact that so many defendants go by a slew of aliases that could be tough to keep straight. God help you if the Rolodex machine broke, Harrison says.

The longer it took to compile all that information, the longer people waited in jail before they ever even got a chance to plead their cases.

Today, when law enforcement arrests someone in New Jersey, they take his fingerprint and enter it into their Livescan system. That system automatically sweeps both the FBIs database and the statewide database for a persons complete criminal record. Last year, the state began using an IBM tool to search through its 40 million records and rule out possible duplicates, to ensure that one John Smith isnt picking up some other John Smiths rap sheet. Likewise, if two records for John Smith are virtually identical, except their birthdays are one digit off, the system will look at the statistical likelihood theyre actually the same person. The IBM tool also searches for possible aliases, where records filed under different names might, say, contain the same Social Security number and date of birth.

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Men wearing neon-colored jail clothes signifying immigration detainees walk to pick up their lunches at the Theo Lacy Facility, a county jail which houses convicted criminals as well as immigration detainees, March 14, 2017 in Orange, California, about 32 miles (52km) southeast of Los Angeles.US President Donald Trumps first budget provides more than USD 4.5 billion in new spending to fight illegal immigration by adding immigration and border enforcement agents, prosecutors and judges, as well as building a wall on the border with Mexico. / AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

incarceration

Incarceration Is Skyrocketing in Rural America

Even as the president promises a crime crackdown, a deep data dive finds jail populations are soaring fastest in areas that backed him heavily.

To illustrate just how useful that is, Harrison pulls the rap sheet of a man who goes alternately by Thomas Ali, Barry Simpson, and a handful of iterations of those names, whose fingerprint matches 70 separate arrests. In the old days, it could have taken Harrisons team weeks to track down that information. Under the new system, it takes about two minutes, including the time it takes to calculate the PSA score. Mr. Ali (or Simpson) scored a 6-6, the highest risk on both the failure to appear and the likelihood of committing a new crime scales. Its unlikely he would walk free before his trial, even under bail reform. But, the thinking goes, condensing that decision-making process into a matter of minutes gives the courts the time they need to assess other defendants---ones who might very well walk free--more quickly.

The judiciarys IT department has added other time-saving tools to the mix, too. It built a so-called virtual courtroom, so judges can hold pre-trial hearings on weekends when the courts are closed. Now, the team is tinkering around with voice-recognition technology that can save judges time when filling out detention orders. Were trying to look at the technology from the standpoint of eliminating as much of the clerical functions of whoever touches the case as possible, says Judge Caposela.

Trial and Error

By far the most controversial element of the states technological transformation is the risk score itself. Similar assessments have popped up across the country, from Miami to San Antonio, put to use for everything from bail reform to decisions on which defendants most need mental health assistance. Not all of these algorithms are created equal. One ProPublica investigation found that a tool called Compas, which was used in sentencing decisions, overwhelmingly rated black defendants higher risk than white defendants.

Algorithms and predictive tools are only as good as the data thats fed into them, Ezekiel Edwards, director of the ACLUs criminal law reform project, recently told WIRED. Much of that data is created by man, and that data is infused with bias.

The Arnold Foundation, which designed New Jerseys PSA tool, now used in several states and dozens of local jurisdictions, attempts to sidestep that problem by vastly limiting the number of risk factors it considers to eliminate racial or gender indicators. The Foundation analyzed 1.5 million pre-trial records from across the country and narrowed its algorithm down to look at just nine risk factors: the persons age at the current arrest, whether the current offense is violent, pending charges at the time of the offense, prior misdemeanor convictions, prior felony convictions, whether those prior convictions were for violent crimes, prior failure to appear in the past two years, prior failure to appear instances that are older than two years, and prior incarceration sentences. Unlike other tools, it doesnt weigh factors like education, income, or employment, any of which might disadvantage certain demographic groups.

An effective risk assessment must be gender and race neutral, says Judge Caposela, one of the PSAs early evangelists in New Jersey. The more risk factors you have, the less likely youll be able to eliminate gender and racial bias.

Even so, Leila Walsh, a spokesperson for the Arnold Foundation, cautions that the PSA scores are meant to serve merely as a baseline for the courts. "The decision about what to do always rests with the judge," says Walsh. States including New Jersey often couple the PSA with another set of parameters that could, for instance, flag defendants who have been charged with domestic violence, or who have been re-arrested while out on bail in the past.

The Arnold Foundation's stripped-down risk assessment has still faced a fair bit of backlash. As WIRED recently reported, researchers have criticized the Foundation for making municipalities sign a confidentiality clause. Peter McAleer, a spokesperson for New Jerseys courts, says the state has no such agreement with the Arnold Foundation.

This lack of transparency has become central to lawsuits surrounding the use of the PSA. Jules Black, the man accused of murdering Christian Rodgers, had been in and out of the New Jersey county jail system 28 times since 1994, according to the suit. His most recent arrest was for unlawful possession of a firearm. During a press conference about the case, Dog the Bounty Hunter questioned why a man with such a record would be released. The Arnold Foundation has a questionnaire. Guess what? You must not have asked the right question, he said.

Even Judge Caposela acknowledges theres some truth to that. The PSA takes what he describes as a neutral view of gun possession. Because it was trained on data from across the country, and because some states have far more lax gun regulations than New Jersey does, the PSA doesnt consider mere gun possession as an outsized risk. It wasnt until after the Rodgers murder that the state's attorney general issued new guidance, directing New Jersey prosecutors to seek pretrial detention in any gun-related cases.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Rodgers family for the tragic death of Christian Rodgers," Walsh says. She acknowledges that the PSA is not a "perfect system," but neither, she argues, is bail. "The traditional for-profit, money bail system is deeply flawed, unjust, and inefficient," she says. "We should not allow those who make their living in the for-profit, money bail industry to use tragedies to deflect attention from the urgent need for reform."

Theres an argument to be made that an over-reliance on the algorithm may have impeded the courts decision to release Black. Then again, one could counter that under the old system, Black would have made bail regardless. He had, after all, already been in and out of jail 28 times. He had bought his way out before. He could probably do it again. Under the new system, thats not how it works.

Which brings us back to Lugo. While his attorney asked the judge to consider his clients relatively low PSA score, the prosecutor reminded the judge that the PSA system also flagged Lugo as no release recommended. Thats because of the violent nature of the crimeattempted murderand the gun charges. "Of paramount concern is safety to the community," assistant prosecutor Nubar Kasaryan told the judge.

He reminded the judge of Lugos record, which includes a child-abuse conviction for which he was just released from state prison in March. And he explained that the drive-by shooting victim is still in critical condition at a local hospital. Judge Gallucio pursed her lips and furrowed her brow, before deciding that Lugos release would pose a significant risk to the community.

Lugo and the other alleged shooters will have to await their day in court behind bars. But the same law that will keep them there will also ensure that others accused of lesser crimes may not have to.
Andy Swan is co-founder of LikeFolio, a company that provides social-media data to investors.

Our company, LikeFolio, uses Twitter (TWTR) data to discover insights into consumer behavior. And our data from August shows that Amazons (AMZN) acquisition of Whole Foods may already be affecting how Americans shop.

To analyze consumer behavior, we look at so-called purchase-intent mentions. For Whole Foods, this means the use of phrases like shopping at or just got some ____ at Whole Foods, etc.

Source: LikeFolio

As you can see, purchase intent mentions spiked around the closing of the merger, especially as customers started tweeting about the new, lower prices.

This kind of enthusiasm spike at the beginning of a merger is a good sign for the company moving forward, because it suggests that consumers are excited about the combination of the companies. But we also want to dig a little deeper and ask why Amazon chose Whole Foods what it needs to do to make the acquisition successful.

Why did Amazon choose Whole Foods?

Reason One: Clearly Amazon would like a bigger stake in the huge grocery business. The grocery business in the US alone is about $675 billion per year! In fact, Americans spend about 9-12% of their income on groceries and on a consistent basis, which will help to provide the still-cyclical Amazon with a consistent stream of recession-resistant revenue.

Reason Two: Physical distribution points. There are more than 460 Whole Foods Stores across the US, Canada and the UK. With this many physical locations, Amazon can roll out perishable goods in a fresh, efficient fashion. Essentially Amazon is purchasing established, refrigerated distribution points that are within a few miles of most Americans.

Reason Three: Consumers like Whole Foods. As we can see from LikeFolio social-data in the chart below, Whole Foods customer sentiment levels are currently at 72% positive. While thats down significantly over the past few years, its still better than the average grocery store chain numbers of 60-65% positive.

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Courtesy: LikeFolio

Whole Foods customers like the idea of buying from a grocery that is known for selling healthy/fresh foods. And as of last week, the grocery store also known as whole paycheck, because of its high prices, dropped prices, which will certainly make them even more likable.

Amazon acquiring Whole Foods could make grocery shopping more accessible, more affordable and might even attract more customers to the store, likely making consumers happier and more loyal to the brand, as they have been with Amazon over the years.

What will make this acquisition be successful?

The company has said it is going to focus on four areas to make this acquisition successful.

Decrease prices. We saw this already starting to happen last week. Go Prime. Eventually, Amazon Prime members will automatically be enrolled in the Whole Foods rewards program. Soon, well start to see Amazon use its massive shopping platform to offer Whole Foods products through Amazon sites like Amazon.com, AmazonFresh, Prime Pantry and Prime Now. This could be particularly beneficial for Whole Foods, as LikeFolio saw Krogers consumer happiness levels increase significantly after rolling out their very popular ClickList pre-ordering program. Integrate. Finally, they will introduce Amazon lockers in stores (the lockers will allow customers to come in store and pick up their Amazon.com orders while shopping at Whole Foods).

These four objectives align Whole Foods locations and commitments to quality with what Amazon does bestefficiency.

Of course, this is just the beginning of the Amazon/WholeFoods story, and well be keeping a close eye on consumer happiness and purchase intent levels over the next 6-12 months to see if Amazon can continue executing on its key objectives as well as the data suggests it did during the first week.

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isis convoy bus

US aircraft operating over Syria have been taking out stranded ISIS fighters one or two at a time in recent days, as a convoy of the group's militants remains stranded in the desert, according to a Foreign Policy report.

Eight days ago, a convoy of 17 buses carrying 300 to 500 fighters and their families left the eastern side of the country after a truce was reached between surrendering ISIS fighters and Syrian government forces, which are backed by Hezbollah.

The US has objected to the truce, and in the days since the convoy departed, US aircraft have targeted 40 vehicles and any members of the convoy who stray too far from the main group.

"Whether it's to evade by foot or to relieve themselves, if they make it far enough out there for us to strike, then we will," US Army Col. Ryan Dillon told Foreign Policy.

Last week, US airstrikes destroyed a bridge and made a road impassable, and the convoy has since been stuck between the Syrian cities of As Sukhnah and Abu Kamal, the latter of which is on the border with Iraq.

Six of the buses have turned back toward territory held by the Syrian government; the rest have been resupplied by trucks coming from Syrian government territory.

Syria Iraq ISIS

US aircraft have blocked what's left of the convoy from reaching Deir ez-Zur, an ISIS stronghold. (Syrian government forces recently broke a years-long ISIS siege around Dier ez-Zur, but the terrorist group still has positions in the area.)

ISIS has suffered a number of defeats in Iraq in recent months but maintains control in a rural area between Mosul and Baghdad as well as around the Qaim border crossing with Syria, which sits opposite the city of Abu Kamal.

ISIS convoy Syria

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US Central Command said it has allowed the convoy to be resupplied with food and water and has not struck it directly

Central Command has also sent a message to the Syrian government, via Russia, warning that the US would not allow Damascus to drive ISIS fighters east to Iraq.

"Irreconcilable ISIS terrorist should be killed on the battlefield, not bused across Syria to the Iraqi border without Iraq's consent," Brett McGurk, the US envoy to the international coalition fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria, tweeted on August 30.

"The Syrian regime is letting women and children suffer in the desert," Lt. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force  Operation Inherent Resolve, said in a statement on Monday. "This situation is completely on them."

NOW WATCH: This is the inside account of the secret battle US Marines have been fighting against ISIS





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Boatloads of Rohingya Muslim families arrived at Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh on September 6. Thousands have been fleeing violence in Burma, also known as Myanmar, which the country's military attributes to the so-called Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgency it has responded to with a security operation that sent civilians fleeing mostly to Bangladesh. (Reuters)
A global outcry over violence against Rohingya Muslims in Burma is growing, with Muslim-ruled countries saying they will demand action at the United Nations over the reported killing of more than 400 Rohingya since last month.

Iran on September 4 called the violence, which has prompted nearly 90,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, "ethnic cleansing," while Turkey has called it "genocide."

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif endorsed a call by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to bring the matter before the United Nations General Assembly this month.

In a post on Twitter, Zarif decried the "global silence on continuing violence against Rohingya Muslims," and said "international action crucial to prevent further ethnic cleansing -- UN must rally."

The recent wave of violence was set off by a group of Rohingya insurgents attacking police posts in the state of Rakhine on August 25. The authorities reported at least 400 people were killed in the ensuing clashes.

Burmese officials blame Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths, but rights monitors and Rohingya say the Burmese Army is trying to force them out through a campaign of arson and killings.

A growing list of Muslim-majority countries has spoken out against the violence, while mass protests were held on September 4 in Indonesia and the Russian North Caucasus region of Chechnya, where thousands of people turned out to express support for the Rohingya.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on September 4 expressed "deep anguish" over "reports of growing number of deaths and forced displacement of Rohingya Muslims" and urged Burma, also known as Myanmar, to investigate the alleged atrocities.

"This humanitarian crisis has to stop immediately," Indonesian President Joko Widodo said as he dispatched his foreign minister to meet with the leaders of Burma.

UN workers estimate that 87,000 refugees have crossed Burma's border into Bangladesh, many of them wounded, straining aid agencies and hospitals.

The Maldives announced on September 4 that it was severing all trade ties with Burma "until the government of Myanmar takes measures to prevent the atrocities being committed against Rohingya Muslims," its Foreign Ministry said

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai joined the chorus on September 4, called on her fellow laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, the civil leader of Burma, to condemn the violence.

Malala, 20, came to prominence when a Taliban gunman shot her in the head in 2012 for encouraging Pakistani girls to get an education. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

"Every time I see the news, my heart breaks at the suffering," Malala said on Twitter. "I have repeatedly condemned this tragic and shameful treatment. I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to do the same.... The world is waiting."

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman also questioned Suu Kyi's silence while some of her critics have called on the Nobel Committee to withdraw her peace prize.

Defenders of Suu Kyi, who was once a political prisoner of Burma's military junta, say she has limited ability to control the military. But her critics say she is one of the few people with the moral authority and mass appeal to influence the situation.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- V-Tex Logistics, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) (Valero), announced today that it has signed an agreement with Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE:MMP) (Magellan) to jointly build an approximately 135-mile, 16-inch products pipeline from Houston to Hearne, Texas. In addition, Valero will separately build a terminal in Hearne, a terminal in Williamson County, Texas, and an approximately 70-mile, 12-inch pipeline connecting the two terminals. Valeros expected cost for the projects is $380 million with targeted completion in mid-2019. Construction of these pipelines and terminals will provide a reliable fuel supply alternative for the fast-growing Central Texas marketplace. The new pipelines and terminals are expected to supply up to 60,000 barrels per day into Williamson County.



These projects support our long-term strategy of expanding and extending our supply chain through organic growth projects, said Joe Gorder, Valero Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. We are very pleased to participate in the Magellan South Pipeline Expansion project. Valero and Magellan have had a long and successful working relationship and the Houston to Hearne pipeline project will build on that history.

About Valero

Valero Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, is an international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels and other petrochemical products. Valero, a Fortune 50 company based in San Antonio, Texas, with approximately 10,000 employees, is an independent petroleum refiner and ethanol producer, and its assets include 15 petroleum refineries with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.1 million barrels per day and 11 ethanol plants with a combined production capacity of 1.4 billion gallons per year. The petroleum refineries are located in the United States (U.S.), Canada and the United Kingdom (U.K.), and the ethanol plants are located in the Mid-Continent region of the U.S. In addition, Valero owns the 2 percent general partner interest and a majority limited partner interest in Valero Energy Partners LP, a midstream master limited partnership. Valero sells its products in both the wholesale rack and bulk markets, and approximately 7,400 outlets carry Valeros brand names in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Ireland. Please visit www.valero.com for more information.

Valero Contacts

Investors:

John Locke, Vice President  Investor Relations, 210-345-3077

Karen Ngo, Senior Manager  Investor Relations, 210-345-4574

Tom Mahrer, Manager  Investor Relations, 210-345-1953

Media:

Lillian Riojas, Director  Media Relations and Communications, 210-345-5002
Letters of Recommendation

Recommendations are a vital part of the MBA application. However, they are typically underutilized by applicants. Walking a recommender through the process can ensure your recommendation will add another dimension to your application. A recommendation can validate claims you made in your essays, it can add stories that you cannot fit into the limited confines of the essays, and it can also further build on the stories you do write about in your essays. The key to a great recommendation, like with the rest of the application, is leg work. Don't just ask your supervisor for a recommendation and then type his name into the online application system a month before its due. As soon as you narrow down your schools, provide them with the materials in the list below. Give them as much time as you can because you don't want a missing recommendation to be the reason your application wasn't accepted for Round 1.

What to Provide a Recommender

Cover Page

Name of each school

The Round you are applying and its deadline

The first of many "thank you's" you should be writing to them

A request for you Recommender's Information

Note: this is because your recommender may not want schools to send them the forms to their work email or to call their work phone.

Phone number

Email address

Home address

Copies of each school's recommendation form (available on most school's websites)

Positioning Statement: material similar to most school's essay #1

Why you want an MBA

Why you need an MBA NOW

What your short and long term post MBA career goals are

Accomplishments you want them to talk about

Teams you have lead

Improvements you have made

Facts, Figures, Percentages, Statistics...any numbers you can provide to quantify your claims that they can reference

Weaknesses

How you are already working on improving these

What will a school help you to overcome

Writing a Business School Recommendation

First of all, thank you so much for taking this on. I know this represents a time commitment for you (and one with firm deadlines!) and I cant say how much it means to me that youve agreed to take this on. Ive summarized a chapter that I read on recommendations to help you get started with your letter.

The recommendation is an important part of the application. The school will use your recommendation to see if you confirm my own claims, to understand my character, and to find out how I do in the work world. Your view of my managerial potential will also get special attention. Its important to note that business school recommendations are very different from recommendations for employment. Basically, thousands of candidates are applying for a few hundred places in the next incoming class, with a very limited number of staff to manage the process. Few applicants are granted an interview, which usually lasts only 30 minutes. Its also very rare that the admissions committee calls a recommender. Therefore, a well-written, well-organized recommendation, usually about 2 pages long, is a necessary component of a strong application package.

Generally, there are 3 key areas for you to discuss: business skill, brains, and character. Below, Ive listed some aspects of each area. I probably dont show all these traits, and you may not have experience with all of them. But, if possible, I would like you to discuss components from at least 2 of the areas.

Business Skill

Maturity

Thoughtful decisions

Self-control in stressful situations

Work habits

Self-confidence and poise

Creativity

Thoughtfulness

Ability to listen

Ability to work well with others

Ability to motivate others

Organizational and planning skills

Judgment

Leadership qualities

Problem-solving & analysis

Overall managerial potential

Brains

Analytical ability

Quantitative skills

Mental agility

Healthy skepticism

Imagination and creativity

Communication skills (written and oral)

Mastery of other languages

Thoroughness

Research methods

Breadth of scholarly interests

Character

Ethics

Integrity

Dependability

Motivation

Initiative

Sense of humor

Personal relationships

Civic responsibility

Dealings with subordinates

Social skills

I am building an application package that will not only show that I can handle the workload of an MBA program, but also that I stand out from the usual candidates. Your recommendation will be particularly credible and powerful if you can use specific anecdotes to illustrate your points. Your stories will make me real and memorable for the admissions committee. Its also helpful if your letter focuses on skills that are valuable in a business context. Of course, you will also want to address any areas for growth  hopefully with a positive spin! Generally, I hope you and I will agree on my strengths and skills and that your letter will support my positioning (see positioning paper).

I am applying to 4-6 schools, and each school will have slightly different criteria for your recommendation. I suggest writing a general letter and then making any slight adjustments as necessary for each school. For example, Harvards emphasis on the case method might lead you to emphasize my ability to grasp real world situations and keep up with and contribute to fast-moving discussions. Cornells small class size might prompt you to discuss how much I enjoy working in small groups in a cooperative atmosphere. Of course, I will give you a short list of any relevant school-specific variables.

Some other tips:

Feel free to use headings to organize your letter and make it easy to read

Weaknesses: List what you view as your weak points in your profile

A well-written letter  grammatically correct and organized  is very important

They like it if you can show my growth and development over time

Similarly, a drive to improve myself is well appreciated

Quantify your claims (top 3 or 50% improvement or whatever)

Discuss your view of how I meet the requirements of a top manager or leader

Make sure you have the right school name on each letter (I hear this is a common mistake)

Explain why you make a good recommender

Dont brag too much about the company; its all about me!

Questions to consider:

How do I add value to (insert your company name)?

How would I fit into the b-school environment?

How do I fit into multicultural and international environments?

Appropriate Gifts for a Recommender

A handwritten thank-you note included with all gifts

Gift Certificates to a store or restaurant

Bottle of wine, port, or other adult beverage depending on their known preference

Box of chocolates

Gift basket

Tickets to a game, music event, or play

Memorabilia from the school you were accepted into or matriculating (can be an additional gift if you already gave one earlier)

Only you can decide how much you are willing to spend. Your recommenders most likely arent expecting anything, so this is a gesture of your gratitude. Whatever you decide, ensure that it is appropriate for the individual. The above examples will work well for some but not others. There is no consensus on whether to give the gift before or after an admittance, so it is up to your own judgment. If you're applying R1, the holidays is a great time to give a gift (big or small) and then give another one when your decisions come in. For other rounds, giving a gift either after all your recommendation letters have been submitted or after you receive decisions would both be appropriate.

Some impressive gift ideas can be found here, here and here

Courtesy: Riverripper and Aaudetat

_________________
A 54-year-old British man has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing three blind students at a school in the Indian capital, police said yesterday.

Murray Dennis Ward had been associated for nine years with the New Delhi school run by the National Association for the Blind, initially as a donor and later as a volunteer teacher, police said.

School authorities contacted the police after the boys, aged 14 and 15, complained about the alleged abuse, police said.

Ward appeared before a judge after his arrest on Monday, and was ordered held in police custody while investigations were going on. Police have seized his laptop computer and cell phone.

Ward hails from Gloucestershire in the U.K. He had been working with a technology company in the New Delhi suburb of Gurgaon until April.

A top police officer Ishwar Singh told reporters that the British high commission in New Delhi has been informed of the arrest.
Hope College junior Irene Gerrish of Los Alamos, New Mexico, has been chosen to attend the New York Times Athens Democracy Forum, an international event whose participants will include former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, multiple current and former senior government officials from around the world, NGO (non-governmental organization) and business executives, and leading journalists with the New York Times.

The forum will run WednesdaySunday, Sept. 1317, in Athens, Greece. Gerrish is one of 24 students from 13 countries selected to participate through the Global Liberal Arts Alliance, which is an educational partner in the event with Deree-The American College of Greece.

The forum will explore the theme Solutions for a Changing World. As explained on the events website, the event will address important questions about globalization, international cooperation and the enduring nature of democracy at a time of unique challenge.

In addition to Kofi Annan, speakers and panelists will include, among others, the former prime ministers of Australia and Spain, Swedens minister for foreign affairs, Kenyas minister for foreign affairs and international trade, the director general of Unesco, the chief economist for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the director of global programs for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. An interactive panel session featuring editors and writers with the New York Times will explore topics including reporting on the Trump presidency, fake news and alternative facts, the future of populism, division within America and the future of Europe.

Along with attending other events, the students will chronicle the forums 2017 United Nations Global Goals Session. They will each be assigned to one of the 17 groups discussing the global Sustainable Development Goals adopted by countries around the world in 2015. In addition to capturing the conversations, the students will develop reports that organize the next steps recommended by the participants.

The students, who were selected competitively following recommendation by their home institutions, will also work in groups of their own to consider questions raised by the forums theme from their own generational and cultural perspectives.

Irene made a tremendous impression on the colleges selection committee for how she articulated her values, global interests and policy concerns, really bringing a global perspective to both her studies at Hope College and the issues shes passionate about, said Dr. Deirdre Johnston, a professor of communication who is Hopes liaison to the Global Liberal Arts Alliance. We also saw her as someone who will be especially receptive to listening to others from different political and social systems, having her understanding of the world challenged and then bringing that information and experience back to the campus.

The forum is an ideal fit for Gerrish, an economics and political science dual major who has long-term aspirations to work in economic policy.

It seemed like a unique opportunity that I dont think a lot of people get at the university level, she said. I am looking forward to learning about how we can better engage internationally with each other, especially in a very challenging political era globally, and then being able to come back here and apply it.

Hope is in the Global Liberal Arts Alliance through its membership in the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA). In addition to Hope and the other 12 members of the GLCA, the Global Liberal Arts Alliance includes colleges and universities in Bulgaria, Egypt, France, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia and Switzerland.
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With Seoul expecting another North Korean missile test, South Korean warships conducted live-fire exercises at sea on Tuesday in a second straight day of military swagger from a nation still rattled by the Norths biggest-ever nuclear test.

The test on Sunday, which North Korea said was a hydrogen bomb, was a huge advance in the Norths push for nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the United States. It has also resulted in South Korea boosting its own military capabilities. Washington and Seoul agreed to lift restrictions on South Korean missiles theyd previously agreed upon, according to the South Korean presidential office, allowing Seoul to improve its pre-emptive strike capabilities against the North.

The Korean Peninsula has been in a technical state of war since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953. The near-constant unease has worsened in recent months as North Korea has displayed rapid improvement in its weapons capabilities, testing intercontinental ballistic missiles and a string of other missiles meant to target U.S. forces in Asia and the U.S. mainland.

More launches may be coming. The Defense Ministry said Monday that North Korea appeared to be planning a future missile launch, possibly of an ICBM, to show off its claimed ability to target the United States with nuclear weapons. It was unclear when such a launch might happen, but Sept. 9 is the anniversary of North Koreas founding and past launches have coincided with important national dates.

South Korean ships including a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1,000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided-missile vessels participated in the drills aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean provocations, the Defense Ministry said. It plans more naval drills in its southern seas through Saturday. On Monday, Seoul used F-15 fighter jets and land-based ballistic missiles to simulate an attack on North Koreas nuclear test site to strongly warn the North over the recent detonation.

The U.N. Security Council held its second emergency meeting about North Korea in a week on Monday, with U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley saying the Norths actions show that leader Kim Jong Un is begging for war.

Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants. We dont want it now. But our countrys patience is not unlimited, Haley said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday condemned North Koreas nuclear test but also warned against using military force against the country, calling it a road to nowhere that could lead to a global catastrophe.

Whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation, Putin said in a news conference in China. He stopped short of expressing willingness to impose more sanctions on North Korea, saying Moscow views them as useless and ineffective.

The heated words from the United States and the military maneuvers in South Korea are becoming familiar responses to North Koreas rapid, as-yet unchecked weapons progress.

South Korea has been seeking to obtain more powerful missiles for a so-called kill chain pre-emptive strike capability to cope with North Koreas growing nuclear and missile threat.

Since the late 1970s, South Korean missile development has been limited by a bilateral guideline between the United States and Seoul. It was updated in 2012 to allow the South to increase the range of its weapons from 300 kilometers (186 miles) to 800 kilometers (497 miles).

An agreement revealed removes a 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) warhead limit on South Koreas maximum-range missiles, which would allow the South to potentially target the Norths underground facilities and shelters.

In addition to expanding its missile arsenal and holding military exercises, South Korea is also strengthening its missile defense, which includes the high-tech Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju.

North Korea is thought to have a growing arsenal of nuclear bombs and has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of those bombs. Both diplomacy and severe sanctions have failed to check its march to nuclear mastery.

U.S. President Donald Trump, asked in Washington if he would attack North Korea, said, Well see. No U.S. military action appeared imminent, and the immediate focus appeared to be on ratcheting up economic penalties, which have had little effect thus far.

In tweets earlier this week, Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with North Korea, a clear warning to China. Such a move would be radical since the U.S. imports about USD40 billion in goods a month from China. China called that threat unacceptable and unfair.

Sundays nuclear detonation builds on recent North Korean advances that include test launches in July of two ICBMs, which, when perfected, could target the U.S. mainland. The North also threatened to launch a salvo of Hwasong-12 intermediate range missiles toward the U.S. Pacific island territory of Guam, the home of military facilities the North claims are meant to target it.

The U.S. has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and is obliged by treaty to defend it in the event of war. Foster Klug& Kim Tong-Hyung, Seoul, AP
New York, Sept 6(Just Earth News): More investment is needed in long-term projects to protect people in developing countries from droughts, the heads of the United Nations food agencies on Tuesday said after a visit to Ethiopia where 9.5 million people are hungry.

The death of many livestock in Ethiopia, as well as in Somalia where 3.3 million people are in need of food after three years with too little rain, has caused a breakdown in pastoral livelihoods, contributing to soaring hunger levels and alarming increases in malnutrition rates, according to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

A drought does not need to become an emergency, said Gilbert F. Houngbo, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), traveling as part of a four-day visit that also included FAO Director-General Jose Graziano da Silva and David Beasley, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme (WFP).

We know what works, added Houngbo, pointing to irrigation systems, rural financial institutions and other long-term development projects. This is what we need to build on.

During the four-day visit, the three senior UN officials toured the Tigray region, where agency heads saw irrigation schemes, fruit nurseries and health centres. According to a press release, these measures are boosting productivity, increasing incomes and improving nutrition so that rural people can better withstand external shocks like droughts.

We have seen clearly here that working together the three UN food agencies can achieve much more than alone, said Beasley.

The three agency heads met with high-level officials in Ethiopia and Somalia to discuss aid efforts, as well as with local residents.

This drought has been going on for a long time and we have lost much of our livestock, Hajiji Abdi, a community elder told them. If we didn't get food assistance, we would be in big trouble  but this is still not enough to feed us all.

Photo: FAO/IFAD/WFP/Petterik Wiggers.

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Sept 6(Just Earth News): The Security Council on Tuesday established a sanctions regime on Mali, introducing a travel ban and assets freeze that will apply to individuals and entities engaged in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the conflict-torn African country.

In the resolution, adopted unanimously, the 15-member body decided to set up a Sanctions Committee, consisting of all the members of the Council, and requested the Secretary-General to create, for an initial period of 13 months, a panel of up to five experts to support the Committee's work.

The 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali included language inviting the Security Council to adopt measures against those undermining the implementation of the Agreement and the pursuit of its objectives.

On 9 August, the Government of Mali sent a letter to Egypt, Council President for that month, requesting the creation of a sanctions regime, citing repeated ceasefire violations by armed groups in northern Mali.

UN Photo/Sylvain Liechti

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Most Iranian nurses are not officially employed. They work under temporary contracts, and are paid a small salary, which is often paid irregularly. The conditions they work under are potentially harmful, and they work for long hours, with their health and lives at risk.

A recent protest on August 24th was by the nurses was in Boushehr who protested the non-payment of eight months of their past due salaries. Previous protests have demanded back payment of salaries, but this lack of payment has a great economic impact for these families, as unemployment rates continue to rise throughout Iran.

Their working conditions are also at issue, as many nurses are forced to work overtime, and their overtime wages are withheld for months. Not only this, but they are working in dangerous conditions, as six nurses have died in the workplace. Five months earlier, it was announced that 10 individuals had died in the workplace. The figures, however, should be viewed as minimums.

Official reports state that these women are being overworked. Dr. Jaleh Ezzati, a vice-president of the Nursing Organization, said, In Iran, every 15 patients have one nurse, while by the international standards, every nurse has to attend to one or a maximum of four patients.

The shortage of nurses in Iran is growing, yet, reports indicate that the number of unemployed nurses in Iran could be as high as 40,000.

As medical care in Iran continues to be compromised, the situation is reaching a critical level, and the government is proposing for cheap fixes, such as hiring untrained graduates as a source of cheap labor, or using unofficial contracts to limit options.

Womens equality is at the forefront of the international agenda, in terms of equal pay and access to opportunities. Meanwhile, women in Iran face unequal rights in marriage and divorce, discriminatory inheritance laws, lower levels of legal compensation, their testimony in court amounts to that of half of a man, and they need to gain permission from their father, husband, or brother in order to leave the country.

The working conditions of Iranian nurses are abysmal, and they echo the larger issues facing women in Iran.
The terrible unemployment situation in Iran caused the number of people who support themselves by working as porters to increase, and today there are very young children and elderly men and women becoming porters, as well as university graduates.

The job is dangerous, but these people are desperate. Porters must deal with extreme weather conditions and uneven terrain and are targeted by the State Security Forces.

Its been reported that over the past few months, several porters have been killed. Then on Monday, two porters, Heydar Faraji, 21, and Qader Bahrami, 45, were shot by the regimes border guards. Bahrami was married and had four children.

On Tuesday, the entire bazaar was shut down as merchants closed their shops. Thousands of people from throughout the city joined together to protest these crimes. They went to the governorate, threw rocks at the governors building, and demanded that the killing of the porters end.

The regimess forces stormed the protesters and fired tear gas, but the protesters didnt back down, but confronted them instead, and neutralized the tear gas by burning tires.

Military helicopters brought anti-riot guards to the scene in Baneh. They attacked the people, but they were not able to prevent the them from continuing their protest.

A number of people were injured, and many were arrested during the course of the demonstration. It is believed that the criminal governor of Baneh, frightened of the angry people, has fled, and is hidden in an unknown location.

According to an article published by the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), President-elect of the Iranian Resistance, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, has offered her condolences to the families of the porters, saluted the people of Baneh and their brave demonstrations, and called on the courageous and freedom-loving people of Kurdistan and other Iranian cities to support the people of Baneh and the toiling porters.

The NCRI adds that, The porters are being killed by the Revolutionary Guards while according to the regime officials, Khamenei and the Revolutionary Guards and other intelligence and security agencies of the clerical regime are the main conductors of smuggling in the country that, according to the regime authorities, amounts to $25 billion a year.

Earlier this year, on March 7th, at a press conference in London, the Iranian Resistance revealed the presence of 90 piers, which amount to approximately 45 percent of the countrys total number of piers, that are used for large-scale smuggling, and are mainly at the disposal of the IRGC.
CNN reported, Irans newly re-elected President has not included any women in his proposed list of 17 ministers, according to Iranian state media, reneging on an election pledge to his largely reformist base The exclusion of women from the proposed list was widely expected, though appointing a female minister was a central promise made by Rouhani during the election campaign.

The Reformists expected Rouhani to appoint at least one woman as a minister  an expectation that has not been realized, according to Al-Monitor.

Reuters wrote, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani appointed two women vice-presidents on Wednesday, but made no changes to an all-male list of cabinet ministers criticized by reformists for its lack of female representation.

Government spokesman Mohammad Bagher Nobakht responded to the criticism, saying, Women will still play a significant role. Its an injustice to women to think that they should only be used to fill ministerial roles.

Nobakht referred to the appointment of three women  two deputies and one advisor to Rouhani  roles which were wrongly translated by the Western press as meaning Vice-President and are not what would be defined as still play(ing) a significant role. A Vice-President is usually meant to be the assistant to the President, act in his absence, or replace him under certain circumstances. These women appointees have little power, even to fulfill their own duties.

For instance, Shahindokht Molaverdi, who, during Rouhanis first term, served as head of the presidential directorate for women and family affairs, stated repeatedly that she did not have the executive power to advance her directorates own projects. Her attempts to take measures in favor of womens affairs all met with such pressure she was forced to back down. In an interview on August 24, 2015, she revealed that since we do not have an executive status, we have not yet found any desirable, effective relationship with other systems and provinces, and have faced serious obstacles from the beginning.

When Molaverdi was eventually removed from her post, she was replaced by Massoumeh Ebtekar, who was removed from her position as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, to be replaced by a man. The state-run Rouydad website, August 10, 2017 pointed out that neither Ebtekar or Molaverdi had been promoted in status as compared to their previous posts.

Laaya Jonaidi, was also appointed to a non-ministerial post, as the presidential deputy for legal affairs. To be eligible to work in a government position, she was forced to wear the head-to-toe black robe called a Chador.

Many who counted on Rouhanis election promises feel betrayed. Parvaneh Salahshouri, who heads the womens faction in parliament, criticized Rouhani. The state-run ISNA news agency, August 9, 2017 quoted her as saying, It is incredible and shocking that the president has ignored half of the Iranian society. She added, Creating equal opportunities for women and elimination of gender discrimination was among the promises made by the president (during his election campaign). Unfortunately, not only women were not granted equal opportunities, but they were granted no opportunity!

As well, before an open session at the parliament on August 9, 2017, Salahshouri reiterated, Iran is among the few countries in the world whose women do not enjoy any senior position as political decision-makers Today, more than half of (the countrys) university graduates are women. Women are present in various economic, political, social and cultural realms. However, when it gets to appointing women as ministers, the excuse is their lack of high-level experience. And this vicious cycle goes on and on, and continued, Gender gap is one of the criteria for evaluating the development of any country and Iran ranked 139th in 2016 among 144 countries.

However, had Rouhani appointed several women to his Cabinet, it still would not have provided a solution womens problems in Iran. What is necessary is the removal of several obstacles that are built into Irans male-dominated political system. The presence of a few women in the cabinet is an insufficient display, and will not eliminate discrimination against women or close the gender gap on economic and social fronts. Under the fundamentalist regime ruling Iran, both in law and in practice, women are discriminated against in may ways. Women in Iran face unequal rights in marriage and divorce, discriminatory inheritance laws, lower levels of legal compensation, their testimony in court amounts to that of half of a man, and they need to gain permission from their father, husband or brother in order to leave the country.

Women are marginalized in the economy. Their economic participation amounts to a maximum of 13%.They work mainly in unofficial service sectors, for wages that are far below the minimum wage, and without any insurance.

Rouhanis failure to appoint a single woman minister to his Cabinet means that the regime in Tehran continues its suppression of women, and that the gender discrimination will remain the status quo.
New Macau Association (ANM) is calling for chief executive Chui Sai On to take more accountability for the way the government handled the aftermath of Typhoon Hato, the deadliest typhoon to strike Macau in recorded history.

Following media reports on the weekend that New Macau had called for Chuis resignation, Kin Long Wong, a spokesperson for the group, informed the Times that they are actually demanding greater accountability, with resignation being one option.

The spokesperson said that, as the head of the civil protection services, Chui should take responsibility for the ineffectual government response to the natural disaster.

Chui has admitted that the typhoon preparations were insufficient and the government has pledged to do more in the future to mitigate the impact of extreme weather phenomena.

The Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) has already begun an investigation into the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) and its former chief, Fong Soi Kun, over its typhoon preparations and management strategy.

ANM vice president Sulu Sou is insisting that the CCAC open another investigation into Chuis accountability for the destructiveness of the typhoon. The group is also holding Chui responsible for the re-appointment of Fong last year after the SMG failed to raise Signal 8 for Typhoon Nida. The bureau argued that the wind speed of Nida was just short of that required for Signal 8. Macau locals had protested the reappointment decision at the time.

Last week, Sou criticized the chief executive for neglecting to take any measure to improve the drainage system and anti-flooding measures in the Inner Harbor area since his tenure began eight years ago.

In 2015, the MSAR government completed a small project to strengthen the Inner Harbors short-term flood control system. More comprehensive plans are underway, according to a government statement released over the weekend, and approval in principle has been granted by Beijing for a cross-boundary tidal barrier.

But ANM argues that other measures, including the raising of an emergency alarm, could and should have been used by the Chui once the severity of the natural disaster was understood.

There is an alarm system for public disasters, in which the CE can declare a state of emergency or other, lesser alarm categories. The mechanism was not used in the disaster, said Wong, adding that it should have been.

Sou is now thought to be the de facto leader of New Macau. The young candidate-lawmaker tops the New Macau election ticket and is expected to take over as ANM leader once outgoing president Scott Chiang steps down after the September 17 Legislative Assembly election.

The ANM spokesperson would not confirm if Sou will become the groups next leader, regaedless of hypothetical scenarios in which he is not elected as a lawmaker later this month. Scott Chiang is still the president of New Macau, he said, adding that the judgement concerning changes to the ANM leadership is up to the membership of the association to decide.

This is not the first time that the association has called for Chuis resignation.

Last year, New Macau co-organized a demonstration in response to what the group described as the chief executives poor integrity and alleged involvement in corruption, following the Jinan University donation controversy.

In May 2016, Chui was accused of using his position as Macaus most senior official to facilitate a RMB100 million donation from the Macau Foundation to the mainlands Jinan University, to coincide with the education institutions 110th anniversary. Chui previously served as vice-chairman of Jinan University Council and remains president of the Council of Trustees of the Macau Foundation.

The CCAC released a report the following month concluding that the donation did not breach the law.

Besieged by daily rumors

New Macau Association (ANM) spokesperson Kin Long Wong told the Times yesterday that the group has been besieged by online rumors and allegations since the official election campaign period began. We face difficulties in the [election] campaign every day, he said. Every day, there are inaccurate or false stories about [New Macau] on the internet. Some of them are posted by fake social media accounts [] but there is no clear evidence which group is contributing to this. Wong said that some of the stories falsely accuse ANM of being a separatist organization, striving for Macaus independence. Another popular rumor concerns fabricated love stories from Sulu Sous student years in Taiwan that are based on another individual with the same name, he said.
North Koreas latest and sixth nuclear test has brought strong reactions from its neighbors and the United States. But Russia and China question additional moves.

On Tuesday, South Korea announced that it plans to expand its own missile abilities. South Korea said it has reached an agreement in principle with the United States to increase the payload of its missiles.

An agreement reached in 1979 limits the payload and distance of South Korean missiles. The agreement limits South Korean missiles to a payload of 500 kilograms and a distance of 800 kilometers, according to Reuters.

U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in spoke about the change during a 40-minute telephone discussion.

In addition, Trump said early Tuesday on Twitter that the U.S. would permit the sale of sophisticated military equipment to Japan and South Korea.

Nations consider latest North Korean nuclear test

At the United Nations, the U.S. has said it will offer a new resolution targeting North Korea. However, Russia and China are questioning whether additional restrictions will improve the situation.

After North Korea carried out a long-range missile test in July, the UN placed strong sanctions on the countrys economy. Trade bans on North Korea were aimed at cutting North Korean exports by one billion dollars.

North Korea carried out its latest nuclear test as leaders of major developing countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (or BRICS) -- gathered in Xiamen, a Chinese city on the Taiwan Strait. The meeting is known as the BRICS Summit.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, at the BRICS meeting, increased sanctions would not help. He said such measures would not cause a change in leadership in North Korea.

Putin warned of a global catastrophe if military tensions continue to increase on the Korean Peninsula.

Leaders attending the BRICS meeting condemned the nuclear test. But Chinese president Xi Jinping did not mention the incident at the end of the meeting.

Later, at a regular briefing, a foreign ministry spokesman called the situation highly sensitive and complicated. He called on both sides to avoid increasing tensions.

Concerns about stability of North Korea

Bruce Bennett is a defense expert with the Rand Corporation research group. He told VOA that the two nations are unwilling to place additional sanctions on the North.

They are reluctant because they just dont know how unstable North Korea is.

Bennett said that China worries about a crisis on its border. He said China may consider the North too unstable to increase sanctions.

China has also directed state media to control online discussion of the Norths activity, according to Radio Free Asia. The U.S.-based China Digital Times reported that, All websites are banned from deliberately hyping related topics.

Explosion is largest test yet by North Korea

North Koreas nuclear test on September 3 was its sixth and by far the most powerful. The country said the device was a hydrogen bomb, a more powerful kind of nuclear weapon.

The explosion was detected as an earthquake reported to be magnitude 6.3. The test was estimated to equal 100,000 tons of the explosive TNT, or 100 kilotons.

On Sunday, a North Korean diplomat attending a UN conference on disarmament in Geneva suggested that North Korea may have another test planned. The official said North Korea is prepared to send more gift packages to the U.S.

South Korean media reported that North Korea may be moving a long-range missile into position. And South Koreas defense ministry has warned that the North could launch a missile at any time.

Dan Sneider is a visiting scholar with Stanford Universitys Walther H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center. He said it is not hard to understand why North Korea continues its testing activities.

He said the Norths weapons programs have become too important to the countrys leaders to negotiate away for economic gains.

Im Mario Ritter.

Mario Ritter adapted this story for VOA Learning English from VOA news reports from Steve Herman, Richard Green, Bill Ide, VOA News and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

payload n. the amount of material that a vehicle can carry

sophisticated adj. highly developed or complex

sanctions n. measures taken to force a country to obey international laws usually by limiting or stopping some form of trade with other countries

overwhelming adj. very great in number or effect

unstable adj. likely to change easily or at any time

hyping v. to talk about in a way meant to cause people to get excited or outraged

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Millions of school children failed to attend classes in English-speaking areas of Cameroon when the school term began recently.

Schools opened after the government released many of the jailed leaders of protests in Cameroons English-speaking areas.

The protests were called to direct attention to what some people see as the strong influence of the French language in the country.

Cameroon has two official languages: French and English. Many English-speakers believe they are discriminated against by those who speak French.

Those sounds are coming from a classroom at the Ntamulung bilingual high school in Bamenda, Cameroon. The teacher taught 20 children on the first day of school. At least 70 students were expected in the classroom.

Schools have been closed in the English-speaking northwest and southwest areas of Cameroon since November. That is when lawyers and teachers called for a strike to stop what they believe is the overuse of the French language.

After leaders of the strike were arrested, pressure groups called for their immediate and unconditional release before the new school term. Last week, 55 of the 75 protesters were released, while charges against them were dropped.

Observers said their release was an important concession to the strikers demands. They said it could lead to new talks on ending the crisis.

However, separatist groups are asking for President Paul Biya to release 20 other protestors, and to call back those who escaped into exile. They also want him to order the removal of 5,000 soldiers from the English-speaking areas before they will agree to restart negotiations.

Finnian Tim is a reporter. He was released from jail after seven months. He says the detainees want to see schools reopen.

We were pleading with our brothers to stop whatever thing they were doing, because what they were doing, like ghost towns, was not helping us in any way...

The government sent officials to the English-speaking areas in an effort to persuade parents to send their children back to school.

Fu Calistus is the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Technological Development. He visited northwestern Cameroon.

The state cannot sit and fold its hands and see people being prevented from going to school. Such a state becomes an irresponsible state in the eyes of the world community. If you prevent someone from going to school, it cannot be accepted.

President Biya reacted to the strike by announcing reforms. These include a new common law division at the Supreme Court and the appointment of the first English-speaker to lead the judicial bench of the court. But he has said that he will not take part in talks that threaten national unity.

Im John Russell.

Moki Edwin Kindzeka reported this story from Cameroon for VOANews.com. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

concession  n. the act of giving up or admitting something

plead  v. making an emotional request for something

ghost  n. the spirit of a dead person

fold  v. to bend; to put one part of something over another

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For VOA Learning English, this is the Education Report.

If you are standing in front of an iceberg, it might look like the largest thing you've ever seen. But, you're still only seeing the small part above the water. About 90 percent of the iceberg is below the water. The same idea relates to culture, explains Amy Melendez.

Melendez teaches English and trains English educators in the Washington, DC area. She works at a number of schools, including Northern Virginia Community College and Georgetown University.

She says many students  and teachers  mistakenly think culture is just the things that are easy to see, like food, music, clothing and holidays. But, she says most culture is represented in what cannot be seen: people's expectations, beliefs and values.

So, she brings lessons about this into the classroom. She teaches learners how to understand and value cultural differences and communicate more effectively with people from other cultures.

Like Melendez, Michelle Stabler-Havener is an English educator who has taught intercultural communication. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate at Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City.

Both Melendez and Stabler-Havener explain that the subject of cultural understanding is a natural fit in language teaching. They note that language and culture are inseparable: words and expressions have cultural origins.

They also say cultural tolerance helps learners feel safe in the classroom. Stabler-Havener explains:

"In other words, they don't have to worry that people are going to criticize who they are or the things that they value most and believe inthis gives students the freedom to focus their energy on learning the language without having to be so concerned that these things that are so important to them are going to be questioned."

Out of the comfort zone

Ironically, providing this sense of safety often involves exploring subjects that pull learners out of their comfort zones. One tool both Melendez and Stabler-Havener find especially useful in the classroom is critical incidents.

A critical incident is a short description of a situation in which a misunderstanding or conflict took place between people. The problem may be caused by cultural differences or some kind of communication failure. It is the students' job to discover what happened and why. And, they are asked to come up with as many reasons as possible  other than reasons based on stereotypes.

Melendez gives an example of a critical incident she has used from a book called Tips for Teaching Culture*.

"You have two students who are working on a project. And, the student is supposed to be sharing the book with the other student. And, it's time for one of the students to leave for class. And, the older student who had checked out the book grabs the book, gets up and leaves because it's time for him to go to his next class. The other student  he's left a little bewildered (thinking) 'Why is leaving? Why is he taking the book?' You know, 'We were sharing this book.' In another part of the incident, too, with that one, the younger student had come late."

Another favorite tool of Melendez is digital storytelling. Digital stories are short movies that combine photos, video, animation, sound, music and words. Melendez says digital stories encourage healthy conversations around cultural myths.

For example, last summer, she trained a group of Panamanian teachers. Through one teacher's digital story, she learned that the person believed Americans were cold, emotionless people. This led to a productive class discussion about cultural differences in how people greet one another and their ideas about personal space.

"I think a lot of intolerance comes from the unknown. So, trying to make the unknown known, I think, is really important, even in a language classroom."

As many teachers know, classrooms can be unpredictable. At any given time, a student may say something to accidentally hurt or embarrass another student from a different culture.

To lessen this problem, Melendez has her students vote on rules for shared respect. And, they are asked to follow these rules throughout the course.

Stabler-Havener says students can also practice respect by the way they use the language. For example, they can express possibility by saying, "Maybe this is what is happening" instead of saying, "This is true for every person in this culture." And, they can show respect for others' opinions with language like, "I see your point but..." rather than "As we well know..."

To teach or not to teach

Before exploring sensitive cultural subjects with a class, Melendez and Stabler-Havener say teachers can spend time examining their own cultural biases.

Melendez says uneasy situations or subjects will probably arise in class whether or not English language teachers decide to explore the iceberg of culture. And, if a teacher chooses avoidance, they may be left unprepared.

She says a website called Tolerance.org offers some useful resources for teachers, including web-based trainings.

Stabler-Havener says, in addition, teachers can go hear experts speak about intercultural communication.

She adds that it is a good idea for teachers to decide before teaching a class whether they will share their own opinions with students about sensitive topics.

"Are the students who disagree with you going to feel somehow maybe disempowered or concerned that, because they don't share your opinion on a topic that might affect them in the class?"

And that's the Education Report.

I'm Alice Bryant.

Alice Bryant wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.

Do you think English teachers should teach sensitive cultural topics in class or avoid them? Have you taught these topics in your class? Tell us about it in the comments section.

*Book: Tips for Teaching Culture by Wintergerst and McVeigh

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

iceberg  n. a very large piece of ice floating in the ocean

lesson  n. an activity that you do in order to learn something

intercultural communication  n. communication between individuals or groups of different linguistic or cultural origins

tolerance  n. the act of being willing to allow or accept something

comfort zone  n. a place, situation, or level where someone feels secure and comfortable

stereotype  n. an often unfair and untrue belief that many people have about all people or things with a particular characteristic

grab  v. to quickly take and hold someone or something with your hand or arms

bewildered  adj. very confused

myth  n. an idea or story that is believed by many people but that is not true

greet  v. to meet someone who has just arrived with usually friendly and polite words and actions

bias  n. a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly
The Trump administration is moving to end a program that protected 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Many of the immigrants were children when they entered the country illegally with their parents.

President Donald Trump approved the move, but it was Attorney General Jeff Sessions who announced the change in policy.

"We cannot admit everyone who wants to come here," Sessions told reporters on Tuesday. "All cannot be accepted."

He added that limiting immigration "means we are properly enforcing our laws."

The administration is ending a five-year-old program that former President Barack Obama created through an executive order. The program was known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), but the young immigrants also became known as Dreamers.

DACA gave the immigrants legal permission to work, study and serve in the U.S. military. It also prevented them from being sent back to their home country.

In a statement, the president said he does not believe it is right to punish the young people for the actions of their parents. But he added, As Ive said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful democratic process.

Trump accused Obama of going around Congress to put the program in place through executive order. He noted that DACA faces legal tests in several states. He said the Justice Department had advised him the program was unlawful and unconstitutional and not likely to be successfully defended in court.

All new DACA applications will be stopped. But officials said people currently in the program will not be affected until March 5, 2018. Existing permits that end before that date can be extended and will be honored for up to two years.

Trump said the extended wind-down now puts the programs future in the hands of Congress. I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act, his statement said.

Several Congressional Republicans had urged the president not to cancel DACA. Paul Ryan, the Speaker in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, released a statement on Tuesday. It urged lawmakers to work for a solution for the young people who came to this country through no fault of their own.

Ryan said he hoped the House and Senate can find a permanent legislative fix to the problem. He also called for new legislative discussions on border security and other immigration issues.

Former President Obama criticized the decision as cruel and self-defeating. Obama defended his approval of the program, noting he waited years for Congress to act on immigration reforms, but they did not.

Responding in a statement on Facebook, Obama said he believes the Trump administration decision was political, and not made for legal reasons.

Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldnt threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us, the statement said.

Demonstrators marched in several U.S. cities to protest the decision. In Denver, Colorado, hundreds of teachers and students gathered outside Metro State University. Some carried signs reading, No borders, no nations, no racists, no deportations.

Protests were also held near the White House, outside Trump Tower in New York City and in downtown Los Angeles.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English. His story was based on reports from VOANews.com, the Associated Press and Reuters. George Grow 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

compassion  n. a feeling of sympathy for others

expire  v. no longer be valid

wind down  n. end gradually

fault  adj. be responsible for or deserve blame for something

cruel  adj. unkind, mean
Energizer Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes household batteries, specialty batteries, and lighting products worldwide. It offers lithium, alkaline, carbon zinc, nickel metal hydride, zinc air, and silver oxide batteries under the Energizer and Eveready brands, as well as primary, rechargeable, specialty, and hearing aid batteries. The company also provides headlights, lanterns, and children's and area lights, as well as flash lights under the Energizer, Eveready, Rayovac, Hard Case, Dolphin, Varta, and WeatherReady brands. In addition, it licenses the Energizer and Eveready brands to companies developing consumer solutions in gaming, automotive batteries, portable power for critical devices, LED light bulbs, generators, power tools, household light bulbs, and other lighting products. Further, the company designs and markets automotive fragrance and appearance products, including protectants, wipes, tire and wheel care products, glass cleaners, leather care products, air fresheners, and washes to clean, shine, refresh, and protect interior and exterior automobile surfaces under the brand names of Armor All, Nu Finish, Refresh Your Car!, LEXOL, Eagle One, California Scents, Driven, and Bahama & Co; STP branded fuel and oil additives, functional fluids, and other performance chemical products; and do-it-yourself automotive air conditioning recharge products under the A/C PRO brand name, as well as other refrigerant and recharge kits, sealants, and accessories. It sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, and wholesalers; and through various retail and business-to-business channels, including mass merchandisers, club, electronics, food, home improvement, dollar store, auto, drug, hardware, e-commerce, convenience, sporting goods, hobby/craft, office, industrial, medical, and catalog. Energizer Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri.
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A Venezuelan political exile who proposed to his girlfriend during an audience with the Pope is basking in the wonder of his engagement in a romantic trip to Paris.

Catholic Dario Ramirez strolled through the City of Light this week with his fiancee Maryangel Espinal, reminiscing about the moment last month that thrust the politician-in-exile into the international spotlight.

Ramirez told the Associated Press that the pontiff, his protocol staff and Espinal were shocked when he popped the question. His fiancee thought he was going to ask for a selfie  not her hand in marriage.

A video recorded on Ramirezs iPhone captures cheers from the surrounding people when Espinal said Yes.

His audience with Pope Francis came as part of a visit with the International Catholic Legislatures Network.
The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 13125882 Canada Inc., 211 E. Russell Road LLC, 4458664 Canada Inc., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ASTRUM IT GmbH, Accudyne Industries Acquisition S.A r.l, Accudyne Industries Canada Inc., Accudyne Industries S.A r.l., Air Dimensions, Air Dimensions Inc., Albin Pump SAS, BOC Edwards Global Low pressure Air business, CISA S.p.A., Cameron-Centrifugal Compression, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Comingersoll-Comercio E Industria De Equipamentos S.A., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Dosatron International SAS, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Proprietary Limited, FlexEnergy Holdings LLC, Frigoblock Grosskopf Gmbh, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First (UK) Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings II Inc., GD Global Holdings Inc., GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., GPS Industries, Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp (Canada), Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Limited, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica SL, Gardner Denver Inc., Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver International Inc., Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Investments Inc., Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan Ltd., Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte. Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia s.r.o., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH (f/k/a ILMVAC GmbH), Gardner Denver Thomas Inc., Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, Haskel France SAS, Haskel Sistemas de Fluidos Espana S.R.L., Hibon Inc., Highspeed Newco LLC, Hingerose Limited, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., IR HPS Holdco. Inc., ITO Emniyet, Ingersoll Rand Cyprus Investments Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Finance LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Investments LLC, Ingersoll Rand Global Ventures LLC, Ingersoll Rand Hong Kong Investments Limited, Ingersoll Rand Inc., Ingersoll Rand Investments (SG) Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Investments B.V., Ingersoll Rand Schweiz Investments Gmbh, Ingersoll Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Industrial Ireland Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana Manufacturing S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments II S.A R.I., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Investments S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Industrial Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand S.A. De C.V., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technology R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Instrum Rand JSC, Interflex Datensysteme, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, Kryptonite corp, Lawrence Factor Inc., LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., MP Pumps Inc., Maximum AG Technologies Inc., Maximus Solutions, Mb Air Systems Limited, Nash Elmo, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Plurifilter D.O.O., Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Robuschi, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, SEEPEX, Seepex (M) SDN, Seepex Australia Pty Ltd, Seepex Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mit Beschrankter Haftung, Seepex France S.a.r.l., Seepex GmbH, Seepex Inc., Seepex India Private Ltd., Seepex Italia SRL, Seepex Japan Co. Ltd., Seepex Nordic A/S, Seepex OOO, Seepex Pumps (Shanghia) Co. Ltd., Seepex UK Ltd., Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Shenzhen Bocom System Engineering Co., Superay, Syltone, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, Tamrotor Marine Comp AS Norway, Tecno Matic Europe s.r.o., Thomas Industries Inc., Trane Technologies, Tri-Continent Scientific Inc., Vacuum and Blower Systems division, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zaxe Technologies Inc., Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc, Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, Zinsser NA Inc., and crayon interface.

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The following companies are subsidiares of MetLife: 10700 WILSHIRE LLC, 1201 TAB MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET OWNER LLC, 150 NORTH RIVERSIDE PE MEMBER LLC, 1925 WJC OWNER LLC, 23RD STREET INVESTMENTS INC., 500 GRANT STREET ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 500 GRANT STREET GP LLC, 6104 HOLLYWOOD LLC, AFP GENESIS ADMINISTRADORA DE FONDOS Y FIDECOMISOS S.A., AGENVITA S.R.L., ALICO HELLAS SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ALICO OPERATIONS LLC, American Life Insurance Company, BEST MARKET S.A., BLOCK VISION HOLDINGS CORPORATION, BLOCK VISION OF TEXAS INC., BORDERLAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED, BOULEVARD RESIDENTIAL LLC, BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER LLC, CC HOLDCO MANAGER LLC, CHESTNUT FLATS WIND LLC, CLOSED JOINT-STOCK COMPANY MASTER-D, COMPANIA INVERSORA METLIFE S.A., CORPORATE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC, COVA LIFE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, DAVIS VISION INC., DAVISVISION IPA INC., DELAWARE AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, EURO CL INVESTMENTS LLC, EXCELENCIA OPERATIVA Y TECNOLOGICA S.A de C.V., FORTISSIMO CO. LTD, FUNDACION METLIFE MEXICO A.C., GLOBAL PROPERTIES INC., General American Life Insurance Company, Grand Bank N.A., HASKELL EAST VILLAGE LLC, HOUSING FUND MANAGER LLC, INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES LIMITED, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO DOS LIMITADA, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO TRES LIMITADA, LHC HOLDINGS LLC, LHCW HOLDINGS LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING 2002 LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING LLC, LHCW HOTEL OPERATING COMPANY 2002 LLC, LUMENLAB MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., Logan Circle Partners, MARKETPLACE RESIDENCES LLC, MC PORTFOLIO JV MEMBER LLC, MCJV LLC, MCPP OWNERS LLC, MCRE BLOCK 40 LP, MEC HEALTH CARE INC., MET 1065 HOTEL LLC, MET CANADA SOLAR ULC, METLIFE 1007 STEWART LLC, METLIFE 1201 TAB MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MANAGER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 555 12TH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 8280 MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ACOMA OWNER LLC, METLIFE ADMINISTRADORA DE FUNDOS MULTIPATROCINADOS LTDA., METLIFE ALTERNATIVES GP LLC, METLIFE ASHTON AUSTIN OWNER LLC, METLIFE ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., METLIFE ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE ASIA SERVICES SDN. BHD, METLIFE ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP., METLIFE ASSIGNMENT COMPANY INC., METLIFE BORO STATION MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMINO RAMON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMPUS AT SGV MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAPITAL CREDIT L.P., METLIFE CAPITAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, METLIFE CAPITAL TRUST IV, METLIFE CB W/A LLC, METLIFE CC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CHILE ADMINISTRADORA DE MUTUOS HIPOTECARIOS S.A., METLIFE CHILE INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS DE VIDA S.A., METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS GENERALES S.A., METLIFE CHINO MEMBER LLC, METLIFE COLOMBIA SEGUROS de VIDA S.A., METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CONSQUARE MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CONSUMER SERVICES INC., METLIFE CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CREDIT CORP., METLIFE DIGITAL VENTURES INC., METLIFE ENHANCED CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE EU HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE INSURANCE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LLC., METLIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES CO. LTD, METLIFE FM HOTEL MEMBER LLC, METLIFE FUNDING INC., METLIFE GENERAL INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE GLOBAL BENEFITS LTD., METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY I GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY II GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION S.A. De C.V., METLIFE GLOBAL INC., METLIFE GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE GROUP INC., METLIFE HCMJV 1 GP LLC, METLIFE HCMJV 1 LP LLC, METLIFE HEALTH PLANS INC., METLIFE HOLDINGS INC., METLIFE HOME LOANS LLC, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE PTE. 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Of all the setbacks during World War II, the one that British Prime Minister Winston Churchill could never really get over was the fall of Singapore. Seventy-five years later, Dara Khosrowshahi shouldnt even want to contemplate the costs of surrendering the citys ride-hailing market  for that might mean the beginning of the end of Uber Technologies Inc.s global empire.

As my colleague Shira Ovide points out, from angry drivers and wary regulators to a sick corporate culture and a founder with outsize voting power, Khosrowshahi, Ubers new CEO, has a lot on his plate. Add to that the battle for Singapore.

The enemy is Grab, a regional rival that claims to be the No. 1 choice in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. On Sunday night, Grab reached out to drivers at ComfortDelGro Corp., Singapores largest taxi company, offering them discounts of almost 50 percent on rentals if they switch. Although ComfortDelGro shares fell for a second day on Tuesday, its clear who Grabs real target is: The attack came after the operator said it was talking to Uber about a partnership.

Khosrowshahi is being dared to an all-out war. If he doesnt take up the gauntlet, itll be a repeat of China, where Didi Chuxing forced Uber to throw in the towel.

Singapore is a small market of 5.6 million residents, but 3 million Indonesians came to the island last year to shop and consult with their private bankers and dentists. Add the 1 million visitors from Thailand and Vietnam, and Singapore becomes the beachhead of an emerging single market of more than 600 million. Within the next decade, Malaysia and Singapore will be connected by a 350-kilometer-long high-speed train network. People wont use different apps at the two ends of their journey. The winner will take all.

But wholl emerge victorious? Toyota Motor Corp. has invested in both Uber and Grab. The traditional taxi business in Singapore, however, is being forced to choose. Even as ComfortDelGro is thinking of throwing in its lot with Uber, the smaller operators have gone over to Grabs camp.

Platform markets are double-sided: drivers are as much the customer as the riders. And some innovation, such as Grabs in-app messaging service that translates seamlessly between Vietnamese and English, can make a big difference to wooing both, as Bloomberg News reporter Yoolim Lee recently found out.

It might appear a small thing, but every little bit counts when the stakes are so high. With Qantas Airways Ltd. ditching the Middle East and returning to Singapore for its Sydney to London flights, Uber cant afford to be the No. 2 ride-

hailing app of choice on the kangaroo route hub. Besides, the anti-Uber alliance cobbled together by SoftBank Group Corp., Grab and Didi includes Ola, which is giving bumper-to-bumper competition to Uber in India.

Losing a second billion-people-plus market to a local incumbent would be a body blow. But if Khosrowshahi cant win the battle for Singapore, defending the remaining crown jewel of the empire might become that much harder. Andy Mukherjee, Bloomberg
Lenovo is set to launch a 25th-anniversary ThinkPad laptop with classic design elements later this year. But a recent leak suggests that while it may have a retro look, the new ThinkPad will have the horsepower of a modern PC.

German product testing and certification provider TUVRheinland has posted a listing for an unannounced Lenovo PC called the ThinkPad T470 ThinkPad 25.

That sure make it sound like the upcoming 25th-anniversary laptop will be a version of the 14 inch laptop Lenovo introduced at the end of 2016.

ThinkPad T470 models currently sell for about $880 and up, and feture support for up to an Intel Core i7 Kaby Lake processor, up to 32GB of RAM, up to 500GB of HDD or 1TB of solid state storage, up to a 1920 x 1080 pixl IPS display with an optional touchscreen, and a chassis that measures 0.8 inches thick and which weighs about 3.5 pounds.

Other features include Gigabit Ethernet, three USB 3.0 ports and a Thunderbolt 3/USB Type-C port, an HDMI port, an SD card reader, 3.5mm audio jack, and optional smart card reader and micro SIM card slot on some configurations.

Its likely that many of those features would carry over to a ThinkPad 25 edition model but I wouldnt be surprised to see a classic keyboard with 7 rows of raised keys. A colorful ThinkPad logo is almost certainly a given. And earlier this year Lenovos former chief design officer Dave Hill said the laptop would have black rubberized coating, three TrackPoint caps, and a keyboard to die for.

Lenovos only been making ThinkPad-branded laptops for about a dozen years, but thats because the company only started using the name when it acquired IBMs personal computer business in 2005. So the brand has a long history.

While recent models keep some classic style including a TrackPoint system with a pointing stick in the center of the keyboard and a black design (with a few red accents), Lenovo started using island-style keyboards a few years ago in a move that made the companys laptops feel a bit more modern but which annoyed some long-time users.

While Lenovo hasnt released any official pictures of the upcoming computer yet, the image posted above is a concept that Lenovos Dave Hill shared in 2015, and a new picture uploaded to Chinese forum 51nb.com allegedly shows the logo and part of the keyboard.

via NotebookCheck and The Register
Data from two separate phase 3 studies to be presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid, show alectinib's particular central nervous system (CNS) activity in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer involving a mutation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK-positive NSCLC).

Findings from the ALUR trial (1), as well as a secondary analysis of the ALEX trial (2) show alectinib can significantly decrease CNS progression of NSCLC, both in the first-line as well as the second-line treatment setting.

"Patients with NSCLC have a high risk of CNS and brain metastases, commented Prof. Fiona Blackhall, from the University of Manchester and The Christie Hospital, UK.

"These trials provide an important evidence base for the CNS efficacy of alectinib that can be translated to routine clinical care."

The ALUR results "support alectinib as a new standard-of-care for patients with previously treated ALK-positive NSCLC," noted that study's investigator Dr. Silvia Novello, from the University of Turin, Italy.

ALUR included 107 ALK-positive NSCLC patients whose disease had progressed after a previous first-line combination treatment of both platinum-based chemotherapy and crizotinib.

They were randomised to second-line therapy with either standard relapse chemotherapy or alectinib.

Median progression free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the alectinib group compared to the chemotherapy group - 9.6 versus 1.4 months (hazard ratio [HR] 0.15, 95% CI 0.08-0.29; P<0.001), with a marked difference in CNS response, reported Novello.

Among patients who had measurable CNS disease at baseline, the CNS overall response rate (ORR) was 54.2% in those treated with alectinib compared to zero in the chemotherapy group (P<0.001).

The safety profile of alectinib compared favourably with chemotherapy, despite the substantially longer duration of treatment for patients on alectinib (20 weeks versus six weeks with chemotherapy).

"This is another important goal reached in the field of thoracic oncology," said Novello. "ALK- positive patients represent 4% of patients with advanced NSCLC, which is the leading cause of solid cancer deaths in men and women in several countries. CNS data are extremely relevant for these patients - the brain is a frequent site of metastasis for them - and these results are important because if we're aiming to prolong survival we must aim to preserve their neurocognitive capacity. A drug which has this activity on brain metastases can allow us to modify treatment and reduce the need for whole brain radiotherapy."

Another study to be presented at the meeting, the ALEX trial (3), previously showed significantly better PFS among treatment-naive ALK-positive NSCLC patients who were randomised to alectinib compared to crizotinib (HR for disease progression or death, 0.47, 95% CI, 0.34-0.65; P<0.001).

This new subgroup analysis, focusing specifically on 122 patients who had CNS metastases at baseline, "suggests that alectinib controls existing CNS metastases and inhibits the formation of new metastases better than crizotinib," said Dr. Shirish Gadgeel, from the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

"Clearly this superiority against CNS metastases contributes to the overall efficacy of alectinib," he added. "By its superior efficacy in the CNS alectinib limits the morbidity both from these metastases but also from treatments such as whole brain radiation."

ALK-positive NSCLC was discovered only 10 years ago and progress in identifying precision medicines has been rapid, noted Prof. Blackhall. "Early on, patients were observed to be at high risk of CNS disease and after the discovery of the first-in-class ALK-inhibitor, crizotinib, there has been a focus on development of next generation ALK-inhibitors with improved CNS penetration. The results of the ALUR and ALEX trials provide proof of clinically significant CNS efficacy for alectinib and indicate that CNS staging should be routine for optimal care of patients with ALK-positive lung cancer."

More information: Reference: Reference: 1. Abstracts 1299O_PR 'Primary results from the phase III ALUR study of alectinib versus chemotherapy in previously treated ALK+ non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)' will be presented by Dr Shirish Gadgeel during Proffered Paper Session 'NSCLC, metastatic 2' on Monday, 11 September 2017, 09:30 to 10:30 (CEST) in Barcelona Auditorium. 2. Abstract 1298O_PR "Alectinib vs crizotinib in treatment-naive ALK+ NSCLC: CNS efficacy results from the ALEX study", will be presented by Dr Silvia Novello during the Proffered Paper Session 'NSCLC, metastatic 2' on Monday, 11 September 2017, 09:30 to 10:30 (CEST) in Barcelona Auditorium. 3. N Engl J Med. 2017 Jun 6. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1704795. [Epub ahead of print]
Fruit flies' mitochondria (in green) at 10 days (top left), 28 days (top right) and 37 days old (both bottom images). At bottom right, the mitochondria have returned to a more youthful state after UCLA biologists increased the fly's level of a protein called Drp1. Credit: Nature Communications/Anil Rana

UCLA biologists have developed an intervention that serves as a cellular time machineturning back the clock on a key component of aging.

In a study on middle-aged fruit flies, the researchers substantially improved the animals' health while significantly slowing their aging. They believe the technique could eventually lead to a way to delay the onset of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease and other age-related diseases in humans.

The approach focuses on mitochondria, the tiny power generators within cells that control the cells' growth and determine when they live and die. Mitochondria often become damaged with age, and as people grow older, those damaged mitochondria tend to accumulate in the brain, muscles and other organs. When cells can't eliminate the damaged mitochondria, those mitochondria can become toxic and contribute to a wide range of age-related diseases, said David Walker, a UCLA professor of integrative biology and physiology, and the study's senior author.

In the new research, Walker and his colleagues found that as fruit flies reach middle ageabout one month into their two-month lifespantheir mitochondria change from their original small, round shape.

"We think the fact that the mitochondria become larger and elongated impairs the cell's ability to clear the damaged mitochondria," Walker said. "And our research suggests dysfunctional mitochondria accumulate with age, rather than being discarded."

The study, published Sept. 6 in the journal Nature Communications, reports that the UCLA scientists removed the damaged mitochondria by breaking up enlarged mitochondria into smaller piecesand that when they did, the flies became more active and more energetic and had more endurance. Following the treatment, female flies lived 20 percent longer than their typical lifespan, while males lived 12 percent longer, on average.

The research highlights the importance of a protein called Drp1 in aging. At least in flies and mice, levels of Drp1 decline with age.

To break apart the flies' mitochondria, Anil Rana, a UCLA project scientist and the study's lead author, increased their levels of Drp1. This enabled the flies to discard the smaller, damaged mitochondria, leaving only healthy mitochondria. Drp1 levels were increased for one week starting when the flies were 30 days old.

At essentially the same time, Rana demonstrated that the flies' Atg1 gene also plays an essential role in turning back the clock on cellular aging. He did this by "turning off" the gene, rendering the flies' cells unable to eliminate the damaged mitochondria. This proved that Atg1 is required to reap the procedure's anti-aging effects: While Drp1 breaks up enlarged mitochondria, the Atg1 gene is needed to dispose of the damaged ones.

"It's like we took middle-aged muscle tissue and rejuvenated it to youthful muscle," said Walker, a member of UCLA's Molecular Biology Institute. "We actually delayed age-related health decline. And seven days of intervention was sufficient to prolong their lives and enhance their health."

One specific health problem the treatment addressed was the onset of leaky intestines, which previous research by Walker's team found commonly occurs about a week before fruit flies die. Subsequent research in other laboratories has determined that an increase in intestines' permeability is a hallmark of aging in worms, mice and monkeys. In the UCLA study, the condition was delayed after flies were given more Drp1.

Fruit flies are often used for studies on aging because their short lifespan enables scientists to track the effects of specific treatments within a manageable period of time, and many of the features of aging at the cellular level are similar to those of humans. In addition, scientists have identified all of the fruit fly's genes and know how to switch individual ones on and off.

Walker hopes that a technique similar to the one his team developed for fruit files could eventually help humans by slowing aging and delaying aging-related diseases. He said the fact that the new approach was effective even after a short time is especially significant because long-term use of nearly any drug can have harmful side effects in humans.

Walker said one of the long-term goals of his research is to develop pharmaceuticals that would mimic the effects of Drp1, in order to extend people's lives and lengthen what he calls people's "health spans," meaning the number of healthy years in their lives.

In another part of the experiment, also involving middle-aged fruit flies, the scientists turned off a protein called Mfn that enables mitochondria to fuse together into larger pieces. Doing so also extended the flies' lives and improved their health.

"You can either break up the mitochondria with Drp1 or prevent them from fusing by inactivating Mfn," Rana said. "Both have the same effect: making the mitochondria smaller and extending lifespan."

Drp1's function in animals was discovered by Alexander van der Bliek, a UCLA professor of biological chemistry, in the early 2000s.
For many years, oncologists have known that cancers can secrete complex molecules into the blood and that levels of these molecules can be easily measured. These so-called 'tumor markers' are traditionally associated with a single dominant cancer type, for example Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) linked to prostate cancer, Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) to colorectal cancer, CA125 to ovarian cancer, CA19.9 to pancreatic cancer and CA27.29 to breast cancer. However, the real challenge has been to determine a practical use for these markers. They don't appear to be useful as a means of screening otherwise healthy people for evidence of underlying cancers.

Now a University of Colorado Cancer Center study has begun to further define the potential of these markers by looking in a type of cancer not normally associated with them - non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study suggests that rather than screening for disease, these tumor markers could be useful in monitoring therapeutic outcomes in those with already established disease.

"If you ask some oncologists they might say that there's no point checking these markers in lung cancer as it doesn't express them," says D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, Joyce Zeff Chair in Lung Cancer Research at the University of Colorado Cancer Center and director of Thoracic Oncology at the CU School of Medicine. However, when Camidge and colleagues examined levels of four markers classically associated with other cancers, namely CEA, CA125, CA19.9 and CA27.29, they found that if all four were checked, at least one of them was elevated in 95 percent of advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Some cases expressed only one marker; others expressed multiple markers together.

In recent years, dramatic anti-cancer responses have become possible for some patients with advanced NSCLC with targeted therapies used against specific mutations. By focusing on some of the most prominent examples of 'oncogene-addicted' NSCLC - notably, cases of advanced EGFR, ALK or ROS1 positive NSCLC treated with the appropriate EGFR, ALK or ROS1 targeted therapy - the Colorado group was able to study the potential for these blood tumor markers to reflect both initial therapeutic outcomes and the later development of treatment resistance.

In 126 patients with stage IV oncogene-addicted lung cancer, tumor markers were captured before and after the initiation of treatment.

Among patients on targeted treatment expected to have a high response rate, 59 percent of patients had an initial increase in their marker levels during the first four weeks of therapy, with the elevated levels later falling below baseline values in 58 percent of cases.

"These data mean that you shouldn't worry about marker elevations in the first few weeks of targeted therapy in the absence of other evidence, such as worsening symptoms, as most of the time things settle down. Perhaps tumor markers shouldn't even be checked during this early time period at all," Camidge says.

While the tumor markers may not be very useful for predicting initial success or failure, once a patient is benefiting from a targeted treatment, increases in tumor markers from their lowest point may provide useful information about the development of resistance. When a patient's cancer was progressing in the body, a 10 percent or greater rise in the blood tumor markers occurred in 53 percent of patients. However, if the progression was limited to the brain, the tumor markers went up in only 22 percent of cases.

"Clearly, these markers are not a substitute for routine surveillance scans looking for progression, especially in the brain," says Camidge. "However, this is where the art of medicine may have to be appreciated. If the markers are going up but a CT scan says everything is still fine, maybe these data should nudge you to do a more detailed scan - like a PET/CT scan. Or if the best body scans are all stable, perhaps a rise in tumor markers should nudge you to do a brain scan looking harder for a hidden site of progression."

Despite patients in this retrospective study having undergone multiple different types of scans and blood draws at many different frequencies, the data still show that rises in tumor markers on therapy could occur well in advance of radiographic changes of progression (up to 84 days). Although Camidge says a prospective, randomized trial is needed to fully validate the potential of these markers to act as an early warning system, the real question may turn out to be whether finding progression several months earlier matters.

"If adapting your treatment plan earlier versus later in progression doesn't impact outcomes, an early warning system could just give everyone more time to stress about things," he says. However, particularly for oncogene-addicted lung cancer, in which national guidelines now support using strategies such as targeted radiation to control small pockets of treatment-resistant disease, Camidge is optimistic that an early warning system for progression could be very useful.

"An 'oligoprogressive' state gives us therapeutic options that we wouldn't have if the progression was more widespread," he says. "Developing means to catch this earlier 'stage' of progression in more people should definitely be explored further."

More information: Sinead A. Noonan et al, Brief Report: Baseline and on treatment characteristics of serum tumor markers in stage IV oncogene-addicted adenocarcinoma of the lung, Journal of Thoracic Oncology (2017). Journal information: Journal of Thoracic Oncology Sinead A. Noonan et al, Brief Report: Baseline and on treatment characteristics of serum tumor markers in stage IV oncogene-addicted adenocarcinoma of the lung,(2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2017.08.005
A team of scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin has invented a powerful tool that rapidly and accurately identifies cancerous tissue during surgery, delivering results in about 10 seconds--more than 150 times as fast as existing technology. The MasSpec Pen is an innovative handheld instrument that gives surgeons precise diagnostic information about what tissue to cut or preserve, helping improve treatment and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence. Credit: University of Texas at Austin

A team of scientists and engineers at The University of Texas at Austin has invented a powerful tool that rapidly and accurately identifies cancerous tissue during surgery, delivering results in about 10 second s more than 150 times as fast as existing technology. The MasSpec Pen is an innovative handheld instrument that gives surgeons precise diagnostic information about what tissue to cut or preserve, helping improve treatment and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence.

The research is described in the Sept. 6 edition of the journal Science Translational Medicine.

"If you talk to cancer patients after surgery, one of the first things many will say is 'I hope the surgeon got all the cancer out,' " says Livia Schiavinato Eberlin, an assistant professor of chemistry at UT Austin who designed the study and led the team. "It's just heartbreaking when that's not the case. But our technology could vastly improve the odds that surgeons really do remove every last trace of cancer during surgery."

The current state-of-the-art method for diagnosing cancers and determining the boundary between cancer and normal tissue during surgery, called Frozen Section Analysis, is slow and sometimes inaccurate. Each sample can take 30 minutes or more to prepare and interpret by a pathologist, which increases the risk to the patient of infection and negative effects of anesthesia. And for some types of cancers, frozen section interpretation can be difficult, yielding unreliable results in as many as 10 to 20 percent of cases.

However, in tests on tissues removed from 253 human cancer patients, the MasSpec Pen took about 10 seconds to provide a diagnosis and was more than 96 percent accurate. The technology was also able to detect cancer in marginal regions between normal and cancer tissues that presented mixed cellular composition. The team expects to start testing this new technology during oncologic surgeries in 2018.

"Any time we can offer the patient a more precise surgery, a quicker surgery or a safer surgery, that's something we want to do," says James Suliburk, head of endocrine surgery at Baylor College of Medicine and a collaborator on the project. "This technology does all three. It allows us to be much more precise in what tissue we remove and what we leave behind."

This one-minute video demonstrates how the MasSpec Pen could be used during surgery to identify cancerous tissue in real-time. Credit: Vivian Abagiu/Univ. of Texas at Austin

Although maximizing cancer removal is critical to improve patient survival, removing too much healthy tissue can also have profound negative consequences for patients: For example, breast cancer patients could experience higher risk of painful side effects and nerve damage, in addition to aesthetic impacts. Thyroid cancer patients could lose speech ability or the ability to regulate the body's calcium levels in ways that are important for muscle and nerve function.

This research was accomplished by an interdisciplinary team, merging the fields of chemistry, engineering and medicine. Other main contributors include Thomas Milner, professor of biomedical engineering in UT Austin's Cockrell School of Engineering and his lab members; Jialing Zhang, research associate at the Eberlin Lab at UT Austin who led the experimental work with other lab members; Anna Sorace, assistant professor at UT Austin's Dell Medical School; Chandandeep Nagi and Wendong Yu, professors of pathology at Baylor College of Medicine, and Jinsong Liu, professor of pathology at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The team and UT Austin have filed U.S. patent applications for the technology and are now working to secure worldwide patents.

How it Works

Living cells, whether they are healthy or cancerous, produce small molecules called metabolites. These molecules are involved in all the important processes of lifesuch as generating energy, growing and reproducingas well as other useful functions such as removing toxins. Each type of cancer produces a unique set of metabolites and other biomarkers that act as fingerprints.

"Cancer cells have dysregulated metabolism as they're growing out of control," says Eberlin. "Because the metabolites in cancer and normal cells are so different, we extract and analyze them with the MasSpec Pen to obtain a molecular fingerprint of the tissue. What is incredible is that through this simple and gentle chemical process, the MasSpec Pen rapidly provides diagnostic molecular information without causing tissue damage."

Illustration of the MasSpec Pen, a handheld tool for rapidly and accurately identifying cancer based on molecular signatures. Credit: University of Texas at Austin

The molecular fingerprint obtained by the MasSpec Pen from an uncharacterized tissue sample is instantaneously evaluated by software, called a statistical classifier, trained on a database of molecular fingerprints that Eberlin and her colleagues gathered from 253 human tissue samples. The samples included both normal and cancerous tissues of the breast, lung, thyroid and ovary.

When the MasSpec Pen completes the analysis, the words "Normal" or "Cancer" automatically appear on a computer screen. For certain cancers, such as lung cancer, the name of a subtype might also appear.

In tests performed on human samples, the device was more than 96 percent accurate for cancer diagnosis. The team has also demonstrated that it accurately diagnoses cancer in live, tumor-bearing mice during surgery without causing any observable tissue harm or stress to the animals.

Physicians can operate the disposable handheld device easily. It requires simply holding the pen against the patient's tissue, triggering the automated analysis using a foot pedal, and waiting a few seconds for a result. Meanwhile, the pen releases a drop of water onto the tissue, and small molecules migrate into the water. Then the device drives the water sample into an instrument called a mass spectrometer, which detects thousands of molecules as a molecular fingerprint.

The process is also low-impact for patients.

"When designing the MasSpec Pen, we made sure the tissue remains intact by coming into contact only with water and the plastic tip of the MasSpec Pen during the procedure," says Zhang. "The result is a biocompatible and automated medical device that we are so excited to translate to the clinic very soon."

More information: J. Zhang el al., "Nondestructive tissue analysis for ex vivo and in vivo cancer diagnosis using a handheld mass spectrometry system," Science Translational Medicine (2017). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine J. Zhang el al., "Nondestructive tissue analysis for ex vivo and in vivo cancer diagnosis using a handheld mass spectrometry system,"(2017). stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/  scitranslmed.aan3968
Credit: University of Rochester Medical Center

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults, but scientists have long struggled to study and replicate key elements of the disease in the lab. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences is the first to demonstrate hallmarks of macular degeneration in a new human stem cell model developed by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

This new model could make whole new avenues of macular degeneration research possible and has helped the team hone in on some possible drug targets for the disease.

"So far, there has not been a patient-derived model of macular degeneration," said Ruchira Singh, Ph.D., assistant professor of Ophthalmology in the Flaum Eye Institute at URMC and lead author of the study. "It was not known if you can take cells from the human eye and make a cell model that displays the hallmarks of the disease."

Though macular diseases can vary widely, age-related and similar inherited macular degenerative diseases are all characterized by buildup of debris in the retina, the light sensing tissue in the back of the eye that is crucial for vision. These deposits, called drusen, are specifically found beneath a layer of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are known to be key players in macular degeneration.

For their new model, Singh's team collected skin cells from patients with genetic forms of macular degeneration, re-programmed them to stem cells, and used the stem cells to create RPE cells. RPE cells derived from patients mimicked several characteristics of macular degeneration when aged in a dish, like producing the hallmark deposits.

RPE cells carrying macular degeneration-causing mutations developed more deposits with more similar composition to what is seen in the affected human eye than cells from healthy adults, or patients' cells in which disease-causing mutations were corrected using gene editing.

Using this model, Singh's group showed for the first time that dysfunctional RPE cells can cause specific aspects of macular degeneration on their own - without the help of other cells or components of the retina. This was true for cells derived from patients with three different genetic forms of macular degeneration, suggesting RPE cell dysfunction could be central to multiple forms of the disease.

Singh's new model also allowed her research team to identify a group of molecules in RPE cells that could be targeted by new macular degeneration drugs. These "complement proteins", which normally boost immune functions in cells, may be affected by genetic alterations that cause macular degeneration. In the study, the expression of genes that encode these proteins was elevated in RPE cells from all of the macular degeneration patients, suggesting they may also play a key role in multiple forms of the disease.

"Now we can actually identify and test a rational drug therapy in patients' own cells," said Singh. "So far, this has not been possible, but now we can actually study macular diseases in parallel and identify what might be the central defect across macular diseases."

Singh believes this study will help move the field of macular degeneration research toward developing new drugs that target RPE cells, while providing a new and improved model to screen those drugs. Though this work is early, the team hopes it will lead to an effective treatment for macular degeneration in the future.
Every one to four seconds waves of neural activity travel from one point to another in the cerebral cortex. Credit: Penn State

While unconscious during deep sleep, slow-wave neuron activity travels across the cerebral cortex. This phenomenon is related to the consolidation of memory. A European project called SloW Dyn, led by Spanish scientists, has now revealed anomalies in this activity in mice displaying a decline similar to Alzheimer's.

During deep sleep, large populations of neurons in the cerebral cortex and subcortical brain structures simultaneously discharge electrical pulses. These are slow oscillations that travel as 'waves' of neural activity from one point to another in the cortex once every one to four seconds.

"This global rhythmic activity, controlled by the cerebral cortex, is associated with a lack of consciousness," says Mavi Sanchez-Vives, whose research team has suggested that it is the default activity of the cortical circuits. These oscillations consolidate memory and synaptic plasticity and maintain metabolic and cellular function, among other things. The researchers have now discovered differences in this brain activity between healthy mice and mice with cognitive decline similar to Alzheimer's due to premature aging.

"We detected a decrease in the frequency of the oscillations which were also more irregular and had a lower high-frequency content of 15 to 100 hertz," says Sanchez-Vives, also from the Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA).

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, highlights how some of these changes have also been observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease for which reason, according to the authors, the animal model could help in studying the disease.

Cause or effect of diseases

The relationship between slow oscillations and neurodegenerative diseases is twofold. When there are pathologies that disturb cortical circuits, they are often reflected in the disruption of slow waves. "We are studying what those changes tell us about the altered underlying mechanisms," says the researcher.

Furthermore, the wave alterations will likely be associated with sleep problems, which may influence the development of a disease. "For example, if slow wave sleep periods are disrupted, cognitive functions such as attention and memory can be negatively affected," Sanchez-Vives notes.

In order to measure these oscillations, scientists use EEGs, which record a person's brain activity while sleeping. Throughout the SloW Dyn project, experts will measure the waves of thousands of people and will ascertain how they change with age. The tools which they have developed for this purpose are an instrument that registers brain activity and an app.

"This will provide massive information about the composition of sleep, the synchronization of brain activity and the anomalies that can occur as a result of aging or specific pathologies," says the scientist. Researchers hope that these records will also give them clues about the therapeutic potential of restoring slow waves when they are impaired. "We are trying to understand a phenomenon which, although seemingly very simple, has the power to disconnect consciousness," says Sanchez-Vives.

More information: Maria V. Sanchez-Vives, Marcello Massimini y Maurizio Mattia. "Shaping the Default Activity Pattern of the Cortical Network" Neuron 94 (5) june 2017. Maria V. Sanchez-Vives, Marcello Massimini y Maurizio Mattia. "Shaping the Default Activity Pattern of the Cortical Network"94 (5) june 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.05.015 Patricia Castano-Prat, Maria Perez-Zabalza, Lorena Perez-Mendez, Rosa M. Escorihuela y Maria V. Sanchez-Vives. "Slow and Fast Neocortical Oscillations in the Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Model SAMP8" Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 9:141 may 2017. DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00141 Journal information: Neuron
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new national survey of more than 2,000 physicians across multiple specialties finds that physicians believe overtreatment is common and mostly perpetuated by fear of malpractice, as well as patient demand and some profit motives.

A report on the findings, published Sept. 6 in PLOS ONE, highlights physicians' perspectives on unnecessary health care practices and the potential causes and solutions.

"Unnecessary medical care is a leading driver of the higher health insurance premiums affecting every American," says Martin Makary, M.D., M.P.H., professor of surgery and health policy at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the paper's senior author.

Unnecessary medical services represent the majority of wasted health care resources and costs in the United States, accounting for an estimated $210 billion in excess spending each year, according to the National Academy of Medicine. Studies consistently show that overtreatment is also directly associated with preventable patient harm and, on a national scale, the issue represents a significant opportunity to make improve patient safety and lower health care costs, Makary notes.

Increasingly, he adds, professional societies and other health care organizations have focused on campaigns to address the unnecessary medical care issue. Initiatives such as Choosing Wisely and Improving Wisely, which focus on reducing unneeded tests and procedures and are endorsed by multiple physician societies, have increased awareness of appropriateness in testing and treatment. Direct estimates by physicians themselves of unnecessary care, however, have been limited.

In an effort to hear from physicians about the magnitude of the "too much medical care" problem, the Johns Hopkins research teampart of a national consortium exploring ways to reduce unneeded careinvited 3,318 physicians from a continuing education subgroup of the American Medical Association's Physician Masterfile, a database of more than 1.4 million physicians in the United States, to complete a survey about health care practices.

The survey was conducted between Jan. 22 and March 8, 2014, and a total of 2,106 physicians' responses were included in the published research report.

The majority of the physicians who responded to the survey said they believed that at least 15 to 30 percent of medical care is not needed.

Breaking down the types of unnecessary medical care, survey respondents reported that 22 percent of prescription medications, 24.9 percent of medical tests, 11.1 percent of procedures and 20.6 percent of overall medical care delivered is unnecessary. The median response for physicians who perform unnecessary procedures for profit motive was 16.7 percent.

Physicians with at least 10 years of experience after residency and specialists were more likely to believe that physicians perform unnecessary procedures when they profit from them.

"Interestingly, but not surprisingly, physicians implicated their colleagues (more so than themselves) in providing wasteful care. This highlights the need to objectively measure and report wasteful practices on a provider or practice level so that individual providers can see where they might improve," says Daniel Brotman, M.D., professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and an author on the paper.

The top three reasons cited for overuse of resources were fear of malpractice (84.7 percent, or 1,783 of 2,106 respondents), patient pressure/request (59 percent, or 1,242 of 2,106 respondents) and difficulty accessing prior medical records (38.2 percent, or 804 of 2,106 respondents).

The top three selected potential solutions for eliminating unnecessary services were training medical residents on appropriateness criteria for care (55.2 percent, or 1,163 of 2,106 respondents), easy access to outside health records (52 percent, or 1,096 of 2,106 respondents) and more evidence-based practice guidelines (51.5 percent, or 1,084 of 2,106 respondents).

"Most doctors do the right thing and always try to, however, today "too much medical care" has become an endemic problem in some areas of medicine. A new physician-led focus on appropriateness is a promising homegrown strategy to address the problem," says Makary.
Officials across the northeastern Caribbean canceled airline flights, shuttered schools and urged people to hunker down indoors as Hurricane Irma barreled toward the region as a powerful Category 4 storm expected to strengthen more before nearing land today [Macau time].

States of emergency were declared in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and all of Florida while people on various Caribbean islands boarded up homes and rushed to find last-minute supplies, forming long lines outside supermarkets and gas stations.

Irma had maximum sustained winds of 220 kph yesterday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. It was centered 660 kilometers east of the Leeward Islands and moving west at 20 kph.

Authorities warned that the storm could dump up to 25 centimeters of rain, cause landslides and dangerous flash floods and generate waves of up to 7 meters.

This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane, U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp warned. Its not time to get on a surfboard.

The storms center was expected to move near or over the northern Leeward Islands today [Macau time], the hurricane center said.

Residents on the U.S. East Coast were urged to monitor the storms progress in case it should turn northward toward Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas.

This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of [Hurricane] Harvey, Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said in a statement.

In the Caribbean, hurricane warnings were issued for 12 island groups, including Antigua, where the governor urged people to evacuate the tiny island of Anegada if they could ahead of the storm.

Vivian Wheatley, proprietor of the Anegada Reef Hotel, planned to stay behind. She said she would stay in one of the hotel rooms and take advantage of the generator since there were no guests

We know its a very powerful [storm], and we know its going to be very close, she said. Lets hope for the best.

People in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico braced for electricity outages after the director of the islands power company predicted that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for four to six months. But some areas will have power [back] in less than a week, Ricardo Ramos told radio station Notiuno 630 AM. The utilitys infrastructure has deteriorated greatly during a decade-long recession, and Puerto Ricans experienced an island wide outage last year.

Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands expected 10-20 centimeters of rain and winds of 40-50 mph with gusts of up to 60 mph.

A hurricane warning was posted for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Martin, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten and St. Barts, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. and British Virgin islands. A tropical storm warning was in effect for Guadeloupe and a tropical storm watch for Dominica. Danica Coto, San Juan, AP
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Jihadist cell dismantled in Melilla



ARCHIVED ARTICLE

Six arrested in Melilla and Morocco for recruiting and indoctrinating Jihadists

Six people have been arrested in Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla on the north African coast during a police operation to dismantle a Jihadist cell which, according to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, was at a dangerous level of activation.

The operation began in the early hours of Wednesday morning and is not over as yet, but the first reports are that only one of the arrests was made in Melilla while the other five were in Moroccan territory.

Five of those detained are Moroccans, one with a Spanish residence permit, while the other is a 39-year-old Spanish national of Moroccan origin, and was the leader of the group targeted. He is reported to have been an assistant at a youth re-education centre, and to have used his position to recruit and indoctrinate vulnerable young people to the Jihadist cause.

There have now been 14 anti-terrorist operations in Melilla since 2012, resulting in 26 arrests, while at a national level the number of people detained on charges of terrorist activity since Spain declared level 4 terrorism alert status in June 2015 has risen to 199.

Follow Murcia Today on Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest news, events and information in the Murcia region: https://www.facebook.com/MurciaToday/
Vodafone intends to sell approximately 90 million ordinary shares (5.2%) in Vodacom to institutional investors by way of an accelerated bookbuild process.

Following Vodacoms recent acquisition of a 35% interest in Safaricom, Vodafone increased its ownership in Vodacom from 65.0% to 69.7%.

At the time of the deal, it was expected that Vodacoms free float would decline to approximately 18%.

As part of the Safaricom transaction, Vodafone committed to Vodacom that it would sell a sufficient number of shares to ensure that Vodacom will meet the 20% minimum free float requirement on the JSE.

The move will also restore Vodafones shareholding in Vodacom to a percentage that is similar to what it held prior to the Safaricom transaction.

Vodafone remains committed to Vodacom and intends to retain a controlling majority shareholding in Vodacom for the long term, said Vodafone.
The National Assembly has passed the latest Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences amendment bill.

The bill aims to introduce new road traffic violation rules, removing the courts from the AARTO process and replacing them with a dedicated authority.

The bill will now be directed to the National Council of Provinces for adoption, after which it will be signed by the President.

One of the major features of the bill is the implementation of a demerit points system, which will become active once the legislation has been adopted.

How the demerit system works

This system penalises drivers for traffic infringements using demerit points  with a demerit limit of 12 points.

If a drivers total demerit points exceed 12, their licence is suspended for three months for every demerit point over 12.

Once a drivers licence is suspended for the third time, it is cancelled and destroyed.

Drivers who continue to drive after their licence has been suspended are liable to a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.

The amount of demerit points a driver has accrued will reduce by one for every three months in which no demerits are incurred.

Demerit points

The applicable fines and demerits for traffic infringements are detailed below.

It is possible to accrue multiple demerit points in a single incident, as the points are awarded per violation.
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Taiwans president yesterday appointed a new premier seen as willing to reach out to rival China amid ongoing tense relations between the two sides.

President Tsai Ing-wen named William Lai to head up the government following the resignation Monday of Lin Chuan. Lin had asked to leave the post before local elections next year added an unwanted political element to his work.

The smooth transfer of office represents that there is absolutely no problem with the communication and handing over of the functions within the Cabinet, Tsai told reporters at a news conference attended by both Lin and Lai.

All the reform projects will be handed over and carried on, Tsai said.

Lai, a 57-year-old Harvard-educated physician, served for 11 years in the legislature and since 2010 has been mayor of the southern city of Tainan.

China cut off all contacts with Tsais government more than a year ago after she refused to endorse Beijings position that Taiwan is Chinese territory.

Over the past year, China has persuaded two of Taiwans diplomatic allies to switch sides as it ratchets up its diplomatic and economic pressure on Tsais administration, causing her job approval rating to plummet to just 33 percent. Since the sides split amid civil war in 1949, China has refused to renounce using force to gain control over Taiwan if it were deemed necessary.

China also uses its diplomatic clout to bar Taiwan from United Nations agencies, another sore spot with the public. The two sides were able to reach 23 economic, trade and transit agreements under the previous president, Ma Ying-jeou, because he agreed to the one-China precondition.

Lai suggested earlier in the year seeking common ground with China, according to local media reports, and said the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which supports Taiwans formal legal independence, should have confidence to approach Beijing. The party normally takes a guarded view toward relations with China.

In June, Lai described his outlook on relations between the sides as feel affinity toward China, love Taiwan. Amid criticism, he said he meant offering China a gesture of friendship to seek understanding.

He tested the water and shrank back, said Lin Chong-pin, a retired professor and former deputy Taiwanese defense minister. But we cant say he wont try again after Chinas ruling Communist Party holds a key national congress next month, Lin said.

However, Huang Kwei-bo, associate professor of diplomacy at National Chengchi University in Taipei, said Beijing was unlikely to see Lais appointment in a positive light given his pro-

independence background.

No matter what Lai talks about, he still supports Taiwan independence, so mainland China wont give him much face, Huang said.

The Tainan city news department director declined to answer a question Tuesday about whether Lai would hold to his earlier statements about China.

Neither Tsai nor the new premier mentioned China at Tuesdays news conference, focusing instead on domestic issues such as tax reform and energy supplies.

Taiwans premier functions as head of all government ministries and commissions. Traditionally, the president rather than the premier sets policies on China and foreign affairs, Huang said.

Our reform direction is already very clear, Tsai told the news conference. Premier Lai will lead the administrative team, eliminate extreme difficulties and do his utmost to sprint ahead. AP
Legal affairs committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe approved a resolution expressing concerns regarding the human rights situation and the functioning of justice in Azerbaijan.

Unanimously approving a resolution based on a report by Alain Destexhe (Belgium, ALDE) today, the committee expressed concern about the reported prosecution and detention of NGO leaders, human rights defenders, political activists, journalists, bloggers and lawyers, on the basis of alleged charges relating to their work.

The committee notes with great concern reports linking the Azerbaijani government to a large scale money loundering scheme occurring in the years of 2012 until 2014, used inter alia to influence the work of members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe as regards the human rights situation in Azerbaijan. It urges the Azerbaijani authorities to start an independent and impartial inquiry into these allegations without delay and furthermore, cooperate fully with competent international authorities and bodies on this issue.

The parliamentarians are also worried by the cases established by the ECHR of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment during arrest, in police custody and in prisons, and the lack of effective investigations, violations of the right to a fair trial, and violations of the right to freedom of expression, association and assembly. At the same time, they welcome the Presidential Executive Order of February 2017 on improving the functioning of the prison system and the humanisation of criminal policies.

In spite of the reforms of the judicial system initiated by the Azerbaijani authorities, the Legal Affairs Committee is concerned about allegations of a lack of independence of the judiciary vis-a-vis the executive; the arbitrary application of criminal law; the excessive use of pre-trial detention by judges; and the problems in ensuring the rights of the defence.

In addition, the text adopted refers to allegations relating to a restrictive climate for extra-parliamentary activities of the opposition and limitations on the freedoms of expression and association, in particular with regard to independent media and advocates of freedom of expression.

The committee also notes that little progress has been made regarding the execution of the judgments of the Court  more than 120 judgments have not yet been fully executed  and urges the authorities to execute the judgment and release Ilgar Mammadov as soon as possible.

The draft resolution adopted, which is to be debated in plenary on 11 October 2017, calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to continue the reforms of the judicial system and to remove the obstacles to the work of journalists and human rights defenders.
YEREVAN.  Azerbaijan is being isolated from the international game rules, deputy foreign minister Shavarsh Kocharyan said on Wednesday.

According to him, Azerbaijan is misusing the balanced approach of the OSCE Minsk Group Ci-chairs.

Kocharyan commented on the statement of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk saying they were not able to understand where the fire came from during the last OSCE monitoring on August 31. Meanwhile, the official statement from the Armenian foreign ministry said the Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire.

If a statement is not targeted, it encourages Azerbaijan to resort to such steps. But, in general, we see that Azerbaijan is isolated from all rules of the international game. Although Azerbaijan is isolated from this international game by such behavior, this does not mean that the Armenian side should feel protected. We, first of all, should rely on our strength, the official said.

The deputy minister also said that there is equipment that registers everything at the line of contact, but not the video is a problem.

His remark came in response to the suggestion of ARF Dashnaktsutyun party to unilaterally implement the Vienna and Saint Petersburg agreements and install relevant equipment on the Armenian side in order to avoid statements saying it is unclear which side was firing.

The co-chairing countries are those that have an opportunity to see everything from the space. The matter is not to fix the violation. The problem is that the authorized group must draw relevant conclusions based on the facts, he explained.

The deputy minister recalled that Azerbaijan agreed to install such a mechanism, but still prevents the implementation of this on the ground.
In Southeast Asia, mobile banking is taking on a whole new meaning. Last week, Grab, one of the regions top ride-hailing companies, announced that users of its app can start sending credits  used to pay for rides  to each other. By the end of the year, theyll be able to use those credits at more than 1,000 restaurants and retailers. If all goes well, Grab will one day be known as an e-payment platform that just happens to offer a taxi service.

Thats a radical evolution, but hardly illogical. As many as 2 billion people lack access to traditional financial services worldwide. Most are concentrated in developing countries with cash-based economies, where banks have long resisted offering services such as loans, checking accounts and credit cards. As incomes in these countries rise, technology is helping entrepreneurs leapfrog old ways of doing business. In particular, mobile phones have enabled a parallel financial system to evolve, with some intriguing results.

The trend began in Kenya. In 2007, Safaricom Ltd. introduced M-Pesa, a service that allowed users to move money via text message. In short order, M-Pesa evolved into a full-fledged payment-and-banking system that runs on the regions dominant feature phones. In 2016, M-Pesa processed 6 billion transactions for 30 million customers in 10 countries. Africa now has more mobile money accounts than it has bank accounts.

In Asia, the transformation has been just as dramatic. Chinas leading e-commerce and social-media services  Alibaba and WeChat  have created payment platforms that are so ubiquitous that cash has all but disappeared in some places. In 2016, people in China made about USD5.5 trillion in e-payments. In India, about a fifth of the population now uses such payments, mostly through startups such as Paytm E-commerce Pvt.

Southeast Asia is the next frontier, and in some ways the most interesting. With 640 million people, and growing access to the internet and mobile phones, its certainly fertile ground for financial startups. Over the past three years, theyve started to emerge from a surprising source: the innovative local ride-hailing industry. Thatd be an unusual business model in places where credit cards and bank accounts are common  Uber Technologies Inc., for one, would have little incentive to try something similar in the U.S.

But in countries such as Indonesia, where only 36 percent of people have a bank account, and fewer than 5 percent have a credit card, its a great way to lure users and lock them into a convenient payments platform. The more than 200,000 drivers who work for Go-Jek, Indonesias leading ride-sharing service, can use their e-wallets to store their earnings or spend them on other services. Customers can use the wallets to pay for everything from food delivery to massages to house-cleaning.

In more affluent Singapore, Grab has much the same idea, expanding the use of its e-wallet to small businesses such as coffee shops, hawkers and wet markets. By allowing vendors to accept money without the hassle or expense of renting a payment terminal, and giving customers the convenience of paying with an app theyre already comfortable with, it may have a significant advantage. Its ability to collect vast amounts of data from users  combining location and traveling habits with purchase histories, say  could become a game-changer. Its no surprise that the company wants to move into insurance and lending.

Taxi companies going to war with banks for the chance to offer e-payments wouldve sounded implausible just a few years ago. Today, its great news for consumers, particularly those left out of the traditional financial-services market. Competition should reduce the cost of joining the digital economy, make tasks like paying bills easier, force banks to pay attention to lower-income customers, and put pressure on credit card companies to lower fees and penalties. In Singapore and elsewhere, banks are rallying to set up their own e-payments standards. They may be in for a wild ride. Adam Minter, Bloomberg
the results are in and.................................

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I want a Maury: Art Edition stat!

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OMG IT SHOULD BE LIVE!!!!

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I've always wanted Maury to do the paternity reveals on pandas, but Maury: Art Edition would also be acceptable.

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That's so awful, those guardians should fry in hell for that.



I love that he didn't just do capital-A Art, he dabbled in applied art too. The closest I'll ever get to owning his work is Chupa Chups wrappers, but I'm still a straight-up fangirl for his stuff.

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Chupa Chups wrappers



:o I did not know that 'til today!

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I feel like that happened with lots of artists, where they'd just churn out mediocre work later in life to cash in. I used to work at a place where mid-level art collectors would would spend tons of money at auction on truly awful Picasso or Rauschenberg lithos that were part of an edition of like 8,000. Were it a no-name artist, they would never buy it but you get to own something by a blue-chip artist.

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Ugh, fuck his "guardians" for exploiting him like that. :(

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There's a photo of the woman here: http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/salvador-dali-exhumation-1.4213900

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Yeah, I could buy that.

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It's wild to me to realize how not that long ago he was, like a child still alive?



All great artist seem like they're a billion years in the past to me

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She does resemble him, but she also looks like a lot of Spanish women.

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What the fuck

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I just can't imagine Dali cheating on Gala?? Like maybe they had an open relationships but otherwise I just can't see it. Like he was OBSESSED with Gala.

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yeah, sorry, I was actually trying to edit my comment because I realized that I kind of misrepresented their relationship. Like I know she banged lots of other dudes and stuff but again, like you said, I can't imagine Dali having sex with someone other than Gala

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um, wow. the more you know

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classy cuck for the ages

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Yeah, she was his muse. Gala is in a ton of his work. Like he used to sign her names along with his on paintings, he was obsessed.



I know Gala slept with a lot of other people during their relationship but Dali knew about it and encouraged. Maybe he also slept with other people? I don't know.

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Welp

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I wish I could force the father I've never met into getting a paternity test.





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Wait til he's dead.

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He probably would have been way into being exhumed.

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lol almost comment twins

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Lol you're probably right

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I'm getting Al Capone's vault vibes...

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CBC?

Eh?

Hello fellow Canadian.

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chicken tetrazzini!

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Lol I remember that!

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if anyone finds themselves in Spain, going to his hometown is Figueres is WORTH IT.

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to see what? if you don't mind me asking

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Teatre-Museu Dali!



They turned his house into a museum and it's batshit and I loved it.

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kicking myself for not having gone last time i was in barca

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this is real?! I thought Twitter was trolling

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Don't take the bait y'all.

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lol, I hadn't even finished reading the title before looking at who made the post.

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lol mte. I am done having this argument

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goddamnit

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.



This is what were fed  hes so dangerous, hes so dangerous,  she said. "Seriously, Im not worried about a wall being built and Mexico paying for it."





I believe in a way Hillarys more dangerous,



- Susan Sarandon This is what were fed  hes so dangerous, hes so dangerous,  she said. "Seriously, Im not worried about a wall being built and Mexico paying for it."I believe in a way Hillarys more dangerous,- Susan Sarandon

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do you have this comment saved in a text doc

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Lol ilu

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MTE

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lmao agreed

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mte

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Pretty much. I'm glad after the California primary I gracefully moved on to Hillary not indignantly berniebro'd

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Same

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That pony thing is so fucking true.

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I kinda want this to be real

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Hillary just doesn't give a fuck anymore. She is DONE with everyone's SHIT!

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lol right? that's definitely the vibe I'm getting

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Next week. I think I'm going to buy it.

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22nd of sept i think

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This movie was on TV a couple of days ago. I think Cameron was at her cutest in this film

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I have to agree with the person who said her editor should have picked one example or another, but I see the general point.



Had to unfollow Bonnie Bear on Twitter after he started spouting off about Bernie again today. I just can't.

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LMAO I hope this is real because I've been saying this about Bernie for ages. He used to say broad basic ass statements like "All people deserve healthcare!!!!" and get rewarded like it was some kind of insane idea nobody has ever brought to the table before. White men truly get rewarded for saying the most basic simple shit like it's revolutionary while women and POC have to be spectacular and do backflips to get half the praise.

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It's why I could never fully get behind him, when you would press him on policy he'd never go in depth about it and it felt like he truly had 2 fucking talking points: Wall street and affordable college. Never forget his disastrous daily news interview that really ended his "revolution" and proved he didn't actually know shit.

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Ugh. White men.

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it really annoys me how little basic research people do. like ppl saying ~corporate democrats~ voted down universal healthcare in California because they're all shills or whatever when the ppl who wrote that bill included NO WAY of paying for it and KNEW it would fail. doing this shit for political points is just so infuriating to me. Do y'all actually want to do right or just look like you're doing right??

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yup..its also crazy how much he's shown his ass since drumpf got elected.

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I can't believe Hillary got so much hate for being like "wait how are you going to do that?" and trying to propose more realistic policy that might have a chance in hell.

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Are you kidding me? No other politician was out there saying everyone should be given healthcare by the government. ACA is still not affordable for many people. You have to be crazy loud to be heard in politics, Bernie voters knew that, and now Kamala who is right now the front runner for 2020 has signed on to Bernie's healthcare bill. And now Kamala gets the praise.

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nnnnn @ hillary vs bernie still arguing who is more progressive. doesn't matter because corbyn stomps them both

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early to mid 90s is still everything

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too many people took for granted that she'd win anyway and that she'd be deified in the vein of Obama. I get why they didn't want that to happen, but at least fucking wait until we're out of the woods and Trump is no longer a threat

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you guys praising the republicunts for falling into line no matter what is frightening and not how politics should be

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sis have you read 'shattered'?

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boom

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YEP

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seriously omg there is not a fucking question mark in that title

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omg people acting like there's a question mark in the title has been driving me crazy ngl

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does trump know that trump won? because he's still moaning about hillary

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mte. But hey -- why wouldn't people take the opportunity to mansplain something to a powerful woman?

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All of this.



Bernie speaks about broad movements but doesn't know how to actually get us there.



Also how did he expect to win the democratic nomination without campaigning in the south? Once he had college educated whites - he thought the rest of us were expendable.



My favorite sign at the women's march said "it wasn't the emails - it was the white males." -- Sanders included.

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i honestly tried my hardest to explain things to them but they just refused to listen to any other viewpoint than there own. Then after the election and Bernie said his whole thing about "identity politics" costing us the election - despite minority voters being the most consistent voters for the party.



he's not a democrat, and for my money - cost the democratic party the win.

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Bernie had no chance of winning, without the funds from DNC he couldn't campaign everywhere.



What he did was shake up the DNC who works for corporations and not its voters. He gave young people a large enough voice to push for more progressive policies. And it is working, Kamala signed on to Bernie's healthcare bill, and right now she is who all the donors are salivating over for a 2020 run.

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That's exactly why she beat his fucking ass in the debates because she was like "how are you going to do all of this, boo?!" And he wouldn't have a reasonable answer ever.

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they live in California supposedly so it never mattered

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How people willingly voted for those two idiots Jill Stein and Gary Johnson is beyond me lol

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I think of her proven record, he explained. Whether it be bullying other Latin American countries to support the coup in Honduras, which has proved so damaging to that country and she forced people to go along with it because it was good for business, it was good for the U.S. military and economic interests. And its just the same old imperialism really and bullying behavior.



http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/confidential/viggo-mortensen-doesn-donald-trump-hillary-clinton-article-1.2861114



And the guy lived in Latin-america for years so is understandable. I know people here side eyed Viggo Mortensen but he explained why he voted for Jill Stein that and he didn't lieI think of her proven record, he explained. Whether it be bullying other Latin American countries to support the coup in Honduras, which has proved so damaging to that country and she forced people to go along with it because it was good for business, it was good for the U.S. military and economic interests. And its just the same old imperialism really and bullying behavior.And the guy lived in Latin-america for years so is understandable.

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so what

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grow up

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have you gone outside today to get some fresh air?

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it looks nice on her!



I'm still trying to learn what my low porosity, 3c/4a hair needs for this constant florida heat TBQH. I can't seem to retain length for whatever reason and while I'm not bald I'd love for it to keep growing/length to be maintained.

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Use sulfate free shampoos (or castille soap without sulfates and has humectants) and products with glycerin. Don't really use products with protein (once in awhile is okay).

Also DC'ing with heat! Once you wash out the DC, use an oil while under your shower head to seal in moisture.



Even though I'am low porosity as well and they say our hair hates heavy oils, sealing with Castor Oil is amazing! Since I started this method, I don't even need to use leave in creams anymore since my hair can stay moisturized with just water and oil now a days. However, 2-3 days after wash day, I apply Kinky Curly Curling Custard to my hair when its 100% dry and that adds in moisture for a couple more days.



I want to promote my own hair care line hopefully by the end of this year geared towards low poo 4A hair, and so far my head is the only one I can experiment on for now =(. I would love to know how other type 4 low poo hair's would do with it.

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Omg bookmarking this comment!!!

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Where's your website?? I need all the details

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The movie plot sounds as cute as Sanna Nathan looks with the haircut. I've been getting dark Ceasers all summer because of the heat but I am ready to grow my hair out a little more for the fall. I miss the curls

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Is that first part shade? I think she looks cute AF.

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she's so gorgeous, i miss seeing this kween in romcoms!



*black hair post only pls

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i want to shave my head so bad but my head shape is so ugl





i fucking hate having hair so much

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bbbbbiiiiitch, she looks gewd~ she really is such a beauty and so lucky she has the head shape for this



as for that lil synopsis, i am HERE for it. Im currently going THROUGH it transitioning. I played myself with heat damage for years and now Im trying to let it all be more healthy/natural and it's really difficult to know that short of cutting alll my hair off (I cut 8 inches off in January, but the affected areas I cant cut off) there's nothing else I can do. It's just annoying that its only certain parts of my hair that are super damaged (the bangs area and the top of my head) so Im sort of stuck :(

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omg walalo...what have i done to myself! the curse of the somali head of hair- we get the best of both worlds but then we play too much with heat tools and then fuck up our good curl patterns. What products did you use, Im seriously so annoyed with these straight parts ahahha (currently on that shea moisture family tip). PRAY 4 YA GIRL.

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I have one thick strand only that is heat damaged right up front..It's a bitch. I've been using 5 different products and it's gotten a bit better, but I can't wait until it grows out

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she is gorgeous, that cut only enhances her beauty

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Damn, Sanaa would look fabulous bald. Tho I'm mad they couldn't give her a cute little fade cut with some clean edges.

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she looks so good ;__;



i cut 3/4 of my hair off because of a rly bad dye job and now im wearing wigs/crochet extensions cus i can't stand my hair at the length it is rn. i can barely pull of a bob, let alone this mini fro.

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Aw, I bet it looks cute.

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awww ty but nooo, it's just not working for me. but i will say when i just have my cornrows in i feel like im lil bow wow or lloyd lol

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Ooh, the director of Wadjda has another film in the works already (on top of that Mary Shelley bio)? That's great.



It's kind of interesting to see both her and Deniz Gamze Erguven transition from films about young girls in the Middle East to very American Hollywood films.

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Mary Shelley wrapped awhile back and is premiering at TIFF!



Part of me wishes they would keep making those small films, but the other part is like "Get money!"

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Yeah, I knew the Mary Shelley one was coming out soon, I'm just surprised that she's already filming something else. Arthouse directors (particularly women) often end up going years between films for lack of financing. Wadjda was one of my favourites of 2013, so I'm eager to see more by her.



Edited at 2017-09-06 01:26 am (UTC)

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lmaooooo Elle Fanning as Mary Shelley? Were other young/teen actresses asleep?

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She looks great!

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She's so fucking gorgeous and I love her.



And y'know what else? I like Aliens vs. Predator. I think the Aliens look great and it's good clean fun, and it's possibly the only silly genre action movie I've ever seen where the main character is a black woman and it's not a thing.



Colombiana and Catwoman suck so they don't count.

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make sure the iron pills are actually penetrating your bloodstream. I took them for years before going to the hospital for blood loss and they did absolutely nothing because my guts are terrible and I had to start getting iron infusions

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Iron deficiency can cause hair loss or thinning. Have you tried Blood Builder? It's iron from beets, spinach, etc. It is much easier on your stomach, so you don't feel sick or get constipated. Doctors also recommended taking with orange juice to help absorption. At one point my iron levels were 5,so I feel your pain.

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they say that it doesn't call hair issues or they say you don't have a deficiency?

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Get your thyroid checked.

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I cosign thyroid check for stunted and thinning hair. I had the same thing th ought it was iron to cut long story short it ended up being my thyroid.

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She looks so good

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She's so gorgeous. She should have a bigger career.

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I do too but for some reason she makes me think she's a republican.

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wut

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IA. Crossing my fingers Gina casts her in Silver & Black.

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Senor Bale and Rosamund Pike? I'm there

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Fuck, this looks good, I love westerns so damn much



Although this tells you nothing about the plot, which is pretty interesting:

An Army captain agrees to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to his tribal lands in the year 1892.



And Q'orianka Kilcher is in this, too! <3





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Hmmm I'm slightly around for this. I love the look of westerns, but usually not the stories.

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See I don't like Westerns my dad likes (John Wayne, Clint Eastwood) due to the misogyny and racism you're going to expect, but these new wave ones like True Grit and this are right up my street. Especially when they have such stunning backdrops.

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There are a ton of idiotic shoot 'em ups but some of the classics are amazing, and also have the gorgeous cinematography and are basically Monument Valley porn, which I love.



Stagecoach is a John Ford film and an early John Wayne picture. There's no nuance regarding Native Americans, they are definitely villains and extremely "othered." But they don't appear in it much. It also has good female characters! The Searchers is a later John Ford/John Wayne film and is basically the template for the modern Western that's full of pain and violence. It's brilliant, but John Wayne's character is hard to stomach for a lot of people, as he's extremely racist and hateful, though I don't think the film is racist itself.



I would also recommend the original 3:10 to Yuma. The Clint Eastwood ones I don't care for, either.

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wes studi, adam beach, and q'orianka kilcher are in this

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I love wes and adam who got so screwed on SVU

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Emmm, no thanks. I googled this movie to see what it was about and found this review: http://www.indiewire.com/2017/09/hostiles-review-scott-cooper-christian-bale-telluride-2017-1201872772/ Emmm, no thanks.

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lol oops, you found it first and didn't have to edit a zillion times to post it

yeah, that review ensured i'm not watching this shit, either

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The first paragraph alone made me recoil.



This: The director romanticizes violence while he tries to argue its corruptive influence.



Didn't help.

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I might be the only person who read that review and thought, god that critic sounds insufferable.

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LOL That we linked the same review.

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did you read the comments? lmao

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This review doesn't say anything about savage natives... I get not liking films set in 19th c. west on principle because of how Native Americans are often portrayed, or if you don't like violence, but I don't think this movie is a Cowboys and Indians White Hero thing. Of course, I haven't seen it yet.

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Could be good. Could suck. Going to need to see it to know which.

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Flawless use of music in the trailer.

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Q'orianka and Christian reuniting?!

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the cast looks good, i'm always interested in seeing q'orianka on the big screen lol

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All of the 1D boys were a little dim-witted. There were so many interview moments that Zayn (the only one with a double digit IQ) was just flabbergasted by the guys' stupidity.

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I remember those times. He would play it cool, but be like yeah, dude that's a word. Or just outright correct them.

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well they were all pulled out of school at like 16 right?

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lol the only reason Zayn got the "smart" label was because he was the quite one, his solo interviews and twitter antics have proven that.

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nope, same with Liam. he's trying to be woke now but still screws it up. they're young and white and all from the middle of fucking nowhere, they don't know shit

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hmm. i didnt like the song because of the lyrics. don't we understand the danger of glamorizing emotional verbal abuse in a pop song? LTWYL likely contributed to some men/women staying in abusive relationships because it normalized it and even worse tried to make it seem sexy. hopefully Loius + the rest of the world realizes this as well...

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Whats LTWYL?

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love the way you lie

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love the way you lie

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I'm not sure if you've been told or not but I think it's Love The Way You Lie





;) ;)

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lie the way you love

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have you listened to love the way you lie...



it really doesnt read as glamorizing at all

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they both are SO atrocious live i don't even know how anyone could sit through a whole performance?????? like, your EARS?????????? i'm still confused as to how louis even got chosen to be in 1d in the first place. crimety.

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i was legit SHOCKED that bebe actually sounded worse than him. SHOCKED!!!!!!!!!!

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idt he can pull a Rihanna.

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I wasn't aware that British TV was lacking in obnoxious white dudes.

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It's incredible how larries can turn literally anything into something that supports their conspiracies

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How did they spin this?

And it's sad how they are glorying Louis and Harry as this great gay love story. It wouldn't be healthy if it were real lmao. Harry is free to do what he wants and fuck who he wants because his husband is stuck in an illegal contract with a girlfriend and baby. Sounds so great.

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Right? And for all their explanations of every minor detail and t-shirt and Instagram post, they still can't explain why Harry is free to have the career he wants while Louis is still tied to Simon and faking a son. "Everything about Louis we don't like is the fault of his controlling team!" http://srslycris.tumblr.com/post/165043137960/penguinous-about-that-twitter-like-we-havent Right? And for all their explanations of every minor detail and t-shirt and Instagram post, they still can't explain why Harry is free to have the career he wants while Louis is still tied to Simon and faking a son.

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Are they saying he's being forced to do this to sabotage his "image"?

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mte

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his drugs are showing

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That makes him look even dumber. Retweeting articles you haven't even read to millions of people is a terrible idea...

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I know a lot of people who do this on twitter. They especially like to fight with a headline without reading the article, which often actually supports their position or expresses a view completely different from their assumption off a tweet or whatever. It makes me so mad lol

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I mean Piers Morgan is a piece of shit regardless if you read the title of the article. There's nothing redeeming about him so I don't buy it.

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having read the article or not it's obvious that he's still a supporter of piers morgan, and everyone knows that that man is garbage...louse can honestly relate tho, he's said and done similar fuckshit.

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hahahaha that's even worse though. The headline has no nuance or complexity.

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"spread the word"? do it yourself with your millions of followers, geez.

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what a pendejo.

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what an idiot.

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back to you has such fucked up lyrics. i hate how it romanticizes an abusive relationship with a catchy beat.

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I guess Harry will be their Justin.

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I'm sorry, what?

You mean Liam, surely.

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i just lost my appetite

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Aww Lauren in ur icon reminds me of Frank-era Amy Winehouse :(((

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BSB never had a Justin, despite what the boys tried...

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He always was the least talented/charismatic of 1d wasn't he

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Imagine in 2017 getting upset about censored lyrics on the radio

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There are people who have reason to be upset over radio edits, but he certainly isn't one of them. I was listening to the radio yesterday and that Calvin Harris song came on and they'd cut out half of the chorus because it references pills which is fine I guess, but then they cut Big Sean out entirely and just played the instrumental over where he normally would be. If you're going to do all that, why even play the song?



Edited at 2017-09-06 02:38 pm (UTC)

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cutting out the rap part in songs is nothing new, unfortunately...i peeped that shit from childhood. some ppl say its just certain stations ~catering to their audience, i say its racist af.

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I was listening to the radio a few mouths ago and the Ed Shereen song "shape of you" came on and they cut out the "last night you were in my room now my bed sheets smell like you" part and that was so unnecessary. My daughter was like they're just messing up the song.

Plus its not like the kids don't already know the lyrics. But I do think some lyrics should be blocked but that one was really unnecessary.

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There's a radio station in Detroit that's main identity for years was basically "all the hits, without the rap."

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wtf are yall listening to christian radio or something? im actually surprised cause our radio barely censors anything

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That's my fave part tbh

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what a weird hill to choose to die on. then again, he is remarkably stupid

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LOL the end of this comment is killing me for some reason

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LOL

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Ugly ass



Also I still don't know whomst Bebe is

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some harmonizer idk ha either

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I feel like she might be the Rita ora of the US?? Like everywhere but nowhere at once..

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i wish i knew how my fam in puerto rico was faring but the phone lines there are trash on sunny days, much less rn :/



for anyone like me who likes to keep up to the minute re: shitty weather



Edited at 2017-09-06 05:52 pm (UTC) these people wait too long to evacuate. the roads get clogged and everyone gets stuck.i wish i knew how my fam in puerto rico was faring but the phone lines there are trash on sunny days, much less rn :/for anyone like me who likes to keep up to the minute re: shitty weather great map to spend all day on

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Out of curiosity; how/why does sunny days impact the phones?



I hope you get in touch with them and that they're safe!

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I think the point was, if the phone doesn't work on a nice day, why would it work in bad weather.

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lmao i'm just saying the phones never work

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(btw, i never thanked you. thank you.)

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Eh I get it because keep in mind that on Sunday/Monday there were still like 30 different paths it could take. It's Wednesday and there are like 10 now? Yes, Florida was going to get rain and some wind no matter what but there was a very wide variety of what level that was going to be at.

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The majority of people can't just up and leave whenever they want as most employers won't allow for it.

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this is why I wouldn't leave in this situation; most people can't afford to evac early because they would lose their jobs because their jobs won't close shop or allow time off until right before the storm. and then when you want to leave you'd be stuck in the open on a highway. PLUS the airlines are price hiking flights out because capitalism is fucking trash.



I keep thinking of those people in Houston that said how smart it was not to demand people evacuate because the highway they would have left on became flooded in seconds and they all would have drowned in their cars. terrifying. I would grab all the supplies I could, board up, and hunker down.

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My co workers 3 year old daughter is in PR with her father for vacation. She spent all day today trying to call and couldn't get through :(

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Same :(

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Mte

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my bro, poor thing, booked a getaway this week in DR (weeks ago), and actually did go on monday. then realizing how fucking bad it would be he hopped on the first flight north this morning. at least he got to enjoy one day of sun there (yesterday)



i dread all the causalities and destruction that's going to come from this. every time i look at this weather gifs/photos over the Caribbean it freaks me out

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That's so scary! I'm glad you got out ok!

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that's fucking insane, omg. glad you guys made it out! i've only ever dealt with sandy because hurricanes usually don't come this far up north, but damn. yeah he got a flight up to toronto in the morning so he's fine, thank goodness. i really did not feel like fretting over his welfare for the next week or so if he was stuck down in punta cana

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I would never book a vacation late August-October in the Caribbean, that's always hurricane season.

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Ugh my best friend booked a cruise a year ago for right now, it got rerouted last week because of Harvey but now there's Irma and she's on the cruise now and I have no way to get a hold of her, I really hope they're safe.

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I had a friend who did the same thing but in St Maarten and they're stuck there.

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Hurricane Irma is heading straight for Trump's Caribbean mansion. https://t.co/HFy2N8FgcF  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 5, 2017

On the teeny tiny upside, maybe tramp's property in the Caribbean and Mar a Logo will be destroyed.

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The only teeny tiny silver lining, although I feel bad for the staff.

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Well, never knew Id be happy for a hurricane to hit a certain place but here we are

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Destroy ha!

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do it irma!



inb4 the us taxpayers pay for the reparations tho



Edited at 2017-09-06 06:05 pm (UTC)

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Uh oh! He better think up a new way to siphon tax money!!

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This reminds me of the time a tornado actually touched down in my home state where they don't happen and all it did was flip a single train car or something like that before dissipated. I'd like that to happen to every property trump owns, specifically.

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Lettuce pray.

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Irma, gurl, if you're fucking everyone up, do us a solid at least

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God bless the Hurricaine!

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Surely even evangelicals would be like 'oh, yeah god is PISSED' if it hits his caribbean estate, mar a lago and floods all of his three other golf courses/properties around south florida



like, a sign from the fucking heavens, HE IS A HARBINGER OF DOOM

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hope it gets absolutely destroyed

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Before I celebrate - wouldn't he get some type of relief from the govt if so? lol

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Yes, he scammed the gov to get more money after 9/11 and Sandy than he need. We're already forking over millions for his vacations, what's a few more millions.

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Mother Earth's revenge tbh

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The eye of #Irma stands out clearly on full-disk satellite imagery tonight. pic.twitter.com/svHbSfzteY  Jeff Frame (@VORTEXJeff) September 6, 2017

this is crazy

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see shit like that is freaking me out

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Wow. If so many people weren't endangered, I'd admire how amazing it is.

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It's fascinating in terms of what nature is capable of but the devastation they cause is beyond heartbreaking.

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This is crazy. Also it does look like a FF7 materia....



just daaaaaaang 

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jesus :(

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holy shit

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#ClimateChangeIsReal #DontMessWithGaia This straight up reminds me of The Day After Tomorrow.

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YIKES. And that's Jose right behind it, isn't it?



Nature is scary af.

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this earth is fucked

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holy shit

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Please, everyone stay safe <3



If the track keeps east, please evacuate if you have/need to. Inland or the west coast will take you in. I know my county took people in last year during Matthew.



Don't wait too late!

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Where can I donate money for puerto rico relief?

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https://www.oneblood.org/



right now, they could use help. idk yet where to donate money tbh. right now, they could use help. idk yet where to donate money tbh.

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This!



I'm not in FL, but I'm finally out of my 1 yr "you can't donate because you travelled to x,y,and z" window and I want to try and donate before I can't again. My veins suck, but it's worth a shot because blood products are vital to healthcare, even in the absence of emergencies.

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For now, this is what I've seen:



I know there have been issues with Red Cross, but it's good to give to them first because they have the resources to start helping quickly. Thank you <3For now, this is what I've seen: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cruz-roja (Hurricane Irma is one of the options in the dropdown box).I know there have been issues with Red Cross, but it's good to give to them first because they have the resources to start helping quickly.

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I'm in tampa and the roads are packed now . I'm trying not to be scared but I need a new roof on my house and I don't know can it take the rain and wind

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I'm in Bradenton. We've been slowly repairing our roof, and it doesn't stand a chance against a storm. Whether it's a category 5 or a category 1. I'm not freaking out though. I guess because I have a feeling it'll go to the east or just because I am numb to being freaked out or something.

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I hope they're all insured <333 cause who knows if Trump will come thru for his lil trumpkinz

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Idk if the $$ comes from FEMA, but the VHA emergency response stuff was activated for Harvey (detailing current VHA employees to TX for 2 week tours . . . to both federal & non federal hospitals if I understood correctly) and I'm sure it will be for Puerto Rico as there are VA facilities there as well, so that's a sliver of hope.

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Hoping the best for people on the islands and in florida who are in the path...I'm in the panhandle so it just misses us, but we'll still get rain.

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i'm in Orlando, we will see...

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same. I don't want to wait too long if I need to evacuate and have all the roads be beyond clogged but I also don't want to leave and pay for a hotel room for all those nights if I can help it.



Part of me is low key tempted to drive the 20 hours home to my mom's house for the weekend but that would be a brutal drive and gas costs would be a bummer.

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Same. I'm less worried because we're inland but prepared nonetheless

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I drove up from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando and it took 6 hours. I feel safer being up here in comparison.

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This is terrifying

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I have a friend who just moved to Miami and he's desperately trying to leave, said there's no water anywhere.

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Yeah, some friends of mine were posting how they've filled basically any container in their apartment with clean water while they can - they are trying to decide if they need to go or not. I think the longer they wait, the more scared they are of getting stuck on the roads trying to get north/inland, but they keep waiting for word on what to do. It's a mess.

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Tell him to buy containers with lids and fill them up with tap water. Think about 3 gallons of water per day as a rule of thumb. He also needs to fill up the bathtub for water to flush with.



Wet wipes are something else to buy and save water.



That's what I do for hurricanes. I wish him and everyone affected luck.

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my friend in miami says they're out of gas?

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Tell him to fill up any container in the house (glasses, tuperware, bowls, etc) with potable water from the tap. Also to fill up his bathtub with water to flush the toilet, in case the water gets turned off during/post storm.

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we lucked out with water, but we went to 6-7 stores before we found a few cases.

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I thought miami and the keys were under a mandatory evacuation as of yesterday?

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I live in south florida and unfortunately here most people don't take hurricanes very seriously because we're hit by them so often, like people don't even blink an eye when a category 3 hits us. I'm worried people are underestimating it :/ it's already crazy here there's no water left and gas stations are already running out of gas



Edited at 2017-09-06 06:05 pm (UTC)

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I'm trying to get a flight out of florida but everything is selling out so fast, if I don't get a flight by tomorrow I'm evacuating south florida and gonna drive north

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are you sure you should stay?? be safe!!

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I lived in Fort Myers from 2004-2005 and so many people there didn't take Charley seriously, because they hadn't had a direct hit from a hurricane that strong in roughly 40 years. Thought it was no big deal. Guy at the gas station even insisted that they'd be open the next day. They weren't, obviously.



We'd gone through Isabel in Virginia before moving to Florida, and despite not being a terribly strong storm, we had no power for six days afterwards. Taken them all seriously ever since.



My grandfather still lives in Florida, and finding a flight for him to get out and come stay with us was incredibly difficult. Stay safe!

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I know so many people who aren't taking it seriously and it's pissing me off. My family is in Orlando. My mom wants to leave cause she's scared and disabled but my dad is refusing to and says it won't be that bad and wants to stay. His family is in PR so they're getting slammed with it right now and I don't think they thought it was gonna be that bad either. I don't understand why people don't heed warnings and at least prepare properly. Better to be overly cautious than to be caught off guard and fucked. I have a lot of feelings about this, but I hope you stay safe!

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me atm. i know broward county was told to evacuate and i've seen enough news articles to know this'll be serious, like it's a category 5, but i feel so calm because it really has been a while since we've had a major hurricane.

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Yeah I keep seeing this. People bragging about being used to hurricanes, like we get it...they happen a lot...you're "above" evacuating, but this one is different. People are not taking it seriously. You should try to get somewhere safe.

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The damage in Sint Maarten is insane. Ive heard reports saying that if there were a category 6, this hurricane would be in it. Its at the absolute top in category 5



I hope everyone is safe, jfc. 4 of the strongest buildings on Sint Maarten have been ruined, dont even want to imagine about the more fragile buildings, which are more likely family homes

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i saw video on facebook from that island and it was insane. :-(

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Jesus christ

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My cousin lived in St. Marteen but he moved a yearago.. it is such a beautiful place, it's really sad that it was so bad.

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Honeywell Donates $2 Million in PPE Following Harvey

"Under these extraordinary circumstances, we want to help volunteers, employees, and our customers to be as safe as possible," added John Waldron, president of Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions. "We are proud of the great work being done by first responders and so many others, and we are thankful for the ability to help those on the front lines who provide help where it is needed the most."

Honeywell announced Sept. 5 that it has donated about $2 million in personal protective equipment to support first responders and emergency personnel as they work in their communities following Hurricane Harvey. Delta Industrial Service and Supply, a Honeywell distributor in Texas, has been in contact with local and regional fire departments about their equipment needs and will coordinate distribution of the donated gear to fire departments. Fire departments should contact Delta at 1-800-249-5292 for more information, according to Honeywell's announcement.

The storm displaced thousands of families and caused billions of dollars in losses. It also damaged the equipment and PPE needed by many fire departments and first responders to respond to emergencies in their communities, the company reported, adding that it will donate nearly 100,000 pieces of PPE to support first responders and emergency personnel in the region affected by the storm -- apparel, footwear, gloves, disposable respiratory masks, eyewear, hard hats, hearing protection, and high-visibility T-shirts and coats.

"This past week has been an impossibly difficult one for many Texans as Hurricane Harvey caused mass devastation in Texas and along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Our thoughts are with the many thousands of families whose lives have been disrupted," said Darius Adamczyk, Honeywell's president and CEO. "In addition to supporting first responders, Honeywell will provide employees in the area with protective safety gear to support their personal needs along with emergency financial support through our humanitarian relief program."

"Under these extraordinary circumstances, we want to help volunteers, employees, and our customers to be as safe as possible," added John Waldron, president of Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions. "We are proud of the great work being done by first responders and so many others, and we are thankful for the ability to help those on the front lines who provide help where it is needed the most."

The company reported it has nearly 1,000 employees across nine sites in the Houston metropolitan area and 100 employees in Orange, Texas. The Honeywell Humanitarian Relief Fund is supporting Honeywell employees who have been affected by the flooding and the company is matching employee contributions to the fund dollar for dollar. Honeywell has donated more than $9.8 million during the past decade to aid disaster relief around the world, and more than 1,400 employees have received emergency assistance.
The folks behind the Italian-inspired pop-up, Sprezzatura, are hosting another themed event later this month. This time, the themed dinner will feature an expanded cast of characters in collaboration for a cause.

The dinner will take place on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Amilinda, 315 E. Wisconsin Ave., and it will harness the talents of Sprezzaturas chef Erik Hansen, bartender Jordan Burich and designer Caressa Givens, along with chef Gregory Leon of Amilinda, Lisa Kirkpatrick of Goodkind, Theresa Schuenke of Hello Falafel, Nathan Heck of Phoenix Cocktail Club and Thi Cao of Buckleys.

Guests will be treated to five unique courses, which conjure the ingredients and flavors of the Mediterranean provinces of ancient Rome in the context of creative contemporary dishes.

Each chef will represent a particular ancient Roman province: Hispania/Lusitania (Leon), Italia (Hansen), Judea/Syria (Schuenke), Aegyptus/Cyrene (Cao), Illyricum/Macedonia (Heck) and Gaul (Kirkpatrick).

And the cause?

According to Burich, proceeds from the event will go to support Malta-based organization MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station), a flotilla of non-profit rescue ships that provide food, life vests, medicine, and safe passage to Europe for Syrian and North African refugees who are crossing the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.

The dinner, he says, has multiple purposes. The first is an exercise in both context and creativity.

"As someone who studied ancient Mediterranean archaeology," notes Burich, "I'm really excited to be able to look back in time and see us cook contextuallyrestricting ourselves somewhat, by going ancient Roman will allow us to tease out more creative approaches. We tend to think that creativity and collaboration go hand-n-hand."

But, its also about making a statement.

"Weve got a really talented group of chefs working together on this dinner," notes Givens. "There are some seasoned veterans and some up-and-coming talents, so that's really cool. We were also initially struck with Chef Leon's bold stance on sanctuary restaurants. It really spoke to our sense of social justice and equality.

"We decided that this dinner should evoke that, and the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean is something that we feel strongly about. This is an opportunity for us to use our talents for positive change."

The cost for the dinner, which includes five courses, dessert and complimentary wine pairings is $85 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A Dartmouth study finds that Americans are consistently less supportive of refugee resettlement within their own communities than nationally, illustrating the prevalence of not-in-my-backyard syndrome (NIMBYism). The manner in which the media links refugee issues to national security concerns was also found to affect public support for resettlement. The findings are published in Science Advances.

"This study demonstrates the collective action problems countries face when seeking to increase the scale of refugee resettlement programs. While these policies are national in scope, their impact is primarily local. Yet citizens who ostensibly support these humanitarian policies appear to be less comfortable with the possibility of hosting refugees within their own communities," says Jeremy Ferwerda, an assistant professor of government at Dartmouth, who served as one of the co-authors of the study.

Following President Donald Trump's January 2017 executive order barring U.S. entry for citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries, Dartmouth researchers conducted a survey experiment to investigate how people's attitudes towards refugee resettlement are influenced by the geographic location of resettlement and media framing of refugees. In the experiment, participants were presented with one of two media frames: one frame depicted refugees as threatening to national security and the other attempted to rebut the security threat argument. Participants were then asked questions about their support for local and national refugee resettlement.

Regardless of age, gender, race, income, education, employment status, ideology, or partisanship, participants were less supportive of refugee resettlement in their own community compared to national resettlement. This finding suggests that NIMBYism is widespread across citizens with diverse demographic and political backgrounds.

Participants were also significantly less likely to support refugee resettlement after reading the threatening media frame. Counterarguments rebutting the argument that refugees posed a national security threat did not appear to sway minds. These media framing results are consistent with prior research, which finds that negative framing of immigrants are more consequential for public opinion than positive frames.

However, the study also finds that people's reactions to negative media frames vary depending on local refugee population, which may serve as a proxy for prior contact with refugees. Specifically, participants living near large refugee populations were less responsive to threatening media frames compared to those living in areas with smaller or no refugee populations. This suggests that proximity to refugees may help mitigate the influence of threatening media frames.

Given that the January executive order instructs the government to consider a system in which localities may opt out of refugee resettlement, the findings provide insight into the challenges that could lie ahead for placing refugees in communities throughout the country.

More information: J. Ferwerda el al., "Explaining opposition to refugee resettlement: The role of NIMBYism and perceived threats," Science Advances (2017). advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/9/e1700812 , DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700812 Journal information: Science Advances
This NASA illustration shows Florence, an asteroid that passed within 4.4 million miles (7.0 million kilometers) of Earth last week. Radar images revealed that Florence has two moons

Florence, an asteroid that came within 4.4 million miles (7.0 million kilometers) of Earth last week, has two small moons, according to radar images obtained by NASA.

Radar images obtained between August 29 and September 1, when Florence came closest to Earth, reveal that the asteroid is about 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) in size, the US space agency said.

It said the two moons were probably between 300-1,000 feet (100-300 meters) across.

The inner moon takes approximately eight hours to revolve around Florence while the outer moon takes between 22 and 27 hours, NASA said.

According to NASA, 60 near-Earth asteroids are known to have moons and Florence is the first observed with two moons since Asteroid 1994 in June 2009.

NASA said the radar images of Florence, which was discovered in 1981, were obtained by the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California.

"While many known asteroids have passed by closer to Earth than Florence... all of those were estimated to be smaller," said Paul Chodas, manager of NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. "Florence is the largest asteroid to pass by our planet this close since the NASA program to detect and track near-Earth asteroids began."

 2017 AFP
Males with Arabic names confront discrimination in the rental housing market in Finland. According to a study conducted at Abo Akademi University, individuals with an Arabic name males, in particular were considerably less likely to receive a response from potential landlords. Only 16 percent of inquiries signed with a male Arabic name received responses, whereas inquiries with a female Finnish name received responses in 42 percent of cases. The study is a part of the research project Intra-Genomic Conflicts and Social Decision-Making in Humans.

In the study, a total of 1,459 inquiries regarding vacant rental apartments across Finland were sent out during 2016. The inquiries were sent via e-mail and signed with different names. The responses were compared in terms of the different study groupswomen and men with an Arabic, Finnish or Swedish names. The results showed that males with Arabic names received fewer responses in comparison to any other group. No other statistical differences between these six groups were found. Overall, men received responses less frequently than women, and inquiries signed with an Arabic name less frequently than those signed with a Finnish or Swedish name. The landlord's gender had no effect on the results.

Previous research has shown that discrimination increases the affected individuals' risk of developing psychological problems, and that ethnic discrimination in the housing market is hindering successful integration. The findings corroborate the importance of the current study. The study was conducted at Abo Akademi University by Annamaria Oblom for her Master's thesis in Psychology and published in PLOS ONE. The study is the first of its kind concerning the private rental housing market in Finland.

More information: Annamaria Oblom et al, Ethnic and gender discrimination in the private rental housing market in Finland: A field experiment, PLOS ONE (2017). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183344 Journal information: PLoS ONE
Washington University researcher Karen DeMatteo and her scat-sniffing dog Train are on a mission to preserve jaguars, pumas, bush dogs and other carnivores in the forests of Northeastern Argentina. Credit: Karen DeMatteo/Washington University

Scat-sniffing research dogs are helping scientists map out a plan to save reclusive jaguars, pumas, bush dogs and other endangered carnivores in the increasingly fragmented forests of northeastern Argentina, according to a new study from Washington University in St. Louis.

Published Aug. 25 in the online journal PLoS ONE, the study explores options for mitigating the impact of human encroachment on five predators who cling to survival in isolated pockets of protected forest surrounded by a mosaic of roadways, unprotected forest, plantations and pastures.

"The study details a least-cost plan for the development of a multispecies biological corridor that connects protected areas in the Upper Parana Atlantic Forest Region of Misiones, Argentina," said co-author Karen DeMatteo, a biology research scientist and lecturer in environmental studies in Arts & Sciences.

DeMatteo, who has spent 10 years working on the project, said completion of the corridor model will allow researchers and community leaders to begin working with property owners to establish the habitat corridors.

"This plan is exciting not only for the future of the local biodiversity, but also because it involved a lot of collaboration from the local government and universities to make it happen," she said.

Recent studies have argued that establishing small, protected reserves for endangered species, even in the best of habitats, is not enough to ensure long-term survival because species must move across their range to breed with other scattered populations and maintain genetic diversity.

Train, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, was trained to sniff out animal scat after being rescued from the Humane Society. Credit: Courtesy of Karen DeMatteo

Using dogs trained to detect the scat of specific species, DeMatteo's team searched for evidence of the carnivores' presence across a broad swath of northeastern Argentina, including public and private wildlife reserves, privately owned plantations, farms and pastures, and along roads and pathways leading to scattered communities.

DNA analysis of more than 900 scat samples collected over several summers allowed researchers to develop detailed maps of the species frequenting these habitats, including a sense of how their movements were influenced by habitat quality, topography, roadways and other human disturbances.

For species such as the jaguar, which rarely crosses into territory disturbed by humans, survival may hinge on the creation of habitat corridors linking isolated population pockets. Because the jaguar is so averse to human interaction, some studies have suggested that habitat corridors designed for it also would cover the needs of other predators.

Karen DeMatteo and a provincial park guard at the Reserva de Biosfera Yaboti in Misiones, Argentina, collecting a sample of carnivore scat for DNA testing and analysis. Credit: Karen DeMatteo

DeMatteo's study, which examined the habitat needs of jaguars, pumas, ocelots, oncillas and bush dogs, offers a more nuanced approach, suggesting that the optimal footprint for habitat corridors should be drawn with the overlapping needs of many species in mind.

While some species were less intimidated by the presence of humans, each had its own unique requirements in terms of what constitutes a suitable habitat and the length and width of possible corridor connections.

"Despite variation in body size, the jaguar, puma, ocelot, oncilla and bush dog overlap in their ecological requirements," the study said. "However, this is not without variation in the degree of habitat flexibility. Puma, oncilla, and bush dog have comparatively higher levels of modified habitats in their potential distributions compared to the jaguar and ocelot."

Jaguar. Credit: Washington University in St. Louis

By combining data on all five of these species, researchers developed a model that provides maximum habitat connectivity for all species while minimizing the cost of establishing these corridors through privately owned lands and communities.

"The findings illustrate the benefit of using multiple species versus a single species to develop corridors, because using only the highly restricted jaguar to develop the corridor would mean that the potential distributions of the other four carnivores would be restricted and decreased by as much as 30 percent," DeMatteo said. "So, it appears that, at least in the Misiones province, the jaguar should not be modeled as an umbrella species because the results fail to capture the varied requirements of coexisting species across the breadth of potential habitats."

Credit: Washington University in St. Louis

DeMatteo and colleagues hope the study provides a methodology for identifying the optimal footprint for proposed habitat connection corridors, while incorporating enough flexibility to ensure that the needs and desires of private landholders can be incorporated into the process.

"The approach in making a corridor a reality is multi-pronged and involves a strong investment from the local community, especially when developing corridors that use existing protected areas as 'stepping stones,' as private land will inevitably be involved to varying degrees in and around the corridor," the study concludes.

Map of the study area in northeastern Argentina shows survey routes (yellow) relative to protected areas, roads, and the land-use pattern existing in Misiones in 2009. Existing protected areas (shown in dark green with idiagonal cross lines) in the northern and southern regions of the area are separated by three roads of concern (purple) and privately-held land areas (labeled RP17, RP20, and RN14 ) where habitat conversion is ongoing, rural populations are expanding, and the roads themselves are being widen and converted from dirt to paved asphalt. Credit: Washington University in St. Louis

The habitat studys proposed multispecies habitat corridors would link protected areas in the northern-central zones of Misiones, Argentina. The corridor was narrowed and divided into two levels that could be used to set conservation priorities: a 1 (7 km width) and a 2 (14 km width) corridor. Credit: PLoS One.

More information: Karen E. DeMatteo et al. Using niche-modelling and species-specific cost analyses to determine a multispecies corridor in a fragmented landscape, PLOS ONE (2017). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183648 Journal information: PLoS ONE
The days are numbered for this small oil well outside Paris under a new law that would ban fossil fuel production in France.

The French government unveiled plans Wednesday to put an end to oil and gas production on its territory in a largely symbolic move it hopes will inspire bigger producing nations to copy.

Under a draft law approved by cabinet, no new permits will be granted to extract gas or oil and no existing licences will be renewed beyond 2040, when all production in mainland France and its overseas territories will stop.

The country is a minor player in the global hydrocarbons industry, extracting the equivalent of about 815,000 tonnes of oil per yearan amount produced in a few hours by Saudi Arabia.

It imports about 99 percent of its oil and gas needs.

But 39-year-old centrist President Emmanuel Macron has said he wants France to take the lead as a major world economy switching away from fossil fuelsand the nuclear industryinto renewable sources.

It plans to stop the sale of diesel and petrol engine cars by 2040 as well.

"We are the first country to take this step (phasing out fossil fuel production)," said Nicolas Hulot, the high-profile environmentalist named by Macron as minister for ecological transition in May.

"I think other countries are going to follow our path," Hulot told AFP.

The minister later tweeted: "We are determined in the face of climate change at a time when disasters are hitting us hard."

"Today unfortunately reality confirms every day that climate disasters are proliferating," he said in a video unveiling the draft law. "In the United States they are talking about 100 billion dollars in damage for the last hurricane (Harvey)," he said.

The bill, which the government hopes will be passed by parliament before the end of the year, delivers on campaign pledges by Macron during his run for the presidency this year.

Above all it will affect companies searching for oil in the French territory of Guyana in South America, while also banning the extraction of shale gas by any meansits extraction by fracking was banned in 2011.

The only exceptions to the new rules will be for the capturing of gas from mines, which is considered desirable for security reasons, and one project in Guyana run jointly by oil groups Total, Shell and Tullow Oil.

 2017 AFP
ETH chemical engineers have produced the purest green with a light-emitting diode. This is good news for TV displays. Credit: Sudhir Kumar / ETH Zurich

Chemical engineers from ETH Zurich have succeeded in generating ultra-pure green light for the first time. The new light-emitting diode will pave the way for visibly improved colour quality in a new generation of ultra-high definition displays for TVs and smartphones.

Chih-Jen Shih is very satisfied with his breakthrough: "To date, no one has succeeded in producing green light as pure as we have," says the Professor of Chemical Engineering in his laboratory at the Honggerberg campus. He points at an ultra-slim, bendable light-emitting diode (LED), which displays the three letters "ETH" in a fine hue of bright green.

Shih's progress is significant, particularly in terms of the next generation of ultra-high resolution displays used for TVs and smartphones. Electronic devices must first be able to produce ultra-pure red, blue and green light in order to enable the next generation of displays to show images that are clearer, sharper, richer in detail and with a more refined range of colours. For the most part, this is already possible for red and blue light; green light, however, has hitherto reached the limits of technology.

This is due mainly to human perception, since the eye is able to distinguish between more intermediary green hues than red or blue ones. "This makes the technical production of ultra-pure green very complex, which creates challenges for us when it comes to developing technology and materials," says Sudhir Kumar, co-lead author of the report.

Up to 99 percent ultra-pure green

It becomes clear from reference to the Rec.2020 standard just how much progress Shih's ultra-green light has made in the development of the next generation of displays. The international standard defines the technical requirements for ultra-high resolution (known as "Ultra HD") displays and provides a framework for further research and development. The requirements also include an improvement in colour quality visible to the naked eye. The standard provides the colour scale that a display can reproduce and therefore a broader range of colour hues.

No one has succeeded in producing green light as pure as have ETH Chemical engineers. Credit: Sudhir Kumar, Jakub Jagielski

Ultra-pure green plays a key role in extending the colour range, or gamut. Ultimately, new hues are created through the technical mixture of three base colours: red, blue and green. The purer the base colours, the broader the range of hues a screen can display. Shih's new LED is in line with 97 to 99 percent of the Rec. 2020 standard. By comparison, the purest colour TV displays currently available on the market cover on average only 73.11 to 77.72 percent; none exceeds 80 percent.

Inexpensive, producible LED technology

Wendelin Stark, ETH Professor of Functional Materials Engineering, along with researchers from South Korea and Taiwan, also contributed to the project results, which have been published in the scientific journal Nano Letters. Shih not only made a breakthrough in terms of the results, but also in the material and method. He and his colleagues have effectively developed an ultra-thin, bendable light-emitting diode able to emit pure green light using simple room-temperature processes. Shih says that this is the second aspect of his breakthrough and is at least equally important, as until now high-temperature processes were required to produce pure light with LED technology. "Because we were able to realise the entire process at room temperature, we've opened up opportunities for the simple, low-cost industrial production of ultra-green light-emitting diodes in the future," says Jakub Jagielski, co-lead author of the report.

More specifically, Shih and his team used nanomaterials to further develop the LED technology. A light-emitting diode usually contains a semiconductor crystal that converts electrical current passed through it into radiant light. The raw material is usually indium gallium nitride (InGaN); however, this material does not have the ideal properties for production of ultra-pure green light. So Shih's team instead used perovskite, a material that is also used in the manufacture of solar cells and which can convert electricity into light relatively efficiently. It is also inexpensive and helps make the manufacturing process simple and fast  it takes just half an hour to chemically clean perovskite and make it ready for use, says Shih.

The perovskite material in Shih's light-emitting diode is a miniscule 4.8 nanometres in thickness. This is an important factor, since the colour quality depends on the thickness and form of the nanocrystal used. In order to reach the desired pure green, the crystals should not be any thicker or thinner. These flexible, ultra-thin light-emitting diodes are as bendable as a sheet of paper. Hence, they can be produced inexpensively and quickly using the existing roll-to-roll process for example. Shih says this will also benefit industrial production in the future.

Next step: improve efficiency

However, it will still take some time before we see the first industrial application of ultra-green light-emitting diodes. The next step for Shih is to first improve the efficiency. Today, his LED works at 3 percent efficiency when converting electricity into light; in comparison, TV screens currently available on the market have efficiency values of 5 to 10 percent. Shih is hoping that the next version will be 6 to 7 percent more efficient. He also sees potential for improvement in the lifespan of his light-emitting diode. Currently, it illuminates for about two hours, whereas screens available on the market should work for many years.

More information: Sudhir Kumar et al. Ultrapure Green Light-Emitting Diodes Using Two-Dimensional Formamidinium Perovskites: Achieving Recommendation 2020 Color Coordinates, Nano Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.7b01544 Journal information: Nano Letters
The community researchers captured photographs that symbolised happiness in older age.

A pioneering new study conducted by older people has provided valuable insight into what people want and need to make them happy as they age.

As part of the project, involving the University of Stirling and Age Scotland, community researchers aged between 50 and 84 were engaged to carry out their own research and analysis of Scotland's older people and what they thought constituted a good quality of life.

The study, A Good Life in Later Years, was funded with a grant of 97,000 from the Life Changes Trust. Led by the University's Faculty of Social Sciences, the project actively involved the subjects of the researcholder peopleto play a central role themselves.

Thirty community researchers were recruited from five areas across the countryAberdeen, Galashiels, Kilmarnock, Perth and Stirlingwho then received training to collect data, carry out analysis and establish findings. The process allowed participants to learn new skills, refresh old skills, have their voices heard and also provided enjoyment.

The community researchers made key findings across a range of topic areas including communities, health and well-being, services and facilities, learning and education, and hobbies, pastimes and activities.

The data has already been used to inform Scottish Government policy and has also formed part of Age Scotland's local election manifesto. The findings will be presented at a Scottish Parliament reception, hosted by Bruce Crawford MSP, tonight [6 September].

Unique approach

Principal investigator Dr Corinne Greasley-Adams, University of Stirling, said: "For this project, we used a unique approach that blended the knowledge and skills of both community and university researchers, whilst providing a platform for new learning and experiences.

"By doing this, we were able to demonstrate how it is possible to do research with people rather than about people that can make a real, tangible difference to their lives."

Community researchers began by capturing images which they thought conveyed a good quality of life in older age. One example showed walking boots and walking pole alongside a chair. This conveyed their idea that older people enjoyed being activebut also had to set aside rest time too.

For the second phase of the project, the community researchers established their own focus groupsinvolving other older members of their communitiesto discuss the topics that had emerged from the images.

The project's research phase concluded with a national survey of older people, which was composed by the community researchers and attracted a total of 748 responses.

Findings included:

Being part of a community is considered vital for a good life in older age, with more than 96 per cent of survey participants indicating such.

Health and well-being were also reported to be central factors in being able to live a good life in later years, as many reported living with a long-term condition. Walking, swimming and cycling are popular among older people for keeping fit, while crosswords and other puzzles allow people to keep mentally active.

Those living in rural areas raised concerns that they are on the periphery of public services. In one example, an island community was forced to travel to the mainland after the doctor service was removed.

Intergenerational aspects of community were found to be particularly important to those polled, with 82.3 per cent indicating that the most effective communities encourage generations to come together.

Some of those surveyed feared the potential impact of frailty and outliving family and friends, with people generally wanting their social connections to continue as they aged.

Technology is increasingly important in allowing older people to communicate with family and friends.

Having enough money to live relatively comfortably and not having to worry about struggling financially in their retirement is important to older people.

Independence, freedom and choice, good public transport and housing were also among the areas assessed as part of the study.

Success

Bruce Crawford, MSP for Stirling, said: "It is a privilege to host a parliamentary reception to celebrate the success of this pioneering project from the University of Stirling and Age Scotland.

"I welcome the findings of this study, which provides an important insight into the lives of older people. This work will help to inform and influence future policy decisions to ensure that people in their later years continue to enjoy a good quality of life.

"It is great to see that older people themselves were empowered to be involved in this research and I congratulate all of those involved."

Keith Robson, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: "Age Scotland has been particularly pleased to be involved in this project because it has enabled older people themselves to take the lead in researching what issues are important for a good quality of life in later years. It shows that older people are concerned about stereotypes which we are committed to challenging. The report also highlights the importance of issues like good care services, access to transport, community resources, and intergenerational cohesion. These findings will inform our future campaigns in these areas of policy."

Anna Buchanan, Director of the Life Changes Trust Dementia programme said: "This project has given older people the opportunity to voice their own opinions and aspirations about what they think constitutes a 'good life' in later years, and what is needed to achieve this. It asks what would best support people through changing needs and circumstancesfor example retiring, becoming a carer or developing a long term condition like dementia. This work will enable older people and services to think about how to plan better for later life in order to maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible. The project has actively involved older people themselves, and the results will be used to influence policy development and service provision."
An in-depth probe along a 50,000-kilometre (31,000-mile) stretch of the Pacific found that up to 90 percent of some coral colonies around the Samoan islands had been bleached

A survey of Pacific corals has found many severely bleached, some near-dead, according to marine researchers who warned Wednesday that global warming threatened the precious ecosystem's very survival.

An in-depth probe along a 50,000-kilometre (31,000-mile) stretch of the Pacific found that up to 90 percent of some coral colonies around the Samoan islands had been bleached.

Around the Tuamotu archipelago, up to half of colonies are bleached, according to researchers on board the French research schooner Tara.

Around the islands of Tuvalu and Kiribati, sections of reef were dead by the time the team got there.

Even in more temperate waters to the north, reefs did not escape bleaching, said the team, with up to 70 percent of corals damaged around Okinawa, Japan.

"All along Tara's Pacific route, we observed coral deaths and very serious bleaching," Tara scientific director Serge Planes of the French CNRS research institute told AFP in Paris, where the report was released.

Corals make up less than one percent of Earth's marine environment, but are home to an estimated 25 percent of marine life. They act as nurseries for many species of fish.

Corals are tiny, invertebrate marine creatures that live in colonies and require algae to survive. The algae live on the corals, providing them with food and the bold colours that reefs are known for.

Corals "bleach" when they are stressed by environmental changesdue to ocean warming or pollution. They expel the algae and turn bone-white.

If the harm is not too severe, reefs can recover from a bleaching event, although this can take many years.

Tara departed on its mission from the port of Lorient in northwest France in May last year.

'Worrying'

It is about halfway through its mission, having visited 15 countries from east to west.

Wednesday's report was based on analysis of some 15,000 coral samples collected in 2,000 dives, and concluded that global warming is the main culprit.

The data revealed that bleaching events happen much more frequently than in the past, giving reefs less time to recover between bouts, said Planes.

"Clearly, these events are no longer associated with exceptional climate events," as in the past, when there were typically 20-25-year breaks between bleachings caused by such warming phenomena as El Nino.

Also, in sparsely populated areas like Polynesia, with comparatively little ocean pollution, warming is the only explanation for the coral damage, the team said.

"It is worrying," said Planes, adding that the data "throws into question the future of these coral reefs."

Corals are under pressure worldwide.

Earlier this year, researchers said Australia's Great Barrier Reef was experiencing an unprecedented second straight year of bleaching.

Meeting the warming limit set in the 2015 climate-rescue Paris Agreement may not be enough to protect Earth's coral ecosystem, warned the Tara researchers.

Nearly 200 nations agreed under the pact to limit average warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre-industrial levels. A level of about 1C has already been reached.

 2017 AFP
Dr. David Moher and his team from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa found that predatory journals are a global problem and high income countries are not immune. Credit: The Ottawa Hospital

A massive investigation published in Nature shows that contrary to popular belief, a majority of papers in suspected biomedical predatory journals (57 percent) are from high or upper middle income countries, with many coming from prestigious institutions.

Largely unknown a decade ago, there are now an estimated 8,000 predatory journals collectively publishing more than 400,000 research studies each year. These journals offer to rapidly publish research findings, typically at a lower cost than legitimate journals, but do not provide quality controls such as peer-review. Predatory journals are also difficult to search, meaning that health-care providers and researchers can rarely learn from the data in these journals.

Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa analyzed 1,907 research papers published in 220 suspected biomedical predatory journals. The journals were randomly selected from well-known but controversial lists compiled by University of Colorado librarian Jeffrey Beall.

They found that the top countries publishing in these journals were India (27 percent), the United States (15 percent), Nigeria (5 percent), Iran (4 percent) and Japan (4 percent). The U.S. National Institutes of Health was the most frequent funder mentioned among the very few articles that credited one.

"Our research debunks the common belief that predatory journals are only a problem in low income countries," said senior author Dr. David Moher, a senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and associate professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada. "Predatory journals publish research from scientists around the world, including those based at prestigious high income institutions."

The authors note, however, that their results should be interpreted in the context of the overall scientific output for each country and institution. For example, the United States publishes more research than any other country, and the vast majority is in legitimate journals.

The researchers also attempted to judge the quality of the suspected predatory journal papers using adapted versions of widely accepted reporting guideline checklists.

"While quality can be patchy even in legitimate journals, we found that it was far worse in suspected predatory journals," said Larissa Shamseer, a PhD student at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa and co-author of the study. "For example, clinical trials published in predatory journals are much less likely to provide information on research ethics approval, trial registration and randomization into treatment groups. These details are essential for other researchers to be able to gauge the validity of the results."

Predatory journals provide scientists with a quick and inexpensive way to publish their findings, but do not provide quality controls and are not included in scientific databases. Credit: The Ottawa Hospital

"We estimate that data from millions of patients and animals may be tucked away in predatory journals," said Dr. Manoj Lalu, associate scientist and anesthesiologist at The Ottawa Hospital, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa and co-author of the study. "Most of this work is undetectable by readers, including by health-care providers looking for research to inform patient care."

The researchers also made a list of the top institutions publishing in their sample of suspected predatory journals and attempted to contact the corresponding authors. Of 87 emails sent, 18 were responded to. Only two of the authors said they were aware that the journal they published in was potentially predatory.

Understanding the importance of helping researchers publish their results transparently and avoid predatory journals, Dr. Moher founded the Centre for Journalology at The Ottawa Hospital in 2015. The Centre includes a full-time Publications Officer who provides training and consultations to researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and partner institutions.

"Some predatory journals are very good at impersonating legitimate journals," said Dr. Kelly Cobey, Publications Officer at The Ottawa Hospital, adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and co-author of the study. "We need to educate researchers about this issue."

Dr. Cobey describes three experiences Ottawa researchers have had with predatory journals in an accompanying Nature World View column.

The team has also developed the following resources to help researchers with this issue:

Distinguishing features of predatory journals ( BMC Medicine - https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0785-9)

- https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0785-9) Characteristics of predatory journal invitations to submit ( BMC Medicine - https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0423-3)

- https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0423-3) Study materials and data (to be available on Open Science Framework once the embargo lifts - https://osf.io/r2gj6/)

"Stamping out predatory journals and improving how we publish research results could lead to big improvements in health," said Dr. Moher. "Funders, institutions, researchers and publishers need to work together to address this issue."

The Centre for Journalology is supported by generous donations to The Ottawa Hospital ), as well as contributions from other partners.
Credit: Wikipedia

The Russian government has persuaded many of its citizens to avoid websites and social media platforms that are critical of the government, a new study has found.

Researchers analyzing a survey of Russian citizens found that those who relied more on Russian national television news perceived the internet as a greater threat to their country than did others. This in turn led to increased support for online political censorship.

Approval of the government of President Vladimir Putin amplified the impact of those threat perceptions on support for censorship, according to the study.

The success of the Russian regime in persuading citizens to self-censor their internet use has troubling implications, said Erik Nisbet, co-author of the study an associate professor of communication at The Ohio State University.

"This is actually more insidious. The government doesn't have to rely as much on legal or technical firewalls against content they don't like. They have created a psychological firewall in which people censor themselves," Nisbet said.

"People report they don't go to certain websites because the government says it is bad for me."

Nisbet conducted the study with Olga Kamenchuk, a visiting assistant professor, and doctoral student Aysenur Dal, both from Ohio State. Their results appear in the September 2017 issue of the journal Social Science Quarterly.

The researchers used data originally collected by VCIOM (Russian Public Opinion Research Center) for the Internet Policy Observatory at the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication.

For that project, researchers surveyed 1,601 Russian citizens during May 2014 about their internet and media use, risk perceptions about the internet, support for online political censorship and support for the Putin government.

Ohio State's analysis of the survey responses showed that people who relied most on the official government TV news were more likely than those who used other media sources to see the internet as a threat. These viewers were more likely to agree that the internet was used by foreign countries against Russia and that it was a threat to political stability within the country.

Not surprisingly, those who saw the internet as a threat were also more likely to support online censorship.

Support for Vladimir Putin significantly strengthened the relationship between seeing the internet as a risk and supporting online censorship, the study found.

"Government authorities have convinced many Russians that censoring content labeled as extremist protects the population from harm, while at the same time failing to mention that this label is often applied by authorities to legitimate political opposition or opinions that run counter to government policies," Kamenchuk said.

The Russian regime uses its official news outlets, particularly television, to spread fear about anti-government sites. The regime often uses graphic metaphors to sensationalize the risk of some internet content, according to the researchers.

For example, the government has compared some websites it opposes to suicide bombers and tells citizens its response would be to use internet control and censorship to create a "bulletproof vest for the Russian society."

Kamenchuk said Russians don't have to rely on these official government news sources.

"There is opposition TV, radio and newspapers in the country that are not blocked. People can find them freely. But our studies show that many deliberately choose to ignore those outlets," she said.

Even blocked websites can be accessed through technical solutions that aren't difficult to find in the country, even if they are illegal, Nisbet said.

"But it is tougher to circumvent that psychological firewall than it is the legal or technological firewalls. How do you circumvent the mindset that censorship is good?" he said.

Russia isn't alone in persuading citizens that the internet can be dangerous. Many authoritarian governments, such as Turkey, have labelled opposition websites and social media platforms as a threat, the researchers said.

Despite the importance of self-censorship in countries like Russia, most studies have overlooked the issue, Nisbet said.

"Much of the academic research on the subject comes from the United States, where there is a lot of support for free expression and internet freedom," he said. "But the U.S. is an exception in this regard, and not the norm. Much of the world is much more supportive of censorship than is the U.S."

These results also mean that the United States needs to adjust how it pursues its goal of increasing internet access and freedom around the world. The U.S. State Department has allocated millions of dollars to promote internet freedom, primarily in the areas of technology for getting around censorship.

"That's not going to help a lot if people agree with the censorship and don't want to use these tools," Nisbet said.

More information: Erik C. Nisbet et al. A Psychological Firewall? Risk Perceptions and Public Support for Online Censorship in Russia*, Social Science Quarterly (2017). DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.12435 Journal information: Social Science Quarterly
Port-Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni cruising in Jervis Bay. Credit: Johann Mourier

Researchers have shown for the first time that sharks show very strong preferences for particular individuals in their social networks over years and prefer to hang out with other individuals of the same sex and size, in a new study released today.

In research published in Royal Society Open Science, Associate Professor Culum Brown and team used social network analysis to examine the social interactions of Port Jackson sharks, arguably the most common sharks in southern Australia.

"One of the exciting things about this research is that we found the large aggregations that these sharks form in the breeding season is not a random collection of individuals. These sharks prefer to hang out with other individuals who are similar to them," said Associate Professor Brown.

Dr Johann Mourier, the lead author on the paper, said many animals form social groups to varying degrees, but studying the social lives of large aquatic animals is inherently difficult largely because it is hard to observe their behaviour.

"You have to get up close and personal to really understand how these animals interact with one another. Meaningful social interactions are only detected if you look at relatively small spatial scales, and we cannot generate an accurate picture of social interactions if data is collected at a large spatial scale," said Dr Mourier.

Port Jackson sharks are small sharks that undergo huge migrations. Sharks tagged during the breeding season (winter) in Jervis Bay in New South Wales migrate all the way to Tasmania and back.

When the sharks return to their breeding reefs, they do so with incredible accuracy.

"Both males and females return to the same rocky reef to breed year after year, which is unusual for sharks, but it means that these sharks establish long term relationships over many years," said Jo Day from Taronga Zoo, a co-author of the paper.

The Fish Lab at Macquarie studies these shark social interactions by using acoustic tags that identify individual animals when they are within range of a receiver. By analysing the time-stamps, the researchers can tell who hangs out with who and for how long.

"Accurately estimating contacts between animals is critical in ecological studies such as examining social structures, predatorprey interactions or transmission of information and disease. This research sheds light on the social behaviour and movement patterns of sharks generally and will help dispel the 'mindless killer' label these fascinating creatures are all too often lumped with," said Associate Professor Brown.

More information: Does detection range matter for inferring social networks in a benthic shark using acoustic telemetry? Royal Society Open Science. August 2017. dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.170485 Journal information: Royal Society Open Science
Lithium amide-borohydride is a promising candidate for a solid electrolyte. The crystalline structure of this material consists of two sub-lattices, shown in different colors. Under appropriate conditions, lithium ions (red), normally found in the elementary cells of only one sub-lattice (yellow), move to the empty cells of the second sub-lattice (blue) where they can freely propagate. Credit: IFJ PAN

Many mobile devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which could be smaller, lighter, safer and more efficient if the liquid electrolytes they contain were replaced by solids. A promising candidate for a solid-state electrolyte is a new class of materials based on lithium compounds, presented by physicists from Switzerland and Poland.

Commercially available lithium-ion batteries consist of two electrodes connected by a liquid electrolyte. This electrolyte makes it difficult for engineers to reduce the size and weight of the battery. Additionally, they are subject to leakage; the lithium in the exposed electrodes then comes into contact with oxygen in the air and undergoes self-ignition. This issue caused the full grounding of Dreamliner flights, a spectacular example of the problems brought about by the use of modern lithium-ion batteries.

Laboratories have been searching for solid materials capable of replacing liquid electrolytes for years. The most popular candidates include compounds in which lithium ions are surrounded by sulphur or oxygen ions. However, in the journal Advanced Energy Materials, a Swiss-Polish team of scientists has presented a new class of ionic compounds where the charge carriers are lithium ions moving in an environment of amine (NH2) and tetrahydroborate (BH4) ions. The experimental part of the research project was carried out at Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology in Dubendorf, and at the University of Geneva (UG), led by Prof. Zbigniew Lodziana from the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IFJ PAN) in Cracow.

"We were dealing with lithium amide-borohydride, a substance previously regarded as an inadequate ionic conductor. This compound is made by milling two constituents in a ratio of one to three. To date, nobody has ever tested what happens to ionic conductivity when the proportions between these constituents are changed. We were the first to do so, and it turned out that by reducing the number of NH2 groups to a certain limit, we could significantly improve the conductivity. It increases so much that it becomes comparable to the conductivity of liquid electrolytes," says Prof. Lodziana.

This huge boost in ionic conductivity opens up a new, unexplored direction in the search for a solid-state electrolyte. Previously, the focus was almost exclusively on changes in the composition of the chemical substance. It has now become apparent that at the stage of production of the compound, a the proportions of the ingredients used to manufacture them are key.

"Our lithium amide-borohydride is a representative of a promising new class of solid-state electrolyte materials. However, it will be some time before batteries built on such compounds come into use. For example, there should be no chemical reactions between the electrolyte and the electrodes leading to their degradation. This problem is still waiting for an optimal solution," says Prof. Lodziana.

The research prospects are promising. The scientists did not confine themselves simply to characterizing the physico-chemical properties of the new material. The compound was used as an electrolyte in a typical Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 half-cell. The half-cell performed well in tests of depletion and recharging, proving stable over 400 cycles. The researchers have taken promising steps toward resolving another important issue. The lithium amide-borohydride described in the publication exhibited excellent ionic conductivity only at about 40 C. In the most recent experiments, this has already been lowered below room temperature.

Theoretically, however, the new material remains a challenge. Previously, researchers have constructed models for substances in which the lithium ions move in an atomic environment. In the new material, ions move among light molecules that adjust their orientation to ease the lithium movement.

"In the proposed model, the excellent ionic conductivity is a consequence of the specific construction of the crystalline lattice of the tested material. This network in fact consists of two sub-lattices. It turns out that the lithium ions are present here in the elementary cells of only one sub-lattice. However, the diffusion barrier between the sub-lattices is low. Under appropriate conditions, the ions thus travel to the second, empty sub-lattice, where they can move quite freely," explains Prof. Lodziana.

This explains only some of the observed features of the new material. The mechanisms responsible for its high conductivity are certainly more complex. Further study should significantly accelerate the search for optimal compounds for a solid-state electrolyte and consequently shorten the process of commercialization of new power sources that are most likely to revolutionize portable electronics.

More information: Yigang Yan et al, A Lithium Amide-Borohydride Solid-State Electrolyte with Lithium-Ion Conductivities Comparable to Liquid Electrolytes, Advanced Energy Materials (2017). DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201700294 Journal information: Advanced Energy Materials

Provided by The Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences
The image visualizes a string of trapped ions that start interacting with each other. A complex many-particle quantum state (psi)emerges as a result of these interactions. The state can be reconstructed by carrying out measurements on groups of neighbouring ions. Credit: IQOQI Innsbruck/Harald Ritsch

Physicsts are developing quantum simulators, to help solve problems that are beyond the reach of conventional computers. However, they first need new tools to ensure that the simulators work properly. Innsbruck researchers around Rainer Blatt and Christian Roos, together with researchers from the Universities of Ulm and Strathclyde, have now implemented a new technique in the laboratory that can be used to efficiently characterize the complex states of quantum simulators. The technique, called matrix product state tomography, could become a new standard tool for characterizing quantum simulators.

Many phenomena in the quantum world cannot be investigated directly in the laboratory, and even supercomputers fail when trying to simulate them. However, scientists are now able to control various quantum systems in the laboratory very precisely and these systems can be used to simulate other quantum systems. Such Quantum Simulators are therefore considered to be one of the first concrete applications of the second quantum revolution.

However, the characterization of large quantum states, which is necessary to guide the development of large-scale quantum simulators, proves to be difficult. The current gold standard for quantum-state characterization in the laboratory - quantum-state tomography - is only suitable for small quantum systems composed of a handful of quantum particles. Researchers from the Institute of Experimental Physics at the University of Innsbruck and the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences have now established a new method in the laboratory that can be used to efficiently characterize large quantum states.

A collaborative effort

In ion traps, charged atoms (ions) are cooled to temperatures close to absolute zero and manipulated with the aid of lasers. Such systems represent a promising approach to performing quantum simulations that can go beyond the capabilities of modern supercomputers. The Innsbruck quantum physicists are amongst the world leaders in this field and can currently entangle 20 or more ions in their traps. In order to fully characterize such large quantum systems, they need new methods. For this, theorists around Martin Plenio from the University of Ulm, Germany, came to their aid. In 2010, the Plenio team proposed a new method for the characterization of complex quantum states called matrix-product-state tomography. Using this method, the state of a group of entangled quantum particles can be estimated precisely without the effort increasing dramatically as the number of particles in the group is increased. In collaboration with the teams around Martin Plenio from Ulm and Andrew Daley from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, the Innsbruck experimental physicists around Christian Roos, Ben Lanyon and Christine Maier have now implemented this procedure in the laboratory.

More efficient measurements

As a test case, the physicists built a quantum simulator with up to 14 quantum bits (atoms), that was first prepared in a simple initial state without quantum correlations. Next, the researchers entangled the atoms with laser light and observed the dynamical propagation of entanglement in the system. "With the new method, we can determine the quantum state of the whole system by measuring only a small fraction of the system properties," says START prize winner Ben Lanyon. The theorists around Martin Plenio took the characterization of the global quantum state from the measured data: "The method is based on the fact that we can theoretically describe locally-distributed entanglement well and can now also measure it in the laboratory."

When the work group of Rainer Blatt realized the first quantum byte in 2005, more than 6,000 measurements were required for the characterization of the quantum state, taken over a period of ten hours. The new method requires only 27 measurements to characterise the same size system, taken over around 10 minutes. "We were able to show that this method can be used to identify large and complex quantum states efficiently," says Christine Maier, a team member from Innsbruck. Now the scientists want to further develop the algorithms so that they can also be used flexibly by other research groups.

New gold standard

The new method allows the complete characterization of systems containing large numbers of correlated quantum particles and thus provides a comparison option for quantum simulations. "We can use the new technique to calibrate quantum simulators, by comparing the states that we find in the lab with the ones expected from analytical calculations," explains Christian Roos. "Then we know if the simulator does what we want." The new method offers physicians a tool for many applications and could become a new standard for quantum simulations.

More information: B. P. Lanyon et al. Efficient tomography of a quantum many-body system, Nature Physics (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nphys4244 Journal information: Nature Physics
Voyager 2 image of the Uranian moons Portia, Cressida, and Ophelia. Credit: NASA

(Phys.org)A trio of researchers, two with the University of Idaho, the other with Wellesley College, has found evidence suggesting that two pairs of Uranus's moons are on a collision course. Robert Chancia, Matthew Hedman and Richard French have uploaded a paper describing their observations to the arXiv preprint server.

Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun and the third largest. Prior research has suggested that it is, like Neptune, an ice giant (as compared to gas giants). It has also been found to have the chilliest atmosphere among all the planets in the solar system. And it has both a ring system and multiple satellites27 in all. The satellites orbiting the planet are believed to be very low mass compared to the moons of the other planets, and some of them, according to this latest research, are on a collision course that will shatter them into small bits.

The researchers report that they were studying the planet's rings, which are collectively called Eta, and discovered that they had an oddly shaped orbitnot round or even circular. Instead, they describe it as sort of triangular. More study showed that the odd orbit of the rings was due to gravitational pull from Cressidaone of the planet's moons. The gravitational impact is exaggerated, they note, due to the moon keeping pace with the orbit of the planet. The particles in the ring, on the other hand, move faster than the moon. This results in the moon tugging on the ring at as it passes by, causing the odd orbital shape. The tug exerted by the moon on the rings allowed the team to deduce its mass. They found that it is around 1/300,000th that of our own moon. Also, it has only 86 percent of the density of water, which indicates it is porous.

In studying the orbits of the moons, the researchers found that Cressida is on a path that will cause it to collide with another moon called Desdemona, which currently moves in an orbit just 900 kilometers from Cressida's. The gravity of Cressida is slowly pulling them closer together and will cause them to crash into one another in approximately 1 million years. They also found the same to be true for Cupid and Belinda, which will collide sometime later.

The researchers note that material in the inner rings around Uranus appears likely to be the remnants of other moons that were destroyed when they collided.

More information: Weighing Uranus' moon Cressida with the  ring, arXiv:1708.07566 [astro-ph.EP] arxiv.org/abs/1708.07566 Abstract

The  ring is one of the narrow rings of Uranus, consisting of a dense core that is 1-2 km wide and a diffuse outer sheet spanning about 40 km. Its dense core lies just exterior to the 3:2 Inner Lindblad Resonance of the small moon Cressida. We fit the  ring radius residuals and longitudes from a complete set of both ground-based and Voyager stellar and radio occultations of the Uranian rings spanning 1977-2002. We find variations in the radial position of the  ring that are likely generated by this resonance, and take the form of a 3-lobed structure rotating at an angular rate equal to the mean motion of the moon Cressida. The amplitude of these radial oscillations is 0.6670.113 km, which is consistent with the expected shape due to the perturbations from Cressida. The magnitude of these variations provides the first measurement of the mass and density of the moon Cressida (m=2.50.41017 kg and =0.860.16 g/cm3) or, indeed, any of Uranus' small inner moons. A better grasp of inner Uranian satellite masses will provide another clue to the composition, dynamical stability, and history of Uranus' tightly packed system of small moons. Journal information: arXiv

 2017 Phys.org
Grevy's zebras were part of the exclosure experiment at the Mpala Research Center in Kenya. Credit: Georgia Titcomb

Around the world, ticks are one of the most important vectors of zoonotic diseasesanimal diseases communicable to humansand they're everywhere.

While North Americans worry about Lyme disease carried by blacklegged or deer ticks, on the other side of the globe, people contend with a different variety of tick-borne fevers. A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers and colleagues suggests that the abundance of ticks that carry certain fevers are likely to rise in the future, thanks to a combination of wildlife loss and climate change.

The study used a large-scale experimental test to demonstrate synergistic effects of those phenomena on ticks and their pathogens. The investigators found that total tick abundance and abundance of infected ticks increased dramatically when large animals were lostand that this effect was exacerbated in dryer, low-productivity areas. Their analysis appears in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

"Our research suggests that large mammal conservation may prevent increases in tick abundance and tick-borne disease risk," said lead author Georgia Titcomb, a graduate student in UCSB's Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB). "These results are timely and relevant in light of widespread wildlife declines and unpredictable regional climatic shifts in a steadily warming world."

For their investigation, the scientists used a long-term, size-selective herbivore exclosure experiment at the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya to examine impacts to the abundance of ticks and two regionally important tick-borne pathogens, Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp., the causative agents of Q fever and spotted fevers, respectively.

The experiment included four plot treatments. The first excluded all but the smallest rodent-sized herbivores, mostly mice; the second permitted intermediate-size animals such as hares and small antelope. In the third treatment, all animals but mega- herbivores such as giraffes and elephants were allowed to penetrate the plot. The control had no animal restrictions. The researchers spend more than a year conducting monthly hour-long tick drags in each plot.

The results showed that total wildlife exclusion increased total tick abundance by 130 percent at sites with a moderate amount of moisture and by 225 percent at dry, low-productivity sites. For a subset of months when differing degrees of exclusion were tested, total tick abundance increased from 170 percent in the plot with mega-herbivores to 360 percent when all large wildlife were excluded.

"This suggests that exposure risk will respond to wildlife loss and climate change in proportion to total tick abundance," said co-author Hillary Young, an EEMB associate professor and Titcomb's adviser. "We've shown these interacting effects increase disease risk, but they also highlight the need to incorporate ecological context when making predictions about the effects of wildlife loss on zoonotic disease dynamics."

More information: Georgia Titcomb et al. Interacting effects of wildlife loss and climate on ticks and tick-borne disease, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2017). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0475 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B
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Mike Manders was out of town when his 2 -year-old daughter, Michelle, disappeared from her bedroom in the middle of the night in October 1981.

It wasnt unusual for Mike to be away. His job installing and repairing electron microscopes required almost constant travel, and he rarely slept at his familys Watertown duplex except on weekends.

As a result, Mikes wife, Jan, was something of a single parent to Michelle and her siblings, who were both under 4 when she was born.

Raising three young children largely on her own wasnt easy for Jan, who was just 19 when she and Mike married. Michelles free spirit, in particular, posed challenges.

Family Photo Michelle Manders disappeared from her family's home in Watertown in 1981. Her body was found in the Rock River 22 days later.

Blue-eyed, blonde and slightly bow-legged, Michelle sought adventure from the time she learned to crawl.

She feared almost nothing  except the dark. Sometimes, even though she had been put to sleep in her own room, Michelle would end up in Jans bed by the morning.

One night, Jan stayed awake to figure out how the toddler was escaping from her crib. As the young mother watched in the glow of a night light, her daughter wiggled some loose slats from the rail, worked them free and slid them out, careful to replace them afterward.

A bit of wood glue put a stop to that, and by her mothers recollection, Michelle was not happy about it.

Once Michelle started walking, she romped around the backyard with her brother and sister and played in a fort theyd built not far from the railroad tracks behind their home. Sometimes she turned up on a neighbors porch, her mother nowhere in sight.

One afternoon, Jan walked out of the kitchen for a minute while Michelle was eating lunch. When Jan returned, the back door was wide open and Michelle was gone.

Jan called the police, who quickly found the toddler at the end of the block with the familys dog, Boomer, and their tiger-striped cat.

Her daughter couldnt figure out why she was so upset, Jan recalled. Michelle simply wanted to know where the animals would go.

Family photo A family photo shows Michelle Manders and her older siblings, Christopher and Jennifer, in the back yard of the their home.

It took Jan longer than usual to get Michelle to sleep on the night of Oct. 13, 1981.

Perhaps the little girl was too excited about her new pink footie pajamas. Perhaps she was wound up from all the sugar in her chocolate shake, the one her mom bought her during a rare dinner at Burger King a few hours earlier.

Whatever the reason, Jan had to pry Michelles hug from around her neck before tucking the toddler into the big-girl bed in the room she shared with her sister.

The next morning, Michelle was gone.

When a child goes missing, hours  or even minutes  can be the difference between life and death.

The passage of time allows an abductor to get farther and farther away. Witnesses can forget small details or think up stories to cover for someone. A perpetrator can destroy evidence, or weather can degrade it.

Even if it isnt a kidnapping, every passing moment holds new risks for accidents or encounters with unsavory characters.

To increase the odds of finding missing children alive, federal law now requires police to put information about them into a national database within two hours.

That law wasnt yet on the books when Michelle disappeared more than 35 years ago.

Back then, local departments could decide for themselves when and if they needed help finding missing kids.

For more than 24 hours, the Watertown police worked Michelles case on their own. Despite launching a round-the-clock search, they found just one clue that day. An officer spotted Jans purse in an alley about a block from the familys duplex, its contents strewn on the ground.

There was no wallet among them.

As it turned out, the wallet hadnt been stolen. Jan told police shed stashed it in a drawer, along with the rent shed recently collected from the upstairs tenants and a wad of bills from cashing her nurses aide paycheck.

The first cop on the scene was kind of lost, according to Richard Reynolds, who was serving as Watertown police chief at the time.

He didn't have much to go on," Reynolds recalled. "And the girl just seemed to disappear from the house and he just didn't have any idea where to look.

After a day had passed with no sign of Michelle, the Watertown police called the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Another day went by before the state called the FBI.

As state and federal authorities swooped in to take over the investigation, Watertown officials stayed focused on the search.

Police and firefighters trekked across the uneven grassland behind the Manders duplex, around a railroad service building and over the sharp ballast stones to the tracks.

They paced up and down the rail line looking for clues.

Every day, they climbed into boats and scanned the shoreline of the Rock River, which wound through the city.
Asylum seekers and refugees held in a remote Pacific camp were Wednesday awarded Aus$70 million ($56 million) for being illegally detained and treated negligently, in Australia's largest human rights class action settlement. Canberra sends asylum seekers who try to reach Australia by boat to facilities on Nauru in the Pacific and Papua New Guinea's Manus Island, where they are blocked from resettlement in Australia. But conditions in the camps have been widely criticised by doctors and refugee advocates, who say some asylum seekers have suffered mental health problems due to their prolonged detention. A deal was struck in June to avoid a trial, more than three years after lawyers mounted the class action against the government and two service providers operating at Manus. The compensation package was approved by Victoria's Supreme Court on Wednesday. Nauru was not involved in the legal case. "I am satisfied that the settlement is fair and reasonable as between the parties," Justice Cameron Macaulay told the court. The Manus centre is due to shut next month after a PNG Supreme Court ruling last year declared that holding people there was unconstitutional. Lawyers for the group participating in the settlement said they hoped to get the compensation to them before the closure. "The response rate we have had so far has been very good. The sign-up rate speaks for itself. People have voted with their feet here," Rory Walsh of law firm Slater and Gordon told reporters in Melbourne. Some 70 percent, or 1,346, of the 1,923 detainees held at the centre from November 2012 to December 2014 joined the class action. "The group is engaging with us and they are keen to get this approved and to get some compensation to them so they can get some certainty given the significant uncertainty that lies ahead for this group at large," Walsh added. But one detainee, Iranian refugee Amir Taghinia, said he had opted out of the agreement and that it would not help him leave Manus Island. "Getting that money is not the issue," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Wednesday. "We are still in the same situation, we are still suffering from the same conditions." The government, which had no immediate comment, has said it will move the asylum seekers and refugees from the Manus camp by October when it closes. Some will be relocated to third countries, or resettled elsewhere in PNG.
Poor Haitians have been left to face the fury of Hurricane Irma alone as authorities in Cap-Haitien showed little sign Wednesday of preparing for what forecasters say could be a catastrophic event. Irma, a Category Five storm with 185 mile-an-hour (300 kilometers per hour) winds, is on track to swipe Haiti's northern coast Thursday, but few Haitians in its path have been warned that it's coming. "It's thanks to word of mouth that we always learn about these things," said Josue Rosse, as he crouched next to a tree trunk that he was digging out to make boat. "We live on the edge of the sea but no one in authority has come to tell us what's what," he said. Residents of Shada, a poor community on the banks of the Mapou river, also were surprised to learn that a major storm was headed their way. "I didn't know a hurricane was coming, because we don't get electricity here, so we can't get the news," said Jacquie Pierre, pointing to a small television set covered with a placemat. Since the start of the year, the 25-year-old's house has been flooded twice. The prospect of a hurricane terrifies her. "I am afraid, not just for my life or my children's, but for everyone, for every Haitian. We are like a family," she says, tightly hugging her three-year-old daughter. Overhearing this, her neighbor Pierre Valmy sticks his head out of his house, a rustic cabin built from wooden planks and metal sheeting. "If you say a big hurricane is coming here, then it's the end of the world for us," he despaired, turning his gaze to the ground. - Lack of shelter - The US National Hurricane Center forecasts tropical storm conditions to begin on the north coast of Haiti on Wednesday night, escalating into full-blown hurricane conditions on Thursday. On the outskirts of Cap-Haitien, Haiti's second largest city, the emergency operations center has yet to launch a public information campaign because they are still doing an inventory of available equipment and personnel. A UN stabilization mission known as Minustah ended in mid-October, and peacekeepers withdrew with the heavy equipment that had been used routinely in responding to seasonal floods in the Cap-Haitien region. "We no longer have the support of Minustah and there aren't many NGOs involved in risk management in the department, which makes for a difficult situation," said Jean-Henri Petit, the technical coordinator for civil protection in Haiti's Department of the North, of which Cap-Haitien is the capital. In Port-au-Prince, 120 miles (200 kilometers) from Cap-Haitien, Haiti's civil protection director Jerry Chandler is trying to accelerate the public information campaign and prepositioning of emergency supplies. "I don't know what is happening," he said. "Since last week, local committees had received instructions to inform the population. We are going to reinforce the media campaign," he said. In Cap Haitien, fisherman Hilaire Felix blames corruption for the official indifference and massive poverty. "When something like this happens, they are happy because they've amassed a lot of money. They say they are going to help the poor but no help arrives, ever," he said, emphatically. More than a million people live in the storm's path, but there are only three ambulances in the whole Department of the North. Gullies and drainage channels are choked with garbage because there is no systematic trash collection. At the operations center, the dearth of emergency supplies is cruelly evident. More worrisome still is the lack of shelters. Ninety percent of the houses in Cap-Haitien have sheet metal roofing incapable of withstanding powerful winds. - 'No place to go' - "We have learned lessons from Matthew and we are going to direct people to shelters for their protection," said Petit, referring to the Category Four storm that ravaged southern Haiti in October last year. But as there are not enough shelters, the authorities also intend to advise people that their best bet may be to take refuge with family or friends who have houses made of concrete. On the banks of the Mapou river, residents of Shada feel completely abandoned by the authorities. "Now that I know a hurricane is approaching, I am going to put my important papers in a plastic sack and tie it to a roof beam because this is my only house and I have no place to go," said Valmy, who has a wife and two children. Aware that the polluted river that flows a few meters away could sweep him and his family away, Valmy is resigned to whatever may come. "In life, we all have a place to die," he says, before leaving to play dominos with friends, briefly mentioning to them the prospect of "bad weather" to come.
A man in Okinawa tragically fell to his death after proposing to his girlfriend on Irabu Bridge. (Screengrab from Nippon TV video)

A romantic proposal went awry when a man fell to his death from a bridge in Japan right after his girlfriend said yes to him.

The 32-year-old had popped the question on Irabu Bridge in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture, but then slipped and fell into the sea, the police said.

The tragic incident occurred at around midnight on 4 September, Japan Today reported.

The couple had driven there in a car and parked near the centre of the bridge. The man, who police said had been drinking, proposed after the two exited the vehicle.

Nippon TV reported that the man jumped onto a ledge at the edge of the bridge after his girlfriend agreed to marry him, before falling off.

She called the police, who launched a search for the man. His body was found seven hours later and he was confirmed dead at the hospital.

Other stories:
Workers Party chair Sylvia Lim spoke at a rally at Bedok Stadium on 9 September 2015. (Yahoo file photo)

Aljunied GRC Member of Parliament Sylvia Lim will not get to speak on the reserved presidential election (PE) at the upcoming Parliamentary sitting on Monday (11 September).

In a Facebook post on Tuesday (5 September), the Workers Party (WP) said that Lim had filed an adjournment motion on the matter on 28 August. An adjournment motion entitles an MP to speak for up to 20 minutes on his or her subject matter.

On 30th August Parliament notified MPs that there were two other adjournment motions filed on 29th August, namely Community Sentencing and Other Rehabilitative Options by Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok) and The Future of National Service by Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang). MPs were further advised that the adjournment motions filed would be subject to ballot under Standing Order 2(8)(d).

We wish to inform everyone that at the ballot conducted today (Tuesday), the topic by Mr Murali Pillai was picked. Accordingly, Ms Sylvia Lim would not be able to speak on her adjournment motion on 11th September, the WP post said.

Last month, the WP said that it was filing the adjournment motion in the wake of intense public discussion and a court case on the reserved presidential election. Its Facebook post on the matter was entitled Counting from President Wee Kim Wee or President Ong Teng Cheong for Reserved Presidential Election  Policy Decision or Legal Question.

On 23 August, former presidential candidate Tan Cheng Bocks appeal against a High Court ruling on his constitutional challenge to the timing of the reserved PE was dismissed by the Apex Court. Tan had argued that the term count that triggered the reserved election was flawed, as it started from then-president Wee, who was not an elected president.

This years presidential election is reserved for Malay candidates, following constitutional amendments in 2016 to reserve an election for a particular racial group that has not been represented in the office for five consecutive terms. Tan maintained that the term count should have started from Ong, an argument that was rejected by the courts.

Story continues

But the Apex Court agreed with the High Court that there is nothing in the text or textual context, which limits Parliaments power by requiring Parliament to start the term count from the term of office of a popularly elected President.

Related stories:

COMMENT: Is this the end of the road for Tan Cheng Bock?

Tan Cheng Bock appeal: Arguments on whether Wee Kim Wee was Elected President dominate

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Pope Francis landed in Colombia on Wednesday to plead for lasting peace in a country moving towards the end of a half-century war, and praying for stability in its crisis-stricken neighbor Venezuela. The 80-year-old Argentine pontiff descended from his plane at a military airport in Bogota and was greeted by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and a crowd waving white handkerchiefs. Children in white outfits and red neckerchiefs performed a Colombian "cumbia" dance as Francis greeted the crowd, including civilians and army veterans injured in the conflict. Smiling, he climbed aboard a white Popemobile which took him through the city center amid deafening cheers from admirers lining the route to the papal mission, the Nunciatura. There he recited a Hail Mary and a blessing to assembled youths, who responded with a rap and breakdancing. He donned a white wool poncho they gave him as a present. Francis had called ahead of his trip for a "stable and lasting peace" in Colombia. On arrival, he praised local people for their "heroism." "Continue on the path that you have been brave enough to start, which is called heroism," he told the young people. "Don't let yourselves be beaten, don't let yourselves be fooled. Do not lose joy. Do not lose hope." - Peace and concord - Francis's trip follows the disarmament of Colombia's biggest rebel force, the FARC, and a ceasefire by the country's last remaining guerrilla force, the ELN. The pope supports Santos in his drive for a "complete peace" to end Latin America's longest civil war. But Francis's first statements after starting the trip were about Venezuela, where a political and economic crisis has caused food shortages, deadly unrest and calls for President Nicolas Maduro to quit. Francis sent a telegram with "cordial greetings" to Maduro and the Venezuelan people, "praying that all in the nation may promote paths of solidarity, justice and concord." - 'Pope, help Venezuela' - Francine Howard, Colombia coordinator for major Venezuelan opposition party Popular Will, said her compatriots would attend the pope's public masses with signs reading "Pope, help Venezuela." But with respect to Francis's visit, "there is one thing that has made Venezuelans uncomfortable, and that is the call for dialogue" with Maduro's government, she warned. Vatican-mediated talks between Venezuela's government and opposition last year collapsed with the sides accusing each other of bad faith. - Colombian reconciliation - Francis's five-day tour will see him meet people who have suffered on various sides in the Colombian war, Latin America's longest conflict. The violence has left 260,000 people confirmed dead, 60,000 unaccounted for and seven million displaced. "The Holy Father is now in Colombian territory. He has come for a very special purpose: to push us to take the first step to reconciling with one another," Santos told reporters after welcoming Francis. - Divisive peace deal - Despite the pope's blessing, the peace process has been fraught with division. Critics of the accord with the FARC say the rebels got off too lightly. Colombians narrowly rejected that peace deal in a referendum last year. Francis then tried unsuccessfully to mediate between Santos and the lead opponent of the accord, conservative leader Alvaro Uribe. A reworked version was later pushed through Congress despite Uribe's ongoing resistance. - Faith in peace - On Thursday Francis will meet with Santos and Venezuelan Catholic leaders. He will then make daily excursions by plane to the cities of Villavicencio, Medellin and Cartagena. In Villavicencio, he will preside over a prayer for national reconciliation with victims of violence, former guerrilla members and ex-military fighters. Among those gathered to see the pope arrive in Bogota was Alva Marina Quinones, member of an association for victims of the conflict. Her husband and brother were killed and she was raped. "I know that the pope can sense our history, so I have a lot of faith that his arrival here will change us and speed up the process" of peace, she said.
United Nations war crimes investigators said Wednesday that they had evidence Syrian government forces were behind a chemical attack which killed dozens of people in Khan Sheikhun in April. In the first UN report to officially blame Damascus, the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria said it had gathered an "extensive body of information" showing that the Syrian airforce was behind the horrific sarin gas attack on April 4. "All evidence available leads the commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhun," the report said. At least 83 people, a third of them children, were killed and nearly 300 wounded in the attack on Khan Sheikhun, a town in the opposition-held northern province of Idlib, it said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, has previously given a death toll of at least 87. Syria's government has denied involvement and claims it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender its chemical arsenal. A fact-finding mission by the UN's chemical watchdog, the OPCW, concluded earlier this year that sarin gas was used in the attack, but did not assign blame. A joint UN-OPCW panel is currently working to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack. - Significant evidence - But Wednesday's report is the first from the UN to officially lay the blame for the attack on Damascus. The report also found the Syrian government responsible for at least 23 other chemical attacks in the war-ravaged country since March 2013. The investigators, who were never granted access to Syria, said they based their findings on photographs of bomb remnants, satellite imagery and eyewitness testimony. They determined that a Su-22 fighter bomber, which is operated only by the Syrian air force, conducted four airstrikes in Khan Sheikhun at around 6:45 am on April 4. "The commission identified three of the bombs as likely OFAB-100-120 and one as a chemical bomb," the report said, adding that "photographs of weapon remnants depict a chemical aerial bomb of a type manufactured in the former Soviet Union." The investigators said they had found no evidence supporting Syrian and Russian claims that the chemicals had been released when an air strike hit an opposition weapons depot in the area producing chemical munitions. Their report, which covers the period from March 1 to July 7, also found that Syrian government forces had carried out chemical attacks on at least three other occasions since March -- in Idlib, Hamah and eastern Ghouta -- using weaponised chlorine. - No prosecutions so far - The report is the 14th from the Commission of Inquiry, which has been tasked with detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed more than 330,000 people since 2011. But despite documenting information about dozens of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity, the commission's work has not yet led to any prosecutions. That has fuelled criticism and questions about the panel's usefulness, including from commission member Carla Del Ponte, who announced last month she was quitting, citing the failure to secure indictments. Reacting to Wednesday's finding, Human Rights Watch said that "those responsible for chemical attacks in Syria have faced no real consequences." "As evidence mounts, both the UN Security Council and the OPCW should take concrete measures to increase the pressure on the Syrian government to end the use of chemical weapons and to hold those responsible to account." But Moscow, a main supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, denounced the report as "amateurish, propagandistic, and not professional or impartial." "Despite claiming depth and even some scientific expertise, it is very superficial and this becomes evident when you read it," the foreign ministry's weapons proliferation chief Mikhail Ulyanov told the Interfax news service. Security Council permanent member Russia -- which supports Damascus militarily -- has consistently fended off accusations that the Syrian regime was responsible for a chemical weapons attack at Khan Sheikhun.
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Back in the day, when it was time to find a manufacturer for your product, finding the information and contacts you needed was a challenge. Nowadays, in our interconnected online world, theres a wealth of information available. You just need to know where to look. To help you get a jump-start on your search, weve gathered the best online resources for you to find a manufacturer for your product.

Before you start making phone calls however, you should take the time to do the preliminary work needed to answer the questions prospective manufacturers are going to ask. This work includes: designing your product, building a prototype to shake out all the kinks and prove your product works as designed, and protecting your idea by getting the patent process underway. Youll find resources for all these steps below.

Ready? Lets roll up our sleeves and begin.

Online Resources for Designing Your Product

The first step is to design your product. While its likely youve already done this when you thought up the idea, it helps to get professional input so your product is what you envision while also being easy, or at least feasible, for a manufacturer to produce.

Enter the industrial designers. These folks are pros at helping you design your product so it both matches your vision and meets manufacturing standards. Whats more, they can provide design drawings and documentation, both of which will be useful when its time to find a manufacturer.

Use these online resources to find the industrial designer whos right for you:

Core77 Design Firm Directory

Created in cooperation with Bloomberg Businessweek, the Core77 Design Firm Directory is a great place to start your search for an industrial designer and other professionals who can help prepare your product for manufacture.

The site lets you search by type of professional, location and even budget  a critical concern for small businesses.

The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA)

The IDSA provides a directory of members broken down by state (and sometimes city). Unlike Core77s search, its more difficult to quickly focus in on exactly the type of resource you need. That said, you will find plenty of industrial designer listings here.

Elance

Elance is a well-known online marketplace for hiring freelance professionals. They have a section devoted to product design and CAD freelancers, complete with past project reviews and other useful information.

Online Resources for Creating a Prototype

Next its time to go from paper to reality by building a prototype. This is sometimes called, proof of concept because youre essentially validating that your design can be produced and that it looks and operates as designed.

If the design doesnt pan out, you need to head back to the drawing board for some redesign. It may be frustrating, but this step can save the time and effort of revising your patent application later.

Use these online resources to find the prototype creating pros.

ThomasNet

Though ThomasNet is best known for its online US manufacturer listings (well talk about them again when its time to find a manufacturer for your product below), they also provide listings for other types of services, one being prototype creation. Head on over and look for this preliminary search to get you started.

JobShop.com

JobShop.com is another directory that will be discussed below. However, like ThomasNet, they also list folks who produce prototypes.

IndustryNet

Finally, our third resource for prototype producers is IndustryNet. As with the previous two resources, this site includes many types of suppliers including a handy selection of prototyping professionals.

Online Resources for Patenting Your Product

Once you have a well-documented design and a working prototype, its time to apply for a patent. Having either a Patent Pending or Patent Applied For label in the documentation you send to manufacturers makes it much harder for another company to steal ownership of your idea. The patent office already has your proof of ownership in your patent application.

Use these online resources to apply for your patent:

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

The USPTO is where all the patent action goes down. The site is a veritable goldmine of information, making it the perfect resource for any questions you may have. If youre preparing your own patent application, youll also find information on how to do so as well as the form youll need to use.

The United States Patent and Trademark Offices Patent Attorney/Agent Search

Preparing a patent application on your own can be a daunting task. So it may be time to have someone else dotting your Is and crossing your Ts. For just that reason, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides a handy search tool for finding a licensed patent attorney or agent near you.

Online Resources to Find a Manufacturer for Your Product

Now that you have a well-designed, patent-pending prototype, its time to look at online manufacturer resources. This is the moment weve been working towards so lets get started.

Online Resources to Find A Manufacturer for Your Product  North America

ThomasNet

As noted above, ThomasNet is the ultimate product sourcing and supplier discovery platform. With almost 5,000 manufacturer listings, youre bound to discover one that can produce your product.

Did we mention that its free?

Makers Row

Claiming to offer, factory sourcing made easy, Makers Row is an attractive site and powerful under the hood. There are lots of ways to search for manufacturers on this site, though using the system does require a free registration. For more advanced features, a monthly fee is required.

IndustryNet

IndustryNet provides listings for many service categories above and beyond the previously noted prototype makers. From manufacturers to consultants and software providers, youll find enough links to keep you busy for a while.

JobShop.com

Last but not least in our list of North American manufacturer resources, JobShop.com offers over 400 product and service categories to search. Unlike IndustryNet, there are less non-manufacturing listings, such as the prototype categories noted earlier. But sometimes less is more when you need to focus in and find a manufacturer for your product.

Online Resources to Find A Manufacturer for Your Product  Beyond North America

Whether its because of unit cost, production capacity or speed to market, youre more likely to find a manufacturer for your product more quickly if you broaden your search beyond North America.

At first glance it may look like some of the sites in this section offer only finished products for sale. However, dig a bit deeper and youll find that many of the listed exporters also make products for small businesses like yours. That said, youll also find straight-up manufacturer directories here as well.

Alibaba

One of the most well known resources in this list, Alibaba is a site on which you can spend a lot of time. With thousands of listings in hundreds of categories, finding a manufacturer for your product wont be a snap, but you can definitely do it here.

MFG.com

MFG.com is one of the easiest-to-use resources included in this list. Youll find straightforward categorization of over a hundred manufacturing disciplines on this site and listings that include manufacturers from almost every country in the world.

Bizbilla

Bizbilla offers a broad range of listings ranging from manufacturers to wholesalers, agents and more. Theres also a product tab that can be used to find manufacturers as well.

Global Sources

While it looks like they list only end products available for export, Global Sources does contain tons of manufacturer listings. It might take a bit of digging, but the results may well be worth the hunt.

HKTDC

Focusing exclusively on Hong Kong, China and Taiwan based companies, HKTDC offers not only manufacturer listings but many other types of service listings as well. One tip: to focus in on manufacturers, choose a product category and then in the right column of the category page, click on the Manufacturer box under the Business Type header.

Think Outside of the Box

Quirky

Finally, if you want to skip the manufacturer search altogether, then check out Quirky. Theyve set up a unique system where you can submit product ideas and the ones that get the most votes (and meet their specifications) get designed, produced and sold on their site.

Now thats a great idea.

Manufacturing a product of your own can be a challenge, especially if its something youve never tried before with your business. Hopefully, this list of resources will make it easier to bring your concept to life for your customers.
Influencer marketing has made a huge impact on a lot of B2C businesses. But B2B businesses shouldnt feel left out. The strategy has a lot of applications for businesses that offer products or services to other businesses as well, though it might look a bit different.

Lee Odden is the CEO of TopRank Marketing, a B2B marketing agency that offers influencer marketing services. Odden will also be offering his expertise at the upcoming Influencer Marketing Days event in New York City. His keynote speech is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26 at 10 a.m.

B2B Influencer Marketing Tips

Odden shared some tips and insights for B2B businesses in a recent phone interview with Small Business Trends. Here are some key takeaways about B2B influencer marketing for small businesses.

Dont Treat it Like B2C Influencer Marketing

When you think of influencer marketing, you probably picture popular YouTube personalities working with beauty brands or other consumer focused brands working with celebrities. But B2B influencer marketing doesnt necessarily look like that. The general concept is the same. But the influencers, the type of content and the rest of the process can differ quite a bit.

Odden told Small Business Trends, The difference between B2B and B2C influencer marketing is the difference in marketing to a consumer buying an impulse product and someone paying a million dollars for software. The sales cycle is different. And content is a part of both, but when you go from a 6 to 18 month sales cycle theres a lot more opportunity for content consumption.

Determine Who Your Influencers Are

Before you actually get started with B2B influencer marketing campaigns, you need to figure out who the popular influencers in your industry actually are. Odden says that when working with B2B brands on influencer campaigns, this is one of the first topics he usually addresses. And often, brands dont have a great handle on who the main influencers are or what they want to accomplish.

To identify some influencers you want to work with, you can simply talk to your customers and people in your industry. You can use social media, especially Twitter search, to find people talking about your specific products or service areas. Or you can invest in tools like BuzzSumo to find specific individuals for upcoming campaigns.

Choose Specific Topics of Influence

You also need to be very specific about the topics where your influencers actually hold influence. If you have a software company, for instance, dont just identify general tech influencers. Think about the product you want to promote and find the people who have influence on that particular topic and with the decision makers who are likely to actually purchase such a product. For instance, if youre releasing a new bookkeeping software, focus your efforts on individuals who have influence with finance managers.

Create a Plan for Content

Then of course you need an idea of what form the content you create will take. There are so many options for this. You can opt for written content, video content, infographics or some kind of interactive content.

Odden says, If you can co-create or collaborate on a topic with relevant influencers, the outcome is some form of content theyve formed or youve formed together. And they can then promote that to their audience. And if its really cool then theyre going to be proud and inspired to promote that content.

Offer Something Noteworthy

Theres nothing wrong with creating content that fits into a popular format. But you can potentially create even more buzz for your influencer campaign by making something thats really different.

As an example, Odden pointed to an interactive ebook created by software corporation SAP. The ebook features a really unique interactive format that sets it apart from the standard ebook. For that reason, the company enjoyed a 100 percent share rate among the influencers that participated. Many even shared it more than once, leading to more than 18 million impressions on the content.

Prioritize Long-Term Relationships

When working with influencers, you can create situations that benefit both sides. Of course, your business should benefit by receiving that content and social proof that comes with a third party sharing positives about your brand. But your influencers should also benefit in some way, either through financial compensation or through valuable exposure and opportunities. By creating opportunities that are beneficial to both sides, you should be able to foster relationships that last beyond the initial collaboration.

Start Small If Necessary

Breaking into the world of B2B influencer marketing doesnt need to be costly. Of course, you can spend huge amounts of money on securing big names for lengthy campaigns. But you dont have to go that extreme if you dont have the budget. Instead, Odden suggests simply building influencer marketing into your content and community budget.

To do this, you can integrate microcontent from influencers into your campaigns. This might be something like gathering tips from your social media community to compile into an ebook or interviewing some brand advocates for a video compilation.

From there, you can potentially continue to work with influencers on larger and larger projects where they might put in more effort and you have to dedicate a higher budget. But if you start small, you can develop a system that works for your business and learn some valuable lessons in the process.

Get the Tools You Need to Scale

Odden also added, You cant scale without software. So while its definitely possible to start out small by simply incorporating some influencers into your existing content strategy, youll need to get more serious with your strategy if you hope to keep it going. As you work with a larger number of influencers and dedicate a larger portion of your marketing budget to the strategy, youll need software tools to help you track and organize your campaigns.

***

Like this topic? You can hear more from Lee Odden at Influencer Marketing Days, taking place September 25-26, 2017.

Get 15 percent off admission with our discount code: SBT15

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We respect the court, but our stance toward quotas remains unchanged, says Fico.

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Slovakia sued an EU institution about the redistribution of refugees amid a national election campaign fuelled by anti-migration sentiments. The lawsuit is now dead  but so will the redistribution mechanism soon.

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The Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on September 6, 2017 on the dismissal of two lawsuits, filed by Slovakia and Hungary against the EU Council.

In their suits, the two countries protested the introduction of a quota mechanism to redistribute refugees among EU member states. The EU Council, in its version gathering interior ministers (Justice and Home Affairs Council), passed this decision amid the peak of the migration crisis in September 2015. The Slovak government declared that the Council had violated the principles of institutional balance, legal certainty, representative democracy and proportionality in the process. The ECJ disagreed, ruling that the EU body was entitled to make its decision the way it was made.

The ECJ ruling does not offer any new quality, the court only expressing a different legal opinion, Prime Minister Robert Fico said in his reaction to the news on the dismissed lawsuit. The Slovak government respects the different legal opinion of the court, he added.

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Slovakia and the quotas

The mechanism was adopted in September 2015. At that point, the number of refugees arriving to Italy and Greece were swelling and there was a massive flow of people through the so-called Balkan route, passing also through Hungary. The EU Council decided each member state should take in a certain number of people, based on its quota.

It was meant to relocate a total of 120,000 people. Under the quota mechanism Slovakia should have accepted 652 people from Greece and 250 from Italy. Instead, the nation has accepted 16 refugees as of July 2017, as Interior Minister Robert Kalinak confirmed during the press conference in reaction to the dismissed lawsuit.

Hungary and Poland have not accepted any migrants within the mechanism, while the Czech Republic stopped accepting refugees in August 2016. All three countries, partners of Slovakia within the Visegrad Group, are facing legal action from the European Commission.

Kalinak labelled the quota mechanism "an exceptional failure", and said that it had not worked out and only about 16 percent of refugees were relocated.

Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak commented that developments over the past two years have answered the question of whether the quotas work or not, the TASR newswire quoted him.

Emergency situation

Slovakia officially submitted a lawsuit against the plan on December 2, 2015.

One of the main complaints was that the mandatory quotas were adopted over the resistance of several countries. Four countries voted against the plan at the EU Council: Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Romania. But only Slovakia and Hungary took legal action.

Fico repeatedly labelled the Council decision illegitimate, claiming that it violates the rights of the European Parliament and national parliaments. Slovakia and Hungary insisted in their lawsuits that the quota mechanism should have been passed unanimously, rather than with a simple majority vote.

The ECJ claims that the EU is entitled to making such exceptions in the legislative process, saying that the quotas help relieve the considerable pressure on the asylum systems of Italy and Greece. The EU institutions are entitled "to adopt all provisional measures necessary to respond effectively and swiftly to an emergency situation characterised by the sudden inflow of displaced persons", the court wrote.

"That mechanism actually contributes to enabling Greece and Italy to deal with the impact of the 2015 migration crisis and is proportionate," the ECJ argues.

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The ECJ ruling comes on the heels of the statement of its Advocate General, Yves Bot, who issued a non-binding proposal to dismiss the lawsuits on July 26.

EU core is now in focus

By the time Slovakia filed its lawsuit, the flow of migrants to Europe had slowed down due to the coming winter, and Europe was still reeling in the aftermath of the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris.

In Slovakia, the local political scene was engaged in a heated political campaign ahead of the March 2016 parliamentary election. The anti-migration and anti-refugee rhetoric was part of it. Smers critics, including its current coalition partner Most-Hid, accused the prime minister of exploiting the topic for his political campaign.

In his speeches at the national level, Fico repeatedly branded the refugee relocation quotas as nonsense. Then his government moved to sue the EU Council, Hungary joining afterwards.

Currently, the prime minister mostly stresses that it is necessary for Slovakia to be part of the EU core (regarding talks about a multi-speed Europe).

Fico will look for any sort of deal with the EU, Dariusz Kaan, a Central Europe correspondent based in Bratislava, told The Slovak Spectator. He added that it is a good time to be pro-European in Slovakia, unlike in Hungary, which is going through a tough election campaign. I have no illusions. If Fico were struggling for votes today, he would be the first to sling mud at the EU.

No consequences?

At the September 6 press conference PM Fico merely stressed the fact that the refugee redistribution mechanism expires on September 26, because it was meant as temporary.

He also said that Slovakia is facing no penalties due to its stance against the quotas, and added that the government is determined to seek other ways of expressing solidarity.

"Our stance towards the quotas has not changed," Fico said.

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What was the power of the explosion according to seismographic data?

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The recent nuclear test carried out by North Korea caused seismic waves as far as Slovakia.

The power of the test was proven by the life seismogram of the Kolonicke Sedlo station from September 3, the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) stated on its website.

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The seismic waves were later interpreted at SAVs Earth Science Institute and the analysis showed that the power of the explosion corresponded with the strength of a 6.5 magnitude earthquake, the scientists wrote, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

SAV detected the seismic waves at 3:41 UTC, while the test was expected to be carried out at 12:00 local time (3:20 UTC).

Media reports suggest that North Korea carried out a successful hydrogen bomb test on September 3. According to the local state television, it will be possible to test the device used as the head of a new intercontinental ballistic missile.

The explosion was assumed to have had a power of 50 kilo tonnes of TNT, South Korean military sources claim. It was the sixth and the most massive nuclear test North Korea has carried out since 2006, TASR reported.
The aim is to fill gaps in the labour market.

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Modern dual education in Slovakia should not focus exclusively on the automotive industry and only secondary school students. It is also necessary to educate university students, particularly in the field of modern information technologies, said Deputy Prime Minister for Investments and Informatisation Peter Pellegrini during his visit to the Nitra-based Muhlbauer Technologies.

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This is the way because many IT companies need people with university education, Pellegrini stressed, as quoted by the TASR newswire.

There is a huge demand for qualified workers in the labour market who can find a job in IT firms, he added.

I keep saying and will continue to say that there are only two ways, Pellegrini continued, as quoted by TASR. One of them is that we will immediately start focusing on university school students and will prepare them in IT firms within the dual education system.

The other way is requalification, focusing particularly on those who picked the wrong university and are not working in the field they studied.

There is the possibility of them having the capacity to be requalified to the IT field during a six-month or one-year intensive training and be able to fill the empty positions, Pellegrini said, as quoted by TASR.

It is, however, necessary to find money for requalification. The market is so exhausted that the state needs to invest into people who have job, but could work at a better position, the deputy prime minister stressed. This concerns thousands of young people, he added.

To educate people in the IT field, the state plans to launch a new project financed via EU funds. It wants to establish an IT academy that will educate experts starting from primary schools.

I will not reveal the details, but it will be a big project to be joined by hundreds of primary, secondary schools and universities, and thousands of teachers, Pellegrini said, as quoted by TASR. The project will connect the government, the education sector, the industry and the European Union.
The new procedure is expected to significantly ease the administrative burden.

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The rules for obtaining a non-immigrant visa for Fulbright scholars and specialists from the United States have changed. They do not have to pay a fee for the visa, enabling them to enter as well as work and study in Slovak educational institutions during their exchange programme.

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This stems from the amendment to the bilateral agreement between the United States and Slovakia governing the J. William Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange in the country.

The amendment replaces a previous requirement for visiting American Fulbright grantees to obtain Slovak residency permits, the US Embassy in Slovakia informed in a press release.

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The new procedure is expected to significantly ease the administrative burden on Fulbright scholars and specialists, the Fulbright Commission in Slovakia, and the governments of the United States and Slovakia.

Participants in Fulbright Exchange programs in Slovakia will be able to submit a single visa application at the Slovak Embassy in Washington, DC or the Slovak consulate in New York City. The procedure mirrors that for Slovak participants in Fulbright Exchanges to the United States, who are issued J-1 Exchange Visitor Visas at the US Embassy in Bratislava.

The amendment took effect on July 30, 2017 after nearly a year of negotiations between the representatives of the US Embassy and the Slovak government.

These improvements demonstrate the continuing commitment of the US government and the government of Slovakia to the Fulbright Program and to the exchange of people and ideas between our countries, reads the press release.

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The Fulbright Commission for Educational Exchange in Slovakia is celebrating its 24th year of sponsoring educational and cultural exchanges between the US and Slovakia in 2017. Since 1994, almost 360 Americans have travelled to Slovakia to study, teach, conduct research, exchange ideas, and contribute to finding solutions to common international concerns.

Over 340 Slovaks have done the same in the United States. The Fulbright Program is welcoming 18 Americans to Slovakia, while 15 Slovaks will travel to the US this year.
Research continues at the site of the former military barracks.

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The archaeological survey at the site of former military barracks at Stara Lubovna Castle in the Presov Region is continuing in September.

We have already discovered ordinary table ceramics, fragments of tiled stoves, pipes and many metal materials coming from the 17th-19th centuries, said Zuzana Kasencakova, archaeologist of the museum in Stara Lubovna, as quoted by the SITA newswire.

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The most precious discoveries include a copper button, probably from a soldiers uniform, a bullet from a musket, and coins from the years 1665, 1694, 1767 and 1851, Kasencakova added.

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The archaeologists uncovered remnants of partitions, fallen walls and wooden beams in the eastern part of the castle wall, she continued.

The former military barracks are situated in the third courtyard of the castle and were situated near the eastern wall. The first archaeological research on the site started six years ago. The probing research took place in 2011 and 2012.

It helped us reveal the wall of these former military barracks, Kasencakova said, as quoted by SITA. We also know that after no longer in use, the barracks were gradually covered by soil.

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The research at the barracks may continue thanks to a subsidy from the Culture Ministry amounting to 15,000. The museum plans to carry out a surface archaeological research to uncover the interior of the barracks, Kasencakova added.

The research is expected to last until the end of November.

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The military barracks are mentioned in materials from 1564, while their more detailed description can be found in documents from the mid-18th century. They probably stopped being used after the last inhabitants left the castle in the second half of the 18th century, the archaeologist added for SITA.
The police inspectorate finds no errors in the actions of police officers.

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Altogether six people are now charged in the case of a controversial police raid on the Roma settlement in Moldava nad Bodvou (Kosice Region), including some of the witnesses.

Back in June 2013, the police were purportedly seeking seven men with outstanding warrants. They did not find any of those men but according to eyewitnesses, violence ensued and 15 other Roma were taken to the police station. Several of the Roma were injured and at least one of them claims to have undergone two further, severe beatings at the police station itself. A second man alleges he left the station bleeding from his rectum.

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The investigation found no mistakes in the polices actions, and consequently four Roma now face charges of perjury. One of the witnesses was accused earlier, and another three received the decision of the investigator on September 6.

Six people are now accused in the case, spokesperson for the police department in Kosice Jana Mesarova confirmed to the public-service broadcaster RTVS.

One of the accused is Milan Hudak, known as Igor, who talked about the raid with the media. The Roma have known for some time they would face charges as their lawyer told them so. Hudak, however, says he cannot believe it.

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Im afraid that my life will get worse after this, he told the Dennik N daily.

Lawyer Jan Bartanus, who is defending the inhabitants of the Roma settlement, sees no reason for the charges and is ready to submit a complaint, Dennik N wrote.

The naming of a police officer is considered to be a problem

The raid was investigated by the police inspectorate. During the hearings, it went against the Roma that they named a police officer who was beating them. They also identified him during a recognition process. The investigator did not find it important though.

The fact that they recognised the police officer does not prove their testimony is true, but rather that they know what he looks like. Also, these doubts were one of the reasons why the Roma submitted a complaint against the results of the investigation. They turned to the Constitutional Court, pointing to the fact that the police inspectorate did not take their words seriously, as reported by Dennik N.

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The same situation occurred in the case of their injuries. The results of the investigation suggest that the police officers did not admit that somebody had beaten the Roma. The inhabitants of the settlement, however, have medical reports confirming their injuries as well as pictures taken shortly after the incident.

The complaint was sent to the Constitutional Court more than a year ago, but nobody has dealt with it yet, Dennik N wrote.
The Evangelical bishops say Ondrej Prostrednik outraged many believers with his speech at the Duhovy Pride event.

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When Ondrej Prostrednik gave a speech during Duhovy Pride in Bratislava on August 19, he introduced himself as an Evangelical theologian and Christian, who is speaking in the name of Christians who disagree with the hostile approach of the Church to the LGBTI community.

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He also claimed that the Church should support the initiative to allow registered partnerships for these people, the Sme daily reported.

I want the Churches to end their absurd connection between the LGBTI community and the threat to the so-called traditional family, Prostrednik said, as quoted by Sme. I want the Churches to stop talking about every minority as something that violates traditions, continuity and safety.

The Bishopric of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession has recently decided to strip Prostrednik of a canonical mission, which means he cannot continue teaching at the Comenius Universitys Evangelical Theological Faculty.

In the statement sent to Prostrednik and to the faculty, the bishopric distanced itself from the theologians statements. The bishops say he abuses the academic freedom of scientific research to influence the opinions and implant attitudes that are at odds with the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession (ECAV). They also say many believers were outraged by his statements.

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The bishopric cannot close its eyes to Ondrej Prostredniks actions anymore, so it is removing his canonical mission as of September 15, reads the statement, as quoted by Sme.

The daily asked for a more specific explanation of how Prostrednik abuses academic freedom, but did not receive an answer.

Prostrednik says he has never seen bishops ban somebody from teaching at the university. He signed a contract with the faculty, not the Church. The fact that the Church forbids him to teach is unfounded in secular society.

If the theology faculty is a public university, it should be sovereign and theology as a science cannot be limited by church teaching, he said, as quoted by Sme.

The faculty says that Prostrednik will not be dismissed. Since the canonical mission relates only to teaching, he can continue his scientific research. It does not plan to discipline him, said the dean, Lubomir Batka.
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KG., Bard Financial Services Ltd., Bard Finland OY, Bard France S.A.S., Bard Global Holdings I LLC, Bard Global Holdings II LLC, Bard Global Holdings III LLC, Bard Healthcare Inc., Bard Healthcare Science (Shanghai) Limited, Bard Hellas S.A., Bard Holding SAS, Bard Holdings Limited, Bard Holdings Netherlands B.V., Bard Hong Kong Limited, Bard IP Holdings Inc., Bard India Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Bard International Holdings B.V., Bard International Inc., Bard Istanbul Healthcare Limited Company, Bard Korea Ltd., Bard Limited, Bard MRL Acquisition Corp., Bard Malaysia Healthcare Sdn. Bhd., Bard Medica SA, Bard Medical Devices (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical R&D (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Bard Medical SA (Proprietary) Limited, Bard Mexico Realty S. de R.L. de C.V., Bard Norden AB, Bard Norway AS, Bard Pacific Health Care Company Ltd., Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc., Bard Poland Sp. z.o.o., Bard Productos Plasticos e Medicos Ltda., Bard Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Bard S.r.l., Bard Sdn. Bhd., Bard Shannon Limited, Bard Singapore Private Limited, Bard Sourcing Office Singapore Pte. Ltd., Bard Sweden AB, Bard UK Newco Limited, Bard de Espana S.A., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Gibraltar) Management Limited, Becton Dickinson (Mauritius) Limited, Becton Dickinson (Pty) Ltd., Becton Dickinson (Thailand) Limited, Becton Dickinson A.G., Becton Dickinson A/S, Becton Dickinson Argentina S.R.L., Becton Dickinson Asia Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Asia Limited, Becton Dickinson Austria GmbH, Becton Dickinson Austria Holdings GmbH, Becton Dickinson B.V., Becton Dickinson B.V. Saudi Limited Company, Becton Dickinson Benelux N.V., Becton Dickinson Biosciences Systems and Reagents Inc., Becton Dickinson Canada Inc., Becton Dickinson Caribe Ltd., Becton Dickinson Croatia d.o.o., Becton Dickinson Czechia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Dispensing Belgium BVBA, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Denmark A/S, Becton Dickinson Dispensing France SAS, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Norway, Becton Dickinson Dispensing Spain S.L.U., Becton Dickinson Dispensing UK Ltd., Becton Dickinson Distribution Center N.V., Becton Dickinson East Africa Ltd., Becton Dickinson Euro Finance Sarl, Becton Dickinson Europe Holdings S.A.S., Becton Dickinson France S.A.S., Becton Dickinson GSA Beteilgungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings I Inc., Becton Dickinson Global Holdings II LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings IV LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings V LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Holdings VIII LLC, Becton Dickinson Global Services Centre Sdn. Bhd, Becton Dickinson GmbH, Becton Dickinson Guatemala S.A., Becton Dickinson Hellas S.A., Becton Dickinson Holdings Limited, Becton Dickinson Holdings Ltd., Becton Dickinson Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Hungary Kft., Becton Dickinson India Private Limited, Becton Dickinson Industrias Cirurgicas Ltda., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy AB, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Holdings UK Limited, Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy Systems Inc. S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson Infusion Therapy UK, Becton Dickinson Insulin Syringe Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings II Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings III Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson International Holdings Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Israel Ltd., Becton Dickinson Italia S.p.A., Becton Dickinson Ithalat Ihracat Limited Sirketi, Becton Dickinson Korea Holding Inc., Becton Dickinson Korea Ltd., Becton Dickinson Ltd., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Global Holdings Sarl, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings II S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings III S.a.r.L, Becton Dickinson Luxembourg Holdings V S.a.r.L., Becton Dickinson Malaysia Inc., Becton Dickinson Management GmbH & Co. KG, Becton Dickinson Matrex Holdings Inc., Becton Dickinson Medical (S) Pte Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Devices (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Products Pte. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Medical Technology (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Global Holdings II C.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings B.V., Becton Dickinson Netherlands Holdings II B.V., Becton Dickinson Norway AS, Becton Dickinson O.Y., Becton Dickinson Overseas Services Ltd., Becton Dickinson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd., Becton Dickinson Penel Limited, Becton Dickinson Philippines Inc., Becton Dickinson Polska Sp.z.o.o., Becton Dickinson Portugal Unipessoal Lda., Becton Dickinson Pty. Ltd., Becton Dickinson Research Centre Ireland Limited, Becton Dickinson Rowa Germany GmbH, Becton Dickinson Rowa Italy Srl, Becton Dickinson S.A., Becton Dickinson Sample Collection GmbH, Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.L.P., Becton Dickinson Scot Financing L.P., Becton Dickinson Sdn. Bhd., Becton Dickinson Slovakia s.r.o., Becton Dickinson Sweden AB, Becton Dickinson Sweden Holdings AB, Becton Dickinson Switzerland Global Holdings SarL, Becton Dickinson Technology Campus India, Becton Dickinson U.K. Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing I Limited, Becton Dickinson UK Financing II Limited, Becton Dickinson Venezuela C.A., Becton Dickinson Venture LLC, Becton Dickinson Verwaltungs GmbH, Becton Dickinson Vostok LLC, Becton Dickinson Worldwide Investments Sa.r.L., Becton Dickinson Zambia Limited, Becton Dickinson and Company Ltd., Becton Dickinson de Colombia Ltda., Becton Dickinson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Becton Dickinson del Uruguay S.A., Bee IT Solutions, Benex Ltd., Biometric Imaging, Bridger Biomed Inc., C. R. Bard (Portugal) - Produtos e Artigos Medicos e Farmaceuticos, C. R. Bard Do Brasil Productos Medicos Ltda., C. R. Bard GmbH, C. R. Bard Inc., C. R. Bard Netherlands Sales B.V., C.R. Bard Inc, CME America LLC, CME Ltd., CME Medical (UK) Limited, CME UK (Holdings) Limited, CRISI Medical Systems, CRISI Medical Systems Inc., Caesarea Medical Electronics, Cardal II LLC, Care Fusion Development Private Limited, CareFusion (Barbados) SrL, CareFusion (Shanghai) Commercial and Trading Co. Limited, CareFusion 213 LLC, CareFusion 2200 Inc., CareFusion 2201 Inc., CareFusion 302 LLC, CareFusion 303 Inc., CareFusion Asia (HK) Limited, CareFusion Corporation, CareFusion Corporation., CareFusion D.R. 203 Ltd., CareFusion France 309 S.A.S., CareFusion Israel 330 Ltd., CareFusion Italy 312 S.p.A., CareFusion Manufacturing LLC, CareFusion Mexico 215 S.A. de C.V., CareFusion Netherlands 328 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 503 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands 504 B.V., CareFusion Netherlands Financing 283 C.V., CareFusion Resources LLC, CareFusion S.A. 319 (Proprietary) Limited, CareFusion Solutions LLC, CareFusion U.K. 244 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 305 Limited, CareFusion U.K. 306 Limited, Carmel Pharma AB, Carmel Pharma Inc, Cato Software Solutions, Cell Analysis Systems Inc, Cellular Research, Cellular Research Inc., Clearstream Technologies Group Limited, Clearstream Technologies Limited, Clontech Laboratories Inc, Corporativo BD de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Critical Device Corporation, Cubex, Cytognos, Cytopeia Inc, DLD (Bermuda) Ltd., DVL Acquisition Sub Inc., Davol Inc., Davol International Limited, Davol Surgical Innovations S.A. de C.V., Difco Laboratories Incorporated, Distribuidora BD Mexico S.A. de C.V., Dutch American Manufacturers (D.A.M.) B.V., Dymax Corporation, Embo Medical Limited, Enturia de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Enturican Inc., FJ International Inc., FlowCardia Inc., FlowCardia LLC, FlowJo LLC, Franklin Lakes Enterprises L.L.C., GSL Solutions, Gamer Lasertechnik GmbH, GenCell Biosystems, GenCell Biosystems Ltd., GeneOhm Sciences Canada ULC, GeneOhm Sciences Inc, Gentest Corporation, Gesco International Inc., Gesco International LLC, Glentech Inc, HandyLab Inc, HandyLab Inc., IBD Holdings LLC, Iontophoretics Corporation, JoHome LLC, Kabushiki Kaisha Medicon (Medicon Inc.), Liberator Health and Education Services Inc., Liberator Health and Wellness Inc., Liberator Medical Holdings Inc., Liberator Medical Supply Inc., Limited Liability Company Bard Rus, Loma Vista Medical Inc., Loma Vista Medical LLC, Luther Medical Products Inc, Lutonix Inc., Med-Design Corporation, Med-Design Investment Holdings Inc., Med-Safe Systems Inc, Med-Safe Systems Inc., MedChem Products Inc., Medafor Inc., Medegen LLC, Medinservice.com Inc., Medivance Inc., NAT Diagnostics Inc., NAT Diagnostics Inc., NOW Medical Distribution Inc., NOW Medical Distribution LLC, Navarre Biomedical LLC, Navarre Biomedical Ltd., Neomend Inc., Nippon Becton Dickinson Company Ltd., Omega Biosystems Incorporated, P.R.C. (Isialys) Societe a responsabilitie limitee, PT Becton Dickinson Indonesia, PharMingen, PharMingen., Plasso Technology Ltd, PreAnalytiX GmbH, Pristine Access Technologies Inc., ProSeed Inc., Procesos para Esterilizacion S.A. de C.V., Productos Bard de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Productos Para el Cuidado de la Salud S.A. de C.V., Puls Medical Devices AS LC, PureWick Corporation, Roberts Laboratories Inc., Rochester Medical Corporation, Rochester Medical Ltd., Saf-T-Med Inc, Safety Syringes Inc., Scanwell Health Inc., Sendal S.L.U., SenoRx Inc., SenoRx LLC, Shield Healthcare Centers Inc., Sirigen Group Limited, Sirigen II Limited, Sirigen Inc., Sistemas Medicos ALARIS S.A. de C.V., Specialized Cooperative Corporation, Specialized Health Products Inc., Specialized Health Products International Inc., Specialized Health Products International LLC, Staged Diabetes Management LLC, Straub Medical AG, Straub Medical AG, Surgical Site Solutions Inc., TVA Medical Inc, TVA Medical Inc., Tepha Inc, Tepha Inc., Tissuemed Ltd., Tri-County Medical & Ostomy Supplies Inc., TriPath Imaging Inc., Tru-Fit Marketing Corporation, Vas-Cath Incorporated, Vascular Pathways Inc., Velano Vascular, Velano Vascular Inc., Venclose Inc., Venetec International Inc., Venetec International LLC, Visitec, Y-Med Inc., Y-Med LLC, and ZebraSci Inc..

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GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.; Alector, Inc.; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. The company was formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc and changed its name to GSK plc in May 2022. GSK plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
Red Hat, Inc. provides open source software solutions to develop and offer operating system, virtualization, management, middleware, cloud, mobile, and storage technologies to various enterprises worldwide. It offers infrastructure-related solutions, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, an operating system platform that runs on hardware for use in hybrid cloud environments; Red Hat Satellite, a system management offering that helps to deploy, scale, and manage in hybrid cloud environments; and Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization, a software solution that allows customers to utilize and manage a common hardware infrastructure to run multiple operating systems and applications. The company offers application development-related and other technology solutions, such as Red Hat JBoss Middleware, a solution for developing, deploying, and managing applications; integrating applications, data, and devices; and automating business processes in hybrid cloud environments; The company's application development-related and other technology solutions also includes Red Hat cloud offerings, a software solution that enables customers to build and manage various cloud computing environments; Red Hat Mobile, a software development platform that enables customers to develop, integrate, deploy, and manage mobile applications for enterprises; and Red Hat Storage, a software solution that enables customers to manage large, unstructured, or semi-structured data in hybrid cloud environments. It also provides consulting, support, and training services; and realtime operating system, distributed computing, directory services, and user authentication. Red Hat, Inc. has collaboration with Juniper Networks Expand to provide a unified solution for enterprises designed to manage and run applications and services. The company was formerly known as Red Hat Software, Inc. and changed its name to Red Hat, Inc. in June 1999. Red Hat, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. operates as a branded consumer products company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Home and Personal Care; Global Pet Care; and Home and Garden. The Home and Personal Care segment provides home appliances under the Black & Decker, Russell Hobbs, George Foreman, Toastmaster, Juiceman, Farberware, and Breadman brands; and personal care products under the Remington and LumaBella brands. The Global Pet Care segment provides rawhide chewing, dog and cat clean-up and food, training, health and grooming, small animal food and care, and rawhide-free products under the 8IN1 (8-in-1), Dingo, Nature's Miracle, Wild Harvest, Littermaid, Jungle, Excel, FURminator, IAMS, Eukanuba, Healthy-Hide, DreamBone, SmartBones, ProSense, Perfect Coat, eCOTRITION, Birdola, Good Boy, Meowee!, Wildbird, and Wafcol brands. This segment also offers aquarium kits, stand-alone tanks, and aquatics equipment and consumables under the Tetra, Marineland, Whisper, Instant Ocean, GloFish, OmegaOne, and OmegaSea brands. The Home and Garden segment provides outdoor insect and weed control solutions, and animal repellents under the Spectracide, Garden Safe, Liquid Fence, and EcoLogic brands; household pest control solutions under the Hot Shot, Black Flag, Real-Kill, Ultra Kill, The Ant Trap, and Rid-A-Bug brand names; household surface cleaning, maintenance, and restoration products, including bottled liquids, mops, wipes, and markers under the Rejuvenate brand name; and personal-use pesticides and insect repellent products under the Cutter and Repel brands. The company sells its products through retailers, e-commerce and online retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin.
TWIN FALLS  The Twin Falls County Coroners Office and the Twin Falls Fire Department are holding a 9/11 Day of Remembrance at the band shell in the Twin Falls City Park. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m. and will last about an hour.

Vice Mayor Suzanne Hawkins, a search-and-rescue worker from Ground Zero, will be the guest speaker. Members from all local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, military and the Salvation Army will participate. Music will be provided by Toby Lapp.

The public is also invited to a 9/11 memorial at Summit Elementary School in Jerome. The school is holding an Honor Walk in its halls at 10:15 a.m.
The following companies are subsidiares of PepsiCo: Alimentos Quaker Oats y Compania Limitada, Alimentos del Istmo S.A., Amavale Agricola Ltda., Anderson Hill Insurance Limited, Asia Bottlers Limited, BAESA Capital Corporation Ltd., BFY Brands, BFY Brands LLC, BFY Brands Limited, BUG de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Balmoral Industries LLC, Bare Foods Co., Barrhead LLC, Be & Cheery, Beaman Bottling Company, Bebidas Sudamerica S.A., Beech Limited, Bell Taco Funding Syndicate, Bendler Investments II Ltd, Bendler Investments S.a r.l, Beverage Services Limited, Beverages Foods & Service Industries Inc., Bishkeksut OJSC, Blaue NC S. de R.L. de C.V., Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arizona Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arkansas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Colorado Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Florida Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Georgia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Illinois Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Indiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Iowa Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Kentucky Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Louisiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Minnesota Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Mississippi Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Missouri Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nebraska Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nevada Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of North Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Ohio Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Oklahoma Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Pennsylvania Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of South Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Tennessee Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Texas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Virginia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Wisconsin Inc., Blue Ridge Sales LLC, Bluebird Foods Limited, Bluecan Holdings Unlimited Company, Bokomo Zambia Limited, Bolsherechensky Molkombinat JSC, Boquitas Fiestas LLC, Boquitas Fiestas S.R.L., Bottling Group Financing LLC, Bottling Group Holdings LLC, Bottling Group LLC, Bronte Industries Ltd, C & I Leasing Inc., CB Manufacturing Company Inc., CEME Holdings LLC, CMC Investment Company, Caroni Investments LLC, Centro-Mediterranea de Bebidas Carbonicas PepsiCo S.L., Ceres Fruit Juices Pty Ltd, ChampBev Inc., China Concentrate Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Chipsy International for Food Industries S.A.E., Chipsy for Food Industries S.A.E., Chitos Internacional y Cia Ltda, Cipa Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cipa Nordeste Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cocina Autentica Inc., Comercializadora CMC Investment y Compania Limitada, Comercializadora Nacional SAS Ltda., Comercializadora PepsiCo Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., Compania de Bebidas PepsiCo S.L., Concentrate Holding Uruguay Pte. Ltd., Concentrate Manufacturing Singapore Pte. Ltd., Confiteria Alegro S. de R.L. de C.V., Copella Fruit Juices Limited, Copper Beech International LLC, Corina Snacks Limited, Corporativo Internacional Mexicano S. de R.L. de C.V., CytoSport Holdings Inc., CytoSport Inc., Davlyn Realty Corporation, Defosto Holdings Limited, Desarrollo Inmobiliario Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Dilexis S.A., Donon Holdings Limited, Drinkfinity USA Inc., Drinkstation Inc., Drinkstation Innovation Co. Ltd., Drinkstation Limited, Dutch Snacks Holding S.A. de C.V., Duyvis Production B.V., EPIC Enterprises Inc., Echo Bay Holdings Inc., Elaboradora Argentina de Cereales S.R.L., Enter Logistica LLC, Environ at Inverrary Partnership, Environ of Inverrary Inc., Eridanus Investments S.a r.l, Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile S.A., FL Transportation Inc., FLI Andean LLC, FLI Colombia LLC, FLI Snacks Andean GP LLC, Fabrica PepsiCo Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene y Cia S.C.A., Fairlight International SRL, Far East Bottlers Hong Kong Limited, Food Concepts Pioneer Ltd., Forest Akers Nederland B.V., Forty-Six Peaks Holding Inc., Fovarosi Asvanyviz es Uditoipari Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Freshwater International B.V., Frito Lay Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Frito Lay Poland Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay de Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Frito-Lay Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Frito-Lay Dip Company Inc., Frito-Lay Dominicana S.A., Frito-Lay Global Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Inc., Frito-Lay Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Manufacturing LLC, Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V., Frito-Lay North America Inc., Frito-Lay Sales Inc., Frito-Lay Trading Company Europe GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company Poland GmbH, Frito-Lay Trinidad Unlimited, Fruko Mesrubat Sanayi Limited Sirketi, GB Czech LLC, GB International Inc., GB Russia LLC, GB Slovak LLC, GMP Manufacturing Inc., Gambrinus Investments Limited, Gamesa LLC, Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Gas Natural de Merida S. A. de C. V., Gatorade Puerto Rico Company, General Bottlers of Hungary Inc., Golden Grain Company, Goveh S.R.L., Grayhawk Leasing LLC, Green Hemlock International LLC, Grupo Frito Lay y Compania Limitada, Grupo Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Mabel, Grupo Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gulkevichskiy Maslozavod JSC, Hangzhou Baicaowei Corporate Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co, Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Tao Dao Technology Co. Ltd., Health Warrior, Health Warrior Inc., Heathland LP, Helioscope Limited, Hillbrook Inc., Hillgrove Inc., Hillwood Bottling LLC, Hogganfield Limited Partnership, Holding Company "Opolie" JSC, Homefinding Company of Texas, Hudson Valley Insurance Company, IC Equities Inc., IZZE Beverage Co., Inmobiliaria Interamericana S.A. De C.V., Integrated Beverage Services Bangladesh Limited, Integrated Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., International Bottlers Management Co. LLC, International KAS Aktiengesellschaft, Inversiones Borneo S.R.L., Inversiones PFI Chile Limitada, Inviting Foods Holdings Inc., Inviting Foods LLC, KAS Anorthosis S.a r.l, KAS S.L., KFC, Kevita Inc., Kinvara LLC, Kungursky Molkombinat JSC, Larragana S.L., Latin American Holdings Ltd., Latin American Snack Foods ApS, Latin Foods International LLC, Lebedyansky, Lebedyansky Holdings LLC, Lebedyansky LLC, Limited Liability Company "Sandora", Linkbay Limited, Lithuanian Snacks UAB, Mabel, Marbo Product d.o.o. Beograd, Marbo d.o.o. Laktasi, Matudis - Comercio de Produtos Alimentares Limitada, Matutano - Sociedade de Produtos Alimentares Lda., Mid-America Improvement Corporation, Mountainview Insurance Company Inc., Muscle Milk, NCJV LLC, New Bern Transport Corporation, New Century Beverage Company LLC, Noble Leasing LLC, Northeast Hot-Fill Co-op Inc., Office at Solyanka LLC, Onbiso Inversiones S.L., One World Enterprises LLC, One World Investors Inc., P-A Barbados Bottling Company LLC, P-A Bottlers Barbados SRL, P-Americas LLC, PAS Luxembourg S.a r.l, PAS Netherlands B.V., PBG Canada Holdings II LLC, PBG Canada Holdings Inc., PBG Cyprus Holdings Limited, PBG Investment Partnership, PBG Midwest Holdings S.a r.l, PBG Soda Can Holdings S.a r.l, PCBL LLC, PCNA Manufacturing Inc., PR Beverages Cyprus Holding Limited, PR Beverages Cyprus Russia Holding Limited, PRB Luxembourg S.a r.l, PRS Inc., PSAS Inversiones LLC, PSE Logistica S.R.L., PT Quaker Indonesia, Papas Chips S.A., Pei N.V., Pep Trade LLC, Pepsi B.V., Pepsi Beverages Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group Global Finance LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group GmbH, Pepsi Bottling Group Hoosiers B.V., Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bugshan Investments S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Colombia Ltda, Pepsi Cola Egypt S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Panamericana S.R.L., Pepsi Cola Servis Ve Dagitim Limited Sirketi, Pepsi Cola Trading Ireland, Pepsi Logistics Company Inc., Pepsi Northwest Beverages LLC, Pepsi Overseas Investments Partnership, Pepsi Promotions Inc., Pepsi-Cola Advertising and Marketing Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bermuda Limited, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Holding C.V., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of St. Louis Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach LLC, Pepsi-Cola Company, Pepsi-Cola Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Pepsi-Cola Far East Trade Development Co. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Finance LLC, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Poland Sp. z o.o., Pepsi-Cola Industrial da Amazonia Ltda., Pepsi-Cola International Cork, Pepsi-Cola International LLC, Pepsi-Cola International Limited, Pepsi-Cola International Limited U.S.A., Pepsi-Cola International Private Limited, Pepsi-Cola Korea Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Management and Administrative Services Inc., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Company Of Uruguay S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International Limited, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Mediterranean Limited, Pepsi-Cola Marketing Corp. Of P.R. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mediterranean Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mexicana Holdings LLC, Pepsi-Cola Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Pepsi-Cola National Marketing LLC, Pepsi-Cola Operating Company Of Chesapeake And Indianapolis, Pepsi-Cola Sales and Distribution Inc., Pepsi-Cola Technical Operations Inc., Pepsi-Cola Thai Trading Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola de Honduras S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis Inc., PepsiAmericas Nemzetkozi Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, PepsiCo ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Alimentos Antioquia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Colombia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador Cia. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Z.F. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos de Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Amacoco Bebidas Do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCo Asia Research & Development Center Company Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Cyprus Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Limited Partnership, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 1 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 2 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Australia Holdings Pty Limited, PepsiCo Australia International, PepsiCo Austria Services GmbH, PepsiCo Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company, PepsiCo BeLux BV, PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, PepsiCo Beverage Singapore Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Beverages Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Beverages International Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Italia Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata, PepsiCo Canada Finance LLC, PepsiCo Canada Holdings ULC, PepsiCo Canada Investment ULC, PepsiCo Canada ULC, PepsiCo Captive Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Caribbean Inc., PepsiCo China Limited, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo De Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Del Paraguay S.R.L., PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, PepsiCo Eesti AS, PepsiCo Euro Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Euro Finance Antilles B.V., PepsiCo Europe Support Center S.L., PepsiCo Finance Americas Company, PepsiCo Finance Antilles A N.V., PepsiCo Finance Antilles B N.V., PepsiCo Finance South Africa Proprietary Limited, PepsiCo Financial Shared Services Inc., PepsiCo Food & Beverage Holdings Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Foods A.I.E., PepsiCo Foods China Company Limited, PepsiCo Foods Group Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Foods Guangdong Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited, PepsiCo Foods Private Limited, PepsiCo Foods Sichuan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Taiwan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company, PepsiCo France SAS, PepsiCo Global Business Services India LLP, PepsiCo Global Business Services Poland Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Global Holdings Limited, PepsiCo Global Investments B.V., PepsiCo Global Investments S.a r.l, PepsiCo Global Mobility LLC, PepsiCo Global Real Estate Inc., PepsiCo Global Trading Solutions Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Golden Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Group Finance International B.V., PepsiCo Group Holdings International B.V., PepsiCo Group Spotswood Holdings S.a r.l, PepsiCo Gulf International FZE, PepsiCo Hellas Single Member Industrial and Commercial Societe Anonyme, PepsiCo Holding de Espana S.L., PepsiCo Holdings, PepsiCo Holdings LLC, PepsiCo Holdings Toshkent LLC, PepsiCo Hong Kong LLC, PepsiCo Iberia Servicios Centrales S.L., PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, PepsiCo India Sales Private Limited, PepsiCo Internacional Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., PepsiCo International Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo International Limited, PepsiCo International Pte Ltd., PepsiCo Investments Europe I B.V., PepsiCo Investments Ltd., PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Japan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Light B.V., PepsiCo Logistyka Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., PepsiCo Management Services SAS, PepsiCo Manufacturing A.I.E., PepsiCo Max B.V., PepsiCo Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo Nederland B.V., PepsiCo Nordic Denmark ApS, PepsiCo Nordic Finland Oy, PepsiCo Nordic Norway AS, PepsiCo Nutrition Trading DMCC, PepsiCo One B.V., PepsiCo Overseas Corporation, PepsiCo Overseas Financing Partnership, PepsiCo Panimex Inc, PepsiCo Products B.V., PepsiCo Products FLLC, PepsiCo Puerto Rico Inc., PepsiCo Sales Inc., PepsiCo Sales LLC, PepsiCo Services Asia Ltd., PepsiCo Services CZ s.r.o., PepsiCo Services LLC, PepsiCo Twist B.V., PepsiCo UK Pension Plan Trustee Limited, PepsiCo Ventures B.V., PepsiCo Wave Holdings LLC, PepsiCo World Trading Company Inc., PepsiCo Y LLC, PepsiCo de Argentina S.R.L., PepsiCo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda., PepsiCo do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCola Interamericana de Guatemala S.A., Pet Iberia S.L., Pete & Johnny Limited, Pine International LLC, Pine International Limited, Pinstripe Leasing LLC, Pioneer Food Group Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Groceries Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Group Ltd., Pioneer Foods Holdings Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods UK Ltd, Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Pty Ltd, Pipers Crisps Limited, PlayCo Inc., Pop corners, PopCorners Holdings Inc., Portfolio Concentrate Solutions Unlimited Company, Premier Nutrition Trading L.L.C., Prestwick LLC, Prev PepsiCo Sociedade Previdenciaria, Productos Alimenticios Rene LLC, Productos S.A.S. C.V., Productos SAS Management B.V., Punch N.V., Punica Getranke GmbH, Q O Puerto Rico Inc., QFL OHQ Sdn. Bhd., QTG Development Inc., QTG Services Inc., Quadrant - Amroq Beverages S.R.L., Quaker Development B.V., Quaker European Beverages LLC, Quaker European Investments B.V., Quaker Foods, Quaker Global Investments B.V., Quaker Holdings UK Limited, Quaker Manufacturing LLC, Quaker Oats Asia Inc., Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd, Quaker Oats B.V., Quaker Oats Capital Corporation, Quaker Oats Europe Inc., Quaker Oats Europe LLC, Quaker Oats Limited, Quaker Sales & Distribution Inc, Raptas Finance S.a r.l., Rare Fare Foods LLC, Rare Fare Holdings Inc., Reading Industries Ltd, Real Estate Holdings LLC, Rockstar Energy Drink, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales LP, S & T of Mississippi Inc., SIH International LLC, SVC Logistics Inc., SVC Manufacturing Inc., SVE Russia Holdings GmbH, Sabritas LLC, Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Sabritas Snacks America Latina de Nicaragua y Cia Ltda, Sabritas de Costa Rica S. de R.L., Sabritas y Cia. S en C de C.V., Sakata Rice Snacks Australia Pty Ltd, Sandora Holdings B.V., Saudi Snack Foods Company Limited, Sea Eagle International SRL, Seepoint Holdings Ltd., Senselet Food Processing PLC, Senselet Holding B.V., Servicios GBF Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Servicios GFLG y Compania Limitada, Servicios Gamesa Puerto Rico L.L.C., Servicios SYC S. de R.L. de C.V., Seven-Up Asia Inc., Seven-Up Light B.V., Seven-Up Nederland B.V., Shanghai PepsiCo Snack Company Limited, Shanghai YuHo Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Shoebill LLC, Simba (Proprietary) Limited, Simba Proprietary Limited, Sitka Spruce, Smartfoods Inc., Smiles and Bites Holdings S.de R.L. de C.V., Smiths Crisps Limited, Snack Food Investments GmbH, Snack Food Investments II GmbH, Snack Food Investments Limited, Snack Food-Beverage Asia Products Limited, Snacks America Latina S.R.L., Snacks Guatemala Ltd., So Spark Ltd., Soda-Club CO2 Atlantic GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 Ltd., Soda-Club Switzerland GmbH, Soda-Club Worldwide B.V., SodaStream, SodaStream Australia Pty Ltd, SodaStream CO2 SA, SodaStream Canada Ltd., SodaStream Enterprises N.V., SodaStream France SAS, SodaStream GmbH, SodaStream Iberia S.L., SodaStream Industries Ltd., SodaStream International B.V., SodaStream International Ltd., SodaStream Israel Ltd., SodaStream K.K., SodaStream New Zealand Ltd., SodaStream Nordics AB, SodaStream Poland Sp. z o.o., SodaStream SA Pty Ltd., SodaStream Switzerland GmbH, SodaStream USA Inc., SodaStream Osterreich GmbH, South Beach Beverage Company Inc., South Properties Inc., Spitz International Inc., Sportmex Internacional S.A. de C.V., Springboig Industries Ltd, Spruce Limited, Stacy's Pita Chip Company Incorporated, Star Foods E.M. S.R.L., Stokely-Van Camp Inc., Stratosphere Communications Pty Ltd, Stratosphere Holdings 2018 Limited, Streamfoods Ltd, TFL Holdings LLC, Tasman Finance S.a r.l, The Gatorade Company, The Good Carb Food Company Ltd., The Pepsi Bottling Group Canada ULC, The Quaker Oats Company, The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Limited, Thomond Group Holdings Limited, Tobago Snack Holdings LLC, Tropicana Alvalle S.L., Tropicana Beverages Limited, Tropicana Europe N.V., Tropicana United Kingdom Limited, Troya-Ultra LLC, United Foods Companies Restaurantes S.A., V-Water, VentureCo Israel Ltd, Veurne Snack Foods BV, Vitamin Brands Ltd., Walkers Crisps Limited, Walkers Group Limited, Walkers Snack Foods Limited, Walkers Snacks Distribution Limited, Walkers Snacks Limited, Whitman Corporation, Whitman Insurance Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Beverages JSC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Brands Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Central Asia-Almaty LLP, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods LLC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Georgia Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann JSC, and Wimm-Bill-Dann Ukraine PJSC.

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ISRO recently faced a whopping Rs 250Crores loss, when the rocket was unsuccessful in detaching the navigation satellite IRNSS-1H due to the failure of heat shield separation. This 1,425 kg satellite stuck inside even when all the systems were in optimal condition, and the scientists suspect the Pyro elements to be the causal factor of this tragic loss.

According to a senior official, the rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) XL variant was successfully launched on Aug 31st and should have normally separated from the satellite soon after it escaped the Earths atmosphere.

In the words of K. Sivan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), all the systems were working at par standards, and there seemed to be no glitch, which drives the suspicion towards the Pyro elements. The VSSC is a daughter branch of ISRO.

With each test taking more than 72 hours to derive results, the process of getting a solid conclusion behind the failure of the detachment of satellite seems to be a time taking the process and no full proof conclusion has been derived as of now.

As the rocket wasnt lost on its one-way journey, all the flight data is now being restored to help the scientists in finding the main culprit behind the blunder. According to Sivan, when the computers on board gave a signal to the explosives, they would burst and help separate the satellite from the rocket by separating the two parts of the heat shield joined by bolts when it crossed the earths atmosphere, but the task didnt go as planned.

The system that leads to the process of separation involves computer generated commands which can easily be monitored from the base but several Pyro elements such as wires, circuits, etc., are meant for one time use only and come in batch form out of which only one is used for testing purpose, and the rest is used as it is. Ruling out the failure in design the only possible cause seems to be inappropriate product quality or error during assembly of the parts.

As previously reported, IRNSS 1A satellite was using rubidium-based atomic clocks that were imported from Europe at a whopping price of $4million euro. However, three Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (RAFS) clocks on the IRNSS 1A that was launched four years ago started malfunctioning. It is to be noticed that three other satellites of the European Galileo satellite system that were using same clocks also reported the similar problem where clocks failed to perform.

Except for malfunctioning of the atomic clocks in IRNSS-1A, the other components are functioning perfectly and it is being used for satellite messaging. The failure of atomic clocks had no impact on the overall performance of NaVIC, a scientist in Shar said.

The IRNSS-1A satellite was supposed to be replaced with the latest IRNSS-1H as its atomic clocks have failed, which sadly wasnt possible due to catastrophic failure of the separation process. Atomic clocks are used to derive accurate positional data.
Look up in the sky tonight for the dazzling northern lights show: All you need to know

In a celestial extravaganza, space enthusiasts will get another chance to witness a divine cosmic event in the form of beautiful northern lights. According to US Space Weather Prediction Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a strong geomagnetic storm will lead to the occurrence of splendid northern lights in the starry night sky on September 6 and 7.

Scientists at the NOAA revealed that coronal mass ejection took place on Monday which released a fast-moving stream of particles in the atmosphere and they expect these particles to reach Earth by Wednesday which will result in the stunning view of northern lights in the sky.

People residing in Canada will get the best view of aurora borealis; however, residents in the USA, Arctic, and polar regions will witness the astonishing view.

Scientists and space enthusiasts can keep a track on the solar storm on the NOAAs official website which gets updated in every 30 minutes. Map present in NOAA website shows different places on the Earth from where aurora borealis can be seen on Wednesday. However, nights of Sept 6 and 7 will have full moon which will make it little difficult for the space enthusiasts to see the mesmerising northern lights and enjoy the show as lights coming from the moon will diminish the effect of celestial extravangza.

While explaining the process of lighting in the space, researchers said that the collision of fast moving solar particles with the Earths magnetic field accelerates particles trapped in the space around Earth (such as in the radiation belts). Later, these particles are sent crashing down into Earths upper atmosphereat altitudes of 100 to 400 kilometres (60 to 250 miles)where they excite oxygen and nitrogen molecules. Gases present in the atmosphere give up their energy by releasing photons. Different gases emit different colours; oxygen emits green and sometimes red light, while nitrogen is more orange or red.

The fainter arc of light that parallels the horizon is known as airglow. This is another manifestation of the interaction of the Earths atmosphere with radiation from the sun.

These stunning solar wind events resulting in colourful lighting can happen any time of the year. Scientists just wait for the right moment to capture them in the camera and later release those incredible shots to mesmerise the space enthusiasts.

The map released by NOAA shows the coordinates of the northern lights where it form. Lighter shades of oceans and continents represent the sunlit side of the Earth. The day-night line, or terminator, is shown as a region that goes from light to dark. The lighter edge is where the sun is just on the horizon. The darker edge is where the sun is 12 degrees below the horizon. According to NOAA, people can see the Aurora borealis in the night sky about 1000 km equatorward.

Phenomenons like aurora borealis are pretty common when seen from space. Previously, US astronaut Scott Kelly had clicked and posted breathtaking pictures of the Northern lights on the microblogging website  Twitter. With the help of ISSs satellite, he was able to access the internet and tweeted the astonishing pics.

The Aurora Borealis is caused by geomagnetic storms initiated by strong solar winds. Apart from strong solar winds, coronal hole near the equator of the sun also played a vital role in making the Aurora Borealis visible from the Earth. Astronomers say that coronal hole was perfectly aligned with the Earth which made the event breathtaking.
Tech Trends

Report: AR and VR Headsets up 25.5 Percent Year over Year

2.1 million augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality headsets shipped in the second quarter of 2017, a 25.5 percent increase compared to the same period of 2016, according to a new report from International Data Corp. (IDC).

"Virtual reality products once again made up more than 98 percent of shipments in the combined AR/VR market," according to an IDC news release. "On the VR side, screenless viewers accounted for over half of all the headset shipments during the quarter. Tethered VR headsets captured 43 percent, up from the 34 percent in the previous quarter, driven in large part to Sony's ongoing success with the PlayStation VR (PSVR) and Oculus increasing shipment volumes thanks to price cuts. Meanwhile, in the still very small AR headset segment, shipments actually declined year over year as several consumer-focused products with big launches last year failed to sustain their volumes a year later. To date, the small but lucrative volume of success in AR headsets has been focused on the enterprise and that's likely to continue for the near term."

"Consumer-focused AR headsets are still some way off, as most people will first experience AR through the screen on their phone," said Tom Mainelli, vice president of devices and AR/VR at IDC, in a prepared statement. "Now that Apple and Google are both focused on helping developers create AR experiences on their platforms  through ARKit for iOS and ARCore for Android  we can expect to see a flood of new AR apps appearing on smartphones later this year and into next. These developments should eventually lead to consumer-centric AR glasses, but that won't happen in meaningful volume, at affordable price points, for some time."

Samsung led the market, with 568,000 shipments and a 26.7 percent market share. The company did see a year-over-year decline, according to IDC, though the release of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ helped push sales of the company's Gear VR. The new addition of a controller has improved the user experience and allowed the company to maintain its market-leading position despite a slightly higher than average selling price.

Sony held the No. 2 spot with 519,400 shipments and a 24.4 percent share.

"Demand for Sony's PSVR remained unmatched amongst the top tier of tethered headsets," according to IDC. "The launch of Farpoint along with the VR aim controller combined with some sustained demand for Resident Evil 7 boded well for Sony. Outside of gaming, Sony is also working on bringing other experiences to the VR platform by partnering with Hollywood creators. Despite its success, Sony still announced a modest price cut for the PSVR that should help drive sustained growth through the end of the year."

Facebook's 246,900 sales was good for an 11 percent share and third place, sailing past HTC after reducing the price for Oculus from $599 to $499.

TCL claimed 5 percent of the market with 106,400 shipments in the quarter.

"The company has increased the number of models with which the [Alcatel] VR headset comes bundled, which means it continues to move significant volumes," according to information released by IDC. "A relatively weak platform and content ecosystem cast doubt on TCL's long-term prospects in the VR market, but there is no denying the company has done a good job of putting headsets into customers' hands."

HTC rounded out the top five with 94,500 shipments and a 4.4 percent market share.

"Stiff competition led HTC Vive to drop in the ranks," according to a news release. "However, the company managed flat growth over 2Q16 and captured 4.4 percent share during the current quarter. HTC is still one of the only major players successful at actively targeting the commercial VR market. On the consumer side, HTC recently announced a price reduction to $599, although that still leaves the headset priced well above rivals."
TWIN FALLS  The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare issued a warning Wednesday to limit time outdoors because of smoky air.

Smoke from several wildfires in Idaho and surrounding states is affecting the air quality for residents in nearly every Idaho community and is expected to continue to do so for the next several days, IDHW wrote in a statement.

The Twin Falls School District kept children inside for recess Wednesday due to poor air quality, and outdoor after-school activities, including sporting events, were canceled.

Air quality has been severely reduced across the Idaho panhandle and south to the Clearwater drainages, and in southwest and southern Idaho.

Staying indoors is the best way to reduce exposure to smoke, IDHW environmental health director Colby Adams said in a statement. If you have to be outside, remember that surgical masks, bandanas, and dust masks do not reduce the amount of smoke you breathe.

Respirators must be certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to provide adequate protection, and must fit tightly around the mouth and nose. There arent any respirators certified for children.

The health department said older adults, infants, children and people with medical problems should limit outdoor activities.

People who use inhalers for asthma or other conditions should keep them close at hand, the department said. Everyone is advised to seek medical treatment for uncontrolled coughing, wheezing, choking, or if breathing difficulties continue after they move indoors.

Public health officials offer this advice:

Older adults, small children and those with health conditions such as respiratory issues or heart disease should stay inside and avoid heavy work when the air quality is at an unhealthy level.

Everyone should limit heavy work or outdoor exercise.

Monitor the Air Quality Index. Otherwise, use visibility to determine air quality. When visibility is less than five miles, sensitive groups should limit activity. Air quality is unhealthy when visibility is less than three miles, and visibility of less than one mile is hazardous and everyone should avoid all outdoor activities.

For homes with a central air system, run the fan blower continuously to recirculate indoor air. Use a filter designed to collect smoke particles.

For homes without a central heating or cooling system, use portable air purifiers.

If you dont have clean air indoors, visit community places  such as a public library  that have air conditioning.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys air quality index is 156 for Twin Falls  unhealthy.

The closest fires are north and west of Stanley, but there are multiple fires burning in northern and north-central Idaho, western Montana, Washington, Oregon, northern California and southwestern Canada.
By Simon Johnson and Johan Ahlander STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The Nordic region's biggest bank, Nordea , said on Wednesday it would move its headquarters to Finland, dealing a blow to Stockholm's bid to become a financial hub. The move, aimed at cutting the costs of complying with Swedish regulations, is the first time since the 2008 financial crisis that a major bank has shifted its headquarters to avoid tougher rules. Nordea said the move to Finland, where it would be supervised by the European Central Bank, would save about 1 billion euros in the longer term despite extra short-term costs. It said the bank wanted a level playing field with rivals supervised by the ECB, which has since 2014 sought to establish common standards across the euro zone. "The Single Supervisory Mechanism is an appropriate regulator for a bank of our size and complexity," Nordea CEO Casper Von Koskull told reporters on a conference call. The bank, the ninth biggest by market value in Europe, said in March it could move HQ if the government hiked fees to cover the cost of winding up banks that fail, prompting the centre-left coalition to soften some terms. Swedish Finance Minister Magdalena Andersson, a member of the Social Democrats, said she was disappointed but said tax revenues would not be affected. She said Sweden was looking at joining the European banking union, but a decision could take years. "They want the security that the banking union provides, and that leaves Finland as the alternative that can provide that," Exane BNP Paribas analyst Andreas Hakansson said. Nordea shares closed broadly unchanged. MIXED BLESSING Analysts have been divided about how moving the HQ would affect Nordea, once owned by the Swedish state, and Sweden. Some analysts had expected lower capital requirements within the banking union would allow Nordea to lift dividend payouts. But Nordea said it would keep capital and dividend policy unchanged, although it said it would make long-term savings. Sweden's demand for big capital buffers has acted as a stamp of quality for buyers of bank debt, lowering borrowing costs for Swedish banks, which partly explains why they are twice as profitable in terms of capital employed (ROCE) as European rivals. But the move could reduce regulatory uncertainty for Nordea ahead of next year's election. Sweden's centre-left government has been considering ways to tax banks more heavily. For Finland, the move's economic gains will be limited, but it raises hopes of a brighter outlook in the economy which is recovering from a decade of stagnation and has lagged behind Sweden and Denmark in attracting foreign investments. The centre-right government has been keen to get Nordea to shift its headquarters to Helsinki, campaigning on Finlands membership in the euro zone and the EUs banking union, and predictable policy outlook. "Welcome to Finland Nordea HQ. Finland's membership in the Banking Union provides a stable business environment," Finland's Finance Minister Petteri Orpo wrote on Twitter. Losing Nordea will be a blow to Swedish prestige as it seeks to attract financial firms when Britain leaves the European Union. The Swedish finance minister said the move could reduce risks to the economy from the outsized banking sector. "Having a banking headquarters also comes with increased risks for tax payers," she said. "That is exactly why we in the Swedish parliament have found it important to have tough rules to safeguard financial stability." Opposition politicians were fast to voice their dissatisfaction with Nordea's decision, although they didn't agree on who was to be blamed. "Yet again Social Democratic policies lead to companies fleeing Sweden. We should be a country to which people and companies move, not the other way around," Centre Party leader Annie Loof told TT news agency. Jonas Sjostedt, leader of the Left Party, accused Nordea of being greedy. "To me, it is a matter of banks doing their part. The banks receive indirect support from society and have state guarantees, and they should pay back too," he told TT. (Additional reporting by Niklas Pollard in Stockholm and Jussi Rosendahl in Helsinki; Editing by Niklas Pollard and Edmund Blair)
By Ian Graham BELFAST (Reuters) - Britain on Tuesday rejected an Irish demand for a role in running Northern Ireland if parties there fail to revive a devolved power-sharing government, as unionists said concessions would lead to 'grave consequences" for Theresa May's government. The 1998 peace deal that ended 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland between Irish nationalists and pro-British unionists provides for a consultative role for the Irish government in the running of the British region. Since January Irish nationalists Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have failed to reach agreement on re-establishing the devolved administration. The British government has warned it may soon have to step in to rule the province directly for the first time in a decade. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney on Tuesday told journalists in Belfast that if talks to form a power-sharing government failed "there can be no British-only direct rule," adding that this was Irish government policy. He did not say what kind of role he expected for the Irish government and said he was still hopeful devolved power-sharing could be rescued. In an apparent rebuff to Coveney, a British government spokesman said in a statement that London would "never countenance any arrangement, such as Joint Authority, inconsistent with the principle of consent in the (Good Friday) Agreement." "In the absence of devolved government, it is ultimately for the United Kingdom Government to provide the certainty over delivery of public services and good governance in Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom," the statement said. DUP lawmaker Jeffrey Donaldson, whose party Prime Minister Theresa May's minority government depends on to survive, warned that his party would not accept any concessions to Dublin. "Even if we have a temporary period of direct rule, the Irish Government must be clear that it must not interfere with the internal affairs of Northern Ireland and to do so would be a fundamental breach of faith," Donaldson told the Belfast Telegraph newspaper in comments published on Wednesday. "If that were to happen it would have grave consequences for the stability of the government at Westminster and for the prospect of restoring devolution in Northern Ireland," he was quoted as saying. (Reporting by Ian Graham; Writing by Conor Humphries; Editing by Jon Boyle)
By Stefanie Eschenbacher MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico and Central American countries they will lobby U.S. lawmakers to protect young illegal immigrants who saw their lives thrown into limbo on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would end a programme that shields them from deportation. Trump announced plans to halt the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme that has protected from deportation nearly 800,000 young men and women who entered the United States illegally as children. Mexico's deputy foreign minister, Carlos Sada, said Trump's decision created "anxiety, anguish and fear" for the roughly 625,000 Mexican nationals protected under the programme. "They are exceptional. ... This is as emotional for the United States as for Mexico," Sada said at a news conference immediately following the announcement to end the programme. He said his government would press U.S. lawmakers for a quick solution to the uncertainty that "Dreamers," as they are commonly called, now face in their adopted home. Immigrants who opt to return to Mexico will be welcomed with "open arms," Sada said, offering them assistance with work, finances and education. The announcement to end DACA, created by former President Barack Obama in a 2012 executive order, came during the final day of talks in the Mexican capital to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement, adding pressure to already tense conversations between Mexico and the United States. El Salvador's foreign relations minister, Hugo Martinez, said he would meet with U.S. Congress members to find a solution within the next six months, before DACA's provisions are set to end, aiming to protect the 30,000 to 60,000 Salvadorans who could be affected. "It's a worrisome situation. ... We will be lobbying to have legislation as soon as possible that opens a way out," Martinez said. Guatemalas foreign relations ministry said in a statement that it is counting on the "humanitarian sensibilities" of U.S. lawmakers to ensure thousands of Guatemalans are not forced to leave the country where many grew up. Honduras said in a statement that it would push U.S. Congress to reconsider Trump's move, and offer consular support for more than 18,500 Hondurans protected by DACA. The director of a Honduras migrant aid centre, the Center for Attention for Honduran Migrants, called the U.S. decision "very sad," and said young Hondurans forced to return home could face violence from gangs and drug traffickers. "Their lives will be much more difficult and put at enormous risk," said Valdette Willeman, the centre's director. <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Trump ends 'Dreamer' immigration program, places onus on Congress GRAPHIC: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (web version) http://tmsnrt.rs/2wC83sF GRAPHIC: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals http://tmsnrt.rs/2vIildu FACTBOX-Trump plan to dismantle 'Dreamer' program draws strong responses ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Additional reporting by Daina Beth Solomon, David Alire Garcia, Adriana Barrera, Gustavo Palencia, Nelson Renteria Meza; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lisa Shumaker)
Saudi Arabia has angrily rejected a UN report condemning its involvement in Yemen's devastating civil war.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, the country's foreign minister Adel al Jubeir has accused the UN Human Rights Office of bias in compiling the report.

For two and a half years Saudi Arabia has led a coalition fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Its airstrikes have caused devastation in the country.

The UN report blames the coalition for much of the civilian death toll, in particular the more than 1,000 children who have died.

Adel al Jubeir is unrepentant saying their report's authors have refused to seek the Saudi side of the story.

He said: "We invited the United Nations to come and discuss it with us. We invited the United Nations to come and take a look at how we choose our targets and how we conduct operations. And none of them came."

The UN report says an "entirely man-made catastrophe" is unfolding in Yemen.

One thousand are dead, more than 8,000 are injured, and there is widespread hunger and an unprecedented cholera outbreak.

Saudi Arabia accuses the Iranian-backed Houthis of starting the war. Its foreign minister insists its military campaign is worth it.

He told Sky News: "The Houthis at one point controlled the majority of territory now they control less than 20% and all this happened in less than three years.

"People look at this and say this has gone on too long, from our perspective every day is too long but it's not up to us it's up the Houthis."

Saudi Arabia backs Yemen's internationally recognised government against Houthi rebels who have seized control of the capital in Sanaa.

Despite thousands of airstrikes and a blockade of Yemen from the sea and air, the Saudi-led coalition has failed to push the Houthis out. They have though increased the misery of the Yemeni people.

The World Food programme says the ongoing offensive is hampering vital efforts to feed the population.

For now the Saudis, who are supplied and advised by the British, seem determined to press on with their campaign.
By Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions against two senior South Sudanese officials and the country's former army chief in a warning to the government of President Salva Kiir over increasing attacks on civilians in the country's four-year civil war. The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement on its website said it had blacklisted Malek Reuben Riak Rengu, deputy chief of defense for logistics in South Sudan's army; Paul Malong, former army chief sacked by Kiir in May; and Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth for their roles in destabilizing South Sudan. The measures freeze any assets in the United States or tied to the U.S. financial system belonging to the three men. Mawien Makol, spokesman at South Sudan's foreign affairs ministry, called Washington's announcement unfortunate. "Such sanctions can undermine the efforts rather than help the efforts," Makol said, referring to a 2015 peace deal. Nathaniel Oyet, a senior official in the opposition SPLA-IO group, welcomed the move although added: "It has come a bit late. We wanted it yesterday." "This now gives us the confidence that the Donald Trump administration will fix the crisis in South Sudan," said Oyet. The U.S. crackdown comes days after Trump's new aid administrator, Mark Green, visited South Sudan to deliver a blunt message to Kiir that Washington was reviewing its policy toward his government. He called on Kiir to end the violence and implement a "real" ceasefire. The meeting signaled that the Trump administration was reconsidering its backing for Kiir, who came to power with the support of Washington when oil-rich South Sudan won independence from neighboring Sudan in 2011 following decades of conflict. But the world's youngest country dissolved into civil war in 2013 after Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fired his deputy Riek Machar, a Nuer. Nearly one-third of the country's population - or 4 million people - have fled their homes, creating the continent's largest refugee crisis since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In its statement, the U.S. Treasury said Malek Reuben was central to weapons procurement during the first few years of the conflict and helped plan an offensive in Unity State in April 2015, which targeted civilians and led to "numerous rights abuses." It also accused him of issuing military contracts at inflated prices "in order to receive extensive kickbacks." The U.S. Treasury blacklisted All Energy Investments, A+ Engineering, Electronics & Media Printing and Mak International Services which it said was owned or controlled by Malek Reuben. Malong was sacked by Kiir in May as army chief and put under house arrest in the capital Juba, the country's defense minister told Reuters last week. The U.S. Treasury said he was being sanctioned for obstructing peace talks, international peacekeeping efforts and humanitarian missions in South Sudan. The Treasury statement said Malong was reportedly responsible for efforts to kill Machar in 2016 and "did not discourage" the killing of civilians around the town of Wau last year. It said Malong was found with "currency worth millions of U.S. dollars in his possession" belonging to the military's treasury as he tried to flee Juba in early May. Reached by phone in Nairobi, Malong's wife, Ayak Lucy, told Reuters her husband did not have financial assets in the United States. She was unaware of the sanctions announcement. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury accused Makuei of attacks against the U.N. mission in South Sudan and obstructing of peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in the country. "What do they call it? Economic sanctions? What property do I have in America and all over the world?" he told Reuters in response to the sanctions. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton in Washington; Editing by James Dalgleish and Cynthia Osterman)
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council established a Mali sanctions regime on Tuesday that allows the body to blacklist anyone who violates or obstructs a 2015 peace deal, hinders the delivery of aid, commits human rights abuses or recruits child soldiers. Anyone added to the blacklist would be subjected to a global travel ban or asset freeze, according to the French-drafted resolution, which was unanimously adopted by the 15-member Security Council. "We do see the sanctions as an additional tool in order to promote the peace agreement," French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre told the Security Council. "Time is not on our side and the peace agreement in Mali is one of the keys to stabilization of the regional situation in the Sahel." The vast, arid Sahel region has in recent years become a breeding ground for jihadist groups -- some linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State -- that European countries, particularly France, fear could threaten Europe if left unchecked. A 2015 peace deal signed by Mali's government and separatist groups has failed to stop violence in northern Mali by Islamist militants, who have also staged assaults on high-profile targets in the capital Bamako, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. French forces intervened in 2013 to drive back Islamist fighters who had hijacked the Tuareg uprising to seize Mali's desert north in 2012. The U.N. Security Council then deployed peacekeepers to the country. Attacks on U.N. troops have made it the world body's deadliest peacekeeping mission. Anyone who attacks peacekeepers could be blacklisted by the Security Council. The United Nations said two peacekeepers were killed and two seriously injured on Tuesday in an attack on their convoy in the Kidal region. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Sandra Maler)
BOISE  Idaho will repay the Federal Communications Commission $3.5 million to cover federal funds that went to the botched statewide school broadband contract.

State leaders made the payment Tuesday as part of a settlement with the federal agency over claims that the state misused more than $14 million in federal money by putting it toward the illegally awarded contract.

Lawmakers approved the program to bring broadband internet access to all of Idahos schools nearly a decade ago. At the time, they believed the $60 million program would be mostly covered by money from the Federal Communications Commission.

But the project was beset with problems from the start. The state was sued by a company contending that the broadband contract was illegally awarded to more expensive bidders, and the courts eventually agreed.
The eighth episode is the final pre-taped show of the Mae Young Classic before the live final and showcased the two Semi Final matches that have plenty at stake with a spot in the finals waiting for the victors. After seven episodes and countless matches the stories, emotion, and investment all culminate here by finding out exactly who will be in the final.

Shayna Baszler vs Mercedes Martinez

The first Semi Final match saw a bout between a teacher and her student with Mercedes Martinez being someone who has taught Shayna Baszler a lot throughout her career working as a mentor. Baszler is part of Martinez' group that she travels with on the independent scene and therefore there was plenty of emotion on the line here and that could be shown by the fact that this was the first match where Baszler participated in the pre-match handshake ritual that she had ignored to this point.

The student showed what she had learnt . Photo-WWE.com

Both ladies have been the most physical in the tournament and the early exchanges showed them both attempt to trade blows but avoid, however, Martinez was able to get plenty of huge chops and strikes in first and this was the first time in the tournament someone had control early on. Baszler finally got her own offense in and her frustration began to flow out, hitting a brilliant running knee before finally being able to lock in some submissions.

The back and forth element of the match carried on although Martinez was arguably in charge, for the most part, throwing her opponent around with suplexes, yet just like in previous matches Baszler caught her opponent, locked in the Sleeper Choke Hold and picked up a submission victory. Following her victory, the two ladies showed respect with a big hug and Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were on hand to present the first finalist with flowers to pose for the cameras.

Winner: Shayna Baszler

Kairi Sane vs Toni Storm

This was the final match at Full Sail for the Mae Young Classic with the winner progressing to the final to meet Shayna Baszler on September 12. Whilst this match doesn't boast the physicality of the previous one, it will have arguably more technical quality with plenty of striking and fast paced action. Despite the fact that Kairi Sane was the favourite heading in, Toni Storm brought her A game and comfortably matched her in terms of technical wrestling until she went back first into the apron; followed by a cross body from the top rope to the outside.

Storm continued to wow the fans. Photo-WWE.com

As the pace began to pick up both women started hitting harder shots as Storm landed her Hip Attack but Sane managed to land her own blow with a huge Spear straight after which was followed by each woman trading shots with Sane coming out on top. Storm then landed her finisher but Sane fought out and the Australian quickly locked in a tremendous arm submission but Sane smartly reversed, only to end up crashing to the mat after a headbutt.

Storm then hit a Leg Drop which finished Piper Niven in the previous round but Sane rolled out of harm's way so no pinfall attempt could be gained. Despite the best efforts of Storm, she would eventually suffer the same fate as her previous opponents with an Elbow Drop securing Sane a position in the final after a great match that showed exactly how much each woman wanted to win. Following the match, just like before Sane was presented with flowers

Winner: Kairi Sane

The Mae Young Classic Final is set. Photo-WWE.com

So there we go, our Mae Young Classic Final is set- Kairi Sane vs Shayna Baszler. Was that a little predictable from the start, perhaps, but that doesn't mean it is a bad thing. WWE has created genuine characters that the WWE Universe can now get behind and given that some are already signed to contracts it would be foolish not to start shuffling them in immediately. As for the final, that is very tough to predict as both Sane and Baszler have been dominant throughout the competition and would be worthy winners with each having real reasons as to why they could wind up winning. But that will remain to be seen in the upcoming final with the only thing for sure being that it should be a hard hitting and very entertaining match.

Match of the night: Kairi Sane vs Toni Storm

Star of the night: Kairi Sane
I would like to give my sincere thanks to all military veterans who have given so much to this great nation. They deserve our positive support for protecting our freedom.

Lets support those who have supported us. Military veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms which we cannot seem to thank them enough for. Many, after serving, look for employment back in the United States. Currently, the U.S. Postal Service employs 113,000 military veterans which again also serve this country, many in a different kind of uniform.

If we are to continue to thank them we must support the U.S. Postal Service. All of the Postal Services revenue is made by affordable postage sales and not by taxes.

Congress must also thank veterans by passing laws that restore the Postal Services financial health without reducing service to our customers. The people of America deserve the best possible service that we can possibly give them.

So the next time you purchase stamps or mailing a package through the U.S. Postal Service, you are thanking a veteran by providing him or her with a job that they can live on.

John Paige

President

Idaho State Association of Letter Carriers
The US military has ordered the evacuation of over five thousand personnel from a Naval Air Station in Florida in preparation for Hurricane Irma.

Irma is now a Category 5 storm and one of the strongest ever recorded in the Atlantic.

Currently, it is threatening to slam into Caribbean islands including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands with "potentially catastrophic" force on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said.

The military is braced for it to hit the US mainland and the current forecast suggests it could strike Florida over the weekend.

More than 5,000 military active duty, civilians, contractors and families based at Naval Air Station Key West have received mandatory evacuation orders, according to US Navy officials. The officials familiar with the evacuation plan say approximately 50 to 60 personnel will stay to man essential functions at the installation.

The Commander of the US Navy Region Southeast ordered the "mandatory evacuation of non-essential personnel and dependents from NAS Key West to safe haven within 300 miles of Atlanta, Georgia," according to Navy spokesman Bill Dougherty.

Navy officials tell CNN that aircraft, including fixed-wing planes and helicopters will be moving inland from Jacksonville and Mayport, Florida.

Submarines are preparing to evacuate or have been evacuated from Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in Georgia, according to several Navy officials. In the coming days, other Navy installations may be ordered to evacuate.

Dougherty said Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, will shelter in place for the storm as it passes north of Cuba.

"Joint Task Force Guantanamo is closely monitoring the progress of Irma and is taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the detainees. Plans and procedures are in place to ensure for the safety of the detainees throughout this event," Department of Defense spokesman Maj. Ben Sakrisson said.

Currently, 41 detainees are being held at Guantanamo.

The USS Iwo Jima and USS New York are due to leave Mayport, Florida as early as Tuesday and head to Norfolk to load up with disaster supplies. They will be on standby for any request for assistance following Hurricane Irma, according to two US Navy officials.

The USS Kearsarge and USS Oak Hill, which were headed to provide relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, are staying off the east coast of southern Florida for the next few days -- out of the path of Irma -- awaiting a decision as to whether they will they proceed to Texas or be ready to help with Irma, according to a military official.

The US Air Force is preparing plans to "relocate the majority of F-16 aircraft from Homestead Air Reserve Base in southern Florida," spokesman Col. Patrick Ryder said.

The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, "commonly known as the Hurricane Hunters," is scheduled to fly later this week to help monitor the storm's development, he added.

Ryder also told CNN that Air Force search and rescue teams that were assisting in Texas have "returned to their home stations to recover and prepare for a potential response to Hurricane Irma."

CNN's Khushbu Shah and Jill Disis contributed to this report.
New Mexicos congressional Democrats excoriated President Donald Trumps decision today to end a program that allows children who were brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents to remain in the country.

Rep. Steve Pearce, the delegations lone Republican defended the presidents action and called for a long-term policy solution.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions made the announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  or DACA program  this morning, focusing on the administrations legal defense for ending the program. DACA has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S.

This policy was implemented unilaterally to great controversy and legal concern after Congress rejected legislative proposals to extend similar benefits on numerous occasions to this same group of illegal aliens., Sessions said.

In other words, the executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch, the attorney general added.

The effect of this unilateral executive amnesty, among other things, contributed to a surge of unaccompanied minors on the southern border that yielded terrible humanitarian consequences. It also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens.

The government will stop processing new applications under President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S.

But the administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, an Albuquerque Democrat who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and who is running for governor of New Mexico in 2018, blasted the presidents decision as an indefensible and unjust act of cruelty. There are about 8,000 young people in New Mexico who are beneficiaries of the program.

In every way, DACA has made our nation stronger and kept alive the American dream for 800,000 aspiring Americans, Lujan Grisham said. DREAMers lives are not bargaining chips and should not be used as pawns in furthering the Presidents anti-immigrant agenda. They are children who are American in every way, their contributions are real, and they and their futures should be treated with the dignity to which every person is entitled.

Any attempt to end DACA, whether it is tomorrow or in six-months, will devastate lives, ruin families, and disrupt businesses and local economies, Lujan Grisham added. Such a deliberately immoral decision would tear at the fabric of our country and be a permanent stain on our history. It is critical that the President uphold DACA until Congress passes the DREAM Act.

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, a Santa Fe Democrat who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, also criticized the decision..

DACA has enabled nearly 800,000 talented young people to contribute more fully to this country, he said. Theyre nurses, engineers, small business owners, our friends and our neighbors. These young people came to the United States under the age of 16, some of them only a year or two old. They grew up in the U.S., going to our public schools, singing the Star Spangled Banner, pledging allegiance to the only flag theyve ever known: the American flag.

Since 2012, the 9,000 DREAMers in New Mexico have not had to live in fear of deportation, he added. If the Trump administration moves ahead with this mean-spirited attempt to repeal DACA, those young people and their families will once again risk being torn apart. 

Sen. Tom Udall, also a Democrat, said DACA has compassionately allowed 9,000 young New Mexicans, who have known no other country than the United States as their home, to remain in the U.S. to pursue their dreams.

These young people came to our country as children, and today, they are working and going to school to become teachers, doctors, engineers, Udall said. They are making our country stronger  reneging on our promise to them now is hurtful and wrong, not to mention a disaster for our economy.

The United States of America that I love honors its commitments, and I will fight tooth and nail to defend our Dreamers and prevent families from being ripped apart, Udall added. Instead of peddling these dangerous, hateful proposals to deport young people who are contributing to our society and waste billions of dollars to build a pointless wall, we should be focused on comprehensive legislation to fix our immigration system.

Pearce, who is also running for governor in 2018, said the DACA program is a harmful and damaging program that fails to provide certainty and leaves millions with an illusion of hope.

 It is only a temporary fix for millions of young adults who have only ever known the United States as home., Pearce said. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress for fairness, justice, and family unity, and will fight for a permanent change for DREAMERS that ensures both current and future generations do not face the same challenges and burdens.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., called it a heartless and grave mistake.

We should never be a country that kicks out some of our best and brightest students, Heinrich said. In the five years since its implementation, DACA has changed the lives of many of our brightest students and veterans who have come out of the shadows to earn an education, contribute to our economy, and give back to their communities and their country. Ive had the privilege of meeting DREAMers in New Mexico and sharing their inspiring stories. These young people are smart, inspiring, and most of them dont know how to be anything but American.

We should not be a nation that tears families apart, he added.

Meanwhile, New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas was on MSNBC moments after Sessions announcement. He criticized the decision and called it a black eye on the nation. He also said the DACA recipients are just as legal as Melania Trump, the nations foreign-born First Lady, whose immigration status has also been called into question.

I believe the legal fight has only begun there are many attorneys general who will defend the DACA program, he said.

Balderas said many so-called Dreamers who are benefiting from the program are law enforcement officers, first responders, teachers and others who contribute to the fabric of America.

There absolutely is a real public safety emergency in our border states, Balderas told MSNBC. I believe its created a public safety crisisand I dont believe communities re going to sit idle and let Washington play politics.

I hope the president will quit playing politics and put American security first, he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
ANTHONY, NM  Dozens of students from Gadsden High School joined a statewide walkout and rallied for immigrant justice following the Trump administrations decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals known as, DACA.

About sixty students marched across New Mexico Highway 28 down a rural road flanked by cotton fields and pecan trees. The students at the front held a large hand-painted Defend Dreamers banner.

Many are concerned that some fellow students could face deportation if they lose protection under DACA. Nicholas Dorado, 15, a native New Mexican, held a sign with the New Mexico flag and the word resistpainted in big letters.

Im worried about my friend, said Dorado.

The New Mexico Dream Team, a non-profit organization that advocates for Dreamers, and other DACA recipients, organized the statewide student walkout and rally.

We want the Trump administration to know that we the people have the power. Were going to continue to fight, said Rubi Aguilar, 19 a recent graduate from Gadsden High School.

Dona Ana Community College students in Anthony also joined the walkout. Juan Beltran, 20, is studying to become a nurse. Hes also a DACA recipient. Hes among the 800,000 young people now living in limbo after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration will rescind DACA. Beltran hopes Congress will now step in and take action.

Please, please, please support us. I dont know why they dont want us here. I was raised here since I was little, said Beltran.

He said his parents brought him to the U.S. from Camargo, Mexico when he was seven years old.

The students ended their march under a billboard promoting the New Mexico True tourism campaign welcoming visitors near the state line with Texas. One student held a hand painted sign with the words, Welcome to DACAland.

Texas is among the eight states that threatened to sue the Trump administration if it did not end DACA by Tuesday.

In Las Cruces, about 200 students participated in the walkout at New Mexico State University and held a rally in a parking lot near campus.
After years of high-wattage partisan feuding over the Affordable Care Act, a Senate committee on Wednesday is holding the first in a series of hearings to try to build momentum for lawmakers to agree on some ways to strengthen the laws insurance marketplaces.

Four hearings being held by the Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee are part of a push by the panels top Republican and Democrat, who are racing to negotiate an agreement before the month ends. At the moment, however, the parties differ on specifics, and it remains uncertain whether any accord  even a narrow one  is possible.

This circumscribed effort follows Senate Republicans dramatic failure in late July to overturn central parts of the ACA. The new effort may yield a practical bipartisan response acknowledging that the insurance exchanges  conduits to medical coverage for about 10 million Americans  will continue to exist. Or it could provide another piece of evidence that the ACA is so politically toxic that compromise on it eludes even the senators most open to collaboration on health policy.

Im optimistic, though all of this is a lot of hard work, said Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan, D-N.H., a committee member and one of several former governors working for an agreement.

According to senators, their aides and outside health-policy experts close to the negotiations, both Chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Patty Murray, Wash., the panels ranking Democrat, are eager to write into law federal funding of cost-sharing reduction subsidies. These payments to insurers offset discounts that the ACA requires health plans to give lower-income customers for annual deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.

The once-obscure subsidies, which President Donald Trump has threatened to end, have emerged as a significant issue in recent months. Some insurance companies plan to raise their rates substantially for next year unless the payments are guaranteed, and others have withdrawn from ACA marketplaces in part because the payments future has been so uncertain.

The committees leaders agree that preserving the payments is important, but they differ on their duration. Alexander said in a statement that the government should promise to continue them for another year, while Murray said she is seeking a multiyear agreement.

Alexander said he is working toward a limited, bipartisan, simple piece of legislation that also would give states greater flexibility to deviate from the ACAs basic rules. In particular, he and other Republicans want states to be able to let insurers sell policies that exclude some of the essential health benefits required by the 2010 law  an idea that is anathema to Democrats.

On the other hand, Murray and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., want to re-create a pool of reinsurance money for health plans that existed during the first three years of the ACA marketplaces. This funding would help defray the cost of insuring customers with especially costly medical conditions  an idea that Republicans oppose.

Alexander and Murray consulted with colleagues over the August recess, but neither has revealed the concessions being expected from the other party. We dont know yet what Lamar has in mind in terms of greater flexibility, said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, who was planning to confer with the chairman again Tuesday evening.

Given the gap in ideas, we are going to have the hearings, and thats it, said one former senior Republican congressional staffer.

Dan Mendelson, president of Avalere Health, a Washington-based consulting firm, said the watchword for this effort is de-escalation. With Congress attention focused on issues such as the federal debt limit, funding for Hurricane Harvey recovery and GOP tax plans, he said the greatest chance for improving the ACAs marketplaces will be if a few provisions from the Senate committee are slipped without fanfare into a larger spending bill.

Democrats believe that the GOP will take a political hit if Congress fails to produce an agreement to improve the marketplaces. A new survey by the Democratic polling firm Hart Research, conducted for the pro-ACA group Protect Our Care Campaign, found that voters disapprove of the way Trump is handling health care, 61 percent to 39 percent, and sharply disapprove of GOP lawmakers approach, 80 percent to 20 percent.

Regardless of the negotiations fate, the upcoming hearings mark the closest collaboration between Republicans and Democrats in years on an issue that has defined their ideological differences perhaps more than any other.

Every morning before each of the four hearings this week and next, the committee is hosting off-the-record coffees to which all members are invited. Senate aides said the idea behind the sessions is to foster a collegial and frank discussion about what could be done to bolster the marketplaces.

The first two hearings feature two constituencies at the state level that have been centrally involved in how the ACAs exchanges, intended for individuals and families without access to affordable health benefits through jobs, are working in practice.

Wednesdays hearing will focus on five insurance commissioners from GOP- and Democratic-led states, while a hearing on Thursday will focus on three Republican and two Democratic governors.
WASHINGTON  Senate leaders are prepared to vote this week on legislation that would pair an increase in the federal governments borrowing limit with $7.9 billion in disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey despite opposition from conservatives.

The decision to combine the two unrelated measures is a potentially risky strategy that could further alienate conservatives who have insisted that any debt-limit increase be paired with corresponding spending cuts. Leaders hope that those on the far right will abandon their demands to immediately replenish rapidly diminishing funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, whose home state is still reeling from Harveys impact, endorsed the strategy Tuesday and vowed to move quickly to pass the debt-and-disaster package. And House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said in the Capitol late Tuesday that the House will also take up the measure if it passes the Senate.

I believe that FEMA is going to literally run out of money at the end of this week, Cornyn told reporters. It is imperative that we get that supplemental passed. The leaders made the decision to attach the debt limit to that, and I support that decision.

The House is expected to vote on an initial version of the disaster relief package on Wednesday. If all goes as planned, the Senate would then attach the debt-limit increase and hold a vote before the end of the week.

Such a swift timeline would allow Congress to approve the disaster relief money ahead of the potential impact of Hurricane Irma, which could make landfall in Florida this week. It would also allay fears of a federal government default if Congress fails to increase the debt limit.

But conservatives, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, want to see the disaster aid approved without the debt limit attached. Cruz said Tuesday that he believes the FEMA funds should not be tied to other unrelated matters but he did not answer when asked if he would actively oppose a plan to combine the two matters. My hope is that we will see strong bipartisan support for substantial relief from the crushing damages, Cruz said. There will be many ongoing discussions in Congress about passing that relief package.

President Donald Trump has not explicitly endorsed the plan, but Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that both he and the president think that the debt limit should be tied to Harvey funding.

Our first priority is to make sure that the state gets money, Mnuchin said in an interview on Fox News Sunday. It is critical, and to do that we need to make sure we raise the debt limit.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., delivered a very similar statement on the Senate floor Tuesday.

I know that securing this emergency funding is very important for the president, McConnell said. I know that preventing a default or shutdown amid such a historic natural disaster is also very important to him  and even more so now with another major hurricane on the way.

But leaders of the major House conservative caucuses  the hard-line House Freedom Caucus and the larger Republican Study Committee, have both warned in recent days against attaching a debt-ceiling increase to a Harvey aid package. Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., the RSCs chairman, called the prospect a little unsettling and even more frustrating in a Fox News Channel interview Tuesday.

The chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., said Tuesday that tying the debt limit to disaster aid is just using it as leverage but he believes the White House supports McConnells plan.

They want the debt ceiling done no matter how it gets done, and I think they support this approach, Meadows told reporters. I think its a tactical move that this is the best way to do a debt-ceiling increase, and obviously it will work.

Members of the Freedom Caucus did not take a formal position Tuesday evening on the leadership plan, despite what Meadows called overwhelming opposition to the approach.

The roughly 40 Freedom Caucus members would not necessarily have the power to block the legislation. Democrats have generally supported increasing the debt limit in the past, and most Republicans expect that Democrats will do so again.

But if the group decides to vote against the bill it could exacerbate tensions among House Republicans and raise the specter that the bill could pass without a majority of the majority party  violating an informal rule that House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., had pledged to adhere to when he became speaker in 2015.

Conservative Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, who represents a Dallas-area district, said he is eager to deliver relief for his fellow Texans but he would not say whether he would vote for an aid bill tied to a debt-limit increase.

I think thats a mistake, he said. The debt ceilings a different breed of cat.

Democrats also have not signed off on the plan, in part because Ryan and McConnell have not yet committed to how long the debt-limit increase would last. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Sunday that they are willing to consider the plan, but they did not commit to providing the votes necessary to ensure that the bill can pass without conservative support.

Democrats generally view the debt limit as a chance to get leverage in upcoming budget and spending battles.

Providing aid in the wake of Harvey and raising the debt ceiling are both important issues, and Democrats want to work to do both, Schumer and Pelosi said in a statement. Given the interplay between all the issues Congress must tackle in September, Democrats and Republicans must discuss all the issues together.
SANTA FE  A San Jose man who was a custodian at the Pecos Independent School District faces more than 300 years in prison for sexually assaulting a young male relative over nearly 3 1/2 years and threatening to kill the boy and his family if he told anyone.

Louis Vigil, 45, was booked into the San Miguel County jail Friday on 35 felony charges, including criminal sexual penetration of a minor, criminal sexual contact of a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The alleged victim, now 14, was interviewed at Santa Fes Solace Crisis Treatment Center Aug. 29 and said Vigil sexually assaulted him between the ages of 9 and 13, according to a State Police arrest warrant affidavit.

The boy said Vigil would hit him if he didnt comply, and says Vigil threatened to shoot and kill him and his family if he said anything, the affidavit says.

PISD Superintendent Fred Trujillo didnt immediately respond to a voicemail or email asking if Vigil was still employed by the school district. Online court records dont indicate that Vigil has a criminal history in New Mexico.

Also, on Aug. 27, the boys 9-year-old sister told her mother that Vigil tried to take a picture of her with his cell phone. The girl told him no, but he replied that he already had pictures of her sister, brother and a 2-year-old female family member, according to the affidavit.

Police served a search warrant on Vigils residence Aug. 31 and did and later interviewed him. During the interview he admitted to multiple acts of criminal sexual penetration and showing the victim pornography between September 2012 and February 2016. He provided the dates, locations and descriptions of 19 separate sexual assaults.

The state filed a motion to have Vigil held in jail until trial because he victimized multiple young family members. This type of repeated violence warrants the State to request that defendant not be released while trial is pending to safeguard the victims and members of the community and ensure that the defendant does not endanger more lives, prosecutor Thomas Clayton argues.

A detention hearing will be held Friday morning in front of Las Vegas District Court Judge Matthew Sandoval.
As student debt mounts nationally, with the $1.4 trillion in U.S. student loans now surpassing credit card debt, its critical to ensure New Mexico parents and students are equipped with the information and support they need to successfully manage this debt. A little-known mechanism  tax-exempt Qualified Student Loan Bonds (QSLBs)  ensures struggling New Mexico borrowers have access to the locally based support and counseling they need to manage their student loan debt and reverse the negative consequences of student loan delinquency and default.

But as congressional leaders tackle tax reform this fall, Qualified Student Loan Bonds could be on the chopping block. These bonds are among the types of municipal bonds at risk of losing tax-exempt status to broaden the tax base and make way for lower corporate and individual tax rates. That would take away an important vehicle for helping New Mexico families at a time when student loan debt is one of our nations most pressing concerns. Therefore, throughout the tax reform process, New Mexicos congressional delegation must work to keep this important tool intact.

Defaulted borrowers are the most at-risk of all student loan borrowers  in New Mexico, more than eight out of 10 dropped out of school without finishing, usually in their first two years, and about the same proportion defaulted because they could not afford their monthly payments and failed to enroll in an affordable income-driven repayment program. A majority of these students in New Mexico are also from rural, at-risk, first generation, or otherwise underserved and disadvantaged populations. New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation (NMEAF), the states nonprofit higher education finance organization, uses the proceeds of tax-exempt Qualified Student Loan Bonds to purchase these loans so that they can help these borrowers when they are most in need.

The federal government has established severe consequences for student loan delinquency and default. For example, borrowers who default on their federal student loans are subjected to significant additional fees, damaged credit history, garnishment of wages or Social Security benefits, the offset of federal tax refunds, and the loss of eligibility for federal financial assistance. However, a borrower may rehabilitate their loan by making nine on-time monthly payments. Once rehabilitation is complete, the loan is removed from defaulted status, the borrower is once again eligible for federal student loans and grants, and the default is removed from the borrowers credit record.

Also, once the rehabilitation process has been completed, the loan may be sold to a lender or nonprofit organization such as NMEAF. QSLBs enable NMEAF to purchase the rehabilitated, previously defaulted loans of New Mexico borrowers and to provide hands-on local support and counseling to these vulnerable borrowers to help them successfully manage and repay their student loan debt. NMEAF reaches a great deal of struggling New Mexico borrowers; their most recent QSLB transaction benefited nearly 3,000 at-risk students.

Qualified Student Loan Bonds are important to New Mexico students since they allow NMEAF to provide these at-risk borrowers with the higher-touch servicing they need to stay on track. If lawmakers fail to preserve this tool, NMEAF will no longer be able purchase these loans and work closely with these borrowers and provide them the personalized service they need to succeed. As lawmakers approach the imminent task of revamping the tax code, they must preserve the tax exemption for Qualified Student Loan Bonds.

The New Mexico Educational Assistance Foundation helps New Mexicos students and their families save, plan, prepare, and pay for post-secondary education by providing educational resources, community outreach, and low-cost private student loans.
BOSTON  On a holiday weekend set aside to honor the American working class, it is hard to escape the sense that American workers find themselves exploited by our politics  and particularly by our president.

If wage earners could turn all the warm words they have heard into dollars, they would be rich. But they never receive the rights or benefits that are supposed to come their way.

Decade after decade, we engage in more or less the same arguments about economic justice, yet over the last 15 years or so, the condition of laboring men and women has, by many measures, gotten worse.

In his campaign, President Trump promised the world to American workers, including a better and more generous health care system. Having broken his health care pledges, he now claims that he will live up to his vows on jobs and wages by  cutting corporate taxes.

Remember all those stories in 2016 about Trump being a different sort of Republican? It turns out hes the same old trickle-down conservative, only meaner: He also preys upon racial feelings and anti-immigrant sentiment, which is often cast as part of his populism.

There is absolutely nothing new about Trumps insistence that whats good for corporations will be good for American workers.

Heres what he said last week in a speech in Missouri: We must reduce the tax rate on American businesses so they keep jobs in America, create jobs in America, and compete for workers right here in America  the America we love.

Now if Trump hadnt pretended to be some kind of populist hero in 2016, his recitation of old Republican boilerplate would not be particularly interesting or troublesome. But it is maddening to see this man described as some great innovator when it comes to the interests of the left-out and forgotten.

If you want to know how old Trumps talking points are, consider a debate broadcast by CBS Radio on April 11, 1948, between Sen. Robert A. Taft, lovingly known as Mr. Republican among conservatives of his day, and Walter Reuther, the legendary leader of the United Auto Workers union. And, by the way, wouldnt it be great if the media still broadcast debates of this sort?

Prosperity here depends upon a large percentage of the proceeds of our wealth being invested in new tools, new investments, Taft insisted. It takes about six or seven thousand dollars to create one new job at good wages today. Those job creators have been central to the GOPs ideology for a long time.

Reuther was unpersuaded. Unfortunately, he asserted, most everything that Congress has done in the past six or eight months has moved in the direction of giving more to the people who already have too much and taking away from the people who need more.

Senator Taft, Reuther said at another point, that is the same kind of economic theory that we practiced under Harding and under Coolidge and under Hoover.

Taft, to his credit, did not pretend to be someone he wasnt. He believed in the ideas he was pushing. But anyone who expected Trump to take the American worker to a new place should be profoundly disappointed. As for Reuthers description of conservative economics, it seems as relevant now as it was 69 years ago.

Trump moves us backward in other ways. Jared Bernstein and Ben Spielberg explained last week on The Washington Posts PostEverything blog that the president is using his executive power to undercut regulations on workers pay, financial security, job safety, and also their right to form unions. Here again, Trumps actions belie his words.

Trump seems to think that if he goes after immigrants, picks fights about his border wall, regularly recites the words law and order, and assails political correctness, workers wont notice any of this. Hell keep attacking academic and media elites to distract from his service to financial elites. And there is so much focus on the scandals genuinely worthy of public attention that the substance of Trumps economic policies will be confined to the back pages of newspapers or the nether reaches of the internet.

Will it work? Id insist that its always safe to wager that over time, American workers judge politicians by looking at their paychecks, their working conditions, and the economic prospects of their families. Trump will discover the limits of his flimflam.

It was Walter Reuther who said: Theres a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box. I still think he was right.
ISTANBUL  Coming from the airport into this city of about 15 million people and 5 million cars, as my driver describes it, I pass ancient Roman ruins and blocks of upscale shops; an old hotel where Agatha Christie penned Murder on the Orient Express, smoke shops and modest restaurants, and luxury car dealers. It is a metaphor for the choices Turks are being forced to make under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: forward to a better future and a recapture of their secular state, or back to a nostalgic past when Islam was the official religion of the Ottoman Empire.

Recent waves of terrorist attacks throughout the country have raised security levels. My car was stopped and given a cursory search before being allowed to proceed to the hotel entrance where I was then required to pass through a metal detector and have my hand luggage scanned before approaching the registration desk.

Here, where the Bosphorus Strait divides Europe from Asia, President Erdogan seems bent on imposing his brand of radical Islam on what has for decades been a nation ruled by secular leaders. It was the late president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who helped establish the Republic of Turkey, modeled on Western governments and their belief in church-state separation.

Erdogan, it appears, hears more than the Muslim call to prayer. Its as though he hears a call to tear down the wall separating mosque and state and, writes the Christian Science Monitor, restore Turkey to its historical Ottoman influence.

The controversial election last April resulted in just over 51 percent of voters approving constitutional reforms, which eliminates the office of prime minister and allows Erdogan to possibly hold onto power for years to come. There is still disagreement over whether Erdogan and his party cheated in order to win.

In addition to questions about Turkeys future role in NATO, how would a Turkish Islamic state change the fight against radical Islamic terrorism, as President Trump called it until recently when that label seems to have disappeared from his rhetoric?

An American citizen who has lived and worked in Turkey for some time, but wishes to remain anonymous for fear that his comments might bring him harm, tells me that Turks who have the resources to leave the country are getting out. He says there has been an upsurge in property purchases in the U.S., particularly in Florida.

An August 2016 article in The Wall Street Journal reported: luxury-condo developers are seeing about 5 percent of preconstruction inventory sold to buyers from Turkey.

My American friend says there is no convincing political opposition in Turkey at the moment. Clerics no longer define Islam, Erdogan does.

In 2004, Erdogan participated in a panel at The Academy of Achievement in Chicago. Asked about Islamic terrorism, he responded: Turkey is not a country where moderate Islam prevails. This expression is wrong. The word Islam is uninflected, it is only Islam. Others would disagree, so who gets to decide? That is a question debated throughout the Islamic and non-Islamic world. Who SHOULD decide is the larger question. In Turkey, Erdogan has set himself up as the lone decider.

Further contributing to instability in Turkey is a referendum on independence scheduled for September 25 by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Daniel Pipes, who heads the Middle East Forum, says while he supports Kurdish independence and a single, grand Kurdish state, I see the referendum as a danger to all concerned by further unsettling a highly unstable region, perhaps provoking any of Turkish, Iranian, or Iraqi central government invasions of the KRG, perhaps leading to a confrontation between U.S. and Russian forces.

As if we dont already have enough to worry about.

One of Turkeys main exports in addition to Turkish towels, the Turkish bath and Turkish coffee is the delicious confection known as Rahadlakum, or Turkish Delight.

Unfortunately, with their prospects declining, many Turks today worry that their future may not be anything in which they can take delight.

Email: tcaeditors@tribpub.com. Copyright, Tribune Content Agency LLC.
As expected, the Trump administration announced Tuesday it will phase out the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which protected from deportation nearly 800,000 young immigrants who as children were brought here illegally by their parents.

Although the DACA rollback was announced by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Trump said in a statement,  I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act. That window is six months long, after which the federal government will stop renewing the two-year work permits that allow the so-called Dreamers to remain in the country.

Candidate Trump had said hed terminate DACA immediately if elected. Eight months later  after much debate, and numerous marches, rallies and protests by Dreamers and their supporters  President Trump has taken action that is not nearly as draconian as Trump the candidate had described to address what was supposed to be a partial temporary solution to what has become a permanent problem.

And thats immigration. DACA was enacted in 2012 through executive action by President Barack Obama, who called it a temporary stopgap measure.

Now, President Trump has rightfully put the program, and immigration reform in general, where it belongs  in the hands of Congress. Whether the bitterly divided House and Senate will do the work Americans elected them to do remains to be seen. But if they fail to act by March 5, DACA  and the lives of 800,000 dreamers  will unravel.

According to Department of Homeland Security officials, DACA recipients with permits whose renewals are set to expire between now and March 5 will be able to re-apply  so long as their applications are submitted by Oct. 5, one month from Tuesday. No permits will be revoked before their existing expiration dates and applications already in the pipeline will be processed.

But if DACA permits begin to expire next year, more than 1,000 immigrants per day stand to lose their work permits, according to a recent study by the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank. And that should put a human face on a problem that needs addressing sooner rather than later.

The Trump administration paints DACA as an abuse of executive power that would be found unconstitutional in court; in fact, a 2016 Supreme Court tie vote left a nationwide injunction in place regarding expanding DACA and extending it to DAPA  Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents. Ten conservative state officials had vowed to sue if Trump did not end DACA by Sept. 5; after Tuesdays announcement, several state officials, including New Mexicos attorney general, vowed to sue to get it back.

But rather than wait on another court fight and instead of continuing to leave DACA recipients, who wound up in the country illegally through no fault of their own, in limbo, some action needs to be taken. The bottom line hasnt changed: This country, via Congress, needs to reform its immigration policies, get control of its borders, and decide who gets to immigrate here and under what conditions  and enforcement should not be optional.

Addressing the youngest immigrants should be the easiest piece of the immigration enforcement puzzle to assemble  and there are some proposals already out there.

It bears noting that if Congress had done its job and acted decisively on immigration in the previous administration, Obamas executive order creating DACA would have been unnecessary. Had Congress acted decisively under the fledgling Trump administration, Tuesdays threat would also have been unnecessary.

And if Congress fails to do its job this time, there should be severe consequences in the next election cycle.

This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

The Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office share the same Downtown headquarters, work cases alongside each other at times and are both part of a multijurisdictional team that investigates when an officer shoots someone.

But when it comes to using on-body cameras, the two departments have opposite policies. APD was one of the first major city police departments in the country to equip most of its officers with cameras, but the Sheriffs Office doesnt use them.

The sheriff and county commissioners, who approve the Sheriffs Office budget, say they have no plans to change course.

Sheriff Manuel Gonzales III has been asked about the technology repeatedly in the past two months amid a spate of deputy shootings. Deputies fired their weapons in the line of duty five times from July 4 to Aug. 6. Two suspects have died, and two were wounded.

Gonzales said during his campaign for sheriff that he wasnt in favor of using body cameras. And his perspective hasnt changed since he took office or since the issue has been frequently broached as a result of the recent shootings.

Asked about cameras during a news conference about one of the deputy-involved shootings, he sarcastically suggested that it would be better if people with long criminal histories wore cameras instead of deputies.

At a County Commission meeting this summer, Gonzales asked commissioners to increase his budget so he could hire more deputies. But he said he wouldnt be asking for money for cameras when asked about them by Commissioner Maggie Hart Stebbins.

I havent found any empirical information, any research, that shows a body camera saved a persons life, he said. But what I do know is over the last several hundred years of sheriffing and policing out there, there are thousands of documented cases of people in law enforcement saving human life. Id rather invest the money in something that is valuable and works.

For now, county commissioners are disinclined to force the issue.

The commissioners said in recent interviews that they would let the sheriff decide whats best for his department. None said he or she was considering legislation to try to force deputies to wear cameras, though several said they like the general idea of the technology.

The cameras are here, and they have the potential of helping an officer, Commissioner Wayne Johnson said. I guess the commission could pass a law and force it down their throat, but Im really reluctant as a legislator to make a policy decision for another elected official.

Commissioner Debbie OMalley said she believes Gonzales reluctance to equip his deputies with cameras is a way to be a strong leader for his deputies. He doesnt want to act like he questions their actions during dire circumstances, she said.

I think hes a very strong leader, and his deputies look up to him, OMalley said. Culturally, whats happening (in the Sheriffs Office) is so different (than at APD), and thats probably why his response (is to not use cameras.) He wants his deputies to feel that they can engage and get out there, and its clear thats hes very supportive of the folks he manages.

OMalley did say she would be in favor of getting feedback from officers who do use cameras to see if police think the cameras have affected how they approach their jobs.

Commissioner Lonnie Talbert said its up to the sheriff to decide what equipment he does or doesnt need.

Hes responsible for his people and his investigations, Talbert said.

Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada said he liked the idea of the cameras, which he said can help monitor deputies. But he said the county cant afford them.

I would like to see if they are racially profiling people.  I have concerns about all of that, and a lapel camera would tell me that, he said. But we dont have the money. Either we have officers or we have lapel cameras.

Hart Stebbins said she thinks body cameras enhance public confidence in law enforcement when they are used with sound policies that protect victims and witnesses.

The sheriff has to base his decision on a thorough cost-benefit analysis that balances the benefits to BCSO staff and transparency against the significant costs of purchasing and maintaining a system, she said.

APD cameras

Albuquerque police rolled out body cameras in 2012 amid a multiyear increase in police shootings. The department equipped all officers with cameras and instructed them to record every encounter.

It hasnt been smooth. The early cameras had a short battery life and at times came unplugged. Officers were not using them as often as called for in APD policy, which some have called confusing.

But APD has remained committed to the effort. The department also agreed to continue to use the cameras in its settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which outlines a yearslong reform effort that is underway by Albuquerque police.

This month, the department is rolling out new on-body cameras that police officials hope will help reduce the amount of times when officers fail to record a situation, because the cameras are wireless. And officers will carry two of the cameras, so that if one breaks or if batteries die during a shift, the officer has a backup, said Celina Espinoza, a police spokeswoman.

Some of the footage has produced strong results. Video of the fatal shooting of James Boyd by two Albuquerque police officers became a crucial piece of evidence in the murder trial against the officers, which ended in a hung jury. They will not face a retrial.

Former officer Jeremy Dears failure to record when he shot and killed 19-year-old Mary Hawkes added a layer of scrutiny and criticism to the shooting, and the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Mexico has confirmed it is investigating allegations that police altered video in that and other shooting cases.

Officers told researchers APDs policy has caused them not to talk to people as much while working their beats, made them reluctant to give people some slack for minor infractions and has led to frustration when cases were dismissed because of a lack of video, according to a study completed by the University of New Mexicos Institute for Social Research.

On the other hand, video has helped exonerate Albuquerque police officers in some cases. After a recent fatal shooting by an Albuquerque police officer, within days the department released a video of the shooting that showed a suspect had a gun and was raising it in the direction of an officer when the suspect was shot and killed.

Johnson, who is running for mayor, said APDs use of lapel cameras has put the Sheriffs Office in a difficult position. And he said the Albuquerque public now expects there to be clear video of every police shooting, when that is not always the case.

Staff writer Martin Salazar contributed to this report.
SANTA FE  Gov. Susana Martinezs office appeared to have fallen behind when it comes to updating the governors publicly available daily calendar.

The online listing of the two-term Republican governors meetings, media interviews and public events was more than three months outdated as of Tuesday  with the last entry being made June 4.

However, after the Journal submitted questions about the matter, the Governors Office moved quickly Tuesday to update the calendar.

This is simply an oversight on my part, as the calendar is already updated online, Martinez communications director Larry Behrens said. In the future, it will be updated more regularly.

The Governors Office began posting Martinezs schedule online in September 2013 in response to requests from media outlets and government transparency groups. At the time, a spokesman said the calenders would be updated weekly.

Thats largely happened over the past four years  though the governors schedule is posted only after the fact. In addition, Martinezs political activities have generally not been included on the online schedule.

Martinez calendar items for the past several weeks  after the schedule was updated Tuesday  include a New Mexico State University regent interview, a private luncheon with the governor of the Mexican state of Sonora and an Aug. 23 phone call from U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

That was the day before Zinke sent his review of 27 national monuments, including two in New Mexico, to the White House without providing any public details about his recommendations.

Not all governors around the nation post their calendars online. The governors of New York, Iowa and Florida are among those who do post their daily schedules, for example, but many other governors dont appear to have adopted the practice.

Most other New Mexico elected statewide officials also dont post public calendars.

Martinez, who was first elected governor in 2010 and was re-elected in 2014, vowed early in her term to make her administration a transparent one, and ordered more webcasting of hearings of the Legislature and state agencies.

However, some critics have questioned that claim and the governors schedule was part of a 2013 lawsuit filed by the Santa Fe Reporter, which alleged that Martinez, among other things, violated the states open records laws by withholding information about her calendar.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps administration on Tuesday announced the end of a program that allowed children brought to live in the U.S. illegally by their parents a chance to stay without fear of deportation  unless Congress passes legislation within six months to continue the program.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  or DACA  program on Tuesday morning, ending days of speculation about the move. Former President Barack Obama established the program to provide temporary legal status for children brought unlawfully to the United States. The federal government has since processed almost 800,000 requests. DACA recipients are granted a renewable, two-year period of immunity from deportation, along with access to work permits.

In making his announcement, Sessions focused on the legal issues surrounding the program.

This policy was implemented unilaterally to great controversy and legal concern after Congress rejected legislative proposals to extend similar benefits on numerous occasions to this same group of illegal aliens, Sessions said. In other words, the executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions.

Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch.

Sessions also said DACA denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens, an assertion that backers of the program disputed.

The White House issued a statement from Trump calling on Congress to overhaul the nations immigration system.

I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents, Trump said. But we must also recognize that we are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws. Late Tuesday, Trump tweeted that he would revisit his decision if Congress doesnt act within six months.

New Mexicos congressional Democrats swiftly denounced the decision to rescind DACA, while Rep. Steve Pearce, the delegations lone Republican, backed the move.

Those with DACA permits whose renewals are set to expire between now and March 5, 2018, will be able to reapply  so long as their applications are submitted by Oct. 5, 2017  a month from Tuesday. No permits will be revoked before their existing expiration dates, and applications already in the pipeline will be processed, Department of Homeland Security officials told reporters on Tuesday.

Trumps announcement came the same day as a deadline set by a group of Republican state officials who said they would challenge DACA in court unless the Trump administration rescinded the program. Administration officials argued the program might not hold up in court  and said that allowing the lawsuit to proceed would throw the program into far more chaos than the move they chose. New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas, who criticized the White House decision, also said he was considering legal action.

Obama weighed in with a Facebook post Tuesday that called the White House decision cruel, and wondered about the future of those who might be deported from the only country they have ever known.

To target these young people is wrong  because they have done nothing wrong, Obama wrote. Lets be clear: the action taken today isnt required legally. Its a political decision, and a moral question.

Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, an Albuquerque Democrat who is chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and who is running for governor of New Mexico in 2018, blasted the presidents decision as an indefensible and unjust act of cruelty. Between 7,000 and 8,000 young people in New Mexico are beneficiaries of the program, according to federal data.

In every way, DACA has made our nation stronger and kept alive the American dream for 800,000 aspiring Americans, Lujan Grisham said. Dreamers lives are not bargaining chips and should not be used as pawns in furthering the presidents anti-immigrant agenda. They are children who are American in every way, their contributions are real, and they and their futures should be treated with the dignity to which every person is entitled.

Any attempt to end DACA, whether it is tomorrow or in six months, will devastate lives, ruin families and disrupt businesses and local economies.

Pearce, who is also running for New Mexico governor in 2018, said the DACA program was a temporary, unsustainable solution to the question of how to deal with the children of illegal immigrants. Pearce described DACA as a harmful and damaging program that fails to provide certainty and leaves millions with an illusion of hope.

It is only a temporary fix for millions of young adults who have only ever known the United States as home, Pearce said. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress for fairness, justice, and family unity, and will fight for a permanent change for Dreamers that ensures both current and future generations do not face the same challenges and burdens.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin also praised the move while expressing hope that Congress can agree on comprehensive immigration reform, a goal that has eluded the legislative branch for more than a decade.

It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the presidents leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country, he said.

Colorados U.S. senators  Cory Gardner, a Republican, and Michael Booker, a Democrat  on Tuesday introduced legislation that would allow the so-called Dreamers to stay in the U.S. legally. Under the legislative proposal, immigrants who illegally came to the U.S. before they turned 18 could qualify for legal residence  and eventually citizenship  if they met certain conditions. Those include a high school diploma or an equivalent GED, and the absence of a felony record.

The presidents decision to end the DACA program and call for a long-term congressional solution comes at a time when the national legislative body has an unusually full plate of pressing issues, including a Hurricane Harvey relief bill, a debt ceiling deadline and the need for a spending bill to keep government operating. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, suggested that the White House should submit a plan to Congress that Trump would support.

Congress now has less than six months to deal with this the right way, through the legislative process, Rubio said. We have no time to waste on ideas that do not have the votes to pass or that the president wont sign.
Like every parent, Kim Trujillo had big dreams for her son.

She saw the smart and kind Miguel someday attending Harvard University.

Those dreams faded when Miguel began displaying signs of mental illness as a child.

At 14, he ran away from home and was missing for nine months as he traveled through New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado.

As you can imagine, my family and I went through hell just wondering if he was dead or alive, Trujillo said.

He eventually returned home, but spent the rest of his youth in juvenile detention centers, crashing on friends couches and, ultimately, on the streets.

He often visited the emergency room for cutting injuries he gave himself.

This spring, the Albuquerque Heading Home program provided Miguel, now 22, a clean, safe place to live and his family a sense of renewed hope.

He also has consistent access to medications and other social services the city has to offer.

Miguel is the 700th person aided by the program, and Trujillo told his story during a celebratory event at a Supportive Housing Coalition apartment complex in Downtown Albuquerque on Tuesday afternoon, which houses some of those in the program.

Started in 2011, Albuquerque Heading Home has been touted as largely effective by city officials in tackling the citys homeless problem and saving taxpayer dollars through fewer ER visits and jail stays.

Mayor Richard Berry said the program provides a key solution for homelessness: providing homes.

By getting people past the struggle for survival, theyre able to focus on getting other aspects of their lives back on track, he said.

Dennis Plummer, CEO of parent organization Heading Home, said additional funding would allow them to help even more Albuquerqueans off the streets.

This one has been proven to work, its been studied, we have the data, so its time to double down as a city, Plummer said.

Trujillo said she knows this isnt the end of her familys struggles, but is already seeing positive changes in Miguel, who lives in his own apartment.

Hes expressed an interest in finding a job and volunteering with animals.

Knowing that Miguel has a roof over his head, regular medication and access to many services has made our lives much more livable, she said. He may not be at Harvard, but he is at home.
For the second time in three months, prosecutors asked a judge on Tuesday to detain an accused serial robber under a new constitutional amendment.

According to court documents, 37-year-old Martin Garcia fired shots at police officers who chased him across town after he robbed a cellphone store and a pizza place while out on conditions of release in another robbery case. Second Judicial District Judge Brett Loveless on Tuesday agreed that Garcia should remain behind bars without bond pending trial.

The chase came just months after Garcia was arrested in connection with a string of armed robberies targeting fast food restaurants, convenience stores and retailers, according to a criminal complaint. Shortly after that June arrest, prosecutors argued that Garcia was a danger to the community and should be detained.

But state District Judge Stanley Whitaker found that the state failed to prove its case, and instead ordered Garcias release with GPS monitoring and a curfew. In his June order, Whitaker wrote that he reset an initial detention after asking the state to call the case detective to address the courts questions. Whitaker wrote that at the later hearing that prosecutors failed to produce the detective, and also failed to turn over reports and surveillance footage to the defense in a timely manner.

District Attorney Raul Torrez attended Tuesdays hearing and said afterward that it was no surprise that Garcia was facing additional charges.

Less than 90 days ago, we came in here and explained in detail why he didnt belong back in the community, Torrez said. Were lucky that someone wasnt injured and were lucky that this defendant didnt, you know, end up killing someone while he was out on release.

At Tuesdays hearing, prosecutor Lisa Vigil-Roybal argued that Garcia had demonstrated that he would not comply with court orders, and that he had no regard for the safety and welfare of the community.

Garcias attorney, Jennifer Barela, said that judges handling the June robbery case and another auto burglary case against Garcia had already agreed to hold him without bond for failing to appear at prior hearings and failing to comply with Pretrial Services requirements. She said he also had a federal hold, though its not yet clear why.

She said that number of holds meant her client would not be getting out of custody and argued that Tuesdays preventive detention hearing was a waste of the courts resources.
A group of Rio Grande High School students walk out of classes to protest President Donald Trump's decision to end the controversial DACA executive order. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Journal) South Valley Academy senior Zulema Barraza, center, uses a bullhorn to lead a chant of "No Trump, no hate, no KKK" during a rally in the Civic Plaza to calling for protection for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and immigrant families on Thursday, Sepember 5, 2017. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) Members of Remembering Ancestors, Inspiring Community Empowering Self (RAICES) lead protester in a blessing during a rally in the Civic Plaza to calling for protection for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and immigrant families on Thursday, Sepember 5, 2017. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) Tonita Gonzales, director of Remembering Ancestors, Inspiring Community Empowering Self (RAICES) sounds a conch shell during a rally in the Civic Plaza to calling for protection for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and immigrant families on Thursday, Sepember 5, 2017. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) Many anti-Trumps signs were evident during a rally in the Civic Plaza to calling for protection for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and immigrant families on Thursday, Sepember 5, 2017. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) Evelyn Lefebre, center, a dances with the Kalpulli Ehekatl dance group during a rally in the Civic Plaza to calling for protection for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and immigrant families on Thursday, Sepember 5, 2017. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) Prev 1 of 19 Next

Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

Nearly 2,000 New Mexicans joined in the national chorus, angry and hurt over President Donald Trumps Tuesday announcement signaling the end of certain legal protections for people brought to the U.S. as children without immigration documents.

Immigrant rights organizers and those affected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program targeted by Trump launched events throughout the day Tuesday at schools and public spaces across the state.

College students in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe held rallies and paraded around campuses leading chants against Trump and his announcement, via Attorney General Jeff Sessions, targeting the DACA program.

Todays decision was really messed up, said Hector Aveldano, DACA recipient and a leader of New Mexico Dreamers in Action, the rallys organizing group.

Speaking at a rally at Santa Fe Community College, Aveldano said recipients are here to stay.

Though the college does not keep track of how many students are enrolled in DACA, President Randy Grissom said he estimates there are several hundred undocumented students attending the sanctuary campus who are eligible for in-state tuition. The college supported the walkout, and staff and faculty members also participated.

Staff and faculty members also supported protests at the University of New Mexico, where two of the highest-ranking administrators made it clear Tuesday that the young immigrants should be able to stay.

Interim President Chaouki Abdallah told several hundred people the university was still trying to understand exactly how Trumps decision would affect the UNM community.

But he stressed the school was working with other universities and leaders at the local, state and national level to push Congress to act to preserve the protections.

The University of New Mexico supports DACA students  supports everyone who is on this campus, Abdallah said to loud cheers. Thank you so much for what youre doing. And were with you.

Paul Roth, chancellor of UNMs Health Sciences Center, echoed those sentiments.

The country needs you; our population in New Mexico needs you. We firmly stand behind your efforts, he said.

Gabriela Hernandez, New Mexico Dream Team executive director, said early estimates noted about 500 high school students participated in walkouts.

They are fighting for their rights and fighting for their families, said Hernandez, whose group helped organize protests across the state. They are smart, theyre strong and theyre empowered, and I cant wait to see them grow even bigger and better.

At Rio Grande High in Albuquerque, more than 200 students left class at 1 p.m. and marched down Arenal Road to the Westside Community Center.

Alexis Najera, 17, has been working at a McDonalds to help his family and save for college, thanks to a DACA work permit.

The Rio Grande senior, who came to the United States when he was 4 years old, would like to become a mechanical engineer, but he worries about the future.

Thats my dream right now, Najera said. Im not sure if its going to happen.

Najera marched holding a sign with a simple message: Here to Stay. He said the strong turnout gave him hope.

Albuquerque Public Schools posted a Facebook message Tuesday morning supporting students right to organize but asking that they remain in class until the end of the school day. Students who attended the high school walkouts received unexcused absences.

At 4 p.m., protesters gathered at Civic Plaza in Albuquerque. At its peak, the rally numbered about 700 people holding signs advocating love and acceptance of immigrants while television news station helicopters circled overhead.

This is my home, one young woman told the crowd. I grew up here. And Im here to stay. I want to be here.

In southern New Mexico, dozens of students from Gadsden High School joined a statewide walkout and rally for immigrant justice. About 60 students marched across N.M. 28 down a rural road flanked by cotton fields and pecan trees. Some Dona Ana Community College students also joined the walkout.

In Las Cruces, about 200 students participated in a walkout at New Mexico State University.

Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry, a Republican, called on Congress to act to protect those affected by the DACA reversal.

Its the right thing to do for Dreamers, for our community and for our country, Berry said.

Republican Gov. Susana Martinezs spokesman said President Barack Obamas unilateral action created a problem.

That being said, it is wrong to punish these children, and this demands congressional action. No president has the authority to unilaterally decide immigration law, and this sadly demonstrates the human consequences, said Joseph Cueto, Martinezs spokesman. These children deserve better, and thats why Congress must act.

Archbishop of Santa Fe John C. Wester said Tuesday that the Trump administrations decision to end DACA is nothing less than cruel and amounts to a betrayal of national values of fairness, opportunity and freedom.

Sadly, with this decision, we are betraying these values, dimming the hopes of these young people, and because of it, are less as a nation, Wester said in a statement. To deport them to countries they do not know would be nothing less than cruel.

Staff writers Michael Coleman, Angela Kocherga and Olivier Uyttebrouck contributed to this story.
SAFFORD, Ariz.  An Iraqi student jet fighter pilot was killed when an F-16 jet crashed during a training mission in southeastern Arizona, authorities said Wednesday.

The Iraqi air force identified the pilot as Capt. Noor Faleh Rassan Al-Khazali, but it didnt list an age or hometown.

Al-Khazali was killed Tuesday when his Fighting Falcon jet went down in the southern Arizona desert during what an Arizona Air National Guard official called a routine training mission. The U.S. Air Force has activated a team to investigate the crash about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Tucson, the Air Guards 1st Lt. Lacey Roberts of the 162nd Wing said.

The Iraqi defense ministry said it will join in the investigation.

Roberts could not immediately say what type of training was being conducted. The F-16 is used in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

Al-Khazalis death was the second involving an Iraqi pilot flying an F-16 in Arizona in recent years.

Roberts said the plane belonged to the Iraqi air force and that the training mission was being conducted in conjunction with the 162nd Wing, which is based at Tucson International Airport.

The jet crashed in desert terrain, leaving a crater and scattered debris, Graham County Undersheriff Carl Jeff McCormies said.

The U.S. military is training Iraqi pilots to fly F-16s at the request of Iraqs government, Roberts said.

In July 2015, an Iraqi brigadier general flying from the 162nd died when his F-16, a newer model recently delivered to the Iraqi air force, crashed during night training near Douglas.

In January 2016, a Taiwanese pilot on a training flight from Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix was killed when his F-16 went down in Yavapai County.

The 162nd Wing is the Air Guards biggest F-16 training operation and conducts training missions across southern and central Arizona military ranges.

The wing, which has hosted training since 1990, has trained pilots from Iraq, Singapore, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Oman, Belgium and the Netherlands.
A New Mexico man was recently sentenced in federal court in Albuquerque to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,218,165 in restitution for his role in defrauding an Arizona health care benefit program of almost $2 million.

Cory Werito, 33, of Farmington, also was sentenced to three years of supervised release following his prison term, acting U.S. Attorney James D. Tierney and Special Agent in Charge Waldemar Rodriguez of Homeland Security Investigations in El Paso said in a joint news release.

Werito and his co-defendant, Rosita Toledo, 48, of Kirtland were indicted last summer on nine health care fraud charges, plus an aggravated currency structuring charge against Werito.

The health care fraud charges arose from defendants roles in creating and operating a medical transportation company, CW Transport in Farmington, that provided nonemergency medical transportation to Arizona Medicaid recipients. Over the course of two years between 2011 and 2013, CW Transport collected more than $1.9 million in Medicaid reimbursements from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System by submitting more than 18,000 claims, the vast majority of which were wholly or substantially false, authorities said in the new release.

The aggravated currency structuring charge against Werito was tied to financial transactions involving the proceeds of the health care fraud in a manner that avoided the filing of currency transaction reports. CTRs must be filed by financial institutions on transactions involving more than $10,000 during any business day and are used by law enforcement authorities to uncover a range of illegal activities, including money laundering. Werito conducted at least 200 cash withdrawals, each for several thousands of dollars, but less than $10,000, and totaling at least $800,000 to avoid the filing of CTRs, authorities said.

On March 30, Toledo, the companys claims processor, entered a guilty plea and admitting to her role in the health care fraud scheme. A sentencing date for Toledo has yet to be scheduled.
DALLAS, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In Brazil and around the world, September 13th is recognized as National Cachaca Day. Cachaca, Brazil's most popular spirit, is made by distilling fermented sugarcane juice and pre-dates rum by hundreds of years. To celebrate, Texas de Brazil Churrascaria locations nationwide will feature $5 caipirinhas all night long on Wednesday, September 13. With just three simple ingredients, cachaca, lime, and sugar, this tangy, sweet and refreshing drink can be enjoyed at the bar and lounge area or during dinner.

"The caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail and a perfect complement to our authentic churrasco," says Rodrigo Davila, director of wine and spirits for the family-owned Brazilian-American steakhouse brand. "This is a day that allows us to toast the culture of Southern Brazil while we welcome guests with the generous hospitality found in Texas," he adds.

The classic Brazilian caipirinha is a refreshing blend of lime, simple syrup, and cachaca, and guests can also choose additional flavors including Strawberry, Mango, Coconut and Passion Fruit at Texas de Brazil during dinner or at the bar and lounge area.

Those dining will begin their experience at an enticing 50-item salad area filled with freshly made dishes, both hot and cold including favorites such as lobster bisque and potatoes au gratin or pineapple carpaccio and vegetable couscous. The full rodizio-style menu also features up to 16 quality meats cooked the authentic Brazilian gaucho way --over open flame using natural wood charcoal resulting in deeper, more intense flavor and just the right amount of smokiness. Tempting selections such as succulent lamb chops, leg of lamb, picanha (sirloin), filet mignon, chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, Brazilian sausages and more are served by costumed gauchos, tableside. Guests pace the gaucho's service with a simple flip of a red and green disc. Green indicates when additional servings are welcome while red indicates a break is needed. The appealing menu offers something to please everyone in the group.

Dinner hours and cocktail specials vary by location. Visit www.texasdebrazil.com for complete details.

About Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil is an authentic churrascaria featuring a continuous dining experience that blends the unique culture of Brazil with the generous hospitality of Texas. The menu features a vast selection of grilled meats, a 50-item salad area and a la carte dessert selections. Founded as a family-owned business in 1998, Texas de Brazil now has 53 domestic and international locations. For more information, visit http://www.texasdebrazil.com.

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The Galaxy Note 8 will support Googles virtual reality (VR) platform Daydream out of the box, a representative of Samsung confirmed in a statement issued to Dutch media outlet Nieuwe Mobiel. The South Korean original equipment manufacturer (OEM) made no mention of Daydream support during the launch of the Galaxy Note 8 last month and while the previously introduced Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus are now both compatible with Googles platform, it took them a while to get there, with Samsung and its carrier partners finally distributing Daydream support to the flagship duo as an over-the-air (OTA) update in August.

The feature will allow future owners of the Galaxy Note 8 to use the phablet in conjunction with any Daydream-enabled head-mounted display, i.e. place it into a headset like the Daydream View and experience compatible VR creations on the Google Play Store. Apart from Daydream, Samsungs new phablet was also designed to work with the companys proprietary Gear VR ecosystem and associated headsets, though the firm isnt advertising the VR capabilities of the Galaxy Note 8 as much as it did so with the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S7 lineups.

The smartphone itself has all of the necessary hardware to provide users with a high-quality VR experience, boasting a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display panel with a QHD+ resolution and a tall aspect ratio of 18.5:9. The international variant of the Galaxy Note 8 houses Samsungs proprietary Exynos 8895 system-on-chip (SoC), whereas the U.S. models are powered by the Snapdragon 835, a Qualcomm-made 10nm silicon with similar capabilities. All units feature 6GB of RAM and at least 64GB of internal flash memory expandable via a microSD card slot by up to 256GB. Compared to the Galaxy S8 series, the Galaxy Note 8 features a more blocky aesthetic and comes equipped with the latest iteration of Samsungs S Pen stylus. The full retail value of the flagship hovers around the $950 mark in the United States and is slightly higher in Europe, with Samsung and its wireless carrier and retail partners already offering pre-orders in most parts of the world. The Galaxy Note 8 will be officially available for purchase come next Friday, September 15, though select markets like China are set to receive it at a later date.
Google has added support for the Greek language to its Gboard app for Android devices in an effort to help preserve the Greek culture and language. The update is now available for all users of Googles keyboard app that can be downloaded from the Play Store. In order to use Gboard in Greek, open the Gboard menu on your Android phone and choose the Greek keyboard. Select any mobile app installed on your device such as your messaging tool, for example, on which you can type anything. Once you have completed that part, click or long press the globe icon and select the Greek (abc -> ) keyboard, after which the Gboard app will begin downloading the language support. This update also supports either tapping or glide-typing on your keyboard for faster performance.

Gboard is a keyboard solution that uses machine learning to carry out what it is designed to do. Behind the Gboard technology is a trained model that sifts through a large volume of user data in order to learn what people are typing on their devices. To assist in its learning process, Google feeds linguistic sampling data to the keyboard in order to help the tool identify common mistakes and predict the next word based on context, among other smart tasks it can do. The Gboard app for Android handsets has been receiving a fair amount of language support and new features in recent times. In late August, the app finally received the stable version of the sticker pack support, bringing the feature to all users on the latest version of Gboard. That feature lets users add animated stickers and Bitmoji animations to any messaging program that supports GIFs and images.

In June of this year, the app also received support for incognito mode in the third developer preview of Android O. Gboard users then began to see a revamped version of the app once a Chrome Incognito Tab in Android O Developer Preview 3 was opened. Marily Nika, speech and keyboard program manager at Google, said in a blog post that the search giant will continue to work towards its goal of developing smart mechanism for a quicker input and word suggestions on mobile devices using a wide variety of languages.
A teardown of the latest beta version of the Google Android app  build number 7.11  references Android 8.1 and its related API Level 27, suggesting that some developers from the Alphabet-owned company are already using the Android 8.1 software development kit (SDK) to create apps for the companys popular mobile operating system. The references to the new version of Android found in the Google apps code clearly indicate that the next iteration of the platform will bear the 8.1 build number, though it remains to be seen whether it will also be marketed under the Oreo moniker. While some recent discoveries in the Master Branch of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) which also hinted at Android P suggested that Android 8.1 might never happen, the clear code references to this particular version found in the Google app are a much stronger indicator of the opposite.

Android 8.1 is likely to debut alongside the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones which Google is rumored to launch next month, similar to how the company released the original Pixel series with Android 7.1 Nougat just over a month after Android 7.0 hit the stable channel last year. Since Google introduced no name changes as part of the jump from Android 7.0 to 7.1, its likely that Android 8.1 will also ship with the Oreo label. The new beta version of the Google app doesnt reveal any specifics regarding the capabilities of Android 8.1 and how the operating system may differ from the previous version, save for the unsurprising fact that it will be accompanied by a new application programming interface level which will replace the API Level 26.

The Google apps Account and Privacy section is also set to be updated with the option of disabling Googles integrated screenshot management tool, as suggested by the same teardown, though its currently unclear when the tech giant may ennoble its offering with this particular functionality. For the time being, users who prefer a third-party screenshot tool or dont want one suggested to them altogether within Googles service are out of luck and will have to remain patient until the firm addresses their wishes. The latest update for the app also ships with an automated Bluetooth audio routing recommendation message which will seemingly be displayed to users when they connect to a vehicle and even provide them with a shortcut to enable the feature from the same prompt. Additionally, the app is packed with a variety of new icons which can be seen below.

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The Google app beta build 7.11 also contains new references to Bisto, a new product category that the Mountain View, California-based tech giant is reportedly developing. At least some Bisto devices are said to be launched in the form of in-ear headphones compatible with the Google Assistant, previous APK teardowns and rumors suggested. The newly uncovered references to these devices also hint at the existence of two previously unreported feature, with one of them being a greeting message which will appear on a smartphone each time the user pairs it with a Bisto device, notifying them about its battery level. In a similar vein, Bisto devices will also generate a permanent battery level notification on a compatible handset, the code suggests, though its currently unclear whether users will be able to turn off this feature or if the functionality will even be enabled by default.

Previous reports also indicated that Bisto products will have at least one physical or touch-sensitive key which users will hold to communicate with the Google Assistant, with the new version of the Google app now also hinting at similar gadgets with three buttons. As the apps code contains feedback strings which reference the top, middle, and bottom keys, the trio will apparently be arranged in a vertical manner. Those specific strings pertain to the Google Assistants speech-to-text algorithms and their ability to work in conjunction with an unspecified messaging service but dont reveal more details about the system. First Bisto devices may be announced by Google in early October, simultaneously with the launch of the Pixel 2 phones.

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Finally, the new version of Googles flagship Android app also contains indications that the company is working on revamping the user interface for creating Google Assistant shortcuts. From the looks of it, the interface Google is currently developing will offer a wider variety of options in regards to shortcut categories, presenting you with separate sections for user-defined actions related to individual gadgets like speakers and thermostats. Alternatively, its possible that those functionalities are already live provided that you know which syntax to use when wording commands and that Google is actually working on a tutorial to teach people how to take advantage of them.
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to be voting on a proposal for revisions to regulations on the self-driving automotive industry. The bill itself was already approved by a House panel in July and by the White House Office of Management and Budget on August 31. Whether or not the bill passes through remains to be seen since one sticking point may be that it will be fast-tracked to disallow any further amendments. With that said, if the bill passes, its proponents and many members of the auto industry itself hope it will see at least some of the current legal barriers to the technology removed. The new guidelines could also be revealed as early as September 12, during U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chaos conference at a self-driving vehicle testing facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, industry sources said on Tuesday.

Much of what the bill contains remains undisclosed as of its August revisions. However, if the bill passes, auto manufacturers will be able to gain several exemptions, allowing the deployment of up to 25,000 autonomous vehicles over the first year, without the requirement to meet existing safety standards. One major complaint from automakers about previous guidelines has been that they are required to submit new systems to regulators before bringing those to the market. That initial cap on deployment would rise up to 100,000 vehicles over the course of three years. Those exemptions may free up the industrys leaders from some of the more burdensome and less-than-perfect regulations, many of which apply well to human-driven cars, but do not suit A.I. systems. The bill could also prevent states from blocking out autonomous vehicles and may further efforts from automakers to test vehicles with fewer human-controlled systems on public roads.

Beyond those guidelines, the measure will require automakers to give regulators safety assessments, as was proposed in earlier guidelines set by the previous administration, but would not require an approval of new technologies in a pre-market state. Meanwhile, others would like to see the guidelines do more, including granting the NHTSA faster reports on crash data and more oversight. A nonpartisan group of Senators is also said to have been working on similar legislation, but no alternative bill has been put forward so far.
NVIDIA has created a new iteration of its DGX supercomputer, custom-built for AI usage, and will be deploying it for use in medical applications, starting with radiology operations in the Massachusetts General Hospitals Center for Clinical Data Science. The powerful new computer system features NVIDIAs Volta architecture, and is purpose-built for AI applications. The new DGX-1 rig provides roughly three times the power of its predecessor, and can output up to the computational power of 800 average CPUs combined, for certain tasks. This custom builds first duty will be in helping to analyze radiology samples and learn to determine when risk factors or diseases are present, then hand those samples over to human medical staff.

The goal here is to create an AI assistant that can integrate into a doctors workflow and perform initial screening on a mass scale. The initiative is already starting; data gathered by the Center for Clinical Data Science is beginning to be used by physicians in the Boston Area, and machine learning to train AI to spot abnormalities in a number of different types of medical data is well underway. In order to help with that goal, not only is NVIDIA working with the Center for Clinical Data Science to deploy DGX-1 systems in data centers and compute stacks, but the graphics card giant has created a personal workstation with about half the power of a DGX-1, called the DGX Station. This powerful workstation is capable of far more than the typical workstation tasks of CAD and data modeling; it can receive, analyze, interpret, and train on data in real time, and even run AI models on-device while performing other tasks, albeit at a much smaller scale and power level than non-personal equipment. These rigs will help developers and data scientists alike to further research and contribute to the software stack and training samples of DGX-1 clusters.

While the new supercomputers task may seem daunting, the sheer machine learning and neural networking power offered by the Volta architecture, and particularly this newest iteration of it, is comparable to custom-built units from Google. Each Volta core features 640 Tensor cores, and is capable of putting out around 100 teraflops of computing power per second. Splitting tasks up between all of those cores, with hyper-threading and virtual cores enabled, its not hard to imagine virtual neural networks made up of tens of thousands of units, each with somewhere close to the power of the average consumer PC.
A previously unseen Pixel 2 model surfaced online in a new image on Wednesday, with the leak itself being heavily redacted in an effort to protect its source close to Google. The variant of the device that can be glimpsed above boasts a combination of a dark silver rear plate, gray glass panel, and a black case front, though its currently unclear whether this particular model has already been approved for commercialization or is still only being tested by the Mountain View, California-based tech giant.

The close-up shot of the smartphones rear plate also suggests that the smaller Pixel 2  codenamed walleye  will have a laser autofocusing system situated beneath the phones primary camera lens which is found in the top-left corner of its back panel. The main camera setup of the Pixel 2 is seemingly accompanied by a dual-LED flash unit, with the rear side of the handset also being equipped with a traditional fingerprint scanner, the leak suggests. According to the latest reports, the Pixel 2 will feature a 4.97-inch display with a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution which will utilize a conventional 16:9 aspect ratio, with the phone itself having nearly identical bezels to those found on the original Pixel. The handset is also said to feature front-facing stereo speakers and lack a 3.5mm audio jack, which Google is reportedly aware wont be a popular choice among some consumers and is already working on the ways to present its design choice in a more positive light, sources said, without clarifying on the matter. Furthermore, the company has reportedly developed a new dongle for the Pixel 2 which will allow users to connect their 3.5mm headphones to the USB Type-C port present on the bottom of the handset.

Latest reports on the Pixel 2 also add more credence to previous rumors that Google is looking to offer two variants of the device, boasting 64GB and 128GB of internal flash memory. According to the same sources, Google is apparently looking to make the Pixel 2 series more resistant to dust and water, with one insider claiming that the larger Pixel XL 2 will be entirely waterproof, with another one stating that both devices will feature IP68-certified elements resistance. On the software side of things, the Pixel 2 lineup is said to be the first product series to feature the stable build of the Google Lens augmented reality (AR) app, with the flagships themselves being set to run Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box. The Ambient Display supported by the devices reportedly underwent some minor cosmetic changes and now has a new large time font and presents the date and alarm info in a new line beneath the basic clock, provided that you previously opted to enable both features. On a related note, insiders claim that the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will both support an Always-On Display mode which should otherwise be similar to the one seen on the older two smartphones.

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The Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 are expected to be officially unveiled in early October and will reportedly be somewhat more expensive than their predecessors, according to previous reports. The smaller device is said to be manufactured by HTC, whereas the larger Pixel XL 2 codenamed taimen is thought to be produced by LG Electronics and feature smaller bezels, as well as a 5.99-inch 18:9 screen. Both were previously reported to feature stereo speakers and pressure-sensitive frames developed by HTC, with that particular technology presumably being similar or identical to the Edge Sense capabilities of the U11 flagship. According to older reports, the two devices will be powered by the Snapdragon 835, Qualcomms most powerful system-on-chip (SoC) to date, in addition to boasting 4GB of RAM.

Its currently unclear why Google opted to hire two phone makers to manufacture its upcoming smartphone offerings, though its possible that the company was still contractually obligated to commission HTC to produce at least one of its 2017 devices as details of its original Pixel phone deal with the Taiwanese tech giant remain unknown. Likewise, theres still no concrete information on how many color variants is Google preparing for its upcoming smartphone series and whether the thereof will support wireless charging, a feature that was missing on the 2016 devices. Apart from a pair of new handsets, Googles October hardware event may also see it unveil a smaller version of the Google Home speaker and at least one Google Assistant-enabled pair of headphones meant to be part of a new Bisto product category whose existence has yet to be officially confirmed.
Tech companies such as Amazon and Google could be liable for increased taxes in European countries in the future. As it seems EU finance ministers are now preparing to reevaluate the current rules that dictate how liable companies are, and the relative rate of taxes owed by those companies, when operating in the EU. This information is based on a new report out of Reuters, which in turn references a seen document detailing the ministers intent to discuss rule changes next week  over September 15-16 in Tallinn, Estonia.

It seems much of what the ministers intend to discuss stems back to the recent issues in attempting to hold Google accountable for more taxes in France. On that occasion, authorities were seeking as much as $1.3 billion in back taxes from Google. However, Google emerged from that case unscathed with a French court ruling that under current European law Google was not liable for the back taxes. Seemingly, as a result of that legal outcome (and the reason given for Googles non-liability) ministers are discussing the possibility of changing the rules regarding permanent establishment in Europe. While Google is being used at the case-in-point here, this is something that would apply to any company that has a permanent establishment in one place, but operates in other regions.

The suggestion being made here is that the understanding of permanent establishment could be changed to be more representative of where a company creates value compared to where they are legally bound to pay tax. Essentially, tech companies could become liable for higher rates of tax in any country where they make a profit. While this may seem like a targeted attempt by the EU to generate additional revenue from companies such as Amazon, Apple, and Google, this is in actuality more intended to bring digital companies in line with the expectations already in place for the market as a whole. As in contrast to digital companies, other companies who have a physical presence in the EU (regardless of where they are based) are subject to the higher tax rates. Therefore, the proposal which will be discussed is designed to hold digital companies to the same level physical companies are currently held to. The sum of which will be to create a digital permanent establishment to account for digital companies in the same way that permanent establishment rules do for psychical companies. According to the report, the EU will look to reach a consensus on these changes by December of this year, with a view to then encouraging a global change based on that reached common viewpoint.
The Samsung Gear S3 series of smartwatches will receive the Tizen 3.0 update, industry insiders said earlier this week, citing reliable sources. The South Korean original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is reportedly already working on a new software package for the Gear S3 and is expected to distribute it around the time the recently announced Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro wearables become commercially available. A more specific release window for Tizen 3.0 on the Gear S3 has yet to be revealed, though the latest information suggests that the software will be rolled out this fall.

Samsung Gear Fit2 wasnt mentioned in the context of a Tizen 3.0 update and currently seems unlikely to receive it, though the Seoul-baed tech giant has yet to confirm that. The firmware itself will be distributed to owners of the Gear S3 devices as an over-the-air (OTA) update which will likely be released in stages and take several weeks to become available in all parts of the world. Originally introduced in 2016, the Gear S3 Frontier, Gear S3 Classic, and Gear Fit2 were touted as the then-latest step in Samsung efforts to create a comprehensive wearable ecosystem centered around the Tizen operating system. The devices themselves were met with a mostly positive response from both critics and consumers alike, offering a broad range of fitness tracking capabilities in durable packages with premium designs. The Gear S3 lineup ran Tizen 2.3.2 out of the box and has yet to be officially confirmed as being set to receive the Tizen 3.0 update which should debut some performance and stability improvements and additional features, many of which are focused on swimming.

The lack of robust swimming tracking capabilities is one of the main reasons why some industry watchers are speculating the Gear Fit2 wont be updated to Tizen 3.0, with the wearable not having 5ATM-certified waterproofing, meaning it would be unlikely to significantly benefit from the newer iteration of Samsungs operating system. The device itself may still receive a minor software update at some point in the future, industry sources said. Samsungs recently unveiled Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro both ship with Tizen 3.0 and are set to be commercially available later this year.
Members of Toshibas Board of Directors clashed over the sale of the companys NAND chip division, people close to the Japanese tech giant said, noting how the dispute emerged during a board meeting held earlier today. An unspecified portion of the companys leadership is pushing for the firm to accept the bid from Foxconn who reportedly offered approximately $18.4 billion for the most profitable unit of the struggling conglomerate. That offer outmatches the $17.4 billion bid from a consortium composed of Western Digital, Development Bank of Japan, Innovation Network of Japan, and U.S. private equity company KKR & Co, in addition to surpassing a similar proposal launched by Bain Capital. Recent reports indicated that Toshiba is still interested in giving priority to the offer from Western Digital and its partners, possibly due to their joint venture history, as well as the fact that the U.S. tech giant already made moves to prevent Toshiba from selling the business in which its already invested in without its approval.

The majority of Toshibas board is still said to be opposed to accepting the bid from Foxconn amid pressure from the Japanese government which is seeking to make the company opt for a suitor which isnt so closely connected to China. Their opponents who are advocating for choosing the highest bidder are reportedly unhappy with the current state of affairs and would prefer to keep the most profitable business of the company but remain adamant that if the NAND chip memory division is to be sold, Toshiba must make as much money from the deal as possible. That $1 billion difference between Foxconns bid and competing ones is apparently enough for some of the companys board members to risk clashing with the Japanese administration which previously voiced concerns about trade secret theft due to Foxconns China operations, a notion that the Taiwanese tech giant previously dismissed as frivolous.

Despite Foxconns bid remaining unlikely to be accepted, that hypothetical transaction would presumably be greenlit faster than the two alternatives due to the fact that Foxconns consortium doesnt have any chip makers, hence being essentially immune to antitrust-related regulatory scrutiny. Anti-competitive probes are the last thing Toshiba wants at the moment, with the company being adamant to wrap up the sale of its chip business by the end of the year in an effort to balance its books which took a $5 billion hit when its U.S. nuclear subsidiary Westinghouse Electric Company went bankrupt this spring. Not covering those losses would likely lead to Toshibas delisting from the Tokyos stock exchange, which is a scenario that would lead to consequences the firm wants to avoid at all costs.
Samsung may still be the number one manufacturer of smartphones in the world, but its numbers in China are not looking the best for Q2 2017, according to reports out of the companys home country. In fact, from the same quarter last year the company dropped no fewer than two spots to take the number six position in that market, with reports saying the company only maintained brand loyalty among 7.2 percent of its previous customers. Meanwhile, the shift could be attributable to two aspects of the Chinese market itself  namely that high-end devices are not favored by the countrys customers and that those customers are looking to local brands first when making smartphone purchases.

According to the source, reports suggest that Chinese customers are looking first for value when they make a purchase, with cost versus performance and features being the first aspect of a device considerations are made for. That makes sense since Chinese brands have been consistently putting out high-quality products at a fraction of the cost over the past several quarters. Making matters worse for Samsung, thats in combination with a trend among members of the countrys younger generation. Users falling into the 16 to 25 age bracket have shown more consideration and favoritism for budget-friendly or mid-range devices, as opposed to premium devices. Backing that up, the rate of smartphones sold within the market during the quarter, priced at below $305.60 on average, is as high as 63 percent. Meanwhile, premium phones, such as Samsungs newest devices, costing more than $600, only accounted for around 6.4 percent of the total sales throughout the quarter  with iPhone representing the bulk of those high-end premium sales. Samsungs high-end devices, which is where most of its marketing efforts end up focused, go far beyond that price point.

As to the numbers, Samsung managed to move just over 48 million Samsung-branded phones by the end of the quarter. Meanwhile, Apple took number one with 171 million of its iOS devices sold. Thats followed by well known Chinese brands such as Huawei and Oppo, which moved 132 million and 124 million handsets respectively. Thats followed by Vivo, which recorded 108 million smartphones, and Xiaomi, which fell in with 68 million units sold.
Psychologists Find Your Mindset Has A Major Effect On The Quality Of Your Sex Life

Trending News: Unhappy With Your Sex Life? It's All Between Your Ears

Long Story Short

Want better sex? Its all in your mindset, new research says.

Long Story

When it comes to intelligence, you might have heard of the idea of a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset. Basically its like this: there are those who believe that their smarts are set in stone  that intelligence is fixed, stable and will not change over time. Then there are those who think intelligence is flexible, that it can grow over time much like a tree. These people are said to have a growth mindset.

The trick is, its peoples very beliefs about the malleability of intelligence that can actually lead to better brain power. So, if you have a growth mindset you will try new strategies to develop your intelligence, which in turn leads to better cognitive skills, higher levels of challenge-seeking and motivation.

It makes sense, with multiple studies over the last seven years (see here, here and here) finding evidence of this phenomenon. Thing is, researchers now believe it applies to your sex life. In short, if you have a growth mindset in the sack  you believe that you can change your sex life for the better  it will in turn get better.

This was the focus of a study conducted by psychologists in Hungary. Published in an upcoming volume of the scientific journal Personality and Individual Differences, it found that people who believed they had the power to change their sex life tended to be happier in their relationships.

We supposed that sex mindset can be similar to relationship mindset, but in this case not only relationship satisfaction but other aspects (such as sexual satisfaction) can be affected, said Beata BA'the of Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, in an interview with Psypost.

BA'the and her fellow researchers also wanted to look at how pornography use impacted peoples beliefs about the changeability of their sex life.

The study involved 1,544 Hungarian participants being measured on what the researchers called a Sex Mindset Scale (SMS), which illustrated peoples beliefs regarding the changeability of their sexual life. It basically asked a bunch of questions, such as how much participants agreed or disagreed with statements such as, Your sexual life is something about you that you cant change very much.

The researchers found that those with a growth sex mindset tended to report higher levels of both relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction than those who exhibited more of a fixed mindset. Porn, on the other hand, got a pass (phew)  use of what was described as problematic pornography illustrated a weak link to lower levels of relationship and sexual satisfaction, but sex mindset beliefs had a stronger link to relationship and sexual satisfaction than pornography, suggesting there could be some sort or protective effect going on here.

BA'the cautions in the Psypost story that the findings are preliminary but says the main takeaway can be summarised by one particular item listed on their sex mindset scale: It doesnt matter who you are you can always change a lot about your sexual life.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

How quickly can this sort of thing have an effect?

Drop This Fact

Studies show that regular sex can relax you, lower your stress and anxiety levels and help with blood pressure problems.
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AMG

You see, while the SRT-8 had a very decent 6.1-liter Hemi V8 (6.4-liter on the current SRT), its power output never crossed into the pure madness zone. While not technically defined as such, we'd say 500 horsepower is the threshold between powerful SUVs and ridiculous SUVs. The SRT is 25 hp shy of making the jump.If that's a close call, the same can't be said about the 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The engine used in the most extreme muscle cars bearing the Hellcat moniker is capable of delivering 707 hp and 645 lb-ft (875 Nm) of torque. Combine that with the four-wheel-drive system, and you get a 5,350 pounds (2,427 kg) behemoth that's capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds.The Trackhawk is so ridiculous it even trumps the W12 Bentley Bentayga on power output and performance, with just the Tesla Model X P100D capable of posting a quicker 0-60 time. Does anyone really need such a car? Well, with Mercedes-selling G63 and G65 for years, you can't really find any reason why Jeep wouldn't do it too.The question now is whether this high-power epidemic is going to spread to the rest of the company's lineup, and if it does, will it go as far as the entry model Renegade? That's precisely what Australian website The Motor Report asked Scott Tallon, head of brand at Jeep . This is what the FCA official replied:Performance leaning utility is a relatively new concept, Tallon said. "There's only been a few players in this space. So as this space develops there could be an opportunity for anyone to capitalize on it, and as long as it meets our internal benchmarks, like the Trackhawk we have today, I think it's something worth taking a closer look at. At this time, though, [we have] no current plans. But the Renegade is intriguing, yes.What makes the Renegade so "intriguing" is that it would be entering a virtually new segment, with the closest competitors being the MINI Cooper Countryman S and the Nissan Juke Nismo. And with those model sitting at around 200 hp, the Renegade wouldn't even have to go over its head to best them.However, we believe that while the Trackhawk monicker might be used on other models, it'll always be the Grand Cherokee that will act as the halo car. The rest would just be feeding off the prestige of its absurd figures while failing to replicate them in their own segments.
The innovation that took AirVenture 2008 by storm may be headed for oblivion as shares for the company that now controls the Martin Jetpack have been suspended from trading on the Australian Stock Exchange. The company couldnt meet its statutory reporting requirements by the Aug. 31 deadline so the stock, which was trading at six cents AUS, was wiped off the board. The company has been through many iterations since entrepreneur Glenn Martin, a New Zealander, gave an awkward demonstration of the shrieking ducted fan backpack at the big show. Despite the IPO and some funding from its Chinese owners, it appears there are some significant technical challenges to creating a viable aircraft.

In an earnings report at the end of June, the company said the engines needed overhaul after 10 hours and they were working on that, possibly by incorporating elements of turbine engine design, according to stuff.co.nz. The news site reported the funding company, Kuang-Chi, is holding off on sinking more money into the project while it assesses the commercial viability. So far, the project has gone through almost $50 million and the engine revampwill need another three years of development work. We, along with many others, were on hand for that AirVenture debut in 2008. See the video below.
Andy Surabian, who was Steve Bannon's political adviser in the Trump administration and a campaign veteran, has decided to leave the White House. He will become a senior adviser to "Great America Alliance," the allied group to "Great America PAC"  a major pro-Trump super-PAC, run by Republican operative Ed Rollins, which raised more than $30 million for Trump's election.

Between the lines: Bannon took a liking to Surabian on the campaign when Surabian ran the (very understaffed) Trump war room. By installing his top political adviser in such a senior role in the Rollins' outside group, Bannon is tagging the outfit as his financial vehicle to take on Republican leadership in the House and Senate.

Why this matters: Bannon is close to some of the biggest anti-establishment donors in conservative politics, including New York billionaire Bob Mercer, Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus and tech billionaire Peter Thiel. Bannon and Surabian have been privately discussing supporting anti-establishment primary challengers in the 2018 Senate races in Nevada and Arizona.

Bannon is expected to support  through Breitbart and the outside group  Danny Tarkanian in Nevada. Tarkanian, an attorney and well-known conservative activist, is the son of legendary UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian.

The Mercers have already put $300,000 into a super-PAC supporting Kelli Ward, who is challenging GOP Sen. Jeff Flake in Arizona.

What's next: Expect the Rollins group to launch a "full-on assault against GOP leaders who they deem insufficiently supportive of the president's agenda," a source familiar with the group's planning said. Surabian, who was political director for "Tea Party Express PAC" before joining the Trump campaign and becoming special assistant to the president, is also expected to be involved in every other aspect of Bannon's new projects.
President Trump backed the Democratic plan to combine Harvey relief funding with extending the debt limit and funding the government, both for three months, after a meeting with congressional leaders from both parties. The Republicans in the meeting opposed that plan.

A Republican close to leadership: "Dems bluffed their way into total victory. They win the politics of DACA and leverage on debt in the winter. The fate is sealed - DACA will be reauthorized without strings, Schumer has inserted himself into all negotiations in the winter, including tax, spending and immigration."

Latest: Mitch McConnell says he supports the plan, and will attach the continuing resolution and debt ceiling raise to the Harvey bill as an amendment.

Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer announced the news in a joint statement after meeting. Trump confirmed it later.

According to a source briefed on the meeting with POTUS, "McConnell, Ryan, McCarthy, and Mnuchin all advocated for a longer debt limit. Basically everyone with an R behind their name."

Mnuchin argued against the plan in the meeting, but was overruled.

Paul Ryan said earlier today that a short-term debt ceiling extension was a "ridiculous" and "disgraceful" plan, and "playing politics" with an important issue.

Trump agreed with Schumer and Pelosi on the debt limit issue, while McConnell wanted a continuing resolution to be a part of that package, according to a person familiar with the debate.

Word of warning: There's a tentative deal, but it still has to pass Congress.

From Trump

"We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer [Trump notably did not mention Ryan or McConnnell]. We agreed to a three-month extension on debt ceiling, which they consider to be sacred, very important, always we'll agree on debt ceiling automatically because of the importance of it. Also on the CRs and also on Harvey, which now we're going to be adding something because of what's going on in Florida, but we had a very good meeting. We essentially came to a deal, and I think the deal will be very good."

From Pelosi and Schumer

"In the meeting, the President and Congressional leadership agreed to pass aid for Harvey, an extension of the debt limit, and a continuing resolution both to December 15, all together. Both sides have every intention of avoiding default in December and look forward to working together on the many issues before us. As Democratic leaders, we also made it clear that we strongly believe the DREAM Act must come to the floor and pass as soon as possible and we will not rest until we get this done."
6 September 2017 11:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenian anti-personnel mine was discovered in Agdam region of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijans National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) told APA that the mine was discovered in the village of Afatli in Agdam region on September 4.

A special operational group of ANAMA soon arrived at the scene. Specialists inspected pasture near the Gargar river and discovered one anti-personnel mine of Armenian origin. As it was impossible to defuse the mine, ANAMA decided to disarm it on the spot through detonation.

The group additionally viewed 8,000 square meters of territory, but no other dangerous items were found.

ANAMA was established in 1998 for planning and coordination, management and monitoring of mine action related activities all over the country. The problem of unexploded ordnance in Azerbaijan can be divided into the areas that are still under the occupation of Armenian forces and other areas of the country. Most of the unexploded ordinances are the result of Armenian aggression.

Since the creation of ANAMA, its staff cleared more than 40,000 hectares of Azerbaijans territory, discovering and defusing over 760,000 mines and unexploded ordnance.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 September 2017 14:47 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenian PM Karen Karapetyans optimistic promises and speech idealisms fall short of reality.

All the promises including developing bigger projects, ensuring economic growth and eliminating corruption had gone in vain during his year in office.

None of Karapetyans biggest promises as the prime minister have been kept, while Armenians are especially disappointed because of the failed investment boom, which the PM repeatedly promised.

Samvel Karapetyan  an Armenian businessman living in Russia and brother of Karen Karapetyan  was supposed to be one of the main investors into the Armenian economy. However, following the tensions between the brothers, Samvel gave up the idea of large investment programs into the country, Armenian Zhoghovurd newspaper states.

Thus, instead of enjoying boom in investments, Armenia has to survive and maintain its poor economy by other ways that have long been running out.

Foreign investments in Armenia sharply decreased in the first half of 2017 compared to the same period of 2016. The National Statistical Service reported that investments in the real sector of the Armenian economy in January-June made less than $52 million, including direct investments that equaled $36 million.

The outflow of investment was $19 million, while direct investments decreased by almost $2.5 million.

Investments from Russia also showed a negative index  -$53.8 million, and direct investments decreased by $13.8 million.

Experts remind that attracting investment was the main election pledge of the ruling party. However, it failed to keep the word making Armenia more dependent on foreign donors.

Armenian experts and economists have long ago warned that it is necessary to ensure at least 7-8 percent of GDP growth to avert the impending default. However, the realities show that the countrys government couldnt even reach the promised 2 percent of growth, as it stood at only 0.2 percent in 2016.

The economy of the country remains critical, demonstrating unbelievably low indexes every year. Descending economy, high poverty and increasing outflow of people are the pure realities in Armenia.

The Sargsyan government seems to have bitten off more than it could chew.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2017 12:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijani products will be exhibited at the Worldfood Moscow International Food and Drinks Exhibition scheduled for September 11-14.

More than 30 national companies will display their products at the country's booth.

Vice President of Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) Yusif Abdullayev stated that WorldFood Moscow may contribute to the promotion of export of goods, which are non-traditional for Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan will be represented in the WorldFood Moscow by a national stand for the first time, he told Trend on September 5. The national stand will occupy an area of 210 square meters, and products of 32 companies, mainly producers and exporters of food products, will be showcased. However, there are products which will be demonstrated for the first time, for example, ice cream.

Abdullayev noted that the exhibition is very important for Azerbaijani producers and exporters, since Russia is one of the main trade partners of Azerbaijan and all Azerbaijani exporters first of all start operating in the Russian market.

Russia is one of the main trade and economic partners of Azerbaijan. During the years of cooperation, both countries signed more than 170 different documents, more than 50 of which affected the economic sphere.

To date, Azerbaijan has invested $1 billion in the Russian economy, and Russia $3 billion in the economy of Azerbaijan. The trade with Russia in January-July 2017 amounted to $1.1 billion, $329 million of which was exported to this country, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

Abdullayev went on to say that the stand will also provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the Azerbaijani cuisine.Visitors of the exhibition will also be able to enjoy Azerbaijani mugham and national dances, he said.

A number of agreements and memorandums are also expected to be signed within the framework of the exhibition, he noted.

WorldFood Moscow takes place at the citys Expocentre. The event was launched in 1991. The exhibition high level is certified by the sign of the UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry).

The expo embraces the entire food market and has 11 sectored areas: meat and poultry, fish and seafood, frozen products and semi-processed foods, fruits and vegetables, confections and baked goods, groceries and snacks, preservation, fat-and-oil products, dairy products, tea and coffee, and drinks.

The WorldFood Moscow exhibition serves as the best platform for introducing new products to the Russian market

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6 September 2017 10:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The State Committee on Property Issues of Azerbaijan held next auction on privatization of state property, following which 10 objects were sold.

Three of the privatized objects are small state enterprises, 1-non-residential area and 6-vehicles.

The Volkswagen Passat car with an initial price of 6,000 manats ($3,500) was sold for 8,000 manats ($4,700), Chevrolet Niva, the starting price of 1,705 manats ($1,000), was sold for 3,500 manats ($2,050).

In order to protect state property and effectively manage it in the new economic realities, President of Azerbaijan signed a decree on May 19, 2016.

Under the decree, the acceleration of the state property privatization process has been defined as an important direction of the economic policy.

The portal for privatization  privatization.az, launched in July 2016, reflects all necessary information about the facilities, their addresses, location, and even initial cost and aims at facilitation of the process. The website is available in two languages - Azerbaijani and English. Why Azerbaijan is special section available on the website explains the reasons and advantages of investing in the country.

The privatization process is designed to attract both foreign and local investors, as well as develop the business environment of Azerbaijan.

Moreover, the State Committee on Property Issues held the first electronic auction on July 4.

The "electronic auction" service, which is available on the website privatization.az, combines the privatization procedure of vehicles and equipment. In the future, it will be possible to privatize small state enterprises and facilities, joint-stock companies through electronic auction. Now, the corresponding work in programming is being implemented.

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6 September 2017 13:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan will join a unique festival of traditional culture Ozbegim to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The cultural project will feature the diversity of Uzbek national traditions and customs, applied and fine arts, national cuisine. The festival will recreate the atmosphere of folk festivals and combine the fair of folk crafts, elements of folk games and fun, folklore show - in all its glory to demonstrate the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people.

The first deputy minister of culture and tourism of Azerbaijan, Vagif Aliyev, and the director of the Azerbaijan National Library, Kerim Tairov, will attend the festival scheduled for September 7-11, Trend Life reported.

The festival program includes a gastronomic fair "Tandir show", a show of rope walkers, a fashion show, master classes in applied arts and craftsmens fair, a concert of folklore music.

A significant event of the festival will be preparation of the largest pilaf in the world with a volume of almost 8 tonnes. More than 50 chefs from all over Uzbekistan will cook delicious Uzbek dish. Representatives of the Guinness Book of Records will arrive for registration of the record.

The main event of the festival will be the presentation of the book Ozbegim in the Regency Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Tashkent hotel complex with the participation of distinguished guests, diplomatic staff, representatives of local and foreign media.

The limited book-album dedicated to noble and magnanimous Uzbek people with its centuries-old history will be presented within the festival.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2017 16:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijan has urged its regional allies - Turkey and Georgia - to expand cooperation in resolving conflicts.

Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, addressing a briefing following a trilateral meeting with Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu and Foreign Minister of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze in Baku, said that the three countries have the same approaches regarding the principles of territorial integrity of states.

Certainly, we advocate solving conflicts by diplomatic means, said Mammadyarov. Conflicts are discussed at all international organizations and I think we should further expand cooperation in this matter.

Mammadyarov further stressed that the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty should be primary in conflict resolution.

The minister also touched upon the long-standing Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, saying that its settlement requires taking a political decision.

Mammadyarov added that his meeting with Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian is being planned, but its exact timing has not yet been agreed.

The meeting will possibly be held in the framework of the UN General Assembly session in New York, the minister added.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, 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.

While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the 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.

Baku has repeatedly stated that peace in Nagorno-Karabakh is crucial for the regional security.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2017 10:53 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

There is a great potential for boosting bonds between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, said Ambassador Sherzod Fayziyev.

Fayziyev made the remark at the reception marking the 26th anniversary of his country`s State Independence Day. The event brought together state and government officials, representatives of foreign diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan.

The diplomat highlighted the history of independence of his country, adding great development was achieved in Uzbekistan in economic and cultural fields.

Today we can proudly say that in a historically short period, we have achieved tremendous success in finding a worthy place in the world community, ensuring human rights and freedoms, reviving national statehood and spiritual values, our sacred religion, customs and traditions, he noted.

The Strategy, which is designed for 2017-2021, defines improvement of state and public management, ensuring the rule of law and reforming the judicial and legal system, further development of the economy and social sphere, ensuring security, interethnic harmony and religious tolerance as the main directions, based on the principles of constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation, he said.

Fayziyev noted that the development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation with the states of the far and near abroad will remain the most important direction in Uzbekistan's foreign policy.

The envoy also praised the current state of relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

He also stressed the importance of reciprocal visits, bilateral discussions, adding these contacts contribute to development of bilateral ties. He expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries in the cultural, educational, scientific fields will further develop.

First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov congratulated the Uzbek people on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev.

The First Deputy Premier touched upon developing friendly and fraternal ties between the two countries.

Eyyubov praised Uzbekistan`s support for territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2017 09:53 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today received Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu.

President Ilham Aliyev said that he recently had a phone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the occasion of the Eid al-Adha, adding that they maintain regular contacts, Azertac reported.

Touching upon the importance of a trilateral meeting of the Azerbaijani, Georgian and Turkish foreign ministers in Baku, the head of state noted that this meeting also created a good opportunity for discussing bilateral relations between the countries. Saying that there are a number of issues to be discussed between the three countries, President Ilham Aliyev underlined that good results have already been achieved in areas such as politics, economy, energy and transport. The head of state noted that the work carried out among the three countries is of great importance for both the countries themselves and the whole region. Stressing that meetings in this format have been held for several years, President Ilham Aliyev said that these gatherings proved to be an important and exemplary trilateral format for addressing both political and economic issues.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu extended greetings of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the head of state. Mevlut Cavusoglu emphasized that the trilateral meeting of the Azerbaijani, Georgian and Turkish foreign ministers is important for stability and economic development of the region where the three countries are situated. The Turkish FM expressed his gratitude to the head of state for Azerbaijan`s contributions to these works.

The Azerbaijani President thanked for the greetings of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and asked Mevlut Cavusoglu to communicate his greetings to the Turkish President.

They also exchanged views over issues of cooperation between the two countries.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2017 09:41 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received Foreign Minister of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze.

The head of state touched upon a trilateral meeting of the Azerbaijani, Georgian and Turkish foreign ministers to be held in Baku, and described this event as an important format of cooperation, which contributed to the strengthening of regional cooperation of the countries, Azertac reported.

President Ilham Aliyev said this format created a good opportunity for discussing the bilateral and trilateral issues. The head of state noted that the Azerbaijani-Georgian bilateral relations successfully develop and good results were achieved in all areas. President Ilham Aliyev hailed the dynamics of the development of relations, and pointed out the expansion of cooperation in several important fields.

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze thanked President Ilham Aliyev for Azerbaijan`s assistance to his country during the wildfires. The FM described this as a great support for his country. Mikheil Janelidze said bilateral relations actively develop, adding that this is evidenced by the expansion of trade and economic cooperation.

The minister said significant work has been carried out under strategic transport projects in Georgia, and expressed his hope that construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be completed this year.

They exchanged views over the prospects of relations between the two countries.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2017 09:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to King Mswati III of Swaziland.

On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and all the people of your country on the occasion of the national holiday of the Kingdom of Swaziland  Independence Day, President Aliyev said in his letter.

On this remarkable day, I wish you the best of health and happiness, and the friendly people of your country peace and prosperity, the president said.

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6 September 2017 11:31 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizade has hailed relations between the two countries as he was interviewed by local PTV News TV channel.

He said Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations have been rapidly developing over the 25 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Alizade said the bilateral relations reached the level of strategic partnership, Azertac reported.

The ambassador also spoke of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia`s ethnic purge and occupation policy which left a million Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs. The ambassador hailed Pakistan`s stand on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Pakistan backed Azerbaijan during and after the Nagorno-Karabakh War and it is the only country that does not recognize Armenia. Pakistan also adopted a resolution strongly condemning the genocide against the civilian population of Khojaly, which was committed by Armenian armed forces.

Alizade also stressed a special role of First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva in realization of numerous humanitarian and social projects in Pakistan.

The ambassador also said: During its five-year chairmanship of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Azerbaijan made every effort to strengthen economic, trade, scientific, cultural and humanitarian relations among the member states.

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6 September 2017 12:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Baku will host a trilateral meeting of Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian foreign ministers on September 6.

The top-diplomats of the three countries held bilateral meetings ahead of the key event.



Azerbaijani FM Elmar Mammadyarov and Turkeys FM Movlut Cavusoglu discussed the prospects of bilateral and regional cooperation.

Cavusoglu informed his counterpart about the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Azerbaijan in late September following his participation in the UN General Assemblys session.

The agenda of the talks between the sides also included such issues as the development of cooperation in the political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian spheres, the implementation of regional projects and the exchange of views on regional security issues.

The meeting between Cavusoglu and Georgian FM Mikheil Janelidze considered issues such as development of cooperation in the political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian spheres, as well as the implementation of regional projects.

The three FMs of neighboring countries will sign the Baku Declaration and Action Plan for 2017-2019 following the trilateral meeting, Foreign Ministrys Spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev told reporters.

The basis of the ministerial meeting was laid on June 8, 2012 in the Turkish city of Trabzon within the framework of the Trabzon Declaration signed by the foreign ministers of the three countries. The declaration reflects the most important areas of mutual cooperation among Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia in economy, energy, infrastructure, transport, culture and humanitarian sphere.

These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss in a trilateral format the possibilities of regional partnership, promote the development of bilateral relations based on mutual benefits, strengthening of regional prosperity, stability and security.

Starting from 2012, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet twice a year to discuss trilateral cooperation and regional issues.

The previous meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey was held on February 19, 2016 in Tbilisi.

--

Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 September 2017 12:52 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

The sixth trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia kicked off in Baku on September 6.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze have voiced proposals to deepen the trilateral cooperation and develop the region.

The three ministers have agreed to prepare a summit of presidents of three countries.

The countries also agreed to develop a road map for further cooperation, Mammadyarov said at a briefing following the trilateral meeting.

"Interesting and fruitful talks were held, he said. The three countries are implementing many regional projects and we have discussed the stage of their implementation."

Mammadyarov further said that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway construction project will be implemented till late 2017.

The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of a Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. Peak capacity of the railway will be at 17 million tons of cargo per year.

"There is a need for this project, as well as the necessary volume of cargo transportation," he added. Three countries also intend to use other ways of cargo transportation."

"We also discussed the issues of cooperation in ICT, energy and other spheres, the minister added. We also signed an action plan for 2017-2019, which will cover cooperation in all spheres."

In turn, Cavusoglu said that Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia intend to raise economic relations to a new level.

Cavusoglu added that the trilateral formats are making an important contribution to the development of regional cooperation.

Baku, Ankara and Tbilisi intend to give a new impetus to relations, Janelidze said, stressing that Tbilisi seeks to expand cooperation with Baku and Ankara both at the bilateral level and in the regional format.

Regional projects cover a wider scope, he said, adding that the success achieved in the implementation of major regional projects makes great contribution to regional security.

The Georgian foreign minister also noted that the three countries successfully cooperate in the international arena, support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of one another, and cooperate fruitfully in this field at various venues.

The first meeting of this format was held in Trabzon on June 8, 2012. The second one was held on March 28, 2013 in Batumi, during which the parties developed an action plan for sectoral cooperation in 2013-2015 years. The third meeting took place in Ganja on February 19, 2014, the fourth - on December 10 of the same year in Kars, and finally, the fifth meeting was held in Tbilisi on February 19, 2016.

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6 September 2017 13:49 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order to provide funding for renovation of multi-storey apartment buildings in the city of Lankaran.

Under the presidential order, 3 million manats is allocated from the Presidential Contingency Fund for the renovation of 20 multi-storey buildings in the city, Azertac reported.

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6 September 2017 14:32 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov discussed issues of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Poland during his meeting with his Polish counterpart Antoni Macierewicz on September 5.

During the meeting in Warsaw, the ministers had exchanged views on cooperation in the military, military-technical sphere and in the field of military education, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

Touching upon the military and political situation at the regional and international level, Hasanov and Macierewicz stressed the importance of ensuring stability both in the region and in the world, noting in particular that close cooperation will contribute to the security and development of Azerbaijan and Poland.

Within his visit to Poland, Minister Hasanov also took part in the International Defense Industry Exhibition MSPO-2017 in Kielce city of the country.

The Azerbaijani delegation got acquainted with the military products presented at the exhibition, as well as with the achievements of the defense industry enterprises of various countries in the sphere of production of weapons and military equipment.

The defense industry is rapidly developing in Azerbaijan, as the country has one of the most skillful armies in the world and the most powerful army in the South Caucasus region. Global Firepower, a think tank providing a unique analytical display of data concerning world military power, ranks Azerbaijan 58th by military strength among 133 countries.

The Azerbaijani army possesses modern weapons and technical equipment for maintaining a high level of combat capability. These weapons are both purchased from other countries, such as Turkey, Israel, Russia, the U.S., and also are of domestic production. Currently, twenty-eight military factories are operating within Azerbaijans Defense Industry Ministry. The ministry has increased the volume of defense industry products in 2016 by 1.6 times compared to 2015, while the product assortment rose by 1.8 times.

The military factories of Azerbaijan produce sniper rifles, sniper machine guns, mine protected armored vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-tank mines, small arms, special reconnaissance patrol vehicles, and many other weapons.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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6 September 2017 18:15 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Baku, Ankara and Tbilisi  the three strategic partners and regional allies  have outlined a joint strategy for regional development during the trilateral meeting of the three countries foreign ministers in Baku.

Being six in edition, the ministerial meeting provided an opportunity to discuss in a trilateral format the possibilities of regional partnership, promotion of the development of bilateral relations based on mutual benefits, strengthening of regional prosperity, stability and security.

A large segment of the talks between Elmar Mammadyarov, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Mikheil Janelidze covered the economic sector, while the three agreed to prepare a summit of their presidents.

Being pleased with the negotiations Mammadyarov at a briefing following the trilateral meeting said that the countries also agreed to develop a road map for further cooperation.

"Interesting and fruitful talks were held, he said. The three countries are implementing many regional projects and we have discussed the stage of their implementation."

The meeting could not but affect a regional rail link Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway project, constructed on the basis of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey intergovernmental agreement.

The Azerbaijani FM said that the BTK railway construction project, with peak capacity at 17 million tons of cargo per year, will be implemented till late 2017.

There is a need for this project, as well as the necessary volume of cargo transportation, he added. Three countries also intend to use other ways of cargo transportation."

The sides also discussed the issues of cooperation in ICT, energy and other spheres, which was fixed by signing an action plan for 2017-2019, covering cooperation in all spheres.

Baku also urged Ankara and Tbilisi to expand cooperation in resolving of conflicts.

Mammadyarov noted that the approaches of the three countries to the principles of the territorial integrity of states coincide. The parties, of course, are in favor of resolving conflicts through diplomatic means.

Conflicts are discussed in all international organizations, and I think we should further expand cooperation in this matter, Mammadyarov said.

Speaking at the briefing Cavusoglu told about the intention of the three countries to raise economic relations to a new level.

The minister called upon the countries to exert more efforts to solve a number of issues in such spheres as customs, logistics, transport, etc. and in this aspect.

In this aspect, he stressed the importance of giving an impetus to the work at the level of other ministries and departments of the three countries.

In recent months Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia have enjoyed stronger relations. The first test train on the BTK route left Turkey for Georgia, which expects to bring great results and benefits to the three countries.

Saying that the trilateral formats are making an important contribution to the development of regional cooperation, the Turkish FM added that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be used to strengthen cooperation between the three countries in the transport sector.

Talking about the trilateral relations, Janelidze stressed that Baku, Ankara and Tbilisi intend to give a new impetus to relations, stressing that his country intents to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan and Turkey both at the bilateral level and in the regional format.

It needs to be noted, first of all, that this is a unique mechanism established among three neighbours. We play an exceedingly important role not only in the region, but also globally. All the three countries form the link connecting Europe and Asia. and the trade and economic relations getting deeper and deeper between Europe and Asia owe a great deal to this link Janerlidze said

The Georgian FM also noted that the three countries successfully cooperate in the international arena, support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of one another, and cooperate fruitfully in this field at various venues.

The three ministers hailed the successful cooperation in this trilateral format, which is important not only in regional but also in global context.

Within the framework of the trilateral meeting, the Ministers also signed Baku Declaration, featuring specific projects and initiatives in the areas of economy, energy, agriculture, environment protection and innovative technologies.

Prior to the trilateral meeting the diplomats held bilateral meetings.



At the meeting between Mammadyarov and Cavusoglu, the sides discussed the prospects of bilateral and regional cooperation.

Cavusoglu informed his counterpart about the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Azerbaijan in late September following his participation in the UN General Assemblys session.

The meeting between Cavusoglu and Janelidze held on the same day, covered issues such as development of cooperation in the political, economic, energy, transport and humanitarian spheres, the implementation of regional projects and the exchange of views on regional security issues.

Previous day, President Ilham Aliyev received the FMs separately.

Speaking with Janelidze, the head of state noted that the Azerbaijani-Georgian bilateral relations successfully develop and good results were achieved in all areas. President Ilham Aliyev hailed the dynamics of the development of relations, and pointed out the expansion of cooperation in several important fields.

At the meeting with Cavusoglu, President Aliyev noted that the work carried out among the three countries is of great importance for both the countries themselves and the whole region.

The basis of the trilateral meeting was laid on June 8, 2012 in the Turkish city of Trabzon within the framework of the Trabzon Declaration signed by the foreign ministers of the three countries. The declaration reflects the most important areas of mutual cooperation among Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia in economy, energy, infrastructure, transport, culture and humanitarian sphere.

Starting from 2012, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet twice a year to discuss trilateral cooperation and regional issues.

The previous meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey was held on February 19, 2016 in Tbilisi.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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6 September 2017 18:18 (UTC+04:00)

By Elchin Alioglu

Azerbaijan has become a target of six sensational stories published in the British daily newspaper The Guardian on September 5. The country has become a subject of a pseudo-free "investigation" named as "Global Laundromat" and presented as the area of absolute, total chaos and lawlessness, where the power ball rules, and as an "alien and hostile for West."

The six horror stories were presented to a British reader about the Forces of Evil, as an octopus, accusing a healthy, but sickly and disposed body of Western democracy, that is, the "golden billion".

Four articles were published simultaneously, and the other two were published with an interval of 2 hours, which is seen as an unprecedented occurrence in the history of The Guardian.

What was the reason for such rush and effectiveness of the newspaper, which indiscriminately accuses Azerbaijan of laundering $2.9 billion through the UK- registered four companies?

"Investigators" of deep investigation

The authors of the article "Everything you need to know about the Azerbaijani Laundromat"- Luke Harding, Caelainn Barr and Dina Nagapetyants, following the traditions of the yellow press, indiscriminately accused Azerbaijan of almost all mortal sins.

Naturally, the accusations are based on such "authoritative and unquestionable" sources as Wikileaks and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), known for their categorical judgments, "fried facts" and sketchy, torn from the general context by "copies" correspondence, documents, and many others.

Authors of the imperishable masterpiece of the yellow press caught interest of many. What was the motivation to write such a fake story full of hatred towards the South Caucasus nation?

Luke Harding is a scandalous British journalist, a special correspondent of The Guardian with an experience in this capacity in India, Germany, Russia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.

Luke is also famous for his book "Mafia State: How One Reporter Became an Enemy of the Brutal New Russia", which describes Russia as a "mafia state".

Harding was refused entry to Russia on February 8, 2011. The Russian Foreign Ministry explained the refusal by the expiration of Hardings visa validity term, declaring in addition that earlier he had violated the rules of accreditation and visited the zone of the counter-terrorist operation without notifying the security bodies about it. Harding himself and the newspaper assessed the ban as a consequence of the journalist's professional activities. The refusal to enter Russia was the first case of the expulsion of a Western journalist in the post-Soviet history of Russia.

Harding, along with David Lee, published the biographical book in 2011 "WikiLeaks: Inside Julian Assange's War on Secrecy," where he extolled not only the "world-wide nightman" Julian Assange, but also did not forget himself, modestly designating the author as "an indefatigable seeker of truth, a fighter against the Forces of Evil."

Another author of the article, Caelainn Barr, has been officially listed on the Guardian's "Data Projects" for many years now, but journalists of London refer to it as "Armenian Herald". Caelainn is closely connected with the leading organizations of the "spryk", the Armenian diaspora in Europe.

For instance, Caelainn shared his proud of these links on her Facebook profile last year. "I love the Armenians, this proud, intelligent, strong-willed and purposeful people. And I am proud that I have the honor to be friends with representatives of this ancient people".

And on April 24, the day of the world Armenian hysteria over the fictitious "genocide in Turkey," Ms. Barr burst out in a tirade: "I mourn, I'm sad, I remember that I'm with you, my friends, and will do everything in my power to help you."

Watchdogs of "democracy", or Dirty "clouds in pants"

Media in the West largely plants a stereotype of "the press is a watchdog of democracy". The phrase is more intensively present in the British media. However, the "fried facts" allegedly revealed by the liberal press, especially The Guardian, show the opposite: reporters and authors engaged in "exposing" particular countries, statesmen and politicians are guided by the interests of very specific organizations, groups or, as in our case, "a link "of the interests of George Soros and the organizations of the Armenian diaspora.

The fact that the stereotype of "the media is a watchdog of democracy" is false, that media freedom in the West is illusory, is confirmed by the crisis of readers' trust in the media in Britain itself.

The Guardian with perseverance worth a better use is trying to form a host of prejudices and false ideas about Azerbaijan, where the foreground gives false, primitive, over-simplified ideas about our country.

Although the democratic role of journalism should not only be a news provider and actor as a watchdog, but also to affect our feelings, inspire us and feed our thoughts.

Considering the role of mass communications and their influence on political processes, we note that in the postindustrial society the power of knowledge and information becomes decisive in public management, pushing to the second plan the influence of money and state coercion. And the mass media are the direct carriers and, especially, the disseminators of knowledge and other socially significant information.

The cynicism and pragmatism of the profession, both among journalists themselves, as Harding and "independent investigators", and in relation to them is the professional norm. Such pseudo-journalists almost unanimously justify corruption in professional work and in society as a whole. Most think that corruption and professionalism are the same. Their main argument is that everything around is corrupt and dependent, and there is no other way to get out of poverty.

Some authors of The Guardian, an influential newspaper, and their "research" have become a commodity, because no one can buy a non-professional in this environment. Time has changed, old pro-state Anglo-Saxon priorities are being replaced by new market ones, where getting the material prosperity is at the forefront.

Journalism in Foggy Albion remains the second most ancient profession, therefore, according to Harding, there is no harm that it is corrupt. They identify professionalism as technical skill, not including ethical norms in this characteristic. They approach consider selling the journalist's marketability as an assessment of his professionalism in the labor market -- that's all.

The article about the "Azerbaijani Laundromat" is a striking example not of journalism, but of "churnalism". The expression "churnalism" belongs to the reporter of BBC Waseem Zakir.

"Butter maker" journalist, as the authors of the article published on The Guardian, creates not only the stories that he finds on his own, but also selects, rewrites and develops stories that he receives from other sources, often without leaving the newsroom.

The authors of the article can be qualified as "gonzo journalists".

Gonzo journalism, as a direction in journalism, is a deeply subjective style of first-person narration in which the reporter acts as an immediate participant in the events described and uses his personal experience and emotions to emphasize the main meaning of these events.

But, the trio of authors preparing the libel about Azerbaijan is far from Tom Wolf and Hunter Stockton Thompson, and in their "independent investigation" everything is based on lies, slander, speculation and idiomatic statements.

The ears of Soros and the stench of "spryk"

The third author of the article about the "Azerbaijani laundry" is Dina Nakhapetyants, one of the most devoted and obvious students of the George Soross Open Society.

Becoming a pariah in Hungary, a country hitherto considered an impregnable stronghold of the ideas of "color revolutions" and "open society", George Soros does not intend to retire. Far from it, he intends to avenge all his failures and fiasco in Azerbaijan, and he does not want to follow the Confucian axiom of revenge as a dish that should be served cold.

No, George Soros, now relying on the ties, money and opportunities of the Armenian diaspora in Europe, is striving for a hot, crazy and absurd attack on Baku.

George Soros and his assistants, who have won the image of scammers, falsifiers, and deceivers on the international arena, talk about democracy, freedom of speech, and finance insinuations against Azerbaijan.

Naturally, such dirty deeds of Soros should be seriously investigated. The Armenian lobby and Soros acting together conduct a dirty campaign not only against the head of state, members of his family, but also against the entire Azerbaijan. However, the attempts on "independent investigation" did not yield any results. The very fact that one of the authors of the article in The Guardian is an Armenian by origin Dina Nahapetyants, once again demonstrates that these filthy accusations are also the repulsive acts of the world Armenians, or rather, the European "spryk".

In addition, OCCRP has long been firmly seated on the financial backing of George Soros. This has long been not only the open secret, but also the parable of the British media where the "independent investigators" from OCCRP are called not otherwise, as "sweet little doggy of Soros."

There is just no way without Khadija

As in case with many "investigations" about Azerbaijan, the current hysterical escapade already in six articles in The Guardian was not without the journalist Khadija Ismayilova.

Khadija Ismayilova was arrested in December 2014 on charges of misappropriation and embezzlement, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and abuse of official authority. By the decision of the Baku Court for Serious Crimes, Ismayilova was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. The Supreme Court of Azerbaijan ruled on release of the journalist on May 25 this year. By the decision of the court, Ismayilova was sentenced to three years and six months of imprisonment conditionally.

Conditionally free Ismayilova decided to become free from all conventions and zealously began her "campaign" against her own country. Considering herself as the "enfant terrible" of local media, Ms. Ismayilova calls the campaign "a struggle against power", but always conducting identity between the country and the authorities, the journalist does not disdain any infringement of media taboos.

That is why the article by Ismayilova published in the framework of the "Azerbaijani laundry" campaign in The Guardian is not accidental. She feels comfortable in the low-level company of Soros' servants and the hack writers sitting on the doping of the Armenian diaspora, who rages in Baku with angry tirades and draws gloomy picture of the future of the country in her article.

She said that she is not going to leave the country where she lives.

After all, Soros needs Khadija Ismayilova here: she is useless in the West, where there are enough people in the media who are selflessly serving the Great Saruman of democracy - that's why they pointed to "field work" on the ground, so that, with her exclamations and lamentations about the inescapable the heaviness of being in Azerbaijan did not go beyond the framework defined by the authors of the libretto of the vaudeville under the title "Soros, Armenians and The Guardian for democracy in Azerbaijan".

... The real tragedy of Faust is not that he sold the soul to the devil. The real tragedy is that there is no devil to buy the little souls of some people.
6 September 2017 11:47 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

SOCAR exported 254,363 tons of oil through Novorossiysk port, 1,733,484 tons through Ceyhan port in August 2017.

The company reported that in January-August SOCAR totally exported 988,28 tons of oil through Novorossiysk port, 1,579,673 tons through Supsa and 11,400,551 tons through Ceyhan port.

Figures of crude oil exported by SOCAR reflect oil belonging to both Azerbaijani government and the company.

SOCAR reported that it produced nearly 631,500 tons of crude oil in January-July of this year.

A total of 3,339,000 million tons of oil was produced in Azerbaijan in July. SOCAR reported that crude oil production was 4.34 billion tons in January-July of this year and in total 22.50 billion tons.

SOCAR is a wholly state-owned national oil company headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan. The company produces oil and natural gas from onshore and offshore fields in the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea.

The company includes such production associations as Azneft (the enterprises producing oil and gas onshore and offshore), Azerikimya (the chemical enterprises) and Azerigas (distributor of gas produced in the country), as well as oil and gas processing plants, service companies, and the facilities involved in geophysical and drilling operations.

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6 September 2017 16:44 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Oil volatility has jumped in the world markets, leaving traders stunned. The demand for energy resources remains lower, amid slow recovery of refining capacities at refineries in the U.S. after the Hurricane Harvey.

This morning, Benchmark Brent crude futures were down 0.39 percent, at $53.17 per barrel, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down 0.18 percent, at $48.57 per barrel, according to Finance.ru.

Several refineries and portions of key pipelines had resumed operations, while terminals, drilling platforms and other facilities were working to restart after the storm knocked out roughly 4.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of refining capacity, or nearly 23 percent of total U.S. capacity.

As of Tuesday, about 3.8 million barrels of daily refining capacity, or about 20 percent, was shut in, though a number of the refineries in that group were in the process of restarting, according to Reuters.

But later, crude prices rose to a three-month high on forecasts that the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Administration (EIA) will soon reveal a better view of the extent of Harveys impact on U.S. fuel inventories, although analysts say it will take a few weeks longer to get a complete picture.

RIA Novosti reported that on September 6 afternoon Brent crude oil surpassed the mark of $54 per barrel for the first time since May 25 and stood at $54.13. The price of October futures for WTI crude oil increased by 0.88 percent and stood at $49.09.

Now the market is closely watching the next hurricane, "Irma", which reached the highest, the fifth category and is approaching the Caribbean islands. On the territory of the State of Florida an emergency situation has been declared.

Meanwhile, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that the price for Brent futures will fluctuate in the range of $45-55 per barrel in 2018.

He stressed it addressing the Eastern Economic Forum, which was held in Vladivostok, Russia.

Earlier, Novak predicted that the cost of oil in 2017 will fluctuate at a level of $50-60 per barrel.

OPEC and other major oil producers such as Russia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Sudan, and South Sudan reached an agreement in December 2016 to remove 1.8 million barrels a day from the market.



OPEC and its partners decided to extend its production cuts till March 2018 in Vienna on May 25, as the oil cartel and its allies step up their attempt to end a three-year supply glut that has savaged crude prices and the global energy industry.

Next meeting of the Joint OPEC-Non-OPEC Technical Committee (JTC) of OPEC will be held in Vienna on September 22.

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6 September 2017 10:36 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is currently on an official visit in Bishkek, held a meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart Almazbek Atambaev on September 5, according to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

The prospects of further expansion and deepening of cooperation in the political, trade-economic, transport-communication, cultural-humanitarian and other spheres, activation of interaction between the border regions of the two countries as well as current regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.

Negotiations of the Presidents further continued with the participation of official delegations.

The Uzbek leader congratulated Kyrgyz president and people on the national holiday - Independence Day.

We highly appreciate the fraternal and good-neighborly relations that have historically developed between our peoples. This serves as a solid basis for strengthening cooperation between our states, Mirziyoyev said.

Atambayev noted that this is a logical continuation of the dialogue between two states at the highest level, a convenient opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest.

During the talks, topical issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation were discussed. The sides exchanged views on the further development of interrelations in the political, trade-economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

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6 September 2017 15:19 (UTC+04:00)

By Ali Mustafayev

The German Foreign Ministry has warned its citizens traveling to Turkey that they may face danger and risk arbitrary detention even in tourist areas.

Berlin revised its travel advice after the arrest of German citizens suspected in espionage in the Turkish resort Antalya. Berlin believes they were detained for political reasons.

There is a risk of similar detentions in all parts of Turkey, including in tourist regions, the new advice reads. It falls short of a formal travel warning, issued for war-afflicted countries like Afghanistan or Iraq, which would make obtaining travel insurance harder.

The move marks a new low in relations between the two NATO allies and is a blow for Turkeys tourist sector, which has already been hit by last years failed coup attempt.

Bilateral tensions remain as an important vector of the Turkish-European relations, since Germany is one of the deciding votes in the EU, which refuses to acknowledge Turkey as a part of Europe.

Two German citizens of Turkish origin had been detained at Antalya Airport for links to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of organizing last year's attempted coup.

The arrest of the two Germans last week brought to 55 the number of Germans detained in Turkey, the German Foreign Ministry said.

German Chancellor Merkel has previously called for a rethink of Berlins attitude towards Ankara after Turkey detained two German citizens. One was later released.

Merkel said Germany had already "significantly revamped" its ties with Ankara, but that the latest events meant "perhaps it is necessary to rethink them ever further.

The conflict led to Germanys veto on the modification of the customs agreement between the EU and Turkey and refusal to cooperate on Turkeys further accession to the EU.

Moreover, Angela Merkel and her center-left rival Martin Schulz clashed over Turkey policy in a televised debate last week, with Schulz making a surprise proposal to halt Ankaras EU membership talks and freeze its pre-accession funds.

Ankara criticized the anti-Turkish rhetoric used by German politicians ahead of the September 24 elections.

Turkey has accused Berlin in supporting the key members of the failed coup and the members of the FETO organization, particularly Adil Oksuz, a theology professor accused by the Turkish authorities of being an influential figure within the Fetullah Terrorist Organization.

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6 September 2017 16:19 (UTC+04:00)

By Ali Mustafayev

Following Ankara, Tehran has called to end massacre of Muslim population in Myanmars Arakan state.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called upon the international community to "seriously" pursue the issue of a growing refugee crisis in on the Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

Zarif made the call in separate phone conversation with his Turkish, Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts Mevlut Cavusoglu, Anifah Aman and Retno Marsudi, respectively.

The Iranian top diplomat expressed his countrys deep concern about the sad situation of Rohingya Muslims, saying that Iran was prepared to help adoption of collective strategies by international organizations and Muslim countries in order to solve the ongoing crisis plaguing Myanmars Muslim community.

Myanmars military intensified attacks on Rohingya Muslims on August 25, after dozens of police and border outposts in the western state of Rakhine came under attack by an armed group, which is said to be defending the rights of the Rohingya.

Human Rights Watch says satellite imagery shows 700 buildings were burned in the Rohingya Muslim village of Chein Khar Li, just one of 17 locations in Rakhine state where the rights group has documented burning of homes and property.

Turkish Foreign Minister previously called Bangladesh to open its doors for Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Myanmar.

Cavusoglu said they told Bangladesh to open its doors for Rohingya people fleeing Myanmar and Turkey would pay the expenses.

"We also mobilized the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We will hold a summit regarding Arakan [Rakhine state] this year. We need to find a decisive solution to this problem," Cavusoglu added.

The UN is expected to hold a meeting on the issue on 19 September.

The region has seen simmering tension between its Buddhist and Muslim populations since communal violence broke out in 2012.

A security crackdown launched last October in Maungdaw, where Rohingya make up the majority, led to a UN report on human rights violations by security forces that indicated crimes against humanity.

The UN documented mass gang-rape, killings -- including infants and young children -- brutal beatings, and disappearances.

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6 September 2017 17:10 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

While Tehran-Riyadh ties are at their worst in years, the recent remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif signal Tehrans intention to improve relations with the regional rival, though Riyadh steel appears reluctant.

Saudi Arabia is considered as a significant Islamic country therefore we are ready to cooperate with them [Saudis] on the issue of Rohingya Muslims, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a televised interview last night.

He also expressed Irans interest in cooperation with Saudi Arabia to resolve regional crisis.

This is not the only positive signal coming from Tehran as an Iranian official on the same day thanked the kingdom for its handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

However, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir immediately denied any warming of relations with the Islamic Republic, urging Iran to change its policies.

If Iran wants to have good relations with Saudi Arabia, it has to change its policies. It has to respect international law, he said.

At this time, we do not see... that theyre serious about wanting to be a good neighbor, Reuters quoted al-Jubeir as saying at a press conference in London.

Earlier in August, Zarif and his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir shook hands on the sidelines of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Turkey, in a move that could be interpreted as an improvement in ties.

Tehran and Riyadh accuse each other of destabilizing the regional security and supporting opposite sides in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The two countries have severed diplomatic relations since January 2016 after Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran protesting against the Saudi decision to behead a prominent Shia cleric.

Despite reasons behind hostility between the two Muslim countries, both sides, the Islamic Republic and the kingdom, need to reach a mutual understanding to safeguard the regional stability.

President Hassan Rouhanis administration appear to make efforts aimed at easing hostilities but success there depends on whether Riyadh is responsive to Tehrans signals.

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6 September 2017 17:58 (UTC+04:00)

By Ali Mustafayev

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan intend to increase their trade turnover up to $500 million a year.

The announcement was voiced by representatives of both countries during the business forum held in Bishkek within the framework of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs visit.

An Uzbek delegation including representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, State Committee for Investments, Chamber of Commerce and Industry and businessmen visited Kyrgyzstan to take part in the forum. More than 20 companies of Uzbekistan and 40 companies of Kyrgyzstan participated in the business forum.

The parties noted that the two countries have all the prerequisites and economic opportunities for further development of trade and economic cooperation.

The two countries trade turnover rose by twofold in 1H17 and it is expected that the volume of bilateral trade will total $280 million in late 2017.

Uzbekistan is ready to import the products of mining enterprises, create joint ventures for the production of confectionery products, processing of automobile tires, food products and household appliances, said Adham Ikramov, chairman of Uzbekistans Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Following the business forum, the two countries companies agreed to implement projects worth $115 million.

During President Mirziyoyev visit to Bishkek, the two countries discussed key issues for advancing the bilateral ties, prospects for expanding and deepening cooperation in the political, trade-economic, transport-communication, cultural, humanitarian and other areas, enhancing the ties between the border regions of the two countries, as well as current international and regional problems.

Several agreements were signed, including a pact on the demarcation of more than 80 percent of the countries' long border.

The presidents of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement on the demarcation of 1,170 kilometers of their shared border. The two sides also agreed to achieve a resolution soon on the remaining 200 kilometers of the disputed border.

The visit comes ahead of an October 15 presidential election in Kyrgyzstan, where Atambayev is barred for running by term limits.

Mirziyoyev, by contrast, was elected to a five-year term in December.

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The contraceptives are being launched under the government's Mission ParivarVikas, a central family planning initiative.

Government has launched two new free contraceptives, an injectable drug and a pill, expanding the basket of choices for the country's population to meet their family planning needs.

The contraceptives, which are available for free in medical colleges and district hospitals at present, have so far been launched in ten states- Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana, West Bengal, Odisha, Delhi and Goa.

The contraceptives are safe and highly effective. The Antara injectable being effective for three months and the Chayya pill for one week, will help meet the changing needs of couples and help women plan and space their pregnancies.

The contraceptives are being launched under the government's Mission ParivarVikas, a central family planning initiative.

The mission is being implemented in 146 high focus districts that house 44 per cent of the country's population, with the highest total fertility rates in the country.

These districts are in the seven states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam.

Training of healthcare practitioners from all the states has been completed as well, with a pool of state and district level doctors and staff nurses being trained to support the roll-out.
The new device is able to detect sources of light inside the body, such as the illuminated tip of the endoscopes long flexible tube.

An Indian-origin scientist has led a team at the University of Edinburgh to create a medical camera that can see through the human body, and he believes it has immense potential for doctors in tracking internal examinations.

The camera is designed to help doctors track medical tools, known as endoscopes, which are used to investigate a range of internal conditions.

The new device is able to detect sources of light inside the body, such as the illuminated tip of the endoscopes long flexible tube.

Until now, it has not been possible to track where an endoscope is located in the body in order to guide it to the right place without using X-rays or other expensive methods.

Experts have integrated thousands of single photon detectors onto a silicon chip, similar to that found in a digital camera.

The technology is so sensitive that it can detect the tiny traces of light that pass through the bodys tissue from the light of the endoscope. It can also record the time taken for light to pass through the body, allowing the device to also detect the scattered light.
Style Tips: Don't Let Rain Spoil Your Durga Puja Pandal Hoppings Fashion Trends Dona

Every Bengali this year is cribbing because of the never ending monsoon in the country. Why? Of course, for the fear of their Durga Puja getting ruined and their new clothes getting spoiled.

Moreover, there is a custom in Bengali mythology which suggests the arrival and departure of Goddess Durga. It is said, the weather of the month depends on the carrier which brings Maa Durga to earth during the festival.

There are different carriers like boat, elephant, palanquin, horse, etc. It might sound weird but every carrier has a significance.

This year Maa Durga is coming in a boat and this suggests that there is a high probability of rainfall during the festival.

If you go by the latest weather conditions or the mythological statement, it is probable that rain might be a risk for this year's Durga Puja pandal hoppings. If not for anything, just for the risk of ruining your style.

We are here to tell you a few tricks on how to avoid the rains and still rock your style this Durga Puja.

Wear Culottes or Capris If you are decking up in western attires or even Indian, the idea is to wear something of the three-fourth length. For both, culottes, capris or three-fourth leggins work wonders. While it rains, your full length trousers are at risk. The puddles are great dangers and there are also chances of waterlogging in shallow areas. To not compromise with the fun of pandal hopping while going totally stylish, wear three-fourth length bottoms. Bright Colours Monsoon and bright colours go too well and as it is all about the festival; keep a better stock of bright coloured outfits. They will not just fit the occasion but also look great even if the weather is gloomy. Moreover, light coloured clothes might be stained by the mud marks if you are on for pandal hopping. Avoid Flairy Attires Flairs are the new in, we agree, but flairy bottoms like long skirts or flairy palazzos are a big no-no for pandal hopping during monsoon. If it is raining or it has rained the previous night, you would not want your favourite attires to be dripping mud and water from them. Would you? Avoid Sarees For Pandal Hopping Sarees are undoubtedly the best attire during Durga Puja, but only if you are a pro at carrying them. If rain is actually in forecast during the festival, chances are that the streets would have partial waterlogs and puddles. Wearing sarees, mainly cotton or heavy ones are problematic as they can get ruined or can also make you tumble down. We know that none of the options are favourable, so we suggest you to wear something more comfortable or sarees which are light and can be pulled up during pandal hoppings. If you are in the same place and not moving too much around, no attire can be as great as a saree. Carry Bright Umbrellas Though this is not a part of your ensemble but matching a good fashionable umbrella with your attire is a must, mostly if you are showcasing your styles during monsoon. If rain is an issue, you can add on vibrance to your style while going for pandal hoppings. Mind not to poke someone with the stylish umbrella. Avoid Leather Shoes Or Bags Leather reacts to water and the rain can ruin your shoes or bags. If you are out for pandal hopping while it is raining, do not wear leather shoes or go for leather bags. Bags can still be protected under the umbrella but shoes will always be at risk. Go for other materials that would not get spoiled. Cloth materials can also drip off water if they are wet. Go for polythene-based bags. DO NOT Wear Flip-flops Flip-flops tend to splatter water and mud off your feet to your outfits and wearing them during pandal hopping in or after rains, you are totally risking your favourite dresses. Wear enclosed shoes so that the attires stay safe from the mud splatters. We are sure that you would not want mud polka dots on your attires. Follow these tips and you are all set to rock the styles even if monsoon attempts on spoiling the festival.
An elephant is killed every 25 minutes, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Cairns zoologist Dr Tammie Matson, 40, is doing her bit to boost the prospects of the world's largest living land animal.

In her space, people skills are crucial. "One thing I learned quickly when working in Africa is that without local support for conservation solutions you make no progress. You have to get the local people on board and find ways to benefit them through tangible things like jobs and income if you want to see animal populations thrive," Matson says.

Cairns zoologist Dr Tammie Matson, 40, is doing her bit to boost the prospects of the world's elephant population. Credit:Matson & Ridley Safaris

"You've got to put yourself in their shoes and see things from a different perspective," she says. She cites human-elephant conflict in Bushmanland, Namibia, marked by elephants tearing up water installations and killing people in villages.

Through research  getting in there and talking to people in 2005  she learned that the bushmen saw the elephants as more than a threat to livelihoods. Elephants were good to have around because they provided benefits through tourism and trophy hunting in the form of jobs, meat and income.
Some former staff at George Calombaris' restaurant empire could be forced to wait up to a year to receive backpay for missing wages and entitlements after his company Made Establishment failed to resolve a disastrous payroll bungle.

The delay until June 2018 has angered some former workers, who have called on the Masterchef star and his multi-millionaire business partner Radek Sali to personally settle the outstanding debts owed to staff.

George Calombaris (right) and business partner Radek Sali. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Made Establishment reported itself to the Fair Work Ombudsman in April after an internal audit revealed significant payroll discrepancies throughout its restaurant chain. The company said it had spent $2.6 million to compensate 160 current employees.

At the time, former staff were also urged to submit claims, which were supposed to be investigated and paid out by June 30, 2017.
A groundbreaking, Australian-developed cervical cancer vaccine administered to high school students for a decade is set to be replaced, after the development of a new treatment that could all but wipe out both the cancer and genital warts.

The drug known as Gardasil has been administered to Australian teenagers since 2007, protecting them from strains of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes 70 per cent of cervical cancers.

But the vaccine could soon be superseded.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended that a new vaccine, known as Gardasil 9, be instead used in the school-age program.
The NSW Mounted Police Unit will no longer hold its annual open day due to security concerns for the staff and horses.

The day, which showcased the work of the world's oldest continuous mounted police unit, would attract thousands to the unit's Redfern headquarters.

The Prince of Wales during a visit to the NSW Mounted Police Unit in Redfern in 2015. Credit:Kate Geraghty

In what was described as a "sad sign of the times", the unit announced the cancellation in a Facebook post.

"Unfortunately due to the current political climate, we will no longer be holding an Annual Open Day," the statement read. "The safety of our officers, staff and horses is paramount and we cannot take the risk of opening our gates as we have in the past."
Australia's leading prawn farming group has defended itself after an animal activist group branded as cruel the common practice of removing the female prawn's eye stalks to promote breeding.

Australian Prawn Farmers Association president Matt West says the industry would not exist without the practice of "eye-stalk ablation", which could be made less painful with anaesthesia.

An animal activist group has started a petition calling on prawn farmers to stop cutting off the eyes of female prawns.

However, Mr West said the use of anaesthesia was optional for farmers, and Animals Australia CEO Glenys Oogjes believes the procedure subjects prawns to "pain and trauma".

The procedure involves removing the female prawn's eye-stalk and hormonal gland to allow the prawns to mature and produce eggs consistently.
The national transport safety regulator is investigating a possible safety breach at one of Brisbanes busiest train stations after south-east Queensland's rail network was thrown into chaos on Tuesday afternoon.

Delays, initially up to 45 minutes, affected all rail lines through peak hour after an empty train ran a red signal at Roma Street station.

Passengers were delayed up to 45 minutes on Tuesday afternoon. Stock Image. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has since launched an investigation into the incident.

As part of its investigation, the ATSB will interview the driver of the train and review recorded data from the signal system and from the train, a spokesman said.
One Nation staffer James Ashby has been referred to the aviation watchdog after flying a drone near a Queensland power station.

But Pauline Hanson's chief of staff said he did not do anything wrong.

Fairfax Media has obtained an image which shows Mr Ashby apparently operating a remote control while standing beside a ute outside the Stanwell power station, near Rockhampton.

A security guard witnessed One Nation staffer James Ashby flying a drone near Stanwell power station, south-west of Rockhampton on July 13. He is understood to have handed over a business card before leaving.

It is understood a security guard approached Mr Ashby on July 13 about 5pm after witnessing him using a drone near the power station.
The Turnbull government is prepared to take a stake in AGL's giant Liddell coal-fired power station to keep it open five more years as a last resort move to avoid a crippling post-2022 power shortage.

The dramatic move was publicly backed by former resources minister Matt Canavan on Wednesday, who suggested the Coalition should consider taking a partial stake in the plant, but government sources cautioned such a move was unlikely.

Instead, those sources argued a private sector buyer would likely be found, a suggestion backed by energy market experts and Delta Electricity flagging interest in Liddell, while government could assist by helping upgrade the plant to keep it running.

Conservative MPs are now openly discussing the need for a "grand bargain" with moderates in the Coalition that would ensure coal remained a part of Australia's electricity market for as long as possible, in exchange for agreeing to a Clean Energy Target.
Rugby bodies in Asia are interested in billionaire Western Force backer Andrew Forrest's planned rebel competition.

Continental association Asia Rugby has expressed a desire to soon begin discussing the proposal and Hong Kong Rugby Union has revealed it will consider participation.

"We here in Asia Rugby have certainly been watching with interest the developments with Western Force and the statements from Andrew Forrest," Asia Rugby general manager Ross Mitchell told AAP.

"It is obviously a potentially very exciting time for us all.
The Note brand has always been aimed squarely at geeks. It was a huge phone before huge phones were cool, and powerful enough to replace not just a tablet, but maybe a laptop as well. Samsung has a lot to prove with the Note8 following last year's recall, and for the most part the the phablet delivers. The dual camera system is impressive, the pen is greatly improved, but flaws of the last flagship Galaxy S8 are still here too.

Once again, Samsung has built a beautiful-looking phone that is almost all screen. The display wraps right up to the edges, with small slivers of bezel top and bottom. Samsung's AMOLED displays are the best in the business and with HDR built in, it has better specs than my TV.

It's impressive that the Note8 can be used one handed, despite its size. This is thanks to the phone being relatively narrow, just a few millimetres wider than the S8. But it was still just a little too big for my tiny hands, not so much in size but in weight.

When holding the Note, my hand only covered the bottom third of the device, making it feel top-heavy, and ready to topple out of my grip. I haven't dropped the phone yet, but I always felt I would, and that made me nervous. I doubt Note fans care  they're attracted to this phone because of its size  but I prefer the S8 in the hand.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and US President Donald Trump talked for half an hour on Wednesday in a phone call described as "warm and constructive" and dominated by the ongoing crisis surrounding North Korea's growing nuclear weapons capability.

Mr Trump has held discussions with key allies in recent days as the world considers further sanctions against Kim Jong-un's regime after it conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test to date on Sunday. The detonation followed a series of missile tests that have rapidly raised tensions in the region.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin has blasted an American and South Korean push for fresh sanctions, calling them "ineffective" and arguing the North Korean regime would rather "eat grass" than bow to outside pressure. US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said this week the North Korean leader was "begging for war".

Not taking a backward step, North Korea has warned it is ready to send "more gift packages" to the US.
Bengaluru: Indian journalists and rights activists protested on Wednesday against the murder of an outspoken publisher of a weekly tabloid, amid growing concerns about freedom of the press at a time of rising nationalism and intolerance of dissent.

Gauri Lankesh, 55, the editor and publisher of the Kannada-language Gauri Lankesh Patrike newspaper, was shot dead on Tuesday by unidentified assailants near her home in the southern city of Bengaluru.

She had parked her car outside her gate and was walking to the main entrance of her home when the attackers fired at least seven rounds, killing her, police said. The motive was not known.

Lankesh was a fierce advocate of secularism and opposed hardline Hindu groups associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-wing, nationalist ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sao Paulo: Brazil's attorney-general on Tuesday charged former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva; his successor, Dilma Rousseff; and several other senior figures of the Workers' Party with running a "criminal organisation" that raked in hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes during the party's nearly 14-year reign.

The case is the first in which Rousseff, who was impeached last year for violating budgetary rules, stands accused of partaking in the kickback schemes that have cast a pall over every major Brazilian political party.

Former Brazilian presidents Dilma Rousseff, left, and Luis Inacio Lula da Silva in July. Credit:AP

The charges were unveiled the same day that Lula wrapped up a 25-city campaign trip through his party's strongholds in the north-east, during which he sought to play down a recent corruption conviction that may doom his ambition to return to the presidency.

It comes as news of another corruption scandal broke, ensnaring the country's Olympic Committee chief Carlos Nuzman who was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of orchestrating a $US2 million ($2.5 million) bribe to bring the 2016 Games to Rio de Janeiro.
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe is quoted in todays Irish Times as dismissing proposals for a VAT reduction to be provided for the construction industry.



This comes after reports over recent days that Fianna Fail is pushing for a VAT reduction. Minister Donohoe reportedly told a forum of employers and unions earlier this week that such a move would not guarantee the production of more homes and it risked a repeat of the mistakes that caused the crash in the 2000s.

He went on to say that he would rather the potential foregone revenue was spent directly on building homes. The article claims that the construction industry has already accepted that a VAT cut would not be announced ahead of the budget next month and is instead pushing for the retention of the Help-to-Buy scheme.

According to Goodbody Stockbrokers, "While it is in politicians nature to look for quick-fix solutions to the housing crisis, in reality there is no silver bullet. Solving the problems will require a combination of carrots and sticks but also a wholesale change in the land management, planning and regulatory system. That wont be achieved in one budget."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Ryanair has announced today that only Priority Boarding customers (including Plus, Flexi Plus & Family Plus) will be allowed to bring two carry-on bags on the aircraft from November.

Ryanair claim this is being done to encourage more customers to check in bags and reduce the number of customers with 2 bags at the boarding gates. The airline claims too many customers are availing of Ryanairs 2 free carry-on bags service, and with high load factors (97% in August) there is not enough overhead cabin space for this volume of carry-on bags, which is causing boarding/flight delays.

It was also announced today that the check-in bag allowance will increase from 15kg to 20kg for all bags while the standard check-in bag fee will be cut from /35 to /25 for this 20kg bag.

All other (i.e. non-priority) customers will only be allowed to bring one smaller carry-on bag on board the aircraft, while their second (bigger) wheelie bag must be placed in the hold (free of charge) at the boarding gate.

Announcing the changes today, Ryanairs Kenny Jacobs said, "These bag policy changes will cost Ryanair over 50m p.a. in reduced checked bag fees. However, we believe offering bigger bags at reduced fees will encourage more customers to consider checking-in a bag, which will reduce the high volume of customers we have with 2 carry-on bags at the boarding gates, which is causing flight delays due to large numbers of gate bag and cabin bag offloads."

He added, "We hope that by restricting non-priority customers to one small carry-on bag  their wheelie bag must be placed in the hold, free of charge at the boarding gate  this will speed up the boarding of flights and eliminate flight delays being caused by not having sufficient overhead cabin space on busy flights to accommodate over 360 (182 customers x 2 bags) carry-on bags."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
If transportation to treatment is a concern, we may be able to help. In some communities, our Road To Recovery volunteer drivers provide rides to patients who have no way to get to their cancer treatment. We also provide transportation grants to local healthcare systems partners so they can provide transportation assistance to their patients.


Published On Sep 06, 2017 10:55 AM By Rachit Shad

The new section allows customers to conveniently book a service, get service cost estimation and know about upcoming service camps

Japanese carmaker Honda has updated its Indian website with a new section called Service. The company claims that this new section has been created to grant customers easy access to service related information for their vehicle.

What all can you access under this new portal? Heres the list:

Online service booking

Model-wise preventive service cost estimation

Extended warranty package details

Cost details for road side assistance

Details for various maintenance packages

Information on Hondas Express Service

Tips on vehicle maintenance

Details about upcoming service camps

Commenting on the new, dedicated Service section on the website, Jnaneswar Sen, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, Honda Cars India, said,  We are a customer-focused company and we always strive to launch innovative solutions that offer complete peace of mind to our customers. We have been extensively digitizing our customer service operation and with the launch of new service website, we will establish a direct connect with our customers. Enhanced transparency and customer convenience will help us in increasing customer satisfaction. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their support to Honda brand and reaffirm our commitment to the Indian market.

For the record, Hondas website always had most of these features, such as package details on extended warranty and road side assistance, covered even before the dedicated Service section came up. The company has also devised an FAQ section which will come in handy in case of any query.

It isnt just Honda that has gone ahead to inject a level of transparency and convenience in their after-sales service. Other players like Ford and Toyota have been on it for a while now. In fact, both Ford and Toyota go a mile further by giving detailed information about spare part costs as well. That helps the end customer to ensure that he/she isnt cheated on costs involved when going in for a service or a repair for their vehicle.

Also Read: Honda Announces Annual Celebration Offers
The Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore has stopped medical admissions in the college, owing to the hassles caused by NEET.

Why has CMC stopped medical admissions?

CMC has been following a standard admission procedure that is suitable for its varsity and target audience. But with the introduction of NEET, single window counselling was established, making it nearly impossible for the college to secure admissions through the process.

Fresh Trouble Stirs For Medical Aspirants as HC Stays NEET Result

What was the CMC admission procedure?

Out of the 100 seats available for the MBBS course, 85 seats are reserved for the minority community, in this case, Christians and 15 seats are in the open category. Students admitted under the minority category are required to serve in one of the mission hospitals run by the society for two years after completing the course.

What is the result of cancelling admissions?

The MBBS course will be run for a single student, a Central Government nominee who happens to be the son of a martyr this year, and a single candidate will be admitted to the DM Cardiology, as mandated by a Supreme Court order earlier this year, according to Sunil Chandy, Director, CMC. This will end up with 99 seats in MBBS and 61 in the super specialties not being filled.

NEET Aspirants Again Troubled as KCET Seat Allotment Begins

What about the PG admissions?

PG admissions to 182 courses were filled up as per usual admission process as the prescription of single window counselling came at the eleventh hour by which time the College had completed its admissions, and as per the Notification issued by the National Board of Examinations. The Supreme Court ratified this in favour of the college, Solomon Sathishkumar, principal-in-charge, CMC, said.

What next?

A case has been registered representing the college's difficulty against the NEET procedure. The verdict is expected to be out by October. For now, the college has sacrificed a majority of the seats for lack of a stability in the admissions.

"We are not happy to do this. It will also translate to a deficit in our frontline patient management systems. It is a sacrifice we are making. But we have to judge a student by our objective of the role we envision for our candidates," Dr. Chandy said.

NEET Row: Find Out the Reason for TN Girl Anita's Suicide
Finalists for 2017 Cemex Building Award revealed

06 September 2017

Cemex has announced the 61 finalists for the International Edition of the 2017 Cemex Building Award, which recognises the best architecture and construction worldwide every year.



The International Edition gathers the winning projects from the different National Editions of the Cemex Building Award. This year, 17 countries issued a call for finished projects that will participate in the International Editions five categories and four special awards.



Finalists from Colombia, Costa Rica, the Czech Republic, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, Haiti, Latvia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Poland, Puerto Rico, Spain, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates will attend the ceremony where Cemex will reveal the winners.



The current edition stands out for the projects less conventional schemes, exploring and crossing new frontiers between construction and architecture. The high number of registrants in this editions Sustainable Building category underscores the growing effort to create projects that foster the protection and preservation of natural resources and sustainable development.



"The Cemex Building Award has continued to break new ground and barriersbecoming a benchmark for best practices in international construction. Year after year, architects, engineers, and builders worldwide develop projects utilizing advanced techniques, increased quality, and superior products to participate in this Award," the company said.



Among the finalists are the Media Library of Vitrolles in France, the Exupery International School in Latvia, an Aquapark in Poland, a Sufism Sanctuary in the United States, an Arqueopark in the Czech Republic, a cable-stayed bridge over the Ozama River in the Dominican Republic, and the Pharmax Pharmaceuticals building in the United Arab Emirates.



The awards ceremony will take place on 9 November in Mexico City with representatives from the finalists, as well as renowned architects and engineers, in attendance. To view the list of finalists, click here.

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Hima partners with Chinese contractor for three infrastructure projects in Uganda

06 September 2017

Hima Cement, LafargeHolcim company in Uganda, and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) on 12 July signed a memorandum of understanding to deliver solutions for three major infrastructure projects.



The Ugandan government prioritising infrastructure development as one of the drivers of economic growth and Hima Cement will contribute to the countrys effort to build durable and reliable infrastructure. According to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed mid-July, LafargeHolcim will team up with Chinese contractor CCCC to deliver cement solutions for the following three major projects:



 Entebbe International Airport Expansion (five years). The upgrade of the airport includes the construction of a new cargo center complex and a new passenger terminal, the strengthening of runways and taxiways as well as the rehabilitation of aprons.



 Mubende-Kakumiro-Kagadi Road construction project (three years). The 105km road which connects the countrys central region with the western part will be upgraded from gravel to asphalt pavement, and will allow for improved traffic conditions in the country by connecting with the Kyenjojo-Kabwoya-Kigumba road.



 Soroti-Moroto Road upgrade project (3 years). This road covers a total length of approximately 100 km and forms an important link in the national road network and contributes significantly to the economic prosperity of north east Uganda. The existing gravel will be upgraded to bituminous standard. Once completed, the project should reduce vehicle operating costs and improve social services and trading opportunities.



This is the second time that Hima partners with CCCC in mega infrastructure projects, following the construction of Kampala-Entebbe Expressway which started in 2013 and which is about to be inaugurated.

Published under
Everybody knows eating at a restaurant doesnt help you save money. But we all indulge occasionally  especially if you want to get out of the house or celebrate something special. However, some restaurants offer menus  or specific menu items  that are less of a splurge and more of an extravagance.

Nothing makes that more obvious than the most expensive desserts restaurants serve. We dont mean that overpriced slice of pie or a fancy cheesecake. Were talking about desserts youd have to be a millionaire to even think about purchasing.

Read on to check out some of the most expensive desserts on the menu  and the restaurants that think somebody will really buy them.

15. Chocopologie Chocolate Truffle: $250

The perfect place to start your tour of the worlds most expensive desserts? Norwalk, Connecticut, where you can try a $250 chocolate truffle at a shop called Chocopologie. The truffle features dark chocolate, classic ganache, and a French Perigord truffle. The ganache is made with Ecuadorian dark chocolate mixed with fresh cream, infused with vanilla pods and truffle oil. The ganache then gets shaped around the truffle, dipped in chocolate, and rolled in cocoa powder.

Next: $500 jelly beans

14. Beyond Gourmet Jelly Beans: $500

OK, they dont technically live on any restaurant menu. But the worlds most expensive jelly beans? We couldnt resist. Delish reports Jelly Belly founder David Kleins Beyond Gourmet Jelly Beans get coated in 24-carat gold leaf. They also come in a crystal jar. And the jelly beans feature flavors that draw on exotic spices, herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, and nuts specific to world cultures. The price tag? A whopping $500 per jar.

Next: A $750 cupcake

13. Decadence DOr Cupcake: $750

Hit it big in a Las Vegas casino? Then, maybe youll feel like spending $750 on the Decadence DOr Cupcake at Sweet Surrender, one of Sin Citys most famous cupcake shops. The cupcake includes Palmira Single Estate Chocolate, which comes from the rare Porcelana Criollo bean at the Valrhona plantation in Venezuela. It gets topped with Tahitian Gold Vanilla Caviar. Other ingredients? Louis XIII de Remy Martin Cognac, edible gold flakes, and a blown sugar fleur de lis.

Next: A $1,000 sundae

12. Golden Opulence Sundae: $1,000

New York restaurant Serendipity 3 made headlines  and a Guinness world record  with the Golden Opulence Sundae. The dessert costs $1,000 and comes coated in 23-carat gold leaf. It features Tahitian Vanilla ice cream infused with extra Madagascar vanilla. And it gets drizzled with Amedei Porcelana, the worlds most expensive chocolate. Then, its topped with pieces of rare Venezuelan Chuao chocolate. Plus, it also features almonds coated in gold, candied fruit, a ramekin of sweet Grand Passion Caviar, a gilded sugar flower, chocolate truffles, and marzipan cherries.

Next: Another $1,000 sundae

11. The Victoria Sundae: $1,000

Another restaurant that offers a $1,000 sundae? The Langham Chicagos Pavillion lounge and tea room, which recently debuted the Victoria Sundae. The Langhams entrance into the world of the most expensive desserts incorporates vanilla and chocolate ice cream. The sundae also features caramelized peanuts, 24-karat gold dust, dark chocolate croquet, Louis XIII de Remy Martin, hot fudge, salted caramel, butterscotch, and whipped cream. Plus, it has 24-karat gold leaf and a chocolate crown.

Next: A $1,000 cupcake

10. The Golden Phoenix Cupcake: $1,000

Prefer cake to ice cream? Then, consider the worlds most expensive cupcake. Dubais Bloomsburys Cupcakes offers the $1,000 Golden Phoenix cupcake. The chocolate cupcake incorporates Amedei Porcelana chocolate, Ugandan vanilla beans, and 23-carat edible gold sheets. Then, the cupcake gets frosted with chocolate icing and sprinkled with gold dust. The garnishes include chocolate with more gold dust and chocolate-covered strawberries. And dont forget the golden spoon.

Next: A $1,000 cake

9. Sultans Golden Cake: $1,000

Another cake that earns a place on the list of the most expensive dessert? The Sultans Golden Cake offered by Istanbuls five-star Ciragan Palace Hotel. This $1,000 cake includes an infusion of rare French Polynesian vanilla, a topping of caramelized black truffles, and a coating of 24-karat edible gold flakes. Want to try it? You need to give the kitchen staff 72 hours notice to prepare the dessert.

Next: A $1,685 doughnut

8. Krispy Kreme Luxe Doughnut: $1,685

Its not just high-end restaurants that are serving up extravagant desserts. One of the most expensive desserts comes from a pretty recognizable chain: Krispy Kreme. The Luxe Doughnut carries a $1,685 price tag. So what does that buy you? Ingredients, including Dom Perignon champagne jelly, 24-carat gold leaf, gold-dusted white chocolate flowers, and edible diamonds. The doughnut is also served with a cocktail that features raspberry and passion fruit syrup, Courvoisier cognac, and more Dom Perignon.

Next: A $3,333 sundae

7. The Worlds Most Expensive Ice Cream Sundae: $3,333.33

Do you count an ice cream shop as a restaurant? We do  at least when were seeking out the most expensive desserts. California-based Three Twins Ice Cream sells a $3,333.33 sundae  aptly named the Worlds Most Expensive Ice Cream Sundae  that consists of a banana split made with syrups from three rare dessert wines. (They include a 1960s vintage pordet, a Chateau DYquem, and a German Trockenbeerenausiese.) The sundae comes with an ice cream spoon from the 1850s. And if you give the shop a days notice, a cellist will play for you while you eat it.

Next: A $7,500 macaron

6. Macaron Haute Couture: $7,500

At renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermes kitchen (located in a townhouse in Paris 17th arrondissement), you can get the macaron of your dreams. The cost for this Macaron Haute Couture? A hefty $7,500. At least that means you dont have to settle for one specific set of flavors on the menu. Herme turns his kitchen into a culinary atelier. There, hell help you choose the key ingredients for your own, one-of-a-kind cookie recipe. You can even have the macaron monogrammed or embellished with your familys coat of arms.

Next: A $14,500 cake

5. The Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence: $14,500

At the Fortress Resort and Spa in Sri Lanka, you can spend a spare $14,500 on a gold leaf Italian cassata called the Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence. Traditionally, cassata is a sponge cake sweetened with fruit juices and layered with ricotta. But in the hotels case, its dessert gets flavored with Irish cream thats been infused with fruit. The dessert includes a mango and pomegranate compote, plus Dom Perignon champagne sabayon. It also features a chocolate carving in the shape of a stilt fisherman. And you cant forget about the 80-carat aquamarine stone that comes with it, too.

Next: $25,000 frozen hot chocolate

4. Frrrozen Haute Chocolate: $25,000

Serendipity 3 apparently didnt want to limit the worlds most expensive desserts to just $1,000 worth of gold and chocolate. The New York establishment set a new Guinness World Record with the $25,000 Frrrozen Haute Chocolate. The extravagant dessert uses cocoas and milk frozen to a slushy-like consistency. Five grams of 24-carat gold mix in. Then, whipped cream, more gold, and a La Madeline au Truffe top the dessert. Furthermore, the goblet features gold and diamonds. And it also comes with a golden spoon.

Next: $35,000 chocolate pudding

3. Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel Chocolate Pudding: $35,000

Another chocolatey indulgence for dessert lovers with tens of thousands of dollars to spare? The extravagant chocolate pudding offered by the restaurant at the Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in England. One of the most expensive desserts in the world, this pudding features a variety of different flavors of chocolate. And it also includes gold, champagne caviar, and a two-carat diamond. Plus, the pudding is modeled after a Faberge egg, layered with champagne jelly and biscuit joconde, and glazed with edible gold.

Next: A $60,000 ice cream sundae

2. The Worlds More Expensive Most Expensive Ice Cream Sundae: $60,000

Ice cream sundaes seem to make strong contenders as the most expensive desserts  especially when Three Twins Ice Cream gets involved. The California shop, not content to offer only a $3,000 sundae, also offers a $60,000 sundae. This one, called the Worlds More Expensive Most Expensive Ice Cream Sundae, also buys you an entire experience. Youll travel to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. There, Three Twins Ice Cream will hand-churn ice cream made with ice found at the summit. Plus, the $60,000 includes first-class airfare to Tanzania, five-star accommodations, and a guided climb. And, dont forget, you get all the ice cream you can eat.

Next: Strawberries that cost $1.4 million to $9.85 million

1. Strawberries Arnaud: $1.4 million to $9.85 million

Arnauds in New Orleans is known for its Strawberries Arnaud. This dessert, usually just $9, is also offered in a luxe version that can get very, very expensive. This luxe version features ceylon cinnamon, Tahitian vanilla, rare port, plus Hennessy Paradis, Grand Marnier 100, Cristal Champagne, and edible 24-karat gold leaf flakes. The kicker? The dessert also comes with a one-of-a-kind engagement ring in partnership with MS Rau Antiques. The dessert has been offered with various diamonds (and price points) over the years. With a 4.7-carat pink diamond ring? The dessert costs $1.4 million. But with a 7.09-carat pink diamond ring? Itll run you $3.95 million. And with a 10.06-carat royal blue diamond ring? Expect to pay $9.85 million.
Abuse victim taking legal action against Church of England after Liverpool vicar continued working after conviction

A man who was abused as a schoolboy by a vicar at a church in Liverpool is taking legal action against the Church of England after the guilty clergyman remained in the Church for 24 years after being convicted.

Then aged 15, the man was sexually assaulted by John Roberts, formerly of St Peter's in Woolton, Liverpool, a church where the Beatles stars Paul McCartney and the late John Lennon met.

Roberts was convicted in 1989, but stayed in the Church until 2013, becoming a canon and working at Liverpool Cathedral. The Diocese of Liverpool has said it 'deeply regrets' the hurt caused.

The victim is taking legal action after being granted core participant status in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), according to his lawyers Slater and Gordon said.

Now aged in his 40s, he was abused after joining the church choir as a boy. Roberts was convicted of two counts of sexual assault against him.

During the last stage of his career, Roberts assisted at Liverpool Cathedral by doing chaplaincy work, the diocese confirmed.

The victim said that he was 'disgusted' that Roberts was never defrocked. He said: 'While his life improved after his crimes I lost everything. I found it difficult for years to get a job and hold it down because of the psychological scars he inflicted on me. This man was a paedophile yet the church just let him carry on.'

The Diocese of Liverpool said in a statement that it 'acknowledges and deeply regrets the hurt that John Roberts caused his victim and we take this matter very seriously indeed'.

It added that Roberts 'has not got permission from the Bishop of Liverpool to officiate at any church service' and cannot conduct the duties of a priest.

McCartney and Lennon met at St Peter's Church in 1957. Eleanor Rigby, whose name was the inspiration for the song, is buried in the church's graveyard.
Christian children 'forced to recite Islamic prayers' in order to receive food in Sudan refugee camps

Christian children at refugee camps in Sudan are not receiving food unless they say Islamic prayers, according to reports received by sources close to the leading Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

One of ACN's local contacts, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, described how Christian refugees from South Sudan are 'in a terrible situation' in refugee camps in Sudan.

The ACN source said: 'We have heard stories where children are conditioned to say Islamic prayers before [being] given food. This is not right. These children are Christian. They should be respected for that.'

The charity estimates that 700,000 South Sudanese Christians are refugees in Sudan. The source added: 'The majority are left in camps, some in a very terrible situation. They are confined in those places. They are not allowed to go further north to the cities.'

ACN said that it has also received reports that it is hard for refugee families to survive on food provided by the government.

The charity explained that a monthly food parcel for a family lasts little more than two weeks  leading parents to seek provisions in the local market.

ACN has been told that items provided by the UN are sold in the market  many still in wrappers marked with UNICEF or UNHCR logos.

ACN's source went on to say that the Khartoum government has hampered charities seeking to provide urgent assistance to the camps, preventing them from overseeing emergency help.

The source said: 'We have heard the story that the government does not allow any other agencies to give support including the Church agencies.

'The government knows very well that the Church is the body in the world that supports enormously the needy around the world.

'The Muslim community have a charity, so the Christians have a charity, so that possibility should be given so that the people are supported.'

The source said that he identifies with the suffering families especially as he was a refugee as a boy.

Referring to visits to displaced families in South Sudan, he said: 'I tell them I was once a refugee like you  that was not the end of the road... yet still I can now contribute something positive to society.'

He compared refugees to the young Jesus Christ who fled with his parents to Egypt as a child, adding: 'We call on humanity to have heart [for] refugees.

'Refugees should be given genuine respect, dignity and their rights should be respected.

'Never mistreat a refugee because you never know what tomorrow holds.'

The charity's revelations from the source came amid reports of increasing persecution against Christians in Sudan with the regime reportedly intensifying its Islamising agenda.

In May a separate source, who also requested anonymity for security reasons, told ACN: 'Churches [in Sudan] are destroyed but it's claimed to be just town planning. The Church is not allowed to buy property.'

At around the same time, a Sudan Church source told ACN: 'Churches are being torn down each month  you never hear that about mosques.'

ACN also noted that Church leaders are increasingly concerned about Sudan's intolerance aimed at Christian women.

In June 2015, 12 Christian women were arrested as they left a church for wearing trousers or skirts which were seen as 'indecent or immoral dress,' the charity recalled.
DACA: Did evangelicals help or hinder 'Dreamers'?

Donald Trump's decision to cancel a program helping the children of illegal immigrants has bought widespread condemnation from faith groups.

The President's attorney general Jeff Sessions announced on Tuesday the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) scheme would be rescinded, affecting up to 800,000 beneficiaries.

In a tweet Trump put the pressure on Congress to come up with a solution for so-called 'Dreamers' who were allowed to attend school without fear of deportation thanks to the policy.

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

Religious leaders, including some of Trump's evangelical supporters, queued up to condemn the move calling it 'reprehensible' and 'unconscionable'.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops, who have frequently criticised the president, issued strongly worded statement saying the decision is 'unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as Americans'.

With one in four US Catholics foreign born and 34 per cent Hispanic, according to the Pew Research Center, the issue is particularly pertinent for the bishops.

'Today, our nation has done the opposite of how Scripture calls us to respond. It is a step back from the progress that we need to make as a country,' the statement read. 'Today's actions represent a heartbreaking moment in our history that shows the absence of mercy and good will, and a short-sighted vision for the future.'

The United Methodist Church also issued a fierce rebuke calling the move to 'rescind these protections, not only unconscionable, but contrary to moral work and witness'.

But some evangelicals who had previously spoken strongly in support of DACA were more cautious in their criticism of the president.

Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, who sits of Trump's evangelical advisory board and previous criticised (LINK) plans to cancel DACA issued a carefully worded statement.

'Thankfully, it is the job of Congress to make laws, and now the President has provided Congress a six month window to legislate a more permanent and legally defensible solution for DREAMEers,' he said.

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, was another who strongly condemned the plans previously only to offer a more cautious assessment after the official announcement, putting the onus on Congress to come up with a solution.

'Congress should do the right thing and provide a solution for those who were brought here by parents as children,' Moore wrote. 'And churches will be here to speak hope to children now thrown into fear and insecurity about their families and futures.'

Congress should do the right thing and provide a solution for those who were brought here by parents as children. #daca  Russell Moore (@drmoore) September 5, 2017

And churches will be here to speak hope to children now thrown into fear and insecurity about their families and their futures.  Russell Moore (@drmoore) September 5, 2017

The hesitation reflects evangelicals desire not to alienate the president and their close ties to him, believing by maintaining a close relationship they can have a positive impact in the long term.

Indeed a number of evangelicals who meet regularly with Trump claim it was their presence that bought the six month delay and gave Congress the chance to come up with an alternative.

The evangelical advisory council met with Trump on Friday and discussed DACA with board members urging the president the show kindness.

Rev. Tony Suarez, executive vice president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), told CBN: 'I feel like our work on the faith advisory council is vindicated today...this is precisely why we joined way back in the campaign last year because we felt if we had access to this office, if we had access to this man we needed to speak truth to power, believing that at some point God would touch, God would convict and there would be compassion for children.'

Another council member Bishop Harry Jackson agreed the board made a difference calling the six-month extension 'an extreme act of mercy'.

Johnnie Moore, another member of the faith advisory council praised Hispanic evangelicals 'for tireless work' securing the delay.

But not all evangelicals are happy with their work.

Renowned author Eric Metaxas, Wallbuilders founder David Barton, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Boykin of the Family Research Council and several others formed a 'Evangelicals for Biblical Immigration' forum and wrote to Congress urging them to prioritise Americans over those who came to the US illegally.

In a letter to Trump they said 'law and order sustain stability and peace' and added: 'While some faith groups use selective Bible words for open borders and amnesty, we consider the whole of Scripture. We find the Bible does not teach open borders, but wise welcome.'

They went on: 'We also find Nehemiah building walls to protect citizens from harm' adding: 'The Bible envisions a world of beautiful and unique nations, not a stateless "open society" run by global oligarchs.'
Georgian priest guilty in cyanide murder plot

A court has found a Georgian priest guilty of trying to murder the personal secretary and adviser of Patriach, Ilia II, the head of the country's Orthodox Church.

Giorgi Mamaladze was sentenced to nine years in prison yesterday, according to OC Media.

Mamaladze was arrested in February as he was about to travel to Berlin. According to the Georgian Prosecutor's Office, sodium cyanide was concealed in his luggage. Early reports suggested Ilia, who was receiving medical treatment there, was his target. However, he was charged with attempting to murder the Patriarch's secretary-referent, Shorena Tetruasvhili.

Mamaladze was charged with 'plotting a murder with mercenary purposes' after a journalist, Irakli Mamaladze, told the Prosecutor's Office that Giorgi Mamaladze had asked for his help in obtaining cyanide. Hidden camera footage showed the archpriest asking the journalist: 'Is it possible to get cyanide?'

The trial has been controversial, with Tbilisi-based rights group the Human Rights Centre objecting to the closure of the hearing to the public. Archbishop Petre Tsaava of the Chkondidi diocese accused Tetruasvhili of being an instrument of Russian influence in the Georgian Church and of controlling high-ranking officials there, according to Democracy and Freedom Watch. She has denied the claims. Prosecutors claimed Mamaladze viewed her as an obstacle to his career.
Hillary Clinton's pastor seeks forgiveness as book is pulled after further plagiarism found

Hillary Clinton's pastor Bill Shillady has apologised and sought forgiveness after further evidence of plagiarism in his new book led to the publisher pulling the book and remaining copies being destroyed.

United Methodist minister Rev Bill Shillady is the author of Strong for a Moment Like This: The Daily Devotions of Hillary Rodham Clinton, a collection of devotionals he had written to Clinton from April 2015 to December 2016.

In August, just before the book's release, CNN revealed that in one devotional entry Shillady had copied paragraphs of material from a blog post by Rev Matthew Deuel.

Shillady then apologised for not giving Deuel the due credit, in what he said was an unwitting error, and Deuel agreed not to pursue any public prosecution. But the book's publisher Abingdon Press has now announced that it is pulling the book from publication and pulping any remaining copies after it discovered further evidence of plagiarism beyond that found in August, according to CNN.

Brian Milford, the president and publisher of The United Methodist Publishing House, which owns Abingdon Press, said that after an 'extensive review' the publisher was 'alarmed to discover other content unattributed by the author.'

He added: 'Abingdon Press has zero tolerance for plagiarism. Consequently, we have discontinued sales, will remove existing copies from all sales outlets, and will have them destroyed along with our existing inventory.' The publisher didn't share who the other plagiarised authors were.

In a statement on Tuesday Shillady said he deeply regretted his actions. 'I was wrong and there is no excuse for it,' he said.

'I apologize to those whose work I mistakenly did not attribute. I apologize to those I have disappointed, including Secretary Hillary Clinton, Abingdon Press, and all the writers and others who have helped me publish and promote this book. I ask for everyone's forgiveness.'

Clinton, a committed Methodist who was close with Shillady, had written a foreword to the book and was due to promote it at a New York event on Thursday.
'Midnight Texas' season 1 episode 8 release date news, spoilers: Mysterious beings threaten Midnighters in special 2-night episode run

In next week's special 2-night episode run of "Midnight Texas," two evil beings come to the quiet town and wreak havoc on the people.

The trailer was just released for episodes 8 and 9 for a back-to-back affair in the coming week. In the first episode, a mysterious hooded character is revealed without any facial features but just skin covering the front. He appears to have mental powers as he is able to exert his influence on the thinking of individuals as well as manipulate them to go against one another.

The situation of the Midnighters seems to be a dangerous one as each of them grabs weapons to try and kill the other. Bobo Winthrop (Dylan Bruce) loads a gun with bullets, Fiji Cavanaugh (Parisa Fitz-Henley) has a knife and charges at someone with it, and Creek (Sarah Ramos) gets a knife from a chest to use at someone. Even Lemuel Bridger (Peter Mensah) and Olivia Charity (Arielle Kebbel) get into a dangerous fight with knives and sticks.

In the second episode, an unusual but deadly sandstorm stands to hit the town of Midnight, and the people are forced to evacuate to escape its path. Creek drives her car to flee but is almost toppled by the strong winds. Then an ominous character is unveiled wearing a head mask and goggles, and appears to be the evil being that's controlling the sandstorm.

Every week, the mystical town attracts supernatural beings that endanger it. In last week's episode, a powerful fallen angel named Bowie (Breeda Wool) threatened the townspeople when she went looking for Joe Strong (Jason Lewis), a fellow fallen angel whom she resented.

"Midnight, Texas" season 1 episodes 8 and 9 will premiere this Monday and Tuesday respectively on Sept. 11 and 12 at 10 p.m. EDT on NBC.
Most Brits and Canadians accept evolution  but 1 in 5 atheists struggle with it

Most Brits and Canadians accept an evolutionary account of human origins, according to a new study, with less than 10 per cent of Brits backing creationism instead. However, a significant portion among the non-religious population of both nations struggle with evolutionary science, saying it can't explain the origin of human consciousness.

The findings come from a YouGov study that formed part of the international research project Science and Religion: Exploring the Spectrum, by researchers based at Newman University in Birmingham, UK. The survey polled more than 4,000 adults from both Canada and the UK between May 12 and June 12 this year.

Most in the UK (71 per cent) and Canada (60 per cent) accept an evolutionary account of human origins, including those who identify as religious. In contrast, just nine per cent of Brits and 15 per cent of Canadians agreed with a Creationist account that said: 'Humans and other living things were created by God and have always existed in their current form'. As the study notes, similar surveys of the US have found as many as 34 per cent taking the creationist position.

Religious people tended to take little issue with integrating their faith and evolution. Among the religious or 'spiritual', just 19 per cent of Brits and 29 per cent of Canadians found it somewhat difficult, difficult or very difficult to accept evolutionary science in reference to their faith, while 53 per cent in the UK and 41 per cent in Canada found it very easy, easy, or somewhat easy to do so.

But atheists and the non-religious showed some ambivalence towards evolutionary theory and its capacity to fully explain human origins.

Nearly one in five UK atheists (19 per cent) and more than one in three Canadian atheists (38 per cent) somewhat agree, agree or strongly agree with the statement: 'Evolutionary processes cannot explain the existence of human consciousness'.

Respectively, 34 per cent and 37 per cent among the whole non-religious sample said the same.

And more than one in 10 UK atheists (12 per cent) and nearly one in three Canadian atheists (31 per cent) somewhat agree, agree or strongly agree with the statement: 'Animals evolve over time but evolutionary science cannot explain the origins of human beings'.

Professor Fern Elsdon-Baker, director of the Science and Religion project said that the widespread acceptance of evolution was 'encouraging', but said that the apparent widespread uncertainty about evolution explaining human origins was 'startling'.

She added: 'It appears, rejection of or uncertainty about aspects of human evolution is not necessarily an issue of 'religion versus evolutionary science', but an issue of universal questions around what it is to be human and about the human experience that affect all of us, across those of all faiths and none. This fundamentally challenges the way we tend to think about evolution and creationism'.

She continued: 'It is not just that some religious people have questions about human evolution it is that some humans have questions about human evolution!'

The complete Science and Religion study can be read here.
Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi: Fake news is helping Rohingya terrorists

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is claiming her country is protecting everyone in the Rakhine state where more than 123,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled in the past two weeks.

In her first comments since the crisis began on August 25, Suu Kyi criticised a 'huge iceberg of misinformation' supporting terrorists in the conflict.

The remarks, in a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, comes as international pressure mounts on Myanmar protect the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who are being denied aid and forced from their homes.

British MPs urged ministers to act, accusing Suu Kyi's army of 'ethnic cleansing'.

Labour's Yasmin Qureshi, who raised the issue said she was 'a little bit disappointed' by foreign office minister Mark Field's response after he said the government had 'strongly urged the security forces in Rakhine to show restraint' and had called for humanitarian aid 'to reach those in need as soon as possible'.

Qureshi said: 'In the last number of years, there's been a systematic rape and murder and burning and beheading of people of the Rohingya community.'

She asked the minister: 'Will you actually condemn this campaign of ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya Muslims?

'This is one of the worst examples of violence in decades, yet the international community is effectively remaining silent as we watch another Srebrenica and Rwanda unfold before our eyes. This situation requires urgent intervention.'

Considered the most persecuted group in the world, the Rohingya are a stateless minority who are denied citizenship despite their longstanding roots in the area.

Field said the UK is the largest single bilateral donor in Bangladesh and one of the biggest to Myanmar and the Rakhine state, providing 30m in assistance on food and sanitation for more than 126,000 people over the last five years.

Accusations continue to be levelled at the Myanmar military with Bangladeshi government sources telling Reuters they believe fresh landmines are being laid along the border despite the surge of refugees desperately trying to cross it.

The Myanmar government has not responded to the allegations. Suu Kyi's spokesman Zaw Htay did not deny the presence of landmines but questioned who had placed the explosives.

'Who can surely say those mines were not laid by the terrorists?' he asked Reuters.
Three Texas churches damaged in Hurricane Harvey sue federal agency over refusal to provide relief for places of worship

Three Texas churches severely damaged in Hurricane Harvey are suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) over what they say is its policy of refusing to provide disaster relief to places of worship because of their religious status.

In a complaint filed on Monday in the federal court in Houston, the churches said that while they would like to apply for aid, it would be 'futile' because FEMA's public assistance programme 'categorically' excludes their claims, violating their constitutional right to exercise their religion freely.

The churches said that FEMA's ban on providing relief where at least half a building's space is used for religious purposes - a policy also enforced after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 - contradicts a recent US Supreme Court decision making it easier for religious groups to gain public aid.

That decision which came on 26 June, known as Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia Inc v. Comer, meant that US states must sometimes provide such aid even if their constitutions explicitly ban such funding.

Becket, a nonprofit organisation that represents the churches and advocates religious freedoms, said the same principle should apply to federal FEMA relief for Harvey victims.

'States and the federal government are different, but the First Amendment applies the same to both,' said Daniel Blomberg, a lawyer for Becket. He told Reuters: 'The principle is that governments can't discriminate on the basis of religious status, and that is unapologetically what FEMA is doing here.'

He added that the three churches 'need emergency repair, now.'

The Texas churches that have sued are the Rockport First Assembly of God in Rockport, which lost its roof and steeple and suffered other structural damage, the Harvest Family Church in Cypress and Hi-Way Tabernacle in Cleveland, which were flooded.

A FEMA spokeswoman said in an email to Reuters that it would be inappropriate to discuss pending litigation.

'This may be the first case this court will hear regarding Hurricane Harvey disaster relief, but it is surely not the last,' the complaint said.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
Tory favourite Rees-Mogg says he opposes same sex marriage and abortion in all circumstances  including rape

Jacob Rees-Mogg, the right-wing Conservative MP who has in recent weeks been tipped as a future Tory leader and prime minister, has said that he is opposed to same sex marriage and abortion in any circumstances including rape.

Rees-Mogg, who is a Catholic and the party's grassroots' favoured candidate to succeed Theresa May, today told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'I'm a Catholic, I take the teaching of the Catholic church seriously. Marriage is a sacrament and the view of what marriage is is taken by the church, not parliament. I support the teaching of the Catholic church. The marriage issue is the important thing, this is not how people arrange their lives.'

The Old Etonian backbench MP, who has become increasingly fashionable in the media, also said that he was 'completely opposed to abortion,' underlining his belief that life begins at the point of conception.

'With same-sex marriage, that is something that people are doing for themselves. With abortion, that is what people are doing to the unborn child,' the father of six said.

Asked whether he would be against terminations in all circumstances including that of rape, he replied: 'Afraid so.'

The MP, who recently topped a ConservativeHome poll of Conservative party members as their preferred next prime minister, called speculation about the leadership 'all good silly season stuff. It was fun in August when there wasn't much news about.'

He added: 'I fully support Mrs May; I want her to remain leader of the Tory party.'

However, he declined to rule out a leadership bid in the future, saying: 'I am a backbench MP . In the history of the prime ministership [it] has never gone to a backbench MP. It would be a vanity for me to be thinking about the leadership.'

Rees-Mogg faced criticism today from 'pro-choice' campaigners over his comments on abortion. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Bpas) said Rees-Mogg's 'extreme' views were 'wildly at odds' with public opinion.

The group highlighted the decriminalisation this year of abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, and MPs' support for extending abortion access for women resident in Northern Ireland.

The head of policy research at Bpas, Katherine O'Brien said: 'We are a pro-choice country, we have a pro-choice parliament. Rees-Mogg's stance on abortion is quite simply extreme, and extremely out of touch.

'Every politician is entitled to hold their own opinion on abortion. But what matters is whether they would let their own personal convictions stand in the way of women's ability to act on their own.'
'We must teach the Gospel of Christ even if they kill us': Philippines archbishop speaks out against government

A Catholic archbishop in the Philippines has told clergy to continue preaching the Gospel even if they are threatened with death and 'the government is hostile'.

Socrates Villegas, the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan in Pangasinan said in a homily at Dagupan Cathedral: 'We must teach even if our voices get hoarse. We must teach even if they threaten us.'

He continued: 'We must teach even if they kill us and if they kill us, our message will echo even more because the best way to teach is through martyrdom!'

Lingayen-Dagupan is one of the most vocal archdioceses against the government, whose ruthless drugs 'war' has claimed thousands of lives in the country.

The archbishop said the times call on pastors not to be afraid and to 'fill the dark world with the light of Christ'.

Villegas said: 'In the lights and shadows of life, in the stormy and sunny days, in the persecutions we endure and the triumphs we bask inthe Lord speaks.'

The prelate, who has led the archdiocese since 2009, also stressed the need for the Church to reach out to what Pope Francis calls 'the peripheries'.

He said: 'We dream not of [a] status quo Church but an ever vibrant Church that is excited, not afraid to plunge into the deep.'

The comments came after a series of clashes between the Catholic Church and the government of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In March Catholic Bishops there said that they were 'overcome with grief' after the House of Representatives, the lower house in Congress, overwhelmingly voted in favour of reinstating capital punishment for serious drug offences.

According to the reports, more than 8,000 people have been killed by police and unknown suspects since Duterte took office last year, with many in incidents involving vigilantes.
Culture is an important part of any organizations strategy for attracting, hiring and retaining top talent, especially as the IT skills gap persists. But emphasizing cultural fit can have an unintended downside: It can undermine your diversity and inclusion efforts.

Obviously skills and experience are important. So thats where everyone starts, but once you get past that, what are you focusing on? I bet you hear a lot of tech companies say, culture fit, says Ciara Trinidad, head of diversity and inclusion at enterprise hiring software company Lever. But what does that really mean? Obviously, each companys culture is different, so that means different things to different people. For the hiring managers who are doing it wrong, it means someone who looks like me. It means, someone with the same background as me. It means, someone with the same ideas.

In other words, if you emphasize culture fit as an important hiring metric, hiring managers, recruiters and HR professionals may hire only candidates who reflect their own culture, especially if those gatekeepers to employment are homogeneous. They may also assume that diversity and inclusion are problems that can be fixed quickly and simply.

[ Learn how to win the war for top tech talent, and retain your best by knowing the 9 reasons good employees leave  and how you can prevent it. | Keep up on the latest CIO insights with our CIO Daily newsletter. ]

Thats the wrong approach, and thats how you end up with a lot of startups and companies with straight, white, cis-gendered males wondering why diversity and inclusion is a problem, Trinidad says, or, as this recent Wired piece shows, simply denying that bias exists.

The emphasis on culture fit can inadvertently push applicants to try to fit in, at the expense of innovation, creative thinking and at great cost to your business, says Chris Nicholson, CEO of artificial intelligence company Skymind.

Obviously what makes someone a stellar employee at one company isnt necessarily going to translate to every other company. So, its a bit like Moneyball, where youre looking for specific skills, traits, expertise that will fill in where you are lacking, Nicholson says. The problem is, most companies are using the wrong ones, and thats not only hurting them generally, but it also contributes to the lack of diversity and inclusion.

Sure, maybe Stanford degrees, tenure at Google, white, male, been-coding-since-childhood works for some companies, but not only are you excluding hundreds, maybe thousands of people with those parameters, everyone else is chasing those folks, too. Theyre going to be expensive, theyre going to be unavailable, theyre not going to give you the results you need, Nicholson says.

What actually works

By focusing on concrete values instead of a vague notion of culture, larger, established organizations are having greater success moving the needle on both culture and diversity and inclusion (D&I), says Anka Wittenberg, chief diversity and inclusion officer and SVP at SAP.

If youre hiring only for cultural fit, its like planting a forest with only one kind of tree  you get a monoculture. Its not sustainable; so we focus on what our values are as a company, and how each individual we consider hiring embody those. We dont hire specifically for culture fit, but on how those values are lived by candidates, Wittenberg says.

Making sure that recruiters, hiring managers and internal stakeholders represent diverse groups and diversity of thought also ensures a more effective hiring process, says Pat Wadors, chief human resources officer and SVP at LinkedIn.

We have united hiring committees that screen for both the technical and the soft skills, Wadors says. Were looking for things like agile learners, coding ability, architecture, their discipline and drive and how they measure the quality of their work.

Intel, too, focuses on having an intersectional hiring team working to source and screen intersectional candidates, says Barb Whye, vice president of human resources and chief diversity and inclusion officer at Intel, and to ensure candidates are in line with Intels values from the start.

First and foremost, we operate based on our value systems. We hire based on whether or not candidates are innovative, results-oriented, accountable, driven, and whether they can demonstrate open, honest communication skills. Part of that inclusive methodology is that, yes, we have a diverse panel of interviewers, but we also demand diverse candidates. Another thing: We require that a formal job requisition is always posted; none of this sliding in candidates based on their friendship with an employee, or getting around our process. And that goes all the way from the highest executive levels down, Whye says.

To create a phenomenally diverse and inclusive culture, you have to have transparency, accountability, education, and you have to have diversity and inclusion running through every single thing you do, Trinidad says, at every level of the organization. But that doesnt mean that every person hired has to be a diversity advocate from day one, she says. Education and people development is an incredibly important part of Levers strategy, Trinidad says.

We have to bring people on board first, and then bring them along to inform them about why this is important. Why are gender-neutral bathrooms important? Why are we developing employee resource groups to amplify voices of people of color? LGBTQ? Why is intersectionality important? Why are we working with finance to ensure pay equity? We focus on threading inclusion through every single thing we do here, she says.

Whether youve been a diverse, inclusive organization from the start or youre making efforts to get there, know that the process takes time and effort, but that its achievable. While culture is an important aspect of attracting and retaining top IT talent, make sure youre not inadvertently creating exactly the kind of culture you dont want.

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The NYU School of Laws Brennan Center for Justice, in its annual report on crime, finds that the murder rate in Americas 30 largest cities rose 13.1 percent in 2016an alarming figure, especially considering last years identical increase. Striking a calming note, the Brennan Centers press release accompanying the report begins by reminding us that Americans are safer today than they have been at almost any time in the past 25 years. But downplaying the recent uptick in the homicide rate distracts from the fact that there is more than one America when it comes to violent crime: indeed, 51 percent of all U.S. murders are committed in just 2 percent of the nations counties, according to the Crime Prevention Research Center.

No city more starkly illustrates this disparity than Chicago. Many scoffed at President Trumps tweets about federal help to stop the carnage there. Chicagos murder rate wasnt even in the top 10 among large cities, tweeted USA Today law and justice reporter Brad Heath in response. The Atlantic observed that there are a number of cities . . . that have much, much higher homicide rates. A CNN column argued that a deeper dive into the numbers shows fears over the citys violence can be overblown when compared to cities much smaller.

But Chicagowhich, the Brennan Center concedes, accounted for 55.1 percent of the total increase in urban murders in 2016deserves its reputation as an American murder capital, or at least a significant part of it does. If policymakers, journalists, and others really wanted to take the deeper dive into the numbers that CNN suggests, they should try looking at neighborhood crime statistics. Doing so reveals that, within Chicago, a large sub-city exists that is, in fact, the most dangerous big city in the United States.

Its true that Chicago, with a citywide homicide rate of 27.9 per 100,000 people, has relatively fewer murders than seven other large cities, including St. Louis, Baltimore, Memphis, and Detroit. Much of Chicago sees few murders. A better way to understand Chicago homicides is to break them down by police district. To see how concentrated the citys murders are, I isolated the precincts in which approximately 75 percent of the homicides occur and compared that areacall it Sub-Chicagowith the U.S. cities that are supposedly more dangerous than the Windy City.

During the 365-day period beginning June 7, 2016, Chicago had 711 first- and second-degree homicides. Of those, 556 (or 78.1 percent) occurred in just ten of the citys police districts. Those districtswhich are contiguousconstitute a geographical area almost half the citys size and house 40.3 percent of the citys nearly 2.7 million residents. With a population of almost 1.1 million, Sub-Chicago would itself be one of Americas largest cities, and, with a homicide rate of 51.2almost double Chicagos 2016 citywide rateit would be in the running for the title of Americas most dangerous, as it is just shy of surpassing the 2016 citywide rates of Baltimore and St. Louis. Nowhere else in the country is there an area so large and so heavily populated with a murder rate this high.

Even when you look at the areas of concentrated homicide in other citiesi.e., those that encompass close to 75 percent of a citys murdersSub-Chicago stands out. In St. Louis, for example, 184 murders were committed during the period beginning May 1, 2016, and ending April 30, 2017. Of those, 136 (or 73.9 percent) occurred in three of the citys six police districts (Sub-St. Louis). Those three districts cover 50.6 percent of the citys 63.8 square miles, which, according to the city website, house 135,920 (or 42.5 percent) of the citys 319,294 residents. A similar tract of Sub-Chicago, made up of police districts 11 and 15, with 140 murders and a population of 129,932, posted an annual murder rate of 107.7 per 100,000 during the 365-day period studiedslightly higher than the area constituting Sub-St. Louis (100.05).

In Memphis, murders in 2016 were more evenly distributed than in Chicago and St. Louis. Last year, 76.3 percent of the citys 228 murders occurred in six of the citys nine police districts, which cover about 80 percent of the citys land area and house 76 percent of its population. The murder rate of those six districts was 34.8 per 100,000less than three points higher than the citywide rate and almost 20 points lower than that of Sub-Chicago.

Analyses of Detroit and Baltimore yield similar results. In Detroit, 72.8 percent of the citys 302 murders in 2016 occurred in seven of the citys 11 police precinctsan area that constitutes 64.1 percent of the citys 137 square miles and accounts for almost 70 percent of its 672,972 residents. Sub-Detroits 2016 homicide rate was 47.1 per 100,000 residentssignificantly lower than Sub-Chicagos and less than three points higher than Detroits citywide rate.

Seventy-six percent (242) of Baltimores murders occurred in six of the citys nine precinctsan area that houses 53.1 percent of the citys 624,271 residents. That areas murder rate is a scary 72.9 per 100,000 residents. But Sub-Chicago has almost double the population of Sub-Baltimore. Sub-Chicagos four most dangerous police districtsthe 11th, 7th, 15th, and 16thexperienced 273 murders during the period analyzed. With a population of 291,844, it posted a murder rate of 93.5more than 20 points higher than that of Sub-Baltimore.

What this analysis shows is that, in many American cities, a substantial number of residents live through what can only be described as a homicide epidemic. And, despite assurances to the contrary, nowhere is that epidemic more pronounced than in Sub-Chicago, which happens to be 88 percent black and Latino. If were serious about improving life in places like South and West Chicago, we must confront the uncomfortable truths about crime concentration in U.S. cities. Step one is recognizing that while most of the country is relatively free from such violence, a portion of the country lives in the urban equivalent of a killing field. These Americans dont need to be told that crime is down nationwide; they need protection.

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images
Arthritis Research UK plans to close its retail operation by the end of the year after deciding it was not financially sustainable.

The charity currently has 10 shops, all of which it intends to close by the end of December, while it will continue to sell some Christmas gifts and cards online.

Speaking to Civil Society News, director of fundraising Charlotte Guiver said the decision to close the charitys retail function was made after a big review in 2014.

"It was not a decision we took lightly," she said. "We have been in the shops business for a number of years. It had been a challenging number of years for us where return on investment was not sustainable.

"I think the high street has changed. We tried a number of models over the years but it is hard."

Guiver said as part of the process to close the charitys shops, a consultation process with staff had been undertaken, although she would not say whether anybody had been made redundant.

According the Arthritis Research UKs response to the Charity Shops Survey 2017, it had 33.2 full-time equivalent staff employed in its retail operation in the year up to April 2017.

Its retail arm made an estimated deficit of a 39,455 in 2016/17, closing three shops. The previous year its retail operation made a profit of 78,928 and closed eight shops.
The Fundraising Regulator has begun the process of sending out invoices for the second round of its annual levy on fundraising spend, it said today.

The regulator made the announcement today in its monthly newsletter, and said each organisation which has spent 100,000 or more a year on fundraising will receive a letter from Stephen Dunmore, the regulators chief executive, requesting payment of the second round of the voluntary levy.

The regulator said that each organisation will be levied according to the tiered system used for Levy Year 1 and said that while the levy calculation remains the same from the first round, we have added some flexibility on the measure of fundraising expenditure that can be used.

In a statement on its website, the regulator said "may also be prepared to base the levy calculation on reported Expenditure on Fundraising Costs in the most recent financial year for which an Annual Return has been submitted to the Charity Commission", should a charity prefer.

A spokeswoman for the regulator said: The Year 2 levy is being calculated on the same basis as Levy Year 1, based on annual returns to the Charity Commission for 31 December 2014. The flexibility is where the charity has been in touch because more recent information in their annual returns shows their fundraising expenditure has changed and we will take that into account in agreeing the levy they pay.

The regulator said that it expected to send letters to around 2,000 charities, much in line with the amount of charities invoiced in the first round. Although a spokeswoman for the regulator said it would send out around 1,600 levy requests during September and October.

She said the letter will go out in batches and those organisations not paying or replying to the Year 1 levy request will still be invoiced.

A list of charities which had and had not contributed to the first round of the levy, published last week by the Fundraising Regulator, featured 1,570 charities, of which 1,409 had paid. A further 95 organisations still in negotiation with the regulator regarding the first round of the levy were not included on the list.

The regulator also confirmed it was now working with charities which fall within the scope of its levy in Northern Ireland, and planned to send out "invoices seperately" to such organisations in the coming months.
The Red Cross did not reach out quickly enough to community groups in the wake of the Grenfell fire, and will look again at process for getting cash into the hands of survivors, its chief executive has said.

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, told Fundraising Magazine that following the fire, his charity is developing its capabilities to engage with communities.

He said that, while the Red Cross reached out to some larger local organisations to coordinate fundraising, failure to connect with grassroots organisations on the ground has since cost the charity.

He also said that the charity had focused more on physically donated goods, and will engage with government on models to get cash to survivors more quickly and fairly.

The British Red Cross, in conjunction with the London Emergency Trust, raised over 5m for those affected by the Grenfell fire. However, in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the Red Cross focused more on managing physical goods donated by the public, rather than getting cash into the hands of people fast.

In an interview with Fundraising Magazine, Adamson said the volume of physical goods donated in the aftermath of the fire was unlike anything the Red Cross had ever seen.

He also said that, having stewarded his organisation through a number of domestic terrorist attacks, as well as through international emergency appeals in the last year, Grenfell has been more complicated than anything weve had to deal with.

Adamson said the Red Cross is now talking to our partners in London, and more widely with the Charity Commission, about how in the future we can better coordinate fundraising so we can have less of a proliferation of appeals, but said a domestic Disaster Emergency Committee model is not the answer.

Grenfell will be watershed for the country

In the interview, Adamson said that the Grenfell disaster would come to be seen as a watershed moment both for the UK, and for the British Red Cross itself. He also said that the disaster has almost transcended the attacks this year on Manchester, Westminster and London Bridge.

Theres almost an irony that the thing we had dreaded was another terror attack and had geared up for and practised for but the thing that has transcended the impact of the terror attacks is Grenfell. Its going to be a watershed in so many ways for the country and indeed for how, certainly for the Red Cross, we think about emergency response recovery and funds distribution in the future.

Adamson said that Grenfell exposed issues of trust in authority in many communities, and said one of the capabilities we want to build into all future emergency responses is the ability to engage with the community differently.

Local authorities have raised their game

Adamson said that in the weeks and months since the fire local authorities and government have raised their game, he was critical of the response of both, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

The authorities have raised their game but I think by common consent it wasnt where it needed to be at the beginning. Its not an accident that there have been changes of leadership at the Kensington and Chelsea council.

Mike Adamson was speaking to Fundraising Magazine as part of a wider piece on the various Grenfell fundraising campaigns. The article will be available to read in full on Friday.
The country of Azerbaijan is suing two French journalists for defamation in France for describing the oil-rich state as a dictatorship. The move could set an important precedent, in France at least, for foreign governments seeking to curb freedom of the press beyond their shores.

The targets of the lawsuit, which critics have decried as an attempt to export censorship, are investigative filmmaker Laurent Richard and TV presenter and reporter Elise Lucet.

Richard made the claim in an interview promoting his high-profile 2015 documentary, broadcast as part of French public televisions Cash Investigation series, about cozy French government ties to Azerbaijan  an example of what he calls caviar diplomacy.

Earlier this week, Richard and Lucet found themselves at the center of a court case, unprecedented in Paris, facing accusations they had defamed not an individual, but the Azerbaijani state itself. In court, Azerbaijans lawyer said the documentary was lacking in nuance and ignored the progress the country has made on human rights and democratization, according to Le Monde.

ICYMI: An image on Trumps Instagram reveals how his staff serves him complex information.

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Its the first time in French history that a state is suing reporters  French reporters  on French soil, Richard tells CJR in an interview after the trial. They want to export the censorship they are currently doing on a daily basis in their own country with total impunity.

Under French defamation law, foreign individuals can sue in French courts. In 2011, the daughter of Uzbekistans then-president, Islam Karimov, sued French news website Rue89, which had called her a dictators daughter. And in 2014, the son of the Equatorial Guinean president, Teodoro Obiang, sued news magazine LExpress over a critical profile. Both challenges failed.

Its not clear that foreign governments have the same right to sue, however. Worldwide, its extremely unusual for regimes to sue anyone for libel  let alone reporters in a foreign country.

There is clear law in this country, and there is clear law in England, South Africa, other countries around the world, that basically stands for the proposition that government entities cannot bring defamation actions, says Stuart Karle, a media lawyer with North Base Media and adjunct professor at Columbia Journalism School.

Some parties to the case believe Azerbaijan has overstepped its legal rights and were surprised the case was allowed to proceed at all.

The law doesnt provide for that, and that was one of the main issues at stake yesterday in the trial, Johann Bihr of Reporters Without Borders, who testified in defense of Richard and Lucet at the trial, tells CJR. To our eyes, it doesnt make sense at all.

TRENDING: Photographer behind graphic Charlottesville image recounts near-death experience

Strikingly, however, the court did not just hear arguments about legal uncertainty or the principle of press freedom, but also extensive testimony on whether Azerbaijan  which Reporters Without Borders scores as one of the worst countries in the world for press freedom and which Freedom House describes as a consolidated authoritarian regime  is, in fact, a dictatorship.

Richard says it was a deliberate strategy to turn the high-profile case back on Azerbaijan. Yesterdays trial became the trial of the dictatorship of Azerbaijan in Paris, he says. We have evidence it is 100 percent a dictatorship.

Azerbaijan is only suing for one euro, and Richards and Lucets legal fees are being covered by Richards documentary company and by French public television, respectively. Richard says theyve appealed to recoup those fees in the event the judge rules in their favor  a verdict he expects.

Despite his confidence, Richard says he feels stressed and harassed by the suit, which wont be resolved until a judgment is passed in November.

For us, its a very small risk, but for freedom of information its a very big, big problem, he says.

If North Korea wakes up one morning and says, Oh, look, the Baku regime did that kind of lawsuit in France and it worked, then were authorized to go to the courtroom, lets do the same, thats a big, big risk.

ICYMI: The key difference between nationalists and supremacists

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Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in the New York Review of Books, Foreign Policy, and The Nation, among other outlets. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop.
While newsrooms rush to prepare for coverage of another powerful hurricane, the story that dominated yesterday was President Trumps decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program that allows those immigrants brought to the US illegally as children to live and work without fear of deportation. Front pages of the nations largest newspapers carried multiple stories about Trumps action, and by shifting responsibility for the 800,000 or so DACA recipients to Congress, he has ensured extended media coverage of immigration policy.

Trump made a hard line on immigration a central plank of his appeal to voters during the 2016 campaign, but he muddled his position on DACA with statements throughout the day yesterday. After dispatching Jeff Sessions to announce the end of the program after a six-month delay (Sessions did not take questions from the media), Trump issued a long statement in which he seemed torn about his decision. In a Tuesday-night tweet, he called on Congress to legalize DACA, promising to revisit this issue if it is unable to do so.

The decision to end DACA drew widespread condemnation from those on the left, while the response from conservative media seemed to mirror the presidents own mixed message. Breitbarts headline credited Trump with showing heart by delaying the end of the program, while The Daily Caller accused Trump of calling for amnesty. Dozens of business leaders spoke out against the decision, and the two largest Spanish-language television networks, Univision and Telemundo, issued statements criticizing the end of DACA.

Below, more on Trumps decision.

Other notable stories



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Correction: An earlier version of this newsletter misspelled Laurene Powell Jobss first name. We regret the error.

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Pete Vernon is a former CJR staff writer. Follow him on Twitter @ByPeteVernon.
President Donald Trump will travel to Mandan, North Dakota, on Wednesday to make his case for the need to reform the tax code, his second such trip in as many weeks.

In a surprise announcement, senior White House officials said Tuesday that Trump will be joined aboard Air Force One by North Dakota's junior senator, Democrat Heidi Heitkamp. Also traveling with Trump will be the state's GOP senator, John Hoeven, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Trump's remarks will include many of the same themes he addressed in a similar speech last week in Springfield, Missouri, according to White House officials. Chief among them: the need to cut the corporate tax rate, simplify the individual tax code and persuade businesses to repatriate billions of dollars parked overseas.

Like his speech in Missouri, Trump will not offer any new details about the package of reforms being hammered out between administration officials and Republican leaders in Congress. Instead, said a White House official. "He'll be talking about why tax reform is needed," the official said, leaving the details up to congressional negotiators "out of respect for congressional order."

Even without details, the White House said, a presidential road trip "almost every week" is expected in the near term, offering Trump the chance to "get out and sell" tax reform.

On Wednesday, Trump will continue to hammer Democrats for "obstructing" American jobs, a line of attack he debuted last week in the home state of Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill and a preview of the tone he intends to take during the 2018 midterm election campaign.

"If Democrats continue their obstruction, if they don't want to bring back your jobs, raise your pay and help America win, voters should deliver a clear message: Do your job to deliver for America, or find a new job," Trump will say, according to the White House, which released excerpts of the speech in advance.

But in a nod to Heitkamp, a vulnerable Democrat running for re-election, Trump will say that North Dakota's energy boom "is a reminder of what can happen when we promote American jobs instead of obstructing them."

The White House said it was unclear whether Heitkamp would eventually endorse Trump's tax reform plan once details are released. But her appearance fulfills a longstanding goal of the president's to win bipartisan support, or the appearance of bipartisan support, for his legislative priorities.

It also signals that the Democratic bloc, which successfully held together to oppose Trump's Obamacare repeal, may not be as ironclad on tax reform as it was on health care.

Heitkamp, however, is hardly a typical Democrat. Elected in a state that Trump won by 36 percentage points in the 2016 general election, Heitkamp is considered one of the Senate's most vulnerable Democrats going into next year's elections.
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A 250 million pound ($325 million) luxury development has been launched in Dubai  and the people behind it don't mind if you pay in bitcoin. Announced Wednesday by British entrepreneurs Michelle Mone and Doug Barrowman, Aston Plaza and Residences spans more than 2.4 million square feet and is split across two 40-storey residential towers. Its developers claim that it will be the "first major development" to be priced in the virtual currency bitcoin. "Being a designer for 21 years, it's a real passion of mine as the design side, and it's great to be partnering up together as well to launch this. And this is the first major global development where you can purchase in bitcoin," Mone told CNBC in an interview last week ahead of the announcement. "Previously there's been an apartment here and there's been a house here and there, but never a 250 million development, so it's really exciting to be involved in." Mone founded the lingerie brand Ultimo in 1996 through her company MJM International. She now owns the interior design firm Michelle Mone Interiors, which will be responsible for building main walkways and reception areas.

Aston Plaza and Residences

She is also a lawmaker in the U.K.'s upper chamber of parliament, and was appointed by former Prime Minister David Cameron two years ago.

Why bitcoin?

Mone's partner Barrowman, who is chairman of the Knox Group of companies, said that the pair chose bitcoin as part of the virtual token's emergence as a more "mainstream" means of investment. "I've been invested in the crypto world for the last couple of years really, and it's a sector I've watched grow and emerge," the venture capitalist told CNBC in an interview. "So I see it coming to that stage where the early adopters are giving way to a more mainstream application of cryptocurrency, and therefore it's a logical extension to take land and buildings and effectively offer people the opportunity to pay in cryptocurrency or bitcoin rather than just fiat currency." Barrowman said the "crypto world" would warm up to the property development as investors who don't wish to live in the property can receive a nine percent return on their investment after completion. "And that finds favor with how the crypto world operates, they like to be rewarded discounts, on ICOs (initial coin offerings), to allow them to buy into things. And I just think it's quite groundbreaking what we're doing," he added.

It's the currency of the future. Michelle Mone British entrepreneur and parliamentarian

Several governmental authorities have expressed concern over a lack of regulation for cryptocurrencies. On Monday, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) was just one of several Chinese authorities to announce a clampdown on initial coin offerings (ICOs). ICOs are used by start-ups to raise funds by flogging off new digital tokens. But, addressing regulatory concerns about the virtual cash, Mone said that she would not be getting involved in bitcoin if it wasn't a trustworthy investment. She said: "It's the currency of the future. And I think because everything is logged and registered, everything's transparent, that I wouldn't be getting involved in it  especially from the House of Lords element, I'm a baroness  so I wouldn't be getting involved in it if it was a kind of 'dodgy' industry."

Aston Plaza and Residences

She referred to several laws which have been put in place to try and regulate cryptocurrencies. The Isle of Man, a small independent island between England and Ireland, introduced its own legal framework to force crypto businesses to fall into compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws in 2015. Meanwhile, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said in July that federal securities laws could apply to token sales.

'Not a gimmick'

Mone refuted the idea that the bitcoin-priced development was a "marketing gimmick". "It's not a gimmick. These people do want to buy things with their bitcoin," she told CNBC Wednesday morning. "So we're here, they can buy a studio apartment, a one bedroom, a two bedroom, they can go online right now  and buy that apartment within minutes." She added: "These people have had bitcoin right from the very start, years ago, and at the start of the year in January it was (worth) $800 a bitcoin. Now, yes it's dipped slightly, but it's around  $4,500 at the moment." The hit a low of $4,037 on Tuesday, down 20 percent from its all-time high of $5,000 over the weekend.

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It managed to make a recovery Wednesday, currently trading at $4,519, according to CoinDesk's price index.

Project to be completed by September 2019
Accounting giant EY said Wednesday that it plans to launch the first blockchain platform for marine insurance, alongside Microsoft , A.P Moller-Maersk and others.

The distributed ledger will be used to capture information about shipments, risk and liability, and to help firms comply with insurance regulations.

It will also ensure transparency across an interconnected network of clients, brokers, insurers and other third parties.

EY explained that its decision to secure marine insurance data with blockchain was due to a "complete inefficiency" in the sector.

"The reason we chose marine (insurance) as the starting point for this sort of market is mainly because of its complete inefficiency," Shaun Crawford, global insurance leader at EY, told CNBC via phone earlier this week ahead of the announcement.

Crawford said the industry was "over capacity" and that there was "a lot of cost to it."

He added: "It's facing high administrative burdens of managing and writing claims with a lot of paperwork. All contracts are signed multiple times. They go from ship to ship, port to port, through quite a journey."

Distributed ledgers are groupings of data shared across multiple locations without the need for central administrators and other middle men.

The original blockchain was built to serve as the distributed ledger for bitcoin transactions. But various blockchain experts believe the technology can provide transparency for a multitude of different industries, not just the financial services.

"We're not talking about a new currency here, we're not talking about money. We're talking about data aggregation," EY's Crawford added.

Maersk said the blockchain platform would enable the shipping giant to maintain a smoother relationship with the insurance market.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he had "no second thoughts" about ending an Obama-era policy shielding hundreds of thousands of young people from deportation, just hours after he said he would "revisit" the issue if Congress cannot legalize it within six months.

In a Tuesday night tweet, the president said he will "revisit" the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program if Congress cannot reach a legislative solution.

It is unclear what action Trump would take if he decided to again address DACA. His tweeted comment on Tuesday night appears to cloud his view on the issue after a day in which he and his administration vehemently criticized President Barack Obama's authority to implement the policy.

Trump tweet: Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!

The tweet came hours after Trump announced the decision to rescind DACA, but with a six-month delay to give Congress time to act.

Trump's decision set up a potential rush for lawmakers to pass a bill protecting so-called dreamers before the Trump administration's deadline. It is unclear if the GOP-led Congress, members of which voted to sink similar legislation in the past, can do so in the near future, given its already crowded agenda for crucial legislation.

In a statement earlier Tuesday, Trump said he looks forward "to working with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to finally address all of these issues in a manner that puts the hardworking citizens of our country first."

"As I've said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans," Trump said.

Trump allies like Attorney General Jeff Sessions urged him to end DACA, arguing it will be difficult to defend in court.

"Simply put, if we are to further our goal of strengthening the constitutional order and rule of law in America, the Department of Justice cannot defend this overreach," Sessions said Tuesday in announcing the move.

Scrapping DACA, which started in 2012 under Obama, could affect roughly 800,000 people registered under the program. DACA gives immigrants who were brought to America as children a two-year period of protection from deportation and allows them to work in the United States.
As President Donald Trump threatens to renegotiate trade with Seoul and tensions with North Korea continue to rise, some analysts are pointing out just how crucial South Korea is to global technology.

Soo-Kyoum Kim, program director of the semiconductor research program at research firm IDC, noted last week that South Korea took 17 percent of the global semiconductor market and 64 percent of the memory chip market.

"[If South] Korea is hit by a missile, global key chip supply will stop immediately and all electronics production will stop too," he said.

Of course, a major military conflict in the region would take a toll on tens of millions of lives and see effects well beyond the tech industry.

Still, the recent ratcheting up of tension on the Korean Peninsula has made the question of supply chains something more than just academic.

North Korea claimed a successful hydrogen bomb test on Sunday, with experts saying the magnitude of the resulting earthquake indicated an explosive yield of more than 100 kilotons, compared with the estimated 15 kiloton yield of the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations told a Security Council meeting that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "begging for war."

And Trump on Sunday said North Korea's actions were very "hostile and dangerous" to the U.S. and later responded to a suggestion of an imminent military attack by telling a reporter: "We'll see."
The Southeast makes headlines for its booming economy, but the region's fastest-growing states have a problem.

Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee rank high in job growth, according to U.S. News & World Report's Best States for employment rankings. But these five states also rank among the U.S.'s lowest in labor force participation, the percentage of state residents age 16 or older who held part-time or full-time jobs. High job growth should lead to high labor force participation, but that isn't true in these southeastern states. Richard Shearer pinpoints 2007 as the start of the trend.

"The South was kind of ground zero for the housing bust that occurred at the beginning of the financial crisis," says Shearer, a senior research associate at the Brookings Institution think tank. Housing construction had fueled much of the southeastern economy and consumer-oriented sectors such as retail grew in lockstep.

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"When the bottom dropped out of that boom, it was pretty devastating," Shearer says. "The jobs bust in those places put a whole lot of people on the sidelines of the economy who had been participating before."

The Southeast was slower to recover than other regions, but in recent years, housing construction has made a comeback, along with consumer and health care sectors. This has led to fast job growth that hasn't quite reached everyone.

Florida has the widest gap between job growth and labor force participation of the five states studied by U.S. News. Florida's large population of retirees weighs down participation rates, says Hector Sandoval, director of the economic analysis program at the University of Florida's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.

The oldest baby boomers reached retirement age of 65 in 2011, but the largest share of this generation will move to Florida in five to 10 years, Sandoval says. Compared to previous ones, this cohort has more education, better health and fewer savings. This could affect the labor force participation rate in the future.

"These retirees, although they're in the age of retirement, many of them will still engage and somehow be linked to the labor market," Sandoval says. Sharing economy and work-at-home jobs make this easier.

In interviews, experts from all five states except Georgia say retirees affect their economic rates.

"If you hear people across the U.S. talking about retiring and going somewhere, I don't ever hear of anybody saying, 'I want to retire to Ohio.' I hear a lot of people from Ohio say, 'I want to retire down South,'" says Ted Pitts, president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Pitts says another population that could lower labor force participation is ex-offenders having difficulties getting hired. At least 60 percent of former offenders are jobless up to a year after release from prison. All five fast-growing states in the Southeast, except North Carolina, exceed the national average incarceration rate, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Some states focus on helping ex-offenders obtain employment and therefore reduce recidivism rates. In 2016, for the first time, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce began helping ex-offenders reintegrate into the workforce, Pitts says. Initiatives include providing skills training and working on legislation to offer state tax credits for employers who hire ex-offenders.

The Georgia Department of Corrections began a GED program for inmates because not having a high school education limits career options, says Jason O'Rouke, the state chamber of commerce's vice president of public policy and federal affairs.

"The state can do things to try to address that, and try to address it on the front end," he says. "It's a pretty minor investment to try to make sure that individuals coming out of the prison population at least have a GED."

Demographic trends of more people living in urban areas have also taken a toll.

Jobs locating to cities while leaving rural areas has hit Georgia hard, O'Rouke says. The issue is exacerbated because Atlanta's population is almost 10 times larger than that of Augusta, Georgia's second-largest metro area. In turn, the economic opportunity flocks to Atlanta, O'Rouke says.

Meanwhile, rural areas are losing jobs. O'Rouke blames this trend for low labor force participation, saying rural residents often don't have the mobility or skills to take jobs in Atlanta.

North Carolina also sees rural job growth lag behind that of urban areas.

"I'm real happy that we're starting to have that discussion again and trying to reimagine what the economies of rural America look like because they're not going back to where they were," says Ted Abernathy, managing partner of Economic Leadership consultancy in Raleigh, North Carolina.

At Brookings, Shearer created the Metro Monitor, a report on economic growth in the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas. He says metro areas that made the biggest gains in employment rates and median income saw increases in high-skilled industries such as professional services and the information sector. Even though these industries don't provide many low-skilled jobs, people with high-skilled jobs need homes and offices, administrative services and consumer goods. This demand leads to growth in mid-skilled and low-skilled employment.

"This is kind of like a cascading or a spillover effect of the growth of the high-skilled sectors that kind of spilled over and fueled growth of mid-skilled or lower-skilled jobs," Shearer says.

He identified only one city in the five fastest-growing Southeastern states that has achieved this broadly inclusive economic growth: Charleston, South Carolina.

Experts say education and training can also boost labor force participation. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has focused on making post-secondary education more accessible, says Bill Fox, director of the University of Tennessee's Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research.

"Gov. Haslam and his administration started from the presumption that we needed a dramatically improved labor force because of the kind of jobs that are being created and ever more increasingly will be created in the economy," Fox says. "These things are interactive. People need the skills in order to qualify and get the jobs, but also the jobs go where there are people with skills."

He says having learning throughout life, not just in college, allows people to learn new skills.

To make sure rural areas have jobs, states should make policy decisions such as targeting jobs that are more suitable for these regions, including food processing, health care and education, Abernathy says. He says rural counties should also have high-speed internet to enable remote jobs.

"You're not changing the dynamics. You're not changing what sectors need to be close in, but you're strengthening the competitive nature of the counties around urban areas," he says.

Shearer says he feels optimistic about the employment trends in the Southeast, especially in metro areas, as the economy grows based on retail, hospitality and health care.

"[It] is providing a lot of opportunities for lower-skilled individuals trying to put a hold in the economy," he says. "That's really good news for these places when you think about the long-term trajectories of their economies and the stability of their growth."
In this undated handout photo from Eon Productions, actor Daniel Craig poses as James Bond. Craig was unveiled as legendary British secret agent James Bond 007 in the 21st Bond film Casino Royale.

Apple and Amazon want the James Bond franchise to call their platforms home, according to a report in The Hollywood Reporter.

As Apple and Amazon expand their original content businesses, the two companies are seeking to own the distribution for more big name franchises and buzzworthy upcoming projects. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter the two tech giants are pursuing the James Bond franchise distribution rights.

The rights previously belonged to Sony, expiring with the release of "Spectre" in 2015. An industry insider told The Hollywood Reporter the Bond franchise is worth $2 billion to $5 billion.

Amazon and Apple are facing competition for James Bond from Warner Bros. (which is currently strongest contender), Sony, MGM , Universal and Fox . Sources told The Hollywood Reporter Amazon and Apple are willing to pay around the same amount as Warner.

Apple and Amazon did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Note: Universal Studios and CNBC are owned by Comcast.
Elon Musk came out with another artificial intelligence warning on Monday. The SpaceX and Tesla CEO suggested that AI could be the cause of a

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But Musk couldn't be more wrong, says artificial intelligence expert Max Versace, CEO of robotics and computing company Neurala and founding director of the Boston University Neuromorphics Lab, which studies biological intelligence in computers and robots.

Versace tells CNBC Make It that Musk and others like him who warn against artificial intelligence are misguided. "They are selling fear and it's working," he says.

In July, Musk warned that because it's a "fundamental risk to the existence of human civilization."

Versace disagrees. In fact, he says that it's much too early to begin regulating AI because it would slow down innovation. He points to other technological innovations like drones, which he says were not regulated until after they'd been mass produced.

"It's not appropriate to regulate AI until you know what you're working on," says Versace. "AI will not kill us. That's science fiction."

The robotics expert says that the biggest issue with these AI predictions is that non-experts warn against its use. "People who aren't competent are discussing AI, which they have no clue about," he says. "AI is hard to understand and is very complex."

Versace again points to Musk who said in April that he , a company that links the human brain with a machine interface, to avoid artificial intelligence becoming like Skynet. Notably, Skynet is a fictional self-aware AI system in the "Terminator" movies that saw humans as a threat and sought to wipe them out.

Skynet Tweet

Versace, whose company also deals with using software to mimic how the brain works, says that although artificial intelligence is being used more day-to-day, scientists still have a long way to go in perfecting its use.

Artificial intelligence, he says, has not reached a level where it will become so powerful that it will take over everything.

"Unlike grilling burgers, AI is a complicated technology, and it would be best if an expert in AI were the one giving opinions about AI," Versace says. "I have been in the field for 25 years, and not even once have these 'grim future' concerns been discussed with my colleagues."

He adds, "The likelihood of an AI scientist building Skynet is the same as someone accidentally building the space station from Legos."

However, says Versace, artificial intelligence has been used to assist humans in a variety of ways. He says that artificial intelligence helps us filter out spam in our email and is behind speech recognition in phone apps and for those with disabilities.

"Not much is being spoken about its benefits," says Versace. "[Artificial intelligence] helps you so you don't get mad or waste your time."
It has hired accountancy firm BDO to look at possibilities. "I can confirm that we have hired BDO to look at all options for the business including a sale," a spokesperson for Bell Pottinger said in an email to CNBC.

The family are said to have close links with president Jacob Zuma , who has been involved in alleged corruption since taking office in 2009, and Bell Pottinger's campaign has been called "racially divisive."

British public relations agency Bell Pottinger could be sold following a scandal involving a campaign it ran for a business belonging to controversial South Africa-based family the Guptas.

A woman waves a South African flag during a demonstration calling for President Jacob Zuma to resign in Pretoria, during April 2017.

Bell Pottinger has been defending its reputation over a number of weeks due to the scandal. A report by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, commissioned by the company and released Monday, stated that the agency's work for Gupta business Oakbay Investments was "potentially racially divisive" and "created in breach of relevant ethical principles."

Bell Pottinger's Chief Executive James Henderson resigned Monday, as trade body the Public Relations Communications Association expelled the company from its membership. Henderson sought to distance himself from the Oakbay account, saying in a statement he "neither initiated nor was involved" in it.

Oakbay was a lucrative account for Bell Pottinger, worth 100,000 ($130,000) a month, according to an email sent by former CEO Tim Bell who spoke on the BBC's "Newsnight" program Monday. Although Bell admitted to meeting the members of the Gupta family in January 2016, he told presenter Kirsty Wark: "I had nothing to do with getting this account."

Bell left the company in August 2016, partly due to the association with the Guptas.

A BDO spokesperson said in a statement emailed to CNBC: "Due to reasons of confidentiality we do not comment on business matters of this nature."

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Anthem on Wednesday continued reducing its Obamacare business, as the big insurer said it will cut in half the number of counties in Kentucky where it sells individual health plans next year.

Anthem's decision to sell individual plans in just 59 counties in Kentucky comes more than two months after the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurer filed proposed rates for health plans in 2018 for all 120 counties in the state.

So far, Anthem has announced that it will significantly reduce its Obamacare footprint next year in nine out of the 14 states where it currently sells individual health plans both on and outside of government-run marketplaces.

The pullbacks do not affect Anthem's business selling group insurance or Medicaid Advantage and Medicaid plans in those states.

The insurer, as it has done with previously announced pullbacks from Obamacare marketplaces in other states, on Wednesday cited an individual health plan market that "remains volatile" as it disclosed its cuts in Kentucky.

"Today, planning and pricing for [Affordable Care Act]-compliant health plans has become increasingly difficult due to a shrinking and deteriorating individual market," Anthem said.

Anthem also blamed uncertainty over whether insurers will be guaranteed payments by the federal government that compensate them for offering lower-income Obamacare customers discounts on out-of-pocket health costs.

The Trump administration has threatened to end those cost-sharing reduction payments.

The Senate Health Committee on Wednesday held the first of four planned hearings on a proposed bipartisan bill that would continue to fund the CSR payments to insurers, which are estimated to be worth $10 billion next year.

Kentucky's Department of Insurance, when asked about Anthem's pullback in the state, said the department had "proactively engaged [the insurer] CareSource and Anthem to ensure that every county in Kentucky would be covered during benefit year 2018."

"Despite the volatility in the healthcare marketplace precipitated by Obamacare, the department is committed to the best outcome for Kentuckians."

CareSource will cover the counties in Kentucky that Anthem is not covering.

Anthem in June said it would not sell Obamacare plans in nearly all of Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana in 2017. In August, Anthem said it was also effectively pulling out of Nevada's individual health plan market.

The insurer also has announced less-dramatic pullbacks in selling Obamacare plans in California, Missouri, Georgia, and Virginia next year.
Two of the largest cryptocurrencies were seen to make a recovery after dropping significantly over the past few days.

Both bitcoin and ethereum showed bearish signals following a decision by Chinese authorities to ban initial coin offerings (ICOs), which allow firms to raise funds by selling new digital tokens.

Bitcoin is now currently trading at $4,519.98, up 2.21 percent, according to Coindesk's price index; Ethereum, meanwhile, is trading at $326.87, up 4.37 percent.

The former, a highly volatile asset, fell to a low of $4,037 on Tuesday, shaving off $1,066 from its most recent all-time high of $5,103 on Saturday.
Boeing has forecast that Chinese airlines will buy 7,240 commercial aircraft worth $1.1 trillion between now and 2036.

The fresh 20-year outlook, released Wednesday, is a chunky 6.3 percent larger than the plane maker's previous estimate. Boeing said it reflected a firm belief in China's prospects.

"China's continuous economic growth, significant investment in infrastructure, growing middle-class and evolving airline business models support this long-term outlook," said Randy Tinseth, vice president of marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in the report.

"China's fleet size is expected to grow at a pace well above the world average, and almost 20 percent of global new airplane demand will be from airlines based in China," Tinseth added.

Boeing sees the need for 5,420 new single-aisle airplanes through 2036, accounting for three-quarters of total deliveries. For wide-body planes, Boeing forecasts China will require 1,670 new airplanes over the same time period.

It says passenger airlines will likely focus on smaller and medium sized wide-body aircraft while larger planes will be snapped up by freight operators.

Boeing has estimated that China's outbound travel market will soon reach 200 million passengers annually.

And worldwide, Boeing projects the need for 41,030 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years valued at $6.1 trillion dollars.
China's banning of initial coin offerings for new digital currencies may stop scams and improve the market but these ICOs are very much here to stay, industry experts told CNBC.

ICOs allow organizations to raise investment by selling new cryptocurrencies, similar to bitcoin, in return for cash or other established digital currencies. However, the People's Bank of China ruled earlier this week that the practice, which has become popular around the world, as well as in China, constitutes illegal fundraising.

Around $1.78 billion has been raised through ICOs since 2014, according to data from the CoinDesk ICO tracker. However, a major issue is that many ICOs could be scams, with no hope of backers receiving a return on their investment.

"There's no secret that a lot of the initial coin offerings, with ads on Facebook promising huge discounts and returns, are nothing but a scam," said Sasha Ivanov, CEO of blockchain company Waves, in an email.

"The Chinese government could cope with those companies working in a shadow zone of the law, but they have finally lost patience, as more and more companies tried to raise millions for nothing."

Ivanov says the move will be helpful for the industry, and predicts that regulated ICOs will be allowed in China in the future.

One company affected by the ban is online lending platform Blackmoon Crypto. It recently raised more than $9 million in an ICO pre-sale. The company has now halted its planned promotional activity within China. It will also prohibit Chinese citizens taking part in its token sale on September 12 and will refund citizens who took part in the pre-sale.

"Blackmoon Crypto will continue to take very seriously all initiatives of global regulators and will comply with the upheld requirements. As a professional in the industry, we welcome the cleansing of the market from scrupulous participants and are ready to cooperate with regulators," said the company's CEO Oleg Seydak in an email.
Industrial robots 'dance' at a booth at the China International Industry Fair at National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. VCG | VCG | Getty Images

About four years ago Jeff Burnstein attended his first China International Robotics Show, the annual Shanghai-based expo now in its seventh year. At the time, Burnstein, president of the Robotic Industries Association, a Michigan-based trade group, wasn't impressed. He said he walked around the show and thought many of the robots on display looked like copies of what American companies were already doing. In today's China a different picture is taking shape, courtesy of a blueprint known as the Made in China 2025 plan. Announced in 2015, the initiative is China's massive government-backed push to be a world leader in a number of high-tech industries, such as medical devices, aerospace equipment and robotics  the key piece of the country's desire to automate sectors of its economy: automotive manufacturing, food production, electronics and more.

But to do that, China needs more robots. In addition to the Made in China 2025 plan, the government has also released the Robotics Industry Development Plan, a five-year plan to rapidly expand the country's industrial robotics sector. By 2020, China wants to be able to manufacture at least 100,000 industrial robots annually. The country is racing full steam ahead to a robot-powered future in a push to not only remake its own economy but also to transform into the world's robot capital  overtaking Japan, Germany and the United States in the process. "The Chinese are the fastest-growing and largest user of robotics in the world by now," said Burnstein. "The 2025 plan will only accelerate it." According to the International Federation of Robots, China is already home to the biggest share of robots, a global market worth about $30 billion. It is currently ranked the No.1 sales market for industrial robots, with the United States coming in at No. 4. (South Korea and Japan are two and three, respectively.)

watch now

While the United States is arguably the worldwide leader in automation in vehicle manufacturing, China is quickly making gains to outstrip the U.S. and other global competitors. Over the first half of this decade, China installed 90,000 industrial robots, or one third of the world's total, compared to 80,000 industrial robots installed between 2010 and 2015 elsewhere in Asia, Europe and the United States combined.

A heated race

"To reduce the threshold of innovative entrepreneurship, the government provides appropriate financial subsidies for rent, broadband access and public software for new businesses," said John Rhee, general manager of the Los Angeles office for UBTECH, a Chinese robotics company headquartered in Shenzhen City that makes humanoid robots for the home.

Fast-forwarding market domination

UBTECH is one such company currently benefiting from the Made in China 2025 plan. In April the company signed a "strategic cooperation agreement," Rhee said, with the municipal government of Kunming City in the southwestern province of Yunnan, which will aid the company in robot building and developing artificial intelligence capabilities in Yunnan province for the purpose of making Kunming and other municipalities A.I.-enabled "smart" cities. But how quickly China can get itself up to speed in the globally competitive robotics field is still a question, as is the overall effectiveness of the Made in 2025 plan on growing China's robotics industry. "China can manufacture simple robots but nothing complicated, like the six-axis ones by Japan, Germany and the U.S.," said Zi Yang, a China analyst at the Washington, D.C.-based Jamestown Foundation. "It's hard to close the gap due to several reasons, mainly because of China's lack of innovativeness due to its weak intellectual property laws and government-led projects that focus on quantity over quality." Indeed, that push for quantity is one of the aggressive goals China has set for itself in its Made in 2025 plan. By the end of next decade, the country wants to be producing 400,000 industrial robots annually. That's a tall order, considering just a little more than 250,000 industrial robots were sold the world over in 2015 alone, according to the IFR. Some Chinese companies are actively buying the expertise in robotics that has been developed elsewhere. One such company, Midea, closed a $4 billion deal earlier this year to acquire Germany-based Kuka AG, a leading, global robotics supplier for plant and automotive robots with a research and development center in Austin, Texas.

China's Midea recently acquired Germany-based Kuka AG, a global robotics supplier for plant and automotive robots with a research and development center in Austin, Texas. Source: Kuka Industries
Frontex police escort migrants, who are being deported from Lesbos, onto a ferry before it returns to Turkey on April 4, 2016, in Lesbos, Greece.

The European Union's top court dismissed complaints on Wednesday by Slovakia and Hungary about EU migration policy, upholding Brussels' right to force member states to take in asylum seekers.

In the latest twist to a divisive dispute that broke out two years ago when over a million migrants poured across the Mediterranean, the European Court of Justice found that the EU was entitled to order national governments to take in quotas of mainly Syrian refugees relocated from Italy and Greece.

"The court dismisses the actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary against the provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers," the Luxembourg-based court said in a statement.

"The mechanism actually contributes to enabling Greece and Italy to deal with the impact of the 2015 migration crisis and is proportionate."

The programme set up by the executive European Commission was approved by majority vote of member states in the face of opposition from formerly communist countries in the east who said their societies could not absorb mainly Muslim immigrants.

It provided for the relocation of up to 160,000 people, but only some 25,000 have so far been moved.
Ash Munshi's first jobs in the U.S. included selling newspapers and candy in New York City subway stations as a young immigrant.

He also cleaned toilets and worked as a security guard. "Whatever it took to put food on the table," Munshi says.

Decades later, after attending Harvard University and building a career in Silicon Valley, Munshi became chief technology officer at Yahoo, overseeing the work of 350 engineers.

Now he's CEO of Pepperdata, a 25-person cloud-computing startup in Cupertino, California.

Yet his long record of professional success hasn't insulated him or his family from the discrimination -- subtle and otherwise -- that he says is pervasive in America's largest tech hub.

Recently he was standing near his well-manicured verge in the tony suburb of Los Altos Hills, California, when someone pulled up in a car, complimented him on the yard and asked for his business card. The driver assumed he was a landscaper rather than the owner of the house.

Several years earlier, during a visit to his son's high school, a student assumed he was a janitor.

"A lot of stereotyping goes on in the valley," says Munshi, who is a Muslim and a native of Ahmedabad, India's fifth-largest city.

"I've been mistaken for a Mexican and an Iranian," he told CNBC in a recent phone interview.

While the incidents have not made him bitter -- "I'm grateful...I thank God every single day that he's blessed me," he says -- the rising tide of anti-immigrant feelings in his adopted country has him on edge.

Perhaps most frustrating to Munshi is what he feels is a lack of appreciation by President Trump -- and others calling for tighter immigration controls -- of how hard many immigrants work.

"Immigrants from all over share one thing: a hunger to prove themselves," he says. "We have that chip on our shoulder."

Cutting off the flow of immigrants will choke off that energy, especially in the tech industry, where "growth is limited by the availability of talent," according to Munshi.

The radical transition from the Indian state of Guajarat to the rough-and-tumble melting pot of New York city also taught him the importance of adaptability.

"The flexibility of the immigrant mind is an incredible asset for the U.S.," he says. "We need to be able to zig AND zag."

An emphasis on education is another benefit, Munshi says. "Asians understand that education is the way to rise" in American society.

In spite of the more-hostile climate, Munshi says the Indian community -- like Silicon Valley at large -- will adapt.

"Silicon Valley is practical. No matter what happens in Washington, we have to move the ball forward and go around the blocks put up by this administration."
Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell said Wednesday the U.S. can't expect China to help with North Korea's nuclear weapons threat.

Mitchell, a key mediator in the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement in Northern Ireland, said the problem with the U.S. and China teaming up is the latter's "long-term interests are the exact opposite of ours."

"In the short-term, we both want stability. We wish this guy would calm down," Mitchell said on CNBC's "Squawk Box," referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "But in the long term, we want a unified Korea and a democratic regime. And that's the last thing that China wants."

Also on "Squawk Box," former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said China believes North Korea's nuclear weapons are a U.S. problem. Persuading China requires a "president-to-president conversation," he added.

Rudd , president of Asia Society Policy Institute, also said North Korea's base interest in testing its nuclear weapons is "regime survival."

"Their calculus is, 'I either do that with a nuke or I do that with an enforceable agreement with two people who sort of like me  the Chinese and the Russians  and a bunch of people who don't,'" he said.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned North Korea's actions and urged the international community to hold fresh talks to try to resolve the North Korean crisis.

After North Korea's test detonation on Sunday of what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb, President Donald Trump tweeted that the U.S. is considering "stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea." The Trump administration urged its allies to use all possible diplomatic measures and impose urgent economic sanctions to prevent a war.

Earlier this week, China's foreign ministry released a statement saying that "sanctions alone are no way out for the North Korea issue."
Start-ups typically flock to Silicon Valley to cozy up to venture investors and tap into local tech talent.

But Guild Education, which was founded in 2015 at Stanford University, left San Francisco as soon as its founders realized the cost of living and hiring there could hamper the company's growth.

"We have a lot of women who are executives and department heads here, starting with myself and my co-founder," CEO Rachel Carlson said. "So when we left, we deliberately chose a place where you can have a family."

Now based in Denver, Guild Education set up shop next door to a Montessori school.

"We were joking that we're the polar opposite of Apple," said Carlson. "Remember when the new 'Mothership' came out? Every single parent noticed that it had a huge gym but not a day care."

Standing apart from the Valley makes sense for Guild in another way, Carlson said. "We work with the 64 million adults in the U.S. who don't have college degrees to help them get ahead in their careers."

Primarily, Guild helps large employers extend education benefits, including tuition reimbursement, to workers who have dropped out. According to data cited by Guild from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, 31 million working adults in the U.S. have tried to go back to school but dropped out, typically because of problems balancing a work and school schedule.

The move can help a company retain great workers and make sure that they're "upskilling," or preparing to take on new roles and responsibilities.

The Guild Education site guides workers to online courses provided by trustworthy, accredited institutions of higher education, instead of dubious for-profits. The online courses are usually flexible, and don't require a student to leave during the workday to complete a lesson or take an exam.

Guild measures how well students are doing in terms of course completion, with advisers nudging and cheering students if they're falling behind, or suggesting tweaks and techniques that can help them complete a desired course, degree or other credentials.

Some of the most popular courses and degrees completed via Guild are around English as a second language, business writing, administration, human resources, management and nursing. The company plans to expand into computer science and coding skills in the near future (the kind of credentials that can keep people working after the robots arrive).

Carlson said Guild hasn't worked with large tech companies much yet, because they tend to outsource custodian and building security jobs, or jobs in food service, which is where most people without college degrees find work. Businesses like Sodexo or Compass Group that supply such services to Amazon, Apple, Facebook or Google are more likely to be Guild Education clients.

So far Guild has signed Chipotle, the Hospital Corporation of America and DaVita, among other large employers.

Guild also told CNBC it has raised $21 million in a second round of venture funding that has now drawn about $30 million. The company's valuation is $125 million. Investors included Bessemer Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, Social Capital, Harrison Metal and Cowboy Ventures.

Correction: An earlier version misspelled the last name of Rachel Carlson.
Top schools now have record low admission rates, but only some students have to worry about what that means for their chances. Legacy admissions, at elite institutions especially, put a select few at a distinct advantage. Harvard's incoming class of 2021 is made up of over 29 percent legacy students, reports The Harvard Crimson. Last year's applicants who had Harvard in their blood were three times more likely to get into the school than those without. The case is the same at Stanford. In fact, across the top 30 schools in the U.S., one review from 2011 discussed in the Washington Post found that children of alumni "had a 45 percent greater chance of admission" than other applicants.

Commencement ceremonies at the Harvard Business School campus in Boston, MA. Rick Friedman | Corbis | Getty Image

Legacy students tend to be wealthy and white, students who, as a group, are already disproportionately represented at college. The New York Times found that, at five Ivy League schools, Dartmouth, Princeton, Yale, Penn and Brown, as well as 33 other colleges, there are more students from families in the top one percent than from the entire bottom 60 percent. That's not an accident. In fact, in the early 20th century, universities introduced a preference for legacies on purpose to exclude less-desirable applicants, such as immigrants, and to keep their campuses homogeneous, Think Progress reports. Princeton adopted a comprehensive admissions process in 1922, which led to a drop in its Jewish student population. The chairman of Princeton's Board of Admissions acknowledged that he had wanted to solve their "Jewish problem." Nowadays, supporters of this tradition are more likely to argue that alumni with kids at their alma mater will be more inclined to donate and so boost overall fundraising. But that claim has been proven false. As the Washington Post notes, Chad Coffman found in his book, "Affirmative Action for the Rich," that when seven colleges stopped accounting for legacy status during the admissions process between 1998 and 2008, there was "no short-term measurable reduction in alumni giving."
President Donald Trump speaks alongside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R), as they hold a meeting about tax reform in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, September 5, 2017.

America's budget woes are re-emerging as a flashpoint for debate on Capitol Hill, complicating Republicans' quest for tax reform.

Fiscal hawks had already signaled unease with efforts by the Trump administration and GOP leadership to raise the federal borrowing limit and pass a government funding bill without committing to structural reforms that would help reduce the deficit. Now, with Hurricane Irma set to strike the Florida panhandle and ballooning estimates of the damage from Hurricane Harvey, some conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups are balking at the numbers.

"We frequently play an unnecessary game of politics with key issuesusing must-pass legislation such as disaster relief as a vehicle to sweeten unrelated, contentious bills that may not otherwise pass as stand-alone measures," Rep. Mark Meadows, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, wrote in an op-ed in the Washington Examiner on Wednesday.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has estimated his state is facing $150 billion to $180 billion from Harvey's wreckage. Before the hurricane struck, the Congressional Budget Office had predicted that the national deficit would reach nearly $700 billion this fiscal year. The national debt is almost $15 trillion.

The White House on Wednesday agreed to work with congressional leadership to pair a three-month government funding bill and increase in the debt ceiling with aid for Harvey victims. But earlier in the day, a coalition of conservative groups including Heritage Action, FreedomWorks and Americans for Tax Reform formally opposed the idea.

"A debt limit increase  which is effectively another broken promise  risks more frustration in the conservative movement with congressional Republicans at a time when it is critical to gain momentum to pass fundamental, pro-growth tax reform," the groups said in a letter to House GOP leadership.

The groups have been instrumental in helping to marshal grass-roots support for the Republican effort to simplify the tax code and lower rates. GOP leadership has argued for a plan that will not reduce federal revenues, but the White House has not committed to a so-called revenue neutral proposal. The one-page tax framework that the administration released this spring is estimated to cost between $3 trillion and $7 trillion over the next decade, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

Some conservatives have signaled they are open to increasing the deficit to finance tax cuts, which they argue would be at least partially offset by stronger economic growth. But the double whammy of hurricane relief and Trump's tax cuts could wind up being too much  particularly if fiscal hawks do not secure spending cuts elsewhere.

"Harvey has made tax reform slightly more difficult," read a Goldman Sachs note issued Wednesday. "These efforts are likely to add to the deficit, which might reduce enthusiasm for tax cuts."

Goldman pointed out that its assessment would depend on the size of the final aid package as well as the scope of the tax bill. Analysts had already downgraded their expectations for both the size and timing of any legislation.

"We don't think it will happen until 1H18," a Morgan Stanley note released this week read. "And when it does, [it] will fall meaningfully short of original fiscal stimulus and tax cut level ambitions."
As lawmakers on Capitol Hill Wednesday approved an emergency aid package for flood-ravaged Texas after Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma was bearing down on Puerto Rico and threatening the Florida coast.

The $8 billion in initial relief and rebuilding funds for victims of Harvey, which tore into Texas on Aug. 25, is expected to cover just a fraction of the insurance claims and rebuilding costs. The measure is expected to be approved by the Senate and sent to the White House later this week.

Initial estimates place expected damage at tens of billions of dollars in insured losses. But an estimated four out of five homeowners who suffered catastrophic damage were not covered by federal flood insurance.

Flood claims have already swamped the federal flood insurance program, which is still some $25 billion in debt after a wave of claims from major storms in the last few years. Those claims have escalated in recent decades, thanks in part to ongoing development of vulnerable U.S. coastal regions.
"Time is on our side; Kim will never know when we might develop some super-weapon or key intelligence enablers that could strip away his security and secrecy, rendering him and his regime vulnerable in a way it isn't today."

In the near term, what should the U.S. do? First, stop issuing rhetoric. Both North Korea and South Korea well understand that the U.S. will not tolerate North Korean aggression. By responding to every North Korean advance we are trumpeting Kim's song and serving his ends. He would like the U.S. to sound bellicose and also to be frightened. So, no more public pronouncements.

Secondly, strengthen South Korea's defenses - anti-missiles, more striking power, and better capacities to take on the North Korean threats of chemical and biological warfare, and Special Forces infiltration.

Third, seek quiet, direct dialogue with the North, just to be sure there is no misunderstanding of our resolve.

In the longer term there are three serious options: Stand fast, go home, or seek reunification on our terms. Nothing the North Koreans can do will hurt us directly, without imperiling their own survival. So, just cordon off the North to prevent nuclear smuggling, improve our own missile defenses, and work to stabilize the tensions. Let North Korea continue to struggle, isolated and poor. Time is on our side; Kim will never know when we might develop some super-weapon or key intelligence enablers that could strip away his security and secrecy, rendering him and his regime vulnerable in a way it isn't today.

If we are terribly concerned about their nuclear weaponry, we could enter into the kind of direct dialogue the Russians and Chinese are urging; this would likely result in North Korea demanding the U.S. abandon its presence in and commitments to the South in return for a fundamentally unverifiable promise to give up its nuclear program. This would be a poor tradeoff - it would most likely result in Japan deciding to build its own nuclear deterrent, and undercut U.S. security guarantees worldwide.

Third, while preserving our security commitment to the South, work privately to encourage reunification - "one country-two systems" - under terms favorable to the South and with our continued, long-term presence. The two Korea's should talk, and so long as we are steadfast in our support for the South, perhaps Kim himself can find a formula to "come in from the cold" and join the world community, over a decades-old long transition period. He wants to preserve his rule, and he wants no domination by China.

But there is one caution: In the late 1930's the U.S. cut-off scrap iron and oil shipments to Japan. It was meant as a form of pressure to constrain Japan's Asian aggression. But for Japan, it meant that war with the U.S. became necessary. There are limits to the efficacy of economic pressures; the economic destruction of North Korea, were it possible, is unlikely to compel its surrender and more likely to convince Kim he has little to lose from more extreme military action.

We need a long-term strategy to stabilize and reduce tension on the Korean Peninsula - and we should resist the urge to seek an immediate solution, whether through bluster or economic destruction of the North.

Commentary by Retired General Wesley Clark, a former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and a Senior Fellow at the UCLA Burkle Center. Follow him on Twitter @ GeneralClark.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Damages stemming from Hurricane Irma could leave parts of Puerto Rico without power for as long as six months, according to the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority.

The Category 5 storm pummeled Caribbean islands, including Barbuda and Anguilla, before approaching Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

Irma is promising to be another prolonged challenge for the utility company, which is grappling with aged infrastructure after years of financial turmoil.
A little thing like a federal felony conviction won't stop Martin Shkreli from acting like Martin Shkreli.

The "pharma bro" Shkreli within a two-day period this week offered $5,000 bounties for people who plucked some of Hillary Clinton's hair from her head and gave it to him, and also put his one-of-a-kind copy of a Wu-Tang Clan album up for sale after having bought it for $2 million more than two years ago.

Shkreli's Clinton hair prize offer led to an inquiry from the U.S. Secret Service, according to Shkreli himself.

And his eBay auction of Wu-Tang's "Once Upon a Time in Shaolin" as of midday Wednesday had attracted a top bid of more than $100,000.

But like with much else about the disgraced pharmaceuticals executive, it was not immediately clear if Shkreli's offers of cash for hair, or a rare album for cash were serious or just the latest in a series of Dada-esque stunts in a frantic effort to remain in the public's gaze.

Shkreli, 34, was convicted in Brooklyn federal court in early August of three counts of securities fraud, but was acquitted of five other criminal counts. Shkreli was accused by prosecutors of defrauding a group of hedge fund investors, and then of ripping off the drug company he founded, Retrophin , to pay back their money.
Meg Whitman, CEO of Hewlett Packard, on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange

Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Meg Whitman said Wednesday she was disappointed by President Donald Trump's decision to end a program that protects undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

"I am not in favor of rolling DACA back," Whitman said in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street."

"Think about who these individuals are. They were brought here as children, through no fault or agent of their own. And they have gone to school here. English is often their first language. This may be the only country they ever know," she said.

The HPE chief's remarks echo a number of tech CEOs, including Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who spoke against Trump's decision on Tuesday to rescind the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who announced the decision Tuesday, argued that the program was an unlawful overreach by President Barack Obama and said he could not defend it. The Trump administration gave Congress six months to complete legislation on the issue before DACA individuals lose their status.

Whitman said there are no HPE employees that she is aware of that will be directly affected by Trump's decisions but said she is sure "there are probably some."

"We all know people who have children of blended families," Whitman said. "Three children in a blended family: One came here with their parents illegally, but the two others were born here. I mean I think it's just a shame and unnecessary, and I think it's not the right thing for America."

Whitman added these individuals have made real contributions to the U.S. and have the opportunity to make future contributions.
Drug companies need better ways to recruit patients for their clinical trials, an undertaking that costs millions of dollars today.

Dozens of technology start-ups have popped up to solve this problem.

One start-up in this group is Antidote.me, which today raised $11 million in a round led by Merck 's strategic digital health fund. Existing investors Smedvig Capital and Octopus Ventures also participated in the round.

Antidote is run by a group of European tech executives, including Pablo Graiver, a former vice president of Kayak, and Eze Vidra, a general partner for Google 's venture arm in Europe. The company is now based in New York City to help it expand more deeply into the United States.

It's a crowded market, but Antidote says it has a unique approach.

"Everyone is looking at a particular clinical trial and then trying to find the right patients," said Graiver, who had the idea of applying engagement models that work in other sectors, like e-commerce, to health care to bring a "matching tool to patients, rather than expecting them to come to us."

Antidote serves people who are already searching for information about a health condition with potentially relevant clinical trials. It works with groups such as JDRF, a research organization for Type 1 diabetes, and Lung Cancer Alliance, to add an Antidote-branded tool to their websites (here's an example).

Patients who are interested in participating in a clinical trial will be prompted to answer some questions, such as their location and how far they're willing to travel, their age, gender, and health condition(s). With each response, Antidote narrows down the list of trials they can apply for.

This approach is appealing to pharma companies, as the responses provide them with more information than they could glean from a patients' medical record. For instance, they might learn whether a potential recruit is looking to get pregnant in the coming months, which might disqualify them from participating in the trial.

Antidote says its tool has been used to match patients for 14,000 clinical trials to date.

It gets paid through referral fees from pharmaceutical companies, as well as licensing fees for the health organizations it works with. Graiver said the company generated low-digit millions in revenues last year alone.

Correction: The company incorrectly used the Boston dateline in its press release. It is based in New York.
British entrepreneur and parliamentarian Michelle Mone has defended her billionaire boyfriend over his links to an alleged 13 million ($16.9 million) tax avoidance scheme.

Doug Barrowman had previously served as director of an offshore payroll company called Aston Management Ltd (AML). AML is said to have helped its workers reduce their tax bills to less than 10 percent.

"They're not going after my partner, and it was a scheme that was set up  and I'm not here to speak on his behalf, it's not my business  but it was a scheme that was set up way back in 2011," Mone told CNBC Wednesday.

"And when legislation changed, they stopped doing it. So nothing was illegal, nothing was untowards, and he hasn't done a thing wrong."

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the U.K. governmental department tasked with collecting taxes, has asked contractors who benefited from the scheme to pay back tens of thousands in income tax.

AML allowed its clients to sign up to Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs), funds which can be set up overseas by firms to hold assets on behalf of their employees. These clients effectively became members of staff under the scheme.

The firm paid EBT benefits into the U.K. accounts of staff, on which they paid little or no tax, according to the U.K's Mirror newspaper. And now hundreds of workers could be at risk of bankruptcy with the HMRC demanding the cash, according to the report.
President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the Oval Office of the White House, January 28, 2017 in Washington, DC.

China is focused on solving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue through talks and peaceful means, Chinese President Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump in a telephone call on Wednesday.

The United States and South Korea have asked the United Nations to consider tough new sanctions on North Korea after its nuclear test on Sunday, which Pyongyang said was an advanced hydrogen bomb.

Trump said Wednesday that military action against North Korea is "not a first choice" for his administration, "but we'll see what happens."

Washington and its allies have said there is a growing urgency for China, North Korea's top trading partner, to apply more pressure on its already isolated neighbor to get it to back down on its nuclear weapons and missiles programs.

China "unswervingly" works to realize denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation system, Xi told Trump, according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry.

"At the same time, we always persist in safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation," Xi said.

"It is necessary to stay on the path of a peaceful solution."

Xi also said that China attaches importance to Trump's visit to China later this year.

The statement cited Trump as saying that the United States was deeply concerned about the Korean nuclear issue and that it valued China's "important role" in resolving the problem.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday of "begging for war" and urged the Security Council to impose the "strongest possible" sanctions.

Beijing has said reining in North Korea is not chiefly its responsibility, and has expressed doubts that U.N. economic sanctions, which it has backed, will resolve the situation.

Sanctions so far appear to have done little to stop North Korea from boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with Trump, who has vowed to stop Pyongyang from being able to hit the U.S. mainland with a nuclear weapon.

It is unclear if China will back further sanctions. Beijing fears that completely cutting off North Korea could lead to its collapse, unleashing a wave of refugees into China's northeast.

China accounted for 92 percent of North Korea's trade in 2016, according to South Korea. China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take part in Security Council discussions in "a responsible and constructive manner."

China and Russia have advocated a plan in which the United States and Seoul stop major military drills in exchange for North Korea halting its weapons programs, but neither side is willing to budge.

Trump and Xi last spoke by telephone on Aug. 12. The White House said in a statement at the time that their relationship was "extremely close" and "will hopefully lead to a peaceful resolution of the North Korea problem."

But tensions in China-U.S. ties have increased since Trump took office, with the U.S. president having authorized an investigation into China's alleged theft of intellectual property, and suggesting trade relations would be linked to Beijing's help on North Korea.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin looks on during a press conference following his meeting with South Korea's President Moon Jae-in as part of the 2017 Eastern Economic Forum at Far Eastern Federal University on Russky Island.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday urged the international community to hold fresh talks to try to resolve the North Korean crisis, warning that progress would be "impossible" without a commitment to dialogue.

"It is clear that it is impossible to resolve the problem of the Korean Peninsula only by sanctions and pressure," Putin told reporters at a joint news conference with South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in.

Speaking in the Russian city of Vladivostok, Putin condemned North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile program, describing the tests as a flagrant violation of UN rules.
This week, the Trump Administration provided Congress with an opportunity: to make immigration law the right way, through legislation, not executive orders. Will they seize the moment, or squander it on scoring political points?

Hyperbolic reactions from the expected special interest groups, and from many politicians, to the Trump Administration's decision to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (an Obama-era executive order put in place to protect illegal youths from deportation known as DACA) have been predictable and counter-productive. It will continue to be tempting for Democrats in particular to exploit immigration as a political wedge issue  painting Trump and all Republicans as racist and anti-dreamer. (Dreamers are youths who were brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents.) This approach would be both bad government and bad politics.

The winding down of DACA is the perfect time for Congress to develop effective, compassionate policy on immigration  something most Americans strongly agree we need. The best reforms will be developed through the legislative process, not executive orders  and that's something else both sides can agree on.

In the meantime, leaders should stay away from inflammatory language and fear mongering. Mass deportations will not happen  it is simply not logistically possible, and it is not what the Trump Administration has called for. It is worth noting how Attorney General Sessions described the government's next steps:

The Department of Justice has advised the President and the Department of Homeland Security that DHS should begin an orderly, lawful wind down, including the cancellation of the memo that authorized this program.  This [wind down process] will enable DHS to conduct an orderly change and fulfill the desire of this administration to create a time period for Congress to actshould it so choose. We firmly believe this is the responsible path.

Sessions' words about a "wind down" were rational and calm, indicating an approach that is not drastic or dramatic, not gratuitously painful or overly political. The end of DACA and the beginning of lawful immigration reform can, and should, be handled with this level of maturity and respect  for dreamers for American citizens, and for our nation's tradition of the rule of law.
Rich Barber has done extensive research on Remington 700 firing incidents and is a sought-after expert on the guns.

A federal appeals court that is considering the landmark class action settlement covering millions of allegedly defective Remington rifles has now heard from a second group of state attorneys general  this one urging the court to approve the settlement.

Previously, a coalition of attorneys general from 13 states and the District of Columbia, led by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, argued that the court should reject the settlement because they said it does not do enough to protect public safety.

But the new group, consisting of attorneys general from 11 predominantly southern and Midwestern states led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, accuses the other states of a hidden agenda "to achieve other goals about firearms regulation in general."

The case involves some 7.5 million Remington firearms including the iconic Model 700 rifle, and a dozen other models with similar designs. In 2010, CNBC investigated allegations that for decades, Remington covered up a design flaw that allows the guns to fire without the trigger being pulled. Lawsuits have linked the alleged defect to dozens of deaths and hundreds of serious injuries.

Remington has steadfastly denied the allegations. The company maintains that the guns are safe, and blames all the incidents on user errors. But in 2014, the company agreed in a class action settlement to replace the triggers in millions of guns, in hopes of putting the matter to rest once and for all.

Putting the settlement into effect has been elusive, however. After a federal judge gave final approval to the trigger replacement program earlier this year, two Remington rifle owners appealed the ruling, accusing the company of deliberately downplaying the risks in order to reduce the number of claims. The Massachusetts coalition agreed in a friend-of-the-court brief in July, and now the Alabama group has filed its own brief taking the other side, and essentially pitting Red states against Blue states.

"Politics has made its way into our judicial system in what appears are states that perceive themselves to be pro-gun taking on states that they perceive to be anti-gun," said Richard Barber, a Montana gun owner who blames a Remington Model 700 for the death of his nine-year-old son in 2000. He calls the Alabama filing "shameful."

"Where does one state get off telling another state that its sole responsibility is not to protect the safety and welfare of its citizenry," Barber said.

Barber, who says he is "as pro-gun as anyone," settled a wrongful death suit against Remington for an undisclosed amount and has devoted the past 17 years to learning the truth about the company and his products. He said the class action settlement is "built on a lie" because it allows Remington to continue claiming that the guns are safe.

But the Alabama coalition argues that the class action case is not about safety. Rather, they say, the settlement is designed to compensate gun owners for the economic losses resulting from the purchase of an allegedly defective rifle. Under the settlement, they can still sue Remington for injuries and wrongful death.

"The settlement fairly resolves the only claims at issue  claims for economic damages  and leaves issues about firearms regulation, personal injury, and property damage for another day," the filing said.

Barber has been contacting the offices of the attorneys general behind the latest filing, and is recruiting families who have had similar incidents to do the same.

Regardless, the battle virtually assures that the issues surrounding Remington's bolt-action rifles will remain unresolved through this fall's hunting season. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Kansas City has agreed to hear oral arguments in the case, but the first available date is in mid-November. And it could be months after that before the court rules.
Richard Branson has said he will remain on his private island in the Caribbean even as it faces being battered by the "potentially catastrophic" Hurricane Irma.

The billionaire businessman published a blog post Tuesday saying that he would ride out the storm with fellow British Virgin Islands residents, despite the eye of the storm being headed directly for his own Necker Island.

Branson has remained with his team on the island during previous hurricanes, which have hit the island three times since he bought it in 1979, but this is the first time Necker has been in the eye of the storm.

"I will be on Necker alongside our team, as I have been on the three times we have had hurricanes over the past 30 years," Branson said Tuesday.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday broke with his party and agreed to back a short-term debt ceiling extension and government funding measure as part of the package to approve relief funding for Hurricane Harvey.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell later said he would support the package.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said that "the president and the congressional leadership agreed" to the proposal following a meeting at the White House. Republican lawmakers in the room opposed Schumer and Pelosi's push to extend the debt limit and fund the government for only three months, but Trump agreed to it.

Talking to reporters on Air Force One on his way to a tax reform speech in North Dakota, Trump said the deal "will be very good."

"We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. We agreed to a three-month extension on debt ceiling, which they consider to be sacred  very important  always we'll agree on debt ceiling automatically because of the importance of it," he said, according to a White House transcript.

"Also on the [continuing resolution on funding] and also on Harvey, which now we're going to be adding something because of what's going on [with Hurricane Irma] in Florida  but we had a very good meeting. We essentially came to a deal, and I think the deal will be very good," Trump added.

Just hours before, House Speaker Paul Ryan called a three-month debt limit increase proposed by Democrats "ridiculous" and "unworkable." An extension of only three months for the debt ceiling could give Democrats leverage over the majority Republicans.

If Congress can pass a package containing all three measures, it would knock out politically contentious September deadlines to avoid risking default on the federal debt and a government shutdown. But it would set up another showdown in December and puts the GOP in a difficult spot.

"In the meeting, the President and Congressional leadership agreed to pass aid for Harvey, an extension of the debt limit, and a continuing resolution both to December 15, all together. Both sides have every intention of avoiding default in December and look forward to working together on the many issues before us," Schumer and Pelosi said in a statement.
An analyst at a small research firm is reiterating his negative call on Facebook shares alleging the company may be overstating its ad reach for certain age demographics in the U.S. and other countries.

Pivotal Research reaffirmed its sell rating on the social media giant, also predicting its profitability will decline as it transitions to more video content advertising.

Facebook shares declined 0.4 percent midmorning Wednesday after the report.



"Facebook is establishing itself as a destination for premium video content, and demonstrating a willingness to pay significant amounts of money for that content. Facebook can likely drive revenue growth to offset content costs, albeit at lower margins than what the company currently generates," analyst Brian Wieser wrote in a note to clients Wednesday.

"However, because of measurement issues the company has faced in the past (and possibly a new one identified by a trade publication in Australia and replicated by us within the United States), we think the primary winner of Facebook's expansion in video will be third party measurement firms," he added.



Facebook has been one of the best-performing large-cap stocks in the market. Its shares rallied 48.4 percent year to date through Tuesday versus the S&P 500's 9.8 percent return.



"Measurement issues at Facebook have been top-of-mind for many of those same marketers over the past year given revelations around over-stated average video viewing time, video viewing completions, miscalculations of organic page reach and other data which impacts how budgets are planned," he wrote.

Facebook apologized for overstating video viewership times in September of last year. The company said a metric for average user time spent on videos was artificially inflated.



Wieser cited Australian trade publication AdNews, which revealed last week "Facebook's claims to reach 1.7mm more 16-39 year-olds in Australia than exist in the country according to its census bureau."



The analyst also potentially found a similar issue in the U.S.:

"Specifically, through Facebook's Ads Manager we can see that Facebook claims a potential reach within the US of 41mm 18-24 year-olds, 60mm 25-34 year-olds and 61mm 35-49 year-olds. By contrast, US Census data indicates that last year there are a total of 31mm 18-24 year-olds, 45mm 25-34 year-olds and 61mm 35-49 year-olds."

As a result, Wieser reaffirmed his year-end $140 price target for the company, representing 18 percent downside from Tuesday's close.



"Conversations with agency executives on this topic indicate to us that the gap between Facebook and Census figures is not widely known," he wrote.



Wieser reduced his rating on Facebook shares to a hold from buy on Feb. 1. Facebook's stock has rallied 28.1 percent since his earlier downgrade.



Facebook sent the following statement in response to this story:
It's de rigeur for the many of the richest of the rich to tout the benefits of giving cash handouts to all American citizens, in part as a way to end poverty. The idea, called universal basic income (UBI), is for every individual to be paid a regular sum of money regardless of employment status. One of the tech elite who has an interest in universal basic income is self-made multimillionaire and Y Combinator President Sam Altman. "Eliminating poverty is such a moral imperative and something that I believe in so strongly," Altman tells CNBC Make It. "There's so much research about how bad poverty is. There's so much research about the emotional and physical toll that it takes on people. "I think about the amount of human potential that is being wasted by people that are not doing what they want to do. I think about how great it would be to undo that. And that's really powerful to me," he says.

I think about the amount of human potential that is being wasted by people that are not doing what they want to do. Sam Altman President of Y Combinator

Indeed, poverty affects how children's brains develop and how well children perform on tests, according to a 2015 study published in the medical journal, JAMA. Poverty is also a cause of poor physical health. According to the World Bank, this is because poor people don't have the resources they need to learn about good health or the access to health care. So under Altman's leadership, Y Combinator, a top start-up investment and mentorship program, is doing an experiment to better understand UBI  giving the residents of Oakland, Calif. cash handouts to see how the money affects individuals' behavior. Y Combinator has hired a program director and the study is underway, but but Altman declines to share any further updates. In recent months, tech billionaires Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and Richard Branson have all publicly talked about universal basic income as a possible solution to both poverty and impending mass of unemployment as a result of automation and artificial intelligence.

Some have taken umbrage with the idea that titans of industry, from their thrones of extreme wealth, are taking pity on those whom they may well have exploited to get to the pinnacle of capitalism. Altman himself sold his first company, Loopt, for more than $43 million. Since 2014, he has been running Y Combinator, which has the likes of Aribnb, Dropbox and Stripe in its portfolio. The combined valuation of the start-ups Y Combinator has funded is north of $80 billion. He has noticed the increased attention universal basic income is getting and has been surprised by it. Unlike the skeptics, he's encouraged  eliminating poverty is a goal that should be a priority for everyone, he says. "Why is it okay for somebody that's in the middle class to say, 'Hey, I think we should eliminate poverty' but not okay for Zuckerberg to say that?" says Altman to CNBC Make It. "I am happy to hear people in poverty talk about it. I am happy to hear billionaires talk about it."
Starbucks has tapped Rosalind Brewer, the former president and CEO of Sam's Club, to take on the role of chief operating officer and group president, effective Oct. 2.

Brewer will lead the company's operating businesses across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America, as well as the global functions of supply chain, product innovation, and store development organizations.

"Starbucks is a culture-first company focused on performance and Roz is a world class operator and executive who embodies the values of Starbucks," Kevin Johnson, Starbucks' president and CEO, said in a statement Wednesday.

Johnson said that Brewer had been a "trusted strategic counselor" to him since her appointment to the company's board of directors in January.

Brewer, who has more than 30 years of management experience and 10 years of experience leading multinational retailers, will continue to serve on the board of directors, the company said.

"Ms. Brewer has a wealth of experience in retailing, consumers and [consumer packaged goods] markets," Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, told CNBC via email. "She is also used to running large, complex organization with a global focus."

Starbucks has hit some snags in recent quarters in its retail sales, blaming slowing mall traffic for weak sales at its Teavana stores, in particular. The company plans to shutter all 379 of these locations by spring 2018 to deal with the prolonged underperformace.

"[Brewer] was instrumental in making changes at Sam's Club to bring the retailer more in line with trends around health and wellness," Saunders said. "She also did a lot in terms of e-commerce and multichannel, and this experience will be valuable for Starbucks."
President Donald Trump and Republican leaders on Capitol Hill must pull together a tax cut package this year, if for no other reason than the "instinct of self-preservation," media mogul and two-time GOP presidential candidate Steve Forbes told CNBC on Wednesday.

"There's even a good chance they'll make it retroactive to get a real kick and big refunds going out in April of next year," the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media said on "Squawk Box."

Forbes spoke hours before Trump makes his second push in as many weeks for overhauling the tax code for Americans and for U.S. corporations. Both of North Dakota's senators, Democrat Heidi Heitkamp and Republican John Hoeven, as well as Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin were traveling with the president to the state for his speech.

Republicans know if they don't get the economy really moving "they're going to be in trouble next year," said Forbes, referring to the midterm election in November 2018 when Americans vote on all 435 House seats and 33 out of 100 Senate seats. "Members of Congress don't want to be Uber drivers."

Forbes, who unsuccessfully sought the GOP presidential nomination in 1996 and 2000, ran on a platform for a flat tax to apply consistent rates across all brackets.

"On the personal side, I don't think they'll get real reform. What I think you're going to get is an across-the-board tax cut and a doubling of exemptions," Forbes predicted, saying Republicans should not worry about whether the cut would be permanent. The proposed time frame of 10 years, "that's a lifetime" in Washington, he argued.

"Get the tax cut effective now," he said, adding GOP lawmakers can address the expiration of the tax cuts after the midterms. The Republican base is "tired of this process that put health care up first," he said.

On the corporate side, he said Trump should continue to push to get the rate down to 15 percent from the current 35 percent, one of the highest effective business tax rates in the world, and be open to a compromise at 18 percent. A rate of 20 to 25 percent has been favored by GOP tax writers.

Republican should be able to get some Democrats on board to lower corporate taxes because giving U.S. companies relief has been a bipartisan idea, he said. Until it comes to how to pay for it, he added.

Forbes said demands by Democrats for "overnight neutrality in revenue is preposterous."

Republicans will be able to pay for tax cuts for corporations and Americans over time with strong economic growth, he argued. "Pay for it with economic growth. That's the only way to pay for it," he said.

"Just go back 10 years, if we had normal growth rates of let's say 3 or 3 percent  there would be no deficit today," Forbes said.
The biggest educator of college students in the United States is community colleges. In fact, 41 percent of all U.S. undergraduates study at a community college.

WalletHub ranked over 700 schools from the American Association of Community Colleges to find the 10 best institutions. The schools were evaluated on cost, educational outcome and career outcome. The top-ranking schools are mostly in rural locations, enroll small student bodies and have low student-to-teacher ratios.

Over half of the top 10 community colleges on Wallethub's list serve large Native American populations. Leech Lake Tribal College tops the list as the best community college and 88 percent of the study body identifies as Native American.
Meal kit companies and grocers could form an unlikely alliance to battle back against Amazon .

While meal kits have long struggled to prove their worth and convenience to customers, Amazon's recent acquisition of Whole Foods has weighed heavily on grocery stocks.

In an attempt to maintain their share in the sector, grocers could be gearing up to acquire meal kit services, according to a report by The Information, a subscription-based technology news website.

Albertsons Companies, which owns grocery chain Safeway, reportedly discussed purchasing the meal kit start-up Plated, The Information said, citing two people familiar with the matter. There is no word on whether the companies will agree to a merger. The companies did not immediately respond to CNBC requests for comment.

Some meal kit companies seem receptive to the idea.

The chief executive of Green Chef said he was open to accepting offers for the company, and Home Chef hired bankers to explore a possible sale.

"There [is] a frenetic market out there," Green Chef CEO Michael Joseph told The Information, "but we're talking to strategics and we wouldn't be shocked if we got an offer. We had companies asked if we're for sale. As a responsible CEO I said, 'Perhaps.'"

About 12 percent of U.S. grocery shoppers bought their groceries online at some point in 2016, according to Cowen and Company. As that number grows, those onsumers may adopt meal kit services as well.

Amazon has already been testing food delivery through AmazonFresh and selling meal kits in metropolitan areas, but having the largest organic retailer in its pocket could help the tech company spread quicker to areas outside of major cities.

Not to mention, the tech giant has about 31 million households with access to an Amazon Prime membership and more than half of them are already purchase groceries online via the website.

Amazon's growing presence in the grocery industry could prompt grocers to look into purchasing meal kit companies that can be integrated into their operations.

"You're seeing incredible changes in the landscape of how people buy food and the migration online," Kyle Ransford, CEO of Chef'd, told The Information. "But brick and mortar is going to be significant. A lot of major retailers are interested in adding meal kits."

Last month, Kroger began testing its own kits of premeasured ingredients in four of its Cincinnati stores.

Read the full report from The Information.
Airlines are capping prices for last-minute flights out of Florida, but travelers can't count on snaring a seat before carriers cease operations ahead of the storm's arrival.

Consumers took to social media this week to complain about price gouging out of Florida ahead of the Category 5 storm  showing screenshots of examples, such as a $1,738 United flight between Miami and Indianapolis and a $2,370 American flight between Miami and Los Angeles. The latest forecasts project the "potentially catastrophic" storm could make landfall in south Florida this weekend.

Airfare experts say the price changes aren't an attempt by the airlines to capitalize on desperate travelers, but rather, an unfortunate combination of regular airline practices that penalize last-minute bookings. (Although that's still cold comfort for anyone trying to evade Hurricane Irma.)

"I don't think they're gouging," said George Hobica, publisher of travel site AirfareWatchdog.com. "Especially in this day and age, where social media can be so cruel, an airline isn't going to take a chance on that."

Airlines often set up fare structures so that pricing jumps 21, 14 and three days out from departure to capitalize on last-minute business travelers, said Alex Chang, a data scientist for fare-tracking site Hopper. Floridians looking to get out ahead of Irma are in that window.

Airlines also price seats in a variety of ticket classes, and the least expensive ones typically sell out first.

"Prices overall will go up, simply because of how they're structured," Chang said. "Because people want to get out, suddenly there are no more seats or only expensive seats left."
When top congressional and administration tax reform negotiators met at the White House with President Donald Trump on Tuesday their message was basically the same. They stressed the urgency of getting the House moving on a tax bill by the end of the month.

If that timetable slipped, one of the president's top agenda items could get pushed into next year and maybe vanish entirely, joining Obamacare repeal as an epic legislative failure. But Trump had his own message. He told the so-called "Big Six" negotiators that he still wants to get to 15 percent as the top corporate tax rate even though no one working on tax reform thinks that's possible without blowing up the deficit or requiring big cuts to existing deductions that would not be politically tenable.

Trump's fixation on getting to 15  instead of the 20 to 25 percent range targeted by other administration officials and senior GOP legislators  highlights a fundamental problem with his presidency thus far. Trump doesn't understand how Congress works or why the president can't just simply have whatever he wants whenever he wants it.

On Obamacare, Trump just assumed Congress would be able to repeal and replace even if he never really had any idea what a replacement would look like and made no consistent case for an alternative. He complained endlessly about Senate filibuster rules even though Senate Republicans needed just 51 votes to repeal Obamacare and couldn't get there.

And instead of trying to work with Mitch McConnell to figure out a path forward on health care, Trump got frustrated and angry and torched his relationship with the Senate Majority Leader, who holds the keys to getting any of Trump's agenda enacted into law. Trump is now working to try to repair that relationship ahead of a tax reform push.

Trump also has now scrambled the political calculus around raising the nation's debt limit and funding the government by rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, called DACA dead and ripped beneficiaries of the program as job stealers.

On Tuesday night, however, Trump tweeted that if Congress does not act in the six-month window he provided, he would "revisit" the issue. Trump's Justice Department on Wednesday said it had no idea what the president meant by this.

@realDonaldTrump tweet

Trump appears to mean that he could extend the program if Congress doesn't. In saying so, he effectively gave away any leverage he had to try to force congressional action by Republicans, who have no idea how they might pass a DACA extension and desperately want to punt the issue back to the White House.

Now Democrats on Capitol Hill are saying they will support a bill to tie Hurricane Harvey relief to a debt-ceiling increase but only to lift the nation's borrowing limit for three months. They want to maintain the debt limit as a bargaining chip to force a DACA extension. House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday criticized the three-month extension gambit as unworkable.

So there is now no clear path forward on raising the debt limit or keeping the government open past Sept. 30 and no clarity on what might happen to the 800,000 people who benefit from the DACA program.

All this must be sorted out before Republicans in Congress can really turn to putting together a tax bill that can pass both the House and Senate. Which makes Trump's insistence on 15 percent even more frustrating to those working on the issue. The Big Six long ago moved away from 15 percent and set to work making the hard choices on deductions and investment expensing necessary to get to a rate as close to 20 percent as possible.

The president demanding Republicans find a way to get to 15 percent sets their work back and sets the stage for disappointment when legislation finally emerges that has a higher target for the top corporate rate.

Trump will be making the case for tax legislation in a speech in North Dakota on Wednesday, aimed at pressuring the state's vulnerable Democratic senator, Heidi Heitkamp, to get on board with Republicans on the issue. At this point, however, it remains unclear that there will even be a tax reform bill this year for Heitkamp to support or oppose.

 Ben White is Politico's chief economic correspondent and a CNBC contributor. He also authors the daily tip sheet Politico Morning Money [politico.com/morningmoney]. Follow him on Twitter @morningmoneyben.
President Donald Trump delivers remarks on his proposed changes to the tax code during an event with energy workers at the Andeavor Refinery in Mandan, North Dakota, September 6, 2017.

Calling the current U.S. tax code "a giant self-inflicted wound," President Donald Trump made the case for tax reform Wednesday in North Dakota, shaking hands on stage with the state's Democratic senator, Heidi Heitkamp, who flew to the speech with Trump aboard Air Force One.

Trump also addressed his earlier meeting with congressional leadership at the White House, where the president agreed to a Democratic proposal for a short-term debt limit hike over the objections of his fellow Republicans in the room.

"We walked out, Mitch [McConnell], Paul [Ryan], Kevin [McCarthy], everybody was happy. Not too happy, because you can never be too happy. But they were happy enough." Trump's account was at odds with the private assessment of others who attended the meeting.

Later in the speech, Trump called Heitkamp "a good woman," and said he hoped she would support his tax reform plan, which as of Wednesday was still little more than a loosely defined set of principles. Heitkamp smiled, but did not address the crowd. Trump also asked his daughter Ivanka Trump to briefly join him on stage.

Much of Trump's speech mirrored an address he gave in Springfield, Missouri, last week, calling for a simpler tax code, a lower corporate tax rate and the closing of loopholes for "special interests."

"Our business tax rate highest in developed world, we're dead last," Trump said, repeating a falsehood which has been repeatedly debunked. The U.S. corporate tax rate "is nothing more than a crushing tax on every product made in America," he continued, "so we're going to reduce the tax rate on American business, so we can keep jobs in America."

Trump encouraged the crowd, comprised of local politicos and employees of the Andeavor energy company, which hosted the event, to "demand tax cuts and tax reform that will put America first," and to reject legislators at the ballot box who don't back the reform plan.

"It is our time to invest in our country," Trump said. "We want to build beautiful new communities and rebuild the old ones, and we want to make America great again."
President Donald Trump began his sales job for wide-ranging tax cuts Wednesday by arguing that the US needs to shrink its corporate tax rate if it wants to have any hope of competing with its economic rivals. "When it comes to the business tax we are dead last, can you believe that?" Trump said during his remarks in Springfield, Missouri. "We have totally surrendered our competitive edge to other countries." More from Vox:

I helped sign immigrants up for DACA. Their biggest fear has come true.

Stanley Fischer announces resignation, opening yet another Fed vacancy for Trump

Good news: America's crime and murder rates are down this year But what he doesn't note is that, while on paper the US business tax rate is exceptionally high, in practice the US taxes its businesses at similar rates to its international peers. And so Trump's dire warnings about the need to lower the business tax code is really part of an effort to push through a gift to American corporations rather than make a serious bid to catch up to the rest of the world. During his remarks, Trump referred to the U.S.'s 35 percent statutory corporate tax rate. He said that the rate, which is technically one of the highest in the world, suffocates American businesses and compels them to ship jobs overseas.

But that's inaccurate on a number of levels. "It's a bit misleading because our corporate tax code is riddled with loopholes and what corporations pay is far, far lower  somewhere between 13 and 21 percent," Hunter Blair, a tax and budget analyst at the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute, told me. "When you get down to specific companies, sometimes they pay 3, 4, 5 percent," he added. According to a 2017 Congressional Budget Office report, the US's effective corporate tax rate  the rate that factors in these loopholes  clocks in at 18.6 percent. That's lower than in Japan (21.7 percent) and the UK (18.7 percent) and only a few percentage points higher than Germany (15.5 percent). Steven Rosenthal, a senior fellow at the Urban Brookings Tax Policy Center, told me that the loopholes are so pervasive that the formal rate is "irrelevant." "When you take into account the loopholes in US tax code, our [business] taxes are pretty much the same as our competitors," Rosenthal said.

Corporations thrive using offshore tax havens

Big multinational corporations commonly make use of the deferral loophole, which allows them to avoid taxes on profits made abroad. That exception creates incentives for corporations to use accounting gimmicks to shift profits made at home to overseas subsidiaries and to funnel money through foreign tax havens where they owe little to no tax. According to a 2017 report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Fortune 500 companies are dodging up to $767 billion in US federal income taxes by keeping more than $2.6 trillion of their profits offshore.
President Donald Trump's now-disbanded manufacturing council was "sort of wasted and useless," AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka told CNBC on Wednesday.

Trumka resigned from the council last month after Trump's response to the deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Trump ultimately dissolved the group after several executives quit.

"It had never met since it was formed. They were using it as a subterfuge to try to get rid of regulations and say that was necessary for manufacturing," Trumka said in an interview with "Closing Bell."

However, while it wasn't a good tool to create policy, it did give the group a chance to talk to the president, he noted.

Trump also ended his Strategy and Policy Forum after news broke that the group of CEOs decided to disband and condemn Trump's response to the events in Virginia. The president blamed "many sides" for the violence that left one person dead and said "not all" the people participating in the white nationalist rally were bad.
"The debt limit is the total amount of money that the United States government is authorized to borrow to meet its existing legal obligations, including Social Security and Medicare benefits, military salaries, interest on the national debt, tax refunds, and other payments."

That is how the U.S. Treasury defines the so called debt ceiling that is being discussed AGAIN in Washington. I emphasize AGAIN because according to the U.S. Treasury, "Since 1960, Congress has acted 78 separate times to permanently raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit  49 times under Republican presidents and 29 times under Democratic presidents."

This then begs the question: What is the point of having a debt ceiling/limit if it is always raised and thus never adhered to?

If it was meant to put discipline on U.S. Federal Government spending, well that has failed miserably as total Federal Government debt is now above nominal GDP at $20 Trillion. And, if it has always been raised in the past, what is the point of having it at all.

The debt ceiling was created by Congress in 1917 to allow the U.S. Treasury the ability to borrow money without specific approval each time as long as total borrowing was below a certain level. On paper that made a lot of sense as it gave the Treasury flexibility in its operations and provided a cap on the amount of leverage the government took on. That said, the U.S. government made due before 1917 without one and therefore Congress can figure out a way to go back to a pre-1917 environment without one. As stated, why bother having a limit on debt if the limit is always raised.

The current concern seems to be based on a 'what if 'situation. What if the U.S. government doesn't agree to a rise in the debt limit? It would technically mean a default would follow but it would be a default in name only. Certainly bond holders would get paid back eventually so it would be more of a timing inconvenience than anything else.

While I seem to be pretty nonchalant about the debt limit because I assume it will get raised and even if it misses by a few days (I can't imagine any more than that) it shouldn't be a big deal. But catastrophe has been the word thrown around by some if it is not raised.

Bleeding of hyperbole I believe, the U.S. Treasury's website itself says this, "Failing to increase the debt limit would have catastrophic economic consequences. It would cause the government to default on its legal obligations  an unprecedented event in American history. That would precipitate another financial crisis and threaten the jobs and savings of everyday Americans  putting the United States right back in a deep economic hole, just as the country is recovering from the recent recession."

S&P also used the word 'catastrophic' when they wrote "failure to raise the debt limit would likely be more catastrophic to the economy than the 2008 failure of Lehman Brothers and would erase many of the gains of the subsequent recovery."

In a worst case situation where it is not raised temporarily (because it will eventually be increased), will we see another collapse of the U.S. banking system as we did after Lehman? Of course not.

Bottom line, having a debt limit that is never followed is worthless to have. It instead creates unnecessary drama every time we arrive at it. I have to highlight the hypocrisy in Washington that this never ending debate creates.

The current Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Mick Mulvaney, said this in 2010 when he was a Congressman in reference to the debt ceiling that he wanted to vote against: "I have heard people say that if we don't do it it will be the end of the world. I have yet to meet someone who can articulate the negative consequences."

Last month Mulvaney said he wanted "the simplest debt ceiling increase that we can get." This is another way of saying he wants a clean increase without conditions.

Back in 2006, Senator Barack Obama said "The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. government can't pay its own bills. I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America's debt limit." President Obama completely reversed himself and said "the debt ceiling is not a question of authorizing more spending. It simply allows the country to pay for spending that Congress has already committed to." The debt ceiling was raised 8 times under Obama.

Oh, the rhetoric of campaigning versus the reality of governing.

Commentary by Peter Boockvar, the chief market analyst for the Lindsey Group and co-chief investment officer at Bookmark Advisors. Follow him on Twitter @pboockvar.

For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Demonstrators display American and Mexican flags while protesting the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Christopher Dilts | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The Trump administration's announcement Tuesday, that it will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program  removing deportation protection and work permits from nearly 800,000 young unauthorized immigrants  unless Congress passes a bill in the next six months to protect DACA recipients, isn't a punt or a reprieve. It's an opportunity to deflect, or share, the responsibility for what would be an unprecedented act in US history. There's never really been a time when a generation of people, raised and rooted in the United States, has been stripped of official recognition and pushed back into the precarity of unauthorized-immigrant life. Even though DACA never officially legalized anyone, ending it would be, in a way, the biggest "illegalization" of immigrants in American history. More from Vox:

What America would look like if it guaranteed everyone a job

The 3 bills Congress could use to protect DACA recipients

Trump is counting on Congress to save DACA. That's an enormous gamble. As a policy matter, it's straightforward: Ending DACA is unprecedented because DACA itself was more or less unprecedented. Never in US history had the government offered protection to so many people who didn't have (and weren't subsequently given) the opportunity to get full legal status from there. The government has a lot of power to shape immigrants' lives  but it's never had perfect control over who immigrates to begin with. The history of immigrants who received DACA protections is unique, and the legal status to legitimize or delegitimize them is too. Often as not, when politicians try to reconcile law and reality, the result is that the law gets changed to bend to the reality  not that the reality is changed by enforcing or changing the law. DACA was one such attempt. If Congress and the White House can't agree on a bill within a six-month timeframe, and the Trump administration rescinds DACA, the US will be in wholly uncharted territory. Undoing DACA would widen the gulf between reality and law. And that gulf is, in some ways, broader than it's ever been before. What truly makes the end of DACA unprecedented, in the broad sweep of US history, is the size of that gap between the law and the reality. With DACA hanging in the balance, America has a group of people on the verge of being socially integrated, but legally isolated  socially championed, but legally victimized  in a way we've never really seen before. The choice between reconciling the law with the reality and creating an unprecedented chasm between the two lies with Congress and the White House. The stakes could not be higher.

Growing up an unauthorized immigrant in the US is relatively uncommon in American history

For as long as there have been immigration laws, there have been people trying to (and often succeeding in) circumventing them. But the stereotype of the "illegal immigrant"  a Mexican or Central American man who crossed the US/Mexico border without papers  comes from a phenomenon that's only been in place for the past 40 or 50 years, at most. Historically, it was easy enough to cross the US/Mexico border and work in the US  both because it was simply easier to enter the country by land without being detected than to sail into New York harbor, and because (partly because it was so hard to regulate) the US government didn't restrict immigration from the Americas the way it did from the Eastern Hemisphere. It was so easy, in fact, that immigrants were often simply migratingback and forth. "Immigrants preferred to live in Mexico for most of the time," Stanford historian Ana Minian explains, "and then come for short periods of time, sometimes up to a couple years, and then return to Mexico until they needed to come back again." It wasn't until the second half of the 20th century that the US made it harder to legally immigrate from Mexico. After that, it was still possible to come to the US and work  just not legally. So the circular migration continued, but its legal status changed. The circular flow didn't stop until the 1990s, when the US started building up border security. But instead of a bulked-up border causing migrants to settle in Mexico, immigrants often settled in the USto avoid repeated risky border crossings  and their families crossed north to settle alongside them. Before the 1990s, it wasn't necessary for a child to settle in the US without papers in order to keep a family both employed and together. After the 2000s, when net unauthorized migration from Mexico dropped to zero  and with children coming from Central America often for humanitarian reasons as much as anything else  there wasn't a flow of children coming without the opportunity to get legal status upon arrival. Surely this narrative doesn't encompass every DREAMer's personal story, but it helps explain why there are so manypeople who are currently young adults who've grown up among American citizens, as unauthorized immigrants. It explains why so many of them haven't just lived in the US since they were 6 years old, but haven't even seen their home countries since then (even a brief family visit could exile them from the US forever if they were caught upon return). It explains why many Americans who don't necessarily support wide-scale legalization of unauthorized immigrants think of DREAMers as "good" immigrants. And it explains why the DREAMers, themselves, have been able to stand up and advocate on their own behalf  because they're demanding rights they've seen exercised by their peers.

It's harder for people with US-born family members to "get legal" than it's ever been

The average DACA recipient, according to a study conducted in August 2017 by Tom Wong of UC San Diego (on behalf of a coalition of liberal and immigrant advocacy groups), entered the US at the age of six. The average DACA recipient today, according to that same survey, is now 25. That means that many of the people who currently have protection from deportation under DACA have been in the country for 20 years. Simply in order to qualify for the program, DACA recipients have to have entered before 2007  meaning even the least-settled DACA recipient has been in the US for a decade. This, too, is unusual. In the past, people didn't necessarily stay unauthorized (much less vulnerable to deportation) for 10 or 20 years at a time. It used to be possible for many unauthorized immigrants to "get legal" without leaving the US and trying to return; it no longer is. Before 1976, immigrants from Latin America could apply to become legal permanent residents (green card holders) if they had children who had been born in the US  no matter how old those children were. (According to Wong's survey, 25 percent of DACA recipients have US-born children.) Even if they were already living in the US as unauthorized immigrants, they'd be officially "admitted" to the country once their applications were approved. The 1976 law forced parents of US citizens to wait to apply for green cards until the child had turned 21. But even then, says Charles Kamasaki of UnidosUS (formerly the National Council on La Raza), "there was a largely informal  but, I think, largely followed  policy that parents of US citizens were generally deferred from deportation until they could adjust" to permanent residency. That all changed in 1996. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) forced people who had lived in the US as unauthorized immigrants to wait three or 10 years outside the US (or even be barred permanently) before being allowed to become legal immigrants. An immigrant with family in the US could try to get a waiver, but would still have to leave the US to do so  and if the waiver was denied, she'd be stuck outside the US for years. Clarissa Martinez of UnidosUS describes it as a "squeezing"  "not only are the possibilities narrower" to immigrate legally, "but you're also getting the door slammed on any possibility of adjusting in the future." If the chance of "getting legal" was something of a toss-up, it didn't seem logical to take the risk. It's impossible to predict what would have happened had the 1996 law not passed. But under the laws that existed before 1996, most current DACA recipients would have a path to legal status: either via their US-born children, their US-born spouses, or because they would have been able to "get legal" alongside their parents via the DREAMers' US-born younger siblings. It's the combination of settledness and the difficulty of getting legal that make DREAMers generationally unique in the history of US immigration policy. They're far from the first immigrants in US history who've been totally excluded (or all but excluded) from legality. But for a family to go through a generational life-cycle without the opportunity to legalize as a family  that's something else. This is why DREAMers themselves tend to resist the talking point that their parents are to blame for bringing them to the US. It's why they've often been just as concerned about the fate of their parents and relatives who didn't qualify for DACA, who might have some other form of temporary protection or might not have any protections at all, as they are with their own political fortunes. And it's why they've worried, even before losing DACA, that their official recognition by the government could put their parents in danger.

Life without immigration status is hard and only getting harder

Socially, unauthorized immigrants live alongside legal immigrants and US citizens. But the legal distinctions between them affect what they can do with their lives. The reason that many DREAMers didn't find out they were unauthorized until they were in their mid-teens is because it was then that their documented peers became able to do things they couldn't, like drive, get after-school jobs, or apply for federal financial aid for college. In the working world, those distinctions become absolute. This, too, is fairly recent. Kamasaki allows that you could say that until 1986, when the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA, or the "Reagan amnesty") allowed employers to be penalized for hiring unauthorized immigrants, "there was no practical consequence" to being unauthorized  "you didn't have to have work authorization" to work in practice. Since then, the federal government has worked to prevent people without immigration status from getting hired to begin with  the electronic screening system E-Verify isn't mandatory, but many of the country's biggest employers use it to check applicants' Social Security numbers. Unauthorized immigrants who work under-the-table, low-status jobs may well be qualified for better ones, but simply unable to get them. States and the federal government have worked to tighten access to social services based on immigration status. Georgia has barred unauthorized immigrants from public colleges and universities. Life without immigration status isn't just about opportunities denied  it's about the risk of deportation. That risk, too, has grown over the past couple of decades. Relatively few unauthorized immigrants were rounded up and deported from within the US 20 years ago. After 9/11 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (which spun off immigration enforcement in the US "interior" into its own agency with its own, politically appealing budget line), that number steadily rose with capacity to track down and deport hundreds of thousands of immigrants. There have been other times in American history when unauthorized immigrants have been at substantial deportation risk: Operation Wetback during the 1950s, for example, or farmworkers in California during the 1970s. Stanford's Minian says that immigrants of that period had to create mental maps of where immigration agents might be from day to day and avoid them, with some afraid to leave their homes during the day  or even living in trees to avoid la migra. "But then, the possibility of reentry was also much higher," she adds. "If you got deported, you would probably just come back. And the meaning of deportation, in some ways, wasn't the same, because few people had families." In other words, the risk was higher, but the consequenceswere less grave. The immigrants protected by DACA, however, may have little beyond the US because policy has forced them to stay here. But it's also forced them to stay on the margins  and made those margins a scarier and shadowier place to be than they were when the DREAMers arrived.

Unafraid but still undocumented
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Cllr Gaj Wallooppillai is a councillor in Kingston Upon Thames.

It is a well-known fact that our capital city is in the midst of a housing crisis. Londoners are finding themselves forking out the vast majority of their wage to their landlords to pay for the extortionate rents that they face across London, dashing any hope that they may be able to save to buy a home of their own.

We must urgently address the cripplingly high rents Londoners are being forced to pay and the ever further out-of-reach dream of owning a home. London doesnt just need thousands of homes; it needs hundreds of thousands of homes. This begs the question, what is the Mayor of London doing to resolve this crisis? The simple answer is nothing.

As the politician responsible for housing in London, he has talked a big game in the warm-up but he hasnt delivered on the pitch. We desperately need a mayor who will work collaboratively with London boroughs and a Conservative government to deliver homes that are affordable for hardworking people across the city.

The truth is Sadiq Khans first year as Mayor was full of hope. Londoners of all political persuasions were hoping that he would be able to continue to grapple with the housing challenge that Boris was making inroads on.

Unfortunately he has performed woefully in his first year. He promised 50,000 homes a year and instead has only delivered 17,130. He said he would give us record amounts of affordable homes and has given us less than 9,000.

Apart from not delivering two-thirds of the homes he promised and letting down Londoners on affordable housing, the most alarming fact is that Khan has not delivered a single unit of social housing. Not a single one. In a city of 8.6 million people with hundreds of thousands on the housing waiting lists he is responsible for the worst year on social housing building since the mayoralty began.

Resolving the housing crisis in London isnt a quick fix nor is it an easy trick to pull off. What is concerning however is Khans inability to make any progress at all. He hasnt even been able to do the easy things well.

Here are three simple things that Khan should have done immediately to get the ball rolling, which are within his capacity as Mayor:

Put aside political posturing and work with the government to free up the undeveloped brownfield land across London. Between local councils and central government there is enough publicly owned brownfield land to build over 130,000 homes. The Mayor needs to show everyone he is serious and work more collaboratively with borough leaders and government ministers to get the most out of public land for Londoners. The land owned by a single organisation within the Greater London Authority  Transport for London (TfL)  is the same size as the entire Borough of Camden. By building on TfLs surplus land, the Mayor could double the number of social houses built in the last 9 years instead of hoarding valuable land. Radically reform the way we think of density and home building. It has been said that in order to build the homes we need in London we need to do one of two things, build up or build out; build up in the form of high-rise flats or build out onto our cherished Greenbelt. The reality is that organisations like Create Streets have proven that the densest accommodation tends to be our old Edwardian redbrick apartment blocks and Victorian terrace houses. It has been shown time and again that Londoners prefer these types of homes, but current strict planning regulations make them nearly impossible to build. It is time for Sadiq to stop talking and start listening to what people actually want. The mayor needs to step up and lead the drive for more low and medium rise high density developments that reflect our capital needs and desires.

The greatest threat to housing in London is continued silence on Khans inability to undertake the basic duties of being a Mayor. At a time when the UK has had the highest year of house building post-crash, it is inexcusable that in London, Khan has allowed it to drop so precipitously.

If the only barometer of success was how many retweets or Facebook likes he gets, you could make a compelling argument that Khan is doing a great job. Unfortunately, as Mayor of London, that is not the job Sadiq applied for and took.

What we need is someone who is more concerned with building London than building their own popularity. The Mayor has so far failed in this regard and the people of London will ultimately pay.
A senior Minister recently told ConservativeHome that labour from abroad has become a drug that housebuilders in Britain cannot get themselves off  with deleterious consequences. On the one hand, he said, many homes being built would not go up were firms unable to import labour from EU countries. On the other, they are built slower than they might be, because housebuilders are under little pressure to use new time and labour-saving techniques deployed by some of their equivalents elsewhere in Europe. Why should they be, when they can continue simply to draw on the pool of EU labour made available by free movement?

His example is an illustration of the tensions at the heart of immigration policy. Yes, immigrants work, help meet the needs of business, pay taxes and thus contribute to public spending. But the flow of money coming into the exchequer is all but cancelled out by the flow that then goes out, in order to fund the school places, hospital demands, housing, rail, road and infrastructure that the new immigrants require. Yes, migrants help to meet the immediate needs of business. However, as Ryan Bourne has argued on this site, immigration has boosted average wages by a small amount, but squeezed them slightly for those near the bottom. Yes, Britain is close to full employment, and there is no reserve force of unemployed people waiting to fill jobs presently undertaken by immigrants. But there are the economically inactive, people who want to upskill, older people who might want to return to the labour market, and younger ones who might prefer to work than study were more opportunities available.

What should be decisive is the view of voters. And, as Sunder Katwala put it on this site earlier this week, around two-thirds of voters would support a system that delivers the control over low-skilled EU migration demanded in the referendum, through an annual quota, while remaining open to the skilled EU migrants that our economy needs. That this was the verdict of voters last year is indisputable: Lord Ashcrofts post-poll research found that it was the second most important factor. In short, they want EU immigration reduced, though a move from more foreign to more domestic labour will take time if there is not to be a knock-on effect on short-term growth.

The sum of a draft post-Brexit Government plan for EU migration leaked to the Guardian (now, theres a surprise) is to do exactly that: namely, reduce the number of lower-skilled EU nationals, with a transition period in place, and replace them with domestic labour. The reaction from what we might call the immigration-industrial complex  after Eisenhowers military-complex  is as predictable as the choice of Fleet Street paper for the link. There is a cluster of bigger employers and University vice-chancellors and liberal academics who have either a financial interest or an emotional commitment or both in keeping the present system going. The shock of the referendum result, an attachment to New Labours migration legacy and Michel Barniers clock, ticking on towards March 2019, is causing some members of the complex to lose their sense of proportion. Why stop there? tweets the Guardians Martin Kettle of the outline. Force EU nationals to wear yellow star and write European on their clothes, homes, businesses.

Labours reaction is cooler, which may be significant. The paper reports Diane Abbott, no enthusiast for lower immigration, as saying that the draft is not yet government policy  and not much more. Some in the party will be very nervous of frightening off voters in the more migration-sceptic Midlands and North, some of whom are recently returned from UKIP, or who are vulnerable to being peeled off by the Conservatives. Yvette Cooper, who chairs the Home Affairs Select Committee, says that the draft seems to contradict Amber Rudds recent request to the Migration Advisory Committee for evidence to inform the new policy.

Cooper has a point (although the document itself notes that it is a draft, not a blueprint). There are claims that the Home Secretary is unhappy with the draft from her own officials. This is apparently because it was drawn up not to meet her requirements, but those of Theresa May  and this difference has unhappy echoes of the Prime Ministers experience in her long and, to date, unsuccessful attempt to get net migration down. During her period as Home Secretary, she faced the combined opposition of the Treasury, the Business department and, up to a point, the Education department too as she struggled to squeeze the numbers. To lose the Home Office in her endeavours would be a blow to the Prime Minister, who would be left with little institutional support for them outside Downing Street. ConservativeHome was very dubious about the Migration Advisory Committee exercise when it was launched, pointing out that it should be informed by the views of all voters  and not just by those of businesses (or some of them).

Within government, the detail of the outline plan should be debatable, but its direction should not. The referendum gave a clear signal that migration from the EU should be reduced. May promised to act on it in her manifesto, and her party is in government. She needs the Home Office to continue to act as a counterweight to departments whose focus is short-term growth rather than longer-term requirements. Which means that she needs a Home Secretary who will ensure that it does so  and a Migration Advisory Committee report that ranges more widely that accounts of its original brief.
More expensive, and harder-to-find truck fuel could add to inflation

While gasoline prices have moderated since hitting their record high in June, the price of diesel fuel has stubbornly remained above $5 a gallon. AAAs daily fuel price survey puts the national average price at $5.30 a gallon, 43 cents a gallon more than a month ago.

Even people who drive electric cars should be paying attention. The higher cost of diesel fuel makes every truckload of groceries more expensive to deliver, costs that eventually will be reflected in higher ...
The Cruise Shipping in the Arctic Seminar, taking place on November 1 in Montreal, will discuss challenges revolving around the expedition cruise market and operations in polar waters.

The seminar is part of Arctic Shipping Forum North America, organized by KNect365 Maritime.

The event is the largest Arctic shipping conference in North America.

Among agenda items are assessing specific risks for passengers and cruise vessels, new regulatory framework around Greenland, planning exercises for Arctic cruises, and emergency response scenarios, along with various topics on operations in polar waters.

October 30 and 31 also feature a topical conference agenda, with operations, the new Polar Code, safety and ballast management items, among others.
MAN Cryo, MAN Diesel & Turbos marine-LNG fuel-gas-system manufacturer, has signed a contract with Swedish infrastructure company, Swedegas, to deliver an LNG bunkering facility within the Port of Gothenburg.

The new facility will enable vessels to bunker LNG from trucks or containers while simultaneously loading/unloading cargo at two jetties at the ports Energy Port, dispensing with the need to make a separate refuelling stop, according to a press release.

We are very happy to have won the contract to build this first such bunkering facility in the important Port of Gothenburg. Our strategy to offer LNG solutions to the marine market, both on board vessels as fuel-gas supply systems but also as bunkering infrastructure, dovetails perfectly with the general development towards cleaner ship propulsion, said Mikael Adler, Managing Director of MAN Diesel & Turbo, Sweden

The purpose-built facility will comprise of a discharge station for LNG trailers or containers, feeding pumps, vacuum-insulated piping and bunkering equipment to facilitate efficient operations. The installation will also satisfy the stricter sulphur directive for shipping and has been designated by the EU as one of the most prioritised infrastructure projects in Europe.

MAN Cryo will oversee the project under the terms of an EPC contract including engineering, procurement and construction, and managed from MAN Diesel & Turbos local Gothenburg office.

The facility is scheduled to open during 2018 and will be operated and managed by Swedegas in close cooperation with the Port of Gothenburg.
Lloyd Werft in Germany will soon play host to the Crystal Symphony, which will drydock for a major fall refurbishment.

Later this week, a team from the yard will board the ship in Lisbon to start preparations for the refurbishment as the ship sails to Northern Germany.

It will be the first job involving both Lloyd Werft and Crystal Cruises since both companies were bought by Genting Group, the yard said.

The Crystal Symphony is expected to arrive at the entrance to Lloyds giant Kaiserdock II on September 23.

The luxury cruise ship is expected to remain in Bremerhaven for the multi-million Euro refurbishment until October 16.

The interior refurbishment will be carried out directly by Crystal Cruises or its partner companies while Lloyd Werft will be responsible for the shipbuilding aspects and for all the logistical demands of the contract. As a result, not only a large part of the Lloyd Werft work force but also several hundred crew members and sub-contractors will be involved.

Along with regular ship maintenance work the vessel, which currently has a capacity of 922 passengers, will get two new restaurants.

The technical additions will include ship-wide WiFi and new flat screen TVs in every stateroom.

In the course of the refurbishment some smaller cabins on Deck 9 will be converted into luxury penthouse suites with butler service. A total of 40 of these new suites, of 34 to 45 square meters in size, will be created, reducing passenger capacity to 848.

After the refurbishment work has been completed, the ship will head back to Lisbon where she is scheduled to begin a 15-night cruise to the Mediterranean on October 21.
Sophisticated hackers stepped up a cyber espionage campaign targeting U.S. and European energy companies, giving the attackers the ability to potentially cause blackouts whenever they want.

The attackers, a group called Dragonfly, has been conducting cyber attacks on energy companies for years  since at least 2011. The group went quiet after being exposed in 2014. The Dragonfly 2.0 campaign first started in at least December 2015. But over the past year, using malicious email campaigns to harvest network credentials, the hackers managed to penetrate energy firms in the U.S., Switzerland and Turkey. According to a new report by Symantec, they now have the ability to severely disrupt affected operations.

Earlier Dragonfly campaigns are believed to have been more of an exploratory phase, but Symantec is concerned Dragonfly 2.0 campaigns could be aimed at access to operational systems, access that could be used for more disruptive purposes in the future. Put another way, The group now potentially has the ability to sabotage or gain control of these systems should it decide to do so.

In some cases in the U.S. and Turkey, the attackers burrowed deep enough to take screenshots of control panels. When it comes to the potential for sabotage, Symantec wrote:

The most concerning evidence of this is in their use of screen captures. In one particular instance, the attackers used a clear format for naming the screen capture files, [machine description and location].[organization name]. The string cntrl (control) is used in many of the machine descriptions, possibly indicating that these machines have access to operational systems.

Thats the final step before sabotage.

Symantec security analyst Eric Chien told Wired, Theres a difference between being a step away from conducting sabotage and actually being in a position to conduct sabotage ... being able to flip the switch on power generation. Were now talking about on-the-ground technical evidence this could happen in the U.S., and theres nothing left standing in the way except the motivation of some actor out in the world.

If these attacks are from a nation state, Chien added, one would expect sabotage only in relation to a political event.

Who is Dragonfly?

Symantec didnt go so far as to point the finger of blame at any specific nation-state hackers such as from Russia. It did, however, note that some code strings in the malware were in Russian and some were in French. The language clues could just as easily be false flags to send researchers in the wrong direction.

What is clear is that Dragonfly is a highly experienced threat actor, capable of compromising numerous organizations, stealing information, and gaining access to key systems, Symantec wrote. What it plans to do with all this intelligence has yet to become clear, but its capabilities do extend to materially disrupting targeted organizations should it choose to do so.

Researcher disagrees with Symantec's findings

Not all security researchers agree with Symantecs findings. For example, Robert M. Lee, founder of critical infrastructure security firm Dragos Inc, told Reuters the attacks were far from the level of being able to turn off the lights, so theres no alarmism needed.

According to Lee, the connection to Dragonfly is loose.
Delek US Holdings, Inc. engages in the integrated downstream energy business in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Refining, Logistics, and Retail. The Refining segment processes crude oil and other feedstock for the manufacture of various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, asphalt, and other petroleum-based products that are distributed through owned and third-party product terminal. It owns and operates four independent refineries located in Tyler, Texas; El Dorado, Arkansas; Big Spring, Texas; and Krotz Springs, Louisiana, as well as three biodiesel facilities in Crossett, Arkansas, Cleburne, Texas, and New Albany. The Logistics segment gathers, transports, and stores crude oil, intermediate, and refined products; and markets, distributes, transports, and stores refined products for third parties. It owns or leases capacity on approximately 400 miles of crude oil transportation pipelines, approximately 450 miles of refined product pipelines, an approximately 900-mile crude oil gathering system, and associated crude oil storage tanks with an aggregate of approximately 10.2 million barrels of active shell capacity; and owns and operates ten light product distribution terminals, as well as markets light products using third-party terminals. The Retail segment owns and leases 248 convenience store sites located primarily in West Texas and New Mexico. Its convenience stores offer various grades of gasoline and diesel under the DK or Alon brand; and food products and service, tobacco products, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and general merchandise, as well as money orders to the public primarily under the 7-Eleven and DK or Alon brand names. It serves oil companies, independent refiners and marketers, jobbers, distributors, utility and transportation companies, the U.S. government, and independent retail fuel operators. Delek US Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee.
Everest Re Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Bermuda, and internationally. The company operates through Reinsurance Operations and Insurance Operations segments. The Reinsurance Operations segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The Insurance Operations segment writes property and casualty insurance directly, as well as through brokers, surplus lines brokers, and general agents in Bermuda, Canada, Europe, South America, Canada, Chile, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The company also provides treaty and facultative reinsurance products; admitted and non-admitted insurance products; and property and casualty reinsurance and insurance coverages, including marine, aviation, surety, errors and omissions liability, directors' and officers' liability, medical malpractice, mortgage reinsurance, other specialty lines, accident and health, and workers' compensation products. In addition, it offers commercial property and casualty insurance products through wholesale and retail brokers, surplus lines brokers, and program administrators. Everest Re Group, Ltd. was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
The following companies are subsidiares of American International Group: AGC Life Insurance Company, AIG APAC HOLDINGS PTE. LTD., AIG Aerospace Insurance Services Inc., AIG Asia Pacific Insurance Pte. Ltd., AIG Asset Management (Europe) Limited, AIG Asset Management (U.S.) LLC, AIG Assurance Company, AIG Australia Limited, AIG Brazil Holding I LLC, AIG CIS Investments LLC, AIG Canada Holdings Inc., AIG Capital Corporation, AIG Capital Services Inc., AIG Claims Inc., AIG Credit Management LLC, AIG Egypt Insurance Company S.A.E., AIG Employee Services Inc., AIG Europe Holdings S.a.r.l, AIG Europe S.A., AIG Federal Savings Bank, AIG Financial Products Corp., AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd., AIG Global Asset Management Holdings Corp., AIG Global Operations Inc., AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp., AIG Global Reinsurance Operations, AIG Holdings Europe Limited, AIG Insurance (Thailand) Public Company Limited, AIG Insurance Company China Limited, AIG Insurance Company JSC, AIG Insurance Company of Canada, AIG Insurance Company-Puerto Rico, AIG Insurance Hong Kong Limited, AIG Insurance Management Services Inc., AIG Insurance New Zealand Limited, AIG International Holdings GmbH, AIG Investments UK Limited, AIG Israel Insurance Company Ltd, AIG Japan Holdings Kabushiki Kaisha, AIG Kenya Insurance Company Limited, AIG Korea Inc., AIG Latin America I.I., AIG Latin America Investments S.L., AIG Lebanon SAL, AIG Life Holdings Inc., AIG Life Limited, AIG Life South Africa Limited, AIG Life of Bermuda Ltd., AIG MEA Holdings Limited, AIG MEA Limited, AIG Malaysia Insurance Berhad, AIG Markets Inc., AIG Matched Funding Corp., AIG PC Global Services Inc., AIG Philippines Insurance Inc., AIG Property Casualty Company, AIG Property Casualty Inc., AIG Property Casualty International LLC, AIG Property Casualty U.S. Inc., AIG Re-Takaful (L) Berhad, AIG Resseguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Brasil S.A., AIG Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., AIG South Africa Limited, AIG Specialty Insurance Company, AIG Technologies Inc., AIG Travel Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., AIG Travel Assist Inc., AIG Travel Assist Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., AIG Travel EMEA Limited, AIG Travel Inc., AIG Uganda Limited, AIG Vietnam Insurance Company Limited, AIG WarrantyGuard Inc., AIG-FP Pinestead Holdings Corp., AIG-Metropolitana Cia. de Seguros y Reaseguros S.A., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund I GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE Europe Real Estate Fund II GP S.a r.l., AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund I GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund II GP LLC, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund III GP LP, AIGGRE U.S. Real Estate Fund IV GP LLC, AIU Insurance Company, AM Holdings LLC, Ageas Protect, AlphaCat Managers Ltd., American General Corporation, American General Life Insurance Company, American Home Assurance Co. Ltd., American Home Assurance Company, American International Group UK Limited, American International Realty LLC, American International Reinsurance Company Ltd., American International Underwriters del Ecuador-Holding S.A. en Liquidacion S.A., Arthur J. Glatfelter Agency Inc., Blackboard Insurance Company, Blackboard Specialty Insurance Company, Blackboard U.S. Holdings Inc., C.A. de Seguros American International, Commerce and Industry Insurance Company, Crop Risk Services Inc., Eaglestone Reinsurance Company, Ellipse, Franklin Life Insurance Company, Fuji Fire and Marine, Glatfelter Insurance Group, Glatfelter Underwriting Services Inc., Globe and Rutgers Insurance Group, Grand Isle SAC Limited, Granite State Insurance Company, Illinois National Insurance Co., Inversiones Segucasai C.A., Johannesburg Insurance Holdings (Proprietary) Limited, Laya Healthcare Limited, Lexington Insurance Company, Lexington Specialty Insurance Agency Inc., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh Pa., National Union Fire Insurance Company of Vermont, New Hampshire Insurance Company, PCG 2019 Corporate Member Limited, PT AIG Insurance Indonesia, Pine Street Real Estate Holdings Corp., Risk Specialists Companies Insurance Agency Inc., SAFG Capital LLC, SAFG Retirement Services Inc., Service Net Warranty LLC, Stratford Insurance Company, SunAmerica Asset Management LLC, Talbot Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Holdings Ltd., Talbot Underwriting Ltd., The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York, The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Travel Guard, Travel Guard Group Canada Inc./Groupe Garde Voyage du Canada Inc., Travel Guard Group Inc., Tudor Insurance Company, VALIC Financial Advisors Inc., Valic Retirement Services Company, Validus Holdings, Validus Holdings (UK) Ltd., Validus Holdings Ltd., Validus Reinsurance (Switzerland) Ltd, Validus Reinsurance Ltd., Validus Ventures Ltd., Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc., and Western World Insurance Company.

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The following companies are subsidiares of HP: 3Com, 3PAR, ABB CADE, AOME Holdings Ltd., Albacore Holdings Jersey Ltd, Alpha Holding One B.V., Alpha Holding Two B.V., Anatolus Holding B.V., Apogee, Apogee Corp, Apogee Corporation Ireland Limited, Apogee Corporation Jersey Limited, Apogee Corporation Limited, Apogee Europe Limited, Apogee France Holdings SAS, Apogee France SAS, Apogee Germany Holding UG, Apogee Group Limited, Apogee Rentals Limited, Apollo Computer, AppIQ, Applied Optoelectronic Tech, ArcSight, Arnon Holding B.V., Arteis, Artivision Technologies, Aruba Networks, Atos Origin, Atos Origin Middle East group, Autonomy Corporation, Avantek, BAS - Burosysteme GmbH, BT & D Technologies, Balreed Digitec Group Limited, Balreed Digitec North Limited, Balreed Digitec SE Limited, Balreed Digitec UK Limited, Bamberga Holding B.V., Bitfone Corporation, Bluestone Software, Boonton Radio, Bristol Technology Inc., Bromium, Bromium UK Limited, CEC Europe Service Management, CGNZ, CaLan, China HP Co. Ltd Hangzhou Branch, China HP Co. Ltd., China HP Co. Ltd. Chengdu Branch, China HP Co. Ltd. Guangzhou Branch, China HP Co. Ltd. Jiangan Branch, China HP Co. Ltd. Nanjing Branch, China HP Co. Ltd. Shanghai Branch, Choose Packaging, City Docs Limited, City Docs Solutions Limited, Colorado Memory Systems, Colubris Networks, Colubris Networks, Compaq Cayman Holdings Company, Compaq Cayman Holdings General Partnership II, Compaq Information Technologies, Compaq Information Technologies LLC, Computing and Printing Global Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Computing and Printing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Consera Software, ConteXtream Inc, Convex Computer, David Vision Systems GmbH, Dazzle, Digipro Limited, Division, EDS (Electronic Data Systems), EEsof, EYP Mission Critical Facilities, ElseWare, Eon Systems, Eucalyptus Systems, Eunomia Holding B.V., ExcellerateHRO, Exstream Software, Extreme Logic, F&M Scientific Corporation, F. Smith & Co Office Equipment Limited, F.L. Moseley Company, Flame Holding B.V., Fortify Software, Four Pi Systems, GNA Biosolutions GmbH, HP Austria GmbH, HP Belgium BV, HP Bilgisayar ve Baski Teknolojileri Limited Sirketi, HP Brasil Industria e Comercio de Equipamentos Eletronicos Ltda, HP Brasil Industria e Comercio de Equipamentos Eletronicos Ltda. - Branch 01 Tambore, HP Brasil Industria e Comercio de Equipamentos Eletronicos Ltda. - Branch 2 Sorocaba, HP Brasil Industria e Comercio de Equipamentos Eletronicos Ltda. - Branch 3 Porto Alegre, HP Canada Co. HP Canada Cie, HP Canada Licensing L.P., HP China Holding B.V., HP Chongqing Co. Ltd, HP Chongqing Manufacturing Export Procurement and Settlement Co. Ltd, HP Colombia SAS, HP Computing and Printing Middle East FZ-LLC, HP Computing and Printing Nigeria Ltd, HP Computing and Printing Systems India Private Limited, HP Computing and Printing d.o.o., HP Deutschland GmbH, HP Deutschland Holding GmbH, HP Europe B.V., HP Europe B.V. - Abu Dhabi Branch, HP Europe B.V. Regional Dubai Branch, HP Europe BV Amsterdam Meyrin Branch, HP Finland Oy, HP France Holding SAS, HP France SAS, HP Global Trading B.V., HP Global Trading B.V. Kazakhstan Branch, HP Health Solutions Inc., HP Health Solutions Spain Sociedad Limitada, HP Hewlett Packard Group LLC, HP Inc AP Hong Kong Limited, HP Inc Argentina S.R.L., HP Inc Bulgaria EOOD, HP Inc Chile Comercial Limitada, HP Inc Costa Rica Limitada, HP Inc Czech Republic s.r.o., HP Inc Danmark ApS, HP Inc Gulf, HP Inc Hong Kong Limited, HP Inc Magyarorszag Kft., HP Inc Peru S.R.L., HP Inc Polska sp. z o.o., HP Inc Romania SRL, HP Inc Slovakia s.r.o., HP Inc Thailand Ltd., HP Inc Tunisie SARL, HP Inc UK Limited, HP India Sales Private Limited, HP Indigo B.V., HP Indigo Ltd, HP Information Technology R&D Shanghai Co. Ltd, HP International Pte. Ltd., HP International Pte. Ltd. Taiwan Branch, HP International Sarl, HP International Trading B.V., HP International Trading B.V. Puerto Rico Branch LLC, HP Israel Ltd, HP Italy S.r.l., HP Jade Holding LLC, HP Japan Inc., HP KSA Ltd., HP Korea Inc., HP Licensing Holding LLC, HP Luxembourg S.C.A., HP Malaysia Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd., HP Nederland B.V., HP New Zealand, HP Norge AS, HP Onyx Holding L.P., HP PPS Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., HP PPS Australia Pty Ltd, HP PPS Costa Rica Limitada, HP PPS India Operations Private Limited, HP PPS Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., HP PPS Maroc, HP PPS Philippines Inc., HP PPS Sales Sdn. Bhd., HP PPS Services India Private Limited, HP PPS Singapore Sales Pte. Ltd., HP PPS Sverige AB, HP Pakistan Private Limited, HP Panama Sales and Distribution S. de R.L., HP Print Services Ireland Limited, HP Printing Korea Co. Ltd., HP Printing Shandong Co. Ltd., HP Printing and Computing Solutions S.L.U., HP Printing and Personal Systems Hellas EPE, HP Production Company Limited, HP Puerto Rico LLC, HP R&D Holding LLC, HP R&D Singapore Pte. Ltd., HP Schweiz GmbH, HP Scitex Ltd, HP Singapore Private Limited, HP Solutions Creation and Development Services S.L.U., HP South Africa Proprietary Limited, HP South Africa Trust, HP Taiwan Information Technology Ltd., HP Technology Holdings LLC, HP Technology Ireland Limited, HP Technology Israel Ltd, HP Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd, HP Technology Vietnam Company Ltd, HP Trading Kunshan Co. Ltd., HP Trading Shanghai Co. Ltd., HP Trading Shanghai Co. Ltd. Dalian Branch, HP Trading Shanghai Co. Ltd. Zhangjiang Branch, HP UK Development Limited, HP US Digital LLC, HP USA Manufacturing LLC, HPCP  Computing and Printing Portugal Unipessoal Lda., HPI Bermuda Holdings LLC, HPI Brazil Holdings LLC, HPI Federal LLC, HPI J1 Holdings LLC, HPI Luxembourg LLC, HPQ Holdings LLC, Heartstream, Hewlett-Packard A.O., Hewlett-Packard Angola Lda., Hewlett-Packard Company Archives LLC, Hewlett-Packard Copenhagen B.V., Hewlett-Packard Development Company L.P., Hewlett-Packard Enterprises LLC, Hewlett-Packard G.K., Hewlett-Packard Global Holdings B.V., Hewlett-Packard Global Investments B.V., Hewlett-Packard Industrial Printing Solutions Europe BV, Hewlett-Packard Ireland 1 Limited, Hewlett-Packard Ireland Holdings Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Japan Holding B.V., Hewlett-Packard Japan NK Holdings C.V., Hewlett-Packard KSA Ltd. Qatar Branch, Hewlett-Packard Lisbon B.V., Hewlett-Packard MENA FZ-LLC Libya Branch, Hewlett-Packard Mercator B.V., Hewlett-Packard Sunnyvale B.V., Hewlett-Packard West Indies Limited, Hewlett-Packard World Trade LLC, Hiflex Software, HyperX, IBRIX, IndiGo, Indigo America Inc., Iseo Holding B.V., Kale Holding B.V., Kale Holding B.V. Puerto Rico Branch LLC, Knightsbridge Solutions, Kopiervertrieb Rhein-Ruhr GmbH, Lefthand Networks, Limited Liability Company HP Inc, Logoworks, Lyra Holding B.V., MacDermid ColorSpan, ManageOne, Manzana Bidco Limited, Manzana Holdings Limited, Melodeo, Mercury Interactive, Metrix Network Systems, NUR Macroprinters, Neoware, Nihon HP Nin-I Kumiai, Novadigm, NuView ManageX, OOO Hewlett-Packard RUS, Office Perfection Limited, OneFlow Systems Limited, Opelin, Opelin, Open Skies, Opsware, Opsware, Optimization Systems, Optotech, OuterBay Technologies, OuterBay Technologies, PERSIST Technologies, PIXACO, PROLIN, PT Hewlett-Packard Indonesia, Palm, Palm, Peregrine Systems, Perigee Holdco UK Limited, Perigee Midco UK Limited, Perseus Holding B.V., PipeBeach, Poly, PolyServe, PrinterOn America Corporation, Printware Limited, Qosnetics, RLX Technologies, Regor Holding B.V., SPI Dynamics, Samsung Printing Solutions, Scitex, Scitex Vision, Scope Communications, Security Force Software, Shunra Software, Shunra Software, Silverwire Holding, Simpress Comercio Locacao e Servicos Ltda, Snapfish, StorageApps, Stratavia, Synstar, Tabblo, Talking Blocks, Tall Tree Insurance Company, Technology Partners, Telegra, Teradici Corporation, Teradici Inc., Teradici UK Limited, The Danwood Group Limited, The Technology Partners, Tower Software, Tower Software Engineering Pty Ltd, Transoft Networks, Trellis Software & Controls, Triaton, Trinagy, TruLogica, Trustgenix, VeriFone, Verifone, Versatest, Vertica Systems, Vital Technology Pte Ltd, Voltage Security, VoodooPC, Xact Document Solutions Limited, and Xera-Logic Group Limited.

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Dollar General Corporation, a discount retailer, provides various merchandise products in the southern, southwestern, Midwestern, and eastern United States. It offers consumable products, including paper and cleaning products, such as paper towels, bath tissues, paper dinnerware, trash and storage bags, disinfectants, and laundry products; packaged food comprising cereals, pasta, canned soups, fruits and vegetables, condiments, spices, sugar, and flour; and perishables that include milk, eggs, bread, refrigerated and frozen food, beer, and wine. The company's consumable products also comprise snacks, such as candies, cookies, crackers, salty snacks, and carbonated beverages; health and beauty products, including over-the-counter medicines and personal care products, such as soaps, body washes, shampoos, cosmetics, and dental hygiene and foot care products; pet supplies and pet food; and tobacco products. In addition, it offers seasonal products comprising holiday items, toys, batteries, small electronics, greeting cards, stationery, prepaid phones and accessories, gardening supplies, hardware, and automotive and home office supplies; and home products that include kitchen supplies, cookware, small appliances, light bulbs, storage containers, frames, candles, craft supplies and kitchen, and bed and bath soft goods. Further, the company provides apparel, which comprise casual everyday apparel for infants, toddlers, girls, boys, women, and men, as well as socks, underwear, disposable diapers, shoes, and accessories. As of February 25, 2022, it operated 18,190 stores in 47 states in the United States. The company was formerly known as J.L. Turner & Son, Inc. and changed its name to Dollar General Corporation in 1968. Dollar General Corporation was founded in 1939 and is based in Goodlettsville, Tennessee.
Manx Telecom plc provides a range of telecommunications services to consumers, businesses, and the public sector in the Isle of Man and internationally. It operates through five segments: Fixed Line, Broadband and Data; Mobile; Global Solutions; Data Centre; and Other. The Fixed Line, Broadband and Data segment offers fixed line, broadband, and connectivity services to approximately 37,000 homes and 4,000 businesses. It provides ADSL and VDSL, fixed line, and private circuit rental and connection services. The Mobile segment offers pre-paid and post-paid tariffs to various market segments; supports inbound roaming traffic; and sells mobile handsets, laptops, and accessories. It provides mobile calls, SMS, data, and mobile rental services. The Global Solutions segment offers wholesale SMS and voice, international traveler market, machine to machine, and signal mobile services, as well as mobile termination products, such as Chameleon. The Data Centre segment offers co-location, managed hosting, cloud, storage, disaster recovery, and business continuity services to corporate clients through three data centers. The Other segment provides phone book and business directory services; and operates MTTV, an online news channel, as well as manx.net portal. It also sells hardware equipment; and offers managed and interconnection services. The company was formerly known as Trafford Equityco Limited and changed its name to Manx Telecom plc in February 2014. Manx Telecom plc is headquartered in Braddan, the Isle of Man.
EMCOR Group, Inc. provides electrical and mechanical construction, and facilities services primarily in the United States and the United Kingdom. It offers design, integration, installation, starts-up, operation, and maintenance services related to electrical power transmission, distribution, and generation systems; energy solutions; premises electrical and lighting systems; process instrumentation in the refining, chemical processing, and food processing industries; low-voltage systems, such as fire alarm, security, and process control systems; voice and data communications systems; roadway and transit lighting, signaling, and fiber optic lines; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and geothermal solutions; clean-room process ventilation systems; fire protection and suppression systems; plumbing, process, and high-purity piping systems; controls and filtration systems; water and wastewater treatment systems; central plant heating and cooling systems; crane and rigging services; millwright services; and steel fabrication, erection, and welding services. The company also provides building services that cover commercial and government site-based operations and maintenance; facility management, maintenance, and services; outage services to utilities and industrial plants; military base operations support services; mobile mechanical maintenance and services; services for indoor air quality; floor care and janitorial services; landscaping, lot sweeping, and snow removal services; vendor management and call center services; installation and support for building systems; program development, management, and maintenance for energy systems; technical consulting and diagnostic services; infrastructure and building projects; small modification and retrofit projects; and other building services. It offers industrial services to oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. EMCOR Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut.
The following companies are subsidiares of LyondellBasell Industries: A. Schulman, A. Schulman 's-Gravendeel B.V., A. Schulman AG, A. Schulman Asia Limited, A. Schulman Belgium BVBA, A. Schulman Canada Ltd., A. Schulman Castellon S.L., A. Schulman Europe GmbH & Co. KG, A. Schulman Europe International B.V., A. Schulman Europe Verwaltungs GmbH, A. Schulman Gainsborough Ltd, A. Schulman GmbH, A. Schulman GmbH (Austrian Branch), A. Schulman Holding Company France S.A.S., A. Schulman Holdings (France) S.A.S., A. Schulman Holdings S.a.r.l., A. Schulman Inc., A. Schulman Inc. Limited, A. Schulman International Inc., A. Schulman International Services BVBA, A. Schulman Ireland Limited, A. Schulman Magyarorszag Kereskedelmi Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, A. Schulman Nordic AB, A. Schulman Plastics (Branch), A. Schulman Plastics (Dongguan) Ltd., A. Schulman Plastics (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., A. Schulman Plastics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., A. Schulman Plastics BVBA, A. Schulman Plastics India Private Limited, A. Schulman Plastics PTY. LTD., A. Schulman Plastics S.r.l., A. Schulman Plastics SAS, A. Schulman Plastics bvba Bornem Sucursala Cluj-Napoca, A. Schulman Plastics organizacni slozka, A. Schulman Plastk Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, A. Schulman Plasticos do Brasil Ltda., A. Schulman Polska Sp. z o.o., A. Schulman Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, A. Schulman S.A.S., A. Schulman S.a.r.l., A. Schulman Thermoplastic Compounds Limited, A. Schulman Thermoplastic Compounds Sdn Bhd, A. Schulman de Mexico S.A. de C.V., A. Schulman del Peru S.A.C., A.Schulman Poznan Sp. Z o.o., ARCO Chemical, AS Global Holdings Inc., AS Mex Hold S.A. de C.V., AS Worldwide LLC, AS Worldwide LLC & Cie S.C.S., ASI Akron Land Co., ASI Employment S.A. de C.V., ASI Investments Holding Co., Al Waha Petrochemical Company, BKV Beteiligungs- und Kunststoffverwertungs-gesellschaft mbH, BMC Deutschland GmbH, BMC Dongguan Limited, BMC Far East Limited, BMC TetraDURTurkey Plastik Hammadde Kompozit Uretim Sanayi ve Ticaret Limted Sirketi, Basell (Thailand) Holdings B.V., Basell Advanced Polyolefins (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Basell Advanced Polyolefins (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Basell Advanced Polyolefins (Thailand) Company Ltd., Basell Arabie Investissements SAS, Basell Asia Pacific Limited, Basell Bayreuth Chemie GmbH, Basell Benelux B.V., Basell Chemie Koln GmbH, Basell Europe Holdings B.V., Basell Germany Holdings GmbH, Basell Holdings Middle East GmbH, Basell Iberica Poliolefinas Holdings S.L., Basell International Holdings B.V., Basell International Trading FZE, Basell Italia S.r.l, Basell Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Basell Moyen Orient Investissements SAS, Basell North America Inc., Basell Orlen Polyolefins Sp. Z.o.o., Basell Orlen Polyolefins Sprzedaz Sp. Z.o.o., Basell Poliolefinas Comercial Espagnola S.L., Basell Poliolefinas Iberica S.L., Basell Poliolefinas Ltda., Basell Poliolefinas S. de R.L. de C.V., Basell Poliolefine Italia S.r.l., Basell Polyolefin Istanbul Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Basell Polyolefine GmbH, Basell Polyolefines France S.A.S., Basell Polyolefins Company BVBA, Basell Polyolefins India Private Limited, Basell Polyolefins Korea Ltd., Basell Polyolefins UK Limited, Basell Sales & Marketing Company B.V., Basell Service Company B.V., Basell Slovakia s.r.o., Basell Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Basell UK Holdings Limited, Basell UK Ltd., Brindisi Servizi Generali S.c.a.r.l., Bulk Molding Compounds Inc., Bulk Molding Compounds Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bulk Molding Compounds do Brasil Industria de Plasticos Reforcados Ltda., Citadel Brazil Holdings LLC, Citadel Intermediate Holdings LLC, Citadel Plastics Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Citadel Plastics Holdings Inc., Citadel Plastics Mexico Holdings LLC, Citadel Plastics Netherlands Holdings LLC, Compagnie Petrochimique de Berre SAS, Compagnie de Distribution des Hydrocarbures SAS, EMS Holding Ltd., EPS Ethylen-Pipeline-Sud Geschaftsfuhrungs GmbH, EPS Ethylen-Pipeline-Sud GmbH & Co. KG, Elian S.A.S., Equistar Bayport LLC, Equistar Chemicals LP, Equistar GP LLC, Equistar LP LLC, Equistar Mont Belvieu Corporation, GuangZhou Basell Advanced Polyolefins Co. Ltd., HGGC Citadel Plastics Holdings Inc., HGGC Citadel Plastics Intermediate Holdings Inc., HMC Polymers Company Limited, HPC Holdings LLC, Hadlock Plastics LLC, Houston Refining LP, I.F.M. S.c.a.r.l., ICO Europe C.V., ICO Holdings LLC, ICO Holdings New Zealand Limited, ICO Petrochemical Cayman Islands, ICO Polymers Cayman Islands, Indelpro S.A. de C.V., Infraserv GmbH & Co. Hochst KG, Inmobiliaria Satchmo S. de R.L. de C.V., Innovacion Y Desarrollo en Materiales Avanzados A.C., J.R. Courtenay (N.Z.) Limited, LPI Holding Company, LYB (Barbados) SRL, LYB Advanced Polymer Solutions Ireland Limited, LYB Americas Finance Company LLC, LYB Equistar Holdings LLC, LYB Export Holdings Limited, LYB Exports Inc., LYB Finance Company B.V., LYB International Finance B.V., LYB International Finance II B.V., LYB International Finance III LLC, LYB Ireland 2 Limited, LYB Ireland Limited, LYB La Porte Hyperzone LLC, LYB Luxembourg S.a r.l., LYB Matrixx Holdings Inc., LYB Receivables LLC, LYB Trading Company B.V., LYB Treasury Services Ltd., Limited Liability Company "LyondellBasell Polyolefins", Limited Liability Company A. Schulman, Lucent Polymers Inc., Lyondell Asia Holdings Limited, Lyondell Centennial Corp., Lyondell Chemical Company, Lyondell Chemical Europe Inc., Lyondell Chemical Overseas Services Inc., Lyondell Chemical Products Europe LLC, Lyondell Chemical Properties L.P., Lyondell Chemical Technology 1 Inc., Lyondell Chemical Technology L.P., Lyondell Chemical Technology Management Inc., Lyondell Chemie (PO-11) B.V., Lyondell Chemie (POSM) B.V., Lyondell Chemie Nederland B.V., Lyondell Chimie France SAS, Lyondell China Holdings Limited, Lyondell Greater China Holdings Limited, Lyondell Greater China Ltd., Lyondell Greater China Trading Limited, Lyondell Japan Inc., Lyondell PO-11 C.V., Lyondell POJVGP LLC, Lyondell POJVLP LLC, Lyondell POTechGP Inc., Lyondell POTechLP Inc., Lyondell Refining Company LLC, Lyondell Refining I LLC, Lyondell South Asia Pte Ltd, LyondellBasell Acetyls Holdco LLC, LyondellBasell Acetyls LLC, LyondellBasell Advanced Polyolefins Mexico S.A. de C.V., LyondellBasell Australia (Holdings) Pty Ltd, LyondellBasell Australia Pty Ltd, LyondellBasell Brasil Ltda., LyondellBasell Canada Inc., LyondellBasell Central Europe Kft., LyondellBasell China Holdings B.V., LyondellBasell Circular Economy B.V., LyondellBasell Covestro Manufacturing Maasvlakte V.O.F., LyondellBasell Egypt LLC, LyondellBasell F&F Holdco LLC, LyondellBasell Finance Company, LyondellBasell Holdings France SAS, LyondellBasell Hungary Kft, LyondellBasell Industries Holdings B.V., LyondellBasell Industries N.V., LyondellBasell Investment LLC, LyondellBasell Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., LyondellBasell Polyolefin (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., LyondellBasell Services France S.A.S., LyondellBasell Subholdings B.V., LyondellBasell Taiwan Co. Ltd., LyondellBasell Transportation Company LLC, Millennium Chemicals, Natpet Schulman Specialty Plastic Compounds, Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Co. Ltd., Ningbo ZRCC Lyondell Chemical Marketing Co. Ltd., OE Insurance Ltd, Oil Casualty Insurance Ltd., Oil Insurance Limited, PD Glycol LP, PO JV LP, PO Offtake LP, POSM II Limited Partnership L.P., POSM II Properties Partnership LLC, PT A.Schulman Plastics, PT ASchulman Plastics Commercial, PTT Chemical PCL, Poly Pacific Polymers Sdn. Bhd., Poly Pacific Pty. Ltd., PolyMirae Co. Ltd., Premix Holding Company, Premix Inc., Prime Colorants Inc., QCP B.V., QCP Holding B.V., QCP IP B.V., Quantum Composites Inc., RIGK GmbH Gesellschaft zur Ruckfuhrung industrieller and gewerblicher Kunstoffverpackungen mbH, Rayong Olefins Co. Ltd., Rexene - LDPE and PP Businesses, SCG ICO Polymers Company Limited, SJS Plastiblends, San Jacinto Rail Limited, Saudi Ethylene & Polyethylene Company, Saudi Polyolefins Company, Sociedad Espanola De Materiales Plasticos Semap S.A., Societe des Stockages Petroliers du Rhone SA, Solvay Engineered Polymers, Surplast S.A., TRV Thermische Ruckstandsverwertung GmbH & Co. KG, TRV Thermische Ruckstandsverwertung Verwaltungs-GmbH, Technology JV LP, The Matrixx Group Incorporated, ULSAN PP Co. Ltd., YNCORIS GmbH & Co. KG, Zylog Plastalloys, and tetra-DUR Kunststoff-Produktion GmbH.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Caterpillar: Advanced Tri-Gen Power Systems LLC, Anchor Coupling Inc., Asia Power Systems (Tianjin) Ltd., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd., Banco Caterpillar S.A., Berg Propulsion International Pte Ltd., Bucyrus, Bucyrus Australia Surface Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Holdings Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Limited, Bucyrus International (Chile) Limitada, Bucyrus International (Peru) S.A., Bucyrus Mining Australia Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Mining China LLC, Bucyrus UK Limited, Cat Rental Kyushu LLC, Caterpillar (Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar (China) Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Machinery Components Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (HK) Limited, Caterpillar (Huainan) Machinery Service Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Langfang) Mining Equipment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Luxembourg) Investment Co. S.a r.l., Caterpillar (NI) Limited, Caterpillar (Newberry) LLC, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Logistics Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar (U.K.) Limited, Caterpillar (Wujiang) Ltd., Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Zhengzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar Acquisition Holding Corp., Caterpillar Americas C.V., Caterpillar Americas Co., Caterpillar Americas Funding Inc., Caterpillar Americas Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Asia Limited, Caterpillar Asia Pacific L.P., Caterpillar Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Asset Intelligence LLC, Caterpillar Belgium S.A., Caterpillar Brasil Comercio de Maquinas e Pecas Ltda., Caterpillar Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Brazil LLC, Caterpillar Castings Kiel GmbH, Caterpillar Centro de Formacion S.L., Caterpillar China Limited, Caterpillar Commercial Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Commercial LLC, Caterpillar Commercial Northern Europe Limited, Caterpillar Commercial S.A., Caterpillar Commercial S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Commercial Services S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Communications LLC, Caterpillar Corporativo Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Cote DIvoire, Caterpillar Credito S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., Caterpillar DC Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Digital Services & Solutions SARL, Caterpillar Distribution International LLC, Caterpillar Distribution Services Europe B.V.B.A., Caterpillar East Real Estate Holding Ltd., Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH, Caterpillar Energy Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions S.A., Caterpillar Energy System Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Engine Systems Inc., Caterpillar Equipos Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Eurasia LLC, Caterpillar FS (QFC) LLC, Caterpillar Finance France S.A., Caterpillar Finance Kabushiki Kaisha, Caterpillar Financial Acquisition Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Aftermarket Solutions Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Australia Leasing Pty Limited, Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited, Caterpillar Financial Commercial Account Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Corporacion Financiera S.A. E.F.C., Caterpillar Financial Dealer Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Funding Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Caterpillar Financial Leasing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial New Zealand Limited, Caterpillar Financial Nordic Services AB, Caterpillar Financial Nova Scotia Corporation, Caterpillar Financial OOO, Caterpillar Financial Receivables Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Renting S.A., Caterpillar Financial SARL, Caterpillar Financial Services (Dubai) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services (Ireland) plc, Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Argentina S.A., Caterpillar Financial Services Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Financial Services CR s.r.o., Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Services GmbH, Caterpillar Financial Services India Private Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Leasing ULC, Caterpillar Financial Services Limited Les Services Financiers Caterpillar Limitee, Caterpillar Financial Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Caterpillar Financial Services Netherlands B.V., Caterpillar Financial Services Norway AS, Caterpillar Financial Services Philippines Inc., Caterpillar Financial Services Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, Caterpillar Financial UK Acquisition Funding Partners, Caterpillar Financial Ukraine LLC, Caterpillar Fluid Systems S.r.l., Caterpillar Fomento Comercial Ltda., Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., Caterpillar France S.A.S., Caterpillar GB L.L.C., Caterpillar Global Investments S.a r.l., Caterpillar Global Mining America LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Equipamentos De Mineracao do Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Expanded Products Pty Ltd, Caterpillar Global Mining Germany Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong AFC Manufacturing Holding Co. Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Global Mining SARL, Caterpillar Global Mining U.S. Parts LLC, Caterpillar Global Services LLC, Caterpillar Group Services S.A., Caterpillar Holding (France) S.A.S., Caterpillar Holding Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Holdings Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Hungary Components Manufacturing Ltd., Caterpillar Hydraulics Italia S.r.l., Caterpillar IPX LLC, Caterpillar IRB LLC, Caterpillar Impact Products Limited, Caterpillar India Private Limited, Caterpillar Industrial Inc., Caterpillar Industrias Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Industries (Pty) Ltd, Caterpillar Insurance Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Insurance Company, Caterpillar Insurance Holdings Inc., Caterpillar Insurance Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Finance Designated Activity Company, Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg I S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg II S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Product SARL, Caterpillar International Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Services del Peru S.A., Caterpillar Investment Limited, Caterpillar Investment One SARL, Caterpillar Investment Two SARL, Caterpillar Investments, Caterpillar Japan LLC, Caterpillar Latin America Services S.R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Panama S. de R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Servicios de Chile Limitada, Caterpillar Latin America Support Services S. DE R.L., Caterpillar Leasing (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar Leasing Chile S.A., Caterpillar Leasing GmbH (Leipzig), Caterpillar Leasing Operativo Limitada, Caterpillar Life Insurance Company, Caterpillar Logistics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Logistics (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Logistics Inc., Caterpillar Logistics ML Services France S.A.S., Caterpillar Logistics Services China Limited, Caterpillar Luxembourg Group S.ar.l., Caterpillar Luxembourg LLC, Caterpillar Luxembourg S.a r.l., Caterpillar Machinery Nantong Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence, Caterpillar Marine Power UK Limited, Caterpillar Marine Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Maroc SARL, Caterpillar Materiels Routiers SAS, Caterpillar Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Mexico S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Mining Canada ULC, Caterpillar Mining Chile Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Motoren (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, Caterpillar Motoren Henstedt-Ulzburg GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Rostock GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Verwaltungs-GmbH, Caterpillar Netherlands Holding B.V., Caterpillar North America C.V., Caterpillar Operator Training Ltd., Caterpillar Overseas Credit Corporation SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Investment Holding SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Limited, Caterpillar Overseas SARL, Caterpillar Panama Services S.A., Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Paving Products Xuzhou Ltd., Caterpillar Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Power Generation Systems (Bangladesh) Limited, Caterpillar Power Generation Systems L.L.C., Caterpillar Power Systems Inc., Caterpillar Power Ventures International Ltd., Caterpillar Precision Seals Korea, Caterpillar Prodotti Stradali S.r.l., Caterpillar Product Services Corporation, Caterpillar Propulsion AB, Caterpillar Propulsion International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Italy S.R.L., Caterpillar Propulsion Namibia (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar Propulsion Production AB, Caterpillar Propulsion Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Singapore Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar R&D Center (China) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe LLC, Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe Servicios S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Drivetrain LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Renting France S.A.S., Caterpillar Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar SARL, Caterpillar Services Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Servizi Italia Srl, Caterpillar Shrewsbury Limited, Caterpillar Skinningrove Limited, Caterpillar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Caterpillar Special Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Switchgear Americas LLC, Caterpillar Switchgear Holding Inc., Caterpillar Tianjin Ltd., Caterpillar Torreon S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Tosno L.L.C., Caterpillar Transmissions France S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Tunneling Canada Holdings Ltd., Caterpillar Tunnelling Canada Corporation, Caterpillar Tunnelling Europe Limited, Caterpillar UK Employee Trust Limited, Caterpillar UK Engines Company Limited, Caterpillar UK Group Limited, Caterpillar UK Holdings Limited, Caterpillar Undercarriage (Xuzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Used Equipment Services Inc., Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., Caterpillar Work Tools B.V., Caterpillar Work Tools Inc., Caterpillar World Trading Corporation, Caterpillar Xuzhou, Caterpillar of Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar of Canada Corporation, Caterpillar of Delaware Inc., Centre de Distribution de Wallonie SPRL, CleanAir Systems, Downer Freight Rail, ECM Railway Evolution Romania s.r.l., ECM S.p.A., EDC European Excavator Design Center GmbH, EMC Holding Corp., EMD International Holdings Inc., ERA Information & Entertainment (BVI) Limited, ERA Mining Machinery Limited, Electro-Motive Diesel Limited, Electro-Motive Locomotive Technologies LLC, Electro-Motive Technical Consulting Co. (Beijing) Ltd., Energy Services International Limited, Equipos de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Eurenov S.A.S., F. G. Wilson (Proprietary) Limited, F. Perkins Limited, FG Wilson (Engineering) Limited, GB Holdco (China) Inc., GFCM Comercial Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., GFCM Servicios S.A. de C.V., Gremada Industries - Assets, Hong Kong Siwei Holdings Limited, Inmobiliaria Conek S.A. de C.V., JCS Co., Kemper Valve & Fittings Corp., Leo Inc., Locomotive Demand Power Pty Ltd., Locomotoras Progress Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Lovat, M2M Data Corporation, MGE Equipamentos & Servicos Ferroviarios, MWM, MWM Austria GmbH, MWM Benelux B.V., MWM Energy Australia Pty Ltd, MWM France S.A.S, MWM Real Estate GmbH, MaK Americas Inc., MaK Americas Inc. (Canada), Magnum Power Products LLC, Marble, Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH, Mec-Track S.r.l., Metalmark Financial Services Limited, Motoren Steffens GmbH, Nippon Caterpillar LLC, P. T. Solar Services Indonesia, PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, PT. Bucyrus Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia Batam, PT. Caterpillar Remanufacturing Indonesia, Perkins Engines, Perkins Engines (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Perkins Engines Group Limited, Perkins Engines Inc., Perkins Group Limited, Perkins Holdings Limited LLC, Perkins India Private Limited, Perkins International Inc., Perkins Japan LLC, Perkins Limited, Perkins Machinery (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Perkins Motores do Brasil Ltda., Perkins Power Systems Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines LLC, Perkins Small Engines Limited, Perkins Technology Inc., Progress Metal Reclamation Company, Progress Rail Arabia Limited Company, Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd, Progress Rail Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Equipamentos e Servicos Ferroviarios do Brasil Ltda., Progress Rail Equipment Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Holdings Inc., Progress Rail Innovations Private Limited, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems GmbH, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems S.r.l., Progress Rail International Corp., Progress Rail Leasing Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Progress Rail Locomotivas (do Brasil) Ltda., Progress Rail Locomotive Canada Co., Progress Rail Locomotive Chile SpA, Progress Rail Locomotive Inc., Progress Rail Maintenance de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Progress Rail Manufacturing Corporation, Progress Rail Raceland Corporation, Progress Rail Rocklin Corporation, Progress Rail SA Proprietary Limited, Progress Rail Services Corporation, Progress Rail Services Holdings Corp., Progress Rail Services LLC, Progress Rail Services UK Limited, Progress Rail Switching Services LLC, Progress Rail Transcanada Corporation, Progress Rail Welding Corporation, Progress Rail Wildwood LLC, Progress Rail de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pyroban Group, Pyroban Group, Pyrrha Investments B.V., Pyrrha Investments Limited, S&L Railroad LLC, SCM Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., SPL Software Alliance LLC, Sabre Engines, Servicios de Turbinas Solar S. de R.L. de C.V., Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines (Beijing) Trading Services Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines (Thailand) Ltd., Solar Turbines CIS Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Canada Ltd./Ltee., Solar Turbines Central Asia Limited Liability Partnership, Solar Turbines EAME s.r.o., Solar Turbines Egypt Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Europe S.A., Solar Turbines India Private Limited, Solar Turbines International Company, Solar Turbines Italy S.R.L., Solar Turbines Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solar Turbines Middle East Limited, Solar Turbines New Zealand Limited, Solar Turbines Saudi Arabia Limited, Solar Turbines Services Company, Solar Turbines Services Nigeria Limited, Solar Turbines Services of Argentina S.R.L., Solar Turbines Switzerland Sagl, Solar Turbines Trinidad & Tobago Limited, Solar Turbines West-Africa SARL, Tangshan DBT Machinery Co. Ltd., Tecnologia Modificada S.A. de C.V., Towmotor Corporation, Traction & Mining Motor Repairs Pty Ltd, Turbinas Solar S.A. de C.V., Turbinas Solar de Colombia S.A., Turbinas Solar de Venezuela C.A., Turbo Tecnologia de Reparaciones S.A. de C.V., Turbomach, Turbomach Endustriyel Gaz Turbinleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited, Turbomach France SARL, Turbomach GmbH, Turbomach Netherlands B.V., Turbomach Pakistan (Private) Limited, Turbomach S.A. Unipersonal, Turbomach Sp. Z o.o., Turner Powertrain Systems Limited, UK Hose Assembly Limited, Underground Imaging Technologies Inc, United Industries LLC, VALA Inc., Vasky Energy Ltd., Wealdstone Engineering, Weir - Oil & Gas Division, West Virginia Auto Shredding Inc., Western Gear Machinery LLC, Wetland Sustainability Fund I LLC, Williams Technologies, Yard Club, Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Sales Co. Ltd., and okyo Rental Ltd..

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ALLETE, Inc. operates as an energy company. The company operates through Regulated Operations, ALLETE Clean Energy, and Corporate and Other segments. It generates electricity from coal-fired, biomass co-fired / natural gas, hydroelectric, wind, and solar. The company provides regulated utility electric services in northwestern Wisconsin to approximately 15,000 electric customers, 13,000 natural gas customers, and 10,000 water customers, as well as regulated utility electric services in northeastern Minnesota to approximately 145,000 retail customers and 15 non-affiliated municipal customers. It also owns and maintains electric transmission assets in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. In addition, the company focuses on developing, acquiring, and operating clean and renewable energy projects; and owns and operates approximately 1,000 megawatts of wind energy generation facility. Further, it is involved in the coal mining operations in North Dakota; and real estate investment activities in Florida. The company owns and operates 158 substations with a total capacity of 10,066 megavolt amperes. It serves taconite mining, paper, pulp and secondary wood products, pipeline, and other industries. The company was formerly known as Minnesota Power, Inc. and changed its name to ALLETE, Inc. in May 2001. ALLETE, Inc. was incorporated in 1906 and is headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota.
Associated Banc-Corp, a bank holding company, provides various banking and nonbanking products to individuals and businesses in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. The company operates through three segments: Corporate and Commercial Specialty; Community, Consumer, and Business; and Risk Management and Shared Services. Its Corporate and Commercial Specialty segment offers lending solutions, including commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate financing, construction loans, letters of credit, leasing, asset based lending, and loan syndications; deposit and cash management solutions, such as commercial checking and interest-bearing deposit products, cash vault and night depository services, liquidity solutions, payables and receivables solutions, and information services; specialized financial services such as interest rate risk management, foreign exchange solutions, and commodity hedging; fiduciary services such as administration of pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit plans, fiduciary and corporate agency services, and institutional asset management; and investable funds solutions such as savings, money market deposit accounts, IRA accounts, CDs, fixed and variable annuities, full-service, discount and online investment brokerage; investment advisory services; and trust and investment management accounts. The company's Community, Consumer, and Business segment offers lending solutions, such as residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, personal and installment loans, auto loans, business loans, and business lines of credit; and deposit and transactional solutions such as checking, credit, debit and pre-paid cards, online banking and bill pay; and money transfer services. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 215 banking branches. Associated Banc-Corp was founded in 1861 and is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
Avangrid, Inc., an energy services holding company, engages in the regulated energy transmission and distribution, and renewable energy generation businesses in the United States. The company operates through Networks and Renewables segments. It is involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity; and distribution, transportation, and sale of natural gas. The company also operates renewable energy generation facilities primarily using onshore wind power, as well as solar, biomass, and thermal power. It delivers natural gas and electricity to residential, commercial, and institutional customers through its regulated utilities in New York, Maine, Connecticut, and Massachusetts; and sells its output to investor-owned utilities, public utilities, and other credit-worthy entities. In addition, the company generates and provides power and other services to federal and state agencies, as well as institutional retail and joint action agencies; and delivers thermal output to wholesale customers in the Western United States. It owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving 3.3 million customers in New York and New England, as well as owns and operates 8.8 gigawatts of electricity capacity primarily through wind power in 22 states. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in Orange, Connecticut. Avangrid, Inc. is a subsidiary of Iberdrola, S.A.
Citigroup Inc. is one of the worlds largest financial institutions. It is the 13th largest bank globally by assets and 8th by market cap with operations in consumer and institutional banking. In the US, Citigroup is the 3rd largest bank by assets and one of the Big Four deemed systemically important and too big to fail.

Citigroup Inc. was founded in 1812 as the City Bank of New York. The bank was run by Samuel Osgood who led the company with success for many years, even throughout the War of 1812. The bank was later renamed the National City Bank of New York in 1865 and by 1895 is the largest bank in the US. In 1913 it was the first contributor to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a few years later it began to expand into overseas territories.

The bank became the First National City Bank of New York after another merger in 1955 and then later, the New York part was dropped off as part of the 150th-anniversary celebration. By 1974 the company is known as Citicorp which is still the operational branch of the business and a global banking powerhouse. A merger with Travelers insurance group in 1998 resulted in the name Citigroup but the joint venture did not last. By 2002 Travelers was publicly traded once again but Citigroup retained the new name.

Today, the company is headquartered in New York, New York but boasts more than 200 million customer accounts in 160 countries worldwide. As of mid-2022, it operated 2,649 branches in the United States, Mexico, and Asia. The company reports nearly 725 branches in the US and 1499 in Mexico with the rest scattered throughout its territory. Total annual revenue topped $75 billion in 2022.

Citigroup is a diversified financial services holding company that owns Citicorp among other assets. The companys mission is to serve as a trusted partner providing responsible financial solutions to its clients. Citigroup provides financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions. The company operates in two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG).

The GCB segment offers traditional banking services including deposit and saving accounts, credit cards, personal loans, home loans, and investment services. This segment operates through local branches and digital means. The ICG segment offers wholesale banking products and services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients.
Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells. The company operates through five segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software. The company also offers REVit, an automated real time stick-slip mitigation system; ROCKit, a directional steering control system; SmartNAV, a collaborative guidance and advisory platform; SmartSLIDE, an advanced directional steering control system; and RigCLOUD, which provides the tools and infrastructure to integrate applications to deliver real-time insight into operations across the rig fleet. In addition, it manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and other drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools; and provides aftermarket sales and services for the installed base of its equipment. As of December 31, 2021, the company marketed approximately 301 rigs for land-based drilling operations in the United States, Canada, and in 20 other countries worldwide; and 29 rigs for offshore platform drilling operations in the United States and internationally. Nabors Industries Ltd. was founded in 1952 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Robert Half International Inc. provides staffing and risk consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Temporary and Consultant Staffing, Permanent Placement Staffing, and Risk Consulting and Internal Audit Services. It places temporary services for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping; temporary and full-time office and administrative personnel consisting of executive and administrative assistants, receptionists, and customer service representatives; full-time accounting, financial, tax, and accounting operations personnel; and information technology contract professionals and full-time employees in the areas of platform systems integration to end-user technical and desktop support, including specialists in application development, networking and cloud, systems integration and deployment, database design and administration, and security and business continuity. The company also offers temporary and full-time employees in attorney, paralegal, legal administrative, and legal secretarial positions; and senior-level project professionals in the accounting and finance fields for financial systems conversions, expansion into new markets, business process re-engineering, business systems performance improvement, and post-merger financial consolidation. It is involved in serving professionals in the areas of creative, design, marketing, advertising, and public relations; and placing various positions, such as creative directors, graphics designers, web designers, media buyers, front end developers, copywriters, digital marketing managers, marketing analytics specialists, brand managers, and public relations specialists. The company provides internal audit, technology consulting, risk and compliance consulting, and business performance services. It serves clients and employment candidates. Robert Half International Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
SunTrust Banks, Inc. operates as the holding company for SunTrust Bank that provides various financial services for consumers, businesses, corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit entities in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Wholesale. The Consumer segment provides deposits and payments; home equity and personal credit lines; auto, student, and other lending products; credit cards; discount/online and full-service brokerage products; professional investment advisory products and services; and trust services, as well as family office solutions. This segment also offers residential mortgage products in the secondary market. The Wholesale segment provides capital markets solutions, including advisory, capital raising, and financial risk management; asset-based financing solutions, such as securitizations, asset-based lending, equipment financing, and structured real estate arrangements; cash management services and auto dealer financing solutions; investment banking solutions; and credit and deposit, fee-based product offering, multi-family agency lending, advisory, commercial mortgage brokerage, and tailored financing and equity investment solutions. This segment also offers treasury and payment solutions, such as operating various electronic and paper payment types, which comprise card, wire transfer, automated clearing house, check, and cash; and provides services clients to manage their accounts online. The company offers its products and services through a network of traditional and in-store branches, automated teller machines, Internet, mobile, and telephone banking channels. As of December 31, 2018, it operated 1,218 full-service banking offices located in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina, and the District of Columbia. SunTrust Banks, Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Teleflex Incorporated designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies single-use medical devices for common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in critical care and surgical applications worldwide. It provides vascular access products that comprise Arrow branded catheters, catheter navigation and tip positioning systems, and intraosseous access systems for the administration of intravenous therapies, the measurement of blood pressure, and the withdrawal of blood samples through a single puncture site. The company also offers interventional products, which consists of various coronary catheters, structural heart therapies, and peripheral intervention and cardiac assist products that are used by interventional cardiologists and radiologists, and vascular surgeons; and Arrow branded catheters, Guideline and Trapliner catheters, the Manta Vascular Closure, and Arrow Oncontrol devices. It provides anesthesia products, such as airway and pain management products to support hospital, emergency medicine, and military channels; and surgical products, including metal and polymer ligation clips, and fascial closure surgical systems that are used in laparoscopic surgical procedures, percutaneous surgical systems, and other surgical instruments. The company also offers interventional urology products comprising the UroLift System, an invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia; and respiratory products, including oxygen and aerosol therapies, spirometry, and ventilation management products for use in various care settings. It provides urology products, such as catheters, urine collectors, and catheterization accessories and products for operative endourology; and bladder management services. The company serves hospitals and healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, and home care markets. The company was incorporated in 1943 and is headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Telefonica, S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services in Europe and Latin America. The company's mobile and related services and products comprise mobile voice, value added, mobile data and Internet, wholesale, corporate, roaming, fixed wireless, and trunking and paging services. Its fixed telecommunication services include PSTN lines; ISDN accesses; public telephone services; local, domestic, and international long-distance and fixed-to-mobile communications; corporate communications; supplementary value-added services; video telephony; intelligent network; and telephony information services, as well as leases and sells handset equipment. The company also provides Internet and broadband multimedia services comprising Internet service provider, portal and network, retail and wholesale broadband access, narrowband switched access, high-speed Internet through fibre to the home, and voice over Internet protocol services. In addition, it offers leased line, virtual private network, fibre optics, web hosting and application, outsourcing and consultancy, desktop, and system integration and professional services. Further, the company offers wholesale services for telecommunication operators, including domestic interconnection and international wholesale services; leased lines for other operators; and local loop leasing services, as well as bit stream services, wholesale line rental accesses, and leased ducts for other operators' fiber deployment. Additionally, it provides video/TV services; smart connectivity and services, and consumer IoT products; financial and other payment, security, cloud computing, advertising, big data, and digital telco experience services; virtual assistants; digital home platforms; and Movistar Home devices. It also offers online telemedicine, home insurance, music streaming, and consumer loan services. The company was incorporated in 1924 and is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
Validus Holdings, Ltd. provides reinsurance coverage, insurance coverage, and insurance linked securities management services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Reinsurance, Insurance, and Asset Management. The Reinsurance segment underwrites property reinsurance products on a catastrophe excess of loss, per risk excess of loss and proportional basis; and aerospace and aviation, agriculture, composite, marine, technical lines, terrorism, trade credit, workers' compensation, and other specialty lines, as well as casualty and financial lines. The Insurance segment underwrites property, accident and health, agriculture, aviation, contingency, marine, and political lines insurance products; bankers blanket bond, commercial crime, computer crime, cyber- crime, professional indemnity, and directors' and officers' insurance products for various financial institutions and other companies; and commercial and institutional risks comprising general, professional, and product liability, as well as miscellaneous malpractice insurance products. This segment also underwrites marine and energy liability, and political risk insurance products, as well as insurance products for repair, maintenance, and upkeep of aircrafts and premises for small companies. The Asset Management segment manages capital for third parties through insurance-linked securities, and other property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance investments. Validus Holdings, Ltd. was founded in 2005 and is based in Pembroke, Bermuda.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) jointly unveiled recently a unified brand, Passion Made Possible, to market Singapore internationally for tourism and business purposes. The agencies first joint brand is a bold move to put forth Singapores unique attitude and mindset: a passionate, never-settling spirit of determination and enterprise that constantly pursues possibilities and reinvention.

In the last 50 years, Singapore has built a strong reputation as a global business and tourism hub, recognised for its quality infrastructure, safety, stability, connectedness and accessibility. However, global competition to attract tourists and investments has intensified, and the media landscape has become more crowded and complex. Visitors have become more discerning in their travel choices, seeking to immerse themselves in cultures and build deeper connections with destinations, while international businesses want to create new solutions that make a difference. The unified brand thus aims to communicate the countrys value proposition in addressing the needs of travellers and companies, and help Singapore stand out on the international stage.

Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Lionel Yeo introduces Passion Made Possible

With Passion Made Possible, STB is presenting a brand that can tell a fuller Singapore story beyond just tourism. This brand articulates what we stand for as a country and supports the telling of many stories about this destination and its people. It will allow us to build a deeper and more personal connection between Singapore and our fans and friends, even when they are not actively thinking about travel. This brand is in line with Quality Tourism as it will appeal to the more sophisticated tourists who are seeking more aspirational value propositions in their travel said Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive of STB.

Dr. Beh Swan Gin, Chairman of EDB, added, Singapore is making the shift from being primarily an investment-driven economy to one that will be led by innovation. In particular, local and international companies are seeking to create new products, services and solutions that will have a stronger impact in Asia. It is timely to send a strong and clear signal that companies can do this successfully from Singapore and turn possibilities into reality. Singapore and Singaporeans are where we are today because we pushed the limits of whats possible, and did not allow constraints to hold us back.

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(From L-R) STB CE Lionel Yeo, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran, STB Chairman Chaly Mah, EDB Chairman Dr Beh Swan Gin unveil Passion Made Possible

Singapore is Passion Made Possible

In developing the new brand, STB and EDB had embarked on qualitative and quantitative research with close to 4,500 respondents on what Singapore stands for, reaching out to residents, industry stakeholders, and international audiences in Singapore and across 10 countries1. Respondents shared that the themes of passion and possibilities best reflected the Singapore spirit: While possibilities was strongly associated with Singapore as a destination, the passion to strive was what drove these possibilities.

Passion Made Possible was thus derived to capture the nations spirit in a way that builds affinity, affiliation and top-of-mind recall for choosing Singapore as a destination to visit and invest in. With the themes of passion and possibilities entrenched in Singapores history and imbued in the nations psyche, and told through stories of the people, Passion Made Possible is the embodiment of the countrys track record and tenacity to fulfil passions and continually create new possibilities.

(From L-R) Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran and exhibitor Noreen Loh at the Passion Made Possible launch event.

A Unified Brand to Present Singapore to the World

With a different approach from previous brands of STBs YourSingapore and EDBs Future Ready Singapore, Passion Made Possible presents Singapores attributes beyond tourism and business. This will provide the opportunity and platform for Singaporeans and residents to showcase their enterprising and persevering spirit to the world, and serve as a unifying brand for Singapore on the international front.

The Passion Made Possible Global Campaign

Following its debut, Passion Made Possible will be unveiled worldwide in various cities throughout Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States of America through consumer launches, trade events, industry partnerships, and global marketing campaigns featuring campaign films and visuals to bring to life how Singapore is Passion Made Possible.

(From L-R) Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran and Brand Personalities Fandi Ahmad and Nathan Hartono at the Passion Made Possible launch event

For the Philippines, a Singapore Travel Showcase will be held in Manila at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall from September 15  17. The showcase will feature collaborations between Singapore  Passion Made Possible brand personalities and Filipino key opinion leaders and personalities. It will also serve as a platform to share how Singapore can enable Filipino travelers and visitors to realise their passions and dreams. Aside from attractive airfare and travel deals for Singapore, visitors to the 3-day fair can also expect an exciting line up of activities, performances and programmes featuring some of Singapores best offerings, attractions and brands such as Irvins Salted Egg, Naiise, and Benjamin Barker.

For more information on the Passion Made Possible global campaign and various marketing activities, refer to Annex A.

Trusted to Deliver: The SG Mark

The unified brand features a logo coined as the SG Mark. It is an emblem of Singapores attributes as a place that is always trusted to deliver, and can be applied as a trust mark or a trust stamp to connote quality and trust.

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In the months leading up to the 2016 elections, a then-officemate of mine said, Im voting for Duterte for president because he has promised to kill drug pushers and addicts.

This same fellow agrees with Ferdinand Marcoss atrocities against those who protested his dictatorial regime, saying the extreme measures were necessary to instill and maintain peace and order.

This is a soft-spoken, kindly man, whose home life is peaceful and harmonious. It was jarring to see the bloodthirst that lay lurking in his otherwise calm demeanor.

Pero, kuya, mali ang pagpatay ng wala sa proseso. Imagine ninyo kung kayo iyan o anak niyo iyan na biglang dinampot na walang kasalanan! I said. He shrugged and denied that could happen to him nor his family. No, he shook his head, the killings are necessary para matakot ang mga masasamang loob.

I could not fathom how he completely bypassed the part where I said that EJKs subvert due process and trample human rights. No matter how long we argued, we never got on the same wavelength and each conversation left me baffled and dismayed.

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Now take this same scenario and multiply it by 16 million or so. Thats how many voted for Duterte with that same mindset. Even subtracting several million from that figure those whove been disenchanted with his bloody style of governance over the past yearthere are still a great many who condone and support this lawlessness that has taken over our country.

Why are Filipinos now so cruel to each other?

What is occurring is state-sanctioned dehumanization of a particular sector of society.

Dehumanization, as defined online, is the process of depriving a person or group of positive human qualities. To dehumanize is to demonize certain individuals, an out-group, or an enemy. It is to strip them of their humanity until in the common view they are no longer persons as such; this leads to violence, human rights violations, war crimes, genocide.

In the Philippines, the dehumanized are drug addicts and pushers, although it is never the big fish and the affluent who are targeted by the police. Only the poor small fry are slain in the streets, many of them supporters of Duterte.

Over time, as such attitudes and behavior are reinforced, they replace the old norms and become the new norms. People become desensitized to the killings taking place around them; they just walk a little faster under the streetlights, get home sooner than they used to, skip the nights out they used to enjoy, keep their children in the house.

The dehumanized are stripped of their rightsright to life, right to due process. Think of the Jews under the Nazi regime, the Tutsis under Hutu rule, the Rohingya in Myanmar. They are placed outside the bounds of morality and justice, treated as subhumans or like animals, stigmatized as incorrigibly evil and beyond redemption, such that death is the only way to deal with them.

The dehumanization of poor drug suspects can be traced back to Dutertes chillingly consistent inflammatory rhetoric on the matter: Id be happy to slaughter them, Help me kill drug addicts, Lets kills addicts everyday. He has even vowed to protect policemen from the legal consequences of his illegal drug war.

It is from this point that the normalization of state-sanctioned murder began. EJKs are now commonplace. Because of this some policemen have changed the way they perform their jobs; funeral parlors have changed the way they do business; people have changed the way they live their lives.

Whats important to remember is that it was not like this before June 2016. There were random killingsriding in tandem was the crime en voguebut blood was not spilled to this extent. Despite Dutertes promises, the situation has gone from bad to worse.

If I could talk to my former office mate again, Id say this: Kuya, what about the rule of law, human rights, compassion, mercy, and pity? What about treating all Filipinos, without exception, with respect? What if it is you or your family that becomes a victim of the drug war? What then?

Dr. Ortuoste is a California-based writer. FB: Jenny Ortuoste, Twitter: @jennyortuoste, IG: @jensdecember, @artuoste

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French President Emmanuel Macron has assigned former envoy to Saudi Arabia as well as to Qatar with leading Frances own mediation in the ongoing Gulf crisis between Qatar on one side and Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt on the other side.

Bertrand Besancenot is set to visit the region soon to assess the situation and see if it is possible to mediate in deescalating the tension between Qatar and its neighbors according to the French foreign ministry.

The diplomatic advisor of the government Bertrand Besancenot will visit the region of the Arabian Gulf soon, the spokeswoman for the foreign ministry said.

The 65 year-old diplomat first served in Qatar in the 80s before being repositioned in the Emirate in 1996. He developed good relations with Qatari officials. He named one of his daughters Marie Doha.

Besancenot was named ambassador to Saudi Arabia in 2007 where he also nurtured good ties.

The veteran diplomat boats deep knowledge of the region where he helped increase French exports.

President Macron has joined other global leaders attempting to settle the Gulf crisis, which has entered its fourth month.
Globe Telecom's mobile commerce subsidiary G-Xchange has partnered with EMQ to expand the latters reach in the Philippines through GCash, offering overseas workers greater flexibility and convenience.

Remittances provide a lifeline for millions of households and drive financial inclusion in developing countries such as the Philippines, currently the third largest recipient of remittances according to the World Bank, said Max Liu, Co-founder and CEO of EMQ. Our expansion with GCash complements our existing capabilities in the Philippines, while offering the best possible choices and flexibility for the overseas workers to send money home effortlessly within minutes.

With the partnership, EMQ users can now send money to users with GCash accounts, where the recipients can pay bills and make online purchases, buy load or cash out at over 7,000 GCash payment outlets across the Philippines.

Albert Tinio, CEO of G-Xchange, said: Our strategic partnership with EMQ would further boost mobile wallets usage and accelerate local economic growth. But most importantly, we want to ensure that Filipinos who rely on remittances from their loved ones overseas will receive their money fast and securely without any hassle.

EMQ currently has footprint in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, with plans underway to expand across other key business markets first in Asia and then globally. GCash international partners has over 1,000,000 outlets worldwide with over 7,000+ GCash Partner Outlets across the Philippines.
The government is planning to reduce the number of low-skilled EU workers in the UK post- Brexit , according to a leaked document from the Home Office .

In the detailed policy document obtained by The Guardian, it also states that the government may have powers to refuse entry to EU citizens.

A cap may also be introduced on the amount of workers from the EU permitted to take up legal residence in Britain.

The document is dated August 2017, and was marked as extremely sensitive.

To be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off, the paper says.

The document also sets out a phased introduction to a new immigration system where the majority of European migrants will lose their automatic right to live and work in the UK.

TWO YEARS

Those immigrants in highly-skilled occupations have been earmarked for a longer permission to stay in the UK, as much as five years while low-skilled workers will only have a period of two years.

"We are minded to grant those in highly skilled occupations and who have a contract of employment of more than 12 months, a permit lasting three to five years. For those in other occupations, it may be up to two years."

Cabinet ministers have yet to approve the detailed arrangements set out in the paper, and it is unclear whether it will be approved in its current form.

The Confederation of British Industry responded to the leaked document by calling on the government to maintain an open but managed approach to immigration post-Brexit.

"An open approach to our closest trading partners is vital for business, as it attracts investment to the UK. And, with employment high, it also helps keep our economy moving by addressing key skill and labour shortages, said the CBIs Neil Carberry.

"Businesses will look for the Government's final position paper to support an open but managed approach to immigration.
Irans President Hassan Rouhani asserted Wednesday that his country shall never breach the nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA, that he described as an important international accord.

President Rouhani made the remarks at a meeting in Tehran Wednesday with Japanese Prime Ministers Special Envoy Masahiko Koumura, reported the Iranian News agency IRNA.

Today, after the implementation of the JCPOA, we should not allow violating the deal, IRNA quoted President Rouhani as saying.

He added that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified Irans commitment to JCPOA many times.

Meanwhile, the US has not so far been fully committed to the nuclear deal, he deplored adding that the US is trying to make media campaign against international cooperation.

Talks between the Iranian President and the Japanese envoy also covered the security in the region and cooperation prospects between Iran and Japan.

The Iranian president said in this connection that Japanese firms would be able to operate in Iran in oil, gas, petrochemical, dam building and ports development fields.
Online fast-fashion retail Boohoo.com 's shares are "expensive" but were upgraded by Barclays on Tuesday after analysis of internet traffic trends for the core business and its PrettyLittleThing offshoot firmed up its forecasts.

Analysing ComScore and Google Trends for signs of progression in June, July and August showed "good trends" for core

Boohoo in the UK and "extremely strong progression" for PrettyLittleThing.com as sequential growth is accelerating.

PLT is getting almost as many visits as rival Missguided, which generated revenues of 120m in its last full year, leading the bank to upgrade its UK forecasts.

"Since initiating in March, it has been clear to us that Boohoo has a competitive advantage in its supply chain and ecommerce only model that will yield share gains for many years to come, but we havent been able to get comfortable enough on forecasts to find the valuation appealing. This has changed," Barclays said in a note to clients, moving the stock to an 'outperform' rating from the prior 'equal weight'.

The independent online data provides confidence on current trading going into interim results on 27 September.

Further analysis looking at the US suggests that the Nasty Gal website is not yet fully re-launched and "we do expect marketing to increase this year", while Boohoo and PLT continue to rapidly expand Stateside.

Although Boohoo is an "expensive stock" at 55.5 times calendar 2018 forecast earnings, comparing it to internet peers on a growth adjusted basis with different earnings scenarios, the new higher forecasts and with more confidence on upside for years beyond, "we think the risk reward now stacks up".

"There are still question marks about long term margins beyond FY18E with a new warehouse coming and limited tech spend today. But upgrades trump these concerns in our assessment of the share price performance nearer term."

The target price was upgraded to 265p from 220p.
Azerbaijan, the oil-rich former Soviet state, has been laundering money through the UK, an investigation has revealed, with a secret 2.2bn fund to pay off European politicians.

According to an investigation carried out by a consortium of European newspapers and published by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, from 2012 to 2014 Azerbaijan's ruling elite allegedly operated a secret slush fund, nicknamed the Azerbaijan Laundromat, utilising four shell companies registered in the UK.

Once recycled, the funds were then used to lobby European politicians who adopted a favourable attitude towards the government in Baku, as well as buying luxury goods for the Azeri elite.

Banking records leaked to Danish newspaper Berlingske revealed the scale of the money laundering operations, with payments having been made to several former members of the Council of Europe, according to the Guardian.

However, there was no suggestion that all of the recipients had been aware of the original source of the money.

Even so, while the origin of the money might be unclear, the investigation alleged there was "ample evidence of its connection to the family of President Ilham Aliyev."

Azerbaijan's government has not yet commented on the allegations.
Hurricane Irma has destroyed four of the "most solid" buildings on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin and may swing north towards the US by the weekend.

The buildings, shared by France and the Netherlands, were struck by the most powerful hurricane ever recorded, said French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb.

Other areas of St Martin were flooded and blacked out, according to reports, and communications between Paris and Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy were down as a result.

Irma, a massive Category 5 storm that is sustaining record 300kph winds, is expected to move on towards Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The hurricane's path after that is uncertain, though US weather forecasters said there was a high risk it could turn north and hit Florida over the weekend.

President Donald Trump has ordered a mandatory evacuation of Florida's key west area.
Irma, the most powerful Atlantic hurricane in a decade has hit the Caribbean islands as British tourists are evacuated.

According to reports, the category five hurricane, the highest possible level, had intially struck the island of Bermuda with winds of at least 185mph, and was thought to be heading in the direction of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before potentially hitting Florida.

British Airways sent an aircraft to collect 326 customers on Tuesday amid official warnings that the damages caused by Irma could "potentially" be "catastrophic".

The hurricane appeared on seismometers, designed to measure earthquakes, underlining its strength.

BBC reports claimed that the winds gusted at 250km/h, before recording equipment broke and no further readings were received.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump had authorised emergency pre-landfall declarations in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands, according to The Telegraph.
London stocks slipped again amid jitters about the tension between North Korea and the US, as well as disappointment around the housebuilding sector.

The FTSE 100 closed 0.25% to 7,354.13, while the pound was up 0.36% against the greenback at 1.3077 and relatively flat versus the euro at 1.0947.

After its hydrogen bomb test on Sunday, North Korea threatened to send "more gift packages" to the US if it continued to put pressure on the regime.

Earlier in the day, IG analyst Joshua Mahony said: "Global stock markets appear to be in a period of nervous uncertainty, as the threat of another North Korean test looms large over any investors wishing to invest in risky assets. The clear indecision evident throughout the Asian session has translated into a morning of downside for European indices, with the FTSE, DAX and CAC all trading in the red."

European stocks since pared those losses and closed higher on the day, Spain being the exception, with the DAX up 0.75% to 12,214.54, the CAC 40 higher to 5,101.54 and the IBEX 35 down 0.48% to 10,131.00.

"Unfortunately with Trump focusing on the DACA scheme, it feels unlikely that we will hear any market positive announcements from leftfield, leaving the risk skewed towards the downside given the potential for another North Korea 'gift'." said Mahony.

London's blue chip index also saw a drag from the housing sector, with Barratt Developments dropping just over 4% despite posting record annual profit, better than forecast revenue and a 39% hike to its dividend.

The company's shares had climbed 30% since the start of the year while the prospect of only "modest growth" in the next financial year was another reason for the shares' correction.

Barratt wasn't the only housebuilder in the red, with Berkeley Group also lower as it reported in-line trading but warned that uncertainty around Brexit, stamp duty and mortgage interest deductibility continued to weigh on the London market.

But retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone saw its shares advance as it said it saw a "strong" recovery in the second half of the year, with revenue and the order book up on the previous year despite uncertainty brought about by Brexit and the general election.

Pharmaceuticals group Vectura tumbled after first-half operating loss widened to 41.3m from 24.1m the previous year.

EasyJet reversed earlier gains to fly lower despite reporting a 9.4% jump in passenger numbers in August.

On the upside, Micro Focus racked up impressive gains following the release of third-quarter results for its recently merged software arm, HPE Software, where margins have strengthened.

Petrofac rallied after saying it has been awarded a contract worth more than $700m by Sakhalin Energy Investment Company for its onshore processing facility on Sakhalin Island.

Sports Direct pushed higher as it reiterated its full-year guidance, expressed optimism over its outlook and confirmed that it now owns 100% of Flannels.

Amec Foster gained after it was awarded a $604m engineering, procurement and construction fixed price contract for part of a $1.85bn methanol plant being developed by Yuhuang Chemical, a US-based subsidiary of China's Shandong Yuhuang Chemical Company.

FTSE 250 network security solutions provider Sophos fell despite lifting its full-year billings guidance.

Market Movers

FTSE 100 (UKX) 7,354.13 -0.25%

FTSE 250 (MCX) 19,652.31 -0.38%

techMARK (TASX) 3,419.85 -0.25%

FTSE 100 - Risers

Micro Focus International (MCRO) 2,343.00p 6.16%

Next (NXT) 4,374.00p 2.51%

ITV (ITV) 159.40p 2.05%

Paddy Power Betfair (PPB) 7,210.00p 1.41%

Land Securities Group (LAND) 1,006.00p 1.00%

Shire Plc (SHP) 3,956.00p 0.89%

Glencore (GLEN) 365.80p 0.77%

British American Tobacco (BATS) 4,812.00p 0.74%

Tesco (TSCO) 186.00p 0.70%

Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB.) 7,139.00p 0.66%

FTSE 100 - Fallers

Barratt Developments (BDEV) 595.50p -4.57%

G4S (GFS) 276.00p -2.92%

BAE Systems (BA.) 594.00p -2.70%

Persimmon (PSN) 2,561.00p -2.40%

Ashtead Group (AHT) 1,657.00p -2.13%

Convatec Group (CTEC) 271.10p -1.92%

Sage Group (SGE) 682.00p -1.80%

Mondi (MNDI) 2,038.00p -1.74%

Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 195.40p -1.71%

Old Mutual (OML) 201.10p -1.66%

FTSE 250 - Risers

Petrofac Ltd. (PFC) 446.30p 8.56%

TalkTalk Telecom Group (TALK) 214.80p 5.76%

Hunting (HTG) 433.50p 4.49%

Indivior (INDV) 292.80p 4.16%

Tullow Oil (TLW) 166.50p 3.67%

Dixons Carphone (DC.) 172.60p 3.60%

Softcat (SCT) 404.20p 3.38%

Sanne Group (SNN) 782.00p 2.89%

Wood Group (John) (WG.) 626.00p 2.71%

Amec Foster Wheeler (AMFW) 467.20p 2.55%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Vectura Group (VEC) 95.00p -12.92%

Carillion (CLLN) 45.00p -6.15%

Beazley (BEZ) 459.90p -5.70%

Evraz (EVR) 315.10p -4.52%

Inmarsat (ISAT) 663.00p -3.56%

Hastings Group Holdings (HSTG) 301.90p -3.55%

CLS Holdings (CLI) 211.10p -3.39%

Lancashire Holdings Limited (LRE) 646.00p -2.86%

BGEO Group (BGEO) 3,327.00p -2.78%

Berkeley Group Holdings (The) (BKG) 3,657.00p -2.53%
Stocks were paring early losses with the market's attention slowly shifting towards the European Central Bank's policy meeting the next day, but traders were wary due to speculation that Pyongyang might be making preparations for another ballistic missile test at the weekend.

As of 1142 BST, the benchmark Stoxx 600 was 0.35% or 1.32 points lower to 372.39, alongside a retreat of 0.04% or 5.34 points to 12,118.68 for the German Dax and a dip of 0.22% or 10.99 points to 5,075.57 in France's Cac-40.

Ahead of the ECB's rate-setting meeting, German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble reiterated the oft-repeated call from some euro area member countries for policymakers in Frankfurt to begin dialing back on their monetary stimulus.

"Unusual monetary policy implies it is not usual or normal - we should get back to a normal monetary policy. We have come back to a normal situation much quicker than people thought," Schaeuble told German daily Handelsblatt's 'Banking in Change' conference.

In the background, it was all about Korea and Hurrican Irma.

"Equity traders are having a hard time clearing their thoughts with the North Korean nuclear threat dominating global headlines. Safe haven assets remain in demand after the Seoul-based Asia Business Daily reported that North Korea could launch a new missile before Saturday. Compounding matters, so far there are no concrete plans from the US, Russia and China on how to respond the nuclear threat," said LCG senior market analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya.

Meanwhile, overnight hurricane Irma was upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane, the highest mark on the Simpson Zephyr.

So while analysts at Citi cautioned that Irma's path through the Caribbean and towards the US was still uncertain, and hence the damage it might provoke, such climate phenomena did hold the potential to be highly disruptive.

The last Category 5 hurricane to hit the US, hurricane Andrew, in 1992, damaged more than 730,000 buildings and left roughly $25bn of damages in its wake.

In economic news, according to the Federal Office of Statistics, German industrial production shrank by 0.7% month-on-month in July, slightly outpacing forecasts for a drop of 1.0%.

Nonetheless, reacting to Wednesday's figures economists at Barclays Research said: "Today's contraction shows that the recovery in factory orders growth remains fragile. Despite strong GDP growth, rising wages and a booming labour market, the German economy appears to be struggling to rebalance towards private consumption."

On the calendar for later in the session were US international trade figures for the month of July at 1330 BST, followed by the ISM services sector purchasing managers' index for August at 1500 BST.

Yet the main release of the session would be the Federal Reserve's 'Beige book' at 1900 BST.

Meanwhile, on the corporate front, Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported that China's HNA Group had studied taking a stake in Allianz but was rebuffed by management.

The Elysee was set to propose creating a bi-national military and civilian naval shipyard between STX and Fincatieri, according to La Repubblica.
London stocks were set for a weaker open on Wednesday, taking their cue from downbeat sessions in the US and Asia as worries about North Korea continue to play on investors' minds.

The FTSE 100 was expected to open 23 points lower at 7,350.

Just days after its hydrogen bomb test, North Korea has threatened to send "more gift packages" to the US if it continues to put pressure on the regime.

CMC Markets analyst Michael Hewson said: "The background hum of escalation concerns on the Korean peninsula appears to be the dominating force behind current investor sentiment at this time. US markets returned from their long weekend break and instead of bucking the bearish tone from Europe on Monday, they appear to have continued it, closing sharply lower."

There are no major UK data releases due, so investors will turn their attention to the US, where Markit's services purchasing managers' index and the ISM non-manufacturing PMI are due at 1445 BST and 1500 BST, respectively.

In corporate news, Barratt Developments increased its final dividend 39% and doubled it again with a special dividend, as the housebuilder began the new year with strong forward sales and an unchanged positive outlook.

The FTSE 100 company, which confirmed the 765m profits before tax on revenue of 4.65m that it pre-released in July, said it continued to see "robust consumer demand supported by a positive mortgage environment".

Trading conditions over the first four months at Berkeley Group were in-line with management's expectations, but the company said that uncertainty around Brexit, stamp duty and mortgage interest deductibility continued to negatively impact the London market.

On the back of the former, the company to reiterate it was on track to deliver at least 3.0bn of pre-tax profits over the five years ending on 30 April. For the current year, profits were expected to be at least as strong as in the previous financial year. Sales prices achieved during the reporting period were also ahead of the company's business plans.

Petrofac has been awarded a contract worth more than $700m by Sakhalin Energy Investment Company, it announced on Wednesday, for its onshore processing facility on Sakhalin Island.

The FTSE 250 firm said the project comprised a lump-sum engineering, procurement and offshore fabrication component, as well as a reimbursable element for construction and site services.

It said the scope of work included inlet separation and feed gas compression facilities, a new flare system, utilities, substations and associated buildings, a temporary beach landing facility, refurbishment of the existing camp, temporary site facilities for Sakhalin Energy and Petrofac, as well as brownfield tie-ins to the existing OPF.

Sports Direct reiterated its full-year guidance as it expressed optimism over its outlook.

In a trading update ahead of its annual general meeting later in the day, the company said its outlook remains in line with the statement from 20 July, in which it stated that it aims achieve growth in underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of between 5% and 15% during FY18.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
The Togolese Ministers Council adopted Tuesday a draft bill seeking to amend articles 52, 59 and 60 of the 1992 Constitution.

The move comes as a coalition of opposition political parties called for demonstrations across the West African tiny nation for institutional and constitutional reforms, and more freedom and democracy in the country.

The opposition is also demanding a return to the constitution of October 14, 1992, a revision of the electoral system and the right for the diaspora to vote.

The states apparatus in Togo has remained locked in favor of the ruling party since the enactment of a Constitutional amendment in 2002, which allows the president to serve for more than two consecutive terms.

For the last 50 years, the country has only known two presidents. The current president Faure Gnassingbe was appointed to the presidency by the military in 2005 following the death of his father, who had ruled for 38 years.

Faure Gnassingbe has won two more elections, in 2010 and 2015. Both were decried by the opposition. The country, which is the worlds top five producers of phosphates, depends highly on foreign aid.

If voted by the parliament, the new amendment will limit the presidential term. It will also pave the way for institutional reforms listed in a comprehensive political agreement signed in 2006 between the ruling party and the opposition.
About fifteen people were killed and more than 40 wounded by a violent storm that hit the vicinity of Boghe village, about 320 km from Mauritanias capital Nouakchott.

According to local media, administrative authorities rushed to the scene, while the medical personnel in the region were mobilized to rescue the wounded.

Fourteen seriously wounded people were evacuated to hospitals in Nouakchott, the ministry said in a statement quoted by AFP.

According to Abderrahmane Ould Mahfoudh, wali (governor) of the province of Brakna, the intensity of the storm has caused the destruction of some houses. but the situation is currently under control.

The West African nation has been experiencing storms and heavy rainfall in recent months. The Tuesday storm is one of the heaviest on record in Mauritania, officials said.

In May, a similar storm reported 9 deaths, in the district of Ghoudia. The victims were all from the same family.

Nouakchott has a desert climate. During the year, there is virtually no rainfall. The average annual temperature in Nouakchott is 25.8 C. The average annual rainfall is 94 mm.
The chief of staff of the Lesotho army has been shot dead in a shooting incident in the capital Maseru on Tuesday, Prime Minister Thomas Thabane said.

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of General Khoantle Motsomotso, Thabane said.

Two other senior officers, Colonel Tefo Hashatsi and General Bulane Sechele, were also killed in this exchange of shots, he told the media. This is a serious setback in our important efforts to restore peace and stability in Lesotho, he said.

A military official who declined to be named told AFP that the two senior officers had been denied access to Motsomotsos office by army guards.

On Tuesday, Colonel Tefo Hashatsi and General Bulane Sechele attempted to forcefully enter the office of the Chief of Staff, there was a shooting between one of their accomplices, who has since fled, and bodyguards, said the military official.

The incident occurs days after the leader of the opposition Democractic Congress (DC) Mathibeli Mokhothu and the former deputy leader of the party escaped from the country.

Lesothos military have long been tightly entwined with this nations political woes. The country has a long history of political instability having suffered coups in 1986 and 1991.

In 2014, it was plunged into crisis when soldiers attempted to oust Thabane during his last stint as prime minister from 2012 to 2015.

Thabane whose party won elections in June this year promised to undertake a series of serious reforms to align the countrys security forces and prevent them from interfering in political affairs.
By Kelly Mitchell

Greenpeace USA, Greenpeace International, and others are facing another meritless attack from Trumps go-to lawyers in an attempt to silence advocacy work and attack free speech.

The latest corporation to sign on to the Kasowitz Benson Torres firms bullying tactics is Energy Transfer Partnersthe company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline.

In response to the powerful protests led by Indigenous communities and climate activists, the firm has filed a lawsuit claiming billions of dollars in damages on behalf of Energy Transfer. Heres what you need to know.

What is this lawsuit about?

In response to the powerful alliance of Indigenous communities and climate activists who protested Energy Transfer Partners Dakota Access pipeline at Standing Rock, the Kasowitz firm has filed a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). The goal of this suit is to silence opposition by misrepresenting what happened on the ground at Standing Rockmaking outrageous and racist claims that big green organizations like Greenpeace orchestrated the Indigenous-led movement at Standing Rock.

This lawsuit is about silencing opposition in Donald Trumps America. While Greenpeace is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, its impacts arent limited to us. This suit could have far-reaching consequences for journalists, advocacy organizations and anyone who values free speech. The Kasowitz firm is trying to challenge all of our abilities to speak out against corporate power and destruction.

This is the second year in a row that the Kasowitz firm has filed a meritless lawsuit against Greenpeace and other public interest advocates on behalf of a corporation. In 2016, the plaintiff was Resolute Forest Products, Canadas largest logging company. That lawsuit made similarly baseless legal claims in an attempt to mislabel legal advocacy as criminal conduct through the use of U.S. racketeering laws (RICO), and presented constitutionally-protected free speech as defamatory. A hearing to dismiss the Resolute lawsuit is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2017 in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco.

These suits are part of a pattern of legal bullying, as desperate corporations and political hacks try to silence activists, journalists and anyone speaking out against injustice. Energy Transfer must know that the end of the fossil fuel era is upon us, and these attacks are a last gasp effort to retain relevance and an illusion of power. What they havent seemed to realize is that none of us will quit until these pipelines are stopped for good.

Remind me, what happened at Standing Rock?

In the spring of 2016, hundreds of Indigenous activists and leaders began gathering along the proposed route of the Dakota Access pipeline to call attention to threats to sovereignty and water supply. In the months that followed, it became the largest gathering of tribes in 100 years and sparked a worldwide movement to resist the pipelines construction and fight for Indigenous sovereignty.

Members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, alongside allies from across the country, filed legal injunctions with the Army Corps of Engineers to stop construction and conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Several financial institutions including Nordea and ING withdrew their support for the project, citing human rights and environmental violations after conducting their own investigations. In December, after a thorough review, the Obama administration denied the easement to cross under Lake Oahe, calling for a full EIS to look at alternative routes.

Despite the Obama administrations decision, in January, Trump made it one of his top priorities to greenlight construction of the pipeline without the EIS completed. Water protectors were removed from the camp, and in the weeks to follow documents revealed that Energy Transfer had hired mercenaries from private security firm TigerSwan to infiltrate the camp and deploy counter-terrorism tactics on water protectors.

Since construction, the pipeline has leaked three times, jeopardizing land and water. Activists across the country have found inspiration from Standing Rock and are actively resisting other tar sands and gas pipelines, including Kinder Morgan TransMountain and KXL.

Whats the next step for this lawsuit?

Greenpeace will not back down in the face of this egregious misuse of the law. Firms like Kasowitz deploy these lawsuits in the hopes of silencing constitutionally-protected advocacy work and burdening organizations with additional costs. Greenpeace is on the line today, but these abusive tactics threaten anyone speaking out for social and environmental justice.

We will continue this fight in and outside the courtroom. Not only will we win this case, we will continue our important work challenging new oil and gas infrastructure, building powerful alliances, and fighting for free speech and public participation in our democracy.

On Oct. 10, the Resolute case will go before a federal judge in California. This will be a major test of Kasowitzs dubious legal strategy and an opportunity to show corporate polluters like Energy Transfer that this movement is more resilient than they anticipated.

Kelly Mitchell is the energy campaign director for Greenpeace USA.
Mars Inc., the candy giant and maker of M&Ms, Skittles and Twix, announced it is spending $1 billion on its

Sustainable in a Generation initiative to fight climate change.

According to Fortune, the $35 billion chocolate company already has wind farms in Texas and Scotland that power its U.S. and UK operations. Under the new initiative, Mars is pledging to add wind and solar farms to another nine countries by 2018 and is aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain by 27 percent by 2025 and 67 percent by 2050.

This is a critical moment, said Mars CEO and president, Grant F. Reid. Never before has the responsibility been greater for businesses to step up and help create a healthy planet and a healthy society. Business needs to lead to help deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

Mars was among the hundreds of global businesses that urged President Trump not to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement in June.

Barry Parkin, Mars chief sustainability officer, told Business Insider that the $1 billion green investment was not motivated by POTUS controversial decision to exit the global accord.

Were not interested in the politics herethis is about policy, Parkin explained. We believe in the scientific view of climate science and the need for collective action.

However, he noted, Were clearly disappointed that the U.S. administration has chosen to withdraw from the Paris agreement.

Mars website shows that the Sustainable in a Generation plan will focus on three areas with goals in each category:

1. Healthy Planet

Reduce total greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain by 27 percent by 2025 and 67 percent by 2050.

supply chain by 27 percent by 2025 and 67 percent by 2050. Eliminate water use in excess of sustainable levels in the value chain.

Helping to stop, prevent and reverse practices that degrade land and put pressure on natural ecosystems, with a goal of holding flat the total land area associated with their value chain.

2. Thriving People

A goal for everyone working within Mars extended supply chains to earn a sufficient income to maintain a decent standard of living.

Improve working lives, from factory workers in Chicago to farmers in Cote DIvoire. The goal is to treat workers with fairness, dignity and respect.

Improve working lives, from factory workers in Chicago to farmers in Cote DIvoire. The goal is to treat workers with fairness, dignity and respect. Women earn only 10 percent of the worlds income and own less than one percent of the worlds property. Mars aims to unlock opportunities for women in the companys workplaces, marketplaces and supply chains.

3. Nourishing Wellbeing
A married couple in Minnesota found a genius use for the swaths of land occupied by

solar systemscoupling them as pollinator-friendly habitats.

Travis and Chiara Bolton of St. Paul-based Bolton Bees partner with solar companies to host commercial bee operations. So far, the Boltons have established hives at

Connexus Energy, the largest customer-owned power company in Minnesota, and at solar facilities in Farmington and Scandia owned by NRG Energy.

About 3,600 pounds of the first Solar Honey harvest has already been extracted from the three sites,

Modern Farmer reported, with more honey to come in October. Bolton Bees is also looking into opening apiaries at solar sites in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.

The couple even trademarked the name Solar Honey and license it to other beekeepers, food producers and energy companies that agree to follow certain production standards.

We hope that this model can be replicated throughout the nation, Travis Bolton told Modern Farmer.

The worldwide boom in solar energy has occurred simultaneously with the alarming rate of honeybee deaths. U.S. beekeepers lost 44 percent of their honey bee colonies from April 2015 to April 2016.

But this initiative from Bolton Bees is a win-win for both the environment and our precious pollinators alike.

We have been humbled with all of the interest in the work that we have been doing, the company wrote on Facebook over the weekend. We strongly believe in this collaboration. It is utilizing the land underneath solar panelsinstead of just having gravel or cheap turf grass. Solar Energy is cheap, and being installed rapidly throughout the nation. The land should be used to plant healthy habitat for pollinators.

[instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BVUsw0olJyQ/?taken-by=boltonbees expand=1]
In a study analyzing the genomes of 210,000 people in the United States and Britain, researchers at Columbia University find that the genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's disease and heavy smoking are less frequent in people with longer lifespans, suggesting that natural selection is weeding out these unfavorable variants in both populations.

Researchers further find that sets of genetic mutations that predispose people to heart disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and asthma, also appear less often in people who lived longer and whose genes are therefore more likely to be passed down and spread through the population. The results are published in the Sept. 5 issue of PLOS Biology.

"It's a subtle signal, but we find genetic evidence that natural selection is happening in modern human populations," said study coauthor Joseph Pickrell, an evolutionary geneticist at Columbia and New York Genome Center.

New favorable traits evolve when genetic mutations arise that offer a survival edge. As the survivors of each generation pass on those beneficial mutations, the mutations and their adaptive traits become more common in the general population. Though it may take millions of years for complex traits to evolve, say allowing humans to walk on two legs, evolution itself happens with each generation as adaptive mutations become more frequent in the population.

The genomic revolution has allowed biologists to see the natural selection process in action by making the genetic blueprint of hundreds of thousands of people available for comparison. By tracking the relative rise and fall of specific mutations across generations of people, researchers can infer which traits are spreading or dwindling.

The researchers analyzed the genomes of 60,000 people of European ancestry genotyped by Kaiser Permanente in California, and 150,000 people in Britain genotyped through the U.K. Biobank. To compensate for the relative lack of old people in the Biobank, the researchers used the participants' parents age at death as a proxy as they looked for the influence of specific mutations on survival.

Two population-level mutation shifts stood out. In women over 70, researchers saw a drop in the frequency of the ApoE4 gene linked to Alzheimer's, consistent with earlier research showing that women with one or two copies of the gene tend to die well before those without it. Researchers saw a similar drop, starting in middle age, in the frequency of a mutation in the CHRNA3 gene associated with heavy smoking in men.

The researchers were surprised to find just two common mutations across the entire human genome that heavily influence survival. The high power of their analysis should have detected other variants had they existed, they said. This suggests that selection has purged similar variants from the population, even those that act later in life like the ApoE4 and CHRNA3 genes.

"It may be that men who don't carry these harmful mutations can have more children, or that men and women who live longer can help with their grandchildren, improving their chance of survival," said study coauthor Molly Przeworski, an evolutionary biologist at Columbia.

Most traits are determined by dozens to hundreds of mutations, and even in a large sample like this one, their effect on survival can be hard to see, researchers said. To get around this, they examined sets of mutations associated with 42 common traits, from height to BMI, or body mass index, and for each individual in the study, determined what value of the trait they would predict based on their genetics, and whether it influenced survival.

They found that a predisposition for high cholesterol and LDL "bad" cholesterol, high body mass index or BMI, and heart disease was linked to shorter life spans. To a lesser extent, a predisposition for asthma was also linked to earlier death.

They also found that those genetically predisposed to delayed puberty and child-bearing lived longer --a one-year puberty delay lowered the death rate by 3 to 4 percent in both men and women; a one-year childbearing delay lowered the death rate by 6 percent in women.

Researchers take the results as evidence that genetic variants that influence fertility are evolving in some U.S. and Britain populations. But they caution that environment plays a role, too, so that traits that are desirable now may not be in other populations or in the future.

"The environment is constantly changing," said the study's lead author, Hakhamenesh Mostafavi, a graduate student at Columbia. "A trait associated with a longer lifespan in one population today may no longer be helpful several generations from now or even in other modern day populations."

The study may be the first to take a direct look at how the human genome is evolving in a period as short as one or two generations. As more people agree to have their genomes sequenced and studied, researchers hope that information about how long they lived, and the number of kids and grandkids they had, can reveal further clues about how the human species is currently evolving.

The study is titled, "Identifying genetic variants that affect viability in large cohorts." The other authors are Tomaz Berisa, New York Genome Center; and Felix Day and John Perry of University of Cambridge.

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Scientist Contacts: Molly Przeworski, mp3284@columbia.edu

Joseph Pickrell, jkp2137@columbia.edu

Hakhamanesh Mostafavi, hsm2137@columbia.edu

Media Contact: Kim Martineau, klm32@columbia.edu, 646-717-0134

About Columbia University

Among the world's leading research universities, Columbia University in the City of New York continuously seeks to advance the frontiers of scholarship and foster a campus community deeply engaged in the complex issues of our time through teaching, research, patient care and public service. The University is comprised of 16 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools, and four affiliated colleges and seminaries in Manhattan, and a wide array of research institutes and global centers around the world. More than 40,000 students, award-winning faculty and professional staff define the University's underlying values and commitment to pursuing new knowledge and educating informed, engaged citizens. Founded in 1754 as King's College, Columbia is the fifth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.

About the New York Genome Center

The New York Genome Center is an independent, nonprofit academic research institution at the forefront of transforming biomedical research and clinical care. Founded as a collaborative venture by the region's premier academic, medical and industry leaders, the New York Genome Center's goal is to translate genomic research into new diagnostics, therapeutics and treatments for human disease. NYGC member organizations and partners are united in this unprecedented collaboration of technology, science and medicine, designed to harness the power of innovation and discoveries to advance genomic services. Their shared objective is the acceleration of medical genomics and precision medicine to benefit patients around the world.

Member institutions include: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, American Museum of Natural History, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Columbia University, Hospital for Special Surgery, The Jackson Laboratory, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, The New York Stem Cell Foundation, New York University, Northwell Health, Princeton University, The Rockefeller University, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Stony Brook University, Weill Cornell Medicine and IBM.
Martha Sajatovic, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and of Neurology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Willard Brown Chair in Neurological Outcomes Research and Director of the Neurological and Behavioral Outcomes Research Center at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, is the recent recipient of two major research grants.

As principal investigator (PI), Sajatovic will lead a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Fogarty International Center for Health grant in Tanzania with colleagues at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Services to reduce the burden of chronic psychotic disorders using a customized adherence enhancement program combined with injectable, long-acting antipsychotic medication. The combined treatment approach was developed by Sajatovic's team in Cleveland. Cleveland collaborators include Jennifer Levin, PhD, of UH and CWRU, and Carol Blixen, PhD, RN of CWRU. This grant is funded to CWRU for two years in the amount of $275,000.

Fogarty Center grants are named in memory of Congressman John Fogarty of Rhode Island who believed passionately that opportunities to support research and training on an international basis would improve the health of the American people. Now in its 50th year, Fogarty grants have funded research around the world. A key feature of the program is using U.S. investigators and teams to help build crucial research capacity in low and middle income countries. Most Fogarty research has been focused on infectious diseases like AIDS and tuberculosis.

Sajatovic's project targets an emerging focus for the Fogarty Center--chronic diseases such as mental disorders, which place a significant burden on people in the developing world. Sajatovic will travel to Tanzania in October 2017 to meet with colleagues on the grant.

The second grant, from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and in collaboration with two principal investigators from the University of Colorado Denver (Bethany Kwan, PhD, and Jeanette Waxmonsky, PhD) is for a diabetes intervention project comparing two evidence-based treatments, patient-driven diabetes Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) vs. standardized diabetes SMAs. The curriculum to be used is Targeted Training for Illness Management (TTIM), a 12-session modular group intervention developed in Cleveland by Sajatovic and her team.

For the patient-driven SMAs, patients choose the topics and the order of sessions from the TTIM curriculum, which is delivered collaboratively by the multidisciplinary care team consisting of several professional providers (health educator, medical provider and behavioral health provider) and a lay worker (diabetes peer mentor).

The primary patient-centered outcome, selected by patient stakeholders, is diabetes distress. Secondary outcomes include autonomy support, quality of life, and diabetes self-management behaviors, clinical outcomes (hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, and body mass index), patient reach and engagement, and practice-level value and sustainability.

Sajatovic will serve as a co-investigator to the project which is awarded for four years in the amount of $4.7 million.

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For more information about Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, please visit: case.edu/medicine.

About University Hospitals

Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 18 hospitals, more than 40 outpatient health centers and 200 physician offices in 15 counties throughout northern Ohio. The system's flagship academic medical center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, located on a 35-acre campus in Cleveland's University Circle, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. The main campus also includes University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation; University Hospitals MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. UH is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopedics, radiology, neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, digestive health, transplantation and urology. UH Cleveland Medical Center is perennially among the highest performers in national ranking surveys, including "America's Best Hospitals" from U.S. News & World Report. UH is also home to Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals - part of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development. UH is one of the largest employers in Northeast Ohio with 27,000 employees. For more information, go to UHhospitals.org.
LOS ALAMOS, N.M., Sept. 6, 2017--At an international science conference hosted recently in Santa Fe, N.M., Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists Bruce Carlsten, Dinh Nguyen and Richard Sheffield were awarded the 2017 Free-Electron Laser (FEL) Prize.

"The very brightest sources of x-rays are the latest generation of x-ray 'light sources' called free electron lasers," said Laboratory physicist Cris Barnes. "And those free electron lasers would be far less likely to exist and work without the pioneering contributions recognized by this year's FEL Prize." These ground-breaking innovations paved the way for all of the current ultra-bright fourth-generation light sources that are revolutionizing many fields of science, from biology to materials science.

The honor is an international recognition of key technologies that originally developed at Los Alamos in the 1980s and 1990s, such as the radio frequency photo-injector and high-brightness electron beams. These significant innovations also have enabled the x-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities currently in use worldwide.

The honor called out three specific pioneering contributions:

the invention, first practical demonstration and theoretical understanding of the radio-frequency photo-injector, patented in 1985

the first practical demonstration of self-amplified spontaneous emission

the design and demonstration of the regenerative amplifier free-electron laser

Free-electron lasers involve techniques and materials central to the Los Alamos National Laboratory mission: X-rays are used to examine the inside of all materials, from living tissues to the parts in nuclear weapons. High-energy and very bright sources of x-rays provide the ability to penetrate deep into materials and provide very fast response to changing conditions.

Notably, this advanced light source technology is central to the Laboratory's proposed future flagship experimental science facility, Matter-Radiation Interactions in Extremes (MaRIE).

Sponsored by Los Alamos, the International Free Electron Laser Conference, a five-day biennial conference held in Santa Fe, brought together an international perspective on recent advances in free electron laser theory, experiments, electron beam technology and applications of free-electron lasers. Nguyen and Carlsten served on the conference organizing committee. The FEL Prize Committee was composed of five members who work at institutions other than Los Alamos.

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About Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, BWX Technologies, Inc. and URS Corporation for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.

Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health and global security concerns.
Two peacekeepers of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were killed and two others were injured when their convoy hit a mine in the northern area of Kidal in Mali.

The mission said in a statement that the two injured Chadian peacekeepers were immediately evacuated after their vehicles hit the explosives about 15 kilometers (9 miles) outside Aguelhok.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and wished the injured a speedy recovery reiterating that attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, U.N. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council established a sanctions regime on Mali, introducing a travel ban and assets freeze that will apply to individuals and entities engaged in actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the conflict-torn African country.

In the resolution, adopted unanimously, the 15-member body decided to set up a Sanctions Committee, consisting of all the members of the Council, and requested the Secretary-General to create, for an initial period of 13 months, a panel of up to five experts to support the Committees work.

The 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali included language inviting the Security Council to adopt measures against those undermining the implementation of the Agreement and the pursuit of its objectives.

Early August, the Government of Mali sent a letter to Egypt, Council President for that month, requesting the creation of a sanctions regime, citing repeated ceasefire violations by armed groups in northern Mali.

The peacekeeping mission in Mali is the deadliest of the U.N. 16 global peacekeeping operations. Last month, gunmen attacked the U.N. peacekeeping headquarters in Timbuktu, killing at least seven people and injuring others.
DURHAM, N.C. -- During World War II, the Soviet Red Army was forced to move their biological warfare operations out of the path of advancing Nazi troops. Among the dangerous cargo were vials of Francisella tularensis, the organism that causes tularemia and one of the world's most infectious pathogens.

Years later, a Soviet defector claimed that his country had unleashed their stores of F. tularensis on German soldiers, weakening them shortly before the pivotal Battle of Stalingrad. Others believe the outbreak on the German-Soviet front was more likely spread by rats, not Russians. Yet no one has disputed the bacteria's capacity to inflict harm.

The Centers of Disease Control ranks tularemia as one of the six most concerning bioterrorism agents, alongside anthrax, botulism, plague, smallpox and viral hemorrhagic fever. And Russian stockpiles of it likely remain.

American scientists studying F. tularensis recently mapped out the complex molecular circuitry that enables the bacterium to become virulent. The map reveals a unique characteristic of the bacteria that could become the target of future drug development.

The research appeared early online Sept.1 and will be in the Sept. 13, 2017 journal Genes & Development.

"Now we have the coordinates for stopping one of the most infectious agents known to man. By having all of these pieces, and understanding how they fit together, we can design new drugs that can shut down virulence," said Maria A. Schumacher, Ph.D., senior study author and the Nanaline H. Duke Professor of Biochemistry at the Duke University School of Medicine.

F. tularensis is an exceptionally hardy organism that can infect a variety of hosts, including humans, rabbits and mosquitos, and can survive for weeks at a time in dead and decaying carcasses. It is so virulent that a person only has to inhale 10 microscopic particles of the bacterium to become infected. The Russians and Japanese, as well as the Americans and their allies, all explored its potential as a biological weapon during World War II.

After the war, Russians continued to develop the agent, searching for mutations that could make it resistant to antibiotics and thus even more deadly. The World Health Organization has since projected that 110 pounds of F. tularensis dispersed over a city of 5 million people would cause about 250,000 cases of severe illness, and 19,000 deaths.

Despite decades of fervent study, the factors that make this bacterium so pathogenic are still not fully understood. Recently, a cluster of genes called the "Francisella pathogenicity island" emerged that is essential for its virulence. In this study, researchers carried out a battery of structural, biochemical and cellular studies to define the molecular factors that turn these pathogenicity genes on and off.

They suspected that a stress-sensing molecule or "alarmone" called ppGpp might play a role. Alarmones are known to respond to stressful conditions by promoting survival and virulence in bacteria.

Lead study author and Duke graduate student Bonnie J. Cuthbert started by looking at factors that might interact with ppGpp, such as the aptly named protein pathogenicity island gene regulator or PigR, the macrophage growth locus protein A or MglA, and the stringent starvation protein A or SspA. Cuthbert used a technique called x-ray crystallography to produce atomic-level three-dimensional structures of each of these proteins, and then assembled them one by one, like the components of a circuit board.

She found that MglA and SspA partner up to form a two-part protein that contains a unique binding pocket on its underside for ppGpp. Once this molecule is bound, it recruits PigR and subsequently stabilizes RNA polymerase to this area of the F. tularensis genome, creating a large complex that latches onto the DNA to flip on the pathogenicity genes.

The researchers then created mutations that destroyed the binding pocket for ppGpp. They found that when the alarmone couldn't bind, pathogenicity couldn't be activated.

"We have uncovered a totally novel way for controlling virulence," said senior study author Richard G. Brennan, Ph.D., James B. Duke Professor of Biochemistry and Chair of Biochemistry at Duke University School of Medicine and also an advisor to Cuthbert. "If we could block this binding pocket, then we could stop virulence in F. tularensis. It would be a new way of fighting this bacteria, by disabling it with antivirulence drugs rather than by killing it outright with antibiotics."

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The research was supported by a MD Anderson Trust Fellowship, the Welch Foundation (G-0040), Duke University School of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health (T-R01 AI085585 and R01 GM061162) and the Army Research Office instrumentation grant (W911NF-09-1-278).

CITATION: "Dissection of the molecular circuitry controlling virulence in Francisella tularensis," Bonnie Cuthbert, Wilma Ross, Amy Rohlfing, Simon Dove, Richard Gourse, Richard G. Brennan, and Maria A. Schumacher. Genes & Development, September 13, 2017. DOI: 10.1101/gad.303701.117 http://genesdev.cshlp.org/content/early/2017/09/01/gad.303701.117.full.pdf+html?sid=f7d8a806-f7ee-4da3-ac9e-1f1f4f82f5c3
Research shows that having a strong sense of coherence and good coping skills- can help women facing adversity to overcome anxiety. The work found that women encountering difficult circumstances, such as living in a deprived community, who reported good coping skills did not have anxiety. However, women living in deprived communities but without these coping skills were at high risk of suffering from anxiety. This work, presented at the ECNP Conference, is the largest study ever conducted on coping and the anxiety that arises from facing adverse circumstances, such as living in deprivation. This study opens the possibility that teaching women coping strategies may be a way of overcoming the anxiety that stems from facing adverse circumstances, such as living in deprivation.

Lead researcher, Olivia Remes (University of Cambridge), explained: "Individuals with this sense of coherence, with good coping skills, view life as comprehensible and meaningful. In other words, they feel they can manage their life, and that they are in control of their life, they believe challenges encountered in life are worthy of investment and effort; and they believe that life has meaning and purpose. These are skills which can be taught".

The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, surveyed 10,000 women over the age of 40 who were taking part in a major cancer study in Norfolk, UK. They used health and lifestyle questionnaires to record information on living conditions, history of physical health and mental health problems, and linked that to 1991 census data to determine if the women were living in a deprived community. They also checked on each person's sense of coherence using a questionnaire developed from Aaron Antonovsky's groundbreaking work on how people find meaning and purpose in life. They found that 261 (2.6%) of the 10,000 women had Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Among women without coping skills, those living in a deprived area were about twice (98%) more likely to have anxiety than those living in more affluent communities. On the other hand, living in a deprived or affluent community made very little difference to the levels of anxiety experienced by women if they had good coping skills.

Olivia Remes commented: "In general, people with good coping skills tend to have a higher quality of life and lower mortality rates than people without such coping skills. Good coping can be an important life resource for preserving health. For the first time, we show that good coping skills can buffer the negative impact of deprivation on mental health, such as having generalized anxiety disorder. And importantly, these skills, such as feeling like you're in control of your life and finding purpose in life, can be taught.

There is a huge number of people living in deprivation, and significant numbers have Generalised Anxiety Disorder. For the first time, we have been able to show that how you cope in life can impact the level of anxiety you are experiencing. Of course, more work needs to be done on this, but this points us in an important direction.

Many people with anxiety are prescribed medication-and while it is useful in the short-term-it is less effective in the long run, is costly and can come with side effects. Researchers are therefore now turning to coping mechanisms as a way to lower anxiety. This is particularly important for those people who do not experience any improvement in their anxiety symptoms following commonly-prescribed therapies".

Commenting, Professor David Nutt (Ex-Chair of the ECNP, Imperial College, London) said:

"These data suggest a trial of training in coping skills could be valuable for women lacking in them - such training needs to developed and then a study of its efficacy needs to be carried out".

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The European Research Council (ERC) has announced today the awarding of its Starting Grants to 406 early-career researchers throughout Europe. The funding, worth 605 million in total and up to 1.5 million per grant, will enable them to set up their own research teams and pursue ground-breaking ideas. The share of women amongst the new grantees is the largest ever in an ERC competition and there was also more diversity in terms of nationalities.

The new grantees will work on a wide range of topics; from health research on chronic infections or asthma, to disaster management, network security, and climate change. The funded research covers all disciplines: physical sciences and engineering, life sciences, and social science and humanities. See more examples of funded research.

The grants are awarded under the 'excellent science' pillar of Horizon 2020, the EU's research and innovation programme.

On this occasion, Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: "Top talent needs good conditions at the right time to thrive. The EU provides the best possible conditions at the early stages of a researcher's career through the ERC Starting Grants. That's why this funding is so crucial for the future of Europe as science hub: it keeps and attracts young talent. This time the ERC attracted researchers of 48 different nationalities based in 23 European countries. It's an investment that will pay off, boosting the EU's growth and innovation."

The President of the ERC, Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, said: "I'm delighted that the 2017 ERC Starting Grant call has attracted more women researchers than ever. Even better, four out of ten of the grant winners are women - also a record since the ERC's launch. I hope the persistent work of the ERC Scientific Council and its Working Group on Gender Balance has contributed to this positive evolution. I am confident that this bodes well for the future of science in Europe - we need to capitalise on all talent available."

This time around, some 40% of grantees are women, and female applicants were more successful than men in securing funding (14.5% and 12.7% respectively). ERC grants are awarded to researchers of any nationality based in, or willing to move to, Europe. The grantees will be hosted in 23 countries across Europe, with the United Kingdom (79), Germany (67) and France (53) as top locations. This year's competition counts 48 different nationalities amongst the grantees - the highest number since the establishment of the ERC. Forty-five grantees are non-European nationals, of which many already based in Europe; this includes 17 Americans. This time, 18 researchers are moving to Europe to carry out their ERC-funded projects; amongst them there are 13 returning Europeans. The ERC received 3,085 proposals in this call of which around 13% was funded.

These Starting Grants will help the selected researchers to build their own teams, potentially engaging more than 1,500 postdocs and PhD students as ERC team members. The funding therefore contributes to supporting a new generation of top researchers in Europe.

List of all selected researchers by country of host institution (alphabetical order within each country group)

Lists of selected researchers by domain (in alphabetical order):

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Note to the editors

ERC Starting Grants are awarded to researchers of any nationality with two to seven years of experience since completion of the PhD (or equivalent degree) and a scientific track record showing great promise.

The research must be conducted in a public or private research organisation located in one of the EU Member States or Associated Countries. The funding (up to 1.5 million per grant) is provided over up to five years. Two thirds of the ERC budget is earmarked for the early-career researchers - the Starting Grant and Consolidator Grant schemes - and calls for proposals are published once a year for each scheme.

About the ERC

The European Research Council, set up by the European Union in 2007, is the first European funding organisation for excellent frontier research. Every year, it selects and funds the very best, creative researchers of any nationality and age, to run projects based in Europe. The ERC has three core grant schemes: Starting Grants, Consolidator Grants and Advanced Grants. An additional funding scheme, Synergy Grants, has been re-launched in 2017.

To date, the ERC has funded some 7,000 top researchers at various stages of their careers, and over 50,000 postdocs, PhD students and other staff working in their research teams. The ERC strives to attract top researchers from anywhere in the world to come to Europe. Key global research funding bodies, in the United States, China, Japan, Brazil and other countries, have concluded agreements to provide their researchers with opportunities to temporarily join ERC grantees' teams.

The ERC is led by an independent governing body, the Scientific Council, led by the ERC President, Professor Jean-Pierre Bourguignon. The ERC has an annual budget of 1.8 billion for the year 2017, which is around 1% of overall spending on research in Europe. The overall ERC budget from 2014 to 2020 is over 13 billion, as part of the Horizon 2020 programme, for which European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Carlos Moedas is responsible.

This year, the ERC celebrates its tenth anniversary: see summary of achievements.

More information

ERC website

Horizon 2020
Data from 2 separate phase 3 studies to be presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid, show alectinib's particular central nervous system (CNS) activity in patients with advanced NSCLC

LUGANO-MADRID, 06 September, 2017 - Data from two separate phase 3 studies to be presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid, show alectinib's particular central nervous system (CNS) activity in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer involving a mutation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK-positive NSCLC).

Findings from the ALUR trial (1), as well as a secondary analysis of the ALEX trial (2) show alectinib can significantly decrease CNS progression of NSCLC, both in the first-line as well as the second-line treatment setting.

"Patients with NSCLC have a high risk of CNS and brain metastases, commented Prof. Fiona Blackhall, from the University of Manchester and The Christie Hospital, UK.

"These trials provide an important evidence base for the CNS efficacy of alectinib that can be translated to routine clinical care."

The ALUR results "support alectinib as a new standard-of-care for patients with previously treated ALK-positive NSCLC," noted that study's investigator Dr. Silvia Novello, from the University of Turin, Italy.

ALUR included 107 ALK-positive NSCLC patients whose disease had progressed after a previous first-line combination treatment of both platinum-based chemotherapy and crizotinib.

They were randomised to second-line therapy with either standard relapse chemotherapy or alectinib.

Median progression free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in the alectinib group compared to the chemotherapy group - 9.6 versus 1.4 months (hazard ratio [HR] 0.15, 95% CI 0.08-0.29; P<0.001), with a marked difference in CNS response, reported Novello.

Among patients who had measurable CNS disease at baseline, the CNS overall response rate (ORR) was 54.2% in those treated with alectinib compared to zero in the chemotherapy group (P<0.001).

The safety profile of alectinib compared favourably with chemotherapy, despite the substantially longer duration of treatment for patients on alectinib (20 weeks versus six weeks with chemotherapy).

"This is another important goal reached in the field of thoracic oncology," said Novello. "ALK- positive patients represent 4% of patients with advanced NSCLC, which is the leading cause of solid cancer deaths in men and women in several countries. CNS data are extremely relevant for these patients - the brain is a frequent site of metastasis for them - and these results are important because if we're aiming to prolong survival we must aim to preserve their neurocognitive capacity. A drug which has this activity on brain metastases can allow us to modify treatment and reduce the need for whole brain radiotherapy."

Another study to be presented at the meeting, the ALEX trial (3), previously showed significantly better PFS among treatment-naive ALK-positive NSCLC patients who were randomised to alectinib compared to crizotinib (HR for disease progression or death, 0.47, 95% CI, 0.34-0.65; P<0.001).

This new subgroup analysis, focusing specifically on 122 patients who had CNS metastases at baseline, "suggests that alectinib controls existing CNS metastases and inhibits the formation of new metastases better than crizotinib," said Dr. Shirish Gadgeel, from the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

"Clearly this superiority against CNS metastases contributes to the overall efficacy of alectinib," he added. "By its superior efficacy in the CNS alectinib limits the morbidity both from these metastases but also from treatments such as whole brain radiation."

ALK-positive NSCLC was discovered only 10 years ago and progress in identifying precision medicines has been rapid, noted Prof. Blackhall. "Early on, patients were observed to be at high risk of CNS disease and after the discovery of the first-in-class ALK-inhibitor, crizotinib, there has been a focus on development of next generation ALK-inhibitors with improved CNS penetration. The results of the ALUR and ALEX trials provide proof of clinically significant CNS efficacy for alectinib and indicate that CNS staging should be routine for optimal care of patients with ALK-positive lung cancer."

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Notes to Editors

Please make sure to use the official name of the meeting in your reports: ESMO 2017 Congress

References

(1) Abstracts 1299O_PR 'Primary results from the phase III ALUR study of alectinib versus chemotherapy in previously treated ALK+ non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)' will be presented by Dr Shirish Gadgeel during Proffered Paper Session 'NSCLC, metastatic 2' on Monday, 11 September 2017, 09:30 to 10:30 (CEST) in Room Barcelona.

(2) Abstract 1298O_PR "Alectinib vs crizotinib in treatment-naive ALK+ NSCLC: CNS efficacy results from the ALEX study", will be presented by Dr Silvia Novello during the Proffered Paper Session 'NSCLC, metastatic 2' on Monday, 11 September 2017, 09:30 to 10:30 (CEST) in Room Barcelona.

(3) N Engl J Med. 2017 Jun 6. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1704795. [Epub ahead of print]

Disclaimer

This press release contains information provided by the authors of the highlighted abstracts and reflects the content of those abstracts. It does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ESMO who cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the data. Commentators quoted in the press release are required to comply with the ESMO Declaration of Interests policy and the ESMO Code of Conduct.

About the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

ESMO is the leading professional organisation for medical oncology. With 16,000 members representing oncology professionals from over 130 countries worldwide, ESMO is the society of reference for oncology education and information. We are committed to supporting our members to develop and advance in a fast-evolving professional environment. http://www.esmo.org
LUGANO-MADRID, 6 September, 2017 - Some stroke survivors may have underlying cancer, according to an observational study to be presented at the ESMO 2017 Congress in Madrid. (1)

"Post-mortem studies have suggested that cancer can develop after a stroke, but the magnitude of this association has not been described," said lead author Dr Jacobo Rogado, medical oncology fellow, Hospital de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain. "We conducted a study that would allow us to establish whether this association actually exists and which factors may predict risk."

The researchers reviewed the medical records of all 914 patients admitted from the emergency room to the stroke unit of Hospital de La Princesa between January 2012 and December 2014. A total of 381 patients met the inclusion criteria and were followed for 18 months from the diagnosis of stroke. Demographic and clinical data were collected and compared between those who did, and did not, develop cancer. Variables that were significantly associated with cancer in univariate analysis were then subjected to multivariate analysis.

During the 18-month follow-up, 29 (7.6%) of stroke survivors were diagnosed with cancer, most frequently in the colon, lung and prostate. This was higher than the expected incidence of 17 patients (4.5%), based on statistics for the general population.

The average time from stroke onset to cancer diagnosis was six months. Nearly 45% of cancer diagnoses occurred within the first six months after a stroke diagnosis. Almost two-thirds (62%) of cancer patients presented with metastatic or locally advanced disease.

Multivariate analysis revealed that older age (>76 years), previous diagnosis of cancer, high levels of fibrinogen (>450 mg/dl) and low levels of haemoglobin (<13 g/dl), were associated with cancer.

Rogado said: "We found that the incidence of cancer in stroke survivors was almost twice that of the general population. When cancer was diagnosed it was usually at an advanced stage, and the diagnosis was made within six months after a stroke. This indicates that the cancer was already present when the stroke occurred but there were no symptoms."

"It has been suggested that cancer is a hypercoagulable state in which tumour cells activate the coagulation system," he added. "This could explain our observation of higher fibrinogen in those who were diagnosed with cancer. It may be that the prothrombotic effect of cancer contributed to the strokes."

Rogado said: "Stroke survivors should be followed clinically for the development of cancer in the 18 months after the diagnosis of stroke. This applies particularly to older patients who had cancer previously, or who have high fibrinogen or low levels of haemoglobin."

Commenting on the research for ESMO, Dr Fausto Roila, director of medical oncology, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy: "The link between stroke and cancer is an interesting issue that has been previously studied. (2-6) The design of this study has an important limitation, which is the lack of a matched control group; a case-control study would have been more suitable. Moreover, comparing the detected number of incident cases (29) with those observed in a general population (17), the difference is only 12 patients and this could be due to differences in age between the two groups. The general population includes people of all ages, while the case population (patients with stroke) is primarily older patients. Therefore, further studies are needed before a firm association can be established between stroke and cancer."

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Notes to Editors

Please make sure to use the official name of the meeting in your reports: ESMO 2017 Congress

References

1 Abstract 1412P_PR 'Ischemic stroke as cancer predecessor and associated predictors' will be presented by Dr Jacobo Rogado during Poster Display Session on Sunday, 10 September, 13:15 to 14:15 (CEST), in Hall 8.

2 Selvik HA, et al. Cancer-associated stroke: The Bergen NORSTROKE Study. Cerebrovasc Dis Extra. 2015;5(3):107-113. doi: 10.1159/000440730.

3 Cocho D, et al. Predictors of occult cancer in acute ischemic stroke patients. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2015;24(6):1324-1328. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.02.006.

4 Dearborn JL, et al. Stroke and cancer- A complicated relationship. J Neurol Transl Neurosci. 2014;2(1):1039.

5 Prandoni P, et al. Cancer and venous thromboembolism. Lancet Oncol. 2005;6(6):401-410.

6 Schwarzbach CJ, et al. Stroke and cancer: the importance of cancer-associated hypercoagulation as a possible stroke etiology. Stroke. 2012;43(11):3029-3034. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.658625.

Disclaimer

This press release contains information provided by the authors of the highlighted abstracts and reflects the content of those abstracts. It does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ESMO who cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the data. Commentators quoted in the press release are required to comply with the ESMO Declaration of Interests policy and the ESMO Code of Conduct .

About the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

ESMO is the leading professional organisation for medical oncology. With 16,000 members representing oncology professionals from over 130 countries worldwide, ESMO is the society of reference for oncology education and information. We are committed to supporting our members to develop and advance in a fast-evolving professional environment. http://www.esmo.org
Annapolis, MD; September 6, 2017--As an entomologist with an artistic flair, Carly Tribull, Ph.D., frequently uses a novel approach for conveying science to non-academic audiences: comics.

Her work--such as the illustrated series Carly's Adventures in Wasp Land, which introduces kids to social, solitary, and parasitoid wasps--is just one example of innovative methods for delivering science to the public featured in a new Science Communication Collection in the September 2017 issue of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America.

Now more than ever, communication is a critical skill for scientists, and the Annals has published its collection on this topic to get entomologists talking about science communication.

The collection features Tribull's article, "Sequential Science: A guide to communication through comics," along with six other new papers from the entomological field showcasing success stories and insights on various forms of science communication. One article shares lessons learned when entomologists took to Twitter to encourage a young girl's passion for insects in the face of bullying. Another outlines a framework for museums and collections to engage the public online.

"The concept of communication involves the creation of understanding between at least two entities, surely the hallmark of civilization. Nowhere is this more important than among scientists, and between scientists and the rest of us, especially in a time of pervasive misunderstanding such as we have now. That's the way global understanding and civilization advance," says Lawrence E. Hurd, Ph.D., Herwick Professor of Biology at Washington and Lee University and editor-in-chief of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America. "Entomologists, as members in good standing of the community of scientists, have an obligation to explain themselves to each other, and to others in society. The papers in this special collection are explorations of how we hope to accomplish this. The methods and rationales are not unique to entomology, and so we hope these contributions will serve to stimulate the conversation beyond the borders of arthropod biology."

In January 2017, the Annals of the Entomological Society of America entered its 110th year of publishing and did so with a new scope, aimed at providing a forum for entomologists of widely divergent specialties to share their insights across disciplines. The Science Communication Collection, compiled by entomologist Margaret Hardy, Ph.D., reflects that focus on breadth of interest, both in its overarching theme and the diversity of papers within.

Science communication also will be an important theme at Entomology 2017, the annual conference of the Entomological Society of America, in Denver, November 5-8, and the Annals collection will prepare readers for the broad slate of presentations and symposia planned on science communication topics. Print copies of the September 2017 issue of the Annals will also be distributed to Entomology 2017 attendees.

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The Annals Science Communication Collection is available now online; the full September 2017 issue of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America will be published September 13.

CONTACT: Joe Rominiecki, jrominiecki@entsoc.org, 301-731-4535 x3009

ABOUT: ESA is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA today has over 6,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the Society stands ready as a non-partisan scientific and educational resource for all insect-related topics. For more information, visit http://www.entsoc.org.

The Annals of the Entomological Society of America publishes cutting-edge entomological research, reviews, collections of articles, and discussions of topics of broad interest and national or international importance. It aims to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue across the entomological disciplines and advance cooperative interaction among diverse groups of entomologists. For more information, visit https://academic.oup.com/aesa, or visit https://academic.oup.com/insect-science to view the full portfolio of ESA journals and publications.
Researchers in Australia asked volunteers to draw a spiral on a sheet of paper. By analyzing how long it took them to draw the spiral and how hard they pressed on the paper with the pen, the team could not only tell which volunteers had Parkinson's disease, they could also tell how severe it was.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes shaking, muscle rigidity and difficulty with walking. Many treatment options for Parkinson's are only effective when doctors diagnose the disease early, and when symptoms are very noticeable it may be too late. It's also important for doctors to be able to tell how severe the disease is, to make the right treatment decisions, and to follow-up the progression of symptoms.

One way to contribute to the diagnosis of Parkinson's involves getting patients to use a pen. Certain symptoms that appear early in the disease, such as rigidity, can interfere with a patient's ability to write or sketch. Handwriting can be influenced by a person's level of education and language proficiency, so a better alternative involves sketching a shape, such as a spiral.

One drawback to this approach is that only an expert can interpret the sketches, meaning that routine check-ups at a doctor's surgery aren't possible. However, even for an expert, it can be difficult to tell how severe the disease is from the sketches alone, especially at the early stages of the disease.

Previous research has found that Parkinson's patients tend to move their pen more slowly when sketching, and they also use less pressure on the page. While these factors are useful for telling if someone has Parkinson's or not, so far researchers have not been able to reliably gauge how severe someone's disease is, using pen speed or pressure.

In a new study, recently published in Frontiers in Neurology, a team of researchers in Australia set out to develop an automatic system to contribute to the diagnosis of Parkinson's, and to asess its severity, from the comfort of a community doctor's office. "Our aim was to develop an affordable and automated electronic system for early-stage diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which could be used easily by a community doctor or nursing staff," explains Poonam Zham, a researcher involved in the study.

The researchers developed specialized software and combined it with a tablet computer that can measure writing speed, and a pen that can measure pressure on a page. They used the system to measure pen speed and pressure during a simple spiral sketching task in a sample of healthy volunteers and Parkinson's patients with different levels of disease severity. In a world-first, the system also mathematically combines pen speed and pressure into one measurement, which the team calls the Composite Index of Speed and Pen-pressure (CISP) score.

The system measured slower pen speeds, pen pressures and CISP scores in the Parkinson's patients, compared with the healthy volunteers, and all three measurements clearly indicated whether a participant had Parkinson's or not. On their own, pen speed and pressure were not sufficiently different between patients with different levels of Parkinson's severity, for the system to distinguish between them.

However, using the new CISP score, the system could tell whether the patients had level 1 or level 3 Parkinson's, using a particular disease severity scale. "The system can automatically provide accurate Parkinson's diagnosis and could also be used by community doctors to monitor the effect of treatment on the disease," says Zham. "This simple device can be used by community doctors for routine screening of their patients every few years after the patients are above middle-age."

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Researchers at the Georgia State University School of Public Health have received more than $1 million to develop cellphone messaging programs to help smokers kick the habit in China and Vietnam, countries where smoking rates among men are among the highest in the world.

The five-year project, titled "Cultural Adaptation and Evaluation of mHealth Interventions for Cessation in China and Vietnam," is funded by the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health.

The lead investigators of the project are Dr. Michael Eriksen, dean of the School of Public Health, and Dr. Jidong Huang, associate professor of health management and policy.

Smoking is an overwhelmingly male habit in the two Asian nations. In Vietnam and China, more than 40 percent of men smoke, while only about 2 percent of women are smokers. By contrast, slightly more than 17 percent of U.S. men and 14 percent of U.S. women smoke, according to the latest edition of The Tobacco Atlas. Combined, China and Vietnam have more than 300 million smokers.

"This work provides us with an important opportunity to help millions of smokers in these countries to quit," said Eriksen. "And millions of their family members, friends and co-workers stand to benefit from reduced exposure to the dangers of second-hand smoke."

Access to smoking cessation programs is limited in China and Vietnam. However, mobile phones and texting technologies are increasingly popular in the two countries and offer a cost-effective way to reach large numbers of people with so-called mHealth (mobile health) applications.

In the early phases of the project, researchers will conduct focus groups in Shanghai, China and Hanoi, Vietnam, to develop culturally appropriate and effective smoking cessation messaging. Researchers will test messaging that will be delivered in the Hanoi area via text message services, and in Shanghai via WeChat, a social media application popular in China.

Also working on the project are public health researchers Dr. Matt Hayat, associate professor of epidemiology & biostatistics, Dr. Claire Adams Spears, assistant professor of health promotion and behavior, and Pam Redmon, executive director of the China Tobacco Control Partnership housed at Georgia State.

"We have been working to change social norms of tobacco control in China for the past nine years through the China Tobacco Control Partnership, and this project allows us to build upon our previous mHealth cessation interventions in China," Redmon said. "With this project, we will expand the collection of effective anti-smoking messages by including mindfulness concepts, use the innovative platform 'WeChat' to deliver messages in China and expand the cessation intervention to Vietnam."

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Online attackers may be able to purchase - for as little as a few thousand dollars - enough personal information to potentially alter voter registration information in as many as 35 states and the District of Columbia, according to a new Harvard study.

Dubbed "voter identity theft" by study authors Latanya Sweeney, Professor of Government and Technology in Residence, research analyst Ji Su Yoo and graduate student Jinyan Zang, the vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to attempt to disenfranchise many voters where voter registration information can be changed online. Armed with personal information obtained through legitimate or illegitimate sources, hackers could know enough to impersonate voters and change key information using online voter registration systems.

One tactic, researchers said, would be to simply change voters' addresses, making it appear - to poll workers at least - as though they were voting at the wrong location. Those voters might be forced to cast provisional ballots, which in many circumstances are not counted. The study is described in a September 6 paper published in the Journal of Technology Science.

Though the researchers don't report evidence of attackers exploiting the vulnerability, Sweeney, Yoo and Zang said the fear is that it might be used to either undermine confidence in elections or even to swing the result in favor of a particular candidate.

"If the goal is to undermine any belief in the electoral system, then they might very well want to target a particular community at large...(because) that could cause a kind of hysteria," Sweeney said. "People will say what kind of system is this? We didn't get a chance to vote, our whole community didn't get a chance to vote."

"If you look at the outcome of the 2016 election...there were several states where the margin of victory was within one or two or five percent," she continued. "If you want to change the result in a state that was determined by less than one percent of the votes, what is the smallest number of changes you can make and where do you make them?"

In the hope of preventing attackers from exploiting the vulnerability, Sweeney, Yoo and Zang notified election officials from the vulnerable states of their findings prior to publication, attended a national convention of such officials to discuss the findings, and will hold a workshop, to which election officials have been invited.

"Most states do have back office processes and election practices that could detect or limit an attack, but there is room for improvement," Sweeney said.

Obtaining the information needed to make those changes, Sweeney said, is far easier than most would believe, because contrary to popular opinion, voter information isn't private.

Data sets containing voter names and demographic information like addresses, party affiliation and even gender can be purchased or downloaded - often from government sites themselves - for only a few dollars. For just $18,000, researchers were able to buy voter lists from all 35 states, and Washington, D.C., that allow online registration.

Those lists, however, don't contain the personal information - like Social Security or driver's license numbers - most states use to confirm a voter's identity online. Finding that, Sweeney said, was as simple as forking over $40 per month for access to a commercial data broker site.

"The law says only people in certain situations are able to buy this data - one choice is if you want to search for your own data or for fraud investigations - but it's based on a self-attestment," Sweeney said. "That gives the brokers coverage, so if the government says you shouldn't have sold the data to that person, they can say it's not our fault, they said they were using it for this purpose."

While it is possible to find the information needed to alter voter information through legal means, Sweeney said the dark Web offered one major advantage - cost.

For just $1,002, an attacker could purchase two datasets - one believed to have come from a massive data breach of credit bureau Experian - that contained the names, address, dates of birth, gender, and Social Security numbers of most adult Americans.

Armed with that information, Sweeney, Yoo and Zang said, attackers could theoretically access and alter the voting information of thousands of individuals. In some states, they found, it would cost a mere $1 to change one percent of voter records, while the median cost was just $41.

"The money, I think that's a real shocker," Sweeney said. "When we first talked about this project with a Washington insider, he told us we were wasting our time, because voter data is so expensive. His prediction was that we would only succeed on a few sites...and that was because he thought the only way to get the data was from the state.

"But it turns out you can get it from many states, and only a handful charge a per-voter cost, which dramatically increases the cost," she added. "In Ohio, the data is free - you can download it from the Web. And others who have purchased the data have made it freely available in an attempt to add transparency to the election process. Even data brokers who specialize in voter lists, $2,000 was the maximum, and they covered all 50 states."

Sweeney conceded, however, that altering voter information may not be as simple as finding the right data.

Although it may be relatively easy to gain access to the Social Security and driver's license numbers needed to make changes to voter information, Sweeney said states may have additional security - such as having officials review and confirm address changes - that could halt an attack before major damage is done.

While those efforts may have so far been successful, Sweeney, Yoo and Zang, are urging states to take additional steps to protect against potential attacks. "A human may notice if a larger than usual number of changes appear, but what if the number is only a few more a day? A computer program might do better." said Sweeney.

"Our paper is not trying to be critical of the government or suggest that the government didn't invest enough money or resources into security," Yoo said. "But it's just the nature of government that it moves at a different pace than commercial technology does."

Among the key steps researchers urge states to take, if they are not already doing so, is the logging of all site visitors, which could allow officials to track whether a single visitor is responsible for multiple voter information changes, and to track where a potential attack came from.

"We also recommend states keep logs of the changes that are made," Sweeney added. "That would enable them to roll back through the changes, and see what changes were made and how they were changed. Some states have been doing this. We recommend all states do so."

Ultimately, the question the study asks is how can the government ensure it's actually dealing with citizens when it conducts business online. That question is important, Sweeney said, because although commercial fraud is a problem, the stakes are far higher for the government.

"If a commercial site is compromised, the downsides are not the same, because it doesn't compromise our entire democratic process," Sweeney said. "When people talk about voter fraud, what they usually mean is additional votes being cast by one party, but this is different. It's about people who should have been able to vote, but can't. This fits into the larger discourse of election security in a unique way...because it could allow for a particular group to be disenfranchised."

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This research was supported with funding from the Ford Foundation in support of the Data Privacy Lab at Harvard University, a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and a grant from the Knight Foundation.
Mosquitoes are holometabolous insects (i.e. organisms that go through a complete metamorphosis). As such, they occupy two main habitats during their life cycle. The larval stage develops in water and the adult stage lives on land. The adult traits of mosquitoes (e.g. body size, lifespan, susceptibility to human pathogens) depend on environmental conditions experienced both during larval development and during adult life.

Recently, the scientific community has realized that the adult mosquito gut microbiota (the microbes that are living in the gut of the mosquito) contributes to modulate the transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens. However, the role of the microbiota of larvae in influencing adult traits has remained under explored.

This question is particularly important for Aedes aegypti, a major vector of arboviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika and chikungunya viruses. In sub-Saharan Africa, Ae. aegypti exists in an urban form and a forest form, and the larval breeding sites differ between the two. Whereas the urban form develops in man-made containers such as used tires and discarded items, the forest form develops in natural breeding sites such as rock pools and tree holes.

Researchers from the Institut Pasteur and CNRS, in collaboration with scientific teams from IRD, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1*, and CIRMF in Gabon, observed differences in the gut microbiota of Ae. aegypti larvae breeding in the forest or in the urban environment. Back to the lab, they demonstrated that differential bacterial exposure during the development of Ae. aegypti larvae can have "carry-over" effects on adult traits related to a mosquito's ability to be a successful vector of arboviruses. Thus, exposure to different bacteria during development results in variation in the speed at which that larvae develop, the size of adult mosquitoes, immune activity of adults, as well as susceptibility to dengue virus.

As explained by Laura Dickson, first author of the study and researcher at the Institut Pasteur, "this discovery is highly significant because it provides the first empirical proof of principle that bacteria in the aquatic environment can modulate the ability of adult mosquitoes to transmit human pathogens." According to Louis Lambrechts, researcher at CNRS, head of the Insect-Virus Interactions group at the Institut Pasteur and coordinator of the study, "our discovery calls for an increased appreciation of the role of larval ecology in the transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens."

These findings represent an important first step toward a more comprehensive understanding of how the environment shapes the risk of vector-borne disease. Improved knowledge on the bacteria found in natural larval breeding sites and their consequence at the adult stage could lead to new disease control strategies. For instance, this could be done by targeting the breeding sites where mosquito larvae are most likely to become efficient vectors of arboviruses. An alternative could be to directly manipulate the bacteria in breeding sites to reduce the ability of mosquitoes emerging from these sites to transmit human pathogens.

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* The French research labs involved in this study are : the Insect-Virus Interactions Group (CNRS/Institut Pasteur), the MIVEGEC ("Maladies infectieuses et vecteurs : ecologie, genetique, evolution et controle") research unit (CNRS/IRD/Universite de Montpellier), and the Microbial ecology lab (CNRS/Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1/Inra/Vetagro Sup).

The study was funded by the French government's Investissement d'Avenir program, the LabEx IBEID (Laboratoire d'Excellence Integrative Biology of Emerging Infectious Diseases), the Agence nationale de la recherche, the City of Paris Emergence(s) program in Biomedical Research, and the Centre national de la recherche scientifique.
RMG Gold and Georgias cultural heritage

By Messenger Staff

A group of activities, who have been protecting the oldest gold mine in the world in Sakdrisi from the Russian-owned gold mining RMG Gold company, now say the same company constitutes a threat for the medieval Pitareti monastery southwest from Tbilisi.The group has addressed Georgias Minister of Culture Mikheil Giorgadze to react to the damage of the monastery fence by the companys tractors.Giorgadze stated in response that gold mining works in Pitareti would launch only if the report over the influence on the nature would be acceptable.RMG Golds official webpage reads that they are one of the largest enterprises in Georgia and the Caucasus region engaged in mining activities. Most of their work is concentrated in the Bolnisi region of Georgia.JSC RMG Copper and LTD RMG Gold produce copper concentrate and gold Dore alloys (half-fabricates) by mining and processing copper and gold containing ores.Big international trading companies buy RMG products. The traders purify the purchased products and melt the pure metals (gold, copper, silver) in the metallurgical plants. Later on, the pure metal is sold on the London Stock Exchange.RMG is an important employer in Georgia and the Bolnisi Region. Currently, approximately 3000 employees work at the company, 90% of whom are local residents, the webpage says.In 2011-2014 RMG invested about $300 million in Georgia.In 2013 the Georgian leadership removed the status of cultural heritage from Sakrisi, which could be the oldest gold mine in the world, and allowed the RMG Gold resume mining activities there in 2014.Former Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili stated that the government took the interests of the local, considered the population when making the decision over letting the company mine in Sakdrisi.It has been proved many times that in situations when it comes to a choice between a big company and a cultural heritage, the government gives the priority to the business.Protecting of cultural heritage is the duty of each nation, and any government ignoring this ignores the countrys past and values.
The members of the Faculty of Chemistry of the Lomonosov Moscow State University in cooperation with Danish molecular physicists have revealed the mechanism, determining the sensitivity of the green fluorescent protein to light exposure. The scientists have proved that an isolated chromophore group is capable of emitting light outside the protein environment, while the protein function is to enhance its fluorescent properties. The research has been funded by the Russian Science Foundation and the Villum Foundation, and the results are published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Proteins from the GFP family are widely used as biomarkers - with their help one could visualize various biological processes, taking place inside living cells. These proteins came into wide use in molecular and cellular biology due to their unique ability to fluoresce upon absorption of light of a certain wavelength.

Only a small fragment of the protein chain (namely, a chromophore group or, shortly - a chromophore) is responsible for light absorption. The chromophore is formed by just three amino acid residues. Up to the present, the protein environment has been thought to make its chromophore emit light under irradiation. This idea has been supported by the fact that the isolated chromophore loses its fluorescent properties upon protein denaturation, i.e. unfolding of the protein. For the first time, the authors have predicted and experimentally proved that the isolated chromophore can also fluoresce outside the protein environment but only at temperatures below 100 ? (-173? ?).

Following absorption of light, the fluorescent protein gains extra energy and undergoes transition to the electronically excited state. The protein molecule is striving to be back to the ground state by getting rid of the excess energy. This process is called deactivation and proceeds in two ways. The first one is fluorescence. In transit from the excited state to the ground one, the chromophore emits energy in the form of light, and as a result, the protein becomes luminous.

The second way is called nonradiative relaxation. During this process electronic excitation energy, transferred to a molecule upon light absorption, is transformed into vibrational energy of nuclei. Internal conversion inside the green fluorescent protein is followed by a chemical reaction - cis-trans isomerization of the chromophore (i.e. intramolecular rotation about one of the double bonds inside the molecule).

In case of the anionic (negatively charged) chromophore of the green fluorescent protein, energy can also be transferred to one electron, which leaves the chromophore. The chromophore, which undergoes isomerization or loses an electron, removes excess electronic energy and doesn't fluoresce. Fluorescence is called a radiative channel of deactivation, while internal conversion and electron emission are called nonradiative channels. The scientists have experimentally used both nonradiative channels to study the excited-state decay and the ground-state recovery of the isolated GFP chromophore at various temperatures.

The scientists have shown that the isolated GFP chromophore can be trapped in the excited state due to the presence of intrinsic energy barriers along the nonradiative deactivation pathways. When the chromophore is cooled to 100 K, the trapping lasts for nanoseconds, thus enabling the slow radiative channel. The trapping barriers prevent the chromophore from returning to the ground state by fast nonradiative conversion and all that is left for the molecule is to fluoresce.

Dr. Anastasia Bochenkova, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry, the Lomonosov Moscow State University and one of the authors shares: "The GFP chromophore is intrinsically fluorescent. Interactions between the chromophore group and the nearest protein environment improve conditions for trapping the chromophore in the excited state, thus enhancing the molecular fluorescence. As a result, the radiative channel becomes predominant inside the protein already at room temperature."

The scientists have studied the chromophore properties both theoretically and expirementally. The scientists from the Lomonosov Moscow State University have elaborated a theoretical model and estimated an excited-state lifetime of the isolated chromophore, based on the performed high-level quantum-chemistry calculations. Such calculations require high-performance computing resources, and the scientists have used the Lomonosov Supercomputing Center for their studies.

The Danish scientists have designed and created a new experimental technique for studying light-induced molecular dynamics of isolated charged chromophores in vacuo - femtosecond pump-probe action spectroscopy with 2D temporal resolution. Both delay time between two femtosecond (10-15 s) laser pulses and decay time of a particular molecular action were varied. The new technique has allowed to resolve the light-induced dynamics of the GFP chromophore as it happens in different decay channels through both the excited and ground electronic states, depending on temperature. Based on the obtained results, the researchers have made a conclusion that native GFP chromophores are intrinsically capable to fluoresce outside the protein environment with a nanosecond lifetime, fully supporting theoretical predictions.

Anastasia Bochenkova concludes: "Our research aims at disclosing molecular mechanisms of functioning of living systems. A fundamental challenge is to understand the relasionship between the properties of an entire light-sensitive biosystem and its much smaller active chromophore, which is at the heart of the molecular machinery. Here, we have shown that the properties of a single chromophore are important for understanding the mechanisms of action of the entire GFP protein. The new knowledge has been obtained at the intersection of physics, chemistry and biology and results in revising the prevailing paradigm about the role of the protein environment in the fluorescence of the GFP protein. Beyong solving the question about the origin of the intrinsic fluorescence of GFP, the work shows that detailed molecular knowledge, obtained through high-level quantum chemistry calculations, may be used together with molecular engineering in designing new functional biomaterials with optimal photoresponse."

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The project has been carried out in collaboration with the group of Prof. Lars H. Andersen from the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the Aarhus University (Denmark).
Alzheimer's sufferers may now have an additional test to improve the accuracy of diagnosis in order to better tailor appropriate treatment

In the largest and most conclusive study of its kind, researchers have analysed blood samples to create a novel and non-invasive way of helping to diagnose Alzheimer's disease and distinguishing between different types of neurodegenerative disorders.

Following this breakthrough discovery, Alzheimer's sufferers may now have an additional test to improve the accuracy of diagnosis in order to better tailor appropriate treatment.

The research also offers a valuable opportunity to monitor the progression of the disease.

The international study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA used sensor-based technology with a diamond core to analyse approximately 550 blood samples.

By passing light through the diamond and observing its interactions with the blood plasma, researchers were able to identify specific chemical bonds within the blood. This biochemical data was used to compare blood samples from cases of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases with those from healthy controls.

The ground-breaking scientific investigation was carried out by researchers at Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), the University of Manchester and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Professor David Allsop from Lancaster University has been collaborating for many years with Professor David Mann at Manchester University in searching for diagnostic markers for neurodegenerative disease in blood plasma.

They provided all of the plasma samples for the study, along with supporting clinical and genetic information, and expertise in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Professor Allsop said: "A particularly exciting aspect of the study was the ability to distinguish accurately between Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, which are conditions that both result in dementia and can be difficult to separate from each other based on clinical information and symptoms. By reduction of misdiagnosed cases and administration of appropriate treatment, many people could benefit from this type of blood test in the future."

Alzheimer's diagnosis currently involves careful medical evaluation including clinical history, memory testing and brain scans, yet the only conclusive diagnosis is determined by post-mortem examination. This new blood test offers a non-invasive, more accurate and relatively cost-effective method of diagnosis, which will ensure the correct management of the condition.

Professor Francis Martin, principal investigator of the study and Biosciences theme lead at UCLan, said: "We have an aging population, meaning that the incidence and prevalence of Alzheimer's is increasing, as is the need for accurate diagnosis. The ability to identify different neurodegenerative diseases through the analysis of blood offers a faster and accurate way of establishing the most effective treatment plan as well as disease monitoring."

This new approach could also offer potential for carrying out tests to identify and monitor early signs of mild cognitive impairment, meaning that the onset of Alzheimer's and other types of neurodegenerative diseases could be detected early and intervention measures could be put in place earlier to slow the progress of these diseases.

Professor Martin added: "For those suffering with Alzheimer's disease, the damage is already well advanced once conventionally diagnosed, but this new method offers a potentially effective early screening tool when patients are only demonstrating signs of mild cognitive impairment. This is a potentially significant breakthrough for the prevention of different debilitating and chronic neurological diseases."

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COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Russian government has persuaded many of its citizens to avoid websites and social media platforms that are critical of the government, a new study has found.

Researchers analyzing a survey of Russian citizens found that those who relied more on Russian national television news perceived the internet as a greater threat to their country than did others. This in turn led to increased support for online political censorship.

Approval of the government of President Vladimir Putin amplified the impact of those threat perceptions on support for censorship, according to the study.

The success of the Russian regime in persuading citizens to self-censor their internet use has troubling implications, said Erik Nisbet, co-author of the study an associate professor of communication at The Ohio State University.

"This is actually more insidious. The government doesn't have to rely as much on legal or technical firewalls against content they don't like. They have created a psychological firewall in which people censor themselves," Nisbet said.

"People report they don't go to certain websites because the government says it is bad for me."

Nisbet conducted the study with Olga Kamenchuk, a visiting assistant professor, and doctoral student Aysenur Dal, both from Ohio State. Their results appear in the September 2017 issue of the journal Social Science Quarterly.

The researchers used data originally collected by VCIOM (Russian Public Opinion Research Center) for the Internet Policy Observatory at the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication.

For that project, researchers surveyed 1,601 Russian citizens during May 2014 about their internet and media use, risk perceptions about the internet, support for online political censorship and support for the Putin government.

Ohio State's analysis of the survey responses showed that people who relied most on the official government TV news were more likely than those who used other media sources to see the internet as a threat. These viewers were more likely to agree that the internet was used by foreign countries against Russia and that it was a threat to political stability within the country.

Not surprisingly, those who saw the internet as a threat were also more likely to support online censorship.

Support for Vladimir Putin significantly strengthened the relationship between seeing the internet as a risk and supporting online censorship, the study found.

"Government authorities have convinced many Russians that censoring content labeled as extremist protects the population from harm, while at the same time failing to mention that this label is often applied by authorities to legitimate political opposition or opinions that run counter to government policies," Kamenchuk said.

The Russian regime uses its official news outlets, particularly television, to spread fear about anti-government sites. The regime often uses graphic metaphors to sensationalize the risk of some internet content, according to the researchers.

For example, the government has compared some websites it opposes to suicide bombers and tells citizens its response would be to use internet control and censorship to create a "bulletproof vest for the Russian society."

Kamenchuk said Russians don't have to rely on these official government news sources.

"There is opposition TV, radio and newspapers in the country that are not blocked. People can find them freely. But our studies show that many deliberately choose to ignore those outlets," she said.

Even blocked websites can be accessed through technical solutions that aren't difficult to find in the country, even if they are illegal, Nisbet said.

"But it is tougher to circumvent that psychological firewall than it is the legal or technological firewalls. How do you circumvent the mindset that censorship is good?" he said.

Russia isn't alone in persuading citizens that the internet can be dangerous. Many authoritarian governments, such as Turkey, have labelled opposition websites and social media platforms as a threat, the researchers said.

Despite the importance of self-censorship in countries like Russia, most studies have overlooked the issue, Nisbet said.

"Much of the academic research on the subject comes from the United States, where there is a lot of support for free expression and internet freedom," he said. "But the U.S. is an exception in this regard, and not the norm. Much of the world is much more supportive of censorship than is the U.S."

These results also mean that the United States needs to adjust how it pursues its goal of increasing internet access and freedom around the world. The U.S. State Department has allocated millions of dollars to promote internet freedom, primarily in the areas of technology for getting around censorship.

"That's not going to help a lot if people agree with the censorship and don't want to use these tools," Nisbet said.

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Contact: Erik Nisbet, 614-247-1693; Nisbet.5@osu.edu

Written by Jeff Grabmeier, 614-292-8457; Grabmeier.1@osu.edu
LA JOLLA--(September 6, 2017) Salk Associate Professor Tatyana Sharpee has been awarded a grant of approximately $950,000 over 4 years by the National Science Foundation to study how the brain processes complex sounds. This grant is part of a multi-national project together with groups in France and Israel.

"Tatyana's computational approach and modeling is at the cutting edge of neurobiology research," says Salk President Elizabeth Blackburn. "This award will allow her to continue to make important discoveries about how the brain processes sounds and test theories about how different types of neurons work together. Such work could inform better ways to treat hearing loss or improve speech-recognition technologies."

Sharpee, who is a member of Salk's Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, seeks to develop a unifying theory of "biological control" to understand the universal principles of behavior. Specifically, she is uncovering how animals sense and adapt to their environment as well as make predictions and decisions. To do this, she applies mathematical strategies--like statistics and probability models--to chart the principles by which the brain's billions of neurons exchange energy and information.

"This grant represents a tremendous opportunity to solve the mysteries of auditory processing by combining electrical recordings from the brain, simulations of large scale neural circuits, and statistical analysis of both model and real responses to understand how different types of neurons in the auditory cortex represent naturalistic sounds," says Sharpee. "I could not be more excited about it."

The grant brings together three groups, one experimental and two computational, to develop models based on known properties of neural networks to describe how different types of neurons cooperate to represent sounds. In addition to deepening our understanding of auditory perception, the researchers from Salk, Hebrew University in Jerusalem and Paris-Descartes University hope to gain insights into general principles of cooperation between neurons within a single neural network.

"The work Dr. Sharpee and her colleagues are doing is really exciting and difficult," says Kenneth Whang, NSF program manager, Information & Intelligent Systems division in the directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering. "They are bringing together computational models of what a brain network can accomplish with the mechanisms underlying those processes. This is critically important for understanding how large numbers of neurons work together to power our perceptions and other cognitive functions."

The research has implications for understanding representation of signals in other senses (vision, touch) as well as the general principles of neural coding in the brain, and offers a number of potential practical applications, including the design of improved hearing aids and artificial speech recognition systems.

Additionally, because an altered balance between types of neurons has been implicated in a number of attention deficits and psychiatric disorders, including autism and schizophrenia, the project could also reveal new ways of treating those diseases.

The grant also includes an outreach component that will involve music and speech perception demonstrations for K-12 students and exhibitions.

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About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies:

Every cure has a starting point. The Salk Institute embodies Jonas Salk's mission to dare to make dreams into reality. Its internationally renowned and award-winning scientists explore the very foundations of life, seeking new understandings in neuroscience, genetics, immunology, plant biology and more. The Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature and fearless in the face of any challenge. Be it cancer or Alzheimer's, aging or diabetes, Salk is where cures begin. Learn more at:
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is the tenth most influential research institution in the world, according to the Nature Index 2017 Innovation supplement, which sheds light on the impact academic research is having on innovation. Published in early August, the report ranks 200 universities and research organizations based on their contributions to published research that is later cited in other organizations' patents.

"Our ranking among the top 10 most influential research institutions in the world reflects our long-standing culture of innovation, our commitment to recruiting accomplished scientists, students and executives who can advance biomedical innovation and discovery and our transformative approach to discovery to produce radically better outcomes for patients," says Dennis S. Charney, MD, Anne and Joel Ehrenkranz Dean of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and President for Academic Affairs of the Mount Sinai Health System. "We are proud to be recognized for the profound influence our science is having on medical discovery around the world."

The Normalized Lens Influence Metric used by the Nature Index measures the influence an institution's research has had on innovation by calculating the citations of research articles in patents owned by third parties, rather than those owned by the institutions themselves. 36.2 percent of all the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai's natural science articles appeared in the Nature Index, a database of author affiliation information collated from research articles published in 68 high-quality science journals. The index is compiled by Nature Research, a unit of the company that publishes the journal Nature.

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai was joined at the top of the list by institutions with global reputations for high quality research, including Scripps Research Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University.

"This analysis comes at a time when following the transfer of scientific knowledge into industry and the economy is a growing priority for governments and research funding agencies. For them, the need to demonstrate that publicly funded science is being used for society's benefit is paramount," said David Swinbanks, founder of the Nature Index.

More information about the Nature Index is available here.

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About the Mount Sinai Health System

The Mount Sinai Health System is New York City's largest integrated delivery system encompassing seven hospital campuses, a leading medical school, and a vast network of ambulatory practices throughout the greater New York region. Mount Sinai's vision is to produce the safest care, the highest quality, the highest satisfaction, the best access and the best value of any health system in the nation. The System includes approximately 7,100 primary and specialty care physicians; 10 joint-venture ambulatory surgery centers; more than 140 ambulatory practices throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and 31 affiliated community health centers. Physicians are affiliated with the renowned Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, which is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per investigator. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 18 on U.S. News & World Report's "Honor Roll" of top U.S. hospitals; it is one of the nation's top 20 hospitals in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Nephrology, and Neurology/Neurosurgery, and in the top 50 in four other specialties in the 2017-2018 "Best Hospitals" issue. Mount Sinai's Kravis Children's Hospital also is ranked in six out of ten pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked 12th nationally for Ophthalmology and 50th for Ear, Nose, and Throat, while Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai West are ranked regionally. For more information, visit http://www.mountsinai.org/, or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
A massive investigation published in Nature shows that contrary to popular belief, a majority of papers in suspected biomedical predatory journals (57 percent) are from high or upper middle income countries, with many coming from prestigious institutions.

Largely unknown a decade ago, there are now an estimated 8,000 predatory journals collectively publishing more than 400,000 research studies each year. These journals offer to rapidly publish research findings, typically at a lower cost than legitimate journals, but do not provide quality controls such as peer-review. Predatory journals are also difficult to search, meaning that health-care providers and researchers can rarely learn from the data in these journals.

Researchers from The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa analyzed 1,907 research papers published in 220 suspected biomedical predatory journals. The journals were randomly selected from well-known but controversial lists compiled by University of Colorado librarian Jeffrey Beall.

They found that the top countries publishing in these journals were India (27 percent), the United States (15 percent), Nigeria (5 percent), Iran (4 percent) and Japan (4 percent). The U.S. National Institutes of Health was the most frequent funder mentioned among the very few articles that credited one.

"Our research debunks the common belief that predatory journals are only a problem in low income countries," said senior author Dr. David Moher, a senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and associate professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada. "Predatory journals publish research from scientists around the world, including those based at prestigious high income institutions."

The authors note, however, that their results should be interpreted in the context of the overall scientific output for each country and institution. For example, the United States publishes more research than any other country, and the vast majority is in legitimate journals.

The researchers also attempted to judge the quality of the suspected predatory journal papers using adapted versions of widely accepted reporting guideline checklists.

"While quality can be patchy even in legitimate journals, we found that it was far worse in suspected predatory journals," said Larissa Shamseer, a PhD student at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa and co-author of the study. "For example, clinical trials published in predatory journals are much less likely to provide information on research ethics approval, trial registration and randomization into treatment groups. These details are essential for other researchers to be able to gauge the validity of the results."

"We estimate that data from millions of patients and animals may be tucked away in predatory journals," said Dr. Manoj Lalu, associate scientist and anesthesiologist at The Ottawa Hospital, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa and co-author of the study. "Most of this work is undetectable by readers, including by health-care providers looking for research to inform patient care."

The researchers also made a list of the top institutions publishing in their sample of suspected predatory journals and attempted to contact the corresponding authors. Of 87 emails sent, 18 were responded to. Only two of the authors said they were aware that the journal they published in was potentially predatory.

Understanding the importance of helping researchers publish their results transparently and avoid predatory journals, Dr. Moher founded the Centre for Journalology at The Ottawa Hospital in 2015. The Centre includes a full-time Publications Officer who provides training and consultations to researchers at The Ottawa Hospital and partner institutions.

"Some predatory journals are very good at impersonating legitimate journals," said Dr. Kelly Cobey, Publications Officer at The Ottawa Hospital, adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and co-author of the study. "We need to educate researchers about this issue."

Dr. Cobey describes three experiences Ottawa researchers have had with predatory journals in an accompanying Nature World View column.

The team has also developed the following resources to help researchers with this issue:

Distinguishing features of predatory journals (BMC Medicine - https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-017-0785-9)

Characteristics of predatory journal invitations to submit (BMC Medicine - https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0423-3)

Study materials and data (to be available on Open Science Framework once the embargo lifts - https://osf.io/r2gj6/)

"Stamping out predatory journals and improving how we publish research results could lead to big improvements in health," said Dr. Moher. "Funders, institutions, researchers and publishers need to work together to address this issue."

The Centre for Journalology is supported by generous donations to The Ottawa Hospital ), as well as contributions from other partners.

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Related content
Professor Michael N. Hall from the Biozentrum of the University of Basel receives the Lasker Basic Medical Research Award 2017 - one of the most distinguished honors in biomedical research. With his discovery of the protein TOR, the biochemist was able to identify a key element in the regulation of cell growth, which is also responsible for the development of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.

The American Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation honors Michael N. Hall for his fundamental discoveries in cell growth that have opened up a new field of biomedical science.

"Michael Hall showed that TOR proteins control cell growth in response to nutrients and growth factors and thus established that growth is a highly regulated process that is independent of the cell division cycle," said Joseph L. Goldstein, Chair of the Lasker Medical Research Awards Jury.

The Lasker Award is known as the highest award in medical sciences in the US. Many recipients of the Lasker Award have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

Pioneer in the field of cell growth

Prof. Dr. Michael N. Hall discovered the protein Target of Rapamycin, TOR for short, in the early 1990s at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel in Switzerland. By activation and inactivation of different signaling pathways, it controls cell growth and size. Uncontrolled cell growth plays a major role in the development of a number of illnesses. Dysregulation of the intricate TOR signaling network is involved in the development of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Over the years, Hall has continually added important pieces to the puzzle in understanding TOR. For instance, he demonstrated that TOR is found in two distinct protein complexes, which explained the different effects of TOR signaling in the cell.

The work of Hall has led to a fundamental change in how one thinks of cell growth and has provided critical information for the development of anti-cancer drugs.

Great honor for the University of Basel

"I am extraordinarily pleased and deeply grateful that the Lasker Foundation has honored our fundamental research with this award," says Michael Hall in a first statement. "I hope that our work will pave the way for new scientific discoveries and allow the development of effective cancer therapies."

"We are very proud of Mike Hall's achievements," adds Prof. Dr. Andrea Schenker-Wicki, President of the University of Basel. "With this award, an extraordinary scientist is being honored, whose discoveries have inspired the life sciences way beyond the University of Basel."

"We are absolutely delighted that Mike Hall is being recognized with the Lasker Award. Mike has been a member of the Biozentrum for thirty years and it has been a privilege and a pleasure to witness the evolution of his groundbreaking work over that time", says Prof. Dr. Erich Nigg, Director of the Biozentrum of the University of Basel.

Highly decorated scientist

The 64-year-old Michael N. Hall was born in Puerto Rico. He received his PhD from Harvard University and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the University of California, San Francisco. Hall joined the Biozentrum of the University of Basel as an Assistant Professor in 1987, and has been conducting research and teaching as a Full Professor of Biochemistry since 1992.

For his pioneering research Hall has received numerous prestigious prizes, including the Cloetta Prize for Biomedical Research (2003), the Louis Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2009), the Marcel Benoist Prize (2012), the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2014), the Canada Gairdner International Award (2015), and the Szent-Gyorgyi Prize of the American National Foundation for Cancer Research (2017). He was elected a member of the US National Academy of Sciences in 2014.

Renowned biomedical research award

The Lasker Award is known as one of the most distinguished research awards in biomedicine worldwide. It is awarded in three categories each year by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation in New York. The award recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of human disease.

Michael Hall is the sole recipient of this year's Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research. The Lasker~Debakey Award for Clinical Medical Research went to Douglas R. Lowy and John T. Schiller, both from the US National Cancer Institute. The Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award was awarded to the US nonprofit organization Planned Parenthood. The prizes are each endowed with USD 250,000. The official award ceremony will be held September 15, 2017, in New York.

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Around the world, ticks are one of the most important vectors of zoonotic diseases -- animal diseases communicable to humans -- and they're everywhere.

While North Americans worry about Lyme disease carried by blacklegged or deer ticks, on the other side of the globe, people contend with a different variety of tick-borne fevers. A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers and colleagues suggests that the abundance of ticks that carry certain fevers are likely to rise in the future, thanks to a combination of wildlife loss and climate change.

The study used a large-scale experimental test to demonstrate synergistic effects of those phenomena on ticks and their pathogens. The investigators found that total tick abundance and abundance of infected ticks increased dramatically when large animals were lost -- and that this effect was exacerbated in dryer, low-productivity areas. Their analysis appears in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

"Our research suggests that large mammal conservation may prevent increases in tick abundance and tick-borne disease risk," said lead author Georgia Titcomb, a graduate student in UCSB's Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB). "These results are timely and relevant in light of widespread wildlife declines and unpredictable regional climatic shifts in a steadily warming world."

For their investigation, the scientists used a long-term, size-selective herbivore exclosure experiment at the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya to examine impacts to the abundance of ticks and two regionally important tick-borne pathogens, Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp., the causative agents of Q fever and spotted fevers, respectively.

The experiment included four plot treatments. The first excluded all but the smallest rodent-sized herbivores, mostly mice; the second permitted intermediate-size animals such as hares and small antelope. In the third treatment, all animals but mega- herbivores such as giraffes and elephants were allowed to penetrate the plot. The control had no animal restrictions. The researchers spend more than a year conducting monthly hour-long tick drags in each plot.

The results showed that total wildlife exclusion increased total tick abundance by 130 percent at sites with a moderate amount of moisture and by 225 percent at dry, low-productivity sites. For a subset of months when differing degrees of exclusion were tested, total tick abundance increased from 170 percent in the plot with mega-herbivores to 360 percent when all large wildlife were excluded.

"This suggests that exposure risk will respond to wildlife loss and climate change in proportion to total tick abundance," said co-author Hillary Young, an EEMB associate professor and Titcomb's adviser. "We've shown these interacting effects increase disease risk, but they also highlight the need to incorporate ecological context when making predictions about the effects of wildlife loss on zoonotic disease dynamics."

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This research was supported by grants from the National Geographic Society, the National Science Foundation, the Morris Animal Foundation and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
UCLA biologists have developed an intervention that serves as a cellular time machine -- turning back the clock on a key component of aging.

In a study on middle-aged fruit flies, the researchers substantially improved the animals' health while significantly slowing their aging. They believe the technique could eventually lead to a way to delay the onset of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease and other age-related diseases in humans.

The approach focuses on mitochondria, the tiny power generators within cells that control the cells' growth and determine when they live and die. Mitochondria often become damaged with age, and as people grow older, those damaged mitochondria tend to accumulate in the brain, muscles and other organs. When cells can't eliminate the damaged mitochondria, those mitochondria can become toxic and contribute to a wide range of age-related diseases, said David Walker, a UCLA professor of integrative biology and physiology, and the study's senior author.

In the new research, Walker and his colleagues found that as fruit flies reach middle age -- about one month into their two-month lifespan -- their mitochondria change from their original small, round shape.

"We think the fact that the mitochondria become larger and elongated impairs the cell's ability to clear the damaged mitochondria," Walker said. "And our research suggests dysfunctional mitochondria accumulate with age, rather than being discarded."

The study, published Sept. 6 in the journal Nature Communications, reports that the UCLA scientists removed the damaged mitochondria by breaking up enlarged mitochondria into smaller pieces -- and that when they did, the flies became more active and more energetic and had more endurance. Following the treatment, female flies lived 20 percent longer than their typical lifespan, while males lived 12 percent longer, on average.

The research highlights the importance of a protein called Drp1 in aging. At least in flies and mice, levels of Drp1 decline with age.

To break apart the flies' mitochondria, Anil Rana, a UCLA project scientist and the study's lead author, increased their levels of Drp1. This enabled the flies to discard the smaller, damaged mitochondria, leaving only healthy mitochondria. Drp1 levels were increased for one week starting when the flies were 30 days old.

At essentially the same time, Rana demonstrated that the flies' Atg1 gene also plays an essential role in turning back the clock on cellular aging. He did this by "turning off" the gene, rendering the flies' cells unable to eliminate the damaged mitochondria. This proved that Atg1 is required to reap the procedure's anti-aging effects: While Drp1 breaks up enlarged mitochondria, the Atg1 gene is needed to dispose of the damaged ones.

"It's like we took middle-aged muscle tissue and rejuvenated it to youthful muscle," said Walker, a member of UCLA's Molecular Biology Institute. "We actually delayed age-related health decline. And seven days of intervention was sufficient to prolong their lives and enhance their health."

One specific health problem the treatment addressed was the onset of leaky intestines, which previous research by Walker's team found commonly occurs about a week before fruit flies die. Subsequent research in other laboratories has determined that an increase in intestines' permeability is a hallmark of aging in worms, mice and monkeys. In the UCLA study, the condition was delayed after flies were given more Drp1.

Fruit flies are often used for studies on aging because their short lifespan enables scientists to track the effects of specific treatments within a manageable period of time, and many of the features of aging at the cellular level are similar to those of humans. In addition, scientists have identified all of the fruit fly's genes and know how to switch individual ones on and off.

Walker hopes that a technique similar to the one his team developed for fruit files could eventually help humans by slowing aging and delaying aging-related diseases. He said the fact that the new approach was effective even after a short time is especially significant because long-term use of nearly any drug can have harmful side effects in humans.

Walker said one of the long-term goals of his research is to develop pharmaceuticals that would mimic the effects of Drp1, in order to extend people's lives and lengthen what he calls people's "health spans," meaning the number of healthy years in their lives.

In another part of the experiment, also involving middle-aged fruit flies, the scientists turned off a protein called Mfn that enables mitochondria to fuse together into larger pieces. Doing so also extended the flies' lives and improved their health.

"You can either break up the mitochondria with Drp1 or prevent them from fusing by inactivating Mfn," Rana said. "Both have the same effect: making the mitochondria smaller and extending lifespan."

Drp1's function in animals was discovered by Alexander van der Bliek, a UCLA professor of biological chemistry, in the early 2000s.

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The co-authors of the new study are Harry Rossiter, associate professor of medicine at LA BioMed and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; Andy Khamoui, a former postdoctoral scholar in Rossiter's laboratory; Matheus Oliveira and Ricardo Aparicio, postdoctoral scholars in Walker's lab; and Michael Rera, a former postdoctoral scholar in that lab.

The research was funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Aging. Walker is a Julie Martin Mid?Career Awardee in Aging Research supported by the Ellison Medical Foundation and the American Federation for Aging Research.
A high-flying duck species reaches altitudes of up to 6,800 metres (22,000 feet) to cross the Himalayas, new research shows.

Ruddy shelducks are known to breed north of the Himalayan mountain range, but spend their winters at sea level south of the Tibetan Plateau.

They need to fly over the Himalayas in the spring to get back to their breeding grounds, a huge challenge that sees them cross terrain higher than 4,000 metres, where oxygen levels are halved.

Scientists from the University of Exeter used satellite tracking to discover that they fly through valleys in the mountain range - avoiding massive peaks like Mount Everest.

"This is the first evidence of extreme high-altitude flight in a duck," said lead researcher Nicole Parr, of Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

"This species has probably evolved a range of adaptations to be able to cope with flying so high, where oxygen levels are half those at sea level. We don't yet know the nature of these adaptations.

"Our research also shows that the ruddy shelduck has a faster climb rate than the bar-headed goose - the only waterfowl known to fly even higher."

Dr Lucy Hawkes, the supervisor of the work at the University of Exeter, had previously tracked bar-headed geese to 7,290 metres altitude near Everest in 2014.

They were long thought to be the world's highest-flying bird based on flapping flight (some birds soar higher on thermals), but the new research suggests that the bar-headed geese may not be the only species flying at these high altitudes.

However, more research is needed to find out whether ruddy shelducks reach similar heights to bar-headed geese.

The scientists used satellite data collected from 15 ruddy shelducks from two populations spending their winter south of the Tibetan Plateau.

They found the birds, which take a "circuitous route" to avoid mountain peaks, regularly fly above 5,000 metres and sometimes go as high as 6,800 metres.

The researchers suggested that ruddy shelducks wintering further east in India may fly even higher, given the higher terrain that lies north of India.

The paper, published in the Journal of Avian Biology, is entitled: "High altitude flights by ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) during Trans-Himalayan migrations."

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High-flyers' club

Passenger jet cruising altitude: 13,000 metres (Airbus A380, Boeing 777)

Mount Everest: 8,848 metres

Ruddy shelduck: 6,800 metres

Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building): 828 metres

World high jump record: 2.45 metres

Ruddy shelduck Facts

A medium sized duck, similar to the mallard (900-1500g)

Ruddy shelduck's breeding range stretches from south-eastern Europe through to Western China with some established populations in Africa

Habitat includes fresh water, salty or brackish lakes

Omnivorous feeder
Predicting the future, summoning angels and demons, creating talismans, dowsing rods and magic mirrors: In early modern times, magical rituals were part of the body of knowledge of the educated classes of society. Together with Dr. Bernd-Christian Otto from the Max Weber Centre for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies at the University of Erfurt, Prof. Dr. Daniel Bellingradt, Junior Professor in Book Science and specialist in historical communication research at the Friederich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU), examined a collection of 140 ritual magical manuscripts from the early 18th century which had previously remained undiscovered in the library of the University of Leipzig.

Old traditions which are not common knowledge

Written in German, Italian and Latin around 1700, the 140 manuscripts include transcripts, recreations and translations of magical texts. These grimoires are based on Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions. Most of the texts are ritual scripts, that is, instructions for and descriptions of rituals. Some rituals allow you to look into your own future, while others can make the bewitched become invisible or even allow them to fly.

Banned and consequently retrieved

The collection reveals the secret knowledge which was passed on from generation to generation within the upper social milieus. Indeed, despite many attempts to ban and censor, the practice of magic held a certain appeal in the period after 1500, especially among learned and elitist circles who, behind closed doors, sought to redefine the boundaries between magic, religion and science. According to Daniel Bellingradt, "this collection gives us an insight into a time and universe which could be designated as the 'Dark Enlightenment'. It is almost the underground history of the Enlightenment."

Readers required a high level of education to understand the texts, which typically featured long and convoluted passages. Moreover, the rituals themselves would take a relatively long time to perform, were expensive and required a broad knowledge of European-religious traditions, all prerequisites which were generally only accessible to educated social elites. In other words accessible to those strata of society which had been rediscovering ancient knowledge, including old magical writing, from the mid-13th century on. Interest in this kind of knowledge remained intact during the Renaissance and afterwards.

As a result of the ban on magic (in Leipzig, the Constitutio Criminalis Carolina of 1532 remained in force in 1700) and censorship in general, this dangerous knowledge was disseminated mostly via underground channels like secret scholars' circles and monasteries where it was handed down either orally or by means of anonymous one-off handwritten notes. Although the use of letterpress printing was somewhat limited in this area, trading in magical manuscripts was certainly worthwhile. "The collection also helped us understand the clandestine book trade, which seems to have been a particularly lucrative business for the traders," Bellingradt adds.

At the time when these 140 manuscripts were written, their cumulative value was equivalent to the price of two or three townhouses in Leipzig. A treasure of great value, which Bellingradt and his colleague Dr. Bernd-Christian Otto of Erfurt University have now rediscovered. Bellingradt first began to suspect the existence of the collection some years ago, after finding, sandwiched between censorship orders, a catalogue of books, dated 1714, which had been forbidden by the Electoral Saxon Book Commission. The catalogue contained a list of 140 forbidden manuscripts. Some time later, his colleague identified the collection described in the catalogue in the Leipzig University library, where the magical manuscripts had been kept more or less intact over the centuries. The results of their investigation are now being published in a book entitled "Magical Manuscripts in Early Modern Europe. The Clandestine Trade in Illegal Book Collections".

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Many phenomena in the quantum world cannot be investigated directly in the laboratory, and even supercomputers fail when trying to simulate them. However, scientists are now able to control various quantum systems in the laboratory very precisely and these systems can be used to simulate other quantum systems. Such Quantum Simulators are therefore considered to be one of the first concrete applications of the second quantum revolution.

However, the characterization of large quantum states, which is necessary to guide the development of large-scale quantum simulators, proves to be difficult. The current gold standard for quantum-state characterization in the laboratory - quantum-state tomography - is only suitable for small quantum systems composed of a handful of quantum particles. Researchers from the Institute of Experimental Physics at the University of Innsbruck and the Institute for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information of the Austrian Academy of Sciences have now established a new method in the laboratory that can be used to efficiently characterize large quantum states.

A collaborative effort

In ion traps, charged atoms (ions) are cooled to temperatures close to absolute zero and manipulated with the aid of lasers. Such systems represent a promising approach to performing quantum simulations that can go beyond the capabilities of modern supercomputers. The Innsbruck quantum physicists are amongst the world leaders in this field and can currently entangle 20 or more ions in their traps. In order to fully characterize such large quantum systems, they need new methods. For this, theorists around Martin Plenio from the University of Ulm, Germany, came to their aid. In 2010, the Plenio team proposed a new method for the characterization of complex quantum states called matrix-product-state tomography. Using this method, the state of a group of entangled quantum particles can be estimated precisely without the effort increasing dramatically as the number of particles in the group is increased. In collaboration with the teams around Martin Plenio from Ulm and Andrew Daley from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, the Innsbruck experimental physicists around Christian Roos, Ben Lanyon and Christine Maier have now implemented this procedure in the laboratory.

More efficient measurements

As a test case, the physicists built a quantum simulator with up to 14 quantum bits (atoms), that was first prepared in a simple initial state without quantum correlations. Next, the researchers entangled the atoms with laser light and observed the dynamical propagation of entanglement in the system. "With the new method, we can determine the quantum state of the whole system by measuring only a small fraction of the system properties," says START prize winner Ben Lanyon. The theorists around Martin Plenio took the characterization of the global quantum state from the measured data: "The method is based on the fact that we can theoretically describe locally-distributed entanglement well and can now also measure it in the laboratory."

When the work group of Rainer Blatt realized the first quantum byte in 2005, more than 6,000 measurements were required for the characterization of the quantum state, taken over a period of ten hours. The new method requires only 27 measurements to characterise the same size system, taken over around 10 minutes. "We were able to show that this method can be used to identify large and complex quantum states efficiently," says Christine Maier, a team member from Innsbruck. Now the scientists want to further develop the algorithms so that they can also be used flexibly by other research groups.

New gold standard

The new method allows the complete characterization of systems containing large numbers of correlated quantum particles and thus provides a comparison option for quantum simulations. "We can use the new technique to calibrate quantum simulators, by comparing the states that we find in the lab with the ones expected from analytical calculations," explains Christian Roos. "Then we know if the simulator does what we want." The new method offers physicians a tool for many applications and could become a new standard for quantum simulations.

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The work was financially supported by, among others, the Austrian Science Fund FWF and the European Union.

Publication: Efficient tomography of a quantum many-body system. B. P. Lanyon, C. Maier, M. Holzapfel, T. Baumgratz, C. Hempel, P. Jurcevic, I. Dhand, A. S. Buyskikh, A. J. Daley, M. Cramer, M. B. Plenio, R. Blatt, C. F. Roos. Nature Physics 2017 DOI: 10.1038/nphys4244.
LAWRENCE - Countries that have longer punitive sentences for rape crimes are less likely to have civil war and strife, according to a new study led by a University of Kansas researcher.

"The transmission of rape laws across countries correlates with democratization and a general trend toward progressive laws. It proceeds then that countries are more likely to adopt gender-neutral laws and stricter laws against rape," said Nazli Avdan, a KU assistant professor of Political Science and the study's lead author.

Avdan and her co-author Victor Asal, chair of public administration and associate professor of political science at University at Albany, paired a statistical analysis of data on rape legislation for 194 states across the world from 1965 to 2005 with the number of intrastate conflicts or civil wars over that time span.

The study published recently in the journal Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict addresses an expanding body of research that argues that gender inequality heightens the probability of intrastate conflict by creating a structure of violence.

Avdan said their study proposes the legal system and the penal code, especially punishment for rape, are the missing links between social norms and an intrastate conflict.

States that did little to punish perpetrators of rape likely include exemptions for the crime of rape if the perpetrator and victim are married, or possibly they treat genders differently under the law. In other cases, some penal systems exonerate the assailant if he agrees to marry the rape victim.

"A so-called marriage loophole is a situation with a perpetrator is married to a victim would exonerate the assailant," Avdan said. "That is at its core a misogynistic policy. Countries with these policies - for example, Middle Eastern countries like Jordan and Lebanon but also other countries such as the Philippines -- have received condemnation for not reforming these laws."

The researchers argue that nations that have laws that are gender neutral in how they protect citizens, especially in granting equal protection and rights to women, the more likely the state's society will embody liberal and progressive norms.

"These norms cohere with ideas about peaceful conflict resolution," Avdan said. "These ideas in turn mitigate civil conflict."

The researchers identified 13 states that experienced civil conflict or were prone to conflict:

- Angola - Georgia - Haiti - Iraq - Nigeria - Pakistan - Uzbekistan - Guinea - India - Liberia - Tajikistan - Myanmar - Senegal

All but three -- Liberia, Myanmar and Senegal -- of those nations have in past decades reformed rape laws toward stringency and gender neutrality. The researchers also found that states that establish similar sentences for female and male offenders alike also significantly decreased chances of an internal conflict. This showcases that the gender neutrality of the law correlates with progressive and liberal societal norms.

Avdan said their findings support research that has identified political liberalism and progressive, individualistic and emancipatory ideas, including gay rights, for example, tend to correlate with reduced propensities of armed conflicts.

"Rape law showcases an angle about gender norms," she said. "And we know that masculine norms tend to support militarism and militant nationalism as well. Rape law can be another proxy to look at gender equality in society."

The transmission of egalitarian rape law and criminalization of rape like other ideas about liberty, self-determination, and physical integrity have followed an evolutionary trajectory, Avdan said.

The researchers examined the rape law legislation that was adopted in states across the world, but the study does not address other potential obstacles around rape law, such as the enforcement side and prevalent stigmas victims suffer, she said.

"Even if the law significantly punishes perpetrators of rape, other factors like a corrupt police force or the victim encountering stigma in society," Avdan said, "can create a mismatch or a big gap between de jure and de facto policy, or between law and enforcement."

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According to official statistics for the year 2015, more than two million migrants came to Germany, with almost half arriving from an EU member state. To understand the reality behind these numbers, society requires information about immigration and integration processes. The project "Aktuelle europaische Binnen- und Fluchtlingsmigration nach Deutschland. Zuzugsprozesse und fruhe Integrationsverlaufe" (Current European internal and refugee migration to Germany. Immigration processes and early integration developments) will provide exactly this information. By carrying out comparative surveys over the next three years, researchers will survey approximately 6,000 refugees and other immigrants in order to assess their characteristics, experiences and future plans. This large-scale data collection will also allow researchers to study how the integration patterns of very different groups such as highly qualified immigrants, refugees and migrants within the EU differ from one another. The study is being funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with EUR 1.7 million. Spokesperson for the collaborative research project with the universities of Gottingen and Bamberg is the University of Konstanz sociologist Professor Claudia Diehl. Immigrants from six different countries will be surveyed, all of whom have spent a maximum of three years in Germany.

"We are currently investing a lot into the integration of new immigrants. However, we still do not understand enough about which individual and contextual characteristics influence their integration behaviour and how the various immigrant groups differ from one another in this regard. The same applies to the question of whether or not integration is still the appropriate concept for all of these groups", says Claudia Diel, who carries out research on the topic of migration at the University of Konstanz. The target groups for the surveys are not only refugees, but also traditional migrant workers. The combination of Polish, Rumanian, Italian and Turkish migrants along with immigrants from Syria and Iraq as the largest refugee groups is making the increasing diversity in immigration to Germany an important topic to be considered. "Research on integration has for too long focused exclusively on immigrant guest workers and their descendants", says Claudia Diehl.

In order to consider how the current immigration process in Germany has changed with the increase in diversity, the project will focus on questioning people who have come to Germany in the past three years. Since they are more likely to remember their motives, experiences and plans, this innovative approach will allow researchers to address unanswered questions in migration research. Claudia Diehl: "It will allow us to better differentiate between the many different factors that affect integration. How do individual characteristics such as pre-arrival educational qualifications and language skills influence the integration processes and which role do integration conditions play in the country of destination?

Of particular interest here is how the groups differ from one another, in regard to religious background, for example. The large sample size will allow researchers to assess the intragroup diversity, which is apparently significant in the refugee group. A central question that will be addressed by the project is whether refugees even follow a typical integration process: "In principle, all migrants experience similar challenges", says the sociologist Claudia Diehl.

All participants will be surveyed twice. In order to investigate the early integration processes, researchers will allow a year and a half to pass before carrying out the second round of surveys. Experience shows that a lot occurs during this time, especially in terms of social relationships and on the job market. At the same time, the migrants' perceptions of the host country can also change. To ensure a large sample size while also minimizing costs, the project will implement an innovative survey method: The randomly selected study participants will be surveyed in their native language and can choose between three types of surveys: an online questionnaire, a telephone interview or an interview in person. Participants will have a financial incentive to take part in the survey. To provide the project with an international comparative research component, Professor Diehl's colleagues in Canada are currently working on submitting a corresponding research proposal.

Comparing immigrants of varying origins is something Claudia Diehl has had experience with as a principal investigator in an international collaboration project where research was carried out on immigrants from Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Ireland. As a member of the Expert Council of German Foundations on Integration and Migration and an active contributor to the current research focus "Political Dimensions of Inequality" at the University of Konstanz, Claudia Diehl expects that, as in the previous study, the results of this research project will be published in scientific journals and be used in political policy consultations. Claudia Diehl: "To effectively prepare for the future, it is important to know who has come to Germany and what their plans for the future are."

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Facts:

The project "Aktuelle europaische Binnen- und Fluchtlingsmigration nach Deutschland. Zuzugsprozesse und fruhe Integrationsverlaufe" (Current European internal and refugee migration to Germany. Immigration processes and early integration developments)

Survey of one thousand members from each immigrant group originating from of the following six countries: Poland, Romania, Italy, Turkey, Syria and Iraq

Project duration is three years beginning in September 2017

Collaboration project with participation from Professor Claudia Diehl (University of Konstanz), Professor Matthias Koenig (University of Gottingen) and Professor Cornelia Kristen (University of Bamberg)

Research funding through the German Research Foundation (DFG) in the amount of Euro 1.7 million

Part of the research focus "Political Dimensions of Inequality" at the University of Konstanz

Note to editors:

You can download a photo here: https://cms.uni-konstanz.de/fileadmin/pi/fileserver/2017/Bilder/diehl0305.jpg

Caption: Professor Claudia Diehl

Photo: University of Konstanz

Contact

University of Konstanz

Communications and Marketing

Phone: + 49 7531 88-3603

E-Mail: kum@uni-konstanz.de

- uni.kn
Research published today, by an inter-disciplinary group from the University of Leeds, outlines their work in creating an alternative pathway for peroxisome organelles to import proteins.

This work leads the way towards 'designer organelles', which could act as biofactories for the production of therapeutic proteins or other useful molecules, among other applications. Such designer organelles could provide a custom compartment within the cell, protected from the rest of the cell's molecular activity.

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The research, which was published today in Nature Communications, is available online at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-00487-7.

Dr Stuart Warriner, from the School of Chemistry, is a member of the inter-disciplinary team that delivered this research and is available for interview. Please contact Simon Moore in the University press office at +44 (0)113 34 34031 or s.i.moore@leeds.ac.uk for further information.
A new app is being launched this week that could transform the way music is taught and played in schools

Developed by academics and musicians at the University of Sussex, the Syncphonia app enables a music teacher or conductor to break down the different parts of a piece of music, so that the notes and tempo for each player's instrument is displayed on their own tablet, highlighted bar by bar. This keeps them in time with the rest of the orchestra without being distracted by multiple lines of notation, reducing stress for children and learners.

Professor Ed Hughes, head of Music at the University of Sussex, who has led this project, said: "When I volunteered to play piano in my daughter's school orchestra I noticed that some children became visibly upset or put off when they lost their place in the music. Reading music notation and playing in a group at the same time is a complicated activity, and often you are expected to learn it by diving in straight away. So I asked colleagues with Music Computing and Psychology expertise if we could design and evaluate an app to address this through a research project.

"We found that the Syncphonia app removed a lot of the stress of getting lost for children and made them feel more confident and relaxed. This encouraged them to start or continue learning and playing together - the orchestra in our test school grew in size. It's also enabled them to play longer and more complex pieces, that previously would have taken weeks to perfect."

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from arts computing and psychology backgrounds collaborated to design, programme and test the new system and app. Dr Chris Kiefer and Dr Alice Eldridge led the design and coding of the tablets, while Dr Fidelma Hanrahan and Professor Robin Banerjee evaluated the impact of the system on players' enjoyment, engagement and ability.

The technology was created through a participatory design process - rather than making 'expert decisions' for the musicians, the researchers worked closely over many weeks with students and staff at a primary school in Sussex to design and develop every part of the software in ways which made sense for them.

Dr Eldridge and Dr Kiefer explain their motivations for adopting this approach: "This participatory design process promotes the creation of usable, sustainable technologies as it ensures the end product both meets the needs of users and is intuitive for them to work with - two key aspects of good design."

Professor Robin Banerjee, deputy head of the School of Psychology at the University of Sussex, said: "Previous psychological research has shown that children often lose motivation at an early point when learning a musical instrument, if they do not feel they are doing well and progressing. When we tested the Syncphonia app with a primary school orchestra of children aged 8 to 11, we found that the children responded with high motivation and enjoyment of group playing. In fact, many of the children who previously perceived themselves to have less ability found the Syncphonia app to be especially helpful.

"Ensemble music playing can have a positive psychological impact on children, especially socially. Supported by Syncphonia, the children in our test group placed a high value on the opportunity to play music together in an orchestra, to develop new relationships with their peers, and ultimately to belong."

Professor Hughes explained: "The app successfully removed barriers to learning, like getting lost, or getting out of time with the other players, while not 'deskilling' them - they still had to read the music. This resulted in fewer children becoming discouraged and leaving the group than their teacher had previously experienced, and allowed the group to progress more quickly, learn more complex pieces, and produce a better quality sound than without the app. We hope that the Syncphonia app will mean that more school children will be able to take advantage of the benefits associated with playing in a group."

The app is now being launched at an event during the British Science Festival, and its developers hope that it will be taken up widely by schools to support music teaching and learning - especially as music in primary schools comes under threat from funding and curriculum pressures.

The research has been funded by an AHRC Digital Transformation grant and is now being supported by the University of Sussex's Enterprise Development Fund.

Mike Herd, executive director of the Sussex Innovation Centre, who are working to bring the app to market, said: "We at Sussex Innovation Centre and the University's Enterprise Panel believe there is a big - and growing - potential market for Syncphonia. With music departments and amateur ensembles often keen to embrace new technology, there is a great opportunity for the system to become a feature of musical education throughout the UK and beyond."

###

For more information about the project so far, including images and video of the system being used in schools, please visit: http://netem.org.uk/.

The Syncphonia app will be available to download on Saturday 9th September 2017. http://www.syncphonia.co.uk/index.html
UT Health San Antonio researchers and co-authors in New York state on Monday (Sept. 4) reported an innovative approach that will enable scientists to study the most common regulator of our bodies' cells, a molecule called guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP).

Nature Methods, the world's most prestigious journal for reporting novel biomedical technologies, published the team's findings.

The discovery may prove useful in the screening of candidate anti-cancer compounds, said Rui Sousa, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and structural biology in the Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio.

GTP activates G-proteins, which regulate cell movement, growth, architecture and differentiation, including transformation into cancer cells.

By inserting GFP into a bacterial G-protein called FeoB, the scientists constructed sensors of GTP activity. A next step is to use these sensors in a process called high-throughput screening to find compounds that reduce GTP levels in target cells, Dr. Sousa said. Scientists hypothesize that this could be a way to treat disease.

UT Health San Antonio conducts high-throughput screening of compounds in the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery operated jointly by UT Health and The University of Texas at San Antonio.

On a basic science level, the scientists wanted to reveal how GTP levels vary and affect cellular function, Dr. Sousa said.

"You could say we have built a flashlight that now allows us to explore a big room that was previously dark," he said. "This room is called 'GTP biology.' What will we find when we start exploring with this flashlight? We may find quite a lot, because GTP biology could be involved in so many processes and so many disease states."

###

Dr. Sousa and Mitra Rana, Ph.D., of UT Health San Antonio are co-authors of the paper, which includes researchers from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y., and the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Dr. Sousa and Dr. Rana are supported by funds from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Publication title: "Internally ratiometric fluorescent sensors for evaluation of intracellular GTP levels and distribution"

For current news from the UT Health Science Center San Antonio, now called UT Health San Antonio, please visit our online newsroom, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, with missions of teaching, research and healing, is one of the country's leading health sciences universities and is now called UT Health San Antonio. UT Health's schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions and graduate biomedical sciences have produced more than 33,000 alumni who are advancing their fields throughout the world. With seven campuses in San Antonio and Laredo, UT Health has a FY 2018 revenue operating budget of $838.4 million and is the primary driver of its community's $37 billion biomedical and health care industry. For more information on the many ways "We make lives better," visit http://www.uthscsa.edu.
From: Joyce L. Gioia, CMC, CSP -- The Herman Group Austin , TX Wednesday, September 6, 2017

The Herman Trend Alert September 6, 2017 Gamification of Upgrades One type of creativity is the application of a tactic that works in one industry to another. One of the ways that some airlines, including Air Canada, have found to increase revenues involves the gamification of seat upgrades. (Gamification is the application of game mechanics, game elements, and game design to non-game systems and processes.) How Air Canada gamifies seat upgrades



Passengers purchasing economy tickets on Air Canada receive emails offering them an opportunity to "enhance [their] travel experiences by enjoying the priority services, added comfort, and the in-flight amenities of a higher cabin class" by competitively bidding for the upgrades with other passengers. This upgrade decision is not a commitment at a fixed price, but rather in participating in an auction process, there is an additional feeling of "playing". Passengers are directed to a landing page for the specific flight, where they may bid on the upgrade. Just like in an online merchandise auction in on eBay, passengers are encouraged to raise their bids after competitive higher bids have been placed. Hotels have a similar opportunity



Generating incremental revenue by selling room upgrades is important tactic for hotels as well. Hotel websites do a fair job of describing the advantages of better rooms, including increased sizes, better views, larger beds, higher floors, better-quality amenities, or a combination of these elements. The hospitality difference



However, once travelers purchase a specific room type, other than random emails, most hotels only approach travelers to upgrade, upon check-in, once they are physically at the front desk. Discounted standby upgrades



Several hotel chains now immediately offer all confirmed reservations a "standby upgrade rate", typically discounted from the full upgrade cost---effective in generating additional revenue from guests. The bottom line for hoteliers is that some incremental revenue is better than no revenue and for guests, the perception of a discounted upgrade is attractive as well. The opportunity for hoteliers



Since the major incentive of this type of gamification is participation, imagine a bidding system for hotel upgrades like those of the airlines? The level of involvement, engagement, and sense of control add to consumer excitement and interest. What's next?



Given the younger generations' love of games and the desire to generate additional revenue, we can foresee offering customers an opportunity to upgrade their rooms to the next level by creating a bidding system introduced. We see definite value in hoteliers' embracing gamification to their critical advantage. In fact, this type of gamification could be a hotel chain's competitive advantage. Special thanks to Larry Mogelonsky, writing for HotelsMag.com for his insight into this important topic. The Herman Group is a firm of Strategic Business Futurists concentrating on workforce and workplace issues. We forecast the future and advise clients regarding relevant trends and how those trends may affect their lives. Applying our expertise as Certified Management Consultants, we advise corporate leaders regarding employee retention and organizational development to help them build workforce stability. We help organizations become Employers of Choice. We also work with Employer of Choice, Inc. to formally recognize employers that meet the stringent standards dictated by the labor marketplace. As authors of management books and as active professional speakers, we inform and inspire people to make a positive difference in the world of work. You did really get the ball rolling with our retention presentation, overall we have seen a move in the right direction with our turnover. In practice since 1980, we have served a wide variety of clients throughout the United States and in other countries. Our global affiliates assist us in sharing our expertise and advice with clients internationally. Our team of professional consultants and trainers is supported by an administrative staff that gets things done. We also have consultants certified to deliver our programs in your local area. Delivering to both small and large groups across 100 industries, The Herman Group has provided over 2,500 educational and informative keynote speeches and training seminars worldwide. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, we travel extensively to meet the needs of our clients. We can always be reached through the support team in our office at (800) 227-3566. Overseas callers may reach us through 336-210-3547. Should you have any questions after touring our website, please call or e-mail us at info@hermangroup.com. Get started now on improving the stability and performance of your workforce and increase your chances for success in the future.


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An EU-funded campaign titled #FeedYourHappy has now gone live in support of Organic September, which will see adverts appear outside supermarkets, roadsides, in the press and digitally.

The campaign, which launched yesterday (5 September), will spend 1.2 million in September in support of the organic sector.

The aim of the campaign is for organic businesses to benefit from a positive message to compliment the activities of all who are engaged in the Soil Association's Organic September.

The #FeedYourHappy campaign aims to boost the UK organic market by 5% each year until the campaign ends in 2020.

BBC radio presenter Sara Cox is the face of campaign, and will be sharing her food stories to celebrate the organic sector.

Sara, the daughter of a beef farmer, told The Bolton News: "Food grown organically is food as it should be. Give me a knobbly misshapen organic strawberry over the weirdly uniform non-organic ones any day. To put it simply, organic food makes me happy.

"To anyone thinking of going organic, choose one or two things at first, some lovely vine tomatoes or some sausages, and experience the flavour.

"Choose what's important to you and what your budget allows, organic doesn't have to cost a fortune.

"We want to encourage the nation to join in and share their favourite organic foods at #FeedYourHappy."
A leaked Home Office paper has been released showing government proposals aimed at cutting the numbers of low-skilled migrants from the EU following Brexit.

Under detailed proposals drawn up by Home Office officials and leaked to The Guardian, Britain will end Brussels' free movement of labour rules immediately after Brexit and introduce restrictions to deter all but highly-skilled EU workers.

Access to labour in industries without shortages may be curbed, it suggests.

Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off, the paper says.

It proposes measures to drive down the number of lower-skilled EU migrants  offering them residency for a maximum of only two years.

Employers could also be forced to recruit British people to certain jobs, while access would be denied to immigrants wanting to work in some low-skilled sectors, the document suggests.

The leaked papers come as news that most people who voted leave in the referendum back the need for migrants to come to the UK to pick fruit and vegetables.

Leave voters understood the need for migrant labour to come to the UK to "pick the fruit and veg, build more houses and care for the elderly".

'Economic damage'

Indeed, the farming industry has frequently warned of "significant economic damage" if migration from the EU declines dramatically post-Brexit.

The number of seasonal workers coming to work on British farms has already dropped 17%, leaving farms 'critically short' of people to harvest fruit and veg, a survey by the NFU shows.

The survey, based on a total seasonal workforce of 80,000, shows that there is a current inability to recruit sufficient numbers to meet growers' needs during the busy harvesting season.

There were more than 1,500 unfilled vacancies on British farms in May alone.

This increasing lack of labour has led research to identify automation and robotics in horticulture having the possibility to help address concerns about availability and costs.

Identifying technologies that can help reduce labour costs and pressures for businesses will become "more critical", according to AHDB.
Britain's poorest households will be the biggest beneficiaries of Britain's departure from the European Union, according to a report published by a prominent Labour group.

The report, by the Labour Partys pro-Brexit group Labour Leave, states that Britain's poorest households would be 36 a week better off due to the possibility of cheap food imports.

The reduction in prices and immigration control are "particularly important" for lower income households, the report states.

For example, lowering tariffs on imported goods, whether done as part of formal agreements or unilaterally, has the "potential to significantly" cut prices on goods, such as food.

It says: "These households spend more on food and housing, the prices of both of which are raised substantially by EU protectionism. Our estimates show that the lowest decile household would gain 36 a week from Brexit; the second lowest decile (60 per cent of the median) would gain 44 a week.

"These figures represent around 15 per cent of their weekly spend. We expect faster productivity growth in manufacturing and farming, with a rebalancing towards products where the UK has strong comparative advantage; nevertheless, we expect the Treasury to help farmers directly for environmental/land stewardship reasons."

"The fall in the exchange rate will provide a strong offsetting boost to all sectors in the short to medium term. It will boost net exports and investment by diverting funds from consumer incomes to industrial revenues; we are already seeing this in reduced consumption but improving business prospects."

'Sacrifices'

However, some farmers have voiced concerns over the prospect of a post-Brexit UK with a cheap food agenda that sacrifices basic standards.

In an article published by The Guardian, farmer Edward Barker said that uncertainty seems the only thing the farming industry can be sure of after 25 years of EU regulation.

Mr Barker, who manages a mixed 500 hectare farm in Northamptonshire growing cereals, with a beef and sheep enterprise, outlined concerns over the potential impact for farm businesses of withdrawing from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and highlighted the issues around post-Brexit trade deals.

He wrote: We are, rightly, prevented from importing a number of different foods and products from outside the European Union because they do not meet set standards.

Reports of possible new bilateral trade deals being done with non-EU countries leave me very fearful that we will have to compete in a marketplace where food is being produced to standards that are much lower than our own, and possibly even illegal if we were to do that here. Hormones in beef cattle, ractopamine in pigs and bromated flour are all such examples of this, and for me no one wins in this scenario.

Differing standards

This has been reinforced by research by the National Pig Association (NPA), which highlights the differing welfare standards across the major pig producing countries, including the the UK, the major EU producers, the US, Canada and Brazil.

NPA senior policy advisor Georgina Crayford, who compiled the document, said: When negotiating trade deals with third countries, it is vitally important that the UK pig sector is not undercut by imports of pork from countries with lower welfare standards. We must insist on equivalent standards.

Howver, the AHDB has warned that the British Government could have difficulty trying to protect high welfare domestic farmers against overseas farmers operating to lower welfare, and lower cost, standards.

Following the Brexit vote there has been a great deal of debate in the industry on whether the UK will adopt higher animal welfare standards, than those currently across the EU. In addition, there has be debate on whether the UK could use these higher standards, if adopted, as a barrier to restrict trade in below-standard products, says the report, written by AHDB senior analyst Sarah Baker and David Swales, head of strategic insight.

Cheap food

The Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, who was one of the leaders of the campaign to leave the EU, is a proponent of free trade who said during the referendum campaign that leaving the European Union could provide British consumers with cheap food as a result of trade deals with emerging nations, although since taking up his Defra role he has spoken of protecting UK welfare standards.

Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times during the Royal Norfolk Show, he said: Farmers recognise that as we leave the EU there are opportunities because of the high quality produce that the UK is famous for, and Norfolk in particular is noted for.

There is an opportunity to sell more abroad  but we also need to make sure that as we do sell abroad that we do not compromise our high environmental and animal welfare standards.

His predecessor as Environment Secretary, Andrea Leadsom, said at the NFU conference earlier this year: We have been very clear in our manifesto that high animal welfare standards will be a core part of any international free trade arrangements.

I have been very clear that we will not seek to put ourselves in an uncompetitive position by reducing welfare or food safety or food traceability standards. It's a very key unique selling point for the UK. We don't want to do anything to undermine that.

'International exemplar'

Farming Minister George Eustice said at the Egg & Poultry Industry Conference in November: We want to make the UK the international exemplar when it comes to animal health and welfare.

I would like us to pioneer new policies, new ways of working, to create a policy that is the envy of the world. I want us to get to a place where a decade from now the rest of the world will want to emulate policies that we put in place, said the Minister.

However, more recently the Prime Minister refused to rule out lowering British food standards in order to secure a trade deal with the United States. Fears grew over the potential opening of the UK to imports of chlorinated chicken and hormone treated beef.

And speaking to BBC's Today programme, Mr Gove said all members of the government were 'agreed' that animal welfare standards will not be diluted.
Producers see losses increase to 26-28 per pig, estimates show
Yet another Onam has passed by and this season of happiness and joy, is indeed a special one for the film industry and Malayalam actors, as well.

Malayalam actors often have a busy schedule but still, most of them, make it a point to celebrate the special day, with their friends and family.

Meanwhile, Malayalam actors, who are quite active on Facebook, take to their respective social media pages to wish all their fans and followers on this very special day.

While some of the Malayalam actors celebrated this Onam in the sets of their respective movies, certain others spent the vacation with their family.

Take a look at how some Malayalam actors celebrated Onam and wished their fans on the special day.




In Broward, Herald staff writer Elizabeth Koh reports:

Broward County is ordering mandatory evacuations for people who live east of Federal Highway and on barrier islands starting at noon on Thursday, Mayor Barbara Sharief said Wednesday morning.

In a press conference at the county Governmental Center in Fort Lauderdale, Sharief said the county will open 14 shelters for those in the evacuation zones. All other county operations will be closed.

Sharief urged residents leaving the evacuation areas to first try and take shelter with friends in safer areas. She also urged employers to give their employees enough time to prepare for the storm.

Full details here.

In Miami-Dade, Herald staff writers Lance Dixon and Patricia Mazzei report:

No evacuation orders will be issued in Miami-Dade County yet, Mayor Carlos Gimenez said Wednesday, warning that people living on barrier islands and low-lying mainland areas may still be asked to leave ahead of Hurricane Irma.

Gimenez had been ready to instruct residents to get out, but he said the 11 a.m. Irma advisory from the National Hurricane Center gave him pause.

The storms slowing down, giving us a little bit more time, Gimenez said from the countys emergency operations center in Doral.

Nearly half a million residents who live in storm-surge zones A and B could be asked to leave before Irma hits, Gimenez said. That evacuation of about 470,000 people would take about 26 hours, according to county estimates.

Full details here.
In the real world, we realize that not even tragedy can get in the way of "the show," At times, it felt like a forced working situation. This sequel felt incomplete and joyless. It's understandable. Read moreFight the Power: New 'Black Panther' an exercise in grief for filmmakers and audience
WhatsApp for Business with verified accounts announced News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu WhatsApp for Business app is now official.

Following several reports that WhatsApp is all set to bring the Business accounts to the messaging platform, the Facebook owned company has announced that it is testing new tools as a part of a closed pilot program.

WhatsApp has now announced that it is testing an enterprise edition of the platform and that the app will be free for the small scale companies. On the other hand, the large firms that has a global consumer base will have too pay a specific amount to get the enterprise version of WhatsApp. The company has stated that WhatsApp for Business will let enterprises and companies to send useful notifications to the consumers such as delivery confirmations, flight times, and other updates.

WhatsApp Business testing debuts in India with BookMyShow

From the previous reports, it is known that WhatsApp for Business will run have verified profiles as in Twitter and Facebook for the users to identify the business accounts. The verified business accounts will have a green tick badge next to their name to make it simple for the customers to respond to their messages.

WhatsApp beta to let you reply to group messages with just a tap

We even saw BookMyShow, the ticketing service running the verified business account on WhatsApp. For now, the service can send customers the ticket confirmation messages through WhatsApp. Besides this, the company will like come up with options to make ticket payments as well. The first airline to get the WhatsApp verified business account is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. The airline will let customers contact the social media service agents 24/7 via WhatsApp regarding their booking confirmation, boarding pass, flight status updates and check-in notification.

The company has not revealed from when exactly they will roll out these new tools and the WhatsApp for Business app. Going by the existing media reports, we can expect the same to be rolled out in the coming months.

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Apple to use camera sensors above 12MP on 2018 iPhone models News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Apple to beef up the camera on 2018 iPhones.

Apple is being talked about a lot as the company will be unveiling three new iPhones for this year at an event on September 12.

Well, Apple is in the news not only for the iPhone 8 and two other models but also for the 2018 models. Though it is too early to speculate about these models, it looks like the company is in plans to increase the camera MP count on the iPhones to be launched next year. This is likely to happen as Apple is reported to have booked all the smartphone lens modules above 12MP and the same will be assembled at a new factory located in Taiwan owned by Largan Precision.

Leaked video shows Apple iPhone 8 in action and possibly running iOS 11

Largan is likely the only company that is making modules for the smartphone cameras with over 12MP resolution and can product modules in the quantity that Apple needs. Largan is capable of producing 600 million lens modules per month at the new Taiwanese facility and this is six times the current production capacity of the company.

Thought the additional assembly lines are said to go live from the next month, the production will be added only gradually. Lin En-ping, the Largan CEO says that the new factory can product modules with multiple lenses, lenses that can handle 3D sensing in order to handle facial recognition, and cameras with large apertures for better quality low light photos.

Apple iPhone 8 will ship in limited quantities and prices will be high

The Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have 12MP camera modules at the rear. We expect even the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus to arrive with similar camera modules only. The iPhone X that is the special tenth-anniversary edition model is also believed to feature a dual camera setup at the rear.

If this DigiTimes report turns out to be authentic, Apple will increase the camera resolution on the iPhones of 2018 above 12MP for the first time. Anyways, let's focus on the current generation models launching next week before worrying about the next year.

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Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL will use the Snapdragon 835; Qualcomm isnt prepping Snapdragon 836 News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Pixel 2 to use the existing Qualcomm mobile platform.

We have been coming across reports that Qualcomm is prepping to launch an incremental upgrade to the Snapdragon 835 SoC just like the last year. The upcoming Snapdragon 836 SoC is believed to be used by a few flagships slated to be launched in the coming months.

Initially, there were claims that the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will be the first one to feature this chipset. Later, the reports strongly tipped that the Qualcomm processor will debut on the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. Going by the recent reports from XDA-Developers and Android Police, it looks like the Pixel 2 smartphones will still use the existing Snapdragon 835 SoC only.

The recent report claims that Qualcomm has no plans to release the Snapdragon 836 and that the same does not exist. It is clearly stated that Qualcomm is not in plans of releasing another SoC either in the Q4 2017 or Q1 2018. However, there is no confirmation that the recently leaked Snapdragon 845 Swill be the next flagship mobile platform from Qualcomm. Notably, we have already come across reports regarding the Snapdragon 845 will be powering the Samsung Galaxy S9 that is likely to be launched in January 2018.

This is pretty surprising that the chip maker that is known to launch updated versions of its flagship mobile platforms is not going to it this time.

Last year, the Snapdragon 821 came with minor improvements added to it in comparison to the Snapdragon 820. In an earlier report, the infamous tipster Evan Blass pointed out that the upcoming Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones will be the first ones to arrive with the Snapdragon 836 SoC, which will be a relatively more powerful model than the existing one. There is a possibility for the upcoming Pixel smartphones to feature an overclocked version of the SoC to make a difference.

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@NewsbySmiley

With Hurricane Irma roaring slowly toward Florida Wednesday, tens of thousands of people are likely making plans to potentially get out of Miami.

Not Tomas Regalado. He's trying to get back in.

Miami's mayor left town last weekend, flying to Argentina as part of a city delegation attending a business conference in Cordoba. When he left, the storm was already a major hurricane but still far away, with its path uncertain.

But by Tuesday, Irma was on a path toward South Florida and Regalado was trying to find a flight back home in order to be in his city when the storm passes. He said in a text message Wednesday morning that he's found a flight back to Miami from Buenos Aires that should land him at Miami International Airport around 4 a.m. Friday.

He'll miss the bulk of the city's hurricane preparations, but said that as an executive mayor his duties aren't to set the city's emergency preparation plans in motion anyway.

"This trip was in the works for six months. Yesterday, we signed an agreement with the mayor and the governor and just this morning we had 150 business persons to invest and trade," Regalado texted to a reporter. "I believe that my only role would have been in the media. I have been talking to [City Manager] Danny [Alfonso] several times in the last two days. I believe that I have to be there to be on the street Friday and Saturday and more important and necessary [in] the aftermath. We can't do anything about the trajectory but we have to do everything after the fact."
Lenovo K8 Plus India launch to happen today: Watch the live stream here News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Watch the Lenovo K8 Plus launch event from here.

After the many teasers, finally, the day has come. Lenovo will take the wraps off the K8 Plus today in the country at an event to happen in New Delhi at 11:30 AM.

The Lenovo K8 Plus was spotted on the Geekbench benchmark database just a day before the unveiling of the K8 Note back in August. Following the same, there were reports that the company is all set to unveil two new smartphones - Lenovo K8 and Lenovo K8 Plus. Also, the device has been teased a lot by the company in many tweets. Now, Lenovo is all set to live stream the launch of the K8 Plus for the fans out there. You can watch the live stream of the device from below.

Lately, Lenovo put up a teaser on its official handle revealing the possible specifications of the smartphone to be launched today. In the teaser, the company teased the back panel of the device. The handset is all set to be a Flipkart exclusive and is believed to be priced competitively in the mid-range market segment.

The latest teaser shared by the company tips that the Lenovo K8 Plus will arrive with a dual camera setup at its rear as seen on the K8 Note. The two camera sensors appear to be placed vertically with the dual LED flash placed beside the camera module. There is a fingerprint sensor as well below the cameras at the back. The teaser shows the volume rocker at the left. Previously, a teaser tipped that the device will feature a dedicated media play or pause button indicating the Dolby Audio feature as in the Lenovo K8 Note.

As mentioned above, the Geekbench listing of the Lenovo K8 Plus revealed the key specifications including 3GB RAM and a deca-core MediaTek Helio X20 SoC. The device will run on the stock Android 7.1.1 Nougat OS like the K8 Note.

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Lenovo fined $3.5 million for putting user's security at stake Tech Biz oi -Vijeta Lenovo has agreed to pay $3.5 million in fine for pre-installing malicious software on its series of laptops in 2015.

Lenovo hit a rough patch a few years back when law-suit was filed against the multinational technology company for pre-installing an adware called the VisualDiscovery. It was allegedly performing an attack on secure connections and could be used to spy on encrypted communications.

However, Lenovo has finally come to terms with Federal Trade Commission and is ready to pay a fine of $3.5 million.

The FTC stated, "As part of the settlement with the FTC, Lenovo is prohibited from misrepresenting any features of software preloaded on laptops that will inject advertising into consumers' internet browsing sessions or transmit sensitive consumer information to third parties."

It further elaborated,"The company must also get consumers' affirmative consent before pre-installing this type of software. In addition, the company is required for 20 years to implement a comprehensive software security program for most consumer software preloaded on its laptops. The security program will also be subject to third-party audits."

However, Lenovo may have agreed to pay a fine yet it denies its participation in the alleged depravities.

The case has finally been resolved anyway and Lenovo made its way out of a deep trench.

Lenovo has also stated that it wasn't aware of any third party exploiting its apps.

Given the fact that Lenovo generated a revenue of more than $500 million in the last financial year, Lenovo could not have wished for anything better than a $3.5 million fine.

Lenovo is now out of a big pothole which could have hurt its reputation badly.

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@alextdaugherty

Donald Trump will nominate Tallahassee lawyer Matt Leopold to be the Environmental Protection Agency's top lawyer, a position that provides legal input to the federal agency responsible for the nation's environmental laws.

Leopold previously served as general counsel for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection from 2013 to 2015 and as an attorney for the United States Department of Justice Environment and Natural Resources Division from 2007 to 2013. He is currently of counsel for Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, a Tallahassee lawfirm focusing on environment, energy, water law and litigation.

Florida Republicans Marco Rubio, Pam Bondi and Adam Putnam praised the appointment, which is subject to Senate confirmation.

Matt Leopolds experience and knowledge will serve EPA well, and Im glad the president nominated a Floridian who understands the importance of our states vast ecosystems to our economy and residents quality of life," Rubio said in a statement.

Leopold also worked at the Washington office of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

Trump and EPA administrator Scott Pruitt have spent the past seven months rolling back portions of Barack Obama's climate agenda. Pruitt sued the EPA more than a dozen times during the Obama administration and played a key role in Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate agreement in June.
LANDSLIDE VOTE: Friends of Laurel Park replaces civic association

LAUREL PARK  The town of Laurel Park is about to get new friends, or maybe its old friends with a new name.

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Leaders of the old Laurel Park Civic Association will move next to recast the town-supporting nonprofit corporation as Friends of Laurel Park after the membership voted overwhelmingly to dissolve the old organization.

Of 183 members eligible to vote, 133 voted yes, three voted no, and four votes were found to be invalid. The LPCA will now begin the process of dissolving in accordance with North Carolina law. The ballots will be retained for inspection at the Laurel Park Town Hall for 60 days.

The Civic Association has been working for months on the new organization. Unlike the Civic Association, the Friends of Laurel Park is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, making it easier to accept donations.

The new organization plans a meeting to explain the transition and invite participation, said Mark Morse, who was president of the Civic Association. The Friends of Laurel Park will have a board of directors and an annual meeting and plans a Facebook to announce events and report on the organizations work.

For all practical purposes it is the Laurel Park Civic Association with a different name, Morse told town residents during a public meeting in late July.

The Civic Association donated $31,952 to the town over the past four years, including $3,112 for historic markers, $20,600 for Jump Off Rock improvements and $7,240 to repair the Civilian Conservation Corps wall. In addition, it directly funded Jump Off Rock landscaping design work. It sponsored the Music at Jump Off Rock festival, Easter egg hunt at Laurel Green and the town Christmas tree lighting, raised money for historic markers and undertook other projects to enhance the towns quality of life.
Ventana Big Sur, the celebrated California resort perched at the edge of the continent overlooking the Pacific coastline, announced a multimillion-dollar re-imagination to coincide with a fall 2017 reopening. The intimate 59-room resort will introduce distinctive experiences that invite guests to discover, inspire and create.

The opening of Ventana Big Sur also marks the North American debut of Alila Hotels & Resorts, the celebrated luxury boutique hotel brand recently recognized as one of the top hospitality brands in the world.

Ventana Big Sur Amenities and Enhancements

Social House

The Social House, situated at the heart of the resort, will offer a space for our guests to connect and socialize. An experience coordinator will be available to arrange activities while spaces will include an outdoor patio and lounge featuring a fire pit and redwood tables, a Library & Music Room, Game Room and Bar Room.

Accommodations

The resort"s 59 guest rooms, suites and villas will emerge as refreshed sanctuaries tucked away among the resort"s meadows and redwoods, many featuring a private balcony or patio with mountain or ocean views. Luxury soaking tubs and fireplaces will offer a space for inspiration and introspection, while accessories such as walking sticks and lanterns will encourage guests to discover the great outdoors.

The Sur House restaurant

The Sur House restaurant, helmed by Executive Chef Paul Corsentino, rises high above the Pacific where the forest and sea converge. Drawing on his vast experiences in kitchens across the country, Corsentino will craft coastal cuisine  using Pacific-sourced seafood, free-range meats from local farmers and homemade accoutrements  inspired by the sustainable ingredients of California"s Central Coast and the melting pot of America"s great culinary cities.

Weddings, Meetings and Events

With 12,000 square feet of unique indoor and outdoor space surrounded by the vast expanse of Big Sur, Ventana is an inspiring setting for productive meetings, memorable events, weddings and celebrations. New fall 2017 enhancements, such as the new Ocean Meadow Lawn, will provide a wealth of opportunities to help guests harness the region"s adventurous spirit. Framed by both the ocean and forest, the new 7,000-square-foot Ocean Meadow Lawn will be an awe-inspiring setting with space for up to 200 guests.

Spa Alila and Pools

Spa Alila will embody the magical "Essence of Big Sur" through the use of nature"s local healing elements enhanced by Spa Alila"s Asian roots. Amenities will include an aromatherapy steam shower, as well as relaxation decks and two outdoor cabanas overlooking the redwood forest, with soaking tubs and massage tables for couple"s treatments.

Guests can relax at two outdoor pools  the Meadow Pool, which will feature a new jetted infinity-edge hot tub, and the clothing-optional Mountain Pool with adjacent Japanese hot baths.

Glass House Gallery

The brand-new Glass House Gallery will showcase works of art including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics and photography from some of the most renowned artists along the California Central Coast. A deck with sweeping views will offer a unique location for intimate gatherings and breathtaking vistas.

Alila Experience Program

The resort"s new signature guest-activities program will offer mind-body-soul experiences that help guests develop a deeper connection to oneself, one"s partner and the natural world, in profound and playful ways that invite discovery such as drum circles and quartz bowl energy sound baths.

Redwood Canyon Glampsites

The new glamping program in Ventana"s redwood forest will offer a rustic-luxury twist on traditional camping. Fifteen safari-style, canvas tents spanning a 20-acre canyon will each feature inspired cabin-style decor, a custom-designed plush glamping mattress with luxury hotel linens and other comforts. Glampers will experience the splendor of the outdoors while still relishing all the amenities and services of a world-class resort, including daily housekeeping service, nightly turndown service and more. The brand-new glamping Bath House will offer a more refined outdoor experience with teak-enclosed showers with subway tile, heated floors, full hotel amenities, marble vanities and restroom facilities.

Be Among the First to Experience the Re-imagined Ventana Big Sur

For reservations, call 831-667-2311 or book online.

Hotel website
Inc. magazine today ranked Milestone, Inc. number 4,180 on its 36th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment its independent small and midsized businesses. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Domino's Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000.

"We are thrilled to have made the list once again," said Milestone CEO Anil Aggarwal, "it is truly a reflection on the dedication, professionalism and hard work of all Milestone employees," continued Mr. Aggarwal.

The 2017 Inc. 5000, unveiled online at Inc.com and with the top 500 companies featured in the September issue of Inc. is the most competitive crop in the list's history. The average company on the list achieved a mind-boggling three-year average growth of 481%. The Inc. 5000's aggregate revenue is $206 billion, and the companies on the list collectively generated 619,500 jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

"The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence I know that the American Dream is still alive," says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. "The founders and CEOs of the Inc. 5000 tell us they think determination, risk taking, and vision were the keys to their success, and I believe them."

About Milestone

Milestone is a leading provider of digital marketing software and services for hospitality, retail and finance. We provide a full range of solutions including website and mobile design, content creation, SEO, analytics and competitive intelligence. Our best in class technology and solutions drive revenue and ROI for clients across the globe. Over 2,000 companies do business with Milestone, including leading hotel chains, major retailers and financial services companies. Milestone has garnered over 400 awards and a reputation for blending outstanding design with advanced technological capabilities. Milestone is one of Silicon Valley Business Journal's fastest growing companies and is an Inc. 5000 company.

About Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology

The 2017 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2013 to 2016. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2013. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independentnot subsidiaries or divisions of other companiesas of December 31, 2016. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2013 is $100,000; the minimum for 2016 is $2 million. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.'s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list of the nation's most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates their remarkable achievements. The event also offers informative workshops, celebrated keynote speakers, and evening functions.

Walter Paliska

VP of Marketing - Milestone Inc.

408.200.2218
Rodeway Inn and Suites, Pendleton, Oregon sold by Crystal Investment Property, LLC.

Crystal Investment Property, LLC, a licensed Oregon broker, represented the Seller and Buyer in the sale. Joseph P. Kennedy, President of CIP, worked closely with the Seller, as well as the parties other professionals, to negotiate a mutually acceptable sale. The final sale price is confidential.

Crystal Investment Property, LLC, a member of Hotel Brokers International, announced the successful sale of the Rodeway Inn and Suites in Pendleton, Oregon. Crystal Investment Property, LLC, a licensed Oregon broker, represented the Seller and Buyer in the sale. Joseph P. Kennedy, President of CIP, worked closely with the Seller, as well as the parties other professionals, to negotiate a mutually acceptable sale. The final sale price is confidential.

The 36-key property offered strong current cash flow and an outstanding future opportunity for prospective buyers. The Rodeway Inn, Pendleton, boasts a nice mix of rooms, central metro location, exterior corridors, good amenities for guests, and truck/bus parking. Many local, popular events and activities draw tourists year round to Pendleton, which is a convenient stopping point for travelers between Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Joseph Kennedy, President of Crystal Investment Property said, Located in an outstanding location close to the city center of this booming Eastern Oregon town, CIP was pleased to procure a strong and motivated Buyer to take over this terrific opportunity. We look forward to his continued success with the hotel and to the new opportunities for the Seller.

Crystal Investment Property, a premiere hospitality investment advisory and brokerage company located in the Pacific Northwest, maintains the most cutting-edge technological, online and social media presence as well as a full range of traditional and web-based marketing reaching local, regional, national and international clientele. The firms core services of hospitality asset acquisition/disposition are supported by innovative and creative solutions to maintain position as the most active and successful hotel broker in the region. Crystal Investment Property represents the full spectrum of hospitality real estate owners and their experience covers all hospitality assets types, including: full service hotels, boutique hotels, select service hotels, limited service hotels, as well as development projects, and leasehold transactions. Crystal Investment Property may be accessed online at www.crystalip.com.

Founded in 1959, Hotel Brokers International members lead the industry in hotel real estate sales. HBI hotel brokerage specialists have successfully negotiated more than 10,000 hotel real estate transactions and consistently account for the largest share of all select-service and economy hotel sales in the United States. The organizations database currently comprises more than 100 property listings and the HBI website attracts site visitors from around the world. Founder and host of the popular Hotel Investors Marketplace Webcast, HBI also developed the Certified Hotel Broker professional designation program. In addition to hospitality real estate advisory services, HBI offers affiliate membership to professionals in allied fields, including franchising, lending, appraisals and investment services. For more information about HBIs hotel listings or to become a broker or affiliate member, visit www.hbihotels.com.

For more information contact:

Joseph P. Kennedy, President

Crystal Investment Property, LLC

Portland, Oregon

503.530.1316

joe@crystalip.com

Glenda J. Webb, Managing Director

Hotel Brokers International

Kansas City, Missouri

816.505.4315

gwebb@hbihotels.com
Lil Durk has been lowkey feeding the streets with plenty of new heat this past year. In fact, dating back to last July, the Chicago-turned-ATL rapper has released three full-length projects, including Lil Durk 2X, Never Forget, & most recently Love Songs For The Streets, but even that is not all of his work. A couple weeks ago, Durk joined forces with fellow Chicago rapper Lil Reese for a joint EP called Supa Vultures, and now hes already prepping the release of Signed To The Streets 3. But before were treated to the third installment in Signed To The Streets, a random new song has surfaced online this week called No Fear.

Going in over production from Don Cannon & Koji The Bandit, Durk delivers a hard new street cut that finds him boasting about rockin designer gear & having shooters by his side, among other things. Its pretty clear Durk aint afraid of much since the Chicago streets raised him. Its unclear at the moment if this record will see life on STTS3 or not, but itll definitely hold us over in the meantime.

Take a listen and let us know what you think. Look for Signed To the Streets 3 to be coming soon. Just last month, Durk was spotted in the studio with Future, Young Thug & Tee Grizzley, so its safe to say hes got some more heat on the way for us. Stay tuned.

Quotable Lyrics:

I say they warriors, these bitches gon worry us

That glock is B.I.G., my shooter Notorious

And Ive been to Cali, they cant extort us

Young bull on the come up, Bobby Portis

And I grab them bowls Im investing

Off them drugs I stuck my dick inside my bestie

You was my blood but I found out you tryin to finesse me (bitch)

You think Ima trick on my fam, arrest me (shhh, dont say nothin)
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
KALISPELL  Despite hot and dry conditions that have turned forests into a tinderbox this summer, bears havent added much to the mayhem.

Its kind of bizarre just how quiet its been, said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Jamie Jonkel. A really good huckleberry crop this year might still be keeping most of them up high.

Officials have taken precautions at a couple of campgrounds recently to keep people safe and bears out of trouble.

The Flathead National Forests Tally Ranger District reopened its Tally Lake Campground, boat launch and day use area Friday after closing it earlier this week after receiving reports of a black bear walking into occupied campsites. It showed little fear of people and refused to retreat when confronted.

The campground hosts reported that the bear was getting into unsecured food and garbage and was testing food containers and hard-sided campers.

Attempts to capture the bear failed and it apparently moved on to greener pastures. It hasnt been seen for several days.

In Glacier National Park, officials are now requiring hard-sided camping at the St. Mary Campground, on the east side of the park, due to bear activity. The hiker and biker sites are no longer open for use.

Park spokesperson Lauren Alley said it was not abnormal for that to occur this time of year due to the large number of berry bushes in the vicinity of the campground that attract bears to the site.

The last time hard-sided campers were required in the campground due to bear activity was in August 2015.

In late summer and fall, bears enter hyperphagia, a period of excessive eating and drinking to prepare for winter. This results in more active feeding and searching for food. Environmental conditions this summer are more stressful than average as extremely dry conditions persist.

So far, no incidents between humans and bears have been reported at the campground.

Typically during a hot and dry summer, Jonkel said bears tend to move down into the valley earlier in search of food.

Right now, there could be some other food source up higher thats keeping them there, Jonkel said. It could be that theres a good crop of kinnikinnic or some insect, like army cutworm moths or maybe an exceptional crop of snowberries.

In the lower elevations, the hawthorns and chokecherries are coming on with all the other fruits that typically attract bears into peoples backyards.

There are tons of chokecherries out there, Jonkel said. Any day, I expect to see the bears shift their attention to lower elevations.  In a dry year like this, I thought it might come earlier. Im very grateful that it hasnt.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Division Manager Tom McDonald said theres not been much bear activity on the Flathead Indian Reservation over the past few weeks.

Its been surprisingly quiet, McDonald said. As far as I can tell, it was a really good huckleberry year. With the good wet spring that we had, the berry crop seemed to be really good just about everywhere. I know the price of huckleberries is about as low as Ive ever seen it.

When that crop is gone, McDonald does expect that bears will start showing up in the valley floor.

They will follow the food source to find something to eat, he said.

Jonkel said hes been hearing some concerns from people living near the Lolo Peak fire who believe the flames have driven the bears down onto their properties.

Bears are very adaptable creatures, Jonkel said. As long as its not currently burning, bears can move right through a burned area. Its all the garbage thats been left behind thats attracting them there.

And theyll be back when the rains come this fall.

Those burned over areas will green up really fast once it starts raining, Jonkel said. That will bring the bears right back.
Kolkata, Aug 28 (IBNS): The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India and JIS College of Engineering recently organized a program on 'Intellectual Property Rights for Sensitizing and Creating IP Awareness among Various Stakeholders'.

The aim of the workshop was to generate awareness about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the Electronics & IT Sector, thereby furnishing requisite guidance and proficiency about an assortment of procedures of patent search and application filing.

Dr. Malay R Dave, Principal JIS College of Engineering, in his inaugural address, said, This program aims to foster innovation and invention.



Intellectual property (IP) contributes a lot to our national and state economies. Many industries across our economy rely on the adequate enforcement of their patents, trademarks, and copyrights, while consumers use IP to ensure they are purchasing safe, guaranteed products. IP rights are worth protecting," said Sanjay Bhattacharya, Deputy Controller of Patents & Designs, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.



Sila Singh Ghosh, Vice President-Corporate Relations, JIS Group said, Programs like this are extremely beneficial for all stake holders and in the process the pertinent awareness gets raised."



Some of the other speakers present were Prof. (Dr.) Subir Kumar Sarkar, (Professor and Coordinator of M.Tech Evening Course in VLSI Design, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, Jadavpur University), Anal Kumar Roy (Project Manager, SIPEIT PMU, MeitY IPR Cell, Government of India), Sudipta Ghosh,(Head, IP Management  Wipro Limited), Dr. Mahuya Hom Chowdhury (Senior Scientist & Nodal Officer, Patent Information Centre, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India), Sudipta Sahana (Convener of the program).



Around 260 participants attended the program, including students and faculty members from various universities and colleges of West Bengal.
A senior adviser to former Mexican president Vicente Fox and a top executive with General Electric are on the short list for University of Montana president.

Also on the list are a public university president who counts record enrollment growth of 27 percent at a Missouri campus and a provost of a California university with more than 30,000 students.

Wednesday, the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and University of Montana released the names of four candidates who will visit Missoula this month as part of their interviews for the job of president.

The search committee is excited to bring these finalists to campus, said Clay Christian, Montana commissioner of higher education and chair of the search committee, in a statement. We have a very talented group of distinguished professionals advancing to the next phase of the process.

The candidates will visit UM over the last two weeks of September, and their schedules include public forums.

A news release from UM and the Commissioner's Office provided the following brief biographies of the candidates along with more information here:

Mirta M. Martin serves as senior education adviser to former Mexican President Vicente Fox and is a senior fellow for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Previously, Martin served as president of Fort Hays State University in Kansas. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, banking, advising and consulting.

Martin holds a baccalaureate in psychology and political science from Duke University, a master of business administration from the University of Richmond, and a doctorate with an emphasis in strategic management and leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Martin will visit campus for interviews Sept. 18-19, with a public forum at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at in the University Center Theater, followed by a community reception at 5:15 p.m. in the UC Ballroom.

Andrew Andy Hale Feinstein is the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at San Jose State University, one of the largest public comprehensive universities in the western United States and the top supplier of graduates to Silicon Valley.

As SJSUs chief academic officer, Feinstein oversees 154 degree programs and supports more than 35,000 students, 1,900 faculty and 550 staff members and administrators in seven academic colleges.

Previous to SJSU, Feinstein served as a professor, department chair, associate dean, dean and presidential adviser. He earned bachelors and masters degrees in hotel administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University, where he studied man/environment relations and was an Academic Computing Fellow.

Feinstein will visit campus for interviews Sept. 20-21, with a public forum at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the UC Theater, followed by a community reception at 5:15 p.m. in the UC Ballroom.

Seth Bodnar is a senior executive at General Electric Co., where he is responsible for long-term strategy and business transformation at GE Transportation, a global company with more than 10,000 employees and approximately $5 billion in revenue. He served as an assistant professor in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, where he taught economics.

Before his time on faculty at West Point, Bodnar had a distinguished military career, serving in the 101st Airborne Division and the U.S. Armys 1st Special Forces Group. A West Point graduate, Bodnar received both the Rhodes and Truman scholarships and earned two masters degrees from the University of Oxford.

Bodnar will visit campus for interviews Sept. 21-22, with a public forum at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, in the UC Theater, followed by a community reception at 5:15 p.m. in the UC Ballroom.

Charles Chuck M. Ambrose has been president of the University of Central Missouri since 2010. A career educator, Ambrose also served 12 years as president of Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, N.C., where he was recruited at age 36, making him the youngest-serving president of a college or university in North Carolina in 1998.

In addition to his presidencies at Pfeiffer and UCM, Ambrose served as vice president for advancement at Carson-Newman College, assistant to the chancellor for university advancement at Western Carolina University, and executive assistant to the president at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities in Washington, D.C. He now serves as chairman of the Council on Public Higher Education in Missouri.

Ambrose will visit the campus for interviews Sept. 25-26, with a public forum at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, in the UC Theater, followed by a community reception at 5:15 p.m. in UC Rooms 331/332/333.

The Missoulian will run profiles of the candidates next week.

A recruitment is underway after the commissioner in December asked then-President Royce Engstrom to step down following years of declining enrollment and tapped former commissioner of higher education Sheila Stearns to serve as interim leader.
Mumbai, Sept 6 (IBNS): Yes Bank, a private sector bank, on Wednesday said it tied up with Samsung Electronics to enable its Credit Card customers to use aSamsung Paya through which users can atap and paya using a wide range of Samsung smartphones at merchant outlets having Point of Sale (PoS) terminals.

All Yes Bank Credit Cards including the recently launched Business Credit Cards are now available on the Samsung Pay platform.

Samsung Pay is Simple, Secure and Almost Everywhere, making it a revolutionary payments system, allowing users to simply tap and pay on the go using their registered YES BANK Credit Cards. Payments through Samsung Pay will be accepted at all places where a physical card will work. Samsung Pay works with Samsungs patented Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) technology as well as with Near Field Communication (NFC). Since a majority of PoS terminals in India are MST enabled, they will work seamlessly with Samsung Pay.

As a part of the launch and customer engagement strategy, Yes Bank Credit Card members who have an eligible Samsung device can get a cashback of up to INR 1,500 per Card on using Yes Bank Credit Cards on Samsung Pay till Sept 30.



Speaking about the launch, Pralay Mondal, Senior Group President  Retail and Business Banking, Yes Bank said, Through our association with Samsung Pay, we are extending the latest technology and leading services in the payments industry to our YES BANK Credit Card members, and providing them a truly digitized banking experience. Samsung Pay offers customers the convenience of virtually carrying their Yes Bank Credit Card wherever they go and use it with the same ease and safety as a physical Credit Card.



Sanjay Razdan, Director  Samsung Pay Business said, Samsung Pay has been designed to be the smartest, secure and most convenient method to make digital payments today. Samsung Pay supports credit & debit cards, wallets and UPI-based transfers, making it the one-stop payments system for all consumer needs. The partnership with Yes Bank will enable more consumers to join Samsung Pay platform and go digital. At Samsung, we are committed to Government of Indias initiatives of cashless society and we believe Samsung Pay is a great platform to go cashless.



Porush Singh, Country Corporate Officer, India, and Division President, South Asia, Mastercard, said, It is truly exciting to partner with Yes Bank and Samsung Pay to offer a world class payment experience to the Indian consumers through our secure payments technology. With the powerful security features, cardholders can enjoy enhanced shopping experience as they make contactless transactions that are safe, swift and in sync with their lifestyles. It is a further step on the journey towards convenient payments from smart devices, and at Mastercard, we see digital payments being supported from any form of connected smart device in the future.

A Comprehensive range of Individual & Business YES BANK Credit Cards are currently available across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Baroda, Nagpur, Nashik and Jaipur.
New Delhi, Sept 6 (IBNS): Keeping the festive season in mind, lifestyle brand Fastrack Sunglasses has launched the aTeasea range.

Fastrack, one of the countrys largest youth lifestyle brand, has launched its stylish range, with designs guaranteed to have you party ready.

With dynamic colors and distinct designs, this range of sunglasses is the perfect personification of the millennial personality.

The Tease collection stands testament to Fastracks comprehensive understanding of Gen - X&Y and their ability to deliver a product befitting this audience.

This cheeky and young collection from Fastrack Sunglasses celebrates the bold and brazen outlook of this generation with new, exciting and globally celebrated designs, giving the collection a good dose of funk and with a dash of flair.

This new range of sunglasses is extremely durable, making it perfect for your upcoming music festivals.

Lightweight and compact, the Tease collection, is for individuals who dont like to be tied down and are always looking to break free.

Priced at INR 999 & INR 1299, these attractive pair of shades dont pinch only tease.

The new range of products are available at: Fastrack stores, Titan Eyeplus stores, Shoppers Stop, Central and Lifestyle stores and online on Amazon, Flipkart and eyeplus.titan.co.in
Mandi, Sept 6 (IBNS): The Central Marketing Organisation (CMO) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), has recently launched a countrywide Rural Awareness campaign aimed at increasing steel usage in rural India, which is a thrust area identified under the new National Steel Policy.

In tandem with raising the countrys steel producing capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030, the policy envisages increasing per capacity consumption of steel (pccs) from the existing 65 kgs to 160 kgs, with concurrent growth of pccs in rural India from the current level of 16 kgs.

Meets held as part of SAILs campaign christened SAIL Steel: Gaon Ki Orr also create awareness about SAIL steel products and the companys extensive distribution network.

The fourth such meet of the campaign in Northern Region was held at Sundernagar in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh on 5th September 17. It was attended by more than 150 people, including local masons, micro-dealers of steel, area managers of HPCSS (Himachal Pradesh State Civil Supplies Corporation) & HIMFED (Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Marketing And Consumer's Federation Ltd), and local administrators such as tehsildars, superintending engineers and school principals and their family members.

Following a presentation on manufacturing of various steel products and their usage in different walks of life, especially in the rural sector, films on SAIL and its manufacturing facilities were screened for the gathering. The masons participated enthusiastically in the exciting quiz based on the films shown.

A drawing contest on the theme of Steel was also organised for the 50-odd children who took part in this awareness campaign.

On the occasion, Galvanized Products made from SAIL Jyoti GP Sheets such as boxes, trunks, grain storage bins and hamams (water heater used locally) were displayed along with the complete range of SAIL TMT (used for construction) and the popular Salem Stainless Stainless kitchenware products.

SAIL officials urged the gathering to increase the consumption of quality steels, which would in turn help in increasing per capita consumption of steel, thus leading to economic growth and well-being of the country.




Kalyani (West Bengal), Sep 6 (IBNS): JIS College of Engineering, part of the JIS Group Educational Initiatives, observed its Convocation Day on Wednesday (Sep 6) at the college premises located in Kalyani, West Bengal.

Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said.,In a students life, the years spent in acquiring skill and knowledge are the most integral part of his adult life as his base, belief, conduct and outlook is cemented at this stage. The Convocation, besides felicitating them, is also meant to inspire them towards higher learning.



JIS wishes to see its students not just come out with a professional degree but also emerge as good citizens and contributors towards the society -we give a lot of attention to overall development in our college, said Simarpreet Singh.

Professor Saikat Mitra (Vice Chancellor, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal) conferred the degrees to 695 students from various streams, including MBA, M. Tech. MCA and B. Tech.

Professor Anil Sahasrabudhe (Chairman, AICTE), Nicholas Phillips (Group Director-International Activate Learning, UK), Padma Shri Dr. Ajoy Kumar Ray (Director, IIEST, Shibpur), Dr. Manpreet Singh Manna (Director, AICTE, New Delhi) were also present.



Dr. Malay R Dave-Principal, JIS College of Engineering, Kalyani said, This year we have contributed value addition in providing an alternative method of learning by launching Flip learning that makes learning and application more effective.

Dr. Dave told the students to try and make difference in the lives of millions across borders, cultures & languages.



Sila Singh Ghosh, Registrar, JISCE, said, The entire JIS family is delighted to be able to felicitate our students. We wish them all our best and try to give them the best so that they get equipped with skill, knowledge and confidence once they enter into the commercial world. We groomed the students to become a good human being. That will be our contribution to the nation."
Guwahati, Sept 6 (IBNS): After recruiting 6172 TET qualified teachers a week before, the Assam government will again recruit over 13,000 teachers within a week.

Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the state government has already sanctioned 12800 teaching post under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Assam.

Among the newly sanctioned posts, the state government will recruit 11749 TET qualified teachers on September 8 next. Apart from it, the state government will recruit 1472 TET qualified teachers on September 12, who had passed in the special TET examination, Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Addressing a press conference held at Central Hall of Assam assembly, the state education minister said that, the state government had earlier recruited 6172 TET qualified teachers on Sept 2.

After completing the recruiting process, the single teacher school problem will be solved and we will have excess teachers, Sarma said.

The Assam government had recently disclosed in the Assam assembly that a total of 1365 elementary schools in 8 districts of the state are run by single teacher.

The Assam minister urged all TET qualified elementary school teachers to enrol themselves at the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) website by September 15, 2017 for obtaining D.El.Ed. (Diploma in Elementary Education) within March 2019.

Without the Diploma all those teachers working in the state would have to lose their jobs as Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 has mandated teachers to have D.El.Ed as minimum qualification for teaching from April 1, 2019, the Assam minister said.

On the other hand, the state government has decided to release the six months arrear under 7th Assam pay commission to the state government employees before the Durga Puja festival.

The state finance department will release a notification regarding it. The state government had already released six months arrear to the state government employees and next six months arrear will be released before the Durga Puja festival and the government will bear Rs 1500 crore for it, Sarma said.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Kolkata, Sep 6 (IBNS): Stone Paper Scissors, a children's play-zone recently inaugurated in Kolkata, takes its name from the eponymous game but gives a special meaning to the concept.

Located in Salt Lake, in the eastern fringe of Kolkata, the play-zone inauguration was attended by models Jessica Gomes Surana, Neeraj Surana and Nicola Gomes, along with their kids, Vivaan (5 years old) and Kaira (3 years), and Nyasa (6 years) .

Said Jessica Gomes Surana, The place is so bright and there is something for both my kids. I love the vibe, and Kolkata indeed needed a place like this. I look forward to coming here now, and hosting parties for Vivaan and Kaira.

Stone Paper Scissors not only aims to encourage children to indulge in physical activities but also to participate in games and hobbies that will be helpful for their growth.

Stone Paper Scissors The play-zone also includes salon services and a kids-friendly cafe.

Stone Paper Scissors has been conceptualised by partners Abhishek Goyal, an MBA graduate from MDI, Gurgaon, who runs a Toddler School; Kavita Agarwal, an MBA graduate who is actively involved in organizing and hosting various events for kids; and Khushboo Jain, a Chartered Financial Analyst from ICFAI.

According to the entrepreneurs, there is something for all age groups, from toddlers to teenagers (upto 16 years).

Activities include a Toddler Soft Play Gymnasium, Baby Bungee, Soft Slides, Ball pool, Trampolines, and Crawl Tunnel.

For the more adventurous kids, there is an 18-ft indoor Rock Climbing wall and Eastern Indias first Aerial Rope Walk and Spider-Web Climb.

The salon focuses on the childs health and safety. The products used are chemical- and paraben-free and the staff has been specially trained to handle the little ones, the organisers said.

The play-zone has a separate hobby centre where they aim to conduct regular workshops, to give the children easy access to learning various activities. Currently, they conduct pottery workshops, canvas painting, craft activities, and origami classes.

The hobby centre can also double up as a banquet space for private parties.

The entire play-zone can be booked for a complete spa and adventure zone birthday party as well, said the organisers.

The cafe serves two menus; one for the parents and one for the little ones.

According to the owners of SPS, the concept has been developed on the idea where 'stone' represents the adventurous section, 'paper' is the play area and the creative zone, while 'scissors' is the grooming section, including the organic salon.
Bengaluru, Sept 6 (IBNS): Hours after senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was gunned down by unidentified assailants at her Bengaluru residence, Karnataka Police have clamed that they have come across some good leads and have also secured CCTV footage, which will help them crack the case.

Lankesh, a popular journalist who took stand against Right-wing ideology, was shot three times.

Her murder bears a resemblance with earlier murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi.

Meanwhile, following the incident, both the Congress and the BJP have condemned the murder.

Condoling the loss, Karnataka Law Minister TB Jayachandra was quoted in the media as saying, " There is a conspiracy behind Gauri's death. There are similarities between Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh's murder. It is really shocking. She was always committed to secular credentials. There must be some conspiracy behind this. It is a serious matter, we will take it up. We can't rule out, it comes out only after verification"

Union Textile and Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani tweeted, "Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted & justice delivered. Condolences to the family."
Bengaluru, Sep 6 (IBNS): As the cops are yet to open the CCTV footage to probe the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called an emergency meeting with several other ministers a little while from now, media reports said.

Lankesh, a popular journalist who took stands against Right-wing ideology, was shot three times by some unidentified assailants outside her residence on Tuesday evening.

Karnataka Police have clamed that they have come across some good leads and have also secured CCTV footage, which will help them crack the case.

Her murder bears a resemblance with earlier murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi.

Gauri's brother Indrajit Lankesh told reporters that one lady who stays opposite his sister's house heard the noise of the shooting first which she initially mistook it as fire crackers and later identified Gauri's body lying down.

Indrajit added in saying: "I am requesting the cops to open the CCTV footage in front of the family members of Gauri. I tell you that the whole incident is being captured. Everything is recorded."

As per her earlier wish, Gauri's eyes were donated to a patient of the hospital where her postmortem is going on.

Meanwhile, following the incident, both the Congress and the BJP have condemned the murder.

Condoling the loss, Karnataka Law Minister TB Jayachandra was quoted in the media as saying, " There is a conspiracy behind Gauri's death. There are similarities between Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh's murder. It is really shocking. She was always committed to secular credentials. There must be some conspiracy behind this. It is a serious matter, we will take it up. We can't rule out, it comes out only after verification"

Union Textile and Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani tweeted,"Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted & justice delivered. Condolences to the family."

The protest of the incident broke out in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, where huge number of journalists has hit the streets since morning.
Tallahassee, Sep 6 (IBNS): An Indian couple from the Punjab region who flew almost 8000 miles (approx 13,000 kms) to beat their daughter-in-law in Florida, are facing multiple battery charges, reports said.

The perpetrators have been identified as Jasbir Kalsi, 67, and Bhupinder, 62.

The couple reportedly travelled from the Punjab region to Hillsborough County to help "discipline" son Devbir's wife.

The victim, identified as Silky Gaind, had a bruised face when police finally rescued her.

The couple was visiting their son for about a month and reportedly held a knife to Gaind's throat.

Charges have also been levied on Gaind's husband Devbir, who threatened to kill his wife.

Speaking about her ordeal, she told Bay News 9, "I am so scared, because last night he was telling me he was going to kill me if I call the police. He would kill me to death, you know? He told me it would take 10 minutes for police to come and before that he would kill me and then kill himself."
Bengaluru/New Delhi, Sep 6 (IBNS) : In an inevitable political fallout of the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders on Wednesday launched a virulent attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi while different organisations in major metros announced plans to hit the street in protest.

Accusing Modi and his party, the BJP, of trying to silence any voice of dissent, Gandhi said it is "very sad that a journalist against fanaticism was killed."

"People say that the Prime Minister is quiet. The point is the entire ideology is to silence voices," the Congress vice-president told reporters.

"Sometimes, under pressure, the Prime Minister makes statements. But the entire ideology is this."

"The prime minister is a skilled Hindutva politician. Whatever he says has two meanings," Gandhi said, ading non-violence is the history of the nation and murder can not be justified.

Gandhi said he had spoken to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the General Secretary of the AICC on the issue. " The chief minister has said that those responsible would be caught and punished."

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechuri and Congress leader Sashi Tharoor were among few politicians who reacted to the murder of Lankesh, who was gunned down by unidentified assailants at her Bengaluru home on Tuesday evening.

"The Voices they want to silence will only get louder," Yechuri tweeted.

Tharoor's twitter page said : Saddened by the murder of #GauriLankesh. India wasn't supposed to be a country where journalists are silenced by bullets. Her voice rings on."

In another tweet Tharoor claimed that Lankesh was killed for peaking things "some people did not like to hear."

JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar said Gauri Lankesh was a "fearless" fighter against hate. "Gauri Lankesh taught me to speak truth to power, She was fearless in her fight against hate. We resolve to carry on her struggle."

Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani condemned the killing o and hoped that there would be a speedy investigation and justice delivered.

"Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted and justice delivered. Condolences to the family," the minister said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said a SIT headed by a IG-level officer will investigate the journalists's murder.

"We'll set up an SIT headed by an IG-level officer. The investigating officer will be an SP," said the chief minister.

"We will find her killers. The police has set up roadblocks at various places. Checkpoints around Bengaluru are being monitored," Siddaramaiah said.

"We have some intel (on this case)...There are four lines of inquiry being pursued by the police," he further said.

Talking about how the crime took place, Siddaramaiah said, "Someone jumped over the compound wall and shot her at close range...She (Lankesh) walked a few steps and collapsed."

"We will coordinate with the CBI and Maharashtra police for the probe," he further said.

Meanwhile, a protest meeting was held at the Naik Bhavan in Bengaluru and a demonstration was organised by the members of the Press Club of India in Delhi.

in Mumbai, various media organisations led by the Mumbai Press Club and Bombay Union of Journalists have condemned the killing of Lankesh and sought a speedy probe in the case.

A candlelight vigil will be held at the press club in Mumbai on Wednesday evening.

A candle light vigil will be organised also by Kolkata Press Club in the evening while protest programmes will be held in various other cities, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune and Mangalore.
Missoulas Helen Self celebrated her 100th birthday with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle ride. At 106, she enjoyed floating the Clark Fork River. At age 107, she was regularly cooking elaborate meals for her family.

Self-admitted that since shes starting to "slow" down, she was content to celebrate her 108th birthday on Thursday, Aug. 17, with little fanfare.

As part of her post-birthday celebration, Self plans to attend the 49th annual Governors Conference on Aging, where she and 10 other western Montana centenarians will be honored at a noon luncheon at the Kalispell Red Lion today. The event is sponsored by the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney is scheduled as the events featured speaker.

Helen and all of Montanas centenarians are truly inspiring individuals, Cooney said. They live life to the fullest, each and every day and have contributed so much to our state.

Gov. Steve Bullock plans to attend a second centenarian luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 12, in Glendive, where four eastern Montana centenarians will be honored. These are Montanans who will turn age 100 or older as of Dec. 31, 2017.

Self still lives at home with her granddaughter, Diane Gunter, a licensed foster parent, and several children. Gunter is a small business owner, and has been a licensed foster parent since 1988. Self has lived with Gunter since 2001, and until last year Self handled a majority of the cooking for the household.

Self has taken great pride in helping Gunter provide a safe and loving home for so many children over the past several years.

I really believe the fact shes played a major role in helping me foster children is what has kept her going all these years, Gunter said. Shes wanted to do all she could to help these children, and help give them a good home.

While she isnt able to cook anymore, Self still keeps busy by beginning each day at about 10 a.m. with a cup of coffee, often has lunch with family and friends, and enjoys a weekly outing every Friday with her grandson to the bank, grocery story and a stop at Costco for a pizza slice. She also enjoys listening to Lawrence Welk music. She was able to drive well into her 90s.

When she was cooking, Self, who was born in Hamilton, was known for her famous chicken dinners, among other meals.

She could just make up dishes that the kids just all raved about, Gunter said. She is just really talented at basic home-cooked meals, and they would always include all the major food groups.

***

In addition, DPHHS recently asked Montana centenarians their secret to longevity, the most amazing event in their life, a favorite quote and various other insights into their lives.

Here are a few of the responses of those planning to attend the Kalispell luncheon:

Oscar Baertsch, 102, Polson: Baertsch states that his secret to longevity is "heredity." He said several Baertsch family members have lived to 90-plus years by being active, through hard work and "minding our own business." His favorite quote is "waste not, want not."

Betty J. Brown-Peterson, 100, Troy: She said when she was younger she walked wherever she needed to go, including daily walks to the post office and grocery store. Although she had a driver's license, she never wanted to drive. One of Brown-Peterson's favorite stories is about the time her husband piloted a small single engine plane taking her from Troy to North Dakota to see family. They landed in a wheat field and then hitched a ride into town. She adds "quite an experience for the early 1940s." Her favorite quote is that she is always looking forward to "her ship coming in."

Stella Rose Holyk, 100, Hot Springs. Her favorite memory is that of her great-grandson winning at the state wrestling tournament. She said: "He had me hang his medal around his neck on the podium. I was so proud  all the other boys asked their girlfriends to do this, but he asked me!" Her favorite quotes include, "Now dont go borrowing trouble, tomorrow is another day," and, "It all will work out in the end."

Ruth Horn, 102, Kalispell: Horn loves to quilt which she has done for many years. She provides quilts to others in need and family just for fun, including hundreds of baby quilts. Her advice to others includes having a good attitude in life, keeping a good relationship with her friends, greeting everyone with a smile and loving them with a warm heart. Her favorite quote: "You cant change the past, what is, is."

Other centenarians to be honored include:

 Carlton Nestegard, 101, Kalispell

 Edna Mabel Seville Ridenour, 101, West Glacier

 Lily Ryan, 101, Missoula

 Kenneth Soward, 101, Kalispell

 Lucille Deborah Wilson, 105, Kalispell

 Edith Atkinson Wylie, 105, Bigfork

Additional conference information can be found at dphhs.mt.gov/SLTC/aging/GovernorsConferenceonAging.aspx.
New Delhi, Sep 6 (IBNS): Initiating a crackdown on cow vigilantism, the Supreme Court on Wednesday asked both the Centre and the states to take steps to curb the practice, media reports said.

The apex court ordered the Centre and the states to take measures so that the cow vigilantes do not take the law into their hands.

The top court has also asked the petitioners to file a petition questioning the large scale animal slaughters which occurred during Eid.

"You (petitioners) know how large number of animals were slaughtered just a few days ago. You must also file petitions against it," the SC told the petitioners.

Indira Jaising and Colin Gonsalves, two of the petitioners, said the number of incidents of cow vigilantism kept on increasing though the central government reacted against such activities, The Times Of India reported.

The apex court also said the Centre cannot wash off their hands calling it a state issue as per the Constitution.

The bench has asked chief secretaries of each state in consultation with the DGP to take measures to keep the highways safe.

In last few years, several cow vigilantisms has occurred in the country.

One of the recent attacks which shook the nation was the stabbing of a 16 years old Junaid Khan on a Haryana bound train, who was accused of carrying beef and later attacked.

The deceased, who hails from Ballabgarh, Haryana, has been identified as Junaid, 16, who was travelling home with his brothers Haseem, Moeen and Mohsin after shopping for the upcoming Eid at Delhi's Jama Masjid.

PM Modi raised his voice against these activities during a visit to his home state Gujarat months ago. "Killing people in the name of Gau Bhakti is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve."

"We come from the land of non-violence," the PM said, "Violence won't solve any problem" he added.

However, hours after Prime Minister's condemnation on cow vigilantism, a man was killed in the state of Jharkhand for carrying beef in a car on June 29.

Alimuddin, also known as Asgar Ansari, was driving his Maruti car while he was stopped by a mob in Ramgarh district and beaten up. Though Alimuddin was taken to a hospital by the police, he soon died.

Apart from this incident, a dairy owner was attacked three days before Jharkhand attack by a mob after they saw the carcass of a cow. The mob resorted to set his house into fire.
Naypyidaw, Sep 6 (IBNS): Under constant call from the international community to speak up on the Rohingya crisis plaguing her country, Myanmar's de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi said that her government is doing its best to protect the ethnic minorities.

According to local news, Suu Kyi has also blasted the 'iceberg of misinformation' which has been spread on the internet.

A government statement said that the Nobel Laureate told Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip ErdoAYan, that her government has already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible".

It is estimated that more than 123,000 Rohingya people have fled Myanmar in the wake of the crisis.

Myanmar, which has been accused of ethnic cleansing, has also witnessed an exodus, mostly from the northern Rakhine state.

People have fled into Bangladesh, a country which shares its border with Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Reuters news agency quoted Bangladeshi sources as saying that the Burmese government has been laying 'landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh for the past three days'.

This, they said is done to 'prevent the return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence'.

"They are putting the landmines in their territory along the barbed-wire fence," the agency quoted a source as saying.

"Our forces have also seen three to four groups working near the barbed wire fence, putting something into the ground, one of the sources said. We then confirmed with our informers that they were laying land mines.

Suu Kyi however put all these allegations as "simply the tip of a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists".



She was quoted in the statement as saying, "We know very well, more than most, what it means to be deprived of human rights and democratic protection."

"So we make sure that all the people in our country are entitled to protection of their rights as well as, the right to, and not just political but social and humanitarian defence," the Nobel Laureate added.

As the Rohingya crisis slowly makes its way towards the front page/section of global news outlets, more number of people have raised their voice against the issue.

Some have also urged the Nobel committee to strip Suu Kyi of her recognition.

In his opinion piece for The Guardian, British author and political commentator George Monbiot wrote: "Few of us expect much from political leaders: to do otherwise is to invite despair. But to Aung San Suu Kyi we entrusted our hopes. To mention her name was to invoke patience and resilience in the face of suffering, courage and determination in the unyielding struggle for freedom. She was an inspiration to us all."

"By any standards, the treatment of the Rohingya people, a Muslim minority in Myanmar, is repugnant. By the standards Aung San Suu Kyi came to symbolise, it is grotesque. They have been described by the UN as the worlds most persecuted minority, a status that has not changed since she took office," he added.

Criticising Suu Kyi for her lackadaisical attitude and questioning her ability to handle the situation, the columnist wrote: "So far Aung San Suu Kyi has been insulated by the apologetics of those who refuse to believe she could so radically abandon the principles to which she once appealed. A list of excuses is proffered: that she didnt want to jeopardise her prospects of election; that she doesnt want to offer the armed forces a pretext to tighten their grip on power; that she has to keep China happy."

Monbiot is one among the thousands who is more than happy to sign a petition 'for the revocation of her Nobel peace prize'.

Earlier this week, fellow Nobel Recipient Malala Yousafzai too took to social media to address the Rohingya crisis, in which she subtly attacked Suu Kyi.

Image: Wallpaper
Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 6 (IBNS) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmaras state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and extended India's solidarity with the neighbouring country that deals with the prolonged violence in Rakhine state, reports said.

Modi said India shares Myanmars concerns over the violence in its Rakhine state, asserting that all parties must respect Myanmars unity as a nation.

"India stands with Myanmar over the issue of violence in the Rakhine state which has led to loss of innocent lives," MEA spokesperson Ravish Kumar tweeted quoting Modi.

The two leaders issued a joint statement in which Modi said the two neighbouring countries had similar security concerns and that it was important for them to work together.

Suu Kyi said together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots in our country, on our soil or in neighboring countries.

Modi said it is important to maintain security and stability along the long land and maritime borders of India and Myanmar.

Modi also announced that citizens of Myanmar who wish to visit India will be given gratis visas, and 40 Myanmarese citizens in Indian jails will be released.

He said the partnership between India and Myanmar in areas of health, education and research will ensure development turns into happiness.

The two nations signed seven MoUs and announced a Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2017  2020.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India summit.
New Delhi/Tokyo, Sep 6 (IBNS): Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, who was in Japan at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart, Itsunori Onodera, attended the India-Japan Annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, held on Sep 5, 2017 in Tokyo.

The Union Defence Ministry, on Wednesday, issued the Joint Press Statement on The India-Japan Annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue.

Excerpts:



"The Ministers exchanged views and ideas with the aim to further strengthen defence and security cooperation under the framework of the Japan-lndia Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

They expressed satisfaction at the continued deepening and diversification of bilateral defence cooperation since the signing of the bilateral Memorandum on Defence Co-operation and Exchanges in September 2014 and the two Defence Framework agreements signed in December 2015.

The Ministers exchanged views on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region. They condemned in the strongest terms North Koreas nuclear test of 03 September 2017, which is in violation of its international obligations and commitments, including under relevant UNSC resolutions and called upon DPRK to cease such action which adversely impacts peace and stability of the region and beyond.

The Ministers noted that regular interactions at all levels, in particular the establishment of Staff Talks at the level of the three Services, have enhanced mutual understanding.

The Ministers underlined their intention to explore opportunities for enhancing exchanges and decided to promote cooperation in the following areas:-

(1) Institutionalised Dialogue and Visits.

a. Annual Defence Ministerial Meeting: The Defence Minister of Japan will visit lndia in 2018.

b. Welcoming the visit by the Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy to Japan in 2016 and the visit by the Chief of the Staff, Air Self Defence Force and Chief of Staff, Ground Self-Defence Force to India in 2016 and 2017, respectively, both sides agreed to organise the first visit of Japanese Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Japan Self Defence Forces to India in the first half of 2018.

c. Scheduling the 6th Defence Vice Minister/ Secretary level Defence Policy Dialogue and the 5th Vice Minister / Secretary level 2 +2 dialogue in India in 2018.

(2) Exchanges between Japan Ground Self Defence Force and Indian Army.

The Ministers welcomed the progress in the Army to Army Staff talks in November 2016 and agreed to develop active exchanges in the fields of PKO, Counter-Terrorism and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), as key areas of common interest for the two countries.

Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) would invite Indian Armed Forces personnel to participate in the HADR exercise conducted by JGSDF as Observers.

In the context of enhanced co-operation between the two ground forces the Ministers decided to explore a joint field exercise in the field of counter-terrorism between the Indian Army and the JGSDF in 2018.

(3) Exchanges between Japan Maritime Self Defence Force and the Indian Navy.

The Ministers expressed satisfaction at the success of Japan-India-US Trilateral Maritime Exercise MALABAR 2017 in July 2017 and confirmed their intention to further deepen and advance the objectives of this Exercise. Minister Onodera expressed his intention to have state-of-the-art Japanese assets including P-1 to participate in the MALABAR 2018. Minister Jaitley welcomed this proposal.

The Ministers noted the importance of bilateral training interactions between Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The two sides will consider inclusion of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training to expand cooperation. In addition the ministers agreed to pursue exchanges and training by ASW aviation units such as P-3C. The Japanese side proposed to invite Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training held by JMSDF.

(4) Exchanges between Japan Air Self Defence Force and Indian Air Force.

The Ministers welcomed the participation of Vice Chief of Staff, JASDF in Aero India-2017 in February 2017. They also welcomed the visit of Indian Air Force helicopter crews to JASDFs Air Rescue Squadron in Hyakuri, expanding bilateral air-to-air exchanges in the domains of aviation safety and air crew exchanges.

The Ministers expressed their intention to seek further opportunities to enhance cooperation by enabling visits of their aircraft to each others air bases.

(5) Education and Research exchanges.

The Ministers appreciated personnel exchanges between the two sides by means of representation at defence educational and research institutions. They expressed satisfaction over successful bilateral exchanges in UN Peace Keeping involving the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping of India and the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Centre.

(6) Cooperation in Defence Equipment and Technology.

The Ministers endorsed the importance of enhancing interaction between governments and defence industries of the two countries to encourage equipment collaboration including defence and dual-use technologies. They commended the progress made in discussions to identify specific areas of collaboration in the field of defence equipment and technology cooperation including in the framework of the Joint Working Group on Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation. They noted the effort made by both countries regarding the cooperation on US-2 amphibious aircraft.

They welcomed the constructive engagement between Acquisition, Technology and Logistic Agency (ATLA) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and agreed to commence the technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.

The Ministers commended the conduct of the first-ever meeting on defence industry cooperation held by ATLA and Department of Defence Production (DDP) in Tokyo, which witnessed significant participation of government entities and companies of both countries. They expressed their expectation that this meeting will lead both countries to future defence equipment and technology cooperation and enhance interaction between governments and industries of both countries. Minister Jaitley briefed about recent policy reforms in the defence manufacturing sectors in India which offer opportunities for foreign industries to play an active role.

Minister Jaitley thanked Minister Onodera for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and members of the Indian delegation during his visit to Japan."

Image: Arun Jaitley/Retweet
Bengaluru, Sep 6 (IBNS): Condemning the killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh by some unknown assailants in Bengaluru, several women journalists have urged the Karnataka government to act strong and probe the case efficiently.

Lankesh, a popular journalist who took stands against Right-wing ideology, was shot several times by some unidentified assailants outside her residence on Tuesday evening.

Karnataka Police have claimed that they have come across some good leads and have also secured CCTV footage, which will help them crack the case.

Her murder bears a resemblance with earlier murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi.

Former NDTV journalist, Barkha Dutt, took to Twitter to say: "this is chilling scary and outrageous. So far always took online death & rape threats with a pinch of salt. Now we must all pause &wonder."

this is chilling scary and outrageous. So far always took online death & rape threats with a pinch of salt. Now we must all pause &wonder https://t.co/YuaukqGInS  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 5, 2017

Dutt also stated how she received several rape threats but police complaints went in vain. "I did report rape threats i received to the police & in court. No one could trace them. How many times do we go to cops?? #gaurilankesh."

I did report rape threats i received to the police & in court. No one could trace them. How many times do we go to cops?? #gaurilankesh https://t.co/EAmg1dF7tN  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 5, 2017

Consulting Editor of The Times of India, Sagarika Ghose, echoed the words of Dutt, saying: "Will the killers be caught Mr @siddaramaiah? Will they be hunted down and brought to justice?"

Will the killers be caught Mr @siddaramaiah? Will they be hunted down and brought to justice? https://t.co/DB3g8lGjbP  Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) September 6, 2017

Journalist of NDTV, Nidhi Razdan, also urged the state government of Karnataka to find out the culprits. "The Karnataka Govt cannot make excuses. They have to find the killers of Gauri Lankesh."

The Karnataka Govt cannot make excuses. They have to find the killers of Gauri Lankesh.  Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) September 6, 2017

Hoping the Karnataka government would take steps, journalist Madhu Kishwar, said: "I sincerely hope govt will nab culprits fast. #GauriLankeshMurder case won't drag on for years."

I sincerely hope govt will nab culprits fast. #GauriLankeshMurder case won't drag on for years https://t.co/Qivvp5rb4e  MadhuPurnima Kishwar (@madhukishwar) September 6, 2017

Issuing a statement, Editors Guild of India condemned Lankesh's murder and also in a way hinted at a conspiracy by the right wing.

"Gauri Lankesh was a known critic of the Central government on key issues and had fearlessly expressed her views in the newspaper she edited as well as in other forums" the statement reads.

Editors Guild also termed the killing as "a brutal assault on the freedom of the press".

Guild has asked the Karnataka government to find out the culprits.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has asked to form a SIT to probe the incident following a meeting with top police officials on Wednesday morning.

Gauri Lankesh was an editor in a Kannada weekly Lankesh Patrike. She died at an age of 55.
Bagan, Sept 6 (IBNS): On his second day in Myanmar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the historic Ananda Temple in the country.

Sharing an image of his visit to the temple, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted: "Connecting with history. PM @narendramodi pays respects at Ananda Temple,the most historical and venerated temple in Bagan, Myanmar."

Modi reached Myanmar on Tuesday.

Today marks the second day of his visit to the Asian nation.

Modi has met Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw and country's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

He arrived in Myanmar after completing his visit to China.

He attended the BRICS summit in China.

Image: Raveesh Kumar Twitter page
Patna, Sep 6 (TheBiharPost/IBNS): A local court in Bihar on Wednesday sentenced a politicianas son Rocky Yadav to life imprisonment for killing a teenager in a road rage case which took place last year.

Rocky is the son of suspended JD-U legislator Manorama Devi.

Apart from Yadav, the court in Gaya district of Bihar also awarded life imprisonment to his cousin Tenny Yadav and a constable Rajesh Kumar in the same case while his father Bindi Yadav was awarded a five-year jail term.

On August 31, the court had found all the accused persons guilty of shooting dead Aditya Sachadeva, son of a local businessman. The incident had taken place in May last year.

According to police reports, Aditya was returning home in his Swift car with friends after celebrating his birthday in Bodh Gaya when he tried to overtake the car of a politicians son identified as Rocky Yadav.

In a fit of rage, the accused stopped the victims car by overtaking him, assaulted him and then shot him dead, reports said. The victim had appeared for his Class 12 exams then.

thebiharpost.com/IBNS
Bangalore, Sept 6 (IBNS): Hundreds of people, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, assembled as journalist Gauri Lankesh was laid to rest at Chamrajpet in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Amid chants like 'Amar rahe Gauri Lankesh', body of the journalist was lowered to the grave.

To honour the journalist, state funeral and a gun salute was given to Gauri Lankesh as hundreds of people bid adieu to the activist.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Congress leader and member of Parliament M Veerappa Moily were present at the venue and paid their respects to the journalist.

The state government has reportedly ordered a SIT probe into the murder of the journalist.

Lankesh, a popular journalist who took stands against Right-wing ideology, was shot several times by some unidentified assailants outside her residence on Tuesday evening.

Karnataka Police have claimed that they have come across some good leads and have also secured CCTV footage, which will help them crack the case.

Her murder bears a resemblance with earlier murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi.
New Delhi, Sept 6 (IBNS): A group of probationers of 67th (2015) batch of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Central Excise) called on the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the probationers, the President said that collection of revenue is critical to the task of nation building.

The revenue collected by the officers is used for the development of the country. He said that tax collection should be a smooth process and there should be minimum discomfort to the tax-payer.

He advised them to remember what Chanakya had said about tax collection in the Arthashastra that a government should collect taxes like a honeybee, which collects just the right amount of honey from the flower so that both can survive.

The President said that in a sense the young officers would drive GST  which is one of Indias biggest economic reforms since independence.

He stated that this is the age of globalization and technological advance. This throws up enormous opportunities for trade and investment. It also, unfortunately, creates avenues for fraud and money laundering. It is their job to promote economic activity and curb fraud.

Both these goals are important.

He said that the work they do has implications for India and for Indias reputation in the world  as a trusted business destination, with a fair and predictable tax regime.

He asked them to be mindful of this big responsibility.

He wished the officers all success in their future career and told them that their integrity is not negotiable. A credible tax system can only be built by credible tax officers.

The probationers are currently undergoing professional training at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes & Narcotics, Faridabad.
Kolkata, Sept 6 (IBNS): Condemning the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Karnataka, West Bengal Chief Minister participated in a candle light vigil from Kolkata Press Club till Gandhi statue in the city on Wednesday.

"Participated in a candle vigil from #Kolkata Press Club till Gandhi statue to condemn the murder of journalist GauriLankesh," Banerjee tweeted.

Hundreds of people from different fields of the society joined the candle light vigil to condemn the murder of the journalist.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, assembled as journalist Gauri Lankesh was laid to rest at Chamrajpet in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Amid chants like 'Amar rahe Gauri Lankesh', body of the journalist was lowered to the grave.

To honour the journalist, state funeral and a gun salute was given to Gauri Lankesh as hundreds of people bid adieu to the activist.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Congress leader and member of Parliament M Veerappa Moily were present at the venue and paid their respects to the journalist.

The state government has reportedly ordered a SIT probe into the murder of the journalist.

Lankesh, a popular journalist who took stands against Right-wing ideology, was shot several times by some unidentified assailants outside her residence on Tuesday evening.

Karnataka Police have claimed that they have come across some good leads and have also secured CCTV footage, which will help them crack the case.

Her murder bears a resemblance with earlier murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi.
The Montana University System is preparing for a budget reduction of up to 10 percent  or nearly $45 million total for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years.

The projection is preliminary and depends on actual state revenue.

But spokesman Kevin McRae said the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education has asked campuses to prepare for cuts of as much as 10 percent.

"We haven't asked them to submit program cuts to us but we are actively asking them to begin preparing for these possible scenarios," said McRae, deputy commissioner for communications.

In May, the Montana Board of Regents approved tuition changes that mostly increased the price for students attending state colleges and universities. For example, at the University of Montana, tuition and fees went up 13 percent for lower division students.

McRae said he does not believe the regents will increase tuition for the spring semester. However, he said the regents may need to adjust tuition rates for fall 2018 despite the recently approved increases.

"It would be unusual because the regents normally set tuition for two years at a time," McRae said.

He also stressed the possible reduction of 5 percent to as much as 10 percent  as much as $22.3 million and $22.4 million for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years  is subject to factors that are still unknown.

***

A 10 percent reduction in state appropriations to the University of Montana could mean a cut of some $6 million a year, or $12 million for both years, in a worst case scenario, McRae confirmed. In Commissioner's Office budget documents, state appropriations to UM were listed as $61.1 million this school year and $59.9 million in the coming school year.

UM communications director Paula Short did not confirm that the Missoula flagship was discussing a $6 million reduction each year and said Tuesday that she did not have specific data. However, Short said UM is evaluating its options.

"Our top priority will continue to be our students and delivery of the curriculum and services that support student success," Short said in an email. "There are no easy decisions in making additional reductions to an already lean budget. However, we realize all state agencies are in similar circumstances."

She did not address whether UM has any reserves left to tap.

UM has been experiencing budget challenges because of a persistent enrollment decline. Last week, preliminary freshmen registration numbers were higher than UM had budgeted, but the campus is still planning on an overall decrease, according to the administration.

***

State Sen. Dick Barrett said he is concerned about the possibility of tuition increases for a couple of reasons, including student debt. A recent report from LendEDU pegged the average debt of students who borrow in Montana at nearly $31,000; LendEDU describes itself as a financial marketplace with a goal of creating transparency to help students manage their money.

The other reason Barrett is concerned is a tuition bump could thwart UM's push to increase enrollment. Historically, declines in state support have forced the university system to increase tuition, and the trend over the long term has meant a shift away from state support and toward tuition, said Barrett, an economist.

If the university system tries to make up two years of shortfalls but doesn't up tuition this year, he said, the jump in fall 2018 could be significant.

"If that was the response in this case, you're looking at some pretty large tuition increases," said Barrett, a Missoula Democrat and retired UM professor.

Short did not address what UM's position on a possible tuition increase would be. She said budget discussions at UM have been preliminary.

"As additional direction and clarification becomes available from OCHE (the Commissioner's Office), we will make more concrete plans to meet UM's share of the budget reduction," Short said in her email.

Interim vice president for finance and administration Rosi Keller could not be reached for comment through a message left with an assistant in her office.

***

In recent years, UM lost personnel to budget cuts, although it's also spending more of its budget on personnel this year, a trend the Commissioner's Office wants the campus to reverse.

UM offered buyouts to faculty this summer, and it may make another round of offers. The university counts 41 fewer tenured or tenure-track faculty from last year to this year because of early retirements and other departures.

The administration also notified some 34 lecturers who teach on a year-to-year contract that they won't be rehired come spring, although the faculty union filed a grievance alleging UM failed to offer those instructors proper notice. The grievance is pending.

McRae said he does not anticipate the state budget reductions will result in more personnel cuts at UM before the end of the semester.

However, UM is in the midst of a plan to set program priorities, and the outcome is expected to identify areas where the university should spend money  and ones where it shouldn't. McRae said the result will inform staffing decisions for the remainder of the academic year and the next school year.

"This fall semester simply becomes even more crucial in terms of UM analyzing and reaching decisions by the end of this fall semester for then how to proceed," McRae said.

***

The Montana Board of Regents will take up campus budgets next week, and at this point, McRae said the regents will proceed with finances that do not include reductions.

If reductions do become necessary following recommendations of the Legislative Finance Committee later in September, he said the Commissioner's Office will submit proposed changes for regents to consider in October or November.
Guwahati, Sept 6 (IBNS): Unleashing a major boost in industrial growth of the state, Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday inaugurated the personal product factory, unit-4 of Hindustan Unilever Limited at Doom Dooma in upper Assamas Tinsukia district.

Titled as Rhino Project, the new unit is a part of Hindustan Unilevers over Rs 3000 crore value products which are being produced in Assam.

The unit has been constructed in a record time of 300 days.

Speaking at the programme, Sonowal termed the occasion as the historic day for the industrial sector of Assam as it would open new vistas for industrial growth.

Advocating synergy between the government and the industries, Sonowal said that if the role of one complements the other the development of both industry and community will register a greater impetus.

Stating that industrial environment in Assam is very conducive and the government is coming up with promising industrial policy by easing out all procedures including providing land for industrial units, the Assam CM requested Hindustan Unilever to increase its footprints in Lower Assam and Barak Valley in the State.

Sonowal also said that Assam government would set up more skill development centres in association with private players to provide quality manpower to the industrial units.

He further requested Hindustan Unilever to take advantage of the potential of organic sector in Assam and come up with latest technology to produce new products in a bid to materialise Prime Minister Narendra Modis dream of making Assam and North East an organic hub of the country.

Highlighting close ties that Assam shares with South East Asian Nations and the access that Assam could provide to the markets of South East Asian countries, Sonowal said that Assam government is resolutely working to make Assam as the gateway to South East Asia by implementing the Act East Policy of the Centre.

Sonowal also asked Hindustan Unilever to increase its PR activities and pursue its CSR policy taking the local people and the public representatives into confidence.

He also sought Hindustan Unilevers support in drawing investors for the proposed Global Business Summit in Guwahati in February 2018 and also generate goodwill about Assam.

Paul Polman, the Global Chief Executive Officer of Unilever, who was also present at the inaugural ceremony appreciated State Governments support in completing the 4th unit of Hindustan Unilever within 300 days.

Stating that Doom Dooma unit is an example of simultaneous growth of the company in sync with the community, Polman assured that Hindustan Unilever will continue to be a worthy partner in economic growth of Assam. He also expressed hope that the new Rhino Unit would set a new bench mark in terms of sustainability, equality and productivity.

Sanjiv Mehta the Chief Executive Officer of Hindustan Unilever while delivering welcome speech highlighted Hindustan Unilevers journey in Assam. Mehta informed that Hindustan Unilever will soon set up a Skill Development Centre in Tinsukia.

Member of Parliament Rameswar Teli, Pradan Barua, MLA Suren Phukan, Bolin Chetia, Sanjay Kisan and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

On the sidelines of the programme, the Assam CM held a fruitful discussion with Global CEO Unilever Paul Polman regarding investment in Assam.

Sonowal informed Polman about geographic and locational advantage of Assam which the company could utilise to capture the market of South East Asian Nations.

Assam governments ambitious project of setting up of a World Trade Centre, executing the State Capital Region and proposed Global Business Summit are some of the few issues that the Assam CM brought to the notice of Polman during interaction.

Sonowal also drew the attention of Polman of the possibility of Jogigopa, a town in Goalpara district of becoming the hub of trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh.

He also informed that as many as 23 MoUs were signed between India and Bangladesh to promote trade and other issues of multilateral interests including Government of Indias UDAN to improve regional connectivity.

Polman during the interaction wanted to know about availability of skilled workforce and government policy towards industry and assured to take fruitful measure in this regard.

Polman also expressed his sympathy over the loss perpetrated by the recent waves of floods in the State and contributed Rs 1 crore on behalf of the company to Chief Ministers Relief Fund and announced to donate Rs 1 crore more in the near future.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati, Sept 6 (IBNS): Another alleged corrupted government official was granted bail after Assam police failed to submit charge sheet before the court.

The special court in Guwahati on Wednesday granted bail to Mahat Chandra Talukdar, who was arrested by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption branch of Assam police after taking bribe from a river-sand laden truck in June last year.

Mahat Chandra Talukdar, then DFO of Dhemaji district was caught red-handed while taking a bribe of Rs 30,000.

During raids in his two residences later, the sleuths of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption had recovered over Rs 3 crore cash and many wildlife parts including a tiger skin, elephant tusks.

A top source said that, the corrupted official had been able to get bail after Assam police failed to submit charge sheet against him.

Earlier, Secretary of state Irrigation department Kujendra Doley, who was arrested while taking bribe from a contractor at Janata Bhawan in Dispur was granted bail only failure of Assam police.

In last week, the Gauhati High Court had granted bail to 10 accused persons including three Assam Civil Service (ACS) officials, who were arrested in connection with the cash-for-job scam of Assam Public Service Commission (APSC).

The court had granted bail petitions of the accused 10 persons including APSCs former member Basanta Doley, Samedur Rahman, employee Pabitra Koiborta, Musharaf Hussain, ACS officers Bhaskarjyoti Dev Sharma, Bhaskar Dutta and Amit Sharma, Engineer Nabakanta Patir after Assam police failed to submit charge sheet against them.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
New York, Sept 6(Just Earth News): The United Nations deputy chief on Tuesday said that the Organization is failing to deliver sufficiently in cities, and its work in and on urban areas must be reinvigorated, as the General Assembly kicked off a high-level meeting on a new UN approach to the rapidly urbanizing world.



On Tuesday, we acknowledge that the UN is not delivering sufficiently in cities. And, through our common effort, we will rectify this, said Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in her opening remarks to the two-day event.



The proud history of urban work at the UN must be harnessed at this vital time, and the UN must be seen again as the lead convener and catalyser for partners, funders, private sector and civil society organisations to scale up their work in urban areas, she added, stressing the need for reform of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).



The meeting will discuss how the New Urban Agenda has been implemented since its adoption in October 2016 at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development, known as Habitat III, while examining the recommendations put forth by an independent panel reviewing the effectiveness of UN-Habitat.



It will also address the measures contained in the Report of the Secretary General's Independent Panel to Assess, Enhance Effectiveness of UN-Habitat after Adoption of New Urban Agenda, which was published at the beginning of August 2017.







The outcome will serve as an input to the General Assembly's main body dealing with economic and financial issues the (Second Committee), which will consider action to be taken in the light of these recommendations during its forthcoming substantive session this fall.



Mohammed noted that by 2050, 70 per cent of the world's population could be living in urban areas.



While cities are hubs of promise, jobs, technology and economic development, they are also the epicentre of greenhouse gas emissions and many of the challenges of sustainability.



It is clear that it is in cities where the battle for sustainability will be won or lost, she said.



In his remarks, General Assembly President Peter Thomson stressed the importance of capitalizing on the enormous social and economic opportunities provided by mass urbanisation to lift people out of poverty, drive inclusive economic growth, promote equality, strengthen community resilience, and of course, effectively combat climate change.



To do so we have to increase global awareness of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda, particularly among policy makers and the global public, he said.



Secondly, strategic partnerships have to be strengthened between governments at all levels, community leaders, civil society, and the business community, to foster coherent approaches to urban development.



Then there is the task of harnessing the exponential potential of science, technology and innovation to drive smart new approaches towards sustainable urbanisation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Thomson said.



And finally, the UN system must be able to effectively serve Member States in achieving these universal agendas, with UN-Habitat strongly positioned to support implementation of the New Urban Agenda, he said.



Joan Clos, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, also addressed the meeting.



In the Panel's assessment, the first priority is to save, stabilize and then rapidly strengthen UN-Habitat to equip it for a renewed role based on the 2030 Agenda, adopted in 2015, as well as the New Urban Agenda.



The panel recommends, among others, that 'UN Urban' be established as a coordinating mechanism similar to UN-Water or UN-Energy, as part of system-wide UN reform, with a small secretariat based in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) in New York.



Photo: Dominic Chavez/World Bank







Source: www.justearthnews.com








New York, Sept 6(Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres on Tuesday aunequivocallya condemned the latest nuclear and missile tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), denouncing them as aprofoundly destabilizing for regional and international security.a

Yet again, the DPRK has broken the global norm against nuclear test explosions, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Tuesday at UN Headquarters in New York.

Yet again, the country has defied the Security Council and the international community.

"Yet again, the DPRK has needlessly and recklessly put millions of people at risk  including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights, he added.

Guterres reiterated his call on DPRK authorities to comply fully with its international obligations, including Security Council Resolution 2371, which was adopted last month.

He welcomed yesterday's meeting of the Security Council, saying: The unity of the Council is crucial in addressing this crisis. That unity also creates an opportunity to engage diplomatically to decrease tensions, increase confidence and prevent any escalation  all aimed at the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The Secretary-General stressed dialogue and communication as necessary to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding.

Confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences, he elaborated. The solution must be political. The potential consequences of military action are too horrific.

As Secretary-General, I am ready to support any efforts towards a peaceful solution of this alarming situation, and as I said, to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, underscored Guterres.

In response to a journalist who asked which of the global challenges he thought would be most focussed upon at the forthcoming General Assembly's High-Level Week, Guterres answered The most dangerous crisis we face on Tuesday, [is] the crisis related to the nuclear risk in relation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The 'gathering force' of climate change

Turning to another topic of vital importance, Guterres said the world continues to witness climate change gather force., and he expressed solidarity with all those suffering the devastating impacts of the unprecedented events seen in recent weeks from Texas to Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Sierra Leone.

The United Nations stands ready to support relief efforts in any way possible, he said, noting that the number of natural disasters has nearly quadrupled since 1970, with the US, followed by China and India experiencing the most since 1995.

Last year alone, 24.2 million people were displaced by sudden-onset disasters  three times as many as by conflict and violence. Even before the current floods, preliminary reports for this year show that there have been 2,087 deaths from natural disasters.

It is true that scientists caution us about linking any single weather event with climate change.

But they are equally clear that such extreme weather is precisely what their models predict will be the new normal of a warming world.

With science forecasting a dramatic rise in both the frequency and severity of disasters, it is time to get serious about keeping ambition high on climate action  and on building resilience and reducing disaster risk, he said.

Also on Tuesday, the Secretary-General called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilizing the region.

I have condemned the recent attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. But now we are receiving constant reports of violence by Myanmar's security forces, including indiscriminate attacks, he told journalists, expressing concern about the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Rakhine. This will only further increase radicalization.

Guterres said that he has officially written to the Security Council to express his concern and to propose various steps to end the violence, adding that the grievances of Rohingya  the Muslims in the Rakhine state  have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilization.

Guterres called on the international community to prevent further escalation and to seek a holistic solution, and urged the authorities in Myanmar to provide security and aid to those in need and safe access to life-saving aid.

UN Photo/Evan Schneider

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Sept 6(Just Earth News): Pervasive levels of poverty, protracted conflicts and complex humanitarian emergencies have led to stagnation in reducing the global out-of-school rate over the past decade, prompting the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to call for more investments.

With 11.5 per cent of school-age children  or 123 million missing school on Wednesday, compared to 12.8 per cent  or 135 million  in 2007, the percentage of out-of-school 6-15 year olds has barely decreased in the last decade, according to UNICEF.

Investments aimed at increasing the number of schools and teachers to match population growth are not enough, said UNICEF Chief of Education Jo Bourne.

This business-as-usual approach will not get the most vulnerable children into school  and help them reach their full potential  if they continue to be trapped in poverty, deprivation and insecurity, she added.

Children living in the world's poorest countries and in conflict zones are disproportionally affected. Of the 123 million children missing out on school, 40 per cent live in the least developed countries and 20 per cent live in conflict zones.

UNICEF points out that war continues to threaten  and reverse  education gains.

The conflicts in Iraq and Syria have resulted in an additional 3.4 million children missing out on education, bringing the number of out-of-school children across the Middle East and North Africa back to 2007's level of approximately 16 million.

With their high levels of poverty, rapidly increasing populations and recurring emergencies, Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia account for 75 per cent of the global out-of-school primary- and lower-secondary school age population.

Governments and the global community must target their investments at eliminating the factors preventing these children from going to school in the first place, including by making schools safe and improving teaching and learning, she continued.

However, some progress has been achieved.

Ethiopia and Niger, among the world's poorest countries, have made the most enrolment rate progress in primary-school-age children with an increase of more than 15 per cent and around 19 per cent, respectively.

Emergency funding shortfalls for education affect access for children in conflict to attend school.

On average, less than 2.7 per cent of global humanitarian appeals are dedicated to education.

Six-months into 2017, UNICEF had only received 12 per cent of the funding required to provide education for children caught up in crises. More funds are urgently required to address the increasing number and complexity of crises and to give children the stability and opportunities they deserve.

Learning provides relief for children affected by emergencies in the short-term, but is also a critical investment in the future development of societies in the long-term, underscored Bourne.

Yet investment in education does not respond to the realities of a volatile world. To address this, we must secure greater and more predictable funding for education in unpredictable emergencies, she concluded.

UNICEF/Bahaji

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, Sept 6(Just Earth News): Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres has condemned an attack against a United Nations convoy in the Kidal region of Mali that left two peacekeepers dead and two others seriously injured.



In a statement issued last night, the Secretary-General extended his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured personnel serving with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).



The Secretary-General recalls that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, the statement added.



Established by the Security Council in April 2013, MINUSMA supports the political process in Mali and carries out a number of security-related stabilization tasks, including protecting civilians, human rights monitoring, and the creation of conditions for the provision of humanitarian assistance.



Photo: MINUSMA/Sylvain Liechti



Source: www.justearthnews.com


New York, Sept 7(Just Earth News): Drone technology appears to be taking off at the United Nations, with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) being used for various purposes, including in humanitarian, development and peacekeeping operations.

Although this technology is not a magic solution, the promise of drones is really tremendous, said Christopher Fabian, principal advisor on innovation at the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF), in an interview with UN News.

For UNICEF and other humanitarian and development agencies, he said, drone technology can make a big difference in three ways.

First, drones can leapfrog over broken infrastructure in places where developed transportation networks or roads do not exist, carrying low-weight supplies.

Second, UAVs can be used for remote sensing, such as gathering imagery and data, in the wake of natural disasters like mudslides, to locate where the damage is and where the affected peoples are.

Third, drones can extend WiFi connectivity, from the sky to the ground, providing refugee camps or schools with access to the Internet.

As big as a Boeing 737 passenger jet and as small as a hummingbird, a huge variety of drones exist. According to research firm Gartner, total drone unit sales climbed to 2.2 million worldwide in 2016, and revenue surged 36 per cent to $4.5 billion.

Although UNICEFs use of drones has been limited, the agency is exploring ways to scale up the use of UAVs in its operations, Fabian said.

In late June, Malawi, in partnership with UNICEF, launched Africas first air corridor to test the humanitarian use of drones in Kasungu District.

Also with UNICEF, Vanuatu has been testing the capacity, efficiency and effectiveness of drones to deliver life-saving vaccines to inaccessible, remote communities in the small Pacific island country.

Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands separated over 1,600 kilometres. Many are only accessible by boat, and mobile vaccination teams frequently walk to communities carrying all the equipment required for vaccinations  a difficult task given the climate and topography.

To extend the use of drones, UNICEF and the World Food Programmes (WFP) have formed a working group. In addition, UNICEF, together with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), chairs the UN Innovation Network, an informal forum that meets quarterly to share lessons learned and advance discussions on innovation across agencies.

Drones are also used in other parts of the UN system. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its partners have introduced a new quadcopter drone to visually map gamma radiation at Japans Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which was damaged by the devastating 2011 tsunami.

Last year, an IAEA-supported drone won fourth place in the 2016 United Arab Emirates Drones for Good Award competition, which received over 1,000 entries from more than 160 countries.

ROMEO, or the Remotely Operated Mosquito Emission Operation, met the competitions aim of improving peoples lives. It was designed to transport and release sterile male mosquitoes as part of an insect pest birth control method that stifles pest population growth.

Some UN peacekeeping missions, such as those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali and the Central African Republic, have deployed unarmed surveillance UAVs to improve security for civilians.

Drone technology, however, can be a double-edged sword. UN human rights experts have spoken out against the lethal use of drones.

Hardware itself does not violates human rights. It is the people behind the hardware, said Fabian, stressing the need to make sure that any technology we bring in or work on falls within the framing of rights-based documents, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

UNICEF has a set of guiding principles for innovation, which includes elements like designing with the end-user.

For drone applications to spread further, Fabian said, the UN has a strong role in advocating this technology and ensuring that policy is shared with different governments.

In addition, governments have to clearly define why they need drones and what specifically they will be used for, while also building up national infrastructure to support their use.

The private sector must understand that the market can provide them real business opportunities.

In 10 to 20 years, drones might be as basic to us as a pen or pencil, said Fabian.

I believe this technology will go through a few years of regulatory difficulty but will eventually become so ubiquitous and simple that its like which version of the cell phones you have rather than have you ever use the mobile phone at all, he said.

Photo: UNICEF/UN070227/Chim Chisiza

Source: www.justearthnews.com
McDONALD CREEK  We have ducks just below Heavens Peak, crackles the radio in Lisa Bates hand.

One female and two chicks and shes very, very skittish. Theyre headed upstream.

Standing just off the busy main thoroughfare in Glacier National Park last week, the park biologist and a portion of her crew of dedicated volunteers are studying the waters of McDonald Creek for a glimpse of the trio of harlequin ducks swimming in their direction.

Cars start to slow as tourists scan the scene in hopes of spotting a bear or maybe even a moose. Some ease to a stop and hurry to the embankments edge with their binoculars hanging around their neck.

What do you see? What is it?

Just then, the three tiny brown ducks swim up around the corner. Bates takes a few moments to point them out to the visitors and offer a brief explanation about their plans to capture and band the rare sea-going ducks that migrate here every spring to breed and raise their broods on the very same waters where they were born.

This year has produced a bumper crop of harlequin chicks in Upper McDonald Creek despite the fact this springs unusually high runoff that came in pulses likely washed away the nests of at least 12 females.

Nesting is a precarious proposition for harlequin ducks.

Most place their nests just a few feet from waters edge of the fast-moving streams filled with the frothing ice-cold water that pours out of the surrounding mountains. That works fine as long as water levels dont suddenly rise.

There is no room for failure in the world of harlequin duck nesting.

The males stay around just long enough for the females to gorge and lay eggs. Once thats completed  usually sometime in June  the brightly colored males fly back to the coast, where they molt and later travel to their wintering grounds where they meet back up with their mates.

So, unlike other species of waterfowl that might have a chance at a second try should a nest fail, harlequins are one and done.

Harlequins are considered a boom-or-bust species, Bate said. They can go for years without successfully producing any chicks.

In 2010, researchers were unable to find any chicks on McDonald Creek between Lake McDonald and Logan Creek. In 2014, they found five. In 2015 and this year, theyve counted 19.

The Upper McDonald Creek drainage is considered one the strongholds of the rare species.

In other places across their range, harlequin numbers have been in decline. In Banff, harlequin pair numbers have dropped from 90 to 25 since 1995. On the coast, the male ducks no longer molt along the border of Washington state and British Columbia.

No one is certain whats behind the decline. Theories range from increased recreational activities in sensitive nesting areas, to growing numbers of bald eagles that prey on harlequins, to changes in climate.

But in Glacier, harlequins appear to be holding their own.

Glacier National Park boasts the highest breeding pair density of harlequin ducks in the lower 48 states on Upper McDonald Creek and its tributaries.

The national park is also one of the few places that has monitoring data that reaches back into the 1970s after a graduate student named Craig Kuchel wrote his masters thesis on his efforts to document their range in Glacier. In the 1990s, John Ashley sought to replicate Kuchels study and gathered his own rich set of data.

That experience with harlequins really kind of took over my life, Ashley said. They are fascinating. They almost never go on land. Water is where they find safety.  Their strategy for survival is an environment that doesnt change rapidly.

Ive been working on learning more about them for 26 years, or about half my life, he said. I can really never get enough.

In the spring he teaches a class to interested adults. He tells them that harlequin ducks are more rare than grizzly bears in the national park.

On this day, Bate, Ashley and other volunteers are spending hours walking through smoke-shrouded air along a creek thats hardly 30 feet across. A long hot and dry summer has brought fire, smoke and drought to the national park.

Its the kind of change in climate that worries anyone who cares about the ducks that thrive in the cold waters and have been documented to live as long as 18 years.

Bate and her crew have been performing spring and fall surveys, as well as banding chicks, since 2008. Another graduate student, Warren Hansen, spent three years starting in 2011 to add to understanding on how the ducks were using the park.

Even, with all that, there is a lot we dont know about harlequin ducks, Bate said.

With a project partially funded by the Glacier National Park Conservancy, Bate started last year implanting a tiny transmitter in male birds that provide a real-time look at where the birds live during the year.

With the help of veterinarian Dan Savage, were taking this to a whole new level, she said. We still have a lot more questions than answers.

All four of the male ducks implanted with the transmitters this past year went to different areas to molt. One ended up just south of Juneau, Alaska. Another traveled to Port Angeles, Washington. The other two went to the coastal waters of British Columbia.

From there, they all traveled to the Strait of Georgia between Vancouver Island and British Columbia to winter.

The hope is next year Bate and her team will implant another six males with transmitters and attach tiny geo-transmitters to collars on female ducks to gain even more insights on where the birds live out their lives.

Glacier Park isnt alone in its effort to learn about the rare waterfowl.

Bate is working with a team of state and federal biologists from three states and two Canadian providences that hopes to learn where the ducks breed, molt and winter. Her team inside the park is also expanding its efforts to locate the ducks nesting habitat inside the park.

She estimates that 25 percent of all the harlequin chicks that are produced in Montana come from the McDonald Creek drainage, which extends far beyond the mainstream waters that are so visible from the main road. This year, a new nest was found two miles up a small tributary called Mineral Creek a couple hundred meters away from the water.

That nest would never have been found without the new efforts at monitoring tributaries that started this year, Bate said. She hopes there will be more.

Last week, Bate and her crew of volunteers successfully concluded their harlequin duck monitoring efforts after capturing and banding seven chicks from two different broods.

After the birds were located, they were driven into an 8-foot-tall net where they became ensnared.

After being carefully pulled from the nets webbing, Bate took measurements before placing a stainless steel band that can survive the harsh conditions found in their saltwater winter home on one leg. On the other, she placed a plastic blue band that researchers could easily read from a distance.

So far, they have banded more than 200 harlequin ducks using that method, without a single casualty.

Research like this is critical to sustain Glacier National Parks precious habitat, said Doug Mitchell, Glacier National Park Conservancy executive director. Donations to the Glacier Conservancy ensure that important work like this will continue to preserve and protect the park for future generations.
North Dakota is in the spotlight as President Donald Trump makes his first visit there, just seven months after his administration approved the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline

Law enforcement is preparing for potential protests in Mandan, where Trump is speaking on Wednesday afternoon, WDAZ-TV reported. The city is about 40 miles north of the final portion of the pipeline, where tens of thousands of people gathered at the #NoDAPL encampment last year to oppose construction.

Trump has repeatedly discounted opposition to the project, which he expedited just four days after taking office. He bragged about approving the final portion with his eyes "closed" and over the objections of tribes.

But while Trump will be appearing at a crude oil refinery , his primary focus in not the pipeline, which went into operation on June 1. He's planning to talk about reforming the nation's tax code, according to the White House

"We pay the highest tax of any country in the world on businesses and we can't keep doing that," Trump said on Wednesday as he met with key lawmakers to discuss tax reform

Other key lawmakers include Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota), who serves on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and who resides in Mandan. She will be traveling with Trump aboard Air Force One, The Washington Post reported, as part of a large delegation from Washington that includes Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke , The Bismarck Tribune reported.

The Trump administration has not said how tribes fit into tax reform. But Zinke, when he served in Congress, sought to extend tax credits for coal production in hopes of boosting economic development and employment in Indian Country.

Along those same lines, tribes are looking to the Trump team to address taxation issues with an update to the Indian Trader regulations . The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation is among those pushing for changes because energy development on its reservation is subject to dual taxation in North Dakota.

The taxation is not about greed, Chairman Mark Fox told the State Legislatures Tribal Taxation Issues Committee at a meeting last Thursday , The Bismarck Tribune reported. Its about need.

According to The Associated Press, the state has pulled in $1 billion in taxes from energy development on the Fort Berthold Reservation since 2009. The tribe has received a lower amount -- $934 million.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs recently wrapped up a series of tribal consultations on the Indian Trader regulations, an effort that began toward the end of the Obama administration . The Trump team hasn't said when it will finalize the proposal.

The last president to visit North Dakota was Barack Obama . In June 2014, he went to the home of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe , the leading opponent of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Heitkamp, incidentally, also made the trip.

Read More on the Story: President Trump set to speak in Mandan (WDAZ-TV September 5, 2017) Trump expected to highlight North Dakota to national audience (The Bismarck Tribune September 5, 2017) Area business leaders eager to hear Trump's ideas on tax reform (The Bismarck Tribune September 5, 2017) Trump to sell tax cuts plan in North Dakota with a special guest: Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (The Washington Post September 5, 2017) State, tribal leaders come to table on tax issues (The Bismarck Tribune August 31, 2017) Three Affiliated Tribes seeking tax revenue increase for oil, gas extraction on Fort Berthold Reservation (KFYR-TV August 31, 2017)

Federal Register Notices: Traders With Indians (February 8, 2017) Traders With Indians (December 9, 2017)

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Burma High-Level Govt Meeting Held for Rakhine Conflict

The meeting in progress / Myanmar Presidents Office / Facebook

A high-level meeting including the members of National Defense and Security Council (NDSC) was held in Naypyidaw on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the situation in Rakhine State and issues relating to the rule of law in Myanmar.

Joining the talks were President U Htin Kyaw, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, both of the countrys vice presidents, the Upper House Speaker, military chief, deputy military chief, and the ministers of home affairs, defense, and border affairsall of whom are the members of NDSC. The only NDSC member absent was the Lower House Speaker U Win Myint, who is now on an overseas trip.

Since the NLD government came to power last year, no meetings of the 11-member executive NDSC body have been held.

The meeting was also joined by National Security Advisor U Thaung Tun, the ministers relief and resettlement and the State Counselors Office, and the Deputy Minister for the Presidents Office.

The President said that during the meeting, the government raised the security alert as a preventive measure, and emphasized that people should be informed that the top authorities were coordinating on the issues at hand not to cause public panic.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Vice President U Myint Swe, Military Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing and his deputy discussed the urgent repair and construction of fences along the Bangladeshi border, a speedy budget allowance for the process, and the beefing up of security troops in areas where the existing border fence has been compromised.

The discussions also included how security and regional stability is now being carried out on the ground, as well as details of assistance to internally displaced persons. It was also decided that legal action would be taken against those involved in attacks on security forces and civilians, and that humanitarian assistance would be provided without racial or religious discrimination toward anyone affected.

According to the latest UN figures, 146,000 self-identifying Rohingya Muslim refugees have arrived in Bangladesh, and 27,000 internally displaced Arakanese and Hindus are also in need of aid, following militant attacks on police outposts in Rakhine State on Aug. 25, and army clearance operations which have followed.
Burma Mon State Parliament to Debate Controversial Cement Factory

Mawlamyine Cement Limited factory. / Hintharnee / The Irrawaddy

MAWLAMYINE, Mon State  Mon State Parliament agreed on Tuesday to debate the legality of a cement factorys controversial coal-fired power plant in Mon States Kyaikmayaw Township

The proposal was submitted by Mon State lawmaker U Aung Kyaw Thu who also questioned the residency of foreigners in the cement plant.

Power generation without permission is a blatant violation, he told Mon State Parliament.

Though it is said that no one should be above the law, existing laws are hardly ever followed, he said, adding that local and foreign investors failing to abide by laws damaged the dignity of the new government.

The US$400 million cement factory run by Mawlamyine Cement Limited (MCL)a joint venture between Thai firm Siam Cement Group (SCG) and Pacific Link Cement Industriesis powered by a 49-megawatt coal-fired power plant.

Last month, the committee for the assessment of financial, planning and economic matters in the Mon State Parliament asked the Ministry of Electricity and Energy about the coal-fired power facilities the cement factory.

The ministry replied that it had not approved power generation with coal.

However, MCL managing director Mr Surachai Pornjindachote said in a statement on Aug. 29 that the cement factory received permission from the Mon State Directorate of Industrial Supervision and Inspection to run a 20-megawatt coal-fired turbine valid from January 2017 to Feb. 15, 2018.

Lawmaker U Aung Kyaw Thu argued the coal-fired power plant did not seek approval under the 2014 Electricity Law and the 2016 Mon State medium- and small-scale electricity supply by-law

According to the Electricity Law, heavy-scale electricity productionclassified as 30 megawatts and aboveneeds the approval of the Union government. Production of less than 30 megawatts needs the approval of the concerned region or state governments.

MCL has violated both provisions, said chairperson of Mon State Parliament Bill Committee Daw Khaing Khaing Lei.

They can only generate electricity with permission. This is not my remark, but the remark of the Union ministry, she said.

She said the Directorate of Industrial Supervision and Inspection had only given permission to operate a boiler, but not to produce electricity.

In MCLs Aug. 29 statement, Surachai Pornjindachote said they were keen to use other sources of energy for cement production if it was able to provide sufficient and reliable energy.

The factory started commercial operations in April despite local residents staging several protests against the cement factory over health concerns.

Coal to power the 5,000-ton cement factory is imported from Indonesia and Australia, and so far over 200,000 tons of coal have been imported.

Lime used in cement production comes from Mount Pya Taung in Kuam Ngan village in Kyaikmayaw Township, where a semi-open mining system has been used to reduce environmental impact, said mining engineer Ko Myo Thiha of MCL.

The Irrawaddy was not able to obtain comment from MCL.
Burma Nationalist Activists Sentenced to Six Months in Prison

Win Ko Ko Latt (right) and Naing Wun Tun (left) were sentenced to six months in prison for protesting without permission. / May Sitt Paing / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  Nationalist activists Ko Win Ko Ko Latt and Ko Naing Win Tun were sentenced to six months in prison by the Bahan Township Court on Wednesday for staging a protest in Yangon without permission.

Another nationalist activist, Ko Poe Tha, was sentenced to one month in prison, but he was released on Wednesday after the time was served during the pre-sentencing detention period.

The three staged a protest in July last year against the terminology used by Myanmars representative at the 32nd session of the UN Human Rights Council. He used the phrase Muslim community in Rakhine State to refer to self-identifying Rohingya in the region.

Three monks, including nationalist monk U Parmaukka of the Association for the Protection of Race and Religionbetter known by its Burmese acronym Ma Ba Thaand four nationalists including Ko Win Ko Ko Latt are facing a trial at the Kamayut Township Court for staging a protest against the terminology of Rohingya community in front of the American Embassy in July last year. They are charged with defaming the government.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
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Burma New Rakhine Police Chief Appointed

Police in Rakhine States Maungdaw Township. / Moe Myint / The Irrawaddy

YANGON  Amid violence in Rakhine State, Myanmars Ministry of Home Affairs replaced chief of Rakhine State Police Force Police Col Sein Lwin with deputy chief of Shan State Police Force Police Col Aung Myat Moe.

Police Col. Sein Lwin served in the position for 19 months and has been transferred to Bago Region Police Force, he told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday.

I think [the move] is transferring the appropriate person to the appropriate place to meet work requirements, Police Col Sein Lwin said.

During his tenure as the chief of Rakhine Sate Police Force, two deadly militant attacks on police outposts in Maungdaw District in northern Rakhine prompted large security operations.

In the aftermath of attacks on border guard police outposts in Maungdaw last Octoberin which nine police officers were killedPolice Brig-Gen Thura San Lwin replaced Police Brig-Gen Maung Maung Khin as the chief of border guard police force.

Months-long police and Myanmar Army security operations were dogged by allegations of human rights abuses including arson, rape and extrajudicial killings and saw an estimated 75,000 self-identifying Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh.

After militant attacks launched on Aug. 25, violence in Rakhine has claimed the lives of 13 members of the security forces, two government employees, 28 civiliansincluding 14 Arakanese, seven Hindus, and seven self-identifying Rohingya Muslimsand 371 suspected militants, according to a government Information Committee statement released Wednesday.

More than 6,800 houses in 59 villages were torched and eight bridges were destroyed by mines, said the statement.

Some 146,000 Muslims have fled across the border to Bangladesh since Aug. 25, according to a UN source cited by Reuters and nearly 27,000 people are internally displaced, according to the Myanmar government.

The reshuffle also saw transfers in Magwe and Mandalay regions.
Burma Rakhine Statement by Malala Yousafszai Met With Ire

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai in August 2017. / Reuters

YANGON A tweet by Pakistani female education activist and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafszai in support of Myanmars self-identifying Rohingya Muslim population has attracted criticism from some in Myanmar.

The 20-year-old winner of the Nobel Peace Prize called on Myanmars State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to condemn the treatment of Rakhines Muslim minority in a tweet labeled My statement on the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.

Over the last several years, I have repeatedly condemned this tragic and shameful treatment. I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to do the same, Malala Yousafszai said in a statement

She called for the end of violence, for self-identified Rohingya to be given citizenship, and for other countries, such as Bangladesh, to give food, shelter and education to refugees.

After militants from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) launched a series of attacks on 30 police outposts on Aug. 25killing 13 members of the security forces.

Subsequent violence has left 28 civilians dead, displaced 27,000 Arakanese, Arakanese sub-ethnicities, and Hindus internally, and sent 146,000 mainly Muslim refugees fleeing to Bangladesh, according to the most recent UN figures available at the time of reporting.

The statementwhich had garnered nearly 25,000 retweets and 19,000 replies by Wednesday eveningwas widely commented on by international media and netizens; among the latter were also critical responses.

Many claimed to previously support Malala Yousafszai for her courage in confronting the Taliban on female education issues, for which she was shot in the face, but accused her of ignoring the plight of ethnic Arakanese and Hindu affected by the violence and failing to denounce ARSA for their violent attacks on security forces and civilians.

Legal expert U Khin Maung Myint told The Irrawaddy the young activist had riled the population by failing to condemn militant attacks.

[The situation] is not about racial and religious discrimination, it became about terrorists attacks on civilians including Arakanese, Hindus, Muslims and other. It is important and she missed it, he told The Irrawaddy.

I strongly condemn Malalas one-sided comments, [she does not] understand the real situation of Myanmar, Shwe Cin Ei, a Facebook user, posted.

A Twitter account by the name of Thant Zin Oo retweeted the statement, commenting: I really appreciate what you have done especially fighting against some unpractical social norms for girls education. Therefore, I think you have huge a responsibility for your actions and your words. Regarding the crisis in Myanmar, of course our hearts are also broken whenever we see pictures, videos and news about people dying regardless of who they are. However, I am wondering if you have even seen some pictures or videos of local people being killed very brutally by extremist terrorists.
Burma Security Advisor: NLD Govt Capable of Managing Rakhine Crisis

Myanmar's National Security Advisor U Thaung Tun at the press conference about Rakhine State on Wednesday. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYITAW  Myanmars National Security Advisor U Thaung Tun said on Wednesday that the civilian government is capable of managing the situation in northern Rakhine State despite calls for a state of emergency and martial law to be implemented.

The area has been struck by conflict most recently since Aug. 25, when the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army launched attacks on 30 police outposts. The Myanmar government denounced the group as a terrorist organization and the army proceeded to launch clearance operations in northern Rakhine State, forcing self-identifying Rohingya Muslims, Buddhist Arakanese and Hindus to flee.

As of Tuesday, the UN confirmed that nearly 125,000 Muslim refugees have arrived in Bangladesh from Myanmar, while the government said that around 27,000 Arakanese, Arakanese sub-ethnicities, and Hindus have been internally displaced.

During a press conference on Rakhine State at the State Counselors Office in Naypyitaw, U Thaung Tun said the National League for Democracy (NLD) government is keeping a constant eye on the issue.

We have discussions about how to respond to the situations in Rakhine. We have enough resources to handle the situation, he told The Irrawaddy when asked if military administration would be put into place in the region.

The army said during a press conference on Aug. 29 that their request to the government for martial law in Buthidaung, Maungdaw and Rathedaung Townships in northern Rakhine State did not materialize.

On Wednesday, U Thaung Tun said the government had deployed more troops to the conflict zone, including members of the police and army. Prior to the Aug. 25 attacks, the President had already held meetings with the security advisor, Ministry of Defense, Home Affairs and Border Affairs on Rakhine State issues.

The decision on whether to have martial law or not was made in the meeting. We are prioritizing the security and well-being of displaced people now, he told The Irrawaddy.

Regarding the Kofi Annan-led Rakhine Advisory Commissions recommendations for the region, the security advisor said that actions that are required to be carried out urgently will be implemented, dependent on the situation on the ground.

As the commission recommends, we are now dispatching the media to Maungdaw as well as humanitarian aid to the people out there, U Thaung Tun said.

He also added that the conflict in Rakhine would be a pressing issue at the upcoming convening of the UN General Assembly this month, and that China and Russia would stand up for Myanmar at the Security Council, as U Thaung Tun himself had lobbied for their support.

Our police outposts were attacked. We are not the ones who launched the offensive. Internationally, it is right to respond to this attack, but we do so carefully and systematically. We dont use excessive force, he said.

The Presidents Office spokesperson U Zaw Htay said during a press conference that 371 suspected militants had been killed by security forces and 38 arrested, adding that nationwide security alerts have been raised based on intelligence information.
Burma Turkish President Calls State Counselor on Rakhine Situation

Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi gives a speech at the Swedish parliament in Stockholm, Sweden June 13, 2017. / Christine Olsson / News Agency

YANGON  In a phone call to the Turkish president, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said the government was working to protect all the people in Rakhine State in the best way possible and would do its best to stop terrorism spreading across the region, according to the State Counselors Office.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the State Counselor on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the recent outbreak of violence in northern Rakhine State, triggered by a militant attack on police stations that has so far caused the displacement of more than 130,000, the majority of whom are Muslims fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh.

Many in Turkey, a constitutionally secular state with a Muslim majority population, have expressed concerns over the exodus and the treatment of Muslims affected by the violence.

President Erdogan said he is confident that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as a leader who has faced and overcome challenges and an advocate of human rights, will approach the situation with a vision of a long-term solution, according to the office.

President Erdogan added that news and photos of the conflict have sparked worldwide concerns, said the office.

We know very well, more than most, what it means to be deprived of human rights and democratic protection. So we make sure that all the people in our country are entitled to protection of their rights as well as the right to not just political but social and humanitarian defense, the State Counselor replied.

During the conversation, she said there should be no spreading of misinformation, citing the Turkish deputy prime ministers tweet of fake pictures concerning the situation in Rakhine.

She said it was, simply the tip of a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists.

She said Turkey has faced the challenges of terrorism and has to cope with the Kurdistan Workers Party or PKK, a group demanding equal rights and Kurdish autonomy in Turkey.

The government would ensure terrorism does not take root in Myanmar and spread across the region, she added.

President Erdogan has recently accused Myanmar of genocide against self-identifying Rohingya Muslims.

Reuters reported that Turkeys foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will travel to Bangladesh on Wednesday evening to hold meetings about the fighting in Rakhine.
Burma UN Secretary-General Calls for Holistic Solution in Rakhine

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attends a news conference at UN-run school in the northern Gaza Strip on August 30, 2017. / Mohammed Salem / Reuters

YANGON  United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the prevention of further escalation and a holistic solution to conflict in Rakhine State, as the UN has confirmed that 125,000 self-identifying Rohingya refugees have fled to Bangladesh in recent weeks.

The UN Secretary-General sent an official letter to the UN Security Council about his concerns in the region, adding that the issues facing the Muslim community in Rakhine State have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilization.

Self-identifying Rohingya Muslims have been fleeing to neighboring Bangladesh since the army launched clearance operations in northern Rakhine State on Aug. 25, following attacks by the Arakan Rohinya Salvation Army (ARSA) on 30 police outposts. The Myanmar government denounced ARSA as terrorist organization.

The UN Secretary-General told media, I have condemned the recent attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. But now we are receiving constant reports of violence by Myanmars security forces, including indiscriminate attacks.

In the Tuesday announcement, Guterres also urged the Myanmar government to provide security and aid to those who need it.

It will be crucial to give the Muslims of Rakhine state either nationality or, at least for now, a legal status that will allow them to have a normal life, including freedom of movement and access to labor markets, education and health services, the secretary-general said.

UNHCR spokesperson Duniya Aslam Khan said in a statement that Kutupalong and Nayapara camps hosting refugees in Bangladesh are at a breaking point, with people staying in any available space, including community centers and schools.

We are running out of available space, she said.

On Tuesday, Myanmar State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi reportedly said, we make sure that all the people in our country are entitled to protection of their rights as well as the right to and not just political but social and humanitarian defense, when speaking to the President of Turkey on the phone regarding concerns about the crisis in the region.

Meanwhile, within Myanmar, about 27,000 Arakanese, sub-ethnicities, and Hindus have also been displaced due to the violence in Rakhine State. According to the Government Information Committee, in total there have been 97 clashes in the area between security forces and the ARSA from August 25 until September 5.

On Tuesday, UN agencies requested US$18 million to fund three months worth of aid efforts to assist refugees in Bangladesh.
Guest Column Climate Change: A Permanent Reality for Myanmar

A woman carries her child as she walks through a flooded road in Kyaung Kone in Irrawaddy Region, Myanmar, August 12, 2016. / Soe Zayar Tun / Reuters

In May 2008, Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar, causing loss of lives and widespread destruction of property. The category 4 cyclone strongly reiterated two facts: climate change and its repercussions have to be recognized and tackled; and, secondly, a natural disaster has the ability to bring people and civil society organizations together for re-building the spirit of the country. It was a critical moment of reflection for the nation, to take stock of its vulnerability and preparedness against an enemy which had generated havoc and panic for all.

According to the 2016 Climate Risk Index, Myanmar is the second most vulnerable country in the world to the effects of climate change. The intensity and regularity with which cyclones make landfall have increased with every year, with the delta region affected by tropical storms and the dry zone impacted by debilitating droughts. Researchers at the Center for Climate System Research at Columbia University, in collaboration with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, have stated that the country could see a rise in temperature by 1.3 and 2.7 degrees by the middle of the century along with increase in precipitation by 2 percent to 12 percent in 2011-40, 6 percent to 27 percent by 2041-70. This is evident from the 2010 severe drought, a year which saw temperatures rise up to 47.2 degrees Celsius, a sure sign of global warming hitting the country hard. Dry seasons have become longer with shorter rainy seasons, thus inviting hardships for people in the form of water shortages and flooding respectively.

Both plant and animal life are bound to struggle due to the occurrence of anomalies in the natural environment. Shrinking of glaciers in the Himalayas can affect water supplies in rivers like the Irrawaddy and inundation of coastal areas with salt water can destroy agricultural production and trigger forced migration. According to data collected by the International Earth Science Information Network of Columbia University, over 5 percent of the countrys land area lies below 5 meters in elevation, home to 11 percent of the population, estimated to climb to nearly 14 percent by the end of the century. This could have grave consequences for an agrarian country like Myanmar, where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. A post-Nargis disaster case study revealed that decades of poor environmental policy had resulted in reduction of mangroves by approximately 75 percent along the countrys coastline. This further exposed Myanmar to the ravages of climate change. Also low-lying regions like Rakhine are predicted to be more affected in the future. This in turn could lead to more ethnic clashes as this region could see a surge in environmental refugees pushing their way into other regions or crossing borders to seek shelter in Bangladesh.

Climate change is forcing people to break man-made boundaries but future conflict is most likely to occur on issues of sovereignty, territory, resources and belonging. This could add volatility to the religious/inter-community clashes already existing in Myanmar. Climate change will also exacerbate heat and water related diseases like malaria, dengue, and diarrhea. The report titled A Situational Analysis of Disaster Risk Reduction in Myanmar-DRR Working Group, June 2013 states that the Global Adaptation Institute ranked Myanmar 167 out of 176 countries surveyed, which not only shows its vulnerability but also its low capacity of adaptability to negotiate climate risks. The report further pointed out that over 2.6 million people could be affected by natural disasters in Myanmar. Fast paced economic growth, unsustainable agrarian practices, indiscriminate logging and mining can further put pressure on natural resources and ecology, endangering local communities. Poor governance, weak laws and lack of climate smart planning can add to the challenges.

In recent years, Myanmar has seen massive city development plans and a construction boom. But often these decisions are made without considering long-term environmental impacts. Disappearance of green spaces, the ignoring of subsidence risks and inadequate water management systems in a city like Yangon are well-known problems. The latter is very much evident every year during the torrential monsoon rains which hit the city. Aung Khant observes that the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) seems to lack proper equipment and is involved in constant repair work rather than initiating improvements. Although nature is blamed for flooding, it is known that reservoirs and waterways have been subjected to landfills during the military regime, thus leaving no room for excess water to escape. Also, the designs and the building materials used for stylish high rises are imported with no connection to the local landscape or the tropical weather.

Damon Zumbroegel, of the architectural firm Vihara Studio, believes in the strength of Myanmars traditional green architecture which uses locally available materials and is more sustainable for cooling. These indigenous methods need to be promoted to tackle climate change impacts as they could be much more effective, cheaper and more viable than imported technology. Environmental NGOs like ALARM and Green Lotus are trying to create awareness around green technologies.

A similar kind of promotion of local building techniques to combat natural disasters like floods and earthquakes is also happening across the border in North East India- a region which regularly faces displacement on account of rivers changing courses and tectonic shifts. A three-day-training workshop on the promotion of bamboo housing was held in Assam in February 2017. This was jointly organized by the Assam forest and environment department, the South Asia Bamboo Foundation, and the Building Material Technology Promotion Council, along with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation. Everyone participated to promote traditional bamboo housing, to be used in building schools, hospitals, rural community centers, and eco-tourism cottages. Ikra, the traditional bamboo frame structure, is being re-popularized over cement structures. Although the former is better at withstanding earthquakes and natural disasters (as evident in the Sikkim 2006 earthquake), people tend to use concrete as it is considered modern and a status symbol. Ikra not only preserves the housing structures better, but it is cheaper and more sustainable in the soft mountain soil.

Bhutan and Indonesia, like Myanmar, have also witnessed unpredictable phenomena linked to climate change. In Bhutan, the severity and frequency of windstorms have increased as well as loss of crops due to unusual outbreaks of pests and diseases. The country also runs the risk of seeing more forest fires in the future (Thinley 2015). Indonesia has seen the disappearance of the phenomenon of bulan janda (widow month), a period of 44 days of strong winds blowing from the south when fishermen would avoid venturing into the sea. Nobody understands the reason for this disappearance. Is global warming responsible, considering that higher temperatures can alter the scale of circulation (Banerjee 2015)?

Myanmar has initiated various interventions to combat climate change. The Myanmar Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2030 is relevant for the future. The Myanmar Climate Change Alliance (MCCA) has worked with various stakeholders- ministries, civil society groups, private sector and communities. The 2013-2015 UNDP Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Disaster Risk Reduction Project promoted participation of local communities in adaptability, preparedness and mitigation. It also worked on including gender in the climate change narrative by supporting the inclusion of the gender dimension in all areas: environment impact analysis, environmental standards/procedures and multi-hazard risk information.

Myanmar needs to generate and disseminate more climate risk information at the local level so that community leaders can better coordinate with villagers. It also needs to record the responses of species and ecosystems to climatic changes. Application of local knowledge to weather impacts needs to be systematically compiled and documented. Public services like health, sanitation, flood warning systems and evacuation plans need to be further developed. Building the capacity and resilience of agriculture, tipping point identification and monitoring, mangrove protection, designing climate proof plans for infrastructural development, and recognizing at-risk neighbourhoods in urban areas are some of the immediate steps that Myanmar could take. The Chinese NGO, Global Environment Institute in 2015, in combination with an alliance of Myanmar NGOs and Blue Moon Foundation, provided solar panels and clean cooking stoves to Myanmars villages, an effort through the South-South Cooperation Fund for Climate Change set up in 2014 to reduce emissions. This seems like a welcome step towards promoting renewable energy and charting out new territories of green partnership.

The biggest challenge, however, in any country lies in getting people to converse about climate change. There is insufficient visibility for the topic (in the media, in academic discourse, in fiction writing, in art galleries) although its impact is felt daily. Amitav Ghosh, the much acclaimed writer whose recent book The Great Derangement is on climate change, laments the absence of fiction writings/imagination on it. He states that it seems the issue is reduced to extraterrestrials or interplanetary travel. Myanmars civil society needs to bring this issue more into the public domain for debate and solution-finding exercises. The government has already invited World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to conduct a natural capital assessment and WWF has chosen creative ways of sharing the results by launching a website and an instagram campaign, hosting a photography exhibition showcasing the countrys relationship with nature and encouraging people to engage deeply through panel discussions. Visual medium and art is used to convey information and get feedback which will ultimately help the country in making land use and conservation policies.

School curricula, college clubs, community associations, and local conservation-cum-heritage boards should seize every opportunity to broaden the canvas of participation; climate change has brought the global and the local closer: a global phenomenon which requires sustained local resourcefulness. Local governance, engagement of farmers and local leaders in decision making, better management of food and water systems, gender-sensitive climate change strategies will all go a long way in achieving growth  green, sustainable, equitable.

Works Cited

Banerjee, Reshmi (2015), Climate Change in the Eastern Himalayas: Lessons to be Learnt in Hazarika, Sanjoy and Banerjee, Reshmi (eds), Climate Change in the Eastern Himalaya- Impact on Livelihoods, Growth and Poverty, Delhi, Academic Publications, p.181.

Thinley, Pema (2015), Climate Change Impacts and Policies in Bhutan in Hazarika, Sanjoy and Banerjee, Reshmi (eds), Climate Change in the Eastern Himalaya- Impact on Livelihoods, Growth and Poverty, Delhi, Academic Publications, pp. 156-157.

This article originally appeared in Tea Circle, a forum hosted at Oxford University for emerging research and perspectives on Burma/Myanmar.
Guest Column Toward National Security Based on Human Rights

A man carrying his belongings approaches the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Bandarban, an area under Coxs Bazar authority, Bangladesh, Aug. 29, 2017. / Reuters

Human rights have caused violent attacks and human rights protect and abet violence are arguments I have frequently seen on social media. As a human rights educator, I am sorry to see such arguments, and it has called me to analyze the public perception of the very essence of human rights.

It can be seen clearly in history that human rights emerged to prevent discrimination and violence. The international concept of human rights is based on human dignity regardless of race or religion. Humans value peace.

As people tried to bring justice after the genocide and war atrocities committed in World War II, the concept that all humans are equal in dignity and rights emerged, along with the idea that discrimination in any form should not be permitted. People began to accept that every person and government are responsible for preventing human rights violations.

It is an incorrect argument [regarding Rakhine] that national security and human rights are two different things. National security should mean acting to protect the life and property of all those living in the country. The genuine act of national security is protecting the rights of all.

Protection of rule of law and security should benefit human rights. The unnecessary restriction or violation of the rights of people in the name of national security is unacceptable. International human rights treaties clearly state that freedom of movement may be restricted in times of national security emergencies but that human lives may not be harmed.

The preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights reads, Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. It is clear that human rights are intertwined with peace.

Regarding the ongoing violence in Rakhine Statewhatever reason behind it and whoever commits itviolence is violence. A civilized society will not accept violence for any reason. A community that respects human rights condemns any violencenot only in Myanmar but also around the world.

Human rights is the foundation of peace, and this cannot be promoted through violence. Violence seriously threatens the life and security of people, and is against the essence of human rights. The violence in Rakhine State puts the security of thousands of people, especially women and children, at risk.

Violence creates an endless circle of hatred and retaliation, and worsens unfairness and injustice. It is the responsibility of everyone with respect for human rights to strongly condemn any form of violence by anyone.

Violence does not serve, but sabotages human rights. Violence is not an answer, but mutual respect between human beings is.

Societies need to bring justice for the victims of human rights violations, no matter who the perpetrators are. It is the responsibility of every person to condemn the violation of these rights. True human rights contribute to permanent peace.

Human rights is about equality, mutual respect and recognition of diversity, which are the key elements of peace. It focuses on harmony between individual rights and collective rights. Only promotion of such human rights culture can bring about peace. And only with peace can human rights be protected even more so.

Promotion of human rights is not only about condemning violence but also creating pacifists instead of aggressors. Those who respect human rights should regard any violence as an assault on mankindnot only when it is targeted at them.

Human rights does not discriminate. It is a humane notion that rejects any and all violence.

Aung Myo Min is the executive director of Equality Myanmar, a Yangon-based human rights defender and promoter.
Optus Wholesale has released a new cloud-based Unified Communications solution for service providers in response to what it says is increased end-user demand for cloud services.

Optus says it has introduced the new UC solution as cloud UC platforms continue to grow in popularity, with end users moving away from costly and complicated traditional PABX systems.

The telco says the Cloud-UCX provides Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) across multiple devices simultaneously, using one simple interface, and allows wholesale partners to create and white-label their own UC products.

John Castro, vice-president Sales and Marketing, Optus Wholesale, says the new solution has been designed specifically for the needs of the wholesale market and is deployed using BroadSoft Business.

Optus clams first-mover rights as the first tier one telco in Australia to deploy the BroadCloud platform as a complete cloud-based solution.

With the Australian UC market forecast to pass $1 billion by 2021, this is a huge growth area and it is becoming increasingly important for service providers to support their customers as they move to the cloud, says Castro. Were proud to be collaborating with BroadSoft to bring its market leading BroadSoft Business UC portfolio to wholesale customers through Optus Cloud-UCX.

The launch of this product demonstrates Optus Wholesales commitment to innovation, as we continue to develop and invest in products designed to keep our service provider partners competitive in the market.

Optus Cloud-UCX is deployed on a 100% cloud-based, carrier-grade network infrastructure, with the platform hosted in geo-redundant Equinix data centre, and provides a full service offering for end users including instant messaging, presence, voice and video calling, conferencing and desktop and file sharing services.

Jonathan Reid, managing director, Asia Pacific, BroadSoft, said: We are delighted to further develop our collaborative relationship with Optus by providing Australians with the worlds leading cloud UC solution  BroadSoft Business. We look forward to the launch of Optus Cloud-UCX; a comprehensive and completely cloud-based UCaaS solution for Australian service providers.
Queenslands largest public hospital and health service, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, has deployed the Nutanix enterprise cloud platform, and claims it helped to reduce costs and develop new digital services.

The Nutanix deployment, designed to improve patient care and the flexibility of delivering clinical information systems, is across Metro North Hospital and Health Service (MNHHS) comprising five hospitals including Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital, The Prince Charles Hospital, Redcliffe, Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals in Brisbanes north.

Metro Norths solutions architect Antony Batrouni said the consolidation with Nutanix meant going from four data centres to one highly resilient primary site with a remote disaster recovery site.

We needed something that could scale quickly to meet the demands of a much larger organisation, and thats when we selected Nutanix, Batrouni said.

Batrouni said the additional IT capability achieved with Nutanix has enabled a commensurate platform for digital services to be implemented within the hospital group.

Nutanix deployed the MNHHS electronic Referral Management system and Enterprise Service Bus, which will be extended for broader clinical services in the near term.

Batrouni said the types of systems the HHS was launching now were more complex than ever before, with a DevOps team focused on developing innovative services for clinicians to enable them to provide better care to patients.

Nutanix ensures these services are reliable and can be turned into a platform faster than ever before. he said.

Nutanix says the deployment has also enabled Metro North to make significant cost savings in database management systems licensing fees and a total reduction in cost of almost 50% per virtual machine (VM) deployed.

In a hospital environment, any cost savings made in areas such as IT are then available to be invested back into patient care, Batrouni said.

According to Nutanix, MNHHS is looking to new technology to bring additional services to benefit patients, such as advanced medical imaging and, overall, the platform has led to increased performance, higher availability and improved disaster recovery design across the 800 applications used daily by staff.

Nutanix says the platform is supporting around four times its previous workload, with additional capacity to spare, delivering a better user experience and mitigated impact to clinical staff and patients if there are any outages or other issues.

Health organisations and the patients they care for can gain huge benefits from digital transformation, said Matt Young, senior vice-president and head of APJ, Nutanix.

To realise that potential, you need the right infrastructure in place to manage it. Metro North is using enterprise cloud technology to save costs and develop digital services that have real benefits for clinicians and patients.
Kobos new audiobooks subscription service has arrived in the free Kobo app, with the option to purchase a la carte too, so you can enjoy the wonder of being told a story.

Listening to an audio book is one of the few ways that human beings can truly be doing two things at the same time, and taking excellent advantage of having your ear chewed off by a gripping tale while you chew gum, walk, do the laundry, the dishes, your daily commute or anything else at the same time.

With the launch story for Kobo Audiobooks narrated by celebrated actor Jim Dale in a clever Audiobook format here (hosted on SoundCloud), you can listen to the launch story there, or you can continue reading on.

Kobo is also known as Rakuten Kobo, as it is owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten. It bills itself as one of the worlds most innovative eReading services offering more than five million eBooks to millions of customers in 190 countries, with a range of e-ink readers and apps for iOS, Android and even Windows.

Now the company is adding the audiobook dimension of storytelling, adding audiobooks to the Kobo experience and offering booklovers the opportunity to experience the joy of being told a story".

As you can imagine, there are audiobooks from across all genres, including bestsellers such as Into the Water by Paula Hawkins, Truly Madly Guilty by Lianne Moriarty, and the Harry Potter series, with the promise that new titles are added weekly.

Available on a monthly subscription for $12.99, along with a 30-day free trial period, Kobo says that it offers the best value on a subscription plan in the category".

Were told that customers can redeem their monthly credit for any audiobook at Kobo.com, even if its list price is higher, while those who dont want a subscription are able to access Audiobooks at a la carte prices.

In addition, Kobo says readers earn Kobo Super Points on their monthly subscription fees or audiobook purchases, and can shop with confidence with the backing of Kobos Price Match Guarantee".

Michael Tamblyn, chief executive, Rakuten Kobo, said: We have more books than time, always. Audiobooks let our readers fit the books they love into more parts of their day. Audio lets you be in two places at once  exploring the galaxy on the daily commute, solving a crime while doing the laundry, or wherever you want your favourite story to take you.

Last year, we built the Kobo Aura ONE eReader with the help of our best customers, and our new offering is no different. What we unequivocally heard was that they wanted the best deal on audiobooks, and we are pleased to offer the lowest subscription price available."

Paula Hawkins, who writes the By the Book column for The New York Times, said of audiobooks that: Im now a total convert. Id forgotten what a joyous thing it is to allow yourself to be told a story.

To add to all of the above, Kobo did some research with 2000 of its Kobo Insiders in Canada, the US, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, which revealed that:

Almost half listen to audiobooks (46%), with a small group of avid users listening to a high volume monthly (18%; an average of 3 audiobooks per month).

On average, those currently listening to audiobooks read the same number of eBooks as those not listening to audiobooks  audiobooks arent replacing eBooks.

Travelling is the most common situation for listening to audiobooks (long distance drives/truckers (62%) followed by daily travel (56%)); followed closely by relaxing at home / doing chores / exercising.

Fiction genres  Thrillers, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, Romance  are the most commonly listened to, followed by biographies and history.

So, listen up! If you want to hear something new, why take a journey up the river? Theres more than one way to a good book, with a stack of stories waiting for your ears over at Kobos app  more information here  or is that hear?
Well-known British information security researcher Kevin Beaumont has dismissed an article by reporter Brian Krebs about Marcus Hutchins, the Briton who is awaiting trial in the US on charges of writing and distributing the Kronos banking malware, by pointing out that it has nothing to do with the case.

In a tweet, Beaumont said, "Re the MalwareTech Krebs article  nothing was news to me and it has nothing to do with case (which is purely, per FBI, about Kronos)."

He added, "Also, the UK intelligence services vetted him  a year ago? I can't remember. Gosh, imagine if they knew he used online forums."

Also, the UK intelligence services vetted him - a year ago? I can't remember. Gosh, imagine if they knew he used online forums ?  Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) 5 September 2017

Krebs wrote a long article about Hutchins, concluding: "The clues suggest that Hutchins began developing and selling malware in his mid-teens  only to later develop a change of heart and earnestly endeavour to leave that part of his life squarely in the rearview mirror."

In what was obviously a sarcastic reference to Krebs' claims that Hutchins had many accounts on underground forums, Beaumont: "I hear @briankrebs has lots of accounts on underground forums."

Another security researcher, who uses the pseudonym x0rz, said in a tweet: "He (Hutchins) did have fun trying to learn when he was young, maybe he did resell malware  yet it has nothing to do with Kronos."

He did have fun trying to learn when he was young, maybe he did resell malware - yet it has nothing to do with Kronos  x0rz (@x0rz) 5 September 2017

A third researcher, Robin Jackson, had this to say: "I respect @briankrebs but his exercise in "doxing" Marcus did nothing to show validity of the charges (by his own admission)...NOTHING."

And yet another well-known infosec figure, Rob Graham, issued a long thread of tweets, starting out with this: "1/ That @MalwareTechBlog is the 'wrong guy' was never the narrative. The narrative is that we stand behind members of our community."

He followed up with this: "2/ People are innocent until proven guilty. We should not expel him as a pariah until he's been proven guilty."

3/ In particular, we are often misunderstood and the FBI is often abusive. For example, they questioned him for 2 days without a lawyer.  Rob Graham() (@ErrataRob) 5 September 2017

Hutchins, who gained the attention of the world when he stopped the spread of the WannaCry ransomware by accident in May, was arrested by the FBI in Las Vegas on 2 August after he had boarded a plane to leave the US.

He had gone to the US to attend the annual DEFCON security conference.

The chargesheet against him said he had written and helped distribute Kronos along with an unnamed co-conspirator.

Hutchins was granted bail on 14 August after a court appearance during which he pleaded not guilty to all six charges levelled against him. He is set to face court again in Milwaukee in October.
Facial recognition technology used by London's Met police at the Notting Hill Carnival for the second consecutive year was unable to tell the difference between a young woman and a balding man.

The system, which was said to be "top-of-the-line", was being used to spot so-called troublemakers, according to the security company Sophos which quoted a rights group worker who had been invited to view its operation.

The carnival, held in the last week of August each year, attracts about two million visitors.

The company said the system had proved to be useless in 2016 and this year it was worse than that: "it blew up in their faces, with 35 false matches and one wrongful arrest of somebody erroneously tagged as being wanted on a warrant for a rioting offence".

Silkie Carlos, the technology policy officer for British civil rights group Liberty, said the system had "all the hallmarks of the very basic pitfalls technologists have warned of for years  policing led by low-quality data and low-quality algorithms.

But the Met police viewed the use of the system as a resounding success, Carlos said, because it had come up with a solitary positive match.

Sophos said even this one correct match had some issues. "Even that was skewered by sloppy record-keeping that got an individual wrongfully arrested: the automated facial recognition was accurate, but the person had already been processed by the justice system and was erroneously included on the suspect database."

The company said that of 454 people arrested at last year's carnival, the system was unable to tag a single one as a potential troublemaker.

Photo: courtesy Adobe
Broadband satellite operator Kacific has selected SpaceX to launch its Kacific-1 satellite which is being built by Boeing.

Kacific-1 will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9, a two-stage orbit-class rocket which the Singapore-headquartered Kacific says has been designed from the ground-up for maximum reliability and reusability.

In February this year Kacific  with its main operations in Vanuatu  placed an order with Boeing for the Kacific-1 satellite which the company says is designed to deliver high speed broadband via 56 narrow Ka-band beams, with the most powerful signal level ever achieved in a commercial satellite in the South East Asia and Pacific regions.

SpaceX has a breadth of vision that appeals to us, says Christian Patouraux, Kacific chief executive.

The company is committed to changing the way people think about space and the possibilities it represents. Signing with SpaceX as our launch service provider is a major step towards delivering our own vision. We look forward to seeing Kacific-1 atop a Falcon 9 Rocket in 2019.

SpaceX is proud to partner with Kacific on the milestone launch of the companys first satellite, Kacific-1, said Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer of SpaceX.

We appreciate their confidence in our proven capabilities and look forward to delivering their satellite to orbit.
Employees must be told by companies if their corporate email accounts are being monitored, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled.

The ruling was made in the case of a man fired a decade ago for using his work email to communicate with his family, Reuters reported.

The judges decided that the courts in Romania had not protected the private emails of Bogdan Barbulescu because the company for which he worked did not tell him in advance that it was snooping on his email account.

The ruling comes eight months ahead of the General Data Protection Regulation which will become law in the EU on 25 May, 2018. It will define how data protection is strengthened and unified for all individuals within the EU.

The EU judges said in Barbulescu's case, he had not been told about the extent of snooping and the fact that his employer, who was unnamed, might end up examining the contents of his emails.

He was shown the contents of private messages sent to his brother and fiancee to prove that he had violated a company ban on such use of a corporate account. The report said he had told the company he was using the account only for official reasons.

Commenting on the judgement, Stephanie Raets from the Belgian law firm Claeys & Engels Antwerp, told Reuters: "The most important lesson learned from the judgement is that, although an employer may restrict the employees' privacy in the workplace, it may not reduce it to zero."

However, other legal professionals said there was not much new in the ruling as the extent to which employers can snoop on employees' emails was already reflected in privacy laws.

Esther Lynch, confederal secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, said: "This set of requirements will restrict to an important extent the employers possibilities to monitor the workers electronic communications.

Although it does not generally prohibit such monitoring, it sets high thresholds for its justification. This is a very important step to better protect workers privacy.
Labor's shadow communications minister Michelle Rowland claims the NBN Co takes an inordinately long time to answer questions raised during Senate hearings into the rollout of the national broadband network.

Rowland said that only four out of 91 questions from the 15 June spillover Budget Estimates session were answered on time.

She said 78 answers arrived late, nine were not answered and many of the delayed answers resulted in the NBN Co offering the following response:

The volume of detailed questions on notice and the limited time available to respond mean that NBN must prioritise questions that are not answered in whole or in part in regular reporting vehicles such as weekly updates.

Rowland said it appeared that even the Senate had not been spared what she described as the "wrath of the Fifield triangle  a vortex of drift which delays almost everything in its path".

She said Coalition Senator Linda Reynolds, the chair of the Senate Communications Committee, had expressed her frustration at the delay on 24 May, saying:

I was quite dismayed last night to get, I think, 106 responses arriving when we were here at estimates yesterday for another portfolio between 8.00 and 10.30 last night, which did not give any of my colleagues time to read or digest the answers. It has been two months.

Rowland said Labor Senator Anne Urquhart had put this in context a day later, with this statement: "The Finance Department had answered 100% of its 129 questions on time. Prime Minister and Cabinet had answered 73.6% of its 229 questions on time. The Department of Foreign Affairs had answered 98.7% of its 154 questions on time. Yet NBN Co only answered 11 of its 145 question by the due date. This amounts to NBN answering a meagre 7.5% of its questions on time.

Rowland said on Tuesday, Communications Minister Mitch Fifield had been asked to explain himself in the Senate and could not provide a definitive date on when responses to the remaining questions would be released.

"The minister then upped and left, and relied on Senator Ian MacDonald to assist in explaining his tardiness. You can imagine how that went," she said. "This slow and unreliable approach to the Senate mirrors the experience of Australians on the copper NBN.

"Labor calls on Minister Fifield to get his act together, and ensure the Senate receives timely responses to assist with its oversight of this important $50 billion infrastructure project."
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By Mohammed Nuruzzaman | (The Conversation) |  

Iran and the US are once again on a dangerous collision course. President Trumps search for excuses to decertify the July 2015 nuclear deal, negotiated by the Obama administration, is exacerbating new tensions in their frayed relations.

The US, in a bid to keep the Iranians in check and maintain its interests in the Middle East, has threatened or used a host of options, including possible military attacks, diplomatic isolation and economic sanctions.

The latest of these has seen a ban of Apple mobile applications across the country, as reported by the New York Times on August 24.

Despite all this, Iran seems to have emerged more powerful in recent years and has now expanded its sphere of influence in the Gulf region and in the Levant.

One of Irans assets has been its military development over the past decade.

President Hassan Rouhani has, according to a 2015 British report, given the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) an annual cybersecurity budget of around US$19.8 million. Iranian military equipment is now a growing factor on the regional arms markets in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, as Iran trades with governments and militia groups.

The IRGC forces are also now capable of projecting power across the Middle East, sending military advisers, volunteers and training professionals to Iraqi and Syrian governments and different militia groups.

In June this year, Tehran for the first time fired medium-range missiles on Islamic State targets in Syria. It has also successfully produced and tested long-range ballistic missiles, main battle tanks and unmanned aerial vehicles, in addition to domestically built submarines and attack boats. According to the Israeli prime minister, Iran is also building missile factories and sites in Syria and Lebanon.

The US involuntary hand

How has Iran managed to extend its influence in this way?

The 2003 US invasion of Iraq was a turning point for Iran. Indeed, President George W Bushs war on terror was unintentionally of great benefit to Iran.

Shia-majority Irans two bitter enemies  the fiercely pro-Saudi Sunni Taliban government in Afghanistan and the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq were under fire from the US. The risks of attacks on Iran from the eastern and western borders were lessened  this despite the Bush administrations relentless threats of regime change. The occupation of Iraq also encouraged the Iranian governments nuclear program.

Power enhancement

Irans strategy of increasing its power has centred on the promotion of cross-border Shia solidarity, and the development of what the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has called resistance economy.

During the Iran-Iraq war (19801988) the Sunni-dominated Saddam regime in Iraq, then aided by the US and the Gulf Arab states, seriously damaged Iran.

Since then, Iranians have cultivated strong political, economic and sectarian ties with Iraqi Shias hoping to eliminate future Iraqi threats to Iranian security. This strategy has paid off. In 2010 elections, Iran-supported Shia political parties and groups emerged victorious in Iraq, and they are now controlling political power in Baghdad. It has been a significant objective of Tehran to check the rise of Sunni extremist groups and thus stave off future Sunni dominance in Iraqi politics.

The following year, the Arab spring and Syrian war brought an unexpected opportunity. Tehran sided with its only Arab strategic partner  the secular government of President Bashar Al-Assad, an Alawite Shia, and backed the growth of its traditional Lebanese ally Hezbollah, a Shia organisation which was also fighting in Syria.

At the same time, the rise of various Sunni extremist groups, including Islamic State, shaped Irans role in the Middle East more broadly as the defender of Shia Muslims. What is more, Russias direct military intervention in Syria in 2015 put Iran and Russia on the same strategic page, as a powerful counter force to the US-Saudi bloc.

Iran has also cut a political and economic niche in the ongoing Saudi  Qatari diplomatic rift by siding with Qatar and providing the tiny Gulf state with food supplies and other imports.

Resistance economy

Resistance economy is Irans deft strategy to survive in a hostile global economic environment. Designed to counter the corrosive effects of US and EU sanctions, it seeks to reduce Irans vulnerabilities to global and regional economic shocks through domestic capacity building, develop a knowledge-based economy and improve industrial production and technological competitiveness. Another big objective is to decrease dependence on oil and gas  Irans principal source of revenues until now.

Thanks to these efforts, Tehran now directly challenges Americas hopes to create a pro-American regional order, maintain secure access to Persian Gulf oil and defend the traditional Arab allies.

Iran wants the US to at least curtail its presence in the Middle East, if not to totally pack up and leave the region. It sees US military and naval presence in the Persian Gulf as completely unacceptable. This is a major cause of concern for Americas Gulf allies who heavily depend on US military supplies and cooperation for their security.

Indeed, Irans growing influence is making Israel and Saudi Arabia very nervous. The Hezbollah connection has already prompted Israel and the US to support anti-Assad rebels.

Saudi Arabia views Irans role as a power broker in Iraq and Syria as a big loss to its regional power and influence. Riyadh also decries Irans involvements in Arab affairs, which, it deems, aims at seeking regional hegemony.

Iran, in a sign of defiance of US sanctions, could today be more determined to complete its ballistic missile program. As tensions ratchet up between Washington and Tehran, worst-case scenarios such as armed confrontations are growing.

Whatever follows, it is clear the events of recent years have resulted in Iran becoming a pivotal player in the Middle East region.

Mohammed Nuruzzaman, Associate Professor of International Relations, Gulf University for Science and Technology

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

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Related video added by Juan Cole:

Press TV: Irans expediency council discusses politics with Iraqi officials
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By Gulrez Shah Azhar | (Project Syndicate) |  

SANTA MONICA  With India experiencing its worst drought in 140 years, Indian farmers have taken to the streets. At a protest in Madhya Pradesh this summer, police opened fire on farmers demanding debt relief and better crop prices, killing five. In Tamil Nadu, angry growers have held similar protests, and lit candles in remembrance of those killed. And at one rally in New Delhi, farmers carried human skulls, which they say belonged to farmers who have committed suicide following devastating crop losses over the past six months.

According to a recent study by Tamma A. Carleton of the University of California, Berkeley, suicides among Indian farmers have increased with the temperature, such that an increase of 1 Celsius above the average temperature on a given day is associated with approximately 70 additional suicides, on average.

Beyond exposing failed farming policies, this years drought-fueled turmoil also underscores the threat that climate change poses not just to India, but to all countries. As global temperatures rise and droughts become more common, political agitation, social unrest, and even violence will likely follow.

In 2008, when severe weather cut into the worlds grain supply and drove up food prices, countries ranging from Morocco to Indonesia experienced social and political upheavals. More recently, food insecurity has been used as a weapon in the wars in Yemen and Syria.

According to the Center for Climate and Security, failure to address such climate-driven risks could lead to increased fighting over water, food, energy, and land, particularly in already unstable regions. CCS identifies 12 epicenters where climate change might ignite or exacerbate conflicts that could engulf large populations, and spill across national borders.

It is no coincidence that conflicts proliferate alongside rising temperatures. A 2013 study estimates that interpersonal violence rises by 4%, and intergroup conflicts by 14%, for each one standard deviation change in climate toward warmer temperatures or more extreme rainfall. Moreover, psychological studies have shown that when people are subjected to uncomfortably hot temperatures, they show increased levels of aggression. And new research is finding that what is true for the individual also holds true for populations.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers have found a strong correlation between three decades of rising temperatures and outbreaks of civil war. If warming trends continue, civil wars and other conflicts will become more common in Africa, the South China Sea, the Arctic, Central America, and elsewhere. Avoiding such outcomes will require renewed support for multilateral treaties such as the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which has been weakened by the withdrawal of the United States. But it will also require increased engagement by countries, cities, and industries on three key areas: resource management, disaster mitigation, and migration.

In largely agricultural societies, farm productivity affects the entire economy. As weve seen in the Horn of Africa and India this year, changes in temperature and rainfall can reduce crop yields, and thus rural incomes. Under such conditions, and in the absence of other economic opportunities, communities may resort to violence as they compete for food and scarce resources.

International aid organizations, working with state and federal governments, should go beyond addressing the immediate causes of poverty to also develop long-term strategies for helping agricultural communities survive bad harvests. Such strategies should focus on arable-land management and water conservation, among other areas.

Additionally, new strategies are needed to coordinate disaster-relief efforts. As the climate changes, weather-related calamities such as floods, hurricanes, landslides, and typhoons will increase in frequency, intensity, and duration, undermining individual livelihoods and the broader economy. Governments must work together to mitigate these risks, and to respond forcefully to disasters when they happen. Otherwise, the fallout will disproportionately hurt poor and vulnerable communities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and violence.

Finally, we need better policies for managing human migration, much of it related to severe weather and droughts. In 2015, the number of international migrants reached a record high of 244 million. As the climate shifts, entire regions could become uninhabitable, and many more people will be uprooted. Parts of the Middle East, for example, could become too hot for humans by the end of this century; and heavily populated cities such as New Delhi could experience temperatures over 95 Fahrenheit (35 C) up to 200 days out of the year. The International Organization for Migration fears that as more people flee the heat, the concentration of humanity into smaller spaces will have an unprecedented impact on local coping capacity.

Scientists agree that climate change poses a grave danger to the planet. But for some reason, politicians and government officials have not connected the dots between a changing climate and human conflicts. Among the many threats associated with climate change, deteriorating global security may be the most frightening of all. It is bad enough to see farmers carrying skulls through the streets of India. But if we do not get serious about climate-driven security risks, we could see far worse.

Gulrez Shah Azhar is an Aspen New Voices fellow, an assistant policy researcher at the RAND Corporation, and a PhD candidate at the Pardee RAND Graduate School.

Licensed from Project Syndicate



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Democracy Now! 1,200 Die as Devastating Climate Change-Linked Floods Submerge Parts of South Asia
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By Tom Engelhardt | ( Tomdispatch.com) |  

It was bloody and brutal, a true generational struggle, but give them credit. In the end, they won when so many lost.

James Comey was axed. Sean Spicer went down in a heap of ashes. Anthony Scaramucci crashed and burned instantaneously. Reince Priebus hung on for dear life but was finally canned. Seven months in, Steve Bannon got the old heave-ho and soon after, his minion, Sebastian Gorka, was unceremoniously shoved out the White House door. In a downpour of potential conflicts of interest and scandal, Carl Icahn bowed out. Gary Cohn has reportedly been at the edge of resignation. And so it goes in the Trump administration.

Except for the generals. Think of them as the last men standing. They did it. They took the high ground in Washington and held it with remarkable panache. Three of them: National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, Secretary of Defense and retired Marine General John Mattis, and former head of the Department of Homeland Security, now White House Chief of Staff, retired Marine General John Kelly stand alone, except for President Trumps own family members, at the pinnacle of power in Washington.

Those three generals from Americas losing wars are now triumphant. One of them is the ultimate gatekeeper when it comes to who sees the president. All three influence his thoughts and speeches. They are the civilians who control the military and American war policy. They, and they alone, have made the president go against his deepest urges, as he admitted in his address to the nation on the war in Afghanistan. (My original instinct was to pull out and historically I like following my instincts.) Theyve convinced him to release the military (and the CIA) from significant oversight on how they pursue their wars across the Greater Middle East, Africa, and now the Philippines. They even convinced him to surround their future actions in a penumbra of secrecy.

Their wars, the ones that began almost 16 years ago and just keep morphing and spreading (along with a proliferating assortment of terror groups), are now theirs alone to fight and well, well get to that. But first lets step back a moment and think about whats happened since January.

The Winningest President and the Losingest Generals

The most surprising winner of our era and possibly  to put ourselves fully in the Trumpian spirit  of any era since the first protozoan stalked the Earth entered the Oval Office on January 20th and promptly surrounded himself with a set of generals from Americas failed wars of the post-9/11 era. In other words, the man who repeatedly promised that in his presidency Americans would win to the point of tedium  Were going to win so much, youre going to be so sick and tired of winning, youre going to come to me and go Please, please, we cant win anymore  promptly chose to elevate the losingest guys in town. If reports are to be believed, he evidently did this because of his military school background, his longstanding crush on General George Patton of World War II fame (or at least the movie version of him), and despite having actively avoided military service himself in the Vietnam years, his weak spot for four stars with tough monikers like Mad Dog.

During the election campaign, though a general of his choice led the chants to lock her up, Trump himself was surprisingly clear-eyed when it came to the nature of American generalship in the twenty-first century. As he put it, Under the leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton the generals have been reduced to rubble, reduced to a point where it is embarrassing for our country. On coming to power, however, he reached into that rubble to choose his guys. In the years before he ran, he had been no less clear-eyed on the war he just extended in Afghanistan. Of that conflict, he typically tweeted in 2013, We have wasted an enormous amount of blood and treasure in Afghanistan. Their government has zero appreciation. Lets get out!

On the other hand, the careers of his three chosen generals are inextricably linked to Americas losing wars. Then-Colonel H.R. McMaster gained his reputation in 2005 by leading the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment into the Iraqi city of Tal Afar and liberating it from Sunni insurgents, while essentially inaugurating the counterinsurgency tactics that would become the heart and soul of General David Petraeuss 2007 surge in Iraq.

Only one small problem: McMasters much-publicized victory, like so many other American military successes of this era, didnt last. A year later, Tal Afar was awash in sectarian violence, wrote Jon Finer, a Washington Post reporter who accompanied McMaster into that city. It would be among the first Iraqi cities taken by Islamic State militants in 2014 and has only recently been liberated (yet again) by the Iraqi military in a U.S.-backed campaign that has left it only partially in rubble, unlike so many other fully rubblized cities in the region. In the Obama years, McMaster would be the leader of a task force in Afghanistan that sought to root out the rampant corruption that had taken hold in the American-backed government there, an effort that would prove a dismal failure.

Marine General Mattis led Task Force 58 into southern Afghanistan in the invasion of 2001, establishing the first conventional U.S. military presence in the country. He repeated the act in Iraq in 2003, leading the 1st Marine Division in the U.S. invasion of that country. He was involved in the taking of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in 2003; in the fierce fighting for and partial destruction of the city of Fallujah in 2004; and, in that same year, the bombing of what turned out to be a wedding party, not insurgents, near the Syrian border. (How many people go to the middle of the desert to hold a wedding 80 miles from the nearest civilization? was his response to the news.) In 2010, he was made head of U.S. Central Command, overseeing the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan until 2013 when he urged the Obama administration to launch a dead of night operation to take out an Iranian oil refinery or power plant, his idea of an appropriate response to Irans role in Iraq. His proposal was rejected and he was retired from his command five months early. In other words, he lost his chance to set off yet another never-ending American war in the Middle East. He is known for his Mattisisms like this piece of advice to U.S. Marines in Iraq in 2003: Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet.

Retired Marine General John Kelly was assistant division commander in Iraq under Mattis, who personally promoted him to brigadier general on the battlefield. (Present head of the Joint Chiefs, General Joe Dunford, was an officer in the same division at the same time and all three reportedly remain friends.) Though Kelly had a second tour of duty in Iraq, he never fought in Afghanistan. Tragically, however, one of his sons (who had also fought in Fallujah in 2004) died there after stepping on an improvised explosive device in 2010.

McMaster was among the earliest figures in the Pentagon to begin speaking of the countrys post-9/11 wars as generational (that is, never-ending). In 2014, he said,

If you think this war against our way of life is over because some of the self-appointed opinion-makers and chattering class grow war weary, because they want to be out of Iraq or Afghanistan, you are mistaken. This enemy is dedicated to our destruction. He will fight us for generations, and the conflict will move through various phases as it has since 9/11.

In short, you could hardly pick three men more viscerally connected to the American way of war, less capable of seriously reassessing what they have lived through, or more fully identified with the failures of the war on terror, especially the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. When it comes to the rubble of American generalship in these years, Mattis, McMaster, and Kelly would certainly be at the top of anyones list.

Think of them, in fact, as the ultimate survivors of a system that at its upper levels is not known, even in the best of times, for promoting original, outside-the-box thinkers. They are, in other words, the ultimate four-star conformists because thats the character trait you need to make it to generalship in the U.S. military. (Original thinkers and critics never seem to make it past the rank of colonel.)

And as their new Trump-era Afghan policy indicates, when faced with their wars and what to do about them, their answer is invariably some version of more of the same (with the usual, by-now-predictable results).

All Hail the Generals!

Now, lets take one more step back from the situation at hand, lest you imagine that President Trumps acts, when it comes to those generals, are unique to our time. Yes, two retired generals and one still active in posts previously (with the rarest of exceptions) reserved for civilians do represent something new in American history. Still, this Trumpian moment should be seen as the culmination of, not a departure from, the policies of the two previous administrations.

In these years, Americas generals have failed everywhere except in one place, and that just happens to be the only place that truly matters. Call Afghanistan a stalemate as often as you want, but almost 16 years after the U.S. military loosed the power of the finest fighting force the world has ever known (aka the greatest force for human liberation the world has ever known), the Taliban are ascendant in that benighted land and thats the definition of failure, no matter how you tote things up. Those generals have indeed been losers in that country, as they and others have been in Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, and someday undoubtedly Syria (no matter what immediate victories they might chalk up). In only one place did their generalship work effectively; in only one place have they truly succeeded; in only one place could they now conceivably proclaim victory at last!

That place is, of course, Washington, D.C., where they are indeed the last men standing and, in Trumpian terms, absolute winners.

In Washington, their generalship has been anything but rubble. Its always been another kind of more  more of whatever they wanted, from money to surges to ever-greater power and authority. In Washington, theyve been the winners ever since President George W. Bush launched his Global War on Terror.

What they couldnt do in Baghdad, Kabul, Tripoli, or anywhere else across the Greater Middle East and Africa, theyve done impressively in our nations capital. In years when they unsuccessfully brought the full power of the greatest arsenal on the planet to bear on enemies whose weaponry cost the price of a pizza, they continued to rake in billions of dollars in Washington. In fact, its reasonable to argue that the losing conflicts in the war on terror were necessary prerequisites for the winning budgetary battles in that city. Those never-ending conflicts  and a more generalized (no pun intended) fear of (Islamic) terrorism heavily promoted by the national security state  have driven funding success to staggering levels in the nations capital, perhaps the single issue on which Repubicans and Democrats have seen eye to eye in this period.

In this context, Donald Trumps decision to surround himself with his generals has simply brought this reality more fully into focus. Hes made it clear why the term deep state, often used by critics of American war and national security policies, inadequately describes the situation in Washington in this century. That term brings up images of a hidden state-within-a-state that controls the rest of the government in some conspiratorial fashion. The reality in Washington today is nothing like that. Despite both its trove of secrets and its desire to cast a shadow of secrecy over government operations, the national security state hasnt exactly been lurking in the shadows in these years.

In Washington, whatever the Constitution may say about civilian control of the military, the generals  at least at present  control the civilians and the deep state has become the all-too-visible state. In this context, one thing is clear, whether youre talking about the countrys panoply of intelligence agencies or the Pentagon, failure is the new success.

And for all of this, one thing continues to be essential: those generational struggles in distant lands. If you want to see how this works in a nutshell, consider a single line from a recent piece on the Afghan War by New York Times reporter Rod Nordland. Even before the presidents [Afghan] speech, the American military and Afghan leaders were laying long-term plans, Nordland points out and, in that context, adds in passing, The American military has a $6.5-billion plan to make the Afghan air force self-sufficient and end its overreliance on American air power by 2023.

Think for a moment about just that relatively modest part (a mere $6.5 billion!) of the U.S. militarys latest plans for a more-of-the-same future in Afghanistan. As a start, were already talking about six more years of a war that began in October 2001, was essentially an extension of a previous conflict fought there from 1979 to 1989, and is already the longest war in American history. In other words, the idea of a generational struggle there is anything but an exaggeration.

Recall as well that, in January 2008, U.S. Brigadier General Jay Lindell, then-commander of the Combined Air Power Transition Force in Afghanistan, was projecting an eight-year U.S. plan that would leave the Afghan air force fully staffed, supplied, trained, and self-sufficient by 2015. (In 2015, Rod Nordland would check out that air force and find it in a woeful state of near ruin.)

So in 2023, if that full $6.5 billion is indeed invested in  perhaps the more fitting phrase might be squandered on  the Afghan air force, one thing is a given: it will not be self-sufficient. After all, 16 years later with not $6.5 billion but more than $65 billion appropriated by Congress and spent on the training of the Afghan security forces, they are now taking terrible casualties, experiencing horrendous desertion rates, filled with ghost personnel, and anything but self-sufficient. Why imagine something different for that countrys air force $6.5 billion and six years later?

In Americas war on terror, such things should be considered tales foretold, even as the losing generals of those losing wars strut their stuff in Washington. Elsewhere on the planet, the U.S. militarys plans for 2020, 2023, and beyond will undoubtedly be yet more landmarks on a highway to failure. Only in Washington do such plans invariably work out. Only in Washington does more of the same turn out to be the ultimate formula for success. Our losing wars, it seems, are a necessary backdrop for the ultimate winning war in our nations capital. So all hail Americas generals, mission accomplished!

Tom Engelhardt is a co-founder of the American Empire Project and the author of The United States of Fear as well as a history of the Cold War, The End of Victory Culture. He is a fellow of the Nation Institute and runs TomDispatch.com. His latest book is Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World.

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, John Dowers The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II, as well as John Feffers dystopian novel Splinterlands, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World.

Copyright 2017 Tom Engelhardt

[Note to TomDispatch Readers: Were back from a rare break and ready to roll. Dont forget to order a copy of Dispatch Books latest volume (due out next week), historian Alfred McCoys remarkable and all-too-timely exploration of the waning of imperial America, In the Shadows of the American Century: The Rise and Decline of U.S. Global Power. And if you werent online in the last days of August, make sure to check out McCoys most recent TD piece on his half-century of adventures with the CIA. Like his book, its an instant classic. Tom]

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Wochit News: Trump Treats John Kelly
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2017) - Royal Road Minerals Limited (TSXV: RYR) ("Royal Road" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has executed a strategic alliance agreement with Hemco S.A. ("Hemco"), forming a strategic alliance (the "Alliance") for mineral exploration in Nicaragua.

The objective of the Alliance is to identify and explore gold and copper targets in Nicaragua in the areas covered by Royal Road's and Hemco's respective specified existing licenses, which together cover large regions of highly prospective and under-explored land areas and include in excess of 35 currently identified prospect areas. The Alliance will bring together two experienced project generation and exploration teams with track records of success. Royal Road and Hemco will share their collective experience and databases, co-fund early stage exploration programs, and jointly seek to advance their current projects and pursue new projects in Nicaragua. In particular, the Alliance is initially focused on defining reserves in excess of two million ounces of gold (or gold equivalent) recoverable.

Hemco is a subsidiary of Grupo Mineros S.A. (MINEROS:CB), Colombia's largest gold producer, and a holder of licenses covering an area approximately 200,000 hectares in the historic mining region of northeastern Nicaragua known as the "Golden Triangle".

"This joint-venture unlocks significant potential for both parties" said Dr. Tim Coughlin, Royal Road's President and CEO. He added: "We are proud to be aligned with such a respected partner in Nicaragua and excited to have acquired access to the "Golden Triangle" area which, in addition to our Narino project in Colombia, provides the Company with another region of gold and copper exploration potential. Moreover, with funding expected to be contributed by Hemco, we anticipate being in a position to drill test the underlying potential of the exciting Los Andes porphyry copper and gold target, whilst also commencing the planned drilling program at Piedra Iman on an accelerated basis."

Eduardo Flores Zelaya VP Corporate Development of Mineros S.A. stated "This Alliance, with a Company which uses innovative strategies and tools to identify and explore new gold deposits, will significantly improve our probability of success in Nicaragua".

Under the terms of the Alliance, Hemco and Royal Road will jointly fund on an equal basis, initial project generation and exploration of targets. At any time after the commencement of permitted drilling of any project area, parties may elect to define such project area as a "designated project area" (a "DPA") following-which, the applicable rights and licenses for such DPA will be held by a newly formed joint venture company, with Royal Road and Hemco each initially holding an equal 50% proportionate equity interest thereof. All project costs of any such joint venture will be co-funded by the parties based on their respective ownership of the joint venture, which will be subject to dilution in the event funds are not contributed as required. If a party's interest in a joint venture is diluted below 15% of the total interest, such party's interest in the joint venture will automatically convert to a 1.5% net smelter return royalty. The terms of the Alliance also restrict the parties from transferring their respective interests in the relevant licenses covered by the Alliance, except in accordance with the agreement between the parties, which includes reciprocal rights of first refusal with respect to transfers to third parties. Royal Road will be the operator under the Alliance and any joint ventures formed thereunder, and certain decisions of the operator will be subject to the approval of a management committee consisting of two representatives of each of Hemco and Royal Road.

Royal Road anticipates that the initial program to be approved under the Alliance will consist of drilling at Royal Road's Piedra Iman project (see Royal Road's news release dated June 21st 2017), prospect inventory mapping and heliborne magnetics and radiometrics in Hemco's "Golden Triangle" licensed areas, followed by the drilling of two deep holes to test the porphyry copper and gold potential of Royal Road's Los Andes project (see Royal Road's news release dated April 8th 2017). Royal Road's management estimates that the budget for this program will be approximately CAD $1.8 million and funded on a 50%/50% basis by the parties.

The information in this news release was compiled, reviewed and verified by Dr. Tim Coughlin, BSc (Geology), MSc (Exploration and Mining), PhD (Structural Geology), FAusIMM, President and CEO of Royal Road Minerals Ltd and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Royal Road Minerals employees are instructed to follow standard operating and quality assurance procedures intended to ensure that all sampling techniques and sample results meet international reporting standards. More information can be found on Royal Road Minerals web site at www.royalroadminerals.com
KIPUSHI, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robert Friedland, Executive Chairman of Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN) (OTCQX:IVPAF), and Lars-Eric Johansson, Chief Executive Officer, announced today that negotiations are underway with government agencies - Gecamines, the state-owned miner and Ivanhoes partner at Kipushi, and Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer du Congo (SNCC), the DRCs national railway company - and potential project financiers to advance agreements to launch a new era of commercial production at the upgraded Kipushi zinc-copper-silver-germanium mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Kipushi Mine is owned by Kipushi Corporation (KICO), a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines (68%) and Gecamines (32%). Kipushi is on the Central African Copperbelt in the province of Haut-Katanga, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of the provincial capital of Lubumbashi and less than one kilometre from the international border with Zambia.

Kipushis rich future drawing on a history of distinction  and the waiting Big Zinc Deposit

Built and then operated by Union Miniere for 42 years, Kipushi began mining a reported 18% copper from a surface open pit in 1924. It was the worlds richest copper mine at the time. Then it transitioned to become Africas richest underground copper, zinc and germanium mine. State-owned Gecamines gained control of Kipushi in 1967 and operated the mine until 1993.

Over a span of 69 years, Kipushi produced a total of 6.6 million tonnes of zinc and 4.0 million tonnes of copper from 60 million tonnes of ore grading 11% zinc and approximately 7% copper. It also produced 278 tonnes of germanium and 12,673 tonnes of lead between 1956 and 1978. There is no formal record of the production of precious metals as the concentrate was shipped to Belgium and the recovery of precious metals remained undisclosed during the colonial era; however, drilling by Ivanhoe Mines has encountered significant silver values within Kipushis current zinc- and copper-rich deposits.

Most of Kipushis historical production was from the Fault Zone, a steeply-dipping ore body rich in copper and zinc that initially was mined as an open pit. The Fault Zone extends to a depth of at least 1,800 metres below surface, along the intersection of a fault in carbonaceous dolomites (see Figure 2). The founding era of mining at Kipushi ended in 1993, when it was placed on care and maintenance due to a combination of economic and political factors.

Before Kipushi was idled, Gecamines discovered the Big Zinc Deposit at a depth of approximately 1,250 metres below surface and adjacent to the producing Fault Zone (see Figure 2). The Big Zincs mineral resources have never been mined. Ivanhoes drilling has upgraded and expanded the Big Zinc Deposits Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources to an estimated 10.2 million tonnes grading 34.9% zinc, 0.65% copper, 19 grams/tonne (g/t) silver and 51 g/t germanium, at a 7% zinc cut-off, containing an estimated 7.8 billion pounds of zinc.

Now, the planned restoration of production at Kipushi is based on initial mining that will be focused on the Big Zinc Deposit.

Key steps toward the start of a new era of mining at Kipushi

Excellent progress has been made by KICO in modernizing the Kipushi Mines underground infrastructure as part of preparations for the mine to resume commercial production. With the underground upgrading program nearing completion, KICOs focus now will shift to modernizing and upgrading Kipushis surface infrastructure to handle and process Kipushis high-grade zinc and copper resources.

The current mine redevelopment plan, as outlined in the May 2016 independent, preliminary economic assessment (PEA), has a two-year construction period with quick ramp-up to a projected, steady-state, annual production of 530,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate.

A pre-feasibility study (PFS) is underway to refine the findings of the PEA, and to optimize the mines redevelopment schedule, life-of-mine operating costs and initial capital costs required to return the mine to production, taking into consideration the significant capital already invested to date on critical rehabilitation work. Ivanhoe expects to complete the PFS before the end of this year.

The KICO team, which includes more than 390 Congolese nationals, has done a fantastic job in safely upgrading the mines underground infrastructure in anticipation of restarting production, said Mr. Friedland.

Given the extremely high zinc grades at Kipushi, the mine has the potential to become one of the worlds largest and lowest-cost zinc producers, while also producing significant quantities of copper, silver and germanium. With the current, long-term, bullish market sentiment for zinc, we look forward to working with our partner, Gecamines, prospective project financiers and our team at Kipushi to fast-track completion of the remaining development at the mine.

Since the PEA was issued in May 2016, we have made major strides towards completing the underground infrastructure upgrading program and we are much closer to achieving our vision of building a world-class zinc operation at Kipushi, Mr. Friedland added.

Restoration of production will make Kipushi the worlds highest-grade major zinc mine

The PFS will focus on the mining of Kipushis Big Zinc Deposit, which has an estimated 10.2 million tonnes of Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources grading 34.9% zinc. This exceptional grade is more than twice as high as the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of the worlds next-highest-grade, major zinc project, according to Wood Mackenzie, a leading, international industry research and consulting group.

In addition to the Big Zinc Deposit, Kipushi has several copper-rich zones that also contain silver, germanium and zinc. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources contained in the copper-rich Serie Recurrente Zone, Fault Zone, and Fault Zone Splay total 1.63 million tonnes at grades of 4.01% copper, 2.87% zinc and 22 g/t silver, at a 1.5% copper cut-off, containing 144 million pounds of copper. Inferred Mineral Resources in these zones total an additional 1.64 million tonnes at grades of 3.30% copper, 6.97% zinc and 19 g/t silver.

Figure 1. Worlds 10 largest zinc mines, ranked by forecasted production by 2019.





Source: Wood Mackenzie. Note: Independent research by Wood Mackenzie concludes that at the forecast production and head grade, the Kipushi Project, once in production, will rank among the worlds major zinc mines. Wood Mackenzie compared the Kipushi Projects life-of-mine average annual zinc production and zinc head grade of 281,000 tonnes and 32%, respectively, against production and zinc head grade forecasts for 2019.

Excellent progress made on mine rehabilitation work

The main production shaft for the Kipushi Mine, Shaft 5, has been upgraded and re-commissioned. The main personnel and material winder has been upgraded and modernized to meet global industry standards and safety criteria. The Shaft 5 rock-hoisting winder, which had an annual hoisting capacity of 1.8 million tonnes, is being upgraded and is expected to be fully operational early next year.

Underground upgrading work is continuing on the crusher and the rock load-out facilities at the bottom of Shaft 5 and the main haulage way on the 1,150-metre level between the Big Zinc access decline and Shaft 5. This work is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2018.

The planned primary mining method for the Big Zinc Deposit in the PEA and PFS is sublevel long hole, open stoping, with cemented backfill. The crown pillars are expected to be mined once adjacent stopes are backfilled using a pillar-retreat mining method. The Big Zinc Deposit is expected to be accessed via the existing decline and without any significant new development. The main levels are planned to be at 60-metre vertical intervals, with sublevels at 30-metre intervals.

Figure 2. Schematic section of Kipushi Mine.





Optimized zinc processing methodology for the PFS

Based on recent, additional metallurgical test work and trade-off studies, Ivanhoe has revised the planned process-plant design for the PFS. The optimized plant utilizes dense media separation (DMS), followed by milling and a flotation recovery plant. The addition of milling and a flotation recovery plant improved the combination of concentrate grades and recoveries from what the recent metallurgical test work determined was achievable from a DMS plant only. DMS is a simple density-concentration technique that preliminary test work has shown yields positive results for the Kipushi material, which has a sufficient density differential between the waste rock (predominantly dolomite) and mineralization (sphalerite). Furthermore, the addition of a milling and flotation circuit to DMS is expected to improve the project economics as a result of higher concentrate grades.

Given the significant, very-high-grade zinc resource at Kipushi, which is rich in potential by-product credits including copper, silver and germanium, Ivanhoe and the Gecamines technical team are continuing to investigate additional downstream processing options.

Drilling program underway to expand and upgrade Inferred Resources

A 41-hole, 6,500-metre underground drilling program at Kipushi is nearing completion. The program includes six metallurgical holes and 35 resource drill holes in the Fault Zone, the Nord Riche and Southern Zinc zones to expand and upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources. Ivanhoe expects to issue an updated Mineral Resource estimate for Kipushi later this year once all the assays have been received from the drilling program.

Exploration drilling conducted by Ivanhoe in 2015 sucessfully confirmed that both the Big Zinc Deposit and Fault Zones remain open at depth and to the south. Additional high-grade copper-zinc-silver-germanium mineralization also was discovered in the Fault Zone and in the Fault Zone Splay in the immediate footwall of the Fault Zone.

Germanium is a strategic metal that is a key component of fibre-optic systems, infrared optics, high-efficiency solar cell applications, and light-emitting diodes. The current spot price of germanium is approximately US$1,650 a kilogram.

Initiation of cooperation agreement with the Congolese national railway

Ivanhoe has initiated a new cooperation agreement with SNCC to rehabilitate the inactive spur line that connects the Kipushi Mine to the Congolese national railway and to the overall north-south rail corridor that links the DRC Copperbelt to the seaport at Durban, South Africa.

Ivanhoe and SNCC are negotiating details of an infrastructure financing agreement for the railway rehabilitation works and the terms of operation for the spur line, said Mr. Johansson.

This cooperation on public infrastructure projects mirrors Ivanhoe Mines successful, ongoing partnership with the DRCs state-owned power company, La Societe Nationale dElectricite, for the rehabilitation of three hydropower plants.

Figure 3. Zinc prices are trading above $1.40 a pound and are at 10-year highs.





Figure 4. Copper prices now are trading above $3.00 a pound.





May 2016 PEA findings support Kipushis highly attractive economics, particularly in the context of current zinc prices

(All monetary figures in this news release are US dollars (US$), unless otherwise stated.)

The independent PEA for the planned redevelopment of the Kipushi Mine was published in May 2016 and assumed a base case, long-term zinc price of $2,227 per tonne ($1.01 per pound). The report described the redevelopment of Kipushi as an underground mine producing an average of 530,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate annually over a 10-year mine life at a total cash cost, including copper by-product credits, of approximately $0.54 per pound of zinc.

PEA highlights included:

At a long-term zinc price of $2,227 per tonne ($1.01 per pound), after-tax net present value (NPV) at an 8% real discount rate is $533 million.

At a long-term zinc price of $2,227 per tonne, after-tax real internal rate of return (IRR) is 30.9%.

At a long-term zinc price of $2,227 per tonne, after-tax project payback period is 2.2 years.

Leveraging existing surface and underground infrastructure significantly lowers the redevelopment capital compared to a greenfield development project, as well as the time required to reinstate production.

Life-of-mine average cash cost of $0.54 per pound of zinc is expected to rank Kipushi, once in production, in the lower quartile of the cash-cost curve for zinc producers globally.

If the PEA assumed a long-term zinc price of $3,000 per tonne (or $1.36 per pound, which approximates the current spot price of zinc), the after-tax NPV 8% would be $1.27 billion.

Similarly, based on the information in the PEA and assuming a long-term zinc price of $3,000 per tonne, after-tax IRR would be 53.3% and after-tax project payback period would be 1.1 years.

In addition, the PEA used a base-case zinc treatment charge of $200 per tonne, which is substantially higher than rates observed in the current zinc concentrate market.

Table 1: After-tax NPV 8% sensitivity to zinc prices and discount rates ($ millions).

Discount rate Zinc price ($/tonne) $ 2,000 $ 2,227 $ 2,500 $ 2,750 $ 3,000 Undiscounted $ 719 $ 1,076 $ 1,507 $ 1,901 $ 2,295 5 % $ 436 $ 696 $ 1,008 $ 1,293 $ 1,577 8 % $ 315 $ 533 $ 794 $ 1,032 $ 1,269 10 % $ 249 $ 444 $ 677 $ 889 $ 1,101 12 % $ 193 $ 368 $ 577 $ 767 $ 957

The PEA for Kipushis redevelopment was prepared by OreWin Pty. Ltd., of Adelaide, Australia, and the MSA Group (Pty.) Ltd., of Johannesburg, South Africa, in compliance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).

KICO team members at the new conveyor belt installed at Kipushis 1,150-metre level as part of the ongoing infrastructure upgrading program.



A scooptram loader and haul truck, part of the fleet of new underground mining equipment at Kipushi.



Welding on the underground rock crusher at the bottom of Shaft 5 that is being upgraded for a return to operation.



Kipushis upgraded water pumping station at the 1,210-metre level.



Members of the Titan underground drilling team. The 6,500-metre drilling program to expand and upgrade Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources is nearing completion.



KICO team members at Kipushis Shaft 5 hoist winder.



Precision machining is among KICOs skilled services advancing Kipushis upgrading for a return to production.



New high-volume ventilation fan installed at Kipushis Shaft 4.



Kipushis core shed, with Shaft 5 headframe at left in background.



Pre-shift safety meeting (right) beside Kipushis Shaft 5 headframe.



Table 2. Kipushi zinc-rich Mineral Resources at 7% zinc cut-off grade, January 23, 2016.

Zone Category Tonnes

(millions) Zn

% Cu

% Pb

% Ag

g/t Co

ppm Ge

g/t Big Zinc Measured 3.59 38.39 0.67 0.36 18 17 54 Indicated 6.60 32.99 0.63 1.29 20 14 50 Inferred 0.98 36.96 0.79 0.14 7 16 62 Southern

Zinc Indicated 0.00 - - - - - - Inferred 0.89 18.70 1.61 1.70 13 15 43 Total Measured 3.59 38.39 0.67 0.36 18 17 54 Indicated 6.60 32.99 0.63 1.29 20 14 50 Measured &

Indicated 10.18 34.89 0.65 0.96 19 15 51 Inferred 1.87 28.24 1.18 0.88 10 15 53 Contained metal quantities Zone Category Tonnes

(millions) Zn

(million lbs) Cu

(million lbs) Pb

(million lbs) Ag

(million oz) Co

(million

lbs) Ge

(million

oz) Big Zinc Measured 3.59 3,035.8 53.1 28.7 2.08 0.13 6.18 Indicated 6.60 4,797.4 91.9 187.7 4.15 0.20 10.54 Inferred 0.98 797.2 17.1 3.0 0.23 0.03 1.96 Southern

Zinc Indicated 0.00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.00 0.00 0.00 Inferred 0.89 368.6 31.8 33.5 0.38 0.03 1.23 Total Measured 3.59 3,035.8 53.1 28.7 2.08 0.13 6.18 Indicated 6.60 4,797.4 91.9 187.7 4.15 0.20 10.54 Measured &

Indicated 10.18 7,833.3 144.9 216.4 6.22 0.33 16.71 Inferred 1.87 1,168.7 49.6 36.8 0.61 0.06 3.21

Notes:

All tabulated data has been rounded and, as a result, minor computational errors may occur. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves have no demonstrated economic viability. The Mineral Resource is reported as the total in-situ Mineral Resource. Metal quantities are reported in multiples of Troy Ounces or Avoirdupois Pounds. The cut-off grade calculation was based on the following assumptions: zinc price of $1.02/pound, mining cost of $50/tonne, processing cost of $10/tonne, G&A and holding cost of $10/tonne, transport of 55% zinc concentrate at $375/tonne, 90% zinc recovery and 85% payable zinc.

Figure 5. Worlds top 20 zinc projects by contained zinc.





Source: Wood Mackenzie. Note: All tonnes and metal grades of individual metals used in the equivalency calculation of the above-mentioned projects (except for Kipushi) are based on public disclosure and have been compiled by Wood Mackenzie. All metal grades have been converted by Wood Mackenzie to a zinc equivalent grade at Wood Mackenzie's respective long-term price assumptions.

About the Kipushi Mine

Kipushi is a historic, high-grade, copper-zinc-sliver-germanium mine that operated from 1924 to 1993 in the DRCs Central African Copperbelt, adjacent to the town of Kipushi.

After being placed on care and maintenance in 1993, the lower levels of the mine flooded in early 2011 due to a lack of pumping maintenance over an extended period. Ivanhoe Mines acquired a 68% interest in Kipushi in November 2011 and assumed responsibility for ongoing redevelopment, dewatering and drilling. In December 2015, Ivanhoe achieved a major milestone in its upgrading of Kipushis underground infrastructure when the water level in Shaft 5 was pumped below the mines main pumping station 1,210 metres underground. The water level now is maintained below the 1,210-metre level and the mine has clear and safe access to all of the main underground workings, including the Big Zinc Deposit.

Qualified Person, Quality Control and Assurance

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, a Qualified Person under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Torr is not independent of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.

Ivanhoe has prepared and filed a current independent, NI 43-101-compliant technical report for the Kipushi Project, titled Kipushi Zn-Cu Project, Kipushi 2016 Preliminary Economic Assessment, dated May 2016, which is available under the companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com and on the companys website at www.ivanhoemines.com. The technical report includes relevant information regarding the effective dates and the assumptions, parameters and methods of the mineral resource estimates on the Kipushi Project cited in this release, as well as information regarding data verification, exploration procedures, sample preparation, analysis and security, and other matters relevant to the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this release in respect of the Kipushi Project.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: 1) Mine development at the Platreef platinum-palladium-gold-nickel-copper discovery on the Northern Limb of South Africas Bushveld Complex; 2) mine development and exploration at the tier one Kamoa-Kakula copper discovery on the Central African Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and 3) upgrading at the historic, high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-silver-germanium mine, also on the DRCs Copperbelt. For details, visit www.ivanhoemines.com.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Sept. 6, 2017) - Maya Gold & Silver Inc. ("Maya" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE:MYA) is pleased to announce positive diamond drill hole results from its Zgounder Silver Mine exploration program. A total of thirty-two new intercepts in 9 holes are reported in this release.

Highlights

18 Holes have been drilled to date for 4214.8 metres (August 28 th compilation)

compilation) Hole ZG-17-03 intersected 233 g/t Ag over 36.5 from 25 to 61.5m including 1,184g/t Ag over 4.5m at 42.5m

Hole ZG-17-10 intersected 177 g/t Ag over 55.5m from 43.5 to 99m including 373g/t Ag over 8m at 71m (partially disclosed in Press Release of August 15 th )

) Hole ZG-EXT6-17-S2 intersected 152 g/t Ag over 19.5m from 27.5 to 47m including 406 g/t Ag over 3m at 38m

Hole ZG-EXT6-17-S10 intersected 1,315 g/t Ag over 9m from 12 to 21m including 3.8Kg/t Ag at 13.5m (partially disclosed in Press Release of August 2 nd )

) Silver grades are uncut, core length disclosed, true thickness is estimated to be 70% to 80% of core length.

The Hole ZG-17-03 extend mineralization at depth from known zones (panel 8 & 9) at higher elevation as well as hole ZG-17-10. These positive intervals are extending the mineralization at depth. The following tables present additional information on intersections of interest and the drillhole parameters. The map present drillholes location and the position of the intersections of interest.

"The Eastern sector has delivered good results and present mineralization at surface. The intervals intersected puts the table for a larger operation scenario in the longer term as well as maintaining the development of the high grade operation" said Noureddine Mokaddem, President & CEO of Maya Gold & Silver.

Table with holes of the Eastern sector

Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ag g/t ZG-EXT6-17-S1 0 18 18 62 including 0 3 3 248 ZG-EXT6-17-S2 27.5 47 19.5 152 including 30.5 33.5 3 223 including 38 41 3 406 ZG-EXT6-17-S3 0 13.3 13.3 65 and 26 32 6 113 ZG-EXT6-17-S4 106 130 24 34 and 139 142.5 3.5 158 including 139.5 140.5 1 382 ZG-EXT6-17-S5 3 13 10 58 including 11.8 13 1.2 225 ZG-EXT6-17-S7 2 3.5 1.5 146 ZG-EXT6-17-S10 0 3 3 312 and 12 21 9 1 315 including 13.5 16.5 3 3 808 and 56 57.5 1.5 203 and 148 149.5 1.5 184

Table with holes of the Eastern sector

Hole # From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ag g/t ZG-17-03 partial 0 8.5 8.5 36 and 25 61.5 36.5 233 including 38 45 7 821 including 38 42.5 4.5 1 184 including 52 54 2 301 and 90 93 3 248 and 114 132 18 60 ZG-17-10 0 18.5 18.5 101 including 3 11 8 150 and 43.5 99 55.5 177 including 51 55 4 472 including 61 62.5 1.5 987 including 71 79 8 373 and 202 206.5 4.5 97

Core length. values uncut. true thickness is estimated to be 70% to 80% of intersection.

Table of hole location disclosed in that press release

Hole Easting Northing Elevation Azimut Dip Length(m) ZG-EXT6-17-S1 276488 420366 2216 159 -45 92.9 ZG-EXT6-17-S2 276488 420366 2216 140 -45 106.1 ZG-EXT6-17-S3 276488 420366 2216 180 -45 87.3 ZG-EXT6-17-S4 276488 420366 2216 115 -45 153.3 ZG-EXT6-17-S5 276488 420366 2216 200 -45 72 ZG-EXT6-17-S7 276488 420366 2216 150 -57 101 ZG-EXT6-17-S10 276488 420366 2216 45 -60 177.8 ZG-17-03 275744 420369 2019 88 -45 383 ZG-17-10 275828.13 420391.48 2043 160 -60 231.6

Figure 1. Diamond drillholes location map showing completed drillhole and holes to the East in Green





Figure 2. Diamond drillholes location map showing intersections of interest





Quality Control / Quality Assurance (QA/QC)

The samples were analyzed by at the independent laboratory Analyse Development Minier S.A.R.L. The core sample are crushed to have d80 passing 2mm and afterward riffle split to have 100grams which is pulverized to have a pulp d80 of 75 microns Multi acid digestion and Atomic Absortion reading. Fire assay is used for high grade silver sample. The standards and blanks are in line with expected results and allow public disclosure of the results.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been prepared and reviewed on the basis of information received from the ZMSM as well as personally collected during site visits by Claude Duplessis Eng. Geological Engineer from GoldMinds Geoservices Inc, independent Qualified Person under NI 43-101 standards.

ABOUT MAYA

Maya Gold & Silver Inc. is a Canadian publicly listed mining corporation focused on the exploration and development of gold and silver deposits in Morocco. Maya is initiating mining and milling operations at its Zgounder Mine owned by ZMSM, a Maya 85% owned joint venture with l'Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines of the Kingdom of Morocco (15%).
TORONTO, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seabridge Gold (TSX:SEA) (NYSE:SA) announced today that results from the first five holes drilled this year into the Iron Cap Deposit at KSM could warrant significant changes to the projects mine plan which could substantially improve project economics. Four of the five holes have long intercepts with gold grades above one gram per tonne. The KSM project, located in north western British Columbia, Canada is 100%-owned by Seabridge and hosts four large porphyry gold-copper deposits including Iron Cap.

Seabridge Chairman and CEO Rudi Fronk noted that the Company chose to pursue the Iron Cap program because of its potential for accelerated development at a comparatively low capital cost. Iron Cap is the closest deposit to project infrastructure and is permitted as a cost-efficient block cave operation but the current plan has it being mined after the Kerr deposit. Iron Cap could be developed years earlier than the Kerr deposit at a much lower cost. Also, Iron Cap has historically reported higher gold grades than the Kerr deposit. The gold potential was reinforced last year by hole 62 which reported an amazing 555 meters of 0.83 grams of gold per tonne and 0.24% copper and an additional 61 meters of 1.20 grams per tonne gold and 0.95% copper, said Fronk.

We see the potential to make another substantial improvement to KSMs projected economics if we can grow the gold-rich Iron Cap deposit. The first five holes drilled this year are confirming this potential. The widths of mineralization are excellent and the gold grades are much higher than expected.

This years +10,000 meter drill program has been planned to off-set and step-out from IC-16-62. The 10 to 12 hole program has been designed to test a volume of about 600 meters wide by 500 meters long and up to 1000 meters deep surrounding hole 62 and extending to the current resource in order to potentially add several hundred million tonnes of mineralized material with sufficient pierce points to report an inferred resource.

The original target concept for follow-up drilling contemplated pursuing both a lower zone representing the down plunge continuity of the existing Iron Cap resource, and a new blind discovery found in the upper 200 meters of hole 62. This concept of two target zones was based on what appeared to be an intrusive unit not previously recognized at Iron Cap juxtaposed along a fault to the main Iron Cap deposit. With the benefit of additional drill holes, we now believe the upper blind discovery is a previously unrecognized mineralized intrusion potentially expanding the size of the Iron Cap deposit significantly. The interpreted fault zone identified at the base of the upper zone is now recognized as the sheared margin of a breccia pipe whose limits have not been fully defined. The breccia pipe appears to represent a younger high-level or epithermal event superimposed on the Iron Cap Porphyry Gold-Copper deposit, implying additional porphyry potential at depth. The upper intrusive unit is resolving as a dike-like body parallel with other intrusions that form the Iron Cap deposit and showing continuity with the main resource at depth.

As the geology of the Iron Cap deposit becomes clearer to us, we are increasingly confident that it will rival the plus billion tonne Kerr and Mitchell deposits in size, said Fronk.

The wide zones of higher gold values in holes IC-17-65, 66 and 67 reflect the impact of an epithermal mineral system superimposed on the main Iron Cap porphyry gold-copper system within and adjacent to a large phreatic breccia pipe. The breccia pipe was likely generated by a younger porphyry mineralizing system at depth. These gold-rich zones were previously recognized in the surface exposure of Iron Cap but erosion appears to have removed most of the upper portions of this occurrence. Our model for Iron Cap predicts that elevated gold values are likely to persist down plunge but the epithermal mineralization will probably give way to more traditional porphyry-style mineralization with copper grades that may be enriched by the second porphyry system.

Results from the first five drill holes in the 2017 Iron Cap program are:

Drill Hole ID Total Depth

(meters) From

(meters) To

(meters) Interval

(meters) Gold

(g/T) Copper

% Silver

(g/T) IC-17-63 957.4

Including 146.9 625.4 478.5 0.43 0.45 4.0 566.4 624.5 58.1 1.12 0.23 5.7 IC-17-64 776.3

Including 105.5 700.3 594.8 0.52 0.38 4.5 642.4 683.4 41.0 0.93 0.18 3.4 IC-17-65 686.0

Including 197.0 619.5 422.5 1.04 0.32 4.2 346.4 484.1 137.7 1.56 0.29 3.4 IC-17-66 1050.4

including

including 62.5 126.1 63.6 4.77 0.01 0.9 173.5 1050.4 876.9 0.32 0.37 2.8 173.5 277.1 103.6 0.58 0.68 2.8 975.4 1027.4 52.0 1.04 0.28 3.4 IC-17-67 689.3

including 224.3 641.4 417.1 1.02 0.33 3.6 352.0 459.4 107.4 1.58 0.38 4.2

Drill holes were oriented using historical information and were designed to intercept the mineralized target at right angles to the strike of the zone as close as topographic constraints permitted. The orientation will be refined with additional drilling but current information indicates the intervals listed above approximate the true thickness of the mineralized zones. For cross-sections please click this link.

Exploration activities by Seabridge at the KSM Project are conducted under the supervision of William E. Threlkeld, Registered Professional Geologist, Senior Vice President of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Threlkeld has reviewed and approved this news release. An ongoing and rigorous quality control/quality assurance protocol is employed in all Seabridge drilling campaigns. This program includes blank and reference standards, and in addition all copper assays that exceed 0.25% Cu are re-analyzed using ore grade analytical techniques. Cross-check analyses are conducted at a second external laboratory on at least 10% of the drill samples. Samples are assayed at ISO and ASTM certified laboratories in Vancouver, B.C., using fire assay atomic adsorption methods for gold and ICP methods for other elements.

Seabridge Gold holds a 100% interest in several North American gold resource projects. The Companys principal assets are the KSM and Iskut properties located near Stewart, British Columbia, Canada and the Courageous Lake gold project located in Canadas Northwest Territories. For a breakdown of Seabridges mineral reserves and resources by project and category please visit the Companys website at http://www.seabridgegold.net/resources.php.
Philadelphia, 09/06/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Most people associate electrocution with workplace accidents, in which a powerful jolt of electricity from machinery or powerful equipment injures or kills a worker. While nine percent of workplace injuries are indeed caused by electric shocks, electrocution can be caused by a variety of things, including consumer products. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are 70 deaths every year due to electric shocks from consumer products.

Electrocution can also happen in large bodies of water, such as swimming pools and lakes. The tragic deaths of three young women in two separate incidents has drawn important attention to the risk of electric shock drowning. The families of the victims involved in these horrific accidents are trying to spread awareness to help keep others safe.

What Is Electric Shock Drowning?

According to news reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that electric shock drownings are difficult to track because they are a silent killer. Electric shock drowning is caused by a low level of electric current running through a body of water.

The non-profit Electric Shock Drowning Association states, There is no visible warning or way to tell if water surrounding boat, marina or dock is energized or within seconds will become energized with fatal levels of electricity. Experts also say that electric shock drowning is more common in freshwater, where electricity can shortcut through the human body.

In one case, a 15-year-old girl drowned after being electrocuted when a metal ladder touched water around a dock where a light switch was half full of water. The electrical current ran from the light switch to the ladder and into the surrounding water.

In a separate incident, two women were killed after they went sunbathing and swimming in a lake. Autopsy reports revealed that the women were electrocuted.

How to Prevent Electric Shock Drowning

The family of the teenager who died due to electrocution while swimming now actively works to promote awareness of the rare phenomenon. They say there are several ways to make swimming safer:

Use a plastic ladder in the water rather than a metal one.

If you feel any tingling on your skin while swimming, swim away from any dock, as this is the most likely source of the electricity. Exit the water immediately.

Check all wiring around the dock, including the ground fault circuit breaker.

You can also purchase devices that detect electricity on a dock and in the water around it.

Philadelphia Burn Injury Lawyer Discusses Electrocution Accidents

Philadelphia burn injury lawyer Rand Spear explains, Most people dont associate swimming with electrocution, but tragic accidents can happen. Its important for all parents, as well as swimming pool and lake owners, to be aware of the risks and to take steps to minimize them.

Contact a Philadelphia Burn Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries caused by burns or electrocution, dont wait to speak to a lawyer. Contact Philadelphia and New Jersey burn injury lawyer Rand Spear today at 877-GET-RAND.

Sources:

source: http://randspear.com/2017/08/21/philadelphia-burn-injury-lawyer-discusses-electric-shock-drowning/

Social Media Tags:electric shock drowning, electrocution burn injuries, Personal injury attorney near Philadelphia and New Jersey, Philadelphia Burn Injury Lawyer, pool electrocution accidents, Rand Spear the Accident Lawyer

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Santa Cruz, CA Walter Savinovich, an Evolution Fresh driver, filed suit in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on August 7, alleging that Evolution Fresh and its parent company, Starbucks Corp. violated the wage and hour provisions of Walter Savinovich, an Evolution Fresh driver, filed suit in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on August 7, alleging that Evolution Fresh and its parent company, Starbucks Corp. violated the wage and hour provisions of California labor law by failing to pay for time spent on call. The complaint alleges that Evolution Fresh drivers were not paid for time when they were required to remain on duty and use company-issued cell phones to communicate with managers before and after their scheduled shifts. In addition, the California labor lawsuit claims that Starbucks routinely deducted wages for meal breaks that drivers were not permitted to take and failed to pay overtime. The lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of as many as 80 current and former employees from the past four years.

It is a well-established principle of California labor law that On-call or standby time at the work site is considered hours worked for which the employee must be compensated even if the employee does nothing but wait for something to happen. [A]n employer, if he chooses, may hire a man to do nothing or to do nothing but wait for something to happen. (quoting the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Armour & Co. v. Wantock (1944) Every employee who works more than five hours must also be allowed an unpaid break of at least 30 minutes for meal time. If the employee is not relieved of all work duties during that time, including an obligation to remain on-call, California labor law requires that the time be paid.But what about employees who must remain on standby while at home or otherwise away from the workplace? California state law is more generous than federal law in these situations. Workers may be entitled to compensation when they are away from the work site, but on-call, if being on-call significantly limits their ability to engage in non-work activities.How much limitation is significant? This is the developing edge of the law that is being explored in the growing number of on-call wage lawsuits in California courts. If the Savinovich lawsuit is certified as a class-action, that issue is certain to be front and center. Other lawsuits involving roughly similar facts are also pending against Nordstrom and its subsidiary Trunk Club, Amazon and Dolgen California, LLC, which operates as a subsidiary of Dollar General Corporation.
For people with schizophrenia, "hearing voices" is a common symptom that can be disturbing. But a new study from France suggests that stimulating a precise spot in such patients' brains may ease these auditory hallucinations.

The study involved 59 patients with schizophrenia who said they heard voices that other people could not perceive. The people in the study answered questions about the nature of these voices, including whether the voices were friendly or threatening, happened frequently or only occasionally, or were "internal" (perceived as coming from inside a patient's head) or "external" (perceived as coming from outside a patient's head). Based on the participants' answers, the individuals were given an "auditory hallucinations" score, with higher scores indicating more-severe hallucinations.

The researchers then used a therapy called high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which sends magnetic pulses through a person's scalp to stimulate brain cells. The scientists targeted a specific part of the brain that is linked with people's understanding and production of language, within an area known as the temporal lobe. [10 Things You Didn't Know About the Brain]

Patients were randomly assigned to receive either TMS or a "sham" treatment that was not expected to have an effect. Each group underwent two sessions of their treatment a day, for two days.

About 35 percent of patients in the TMS group showed a significant response to the therapy, compared to just 9 percent of patients in the sham group. A significant response was defined as a more than 30 percent decrease in the auditory hallucinations score.

An image of the magnetic stimulation device applied over a localized brain area. (Image credit: University of Caen)

"'Hearing voices' can be a disturbing symptom of schizophrenia, both for patients and for those close to sufferers," said study author Sonia Dollfus, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Caen in France, said in a statement. "We have shown that treatment with high-frequency TMS makes a difference to at least some sufferers," Dollfus said. However, she noted that more research is needed to determine whether TMS is the best way to treat these patients in the long term.

The study was presented Sept. 5 at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP).

Previous studies have suggested that TMS could treat auditory hallucinations in people with schizophrenia, but those studies were less rigorous than the current one. The new study is "the first controlled trial to show an improvement in these patients by targeting a specific area of the brain and using high-frequency TMS," Dollfus said. (A controlled trial is one that includes a "control group," i.e., a group that did not get the TMS treatment.)

Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, director of the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany, who was not involved in the study, said that the research builds on previous work suggesting that this brain region plays a critical role in the generation of voice hallucinations in schizophrenia. Although the percentage of people whose symptoms improved from the therapy was moderate, "TMS is a welcome addition to the therapeutic repertoire [for schizophrenia patients], especially for patients who do not respond to medication," Meyer-Lindenberg said in a statement. (Meyer-Lindenberg is a member of the ECNP executive board.)

The study has been accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed journal Schizophrenia Bulletin.

Original article on Live Science.
Lucknow Metro Phase-1 A Inter - Metro Stations

S. No Name of Stations Inter - Station Distance (in m) 1 Chowdhary Charan Singh Airport 0 2 Amausi 807.23 3 Transport Nagar 1200.47 4 Krishna Nagar 1236.5 5 Singar Nagar 1584.31 6 Alambagh 1385.6 7 Alambagh ISBT 712.51 8 Mawaiya 767.51 9 Durgapuri 1176.93 10 Charbagh / Lko Rly Staion 764.49 11 HussainGunj 1371.03 12 Sachivalaya 934.58 13 HazratGunj 1052.33 14 KD Singh Babu Stadium 1124.88 15 Vishwavidyalaya 1480.81 16 IT College Junction 825.83 17 Mahanagar 1092.94 18 Badshah Nagar 673.44 19 Lekhraj Market 976.87 20 Ram Sagar Mishra Nagar 718.85 21 Indra Nagar 901.17 22 Munshi Pulia 1560.49

Lucknow Metro Phase-2 A Inter - Metro Stations

S. No Name of Stations Inter - Station Distance (in m) 1 Charbagh/ Lko Rly Station (-)113.00 2 Gautam Buddha 988.966 3 Aminabad 964.46 4 Pandey Gunj 823.67 5 Lucknow City 916.98 6 Medical Chauraha 949.35 7 Nawajganj 1189.66 8 Thakurganj 1342.39 9 Balaganj 938.7 10 Sarfarazganj 679.91 11 Musabagh 929.67 12 Vasantkunj 853.19

Last Updated on : September 28, 2018

After creating waves in the capital of India, the Metro Rail is all set to introduce elegance in the way people travel across different parts of the capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow . Having introduced the matter in his budget speech for the year 2013-14, the current chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, believes the Lucknow Metro Rail Project to be an impressive means of rendering a world-class transportation system that is fast, safe, reliable and undoubtedly cost-efficient. To allow Lucknow residents and visitors enjoy ultimate ease of travelling in and around the city, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has incorporated an SPV/Entity in the form of a firm called Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation Limited.Chaired by PM Modi, the Cabinet has approved the construction of first phase of the Metro Rail Project in Lucknow. The estimated cost of this project is Rs 6,928 crore. This Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase1-A will cover a total distance of 22.878 km between Chowdhary Charan Singh Airport and Munshi Pulia with up to 22 stations. While the cost of this project would be supported by the Centre, it would be implemented by LMRC (Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation) which would further be reconstituted into a 50:50 jointly owned firm of the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Centre. It is important to note that the Lucknow Metro Rail Project would come under the legal framework of Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act 1978; the Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance) Act 2002 and the Railways Act, 1989; all three of which are being amended on a regular basis. With Lucknow witnessing a rapid growth in its vehicular population, the inception of Metro Rail will serve as a great.The trial run of the Lucknow Metro has been flagged-off by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav with the presence of his father and Samajwadi party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on 1 December 2016.The entire Samajwadi Party was present at the function. Two female drivers were handed-over the keys by the Chief Minister's wife Dimple.CM Yogi Adityanath and Home Minister Rajnath Singh jointly flagged off the first phase of the Lucknow Metro line on 5th September 2017. The 8.5 km stretch of the rapid transport Lucknow Metro system will be thrown open to the public on 6th September 2017. The Phase-1 of the Lucknow Metro project (Transport Nagar to Charbagh) will be operational for the public from 6 am to 10 pm.The second phase is likely to be completed by January 2019.
For high-risk patients or those with diseases that require constant blood monitoring, going to the doctor for blood tests may soon be a thing of the past. Athelas, a company based in Mountain View, California, announced the launch of a new blood test that has been clinically validated and can be used in the patients own home. The company claims that their tall cylindrical device that performs the test, resembling an Amazon Echo, can accurately visualize almost all types of blood cells within 60 seconds.

Patients perform a finger prick and place a drop of blood onto a test strip, a process similar to the classic blood sugar testing for diabetes. They then insert the test strip into the device which uses computer imaging to return lab-grade complete blood count test results (CBC). The information is sent to an Android or iOS app and, if needed, to the patients doctor. This allows doctors and patients to easily obtain daily updates that allow them to monitor treatment or disease progress.

Currently, Athelas is collaborating with oncologists and loaning this device to cancer patients to monitor chemotherapy progress. However, the company is optimistic about the wider need for such a device  for example, inflammatory markers can sometimes precede full infection by several days. Athelas is also in talks with hospitals and drug companies, as many players in the healthcare industry would benefit from accurate, rapid, and cheaper blood testing.

Watch the device in action:

Link: Athelas homepage

(Hat tip: TechCrunch)
by Sara Guaglione , September 6, 2017

The New York Times is creating a new division to focus on finding nonprofit partners to help fund its journalism, the newspaper announced Friday.

The New York Times' executive editor Dean Baquet and managing editor Joseph Kahn wrote in a note: Over the past year, a host of philanthropies and universities have come forward asking to help support our journalism.

The newspaper's deputy executive editor, Janet Elder, will lead the division.

Elder will be tasked with finding different types of nonprofit funding and the kinds of newsroom activities that might be supported, as well as addressing legal questions and potential ethical considerations in moving in this direction," Baquet and Kahn wrote.

They gave some examples of what this would entail, such as its Fractured Lands investigative series examining post-Arab Spring Middle East, which was funded, in part, by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

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The executives also mentioned The New York Times Student Journalism Institute, which has helped support minority journalists. The idea is with more monetary support, the program could help expand its development of talent. They also suggest funding could help the NYT with the growing crisis in local news coverage, by partnering with institutions around the country.

Though the NYT's total subscriptions have grown to over 3 million (two-thirds of which are digital-only), it has been affected by the downturn in print advertising hitting newspapers. Digital advertising has yet to offset those losses as it competes with the duopoly that is Google and Facebook.

Also this week, The Guardian announced it would set up a similar, U.S.-based philanthropic arm to raise money from individuals and organizations. The venture would make it easier for more organizations and private individuals to donate and support human rights and climate-change coverage, for example.

The Guardian's unit, which has been setting up partnerships since December, has secured more than $1 million in funding.

A big question: If big donors pour money into the newspaper to cover specific topics, will that pull funding from nonprofit journalism ventures like ProPublica, The Center for Investigative Reporting and the Center for Public Integrity?
WhatsApp has resolved to improve business-to-consumer communications -- and make a load of money in the process.

We want to apply what weve learned helping people connect with each other to helping people connect with businesses, the Facebook messaging unit notes in a new blog post.

To that end, WhatsApp says it is currently building and testing new tools via its free WhatsApp Business app for small companies, along with what its calling an enterprise solution for larger companies operating at a broader scale.

While little is known about the enterprise product, it will not be free. It offers a fresh -- and potentially vast -- revenue opportunity for WhatsApp and Facebook.

For WhatsApp, the revenue opportunity cant come soon enough, analysts have noted.

Although Messenger is widely used  consumers have been slow to warm up to the idea of interacting with chatbots and paid advertising in messaging applications, eMarketer principal analyst Debra Aho Williamson, said earlier this year.

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Thinking big, ideal clients for the forthcoming enterprise product include airlines, e-commerce sites and banks, according to WhatsApp.

These businesses will be able to use our solutions to provide customers with useful notifications, like flight times, delivery confirmations, and other updates, the unit explains.

Worldwide, more than 1 billion consumers use WhatsApp on a daily basis, according to internal estimates.

Paving the way for its enterprise expansion, WhatsApp recently began verifying business accounts.

On the consumer-facing side, Facebook recently made it more fun to send and receive messages via WhatsApp. When sending out Status updates, WhatsApp users can now overlay text messages onto colorful backgrounds, per the change.

Unveiled in February, Status is WhatsApps version of Snapchat Stories. With it, users can share photos, videos and GIFs, which disappear after 24 hours.

Like other Snapchat-like features, Status has proven a hit among users. At the end of July, the feature surpassed 250 million daily active users, according to internal figures.
KALISPELL  Montana environmental regulators have granted a wastewater discharge permit for a company that wants to bottle drinking water east of Kalispell.

The Daily Inter Lake reports the Montana Artesian Water Co. already has a preliminary water rights permit from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to pull up to 231.5 million gallons of water from the underground aquifer near Creston. An administrative hearing on the water rights is set for Sept. 19 in Kalispell.

The discharge permit, granted by the Department of Environmental Quality, sets limits and monitoring requirements to protect water quality. The discharged water will have been used for a temperature control system or to rinse out bottles prior to filling them.

Some residents have been trying to stop the plant by expanding an agricultural zoning district to include the proposed plant property.
by Jess Nelson , September 5, 2017

Mapp Digital announced Tuesday that PUMA has selected the independent marketing technology company as its customer engagement platform for digital marketing initiatives in Europe.

PUMA Europe will utilize Mapp Digitals Customer Engagement Platform, Data Management Platform (DMP), and Customer Centric Services to leverage consumer and behavioral data for more personalized content across email, display, search, and mobile push marketing.

Nicholas Rau, senior online marketing manager for PUMA Europe, says Mapp Digital will help the international sports retailer to deliver more relevant and engaging marketing content to customers across media.

Mapp Digitals Customer Engagement Platform helps brands drive sales and grow brand affinity by identifying consumer attributes that can power better segmentation and data-driven communications initiatives. The companys DMP and modular software suite then helps brands streamline that data, while Mapps Customer Centric Services optimize messages across channels such as email marketing.

Mapp Digital is headquartered in San Diego, California, and was created through the unification of Teradata, Ozone Online, Appoxee, Argyle, FLXone, eCircle, and BlueHornet. The company helps more than 3,000 brands with their digital marketing efforts, including Pepsi, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche Telekom and Lloyds Banking Group.
by Tanya Gazdik , September 6, 2017

Honda is launching its most multicultural, mobile, socially driven campaign ever for the 2018 Fit.

The campaign focuses on how the vehicle is Fit for fun. In order to best reach Millennials, the campaign is completely digitally focused and socially driven.

Creative focuses on the fun attributes of the Honda Fit including a new sport trim, striking colors and technology including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The availability of Honda Sensing safety and driver assistive technologies is also highlighted.

The campaign is specifically geared toward younger car buyers who lead busy lifestyles and are uber-connected, said Susie Rossick, assistant vice president of Honda marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Multicultural buyers continue to grow within the industry, and this is especially true for Honda, Rossick tells Marketing Daily.

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The Honda brand has seen an increase of 12 percentage points in multicultural Millennial buyers since 2010, she adds.

So its important that we introduce the 2018 Fit, with its new sport trim and upgraded technology to a Millennial audience that is highly multicultural, Rossick says.

As the gateway to the brand, Fit is important in attracting first-time buyers to Honda, she says. Seventy percent of the vehicles audience is new to Honda brand, she adds.

Although the subcompact segment is forecasted to shrink, it is still very important for Honda in attracting a new generation of buyers, Rossick says. With this latest campaign, Honda is looking to introduce the Fit to these first-time buyers, while achieving around 30% of sales from multicultural car shoppers, a slight increase from current Fit multicultural sales.

The campaign features creative from RPA for the general market, Fun Surprises, in which the entire commercial set is packed into the back of the Fit. Secret Life of Fits, a Hispanic Millennial-focused spot created together with agency Orci, targets consumers who like to strike a balance between living in the moment while planning for tomorrow  and are looking for a vehicle with some personality. The automaker is partnering with Latino digital network, Mitu, in late September. Honda also will debut anew online series merging comedy with traffic, and will feature comedians including Lejuan James, Frankie Quinones, Jenny Lorenzo and Jesus Trejo.

Fituation is a series of spots that focus on African American Millennials and were created together with Muse. Co-written and directed by Chris Spencer, the ads look to appeal to an African American Millennial audience with a focus on the fun aspects of the vehicle including the new Display Audio system, and highlighting the Fits new Sport trim. Instagram comedian Renny will help deliver the brands Fituation message with a humorous tone. Renny helps communicate the idea that with the Honda Fit, any ordinary situation can be turned into a Fituation.

In the brands 15-second ad on Hulu, buttons from the Hulu video player are packed into the back of the Fit. On Snapchat and Instagram Stories, emojis and other native elements, like finger-drawn type, get packed into the back. Also on Snapchat, Honda will be the first automaker to capitalize on the platforms Dynamic Filter Component to geo-target returning college students with Fit-themed graphics launching in September.

Honda will partner with UPROXX to produce five episodes of the hit web series Hang Time, a take on the celebrity interview with both guest and interviewer hanging from goal posts. The Fit will be featured throughout the episodes.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 6, 2017

LinkedIn is appealing a court order that requires the company to allow the startup HiQ Labs to access publicly available data about users.

The Microsoft-owned social networking site, which Tuesday filed paperwork to appeal, hasn't yet made substantive arguments to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The order was issued last month by U.S. District Court Judge Edward Chen in the Northern District of California. He ruled that HiQ's business could suffer "irreparable harm" if prevented from accessing information about LinkedIn's members.

"In the absence of an injunction ... it will likely be driven out of business," Chen wrote when he issued the order.

The 5-year-old HiQ scrapes LinkedIn's publicly available pages, analyzes the information to determine which employees are at risk of being poached, and then sells its findings to employers.

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HiQ sought an injunction against LinkedIn this summer, shortly after receiving demands to stop scraping data about its users. HiQ alleged in its complaint that LinkedIn was acting anti-competitively.

LinkedIn contended that HiQ's scraping violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which prohibits companies from accessing computer servers without authorization. LinkedIn also argued that HiQ disregarded LinkedIn users' privacy and that HiQ's products could harm LinkedIn users.

The social networking service elaborated that even users who make their profiles public have a privacy interest in preventing third parties from analyzing the information. The company said that more than 50 million people have used its "do not broadcast" tool, which enables users to change their profiles without having other users notified of the revision.

Chen discounted LinkedIn's objections when issuing the injunction. "The asserted harm LinkedIn faces ... is tied to its users' expectations of privacy and any impact on user trust in LinkedIn," he wrote. "However, those expectations are uncertain at best, and in any case, LinkedIn's own actions do not appear to have zealously safeguarded those privacy interests."

The ruling appears to run contrary to a 2013 decision by U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer in the Northern District of California, who ruled that Craigslist could proceed with claims that the data scraper 3Taps violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act by scraping publicly available listings.

Chen's decision was cheered by the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, which has argued against a broad reading of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act -- an anti-hacking law passed more than 30 years ago.

"Scraping publicly available data in violation of a companys terms of use comes nowhere near Congresss original intent of punishing those who break into protected computers to steal data or cause damage," the EFF wrote late last month in a blog post. "Judge Chens order is reassuring, and hopefully a harbinger of how courts going forward will react to efforts to use to the CFAA to limit access to public data."
by Joe Mandese @mp_joemandese, September 6, 2017

RhythmOne, a publicly traded ad-technology company based in London and San Francisco, Monday announced an agreement to acquire YuMe in a deal valued at $185 million.

RhythmOne said the offer provides one-third cash and two-thirds share capital to YuMes shareholders. YuMe is a programmatic digital video advertising platform that is also a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The companies said the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2018.

The acquisition of YuMe perfectly aligns with the companys mission to create a unified marketplace that is efficient and effective for advertisers, RhythmOne Chairman Raj Chellaraj said in a statement, noting: YuMes demand-side strengths and innovation in video advertising complement the programmatic platform that RhythmOne has built over the last three years.
The Giants have designated outfielder Carlos Moncrief for assignment in order to clear a spot on the roster for fellow righty Roberto Gomez, whose contract has been selected from Triple-A Sacramento (Twitter link via Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area).

Moncrief, 28, spent most of his career with the Indians organization but has been with the Giants for the past two seasons. Hes batted .287/.349/.421 with two homers and four steals through 190 Triple-A plate appearances this season but slashed just .211/.256/.237 through 43 plate appearances with the big league club this year after making his MLB debut.

Gomez, also 28, notched a 4.07 earned run average with 8.2 K/9, 3.5 BB/9 and a 46 percent ground-ball rate in 97 1/3 innings with the Giants Triple-A affiliate. Gomez has made 38 appearances in Sacramento, 25 out of the bullpen and 13 starts.
06.09.2017 LISTEN

One of Nollywoods most successful producers finds time to hone her filmmaking skills while steering multiple projects.

Mo Abudu, executive producer of Fifty and The Wedding Party, recently completed an intensive 3-week course for directors at the London Film School.

Coming in the midst of a whirlwind period of production and promotion of two movies, The Wedding Party 2 (with the ELFIKE Film Collective) and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, the passionate creative was determined to carve out time for learning. This is an incredibly busy year at EbonyLife, with several series launches on our TV channel, two new films and several other projects in pre-production. However, I felt that it was really important to continue my growth as a filmmaker, with a view to directing my first feature in the near future.

The course explored the fundamentals of filmmaking from script to screen, and is based on an exercise originally devised by FAMU, the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Czech Republic.

According to Ms. Abudu, The course was very practical and covered scriptwriting, visual language, choosing locations, working with actors, shooting, editing and post production. One critical area of learning for me was mise-en-scene - the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame  actors, lighting, decor, props and costumes.

Mo Abudu gets behind the camera to direct filming of her short story, written while on the course.

Luckily, we had a great course leader, Udayan Prasad, the director of The Yellow Handkerchief (2008), a critically acclaimed independent film, starring Oscar-winner William Hurt, which was a remake of a Japanese classic of the same name. One of Udayan's favourite sayings is, It all begins and ends with the story, something that I truly believe in, says Mo Abudu.

With a slate of new movie releases scheduled for 2018-19, Mo cant wait to get started. I have learned so much over the last few weeks and I am really looking forward to putting all of it into practice very soon.

The world premiere of The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (RHH) takes place on Saturday, 9th September 2017 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Executive Producer, Mo Abudu will be joined by Director, Ishaya Bako and the cast, including Zainab Balogun, Kenneth Okolie, Rachel Oniga, Jide Kosoko, Deyemi Okanlawon, OC Ukejie, Lala Akindoju and Toni Tones. RHH has been highlighted by TIFF as a Hidden Gem, a film worth viewing by audiences at the festival.
Sitting around the wooden kitchen table after dinner, Chads friends shared memories of him with his parents, Scott and Carolyn Truscott.

Memories of fixing cars, exploring abandoned mine shafts and hanging out around the campfire.

Tears welled up in everyone's eyes as they passed around a picture from church camp, sometimes melting into half-stifled laughter at the antics of teenage boys.

Carolyn trembled a bit, and pushed a smile through the tears.

It helps to hear he was happy with his friends. He didnt show that to us. We never knew any of this about him.

In February, the Helena family embarked on a journey too many have traveled before them. With the loss of their son to suicide, every day of the last six months has become a struggle to live life in what they call the new normal.

Statistics and data paint a dire picture of mental health in Montana and the country at large. Suicide rates in the state are the highest in the nation, according to the most recent data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

But buried in the percentages and analysis of tragedy, the visceral connection to the lives involved are easily overlooked.

Unmentioned in the staggering figures of loss stand the families and friends left behind. A maze of unanswered questions, feelings of guilt or helplessness and a search for meaning plague the survivors of suicide.

The Truscotts are one of the families trying to find their way through the new normal.

***

Keeping faith

On a hot Sunday morning in late July, the band at Mountain Family Fellowship strummed through some chords before the 10:30 a.m. service. Walking into the Pentecostal church, friends hugged Carolyn as she made her way to her usual seat.

The worship band led a song of unflinching dedication. The congregation smiled and swayed, some throwing up their arms in passionate praise. Carolyn steadied herself, gripping the back of the seat in front of her, head bowed, tears seeping through her eyes shut tight.

It was hard to go back to church. I knew nothing they could say or do would bring him back. I couldnt even feel God down in the pit with us. I heard the prayers but they couldnt quite get inside me.

Pastor Paul McElroy gave a sermon on the two types of time acknowledged by the Ancient Greeks. Chronos, he explained, denoted linear time, constantly moving forward on a clock and calendar. But kairos represented the opportune moment, a pause in chronological time when God can potentially change ones fate, he preached.

That kairos moment was missed with our son, Carolyn said reflecting on the service. I feel betrayed that nothing stepped in to stop him. Were stuck living in the chronos of before his death and after his death.

On the day her son died, members of the church were at her house within 20 minutes of a phone call. They raised money to put the Truscotts in a hotel for two nights and brought them dinner in the hotel room.

But despite the love and support from the people of the congregation, Carolyn said she still felt distant from the God she relied on. Suddenly faith offered so little. Scott hasnt been able to go back to church, and said his sons death only cemented some doubts he had about his faith.

Ive always been questioning, he said. I know theres a spiritual world for us, but I never saw the results of prayer. You see all the people born into poverty or horribly disabled and I just have to question Gods love.

Carolyn still attends church every Sunday and leads the womens ministry group. Her and Scott still pray for their son every day. They still hope for an afterlife, for a higher power that can one day bring them back to their son.

I can hardly wait to see him again.

***

Searching for a new day

Groundhog Day, number 161. Another day, going through the same motions. Scott said he feels like a wind-up toy.

He drew a diagram on a pad of paper, showing a cliff, a pit and a slope up out of the pit. Down in the pit of loss, Scott and Carolyn were incapacitated by grief, unable to climb back up the cliff to life before the loss of their son.

Now they are on their way up the slope. Scott pointed to the base of the slope, just barely outside the pit.

Were still here.

Things have started to improve though, he said. It isnt as bad as day one anymore, and the periods between breakdowns are getting longer.

You might get lost in an evening with friends, might have some hours or even a day of relief, he said. There are ways to pass the time, but I just keep hoping for a new day. A day without this guilt of wondering if there was something I could have said or could have done differently. I try to rationalize it away, but just cant shake it.

National mental health expert Scott Poland, the Florida-based professor and psychologist who recently finished a suicide prevention guide for Montana schools, said guilt is one of the most universal effects on survivors.

Guilt is an extremely common phenomenon for survivors of suicide, even though it is almost always completely irrational, Poland said. Everyone will tell them, You should be over this by now, usually because they just dont know what to say. But thats just not reality. Educating yourself on mental health and mental illness can really help you understand what was going on in the victims head, and how little of an impact you probably had on the decision to end their life.

Their sons room remains largely untouched, and it helps Carolyn to go in it  it feels like he is still there. His work jacket still smells like him. It reminds her of the future he was working hard for.

It feels sacrilegious to disturb or get rid of anything, she said. She feels guilty for trying to let go.

***

Reaching out

Navigating the aftermath of suicide is like going down a gnarly river without a guide, Carolyn said. You dont know the rapids or the eddies that can suck you under. She and Scott still cant see the end of the river, but have been lucky to find a few guides along the way.

Five weeks after the loss of their son, the Truscotts attended a multi-day grief retreat in Stevensville. It wasnt suicide-specific or religiously affiliated, but they said the support they had there was crucial, and hard to leave behind. The thought of going back to the house they had been suffering in was too much, and they were the last people to leave the retreat.

Both of them see counselors, but with mixed results. Scott said he looks forward to going each week, but the help he gets doesnt last for more than a couple of hours. Still he believes it is worth going.

The most important thing a survivor can do is talk about what they are feeling, preferably to someone who is trained on how to respond, according to Karl Rosston, suicide prevention coordinator with Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.

Especially with parents who have lost children, he said. Its not something anyone can handle alone because youre not supposed to outlive your children. A lot of negative perceptions, like guilt, can start to overtake reality if you dont talk about what youre experiencing. Just letting it out can help to dispel those perceptions.

Carolyn said she looks forward to a new survivor support group starting up in Helena, but she has found a caring community of Facebook support groups. It gives her a sense of camaraderie, a club that no one wanted to join, but they are all there to listen and offer advice.
The leader of the National taskforce against illegal mining Col. William Agyepong has charged the Attorney General to fast track prosecution of suspects arrested at illegal mining sites.

So far, 294 suspected illegal miners have been arrested in the Western, Eastern, and Ashanti regions where a contingent of 400 soldiers and police officers have been stationed to stop the menace.

Code named Operation Vanguard, the taskforce since their deployment August 1 have been combing mining zones.

Some 35 days into their deployment, a government delegation led by Defence minister Dominic Nitiwul has visited the troops to learn firsthand progress in government's fight against galamsey.

Col. William Agyepong told the delegation majority of the arrested persons are between the ages of 18 to 34 years.

He said a speedy prosecution of the suspects can deter others and boost the morale of the taskforce.

Briefing the government delegation on their challenges, Col. William Agyapong said inadequate logistics have become a major constraint to the taskforce.

The limited number of vehicles and communication gadgets according to Colonel, has stalled their operations and in some cases defeated their resolve to end galamsey.

Col. William Agyapong has however expressed satisfaction at the successes the team has achieved within a short period.

Dominic Nitiwul after walking through vast areas of degraded forest was full of praise for the taskforce.

"People need to come down and see for themselves. If you don't see it yourselves you won't [fully] appreciate it" he told journalists. He expressed sadness that Ghanaians can destroy their own environment.

"Ghana, we need to sit up. This is not allowed in any country", he told Joy News' Latif Iddrisu.

Government has vowed to keep boots on the ground for as long as it takes to stop illegal mining. Information minister Mustapha Hamid has said the taskforce could last for two years.
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06.09.2017 LISTEN

The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers-Ghana (COPEC GH) has cautioned fuel stations to desist from short-changing consumers in the discharge of their duties.

Duncan Amoah said the situation where less fuel is dispensed to consumers other than the one they pay for undermines the credibility of petroleum companies.

Speaking to Gifty Andoh Appiah on The Pulse on the JOYNEWS channel on MultiTV Tuesday, he said the days of short-changing consumers are over, encouraging car users to be more vigilant with what is put in their tanks.

His comments follow the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA)s promise to be tough on Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) that sell less below approved volumes to unsuspecting consumers.

The Authority has levelled sanctions on 10 OMCs found to have cheated consumers in the last six months.

Each of the companies was fined 5000 for discrepancies in the volumes delivered to consumers.

Executive Director of GSA, Professor Alexander Dodoo told Joy News Ohemeng Tawiah that the move is to strengthen the sanction regimes of the Authority.

He said consumers have the right to complain because they pay for their services, adding it was from such complaints that they set up investigations into the sanctioned OMCs.

A pump is a machine, it can give more or too little, we think it is a crime for the machine to read way below the expected volume paid for. Consumers may not know this but they have the right to call our offices, he said.

Adding his voice to the new development, Mr Amoah said the machine has been programmed and will read what it is said to read not necessarily what the attendant is pumping into their vehicles.

If a consumer suspects the station of cheating them, they should immediately call for the measuring can to be able to measure what they are buying.

If the station is not forthcoming, then they should move straight to report at COPEC, NPA or the Ghana Standards Board, he said.

He said once the above authorities get involved, the stations will be investigated and brought to book if they are found guilty.

The GSA said in the future it will name and shame such OMCs which are engaged in short-changing consumers but first it wants consumers to report such developments.

Consumers must feel comfortable that they give what they paid for and it is wrong for them to pay and not get the service paid for and the OMCs must be responsible, he added.
About seventy graduates from the various technical universities in the country today [Tuesday], took to the streets of Accra in a protest to demand the immediate constitution of governing councils for their respective institutions.

Spokesperson for the graduates, Alfred Kumah Brown said the absence of governing councils is hampering the smooth running of technical universities.

He said students who have successfully completed their programmes of study have no certificates due to the inability of these institutions to organize graduation ceremonies.

We have completed school over a year now without certificates. It is not that we failed our courses. We passed! We paid our school fees and we successfully completed the various courses, but here we are today without a certificate.

It is unfortunate that a government which talks about industrialization still does not want to give attention to technical universities. We plead with the Nana Addo government to constitute governing councils, Mr. Brown pleaded.

Constitute Councils for Universities or face our wrath  UTAG

In July, the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) gave government a two-week ultimatum to constitute Councils of the various universities in the country or face their wrath.

The National President of UTAG, Harry Agbanu, said the situation had left universities in a state of inaction thus threatening upcoming graduation and crucial contracts among others.

UTAG has noted with extreme dismay that government since taking office on 7 July 2017, has not been able to constitute the Councils of public universities in Ghana. The government's inability to do this, while having constituted other important boards of the state after six good months of office, we believe demonstrates government's lack of concern of the health of public universities. NEC of UTAG feels strongly it is unacceptable and even unethical for public universities management and administration, and the sooner government constitutes these Councils the better.

UTAG's request for the constitution of Governing Councils followed a suit by private citizen, Supt. Kofi Kwayera against the University of Education, Winneba, and the Education Ministry over the unlawful extension of the school's Governing Council's tenure.

The leadership of technical universities in Ghana had also issued a two-week ultimatum to government to immediately constitute governing councils for their respective schools.

According to them, the non -existence of governing councils in various technical universities and polytechnics is hampering the smooth administration of the schools.

In the midst of pressure on government to constitute these boards, the acting National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay has asked state institutions to be patient as government is in the process of constituting the boards.

He explained that the process requires time since government will have to adhere to the constitutional provisions.
The Finance minister has come under fire from NDC MPs who are crying foul over the award of a 10million cedi contract without approval from the Public Procurement Authority.

Picking up the theme of cronyism echoed Tuesday afternoon by the Minority, Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George told Joy News later in the evening, the breaches of the law are clear.

The Minority at a press conference produced a letter signed by the Finance minister authorising adb bank to disburse 10.459 million to McDan Shipping company.

Incidentally, the company had also won a COCOBOD contract also granted him by the Finance minister without the approval of the Central Tender Review Committee of the Public Procurement Authority.

These two developments, the Minority says, portends dangerous times for corporate governance in Ghana because the Finance minister is reaching beyond his authority.

Without giving details of the exact breach in the law, Sam Goerge said on Newsnite, " no section of Financial Administration Act that gives him those powers."

He said the NPP after demonising the previous government for using sole sourcing to dish out contracts to cronies are also doing the same thing.

McDan, the NDC pointed out, played a role in the NPP's attempt to bring into the country foreign nationals which the party claims were to train the security team around their 2016 presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo.

The Minority said the 10.4m loan to the company, therefore, smacks of nepotism and blatant partisanship.

Sam George questioned the authenticity of the Finance minister's Christian faith after disregarding laid down procurement process.

"Can I ask the Finance minister...he professes to be a very good Christian. If he will be able to face the Lord on judgement day and say to the Lord that he carried himself right."

He said the Minority would boycott the 2018 budget approval later in the year if the various Boards of public institutions are not constituted by the president.

"We cannot continue an illegality. We will not be approving the budget of government", he said explaining Parliament approved expenditures for state institutions in the knowledge that its boards will be in place to ensure good corporate governance practices.

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Apparently, the Hon. Yaw Osafo Marfo is encouraging African nations to focus on mining minerals as the path to growth without debt. Well, how about allowing private-sector companies to bid to self-finance the building and maintenance of our infrastructure in return for not being taxed for at least 25 years?

The question is: Is Balore, the French logistics conglomerate, not self-funding a railway line from the Benin coast to Niamey in Niger and the Burkinabe capital of Ouagadougou? Nothing can convince those who know the real value of rainforests - especially at a time when global climate change is negatively impacting rural Ghana - that allowing such priceless natural capital to be destroyed in order to gain access to the minerals underneath them makes any sense.

With respect, no nation whose leaders have foresight and are blessed with abundant common sense will ever allow forests that contain the headwaters of major river systems to be destroyed by miners under any circumstances.

Furthermore, if nations such as Thailand are able to earn billions of dollars from their national economies' tourism sectors alone, could we not also earn billions of dollars too from a revamped tourism industry? In 2016, for example, Thailand earned US$72 billion from the 31 million visitors it hosted that year. This blog will keep making this particular point until our hard-of-hearing elites get the point it seeks to make.

If only our leaders would stop sanctioning the destruction of our natural heritage - in pursuit of the dangerous philosophy of growth for growth's sake without actually examining what constitutes that growth in the real economy and examining its impact on our nation's natural capital - and focus instead on sustainable development that does not harm Mother Nature, would future generations of our people not be able to at least enjoy a decent quality of life similar to ours, if not better?

It is shortsighted in the extreme to focus on mining minerals and destroying priceless natural capital that could anchor a thriving tourism sector today that will create wealth that stays in Ghana and jobs galore for young people across the entire country.

With respect, it is time such selfish and backward thinking was challenged. Period. Has it ever not occurred to the Hon. Yaw Osafo Marfos of our country that if they had gone to China and sold them the idea of banning the export of all unrefined gold from Ghana and building a gold refinery here to enable the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) to produce credit-card-sized gold bars, gold coins and traditional-style Ghanaian jewelry, it would enable our country to create an outbound Chinese tourism market in Ghana, which will attract tens of millions of Chinese to flock to Ghana annually to purchase the aforementioned gold bars, gold coins and traditional-style jewelry? Haaba.

For now it is definitely smarter to leave most of our minerals - particularly those in forest reseves - in the ground. Future generations will most probably invent new ways of precision mining using AI robots and driverless heavy equipment to mine minerals in a way that does not damage the natural environment. For their sake, let us leave all the minerals that we will have to destroy valuable forests for, today, in the ground for now instead - for the benefit of future generations of our people: as their inheritance from our generation.

The Yaw Osafo Marfos in our midst need to step out of the shadow of conventional economic thinking and do some lateral thinking about how to expand our national economy in sustainable fashion without destroying Ghana's forest reserves in the process. Simply put, under no circumstances must we allow mining in any of Ghana's forest reserves.
The President of OGHA, Organisation of Ghanaians Abroad, Mr. Michael Osei Mensah, has urged the Ghanaian diaspora in its entirety to make use of the opportunity that the one district one factory launched by the Government brings irrespective of their political backgrounds.

Ahead of a One District One Factory forum to be organised by the Federation of Ghanaian Associations in France, FEDGHAF, he has told ghanaabroad.com that Ghanaian generations abroad have been in constant search of ways and means to invest back home not only in their own interest but also that of the nation Ghana as whole.

He hinted that "One District One factory" is an opportunity for Ghanaians in the diaspora to express their patriotic commitment to the development of the motherland.

He proposed that across well established Ghanaian ethnic chiefs, associations and Churches abroad, indigenes of each district should group themselves and make sure that their district get at least one factory.

He said that, government will then have to contribute its quota by creating special incentives such as tax holidays, administrative facilities, technical survey for feasibility etc.

Traditional leaders will have to provide free lands for factory constructions and also organise their natives living abroad and locally who have something to contribute be it in cash, kind or technical knowhow, community labour etc. to get involved.

Ghanaian ethnic chiefs, associations and Churches abroad, will have to serve as platforms for information and groupings of collective investors district by district and join hands with whatever organisation is being done in Ghana to make it happen.

Mr. Osei Mensah Michael who doubles as the President of the Ghanaian Community in France Council, GHACIF, reminded potential investors that zero risk in investment is inexistent but by grouping themselves, diasporans will reduce all risks and consequences of failure drastically.

He concluded by urging the Diaspora Relations Office of the Presidency to make use of its prerogative to push this clear agenda in favour of both the Diaspora and the Country at large.

He availed OGHA to all stakeholders in this endeavour.
06.09.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 5, CDA Consult - Cote dIvoire is to host the Third Africa Judicial Dialogue from November 8 to 10, in Abidjan which is on the general theme: Improving Judicial Efficiency in Africa.

The Third Judicial Dialogue is being organised by the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights in collaboration with the World Bank.

Justice Sylvain Ore, the African Court President explained that there is nothing that is more urgent than enhancing judicial efficiency in Africa.

Justice Ore told the CDA Consult in an interview that there is an urgent need to set the stage for fruitful interactions between national and international courts to discuss ways and means to promote and protect Human Rights on the Continent.

He said the need for judicial engagement inspired the African Court to initiate dialogue with National Judges across the Continent whilst raising awareness on the role of the participating institutions in judicial systems.

The African Court President noted that in Africa, litigation before continental and regional human rights judicial and quasi-judicial institutions is steadily growing.

There is therefore great potential for valuable cross fertilization of jurisprudence between continental and regional institutions and national ones particularly in the application and interpretation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, as well as other continental and regional human rights instruments and domestic constitutions.

The cross fertilization is important not only for jurisprudential orientation but also for enhancing judicial administration and ensuring quality justice for Africans across the continent.

It is in this light therefore that a Continental Judicial Dialogue is being organised so as to advance these discussions, he said.

As part of preparation towards the Third Judicial Dialogue, the African Court has held a pre-judicial dialogue meeting at Arusha, Tanzania to brainstorm and plan with judges representing each of the five regions of the continent on ways and means to ensure the effective preparation for the Third Judicial Dialogue.

The Pre-Dialogue Meeting was attended by Justices from Burundi, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, as well as the President and Vice President of the African Court.

The pre-dialogue meeting agreed to invite heads of national judicial training centres, representatives of the Inter-American Court on Human Rights, the European Court on Human Rights and the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights to participate in the Third Judicial Dialogue.

The preparatory meeting was official closed by Justice Ben Kioko, Vice President of the African Court.

The African Court was established in terms of Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Establishment of the Court hereinafter referred to as the Protocol, adopted on June 9, 1998, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, by the then Organization of African Unity (OAU). The Protocol entered into force on 25 January 2004.

The African Court became operational in 2006 and is composed of eleven Judges appointed by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

The Seat of the African Court is in Arusha, the United Republic of Tanzania.

Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) provides tailor made development communication tools necessary for operational transformation and translating dreams into achievable goals and equips clients with mechanism for public education on specific issues.

It also provides effective back-up or frontline monitoring and evaluation tools to ensure value for money delivery of projects, whilst providing clients with skills to deliver timely and accurate information on their activities, work, programmes and projects.

CDA Consult is also aimed at building a responsive working culture for corporate growth through a social process at institutional levels based on dialogue using a broad range of tools and methods.

It also assists client to use continuous and adaptive process of gathering, organising and formulating information and data into argument and to communicate to policy-makers through various interpersonal and mass media communication channels.
Sometimes people ask me why owners of plush mansions or building in the suburbs of our cities wont help to rebuild or tar the bumpy and dusty roads and streets that lead to their properties. A good question is my constant reply But who bears the legal responsibly for the up keep of our public roads and streets if the government refuses or is reluctant to pave and improve those roads.

The constitution mandates the government to provide the necessary infrastructure for the movement of people, goods and services due to public convenience and necessity This has been the question that has been lingering on since our cities have been experiencing the growth of new private buildings all over the municipalities of Ghana.

To the average home owner or the individualthe building and maintenance of roads are the prerogative of government (Abandea )is the popular refrain you hear from people

Which institution is responsible forbuilding public roads and streets? The national government or the districtauthority are legally mandated for construction and maintenance of the countrys road and streets. But if you visit the cities in our municipality the deficit of roads construction and improvements on the existing ones and the proposed ones is so overwhelming that it will take decades backed by adequate funds and the political will for the defect to be eradicated and catch up.

Reasons may be due to funding and the politicization of road construction; a case in point a mere 150 miles of the distance between Accra Kumasi has been under construction for over the past ten years.

Dubbed by the previous NDC government as Ashanti project the construction was completely ignored or niggardly attended to resulting in untold road accidents, mayhem and loss of lives on the most important and strategic and viable economic road in the country.

My objective here is not to dwell on whys and wherefore these toads are not builtor properly maintained but try to encourage citizens to help to develop their roads and streets in their communities andneighborhoods due to failure of the government to pave and maintain our roads and streets.

When Istarted working asanattorneyfor theState of Kentucky, I was posted as a district attorney for TransportationCabinet in charge of ten county wide areas, in Southeastern Kentucky. My primary responsibilitywas to assisttheDepartment of Highways to acquire property through EminentDomain so as build roads in the remotest parts of state.

South Eastern Kentuckyis enveloped by the Appachian mountains thereby rendering most parts and in accessible and, therefore, under developed for many years. But later on the state government realized that to speed up economic development in the less developed part of the state ,the state legislatureappropriated massive funds for infrastructural development throughout the state.

The mantra at that time was  build the roads and business will follow After years of negotiations with the land owners as well as the owners of private toll roads which have for years provided accesses to the remote parts of the state the lands were finally acquired after a fair andreasonable compensationhad been paid to the owners.

Now most of the mountainous part of Southern Kentucky are linked by highways and other infrastructure in consequence of which many businesses from Louisville, LexingtonNorthernKentucky have relocated branches thereby providing jobs and minimizing huge un employment whichhave created social backwardness in these areas

Hitherto most of the roads in that parts of Kentucky were owned by privatecompanies or individuals whocollected tolls from motorists and other road users which hauled coal from the neighboring coal fields and residents. Toll collection from privately constructed goes back to the common law ruleera whereby private owners of roads had proprietary interests and therefore were allowed to levy taxes for the use of their property by road users..

Therefore in an answer to the previous question as to why home owners would not repair or improve the roads that lead to their homes could be explained by the fact that that the government either national or local wont allow such construction since thiswould undermine their sovereign authority to levy or collect taxes for the building of public roads and high ways.

Few years ago the University of Ghana put up a toll both on some roads it has constructed near the campus to ease traffic congestion in the area only to be pulled down by some agents of BNI. Typically no one questioned or challenged the arbitrarily and capricious action in courtor asked any questions. It was a subject for a headline news and radio discussion for three days

To remedy this calls for new thinking or thinking outside the box where Parliament can pass legislation under appropriate zoning laws authorizing citizens and home owners to pave and improve the streets or frontage of their homes to the next adjoining property without encroaching on the rights of government ownership of the land.

A massive educational campaign by the governmentto land owners developthe streets in front of their homes to say 50 yards or to the adjacent property in the spirit of public interest and cooperation would certainly generatesupport. In US by law,home owners are responsible forpaving and maintaining theirside walks;theycannotobstruct free access of the public in using the pavements.

A good pr job by the national government and the local authorizers can stimulate home owners interests and support to improve and other wise build roads intheirneighborhoods which now only home owners whodrive 4 by 4 and V8s vehicles can easily navigate the grave yard like pot holes.

Those who use taxi cabs have to suffer broken chassis and broken shock absorbers most of the time when they drove by those so called roads.After all the public policy of the state mandate citizens to contribute to the over all development of their communities; so fixing roads are a shared responsibility with the government. No doubt citizens participation in developing and improving streets in their neighborhood would ease the burden of government

Meanwhile every one is expecting the government to provide amenities or wait for a piece of the national cake Lets us not also forget that we also as citizenshave the corresponding responsibilities to pay our taxes and support our communities and provide services for our common good. Lets go beyond the conventional wisdom of the roads are abandea mentality (roads belong to the government) andthinkoutside the box for our ownroad safety.

The resources ofgovernment are not un limited against a backdrop of the systemic corruption now draining a fraction of the state treasury into selfish pocket of afew. Sometimesthe political will doesnt support what the people want as demonstrated by previous government.!

Hopefully the current NPP administration shall stop the corruption leakages and put into place the political will to develop the much needed infrastructure. This efforts should not precludethe home owners andthe private sector to develop the streets and land adjacent to their properties.After all, roads are built for public convenience and necessity.

By: Dr. Agyenim Boateng

Former Deputy Attorney General State of Kentucky
The Chief Executive Officer of Public Sector reforms, Mr. Thomas Kusi Boafo has described the current crop of politicians in the National Democratic Congress as a serious abomination which should not be entertained by Ghanaians.

The NDC have had their fare share of governance and I believe they are finished now, in terms of idea unless they introduce a new crop of politicians, but the current NDC is a serious abomination, he stressed.

Mr Boafo explained that Ghanaians could not reap the full benefits of the oil discovery and many other policies because Ghanaians made a terrible mistake bringing the party into power.

Free education, you could have gotten it 8 years back but you could not benefit because you brought a party called NDC into power, he told Ghanaians.

He was responding to the former deputy minister of Education, Alex Kyeremes claims that the free SHS policy is just a photocopy of the progressively free education which already exists.

Mr Boafo stated that a clear thinking Ghanaian would never vote for the NDC knowing that they are against the policy which has already brought relief to many parents whose wards are going to benefit from program.

The NDC set death traps for themselves when they challenged the feasibility of the Free SHS policy and if indeed it becomes possible as it seems now, a clear thinking discerning Ghanaian knows that a vote for the NDC would mean the destruction of the policy they never believed in, and that will condemn the NDC forever, he noted.

According to him, all students who are going to enjoy the full benefits of the free SHS policy will become eligible voters in the 2020 elections and that will translate into massive votes for the party which introduced the program.

The students after 3 years will realize the gains made by their parents from the policy and would want to vote for a government that could continue to sustain the policy for a long time, he added.

Mr Boafo explained on Otec Fm that the Free Senior High school program will crystalize after 20 years of its implementation and that would require that the NPP stays in power for the next 20 years.

All beneficiaries, after passing through the system must advance to do their masters, doctorates and attain higher heights in the society, and that would be in the next 20-years, he concluded.
Most Americans react with surprise when they learn a majority of undocumented immigrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years are heading south. From 2009 to 2014, 1 million immigrants returned to Mexico while 870,000 arrived in the U.S., according to analysis of the latest government data by Pew Research Center.

Of course, President Trump hasnt let that alter his message. At his August rally in Phoenix, he declared, Years of uncontrolled immigration have placed enormous pressure on the jobs and wages of working families... It's unfair to working people of all backgrounds."

But Trump has it backward. In fact, working people benefit from the jobs and economic opportunities immigrants provide.

The Harvard Business Review found immigrants represent just 15 percent of the U.S. population, but they create about 25 percent of new businesses. And these arent just bodegas and family businesses. The Kauffman Foundation reports more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500 companies in 2010 were founded by an immigrant or the child of an immigrant.

In addition to contributing positively to our national economy, immigrants play a crucial role in stabilizing and revitalizing struggling communities. For decades, rural areas and post-industrial cities have grappled with debilitating out-migration. Many of the communities effectively weathering these upheavals have an influx of immigrants to thank.

Immigrants are pumping new life into communities like Akron, Ohio, and Storm Lake, Iowa, which, unlike nearby towns, recovered from successive economic shocks by embracing immigrants who fill essential jobs, buy homes and do the thing elemental to a thriving economy: start businesses and create jobs.

Job creation depends largely on new business formation, and immigrant-founded businesses create new jobs that generate $20 billion annually in local and federal taxes. Embracing and welcoming these individuals isnt just the humane thing to do. Its also smart economic development strategy.

Trump and other immigration hawks have proposed a new merit-based system that would invite only the best and brightest to America. Humanitarian concerns aside, reducing the number of immigrants with low skills and education may seem like smart economic policy. Again, the data disagree. Immigrants with fewer skills and less education actually create new businesses at a higher rate. Counterintuitive, sure, but some observers suggest the characteristics this population embodies  namely risk-tolerance, perseverance and problem-solving skills  ideally suit them for entrepreneurship.

Even immigrants who dont start businesses have, at worst, a neutral effect on earnings. An analysis by the libertarian Cato Institute found immigration had no significant impact on the wages of American workers. And, although poor immigrants may tap into social services initially, Cato found they use public benefits at a lower rate than poor native-born citizens over the long term.

Furthermore, the idea that immigrants  particularly refugees  lead to more crime is a myth.

FBI data for U.S. cities resettling the most refugees per capita indicate both violent and property crime rates fell in 9 of 10 cities  dramatically in some cases. In West Springfield, Massachusetts, the one city where crime increased, an epidemic of opioids  produced by pharmaceutical corporations, not Mexican cartels  was the driving force.

So if Trump truly is concerned about jobs, wages and working families, he would be wise to recognize the contribution that immigrants make to the U.S. economy and its communities.

Scapegoating immigrants fuels resentment and hate, not the economic prosperity he promised.
Police in China stopped a man who was caught on security cameras standing on the roof of his car while it rolled down a road without a driver.

Security camera footage from a road in Bengbu, Anhui Province, shows the man striking a pose while standing on the roof of his car as it rolls nearly 2,000 feet down the road.

Police said the man was seen reaching his foot down through the open sunroof to steer the car as it moved through traffic at a low speed.

The man allegedly climbed back into the car and tried to drive away when he spotted police nearby, but he was stopped and cited for reckless driving and DUI.

Police said the man told officers he was celebrating after closing a major deal at a dinner party.
AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has participated in the 2017 edition of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) day celebration which took place at Burma Camp in Accra. Celebrated in August every year, the occasion seeks to bring together Southern African countries to reach a common goal.

Addressing a community of Member States and Head of Missions in Ghana including South Africa, Angola, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe amongst a host of others, the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Gold Mine, Jasper Musadaidzwa disclosed that AngloGold Ashanti is committed to strengthening its relationships with key development partners of which SADC is one.

Our support towards this celebration underpins our value of leaving our communities and societies with a sustainable future for us being there

He underscored some of the community investment initiative rolled out under social infrastructure, socio-economic development, education, health and safety, culture and heritage and human capital development in line with the companys value to ensure that communities in which AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited operates benefits from its presence.

He emphasized that the Mine rehabilitated and handed over an infirmary stocked with medication to the Tarkwa Prisons with a donation of .ceiling fans and .television sets to help in the reformation process of the inmates , the provision of a three-unit class room block with state of the art ICT center with sanitary facilities for Adieyie Basic School, a 16-seater aqua-privy sanitary facility for Badukrom Community, A modern social center for the people of Bankyim Community and a yet- to- be completed hospital project for the Wangarakrom community.

We will support governments efforts and that of the diplomatic missions in ensuring sustainable futures for the people in poverty alleviation programs

Speaking under the theme partnering with the private sector in developing industry and regional value chains, the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Lulama Xingwana said SADC aims to play a meaningful role in Ghana by complementing the efforts of diplomatic work done by the Missions in Ghana as well as open up trade opportunities between African countries.

The Namibian High Commissioner to Ghana, Charles Josob, who also doubles as the Chairman of the SADC group of Ambassadors in Ghana was full of praise for Iduapriem Gold Mine for supporting the event.

An exhibition was mounted, showcasing initiatives and Community Social Investment undertaken by the Mine in leaving its communities with a sustainable future.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC), is a Regional Economic Community body that facilitates the implementation of SADC programs and activities to meet its objectives and overall goal of poverty eradication and regional integration.

Established in 1992, it is celebrated every year in honour of its founding fathers of the organisations and to pay glowing tribute to its achievements and projects scored in the area of regional integration and solidarity. The gathering seeks to unite the SADC members in Ghana.
The Civil Society Platform on the IMF Programme commends the Government of Ghana and the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for extending the countrys Extended Credit Facility arrangement with the Fund by a year.

The Civil Society Platform believes the programme extension is in the best interest of the country, as it will afford Government time to work towards attaining the overall programme objectives of restoring debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability as well as foster a return to high growth and job creation, while protecting social spending.

Admittedly, the programme extension in itself will not translate into successful completion unless the Government is committed to fiscal discipline and good governance.

Above all, we believe effective implementation of the current arrangement with the IMF will strengthen the countrys own institutions of fiscal restraint, regain policy credibility as well as chart new sustainable pathways so that Ghana, hopefully, will no longer revert to the IMF for another Fund-supported programme.

Signed:

Godson K. Aloryito

Coordinator-CS Platform
Introduction

When on Tuesday, 18th July 2017 the internet carried the news that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 and the Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 had been laid before Parliament and referred to the appropriate committees of Parliament to be dealt with under a certificate of urgency, I raised issues of the publics democratic right to participate in and make input into the enactment of the Bill.

I had been hoping that the public will be given ample opportunity to make their input into the Special Prosecutor Bill whatever the form and shape it will eventually take. The Bill was subsequently formally withdrawn from Parliament.

By then, I had hurriedly researched and written a lengthy constitutional and legal critique of the Bill which I promised will be aired and published at the appropriate time when the Parliamentary time table for public input is known.

Nonetheless, I chose to highlight one fundamental problem with the efficacy of the whole Bill by publishing a critique of the functions of the Special Public Prosecutor and thereby pique the public interest in being watch dogs and guardians of the enacting process of the Bill.

I received notice while abroad on 18th August 2017 that the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament had scheduled meetings to discuss the Special Prosecutor Bill in circumstances which I narrate hereunder. I have therefore decided to keep my promise of finalizing and publishing my critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill for public consumption and for possible use by anybody who wants to do so.

I have read, examined, and analyzed the entire Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 which was published a second time on the last day of the Parliamentary session on 2nd August 2017 together with all its antecedent Bills, including the one currently published on the Parliamentary website as having been laid on 17th August 2017 during the vacation.

I have, however, decided to limit my critique of the Bill to the parts of the Bill dealing with the provision establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor itself and the Administrative provisions which in my view constitute the jugular vein to the Constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017.

This paper accordingly starts with an attempt to give a historical context to the examination, analysis and critique of the provisions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 by discussing in this introduction, the 2016 Presidential Elections and proposals by some of the candidates for the establishment of an independent prosecutorial agency; the gestation, laying, withdrawal and re-laying of the Bill before Parliament; the deliberations on the Bill during the Parliamentary vacation; and the duty of patriots for a bi-partisan actualization of the Bill into law including the moral compass and integrity of Presidents, and the binding electoral promise of the President and its feasibility.

The examination, analysis and critique of the Bill then follow. Under this heading I discuss the memorandum of the Bill and its Long Title which includes the inadequacy of the policy and principles etc. grounding the Bill and the suggested credible and cogent policy and principles to ground the accompanying Bill. The individual clauses of the Bill dealing with the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor; the objects of the Office; functions of the Office; independence of the Office; the governing body of the Office and related matters; nomination and appointment of the Special Prosecutor; the functions of the Special Prosecutor; the removal of the Special Prosecutor; the nomination and appointment of the Deputy Special Prosecutor; the removal of the Deputy Special Prosecutor; the appointment of staff; and the interpretation clauses of the Bill are then examined, analyzed and discussed. A discussion on general observations dealing with and including useful provisions in the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) that may be included in the Bill as part of the examination and critique of the Bill is also made to complete the main examination and analysis of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017.

But in order to give a broader context to the Bill, the paper goes on to make a brief examination and analysis of the existing law on the appointment of Special Prosecutors under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and the Law Officers Act 1974 (NRCD 279) enabling the Attorney General to appoint Special Prosecutors under the existing laws and the authority of the Attorney General and the Executive Authority to appoint Special Prosecutors under Article 88 of the Constitution on a need-to basis by means of regulations which have the force of law. The argument will be made that while an appointment of a Special Prosecutor under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and Law Officers Act 1974 (NRCD 279) limits the independence of the appointed Special Prosecutor to the directions of the Attorney General, the Attorney General and the Executive Authority may under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution appoint ad hoc Special Prosecutors under Regulations or pursuant to an Executive Instrument where such Special Prosecutors are subject to the authority of the Attorney General but do not act on or upon his directions.

The paper concludes by asserting that in spite of my preference for the strengthening of the traditional, common law and conventional independence of the Attorney General under our Anglo-Americo-Ghanaian system of jurisprudence, I think as a patriot that the establishment of a permanent Office of the Special Prosecutor is legal under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution so long as it is done under the authority of the Attorney General. It has been argued, drawing from the American experience that a Special Prosecutor can be independent and still work under the authority of the Attorney General. It is also argued that the Attorney General and the Executive Authority have power under Article 88 of the Constitution to similarly appoint independent ad hoc Special Prosecutors to investigate and possibly prosecute the commission of other serious offences instead of the President appointing Commissions of Enquiry into the commission of criminal offences which end up not being prosecutable because of the absence of procedures for the prosecution of findings of the commission of crimes by a Commission of Enquiry.

The Presidential Elections and establishment of an Independent Prosecutorial Agency

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, came to power on the message and promise of fighting corruption which had become endemic during his predecessors Government. He was one of the Presidential candidates who promised to set up an independent and separate office from the Attorney General as the vehicle to investigate and prosecute crimes of corruption when elected into office. His preferred vehicle and conduit was to set up an office of an independent Special Public Prosecutor for the purpose. Dr. Paa Kwasi Nduom preferred the separation of the office the Minister of Justice from the office of the Attorney General and making the latter independent of executive interference in the exercise of his or her functions.

Since assuming office as President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo has increased his rhetoric on fighting corruption and related offences and insisted on ensuring the enactment of legislation to institutionalize the office of an Independent Special Prosecutor. This is in spite of the fact that a second school of thought did not share the view that one could establish the office of an independent Special Prosecutor without amending the entrenched Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution which vested the Attorney-General with the responsibility for the initiation and conduct of all prosecutions of criminal offences and enjoined further that: All offences prosecuted in the name of the Republic of Ghana shall be at the suit of the Attorney General or any other person authorized by him in accordance with any law.

Gestation, laying, withdrawal and re-laying of the Bill before Parliament

On 27th June 2017, the internet carried news that the Attorney Generals office was holding a two-day Stakeholders Meeting on the draft of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 at the Movenpick Hotel, Accra from 27-28 June 2017 to enable it to submit a Bill to the Cabinet for approval for submission to Parliament for consideration for enactment into law. The Attorney General is reported to have told participants of the Stakeholders Meeting that the Government wanted their honest and sincere views on the draft Bill before it was laid before Parliament.

I took the Attorney Generals words to be an invitation to the public as well for their input and I looked for a copy of the Bill for my perusal to enable me to consider whether to submit any unsolicited comments to the Attorney General before the Bill got to the Cabinet. But alas, on 12th July 2017 the Daily Guide carried the news that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 was already to be laid in Parliament. On Tuesday, 18th July 2017 the internet carried the news that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 and the Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 had been laid before Parliament and referred to the appropriate committees of Parliament.

On the same day, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, prior to the laying of the Bill, was reported on the internet to have quoted Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution on the powers and functions of the Attorney General and cautioned that the President must tread cautiously in the creation of the office when he was speaking to an entourage of the British Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN. Nevertheless, when you establish a law which clearly provides for another person to prosecute, a circumstance where the Constitution says it is only the Attorney General who can prosecute then we must treat a bit carefully, he was reported by Citi FM to have said. So, like Pontius Pilate, the Speaker had washed his hands of any consequences a rush in enacting the Bill brings in the future.

I had to look for the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 that had been laid before Parliament to compare it to the Stakeholders Meeting one to find out what changes had been made to the Bill discussed at the 27th-28th meeting to enable the submission of comments. But the Bill appears to have been laid in Parliament without sufficient copies having been made available for distribution to the Members of Parliament themselves as required by their own rules. To make matters worse it was also to be passed under a certificate of urgency  meaning that both the Members of Parliament and the interested public will not be given sufficient time to digest such an important anti-corruption Bill and make inputs for its success.

As expected the Minority in Parliament raised several objections to the constitutionality of the Bill, including the purported laying of the Bill in Parliament without the mandatory 14 days gazette period. The riposte was that the Bill was laid under a certificate of urgency and did not need to comply with the general gazette notification period for ordinary Bills. The debate raged within and outside Parliament on the utility and urgency of enacting the anti-corruption Bill into law before the close of the Parliamentary session for the long vacation on 2nd August 2017. It was to demonstrate by clear and cogent submissions that the Government, Parliament and the public needed to make haste slowly in enacting such a well-intentioned and important piece of legislation that I published my critique of Clause 3 (4) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017, on 24th July 2017. Then on 26th July 2017 the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 and the Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 were formally withdrawn from Parliament without any assignation of reasons.

Deliberations on the Bill during the Parliamentary vacation

On 18th August 2017, I received a call from a lady who described herself as the Clerk to the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament inviting me to assist the Committee in its deliberations of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill the next week. I was taken aback because I had no notice through the media or any other source that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 had been laid a second time in Parliament. I was told by the Clerk that it had been laid before Parliament rose for the vacation. I told the alleged Clerk to the Committee that I was away in the United Kingdom. She wanted to know whether I would be available to meet the Committee on the 6th and 7th September 2017. I was not prepared to commit myself without satisfying myself as to the antecedent facts that the Bill had indeed been laid a second time before Parliament rose on 2nd August 2017.

After the conversation with the Clerk, I immediately called a Deputy Clerk to Parliament to confirm whether the Bill had indeed been laid a second time before Parliament rose for vacation but could not get a ready answer. With the help of a friend back in Ghana, I went to the website of Parliament only to realize that the Special Prosecutor Bill was amongst 12 other Bills that had purportedly been laid the previous day, 17th August, 2017; in the vacation. The Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 which had been laid along-side the earlier Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017, was the only Bill listed as still standing as having been laid on 10th July 2017 even though it was also formally withdrawn from Parliament on 26th July 2017.

But finally, on 31st August 2017, when I had returned home, a Parliamentary reporter confirmed to me that the Special Prosecutor Bill was indeed laid a second time on 2nd August 2017 even though this was not reported to the public by the media due perhaps to the pressure of work on the last day of that Parliamentary session. The next evening, I received further confirmation from a Member of Parliament that the Bill was indeed laid a second time and evidenced by the distribution of printed copies from the Assembly Press to the Members of Parliament and not photocopies as members were supplied with after the first laying of the Bill which was later withdrawn. The Member of Parliament informed me that the Committee was using the recess to make contacts and review the Bill pending the opening of the next Parliamentary session in October 2017.

Having satisfied myself that the Bill had indeed been laid a second time on 2nd August 2017 without adequate publicity to the public and that the Parliamentary website contained a misrepresentation of the true state of affairs to the public, I looked for and eventually secured in the evening of 3rd September 2017 a true copy of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 that had been laid a second time on 2nd August 2017. After labouriously and painstakingly reading each clause of the Bill I have concluded that the second Bill contains the same clauses and materials as the earlier first Bill that was laid and later withdrawn, therefore enabling me to submit a critique which is consistent with the current Office of Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 laid in Parliament on 2nd August 2017 and referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for consideration. So much for transparency and public participation in the legislation making process of Parliament demanded of democracies!

The duty of patriots for a possible bi-partisan actualization of the Bill into law

My original position before, during and after the 2016 General and Presidential Elections on the issue of whether to amend the Constitution to set up an independent Attorney Generals office or to create by law any independent office to prosecute the narrow offence of corruption alone had been that the inability of previous Governments to fight corruption and related offences cannot be attributed to a lacuna in the Constitution or the laws of Ghana. The problem is a failure of good governance, the rule of law, and civil society, combined with a weak democracy, and generally a docile citizenry. A considered law review article written by me and published in the (1989-90) 17 RGL at page 95 (Review of Ghana Law) on The Qualification and the Constitutional Position of the Attorney General shows my consistent position on this subject.

The institution of the office of the Attorney General, in my view, has always been capable of facilitating the investigation and prosecution of the crime of corruption and related offences if only the Executive Authority personified by the President himself fairly and impartially empowers the law enforcement agencies to independently and impartially treat the crime of corruption as crime and not politics. Secondly, Parliament in plenary generally, and in particularly the Security and Defence, and Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committees as committees of the plenary should act consistently with the mandates of the letter and spirit of the Constitution as a fair and impartial oversight body holding the executive to account in its duty to execute the law fairly and without fear or favour. Thirdly, the enlightened civil society including the media enjoined by the Constitution to defend it, have to play their roles as watchdogs against executive interference in investigations and prosecutions of crime. Enlightened Parliaments and Civil Society Organizations and citizens elsewhere have ensured the attainment of good governance, the rule of law and participatory democracy through their activism and we in Ghana can do it too without the creation of another permanent agency to investigate and prosecute corruption.

Historically and experientially, attempts to create independent prosecution offices because of perceptions that Attorneys General can be manipulated by the President or the Executive Authority have not achieved the desired results because the problem of fighting corruption is both human and institutional. Has the world not worried about Judges and other appointees of independent constitutional commissions or bodies which have independent and secure tenure being unable to resist corruption, let alone to fight it?

Moral compass and integrity of Presidents

Apart from the former Chairman of the PNDC, and later President Rawlings, President Akufo-Addos speeches have so far demonstrated a sincere commitment to fight the scourge of corruption. President Nana Akufo-Addo appears to have a handle of the personal and structural violence which corruption causes to millions of our fellow citizens and our nation. I would have wished that he empowered the Attorney General to comply with the ethics of the profession of the law and dealt with every allegation of corruption as crime in the true tradition of the law and not politics. We appear as a country to be contending that another Ghanaian can investigate and prosecute corruption simply because of being accorded independence and security of tenure. In that case, why can the President not ensure that as long as the Attorney General acts fairly and impartially in the investigation and prosecution of all crime he will not change him or her during his four-year tenure? The circumstances leading to the United States Congress enacting the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and which was allowed to lapse in 1999 demonstrates the challenges of hoping that by multiplying independent bureaucratic institutions on law enforcement and order we will have the ideal persons to fight corruption.

The binding electoral promise of the President and its feasibility

Be that as it may, it appears that the President has made an irrevocable commitment to use the medium of an independent prosecution office to launch an outright and total war against corruption in order to fulfill his electoral promise to the people of Ghana. The promise was fundamental to his victory at the elections and he is ethically enjoined to fulfill it to the people. I have no doubt that, President Akufo-Addo is sincere in his rhetoric to fight corruption. The fight against corruption has suffered for far too long under the 4th Republic. I am not sure what the future holds for the fight against corruption in Ghana but my view this year coincides with a view expressed by Linda Ofori-Kwafo, the Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) which is reported on the internet of 18th July 2017: We are looking forward to a president that can deal with this canker. Some have said if Nana Akufo-Addo fails us in dealing with corruption then Ghana we are dead. I do not think Ghana will die as such but that the resolution of the fight against corruption may have to await another revolution.

My detailed study of the subject has led me to the conclusion that it is feasible to enact a law establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor that will not be inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution, particularly Article 88 thereof. The powers of the Attorney General under the 1992 Constitution are the same as the powers of the Attorney General of the United States of America. The United States Attorney General appoints Special Prosecutors with independence of tenure under Regulations which have been held to be consistent with the United States Constitution. The Office of Independent Counsel established under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 was also held in Morrison v Olson 487 U. S. 654 to be constitutional even though as I pointed out already, Congress did not renew it when it expired in 1999.

The question with the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 should not, therefore, be whether it is constitutional but whether it has been drafted in such a way as to bring it within the Constitution and to achieve the independence from executive interference which is the Presidents prime objective firstly for making the promise to the electorate and secondly for proposing the Bill. The letter, structure, scheme and design of the 1992 Constitution makes the establishment of a permanent Office of the Special Prosecutor feasible and doable. This is the only way any patriot may help the President to bring to fruition his promise to enact such a law and to leave it to posterity to judge its efficacy in the war against corruption. It is in this spirit that I examined, analyzed, and critiqued the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 that was used at the Stakeholders Meeting of 27-28 July 2017 and withdrawn, and the current Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 that was laid before Parliament on 2nd August 2017.

THE EXAMINATION, ANALYSIS, AND CRITIQUE OF THE BILL

The Memorandum of the Bill

Article 106 (2) of the 1992 Constitution stipulates that no bill, other than one referred to in paragraph (a) of article 108 of the Constitution shall be introduced in Parliament unless it is accompanied by an explanatory memorandum setting out in detail the policy and principles of the bill, the defects of the existing law, the remedies proposed to deal with those defects and the necessity for its introduction. The explanatory memorandum accompanying the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 is in my respectful view seriously defective. I therefore, suggest credible and cogent reasons of policy and principles grounding the Bill and probable defects in the existing law and the remedies for curing those defects.

The inadequacy of policy and principles etc grounding the Bill

The first policy and principle grounding the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor is the inability of the Attorney General to act independently because of being a member of the Executive. The argument that governance experts have singled out the alleged monopoly of the prosecutorial authority by an Attorney General hired and fired by the President as one of the key factors standing in the way of using law enforcement and prosecution as a credible tool in fighting corruption is not sustainable by logic or any credible evidence. Any institutional weakness cannot be attributable to the constitutional design and structure in allocating the executive power to the President with an Attorney General as his principal legal adviser to help in the execution of his investigatory and prosecutorial authority. Instead, it is attributable to weakness in the representative and legislative institutions of governance to hold the executive accountable for the exercise of the executive authority. The solution is for Parliament and the electorate to ensure that when the executive abuses the executive authority in failing or refusing to impartially investigate and prosecute breaches of the law, that it is held to account in accordance with the Constitution and pays for it at the elections.

The electorate executed its constitutional mandate in the 2000, 2008, and 2016 General and Presidential Elections by changing Governments perceived to be corrupt. The Executive and Parliament have consistently failed the constitutional scheme, structure and design by failing to honour the several promises by previous Presidents and Members of Parliament made to the electorate to fight the canker of corruption when elected into office. How does the Special Prosecutor proposed in the Memorandum to the Bill achieve investigative and prosecutorial independence simply because he is to exercise the same powers on the authority of the Attorney General?

There is no escaping the fact that the Special Prosecutor under the proposed Bill will remain an appointee of the Executive Authority (the President) pursuant to Article 58 of the 1992 Constitution in accordance with its separation of powers design, scheme and structure. The persons who have perpetually been responsible for the inability of Attorneys General and the Office of the Attorney General to execute their constitutional mandate of prosecuting corruption and related offences have been the Presidents as the Executive Authority in fully complying with the letter and spirit of Article 58 to execute the Constitution and laws, and to do so in accordance with their Constitutional Oaths  to all persons, without fear or favour, affection or ill will. It cannot be a defect attributed to the 1992 Constitution to justify the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill.

The second policy and principles grounding the Bill is to fight corruption and corruption related offences more effectively. It tries to justify the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor by conjecturing that specializing in investigation and prosecution of corruption cases involving public officers and politically exposed persons in the performance of their functions will yield more positive results in the number of corruption cases prosecuted than a multipurpose or mixed mandate agency such as the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). It cannot seriously be contended that the institutional weakness of an agency of government to execute its independent mandate as the EOCO is a defect in the existing law inconsistent with the policy and principles for the establishment of such an existing agency. The argument also overlooks the fact that the Attorney General also has responsibility for EOCO and must have a similar responsibility for the proposed Office of the Special Prosecutor as part of the Executive Authority as well for the endeavours contained in the Bill to render it constitutional. The practice in most countries is for divisions to be created in the investigative agencies of Government with each division specializing in different subject matters of crime under divisional heads or directors and not to balkanize the investigation and prosecution of crime into specialized bureaucratic agencies.

The Serious Fraud Office, the predecessor of the Economic and Organized Crime Office, was established with independent powers to fight corruption and fraud. The ECOCO was reorganized to strengthen this capability. It could have had a specialized division dealing with corruption offences. The creation of an entirely new bureaucratic agency to deal with corruption offences is no guarantee of independence or political neutrality in the investigation and prosecution of such offences.

Suggested credible and cogent policy and principles etc to ground the accompanying Bill

The United States of America justified the establishment of the Ethics in Government Act, 1978 with the policy and principles of conflict of interest in the Executive Authority to impartially investigate and prosecute persons of a political class seen to be in the same Government as the Attorney General who has responsibility for the Department of Justice. The defect in the existing law was to remove that conflict of interest on the part of the Attorney General as representing the Executive Authority and to allow an independent prosecutor to fairly and impartially investigate and possibly prosecute any infractions of the law to ensure equity in prosecutorial decision and prosecution process.

In Ghana, the ethical injunction of conflict of interest has been raised to the highest Constitutional requirement when Article 284 of the Constitution decreed that: 284. A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of his office. The Executive Authority is a public office and none of its officers must be put in a position in which the interest of the executive authority conflicts with the appointees performance of the functions of his office. The public confidence in the administration of the criminal justice system is maintainable only when there is no abuse of prosecutorial powers. It is, therefore, arguable that to allow a political appointee (the Attorney General) to decide which corruption offence might be initiated, terminated or how it should be conducted will not conduce to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of politically exposed persons and public office holders for equality before the law and non-discrimination. This is why the John Mahama Government violated Article 284 when its Attorney General supervised and compromised a fair and impartial prosecution of the Woyome criminal trial - thus rendering it null and void if properly challenged in the Supreme Court.

Be that as it may, my view is that the defect in the existing law that necessitates the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill, that meets the mandatory requirements of Article 106 of the 1992 Constitution on the accompanying Memorandum to the Bill, is not so much the failure of EOCO and other investigatory agencies to investigate and for the Attorney General to direct and prosecute corruption and corruption related offences, but the conflict of interest in the executive investigating and prosecuting its own or members of the political establishment. It may be argued that the Office of Special Prosecutor cannot escape being part of the executive branch and being an appendage of the Executive Authoritys chariot under Article 58 of the 1992 Constitution. The reasoning in the 7-1 United States Supreme Court decision of Morrison v Olson 487 U. S. 654 affirming the constitutionality of the Office of Independent Counsel justifies the special position of the Office of Special Prosecutor in the Constitutional scheme analogically even for the Ghanaian 1992 Constitutions provisions in Article 88 thereof.

The Long Title to the Bill

The Long title to the Bill puts it within the constitutional structure when it states that it is to investigate and prosecute offences involving corruption of public office holders, political office holders and private individuals implicated in their commission and prosecute them on the authority of the Attorney General (Emphasis supplied).

Establishment of the Office of Special Prosecutor: Clause 1.

The establishment of the office as a body corporate only serves to add another bureaucratic layer to the prosecutorial authority of the Attorney General. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office is a recognized division of the Attorney Generals Department which prosecutes all crimes in Ghana on the authority of the Attorney General. Already the Attorney Generals Office, and in particular the DPPs Office is seriously under-staffed and under-funded nation-wide. The budget will be burdened further with the creation of this office to handle just a small portion of a specific crime which could be handled by the Attorney Generals Department if the President as the personification of the executive authority supported and championed respect for the time hallowed common law mandates and conventions of that office. Ghana is part of the Anglo-Americo-Ghanaian system of jurisprudence and these conventions and the common law have been preserved as part of the existing laws of Ghana under Article 11 of the Constitution thereof.

It may be asked, between the DPP and the Special Prosecutor, who will be more senior and why is the DPP not having a similar independence in prosecuting the balance of the offences some of which may involve public officers and politically exposed persons? Does the Office of the Special Prosecutor not look like a mini Attorney Generals office with better tenure than even the Attorney General? Barbados and Namibia solved similar problems by giving independence to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions albeit by means of the Constitution in the case of Namibia. See King v Director of Public Prosecutions and Others [1990] LRC (Const) 842; and Ex Parte Attorney General, Namibia: Re the Constitutional Relationship between the Attorney General and the Prosecutor-General [1995] 3LRC 507.

Be that as it may, Ghana is at liberty in fulfilling the Presidents electoral promise to set up by law the Office of Special Prosecutor with its eyes open to the alternatives. The Namibian situation of the Prosecutor-General was written into the Constitution but nothing prevents Ghana from using the instrumentality of legislation to achieve the same objective within Article 88 of the Constitution, which is doable on the authority of the Attorney General.

Objects of the Office: Clause 2.

Would it not be more effective if the Office were specifically empowered in addition to investigate and prosecute related offences of obstruction of justice, perversion of justice, perjury, etc arising in relation to the investigation of corruption and related offences? The American Special Prosecutor was specifically given such powers which served well to prevent suspects from lying or trying to tamper with the evidence during corruption and related investigations. The US regulation provides as follows: The jurisdiction of the Special Counsel shall include the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere with, the Special Counsels investigation, such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses; and to conduct appeals arising out of the matter being investigated and/or prosecuted. I respectfully suggest the inclusion of a similar provision to make the Special Prosecutors power on investigating and prosecuting more efficacious in its execution.

Functions of the Office: Clause 3.

I have already made recommendations by way of the comments for addition of new clauses to the objects of the Bill. It is my opinion that should the above recommendations be accepted then they may also be reflected in the functions of the Office as well - to investigate and prosecute related offences of obstruction of justice, perversion of justice, perjury, etc, arising in relation to investigation of corruption. Consideration may be had to adding the US formulation in a modified form or version as quoted above to the functions of the Special Prosecutor.

The original draft submitted for discussions at the Stakeholders Meeting of 27-28th July 2017 did not include the new Clause 3 (3) and (4). Sub-clause (3) that has been added to the Bill before Parliament is with respect unnecessary and populist to be enshrined in the law.

Clause 3 (4) which was also not part of the original draft negates the whole promise of the President made during his campaign and after his assumption of office to fight corruption if, as it states, the Special Prosecutor is not to investigate and prosecute corruption offences relating to the Public Procurement Act, 2003 and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 specified in sub-clauses (3) (1) (a), (b) and (c) unless the commission of the offence is in respect of a vast quantity of assets that (a) constitute a substantial proportion of the resources of the country; (b) threaten the political stability of the country; or (c) threaten the sustainable development of the country.

First and foremost, sub-clause 4 of Clause 3 of the Bill before Parliament lays down vague and ambiguous exceptions for the purposes of determining which corruption offences will meet those standards for investigations to begin in the first place. Secondly the vagueness and ambiguity of the exceptions made provides an argument to be overcome by the Special Prosecutor when the objection is raised in Court that his decision to prosecute a corruption offence does not meet the threshold standard stipulated in the Bill. Thirdly, the attempt to distinguish types of corruption offences that may be investigated and prosecuted by the Special Prosecutor sends the clear message to Ghanaians that the President and his Government now accept that certain types of corruption offences are not serious for prosecution or at least to be prosecuted by the Special Prosecutor. Fourth, the question may be asked, who will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting categories of corruption offences by the same public officers and politically exposed persons not meeting the standards in Clause 3 (4), or are they then immune from prosecution for such corruption offences?

The President has been clear throughout his campaign and on assumption of office that the canker of corruption must be fought and uprooted through a Special Public Prosecutor. He has said several times that crime is crime and therefore corruption is corruption. So how come that the Bill that was submitted to the Stakeholders Meeting on 27-28th July 2017 did not contain this exception but the exception found its way into the draft after it apparently returned from the Cabinet to Parliament? The Stakeholders Meeting of anti-corruption organizations and civil society, I am reliably informed did not insert sub-clauses 3 and 4 now appearing in the Bill before Parliament.

The original draft Bill after taking into account the suggestions of the stakeholders was approved by the Cabinet, so was it the Cabinet which sought to nullify the fight against corruption by inserting this negation of the purpose of the Bill? Whosoever inserted sub-clause 4 of Clause 3 thought they were being ingenious as we the foolish people of Ghana will not notice that the definition of corruption and corruption related offence ceded to the Special Prosecutor in the interpretation at Clause 77 includes all corruption offences without exception or degree of seriousness. Therefore to exclude a species of corruption offences as they sought to do simply means that there would be no institution responsible for the prosecution of the so-called corruption that does not fall under the sub-clause 4 exception.

It follows from the foregoing that the Cabinet or whosoever inserted the sub-clause is legalizing an undefined species of corruption perceived as not being serious corruption constituting a substantial portion of national resources; threatening the political stability of the country; or threatening sustainable development of the country. The serious reader will notice from the Bill before Parliament that the consequential amendments in Clause 78 (1) removes the offence of corruption from the jurisdiction of the EOCO when it states that: The Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) is amended in Section 74 by the deletion of the words corruption and bribery in paragraph (a) of the definition of serious offence. Who then will investigate the species of corruption the Government has removed from the Special Prosecutor by the insertion in Clause 3 (4) of the Bill before Parliament?

This whole exception is a negation of the Presidents fight against all forms of corruption in the body politic by using public office holders and politically exposed persons as an example. Will somebody call the Presidents attention to read Clause 3 of the Bill before Parliament and confirm whether or not he endorsed the exception in sub-clause 4 for submission to Parliament? The retention of sub-clause 4 of Clause 3 of the Bill will make it unnecessary to enact any Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill into law.

I have no doubt that the insertion of Clause 3 (4) that negates the whole Bill before Parliament was done by a strong and powerful cabal which wishes to harvest its share of the proceeds of corruption that comes with public officers who find their way into public office through the deception of the appointing authority of rendering service with integrity to the Republic. The insertion of Clause 3 (4) in the Bill is therefore a wake-up call for the President to watch his so-called incorruptible appointees because as the saying goes, it is not all that glitters which is gold.

I am fortified in the belief that the attempt to pull a fast one on Ghanaians by the insertion of Clause 3 (4) of the Bill to negate the fight against corruption is the work of a strong and powerful cabal within the government because they succeeded in ensuring that the Memorandum to the Bill was silent on this important matter so that it will not catch the eye of the casual Ghanaian reading public.

Independence of the Office: Clause 4.

The Economic and Organized Crime Office has a similar provision of the independence of the Office but that provision has not made it independent from the direction and control of the Executive in the performance of its functions. Prosecutions are an executive function under the Constitution. Consequently, the Office is subject to the Executive authority of Ghana under Articles 58 and 88 in the performance of its functions. This is why the Presidents strong moral character and integrity to empower the anti-corruption institutions of the Republic to fearlessly execute the law against every citizen without fear or favour is more important than a thousand laws on paper to fight against corruption without that support.

The modest successes achieved by former President Rawlings were due to that strong moral character and integrity which instilled in each appointee the clear understanding that he or she shall not be spared when caught in acts of corruption and related offences. I see the same mantle from the rhetoric of President Akufo-Addo and urge him to inspire not only the Office of Special Prosecutor but also the EOCO, the CID, and above all the Attorney General as the moral compass of justice enshrined under Article 88 of the Constitution. Above all, the abysmal failure or refusal of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the only independent Constitutional body purposefully established under Chapter 18 of the 1992 Constitution, to investigate and facilitate the prosecution of corruption and related offences stands as a perpetual warning to the fact that independence and security of tenure is not a guaranteed solution to the fight against corruption. Here again a Presidents strong moral character and integrity of executing the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will may be the moral compass that can assure that the fight against corruption succeeds.

Governing body of the Office: Clause 5 and related Board matters.

The setting up of a governing body for the Office clearly means added financial and budgetary encumbrance on the public purse in an already depleted resource state. The added bureaucracy of creating a body corporate means that unlike the present situation of the Office of the Attorney General where no Board interposes between the Attorney General and the prosecution of corruption or any other offences, now there will be a Board between the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney General under whose authority he prosecutes.

It is absurd that the Special Prosecutor should answer or account to a Board for the decision to prosecute and for the prosecution of corruption offences when the Attorney General did not have to. Professional Attorneys in the Attorney Generals Office make independent decisions whether or not the facts arising from investigations warrant a prosecution. The DPP or the Attorney General may persuade an Attorney to change his mind but does not substitute his or her judgment for that of the prosecuting Attorney. To do so would be unethical under the disciplinary code of lawyers. How then can the decision to prosecute for corruption, as distinct from the investigations be shared with a Board?

We may find some Board Chairman who may want to instruct the Special Prosecutor not only on how to investigate but also on the prosecution. The solution may be to make it clear in the law that the Board shall not interfere in the investigation and prosecution functions of the Office. The Police Council for instance assists in the general administration of the service but does not deliberate on policing functions and duties of the IGP and his office, particularly involving the investigation of crime. The CID which is responsible for the investigation of crime submits dockets to the Attorney Generals office and not even to or through the IGP or the Police Council.

Section 6 of the defunct Serious Fraud Office Act, 1993 (Act 466) is a good example of limiting the functions of the Board: It states that: Section 6. The Board has general control of the office on matters of policy. It also defines the powers of the Executive Director in Section 9 (3) as follows: (3) The director is the head of the Office and is responsible, subject to the general directions of the Board on matters of policy, for the overall operation and administration of the affairs of the Office. Under Section 5, the governing Board includes the Attorney General or  as his representative. The Economic and Organized Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) states the functions of the Board on policy formulation in Section 5 as follows: Section 5. The Board shall formulate policies necessary for the achievement of the objects of the Office. The functions of Executive Director are stated in Section 12 thus: Section 12. (1) The Executive Director is responsible for the day to day administration and operations of the Office and is answerable to the Board in the performance of the functions under this Act.

The problem which the draft person faces in the creation of a governing body for the Office of the Special Prosecutor is silently exposed by the fact that Clauses 5 to 11 inclusive of the Bill unusually do not specify the functions of the Board as most other corporate bodies set up under an Act of Parliament do. There has rather been a lame attempt to smuggle one omnibus function for the Board under the functions of the Special Prosecutor under Clause 13 (1) upon which further comments will be made below. What is the justification to further burden the national purse with a Board with only one omnibus and ineffective function?

Nomination and Appointment of Special Prosecutor: Clause 12.

Clause 12: The original Bill did not include the nomination of the Special Prosecutor for approval by Parliament. As the original draft Bill showed, the appointment of public officers (of which the Special Prosecutor will be one) under Article 195 of the Constitution is an executive function and not a Parliamentary one. The whole of Chapter Fourteen particularly pursuant to Articles 190, 191, and 195 under which the Office of the Special Public Prosecutor is being enacted support and compliment the Executive Authority of Ghana in the performance of the executive functions of Government. The Constitution specifically requires under Article 195(1) that the power to appoint or act in an office in the public service shall vest in the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the governing council of the service concerned given in consultation with the Public Services Commission.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 laid in Parliament on 18th July 2017 which was later withdrawn and later laid a second time on 2nd August 2017 does not disclose the Article of the Constitution pursuant to which the Office of the Special Prosecutor is being established. Somehow, Clause 20 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 still recites Article 195 as the pursuant authority for the President to appoint other staff of the Office that are necessary for the proper and effective performance of the functions of the Office.

But the only other article of the Constitution that empowers the President to appoint public officers to assist him in the execution of his functions pursuant to Article 58 thereof is Article 70(1) (e) which allows the President acting in consultation with the Council of State to appoint: (e) the holders of such other offices as any be prescribed by this Constitution or by any other law not inconsistent with this Constitution.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor is, therefore, being created by statute as part of the public services under Articles 191 (d) and 195, or under Article 70(1) (e) of the 1992 Constitution. Parliament cannot consequently and in accordance with the separation of powers enshrined in the structure, design, scheme and letter of the Constitution by legislation purport to share in the unitary executive power of appointment committed to the President under the Constitution. The 1992 Constitution purposefully provided in Chapters 7, 18, and 19 for three independent Constitutional Commissions with security of tenure to be appointed by the President acting in consultation with or acting on the advice of the Council of State and not with the approval of Parliament. It is common knowledge that the Council of State is an integral part of the Executive Authority under the Constitution. Accordingly, the provision that the President should nominate the Special Prosecutor for the approval of Parliament clearly violates the structural separation of powers enshrined in the letter and spirit of the Constitution and is accordingly void.

I believe that this explains why the legislative draft person did not violate the Constitution by making provision for the nomination of the Special Prosecutor for approval by Parliament for appointment by the President in the first draft Bill presented to the Stakeholders Meeting supra. The Constitution has clearly delineated the type of public officers who shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament. Public officers in the category of the Special Prosecutor do not fall under that category and it is unconstitutional for Parliament to partake in the unitary and exclusive appointment powers of the President. No lacuna has been demonstrated in the Constitution, the existing law or any defect shown why Parliament may arrogate to itself the right to partake in the unitary executive appointing powers of the President of the Special Prosecutor or any of his staff.

The pegging of the qualification of a person to be appointed Special Public Prosecutor to at least 15 years standing at the bar and equating that persons equivalent position to that of a Justice of the Court of Appeal is a disincentive to more qualified persons whom the President may wish to consider for appointment to that office. There will be many over qualified lawyers who would decline the Presidents offer simply because they are more senior in qualification to that of a Justice of the Court of Appeal. There may be persons, former Deputy Attorneys General and Attorneys General who may not accept this appointment because of pegging the qualification to that of a Justice of the Court of Appeal because under the Legal Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 320) their equivalent position has been that of a Justice of the Supreme Court Judge. Furthermore, the Judiciary frowns upon this equalization of their offices with other public offices apart from those specified under the Constitution. Parliament, therefore, ought to avoid pegging public service positions at parity with the judiciary. There is no lacuna in Chapter Fourteen of the Constitution to warrant it.

If the Special Prosecutor will hold office on such terms and conditions specified in his letter of appointment then why limit his entitlement and privileges to a Justice of the Court of Appeal? Cannot the letter of appointment deal with the terms of appointment and thus give the President some flexibility? The unanswered question is whether the Special Prosecutor a principal officer or an inferior officer as under this scheme he will not be subjected to the day to day supervision of the Attorney General as a subordinate officer.

Under the American Ethics in Government Act of 1978 the Special Prosecutor is appointed by the Special Tribunal from outside serving executive branch officers to achieve independence and the staff of the Special Prosecutor or Independent Counsel are recruited by the Special Prosecutor: they are not appointed for him by the President who may undermine him with politically minded persons who would render his impartiality and independence questionable. The whole concept of an independent Special Prosecutor will be rendered nugatory if he is saddled with staff whose integrity he cannot vouch for.

The current US Regulations for the appointment of Independent Counsel requires that: An individual named as a Special Counsel shall be a lawyer with a reputation for integrity and impartial decisionmaking, and with appropriate experience to ensure that the investigation will be conducted ably, expeditiously and thoroughly, and that investigative and prosecutorial decisions will be supported by an informed understanding of criminal law and Department of Justice Policies. The Special Prosecutor shall be selected from outside the United States Government. Special Counsels shall agree that their responsibilities as Special Counsel shall take first precedence in their professional lives, and that it may be necessary to devote their full time to the investigation, depending on their complexity and the stage of the investigation.

The Government and Parliament may wish to draw upon the foregoing experience in arriving at a formulation for the Office of Special Prosecutor that will adequately serve our interest as Ghanaians. Parliament and the Attorney General may also wish to draw from the interesting and apparent neutral formulation in Article 183 (4) dealing with the Governor of the Bank of Ghanas condition of service. Article 183 (4) (c) and (d) state: (c) his emoluments shall not be reduced while he continues to hold office as Governor; (d) he shall not be removed from office except on the same grounds and in the same manner as a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature, other than the Chief Justice, may be removed. It may be note-worthy that the Governor of the Bank of Ghana who is part of the executive branchs management of the economy, is appointed in consultation with the Council of State under Article 183(4)(a) of the Constitution for periods of four years each.

Functions of the Special Prosecutor: Clause 13

Clause 13 (1): In the original draft Bill presented to the Stakeholders Meeting: The Special Prosecutor is responsible for the day to day administration and operations of the Office and is answerable to the Board in the performance of the functions under this Act. In the Bill purportedly laid and withdrawn, and re-laid before Parliament it is stated as a function of the Office that: Section 13 (1) The Special Prosecutor is accountable to the Board in the performance of the functions under this Act. Whatever the two renditions were intended to achieve, one thing is clear: the Office of the Special Prosecutor cannot pass the constitutional mandate of being consistent with Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution without some form of accountability to the Attorney General who holds constitutional responsibility for the Special Prosecutors office. Consequently, is it fair for the Office to be accountable again to the Board for the performance of the same functions?

Even the Ghana Police Service is not responsible to the Police Council which is chaired by the Vice President and of which the Minister of the Interior and the Attorney General are members, for the day to day investigations and the prosecution of crimes. Why is the Office being created if it is not going to be independent of a Board in the exercise of its core functions of investigations and prosecutions? The American Special Prosecutor is not answerable to the Department of Justice for its day to day investigations! There is, however, a degree of accountability to the Department of Justice. Clause 13(1) is immediately contradicted by Clause 13 (2) which gives the Special Prosecutor full authority and control over investigations, initiation and conduct of proceedings under Clause 3 (a), (b) and (c). How do we reconcile the provisions of Clause 13 (2) also with the provisions of Clause 4 which subjects him to Articles 58 and 88 of the Constitution? It appears to me that the President wants a situation where the Special Prosecutor shall have full authority and control over the investigation, initiation and conduct of corruption proceedings. If this is the case, then to make the Office accountable to the Board in the performance of the functions under this Act will defeat the intentions of the President.

I have made previous comments and suggestions on the objects and functions of the Office which may be relevant to the functions under Clause 13 now under examination and they should be read along-side the foregoing.

Removal of the Special Prosecutor: Clause 14.

Clause 14 (4): Why must the President set up the Committee and not the Chief Justice if the purpose of this Act is to protect the Special Prosecutor from Executive interference? Is this not an imposition or limitation of the unitary executive authority of the President to involve the Chief Justice in removing the Special Prosecutor from office? Is the involvement of the Chief Justice in the Presidents removal powers of the Special Prosecutor not an infringement of the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution? Or is this provision and the independence of the Special Prosecutor gambling on its supposed too strong appeal to the public common sense, and consequently to survive any challenge to the constitutionality of the provision? Be it as it may, the rendition in Article 183 (4) (d) of the Constitution appears to provide guidance to the draft person as to a more neutral formulation on the removal of the Special Prosecutor from office just as the Governor of the Bank of Ghana may be removed.

Nomination and appointment of Deputy Special Prosecutor: Clause 15.

The examination, analysis and comments on the appointment of the Special Prosecutor should be read mutatis mutandis with the provisions of this Clause.

Removal of the Deputy Special Prosecutor: Clause 17.

The examination, analysis, comments and recommendations on the removal of the Special Prosecutor should be read mutatis mutandis with the provisions of this Clause.

Appointment of other staff: Clause 20.

The Office cannot be independent unless the Special Prosecutor has some independence in determining who he has confidence to work with. In spite of the purported independence granted in the Bill, the appointment of a Deputy Special Prosecutor and other staff for the office by the President does not guarantee actual independence for the Special Public Prosecutor as he may not command the loyalty of his investigation and prosecution staff. The Economic and Organized Crime Office and its predecessor, the Serious Fraud Office, were designed to be independent offices but political appointments to those offices negated them. Indeed, the only constitutionally established independent anti-corruption Commission (the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice) purposefully established under Chapter 18 of the Constitution is another demonstration of the effect of political motives on staff appointments of perceived independence and security of tenure entities. There will be no use setting up another bureaucracy with political appointees and a supposed independent Special Prosecutor who will be unable to execute his functions due to politicking by staff over which he has no control.

Interpretation: Clause 77.

This clause defines corruption and corruption related offences to mean offences under: Sections 146 (dishonestly receiving property); 151 (Extortion); 179 (c) (using public office for profit); 239 (corruption of and by public officer or juror); 252 (accepting or giving bribe to influence a public officer or juror); 253 (corrupt promise by judicial officer or juror); 254 (corrupt selection of juror); 256 (corruption, intimidation and personation in respect of election); 258 (falsification of returns at election); and 260 (withholding of public money by public officer). It is submitted that the Bill will be more effective to combat corruption should the offences include those of deceiving a public officer which should include deceiving a public officer with intent to defeat, obstruct, or prevent the course of justice, or the execution of the law, or evade the requirements of the law, or to defraud or injure a person, or to obtain or assist in or facilitate the obtaining of any passport, instrument, concession, appointment, permission or any other privilege or advantage, endeavours to deceive or to overreach a public officer acting in the execution of a public office or duty, .

General observations and the useful provisions in the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804) that may be included in the Bill

I have indicated at the beginning of this paper that the foregoing examination, analysis and critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 was limited to the Parts of the Bill dealing with establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and Administrative Provisions which in my view constitute the jugular vein to the Constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017. This is in spite of the fact that I had carefully examined, analyzed and critiqued the entire Bill. The other provisions of the Bill which I have not commented about in this paper are in my view just standard provisions found in Bills dealing with similar investigatory matters such as the EOCO.

In a comparative analysis of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 I found that certain important provisions which will facilitate an effective investigation of corruption and related offences appear to have been excluded from the Bill. Government and Parliament may therefore wish to consider whether the following provisions in the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) should not be adopted with necessary changes for inclusion into the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill to make it more efficacious:

Trial Court and proceedings:

Section 69. (1) The High Court and Circuit Court have jurisdiction to try an offence provided for under this Act.

(2) In a trial for an offence under this Act, the accused person may be presumed to have unlawfully obtained pecuniary resources or property in the absence of evidence to the contrary if the accused person

(a) is in possession of pecuniary resources or property for which the accused cannot satisfactorily account and which is disproportionate to the accused persons known income,

(b) had at the time of the alleged offence obtained access to personal pecuniary resources or property for which the accused person cannot satisfactorily account, or in respect of which there is no evidence of taxes having been paid.

Compensation:

Section 72. The Court may order restitution to be made or compensation to be paid to a victim of a serious offence under this Act.

I also take the view that the Court ought to be empowered to order compensation to be paid to a whistleblower under the Bill to enhance public spiritedness in reporting on corruption and related offences.

THE EXISTING LAW ON THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL PROSECUTORS

Appointment of Special Prosecutors under the existing laws

Under Article 11 of the 1992 Constitution the existing laws are part of the Constitution except those that are found to be inconsistent with it and are to that extent void. By virtue of Article 11 of the Constitution, the Law Officers Act 1974 (NRCD 279) exists as the Act that provides for the functions of the Attorney-General and for related matters. The Attorney General is empowered under NRCD 279 to appoint prosecutors from without his office pursuant to Section (1) (b) and (c) of NRCD 279, which provides that subject to article 88 of the Constitution, (b) a person appointed under section 56 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), or (c) any public officer so authorized by the Attorney-General, may perform any of the functions vested by an enactment in the Attorney-General subject to the directions of the Attorney-General. Section 2 thereof states that: Section. (2) Evidence shall not be required to be produced that a direction has been given by the Attorney-General in regard to a matter.

Section 56 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) also provides for the appointment of Public Prosecutors and Conduct of Prosecutions. It states that: Section 56. The Attorney-General may, by executive instrument appoint generally, or for any specified class of criminal causes or matters, or for any specified area, one or more public officers to be public prosecutors, and may by writing under his hand appoint any legal practitioner or public officer to be a public prosecutor in any particular criminal cause or matter. Any public prosecutor so appointed may appear and plead before any District Court in which any criminal cause or matter of which he has charge or of which he has assumed the conduct under section 57 is under enquiry or trial, and shall be subject to the express directions of the Attorney-General. It is then stated in Section 58 that: (58). Proceedings shall not be instituted for the trial of an accused upon indictment save by or on behalf of the Attorney-General.

The combined effect of the foregoing enactment is that the Attorney General may appoint public officers or any legal practitioners in particular causes or matters as Special Prosecutors who must be subject to the Attorney Generals directions instead of merely operating under his authority as expansively provided for under Article 88 of the Constitution.

Appointment of other Special Prosecutors under Article 88 of the Constitution

Both the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and the Law Officers Act 1974 (NRCD 279) were enacted during regimes whose practice of multiparty democracy and modern constitutionalism was in great deficit, as was the executive authority and powers of the Attorneys General under those regimes. This explains the limitation placed on legal practitioners appointed as Special Prosecutors under Act 30 and NRCD 279 to act in accordance with the directions of the Attorney General in those days. Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution is expressed in more expansive terms to give flexibility to the powers of the Attorney General to be restricted by the narrow provisions of Act 30 and NRCD 279. In this regard it is my view that Article 88 of the Constitution of the Constitution is expansive so as to enable the Attorney General and the Executive Authority to appoint Special Prosecutors in place of Commissions of Enquiry to deal with suspected serious crimes.

The 1992 Constitution by its structure, scheme and design empowers the executive authority under Chapter 23, particularly Article 278, to appoint Commissions of Enquiry to investigate stated matters including the commission of serious crime. The operation of Chapter 23 of the Constitution has demonstrated the ineffectiveness of using those provisions to aid the prosecution of criminals by virtue of the fact that findings of the Commission invariably become judgments of the High Court for which no procedure has been provided for the prosecution of persons found to have committed crimes by a Commissions of Enquiry. Article 88 on the powers of the Attorney General provides the executive with an alternative process of investigation and prosecution using Special Prosecutors instead of Commissions of Enquiry in appropriate cases.

I have made a close and detailed study of the powers of the Ghanaian Attorney General under Article 88 of the Constitution and those of his United States counterpart under the American Constitution. The powers and authority given under Article 88 of the Constitution to the Ghanaian Attorney General are the same as the powers and authority entrusted to the Attorney General of the United States of America. Under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution and the American Constitution a person may be a Special Prosecutor under the authority of the Attorney General without being subjected to the prosecutorial directions of the Attorney General.

There is a world of a difference in the literature and the case law on a person prosecuting under the directions of the Attorney General and one prosecuting under his or her authority. Practice and common sense also vindicates this position. Professional lawyers employed by the office of the Attorney General ethically prosecute under the authority of the Attorney General and not on the directions of the Attorney General otherwise they cease to be professional lawyers individually responsible to the disciplinary body of lawyers for misconduct. On the other hand, lay public officers appointed as Special Prosecutors naturally prosecute on the directions of the Attorney General which includes the Attorney Generals professional legal prosecutors.

I have stated already that the Attorney General of Ghana as part of the Executive Authority is entitled by regulations, particularly Executive Instrument, to set forth regulations for the appointment on a need-to basis of independent Special Counsel or Prosecutors to investigate and prosecute such criminal offences in which the Government or the Attorney General may be suspected of having a conflict of interest under Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution or which involves politically exposed persons generally. In addition to the foregoing authority for the appointment by the Attorney General as part of the executive authority of independent Special Prosecutors or Counsel, there is valid constitutional authority in the common law supporting an inherent power in both the Ghanaian Attorney General and the American Attorney General to do so from the separation of powers doctrine and the structure of both Constitutions. It was on this basis that in spite of the failure or refusal of the United States Government and Congress to renew the operations of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 in 1999, the Attorney General made departmental regulations empowering the appointment of Special Counsel which have been upheld by the Courts as lawful in the 7-1 United States Supreme Court decision of Morrison v Olson 487 U. S. 654 which is persuasive authority in Ghana. The Ghanaian executive authority may wish to assert the same or similar powers when it deems fit.

The impression that the Executive Authority under Chapter Eight of the 1992 Constitution is limited in its ability under the Constitution to curb crime using the instrumentality of independent Special Prosecutors or Counsel is according to my examination, and analysis of the 1992 Constitution and a comparative analysis with the United States Constitution the result of the lack of a deep study of the 1992 Constitution and its reach.

CONCLUSIONS

As the introduction of this paper shows the exertions entailed in the examination, analysis and critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 were undertaken impartially, voluntarily and gratis as part of my patriotic and constitutional duty under Articles 3, 35 and 41 to defend the 1992 Constitution and fight against corruption in the body politic. I have attempted to do my duty to my country under the Constitution without being oblivious of the fact that others may have been commissioned to contribute towards the drafting and participation in the enactment of the Bill into law.

In spite of my preference for the strengthening of the traditional, common law and conventional independence of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions under our Anglo-Americo-Ghanaian system of jurisprudence, the paper asserts my conclusions as a patriot that the establishment of a permanent Office of the Special Prosecutor is legal and doable under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution, so long as it is done under the authority of the Attorney General. Drawing from the American experience, it is argued that a Special Prosecutor can be independent and still work under the authority of the Attorney General.

It has also been argued that the Attorney General and the Executive Authority have power under Article 88 of the Constitution to similarly appoint legal practitioners as ad hoc Special Prosecutors to investigate and possibly prosecute the commission of other serious offences, instead of the President appointing Commissions of Enquiry under Chapter 23 of the Constitution to investigate the commission of serious criminal offences which end up not being prosecutable because of the absence of procedures for the prosecution of findings of the commission of crimes by a Commission of Enquiry. This lacuna in the scheme of Chapter 23 has encouraged previous Presidents to resort to the cover-up of the appointment of Commissions of Enquiry to temporarily appease the anger of the voting public when serious allegations of crime are made against government officials, politically exposed persons or the governments other political associates.

My personal belief in the feasibility of establishing a permanent Office of the Special Prosecutor to deal specifically with corruption and related offences by law is premised on the exemplary moral compass and integrity of the Executive Authority personified by the elected President and his determination to give law enforcement authorities, including the Attorney General, the expected constitutional support to operate strictly in accordance with their oaths of office to be fair, transparent and impartial in the execution of their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Absent such a President and public officers, no number of enactments can achieve the objective of fighting systemic corruption in Ghana.

It is my hope that this paper will help civil society, the active public, the Government and Parliament to give due consideration to all the factors that need to be taken into account to make the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 now being discussed by the Committee of Parliament during the vacation, capable of being enacted in a bi-partisan manner when Parliament resumes in October 2017.

The chronicle of the events leading to the writing of this paper is also expected to provide a historical record on my website, martinamidu.com or Martin Amidu Speaks, of parts of the processes that led to the enactment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 for the future assessment of any law passed pursuant to this Bill.

Martin A. B. K. Amidu

(Citizens Vigilance for Justice)

6th September 2017
APPOINTMENT OF MR. DANIEL OGBARMEY TETTEH IS A RECIPE FOR COLLUSION, CORRUPTION AND A THREAT TO FAIRNESS IN THE SECURITIES INDUSTYRY.

DYMOG applauds His Excellency, Nana AkufoAddo for constituting the SEC Board on 9th August, 2017. This act by the President, although long overdue is a positive one since it is never too late to do what is right.

The Movement also congratulates the Board members for earning the trust of the President to execute the governing affairs of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

DYMOG however judges the appointment of Mr. Daniel OgbarmeyTetteh as Director General of the regulatory body as a recipe for collusion, corruption and a threat to fairness-the most vital tenet in any securities market.

The objection of DYMOG to the appointment of Mr. Daniel is firmly premised on the industrial and friendly relationship between Mr. Daniel OgbarmeyTetteh and Finance Minister Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta. The new SEC Boss has worked for Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta over sixteen (16) good years at Data Bank Group, a securities dealing Company largely owned by Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta.

The first parameter to substantiate our claim is that, the appointment of Mr. Daniel OgbarmeyTetteh creates the conducive environment for possible favoritism towards Databank against other Securities dealing companies, since violations of the industry laws by Data Bank may not attract the sanctions they deserve.

Secondly, per the Securities Industry Law 2016 (Act 929), SEC is responsible for Licensing of all industry players which is subject to renewal annually. The appointment of Mr.Daniel OgbarmeyTetteh as SEC Boss creates the possibility of stifling the entry of new securities dealing companies all in an attempt to reduce competition to Data Bank and its associates.

Furthermore, per the Securities Industry Law, the Director General is an automatic member of the Administrative and Hearing Committee (AHC) of SEC. The AHC is the mediation and conflict resolution body of SEC.

As a matter of fact, the laws requires all petitions to be addressed first to the Director General and based on his judgement, the matter could be forwarded to the AHC or not. If there is a conflict between Databank and any of its clients or partners, clearly Mr. DanielOgbarmeyTetteh will be found in a clear Conflict of Interest scenario if a petition is brought before him.

Lastly, SEC by Law has supervisory role over all securities transactions including Government Bonds. As a matter of fact, one of the key mandates of SEC is to advise the Finance Minister on all issues of Securities including Bonds. The relationship between Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta and Mr. Daniel Ogbarmey makes it morally inappropriate to advise the Finance Minister on Securities since it is highly possible he will dance to the tune of his long time Boss irrespective of the consequences.

DYMOG by this statement, is appealing to the President, to withdraw the appointment of Mr. Daniel OgbarmeyTetteh on grounds that, the move is a threat tofairnessin the Securities Industry and worse off, a high possibility of collusion between Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta and Mr. Daniel OgbarmeyTetteh when it comes to issuances of Government Bonds.

Thank you.

Edward Tuttor

Convener for DYMOG
06.09.2017 LISTEN

The government of Ghana led by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, has vowed its commitment to tourism designated centers in the country to attract more participation and foreign earning.

The government has shown its commitment in the quest to revamp, restructure and make museums and monuments very attractive and interesting in no time.

These places are having high potential of bringing in investors and foreign income if taken care of with the needed human resource

Mr. Kingsley Ofosu Ntimoah, the newly appointed Deputy Director of Ghana Museum and Monument Board disclosed this to hbtvghana.com in an exclusive interview in Accra.

His appointment comes at the time that the government wants to give a new face to museum and Monument sites in the country.

Mr. Kingsley Fosu Ntiamoah said the government of the day is really moving all out in all directions to make sure museums and monuments that also portray the heritage and culture of this country the needed recognition.

He said the period has come for the country to manage these places very well for posterity and patriotic citizenship sake.

Appreciation

Mr. Ofosu Ntiamoah, expressed his profound gratitude to all stakeholders.

He said; I am most grateful to all Patriots. I need to thank, the Executive Secretary Ghana Free Zones Board  Mr. Michael Okyere Baafi and the Minister of Tourism and Creative Arts- Hon. Catherine Abelema Afeku for their relentless support throughout the entire process.

Mr. Ofosu extended his gratitude to the, distinguished members of the Eastern Regional Communications Team and the Grassroots communicators.

Mr. Ofosu expressed; his readiness and willingness to work very hard to ensure that the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo achieves his greater vision for this Country.
Some disgruntled parents and guardians on Tuesday besieged the premises of the Education Ministry to express their frustration over the non-placement of their wards in their preferred schools.

The Ghana News Agency, during a visit to the Ministry, witnessed some unhappy parents and their wards making frantic efforts to get their preferred placement.

Some also complained of their inability to access the placement website.

A parent, who pleaded anonymity, accused officials of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) of placing his ward in a day school instead of a boarding school.

He alleged that because of the Governments Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, the ward was placed in a low rated school.

People prefer to pay and send their wards to schools of their choice, we dont want any free SHS, he said.

Some parents insisted that because the Government had already paid for specified number of students under the Free SHS Policy, it placed them randomly in any school without recourse to their selected schools.

They told the GNA that authorities at the Ministry gave them a new placement website and a code after paying GH8.00, but they could not still access the website.

Madam Jemimah Cobinnah, who travelled from Sefwi-Wiawso in the Western Region to Accra, said her ward was placed in the fourth choice school and, therefore, rejected it, insisting that she should be placed in the second or third choice.

Meanwhile, in a press statement issued by Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Senior High School and Technical, Vocational and Educational Training, indicated that it had extended the deadline for the self-placement to Thursday, September 7, 2017.

It said the CSSPS and the National Information and Technology Agency were working closely to improve the accessibility to the placement website.

In addition, the technical personnel of the CSSPS were mopping up the SHS placement online to rectify all anomalies.
Recent revelations do implicate some Ananangya royals as the cause of the complication of the ongoing Kumawu chieftaincy dispute. It is obvious the intentions, endeavours and the roles by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Kumawuhemaa Nana Abenaa Serwaah Amponsah and their teeming accomplices to deny the true Kumawu Ananangya royals ascension to the Kumawu Kodua Stool.

However, the hidden evil machinations by certain enemies within the very Ananangya royal family are contributing to the misfortune of the familys speedy repossession of, or ascension to, their birth-right throne (the Kumawu Kodua Stool).

I am more worried by the deliberate devilish attempts by certain members of the Ananangya royal family to forestall the noble quest and efforts by the progressives pursuing the course of truth and justice in the ongoing Kumawu chieftaincy dispute.

As it is well known among Ghanaians in depiction of their evil mindedness, se abek3 goal die enk3 corner, to wit, for a family member to favourably access an opportunity, it should rather go to an outsider thus, for the ball to go into the goalpost net (score), one had better miss it (off to corner). This is the undisputable factual level of the evil mindedness of the Ghanaian, especially, the Akans. This evilness is exactly what some members of the family in question are demonstrating to the annoyance or disbelief of many a discerning citizen of Kumawuman. This disgusting character of theirs is directly impacting the case to the disadvantage of the progressives.

I believe in naming and shaming of perpetrators of heinous crimes as deterrence to other would-be criminals or to dissuade the very perpetrators from any further pursuit of their course of condemnable action.

Since around August 2007, now Barima Tweneboa Kodua V has left his wife and children behind in London, as well as his job, to proceed to Ghana to fight the genuine battle to repossess and to ascend his ancestral throne. He has gone through an awful lot of hellish situations; deprivation of warmth from wife, absence of children, financial constraints and other related headaches. He is still going through same problems but fortunately confronting them as manly and courageously as he can.

For all these years, he has been living at the abundant mercies of God Almighty who has designated him to free Kumawuman from the grips and evilness of Kumawuhemaa Nana Abenaa Serwaah Amponsah and her co-conspirators. His upkeep in Ghana is supported by his wife and other few farsighted philanthropists who have seen his quality and sense of purpose of being capable to do the job God has ordained him to do.

In all his sufferings, he has surrendered himself whole-heartedly to the calling. However, certain members of his own Ananangya royal family, namely, Madam Berhene, Osei Yaw, Yaw Boamah etc. for completely absurd reasons are undermining him. Madam Berhene and her cohorts were recently alleged if not established, to have arranged an assault on Barima Tweneboa Kodua V and his elders if the traditional one week funeral observance of the late Ananangyahene Nana Damte had taken place.

As man proposes but God disposes, their evil intents although secretly planned, were made public in the nick of time. How it became open to the would-be victims is miraculous and I shall let the means remain secret. Their evil plot finally culminated in the abortion of the funeral celebration contrary to expectation and pre-arrangements. Since then, no new dates have been fixed for the one week celebration and the final funeral rites.

Who is bearing the cost of this indefinite keeping of Nana Damtes remains in the morgue? How are his wife, children, siblings, friends and the caring but not the dubious relatives, being consoled all the time that the corpse is waiting for a befitting burial?

Have Berhene and her ilk of devil incarnates seen the financial cost they have brought to bear upon Uncle Adusei?

She wants her son Osei Yaw, to become Kumawuhene from the Ananangya family. It is a noble idea but stupidly defeated by her thoughtlessly desperate action. She went and formally invited the alleged Kumawuhene Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua to come to preside over the traditional one week funeral celebrations of Nana Damte. Was she not by her wicked action directly sanctioning the enstoolment of Dr Yaw Sarfo (Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua)?

For her, if her son (Osei Yaw) from same Ananangya royal family cannot ascend the Kumawu Kodua Stool, then it had better stay or go to the Ankaase royal family with Dr Yaw Sarfo staying on as Kumawuhene hence se abek3 goal die enka enk3 corner.

Madam Berhene must bear in mind that the evil that men do lives after them. She is suspected of being a juju fanatic; visiting fetish shrines and fake pastors with the aim of harming those whose genuine actions as permitted them by God are hampering her desire to have her son Nana Yaw as Kumawuhene instead of the Gods appointed one in the person of Barima Tweneboa Kodua V.

I have no qualms about her going to fetish shrines to protect herself and her accomplices but to seek their help as a means of harming anyone is what I have a beef with.

At this junction, they should be aware that their evil intents and plots have become public knowledge; they are no longer a secret as they had wished. They should bury their heads in their palms in shame.

It is simply short-sighted for them to have behaved so irresponsibly if not devilishly. I know they became victims to the ploys by a certain Lady Switzerland who as pretentious as she is, has for years been scheming against Barima Tweneboa Kodua for all absurd reasons. She has been feeding Berhene false history narratives. I have already published some views about her so I had better not waste time revisiting what is already a public knowledge.

I pray Lady Switzerland finds transformational peace and forgiveness of sins as she tours Jerusalem praying. She has indeed caused a lot of problems that have contributed to retarding the progress of the fight to wrestle the Kumawu throne from its current illegal occupant, Barima Sarfo Twneboa Kodua.

Finally, let it be known to Madam Berhene and her son Osei Yaw that there is no monkey de work baboon de chop in this Kumawu chieftaincy saga. He cant continue to stay in the United States of America (USA), enjoying family life, doing his job and earning decent salary/wages etc. to expect someone who has forgone such privileges or rights and is toiling in Ghana to work for him. What does he take him and his supporters for? Fools?

I have heard that Lady Switzerland has advised that during chieftaincy disputes when the throne becomes vacant, we have someone who goes to fight for it and when his action succeeds, then we have another that comes to ascend the throne. To them, the London royal burger is in Ghana fighting for the throne and once he takes it from Dr Yaw Sarfo and his accomplices, then the US burger will fly to Ghana to be enstooled Kumawuhene. What nonsense this idea is?

How sheepish the detractors of Barima Tweneboa Kodua V may feel after reading this double-edged sword-like advisory cum condemnatory publication.

By the way, is it true the rumour I am hearing that some two assailants of Barima Tweneboa Kodua V and his cortege as taken place at Bodomase during the late Kumawu Akyempenhenes funeral have succumbed to the curses heaped on them by a certain lady that they intentionally or otherwise offended?

Rockson Adofo
Damascus (AFP) - Millions of Syrians have fled their country's war as refugees, but for tens of thousands of people escaping conflict elsewhere, Syria is also a place of refuge.

Among them is Zahraa Abdi, who fled her native Somalia in 2012 and lives in a small room with her three children in northern Damascus.

"In Syria, death is organised, you can escape it. But in Somalia, it strikes randomly, at any time or place, there's no escape," she told AFP, her hair wrapped in a turquoise headscarf.

The UN's refugee agency UNHCR estimates some 55,000 refugees from war-torn countries in the Middle East and beyond are currently living in Syria, which has been ravaged by conflict since March 2011.

It provides them with various forms of assistance, though many also work to supplement the aid.

The largest refugee contingent, numbering around 31,000, are Iraqis who crossed the border into Syria to flee their country's many years of violence.

But the UN also counts some 1,500 Afghan refugees, and 1,500 more from Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia.

Abdi, 47, chose to come to Syria because she could enter without a visa, and she was desperate to find safety for her family.

She fled her home in a suburb of the Somali capital Mogadishu after her 10-year-old daughter was raped and murdered.

"In Syria, there is bombing, but there are also regions were you can take refuge. In Somalia, the armed men enter homes and kill the inhabitants," said Abdi, dressed in a black robe embellished with rhinestones.

"I don't want anything for myself, I just want safety for my children."

Somalia has been engulfed in violence for most of the past 25 years, and waves of Somalis have fled abroad searching for safety.

But conflict also caught up with Abdi in Syria.

In 2012, she was living in the town of Al-Tal, held then by opposition forces and subject to sporadic government blockade and regular clashes.

She spent two years there before escaping to the relative safety of nearby Damascus.

'Syria is part of me'

Zahraa Abdi (R), 47, who fled her native Somalia in 2012 with her three children, sits with her children inside a shared apartment in the Barzeh district of the Syrian capital Damascus

While Abdi moved to Syria in the early part of the conflict, most refugees sought safety in the country long before it was consumed by war.

In a modest church packed to capacity in a Damascus suburb, 45-year-old Faten sings hymns in Arabic and English.

A Chaldean Christian from Iraq, she and her family fled to Syria in 2007 after receiving death threats related to her sister's job at a cafeteria serving US forces.

Graffiti was scrawled on the walls of their home accusing them of "treason," and shots were fired at the house.

"When they set fire to the house, we knew it was the end, that we had to go," she said, her curly hair pulled up in a pony tail above her lightly made-up face.

"My brother and sister and I left without anything. We were barefoot so we wouldn't make any noise when we were running away," she said.

She sought refuge at All Saints Church in the Jaramana suburb of Damascus, where she met Alex Amazia, a refugee from Sudan who would become her husband.

Amazia arrived in Syria in 1999, fleeing Sudan's civil war.

Twelve years later, South Sudan announced its independence and he found himself the citizen of a new country, but one Syria's government does not recognise.

He is unable to renew his Sudanese papers, or to obtain South Sudanese ones in Syria, and so lives without documentation.

But he said the violence that has surged in South Sudan makes life in Syria a better option regardless.

"Despite all the difficult circumstances we have lived through in Syria, the situation in South Sudan remains appalling, and doesn't compare to here," he insisted.

He has spent 18 years in Syria now, missing the funerals of his father and brother.

"Syria has become part of me, I am Syrian," he said.

Alex and Faten married in 2014 and he looks after the church, which is attended by a flock that includes dozens of refugees, mostly from South Sudan and Iraq.

Faten feels the conflict she fled in Iraq has caught up with her across the border in Syria.

"We feel that we are stuck with the curse of war," she said.

'Weary of war'

Roqaya Omar, 60, also found herself caught up in the Syrian conflict, after fleeing Somalia a decade ago.

In 2012, she was living in the town of Harna near Damascus, which was a frontline in the fighting.

"We lived all the experiences of war like any Syrian," she said.

"We were besieged and we heard the sound of battle and shelling," she added.

"But I didn't feel the same fear as I did in Somalia, where anyone can be killed with knives and slaughtered."

She was able to flee Harna and move with her 26-year-old son Mohamed into Damascus.

"I'm weary of war," she said, stroking her son's face tenderly.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with my son in any country in the world... any country where there is no war."
Hong Kong (AFP) - A Kenyan park ranger who said his closest friend was shot dead while protecting elephants urged Hong Kong not to compensate the city's ivory traders in an emotive speech to lawmakers on Wednesday.

Hong Kong is a major hub for ivory sales and last year announced that it would introduce a total ban on the trade.

But authorities later clarified they would only completely abolish the trade by 2021, drawing criticism they were dragging their feet and trailing China, where officials last year pledged to halt the enterprise by the end of 2017.

Angry ivory traders in Hong Kong say they will be forced to close down their businesses and are demanding the government compensate them for their stock, a move opponents say would fuel the illicit business and encourage stockpiling.

Despite the planned ban, the trade is still flourishing in Hong Kong, which saw its biggest ivory bust in three decades in July, when more than seven tonnes of tusks worth over $9 million were seized.

Kenyan park ranger Chris Leadismo, who said his closest friend was shot dead while protecting elephants, has urged Hong Kong not to compensate the city's ivory traders

During a public debate at the city's legislature over the ivory ban bill, ranger Chris Leadismo, the head of wildlife security at NGO Save the Elephants in northern Kenya, said he and his colleagues put their lives on the line to protect elephants.

"I still recall the death of my very closest friend Joseph, who was shot dead while in the line of duty in June this year. There is still pain in my heart," Leadismo said, wearing his camouflage ranger uniform.

He told how he left his wife and sons for long periods of time as part of his work to protect the elephants in his area.

"I know it breaks her heart, but I still go because if no one keeps the peace in our landscape, eventually, we will all be victims of poachers, one way or another," he said.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says more than 20,000 African elephants die every year to feed the ivory trade in Asia and Hong Kong.

WWF wildlife law enforcement officer Crispian Barlow told the hearing that the violence around the trade was escalating.

"I had a ranger who was drowned, another was set on fire while he was asleep," he said.

However, traders hit back, saying they had been forced to sell off their remaining stock for the past 27 years, following an international ban in 1989.

The ban came after African elephant populations dropped from millions in the mid-20th century to some 600,000 by the end of the 1980s.

"We are the victims... We have put all our capital into this industry," ivory seller Chu Chun-pong told the hearing.

But Leadismo said compensation would only fuel the business.

"As they are compensated, more elephants will die to fuel this trade, and I will lose more comrades, or even my life as a wildlife ranger," he said.
Partner, family-member assault

Police say that around 1 a.m. Sunday a woman ran into McDonalds on Harrison Avenue and told employees that she had just been assaulted and to call 911.

When police arrived, she told them that she had discovered her ex-partner sleeping outside her residence near the front door.

Police said the ex-partner, later identified as Donovan Descharme-Curran, awoke and spoke with the woman, who agreed to drive him to McDonalds. After arriving at McDonalds, police said, Descharme-Curran struck the woman in the face with his fist as the two sat in the vehicle. The woman then ran into the business, police said, told employees to call 911, and hid somewhere outside the building.

When officers arrived, police said, Descharme-Curran attempted to resist arrest. He was taken to the Butte jail, where he faces charges of partner, family-member assault and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors.

Aggravated DUI

Jesse Buffington, 30, of Butte was arrested around 2 a.m. Monday for allegedly driving with a blood alcohol content over twice the legal limit.

According to police, officers spotted Buffington driving 63 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone near Farrell Street and Adams Avenue, where they recorded his speed using a radar gun. Police said officers attempted to pull Buffington over, but he would not stop. Police followed him down Adams, where he turned down an alley and struck a utility pole in the process. After hitting the pole, Buffington stopped the vehicle and was confronted by officers. Police said the man appeared to be intoxicated. He was later taken to the Butte jail, where he failed field sobriety maneuvers and blew twice the legal limit on a Breathalyzer. In addition to an aggravated DUI, hes also being charged with speeding and making an improper turn.

Partner assault

Brittany Mulcahy, 29, of Butte, is being accused of assaulting her partner. Police said the partner, a male victim, came to the police station Monday afternoon to report the alleged assault, which had occurred Monday morning. According to the victim, he and Mulcahy had gotten into an argument Sunday night and he had spent the night inside his vehicle. After waking the next day, police said, the man walked into the residence to retrieve personal items, at which time Mulcahy allegedly kicked him in the back.

Police visited the couples residence, on the 500 block of Franklin Street, where they say she admitted to the assault. Mulcahy was placed under arrest and charged with partner, family-member assault.

Facebook post solves car theft

A Facebook post Friday led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and to the arrest of the alleged thief.

Police said an off-duty officer was viewing Facebook Friday when he saw a post from a Butte auto-repair company claiming that someone had stolen the license plate from a black pickup truck the company was working on. The post caught the officers attention, police said, because someone had stolen his vehicle, also a black pickup truck, days earlier.

Later in the day, around 2 p.m., officers were driving Uptown when they spotted a black pickup truck tagged with the stolen license plates. Officers began following the vehicle, but the driver would not stop, police said. Eventually the man, later identified as Lonnie Jackson Boyd, 52, of Butte, abandoned the vehicle near the 1200 block of West Mercury Street and hid in bushes. Officers were able to locate him, and they placed him under arrest. In his vehicle, police said, officers discovered a syringe and a small bag of marijuana.

Boyd is being charged with felony possession of stolen property and a violation of a release condition, also a felony, along with several misdemeanors, including possession of dangerous drugs.

Stolen purse, credit card

Bernie McKinney, 39, of Butte was arrested Saturday after he allegedly stole a purse from a vehicle parked on the 1100 block of Woolman Street and attempted to use the victims credit cards to make purchases at Walmart on Harrison Avenue.

According to police, McKinney broke into the vehicle sometime before 9 a.m. Saturday.

Police said he then tried to make a purchase at Walmart using one of the victims stolen cards, but was denied the purchase because employees thought the card was suspicious. The man returned to Walmart later in the day and attempted to use more of the victims cards. He was denied again, police said.

During his second attempt, employees captured McKinneys license plate on a security camera and forwarded the information to police.

Using the license plate number, police were able to identify McKinney, locate him and place him under arrest. He faces charges of theft from a motor vehicle, criminal mischief and deceptive practices. Police say he is also a person of interest in six other thefts that are under investigation.

Criminal contempt

Officers responded to a gas station on the 500 block of Montana Street Saturday after a station employee reported that two intoxicated males were loitering in the parking lot.

Before officers arrived, police said, the two men walked to a nearby intersection, where they began grilling hot dogs with a portable grill. Officers later caught up with the men, police said, where they saw 10 to 15 beer cans scattered around the grill. One of the men, Kenneth Clark, 56, of Butte had a warrant out for his arrest. Police brought him to the Butte jail, where he is facing charges of criminal contempt.
Nine Chinese and two Ghanaians have been arrested by a combined team of Forestry Commission staff and Operation Vanguard taskforce in the Kweikaru Forest Reserve in the New Abirim district of the Eastern Region.

The combined team seized an amount of GH 66,000; 2,567 Japanese Yen, 100, $ 340, one pistol, a pump action gun, one automatic rifle, and ammunition.

The Chinese arrested are, Johnson Zhang, 29; Wang Zheng hou, 55; Wang Zhi Dong, 47; Tony Yin, 47; Cheng Sheng Xhi, 61; Zao Wen Lu, 43; Liu Zhang Hai, 49; Wang Zhi Gong, 47 and, Shi Zhi Hai, 49.

Also, the two Ghanaians arrested have been identified as Maxwell Anim, 34, and Akare Thompson, 39.

Eastern Regional Manager of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Atta Owusu, said the illegal miners have degraded over 120 hectares of the forest land, created many trenches posing danger to the forest guards.

He said the Kweikaru Forest Reserve with a size of 1,200 hectares (12.00km square) is under serious threat because since 2010 about 1,500 people with different nationalities have invaded the forest tracing and mining a gold layer in the forest reserve.

Some 58 Chanfai machines, along with mining camps of the illegal miners at Nyafoman stretch of the Kweikaru forest reserve were set ablaze and destroyed.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
06.09.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 4, GNA - The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oxford Business Group (OBG) for its forthcoming publication dubbed: 'The Report: Ghana 2018'.

Under the MoU, GIPC, a longstanding partner of OBG, would contribute to the Group's research for the publication.

A statement from OBG and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the forthcoming report would chart Ghana's efforts at enhancing its investment environment through a raft of incentives and reforms.

The statement noted that the publication would explore the Government's bid to promote industrialisation, especially in the manufacturing sector, where a drive to boost capacity is under way.

Mr Yofi Grant, the Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, said the Centre was working to improve Ghana's competitiveness and business climate, both independently and within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), by benchmarking it against international best practices.

In addition to pursuing macroeconomic stability, he said Ghana was also repositioning to be an economic hub for West Africa.

'One of Ghana's primary goals in attracting investment is stimulating value addition in multiple sectors which, in turn, will produce a number of benefits, ranging from increased employment to capital accumulation.

'I look forward to exploring these and other developments that are helping to drive Ghana's economy forward and once again sharing our findings with Oxford Business Group's team,' Mr Grant added.

Ms Shadeh Van Esch, OBG's Country Director, said she was confident that GIPC's input would give investors a valuable understanding of emerging opportunities across all sectors, and improve the country's business climate.

'Ghana's efforts to facilitate investment are beginning to yield results, with the country ranking top among the West African nations for doing business, according to the 2017 Ease of Doing Business Report,' she said.

'GIPC plays a pivotal part in encouraging, promoting and facilitating inflows into the country, working to create an attractive incentive framework for businesses.

I am delighted that our team will once again benefit from the centre's insight as we begin work on this important report,' Ms Van Esch noted.

Other issues to be analysed include Ghana's plans to leverage new technology and bolster connectivity as a means of heightening business activity.

OBG is a global research and consultancy company with a presence in over 35 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

GNA
06.09.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 5, GNA - Dr Benjamin Anyagri, the General Secretary of the Ghana China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA), said a Ghana-China business desk should be established to ensure smooth trade between the two countries.

He said the desk could help to ensure that all setbacks were effectively dealt with for both countries to make huge gains from their relationship.

'With a lot more focus, Ghana stands to gain immensely from China. We should build well on the relationship and understand what each other wants,' Dr Anyagri said in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.

He said whilst China was already assisting Ghana in several areas of national endeavour such as construction, education, and trade, it was important for Ghana to ensure that bottlenecks in her trade with China were removed.

Dr. Anyagri said the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, for example, could identify and correct cumbersome procedures that could frustrate Chinese businessmen in their operations in Ghana.

He said good customer care approach was needed to ensure that Chinese business partners in Ghana went through the needed procedures with ease.

Dr Anyagri said: 'GHACHIFA's role is to be an advocacy group to ensure that Ghanaians at the grassroots gain from the Ghana-China relations.'
Accra, Sept. 5, GNA - Ghana could make huge gains, if it positions itself well enough and makes good use of its current good relations with China.

'With a lot more focus, Ghana stands to gain immensely from China. We should build well on the relationship and understand what each other want.'

Dr. Benjamin Anyagri, General Secretary of the Ghana China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA), said this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.

He said whilst China was already assisting Ghana in several areas of national endeavour such as construction, education, trade, etc, it was important for Ghana on its part, to ensure that the Chinese faced no impediment in their dealings.

Dr. Anyagri said organizations such as the Ghana Investment and Promotion Centre (GIPC) could identify and correct any cumbersome procedures that could for example, frustrate Chinese businessmen who were in the country for business collaborations and transactions.

He said a sensitive and patriotic customer care approach for example, was most needed to ensure, that Chinese business partners of Ghana went through the needed procedures with some good measure of ease.

Dr. Anyagri said there was the need for certain initiatives to be developed, which would ensure that dealings between Ghana and China was done the right way.

He said a Ghana-China Trade Desk for example, could be set up to ensure smooth trade between the two countries and ensure that all setbacks were effectively dealt with.

Dr. Anyagri said GHACHIFA sought to ensure that agreements between the two countries were successfully carried out.

'GHACHIFA's role is to be an advocacy group to ensure, that Ghanaians at the grass root level gain from Ghana-China relations. '

He said GHACHIFA was placing itself to ensure, that agreements between the two countries were followed through with and also, held gain for all those who stood to benefit from them.

GNA

By Robert Anane, GNA
Accra, Sept 5, GNA - Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, Deputy Minister for Education in-charge of Secondary Education, has assured parents that there was vacancy to accommodate every Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates who qualified to go into Senior High School (SHS).

'All BECE candidates who did not get placement in SHSs would certainly get placements in schools where vacancies exist'.

Dr Adutwum who gave the assurance in Accra at a press briefing, said the Ministry was working to address challenges associated with the Computerized School Selection Placement Secretariat (CSSPS).

He said the Ministry had acquired new servers and would make sure there were backup plans to address any challenge in the system.

'Government is also trying to liaise with some internet cafes to help BECE graduates patronize the online portal for placement,' he added.

The Deputy Minister cautioned heads of SHS not to force parents to pay for anything since the free SHS programme takes care of all students' bills.

Dr Adutwum stressed that the Ministry had meetings with head teachers of various SHSs to make them understand that students would not be sacked from school for non-payment of any fees.

He said in case the Parent-Teacher Association of any school decides to undertake any project, parents were not to be forced to pay.

The Ghana Education Service last week announced an extension for the placement of BECE candidates after it emerged that over 100,000 qualified candidates had still not been placed.

The GES asked qualified students who were not placed to go online and select an option available during a window that will end on Tuesday, September 5.

GNA

By Kodjo Adams, GNA
Accra, Sept. 5, GNA - Mr John Salako, Author of the book titled "Abuse and Misused of the Law of Domestic Violence in Ghana" has donated 300 copies of his books worth GH  45,000.00 to the Ghana Library Authority (GhLA).

Mr Salako who is also a lawyer by profession has got 41 books to his credit; covering politics and psychology.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sideline of the donation in Accra, Mr Salako said the book highlights lots of anomalies in the administration of criminal justice.

He expressed the hope that public would go to the library and read.

He noted that it was unfortunate that cases of domestic violence were brought to the circuit court without going to the district court; adding that "in any democratic country, any crime against the state must commence at the magistrate court'.

Mr Salako told the GNA that, he intended to release another master piece by the end of the year, which would focus on the legal profession.

Receiving the books on behalf of the Management Team, Mrs Rebecca Akita, Acting Executive Director for GhLA, expressed gratitude for the donor's act of kindness.

She told the GNA that the Authority's subvention was not enough and as such they had challenges in carrying out their mandate.

Mrs Akita therefore, appealed to benevolent individuals and organisations to come on board and support GhLA in getting more reading materials for readers.

GNA

By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Sept. 5, GNA- Finance Ministers from Seven African countries participating in the G-20 Compact with Africa (CWA) initiative will meet in Accra on Wednesday September 6, to address the critical role that it can play in economic transformation of those countries.

The CWA is a G-20 partnership programme to support the African Union Agenda 2063 and the meeting, to be held at the MAvenpick Ambassador Hotel, will be the first one for the group.

A statement issued by the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET) said the programme engages African countries in building a reliable financial and macroeconomic framework, in order to expand investment opportunities, create employment and push for more sustainable infrastructure on the continent.

The meeting is also expected to consider how to overcome some challenges in the CWA's implementation including optimizing strategies to improve the business environment, boosting domestic resource mobilization, increasing public investments in transformative infrastructure, and accessing de-risking instruments.

'Ghana's Ministry of Finance (MoF) is organising this event as the first peer-to-peer convening, with technical support from the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET),' the statement said.

The seven Compact countriesCAte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisiawill participate in the meeting. Other observer countries expected to attend are Burkina Faso, Benin, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Togo.

Representatives of the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the IMF will share perspectives on the three Compact frameworksmacroeconomic, business and financialand the roles they will play to support countries in implementation.

According to ACET, the meeting is also intended to provide an opportunity for the Finance Ministers to initiate a peer learning framework for countries to learn from each other as they address common challenges and leverage the Compact for their growth agendas.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Minister for Finance stated: 'We are determined to put Ghana beyond aid, and this compact squarely fits into our broader agenda of increasing private sector investment to drive economic development on our continent,' adding 'I look forward to welcoming my colleague Finance Ministers to this meeting, which presents us with the opportunity to make clear decisions on how to sustain a peer learning platform to deepen and sustain the CWA initiative'.

The CWA was launched following the June 12-13 G-20 Africa Partnership Conference in Berlin and the G20 Summit of 7-8 July in Hamburg.

Initially seven countries agreed to participate in the CWA and additional countries are likely to join.

GNA

By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA
Akatsi, Sept. 5, GNA - The total investment of the Avenor Rural Bank has increased from 32.10 per cent from GH3,986,226.00 in 2015 to GH5,265,712.00 in 2016, greatly improving the bank's liquidity and reserve requirements.

The Bank's total assets also increased from GH11,311,838.00 in 2015 to GH12,051,490.00 in 2016, an increment of 6.54 per cent, propelled mainly from growth in deposits.

Mr Simon Nerro Davor, the Board Chairman of the Bank, said this at the Bank's 34th Annual General Meeting held at Akatsi.

He said it recorded a total deposit increase from GH9,050,477.00 in 2015 to GH 9,723,345.00 in 2016, representing 7.43 per cent jump, with savings deposits accounting for 50 per cent.

Mr Davor said the Bank's share equity also went up from GH1,317,727.00 to GH1,609,888.00 due to enhanced profits and additional share contributions but registered a negative profit before tax of 24.75 per cent from GH322,482.00 to GH242,653.00.

The Board Chairman blamed the decline in profits to high increase in operational costs and 'bad and doubtful debts' apart from costs regarding ICT.

He said gross advances also marked a 1.45 per cent decline from GH5,599,529.00 in 2015 to GH5,518,234.00 in 2016, which was because the bank strategically slowed down on general advance portfolios to concentrate on small scale entrepreneurs like market women and artisans.

Mr Davor said the Bank met all regulatory and supervisory requirements including the minimum capital, capital adequacy ratio and reserve requirements in the year and appealed to shareholders to increase their holdings.

He said the Bank was focusing on customer service, staff training and development of IT operations, with greater emphasis on risk management and cost control.

Ms Francisca Dedei Attipoe, Deputy Head, Human Capital Development, ARB Apex Bank, who represented the Apex Bank's Managing Director, applauded the Avenor Rural Bank for maintaining a 'satisfactory performance and prudent management of resources.'

She asked the Bank to, among others, slow down on loans and advances, control cost and develop new products to ably contend the stiff competitions from micro-finance companies and universal banks.

Ms Attipoe said only 47 out of 141 Rural and Community Banks (RCBs) complied by the GH1 million minimum capital requirements by Bank of Ghana by March this year and urged the others to avoid the regulatory sanctions by December 2017 and called on RCBs to take issues of governance, risk and compliance seriously to remain buoyant.

She decried high fraud levels in RCBs and asked them to submit monthly fraud returns to the Bank of Ghana and the Apex Bank for publication of names of deviant staffs to weed out the bad ones and safeguard the industry.

Mr Sylvester Torku, the General Manager, Avenor Rural Bank, told the GNA that his focus was to intensify deposit mobilization, loan recovery, strengthen the Bank's marketing department, introduce new products and repackage old and existing ones such as micro-finance and 'susu'.

The meeting endorsed a Board decision to transfer GH454,000.00 from the Income Surplus Account to Stated Capital to enable the Bank meet the Bank of Ghana GH1 million Stated Capital Requirement on RCBs.

A GH0.0055 per share dividend, totalling GH83,291.70 was approved and two new persons were voted to fill vacancies on the Board.
06.09.2017 LISTEN

Kete Krachi (V/R), Sept. 5, GNA - Mr Francis Nyonyo, Council of State Member for the Volta Region, on Monday began a familiarisation tour of the Region with a call on chiefs and opinion leaders of the Krachi District to support government's agenda.

He said President Nana Akuffo-Addo's policies of the 'One District, One Factory' and the free Senior High School could not be fully realised without the support of chiefs and the people.

Mr Nyonyo said the Krachi area has vast arable lands at strategic locations and could position itself to become food basket and a major transit route for the country.

The Member of Council of State told chiefs, assembly members and opinion leaders of Krachi East, West and Nchumuru, that though creating a new region was in the right direction, it is important for them to be united for rapid socioeconomic development.

Mr Nyonyo promised to 'promote the Krachi agenda' to help regain its dominance as an industrial enclave and stressed that portable drinking water and a connection to the national grid were priorities.

He said government was negotiating with the Togolese government to create a hydro dam at Katanga in the Krachi East District and pledged to ensure that the area had an electricity substation.

Mr Nyonyo made a donation of books and other items to support government's free senior high school initiative and urged the assembly members to demonstrate commitment to promote education in their communities.

At the Midwifery Training School in Kete Krachi, he urged the students to continue to work hard in the face of the limited resources and promised to help address infrastructural challenges facing the institution.

Mr Maxwell Blagogee, the Deputy Volta Regional Minister, urged the students to make good use of the restoration of their training allowances.
Tamale, Sept. 5, GNA - The Northern Regional Security Council (REGSEC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, is to launch a programme to generate a renewed interest and commitment to resolving all the chieftaincy problems in Dagbon.

The programme, dubbed: 'The Dagbon Peace and Progress Now,' is also meant to pave the way for absolute peace in Dagbon for the needed accelerated development.

Mr Salifu Saeed, the Northern Regional Minister, disclosed this to the media after he paid a courtesy calls on some chiefs in Dagbon as part of the process to bring to an end the protracted Dagbon chieftaincy crisis.

He said the initiative would bring together all stakeholders in the country and chiefs in the Region including youth groups, opinion leaders and other major citizens of Dagbon on September 10, this year.

Mr Saeed explained that the event would serve as a prelude to engagements with all the parties involved for a comprehensive road-map to guide the resolution of the Dagbon chieftaincy matters.

The Minister, who is also the chairman of REGSEC, used the opportunity to renew the call for continuous cooperation and support from all parties and stakeholders.

'The determination of REGSEC to contribute to the resolution of the matter remains unshaken and the effort and progress so far gives the clearest indication of success ahead. REGSEC will work in close collaboration with the Andanis and Abudus and all stakeholders to ensure that lasting peace is achieved in Dagbon and the Northern Region,' he said.

He expressed optimism on the peaceful resolution of the issue considering the effort the Council and Government have made so far.

Mr Sa-eed said over the past seven months REGSEC had engaged in fruitful discussions with the various stakeholders as well as the Committee of Eminent Chiefs, headed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

He said the REGSEC had also been in close discussion with the National and the Regional Peace Council (NPC) on the matter and that it had also conferred with the Overlords of Mamprugu and Gonjaland on securing peace for the Region.

Mr Saeed said in all of those engagements there was an overwhelming endorsement on the need for the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute to be resolved as quickly as possible to pave the way for development of the Region.

'There is also absolute unanimity for peace to prevail and for Dagbon to, once again, take its place as a beckon of chieftaincy and tradition in Ghana,' he said.

The Regional Minister expressed appreciation to all the parties involved, especially the chiefs and opinion leaders of Andani and Abudu, for their contributions, suggestions, efforts and cooperation.

He said: 'Going forward, it is the commitment of REGSEC, under my leadership, to build on the progress made so far and to seek to resolve all the remaining matters in close collaboration with Andanis and Abudus and, of course, other major stakeholders, prominently the Otumfuo Committee of Eminent Chiefs'.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, during a visit to Dagbon, pledged the commitment of the Government to work with all stakeholders in the Dagbon chieftaincy dispute to bring lasting peace to the area.
Some recipes just seem to haunt me. Way back in 1964, a teenager, Janice Boykin, ran away with the $25,000 Grand Prize at the 16th Pillsbury Bake-Off with her Peacheesy Pie, something she developed for a home-ec class. She used canned peaches and topped her filling with a vanilla-flavored cheesecake batter, something quite original and daring at the time. I made her recipe as soon as it was released and fell in love with it.

Over the years Ive fiddled with the basic recipe, and now that we have Montana-grown peaches I always bake with them. Peach season is winding down, so dont dilly-dally. Bake this pie now.

One problem with baking fresh peaches is their juiciness, which leads to using thickeners that tend to result in gluey fillings and soggy crusts. But recently, Cooks Country Magazine came up with a technique that quashes those problem nicely: Roast the peaches before baking. Hallelijah! It works!

What you do is bake halved and pitted lightly sugared peaches cut-side up in a foil-lined roasting pan for about 1 hour, flipping them over halfway during cooking. The sugar helps to coax the juices out of the peaches and the peaches develop a lovely mild caramel flavor. When cool, you cut the peach halves in two, arrange them snugly in the bottom of a partially-baked homemade pie shell, pour on a mascarpone cream, and bake the pie until the cream has set. No cornstarch, flour, or artificial thickener is used.

One more little trick is to sprinkle a small amount of ground almonds or almond flour (also called almond meal) on the bottom of the pie shell before putting in the peaches. The almonds add a delicate almondy flavor and absorb any juices released by the peaches during the final baking, assuring you of a crisp bottom crust.

For a decoration, I like to reroll pastry scraps and cut out eight small circles, one per serving of pie, brush them with egg yolk, and bake them until golden brown. These I arrange on top of the pie at the end of baking. And thats it. When the pie has cooled for about an hour, refrigerate it and serve cold. You can make the pie a day ahead. The bottom part of the pastry will still be crisp.

CAPTION. Succulent roasted fresh Montana peaches topped with vanilla-flavored mascarpone cheese, heavy cream and eggs, make a sensational pie. Best made ahead and served cold.

Fresh Peach Pie with Mascarpone Cream

Ingredients:

Crust

1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, 6 1/4 ounces (scoop 1-cup and 1/4-cup dry measures into flour container, fill to overflowing, and level with a straight edge)

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons (2 ounces) cold vegetable shortening, cut into 4 pieces

6 tablespoons (3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into 6 equal pieces

4 tablespoons ice water

1 teaspoon cider vinegar

2 tablespoons almond flour/meal (to sprinkle over baked crust)

Peaches

2 to 2 1/2 pounds (6 peaches) medium-size firm but ripe freestone peaches

2 tablespoons sugar

Mascarpone Topping

3/4 cup mascarpone cheese

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large egg yolks

1 large egg

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup heavy cream

Egg Yolk Glaze

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon water

Directions:

1. For the crust. In the work bowl of a food processor, process flour, sugar and salt together for 5 seconds. Add the chilled shortening and butter and pulse 5 times for about 1 second each. Combine the ice water and cider vinegar in a 1-cup glass measure. While pulsing very rapidly, about a fraction of a second each, gradually add the liquid through the feed tube in a thin streamtake about 10 seconds to do thisand continue pulsing until the dough forms several large clumps and almost gathers into a ball. Transfer the dough lumps to a lightly floured surface and press the pieces together gently. Shape into a 4-inch disk and wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours. (May be made a day or two ahead and kept refrigerated).

Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 14-inch circle. Fold the circle of dough in half, then in half again, and place the point in the center of a 9-inch pie plate, preferably Pyrex. Carefully unfold the dough and fit it into the pan by nudging it gently down the sides without stretching it. Trim the excess pastry to a -inch overhang. Fold the edge back under itself, toward the outside of the pan, and pinch the double thickness to make a high-standing rim. Flute it by pinching it at -inch intervals into an attractive zigzag pattern. Refrigerate. Gather dough scraps and reroll to about an 8-inch circle or square (thickness of 1/8-inch). Cut out 8 circles of dough with a 2- to 2 1/2-inch cutter. Arrange circles in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate. When the pie crust has been refrigerated for 45 minutes, transfer it to the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes.

Adjust an oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line the frozen pastry shell with a square of aluminum foil, pressing the foil gently on the bottom and sides, and fill with dried beans. Bake about 25 minutes, until the edges of the pastry begin to brown. Remove from the oven and carefully lift out the foil and beans. Prick the bottom of the pastry evenly with a fork, return to the oven, and bake 8 to 10 minutes more, until the bottom of the shell has lost its raw look and is set. If pastry puffs up in spots, prick with a toothpick. Pastry should be golden brown throughout. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the egg yolk glaze by beating the yolk and water together with a fork in a small cup. Brush the chilled dough circles with the glaze, prick each circle with a fork in two places, and bake until golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

2. For the peach filling. Bring a large pot of water to the boil and have a large bowl of iced water nearby. Add the peaches to the boiling water and let them sit in the water for about 30 seconds. Transfer them to the iced water with a slotted spoon. Wait a minute or so. One by one, remove peaches from water and slip off their skins. Cut peaches in half along their seams and separate the halves. Remove and discard the pits.

Line a large baking sheet (17 x 11-inches) with heavy-duty foil. Set peach halves cut side up on the foilthey may slide around a bit when you move the sheet to the ovenand sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons sugar, about 1/2 teaspoon per peach half. Bake for 30 minutes, then flip the halves over and return pan to the oven for 30 minutes more. Remove from oven but do not turn oven off.

Turn thermostat down to 325 degrees.

Let peaches cool completely. Youll need 1 pound of roasted halves for the pie, about 12 (6 peaches). Cut each half in two to make 24 wedges.

3. For the mascarpone topping. In a medium bowl, beat the mascarpone cheese, sugar, and salt until completely smooth on medium speed. Beat in the egg yolks and egg until smooth. Add the vanilla and heavy cream, and beat on low speed until very smooth.

4. Final assembly and baking. Sprinkle the almond flour/meal on the bottom of the crust in an even layer. Use your fingers if necessary to spread the meal. Arrange the peach wedges in the bottom of the cooled crust, packing them in tightly. Make an outside circle and fill in the center with 6 wedges. Pour mascarpone filling over the peaches. Bake at 325 degrees for 60 to 75 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and set. Its okay if theres a little jiggle in the center. NOTE: If edge of crust is darkening too much, tent the pie loosely with foil towards the end of baking.

Remove the pie from the oven, and set the pastry rounds on top of the pie in a circle, pressing them into the topping gently. Cool the pie on a wire rack for an hour or so, then refrigerate for several hours. Serve pie cold. Refrigerate leftovers.

Makes 8 servings.
A private security guard who allegedly robbed an Accra-based banker and murdered her 53-year-old house help with a pavement block, has appeared before an Accra circuit court.

The accused, Prince Appiah and one Yeboah  currently at large  are reported to have conspired and robbed their victim at her residence at Tema Community 20 in the Greater Accra Region.

Prince, according to the prosecutor, DSP Patience Mario, made away with $1,000, GH1,000, 500, one Ipod, a Samsung Galaxy S7 edge phone, three rotary wrist watches, jewelries, ATM card and unspecified amount of South African Rand.

The police are currently on the heels of Yeboah, who is believed to be hiding at Kwahu, Kasoa or Afrancho, near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

Before trial judge Aboagye Tandoh, Prince denied the charges of conspiracy to rob and robbery.

He was remanded into police custody until September 11, 2017.

Facts

The facts of the case are that the complainant is a banker living at Tema Community 20 whilst Prince is a private security guard living at Community 20 with his alleged accomplice friend.

When Prince was employed by the security company in January 2017, he was detailed to perform day guard duties at the complainants residence but in May, 2017 he was asked to perform night guard duties as the one who was performing it had resigned.

This made Prince know more about the complainants movements and then planned with Yeboah  now on the run  to rob complainant.

According to DSP Mario, the accused then suggested to Yeboah that it would be ideal to rob the complainant on Friday since she always came home early every Friday.

Mask

On July 14 when the accused reported for duty at about 5:30 pm, he came with two self-designed face masks and hid them in the security room without his reliever, Joseph Yeboah, noticing it. The complainant arrived home at about 7:40 pm and the accused opened the gate for her.

The moment the complainant entered her room, Prince invited Yeboah to the house.

They put the masks on their faces and went into the room of the house help  one Faustina Asamani aka Auntie Adjoa, 53.

They tied her mouth with a scarf to prevent her from shouting. As she was making noise, they used a pavement block to hit her head several times until she bled to death.

Threats

Accused then took a kitchen knife and an electrical cord whilst Yeboah took a T-baton and rushed to the hall of the complainant and met her working with her laptop computer.

She was asked to keep quiet and surrender all the money she had else they would kill her.

Complainant opened her bag and gave them the afore-mentioned items and moneys. Prince and his accomplice threatened to strangle her with the electrical cord if she did not give them all her money.

They marched her to her room upstairs and robbed her of the jewelleries and the other items.

Yeboah then asked Prince to keep watch of the complainant whilst he goes to town and withdraw money with the card.

Prince took advantage of the absence of Yeboah and searched the room and managed to get some South African currency.

Later, Prince took the complainant to the room of the deceased woman and showed the lifeless body to her.

The complainant managed to call the police and Prince was arrested at his hideout at Biakwaso, near Ashanti Bekwai. He mentioned Yeboah as his accomplice.

[email protected]

By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson
Former Deputy Education Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has asked the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration not to claim glory for being the first to commence free senior high school (SHS) education in the country.

According to him, his party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), first started Free SHS in 2014 with a total of 10,400 students.

President Akufo-Addo's NPP government has announced that the Free SHS programme will start this month (September) with the first-year students in all the public senior high schools in the country.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, September 4, the current Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, urged parents and guardians not to pay any fees demanded by heads of senior high schools since the government was taking care of all such expenses.

Students are not supposed to pay any fees, he said, adding, As a matter of fact, PTA-levied fees like utilities, development levy, and even teacher motivation are going to be paid by the government. As a result, we've made it abundantly clear to headmasters that money should not be the reason why a student should not go to school. Therefore no parent should receive a bill.

Dr Adutwum added, Even if PTA meets and decides in consultation with GES that there is something they want to do and they want parents to contribute, it will not be mandatory. If Mr Kojo Mensah doesn't have money to make that contribution for his ward, the student will not be prevented from going to school.

Poor Communication

But speaking on Asempa FM's 'Ekosii Sen' programme on Monday, Mr Ablakwa said, I think the NDC as a party we need to improve on our communication strategy. Free SHS is not starting in Ghana on the 11th of September this year; it is not President Akufo-Addo who is starting free SHS and many people don't know this.

He indicated that NDC had a loan facility from the World Bank under the Secondary Education Improvement Programme.

Under this there were four components  the first was to build the 23 senior high schools, the second component was the training we provided for Maths, Science and ICT teachers and there was a third component called Quality Improvement Facility upgrade, and the fourth categorically was the scholarships for needy senor high school students.

He said, The agreement we signed with the World Bank for the next five years at that time  2014 to 2019  was on granting scholarships and implementing free SHS for 10,400 students.

There are over 400,000 SHS students nationwide and the current administration is not relying on loan to finance the programme.

Also when compared to the 424,092 students who are expected to benefit from the NPP's Free SHS policy in its first year, the 10,400 figure mentioned by Ablakwa is just a peanut, an educational analyst observed.

Worry

The NDC appears worried about the implementation of the Free SHS programme this month, as President Akufo-Addo is seemingly bent on fulfilling his campaign promise to the Ghanaian people.

President Akufo-Addo has been very swift in honouring his pledges to Ghanaians and that is apparently causing panic within the NDC camp.

Its unclear why Ablakwa is even claiming that his party started the free SHS education when indeed, the NDC had vehemently pointed out that it was not possible to implement Free SHS policy in Ghana, but rather the country should focus on quality education  the very reason for which ex-President Mahama opted to build some 200 Community High Schools nationwide, a project he (Mahama) woefully failed to complete before being booted out of power in a disgraceful manner in 2016.

BY Melvin Tarlue
06.09.2017 LISTEN

When I contacted my Thesaurus on the term 'Rock the Boat this was what it said: To do something to move a boat from side to side, causing it to rock. To cause trouble where none is welcome; to disturb a situation that is otherwise stable and satisfactory.

The President, Nana Akufo Addo had cause to tell his appointees at the just ended National Delegates Conference held at Cape Coast that he would not countenance anyone who will try to rock his boat. He reminded them that, as the captain of the boat, he will not sit down for any Jupiter to turn the apple cart upside down and that to me is most appropriate. The President has been in power for barely eight months and only God knows what informed him to make that thought-provoking statement. In the run-up to the 2016 general election, then candidate Akufo Addo told the world that he was not corrupt, had never been corrupt and will never be corrupt. When he made that pronouncement his main contender, Mr. John Mahama never countered by telling us that he too was the same.

If you have ever sailed in a cargo ship like I did during my salad years, you would have understood better how dangerous it is when a boat is rocked. During such times, the captain of the ship will quickly descend from the Captain's Bridge and tell his 1st Mate to quickly summon a meeting of sailors to determine what made the boat to rock so violently. If it happens that the ship is in turbulent or troubled waters and there is the need to jettison some cargo to save the ship, sailors do not hesitate to do so quickly. In fact, if you have ever sailed on the Atlantic Ocean you will experience how a ship is rocked by tidal waves. Sailors sit on tenterhooks until the ship sails past the rising waves. That is why every captain makes sure his ship is not rocked when it faces a stormy weather.

President Akufo Addo and the NPP for that matter were given the nod by the good people of Ghana to hold the reins of power because of the glaring and institutionalized corruption that we saw when the Mahama-led government was in power. The arrogance of power, impudent snubs coupled with disrespectful behavior of appointees of that regime brought them where they are today. If therefore, a new captain on board the ship of state makes a pronouncement that he would not allow anyone to rock his boat, it is understandable. The President had cause to tell his appointees sometime ago that if they thought they were in government to make money they should forget it since he will never allow that to happen as the president of the nation.

Whether you are a member of the NPP or not, it is the duty of every Ghanaian to support the president in his fight against corruption. Soon, very soon, the Free Senior High School programme will take off and money would be needed to execute the programme. Day students would be given launch at school and the government will have to buy textbooks for students. All these and many more entail money. We will not sit down for anybody to use such monies which could be used to execute the programme to his or her own parochial interest. Whatever goes into the Consolidated Fund is the taxpayers' money and as such we should all protect the purse, irrespective of one's political leanings. After all, when schools reopen and the Free Senior High School programme kicks off, not only the children of NPP supporters will benefit but every Tom, Dick and Harry.

Even though the President was admonishing his appointees on that day, Ghanaians should not think only politicians chop our money. Look at what is happening at SSNIT, EC and other institutions which are not manned by politicians. We have to keep an eagle eye on public sector workers, especially Civil Servants. Just visit posh residential areas and make your own research and you will realize that only a few politicians own mansions there. Greater number of the mansions with architectural wonder are owned by Civil Servants and technocrats. You see a Civil Servant's mansion and you begin to ask yourself how much he receives as his salary for a month.

The other day when the Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid told the world that very soon the Whistleblowers Bill will be passed into law, I clapped my hands for him but sadly the whole thing is still in the pipeline and if care is not taken it will rot in the pipeline. If the government had sent a Bill to parliament for the purchase of Mansions for parliamentarians, you would have seen how quick the Bill would be passed. Some of us have bought a FIFA made whistles to blow when the Bill is passed into law but sadly our whistles are lying idle while corruption and malfeasance still go on. In this democratic dispensation, one should do things according to what the law dictates hence the need for the Whistleblowers Bill. Any delay in passing the law will give criminals the leeway to continue milking the state coffers.

But my cherished reader, don't you think we should pat the shoulders of the President for ordering the CID to wade into the allegation of corruption leveled against the two Deputy Chief of Staff and Madam Ursula Owusu? History is made from such bold actions. The President has also generously asked those who leveled the charges to collaborate with the CID and provide evidences to that effect so that actions could be taken. If the accused persons are found to be culpable, I know very well the President will let the law take its own cause. In view of the fact that he has vowed to fight corruption, I can bet with my last pesewa that he will never hesitate to crack the whip when necessary. If he walks the talk as he promised, it will send a clear signal to all Ghanaians that times have changed.

On the other hand if the three persons are found not guilty, I expect those who leveled the charges to openly render apology to the trio and seek for forgiveness. If they too do this, it will also send a signal to every Ghanaian that you don't tarnish the names of people who are serving the country at their peril without any evidence. It is good Kennedy Agyapong and A. Plus have done what they have done because from this day onwards, government appointees will be extra careful when doing anything untoward since their own people are watching them from the sideline. We used to have a Prophet in Israel I like so much. He was called Jeremiah. As for Jeremiah he prophesized openly and warned the people of Israel to stop their idol worshiping else the wrath and fury of Almighty God will visit them one day. When the Israelis did not pay heed to his admonishment they ended up in slavery.

I never liked what Prophet Nathan did to King David. The King had impregnated the wife of Uriah, a soldier in his army who was at the warfront and went on to order for the man to be sent to the frontline to be killed because he knew when Uriah returned from the war and saw his wife pregnant he will raise an alarm and King David will be disgraced. Instead of prophesying in public like the way Jeremiah did, Prophet Nathan rather went to the palace of the king and revealed what God told him privately. Instead of naming and shaming King David, Prophet Nathan chose the secret way, thereby, letting David off the hook. Because of the seriousness Ghanaians take the issue of corruption, things should not be swept under the carpet like it happened during the Mahama-led administration. Any appointee who thinks the kitchen is too hot can get out and just be. There is a moving violation on the way so you either comport yourself or face the music when caught. In our attempt to fight corruption, the vehicle which we are driving to chase corrupt officers may drive through a red light, damn the consequences. Simplista!

By Eric Bawah
Residents of Landing Hill area, near Sowutuom in the Ga Central Municipality of the Greater Accra Region have accused six soldiers of molesting five women, including a nursing mother and a woman who is four months pregnant when they allegedly raided the area Sunday night.

The women claimed that the soldiers asked them to go naked while they inserted their fingers into their private parts under the guise of conducting body search on them.

The residents, numbering about 20, alleged that the soldiers stormed the area on the orders of one Darko, a resident of the area, and accused them of harbouring a thief.

Madam Abigail Amewu Sika, a hairdresser and one of the victims, narrated to DAILY GUIDE that the incident occurred at about 11:23 pm Sunday when they were fast asleep.

We live in wooden structures with our husbands behind the wall of Mr Darko and we have been living there for the past 14 years, she indicated.

On Sunday, September 3, 2017, Madam Amewu Sika said she was in her room sleeping together with her husband who is a driver, when the soldiers broke the door of their wooden structure and ordered them to come out.

One of the soldiers, who was holding a gun, pulled my husband out first while I looked for a dress to wear before moving out.

When I got out, I saw some of my neigbours also out with their husbands  including Madam Grace who delivered two weeks ago  holding her baby in her arms, Sika said.

She said the soldiers asked them to point out the thief amongst them (residents) who purportedly scaled the wall of Mr Darko, but since they could not tell the soldiers the culprit, the men were brutally assaulted.

The soldiers then asked the men to kneel down and raise their hands up while we, the women were asked to lie on the ground for them to conduct a body search on us, she narrated further.

Madam Abigail Sika alleged that the soldiers subjected only the ladies to the body search by fondling their breasts and inserted their fingers in their private parts.

She noted that her husband attempted to retaliate when it got to her turn, but one of the soldiers pointed a gun at him and screamed, We soldiers don't waste food but waste humans, so if you fool I will waste your life.

She added that her husband had to succumb and allow them to molest me while he looked on.

Mary Amuzu, the nursing mother, also confirmed that she was compelled to stay outside with her two-week-old baby for close to an hour by the angry-looking soldiers.

She claimed that her baby was sick and needed medical attention after staying outside with the child at that unholy hour.

Meanwhile, Frank Amankwa, one of the male victims, also told the paper that he and another victim known in the area as Osei were severely assaulted by the soldiers.

Mr Amankwa said upon hearing that the soldiers committed the act on the orders of Mr Darko, they stormed his house to confront him but his wife rather rained insults on them and ordered them out of her compound.

Mr Darko's wife confirmed that they invited the soldiers to come over to beat them up and if they misbehave she would call the soldiers to come over for the second time, he alleged.

A Police Inspector living in the area was the only person who came to our rescue and urged us to stay calm while he delved into the case.

He later told us to calm down and that he would talk to Mr Darko to compensate us, Amankwa alleged.

He averred that later Mr Darko, a clearing agent, allegedly gave all the victims an amount of GH150 to seek medical care.

The matter has since been reported to the Sowutuom Police for investigations.

( [email protected] )

By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey
Since the week started, the debate over the Free Senior High School (SHS) which begins in about a week's time is going to become a reality, it's reverberating.

The debate is being engineered by people who know no shame and should not have even touched this Free SHS subject especially when they tried, including using state resources in their time in government, to bastardize this noble vision of President Akufo-Addo and his NPP government.

We heard that a former Deputy Minister of Education, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is claiming that the erstwhile Mahama NDC administration started the implementation of the Free SHS programme. That is baloney; to borrow the word of President George Walker Bush Jnr.

Just like the sod cutting for the 'one district one factory'policy at Ekumfi the hometown of former President John Mills, the NDC quickly seized the airwaves claiming the factory was their brainchild not knowing that it was just a sod cutting for the construction of the factory. You see what naked propaganda can do?

Hear Ablakwa: Free SHS is not starting in Ghana on the 11th of September this year, it is not President Akufo-Addo who is starting free SHS and many people don't know this. Free SHS was started in the year 2014, three years ago. The NDC under (former) President Mahama started free SHS.

He continues: We had a loan facility from the World Bank under the Secondary Education Improvement Programme. Under this there were four components; the first was to build the 23 senior high schools, the second component is the training we provided for Maths, Science and ICT teachers, and there was a third component called Quality Improvement Facility upgrade, and the fourth category was the scholarships for needy Senor High School students. The agreement we signed with the World Bank for the next five years at that time  2014 to 2019  was on granting scholarships, and implementing free SHS for 10,400 students.

We wonder if World Bank loan can carry through the project of giving free education to over 350,000 qualified students. Scholarship can never be equated to free SHS across board because it has no restrictive criteria.

The young MP even had the effrontery to say that the opposition NDC must improve the communication strategies of the party for Ghanaians to know what they achieved during their tenure. Did Ghanaians not hear all these promises under that dubious 'JM Toaso' mantra and they decided not to dance along with the tune?

We can recount the number of NDC bigwigs and even public and private officials including some NGOs who were sponsored by these same NDC guys to rubbish then opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo's noble vision to ensure every Ghanaian child has access to secondary education regardless of the person's social status. A good number of Ghanaians still remember vividly the numerous advert sponsored by Mr. Mahama and his NDC against the NPP's Free SHS policy. We can't forget the nasty things some of them said about this Free SHS.

With the reality dawning on them, the NDC is shamelessly trying to share in the glory of the free SHS after bastardizing it. They are realizing that this policy is going to serve as a catalyst for political mobilization and nation building hence trying hard to be associated with it whether by fair or foul means.

They (NDC) said it was only a campaign gimmick, nowhere near being implemented but now nobody, indeed, not even naysayers, can doubt the sincerity of the initiative.

It is refreshing to note that at long last the free SHS promise is going to be made good. All we are praying for is that the necessary inputs are provided to reduce the hitches which usually accompany novelties of such a national character.

This government has clearly demonstrated that it is capable of accelerating the development of this country and every well-meaning Ghanaian should continue to contribute his/her quota. The NDC can continue with their nauseating propaganda.
Rabat (AFP) - Twenty years on from his death in exile in Morocco, only the initials MSS mark the grave in Rabat as the resting place of Mobutu Sese Seko, the self-styled "King of Zaire".

The late dictator of the vast African country, renamed Democratic Republic of Congo after his overthrow, is buried in the European cemetery of the Moroccan capital without the fanfare associated with Mobutu during his rule.

"A lot of people come to visit the tomb. There are at least a dozen every day," many of them from Congo, said Abu Fida, the cemetery's caretaker.

"Mobutu is the star of the cemetery!" he said with a smile.

Behind tall white walls, the cemetery is a mix of half-finished tombs and rows of military graves dating back to Morocco under European colonial rule.

Palm trees stand guard before Mobutu's black-and-white marble grave with its iron grill door and cross on top. No name, photo or epitaph can be seen.

Mobutu Sese Seko, seen here in 1997, was known for his signature leopard-skin hats

Two Congolese nuns were seen quietly praying in front of the tomb of the former military ruler. "He was our president after all," one of them confided.

Abu Fida said two of Mobutu's sons were buried alongside him, while three spaces remained in the family grave, which is kept in immaculate condition by cemetery cleaners.

A small chapel inside is locked, containing "personal things... taken care of by mama", said the caretaker, referring to Mobutu's wife who visits twice a week and is "very nice".

Bobi Ladawa was the legitimate wife of Mobutu, who took her twin sister, Kosia, as his concubine.

The two remained his final companions, following him into exile. Today, as heads of the Mobutu clan, they reportedly divide their time between Rabat, Paris, Brussels and Portugal.

'Multi-billion dollar fortune'

General Joseph-Desire Mobutu staged a coup in the former Belgian colony in 1965. He renamed the country Zaire and himself Mobutu Sese Seko.

Mobutu Sese Seko, then Congolese army chief, talks to reporters in the capital in November 1965 after seizing power

He set up a dictatorial kleptocracy that lasted 32 years, during which the strongman with signature leopard-skin hats allegedly amassed a multi-billion dollar fortune.

The end came in May 1997 when he was toppled by rebel leader Laurent Kabila with the support of Rwanda and Uganda.

Abandoned by allies, deserted by his generals and despised by his people, he fled first to Togo before taking refuge in Morocco with his old friend King Hassan II.

After being hospitalised with prostate cancer, Mobutu died on September 7, 1997 at the age of 66.

Exactly two decades on and Mobutu's bones remain buried far from the land of his ancestors.

"For the Congolese authorities, the body of president Mobutu should not remain in Morocco. It should be repatriated," the Kinshasa government's spokesman, Lambert Mende, told AFP.

"But there's an internal row within the family. The government cannot undertake anything in this matter without the family."

As for the Mobutu family, which shuns the media, there has been no word on any reburial plan or of any 20th anniversary memorial.
The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), is demanding that the government immediately resolves all anomalies preventing the payments of the August salaries to four thousand of its members.

The Controller and Accountant General's Department suspended the salaries of about seven thousand workers in the public sector because their heads of department failed to validate them as workers in their respective institutions.

Those affected according to the Controller, includes public sector workers who failed to validate their payroll through the Electronic Salary Payment Voucher (ESPV) system, those with irregular or no bank account details, those with wrong SSNIT numbers, as well as employees not captured on the biometric registration system at the Ministry of Finance.

Sixty percent of the affected workers are known to be teachers.

But speaking to the media on the subject matter, President of NAGRAT, Christian Addae Poku, said they must not be made to suffer for the inefficiencies of government.

From now in the next two weeks, they will start the payroll run again and when they start, it is difficult to make any changes. So within the shortest possible time, they have to engage the Ghana Education Service (GES) to resolve the issue fully because the teachers cannot continue to work for two months without pay. That will not be permissible. We expect that the Controller and Finance Ministry engage on this, he said.
Former Attorney General and stalwart of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Martin Amidu has said his party was kicked out of office because they misbehaved while in government.

According to him, this was evidenced in the humiliating defeat the NDC suffered in the last general elections.

Martin Amidu, anti-corruption crusader himself, prior to the election campaigned vigorously against his own party calling on Ghanaians to reject the corruption-ridden party and lashed at the Mahama-government at the least opportunity in his articles.

John Mahama

He was also attacked the NDC government for being lackadaisical in retrieving the controversial GHc51 million wrongfully paid businessmen Alfred Agbesi Woyome as judgment debt.

Following Mr. Amidu's incessant attacks, some members of the NDC in August 2017 petitioned the leadership of the party to suspend him.

But speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, Mr. Amidu rejected the claims saying his attacks were not geared towards causing disaffection for the NDC but to put the Mahama government on its toes.

He said: I was advocating for people to make reasonable choices to determine whether the behavior of not retrieving these monies [GHc51 million paid Alfred Woyome] which I thought was intentional, justifies anybody being brought back to power. My purpose was not to get the NDC out but to get people to appreciate the power they have under the constitution and if in doing that the NDC was removed I think that it gives them the chance to sit back and think why the people of Ghana rejected them because they couldn't have been removed without a sizable number of NDC people voting for the NPP.

Don't forget that in this country both the NDC and NPP have their core votes and the governments change because one group supporters would have supported the other group to win. So if the NDC supporters supported NPP to win; it means they agreed with me that we were misbehaving so we ought to go to the drawing board and reorganize ourselves. I don't think that it's against the interest of the founding values of the NDC. So to say I helped the NPP to win; of course any human being will reap the quarrel between two siblings. And if they reaped it then so be it but that wasn't the intention, he added.



By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AlloteyGodwin
Malta Guinness, the nation's favorite malt drink, is giving consumers the chance to fulfil their dreams in the latest Go Get It National Consumer promotion.

Malta Guinness will be providing Ghanaians with the energy needed to make their dreams come true.

This will help loyal Malta Guinness consumers turn Malta Goodness into Greatness.

Over the coming weeks, Malta Guinness is set to share its goodness with its cherished consumers and the only way to win is to take part in the Go Get It National Consumer Promotion.

This promotion will run from 1st September to 8th December and will give over GH4 million worth of prizes to cherished consumers of Malta Guinness.

Speaking at the press conference, Roland Ofori, Brand Manager said, The great taste, natural goodness, energy and vitality of Malta Guinness have been fuelling the greatness of Ghana for the past three decades. The most loved malt brand in Ghana, Malta Guinness, is packed with vitamins and iron and provides the fuel to help drive the nation's can-do attitude. Malta Guinness, Ghana's favorite malt drink, is giving consumers the chance to fulfil their dreams in the new Malta Guinness Go Get It Consumer promotion.

We believe dreams don't just run on drive, they require energy to be made real and sustainable. In this regard, Malta Guinness will be providing Ghanaians with the energy needed to make their dreams come true, turning the Malta Goodness into Greatness.

From 1st September to 8th December look out for special promotional PET bottles of Malta Guinness and SMS the codes under the crown to MTN short code 2120 for a chance to win millions of airtime and cash prizes. 700,000 Malta Guinness drinkers, who find a bottle under the crown, will instantly win a free bottle of Malta Guinness.

In addition, every week, one lucky winner who texts the 8-digit code to MTN short code 2120 will win GH10,000 cash.

A further 7,800 consumers will win cash tokens of GH50 and GH100 over the duration of the promotion.

Winners will be randomly selected from all over the country.

Mr Ofori further explained that because of the partnership between Malta Guinness and MTN, consumers will not be charged when they send their texts.

A business desk report
Some freight forwarders and clearing agents at the Tema Port say they do not fully understand the paperless system which became operational on Friday, September 1, 2017.

Scores of clearing agents were seen loitering at the facility when BUSINESS GUIDE visited the Long Room of Customs at the Tema Port yesterday.

It would be recalled that before the system was implemented, all agencies operating at the country's ports, including Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), GCNet, West Blue Consulting, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ghana Shippers' Authority, embarked on several sensitization programmes to educate importers and freight forwarders on the changes that have been made to the system.

Information Technology Systems providers for the paperless system, West Blue Consulting Limited and Ghana Community Network Services (GCNet) also educated freight forwarders, exporters and importers extensively.

All illegitimate freight forwarders and clearing agents were also asked to register with recognized and registered clearing or freight forwarding agencies in order to fully take advantage of the automated clearing procedures at the ports.

Interestingly, some agents were seen queuing at the Long Room where they work on documents.

The Customs Tema Sector commander and some of his officials quickly moved in to provide some education for the agents.

Some of the agents, who spoke to BUSINESS GUIDE, expressed mixed feelings over the new system while others said the system was a bit slow.

General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Affairs of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Esther Gyebi-Donkor, stressed that the Authority would fine-tune the system in the coming days.

She was optimistic authorities at the port and implementing agencies would undertake a lot of education to ensure the success of the paperless system.
In his 1981 hit "Big City," Merle Haggard crooned, Turn me loose, set me free, somewhere in the middle of Montana. Sounds like Haggard longed to be dropped in Lewistown, the geographic center the state, where the pace of life feels decades slower.

Surrounded by wide-open ranch country and five mountain ranges, the picturesque town of just over 5,000 residents has an unintentionally retro Main Street. Amid tack shops, soda fountains, western wear and antique stores, a person can find cappuccino, world-class fly fishing and  on the first Saturday after Labor Day  just about every chokecherry delicacy imaginable.

Now in its 28th year, the festival pays homage to the tart, maroon berries that proliferate wild on bushes throughout Fergus County. Though locals generally enjoy chokecherries raw (be prepared to pucker!) or in jams, jellies, pies or wine, Native Americans dried them for winter consumption or ground them in pemmican.

The town bills itself as the Chokecherry Capital of the World, says Lewistown resident Tom Petrenek, a Paul Bunyan look-alike who has worn the crown of Chokecherry King (i.e. Pit Spitting Champion) most years since the festival began in 1991. Since no one from the Ukraine or Tibet has challenged us, Im beginning to believe we just might be.

Things kick off Friday night with a Chokecherry Jam street dance downtown.

On Saturday morning, don't miss the Kiwanis Club Breakfast of fluffy flapjacks dripping with chokecherry syrup. There are also a one-mile fun run, a 5k run/walk and a 10k race in the morning.

On Main Street, vendors offer everything from pottery, knit hats, glassware and lumpia (Filipino egg rolls) to chokecherry lemonade, teas, pies, muffins and jellyrolls. Theres a classic car show and culinary contest  showcasing chokecherry mustards, breads, cakes, cordials, salsas, soups and more.

Its a nice way to say goodbye to summer, says Denise Seilstad, Fergus County Extension Agent. People come from all over for it. They can walk around in tank tops and flip flops, eat some Kettle Korn, and rendezvous with friends and family one last time before fall settles in.

What are some of the most memorable treats Seilstad has tasted over the years in the chokecherry culinary contest (part her job entails organizing and judging it)?

Jerry Carpenters Chokecherry Biscotti stands out as a favoritebut she is so creative and truly brings something unique and delicious each year," notes Seilstad, And her presentation is always so beautiful." (Carpenter has quite the collection of trays, tea sets, serving ware and knickknacks depicting chokecherries, combined with an artful eye for display; her entries are always showstoppers.)

Has Seilstad ever had to choke down (pardon the pun) any entries? Come on! She laughs, This is a small town! Im not going to name any names or recipes, but yes  there have been one or two that were, ah, more jolting to the palate.

Seilstad loves the diversity of vendors and all the Made in Montana products that have been showing up of late, inching the festivals western border farther and farther up the hill toward the courthouse every year. Willies Distillery from Ennis draws quite a crowd, says Seilstad. Everybody wants to sample their Chokecherry Cordial on ice and buy a bottle or two for the year.

Seilstad is also partial to the Brockel's Chocolates booth. The downtown Billings family business hits the Fergus County Fair and Chokecherry Festival each year, selling chocolates, caramels and handmade caramel-dipped marshmallows.

Central Montanans, myself included, are wild about Brockel's Judith Mountain Ice Cream Bars  named for the picturesque mountain range anchoring the eastern view of Main Street. Theyre a thick ice cream bar (chocolate or vanilla) dipped in homemade light or dark chocolate and covered with chopped cashews. "They're to die for," Seilstad says.

Ive personally never missed a Chokecherry Festivalnot onesince 1991. But Im filing this article while seated on a flight to Beijing, where Ill be for a week before heading to Mongolia for a month. So Ill be eating fermented mares milk yogurt (which I love) and rock hard cheese (literally rock hardlike biting-into-a-hunk of-gravel hard) instead of sipping Chokecherry Lemonade or Cordial or eating a Judith Mountain Bar. (Im getting choked up at the thought of waiting another YEAR til I can taste this stuff!)

Ill be dreaming of those Kiwanis pancakes soaked in Chokecherry syrup and hoping Tom Petrenek takes the crown in the Pit Spit. If you go, please cheer Tom on for me and hunt down and sample whatever Jerry enters the culinary contest. Youll be hooked too; Ill see you there next year.
Over 14,000 farmers in Ghana are now registered with the Olam Farmer Information System (OFIS), a revolutionary technology which enables mapping and survey of farms.

It uses an Android app to harness data for the benefit of smallholder farmers and cooperatives.

Amit Agrawal, Country Head, Olam Ghana, emphasised the platform's usefulness in helping smallholders, cooperatives and farmer groups.

He said: The system's extended coverage of smallholder farmers in Ghana is seen as a significant boost to the Olam Livelihood Charter (OLC), the global initiative, which aims to bring prosperity to farming and rural communities by supporting them in various ways, including through providing finance for crop production, investing in training to help improve yields and running rural health programmes.

This 'one stop tech platform' collects farm-gate data, such as the age of trees, farm infrastructure and weather patterns for analysis, which informs ongoing sustainability initiatives, such as Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) and training delivered regularly to small holder farmers.

He said GAP also empowers farmers to optimise on their crop-per-plot yield by inputting outcomes into the Olam Farmer Information System, progress on farms can be tracked over time and training adapted where necessary. This system ensures the efficient use of resources and helps to increase farmers' yields and incomes.

In Ghana, the Olam Farmer Information System (OFIS) has gone one step further, providing 332 smallholder farmers with personalised farm management plans.

Advice, such as when and how to prune trees or which fertiliser to apply, are all tailored to the individual farm and crop and can be texted straight to the farmer's mobile phone.

OFIS also builds capacity from the ground up and allows farmer groups and cooperatives in Sefwi-Asawinso and Sefwi Wiawso to manage their stock levels and keep an eye on creditor and debtor positions.

It provides detailed reports about their business activities.

Now in its seventh year, a sustainability programme will only be awarded OLC status if it addresses all eight of the Charter principles, namely, access to finance; improved yield; good labour practices; market access; traceability; social investment and environmental impact.

In Ghana, the Olam Livelihood Charter covers and supports a total of 31,722 Ghanaian farmers in the cocoa and cashew sectors.
Finance Ministers from seven African countries participating in the G-20 Compact with Africa (CWA) initiative will meet as a group for the first time in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday 6th September at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel.

The CWA is a G-20 partnership programme to support the African Union Agenda 2063.

The programme engages African countries in building a reliable financial and macroeconomic framework in order to expand investment opportunities, create employment and push for more sustainable infrastructure on the continent.

The meeting will address the critical role that the CWA can play in the economic transformation agendas of Compact countries.

It will also consider how to overcome some challenges in the CWA's implementation.

These include optimizing strategies to improve the business environment, boosting domestic resource mobilization, increasing public investments in transformative infrastructure and accessing de-risking instruments.

Ghana's Ministry of Finance (MoF) is organising this event as the first peer-to-peer convening, with technical support from the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET).

The seven Compact countriesCote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Ethiopia, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal and Tunisiawill participate in the meeting.

Other observer countries expected to attend are Burkina Faso, Benin, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia and Togo.

Representatives of the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the IMF will share perspectives on the three Compact frameworksmacroeconomic, business and financialand the roles they will play to support countries in implementation.

The meeting is also intended to provide an opportunity for the Finance Ministers to initiate a peer learning framework for countries to learn from each other, as they address common challenges and leverage the Compact for their growth agendas.

Ghana's Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, said, We are determined to put Ghana beyond aid, and this compact squarely fits into our broader agenda of increasing private sector investment to drive economic development on our continent.

He added, I look forward to welcoming my colleague Finance Ministers to this meeting, which presents us with the opportunity to make clear decisions on how to sustain a peer learning platform to deepen and sustain the CWA initiative.

The CWA was launched following the 12-13 June G-20 Africa Partnership Conference in Berlin and the G20 Summit held from 7-8 July in Hamburg.

Initially seven countries agreed to participate in the CWA and additional countries are likely to join.
The Civil Society Platform has commended government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for extending countrys program with the Fund.

According to a statement issued by the platform, the programme extension is in the best interest of the country, as it will afford government time to work towards attaining the overall programme objectives of restoring debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability as well as foster a return to high growth and job creation, while protecting social spending.

Admittedly, the programme extension in itself will not translate into successful completion unless the Government is committed to fiscal discipline and good governance the civil society group for the IMF added.

Above all, we believe effective implementation of the current arrangement with the IMF will strengthen the countrys own institutions of fiscal restraint, regain policy credibility as well as chart new sustainable pathways so that Ghana, hopefully, will no longer revert to the IMF for another Fund-supported programme, the Fund noted.

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta

The IMF is a statement, last week noted that the Board approved Ghanas request for waivers of non-observance of performance criteria, and modification of one performance criterion; and the extension of the arrangement by one year.

This was after the Board completed the fourth review of the arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility.

This enabled the disbursement of SDR 66.42 million (about US$94.2 million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR 398.52 million (about US$565.2 million), with the remainder being tied to the remaining reviews.

The Board also approved Ghanas request for waivers of non-observance of performance criteria, and modification of one performance criterion; and the extension of the arrangement by one year.
Out of the 18 ambulance stations of the Ghana National Ambulance Service (GNAS) in the Eastern Region, only one station is currently operational, with the rest broken down for several months.

The Eastern Regional Coordinator of GNAS, Michael Gaani, who disclosed this on Kasapa FM, an Accra-based radio station, hinted that GNAS is unable to attend to many emergency cases due to the poor nature of roads in the region.

He stated that some of the ambulances have damaged engines and are expensive to repair, adding that NAS is even indebted to its suppliers.

The stations with broken down ambulances are Koforidua, Kpong, Nkawkaw, Suhum, Kade, Kibi, Akim Oda, Mampong, Mpraeso, Nsawam, Donkokrom, New Abirem, Anyinam, Abetifi, Asamankese and Somanya. He explained that the best panacea is to replace the faulty ambulances by importing new ones, which must be done, at least, every five years.

A six-year-old boy over the weekend lost his life due to lack of ambulance at St Martin de Porres Hospital at Agomanya in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, DAILY GUIDE has learnt.

According to reports, the deceased boy, identified as Adzokatse Elvis, was knocked down by a motorbike and rushed to the hospital on Saturday. He suffered traumatic brain injury (internal head bleeding), hence was referred to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

But he added that because there was no ambulance to convey the patient for emergency attention, the boy lost his life.

The Lower Manya Municipal Health Director, Dr Akosua Owusu Sarpong, who expressed worry over the situation, explained that doctors in the municipality have been lamenting over the absence of ambulances in the district and its effect on quality healthcare.

In a reaction, however, Mr Gaani explained that GNAS was helpless when the distress call came to the control room because they do not have ambulances in the region.

He added that the only ambulance left which is stationed in Begoro was not in good shape to cover the long distance to Somanya to convey the patient.

BY Daniel Bampoe
The management of HFC Bank has in compliance with Ghanas Labour law affirmed the unionization of its staff and to that effect, all is set for the inauguration of the union on Friday, September 8, 2017 at the headquarters of the bank

A memo to all staff of the bank signed by Frances Sallah-Brown; Head, Human Resources confirmed the recognition of the union in the operations of the bank.

Part of the memo said, On 2nd of August, 2017 the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) Ghana became the recognized collective bargaining unit for some of our staff. The coming on board of the ICU into the HFC family heralds the dawn of a new beginning in industrial relations at HFC Bank.

Although in the past, management has always ensured that all our practices conform to best practice standards, going forward, management will necessitate dialogue with the union before any benefits to the staff can be implemented.

The memo further assured staff of managements willingness and commitment to working with the union to promote industrial harmony.

We look forward to working with the ICU as we achieve our strategic objective of being a leading financial institution in Ghana. This can only be achieved with all the constituents i.e. customers, shareholders and employees working together to the mutual benefit of the bank.

A letter for the inauguration of the HFC Bank union signed by Emmanuel Benimah, Deputy General Secretary in-charge of Administration for the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU), Ghana addressed to the Head, Human Resources of HFC Bank said, We write to notify you of our intention to hold a general meeting with your employees who are our members to inaugurate the union.

The letter further stated, We are grateful if you could release the workers to attend the brief ceremony. We take this opportunity to invite management to grace the occasion.

Investigations conducted by News Ghana indicates management of HFC Bank has been quite instrumental in the unionization of its staff as it has encouraged the staff to join the union.

Management has also offered its premises freely to the staff to be used to inaugurate their union and was in the process of notifying all eligible staff to be present.

Attempts by several workers in certain businesses in the country to unionize have been met with fierce resistance by their management.

The unionization of staff of HFC Bank is therefore welcoming as they join others like the National Investment Bank (NIB), GCB Bank, Stanchart and ADB Bank.

Some banks in the country yet to be unionized include Ecobank, Access Bank, Prudential Bank, Zenith Bank, Unibank and several others.

It would be recalled that management of the HFC Bank recently decided to outsource the services of its 54 drivers nationwide to a private firm, Mon-Tran Limited.

The drivers were given a one-month notice ending August 31, 2017 during which affected persons will be paid 2 months for each completed year of service.

A letter by the bank dated July 27, 2017 signed by Frances Sallah-Brown; Head, Human Resources cited by News Ghana said the company took the decision in order to cut down cost.

The affected workers together with some staff of the bank and the leadership of the ICU demonstrated and registered their displeasure criticizing the bank for breaching the countrys Labour Act, Act 651.

Management of the bank subsequently had a meeting with the leadership of the ICU to resolve the problem to ensure industrial harmony.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the HFC Bank and the ICU signed by the parties dated August 24, 2017 agreed on the severance package for the affected drivers.

The package include three months basic salary for each completed year of service and pro rata, outstanding leave days to be commuted to cash, repatriation allowance of GH1000, and Provident Fund (PF) payment (A and B) as per the rules of the PF agreement.

The rest are FAMSEC payment as per the rules of the FAMSEC agreement, 25% discount on outstanding balance on mortgage loan, one month pay in lieu of notice as well as training to be provided to affected staff through Mon-Tran.

News Ghana investigations has revealed the affected drivers are happy with the severance package negotiated for on their behalf by the leadership of ICU on one hand and the HFC Bank led by its Consultant, Mr. Austin Gamey.
In the light of another unexplainable scandal that has rocked our nation for the past week or so, involving our very own SSNIT, attention has been drawn to the fact that a lot of our pensioners monies have been invested unwisely.

For an entity, and a state-owned one for that matter to reportedly invest $34 million, further rocketed to over $72 million dollars on a rather defective project, Operational Business Suite in the name of digitizing the system/automating the schemes operations, I think is unacceptable.

As usual, the media which is meant to be the eyes and ears of the masses have done, and are still doing their homework well, to make sure that public funds are accounted for.

As to whether this is another case that would be swept under the carpet after a few weeks, one cannot tell. But what can be told is that for now, SSNIT is being held accountable, and the individuals involved would be made to cough out these monies.

Let us not forget that the ruling Nana Akufo-Addo led New Patriotic Party during the campaign prior to the December 2016 elections, promised to protect the public purse.

I feel that even the initial cost of the project, $34 million is over-priced. And the board that approved the project didnt undertake extensive due diligence to ensure that there was value for money, (pensioners money).

The minority in parliament have since been mute on the issue, which should not be news because they were in the majority position when the contracted was awarded back in 2012.

Starr FM Online reported that The Minority is still waiting for expert advice, according to the minority leader.

However, parliament would deliberate on the issue after recess in October.

Some may term it as a witch-hunt of the previous government, others may say its the new government doing its best to account to the people of Ghana.

But I see it as one of many brouhahas that pop up on accountability, which seems to be more of a political play, and in the end the masses and public purse that should be the priority of the issue goes down the priority list.

Now, a whopping 500,000 cedis of again pensioners monies would reportedly be spent on auditing the operations of SSNIT to get to the bottom of the $72million of pensioners money spent.

And these figures are just being quoted as if they are money for koko and kose on Monday mornings.

A number of scandals have rocked this country from previous governments till now involving astronomical amounts of taxpayers monies, and the solution has either been the dismissal, or resignation of executives, withdrawal of contracts , the rebranding of the agencies in question or agreements reached to refund misappropriated funds.

These moves may have saved the nation a lot of cedis, but how are the lost monies accounted for? Are these monies ever paid back? These are the questions that need to be answered. And as journalists, I encourage us to follow up on these issues to make sure these monies are refunded.

In the Bus Branding Scandal, the then Minister of Transport, Dzifa Attivor resigned. The SADA scandal saw Former President Mahama abrogate SADAs contracts with Asongtaba Cottage Limited, just to mention a few.

Let us not forget that the Kuffuor led administration also reportedly spent about $75 million on the Ghana at 50 celebration which cannot be accounted for till date.

I charge journalists who are responsible for breaking these stories, to follow the issues and make sure that in the end, unaccounted monies be paid back, and I mean every single pesewa.

A SSNIT Board Meeting last Wednesday however decided to relieve Dr Caleb Afaglo, General Manager, Management Information Systems of SSNIT of his duties with immediate effect.

The board revealed that Dr Afaglo was on interdiction at the time, and evidence made available to the trust revealed that university degrees presented by him to secure his employment were fake.

The Trust also said it would collaborate with the Economic and Organised Crime Office to ensure that those suspected of breaches of the law in respect if the OBS contract are dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land, which in my opinion is a good move

The process has started, because Joy News reported that EOCO, stormed the home of the Chief Executive of Perfect Business Services Limited, and the office premises.

Because we cannot continue to allow individuals get away with public funds, if not we would end up borrowing more.

I must confess, that even the funds they are stealing: may be borrowed funds from international Financier Agencies.

How do we then pay back? By giving our natural resources for almost free? Or by Letting foreigners run businesses tax free?

For me to say that the perpetrators of these financial discrepancies should not be left to go scot free, is a cliche.

The issues are still unfolding anyway.

By: Senanu Damilola Wemakor

[email protected]
Tunis (AFP) - Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed on Wednesday announced a major cabinet reshuffle, replacing the key ministers of interior and defence.

"I've decided on a government reshuffle," Chahed told reporters, announcing the new line-up after talks with President Beji Caid Essebsi.

A former defence minister, Abdelkrim Zbidi, returns to the post in place of academic Farhat Horchani, while Lotfi Brahem, an ex-head of the national guard, replaces Hedi Majdoub at the interior ministry.

Cabinet head Ridha Chalghoum, a former economic advisor to the president, takes over the key position of finance minister.

Speculation has been rife for several weeks over new faces in Chahed's government following his consultations with political parties and organisations such as the powerful labour union UGTT.
An awkward encounter ensued between some fisher folks and the Member of Parliament of Shama constituency in the western region yesterday during the inauguration of some landing beach committees to oversee the sale of premix fuel in the Shama district.

The aggrieved residents who claim to be die-hard NPP members opposed and called for a rejection of some of the names in the new list provided by the DCE and the MP. Their argument was about some names of some people, they claimed, have no knowledge about fishing and its related activities whose names were seen on the list. The aggrieved fishermen and fish mongers who were against the inauguration of some persons as members of Kesewokan, Abuesi, Aboadze and Bronyinimba committees accused the DCE Joseph Amoah and the Member of Parliament for Shama Hon. Ato Panford of manipulating list.

Some fishermen who were angry said a scrutiny of the list revealed that most of the names on the list were carpenters, teachers and other people whose activities have no relations with fishing activities.

The ceremony which was supposed to be a calm one became a charged one at the premises of the Shama District Education Assembly Hall as several confrontations ensued between the aggrieved persons and the MP in the presence of the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Hon. Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye and the National Chairman of the National Premix Committee Nii Lantey Bannerman.

Disgruntled fisher folks who persistently protested against the inauguration of some persons were sent out of the hall by the police. A woman who protested angrily over the exclusion of his name from the list was arrested and sent to the police station.

Before the inauguration, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Hon. Elizabeth Naa Afoley Quaye appealed to the fishermen to desist from engaging in all forms of illegalities in the fishing industry. She gave the assurance that the ministry is putting up measures to stop the trawlers from operating at where they are not supposed to fish. She added that a task force will soon be at the Takoradi harbor to enforce the laws.
In the past year or so there has been an alarming increase in the number of churches that double-up as fetish ritual dens.

Corpses are being discovered buried in the foundation of churches and several so-called pastors have been caught making human sacrifices.

A church is a place of worship and the priest or pastor is supposed to be the person who ministers to the people about the Bible and Christianity.

Churches are sprouting up almost on a daily basis as people seek miraculous cures and fortunes more than the Word of God. As there is no way to check most pastors qualifications or track records, youre at their mercy. Everyone is busy trying to find more powerful pastors to help them fulfil their dreams and most rely on word-of-mouth or recommendation.

Everything in life is supply and demand: people want things to happen in their lives miraculously and crooked pastors are only willing to supply the demand. Its very easy for a babalawo or fetish spiritualist to dress up as a pastor, complete with cassock and dog collar!

The only question is where do they get their power from? Certainly not from God.

Its very easy for a fetish priest to hide behind the facade of an innocent looking church which becomes a prop that hides their true purpose. There will be candles, Bibles and prayer books. Hymns will be sung, prayers said and a sermon read. All in all it looks like an innocent church ceremony.

But behind the scenes what is the pastor really doing to produce his miracles or prophecies on demand? Churches are not factories that mass produce miracles  its simply not possible!

A lot of pastors get their power from a number of questionable sources : some go deep into the forest to consult the spirits of the trees and rocks, others seek power from the entities of the deep ocean whilst others use human sacrifices.

Human sacrifice is as old as the human race and certain gods and spirits will demand an offering to grant the user certain powers. By burying a sacrificed human being in the foundations of a church not only is the victims soul trapped within the vicinity itll also be used to draw people in and for no reason theyll feel compelled to go to that particular church like moths are drawn towards light. Over time more and more sacrifices will be demanded and one by one members of the congregation will begin to die mysteriously, their souls captured and used.

Its not easy to spot such wayward pastors as audibly theyll be reciting texts from the Bible like they are saints, for the benefit of the congregation, but in their minds theyll be chanting invocations to invoke the gods they are really using.

But the people themselves are to blame: miracles dont happen everyday in a real church but rather once in a blue moon hence the reason they are called miracles.

After some people die and go to the afterlife theyll have a heart attack ( - if its possible!) when they wont find themselves where they expect to be after a lifetime of going to church; many will argue that they were blessed, baptised, anointed and prayed for in church. The sad truth is a lot of people would have unwittingly sold their souls to whatever their pastors was really worshipping. When you start asking your pastor for miracle-this and miracle that, he or she will never tell you, honestly, what the conditions are for what youre receiving or what you ask for  and most people, ignormous, wont ask! You hand over your thick wad of Naira and you are told to come back in 7 days time to collect your soap, anointing oil or holy water. Whats in it you dont know and you dont ask.

And whats to say your pastor hasnt got you in his sights for his next sacrifice to replenish the one buried under his church? How many people go missing in Nigeria every day and are never seen again?

Again Im not saying all pastors are rogues and have dead bodies buried underneath their churches ; there are genuine pastors out there who have genuine places to worship and pray; its up to the worshipper to be more discerning. If theres too many weird miracles happening in a church theres something else going on  either trickery or the pastor has got a fetish temple hidden behind the altar! But yet again if youre looking for this sort of miracles or you want some of the pastors power you only have yourself to blame for whatever you get yourself mixed up in.

Follow me on Twitter: @Archangel641 or visit http://www.archangel641.blogspot.co.uk
Two small black bear cubs were sent to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks rehabilitation center in Helena on Tuesday after humans chasing the bears to snap photos separated the still-nursing cubs from their mother near Harlowton.

FWP game warden Nick Taylor said the cubs and their mother were near the north edge of Harlowton along Highway 191 over the weekend when people stopped to take their picture. At some point, people chased after the fleeing bears and got between the mother and her cubs. The cubs ran east across the highway while the mother ran west to avoid the people.

Later the sow and cubs were seen in different parts of Harlowton, Taylor said. But enough people interfered with the animals to keep them from reconnecting, despite pleas on the Wheatland County Sheriff's Office Facebook page to leave the animals alone. Eventually the mother left and FWP staff was not able to find her.

FWP tranquilized the two cubs and held them for a day to try to locate their mother, Taylor said. When it became obvious that FWP could not reunite the cubs with their mother, they were hauled to the Wildlife Center of Montana at Montana Wild in Helena.

With the fall bear hunting season open, Taylor said he was reluctant to release the tranquilized cubs into the wild.

Lisa Rhodin, manager of the rehabilitation center, said the cubs will be fed and cared for through the winter and most likely released next spring somewhere away from people in south-central Montana, where they can be successful, wild black bears.

The cubs and their mother were separated and they could not be reunited as a direct result of human interference, Taylor said. He encouraged people to keep their distance from all wildlife, for their own safety and for the good of the animals.
06.09.2017 LISTEN

What are the lessons that Ghana's environmental activists can learn from the blow dealt to Ibrahim Mahama's ambition to exploit Nyinahini's bauxite deposit - and how can they be used to end the brutal gang-rape of Mother Nature by the mining industry?

To begin with, one ought to point out that it is pretty difficult to argue against those who say that there seems to be an agenda to destroy Ibrahim Mahama's businesses.

According to some of those who hold that viewpoint, a powerful and greedy few - amongst the small number of extremists and hardliners in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who apparently envy Abrahim Mahama's success as a businessperson - are manipulating the system from the shadows in pursuance of a secret agenda of their own.

Be that as it may, in seeking to destroy Ibrahim Mahama, his enemies have given environmental activists and conservationists in Ghana a rare opportunity they must sieze to finally hold the mining sector's regulators to account - and demand that they operate in consonance with the regulations and laws outlined in the Mining Act.

The question is: When, in the national interest, are the authorities going to take the necessary steps needed to revoke all the illegally acquired rights of players in the mining sector - by applying the same critieria used to revoke the Exton Cubic Group's Nyinahini bauxite mining rights: in auditing all acquisitions of mining concessions and exploratory licenses issued thus far since the 1992 Constitution came into being?

The transcript of a conversation we once had with an insider-activist below - on condition of strict anonymity - ought to be food for thought for the powers that be:

"1) Has Newmont Gold Limited been granted mineral or mining concession in Donkro Nkwanta?

ANS: Newmont Gold Limited does not have any tenement in the Nkoranza South District.

The area around Donkro Nkwanta is for a company called "MYLOVE COMPANY LIMITED" and it is a RECONNAISANCE license

2) What is the size of the conssession?

And what type of licence was Newmont granted: Reconnaissance, prospecting or mining licence?

ANS: It is a Reconnaisance license given to MYLOVE COMPANY LIMITED.

That license cuts across Nkoranza South, Offinso North and Ejura Sekyere Dumase Districts

3) If any of the above when was it granted?

Is the licence still in force?

ANS: The license was granted in 2013

When will it expire?

ANS: The license expired in 2014

Is it subject to renewal?

ANS: Yes but there have not been any

application for renewal

Has Newmont obtained the necessary permits from the EPA in respect of Donkro Nkwanta?

If so what permit has been obtained?

ANS: This information can only be provided by the EPA."

Clearly, if the same criteria used to revoke the Exton Cubic Group's sundry Nyinahini licenses are applied to the whole industry not a single small-scale mining company in Ghana, for example, will escape having their concessionary rights taken away from them.

The time has now come for Ghanaian society to sieze the moment and end the impunity of the mining sector - in which fraudulently acquired rights resulting from corruption (payments of bribes?) have resulted in the poisoning of river systems, underground watertables and soils across vast swathes of the Ghanaian countryside, for decades now. Enough is enough. Haaba.
06.09.2017 LISTEN

A Non-Governmental Organization called As I Grow (AIG), have rescued the life of a 35 year old helpless woman, who was on the verge of losing her sight because of eye tumor  cancer of the eye.

She was discovered when AS I GROW visited their village for one of their donations on 11th April, 2016 in a village called Abena Awia, in the Akuapem North municipality, Eastern Region.

The poor woman, Madam Mary Dogbe, who has taken refuge in the organization with tears, needed about GHC 15,000.00 for her surgery, medication and up-keep after the surgery in July, 2017.

Mary was really going through terrible pains, with some fluid dripping from the affected eye everyday.

She has been suffering from this sickness for over five years now.

Painfully enough, Mary in this awful state she still had to go and work in peoples farm before she could eat and also take care of her three children whose father has dumped them on her and escaped because of her condition.

Doctors who were even working on her discovered that, the tumor would affect the other eye as well; if surgery is not carried out within the shortest possible time.

With this AS I GROW passionately called on Ghanaians and other institutions to come to aid to help save this lady from her terrible situation yet the help wasnt available until one lady whose name have been withheld supported the (AIG) NGO to settle the cost of the surgery in other for doctors to work on her and to their excitement, doctors at the Korle-bu teaching hospital in Accra have successfully performed the surgery and Mary is doing really well.

Speaking to some journalist who visited her at the Korle  bu teaching hospital, Mary expressed her joy, thanked God and also had some kind words for (AIG) NGO and Ghanaians for demonstrating their love by helping her gain her sight back because she lost hope and almost gave up in life.

In a related development the NGO has also saved a five year old boy, Martin Attrams, a Kindergarten 2 pupil of Larteh Salvation Army primary school, eastern region.

Martin has been suffering from hernia hydrocele since infancy and his surgery conducted at the childrens hospital in Accra, June 2017.

Background of the NGO

As I Grow, is a Nonprofit Organization which was established on 15th March, 2012 by a young couple- Mr. and Mrs. Debrah Bekoe  who have the deep desire to help the helpless in society.

The organization currently has its office in Larteh-Akuapim in the Eastern Region.

The organization which aims at providing lifeline to the less privileged in our society, especially, those in the hinterlands and deprived localities in the face of education, health, economic and finance, has since its establishment in 2012, been sponsored by just the two Directors-Mr. and Mrs. Debrah, without any external support, therefore they are calling on government, private institution and philanthropists to come to their aid to help needy in terms of sponsorship or in kind.

For more information

contact:

+233246319523

+233553901708
06.09.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 5, GNA - Mr Chris Addy-Nayo, a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member from the Buem Constituency in the Volta Region, has called for the establishment of a Continental African Court (CAC).

He said this should be a subsidiary of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in Africa for the trial of Africans accused of human rights abuses, impunity and genocide.

A statement issued by Mr Addy-Nayo said the NDC member made the remarks at a meeting with Officials at the Court in The Hague, Netherlands during a visit with a team of NDC members.

The ICC is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague in the Netherlands with the authority to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

Ghana has been a member of the Court since its inception from July 1, 2002, the date that the Rome Statute entered into force.

Some of the recent prosecutions involving Africans include the prosecution and conviction of former Liberian Leader Charles Taylor, the ongoing trial of Democratic Republic of Congo's Bosco Ntaganda, Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army Captain Dominic Ongwen and the ongoing trial of the former Ivorian Strongman Laurent Gbagbo and Youth Leader Charles Ble Goude.

Mr Addy-Nayo expressed the perceptions of bias against Africans in the trial process at the ICC with responses from officials of the Court explaining the process for prosecution of a case, of which majority of the referrals in relation to the ongoing trials originated from Africa.

In line with the Kwesi Botchwey recommendations for a strong policy basis for the National democratic party (NDC)Party, Mr Addy-Nayo and his team were exploring different Policy initiatives for a future NDC government which would enhance democracy, promote Human Rights, and prevent impunity in Africa.

Mr Addy-Nayo said Ghana with the necessary support could host the CAC and called on the officials of the ICC to engage closely with Ghanaian Universities, Attorney-General's Office, the Ghana Bar Association, NGOs, and Human Rights bodies to develop institutional and professional capacity for cooperation on the aims, objectives and activities of the Court.

The team also had the opportunity to sit-in on the ongoing trial of the former Ivorian Strongman Laurent Gbagbo and Youth Leader Charles Ble Goude as the Court listened to witness statements against the accused persons.

GNA
06.09.2017 LISTEN

Accra, Sept. 5, GNA - Airtel Business, a sub brand of Airtel Ghana, has been adjudged the Telecom Business of the Year at the Ghana ICT & Telecom Awards 2017.

A statement issued by Mr Richard Ahiagble, the Head of Corporation Communications, and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday said.

'This award speaks to Airtel Business' exceptional value proposition, our ability to provide tailored business solutions and the commitment and dedication of the team to respond to the needs of customers.'

It said the Telecom Business of the Year was awarded to the industry's number one provider of enterprise solutions and the operator with the most consummate telecom solutions impact.

Launched a few years ago, Airtel Business provides custom-made end-to-end business and enterprise solutions with cutting-edge technology that deliver great value propositions for all forms of businesses on the pillars of reliability, value driven and quality, it stated.

Mr Richard Adiase, the Head of Airtel Business, said: 'We are humbled by this latest recognition and we want to thank the organisers of the Awards and our cherished customers for making us the enterprise solutions provider of choice in Ghana.

'We dedicate this award to all our customers and we remain committed to partnering them to grow their businesses.'

Airtel Business offers a consummate suite of communication, connectivity and collaborative solutions for all businesses.

These include Closed User Group, which allows free calls among employees of large, medium or small enterprises, leased lines, dedicated internet services, managed hosting, cloud service and machine-to-machine communication solutions.
Accra, Sept. 5, GNA - TAP Portugal, the Lisbon-Based Airline has won the 'Marketing Campaign of the Year Award' at the just-ended Ghana National Aviation Awards held in Accra.

The event designed to recognise the effort of players in the industry was attended by industry players and senior officials from the Aviation Ministry.

Mr Edwin Lawson, TAP's District Sales Manager, told the Ghana News Agency that over the years, the airline had a campaign to promote destination to Sao Tome and Principe Island.

He said the success of this campaign had been the driving force in courting passengers from Accra-Ghana to these destinations and it was this that had caught the attention of the award committee for the recognition.

The number of Ghanaians visiting SAo TomA and Principe, a twin Island in the Atlantic Ocean that lies on the equator, has increased by about 20 percent since 2015, necessitating the increase in flight frequency between the two countries to meet demand.

Airline data available indicate that the total passenger uplift in 2016 from Accra to SAo TomA and Principe was 2,294, representing a 29 percent increase over the 2015 figure of 1,620.

He said the destinations were initially patronized by Europeans as a holiday destination for seminars and tourism.

'Before we started operating this route in October 2015, it was mainly Europeans who visited SAo TomA and Principe for leisure, but now the trend has changed,' he added.

Mr Lawson said as a means to keep and serve their customers effectively, the Airline has introduced measures and services for their customers.

He said with the various initiatives being executed, 'it is my expectation that this upward trend will continue.'

'Based on the current trend and word of mouth about how ideal Sao Tome is as a tourism destination, we expect more people to visit the Island,' he added.

The District Sales Manager, in the pursuit of its customer focused policy; TAP continuously invests to deliver safe, reliable and upgraded products and services, tailored to meet customers' expectations.

TAP currently operates about 2,500 weekly flights on average on a modern fleet of 61 Airbus aircraft and 17 aircraft operating in TAP Express livery. TAP regional branded product, adding up to a 78 aircraft fleet with the two additional A330, thus increasing its fleet to 80 aircraft in the whole.

GNA

By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA
Tarkwa (W/R), Sept. 5, GNA - A Tarkwa Circuit Court has fined a 34 year-old driver, Kwasi Gyan GH1,800.00 for causing harm, careless and inconsiderate driving.

Gyan, who pleaded guilty to the charge, would in default serve 36 months imprisonment.

Prosecuting, Chief Inspector Faustina Celestina Anaman told the court that on November 5, last year, at about 1130 hrs, Gyan was driving a Nissan caravan mini bus with registration number AW 5790-14 from Sefwi Bekwai with 15 passengers on board towards Asankrangwa.

She said on reaching a spot shortly after Beposo town, the convict lost control of the vehicle, which somersaulted in the process David Agbeko, 38, Kofi Gyetuah, 39, Kwame Antwi, 73, and Margaret Bio, 60, died on the spot.

Chief Inspector Anaman said eleven others including the convict sustained injuries and were rushed to the Green Shield Hospital at Sefwi Bekwai for treatment.

She said all the victims were treated and discharged the same day.

The Prosecution said investigations revealed the cause of deaths as severe head injuries, chest and hemorrhagic shock.
Lome (AFP) - Hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters protested across Togo on Wednesday calling for constitutional reform, despite an apparent government concession to their demands.

Amnesty International country head Aime Adi told AFP "at least 100,000" were in the capital, Lome, with similar demonstrations taking place in some 10 other cities.

Opposition party leader Jean-Pierre Fabre for his part called the demonstration "unprecedented" and estimated that "more than one million people" were on the streets of Lome.

Neither figure was independently verified but AFP journalists on the ground said a tide of people had converged on the coastal capital, dwarfing previous protests.

Many brandished placards denouncing the regime of President Faure Gnassingbe, whose family has been in power for the last 50 years.

"The reforms are lies, we don't believe them. If the people's minds are made up, nothing can stop them, not even the army," said one protester, Armand Jarre, 26.

Gnassingbe chaired a cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening, which saw ministers approve plans for a bill about restrictions on terms in office and changes to the voting system.

The opposition has been calling for both since 2005, when Gnassingbe succeeded his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled for nearly 40 years.

Civil service minister Gilbert Bawara told AFP the government had taken note of the public's "strong expectation" and that a committee was looking into the proposals.

He invited opposition figures to enter into "dialogue and debate" on the issue.

But he said calls to limit the presidential mandate to a maximum two, five-year terms would not be implemented retroactively.

"There is no legislative reason to do so. But we need a consensus so the reform is accepted," he added.

A consensus would mean the approval of four-fifths of parliament, said Bawara.

Parliament only returns from its summer break in October and exact details of the proposals are vague.

Previous protests

Most of Togo's opposition parties decided to come together Lome and some 10 provincial cities on Wednesday, despite the government's apparent olive branch.

They are calling for an acceleration of constitutional reforms, including the limit on how many terms a president can serve and the introduction of a two-round voting system.

"Unir (Unite, the president's ruling party) calls for talks as soon as it is cornered," said Tikpi Atchadam, the head of the Panafrican National Party.

"I think the people have made up their mind because they're fed up," he added, calling on Gnassingbe to "leave by the front door".

"I don't believe in dialogue with the regime anymore," he said.

One man taking part in the protests said on condition of anonymity that after 50 years ruled by the same family, Togo's problems were "too deep".

Hundreds of people were killed in 2005 during violent protests following the death of Gnassingbe Eyadema and the succession of his 38-year-old son.

The president was re-elected in 2010 and 2015, although the opposition rejected the results.

Last month, at least two people were killed in anti-Gnassingbe protests in the city of Sokode, some 300 kilometres (185 miles) north of the capital.

On Tuesday, he appealed for "calm and restraint", adding that the deaths were regrettable.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is set to deliver its judgement in the dispute concerning the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Ghana and Cote D'Ivoire.

The judgement, according to a statement from the court, will be delivered on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 11 am.

Background

Ghana went to the ITLOS in September 2014, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), seeking a declaration that it has not encroached on Cote d'Ivoire's territorial waters.

It filed its suit based on Article 287 Annex VII of the 1982 UNCLOS.

Cote d'Ivoire in February 2015 filed for preliminary measures and urged the tribunal to suspend all activities on the disputed area until the definitive determination of the case, dubbed: Dispute Concerning Delimitation of the Maritime Boundary between Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire in the Atlantic Ocean.

Case 23 was filed by Ghana after 10 failed negotiations.

But the Special Chamber of the ITLOS on April 25, 2015 declined to suspend production activities in the disputed area.

The Chamber at the time explained that in its view, the suspension of ongoing activities conducted by Ghana in respect of which drilling has already taken place would entail the risk of considerable financial loss to Ghana, and its concessionaires and could also pose a serious danger to the marine environment resulting, in particular, from the deterioration of equipment.

-Starrfmonline
Deputy Information Minister and Member of Parliament for the Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency has asked Ghanaians not to pay attention to the minority in Parliament because they are 'deliberately' trying to destroy the works of the Finance Minister.

The minority led by its leader, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu at a press conference, Tuesday questioned government's approval of a credit facility of GHc10,459,500 from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) for McDan Shipping Company.

They believe the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, usurped the authority and functions of the ADB's Board of Directors to award the credit facility.

Speaking to Kwami Sefa-Kayi in an interview on Wednesday's edition of 'Kokrokoo', Kojo OppongNkrumah said the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) intentionally brings up various issues just to create attention.

It's a pattern; they are deliberately doing this . . . It's just a strategy they are using; they bring up one issue, talk about it; leave it and go for another one . . . we should not politicise every issue. The minority should stop destroying the works of the Finance Minister, he said.

-Peacefmonline
06.09.2017 LISTEN

Monitoring of air quality to protect public health in Tema remains a challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because the air monitoring equipment which contains metals has been stolen.

The Deputy Director of the EPA, Emmanuel Appoh, told the Ghanaian Times that EPA has installed the equipment to monitor the quantity of harmful particles and chemicals in the air.

Industrial activities and heavy vehicular movement in the industrial hub of Tema is a source of air pollution with its attendant health implications.

He explained that poor air quality came with diseases including upper and lower track infections which had been ranked by the Ghana Health Service in its 2010 report as among the top 20 disease burden in Ghana.

Mr. Appoh said the other 15 air quality monitoring sites across residential, industrial and commercial areas in the Accra metropolis were also at risk of theft.

When asked why the sites could not be fenced to prevent theft, The Deputy Director said the equipment worked best in an open area. Mr Appoh expressed worry about the quality of air, saying it is not too good, we need to do a thorough work on it.

He said the Air Quality Index(AQI) yardstick runs from 0-500 adding that the higher the AQI, the greater the level of air pollution and the health implications.

An AQI value of 100 generally corresponds to the national air quality standard for the pollutants, which is the level the EPA has set to protect public health.

AQI values below 100 are generally thought of as satisfactory; when AQI values are 100, air quality is considered to be unhealthy at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone, as AQI values get higher, Mr. Appoh explained.

Mr Appoh said air quality monitoring was a very expensive venture, adding that the EPA requires adequate resources to address the problem.


Butte-Silver Bow residents can have text-message alerts sent to their cell phones when disasters or emergencies strike, including weather events, fires, criminal activities or notices to look out for a missing person.

The county is paying about $12,000 a year for the NIXLE service but its free to activate, although the company says message and date rates may apply. It has been available here for about six months, but the wildfires in Montana have prompted local officials to spread the word about it so more folks sign up.

God bless our neighbors and whats happening with these fires, Dan Dennehy, Butte-Silver Bows director of emergency management, said Tuesday. But we dont live in a vacuum in Butte  and we wanted to take advantage of a bad situation to have people aware of their surroundings and get emergency alerts to them.

County 911 Manager Dave McPherson said messages can be customized to certain locations so only people who live or work in the vicinity of an ammonia spill or hostage situations as examples, are notified.

We can have a line drawn around an area on a map and they (warnings) are just targeted to those people, McPherson said. If there was a police incident at this location, it could say to avoid that area.

The county has long had a system that will call peoples landlines in certain emergencies and that service comes automatically through telephone service providers, McPherson said. But more people have cell phones today so something was needed to reach them.

A 911 subcommittee of Buttes Local Emergency Planning Committee recently agreed to lease two billboards providing instructions on how to sign up for the alert system. If commissioners OK the plan Wednesday night, the billboard ads would run from Sept. 7 to Nov. 20 at a cost of $2,970.

One will be on Continental Drive near Howard Street and the other on Montana Street near the railroad tracks north of Front Street.

The billboard will show a cell phone held in a hand and say ATTENTION, followed by When disasters or emergencies strike, how will you and your loved ones be notified? Receive free emergency alerts via text message and email. www.NIXLE.com or text your zip code to 888777."

According to Nixles website, more than 8,000 agencies and organizations use the service, including fire and police departments, schools and hospitals. Only authenticated agencies and community organizations can securely publish information, the company says.

There are four types of messages: alerts about emergency situations; advisories for less-urgent but need-to-know information; community information such as neighborhood events; and traffic, which is very localized information.

Anyone can also view the information by going to www.nixle.com but to customize the information you receive and locations you receive it from, you must set up an account, the company says. Once registered, you can personalize your locations and preferences.

McPherson said the county can get needed information out in about 5 minutes, with each message 150 characters or less. But multiple messages can be sent if needed.

A message might say theres a gas leak at a certain location for those in that area to stay put or evacuate. A follow-up message might say where shelters are available or what next steps should be taken.

Dennehy says the county will likely put out public service announcements about the system, too. Its all part of a bigger picture about awareness.

We are trying to get more people involved and have more people aware that sometimes during emergencies, they will need to take care of themselves for the first 72 hours, he said. They need to know that and how to prepare for that.
As I Grow (AIG), a Larteh-Akuapim-based nonprofit organisation, is paying for the irresponsibility of some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the country.

Some individuals or groups of people, in their pursuance to support fellow mankind, form NGOs, and rather end up amassing wealth for themselves, through various donations, than the purpose for which they (donations) were made.

To this end, responsible and or relatively responsible NGOs supporting the disadvantaged in society have been treated with the same measure.

One such NGO is AIG, which was established in March 15, 2012, with the aim of providing a lifeline to the less-privileged, especially, those in the hinterlands and deprived localities, in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment.

In the past, AIG has visited and donated items ranging from clothes, footwear to farm tools, through the personal resources of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Isaac Debrah Bekoe, and appears to be financially strapped now.

It could be recalled that The Chronicle. in its November 15, 2016 edition. reported that AIG has passionately called on philanthropists, government institutions and other NGOs to financially support Madam Mary Dogbe, a 35-year-old lady suffering from an eye tumor.

Mary, who hails from Abena Awia, a farming community in the Akuapem North Municipality, peels cassava for gari producers for a paltry daily wage of GH4 to take care of her three children, with the eldest being 16 years.

The hard-working lady, whose marriage has seen a nosedive, is financially strapped and currently not working, following her untimely situation, and can hardly buy food, let alone, pain killers, and has called on AIG to financially aid her undergo successful medical care.

The CEO of AIG, who is also a Class Five Teacher of Larteh Salvation Army Primary School, has managed to raise some money from his salary to see to the surgery of this innocent hardworking woman.

But, even before the NGO takes Mary on her journey to restoring her eyes, it is faced with another challenge.

This time, it is a 5-year-old kindergarten pupil, suffering from hydrocele testis and hernia, and needs immediate surgery to rectify the situation.

The NGO has, therefore, called on every well-meaning Ghanaian and corporate organisations to support this young boy.
Luanda (AFP) - Angola's Electoral Commission declared Wednesday that the ruling MPLA party had won last month's election, in a victory that allows outgoing President Jose Eduardo dos Santos to install a party loyalist in his place after 38 years in power.

The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) garnered 61.7 percent of the vote, and a majority of 150 of the 220 seats in parliament, the head of the electoral commission, Andre da Silva Neto, said in announcing the final results.

Dos Santos, 75, who has ruled since 1979 and is reportedly in poor health, will hand over to former defence minister Joao Lourenco at the presidential inauguration on September 25.

The opposition National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita) won 26.6 percent of the votes and 51 parliamentary seats, while Casa-CE managed 9.5 percent with 16 seats.

Human Rights Watch Southern Africa has urged the incoming president to "urgently implement much-needed human rights reforms" in the oil-producing country.

"He should support free press and association, and ensure that all Angolans are able to express their political views without fear of reprisal or intimidation," said regional director Dewa Mavhinga.

Results of the general election in Angola

"Opposition parties' claims that elections were marred by irregularities, such as the disappearance of ballot boxes, should be promptly investigated by a competent and impartial body," he added.

On Sunday, four defeated opposition parties called for a recount of the August 23 vote, complaining that the election was conducted incorrectly, with ballot boxes and voter forms allegedly disappearing.

But the electoral commission has rejected the demand.

The MPLA had predicted it would win easily, but the result showed a decline in support from the 2012 election.

The oil-rich country of 28.8 million population is battling high poverty levels and has suffered from a slump in crude prices in recent years.
Ghanaian Nollywood actress, Juliet Ibrahim, is really concerned about the various natural disaster going on some part of the world as it has been a topic of discuss.

The actress who is so worried about the various lives and properties lost has decided to donate the sum of 500,000 Naira and another 500,000 Naira on behalf of The Juliet Ibrahim Foundation, to the Makurdi flood victims

According to her, Waking up to news about so many natural disasters happening around the world has been extremely devastating. The most recent ones that struck me were 'Hurricane Harvey' in Houston Texas, the mudslide's in Sierra Leone, and now the flooding in Makurdi. Many families have lost everything, and even worse, many lives have been lost.

I've once lived as a refugee, and I know what it means to work for something, and lose it all in the blink of an eye. Hence my decision today, to donate. Starting with the most recent and nearest, I will be donating the sum of 500,000 Naira and another 500,000 Naira on behalf of The Juliet Ibrahim Foundation, to the Makurdi flood victims. I am also using this opportunity to challenge my fellow colleagues, friends, and fans to join in. Let's help out by donating to this cause. #MakurdiFloodReliefChallenge

I need my friends to step up to the challenge. Once you've accepted the challenge, simply post or tweet stating you have accepted and then tag those you'd like to challenge. You don't have to announce the amount you are donating. The goal is to raise 10 Million Naira.
The Nigeria Farmers Group and Cooperative Society, on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to set a time line to ban the importation of maize into the country.

The groups National Coordinator, Mr Redson Tedheke, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the suspension of the import would protect local farmers and encourage massive production of the commodity.

According to him, unchecked importation of maize remains a major threat to local production and President Muhammadu Buharis agricultural revolution drive.

He said local farmers must be protected to invest more, so that Nigeria would become self sufficient in maize production.

The Federal Government must set an immediate time scale to ensure that maize is not imported within months, like was done with rice.

You cannot tell people to go to farm and then allow massive importation of the same thing they are conveniently producing.

We feel that is insincerity of purpose, and we are telling government that if you allow continuous importation of maize, you are actually working against those you urge to go to the farm.

The Nigeria farmers group, have 2,000 hectares of maize farm across the nation, and it is still cultivating more, he said.

Tedheke noted that some Agro-business firms operating in Nigeria were importing large quantities of maize at relatively low landing cost.

He also said that that although maize was not currently on Nigerias import prohibition list, there was need to check excessive importation to protect local producers in their quest to grow the economy from within.

If the Federal Government does not act fast, the localisation of maize production will be lost to importers who may kill local producers, jobs and the economy.

The current price of locally produced maize is between N130, 000 and N250, 000 per tonne.

Tedheke claimed that a company had shipped in huge vessels of maize from abroad to be sold at about N40, 000 per tonne.

If this trend is allowed to continue, it will spell doom for farmers who have battled lack of funding, support and the war with Army worms in maize farming.

He noted that the cost of imported maize was relatively low because the government of those countries from where they were imported provided necessary support to their farmers.

The coordinator said if the group is properly supported, it has the capacity to produce 50,000 tonnes of maize quarterly.

The India government, for example, subsidised agriculture by providing tractors, seedlings, funding and other relevant support and that largely reduced the cost of production for its farmers.

If the Nigerian government does not want the price of locally produced maize to go beyond a certain level, let it subsidise its production in the best interest of our economy.

NAN reports that the group is a rural community based farming initiative with farms spread across Nigeria and its mission is `farm to feed Nigeria and create job in the process.
The share price of Senex Energy Ltd [ASX:SXY], has jumped up 22.2% today thanks to a successful tender.

What happened to Senex Energy Price?

Senex has secured rights to Surat Basin, a Queensland coal seam gas project. The 58 square kilometre area was hotly contested, with 12 other companies fighting for the rights. As the east coast continues to guzzle gas supplies, it is naturally a big win for Senex.

Senex will end up spending about $200 million to get the project up and running. Which includes the drilling of roughly 100 wells. Though it will all be worth it, as it looks set to triple the companys total annual output.

What now for Senex Energy?

Managing Director and CEO Ian Davies comments (emphasis mine):

We plan to engage with domestic gas customers in early 2018 with a view to signing gas supply contracts, with first gas targeted for 2019. This award enables Senex to materially expand its gas business while delivering energy security to domestic customers and opportunities for the local community.

The crucial part of the deal is just that  the customer. Senex cant sell any gas to exporters. And while domestic supply is certainly in high demand at the moment, Senex hopes that wont change in the next year or two.

But with a 22% rise in Senexs share price, the market is clearly ecstatic with the result. Hopefully, for investors, the good mood lasts.

For other potential star-performing stocks, check out Money Mornings top four ASX picks for 2017 in our free report. Details here.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning
The MSCI World Metals & Mining Index is well up since the start of the year. It signals strong demand for raw materials, and is further proof that global growth is still in place.

The once in a generation infrastructure spends, not only in Australia, but also the US, China and throughout the world, are going to require a lot of raw materials. Such as steel, aluminium, and copper, to name a few.

Demand from new industries is driving commodity prices higher. New industries like the generation and storage of renewable power, the electrification of transport and high-tech devices of all kinds, are also stoking demand for raw materials.

Whats going on in the auto industry right now is absolutely incredible.

For example, in March this year, Mercedes-Benz announced it was going to invest 10 billion euros to release a range of electric vehicles by 2022. Thats just short of $15 billion in Aussie dollar terms.

And all the other major car manufacturers are doing something similar. That requires a lot of aluminium for the body, rare earths for the magnets which drive the motor, battery materials such as lithium, cobalt and copper for the wiring.

China is scaling up production and spending billions on plug-in vehicles, which seem to be gaining traction among drivers.

More electric cars are sold in China than in the rest of the world combined. And, by 2020, Beijing wants five million plug-in cars on its roads.

They need them, to combat the severe air pollution gripping their capital cities

The air quality index in Beijing has been rising steadily, and is reaching levels at which even perfectly healthy people can start to feel unwell.

This is providing an added tailwind for metal prices, as China is enforcing new environmental rules.

For example, China is targeting the illegal mining and smelting of various metals to meet air pollution targets. That further decreases supply.

Many have called the death of commodities since they came off their tops in 2011. But this sector might have further to run.

Thats not based on my opinion. Its based on the work of Nikolai Kondratieff, a long-dead Soviet economist.

His studies found a long wave cycle in the movements of commodity prices, which peaked and troughed in roughly 30-year cycles.

This cycle predicted the run-up we got in commodity prices from the low in 2001. And if history is to repeat, commodities will run up further, roughly into the middle of the next decade.

And its not unlikely that demand for raw materials will increase from here, with Beijings trillion-dollar plans to recreate the ancient Silk Road Marco Polo followed, which connected Europe to Asia.

This colossal program will not be of camels and caravans but new roads, high-speed rail, power plants, pipelines, ports, telecommunications, airports and more. Connecting China with 60 other countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Combine that with President Trumps call to spend $1 trillion updating US infrastructure and our own once in a generation infrastructure spend. All that infrastructure will require a lot of raw materials to complete.

Were getting a hint of that now with the prices for copper hitting their highest level in nearly three years last month, and zinc sitting at its highest price in a decade. Aluminium climbed to three-year peaks last month, and iron ore has rallied 35 per cent since the end of May.

Your take away from all this?

With the prices of industrial metals all busting into multiyear highs like this, it suggests that the likelihood of a global recession is low, despite what the analysts and academics say.

On the contrary, it suggests further global growth. And with global infrastructure plans and the electrification of transport gathering pace, it suggests further that this trend still has steam to run.

The metals sector is presenting opportunities for investors at the moment. Go here to find out more.

Regards,

Terence Duffy,

Editor, Money Morning Trader
'The big truck is still on ...
Irish storytelling Wednesday at KC

An evening of traditional Irish storytelling with Bear the Bard starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Park and Idaho, Uptown Butte.

Chris Brosnan as Bear the Bard will lead the evening exploring Irish myth and legend. He'll be telling stories of Finn McCool, the Irish hero, as well as tails of the land of youth, and the realm of the Shee (the world of fairy).

Admission is by donation.

Free presentation on Medicare set

Southwest Montana Aging and Disability Services hosts a free Medicare 101 presentation at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at 2103 Harrison Ave.

It will include information on Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Assistance Programs and protecting beneficiaries against waste, fraud and abuse. Parking is available in rear of building, entrance off of A Street. Details: 406-782-5555.

Mining City Dance registration set

Mining City Dance Co., 601 S. Montana, has registration and tryouts for a traveling dance competition team coming up.

Tryouts for the team for children ages 12 and older will be on 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.

Registration for dance for new and returning students starts at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. Cost for classes begin at $28 a month.

Details: 406-491-8485.

Legionnaires meeting Sept. 23, in Helena

About 100 Legionnaires and members of the auxiliary are expected to attend the fall meeting of District No. 6 on Saturday Sept. 23, at the HAFRC building at Fort Harrison.

The District No. 6 posts are in Butte (two), Helena, Lincoln, Deer Lodge, Dillon, Anaconda, Whitehall, Twin Bridges, Philipsburg, Townsend, Boulder, and Sheridan.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 112, with the program starting at 10 a.m. A banquet starts at noon in the cafeteria. Department Vice Commander Richard Klose of Laurel is the guest speaker. The business meeting starts at 1:30 p.m.
Seeley Lake businesses, schools and residents got long-awaited good news early Tuesday evening  a mandatory evacuation order for roughly 429 homes was downgraded to an evacuation warning.

Residents were evacuated eight days earlier, on Aug. 28, as the Rice Ridge fire lapped on the northern outskirts of town.

Missoula County Sheriff T.J. McDermott said the welcome change applied to everything east of Highway 83 from Cedar Street on the north end of town to Whitetail Drive to the south. The zone includes Seeley-Swan High School and Seeley Lake Elementary.

The announcement came on the day the high school finally got back in session after a week of fire and smoke-stopping classes, but not at the high school itself.

Buses hauled students from the Seeley and Swan Lake areas to the Paws Up Resort in Greenough, which offered an administrative building for the schools use. Paws Up staff served lunch for students and staff as the strange school year kicked off.

The decision to move back into the school will be based on multiple factors, Missoula County Public Schools spokesperson Hatton Littman said in a text Tuesday night. We are not prepared to make comments on moving back to the school tonight.

Principal Chris Stout said Seeley Lake Elementary School will stick with a plan to open classes next Monday to give everybody time to get back.

The K-8 school was scheduled to start Tuesday, but three teacher training days were curtailed by the evacuation. Stout said the towns off-the-charts smoke issues remain a concern.

Not that I think its going to be any better (by Monday), but its probably another reason to keep it closed, Stout said.

Containment efforts on the Rice Ridge fire continue to be on the west end closest to Seeley Lake, though its most significant growth has been to the north into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and to the east. Residents of Coopers Lake, miles east of Seeley Lake, were ordered evacuated on Sunday.

An assessment of abnormal growth in the Monture Creek area Sunday through Monday morning showed the fire increased from 55,000 acres to 108,126 acres from Sunday into early Monday. Western Montanas largest fire went into last weekend at around 40,000 acres.

Tuesday morning marked the arrival of Greg Poncins Northern Rockies Type I team. Due to diminishing firefighting resources around the nation, Poncins team will also oversee the 21,400-acre Liberty Fire across in the Mission Mountains.

The fire overtook the Reef fire in the Bob Marshall Wilderness on Monday and may be headed for the Monahan fire. The wilderness fires are being managed for resource benefit including allowing the fire(s) to play (their) natural ecological role with consideration for public and firefighter safety and point protection of historic resources and trail infrastructure, according to InciWeb, the national wildfire information service.

The largest fire in the Bitterroot Valley made some significant flares over the weekend, but by Monday the Lolo Peak fire was fairly quiet and all evacuation orders were rescinded by Tuesday, according to Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Lolo Peak fire was 45,012 acres. During the weekend, torching trees caused spot fires on the western edge that grew to 300 acres outside of the primary containment line, bringing with it the potential to move toward Highway 12. The fire also moved to about three miles to the east in the North Fork of Sweeney Creek.

Fire managers expect that it will eventually move into the old Kootenai Creek burn west of Stevensville, and that theyll be able to hold it there.

A second large fire and more road closures have prolonged late-summer miseries in Glacier National Park (see related story).

The Adair Peak fire started on Aug. 12, two days after the more infamous Sprague fire that claimed Sperry Chalet last week and is threatening Lake McDonald Lodge. Adair, burning south of Logging Lake, was relatively quiet until the weekend.

It was estimated Tuesday to be 1,330 acres and had forced closure of some 25 miles of the Inside North Fork road, from the Polebridge Ranger Station south to Camas Creek. Two campgrounds are closed: Logging Creek and Quartz Creek.

There are historic backcountry cabins near Logging Lake and a historic ranger station near the Logging Creek trailhead that are undergoing structure protection.

Lake McDonald Lodge is evacuated, emptied of valuable items, and surrounded by hose line and sprinklers as the Sprague fire threatens. Half of Going-to-the-Sun road, from Lake McDonald to the top of Logan Pass, is closed.

After Mondays winds, Tuesday was calmer in the park and the forecast should hold for a few days, said fire information officer Diane Sine.

Theyre both active, so there will continue to be some movement  but nothing dramatic, said Sine.

Weyerhaeuser lands: With more of the same dry, hot and sometimes windy conditions in the foreseeable future, Weyerhaeuser Co. announced Tuesday that almost all its lands in western Montana are closed.

The giant Washington-based company moved into Montana in 2016 and absorbed some 880,000 acres of former Plum Creek land. It banned campfires in July and is now prohibiting all public access until the extreme fire danger eases, according to Tom Ray, Weyerhaeusers Montana resource team leader.

Tuesdays announcement was made through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 news.

According to the press release, the closure is in effect on all lands in Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Missoula, Sanders and Ravalli counties. Granite, Mineral and Powell counties were not on the list.

Air quality levels in most areas around Missoula were somewhat better Tuesday than on Labor Day. But Sarah Coefield of the Missoula City-County Health Department doesnt expect it to be a trend.

Conditions are likely to continue deteriorating this evening as local smoke becomes trapped near the valley floor and overhead Pacific Northwest smoke mixes down, she wrote at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The smoke season has been so bad that its gumming up the air monitors, Coefield said.

Weve been repeatedly losing touch with the Missoula monitor, and the Florence monitor is being taken off-line for the time being because its little brain is fried, Coefield wrote. The Missoula monitor should be back up and running soon (hopefully tonight), and it sounds like the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is making the rounds throughout western Montana to give all the state-owned monitors a bit of extra love.
New Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken View Photos

Sonora, CA  A committee made up of several regional deputy forest supervisors and forest supervisors vetted several applicants and decided on a deputy forest supervisor with beetle epidemic experience.

He is Jason Kuiken a Wisconsin native. His most recent work has been as the Deputy Forest Supervisor on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in central Washington. My family and I are very excited to join the Stanislaus National Forest and carry on the great traditions of meeting the Agencys mission in the Sierras, Kuiken said.

Kuiken was also a district ranger on the Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota. It was at the Rocky Mountain Regional Office, where he got his beetle expertise dealing with the mountain pine beetle epidemic there. Of Kuikens beetle experience, Forest Service spokesperson Diana Fredlund says, Were excited. It looks like he is going to be a good fit for us. Unfortunately, all of the forests that we have in the Sierras, the bark beetles have pretty well infested all of the higher areas. Its going to be an important part of his mission here and we probably havent seen the end of them [beetles] anytime soon.

Kuikens first day on the job is October 23 until then acting Forest Supervisor Scott Tangenberg will remain on the job. Fredlund shares that Tangenberg and Kuiken have met and both have worked on several national forest projects but not directly with each other. Tangenberg will return to his previous position as deputy forest supervisor for the Stanislaus National Forest.

Kuiken will be joined by his wife Susan, who also works for the forest service as a budget analyst, and their two boys, ages 7 and 4. Fredlund adds, When I spoke to Supervisor Kuiken he told me he already got the familys season passes for Dodge Ridge.
Some people have riches that we even never even dreamed about. The little-known medieval ruler of the empire of Mali Mansa (king) Musa from the Keita dynasty is considered the richest king in Africa and also the wealthiest person of all time. From this article, you will find out interesting facts about his reign.

Experts of American magazine Times and online publication Celebrity Net Worth are unanimous in the opinion of the title of the richest man in history. The latter publication published a compilation of a list of richest 25 leaders. The name, Mansa Musaw as first on this list after overtaking such famous names as Rothschild and Rockefeller. According to experts, in 2012, his fortune exceeded 400 billion US dollars.

For five years, no one managed to beat his record, so this person remains the richest king in Africa 2017 and throughout the world. It seems that for a long time the situation will be just the same. In modern society, it is difficult to hide such a state of wealth and not to attract the attention of the tax service.

Who is the richest king in Africa? Features of his reign

The reign of Mansa Musaw as between 1312 and 1337 (in some sources 1332). He was the tenth person to occupied this position. The date of his death is not reliably established in spite of the fact that the personality of the ruler and his activity are rather well described by his contemporaries - Arab chroniclers.

His great relative Sundiata Keita, leader of Mandingo people was the propagator of Islam and the first ruler of Mali. In the West Africa history, he is a great person. Contrary to the stereotype that the heirs of great people are usually less talented, his followers developed the country and multiplied his wealth.

This man served as the deputy to Emperor Abubakar II. When Abubakar went on a journey and did not return, it became necessary that he take full authority.

READ ALSO: Richest state in Nigeria

The reign of Musa was the heyday of the empire of Mali, the most powerful state in West Africa, under the rule of which were the territories of modern Guinea, Gambia, Mauritania, Mali, and Senegal.

Three most important factors determined the wealth of the empire:

gold mines of Western Sudan, directly controlled by Mansa Musa;

caravan routes, on which goods from the Mediterranean coast came, also under his vigilant supervision;

peace prevailing in the state.

To achieve the latter, a number of Mali troops was of decisive importance: ten thousand cavalry and one hundred thousand infantry. In addition, the chronicles glorify the tolerance of Mansa Musa, who sought to maintain good-neighborly relations with both his subordinate and neighboring states. As a follower of Islam, Musa was also distinguished by his religious tolerance.

The chroniclers wrote about this king mostly with admiration, but some chuckled at his appearance. He loved excesses in everything and sometimes lost a sense of balance by dressing tastelessly and ridiculously. His pants were sewn from twenty stripes, and the end of his turban fell on his face. No one else would have ventured to go to a high society in such a costume.

Near the platform on which he was sitting were huge elephant tusks and a weapon of pure gold. Above the head of the lord was an umbrella made of silk with a golden top. In all of this, excessive luxury is felt. Some considered it strange and unnecessary, while other people envy and also would like to get these unusual attributes.

Wasteful hajj in Mecca

Tellers of the story Musa discussed his most famous hajj in Mecca in 1324, after which the fame of Mali and its ruler reached even the shores of Europe. The memory of this event was preserved both in written sources and in oral tradition. It is mentioned that Mansa was accompanied by a retinue of 60 or even 80 thousand people. Tons of gold (partly in the form of golden sand and partly made of sticks) were used to provide this mass of people with all the luxury to which they were accustomed for the period of the pilgrimage.

Even crossing the Sahara, the ruler did not tolerate the slightest inconvenience: he received fresh vegetables and fish, and when his capricious wife suddenly wanted to swim in the pond in the middle of the desert, more than 8 thousand of Mansa's servants dug a pool for her. This episode is mentioned in Arabic chronicles, as well as in oral traditions. One of the chroniclers reports that 500 girls from the queen's suite rushed to bathe along with her.

In every city in which the ruler of Mali and his entourage arrived that Friday, Mansa ordered them to build a mosque. Incredible, isnt it?

The most important stopping point for the travelers after crossing the Sahara was Cairo. From there, rumors about the wealth of Mansa Musa flew to all points of the earth. According to the chroniclers, even a decade after his hajj, the memory of the generosity of the ruler of Mali was still quite fresh. There wasn't a single official or courtier to whom he would not have given gold, not to mention the royal gifts for the Sultan.

Everyone noted the extraordinary modesty and dignity of Mansa. He did not know Arabic at that time and always came to the Cairo palace with an interpreter. He told the Egyptians that his empire is so huge that it is impossible to cross it even in a year, and so rich that they cant even imagine.

The Cairo merchants shamelessly took advantage of the benevolence and ignorance of Mansa Musa by setting exorbitant prices for any goods they bought. In the end, the ruler realized that he was being subjected to robbery. This worsened the relations between the people of Mali and Cairo. However, gold, lavished by his generous hand, eventually aggravated the economy of Cairo, shaking the established system of prices.

Although the entirety of Musa's money wasn't left in Cairo, he had almost no means left and had to borrow from one of the local merchants. However, this circumstance did not prevent the ruler of Mali upon arrival in Mecca from buying houses and lands for the black pilgrims. Their return to the native country in 1325 was accompanied by Islamic teachers and scholars of the Sharia. In Islam, Mansa Musa saw an important opportunity to raise the culture of his country.

Rumors about the wealth of this Mali Empire and its ruler reached medieval Europe decades after his death. On the Catalan Atlas - a world map of 1375, created by a cartographer from Majorca named Abraham Cresques, commissioned by Aragonese King Juan I, Mansa Musa is portrayed as a bearded man sitting on a throne of an European type and in a golden crown. In his hands are golden attributes of power.

Musa's heir was his son Maghan, who, however, did not sit on the throne for long - only four years. Then the power passed to Musa's brother Suleiman, whose death in 1360 was the beginning of the gradual decline of the Mali Empire.

READ ALSO: The Richest Woman in Nigeria 2017 - Top 10

Source: Legit.ng
- The Federal Executive Council will not hold any meeting this week

- This was disclosed by the minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, via a press statement

- Mohammed said the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations left little or no time to prepare for the weekly meeting

The federal government has cancelled the Federal Executive Council meetings for this week.

This was announced by the minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, via a press statement sent to Legit.ng.

The statement which was signed by the minister's special assistant, Segun Adeyemi, stated that the FEC meetings will not hold due to inadequate time to prepare the documents for the meeting.

The FEC meeting is usually a weekly ritual for the executive arm of government. Photo credit: Bayo Omoboriowo

The statement further said the two-day public holidays declared for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations left little or no time to prepare for the weekly meeting.

President Muhammadu Buhari had cancelled the FEC meeting which was scheduled to hold on Wednesday, August 23.

The president however made his first appearance at the meeting on Wednesday, August 30, since his return from medical vacation in London on Saturday, August 19.

READ ALSO: President Buhari reacts to news of Nigeria getting out of recession

Watch Legit.ng TV video report of the president's supporters celebrating on the streets of Abuja the day he returned:

Source: Legit.ng
- The Osun state police command arrests two men on a motorcycle with human parts

- In a similar case, one Adeniyi Adeyeye is arrested with a human skull in his possession

- The Osun state commissioner of police, Fimihan Adeoye, says all the suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation

The Osun state police command has arrested three male suspects, with two human heads and hands in the state.

READ ALSO: Court refuses to order Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB not to disrupt Anambra election

The commissioner of police, Fimihan Adeoye, told newsmen in Osogbo on Tuesday, September 5, that the suspects were arrested on August 29 during a police stop and search operation.

On Aug. 29 at about 1;02 p.m, a police patrol team on a stop and search operation on Ogbomosho/Oyo Road, at Agboro Area, stopped a motorcycle with two persons on it.

The persons on the motorcycle were searched and two severed human hands with gloves and a human head were found with them, and they were promptly arrested, he said.

Mr Adeoye said in a similar case, on the same date at about 11.30am, at Obas compound in Moro, Ipetumodu, one Adeniyi Adeyeye was also arrested with a human skull in his possession.

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He said detectives attached to the Ipetumodu divisional headquarters arrested the suspect and transfered him to the state criminal investigation department in Osogbo.

He said the skull found with the suspect was suspected to have been exhumed from a grave and that investigation was still ongoing on the matter.

Mr Adeoye, however, said all the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.

In another report, the Niger state police command has arrested two suspected ritualists in possession of a human head.

The suspects, Abdulrasheed Aminu and Ismaila Mohammed, were arrested by men of the tactical squad attached to Niger state police command, the Punch reports.

The command in a statement disclosed that the human head found in possession of the suspects was that of a young man identified as Hassan Abubakar of Bakejeba Paiko LGA.

According to the police, the father of the victim, Abubakar Shuaib, said his son was last seen on Saturday, August 26, taking a kettle of water from the house to give an unknown person waiting outside.

In the video below, Legit.ng TV visited the scene of a kidnappers den uncovered in Lagos.

Source: Legit.ng
- Minister of women affairs was recently caught on camera showing her support for Atiku Abubakar

- Aisha Jumai Alhassan could be heard on tape calling him 'her father' and 'president in 2019'

The minister of women affairs, Aisha Jumai Alhassan, was recently caught on camera declaring her support for former vice president, Atiku Abubakar's 2019 presidential ambition.

Alhassan, who lost Taraba state governorship to Darius Ishaku in 2015, was appointed to President Buhari's cabinet in the same year.

The minister, who spoke in Hausa at a recent event where the Atiku was also present, was caught on tape saying: "Your excellency, my father and by the grace of God, president in 2019."

READ ALSO: Why Igbo should support call for boycott of Anambra election - IPOB

It is not yet known if President Buhari will contest again in 2019, but words from the president's camp and party, All Progressives Congress (APC), is that the president is likely to contest again.

Watch Alhassan's video below:

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that there is division among two major northern youth groups, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Arewa Youth Grand Alliance (AYGA) over who to endorse as a northern candidate in 2019.

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According to the report, the 2019 purported presidential ambitions of incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, and Atiku Abubakar, have created a gulf between the groups.

The division reportedly started after AYCF leader, Alhaji Yerima Shettima granted an interview, asking Buhari and Atiku and other northern political leaders above 60 years of age to perish the thought of seeking elective offices in 2019.

Watch Legit.ng video of man lamenting about the ruling party, APC:

Source: Legit.ng
- List of some high-profile cases involving over 100 politically-exposed persons have been sighted

- The list include names of Walter Onnoghen, Ayodele Fayose, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Yahaya Bello

- 106 cases were under investigation while several others pending in court

- The EFCC however said it is not investigating Justices Onnoghen and Kafarati

As of August 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is still investigating some high-profile cases involving over 100 politically-exposed persons and top-ranking public officers, NAIJ.com gathered.

In a report by Punch, a list containing names of cases being investigated by the anti graft agency was recently sent to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).

READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu more prophetic than Father Mbaka  Reverend Father Obinma

In the list, 106 cases were under investigation while several others pending in court. The list however, did not disclose details of the cases under investigation.

Sources of information for the cases were said to have been listed against each case and they include intelligence, whistle-blowers and petitions from government agencies and private citizens.

Here are names of some prominent persons on the list

1. Walter Onnoghen: Chief Justice of Nigeria

2. Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state;.

3. Dr Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti and current minister of Solid Minerals Development.

4. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala immediate past Minister of Finance.

5. Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

6. Former Kogi state governor, Captain Idris Wada.

7. Former governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, who is currently the Senates Minority Leader

8. Jonah Jang of Plateau state, currently serving as Senator representing Plateau North.

9. Former governor Ali Modu Sherriff of Borno state.

10. Chief Lucky Igbinedion, former governor of Edo state.

11. Dame Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

12. immediate past minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

13. The immediate past Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN).

14. A former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed.

15. Former minister of Aviation, Mrs. Stella Oduah, who is currently the Senator representing Anambra North.

16. A former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe.

17. Reaf Admiral Alison Madueke (retd.), Alison-Maduekes husband.

18. Dr. Reuben Abati, ex-special adviser to the President Jonathan on Media and Publicity.

19. Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former senior special assistant to Jonathan on Public Affairs.

20. Abdullahi Dikko, former comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service.

21. Col. Bello Fadile (retd.), served under the immediate past National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki

22. Uche Secondus, a former acting Chairman of the PDP.

23. Justice Abdu Kafarati, the incoming Chief Judge of the Federal High Court.

24. Justice Mohammed Tsamiya, who was recently retired compulsorily by the National Judicial Council.

However, the EFCC said the report did not emanate from them.

In its reaction, the EFCC said that: "It is important to state that this report did not emanate from the EFCC and the allusion to an EFCC source is diversionary and mischievous.

"For the avoidance of doubt, cases under investigation communicated to the Office of the attorney general of the Federation by the Commission are classified information and it is troubling how such would be leaked to the media.

"The mastermind of this leak is out to create disaffection between the Commission and, particularly, the Judiciary. The Commission wishes to state categorically that it is currently not investigating Justices Onnoghen and Kafarati.

"While Onnoghen was being considered for his present position, the Commission received some petitions which were investigated and found to be without merit and discarded.

"Indeed, much damage has been done to the Commissions investigation activities by this leak especially as some of the cases mentioned are still at preliminary stages of investigation.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was investigating 18 senators for alleged fraud amounting to the tune of N367.5b.

Among the lawmakers being investigated, seven are currently on trial while some of the cases date back to 10 years.

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The cases against the members of the upper chamber are based a variety of alleged fraud ranging from money laundering, misappropriation, unexecuted contracts, diversion of public funds to campaigns, and others to the tune of N367.5billion.

In the video below, The EFCC organised a march tagged walk against corruption in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Source: Legit.ng
Cha-ching! Thats the sound celebrated at Sen. Jon Testers Last Best Outdoors Fest held in Columbia Falls recently. The theme was that Montanas booming outdoor economy depends on our federal lands that provide hiking trails, climbing rocks, ski slopes, and scenery. According to Business for Montana Outdoors, 86,000 new service jobs were created in Montana between 2000 and 2015, but those jobs included the health care and real estate sectors, which also are booming.

Indeed, public lands provide a loud cha-ching, but that sound is louder in boardrooms of the rock climbing industrial complex than on Main Street Montana. In 2015, for example, North Face reported sales of $12.4 billion, REI sales of $2.4 billion, and Patagonia $750 million.

According to the national Outdoor Industry Association, the clothing and equipment sector boasts annual consumer spending of $7.1 billion in Montana, a small fraction of the $120 billion nationwide. Those sales, however, are not driven by Montana hunters looking to fill their freezers or the family hiking to a nearby waterfall. They are driven by the tourists who visit Yellowstone and Glacier, never venturing farther than a few hundred yards from pavement, and by millennials who don a down parka when the temperature falls below 60 degrees in Silicon Valley.

For those who do venture beyond parking lots, recreation, like the fest, is absolutely free and open to everyone. That free lunch comes at great cost to U.S. taxpayers. Every year the federal government takes in about 20 cents for every dollar it spends according to a study by the Property and Environment Research Center. That means the outdoor industry and its customers are heavily subsidized. In contrast, the same study showed that our federal lands take in almost $20 for every dollar spent on mineral land management.

So why is a practical Eastern Montana farmer and senator hosting an outdoor fest that drains the U.S. Treasury? The answer is that, like robbing a bank because that is where the money is, public lands are where the votes are. According to a Colorado College poll, 63 percent of Montanans call themselves conservationists, and most of these are millennials moving to the state believing that federal lands are not for logging, grazing, mining and oil drilling.

This also explains the $1.4 million ad campaign by Backcountry Hunters and Anglers attacking Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkes national monument review. Yes, he will likely propose reducing the size of monuments such as Bears Ears at 1.35 million acres, but it wont result in roughshod development on federal lands. Only a fraction of Bears Ears contains antiquities, while the rest may contain large oil and gas reserves. By attacking Zinke, such groups are really trying to garner more votes for Tester in the 2018 contest.

Our public lands are not going to go to the highest dollar bidder, but they do go to the highest vote bidder. The problem is that the political market place is neither fiscally nor environmentally prudent, and public land love fests will not change this.

Federal lands could be better managed and could be an asset for the U.S. Treasury. By insisting that they are free, we simply pad the pockets of big business. Real change will only come if those of us who use those lands pay for taking care of them. The same poll showing a plurality of Montanans are conservationists showed that 94 percent support improving and repairing infrastructure in national parks and outdoor destinations. If we actually paid realistic recreation fees, we could be the pipers calling the tune.

-- Terry L. Anderson, of Bozeman, is a fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and former president, PERC.
- President Buhari departed his hometown Daura after spending his Sallah holiday

- The presidential helicopter with registration no. NAF-540 left Daura at 10.24 a.m

- The president traveled in the company of his immediate family and members of the protocol unit of the villa

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Abuja after spending his Eid el-Kabir break in Daura, Katsina state.

A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent reports that the presidential helicopter with registration no. NAF-540 left the Daura helipad for Abuja at 10.24 a.m.

READ ALSO: Minister of women affairs caught on camera allegedly campaigning for Atiku

The president was in company of immediate members of his family, media aide Garba Shehu and the Chief Security Officer, Bashir Bindawa, and members of the protocol unit of the villa.

President Buhari and his wife Aisha arrives Abuja after their holiday in Daura Photo credit: Bayo Omoboriowo

The highly-elated Buhari commended the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, for the wonderful reception accorded to his Niger counterpart, President Muhammadou Yusouffou, who visited the Daura palace on Tuesday after visiting President Buhari.

Buhari was accompanied to the departure point by the emir, politicians, well wishers and security personnel deployed to cover the visit.

President Buhari ends his holiday in Duara Photo credit: Bayo Omoboriowo

In an earlier report by Legit.ng, President Buhari received his Niger counterpart, Mahamadou Issoufou, in his Daura home, Katsina state on Tuesday, September 5, after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

See more photos below:

The president spent about one week in his home town seizing the opportunity to meet a number of old friends Photo credit: Bayo Omoboriowo

Buhari bids farewell to his supporters in Katsina state Photo credit: Bayo Omoboriowo

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Issoufou dropped at the Umaru Musa Yar'adua Airport in Katsina state and was received by top government officials including Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

Watch this video as Nigerians react to news that President Buhari may return to London for further treatment:

Source: Legit.ng
Charlotte, NC - Police say a man has been arrested in the apparent domestic violence death of a North Carolina college professor.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police spokesman Keith Trietley said in a news release Tuesday that 45-year-old Donny Lewis Franklin has been arrested and charged with killing 35-year-old Jeannine Shante Skinner.

She was an assistant professor of psychology and gerontology, the scientific study of aging, at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Police were asked to check on Skinner late Friday morning and found her dead in her apartment. The cause of death has not been released. She suffered "obvious trauma" and was pronounced dead at the scene, reports CBS affiliate WBTV.

Police say Franklin was Skinner's boyfriend. Authorities had been searching for Franklin since Friday and at one point considered him to be armed, dangerous, and possibly suicidal, the station reports. Police have not yet said how he was captured, reports the Charlotte Observer.

"Just the thoughts of what could have happened to her in those moments, it's just saddening," Skinner's neighbor Kathy Shivers told CBS affiliate WBTV. "It happens anywhere to anybody, nobody's exempt."

Colleagues told the station Skinner primarily taught undergraduate students, but also mentored graduate students at the college. They described her as the bright light of the psychology department with an infectious laugh and smile.

In a statement released Saturday, UNC Charlotte Chancellor Philip Dubois said Skinner joined the faculty two years ago and was a well-regarded and dedicated teacher.

"She was an active and caring scholar whose research focused on physical, psychological, social, and environmental predictors of cognitive aging, particularly in minority geriatric populations," the statement said.

It was not known if Franklin has an attorney yet to comment on the charges.

The Charlotte Observer reports he pleaded guilty in 2003 to a misdemeanor count of assault on a female and had a charge of violating a domestic violence protective order dismissed.

He was also previously found guilty in Roanoke, Virginia on counts of assault and battery, burglary with intent to commit assault, trespassing and damaging a vehicle, the paper reports.
- As the strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities lingers, the problem just got bigger

- Other educational unions including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities have joined the industrial action

- The indefinite strike of these bodies is set for Monday, September 11, 2017

The problems facing the Nigerian educational institutions are about to increase as all the major non-teaching staff unions of public universities have resolved to embark on an indefinite strike.

According to Premium Times, the strike is set to begin from September 11. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists, (NAAT), announced the strike on Wednesday, September 6.

The president of SSANU, who is also the chairman of JAC while speaking at a press conference in Abuja explained reasons for the industrial action, saying the nationwide strike would be total and comprehensive.

READ ALSO: FG, ASUU negotiations to commence after Sallah - Ngige

He said: During the strike, there shall be no provision of services, no matter how skeletal. Concessions shall not be granted while all our members are to stay at home till further notice, unless as directed by JAC through their respective presidents."

Legit.ng earlier reported that there was a clash between two factions of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.

A first group had assembled at the Unity Fountain to protest the ongoing strike action by ASUU when another group appeared to counter the protest.

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While the anti-strike group led by Haruna Kadiri urged the federal government to do all within its power to ensure that the ongoing strike by ASUU is called off, the second group led by Ade Abayomi said they are not at the fountain for a clash.

Watch this Legit.ng video as Nigerians speak on the educational system in the country:

Source: Legit.ng
- President Muhammadu Buhari's fight against corruption in the Nigerian society received a boost today, Wednesday, September 6

- This is as key agencies of the government held a meeting and resolved to establish a public beneficial ownership register

- As part of the anti-corruption commitments under the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the Nigerian government had committed to ending secret company ownership in May 2016

- Speaking after the meeting, the national coordinator of OGP, Mrs Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu said such efforts can complement other anti-corruption efforts of the current administration

Nigeria's federal government has kick-started plans to establish a public beneficial ownership register.

In a meeting held on Wednesday, September 6 in Abuja, key agencies of the government fine-tuned strategies for the implementation of the policy.

The meeting which was held under the auspices of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) had in attendance the representatives of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Ministry of Justice, Civil Society Organisations amongst others.

L-R: Mrs Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu of OGP, Dr Ogbonnaya Orji of NIETI and others at the meeting on Wednesday, September 6. Photo credit: Mayowa Okekale

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The Nigerian government had committed to ending secret company ownership as part of the anti-corruption commitments under the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in May 2016, by opening a publicly accessible beneficial ownership register.

The government's plan is expected to bring an end to situations where individuals and entities especially Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) mask their identity while retaining controlling powers over companies, corporations and assets.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, the national coordinator of OGP and special adviser to the president on justice reforms, Mrs Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu outlined how such efforts can complement other anti-corruption efforts of the current administration.

According to her: Beneficial ownership transparency is the sixth commitment in the National Action Plan of the Open Government Partnership. It critical to ongoing efforts to trace, recover and repatriate stolen assets and disrupt illicit financial flows.

By the time the beneficial ownership register is made public, there will be no hiding place for those who wish to conceal dirty money.

The representative of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), A. G Abubakar confirmed that government has commenced the initial procedures for the review of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990 as amended to ensure that beneficial ownership information become part of the data required to be disclosed by every company.

Earlier in the year, NIETI unfolded a beneficial ownership transparency road-map in the extractive industry.

According to the executive secretary of NEITI, Mr Waziri Adio who was represented at the meeting by Dr. Ogbonaya Orji, director of communications: The National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) of NEITI is determined to use activities in the road-map to push the boundaries of implementation of transparency and accountability in the extractive industries in Nigeria.

This is in line with the ongoing reforms in the extractive industry. We are working with all relevant stakeholders in the industry including civil society.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, August 24, signed instruments of ratification for a number of bilateral agreements strengthening the governments anti-corruption fight.

The president signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLA) on commercial and criminal matters between Nigeria and United Arab Emirates which includes the speedy recovery and repatriation of stolen assets which may be stashed away by unscrupulous elements in that country.

READ ALSO: List of top politicians under probe for corruption by EFCC

It is expected that the implementation of beneficial ownership transparency will lead to a reasonable reduction of reputation risks that Nigeria is currently facing internationally, in terms of attracting the much needed capital that will help revamp the economy.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video of a Nigerian man suggesting mass burial for Nigeria's corrupt past leaders:

Source: Legit.ng
- The minister of women affairs, Aisha Jummai Alhassan, has re-iterated her support for Atiku Abubakar to run for the presidency in 2019

- She disclosed that her decision was predicated on the fact that the former vice president is her godfather and stated that she would support him even if President Buhari decides to recontest in 2019

- She stated that Buhari is an understanding man and would understand her reasons, but also stressed that she would not be bothered if she is sacked because of her decision

Aisha Jummai Alhassan, minister of women affairs, has given reasons why she declared her support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to run for president in 2019.

According to reports, Alhassan stated that even if President Muhammadu Buhari decides to re-contest in 2019, she would still support Atiku.

READ ALSO: PENGASSAN laments over meagre reduction of fuel price, calls for more significant changes in petroleum sector

In an interview with BBC Hausa, the minister explained that the former vice president is her godfather, and that is why she supports him.

She reportedly stated: Atiku is my godfather even before I joined politics.

And again, Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019.

Let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister; but Baba just like you know, I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. If Atiku said he is going to contest.

She stated further: If because of what I said, I am sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed that is why.

Baba is not a mad man like those calling for my sack.

They have been sending it and spreading that if Baba sees this I will be sacked.

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Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that the minister of women affairs, Aisha Jumai Alhassan, was recently caught on camera declaring her support for former vice president, Atiku Abubakar's 2019 presidential ambition.

Alhassan, who lost the Taraba state governorship race to Darius Ishaku in 2015, was appointed to President Buhari's cabinet in the same year.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video about how Nigerians reacted to 2019 Buhari campaign posters flooding the streets.

Source: Legit.ng
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- Some governorship aspirants for 2018 Ekiti state governorship election have criticized Governor Ayo Fayose for endorsing his deputy as PDP candidate

- Fayose had earlier endorsed his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola as the consensus candidate of the party

- Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, the publicity secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee said the adoption was a clear breach of the PDPs Constitution

Reactions have continued to greet the adoption of Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, as the consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2018 governorship election.

Punch reports that the immediate past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi; and a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Dare Bejide, who are aspirants on the partys platform have dismissed the development, saying it does not pose any threat to their ambition.

Governor Ayodele Fayose has endorsed his deputy Olusola Eleka as his successor. Photo credit: Facebook, Babafemi Oretuyi

READ ALSO: 10 days after declaring him a deserter, police commission confirms Senator Misaus retirement letter

Legit.ng gathered that Bejide said, Any caucus of the party can adopt any candidate, whether the choice of Olusola by his caucus has Fayoses backing holds no water, as no one can impose a candidate on the party.

Until his election as deputy governor of Ekiti state, Olusola was an accomplished teacher in the Department of Building, OAU. Photo credit: Facebook, Babafemi Oretuyi

This would not stop me from emerging the partys governorship flagbearer for the poll in March 2018.

Ajayi added that the decision to conduct primaries and determine who gets the partys ticket belongs to the National Working Committee of the PDP.

Olusola Eleka is the incumbent deputy to Governor Fayose. Photo credit: Facebook, Babafemi Oretuyi

In another reaction, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, said the adoption was a clear breach of the PDPs Constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act (as amended).

His campaign group, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement, claimed the meeting of the amorphous group was hastily convened out of fear for the overwhelming popularity of Adeyeye

It is important to note that PDP as a political party is bigger and larger than an individual, no matter how highly placed he or she may be as to override the rules and regulations of the party which are sacrosanct in the election of any candidate for elective position.

PAMM believes in credible, transparent, free and fair primary for all aspirants for the position of governor, come 2018.

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PAMM rejects the purported adoption of a sole candidate in its entirety, as there are many other aspirants for the governorship race in 2018.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that the controversial Ekiti state governor endorsed Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka as his preferred candidate for next gubernatorial election in Ekiti.

Watch a Legit.ng video of an Imam speaking on Sallah day:

Source: Legit.ng
- Arewa youths have promised not to attack Igbos living in the north

- They said they were interested in the development of the country and it didnt matter whether Nnamdi Kanu accepted their quit notice withdrawal or not

- The president of the group said he has nothing against peoples from the south-east

Arewa youths have sent a message to Igbos living in the north assuring them that no evil will befall them while also criticising Nnamdi Kanu for rejecting the withdrawal of the quit notice.

The youths had caused public outcry when they issued an ultimatum to Igbos to vacate the north but they withdrew the notice a few months after.

READ ALSO: Fayose reacts to news of Nigeria being out of recession

The Sun reports that Shetima Yerima who is the president of the Arewa Consultative Forum said it didnt matter whether Kanu accepted the withdrawal or not.

He said: Did I do it for him or in the interest of the country? His rejection of the suspension of the quit notice is not important to me.

What we did was to demonstrate that we have a culture. We give respect to our elders and it was to ensure that the country remains together.

The country is above anybody. On that basis, his acceptance or not is not important but I know that he also is not speaking for the Igbo. It is a minority view of few people making all sorts of noise.

It is not really important to me and I do not want to join issues with them. Nigeria is above everybody and I stand on the path of one united country. We have to build a nation that we can call our own

Nobody would do anything. Anybody who does anything, we make sure that the authorities arrest the person. We are in charge.

Nobody should be scared of anything. Our youths are reasonable; they are known to respect one another; we listen to our leaders unlike some other parts of the country. But having said that, you can be rest assured that there is no cause for alarm.

So, let Nigerians be rest assured that nothing would befall anybody by Gods grace and we are working towards that and we would give the government the maximum support. Our brothers across board, we would make sure that no evil would befall them. That is the position of things.

He also insisted that he has nothing against Igbo people as a lot of his friends are from the south east.

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He said: A lot of my friends are Igbo people. I have nothing against the Igbo.

It did not end there; let me also demonstrate that to you; my first wife is from Calabar, the old south-eastern region. We have two kids. I have a good relationship with the Igbo.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, September 5, granted the request seeking to serve court processes on Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) through substituted service.

The court, however, ordered that other respondents in the matter, namely: the Inspector-General of Police, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Attorney-General of the Federation be served personally.

Watch a Legit.ng TV video below of Kanu speaking about his Biafra agitation:

Source: Legit.ng
- The ruling All Progressives Congress has lauded the Buhari-led federal government for bringing Nigeria out of recession

- The party noted that Nigerias exit from recession was in tandem with the current administrations forecast that the country will experience economic growth in 2017

- The ruling party appealed for cooperation, while assuring Nigerians that the Buhari administration remains focused on its effort to sustain the economy on the path of growth

The Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has been praised for the countrys recent exit from recession by the All Progressives Congress (APC), Premium Times reports.

The ruling partys comments were contained in a statement signed by its national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday, September 6.

READ ALSO: Robbery suspect expresses pain that his own house was burgled

It read in part: We commend the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari on the economic recovery efforts which have evidently started to yield fruits.

Commendably, the countrys exit from recession was in tandem with the current administrations forecast that the country will experience economic growth in 2017.

This is another demonstration that the President Buhari APC-led administration is one that keeps its promises.

APC also commends the National Assembly as it continues to work with the Executive on improving the economy and other areas of national life.

The statement further read: APC thanks Nigerians for their patience, understanding and support for the President Buhari administration while the economy was in recession.

Although there remains much more work to be done, we assure Nigerians that the administration remains focused on its effort to sustain the economy on the path of growth.

As the President Buhari administration works assiduously to build a new solid foundation, credible image and pull the country out of the present hardships, we appeal for continued patience and the cooperation from Nigerians.

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caretaker committee, condemned the celebration of the countrys exit from recession.

According to Makarfi, the just-released statistics do not reflect the ''reality as it affects ordinary Nigerians''.

Watch this Legit.ng TV video asking Nigerians if Buhari has truly taken Nigeria out of recession.

Source: Legit.ng
MUSCATINE  Brian Freitag wants to clean up streets, attract more businesses and improve public safety in Muscatine's Southend.

Freitag, who works for HNI Corp. at Progress Park, announced last week he will run for Muscatine City Council in the 4th Ward. The seat is currently held by Bob Bynum, who has yet to announce if he will seek re-election. Nadine Brockert and Larry Murray also are running for the seat.

Holding a notebook full of ideas, Freitag said he has been speaking with hundreds of residents in the 4th Ward.

"People are telling me they don't remember the last time somebody came and knocked on their door and talked to them," he said. "They're asking a lot of what's going on, where's our money going and do we even have a vote."

A Muscatine native who graduated from Muscatine High School in 1985, Freitag has lived in the 4th Ward for 50 years, and said he shares many of the concerns of his neighbors.

For example, several residents want speed bumps to be placed on Mittman Road. He also worries about sewage problems in the area, with residents dealing with run-off and flooding in yards along New Hampshire Street.

Freitag believes there is room for the Southend's services to expand, with abandoned buildings and empty lots that are ripe for redevelopment. He also supports better maintenance of streets, such as weeding and removing brush from right-of-ways.

"That's [people's] first impression if they're coming south of town," he said. "And we've got all this land down here and they want to keep building on the north side of town."

He supports the potential construction of a grocery store in the 4th Ward, and also hopes to see other kinds of development, such as affordable housing for veterans.

The first step to improving Muscatine's Southend, he said, is listening to residents.

"Council members need to have town hall meetings and talk to people," he said. "We can't keep people out."

If elected, Freitag would like to bring back the Safe Streets program, to help prevent burglaries and crime. He also supports providing first responders with up-to-date vehicles, equipment and expanded training.

While he has never been involved in politics, Freitag said the contention between the city council and mayor over the past year inspired him to run for office.

"In my opinion, council members and mayors are elected by the people and should govern the way the people direct them to govern," he said.

Freitag said he is running to "bring a fresh new voice to the council" and "advocate for our entire city demanding transparency and results."

Candidates for Muscatine mayor and City Council have until Sept. 21 to file papers to place their names on the ballot for the Nov. 7 election.
After years of struggle and fading recognition, it seems the end is finally here for Solaris and Sparc, the Unix operating system and RISC processor designed and championed by Sun Microsystems and inherited by Oracle in 2010.

In a move that will win it no PR points, Oracle sent out recorded telephone messages to employees who were let go on the Friday before the Labor Day weekend. Yes, firing by voice mail. Classy.

The exact number is being debated, but talk on one message board puts it at 2,500 positions cut. Thats both Solaris and Sparc engineers. The workers affected are primarily in the Santa Clara area, in a former Sun office not even a mile from Intels headquarters, but they are in three other states and India as well.

Then on Monday, former Sun executive Bryan Cantrill wrote a blog post called The Sudden Death and Eternal Life of Solaris in which he wrote that the cuts are so deep as to be fatal: the core Solaris engineering organization lost on the order of 90 percent of its people, including essentially all management."

This isnt exactly a shocking development. Back in January, Oracle laid off 1,800 workers, a tiny number relative to its size, but it included 450 workers from the company's hardware group and reportedly half of the Solaris division. Layoffs have a habit of coming in waves, and last Fridays was the second wave.

Also in January, Oracle changed the release road map for Solaris. Instead of Solaris 12, it switched to "Solaris 11.next," a rolling release that would be pretty much security fixes but no new features or advances in the OS. The same thing happened with the Sparc line, with Sparc next replacing planned chip upgrades and featuring less ambitious improvements to the line.

Sparc and Solaris wont disappear overnight, and Oracle has promised to support both until 2034. But the two will likely be long gone by then.

Sparc and Solaris wont disappear overnight, and Oracle has promised to support both until 2034. But the two will likely be long gone by then. The bulk of the server hardware Oracle sells are x86-based running Linux. In a commodity world, proprietary hardware and software has little future.

Or course, I have to be careful declaring the software/CPU duo dead. I did that once before and ended up eating crow when I was proven wrong. And unlike some bloggers, I admit when I screw up.

Oracle gave Sparc and Solaris a good try

But this, as Cantrill said, looks fatal. And after seven years, I cant say I blame Larry Ellison and Mark Hurd. They stuck with Sparc and Solaris longer than anyone else would have. Had IBM, Suns original suitor, taken over the company in 2009 like it wanted, Sparc and Solaris wouldnt have lived to see 2010.

The fact is Ellison and Hurd were patient, very patient, but in the era of the cloud and reduced spending on data centers, not to mention a free, open-source Unix derivative vs. a highly custom one and the advent of x86 as a truly viable mission critical architecture, Sparc/Solaris didnt have a prayer.

And all told, Oracle really didnt get a lot out of this merger. Simon Phipps, former Sun executive and now a managing director of Meshed Insights, recently posted a long list of all the things Oracle has fumbled since the purchase. They include:

Java was described as the crown jewels, but the real reason for buying Java SE  trying to sue $8 billion from Google  has failed twice.

Ellison said Javas role in middleware was the key to success, but Java EE is now headed to a Foundation.

Oracle criticized Sun for failing to monetize Java (ignoring the fact Java made the market that Sun monetized with hardware in 1996-2000) and proposed a freemium model thats not resulted in revenue.

They embraced NetBeans, which is now donated to Apache (a good thing).

Bureaucracy over MySQL security fixes led to a decent portion of the user community going over to Montys MariaDB fork, enough to start a company around it.

Ellison said he would rebuild Suns hardware business and has made numerous updates to the Exadata and other lines, but its long-time boss John Fowler quit last month.

Oracle decided to cancel Sun Cloud and dismantled the ready-for-cloud features of Solaris, then the market went cloud.

Oracle completely bungled StarOffice, and its user base jumped to LibreOffice.

Some of this couldnt have been foreseen, like the impact of the rise of the cloud. But other things were in Oracles hands, such as the fumbling of MySQL and StarOffice.

Ill give Oracle a lot of credit for trying, not gutting the company, sticking with the Sun IP for a long time and really getting Java back on track after it turned into an unholy mess of security exploits. But in the end, we judge companies on results, not efforts, and the results arent that good.
Chronic pain negatively impacts a person's quality of life. Often, over the counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, are ineffective in alleviating chronic pain. In these instances, a surprising choice is often a drug used to treat an entirely different condition - depression.

At doses lower than those needed to treat depression, antidepressants can relieve chronic pain in conditions ranging from diabetic neuropathy, migraine and tension headaches, to osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. In fact, they are so effective, that antidepressants are the mainstay for treating chronic pain.

However, as with most prescription drugs, antidepressants come with significant side effects. The ability to tolerate these side effects varies between individuals, and might depend on other medication the patient is already under, and also on other existing health issues. Therefore, predicting the ability to tolerate such side effects could be crucial for the success of an antidepressant in treating pain, according to a recent article by Dr. Carina Riediger and colleagues in Dr. Timo Siepmann's group at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, in the online journal, Frontiers in Neuroscience.

"Understanding adverse effects and their impact on patients' quality of life is crucial in modern clinical medicine and poses a substantial challenge to clinicians who face a exponentially growing range of available medical therapies" says Dr. Siepmann, the principal investigator of this study.

To help physicians match a chronic pain sufferer to a suitable antidepressant, their group performed a systematic study and meta analysis of the reported adverse effects for a wide variety of commonly used antidepressant drugs, each with its own side effect profile. These antidepressants fall into different categories based on their mechanism of action, such as tricyclic antidepressants amitriptyline and nortriptiline, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors venlafaxine, duloxetine and milnacipram, among others.

Neuroscience eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today

The study collected all reported adverse effects for these drugs in the clinical literature from the past two decades. These side effects ranged from dizziness, dry mouth, and drowsiness, to palpitations, weight gain, sexual and urinary dysfunction, and hypertension, to name a few. The researchers also took into account whether treatment was discontinued due to the severity of these side effects.

Dr. Riediger's study found that almost all antidepressants presented significant side effects, and no drug was clearly superior to others. However, clinical data also showed that some individuals might better tolerate certain side effects than others, and therefore, the authors recommend personalized medicine. For instance, dizziness and drowsiness as side effects may not be acceptable for individuals who drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery. On the other hand, some sedation might be tolerated, and perhaps even be desirable, in a chronic pain patient with sleep disruptions or insomnia.

These results may help physicians improve treatment outcomes by better matching the health status of chronic pain patients to their antidepressant medication. "Dr. Riediger's work contributes to this understanding, but further research is needed to improve general treatment recommendations and enable personalized multimodal therapy which is tailored to the patient's individual health situation and includes non-pharmacological strategies in addition to pharmacotherapy", clarifies Dr. Siepmann.
A Rice University study has found that the aspirin-like drug diflunisal blocks the action of prestin, a key protein that is required for hearing.

The research, which is available online in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, stemmed from a 2015 Rice study that screened more than a half-dozen nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, for possible interactions with the protein prestin. Prestin is a highly specialized protein that drives the action of outer hair cells in the cochlea, an inner-ear organ that allows people and animals to hear.

"Taking too much aspirin can cause temporary deafness, and researchers discovered more than a decade ago that this happens because salicylate, one of the primary metabolites of aspirin, interferes with prestin," said study lead author Guillaume Duret, a research scientist in Rice's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. "Given the number of commonly used NSAIDs that operate in a similar way to aspirin, it seemed like a good idea to find out whether they also might inhibit prestin."

Duret said diflunisal was the only drug in the test that blocked the action of prestin. He said the findings suggest that the inhibition occurs by competing with chloride ions in prestin, a mechanism that is similar to what has been proposed for salicylate. The study also found that the dosage needed to induce a reaction was less than the aspirin dose required to induce a similar reaction.

Diflunisal is primarily prescribed as a mild pain killer and an anti-inflammatory for arthritis. But Duret said the findings come at an important time because the medical community is considering repurposing diflunisal as a possible treatment for both cancer and amyloid polyneuropathy.

"So far, it's been used in a pill form that is ingested, and the known side effects are for relatively small doses, like as if you were taking aspirin," Duret said. "For greater doses that are perhaps injected, the side effects may not yet be known."

He conducted the study's experiments in 2015 with two of the world's leading experts on prestin and outer hair cells, Rice bioengineer Rob Raphael and Baylor College of Medicine molecular biologist Fred Pereira.

The new findings weren't easy to obtain. They involved dozens of painstaking experiments in which Duret isolated and measured the activity of live outer hair cells from the cochlea of mice. To get his measurements, Duret had to find the cells under a microscope, grab hold of them with a glass pipette and apply and measure current through a process known as whole-cell patch clamping. The tests had to be performed both with and without the presence of diflunisal and before the short-lived cells died.

Raphael, who has studied prestin for more than 15 years and who made some of the first discoveries about salicylate's interference with prestin, said live-animal testing is needed to determine whether diflunisal causes deafness and at what dose.

"In addition to the potential clinical significance, Guillame's carefully done research has helped us refine our understanding of how molecules interact with prestin and how prestin itself operates," Raphael said.

He said the study also revealed a direct effect of diflunisal on the hair cell membrane, a result that may have implications for other physiological systems.

"This study comes at a time where there is considerable excitement about new fields like systems and synthetic biology," said Raphael, who's lab is developing systems-level models of ion transport in the cochlea.

"This is a reminder that we still don't have a basic understanding of how commonly used drugs affect important proteins in our cell membranes," he said. "Sometimes, even the discoveries in your own lab humble you to the magnitude of what we still do not know about biological systems."
There has been much debate regarding the utility of prostate cancer screening in reducing the rates of deaths due to this cancer among men. While the ERSPC (European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer) suggests that screening reduced prostate cancer deaths, the PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial) found that regular screening does not reduce the cancer death rates in prostate cancer. Researchers thus looked at the actual picture as to which of these  ERSPC or PLCO are correct.

The results of this large analysis were published in the recent issue of Annals of Internal Medicine published yesterday 5th September 2017, in a study entitled, Reconciling the Effects of Screening on Prostate Cancer Mortality in the ERSPC and PLCO Trials.

Prostate cancers are typically slow growing and thus annual blood tests such as the prostate specific antigen (PSA) suggested for screening for prostate cancers has been controversial. Due to the differing opinions and studies showing that men with prostate cancers usually do not die of prostate cancers as they are so slow to grow, in 2012, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a recommendation that most men ages 55 to 69except for those who have a family history of the disease or are at high risk of developing the cancershould not get PSA testing done at routine intervals.

Prostate cancer cells. Image Credit: royaltystockphoto.com / Shutterstock

This recommendation was based on the results of two large studies one each from Europe and USA. The U.S. study, the PLCO, did not show a reduction is death rates due to routine screening while the ERSPC showed a reduction in deaths due to routine screening. Both of these studies were published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicine.

To analyse the actual effects of screening on prostate cancer the researchers looked at the populations studied for both ERPC and PLCO and used complex statistical tools to assess the outcomes. They gathered data from all the randomized controlled trials in Europe and the United States including men aged 55 to 69 (in case of ERSPC population) or 55 to 74 (in case of PLCO population) years. All of these participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention groups underwent prostate cancer screening while the controls did not. The incidence of new prostate cancers and survival rates for the same were assessed for the individuals.

For all the participants mean lead times to diagnosis of prostate cancer or MLT was calculated. Results showed that estimated MLT were same for both ERPC and PLCO populations but was slightly longer in the PLCO control group that did not undergo the screening. Screening rates were same for both studies and results showed that screening resulted in a 7% to 9% reduction in the risk for prostate cancer death per year of mean lead times. This means that there is a 25% to 31% and 27% to 32% lower risk for prostate cancer deaths when the men underwent screening in the ERSPC and PLCO groups, respectively.

Researchers concluded that both the ERSPC and PLCO results point to the fact that prostate cancer screening reducing the risk of deaths from it significantly. The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers in men and is a typically slow growing cancer with most men not noticing the symptoms until the cancer has become large enough to press against the urethra and interfere with urination. As the tumour grows there are symptoms such as an increase in the frequency to urinate (particularly at night), a greater sense of urgency to reach a toilet, difficulty in starting and continuing to pass urine, a weak urine flow, and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.

The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age and the condition usually develops in men aged 50 years or older. Individuals of Afro-Caribbean or African descent are at a greater risk of developing the cancer, while those of Asian descent are at less risk. In addition, men with a first-degree relative who has had prostate cancer are at a slightly increased risk for developing this cancer.

Usually, a diagnosis is made based on a physical examination of the prostate, blood tests and a biopsy. Physical examination includes a digital rectal examination or DRE. Blood is tested to check the level of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), raised levels of which may indicate prostate problems including early cancer.

Immediate treatment may not be necessary for many prostate cancers. This is called "watchful waiting" or "active surveillance" where the patient is monitored for cancer progression. Treatment includes surgical removal of the gland or prostatectomy, followed by radiotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. Prostatectomy and radiotherapy may be followed by hormone therapy, which reduces testosterone, which causes the cancer to grow. Individuals with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other organs or who have not been responsive to hormonal therapy may be treated with chemotherapy.

References
According to a latest study supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a part of the National Institutes of Health, the deadly Zika virus could be used to kill a specific type of brain cancer cells and sparing the neighbouring healthy brain cells.

Although experimental in stage, this finding has wide implications for those suffering from these cancers.

The study entitled, Zika virus has oncolytic activity against glioblastoma stem cells, appeared in the September 5 online issue of The Journal of Experimental Medicine.

Illustration of Zika virus in blood with red blood cells, a virus which causes Zika fever. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock

The researchers looked at the effects of Zika virus on glioblastoma cells. These are brain cancer cells that are highly malignant with poor survival rates with an average of two years for most patients.

For the study the researchers described the effects of the virus on glioblastoma cells in both human tissue samples and mice.

Glioblastomas are one of the commonest brain cancers and tend to be rapid and aggressive in their growth to form tumours and masses of cells that are poorly formed and are unspecialized.

Glioblastoma stem cells organized in tumor niche formation. Image Credit: Anna Durinikova / Shutterstock

These types of cells are similar to the brain and nervous system cells of the growing or developing fetus.

When a fetus gets infected with the Zika virus as a result of its mothers infection, the virus damages the brain of the baby leading to abnormally small heads or microcephaly and severe mental retardation.

The team of researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, the Cleveland Clinic, the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, for their study introduced the Zika viruses in to tissue samples containing glioblastoma cells that were removed from cancer patients as part of their treatment. Also healthy human neural cells and brain cells were also taken for the study.

Results after seven days showed that the Zika virus had multiplied within the glioblastoma cells and stopped them from multiplying or growing while the normal brain cells remained unaffected. In the next stage of the study the researchers tested the virus on mice who were experimentally induced with glioblastomas.

These mice were tested with a mouse-adapted strain of Zika virus. Results revealed that those mice that received Zika virus and had glioblastoma lived longer than those who did not receive the virus.

Further the tumours in the Zika virus treated groups were significantly smaller than in the group that did not receive the virus.

However, researchers caution that it is too early to be jumping to conclusions about being able to use Zika viruses for treatment of glioblastoma.

The virus may behave differently in a person with glioblastoma and may not be effective at all, they explain.

Further studies and rigorous testing on animals and humans would be needed to see if treatment with Zika virus for glioblastoma could be a reality.

Researcher Dr Michael Diamond explained that the current strains of Zika virus would be tweaked to render them harmless before they are tried for treatment. He called this study a silver lining for Zika. Human trials could begin in 18 months time he said.

Zika Virus

Zika virus is an arbovirus that can be transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito from one person to another and was originally described in Africa in 1947. It can lead to few or no symptoms in most adults.

However Zika virus infection can be dangerous in pregnant women wherein it poses a threat to the unborn babies of foetuses. The affected babies may be born with abnormally small heads called microcephaly and severe mental retardation.

Almost 30 countries have been affected by the Zika virus infection. The World Health Organization says it is closely monitoring the infection and its spread worldwide.

There was outbreak in 2015 in Brazil that lead to a twenty times rise in the babies born with microcephaly. The WHO thereafter declared Zika virus to be a public health emergency of international concern in 2016.

The infection in adults is usually mild with fever, eye infection, body and joint pain, headache etc. that occurs within 3 to 12 days after getting infected with a bite from the infected mosquito.

Diagnosis is made using special kits to detect the infection. Treatment for adult infection is usually supportive with medication to reduce fever and pain.

Zika virus spread preventive measures are advised to stop the spread to pregnant women where it can permanently cause damage to the unborn babies.

Control of mosquitoes and prevention of bits is one of the first and most important steps to prevent Zika virus infection.

References
Year 12 - 13 students to discover how they can achieve their ambitions at University of Leicester on 9 September

Young people considering a career in medicine will receive expert advice this weekend to help them on the route to achieving their ambitions and to consider psychiatry as an exciting medical discipline.

The second Medicine Calling conference will be held on Saturday 9 September 2017. Students who attended last years conference described it as hugely informative, enjoyable and inspiring.

The conference will be held at the Centre for Medicine, University of Leicester for students in post-16 education. It will comprise an exciting programme of events including keynote speakers and interactive workshops, a chance to meet doctors to ask questions about careers in psychiatry, information and advice on applying to medical school and an essay competition with prizes.

The conference is particularly focused on psychiatry as a medical speciality, as according to Health Education England, recruiting junior doctors to psychiatry remains a challenge. The organizers hope that by inspiring young people interested in studying medicine about psychiatry, they will understand the innovative, challenging and rewarding opportunities that a career in psychiatry can offer and encourage them to champion the profession to others throughout their future medical careers.

According to recent research by the Medical Schools Council, 80% of applicants to medical school come from 20% of schools and colleges in the UK. The organizers hope that having attended the conference and with the opportunity to meet current medical students and doctors working in Leicester and nationally, attendees will feel that medicine and psychiatry are professions accessible to all.

Professor Holland, Head of Leicester Medical School (elect) said:

This conference is a great way to begin to learn about the complexity and fascination behind a career that genuinely involves both the art and science of modern medical practice. I would encourage any young person interested in a potential medical career to come along and discover more about this exciting and captivating specialty.

The conference is a part of a wider initiative called Medicine Calling, which is working in association with the University of Leicester, The Royal College of Psychiatrists & NHS Health Education England to inform and guide young people considering a career in medicine, specifically psychiatry.
Researchers at the Georgia State University School of Public Health have received more than $1 million to develop cellphone messaging programs to help smokers kick the habit in China and Vietnam, countries where smoking rates among men are among the highest in the world.

The five-year project, titled "Cultural Adaptation and Evaluation of mHealth Interventions for Cessation in China and Vietnam," is funded by the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health.

The lead investigators of the project are Dr. Michael Eriksen, dean of the School of Public Health, and Dr. Jidong Huang, associate professor of health management and policy.

Smoking is an overwhelmingly male habit in the two Asian nations. In Vietnam and China, more than 40 percent of men smoke, while only about 2 percent of women are smokers. By contrast, slightly more than 17 percent of U.S. men and 14 percent of U.S. women smoke, according to the latest edition of The Tobacco Atlas. Combined, China and Vietnam have more than 300 million smokers.

"This work provides us with an important opportunity to help millions of smokers in these countries to quit," said Eriksen. "And millions of their family members, friends and co-workers stand to benefit from reduced exposure to the dangers of second-hand smoke."

Access to smoking cessation programs is limited in China and Vietnam. However, mobile phones and texting technologies are increasingly popular in the two countries and offer a cost-effective way to reach large numbers of people with so-called mHealth (mobile health) applications.

In the early phases of the project, researchers will conduct focus groups in Shanghai, China and Hanoi, Vietnam, to develop culturally appropriate and effective smoking cessation messaging. Researchers will test messaging that will be delivered in the Hanoi area via text message services, and in Shanghai via WeChat, a social media application popular in China.

Also working on the project are public health researchers Dr. Matt Hayat, associate professor of epidemiology & biostatistics, Dr. Claire Adams Spears, assistant professor of health promotion and behavior, and Pam Redmon, executive director of the China Tobacco Control Partnership housed at Georgia State.

"We have been working to change social norms of tobacco control in China for the past nine years through the China Tobacco Control Partnership, and this project allows us to build upon our previous mHealth cessation interventions in China," Redmon said. "With this project, we will expand the collection of effective anti-smoking messages by including mindfulness concepts, use the innovative platform 'WeChat' to deliver messages in China and expand the cessation intervention to Vietnam."
Bacteria with synthetic genetic switches show that antibiotics work differently than we thought

Bacterial infections are the number one cause of death in hospital patients in the United States, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise, causing tens of thousands of deaths every year. Understanding exactly how antibiotics work (or dont work) is crucial for developing alternative treatment strategies, not only to target new superbugs, but also to make existing drugs more effective against their targets. Using synthetic biology techniques, a team of researchers at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University has discovered that bacteria respond to antibiotics very differently - exactly the opposite, in fact - inside the body versus on a petri dish, suggesting that some of our current assumptions about antibiotics may be incorrect.

Bacterial switches: E. coli colonies that can digest lactose, and were therefore actively dividing when ATC was added, turn blue when grown on a special medium, while colonies that cannot digest lactose remain white. Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University

The image most clinicians have is that antibiotics work by killing actively dividing bacteria, and non-dividing bacteria are the ones that resist treatment and cause infections to persist. I wanted to know whether thats actually true - does the proportion of dividing bacteria change over the course of an infection, and how do antibiotics impact that? says Laura Certain, M.D., Ph.D., a Clinical Fellow at the Wyss Institute and the Massachusetts General Hospital who is the first author of the study. Synthetic biology is widely used to engineer bacteria so that they produce useful products or diagnose diseases, and we used that same approach to create a microbiology tool that can tell us how bacteria are behaving in the body. The research is published in todays issue of Cell Host & Microbe.

Certain and her colleagues used a genetically engineered strain of E. coli bacteria that was created in the lab of Wyss founding Core Faculty member Pamela Silver, Ph.D. a few years ago. The bacteria have a genetic toggle switch encoded into their DNA that changes from the off to the on position when the bacteria are exposed to a chemical called anhydrotetracycline (ATC). When the switch is turned on, a genetic change happens in the bacteria that allows them to digest the sugar lactose, while bacteria whose switches remain off cannot. The key to this system is that the toggle switch can only be flipped if the bacteria are actively dividing when ATC is added; any non-dividing bacterias switches will stay off, even when ATC is present. Thus, the toggle switch offers a snapshot in time that can indicate whether bacteria were active or dormant at the moment of ATC exposure.

Bacterial studies are often carried out in vitro, but infections happen in the complex environment of living bodies, which are quite different from a petri dish. To evaluate their bacteria in vivo, the researchers implanted a small plastic rod into the legs of mice and inoculated their engineered bacterial strain into the leg to imitate the chronic bacterial infections that commonly arise in humans when medical devices and artificial joints are implanted. They then injected the mice with ATC at different times throughout the course of the infection to flip the toggle switch in any dividing bacterial cells to the on position. When they extracted bacteria from the mice and grew them on a special lactose-containing medium, they found that all the bacteria were actively dividing for the first 24 hours, but by the fourth day that fraction dropped to about half and remained constant for the rest of the infection, indicating that the number of bacteria being killed by the body was balanced by new bacteria being created via cell division. This result differed from the in vitro response, in which all the bacteria stopped dividing once they reached the carrying capacity of their environment.

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Next, the scientists tested the bacterias response to antibiotics in vivo by allowing the infection to progress for two weeks, then injecting the mice with the antibiotic levofloxacin. When they analyzed the extracted bacteria, they found that while the total amount of bacteria in the mice decreased, the proportion of the surviving bacteria that were actively dividing actually increased. This outcome was in direct opposition to antibiotics observed in vitro, which killed more dividing cells than non-dividing cells. The researchers screened the bacterial colonies for antibiotic resistance, and did not find any evidence that the bacteria had evolved to better withstand the killing effects of the levofloxacin, confirming that the antibiotic was still effective.

There are several possible reasons why we saw a higher proportion of dividing bacteria in the presence of an antibiotic, says Certain. We find it most likely that dormant cells are switching into an active state in order to fill the gaps that arise when antibiotics reduce the overall bacterial population. If bacteria continue to actively divide throughout an infection, as our study suggests, they should be susceptible to antibiotics. Indeed, the researchers were able to cure the infection with a higher dose of the antibiotic, indicating that, contrary to conventional assumptions about bacterial infections, there is no fixed population of dormant, antibiotic-tolerant cells in this chronic infection model. If an antibiotic isnt working, we should focus on finding ways to deliver more of it to the infection site or identifying other tolerance mechanisms that might be at play, rather than assuming that a bastion of non-dividing bacteria is the culprit, says corresponding author and Wyss founding Core Faculty member Jim Collins, Ph.D., who is also the Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering & Science and a Professor of Biological Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

This research shows the power of synthetic biology to provide new insights into mechanisms of cellular control, and emphasizes how we have to continually question the assumptions that guide clinical care today, says Wyss Institute Founding Director Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., who also is the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at Harvard Medical School and the Vascular Biology Program at Boston Childrens Hospital, as well as Professor of Bioengineering at Harvards John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Additional authors of the paper include Jeffrey Way, Ph.D., Senior Staff Scientist at the Wyss Institute, and Matthew Pezone, a Research Assistant at the Wyss Institute.

This study was supported by the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University.
An innovative multiple sclerosis Research Fellowship designed to fast-track scientific knowledge into clinical practice has been awarded to two researchers at the University of Tasmanias Menzies Institute for Medical Research.

The Director of Menzies, Professor Alison Venn, said the inaugural MS Research Australia  Macquarie Group Foundation Paired Fellowship program, totalling $750,000 for three years, was visionary in the way it brought laboratory and clinical researchers together to speed up the translation of research into practice.

We are very proud that two of our senior scientists have been chosen through a competitive process to achieve this, the only nationally funded paired fellowship in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, Professor Venn said.

We have 20 years of research into multiple sclerosis at Menzies and this disease is a key area of focus for us. This funding will allow us to bring together two different streams of research that are investigating the disease. I would like to express our gratitude to MS Research Australia and the Macquarie Group Foundation for providing such an exciting opportunity.

The fellowship has been awarded to Professor Bruce Taylor, a clinical researcher at Menzies and a neurologist at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and Dr Kaylene Young, a neuroscientist who has dedicated her career to studying the brains ability to repair itself through cellular processes.

Dr Matthew Miles, CEO, MS Research Australia, said:

Our new and innovative grant program launches a unique opportunity. It addresses one of the key recommendations identified in the 2013 McKeon Review into Health and Medical Research; that far more clinicians need to participate in the research process. This fellowship will also break down the barriers between the lab and the clinic and ensure faster translation of research discoveries into tangible health benefits for the community. We understand this to be the first research practitioner/researcher fellowship fully funded by philanthropy and the community. We are thrilled that Dr Kaylene Young and Professor Bruce Taylor are the inaugural recipients. Their research will help expedite new treatments to protect and repair the nervous system; something that is desperately needed for people with MS.

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Professor Taylor and his team have identified genetic mutations that they believe increase a persons risk of developing MS, or in some cases may cause MS. Professor Taylor said the new research would move those discoveries into the laboratory environment to find out how the mutations affect cell health. That knowledge can help us re-purpose existing drugs that could offset the effect of the mutation, and could be used in future clinical trials, Professor Taylor said.

Dr Young has discovered that non-invasive brain stimulation, known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), can increase the ability of stem cells in the brain to generate new cells for nervous system repair. This fellowship will allow her to move this work into the early stages of clinical research. We will perform a safety trial of TMS to ensure that this potential treatment can be safely administered to people with MS, Dr Young said.
MR Solutions has received the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise from the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey at their Guildford headquarters in September in recognition of their outstanding success in growing international sales. It was only a year earlier that MR Solutions had won the Queens Award for Enterprise for Innovation.

This dual success has been driven by MR Solutions strong investment in the development and commercialisation of their ground-breaking cryogen-free preclinical MRI imaging technology which uniquely can be combined with other imaging capabilities such as PET or SPECT.

Michael More-Molyneux, Her Majestys Lord-Lieutenant presented the award on behalf of The Queen to David Taylor, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, at MR Solutions, with Charles Fowler, Deputy Lieutenant who read the citation. The Lord-Lieutenant remarked that he didnt know he would be back so soon after the Queens award presentation held the previous year. The award was formally conferred with a Grant of Appointment and presentation of a crystal bowl.

Also present to witness the occasion was The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Nigel Manning, the Rt. Hon. Anne Milton, MP for Guildford and Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, and all the employees. The Mayor of Guildford proposed a toast to MR Solutions success with a glass of champagne and a celebratory cake.

Dr David Taylor of MR Solutions said, This success is a real team effort. We are thrilled to receive the Queens Award for International Trade from the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey  this is particularly appreciated as we won the Queens Award for Innovation last year. The whole ethos of the company is to be at the forefront of technology and it is that that differentiates us so substantially from our competitors and has led to our success.

MR Solutions also attended a winners reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh on July 11, 2017. Representing MR Solutions was Dr David Taylor and Dr Vera Zhang, Director of MR Solutions international office based in Boston, who stood in the receiving line for the Queen who congratulated the winners.

MR Solutions is the only company in the world to offer a range of commercially available scanners from 3T to 9.4T (T is for Tesla - the power of the magnet) which does not require liquid helium. MR Solutions scanners, which are the size of a desk, can be wheeled into a lab compared to the helium cooled models which usually need their own room and substantial building modifications.

The Queens Award for Enterprise is valid for five years and is the most prestigious business award in the UK which is presented to a select group of businesses having been recognised for outstanding business achievement. Now in its 51st year, the awards are made annually by HM The Queen and are only given for the highest levels of business excellence. Companies have to demonstrate their financial strength as well as their sales success.
MUSCATINE  When the sun finally came out after three-and-a-half days of torrential rain, Jennifer Unate could feel her spirits lifting. The Muscatine native, who now lives in Pasadena, Texas,  about 16 miles outside of downtown Houston  rode out Harvey, then a tropical storm, at home.

She fared well  her house didnt flood and was not damaged by the strong winds. But four blocks away, her neighbors lost everything. Brown water had invaded their home, soaking couches and fridges and their personal belongings.

With the storm over, Unate said people in her area are cleaning up. In Muscatine, friends and strangers are getting ready to help by collecting supplies and money to donate to the relief efforts.

Unate, whose parents and friends still live in Muscatine, nearly cried as she talked about these efforts.

It makes me feel really good that I come from a town that is so far away from us, but is so caring; and they want to help out a whole other state that they dont even know, she said. It just means a lot. I feel like I grew up in a great hometown.

Harvey made a landfall as a Category 4 hurricane late Friday Aug. 25, battering the Texas coast with strong winds and rain. It lingered over the region, dumping more than 50 inches of rain in some areas. Unates town got upward of 38 inches.

In the days following Harvey, several Muscatine residents have undertaken informal fundraisers for Harvey victims, carried on over social media and at workplaces and organizations. The Muscatine School District fundraiser is the latest of these efforts.

The idea began with Jefferson Elementary. Counselor Edwin Colon, who knows many people in Texas, began organizing a school-wide fundraiser and coin collection. Then he learned Mulberry Elementary was doing a fundraiser and it became clear that it would be easier to unite these efforts into a district-wide effort.

Its the right thing to do, when people are in need of help, you know, when you see it on the news, you cant just sit back and not do anything about it, he said, praising the schools Student Council team, who has been helping with these efforts.

Colon contacted Houston Catholic Charities, an organization that is helping with relief efforts, for a list of items they needed. Together, the team at the school solicited help from the community, including local packing and shipping businesses  Mailboxes & Parcel Depot and Pack N Ship  that will provide collection boxes. A local trucking company, TanTara Transportation Corp., will deliver the items to Houston at no charge.

Thats really what we want to encourage our students to do  recognize that there are people in need and then determine a way in which they can help, said Jefferson Principal Cory Spies.

Unate, who has observed the sorrow of people losing their homes, said the donations and support Texans have received is heartening.

Ive never seen so much coming together, so much love and humanity, like so many people giving and helping, she said.
Sodium channels in the cells that line the tiny capillaries in our lungs play an important role in keeping those capillaries from leaking and potentially worsening conditions like pneumonia, scientists report.

The TIP peptide, a synthetic version of the tip of the cancer-killing immune molecule tumor necrosis factor, appears to strengthen that barrier function, according to the study in the journal Frontiers in Immunology.

TIP's protection works even in the face of pneumolysin, a toxin released in large volume in response to antibiotic treatment to kill pneumonia-causing bacterium. The toxin can create tiny holes in the natural barriers of both capillaries as well as air sacs in the lungs. The result can be a second and potentially deadly wave of fluid accumulation in the lungs in about 20 percent of the sickest pneumonia patients.

"We showed that these channels are present in human capillary endothelial cells and that these channels play a really important role in protecting us from pneumolysin," says Dr. Rudolf Lucas, vascular biologist at the Vascular Biology Center at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and the study's corresponding author.

"We also provided more evidence that targeting these channels with the TIP peptide or something similar is a solid strategy for reducing dangerous fluid volume in your lungs," says Lucas. The studies were conducted in the endothelial cells that line human lung capillaries, known to form a tight barrier for the blood vessels.

Tiny capillaries and air sacs, or alveoli, in the lungs have thin walls and close proximity which enable the capillaries to pick up oxygen from the air sacs and carry it forward to the rest of the body. The toxin makes the usually tight lining of the capillaries leaky so blood and other fluid can get into the lung tissue, even into the air sacs. The lungs can become overwhelmed with fluid, and the body doesn't get the oxygen it needs.

Similarly, sodium transport channels in the air sacs are negatively impacted by the toxin.

The function of the epithelial sodium channel, or ENaC, which helps move fluid out of air sacs normally, is even more in demand in the face of pneumonia, but the toxin impairs its ability in both the air sacs and capillaries, the scientists have now shown.

The scientific team working through the complex interchange found that in the capillaries of the lung, an important subunit of ENaC - called ENaC-alpha - is important as well to strengthening the barrier function of the blood vessels. They then showed that the TIP peptide, which they developed and know binds to ENaC-alpha, significantly strengthened the barrier in human endothelial cells exposed to the toxin.

They also found at work in the barrier function, a hybrid of ENaC-alpha and the acid sensing ion channel, known for its pain-mediating contributions in the brain. A troubled lung also becomes acidic, which can activate this acid sensing ion channel. They found their TIP peptide also activates the unique hybrid it makes with ENaC-alpha.

"Patients are being treated with antibiotics, which they need to kill the bugs," Lucas notes. The problem is, once you kill the bugs in large quantities, they can release huge amounts of this toxin into the lungs and these toxins make holes, literally holes in membranes of every cell containing cholesterol."

Pulmonologists and other critical care specialists recognize the subsequent problems that can result from high levels of the pneumolysin toxin, but currently don't have a direct solution, Lucas says. Ventilator support can help push oxygen through the fluid-filled sacs, but carries the risk of letting even more bugs into the lungs as well as physical damage to lung tissue.

There also is currently no way to identify ahead of time which patients will experience this second wave, Lucas says. Children are particularly vulnerable because their immune systems also mount a vigorous attack against the invading bacterium and so even more toxin results from the dying bug. Pneumonia is a top killer of children under age five across the world, according to the World Health Organization, along with preterm birth complications, birth asphyxia, diarrhea, malaria and malnutrition.

The TIP peptide is attracted to the sugar coating at the mouth of the sodium channel.

Lucas led a team of scientists who reported in 2014 that the TIP peptide worked like a doorstop to keep sodium channels inside air sacs open in animal models.

Results of a clinical study led by the University of Vienna, also published this year in the journal Critical Care, showed that patients with more severe pulmonary edema - fluid in their lungs - who required a ventilator to support their breathing were able to better clear fluid from their lungs following inhaled treatment with the Tip peptide. Others did not appear to benefit.

Source: http://jagwire.augusta.edu/archives/47212
Captain America and the Winter Soldier Special #1 takes Marvel's secret history to a whole new level with a real world historical figure

If you know who Gavrilo Princip is, prepare to be shocked
Nature Communications  Silicon quantum processor with robust long-distance qubit couplings

Practical quantum computers require a large network of highly coherent qubits, interconnected in a design robust against errors. Donor spins in silicon provide state-of-the-art coherence and quantum gate fidelities, in a platform adapted from industrial semiconductor processing. Here we present a scalable design for a silicon quantum processor that does not require precise donor placement and leaves ample space for the routing of interconnects and readout devices. We introduce the flip-flop qubit, a combination of the electron-nuclear spin states of a phosphorus donor that can be controlled by microwave electric fields. Two-qubit gates exploit a second-order electric dipole-dipole interaction, allowing selective coupling beyond the nearest-neighbor, at separations of hundreds of nanometers, while microwave resonators can extend the entanglement to macroscopic distances. We predict gate fidelities within fault-tolerance thresholds using realistic noise models. This design provides a realizable blueprint for scalable spin-based quantum computers in silicon.

The Kane quantum computer was a proposal for a scalable quantum computer proposed by Bruce Kane in 1998, who was then at the University of New South Wales. Often thought of as a hybrid between quantum dot and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) quantum computers, the Kane computer is based on an array of individual phosphorus donor atoms embedded in a pure silicon lattice. Both the nuclear spins of the donors and the spins of the donor electrons participate in the computation.

Unlike many quantum computation schemes, the Kane quantum computer is in principle scalable to an arbitrary number of qubits. This is possible because qubits may be individually addressed by electrical means.

Since Kanes proposal, under the guidance of Robert Clark and now Michelle Simmons, pursuing realisation of the Kane quantum computer has become the primary quantum computing effort in Australia. Theorists have put forward a number of proposals for improved readout. Experimentally, atomic-precision deposition of phosphorus atoms has been demonstrated, using an scanning tunneling microscope (STM) technique. Detection of the movement of single electrons between small, dense clusters of phosphorus donors has also been achieved. The group remains optimistic that a practical large-scale quantum computer can be built. Other groups believe that the idea needs to be modified.



Silicon hybrid quantum processor. a Figures of merit summarizing the speed and error rates of different gate schemes presented in this paper, assuming realistic noise sources. b Level diagram for distant flip-flop qubit coupling via a microwave resonator showing photon number states and off-resonant charge states. c Device scheme for coupling qubits via a photonic link. Distant donors, placed next to the resonator center line and biased to their ionization point, are subject to the vacuum electric field E vac of a shared microwave resonator. d Schematic view of a large-scale quantum processor based upon 31P donors in Si, operated and coupled through the use of an induced electric dipole. Idle qubits have electrons at the interface, leaving the 31P nucleus in the ultra-coherent ionized state. Electrons are partially shifted toward the donor for quantum operations. The sketch shows a possible architecture where a cluster of qubits is locally coupled via the electric dipole, and a subgroup thereof is further coupled to another cluster through interaction with a shared microwave cavity (aqua). The drawing is not to scale; control lines and readout devices are not shown

New work would have a device where a shallow 31P donor is embedded in an isotopically enriched 28Si crystal at a depth zd from the interface with a thin SiO2 layer. The idea is that instead of using just an atoms electron or just its nucleus as the qubit, using the combination of both creates a qubit thats also an electric dipole, meaning positive and negative charges are separated. The new qubits can still interact with each other and engage in all necessary quantum weirdness at distances of as much as 200 nanometers. Previously the qubits had to be within 10-20 nanometers of each other. The new qubits are as scalable and have low error rates. It should be practical to achieve universal quantum computers with thousands and perhaps millions of qubits.

Our new silicon-based approach sits right at the sweet spot, said Morello, a professor of quantum engineering at UNSW. Its easier to fabricate than atomic-scale devices, but still allows us to place a million qubits on a square millimetre.

In the single-atom qubit used by Morellos team, and which Tosis new design applies, a silicon chip is covered with a layer of insulating silicon oxide, on top of which rests a pattern of metallic electrodes that operate at temperatures near absolute zero and in the presence of a very strong magnetic field.

At the core is a phosphorus atom, from which Morellos team has previously built two functional qubits using an electron and the nucleus of the atom. These qubits, taken individually, have demonstrated world-record coherence times.

Tosis conceptual breakthrough is the creation of an entirely new type of qubit, using both the nucleus and the electron. In this approach, a qubit 0 state is defined when the spin of the electron is down and the nucleus spin is up, while the 1 state is when the electron spin is up, and the nuclear spin is down.

We call it the flip-flop qubit, said Tosi. To operate this qubit, you need to pull the electron a little bit away from the nucleus, using the electrodes at the top. By doing so, you also create an electric dipole.

This is the crucial point, adds Morello. These electric dipoles interact with each other over fairly large distances, a good fraction of a micron, or 1,000 nanometres.

This means we can now place the single-atom qubits much further apart than previously thought possible, he continued. So there is plenty of space to intersperse the key classical components such as interconnects, control electrodes and readout devices, while retaining the precise atom-like nature of the quantum bit.

Morello called Tosis concept as significant as Bruce Kane seminal 1998 paper in Nature. Kane, then a senior research associate at UNSW, hit upon a new architecture that could make a silicon-based quantum computer a reality  triggering Australias race to build a quantum computer.

Like Kanes paper, this is a theory, a proposal  the qubit has yet to be built, said Morello. We have some preliminary experimental data that suggests its entirely feasible, so were working to fully demonstrate this. But I think this is as visionary as Kanes original paper.

The UNSW team has struck a A$83 million deal between UNSW, telco giant Telstra, Australias Commonwealth Bank and the Australian and New South Wales governments to develop, by 2022, a 10-qubit prototype silicon quantum integrated circuit  the first step in building the worlds first quantum computer in silicon.

The key figures of merit of a quantum processor based on flip-flop qubits coupled by electric dipole interactions are:

Fast one-qubit x(y)-gates are attainable with low electric drive power and error rates 1 in a thousand. Two-qubit gates are fast and with error rates approaching 1 in a thousand. At the end of all operations, the phase of each qubit can be corrected, via adiabatic z-gates, in fast time scales and low error rates 1 in ten thousand. These values are based on current experimentally known values of charge noise in silicon devices, and are possibly amenable to improvement through better control of the fabrication parameters. More advanced control pulse schemes could allow for faster gates with less leakage and active noise cancellation techniques, e.g., pulses for gate time jitter or decoherence suppression, could further improve gate fidelities.

Idle qubits are best decoupled from all other qubits by having the electron at the interface and the quantum state stored in the nuclear spin, which has a record coherence times over 30 seconds, and can be even longer in bulk samples.

Qubit read-out can be obtained by spin-dependent tunneling into a cold charge reservoir, detected by a single-electron transistor. Read-out times can be ~1 s with cryogenic amplifiers, which is comparable to the time necessary to perform, e.g., ~20 individual gates lasting ~50 ns each, in a surface code error correction protocol.

A large-scale, fault-tolerant architecture can be built in a variety of ways. One- or two-dimensional arrays can be built to implement error correction schemes such as the Steane or the surface code, since all mutual qubit couplings are tunable and gateable. A larger processor can include a hybrid of both coupling methods, incorporating cells of dipolarly coupled qubits, interconnected by microwave photonic links, in which case more advanced error-correction codes can be implemented. Microwave resonators could be also used to interface donors with superconducting qubits, for the long-term goal of a hybrid quantum processor that benefits from the many advantages of each individual architecture.

In conclusion, they have presented a way to encode quantum information in the electron-nuclear spin states of 31P donors in silicon, and to realize fast, high-fidelity, electrically driven universal quantum gates. their proposal provides a credible pathway to the construction of a large-scale quantum processor, where atomic-size spin qubits are integrated with silicon nanoelectronic devices, in a platform that does not require atomic-scale precision in the qubit placement. The qubits are naturally amenable to being placed on two-dimensional grids and, with realistic assumptions on noise and imperfections, are predicted to achieve error rates compatible with fault-tolerant quantum error correction.



Robustness to electric noise. a Charge, o, and flip-flop, ff, qubit transition frequencies as a function of vertical electric field E z , for B 0 = 0.4 T, A = 117 MHz, d = 15 nm,  = 0.2% and V t = 11.44 GHz. The inset shows the level diagram of flip-flop states coupled to charge states. CT stands for clock transition and CQSS for charge qubit sweet spot. b Estimated flip-flop qubit dephasing rate, assuming electric field noise Enoisez,rms=100 V m1. c E z -dependence of flip-flop precession frequency for the three indicated tunnel coupling values. d Flip-flop qubit relaxation rate, with arrows indicating the adiabatic path used for z-gates. e Flip-flop qubit dephasing rate due to E z noise and relaxation, at second-order CTs for each B 0. f Device structure to tune the tunnel coupling V t of the charge qubit. Scale bar is 30 nm. g V t as a function of right gate voltage, calculated using a finite element Poisson solver (Synopsis TCAD) and atomistic tight biding (NEMO-3D)72. The insets illustrate the NEMO-3D wavefunctions inside dashed region in f, for three right gate voltages V r = 1, 0.35 and 0.27 V. The left gate voltage is V l = 0.5 V for all the simulations, and the top gate is biased such that the position of the electron is in between the donor and interface. Scale bar is 20 nm. The donor is assumed to be z d = 9.2 nm below the Si/SiO2 interface
Indias official statisticians released the real 2017Q2 GDP growth number last week5.7% over the equivalent quarter of the previous year. This was below the 6.5% consensus estimate of economists. Indias economy has been growing less and less healthy for awhile. GDP growth has now declined steadily for six straight quarters. This is a slowdown caused by factors deeper than the cash ban or any other temporary phenomenon. Something is broken in the Indian governments policy mix.

Growth is unlikely to revive till its fixed. Its true there might be a bit of a dead cat bounce in the medium term: For example, manufacturers who were running down inventories in anticipation of Indias new indirect tax regime, the goods and services tax or GST, might expand output a bit more. Imports might fall a bit as a consequence of subdued domestic demand.

But none of that will change the fact that government spending and low oil prices have deceptively boosted the growth numbers, masking the true state of the economy.

If public spending is excluded, growth in the past quarter barely topped 4%. Export growth is terrible and industrial growth is the lowest in five years. And the government will struggle to keep investing at these levels; it started spending big unusually early in Indias financial year, which starts in April, and has already run through 93% of its budgeted fiscal deficit.

Brent crude oil prices, which averaged $112 in 2012, had fallen to $52 by 2015. The International Monetary Fund, or IMF, calculated that the windfall gain for India on account of the fall in commodity prices was over 3% of GDP in 2015 and another 0.5% in 2016.

Future India Scenarios

1. The Bull case

India had setbacks due to demonetization and the introduction of the GST. Growth resumes at 8-9% per year.

2. Baby Bear case

There is no revival in investment demand. Commodity prices move up again. The banking system has trouble. The waiver of farm loans will stretch the resources of the states and the axe may fall on capital expenditure. The recovery is less certain, weaker and takes longer to arrive.

3. Big Bear case

Indias government takes the time to truly address crony capitalism and corruption. This results in near and mid term slower growth but would mean a stronger economy in the long term.

4. Extreme Bear case

The increasing capital intensity of manufacturing, automation and the backlash against globalization will all work against India. Global problems creating new jobs in the age of Artificial Intelligence and robotics hits India hard. Massive productivity, institutional and human capital improvements would be needed or low growth rates could be the new normal.
Press conference

Time: 8.00 CET/9.00 EET. For security reasons, a valid identity card is required.

Place: Nordea Campus, Aleksis Kiven katu 7, Helsinki.

At the Board meeting held on 6 September 2017, the Nordea Bank AB (publ) Board of Directors decided to initiate a re-domiciliation of the parent company from Sweden to Finland.

On the back of this decision Nordea would like to invite to a press conference in Helsinki on 7 September hosted by Casper von Koskull, President and Group CEO of Nordea.

Webcast from the event

At the Board meeting held on 6 September 2017, the Nordea Bank AB (publ) Board of Directors decided to initiate a re-domiciliation of the parent company from Sweden to Finland.

Press conference, 08.00 CET/09.00 EET, 7 September 2017

To attend the press conference, please contact: Kati Tommiska at Nordea via e-mail: kati.tommiska [at] nordea.com.

Listen in to the CEO press conference

To listen in to the CEO press conference please dial:

Participants dial in on:

Country Phone number Confirmation code UK +44(0)20 3427 1903 5199007 Sweden +46(0)8 5065 3936 5199007 Denmark +4532 71 16 59 5199007 Finland +358(0)9 6937 9590 5199007 Norway +472350 0486 5199007

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Nordea want to move?

We see the re-domiciliation of the parent company as an important strategic step in positioning Nordea on a par with its European competitors. The level playing field and predictable regulatory environment offered by the banking union is, we believe, in the best interest of Nordeas customers, shareholders and employees.

We will continue to operate in all our four Nordic home markets  Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. There will be no changes in our day-to-day operations and it is our assessment that there will be no material customer impact. Only a limited number of employees are expected to be affected.

Will employees be affected?

We will continue to operate in all our four Nordic home markets  Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Only a limited number of employees are expected to be affected.

Will customers be impacted?

We will continue to operate in all our four Nordic home markets  Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. There will be no changes in our day-to-day operations and it is our assessment that there will be no material customer impact.

Why did you choose Finland?

The Board's decision to initiate the re-domiciliation of the parent company to Finland is the outcome of six months of careful study and analysis of the competitive conditions and challenges facing Nordea. We see the move as an important strategic step in positioning Nordea on a par with its European competitors. The level playing field and predictable regulatory environment offered by the banking union is, we believe, in the best interest of Nordea's customers, shareholders and employees.

What is the overall timetable for the change? When will the change come into effect?

The re-domiciliation is intended to be carried out by way of a downstream cross-border merger through which Nordea Bank AB (publ) will be merged into a newly established Finnish subsidiary.

The merger is planned to be effected during the second half of 2018 and will be subject to e.g. the necessary regulatory approvals and the shareholders approval at a general meeting requiring a 2/3 majority approval of the merger plan. Tentatively at the annual general meeting in March 2018.

The re-domiciliation will tentatively be effective as of 1 October 2018.

The Nordea share will remain listed on the stock exchanges of Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen.
The Nordea Bank AB (publ) Board of Directors initiates a re-domiciliation of the parent company to Finland  operations in all Nordic home markets remain unchanged

At the Board meeting held on 6 September 2017, the Nordea Bank AB (publ) Board of Directors decided to initiate a re-domiciliation of the parent company from Sweden to Finland. All operations in the Nordic home markets will remain unchanged and there will be no change in our day-to-day operations from a customer perspective. Only a limited number of employees are expected to be affected and Nordea will continue to be a major tax payer in all four home markets.

Nordeas unique pan-Nordic and international structure has meant that existing national regulatory frameworks do not fully accommodate Nordeas operating model and recent strategic developments. Domiciling in a country that is participating in the banking union will mean that Nordea will be subject to the same regulatory framework as our European peers, with greater consistency of application and therefore more of a level playing field.

- The Board's decision to initiate the re-domiciliation of the parent company to Finland is the outcome of six months of careful study and analysis of the competitive conditions and challenges facing Nordea. We see the move as an important strategic step in positioning Nordea on a par with its European peers. The level playing field and predictable regulatory environment offered by the banking union are, we believe, in the best interest of Nordeas customers, shareholders and employees, says Bjorn Wahlroos, chairman of the Board of Directors, Nordea Bank AB (publ).

- We will continue to deliver value for all customers, as we will keep on working with the Nordic operating model in the same way as we do today. We remain relentlessly committed to all of our four home markets and look forward to continuing to create strong products and solutions for our customers and contribute to the Nordic societies and economies, says Casper von Koskull, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nordea Bank AB (publ).

The resolution and deposit guarantee fees for 2018 are expected to increase by approximately EUR 60-200m compared to 2017 and for 2019 the fees are expected to be approximately EUR 60-150m higher compared to 2017. The final outcome is, among other things, depending on the exact timing of the re-domiciliation. Nordea expects that the net present value of resolution fees, deposit guarantees and other transitional effects will be positive by approximately EUR 1,000-1,100m.

On the capital side, it is noted that there are different regulatory regimes as of now, but it is too early to have a view of how the total capital requirements for the Nordea Group will be affected by a re-domiciliation.

Nordea intends to maintain its capital and dividend policy.

The focus on maintaining Nordeas business model and AA rating will not be impacted.

The Nordea share will remain listed on the stock exchanges of Stockholm, Helsinki and Copenhagen.

The re-domiciliation is intended to be carried out by way of a downstream cross-border merger through which Nordea Bank AB (publ) will be merged into a newly established Finnish subsidiary. The merger is planned to be effected during the second half of 2018 and will be subject to e.g. the necessary regulatory approvals and the shareholders approval at a general meeting.

On the back of this decision Nordea will host a short telephone press briefing today Wednesday 6 September 2017 at 17.0017.30 CET. Dial-in number: + 46 200 125 783. Meeting: ID 83570624. A press conference will be held on 7 September at 8.00 CET/9.00 EET in Helsinki at Nordea Campus, Aleksis Kiven katu 7. Registration starts at 7.30 CET/8:30 EET. For security reasons, a valid identity card will be required.

To attend the press conference, please e-mail: kati.tommiska [at] nordea.comtarget="_blank".

Webcast URL: http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/2bxm7j3o

Conference call: Participants dial in on: Confirmation Code: 5199007 UK: +44(0)20 3427 1903 Sweden: +46(0)8 5065 3936 Denmark: +45 32 71 16 59 Finland: +358(0)9 6937 9590 Norway: +472350 0486

Nordea would also like to invite analysts and investors to a breakfast meeting in London on 7 September.

Time: 9.00 CET/8.00 GMT

Place: London Hilton on Park Lane, 22 Park Lane, London W1K 1BE, Argyll Suite.

Heikki Ilkka, Group CFO, and Rodney Alfven, Head of Investor Relations, will participate. The breakfast meeting including a Q&A session is expected to last approximately one hour.

To attend please contact: Carolina Brikho via e-mail: carolina.brikho [at] nordea.comtarget="_blank".

Dial-in options: +44(0) 20 3427 1913 or +46(0)8 5065 3937 or +1646 254 3365 or +4532 71 16 58 or +358(0)9 6937 9543, confirmation code 7667705, no later than 8.50 CET/7.50 GMT.

After the conference an indexed on-demand replay will be available on www.nordea.com. A replay will also be available until 14 September by dialling +44(0) 20 7660 0134 or +46(0)8 5199 3077, access code 7667705.

For further information:

Rodney Alfven, Head of Investor Relations, +46 72 235 05 15

Claes Eliasson, Acting Head of Group External Communications, +46 72 141 67 12

This information is information that Nordea Bank AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 16:50 CET on 6 September 2017.

Documents
Microsoft has continued the global rollout of its Surface Laptop. Customers in Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan can now order the Platinum i7 model, while 20 countries can now also purchase the notebook in any of the four colors revealed at its June launch.

4 Reviews

Microsoft has taken to its Windows blog to announce the expanded rollout of its Surface Laptop. First introduced in June, the Surface Laptop is now available in all the launch colors in 20 countries after initially only being available in the Platinum color. Customers in US, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherland, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Taiwan, HK, China, Norway, Australia, and NZ can now also purchase or pre-order Surface Laptops in Cobalt Blue, Burgandy or Graphite Gold. The Platinum i7 Surface Laptop is now also available in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

The Surface Laptop is currently powered by Intels Kaby Lake U chips and is available in either Core i5 or Core i7 iterations with Intel HD Graphics 620. These can be matched with 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB RAM options, while storage is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB capacities. Connections are limited, but include a single USB 3.0/3.1 Gen1 port and a DisplayPort along with a standard 3.5 mm audio jack.

The Surface Laptop ships with Microsofts Windows 10 S that Microsoft has targeted at students, educators and businesses and runs only apps that have been verified by Microsoft solely available through the Windows Store. However, Microsoft has indicated that customers purchasing the Surface Laptop will be able to remove this limitation with a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. This offer is now good until March, 2018.
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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 []
Robert Sexton, an American writer and artist who shunned gallery representation and carved his own path to success, has died. He was 74.

Mr. Sexton began writing and self-publishing books in 1970. His first book was The Morning People. He had editions of his original drawings reproduced in lithography, framed and sold these works at Harvest Festivals around the West. Later, he made his work available directly to collectors through advertisements in such magazines as, Yankee, Southern Living, The Smithsonian, Cowboys and Indians, and Coastal Living. His Robert Sexton, An American Romantic gallery on Grant Ave. in San Franciscos legendary North Beach exhibited his entire collection and fulfilled the many orders for his art.

Mr. Sexton would begin his creative process by writing prose or poetry and then create an accompanying drawing with a technique called stippling. The strength of his work lies not only in its sentimental appeal, but also in the pristine snapshots of life he put down in pen and ink. These black and white portraits speak to many people. Although a staunch liberal, he was especially honored to have had his work, The Promise read at Nancy Reagans funeral.

Born in Montclair, NJ in l943 to Irene and Robert A. Sexton, Sr., he attended schools in Caldwell, NJ and went on to graduate from Montclair State University with a degree in English Literature. After serving in the US Air Force in the late 60s, he taught high school English in North Caldwell, NJ. In the mid 70s he moved to San Francisco, working at Macys while writing and drawing at night. It was here that his self-taught artistry came to fruition.

Intelligent, articulate and well-read, his favorite author was F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was always lively and interesting to discuss literature, art and politics with him. His many interests included travel, his beloved West Highland terrier always at his side. An avowed Francophile, he once owned a remodeled farmhouse in Augers-en-Brie, outside of Paris where he spent many months each year. He had a passion for cars, which he collected. He had both classic automobiles and a huge assortment of collectible model cars, specializing in 1/43 model cars & promotional models of full sized autos from all over the world. He attended the Paris Auto Show each year, always excited about the new cars on display.

Mr. Sexton is survived by his sister, Mary Ellen Sexton of Asheville, NC, and his brothers, Peter Sexton of Winston-Salem, NC and Tom Sexton of Salisbury, NC, plus several nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

In each artist, there is a spark of the Divine that drives their creativity. His was clear and true and will forever shine.
From Reader Supported News

"If there was ever a time in history for a generation to be bold and to think big, to stand up and to fight back, now is that time." -- Bernie Sanders

That statement is on the inside cover of Bernie Sanders' new book, "Guide to a Political Revolution." Bernie dedicates the book to the younger generation:

"You are in many ways the most progressive generation in the history of our country. You have opposed racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and oligarchy. You understand that greed and the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality that we experience are not what the United States is supposed to be about. You know that climate change is real, and we have a moral responsibility to take on the fossil fuel industry and transform our energy system away from fossil fuel and into energy efficiency and sustainable energy. "What this book is about is converting that idealism and generosity of spirit into political activity. And when you do that, I have no doubt but that you and others like you will create a lot better world than the one my generation left you."

That is what I call vision and leadership. You can agree or disagree with the senator from Vermont, but one thing you can't deny is he is a leader with a vision for what he thinks America should become, and he is passionately trying to create that world.

I agree with Bernie on almost everything, and I believe he will be a prominent fixture in history books for generations to come. Imagine where we would be now if people had listened to Bernie and begun transforming the country 30 years ago. Everyone would have health care, a living wage, debt free college, expanded retirement benefits, clean water and air, and so much more.

These are the things that people want; they just don't believe they will ever be the priorities of our politicians. All of this stuff exists in other countries, so it is possible. It's all about priorities. Bernie is optimistic that younger generations have these priorities and will make them a reality.

Click Here to Read Whole Article
From Robert Reich Blog

Google's search engine runs two-thirds of all searches in the United States and 90 percent in Europe.

"Platform monopolies" like this can squelch innovation. Google might favor its own services, such as Google Maps and Google Product Search, for example. This is one reason why the European Commission hit Google with a record 2.42 billion-euro fine in June.

Why hasn't Google run into similar problems with antitrust authorities in the United States?

It almost did in 2012. The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Competition recommended that the Commission sue Google for conduct that "has resulted -- and will result -- in real harm to ... innovation."

But the commissioners decided not to pursue the case, which was unusual. They didn't explain their decision, but it may have had to do with Google's political clout.

Google is among the largest corporate lobbyists in the United States, and a major campaign donor.

Google also has enough financial power to stifle criticism coming from independent researchers.

Last week the New York Times reported that the New America Foundation, an influential center-left think tank, fired Barry Lynn, a sharp critic of platform monopolies. Lynn had posted a congratulatory note to European officials on their Google decision, and called for American antitrust officials to follow suit.

Since its founding in 1999, the New America Foundation has received more than $21 million from Google (and its parent company, Alphabet) and from the family foundation of Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Alphabet who previously served as chairman of New America's board.

According to the Times, Schmidt didn't like Lynn's comments, and communicated his displeasure to the president of the New America Foundation. He then accused Lynn of "imperiling the institution as a whole," and fired him and his staff.

Few powerful institutions or people like criticism. But it's never smart to use power to try to stop it.

Consider Donald J. Trump. It may seem odd to mention Trump at the same time I'm talking about Google. Google's executives tend to be on the left. Eric Schmidt was a major backer of Hillary Clinton.

But power is power, and Trump has demonstrated a similar tendency to throw his ever-expanding weight around. Like Google, he doesn't particularly like to be criticized, if you hadn't noticed.

Trump also has a record of paying off politicians. During the 2016 Republican primaries, when attacked by his GOP rivals for having once donated money to Hillary Clinton, Trump explained "as a businessman and a very substantial donor to very important people, when you give, they do whatever the hell you want them to do."

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From Smirking Chimp

There are chickens outside my window right now -- but they are not Israeli chickens. They aren't even Palestinian chickens either. Long story. Bethlehem was my original destination. But then I got side-tracked for a while.

At the border between Jordan and Israel/Palestine the other day, I handed over my passport to a sweet-looking 20-something Israeli border guard. She did not give it back. I waited an hour. "Can I please have my passport back now?" I meekly asked a few times more -- long after almost everybody and his brother who came on the bus with me had already passed through.

"It's in the office."

I waited another half-hour, asked a few more times and then finally went off to the freaking office myself. "The computer's down," they told me at the front desk. What? They want to run my name through a computer now? Now it's beginning to sound a bit too much like Big Brother. But still, I bet they won't have to search very far. I've been on some weird hyper-Zionist's radar a lot lately and he's been threatening to use his influence in Israel to get me banned there. Apparently Israel is a democratic country -- just as long as you don't practice free speech. But maybe he's Netanyahu-The-Hater's new BFF? If so, I'm screwed.

At that point, however, this really nice young woman and this really nice young man popped up from out of nowhere and started to lead me off into the bowels of the office's inner sanctum, a warren of small interrogation rooms in the back. "This is bound to end badly," I thought to myself, seriously considering grabbing onto a door frame, shouting "Attica!" and refusing to move. But I didn't.

"Leave your purse and computer bag in this cupboard," said the really nice young man. Yeah, right.

"How do I know they'll be safe?"

"We'll keep an eye on them." I just bet that you will. But the really nice young man appeared to be non-threatening, friendly and having only my best interests at heart -- plus did I really have any other choice?

Next they herded me into one of their many interrogation rooms where a friendly-looking detective-type was seated at a computer -- maybe like that guy on CSI? And he started asking me questions. "Are you here to be in a demonstration?" Er, no.

"I'm here to go to Bethlehem and have a nice chit-chat with Jesus."

"Have you ever been in any demonstrations before?" Well, sure. I'm from freaking Berkeley. What do you think. MLK, Vietnam, 1960s stuff. Homelessness, ICE, that illegal Syria invasion, neo-Nazi White supremacists, modern stuff.

"Do you know about ISM?" The International Solidarity Movement, Rachael Corrie's group? If I say yes, will they run me over with a bulldozer too?

"Yes, I do," I replied. "And I also know about AIPAC." Couldn't resist throwing that in. But then I noticed a tiny video camera on the desk that was pointed straight at me. Oh goodie! Now I'm gonna star in a IDF training film? Gave it a little finger-wave.

"Give us the names of any Palestinians you know." Hmmm. Let's see. There's that guy who owned a grocery store back in Berkeley. I used to buy sandwiches there....

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Franklin Lamb, Oxford. Every year during late August, this observer receives emails from people who love and admire the Iranian born Imam Musa Sadr and his colleagues Sheik Mohammad Yacoub and journalist. Abbas Baddredinne. The three disappeared on August 31, 1978 in Tripoli, Libya.

One email that I received last week is as follows:

"Dear Mr. Lamb,

I hope this email finds you well. I am one of the millions who are waiting to know the answer to the question "where is Imam Mousa Alsader?" And since you are the only one who is really digging to find the truth. Do you have an answer yet?

Thank you."

Every August 29th the same Lebanese and Iranian politicians, for political and financial benefit deceive Shia Muslims in both countries and globally about the fate of Imam Musa Sadr. This year was no different. Last month, yet again reading, his annual script, Amal leader Nabeh Berri repeated the ad nausea hoax he has employed for the past nearly four decades.

One reason for annually repeating the fraud that that Musa Sadr is alive and was seen recently in Libya is that certain parties fear the consequences if the truth becomes known about who convinced Gadaffi to arrange the Imam's "disappearance" and who has covered it up. Nabeh Berri could be ousted from Amal, charged with fraudulently receiving millions of dollars of hush money and removed from Lebanese politics. And the current regime in Iran could well face a revolution. The anger of the millions of Shia and others who still express deep devotion for Musa Sadr would likely be volcanic.



Gaddafi

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During the morning of 25 August 1978, Imam Musa Sadr and two companions departed Beirut Airport for Tripoli, Libya at the invitation of Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi to meet with Libyan officials. Imam Sadr had been informed a week earlier that his itinerary would include discussions as with an Iranian delegation headed by Ayatollah Khomeini's chief aide, Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Beshesti.

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Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"In Bottom-Up, Rob Kall offers a blueprint for human surviving and thriving that everyone can follow. Using personal stories from his many famous contacts (from Capra to Quinn), he shows how in every aspect of life we can reconnect with that which is in our DNA by replacing our artificial and oppressive hierarchical priorities via a return to a consciousness based on the kind of egalitarian relationships that we honored for most of human history."



Four Arrows, aka Don Trent Jacobs, PhD, EdD, author of Unlearning the Language of Conquest and Teaching Truly: A Curriculum to Indigenize Mainstream Education
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Free photo White To Migrate Bird Background Peace Seagull - Max Pixel960 -- 640 - 73k - jpg

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I acknowledge that systems may originate as collective projections of personal conscience. An example can be drawn, I think, from the vaunted founding of the American government. My own reading of history, however, suggests that all systems degrade over time into little more than a framework within which their adherents can satisfy both their collective and personal self-interest. That paradox reminds me of an old wisecrack about Republicans: that they reach for their wallet whenever a Democrat proposes legislation to improve the economy. In my own case, I want to reach for my passport whenever I hear ceremonial praise of America's soldiers for keeping us free or safe. As is evident from current news broadcasts, the nearly 70-year-old Korean War has now resulted in making us less safe. It is true that the following war in Vietnam made us neither more nor less safe or free. Yet, while that war made no difference in the lives of Americans who took no part in it, it did consume about a trillion dollars in today's money and caused the deaths and suffering of tens of thousands of American soldiers and millions of Vietnamese.

With the advent of the age of international terrorism, the G.W. Bush government's response to the 9/11 attacks in 2001 quickly showed how a continual war footing can make us less free, as well as less safe, at home. Just a month after 9/11, Bush signed into law the first version of the U.S. Patriot Act. It authorized indefinite detention of immigrants; searches of homes or businesses without the owner's or occupant's consent or knowledge; FBI searches of telephone, email, and financial records, without a court order; and expanded access of law-enforcement agencies to business, financial, and even library records.

One of America's great freedom fighters and anti-war advocates, the late Howard Zinn, urged Americans to be careful about buying into the war-making system. In an essay entitled "Machiavellian Realism and U.S. Foreign Policy: Means and Ends," he points out how the widespread popular acceptance--or, more accurately, initial acceptance--of America's wars is fundamentally misplaced. In reality, he says, they benefit only the country's ruling elite, who plan and execute them at considerable cost to ordinary citizens. Zinn profiles America as a conglomeration of competing interests, not as a community that shares a common interest. On that basis he asks this salient question: "Why should the citizen tie his or her fate to the nation-state, which is perfectly willing to sacrifice the lives and liberties of its own citizens for the power, the profit, and the glory of politicians or corporate executives or generals?"

The case for Zinn's skepticism is made plain by the fact that America's wars on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, countries ripped apart by insurgency and the efforts of terrorist groups to gain a strategic foothold in them, have compounded the infringements on our freedoms by also making us less safe. In selling these wars to the American public, the government led many Americans to believe that the forcible ousting of brutal regimes could reduce the threat of international terrorism and help ensure the safety of our own country. Instead, the wars not only destroyed the most basic freedoms of Iraqis, Afghans, and Libyans, including their rights to life, personal security, and a safe place to live. They also produced, in conjunction with unremitting drone attacks in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia, a marked expansion in international terrorism, making life even more miserable in the countries attacked and increasing the threat of terrorist strikes both on our own soil and that of our allies.

The Wisdom of Turning the Other Cheek

Considering all this, it strikes me as revealing that, among our armed conflicts since World War II, only the war in Vietnam did not make America less safe and free. In that war, too, despite all of our blasting of the countryside with Agent Orange, razing of villages, bombing of cities, and killing of two-million people, our war-making failed, as it has also in the Middle East, to achieve its aim of forcing another nation to fall into line with our own perceived interests. In the Vietnam War, however, our opponent, motivated by the just cause of redeeming its betrayed right to national freedom and independence, managed to outlast us and make its own will prevail. Vietnam went on to build from virtually nothing a viable new nation and state that is now a modest U.S. trading partner and a destination for American tourists. Surely, this outcome demonstrates that America's best course as the world's only superpower is not to try to force conflicted developing nations to remake themselves in ways designed to serve our own ends. Our role should be, instead, to help such nations--at far lower cost--realize their own reasonable national aspirations by offering them, on request, the economic assistance and political and technological expertise that may enable them to do so.

With help of this kind, struggling central governments of war-torn nations might well be able to bring insurgent and terrorist groups into the fold by strategies of peaceful conflict resolution. Mike Boddington, a British former director of the Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) serving landmine victims in Laos, has written an intriguing report on one such strategy. It is encapsulated in the regrets expressed by a North Vietnamese peasant following his small country's successful struggle to win both its freedom and right to national unification by warding off the most powerful military machine in the history of the world.

"Well, we could have simply not fought"," Boddington quotes the man as saying. "We could have allowed the Americans to come in and occupy our country, not fought back with weapons, done nothing. We could have smiled and been kind to them. We could have resisted in many ways, but not fought. Many people would not have been killed, and eventually the Americans would have become tired and gone home."

I found this take on the war inspirational in three ways: for its extraordinary humanity; for its incredible faith that it is possible for one group of people to live in harmony with another group that has shown itself to be an utterly ruthless enemy and is also a cultural "other"; and for its advocacy of a spiritually-based but counter-intuitive strategy for dealing with military occupation. It may be a surprise to many, but the peasant's support of peaceful resistance turns out to have been not only spiritually-based, but wise. Given accumulating evidence of its success, this strategy is gaining more and more credence among anti-war activists and provides at least one broad stepping stone toward a future abolition of war and a much better world beyond it.


Occupied East Jerusalem '. - - Al-Aqsa Mosque

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The seven-million strong American Muslim community, though, remains under siege since 9/11/2001 but their plight has taken a new twist under President Donald Trump whose anti-Muslim policies alarmingly fomented hate crimes against them.

According to July 2017 report of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the number of hate crimes in the first half of 2017 spiked 91 percent compared to the same period in 2016, which was the worst year for such anti-Muslim incidents since the civil rights organization began its current documenting system in 2013. The number of bias incidents in 2017 also increased by 24 percent compared to the first half of 2016.

At the same time, high spike in Islamophobic Incidents was reported at the U.S. borders during President Trump's first 100 days. It was reported in April last that cases of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) profiling of Muslims accounted for 23 percent of CAIR case intakes in the first three months of 2017. This represented a 1,035 percent increase in CBP bias cases reported so far this year over the same period in 2016.

Not surprisingly, a high school band in Washington State has canceled a longstanding field trip to Canada over concerns that some of its students may be barred from re-entering the United States.

According to the Nation, in the age of Trump, ever more Muslim travelers are being questioned about their beliefs as even Muslim-American citizens have been caught in the net of Trump's travel ban. Alex Kane wrote on March 23: "Beyond the legal concerns, Muslim Americans and civil-liberties advocates are worried that the apparent increase in religious questioning and detention of Muslim travelers is just the opening salvo of a broader Trump-era campaign targeting Muslims. The Trump administration has brought anti-Muslim ideologues into the heart of power, and many Muslim Americans fear the executive order was the first step in a long campaign aimed at making discrimination against them official policy. Of particular concern is the role of Steve Bannon, the White House chief strategist and former head of the far-right website Breitbart News, which frequently traffics in anti-Muslim bigotry. News outlets reported that Bannon helped draft Trump's first executive order, which banned refugees and travelers from seven Muslim countries, and also suggested more vetting of Muslims."

Tellingly, Steve Bannon was sacked by Trump on August 18. He joined Breitbart News as its chief.

Not surprisingly, the UN last month issued a rare warning over 'alarming' racism in US. The UN human rights experts have called on the United States and its leadership to "unequivocally and unconditionally" condemn racist speech and crimes, warning that a failure to do so could fuel further violent incidents. The rare "early warning and urgent action" statement, which is reserved for serious situations, was issued by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). It stopped short of criticizing US President Donald Trump by name. But CERD said it was "disturbed by the failure at the highest political level" of the US to reject racist demonstrations. That failure could lead to "fuelling the proliferation of racist discourse and incidents" in the United States, the statement said. "We are alarmed by the racist demonstrations, with overtly racist slogans, chants and salutes by white nationalists, neo-Nazis, and the Ku Klux Klan, promoting white supremacy and inciting racial discrimination and hatred," Anastasia Crickley, who chairs the UN panel, added.

To borrow Chauncey DeVega of Salon Trump's election has created 'safe spaces' for Racists and White Supremacists. "Since the election of Donald Trump in November, there have been almost 1,000 reported hate crimes targeting Muslims, Arabs, African-Americans, Latinos and other people of color. In this same moment, there have been terrorist threats against Jewish synagogues and community centers as well as the vandalizing of Jewish cemeteries. These hate crimes have also resulted in physical harm and even death: An Indian immigrant was shot and killed by a white man in Kansas who reportedly told him, "Get out of my country." Several days ago a white man shot a Sikh man in Washington state after making a similar comment. When forced by public outrage to comment on the wave of hate crimes spreading across the country, President Trump issued a weak and obligatory statement on the subject during his address to Congress last week," DeVega wrote in March adding:

"As with the administration's comments about its decision not to mention the Jewish people in the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day statement, the president's feeble condemnation of racism and bigotry did little to satisfy his critics. As demonstrated by his rhetoric and policy proposals, and the behavior of his supporters both during the 2016 campaign and his presidency, it is clear that Donald Trump used white racism and nativism to win the White House."

Nationwide anti-Islam rallies converge supremacist & Islamophobes

On June 11, Far-right activists held anti-Muslim demonstrations in least 28 cities across the United States. The demonstrators, spurred by the ACT for America - one of the largest grass-roots anti-Muslim group - were met in many cases by larger crowds of counter protesters. Clashes reportedly broke out between anti-fascists - known colloquially as Antifa - and march participants in a handful of cities, including Seattle, Washington.

The protests and counter protests came at a time of increased tensions and frequent physical confrontations between Antifa and far-right activists. During a rally and counter protest in New York City, local media reports estimate that around 200 Antifa protests outnumbered several dozen participants of the so-called National March Against Sharia. At least one planned rally was canceled in Portland, Oregon, where two men were fatally stabbed in May while defending two Muslim women from a man who taunted them with racial slurs.

Encouraged by the June 11 demonstrations, the ACT for America, which has been labeled an extremist anti-Muslim group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization that tracks hate groups, announced to hold anti-Muslim and pro-Trump rallies at around 37 locations across the country on Sept. 9. However, the group cancelled the planned rallies apparently because of poor response from the public.

Trump fulfills promise to ban Muslims

On December 7, 2015, Trump's campaign issued a statement saying: "Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on." Trump read this statement aloud at a rally in South Carolina.

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A former gun and paintball shop in downtown Napa has been transformed into an upscale lounge, shared coworking area and cafe.

Business owner Stephanie Cash opened the Workmix Lounge and Espresso Bar in mid-August to provide the perfect setting to work solo, meet with a client or host a meeting or event, she said.

On a weekday morning, Bruno Bardet, an energy analyst for First Edison solar, visited Workmix with colleague Dan Evertsz of Growth Management Group.

Using a space like Workmix is more conducive to business than a Starbucks, said Bardet.

This is ideal, said Evertsz, who often travels for work and is always on the lookout for places like Workmix where he can have a meeting in a professional environment.

This is a win-win for me, Evertsz said.

Andreas Mueller-Schubert of WSI NextGenMarketing said hes already used Workmix several times.

As soon as I heard of this, I said, Thats ideal. Thats missing here.

Mueller-Schubert said home-based businesses often need a place to meet, and Starbucks or the Oxbow Public Market isnt always the best choice.

These places are busy and loud, he said.

What I like about Workmix is the opportunity to rent a room. The technology is great. You can have a professional environment for a business meeting.

Mueller-Schubert said that in addition to local workers, he thinks that poeple who visit Napa  even for leisure time  will appreciate the space. For entrepreneurs, Youre never really on vacation. You might need to work for one or two hours in a business-like environment.

Workmix ower Cash, a former facility planner for Lockheed Martin, said since Workmix opened in mid-August shes had a couple dozen clients visit. She anticipates it will take time for potential clients to learn about her new venture.

I wanted to create a place where, even when youre taking care of business, you can still feel good like youre in a luxurious hotel lobby, Cash said in a 2016 interview.

For an hourly rate of $12 or day rate of $35, customers can visit Workmix to use meeting spaces, work desks, cafe tables and lounge seating. Different-sized suites rent for $50 to $150 an hour. Individual and corporate memberships are also available starting at $275 per month.

The 3,088-square-foot space at 950 Randolph St. offers Wi-Fi, coffee and tea, rotating art exhibits, mood music and special events. An espresso bar offers caffeinated brews and juice for purchase. Pastries will be added to the offerings, officials said.

For an additional fee, breakfast, charcuterie and cheese platters, as well as other snacks and wine, can be added enhancements.

With the Archer hotel opening in the next few months, bringing group business travelers during the week and other visitors, I think its going to take off, Cash said.

Workmix is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In September, the facility will host regular Workmix Music & Wine Soiree events, said Cash.

We intend to host these every Friday to promote local musicians and share their talents, she said. Wine will be available for purchase by the glass.
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"We're at a paradigm-shift moment in history, where we will look back at it and realize that a particular model of how we govern our affairs together became outdated. Kall's book Bottom-Up offers great alternatives and solutions that are not found in conventional governing models."



Carne Ross , is a former British diplomat, a strategy coordinator for the UN, and author of the book, The Leaderless Revolution.
From Smirking Chimp

Attorney General Jeff Sessions' September 5th announcement that the Trump Administration is repealing Obama's DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program for children brought into the United States illegally marks another political low point for a president who stages his photos so he looks tough "like Churchill" but whose governance is so wobbly and noncommittal that he's elevated waffling to an artform.

The 800,000 DREAMers, Trump said in November, "shouldn't be very worried."

"I love these kids," Trump said. But the president loves his far-right nativist base more.

You better bet those kids are worried now.

As Barack Obama said after Sessions' statement: "These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper. They were brought to this country by their parents, sometimes even as infants. They may not know a country besides ours. They may not even know a language besides English. They often have no idea they're undocumented until they apply for a job, or college, or a driver's license."

Totally true words.

And, coming from the man who set the stage for Trump's xenophobic and racist policies with plenty of his own, totally empty.

Obama promised comprehensive immigration reform, including legal protection for the DREAMers, during his 2008 campaign. As president, however, he never tried to make it happen -- even in 2009 and 2010, when his Democrats controlled both houses of Congress. Republicans went obstructionist on all things Obama after 2010, so a frustrated Obama farted out DACA as an unconstitutional executive order in 2012.

In a typically perverse Democratic attempt to out-Republican the Republicans, Obama became the "Deporter in Chief," throwing more people out of the United States than all the presidents of the 20th century combined.

Obama's deportees, he promised us, were criminals. "Felons, not families. Criminals, not children. Gang members, not a mom who's working hard to provide for her kids." Sounded like a reasonable policy. Trouble was, one-size-fits-all legal strictures don't account for the complexities of real life.

Hundreds of children of Cambodian war refugees were deported "back" to Cambodia -- a country they had never seen, where they had no friends or relatives -- due to the kind of screw-up privileged whites call "youthful indiscretions" -- many under President Obama. "I had no luggage. I had about $150 in my pocket. No possessions at all," remembers Sophea Phea. "Everything's in Cambodian and you don't even know how to write your name in Cambodian," said Chandara Tep.

"Some don't make it. We've had suicides," said Bill Herod, who founded a charity in Phnom Penh for U.S. deportees.

They weren't all angels. But is it really so shocking that the children of survivors of the brutal wars in Southeast Asia -- wars whose carnage can in large part be blamed on the United States -- might do stupid crap as teenagers? Phea used a stolen credit card; Tep shot a gun in the air during a gang fight. He was 15.

Phea's son, 13, lives in California with his dad. Mom and son can't see each other -- and that's because of Obama.

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From Reader Supported News

I subscribe to The Wall Street Journal. I know, I know. It's the official publication of the banksters. It's an apologist rag for the Trump administration. Certainly the editorial page is over the top in its support for a president whose policies even the Journal's editors struggle to explain and justify to readers. But I have a great friend who is a conservative, and he's always asking me if I have read this or that Journal article. And besides, it's important to know what the other side is thinking.

I actually enjoy the Friday and Saturday issues. There's a great real estate section on Friday, and on Saturday there are always several pages devoted to books and to the latest luxury cars. It was to the book section that I turned on Saturday, only to be enraged enough that I am now considering canceling my subscription.

The section contained an installment of its weekly article, "Five Best: A Personal Choice." Five Best is written by a different person every week, about the five best books he or she has read on a certain subject. The most recent article was by Joe Navarro, a former FBI counterintelligence agent and the author of "Three Minutes to Doomsday: An Agent, a Traitor, and the Worst Espionage Breach in U.S. History." It's an account of Navarro's case against a minor espionage target in the early 1990s, one in which the author repeatedly calls himself a "hero."

I have no problem with arrogant people. I live in Washington, the capital of arrogance. (And my wife says that I'm one of the most arrogant people she knows. That's not a compliment.) In any event, Navarro writes about his five favorite books on "spies and counterspies." He lists "The Sword and the Shield," based on a cache of KGB documents; "Merchants of Treason," about Americans who spied for the Soviet Union in the 1980s; "Traitors Among Us," an account of espionage in the U.S. military; "Wilderness of Mirrors," about controversial CIA counterspy James Jesus Angleton; and "The Codebreakers," about the role of cyphers and codes in the two world wars.

I've read several of these books. It isn't the books, or Navarro's love of them, that I object to. It's his description of the second book that really burned me. And it made me realize just how far freedom-loving people still have to go in this country.

In his review of "Merchants of Treason," Navarro begins with these words: "Before there was Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, and Robert Hansen, there was William Kampiles, Christopher Boyce, and Richard Miller." Whoa! Navarro is either utterly clueless as to the difference between traitors and whistleblowers or he's a malignant and malevolent force in the debate on government transparency.

Chelsea Manning clearly revealed evidence of crimes being committed by the U.S. military. Ed Snowden told the American people that NSA was spying on them, in violation of both the law and NSA's own charter. That's the very definition of whistleblowing: bringing to light any evidence of waste, fraud, abuse, illegality, or threats to the public health or public safety.

Hansen, though, was one of the most damaging spies in American history. The former FBI agent's treason was shown on the big screen in the film "Breach." Kampiles, Boyce, and Miller, like Hansen, were traitors who sold secrets to the Soviets for money. Period. Kampiles threw a top-secret spy satellite manual over the wall of the Soviet Embassy in Washington and offered more classified information if the Soviets wanted it. Boyce, half of the "Falcon and the Snowman" duo, met repeatedly with Soviet agents in Mexico City and provided them with innumerable classified documents. Miller was the first FBI agent ever convicted of spying for the Soviets. You can plainly see that there are literally no similarities between the traitors Navarro cites and the heroic whistleblowers he tries to attach them to.

But this is how the FBI does its business. I've written in the past about my own experience with the FBI. They ran an undercover agent against me to try to get me to commit espionage. But I kept reporting the contact -- to the FBI! They finally dropped the case. What was clear from this experience was that the FBI doesn't care about the truth or about justice. It cares only about making a case, even where one doesn't exist. It does that by tying whistleblowers and other freedom fighters to criminals. That keeps the FBI in the news. It makes it look like the Bureau is accomplishing something. And that's how the FBI gets budget increases on Capitol Hill and how its agents get promoted.

That's not justice. That's not fairness. The FBI will never apologize for ruining the lives of so many innocent people over so many decades. At the very least, though, Joe Navarro should apologize to Chelsea Manning and Ed Snowden for besmirching them. And in the meantime, he ought to be ashamed of himself.

Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.
From Other Words

Wall Street is siphoning billions of investment dollars into high-risk, subprime auto loans



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The self-described "Geniuses of Wall Street" are being stupid. Again.

In 2007, their stupid schemes and frauds crashed our economy, destroying middle-class jobs, wealth, and opportunities. Far from being punished, however, the scofflaws were bailed out by their Washington enablers -- so the moral lesson they learned was clear: Stupid pays! Go Stupid!

Sure enough, here they come again.

Rather than investing America's capital in real businesses to generate grassroots jobs and shared prosperity, Wall Street is siphoning billions of investment dollars into speculative nonsense -- such as bundles of high-risk, subprime auto loans.

It works like this: Car dealers, eager to goose up sales, hawk new vehicles to lower-income people, offering quick loan approval, even to those with poor credit ratings. Banks -- eager to hook more people on monthly car payments -- okay these subprime car loans without verifying the buyer's ability to pay.

Then, a Wall Street bank's investment house buys up thousands of these iffy individual loans, bundles them into multi-million-dollar "debt securities," and sells them to wealthy global speculators.

Last year alone, Bloomberg reports, banks sold $26 billion worth of these explosive bundles of car loans.

This is a gaseous repeat of Wall Street's subprime mortgage bubble that burst a decade ago. The scam generates easy money at the start for speculators and banksters. But as more and more buyers are unable to make their car payments, defaults build up -- and the whole financial bubble pops.

Wasting America's much-needed investment capital on a scheme that intentionally puts people in cars they can't afford with loans they can't repay isn't only stupid, but immoral -- and it's killing our real economy. Why are we letting elite Wall Street loan sharks do this to us?
"The Fourth Amendment was designed to stand between us and arbitrary governmental authority. For all practical purposes, that shield has been shattered, leaving our liberty and personal integrity subject to the whim of every cop on the beat, trooper on the highway and jail official."--Herman Schwartz, The Nation

Our freedoms--especially the Fourth Amendment--are being choked out by a prevailing view among government bureaucrats that they have the right to search, seize, strip, scan, shoot, spy on, probe, pat down, taser, and arrest any individual at any time and for the slightest provocation.

Such is life in America today that Americans are being made to relinquish the most intimate details of who we are--our biological makeup, our genetic blueprints, and our biometrics (facial characteristics and structure, fingerprints, iris scans, etc.)--in order to clear the nearly insurmountable hurdle that increasingly defines life in the United States: we are now guilty until proven innocent.

Forced cavity searches, forced colonoscopies, forced blood draws, forced breath-alcohol tests, forced DNA extractions, forced eye scans, forced inclusion in biometric databases: these are just a few ways in which Americans are being forced to accept that we have no control over our bodies, our lives and our property, especially when it comes to interactions with the government.

Consider, for example, what happened to Utah nurse Alex Wubbels after a police detective demanded to take blood from a badly injured, unconscious patient without a warrant.

Wubbels refused, citing hospital policy that requires police to either have a warrant or permission from the patient in order to draw blood. The detective had neither. Irate, the detective threatened to have Wubbels arrested if she didn't comply. Backed up by her supervisors, Wubbels respectfully stood her ground only to be roughly grabbed, shoved out of the hospital, handcuffed and forced into an unmarked car while hospital police looked on and failed to intervene (take a look at the police body camera footage, which has gone viral, and see for yourself).

Michael Chorosky didn't have an advocate like Wubbels to stand guard over his Fourth Amendment rights. Chorosky was surrounded by police, strapped to a gurney and then had his blood forcibly drawn after refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test. "What country is this? What country is this?" cried Chorosky during the forced blood draw.

What country is this indeed?

Unfortunately, forced blood draws are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the indignities and abuses being heaped on Americans in the so-called name of "national security."

Forced cavity searches, forced colonoscopies and forced roadside strip searches are also becoming par for the course in an age in which police are taught to have no respect for the citizenry's bodily integrity whether or not a person has done anything wrong.

For example, 21-year-old Charnesia Corley was allegedly being pulled over by Texas police in 2015 for "rolling" through a stop sign. Claiming they smelled marijuana, police handcuffed Corley, forced her to strip off her pants, threw her to the ground, forced her legs apart and then probed her vagina. The cavity search lasted 11 minutes. This practice is referred to as "rape by cop."

David Eckert was forced to undergo an anal cavity search, three enemas, and a colonoscopy after allegedly failing to yield to a stop sign at a Wal-Mart parking lot. Cops justified the searches on the grounds that they suspected Eckert was carrying drugs because his "posture [was] erect" and "he kept his legs together." No drugs were found.

During a routine traffic stop, Leila Tarantino was subjected to two roadside strip searches in plain view of passing traffic, while her two children--ages 1 and 4--waited inside her car. During the second strip search, presumably in an effort to ferret out drugs, a female officer "forcibly removed" a tampon from Tarantino. No contraband or anything illegal was found.

Thirty-eight-year-old Angel Dobbs and her 24-year-old niece, Ashley, were pulled over by a Texas state trooper on July 13, 2012, allegedly for flicking cigarette butts out of the car window. Insisting that he smelled marijuana, the trooper proceeded to interrogate them and search the car. Despite the fact that both women denied smoking or possessing any marijuana, the police officer then called in a female trooper, who carried out a roadside cavity search, sticking her fingers into the older woman's anus and vagina, then performing the same procedure on the younger woman, wearing the same pair of gloves. No marijuana was found.

Meanwhile, four Milwaukee police officers were charged with carrying out rectal searches of suspects on the street and in police district stations over the course of several years. One of the officers was accused of conducting searches of men's anal and scrotal areas, often inserting his fingers into their rectums and leaving some of his victims with bleeding rectums.

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From Our Future

The Labor Day parades are over. The bands have packed up. The muscular speeches celebrating workers are finished. The trash is getting collected from parks across the country. And now conservative politicians from Trump on down will revive their systematic efforts to weaken unions and undermine workers.

Trump -- despite all the populist bunting that decorates his speeches -- sustains the deeply entrenched Republican antipathy to organized workers. Their attack is relentless.

Trump's budget calls for deep cuts in the Labor Department, eviscerating job training programs and cutting -- by 40 percent -- the agency that does research on workplace safety. It would eliminate the program that funds education of workers on how to avoid workplace hazards. It even savages money for mine safety enforcement for the miners Trump claims to love.

Trump is systematically reversing any Obama rule that aided workers. He signed legislation scrapping the rule that required federal contractors to disclose violations of workplace safety and employment and anti-discrimination laws. His Labor Secretary has announced his intention to strip millions of workers of the overtime pay they would have received under Obama DOL regulations.

Trump is creating a pro-business majority at the National Labor Relations Board, which will roll back Obama's efforts to make it easier for workers to organize, and make it possible to hold home companies responsible for the employment practices of their franchisees.

This is simply standard operating procedure for today's Republican party. Long ago, Republicans realized that organized labor was a central "pillar," as Grover Norquist described it, of Democratic Party strength. Now Republican office holders at every level -- from county officials to statehouses to judges -- know that their job is to weaken labor unions. From right to work laws to administrative regulations to court challenges, Republicans sustain an unrelenting attack.

And aided by our perverse globalization strategies, they've been remarkably successful. Unions are down to about 7 percent of the private workforce. Public employee unions, a relative stronghold, are facing court challenges -- essentially allowing workers to enjoy the benefits of union negotiations without paying dues -- that will decimate their membership.

True conservatives would embrace unions. They are a classic "mediating institution," a voluntary civic organization between government and the individual. Unions increase the voice and power of workers in the workplace, helping to keep executive accountable, and to protect workers from abuse. They also educate their members, teach democracy, and are central to community volunteer and service efforts. They teach and practice democratic citizenship.

The modern Republican Party, of course, is the party of big business and big money. It isn't conservative; it is partisan. And weakening unions is a constant target.

While Republicans understand how important unions are to Democrats and to workers, Democrats don't seem to get it. Sure, they line up to get union donations; most will vote to defend unions and worker programs. But as the money in politics has gotten bigger and the unions have gotten weaker, the Wall Street wing of the Democratic Party has become more powerful.

The result is clear. When Republicans get control, they attack unions relentlessly. When Democrats gain control, as they did in 2012 with the election of Barack Obama and Democratic majorities in both houses, labor law reform, empowering workers to organize is not a priority. Obama essentially told unions that if they could get the votes, he'd sign the law, but he wasn't leading the charge. And so as under Carter and Clinton, changing the law to make it easier for workers to organize and bargain collectively didn't happen.

Now unions are under siege. Yet it is hard to imagine how a small "d" democracy can be robust, or a large "D" Democratic Party can regain its mojo without a revived movement of workers. It's time for Democrats at every level to realize: strengthening workers and their unions isn't an elective; it's a requirement and a first priority.

The loop works like this: Unions are in decline. As a result, unions lose influence inside the Democratic Party. The Democrats then feel no pressure to stem unions' decline, and the economically disadvantaged lose what was once their most powerful advocate. Then the cycle continues. We cannot revive unions, and we have no template for egalitarian politics without them.

Unions aren't simply economic actors. They're political actors. Labor still needs the Democrats. The Democrats, more than they realize, still need labor. But most of all, all those who want to build a fairer society need their partnership.

Republican elites understand the doom loop. Big business, small business, and Tea Party alike have pushed hard against unions. As the parties have polarized, Republicans have taken the gloves off, risking the votes of the 40 percent of union members who back Republicans in order to crush a pillar of the Democratic coalition. Even President Bernie Sanders would have real trouble rebuilding unions in the face of a Republican Congress and a federal judiciary eager to swat down pro-labor executive action.

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(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
For its sixth edition, the Suzuki Nine Knights once more invited the worlds best freeride mountain bikers to Reschenpass, South Tyrol, Italy to get creative on one of the most innovative courses in the sport.In this GoPro course preview, course designer Sam Reynolds is joined by Bienvenido Aguado (ESP) to show off the Sendolf, a step up kicker designed with fellow Spaniard Adolf Silva in mind, built for big tricks and massive airtime.To warm up, Canadian rider Geoff Gulevich cruises through the flow line while Sam and Adolf Silva take on the Big Bertha Kicker, the biggest of the bunch with a four meter take off, three meter step up, and ten meter gap to landing.These features, combined with the hip and shark fin at the bottom section of the extended Big Bertha line will give the world class invited athletes including Nicholi Rogatkin (USA), Emil Johansson (SWE), Sam Pilgrim (GBR), and Anton Thelander (SWE) endless creative possibilities for amazing new tricks.Shot 100% on GoPro.
Greg Minnaar's Santa Cruz V10 29.

Tracey Hannah's Polygon DH9 done up in Aussie colors. But will she race this bike or the prototype seen at Crankworx and Val di Sole?
Napa County government has a response for the mystery group called Alliance for Responsible Governance: Contrary to your allegations, we satisfy state environmental laws when approving new wineries.

Planning, Building and Environmental Services Director David Morrison authored a seven-page reply to an eight-page letter from the Alliances attorneys. He said the groups concerns about county-approved winery growth are serious and deserve a meaningful, open discussion.

He wants Alliance members to identify themselves and step forward for face-to-face talks. The group has communicated with the county using the law firm Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger.

Communications through letters and attorneys is not a productive process, Morrison wrote to the law firm.

Attorney Ellison Folk of Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger declined last week to identify group members to the Napa Valley Register.

They really want the focus to be on the concerns over the future of Napa Valley, Folk said.

The Alliance letter said the group supports having sustainable economic growth within the context of agricultural protections embraced by citizens and codified in the county general plan. Members sees this ideal threatened by traffic and other impacts from new wineries and winery expansions.

Morrison in his letter took issue with the idea that Napa County is experiencing runaway winery growth. Rather, he argued that growth is going according to the countys Board of Supervisors-approved 2008 General Plan.

The general plan foresaw 225 new wineries being built between 2005 and 2030, Morrison wrote. To date, the county has approved 107 new wineries. That translates to 47.6 percent of the estimated total with 46.7 percent of the general plan life having elapsed.

In addition, the General Plan estimated that half of the new wineries would produce 50,000 gallons of wine annually or less. Instead, 83 percent of the wineries approved meet this standard, Morrison wrote.

Much of Alliance letter dealt with aspects of the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA. The group claimed Napa County has a pattern of approving winery projects without doing legally adequate environmental reviews.

California passed CEQA in 1970. This law requires state and local agencies to identify significant environmental impacts from proposed projects and then avoid or reduce these impacts, if possible.

Sometimes, that means doing bulky environmental impact reports on projects to analyze potential effects on traffic, air pollution, wetlands, animals, fish and other topics. At other times, less extensive studies can satisfy the requirements.

The Alliance letter said the county since 2013 has approved over 90 new wineries and winery expansions. Only twice did it require environmental impact reports, for Yountville Hill winery and the Hall Winery distillery building demolition.

Morrison wrote that the county isnt as sparing with environmental impact reports as the Alliance suggests. He pointed to reports done for various non-winery projects, such as the Syar expansion, Walt Ranch vineyards, county jail, Napa Pipe and Palmaz heliport.

More importantly, he wrote, how many environmental impact reports the county requires is irrelevant to the quality of environmental review.

From 2006 to 2016, California counties, cities and other agencies completed 112,880 CEQA documents, Morrison wrote. Of these, only 5,014 or 4.4 percent were full-fledged environmental impact reports.

By (the Alliances) logic, one might assume that 96 percent of CEQA documents produced throughout the state of California over this decade have also been inadequate, Morrison wrote.

The Alliance said Napa County wineries repeatedly violate the terms of their permits by doing such things as hosting more marketing events than allowed, playing amplified music and holding events late into the night.

As the grand jury found in 2015, Napa Countys oversight of wineries is almost non-existent, and therefore insufficient to insure compliance with CEQA, the Alliance wrote.

Morrison wrote that the 2014-15 Grand Jury never used the words non-existent or insufficient. It recommended the county to do such things as increase the number of wineries audited annually for rules compliance, something the county is working on.

He noted the Grand Jury report said code enforcement staff is doing a professional job in its audit and compliance function in so far as their limited resources permit. He noted the county has since increased the number of codes compliance officers from three to six and adopted a new code compliance manual.

If there are any specific reports of violations, please forward them to my office so that we can promptly and effectively respond, he told the Alliance.

With both the Alliance and county now having released letters, its unclear what happens next. But Morrisons preference is clear: face-to-face talks with Alliance members.

Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Belia Ramos agreed.

We need to know who it is, Ramos said on Tuesday. Were not going to have these discussions in a vacuum and its not going to be a letter-writing campaign. This certainly deserves its time in an open session where others can participate.

The Board of Supervisors is to continue a discussion on county code compliance on Sept. 12.
888poker XL Eclipse Offers $8 Million Guaranteed; Series Starts Sunday

September 06, 2017 Valerie Cross

The wait for the much-anticipated XL Eclipse series at 888Poker will soon be over. On Sept. 10, the series kicks off with its first 16 events, including a $160 buy-in $300,000 guarantee Opening Event and a $12 buy-in $50,000 guaranteed Mini Opening Event. The exciting series culminates with a $1,050 Main Event that guarantees $1.5 million!

The Schedule

With 197 events across the 15-day series, there is something for everyone with buy-ins ranging from $5 to $5,200. This years schedule also boasts $8 million in guaranteed prizes, which is $500,000 more than the guarantees offered in last springs XL Inferno.

The following five events account for $2.9 million in guarantees:

Date Time Event Buy-in Sept. 10 17:00 Event #7: $300,000 GTD Opening Event $160 Sept. 12 18:00 Event #36:$500,000 GTD High Roller $2,100 Sept. 17 17:00 Event #97: $200,000 GTD Tune Up $160 Sept. 19 18:00 Event #126: $500,000 GTD Super High Roller Chip-In $5,200 Sept. 24 18:00 Event #189: $1,500,000 GTD Main Event $1,050

For a complete look at the 197-event schedule, visit 888poker.com or the 888poker Lobby.

Qualify Your Way In

With satellites running daily for as little as 1, there are plenty of ways to get in on the action and no excuse not to!

One way is to deposit $10 or more in your 888poker account using the promo code ECLIPSE10 to get three tickets to daily XL Eclipse Qualifiers, running from Sept. 8.

XL Eclipse Qualifiers

XL Eclipse Main Event

When: Every day at 19:30 GMT

Prize: Top three players will win a $1,050 Main Event seat

XL Eclipse $300,0000 Opening Event Qualifiers

When: Every day at 16:30 GMT

Prize: Top ten win $160 buy-in Opening Event seat

XL Eclipse Mini Opening Event Qualifiers

When: Every day at 13:30 GMT

Prize: Top 30 win a $12 seat to the Mini Opening Event

Champion of Champions

Winners of each XL Eclipse event will automatically be registered into the Champion of Champions Event on Sept. 26 at 18:00 GMT, where players will compete for valuable prizes. The top three will be walking away with live event prize packages.

The top 40 finishers in the event will receive a prize and the winner will receive a $13,000 package to the 2017 World Series of Poker Europe in Rozvadov.

Players who finish 10th-40th each get a $55 tournament ticket, 6th-9th receive a $215 tournament ticket, and 4th and 5th get a $600 ticket.

The third-place finisher will be awarded an 888Live Dublin Main Event package and second-place gets an 888Live London Festival Main Event package.

Chip In Events for REG Charity

Three "Chip In" designated events during the series, including the $5,200 buy-in Super High Roller, will benefit the REG (Raising for Effective Giving) charity.

The tournament fees for those events will be donated to REG's 'AMF' (Against Malaria Foundation) without affecting the prize pool.
Philipp Salewski Wins Inaugural PokerStars Sunday Million Live Event

September 05, 2017 Valerie Cross

More than a decade ago, PokerStars championed a new tournament with a novel, exciting concept  giving out $1 million in prize money in a single-day online event. It was an instant success  the inaugural event drew 5,893 entries and Canadian pro Daryl aaaaaa Jace made history as the first-ever Sunday Million winner for a payday of $173,843.50.

Since March of 2006, PokerStars Sunday Million has awarded nearly $800 million over the course of hundreds of iterations of the one-day online event. One of those was the 10th Anniversary Special Sunday Million, which drew 62,116 runners and awarded $1.15 million to the winner, Canadian Kyle First-Eagle Weir.

Sunday Million Goes Live

Last Sunday, PokerStars reached another milestone when they took the online event and brought it to the live felt. In what was the largest poker tournament in continental Europe to date, the first Sunday Million Live took place at Kings Casino in Rozvadov, Czech Republic.

In a hybrid online-live format, 5,045 players registered in the inaugural Sunday Million Live event with some playing in online qualifiers and others playing live Day 1s. A total of 512 players survived their respective Day 1 events and came together at Kings Casino to play it out in the live arena.

Day 2 saw 512 players dwindle to 27 and Andrei Kurdyukov held a sizeable chip lead heading into the final day of play. Kurdyukov held the chip lead to the final table, but ultimately fell in 5th place for 39,680.

First Sunday Million Live Winner

Philipp Salewski took over the chip lead during the final table when he won a flip against then-chip leader Kurdyukov for most of Kurdyukovs stack, then eliminated him in the next hand. The final four players came to a chop agreement with Salewski getting the largest payout of 101,674, and they left 10,000 up top for the eventual winner.

"I always dreamed of winning the Sunday Million. Why not the Sunday Million Live?"



Dominik Alexander Kabas eliminated the next two players, Karel Kovarik and Jozef Komorny, in fourth and third place, respectively, and Kabas and Salewski were heads-up for the title.

At the start of heads-up play, Kabas held a marginal chip lead with 29 big blinds to Salewskis 22 big blinds. With the blinds so large, the match was quite shallow.

Salewski took over the chip lead winning a few pots early in the match, and then he closed it out. In the final hand, Salewski limped on the button with , Kabas moved all in with , and Salewski snap-called.

The board ran out , and Salewski won the hand, and the tournament. Kabas took second place and Salewski added the 10,000 to his earnings for a total of 111,674.

Salewski on the Win

The German poker player was able to drive to the event at Kings Casino. And it was worth the trip. According to Salewski, "I always dreamed of winning the Sunday Million. Why not the Sunday Million Live?

Salewski ran quite good, but also was able to maintain focus in a fast-paced structure as blinds got very big compared to the stacks late in the tournament.

I ran really hot. I won almost every all in except for some small ones on the way here. He also said he sucked out twice, and was able to fade suckouts as well in his journey to victory.

I was just trying to stay as concentrated and stay as zen as possible and be confident in my decisions.

Salewski did just that, and as a result, became part of the rich PokerStars Sunday Million history by winning the inaugural Sunday Million Live event.

Images courtesy of the PokerStars Blog.
Tim Chung Takes Down the Inaugural DTD 1000

September 05, 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor

One of the most popular live poker tournaments in the United Kingdom is the 100,000 guaranteed DTD 200 event at Dusk Till Dawn, so it's no wonder that when the Nottingham-based club decided to run a 500,000 guaranteed DTD 1000 event it was a roaring success. Just ask Tim Chung, who triumphed in the 1,100 buy-in tournament and took home 76,500.

A total of 274 unique entrants paid 1,100 to buy into the inaugural DTD 1000 over the weekend and an additional 228 re-entries were purchased, meaning the ambitious 500,000 guarantee was surpassed by 2,000.

DTD 1000 Final Table Results

Place Player Prize 1 Tim Chung 76,500* 2 Mark Kelsall 71,020* 3 Chun Law 57,480* 4 William Bennet 34,700 5 Justin Sevilla 25,000 6 Chuck Khuu 20,000 7 Colin Gillon 15,000 8 Harvey Sellick 12,500

*reflects a three-handed deal

The money bubble burst on Day 2 when Josh Jones bust in 48th place. Yani Yanev opened the betting with a raise to 50,000 and Jones defended his big blind with a call. Jones checked on the flop and then called a 55,000 bet. The landed on the turn and Jones checked again. Yanev set the price to play at 85,000 only to see Jones move all-in for 375,000 in total. Yanev snap-called, as would you if you held the for the nuts. Jones showed and was drawing dead.

Everyone who had chips in front of them locked up 2,000 for their efforts. Players such as Roberto Romanello, Waheed Ashraf, Michael Kane, Mitch Johnson, Michael Fletcher, David Vamplew, Ben Jackson and Ben Jones all crashed out in the money places, with Tom Hall busting in ninth place to set the official final table.

Seat Player Chips 1 Tim Chung 8,050,000 2 Justin Sevilla 2,375,00 3 Harvey Sellick 4,175,000 4 Colin Gillon 5,025,000 5 Chuck Khuu 1,325,000 6 William Bennet 14,700,000 7 Chun Law 3,200,000 8 Mark Kelsall 11,500,000

First to fall at the final table was Harvey Sellick, whose ace-queen couldnt win the race against Mark Kelsalls pair of black fours, before Chung sent Colin Gillon to the rail in seventh place when his pocket sevens flopped a set to best the top pair of Gillon.

Chuck Khuu busted in sixth place after running into the pocket kings of Kelsall. A five million chip pot was created after the pair were all-in preflop, Khuu holding ace-queen. Khuu paired his queen on a paired flop, but Kelsall turned a full house to leave Khuu drawing dead.

Next to fall was Justin Sevilla who moved all-in blind from the small blind with what turned out to be a suited nine-six only for William Bennet to call with ace-three. A three on the turn ended up being more than enough to despatch Sevilla.

Four-handed play did not last long because Bennet moved all-in from the small blind with a respectable holding in ace-eight only for Chun Law to wake up in the big blind with a pair of red kings. Law then improved to quad kings on the flop to reduce the player count by one.

The final three players decided to pause the tournament clock to discuss a deal based on ICM. An agreement was reached that saw Kelsall take 66,020, Chung 61,500 and Law 57,480; this deal left the trophy and 15,000 for the champion and an additional 5,000 for the runner-up.

It turned out to be a good deal for Law because he was the next player eliminated. Law raised all-in over a flop bet by Kelsall with the board being ace-high with two diamonds. Kelsall called with top set and needed to fade diamonds because Law held nine-eight of diamonds. Fade Kelsall did as the turn and river came out clubs and spades to sent the tournament to the heads-up stage.

The chip counts were almost level going into heads-up, Chung holding 24,800,000 and Kelsall 25,400,000 but a cooler of a hand put all of the chips in Chungs stack.

Kelsall opened to 1,200,000 and called when Chung three-bet to 3,500,000. Chung continued for 3,000,000 on the flop and Kelsall called. Chung bet 7,000,000 on the turn but it wasnt enough to shake Kelsall off. The completed the board and Chung moved all-in. Kelsall instantly called and showed for trips, but Chung held for trips with a king-kicker, enough to bust Kelsall in second place.

The 78,700 won by Chung is his largest live poker score, the second largest weighing in at 32,815, which was his reward for winning the 2014 Genting Poker Tour Newcastle Main Event. In July 2017, Chung won the 550 MPN Poker Tour Manchester Main Event for 29,900.

Compete for the Next DTD1000 Title

If you missed out on this DTD 1000 event, you can try win the next one which start Oct. 3 and ends on Oct. 8. Online qualifiers and Day 1 will be found at partypoker, Dusk Till Dawns partner. You can download partypoker via PokerNews and if you enter the bonus code PNCOM when making your first deposit, partypoker will match your initial deposit 100 percent up to $500.
"Ultimately, this is about basic decency."

WASHINGTON (Popdust) - Quick recap: today Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Trump's decision to rescind DACA, the Obama-era program that allowed undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to remain in the country.

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And basically everyone from Mark Zuckerberg, to celebrities like Lauren Jauregui, to politicians (both democrat and republican) responded being like, "that's mad f*cked up, bro."

Trump's cowardice is on full display today. His cruelty must not stand! #ProtectDREAMers

 Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) September 5, 2017

But the response people were really waiting for was Obama's, because back during his last press conference as president, Obama warned that he would be vocal if Trump threatened the 'DREAMers.'

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So it wasn't a huge surprise when hours after the announcement, Obama released a written statement via facebook. And while Obama fails to call Trump out by name, the letter is a clear, calling the Trump administration's decision "cruel," and "self-defeating."

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Below, we've provided the full B.S. (Barack statement), without commercial interruption, for your reading and self-informing pleasure.

Immigration can be a controversial topic. We all want safe, secure borders and a dynamic economy, and people of goodwill can have legitimate disagreements about how to fix our immigration system so that everybody plays by the rules.

But that's not what the action that the White House took today is about. This is about young people who grew up in America -- kids who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag. These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper. They were brought to this country by their parents, sometimes even as infants. They may not know a country besides ours. They may not even know a language besides English. They often have no idea they're undocumented until they apply for a job, or college, or a driver's license.

Over the years, politicians of both parties have worked together to write legislation that would have told these young people -- our young people -- that if your parents brought you here as a child, if you've been here a certain number of years, and if you're willing to go to college or serve in our military, then you'll get a chance to stay and earn your citizenship. And for years while I was President, I asked Congress to send me such a bill.

That bill never came. And because it made no sense to expel talented, driven, patriotic young people from the only country they know solely because of the actions of their parents, my administration acted to lift the shadow of deportation from these young people, so that they could continue to contribute to our communities and our country. We did so based on the well-established legal principle of prosecutorial discretion, deployed by Democratic and Republican presidents alike, because our immigration enforcement agencies have limited resources, and it makes sense to focus those resources on those who come illegally to this country to do us harm. Deportations of criminals went up. Some 800,000 young people stepped forward, met rigorous requirements, and went through background checks. And America grew stronger as a result.

But today, that shadow has been cast over some of our best and brightest young people once again. To target these young people is wrong -- because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating -- because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel. What if our kid's science teacher, or our friendly neighbor turns out to be a Dreamer? Where are we supposed to send her? To a country she doesn't know or remember, with a language she may not even speak?

Let's be clear: the action taken today isn't required legally. It's a political decision, and a moral question. Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn't threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us. They are that pitcher on our kid's softball team, that first responder who helps out his community after a disaster, that cadet in ROTC who wants nothing more than to wear the uniform of the country that gave him a chance. Kicking them out won't lower the unemployment rate, or lighten anyone's taxes, or raise anybody's wages.

It is precisely because this action is contrary to our spirit, and to common sense, that business leaders, faith leaders, economists, and Americans of all political stripes called on the administration not to do what it did today. And now that the White House has shifted its responsibility for these young people to Congress, it's up to Members of Congress to protect these young people and our future. I'm heartened by those who've suggested that they should. And I join my voice with the majority of Americans who hope they step up and do it with a sense of moral urgency that matches the urgency these young people feel.

Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated. It's about who we are as a people -- and who we want to be.

What makes us American is not a question of what we look like, or where our names come from, or the way we pray. What makes us American is our fidelity to a set of ideals -- that all of us are created equal; that all of us deserve the chance to make of our lives what we will; that all of us share an obligation to stand up, speak out, and secure our most cherished values for the next generation. That's how America has traveled this far. That's how, if we keep at it, we will ultimately reach that more perfect union.



- Barry-O

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Chance the Rapper continues to give back.

At his SocialWorks summit on September 1st, in Chicago's Southside, Chance the Rapper revealed a list of twenty public schools in the area that will be receiving the $2.2 million in donations his charity fund (Dubbed the New Chance Fund) raised for education in the arts over the last six months.

Also at this event, Chance announced the first-ever instance of a new program that he is calling 'The Twilight Awards.' These awards are designed to honor "teachers, parents, principles, and students that convey leadership," Pitchfork reports. He has a host for the event picked out, Late Night's own James Corden, and it is scheduled to take occur in June 2018. Not content with his generous donation of $2.2 million, Chance's SocialWorks also gave away thirty thousand backpacks to students at last month's Bud Billiken Parade.

These awards and donations are emblematic of Chance's grassroots approach, not just to philanthropy, but to music as well. He is constantly earning the goodwill of those around him by giving back wherever possible. This is far from the first time he has given to charity, he has been donating money consistently since earning his fame and fortune. Not only that, but this Summer, he partnered with engineering startup LANDR to offer free audio mastering classes to seventy five children. Chance even met with Illinois governor Rauner earlier in the year to discuss getting more government money into the public school system. Though chance was disappointed with the meeting, it obviously has not deterred him in his efforts to fight for the underclass.

Themes of school, education, and a reclamation of childhood weave their way down in to Chance's work at its most basic level. Even to the extent that his first mixtape 10 Day was recorded when he was suspended from school for ten days, after being caught in possession of marijuana on his school campus. His musical career has been fueled by groundswell and social media. Everything he puts out has been independently recorded, produced, and marketed. He refuses to sign to any major label. Chance's approach to life, music, and charity revolves around a welcoming cult of personality. You could even make the argument that, in lieu of traditional promotion and advertising, he touts his charity work as a way of spreading the word. If this is the case, it's clearly working.

We also see, in Chance's work, a recognition of the system that allowed him to succeed, and a need to leave the door open behind him. His constant giving back and rallying to the cause of arts education are a battle to allow children of generations to come access to equipment and training that will also allow them to be independent. In a world where popularism is no longer wholly dictated by agencies of tastemakers, but gradually more and more by the collective consciousness, these are likely the steps of a pioneer. It is not only a hope, but a necessity, that we will see more artists like him in the coming years.

Watch Chance's appearance at the event below (the Twilight Awards comes at 17:30).
Ron Howard is making the Han Solo Star Wars movie with Paul Bettany.

We're all excited about the Han Solo film slated for release in 2018. We're finally going to get to see how Han Solo became the scruffy-looking nerf-herder that we know and love. But just in case you needed more reason to get excited Paul Bettany has joined the cast. Director Ron Howard announced the news via twitter on Friday.

Howard said, "The Outer Rim just got a little bit wilder," sharing an image of himself alongside the well-known British actor. After a delay he added another winning quote, saying "It's my third opportunity to work with Paul. He's a blast & so talented." So obviously Howard is as excited as we all are to have Bettany joining the Star Wars universe.

Howard took over as director of the film, that will show us the origin of, arguably, Harrison Ford's most famous character, after Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were fired earlier this year. The reason cited was: creative differences. Reshoots have now begun for the film, which is expected to hit theaters on May 25, 2018, in time for the annual Summer Blockbuster season. A slight departure in terms of recent release dates. Both Force Awakens and Rogue One were released just before Christmas, as Last Jedi will be this year.

The casting of Bettany, better known to the wider world for his stellar work in films such as A Beautiful Mind and Marvel's The Avengers, comes after the unfortunate news that Michael K. Williams has left the production due to his filming commitments with The Red Sea Diving Resort. He booked the new biographical drama after completing his contracted filming for the Han Solo flick, and was unable to rework his schedule in order to return and reshoot new material for Ron Howard.

The film remains on schedule after Lord and Miller were removed from the project whilst still in the middle of production. They had come to loggerheads on several occasions with the film's producer and Lucasfilm head honcho Kathleen Kennedy and co-writer/executive producer Lawrence Kasdan (who was co-writer on Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, as well as Return of the Jedi, and Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark). The directing team, who had previously seen great financial and critical success helming The LEGO Movie, 21 Jump Street, and its sequel 22 Jump Street, wanted to allow more humor and bantering conversation into the film and encouraged improvisation from their actors (particularly Donald Glover, who is noted for his comic improv, and will be playing Lando Calrissian in the film). Lawrence Kasdan, reportedly, did not appreciate this, and when Lord and Miller failed to acquiesce to his demands, he and Kennedy were forced to oust them from the project.

Since Ron Howard has taken over, Warwick Davis (who played the Ewok Wicket in Return of the Jedi) has also joined production of the film. Davis and Howard confirmed this in July, the two are reuniting after nearly thirty years when Howard made fantasy film Willow. Davis has also appeared in the Harry Potter film franchise.

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Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Key Opinion Leader Management Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027" report to their offering.

Air Flow Sensors Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 09:56:48

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Air flow sensors are also known as air velocity sensors and are used to measure the speed and pressure of the air with the best possible accuracy. Air flow sensors also measure the volume and the density of the air flowing through a channel. These sensors are designed to efficiently collect environmental and atmospheric data in a variety of applications which are precision critical. Air flow sensors can also be manufactured with custom configuration options, which are helpful as they have the user-defined applications. In most of the modern cars, the MAF (mass air flow sensor) is an integral component of the engine system controlled by the computer. It is the best way to measure the amount of air an engine takes in i.e. the engine load.Air Flow Sensors Market: Market DynamicsThe availability of highly configurable air flow sensors from the manufacturing plant itself is contributing to the growth of its market. The availability of OEM quality air flow sensors for specific automobile applications is fueling the growth of the air flow sensors market. However, the contamination of the air flow sensors is restraining the growth of its market. As a contaminated air flow sensor cannot measure the correct amount of air flow. Another challenge faced by the air flow sensors market is that any slight damage to these sensors can alter the automatic transmission shifting patterns, for which air flow sensors are installed in many cars. One of the current trends in the air flow sensors market is the availability of both analog as well as digital sensors for control, display, recovery and switching functions. The versatility of air flow sensors that they can be used for almost all kinds of gasses and volatile substances, is widening the scope of its market. Air flow sensors can also be adapted to the different kinds of flow channel geometries. The installation of multi-pixel sensors in various IoT (internet of things) applications, has also broadened the scope of air flow sensors market.Request For Report Sample@Air Flow Sensors Market: Market SegmentationThe global air flow sensors market can be segmented on the basis of end-use industries:AutomobilesAerospaceData CentersSpirometerLeak Detection in pressurized air systemsEngine ControlIndustrial gas flow measurementHVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning)It can also be segmented on the basis of its type:Volume air flow sensorsMass air flow sensorsIt can be further segmented on the basis of type of sensing wire used:Hot WireCold WireIt can be further segmented on the basis of type of output signals:Variable voltage output (Analog)Frequency Output (Digital)Air Flow Sensors Market: Segmentation OverviewIn healthcare, the air flow sensors are used in anesthetic devices, inhalers, insufflators, oxygen concentrators, and respiratory devices, etc. Nasal air flow sensors are the devices used to control and monitor the airflow rate of a patient who requires respiratory aid.In data centers, it is important to monitor the chilled airflow along with the monitoring of hot air return flow. Some of the air flow sensors have features such as hot film anemometer component and are manufactured in compliance with ISO TS16949.In automobiles, the airflow sensors are used for the R & D activities related to vehicles and testing. Air flow sensors also calculate the proper amount of fuel to be delivered to the vehicles engine and relay signals to the engine control unit (ECU).The volume air sensors measure the effect of moving air either on a pinwheel or a deflecting plate. The mass air flow sensors, on the other hand measure the mass of air as it passes through the sensor. Since the stoichiometry of the air-fuel reaction is fundamentally dependent on the mass i.e. it is proportional to the number of molecules of the air, rather than the volume; thus the usage of mass air flow sensors is comparatively widespread. Some of the latest applications of the air flow sensors are extraction hoods, fuel cells, filter monitoring, gas analyzers, gas measuring stations, low vacuum control and process control, etc.Air Flow Sensors Market: Regional OutlookThe global air flow sensorsmarket geographically is segmented as North America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe hold a significant market share of air flow sensors market owing to the fully automated manufacturing processes. Furthermore, the increase in R & D activities related to healthcare and automobiles, wherein air flow sensors have useful applications, aids in boosting the growth of air flow sensors market in the region. The market in the APEJ region is more inclined towards growing demand for air flow sensors because of the increasing usage of electronic products.Visit For TOC@Air Flow Sensors Market: Prominent PlayersSome of the prominent players in the global air flow sensors market are:DENSO EUROPEFirst Sensor AGDegree Controls Inc.,TE Connectivity CorporationOscium, A Dechnia LLC.Sensirion AG SwitzerlandDelta OHMHoneywell International Inc.Systec ControlsSiemens AG
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 10:30:02

Paris, 6th September 2017 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announces it has been named a global Leader by Everest Group in its latest PEAK Matrix(TM) Assessment for Workplace Services. Furthermore, Atos has been positioned as a 'Star Performer', based on its relative year-on-year performance and movement on the PEAK Matrix. Atos is the only European service provider in the assessment to be ranked as a global Leader and also the only European-based 'Star Performer'.

The report assesses the relative capabilities of 23 global IT service providers offering Workplace Services. 'Leaders' show a top quartile performance across market success (revenue, revenue growth and enterprise adoption) and delivery capability (scale, scope, domain expertise and innovation, delivery footprint and buyer satisfaction). Atos was assessed with 'very high' market success and 'high' delivery capability.

Atos Digital Workplace: transforming how employees work

With its Atos Digital Workplace offering, Atos has developed a true end-to-end solution to transform the employee experience. Delivered through an enhanced partnership ecosystem, it includes:

A secure, mobile workplace, available anytime, anywhere

Cloud based services (Workplace-as-a-service)

Consumer-like end-user support with the Help and Interaction Center and

Feature-rich communication and collaboration services (including Unify's OpenScape Cloud & Circuit products).

Businesses demand leaner and more efficient workplace operations to enrich user experience

In the related Market Trends report(1), Everest Group predicts that the Global workplace services market will grow at 3-5% per annum to reach $89bn by 2020, and expects it to continue to outgrow the broader IT infrastructure services market as business turn to providers to help drive strategy that balances both user experience enrichment and drives ongoing efficiencies and productivity improvements.

"Atos' balanced and well-established workplace services portfolio is geared towards the digital workplace requirements of its clients. This, underpinned by its strong technology partnership ecosystem and cloud-based offerings suite, help make Atos a leading choice for an end-to-end workplace transformation partner," said Ashwin Venkatesan, Practice Director, Everest Group.

"Being positioned by Everest Group as a global Leader in Workplace Services validates our expertise in supporting businesses to create agile, secure and affordable digital workplaces in which employees can connect, communicate and collaborate efficiently," says Peter Pluim, Executive Vice President for Infrastructure and Data Management at Atos. "We work closely with our clients to help them create inspiring and engaging digital workplaces in which their employees can thrive."

To download the full report, go to http://go.atos.net/everest-peak-matrix.

###

(1) Workplace Services - Market Trends and PEAK Matrix(TM) Assessment: "End Users are no Less than Customers!", Cloud & Infrastructure Services (CIS), Market Report, July 2017, Everest Group Research.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries and annual revenue of around  12 billion. The European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, The Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index.

About Atos Digital Workplace

More information on Atos Digital Workplace , part of Atos' full suite of Digital Transformation Factory solutions, can be found at: https://atos.net/en/solutions/atos-digital-workplace. To find out more about how businesses can unlock the power of individuals, come and listen to Atos' Head of Atos Digital Workplace, James McMahon at VMWorld Barcelona: presentation on Tuesday 12th September at 11.50am.

Press contact:

Laura Fau | laura.fau@atos.net | +33 6 73 64 04 18 | @laurajanefau





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: ATOS via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 17:30:12

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Cranbrook, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture:EPL). has issued a press release with the following headline:Eagle Plains Stakes Robinson Creek High-Grade Gold, Copper Property in SaskatchewanTo 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 Eagle Plains 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/Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.Source: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSX Venture: EPL, ISIN: CA2699062022, WKN: 588696)Date: September 06, 2017Time: 11:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Eagle Plains 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.)
The Europe Antifungal Drugs Market is estimated at $3.16 billion in 2016 and projected to grow with CAGR of 3.4% reaching $3.73 billion by 2021.

market data forecast

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 15:02:43

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In the following few years, the market is poised to grow hugely with the rising population globally. Antifungal drugs are used commonly for curing fungal infections occurring due to, unclean, unhygienic and damp environment. Invasion of epithelial tissue by microscopic organisms lead to fungal infections. Systemic fungal infections are those caused due to indigestion or inhalation of spores, leading to fungal pneumonia and diseases like candidaisis, meningitis, mucormycosis, etc. are caused by opportunistic fungus. Although majority of the fungal infections and diseases are commonly non-lethal, they are very uncomforting to the host and their common occurrence is responsible for the rising antifungal drugs market. Antifungal drugs work via various mechanisms such as by inhibiting of cell wall formation, cell membrane disruption and cell division.View Full Report @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-anti-fungal-drugs-market-246/ The major factors that are driving the market are increasing awareness of fungal infections with the growing incidence rate of antifungal infections all over the world, increasing government and corporate funds in the industry. And also the development of public private partnership in the pharmaceutical industry, the rising popularity of over-the-counter antifungal drugs for dermal infections are vastly responsible for the growing antifungal drugs market size. Also, the rising population having weak immune system, in whom the occurrence of fungal infections is much more than average, will drive the market. High prevalence of conventional drugs used for the treatment of fungal infections is significantly restraining the market growth. Cost of drugs and their effectiveness in treatments remain as the challenges for the marketFree sample of the report is available @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-anti-fungal-drugs-market-246/request-sample The antifungal drugs market is segmented on the basis of drug type into 1. Echinocandins, 2. Azoles, 3. Polyenes, 4. Allylamines and 5. Other Drugs, by type of therapeutic indications into 1. Aspergillosis, 2. Dermatophytosis, 3. Candidiasis and 4. Other therapeutic indications, by applications into 1. Powders, 2. Ointments, 3. Drugs and 4. Pastes. While Azoles (fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole) are systemically acting, Echinocandins (anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin) are lipopeptides derived from natural fungal fermentation products and Polyenes (amphotericin B deoxycholate and liposomal amphotericin B. Corifungin) are systemically acting and disrupt eukaryotic cellular membranes. Azoles Antifungal Drugs segment is the largest segment of the market followed by echinocandins.Inquire before buying @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/europe-anti-fungal-drugs-market-246/inquire Based on geography, the Europe antifungal drugs market is sub-segmented into U.K., Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Europe commands second largest share of the global antifungal drugs market next to North America. Germany contributes to the major share of the Europe antifungal drugs market. Growing technological advancements in the Europe region will drive the market.Alternaria, Pfizer, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis, Merck & Co., Asperqillus, Kramer Laboratories, Bayer Healthcare, Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Glaxosmithkline Gilead and Abbott Laboratories are some of the major market leaders.About Us:Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our analyst team comprises expert professionals in market research, who with their collective knowledge and sksillset dedicatedly serve clients from various industries and regions.Contact:Abhishek ShuklaSales Manager (International Business Development)Market Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@ marketdataforecast.com Visit MarketDataForecast Blog @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/ View latest Press Releases of MDF @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/press-releases
Charles Banks, the once high-profile investor who rose to the top rungs of the Napa Valley wine world as a co-owner of Screaming Eagle and later Mayacamas Vineyards before receiving a four-year prison sentence for wire fraud, will sell off his shares in Mayacamas, effectively severing his most significant ties to the regions wine industry.

Banks downfall began almost one year ago with his arrest in San Antonio on four counts of felony wire fraud stemming from accusations that he defrauded retired San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan out of several million dollars while acting as Duncans financial adviser.

Following his guilty plea to one count of wire fraud in April, Banks was sentenced to four years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of more than $7.5 million to Duncan.

First reported by WineBusiness.com, Banks sale of his holdings in Mayacamas to the Schottenstein family, Ohio-based retail giants with whom he co-owned the storied Mount Veeder winery, came as he prepared to begin serving his sentence this week. Banks has remained free since posting $1 million bond the day after his arrest.

According to a motion from Banks legal team filed with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas last month, and approved by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, the proceeds from Banks sale of 50 shares of stock in CBSchott, Inc., which owns Mayacamas and Lokoya Vineyards in Napa, will in part go toward the restitution owed to Duncan, plus interest. The Lokoya Vineyards cited in the motion are farmed by Mayacamas and are unrelated to the Jackson Family Wines-owned Lokoya winery in St. Helena.

The motion states that the settlement agreement allowing Banks to sell his shares  the terms remain confidential  was the result of months of simultaneously hard-fought and delicate negotiations involving a very rare, luxury asset, complex relationships, and stakeholders and potential bidders across several states.

Partnering with the Schottensteins to purchase Mayacamas in 2013, Banks reportedly set his sights on revitalizing the historic property and had at one time eyed a lengthy future leading the winery. But with his arrest and indictment last September, a series of civil suits have flown between the co-owners, with Banks seeking to dissolve the partnership and the Schottensteins accusing him of misusing Mayacamas funds.

According to the motion from Banks team, the confidential settlement and its approval have brought an end to the civil litigation.

It brings peace to one of defendants largest business relationships, thus preventing indirectly creating new victims from this process, the motion reads.

And while the sale of his shares in CBSchott, Inc. brings a close to his largest involvement in the Napa wine world, the saga of Banks dealings with Duncan and the courts continues, as he and his legal team have appealed his sentencing, including the restitution to be paid to Duncan.

Essentially we think that the guidelines were not calculated correctly  and we think the restitution should not have been ordered, Banks attorney John E. Murphy said Tuesday. An approximate timeline for the appeals process has yet to be determined.
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for FanLogic Interactive Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Harrisonburg, VA (FSCWire) - FanLogic Interactive Inc. (TSX Venture:FLGC). has issued a press release with the following headline:FanLogic Announces European Launch With a Major UK ContractTo 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 FanLogic Interactive Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/FanLogic Interactive Inc.Source: FanLogic Interactive Inc. (TSX Venture: FLGC, OTCQB: FNNGF)Date: September 06, 2017Time: 11:37 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of FanLogic Interactive Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Key Opinion Leader Management Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027" report to their offering.

Meningococcal disease treatment Market

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 09:40:34

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Meningococcal disease is a severe infection of meninges, the thin layers of tissue covering brain and spinal cord, caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. This bacteria can also cause bloodstream infections (septicemia). Bacterial meningitis is severe because of rapid onset and a significant risk of death associated with infection. Infection of Neisseria meningitidis may also result in mental retardation, deafness and epilepsy. 12 strains of N. meningitidis have been identified, 6 of which (A, B, C, W, X and Y) are capable enough to cause epidemics. Meningococcal septicaemia is a rare but fatal form of meningococcal disease characterized by a haemorrhagic rash and rapid circulatory collapse. Rigid neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, dilemma, headaches and vomiting are most common symptoms of meningococcal disease. The highest rate of disease is found across 26 countries of sub-Saharan Africa known as the extended meningitis belt. The disease can be treated by a number of antibiotics and vaccines are also available for the prevention of disease.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenagers and young adults are most vulnerable to get meningitis.Meningococcal disease treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe key contributor to the growth of global Meningococcal disease treatment market is rising incidences of meningococcal diseases in developing nations especially African and Asian countries. Governmental organisations and NGOs as well have contributed in terms of financial grants, exporting vaccines and medicines and conducting mass vaccination programmes as well towards diseases prevention in African and Asian countries. Developed countries are also contributing significantly in terms of innovative products. North America and European nations are leading as far as the research and development is concerned. Poverty, illiteracy, lack of awareness and insufficient efforts by governments to reform healthcare services in developing countries are impeding the market growth.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4053 Meningococcal disease treatment Market: SegmentationGlobal Meningococcal disease treatment Market has been segmented on the basis of types of therapies, Route of Administration, distribution channels and region.Based on types of therapies, the global Meningococcal disease treatment Market is segmented into:AntibioticsPenicillinAmpicillinChloramphenicolCeftriaxoneVaccinesBivalent (groups A and C)Trivalent (groups A, C and W)Tetravalent (groups A, C, Y and W)Based on the route of Administration, the global Meningococcal disease treatment Market is segmented into:InjectableOralBased on the distribution channels, the global Meningococcal disease treatment Market is segmented into:Retail PharmaciesHospital PharmaciesClinicsMass Vaccination ProgrammesMeningococcal disease treatment Market: OverviewGlobal Meningococcal disease treatment market is highly fragmented with the presence of multiple players. Vaccines for the prevention of the disease are developed and manufactured by a few multi-national players such as Pfizer Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Sanofi Pasteur Inc. and Novartis AG while antibiotics for the treatment of disease are manufactured by both domestic and international players. Generic versions are easily available worldwide. Meningococcal disease is endemic in China and India and have been under-recognized. According to the Global Meningococcal Initiative (GMI), serogroup A disease is most dominant in low-income countries such as India and the Philippines, while serogroups C is the major causative agent inTaiwan, Japan, and Korea. China has observed a mixed epidemiology of A, B, C, and W serogroups. The incidence of meningococcal disease in Latin American countries differs from less than 0.1 cases per 100,000 in Mexico to two cases per 100,000 in Brazil.Meningococcal disease treatment Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, Meningococcal disease treatment Market is segmented into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Asian and African countries are the largest meningococcal disease treatment Market because of prevalence of a huge population in need for treatment and prevention of the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the region of sub-Saharan Africa ranging from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east involving 26 countries, known as the extended meningitis belt, has the highest rates of the disease. The market in North America and the European countries is stable because of limited numbers of infections owing to better healthcare services, better environment and continuous efforts of governments to eradicate such devastating diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rates of meningococcal disease have been declining in the United States since the late 1990s and have reduced to just 375 total cases of meningococcal disease in 2015 representing incidence rate of 0.18 cases per 100,000 persons.Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4053 Meningococcal disease treatment Market: Key PlayersThe key players in the global Meningococcal disease treatment Market include Pfizer Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Sanofi Pasteur Inc., Novartis AG, WOCKHARDT, Sandoz International GmbH, Kent Pharmaceuticals, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Stravencon Limited and Athlone Laboratories.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 10:02:01

Mentice Aims to Reduce TACE Procedure Times, Minimize Radiation with New TACE Simulation Training Solution

Mentice AB

Hiral Chavda

Marketing Communications Manager

+46 (0) 31 339 94 94

hiral.chavda@mentice.com

Mentice, the worlds leading endovascular simulation solution provider, has announced the release of a new simulation training software for transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). The new software will be showcased at the 2017 Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) congress to be held September 16-20 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201709060057

Mentice transarterial chemoembolization training software  fluoro (Photo: Business Wire)

TACE is an effective, widely performed therapy performed by interventional radiologists (IRs). It is a minimally invasive procedure for liver cancer that delivers chemotherapy drugs and embolization agents with great accuracy, minimizing side effects for patients. It is however a challenging procedure that involves various sub-techniques, complex anatomies and variant vasculatures requiring the extensive use of radiation. Success of the procedure and impact on cost is tied to the ability to complete it safely and accurately within the permitted radiation doses.

Conventional apprentice-based training in the clinical practice is costly, resource-intensive and can have an impact on patient safety, comments Mentice CEO Goran Malmberg. Our TACE software provides a safe, effective, repeatable and highly realistic solutionallowing IRs to have hands-on training outside of the cath lab.

The Mentice TACE training solution is based on real-life cases, providing the realism essential for successful training and features an integrated radiation safety module, that provides dose monitoring for patient and staff at all times. The software also features output of metrics, enabling objective assessment of trainees progress. Realistic high-fidelity simulation solutions are very effective for procedures such as TACE, adds Malmberg. Trainees can acquire the multi-level skills required to perform the procedure in a dose-dependent, time-effective way, reducing overall costs, while maintaining patient safety.

Attendees at CIRSE can test the new Mentice TACE training software at the companys booth (booth RPP1 at the Radiation Protection Pavilion). The software will also be available for testing and demonstrations at The Basics of Chemoembolization for the Liver session being held as part of the Principles to Practice: Education and Simulation Skills Training program.

To learn more about the new Mentice TACE training software please visit www.mentice.com/tace

To learn more about CIRSE 2017, please visit www.cirse.org

About Mentice

Mentice is the world leader in virtual reality-based interventional medical simulation solutions. Our solutions help healthcare professionals with skills acquisition, continuous development and preprocedural planningleading to improved productivity and outcomes. Mentice solutions are scientifically validated, and have been specifically developed for healthcare providers and the medical industry. Neurovascular, cardiovascular and peripheral interventions are just some of the areas covered by our systems. Learn more about the features and benefits of Mentice solutions at: www.mentice.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201709060057

Mentice aims to reduce TACE procedure times, minimize radiation with new TACE simulation training solution
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Key Opinion Leader Management Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027" report to their offering.

Global Airbag Control Unit/Sensor

PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 10:02:52

Press Information

Future Market Insights

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,



Valley Cottage, NY 10989,



United States



T: +1-347-918-3531



F: +1-845-579-5705



Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com



Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com









email





Published by

Abhishek Budholiya

+1-347-918-3531

e-mail

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com







# 664 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

The airbag control/sensor unit helps to detect collision airbag ignition to save a passenger from a collision. The airbag control unit identifies and assesses the seriousness of an accident and after that triggers the proper restraint frameworks. Information is provided to the unit by upwards of six crash sensors. This incorporates increasing speed sensors and a rotational speed sensor. The readings from these are utilized to assess and look at the signs from other sensors. The crash signs are then sent to the airbag control unit and new additional system to activate the hazard lights and inside lights and turn off the fuel pump and halting the engine. The restraint systems are additionally refined to be themost efficient according to the type of accident. The airbag control unit/sensor is high quality, reliable and is of low cost and also comply with automotive functional safety standards. An Airbag Control Unit is for commercial vehicles needs to meet all the diverse market and customer prerequisites around the world. To accomplish these particular necessities in a commercial way, the SPEED idea i.e. Safety Platform for Efficient and Economical Design officially utilized widely for airbag control units in passenger vehicles has been adapted to the particular commercial vehicles requirements. The electrical arc segment made between both pins activates a propellant which is comprised of sodium azide that begins to consume and radiate nitrogen gas, and the gas begins to fill the airbag.Global Airbag Control Unit/Sensor: Market Dynamics:The factors such as a rise in the number of traffic fatalities rates are accelerating demand for safety measures leads to the growth of Airbag control unit/sensor market. Moreover, safety regulation implied by government and rise in life expectancy leads to an increase in airbags control unit/sensor market. Macroeconomic factors such as an increase in disposable income lead to investing people toward more of safety features in the vehicles result in the overall growth of the airbag control unit/sensor market. In addition to it increasing consumer awareness towards safety equipment leads to the growth of Airbag control unit/sensor market. Further Airbag control unit on two-wheelers may provide an opportunity for the market leaders to grow in the future.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4058 Global Airbag Control Unit/Sensor: Segmentation:The global airbag control unit/sensor market is segmented on the basis of types of sensor, types of airbags and vehicle typesBased on types of sensor, global airbag control unit/ sensor market is segmented into:Mass type sensorRoller type sensorBased on types of airbags, global airbag control unit/sensor market is segmented into:Driver AirbagPassenger AirbagKnee AirbagCurtain AirbagSide AirbagRoll-over AirbagsExternal AirbagsSeatbelt AirbagsMedical AirbagsBased on types of vehicles, global airbag control unit/ sensor market is segmented into:Passenger CarsCompactMid-sizedPremiumLuxuryCommercial Vehicle/Light commercial vehicleHeavy Commercial VehiclesGlobal Airbag Control Unit/Sensor: Regional Outlook:Based on the geography, the global airbag control unit/sensor market is segmented into the seven regions namely, North America, Western Europe Latin America, Japan, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan and the Middle East and Africa. Among all regions North America has the largest share for the airbags control units/sensor followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific region. Due to technological advancement, US is the largest user of the airbag control unit/sensor. Europe is on the verge of recovery and expected to grow in the future in global airbag control unit market. Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the highest growth in for airbag control unit/sensor market owing to rise in demand for value-added safety equipment in domestic vehicles.Visit For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-4058 Global Airbag Control Unit/Sensor: Key Players:The few prominent key players of the global airbag control unit/sensor are:AUTOLIVZF Friedrichshafen AGAshimorTakata CorporationKSSToyoda Gosei Co. LtdHyundai MobisNihon Plast Co. LtdJinheng
Theres something of a feeding frenzy underway in the Capitol during the final weeks of the 2017 legislative session.

Augusts quarterly auction of carbon dioxide emission allowances under the states cap-and-trade program was a sellout after more than a year of lackluster results. Not only did it generate more than $600 million for the state, but buoyed hopes that future auctions will have similarly bountiful results and give Capitol politicians many billions of dollars to spend.

Its generally agreed that the stronger auction results were sparked by legislation that reauthorizes cap-and-trade, which had been due to expire in 2020, for another decade. Moreover, since the legislation was passed by two-thirds legislative votes, it removed a legal cloud on the program and gave Gov. Jerry Brown and legislators much more flexibility to spend auction proceeds, without the previous  and semi-ignored  requirement that they be spent only on carbon reduction programs.

The potential flow of what politicians regard as free money  i.e., funds that dont come from direct taxes on their constituents  was a big factor in the high-intensity political struggle over cap-and-trade reauthorization, even though it accounts for only about a fifth of the states carbon reduction efforts. And, of course, the roughly $2.5 billion a year that business will be spending on emission allowances will impact consumers.

Already, cap-and-trade is an indirect tax on motorists, adding about 11 cents per gallon to fuel prices.

That said, there will be much more money to spend and fewer restrictions on how it can be spent, and that means a deluge of proposals to spend it  several times the estimated $1.5 billion projected to be available this year without strings once the mandatory spending is covered.

That mandatory spending takes about 60 percent of the total revenues off the top, with the two largest chunks being the states financially shaky bullet train project (25 percent) and affordable housing (20 percent), neither of which has much to do with reducing carbon emissions. And the mandatory spending list was expanded in the political horse trading that preceded the cap-and-trade extension to include elimination of a controversial property tax for wildfire suppression and expansion of a business tax credit.

A note about the bullet train: Although it gets a quarter of cap-and-trade revenues and boosters hope thats enough to keep the controversial, financially strapped project alive, its construction would have, at most, a minuscule effect on reducing the states carbon footprint. Legislative Analyst Mac Taylor points out that during construction, carbon emissions will actually increase, and by the High-Speed Rail Authoritys own projections, it would, even if fully constructed, reduce automotive travel by scarcely 1 percent.

The bullet train is emblematic of cap-and-trade spending  that its more about political pork than about reducing carbon emissions, as a perusal of the proposed spending underscores.

Extension of cap-and-trade to 2030 is supposed to help reduce Californias carbon emissions by an additional 40 percent from 2020 levels. However, even if the state achieves that reduction, it will still be a long ways from dropping emissions to the level authorities believe is needed to halt man-caused climate change.

That goal is 3 metric tons per person per year. Currently, Californias per capita emissions are nearly four times that level, which indicates that whatever happens over the next 13 years, even more restrictions  and more costs  are on the horizon.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 10:03:01

Osborne Clarke chooses DocsCorp as its preferred document comparison and metadata management solutions for its integration with iManage and support for Windows 10

Osborne Clarke Replaces Workshare with DocsCorp Solutions

DocsCorp Media Contacts

North America and EMEA

Christy Burke

President  Burke & Company

(00 1) 917-261-2845

cburke@burke-company.com

or

Asia Pacific

Anna Biala, +61 (0) 2 8270 8500

DocsCorp Marketing Manager

anna.biala@docscorp.com

DocsCorp (www.docscorp.com), a leading provider of document productivity tools, today announced that Osborne Clarke, a leading multinational law firm headquartered in London, UK, has replaced Workshare metadata management and document comparison software in all its offices globally with cleanDocs and compareDocs.

Osborne Clarke selected DocsCorp as a Workshare replacement specifically because it integrates with iManage Worksite 9; supports Windows 10 and MS Office 2016; complies with data security and compliance standards; and is simple and intuitive to use, minimizing training requirements.

Commenting on the switch, Stuart Chapman, Osborne Clarke IT Applications Manager said, The response from DocsCorp was exemplary, resulting in a successful trial with very positive feedback from users. By switching to a perpetual license, the cost savings over three years with DocsCorp were very attractive. Integration, compatibility, compliance, pricing and ease of useDocsCorp ticked all the boxes.

Ben Mitchell, DocsCorp VP EMEA Sales said, We are delighted to have worked with Osborne Clarke on this successful implementation and will continue to develop our products to meet their future needs and requirements.

About DocsCorp

DocsCorp designs easy-to-use software and services for document professionals who use enterprise content management systems. We provide solutions for metadata removal, document processing, PDF manipulation, and document comparison. The DocsCorp product suite is built to drive business efficiency and increase the value of existing technology investment. DocsCorp is a global brand with customers located in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and beyond. More than 3,500 organizations rely on DocsCorp software every day. Find out more at docscorp.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Blog.

About Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke provides insightful and effective legal services to meet clients' advisory, litigation and transactional needs. The firm has offices in all major European economies: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Our offices in Silicon Valley, San Francisco and New York advise US companies targeting Europe, before they leave home. They also have a high level of experience and expertise working with companies from and targeting Australia, Brazil, India, The Middle East, Russia, the CIS countries and elsewhere. For more information, visit the website.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201709060056
PR-Inside.com: 2017-09-06 09:05:01

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Percona, the company that delivers enterprise-class MySQL, MongoDB and other open source database solutions and services, today unveiled the full conference schedule for Percona Live Open Source Database Conference Europe 2017, taking place September 25-27, 2017 at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. The Advanced Registration Discount rate expires on September 5, 2017. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

The Percona Live Open Source Database Conference Europe, which was completely sold-out in 2016, is the premier event for individuals and businesses developing and using open source software.

The conference theme this year is "Championing Open Source Databases," with sessions on MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB and other open source database technologies, including time series databases, PostgreSQL and RocksDB. The 2017 conference will feature a range of keynote addresses, in-depth discussions and hands-on tutorials for three formal tracks - Developer, Business/Case Studies and Operations.

The conference includes more than 100 keynotes, tutorials and breakout sessions. A sampling of each includes:

Keynote Addresses

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Championing Open Source Databases - Peter Zaitsev (Percona)

PMM Demo - Michael Coburn (Percona)

MySQL as a Layered Service: How to Use ProxySQL to Control Traffic and Scale Out - Rene Cannao (ProxySQL)

Real Time DNS Analytics at Cloudflare with ClickHouse - Tom Arnfeld (Cloudflare)

Why Open Sourcing Our Database Tooling Was the Smart Decision - Shlomi Noach (GitHub)

MyRocks at Facebook and a Roadmap - Yoshinori Matsunobu (Facebook)

Prometheus for Monitoring Metrics - Brian Brazil (Prometheus/Robust Perception)

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

State of the Dolphin - Geir Hydalsvik (Oracle)

Q&A with the authors of "Database Reliability Engineering" - Laine Campbell (Fastly/OpsArtisan) and Charity Majors (Honeycomb)

Many Faces of Continuent Tungsten - MC Brown (Continuent)

Customer Keynote: Database Performance in High Traffic Environments - Pavel Genov (Pepper)

Tutorials

Monday, September 25, 2017

Breakout Sessions

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

MySQL/MariaDB

MongoDB

Open Source Databases

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

MySQL/MariaDB

MongoDB

Open Source Databases

Sponsorships

Sponsorship opportunities for the Percona Live Open Source Database Conference Europe 2017 are available and offer the opportunity to interact with DBAs, sysadmins, developers, CTOs, CEOs, business managers, technology evangelists, solution vendors, and entrepreneurs who typically attend the event. Current sponsors include:

Diamond Sponsor - Continuent

Gold Sponsors - Facebook, VividCortex

Exhibitor Sponsors - Altinity, Ispirer, PGDAY Russia '17, Rackspace, Severalnines, TimescaleDB

Contributor Sponsors - Webyog, Oracle MySQL

Media Sponsors - CMSWire, Datanami, InsideBigData, InsideHPC, ODBMS.org, Opensource.com, O'Reilly Media

Eero Teerikorpi, Founder & CEO, Continuent

"Continuent is very excited to once again be participating as a Diamond Sponsor in Percona Live Europe, the premier open source database conference," said Eero Teerikorpi, Founder and CEO, Continuent Ltd. "The event is an excellent meeting place for Europe's diverse open source database community who use Tungsten Clustering, our state-of-the-art MySQL clustering solution for multi-site, multi-master deployments, and Tungsten Replicator for real-time data loading into analytics."

Percona Live Conferences



What: Percona Live Open Source Database Conference Europe 2017 Where: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, 8 Golden Lane, Dublin, Ireland When: September 25-27, 2017



About Percona

With more than 3,000 customers worldwide, Percona is the only company that delivers enterprise-class solutions for both MySQL, MongoDB and other open source databases across traditional and cloud-based platforms. The company provides Software, Support, Consulting, and Managed Services to large, well-known global brands such as Cisco Systems, Time Warner Cable, Alcatel-Lucent, Rent the Runway and the BBC, as well as smaller enterprises looking to maximize application performance while streamlining database efficiencies. Well established as thought leaders, Percona experts author content for the Percona Database Performance Blog and the Percona Live Open Source Database Conferencesdraw attendees and expert technical speakers from around the world. For more information, visit www.percona.com.

Percona, XtraBackup, TokuDB and Fractal Tree are registered trademarks of Percona LLC or its subsidiaries. All other registered and unregistered trademarks in this document are the sole property of their respective owners.

Company Information Press Contact Brigit Valencia For Percona (360) 597-4516 bdbvalencia@gmail.com

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Percona via Globenewswire


An array of Bay Area elected officials and leaders deplored President Donald Trumps decision Tuesday to end a program allowing young undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States.

At the same time, the officials called on Congress to revive the program by enacting it into law. Some also promised to participate in lawsuits to challenge the Trump administrations action.

The program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, was established in 2012 through an executive order by President Barack Obama. It covers approximately 800,000 young people, sometimes known as Dreamers, who arrived in the U.S. as children.

California is home to about 223,000 of the Dreamers.

In an action announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Trump rescinded Obamas order Tuesday, but allowed for what Sessions called an orderly, lawful wind-down of the program. He and Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke said Congress could enact a program through legislation if it wishes to do so.

U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California, called the presidents action a cruel betrayal of the young immigrants and said it undermines our nations values.

The consequences of this decision will be devastating. It will split up families, force young people back to countries they never knew, and cost our economy billions of dollars. It is heartless, Harris said in a statement.

Harris urged members of Congress to roll up our sleeves and stand with these young people by enacting a bipartisan law to resume the program.

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, said, Congressional action is now the only way to guarantee that DACA recipients are shielded from deportation, and it must be our top priority.

In a statement, Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, said, I strongly condemn President Trumps decision to end the DACA initiative, creating fear and confusion for the 800,000 DREAMers in the United States.

DREAMers embody and practice the best of our American values: hard work, patriotism, and action. They are our neighbors, colleagues, soldiers, educators, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs. They are as much a part of our communities and collective American story as any one of us.

I urge President Trump to reconsider this decision and act to defend DREAMers as hes previously promised to do. As a Member of Congress, I will continue to do everything I can to protect DREAMers, including calling on House Republicans to bring the DREAM Act to the Floor for a vote.

In her statement, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, said, Rounding up law-abiding children will not make anyone safer. DREAMers, who were brought to this country as young children, have done nothing to deserve the Presidents attacks. In most cases, these children have struggled to succeed, as Americans, in school, work, and in their communities.

Reps. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, and Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, also called on Congress to step in to enact the program into law.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said the Dreamers are hard-working individuals and diligent students who have known only America as their home.

San Francisco will always remain a sanctuary city  a beacon of hope and a place where we embrace all our residents, regardless of their immigration status, Lee said.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said he will seek to challenge the Trump administrations actions in court, after consulting with the City Council and city attorney.

To San Joses tens of thousands of Dreamers, we reiterate: Weve got your back, Liccardo said.

The San Jose mayor said the Trump administrations punting the issue to Congress, without any affirmative leadership to enact a legislative solution, amounts to a cowardly cop-out.

San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi said, We must act immediately to provide both legal and community assistance to those who are most at risk of losing their legal status to remain in our country.

University of California President Janet Napolitano said, I am deeply troubled by President Trumps decision to effectively end the DACA program.

I call upon the U.S. Congress to immediately pass bipartisan legislation that would provide a permanent solution for these young people, Napolitano said.

Thousands of Dreamers attend or have graduated from UC, she said.

The university and the state of California stand together in our belief that students should be admitted to UC and other institutions of higher education based on their records of achievement and without regard to their immigration status, Napolitano said.

DACA recipients will be allowed to retain their deferred action period and work authorization documents until they expire, within two years. Renewals applied for by Oct. 5 will be considered.
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.




Registration for the V International Conference "Black Sea Oil Trade" actively goes on, accounting for over 170 delegates from 25 countries so far.

BSOT 300x200

Media Contact

UkrAgroConsult

Address: of. 5, 29V Tymoshenko Str.,Kyiv, Ukrain

***@ukragroconsult.org

+3804514634 UkrAgroConsultAddress: of. 5, 29V Tymoshenko Str.,Kyiv, Ukrain+3804514634

End

-- Registration for theactively goes on, accounting for over 170 delegates from 25 countries so far.Annual International Conference "Black Sea Oil Trade"  is an effective platform, providing oilseed industry operators with vast networking opportunities, exclusive analyticsof the global and Black Sea agri market, insights for development of the long term business strategies.The event will be held by consulting agency UkrAgroConsult on September 19, 2017 in Hilton hotel, Kiev, Ukraine. General Sponsor  ING Bank."Black Sea Oil Trade" Conference traditionally unites key market players to learn, trade and network at the start of the new oilseed season. The event brings together producers and crushers of oilseeds, traders, enterprises for deep processing of vegetable oils, investment companies, banks, legal, shipping, brokerage, insurance, surveyor and other companies. New drivers emerging in the oilseed&vegoil market. Trends in production and trade Price forecast for 2017/18 MY. Will the dramatic drop in vegoil prices continue? The past, present and future of the oil and fat industry in Ukraine How to defeat the "black market" of sunseed and sun oil High oleic sunflower - prospects for Ukraine GMO vs non-GMO. Is there a chance of getting a premium for non-GM soybeans in Ukraine? Sunflower oil as the most undervalued in the global market  will the prices recover? New US policy on the biodiesel market and its impactTel.: + 380 44 451 46 34; +38 044 220 52 42UkrAgroConsult
The Sonoma County Sheriffs Office has identified a man who was found fatally shot off of a rural road in Sonoma County on Friday morning as Antonio Botello-Arreola, 25, of Clearlake.

Botello-Arreola was found in a ravine below a Toyota Previa with bullet holes in the 4500 block of Porter Creek Road after sheriffs deputies received a call around 7:40 a.m. regarding a suspicious vehicle parked on the side of the road.

Sheriffs detectives said he was involved in a lengthy romantic relationship with 40-year-old Maria Guadalupe Torres of Clearlake.

According to the sheriffs office, Torres was with Botello-Arreola when they pulled off the road into a dirt turnout and she got out of the vehicle as her husband Rene Espinosa Martinez Sr. and their 20-year-old son Rene Espinoza Martinez Jr. pulled over alongside them.

The father and son did not approve of the relationship between Torres and Botello-Arreola, sheriffs Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

Shots were fired into the Previa, Botello-Arreola was hit and he fled out of the passenger side. He ran to a ravine where he fell and was found dead soon after authorities found the Previa, Crum said.

Sheriffs officials said evidence inside the Previa led detectives to a Santa Rosa motel, where they got information allegedly linking Botello-Arreola and Torres.

Torres, Espinoza Martinez Sr. and Rene Espinoza Martinez Jr. acted in concert in the homicide, Crum said.

During interviews with the suspects in Lake County, deputies learned Torres and Botello-Arreola had been in a romantic relationship. The three family members were arrested on suspicion of homicide and conspiracy.

They are being held in Sonoma County Jail under no bail and are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Sonoma County Superior Court.
Memory Care Community, Spring Village, Affirms Commitment to Caring for Dementia Patients.

Media Contact

Tami Neumann, Chief Operations Officer

***@dementiaraw.com

2196491732 Tami Neumann, Chief Operations Officer2196491732

End

-- Silver Dementia Training Institute would like to congratulate Spring Village of Floral Vale on becoming the first Memory Care Community in Pennsylvania to become a Silver Dawn Community. This entailed 100% compliance for all staff trained in theas well as eight management team members who completed the 20 hours of class time required to become Certified Dementia Communication Specialists (C.D.C.S.). The community will hold the Silver Dawn Community designation for two years, at which time they will recertify."To be designated as a Silver Dawn Community means that the members of the facility value, above all else, the need for persons living with dementia to be validated, affirmed and understood,"says Cathy Braxton, Chief Education Officer at Silver Dawn Training Institute. "To become a Silver Dawn Community means that you place communication skills, both externally and introspectively, in high regard when it comes to quality of life."Spring Village of Floral Vale is a Memory Care Facility, located in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Their residents living in the community have some form of Alzheimer's or dementia. Their mission is to provide memory care with respect, love, and understanding. They provide individualized care in a safe, comfortable family atmosphere.The designation of a Silver Dawn Community is based on an in-depth experience intoand the importance of empathic communication skills in caregiving. Silver Dawn Training Institute created the, an unscripted, unconventional and unapologetic training, which equips the audience to handle the everyday communication challenges as caregivers, through the rules of improv comedy and the pillars of empathy. Silver Dawn Communities, encompassing CDCS graduates and participants in thetraining, take on a new perspective of dementia that translates to more productive and meaningful relationships with persons who have dementia.Silver Dawn's co-founders and Dementia Experts, Tami Neumann and Cathy Braxton have used their over 40 years of combined healthcare and dementia experience to create this unique, relatable, and fun dementia trainings for caregiver and healthcare professionals throughout the country. They provide in-person and online training courses for anyone looking to improve communication with persons affected by dementia. The program works to help caregivers communicate with persons living with dementia with simplicity and ease.The concept of Silver Dawn Community designation was born out of the lack of change in the long-term care industry over the past 20 years. Silver Dawn uncovered overworked, overburdened staff, which lacked the confidence to create meaningful moments due to a lack of training that provides applicable tools regardless of education level."When working with persons living with dementia, emotional distress runs high due to the nature of the disease process," says Chief Operations Officer, Tami Neumann. "Members of a designated Silver Dawn Community display the understanding and desire to create affirming meaningful moments. When combining C.D.C.S. management with trained and empowered staff members, we can create a new culture that transcends the care experience."Silver Dawn offers the CDCS course in either a two-day intensive training course or in an online workshop. Additionally, each student is required to complete three dementia perspective challenges outside of the classroom setting as well as create a final project. This brings the total time necessary for CDCS completion to 20 hours. Thetraining is offered as an in-person a 4-hour workshop.If you would like more information about Silver Dawn Training Institute andor to schedule an interview with Tami Neumann or Cathy Braxton please visit http://www.dementiaraw.com or contact us at 219-649-1732/publicrelations@dementiaraw.com.
UK based Right Cars Vehicle Rental Ltd today announced it is to start providing a meet and greet car rental service at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila Airport) MNL in the Philippines as the brand continues to expand.

By: Right Cars Vehicle Rental Ltd

Car Rental Philippines

Contact

Mr Little

***@right-cars.com



Photo:

https://www.prlog.org/ 12662774/1 Mr Little

End

-- Right Cars Vehicle Rental Ltd today made the announcement that it is to commence providing a meet and greet car rental service from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila Airport) MNL in the Philippines as the company continues to expand. Mr Little Co-founder & Company Chairman made the following statement."It is with great excitement that we can today make this announcement that the brand of Right Cars will be opening its first or many branches in Asia. The Right Cars franchise for Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila Airport) MNL in the Philippines has been purchased by husband and wife team Ronald and Carmen Bartolome, who have many years of experience of vehicle rental in Manila.The Right Cars branch in Manila providing a meet and greet service at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila Airport) MNL will offer a wide selection of new vehicles catering for both business and leisure customers. Customer will be able to drive the vehicles themselves under a self-drive agreement, but should customers feel uncomfortable driving themselves we will have a team of chauffeurs available free of charge to assist.Having spent many hours planning the service in Manila with Ronald and Carmen, I am confident that they will provide a first class operation for the Right Cars brand and further develop the brand in to other location in the Philippines over the next 2 years.Ronald and Carmen will be travelling to the UK for the WTM in London and making themselves available to travel partners and car rental brokers who want to learn more about the Right Cars service in the Philippines."Ronald and Carmen Bartolome made the following statement. "We are thrilled to be joining the prestigious name of Right Cars, which we selected as the brand that will allow us to expand our business in the Philippines, after researching many alternative car rental brands. Right Cars has the whole package, the brand, the technology and the vision that fits with our requirements and beliefs. We have worked closely with Mr Little and Mr Taylor who are obviously well respected in the industry and have built an amazing brand that continues to have the family atmosphere we so liked.We cannot wait to start serving customers and meeting travel partners and car rental brokers in November at the WTM in London"About Right CarsRight Cars Vehicle Rental Ltd was founded in 2012 and has consistently grown every year, now in 23 countries at 56 airport locations and 46 city locations. In the second half of 2017 Right Cars will be opening an additional 25 branches. These include nine in the USA, three in South Africa, Italy 6 new branches, Canada 2 new branches, Dominican Republic 3 new branches, Dominica 1 new branch, St Kitts 1 new branch. For Car Rental Franchise opportunities, contact Right Cars direct www.right-cars.com. car rental
New agenda includes new speakers from Airbus, Northrop Grumman, UK MoD, NATO and more

By: SMi Group

Global MilSatCom 2017

End

-- SMi's Group has recently released an updated agenda for the 19Global MilSatCom 2017, taking place on 7-9 November in London. The full programme can be found on www.globalmilsatcom.com/newagenda.Now featuring a speaker line-up of over 50 defence satellite communications experts, the event programme has been curated to explore the growing demand to enhance SatCom capabilities and to discuss strategies and requirements including the UK Ministry of Defence's plans for Skynet 6.Other key additions to the agenda include an opening Ministerial Address from Harriett Baldwin MP, the UK's Minister for Defence Procurement;a keynote address from Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency; and industry presentations from Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and NATO."This year's programme is inarguably the best and most international in the event's history," SMi Managing Director Dale Butler said. "Delegate numbers are up by 30% and the event is looking to attract around 500 attendees this year, which will be a new record for the conference series."With 40+ presentations from leading commercial players and over 20 military and government personnel, this year's agenda will feature highlights including: Updates to international MilSatCom programmes including new nations such as Japan, Republic of Korea, Nigeria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, and Luxembourg Sessions on key themes and challenges at the core of the MilSatCom community such as the Wideband AoA and GovSatCom initiative, the demand for flexibility and resiliency in a contested environment, ground segment R&D advances, SatCom-on-the-Move capabilities, as well as the surging importance of interoperability and allied international cooperation Dedicated networking sessions including two evening dinners and two networking receptions An exhibition area with 40 booths to help you understand the latest technological solutions available in the market Two exclusive pre-conference workshops (6th November) on "Global Government Payload Exploration"and "Interference in SatCom Systems"The full roster of speakers and presentations can be found on www.globalmilsatcom.com/newagenda.For those interested to attend, registration is now live on the event website.The final Early Bird discount of 100 for this conference will expire on 29 September.19Global MilSatCom Conference and Exhibition7-9 November 2017Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London, UK---ENDS---Contact Information:For queries on military bookings, contact James Hitchen on jhitchen@smi- online.co.uk . For sponsorship and exhibition details, contact Alia Malick on amalick@smi- online.co.uk . For media enquiries contact Honey de Gracia on hdegracia@smi-online.co.uk.About SMi Group:Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the world's most forward thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found at http://www.smi-online.co.uk
Contact

Tara Alemany

***@emeraldlakebooks.com Tara Alemany

End

-- Two books published by Emerald Lake Books of Sherman have been recognized with international awards."The 143in Iraq: Training the Iraqi Police in Spite of it All," by Marc Youngquist, was honored for cover design by the Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA) as well as in the autobiography/memoir category."Love Your Life: Cultivating Your Vision and Tending Your Dreams," by Cheryl Marks Young won two FAPA awards in the categories of Business Book and Nonfiction: Adult.The association honors book publishing excellence and creativity in design, content and production for North American authors and publishers through its annual President's Book Awards competition. FAPA will announce at which level  gold, silver or bronze  the books were recognized at its August ceremony.Emerald Lake Books is a boutique publishing company that, in addition to bringing a book to market in hardcover, paperback, audio and digital versions, provides additional services to market and position the book online and in traditional bookstores  services typically not provided by large publishing houses or online publishing packages."We know our books are high quality, but to have that confirmed with awards from a international organization like FAPA is very satisfying,"said Emerald Lake Books founder Tara Alemany. "Authors write to tell their stories and to help others, but it's also satisfying for them to have their hard work acknowledged.""Love Your Life" offers a step-by-step process to help men and women take control of their lives, change their outlook, and achieve happiness, even when that includes finding the perfect job or mate. Young details steps to embrace success, imagine an ideal day, and determine which actions individuals must take to live their dreams."Don't let the fact that you're not already perfect at what you want to do stop you from laying the groundwork necessary to move in that direction," wrote Young, whose own infectious optimism fills the book."The 143in Iraq" is Youngquist's memoir about the heroism of a Connecticut National Guard unit during the Iraqi war.Youngquist joined the Marines as a teenager and served briefly in Vietnam. After several years in civilian life in Connecticut, including time as a patrolman with the Cheshire Police Department, he joined the National Guard, intending to serve in Iraq.Upon his return to Connecticut, Youngquist realized that military personnel were reluctant to talk about their experiences when they came home."With this book, I am trying to let everyone know what this unit accomplished, despite the lack of resources," Youngquist said.The cover of "The 143in Iraq" was designed by Mark Gerber, the co-owner and art director of Emerald Lake Books. The design award is the second this year for Gerber, who won an IPPY award for cover design in May for "The Life and Times of the Great Danbury State Fair" by Glady Stetson Leahy and John H. Stetson.Link to books:The 143in Iraq: Training the Iraqi Police in Spite of it All ( http://emeraldlakebooks.com/ 143rd-iraq-training- iraqi-pol... Love Your Life: Cultivating Your Vision and Tending Your Dreams ( http://emeraldlakebooks.com/ love-your-life/
By: Storaskuggans vag 32

Contact

Christian Lewenhaupt (Business Development)

Multigrid

***@multigrid.net Christian Lewenhaupt (Business Development)Multigrid

End

-- MULTIGRID BUILDS A 5 MW DATA CENTER IN KISTA SCIENCE CITYStockholm  Sept. 5, 2017  Multigrid Data Centers has completed the design and preparations for a highly efficient and sustainable 5 MW data center in Kista Science City in Stockholm, Sweden. The data center will be the first multi-tenant data center with renewable energy and heat recovery in a major European capital to reach a net energy cost of 3 Eurocent per kWh of IT-load.Multigrid has entered agreements with the City of Stockholm regarding land, the distribution network operator Ellevio regarding high voltage power distribution and the district energy company Fortum Varme regarding heat recovery. Multigrid's project will be the first greenfield data center to be built in "Stockholm Data Parks  Kista", which is a joint offer by the City of Stockholm, Fortum Varme, Ellevio and STOKAB."Kista offers very attractive conditions for large scale data centers," says Mattias Ganslandt, CEO of Multigrid. "Kista is Northern Europe's largest cluster of IT companies. The combination with attractive energy prices for large scale data centers is quite unique."Multigrid has developed a technology that is optimized to be cost effective and environmentally sustainable. An adaptation of distributed redundant infrastructure to the local conditions in Stockholm gives the data center a very attractive combination of capital expenditure and operational performance."With digitalization and the expanding use of information and communications technology, the demand for cost-efficient and sustainable data centers is growing," says Mattias Ganslandt. "We expect Multigrid's new data center in Kista to be at least 50% more efficient than traditional facilities."The abundant supply of renewable electricity is a critical factor that will make computing in Stockholm internationally competitive. With the heat recovery included, the net cost of energy used in the data room drops to 3 Eurocent per kWh."We meet a lot of interest in Multigrid's forthcoming Stockholm data centers, both in the United States and in Europe," says Mattias Ganslandt. "Cost-efficiency, renewable energy and recycled heat is an attractive combination."Multigrid expects that the heat recovery from servers in the new data center to the district heating network within a few years will reach 30 million kWh per year. Fully utilized, heat from the data center can heat up to 10,000 apartments connected to the district energy network."We have designed the data center to meet the growing demand for security and reliability,"says Mattias Ganslandt. "With modern and urban architecture, the building is also designed to follow Stockholm's intention for a sustainable and attractive city."Multigrids data center in Kista is scheduled to open on January 1, 2019.
By: PM Environmental

The contract includes excavation design and underground storage tank removal

Contact

Amy Skalmusky, Marketing Director

***@pmenv.com Amy Skalmusky, Marketing Director

End

-- PM Environmental was awarded an Indefinite-Scope, Indefinite-Delivery contract by the State of Michigan (2017 Tank and Soil Removal ISID). The three-year contract, with an option to extend for two additional years, focuses on orphan underground storage tank (UST) sites where there is no longer a viable responsible party to conduct cleanup activities required under state law."The state intends to utilize this contract for UST and contaminant source removal projects at orphan and non-liable party Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) sites statewide," said Casey Armstrong, PM's Regional Manager of Contract Services.The contract was broken down into several regions that match the footprint of each of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) district office locations. PM was selected for all districts, including Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula.The services under the contract include: excavation design, underground storage tank removal, soil excavation and sampling, monitoring well installation and sampling, and/or preparation of reports."This is exciting for our team to continue to work with the State of Michigan on this important program," said Armstrong. "We look forward expanding our services over the next three years."
Industrial Robot Supplier and Integrator Joins Global Association, Signifying Strategic Role of Automation in China

By: The Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Contact

Jenny Viscarolasaga

Hughes Communications, Inc.

jenny@hughescom.net

1 (617) 331-4944 Jenny ViscarolasagaHughes Communications, Inc.1 (617) 331-4944

End

-- The Robotic Industries Association (RIA), the industry's trade group in North America, announced today that SIASUN Robot & Automation Co. Ltd. (http://www.siasun-in.com/en/), China's largest robot supplier and integrator, has joined RIA as its first Chinese member. Understanding the huge market opportunity of industrial robots, China has fully embraced the power of automation and sees robotics and automation as strategic areas for growth. As part of the RIA network, SIASUN will gain connections to members, potential partners and staff; learn about new technologies;and have access to support in North America.According to a 2015 report (http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-robots-forecast-idUSKCN0SA0UK20151016)from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), by 2018 China is expected to almost triple its sales of robots. And, by 2019, the IFR predicts that more than 1.4 million new industrial robots will be installed in factories around the world  with China pushing hard to be one of the top providers."We sought out a membership with RIA because we recognized that if we are to expand in North America and other countries, it's important to have a relationship with an organization that can offer the support and connections we need to achieve our growth goals," said Dr. Daokui Qu, CEO and Founder of SIASUN.RIA represents global leaders in robotics and related automation technologies, while playing a visible role in educating the public and promoting the benefits of automating. The organization also publishes robot safety standards and raises supplier quality with programs such as the system integrator certification. With its unique vantage point, RIA conducts industry research and analysis that enables member companies to understand the latest robotics industry trends and opportunities. RIA is part of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), which, along with its sister organizations Advancing Vision + Imaging (AIA) and Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA), represents over 1,000 companies in the automation industry worldwide."We fully appreciate the powerful role Chinese automation users and manufacturers play in the worldwide market," said Jeff Burnstein, president of RIA. "That's why we held our first-ever US-China robotics forum at our Automate event in April. As our initial Chinese member, SIASUN is showing other robotics companies how much they can benefit from the connections and support RIA offers. We're looking forward to having them join our many other international members as we continue to expand RIA and A3 around the world."Founded in 1974, RIA is a not-for-profit trade association driving innovation, growth, and safety in manufacturing and service industries through education, promotion, and advancement of robotics, related automation technologies, and companies delivering integrated solutions. RIA represents some 450 robot manufacturers, system integrators, component suppliers, end users, consulting firms, research groups, and educational institutions. The association hosts a number of educational events including the National Robot Safety Conference (October 10-12, 2017 in Pittsburgh), the Collaborative Robots & Advanced Vision Conference (November 15-16, 2017 in San Jose), the A3 Business Forum (January 17-19, 2018 in Orlando), and the biennial Automate Show & Conference (April 8-11, 2019 in Chicago). RIA also provides quarterly robotics statistics and has a content-rich website, Robotics Online ( www.robotics.org ). For more visit the website or call 734-994-6088.The Association for Advancing Automation is the global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. A3 is the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA - Advancing Vision + Imaging, and Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA). RIA, AIA, and MCMA combined represent over 1,000 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups and consulting firms from throughout the world that drive automation forward. For more information, please visit our websites: A3 - http://www.A3automate.org . RIA - http://www.robotics.org. AIA - http://www.visiononline.org. MCMA - http://www.motioncontrolonline.org.
With deliciously exotic flavors including Marrakesh Spice, Madagasgar Vanilla, New England Maple, Masala Chai Spice and Original, Nectevia is the new USDA Certified Organic, stevia-infused, agave nectar brand from Steviva.

By: Steviva

Nectevia

Contact

Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural Marketing

***@compassnaturalmarketing.com Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural Marketing

End

-- What do you get when you infuse organic blue agave nectar with premium 100% pure organic stevia extract? Nectevia, an exciting sugar substitute with only a quarter of the calories, carbs and sugars of regular agave, or table sugar. With only two calories, 1g carbohydrates and less than 1g sugar per serving, Nectevia is on trend with the rise of sugar-free living and the increasing demand for low glycemic sugar substitutes. To keep up with market demand the brand has announced the addition of five new flavors to its line-up.Joining the Original flavor launched in 2013, Madagascar Vanilla,Marrakesh Spice, New England Maple, Sweet Provencal Anise, andMasala Chai Spice will soon be hitting store shelves nationwide. All six Certified Organic flavors can be used in hot or cold beverages, in baked goods and for general cooking. The super concentrated syrups are four times sweeter than sugar and last 400% longer as one teaspoon of Nectevia equals four teaspoons of regular agave.Nectevia is the brainchild of Steviva Founder and CEO Thomas J. King. He developed the stevia-infused agave brand Nectevia as a way to help combat metabolic disease and the "diabesity" (his self-coined term to refer to obesity + diabetes) epidemic by offering clean-label sweetening systems to replace sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup."Science consistently tells us that sugar and artificial sweeteners have negative effects on our health and well-being,"says King. "As a result, sugar-free lifestyles are on the rise and we've launched five new Nectevia flavors to keep up with the demand for tasty sweeteners that provide a low glycemic index. Our retailers have been asking for more so we are delivering just that," he adds.Nectevia's internationally inspired flavors create a decadent, indulgent taste experience with only  the calories, carbs and sugars of regular agave, or table sugar:- The sweet richness of natural vanilla blended with the warm notes of agave creates a decadent, indulgent taste experience. Perfect for flavoring coffee or tea, baking and more.- An alluring combination of cardamom, ginger and honey mixed with the sweet richness of agave. Adds spicy sweetness to baked goods and meals.- Warm New England maple flavors mixed with agave's sweet honey-like tones creates the ultimate syrup for pancakes and waffles.- Subtle floral and herbal notes of anise join warm, sweet notes of agave. A perfect blend to enrich sauces, marinades, meals and baked goods.- Invigorating notes of nutmeg, ginger, clove, black pepper, cardamom and cinnamon in Nectevia agave. Add to black tea and milk for the ultimate low-carb, low-sugar chai. Simply organic blue agave nectar, 100% organic stevia extract, and nothing more.All six flavors are available in a 2-oz. travel size and 26.5-oz. value size bottles.Nectevia is available online at Steviva.com and in leading retailers including Amazon, Whole Foods Market ... and other leading natural, organic and specialty food stores; and through distributors including UNFI, KeHE, and DPI Specialty Foods. For wholesale inquiries contactinfo@steviva.com, tel 310.455.9876.Steviva Brands Inc., based in Gresham, OR, is one of the largest global suppliers of high-quality, all-natural, clean label, Non-GMO sugar substitutes that promote an easier transition to a healthy lifestyle. The company is dedicated to helping people combat metabolic disease and "diabesity" by producing the purest, all-natural, high-intensity sweeteners and sweetening systems to replace sucrose, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and artificial sweeteners while being firmly committed to environmentally sustainable harvesting practices.Steviva products include monk fruit, erythritol, coconut sugar, agave nectar, inulin, crystalline fructose and xylitol and includes the brands SteviaSweet, Steviva Blend, Erysweet, Fructevia, CocoSweet, FruSweet , MonkSweet, Nectevia, PreBiotica, and XeroSweet. The company also develops custom sweetening solutions for manufacturers.To learn more about sugar-free living and access hundreds of recipes for delicious treats such as Chocolate Coconut Brownies with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, as well as many other amazing desserts  plus main dishes, sides, appetizers, beverages and more  connect with us on social media and visit www.Steviva.com.
After more than a year, Mitiska REIM was finally able to realize its initial investment in Germany. In a joint venture partnership with Luxembourg Investment Group, the asset manager has acquired the retail park Lurriper Strae 3-17 in Monchengladbach. The seller was Kristensen Properties A/S, a Danish fund for institutional

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A new store tries to crowdsource working capital; a Minnesota indie preps for its grand opening; Germany gives $1 million to booksellers; and more.

Tennessee Store Crowdsources Cash: The recently opened Words of Wisdom bookstore in Nashville has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $3,000 after a poor first month of sales.

Grand Opening for Minnesota Indie: The new Zenith Bookstore in Duluth will feature an all-start line-up of local authors for its grand opening.

College B&N Criticized: The student newspaper at California State University, Stanislaus criticizes the campus Barnes & Noble College Bookstore for a lack of inventory.

Germany Supports Bookstores with Prizes: The German Ministry of Culture awarded 117 small bookstores a total of 850,000 euros ($1 million) in prize money to support reading.

Boats Turned Into a Bookstore: Three boats have been transformed into Bookstore on the Sea in south China.
There is one less stage to go through for the merger between Time Warner and AT&T, as Chiles antitrust agency has given the green light to the deal on a national level.





However, the Fiscalia Nacional Economica (FNE) has pointed out that the move will cause vertical concentration in Chiles content and pay-TV market, as Time Warner provides content and AT&T pay-TV services through DirecTV.Therefore, the FNE has published a set of rules for the resultant company to follow, including avoiding leaks of sensitive information between companies, and granting non-discriminatory access to Time Warners channels.In addition, the antitrust agency is appointing itself as judge in any complaints issued regarding the merged company.According to the FNE , which consulted other anti-trust agencies in Latin America, the operation was been given the go-ahead due to its international and local significance.The AT&T-Time Warner merger will combine premium content with the networks to deliver that content on any screen viewers want, said David McAtee, senior EVP and general counsel, AT&T Inc. We appreciate the FNE's diligent work to evaluate and approve this merger on the strength of its benefits to competition in Chile and, most importantly, Chilean consumers.With this approval, AT&T and Time Warner have received approval from 17 competition authorities worldwide. Only the US and Brazil are still analysing the deal and considering whether to authorise it.
Spains Sapec will be releasing its latest TV signal transport solutions at IBC 2017, including multi-encoding, HEVC and Ultra HD tools.





The technology provider will present an entirely new set of multi-encoders, named Laguna, focused on DTT (supporting DVB, ATSC and ISDB-TV) and satellite low-cost broadcasting, but being also customisable for IP signals.In addition, the Madrid-based company will release the latest updates of the Gredos and Avantos families at the conference The Gredos product line will gain a new model which for the first time supports HEVC compression under the ITU H.265 standard, reducing the required bandwidth without losing video quality. As with the rest of the Gredos solution, the latest model is designed for satellite TV signal distribution.Regarding Avantos, originally designed to support the HEVC standard, a new model will be launched to power professional 4K signal transport
Spains VSN and Dutch company Arbor Media will present its set of shared media solutions, combining VSN automation and monitoring tools with Arbors software for video recording at IBC 2017.





According to the companies, the solution automatically monitors and records TV channels broadcast on a 24/7 basis without interruptions.It also allows users to control the content that is being broadcasted through second screens, guaranteeing that all the programming of any given TV channel is being broadcast as expected, regardless of the type of platform.Arbor Media software allows us to complement certain clients projects that are looking for effective and easy tools for audio and video recording to efficiently meet their needs, no matter what their final application is for, stated Aaron Lopez, COO, VSN We believe the future of professional video is software. That is why we constantly focus on creating innovative and extremely user-friendly software solutions for a broad spectrum of customers, added Arthur Brockhoff, CSO, Arbor Media
Around 150,000 Israeli households are now subscribing to Cellcoms TV service, the telecommunications operator has told the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.



Israels largest mobile operator, Cellcom launched its over-the-top (OTT) TV service in December 2014. Rival mobile company Partner Communications has this year also launched an IPTV service, Partner TV , adding to the competition for Israels pay-TV market leaders Yes and HOT.Cellcom has gained ground in the sector after media reforms ushered in Internet-based broadcasting of Israeli content. Its low-cost quadruple play packages of internet, mobile phone, landline calls and TV introduced in April, has accelerated the growth of subscribers to the TV service, from 100,000 in October 2016 and 130,000 revealed in its second quarter results.Commenting on the development, Nir Sztern, Cellcom Groups CEO, said: The rapid growth of our TV service continued and resulted in Cellcom reaching a market share of approximately 10% of the TV households in Israel, in less than three years. We thank our 150,000 households who chose Cellcom tv and joined Cellcom in generating and leading the revolution in the TV market.
Vision 2050 held a town hall meeting recently in Napa to discuss the need to protect Napa Valley's families, public health, and habitat. I was struck by the standing-room-only crowd of concerned residents. Many residents felt they had not only been priced out of their homes, but also had lost their neighborhoods, their sense of community.

We are deeply embroiled in a tourist economy. How do we, the residents, navigate the Valley's newfound popularity? Ideas were encouraged.

And the people were not shy. Napa City Council member Scott Sedgley asked residents to consider the greater good. He said elected officials try housing and traffic solutions but are met with strong resistance.

Others suggested the following: Stop marketing the Valley; Have the hotels provide employee housing; Increase parking spaces for businesses and hotels; encourage city and county cooperation; exercise the initiative process; Ride-share; Transform our two main arteries Upvalley into one-way streets; oust our elected officials; and finally, get involved or run for office.

More community input is needed to make a plan for our future. Vision 2050 will hold their next Town Hall meeting at the Native Son's Hall in St. Helena, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. If you have any input, they ask for you to be there.

Pamela Jackson
Body cameras for the Mooresville Police Department have arrived. Find out when they will be used.
Calistogan to launch Napa County heliport ballot initiative

George Caloyannidis is trying to ensure the controversial Palmaz application for a personal use heliport will be the last of its type in Napa County.

The resident of Diamond Mountain south of Calistoga has filed paperwork with the county Election Division to create a ballot measure. He wants voters in the June 5, 2018 election to ban new personal-use heliports.

He recently stated why he would go through the trouble of trying to gather 3,700 or so signatures from county registered voters by Dec. 5 to qualify a ballot measure. Registrar of Voters John Tuteur recommends collecting 6,000 signatures to have a cushion, given signatures can be invalid.

Caloyannidis acknowledged that a successful ballot measure wouldnt affect the Palmaz proposal, given it is already undergoing county hearings. Christian Palmaz wants to fly a helicopter to and from Mount George near the family home.

A county report says the Palmaz heliport wouldnt have significant environmental impacts. Opponents disagree and fear a successful Palmaz application would encourage others to seek private heliports, bringing unwanted noise to agricultural areas.

The county has had a least 12 applications for helipads and airplane landing strips since 1965, according to the county. It approved six of them  two for St. Helena Hospital  as well as two for limited periods. It denied two requests and two were withdrawn.
A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle has blown himself up outside the largest U.S. base in Afghanistan, Afghan officials say.

The Taliban claimed the September 6 attack was in revenge for a U.S. leaflet deemed highly offensive to Muslims.

U.S. and Afghan authorities confirmed several people were wounded in the late afternoon attack at Bagram Airfield, some 55 kilometers north of Kabul.

The Taliban claimed responsibility and said it was in retaliation for the authorities' "insult to the Islamic creed."

A spokesman for the governor of Parwan Province, where Bagram is located, said that "a suicide attacker on a motorbike detonated himself at the third gate of Bagram air base."

"The attacker was riding a motorcycle. Three wounded can be confirmed," Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement that "an explosion" had occurred "outside an entry-control point" to Bagram that had caused a "small number of casualties."

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the attacker had killed and wounded "over 20 soldiers."

The incident came hours after U.S. forces apologized for dropping leaflets in Parwan Province that Deputy Governor Shah Wali Shahid said included an image of a dog carrying the Taliban flag.

The Islamic statement of faith -- "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah" -- was superimposed on the dog's body.

Major General James Linder, who heads the U.S. and NATO special-operations forces in Afghanistan, issued a statement apologizing for the leaflet design, which he said was an "error."

NATO forces frequently drop leaflets over large swaths of Afghanistan in an effort to persuade locals against supporting insurgents.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Azerbaijani journalist Khadija Ismayilova on September 5 spoke with Current Time TV, the Russian-language network run by RFE/RL in cooperation with VOA, about the investigative report called The Azerbaijani Laundromat. Ismayilova, who is also a contributor to RFE/RL, was a co-author of the report published by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). The document alleges that Azerbaijan's ruling elite operated a secret $2.9 billion slush fund for two years to pay off European politicians and make luxury purchases.
So now Vladimir Putin says he supports sending UN peacekeepers to the Donbas.

And since this is something Ukraine has been requesting for years, this must be good news, right?

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel certainly seems to think so.

Gabriel called Putin's proposal "surprising," adding that it is a change in Russian policy "that we should not gamble away" and an "opening to talk about detente."

But, before we get carried away, let's take a closer look at the fine print of what Putin is actually proposing.

Speaking at the BRICS summit in China, Putin said he would support sending UN troops only to the demarcation line separating the territories held by Moscow's proxies in eastern Ukraine from the rest of the country.

And this is quite different from what Kyiv has been demanding: that is, international peacekeepers throughout the Russian-occupied parts of the Donbas and -- most importantly -- on Ukraine's international border with Russia.

A border that has long been used by Moscow to smuggle troops and weapons into Ukraine.

Putin's peacekeeper gambit is a clever ploy for a number of reasons.

It perpetuates the myth that Russia is a mediator in a war in which it is, in fact, the aggressor.

It creates the illusion that Moscow is being reasonable and agreeing to a key Ukrainian demand, when in fact it is not.

And it creates the impression that the front line in the Donbas conflict zone is, in fact, Ukraine's international border, which it certainly is not.

Putin's proposal may yet inadvertently open the door to a serious discussion about sending a real international peacekeeping force to Ukraine at some point.

But at this point, we should see it for what it is.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.
BRUSSELS -- The European Union will prolong its asset freezes and visa bans on Russian officials and Moscow-backed separatists in Ukraine for another six months, with Russia's new ambassador to the United States likely to remain on the list, diplomats said.

Ambassadors from the 28 EU member states decided to renew the measures at a meeting on September 6 in Brussels, according to several diplomats who were close to the talks but were not authorized to speak publicly about the decision.

EU justice ministers are expected to give the final confirmation on September 14, one day before they are due to expire, the diplomats said.

The diplomats said that Russia's new ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov will remain on the EU sanctions list as no country asked for his removal.

Antonov, a former deputy defense minister and deputy foreign minister who arrived in Washington on August 31 to take up his post, is under EU and Canadian sanctions but not U.S. sanctions.

Asset freezes and visa bans were first imposed by the EU on people responsible for actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity in March 2014, after Russia occupied and seized control of Crimea. Those sanctions have been extended every six months.

The Russians under EU sanctions include Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin; Sergei Glazyev, an adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin; Armed Forces General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov; and state TV presenter Dmitry Kiselyov.

The EU will also add the company Crimean Sea Ports, which runs several ports on the peninsula, to the sanctions list and remove four separatists who have died since the last renewal.

A total of 149 people and 38 entities are expected to remain on the list.

With reporting by Rikard Jozwiak
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and other senior officials in Kyiv have long called for a UN peacekeeping force to be deployed in eastern Ukraine. In February 2015, Poroshenko said such a force would help guarantee security in a situation where the promise of peace is not being kept.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine erupted in April 2014, shortly after Moscow occupied and annexed Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. Since then, more than 10,000 people have been killed as a result of the fighting, according to UN data. Kyiv and the West accuse Moscow of backing the separatists with arms, including heavy weapons, and funds -- charges the Kremlin denies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far voiced lukewarm support in vague terms for the idea of peacekeepers in eastern Ukraine. But his new proposal, announced on September 5, appears to be more concrete, more detailed. Reports say Russia has already circulated a draft proposal based on Putin's statement at the UN Security Council, suggesting the Kremlin is serious. Moreover, Germany has officially welcomed Putin's plan, giving it even more gravitas.

But is the Kremlin leader serious or just bluffing?

What exactly is Putin proposing?

Putins call for a peacekeeping force in eastern Ukraine comes with a series of caveats and preconditions. First, Moscow wants to deploy the force only along the demarcation line separating Ukrainian forces from the separatists in the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.

Second, the peacekeepers wouldnt be peacekeepers per se. Their task would be limited only to assuring the security of the unarmed monitoring mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Third, the separatists would have to take part in any talks on the force.

And finally, the UN force could be sent in, according to Putins proposal, only after heavy weapons have been withdrawn from the conflict zone.

A map showing the security situation in eastern Ukraine as of September 6, according to the National Security and Defense Council:

Timothy Ash, a London-based economist who regularly comments on Ukraine, says Putins latest proposal is, in fact, nothing new.

The offer of peacekeepers is an old one from Putin -- and will be unacceptable to the Ukrainian side, Ash wrote in the Kyiv Post on September 5.

Why did Putin pitch this now?

Putin made his peacekeeping proposal after warning against the United States sending lethal weapons to Ukraine. According to Putin, such U.S. assistance could lead to more instability in the region. Perhaps more ominously, Putin warned that the separatists might deploy weapons to other areas of the conflict -- seemingly a thinly veiled threat by the Russian leader to escalate the conflict if Washington provides Ukraine with arms.

Ash argues that Putin is aware that international attention is largely focused on defusing the crisis around North Korea.

[I]mposition of peacekeepers in Donbas along the current line of conflict would likely significantly reduce the costs to Moscow now of sustaining the [separatists] militarily, while Moscow would still keep its optionality of intervening elsewhere in eastern Ukraine as noted from his comments over a reaction to the U.S. arming Ukraine, Ash said.

How has Kyiv reacted?

Kyiv wants a robust peacekeeping force, and Putins offer seemingly falls far short of that. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said Kyiv was prepared to work on this issue.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian leaders were far from enthusiastic. Iryna Herashchenko, first deputy speaker of Ukraines parliament, objected to putting the peacekeepers along the front line of combat rather than at the Russian-Ukrainian border. Kyiv fears deploying peacekeepers along the demarcation line would cement separatists control over the territory they hold, leaving Russia unencumbered to keep sending troops and arms across the international border.

Oleksiy Melnyk, a military expert at Kyivs Razumkov Center, says Putins proposal puts Poroshenko in a difficult position.

President Poroshenko has been speaking about peacekeepers for two years, and now Ukraine has an opportunity to get them, Melnyk tells RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service, suggesting Russias motivations are dubious. Russia is guided by the logic of war and the logic of achieving victory and is not interested in resolving the conflict."

But if Putins proposal gains traction among European nations -- as it appears to have done with Germany -- Melnyk warns that Poroshenkos government will need to quickly counter Russian proposals on shaping the planned force. And with veto power as a permanent UN Security Council member, Russia will be able to wield considerable influence, Melnyk says.

Why did Berlin welcome Putins proposal?

At least initially, Germany was alone in the West in publicly welcoming Putins proposal, with German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel saying it heralded a change in [Russias] politics that we should not gamble away.

Berlin has also come to Moscows defense over a U.S. Senate proposal to impose sanctions on Russia over alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. A spokesman for German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on June 16 that the proposed sanctions were peculiar and, more tellingly, could hurt European companies. It may be these business ties, especially in the energy sector, that are motivating Berlin. Two Germany companies -- Uniper and BASF subsidiary Wintershall -- have a stake in the planned $10 billion Russian natural-gas pipeline Nord Stream 2.

Gerhard Schroeder, the former German chancellor, is chairman of the Nord Stream 2 consortium. His ties with the Russian energy sector dont end there. He recently took a job on the board of Russian state-controlled oil company Rosneft. Merkel criticized that move, saying, I dont think what Schroeder is doing is OK.

Could UN peacekeepers be Ukraines savior?

Even if Kyiv gets what it has wished for -- a legitimate UN peacekeeping force in the conflict zone and along the border with Russia -- it may not have the effect of ending or even lessening tensions in the region. And that has to do with the mandate of all active UN peacekeeping missions.

Under Chapter V of the United Nations Charter, UN peacekeepers' actions are tightly circumscribed, says Pavel Felgenhauer, a top Russian military journalist.

"Peacekeepers under Chapter V drive around in white jeeps, write reports, and observe," Felgenhauer tells RFE/RL's Russian Service. "They carry a firearm, but can only formally use them for self-defense, although in truth they never use them. If gunfire erupts, they first hide, and then give themselves up."

Ukraine should harbor no illusions as to what any possible UN peacekeeping mission could bring to resolve the conflict, Felgenhauer cautions.

"Under the best scenario, some 200 will come, maybe up to a thousand from Bangladesh, Senegal, and elsewhere in the Third World, and they will be there, working next to the OSCE monitors. They won't be trying to determine [who is to blame for] anything but merely monitoring. Ukraine will gain nothing from it."

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service
Facebook has informed U.S. investigators that the social network recently discovered it sold advertisements to a Russia-based operation targeting U.S. voters during last year's presidential election.

Facebook revealed the findings in a blog post on September 6 by its chief security officer, Alex Stamos, and said it was cooperating with investigators in Congress and at the Justice Department who are probing reports of Russian attempts to interfere in the U.S. election.

The Washington Post, citing people familiar with the matter, said the social network had sold $100,000 in ads to a Russian "troll farm" that has a history of promoting pro-Kremlin propaganda.

Stamos said Facebook also uncovered $50,000 more in ads clearly of a political nature that might have links to Russia.

Many of the ads placed by the Russian operation promoted 470 "fake accounts" and web pages spreading polarizing views on topics such as immigration, gun rights, race, and gay rights, he said.

Stamos said the ads began in the summer of 2015 and only a small portion of them directly named Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. More ads ran in 2015 than during the 2016 election year, he said.

"The vast majority of ads...didn't specifically reference the U.S. presidential election, voting, or a particular candidate," he said. "Rather, the ads...appeared to focus on amplifying divisive social and political messages across the ideological spectrum -- touching on topics from LGBT [lesbian, biisexual, gay, and transgender] matters to race issues to immigration to gun rights."

Facebook has suspended the "inauthentic" accounts that bought the ads, Stamos said, and it has also taken action against "fake accounts" in France, Germany and other countries where elections are being held or were held this year.

"We will no longer allow pages that repeatedly share false news to advertise on Facebook," he said.

Many U.S. political observers said after the November election that they believed ads and fake news stories spread on popular Facebook sites had played a role in swaying voters, prompting Facebook to start a campaign to identify and root out such false stories for the first time in December.

A study by a Washington State University professor found that before the election, among the fake news stories U.S. Facebook users saw were ones saying Pope Francis had endorsed Trump and that a federal agent who had been investigating his opponent Hillary Clinton was found dead.

The university study found that the dead FBI agent story was shared 1,000 times more often than real newspaper stories that were published at the same time.

"To put this in perspective, if you combined the top stories from the Boston Globe, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and L.A. Times, they still had only 5 percent of the viewership" of the fake news story on Facebook, Mike Caufield, the professor who authored the study, wrote in a blog post.

With reporting by The Washington Post and Reuters


Germany has welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's agreement to send UN peacekeepers to eastern Ukraine, saying it heralded "a change in [Russia's] politics that we should not gamble away."

Putin's proposal to send a lightly armed peacekeeping mission to protect international monitors in eastern Ukraine was presented to the United Nations Security Council late on September 5 after Putin called for it during a press conference in China earlier in the day.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, speaking in Berlin, said he found Putin's announcement "surprising" but said he was "very pleased to see this first signal" that Putin "wants to further discuss a demand which Russia had rejected in the past, namely, the use of blue helmets, UN soldiers, a blue-helmet mission in eastern Ukraine to implement the cease-fire."

"More importantly, this offer of a UN mission in eastern Ukraine shows that Russia has undergone a change in its politics that we should not gamble away," Gabriel said. "It would be good if we take it as an opening to talk about new ways of detente."

Ukraine said it was "prepared to work on the issue" and dispatched its UN delegation to consult with the UN Security Council.

Ukraine's UN representative Volodymyr Yelchenko said President Petro Poroshenko will touch on the issue in his speech before the UN General Assembly on September 20.

Line Of Contact

But a key Ukrainian lawmaker objected to putting the peacekeepers along the front line of combat rather than at the Russian-Ukrainian border.

Iryna Herashchenko, first deputy speaker of Ukraine's parliament, said on Facebook that "the confrontation line has become a confrontation line because of Russia's aggression."

"To us, this is a line of contact, namely contact with the temporarily occupied...territories. This is not a Ukrainian border, and therefore peacekeepers along the line of contact are out of the question," Herashchenko said.

Peacekeepers should be deployed over the whole Ukrainian territory not currently controlled by Kyiv "to monitor the security situation and demilitarization," Herashchenko said. "Their mandate should end on the Ukrainian-Russian border."

Yelchenko also said the peacekeepers should be deployed on the Russia-Ukraine border to monitor the flow of weapons and fighters coming in from Russia.

Ukraine has long called for the deployment of UN peacekeepers in separatist-held territory but has said that they should be deployed throughout the area, including along the part of the Ukraine-Russia border that Kyiv does not currently control.

Kyiv is concerned that deploying peacekeepers along the demarcation line would only cement the separatists' control over the territory they hold and leave Russia free to keep sending troops and weapons across the international border and fueling the conflict that has already killed more than 10,000 people since 2014.

'Circulated For Consideration'

In calling for the UN peacekeeping force, Putin had insisted that it should be restricted to operating on the "demarcation line" between Ukrainian forces and the separatists and should only ensure the security of the unarmed mission from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

"Should all of these [conditions be met], in my view it will definitely benefit a resolution of the problem in southeastern Ukraine," Putin said at a press conference in Xiamen, China, after a BRICS summit there.

AFP reported that the draft resolution Russia presented to the UN council late on September 5 was restricted along the lines prescribed by Putin.

AFP said the draft specified that the peacekeeping mission would be deployed after a "complete disengagement of the forces and equipment from the factual line of contact" between Ukrainian troops and Russia-backed separatists.

Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya said there were no immediate plans to call for a vote on Moscow's proposal.

"We are not talking about voting yet. We are circulating it for consideration," he told reporters in New York.

With reporting by AP, AFP, dpa, TASS, and Interfax


U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council that it was time to impose "the strongest possible measures" on North Korea, and that leader Kim Jong Un was "begging for war." Speaking at an emergency meeting a day after Pyongyang's sixth and largest nuclear test, Haley said: "The United States will look at every country that does business with North Korea as a country that is giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions." (Reuters)
For years, Chechen Republic head Ramzan Kadyrov has orchestrated mass protests in Grozny that might foster perceptions of him variously as the protector of oppressed Muslims or Russian President Vladimir Putins faithful "foot soldier.

The mass meeting convened in Grozny on September 4 to protest the treatment of Burma's Muslim minority Rohingya is significant, however. On that occasion, Kadyrov appears to have first systematically fueled the anger of Russias Muslims against persecuted co-religionists by means of the troll factory he set up two years ago, then intervened as the Kremlins specially designated lightning rod to alleviate that anger.

The Grozny rally made headlines, but not because of the number of people possibly dragooned into attending. (The Chechen Interior Ministry claimed that over 1 million people congregated in the city center, of a total population of 1.4 million. But blogger Vladimir Bayev calculated that the venue in front of the grandiose Heart of Chechnya mosque could accommodate no more than 500,000 people, while RFE/RLs North Caucasus Service estimated attendance at 150,000.)

Rather, Kadyrovs hint that he would oppose the Russian leadership in the event that it sided with the Satans responsible for crimes against the Rohingya appears to have been taken out of context and widely construed as a direct threat to Putin. That statement was made in a video clip uploaded on September 2 to Kadyrovs Instagram account and which has since been removed, according to the news portal Caucasian Knot.

In that footage, which was characteristic of Kadyrovs clumsy, muddled, and frequently illogical rhetoric, the Chechen leader declared that even if Russia supports those Satans who are committing crimes, I am against Russias position. I have my own view, my position. I am more than certain that no one today will support killers and those who resort to violence, but there are certain nuances of state policy, and for that reason we should show understanding for what is happening and the way statesmen and politicians are behaving.

On September 4, the Russian daily Kommersant quoted Kadyrov as expressing his gratitude to Putin for condemning the use of force against the Rohingya of Burma, also known as Myanmar.

Questioned the same day about the implications of Kadyrovs statement, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented that we know Muslims are reacting very emotionally to events in Myanmar." That formulation suggests that Peskov is used to Kadyrov losing the plot and regards such statements by him as mere sound and fury, signifying nothing. Putin himself declared the following day that Kadyrov was simply availing himself of the right all Russian citizens, including federation subject heads, have to express his personal opinion.

That measured reaction suggests an awareness in the Kremlin that while Kadyrov enjoys posing as the defender of oppressed Sunni Muslims worldwide, his chances of being formally recognized as such, let alone ever being empowered to act in that capacity, are minimal, because many prominent and respected Muslim theologians consider him a heretic, even though they may not necessarily say so publicly.

The son of a former mufti, Kadyrov has never been known to quote a single sura from the Koran. He has redefined what constitutes traditional Sufi Islam to accord a prominent place to Chechen Sufi saints and to incorporate the non-Islamic concepts of holy water and the standard Russian practice of Christmas/New Year trees. He has declared that anyone who is embarrassed to rise to his feet when the flag of the Russian Federation is hoisted is not a true Muslim.

And last year he incurred the displeasure of the Saudi Royal House by hosting in Grozny an international conference of theologians that adopted a resolution designating Salafism -- the strain of Islam professed in the Saudi Kingdom -- as an aberrant sect.

That said, from Kadyrovs point of view, the Grozny protest demonstration nonetheless might have served several useful purposes.

First, it appeared aimed at underscoring his role as the national spokesman on issues relating to Muslims abroad and as the coordinator of protests against unjust treatment of them. The Spiritual Board of Muslims of Daghestan was swift to condemn a spontaneous protest by some 2,000 people in Makhachkala on September 3 against the Burmese reprisals against the Rohingya.

Only after the Grozny rally was permission given for analogous protest actions elsewhere in the North Caucasus, for example in Cherkessk, the capital of Karachhayevo-Cherkessia.

Second, the timing of the Grozny protest served to deflect popular attention away from issues that reflect badly on Kadyrov. (One blogger questioned why Kadyrov chose to stage the protest now, when the reprisals against the Rohingya have been going on for years.)

Over the previous week alone, the prosecutor demanded seven-year jail terms for two young men accused of planning to join the armed resistance in Syria; a Chechen parliamentarian has been murdered, possibly by the North Caucasus insurgency that Kadyrov claims has been wiped out; and one of Kadyrovs financial backers in Moscow has been suspended from United Russia after firing his gun in a Moscow hotel.

Third, the rally provided an opportunity for one of Kadyrovs most feared allies, parliament speaker Magomed Daudov, to assume the role of wise elder statesman.

Daudov appealed to those young men who -- whether or not they were egged on by Kadyrovs trolls -- were calling for military intervention to protect their fellow Muslims and to show wisdom and constraint, declaring that what we are called to do is to pray for our brother and draw the attention of world leaders to what the authorities in Myanmar are doing.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL.
High speed chase through American Canyon yields 2 arrests

Two Vallejo residents led officers on a high-speed chase from American Canyon to Vacaville on Friday morning, according to American Canyon Police.

Officers first attempted to stop the grey 2008 Mercedes C300 at about 9:20 a.m. for a traffic violation. Instead of stopping, the motorist fled. When the suspect vehicle turned onto a dead end, the driver turned the car around and drove toward the officer chasing them, forcing him to take evasive action to avoid a collision, police said.

The driver finally stopped the vehicle before the I-80/Cherry Glen intersection.

The driver of the vehicle, Klark D. Hopkins, 25, and the passenger, Trenten Frolander, 23, were taken into custody and booked at the Napa County jail.

Hopkins is suspected of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony evading in a reckless manner, and driving with a revoked or suspended license. Frolander is suspected of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer.
Ukrainian officials and local residents moved to stabilize conditions in the freshly recaptured southern city of Kherson, as Russian symbols were being torn down and with the restoration of Ukrainian radio and television service and a new police presence.

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.

The action on November 12 came after months of occupation by Russian forces following their unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February and as Ukrainian and Western officials hailed Kyivs latest extraordinary battlefield success and Moscows strategic failure.

Separately, Russian occupying forces said late on November 12 that they were preparing to leave the city of Nova Kakhovka, the site of a damaged dam on the Dnieper River, to a safer location, according to Russian state-run TASS news agency.

As jubilant Kherson residents awoke the morning following the arrival of the first Ukrainian troops, Ukraines military said it was putting stabilization measures in place to ensure safety.

Ihor Klymenko, chief of the National Police of Ukraine, said about 200 officers were at their posts in Kherson and that checkpoints had been set up. Authorities also began seeking out any evidence of possible Russian war crimes, he said in a Facebook post.



The Ukrainian communications watchdog said national TV and radio broadcasts had resumed in the strategic southern city and officials said aid supplies had begun to arrive from nearby regions.

Social media postings on November 12 showed local residents removing memorial plaques put up by Kremlin-installed authorities during the occupation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other officials warned that while special forces had entered central Kherson, the full deployment of Ukrainian troops was still under way and that some Russian soldiers could have shed military uniforms for civilian clothing and remained in the city.

Even when the city is not yet completely cleansed of the enemys presence, the people of Kherson themselves are already removing Russian symbols and any traces of the occupiers stay in Kherson from the streets and buildings, Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address.

But he said that medicine, communications, social services are returning. Life is returning.

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.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, speaking to world leaders at an ASEAN summit in Cambodia, warned that the celebratory mood could turn grim with the possible discovery of war crimes evidence in Kherson.

Such evidence was discovered after Russian troops pulled out of the Kyiv and Kharkiv regions months ago.

Every time we liberate a piece of our territory, when we enter a city liberated from the Russian Army, we find torture rooms and mass graves with civilians tortured and murdered by the Russian Army in the course of the occupation of the territories," he said. "Its not easy to speak with people like this. But I said that every war ends with diplomacy and Russia has to approach talks in good faith.

The White House on November 12 hailed Russias withdrawal from Kherson as an "extraordinary victory" for Ukraine.

"It does look as though the Ukrainians have just won an extraordinary victory where the one regional capital that Russia had seized in this war is now back under a Ukrainian flag -- and that is quite a remarkable thing," U.S. national-security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters as he accompanied President Joe Biden to the ASEAN summit.

Sullivan said that the Russian retreat would have "broader strategic implications," including relieving the longer-term threat by Russia to other southern Ukrainian cities such as Odesa.

"It's a big moment, and it's due to the incredible tenacity and skill of the Ukrainians, backed by the relentless and united support of the United States and our allies," Sullivan said.

Asked about reports that the Biden administration has started to press Zelenskiy to explore negotiations with Moscow, Sullivan said Russia, not Ukraine, was the side that has to decide whether or not to go to the table.

"This whole notion, I think, in the Western press of, 'When's Ukraine going to negotiate?' misses the underlying fundamentals," Sullivan said.

Russia, he added, continues to make "outlandish claims" about its self-declared annexations of Ukrainian lands, even as it retreats from Ukrainian counterattacks.

"Ultimately, at a 30,000-foot level, Ukraine is the party of peace in this conflict and Russia is the party of war. Russia invaded Ukraine. If Russia chose to stop fighting in Ukraine and left, it would be the end of the war. If Ukraine chose to stop fighting and give up, it would be the end of Ukraine," he said. "In that context, our position remains the same as it has been and fundamentally is in close consultation and support of President Zelenskiy.

Separately, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said on November 12 that Moscow's "strategic failure" in Kherson will sow doubt among the Russian public about the point of the war in Ukraine.

"Russia's announced withdrawal from Kherson marks another strategic failure for them. In February, Russia failed to take any of its major objectives except Kherson," Wallace said in a statement. "Now with that also being surrendered, ordinary people of Russia must surely ask themselves: 'What was it all for?'"

Meanwhile, Pavel Filipchuk, the head of the occupation government in Nova Kakhovka, told administrators and residents that Russian forces will be pullng back from the city on the right bank of the Dnieper River.

He cited concerns that the key dam could be damaged by missiles, which would result in flooding.

Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of planning to blast the dam, which has already been severely damaged.

With reporting by AFP, AP, dpa, and Reuters
A court in Moscow has sentenced a man to 30 months in prison over violence at an anticorruption rally in the Russian capital in June.

Moscows Tver District Court sentenced Rasim Iskakov on September 6.

Iskakov had pleaded guilty to attacking two police officers during the protest, but defense lawyer Kaloi Alkhigov said the sentence would be appealed.

An estimated 1,560 supporters of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny were detained during the June 12 anticorruption demonstrations in cities and towns across Russia, including 866 detained in Moscow and 548 detained in St. Petersburg.

Most of the detainees were released the next day.

On June 16, another participant in the rally in Moscow, 17-year-old Mikhail Galyashkin, was placed under house arrest after he was charged with assaulting police during the protests.

The United States, the European Union, and human rights groups have condemned the crackdown on the protesters.

With reporting by openrussia.org and Mediazona
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against "driving North Korea into a corner" over its nuclear weapons program and missile tests.

Putin spoke on September 6 after meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the sidelines of the Russian-hosted Eastern Economic Forum in the Pacific coastal city of Vladivostok.

Putin denounced North Korea's sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on September 3, saying Russia did not recognize North Korea's nuclear status.



"Pyongyangs missile and nuclear program is a crude violation of UN Security Council resolutions, undermines the non-proliferation regime, and creates a threat to the security of northeastern Asia," he told a joint news conference with Moon.

But Putin also reiterated his opposition to further sanctions against North Korea, saying "it is clear that it is impossible to resolve the problem of the Korean peninsula only by sanctions and pressure."

He said there is a need to "stay calm, more than ever, and avoid steps which may escalate tensions."

Russia often mixes criticism of North Korean actions with calls on the United States, South Korea, and Japan to refrain from any steps that might increase tension or provoke Pyongyang, whose ties with Moscow are far warmer than with Washington.

Meanwhile, the South Korean presidents office said Moon urged Putin to support, at least, the imposition of international sanctions that would block oil deliveries to North Korea.

According to a South Korean transcript of Moons talks with Putin, Moon asked Putin "to actively cooperate as this time it is inevitable that North Korea's oil supply should be cut at the least."

But, according to the transcript, Putin told Moon that North Korea would not give up its nuclear program no matter how tough the sanctions, and also voiced concern that cutting oil supplies could hurt ordinary North Koreans.



The transcript said Putin told Moon that Russia exports about 40,000 tons of crude oil to North Korea per year. The Reuters news agency cited industry sources as saying China provides North Korea with about 520,000 tons of crude oil per year.

Putins remarks reiterated the position voiced on September 5 after a summit of the BRICS countries in China, when he condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test as "provocative" but said further sanctions on Pyongyang would be "useless and inefficient."

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "begging for war" with the country's latest nuclear test.

Haley said Washington would propose a new UN resolution this week on tougher sanctions against North Korea.

Russia has veto power as a permanent UN Security Council member along with China, the United States, Britain, and France.

North Korea on September 3 claimed "perfect success" with what it said was the test of a hydrogen bomb capable of being loaded on a long-range missile.

The test violated a UN ban on North Korea's nuclear and ballistic-missile programs.

China and Russia have suggested a "freeze for freeze" plan, where the United States and South Korea would agree to stop major military exercises in the region in exchange for a halt to North Koreas weapons programs.

But neither side has accepted that idea.

With reporting by Reuters, TASS, Interfax, AP, and AFP


The leaders of Japan and South Korea called for stronger sanctions against North Korea on visits to Russia's Vladivostok despite Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning against "pushing North Korea into a corner."

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on September 7 to cooperate on seeking tougher sanctions such as those floated at the United Nations by the United States, cutting off North Korea's oil, foreign workers, textile exports, and other income sources in retaliation for its weekend nuclear test, said Yoon Young-chan, Moon's chief press secretary.

Yoon said Moon and Abe in particular agreed to try to persuade China and Russia to cut off Pyongyang's oil supplies, although he said Putin has opposed that, saying it would hurt North Korea's impoverished citizens as well as its government.

Kremlin officials also said Russia doesn't supply oil to North Korea.

Yoon said Moon privately urged Putin to support the stronger sanctions at a meeting in Vladivostok on September 6, including a ban on North Korea's program of supplying guest workers to Russia, China, and other nations, but Putin did not agree.

"We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner," Putin said in a news conference after the meeting on the sidelines of an economic conference. "As never before, everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions."

Abe said before meeting with Putin in Vladivostok on September 7 that "we must make North Korea understand there is no bright future for the country if it pursues the current path."

Their renewed push for sanctions came as the United States in a draft UN resolution proposed imposing an oil embargo on North Korea and a freeze on assets of the reclusive countrys government and its leader, Kim Jong Un.

The resolution, seen by U.S. and other media on September 6, also calls for a travel ban on Kim and a block on the countrys textile exports and payments to the up to 100,000 North Korea laborers working abroad.

The demand for enhanced sanctions is in response to Pyongyangs continued defiance of UN resolutions against its nuclear-weapons and ballistic-missile programs.

The draft UN resolution also calls for a freeze on the assets of North Koreas national airline, Air Koryo, which flies to Beijing and other Chinese cities, and to Vladivostok in Russia.

Tensions between Pyongyang and many world powers, particularly the United States, Japan, and South Korea, are at their highest levels in years.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim have exchanged threats in a war of words that intensified after the North on September 3 tested what Pyongyang described as a hydrogen bomb that could be placed on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the United States.

North Koreas main ally, China, has condemned Pyongyangs nuclear tests, as has Putin. It was not known if China would support the tough new moves against Pyongyang.

To pass, a UN resolution would require nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the 15-member Security Council's permanent members, the United States, Britain, France, Russia, or China.

Reports of the U.S.-drafted resolution came after Trump spoke to his Chinese counterpart to discuss the crisis.

A statement from China's Foreign Ministry said Xi told Trump that Beijing is "unswervingly" working to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

"At the same time, we always persist in safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation," Xi told his U.S. counterpart.

Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, requested that the Council vote on the draft resolution on September 11, but Russia's UN ambassador, Vasily Nebenzya, said that date might be "a little premature."

The latest moves also come as NATO on September 6 demanded tougher implementation of existing sanctions against North Korea and called for new efforts to draw Pyongyang away from its "threatening and destabilizing path."

With reporting by AFP, Reuters, and AP


A Moscow court has ruled in favor of a flight attendant who said Russia's flagship Aeroflot airline stopped assigning her to work on international routes because of her weight.

The Moscow city court overturned a ruling by a district court that had rejected Yevgenia Magurina's contention that she was sidelined as part of Aeroflot's drive to make its cabin crews younger and more physically attractive.

Magurina, 42, had submitted pay slips showing that she had stopped receiving bonus pay linked to international flights, which comprised roughly 20 percent of her income, after she asked for a larger-sized uniform.

Magurina sought 500,000 rubles ($8,700) in moral damages and for the court to rule that Aeroflot's regulations on clothing sizes are discriminatory.

The court ruled that Aeroflot cannot implement the section of its regulations that allows pay levels to be affected by clothing size.

It ordered Aeroflot to pay Magurina about 17,000 rubles ($300) in missing bonus pay, but awarded her just 5,000 rubles ($87) in damages.

Her attorney welcomed the ruling, calling it "definitely a victory."

"We were not suing for money. We wanted the court to acknowledge that you cannot treat people like that," lawyer Ksenia Mikhailichenko said.

Aeroflot's press office did not have any immediate comment on the lawsuit.

Aeroflot in court denied the claims of discrimination, arguing that the company had no obligation to pay bonuses.

But the company did acknowledge its preference for slimmer cabin crews, claiming that there were objective reasons for it.

It said overweight attendants could pose a safety risk by blocking emergency exits and required more fuel to transport.

Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, RBC, and TASS
Human Rights Watch (HRW) says that Russian police are "systematically" interfering with attempts by opposition leader Aleksei Navalny to campaign for the March 2018 presidential election.

In a September 6 statement, the international human rights monitor said that a "pattern of harassment and intimidation" against Navalnys campaign was "undeniable."

"Police across Russia have raided Navalny's campaign offices, arbitrarily detained campaign volunteers, and carried out other actions that unjustifiably interfere with campaigning," HRW said.

The New York-based rights group said radical Russian nationalists and groups that support President Vladimir Putin have "physically attacked and threatened" Navalnys campaigners.

It said "the extensive police harassment, and attacks on the local offices and campaigners by radical nationalist and pro-Putin groups" during the spring and summer of 2017, "clearly aim to intimidate campaigners and stifle the campaign."

HRW also said official investigations into violence against the anticorruption activist's campaign "have not been effective."

The rights group said that there have been police crackdowns and violence against Navalnys campaign workers in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Krasnodar, Rostov-on-Don, Kaliningrad, Irkutsk, and Khabarovsk.

"Police have searched campaign offices, seized campaign materials or equipment, and intercepted and confiscated shipments of campaign materials under vague pretexts of 'extremism' allegations," it said.

"Authorities have refused to authorize Navalny's campaign sidewalk displays, and have detained campaigners on groundless charges of holding unauthorized public gatherings, and for alleged unlawful campaigning activity," it said.

'Politicized, Unfair Trial'

Navalny announced in December 2016 that he intended to run in the election. Since then, he has opened more than 60 campaign offices in different regions of Russia.

In June, however, the Central Election Commission said that Navalny is ineligible to run for public office because of a financial-crimes conviction.

Human Rights Watch said the conviction was "the result of a politicized, unfair trial."

Putin has not announced whether he will run in the presidential election, but is widely expected to seek and secure a fourth term.

Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at HRW, said "the use of specialist police and the label of 'extremism' as a pretext for raids, confiscations, and detentions suggests that authorities think it's 'extremist' just to challenge President Vladimir Putin.

Williamson said "Russian authorities should let Navalny's campaigners work without undue interference" and should "properly investigate attacks against them by ultranationalists and pro-government groups."


A man accused of carrying out an arson attack on a movie theater in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg has been sent to pretrial detention.

The Sverdlov regional court on September 6 identified the suspect as Denis Murashov, 39, and ordered him jailed for two months as the investigation continues.

Investigators say Murashov tried to ram a vehicle into the cinema's main entrance, then threw an incendiary projectile that started a fire on the car and inside the theater.

The ruling came amid suspicions that the September 4 attack may have been linked to opposition among some conservative nationalist and Russian Orthodox activists to a film about Tsar Nicholas II that opens in Russian theaters next month.

Russian media have posted a video that appears to show Murashov attending a protest against director Aleksei Uchitel's film Matilda in the Siberian city of Tyumen on August 17.

Matilda tells the story of a romance between Nicholas, when he was a young and unmarried crown prince, and teenage ballet dancer Matilda Kshesinskaya.

Activists who oppose the film claim it besmirches the memory of Nicholas, who was killed by a Bolshevik firing squad in 1918 and was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church in 2000.

The video of the August protest appears to show Murashov calling for Uchitel to "get out of Russia" and saying, "Let him show his movie to penguins in Antarctica."

Opponents have called on Russian authorities to ban Matilda, but the Culture Ministry cleared it for release in August and it is set to open in movie theaters on October 26.

Uchitel says he has received threats over the film, and assailants threw Molotov cocktails into the building that houses his studio in St. Peterburg on August 31.

With reporting by Rapsinews and Interfax
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has said he sees no "imminent threat" from Russia's upcoming military maneuvers with Belarus, but criticized Moscow for not being more open about the drills.

The Zapad (West) 2017 exercise, which Moscow says will involve some 12,700 troops, has caused concern in Poland and the Baltic states.

Lithuania and Estonia say that as many as 100,000 soldiers could take part, though Russia insists the event is "purely defensive" in nature.

NATO has deployed four battle groups -- around 4,000 troops -- to Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland in recent years in response to growing Russian assertiveness in the region, particularly after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Stoltenberg, speaking during a visit to a NATO contingent in Tapa, Estonia, said the alliance's troop presence sent a clear message "that an attack on one ally will trigger a response from the whole alliance."

"We will monitor the [Zapad] activity closely and we are vigilant but also calm, because we don't see any imminent threat against any NATO ally," he said.

But Stoltenberg said Russia's openness about Zapad-2017 did not meet international standards.

Three NATO experts have been invited to attend as observers, but Stoltenberg said this "fell short of the transparency required by the OSCE," the pan-European security body.

"Transparency and predictability are even more important when tensions are high, to reduce the risks of misunderstandings and incidents," Stoltenberg said.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters
A Moscow court has sentenced two Russian hackers to three years in prison each for breaking into the e-mail accounts of top Russian officials and leaking them.

Konstantin Teplyakov and Aleksandr Filinov were members of the Shaltai-Boltai (Humpty Dumpty in Russian) collective believed to be behind the hacking of high-profile accounts, including the Twitter account of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

The two were found guilty of illegally accessing computer data in collusion with a criminal group.

Earlier in July, Shaltai-Boltai leader Vladimir Anikeyev was handed a two-year sentence after striking a plea bargain and agreeing to cooperate with the authorities.

The 2016 arrests of the Shaltai-Boltai hackers became known only after Russian media reported that two officials of the Federal Security Service's cybercrime unit had been arrested on treason charges.

Russian media reports suggested the officials had connections to the hacker group or had tried to control it.

Based on reporting by Rapsinews and Interfax
The outgoing U.S. ambassador to Russia has defended Washington's decision to order Moscow out of diplomatic facilities in the United States amid a mounting standoff straining already frayed bilateral ties.

Ambassador John Tefft's comments in a joint interview with RFE/RL and VOA on September 6 came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced what he called "boorish and unprecedented" actions against the Russian Consulate in San Francisco and trade representations in Washington and New York.

Russia has called the takeovers an "openly hostile act" and accused U.S. authorities of threatening to "break down the entrance door" of the Russian Consulate in San Francisco after Washington set a September 2 deadline for the premises to be clear.

Tefft said in the interview that Russian diplomatic personnel accompanied U.S. officials during the inspections of the San Francisco facility, which he said "were carried out to protect the facilities and to confirm that the Russian government had vacated the premises."

"Nobody broke down doors. Nobody put undue pressure on people. It was all done very, very carefully," he said.

He added that the U.S. takeover of the building complied with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which Russia has accused Washington of violating.

The U.S. order to clear the properties came after Moscow ordered the United States to reduce its personnel at diplomatic facilities in Russia to 455, which Putin said meant cutting 755 staff members.

That move came in response to fresh U.S. sanctions targeting Russia over its actions in Ukraine.

Washington has imposed several rounds of sanctions against Russia over its 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and backing of armed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Tefft suggested Moscow's outrage was hypocritical, noting that Russia said the U.S. personnel cuts were aimed at bringing parity between the size of the two countries' respective diplomatic missions.

"But when we used parity to withdraw our consent for the Russian government to have a consulate in San Francisco, then everyone got all excited. And, you know, parity is parity," Tefft said.

The shuttering of the San Francisco facility leaves Russia with its primary embassy facility in Washington, and three other consulates on U.S. territory -- in New York City, Houston, and Seattle.

Aside from the embassy in Moscow, there are three other U.S. diplomatic posts in Russia: in St. Petersburg, the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg, and the Pacific port of Vladivostok.

The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement in July on the U.S. diplomatic staff reductions said Moscow was "offering" Washington to make the cuts, and ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova suggested later on Facebook that Russia had not "ordered" the move.

Tefft said in the September 6 interview, however, that it was false to suggest that Washington "negotiated or somehow signed on to the idea of reducing our staff."

"We were told to do that. That was not something that was negotiated," he said.

Tefft is expected to leave Moscow this year to make way for John Huntsman, a former U.S. ambassador to China who was nominated for the post by U.S. President Donald Trump.
An Iranian teenager sneaks up behind a cleric in the capital, Tehran, and knocks his turban off his head before dashing off.

The incident, uploaded on social media, is part of a new tactic employed by anti-government demonstrators in Iran.

Nationwide antiestablishment protests have raged across the Islamic republic since the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died on September 16 shortly after she was arrested for allegedly violating the hijab law on women's dress.

As the authorities have waged a deadly crackdown on the rallies, some demonstrators have turned to new tactics to sustain the monthslong protests, including tipping off Islamic clerics' turbans in the streets.

Many Iranians associate members of the clergy with Iran's Islamist regime, which many blame for the repression and corruption in the country.

While some Iranians have praised the "turban throwing" as an act of resistance, others have expressed concern that low-level clerics who are not affiliated with the state could become the victims of harassment and violence.

Lawmaker Mohammad Taghi Naqd Ali on November 10 called the new trend "the devil's conspiracy" and warned that young protesters tossing clerics' turbans were "playing with the lion's tail."

State media reported the arrests of two people in recent days who were accused of knocking off clerics' turbans.

London-based human rights lawyer Shadi Sadr said the tactic was a "brave and revolutionary act." Sadr, the co-founder of the rights group Justice for Iran, told RFE/RL that protesters were "humiliating" clerics without resorting to violence. "They're [targeting] the clergy's turban as a symbol of the crimes and corruption of the past 43 years as well as the privileges clerics have enjoyed," she said.

"There is no violence in it, and it also includes youthful mischief, which highlights the spirit of the revolution," Sadr added, referring to the monthslong protests that have posed the biggest threat to the establishment in years.

But Ahmad Zeidabadi, a Tehran-based journalist and former political prisoner, said that some of the clerics targeted in the streets "may be critics or even victims of [state] policies."

"This phenomenon...mainly targets clerics who do not hold any government positions," he said on Twitter, adding that senior clerics in powerful positions rarely appear in public and are often protected by security guards if they do.

Reformist cleric Hojatoleslam Ahmad Heidari, who was jailed in the past for his support for the opposition Green Movement, warned that the new trend could taint the "beautiful face of [the] protest movement against oppression and injustice."

"You're right to be angry at those wearing turbans," Heidari wrote on the news site Esafnews.com. But he added that "those who have a hand in power and are your target" are out of reach. He said many of the clerics targeted were "young and elderly" clerics who are not sitting in "ivory towers."

Attacks on clerics, particularly those who attempt to enforce Islamic codes in public, had been on rise in Iran even before the protests erupted, forcing many clerics to appear in public without their robes and turbans.

Last week, a cleric was reportedly hospitalized after being wounded in Karaj, near Tehran, amid antiestablishment protests in the city. The hard-line Fars news agency claimed that protesters attacked the cleric with knives.

Hassan Fereshtian, a Paris-based Iranian cleric and researcher, said the turban-throwing trend was the result of the "suppressed anger of the past four decades."

"If it aims at eliminating the clergy, we could be facing the start of violence," he warned in comments to RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "In fact, the clergy should be eliminated from the centers of power. But they shouldn't be eliminated from society."

Fereshtian, a student of the late dissident Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, expressed hope that Iran will reach a point "where secular people can live peacefully next to the clergy and unveiled women next to those who choose to wear the hijab."

In the past year, regime supporters have knocked off the turbans of clerics who had criticized the establishment, including former Interior Minister Abdollah Nuri and former parliament speaker Mehdi Karrubi, who has been under house arrest since 2011 for disputing the 2009 reelection of former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.
ON MY MIND

The arrest and corruption trial of former Economics Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev is many things and can be viewed in many ways.

It can be seen as a power play by Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin as he seeks greater control of Russia's energy sector.

It can be seen as the opening shot in the cutthroat court intrigue that many observers expect in Vladimir Putin's inner circle in the coming years.

And it represents the first time since the Stalin era that a sitting minister has been arrested and tried for corruption.

But as Oleg Kashin shows in a piece featured below, it is also providing a rare window into how the Russian elite operates -- and the picture is not pretty.

Kashin notes that the case is resulting in "a radical desacralization of power," adding that "the Russian ruling class is a very closed social group that hides its life, its real face, and its relationships with each other from citizens. Cases when society can see what they really are, are extremely rare."

And for this reason, the Ulyukayev case may turn out to be a watershed moment.

IN THE NEWS

Germany's foreign minister has welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's agreement to send UN peacekeepers to eastern Ukraine, saying it heralded "a change in [Russia's] politics that we should not gamble away."

Putin has congratulated Bashar al-Assad after Syrian state media said government troops broke a three-year long siege of the eastern city of Deir al-Zour by Islamic State forces.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) says that Russian police are "systematically" interfering with attempts by opposition leader Aleksei Navalny to campaign for the March 2018 presidential election.

Putin also warned against "driving North Korea into a corner" over its nuclear weapons program and missile tests.

Two alleged Russian intelligence operatives have been named as the main organizers of what authorities say was a coup attempt against Montenegro's pro-Western government as the trial of 14 suspected coup plotters opened in Podgorica on September 6.

The European Union will prolong its asset freezes and visa bans on Russian officials and Moscow-backed separatists in Ukraine for another six months, with Russia's new ambassador to the United States likely to remain on the list, diplomats said.

A Kyiv court adjourned Viktor Yanukovych's in absentia treason trial until September 21 after the former Ukrainian president's new lawyer asked for more time to prepare.

Nikita Belykh, the liberal former governor of Russia's Kirov region, pleaded not guilty as his trial on a bribe-taking charge got under way in Moscow on September 5.

The U.S. House Intelligence Committee has issued subpoenas for documents related to a dossier that claimed Russia collected compromising information about U.S. President Donald Trump, the panel's top Democrat said.

The independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta reports that Belarusian authorities have detained a woman from Russia's Chechnya region who was attempting to flee to Norway after receiving threats, and handed her over to a man who claimed to be her father.

A 15-year-old Russian schoolboy attacked a teacher with a meat cleaver and fired an air gun at her face during an assault that sent other pupils fleeing for safety, officials and the injured teacher said.

Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that they received a request from Georgia to extradite its former president, Mikheil Saakashvili.

Moldova's pro-Russia President Igor Dodon says he has canceled the participation of a small contingent of Moldovan soldiers in upcoming NATO exercises.

WHAT I'M READING

Sechin, Ulyukayev, And The Russian Elite

In his column for Republic.ru, opposition journalist Oleg Kashin opines about what a recorded conversation between Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin and former Economics Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev -- that was read out in Ulyukayev's corruption trial -- reveals about the state of the Russian elite.

New Book: David Kramer's Back To Containment

Former U.S. State Department official David Kramer, currently a senior fellow at the McCain Institute, has published a new book: Back To Containment: Dealing With Putins Regime.

More Book Buzz: Masha Gessen's The Future Is History

Masha Gessen's new book The Future Is History: How Totalitarianism Reclaimed Russia is generating some buzz. Here's a Kirkus review of the book. And on October 3, BAM and Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn will host a launch event featuring a discussion with Gessen and David Remnick.

Moscow-Ankara-Tehran

In Foreign Policy, former U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Dov Zakheim looks at the unlikely alliance between Russia, Iran, and Turkey in Syria.

Russia And Germany's Election

In Foreign Policy, Joerg Forbrig, a Berlin-based senior transatlantic fellow with the German Marshall Fund of the United States, explains why Russian interference in Germany's election is inevitable -- and will inevitably fail.

Russia's Goals In Ukraine

In an op-ed for The Moscow Times, foreign affairs analyst Vladimir Frolov argues that Russia "wants political control, not territory" in Ukraine.

The Nord Stream Threat To Europe

Former U.S. State Department official Kirk Bennett has a piece in The American Interest arguing that it is crucial to European security to kill the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project.

Why NATO Needs Its Own Zapad

Elisabeth Braw of The Atlantic Council has a piece in Defense One on why NATO needs to have its own version of Russia's upcoming Zapad military exercises.

Ukraine's Parliament Problem

The Atlantic Council's Peter Dickinson argues that Ukraine's parliament is becoming increasingly dysfunctional.

More On The 'Gerasimov Doctrine'

Molly K. McKew, a former adviser to the Georgian and Moldovan governments, has a piece in Politico looking at the so-called Gerasimov Doctrine.

Weaponized AI?

In his column for Bloomberg, political commentator Leonid Bershidsky argues that the West should take the threat of Russia weaponizing artificial intelligence seriously.

OpenDemocracy's Kremlinology Quiz

And now for a little fun -- OpenDemocracy Russia asks: What Kind Of Kremlinologist Are You?


The U.S. House Intelligence Committee has issued subpoenas for documents related to a dossier that claimed Russia collected compromising information about U.S. President Donald Trump, the panel's top Democrat said on September 5.

Representative Adam Schiff told MSNBC in an interview that he and other committee Democrats had objected to the subpoenas, which he said Republicans had issued in an attempt to discredit the dossier's author, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele.

The Associated Press reported that the committee subpoenaed the Justice Department and the FBI and gave them a September 14 deadline for producing the material.

The Republicans, who have a majority on all Congressional committees, have said they want to know how the dossier came into being and whether it was created to sabotage Trump during last year's presidential campaign.

The dossier was funded by a group that conducted political opposition research on Trump during the 2016 campaign and included wide-ranging and sometimes salacious allegations about Trump.

The House intelligence panel is one of several congressional committees that are investigating allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election and possible cooperation between Moscow and the Trump campaign.

Russia denies meddling in the election and Trump denies any cooperation.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters


Authorities in Ukraine say three political analysts, a journalist, and an activist died in a traffic accident in the western region of Rivne on September 6.

Anton Herashchenko, a lawmaker and adviser to Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, wrote on Facebook that political observers Oleksandr Maslak, Oleksiy Kurinniy, and Oleksandr Nikanorov, journalist Volodymyr Karahyaur, and activist Serhiy Popov were killed and that the early morning crash was being investigated.

Ukraine's national police said earlier that four men died after the car they were in collided with a truck. The fifth man in the car died hours later in a hospital, it said.

The police report did not identify the men.

Kyiv-based journalist Bohdana Babych wrote on Facebook that the five were returning to Kyiv from Poland after taking part in a conference.


KYIV -- A Kyiv court adjourned Viktor Yanukovych's in absentia treason trial until September 21 after the former Ukrainian president's new lawyer asked for more time to prepare.

In a September 6 ruling, Obolon District Court Judge Vladyslav Devyatko granted new state-appointed defense attorney Maksym Herasko's request for additional time to get acquainted with the case.

The ruling came a day after Ukraine's chief prosecutor said that Yanukovych could now face a new charge -- illegally seizing power -- over constitutional changes made early in his presidential term.

Yanukovych's previous state-appointed lawyer, Vitaliy Meshechek, withdrew from proceedings on August 17, citing the "particular difficulty" of the case and saying he could not handle it properly without assistants.

Two lawyers who had represented Yanukovych before Meshechek withdrew from the case on July 6, saying that Yanukovych had informed them that he did not need their services anymore.

Yanukovych announced on that day that he would not participate in the trial, charging that it was politically motivated. The court then decided to provide him with a state-appointed lawyer.

Yanukovych abandoned office in late February 2014 and fled to Russia in the face of protests triggered by his decision to scrap plans for a landmark deal with the European Union and improve trade ties with Moscow instead.

Dozens of people were killed when his government attempted to clamp down on the pro-European protests known as the Euromaidan.

Prosecutors are seeking life imprisonment for Yanukovych, who is accused of treason, violating Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and abetting Russian aggression.

After he fled, Russia seized Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and fomented opposition to the central government in eastern Ukraine, where the ensuing war between Kyiv's forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 10,000 people.

Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Yuriy Lutsenko wrote on Facebook on September 5 that a new investigation has been launched in which Yanukovych is suspected of "the illegal seizure of power via a constitutional coup in 2010."

"Yanukovych and former Justice Minister [Oleksandr] Lavrynovych have been informed that they are suspected of the illegal seizure of power along with other individuals," Lutsenko wrote.

Yanukovych was elected president in February 2010. In October 2010, Ukraine's Constitutional Court annulled 2004 constitutional amendments on transferring some presidential powers to the parliament.

Under the 2004 amendments, the president had lost the power to nominate the prime minister and dismiss a government.

In February 21, a day before Yanukovych was toppled, the Ukrainian parliament reinstated the 2004 constitutional amendments.
A pilot from Iraq was killed when his F-16 Fighting Falcon jet crashed during a training mission near Safford, Arizona, U.S. military officials say.

The Arizona Air National Guard said in a website posting on September 6 that the pilot was conducting a routine mission with the Guards 162nd Wing when the crashed occurred around 3 p.m. on September 5.

An Iraqi Embassy spokesman in Washington identified the pilot as Major Nour Faleh Hazam Rasn Al Khazaali.

The Iraqi Air Force expressed its "deep sorrow for the loss of this hero, who was one of the best F-16 pilots and had completed all stages of training with outstanding performance."

The U.S. Air Force is training Iraqi pilots in F-16 fighters as part of an agreement with the Iraqi government. Military officials added that a board has been established to investigate the crash.

It was the second deadly crash of an Iraqi-piloted jet in the past two years connected to the 162nd Wing.

In July 2015, an Iraqi brigadier general died when his F-16 crashed during night training near the city of Douglas.

The Tucson, Arizona-based 162nd Wing, the Air Guard's main F-16 training operation, conducts training missions in southern and central Arizona.

Since 1990, it has trained pilots from several allied states, including Iraq, Singapore, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Oman, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Based on reporting by AP, Tucson.com, and AZFamily.com
The United States might find Iran in violation of the 2015 nuclear agreement next month, but that does not mean Washington is withdrawing from the agreement, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said on September 5.

Under U.S. law, the State Department must notify Congress every 90 days whether Iran is in compliance with curbs on its nuclear activities required in exchange for international sanctions relief under the deal.

The next deadline is October, and U.S. President Donald Trump has said he thinks by then the United States will find Iran out of compliance.

"If the President chooses not to certify Iranian compliance, that does not mean the United States is withdrawing" from the deal, U.S. ambassador Nikki Haley told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington.

"We will stay in a deal as long as it protects the security of the United States," she said.

The Trump administration has already certified twice that Iran is complying with the deal. Haley said she doesn't know what Trump will say next month.

"Should he decide to decertify, he has grounds to stand on," she said. "It is a very flawed and very limited agreement... Iran has been caught in multiple violations over the past year and a half."

Haley suggested one area the United States might cite is Iran's ballistic missile tests, which Tehran insists are not covered by the agreement.

"You can call it non-nuclear all you want: Missile technology cannot be separate from pursuit of a nuclear weapon," Haley said.

U.S. officials in the past have maintained that Iran's missile tests violate the "spirit" of the nuclear deal, but have not argued that they constitute actual violations. Tehran maintains the missile tests are for self-defense.

The United States has imposed a series of sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile tests since the deal was signed in 2015.

Iranian President Hassan Rohani warned last month that Iran could abandon the nuclear agreement "within hours" if the United States imposes any more sanctions over the missile tests.

Haley said that threat shows that "Iran's leaders want to use the nuclear deal to hold the world hostage to its bad behavior."

With reporting by AP and Reuters


Uzbekistans Central Election Commission says that acting President Shavkat Mirziyaev has won the December 4 presidential election with 88.6 percent of the vote.

Mirziyaevs victory had been widely expected since he took over as interim leader of the country in early September, following the death of authoritarian President Islam Karimov after more than a quarter-century of iron-fisted rule over the Central Asian country.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said that the election underscored "the need for comprehensive reforms" in Uzbekistan, where Karimov had extended his power for years in a series of votes denounced by Western governments and international observers as undemocratic.

"While the election administration took measures to enhance the transparency of its work and the proper conduct of the election, the dominant position of state actors and limits on fundamental freedoms undermine political pluralism and led to a campaign devoid of genuine competition," ODIHR, which conducted an election-monitoring mission in Uzbekistan, said In a preliminary statement on December 5.

ODIHR observers also said that Uzbek "media covered the election in a highly restrictive and controlled environment, and the state-defined narrative did not provide voters the opportunity to hear alternative viewpoints."

None of the six previous post-Soviet elections observed in Uzbekistan by ODHIR monitors was deemed democratic and fair.

Election Commission Chairman Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov said the official turnout was 87.83 percent, with more than 17.9 million voters casting ballots.

Mirziyaev, 59, ran against three other candidates, all from pro-government parties.

He was formally nominated for president by the Liberal Democratic Party, the largest political party in Uzbekistan.

Mirziyaev, who has been prime minister since 2003, has said that he intends to largely follow the political course of Karimov.

A central question is whether he would ease the authoritarian rule imposed by Karimov or veer from his policies -- and to what degree.

Critics dismiss as populist campaign ploys some of his recent efforts to force bureaucrats to answer to the people and resolve their problems, such as a hotline to the president and a demand that local leaders meet with their constituents.

But some Uzbek dissidents living abroad have high hopes that he will implement economic reforms, allow more freedom at home, and open ex-Soviet Central Asias most-populous country more to the outside world.

In a speech on his first day as acting president, he said Uzbekistan would continue the policy of not joining any international military alliances and not hosting any foreign military bases, along with not stationing its troops abroad.

Uzbekistan, a major grower of cotton and a producer of natural gas, borders volatile Afghanistan and lies in a strategic region where Russia, China, and the West vie for influence.

It is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which includes Russia and China, but pulled out of the Russia-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization for the second time in 2012.

The Kremlin said in a statement on December 5 that Russian President Vladimir Putin "warmly congratulated" Mirziyaev on his victory in a phone call and invited him to visit Moscow.

Under Karimov, the predominantly Muslim country's staunchly secular government appeared eager to suppress any signs of what it saw as Islamic militancy, and policies in that area will be watched for any evidence of a shift.



In the September 8 speech, Mirziyaev also said that strengthening ties with neighboring Central Asian states was "the main priority" for Uzbekistans foreign policy -- and has won praise for apparent steps in that direction.

Karimov, who became Uzbekistans Communist Party chief in 1989 and ruled as president after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, tolerated little dissent and eliminated almost all political opposition within the nation of about 30 million.

The government said he died on September 2, at age 78, after suffering a stroke.
Hilario is a talented stone mason and tile setter who until recently worked for a construction company in Santa Rosa.

Single, aged 39, he lived with other single men in the parish house of the Green Church, the Presbyterian Community Church of Calistoga, according to St. Helena resident Robyn Orsini. He had been living in Calistoga for some time, perhaps 10 years, she said.

Hes the nicest guy, Orsini said.

Orsini teaches English as a Second Language at Napa Valley College, and is president of the Napa County chapter of the League of Women Voters. She said Hilario had been her student for about four months when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers showed up at his door and took him into custody last month.

My understanding is that Hilario, probably not wanting to miss work, missed a court date (not sure what for), Orsini wrote in an email. If removed to Mexico, individuals cannot legally return to the U.S. for 5-10 years.

Hilarios story is becoming more common in Napa and elsewhere. Arrests of immigrants with no criminal record have more than doubled in the first half of 2017, according to a press release this week from the office of Assemblymember David Chiu, (D-San Francisco).

Chiu is a coauthor of AB 450, The Immigrant Worker Protection Act, currently in the legislature, which would prohibit employers from allowing immigration agents to enter a workplace or view employee files without a subpoena or a warrant.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, a nonpartisan research organization, undocumented workers make up 45 percent of Californias agricultural workforce and 21 percent of construction. Almost 1 in every 10 workers in California is undocumented, and more than 2.6 million undocumented immigrants reside here.

A government report issued by ICE in May, said immigration arrests in the first 100 days of the Trump administration were up almost 38 percent over the same period last year (41,318 vs. 30,473 ). Arrests of non-criminal immigrants during the period increased from about 4,200 to more than 10,800, a 150 percent increase, the report said.

Orsini said she believes 10-12 men (no women) have been picked up in Calistoga this year, some with families. Shes convinced theres been a large increase in removals from the local community this year.

St. Helenan Don Farrar also believes arrests have increased. He said hes heard of 14 ICE apprehensions in the county in the first three months of the year.

Like Orsini he has personal experience with an ICE arrestee. Farrar says he was one of a number of clients who employed a man named Julio for many years for landscaping services. Julio, said Farrar, is married with three children. At 6 a.m. one recent morning there was a knock on Julios door in Napa. Men announcing themselves as police asked him to step outside and identify his car. He was seized as he stepped out the front door and taken to a detention center in Fremont. Reportedly Hilarios arrest occurred using the same ruse.

According to someone Farrar spoke with at the detention center, such trickery by agents is standard procedure. Arrest warrants, said Farrar, are apparently difficult to get.

Calistoga Police Chief Mitch Celaya is aware of the ruse and called it disingenuous and misleading. The tactic creates fear of local law enforcement, he said. He said ICE officers should identify themselves as agents.

To imply you are the local police erodes peoples trust in local police, he said. We work hard to earn the trust of our community. In a community with a sizeable immigrant population, fear of police escalates the danger in even routine interactions with the public, he said.

People do not behave rationally when they are afraid, Celaya said. The only people who should be afraid of police are criminals, he said.

Celaya said ICE communication with his department on planned actions has been spotty. He said hes aware of four instances of ICEs presence in his area, but on at least two occasions they targeted multiple locations, as many as five on one trip.

Tracking local removals is problematic, despite an understanding between ICE and local law enforcement, according to Napa County Sheriff John Robertson.

When they come in they are to notify central dispatch what area theyre in and where theyre working. When they leave they notify us if they have a person in custody, Robertson said. We give them no assistance. When they get back to (the San Francisco field office) they notify us of the individuals name.

But Robertson stressed hes not sure the informal agreement is unflaggingly observed.

Are we always notified? I cant say that with 100 percent confidence, he said. I would love to say Im confident of that. I hear stories.

According to the Sheriff, the number of apprehensions seems to be higher in recent months than in the last several years.

As of last count (Aug. 24), there have been 17 removals this year Im aware of, lower than in previous years, although in the last few years there has been little activity, Robertson said.

While he stressed his office plays no part in identification, apprehension or removal, Robertson believes communication is vital between the local and federal agencies.

Its up to us (heads of law enforcement) to provide a safe community; the more information we have the better it is for people, he said.

With assembly bill SB54 working its way through the legislature in Sacramento, the trend is moving toward less, not more exchange of information, Robertson said. That legislation would essentially restrict local agencies from providing any information to immigration officers. That would effectively end even sporadic notification, he said.

If were not communicating with them, they certainly wont communicate with us, Robertson said.

He and the local police chiefs have made a concerted effort to connect with the community, attending meetings sponsored by Puertos Abiertos Community Resource Center and other local advocacy groups, he said.

All of us (in local law enforcement) have spent a tremendous amount of time going to public meetings in any number of forums. Communication is vital, Robertson said.

An email from ICE spokesperson Virginia Kice said the agency doesnt track on a community or county level.

Part of that is a practical consideration given that our field offices typically encompass dozens of counties and in some instances multiple states, she wrote. The jurisdiction of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations San Francisco Field Office includes more than 50 northern California counties, extending from Bakersfield north to the Oregon border, along with Hawaii and Guam.

Total ICE immigration arrests made out of San Francisco in June toatals 753, including 597 criminal aliens, her email said.

Like his counterpart in Calistoga, St. Helena Police Chief William Imboden attends monthly meetings with UpValley Family Centers, a nonprofit service provider for families in St. Helena and Calistoga, to inform people of their legal rights.

Imboden said he is only aware of the ICEs presence in St. Helena only once this year, in June.

I dont believe they got anybody, Imboden said.

Jenny Ocon is the executive director for UpValley Family Centers, and has been with the agency since January 2014. The service provider offers citizenship application workshops, citizenship classes, and training for people who want to volunteer to help with citizenship legal services work.

Since my time here Im aware of more activity in the last year, Ocon said. She said she relies on the police department for current information.

On the whole, the real challenge is the rhetoric and uncertainty and continuing changes in messaging, she said. Ocon said its important local people feel safe calling the police.

Farrar is retired and has been a St. Helena resident for many years. He and some of Julios other clients got together and got him legal representation and raised bail. Attorney fees for a bail hearing are in the range of $3,000-$5,000, Farrar said. The amount of bail is at the judges discretion, a little as $1,500 up to $40,000, ostensibly depending of the severity of the offense which triggered the arrest. Based on his research, Farrar believes the average total for bail and an attorney to be about $10,000.

Without legal representation, a man (those seized are usually male) may be deported within a few days.

Julio made bail and was released. A key element, Farrar said, were letters of support written by him and others, asserting he would be employed upon his release.

Julios hearing is currently scheduled for next March, Farrar said. According to an April announcement by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department intends to add at up to 150 more judges by next year in order to deal with the backlog of hearings.

Farrar, a self-described well-to-do Anglo, along with a group from St. Helenas Grace Episcopal Church have met with immigrant support providers, and are working to establish a fund for immigrants facing deportation. Farrar said immigrants are a vital  and large  part of the community.

We need these people, said Farrar of Napas immigrants. Napa Valley would be nothing without them.
Throughout human history, astronomers have helped people understand what they see in the night sky. These famous astronomers  many of them great scientists who mastered many fields  explained space phenomena with varying degrees of accuracy.

Over the centuries, a geocentric view of the universe  with Earth at the center of everything  gave way to the proper understanding we have today of an expanding universe in which our galaxy is but one of billions. On this list are some of the most famous scientists from the early days of astronomy through the modern era, and a summary of some of their achievements.

Eratosthenes of Cyrene

When most people believed the world was flat, the notable Greek mathematician, astronomer and geographer Eratosthenes (276195 B.C.) used the sun to measure the size of the round Earth, according to NASA (opens in new tab).

His measurement of 24,660 miles (39,690 kilometers) was only 211 miles (340 km) off the true measurement.

Claudius Ptolemy

In ancient Greece, astronomer and mathematician Claudius Ptolemy (A.D. 90168) set up a model of the solar system in which the sun, stars, and other planets revolved around Earth. Known as the Ptolemaic system, it remained in place for hundreds of years, though it turned out to be flat wrong.

According to NASA (opens in new tab), "Ptolemy represents the epitome of knowledge of Grecian astronomy." As a mathematician, geographer and astronomer, he authored several scientific texts which had considerable impact on Western intellectual thought.



In the 2nd century, Ptolemy published the Almagest (opens in new tab), a comprehensive treatise on the movements of the stars and planets. It expanded Hipparchus geometric model of celestial motions, utilizing epicycles and eccentric circles in a geocentric theory which placed the Earth at the center of the solar system. This Ptolemaic system presented tables of information allowing convenient predictions of planetary locations. Ptolemy also catalogued 48 constellations, the names of which are still in use at present.



Ptolemy's writings stood as authoritative for more than 1,200 years. However, his model, which was incorrect, later fell out of use as the heliocentric view of the solar system came into being.



Few details about Ptolemy's life survived to the present day.

The Ptolemaic geocentric model of the universe, devised by the Greek scientist Claudius Ptolemy, had everything revolving around Earth. (Image credit: Bartolomeu Velho)

Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi

Persian astronomer Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi (903986), known as Azophi to Westerners, made the first known observation (opens in new tab) of a group of stars outside of the Milky Way, the Andromeda galaxy.

Nicolaus Copernicus

In 16th century Poland, astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (14731543) proposed a model of the solar system that involved the Earth revolving around the sun, according to NASA. (opens in new tab) The model wasn't completely correct, as astronomers of the time struggled with the backwards path Mars sometimes took, but it eventually changed the way many scientists viewed the solar system.

Copernicus, of Poland, felt the Ptolemaic view of the planets traveling in circular orbits around the Earth was over-complicated with many smaller circles, epicycles, needed to explain the intermittent retrograde motion of the planets (in which they appear to move in the opposite direction of the the stars). Copernicus published his book, De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium ("On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres (opens in new tab)") when he was 70 and lay dying.



His ideas took almost a hundred years to gain credence, but Galileo's 1632 assertions that the Earth orbited the sun built upon the Polish astronomer's work, cementing the Copernican revolution.

Johannes Kepler

Using detailed measurements of the path of planets kept by Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler (15711630) determined that planets traveled around the sun not in circles, as Copernicus had thought, but in ellipses. In so doing, he calculated three laws involving the motions of planets that astronomers still use in calculations today. However, closed minds put Kepler's work at risk.

Kepler defended and modified the Copernican view of the solar system with a radical reformation that established him as one of the great lights of the Scientific Revolution of the 16th-17th centuries.



Kepler's deduction that the planets travel elliptical orbits, with the sun at one of the foci formed his first planetary law, which he published in 1609 with the second law which stated that planets do not travel at the same rate throughout their orbits.



Kepler's third law, published a decade later, posited that the relationship between the length of two planets' orbits is related to their distances from the sun. Though he made other contributions to mathematics and optics, Kepler's three laws made him a giant of astronomy.

"The era in which Kepler lived was one of tremendous upheaval and change," said Dan Lewis, curator of the history of science and technology at the Huntington Library in San Marino, Calif. "Religious leaders were reluctant to relinquish their ideas about the heavens.

Talk by astronomers of a sky filled with objects moving in non-circular orbits and other phenomena that went against an Earth-centric model threatened their beliefs. As a result, Kepler and his first wife, Barbara, created a code with which to write letters to each other so that their correspondence would not put them at risk of persecution."

Galileo Galilei

Engraving of Galileo Galilei from 1842. (Image credit: Getty images)

Born in Italy, Galileo Galilei (15641642) is often credited with the creation of the optical telescope, though in truth he improved on existing models.

According to the Rice University's Galileo Project (opens in new tab), "Galileo made his first telescope in 1609, modeled after telescopes produced in other parts of Europe that could magnify objects three times. He created a telescope later that same year that could magnify objects twenty times."

The astronomer (also mathematician, physicist and philosopher) turned the new observational tool toward the heavens, where he discovered the four primary moons of Jupiter (now known as the Galilean moons), as well as the rings of Saturn (opens in new tab).

Though a model of the Earth circling the sun was first proposed by Copernicus, it took some time before it became widely accepted. Galileo is most widely known for defending the idea several years after Kepler had already calculated the path of planets, and Galileo wound up under house arrest at the end of his lifetime because of it.

Galileo, born in Pisa, Italy, also made numerous scientific discoveries. He famously proved that all falling bodies fall at the same rate, regardless of mass. Further he developed the first pendulum clock.

Giovanni Cassini

Italian astronomer Giovanni Cassini (16251712) measured how long it took the planets Jupiter and Mars to rotate. He also discovered four moons of Saturn and the gap in the planet's rings. When NASA launched a satellite to orbit Saturn and its moons in 1997, it was fittingly dubbed Cassini.

Christiaan Huygens

Christiaan Huygens first observed Saturn's rings. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens (16291695) proposed the earliest theory about the nature of light, a phenomenon that puzzled scientists for hundreds of years. His improvements on the telescope allowed him to make the first observations of Saturn's rings and to discover its largest moon, Titan.

Developing improved telescopes, Huygens was able to make several important astronomical discoveries. It was in 1655 that he proposed that a thin, flat ring circled Saturn. His discovery of Titan marked the first moon spotted around the planet. He made the first known drawing of the Orion Nebula.

Elsewhere in his research, Huygens proposed a wave theory of light, which was disputed by Newton, who preferred the particle theory. The modern theory of light combines the two into a wave-particle duality model.



Recently, Huygens' legacy was commemorated in the probe named after him, which parachuted on Titan in 2005.

Isaac Newton

English astronomer Sir Isaac Newton (16431727) is most famous for his work on forces, specifically gravity. Building on the work of those who had gone before him  he is quoted as saying, "If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants"  he calculated three laws describing the motion of forces between objects, known today as Newton's laws.

The well-known Newtonian laws of motion are: 1) an object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in uniform motion tends to stay in uniform motion unless acted upon by a net external force. 2) The net force on an object is equal to the rate of change of its linear momentum in an inertial reference frame, or if a body is accelerating, there a force is acting on it. 3) For every action there is an equal and opposite action.



In a story that has long since gone into the public consciousness, Newton supposedly found inspiration for his theory of gravitation upon seeing an apple fall from a tree. From this he conjectured that gravity's pull could extend outwards from the earth, even as far as the moon and further.

Newton often commands respect as the most influential figure in all of science. He invented calculus, as well as investigating optics, mechanics, experimental chemistry, alchemy, and theology. His creation of the three universal laws of motion plus the invention of the theory of universal gravity permanently altered the field of science.

Newton's achievements have been celebrated in many ways, with statues and poems. Notably the unit for force was named for him, the newton (N).

Edmond Halley

Edmond Halley (16561742) was the British scientist who reviewed historical comet sightings and proposed that the comet that had appeared in 1456, 1531, 1607, and 1682 were all the same, and would return in 1758. Although he died before its return, he was proven correct, and the comet was named in his honor.

Charles Messier

Charles Messier, aged 40. (Image credit: Ansiaux)

French astronomer Charles Messier (17301817) composed a database of objects known at the time as "nebulae," which included 103 objects at its final publication, though additional objects were added based on his personal notes. Many of these objects are often listed with their catalog name, such as the Andromeda Galaxy, known as M31. Messier also discovered 13 comets over the course of his lifetime.

Born in France, Messier developed an interest in astronomy at an early age, having witnessed a 6-tailed comet at age 14 in 1744. Further he viewed an annular solar eclipse in 1748.

As a young comet hunter, he began to discover and note nebulas, as these frequently were confused for comets. Thus began his famous catalog of deep-sky objects, such as star clusters and galaxies. The first version in 1771 covered 45 objects, eventually expanded by Messier to 103 objects (though there is a debate about M102). Later astronomers filled out the catalog to a total of 110 objects. Today Messier's catalog is still used widely, though because of his location in France, he only included Northern Hemisphere sky objects.

William and Caroline Herschel

Astronomer William Herschel (1738-1822), who discovered the planet Uranus, observes the sky with his sister, Caroline Lucretia (1750-1848). (Image credit: Bettmann / Contributor)

British astronomer William Herschel (17381822) cataloged over 2,500 deep sky objects. He also discovered Uranus and its two brightest moons, two of Saturn's moons, and the Martian ice caps.

William trained his sister, Caroline Herschel (17501848), in astronomy, and she became the first woman to discover a comet, identifying several over the course of her lifetime.

Henrietta Swann Leavitt

Henrietta Swan Leavitt discovered a relationship between the period of a star's brightness cycle to its absolute magnitude. The discovery made it possible to calculate their distance from Earth. (Image credit: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics )

Henrietta Swann Leavitt (18681921) was one of several women working as a human "computer" at Harvard College, identifying images of variable stars on photographic plates.

She discovered that the brightness of a special flashing star known as a Cepheid variable was related to how often it pulsed. This relationship allowed astronomers to calculate the distances of stars and galaxies, the size of the Milky Way, and the expansion of the universe.

Annie Jump Cannon

Annie Jump Cannon worked at the Harvard Observatory. (Image credit: Library of Congress)

Annie Jump Cannon (18631941), who became known as the "census taker of the sky", was an American astronomer who classified around 350,000 stars manually. She developed the Harvard spectral system, which is used to classify stars today.

Before Cannon, stars were classified alphabetically, from A to Q, based on their temperatures. Cannon realized that a star's elements create different wavelength and determine its color. In 1901, she had improved the classification system with ten categories that also reflected a star's color and brightness.

Cannon inspired many women to work in astronomy, at a time when gender biases greatly favored men in the space industry.

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein sticks out his tongue to give the "Razz" in this photo from May 5, 1958 in Princeton, New Jersey. (Image credit: Bettmann/Contributor/ Getty Images)

In the early 20th century, German physicist Albert Einstein (18791955) became one of the most famous scientists ever after proposing a new way of looking at the universe that went beyond current understanding. Einstein suggested that the laws of physics are the same throughout the universe, that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant, and that space and time are linked in an entity known as space-time, which is distorted by gravity.

In a lecture given in 1966 (opens in new tab), fellow scientist Robert Oppenheimer said, "Einstein was a physicist, a natural philosopher, the greatest of our time."

Edwin Hubble

Edwin Hubble invented the Hubble sequence classification scheme. (Image credit: Johan Hagemeyer)

At the same time Einstein was expanding man's view of the universe, American astronomer Edwin Hubble (18991953) calculated that a small blob in the sky existed outside of the Milky Way.

Prior to his observations, the discussion over the size of the universe was divided as to whether or not only a single galaxy existed. Hubble went on to determine that the universe itself was expanding, a calculation which later came to be known as Hubble's law. Hubble's observations of the various galaxies allowed him to create a standard system of classification still used today.

Harlow Shapley

American astronomer Harlow Shapley (18851972) calculated the size of the Milky Way galaxy and general location of its center. He argued that the objects known as "nebulae" lay within the galaxy, rather than outside of it, and incorrectly disagreed with Hubble's observations that the universe boasted galaxies other than the Milky Way.

Frank Drake

Frank Drake with cosmic equation to gauge the presence of intelligent life in the cosmos. The Drake Equation identifies specific factors believed to play a role in the development of civilizations in our galaxy. (Image credit: SETI Institute)

Frank Drake (born 1930) is one of the pioneers in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He was one of the founders of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and devised the Drake equation, a mathematical equation used to estimate the number of extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy able to be detected.

Carl Sagan

Carl Sagan was an American astronomer and science writer. (Image credit: Getty Images)

American astronomer Carl Sagan (19341996) may not have been a great scientist in comparison to some on this list, but he is one of the most famous astronomers. Sagan not only made important scientific studies in the fields of planetary science, he also managed to popularize astronomy, according to NASA Science.

His charismatic teaching and boundless energy influenced people around the world as he broke down complicated subjects in a way that interested television viewers even as he educated them. Sagan founded the Planetary Society (opens in new tab), a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing space science and exploration.

Sagan was born in Brooklyn, New York. He served as professor of astronomy and space sciences, and director of the Laboratory for Planetary Studies at Cornell University. He made many scientific discoveries, including explaining the high temperatures of Venus and the seasonal changes on Mars.

However, Sagan's most known contribution to astronomy was as a educator and popularizer of science. He published numerous articles and books, including "Cosmos (opens in new tab)," which became a television show viewed by a billion people in sixty countries. As host of the show, he even spawned his own catchphrase  the oft-parodied billions and billions  based on his distinctive inflection, though he never uttered that phrase during the show. Sagan also penned the science-fiction novel Contact (opens in new tab), later adapted into a motion picture starring Jodie Foster. Many tributes and memorials were dedicated to Sagan following his death, illustrating how deeply his persona pervaded the cultural landscape.

William K. Hartmann

Astronomer William K. Hartmann, a senior scientist and co-founder of the Planetary Science Institute. (Image credit: NASA)

American astronomer William K. Hartmann (born 1939) put forth the most widely accepted theory on the formation of the moon in 1975.

He proposed that, after a collision with a large body scooped, debris from the Earth coalesced into the moon.

Stephen Hawking

Professor Stephen Hawking experiences the freedom of weightlessness during a zero gravity flight. (Image credit: NASA/J. Campbell, Aero-News Network)

Stephen Hawking (1942 2018) made many significant insights into the field of cosmology. He proposed that, as the universe has a beginning, it will likely also end. He also suggested that it has no boundary or border.

Despite being viewed as one of the most brilliant minds since Einstein, many of Hawking's books and lectures (opens in new tab) are steered toward the general public as he seeks to educate people about the universe they live in.

A theoretical physicist and cosmologist, Hawking was considered one of the greatest scientific minds since Einstein. Although motor neurone disease related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrigs disease) hobbled him since the age of 20, Hawking completed his doctorate in cosmology at Cambridge.

Hawking's primary discovery stated that since the universe began (at the Big Bang), it must come to an end. Hawking demonstrated (with Roger Penrose) that since Einsteins general theory of relativity suggested that space and time began at the birth of the universe, and ends within black holes. This results unites general relativity and quantum theory. Further, Hawking predicted that black holes do emit radiation, called Hawking radiation.



Hawking wrote about these and other discoveries in several books, including the best-seller A Brief History of Time (opens in new tab). His wheelchair-bound appearance and his speech-synthesized voice (he is now completely paralyzed) are familiar to the public from appearances on Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Simpsons, Futurama, and The Big Bang Theory.

Additional resources

You can learn more about the history of modern astronomy in this TED Talk by astrophysicist Emily Levesque (opens in new tab). To find out about scientists who made groundbreaking discoveries in other areas, read the Live Science article 7 scientists who helped change the world (opens in new tab).

Bibliography

"Derivation of Newtons law of motion from Keplers laws of planetary motion". Archive of Applied Mechanics volume (2018). https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00419-017-1245-x (opens in new tab)

"Galileo Galilei: Research and development of the telescope". Trends in Optics (1996). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780121860301500254

"Women astronomers through history". Publications de l'Observatoire Astronomique de Beograd (2008). https://adsabs.harvard.edu/pdf/2008POBeo..85..207D

"A Measure of the Heavens". The Dawn of Science (2019). https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-030-17509-2_19 (opens in new tab)
Powerful Hurricane Irma churns toward Puerto Rico on Sept. 5, 2017, in this view from the NOAA/NASA GOES East satellite.

The second-largest radio telescope in the world has suspended operations as powerful Hurricane Irma churns ever closer.

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico, which features a 1,000-foot-wide (305 meters) radio dish, is closed for safety reasons until further notice, telescope representatives said via Twitter on Tuesday (Sept. 5).

"We will return to our regular operations when weather conditions permit," the officials added (in Spanish) in another tweet from the @NAICobservatory account. [Hurricane Irma in Photos: Monster Storm Seen from Space]

Arecibo representatives also posted several photos on Twitter of personnel clambering about the huge radio dish, installing or securing equipment. "Taking preventive measures for #HurricaneIrma," they wrote about the photos.

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As of Tuesday evening, Irma had ramped up to a Category 5 hurricane  the most powerful type  with maximum sustained winds of around 185 mph (300 km/h). The storm, which the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has described as "potentially catastrophic," is bearing down on Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. (Image credit: Arecibo Observatory/NSF)

"Irma is forecast to move just northeast of the local islands Wednesday afternoon through early Thursday morning," NWS officials wrote in a statement. "Irma is expected cause dangerous winds, storm surge, rip currents and rainfall impacts across the local islands. Hurricane-force wind likely across the Northern U.S. Virgin Islands, Culebra, Vieques and northeast Puerto Rico, with strong tropical-force winds elsewhere."

Irma may later barrel into southern Florida as well, forecasters have said.

The Arecibo Observatory began observing the heavens in 1963. Ever since its debut, astronomers have used the big dish for a variety of purposes, from capturing radar images of asteroids to listening for possible signals from intelligent aliens. Arecibo also famously served as the backdrop for a dramatic scene in the 1995 James Bond film "GoldenEye."

For more than half a century, Arecibo was the world's largest single-aperture telescope. But it lost that distinction last year, when China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST) came online. (Russia's RATAN-600 radio telescope is wider than either Arecibo or FAST; however, RATAN-600 is not a single, completely filled dish but rather a ring surrounding mostly empty space.)

Irma is following closely on the heels of Hurricane Harvey, which slammed into southeast Texas late last month and lingered, devastating the region with record-breaking rain and flooding.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Updated Sept. 11 at 7:23 a.m. EDT with the latest imagery and video.

Hurricane Irma is now a Category 1 storm as it makes its way up the west coast of Florida, following its second landfall in Southern Florida on Sunday. NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are providing satellite imagery to the National Hurricane Center to aid forecasts about Irma's potential for destruction on the U.S. mainland after battering the Caribbean and Atlantic Ocean island nations in the path of the storm. They are also tracking Hurricane Jose, a Category 4 storm behind Irma, and the now-Tropical Storm Katia in the Gulf of Mexico. [Hurricane Irma in Photos: Views of the Monster Storm from Space]

Below are observations of Hurricane Irma in motion taken by NASA and NOAA from satellites and planes.

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Rader Imagery of Hurricane Irma, taken by National Weather Service's JUA Radar in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 10:49 A.M. AST (10:49 EDT)  11:22 A.M. AST (11:22 EDT). (Image credit: NOAA/NWS)

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Editor's Note: This article was originally posted Sept. 5 and was updated Sept. 8.

Follow Doris Elin Salazar on Twitter @salazar_elin. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The X-37B on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after a May 7 landing that ended a 718-day mission.

WASHINGTON  As Florida braces for a hurricane expected to make landfall this weekend, the U.S. Air Force and SpaceX still hope to launch the X-37B reusable space plane before the storm hits.

However, officials in Cape Canaveral, Florida, are forecasting only a 50 percent chance of acceptable weather for Thursday's launch, which is expected to occur sometime between 9:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. Eastern.

Friday's forecast is worse, with only a 40 percent chance of acceptable weather. [Hurricane Irma in Photos: Views from Space of a Monster Storm]

But with Hurricane Irma expected to reach central Florida on Sunday, it looks like Thursday and Friday offer X-37B's best chance to lift off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A before the storm passes.

Officials at neighboring Patrick Air Force Base said Tuesday that the 45th Space Wing had begun their hurricane preparations sooner than usual so that they can still support Thursday's launch attempt.

The X-37B mission is the second national security launch for SpaceX since the Air Force certified the company's Falcon 9 rocket in 2015 to compete for Defense Department business. In May, SpaceX launched a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, NROL-76.

That launch followed back-to-back wins of the first two GPS 3 launch contracts the Air Force put out for bid. A third competition, for the mid-2018 launch of the multi-spacecraft Space Test Program-3 mission, went to United Launch Alliance in June. That launch, which will employ ULA's most-powerful variant of its Atlas 5 rocket, would have required SpaceX to have used its Falcon Heavy, which is still months from its debut.

The Boeing-built X-37B has been launched into orbit four times since 2010, accumulating a total of 2,085 days in space. All four missions have been launched atop Atlas 5s.

Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson disclosed during an early June congressional hearing that SpaceX, not ULA, would be launching X-37B this time around. She suggested that price was a factor in the Air Force's decision to go with Falcon 9. "The benefit we're seeing now is competition," she said. "There are some very exciting things happening in commercial space that bring the opportunity for assured access to space at a very competitive price."

Randy Walden, director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, however, emphasized flexibility over cost savings.

"[T]he ability to launch the [X-37B] on multiple platforms will ensure a robust launch capability for our experiment designers," Walden said in June. "We are excited about this new partnership on creating flexible and responsive launch options and are confident in SpaceX's ability to provide safe and assured access to space for the X-37B program."

The Air Force says X-37B will be launched into a higher-inclination orbit than prior missions, further expanding the space plane's orbital envelope. In addition to testing the vehicle's flexibility and performance, the mission will also carry aloft an undisclosed number of experimental payloads.

"The many firsts on this mission make the upcoming [X-37B] launch a milestone for the program," Walden said in a press release.

One of the technologies being hosted for the fifth mission is the Air Force Research Laboratory's Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader (ASETS-II) payload to test experimental electronics and oscillating heat pipe technologies over long duration in the space environment.

The oscillating heat pipe features a simple, wickless design, the Air Force says, which could provide a low-cost solution to help overcome electronics thermal constraints often associated with increased power and bandwidth needs for space commercial and military users.

The tests will measure the pipe's microgravity performance, startup characteristics, and long-term performance.

"It is our goal to continue advancing the X-37B [Orbital Test Vehicle] so it can more fully support the growing space community," Walden said.

This fifth mission has a tough act to follow. X-37B's fourth mission set an endurance record, racking up 718 days in orbit before landing in early May at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

X-37B began as a NASA program in 1999, but transferred to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in 2004. DARPA transferred it to the Air Force in 2006. Total program costs and budget line are classified.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
Forty years after NASA launched a pair of robotic probes on journeys out into our solar system and beyond, the messages the spacecraft carried about us still resonate here on Earth, and as dispatches going out in space.

The "Golden Record," which is mounted to both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, convey sounds, images and greetings from the people of planet Earth on the chance that some distant extraterrestrial intelligence will one day intercept one of the probes. Now, four decades after the records were sent into space, artists who were associated with the original discs' creation, and an actor who had a fictional encounter with a Voyager probe on film, have launched projects to celebrate the Golden Record, extending its basic premise to another mission and bidding farewell to the Voyagers themselves.

"When you think of the mysterious void that's out there and what little we know, and we're sending a message out and it goes out into the stars," remarked William Shatner, who as Captain James T. Kirk in 1979's "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" came across a Voyager probe. [Voyager at 40: 40 Photos from NASA's Epic 'Grand Tour' Mission]

Voyager 1, which was launched on Sept. 5, 1977, flew by Jupiter and Saturn before becoming the first of humanity's creations to enter interstellar space in 2012. It is currently about 13 billion miles (21 billion kilometers) from the sun.

Voyager 2, which preceded its twin into space on Aug. 20, 1977, flew by Jupiter and Saturn and then became the first and only spacecraft to date to fly by Uranus and Neptune. It is now the longest continuously operating spacecraft and is on its way out of the solar system, like Voyager 1.

"From many points of view, Voyager represents humanity's most ambitious journey of discovery, and that's what I think is its legacy," said Ed Stone, Voyager project scientist and former director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, at an anniversary event hosted by the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC on Tuesday (Sept. 5).

Though both craft continue to send data back to Earth, the information the Voyagers carry outward  in the format of the Golden Record  will ultimately be their final mission.

Ozma Records is re-issuing NASA's iconic Voyager Golden Record on vinyl to celebrate the probes' 40th anniversary. (Image credit: Ozma Records)

'You are not alone'

Inspired by the goodwill messages carried on the Golden Record, NASA chose to mark the 40th anniversary of the Voyager 1 launch by inviting the public to help identify a short message to be transmitted to the probe and what lies beyond it. The message was limited to 60 characters long, including spaces and punctuation.

"Only 60 characters, that's half a tweet. Not a lot of space for a large space," noted Shatner, who gave the command to begin sending the message at JPL on Tuesday.

Out of thousands of entries received, NASA narrowed the choices to 10, from which a public vote chose the winner. Oliver Jenkins, @Asperger_Nerd on Twitter, submitted the winning message.

"We offer friendship across the stars. You are not alone," said Shatner, reading Jenkins' entry.

The 56-character long message was translated by JPL into 448 bits and put into the Voyager command format.

"We're sending it at the Voyager rate of 16 bits per second, which means it will take 28 seconds for the message to be totally transmitted," said Jeff Berner, Deep Space Network chief engineer at JPL. "It will take about a little over 19 and a quarter hours for it to pass by Voyager on its way out to interstellar space. It will have traveled 12.9 billion miles."

"It's a magical moment to send a message to Voyager, and once it reaches Voyager, it keeps going," said Shatner. "It's like an advance man, 'Voyager coming! Voyager coming!' to all the little green people out there."

Remastered and reinterpreted

The Voyager launch anniversaries have also driven artists to take a new look at the Golden Record and make it more accessible to the public today.

Following a Kickstarter campaign that raised $1.4 million, Ozma Records is now producing a vinyl box set featuring three translucent gold LPs containing the same greetings, music and sounds as archived on the Golden Record. The set, which is also available on CD, comes with a softcover book containing all of the images included on the original disc, as well as a gallery of photos that were transmitted by the Voyager probes and a new essay by Timothy Ferris, the producer of the Golden Record. [The Golden Record in Pictures: Voyager Probes' Message to Space Explained]

The $98 vinyl box set (and $50 CD set) will begin shipping in mid-November.

"There are so many revelations hidden deep within the 27 pieces of music, the sound essay, and the greetings from humans and the humpback whales," said Ann Druyan, the creative director of the Voyager Interstellar Message, as a part of the Smithsonian anniversary event on Tuesday.

A different, on-going Kickstarter campaign approaches the same data from another angle. Graphic designers James Lowe and Alex Szabo-Haslam of the United Kingdom have reinterpreted the Golden Record contents to create artistic visualizations.

"Using time data generated by all sounds from the Golden Record, we have produced two data visualizations: one is a spiral-shaped object, mimicking the 12-inch disc; and the other is a square made from strips of data," Szabo-Haslam and Lowe wrote.

Alongside the silkscreen prints, Lowe and Szabo-Haslam are also proposing to reproduce the original artwork from the Golden Record's cover, which provided instructions on how to play the disc and information on Earth's location using hieroglyphics. The designers' campaign, which offers each limited edition print for about $40, is set to close on Sept. 14.

James Lowe and Alex Szabo-Haslam's artistic visualizations based on the data on the Voyager Golden Record. (Image credit: Lowe/Szabo-Haslam)

One Earth Message

Another Kickstarter campaign offers its backers a remix of the Golden Record while underwriting the creation of the next generation of the concept.

"One Earth Message," as proposed by Jon Lomberg, the design director for the Golden Record, is a digital message that will include pictures and music submitted by people all around the Earth, intended to be uploaded to NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, which is now out beyond the orbit of Pluto.

"We view what we're making is a kind of a library, not only of content, but also of a method for storing this content in a way that might actually be decipherable," said Lomberg in a live Kickstarter webcast on Tuesday. "Of course, this is all contingent on us having a project, which means getting the funding to do it."

For pledges of $55 or more, backers will receive a copy of "The Golden Record: TNG," a vinyl record that remixes the original audio the Voyager discs. The album is the work of Tonio Sagan, the eldest grandchild of the late astronomer Carl Sagan, the executive producer of the Golden Record, and Merav Lomberg ("DJ Merav"), Lomberg's daughter.

If the One Earth Message campaign achieves its $72,000 goal by Sept. 29, the project will open and manage a web-based platform for worldwide submissions. Lomberg and his team are suggesting to NASA that the resulting compiled message be uplinked to New Horizons in 2020 using the same Deep Space Network used to transmit the message to Voyager 1 on Tuesday.

"Spacecraft are beautiful engineering accomplishments  almost like works of art, and I think works of art should be signed," explained Lomberg. "To me, the Golden Record is the human fingerprint; it is the signature of our species on one of the best things we ever made."

"I think that every spacecraft deserves to have that kind of signature," he said.

Watch William Shatner give the command to send a message to Voyager at collectSPACE.

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2017 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
Xiamen (China), Sept 6, 2017 (SPS) -The leaders of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) expressed, during their Summit in China's Xiamen, their support to Africa's efforts for the resolution of conflicts in the continent, including in Western Sahara.

"We commend the efforts of African countries, the African Union and sub-regional organizations in addressing regional issues and maintaining regional peace and security (...) We support efforts towards comprehensively resolving the issues in Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, South Sudan, Somalia, Central Africa Republic and Western Sahara," they said Tuesday in their final declaration.

The BRICS leaders also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union in accordance with the UN Charter.

The five countries agreed to strengthen their cooperation and called to enhance coordination in the fight against terrorism.SPS

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What does it take to be a volunteer? Norma Ferriz, who serves on our editorial board as a volunteer and also leads a local Girls Scouts troop, said it best, commitment, commitment, commitment.

For a small town to work, volunteers are required at every level, including for the city council, planning commission and all the other citys committees and departments. Two people from the new St. Helena Police Department volunteer program were handing out cold water on Saturday, when the temperature reached 110 degrees in mid-afternoon.

The Rianda House Senior Activity Center only thrives because of its volunteers. These words are from Julie Spencer, its executive director: Volunteers are Rianda Houses most important resource  they are the heart and soul of all that we offer the community. They are constantly bringing in new ideas to help us grow and thrive. They work willingly together for the betterment of their community and find the donation of their time and energy a meaningful experience for themselves as well as for Rianda House. A true win/win situation. Volunteers help us reach new audiences through their work and social circles and are wonderful informal ambassadors.

The citys other nonprofit groups, too, require members so they can serve the community, whether it be the Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Soroptimists or Masons. Without volunteers, there would be far fewer scholarships for graduating high school students, fewer funds would be raised for other needed services in town, like the St. Helena Preschool For All, and the list goes on and on. We take it for granted that the American flags will line Main Street for our holidays  did you notice them on Friday morning?  but without the Kiwanis members getting up early, that wouldnt happen.

Two city volunteer groups, the Tree Committee and the Multicultural Committee, have shut down because the city couldnt get anyone to serve on them.

Without the members of the American Legion, St. Helena wouldnt have a Memorial Day service at the St. Helena Cemetery and we wouldnt be able to honor those who died serving our nation in the armed forces.

If we didnt have volunteers in St. Helena, this town would be poorer. Volunteer groups provide a social network for the residents of this town and in the last couple of decades, the local schools have done a good job of effectively using its volunteers and teaching its students to serve in the community.

Besides, commitment, what else does it take to be a volunteer?

Time

Generosity

Skill/knowledge

Ability to listen and ask questions

Leadership

A willingness to serve

Belief in the cause

Recently, the St. Helena Beautification Foundation handed out its annual awards and named two beautiful and newly landscaped areas: the entrance to Salvestrin Winery on Highway 29; and the front yard of Tim Haydens home at Spring Street and Hudson Avenue. They also honored the student artists at Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School, who decorated the fence along Spring Mountain Road with their artwork.

We strongly urge you to contact your favorite nonprofit or the city for volunteer opportunities. For example, the UpValley Family Center is recruiting tutors for the elementary school kids, tutors for citizenship and volunteers for tax preparation; Girl Scouts is looking for leaders, and Soroptimists for new members.

Sharing your time and skills as a volunteer is not only a way to help St. Helena thrive, its an opportunity to make new friends and work with people who have similar interests. Besides, it can be a lot of fun.

Star editorial board

Besides, Norma Ferriz, six others serve as unpaid volunteers on the editorial board and the St. Helena Star is so much better for their service. They help recruit guests and then interview them when we meet on Thursdays, help form the newspapers opinions and help write and rewrite our editorials.

They are, in no particular order, Christopher Hill, Gail Showley, Shannon Kuleto, Bonnie Long, Dave Yewell and our newest member, Peter McCrea.

McCrea, who served on the St. Helena Planning Commission, is co-proprietor, with his wife, Willinda, of Stony Hill Vineyard, founded by McCreas parents, Fred and Eleanor in 1943. He has lived part or full time in St. Helena most of his life and spent 37 years as a senior executive for Chevron. During his life, he has served on countless nonprofit and governmental board in San Francisco and in Napa County.

In his application letter, McCrea said he wants to serve on the board to offer perspective. He adds, I believe that the role of a local paper is not only to report the news, but to try through its editorials to put the news in some type of longer term perspective. I think this is particularly important in a community that seems to have lost its sense of history as it has evolved and tries to wrestle with the macro changes that are affecting all communities today.

In 1943, St. Helena was truly a rural community, McCrea notes. We had only one bank, but three butcher stores, five bars, a lumber yard, and a downtown that was the center of life for not only the residents of St. Helena, but the surrounding agricultural community. Grapes were the fifth most important agricultural crop in the Napa Valley. I think this is the St. Helena that many of our citizens wish they still had, but is clearly not possible in 2017.
R yanair made good on a threat to ban all but priority flyers from taking on board a second carry-on bag, as a way of reducing delays and arguments at the gate.

The airline said it removed 50 bags per plane on average this summer, as passengers took full advantage of its two carry-on bag rule. However, travellers are increasingly flouting the rules which were supposed to allow one wheelie bag and one smaller bag, to bring two large bags, leading to disputes and long delays while luggage is removed from the cabin.

Kenny Jacobs, Ryanairs marketing chief, said the move would cost the airline 50 million this year but ultimately would have no impact on profitability.

Our planes are 97% full this summer and there just isnt room in the overhead cabins for everyone to bring two big bags. We want to give passengers the flexibility to choose to travel with less luggage if they can. This is a fairer approach than just increasing our headline fare, Jacobs said.

Stansted, Ryanairs busiest airport, has suffered from the issue but the airline said it was a Europe-wide problem. In future, non-priority passengers will be able to bring a small bag and a wheelie bag but the wheelie bag will be taken at the gate and put in the hold for no charge.

The allowance for checked in luggage will increase from 15kg to 20kg, and the charge will be reduced by 30% to 25 (23).

The changes will come into effect from November 1.

Ryanairs rule changes were announced as US carrier United revealed that passengers could now check in through Amazons Alexa voice-assisted device.

EasyJet today said passenger numbers increased strongly in the peak holiday season, compared with August last year. The Luton budget airline carried 8.2 million passengers in August, 9.7% higher than the previous year.
V ery few MPs disagree with the need for a withdrawal bill to enable us to disentangle our 50-year relationship with the legal structures of the European Union and to enable us to function effectively outside of it. Having campaigned to remain in the EU, I voted to trigger Article 50, in response to the clearly expressed wish of the electorate. It must now be my duty as an MP to try to ensure that Brexit is as smooth as possible and that there is a sound legislative framework in place to bring this about. A chaotic departure is in no- ones interest.

The challenge which the Government faces in bringing this about is considerable. Half a century of shared development and the growth of a common body of European law has affected many aspects of our domestic, economic, financial, social and legal order. EU law has evolved its own structures and rules to aid its interpretation and conferred rights on individuals and companies to challenge its application, based on general principles of law that are distinct from those which apply to us under our own law, in a purely domestic context.

The Government has correctly recognised that this EU law cannot all be changed into domestic law at once. This is why the bill seeks to incorporate this law into our own statute book to ensure continuity, except where there is an immediate intention to bring in something different, such as in respect of immigration.

Unfortunately, the withdrawal bill is not, at present, up to addressing these issues. Even more worryingly, it seeks to confer powers on the Government to carry out Brexit in breach of our constitutional principles, in a manner that no sovereign Parliament should allow.

The first objection lies in the way in which the Government is seeking to maintain legal continuity while bringing the current subordination of our legal system to the supremacy of EU law to an end. Once EU law ceases to be supreme it is unclear how this vast body of law, which will then be incorporated into our own domestic law, will be interpreted by our own courts. Some clauses of the bill seek to confirm that all direct EU legislation operating before exit day survives and that all rights and remedies available under EU law persist, unless specifically abolished. The bill then seeks elsewhere to restrict the ability to enforce these rights, preventing our domestic courts from limiting or quashing the incorporated EU law on the basis that it is incompatible with the general principles on which EU law is based. In particular, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, whose principles form the bedrock of how EU law should be applied, ceases to apply after exit day.

David Davis Talks About His Approach To Brexit

The Charter has been criticised because of a tendency of the Court of Justice of the EU to interpret it in ways that are considered to wrongly expand its scope. But it and the general principles of EU law it reflects are essential safeguards for individuals and businesses that might be adversely affected by the application of EU law and they cannot and should not be removed in this fashion.

We are thus creating uncertainty as to how EU law will apply after incorporation. This is not a satisfactory position and it needs to be addressed during the passage of the legislation, as a lack of legal certainty is contrary to one of the fundamental principles of the Rule of Law. It was, I believe, the reason why the president of our own Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger, recently expressed concern at the way the bill was drafted and at the difficult burden that this lack of clarity would place on our judiciary.

Second, in order to try to address uncertainties in the legislation, the Government is seeking the power to remedy any deficiency in the bill by statutory instrument, a Henry VIII clause allowing for ministerial rule by decree on any matter that can be connected to a failure of the incorporation of EU law to operate effectively. The judge of the effectiveness of the operation of the law will be the minister himself. Even before the bill was published, the House of Lords select committee on the constitution highlighted its concern at the creation of sweeping powers of this kind. As published in this bill, it allows for the possibility of vast areas of law being changed without full parliamentary process. It is essential that these powers should both be reduced and better defined in scope and made subject to a credible system of affirmative parliamentary scrutiny to ensure that they are only used where legitimately needed.

Once EU law ceases to be supreme it is unclear how this vast body of law will be interpreted by our own courts

It is the final oddity of the withdrawal bill that it seeks to provide a legal framework for a complete severance of our country from the EU, when the Government is also committed to trying to negotiate a continuing relationship with the EU after Brexit. It is therefore unclear what further legislation might be needed before we leave the EU to provide for this, or how it might impact on the withdrawal bill itself. As presently drafted, no further reference to Parliament will in theory be needed before the final ending of our EU membership. Parliament should ensure that the withdrawal bill cannot be brought into force until the final agreement being negotiated by the Government has become crystallised. Otherwise we are simply leaving it to the executive to decide what is best. This is an abdication of our responsibility.

Scrutinising detail is not obstructing the referendum result. The electorate did not vote to take back control to see our domestic constitution and liberties vandalised. If the Government listens on this, we can all work together to effect this major constitutional change properly.

Dominic Grieve QC is the Conservative MP for Beaconsfield
A drian moved to London when he was 20 years old and has been living in rented accommodation ever since. He recalls: I used to live in the most depressing place. It was just grim. Every time it rained there was a deluge drenching the whole carpet. The legs of the furniture were rotten, the carpet stank, and the water eventually made my TV blow up.

Unfortunately, Adrian isnt the only one being let down by the housing crisis in our city. As I see every day with the young people I employ, and the small businesses I spend time with, the housing crisis in our city is truly profound.

On average, someone aged between 18 and 39 has to spend a whopping 69 per cent of their salary to rent a one-bedroom flat in the capital, which is totally unsustainable.

Its even worse if you try to buy a property  an average twentysomething in London would have to save for 40 years to cobble together a deposit for a flat.

No wonder that, for many young people, the only solution is to leave London altogether.

Im now used to hearing that someone I want to recruit has decided to move away  either to cities such as Lisbon or places around the UK.

For the first time in years, there are now more people moving out of our city than coming here  a shocking statistic that shows just how bad the housing crisis has become.

The trend is particularly acute among people in their thirties, with 27 per cent more thirtysomethings quitting London each year than at the end of the last decade.

When you see data such as this, its understandable that young people are losing faith in capitalism, given that the housing market is so palpably broken and rigged.

Buying a house shouldnt be a get-rich scheme  it should simply be about having a home.

That might sound idealistic, but if you go to east London today: youll see that this way of thinking is possible.

In an old mental hospital on Mile End Road, local families have just moved into apartments  which they bought for a third of the market rate (130,000 for a one-bedroom flat).

This is all thanks to brilliant campaigners at London Citizens, who have set up the first Community Land Trust (CLT) in London  an innovative model of housing thats popular in America, but has never been tried here before.

CLTs couldnt be more simple. The land underneath the property is held in a trust for the sake of the community. So when you buy a CLT home, youre only paying for the bricks and mortar, which makes it vastly cheaper than a traditional property.

Now is the time for our political leaders to get behind this approach, by making it the norm that whenever public-sector land is sold, it should be made into a Community Land Trust.

After all, its absurd that government property is sold to corporate developers, who then build expensive flats with a small proportion of affordable housing. Why not keep the land in community ownership  and have all the houses built be affordable, for ever?

Im going to give the last word to Adrian, who has just moved into his own CLT home in Mile End. I dont have the anxiety of where Im going to be in a number of years, he says. It might be the best thing thats happened to me in my adult life. Wouldnt it be great if more young Londoners got to say the same thing?

Just read it  Nike founders inspiring memoir

The book everyone is reading in Tech City right now is Shoe Dog by Nike founder Phil Knight. Its the story of how a small gang of nerdy running enthusiasts started importing Japanese trainers, and wound up building one of the biggest brands in the world, worn by the likes of Roger Federer and Serena Williams today.

The book has built up a cult following among entrepreneurs because its all about ensuring your business has a wider purpose  and sticking to that, no matter what. As the author himself puts it: When you make something, when you deliver something, when you add some new thing or service to the lives of strangers, making them happier, or healthier, or safer, or better youre participating more fully in the whole grand human drama. More than simply alive, youre helping others live more fully, and if thats business, all right, call me a businessman.

How inspiring is that? If I wasnt such a wimp when it comes to pain, Id definitely have those words tattooed on my back.
Arrack

A is for Arrack, a Sri Lankan spirit made from fermented coconut sap. When Hoppers opens its second branch in St Christophers Place (where you can reserve a table, hurrah!), arrack will be a focus of the cocktail menu, paired with ingredients inspired by the flora and vegetation of Sri Lankas spice gardens. Hoppers has form  it is already known for Arrack Attacke, lime and bitters topped up with house ginger beer, perfect for taking the edge off a spicy cocktail.

Opens September 12, 77 Wigmore Street, W1, hopperslondon.com

New fusion

The latest mix is French/Persian/Korean (KoFreSian?). The Drunken Butler is coming to Rosebery Avenue in Clerkenwell with fermented, salted and pickled food inspired by head chef Yuma Hashemis work all over the world, from Bordeaux to San Francisco. Dishes are expected to include salt-pickled vegetables with wild sorrel and borani  yoghurt with spinach  plus oyster kimchi with cucumber, and a Persian-style omelette called coucou sabzi. Bring on the mixing.

Opens October, 20 Rosebery Avenue, EC1, thedrunkenbutler.com

Fish and chips turn Japanese

Neil Gill is a big name on the neighbourhood restaurant scene. His Season Kitchen, on Stroud Green Road, has reinvigorated the Finsbury Park area with its 12-if-you-order-before-7pm steak and mussels deal. Now hes taking on the fish and chip shop challenge with Gillys Fry Bar. Expect the classics, including battered cod with scraps but with a few twists. There will be tempura, inspired by Gills time working with Alan Yau and curry sauce with a nod to Japanese katsu. Edgar Wallace of Koya provided menu advice and there will also be shots and highball cocktails.

Opens September 19, 4A Clifton Terrace, N4, gillysfrybar.com

Santo Remedio

Load up on tacos and margaritas at this Mexian hotspot, which reopened yesterday with a bright new look. If you like your dinner with a side of adventure try the grasshoppers on guacamole.

152 Tooley Street, SE1, santoremedio.co.uk

Luxe chips

Thats confit potatoes topped with Exmouth caviar, and olive oil ice cream at the newly re-opened Quality Chop House.

88-94 Farringdon Road, EC1, thequalitychophouse.com

Serge et le Phoque

You havent made it until you have cracked London, as Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant Serge et le Phoque has clocked. Its Newman Street branch opened this week. Founder Frederic Peneau says: Something cool is happening in London. Theres more freestyle  I feel more freedom, rock n roll. Its known for the beef tartare and there will be a private dining room.

20-21 Newman Street, W1, themandrake.com
I n Brick Lane a night out means going inside. Or at least it does at Alcotraz, a prison-themed bar-behind-bars inspired by the San Francisco Bay fortress. Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, youll be tasked with smuggling in alcohol to make cocktails (or squirrel it away to a cell). Its on until Dec 17, tickets 30, alcotraz.co.uk.

In London, immersive dining is the order of the day. Dressing for dinner requires a Halloween-worthy costume rather than a DJ, and no selfie-respecting diner is happy without a troupe of jugglers and a murder mystery. As if chefs dont have enough on their plates... With this in mind, recreation is all about creation.

In Bloomsbury you can embrace your inner 007. Saturdays means London Never Dies, the London Cabaret Clubs autumn offering (rated M for mature, Mr Bond). A film-inspired three- or four-course menu offers Smoking Martinis, caviar and champagne for VIP menus, and an oyster bar, while the performances boast a multi-sensory performance.

Expect ocean spray, sounds and beach sun as a Bond girl performer emerges from the Caribbean; experience the taste and smell the Indian spice market during the Bollywood Octopussy finale; and feel the blast of helicopter blades across the ballroom. Tickets from 35, thelondoncabaretclub.com.

Off the wall: the House of Wallpaper's dining experience

Sohos The House of Wallpaper promises a dining experience thats off the wall. From September 22 to October 4 chef Pedro Passinhas will conjure up a menu entirely inspired by wallpaper  all seven courses of it. A sheet scallop will be made with slow-cooked pork neck and metallic paper blended with fresh oysters, while Twigs will be a crispy mushroom snack with creme fraiche that replicates the pattern on Graham & Browns Wallpaper of the Year 2018 by serving a crispy fried cracker shaped like twigs. Tickets 60, pedropassinhas.com.

During London Design Week the German Gymnasium (germangymnasium.com) in Kings Cross will be home to a six-metre food worship monument for diners to pay homage at, a black-and-gold edifice from which to make your own dishes. Take in the installation designed by Conran + Partners and Studio Appetit before assembling a cocktail or dessert. A Baptism of a Cherry, for example, will be served in a hand-crafted cup.

Many meals are interactive and you can take something away with you (other than the memories). At Finding Neverland at the Queen of Hoxton (queenofhoxton.com), you can make your own mermaid crown to wear while drinking shots from clamshells and absinthe cocktails.

Gingerline dinners continue with Juniper Manor until the end of the month. The narrative of these evenings is kept under lock and key but as a guide, the last one, Chambers of Flavour begun in a bar, involved jumping through an inter-dimensional portal of a lever-laden machine before delving into parallel world. Previous adventurers have plundered forests to hunt for birds nests containing salad bowls then been served dessert on an aeroplane while being serenaded by a flight attendant in drag. The location is only revealed by text an hour before (its always near the Overground, hence Gingerline) and guests are sworn to secrecy afterwards. Tickets cost 52.50 to 70, junipermanor.com.
S cientists say they have invented a fourth type of chocolate after milk, dark and white  the first new type in 80 years.

Swiss chocolatier Barry Callebaut has created the entirely new flavour using a ruby cocoa bean to create a pink sweet with berry fruitiness and luscious smoothness.

Named Ruby after its red hue, its the first new type of chocolate to be invented since the white version was created in Switzerland in the 1930s.

A Barry Callebaut spokesman said: Ruby chocolate is the fourth type of chocolate and is an intense sensorial delight.

Despite its red hue, there are no added flavours, colours or berries / Barry Callebaut

[It] offers a totally new taste experience, which is not bitter, milky or sweet, but a tension between berry-fruitiness and luscious smoothness.

Despite its pink appearance, there are no added colours, berries or flavours in the chocolate.

After launching to a panel of chocolate experts in Shanghai this week, its creators are hoping to crack the millennial market with the trendy treat.

The new confectionery was launched to a panel of chocolate experts in Shanghai / Barry Callebaut

Peter Boone, the company's chief innovation and quality officer, said: "Consumer research in very different markets confirms that Ruby chocolate not only satisfies a new consumer need found among millennials - hedonistic indulgence - but also high purchase intent at different price points."

The chocolatier predicts the new Ruby chocolate category will soon hit the shelves in shops around the world as the "fourth reference" next to milk, white and dark.

Chocolate expert and editor of industry bible Kennedys Confection Angus Kennedy told The Sun: Ruby chocolate is very different and clever stuff. Its refreshing and has a light, creamy texture,

It tastes so light and fruity you don't really realise you're gobbling up one chocolate the other, so it means consumers will be able to eat more of it than other types of conventional chocolate.
F ans of a proper brew, rejoice: Yorkshire Tea is now the nations second favourite cuppa, overtaking Tetley for the first time ever.

Yorkshire Tea now accounts for 23 per cent of all tea bought in the UK, while PG Tips remains in the top spot as Britain's most-bought brand of brew.

Yorkshire Tea was first launched as a Yorkshire blend for Yorkshire people but increased advertising, an active Twitter account and its sponsorship of the England cricket team has given the company a national profile.

Its iconic giant red teapot, usually strategically placed on the Yorkshire moors, has become a familiar sight during TV ad breaks over the past few years.

Not to mention its famous tagline - Lets have a proper brew - which is virtually impossible to read without hearing a Yorkshire accent and thinking about having a steaming cuppa with friends. Ahhh.

Along with tea-drinkers up and down the nation, Yorkshire Tea proudly counts plenty of Yorkshire-born celebs among its fans, including Michael Parkinson, the triathlete Brownlee brothers and the Kaiser Chiefs.

Yorkshire Tea is still produced in Harrogate by the family firm that founded it 40 years ago. This is in contrast to Tetley, which is owned by Indian company Tata Global Beverages, the same conglomerate as Tata steel.

While 72 per cent of UK households drink standard black tea, this figure is slowly declining as consumers seek out other types of beverages such as fruit teas and artisan coffees. Yorkshire Tea is bucking that trend.

According to Kevin Sinfield, head of brand marketing at Taylors of Harrogate where Yorkshire Tea is blended, the traditional brew has remained unchanged for 40 years.

Mr Sinfield told the Yorkshire Post: We still blend to the same taste profile. Thats down to the skill of the tea blender.

He added: PG and Tetley have been the market leaders for years and years, so this is quite a landmark moment.

They are famous British brands and icons of British advertising as well, and we feel this represents quite a shift change.
P rince George starts school on September 6 at Thomass Battersea, a prestigious co-ed prep in south London. And despite being the future king of England, there will be certain rules the little royal will have to abide by.

The 6,000 a term day school - which has an adorable uniform consisting of navy Bermudas and red knee-high socks - has a serious emphasis on kindness. On the school website, it states that its most important rule is to be kind  something the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are sure to agree with.

A statement from the headmaster Simon OMalley says that although they are proud of their academic success rate, they place a greater emphasis on a set of core values. As well as kindness, these core values include courtesy, confidence, humility, and learning to be givers, not takers.

Pupils are expected to leave Thomass with a strong sense of social responsibility, continue on a path to become net contributors to society, and also to flourish as conscientious and caring citizens of the world.

Although it is first and foremost a Christian school, it is open to children of all faiths and encourages its pupils to be tolerant of other religions. Our ethos, aims and values actively support the upholding of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. These are British values which we cherish and which equip pupils for life in modern Britain, the school emphasises on its website.

Finally  although not an explicit rule  there school is said to discourage pupils from having best friends, in order to stop others from having their feelings hurt. This might well come in handy for Prince George, who might prove to be rather popular once he starts.
A s Hurricane Irma barrelled north towards Florida last night and Houston mopped up after Harvey, Donald Trump unleashed his own storm in Washington. The latest in a tumultuous season.

His decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) act put 800,000 people brought to the United States as children in line for deportation. He argued that the programme, supported by President Obama, had denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same illegal aliens to take those jobs.

It is up to Congress now to make the final call on what to do about the programme. It will likely prove to be a referendum among Republicans on Trumps leadership. While Congress argues, those 800,000 beneficiaries of DACA face repatriation.

Trumps decision will have pleased the core of voters who elected him on his promise to reserve American jobs for American citizens. It is entirely consistent with his decisions so far, to call out businesses which send jobs overseas and push for tariffs against Americas trading partners.

But the prospect of sending tens of thousands of children and young adults back to the countries they came from, tearing apart families, was enough to draw President Obama out of retirement. In a Facebook posting, he called the decision wrong and cruel.

He wrote: Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldnt threaten the future of this group of young people whoa re here through no fault of their own, who post no threat, who are not taking anything from the rest of us.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called this a sad day for our country. He called it cruel to offer young people the American dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government and then punish them for it.

Trumps decision came after what had been a quiet period by his standards. The domestic news was dominated by Hurricane Harveys battering of Houston. The President had visited Texas twice to inspect the damage. The most serious criticism was of his wife Melanias decision to wear stiletto heels as she boarded Air Force One.

Melania Trump - Texas 1 /8 Melania Trump - Texas AFP/Getty Images REUTERS EPA AFP/Getty Images AP

The background music was provided by the so-far phoney war against North Korea. Trumps ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, accused North Korea this week of begging for war by escalating its programme of missile tests. The Presidents opponents, though, wonder if he isnt just revelling in the brinkmanship, treating the threat of nuclear conflict as if it were no worse than the risk of losing a casino in bankruptcy.

Trump was reported by his staff to have deliberated over the DACA act, which has stalled in Congress for 16 years but been supported by successive Presidents. The White House gave the impression of a President torn between his affection for the idea of hard-working immigrant children finding their place in the US, and his campaign promise to tighten up the enforcement of rules to control immigration.

Protesters amass in Washington yesterday / AP

But coming less than two weeks after he pardoned Joe Arpaio, a former Arizona sheriff convicted for overly aggressively pursuing unauthorised immigrants, and less than a month after he appeared sympathetic toward neo-Nazis marching in Charlottesville, Virginia, Trumps decision on DACA exposed him to yet more intense reaction.

Those who already consider him a borderline racist feel reinforced in their view. Those who support him appreciate his willingness to risk controversy to fulfil a political pledge.

For Congress, the decision on the DACA law is likely to dominate the next few months, as politicians haggle to write a more comprehensive immigration law, providing funding perhaps for Trumps promised wall along Mexicos border with the US.

Trumps seeming addiction to drama continues to dominate the news. In moments when there is no crisis he manages to conjure one up. After a summer in which he fired powerful members of his staff, including his chief of staff and director of communications, he now faces a gruelling round of battles with Congress.

The most significant will be over his attempt to overhaul the tax code. More than anything else he has done to this point, the reforms to taxes are likely to define Trumps presidency. His many supporters in business have been waiting for him to take a machete to tax rates and regulation, quietly tolerating the rest of his drama for the sake of it.

These efforts werent helped last month by Louise Linton, the Scottish actress married to Trumps Treasury Secretary, Steven Mnuchin. After a woman on Twitter commented sarcastically on a photo of Linton descending from a jet, glad we could pay for your little getaway, Linton unloaded on her on Twitter. Aw!!! Did you think this was a personal trip?! Adorable! Do you think the US govt paid for our honeymoon or personal travel?! Lololol. Have you given more to the economy than me and my husband? ... Im pretty sure we mapped more taxes toward our day trip than you did.

Donald Trump meets Storm Harvey Victims 1 /14 Donald Trump meets Storm Harvey Victims Donald and Melania Trump help prepare meals REUTERS Donald Trump gives a thumbs up at a hurricane relief centre in Houston REUTERS Donald and Melania Trump arrive in Houston REUTERS Melania meets young victims AFP/Getty Images The First Lady hands out hotdogs AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump greets Texas Governor Greg Abbott REUTERS Donald Trump comforts a young victim REUTERS Melania Trump helps out volunteers REUTERS The President hands out food AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump speaks at a relief centre REUTERS Donald Trump meets a child affected by the hurricane AP

Given that Mr Mnuchin made his fortune at Goldman Sachs and later as an investor in distressed banks, his wifes patronising note quickly went viral, as the Marie Antoinette moment of the Trump administration.

But the stage is now set for what Trump has always claimed he does best: negotiation. He has sown noise and confusion across Washington and the world. He has torn into Mitch McConnell, the leader of the Senate and a fellow Republican, blaming him for failing to repeal President Obamas healthcare reforms. He has alienated many in his own party, and provided the Democrats with a juicy target. His national approval ratings have fallen to 35 per cent. It is amidst such chaos that he hopes he can find the brass ring that justifies the chaos up to now.

To his opponents great chagrin, there are glimmers of hope for Trump. Hurricane Harvey has not become a fiasco for his White House team, the way Hurricane Katrina overwhelmed President George W. Bush.

Trumps decision to appoint the former Marine general, John Kelly, to be his chief of staff appears to be bringing order to the bedlam that was the White House in the first few months of his presidency. Meetings are running on time, agendas are circulated beforehand and Trumps door is now closed to casual drop-ins. Kelly is also part of a military triumvirate, including James Mattis, another former general, now Secretary of Defence, and H.R. McMaster, the senior officer who is now the Presidents national security adviser.

Together, they have brought a level of professionalism absent from Trumps original White House team. Trump has expressed his liking for men in uniform. He now has these three around to run a tighter ship and also to stiffen his spine on potential military issues, such as North Korea.

Every day Trumps administration defies its many critics and staggers on, is another day in which he could pass significant legislation which changes the US for decades. The opposition is moving from words to actions. The DACA decision will provoke demonstrations and noise. But in the middle of it all sits Trump, hoping that when the smoke eventually clears and more orthodox minds have lost their way, he will emerge triumphant, hurricanes survived, immigrants sent home and tax reform passed. His version of an America Made Great Again.

The next few months will determine whether the first few months of chaos were just growing pains, profound dysfunction or a wilful effort by Trump to throw Washington and the world off balance so he could come after Congress and the enemies of the US on his own terms. It is unfortunate that so many lives have to be upended while we figure this out.
T he Danish inventor charged with killing Swedish journalist Kim Wall has claimed that she died accidentally after being hit by a hatch cover on board a submarine.

Peter Madsen told Copenhagen Court he lost his footing while holding open the 70kg hatch door as he sailed with Wall in the strait between Denmark and Sweden last month on a submarine he had built himself.

The door struck Wall as it slammed shut, he said, telling the pre-trial hearing: "Kim had been severely hurt and was laying with an intense bleeding. There was a pool of blood where she had landed."

He said he felt her neck for a pulse but, feeling none, he tried to bury her at sea by tying a metal weight around her waist. He then planned to sink the submarine with himself on board.

On August 23, the journalist's headless torso washed up in Copenhagen, weighed down with metal.

Eccentric engineer: Peter Madsen aboard one of the submarines that he built / AP

Prosecutors accuse Madsen of killing the Swedish journalist, a charge carrying a sentence of five years to and life in prison. Madsen has denied cutting off her head, legs and arms.

Madsen was charged with negligent manslaughter, in a closed case, and pleaded not guilty.

On Tuesday, Copenhagen district court ruled to extend his custody for four weeks. Judge Anette Burk said there was "reasonable suspicion" that he was guilty of murder.

Search operation: A Danish navy ship in Koge Bay, which is south of Copenhagen, during the search for Swedish journalist Kim Wall. / AP

Wall, 30, a Swedish-born journalist, planned to interview Madsen, 46, on board his 18-metre long, 40-tonne submarine for a magazine feature on August 10.

But after UC3 Nautilus failed to return, her boyfriend alerted the authorities in the early hours of August 11.

Madsen was arrested after being rescued at sea, and initially told authorities he had dropped her off after nightfall the day of the interview.

He changed his testimony the next day, saying she died in an accident on board and he had buried her at sea.
Waking to the sunrise in the desert is like nothing else: The color of the sky and sand merge in stripes of pastel ranging from mustard yellow
A police officer who handcuffed a nurse and dragged her screaming from a hospital when she refused to take blood from an unconscious patient has been fired from his second job as a part-time medic.

Alex Wubbels and her lawyers released dramatic video of the arrest in Salt Lake City in the US last Friday.

The patient, a male lorry driver, had been brought in unconscious after being involved in a head-on collision with a driver who was fleeing police.

Medics sedated the truck driver, who was severely burned, and he arrived at the University Utah Hospital in a comatose state.

Police body camera footage: Nurse Alex Wubbels is arrested for refusing to take a patient's blood / AP

Detective Jeff Payne had been sent to collect blood from the patient and check for any illicit substances, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

But Ms Wubbels, a former alpine skier who competed in the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics, refused to take the blood sample as the police officer did not have a warrant and the truck driver was not awake to consent.

The police did not have a warrant, but Mr Payne insisted and the dispute ended with him saying, we're done, you're under arrest" and pulling her outside while she screamed and said: "I've done nothing wrong."

Nurse Ms Wubbels is forcibly removed from a hospital after refusing to take a patient's blood for police / REUTERS

Mr Payne wrote in a police report that he grabbed the nurse and took her outside to avoid causing a "scene" in the emergency room.

Mr Payne was sacked from his job at Gold Cross Ambulance service over comments he made while taking Ms Wubbels into custody on July 26 which were captured on his body camera, Gold Cross president Mike Moffitt told Reuters news agency.

The comments suggested that Mr Payne would bring transients to University of Utah Hospital, where Wubbels worked, while transporting "good" patients to another facility, Mr Moffitt said.

A still image taken from video footage of Ms Wubbels being arrested / AP

"Those remarks are just not reflective of our company's philosophy and the service we provide and because of that behavior we felt we had to separate ways," he added.

"His comments reflected poorly on the company and violated several company policies."

Ms Wubbels followed hospital policy and advice from her bosses when she told Salt Lake City police Detective Jeff Payne that he could not get a blood sample without a warrant or consent from the patient / AP

Reuters was not able to contact representatives for Mr Payne, who has been placed on administrative leave by the Salt Lake City Police Department over the incident.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said the video was concerning and urged the police chief to ask for a criminal investigation.

Police spokeswoman Christina Judd said the department updated its blood-draw policy last week to mirror what the hospital uses, and officers have already received additional training.

The patient, William Gray, is a reserve police officer in Rigby, Idaho.
A young woman was found semi-naked and distressed in a west London street days after she was kidnapped near a busy Tube station.

The woman, aged in her early 20s, was discovered by a member of public in west Ealing after the ordeal, which left her needing medical treatment.

She had disappeared four days earlier after she was approached by two men in a silver car in Haven Green, close to Ealing Broadway station.

The passenger got out of the car, grabbed the woman and bundled her into the back seat before getting in after her.

The car was then driven off, police said.

The incident happened between 10am and 11am on Friday, August 18, and the woman was found the following Tuesday after she escaped from an address.

The driver of the car was an Asian man, aged in his late 20s, while the passenger was a white male, described as being tanned, also aged in his early 20s.

Police said the victim and one of the suspects were known to each other.

Scotland Yard would like to speak with the member of public who helped, who was aged in her late teens to early 20s, spoke with an Irish accent and had purple hair.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and bailed until mid-September.
T he number of London school pupils who have received private tuition is at its highest level since records began, new figures will reveal.

Almost half the secondary-school pupils in the capital have been helped by a tutor, the highest rate in the country, in what has been described as an educational arms race.

Experts have warned the rise in private tuition is fuelling social inequality and creates a glass floor which stops richer pupils from failing while putting poorer children at a disadvantage.

The Sutton Trust research to be published tomorrow shows that 48 per cent of 11- to 16-year-olds in the capital have had private tuition in their school life.

Mother-of-two Larisa Nesderova with her daughter Sophia

This has risen steadily since the charity started recording data in 2005, when the London figure was 34 per cent.

The parent: I'm investing in her future A mother whose 15-year-old daughter has a tutor said pressure on pupils to achieve top grades and get into the best schools and universities was driving up numbers seeking private tuition. Mother-of-two Larisa Nesderova, originally from Russia, who moved to London from Hong Kong, first hired a tutor for her daughter Sophia to help her pass an entrance exam to get into private school. Now in Year 11, Sophia continues to be tutored in maths, English and French ahead of her GCSEs to ensure she is getting personalised help. Mrs Nesderova, who lives in Bayswater, said: Its more competitive these days and getting harder for kids. They can get help from school but its not so personal. With a tutor Sophia is able to work on things she personally doesnt understand. Its expensive but a good investment into their future.

In the past year, the number of children who said they have had a private tutor jumped from 42 to 48 per cent.

Sir Peter Lampl, founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust, said: Outside of the classroom, an educational arms race has entrenched advantage for those who can afford it.

"This is especially true in London, where pupils are much more likely to have received private or home tuition.

Sir Peter called for the Government to step in to level the academic playing field.

The director of London-based Uber Tutors Tania Khojasteh

A spokeswoman for the Sutton Trust said: The Trust is concerned that the growing prevalence of private tuition is harming social mobility by creating a glass floor for pupils from richer homes in danger of low achievement.

Students who receive private tuition disproportionately come from those who are already advantaged and our past research has shown that about twice as many attend private schools as in the population as a whole.

The Sutton Trust is calling for the Government to pay for private tuition for poorer children on a means-tested basis.

The tutor: Support for critical period The director of London-based Uber Tutors said she had seen a surge in demand from parents of 11 to 16-year-olds in the past five years. Tania Khojasteh, a law and politics academic who launched the private tutoring service in 2013, said: There are now a lot of entrance exams and GCSE exams, and we provide support for a critical period of school. Ms Khojasteh, also a tutor, added: Theres lots of pressure students receive from school to meet certain kinds of results and to be able to apply for very competitive universities. Its the whole system that is almost inspiring this culture. Her company charges from 30 per hour for home or online tuition with discounts offered for lower-income families or students with debts. She recognises how important filling that gap is and said the sliding-scale rate gives parents of all backgrounds access to the tutoring.

It would mean lower-income families could buy tutor time using means-tested vouchers, funded through the pupil premium. It also wants non-profit and state tuition programmes to be expanded, and private tuition agencies to be encouraged to provide a proportion of their tuition to disadvantaged students for free.

The Sutton Trust, dedicated to improving social mobility through education, commissioned an Ipsos MORI survey of 2,800 young people.
A British Airways plane was forced to turn back to Heathrow after witnesses told how they saw flames rising from the engine.

The Boeing 777 turned back to the airport minutes after taking off amid reports of the aeroplanes engine shutting down.

AirNav, a website that tracks flight paths in real time, shows the plane heading west from Heathrow and circling Maidstone in Kent before returning.

Airlive tweeted: "British Airways Boeing 777 (reg. G-VIIH) returning to Heathrow with engine #2 shut down."

Witnesses at the London airport told how they saw that the aircraft had caught fire.

One wrote on social media: I saw flames coming out of the right engine a few times. I could see the takeoff from the Cathay lounge.

And another wrote: It was covering a flight to Athens, flames seen coming from engine 2 and returning to Heathrow now.

BA has since said the flight landed safely upon its return to the airport, and that its engineers are investigating the incident.

Heathrow did not wish to comment.
T he Duchess of Cambridge may miss taking Prince George to his first day at school with the expectant mother still suffering from severe morning sickness, the Standard understands.

Prince William and Kate were both expected to drop off their eldest child George when he starts at Thomas's school in Battersea on Thursday morning.

But the Duchess, who is pregnant with the couple's third child, has already cancelled two royal engagements this week while suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum  a severe form of morning sickness.

She cancelled a visit to the Hornsey Road Children's Centre in London on Monday and was also pulled out of visit to a new Grenfell Tower support centre with William and Harry on Tuesday.

Prince George will start school on Thursday / PA

The Standard understands Kate may now miss Prince George's first school run as she may not be well enough to make the journey.

On Tuesday. William said Kate was well, but admitted: "There's not much sleep going on at the moment."

He said: "We need Catherine to get over this first bit and then we can start celebrating. It's always a bit anxious to start with, but she's well."

St Thomas's in Battersea, where Prince George will start school on Thursday / Google

Prince George and his parents are due to be greeted by Helen Haslem, head of lower school, on their arrival at the school gates.

They will then be escorted to his reception classroom.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Family Album - In pictures 1 /70 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Family Album - In pictures Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, (2R) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (L) and their three children Prince Louis of Cambridge (2L), Princess Charlotte of Cambridge (C) and Prince George of Cambridge (R) posing for a photograph at Anmer Hall in Norfolk in the Autumn of 2018 Matt Porteous via AFP/Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in Norfolk, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in Norfolk, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Their Royal Highnesses Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images Prince George's first birthday AFP/Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in a photograph taken late October 2015 at Kensington Palace in London. PA Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for photographs in the State Apartments of St James Palace on November 16, 2010 in London, England. After much speculation, Clarence House today announced the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton Getty Images TRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge smile following their marriage at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge drive from Buckingham Palace in a decorated sports car on April 29, 2011 in London, England Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leaving the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, with their newborn son Prince George of Cambridge on July 23rd, 2013 Jeremy Selwyn Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they sit with their son Prince George in the garden of the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire surrounded by Tilly the retriever (a Middleton family pet), and Lupo the cocker spaniel, the couple's only dog in their first five years of marriage PA Prince George, at Chapel Royal in St James's Palace, ahead of the christening of the then three month-old Prince by the Archbishop of Canterbury PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge reacts as their son Prince George of Cambridge bites a small present that was given to him at the enclosure of an Australian animal called a Bilby, which has been named after the young Prince, during a visit to Sydney's Taronga Zoo on April 20, 2014 in Sydney, Australia Getty Images Prince George sits for his official Christmas picture in a courtyard at Kensington Palace in late November of 2014 in London, England HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with their newborn daughter at St Mary's Hospital on May 2, 2015 in London, England John Stillwell/PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge depart the Lindo Wing with their newborn daughter at St Mary's Hospital on May 2, 2015 in London, England Getty Images Prince George looking at his sister Princess Charlotte as she was pushed to church by the Duchess of Cambridge in a vintage 1950s Millson pram once used by the Queen Elizabeth II for her children, during Princess Charlotte's christening at St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham, Norfolk PA Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The photograph was taken by the Duchess in mid-May at Anmer Hall in Norfolk HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Princess Charlotte of Cambridge is pushed in her silver cross pram as she leaves the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate after her Christening on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn, England Getty Images Prince George gives his little sister Princess Charlotte a kiss HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George attend the Gigaset Charity Polo Match with Prince George of Cambridge at Beaufort Polo Club on June 14, 2015 in Tetbury, England Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge arrive at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge on July 5, 2015 in King's Lynn, England Getty Images Prince George on his first day at the Westacre Montessori nursery school near Sandringham HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Prince George of Cambridge looks at his sister Princess Charlotte of Cambridge in her pram as he leaves the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge Getty Images Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, with their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, enjoy a short private skiing break on March 3, 2016 in the French Alps, France Getty Images Princess Charlotte of Cambridge plays with a teddy as she is seen at Anmer Hall HRH The Duchess of Cambridge Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge holds her daughter Princess Charlotte and strokes her son, Prince George's head as they stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past of aircrafts by the Royal Air Force, in London on June 11, 2016. AFP/Getty Images The Duke of Edinburgh, The Duchess of Cambridge holding Princess Charlotte, Prince George and The Duke of Cambridge on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 2017 PA A family picture at Pippa Middleton's wedding. Getty Images The Duchess of Cambridge with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte at a children's party for Military families at Government House in Victoria during the Royal Tour of Canada PA Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte leave from Victoria Harbour to board a sea-plane on the final day of their Royal Tour of Canada on October 1, 2016 in Victoria, Canada Getty Images William, The Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte visit Canada Mark Large/Daily Mail Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at a children's party at Government House in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Reuters Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, his wife Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte arrive at Tegel airport in Berlin, Germany, July 19, 2017 Reuters The Duchess of Cambridge speaks to Princess Charlotte and Prince George after the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews at St Mark's Church Getty Images Prince George (centre) stands with other page boys and flower girls following the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews, as they leave St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire PA Prince George who celebrates his fourth birthday Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge depart from Hamburg airport on the last day of their official visit to Poland and Germany on July 21, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge aka Kate Middleton show their newly-born son, their third child, Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge to the media outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital AFP/Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge carries his newly-born son, Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge from the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images Prince William arrives at Lindo wing at St Mary's Hospital with Prince George and Princess Charlotte to meet new baby brother. Jeremy Selwyn Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrives with Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the Lindo Wing where Kate had just given birth to Prince Louis in London Prince George and Princess Charlotte at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Britain's Prince George of Cambridge hold hands with their father, Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, as Britain's Prince Louis of Cambridge is carried by Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on their arrival for his christening service at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, London on July 9, 2018 AFP/Getty Images Princess Charlotte playing as her father, the Duke of Cambridge, takes part in the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy at the Beaufort Polo Club, Downfarm House, Westonbirt, Tetbury PA Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Princess Beatrice, Lady Louise Windsor, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, Savannah Phillips, Prince George of Cambridge and Isla Phillips watch the flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping The Colour on June 9, 2018 in London Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after attending the St Patrick's Day parade at Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, where they presented shamrock to officers and guardsmen of 1st Battalion the Irish Guards PA The Duchess of Cambridge (L) smiles as she and Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrrive for the Easter Mattins Service at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle AFP/Getty Images Prince Louis pictured in the garden of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's Norfolk home earlier this month HRH The Duchess of Cambridge An emerged photo of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's 2019 Christmas card The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George attend a special pantomime performance at Londons Palladium Theatre, hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the pandemic PA The Duchess of Cambridge with Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte attend a special pantomime performance at Londons Palladium Theatre, hosted by The National Lottery, to thank key workers and their families for their efforts throughout the pandemic PA Prince Louis, photographed by his mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, at Kensington Palace PA Media

The young prince will be dressed in a smart new uniform, comprising a navy v-neck pullover, matching Bermuda-style shorts, long red socks and black shoes.

His new school, where fees cost from 17,604 a year, has been described by the Good Schools Guide as: "A big, busy, slightly chaotic school for cosmopolitan parents who want their children to have the best English education money can buy.

"That is what they want and, to a large degree, that is what they get."

George and his classmates will be taught a range of subjects and activities from ballet and art to drama, French, music and physical education.

Kate has already said she is not sure her son "has any idea what's going to hit him" when he starts school.
E arlier this year, in what would be one of her final issues of Vogue, the magazines veteran editor Alexandra Shulman criticised the isolationist overtones of Brexit. But even before Edward Enninfuls eagerly anticipated debut hits the newsstands in November, theres been a change to the party line. This months issue of the fashion bible sees Emily Sheffield, pictured, Shulmans former deputy and sister of Samantha Cameron, take the reins before Enninfuls arrival. Her editors letter suggests that she has a more keep calm and carry on approach to Brexit.

Creativity has always been at the heart of this small isle, and it will continue to be one of our greatest exports as we enter this brave (some say foolhardy) new Brexit arrangement, Sheffield writes. Certainly the myriad talents who first grew their art form here have brought levels of glitter and sheen to this country that far outstrip its size. This isnt the first time Sheffield has got political on Brexit, but her stance does suggest a change of heart. In 2016 she urged her Twitter followers to sign the petition, speak to your MP, join the march in London. Dont let them trigger Article 50.

She continues in her letter, Look to our many designers bringing wit and craft to the worlds fashion houses, Sheffield continues in the letter. Our musicians fill the charts. And not forgetting British entrepreneurs, whose spirit ensures that as many times as they are knocked down in the tough environment of fashion commerce, they stand up again... Following Brexit, Britain will continue to draw the worlds attention. The statement may not stick: Sheffield has left Vogue since her issue went to print. Watch this space for Enninfuls manifesto...

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Lisa Markwell lands tasty new job (Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Marriott International)

Congratulations are in order for former Independent on Sunday editor Lisa Markwell, who has cooked up a new job. The veteran restaurant critic, who edited the newspaper from 2013 to 2016, has been appointed editor of Code Hospitality, a media platform for those in the hospitality industry. With years of food criticism under her belt, and a new diploma from Leiths School of Food and Wine, we hope the knives dont come out at editorial meetings.

Watch out for bushes on the heath

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has laid her city bare, announcing that a vast swathe of the citys Bois de Vincennes park will be given over to naturists  but will London follow suit? Its September, are you serious? Andrew Welch, a spokesman for British Naturism, tells us. But what of Hampstead Heath, a favoured haunt for those of a freer disposition? We have found quite a few naturists have already broken out, Reg Barlow of the Naturist Action Group informs us. Public nudity is not illegal. If you go down to the heath today, youre sure of a big surprise...

Quote of the Day

Vladimir Putin shares his and Donald Trump's relationship status (Vladimir Smirnov\TASS via Getty Images)

"He's not my bride and I'm not his bride or groom."

Russian President Vladimir Putin clarifies his relationship with President Donald Trump.

Emily Oppenheimer's chows down with artsy party

LAST night Emily Oppenheimer hosted a dinner for arty types in support of the South London Gallery, of which she is a trustee, with guests including Turner Prize-winner Helen Marten, model Saffron Aldridge and actor Tom Hollander. Held at Mr Chow in Knightsbridge, which poured gallons of martinis and margaritas, The Londoner discussed one-time Marylebone hotspot Chiltern Firehouse for the first time in a while, after meeting its developer Harry Handelsman. He is now leading the refurbishment of another fire station: the building adjoining the gallery in Peckham. Were sure it will be the next hot destination.

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He's taken over 25,000 calls from his listeners and conducted countless interviews, but Jeremy Vine hasnt always been the master of the incisive question. The broadcasters new book, What I Learnt, is out this week and Vine recalls the inauspicious beginnings to his career. In the Nineties I interviewed Lord Longford, he recalls. And what is your autobiography about? I asked him. Me, he said. One word. And then he laughed. Hes got better with practice.

Jeffrey Archers making it up again

Archer's telling tall tales again (David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Happy 70th birthday, Pan! The publishing house held a party at Foyles on Charing Cross Road to toast its seven decades of books last night, awarding Golden Pans to some of its star authors. They included novelist and former politician Jeffrey Archer, pictured, one of its top-selling writers, who called for an honour for managing director Anthony Forbes Watson.

We went to the palace to do a rehearsal, Archer said. He knelt down in front of the Queen. Her Majesty placed a sword on one shoulder and said Arise Sir Anthony, and he didnt move. She tried again: Arise Sir Anthony. He didnt move. She tried a third time: Arise Sir Anthony, and still nothing. Geoff Duffield [Pans creative director] stepped forward and said I do apologise for interrupting you, Your Majesty, but could you tell him to get up? He doesnt know what A-Rise is.

An imagined scenario, unfortunately. Archer has always been a master of fiction, after all.

Tweet of the Day

"Depressing that a full House of Commons for Davis on Brexit empties for Javid on Grenfell"

Robert Peston points some MPs' disinterest in the recent tragedy.

Coco has designs on, er, designing

Dafydd Jones

Designer Sophie Conran, above left, and her daughter Coco were at 5 Hertford Streets Bloom & Wild x Nikki Tibbles Wild at Heart party last night, and Coco told us shes interning for her uncle, Jasper Conran, inset. Hes really tough on me, she said with a laugh.

Identity Crisis of the Day

Madonna has tweeted her frustration, claiming FedEx wouldnt deliver a package because it didnt believe it was her. They must think shes a beautiful stranger.
S enior Tories today warned Theresa May against rule by decree in a major challenge to the Governments flagship Bill to quit the European Union.

Former attorney general Dominic Grieve said the Withdrawal Bill would mean our domestic constitution and liberties vandalised unless it is amended.

The Government also faced a backlash against leaked plans to reduce immigration from the EU. Business groups said the proposals risked economic self-harm.

Mr Grieve, a QC and MP, is one of the most respected legal minds in Parliament. He speaks out in an exclusive article in todays Standard ahead of the critical second reading debate.

He singled out the creation of so-called Henry VIII powers that would let ministers issue diktats without seeking approval in the Commons. Even more worryingly it seeks to confer powers on the Government to carry out Brexit in breach of our constitutional principles, in a manner that no sovereign parliament should allow, he says. He warns that vast areas of law could be altered by the Government without full parliamentary process.

He was echoed today by Nicky Morgan, Tory chair of the cross-party Treasury Select Committee. She told the Standard: When people voted to take back control, I believe they wanted control to come back to a sovereign Parliament at Westminster, not to an all-powerful government in Whitehall.

The legislation, dubbed the Repeal Bill by Brexit-backers, faces a cross-party revolt when it goes into the detailed line-by-line debate stage. The first clash will come on Monday in the vote at the end of the second reading debate, which starts tomorrow, after Labour said its MPs will vote against the entire Bill. Senior Tories are keeping their powder dry for the detailed committee stage.

Mr Grieves strongest warnings are over the Henry VIII powers allowing for ministerial rule by decree on any matter that can be connected to a failure of the incorporation of EU law to operate effectively. The powers are named after a statute that allowed the king to rule by proclamation.

Mr Grieve says voters who backed Brexit last year would oppose the attack on liberties that the Bill involved. Scrutinising detail is not obstructing the referendum result, he writes. The electorate did not vote to take back control to see our domestic constitution and liberties vandalised.

He urged Mrs May to make concessions rather than risk defeat in the Commons. The Government said: This Bill delivers the result of the referendum by ending the direct role of the EU in UK law, and gives British judges and lawmakers control for the future. It is also the single most important step we can take to prevent a cliff-edge for people and businesses, because it transfers laws and provides legal continuity.

The Government is clear that the correcting power will be time-limited, to apply before the UK leaves the EU and for a limited period afterwards.

We are also clear that any significant changes to policy will be done via primary legislation.

Sir Keir Starmer, Labours Brexit spokesman, said: Labour will work across the House to prevent Parliament being sidelined.
Tory backbencher Rees-Mogg, who has been tipped to be the partys next leader, said he was completely opposed to gay marriage and abortion in an interview with ITVs Good Morning Britain.

His comments sparked a backlash on social media, with some labelling him bigoted and backwards.

And now MPs, the British Pregnancy Advisory Service and abortion charity Marie Stopes have spoken out about his controversial comments.

Mogg: The father-of-six saif he supports the views of the Catholic faith / Jacob Rees-Mogg

BPAS said Mr Rees-Mogg's "extreme" views were "wildly at odds" with public opinion.

Katherine O'Brien, head of policy research at BPAS, said: "We are a pro-choice country, we have a pro-choice Parliament.

"Rees-Mogg's stance on abortion is quite simply extreme, and extremely out-of-touch.

"Every politician is entitled to hold their own opinion on abortion. But what matters is whether they would let their own personal convictions stand in the way of women's ability to act on their own."

A Marie Stopes spokeswoman added: "Mr Rees-Mogg is entitled to his opinion. It does nothing to change the fact that women in the UK have benefited from access to safe and legal abortion for 50 years, and will continue to do so.

"Restricting access to abortion only makes it more likely that women will risk their health and their lives through dangerous backstreet procedures.

"Our teams around the world deal with the terrible impact of this every day. No one should be seeking to replicate this situation in the UK."

Laura Russell, Policy Manager for the Family Planning Assocation, said the comments are massively out of step with the vast majority of the publics opinion, including people of faith.

Rees-Mogg made it clear that these are personal views and that UK law is not going to change, she said. However, he has used his position in Parliament to vote in favour of legislation that would have eroded reproductive rights.

While politicians are of course entitled to their own faith and morals, these should never be used as a basis to deny citizens the rights to control their reproductive health.

Access to safe and legal abortion care is a human right, which has been recognised by multiple UN Treaty Monitoring Bodies. And these rights are still denied to UK citizens.

Family: Jacob Rees-Mogg is the father of six children / Jacob Rees-Mogg

In the interview, which aired on Wednesday morning, Rees-Mogg told Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid that he supported the teaching of the Catholic church and opposed gay marriage, adding: The teaching of the Catholic Church is completely clear.

When asked if his opposition to abortion included in cases of rape and incest, he said: Im afraid so. Life is sacrosanct and begins at the point of conception, and I think it is wrong.

Addressing his views, Morgan said: "Say if you were PM and a woman is raped by a family member, you would say she had absolutely no right to have that baby aborted?"

To which Rees-Mogg responded: "No she would have a right under UK law."

"But you wouldnt agree with that right?" Morgan asked.

Comments: His views have sparked outrage among some charities / Getty Images

The MP said the "law is not going to change" but, when Piers asked for his "personal opinion", he said: "My personal opinion is that life begins at the point of conception and abortion is morally indefensible."

Labour MP Jess Phillips condemned his viewpoint, saying the choices women make over their own bodies should have nothing to do with the religious views of our politicians.

And Mike Gapes, Labour MP for Ilford South, said the nasty party was back with a vengeance.

Rees-Mogg is the favourite to succeed Theresa May as the next leader of the Conservative party  despite insisting he is a backbench MP.

In the interview, the father-of-six dismissed claims he was ambitious to be Tory leader and said it would be "vanity" to run for Prime Minister.
T wo thousand nurses were set to descend on Parliament Square on Wednesday demanding that Theresa May scraps the controversial public sector pay cap.

The demonstration will coincide with the end of the first Prime Minister's Questions of the new parliamentary year  piling the pressure on Mrs May who faces a turbulent Autumn as Tory leader.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN)  leading the demonstration  has warned its members could be willing to strike unless the limit is removed.

In May, almost eight out of 10 nurses polled by the union said they would be prepared to go on strike if the pay cap is not lifted.

Protest: Members of the RCN demonstrating against the public sector pay cap / RCN

The Scrap the cap campaign has warned that the existing government measures are putting patients at risk and devalue[ing] nurses.

An RCN poll revealed almost 70 per cent of people believe nurses are underpaid and most believe there are too few NHS nurses to provide safe care for patients.

RCN chief executive Janet Davies said: "The public can see the shortage of nurses for themselves. Ministers are significantly out of touch with public opinion.

They should heed this warning, scrap the pay cap and help to recruit thousands more nurses for a safer NHS.

"Experienced nursing staff are leaving in droves - not because they don't like the job, but because they can't afford to stay, while the next generation do not see their future in an under-valued profession.

"If the Government fails to announce a change of direction in the Budget, then industrial action by nursing staff immediately goes on the table."

The number of vacant nursing posts in England alone stands at around 40,000.

Ms Davies told the Daily Mirror the NHS was "being dragged down by the worst nursing shortage in its history".

Strike: The RCN warned members could be willing to strike over the issue / PA

Speculation is mounting that Theresa May is preparing to end the cap for nurses, teachers and other public sector workers later this year.

The Treasury is due to send out letters within weeks setting out the remit for public sector pay review bodies for next year's pay round.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "As the Secretary of State has made clear, ministers are well aware of the pressures on frontline NHS staff, including nurses, who do a fantastic job.

"The support and welfare of NHS staff is a top priority, and the Government is committed to ensuring they can continue to deliver world-class patient care.

"We are helping the NHS to make sure it has the right staff, in the right place, at the right time to provide safe care - that's why there are over 31,100 more professionally qualified clinical staff, including over 11,600 more doctors, and almost 12,000 more nurses on our wards since May 2010."
D iplomats are racing to find a peaceful solution within days to the North Korea crisis as America prepares to protect itself against an attack from the rogue state, a Cabinet minister said today.

Sir Michael Fallon also piled pressure on China to deal with its neighbour by cutting back on economic ties with Pyongyang.

The Defence Secretary spoke to his US counterpart James Mattis yesterday, while Theresa May also held talks with Donald Trump.

Amid fears that North Korea could launch another provocative missile on its anniversary on Saturday, Sir Michael said: Its on the North Korean regime that we now need to exert the maximum pressure if we are to avoid this intensifying into any kind of conflict.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un inspecting what state media claims was the loading of a hydrogen bomb into a new intercontinental ballistic missile / AP

The United States is perfectly entitled to make all the preparations that it needs to protect its people, its bases, its own homeland and they are clearly doing that at the moment.

America, Britain and other allies are determined to absolutely exhaust every possible diplomatic avenue to solve the escalating crisis, he added.

But he also signalled the urgency of reaching a deal with China and Russia and other countries at crunch talks, including on sanctions, at the United Nations in New York in coming days.

Key moments in North Korea's nuclear programme

Above all it means putting more pressure on China to deal with its neighbour, he explained.

Our diplomats are working flat out in New York and ... the Foreign Secretary and I are talking to our counterparts, leaving no stone unturned now in the next few days to make sure that we can reach some kind of diplomatic resolution.

However, Russian president Vladimir Putin called for talks with Kim Jong-Uns North Korean regime, stressing that sanctions were not a solution.

He has called them useless, saying North Korea would rather eat grass than give up its nuclear programme.

After meeting his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in on the sidelines of an economic summit in the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, Mr Putin denounced Pyongyangs sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday as a crude violation of UN Security Council resolutions. At the same time, it is clear that it is impossible to resolve the problem of the Korean peninsula only by sanctions and pressure, he added.

Mr Moon has asked the United Nations to consider tough new sanctions on North Korea and called for oil supplies to the North to be cut and asked Mr Putin to cooperate.

Earlier this week, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley accused the North Korean leader of begging for war with his nuclear bomb and missile tests. She urged the 15-member Security Council to impose the strongest possible sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners. .
NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller delivered remarks on non-proliferation at the Strategic Forum in Bled, Slovenia on Tuesday (5 September 2017). On a panel with senior officials, including from the European Union, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, Ms. Gottemoeller expressed NATOs concern at North Koreas recent nuclear test.
T heresa May today hinted at concessions as she faced a major Tory revolt over the Governments Brexit power grab.

With three senior MPs warning of a growing rebellion, the Prime Minister promised in the Commons to meet them and to listen very carefully.

The dramatic moment came during a day of growing pressure from Conservatives who fear that the Governments flagship Bill to quit the European Union will give untrammelled new powers. It began with ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve warning against rule by decree in a hard-hitting article in todays Evening Standard. The QC and MP said the Withdrawal Bill would leave our domestic constitution and liberties vandalised unless amended by the Commons.

He was echoed by Nicky Morgan, Tory chairman of the cross-party Treasury Select Committee. She told the Standard: When people voted to take back control, I believe they wanted control to come back to a sovereign parliament at Westminster, not to an all-powerful government in Whitehall. And in the Commons this afternoon, former business minister Anna Soubry said there was concern the Bill represented an unprecedented and unnecessary Government power-grab.

Facing a clear threat of defeat, Mrs May defended her plans but offered talks during the Bills progress. As the Bill goes through its scrutiny and the debate continues, we will of course listen carefully to that debate and I will be very happy to meet my Right Hon Friend to discuss this further, she said.

The uprising is over so-called Henry VIII powers, named after a medieval statute that allowed the monarch to rule by proclamation. This refers to powers in the Bill for ministers to use secondary legislation, which does not need a new Act of Parliament, on an unprecedented scale when more than 1,000 pieces of European law are transferred en masse to the statute books. Mr Grieve, one of the most respected legal minds in Parliament, writes that the Bill is flawed and fails to give certainty about how some laws and rights affecting the public would be interpreted after Brexit.

Even more worryingly it seeks to confer powers on the Government to carry out Brexit in breach of our constitutional principles, in a manner that no sovereign Parliament should allow, he writes. He warns that vast areas of law could be altered by the Government without full parliamentary process.

The legislation, dubbed the Repeal Bill by Brexit-backers, faces a cross-party revolt when it goes into the detailed line-by-line debate stage. The first clash will come on Monday in the vote at the end of the second reading debate, which starts tomorrow, after Labour said its MPs will vote against the entire Bill. Senior Tories are keeping their powder dry for the detailed committee stage.

Mr Grieve says the powers allow for ministerial rule by decree on any matter that can be connected to a failure of the incorporation of EU law to operate effectively ... the electorate did not vote to take back control to see our domestic constitution and liberties vandalised.

The Government said: The Government is clear that the correcting power will be time-limited, to apply before the UK leaves the EU and for a limited period afterwards. We are also clear that any significant changes to policy will be done via primary legislation.

Labours Brexit spokesman, Sir Keir Starmer, said: Labour will work across the House to prevent Parliament being sidelined.
T he UK does not legally owe Brussels a penny and must not be blackmailed into handing over billions of pounds in the divorce settlement, Tory MPs have claimed.

Brexit-backers have said detailed analysis reveals that in fact the EU actually owes Britain 9 million and its cash demands are flimsy.

There is a powerful legal case to support walking away without having to pay any money, according to the Conservative European Research Group (ERG).

EU chiefs have suggested Britain faces handing over 50 billion to pay off its obligations to the bloc but Brexit Secretary David Davis insisted he expects the row over money to continue right to the end of the two-year negotiation period.

Tory Charlie Elphicke, an ERG officer, said: "The European Union is trying to blackmail Britain into handing over billions of pounds. Yet this detailed analysis shows that legally we owe the EU nothing.

"In fact, it turns out they owe us 10 billion euro. The Government should stand firm and not be blackmailed into a multi-billion pound divorce bill."

There is a powerful legal case to support the UK walking away without having to pay any money, it has been claimed / Shutterstock / nito

The ERG analysed headline figures from the EU but its report acknowledged there could be other claims and liabilities.

It said the main claim being touted by Brussels is continued payments to the long-term budget that Britain signed up to.

But it insisted the claim is "devoid of merit as a matter of international law" which means any legal obligation on the UK ends when it leaves.

The group said the UK can only be liable for claims linked to staff pension scheme deficits if it is also given a corresponding share of the assets of the EU.

Its report states there is also a "compelling" argument the UK is entitled to the return of its paid up capital, as well as a corresponding share of the accumulated reserves, of the European Investment Bank.

Suella Fernandes, who chairs the ERG, said: "This is an impressive piece of work that sets out how weak the European Commission's claims for payment actually are.

"When you enter a negotiation you need to know how strong your case is and it is clear from this analysis that the UK has a very strong legal case indeed.

Constitutional lawyer Martin Howe, part of the Brexit-backing Lawyers for Britain, said: "The EU Commission's latest flimsy position paper doesn't give any credible argument why the UK should be legally liable for the vast sums of money being claimed.

"In law, we will owe no money at all to the EU when we leave, with some small items being more than cancelled out by the value of the UK's shareholding in the European Investment Bank."
G rime star Stormzy branded Theresa May a 'paigon' as Jeremy Corbyn made a surprise appearance to present the rapper with his GQ Man of the Year Award.

The Labour leader paid tribute to London-born rap star Stormzy for changing the face of music as he presented him with the best solo artist award at the ceremony on Tuesday night.

Stormzy hugged the popular politician as he took to the stage and apologised for being drunk, before blasting Prime Minister Mrs May as a "paigon" - a slang word for someone who is a fake.

The 24-year-old said: I do want to use this to say Theresa May is a paigon

Yeah, trust me, its awkward when I say that.

GQ Men of the Year Awards 2017 - in pictures 1 /54 GQ Men of the Year Awards 2017 - in pictures Liam Gallagher Dave Benett Natalie Dormer Ian West/PA Annabelle Wallis and Jared Leto, winner of the Actor award, attend the GQ Men Of The Year Awards Dave Benett Jeremy Corbyn and Stormzy Dave Benett Charli XCX and Rita Ora attend the GQ Men Of The Year Awards after party Dave Benett Poppy Delevingne PA Anna Friel Dave Benett Anthony Joshua with his Best Sportsman award poses with Idris Elba during the GQ Men of the Year Awards PA Winnie Harlow PA Amber Le Bon Dave Benett Jeremy Corbyn PA Natalie Dormer Ian West/PA Adwoa Aboah Dave Benett Jared Leto Dave Benett Jourdan Dunn PA Courtney Love and guest Dave Benett Stormzy PA Dougie Poynter Dave Benett Larry Lamb and George Lamb Dave Benett Vanessa White Dave Benett Charli XCX PA Erin O'Connor PA Annabelle Wallis PA Maya Jama PA Tinie Tempah PA Tom Daley, David Walliams, Jack Whitehall and Dustin Lance Black Dave Benett Tracey Emin Dave Benett Gaten Matarazzo (left), Caleb McLaughlin (centre) and Noah Schnapp PA Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Saadiya Khan Dave Benett Roxie Nafousi Dave Benett Liam Gallagher and Debbie Gwyther Dave Benett Ronan and Storm Keating Dave Benett James May Dave Benett Gareth Southgate PA Jim Chapman PA Richard and Mindy Hammond Dave Benett Annabelle Wallis and Jared Leto, winner of the Actor award Dave Benett Jourdan Dunn poses with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, winners of the Comedians of the Year award, at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards at the Tate Modern Dave Benett Poppy Delevingne and Adwoa Aboah, winner of the Hugo Boss Woman Of The Year Dave Benett Nick Cave, winner of the Band of the Year award, and David Walliams Dave Benett Courtney Love poses with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, winners of the Band of the Year award, at the GQ Men Of The Year Awards at the Tate Modern Dave Benett

Wearing a red tie rather than the usual black tie dress code, Mr Corybyn took to the stage and praised Stormzy as an inspiring young man who used his fame to challenge racism and support the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.

The pair have become somewhat unlikely pals in recent months, with Stormzy last year praising the Labour leader as my man.

After the ceremony, Jeremy Corbyn posted on Facebook: This last year we have seen dramatic political events across the world. And against that backdrop we have seen the emergence of incredible, powerful artists.

None more so than Stormzy who  instead of signing to a major record label  has used his own label to top the charts and change the face of music.

He added: He is one of Londons most inspiring young men, encouraging his listeners to vote, pray and speak openly about mental health.

Whether speaking out against racism or supporting the victims of Grenfell, hes remained true to his roots and committed to his values throughout.

Stomrzy posted on Twitter: Legend, thank you.

The glittering ceremony was attended by prestigious names such as Pele, who was given the inspiration award by England manager Gareth Southgate.

The prestigious crown of icon of the year went to Star Wars legend Mark Hamill.

Earlier this year, Mr Corbyn appeared on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury Festival, urging music fans to build bridges not walls as he received a heros welcome.
D ozens of British holidaymakers have told of their outrage as their BA flight was cancelled for the second time after it reportedly caught fire before it could reach them.

Customers in Athens said they were left in the dark by the airline after their replacement flight home to London was again cancelled, leaving them stranded for a second day.

After the initial flight was cancelled on Tuesday, British Airways confirmed the same passengers were left waiting for another day after the rescue plane failed to arrive.

Images from the scene in Greece show disgruntled customers queuing as they waited for information on their return flight to Heathrow after being force to wait overnight.

Andrew Dismore, London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden, was among passengers forced to wait after the replacement flight was cancelled.

British Airways apologised for the delay in a message to customers

He said he put two and two together when he read news that the BA flight to Athens had allegedly caught fire above London after the airline allegedly failed to inform him.

Mr Dismore said he was set to speak at the police and crime committee meeting in City Hall on Wednesday, and was concerned he would now miss a second meeting.

We were at the hotel, where BA had put us all up because yesterdays flight was cancelled, when we saw on the news that there were problems with todays flight, he said.

They [the airline] failed to tell us anything about it despite repeatedly calling them. We have been left completely in the dark... Were all worried that we may have to stay overnight again  everybody is furious.

He estimated that around 170 passengers were affected by the severe delay.

BA later confirmed a second replacement aircraft had landed in Athens at about 8pm, but Mr Dismore said the airline had not communicated with passengers at all until they boarded.

In statement, the airline said: The safety of our customers and crew is always our priority and our highly trained engineers are investigating what happened.

We organised a replacement flight to get customers to their final destination as quickly as possible and we are sorry for the delay to their journeys.



The Boeing 777 turned back to the airport minutes after taking off amid reports of the aeroplanes engine shutting down.

Witnesses at the London airport told how they saw that the aircraft had caught fire.
F ormer President Barack Obama has blasted the Trump administration for scrapping his 'Dreamers' programme that grants work permits to illegal immigrants who were brought to America as children.

Mr Trump's controversial decision to roll back the programme has left the future of nearly 800,000 people protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) legislation in the balance.

And in what appeared to be Mr Obama's most pointed public attack on his successor yet, he said the move to phase out the programme was cruel and self-defeating.

DACA currently guards 800,000 young people, mostly from Latin America, against deportation, providing work and study permits.

'Dreamers': US President Donald Trump is expected to end the programme for immigrants / AFP/Getty Images

In a statement posted on Facebook, Mr Obama described young migrants affected by the decision as Dreamers who have done nothing wrong.

While existing recipients will see no impact for six months, no new applications can now be made.

Donald Trump and Barack Obama on Inauguration Day / Getty Images

Mr Obama said repealing the Daca programme he implemented in 2012 was wrong, and unfairly targeted young undocumented migrants who know no other life than the one they have built in the US.

"Ultimately, this is about basic decency," he wrote on Facebook. "This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated."

Despite bypassing Congress himself over the issue, the former president said: "Now that the White House has shifted its responsibility for these young people to Congress, it's up to members of Congress to protect these young people and our future."

The decision to scrap DACA was announced by Jeff Sessions, President Trumps Attorney General. Mr Sessions said that DACA was unconstitutional.

The Trump administration said it was leaving it to Congress to come up with an alternative. It said it would give legislators six months to act.

In a tweet, President Donald Trump said he now looked forward to working with both Democrats and Republicans in Congress to "address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country first".

To apply for DACA, applicants under the age of 30 had to have an FBI background check, a clean criminal record and either be in school, have recently graduated or have been honourably discharged from the military.

In exchange, the US government agreed to defer any action on their immigration status for a period of two years.
H urricane Irma has slammed into the Caribbean as one of the most powerful storms on record rages towards Puerto Rico and Florida.

Winds of up to 185 mph lashed Barbuda, St. Martin and Anguilla as it threatened potential catastrophe over the British Virgin Islands on Wednesday.

US residents were warned not to travel to Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic amid fears the storm could spark life-threatening deluges, flash flooding and landslides across the Caribbean.

While hundreds of British tourists were forced to fly home to safety mid-way through Caribbean breaks.

'Potentially catastrophic': Hurricane Irma lashes St Martin

Footage of deluges raging across St Martin and Guadeloupe have already emerged on social media.

Residents in Florida and Puerto Rico desperately raided supermarkets and boarded up buildings in a bid to stem the chaos of Irma  which has been rated as category 5, the most severe type of storm recorded.

Fears grew that the storm would smash right into the middle of Florida by the weekend as those living on low land were urged to flee their homes.

Raging storm: Experts have tracked Irma's path

The states Governor Rick Scott said there would be more mandatory evacuations as Irma approached threatening tidal surges of up to reach 10 feet on the coast.

Authorities in the Florida Keys ordered a mass evacuation of tourists at sunrise on Wednesday.

Public schools throughout South Florida were also forced to close.

Wreaking havoc: Irma lashes St Martin in the Caribbean

"We can rebuild your home, we can't rebuild your life," Mr Scott told ABC's Good Morning America.

He added: We don't know exactly where this is going to hit.

Hurricane Irma - In pictures 1 /153 Hurricane Irma - In pictures Boats wrecked by Hurricane Irma are seen from a plane in Sint Maarten, Netherlands Reuters A van remains in a sinkhole,at the Astor Park apartment complex in Winter Springs, Florida AP This combination of natural-color images provided by NASA Earth Observatory shows the U.S. and British Virgin Islands islands on 25 August 2017 (top) before the the passage of Hurricane Irma, and after the storm passed on 10 September 2017 (bottom) AP Property damage is seen at a mobile home park after passing of Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida Reuters Debris lies from a destroyed building in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Key Largo, Florida AP A house slides into the Atlantic Ocean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida AP John Duke tries to figure out how to salvage his flooded vehicle in the wake Hurricane Irma AP Damaged houses are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys AP Property damage is seen at a mobile home park after the passing of Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida Reuters The Sunrise Motel remains flooded after Hurricane Irma hit the area in East Naples, Florida Getty Images Debris from Hurricane Irma lays on the side of the Overseas Highway in Islamorda in the Florida Keys AP A mobile home, destroyed by Hurricane Irma, is seen in Naples, Florida Reuters A Florida Highway Patrol trooper inspects a closed segment of Interstate 4, near State Road 434 in Longwood AP Steve Slonan inspects a friend's home after Hurricane Irma hit the area in East Naples, Florida Getty Images Olga Teakell hugs her grandson Gabriel Melendez, 9, after he cut his finger on glass, while he and his bother Ellisha, 12, (left) help clean debris from Olga's destroyed home in the Naples Estates Mobile Home Park, Florida AP Damaged sail boats are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma AP Two men walk their bicycle along a flooded street on the waterfront of Fort Lauderdale, Florida., as Hurricane Irma passes through AP Boats ride out the storm in a marina in Miami, Florida. Getty Images View of damages after the passage of Hurricane Irma, in Cojimar neighborhood in Havana AFP/Getty Images The epic scale of Hurricane Irma has been revealed in incredible satellite images sent from the International Space Station Nasa/Randy Bresnik Randy Bresnik/NASA A fallen tree crashes atop a row of cars in Miami, Florida AFP/Getty Images People waded through flood-hit streets in Cuba AP Sheryl and Rick Estes (R) take shelter from Hurricane Irma inside the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida. Reuters Cars that have been wrecked by Hurricane Irma on the British Virgin Islands. AP Debris litters the street after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP People battle high winds and rain to take in the sights along the Miami River which is flooding as Hurricane Irma passes through on September 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida Getty Images A man swims on a flooded street in Havana, Cuba EPA Tourists lie on a beach, littered with palms, one day after Hurricane Irma passed the resort area in Varadero, Cuba AP A stranded manatee in Manatee County, Florida. The mammal was stranded after waters receded from the Florida bay as Hurricane Irma approached AP A houses is surrounded by water as Hurricane Irma passes through Naples, Florida AP A defiant man braves the full force of Irma and takes a selfie as the storm strikes Miami, Florida EPA Flooding in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida Reuters A speed limit sign stands tilted and a power line that snapped it half lays on a building, after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP People tend to a car that flipped over on Cape Coral Parkway during Hurricane Irma in Florida AP Richard Branson posted this picture from Puerto Rico after revealing the devastation to Necker Island @richardbranson A woman walks her dog in the brisk wind downtown as the weather conditions deteriorate due to Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida EPA Satellite shows Hurricane Irma as it moves on the Florida coast as Tropical Storm Jose (right) moves west in the Atlantic Ocean taken at 06:30 GMT on 11 September 2017. As Irma heads up Florida's west coast its leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power as more than 100,000 people have taken refuge in shelters and millions have evacuated the area Getty Images Firefighters Dohnovan Simpson and Jacob McGovern carry Dolores Gevaza, 83, across the courtyard in the rain at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida. The school filled classrooms and hallways with people evacuating before Hurricane Irma makes landfall AP Samantha Belk says goodbye to her maltese, Gardolf until after the hurricane in a locker room at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida AP Debris is piled up next to the houses on the seashore in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Reuters Heavy traffic traveling north bound on Interstate 75 moves slowly, as a major evacuation has begun in preparation for Hurricane Irma AP Soldiers board a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before they are flown to help out in the areas affected by Hurricane Irma as winds of up to 175mph left death and destruction in the Atlantic PA A woman takes a break from cleaning the debris in front of a house, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Reuters Marie Charlotte walks through water near her house that was flooded in Malfeti, Fort Liberte, north east of Haiti AFP/Getty Images Customers buy supplies and wood to secure their property in preparation of Hurricane Irma in Miami AP Dfid aid is loaded onto a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before it is flown to the areas affected by Hurricane Irma as winds of up to 175mph left death and destruction in the Atlantic PA Damage outside the "Mercure" hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 Edward Pastrana installs wood shutters at the Miami City Ballet in Miami Beach AP UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 Debris and trash is seen on a beach in Cap-Haitien as Hurricane Irma approaches. AFP/Getty Images Workers hang plywood in front of doors and windows at Mango's, a salsa club, following mandatory evacuation orders in Miami Beach, Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images A nearly-deserted beach after residents and visitors evacuated from Miami Beach, Florid AFP/Getty Images A family readies to evacuate from a mobile home park in the Little Haiti neighborhood ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida EPA Motorists remove debris caused by Hurricane Irma from the road in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP A young man walks along the beach covered with debris carried by strong winds in Cap Haitian, Haiti EPA UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, in St. Maarten AP Storm damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in St. Martin. Irma cut a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean, leaving thousands homeless after destroying buildings and uprooting trees AP Flooding caused by Hurricane Irma on Charlotte Amalie, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Volaris Airlines ticket agent Cely Vasquez (left) attends to Mexico bound passengers at Miami International Airport AP Satellite image showing the eye of Hurricane Irma (centre) is just north of the island of Hispaniola with Hurricane Katia (left) in the Gulf of Mexico, and Hurricane Jose, (right) in the Atlantic Ocean AP sStellite image shows the eye Hurricane Irma just north of the island of Hispaniola. The fearsome Category 5 storm cut a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean AP Yanina Fernandez (left) and her sister Liz, wait for an available flight to Argentina after their flight was cancelled at Miami International Airport AP damage to a post office caused by Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Aerial image of several damaged houses by Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Residents clear debris from the road in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Cars piled on top of one another in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Destroyed palm trees, outside the "Mercure" hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images A car turned onto its side in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Damage outside "Le flamboyant" hotel and resort in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Devastation in Philipsburg, Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News Pleasure craft lie crammed against the shore in Paraquita Bay, British Virgin Islands Reuters Satellite image shows Huricane Irma at 12:30 UK time. Irma cut a swathe of deadly destruction as it roared through the Caribbean, claiming at least nine lives and turning the tropical islands of St. Martin and Barbuda into mountains of rubble. One of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, Irma churned westward off the northern coast of Puerto Rico early Thursday on a potential collision course with south Florida AFP/Getty Images A street in Gustavia on the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy in the Caribbean AFP/Getty Images Damage caused by hurricane Irma in Saint-Martin, Leeward Islands Rex Damage caused by hurricane Irma in Saint-Martin, Leeward Islands Rex Hurricane Irma evacuating traffic streaming out of Florida creeps along northbound Interstate 75 after a vehicle accident in Lake Park, Georgia, USA epa Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News iew of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News Barbuda Members of the civil defence in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters A destroyed building in Gustavia on the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Barbuda Rescue staff from the Municipal Emergency Management Agency check a flooded car in Fajardo, Puerto Rico AP Flooded houses in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images People pick up debris in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters Barbuda A flooded street on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin, after high winds from Hurricane Irma hit the island AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Jose in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. Jose strengthened into a category 1 hurricane, as Irma, a category 5 hurricane continues to move through the Caribbean, battering Barbuda, St. Martin and Puerto Rico EPA The destruction at Sir Richard Branson's island of Necker Sir Richard Branson Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images A woman pushes out floodwaters on her property in St John's AP Cars left flooded in Saint Martin Saint Martin is suffering catastrophic flooding Hurricane Irma hitting Saint Martin Some of the devastation left behind at Saint Martin Hurricane Irma hits Saint Martin Floodwaters run down a street in Saint Martin Carole Greaux Saint Martin Residents in St Petersburg, Florida, carry sandbags ahead of Hurricane Irma AP A satellite image shows Hurricane Irma at 11AM UK time slamming into the French Caribbean islands. Countries can be seen outlined on the image AFP/Getty Images A view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Employees load plywood for customers in preparation for Hurricane Irma at Lowe's in Jacksonville, Florida AP Shoppers in Florida ransacked a supermarket as they prepared for Hurricane Irma Getty Images Shoppers at Costco waited up to eight hours for water and essentials in preparation for Hurricane Irma in North Miami AFP/Getty Images Policemen talk to customers at a Costco shop in North Miami as mineral water is sold out and people shop ahead of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Members of the Civil Defense prepare their gear ahead of Hurricane Irma, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Reuters People put boards on their windows in Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images People load up their cars with sandbags in St Petersburg as the storm approaches AP A thermal image of Harricane Irma NOAA Satellite image shows Hurricane Irma at 10.45am UK time followed by Tropical Storm Jose AFP/Getty Images

It sure looks like it's going to bear down right in the middle of Florida."

US President Donald Trump said on Twitter that he was monitoring the storm closely.

He approved emergency declarations for Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and launched federal disaster relief efforts, the White House said.

Planes pass through the eye of Hurricane Irma

Puerto Rico's Governor Ricardo Rossello urged the island's 3.4 million residents to seek refuge in one of 460 hurricane shelters.

Hundreds of storm watchers stood in wait as winds whipped the shoreline.

Puerto Rico residents buy materials at a hardware store to try and protect their homes from the storm / REUTERS

"I am worried. This is going to be a huge storm, bigger than I have ever seen," said Angelica Flecha, 45.

A Londoner hiding from the storm on the Caribbean Island of St Martin sent a stream of live tweets as he sought shelter on a crowded stairwell.

Alex Woolfall said he was on island when the storm hit in the early hours of Wednesday morning local time.

The PR worker described the loud noise of Hurricane Irma like a jet engine as he crowded with others in the concrete stairwell for safety.

Tweeting at around 9.30am in the UK, PR worker Mr Woolfall said: 0430 now in #StMaarten and building shaking and howling winds. Scary stuff but still have power.

Evacuated and everyone now hiding in concrete stairwell of building. Noise of wind insane. Pray this will end soon!

Ferocious: Hurricane Irma bears down on the eastern Caribbean with a view of Baie Nettle beach in Marigot / AFP/Getty Images

Several other islands including Anguilla, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, as well as the US and British Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic were also hit with a hurricane warning.

In Paris, the French government said it had delivered water and food to two of its overseas territories, St Martin and St Barthelemy, and that emergency response teams would be sent once the storm had passed.

Life-threatening: Cars caught up in flooding on St Martin

Power was knocked out on both islands, officials in Guadeloupe.

French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said at least four buildings were damaged, including the prefecture, a fire brigade barracks and a police building and that low-lying regions had been flooded.

"For now we're not aware of any deaths," Collomb told reporters in Paris.

French Overseas Territories Minister Annick Girardin said "there was much to fear" for citizens who had not heeded calls to seek safety in more secure buildings.

Irma could be the most powerful storm to hit Puerto Rico in 80 years as the US National Weather Service said the island had not seen a hurricane of Irma's magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928.

Rain from Irma slams US Virgin Islands

San Felipe which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

The storm raged just weeks after Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas and raged across the US killing more than 60 people and causing $180 billion worth of damage.
H urricane Irma has claimed its first victims with two people confirmed dead as one of the most powerful storms in 80 years wreaks havoc across the Caribbean.

Two people have died and another two were seriously injured as record high winds and rain lashed French Caribbean territories of St Martin and St Barthelemy on Wednesday, the French government have confirmed.

Winds measuring 185 mph winds blasted the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rica and a chain of Caribbean Islands as Irma  a category five storm - raged towards Florida.

Emmanuel Macrons government rushed emergency rations to French territories as St Martins world famous airport was damaged by the storm.

Hurricane Irma: High winds and heavy rain slams Puerto Rica / REUTERS

Frances overseas minister Annick Giardin told reporters as she boarded a plane to the Caribbean: We're talking about two dead and two seriously injured for now. Obviously the situation can change very quickly.

Footage emerged of cars submerged in deep water as flash floods deluged parts of the island along with Puerto Rica and Guadeloupe.

Huge storm: Waves battle a stranded ship as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean / REUTERS

Residents in Florida desperately raided supermarkets and boarded up buildings in a bid to stem the chaos of Irma.

Fears are growing that the storm could smash right into the middle of Florida by the weekend as those living on low land were urged to flee their homes.

Experts have predicted Irma's path

The states Governor Rick Scott said there would be more mandatory evacuations as Irma approached, threatening tidal surges of up to reach 10 feet on the coast.

Authorities in the Florida Keys ordered a mass evacuation of tourists at sunrise on Wednesday.

Public schools throughout South Florida were also forced to close.

Hurricane Irma - In pictures 1 /153 Hurricane Irma - In pictures Boats wrecked by Hurricane Irma are seen from a plane in Sint Maarten, Netherlands Reuters A van remains in a sinkhole,at the Astor Park apartment complex in Winter Springs, Florida AP This combination of natural-color images provided by NASA Earth Observatory shows the U.S. and British Virgin Islands islands on 25 August 2017 (top) before the the passage of Hurricane Irma, and after the storm passed on 10 September 2017 (bottom) AP Property damage is seen at a mobile home park after passing of Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida Reuters Debris lies from a destroyed building in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Key Largo, Florida AP A house slides into the Atlantic Ocean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida AP John Duke tries to figure out how to salvage his flooded vehicle in the wake Hurricane Irma AP Damaged houses are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys AP Property damage is seen at a mobile home park after the passing of Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida Reuters The Sunrise Motel remains flooded after Hurricane Irma hit the area in East Naples, Florida Getty Images Debris from Hurricane Irma lays on the side of the Overseas Highway in Islamorda in the Florida Keys AP A mobile home, destroyed by Hurricane Irma, is seen in Naples, Florida Reuters A Florida Highway Patrol trooper inspects a closed segment of Interstate 4, near State Road 434 in Longwood AP Steve Slonan inspects a friend's home after Hurricane Irma hit the area in East Naples, Florida Getty Images Olga Teakell hugs her grandson Gabriel Melendez, 9, after he cut his finger on glass, while he and his bother Ellisha, 12, (left) help clean debris from Olga's destroyed home in the Naples Estates Mobile Home Park, Florida AP Damaged sail boats are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma AP Two men walk their bicycle along a flooded street on the waterfront of Fort Lauderdale, Florida., as Hurricane Irma passes through AP Boats ride out the storm in a marina in Miami, Florida. Getty Images View of damages after the passage of Hurricane Irma, in Cojimar neighborhood in Havana AFP/Getty Images The epic scale of Hurricane Irma has been revealed in incredible satellite images sent from the International Space Station Nasa/Randy Bresnik Randy Bresnik/NASA A fallen tree crashes atop a row of cars in Miami, Florida AFP/Getty Images People waded through flood-hit streets in Cuba AP Sheryl and Rick Estes (R) take shelter from Hurricane Irma inside the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida. Reuters Cars that have been wrecked by Hurricane Irma on the British Virgin Islands. AP Debris litters the street after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP People battle high winds and rain to take in the sights along the Miami River which is flooding as Hurricane Irma passes through on September 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida Getty Images A man swims on a flooded street in Havana, Cuba EPA Tourists lie on a beach, littered with palms, one day after Hurricane Irma passed the resort area in Varadero, Cuba AP A stranded manatee in Manatee County, Florida. The mammal was stranded after waters receded from the Florida bay as Hurricane Irma approached AP A houses is surrounded by water as Hurricane Irma passes through Naples, Florida AP A defiant man braves the full force of Irma and takes a selfie as the storm strikes Miami, Florida EPA Flooding in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida Reuters A speed limit sign stands tilted and a power line that snapped it half lays on a building, after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP People tend to a car that flipped over on Cape Coral Parkway during Hurricane Irma in Florida AP Richard Branson posted this picture from Puerto Rico after revealing the devastation to Necker Island @richardbranson A woman walks her dog in the brisk wind downtown as the weather conditions deteriorate due to Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida EPA Satellite shows Hurricane Irma as it moves on the Florida coast as Tropical Storm Jose (right) moves west in the Atlantic Ocean taken at 06:30 GMT on 11 September 2017. As Irma heads up Florida's west coast its leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power as more than 100,000 people have taken refuge in shelters and millions have evacuated the area Getty Images Firefighters Dohnovan Simpson and Jacob McGovern carry Dolores Gevaza, 83, across the courtyard in the rain at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida. The school filled classrooms and hallways with people evacuating before Hurricane Irma makes landfall AP Samantha Belk says goodbye to her maltese, Gardolf until after the hurricane in a locker room at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida AP Debris is piled up next to the houses on the seashore in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Reuters Heavy traffic traveling north bound on Interstate 75 moves slowly, as a major evacuation has begun in preparation for Hurricane Irma AP Soldiers board a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before they are flown to help out in the areas affected by Hurricane Irma as winds of up to 175mph left death and destruction in the Atlantic PA A woman takes a break from cleaning the debris in front of a house, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Reuters Marie Charlotte walks through water near her house that was flooded in Malfeti, Fort Liberte, north east of Haiti AFP/Getty Images Customers buy supplies and wood to secure their property in preparation of Hurricane Irma in Miami AP Dfid aid is loaded onto a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before it is flown to the areas affected by Hurricane Irma as winds of up to 175mph left death and destruction in the Atlantic PA Damage outside the "Mercure" hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 Edward Pastrana installs wood shutters at the Miami City Ballet in Miami Beach AP UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 Debris and trash is seen on a beach in Cap-Haitien as Hurricane Irma approaches. AFP/Getty Images Workers hang plywood in front of doors and windows at Mango's, a salsa club, following mandatory evacuation orders in Miami Beach, Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images A nearly-deserted beach after residents and visitors evacuated from Miami Beach, Florid AFP/Getty Images A family readies to evacuate from a mobile home park in the Little Haiti neighborhood ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida EPA Motorists remove debris caused by Hurricane Irma from the road in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP A young man walks along the beach covered with debris carried by strong winds in Cap Haitian, Haiti EPA UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, in St. Maarten AP Storm damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in St. Martin. Irma cut a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean, leaving thousands homeless after destroying buildings and uprooting trees AP Flooding caused by Hurricane Irma on Charlotte Amalie, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Volaris Airlines ticket agent Cely Vasquez (left) attends to Mexico bound passengers at Miami International Airport AP Satellite image showing the eye of Hurricane Irma (centre) is just north of the island of Hispaniola with Hurricane Katia (left) in the Gulf of Mexico, and Hurricane Jose, (right) in the Atlantic Ocean AP sStellite image shows the eye Hurricane Irma just north of the island of Hispaniola. The fearsome Category 5 storm cut a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean AP Yanina Fernandez (left) and her sister Liz, wait for an available flight to Argentina after their flight was cancelled at Miami International Airport AP damage to a post office caused by Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Aerial image of several damaged houses by Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Residents clear debris from the road in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Cars piled on top of one another in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Destroyed palm trees, outside the "Mercure" hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images A car turned onto its side in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Damage outside "Le flamboyant" hotel and resort in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Devastation in Philipsburg, Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News Pleasure craft lie crammed against the shore in Paraquita Bay, British Virgin Islands Reuters Satellite image shows Huricane Irma at 12:30 UK time. Irma cut a swathe of deadly destruction as it roared through the Caribbean, claiming at least nine lives and turning the tropical islands of St. Martin and Barbuda into mountains of rubble. One of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, Irma churned westward off the northern coast of Puerto Rico early Thursday on a potential collision course with south Florida AFP/Getty Images A street in Gustavia on the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy in the Caribbean AFP/Getty Images Damage caused by hurricane Irma in Saint-Martin, Leeward Islands Rex Damage caused by hurricane Irma in Saint-Martin, Leeward Islands Rex Hurricane Irma evacuating traffic streaming out of Florida creeps along northbound Interstate 75 after a vehicle accident in Lake Park, Georgia, USA epa Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News iew of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News Barbuda Members of the civil defence in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters A destroyed building in Gustavia on the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Barbuda Rescue staff from the Municipal Emergency Management Agency check a flooded car in Fajardo, Puerto Rico AP Flooded houses in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images People pick up debris in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters Barbuda A flooded street on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin, after high winds from Hurricane Irma hit the island AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Jose in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. Jose strengthened into a category 1 hurricane, as Irma, a category 5 hurricane continues to move through the Caribbean, battering Barbuda, St. Martin and Puerto Rico EPA The destruction at Sir Richard Branson's island of Necker Sir Richard Branson Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images A woman pushes out floodwaters on her property in St John's AP Cars left flooded in Saint Martin Saint Martin is suffering catastrophic flooding Hurricane Irma hitting Saint Martin Some of the devastation left behind at Saint Martin Hurricane Irma hits Saint Martin Floodwaters run down a street in Saint Martin Carole Greaux Saint Martin Residents in St Petersburg, Florida, carry sandbags ahead of Hurricane Irma AP A satellite image shows Hurricane Irma at 11AM UK time slamming into the French Caribbean islands. Countries can be seen outlined on the image AFP/Getty Images A view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Employees load plywood for customers in preparation for Hurricane Irma at Lowe's in Jacksonville, Florida AP Shoppers in Florida ransacked a supermarket as they prepared for Hurricane Irma Getty Images Shoppers at Costco waited up to eight hours for water and essentials in preparation for Hurricane Irma in North Miami AFP/Getty Images Policemen talk to customers at a Costco shop in North Miami as mineral water is sold out and people shop ahead of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Members of the Civil Defense prepare their gear ahead of Hurricane Irma, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Reuters People put boards on their windows in Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images People load up their cars with sandbags in St Petersburg as the storm approaches AP A thermal image of Harricane Irma NOAA Satellite image shows Hurricane Irma at 10.45am UK time followed by Tropical Storm Jose AFP/Getty Images

"We can rebuild your home, we can't rebuild your life," Mr Scott told ABC's Good Morning America.

He added: We don't know exactly where this is going to hit.

Rain from Irma slams US Virgin Islands

It sure looks like it's going to bear down right in the middle of Florida."

US President Donald Trump said on Twitter that he was monitoring the storm closely.

Life-threatening: Andrea Rivera sits at an emergency center as Hurricane Irma approaches Puerto Rico / AFP/Getty Images

He approved emergency declarations for Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and launched federal disaster relief efforts, the White House said.

Storm chaos: Irma raged across the Caribbean

Several other islands including Anguilla, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, as well as the US and British Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic were also hit with a hurricane warning.

Irma could be the most powerful storm to hit Puerto Rico in 80 years as the US National Weather Service said the island had not seen a hurricane of Irma's magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928.

San Felipe which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

The storm raged just weeks after Hurricane Harvey smashed into Texas and raged across the US killing more than 60 people and causing $180 billion worth of damage.
A Londoner stranded the Caribbean said she is so scared as the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history made landfall.

Victoria Adams, 23, has been scrambling to get a last minute flight out of the Turks and Caicos Islands as the 185-mph Hurricane Irma barrels towards the West Indies.

She and hundreds of other British holidaymakers have been told to abandon their trip and evacuate the islands and the US state of Florida before the highest-ranking category five storm hits land on Wednesday.

Hurricane Irma is set to arrive in Turks and Caicos on early Thursday and locals have already begun to barricade their homes in preparation for the storm, which according to the National Hurricane Centre is likely to bring large and destructive waves and a storm surge of up to 20 feet.

Irma is also expected to bring between eight and 12 inches of rain and life-threatening flash floods and mudslides to the islands.

Ms Adams on the beach in the Caribbean.

Ms Adams, who was due to fly back to Britain with British Airways on Sunday, followed advice issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to heed evacuation orders from local authorities.

But she said BA told her all their flights out of the island are fully-booked. Every other plane due to leave the island before the hurricane hits on Thursday is also full to capacity.

Preparation: Residents in St Petersburg, Florida, carry sandbags ahead of Hurricane Irma. / AP

I am so, so scared right now, senior public affairs account executive Ms Adams told the Standard. I cant even get on a flight anymore, theyre all fully booked.

My only option now is to go to the airport when it opens and pray a seat on any flight opens up.

I dont know what to do if I have to stay  beyond stay on high ground and barricade the windows.

Senior account executive in public affairs Victoria Adams, who lives in Chalk Farm.

The LSE graduate, who lives in Chalk Farm, flew out more than a week ago to visit a university friend living in Grace Bay. She said islanders told her they expect the storm to be the worst theyve ever seen.

I spoke to FCO, they said to follow local advice, Ms Adams said.

British Airways said they could only push my flight forward to Friday, post-hurricane, which seems silly. They said all their flights are booked and cant help with other carriers.

Empty shelves: Shoppers ransacked a supermarket as they prepared for Hurricane Irma / Getty Images

I just cant believe it though, Ive been making calls for two or three days and theyve done nothing.

Someone from BA called me and apologised saying theres nothing they can do now. They took so long to speak to me I now cant physically leave the island.

Ms Adams now plans to arrive at the airport when it opens at 7am local time on Wednesday to try and bag a space.

A spokeswoman for British Airways said: We are doing everything possible to care for our customers and are in regular contact with them, and the managers of their hotels.

Their safety is our top priority, but we could never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.

The airline added that it laid on a special flight to bring 326 stranded Brits back from Antigua on Tuesday before the hurricane arrives on the island.

The Antigua and St Kitts airport authorities have advised us that their airports will be closed today, the spokeswoman added.

We have offered all customers due to travel to the Caribbean and Florida in the coming days a range of re-booking options and are keeping our flights to the entire region under review.

Devastating aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey in Texas 1 /22 Devastating aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey in Texas Water from Addicks Reservoir flows into neighbourhoods as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise AP Businesses and neighborhoods near Addicks Reservoir is flooded by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey AP A car dealership is covered by Tropical Storm Harvey floodwaters near Houston, Texas REUTERS Homes are surrounded by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey AP A lawn ornament is seen on a flooded street during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey AFP/Getty Images President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk from Marine One across the South Lawn to the White House in Washington AP Evacuees escaping the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center that has been set up as a shelter in Houston, Texas AP Flooded cars near the Addicks Reservoir are shown as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise AP Businesses and cars are flooded near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise AP Young adults sit in front of relief supplies in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey in Houston, Texas EPA Rescue volunteers relax after clearing out all the evacuees from the Twin Oaks Estate in the Clodine district AFP/Getty Images Volunteers Brenda Tcoc, right, and Hugo Wilson help sort bags of donated clothes for victims of the flooding AP Airplanes sit at a flooded airport near the Addicks Reservoir as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise AP A man looks out on a flooded road during the aftermath of Tropical Storm Harvey AFP/Getty Images Beds are made ready at a shelter for volunteer rescue workers set up at the Fairfield Baptist Church student building on August 29, 2017 in Cypress, Texas AFP/Getty Images Evacuee Edward Jones, 11, holds his step-brother Mickel Duane Batts at the Lakewood Church in Houston AP Equipment and supplies to be used in the relief effort of Tropical Storm Harvey EPA

The hurricane passed over Barbuda in the early hours of Wednesday morning. It is following a path predicted to rake Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading to Florida over the weekend.

Authorities on the Leeward Islands cut power and urged residents to shelter indoors while officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's "onslaught" in a statement that closed with: "May God protect us all."

US President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate the residents of six islands at the southern end of the island chain.
S ir Richard Branson has described the atmosphere in the British Virgin Islands as "eerie but beautiful" as locals brace for the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record to hit.

The billionaire businessman earlier posted pictures online as he is camped out on his own private island, Necker, with his staff as Hurricane Irma nears.

On his blog, he wrote: "We have just experienced a night of howling wind and rain as Hurricane Irma edges ever closer towards us on Necker and the British Virgin Islands.

"The atmosphere is eerie but beautiful. Everyone is willing the eye of the storm to veer away from the (BVIs) in these last few hours."

Richard Branson has stacked up furniture at his luxury home in preparation for the storm / Virgin.com

He said all those left on Necker were planning on camping out in the wine cellar of the great house when the storm hits.

"Knowing our wonderful team as I do, I suspect there will be little wine left in the cellar when we all emerge," he said.

The category five hurricane is expected to hit the Leeward Islands of Antigua and Barbuda late on Wednesday before following a path along the Greater Antilles toward the US.

Hurricane Irma - In pictures 1 /153 Hurricane Irma - In pictures Boats wrecked by Hurricane Irma are seen from a plane in Sint Maarten, Netherlands Reuters A van remains in a sinkhole,at the Astor Park apartment complex in Winter Springs, Florida AP This combination of natural-color images provided by NASA Earth Observatory shows the U.S. and British Virgin Islands islands on 25 August 2017 (top) before the the passage of Hurricane Irma, and after the storm passed on 10 September 2017 (bottom) AP Property damage is seen at a mobile home park after passing of Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida Reuters Debris lies from a destroyed building in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Key Largo, Florida AP A house slides into the Atlantic Ocean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida AP John Duke tries to figure out how to salvage his flooded vehicle in the wake Hurricane Irma AP Damaged houses are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys AP Property damage is seen at a mobile home park after the passing of Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida Reuters The Sunrise Motel remains flooded after Hurricane Irma hit the area in East Naples, Florida Getty Images Debris from Hurricane Irma lays on the side of the Overseas Highway in Islamorda in the Florida Keys AP A mobile home, destroyed by Hurricane Irma, is seen in Naples, Florida Reuters A Florida Highway Patrol trooper inspects a closed segment of Interstate 4, near State Road 434 in Longwood AP Steve Slonan inspects a friend's home after Hurricane Irma hit the area in East Naples, Florida Getty Images Olga Teakell hugs her grandson Gabriel Melendez, 9, after he cut his finger on glass, while he and his bother Ellisha, 12, (left) help clean debris from Olga's destroyed home in the Naples Estates Mobile Home Park, Florida AP Damaged sail boats are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma AP Two men walk their bicycle along a flooded street on the waterfront of Fort Lauderdale, Florida., as Hurricane Irma passes through AP Boats ride out the storm in a marina in Miami, Florida. Getty Images View of damages after the passage of Hurricane Irma, in Cojimar neighborhood in Havana AFP/Getty Images The epic scale of Hurricane Irma has been revealed in incredible satellite images sent from the International Space Station Nasa/Randy Bresnik Randy Bresnik/NASA A fallen tree crashes atop a row of cars in Miami, Florida AFP/Getty Images People waded through flood-hit streets in Cuba AP Sheryl and Rick Estes (R) take shelter from Hurricane Irma inside the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida. Reuters Cars that have been wrecked by Hurricane Irma on the British Virgin Islands. AP Debris litters the street after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP People battle high winds and rain to take in the sights along the Miami River which is flooding as Hurricane Irma passes through on September 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida Getty Images A man swims on a flooded street in Havana, Cuba EPA Tourists lie on a beach, littered with palms, one day after Hurricane Irma passed the resort area in Varadero, Cuba AP A stranded manatee in Manatee County, Florida. The mammal was stranded after waters receded from the Florida bay as Hurricane Irma approached AP A houses is surrounded by water as Hurricane Irma passes through Naples, Florida AP A defiant man braves the full force of Irma and takes a selfie as the storm strikes Miami, Florida EPA Flooding in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida Reuters A speed limit sign stands tilted and a power line that snapped it half lays on a building, after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP People tend to a car that flipped over on Cape Coral Parkway during Hurricane Irma in Florida AP Richard Branson posted this picture from Puerto Rico after revealing the devastation to Necker Island @richardbranson A woman walks her dog in the brisk wind downtown as the weather conditions deteriorate due to Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida EPA Satellite shows Hurricane Irma as it moves on the Florida coast as Tropical Storm Jose (right) moves west in the Atlantic Ocean taken at 06:30 GMT on 11 September 2017. As Irma heads up Florida's west coast its leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power as more than 100,000 people have taken refuge in shelters and millions have evacuated the area Getty Images Firefighters Dohnovan Simpson and Jacob McGovern carry Dolores Gevaza, 83, across the courtyard in the rain at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida. The school filled classrooms and hallways with people evacuating before Hurricane Irma makes landfall AP Samantha Belk says goodbye to her maltese, Gardolf until after the hurricane in a locker room at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida AP Debris is piled up next to the houses on the seashore in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Reuters Heavy traffic traveling north bound on Interstate 75 moves slowly, as a major evacuation has begun in preparation for Hurricane Irma AP Soldiers board a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before they are flown to help out in the areas affected by Hurricane Irma as winds of up to 175mph left death and destruction in the Atlantic PA A woman takes a break from cleaning the debris in front of a house, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Reuters Marie Charlotte walks through water near her house that was flooded in Malfeti, Fort Liberte, north east of Haiti AFP/Getty Images Customers buy supplies and wood to secure their property in preparation of Hurricane Irma in Miami AP Dfid aid is loaded onto a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before it is flown to the areas affected by Hurricane Irma as winds of up to 175mph left death and destruction in the Atlantic PA Damage outside the "Mercure" hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 Edward Pastrana installs wood shutters at the Miami City Ballet in Miami Beach AP UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 Debris and trash is seen on a beach in Cap-Haitien as Hurricane Irma approaches. AFP/Getty Images Workers hang plywood in front of doors and windows at Mango's, a salsa club, following mandatory evacuation orders in Miami Beach, Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images A nearly-deserted beach after residents and visitors evacuated from Miami Beach, Florid AFP/Getty Images A family readies to evacuate from a mobile home park in the Little Haiti neighborhood ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida EPA Motorists remove debris caused by Hurricane Irma from the road in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP A young man walks along the beach covered with debris carried by strong winds in Cap Haitian, Haiti EPA UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, in St. Maarten AP Storm damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in St. Martin. Irma cut a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean, leaving thousands homeless after destroying buildings and uprooting trees AP Flooding caused by Hurricane Irma on Charlotte Amalie, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Volaris Airlines ticket agent Cely Vasquez (left) attends to Mexico bound passengers at Miami International Airport AP Satellite image showing the eye of Hurricane Irma (centre) is just north of the island of Hispaniola with Hurricane Katia (left) in the Gulf of Mexico, and Hurricane Jose, (right) in the Atlantic Ocean AP sStellite image shows the eye Hurricane Irma just north of the island of Hispaniola. The fearsome Category 5 storm cut a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean AP Yanina Fernandez (left) and her sister Liz, wait for an available flight to Argentina after their flight was cancelled at Miami International Airport AP damage to a post office caused by Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Aerial image of several damaged houses by Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Residents clear debris from the road in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Cars piled on top of one another in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Destroyed palm trees, outside the "Mercure" hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images A car turned onto its side in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Damage outside "Le flamboyant" hotel and resort in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Devastation in Philipsburg, Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News Pleasure craft lie crammed against the shore in Paraquita Bay, British Virgin Islands Reuters Satellite image shows Huricane Irma at 12:30 UK time. Irma cut a swathe of deadly destruction as it roared through the Caribbean, claiming at least nine lives and turning the tropical islands of St. Martin and Barbuda into mountains of rubble. One of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, Irma churned westward off the northern coast of Puerto Rico early Thursday on a potential collision course with south Florida AFP/Getty Images A street in Gustavia on the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy in the Caribbean AFP/Getty Images Damage caused by hurricane Irma in Saint-Martin, Leeward Islands Rex Damage caused by hurricane Irma in Saint-Martin, Leeward Islands Rex Hurricane Irma evacuating traffic streaming out of Florida creeps along northbound Interstate 75 after a vehicle accident in Lake Park, Georgia, USA epa Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News iew of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News Barbuda Members of the civil defence in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters A destroyed building in Gustavia on the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Barbuda Rescue staff from the Municipal Emergency Management Agency check a flooded car in Fajardo, Puerto Rico AP Flooded houses in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images People pick up debris in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters Barbuda A flooded street on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin, after high winds from Hurricane Irma hit the island AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Jose in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. Jose strengthened into a category 1 hurricane, as Irma, a category 5 hurricane continues to move through the Caribbean, battering Barbuda, St. Martin and Puerto Rico EPA The destruction at Sir Richard Branson's island of Necker Sir Richard Branson Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images A woman pushes out floodwaters on her property in St John's AP Cars left flooded in Saint Martin Saint Martin is suffering catastrophic flooding Hurricane Irma hitting Saint Martin Some of the devastation left behind at Saint Martin Hurricane Irma hits Saint Martin Floodwaters run down a street in Saint Martin Carole Greaux Saint Martin Residents in St Petersburg, Florida, carry sandbags ahead of Hurricane Irma AP A satellite image shows Hurricane Irma at 11AM UK time slamming into the French Caribbean islands. Countries can be seen outlined on the image AFP/Getty Images A view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Employees load plywood for customers in preparation for Hurricane Irma at Lowe's in Jacksonville, Florida AP Shoppers in Florida ransacked a supermarket as they prepared for Hurricane Irma Getty Images Shoppers at Costco waited up to eight hours for water and essentials in preparation for Hurricane Irma in North Miami AFP/Getty Images Policemen talk to customers at a Costco shop in North Miami as mineral water is sold out and people shop ahead of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Members of the Civil Defense prepare their gear ahead of Hurricane Irma, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Reuters People put boards on their windows in Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images People load up their cars with sandbags in St Petersburg as the storm approaches AP A thermal image of Harricane Irma NOAA Satellite image shows Hurricane Irma at 10.45am UK time followed by Tropical Storm Jose AFP/Getty Images

Experts at the National Hurricane Centre in the US have predicted 185mph winds and gusts of up to 200mph.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised Britons to follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

A British naval ship has also been deployed to help deal with the aftermath of the storm.

Sir Richard Branson's home has been equipped with hurricane blinds

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: "The thoughts of the British people are with all those affected by Hurricane Irma and Britain has already taken swift action to respond.

"We have deployed three UK aid humanitarian experts to the region to help co-ordinate the response and positioned a British naval ship with 40 Royal Marines, Army Engineers and vehicles, tents and facilities to purify water on board.

"Our staff are on stand-by, both in the UK and at post, to support any British people affected.

Hurricane Irma Batters the Carribean

"We urge British nationals in the affected area to closely monitor and follow Foreign Office and local travel advice."

A spokesman for the Department for International Development said the first task of the ship would be to support British Overseas Territories in need.

Six islands in the Bahamas were being evacuated on Wednesday while officials in the Leeward Islands have reportedly cut power and urged residents to seek shelter in a statement that ended with "May God protect us all".


A man who claimed to work as a UN war photographer in some of the most dangerous parts of the world has been exposed as a fake.

The work that 32-year-old Eduardo Martins claimed as his own was published by top media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Vice and BBC Brasil.

Martins fooled journalists all over the world by slightly editing the work of real war photographers, who had risked their lives in major conflict zones for their work, to elude anti-plagiarism software.

In between faked trips to Mosul in Iraq, the Syrian city of Raqqa, which is under the control of ISIS, and the Gaza Strip, Martins claimed to enjoy surfing.

He uploaded pictures of British surfer Max Hepworth-Povey, cleverly edited into photographs of warzones to an Instagram account with 125,000 followers in a bid to created a new identity.

Martins edited a British surfer's image into war zones / Instagram

Martins also claimed to have survived leukaemia.

Mr Hepworth-Povey was unaware of the fraud until it was exposed by a BBC Brasil investigation.

"When a friend showed me the pictures, at first I thought it was a joke, someone making fun of me," he said.

"But actually my pictures had been stolen. It is mad that a random guy has decided to use my image amidst so many options on the internet."

The 32-year old from Cornwall said some of the images stolen from him were five years old.

"I work very far from war zones, with surfing trips," said Mr Hepworth-Povey, who has been living and working in northern Spain for the past three months.

Martins described his fake escapades in extreme detail, giving interviews to websites and magazines.

"Once in Iraq shooting a conflict, I stopped shooting to help a boy who was hit by a molotov cocktail, dropped the camera and helped get him out of the conflict area," he told Recount Magazine in October 2016.

"In scenes like this, which are common in my work, I stop being a photographer and become a human being. I cannot be impartial in these moments."

It was discovered Eduardo Martins was a completely fictitious character after he reached out to one of BBC Brasils Middle East journalists, Natasha Ribero.

She became suspicious because neither she nor any others among the small pool of Brazilian journalists working in the region had ever met an Eduardo Martins in person.

The UN confirmed to BBC Brasil that Martins was not employed by them, and his cover was blown.

Martins had been maintaining his fake his identity by planning Skype meetings with editors, who would see a picture of surfer Mr Hepworth-Povey before the connection allegedly failed forcing the conversation to be carried out over WhatsApp.

BBC Brasil also spoke to at least six women who say they had romantic online relationships with Eduardo Martins, none of whom ever met him in person.

The real identity of Eduardo Martins remains a mystery.
On 3 September, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted another nuclear test, demonstrating again its reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons. This represents a flagrant violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and a major threat to the non-proliferation regime. This latest test further demonstrates an accelerating and unprecedented campaign by the DPRK of unlawful ballistic missile launches and nuclear tests.

The threat posed by the DPRK is a problem for the wider international community and demands a unified response. The North Atlantic Council (NAC) condemns the DPRKs illegal actions in the strongest possible terms, as they threaten regional and international stability, and the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner. The DPRKs blatant disregard of international agreements and binding UN Security Council resolutions, and its confrontational actions, jeopardize the prospects for lasting peace in the Korean Peninsula, and undermine international peace and security. It is now imperative that all nations implement more thoroughly and transparently existing UN sanctions and make further efforts to apply decisive pressure to convince the DPRK regime to abandon its current threatening and destabilising path.

The NAC calls upon the DPRK to refrain from any further provocation and illegal acts, to abide by its obligations under relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and to abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. We call upon the DPRK to recommit to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and comply with its Comprehensive Nuclear Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), at an early stage.

We reiterate our full solidarity with our partners in the region, Japan and the Republic of Korea, and our support for their security.
A new tropical storm is forming behind Hurricane Irma and is expected to become a hurricane on Thursday, forecasters have warned.

Tropical storm Jose is the next potentially dangerous disaster of this years Atlantic hurricane season following in the wake of catastrophic hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Top ranking category five Hurricane Irma is the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and made landfall in Barbuda on Wednesday morning UK time after barreling across the ocean with wind speed highs of 185 mph.

Irma is now expected to rip through the northern Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading to Florida over the weekend.

The sea is expected to rise up to a life threatening 20ft around some of the remote islands, bringing with it large and destructive waves and rainfall of up to 12 inches.

Hurricane Irma - In pictures 1 /153 Hurricane Irma - In pictures Boats wrecked by Hurricane Irma are seen from a plane in Sint Maarten, Netherlands Reuters A van remains in a sinkhole,at the Astor Park apartment complex in Winter Springs, Florida AP This combination of natural-color images provided by NASA Earth Observatory shows the U.S. and British Virgin Islands islands on 25 August 2017 (top) before the the passage of Hurricane Irma, and after the storm passed on 10 September 2017 (bottom) AP Property damage is seen at a mobile home park after passing of Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida Reuters Debris lies from a destroyed building in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Key Largo, Florida AP A house slides into the Atlantic Ocean in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida AP John Duke tries to figure out how to salvage his flooded vehicle in the wake Hurricane Irma AP Damaged houses are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in the Florida Keys AP Property damage is seen at a mobile home park after the passing of Hurricane Irma in Naples, Florida Reuters The Sunrise Motel remains flooded after Hurricane Irma hit the area in East Naples, Florida Getty Images Debris from Hurricane Irma lays on the side of the Overseas Highway in Islamorda in the Florida Keys AP A mobile home, destroyed by Hurricane Irma, is seen in Naples, Florida Reuters A Florida Highway Patrol trooper inspects a closed segment of Interstate 4, near State Road 434 in Longwood AP Steve Slonan inspects a friend's home after Hurricane Irma hit the area in East Naples, Florida Getty Images Olga Teakell hugs her grandson Gabriel Melendez, 9, after he cut his finger on glass, while he and his bother Ellisha, 12, (left) help clean debris from Olga's destroyed home in the Naples Estates Mobile Home Park, Florida AP Damaged sail boats are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma AP Two men walk their bicycle along a flooded street on the waterfront of Fort Lauderdale, Florida., as Hurricane Irma passes through AP Boats ride out the storm in a marina in Miami, Florida. Getty Images View of damages after the passage of Hurricane Irma, in Cojimar neighborhood in Havana AFP/Getty Images The epic scale of Hurricane Irma has been revealed in incredible satellite images sent from the International Space Station Nasa/Randy Bresnik Randy Bresnik/NASA A fallen tree crashes atop a row of cars in Miami, Florida AFP/Getty Images People waded through flood-hit streets in Cuba AP Sheryl and Rick Estes (R) take shelter from Hurricane Irma inside the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida. Reuters Cars that have been wrecked by Hurricane Irma on the British Virgin Islands. AP Debris litters the street after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP People battle high winds and rain to take in the sights along the Miami River which is flooding as Hurricane Irma passes through on September 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida Getty Images A man swims on a flooded street in Havana, Cuba EPA Tourists lie on a beach, littered with palms, one day after Hurricane Irma passed the resort area in Varadero, Cuba AP A stranded manatee in Manatee County, Florida. The mammal was stranded after waters receded from the Florida bay as Hurricane Irma approached AP A houses is surrounded by water as Hurricane Irma passes through Naples, Florida AP A defiant man braves the full force of Irma and takes a selfie as the storm strikes Miami, Florida EPA Flooding in the Brickell neighborhood as Hurricane Irma passes Miami, Florida Reuters A speed limit sign stands tilted and a power line that snapped it half lays on a building, after the passage of Hurricane Irma in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP People tend to a car that flipped over on Cape Coral Parkway during Hurricane Irma in Florida AP Richard Branson posted this picture from Puerto Rico after revealing the devastation to Necker Island @richardbranson A woman walks her dog in the brisk wind downtown as the weather conditions deteriorate due to Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida EPA Satellite shows Hurricane Irma as it moves on the Florida coast as Tropical Storm Jose (right) moves west in the Atlantic Ocean taken at 06:30 GMT on 11 September 2017. As Irma heads up Florida's west coast its leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power as more than 100,000 people have taken refuge in shelters and millions have evacuated the area Getty Images Firefighters Dohnovan Simpson and Jacob McGovern carry Dolores Gevaza, 83, across the courtyard in the rain at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida. The school filled classrooms and hallways with people evacuating before Hurricane Irma makes landfall AP Samantha Belk says goodbye to her maltese, Gardolf until after the hurricane in a locker room at John Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg, Florida AP Debris is piled up next to the houses on the seashore in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Reuters Heavy traffic traveling north bound on Interstate 75 moves slowly, as a major evacuation has begun in preparation for Hurricane Irma AP Soldiers board a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before they are flown to help out in the areas affected by Hurricane Irma as winds of up to 175mph left death and destruction in the Atlantic PA A woman takes a break from cleaning the debris in front of a house, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic Reuters Marie Charlotte walks through water near her house that was flooded in Malfeti, Fort Liberte, north east of Haiti AFP/Getty Images Customers buy supplies and wood to secure their property in preparation of Hurricane Irma in Miami AP Dfid aid is loaded onto a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, before it is flown to the areas affected by Hurricane Irma as winds of up to 175mph left death and destruction in the Atlantic PA Damage outside the "Mercure" hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 Edward Pastrana installs wood shutters at the Miami City Ballet in Miami Beach AP UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 Debris and trash is seen on a beach in Cap-Haitien as Hurricane Irma approaches. AFP/Getty Images Workers hang plywood in front of doors and windows at Mango's, a salsa club, following mandatory evacuation orders in Miami Beach, Florida ahead of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images A nearly-deserted beach after residents and visitors evacuated from Miami Beach, Florid AFP/Getty Images A family readies to evacuate from a mobile home park in the Little Haiti neighborhood ahead of the expected arrival of Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida EPA Motorists remove debris caused by Hurricane Irma from the road in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP A young man walks along the beach covered with debris carried by strong winds in Cap Haitian, Haiti EPA UK Armed Forces disaster relief operation in Anguilla MoD/Crown copyright 2017 the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, in St. Maarten AP Storm damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in St. Martin. Irma cut a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean, leaving thousands homeless after destroying buildings and uprooting trees AP Flooding caused by Hurricane Irma on Charlotte Amalie, in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Volaris Airlines ticket agent Cely Vasquez (left) attends to Mexico bound passengers at Miami International Airport AP Satellite image showing the eye of Hurricane Irma (centre) is just north of the island of Hispaniola with Hurricane Katia (left) in the Gulf of Mexico, and Hurricane Jose, (right) in the Atlantic Ocean AP sStellite image shows the eye Hurricane Irma just north of the island of Hispaniola. The fearsome Category 5 storm cut a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean AP Yanina Fernandez (left) and her sister Liz, wait for an available flight to Argentina after their flight was cancelled at Miami International Airport AP damage to a post office caused by Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Aerial image of several damaged houses by Hurricane Irma in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Residents clear debris from the road in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands AP Cars piled on top of one another in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Destroyed palm trees, outside the "Mercure" hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images A car turned onto its side in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Damage outside "Le flamboyant" hotel and resort in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin in the northeast Caribbean, after the passage of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Devastation in Philipsburg, Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News Pleasure craft lie crammed against the shore in Paraquita Bay, British Virgin Islands Reuters Satellite image shows Huricane Irma at 12:30 UK time. Irma cut a swathe of deadly destruction as it roared through the Caribbean, claiming at least nine lives and turning the tropical islands of St. Martin and Barbuda into mountains of rubble. One of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, Irma churned westward off the northern coast of Puerto Rico early Thursday on a potential collision course with south Florida AFP/Getty Images A street in Gustavia on the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy in the Caribbean AFP/Getty Images Damage caused by hurricane Irma in Saint-Martin, Leeward Islands Rex Damage caused by hurricane Irma in Saint-Martin, Leeward Islands Rex Hurricane Irma evacuating traffic streaming out of Florida creeps along northbound Interstate 75 after a vehicle accident in Lake Park, Georgia, USA epa Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News iew of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma slams Saint Martin Splash News Barbuda Members of the civil defence in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters A destroyed building in Gustavia on the French overseas collectivity of Saint-Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Barbuda Rescue staff from the Municipal Emergency Management Agency check a flooded car in Fajardo, Puerto Rico AP Flooded houses in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images People pick up debris in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters Barbuda A flooded street on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin, after high winds from Hurricane Irma hit the island AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Jose in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday. Jose strengthened into a category 1 hurricane, as Irma, a category 5 hurricane continues to move through the Caribbean, battering Barbuda, St. Martin and Puerto Rico EPA The destruction at Sir Richard Branson's island of Necker Sir Richard Branson Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images A woman pushes out floodwaters on her property in St John's AP Cars left flooded in Saint Martin Saint Martin is suffering catastrophic flooding Hurricane Irma hitting Saint Martin Some of the devastation left behind at Saint Martin Hurricane Irma hits Saint Martin Floodwaters run down a street in Saint Martin Carole Greaux Saint Martin Residents in St Petersburg, Florida, carry sandbags ahead of Hurricane Irma AP A satellite image shows Hurricane Irma at 11AM UK time slamming into the French Caribbean islands. Countries can be seen outlined on the image AFP/Getty Images A view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Employees load plywood for customers in preparation for Hurricane Irma at Lowe's in Jacksonville, Florida AP Shoppers in Florida ransacked a supermarket as they prepared for Hurricane Irma Getty Images Shoppers at Costco waited up to eight hours for water and essentials in preparation for Hurricane Irma in North Miami AFP/Getty Images Policemen talk to customers at a Costco shop in North Miami as mineral water is sold out and people shop ahead of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Members of the Civil Defense prepare their gear ahead of Hurricane Irma, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Reuters People put boards on their windows in Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images People load up their cars with sandbags in St Petersburg as the storm approaches AP A thermal image of Harricane Irma NOAA Satellite image shows Hurricane Irma at 10.45am UK time followed by Tropical Storm Jose AFP/Getty Images

But while all eyes are on Irma, on its trail is tropical storm Jose, the tenth named storm of the 2017 season which continues to gradually strengthen.

The National Hurricane Centre said it is too soon to know its path, but Jose could potentially hit the Leeward Islands which are already set to be battered by Irma.

Its winds are already up to 50mph and it is expected to be upgraded to a hurricane on Wednesday night Atlantic Standard Time or in the early hours of Thursday morning UK time.

Policemen talk to customers at a Costco shop in North Miami as mineral water is sold out ahead of Irma. / AFP/Getty Images

Also forming is the as yet unnamed "tropical depression 13" which could become a hurricane in a couple of days, the National Hurricane Centre said.

The tropical depression  which happens when a group of thunderstorms come together - is heading east in the south west Gulf of Mexico.

2017s Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from April to November, was predicted by many experts to be an above-average season in terms of activity.

Hurricane Harvey hits Texas in fiercest storm to smash US in a decade 1 /21 Hurricane Harvey hits Texas in fiercest storm to smash US in a decade A power generator tips in front of a Texas hospital. AP A single truck drives down a street as Hurricane Harvey makes landfall in downtown Port Lavaca, Texas. AP Water crashes along the bay front in Port Lavaca, Texas, on Friday. AP Hurricane Harvey from space. NASA via EPA NASA's picture of the storm. EPA Stewart Adams, of San Marcos, Texas, plays in the winds from Hurricane Harvey in Corpus Christi, Texas. REUTERS A group of people race across the street as winds from Hurricane Harvey escalated in Corpus Christi, Texas. REUTERS Street signs lie on the ground after winds from Hurricane Harvey escalated. REUTERS Debris flies past as Stewart Adams, of San Marcos, Texas, balances himself from a gust of wind. REUTERS The eye of the storm making landfall. Getty Images North America A city utility worker braves the wind and rain of Hurricane Harvey in Corpus Christi. EPA Larger than usual waves come ashore at Crystal Beach. AP A sign blows in the wind after being partially torn from its frame by winds from Hurricane Harvey. Getty Images A motorist drives through heavy rain before the approaching Hurricane Harvey hits Corpus Christi. AFP/Getty Images A storm chaser films himself on a camera phone. REUTERS Serenity McGinnis, 10, walks along the shore with her father Jesse and sister Rebella, right, as the storm approaches Texas. AP

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted this years season would see between 14 and 19 named storms including five to nine hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes.

Between June and November, the UK Met Office predicted 13 named storms and eight hurricanes.

So far this season has seen 10 named storms, four hurricanes and two major hurricanes. It suggests that if the predictions ring true, more storms could be on their way.

Hurricane Irma: People load up their cars with sandbags in St Petersburg as the storm approaches / AP

Ahead of Irma reaching land, British holidaymakers in the Caribbean and Florida were warned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to follow the advice of local authorities and any evacuation orders, while on Tuesday British Airways laid on a special flight to bring 326 stranded Brits back from Antigua.

Authorities on the Leeward Islands cut power and urged residents to shelter indoors while officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's "onslaught" in a statement that closed with: "May God protect us all."

US President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate the residents of six islands at the southern end of the island chain.

Irma follows Hurricane Harvey, which caused devastation and mass flooding in Texas and parts of Louisiana after bringing heavy rainfall. Dozens of people were killed and more than one million people were displaced.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Offices guidance for Britons is to follow the advice of the local authorities and any evacuation orders.
D isney has come up against whitewashing accusations after casting Billy Magnussen in the upcoming live-action Aladdin remake.

The 32-year-old actor will play Prince Anders  a new role which was not present in the 1992 animated film.

He will star alongside Mena Massoud, who is of Egyptian background, as Aladdin, and Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine in the Guy Ritchie directed film.

Magnussen was heavily criticised after he retweeted a link to the news of his casting, with many questioning why an additional white character was necessary.

One Twitter user posted: NOPE. I do not approve of this. This decision is stupid.

Another tweeted: I don't wanna see them throw a white man in to a strong cultural movie he had no scenes in the first one doesn't need a spot in this one.

Producer Dan Lin promised fans earlier this year that he and Ritchie will make a movie thats authentic to that world.

Speaking to Variety he said: I mean, Im not a typical guy. Listen, Im very fortunate working in Hollywood; I am diverse. So when I came in to make the movie, I wanted to make a diverse version of the movie.

Luckily for me, Guy Ritchie has the same vision and Disney has the same vision, so were not here to make Prince of Persia. We want to make a movie thats authentic to that world.

The uproar comes days after Ed Skrein stepped down from his role as Major Ben Daimio in the upcoming Hellboy reboot after learning that his character was of Asian heritage in the original comics.

Skrein said he was pulling out so the role can be cast appropriately following intense conversation and understandable upset over white washing fears.


I f youve been desolate since Peep Shows Jez and Mark shuffled off screen in 2015, then youre in luck.

The stars of the series, Mitchell and Webb, are back with a new Channel 4 comedy that looks set to provide similar levels of cringe and awkward laughs.

Heres everything you need to know about the new show.

Whats it about?

The series follows failed lawyer Stephen (Mitchell) whos in mourning after the death of his father, and preparing to take over the family business.

Back: Robert Webb and David Mitchell are returning to Channel 4 with a new comedy series / Channel 4

Cue the arrival of Webbs character Andrew, a charismatic trickster who was fostered by the family for a short time as a child.

Not only does Andrew crash the funeral, but then proceeds to worm his way back into the familys affections to Stephens displeasure.

Where do I recognise Mitchell and Webb from?

The comedy duo is best known for starring in C4 sitcom Peep Show but Mitchell and Webb have appeared together in other TV series including That Mitchell and Webb Look and The Armstrong and Miller Show.

Mitchell also regularly appears on comedy panel shows including Would I Lie To You? and Have I Got News For You?.

The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 1 /13 The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 Doctor Who The classic sci-fi show got a new lease of life with new companion Bill Potts BBC Line of Duty The BBC's acclaimed crime drama moved up to BBC One with more twists than ever before World Productions / BBC / Aidan Monaghan Broadchurch Chris Chibnall's mystery drama came to a close with a compelling final series ITV The Moorside Sheridan Smith puts in a stellar performance as she returns to TV in the BBC's Shannon Matthews drama Stuart Wood/ITV/BBC Apple Tree Yard Emily Watson starred in the BBC's gripping psychological thriller BBC/Kudos/Nick Briggs Fortitude, Series 2 Sky Atlantic's original Nordic noir-inspired chiller is back for more bloody mysteries Sky Atlantic Sherlock, Series 4 Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return as Holmes and Watson in the BBC's mega hit PA Taboo Tom Hardy's dark thriller is unlike any period drama you've seen before FX Networks No Offence, Series 2 Paul Abbott's comedy-drama continues to walk a tonal tightrope with total ease Channel 4/Ian Derry The Voice A move to ITV has given singing contest The Voice a new lease of life ITV

What happens in episode one?

Episode one sees Andrew arrive at the family funeral, introducing himself to Stephen as his brother.

Stephen quickly begins to distrust the surprise guests actions, but will his family give his theory that Andrew is trying to steal his life any credit? If the trailer is anything to go by, it seems unlikely.

Whos in the cast?

Supporting Mitchell and Webb in the cast are Sherlock star Louise Brealey as Stephens sister Cass, Downton Abbeys Penny Downie as his mum Ellen and Doctors Geoff McGivern as Uncle Geoff.

Whens it on?

Back starts on Wednesday, September 6 at 10pm on Channel 4.
H olly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have thrown their support behind a campaign to try and stop airlines serving nuts on planes.

Speaking during a feature on the issue in Tuesday's episode of This Morning, Schofield said: Its about time we do something more about it."

The hosts were joined on the ITV chat show by MP Jo Swinson, who has had a nut allergy since childhood, and consumer expert Alice Beer. The pair both backed calls for foods containing nuts to be banned on flights.

Last month, former This Morning producer Amy May Shead appeared on the programme to highlight the severe effect consuming nuts can have for those with allergies.

Ex-producer Has Audience in Tears With Her Peanut Allergy Reaction Story

Shead had been on holiday in Budapest when she mistakenly ate a chicken dish which she was told didnt contain nuts.

Her subsequent allergic reaction starved her brain of oxygen for nearly six minutes and she was left with permanent brain damage and wheelchair-bound.

Schofield stressed the risk serving nuts on flights could pose, saying: "Obviously, with Amy Mays story we are fully aware that it happened on holiday and thats how severe it can be [even] when you get treatment.

When you are at 30,000ft obviously the chances are the outcome will be even more severe.

The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 1 /13 The biggest and best TV shows of 2017 Doctor Who The classic sci-fi show got a new lease of life with new companion Bill Potts BBC Line of Duty The BBC's acclaimed crime drama moved up to BBC One with more twists than ever before World Productions / BBC / Aidan Monaghan Broadchurch Chris Chibnall's mystery drama came to a close with a compelling final series ITV The Moorside Sheridan Smith puts in a stellar performance as she returns to TV in the BBC's Shannon Matthews drama Stuart Wood/ITV/BBC Apple Tree Yard Emily Watson starred in the BBC's gripping psychological thriller BBC/Kudos/Nick Briggs Fortitude, Series 2 Sky Atlantic's original Nordic noir-inspired chiller is back for more bloody mysteries Sky Atlantic Sherlock, Series 4 Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return as Holmes and Watson in the BBC's mega hit PA Taboo Tom Hardy's dark thriller is unlike any period drama you've seen before FX Networks No Offence, Series 2 Paul Abbott's comedy-drama continues to walk a tonal tightrope with total ease Channel 4/Ian Derry The Voice A move to ITV has given singing contest The Voice a new lease of life ITV

More than 300,000 people have signed a petition created in Sheads name, calling for nuts to be banned on planes.

Meanwhile Swinson described the experience of having an allergic reaction as terrifying.

Its a terrifying experience to go through. On a flight you do feel particularly vulnerable. It is time to ask the question, is it so important nuts are served or could another snack be served instead? she said.

Viewers were also informed that the This Morning producers had contacted representatives of 13 different airlines to appear on the programme and all had declined.
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by Austin Bay September 5, 2017

Three civil wars with roots in Arab Spring revolts continue to plague the Arab world: Yemen, Syria and Libya.

Syria receives the most international attention. With over 500,000 dead that's understandable. Libyan battles over oil facilities also draw headlines.

In comparison, Yemen's civil war on the Arabian Peninsula's southwestern corner receives little notice. There are many reasons. Though regional powers Iran and Saudi Arabia back the two major antagonists, it is difficult to determine what the warring factions really want. Both are coalitions mixing rebelling soldiers, angry tribes and strong men with selfish motives. Al-Qaida on the Arabian Peninsula is also a force in Yemen.

However, what aid organizations call "the deadly combination" of war, disease and mass starvation has suddenly brought global attention to Yemen's ugly conflict.

Earlier this year, the UN announced Yemen would soon be the world's biggest humanitarian crisis, supplanting South Sudan and Syria in terms of lives at risk.

Yemen has a population of 27 million people. 18 million need some type of assistance in order to survive.

Epidemic disease threatens the country. According to the World Health Organization, since April, over 610,000 Yemenis have contracted cholera. Combat has damaged -- and in some cases destroyed -- water and sanitation systems in urban areas. Dirty water is cholera's breeding ground. The rainy season rainwater flooded damaged sanitation systems and spread contamination.

Yemen lacks food. UN personnel in Yemen classify 6.8 million Yemenis as "food insecure," which means they lack access to sufficient food and need supplemental aid to maintain their health. Some reports indicate that half of the 6.8 million face starvation. One million people suffer from severe acute malnutrition -- which means they don't face starvation, they are starving.

Yemen was once self-sufficient in the production of cereal crops. Bad government and inadequate infrastructure reduced agricultural output. War has reduced it further. Yemen must rely on imports and aid for 75 to 80 percent of its food. Food shortages played a role in the 2011 revolt against the government.

Fighting has displaced over three million Yemenis and that figure may be low given the fighting in Summer 2017. Many of the displaced are in areas isolated by combat. They lack shelter. Lack of shelter leads to death from exposure, particularly among children and the elderly.

The war is the responsibility of many people and factions. Former president Ali Abdullah Saleh mismanaged the country. Saleh was toppled in 2011 by the Houthis, who are Shia Muslim backed by Shia Iran. Saleh (a Sunni Muslim) is now an ally of the Houthis, though that alliance is troubled. Two weeks ago there were rumors Houthi leaders had placed him under arrest in the capital, Sana'a. The Houthis control Sana'a and northwestern Yemen.

Iran uses Yemen as a proxy battlefield to attack its chief regional rival, Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia. The Iranians say Yemen is Saudi Arabia's "back door." Iran has supplied its proxies with weapons, ammunition and money. Credible defense sources report Iran has deployed Iranian and Lebanese-Hezbollah advisers and technical experts in Houthi-controlled areas. An estimated 50 advisers have been killed or captured.

However, the World Food Program blames Saudi Arabia for the food crisis. Saudi Arabia leads the coalition supporting the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi. The WFP claims that Saudi aircraft have bombed food production and distribution centers. Saudi backed forces have also targeted water and sanitation facilities.

Saudi Arabia disputes the accusation and says in Yemen it is defending itself from Iran. However, several Saudi citizens and organizations have contributed millions of dollars to provide food and medical relief in Yemen.

As for the war and the suffering? There is no end in sight.
While most attention is on the rebel violence in Sudan and South Sudan there is an even larger threat developing in the background. This is about who (Egypt, Ethiopia or Sudan) owns how much of the Nile River water. The Nile has its origins in Ethiopia and then gathers more water as it flows through Sudan and then to Egypt which has long been the major user (for agriculture). But now that water is valuable to all three countries for hydroelectric power as well. The trigger for the current dispute is several Ethiopian dam projects opposed by Egypt because of fears the dams will reduce the Nile's flow and deprive Egypt of its usual share of Nile water. Egypt claims it has rights to around 85 percent of the Niles annual flow and cites two treaties, one from 1929 and one from 1959, as the basis for its claim. In 2013 the three countries agreed to form a joint special committee of international experts to discus and analyze the dam project and its potential effects on Nile River water flow. That effort did not settle anything because Ethiopia makes a good case that times and technology have changed and now it is possible for Ethiopia and Sudan to get more use from the Nile water that otherwise flows down through Egypt on its way to the Mediterranean.

Until recently Sudan appeared to continue its historical support for Egypt. But in the last few months Sudan became more willing to side with Ethiopia when it comes to the long-standing dispute over GERD (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam) which is under construction (since 2011) and nearing completion. Major parts of GERD are already completed and operational. Recently Sudan turned to Ethiopia seeking support for its 1958 claim to the Halayeb Triangle area. This is a border territory that Egypt and Sudan both claim. Egypt has refused to submit the dispute to international arbitration. Sudan apparently deduced that the best approach to this was to involve Egyptian resistance to GERD. The three nations are still unable to agree on a water and electrical power sharing agreement with Ethiopia over Nile River water distribution rights and Sudan wants Egypt to give up this 20,000 square kilometer area on the Red Sea border between the two. Most of the 27,000 people in the triangle are ethnic Sudanese, despite decades of Egyptian efforts to encourage ethnic Egyptians to move to the desolate area. Egypt is not keen on surrendering the triangle but is now forced to consider it. Some Egyptian politicians have threatened to attack the GERD, which it could do thanks to its large force of American F-16 fighter-bombers. Ethiopia has already spent over half the nearly $7 billion GERD will cost and Egypt could ruin much of that via smart bomb attacks.

September 4, 2017: How times have changed in Sudan. Back in 2014 it was government policy to discourage, with physical force is need be. That meant opposition media would have their offices visited by gunmen who beat editors and reporters and warned them that discussion (in print or on TV) of normalizing relations with Israel was forbidden because that would mean recognizing Israels existence. Back then Sudan backed the Palestinians. Now government ministers are appearing on TV blaming the Palestinians for the continued bad relations with Israel and that it was time to normalize relations with Israel. This is part of the Sudan move away from Iran (made official in January 2017) and back to alliances with Sunni Arab oil states. The Sunni Arabs, with the notable exception of the self-destructive Palestinians, are treating Israel as a valuable ally in the current struggle against an aggressive Shia Iran. These pro-Israel sentiments became public in August and created some blowback from traditionalists who continue to back the Palestinians no matter what. Meanwhile the Israelis are airlifting food aid to refugees in South Sudan.

September 3, 2017: South Sudan's civil war has now lasted three years and nine months. There is no end in sight. The country is devastated. The national army, often still called the SPLA (Sudan Peoples Liberation Army) has relied on Dinka tribe militias to help fight rebels in several areas. Many of the militias have their own local agendas and are unreliable allies. One Dinka militia, the Mathiang Anyoor, has fought for the government since the civil war began in December 2013. But it too has reliability issues. In late June government forces fought with a group of Mathiang Anyoor militia deserters. The main advantage the government has is that their armed forces are more united than the rebels. Nevertheless the main rebel force, the SPLM-IO (Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement-In Opposition) is fragmented but hasn't disappeared. Its core cadre consists of former SPLA units whose soldiers came from the Nuer tribe. The civil war's tribal dimension is confirmed in the leadership. South Sudan president Salvaa Kiir is Dinka. The senior SPLM-IO leader, Riek Machar, is Nuer. Machar has opponents within the SPLM-IO and that is one reason why he remains in exile in South Africa.

September 1, 2017: In northeastern Sudan (Red Sea state) a gang specializing in people smuggling recently released 22 Eritreans who were kidnapped in mid-August. The gang reportedly received ransoms for the victims and the Sudan government is denouncing such activity. Egypt is pressuring Sudan to crack down on these smugglers because a lot of the illegals brought into Egypt get stuck in Egypt because Israel has successfully sealed its Egyptian border against the people smugglers.

August 31, 2017: In South Sudan the government announced that former army chief of staff General Paul Malong has been "confined to his home for security reasons." If it sounds like house arrest, it probably is, even though the government denies Malong is under arrest. Malong was fired as chief of staff in May after other generals accused the army of tribal bias. Malong is a Dinka.

August 30, 2017: In Sudan leaders of the two major factions of SPLM-N (Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement -North) are holding meetings to discuss reuniting the organization. The SPLM-N has been fighting the Sudan government in two states, Blue Nile and South Kordofan since 2011. Last year political disagreements led to an open split between leaders in Blue Nile state. Tribal disputes played a role. A Blue Nile faction now known as SPLM-N Agar (after its leader, Malik Agar) fought with a faction commanded by Josef Tika. Most of Agars fighters come from the Angsana tribe. Tika's fighters are Uduk (a predominantly Christian tribe.) An August 26 clash between the Agar and Tika factions spurred the new reconciliation talks. Another firefight may have occurred on August 14. Other clashes occurred in June. A faction in South Kordofan's Nuba Mountains, led by Agar's former deputy commander, Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, also opposes Agar. A former South Kordofan governor, Ismail Jalab, is in charge of the reconciliation talks. He has been critical of Agar and al-Hilu. Jalab says the SPLM-N must remain united if it wants to remain a national political force. Its personal and tribal feuds like this that keep the war going and make a peace deal very complicated. Wars like this can go on for over a decade before exhaustion leads to a peace deal which is usually just a temporay ceasfire. The underlying disputes are still there because they are much more difficule to resolve.

August 29, 2017: In southern Sudan (South Kordofan state) there is severe famine developing. Foreign aid workers report that the army is exacerbating famine conditions in the Nuba Mountains area in order to weaken rebel resistance. This has been a government tactic for decades.

August 26, 2017: In southern South Sudan (Yei River state) an American journalist was one of 20 people killed in a firefight between the army and SPLM-IO rebels in the town of Kaya.

August 24, 2017: In South Sudan the government is under pressure to either provide more protection for key (medial and food) foreign aid organizations or see them shut down operations in all or parts of South Sudan. One major medical aid organization, which operates throughout the country, points out that in the last 18 months nearly 30 of their facilities in South Sudan have been attacked and looted. The facilities in Wau Shiluk, Leer, Pibor and Kodok experienced major damage. This echoes a recent UN report that detailed how attacks on aid workers serving in South Sudan have increased. Since 2013 82 aid workers have been killed in South Sudan. So far this year 15 have been slain.

August 23, 2017: In Sudan Russia's ambassador was found dead in the capital. In died in the swimming pool at his residence. Investigators said the cause of death was heart attack -- not assassination.

August 16, 2017: In Sudan foreign aid groups believe that because the violence in South Sudan is not decreasing, the South Sudanese refugees in Sudan may be staying there for years. Some 415,000 South Sudanese refugees are currently in Sudan and the camps are not popular with the locals as they often become sanctuaries for criminals and rebels who prey on the locals. A growing number of South Sudanese are fleeing the country, most often to Uganda where about a million South Sudanese refugees are concentrated in camps that suffer similar problems but to a lesser extent. Thats because Uganda is largely (85 percent) Christian and ethnically similar to many of the South Sudanese refugees.

August 15, 2017: In northeast South Sudan (Upper Nile state) rebels claim they have retaken the town of Pagak after five days of fighting and reports from locals seems to confirm that. The rebels drove away a government force that had arrived on the 7th and claimed it controlled the town. The fierce rebel counter-attack to retake the town is not a surprise. Since 2014 Pagak has served as a primary rebel military base and political headquarters and is about ten kilometers from the Ethiopian border.

August 11, 2017: The U.S. and Egypt have told the Sudanese government that Sudan may send a military delegation to observe the U.S.-Egyptian Bright Star military exercise scheduled for October. This is a diplomatic gesture intended to tell Sudan it is not completely isolated even though U.S.-Sudan relations remain cool and Egyptian-Sudan relations continue to be tense.

August 9, 2017: In South Sudan the UN has begun deploying a new peacekeeper force called RPF (Regional Protection Force). The 4,000 troops of the RPF is a special reinforcement for the existing UN peacekeeping force there. RPF provides extra protection for UN facilities in the capital and areas declared sanctuaries for civilians. RPF will also take on some of the transportation route protection duties. About 500 RPF troops have arrived so far (a Rwandan infantry company, a Nepalese security company and a Bangladeshi combat engineer detachment).

August 8, 2017: In central South Sudan (Gok state) fighting between factions of the Dinka Gok tribe left 44 dead and 62 wounded in a continuing feud over cattle and territory.
Prime Minister Ratas, Juri, its great to be back in Estonia and to meet with you and its a great honour to be here in Tapa. And to see the NATO battlegroup and also to see how Estonia is an excellent host nation for the NATO battlegroup. And Id like to commend you and Estonia for your contributions to NATO, to our different missions and operations, but not least for leading by example by spending more than 2% on defence. And the good message is that this year there will be more NATO Allies meeting that target and more and more NATO Allies are stepping up their efforts to strengthen our collective defence. And an important part of that is the deployment of the four battlegroups to the three Baltic countries and to Poland and the battlegroup I met today sends a very strong signal of NATO unity, NATO resolve and NATO strength. That is important because we live in a more demanding NATO security environment. The fact is that by deploying four battlegroups with more than 4000 troops from 15 different nations, from both Europe and North-America, we send a clear message that an attack on one NATO Ally will trigger a response from the whole Alliance. And this is part of bigger picture. We have tripled the size of the NATO Response Force to 40000 troops, with a High Readiness Joint Task Force ready to move within a few days. Allied jets patrol the skies over Estonia as part of our Air Policing and NATO ships are patrolling in the Baltic Sea helping to keep the Baltic Sea secure.

NATOs presence in the Baltic region is defensive, it is proportionate, we are here not to provoke conflict but we are here to prevent conflict.

We see a more assertive Russia, which has implemented a significant military built-up over several years. Also with more and bigger exercises. NATO is closely monitoring Russias exercise Zapad. We are sending 3 experts to the exercise following invitations from Russia and Belarus, but these invitations fall short from the transparency required by the OSCE: briefings on the exercise scenario and progress, opportunities to talk to individual soldiers and overflights of the exercise. This is something which is part of the Vienna Document, which is the international agreement regulating the transparency, predictability related to military exercises. And even though we are invited to distinguished visitors days both in Belarus and in Russia, we are not invited to take fully part in any kind of Vienna Document observation of the exercise. So we call on Russia to observe the letter and the spirit of the Vienna Document, transparency and predictability are even more important when tensions run high, to reduce the risks of misunderstandings and incidents. So NATO remains calm and vigilant, and committed to keep Estonia and all our Allies safe.

So thank you once again.

Q1. Stefan Leifert, German television ZDF: Secretary General, what could be the response of NATO to Zapad, if Russia does not stick to the Vienna Document?

A1. Secretary General: As the Prime Minister just said, we will follow closely the Zapad exercise, we will monitor the activities and we are vigilant but also calm because we dont see any imminent threat against any NATO Ally. And NATO has also responded to a more assertive Russia. We are not changing our military posture because of the Zapad exercise but NATO has already implemented important changes in our military posture in response to a more assertive Russia which we have seen developing over several years, with more Russian troops close to our borders, with more modern Russian equipment and also with more exercises, and not least of course for Russia being responsible for using military force against a neighbor, against Ukraine. So therefore we have the Enhanced Forward Presence with the four battlegroups, we have the High Readiness Forces and we have also now more Allies spending more on defence to be able to respond to a more challenging security environment. But NATOs aim is not to mirror what Russia does, tank by tank, or plane by plane, or soldier by soldier. Our ambition and what we are doing is to respond in a measured, proportionate, responsible way, not provoking conflict but remaining calm and vigilant and ready to react if there is any need.

Q2. Damon Wake, AFP: Secretary General, on North Korea how concerned are you about the situation, the stand-off appears to be getting worse rather than better. Would you call on China or other parties to do more to defuse the situation? Thank you.

A2. Secretary General: I strongly condemn the testing of nuclear weapons in North-Korea. And I condemn the development of North-Korean intercontinental ballistic missiles and I call on North-Korea to refrain from more testing and to abandon their missile program and to abandon their nuclear program. The testing of nuclear weapons and the testing of missiles is a blatant violation of several UN Security Council resolutions and its a threat to international peace and security and it increases tensions in the region. So North-Korea must comply with the UN resolutions, they must stop developing nuclear weapons and their missiles and they must engage in constructive dialogue to reduce tensions in the region. NATO is closely following the developments in the region, we are in close dialogue with our partners South-Korea and Japan. We have had several meetings in the North Atlantic Council discussing with our partners the situation and the increased tensions in the region caused by the behavior, the provocative behavior of North-Korea. And I met with Prime Minister Abe in July when he visited NATO HQ, we discussed the situation and how we can work together, and Im also going to visit South-Korea and Japan in October, later on this year and of course the tensions, the challenges we see caused by the testing of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles will be an important topic which will then be discussed when I visit Japan and South-Korea in a few weeks.
The sale of a house in Rotorua seized from a woman sentenced for money laundering has now been settled.

The seizure of the property followed a police operation from 2014 in relation to methamphetamine offending.

The National Organised Crime Group operation resulted in numerous arrests and convictions for the importation and distribution of at least 1.75 kilograms of methamphetamine.

One of those arrested was Linda Olive Aldworth, a Rotorua nurse who had been in a relationship with one of those also arrested through the operation, says a statement from police.

The Central Asset Recovery Unit investigated assets identified and owned by Ms Aldworth, and it was discovered she was laundering large sums of money, both in New Zealand and internationally, says police.

Her money laundering assisted other criminal entities ability to import methamphetamine.

After Police obtained evidence regarding Aldworths actions, she was charged with laundering $363, 631.99.

She pleaded guilty to money laundering charges and was sentenced to 10 months 14 days of home detention.

Her home in Rotorua, as well as other assets, were forfeited as a result of an application made by the Commissioner of Police pursuant to the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act.

In July 2017, the property was sold for $385,000, significantly higher than the rateable valuation.

All proceeds of the sale have been forfeited to the Crown.

This is a strong message to those involved in crime, if you succumb to the temptation and greed of money earned from crime then you face losing your assets, says Detective Senior Sergeant Brent Murray, of the Central Asset Recovery Unit.

Methamphetamine related crimes create massive social harm in our communities which in turn has significant financial costs for our country, and we will pursue any profits derived from dealing in this drug.

The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act continues to be a highly effective tool to recover proceeds of crime and we encourage anyone with information regarding criminal or suspicious financial activities to contact Police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible.
When it comes to smart speakers, Panasonic is hoping users will remember the music and not just the assistant technology.

The companys new SC-GA10 is a large, minimally designed smart speaker with Google Assistant inside that also boasts a powerful audio punch. Panasonic demonstrated the speaker at Berlins IFA trade show in two versions: both had a silver base and one had a black speaker while the other was white.

The speaker unit contains a bass speaker and two tweeters offset by about 90 degrees to each other to help fill a room with sound. The speakers can work on their own or be grouped together through a smartphone app for stereo or multi-room audio.

They respond to all the usual Google voice commands and are also compatible with Chromecast Audio. Users can also connect to one speaker via Bluetooth and have the audio replayed through multiple speakers.

The SC-GA10 smart speaker will be available in early 2018. Panasonic hasnt disclosed the price.
The Federal Trade Commission has settled with Lenovo after it was revealed that 750,000 laptops came pre-installed with spyware and adware. The attorneys general of 32 states acted alongside the FTC and have collectively fined the company $3.5 million. Offending laptops were sold from August 2014 through June 2015 and came installed with a program called VisualDiscovery.

The full settlement is available online.

Created by California-based software developer Superfish, the program would analyze a consumer's screen and web browsing looking for potential products. If it discovered that the user was viewing product images or online shopping, it would overlay pop-up ads in the browser for similar products sold by Superfish's retail partners.

According to its own description, their man-in-the-middle attack used image searches instead of keywords.

How did this spyware get on hundreds of thousands of Lenovo laptops? According to Lenovo, they didn't know it was spyware. With all of the extra third-party software Lenovo installed on its laptops, nobody checked to see what Superfish actually did and the privacy concerns in entailed.

Although dozens of models were affected, the FTC doesn't actually have the authority to fine Lenovo (the attorneys general handled the monetary fine). In essence, the settlement today amounts to a slap on the wrist. If Lenovo violates the terms of the settlement though, then the FTC can start fining.

Going forward, Lenovo is now required to ask for user permission when installing any software that collects and sends personal information to another company.

If you believe you were affected, Lenovo has a SuperFish removal tool available on their website.
Microsoft on October 31 is hosting its annual Future Decoded conference at the ExCeL convention center in London. On Wednesday, the Redmond-based company revealed to The Verge that Panos Panay, corporate vice president of the devices group at Microsoft, will be speaking at the event.

Panay will join other Microsoft keynote speakers including Joseph Sirosh, Julia White, Chris Bishop and Mark Russinovich, among others.

Microsoft typically unveils new Surface-branded hardware in October and this year looks to be no exception.

Sources familiar with the matter tell the publication that Microsoft is expecting to announce at least one new Surface device at the event. Last year, Microsoft at an event in New York City introduced its Surface Studio AIO for content creators and an updated version of the Surface Book with faster hardware and better battery life (the design, however, remained unchanged).

As for what's on the docket next month, plausible products include a version of the Surface Pro with LTE connectivity, a revamped Surface Book with an 8th generation Intel Core processor and / or a refreshed Surface Hub.

The company is also working with several partners including Asus, HP and Lenovo to develop ARM-powered Windows 10 PCs. It's unclear if these will be presented next month but it's a possibility.

The Future Decoded event, which offers "an inspired vision of the digital business of tomorrow," runs through November 1.
T-Mobile is gearing up to roll out a new perk for its unlimited T-Mobile ONE plan next week.

The "un-carrier" has partnered with Netflix to offer the streaming service to its customers at no charge. CEO John Legere introduced the "Netflix on Us" program while lampooning the competition in his hilarious v-log (below).

The catch is that only T-Mobile ONE family plans with two or more voice lines are eligible. This is not a promotional offer that expires; it's is being considered a permanent feature of the package.

Getting started with Netflix on Us is relatively straightforward. Eligible subscribers, both existing and new, can contact T-Mobile through its app, website or by phone to activate their account. They will receive a URL that will link their Netflix and T-Mobile accounts.

Once paired, T-Mobile will pay Netflix directly for your subscription. The company does caution that existing Netflix subscribers might not see the benefits kick in for one or two Netflix billing cycles.

It is also worth noting that T-Mobile will only pay for the $9.99 standard Netflix plan (two simultaneous HD streams). The good news is that if you are a premium subscriber (four streams at $11.99), the service still covers your subscription, but the $2 difference will be added to your phone bill. In a nutshell, you end up saving $120 per year, which is not a bad deal, especially if you are already a subscriber.

Like it or hate it, T-Mobile has been working hard to capture your business. The new program is being introduced as the mobile provider continues to improve its service and coverage. The carrier began deploying its 600 MHz LTE service last month and is slated to complete the rollout by the end of the year. It hopes to surpass Verizon and AT&T in area coverage with the lower frequency towers.

Netflix on Us will be available starting September 12.
(Natural News) A Silicon Valley startup company called Pyka is developing an autonomous (self-driving) plane to meet the burgeoning demand for planes that rely on artificial intelligence and sensor technology to replace co-pilots and possibly even pilots with remote operators or robots on commercial flights. The company has already produced a 400-pound plane that can take off and land in a small area (just 90 feet) and fly autonomously. However, while regulators conduct multiple tests before allowing human commercial flights, the company has hit on the brainwave of using the plane for another lucrative application: dousing agricultural land with toxic chemical pesticides.

Tech Crunch explains:

Pyka has developed a placeholder business doing crop dusting in New Zealand. That helps it earn $600 per hour while logging the hours necessary to prepare for the human transportation market. Crop dusting alone is a $1.5 billion business in the U.S.

The U.K.s Daily Mail claims that using an autonomous plane like the Pyka Plane makes agricultural chemical application safer, faster and more precise. The manufacturers have engineered the plane to execute such chemical application at high speed (over 70 miles an hour) and very close to the ground, at heights which would normally be dangerous. Though the plane is likely to be exorbitantly expensive, Pyka believes this expense will be offset by its extremely fast and affordable application capabilities. (Related: Learn why the toxic chemicals used in conventional agriculture are so dangerous at Chemicals.news.)

In theory, the concept behind the plane seems sound. The Mail reports:

The planes onboard sensors allow it to self-regulate its position, flying precise paths while spraying at the right times. This allows the plane to compensate if theres wind and drift, leading to using less chemicals per acre while also decreasing accidental exposure of chemicals to other areas.

While pesticide drift from conventional spraying is a big problem, Pyka is missing the point: Spraying toxic chemicals more efficiently doesnt negate the fact that they are toxic in the first place. What is needed is the eradication of pesticides, not the more efficient application thereof.

For years independent media leaders like Mike Adams of Natural News have been warning about the dangers of such pesticides, including Monsantos Roundup, which contains over 50 percent glyphosate. (Related: How Monsantos Roundup unleashes chemical violence against women and children.)

Big Agri came out with guns blazing against such allegations, insisting that glyphosate  and by extension Roundup  had been proven to be safe in countless scientific studies.

Then, in March 2015, the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) issued a report entitled IARC Monographs Volume 112: evaluation of five organophosphate insecticides and herbicides, which turned the agricultural world on its head and left Monsanto with serious egg on its face.

The report findings stated:

The herbicide glyphosate and the insecticides malathion and diazinon were classified as probably carcinogenic to humans (Group 2A). [Emphasis added]

With an increasing number of studies linking glyphosate to the cancer non-Hodgkins lymphoma, Monsanto is now facing a crippling barrage of lawsuits from plaintiffs and their families whose lives have been destroyed by chemical pesticides.

So, you see, searching for safer and more effective ways to dump these chemicals on farmland is not the solution. The only way forward is to stop using chemical pesticides and throw our collective weight behind the growing organic movement worldwide.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

TechCrunch.com

NYTimes.com

IARC.fr[PDF]

NaturalNews.com
Venezuela condemns this event and maintains its principled position of absolute condemnation of terrorist acts, methods and practices. | Read More
(Natural News) A tech reporter claimed Thursday that Google uses its power to censor the internet, alleging that the company pressured her to delete an article detailing its deliberate stifling of search traffic.

(Article by Rob Shimshock republished from DailyCaller.com)

Former Forbes reporter Kashmir Hill reportedly discovered during a 2011 social media meeting with Google that the company would rank links higher on its search engine if those links included buttons for its Google Plus social network, according to the reporters Gizmodo article.

The Google salespeople were encouraging Forbes to add Pluss +1 social buttons to articles on the site, alongside the Facebook Like button and the Reddit share button, Hill said. They said it was important to do because the Plus recommendations would be a factor in search resultsa crucial source of traffic to publishers.

By tying search results to the use of Plus, Google was using that muscle to force people to promote its social network, Hill said.

The former Forbes reporter clarified her interpretation with Googles press office, which did not say she was wrong, but preferred to phrase the Google Plus button function as something that influences the ranking of pages.

Hill published an article in Forbes entitled Stick Google Plus Buttons On Your Pages, Or Your Search Traffic Suffers in which she detailed the exchange.

Google promptly flipped out, Hill said. This was in 2011, around the same time that a congressional antitrust committee was looking into whether the company was abusing its powers.

Google allegedly did not object to the accuracy of the story but told Hill to take it down, citing the confidentiality of the meeting in which the writer had learned the information. However, Hill claims that there was no such arrangement for confidentiality. (RELATED: Anti-Corporate Voices On Both Right And Left Claim Google Censorship)

Read more at: DailyCaller.com
Houston Troubles Turn Into New Car Dealer Opportunities

Atlanta GA September 5, 2017; Hurricane Harvey will likely prove to be among the worst, most-costly natural disasters to hit our United States. Vehicle damage caused by flooding was significant. Cox Automotive has estimated that between 300,000 and 500,000 vehicles were severely damaged or destroyed, which translates to $2.7 billion - $4.9 billion in lost vehicle value, based on vehicle age in the market.

The recovery will be slow, but has already begun. According to data provided by Cox Automotiveas Dealer.com, which runs more than 60 percent of dealer websites in the U.S., online automotive shopping and research was brisk over Labor Day Weekend. Where the rest of the country was relatively flat compared to Labor Day Weekend 2016, the Houston market showed a 16% increase in overall dealership website traffic and a 26% increase in vehicle description page views. Further, volume measured by our Dealertrack credit application system returned to normal in the Houston market over the long holiday weekend, after dropping to virtually zero as the storm raged over Texas. Since most car purchase are financed, this is an indication that the rate of car buying in the area is rebounding quickly.

Flood damaged vehicles will be an ongoing issue for the Houston market and beyond. (And possibly the Florida market, pending the path of Irma.) Working with our partners at AiM a Alliance Inspection Management a our team assembled the attached statements pertaining to flood damage and vehicle salvage. AiM and its 1,300 employee inspect more than 2.4 million used vehicles annually.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk The Most Practical and Usable 700 HP Vehicle Ever - Review By Larry Nutson +VIDEO

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

The most powerful and quickest SUV ever!

By Larry Nutson

Senior Editor and Bureau Chief

Chicago Bureau

The Auto Channel

The sound of rain awakened me during the night. I was in a hotel room in Portland, Maine where the quietude allows for open-windows. Occasionally I got a whiff of salt air.

The evening before a water taxi from Portlands Old Port waterfront where the Fore River joins Casco Bay took me past historic Fort Gorges over to Spring Point. It was cool and damp but the salt air was refreshing. I settled my appetite with some local fresh seafood, courtesy of my hosts from Jeep.

About six week earlier I got an email that read: You are invited to join the Jeep brand in Portland, Maine, for the first drive of the highly anticipated 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Driving will include public roads in Maine and New Hampshire, as well as track time at the new Club Motorsports road course in Tamworth, New Hampshire.

The time was now! And for the coming day I didnt want or need any rain.

The automotive enthusiast world has wondered, speculated and spread rumors about which vehicle from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles would next have the 707-horsepower Hellcat Hemi engine stuffed under its hood.

Speculation ended back in early April when the 707-horsepower 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was revealed in New York to the automotive world. Later that month the folks at Jeep hosted Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA) members at a meeting where we got an up close look at the Trackhawk. This detailed walk-around included hearing the rev of its powerful engine, further whetting my appetite for some time behind the wheel

Candidly, it was nice of Dodge to share their Hellcat engine with Jeep. Knowing already that two Dodge Hellcat-powered cars had been totally engineered to handle 707-horsepower, we knew there would be nothing less for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

On the Trackhawk the 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter engine is combined with an upgraded high-torque capacity TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, reworked driveline and suspension components and new Brembo brakes.

For my day with the Trackhawk I wanted both the roads and the track to be dry, because:

0-60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds

quarter mile in 11.6 seconds at 116 mph

top speed of 180 mph

60-0 mph braking distance in 114 feet

.88 g capability on the skid pad

Lest you be confused there is still a Grand Cherokee SRT with its 475-horsepower 6.4-liter V-8 that delivers 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.3 seconds, quarter-mile in 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph.

And now topping out the Grand Cherokee model lineup, Jeep brought the Trackhawk to both drive new business and satisfy customer demand, as well as compete with some of the other high-performing SUVs on the market, according to Jeep brand executives.

The engineering development and testing of the Trackhawk by FCA was handled in its entirety by SRT Engineering and SRT Powertrain. Unlike typical product development comprised of engineering by a number of specialized departments, SRT Engineering and SRT Powertrain teams do it all, from engine air intake to the tires putting the power to the road. SRT Engineering even has its own building to efficiently house this team of performance-minded engineers.

For the Trackhawk the Hellcat engine has been refined a bit with a new camshaft with revised valve timing, a new low-temperature cooling system to keep the charge air cool during performance driving, and a new fuel delivery system, featuring two high-flow, multi-mode pumps.

Packaging the engine in the Grand Cherokee required unique exhaust manifolds. In the corners of the front lower valance, instead of fog lights, theres an oil cooler on the right and an engine cold air intake on the left. The management of heat rejection as well as engine oil control with a 1.4-G launch demanded some unique engineering.

For your curious mind, a Helmholtz resonator is used to manage supercharger noise.

The TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is beefed up and has improved shift response. The software looks at a number of variables such as engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, grade changes, friction detection and downshift detection to determine the appropriate shift map.

Grand Cherokees all-wheel-drive system for the Trackhawk has a new single-speed active transfer case with a limited-slip rear differential. The differential has increased torque capacity, new gear tooth geometry for more strength, and a new four-point mount. New, stronger half-shafts are also used.

Riding one inch lower than the standard Grand Cherokee, the suspension features unique-to-the-Trackhawk Bilstein adaptive damping shocks. Brembo brakes include front 15.75-inch (400 mm) two-piece vented rotors with six-piston yellow-painted calipers, and 13.78-inch (350 mm) vented rotors with four-piston yellow calipers in the rear.

Standard wheels are 20 x 10-inch and theres an optional forged aluminum wheel that saves a total of 12 pounds versus the standard Trackhawk wheel. Tires are all-new Pirelli 295/45ZR20 Scorpion Verde all-season and new Pirelli P Zero three-season tires with an increased speed rating are optional

And by the way, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is capable of towing 7,200 pounds.

Overall the Trackhawk doesnt have a lot of bling. Supercharged badging on each side, quad exhaust outlets, and the new front fascia are key identifiers.

Climbing in, the Trackhawk features standard Nappa leather and suede seats with an embroidered Trackhawk logo. Looking through the flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel to the 7-inch driver information display instrument cluster the tachometer sits in the middle with a 200-mph speedometer off to the left side.

The instrument panel center stack has a new 8.4-inch Uconnect display featuring Trackhawk-exclusive Performance Pages where you can modify the transmission, suspension, and steering settings for Street, Sport, and Track modes.

So how is it on the street, you ask? Lets say its quite docile. We spent a morning driving from Portland, crisscrossing the countryside for about 100 miles, to get to Tamworth, NH. The Trackhawk is smooth and quiet. The most you notice is a bit of exhaust rumble. Of course, if you step into the throttle to pass another vehicle it roars to life. Theres plenty of room and comfort for five and lots of SUV practicality.

The Selec-Track all-wheel-drive system has five modes--Auto, Sport, Track, Tow, Snow, and Custom. Each modifies the front-to-rear torque split, suspension firmness, and electronic stability control. We tried Sport on our drive and felt it heavied everything up too much.

Fuel economy is most likely not even a consideration with the Trackhawk. But in any case, EPA ratings are 11 city mpg and 17 highway mpg, and premium gasoline is recommended.

Mid-day we arrived at Club Motorsports, a brand new premiere country club for enthusiasts of vintage and performance cars and motorcycles at the edge of New Hampshires White Mountains. The track has15 turns over 2.5 miles with an elevation change of 250 feet. The road course is over 40 feet wide with a mix of long straightaways and left and right turns both uphill and downhill.

The track was dry! Thank goodness.

Following a track safety overview, Erich Heuschele, the SRT Motorsports Engineering Manager talked us through driving the Trackhawk. Most notable was him saying to simply leave the transmission selector in Drive. The software programming will do a better job of shifting up and down as well as rev-matching.

I quickly saw how well this 5000 lb. Jeep handled the turns and elevation changes of the track. A steep 14-percent uphill grade was taken with ease by the blown Hemi. Accelerating quickly on the straights the huge Brembos pulled you down repeatedly without fade. On the main street we were in the 110-120 mph range before jumping on the binders. In the corners there is no sense of uncertainty. The Trackhawk is very balanced and compliant. Body roll is practically non-existent.

Using Launch Control and the new Torque Reserve system many of us matched or bettered the 3.5-second zero to 60 mph time. Launch Control pre-positions the supercharger bypass valve to generate boost and minimize manifold filling time, while cutting fueling to individual cylinders and managing spark timing. This generates a reserve of torque that is instantaneously delivered upon acceleration from a standing stop.

Trackhawk orders are being taken now. Its priced at $85,900. Add options and you can approach $100K. Wow!

But.the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is indeed a spectacular vehicle. Its the most practical and usable 700-horsepower vehicle ever.

 2017 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy

This report comes from an invitation-only Jeep launch event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Jeep provided my overnight accommodations, meals, and transportation.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/09/2017 (1894 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Steinbach RCMP are looking for information related to three incidents of a male with a similar description exposing himself to females in the Mitchell area.

On August 17, at approximately 3:15 pm, police were notified that a 16-year-old female out walking her dog saw a metallic blue sedan pass by her slowly and stop. When she walked past the vehicle, a male exposed himself to her. She ran away.

On August 20, at approximately 7:10 p.m., RCMP received a report that a 31-year-old female out jogging saw a metallic blue sedan pass by her and stop. When she ran past the vehicle, a male exited the vehicle and exposed himself to her. He then jumped back in his vehicle and drove off. Further along her route, the male repeated his actions. The female was able to call for a ride home.

On August 31, just before 4 p.m., a 41-year-old woman was walking her dog when she noticed someone following her. When she turned around, a male exposed himself to her and ran off.

Police said in a release that although descriptions of the man vary slightly, they believe the incidents are related. The male is described as Caucasian, in his late twenties or early thirties. He has reddish blonde short hair with a full, scruffy reddish blonde beard. He is approximately 510 tall and has a medium build.

RCMP have increased patrols in the area looking for this individual.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Steinbach RCMP at 204-326-4452 or call Manitoba Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, submit a secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com or text TIPMAN plus a message to CRIMES (274637).
(Natural News) Perhaps one of the most bizarre job-creation schemes ever devised is about to be put in place by far-Left ideologues in Californias capital city of Sacramento.

As reported by Fox40, the city council has just approved a program called Advance Peace in which taxpayer funds will be utilized to pay criminals and gang members not to kill one another.

The report noted the impulsiveness of the decision to implement such a program:

After a violent weekend of suspected gang-related shootings, Tuesday the Sacramento City Council took action to reduce the bloodshed.

It approved a controversial program called Advance Peace, which offers cash stipends to gang members who remain peaceful.

The program is already in use in Richmond and is also being considered in Stockton. Some believe [sic] it can help curve violent crime.

The program is the brainchild of Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, who actually pushed a vote on it two weeks early because of one weekends worth of violence (are you now asking yourself why this brilliant idea has yet to occur to the mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel?).

Lets get going doing everything we can to save innocent lives, Steinberg said.

The program will offer cash payments to key gang agitators, Fox40 reported, if they graduate high school and stay peaceful. The Lefties running the city of Richmond have said their program is reducing violent crime.

The program in Sacramento is expected to cost the city $1.5 million annually (at first).

Allen Brown, a friend of a recent shooting victim named Ernie Cadina, said the program is asinine.

Hows the vote going to change anything? Its up to the community to change, you know what I mean? Its just senseless, he told the local Fox affiliate.

Paying thugs not to be thugs is the latest anti-crime trend among pointy-headed liberals who have long abandoned principles of law and order that actually do reduce crime  and without the added cost of bribing the criminals.

Not only is the amount being offered  something close to $1,000 a month in some cases  enough to sustain someone, just imagine how many would-be criminals will step up to claim they will be bad boys and girls if they dont start getting some payola. (Related: There is a storm of civil unrest coming and you need to be fit to fight  Heres how to prepare.)

If you dont think thats possible, a look at Washington, D.C.s pilot pay a criminal program is a case study in stupidity. As noted by Twitchy, the D.C. City Council implemented a pilot program in February 2016 to pay up to 200 people per year whove been identified as being at risk for committing a crime. Are they kidding? Talk about gullible.

And whats to stop the criminal element from actually committing more crime once he/she is getting a stipend? Are they going to be under surveillance 24/7 by police (or city councilmen and women)? Whats to stop someone getting a payment already from demanding a higher payment, which is extortion?

Whats more, most Americans dont even support having their tax money used to pay off criminals; a 2016 survey by Rasmussen Reports found that 81 percent think such an idea absurd, compared to just 5 percent who say otherwise.

Under our system of federalism, states and cities are free to experiment with public policies. We wont all agree on those policies, but that doesnt mean states and cities should not be permitted to remain test beds of democracy.

But honestly, paying criminals not to be criminals is a policy that is ripe for abuse and bound to fail. The best, and proven, ways to protect people are 1) robust police presence; 2) no restrictions on the Second Amendment; 3) long jail sentences for the worst offenders.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

Twitchy.com

Discussionist.com

Fox40.com

Sheeple.news
(Natural News) The Obamacare fail will continue unabated into next year, following the failure by Republicans to fulfill their seven-year-old promise to repeal and replace a law that is single-handedly destroying American health care coverage and delivery systems.

As reported by The Associated Press, tens of millions of Americans face a new round of double-digit health insurance premium increases in 2018.

Scores of American neither qualify for Obamacare exchange subsidies nor do their small employers provide coverage, so they must bear the full costs. Many are already paying hundreds per month in premiums and for insurance that comes with thousands in deductibles.

As noted by the AP:

Millions of people who buy individual health insurance policies and get no financial help from the Affordable Care Act are bracing for another year of double-digit premium increases, and their frustration is boiling over.

Some are expecting premiums for 2018 to rival a mortgage payment.

Worse, not only are costs going up but choices of health insurance providers are going down.

Those most at risk include middle-class Americans working for small firms; retirees; skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen; musicians; business owners.

Were caught in the middle-class loophole of no help, Sharon Thornton, a hairdresser from Delaware, told the AP. She noted that currently, shes paying around $740 per month in premiums, but shes anticipating a 35-percent increase next year, which will bring it to $1,000 or more.

Its like buying two new iPads a month and throwing them in the trash, she said, adding that the plan she has bought comes with a $6,000 deductible  so its like not having any coverage at all, except for those rare times when she might get hit by a truck.

To me, $1,000 a month is my beach house that I wanted to have, Thornton said.

When told that she could get taxpayer-provided subsidies if only shed just earn less, that made her even angrier. My whole beef is that the government is telling me, If you work less, well give you more.

The AP noted further:

If people such as Thornton drop out, they not only gamble with their own health. Their departure also means the group left behind gets costlier to cover as healthier customers bail out. Thats counter to the whole idea of insurance, which involves pooling risk.

Some of Obamacares provisions are popular, such as the prohibition against insurance companies banning coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. But what the president and the Democrats who passed Obamacare left out when they lied repeatedly to get their law passed is that its more expensive for insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions. Thats why insurance companies would charge those customers more back before Obamacare was the law of the land; it wasnt greed, it was a necessity. Sicker people cost more to cover. (Related: Thanks, Democrats: Get ready for another year of double-digit insurance premium increases.)

Speaking of Democrats, the AP tried to lay blame for Obamacares failure to accomplish practically anything it was supposed to accomplish  cheaper monthly premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs, more choice, etc  on Republicans:

[A]n influx of sicker-than-expected customers drove up costs for insurers, while many younger, healthier people stayed on the sidelines. Political opposition from Republicans complicated matters by gumming up the laws internal financial stabilizers for insurers.

This is a blatant lie, as not a single Republican voted for Obamacare. In fact, if anyone is guilty of gerrymandering with the law, its Obama, who unconstitutionally changed it repeatedly.

In any event, the GOP did fail to repeal and replace the law earlier this year after promising repeatedly for seven years that Republicans would do so if they have got a congressional majority and one of their own in the White House.

There is a bipartisan effort afoot now to make dramatic changes to the law in the Senate. But until lawmakers act, Americans will continue to get butchered economically by healthcare reform that only exacerbated the worst parts of the U.S. system as it existed before the Affordable Care Act was passed.

J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.

Sources include:

SFChronicle.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) A comprehensive study validates the impact opioid abuse has on our country, with results suggesting that from 2009 to 2015, overdose-related ICU admissions increased by 34 percent and the cost per ICU admission rose by 58 percent. During the same period, the number of opioid deaths within the ICU nearly doubled. Researchers from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center warn that their study implies a health crisis. Dr. Jennifer P. Stevens, the lead author, wrote that the review tells [the public] that the opioid epidemic has made people sicker and killed more people, in spite of all the care we can provide in the ICU, including mechanical ventilation, acute dialysis, life support and round-the-clock care.

Data from the study, which will be published ahead of print in Annals of the American Thoracic Society, are believed to be the first in the country to quantify how opioid abuse affects acute care services. Dr. Stevens and her team say that given the current trend, critical care services may not be able to meet the growing demand in the near future.

Over the course of seven years, the team analyzed more than 23 million hospital admissions of adult patients in around 162 hospitals across 44 states. Of the four million patients who required acute care, 21,705 patients were admitted due to an opioid overdose. Cross-analyzing the data even further, the researchers found that opioid-related ICU admissions increased by approximately half a percent each year. Researchers also noted that apart from the growth in number, patients who were admitted to the ICU required increasingly intensive care, which included more treatments of dialysis or other forms of high-cost renal replacement therapy. Moreover, the mortality rates of these patients also rose every year.

These findings have a worrying ramification in the medical industry. While more people are becoming addicted to opioids, hospitals and other health facilities appear to be unable to expand their prevention and treatment plans to treat this epidemic.

The authors also placed a disclaimer that their methodology limits the true scope of the health crisis. Their data came from mostly academic medical centers and were not reflective of opioid addiction in other settings. As such, it is reasonable to assume that overdose admissions in acute care may actually be higher. This study also did not take into account ICU admissions caused by complications related to drug use.

The pace of the opioid epidemic continues to increase, warned Dr. Stevens. Those of us who work in hospital intensive care units need to make sure we have the tools we need to help patients with opioid use disorders when they are at their sickest, because there doesnt appear to be any end to this epidemic in sight. (Related: The United States has crossed the pandemic threshold in the opioid epidemicand Big Pharma keeps cashing in.)

Opioid addiction in America

Heroin remains the number one opioid that is abused in our country. However, health professionals are noting that pain medications are quickly becoming a contender. Statistics show that three out of four people who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from a friend or family member. More troubling, 80 percent of prescription painkillers are given by 20 percent of prescribers, according to Addictions.com.

There is also evidence that suggests that many medical doctors over-prescribe their patients, or hand out prescriptions without first determining if the patient truly needed it. This works both ways as well. Previous data shows that more than 12 million Americans reported using prescription pain medication for non-medical purposes in 2010. This may be a contributing factor as to why the number of overdose deaths from pain medications has increased by more than 300 percent since 1999.

Follow more news on the opioid epidemic at Opioids.news.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

ConsumerAffairs.com

ATSJournals.org

Addictions.com
(Natural News) If a nickel were given to every single American every time a leftist made a comment about race, we would all be millionaires. From their never ending lectures on white privilege, their insistence that institutional racism exists within our criminal justice system, or their constant remarks about how oppressive the capitalist system is to people of color, its fair to say that the liberals rarely go even five minutes without thinking about race.

Case in point: Last month, The Atlantic published a rather lengthy article entitled American Blackout, in which the author of the piece, Alice Ristroph, seemed to suggest that the recent solar eclipse was racist because it wasnt seen by many black people. And for those who are wondering, no, it was not satire.

In the article, which was published just three days before the solar eclipse, Ristroph explained, The moons shadow will be about 70 miles wide, and it will race across the country faster than the speed of sound, exiting the eastern seaboard shortly before 3 p.m. local time. Then came the part where Ristroph somehow connected astronomy to racism: It has been dubbed the Great American Eclipse, and along most of its path, there live almost no black people.

This is a prime example of not only how obsessed with race the left really is, but also of how much credibility the progressive movement has lost over the past few decades. Its become blatantly obvious that they are more interested in creating an environment of victimization than they are in actually putting an end to racism, which isnt nearly as big of a problem in American society as they make it out to be. Furthermore, it really is pathetic how, while the entire country was eagerly anticipating the solar eclipse in the days leading up to the event, liberals like Alice Ristroph remained bitter and resentful like the malcontents they are.

This is hardly the first time that the left has put their bizarre obsession with race on full display. Just a few days ago, for instance, the University of Mississippi cut a fraternity retreat short after a participant threw a banana peel up into a tree, which evidently made some students feel uncomfortable.

To be clear, many members of our community were hurt, frightened, and upset by what occurred at [the retreat] Because of the underlying reality many students of color endure on a daily basis, the conversation manifested into a larger conversation about race relations today at the University of Mississippi, wrote interim director of Fraternity and Sorority Life Alexa Lee Arndt in a letter to the campuss Greek life community. In other words, a banana that was thrown into a tree was perceived as racist, even though the student who threw it wasnt even thinking about skin color when he discarded the remains of his midday snack.

If it seems as though the left is on a quest to make anything and everything in American society about race, thats because they absolutely are. The problem with this is that if everything is racist, then nothing is. The more the liberals claim that racism is embedded in the fabric of our society, and the more examples they come up with to try to perpetuate this claim, the less credibility they end up with. It is an ongoing pattern of phony outrage that quite frankly, the American people are catching on to. (Related: Read about how Obama and the racism industry are tearing America apart.)

One could even argue that this was one of the key reasons why Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump last November  the public is starting to wake up, and as they emerge from their slumber, they are increasingly turning away from the race-baiting progressive left.

Sources include:

DailyCaller.com

TheAtlantic.com

FreeBeacon.com
(Natural News) The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that nearly 150 Americans now die from a drug overdose each day. In the past decade, opioid overdoes have quadrupled, as have sales of prescription opioid painkillers. There are now more deaths attributable to drug overdoses than a combination of gun homicides and car crashes. At least 1,000 people receive emergency room treatment for prescription drug misuse every day, and about 50 percent of opioid overdose deaths involve prescription opioids.

Against that backdrop, the Commission on Combating Drug Addiction has, among other interim recommendations, urged President Trump to declare a national emergency over the opioid addiction crisis. With Americans consuming more opioids than any other country around the globe, the Commission also observed that the massive societal and public health problem begins in doctors offices and hospitals rather than on street corners where self-destructive drug transactions traditionally occur.

Many Big Pharma dissenters have claimed that the manufacturer of the OxyContin, Purdue Pharma, has some explaining to do about misleading marketing and the overprescribing by doctors of opioid painkillers.

From The Daily Caller:

Purdue Pharma is owned by the Sackler family, listed at 19th on the annual Forbes list of wealthiest families in the country at a worth of $13 billion. The familys fortune largely comes from OxyContin sales, which their company branded and introduced as an extended release painkiller in 1995. Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty in 2007 to felony charges for false marketing of OxyContin and paid $635 million as a result. The company overstated how long the effects of the medication lasted and severely downplayed the addiction risks of the drug. Three executives also pleaded guilty to criminal charges but dodged prison time.

Still in business, Purdue Pharma has banked about $35 billion in revenue since OxyContin was introduced into the marketplace in 1995.

Perhaps an example of no good deed  if calling it a good deed is appropriate under the circumstances  goes unpunished, Purdue Pharma reconfigured OxyContin to be more abuse-deterrent in 2010. Until 2010, 160 mg OxyContin tablets were wildly popular since abusers could sniff or inject the crushed pills for a powerful, long-lasting high. When OxyContin (which is a patented form of oxycodone) was reformulated to prevent abuse, addicts switched to heroin, which is far cheaper, through the criminal underground, Natural News previously explained.

Against the backdrop, critics argue that Big Pharma is responsible for a double dose, as it were, of responsibility for those who got hooked on prescription drugs and those who become addicted to street narcotics, both of which can be fatal.

A related question: Where was the FDA when all this is or was going on?

Purdue and other Big Pharma companies are now being hauled into court in some jurisdictions for their alleged role in the nationwide opioid epidemic. (Related: Read more about Big Pharmas toxic drugs at BigPharmaNews.com.)

The Daily Caller also claims that the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JC) allegedly worked closely with Purdue Pharma on pain-management standards and educational materials.

The standards, implemented in January 2001, downplayed the risks of opioids and served to encourage doctors who wanted to remain in good standing to prescribe the drugs for pain treatment, whether acute or chronicCritics say the coordinated elevation of pain management treatment within the medical profession by the JC and Purdue Pharma primed the system that would eventually devolve into the current epidemic of addiction.

According to various medical experts who provided forecasts to the STAT website, opioid-related deaths could spike to 250 per day as synthetic compounds such as fentanyl and carfentanil continue to gain currency in the U.S. Under that scenario, the death toll over the next decade could range from 500,000 to 650,000 Americans.

Sources include:

DailyCaller.com

WhiteHouse.gov

STATNews.com

CDC.gov

WashingtonPost.com
Charlie Angus is a good fit for Torontos Pilot Tavern. The bar and the NDP leadership hopeful both have rich musical histories, so before he sits down for a bite, he has to bound over to say hi to the bartender, himself a member of a well-known band. Of course.

Angus, an old rocker, is in the final days of his longest tour of all. Its the waning days of the partys leadership race, one that has been fought well below the national radar, but one that has major ramifications for Canadian politics.

For Angus to win, he must motivate the partys long-time members, many of whom he admits had let their memberships lapse, had drifted and were still bruised by a spirit-breaking 2015 campaign defeat.

He is believed to have most of that support, but they have to be enthusiastic enough to vote when balloting begins Sept. 18.

Read more:

No voting pattern is cast in stone, especially in Quebec: Hebert

Guy Caron gets backing of former NDP leader McDonough

NDP leadership candidates debate Quebec religious accommodation bill

He must beat back an insurgent campaign from Ontario MPP Jagmeet Singh, the late campaign momentum of Quebec MP Guy Caron, who Tuesday picked up the endorsement of former party president Brian Topp, and the hard-left movement being built by Manitoba MP Niki Ashton.

Angus is working to return the NDP to the days of Jack Layton, when members had a stake in decisions and felt valued, before the days when they were impersonally hit up for cash and told what the partys message was.

The party under Tom Mulcair had become rigid, hidebound, overly bureaucratic and afraid to take risks or make mistakes. It was the antithesis of bold. The Orange wave became the beige puddle.

Its been a tough road for Angus. Hes had to campaign with the weight of his sisters death this summer.

Hes had to endure sniping that he is too old, that politics, particularly leadership politics, are for the younger. Angus is 54, nine years older than Justin Trudeau, 16 years older than Conservative leader Andrew Scheer and Singh.

Andrew Scheer acts a lot older than me, he laughs.

I am a generation younger than (Bernie) Sanders or (Jeremy) Corbyn.

His ability to bring the party back in Quebec is rightly questioned, although he would likely make Caron a deputy leader and Quebec lieutenant.

Singh says he has signed up 47,000 of the almost 124,000 eligible voters, including 30,000 in Ontario. Angus believes those numbers are bogus, part of a Singh bluff and bluster effort to win on the first ballot. Singh has not backed down from his tally.

But Angus wont reveal his own membership numbers.

Many Singh supporters will be seen as instant New Democrats and their commitment to the party beyond their candidate will be questioned.

But this is the bottom line in this leadership race. If Singh gets his people out to vote, Anguss efforts to build bridges to second or third ballot support may not matter.

As leader he would target the Liberal government for walking away from promises.

He lists a cynical walk away from electoral reform. Not so much the policy, but more a prime minister blatantly breaking his word.

On Indigenous reconciliation, he says Trudeau has been all talk and symbols. Angus is rightly appalled at the sight of Liberal ministers going to court to fight a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision aimed at helping Indigenous children.

He sees an Indigenous justice minister, Jody Wilson-Raybould, fighting residential school survivors in court. He sees a brutally inefficient Indigenous Affairs bureaucracy that cant deliver services while children die and continues to try to erase Indigenous identity.

He would create an independent childs ombudsman who could act so kids arent dying because somebodys request for help is sitting on a desk somewhere.

He believes the Liberal government has also failed on the environment after its grand promises at the Paris environmental summit.

He would legislate the limits on greenhouse gas emissions, but remains somewhat vague on the West Coast Kinder Morgan pipeline which has pitted the Alberta NDP government of Rachel Notley against the British Columbia NDP government of John Horgan.

He says he is concerned about the safety of the pipeline expansion and he does not believe it has garnered the social license needed for the project but he wants to move beyond pipeline debates and talk about a new energy industry in this country.

Angus has the chops for the job and could reinvigorate the party from the bottom up. But only if the party looks away from the flash of the Singh insurgency.

Tim Harper writes on national affairs. tjharper77@gmail.com , Twitter: @nutgraf1

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OTTAWAFinance Minister Bill Morneau is standing firm in the face of loud opposition to proposed tax changes for people with private corporations, which he says will level the playing field in the Canadian tax system.

The changes have been blasted by the Conservative opposition in Ottawa as a small-business tax grab, while a newly formed coalition of more than 40 groups representing lawyers, doctors, businesses, farmers and others has called on Ottawa to drop the proposed reforms.

But the government is sticking to its guns, arguing the changes are meant to close tax loopholes available only to people with private corporations. The Liberals say these allow people with corporations to shift income to family members and shield savings inside a business to avoid taxes. They also contend that its unfair that people can use corporations to transform income into capital gains, which are taxed at a lower rate than normal earnings.

Speaking to reporters from Vancouver on Tuesday, where he met with business owners as part of a country-wide consultation on the proposed changes, Morneau said he hasnt heard anything so far that would make the Liberal government change course on the tax changes.

Of course people would rather keep the system the way it is if its providing them with personal advantage, he said.

We dont want to be in a situation where there are two classes of Canadians: one class that can incorporate, another class that cant; one class that as a result has lower tax rates, the other one that has higher tax rates. Thats not, in our estimation, a sustainable long-term future.

Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre, the partys finance critic, accused the government Tuesday of misleading Canadians in its contention that people with corporations have unfair tax advantages. Poilievre said there are already rules to prevent improper income sprinkling to family members and that small-business owners should be allowed to save money within their corporate structures.

What Minister Morneau is proposing is not solving a tax-avoidance problem; its solving a revenue-shortfall problem, he said.

Morneau announced the proposals in July, with a 75-day consultation period that is set to conclude Oct. 2. He said at the time that the government wants to close tax loopholes that  while legal  are being used by a wealthy few who use private corporations to avoid paying their full share through fancy accounting schemes.

The first loophole involves so-called income sprinkling, where someone with a private corporation pays part of their income to members of their family  who are ostensibly employees  to avoid paying a larger percentage of income tax.

Finance officials estimated in July that 50,000 families are avoiding taxes in this way, causing the government to miss out on $250 million per year.

To address this, the government is proposing a new reasonableness test to ensure that income is transferred to family members for legitimate reasons, not just to spread money to pay lower taxes. The test already exists for family members who are 17 or younger. The government wants it extended to all adults, while a stricter version would apply to people between 18 and 24.

Ottawa also wants to crack down on passive income that accrues from investments parked within a private corporation  money that is not to be reinvested in the business but is kept as personal savings that can be shielded from the higher, personal income tax rate and is not subject to the contribution limits of other savings mechanisms, such as RRSPs.

The final loophole targeted by Morneau involves Canadians with private corporations who transform portions of their income into lower-taxed capital-gains earnings.

According to the Finance Department, there are almost two million private corporations in Canada, eight times higher than the 240,000 there were in 1972. Morneau said Tuesday that there has been a 300-per-cent increase in the number of incorporated professionals  lawyers, doctors, accountants, architects and others  over the past 15 years.

Groups arguing against the changes have said it is unfair for the government to change tax rules for private corporations without warning or engagement. Last week, the president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce called the proposed changes a stealth attack on farmers and family businesses.

Corinne Pohlmann, senior vice-president of national affairs at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said Tuesday that many of the 109,000 entrepreneurs who are members of her organization have expressed anger at being characterized by the government as tax cheats.

She said its not fair to compare salaried employees to business owners with private corporations, who dont have paid vacations, sick days or company pensions.

The reaction were getting from small-business owners is the biggest issue weve heard in the 11 years that Ive been in Ottawa, she said.

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Ontario Superior Court Justice Cory Gilmore was already suspicious of two experienced York Regional Police officers when they refused to acknowledge that a stain marring a white Banana Republic long-sleeved shirt was blood  in spite of DNA evidence.

It looked like a coffee stain, Det. David Noseworthy told Gilmores court. Det. Alec Tompras, an officer with 11 years on the job, testified that he did not know what blood stains looked like.

But it was a bizarre interview filmed at the police station  in which the accused in a 2012 robbery can only be seen from behind on video, while the police interviewer is in full view  that ultimately prompted a rare and sternly worded ruling from Gilmore to stay charges against a man who admitted hed participated in a Markham cellphone store holdup.

The police misconduct in the case, she ruled, was too serious to proceed on the charges, as it violated the charter rights of the accused.

Gilmore found there was no other conclusion than that Gil Kim, facing charges including robbery with a weapon or imitation weapon, was assaulted by Tompras and Noseworthy at a York police station after his arrest on Aug. 2, 2012. The officers then attempted to cover it up, she found.

I find that both detectives  used physical intimidation to attempt to extract a confession from him. When they were unsuccessful, they had to hide the evidence of their actions by washing the blood out of his shirt and placing him away from the video camera for his interview, Gilmore wrote in her Aug. 24 ruling.

The ruling prompted Yorks police chief to order an independent investigation by Peel Regional Police.

Chief Eric Jolliffe was not previously aware of this incident; however, once learning of it, he immediately initiated a chiefs complaint under part 5 of the Police Services Act, York police spokesperson Const. Andy Pattenden said in an email Tuesday. Judge Gilmores decision has been forwarded to Peel Regional Police to aid them in their investigation.

Reached by email Tuesday, Noseworthy declined to comment, saying it was not an appropriate time. Tompras did not respond to a request for comment from the Star.

Kims lawyer, David Bayliss, said one of the most shocking parts of the case was that it was fairly run of the mill  a crime he called a low-level robbery involving a man with no prior criminal record, where no one was physically harmed.

The decision stems from a robbery of a Rogers Plus phone store on May 30, 2012, in which $7,000 in cash and phones worth $80,000 were stolen. Aside from Kim, three others were charged in connection with the case. Armin Zandi and Anthony Jouith have entered guilty pleas, and the charges against the third person, a store employee, were stayed.

According to Gilmores ruling, Kim was candid in his admission that hed participated in the robbery. He appears in surveillance video, his face disguised as he holds something in the shape of a handgun while store employees load a duffel bag with phones and cash from the companys safe. Kim then left the store in a Pontiac Sunfire driven by one of his co-accused and owned by another.

Just over two months later, York police arrested Kim in Toronto while he was driving his fathers car. He was taken into custody and brought to a York police station on Markham Rd., where he was booked, searched and placed in a cell.

While Kim contended he was roughed up from the start  he claimed that during his arrest, one cop whispered in his ear, Wait until we get to the station  Kim stated that the real abuse began when he was taken into an interview room at the detachment.

During testimony at his hearing for a stay of his charges, Kim claimed Noseworthy told him that his co-accused in the robbery had already given him up and that he should confess on camera. Noseworthy threatened Kim that if didnt confess, he would be beaten, Kim said.

When he maintained his right to silence, Kim testified that Noseworthy then put on a set of leather gloves and punched him on the side of the face with a closed fist. The officer went on to strike him in the head and torso, grab him by the throat, bang his head against the wall and kick him in the shin, Kim testified, adding that Tompras told him this is what happens to people who rob businesses in broad daylight.

Kim then told the court that his nose began to bleed, prompting Noseworthy to tell him to take off his shoes, his white shirt and tank top. He said Noseworthy then struck him in the head with one of his shoes and left the room with the shirt.

I couldnt believe this was happening, Kim testified, according to Gilmores ruling. I thought this stuff only happened in movies.

Soon after, the officer returned with a warm, damp shirt, the blood stains mostly gone, Kim said.

Kim was then taken to a different interview room and questioned on video by Tompras. In the video, Kim maintains his right to silence but is barely visible  only the back of his head and part of the right side of his face can be seen. Tompras is in full view.

Kim testified that he did not know where the camera was at the time, but recalled that Tompras directed him to sit in a chair that he later learned faced away from the camera.

Kim testified that he was held overnight, and the following day, after being granted bail, he went to hospital at the insistence of his mother, father and sister. All three testified that they were concerned about his injuries, which included a swollen face, bruising and a bump on his head.

On the stand, Noseworthy denied all allegations about assaulting Kim, or having any contact with him whatsoever other than when he delivered food to him that evening.

Tompras also denied assaulting Kim. Both officers denied ordering Kim to remove some of his clothing or washing any blood out of the shirt.

Gilmore criticized the testimony of both officers on the stand, saying they were dismissive of any possibility of wrongdoing. The judge took issue with many aspects of their conduct but put most emphasis on the interview video in which Kim is in the wrong seat, facing away from the camera  a fact that simply cannot be explained away.

The only inference that can be drawn is that this was done to ensure that the blood on Mr. Kims shirt or facial swelling could not be seen on camera, Gilmore wrote.

When asked about it on the stand, Noseworthy called it a silly error that should not have happened. Tompras said that ideally the accused should be in full view of the camera but that there was no clear policy on that, a statement he later admitted was inaccurate.

As an experienced officer, Tompras had to have known that the purpose of a videotaped interview was to allow the accused to be seen on camera, Gilmore wrote.

For him to suggest that this was effectively a matter of officer discretion is bordering on ludicrous, she wrote, adding that the cavalier manner with which the officers treated the grave video error was disquieting to say the least.

The judge also questioned how the officers could maintain that stains on Kims shirt  which hed preserved in a plastic bag, then sent for DNA testing  were not blood. Both officers were aware of the DNA test results stating it was blood.

(Tompras) went so far as to say that he did not know what blood stains looked like. This evidence from a police officer with 11 years experience is incongruous at best, Gilmore wrote.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca .

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Police say an elderly man who went missing from Torontos Pearson airport Tuesday has been found safe.

Peel police Const. Harinder Sohi said that Abe Hussein, 81, was found at a Mississauga hotel on Wednesday morning.

Hussein was flying into Toronto from Montreal at around 4:50 p.m. on Tuesday. Police said that surveillance footage showed him at the airports Terminal 1, but his family wasnt able to find him when they arrived to pick him up.

Surveillance footage showed Hussein getting on a GO bus bound for the Yorkdale area, with a final stop at Finch subway station.

Sohi said Hussein is in good health.

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Summer is not just over for students  MPPs will be back at their desks too.

With a provincial election exactly nine months away, the penultimate session of the legislature before the campaign promises to be a hot one.

Starting Monday, politicians will be busy debating labour changes  including the push toward a $15 minimum wage  policing reforms, the new pharmacare program, electricity pricing, and a slew of other issues.

Premier Kathleen Wynne, who trails Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath in polls, insisted Wednesday that boosting her own political fortunes is not a priority this fall.

Its not about my personal popularity, Wynne told CBC Radios Matt Galloway on Metro MorningMetro Morning.

Its about whether kids have access to education. Its about whether seniors are getting the care that they need. Its about . . . starting in January, every child from 0 to their 25th birthday will have access to free medication, she said.

Speaking to reporters later in the day at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, where she announced plans to revamp the school curriculum to improve student achievement, Wynne heralded the importance of labour laws that will raise the $11.40-an-hour minimum wage to $14 in January and $15 in 2019.

My job is to implement our plan to make sure that we do everything we can to make this a fair place to live, the premier said.

At a caucus retreat in Chatham, Horwath said Kathleen Wynne has let people down  shes been showing people that shes in it for herself and her party.

Horwath also took a swipe at the Tories, predicting that if they win the next election they would cut and privatize as their predecessors at Queens Park and in Ottawa have done.

With Brown offering only more cuts, only New Democrats have a plan to improve public services and put people at the heart of government, she said.

Tory deputy leader Steve Clark said his party will be hitting the ground running in the legislature next week, holding the government accountable for Ontarios hydro crisis, cuts to front-line health care services, and the loss of good-paying manufacturing jobs.

But Clark warned that Premier Wynne will be absent or distracted, preparing to testify in a court trial involving her most senior operatives.

Thats a reference to the Sudbury byelection bribery trial beginning Thursday. Wynne will testify next Wednesday.

Her former deputy chief of staff, Patricia Sorbara, and Sudbury Liberal activist Gerry Lougheed face Elections Act charges related to a February 2005 byelection. They deny any wrongdoing.

Next Monday in Toronto, a separate trial of two top aides to former premier Dalton McGuinty will begin in an Old City Hall courtroom.

David Livingston, McGuintys last chief of staff in 2013, and deputy chief Laura Miller are accused of breach of trust, mischief in relation to data, and misuse of a computer system. They maintain they did nothing wrong.

McGuinty, who co-operated with police in that probe, was not under investigation.

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SUDBURYPremier Kathleen Wynne takes the witness stand next Wednesday in a top aides bribery trial that could have political fallout with an election looming.

After years in the court of public opinion, the Election Act case against Wynnes former deputy chief of staff, Patricia Sorbara, and Sudbury Liberal organizer Gerry Lougheed finally moves into the courtroom Thursday.

Crown prosecutors allege the pair offered jobs or posts to a 2014 Liberal candidate to quit a 2015 byelection nomination race and make way for the premiers preferred candidate, Glenn Thibeault, now energy minister.

Wynnes Sept. 13 testimony is expected to be a focal point of the trial, slated to continue well into October.

Its the first time in recent memory a sitting premier will be on the stand in a case resulting from police charges.

The date has now been given to me, she told reporters Wednesday at Torontos Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute. I will be appearing as a witness on that day.

The premier emphasized her testimony would be similar to what she has said before: that officials were trying to keep the previous Liberal candidate, mortgage broker Andrew Olivier, involved in the party.

Ive been very clear about the situation. Ive been clear in the legislature. Ive been clear in the public realm, and I will continue to be clear and open about what happened, said Wynne, who waived her right, under parliamentary privilege, not to testify in the trial.

Opposition parties are pouncing on the case for maximum political gain, with NDP House leader Gilles Bisson noting tapes of Oliviers conversations with Sorbara and Lougheed are already public.

Theyre pretty categorical, said Bisson, referring to offers made to Olivier  offers that a judge must now interpret, guided by the law.

Make no mistake: it is Liberal political corruption that will be on trial, said Progressive Conservative MPP Steve Clark.

If convicted of the charges  which dont fall under the Criminal Code but under a lesser category called provincial offences  Sorbara and Lougheed, a wealthy funeral homeowner, face fines of up to $25,000 and maximum jail sentences of two years less a day.

Sorbara, who has stepped aside from her key role in the Liberal re-election campaign, faces two counts of bribery and Lougheed one count. Both have repeatedly maintained they did nothing illegal.

We look forward to publicly clearing the air of any suggestion of wrongdoing, said Toronto lawyer Brian Greenspan, whos representing Sorbara.

With an election set for June 7, 2018, political observers are watching for any impact on Wynnes Liberals.

Even if no ones found guilty in Sudbury, its still unseemly, McMaster University political scientist Henry Jacek said of the case.

That was a reference to the way Olivier, who placed second in 2014 provincial election for the Liberals in Sudbury, was sidelined for Thibeault, a defecting New Democrat MP disenchanted with his federal party.

It looks like the Liberal party was disloyal to someone who was loyal. The fact he was physically disabled doesnt leave people with a good feeling at all, added Jacek, referring to the fact that Olivier is quadriplegic.

Its the type of stuff that gives politics a bad name.

The Liberals were eager to win Sudbury after losing it to New Democrat MPP and former city councillor Joe Cimino, who soon resigned for family reasons. The riding previously been held by retired Liberal cabinet minister Rick Bartolucci.

Olivier, who records conversations because he cant take notes, supplied the Ontario Provincial Police with tapes of talks with Sorbara and Lougheed and posted links on social media.

In one conversation, Lougheed told Olivier: The premier wants to talk. They would like to present you options in terms of appointments, jobs, whatever, that you and her and Pat Sorbara could talk about.

Another tape has Sorbara telling Olivier we should have the broader discussion about what is it that youd be most interested in doing . . . whether its a full-time or part-time job in a (constituency) office, whether it is appointments, supports or commissions . . . .

Police initially laid criminal charges against Lougheed, but not Sorbara, and subsequently withdrew them before the lesser Election Act charges were announced.

Gerry Lougheed Jr. has consistently maintained that he did not do anything wrong when he spoke to Mr. Olivier or otherwise, says his Toronto lawyer, Michael Lacy.

Although it is difficult to understand why the matter is proceeding to a trial, we have every confidence in the administration of justice in this province and the fact that the justice presiding over the case will make a determination based on the evidence and the law and will not be influenced or swayed by politics or uninformed public opinion.

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DALLASA report released two decades ago on the Harris County reservoir system predicted with alarming accuracy the catastrophic flooding that would besiege the Houston area if changes werent made in the face of rapid development.

The report released in 1996 by engineers with the Harris County Flood Control District said the Addicks and Barker reservoirs were adequate when built in the 1940s. But it noted that as entire neighbourhoods sprouted over the years around the reservoirs in western Harris County, as many as 25,000 homes and businesses at the time were exposed to the kind of flooding Harvey has now brought.

In the report obtained by the Dallas Morning News, engineers proposed a $400 million solution that involved building a massive underground conduit that would more quickly carry water out of the reservoirs and into the Houston Ship Channel. The conceptual plan envisioned a conduit consisting of eight channels to carry water out of the reservoirs and safely past developed areas downstream.

The primary flood threat facing the citizens of west Harris County and west Houston comes from the inability to drain the Addicks and Barker reservoirs in an efficient manner, the report said.

When asked about the report, Harris County flood control officials said they could not immediately locate a copy and were unfamiliar with the details.

What I recall is, and I havent read the report since back then, was that it was going to be very difficult to do physically, said Steve Fitzgerald, the flood control districts longtime chief engineer.

But the timing in 1996 was right, the engineers noted. The Texas Department of Transportation was launching a reconstruction of the Katy Freeway, a portion of Interstate 10 west of downtown Houston that leads directly from the two reservoirs to the downtown section, and it would have been a suitable route for the drainage channel, they said

Other solutions were offered, such as digging the reservoirs deeper, buying out properties at risk of flooding and imposing new regulations on development.

Read more:

Dealing with climate change means transforming society

Hurricane Harvey shows that if disaster strikes, well be stuck: Hume

Harveys floodwaters mix a foul brew of sewage and chemicals, puts drinking water at risk

Do nothing and accept risk of flooding, the report warned.

The report was filed away without action, then last week Harvey struck. The usually dry Addicks and Barker reservoirs quickly filled until, on Aug. 28, they were nearly full and water had spread to their surrounding neighbourhoods. The Army Corps of Engineers opened the floodgates to let a controlled amount escape. But instead of the normal 4,000 cubic feet per second, Corps officials opened the gates wide enough to release more than 13,000 cubic feet per second to keep the rising reservoir levels from overtopping the dams. They did so knowing it would flood neighbourhoods downstream.

And just as the 1996 report predicted, water in many of the flooded homes would not drain for days or even weeks.

Who gets the blame? The Corps said with no federal money appropriated, there was no federal project, although Harris County is welcome to do that if they can work with whatever partners they need to do that, and we would encourage it to happen, said Richard Long, supervisory natural resources manager for the Houston Project Office of the Corps Galveston District.

Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack, whose precinct includes the reservoirs, blames Congress, which never allocated the money and credited the Corps with an outstanding job of managing this reservoir, outstanding.

The issue is moot for Aaron Voges, whose family home is in a neighbourhood located inside a flooded reservoir.

For some stupid reason I thought that levee that I see on my way home, I thought that protected me, he said. I had no idea that there were plans in place to flood me to protect other people, which blows my mind.

On Tuesday, a Houston lawyer whose home was among those flooded filed a federal lawsuit against the Corps. Bryant Banes said the class-action suit seeks compensation from the federal government for what was effectively condemnation of their west Houston properties when water released from the reservoirs flooded Buffalo Bayou.

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SAO PAULOBrazils top prosecutor is accusing former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, former president Dilma Rousseff and several other senior members of their Workers Party of forming a criminal organization.

Attorney General Rodrigo Janot filed the charges late Tuesday with the Supreme Federal Tribunal.

The charges are part of a huge investigation into a scheme to inflate state contracts in order to pay kickbacks and bribes to politicians. The corruption probe has already netted dozens of executives and senior politicians.

Silva alone is facing several charges and has already been sentenced to 9  years in prison in one case. He is appealing.

The indictment accuses Silva, his successor Rousseff and several allies of orchestrating the receipt of around $480 million in bribes through their control of state organs.

Read more:

Brazils Congress votes against trying President Michel Temer for corruption

Former Brazilian president Lula da Silva convicted of corruption, money laundering

Authorities in Brazil, France allege Rio Olympics vote-buying scheme

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Hillary Clintons book is due out next week. And judging by a page that was just tweeted by one of her staunchest supporters  not to mention plenty of other evidence  its likely to include a heaping dose of score-settling.

That includes with Bernie Sanders.

In the passage that was tweeted out Monday evening by Tom Watson, Clinton attacks some of Sanderss supporters for being sexist and suggests the Vermont senator doesnt have the Democratic Partys true interests at heart. Most notably, she also intimates that he may not have even cared that his underhanded (in her opinion) attacks on her helped Donald Trump become president.

When I finally challenged Bernie during a debate to name a single time I changed a position or a vote because of a financial contribution, he couldnt come up with anything, she wrote. Nonetheless, his attacks caused lasting damage, making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trumps Crooked Hillary campaign.

I dont know if that bothered Bernie or not.

Clinton continues: He certainly shared my horror at the thought of Donald Trump becoming President, and I appreciate that he campaigned for me in the general election. But he isnt a Democrat  thats not a smear, thats what he says. He didnt get into the race to make sure a Democrat won the White House, he got in to disrupt the Democratic Party.

Read more: Hillary Clinton book tour stopping in Toronto in September

At the end of the page, Clinton concludes by saying: I am proud to be a Democrat and I wish Bernie were too.

This, needless to say, isnt likely to help the Democratic Party heal any time soon. Ive argued before that Clintons decision to dwell upon the many allegedly unfair reasons for her general-election loss  Russia, James Comey, misogyny, debate questions, etc.  are likely to distract from the truly difficult work Democrats face in determining how they lost the Rust Belt to a historically unpopular nominee in Trump. Clinton seems to have far more interest in pointing the finger at everyone but herself. Perhaps her reasons are justifiable. But it also suggests that her and her partys serious shortcomings were unimportant.

Given the books What Happened title and this past, it was clear Clinton would be doing a fair bit of blame-sharing in the book. What wasnt as clear was how much she would dwell upon Sanders shockingly competitive challenge to her in the Democratic primary.

This passage doesnt exactly read like a take-no-prisoners accounting; its more understated than that. Much of it is technically true. The tactics of the Bernie Bros were indeed often sexist. Sanders still isnt a Democrat, and he never claimed that his campaign was about helping the party  a party he long derided as insufficiently progressive. He clearly wanted to disrupt it to some extent. And the seeds of the idea that Clinton was corrupt were indeed planted and tended to in the primary.

But inside the measured language are some pretty harsh judgments of Sanders. Shes not just suggesting hes not a Democrat; shes suggesting he doesnt truly care about the party or that he may have played a hand in electing Trump. Shes suggesting he doesnt appreciate the party. She claims his attacks were out-of-bounds and unprincipled.

Because we agreed on so much, Bernie couldnt make an argument against me in this area on policy, so he had to resort to innuendo and impugning my character, she said.

Maybe thats just politics, you might say! Well, the Sanders-led opposition to Clinton always considered itself to be about principle, whatever the costs of taking that principled stand (even President Trump).

Clinton is not-so-gently questioning that entire conceit, saying Sanders reasons for causing that upheaval werent justified. Shes suggesting his campaign was about political expediency and getting elected and doubts there was truly much difference between them.

For a candidate and a base of supporters who were adamant about their cause and those differences, thats going to sting. And linger. Its the equivalent of throwing gasoline on the embers that remain from the 2016 primary.

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREAWith Seoul expecting another North Korean missile test, South Korean warships conducted live-fire exercises at sea on Tuesday in a second straight day of military swagger from a nation still rattled by the Norths biggest-ever nuclear test.

The test on Sunday, which North Korea said was a hydrogen bomb, was a huge advance in the Norths push for nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the United States. It has also resulted in South Korea boosting its own military capabilities. Washington and Seoul agreed to lift restrictions on South Korean missiles theyd previously agreed upon, according to the South Korean presidential office, allowing Seoul to improve its pre-emptive strike capabilities against the North.

The Korean Peninsula has been in a technical state of war since the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953. The near-constant unease has worsened in recent months as North Korea has displayed rapid improvement in its weapons capabilities, testing intercontinental ballistic missiles and a string of other missiles meant to target U.S. forces in Asia and the U.S. mainland.

Read more:

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Trump ends Obama program that protects undocumented DREAMers, putting 800,000 at risk for deportation

More launches may be coming. The Defence Ministry said Monday that North Korea appeared to be planning a future missile launch, possibly of an ICBM, to show off its claimed ability to target the United States with nuclear weapons. It was unclear when such a launch might happen, but Sept. 9 is the anniversary of North Koreas founding and past launches have coincided with important national dates.

South Korean ships including a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1,000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided-missile vessels participated in the drills aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean provocations, the Defence Ministry said. It plans more naval drills in its southern seas through Saturday. On Monday, Seoul used F-15 fighter jets and land-based ballistic missiles to simulate an attack on North Koreas nuclear test site to strongly warn the North over the recent detonation.

The U.N. Security Council held its second emergency meeting about North Korea in a week on Monday, with U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley saying the Norths actions show that leader Kim Jong Un is begging for war.

Enough is enough. War is never something the United States wants. We dont want it now. But our countrys patience is not unlimited, Haley said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday condemned North Koreas nuclear test but also warned against using military force against the country, calling it a road to nowhere that could lead to a global catastrophe.

Whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation, Putin said in a news conference in China. He stopped short of expressing willingness to impose more sanctions on North Korea, saying Moscow views them as useless and ineffective.

The Russian president, who was in China for a summit of leading emerging economies, told reporters that he had remarked to one of his counterparts at the talks that North Korea will eat grass but will not give up the (nuclear) program, if they don't feel safe.

Putin said it was important that all parties affected by the crisis, including North Korea, not face threats of annihilation and step on the path of co-operation.

The heated words from the United States and the military manoeuvres in South Korea are becoming familiar responses to North Koreas rapid, as-yet unchecked weapons progress.

South Korea has been seeking to obtain more powerful missiles for a so-called kill chain pre-emptive strike capability to cope with North Koreas growing nuclear and missile threat.

Since the late 1970s, South Korean missile development has been limited by a bilateral guideline between the United States and Seoul. It was updated in 2012 to allow the South to increase the range of its weapons from 300 kilometres to 800 kilometres.

An agreement revealed Tuesday removes a 500-kilogram warhead limit on South Koreas maximum-range missiles, which would allow the South to potentially target the Norths underground facilities and shelters.

In addition to expanding its missile arsenal and holding military exercises, South Korea is also strengthening its missile defence, which includes the high-tech Terminal High Altitude Area Defence battery deployed in the southeastern county of Seongju.

North Korea is thought to have a growing arsenal of nuclear bombs and has spent decades trying to perfect a multi-stage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of those bombs. Both diplomacy and severe sanctions have failed to check its march to nuclear mastery.

U.S. President Donald Trump, asked in Washington if he would attack North Korea, said, Well see. No U.S. military action appeared imminent, and the immediate focus appeared to be on ratcheting up economic penalties, which have had little effect thus far.

In tweets earlier this week, Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with North Korea, a clear warning to China. Such a move would be radical since the U.S. imports about $40 billion (U.S.) in goods a month from China. China called that threat unacceptable and unfair.

Sundays nuclear detonation builds on recent North Korean advances that include test launches in July of two ICBMs, which, when perfected, could target the U.S. mainland. The North also threatened to launch a salvo of Hwasong-12 intermediate range missiles toward the U.S. Pacific island territory of Guam, the home of military facilities the North claims are meant to target it.

The U.S. has about 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea and is obliged by treaty to defend it in the event of war.

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(Natural News) Three medicinal plants used in Saudi Arabian traditional medicine have been found to have powerful anti-cancer properties. Researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have said that their new research may lead to better and cheaper treatment plans for cancer.

The team was curious to see how effective herbal medicines were in treating the disease. They noted that while traditional medicine made use of several herbs, none of them have ever been scientifically studied. As noted by Ph.D student and co-author of the study, Timothy Ravasi, Saudi people tend to use information inherited from their families to decide about these plants without validated knowledge of their biological or chemical activity.

After looking at the healing properties of 52 plants, three herbs were found to be of interest. These were Juniperus phoenicia (arar or Phoenician juniper), Anastatica hierochuntica (Kaff Maryam or Jericho rose), and Citrullus colocynthis (Hanzal or bitter cucumber).

Researchers used an imaging-based high-content screening process to assess the potential anti-cancer properties of each herb. The team found that these three plants contained powerful substances called topoisomerase inhibitors, which are chemical compounds that block certain enzymes that control changes in the DNA. This could stop the development of cancer.

Nonetheless, the authors say that further research is necessary to fully assess each herbs ability to prevent, cure, or manage cancer. Dina Hajjar, another author of the study said, the active compounds identified in the study will need to be evaluated and better characterized.

An introduction to these herbs

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Regrettably, natural therapies have been mostly shunned by the pharmaceutical industry. The claims of medical doctors are mostly focused on facts. They say that since no scientific study has proven the efficacy of any herb, they cant be used as a treatment for a serious disease. Pretty strange for an industry that touts the benefits of chemotherapy, which has been shown  time and again  to not be effective at all.

It is true that medicinal herbs have yet to be validated by science, but it would still do well to be properly introduced to some of them. Currently, there are only a few plants that have been acknowledged for their anti-cancer properties, with the three aforementioned herbs joining a very small group.

Phoenician Juniper  This woody plant is  This woody plant is mostly abundant in Cyprus , and in warmer and drier areas along the Mediterranean. It is an evergreen and aromatic shrub which can grow up to 10 meters high. The bark can range from gray-brown to white-gray. The leaves are similar to a cypress tree. In America, the herb is usually found as a supplement in tablet form. Jericho Rose  This is also known as the resurrection plant and is native to Western Asia.  This is also known as the resurrection plant and is native to Western Asia. True roses of Jericho are small gray plants that curl inward during the dry season, forming a ball. It opens only when moistened and can survive for years in its dry form. There are also false roses of Jericho which can be found in the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States and in various parts of Mexico. Unlike the true Jericho rose, these plants can revive in the presence of moisture even if their roots have been disrupted. As with Phoenician Juniper, the easier way to source Jericho rose is as a tablet supplement. Bitter Cucumber  This is a  This is a popular medicine even in Ayurveda . The plant is native in Africa and in India. Supposedly, it can be used to manage asthma and bronchitis symptoms, as well as prevent tumors, jaundice, constipation, joint pain, and a host of other condition. Mostly it is recommended as an anti-inflammatory compound.

You can read more about healthful herbs, vegetables, and fruits on NaturalPedia.com.

Sources include:

AlphaGalileo.org

ScienceNewsLine.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

MOA.gov.cy

Brittanica.com

PlanetAyurveda.com
BUDAPEST, HUNGARYThe European Unions top court on Wednesday rejected legal action by Hungary and Slovakia seeking to avoid accepting refugees under an EU-wide plan, a decision seen as a victory for those countries bearing the greatest burden of Europes migrant influx.

In a long-awaited test case, the European Court of Justice said it had dismissed in its entirety the actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary.

Hungary branded the ruling outrageous and irresponsible, while Slovakia said it would accept the verdict even if it still opposes legally-binding EU refugee quotas.

Human rights group Amnesty International welcomed the ruling, saying Hungary and Slovakia had been trying to turn their countries into refugee-free zones.

Greece and Italy have been on the front line of the torrent of migrants and refugees flooding into Europe in the last few years, as hundreds of thousands of people from war zones like Syria and Iraq or job-seekers mostly from Africa have arrived on their shores.

EU nations agreed in September 2015 to relocate 160,000 refugees from Greece and Italy over two years, but only around 27,700 people have been moved so far, according to figures released Wednesday. Hungary and Slovakia were seeking to have the plan annulled.

Hungary and Poland have refused to take part altogether, while Slovakia has accepted only a handful of refugees from Greece.

The refugee sharing plan was adopted by a qualified majority EU vote  around two thirds of the blocs members  and the court held that this was appropriate, saying the EU was not required to act unanimously on this decision.

The court noted the small number of relocations so far is due to factors that the EU could not have foreseen, including the lack of co-operation on the part of certain member states.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto called the court ruling outrageous and irresponsible.

The decision puts at risk the security of all of Europe and the future of all of Europe as well, Szijjarto said, calling the ruling contrary to the interests of the European nations, including Hungary.

Szijjarto said Hungary would focus on defending the EUs external border against incoming migrants and asylum-seekers and urged the EU to abandon its unsuccessful refugee-sharing plan.

The real battle is only just beginning, Szijjarto said, vowing that Hungary would continue to challenge any EU attempt to resettle migrants in Hungary without its approval.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico said he respected the court decision, but that his government still does not like the relocation plan, which he and others in Eastern Europe see as quotas imposed on them by unelected EU bureaucrats in Brussels.

We fully respect the verdict of the European Court of Justice, Fico told reporters, adding that his governments negative stance on the relocation plan has not changed at all.

Fico said the scheme was a temporary solution that will end on Sept. 26. He says he believes his country doesnt face any sanctions from the EU over its stance. EU officials say countries will still have to share eligible asylum-seekers arriving in Greece and Italy up until Sept. 26.

Despite the court ruling, Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said her country will stick by its refusal to take in refugees.

This absolutely does not change the position of the Polish government with respect to migration policy, she said.

Welcoming the court verdict, EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos warned Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland that they could face legal action if they dont live up to their refugee obligations in coming weeks.

Slovakia is not included in the legal action as it recently agreed to host a few refugees.

The European Commission has already launched an infringement procedure against the three nations for failing to take, or not recently accepting, refugees who have arrived in Italy and Greece in the last two years.

Avramopoulos said if they fail to act soon, the Commission should consider taking the last step in the infringement procedure, to refer Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to the European Court of Justice.

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said he expects all EU countries to implement the decision without further hesitation.

Solidarity is not a one-way street, he said.

The Hungarian Helsinki Committee, an advocate for asylum-seekers, urged Hungary to give refugees an opportunity to make their case for asylum.

The lesson of the verdict is that helping people fleeing war and terror is truly a common responsibility for Europe, the group said. Hungary needs to respect the decision of the EU court.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans government has made migrants a key political issue since early 2015 and ahead of the parliamentary election expected in April 2018.

Hungarys position is that only its elected leaders should be able to decide who is allowed into the country. Orban has said the large influx of mainly Muslim immigrants threatens Europes and Hungarys cultural identity.

In mid-September 2015, Hungary closed off its southern border first with Serbia and later with Croatia with a fence protected by razor wire. The fences have mostly stopped migrants from passing through Hungary on their way to Western Europe but Hungary has also greatly reduced the chances for asylum-seekers to submit applications in the country.

In other news, the EU said the blocs migrant agreement with Turkey was working well but that more effort was needed to speed asylum applications.

The EU-Turkey statement continues to work and deliver results, Avramopoulos said, adding that migrant arrivals in Greece from Turkey had dropped 97 per cent since the deal began in March 2016.

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OTTAWAHurricane Irma could deal a crippling blow to Haiti while its still recovering from hurricane Matthew, which struck less than a year ago, says a Canadian aid worker in the impoverished country.

Preparations were underway Wednesday in the beleaguered Caribbean nation to deal with the potential aftermath of the latest storm.

Haiti is less able to handle the effects of a Category 5 storm than other countries in the region, said Laura Sewell of Ottawa, assistant country director in Haiti for CARE.

The level of poverty in Haiti is not even comparable to some of the other countries, said Sewell.

Read more: With heavy rain and 298 km/h winds, Hurricane Irma roars through Caribbean islands

Haiti has less developed tourist industries and agricultural export industries, so it means theres sort of a chronic level of vulnerability.

Aid agencies are preparing for the worst from Irma, which has already caused major flooding and destroyed buildings on several Caribbean islands.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said sustained wind speeds reached 295 kilometres per hour.

Haitis government issued a warning to residents along the north coast late Wednesday to seek shelter.

The World Food Programme said it had moved a convoy of contingency food supplies to the north of Haiti, where Irma was forecast to pass over or nearby on Thursday night and Friday morning.

CARE said it dispatched teams of aid workers to at least seven of Haitis 10 departments, or provinces, with stockpiles of emergency supplies including water purification tablets and tarps that can be used for shelter.

Oxfam Canada said it was also mobilizing its people in northern Haiti, as well as the Dominican Republic and Cuba, to quickly assess humanitarian needs once Irma has passed through the area.

Air Transat said it sent 10 planes to the Dominican Republic, which neighbours Haiti on the island of Hispaniola, to pick up passengers ahead of Irma.

Air Canada said Wednesday night that it was operating 24 additional flights to bring customers home from the Dominican Republic, Florida, Cuba and other locations in Irmas path.

Haiti is lacking in government-controlled infrastructure, including transportation services, making it difficult to evacuate people.

Other countries, including Cuba, have built evacuation centres where people can huddle in cement buildings during natural disasters.

Here, we dont have those kind of things, Sewell said in an interview from Port-au-Prince.

People are evacuated into little tiny schools with tin roofs and whatever building that is available that seems safe.

Haiti is one of the poorest nations in the Americas, making it more vulnerable than its wealthier Caribbean neighbours to natural disasters.

Much of the countrys southern regions were damaged or destroyed by hurricane Matthew when it struck the island last October, killing more than 500 people.

Theres been a lot of effort for the past year trying to respond to that emergency, said Sewell.

And now on top of that to have another (hurricane), its going to put a strain on the resources here.

An earthquake in 2010 killed more than 200,000 people and caused extensive damage to Haitis infrastructure and economy.

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SEOULWhile condemning North Korea over its latest nuclear test, the leaders of Russia and South Korea seemed far apart on the issue of stepping up sanctions against the country after a meeting Wednesday in the Russian port city of Vladivostok.

Speaking after the meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for talks with North Korea, saying sanctions are not a solution to the countrys nuclear and missile development.

Moon had urged Moscow to support stronger sanctions against North Korea, which conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday in what it claimed was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner, Putin said in a news conference after the meeting, held on the sidelines of a conference on economic development of Russias Far East. As never before everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions.

Read more:

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Our countrys patience is not unlimited, U.S. ambassador says at UN meeting about North Korea

Moon said the leaders agreed that reducing regional tension and quickly solving the security challenges posed by North Koreas nuclear and missile program were critical. Ahead of his meeting with Putin, Moon said the situation could get out of hand if North Koreas missile and nuclear tests arent stopped.

Moon urged Russia to back stronger sanctions including the cutting off oil supplies, but Putin expressed concern that such moves would hurt regular North Koreans, said Yoon Young-chan, Moons chief press secretary.

Myself and President Putin share a view that North Korea has gone the wrong way with its nuclear and missile program and that easing tension on the Korean Peninsula is an urgent issue, Moon said during the news conference. He complimented Putin and the Russian government over what he said were a variety of efforts to find diplomatic solutions to the North Korean problem.

In a telephone conversation with Putin on Monday before his trip to Russia, Moon also called for a ban on overseas North Korean workers, who are seen as a key foreign currency source for the North. Putin told Moon that the North Korean problem should be solved diplomatically, according to Seouls presidential office.

Moon, a liberal who took office in May, had initially showed a preference for a diplomatic approach on North Korea, but his government has since taken a harder stance as the North continued its torrid pace in weapons tests. In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS on Tuesday, Moon said he believes now is not the time for talks and that it is important for the international community to strengthen pressure against North Korea.

Seouls Defence Ministry on Wednesday said the U.S. military will begin adding more launchers to a contentious high-tech U.S. missile defence system in South Korea on Thursday to better cope with North Korean threats. The deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence system has angered not only North Korea, but also China and Russia, which see the systems powerful radars as a security threat.

A THAAD battery normally consists of six launchers that can fire up to 48 interceptor missiles, but only two launchers have been operational so far at the site in rural Seongju.

Putin, speaking in China on Tuesday, condemned North Koreas nuclear test as provocative, but said Russia views sanctions as useless and ineffective.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will meet Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday, said before his departure from Japan that we must make North Korea understand there is no bright future for the country if it pursues the current path.

Moon and Abe are also expected to meet in Vladivostok on Thursday.

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KUTUPALONG, BANGLADESHA trawler carrying Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Myanmar capsized, killing at least five people, as the countrys leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, blamed a misinformation campaign for fueling a crisis the U.N. says has pushed some 146,000 refugees into Bangladesh.

Suu Kyis top security adviser also sought to counter the storm of international criticism over alleged army abuses against the Rohingya ethnic minority, asserting that security forces were acting with restraint in pursuing terrorists.

On the Bangladesh side of the border with Buddhist-majority Myanmar, residents of Shah Porir Dwip fishing village recovered five bodies from the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday, hours after the boat capsized around midnight, police official Yakub Ali said.

It was not immediately clear where the boat began its journey, or if the passengers had been among some 450 detained by Bangladeshi border guards and ordered Tuesday to return to Myanmar.

Read more:

123,000 Rohingya refugees have fled Burma, UNHCR says

Starving and exhausted, Burmas Rohingya Muslims embark on treacherous journey in search of safety

Malala Yousafzai calls on Burma to condemn violence against Rohingya Muslims: The world is waiting

While some border guards were letting refugees cross into Bangladesh, others were sending them back.

Faced with a mounting crisis and a lack of space and basic supplies, Bangladesh said it will set up a new camp to accommodate Rohingya refugees who have arrived from Myanmar since Aug. 25, many walking for days and crossing jungles and rivers to reach safety.

Shah Kamal of the Ministry of Disaster Management did not say when the new camp would be ready. He said Wednesday it would be established in Tyingkhali, south of Coxs Bazar district and near the established camp in Balukhali where more than 50,000 Rohingya have been sheltering since October.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked officials to prepare a database with fingerprints for the new arrivals.

Bangladeshs Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it summoned Myanmars envoy on Wednesday and delivered a protest note expressing deep concern about the influx of refugees. It said it demanded immediate measures by Myanmar to de-escalate the violence and also expressed concern about reports that Myanmars security forces had planted land mines along the border.

Some 146,000 people fleeing Myanmars Rakhine state have reached Bangladeshs Coxs Bazaar district since Aug. 25, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday from the U.N. He said the World Food Program is appealing for $11.3 million to support the influx of people and those already living in camps and the U.N. agency has provided food to tens of thousands of people.

He described women and children arriving hungry and malnourished. Earlier, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake 80 per cent of the arrivals are women and children.

Many more children in need of support and protection remain in the areas of northern Rakhine state that have been wracked by violence, he said in a statement, adding that the U.N. refugee agency had no access to Rakhine trouble spots.

We are unable to reach the 28,000 children to whom we were previously providing psychosocial care or the more than 4,000 children who were treated for malnutrition in Buthidaung and Maungdaw in Rakhine, he said. Our clean water and sanitation work has been suspended, as have school repairs that were under way.

The violence and civilian suffering have prompted international condemnation and resonated particularly in Muslim countries.

Suu Kyi complained to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call Tuesday that Turkeys deputy prime minister was a victim of fake news when he posted photos purportedly showing dead Rohingya that were not related to the crisis. The photos on Mehmet Simseks Twitter account have been taken down.

According to her office, Suu Kyi said such misinformation helps promote the interests of terrorists, a reference to the Rohingya insurgents whose attacks on Myanmar security posts on Aug. 25 triggered the latest military crackdown and streams of refugees.

National Security Advisor Thaung Tun said Wednesday that security forces will use only calibrated force and force where necessary and are making every effort to avoid harming innocent civilians.

Speaking at a news conference in Myanmars capital, Naypyitaw, he said he was deeply disappointed and saddened by the disinformation campaign being waged around the world with regard to the situation in Rakhine.

He said the recent violence clearly indicates the intention of the extremist terrorist group to separate the territory of Rakhine from Myanmar and to create a Muslim state in that region.

The group that claimed responsibility for the attacks, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, says it acted to defend Rohingya communities, but has been vague about its ideology and ultimate goals.

The military has said nearly 400 people, most of them insurgents, have died in clashes. Security forces responded to the attacks with days of clearance operations the government says were aimed at rooting out insurgents it accuses of setting fire to Rohingya villages.

Many displaced Rohingya, however, said it was Myanmar soldiers who set their homes aflame and fired indiscriminately around their villages in Rakhine state. Rohingya Muslims have long faced discrimination in the Southeast Asian country.

Turkey said that Myanmar agreed to allow its aid officials to enter Rakhine state with a ton of food and goods for Rohingya.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was crucial that Myanmars government immediately give Rohingya either nationality or legal status so they can lead normal lives and freely move, find jobs, and get an education.

Guterres cited the long-standing history of discrimination, hopelessness and extreme poverty for Rohingya and warned about possible ethnic cleansing.

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With the rise of the alt-right and violent clashes in places like Charlottesville, Va., there can no longer be any doubt that Americans are facing a rising tide of racism and white supremacy.

In Canada, we cannot afford to be complacent. Our country has a history  and a bad habit  of looking south of the border to absolve itself of its sins. The divided United States should not obscure the fact that racism is alive and well in Canada too.

Indigenous Canadians, African Canadians, Chinese Canadians, Jewish Canadians and Muslim Canadians  just to mention a few  have all experienced extended waves of injustice in this country at the hands of our federal government and citizens. Many still do.

Consider Quebec City, the site of Januarys horrific mosque killings and a demonstration by far-right group La Meute this summer. With a quick Google search, one can easily find many more far-right protests planned across Canada, spreading like spores thanks to a growing number of Canadian alt-right groups. Often met by counter-protesters, were looking at a recipe for violence. Weve seen it happen already.

The consequences of this spiralling situation go deeper than confrontations in the streets. Understandable dissatisfaction with increasingly strident enforcers of political correctness has led some down the path to blatantly racist thinking. This eruption of hatred  and with it, disregard for law and order  puts in jeopardy decades of policies aimed at protecting oppressed communities. Weve only begun to understand the psychological impact this can have on targeted groups.

It is within this context that the Canadian Caucus of Black Parliamentarians met for its third annual summit this summer in Ottawa. As a voice for a people with a long history of struggle against oppression, it is our intention to play a leading role in how Parliament responds to this crisis. In the fall, well be looking at how effective hate crime policies have been, for instance, as we focus on how best to reform the justice system.

But for real progress to be made, well need more than what politicians can accomplish alone.

Unfortunately, the tenor of reflection on these trends has generally taken an us versus them dimension. While it is important to condemn the frankly evil philosophy of extreme right-wing hate groups, it is important to understand the underlying forces that have given rise to this poisonous hatred.

Globalization and the decrease of Western manufacturing jobs have arguably weakened the middle class  the very foundation of our post-war democratic consensus. The result has been growing inequality, increased cynicism and the seductive temptation of zero-sum political thinking. A community under economic pressure and without hope for a more prosperous future risks falling prey to scapegoat politics in the search of someone or something to blame. What were known as civil rights in Martin Luther Kings time are instead smeared as identity politics.

As Canadians debate what to do with asylum seekers flowing through the Quebec border or whether to rename buildings and roads named after architects of the residential school system, it is all too clear that similar fault lines exist here in Canada.

But Canadians are different, too. We also have a history of coming together, of compromise and of defending human dignity. In the face of global uncertainty, we mustnt drift too far from this heritage. Far more unites us than divides us. Focusing on what we hold in common is the first step away from the ugly present.

When these bonds are strengthened, those messengers of hate are exposed as the true outsiders, weak and desperate for attention. When the storming protests and talk of fire and fury clear, the waves calm and we can chart a course forward, together, on placid waters.

Wanda Thomas Bernard is a senator representing Nova Scotia. She is a member of the Senate Committee on Human Rights, the Canadian Caucus of Black Parliamentarians and is vice-chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association.

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With the selection of a new leader in a few weeks, the federal New Democratic Party will place a fresh face in its shop window.

This is far from enough, however. The NDP needs a radical makeover.

The greatest virtue and vice of the NDP have the same source. The party is solid and enduring. For more than 80 years, Canadian social democrats have sought a more equitable social order, no mean achievement on a continent notable for constant motion, a continent that bestows its laurels on those who have made it, often at the expense of others. Its not that Canadian social democrats are immune to the tides of historical change. There are, however, times when social democrats perceive the onset of new historical forces much too slowly. At such moments, a capacity for endurance becomes a barrier to change, so much so that the very solidity of the party threatens its survival.

This is such a moment.

For decades the NDP and its predecessor, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), expressed the view that capitalism was an inherently exploitative system and that the alternative to it was democratic socialism. The initial program of the CCF, the Regina Manifesto, did not mince words. It declared that no CCF government will rest content until capitalism has been eradicated. Over the long term, the idea was that socialists would strive to place the ownership and control of large enterprises in the hands of the community at large or more directly in the hands of those who work for such enterprises.

In fits and starts over the last half century, however, the NDP has migrated away from its socialist origins on a journey to the political centre. Indeed, at a convention in 2013, the party went so far as to drop the word socialist from its statement of principles. The NDP was announcing to Canadians that it would be satisfied with making the present order of things fairer without changing it fundamentally.

The dropping of socialism came at a time that was particularly unpropitious, even ironic. During the last few years, socialism has been coming back into fashion, especially among the young in Europe, and most remarkably, in the United States. Today the capitalist system of wealth creation and distribution is regarded by many millions of people around the world as a failed system. The reason for this is not obscure. Those who have presided over the present global division of labour have enriched themselves more lavishly than any class of rulers in the history of the world.

The generation of millennials, who are aged 20 to 35, are grappling with the effects of inequality. The analysis of Thomas Piketty in his groundbreaking book Capital in the Twenty-first Century exposes the emergence of a deeply unequal capitalism in the advanced countries that is more reminiscent of the late Victorian and Edwardian age and the 1920s than it is of the post-Second World War decades. Other studies have shown that in terms of employment and income, the young face the clear prospect of ending up worse off than their parents.

A major political consequence of the crisis of the system is the rise in both Europe and North America of right-wing extremism. Racist, xenophobic, anti-immigrant, the signal triumphs of the extreme right to date have come in the vote in the United Kingdom in favour of Brexit and, even more importantly, in the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States.

Democratic socialism is the authentic alternative to exclusionist populism. It embraces the proposition that wealth is created by those who work for a living and not by those who control capital.

At a time when the division of wealth and power grows ever more unequal, the NDP needs to shift to a more radical position. It has been decades since the NDP encouraged basic thought about remaking Canadian society from the bottom up. Let that begin by taking democratic socialism out of the attic and putting it front and centre. From that can come a set of policies to create a Canada that is egalitarian, green and sovereign.

James Laxer is a professor of political science at York University. In 1971, as the candidate of the Waffle group in the party, he ran second in a field of five candidates for the federal leadership of the NDP. He is the author of The NDP Needs A Radical Makeover on Kindle and Kobo.

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President Donald Trump leaving church this past Sunday acknowledged his intent, if necessary, to destroy North Korea. The same day U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, accompanied by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, left no doubt what was under discussion: Total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea.

This, we may believe, is a negotiating ploy. But it is too hazardous a one. Fortunately there remains time for discussion. We in Canada are doubtless urging that path. But are we doing enough?

The act of genocide being considered by the U.S. and its allies is in response to the fact that North Korea is arming itself with the same weapons that are presently aimed at it. The existing nuclear weapons states have thousands of such weapons.

The indignation emanating from the nuclear armed states suggests that they have accorded themselves the exclusive right to possess such weapons. At the same time this right is being contested by a majority of nations meeting in formal session at the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.

This summer the UN framed a new treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The basis for this seemingly far-fetched proposal is in fact identical to that which has for years outlawed the possession or use of other instruments of indiscriminate slaughter, notably chemical and biological weapons but also cluster bombs and landmines.

This UN treaty is not a dream but reality, having been adopted on July 7 by an impressive majority of 122 nations (two-thirds of eligible voters). It will be open for final signature later this month, on Sept. 20.

The nuclear weapons states overcame their differences and united in boycotting the UN treaty, while pressuring their allies to do the same. Canada was persuaded to vote against the ban, giving as its reason that the ban was premature.

Seventy years into the nuclear age this does not seem a sufficient reason for putting our country on the wrong side of history. Over the decades Canadian governments have held to the view that there is no stable future in a nuclear-armed world.

Canada has, moreover, repeatedly shown its willingness to take an independent view from its allies when justified as a brake on the momentum to nuclear war. We did so in the early 1960s in making the decision to abjure nuclear weapons, the first nuclear-capable state to do so. That action, thereafter, came to define our country.

This country has repeatedly cast its vote against the notion that security is to be found in nuclear arms, or behind anti-missile shields. Instead, we have whenever possible urged the path of disarmament.

Why then did Canada oppose the ban? The U.S. ambassador to the UN, Nikki R. Haley, gave her countrys reason for doing so in saying that the ban would be without effect. But why, in this case, did the U.S. bring pressure on its allies to speak out against the ban? It did so because it was aware that public declarations, freely arrived at, carry weight, shaping future history.

A commitment on the part of a majority of the worlds nations to label nuclear war a crime, will leave its mark on history. Possessors of nuclear weapons were heard to complain precisely of this outcome. But it is the outcome to be desired, standing between us and the act of mass extermination.

The marshalling of public opinion with the help of new laws has been the precondition for ending other historic crimes against humanity, such as torture, slavery and the burning of witches. In each case, with the passage of time, new thinking more clearly in accord with conscience, has won the day.

The suffering people of North Korea, held in the grip of its leader Kim Jong Un, are not immune to new thinking. Mr. Kim, having alienated every nation in the world, is prepared to live in a nuclear bunker, so long as that ensures his hold on power in his part of Korea. It is a fantasy to suppose that he would risk all in a suicidal attempt at world conquest.

In this he differs from some earlier contenders for membership in the nuclear club, who did harbour messianic aims  Russia in the time of Stalin, or China under Mao. Wisely, even then, the existing powers made no use of their overwhelming nuclear advantage, fearing the awful costs of nuclear war.

Kim Jong Un has succeeded in rendering his nation impregnable, by transforming it into a nuclear redoubt. In the process he has alienated every friend his country had. His power base is tiny and insecure. He is not remotely in the position to conquer the world, nor has he ever made that preposterous goal his aim.

The situation cries out for negotiation. Escalating threats needlessly block the single remaining path to peace.

John Polanyi is a Nobel laureate at the University of Toronto who has written widely on questions of war and peace.

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Re: Unions want pharmacare plan for all Canadians: Opinion, Sept. 4

Unions want pharmacare plan for all Canadians: Opinion, Sept. 4

I totally support Canadian Labour Congress president Hassan Yussuffs urgent call for pharmacare.

Yussuff clearly points out that 3.5 million Canadians have no drug coverage. This grim fact is not only alarming but unjust. Its particularly burdensome for all part-time, temporary and self-employed workers who are not covered by union or company drug plans.

As a senior in my 80s, Im very fortunate that all my drugs are covered by the Ontario Drug Plan, which has saved me thousands over the past 10-plus years. However, many of my brothers and sisters are not so fortunate. They have partial or no coverage, so they cant afford many essential, high-priced Big Pharma-controlled drugs, while struggling to deal with chronic and disabling conditions or terminal illnesses.

More than 50 years ago, medicare pioneer and social-justice fighter Tommy Douglas advocated universal drug coverage. His daughter Shirley Douglas and many other pharmacare activists have lobbied the federal government to act.

The total absence of political will by our federal governments, including the Justin Trudeau Liberals, is inexcusable and shameful. Its time for citizens of all ages to demand pharmacare. Our health, lives and medical justice are at stake.

Don Weitz, Toronto

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Re: U.S. envoy says Kim is begging for war, Sept. 5

U.S. envoy says Kim is begging for war, Sept. 5

The world is not risking war with North Korea. We are already at war. The Korean War ended only in a truce in 1953.

So what does North Korea want? An end to war, recognition of its borders and recognition as a sovereign state. The United States, South Korea, the UN and their allies should approach North Korea and offer to negotiate an end to war.

However an authoritarian state like North Korea needs an enemy. This is its raison detre. Without an enemy, there would be no authoritarian regime, no nuclear weapons program, but also no Kim Jong Un.

Kim is a gonner, and the generals will take over, unless Kim can convince the country that he is its saviour and can open the door to foreign investment and a disarmament program that scales back weapons in return for economic rewards.

It will be difficult, but China has been down this road itself. China could mentor its North Korean ally, with UN support, as long as the United States doesnt try to control the outcome the way president George W. Bush tried to manage Iraq, installing an American-style capitalist kleptocracy and calling it democracy.

U.S. President Donald Trumps idea of negotiation is to up the ante militarily until someone blinks. Sorry Donald, but this isnt the place for schoolyard bullies; the stakes are too high.

Ian Burns, Toronto

Kim Jong Un is behaving in a way consistent with the legacy of his forefathers  paranoid dictators, desperate to survive amid global rivalries and an old regional war that has never truly ended. Indeed, there is more to this crisis than Kim and his unpredictable antics.

North Korea is often referred to as a highly secretive nation. Such references give pundits and politicians an uncontested platform to make whatever assumptions suit them.

But the legacy of the Korean War (1950-53), which divided Korea and its peoples, is hardly a secret. The savagery of this war saw an estimated 4 million people killed, including 2 million civilians.

Both Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump are dubious figures, driven by fragile egos and unsound judgment. Yet, they are both in a position that, if not reined in soon, could threaten global security and the lives of millions.

Javed Akbar, Ajax

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This column has been updated to note HPE shares are trading lower on the morning of September 7th, after having initially moved higher post-earnings, and to mention a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Meg Whitman might leave HPE.

The first two earnings reports Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. (HPE) - Get Free Report released this year provided plenty of reasons to question a business strategy that has involved doubling down on the company's IT hardware business while spinning off a large chunk of its software and services assets.

HPE's latest report by no means puts an end to long-term concerns about the health of its hardware business. But it does suggest the company's contrarian strategy is starting to pay off some. And considering the valuation that Meg Whitman's company sports, it only needs to pay off so much.

HPE reported July quarter (fiscal third quarter) revenue of $8.21 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.30. Excluding revenue from the Software unit that HPE just finished spinning off and merging with British software firm Micro Focus International Plc (MFGP) - Get Free Report , revenue totaled $7.5 billion, roughly in-line with consensus analyst estimates and up 6% excluding forex and divestitures. EPS, lifted by a 5% drop in adjusted operating expenses to $2.02 billion and $625 million in stock buybacks, beat a $0.26 consensus.

HPE also guided for October quarter adjusted EPS of $0.26 to $0.30. That's officially below a $0.40 consensus, but looks better when one accounts for the $0.13 impact the software spinoff is expected to have on EPS, after factoring lost revenue and "stranded costs" related to the business. The spinoff follows one in April for HPE's Enterprise Services unit, which was merged with Computer Sciences to form a new company called DXC Technology Co. (CSC) .

After gaining over 4% in after-hours trading following the report, HPE shares have reversed course and are down about 1% in Wednesday morning trade. Possibly worrying investors: A Wall Street Journal report stating that people close to Whitman, who was previously linked to Uber's CEO search, believe she has "begun to make plans to leave [HPE] as soon as this fall." In addition, some analysts have expressed disappointment about HPE's near-term earnings power in the wake of its spinoffs.

Going over well: HPE's Enterprise Group -- it covers IT hardware and related software/services, and accounts for nearly all of HPE's post-spinoff offerings -- posted revenue of $6.79 billion, up 3% annually and above a $6.37 billion consensus. Server revenue, which fell 14% in the April quarter amid a big drop in sales to a "tier-1" cloud client (widely believed to be Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) - Get Free Report ), only fell 1% this time.

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Tech analyst Patrick Moorhead notes server revenue grew 12% excluding tier-1 cloud sales. Softer year-ago figures helped, as did HPE's $275 million acquisition of high-performance computing (HPC) server vendor SGI and $650 million acquisition of hyperconverged infrastructure provider SimpliVity. But it also looks as if HPE took share in a pressured enterprise server market.

HPC server sales grew 10% organically, and 40% after factoring SGI. Hyperconverged sales grew over 100%, though Whitman cautions this was off a small base. HPE also reports it now has over 600 clients for its innovative Synergy systems (first unveiled in late 2015), which turn server, storage and networking resources into modular building blocks and can quickly dedicate additional resources for an app when it needs them. Synergy demand is also said to have boosted sales of the blade servers used by the systems.

On the networking front, it looks as if HPE is still taking share from Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO) - Get Free Report Wi-Fi product revenue rose over 30% thanks to strong growth for HPE's Aruba Networks unit, and -- thanks partly to deals featuring Aruba sales -- wired switching revenue grew mid-single digits. Due to both share loss and product transitions, Cisco's switching revenue fell 9% in its July quarter to $3.44 billion; its wireless revenue grew 5% to $799 million.

Storage revenue grew 11% with the help of a 30% increase in all-flash storage array sales. But that has much to do with HPE's $1 billion purchase of hybrid and all-flash array vendor Nimble Storage -- the company still says it's seeing "challenging" storage demand in the U.S. and elsewhere. On the bright side, HPE asserts Nimble's sales and profits were better than expected, and notes it's bringing Nimble's InfoSight analytics software for predicting potential hardware issues to its entire storage lineup.

HPE's Financial Services revenue grew 10% to $897 million, something the company attributes to growing conversions of leases into hardware sales and a greater mix of operating leases relative to capital leases. However, financing volumes fell by 8%.

Looking at HPE's bottom line, high DRAM and flash memory weighed on the company's gross margin, which fell 80 basis points sequentially and 340 points annually to 33%. HPE is only partly passing on higher memory costs to customers in the name of taking share, and considering how high prices remain, this may be a larger headwind still in the October quarter.

Nonetheless, the Enterprise Group's operating margin did improve by 80 points sequentially to 9.6% thanks to cost cuts -- it was still below a year-ago level of 12.6% -- and CFO Tim Stonesifer forecast it would be "closer to 11%" by the end of this quarter. Whitman insisted margins can return to their higher historical levels in 2018, but added HPE will be "a quarter or so delayed" by commodity costs and other issues such as the aforementioned stranded costs.

Though HPE has made some smart moves to flesh out its product lineup and grow its exposure to stronger IT hardware segments, growing sales long-term will still be a challenge, given that cloud giants gobbling up a larger and larger share of IT spending dollars are only sparsely buying hardware from traditional IT giants. In Q2, Intel Corp.'s (INTC) - Get Free Report Data Center Group saw its sales to enterprise and government clients drop 11% annually, and its sales to cloud providers grow 35%.

But one can't find too much fault with HPE's product execution as it deals with this issue. Nor its ability to successfully digest big hardware acquisitions, as Aruba and Nimble's recent performance shows. And it looks as if the company isn't done using its checkbook to improve its positioning: Shortly before its latest earnings report, HPE announced it's buying Cloud Technology Partners, a consulting firm that helps major enterprises implement cloud projects.

HPE expects about $1 in EPS from continuing operations in fiscal 2017, and "significant uplift" for that number in fiscal 2018 with the help of a better cost structure, buybacks and attempts to offset commodity price hikes. With the stock still trading below $15, such a valuation gives the company some margin of error as it pushes ahead with its unique turnaround strategy.

And HPE's latest results, though certainly not guaranteeing it will all be smooth sailing ahead, does indicate that a management team no longer distracted by the company's Software and Enterprise Services units has its eye on the ball.
The European Commission on Wednesday suspended its review of Qualcomm's (QCOM) - Get Free Report $38 billion takeover of NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) - Get Free Report for the second time after both chipmakers failed to provide crucial details of the agreement.

Both shares of Qualcomm and NXP Semiconductors were moving lower during Wednesday morning trading following the suspension.

Reuters first reported the suspension of the decision, which was initially given a Dec. 6 deadline.

"Once the missing information is supplied by the parties, the clock is re-started and the deadline for the Commission's decision is then adjusted accordingly," EU competition regulators said.

Further, the European regulator is examining concerns that the agreement may increase prices, effectively reducing innovation within in the semiconductor space.

Qualcomm, whose shares are lower over 23% this year after being hit patent disputes and even a lawsuit by Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report , faces further downside risk should regulators veto the deal.

NXPI is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells NXPI? Learn more now.

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Facebook (FB) - Get Free Report representatives told congressional investigators on Wednesday that it has discovered it sold ads to a Russian company seeking to target American voters during the 2016 election, according to a report from The Washington Post. The social media giant traced about $100,000 to a firm with a history of pushing pro-Kremlin propaganda. The newspaper didn't name the Russian company.

The ads began in the summer of 2015 and lasted to May 2017. A small portion directly named then-Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. Most, however, focused on divisive issues such as gun rights, immigration, LGBT rights and racial discrimination.

Facebook came under scrutiny after the election for its role in facilitating the spread of fake news stories and after initially distancing itself from the matter announced plans to take a deeper look at what happened.

An investigation this spring looking at purchasers of politically-motivated ads found that about 3,000 ads had digital footprints leading to the Russian company. Facebook also discovered 470 suspicious and probably fraudulent accounts and pages it believes to be operated out of Russia and linked to the company. Facebook chief security officer Alex Stamos said in a statement posted on Wednesday that the Menlo Park, Calif.-based company has shut down the accounts and pages identified.

The U.S. intelligence community concluded at the start of the year that Russia's interference in the 2016 election had included using paid social media trolls to spread fake news intended to sway public opinion. Questions have long been raised about how they knew who to target and where.

Stamos said about a quarter of the ads identified as tied to Russia were geographically targeted and more ran in 2015 than in 2016.

"We know we have to stay vigilant to keep ahead of people who try to misuse our platform," Stamos said.

Jim Cramer and the AAP team hold a position in Facebook for their Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells FB? Learn more now.

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Emergent BioSolutions Inc., a life sciences company, focuses on the provision of preparedness and response solutions that address accidental, deliberate, and naturally occurring public health threats (PHTs) in the United States. The company's products address PHTs, which include chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives; emerging infectious diseases; travel health; and emerging health crises and acute/emergency care. It offers BioThrax, an anthrax vaccine; ACAM2000, a smallpox vaccine; Botulism Antitoxin Heptavalent to treat botulinum disease; vaccinia immune globulin intravenous that addresses complications from smallpox vaccine; raxibacumab for the treatment and prophylaxis of inhalational anthrax; Anthrasil to for inhalational anthrax; reactive skin decontamination lotion kits; and Trobigard, a combination drug-device auto injector product candidate; and Trobigard, a combination drug-device auto injector product candidate. The company also provides NARCAN, a nasal spray for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose; Vivotif, an oral vaccine for typhoid fever; and Vaxchora, a single-dose oral vaccine to treat cholera. In addition, it is developing AP003, a Naloxone multidose nasal spray; AP007, a sustained release Nalmefene injection for treatment of opioid use disorder; AV7909, an anthrax vaccine; CGRD-001, a pralidoxime chloride/atropine auto-injector; CHIKV VLP, a chikungunya virus VLP vaccine; COVID-HIG for the treatment of SARS-CoV2; EGRD-001, a diazepam auto-injector; SIAN, an antidote for the initial treatment of acute poisoning of cyanide; and UniFlu, a universal influenza vaccine. Further, the company provides contract development and manufacturing services comprising drug substance and product manufacturing, and packaging, as well as technology transfer, process, and analytical development services. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
VeriFone Systems, Inc. provides payments and commerce solutions at the point of sale (POS) worldwide. It offers countertop solutions that accept payment options, including contactless, NFC, mobile wallets, and EMV; PIN pads that support credit and debit card, EBT, EMV, and other PIN-based transactions; and multilane consumer facing commerce devices. It also provides portable payment devices, including small, portable, and handheld devices that enable merchants to accept electronic payments wherever wireless connectivity is available; and mobile solutions that attach to and interface with iOS or Android based smartphones and tablets. In addition, it offers integrated electronic payment systems that combine electronic payment processing, fuel dispensing, and ECR functions, as well as secure payment systems for integration with petroleum pump controllers; unattended and self-service payment solutions designed to enable payment transactions in self-service, high-transaction volume, and public transportation environments; and network access solutions. Further, it provides installation, deployment, training, and application development and delivery solutions; project management, client education program, and consulting services; helpdesk support, equipment repair and maintenance, and software post-contract support services; and application libraries and development tools. Additionally, it offers omnichannel commerce, terminal management, and security solutions; and cloud-based managed, transaction payment, and other value added services. It sells its products directly; and through third party and channel partners. It serves financial institutions, payment processors, government organizations, and retailers; petroleum, transportation, and healthcare companies; and quick service restaurants. The company was formerly known as VeriFone Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to VeriFone Systems, Inc. in May 2010. VeriFone Systems, Inc. is headquartered in San Jose, California.
BNL girls thump Mitchell at The Hive

Bedford North Lawrence defeated Mitchell 78-20 at the Hive on Saturday evening. The win moved the Stars to 3-0 on the season.
Artist and Emory PhD student Fahamu Pecou designed the poster for Emory 21 Days of Peace, which invites the Emory community to engage in events and a social media campaign promoting peace at home and around the world.

When it comes to the work of building peace, it helps to begin in your own backyard.

As Emory law professor Abdullahi Ahmed An-Naim likes to point out, you dont necessarily have to go far away to make a big difference  start where you are, says Obse Ababiya, senior program coordinator for the Laney Graduate Schools Institute for Developing Nations (IDN).

To help advance that goal, the IDN, Emory Campus Life and the Carter Centers Human Rights Program are partnering to present Emory 21 Days of Peace, a social media campaign and series of campus events intended to promote peace in an interconnected and interdependent world.

Peace is not passive, says IDN Interim Director Dabney Evans, assistant professor and director of graduate studies in the Rollins School of Public Healths Hubert Department of Global Health.

Instead, the achievement of peace requires action, she says. In fraught times like ours, the principles of peace provide a North Star to guide us.

This years programming includes a workshop on translating research into policy and social media campaigns highlighting Emory peacemakers and advancing an invitation to participate in daily prayer and meditation. The Emory 21 Days of Peace campaign is also partnering on two key annual events for first-year students: the Welcoming Day of Service, which was held Sept. 2, and the upcoming Carter Town Hall Meeting.

Activities will culminate with a public keynote by renowned humanitarian Marguerite Barankitse, founder of Maison Shalom, a network of schools and hospitals focused on childrens welfare throughout Burundi, and 2013 recipient of an honorary doctor of humane letters degree from Emory.

Aimed at students  but open to those throughout the campus community  the three-week program aspires to educate and empower people to work for peace in both their local and global communities, says Ababiya, who co-chairs the Emory 21 Days of Peace Committee with James Roland of Emory Campus Life.

Turn on the TV or the radio these days, and you are bombarded with images of violence, which seem so pervasive, says Roland, senior director of civic and community engagement, director of the Emory Center for Advancing Nonviolence and director of the Atlanta Urban Debate League.

These types of initiatives not only allow us to give students skills associated with nurturing peace and peace building, but the whole university, too," he says. If we can learn to have conversations across difference and see the humanity in each other, not only will we see successful college students and Emory graduates, but we will see a truly profound and positive impact on the world.

Launched last year in connection with the United Nations International Day of Peace, which is Sept. 21, the campaign strives to offer activities that create points of meaningful engagement, says Ababiya. The United States Institute of Peace originated #PeaceDayChallenge, which Emory partners have expanded upon for to create a three-week calendar of events, she notes.

We didnt want to just provide activities where students come, listen and leave  we wanted students to be engaged and come up with solutions to problems, which is part of IDNs mission.

Program highlights this year include:

Sept. 1-21:

Emory Peacemakers: Social media campaign on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram features Emory peacemakers; students, staff and faculty are also invited to post submissions of their own peace-building friends and colleagues using the hashtag #Emory21DaysofPeace or #PeaceDayChallenge.

Prayers and Meditations for Peace: Led by the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life at Emory, participants are invited to use social media to pause and reflect on prayers and meditations promoting peace. Twitter: OSRL125; Facebook: Emory Office of Spiritual and Religious Life; Instagram: emoryOSRL.

Sept. 6:

Wonderful Wednesday, 12-1 p.m., Asbury Circle. Emorys Student Government Association hosts Emory 21 Days of Peace. Refreshments provided by Refuge Coffee.

Sept. 12:

Translating Research into Policy, 12 p.m., Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies (PAIS), Room 220. This workshop will guide students on how to translate their research into policy, particularly linking research with organizations and building long-term relationships that yield concrete solutions. Features presenters from a number of schools and departments, including the Departments of Political Science and Anthropology, Emory School of Law and the Rollins School of Public Health.

Sept. 13:

Carter Town Hall Meeting, 8 p.m., Woodruff PE Center. First-year students are invited to hear President Jimmy Carter address the Emory community and answer questions submitted by students. Contact Emory Campus Life for more information about this ticketed event.

Sept. 16 and Sept. 23:

Debate Training: Emory students will go through judge training and assist in Atlanta Urban Debate League debates in area middle and high schools to help promote civil discourse. For full calendar, check here.

Sept. 22:

Finale keynote, 12 p.m., Emory Center for Ethics Commons, Room 102. Marguerite Barankitse, renowned Burundian humanitarian and founder of Maison Shalom, speaks. In 1993, when Burundi erupted in civil war, Barankitse was a witness to murderous attacks and began caring for hundreds of children orphaned by war. In response, she founded Maison Shalom, a complex of schools and hospitals throughout Burundi focused on childrens welfare. Her talk, which will be live-streamed at facebook.com/forumonwomen by the Carter Centers Human Rights Program, is free and open to the public.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 offers a smooth 120Hz display, improved cameras and 5G in a fairly compact design, but the battery life could be better.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

The Samsung Galaxy S20 is the Android flagship for people who actually like smaller phones. Thanks to its 6.2-inch display, the S20 is easy to use with one hand, and yet this compact device packs quite a punch. However, the price is not small at $999.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Specs OS: Android 10

Screen size: 6.2 inches

Screen resolution: QHD+ (563 ppi)

Refresh rate: 120Hz

Processor: Snapdragon 865

RAM: 12GB

Storage: 128GB + microSD

Battery: 4,000 mAh

Battery life: 9 hours 31 mins

Rear cameras: 12MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto

Video: Up to 8K resolution at 24 fps

Front cameras: 10MP

Size: 5.9 x 3 x 0.31 inches

Weight: 5.7 ounces

Just like its bigger and even pricier brothers, the Galaxy S20 gives you a fluid 120Hz display, powerful new camera system with improved zoom and 5G speeds. However, the battery life isn't the best.

If you want a bigger 6.7-inch screen, check out our Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus review; it's our favorite of the three new Galaxy S20 phones. And if you want a more powerful 10x lossless zoom and monster 6.9-inch screen, check out our Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra review.

Some may prefer the OnePlus 8 Pro, which offers a bigger display than the Galaxy S20 and longer battery life for $899. But as you'll see in our full Galaxy S20 review, we really this phone because of what Samsung packed into such a sleek package.

(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy S20 had a release date of March 6, 2020. The Galaxy S20 cost $999 when it debuted; it comes with 12GB of RAM and 128GB of storage standard. You cant opt for a model with more RAM or storage but you can add up to 1TB of storage via the phones microSD card slot.

The Galaxy S20 remains available through all major carriers, including a model that supports Verizon's mmWave 5G network.

The S20 was a pretty expensive flagship, even at the time it launched, as you can see in this LG Velvet vs. Samsung Galaxy S20 face-off that illustrates how well some midrange phones compared to Samsung's then-flagship. Samsung seems to have gotten the message  the Galaxy S21 that came out this year costs $799, which is $200 less than the S20. (The S20's price has fallen since then.)

Anyone interested in snapping up one of Samsung's older flagships for the least expense possible should have a look at our best Galaxy S20 deals or Samsung promo codes before pulling the trigger.

Samsung Galaxy S20 review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy S20 doesnt look radically different from the Galaxy S10, but there are some welcome refinements. The cutout for the front camera is smaller this time around, and its placed in the top center of the display instead of on the right side, so its less of a distraction. In addition, the display has less of a curve to it, which I appreciate because theres less of a chance of accidental touches when youre just shifting the phone in your hands.

I feel like its not a huge deal at this stage, but its definitely notable that the Samsung Galaxy S20 does not include a headphone jack. This is the first Galaxy S flagship phone missing this feature, so youll probably want check out our best wireless earbuds and best wireless headphones recommendations. If you want to keep it in the brand family, check out the new Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus, which promise 11 hours of battery life.

(Image credit: Future)

The Samsung Galaxy S20s color options are not exciting, but at least there's some variety. In the U.S you'll find three Galaxy S20 colors in Cosmic Gray, Cloud Blue and Cloud Pink. Im partial to the lighter Cloud Blue, just because it looks and feels new. I would have liked to see something more captivating, like the Aura Glow finish that we saw in our Samsung Galaxy Note 10 review .

Samsung Galaxy S20 review: Cameras

(Image credit: Future)

Samsung had fallen behind Apple and Google in photo quality, but the Galaxy S20 looks to beat the competition with bigger sensors, a bigger zoom and new features that make it easier to shoot and share.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 has a triple rear camera that starts with a 12-MP wide sensor thats 1.8 microns. The telephoto lens uses a 64MP sensor thats 0.8 microns and the 12MP ultra-wide camera uses a 1.4-micron sensor.

Why am I rattling off all these numbers? Well, the larger the sensor, the more light it lets in, which should result in brighter and sharper images. By comparison, the Galaxy S10s wide-angle, telephoto and ultra-wide cameras were 1.4, 1 and 1 microns, respectively. So at least two of the lenses are significantly larger.

Indoors under normal lighting conditions, the Galaxy S20 captured a more delicious looking shot of these cookies. You can make out the nooks and crannies  and fudge in the dark chocolate cookies  although Samsung had some help from its AI Scene Optimizer mode that automatically recognizes food.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 doesnt have the Galaxy S20 Ultras monster 100x Space Zoom, but it does have a more powerful zoom than the Galaxy S10. The Hybrid Optic Zoom goes up to 3x, which is supposed to be lossless zoom, and the digital zoom goes up to 30x. As you get closer to 30x the camera view gets shaky, but overall this is an improvement on the 2x zoom in the Galaxy S10.

In our first zoom test of the Chrysler building from a few blocks away, the Galaxy S20, captured a darker but crisper image than the iPhone 11 Pro Max. There's a bit more noise in the iPhone's shot.

I noticed a more dramatic difference when we set the zoom on both phones to 10x, which is digital zoom. You can make out more detail in the building and the windows in the Galaxy S20's photo. With the iPhone 11 Pro Max, you can tell that it's a zoom photo, but with the Samsung phone you're just closer to the subject.

The Samsung Galaxy S20's cameras didn't shine in all situations. With this flower close-up I'd give the edge to the iPhone 11 Pro Max, which shows more gradations of color and delivers and overall brighter image. However, the S20's photo provides more detail in the center of the flower.

I also give the edge to the iPhone 11 Pro Max over the Samsung Galaxy S20 in this portrait. My face is brighter and pops more in the S20's pic, but the iPhone does a better job rendering the lines in my shirt and the texture in my jacket, details that get lost in the S20's photo.

If you look closely, the Galaxy S20 also has trouble with the light behind my head in Live Focus mode, as it seems to dig into the sides of my head.

So how about Night mode? The Galaxy S20 did a pretty good job capturing this scene in almost complete darkness. You can make out the gold USS Enterprise in the foreground more clearly than you can in the iPhone 11 Pro Max's photo. However, the overall image is brighter from the iPhone, as it's easier to see the desk, the pedestal for the space ship and objects in the background.

My favorite Samsung Galaxy S20 camera feature is Single Take. When you press the shutter button in this mode, the phone takes a series of photos while also recording 10 seconds of video. The phone then gives you a gallery of results, including an AI Best moment, and ultra-wide shot, a Live Focus (portrait mode) pic, as well as a fast forward video thats great for social and the original video.

Single Take on the Galaxy S20 (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

The Galaxy S20 is a beast on the video front, as it can record 8K video at up to 24 frames per second. Youll also be able to cast videos to Samsung 8K QLED TVs -- if you can afford one -- and take 33MP photos from 8K videos you might want to share.

I'll update this Galaxy S20 review with my impressions once we can access an 8K monitor, but I can say the footage looked very crisp on my MacBook Pro's Retina Display. I could easily make out the gradations in bark in the surrounding trees and even fine details in a man's blue hoodie 50 feet away.

The Samsung Galaxy S20s front camera uses a 10MP sensor thats 1.22 microns and a f/2.2 aperture. Thats the same resolution and size as the S10s front camera but that camera had a f/1.9 aperture.

(Image credit: Future)

A selfie I took with the front camera made my face look a little too smooth, an issue we also found with the Galaxy S20 Plus. At least the Galaxy S20 did a fine job capturing the dots in my shirt and my hair.

Samsung Galaxy S20 review: Display

(Image credit: Future)

While a fast processor helps, the refresh rate of the display can make a phone feel smoother in everyday operation, whether youre scrolling through webpages or playing games. The Samsung Galaxy S20s 6.2-inch OLED display has 120Hz refresh rate, which is double the 60Hz rate on the Galaxy S10 and higher than the 90Hz screen on the OnePlus 7T.

Another plus? The Samsung Galaxy S20 sports a new 240Hz touch sensor thats supposed to be more responsive. In our testing, the Galaxy S20's 120Hz mode did feel smoother when using Chrome and the Twitter app.

(Image credit: Future)

When using the phone during our hands-on time, the Galaxy S20 felt pretty fluid, and you can easily toggle between 60Hz and 120Hz in the display settings menu. The bad news is that selecting 120Hz dials the resolution down from quad HD to full HD.

The Galaxy S20 has one of the brightest and most colorful displays we've ever tested. The OLED display registered a very high 857 nits of average brightness, which is even brighter than the beaming 752-nit iPhone 11 Pro.

The S20's panel also hit an impressive 162.5% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, cimpared to just 83% for the iPhone 11 Pro. The only area where the iPhone edges out this Galaxy is with color accuracy; the S20 turned in a Delta-E score of 0.37 (where 0 is a perfect score), compared to 0.27 to the iPhone 11 Pro.

Samsung Galaxy S20 review: Performance

As the first phone with Qualcomms Snapdragon 865 processor, the Samsung Galaxy S20 should provide speed aplenty, especially since its paired with a robust 12GB of RAM. Samsung is giving you control over how you use this memory, too, as you can assign up to three apps to be stored directly in RAM. The result should be near-instant load times for resource-intensive apps and games.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 comes with 128GB of storage and there isnt a 512GB model as there is with the Galaxy S20 Plus and Galaxy S20 Ultra. Fortunately, you can add up to 1 TB of storage via the microSD card slot.

The Galaxy S20 performed very well in various benchmarks, including Geekbench 5, which measures overall performance. The S20 hit 3,147 on the multi-core portion of the test, which is the best score we've every seen on an Android phone. The iPhone 11 Pro's A13 Bionic processor scored an even higher 3,509, so Apple maintains its lead for now.

On the GFXBench graphics test (Aztec Ruins Vulkan test off-screen), the Galaxy S20 reached 1,319 frames (21 frames per second), which beats the OnePlus 7T (1,169). The iPhone 11 Pro notched a higher 2,174 frames or 33.8 fps.

To test the Galaxy S20's real-world performance, we transcoded a 4K video to 1080p after applying an effect and transition in Adobe Rush. The Galaxy S20 took 1 minute and 15 seconds, which is an improvement on the Galaxy Note 10's time of 1:34. The iPhone 11 Pro needed only 46 seconds.

Samsung Galaxy S20 review: 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S20 supports 5G networks, so you should be able to enjoy faster speeds for surfing the web and downloading content on the go. However, at launch, the S20 wasn't available on Verizons 5G network . That's because, unlike the larger S20 Plus and Ultra variants, the 6.2-inch S20 normally lacks millimeter-wave connectivity, and Verizon's 5G infrastructure is exclusively millimeter wave, for the time being.

(Image credit: Future)

Fortunately, Verizon and Samsung are finally addressing that oversight. On June 4, a special edition of the S20 will arrive on Big Red with millimeter-wave support intact, for the same $999 price. It will also run on Verizon's long-range, low-band network, when that goes live later in 2020.

In my initial Galaxy S20 speed tests over T-Mobile's network, I saw very good performance in some locations and poor performance in other spots. For example, in central New Jersey the Galaxy S20 hit downloads as high as 183 Mbps, but in New York City the phone notched as low as 5.2 Mbps with a 5G icon showing.

Samsung Galaxy S20 review: Battery life and charging

(Image credit: Future)

Given its 5G connectivity and 120Hz display, the Samsung Galaxy S20 will need a beefy battery to get you through the day. And Samsung has answered the call with a 4,000 mAh battery in this phone. The Galaxy S10 had a 3,400 mAh battery, so this is a fairly big jump.

Unfortunately, the Galaxy S20 endured an average of just 9 hours and 31 minutes while set to the 60Hz mode across two sessions of Tom's Guide's custom battery test, where devices repeatedly load web pages over T-Mobile's network until they run out of battery.

The phones with the best battery life last 11 to 12 hours. The Galaxy S20 Plus lasted a decent 10 hours and 31 minutes and the the Galaxy S20 Ultra hit an epic 12:03.

How does the regular S20 compare to similarly-priced flagships? The iPhone 11 Pro lasted 10 hours and 24 minutes on the same test, and last year's Galaxy S10 managed 10 hours and 19 minutes. The iPhone 11, which costs $300 less than the Galaxy S20, fared even better than both, at 11 hours and 16 minutes.

After the S20 completed those tests, we went back and ran two more, now with the device's refresh rate set to 120Hz. This time, the phone only averaged 8 hours and 4 minutes of runtime  nearly an hour and a half less than it managed when operating at 60Hz.

Power users or those especially concerned about their device lasting a day or more on a charge will want to have a look at the Galaxy S20 Plus or Galaxy S20 Ultra instead. But with those devices demanding a $200 and $400 premium over the standard S20, respectively, that peace of mind won't come cheap.

The Galaxy S20 comes with a 25-watt charging adapter in box that can take the device from empty to 53 percent in a half hour. It also supports 15-watt wireless charging with compatible stands.

Samsung Galaxy S20 review: Software

The Samsung Galaxy S20 comes with Samsungs new One UI 2 software, which streamlines the interface to make it easier to jump into your favorite apps, change settings and more. This rides on top of Android 10, which includes great new features like Smart Reply, a dark mode and better privacy controls.

Samsung is also trying to build better experiences into the Galaxy S20, starting with Google Duo integration. Googles answer to FaceTime, this video chat app is built right into the phone dialer and contacts apps, and you can video chat with up to 8 people. Plus, you can video chat in full HD for the first time.

I conducted a Google Duo video call with my colleague, Adam, and I appreciated that I could start the video call right from the phone app. He said I looked pretty clear coming through his Pixel 4, and his face and voice were both clear on my end after some initial buffering.

Other software features include Music Share for sharing out your Bluetooth connection to your car (so someone else can control the playlist for a while) and Spotify integration with Bixby routines, so the Samsung Galaxy S20 will recommend playlists based on your preference and even the moment of the day.

Galaxy S30/S21: Should you wait?

The Galaxy S30/Galaxy S21 is on the horizon, which should deliver faster performance and a 120Hz display that's dynamic to save battery life. The latter feature is already available on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. The next Galaxy S phone may also feature a camera under the display to deliver a true full-screen experience. But the Galaxy S21 likely won't launch until February at the earliest.

Samsung Galaxy S20 review: Verdict

Galaxy S20 (left) and Galaxy S20 Plus (right) (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

At $999, the Samsung Galaxy S20 isnt cheap, but it is the most affordable Galaxy S20 phone. Its also the most compact phone in Samsungs flagship lineup, making it the best choice for those looking for an Android device that wont bulge out of their pockets or require two hands to operate. The star of the show is the new camera, which impresses with new features like Single Take and a more powerful zoom.

The biggest reason not to get the Galaxy S20 is its battery life. It's runtime is about an hour behind the iPhone 11 Pro, and that delta increases nearly 2.5 hours with the S20's 120Hz display mode enabled.

Overall, our top pick among Samsung's new Android phones is the Galaxy S20 Plus, because it offers a larger display and longer endurance. But for that you'll have to step up to $1,199. If you prefer a smaller device, you should be very pleased with the regular Galaxy S20.
Flag carrier Oman Air has signed an agreement with Takatuf Oman, the human capital solutions provider, to provide assessment services.



This is part of the companys continued drive towards enhancing the talent managements processes.



By using the techniques employed by the assessment services, Oman Air will be better placed to make decisions on future employees suitability for a job opening. It helps identify employees strengths and areas of development. The assessment services will also be used internally for assessing leadership capabilities and succession management.



Asma Humaid Al Ghabshi, Oman Air executive vice president for human resources, said: Working with Takatuf as a professional partner leading to the signing of this agreement has been vital to centralising some of our resource allocations. As we continue this drive, it is vital that we inspire our employees to reach their full potential and the new Assessment Service will play an important role in facilitating this.



Hilal Al Jadidi, Takatufs director of consulting services, said: Takatuf has made it a priority to contribute to the development of Omans human capital and the potential of the labour force to effectively respond to the regions fast-growing competitiveness. We are delighted to partner with Oman Air as it continues its drive to develop its employees and remain one of the best airlines in the region.



Being introduced this month, the assessment services are provided by Takatuf Oman Assessment Centre. The Centre is managed by a registered industrial psychologist supported by Omani team members who are all qualified and accredited to administer and interpret psychometric assessments. - TradeArabia News Service
Featured consultancy on the SADC Trade Protocol: TOR for sugar sector study

Forthcoming African trade and development events:

(i) 11th Joint Consultative meeting between AUPSC, UNSC (8 September, New York): to exchange views on peace and security issues in Africa, specifically, on conflict and crisis situations in Somalia, South Sudan, Lake Chad Basin.

(ii) Nepad Agency HLF on the margins of 72nd United Nations General Assembly: Harnessing skills for rural transformation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: what needs to be done? (20 September); Sustainable tourism development in Africa: transforming opportunity for inclusive growth

(iii) 3rd International Conference on Tax in Africa (25-29 September, Abuja): Building strong domestic tax regimes in Africa

(iv) Peace, Security and Development Nexus (28-29 September, Cape Town): expert group meeting

(v) OSAA Africa Week 2017 (16-20 October, New York): Towards the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Bernard Hoekman, Dominique Njinkeu: Integrating Africa  some trade policy research priorities and challenges (Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies)

This paper (pdf) discusses opportunities for trade policy research to contribute more to efforts to integrate African markets, a stated policy priority for African leaders. Much of the economic research in this area has sought to quantify aggregate trade costs and the potential welfare impacts of reducing such costs, including through regional integration. This is important, but we argue that more focus is needed on the micro dimensions of regional integration. These centre on the trade-restricting effects of nontariff measures and regulatory policies and their political economy underpinnings. Of particular importance is research on mechanisms to support market integration initiatives that recognize the multidimensional nature of the sources of trade costs in Africa, and the associated political economy forces within and between countries and regional economic communities. Specifically, we discuss four research challenges: Analysis of the effects of trade policy, especially NTMs affecting trade in goods and services; Research on issues related to inter-REC liberalization; Improving economic governance and regulatory frameworks; The design of mechanisms to enhance policy coherence and accountability. [RSCAS Working Papers]

Free Movement of Persons to stimulate African regional integration (GoM)

The implementation mechanism of a Draft Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons in Africa aimed at promoting regional integration across the continent was the focus of discussions during an Experts meeting which opened yesterday at the Hilton Hotel in Flic en Flac. The three-day event is organised by the AUC with the objective to develop a roadmap and establish a task force to guide the Commission on implementation strategies. Representatives from 55 African countries are participating. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Seetanah Lutchmeenaraidoo, said it is necessary to ensure the ease of movement of persons in parallel with the liberalisation process of trade in goods and trade in services. In her speech, the President of the Committee on the Free Movement of Persons Ambassador Catherine Jackden, outlined that this process encourages innovation and knowledge-transfer across the continent and helps societies to get acquainted with each other and to become more accepting.

Tunisia launches charm offensive to join ECOWAS as Maghreb Union crumbles (North Africa Post)

In the face of the paralysis crippling the Maghreb Union, Tunisia is following the example of Morocco by repositioning itself on the African continent. Tunisias bid to join ECOWAS is thus part of an endeavor to seek regional integration facilitating the flow of goods and investments in an increasingly globalized and competitive world. After the ECOWAS has in principle approved Moroccos membership application, Tunisia is following suit looking forward to becoming a member of the regional bloc before the end of 2017. In line with this momentum, Tunisia will also open new embassies across the continent as well as trade representations. For its part, the North African countrys flagship carrier, Tunisair, will expand its African network to include new routes to Benin, Sudan, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Nigeria and Guinea over the next four years. Like Morocco, Tunisia also seeks to boost its soft power in Africa through increasing educational and cultural cooperation. In this respect, Tunis aims at receiving 20,000 Sub-Saharan students by 2020, compared to 7000 currently. [Tunisia eyes Africa with Tunisian African Empowerment Forum]

Sahel and West Africa: Cross-border flows of agricultural and livestock products, June 2017

Regional trade in agri-food products plays an important role in regional integration, in the fight against food insecurity in the Sahel and in West Africa. Apart from livestock, corn, millet, sorghum, parboiled rice and cowpea for which CILSS has set up a monitoring system since 2013, the system also monitors other products: cola, onion fish, tomatoes, Fruit and vegetable products. The volume of food products traded during the month of June 2017 increased by 11%, because of a considerable increase in banana volumes (98%), orange (95%), and eggplant (84%). In addition, the products such as pepper, sweet potato, cassava, ginger and carrot increased by more than 50%. However, these increases did not result in an increase. However, this overall increase did not result in an increase of the value which declined (-1%). The decline in value could be explained by the simultaneous declines in volume and the value of tomatoes and onions, which declined respectively by 486% and 137% in value.

Kenya, Zambia regional milk export dispute sucks in FAO (Business Daily)

Kenyas long standing milk export standoff with Zambia has taken a positive turn with the regional trading bloc seeking intervention of the UN food agency. Comesa said it would engage the FAO and the Zambian government to resolve the 13-year-old stalemate. Zambia has for over a decade rejected Kenyas milk on quality grounds, citing high level of bacteria which exceeds its national total bacteria count (TBC) of 200,000 per mililitre. Kenya follows the global benchmark of one million TBC per millilitre. Comesa director for trade customs and monetary affairs Francis Mangeni was quoted saying in local Zambian media that experts from FAO, the ministries of Commerce, Trade and Industry as well as Agriculture from both countries will meet to sort out the issue. Its about time the issue was finally resolved as it has been ongoing for the past 13 years, he said. As Comesa, we plan to engage international experts to meet with the Zambian government to find possible ways to resolve the conflicts that blocked Kenya export milk and milk products to Zambia.

Agribusinesses, African smallholders seize $1trn food market (AGRF)

The Africa Agriculture Status Report, launched at this years African Green Revolution Forum in Abidjan, has identified Agriculture as Africas quiet revolution, with a focus on SMEs and smallholder farmers creating the high productivity jobs and sustainable economic growth that failed to materialise from mineral deposits and increased urbanisation. The report says that the power of entrepreneurs and the free market is driving Africas economic growth from food production, as business wakes up to opportunities of a rapidly growing food market in Africa, that may be worth more than $1 trillion each year by 2030 to substitute imports with high value food made in Africa. Adding that despite 37% of the population now living in urban centres, most jobs have been created in lower paid, less productive services rather than in industry, with this service sector accounting for more than half of the continents GDP. Smart investments in the food system can change this picture dramatically if planned correctly. Commenting on this years report findings, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa which commissioned the study said:

Logan Wort: African countries must collaborate to fix tax challenges (Daily Maverick)

Earlier in August, the African Tax Administration Forum brought together 16 African Ministries of Finance and tax administrators, as well as legislators, academics and civil society, among others, in a high level dialogue to discuss ways of improving domestic revenue mobilisation on the continent. This was the first such occasion of an event that is likely to become an annual feature. The Tax Policy Dialogue in Kampala, Uganda, sought to forge a crucial network that will ensure coordinated tax policy and tax administration decisions and actions in the ever-changing global tax environment. Over 60 delegates spent two days devising a framework under which both tax policy and tax administrators could lay strategies to stem the steady drainage of Africas resources and seal any gaps that affect efficient domestic revenue mobilisation.

Trade boom lies in wait for Kazungula Bridge (Zambia Daily Mail)

Zambian Road Development Agency acting communication and corporate director Anthony Mulowa said the bridge project is progressing and will also see the construction of one-stop border facilities between Kazungula and Kasane in Zambia and Botswana, respectively. Mr Mulowa said the construction phase of the bridge has created about 450 jobs for both Zambians and Batswana. Construction of phase two of the project is going on well for the one-stop border facility, which will have about 10 buildings. Phase three is at mobilisation stage with about 30 percent works done, he said.

African traders feel the pinch as China produces fewer cheap products (ecns)

When he arrived in Guangzhou, South Chinas Guangdong Province in 2005, Sid witnessed the heyday of the Tianxiu Building and the neighborhood in which it sits, the largest African enclave in China which has been called a hub of low-end globalization. Back then, hundreds of African traders from dozens of countries flocked to the malls located on the first few floors of the building every day to purchase everything from garments to key rings, from batteries to mobile phones. They would then ship them back to their homelands for sale. But that is now distant memory. As commodity and labor prices have surged in China in recent years, the Tianxiu Building has lost its luster among African traders. Business in the building is in sharp decline, and more and more African traders have opted to move to cheaper countries in Southeast Asia.

Robert B. Zoellick: Trumps looming trade crack-up (WSJ)

Donald Trumps trade policy is speeding toward a shipwreck. Under the Constitution, Congress has principal authority over trade, although it has delegated considerable powers to the executive. Congress needs to reassert control to block Mr. Trumps crack-up.

A troubling snapshot of Indian manufacturing (LiveMint)

There are a handful of accepted truths about Indian manufacturing. Enterprises in this sector have a growth problem, often turning out to be dwarfs rather than babies. These dwarfs dominate the sector numbers-wise. They suffer from low productivity given that their small size prevents them from achieving economies of scale, among other disadvantages. However, they employ a huge chunk of the labour force. The recently released Ease Of Doing Business report by NITI Aayog and the IDFC Institute, based on an enterprise survey carried out in 2016, lends some welcome empirical heft to these truths, and delineates the problems sharply.
Sumita Chakraborty, a doctoral candidate in English through Emorys Laney Graduate School, has been named a recipient of the 2017 Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowship  one of the most prestigious awards offered to young U.S. poets.

Chakraborty is among five recipients of this years fellowship, which brings an award of $25,800, intended to encourage the further study and writing of poetry," according to an announcement released this month by The Poetry Foundation and Poetry magazine, which selects the winners. The fellowship is open to all U.S. poets between 21 and 31 years of age.

The Poetry Foundation does such amazing work bringing contemporary poetry into the center of everyday consciousness, she says. Its been an incredible honor to receive this from an organization that does so much. And I admire the work of all the winners and finalists so deeply.

Chakraborty, who began her doctoral studies at Emory in 2012, will graduate in 2018 with a PhD in English and a graduate certificate in Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies. This semester, she is engaged as a dissertation completion fellow at Emorys Bill and Carol Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry.

Her poems, articles and essays have appeared in Cultural Critique, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Gulf Coast, Boston Review and POETRY, among others. She is also poetry editor of AGNI literary magazine and art editor of At Length.

The award marks the second time an Emory student has received the esteemed poetry fellowship in the past five years, according to Benjamin Reiss, professor and chair of Emory's Department of English and co-director of the universitys Disability Studies Initiative.

In 2012, Emory PhD candidate Richie Hofmann was one of five young poets to receive what was then called the Ruth Lilly Fellowship, which was established in 1989 and expanded in 2012 through a gift from the Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Memorial Fund.

This is big  one of two or three major awards that Im aware of specifically for younger poets that marks them as emerging major talents, Reiss says. Were thrilled for her.

In addition to the cash award, it tends to provide a higher visibility on the poetry reading circuit and the publishing world, he explains. Rather than sending out poems, those who win this award are asked to submit them. Its an award that definitely targets them as someone to watch.

An intellectual community mobilized by the arts

A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Chakraborty attended Wellesley College before arriving at Emory, where she was drawn by the strength of the universitys intellectual community and resources, such as the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library.

Poetry is taken very seriously at Emory  not just in the English Department, but broadly, she says. Its a campus that really thrives on and promotes the study of and engagement with poetry, literature and the arts.

Its very exciting to see an intellectual community so mobilized by that, she adds. For someone working on a scholarly degree, it was important to have academic mentors who were really excited by creative writing.

And Chakraborty says thats what shes found here, from teaching mentor Deborah Elise White, an associate professor of English and comparative literature, to a dissertation committee comprised of English professors Walter Kalaidjian, John Johnston and Laura Otis; Lynne Huffer, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies; and Katherine Hayles, an external committee member at Duke University.

I think word has gotten out that graduate students here will find opportunities to hone their craft and work with our extraordinary creative writers even in the context of a program that emphasizes scholarship, Reiss concurs. Its no accident that were attracting the talents of fantastically gifted young poets and scholars like Sumita.

Chakraborty recalls that a love of language and poetry claimed her from a very young age. Its a little like asking, At what point did you start drinking water? she laughs. There is a point in time that you take it more seriously, but youve always been doing it.

About halfway through her undergraduate years at Wellesley College, she recalls suddenly becoming serious about studying the scholarship about poetry and learning how to write it.

How poetry helps untangle the world around us

While at Emory, Chakraborty has valued the opportunity to work as both a poet and a scholar.

She has taught classes ranging from first-year English and composition to poetry courses designed loosely around the idea of the environment and the natural world and how writers and poets have dealt with those and represented them, which aligns with her research interests.

The research Im mostly interested in is the natural world and how that is often entangled with other socio-political issues, she says. My sense is that poetry, in which all these concerns are interlocking and dealt with, can help us think through ways in which we can conceive of present-day issues of the natural world and help us think about them differently and deal with them differently."

Case-in-point: Hurricane Harvey offers an example of how modern ecological concerns are tied up in many interlocking issues  climate change, evacuation patterns, or lack thereof, resources people did or didnt have access to, race, class and ecological concerns all tied into one, big mass, she says.

In contemporary political discourse, when we try to tackle something of intellectual complexity, its often popular to focus on one thing or the other. Poetry can teach us how to contend with many things at once that dont always line up neatly, she notes.

Her dissertation argues that lyric poetry after about 1850 can serve as a surprising resource to think about present-day environmental ethics, she adds.

Her work explores "how thinking about poetry as a mode of thought and feeling and looking at those modes that are connected to everyday experiences and concerns  arranging them differently, coming at them differently, and playing with them differently  can shed light and help us contend with contemporary realities," Chakraborty says.

View the full list of this years winners of the Ruth Lilly and Dorothy Sargent Rosenberg Poetry Fellowships.
New research has found that the 'scent' of plastic in seawater appeals to foraging fish.

Fish eat plastic. We know this because scientists have detected significant amounts of plastic in the seafood that ends up on dinner plates. Research from the University of Ghent last year said that the average mussel-eating Belgian ingests 11,000 pieces of microplastic annually, while other research detected synthetic clothing fibers in one-quarter of fish at the San Francisco fish market.

This is concerning for a lot of reasons, not least of which is the passing on of toxic compounds in plastic to human eaters through bio-accumulation in fish tissues, as well as the impact on fish behavior, from reduced activity rates to weakened schooling behavior to compromised liver function.

The big question, though, is why are fish mistaking plastic for food? Surely these substances are different enough that a fish would be able to tell the difference?

Apparently not.

As Matthew Savoca explains in a piece for the Washington Post, fish may actually like the smell of plastic in the water. Savoca was part of a research team that conducted experiments on anchovy schools and published the results last month in Proceedings of the Royal Society.

Anchovies are a forage fish commonly found off the western coast of North America. They are a key part of the food chain, providing important sustenance to larger predators. They are known to eat plastic, but before this experiment, scientists did not know if anchovies (like sharks) used a sense of smell to detect their food.

It turns out, they do. Savocas team worked with anchovy schools at San Franciscos Aquarium of the Bay, using a GoPro camera mounted above a tank. The researchers mixed up two different solutions of water  one steeped in krill, anchovies preferred food, and anther steeped in plastic debris. These solutions were introduced at separate times into the tank and the anchovies behavior was observed. Savoca wrote:

When we injected seawater scented with krill into the tank, the anchovies responded as if they were searching for food  which in this case was not there. When we presented them with seawater scented with odors of plastic debris, the schools responded in nearly the same way, clumping together and moving erratically as they would if they were searching for food. This reaction provided the first behavioral evidence that a marine vertebrate may be tricked into consuming plastic because of the way it smells.



This research has confirmed that anchovies use a sense of smell to detect their food, and that they are confused, even attracted, by the scent released by plastic in the water. This is a serious problem, when you consider the sheer volume of plastic waste being discharged into the worlds oceans on a daily basis  the equivalent of a dump truck load per minute.

Sadly, public art installations such as this plastic-filled fish are disturbingly accurate depictions of reality. Erik Forsberg/CC BY 2.0

The need to move away from single-use plastics is more pressing than ever, and hopefully research such as this will help motivate people to change their habits, replacing disposable items and packaging with reusable ones.
The trees are BIG on the islands of Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Island)- big enough that you could actually live in them. Artist, raconteur and fly fisherman Noel Wotten of Sitka Studio in the town of Tlell demonstrates this with this incredible space that he carved out of the stump of a single tree.

Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0

Noel says it took twenty-two years of work to carve out the interior of the stump and build the room, which is lined with photographs, humorous notes, photographs and tributes to some of the musicians who have played in the room, such as author Paul Quarrington. Evidently the room has fabulous acoustics; Quote from a poster inside: "It has been said that playing guitar in here is like playing guitar inside a guitar!

Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0

Here's the before photo of the stump.

Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0

a detail of the roof.

Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0

another interior shot, taken through the tiny window.

Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0

That board sticking out of the side of the house is in fact a form of scaffold for loggers; they stick them in the trees and use them as a place to stand while they saw away. I would have thought it was a bit bouncy but that's how it's done.

Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0

Noel Wotten has posted silly signs everywhere, but I groaned at this one.

Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0

Haida Gwaii is full of smart, talented and a bit eccentric people and I was thrilled and honoured to meet a few of them in my short visit. I hope to be back soon to spend more time with them. (I was in Haida Gwaii as a guest of the Rainforest Alliance, looking at sustainable forestry.)

Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0
Skate...look at at the graphics. What does it show?

Even after the 8pm update??

The same as what I said! A hurricane warning is the next step after a watch. I did not expect there not to be a warning. Have you any idea how long the coast is here? Over 250 miles! We are...as I mentioned, on the eastern most point of the north coast. Go a 1/2 mile from where the hurricane warning starts and you are in a Tropical Storm warning.

Dominican Republic from south of Cabo Engano westward to the

southern border with Haiti. Cabo Engano is the airport. The majority of resorts are within 12 miles of the airport.

We are in the graphic range that states the following...if you care to read...or interpret.

Tropical Storm wind probability...70-80%

50 mile per hour winds...40-50%

Hurricane winds...20-30%

The hurricane wind probability if it happens...will be Cat 1 status. As I mentioned...we are fully prepared for Cat 1 status and there is no need for evacuation.

I drove into town this evening for a few drinks with other who live and work...and own property here....in other-words...have much more to lose than a few days of vacation. No one is leaving. On the way, I say 7 buses parked on the side of the road to pick people up from the airport...not drop people off...not to mention a number of smaller vans. As I speak there is a flight from Russia on its way scheduled to land tomorrow morning. If there was fear of a major storm, no airline or tour company would have sent planes today or tomorrow.

There is an evacuation occurring on the "real" north coast of Samana and Cabarete by 2 Canadian companies that I am aware of. These are areas that I have fore-mentioned as being in the danger zone.

There is no mass evacuation of resorts in Punta Cana nor people here, contrary to what one person was saying. My drinking circle included a few who are involved in ground handling companies(larger). In a discussion, issues as to what I have discussed before were mentioned, but nothing about the immediate movement of people.

I will repeat..." we are not taking this lightly" and if a serious threat to the region was in the forecast, I would be one of the first flying my family out of the region. My property can be replaced...my family cannot.

She is not by any means a baby storm...in the middle. But it is highly unlikely that the core of the storm will pass over Punta Cana. It will be a nasty couple of hours early Thursday. Expect some waves and surge due not only the hurricane but the full moon!

Cheers from here,

PuntaCanaMike

Edited: 5 years ago
Hi everyone, Irma certainly seems to be on many minds here on the forum.

Praying that everyone in it's path will be safe!

We arrive in Mo Bay on the 14th, off to Negril once again, we have been there the last 5 Septembers.Yes we have had a few light showers when there but nothing huge like this.

I have a slight concern right now for the hurricane following Irma, it's named already but i can't recall it right now.

Maybe the Weatherman can chime in, thank you for taking the time to help us understand things better!!!

I too would like to hear from people in Negril and how things are going.

Cheers all
Emory President Claire E. Sterk sent the following welcome message to the university community on Sept. 5, 2017.



Dear Members of the Emory Community:

As we enter a new academic year, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all our faculty, students, and staff. For some, this time of year marks a new start. For others, it feels like a restart after a summer break; and for still others, its a reminder that were entering a season of renewed and continued engagement. The recognition that Emory is well positioned for today and for the future gives me confidence. Our teaching, research, health care, and other forms of service allow us to seek solutions to societys most difficult challenges.

Just a year ago, I committed that as a community we would challenge each other to do more, to push boundaries, and to refuse to settle for anything less than our collective best. Over the course of this past year, that commitment has taken on new meaning and relevance.

Recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, and their aftermath have reminded us that we commit to Emorys mission to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity for a reason. The decision to participate in a university community carries moral weight. In choosing Emory, we commit ourselves to certain core values: to equality and inclusion, to the belief that knowledge is worth pursuing for its own sake, to the principles of democratic citizenship, and to the conviction that together we canand shouldseek a more just and compassionate world.

Learning remains the foundation of our shared commitment. In particular, the skills of critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork empower us to become reflective citizens and leaders. The liberal arts teach us not just what to do, to borrow from novelist and essayist Mark Slouka, but also how to be. And they inspire us to confront the problems and tragedies we encounter with integrity, courage, and imagination.

I see this inspiration every day at Emory within and across academic disciplines: in our pursuit of pathbreaking innovation, in our compassionate delivery of high-quality health care, and in the unending search for discoveryall with a commitment to advancing our society. Across Emory, you will find dedicated, compassionate, and talented individuals working to make our community and world a better place. And just in the past few days, many of you have stepped forward, ready to assist our friends and fellow citizens affected by flooding in Texas and Louisiana.

Lets continue to inspire and challenge one another. It will not always be easy, and we will not always agree; but we will work together and remain committed to our purpose. I relish what we will be able to accomplish as a community. And I know that even when we do disagree, we will continue to listen to and respect each other.

Together, we possess the energy, the dedication, and the sense of shared mission to make a difference well beyond our communitybeyond what we can currently imagine. These are times of uncertainty and turmoil for many across the globe, including close to home. Lets remain true to our mission and core values.

Sincerely,

Claire E. Sterk
We used Alex on the Beach last year for the day trip to Nicaragua. It was an extremely interesting and awesome day trip. It was a very long day and the last part of the day was a bit rushed but that was due to spending more time at earlier stops. I would recommend this trip to anyone. Hearing and seeing a live volcano up close was one of my wife's favorite parts of our trip. Granada was very interesting to see and the island tour and hanging out with Lucy the monkey was really neat too.

I have heard of people complaining about border crossing but ours was quick and painless. It was a very long day though and I am not sure how well young children would handle it.

Anyways, you can find more info on Alex's web site (not sure if linking is aloud) which a quick G search will show.

Edit: We got picked up at our hotel Dreams Las Mareas and driven to the border in a 12-person van. We departed the van at the border, walked across and got picked up in another van by Rudulpho, our tour guide, and the same in reverse on the way back. We had 7 people in our group. I wouldn't want to travel with a larger tour company aboard bigger buses as all activities would take much longer.

Edited: 5 years ago
Hi all - I have learned so much from these forums already that I would like to see if I can get specific help. I'd love any advice you have!

So a group of 4 of us are heading to Vietnam for 2 weeks in November. We have a rough itinerary in mind and are currently researching how realistic it is. We are flying into hanoi on the evening of the 22nd November and from there this is what we were thinking:

-Spend night in hanoi and following day then get night train to Sapa

-2 day, one night trek and homestay in sapa

- night train back to hanoi

- 2 day one night trip to ha long bay from hanoi

- stay in hanoi that night and fly to hue the next day where we motorbike to hoi an and stay there that night

- 2 night stay in hoi an

- flight from da nang to ho chi Minh

- two nights in ho chi Minh

- fly from ho chi minh to phu quoc for some beach and relaxing atbthe end of our holiday for two nights

When i write it down it sounds like a jam packed schedule - my questions

1. does it sound too busy? We don't mind travel but we don't want to spend our whole trip in an airport or on a train. We want to get overnight trains as sleeping while travelling wastes less time

2. Do we have to book all trains and flights in advance or do we run much of a risk of them being booked up if we leave them to book at our hostels

3. We don't need to spenddays visiting various temples etc but have we enough time in each place in your opinions?

4. From other forums I have read that two night trips each to sapa and ha long bay are more ideal. Is 2 days and 1 night in each enough or is it squeezing in too much?

Thanks so much in advance of any advice! I'm so looking forward to my trip - I want to plan it as best as possible!
The first shipments of fabricated structural steel are expected to arrive at the mill this month with MSF Sugar Tableland Green Energy Power Plant Project Manager Mark Magnanini saying it would be used to construct the plants heart, a biomass-fired 87 bar high pressure boiler.

With all of the design and engineering now complete, the teams excited to be moving into the construction phase, he said.

He said project team members would travel to Thailand in September to start detailed planning around training, operation and maintenance with parent company, Mitr Phol.

As the cornerstone of MSF Sugars move into the biofuels industry, the power plant is attracting interest from all sectors of the community.

POWER SUPPLY WARNINGS

The news came on the same day that the Australian Energy Market Operator warned the national electricity market was struggling to provide a reliable supply as coal-fired power stations shut down.

The AMEO warned that the southern states could face blackouts during summer as demand increases and people switch on the airconditioners to survive the heat.

While the dire warnings apply to some parts of the country, Treasurer and Minister for Energy Curtis Pitt was quick to point out that Queensland's supply was secure and the sunshine state had enough energy left over to supply to other areas.

"The AEMO report predicts that Queenslands electricity generation, which is underpinned by coal and gas-fired generators and an increasingly diverse mix of renewable energy and supporting technologies, will be able to meet expected demand in all forecast scenarios, he said.

In fact, Queenslands supply is so secure, we will continue to export electricity supply interstate which means we can help cover predicted shortfalls in southern states due to extreme weather conditions like the heatwaves last summer."

COMPANY DETAILS TRANSFORMATION

The story behind MSF's power plant  and the vision to transform the company into a modern, integrated sugarcane business  will be the focus of the September meeting of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.

MSF Sugars chief executive officer Mike Barry, and general manager business development, Hywel Cook, will deliver a presentation on the companys future and what it means TNQ to chamber members.

The chamber meeting will be held on September 15 at the Shangri-La Hotel from 11-30am to 2pm, for more information, click here.
Is your company in need of the most reliable and efficient best Best Jasmine Tea s in the market? Your good luck led you to the ideal situation, so congratulations! You are in the best possible place. By eliminating the need to read through dozens of Best Jasmine Tea reviews, we are saving you time and stress.

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- Al-Shabaab terrorists have killed four Kenyans in Hindi, Lamu West County in fresh attack on Tuesday night, September 5

- The attack comes barely hours after three civilians were killed in another attack at a construction site in Somalia

- The militants executed the Kenyans by shooting them in the head claiming the three were military engineers

Sorrow has engulfed Hindi area, in Lamu West following a fresh Al-Shabaab attack that left four dead.

TUKO.co.ke has learnt that several Al Shabaab terrorists attacked and killed four Kenyans on Tuesday, September 5,night in Hindi village.

The incident has been confirmed by Lamu West County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo who said police have launched investigations to determine whether the attack is linked to the outlawed militia group.

Villagers block Hindi-Lamu rd to protest slow response by security officers after suspected Al-Shabaab fighters killed 4 at Hindi village. Photo: CitizenTV

READ ALSO: Al-Shabaab militants kill three Kenyan construction workers

4 people killed by suspected Al-Shabaab militia in Hindi, Lamu County prompting protests from locals over slow response by security agents. Photo: Ali Manzu

READ ALSO: IEBC reveals how ballot papers in battle between Uhuru and Raila will look like

The attack triggered demonstrations in Hindi village with residents taking to the roads to protest slow response by security officers.

The irate residents blocked Hindi-Lamu road and paralyzed business for hours.

4 killed in fresh merciless al-Shabaab attack in Lamu. Photo:Ali Manzu

READ ALSO: IEBC in crisis meeting after Chiloba was replaced and TUKO.co.ke has the details

The fresh attack comes barely hours after three Kenyans were killed in yet another Al Shabaab attack at a construction site in Somalia.

The Al Shabaab terrorists executed the three Kenyans by shooting them in the head, claiming the three were military engineers.

The three were killed in Dhobley area in Somalia

Big win for NASA's supporters ;

Have something to add to this article or suggestions? Send to news@tuko.co.ke

Source: TUKO.co.ke
The Mayor of the nation's capital city says the police are working and it is not for him to assess their performance.

This,. as he called on the entire society to work together on getting rid of any perception that crime is an opportunity.
Militants launched 32 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ATO area in Donbas over the past day.

This is reported by the ATO press center.

In Mariupol direction, militants used grenade launchers to shell Ukrainian positions near Lebedynske (16km north-east of Mariupol) and Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk). The enemy also used heavy machine guns and weapons on infantry fighting vehicles to fire at ATO troops outside Starohnativka (52km south of Donetsk). Illegal armed formations also used small arms near Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) and Hnutove (19km north-west of Mariupol).

In Donetsk direction, Russian-backed militants shelled Ukrainian strongholds outside Zaitseve (67km north-north-east of Donetsk), using small arms. ATO troops also came under heavy machine guns fire on the outskirts of Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk) and Butovka coal mine (11.4km north-west of Donetsk).

In Luhansk direction, the ceasefire was observed.

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The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine will receive the medical equipment and supplies worth 2 million Canadian dollars within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada.

This was announced at the meeting of Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov with Head of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Petro Tsyhykal and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Ukraine Roman Waschuk, the Interior Ministry press service reports.

"The Memorandum provides for the provision of CAD 2 million assistance which will be spent on the supply of medical equipment and non-lethal protective military equipment," the minister said.

As noted, the assistance will be provided to the Central Clinical Hospital of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, the Clinical Hospital of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine in Odesa and the separate commandant's office for security and logistics of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

In turn, the ambassador of Canada to Ukraine stressed that the Canadian side positively assesses the progress of the reform of the Interior Ministry of Ukraine and will further assist in strengthening the border security.

ol
The Moldovan government has allowed National Army soldiers to take part in the Rapid Trident 2017 military exercises that will be held in Ukraine from September 7 to September 23.

The respective resolution was approved at a government meeting on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent in Moldova reports.

"The head of state has banned the Moldovan military contingent from participating in exercises in Ukraine. I cannot understand what arguments the president was guided by in order to make such a decision. I do not think that anyone is interested in having a weak army. We need to include in the government agenda a separate resolution on the participation of Moldovan servicemen in military exercises on Ukrainian territory," Prime Minister Pavel Filip said.

He stressed that foreign partners had allocated the funds for the participation of Moldovan servicemen in international exercises outside the country.

On September 5, Moldovan President Igor Dodon banned National Army servicemen from participating in military exercises in Ukraine.

Earlier, the president banned Moldovan military personnel from participating in international exercises that took place at the Smardan training range in Romania.

According to the Moldovan Defense Ministry, 57 Moldovan military personnel will participate in military exercises in Ukraine.

Moldavian servicemen have been constantly participating in Rapid Trident exercises since 1996.

op
Moldovan President Igor Dodon has suspended the government's decision on the participation of Moldovan troops in the Rapid Trident 2017 military exercises that will be held in Ukraine from September 7 to September 23.

"In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, I have decided to suspend the current government resolution on the participation of Moldovan servicemen in military exercises in Ukraine. For the first time since I took office as head of state, I have decided to use my constitutional power in accordance with Article 88, Part i of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, which foresees the right to suspend government acts that are contrary to law, until the final decision is made by the Constitutional Court," he wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

Dodon said that in accordance with the constitution, Moldova is a neutral state, and Moldovan military personnel "should not participate in military exercises" conducted under the auspices of any military unit. However, Moldova will not hinder the participation of Moldovan military personnel in UN-led peacekeeping maneuvers.

"I state the violation by the government of the provisions of the law on state security, Article 33, Part 3, according to which 'participation of individual parts (units) of the National Army with personnel, weapons and military equipment in the joint military exercises with military units of other states outside the country is approved by the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces," he wrote.

He said that the armed forces, including the Defense Ministry, "are in a miserable state, which can be assessed to be the worst over its entire life, thanks to the Euro-unionist government from 2009 and to date." He said that these structures need radical reform, the development of their capacity within Moldova in accordance with the neutral status, "and those who destroyed property and infrastructure and sold weapons and brought them to such a state will be prosecuted, including criminally."

Earlier on Wednesday, September 6, the Moldovan government approved a resolution allowing National Army soldiers to take part in the Rapid Trident 2017 military exercises.

On September 5, Dodon banned Moldovan servicemen from participating in military exercises in Ukraine.

Earlier, the president also banned Moldovan military personnel from participating in international exercises that took place at the Smardan training range in Romania.

op
None of the Ukrainian servicemen has been killed or wounded as a result of hostilities in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in Donbas over the past 24 hours.

Defense Ministry's Spokesman on ATO issues Colonel Andriy Lysenko said this at a briefing on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"Our troops have sustained no losses as a result of hostilities over the past 24 hours. None of the Ukrainian servicemen has been killed or wounded," he said.

ish
Representatives of the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency of the United States Armed Forces will help establish in Ukraine an integral system of psychological support for the military who were held hostage, captive and survived torture.

Deputy Director of the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency Barbara Trenker said this during the visit to the 27th separate brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine on Tuesday, the press service of the Interior Ministry reports.

"Recovering and saving people are very important tasks. Over the next few days, we will study in Ukraine the issues of reintegration of persons who were held captive, underwent compulsory isolation or were tortured. We are glad to have the prospects for partnership with the Ukrainian side... We hope we will be able to help Ukraine build the system of reintegration of personnel, both the military and the civil servants working in this area," Trenker said.

As of now, 132 Ukrainians are still held captive. More than a thousand people have been already freed from captivity.

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About 200 officers of Ukraines Defense Intelligence have been killed since the beginning of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in Donbas, eastern Ukraine.

Spokesperson of the Main Military Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine's Defense Ministry, Vadym Skibitsky, said this in an interview with the military radio Army.FM.

"We should remember those officers who were killed in ATO. The Defense Intelligence lost about 200 people. Intelligence agents carry out very important tasks, but victory without risk is impossible," said Vadym Skibitsky.

iy
The European Union has extended the individual restrictive measures against Russian, Crimean officials, members of terrorist organizations in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, including some people who make up Vladimir Putins inner circle.

The decision has been approved by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU Member States at the Council of the European Union on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports from Brussels.

The restrictions, which have been also imposed on certain companies and institutions, will be extended for next six months.

The individual restrictive measures against 149 people and 38 entities provide for travel ban and asset freeze on the territory of the European Union.

As the official representative of the Council of the EU said, one more company, which serves the port in the temporarily occupied Crimea, was put on the sanction list.

Also, according to sources, newly appointed Russias ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov will remain on the EUs "blacklist".

The full wording of the updated measures, including the names of persons and companies, will soon be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

ol
FREETOWN, 5 September 2017  Half a million people in Sierra Leone will be able to access the life-saving cholera vaccine within weeks, the countrys Ministry of Health and Sanitation announced.

The vaccines will be received from the Gavi-funded global stockpile and will target areas particularly affected by Augusts floods and deadly landslide, which resulted in over 500 confirmed deaths. Hundreds more people were reported missing in the wake of the disaster, according to the Office of National Security, while thousands were displaced from their homes.

Cholera is a devastating disease which spreads quickly and kills fast, and risks can increase after severe flooding, said Dr. Brima Kargbo, Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health and Sanitation. The oral cholera vaccine is an important tool to better protect the country and affected communities against the disease, which will ultimately save lives.

Two rounds of vaccination are planned to run from September and will be delivered in 25 affected communities by the Government of Sierra Leone with support from Gavi Alliance, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the UK Government and other health partners.

The devastating floods and landslides which ravaged Sierra Leone throughout August have left the country dangerously vulnerable to water-borne disease outbreaks, said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi Alliance. Access to safe water and sanitation is limited, and the public health system, still recovering after the 2014 Ebola outbreak, is stretched. These lifesaving vaccines, alongside urgent support to improve safe water and sanitation, have the potential to prevent a cholera outbreak before it has the chance to bring more misery to a country that has already suffered enough.

The decision to send cholera vaccines from the global stockpile was taken quickly on 31st August by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) for Vaccine Provision following the deployment of a WHO specialist to the country. The full quantity of the vaccine (1,036,300 doses for two rounds) is set to arrive in Freetown on 7th September through UNICEFs global Supply Division.

WHO recommends that vaccination against cholera be considered in emergencies and other high-risk scenarios where there are increased threats of outbreaks, when combined with standard prevention and control measures for the disease. These measures include readiness to provide adequate testing and treatment, steps to ensure access to safe water and sanitation, and community mobilization to engage the public in preventing infection.

Sierra Leones last major cholera outbreak, in 2012, killed 392 people and infected more than 25,000 others.

Gavi, WHO, UNICEF and partners are working with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to help plan and implement the campaign, which will make the vaccine available free-of-cost to disaster-affected populations, while supporting ongoing cholera prevention and preparedness.

###

For more information, please contact:

At the Ministry of Health and Sanitation

Harold Thomas

Telephone: +232 76 602 460

Email: haroldthomas2007@yahoo.com

Kadrie Koroma

Telephone: +232 76 762 962

Email: kadriekoroma@yahoo.com

At WHO

In Freetown

Laura Keenan

Telephone:+232 786 33952

Email: keenanl@who.int

In Geneva

Christian Lindmeier

Telephone: +41 22 791 1948

Mobile: +41 79 500 6552

Email: lindmeierch@who.int

At UNICEF

Issa Davies

Telephone: +232 76601310

Email: idavies@unicef.org

At Gavi

James Fulker

Telephone: +41 22 909 2926;

Mobile: +41 79 429 55 05

Email: jfulker@gavi.org

Fred Tissandier

Telephone: +41 22 909 2968

Mobile: +41 79 300 8253

Email: ftissandier@gavi.org
Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist and author Thomas Friedman and John E. Kelly III 76, who oversees IBMs research labs and parts of the Watson business, will headline the third annual Feigenbaum Forum on Innovation and Creativity.












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Radium-223 for primary bone metastases in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy Radium-223 dichloride (Ra-223) is the first bone-targeting agent showing improvement in overall survival in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and bone metastases. We aimed to assess feasibility of Ra-223 treatment in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC).



Ten patients with primary bone metastases received Ra-223 following radical prostatectomy (RP). Changes in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were recorded, while pain intensity was evaluated using the self-reporting Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) questionnaire. Bone scintigraphy (BS) was performed to assess treatment response. Seven patients completed six cycles of Ra-223. Discontinuation was due to leuko- and lymphopenia, progressive lymph node metastasis or newly diagnosed liver metastasis. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in three patients and included leuko- and lymphopenia, fatigue, abdominal discomfort and nausea. Overall, a median decrease of 28% in ALP and a median decrease of 83% in PSA were noted at follow-up. However, PSA progressed in five patients at follow-up. Improvement of pain was observed in all patients (median decrease of 36% after 3 cycles and of 40% at the end of therapy). On BS, three patients showed remission, four had stable disease, and one showed progressive disease at follow-up. Our results suggest that Ra-223 for primary bone metastases in patients with mHSPC after RP is feasible and alleviates pain. ALP, rather than PSA, may be a good marker for assessing treatment response. Ra-223 could therefore be taken into consideration as part of a multimodal approach for carefully selected patients with advanced prostate cancer.



Oncotarget. 2017 Jul 4;8(27):44131-44140. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.17311.



Wenter V1, Herlemann A2, Fendler WP1, Ilhan H1, Tirichter N1, Bartenstein P1,3, Stief CG2,3, la Fougere C4,5, Albert NL1,Rominger A1, Gratzke C2,3.



Author information



1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

2 Department of Urology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

3 Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

4 Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany.

5 German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center Partner Site Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
Kem Sokha, the leader of Cambodias opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, was charged with espionage on Tuesday by a court in Phnom Penh.

The charge relates to a speech Sokha gave in Australia several years ago in which he talked about grassroots organizing against autocratic regimes.

Under Cambodias criminal code, entering into a secret agreement with a foreign state is punishable by up to 30 years in prison and is equal to treason.

The prosecution claimed that the video was evidence such a plot had existed since 1993.

The activity that has continued up to now could be determined as an act of committing an obvious crime according to Cambodias criminal code. With this context, the arrest of Kem Sokha was made in accordance with the criminal code of Cambodia and in line with Article 80 of Cambodias constitution, and Article 12 of the law on the statutes of parliamentarians, it said in a statement.

Sokha was arrested in a warrantless pre-dawn raid at his home in Phnom Penh on Sunday and was immediately sent to Trapaing Phlong prison.

In a statement on Monday, Australia and the United Kingdom joined the United States and the European Union in condemning the arrest.

The Australian Embassy said: As a longstanding friend of Cambodia, Australia urges Cambodia to fully implement the principles of democracy as affirmed in the ASEAN Charter, and to respect freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly and association.

In a separate statement, Mark Field, U.K. foreign and Commonwealth minister, said he was greatly concerned by the Cambodian governments actions and urged Phnom Penh to take immediate steps to restore prospects for a free and fair election in 2018.

Suos Yara, the ruling party spokesman, claimed the case against Sokha was not a political issue. This is the implementation of the law by the government and by the court, so the party didnt interfere with this issue, he said.

However, Sam Rainsy, a former Cambodia National Rescue Party president, said the dictatorship of Prime Minister Hun Sen would be brought down by ordinary Cambodians.

The dictatorship in Cambodia ... cannot last long because through experience and history of all ages of the world, nothing can defeat the people, he said.

Sokhas lawyers have denied the charges against their client and said they would call on the court to drop the charges for lack of evidence.
The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party could face dissolution if its president, who was charged this week with espionage, does not step down.

Mu Sochua, CNRP vice president, told VOA Khmer on Wednesday that Sokha would not resign from the position.

The CNRPs position is that Kem Sokha is the president. It is said that the party will be dissolved, but we will not change our leader, she said. If they want to dissolve the party, then dissolve it.

Sokha was arrested in a pre-dawn raid on his home in Phnom Penh on Sunday and accused of treason over a years-old speech in which he spoke of receiving advice from the U.S. and Canada.

If found guilty, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

His arrest followed a crackdown on critical media outlets including the forced closure of the influential English-language Cambodia Daily newspaper and several local radio stations that broadcast independent programming in rural Cambodia, where the CPP traditionally draws its support base.

Sochua added that Sokhas arrest violated his parliamentary immunity, but the government has claimed there is sufficient evidence of a serious crime having taken place to annul his protections.

Prak Sokhon, a foreign minister, sent a statement to diplomatic missions on Wednesday saying the case was a clear act of treason.

Prime Minister Hun Sens government has threatened to arrest foreigners deemed to have been involved in the alleged conspiracy.

The government released a video of a speech Sokha gave in Melbourne in 2014 in which he talked about receiving advice from unnamed persons in the United States who advised him to leave politics to form the Cambodian Center for Human Rights to encourage grassroots support for opposition to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party, which has a long history of corruption and human rights abuses.

Sam Rainsy, who lives in exile in France, resigned from the party on February 11 after the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party began legal proceedings that could have led to the CNRPs dissolution if he had not stepped down.

According to the political parties law, if Sokha is convicted, the CNRP has 90 days to replace him as leader or face dissolution.

Phay Siphan, a government spokesman, claimed the courts would make an independent judgment in the case.
Every weekday morning since she opened her roadside newsstand in the mid-1990s, Sreymom* would take a delivery of the pint-sized Cambodia Daily. But this Monday morning was different.

They said the Daily would only be published on Monday, as the last day. No more after today. No more publication, she said.

On Sunday, the Daily announced it was closing after more than 24 years of reporting. Its closure came amid a standoff with the countrys tax agency, which in early August issued the paper with a $6.3 million bill for allegedly unpaid back taxes.

The campaign to stop the papers closure failed and Prime Minister Hun Sen labeled the Daily the countrys chief thief for its alleged tax evasion.

The power to tax is the power to destroy. And after 24 years and 15 days, the Cambodian government has destroyed The Cambodia Daily, a special and singular part of Cambodias free press, the Daily said in its statement on Sunday.

At her newsstand in Daun Penh district, Sreymom said the Dailys closure meant a dent in her daily earnings as she sold about 70 copies of the paper each day. With its closure, I lose hope and feel empty because the newspaper is closed and VOA radio is also banned, she said, referring to government moves to close radio stations that broadcast VOA and Radio Free Asia programming.

I want it to be reopened for our people to read and to understand and for the enhancement of their knowledge.

The crackdown

The closure of the highly-regarded English-language newspaper came at an uncertain time in Cambodian politics. The ruling Cambodian Peoples party has expelled democracy promotion outfit the National Democratic Institute (NDI), targeted independent radio stations, a crucial source of information for rural Cambodians, and arrested the leader of the opposition on questionable charges.

In its final edition on Monday, which sold out in record time, according to vendors, the Daily pulled no punches, leading with a quote suggesting Cambodia was descending into outright dictatorship.

Bernard Krisher, the papers former owner who handed control of the Daily to his daughter, Deborah Krisher-Steele, in April, said the charges were the regimes thuggish attempt to disable our operations in haste.

Jodie DeJonge, the Dailys editor-in-chief since April, said the loss of the paper would be felt very acutely.

We wish we could continue, and we think you deserve better, and were sorry that we are not going to be here after [Monday].

While the United States, European Union, and the United Kingdom issued strongly worded statements about the closure of the Daily, the countrys numerous journalist associations remained largely silent. Only the Club of Cambodian journalists issued a public statement, saying the Dailys owners should seek a compromise with the tax department.

However, soon after the paper announced its closure, the tax department issued a travel ban on the Dailys management until the alleged tax bill was paid. The papers general manager, Douglas Steele, remains in the country.

Sok Eysan, a ruling party spokesman, said the Cambodian Peoples Party regretted the closure of the Daily, adding that the dispute was technical and claiming there was not a political motive behind the pressure. If they just paid the tax bill, they could continue. This is technical stuff, he said.

Post-truth Cambodia?

Moeun Chhean Narridh, a media expert, said the closure of the Daily could encourage self-censorship among other journalists in Cambodia.

When freedom of a journalist or media organization is threatened, other journalists and media outlets should also be worried because, sooner or later, such pressures will also come to them, he said.

Political observer Noan Sereiboth said that another outcome could be that some sensitive stories will go unreported due to the fact that a number of other news outlets are unable to do it.

Judith Clarke, a journalism lecturer at Hong Kong Baptist University, said the media field could now be open for pro-ruling party media to prepare the ground for next years general election.

However, given the strength of the measures taken against both press and opposition, there could be a public backlash that costs the government its popularity, she added.

Elizabeth Becker, a veteran reporter and Cambodia expert, said the closure of the Daily meant that the government would be able to spread lies and propaganda more easily.

Again this is old fashioned government censorship and repression. The Hun Sen regime is moving to silence all independent voices in the media and politics. It is far worse than the label post-truth, she added.

*Sreymom said she was too scared to speak with her full name.

(Disclosure: Reporter of this story was briefly a reporting intern at The Cambodia Daily back in 2015)
President Donald Trump's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., on Thursday will testify privately to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is looking into allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, Senate aides said on Wednesday.

Trump Jr. had been invited to testify in public in a hearing in July, but reached an agreement to speak privately with committee staff.

"We look forward to a professional and productive meeting and appreciate the opportunity to assist the committee," Alan Futerfas, a lawyer for Trump Jr., said in a statement.

Russia has loomed large over the first six months of the Trump presidency. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia worked to tilt last year's presidential election in favor of Trump, the Republican candidate.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is leading an investigation, which is also examining potential collusion with Russia by the Trump campaign. Several congressional committees are also looking into the matter.

Separately, Susan Rice, who was national security adviser for former President Barack Obama, testified on Tuesday before the House Intelligence Committee for about four hours.

Erin Pelton, a spokeswoman for Rice, said she had met voluntarily with the committee as part of its investigation.

"Ambassador Rice remains fully supportive of bipartisan efforts to determine the extent and scope of Russia's outrageous efforts to interfere in the 2016 election," she said in a statement.

Rice had been subpoenaed by the committee as it looked into Republican concerns about whether anyone from the administration of Obama, a Democrat, had asked to "unmask" names of Trump campaign advisers inadvertently picked up in top-secret foreign communications intercepts.

Several U.S. officials have told Reuters that all such requests by Obama administration officials were properly scrutinized and appropriate.

Moscow has denied any meddling. Trump denies any collusion by his campaign, while regularly denouncing the investigations as political witch hunts.
Angola's first new president in decades has a big job ahead of him: He inherits a nation mired in recession, plagued with corruption, and home to some of the worst income inequality seen anywhere in the world. Worse still, the falling price of oil  the nation's main cash cow  means that president-elect Joao Lourenco has limited means to dig his nation out of this difficult situation.

He also starts this historic epoch in Angolan history with a credibility issue, after four of the five opposition parties challenged the official results, saying they performed better than official results indicate. However, no one disputes that Lourenco's party, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, won the largest share of votes. He is the chosen successor of longtime president Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who is stepping down after 38 years in power.

But his main challenger, UNITA leader Isaias Samakuva, says Lourenco did not win fairly.

These results, he said, are too similar to results produced in a former election, in 2012.

Opposition groups claim that the August poll suffered from problems from the very beginning, citing issues with voter registration, election day and vote counting. However, observers praised the poll as peaceful and orderly, and the opposition has not yet produced compelling evidence of irregularities.

Angola analyst Paula Cristina Roque of the University of Oxford says the opposition's legal challenges are unlikely to be approved by the nation's highest court, as recently happened in Kenya. That's because Angola's Constitutional Court is largely seen as being beholden to the ruling party.

That leaves the opposition with few options, she says. They could refuse to take their seats in parliament, or they could protest in the streets  a risky proposition, she says, considering the government's previous tendency to crack down on protests.

The best strategy, she says, is for the opposition to let the MPLA slowly atrophy. The party, which has ruled since 1975, has lost about 10 percent of the vote in each of the last three elections, and has been accused of corruption and mismanagement.

"Either way, I think that they have shown that they have grown in strength, but they have to be more strategic going forward, especially because in the next elections, the MPLA's hegemony will absolutely be challenged," Roque said. "We are in a totally different crossroads, crossroads that have been started with these polls. So this is an important historical turning point for Angola."

But according to opposition spokesman Lindo Tito of the CASA-CE opposition coalition, the ruling party already has started playing its own political strategy by directing the electoral commission to ignore the opposition's complaints.

"This is strategic," he said. "This is a political strategy, this is exactly a political orientation, why the national electoral commission doesn't look at the heart of the complaints."

Roque says if Lourenco wants to succeed, he can't afford to ignore the opposition.

"So in many ways, Joao Lourenco is facing serious challenges. And to overcome these challenges, he's going to have to reform," Roque said. "To reform, he's going to have to negotiate and also bring on board the opposition and their constituencies."

Lourenco previously has dismissed talk of forming coalitions, as has Samakuval. But until this year, few Angolans believed their longtime president would ever leave office. And so, as Angola prepares for this momentous change, there may be smaller changes ahead, as well.



Capita Inga contributed to this report.
A growing Oregon wildfire covered parts of Portland's metropolitan area Tuesday with ash and prompted the shutdown of a lengthy stretch of highway through the state's scenic Columbia River Gorge.



It was one of dozens of wildfires burning in western U.S. states that sent smoke into cities from Seattle to Denver  prompting health warnings and cancellations of outdoor activities for children by many school districts.



The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, a federal agency that coordinates wildfire-fighting, said 80 large fires were burning on 2,200 square miles (5,700 square kilometers) in nine Western states.



The 16-square mile (41-square kilometers) fire east of Portland forced hundreds of home evacuations. Embers from the fire drifted in the air across the Columbia River  sparking blazes in neighboring Washington state.



The wildfire grew rapidly late Monday and overnight, giving authorities just minutes to warn residents on the Oregon side of the river to leave their homes.

A closure of one section of Interstate 84 because of thick smoke and falling ash was extended 50 miles (80 kilometers) east of Portland because flames reached the roadway, said Dave Thompson, a spokesman for Oregon's Department of Transportation.



"If it jumps the road, you'd be driving through a wall of flame,'' he said. "It's just not safe.''



People in Oregon covered their faces to shield themselves from the smoke and the ashes falling on them.



"You can't really stand outside without getting rained on'' by ash, said Joanna Fisher as she walked to work at a Troutdale, Oregon naturopathic clinic with Calla Wanser, who was wearing a red bandana around her mouth to keep the ash out of her lungs.



Elsewhere, a fast-moving wildfire in northern Utah swept down a canyon Tuesday morning  destroying structures, forcing evacuations and closing highways.



A least one home burned and more than 1,000 people were evacuated as high winds fed the flames in the canyon north of Salt Lake City. Thick black smoke closed parts of two highways as firefighters struggled to fight the blaze fueled by winds gust at up to 40 mph.

A fire in Montana's Glacier National Park emptied its busiest tourist spot as wind gusts drove the flames toward the doorstep of an iconic lodge.



Lake McDonald Lodge, a 103-year-old Swiss chalet-style hotel, sits on a lake as the famed Going-to-the-Sun-Road begins its vertigo-inducing climb up the Continental Divide, making it an endearing park symbol for many visitors.



Outside California's Yosemite National Park, a wind-fueled fire made its way deeper into a grove of 2,700-year-old giant sequoia trees on Labor Day. Officials said the fire had gone through about half the grove but had not killed any trees.



Giant sequoias are resilient and can withstand low-intensity fires. The blaze burned brush and left scorch marks on some big trees that survived, said Cheryl Chipman, a fire information officer.



Elsewhere in Northern California, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses. The fire burned 14 square miles (36 square kilometers) in the community of Helena about 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of Oregon.



In Washington state the U.S. Department of Defense has agreed to assign 200 active-duty soldiers to help fight a wildfire.



Civilian firefighting commanders said Tuesday the soldiers from Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, would undergo four days of training and then be sent to a complex of 14 wildfires in the Umpqua National Forest that have burned 47 square miles (120 square kilometers).



And a wildfire burning near Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state grew to more than 29 square miles (75 square kilometers) and heavy smoke blanketed many cities in Washington state.



Mandatory evacuations were announced for the fire near Mount Rainier, including the Crystal Mountain ski resort, which closed Monday because of smoke.



The air quality in Spokane, Washington, was rated as hazardous Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service says it was likely to get worse as wind shifts bring in smoke from fires in Canada, Montana, Oregon and Washington.



People in the Spokane, Washington, region were advised to stay remain indoors.



Air quality alerts were issued for parts of Idaho as well.



In Oregon, people living in about 700 homes in and around the Columbia River Gorge have been forced to evacuate the area. Others have been warned to get ready as flames burn trees and brush in one of the state's biggest tourist attractions.



"The Gorge is our crown jewel and it's our playground  and we're very, very sad,'' said Multnomah County Board of Supervisors chairwoman Deborah Kafoury.
An Australian court has approved a $56 million settlement of a lawsuit brought against the government by nearly 2,000 asylum-seekers who claim to have suffered psychological and physical abuse while being held at a remote Pacific detention center.

The deal, reached back in June and approved Wednesday by Victoria state's Supreme Court, is the largest human rights legal settlement in Australian history.

The lawsuit was brought by 1,905 men who were held at the Manus Island center in Papua New Guinea, which was operated by Australia and two private contractors, between 2012 and 2014. The group was seeking compensation over the harsh conditions at the center as well as false imprisonment after Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court ruled their detention was unconstitutional.

The Australian government and the contractors have also agreed to pay another $26 million in legal fees, but will not admit to liability. The Manus Island facility is scheduled to be shut down next month.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs say the money will be distributed according to length of their detention and the nature of their injuries.

But one Iranian-born refugee told the Australian Broadcasting Company the money would not be enough to compensate for his ordeal, nor to get him off the island. "We're still in the same situation, we are still suffering from the same conditions," he said.

Under a strict immigration policy, Australia blocks asylum-seekers from the Middle East, Africa and Asia from reaching its shores by boat, sending them to Manus Island and another center on the Pacific island nation of Nauru. The policy has come under fire from the United Nations and human rights groups over the indefinite detention of the refugees, who have reportedly suffered abuse and emotional issues.

Australia and the United States reached an agreement late last year, under which most of the detainees would be resettled in the U.S.
Germany's Foreign Ministry has warned its citizens thinking of traveling to Turkey that they risk arbitrary detention even in Turkish resort areas. The hardening of the travel advisory follows detentions of Germans by Turkish authorities that are considered by Berlin to have been politically motivated.

A dozen Germans are being held as political prisoners in Turkey, according to the German government  the latest flashpoint in deteriorating relations.

Those arrested include Turkish-German journalist Deniz Yucel, a correspondent for the German daily Die Welt, who has been detained without charge for more than 200 days.

Germans arrested



While falling short of the kind of travel warnings issued for war zones, the latest advisory, triggered after the arrests of two Germans at Antalya Airport last week, has been considerably sharpened and will impact travel insurance premiums for those visiting Turkey. There is a risk of similar detentions in all parts of Turkey, including in tourist regions," the advisory cautions.

We can't take from tourists the decision whether to travel or not, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said. But we have described in detail what you should be aware of before you go.

The advisory, issued Tuesday, is unlikely to dull the war of words between Berlin and Ankara.

On Tuesday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel told parliament, in its last session before Germanys federal elections on September 24, that if reelected, she will press European Union leaders at a scheduled October meeting of the bloc to review whether to suspend or terminate Turkish accession talks.

She accused the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of increasingly leaving the path of the rule of law.

Turkish officials reacted angrily Monday to a weekend election debate between Merkel and her center-left opponent Martin Schulz, in which she said, The fact is that Turkey should not become an EU member.

Reactions to German debate



Turkish officials condemned Merkel and Schulz for what they described as anti-Turkish rhetoric during the broadcast debate. In a tweet, Ibrahim Kalin, an Erdogan spokesman, said Merkel was seeking to divert attention from discrimination and racism in Germany.

And pro-government newspapers in Turkey have echoed the line coming from the Turkish presidency.

Writing in the Daily Sabah, commentator Cemil Ertem said German business was still investing heavily in Turkey and ignoring Berlins fascist rhetoric.

Turkey will be coldblooded against these unjust attacks and will continue to cooperate with both the German people and the German business world, and will condemn these discourses, which are reminiscent of the Nazi era, he said.

German-Turkish relations have been on a downward spiral for two years, with clashes over the refugee crisis roiling Europe, authoritarian politics and civil liberties in the wake of the 2016 failed military attempt to unseat Erdogan, and the Syrian war.

German politicians reacted with anger to a recent call by Erdogan for Turkish expatriates living in Germany to boycott the upcoming elections, dubbing German leaders as enemies of Turkey.

Relations began to sharply sour after authorities banned Turkish politicians from holding campaign rallies in Germany ahead of a constitutional referendum in Turkey earlier this year, said Gonul Tol of the Middle East Institute, a Washington-based research policy group.

Difficult integration



Germans are most indignant about what they see as Erdogans bid to garner the support of Turkish nationalists by straying into domestic German politics and urging the more than 3 million Turks living in Germany to resist integration.

Germany is struggling to integrate Turkish immigrants into German society, she says. Many of them still identify themselves with Turkey, and live in parallel societies where they watch Turkish television, speak Turkish, and have little interaction with the broader German society.

On Thursday, German-Turkish relations are likely to be aggravated even more with the start of an espionage trial in Hamburg, which is raising questions about Turkish intelligence operations in Germany.

An alleged Turkish spy sent to Germany to track a prominent European Kurd, Yuksel Koc, told his German police interrogators that he received orders to monitor the Kurds in Germany and alleged the Turkish intelligence agency, or MIT, had planned to murder Koc and another Kurd.

According to Der Spiegel magazine, it is not clear if the agent, Mehmet Fatih S., made the allegation about MITs assassination plan to curry favor with prosecutors.

The 32-year-old faces a five-year prison term, if found guilty for his surveillance activities. Turkish officials dismiss his allegations of assassination plots as lies.

Nonetheless, the Hamburg trial is fueling alarm in Berlin about Turkish intelligence activity. In March, tensions between Berlin and Ankara mounted rapidly over claims that Turkey has been using Islamic preachers in Germany to spy on supporters of Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based cleric who President Erdogan accuses of orchestrating the failed July 2016 coup against him. Gulen denies the allegation.

Germany authorities alleged clerics affiliated with the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs (DITIB), Germany's largest Islamic umbrella group, which is tied to the Turkish government's Directorate of Religion, or Diyanet, had been ordered to spy on Erdogan's political opponents. They also argued the spying was part of a broader espionage effort extending to other European countries, including neighboring Austria, with imams hiding behind religion to snoop on behalf of Ankara. Turkey denies the allegations.

Last month, Foreign Minister Gabriel said he feared that mosques supported by the Turkish government had become political tools for Erdogan and were acting as agents of division in Germany.


Hollywood's famous archeologist Indiana Jones has nothing on Mark Fairchild.



The film character and the religion professor both teach at a university in Indiana. Like Jones, Fairchild travels to far-off places in search of Biblical antiquities and doesnt like snakes. In fact, his students call him Indiana Mark. And like the hero of five adventure movies, Fairchild is also a film star, of sorts, in a new documentary by two of his former students.

Matt Whitney says when he and his friend Logan Bush went on their first trip to Turkey with Mark Fairchild, they couldnt believe a film hadnt already been made about the Huntington University professor of Biblical studies and religion. "This guy is in his 60s and is climbing giant mountains all day long and discovering lost cities out in the middle of the wilderness!"

After the students graduated in 2015, they formed a production company called Squatchagawea Films. They returned to Turkey with Dr. Fairchild, and this past May, completed filming a documentary, tentatively titled The Last Apostle: Journeys in the Holy Land.

"Were using this trip that we take along St. Pauls missionary route as a backdrop and a story to bring us along on Dr. Fairchilds day to day life," Whitney explains. "Youre going to be seeing this amazing archeologist whos done all these amazing things, but youll also be learning all about Turkey."

An accidental archeologist

Mark Fairchild didnt start out to be an archeologist. As a Biblical historian, he was fascinated that most of the New Testament takes place in Turkey. Twenty years ago, he made a side trip to the country, and was so impressed with the antiquities he saw there that he became a self-taught archeologist and began spending all his free time in Turkey.

He says that by finding Hellenistic and Jewish sites, hes often able to learn more about early Christianity. On one of his trips in 2012, he uncovered the oldest synagogue in the world. "As I was climbing up," he recalled, "I noticed off to my left there are many other buildings dated to the Hellenistic period, looked off onto my left-hand side and theres what appears to be a menorah."

Fairchild has visited more than 350 sites in Turkey. He often makes his discoveries by visiting the countryside and talking with the locals. While theyre often aware of many ruins, they seldom know what they are or have visited themselves. Thats partly because theyre so remote and overgrown and partly because the country sees its history as beginning with Islam.

A better understanding of Turkey

Fairchild hopes his work, as well as this film, gives Westerners not only an appreciation of the past, but a better understanding of Turkeys role in the modern world.

"If were ever going to resolve this problem of terrorism, Turkey, in my belief, has to be a player," he insists. "Turkey is 99 percent Muslim, but they are very secular. It is the most moderate Muslim nation in the world. They have good relations with most Western countries, theyre part of NATO and they want more."

The filmmakers hope to have their feature-length documentary ready for release by the end of September. It will then make the rounds at several film festivals and be available on the internet.
One of Chinas biggest textile mills is planning its first North American factory in a small town in the southern U.S. state of Arkansas.

Forrest City, located near the Mississippi River, is where the Chinese textile giant Shandong Ruyi plans a $410 million investment to spin yarn at a factory where local workers once built Japanese televisions.



Mayor Larry Bryant says the company is already working on training at the local community college.



"I think everybody is happy," Bryant said. "Everybody is waiting. If they would tell people tomorrow to come out to fill out applications, they would have thousands.

Ruyis project will consume 200,000 tons of Arkansas cotton annually, nearly all the cotton the state grows each year. So Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Mike Preston expects a surge of new planting.



Thats going to turn around and put money back in their pockets and the people they employ as well as anyone in between, people who are baling the cotton, transporting and bringing it to facility and anyone transporting out," he said. "So the supply chain on a company like this, a project like this is exponential.



Some Chinese investors in the U.S. face challenges from labor unions amid claims of workplace culture clashes.



Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, who has brought nearly $2 billion worth of Chinese investment to his state, says there are always cultural differences to work through.



There are things we can learn from China entrepreneurship and China workers, how they do things and say, Hey, its a great idea that we ought to adopt here. And vice versa," Hutchinson said. "I think you will see that Chinas business leaders will see some very good practices that we have that they may want to adopt. I see this as a great win for both sides whenever we have those exchanges.

The owner of a local barbecue restaurants expects the new Chinese bosses to receive a warm welcome in Forrest City.



It can't do anything but help, not only my business, but all the businesses," said Pierre Evans, owner of Delta Q Barbecue. "That influx of income and influx of money is going to be a big impact to a small community like this.



Local leaders are especially encouraged by the company's promise to create 800 jobs and offer wages of more than $15 an hour. Thats nearly double the minimum wage in a community that has been struggling economically for decades.
Time is short for 800,000 people who moved to the U.S. as children without documentation but have held temporary legal status under an Obama-era policy initiated in 2012.

President Donald Trump has given the U.S. Congress six months to do what it has been unable to do for 16 years  agree on a formula granting them permanent status  before he begins phasing out the program entirely. But with just a handful of days left in September, lawmakers in the majority Republican party are saying that debate will have to wait, while they focus on funding the government and sending aid to victims of Hurricane Harvey.

WATCH: Lawmakers Consider Options for Dreamers

When they do focus on resolving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Republicans in the House of Representatives will have to decide whether to address the program as its own piece of legislation or as part of a larger and more politically contentious effort to pass comprehensive immigration reform or fund strengthened border security.

"I think it's totally reasonable and appropriate that when you take a look at the DACA dilemma, this is a dilemma that in large part stems from the fact that it is a symptom of a larger problem. And the larger problem is that we do not have control of our borders," House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday.

He said it was "reasonable and fitting" that lawmakers "address the root cause of the problem, which is borders that are not sufficiently controlled, while we address this very real and very human problem that's right in front of us."

Weighing legislative options

On their first day back after a five-week recess, Republicans said Wednesday that taking more time to come up with a solution for DACA could result in a broader discussion about immigration and border security.

"There is a move afoot to attach DACA, to do some DACA and border security funding together," Representative Charlie Dent, a Pennsylvania Republican, told VOA. "Something like the Carlos Curbelo bill with some border security funding  that's the discussion, that's the obvious compromise."

That bill, from Florida Republican Representative Carlos Curbelo, is one of several pieces of legislation introduced in the Senate and House that would provide a fix for DACA recipients' status.

The bills vary in the number of years of protected status provided to DACA recipients, and some are coupled with controls on immigration levels. But all would permanently fix the status problem for those affected.

One such option is the BRIDGE Act, which stands for Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy. One sponsor, Republican Representative Mike Coffman, of Colorado, had said he would use a rare legislative move to force a vote on the legislation in the House, but he told VOA that effort was now on hold while Republican leadership pursued a solution.

"I think they get that they have a six-month window to get it done," Coffman said. "I think the question is that they clearly want the majority of Republicans to support it. My view is that I want them to be successful. If they're not successful and Democrats hold firm, I can get enough Republicans to put it over the top."

Deadline increases pressure

Over the years both Republican- and Democratic-led Congresses have failed to secure a legislative fix for the issue. Trump's six-month deadline raises the stakes of the debate, injecting more uncertainty into the process. Many lawmakers are nervous about the optics of making political deals while the fate of young people is on the line.

"I hate to talk deals when we're talking about 800,000 young people's lives and we're going to wheel and deal and trade saving them for a wall or anything like that," Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, told VOA. "It's unfortunately how politics works. It's an ugly process and I hope we do the right thing for DACA kids."

And for the more conservative members of the House Republican conference, a deal on DACA could be a tough sell to their constituents who oppose solutions that forgive people, even those who were children, for breaking immigration laws.

"If this DACA thing comes forward through committee and onto the floor for debate, you're going to see a divided Republican conference, with a significant majority saying we need to restore the respect for the rule of law, not demonstrate a disrespect or even contempt for the rule of law by rewarding lawbreakers," said Representative Steve King, an Iowa Republican.

"So why is this discussion taking place? Because he (Trump) didn't want to make the decision boldly and distinctly, and instead it's a King Solomon decision: Cut the baby in half and throw both halves to Congress," he said.

Push for earlier solution

Senate and House Democrats warned Wednesday that if Republican leadership did not address the issue in September, they would attach DACA legislation to unrelated bills to force the issue.

If a DACA measure "does not come to the floor in September, we are prepared to attach it to other items this fall until it passes," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

But for now, it appears the Republican lawmakers who control both houses of Congress are hoping a solution can be found.

"We have six months  that's the beauty of what Trump did," said Representative Chris Collins, a New York Republican. "We have too much to do this month, for sure  we've got to get tax reform done this year  so we have until next February or March."

Collins said that while he hoped the DACA discussion could lead to comprehensive immigration reform, the resolution would likely be a straightforward decision for most lawmakers.

"I don't know why everyone wouldn't support it. These kids didn't break the law," Collins said.
Countries with competing claims to the South China Sea have failed to start joint resource projects with the strongest one, China, despite discussions over the past two decades, as they fear unequal results or a loss of sovereignty.

Front-line countries in Southeast Asia worry they would take a minor role compared to China or end up ceding marine resources because China is bigger and more advanced.

Other countries are still expecting Beijing to be more of a responsible stakeholder in terms of their performance and behavior in the South China Sea, said Andrew Yang, secretary-general of the Chinese Council of Advanced Policy Studies think tank in Taiwan.

China in turn may suspect that domestic politics in a democratic country such as the Philippines could disrupt a deal, experts say.

Old topic, no action

The prospects of working together for oil, gas, fish, scientific research or environmental protection in the 3.5 million-square-kilometer South China Sea have come and gone from discussions since the 1990s, when claimant governments held workshops on maritime cooperation. The sea is rich in fisheries as well as fossil fuels.

China and Taiwan claim nearly the whole sea. Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines call as their own, parts of the sea, extending from their coastlines. Over the past decade China has upset other countries by building artificial islands for military use and passing coast guard vessels through contested tracts of the sea.

Philippines leading the way

Last week, the Philippines held a cooperation forum for diplomats and scholars from China and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Coast guards from China and the Philippines, which dispute waters between them, had signed a deal in February to work together on environmental protection, search and rescues and patrols against drug trafficking. In May, they agreed to terms for confidence-building measures that would lead to more cooperation.

Maybe it will work out with the Philippines this time, depending on how much each side is willing to give up, said Yun Sun, East Asia Program senior associate at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington.

Yet given China's dominant strength, Southeast Asian countries are rightfully concerned with the potential that China can mobilize its coercive and remunerative power to force their hands, she said.

China plays tough

Analysts point to no models of Sino-foreign cooperation in the South China Sea. A 2008 Sino-Japanese joint development agreement in the disputed East China Sea collapsed over questions about which tracts were disputed.

Since the late 1970s, Beijing has advocated joint maritime use under the principle of shelving differences and seeking joint development, but on the condition that the sovereignty belongs to China, Sun noted.

Southeast Asian countries worry today that their populations would see deals with China as concessions of sovereignty, analysts say. China, with its more advanced technology, would also take a lead in scientific research, they predict, perhaps leaving a less developed claimant with a smaller share of any discoveries.

Over the past year China has perfected a bathyscaphe for deep-sea exploration and its scientists say the country is working on an underwater observation network. Some of its reclaimed land is ready for radar systems. No other country has plumbed so extensively into the South China Sea.

The problem is that China wouldn't bend over backwards, said Fabrizio Bozzato, a Taiwan Strategy Research Association fellow specialized in Asian political issues. They have the means. They have the resources. They have the technology. It would be a China-plus kind of cooperation.

Confidence-building

China's unilateral mid-year fishing moratoriums in the northern parts of the sea have already given other countries a sense of non-cooperation.

Distrust of Beijing runs deep among common people in Vietnam, which suffered anti-China rioting in recent years, and the Philippines, where opinion polls have consistently shown a majority with misgivings about China despite Manila's effort since mid-2016 to improve ties with Beijing. And analysts say China may fear legislators in democratic nations could scuttle any cooperation as well.

There's still this level of distrust, said Collin Koh, maritime security research fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. And I think China will still find it very difficult to overcome those domestic sentiments within those governments no matter what it puts out.

Joint development is problematic for Vietnam in particular because the Vietnamese lean against sharing resources that they believe are fully their own, Sun said. China and Vietnam agreed in 2000 to a joint fishing zone in the Gulf of Tonkin, but efforts to cooperate on oil exploration are stalled.

Southeast Asian governments may prefer a third-party enforcer, such as a United Nations agency, for any deals with China, experts say. China tends to resent third parties as foreign influence in bilateral deals.

China can win other countries confidence in partnerships by following an eventual maritime code of conduct to match the framework signed with 10 Southeast Asian nations in August, Yang said. It should quit barring foreign fishing vessels in disputed waters, he added, and instead preserve the marine environment, to build further trust.

Any effort to control pollution would require multi-party cooperation, he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump says he is confident Congress will act to protect 800,000 young undocumented immigrants from being deported, even after he moved to end the program that kept them from being returned to their home countries.

"Congress, I really believe, wants to take care of this situation," Trump said aboard Air Force One before heading to North Dakota for a speech about tax reform. "I really believe it, even very conservative members of Congress."

Trump said he told congressional leaders at a White House meeting before leaving Washington, "If we can get something to happen, we are going to sign it and we are going to make a lot of happy people."

Trump has been widely criticized by Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans, along with U.S. business leaders, for rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program created by former President Barack Obama for the undocumented immigrants that kept them in the U.S. to study and work and serve in its military.

In overturning the program Tuesday, Trump gave Congress six months to vote on the issue, but said he would revisit his decision to lift the ban on deportations if Congress did not act.

In his remarks on the plane, Trump said he did not think he would have to reconsider his decision in six months.

"I have a feeling thats not going to be necessary," he said. "I think theyre going to make a deal. I think Congress really wants to do this." Trump said he would like immigration legislation that includes protection for the undocumented immigrants and "something where we have good border security."

The immigrants years ago illegally entered the United States with their parents. While numerous lawmakers have said they want to keep the immigrants, often popularly referred to as Dreamers, from being deported, Congress has been stymied in several attempts in recent years to change U.S. immigration policies.

Trump has pressed for tighter immigration controls and called for construction of a wall on the country's southern border with Mexico to thwart more migrants from entering the country, but the proposal remains controversial and Congress has not adopted it.

Trump offered his latest comments on the undocumented immigrants after meeting with the top four congressional leaders, Republican House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, along with the top two Democrats, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer.

Earlier, Ryan said that Obama was wrong to create the deportation deferral program "because he overstepped his constitutional bounds" in authorizing it with an executive order rather than with legislation and Trump was "right in his decision" to overturn it.

Ryan said lawmakers would work in the coming months to find a compromise in how to protect the undocumented immigrants from being deported. But he described their plight as "a symptom of a larger problem. And the larger problem is that we do not have control of our borders. And so its only reasonable and fitting that we also address the root cause of the problem, which is borders that are not sufficiently controlled, while we address this very real and very human problem thats right in front of us.

But key Democratic lawmakers called for passage of what they are calling the Dream Act, which would protect the undocumented immigrants, many of whom know only the United States as their home, but not address broader immigration issues. Four Republican senators have announced their support for it, but Democrats need another eight Republicans for Senate passage.

I would say this to President Trump: If you love the Dreamers, help us pass the Dream Act," Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois said. "I would say to the Republicans in Congress who are not swept away by the anti-immigrant rhetoric, which we have heard over and over again: Stand up with us.'

Schumer said Democrats want Ryan and McConnell to "immediately put the Dream Act on the floor for a vote in the House and Senate. Were ready to pass it. I am confident that if put on the floor it will garner overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle."

Schumer said if the Dream Act is not passed this month, Democrats will attempt to attach it to other legislation until it passes.
3 Ramy M. Abdul, a forensic doctor who worked for the Egyptian Ministry of Health when the men died, also says the crime scene does not support the governments assertion that the men were killed during a fight. It seems that both of the bodies have been shot in the back, he says. Additionally he says the position of the guns in the two published photos are different, pointing to the possibility of planted evidence. (H. Elrasam/VOA) May, 2015 in Giza, Egypt.
Pope Francis opens the first full day in his Colombia visit Thursday with messages to political leaders and citizens alike encouraging all to rally behind a peace process seeking an end to Latin Americas longest-running conflict and to address the inequalities that fueled it.



Francis will kick off the day with a meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos at the presidential palace, where he is likely to call for building bridges among elites bitterly divided by last years peace deal with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.



It will be followed in the afternoon by an outdoor Mass in Simon Bolivar Park that is expected to be attended by hundreds of thousands of worshipers in one of Latin Americas most-fervently Roman Catholic nations.



In between, he is to meet with bishops from around the region, including his first encounter with clergy from neighboring Venezuela, who are looking for the pope to demand accountability from their countrys socialist government and deliver a message of hope to a nation torn by political and economic turmoil.

As his flight took off from Rome early Wednesday, the pontiff spoke briefly with journalists on board, emphasizing his goal to help Colombia advance on "the path of peace," the Catholic News Agency reported. He then noted the flight path over Venezuela, urging the journalists to pray for stability in that country  and for productive dialogue to achieve it.

Ysbeicy Salcedo, a Venezuelan hairstylist who came to Bogota in June, is pessimistic about the Roman Catholic Churchs ability to improve conditions in her homeland. Its mired in a political and economic crisis that has been years in the making.

"They say that it has influence, but things follow the same," Salcedo said of the church. She added that the United States and the church, both of which she described as empires, have not had weight in resolving tensions.

Massive, anti-government street demonstrations that began in April have left more than 120 dead, though the protests have dwindled.

The Vatican has pressed for Venezuelas socialist government to hold free elections, and it repeatedly has offered to mediate talks among the governments supporters and opponents. The pope himself received Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a private audience at the Holy See last October. But the Vatican last month condemned the new, pro-Maduro constituent assembly as a threat to human rights.

Francis is the third pope to visit Colombia, but the first Latin American pontiff  born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina  from a region with the largest concentration of the globes 1.1 billion Catholics.

Nearly four out of 10 Catholics lived in Latin America and the Caribbean as of 2010, the Pew Research Centers latest data show. Colombia alone had the sixth-largest concentration of Catholics globally. Out of the countrys almost 49 million people, nearly seven out of 10 identify as Catholic.

"They are quite the believers here," Salcedo said.

The young woman, whos been studying public relations, grew up in a Catholic family and attended Catholic school, but she doesnt identify as Catholic.

Salcedo is part of a tide of Venezuelans that has swept into Colombia as conditions at home deteriorated. A native of Los Teques, in the coastal state of Miranda, she was able to obtain permanent residency, a legal status Colombia offered to Venezuelans who arrived before July 29.

Officials with Migration Colombia, a government agency, report that 153,000 Venezuelans have residency in the country, and that 1.5 million have entered as tourists in the last year.

Although Salcedo is thankful for Colombia's hospitality, she would return to her own country if conditions there improved, she said. "We want things to get better."

Bogota has prepared for the pontiffs visit with tightened security, traffic restrictions and school closings.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judges at the European Court of Justice Wednesday rejected an attempt by Hungary and Slovakia to block mandatory quotas of refugees, which the bloc wants to resettle from Greece and Italy.



European Union officials welcomed the ruling and called on member states to speed up the resettlement process  seen as a key part of the blocs response to a crisis, in which millions of asylum seekers have arrived on the continent over the past three years.



EU member states voted in 2015 to relocate 160,000 refugees from Italy and Greece across the bloc. Many eastern European states objected, but were outvoted.



Hungary and Slovakia mounted a legal challenge in the European Court of Justice, arguing the quota system was an inappropriate response.



At a news conference following the ECJ ruling, Hungarys foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, labeled the judges decision "outrageous."



We believe that this decision puts at risk the security of all of Europe and the future of all of Europe as well and this decision is surely contrary to the interests of the European nations, including Hungary, he told reporters.



Human rights group Amnesty International welcomed the decision.



The fact of the matter is,... there is a clear obligation to help people fleeing war and persecution. They have an obligation to their neighbors, through European solidarity, but there is also a global element because this is, after all, a global refugee crisis that we are facing, said Amnestys Iverna McGowan.



Hungary and Poland have consistently refused to take in any refugees, while Slovakia has accepted a small number of Syrians.



The EU has threatened penalties and legal action, including a $300,000 fine for each refugee whom member states refuse to take in. The blocs commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, called on member states to show more solidarity  or face legal action.



If the member states that have not relocated at all, or not for a long time, do not change their approach in the coming weeks, we should then consider to take the last step in the infringement procedure, to refer Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic to the European Court of Justice, he said Wednesday.



Hungarys conservative government has clashed repeatedly with the EU in recent years over other issues, including the rule of law and media freedom.



Forcing eastern member states to accept refugee quotas will do more harm than good, argues Daniel Tilles of the Pedagogical University of Krakow, Poland.



This just creates an additional and unnecessary further front in the conflict between the European Union and countries like Hungary and Poland. Even amongst the refugees who have relocated, most of them dont stay for very long. Theyve come to Europe not to be in Lithuania or Estonia or Poland or Hungary. Theyre much more interested in being in EU states that offer more employment opportunities and better wages, Tilles told VOA in an interview.



Following Wednesdays ruling from the Luxembourg-based court, Hungary vowed to protect its security and people, but did not specify exactly how it will respond.
At least four people have been beheaded by suspected al-Shabab extremists based in neighboring Somalia, a Kenyan police official said Wednesday.

The attack took place early Wednesday morning in the Bobo area of Hindi village in Lamu County, said Larry Kieng, the police chief in charge of Kenya's coastal region.

Kieng said the four were shot and then decapitated by armed militants who raided the village.

The attack brings the number of people thought to be beheaded by al-Shabab extremists in Lamu County in the past three months to 16.

Beheadings by al-Shabab have been rare in Kenya but are not uncommon in Somalia, where the extremists carry them out on people who are believed to be enemies and to terrorize local populations.

Al-Shabab has vowed retribution on Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight the extremists. The group has carried out numerous attacks inside Kenya since 2011, but recent attacks have been limited to counties bordering Somalia.

Al-Shabab has become the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.
Two of the world's biggest luxury goods conglomerates announced a joint charter Wednesday which they said aims to protect the health of fashion models by making those who are unhealthily thin ineligible to work.

The pact adopted by French corporations LVMH and Kering incorporates  and goes beyond a new French law that requires all models to provide medical certificates proving they are healthy before they can work.

While the French law set to take effect Oct. 1 requires both male and female models to present a health certificate obtained within the previous two years, LVMH and Kering said their charter would shorten the time frame to six months of the job.

The pact also bans the conglomerates' labels from using female models below a French women's size 34, which is typically equivalent to a U.S. size 0-2 and a U.K. size 6. The French law initially included a minimum body mass index requirement, but it was removed after lawmakers deemed the doctor's certificate an adequate safeguard.

The fashion companies' said their agreement would take effect this month, in time for the spring-summer ready-to-wear runway collections.

Unlike the French law, the charter also will apply to the international Kering and LVMH brands with runway collections presented in Milan, London and New York. The two groups said they hoped to set a new global standard for the fashion industry.

"We hope to inspire the entire industry to follow suit, thus making a real difference in the working conditions of fashion models industry-wide," Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault said in a statement.

In addition, the charter requires each brand to put a dedicated psychologist at the disposal of fashion models during working hours  either by phone or in person in the work place.

A monitoring committee of representatives from Kering and LVMH will meet annually with brands, modeling agencies and models to ensure the charter is being correctly implemented.

The two giants' fashion houses include Dior, Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and others.
France has decided to arm its surveillance drones in West Africa as part of counter-terrorism operations against Islamist militants, Defense Minister Florence Parly said on Tuesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron has made fighting Islamist militants his primary foreign policy objective and the move to armed drones fits into a more aggressive policy at a time when it looks increasingly unlikely Paris will be able to withdraw from the region in the medium to long-term.

France has six Reapers

France currently has five unarmed Reaper reconnaissance drones positioned in Niger's capital Niamey to support its 4,000-strong Barkhane counter-terrorism operation in Africa, and one in France.

Beyond our borders, the enemy is more furtive, more mobile, disappears into the vast Sahel desert and dissimulates himself amidst the civilian population, Parly said in a speech to the military.

Facing this, we cannot remain static. Our methods and equipment must adapt. It is with this in mind that I have decided to launch the process to arm our intelligence and surveillance drones.

A further six of 12 Reaper drones, built by U.S. firm General Atomics and ordered after France's 2013 intervention in Mali to eventually replace its EADS-made Harfang drones, are due to be delivered by 2019.

The defence ministry said on Tuesday the new drones would be delivered with Hellfire missiles while the existing six would be armed by 2020, possibly with European munitions.

Civilian casualties a concern

Previous French administrations have shied away from purchasing armed drones, fearing a possible increase in civilian casualties.

Al-Qaida's north African wing AQIM and related Islamist groups were largely confined to the Sahara desert until they hijacked a rebellion by ethnic Tuareg separatists in Mali in 2012, and then swept south.

French forces intervened the following year to prevent them taking Mali's capital, Bamako, but they have since gradually expanded their reach across the region, launching high-profile attacks in Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, as well as much more frequent, smaller attacks on military targets.

Armed drones offer quick response

At the end of July, at the military base in Niger, officers and pilots had told Reuters it was imperative to arm the drones to be more efficient and quick in tackling jihadist groups.

In the future, armed drones will enable us to accompany surveillance ... with the capacity to strike at the opportune moment. We will be able to gain in efficiency and limit the risk of collateral damage," Parly said.

France is also working with Germany, Italy and Spain to develop a European drone, which is expected to be ready by 2025.
China is carrying out a campaign of harassment against those who question its human rights record, even extending its reach to the United Nations, according to Human Rights Watch.

In a 96-page report "The Costs of International Advocacy: China's Interference in United Nations Mechanism," the international watchdog details China's efforts to harass and intimidate independent activists, based on dozens of interviews.

The New York Times quotes a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, as saying the reports' accusations are "groundless." He called on the group to remove 'its tinted lenses and objectively and justly view China's human rights development.

"I think it is widely known that China is going through the most intense period of repression at home since the crackdown on the Tiananmen square democracy movement more than 25 years ago," Kenneth Roth, the group's executive director, told VOA. "But what is not broadly appreciated is how much that attack on human rights monitoring and human rights criticism has extended abroad, particularly to the United Nations"

Roth said China is trying to undermine the U.N. human rights system, noting Chinese president Xi Jinping's visit to Geneva in January when 300 staff were sent home and NGOs were not allowed to be present.

"It was as if the [United Nations] was complicit in Xi Jinping's insatiable desire for public acclaim and his antipathy to any public criticism," Roth said.
They grew up in America and are working or going to school here. Some are building businesses or raising families of their own. Many have no memory of the country where they were born.

Now, almost 800,000 young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or overstayed their visas could see their lives upended after the Trump administration announced Tuesday it is ending the Obama-era program that protected them from deportation.

We are Americans in heart, mind and soul. We just don't have the correct documentation that states we're American, said Jose Rivas, 27, who is studying for a master's in counseling at the University of Wyoming.

Came to America at age 6



Rivas' grandmother brought him to this country from Mexico when he was 6. He wants to become a school counselor in America but lamented: Everything is up in the air at this point.

The news that the government is phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, was met with shock, anger and a sense of betrayal by its beneficiaries, often called Dreamers.

Demonstrations broke out in New York City, where police handcuffed and removed over a dozen immigration activists who briefly blocked Trump Tower, and in other cities, including Salt Lake City, Denver, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. Students walked out of class in protest in several cities including Phoenix and Albuquerque.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said DACA, started by President Barack Obama in 2012, was an unconstitutional exercise of executive power. The Trump administration and other DACA opponents argue that it is up to Congress to decide how to deal with such immigrants.

'American lives matter'

At a Los Angeles rally, handyman John Willis carried a sign saying American lives matter and criticized the DACA program as an unlawful tyrannical executive order that our previous president thrust upon us.

I don't wish these kids to be sent back to Mexico or anything like that, but I don't believe we should have two sets of laws, he said. We have one set of laws, we should follow them. Congress needs to get up off the pot and enact some legislation to take care of this mess.

Attorneys general for several states threatened to sue to protect the DACA beneficiaries. We stand ready to take all appropriate legal action to protect Oregon's Dreamers, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum tweeted.

Helping as volunteer in Houston

Ricardo Ortiz, who was brought to the U.S. from Monterrey, Mexico, at age 3, has been volunteering at the downtown Houston convention center that sheltered thousands of Hurricane Harvey victims.

Ortiz, a 21-year-old student at the University of Houston, said he doesn't know what he will do if DACA is ended or he is forced to leave the country.

It's crazy that people really think that we don't belong here when we've been here all of our lives, he said.

Amid fears of a greater immigration crackdown, Oscar Belanger, vice principal at Nellie Muir Elementary School in the predominantly Latino town of Woodburn, Oregon, greeted students in English and Spanish on their first day of class.

He told a reporter the school would refuse to turn over students' information to immigration agents, noting that Oregon law prohibits that. He said administrators and teachers want Washington to stand by the DACA beneficiaries. Only those who are at least 15 can apply for the program.

Trump is right, to deport children is wrong

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, a Republican and an early Trump supporter, said the president has every right to end DACA. But he added that it would be unconscionable to deport those who benefited from the program.

These children grew up believing they are American and so many of them have lived lives of which America can be proud, Reyes said.

In Miami, Paola Martinez, 23, who is from Bogota, Colombia, sobbed as she attended a rally of about 100 immigrants, and said she will feel helpless without DACA. She recently graduated with a civil engineering degree from Florida International University.

'A step backwards'

Instead of going a step forward, we are going a step backwards. We are hiding in the shadows again after my work (permit) expires. It's just sadness, Martinez said. You just feel like you are empty. There is no support anymore.

Martinez said she is not able to renew her permit because it expires in 2019, so she is hoping her employer or another company sponsors her so she can stay and help support her parents, who depend on her for rides and household expenses. In Florida, immigrants who are illegally in the country cannot get driver's licenses.

Karen Marin, a 26-year-old from New York whose parents brought her to the U.S. from Mexico before she was a year old, was in physics class at Bronx Community College when Sessions made the announcement.



I honestly I can't even process it right now. I'm still trying to get myself together, Marin said. I just hope that they do change their mind and they realize what they're doing is wrong.

'In limbo right now'

Carla Chavarria, 24, is a Phoenix entrepreneur who owns a digital marketing firm and a fitness apparel line. She came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 7.

Her permit expires in November and she is waiting for her renewal to be processed. She is set to close on the purchase of a home later this month.



It's hard being a business owner as it is, especially with being young and being a woman and someone who's an immigrant. It's already hard as it is. Now having DACA being taken away, she said.

I'm sort of like in limbo right now.
Journalists and civil society activists led protests in major Indian cities on Wednesday to condemn the killing of a prominent Indian journalist, who was an outspoken critic of Hindu nationalist politics.

Gauri Lankesh, 55, was shot dead outside her home on Tuesday night by assailants who came on a motorcycle in the Information Technology hub of Bengaluru.

Her murder sent shock waves through the media, with many slamming it as an attempt to silence voices of dissent. Her killing is the latest in several attacks that have targeted secularists and rationalists in recent years.

Marchers denounced what they called a rising intolerance and a growing trend toward using violence to settle political or ideological differences.

The Editors Guild of India said her, killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on freedom of the press.

Lankesh was the editor of a weekly Kannada language newspaper, Lankesh Patrike. Known for its left leaning views, her publication was often critical of right-wing Hindu nationalists, including members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. She had carried several stories in recent months critical of the federal government.

She had been convicted last year of defamation of local BJP leaders in her state in a case she said was politically motivated. She was out on bail and had vowed to fight her conviction.

Senior journalists expressed shock that a well-known colleague had been killed in a top Indian metro area. Reporters have been murdered in the past in India, but the violence has mostly happened in small towns and targeted those who had taken on vested interests in local communities.

Independent journalist Neerja Chowdhury, based in New Delhi, questioned if Lankesh's killing was an attempt to cow down the media. My question is was it only to settle scores with her or was it a message to the entire media? It is of enormous concern, she said.

In its latest report, Reporters Without Borders said, "with Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of 'anti-national' thought from the national debate, self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International said Wednesday that the killing "raises alarms" about press freedom in India.

Gauri Lankesh was never afraid of speaking truth to power. Her assassination must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice, said Asmita Basu, Programs Director at Amnesty International India. The police must investigate whether she was killed because of her journalism.

After the Hindu nationalist BJP came to power in 2014, several liberal voices in India have expressed concern about what they say is a growing atmosphere of intolerance.

They point to other killings  including the 2015 murder of scholar Malleshappa M Kalburgi, who had criticized idol worship and superstitious Hindu beliefs, and the 2013 slaying of anti-superstition activist Narendra Daholkar.

Condemnations of Lankeshs murder came in from across the political spectrum. An official with the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said he condemned all acts of violence against journalists.

A senior leader of the opposition Congress Party, Kapil Sibal, said that it is mindboggling that in this country, a democratic country, a country with such diversities on the basis of ideologies, people are being killed.

Karnataka, where Lankesh was based, is ruled by the opposition Congress Party, but is headed for local elections next year.
India's Supreme Court has granted a 13-year-old rape victim in Mumbai permission to terminate her pregnancy.

The girl, who was 32 weeks pregnant, needed the court's assent Wednesday as Indian law only allows abortions after 20 weeks if the mother's life is in danger.

The case was heard so late in the girl's pregnancy because her parents only discovered she was pregnant at 29 weeks, when they took her to the doctor for obesity treatments, having noted that she had gained a lot of weight.

The girl, who has not been named for legal reasons, alleges that she was raped by her father's colleague, who has been arrested.

The court heard arguments this week from doctors who reported that the girl's life would be in danger should she have the baby.

Just days earlier, a 10-year-old rape victim gave birth in Chandigarh after doctors said a late-term abortion was "too risky."

Such cases come to light so late in Indian girls' pregnancy because they are often unaware of their condition, while parents cannot fathom that children so young could be pregnant.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Tuesday joined friend and ex-California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's effort to overhaul partisan political map-making that's helped fuel their own Republican party's rise to power.



Kasich signed onto a legal brief that opposes the GOP in the momentous redistricting case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this fall. He said other signers include Republicans John McCain, Richard Lugar and Bob Dole. At issue is whether Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin drew legislative districts that favored their party and were so out of whack with the state's political breakdown that they violated Democratic voters' constitutional rights.



Kasich, a 2016 presidential contender, is a frequent critic of President Donald Trump, who was a GOP primary opponent, and has parted with fellow Republicans on some big issues, including Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. He said his decision to add his voice to a growing list of leaders opposing how U.S. political maps are made wasn't about party.



"I've decided to join because I think what we have witnessed over time here is the fact that the drawing of these districts in a gerrymandered way, coupled with the newfound activism of the people, has just driven the Congress farther and farther apart,'' he said. "And I think the time has come for the court to be able to make a big statement about the way in which we draw these districts.''



Schwarzenegger and Kasich have long argued that partisan gerrymandering is contributing to dysfunction in Washington.



An AP analysis published in June of the outcomes of all 435 U.S. House races and about 4,700 state House and Assembly seats up for election last year found four times as many states with Republican-skewed state House or Assembly districts as Democratic ones. Among the two dozen most populated states that determine the vast majority of Congress, there were nearly three times as many with Republican-tilted U.S. House districts.



In Ohio, the Republican-controlled map-making system resulted in the party winning nearly two more U.S. House seats and five more Ohio House seats in the last election than would have been expected in neutral circumstances, according to the AP analysis. In congressional races, Republican candidates won 56 percent of the vote in Ohio but 75 percent of the seats.



Kasich said "safe'' districts no longer do what they did in the past: afford politicians the comfort to concentrate on policy. Instead, they open up more centrist politicians to primary challenges from their parties' more extreme flanks, he said.

Schwarzenegger is working to combat the gerrymandering through his Terminate Gerrymandering Crowdpac. Kasich said Schwarzenegger reached out to him to sign the brief, which is part of his efforts.



Ohio has seen growing bipartisan concern about how its voting districts are drawn.



Kasich said he is pleased that Ohio has moved to reform its legislative map-making system. Ohio residents voted overwhelmingly in 2015, after a decade of false starts, to approve new rules for drawing state legislative districts that aimed to reduce gerrymandering.



Kasich said he hopes congressional districts aren't far behind. Backers in the Republican-controlled state legislature have been working on the idea of replacing a process that gives the state legislature power to approve the congressional maps drawn once every 10 years.
Making movies gets more terrifying the older you get, British actress Judi Dench said on Monday, a day after her latest royal comedy drama "Victoria & Abdul" premiered at the Venice Film Festival.

Dench, who won an Oscar for her role in "Shakespeare in Love" and was nominated for Academy Awards six other times, said unlike in theater, where you can adjust with each performance, in films you get only one chance.

Its always challenging, I am always frightened, always frightened, the 82-year-old actress told Reuters in an interview. I get more frightened the older I get.

Its like having a huge bank of buttons and you chose to press so many in order to do what the writer and director wants you to do, and then when you see it, you think oh no, I could have done that better!.

Dench began her career in theater, followed by numerous TV roles, but still recalls how during a film audition she was told she would never make a movie because you have everything wrong with your face.

But the turning-point came in 1997 when she was cast as Queen Victoria in Mrs. Brown, the first time she played the late British monarch. She stepped back into the queen's shoes for Victoria & Abdul, which screened in the out-of-competition section in Venice.

It's like coming back to meet an old friend, she said.

While Mrs. Brown explored Queen Victoria's relationship with her servant John Brown, Stephen Frears' new comedy drama is based on her subsequent unlikely friendship with Indian clerk Abdul Kazim who was sent to England to present her with a gold coin.

Kazim was only due to visit Britain briefly but Victoria took a shine to him and asked him to stay on and be her teacher.

In the end Kazim served Victoria until the end of her reign.

Coming to London to shoot the film was the first time Indian actor Ali Fazal, who stars as Kazim, visited the British capital, and the first time he met Dench, who is pretty much royalty amongst actors, the 30-year-old actor said.

It was a sort of parallel, going along with the film: I like to think I gained a wonderful friend, he said.

Asked whether she would ever want to be royalty, Dench shook her head.

No, certainly not, I cant think of anything worse, she said, although she added that the royal family was doing a phenomenal job, especially given it was not something they had chosen, but just the job you're born with.

The festival ends on Sept. 9.
Mexico has come to the aid of the United States following Hurricane Harvey, sending Red Cross volunteers, food and supplies to a country whose president has proposed building a wall to keep the two neighbors apart.

Mexican volunteers wearing white vests labeled Cruz Roja Mexicana are distributing food and lending a sympathetic ear to some of the 1,800 storm refugees at the George R. Brown Convention Center, a temporary shelter.

A caravan of Mexican storm relief was due to be shipped north for victims of a storm that has killed some 60 people and left tens of thousands homeless since first coming ashore Aug. 25.

We all know that there are some agreements and disagreements between governments, but for the Mexican Red Cross and the volunteers from the Mexican Red Cross, we are more than glad to be helpful and do some stuff to help people, said Gustavo Santillan, one of the Mexican Red Cross volunteers.

A senior Mexican government official told Reuters Mexico was assembling relief for Harvey but the United States had not yet defined what help was required.

25 trailers of aid on the way

Some 25 trailers were being prepared with rice, beans, coffee and chocolate along with 300 beds, nine generators, mobile kitchens, telecommunications equipment and personnel including paramedics and doctors, Mexico's foreign ministry said.

One teary-eyed storm refugee in Houston said she was moved by the Mexican aid, especially considering the difference in wealth between the two countries, and it was wrong to try to shut out Mexicans.

We don't have time right now to put up borders and block Mexico, we need to come all of us together and work together, said Bertha Navarette, 63, an evacuee from Pasedena, Texas.

Victim hopes wall talk with stop

U.S. President Donald Trump made building a border wall a central theme of his campaign, saying Mexico was sending rapists and drug dealers into the United States.

On Monday, Trump took another action against Mexican immigrants, scrapping a program that protects from deportation 800,000 people brought to the United States illegally as children, largely by parents who were Mexican nationals.

Thomas Oney, a homeless man at the George R. Brown Convention Center, said Harvey had shown that neighbors had to work together.

I would hope that the talk about the border wall will stop, said Oney, 41.

Provided aid after Katrina

Mexico previously came to the aid of its northern neighbor in 2005, sending supplies and 195 people including medical staff following Hurricane Katrina. It marked the first time Mexican armed forces had been deployed in Texas since 1846.

The 33 Red Cross volunteers now in Texas are working in Houston, Corpus Christi and Beaumont at the request of the American Red Cross, said Marco Franco, deputy director for Mexican Red Cross Disaster Relief.
As far as the eye can see, they trudge through treacherously deep mud, across rice paddy fields and past rain-swollen creeks into Bangladesh.

Tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, fleeing the latest round of violence to engulf their homes in Myanmar, have been walking for days or handing over their meager savings to Burmese and Bangladeshi smugglers to escape what they describe as certain death.

Exhausted mothers clutched listless infants. Catatonically terrified children clung to bone-weary fathers. Young children with blank eyes carried even younger siblings.

Oh Allah, Oh Allah, one family moaned as they waded Tuesday through the chin-high waters of the Naf River dividing the two countries. One panicking woman handed a 3-month-old infant to a taller man before she slipped momentarily beneath the murky water. For a terrifying moment, the man held the baby aloft with one hand as he steadied himself. Then as the woman remerged, the group moved on to the safety of Bangladesh on the opposite bank.

Systematic persecution

The Rohingya Muslim ethnic minority from Myanmar's western Rakhine state has faced systematic persecution at the hands of the Buddhist majority for decades. The military junta that ruled the nation for decades stripped them of their citizenship. The democratically elected government under the leadership of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Aung San Suu Kyi has looked the other way as the Rohingya were pushed into squalid camps in their own home towns and villages.



For a people who have already lived through unimaginable horrors, including mass rapes and brutal killings decried by the United Nations, it seems as if the misery will never end.



Fresh horror was unleashed on Aug. 25, when fighters of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army attacked government forces and prompted Myanmar soldiers to retaliate with clearance operations they say were aimed at flushing the insurgents out from Rohingya villages.

Insurgents blamed



The Myanmar government blames the insurgents for setting fire to their own homes and killing Buddhists in Rakhine.

The exhausted and starving refugees pouring into Bangladesh tell a different story: of targeted shootings by Myanmar troops; of warnings to leave their homes if they wanted to live.

And so they left.

They abandoned all but what they could carry  a few kitchen utensils, a bag of rice, a tattered mattress.

On a mound of river clay, Dilara Begum sat, too exhausted to move as the half-naked son she cradled in one arm ran his tongue over his chapped lips. Two other children filled a plastic water bottle with the swirling brown river water and then each took small sips in turn.

The Myanmar army burnt the houses in Begum's village near the town of Maungdaw as the residents fled.

Boatmen surprised by exodus



I'm very hungry, Begum said in a low moan. She could not remember when the family last ate. She had no food and hardly any money left after paying a smuggler about 10,000 Myanmar kyat, worth about $7.40, for each person in her family to be carried across the river in a rickety wooden boat.



One of the many boatmen plying the Naf River amid the refugee crisis said he has ferried thousands of Rohingya over the last 10 days  an exodus he said was like nothing he's ever seen.



Many of the refugees have washed into the border district of Cox's Bazar, where Teknaf town is located. Huddled with wide-eyed children, they occupied every available space  in little knots along the streets, in large groups on grassy knolls between rice fields.

Having escaped their destroyed homes, they weren't sure what they would do next.



Ahead lay hunger, homelessness or possibly disease in overcrowded refugee camps.

Refugee flood into Bangladesh



Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest countries, was already sheltering some 100,000 Rohingya refugees before another 123,000 flooded in after Aug. 25, according to the U.N. refugee agency's latest estimate on Tuesday.



With aid groups unable to access violence-ridden areas of Myanmar, it's unclear how many are left behind.



Some of the refugees in Bangladesh have found shelter with relatives in camps built in the 1990s.

Tens of thousands of others squat in open fields or collect bamboo sticks from the nearby woods to build their own shelters.

Some take advantage



In the markets of Cox's Bazar, some have sought to profit from the tragedy. Sticks of bamboo that normally sell for about 75 Bangladeshi taka (90 U.S. cents) are now selling for 200 taka (about $2.50).

There are multiple points on the border where Rohingya can cross by foot or by boat. When the tide was low, some boatmen were stopping a few hundred meters (yards) short and asking people to wade in the rest of the way.



Last week, at least three boats capsized, spilling dozens of people into the brackish waters. Some managed to swim to safety, but at least 26 people drowned.



Nur Kabir said he crossed the river on Sunday, and that many more have tried to swim the expanse on their own strength.



They try to cross the river at night and drown, Kabir said.

Border guards offer help



Some members of the Bangladeshi Border Guards, moved by the suffering around them, have interpreted the government's silence about the refugee influx in recent days as approval for letting them in.



This is a time to show humanity, one paramilitary soldier said, asking that he and his colleagues not be named because they were not authorized to speak with the media. Officials haven't said let them enter. But they haven't said stop them either.

Another guard said they were trying to guide the terrified refugees crossing the river to spots along the slippery bank where it was easier to clamber up out of the water.

I saw a woman with a 13-day-old baby. Her breastmilk had dried. She was feeding her baby this dirty water,'' he said.



That made me cry.
North Korea's latest nuclear test has prompted global outrage and left world leaders scrambling to find a way to avoid a catastrophic war on the Korean Peninsula.

What are the U.S. diplomatic options on North Korea?

The Trump administration believes cutting off fuel supplies is the best way to curb Pyongyang's pursuit of nuclear arms.

Such sanctions are likely to be unacceptable to China, which supplies nearly all of North Korea's energy needs. Beijing fears an oil cutoff could topple the North Korean regime and make it vulnerable to a South Korean takeover, a scenario unacceptable to China. Chinese leaders want to preserve the regime in Pyongyang as a strategic buffer against U.S. influence in East Asia.

What are the U.S. economic options on North Korea?

President Donald Trump has said the United States could stop all trade with countries doing any business with North Korea. But besides China, North Korea has trade ties with close U.S. partners like Germany, India and Russia. Cutting trade ties with any or all of them would prove disastrous for U.S. business.

Other economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the United States and the European Union have failed to make an impact on Pyongyang.

What are the U.S. military options on North Korea?

There are three:

1. South Korean officials have indicated that they may consider bringing back U.S. nuclear weapons to the peninsula.

2. A pre-emptive strike could be conducted against North Korea's missiles and nuclear facilities.

3. A full-scale invasion could be undertaken.

If so challenged, the regime in Pyongyang could retaliate against South Korea or Japan. Even without a nuclear weapon, Pyongyang can inflict catastrophic damage on the South Korean capital, Seoul, home to more than 10 million people.

What if North Korea attacks?

The U.S. has a number of defenses in place, including the anti-missile defense system THAAD, which shoots down short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, and the ship-based Aegis system, which can track 100 missiles simultaneously and intercept them. It also has the Patriot missile defense system in Japan.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis recently said, "Any threat to the United States or its territories, including Guam or our allies, will be met with a massive military response, a response both effective and overwhelming."
Political divisions run deep in America, but most Americans would not choose to live anywhere else, according to a new poll released Wednesday.

The new Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey of social trends showed wide-ranging divisions between Americans on issues like culture, the economy and the future of the nation, but most people agreed on one thing: America is a decent place to live.

According to the poll, 28 percent of respondents called America the single best place to live in the world, while another 54 percent said America was among the few best places to live or above average. Eighteen percent of those polled called America average or below average.

More than one third, 35 percent, of poll respondents said they feel confident that life will be better for their children than it was for them; a level not seen since 2001, when 49 percent said they felt confident. The last time the question was asked, in 2014, 21 percent said they felt confident.

Fifty-seven percent of people said the economy in their area was either good or excellent, while 30 percent said it was fair. Thirteen percent called the economy in their area poor.

Political divisions growing

While the poll shows Americans are largely optimistic about the country's future, the results indicate political divisions are growing and are not confined solely to policy concerns.

An overwhelming majority of those asked called America either totally divided (21 percent) or mainly divided (59 percent), while 20 percent called the country either mainly united or totally united.

Issues like gun control show a clear split between the two ends of the ideological spectrum. According to the poll, 77 percent of Republicans say they are concerned the government would go too far in restricting gun rights, while 18 percent worried the government would not do enough. Democrats showed almost the exact opposite opinion; 24 percent to 71 percent respectively.

Sixty-four percent of respondents said immigration strengthens the country, while 28 percent said it weakens the United States.

The results show a shift in sentiment from 2005 when the same question was asked and 41 percent agreed that immigration strengthens the United States, while 28 percent said it hurt.

The change in sentiment is due almost wholly to a shift among Democrats. In 2005, 45 percent of Democrats said immigration strengthened the country. In 2017, that number jumped to 81 percent.

According to the poll, 55 percent of respondents said they are comfortable with societal changes that have made America a more diverse country, while 24 percent said the changes have made them uneasy.

These numbers also show a direct link to partisanship. More than 75 percent of Democrats said they felt comfortable with the changes, but less than one-third of Republicans agreed.

The poll surveyed 1,200 people from August 5-9. The margin of error for the full sample was plus or minus 2.82 percentage points.
Pope Francis flew in to Colombia on Wednesday to try to help heal the wounds of Latin America's longest-running armed conflict, bolstered by a new cease-fire with a holdout rebel group but fully aware of the fragility of the country's peace process.



During his deeply symbolic five-day visit, Francis is expected to press Colombian leaders to address the social and economic disparities that fueled five decades of armed rebellion, while encouraging ordinary Colombians to balance their need for justice with forgiveness.



In a video message on the eve of his departure, Francis urged all Colombians to take a first step and reach out to one another for the sake of peace and the future.



Peace is what Colombia has been looking for and working for for such a long time, he said. A stable and lasting peace, so that we can see one another and treat one another as brothers, not as enemies.



Arriving at Bogota's military air base on a flight from Rome, Francis was being greeted by President Juan Manuel Santos and Colombia's national symphonic orchestra playing classics by Vivaldi and Beethoven as well as traditional cumbia music.



A year after the Colombian government signed the peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, the nation remains bitterly divided over the terms of the deal even as guerrillas have laid down their arms and begun returning to civilian life. Even the Catholic Church hierarchy, which was instrumental in facilitating the peace talks and is now spearheading the process of reconciliation, was divided over what many Colombians saw as the overly generous terms offered to rebels behind atrocities.



Former President Alvaro Uribe, a fierce opponent of the peace deal, wrote a letter to the pope Tuesday expressing concern that the deal with the rebels had fueled a rise in drug trafficking and created economic uncertainties with the potential to destroy Colombia's social fabric.



Meanwhile, the nation's top drug fugitive, the target of a $5 million manhunt by U.S. authorities, appealed to the Pope to pray that he and his fellow combatants be allowed to lay down their weapons as part of the peace process - a proposal the Colombian government has rejected out of hand.



I'm convinced that the only way out of the conflict is dialogue, said Dairo Usuga, appearing publicly for the first time, in a video published on social media. The Catholic Church is a moral reference and we believe that with its prayers we can move forward in our goal of abandoning our weapons.



Hoping for good stability and dialogue

The plane flying Pope Francis to Colombia left Rome Wednesday morning and had to change its flight path to avoid Category 5 Hurricane Irma. A half-hour into the flight, he told journalists he wanted to help Colombia in its path of peace.



He also asked for prayers for Colombia's neighbor Venezuela, whose problems are likely to demand some of his attention, hoping it finds a good stability and dialogue with everyone. The Vatican last year sponsored dialogue between President Nicolas Maduro's government and the opposition and bishops from the country are slated to meet with Francis in Colombia as pressure builds on the embattled socialist to yield power.



In Bogota, city workers were busy scrubbing downtown monuments, erecting the stage for a giant outdoor Mass and putting the final touches on a security perimeter surrounding the Nunciature where the pope will sleep every night. While many Colombians hail the pope's humility as a model to emulate, they have questioned the hefty cost of the visit.



It's great what's happening, the pope is a modest person, Aristobulo Fonseca said as he hung two images of Catholic saints from the rearview mirror of his taxi. What's not good is how they're making a carnival of this visit and spending so much money.



Reconciliation meeting

The highlight of Francis' trip comes Friday, with a meeting and prayer of reconciliation between victims of the conflict and former guerrillas in Villavicencio, a city south of Bogota surrounded by territory long held by the FARC.



The event will be packed with symbolism.



Francis will beatify two Colombian priests killed during decades of guerrilla warfare, declaring them martyrs who were killed out of hatred for the Catholic faith.



And the meeting will be framed by one of the most poignant symbols of the conflict: the mutilated Christ statue that was rescued from a church in the western town of Bojaya after a FARC mortar attack in 2012. Some 300 people were sheltering in the church when it was hit during a three-way firefight between FARC rebels, right-wing militias and the army. At least 79 people died and 100 were injured.



In total, the conflict left more than 250,000 people dead, 60,000 missing and millions more displaced.



Ahead of Francis' arrival, the government of President Juan Manuel Santos and the last remaining major rebel group, the National Liberation Army, or ELN, signed a bilateral cease-fire agreement, a significant step toward negotiating a permanent peace deal.

The Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the key message of the trip is the capacity to forgive: to forgive, and receive forgiveness.



Francis is the third pope to visit Colombia, following Pope Paul VI in 1968 and St. John Paul II in 1986. Both used their visits to show solidarity with victims of violence, discrimination and poverty and to urge government authorities to fix the structural and societal problems that have made Colombia one of the most unequal countries in Latin America.



Monsignor Octavio Ruiz Arenas, the first archbishop of Villavicencio and now a Vatican official, said a key point that Francis will press is for Colombia to avoid repeating the mistakes of peace processes in Central America, where demobilized guerrilla fighters did not re-integrate into society and instead joined criminal gangs. Colombia's well-entrenched drug traffickers will be a strong draw for rebels who haven't known anything other than jungle warfare for decades, he said.



When Paul VI went, he spoke about all these problems, but unfortunately all they talk about now are his pretty speeches, Ruiz said. The same thing happened with John Paul II.



But if the authorities aren't able to say, The pope is right; we have to change - if there's no goodwill on the part of everyone - the words will just remain like a nice memory, he said.
The Caribbean island of Barbuda is isolated after taking a direct hit from Hurricane Irma, the strongest Atlantic storm in recorded history.

There is no power on Barbuda and no way to communicate with the outside world.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said he expected the toll Irma took on the French West Indies, including St. Martin and St. Barts, to be "harsh and cruel," with considerable casualties and damage.

Puerto Rico was next in Irma's path. High winds and rain began to lash the island late Wednesday afternoon.

The U.S. territory is in the middle of a financial crisis, and officials there said it could take as long as six months to restore electricity to the entire island if power was knocked out.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center predicted what it called the "extremely dangerous core" of Irma will pass over Puerto Rico's northern coast Wednesday night on its way to the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Irma's power is breathtaking. It is a Category 5 storm, the highest on the wind scale. It had top sustained winds of 295 kph (183 mph). Forecasters said they did not expect it to fall below a Category 4 storm as it moved along its forecast path toward Florida.

Irma was predicted to strike southern Florida and the Miami area by Sunday, though an exact forecast was nearly impossible to nail down.

Florida Governor Rick Scott told people to prepare now and not ignore any mandatory evacuation orders. He said the storm was likely to affect the entire state.

"You can rebuild your homes, but you cannot rebuild your life," Scott said.

The Florida Keys were already under a mandatory evacuation order. People were finding long lines at gas stations that still had fuel. Anyone entering a southern Florida supermarket was finding more empty shelves than full ones.

The governor said stores were working as hard as they could to restock supplies, especially bottled water.

WATCH: Caribbean Island Nations, Florida Brace for Hurricane Irma

Forecasters said Irma could bring storm surges of 2 to 6 meters (6 to more than 19 feet) and as much as 50 centimeters (nearly 20 inches) of rain on top of its fierce winds.

Scott said the storm was worse than Hurricane Andrew, he 1992 storm that turned entire Miami neighborhoods into empty lots.

Some longtime Florida residents who stayed put for Andrew and other powerful storms said they were not going to take any chances with Irma.

President Donald Trump declared states of emergency in Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. He ordered the Federal Emergency Management Agency to begin relief efforts even while it was still helping southeastern Texas clean up from last month's Category 4 Hurricane Harvey.

Hurricanes need tropical water for fuel, and Irma's power is coming from the unusually warm waters in the Atlantic.

Meanwhile, forecasters have their eyes on two other hurricanes.

Hurricane Jose is a Category 1 storm east of the Lesser Antilles and still far from land.

Hurricane Katia is also a Category 1, in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, prompting authorities to issue a hurricane watch for the coast of Veracruz, Mexico.

Experts called the formation of three simultaneous Atlantic hurricanes extremely rare.
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez "sold his office for a lifestyle he couldn't afford" by accepting luxury trips from a wealthy doctor seeking political influence in return, a government prosecutor told jurors Wednesday during opening statements of the Democrat's corruption trial.

Menendez's attorney responded in his opening statement that gifts from Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, Menendez's longtime friend, didn't equate to a bribery agreement. Menendez's meetings with government officials  though they could have aided Melgen's business interests  were "what members of Congress do" and were meant to influence future policy, he said.

Menendez and Melgen were indicted in 2015 and face multiple fraud and bribery charges in a case that could threaten Menendez's political career and potentially the makeup of a deeply divided U.S. Senate if he's convicted.

Both men have pleaded not guilty. Menendez said before entering the courthouse Wednesday: "Not once have I dishonored my public office."

Justice Department attorney Peter Koski described Menendez pressuring government officials to help Melgen with securing visas for his foreign girlfriends and intervening in a lucrative port security contract in the Dominican Republic and a multimillion-dollar Medicare dispute. Individually and through his company, Melgen also contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Menendez's legal defense fund and entities that supported his re-election.

Many of Menendez's meetings and interactions with the officials occurred in proximity to Melgen's donations or trips by Menendez he paid for, Koski claimed.

"He went to bat when Dr. Melgen asked, and Dr. Melgen asked frequently," said Koski, who discounted defense lawyers' contention in court filings that the trips were innocent gifts between friends. "There's no friendship exception to bribery. There's no friendship exception to breaking the law."

Abbe Lowell, representing Menendez, began his statement discussing the two men's friendship, which dates back to the early 1990s, and said "acting out of friendship is not a crime."

Menendez's meetings with Health and Human Services officials  including former department Secretary Kathleen Sebelius  regarding Medicare reimbursement policies were aimed at correcting billing inconsistencies, a concern shared by other senators, Lowell told jurors.

Similarly, Menendez's interest in port security in the Dominican Republic stemmed from a concern that potential U.S.-supplied screening equipment wouldn't be used correctly, he said. A company Melgen owned had a long-running contract dispute with the Dominican government over port security equipment.

Lowell attempted to blunt the government's case by displaying a chart that showed alleged bribes by Melgen in 2006 but not alleged official acts by Menendez, and alleged acts but no alleged bribes in 2009.

"A bribery case is not a mix-and-match event," he said.

Melgen's attorney echoed Lowell's central contention that there was no corrupt agreement between the men as he began his opening statement at the end of the day and will resume Thursday morning.

Emotional Menendez

Flanked by his two adult children and at times choking back tears, Menendez said outside court Wednesday: "I started my public career fighting corruption  that's how I started  and I have always acted in accordance with the law.

"And I believe when all the facts are known, I will be vindicated," Menendez said.

Menendez is up for re-election next year. If he is convicted and steps down or is forced out of the Senate by a two-thirds majority vote before Gov. Chris Christie leaves office Jan. 16, the Republican governor would pick a successor. A Democrat has a large polling and financial advantage in November's election to replace Christie.

Menendez said he plans to be at the trial daily but will decide whether to return to Washington to cast votes in the Senate based on the issue and whether his vote could make a difference. The judge last week ruled against an attempt by Menendez to pause the trial on days when important Senate votes were scheduled.

Republican Ted Stevens of Alaska was the last sitting U.S. senator to go on trial. His conviction was overturned after a Justice Department investigation concluded prosecutors had committed misconduct.

Pricey gifts

Democrats in New Jersey, including junior U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, have stood by Menendez. Booker was in court on Wednesday to support him.

Among the gifts prosecutors say Melgen gave Menendez were flights on Melgen's private jet, vacations at Melgen's private villa in the Dominican Republic frequented by celebrities like Beyonce and Jay Z, and a three-night stay at a luxury Paris hotel valued at nearly $5,000.

Menendez, New Jersey's senior U.S. senator, later lied about the trips on Senate disclosure forms, Koski said. Lowell responded that Menendez later reimbursed about $58,000 even though it was money "he probably didn't have to pay back at all" under Senate finance rules.

Melgen's sentencing in a separate Medicare fraud case has been delayed until after his trial with Menendez.

Along with picking three more jurors needed before opening statements could begin Wednesday, the morning featured some sparring between attorneys for Menendez and Judge William Walls.

Attorney Ray Brown accused Walls of disparaging Menendez in his opinion denying Menendez's motion to postpone the trial on days of important Senate votes. Walls continually interrupted to deny the allegation.

Walls chided defense attorneys for filing a motion on what to include in jury instructions at the end of the trial.

When attorney Lowell pointed out that the motion was filed according to the judge's order from December, Walls replied, "Fine. Bill me."
- US has the capacity to annihilate North Korea.





- Will launch a massive military response to any attack from North Korea on its allies or territories.





- Many consider North Korea's nuclear test a direct challenge to President Trump.

In a statement made outside the White House in response to the North Korean Nuclear test, U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, has specifically stated that the U.S. will launch a "massive military response" to any threat against the country, its territories or allies from North Korea.





These comments come in a statement just hours after the Nuclear test by North Korea which is widely considered to be its most powerful so far.





"Any threat to the United States or its territories, including Guam, or our allies will be met with a massive military response, a response both effective and overwhelming," Mattis said on Sunday.





In his remarks, Mattis said: "Kim Jong-un should take heed of the United Nations Security Council's unified voice. All members unanimously agreed on the threat North Korea poses and remain unanimous in their commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.





"We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea, but as I said, we have many options to do so."





He said Trump wanted to be briefed on each of what Mattis called "many military options" for action against North Korea.





"We made clear that we have the ability to defend ourselves and our allies, South Korea and Japan, from any attacks, and our commitments among the allies are ironclad," Mattis said.





North Korea's recent Nuclear test is its first under U.S. President Donald Trump and many consider this to be a direct challenge to him as hours before the test, he was on the phone with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussing the escalating North Korean nuclear tensions.
The government of Somalia is defending a controversial decision to hand over a prominent Ogaden rebel leader to authorities in Ethiopia.

The transfer of Abdikarin Sheikh Muse, a top member of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), has sparked a social media uproar and protests against the government by nationalist politicians. Small demonstrations took place in Mogadishu on Monday and at Kenya's Dadaab camp for Somali refugees on Tuesday.

Muse, who is in his sixties, was detained by security forces August 23 in the Somali city of Galkayo. His supporters say he is a dual Somali-Ethiopian citizen who fought in Somalia's 1977 war against Ethiopia.

Following a cabinet meeting Wednesday in Mogadishu, the government described the transfer as "a legal step taken to remove a security threat."

Speaking to reporters in Mogadishu, Somali Information Minister Abdirahman Omar Osman said Somalia and Ethiopia reached an agreement in 2015 that designates both the ONLF and Somalia-based al-Shabab as terror groups.

"The agreement recognizes the armed groups ... to be a threat to the security and stability of both nations and, therefore, both countries should collaborate in the fight against them," Osman said.

"This individual was an ONLF member who was involved in activities destabilizing the security of both nations and had a close relationship with al-Shabab," he said.

Osman declined to take questions from the journalists.

The previously-unknown agreement was signed for Somalia by the former head of the Galmudug region, a former Somali communications minister and the former minister of state for presidential affairs, the statement said.

Two of the men mentioned in the statement spoke to VOA's Somali Service and said there was no federal-level agreement on handing over ONLF members.

"It was a very strange and mistaken decision committed by the Somali government when they handed over a Somali citizen to Ethiopia, and now they did another mistake," said Abdulkarim Guuleed, the former governor of Galmudug. "That agreement cannot be used as a justification for the handing over of Muse to Ethiopia because it had nothing to do with ONLF or exchange of criminals or prisoners."

Guuleed acknowledged he signed a security agreement between his region and the Somali region of Ethiopia.

"Ethiopian officials mentioned ONLF during our meetings, but I do not know any agreement that we signed concerning ONLF and I was not representing the federal government of Somalia," he said.

Mahad Salad, Somalia's former minister of state for presidential affairs, also denied the existence of a federal-level agreement.

"We were representing people in the region and went to Ethiopia in search of a solution for a regional conflict. The agreement was collaborating on security in general and pacifying the local people, but ONLF was not in the eight-article agreement we signed," Salad said. Like Guuleed, he said he was not a government representative.

Handing over prisoners

In July, more than 100 Somalis released from Ethiopian detention facilities and handed over to the Somali government arrived in Mogadishu.

Ethiopia is planning the release of more Somali prisoners in an effort to improve relations between the Horn of Africa neighbors.

The Ogaden regional conflict goes back to 1963, when ethnic Somali guerrillas started an insurgency after Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie rejected their demand for self-government.

Somalia invaded the Ogaden in 1977 in an effort to annex the region, but Ethiopian troops drove them out with the help of Cuban soldiers and Soviet arms.

In 2007, the ONLF attacked a Chinese-owned exploration facility, killing 65 Ethiopians and nine Chinese workers. That attack prompted the Addis Ababa government to intensify its anti-insurgency campaign in the region.

The Ethiopian government considers the ONLF a terrorist organization, but the United States and United Nations do not.
The son of former Honduran President Porfirio Lobo was sentenced in New York on Tuesday to 24 years in prison after revealing his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

Fabio Lobo, 46, pleaded guilty in May 2016, admitting he worked with drug traffickers and Honduran police to ship cocaine into the United States. U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield also fined him $50,000 and ordered him to forfeit $267,000.

Lobo confessed to a 2009 to 2014 conspiracy, nearly matching the years from 2010 to 2014 when his father was president.

The charge carried a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Lobo was brought to the U.S. in May 2015 to face charges he conspired to smuggle over 5 kilograms of cocaine into the country.

Prior to the announcement of the sentence, Lobo cried and apologized.

In a release, Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said Lobo had sought to assist traffickers and enrich himself.

"Lobo used his father's position and his own connections to bring drug traffickers together with corrupt police and government officials," Kim said.

Prosecutors said Lobo had connected large-scale Honduran drug traffickers with high-level officials such as sitting Honduran congressmen as well as customs, military and law enforcement personnel.

They said he began engaging with drug traffickers while his father was running for president in 2009, enabling his father to receive bribes from members of a drug organization known as the Cachiros. Prosecutors said the organization used connections with politicians, military personnel and law enforcement to transport cocaine.

According to the release, the U.S. government discovered that the drug organization paid over $500,000 to Lobo's father to secure political protection from law enforcement investigations, to prevent extradition to the U.S. and to obtain contracts from Honduran government agencies for money laundering front companies used by the drug organization.
A suicide bomber blew himself up just outside the U.S.-controlled Bagram military airbase in Afghanistan, causing "a small number of casualties," Afghan and U.S. officials said.

The attack occurred Wednesday evening at an entrance to the airbase, located in Parwan province about 60 kilometers north of Kabul, and was being investigated, said a U.S. military statement.

"The casualties are being treated at Bagram medical facilities," the statement added, without further details.

The Taliban swiftly took credit for the violence, saying a suicide bomber riding a motorbike carried out the attack to take "revenge" on "American invaders" for insulting Islam.

The insurgent group claimed the bombing "killed and wounded up to 20" American forces, although the Taliban has, in the past, given inflated tolls for such attacks.

Prior to the suicide bombing, a senior U.S. military commander apologized for leaflets, recently dropped in and around the Bagram area, that were deemed offensive to Islam.

As part of an official campaign to urge Afghans to report insurgents to authorities, the leaflets included an image of a lion chasing a white dog, the same color as the Taliban flag. Islamic verses are superimposed on the image of the dog, which is considered an unclean animal in Islam.

The leaflets outraged Afghans and prompted calls for bringing those responsible to justice.

"The design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam," said Major General James Linder.

"I sincerely apologize.  There is no excuse for this mistake," a statement quoted the general as saying. He vowed to investigate the incident and hold to account those responsible.

The Taliban said in a statement the leaflets showed what the insurgent group described as American "hatred" of Islam.

U.S. commanders were forced to apologize in 2012 after copies of the Muslim holy book, the Quran, and other religious texts were mistakenly burned at Bagram Airbase.

Critics took to social media to express their surprise over the latest incident.

"My goodness. One would think that after so many years, such things would no longer happen," said Washington-based analyst Michael Kugelman in a Twitter post.

Borhan Osman, a researcher at the Kabul-based Afghanistan Analysts Network, noted that rage is building against the NATO-led Resolute Support, or RS, mission in the country in reaction to the controversial leaflets.

"The kalima [statement of Islamic faith] is on the Taliban flag. But even the dumbest of RS cultural advisors shouldn't have missed the sensitivity," Osman wrote in a Twitter post.
Thousands of people in Togo took to the streets Wednesday to demand presidential term limits as anger grows in the small West African nation over the 50-year-rule of the Gnassingbe family.



Internet service was down and phone connections were sporadic, but that didn't stop the scheduled demonstrations aimed at preventing President Faure Gnassingbe from running for a fourth term in 2020 elections.



Security forces killed at least two people and injured several others during similar demonstrations in August, Amnesty International said. Dozens were sent to prison for up to 60 months, according to the human rights group.



The government condemned the August protests, with the interior minister calling them extremist.



A coalition of opposition parties called for the demonstrations.



While Gnassingbe has not said he would run again in 2020, the opposition National Panafrican Party has said it suspects he will not quit power unless compelled to step down.



Gnassingbe's father, Eyadema, ruled for 38 years until his death in 2005. Before his death, he modified the constitution to extend his rule. The constitution had allowed for only two presidential terms.



"We have been asking for political reforms since Faure Gnassingbe came to power in 2005 but he managed to dodge us since then," said Tikpi Atchadam, who leads the National Panafrican Party. "Now we are simply demanding a return to the 1992 constitution."



Wednesday's protests took place in the capital, Lome, and in other cities as well as in Ghana and Gabon.
Whether it be meddling in a U.S. presidential election or accessing the fingerprints of some 6 million federal workers, American officials are warning a cyberattack on the United States may be met with more than a retaliatory cyberstrike.

Instead, nation states, terrorists and other adversaries attacking the U.S. though cyberspace likely will face "real world" consequences under a doctrine being developed by President Donald Trump.

"I think what we'll do on the deterrence side is end up figuring out a means and method to apply elements of national power outside of cyber to punish bad behavior," the president's homeland security adviser, Tom Bossert, told a national security conference Wednesday in Washington.

"There's very little reason to believe that an offensive cyberattack is going to have any deterrent effect on a cyber adversary," he added. "In fact, it's going to encourage them to hurry up and become better hackers and develop better defenses."

Perhaps more importantly, to this point the U.S. sees little evidence to support the idea that a cyber response will do much to change an adversary's behavior.

"You see how difficult a problem it is to apply pressure to the Venezuelan dictator or the North Korean regime," Bossert said.

Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are all seen as threats to the U.S. in cyberspace, looking to steal money or intellectual property rights, or just create havoc.

"We have nation-state actors, whether you go back to the Sony attack by North Korea. You have Iran incursions, Russian incursions, Chinese cyber actors, all of which are using the easiest methods to get at businesses," said Joshua Skule, executive assistant director for intelligence at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). "Ransomware is on a huge upswing."

Bossert on Wednesday warned China not to use its government resources to spy on U.S. companies, a practice Beijing had agreed to curtail under a 2015 agreement with then-President Barack Obama.

"We want to remind the Chinese so that they remain within the spirit of that agreement," Bossert said. "That's something we cannot tolerate and that's something that they've pledged to not do."

Protecting U.S. networks

U.S. intelligence officials warn that the United States' information and communication networks are vulnerable to attack, and likely will be for years.

"The cyberthreats have exponentially increased on the homeland," said David Glawe, undersecretary for intelligence and analysis at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The current administration says it is taking steps to address this vulnerability.

Just last month, Trump approved a long-talked about plan to create a fully independent U.S. Cyber Command, with the goal of improving the country's cyber operations against a range of adversaries, including the Islamic State terror group.

Currently, U.S. Cyber Command is joined with the National Security Agency, which is primarily responsible for collecting telephone, internet and other intelligence data from around the world.

"This new Unified Combatant Command will strengthen our cyberspace operations and create more opportunities to improve our nation's defense,'' Trump said in a written statement at the time, saying the change "will help reassure our allies and partners and deter our adversaries.''

One persistent hurdle, though, has been establishing norms for behavior in cyberspace, something that remains a challenge.

"We first have to decide what it is that we think is and is not acceptable, and what we can live by in terms of a golden rule," Bossert said Wednesday. "Then we can think through what it is we will do to those who violate those rules."

Edging ahead of US

There also are concerns that countries like Russia and China may be edging ahead of the U.S.

"When it comes to cyberwarfare capabilities, I think we may be behind," said David Kennedy, chief executive officer at TrustedSec, an IT security consulting firm, who previously served with the NSA and with the Marine Corps electronic warfare unit.

"I think we are behind not from a pure technology perspective, but how we can actually apply technology," he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed with Democratic congressional leaders to increase the nation's debt ceiling and extend the federal government's funding through mid-December, a deal that included relief funding for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

The agreement was reached Wednesday at a White House meeting with a bipartisan group of congressional lawmakers.

While conservative Republicans are opposed to linking storm relief to a debt limit bill, Democratic congressional leaders have said they would support tying the aid to a shorter-term debt ceiling increase.

Democratic votes are needed to raise the debt limit in order to avoid default, and Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi offered Republican lawmakers and Trump their votes at the meeting.

"We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Bismark, North Dakota. "We essentially came to deal, and I think the deal will be very good."

Pelosi and Schumer offered their votes for a package that would provide aid to Hurricane Harvey victims and raise the debt ceiling only through December 15, while Republican leaders supported a debt ceiling increase through the 2018 mid-term elections, aides said.

"In the meeting, the President and Congressional leadership agreed to pass aid for Harvey, an extension of the debt limit, and a continuing resolution until December 15, all together," Schumer and Pelosi said in a joint statement.

Conservative Republicans, such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, are opposed entirely to linking a hurricane relief package to a debt limit bill. Ryan called the proposal a "ridiculous idea" and accused Democrats of "playing politics" with hurricane relief aid by simultaneously pursuing their agenda items.

The House of Representatives approved nearly $8 billion of initial emergency relief funds Wednesday for victims of Hurricane Harvey, a deadly storm that ravaged Houston, Texas, and other areas of the Gulf Coast region last week.

The House-passed bill would provide $7.4 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and $450,000 for the Small Business Administration.

The measure now goes to the Senate and, if approved, could be sent to the White House for the president to sign into law by the end of this week.
U.S. President Donald Trump's top trade adviser expressed optimism on Tuesday about reaching agreement on a revised free trade pact with South Korea, days after Trump suggested scrapping the deal with a key American ally.

Senior U.S. lawmakers and America's biggest business lobby urged Trump not to pull out of the five-year-old U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), especially at a time of heightened tensions over North Korea's nuclear missile tests.

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, speaking in Mexico City after a second round of NAFTA talks with Canada and Mexico, said negotiations with Seoul were continuing.

"We have a negotiation we're in," Lighthizer told reporters when asked whether KORUS would be terminated. "My hope is that we'll have a successful discussion with the Koreans as things proceed and that the problems with that agreement from our perspective will be worked out."

Trump said on Saturday he would discuss KORUS's fate with advisers this week, prompting widespread concern among lawmakers and the business community.

The chairmen and senior Democrats on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee said in a statement on Tuesday that North Korea's sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday "underscores the vital importance of the strong alliance between the United States and South Korea."

The statement by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, senior Democrat Richard Neal and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch and senior Democrat Ron Wyden said talks to improve South Korea's implementation and compliance with the trade agreement were welcome. But it said the agreement itself was central to the U.S.-South Korean alliance.

In a separate letter to Trump, Senator Joni Ernest, a Republican from Iowa in the U.S. corn belt, said the South Korean market was especially important for U.S. beef, corn and pork producers.

"Terminating KORUS would leave our farmers at a competitive disadvantage to those in other countries that enjoy preferential trade access to Korea," Ernst wrote.

In a strongly worded statement the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 3 million businesses, also opposed any "rash and irresponsible" withdrawal.

"We do not believe this move would create a single American job  but it would cost many," said Tom Donohue, who warned that it would damage relations between the White House and business community.

"Ironically, states across mid-America that voted for the president would take the hit from withdrawal as their agricultural and manufactured goods exports fell in the wake of such a move," Donohue said.
U.S. President Donald Trump is making a new push Wednesday for a tax overhaul, visiting the midwestern state of North Dakota to call for lower corporate and individual tax rates.

Trump is pressing Congress to approve tax reforms in the coming months, with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin predicting that changes can be completed by the end of the year.

But tax legislation is one of several complicated issues Congress is facing and Republican and Democratic lawmakers have sharply divergent ideas of how to change the country's complex tax code.

Trump plans to meet with workers at an oil refinery in North Dakota, a largely rural state along the northern U.S. border with Canada. The White House said Trump would make the case that one of the country's last major tax overhauls, in 1986, also occurred under a Republican president like Trump, Ronald Reagan, with support from Democratic lawmakers.

North Dakota Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp is traveling with the president on Air Force One to her state, and Trump is hoping she will join at least a handful of other Democrats to support a tax overhaul. With Trump's national voter approval rates mired in the 30-percent range, Democratic lawmakers in Washington have shunned Trump's legislative initiatives, mostly notably his efforts to dismantle national health care policies championed by former president Barack Obama.

Specific tax changes



Trump's tax pitch is the second he has made in a week on trips to states he won in last year's contentious election against Democrat Hillary Clinton, a former U.S. Secretary of State. But like his speech in Missouri last week, Trump is expected to steer clear of specific tax changes he wants.

Trump has continued to call for a national corporate tax rate cut from 35 to 15 percent, a figure most U.S. economists say is unreachable without adding a new tax of some sort to offset the lost revenue the government needs to operate.

As he prepared for the North Dakota trip, Trump again made the inaccurate claim the United States is "the highest taxed nation in the world." Numerous studies of tax rates around the globe show that by various measures, U.S. taxation is relatively low compared to that in other developed countries.

The World Economic Forum said U.S. business taxes do not rate among the world's top 27 countries, all of which have total rates above 50 percent. The top U.S. rate, including additional state corporate taxes, totals nearly 39 percent, but corporations often pay far less after deducting their business expenses.

Trump met with top Republican congressional leaders Tuesday about taxes, telling them, "If we're going to keep momentum going and allow the economy to truly take off as it should, it is vital that we reduce crushing tax burden on our companies and on our workers.

"This is more than just tax reform. This is tax cutting," Trump said. "We're going to cut taxes, we're going to reduce taxes, for people, for individuals, for middle income families. We're going to reduce taxes for companies."

Trump has feuded with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell in recent months over the Senate's failure to overhaul U.S. health care policies.

But McConnell praised Trump's commitment to the tax overhaul, saying he was "very engaged on this issue."
President Donald Trump says he will revisit the decision to end a program that shielded nearly 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants from deportation if Congress doesn't act on the issue.



Hours after administration officials said new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, will no longer be accepted, Trump tweeted late Tuesday that "Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!"



Action by Congress is not certain. Lawmakers have been unsuccessful for years in their efforts to revise substantially U.S. immigration policies. During Obama's eight years as president, the Senate - controlled by members of his Democratic Party for most of that time  approved major policy changes only to see the legislation fail in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.



President Trump approved the decision to end DACA but sent Attorney General Jeff Sessions before news cameras Tuesday to announce the controversial policy change.



"DACA is being rescinded," Sessions announced. The action revoked an executive order former President Barack Obama issued five years ago after the U.S. Congress repeatedly failed to agree on an immigration reform bill.

WATCH: Attorney General Jeff Sessions

Sessions argued that Obama's "open-ended circumvention of immigration laws" was in violation of the U.S. constitution and unlikely to survive a legal challenge brought by several Republican-controlled states.



Former President Barack Obama, who has refrained from commenting on most of the policy changes Trump has enacted this year, challenged Sessions' legal argument in a strongly worded statement, saying the decision was "purely political" and that it targeted young people who "have done nothing wrong."



Demonstrators opposed to the administration's decision massed in Washington, Los Angeles, New York, Denver and other cities.

WATCH: 'Dreamers' Vow to Fight to Keep DACA Until the Bitter End



Activist Gustavo Torres told a crowd outside the White House: "This president lied to our community. ... He told us, 'I have a big heart for you dreamers.' He's a liar!"

The future status of the hundreds of thousands of young, foreign-born students and workers is unclear for now, since they are no longer protected from summary deportation by the DACA program. Congress will have six months to act if it wants to continue to allow them to remain in the United States.



The young immigrants, also colloquially known as "dreamers," typically entered the United States as young children. Many trace their heritage to Mexico or Central American countries, but some arrived so young that they have grown up knowing nothing other than American society and customs.

Anyone who joined the "deferred action" program for work and study was required to have and maintain a clean criminal record. DACA did not promise participants citizenship or permanent U.S. residency, instead promising a reprieve from deportation.

DACA Changes Explained

The program was initially intended as a stop-gap measure to protect aspiring young immigrants, while Congress was to come up with a more lasting solution to their problems.



"I have a love for these people," Trump said at the White House late Tuesday, "and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly." Earlier he had issued only a written statement stating that federal immigration patrols would not make seeking out DACA recipients for detention and deportation a priority issue.

Victoria Machi and Ramon Taylor contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are donating a total of $1 million to a dozen organizations involved in Harvey relief work, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, the White House announced Wednesday.



The American Red Cross and Salvation Army will each receive $300,000; Samaritan's Purse and Reachout America will collect $100,000 each.



The Trumps are giving $25,000 each to eight other organizations: the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Catholic Charities, Direct Relief, Habitat for Humanity, Houston Humane Society, Operation Blessing, Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies and Team Rubicon.



The White House said the donations are coming from the president's personal funds.



Harvey slammed into the Gulf Coast of Texas on Aug. 25 as a Category 4 hurricane. It was soon downgraded to a tropical storm but lingered for days, dropping up to 50 inches of rain on Houston and the surrounding area before moving eastward to Louisiana. Homes and roads spent days under feet of water.



The Trumps visited Corpus Christi, Texas, and Austin on Aug. 29. They returned to the region Saturday, visiting Houston and Lake Charles, Louisiana, which also was battered by Harvey. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, also visited Texas.



"Our hearts are heavy with sadness for those who lost everything,'' Trump said Wednesday at an event in North Dakota to pitch his plan for overhauling the tax code.



"They've also filled us with hope,'' he said, speaking of having witnessed the "unyielding strength and resilience of the American spirit.''



White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said the Trumps saw some of these groups in action while visiting with hurricane survivors, first responders, volunteers and government officials during their visits to the region. She said Trump and Mrs. Trump continue to pray for all who have been affected.



The American Red Cross said it is "grateful to the Trumps for their generous support of our mission.''



The White House first said last week that Trump wanted to make a donation, and sought suggestions from journalists on where he should contribute.



"He would like to join in the efforts that a lot of the people that we've seen across this country do,'' White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters last week, two days after Trump first visited post-Harvey Texas.



"And he's pledging a million dollars of personal money to the fund,'' Sanders said "And he's actually asked that I check with the folks in this room, since you are very good at research and have been doing a lot of reporting into the groups and organizations that are best and most effective in helping and providing aid, and he'd love some suggestions from the folks here.''



Trump met with three relief groups  the American Red Cross, Southern Baptist Relief and Salvation Army  in the Oval Office last Friday.
10:13

To protest and condemn the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, there will be a candlelight vigil of journalists starting from the Mumbai Press Club at 7 pm today. All journalist organisations to join including the Mumbai Press Club, TVJournalists Association, Photographers Association, Network of Women in Media. Please come and spread the message.





To bring you up to speed, senior Kannada journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru last night, police said.



Gauri, aged 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said.



She died instantaneously.



Four bullets hit the compound wall of her building in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, the officials said.



Gauri edited the Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike besides owning some other publications, and was known for her forthright views against hardline Hindutva politics.



Bengaluru police commissioner T Sunil Kumar, along with senior police officers, rushed to the spot and officials said it was not immediately known who carried out the attack and the motive behind it.



Police suspected that she was under surveillance of the assailants who must have trailed her closely.Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed her death shocking.



The chief minister said three police teams have been constituted to probe the killing. Instructions have been issued to crack the case and bring the culprits to book at the earliest, he said.



He said recently Gauri had been instrumental in bringing Naxalites into the mainstream and they had surrendered."Its shocking news for me. No one who has faith in humanity will ever kill anyone. Gauri Lankesh was secular and helped government bring the Naxals back to the mainstream," said Siddaramaiah.



He wondered why Gauri didn't tell the government about the threat to her life though she had met him many times.



Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy drew parallels between the gunning down of Gauri and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi, allegedly by fringe Hindu groups.



Dabholkar was shot dead in August 2013, while Kalburgi was gunned down in August 2015.



"Who is behind the incident, is it the Naxals or any other ideological fringe parties were behind the incident will be known only after investigation. It is very premature to hold anybody responsible for the incident," Reddy said.



Siddaramaiah also said he has asked police to get in touch with their Maharashtra counterparts probing the murder of Dabholkar.



Police have cordoned off the area around her house. Senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M N Anucheth, rushed to the spot to supervise investigation.



Karnataka police chief R K Dutta said Gauri had not voiced apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her.



Asked about who could be the possible suspects in the killing, the officer refused to hazard any guess, saying "let the investigation proceed first. I do not know how to react. The assailants should be brought to the book. The case should be handed over to CBI," Gauris brother Indrajit Lankesh said.



In a statement, RSS state unit expressed deep sorrow over the "heinous" murder of Gauri. "RSS appeals to the state government to act soon on the criminals responsible and bring them to the book," it said.



Veteran BJP Leader K S Eshwarappa rapped the Siddaramaiah government for "failing" to protect the lives of people, including those of noted writers like Kalburgi and Gauri.



Gauri was last year convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in her tabloid against some saffron party leaders.



Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore took to Twitter to denounce the incident.



"Terrible news from Bengaluru about the heinous murder of Gauri Lankesh. I condemn all acts of violence against journalists," he said.



Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said "truth cannot be silenced" and demanded that the culprits be tracked down and punished."The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished," his office said in a twitter post.





Picture courtesy: Gauri Lankesh's Facebook page.


Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is to fly to the Bangladesh on Wednesday for talks in the capital, Dhaka.

Ankara is pressing Bangladesh to give sanctuary to all Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar. More than 120,000 of them have entered Bangladesh, fleeing Myanmar military operations against insurgents. Cavusolgu is also due to visit Rohingya refugee camps, and said Turkey would give financial assistance to Bangladesh if it continues to give refuge to those fleeing Myanmar.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned Myanmar for its ongoing military operations.

"There is a genocide there. Those who close their eyes to this genocide perpetuated under the cover of democracy are its collaborators," Erdogan said Friday.

In a phone call with Erogdan this week, Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi said there has been "a huge iceberg of misinformation" about the violence in her country's Rakhine state, according to a post on her Facebook page. She told Erdogan that "fake information" is promoting the interests of "terrorists," a word she used to describe a group of Rohingya insurgents who launched a series of attacks on security posts in Rakhine state that triggered the crisis.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Hakan Cavusoglu announced that Erdogan's wife, Emine, will also go to Bangladesh to visit Rohingya refugee camps.

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin announced that 1,000 tons of aid is being sent to both Bangladesh and to the Rakhine state where Rohingya Muslims mainly live. The aid delivery to Myanmar followed Erdogan's phone conversation with Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Political scientist Cengiz Aktar says Ankara's support of Rohingya Muslims is part of a wider policy by Erdogan and his government.

"They always had in mind a sort of leadership of the Sunni Muslim world," Aktar said. "They have also been very active in Aceh in Indonesia, and now they are trying to be active in Myanmar with the Rohingya. But lately Mr. Erdogan was pretty isolated. I think he is now trying to take every single opportunity to make his image positive and internationally respected."

Erdogan is facing growing international criticism over his ongoing crackdown following last year's coup attempt. The Turkish president said he has been in contact with Muslim leaders around the world and vowed to take up the issue of Rohingya Muslims at the United Nations General Assembly later this month.
U.N. human rights investigators said in a report Wednesday that Syrian government forces were responsible for 20 chemical weapons attacks primarily against civilians during the past four years.

The Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria said some of those attacks happened between March and July of this year in Khan Sheikhoun, Al-Latamneh and eastern Ghouta. The panel based its findings on interviews with witnesses, victims and medical workers, as well as satellite images, photos of bomb remnants and reports by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

President Bashar al-Assad's government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons.

After the April attack in Khan Sheikhoun, the United States struck Syria's Shayrat Air Base with dozens of Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Beyond the chemical attacks, the U.N. panel said in its report that the overall conflict in Syria is being fought "in blatant violation of basic international humanitarian and human rights law principles, primarily affecting civilians."

It highlighted the use of sieges, which have been employed by Syrian government forces, rebels and Islamic State militants, saying they have " affected civilians more tragically than any other tactic employed by warring parties in the conflict." The commission said right now there are more than 600,000 Syrians living in besieged areas.

The report also said Syrian and/or Russian planes have continued to target hospitals and medical personnel. And it expressed grave concern about the U.S.-led coalition airstrikes and their effects on civilians.

The coalition said last week that between the start of its operations in August 2014 and July of this year "it is more likely than not" that its strikes have unintentionally killed 685 civilians. Watchdog groups such as the organization Airwars put the number much higher, with an estimate of at least 5,000 civilians killed.

The U.N. commission said a U.N.-led peace effort in Geneva and separate talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, involving Iran, Turkey and Russia have made some progress, but that a lack of enforcement or agreements on a political resolution to Syria's conflict limit those gains.

The report reiterated calls for a nationwide cease-fire and for all parties involved to lift sieges and take every step they can to minimize harm to civilians. The panel wants the Syrian government to stop using chemical weapons, and for the international community to take steps to promote accountability for rights abuses by establishing an independent mechanism to prosecute those responsible for such crimes.
Students at the University of Houston returned to classes for the first time Tuesday. Over a week ago, Hurricane Harvey had rocked the city with record flooding, but the water around town had receded and things were starting to feel normal again, for the most part.



Its been good so far, said sophomore Valentina Diaz. I think its a little chaotic because they have to change around my classes. Some places are still being cleaned up.



Despite being located near the center of Houston, the universitys campus buildings sustained only minor water damage, according to a university official.



Transfer student Adriana Galindo was excited to be back, but said it felt much less crowded and busy.



Even though the school is open, my classes are not meeting, said Galindo. My teachers are being considerate of the other students that were affected more by Harvey.



For nearly everyone, the hurricane was personal and still on the minds of many. Freshman Amber Duarte and her family experienced more than 20 centimeters of water in their house in the Bellaire section of Houston.



Normally, the water would only come up to the driveway, and then like, within minutes it came into the house, said Duarte.



We got up to 5 feet [150 centimeters] of water in our house, said freshman Aramish Khan, who resides in the Memorial section of Houston.



It was like, really high and it was there for a whole week. It just got out yesterday, said Khan, Our house smells awful and our whole neighborhood smells awful.

University President Renu Khator was making the rounds to classrooms, offering students her support.



It adds an extra layer of complexity for students. Its a lot easier for them to get overwhelmed. Its a lot easier for them to still feel traumatized and shocked. Plus, they have many other problems to deal with, said Khator.



One of those problems happened to be the announcement by Trump administration officials to phase out the DACA or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.



DACA students like Abraham Garcia were contending with next steps, I knew something like this could have happened, that was always an option.



Garcia was still determined to graduate, The only thing we can do is move forward and try and pursue our education. We understand that education is the key to ultimate success.



We want to help people complete their dreams, to realize their dreams. And we are here for all the students said Khator, Even though we dont know who is undocumented on campus, it doesnt matter, theyre all our students.



Armando Salinas, another DACA recipient, remained hopeful. You cant be living in fear, he said.



Having already been through Hurricane Harvey, these Houstonians knew a thing or two about perseverance.
Back from a four-week recess, Congress' long and arduous to-do list is now longer and more arduous, with hurricane relief funding and the status of nearly 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants added to a hectic legislative schedule.

"The time crunch is severe," Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island told VOA Tuesday.

"We're going to be mighty busy," Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine predicted.

Lawmakers left Washington nearly a month ago, knowing they would have to raise America's debt ceiling and fund the federal government within weeks of their return. Now they have additional tasks, including approving emergency funding for victims of Hurricane Harvey and responding to President Donald Trump's decision to end a program that shielded young, undocumented immigrants from deportation and allowed them to work and study in the country.

"There are a lot of priorities and we are going to focus on all of them in the next month," said Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming. "We have to raise the debt ceiling, at the same time deal with the disasters in Texas and what looks to be coming to Florida [Hurricane Irma]. We have to fund the government. We're going to get all of that done, but it's going to take a lot of effort."

On Tuesday, the Trump administration gave Congress six months to pass legislation addressing the future of recipients of the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program. But many lawmakers want a solution far sooner, noting that additional challenges requiring Congress' attention could arise at any moment.

"Who knows what next month's topic du jour will be. Is it going to be Kim Jong Un? Is it going to be Irma, Harvey?" said Illinois Democratic Senator Dick Durbin. "Let's move and do it now. It's important to make the Dream Act [providing legal status to DACA recipients] the law of the land now."

House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland agreed.

"If we can deal with DACA in the next 12 days, I frankly think the votes are there," Hoyer said.

To ease the legislative logjam, there are suggestions of combining must-pass legislative items rather than voting on each one separately. For instance, the White House is urging Congress to include disaster relief funding in the vote to raise the debt ceiling.

Already, some fiscal hawks are pledging opposition, saying a debt hike should be tied to spending reforms, not hurricane relief.

"We have a $20 trillion debt," Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky said. "Just passing the debt ceiling to be done with it is a big mistake. It's going to be a lot of spending, no fiscal restraint."

But the spending cuts Paul seeks are unacceptable to many Democrats, underscoring the political fault lines that could emerge in the days and weeks to come.

Across the political spectrum, lawmakers said bipartisanship will be required for Congress to meet legislative deadlines. Many expressed hope that the horrors inflicted on Texas by Hurricane Harvey would promote a sense of common purpose on Capitol Hill.

"Hurricane Harvey made the point to a lot of people that we can't shut down the government, that we do have to get resources out," Reed said. "That has provided some momentum to get things done."

"The question is, can we come together?" said South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. "The answer is, we have no other choice."
Mexican, Salvadoran and Guatemalan officials expressed concern and sadness on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to phase out a program that shields hundreds of thousands of young illegal immigrants from deportation.

Mexico's deputy foreign minister, Carlos Sada, said the Trump's decision created "anxiety, anguish and fear." The change could affect some 625,000 Mexican nationals, a majority of the nearly 800,000 young men and women who were brought into the United States illegally as children and are protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

"They are exceptional. ... This is as emotional for the United States as for Mexico," Sada said at a news conference immediately following the announcement to end the program. He urged a quick solution to the uncertainty that DACA recipients now face in their adopted home.

Immigrants who opt to return to Mexico will be welcomed with "open arms," Sada said, offering them assistance with work, finances and education.

The announcement to end DACA, former President Barack Obama's five-year-old administrative program, came during the final day of talks in the Mexican capital to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement, adding pressure to already tense conversations between Mexico and the United States.

El Salvador

El Salvador's foreign relations minister, Hugo Martinez, said on Tuesday that he would meet with members of the U.S. Congress in Washington to push for a solution within the next six months, before DACA's provisions are set to end, aiming to protect the 30,000 to 60,000 Salvadorans who could be affected.

"It's a worrisome situation. ... We will be lobbying to have legislation as soon as possible that opens a way out, that opens a bridge for the beneficiaries of DACA," Martinez said.

Guatemala

Guatemala's foreign relations ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that its U.S. consulates would assist the thousands of Guatemalans protected under DACA, adding that that the ministry is counting on the "humanitarian sense" of U.S. lawmakers to ensure migrant youth are not forced to leave the country where many grew up.

Honduras

The director of a Honduras migrant aid center, the Center for Attention for Honduran Migrants, called the U.S. decision "very sad," and said young Hondurans forced to return home could face violence from gangs and drug traffickers.

"Their lives will be much more difficult and put at enormous risk," said Valdette Willeman, the center's director.
A U.S. military drone strike has killed three members of the al-Shabab extremist group in Somalia, the U.S. Africa Command said Wednesday.

The airstrike was carried out Tuesday morning local time in the Bay region, about 75 kilometers (45 miles) west of the capital, Mogadishu, the U.S. statement said.

"We assess no civilians were anywhere near the site," a spokesman for the U.S. Africa Command, Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Falvo, told The Associated Press. He said he did not have the identities of the extremists killed.

The al-Shabab members were operating "in close proximity to" Somali army forces and African Union forces in the area "and were deemed as a credible threat," Falvo said.

The U.S. military has carried out several airstrikes against fighters with the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab in the Horn of Africa nation since President Donald Trump approved expanded military operations against the group.

That includes more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities.

A 22,000-strong multinational African Union force known as AMISOM has been helping to support Somalia's fragile central government after more than two decades as a failed state. Both it and the U.S. military are trying to prepare Somalia's armed forces to take over the country's security before AMISOM's planned departure by the end of 2020.
The Trump Administration has imposed sanctions on two senior members of South Sudan's government and the country's former army chief.

The measure Wednesday freezes any assets that Information Minister Michael Makuei Leuth, deputy defense chief Malek Reuben and former army chief Paul Malong have under U.S. jurisdiction. The three are also barred from entering the United States.

The U.S. also imposed sanctions on three South Sudanese companies by owned or controlled by Reuben.

The State Department says it is targeting the men for their roles in threatening the peace, security or stability of South Sudan, which is in the fourth year of a bloody civil conflict that has displaced four million people.

These actions send a clear message to those enriching themselves at the expense of the South Sudanese people that we will not let them exploit the U.S. financial system to move and hide the proceeds of their corruption and malign behavior, said Sigal Mandelker, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, in a statement posted on the U.S. Treasury's website.

Treasury will forcefully respond to the atrocities ongoing in South Sudan by targeting those who abuse human rights, seek to derail the peace process, and obstruct reconciliation in South Sudan," he said.
The world's poorest continent continued to grow more generous according to a yearly index of charitable giving released on Tuesday, bucking the trend of otherwise declining signs of charity worldwide.

Africa was in a 2016 survey the only continent to report a continent-wide increase of its index generosity score when compared to its five-year average.

The score is a combined measure of respondents in 139 countries who were asked whether they had given money to a good cause, volunteered their time and helped a stranger.

"Despite the many challenges our continent is facing, it is encouraging to see that generosity continues to grow," said Gill Bates, Southern Africa's CEO for the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) that commissioned the poll.

Numbers for donating money dip

But globally, donating money and helping a stranger fell by nearly 2 percent, while volunteering dropped about 1 percent, the index showed.

From the United States to Switzerland and Singapore to Denmark, the index showed that the planet's 10 richest countries by GDP per capita, for which data was available, saw declines in their generosity index score.

Myanmar leads the world

Myanmar, for the fourth consecutive year, held the top position of the World Giving Index as the most generous country.

Nine in ten of those surveyed in the Southeast Asian nation said they had donated money during the previous month.

Indonesia ranked second on the combined measure of generosity, overtaking the United States which held that position in last year's index.

Big jump for Kenya

A star performer, CAF said, was the East African nation of Kenya, which jumped from twelfth to third place in a single year.

Yemen, the Middle East's poorest country, which has been grappling with the effects of civil war ranked bottom of the World Giving Index.

The index is primarily based on data from a global poll of 146,000 respondents by market research firm Gallup.
After a dramatic series of failed Senate votes in July, theres one repeal-and-replace plan for the Affordable Care Act left standing. Trump is pushing for a vote, per Politico, but the bill has yet to gain significant traction.

The proposal, crafted by Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.), essentially turns control of the health-care markets over to the states. Rather than funding Medicaid and subsidies directly, that money would be put into a block grant that a state could use to develop any health-care system it wants. It also allows states to opt out of many ACA regulations. If you like Obamacare, you can keep it, Graham has said, using a common nickname for the health-care law. If you want to replace it, you can.

In reality, that may not be true. The Medicaid expansion and subsidy funding would be cut sharply compared to current spending, going to zero in a decade.





You cant actually keep the same program if your federal funding is being cut by a third in 2026, said Aviva Aron-Dine, a senior fellow at the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. And even putting aside the cuts, she said, the block grant structure would fundamentally change the health-care landscape. [Funding] is capped, so it wouldnt go up and down with the economy, when fewer or more people become eligible for subsidies.

Republicans contest this. The drop in funding gives strong incentives for the states to be more efficient with their program, said Ed Haislmaier, a senior fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation. That is, states may be able to maintain the ACA structure and regulations as long as they streamline operations.

If the streamlining turns out to be insufficient, the cuts would hit liberal states the hardest, according to a report by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. This is largely because they tend to be the biggest spenders on health care: Theyve expanded Medicaid and aggressively signed people up for marketplace coverage. They have the most to lose.





On the whole, Aron-Dine says, This is a lot more similar to the [Senate repeal bill] than different. All of them end with devastating cuts to marketplace subsidies, Medicaid, and weakening of consumer protections.

Haislmaier agreed, pointing out the Cassidy-Graham plan was originally intended as an amendment to the Senate bill.

Heres the nitty gritty of what would change, compared to the ACA and the Senate plan that failed in July:

Who would need to be covered

Under the Cassidy-Graham plan, the mandates would be eliminated at the federal level. States could choose to keep the measure, replace it or get rid of it completely.

ACA: The individual mandate requires most Americans to have health coverage or pay a fine.

Failed Senate bill: Instead of the mandate, people who had a break in coverage would have to wait six months before getting new coverage, incentivizing healthy people to stay in the market. Being on a bare-bones plan counts as a break in coverage.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: The individual mandate would be eliminated. There would be no replacement on the federal level, but states could make one, or even reinstate the mandate.

ACA: The employer mandate requires larger companies to offer affordable coverage to their employees.

Failed Senate bill: The employer mandate would be eliminated.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: The employer mandate would be eliminated.

ACA: Young adults could stay on their parents health insurance plan until theyre 26 years old.

Failed Senate bill: This provision would be unchanged.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: This provision would be unchanged.

How they would pay for coverage:

The federal health insurance subsidies that help most people with ACA marketplace plans afford their coverage would change. This bill would shift those subsidies to the state-level, so people in some states may see their subsidy scaled back or eliminated.

ACA: ACA subsidies are primarily based on income, age and geography, which benefits lower- and moderate-income people buying coverage through ACA marketplaces.

Failed Senate bill: Subsidies would be primarily based on age, income and geography. But, they could cover a narrower plan, and people would need to make less money than under the ACA to receive them.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: ACA subsidies would be eliminated. Instead, states could use money from their block grant to provide subsidies themselves.

ACA: Cost-sharing subsidies were provided to insurers to help some of their ACA customers cover deductibles and co-payments.

Failed Senate bill: These subsidies would end in 2020, although Trump could cut them off earlier.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: Cost-sharing subsidies, along with premium subsidies, would end in 2020. But states could choose to use their block grant to fund cost-sharing subsidies.

ACA: Insurance companies are not allowed to increase someones premiums or deny coverage based on preexisting conditions.

Failed Senate bill: Insurance companies are able to consider preexisting conditions when charging customers, as long as they also offer at least one plan that doesnt. Experts expect this to drive up costs for sicker people. Also, states may allow them to not cover costs associated with some conditions.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: The ban is unchanged, but states could allow them to not cover costs associated with some conditions.

ACA: Insurers can charge older customers up to three times as much as they charge younger customers.

Failed Senate bill: Insurers would be able to charge older customers up to five times as much as they charge younger customers.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: Insurers would be able to charge older customers up to five times as much as they charge younger customers. However, states could overrule this.

ACA: Individuals can contribute up to $3,400 and families up to $6,750 to pretax health savings accounts.

Failed Senate bill: People can contribute more to their health savings accounts than under the ACA. People could also begin to use their HSAs to pay for premiums.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: People can contribute more to their health savings accounts than under the ACA, among other changes making HSAs more attractive.

ACA: The ACA did not create high-risk pools, because there were other protections for preexisting conditions.

Failed Senate bill: The stability fund would receive $182 billion over 10 years and would be aimed at reimbursing insurers who take big losses. This is $70 billion higher than the previous version of the bill. The new bill also adds $45 billion to address the opioid epidemic.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: A temporary fund aimed at reimbursing insurers who take big losses would get $155 billion to use from 2018 to 2020.

Proposed changes to Medicaid

The bill would restructure Medicaid and decrease its funding. That would make it very difficult for states to maintain the Medicaid expansion.

ACA: Medicaid is an entitlement program with open-ended, matching federal funds for anyone who qualifies.

Failed Senate bill: Medicaid would be funded by giving states a per capita amount or block grant, beginning in 2021. The amount would grow more slowly than in the House bill, meaning bigger spending cuts overall. States would be able to exceed this cap in the case of public health emergencies.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: Medicaid would be funded by giving states a per capita amount beginning in 2020.

ACA: States can expand Medicaid to cover people making up to 138 percent of the poverty line, and the federal government would cover an outsize portion of their costs.

Failed Senate bill: For states that expand Medicaid, the federal government would pay a smaller portion of the cost starting in 2021.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: For states that expand Medicaid, the federal government would pay a smaller portion of the cost starting in 2020.

Other key elements of the plans

ACA: Insurers are required to cover certain categories of essential health benefits, such as hospital visits and mental-health care.

Failed Senate bill: States would be allowed to change what qualifies as an essential health benefit. Insurance companies would also be able to sell bare-bones plans, as long as they also offer at least one thats comprehensive. Experts expect this to drive up costs for sicker people.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: States would be allowed to change what qualifies as an essential health benefit.

ACA: Planned Parenthood is eligible for Medicaid reimbursements, but federal money cannot fund abortions.

Failed Senate bill: Planned Parenthood would face a one-year Medicaid funding freeze.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: Planned Parenthood would face a one-year Medicaid funding freeze.

ACA: Caps on annual or lifetime coverage are banned for essential health benefits.

Failed Senate bill: States could opt out of the ban, or narrow what qualifies as an essential health benefit.

Cassidy-Graham proposal: The ban would stay in place, but states could narrow what qualifies as an essential health benefit.

About this story: Block grant amounts from Center for Budget and Policy Priorities analysis. Legislative content from Kaiser Family Foundation report. Failed senate bill refers to the most recent version of the Better Care Reconciliation Act, including the amendment by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.).
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Ayan Abdi, 20. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

It was time to go. Ayan Abdi slipped on a long black headscarf, grabbed her refugee ID and set out for the interview that could save her life.

Since she was 2, Ayan had lived in the worlds largest refugee camp, a constellation of tents and huts stretching across the red desert near the Somali border. Now, a few miles from her shack built of sticks and cardboard, three examiners with a Canadian university foundation were sitting at a wooden table, deciding which students were worthy of a way out.

Ayan hurried along the sandy road. Past the piles of burning trash surrounded by giant scavenging birds. Past the girls no older than her, at 20, who balanced firewood on their heads, trailed by barefoot children. Past the group of men who stared at her  a small figure in a flowing black robe and bright red shoes  and hissed in Somali, Where are you going, girl?

When Ayan finally found a taxi, it was already full. She squeezed in, her whole body tense, dots of sweat on her forehead.

Im in a rush, she told the driver, who didnt ask why but careened a little faster from pothole to pothole.



Ayan Abdi walks past piles of burning trash, surrounded by storks and goats scavenging for food. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

A year ago, Ayan was one of about 5,000 students who jammed into classrooms across the Dadaab refugee camp for a two-hour exam, the first step in seeking perhaps the most generous scholarship anywhere. The World University Service of Canada, or WUSC, would award 16 of those students not just a college education but a new life, with the Canadian government providing them with citizenship and a chance to sponsor their families.

Now Ayan was one of 29 finalists, heading for the interview that would determine whether she won.





Her other options were being snuffed out. Kenyan authorities were trying to close Dadaab, which for a quarter-century had sheltered the victims of Somalias endless war and hunger crises. In the United States, which had resettled more than 100,000 Somalis since 2000, President Trump had ordered a temporary ban on accepting refugees. Around the world, countries were shutting their doors to people like Ayan, even as the number of refugees surged past 22 million in 2017, the highest in recorded history.

What was left was the WUSC scholarship  a chance for the bright young refugees of Dadaab to earn their way out.

Its life or death, said Joseph Mutua, a program officer with the scholarship foundation in Dadaab. Thats how its seen.

In the taxi, Ayan was drumming her fingers against her knee. A printed verse from the Koran swung from the rearview mirror. On the bumper, a sticker read, Succeed.

The cab pulled up to a walled compound. Is this the right place for the scholarship interview? Ayan asked a security guard.

In her hand, which trembled, was a brown envelope with her documents. The white food-ration card that said Family size: 1 because Ayans parents and siblings had returned to Somalia years ago without her. The report cards she had earned since primary school. The recommendations from a Dadaab school where she was now teaching biology.

She carried the envelope to the cinder-block building where the interviews were taking place and sat under a tree, waiting her turn. Im getting a headache, she told one of the other applicants.

She looked down at the cracked screen of her white cellphone, where she had written notes reminding her what to tell the interviewers.

This scholarship is my only way out, it said.

Im the best girl in the camp based on merit, it said.

Here I cannot awaken my dreams, it said.

She took a deep breath.

A middle-aged woman stepped outside and called her name.

Ayan walked inside.

***



Ayan Abdi, right, catches up with Maryan Hassan at Horyaal Secondary School, where Maryan works as a teacher. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

The afternoon before the interview, Ayan had pulled two lawn chairs into the sandy expanse in front of her hut. Her best friend, Maryan Hassan, sat across from her, with a list of mock interview questions ready.

Describe yourself, said Maryan, 20, a tiny girl with a high-pitched voice who was also a finalist for the scholarship.

I was born in a refugee camp in 1997, Ayan began, in the careful English she had studied in school. My parents are in Somalia.

Dont forget to tell them what you want to do for your country, Maryan interrupted.

Ayan nodded.

They were trying to figure out how to distinguish themselves from the other refugees. But on the Internet, all they could find were generic interview questions, so thats what they studied.

What are your strengths? Maryan asked.

My ability to collaborate, Ayan answered, a little unsure of herself, trying to remember what she had read online. What are yours?

I dont give up, piped Maryan.

A cloud of flies hovered around their faces. The goats living nearby yapped. In both directions were rows of hundreds of huts made of whatever people could find  tin cans, tree branches, plastic sheets bleached by the sun. There were 250,000 refugees in all, surrounded by police checkpoints.

If I get out of here, Ayan said under her breath, Im never coming back.

For years, Ayan and Maryan had watched their friends disappear, dropping out of school as they were forced to marry older men, in accordance with old Somali cultural traditions. Fatima left when Ayan was 11. Mahado when she was 13. Farhiya when she was 14. They would reemerge, sometimes years later, balancing babies in their arms, sullen and tired.

What was the point of school anyway, some of Ayans friends scoffed. You could finish high school, but there was little work in the camp. And refugees were not allowed to hold jobs in Kenyan cities.



Nearly a quarter-million refugees, mainly Somalis, live in the Dadaab camp in Kenya. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

Ayan was 12 when she learned of the WUSC scholarship, advertised in fliers taped to the sheet-metal walls of classrooms. It turned her from a good student who loved adventure novels into someone whose grades were part of a grand strategy of escape.

She and Maryan taught themselves to type at the camp in a market stall called Bukhara Computer School, with a row of old IBM desktops. In 2012, both girls received scholarships to attend top high schools hundreds of miles from the camp, with college-educated teachers and new textbooks. On their phones, they would enter in the search bar: Best Universities in Canada.

In 2015, when Ayan was away at high school, her mother and two siblings left Dadaab and returned to Somalia. They were sick of life in the camp and worried about Kenyas threat to deport the refugees.



Ayan Abdi reviews multiplication and division with a neighbors children, whom she tutors on breaks and in the evening. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

The children Ayan teaches. Her neighbor, a family friend, has allowed Ayan to stay in one of her huts since the young womans mother and siblings returned to Somalia, and Ayan says this is the only way she knows to pay them back for their kindness. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

Come back to Somalia, her mom said by phone from a town outside Mogadishu, the capital.

Ayan knew what that meant. No schools. Few jobs. And a constant threat from al-Shabab, the Islamist extremists who controlled nearby villages.

In Dadaab, at least there was the WUSC.

I am going to disobey you for the first time, Ayan replied.

She graduated near the top of her class and then moved back to Dadaab, into a stick hut next to the home of family friends. She covered the dirt floor with a red bedsheet and surrounded the hovel with a pile of thorny branches, to keep out the men who knew she was unmarried and alone.

The harsh realities of life here are traumatizing, she wrote in her personal essay for the WUSC scholarship. Women were raped when they went out to collect firewood for cooking. Children died of chronic diarrhea during cholera outbreaks. When she was filling her water bucket one morning, Ayan was stung by a scorpion.

Ayan and Maryan talked about their lives in Canada, how they would walk across green college campuses, how they would get their families to safety.

When I see her, Ayan said, nodding toward her friend, I see WUSC. Maryan smiled.

Around the world, fewer than 1 percent of registered refugees are resettled each year, and most have little or no control over the process. They are selected by U.N. agencies and approved by host governments, their fate determined by luck and charity, with the sickest and most vulnerable put at the front of the line.

The WUSC scholarship represented something different. It was about merit.

Make sure youre smiling, Maryan had told Ayan as they prepared for their interviews.

Ayan was determined not to become emotional.

Its not professional, she had said. You need to show them that youre confident.

***



Ayan Abdi helps prepare breakfast for Shamis Mohamed and her family, who have given her a home since her family returned to Somalia. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

Five minutes had passed since Ayan climbed the steps into the cinder-block building. Then 10.

Through the screened window, the other students waiting their turn outside could see her silhouette in front of the three interviewers.

It was the middle of the afternoon, the sun slicing through sparse trees.

Its taking a long time, said Mohammed Abdi, one of the applicants, looking at the building.

Finally, Ayan emerged, glancing at the students waiting in a cluster of plastic chairs.

I think I said the right things, she said. I think.

But in the next hours and days, she would replay her performance in her head, over and over.

She had walked into the cinder-block room. The three women welcomed her. Ayan remembered to shake the interviewers hands, even though she was so nervous she could hardly focus. One woman told her to relax, and that had helped. She sat at a wooden desk.

They asked her when she had arrived in the camp, what she remembered about the journey. Ayan told them that she had been born in another camp in Kenya but that her family had to leave after it was damaged by fire, and that was how they had wound up at Dadaab.

I told them the name of the road we took. I told them I was just a baby.

They asked about the importance of education.

I told them it had shaped me emotionally.

Then one of the administrators asked about the challenges she had faced as a refugee. And suddenly, the weight of it all hit her.

I told them: Im here alone. My family has left. Without this scholarship, I have no other options. 

And Ayan began to cry.

I couldnt stop the tears.

The women waited.

They handed me a tissue. I tried to get back under control.

The questions continued. They asked what she wanted to study, and she said nursing.

They asked how she would adjust to Canada.

I told them I would wear more clothes in the winter. I told them I would get used to the food.

Nasra Nuh Hassan administers exams at Hagadera Secondary School, where she has worked with Ayan as a teacher. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

Ayan tried to hold back her tears. She didnt want to look desperate. Finally she managed to focus on the words she had prepared.

I said, I am the best girl in the camp based on merit. 

***

The day after the interview, Ayan walked to Hagadera Secondary School in the camp, where she teaches biology, sending most of her $80 monthly salary to her mother.

In the classroom, there were 21 boys and two girls in their mid-teens sitting on opposite sides of the room. A bell rang and class began.

What is the difference between a plant cell and an animal cell? she asked.

No one answered.

Ayan tried her best to push her thoughts about the scholarship to the side. It was early June, and she would have to wait about a month for the results.

Im 50-50, she said one day of her chances. But a few days later she had reassessed, thinking about the caliber of the other candidates.

Im 20-80.

She thought: Maryan will get it, but I wont. Im going to be stuck here forever.

She wrote a text message to a friend: Im not sure I convinced the interviewers.

The WUSC committee didnt say exactly when the announcement would come. She checked her phone obsessively.

It buzzed and buzzed, often with messages from Maryan, who lived in another part of the camp.

We still have to wait, Maryan wrote in the middle of the month.

The school was a reminder of all the limitations of Dadaab. The boys often ignored commands from female teachers. Islamic clerics shut down the girls debate team, saying it gave women the wrong idea.

More female students dropped out every week, disappearing into marriage, often by force. Ayan had tried to intervene with one of the girls mothers, who responded with an old Somali proverb:

A woman should be at home or in the grave.

In late June, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began, with its long, hot days of fasting. Ayan was desperate to get away.

She walked to the police station and applied for a temporary pass to leave the camp. She explained that she wanted to visit the family that had hosted her while she attended the private high school in Nakuru, in western Kenya.

Ayan was given a white piece of paper that allowed her two weeks outside the camp.

***

I feel free here, she said in the living room of the Abdirahman familys apartment, on the bottom floor of a concrete apartment building, with a lightbulb hanging from the ceiling and a gate that opened onto a paved road and passing cars.

She wore a pale yellow headscarf, shorter than the ones that women wore outside in Dadaab. She blared songs from her phone: Nigerian pop, American hip-hop, traditional Somali music.

It was easier to forget about the scholarship here, visiting her high school friends. But occasionally they would bring it up.

We just hope you get it, Anisa Abdirahman, 21, said one morning.

Dadaab is not a place for a person to live, said Anisas 23-year-old brother, Mohammed.

Ayan was looking at her phone.

The scholarship finalists had created a group on the WhatsApp messaging service where they shared rumors, news  anything at all about the WUSC program. But it was silent.

Still nothing, Ayan said the following morning, sitting on a couch in the living room.

She threw her phone down on the cushion and went to the kitchen to make tea.

She crushed cinnamon and leaves.

All of us, we are qualified. All of us, we are refugees, she told Anisa as the water boiled. Maybe its just luck.

In the other room, her phone started buzzing, The screen flashed.

From the kitchen, Ayan couldnt see it.

Ayan, I think your phone is ringing, Mohammed said.

Ayan cleaned her hands, picked up the phone and saw the message.

Congrats.

Her eyes widened.

WUSC? Is it a prank?

Then she saw a list on the WhatsApp group: The Successful Candidates for 2018 WUSC scholarships.

Her name was No. 4.



Ayan Abdi calls a friend at the Dadaab refugee camp who congratulates her on being accepted into the Canadian scholarship program. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

She gets a hug from Farhiya Abdikadir, 18, a friend she is visiting in Nakuru, Kenya. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)



Afterward, Ayan closes her eyes for a moment to pray. (Nichole Sobecki for The Washington Post)

She burst into tears.

Thank God! Thank God! she yelled.

Her friend Farhiya ran into the room. She grabbed Ayans hands and they danced in circles, tears rolling off Ayans cheeks.

You can stop crying now, Farhiya said.

Ayan looked again at the list for Maryans name. It wasnt there. Oh, she groaned.

But her phone was ringing nonstop now. There were calls from other winners. Calls from her teachers. Calls from numbers she didnt recognize.

Alhamdulillah, she told one friend. Praise be to God.

It is the beginning of a new life, she told another.

Then Maryans number popped up on the screen.

Congratulations, said the voice on the other end of the line. It sounded as if she had been crying.

Maryan, Im very sorry, Ayan said.

They would have another year together.

Ayan would be applying to universities in Canada, practicing her English and getting an introduction to Canadian culture. Maryan would have one more chance to apply for the scholarship  albeit with poor odds after being rejected already.

Goodbye, sister, Maryan said.

Ayan lowered the white phone from her ear and stared at it. More congratulatory texts were popping up. But Maryan had hung up and was gone.

Read more

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Agreement offers career path for aviation students

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  An agreement between Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Republic Airline, an Indianapolis-based regional airline, will provide a career path for aviation students interested in becoming professional pilots.

The university will sign an agreement on Thursday, Sept. 7, to participate in an aviation interview partnership with Republic Airline Inc. The pact will allow qualifying students to receive a preferential interview with the airline and a conditional job offer after they achieve their instrument rating, if all of the qualifications are met.

As the need for commercial pilots continues to increase, SIU is working hard to provide the industry with qualified students to meet these demands, Chancellor Carlo Montemagno said. This agreement will be another significant component in our nationally recognized aviation programs success. Our students are educated not only as great pilots, but also to be the next generation of aviation leaders.

Media Advisory

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to attend the event at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 7, at Southern Illinois Airports east ramp area. In the event of rain, the signing by SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemagno and Valerie Penn, Republics College Relations Consultant, will be in the Transportation Education Centers north entrance lobby. Airline personnel will provide tours of the Embraer 175, a 76-seat regional jet, after the ceremony, and meet with students in the afternoon. For more information, contact Michael Burgener, interim chair, Department of Aviation Management and Flight, at 618/536-3371.

SIU Carbondale is the 23rd university to participate in the Republic Airlines program. Michael Burgener, interim chair of the Department of Aviation Management and Flight, said the five-year agreement gives students a pathway to employment within the airlines. The program now has about 150 aviation flight students.

The quality of the SIU alumni who we have hired in the past speaks for itself, said Lauren McNamara, talent brand strategist for Republic Airline. We have numerous SIU grads among our crewmembers and other positions throughout the company. Weve also received warm welcome and a lot of interest from students and faculty each time visit campus.

Participating students will also be eligible for the airlines flight time initiative, a flight-time building program in which students within 100 hours of their airport transport pilot (ATP) certificate minimums can have the airline pick up that expense. Flight fees can range between $150 and $300 per hour. Incoming pilots can choose to take advantage of that initiative or receive a $10,000 signing bonus. Pilots are trained on the Embraer 170/175 once they begin working for the airline.

The current Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook forecasts that the aviation industry will need 617,000 commercial airline pilots through 2035. McNamara said the airline is hiring pilots nonstop, and our push to hire talent in those areas as well as our corporate positions has never been stronger.

More than 300 pilots have entered the airlines cadet program since it began in October 2015. McNamara said dozens of pilots have transitioned into first officer roles within the company since then.

Its not a quick fix. The current push will continue for years, which is why our partnerships with strong, reputable aviation programs -- like SIU Carbondale -- are so important and necessary, she said. We know that the students here match the high quality we are seeking to add to our talented group of aviation professionals at Republic.

Two SIU Carbondale aviation alumni, Capt. Nate Steele and First Officer Jon Galante, will pilot the airlines Embraer 175 when it arrives at Southern Illinois Airport on Thursday. Galante graduated in December 2012 with a degree in aviation flight and management; Steele earned his degree in 2001. Both are former members of the Flying Salukis. Nearly 50 of the airlines 5,200 employees are SIU Carbondale alumni.

I enjoyed my time at SIU as both a student and instructor, said Steele, who earned his degree in aviation management. It is truly a world-class program that continues to improve. They have outstanding staff with modern technology and facilities.

Republic Airlines operates a fleet of more than 180 aircraft and offers scheduled passenger service of about 900 flights daily to approximately 100 cities in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. The airline has partnerships with American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines.

Jose Ruiz, professor of aviation management and flight, said the agreement enhances the programs ability to help aviation flight students realize their career aspirations.

The agreement with Republic is the universitys third with a regional airline that provides students a pathway toward an aviation career. SIU Carbondale also has similar types of agreements with Cape Air and Trans States Airlines.

Ruiz and Burgener each said these types of agreements help students with individual career goals and the university in attracting future aviators.

If you can guarantee these kids an opportunity to pursue a positive method of gaining employment immediately after leaving college they are going to take advantage of it, Ruiz said.


"Generally, my aversion is to shades of purple, says designer Kelley Proxmire of Bethesda. It's become so popular, I can't imagine why. When I have clients who are set on using it, I typically suggest lavender. It's elegant." (Kip Dawkins)

Interior designers are masters of light and color, but even they have blind spots when it comes to picking paint.

I can tell you right now that red is my problem color, says Grant K. Gibson, who runs his own firm in San Francisco. Nashville designer Gen Sohr says purple is always a scary road because its exhausting over time. Bethesdas Kelley Proxmire steers clear of mauve, a dusty pink that she finds depressing and unflattering. And Mimi McMakin, a vanguard of Palm Beach chic, is wary of teal: The wrong blue-green can really hit you in the face.

But designers arent the type to back down from a challenge, so we asked them to reveal the colors they never thought theyd fall for  and how they finally did. Sometimes, the riskiest options are also the most rewarding.



Nashville designer Gen Sohr says purple is always a scary road because its exhausting over time. She used Sherwin-Williams's Tricorn Black in this bathroom for a clean, classic color that doesn't lean purple." (Lauren Bradshaw)

Los Angeles designer Chad McPhail has a knack for updating old homes without compromising their historical integrity, so he jumped at the chance to work on a quirky Hollywood estate with an eclectic mix of architecture styles. But the art deco home theater became a pressure point when the homeowner insisted on a color scheme built around classic, rich red.

Red is so hard. It changes dramatically depending on the light source, and there are so many ways you can go wrong, he said. Too berry, too cherry, too rusty, too fire engine. I was like, Okay! Im out of my comfort zone here. But she was adamant, and of course we wanted to make it work.

After weeks of negotiations, they settled on a French Empire palette of scarlet red, rusty orange and a peculiar Prussian blue. McPhail, feeling nervous, buried himself in samples. He tested 15 reds from five brands on small boards that he hung around the room in sections. Then, he watched how each changed in the light from day into night. It took a week to pick a winner, a custom mix of two reds by Fine Paints of Europe. In the end, he said, the client was right.

The blue is powdery but not too sweet and has just a hint of gray, and it works perfectly against the rich, sultry scarlet. Its incredible, he said. I dont know if Ill ever feel confident with red, but I certainly feel more comfortable.

Not every paint gamble will be a triumph, but McPhail says your odds are higher with every shade you sample. I always, always do a few tests, he says. Even when Im really sure, even if Im playing it safe. People think neutrals are going to be easier, but Ive had to test 40 or 50 whites in a single room because all you see is light. Colors are complicated, so its best to avoid shortcuts.

Of course, some designers light up at the thrill of conquering an ugly shade. Jamie Drake of the New York firm Drake/Anderson is one of them. Known for opulent, joyful interiors that burst with personality and a high-profile client list, hes long been considered the King of Color.



When Jamie Drake renovated an 1840 Greek Revival home on Long Island and turned the attic into a study, he used Benjamin Moores Nacho Cheese on the walls and the ceiling. (John Bessler)

"I'm drawn to colors that might be considered yucky, intense, low-end even," says the New Yorker. He points to Benjamin Moore's Nacho Cheese, a velvety yellow-orange that calls to mind plastic-wrapped cheese slices or sticky notes. "It doesn't sound like something you want to run to, but I've grown to love this color." In fact, when he renovated an 1840 Greek Revival home on Long Island and turned the attic into a study, he used it on the walls and the ceiling. "It's happy," he says. "It's surprising because it's pretty aggressive, but mostly it feels like sunshine. Intense, intense sunshine bathing this room at all times."

Drake doesnt bother with samples; hes always had a painterly sense of color and trusts his gut. While his approach isnt for everyone, he maintains that some colors must be met with a certain fearlessness. Miles Redd, another daredevil designer based in New York, agrees. His favorite risky colors are hot pink and taxicab yellow, both of which can look extraordinary when done right but are by no means easy.

Taxicab looks like dried egg yolk if done wrong, he warns. He used it in projects with Nancy Lancaster and Oscar de la Renta to great success and says lacquer colors bring an extra sparkle. Pink is better in fabric form, which isnt exactly cheap, he says, but no one ever said risk was inexpensive.

On a family trip to Portugal this summer, Sohr, the Nashville designer, stayed in a hotel, the Pestana Palacio do Freixo, in a room that took her breath away. The carpet, walls and ceiling were a warm golden-brown that looked, she said, like a monochromatic masterpiece. Though never a fan of rust shades, she was completely inspired. Id never in a billion years have picked this color, but some designer did, and they went all the way. Thats why it worked. It was so sophisticated and confident, you had to respect it.

Sohr and her husband started their company Pencil & Paper in 2003. Previously, they spent a decade in retail development with Gap in San Francisco. Color in interiors is like color in fashion, she says. Its novel, playful and slyly ironic and requires total confidence. Just like an outfit, she says, sometimes you have to go overboard to turn the corner from plain to chic.



Designer Mimi McMakin stumbled upon one of her all-time favorite colors while testing green paints for a library in Palm Beach, Fla. Its a mix of colors that she calls Pond Scum Green. Its similar to Benjamin Moores Home on the Range, she says. (Zach DeSart)

McMakin stumbled upon one of her all-time favorite colors by mistake. She was testing green paints for a library in Palm Beach, Fla., and the mixes kept coming back wrong. Eventually, she decided to see what one looked like on the wall. She calls it, fondly, Pond Scum Green. Its a murky shade of yellow-green thats wonderfully dismal and surprisingly cozy and feels like an old pair of khaki pants, she says. Its become her go-to alternative to classic hunter and British racing greens, which shes bored with anyway.

It should have been a complete failure, she said, but some of my most dreaded mistakes have turned out to be home runs. Thats how it goes.

If youre considering a DIY paint project, you may want to avoid warm colors, at least to start. Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, says theyre indisputably more challenging than cool colors. Theyre heavily pigmented, aggressive and can be super intense if you get it wrong, she says.

Her solution is to go down a few shades. If youre drawn to a fuchsia, try a darker cranberry. If youre drawn to fire engine, try brick red. It will still look exciting, just not shocking.

The trick should work for just about any risky paint project. This summer, Wadden repainted her dining room from medium putty brown to black. It was a huge risk for me, but I swear, the room came to life. Rather than pure black, she used Sherwin-Williams Sealskin, which has a hint of warmth to take the edge off.


(Illustration by Mike Curato)

[Lea este articulo en espanol.]

When she was a little girl, Margarita Engle spent her summers in Cuba, where she says she fell in love with nature.

Her mothers home town of Trinidad in central Cuba is near a large nature reserve where people visit waterfalls, go hiking and ride horses.

Riding horses was my city kids dream come true, Engle said.

Engle, 66, was born to a Cuban mother and an American father. Her annual visits to the Caribbean island



Poet and author Margarita Engle fell in love with nature during visits to Cuba, her mothers birthplace. Shes pictured near Havana in 1960. (Family photo)

from her home in California shaped her life and inspired her to become a plant scientist and a poet. The Poetry Foundation recently named her its Young Peoples Poet Laureate, a role Engle plans to use to encourage children and teenagers to write down their feelings.

Magic happens when you put your emotions in writing, she said.

Engle says she has always liked poetry. At age 6, she wrote her first poems about nature. After looking around while taking a walk one day in California, she wrote a rhymed verse about the shapes of hills. In the summer of 1960, when she was 9, the U.S. relationship with Cuba grew increasingly unfriendly, and Engle was unable to return to the island for three decades.

I fell in love with Cuba, and I never imagined that we wouldnt be able to go back, Engle said. I wanted to feel free to love two countries even though history said, No, you have to choose. 

Even though Cuba is only 90 miles from the Florida Keys, most Americans have not been free to visit the country for more than 50 years. The United States blocked most trade with the island after it became a communist nation in 1959, and the restrictions made travel between the two countries almost impossible.

A few changes in recent years have made it easier to visit, but many Cuban Americans have not gone back. An estimated 2 million Hispanics of Cuban origin live in the United States, according to a Pew Research Center study.

Engle missed visiting her abuelita , tios and cousins, and missed the countrys hills and villages. So as a teen, she wrote sonnets (14-line rhyming poems) about nature and stories about people in Cuba.



Engle has visited the island in recent years. Here, she poses with a statue of Cuban poet Jose Marti. (Curtis Engle)

Some of her books explore the island, its people, markets and landmarks. Her new picture book, All the Way to Havana, features American cars from the 1940s and 1950s that are still on Cuban roads. Forest World, a new middle-grade novel, introduces readers to Edver, an 11-year-old who lives in Miami, Florida, with his mother and is shipped off to Cuba to see his birthplace and meet his Cuban family. When he arrives in Havana, the capital, he learns he has an older sister, Luza, who stayed behind on the island with her father and grandfather. The two go on an adventure into a Cuban forest.

The emotions of the characters are similar to what many children feel when separated from loved ones. Writing them down helped Engle heal the pain of not being to able to visit when she was a girl, she said. Engle said she hopes that people facing similar challenges can find refuge in poetry.

When you sit down to write, it is just you and the words, she said.
Dear Amy: I recently changed careers. I am a new hire at my place of employment. Most of my co-workers are old enough to be my parents or grandparents, and have been working there for more than 10 years.

I have noticed a clash in personality with most of my co-workers. I am quite reserved and professional, while during breaks and downtime, they speak and act as if they are in a rowdy bar. I try to be friendly and sociable with them, but it is hard, mostly due to our age difference.

It has become increasingly difficult lately, as their personal and political beliefs have come out in conversation. I am a very progressive person, but some of my co-workers have expressed some extremely racist and classist views that make me very uncomfortable.

I have bitten my tongue during these discussions, but my conscience is telling me I am not being a good ally by keeping my mouth shut.

I am not afraid of losing my job over my different opinions, but I am afraid of being snubbed and shunned, as Ive noticed most of the minorities at our workplace have been.

My bosses and co-workers place importance on social activities, arranging cookouts at our office and nights out. I have been very cautious about interacting socially, especially after hearing those racist views.

I enjoy my job, and the benefits are great. I would like to be comfortable at work.

I dont feel as if my bosses could do anything about this, as most of the racist talk has come from people who are employed by the city, and not directly by our company.

Should I avoid social interactions, or should I speak out about my disapproval of their racism?

New Girl With Moral Dilemma

New Girl With Moral Dilimma: Yes, you should speak out. It is shocking that government employees would feel comfortable expressing racist views in the workplace. I am distinguishing between people expressing political viewpoints, and those who are openly racist. There is a wide difference between the two.

The workplace is not the place to express ones racist thoughts. This behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable, and it is unethical for you to stay silent.

I think you should also make note of some of these incidents, in order to advocate for change. Your bosses should absolutely crack down on this.

If you are shunned for speaking out, then count yourself lucky. You would then be relieved from the pressure of spending any leisure time with these people.

Also, look for a different job.

Dear Amy: Im 23 and recently got officially diagnosed with depression and anxiety, something Ive struggled with since high school, when I would harm myself. I even attempted suicide.

Now Ive finally gotten the help and medication I need, and I feel much better.

My mother refuses to acknowledge depression (or any mental illness, for that matter) as a real disorder.

I never told her about my attempts to hurt or kill myself, but I did allude to not wanting to live anymore during high school. She responded by threatening to have me committed, since, of course, I sounded crazy, not depressed.

I havent told her that I have been diagnosed or that I am on medication, because she doesnt believe in mood-altering medications.

I want her in my life and need her support, since I dont have much family. How do I go about explaining to her that this is real and that medication is necessary?

Desperate and Depressed

Desperate and Depressed: You should discuss this with your therapist, but I think you should consider the option of keeping your diagnosis and treatment private, at least for now.

You are at a tender and transitional age, and also at an important point in your recovery. This might not be the best time to encounter your mothers denial. In adulthood, one of your challenges will be to always put your health first, understanding that this might require you to keep some (emotional) distance from your mother.

Dear Amy: Stick to Business wondered how to react to sexual innuendo traded at the local car dealership.

When I was much younger, if a man told me a very off-color joke, I would give him a blank look and ask what he meant. Then I would watch him struggle to explain. More than once, my husband would finally step in and rescue the man by telling him, She gets it; shes just pulling your leg.

I Actually Get It

I Actually Get It: Boom!
An earlier version of this column incorrectly said the Gaithersburg Community Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. It is open Tuesday through Saturday. This version has been corrected.

Earl Williams, an observer in the 1940s with the what was then called the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey  today's National Geodetic Survey  looks through the telescope in Gaithersburg, Md., that helped scientists study the Chandler wobble. Until it was shuttered in 1982, the observatory was one of five around the world that studied a wobble in the Earths axis. (N/A)

Columnist

It was a homecoming of sorts when the telescope arrived at the Gaithersburg Community Museum last week. The telescope  a brass cylinder about five feet tall and painted black  had spent its entire working life a half-mile away, pointed at the heavens. Its ultimate mission wasnt to glean information from the stars, but to discover something about the Earth.

And also about Earthlings. Such as: There are humans for whom the perfect job is sitting up all night, every night, looking at the stars. For nearly 100 years, a succession of men did that in a little wooden shed in Montgomery County, Md., at a place called the Gaithersburg Latitude Observatory.

"I very much had wanted that job," Dave Doyle told me when I rang him up recently at his house in Silver Spring, Md.

Dave retired in 2013 from the National Geodetic Survey, the part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration charged with figuring out exactly where everything is in this great land of ours, from mountains to coastlines. He started there in 1972, fresh out of the Army. One day, Dave was dispatched to run some material from the office in Rockville, Md., to a place he hadnt known existed: an observatory.

I drive up to Gaithersburg, I pull in and Im in love, he said.

There, Dave found a squat, flat-topped, white wooden building, with louvered outer walls and a nifty roof that could be slid open by pulling on a rope on a pulley. Inside  set onto a concrete pier  was the telescope. Next door was the house where the observer lived with his family, a lighthouse-keeper far from the sea.

"The guy lives right there," Dave said. "There's nobody to bother him. He gets to do his thing."

The observers thing was to note the exact positions of 12 to 18 pairs of stars as they passed overhead. The same thing happened every cloudless night at four other observatories arranged along the 39th parallel: in Ukiah, Calif.; Mizusawa, Japan; Kitab in Uzbekistan; and Carloforte, Italy.

Why? Because of something called the Chandler wobble, which sounds like a jazz-era dance craze but is actually a variation in the Earth's latitude discovered in 1891 by U.S. astronomer Seth Carlo Chandler. Our planet does not spin perfectly on its axis. It wobbles, like a top spinning down.

The Gaithersburg observatory was built in 1899 to track that wobble. Funding issues left it inactive between 1915 and 1932, when it was started up again. Throughout World War II, all five stations  three in Allied nations, two in Axis countries  sent their readings in.

By 1982, more sophisticated wobble-measuring methods had arisen and the very last observer  Mac Curran  made his very last observation.

Real nice guy, Dave said. He taught me the ins and outs, as much as I could absorb. But once GPS came along, I knew we were not going to do this optically anymore.

In 1989, the observatory became a National Historic Landmark. It's owned now by the city of Gaithersburg, and the park it sits in  right next to Gaithersburg High School  is the setting for regular skywatching programs, including an eclipse-viewing party last month that drew 3,500 people.

Last week, Dave went out to Corbin, Va., to help haul the heavy telescope back from a National Geodetic Survey storage facility. It wouldn't be prudent to put the precision instrument back in the observatory now that it's not staffed, so it's the newest exhibit in the Gaithersburg Community Museum, which is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Even without its telescope, the observatory kept making history. The grounds are studded with survey markers, including one called Observatory Reference Marker 1, or RM-1. When GPS was being developed, companies would head to Gaithersburg with representatives of the Geodetic Survey and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to test their latest receivers. Standing on RM-1, how accurate would their equipment be?

You can test your GPS, too. Enter 100 Desellum Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877 if you want to see Observatory Park and 9 S. Summit Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877 if you want to see the telescope that once resided there.

Finally, you may be wondering: Why does the Earth wobble? Scientists arent sure, but it seems to have something to do with the water on our planet, either the amount in the oceans, the ice caps or the Eurasian land mass.

Elementary, my dear Susan

In my column Wednesday about the World War I exhibit at the American Red Cross, I misidentified the organization's archivist. She is Susan Watson, not Susan Wilson.

Twitter: @johnkelly

For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly.
The Dave Matthews Band will be among the performers at a fundraising concert in Charlottesville on Sept. 24. (Owen Sweeney/invision/AP)

The Dave Matthews Band announced Wednesday that it will host An Evening of Music and Unity for Charlottesville on Sept. 24 at the University of Virginias Scott Stadium to benefit victims and respond to the fallout of last months white supremacist rally in the city.

Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, the Roots, Chris Stapleton, Ariana Grande, Brittany Howard and Cage the Elephant are among the announced participants so far. While admission is free, the announcement encourages donations to the Concert for Charlottesville Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.

[Charlottesville hopes to wash away the stains of hate]

Beneficiaries of the fund, according to the bands website, will include victims of the events in Charlottesville on August 11 and 12, their families, first responders, and organizations devoted to the promotion of healing, unity and justice locally and nationwide.

The Dave Matthews band was formed in Charlottesville and has deep and long-standing ties to the community. It was quick to respond to the violence that engulfed the citys downtown Aug. 12.

We are all disgusted by the acts of racist, hate-filled terrorism in our hometown this weekend, the band wrote in a statement posted on its website that day. Hate speech disguised as free speech is cowardly and shameful. Such speech gives permission to the murderous crimes we witnessed today. There is nothing pure, acceptable, or philosophical about Nazism, or racism masked as heritage.

[Recounting a day of rage, hate, violence and death]

Tickets for the Sept. 24 concert, which can be requested online at concertforcharlottesville.com, will be prioritized for Charlottesville residents, University of Virginia students, faculty and staff and residents of adjacent counties, according to the band's statement. Online requests will be accepted until Sept. 11 at noon.
John P. White, deputy secretary of defense in the Clinton administration who also had served during the Carter presidency as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget and as assistant secretary of defense for manpower, reserve affairs and logistics, died Sept. 3 at an assisted living center in Great Falls, Va. He was 80.

The cause was complications of Parkinsons disease, said a son, Tim White.

In a career that spanned a half-century, Dr. White held high-echelon positions in government and the private sector and faculty positions at Harvard University. From 1998 to 2012, he was the Robert and Renee Belfer Lecturer at Harvards John F. Kennedy School of Government.

John Patrick White was born in Syracuse, N.Y., on Feb. 27, 1937. He graduated from Cornell University in 1959 and then went to Syracuse University, where he received a masters degree in economics and public administration in 1964 and a doctorate in labor economics in 1969. He served as a Marine Corps officer from 1959 to 1961.

In the 1960s and 70s, he was a vice president at the Rand Corp. think tank, where his specialties included the elimination of a draft-based U.S. military and its changeover to a volunteer armed forces.



Deputy Secretary of Defense John P. White in 1997. (Ray Lustig/The Washington Post)

Dr. White was chairman and chief executive of Interactive Systems Corp. from 1981 to 1988. Following the corporations sale to Eastman Kodak in 1988, he was a vice president of Kodak until 1992. In 1992, he drew up an economic plan for independent presidential candidate Ross Perot. Later Dr. White was an adviser to the Clinton campaign. In 2008, Dr. White was an adviser to the Obama transition team on the organization of the Defense Department.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth Michaud White of Great Falls; four children, Timothy White of Los Angeles, John Martin White of Oakland, Calif., Ann Marie Molyneaux of San Francisco and Patricia Welch of Chantilly, Va.; and eight grandchildren.
Murray Lerner, a documentary filmmaker who captured key moments in the history of rock-and-roll, including Bob Dylans first electrically amplified performance in 1965, and who won an Academy Award for Mao to Mozart, a 1980 film about violinist Isaac Stern in China, died Sept. 2 at his home in Queens. He was 90.

The cause was kidney failure, said his son, Noah Lerner.

Beginning in 1963, Mr. Lerner went to the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island for three years running, drawn by what he saw as a burgeoning youth movement built around a changing musical culture. In particular, he was captivated by Dylan's evolution from playing acoustic folk music to amplified rock.

His camera was rolling when Dylan "plugged in" at the 1965 festival, much to the dismay of folk purists. Dylan's electrifying performance of "Maggie's Farm" changed the direction of rock-and-roll.

Contrary to popular lore, there were very few boos that I could hear on the original soundtrack, Mr. Lerner told the New York Daily News in 1998. I dont know whether the catcalls were there and I didnt hear them or whether theyre an exaggeration of memory.



Mr. Lerner in 2011. His final project, on musician Joni Mitchell, is slated to be released this year. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

The resulting film, "Festival," received an Academy Award nomination in 1968.

It felt like a new world was opening up, and Dylan was going to be the high priest, Mr. Lerner told Britains Daily Telegraph newspaper in 2007, when he released a film focused strictly on Dylan, The Other Side of the Mirror.

In 1970, Mr. Lerner moved to the Isle of Wight in Britain in time to film one of the last great rock festivals, which drew 600,000 spectators, more than at earlier festivals in Woodstock, N.Y., and Altamont, Calif. It included some of the final performances of Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison and the Doors.

Mr. Lerner's film about the festival, "Message to Love"  not released until 1997 because of musical rights and funding  was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 40 greatest rock documentaries ever made. In many ways, it portrayed the collapse of the youthful idealism Mr. Lerner had seen a few years earlier at Newport.

He showed concert promoters cursing into telephones and counting out fistfuls of cash in various currencies piled on the floor. Some performers refused to take the stage without being paid in advance.

Mr. Lerner had eight cameras at the Isle of Wight and made 11 documentaries from his footage, including films on Miles Davis, Leonard Cohen and Hendrix, who died 19 days after his performance. Shortly before his death, Mr. Lerner completed his final project, "Both Sides Now: Joni Mitchell Live at the Isle of Wight 1970," which will be released later this year and poignantly captures a tearful Mitchell pleading with a hostile crowd.

Nine years after the Isle of Wight, Mr. Lerner took his cameras to China to film a tour by Stern, one of the first western classical musicians to perform there after the death of leader Mao Zedong in 1976.

Mr. Lerner showed Stern in concert, as a teacher and as a wry observer of Chinese life. He marveled at the groups of people doing exercises in unison. On the other hand, Stern said, they cant play Mozart.

Newsweek film critic David Ansen described "Mao to Mozart," which won the 1981 Oscar for best documentary, as "a stirring, lovely work that not only offers unusual glimpses of Chinese culture but also captures the teaching process as few films have."

Murray Lerner was born May 8, 1927, in Philadelphia and grew up in New York City. He was raised by a single mother in a poor, Orthodox Jewish household.

As a high school student in Brooklyn, Mr. Lerner won first prize a citywide poetry contest. He earned a scholarship to Harvard University, where he majored in English and helped found a film society before graduating in 1948.

Inspired by Japanese pictographs and the films of Russian director Sergei Eisenstein to explore visual ways storytelling, Mr. Lerner began making short films in the early 1950s. His first feature-length movie, Secrets of the Reef (1956), contained spectacular undersea shots taken by Mr. Lerner in the waters off Florida and the Bahamas.

In 1966, he made a behind-the-scenes documentary about Yale University, where he taught in the 1970s and helped launch a film-studies program.

Mr. Lerners Oscar for Mao to Mozart proved to be a mixed blessing.

Honestly, it was the worst thing that could have happened to him, said his son, a writer and producer for HBO. He was a gritty, reality-based New York filmmaker  then Hollywood came calling.

Mr. Lerner moved to Hollywood, where he took a lot of meetings, in his sons words, and produced films for Walt Disney Worlds Epcot Center. Studios were interested in his early work in 3-D filmmaking, but after four years Mr. Lerner moved back to New York to work on his independent films.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, the former Judith Levine, and their son, Noah Lerner, both of Queens; a half brother; and two grandchildren.

In almost all of his films, Mr. Lerner is present as cinematographer and interviewer. He deliberately sought a different approach from the hands-off, cinema verite style of, say, other celebrated rock-and-roll documentarians such as the Maysles brothers and D.A. Pennebaker.

I tried to make music with the camera, to have the camera be a participant of the action, he told the Boston Herald in 2002. The camera isnt just a fly on the wall. My theory is that the only valid truth is the interaction between object and subject.
"Certain sounds bring it back," Simeon Wright once told an interviewer, recalling the August night in 1955 when his 14-year-old cousin Emmett Till was kidnapped from the bed they shared, tortured, shot and submerged in the Tallahatchie River of Mississippi. "Certain smells. Honeysuckle smell. Because honeysuckle was blooming that summer."

Mr. Wright, who died Sept. 4 at 74, was  besides his cousin's assailants  one of the last people to see Till alive. In the years that followed, Mr. Wright became a key witness in the lynching  an event that helped spark the civil rights movement after Till's mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, insisted that her son's mutilated remains be displayed before the public in an open casket.

Mr. Wrights death was confirmed by Marvel Parker, the wife of his nephew Wheeler Parker Jr., who also was sleeping in the home the night of Tills abduction. Marvel Parker said Mr. Wright died at his home in Countryside, Ill., and that the cause was cancer.

Mr. Wright had been with Till days before his kidnapping, during a visit to Bryants Grocery and Meat Market in Money, Miss., where Till stopped to buy bubble gum. In accounts of the lynching, Till is widely said to have wolf-whistled at the proprietress, Carolyn Bryant, on his way out.

Till, who lived in Chicago and was visiting relatives in Mississippi, was unschooled in the racial mores of the Jim Crow South  and the violence that any perceived violation might provoke. Mr. Wright, a local sharecroppers son who was two years younger, said he knew immediately upon hearing Tills whistle that his cousin was in danger.



Mr. Wright attends a news conference in Chicago in 2005 concerning efforts to rename a street after his cousin, Emmett Till. (Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press)

"It scared us half to death," Mr. Wright told Chicago magazine in 2009. "We were almost in shock. We couldn't get out of there fast enough, because we had never heard of anything like that before. A black boy whistling at a white woman? In Mississippi? No."

[Willie Reed, who risked his life to testify in the Emmett Till murder trial, dies at 76]

According to Mr. Wright, Till begged his cousin and their companions not to tell Moses Wright, Simeons father, what had happened at the store. They acquiesced to Tills request, certain that Moses Wright would send Till home to Chicago for his safety if he learned of the encounter. The boys did not wish to lose their summer together.

The men charged in Tills ultimate murder were Bryants husband, Roy Bryant, and his half brother J.W. Milam. Moses Wright risked his life by identifying the defendants in the courtroom as the intruders who had entered his home by dark and kidnapped Till.

When I opened my eyes, I saw two white men at the foot of my bed. One had a flashlight and a gun, Simeon Wright told the Chicago Tribune in 2014. They ordered me back down. Emmett was still sleeping. They had to shake him to wake him up.

Despite the eyewitness testimony, the defendants were acquitted by an all-white jury, only to then confess to the murder in a paid interview with Look magazine.

Carolyn Bryant, for her part, was in her 70s when she agreed to be interviewed by a Duke University professor, Timothy B. Tyson, after years of silence. She told Tyson that Till had never physically menaced her, as she claimed at the time of the trial.

Nothing that boy did could ever justify what happened to him, she told Tyson for his 2017 book The Blood of Emmett Till.

Simeon Brown Wright was born in Doddsville, Miss., on Oct. 15, 1942. But he would spend most of his life in the Chicago area, where his father moved the family after the trial, and where Mr. Wright made a livelihood as a pipe-fitter.

He said that he harbored profound anger over the brutality and injustice of his cousins death and that, as he grew up, he at times looked for fights with whites.

Even my bedroom was not a safe haven, because killers had walked into it and snatched Bobo from us, he recalled, using Tills nickname.

Mr. Wright, who became a deacon, said he found peace in his Christian faith. With co-author Herb Boyd, he wrote a memoir, "Simeon's Story: An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till" (2010).

In that book and in interviews over the years, Mr. Wright sought to dispute what he said were falsehoods in the telling and retelling of Tills murder. He denied that Till carried in his wallet a photograph of a white girl and that the other boys had dared him to flirt with or whistle at Carolyn Bryant.

Mr. Wrights survivors include his wife of 46 years, Annie Cole of Countryside; a sister; and three brothers.

Interviewed by the Chicago Citizen in 2014, Mr. Wright said that there was of course tremendous sadness and grief after Till died. When tragedy strikes, life goes on but not like before, he said. I had never witnessed anything like this. My eyes had been opened to a new world.

He was particularly disturbed, he wrote in his memoir, by the agonizing questions of what might have been if their group hadnt gone shopping, or if they had told an adult of Emmetts encounter at the store and asked for help.

I couldnt shake the many thoughts of him, Mr. Wright wrote. What if we had stayed home that night? What if we had told Dad?
SIU Carbondale enrollment declines, quality of freshman class continues to increase

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Official fall 2017 enrollment at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is 14,554, a decline of 8.96 percent over 2016.

New chancellor Carlo Montemagno, who started August 15, said the anticipated decline comes as the university is undertaking a comprehensive review of programs and processes with the goal of increasing future enrollment.

Montemagno said he sees positive signs in a continuing increase in ACT scores for new freshmen and ongoing growth in freshman retention rates.

These increases signal that we can continue to build on our efforts to attract outstanding students to SIU, he said. I am confident that we can rebuild enrollment by clearly identifying ourselves as a comprehensive doctoral research university  the only one of our kind in our region. As the flagship of the SIU system, we will reassert our position as a leader in research, an innovator in education and an enabler of prosperity.

In addition to increasing enrollment, the university will continue to build the quality of the student body while maintaining its longstanding commitment to diversity, Montemagno said.

Growing enrollment must be a collaborative effort, he added. It will take several years to manifest our success.

Montemagno said there are multiple reasons for recent enrollment declines, including the state budget impasse, but he added that reasons cannot become excuses.

Instead, they should motivate us to work together to make the changes necessary to go forward, he said. In my few weeks here, I have been impressed by the positive energy I find at SIU. Our faculty, staff, alumni, friends and community are committed to SIUs success. We need to harness that energy and commitment around a shared vision for our future.

A first step is the restructuring of recruitment and retention initiatives to build an enrollment management unit that will work across campus and report directly to the chancellor, Montemagno said. A review of academic programs and enhanced outreach and marketing efforts are also underway.
Sherry Richburg, 63, says she had to have her leg amputated because of substandard care she received while incarcerated at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women. (N/A/Legal Aid Justice Center )

A Virginia womens prison that settled complaints last year regarding substandard health care is continuing to fail inmates, according to a Wednesday filing in federal court that cited the recent deaths of two prisoners and the amputation of anothers leg.

The Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women (FCCW) settled with several female inmates in February 2016, signing an agreement to improve care. But the plaintiffs argue that the prison should be held in contempt for failing to live up to those promises.

Two inmates died at Fluvanna in July  70-year-old Carolyn Liberto, who was serving time in a murder case, and 38-year-old Deanna Niece, whose online court records show had convictions for forgery and probation violations. The plaintiffs allege that both women's complaints of serious pain were ignored and that emergency equipment that could have helped them was unavailable.

Liberto suffered from hypertension and had a history of congestive heart failure, according to the court filing. Before she died of cardiopulmonary failure on July 21, the plaintiffs say, her medication repeatedly ran out and she was never referred to a specialist for her extremely high blood pressure.

The day before her death, Liberto complained of chest pain and was told by a medical staffer that her vitals were fine and she should return to her cell, another prisoner wrote in an affidavit.

That night, Liberto began complaining that she could not breathe, and emergency oxygen was not available, according to the plaintiffs; she died overnight.

Niece, who had multiple sclerosis, complained of shortness of breath and chest pain throughout the day July 25 and had trouble walking, according to the court filing. That night, she began to convulse, vomit and cough up blood. There was no suction equipment readily available, and oxygen had to be brought from another building, according to the motion.

There was something wrong with her all day, and none of the nurses she talked to bothered to follow up with her or send her to medical, inmate Rachel McCracken wrote in an affidavit. Then she died on the floor, only a couple of weeks before she would have been free.

Former inmate Sherry Richburg, 63, who was convicted of heroin distribution, wrote in an affidavit that inconsistent access to antibiotics during her two-year incarceration at Fluvanna caused her severe pain and forced her to have a femur transplant in her leg replaced with cement.

She lost 40 pounds, she wrote, and the cement shattered when she fell trying to go to the bathroom. After her release this year, the plaintiffs say, Richburgs leg was amputated to her hip.

I was punished for my crime and did my time, Richburg said in an affidavit. But Fluvanna punished me a second time when the medical staff did not take care of me.

The state attorney generals office, which declined to comment on the plaintiffs filing, wrote in an April court document that the Troy, Va., prison and medical contractor Armor are in compliance with the settlement and working on outstanding issues.

FCCW and Armor have made tremendous progress in implementing the terms of the settlement agreement and, more important, changing the culture of the provision of medical services to approximate much more a hospital culture, wrote Senior Assistant Attorney General Richard Vorhis.

The Virginia Department of Corrections did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a June report, the doctor monitoring compliance with the settlement wrote that care and staffing have improved significantly but that problems remain, in particular with the response by nurses to sick calls and by the prison to medical grievances.

Its outrageous that we continue to hear about VDOCs neglect and mismanagement from the women at FCCW, Brenda Castaneda of the Legal Aid Justice Center said in a statement.

The group is representing the plaintiffs, along with the firm Wiley Rein and the Washington Lawyers Committee.
D.C. police on Wednesday arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting in March of a 28-year-old man who was gunned down near his residence in Congress Heights, where violence has been a part of life.

Derek Brian Turner, 26, of Southeast Washington was charged with first-degree murder while armed in the killing of Andrew McPhatter, who was shot March 1 and died at a hospital March 5. The shooting occurred in the 3500 block of Wheeler Road SE.

The Washington Post in April profiled McPhatters now 8-year-old son, Tyshaun McPhatter, as part of a series on how children cope amid gunfire that is routine in many neighborhoods in the District and in other cities.

Andrew McPhatters mother, Jessica Jackson, was elated when she learned of the arrest on Wednesday.

I dont even know where to start, she said. Happy, happy. Extremely happy.

Jackson, who didnt know Turner but had heard of him, was thankful to the investigators who hadnt given up their search for her sons killer. Police did not discuss a motive; additional information about the case is expected to be made public Thursday.

[Second grade boy living amid violence copes with fatal shooting of father]

Tyshaun, in the second grade at the time, lived part-time with his father and was keenly aware of the danger in the neighborhood. Within months before the violence, a bullet pierced his front door and struck back of a television set within days of the killing. One of his fathers friends had been killed, and another man was killed a few hundred feet from the apartment.

McPhatter was shot about the same time that five other people were wounded by gunfire, all within seven days and all along a short stretch of Wheeler Road. Police have not said whether any of the shootings are related.

[Police investigate series of shootings on Wheeler Road]

Police said Turner was arrested in the murder case as he was being detained on a federal felony gun charge stemming from a shooting incident March 8 in the 4400 block of South Capitol Street SW. Police said two masked gunmen shot at Turners white Lexus after two friends had gotten inside.

Turner was standing outside the vehicle and ran when the gunfire erupted, police said in court documents. Police said they recovered more than 20 bullet casings from the scene.

Police said they searched the damaged Lexus and found a loaded Glock 29 semiautomatic pistol locked in the glove box, along with seven targets used for target practice. Federal authorities charged Turner with unlawful transport of a firearm; he is awaiting trial.
The grandson of a leader of the Maryland House of Delegates was killed in northeast Baltimore on Monday in what police said was a targeted broad daylight shooting.

The victim was identified as Tyrone Ray, 22. His grandfather is Del. Talmadge Branch (D-Baltimore City), the House majority whip.

On his Facebook page, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he was heartbroken to learn of the death of House Majority Whip Talmadge Branchs grandson.

He asked for prayers for the Branch family and for all of the people who loved this young man.

In describing the shooting as targeted, T.J. Smith, the Baltimore police spokesman, said the assailants shot the person they wanted to shoot. But he said police did not know why the shooting occurred. Smith said it did not appear to be a robbery.

Police said they were looking for two men who fled in a vehicle after the 12:30 p.m. attack.

The street where the shooting occurred is mainly residential, and lined with modest two story brick rowhouses, many with front porches and front lawns. It is about four miles northeast of Baltimores Inner Harbor.

Branch has been a delegate for 22 years, and majority whip since 2007.
Calvert County

These were among reports received by the Calvert County Sheriffs Office and the Maryland State Police. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call the Criminal Investigation Division at 410-535-2800 or 301-855-1194, the Crime Solvers line at 410-535-2880 or the state police Prince Frederick Barrack at 410-535-1400.

DUNKIRK AREA

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

Lacrosse Ct., Aug. 24. A vehicle's windshield was shattered.

LUSBY AREA

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

H.G. Trueman Rd., Aug. 26. A basement door at a house was broken; nothing was stolen.

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

Harbor Island Marina, Aug. 21. A glass window was broken on a building at a gas dock.

OWINGS AREA

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Grovers Turn Rd., Aug. 24. Grazing posts were stolen.

PRINCE FREDERICK AREA

ASSAULTS

Solomons Island Rd., 1:10 a.m. Aug. 26. A woman assaulted and stabbed a patron at a restaurant. A Prince Frederick woman, 24, was charged with assault. During the investigation, a Prince Frederick woman, 27, yelled a profanity and was charged with disorderly conduct.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Sandy Point Rd., Aug. 24. An oxygen tank was stolen from a home.

Charles County

These were among reports received by the Charles County Sheriffs Office and the Maryland State Police. For information, call 301-932-2222 or 301-870-3232. The website ccso.us has crime statistics and information on crime prevention programs.

REWARDS FOR INFORMATION

Crime Solvers will pay a reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment. The 24-hour hotline is 866-411-8477. Callers may remain anonymous.

BRYANS ROAD AREA

ROBBERIES

Marshall Hall Rd., 8:15 p.m. Aug. 29. A male approached a cashier at a sandwich shop and demanded cash. The employee refused, and the male fled.

WALDORF AREA

ROBBERIES

Heritage Pl., 8:33 p.m. Aug. 26. Two people assaulted a male and pushed him down after he refused their demands for property.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Crain Hwy., 1:30 p.m. Aug. 23. Two males approached a woman at a grocery store and persuaded her to participate in a cash transaction. They claimed to have been awarded cash in a lawsuit and had to donate the cash. They persuaded the woman to withdraw $16,000 and buy three laptop computers. The males then gave the woman a bag of "cash" to deposit. When the woman went into her bank, the men drove away, and it was found that the bag contained only shredded paper.

St. Marys County

These w

ere among reports received by the St. Marys County Sheriffs Office and the Maryland State Police. For information, call 301-475-8008.

To submit a tip, call Crime Solvers at 301-475-3333. The Leonardtown Barrack of the state police has an anonymous tip line at 301-475-2936.

No reports were received from St. Marys County this week.
Men tie down wood panels to be used for boarding up windows in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on Sept. 5. (Carlos Giusti/Associated Press)

Whether by plane, car or train, hundreds of thousands of people scrambled to get out of South Florida on Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Irma, a massive system forecasters say is the most powerful storm to hit the Atlantic Coast in more than a decade.

The storm, with maximum sustained winds near 185 mph, moved over the Leeward Islands Wednesday morning before moving to the northern Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Forecasters say it will reach South Florida sometime between Friday night and Monday.

[Evacuations underway in Florida as Hurricane Irma menaces the Caribbean]

To accommodate surging demand of people trying to flee, airlines including American and Delta added flights or brought in larger planes and waived change fees for passengers who need to cancel or rebook their flights.

Even so, hundreds of flights were canceled Wednesday, and airlines strongly advised passengers to check before leaving for the airport.

Late Wednesday, American Airlines announced it would begin winding down its operations in Florida and had canceled flights at its Miami hub as well as to airports in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Sarasota and West Palm Beach. In addition, it canceled a handful of international flights from Europe and South American that were scheduled to land in Miami on Friday.

Many of those leaving Wednesday said they didnt want to gamble on getting stranded.

Janet and Tom Wrabel of Fairfield, Conn., had been visiting their daughter in Fort Lauderdale when they saw the storm brewing and decided to cut their vacation a couple of days short. Neither was crushed, though this clearly was suboptimal.

We would rather be here reclining by a pool right now instead of getting on a plane, said Tom, 62, as the couple prepared to leave.

Officials at Key West International Airport said they would suspend commercial operations at the end of the day Thursday, and Miami International Airport advised travelers it will halt operations at the airport when winds reach 55 mph. Generally, airlines do not operate in sustained crosswinds that exceed 35 mph, and the Federal Aviation Administration tower ceases operations after winds of 55 mph, the airport noted.

On the states roadways, long lines of cars and trucks could be seen traveling north on the Florida Turnpike as tourists and residents fled the Florida Keys  among the first areas to be under a mandatory evacuation order. Gas stations were also jammed as Floridians rushed to fill their tanks before Irmas arrival. Grocery stores reported running out of bottled water.

Airlines, still reeling from Harvey, which swept through Texas last month, were preparing for another hit.

Both American and Southwest airlines have a significant presence in Florida and the Caribbean. American has a hub at Miami International, and Southwest has a large operation at Fort Lauderdales airport.

The travel picture is expected to worsen as Irma moves closer to Florida.

There were anecdotal reports from travelers that airlines were charging exorbitant fares for flights out of areas in the path of the storm, but airlines denied that was the case.

Even so, Paul Hudson, president of the consumer rights advocate Flyers Rights, said the group was checking into reports of fares of up to $1,000 to get out of the Miami area, where depending on the destination, a one-way ticket can typically go for as little as $99.

Leigh Dow, a public relations executive from Arizona, used her twitter account to chide Delta Air Lines for raising the price of a ticket from Miami to Phoenixs Sky Harbor Airport from $547 to $3,200.

Dows tweet was retweeted more than 23,000 times.

She later tweeted Delta officials contacted her and the situation had been resolved.

[Latest models show increasing threat to George and the Carolinas]

Trebor Banstetter, a spokesman for Delta, said Dow was apparently reacting to information from the travel website Expedia, but when she contacted the airline directly, he said, She got a price she was happy with.

We have not increased prices in response to the hurricane, Banstetter said.

Similarly, JetBlue was offering travelers trying to get out of Irmas path remaining seats at reduced fares ranging from $99 to $159.

The main worry remained the storms impact on South Florida, home to 6 million people. President Trump on Tuesday declared an emergency in the state as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) has ordered all 7,000 members of the Florida National Guard to report for duty Friday.

Evacuations began Wednesday morning in the Florida Keys, and state transportation officials were aggressively clearing evacuation routes, officials said.

The main routes out of South Florida are Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike, which can be prone to gridlock on the best of days. In an effort to ease congestion, the governor ordered that no tolls be collected.

State officials say more mandatory evacuations would be ordered as the storm nears, and some urged residents to evacuate the area early and expect clogged roadways.

Do not sit and wait for this storm to come, Scott said in a tweet. Remember, we can rebuild your home  not your life.

Airport officials also urged caution, telling people to check with their airlines before venturing out and urging people not to use the airport as a shelter.

Meantime, residents who were leaving were keeping those staying behind in their thoughts.

Betsy Weidenmuller, 71, had booked a flight on Southwest out of Fort Lauderdale on Sunday at the urging of her son in New Orleans, who had told her, I think this looks bad.

Weidenmuller said most of her neighbors are going to ride out the storm with friends or relatives who have generators. As she was heading to the airport, she got a text from a neighbor offering to hurricane-proof her home.

Weidenmuller was struck by the generosity. It looks like keeping my neighbors supplied with scones has really paid off, she said with a smile.

Joel Achenbach contributed to this report from Florida.
Alexandria City Council member Timothy Lovain (D) does not plan to seek reelection next year.

Lovain, who announced his decision at an Alexandria Democratic Committee meeting Tuesday night, said he wants to spend more time with his wife and three daughters.

Its hard to have two full-time jobs, and it really becomes three full-time jobs when youre campaigning, he told The Washington Post. Its a good time for me to move on.

Lovain, who is the executive vice president at Crossroads Strategies, a government relations consulting firm, served on the council from 2006 to 2009 and was reelected in 2012. He said he is most proud of his work helping to provide health care for the uninsured, addressing transportation challenges and ensuring there is funding for the citys public schools and nonprofit groups.

His three daughters attended Alexandria public schools, and his oldest two are now at Virginia Tech and the College of William & Mary. Lovain said he wants to make sure he has time to visit them in Blacksburg and Williamsburg, which is part of why he wont run for another term next November.

Lovain said he wanted to announce his decision early so that those interested in running will have time to make a decision about entering the race. He said he hasnt decided who he will endorse, but he anticipates there will be no shortage of strong candidates.
Ed Gillespie, Republican gubernatorial nominee in Virginia, speaks with a group of recovering addicts at a recovery facility in Richmond, Va., on Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017. (Steve Helber/Associated Press)

Republican gubernatorial nominee Ed Gillespie on Wednesday called for criminal justice reform that goes beyond what the GOP-controlled state legislature has so far been willing to embrace, including raising the state's felony threshold to $500 from $200 and softening marijuana enforcement.

Speaking at a black-owned barbershop and surrounded by a number of local pastors and social workers who deal with people returning to the community from prison, Gillespie said he wants a system that is just, fair and redeeming. I believe in redemption.

Gillespie also cast his proposals in economic terms, pointing out that the state spends more than $1 billion a year on incarceration.

While he said he opposes decriminalizing marijuana because it sends the wrong signal to young people, Gillespie said he would favor a three-strikes approach for simple possession: The first two arrests would not carry criminal charges, but a third would.

By then, he said, you really should know better.

The Republican-controlled legislature commissioned a study of decriminalization earlier this year, and Gillespie said he would be interested to see its findings. Gillespie also said he supports limited, tightly regulated use of marijuana for treatment of some medical conditions.

[Va. Senate moves to expand use of marijuana oil]

His opponent in the governors race, Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, supports decriminalizing possession of marijuana and legalizing the medical use of marijuana.

Gillespies reform plan aligns with Northams proposals in other ways: Both favor raising the states standard for what constitutes felony larceny. The current level of $200 is among the lowest in the nation, making theft of an iPhone, for example, a felony that can deprive someone of the right to vote.

The state Senate this year unanimously approved a bill to raise that threshold to $500, which is in line with other states, but the measure died  as it has before  in a Republican-controlled House subcommittee.

Gillespie also said he would support finding ways to functionally end the practice of suspending drivers licenses when someone fails to pay court costs and legal fees. Calling it part of a vicious cycle that keeps drawing people back into the corrections system, Gillespie said it would make more sense to create payment plans to make it manageable for people to pay off their obligations.

Northam has said he wants to end the practice of seizing a drivers license for failure to pay such costs.

Restoration of voting rights for convicted felons has been a contentious issue in Virginia since Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) attempted to automatically restore the rights of hundreds of thousands of felons last year. Republicans sued to block that effort, arguing that the governor could not restore rights en masse, and McAuliffe has been restoring them since on a case-by-case basis.

[McAuliffe says he broke U.S. record in restoring voting rights]

Gillespie said he would seek to appoint former governors Robert F. McDonnell (R) and L. Douglas Wilder (D) to study the issue and propose a way to standardize the process so that its no longer subject to different practices by different governors.

Northam has made restoring felon voting rights a centerpiece of his campaign, and said he would continue McAuliffes aggressive approach.

To help get former felons back into the workforce, Gillespie said he would propose that the state pay about $500 so that a business could perform quarterly drug tests to ensure that any former felon it hired stayed clean. He also proposed banning state government from asking job applicants to check a box indicating whether theyve ever been convicted of a felony but would not move to require the same of private employers.

House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) attended the news conference and said he was sure the General Assembly would be willing to take up those issues  though Howell is retiring and will not be serving in the legislature next year.

I think Eds plan does a good job of balancing these issues, Howell said. The correctional part probably could use some modernization.
Americans for Prosperity, the group financed by the billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch, is going on air to attack Virginia Democratic gubernatorial contender Ralph Northam as part of a multi-million dollar campaign.

A commercial set to air Thursday on networks statewide blasts Northam, the sitting lieutenant governor, for missing board meetings of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

The partnership, created by the state legislature in 1995 to boost economic development, has long been criticized for waste and dysfunction. In 2014, while Northam served on its board of directors, the agency approved a $1.4 million state grant to a Chinese firm that promised to open a factory in Appomattox County but never did. The money was never returned to the state.

Levi Russell, a spokesman for Americans for Prosperity, said the ad buy ranges from $1 million to $2 million, and will run for three weeks. He said the commercial is the first round of paid television advertising, but declined to say how much the organization plans to spend through Election Day in November.

Northam faces Republican Ed Gillespie, a longtime GOP party operative who was the keynote speaker at Americans for Prosperitys summit in Richmond in August.

Gillespies campaign has criticized Northam for missing meetings of various boards and commissions on which the lieutenant governor sits, dubbing him No Show Northam.

The new Americans for Prosperity ad echoes the same strategy.

It claims Northams absence from board meetings of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership amounted to a failure of supervision that let a fake Chinese company with a false address and phony website to take $1.4 million of our money.

This grant was cited in a blistering performance review by the legislature's audit arm, and led to an overhaul of the agency's oversight and board.

At the time of the grant award, Northam was one of 24 board members that oversaw the agency. Board members were not directly involved in grant decisions; grants were recommended by staff and approved by the governor.

Northams campaign aides said the Democrat had a limited involvement with the grant.

Relying on misleading facts to manufacture false attacks is a sure sign of a flailing campaign thats hoping for traction, said Ofirah Yheskel, a Northam spokeswoman. Ed Gillespie, a K Street lobbyist and the architect of dark money in politics, is so desperate that he needs to be bailed out by the Koch brothers.

Virginias gubernatorial contest is the nations marquee race this year, and is widely watched by both national parties as a precursor to the 2018 mid-terms and a test of politics in the era of President Trump.

The race has drawn intense interest from outside groups, and Americans for Prosperity is shaping up to be one of the biggest players on the Republican side.

Nationally, the political network led by billionaire Charles Koch plans to spend between $300 million and $400 million next year promoting policies and candidates favoring limited government.

Our Virginia chapter has a responsibility, and its role is to stick up for taxpayers, so we are not viewing this through a national lens, but viewing this more of as who would be best governor and who would have the best ideas, said Russell.

[Va. governors race gets a jump on Labor Day, stoked by statues and Trump]

Americans for Prosperity's ad buy comes on top of more than $300,000 it has already funded in anti-Northam mailers, door hangers and digital advertising, according to data compiled by the Virginia Public Access Project.

The organization, which has five field offices in Virginia, says its staff and volunteers have already reached tens of thousands of voters by phone and canvassing.

Americans for Prosperity officials say they are opposing Northam because they believe he has a bad record on taxes and reducing regulations.

We believe Ed Gillespie would be a much better governor than Ralph Northam with the policies hes put forward...the tax cuts proposals hes put forward, said Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity. This effort, though, is focused on Ralph Northam and expressly advocating his defeat.

One of the organizations mailers claims Northam voted for the largest tax increase in Virginia history, an attack line used by the Gillespie campaign to describe a vote that Northam took on a compromise bill about transportation funding that was crafted by then-Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and GOP legislative leaders.

Outside groups have also flocked to support Northams campaign.

Planned Parenthood's Virginia political affiliates, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and billionaire climate change activist Tom Steyer's NextGen America have all committed to spend millions to elect Northam and other state Democrats.

According to the most recent filings, Gillespie had more than twice as much campaign cash on hand as Northam.
A Democratic group backed by former President Barack Obama recently made its first campaign donation: $500,000 to the Democratic Party of Virginia to help elect Ralph Northam as the states next governor.

The contribution from the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) is part of its mission to end Republican advantages in congressional and legislative redistricting after the 2020 U.S. Census.

The group, formed in January and led by former Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr., aims to elect more Democrats to statehouses and governors mansions so they can expand their influence when it comes to redrawing districts.

Virginias next governor will be in a position to sign or veto redrawn districts in 2021, shaping politics in the swing state for the next decade.

Obama has said ending gerrymandering would be one of his top political priorities after leaving office. He headlined a July fundraiser for NDRC, which raised $10.8 million across its affiliates during the first half of the year, and plans to stump for Northam.

This first campaign investment marks the next stage of the NDRCs work for fairer maps in Virginia and around the country, Holder said. Ralph Northam is the clear choice for fairer maps that better reflect the values of Virginias communities. Virginians deserve a political system that works for voters, not politicians.

[Koch group announces ad campaign against Northam]

Northam, the lieutenant governor, faces Republican Ed Gillespie in November. A longtime party operative and former chair of the Republican National Committee, Gillespie helped strategize the takeover of state houses in 2010 that allowed the GOP to control much of legislative redistricting around the country.

In Virginia, Republicans hold 66 of 100 House of Delegates seats  all on the ballot in November  and seven of 11 U.S. House seats while Democrats have prevailed in statewide contests in recent years. The GOP-controlled state Senate, where Democrats drew the lines, is more evenly split with a 21-19 margin.

Virginias gubernatorial contest, one of just two in the country this year, has been attracting a flood of national interest and money. Kelly Ward, NDRCs executive director, said the organization was monitoring the race and may send more cash if necessary.

We are going to help and do our part to make sure Northam gets across the finish line, she said.

NDRC is also supporting ballot initiatives to establish independent redistricting commissions, while funding legal challenges to maps drawn by Republican lawmakers.

Meanwhile, the Republican State Leadership Committee, an organization devoted to helping Republicans win control of state houses, donated $225,000 to the Virginia GOP in August.
OHIO

Deputy shoots news photographer

A newspaper photographer from Ohio was shot Monday night by a sheriffs deputy who apparently mistook his camera and tripod for a gun and fired without a warning, the newspaper reported.

Andy Grimm, a photographer for the New Carlisle News, left the office about 10 p.m. to take pictures of lightning when he came across a traffic stop and decided to take photos, according to Dale Grimm, the photographers father and the papers publisher.

Clark County Sheriffs Deputy Jake Shaw did not give any warnings before he fired, striking Andy Grimm on the side, according to the paper.

Dale Grimm said his son is expected to recover.

Shaw has been put on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation, Clark County Sheriff Deborah Burchetts office said Tuesday. Andy Grimm, who knows Shaw, said he does not want the deputy to be fired, the paper reported.

Dale Grimm and his son run the family-owned newspaper, located in New Carlisle, a town just north of Dayton.

 Kristine Phillips

OREGON

Wildre shuts down part of Interstate 84

A growing wildfire covered parts of Portlands metropolitan area Tuesday with ash and prompted the shutdown of a lengthy stretch of highway through the states scenic Columbia River Gorge.

It was one of dozens of wildfires burning in western U.S. states that sent smoke into cities from Seattle to Denver. The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, a federal agency that coordinates wildfire-fighting, said 80 large fires were burning on 2,200 square miles in nine Western states.

The 16-square-mile fire east of Portland forced hundreds of home evacuations. Embers from the fire drifted in the air across the Columbia River  sparking blazes in neighboring Washington state.

The wildfire grew rapidly late Monday and overnight, giving authorities just minutes to warn residents on the Oregon side of the river to leave their homes.

A closure of one section of Interstate 84 because of thick smoke and falling ash was extended 50 miles east of Portland because flames reached the roadway, said Dave Thompson, a spokesman for Oregons Department of Transportation.

 Associated Press
Members of Houstons Harvest Time Church distribute supplies to residents at the Biscayne at Cityview apartments in Greenspoint. Many residents are undocumented and have no insurance or way to pay for the flood damage. (Lucian Perkins for The Washington Post)

The saddest part of all this redundancy, Marina Robles thinks, is that it's unstoppable.

For the second time in three years, her apartment is a humid wasteland, filling quickly with the suffocating stench of mold, as she tries to decide, once again, if anything is salvageable. For the second time, she has carried her familys rotting clothes and furniture out onto the grass, forming a pile of bedroom doors, mattresses, chairs, an oven and a refrigerator  all destined, once again, for the dump. And for the second time in three years, shell move back into the same apartment.

Some observers have called Hurricane Harvey an equal opportunity disaster, as the storm spread rain and floodwater widely and indiscriminately across Southeast Texas.

But as Houston airs out and begins to rebuild, the opportunities for what comes next are far more limited, and the divisions between those who can afford to escape the mold growing in Harveys wake and those who cant will become more stark.



Marina Robles, right, prays with pastors from Houstons Harvest Time Church. Robles is dealing with flood damage in her apartment for the second time in three years. (Lucian Perkins for The Washington Post)

Greenspoint, the predominantly Latino and black neighborhood in north Houston where Robles lives, is a spread of two-story, low-income apartment complexes set close enough to Brays Bayou that residents say a heavy rainstorm almost guarantees a flood. Its layout was so poorly conceived  a product of Houstons building boom  that local leaders say it probably should never have been built in the first place. And its working-class tenants already struggle to pay their rent  in the $600s and $700s for a small two-bedroom apartment  in a normal month.

Its the kind of neighborhood where you already live a disaster every day of your life, said Carol Moore, the NAACPs co-chair of disaster for the state of Texas. In Greenspoint, she said, Harveys floods constitute no less than a disaster on top of a disaster.

Many residents, like Robles, 41, are also undocumented immigrants, which means when disasters strike, they have no outlet to seek relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency  as government assistance is only available to legal residents of the United States  and little power to challenge landlords who refuse to repair the damage.

A lot of us dont get no food stamps. We dont get no help from the government, Robles said. We lost everything we have. And now theyll start over, she said, as they did before, from point zero.

Robles knows what point zero looks like because she was there  along with many of her neighbors  just last year. The Tax Day flood of April 2016 was just a day of rain, residents say. But it overflowed the bayou and flooded the first-floor apartments in Greenspoint.

That disaster brought mold and despair, piles of ruined furniture tossed to the curb, a slow trickle of FEMA assistance to those with legal status, and a desperate wringing of wallets for all. Though some people were able to move out, most stayed, like Robles.

The flooding from Hurricane Harvey started here early on the first Friday morning of the storm  two days before many other Houstonians homes fell victim to meteorologists worst-case scenarios. As the rains soaked the parking lot with fast-growing puddles, the residents of Biscayne at Cityview and nearby complexes had nothing to do but cringe in anticipation. And when the bayou began to overflow, Robles knew it was game over.



Marina Robles gives Ivan Almendarz gifts for his child. In between clearing out her apartment and helping neighbors, Robles takes breaks to vomit in the grass outside her stinking home. (Lucian Perkins for The Washington Post)

Robles, her husband and her adolescent stepchildren hoisted two mattresses over their heads and carried them upstairs to the neighbors as the water spilled in the front door and crept up the wall.

There were few around here who stockpiled food and drinking water to wait out the storm, because stockpiling requires extra cash, and extra cash is not a luxury they have.

When we started distributing food on Tuesday, there were people who said they hadnt eaten since Saturday, said Dannie Kelly, a youth pastor at the Harvest Time Church in Greenspoint, which has delivered thousands of meals along with stacks of clothing, diapers and cleaning supplies to the neighborhood over the past week.

A lot of people are behind on their rent, she said.

As the sun came out last week, drying the floodwater, the residents of Greenspoint, as in other parts of the city, ventured into their waterlogged homes and dragged out the furniture and belongings that had been rendered useless by the water and were fast growing mold. Robles and others began to consider their options  if they had any.

Some had secured spots in vacant upstairs apartments or with neighbors to wait out the storm. But now that the water had receded, I have to move back tonight, she said, surveying the pile of rotting belongings sitting outside and wondering how she could sleep in the stinking room they came from.

Im not throwing anything away. Im just gonna wipe it down, said another resident, George Osorio, 26, who waited out the storm at the airport, where he works. I just bought my bed set. I have till January to pay it off.

Television sets, soggy sofas, mattresses, dressers, clothing, shoes and piles of torn-up carpeting sat rotting at the curbside, the stench permeating the neighborhood along with a growing concentration of flies.

Residents like Fatima Vargas, a mother of three, and Mark Bryant, a lung cancer patient, thought wistfully about moving to hotel rooms but knew that they couldnt afford it  $130 for a night, Vargas said.

The shelters seemed frightening for a number of reasons. First, leaving the neighborhood made you vulnerable to break-ins  something that several residents said they had already experienced during the storm. But more dauntingly, Robles and her neighbors said, shelters seemed sure to attract the attention of immigration authorities for those who are not here legally.

Theyre afraid because of their status, said Harvey Nevills, a 57-year-old volunteer from north Houston, who on Sunday night was pleading with a family of nine in Biscayne to leave their apartment because he feared the mold had already rendered it too dangerous.

I was trying to tell them: They got showers there, beds,  he said. But theyre afraid.

FEMA was also completely out of reach, or a mysterious option at best. No one from the Biscayne management office was available to help residents navigate the website to register. Even as local church groups and other volunteers filtered through the neighborhood with free hot dogs, clothes and outdoor church services, no one seemed to have answers to the bigger questions: Where can we go? What do we do about the mold?

As concern seemed to grow with the almost palpable proliferation of spores, rumors circulated that a U.S.-born child would make you eligible for government assistance  even though it does not  so some of those who could get online tried registering for FEMA help using their childrens Social Security numbers.

Others said just asking for help was too risky.

I dont want them asking for papers, said Cecia Ramirez, a 29-year-old house cleaner, who said she would figure out her own path to recovery for her and her children.

They ask for your address, they go into your apartment, she added.

Flood insurance  already rare among many better-off homeowners in this Texas metropolis  is largely nonexistent in Greenspoint, where renters live paycheck to paycheck. Even the developer, Steve Moore, who owns 5,000 of the neighborhoods apartments, said he could afford to insure only about a quarter of them; and it was the responsibility of residents to request their own FEMA assistance, either way, he said.

If we had insured everything, wed be paying well over half a million dollars a year, maybe a million, Moore said. He said he lost about $20 million after the Tax Day flood, as residents departed or didnt pay rent on damaged units, even after receiving FEMA aid, he added. Plus, the tile floors he put down to replace the carpets then shouldnt require removal now. They can be wiped down, he said  a claim that had many tenants feeling skeptical.

And then there was that other cost that Moore failed to mention, but that tenants like Ismail Baltazar, 40, ran into as soon as they walked into the leasing office to sort out their options.

They said it was $600 if I break the contract, said Baltazar, who was searching for a way out after his son developed a fever this weekend  he thinks from the mold  and who has another 10 months before his lease is up.

By Sunday evening, black mold was filling the corners of Baltazars white-painted living room, and he was thinking about taking his son to the hospital. Robles, who had also become sick, took breaks in between fretting and helping her fellow residents  to vomit in the grass outside her stinking home.

And a group of activists and community leaders had arrived to survey the wreckage and declare the quickly molding first-floor apartments unlivable, even as it remained unclear where else the tenants could go.

Finally, after some agitating  a representative from the office of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) declared the apartments were too dangerous to stay in  Biscayne at Cityviews management office on Sunday night released a hastily composed flier that Robles volunteered to distribute.

Biscayne at Cityview Apartments has been in touch with the Red Cross. Red Cross buses will be dispatched to evacuate residents whose apartments have been rendered unlivable by water damage, it read, only in English.

We strongly recommend that . . . residents who are living in the water-damaged apartments accept transportation to the shelters. We are concerned about the long-term health effects of living in water-damaged units.

The Red Cross said it sent city buses to the complex, but as Robles and several others expected: There were few, if any families, willing to get on them.
NIGERIA

Boko Haram attacks surge, Amnesty says

Nigeria-based Boko Haram extremists have killed more than 380 people in the Lake Chad region since April, a major resurgence of attacks that has doubled the casualties compared with the previous five months, Amnesty International said Tuesday.

The spike in attacks by the Islamist extremists is a result of increased use of suicide bombers in highly populated areas in Cameroons Far North region and Nigerias Borno and Adamawa states, the rights group said.

Nigerias military has pushed more Boko Haram fighters from the Sambisa Forest in Nigeria to the Mandara Mountains in Cameroon, a possible explanation for the increased attacks in Cameroon, Amnesty said. Boko Haram extremists have been crossing into and attacking towns in neighboring countries  including Cameroon and Niger  that contribute to a regional military force trying to eliminate the militant group.

Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people in its eight-year insurgency. The violence has displaced at least 2.3 million people, Amnesty said, while 7 million face major food shortages.

 Associated Press

EAST JERUSALEM

Arabs evicted from home Jews claimed

Israeli police evicted a Palestinian family from its home in East Jerusalem on Tuesday to make way for new Jewish tenants who claimed ownership.

Municipality officials backed by police enforced a court order to remove the six-member Shamasneh family from a home claimed by heirs of a Jewish family forced to abandon it in 1948, when it came under Jordanian control after an Arab-Israeli war.

Israel took control of the area after the 1967 war and continued existing rental arrangements with Arab tenants. But a law allowing Jews to reclaim former homes or repurchase them has set up such conflicts.

Palestinians claim the evictions aim to increase East Jerusalems Jewish population and change the areas demography, making it harder to divide the city in any eventual peace deal.

Israel captured East Jerusalem, along with the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, in the 1967 Middle East war. The Palestinians claim those territories for a future state.

 Associated Press

DENMARK

Detention extended in sub inventors case

A Danish judge has extended the detention of Peter Madsen, the suspect in the death of a Swedish woman aboard his homemade submarine. In the first public hearing since Madsen was arrested Aug. 11, the 46-year-old claimed that freelance journalist Kim Wall died after she was accidentally hit by a hatch in the submarines tower, and he denied all accusations of sexual assault.

Madsen is being held on preliminary charges of manslaughter and indecent handling of a corpse.

He told the court that he slipped when in the tower and tried to hold the hatch but that it fell down. The journalist, on her way up the tower, was hit in the head by the 155-pound hatch and bled from an open skull fracture, he said.

He said that the accident horrified him and that he hauled her up using a rope, which resulted in her clothes being pulled off. He then dropped her body into the sea and intended to commit suicide.

Wall, 30, disappeared during an outing on Madsens submarine on Aug. 10. Her naked torso was found off the Danish shore more than 10 days later. Police say her head, arms and legs had been deliberately cut off and have not been found.

 Associated Press

Turkey to provide aid to Burma's Rohingya: Turkey said Burma will allow Turkish officials to provide a ton of food and goods to minority Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state. Violence between Burmese security forces and the Rohingya has killed hundreds and driven more than 100,000 Rohingya to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. Turkey's state-run news agency quoted a presidential spokesman as saying that the decision to allow in aid officials came after a phone call between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Egypt blocks website of leading rights group: A leading Egyptian rights group, the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, said authorities have blocked its website. The government in May began blocking hundreds of websites as part of a crackdown on dissent. It has also shut down the sites of VPN blockers, which allowed users to circumvent such measures. The group said it will continue publishing its reports on other platforms, including its Facebook page.

 From news services
Columnist

Did you hear the one about Jeff Sessions?

I'd like to tell you, but I can't. You see, it's illegal to laugh at the attorney general, the man who on Tuesday morning announced that the 800,000 "dreamers"  immigrants brought here illegally as children  could soon be deported. If you were to find my Sessions jest funny, I would be an accessory to mirth.

This is no joke, because liberal activist Desiree Fairooz is now being put on trial a second time by the Justice Department  Jeff Sessions's Justice Department  because she laughed at Sessions during his confirmation hearing. Specifically, she laughed at a line about Sessions "treating all Americans equally under the law" (which is, objectively, kind of funny).

Police asked her to leave the hearing because of her laugh. She protested and was charged. In May, a jury of her peers found her guilty of disorderly conduct and another offense ("first-degree chuckling with intent to titter" was Stephen Colbert's sentence at the time). The judge threw out the verdict, objecting to prosecutors' closing argument claiming that laughter alone was enough to convict her.

But at a hearing Friday, the Justice Department said it would continue to prosecute her. A new trial is scheduled for November. Maybe Sessions, repeatedly and publicly criticized by Trump, thinks Justice's anti-laughing crackdown will protect whatever dignity he has left.

If Justice Department prosecutors are determined to go after those who laugh at Sessions, they are going to need an awfully big dragnet. Sessionss mannerisms, the things he says and the way he says them dare you to laugh. Its practically entrapment!

Sessions is a wiry man whose eyebrows soar and eyes bug out when he speaks. He often pecks his head forward, like a pigeon. His Alabama twang causes snobbish elites from outside the Deep South to snigger (thereby risking 30 days in prison). And some of what he says is so absurd the comedy must be deliberate.

At Tuesday's announcement about the DACA program, Sessions explained that the protections would be rescinded after a delay (of six months) "to create a time period for Congress to act" on the dreamers. Congress acting on immigration in six months? Hilarious! You could give Congress six months to affirm that there are 13 stripes in the American flag, and Ted Cruz and the Freedom Caucus would insist on an amendment reducing the stripes to 11 to reduce the size of government. Nothing would pass.

Likewise, how do Trump and Sessions suppose they are going to deport 800,000 dreamers, many of whom have no memory of the lands they were brought from as children? Cull them in a big game of DACA, DACA, goose? Sorry, that wasnt funny. Please dont laugh, for your own protection.

I went to the Justice Department on Tuesday to watch the Sessions announcement, and it took strength not to commit misdemeanor mirth. Sessions had no fewer than five bodyguards  earpieces, lapel pins and menacing looks  to protect him from the credentialed press corps, more than the president uses in similar settings. He put his reading glasses on the tip of his nose, pecked his way through his written statement, mispronouncing various words, and turned to go.

NBCs Kristen Welker and Politicos Josh Gerstein shouted questions. Sessions didnt answer, instead giving an awkward wave to the cameras and hastily deporting himself from the room.

It was darkly funny that Sessions thought he could banish 800,000 people, Americans in all ways but on paper, and then refuse to answer questions  just as its funny that he thinks people who laugh at him should be prosecuted.

But I bit my tongue. Sessions likes to prosecute journalists as well as people who laugh at his expense. To commit both crimes simultaneously might be a capital offense.

If the attorney general is going to continue doing laughable things and the Justice Department is going to keep making laughing at him a crime, we are going to need some new guidelines about which laughter is illegal (Fairooz claims her offense was "involuntary," "reflexive" and at most a "chortle of disdain," while others have described it as "two snorts" and a "giggle") and a schedule of penalties.

A misdemeanor chuckle at the attorney generals expense, for example, could be punished with up to 30 days in prison for first-time offenders. An aggravated guffaw would get you a year, and if you were to confront Sessions with a premeditated ROFLMAO, youd be looking at 10 years, some of that in solitary listening to Sessionss old Senate speeches. If you split your sides when you laughed at Sessions, your trial would be postponed until you were medically fit.

Of course, Sessions, as the victim of the crime, must recuse himself, and a special prosecutor for laughter must be appointed. I suggest James Comey, just for giggles.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbank's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Sam Nunn, a Democrat from Georgia, was a member of the U.S. Senate from 1972 to 1997. Ernest J. Moniz was U.S. energy secretary from 2013 to 2017. They are co-chairmen of the Nuclear Threat Initiative.

As Congress returns from its August recess, U.S.-Russia relations are in a deep ditch. This is a serious challenge for our governments and a danger to the people of both nations and indeed the world. Getting to safer ground requires urgent action to establish close cooperation between the Trump administration and Congress  by creating a new bipartisan liaison group modeled on one established in the 1980s.

Congress has legislated its outrage over Russia's interference in our election and its actions in Ukraine. Congress has also made clear its distrust of the president's handling of relations with Moscow. Legislation passed overwhelmingly in both houses (and reluctantly signed by President Trump) codifies existing sanctions, enacts new ones, and prevents the president from altering or removing the sanctions without congressional review and  for all intents and purposes  approval. This creates a joint responsibility between the executive and legislative branches. The challenge is to make it work to avoid a further downward spiral in U.S.-Russia relations.

Congress must assume responsibility for the authority it has asserted. This starts with the recognition that adjusting sanctions must not become such a difficult procedure that it hamstrings our foreign policy in dealing with Russia  which, as the other nuclear superpower, shares with us responsibility for reducing the risk of a nuclear weapon being used by nations or terrorists. If Russia concludes that economic sanctions are essentially permanent, its incentives for adjusting to a more positive course will be greatly diminished. Moreover, most Russian sanctions have been jointly adopted and implemented in close cooperation with our European allies  who may balk if faced with a congressional process that casts doubt on the prospects for sanctions to be lifted or modified.

With both the White House and Congress having a hand on the steering wheel for Russia policy, perspective at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue is crucial. Congress must organize itself to be a constructive player, and the Trump administration must acknowledge this reality by reaching out.

A liaison group, which could include the chairs and ranking minority-party members of key committees from both houses of Congress, should be appointed by congressional leadership to work closely with the administration to receive briefings and offer constructive feedback. The closest Cold War parallel is the Senate Arms Control Observer Group established by Sens. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) and Bob Dole (R-Kan.) to communicate regularly with Secretary of State George Shultz and the arms control negotiators during the Reagan era. It worked, thanks to sustained focus by members of Congress and unprecedented cooperation with the State Department and the White House.

The group coordinated continuously and carefully, and the treaties that were eventually submitted received widespread support and helped manage and eventually end the Cold War. Today, we need to create a similar framework so Congress can maintain effective oversight and accountability while providing political space and support for the administration to pursue meaningful U.S.-Russia discussions on vital interests  and adjust course, if warranted.

Reestablishing a workable consensus on Russia policy between Congress and the Trump administration is also essential to maintaining cohesion and close coordination with our European allies. At a time when Europe is receiving mixed messages from the president and Congress on the direction of Russia policy, the liaison group could help underscore to European governments that Washington  both Congress and the president  understands and supports not only Europe's essential role in implementing sanctions, but also our shared interest in improving security in the European Atlantic region.

Finally, Washington and Moscow must recognize that despite their deep differences, there is an urgent need to address areas of common interest, chief among them reducing nuclear and other military risks and preventing catastrophic terrorist attacks. We had ongoing dialogue about nuclear risks during the Cold War, and the lack of it today is dangerous. These are discussions the liaison group could constructively shape and support, displaying U.S. governmental unity. Over the longer term, the liaison group could also provide a foundation for dialogue with parliamentary counterparts in Russia.

One thing is certain: Inaction and continued dysfunction between the executive and congressional branches of our government will make it even more difficult to put out the intense fires we now face in many parts of the globe. Reestablishing close cooperation between the White House and Congress through a liaison group is an essential prerequisite to renewing cohesion with NATO and our European partners  and effective communication between Washington and Moscow on our vital mutual-security interests. It is imperative that we address the U.S.-Russia relationship on critical nuclear-security issues to avoid miscalculation that could escalate into existential threats to both countries.
The Sept. 2 Religion commentary on Houston megachurch minister Joel Osteen, "Here's why people hate Joel Osteen" [Metro], had more than its share of contradictions. On the one hand, writer Kate Bowler asserted that "everyone hates" this "grinning preacher." On the other hand, Ms. Bowler noted that Mr. Osteen is a best-selling author with a huge congregation. Clearly, quite a few Americans value him and his message, because his books alone have made him wealthy. But is it fair to pillory someone, even a Christian minister, for his wealth if it has been gained honestly? Many have found his messages to be hopeful and practical beyond the attainment of material riches. Is there something wrong about preaching that God is an active, healing power in human affairs?

As for the charge that his nondenominational Lakewood Church is only for the fortunate top 1 percent of the population, it is interesting that his congregation is so ethnically diverse.

Should Mr. Osteens church be faulted for not moving more quickly to house the victims of Hurricane Harvey? Church officials said they moved as quickly as they could, given the unexpected severity of the storm. TV coverage shows that the church is now sheltering storm refugees and handing out needed supplies. Probably nothing will satisfy the critics, but one hopes that people who hate are not representative of Americans in general. That would be sad indeed.

Julia Malone, Washington
Former columnist

How do they come up with this stuff?

According to news reports, the Trump administration is considering withdrawing from the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, which was implemented in 2012 and lowered most tariffs between the two countries. Now South Korea and the United States are caught up in the most serious military threat from North Korea since the Korean War. The last thing we ought to do is sow conflict and distrust between the two allies. Yet this is what Trump has done.

Not surprisingly, there's been plenty of pushback. The South Koreans were clearly angered, and so were many Americans.

"Trump's Korean Trade Folly" was the headline on a Wall Street Journal editorial. In a news release, the Republican chairmen and ranking Democrats of Congress's two trade committees  the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee  warned against abandoning the pact. "North Korea's latest nuclear test underscores yet again the vital importance of the strong alliance between the United States and South Korea. . . . We must not withdraw from the agreement."

An advisory group consisting of business, labor and nonprofit members echoed the message: We must not allow bilateral trade disputes to signal any friction or weakness in our mutual support.

The Trump administration complains that South Korea doesn't buy enough U.S. exports, adding to America's chronic trade deficit. In 2016, the United States had a $27.7 billion trade deficit in goods (cars, computer chips, cellphones) with South Korea. However, this figure is misleading, as economist Jeffrey Schott of the Peterson Institute, a think tank, points out. He notes that the United States runs about a $10 billion surplus in services (transportation, tourism and legal services), reducing the overall trade deficit with South Korea to $17.6 billion in 2016.

Moreover, as Schott also notes, the deficit with South Korea is a tiny part of the overall U.S. trade deficit, even if only goods are counted. In 2016, that deficit was $737 billion; South Korea's share ($27.7 billion) was less than 4 percent. The shares of China, the European Union and Japan were much larger. These numbers suggest that Trump went after South Korea because it was the easiest target. He could fulfill his campaign promise to be tough on trade on the cheap.

Think again. If the United States ends the free trade agreement, American exports would probably suffer, even if there were no explicit retaliation, which there might be. Take cars. Before the agreement, the U.S. tariff on South Korean imports was 2.5 percent, while the South Korean tariff on U.S. imports was 8 percent. Although both tariffs would be restored, the 8 percent South Korean tariff would probably reduce U.S. sales more than the 2.5 percent tariff would cut South Korean sales.

Similarly, American pork exports, which have boomed from deep tariff reductions, would probably lose market share to producers from other countries that enjoy free trade agreements. Both China and the European Union have free trade deals with South Korea. All this implies that a Trump rejection of the free trade agreement would be bad economic policy as well as a geopolitical disaster.

The best that could happen now is that the Trump administration admits as much. It could announce that its indefinitely postponing trade negotiations with the country and focusing its undivided attention on the nuclear threats to South Korea, Japan and the United States. These are momentous issues; the trade disputes, by contrast, are small sideshows.

Read more from Robert Samuelson's archive.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-01 19:40:23|Editor: Xiang Bo

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by Frank Kanyesigye

KIGALI, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Benin is looking forward to deepening cooperation in tourism growth strategy with China, a top tourism official of Benin told Xinhua in an interview.

"Benin has entered into a joint venture with a Chinese company to build all the memorial heritage property of Benin, which includes the museums of Abomey, Portonovo and the entire historic city of Ouidah," said Jose Pliya, managing director of National Agency for the Promotion of Heritage and the Development of Tourism.

"This is a great partnership with the Chinese investors which will contribute to the growth of our tourism industry," Pliya said.

Benin has great potential for tourism development, but few have been explored, said Pliya on the sidelines of a tourism conference held in Kigali, capital of Rwanda.

Tourist attractions in Benin range from wildlife, religion of Voodoo to grand palaces and temples. Abomey, the capital of the Dahomey Empire declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the top tourist attractions in Benin, with ruins of royal palaces and temples being its main attractions.

The four-day 41st Annual World Tourism Conference kicked off on Monday with a focus on promoting tourism as an engine for economic growth and job creation across Africa.

The West African country's tourism industry contributes to 2.6 percent of GDP and accounts for 5.6 percent of all jobs. Tourism is the country's largest source of foreign exchange earnings behind cotton, according to the agency.

Pliya said the government of Benin targets to expand tourism from 2.6 percent to 10 percent of GDP in ten years.

According to him, the government of Benin decided to focus more on tourism to promote the steady development of society and economy and to create job opportunities for the youth.

"Renewal of the current and historic city, including a faithful recreation of the old town and redevelopment of the forts, promotion of heritage and culture, including the construction of a memorial path and the redesign and improvement of the historical tour, and as well as the development of seaside tourism along the Atlantic Ocean is key towards unlocking our tourism potential," he said.

The official said Africa should adopt policies which strengthen inter-social linkages, boost international tourism and promote peace and conducive environment for investments to better harness the potential of the tourism sector and to contribute to inclusive growth, structural transformation.
Columnist

When todays historians look at the confrontation between the United States and North Korea, theyre likely to hear echoes of ultimatums, bluffs and botched messages that accompanied conflicts of the past, often with catastrophic consequences.

"The one thing that's certain when you choose war as a policy is that you don't know how it will end," says Mark Stoler, a diplomatic and military historian at the University of Vermont. This fog of uncertainty should be a caution for policymakers now in dealing with North Korea.

History teaches that wars often result from bellicose rhetoric and bad information. Sometimes leaders fail to act strongly enough to deter aggression, as at Munich in 1938. But more often, as in August 1914, conflict results from a cascade of errors that produces an outcome that no one would have wanted.

World War I is probably the clearest example of how miscalculation can produce a global disaster. As Stoler recounted to me in an interview, each player was caught in the cult of the offensive, believing that his nations aims could be fulfilled in a short war, at relatively low cost.

It was a tragic sequence: After the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Austria asked for Germany's support against Serbia; Kaiser Wilhelm foolishly offered a "blank check." Russia, Serbia's ally, began mobilizing forces; Germany countered with its own mobilization, as did France, and then Britain.

[Inside Russias growing role in the North Korean nuclear crisis]

In the nuclear age, the costs of miscalculation are much greater, but good sense (and luck) have prevailed, so far. Evan Thomas explains in "Ike's Bluff" that President Dwight D. Eisenhower appeared close to the brink in the Korean War in 1953. "If the Chinese and North Koreans failed to come to terms, American diplomats were to broadly hint, the United States would expand the war with nuclear weapons," he writes. Whether Eisenhower would have dropped the bomb is anyone's guess; amazingly, it's not clear his ominous messages were even passed on or understood.

Eisenhower played chicken again in 1958, when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev gave him an ultimatum that the United States must remove its troops from Berlin. Ike promised his aides that he was "all in" against this threat. But soon after, he invited the Soviet leader to visit the United States, and after an intimate weekend with the president's grandchildren at his farm in Gettysburg, Khrushchev backed off.

The Cuban missile crisis is the ultimate moment of nuclear brinkmanship. But this story is murkier than it's sometimes described, says Philip Zelikow, co-author with Graham Allison of "Essence of Decision," the classic study of the event. President John F. Kennedy made an ultimatum to Khrushchev on Oct. 27, 1962, that averted war. But that was only after Khrushchev ignored a Sept. 13 warning against putting nuclear weapons in Cuba. Would Kennedy really have gone to war if Khrushchev hadn't backed down? He told a Navy commander later that he would have started combat operations on Oct. 30.

Modern history shows how wars are interwoven with promises and ultimatums, some honored and others ignored, Zelikow explains. Germany offered the 1916 "Sussex Pledge" that its submarines wouldn't attack American ships and then did so anyway, drawing the United States into war. China warned in 1965 that an American invasion of North Vietnam would bring Chinese intervention, and U.S. troops stayed below the demilitarized zone. America advised Iraq in 1991 that unless its troops left Kuwait, the United States would attack. The Iraqis didn't, and America did. And in a folly whose consequences persist to this day, America invaded Iraq in 2003 because of false intelligence that it had weapons of mass destruction.

[Have we reached a point of no return?]

How should we apply history to the current standoff with North Korea? First, messaging is critically important. With so much at stake, it's crazy for President Trump to be sending sensitive signals about war and peace in 140-character public tweets. Second, evidence suggests that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is a genuinely dangerous risk-taker. U.S. officials calculate that he has conducted more than 80 missile or bomb tests since becoming ruler in 2011, compared with just 20 under his father.

Would the impulsive Kim ever be ready for negotiations with Trump? So far, he has spurned peace overtures from the United States, answering American calls for restraint with three more tests. North Korea claims hes acting defensively, provoked by joint U.S. military exercises with South Korea last month.

Is Kims position a charade? Lets find out. No new U.S.-South Korean exercises are scheduled until next March. That offers a six-month window to push Pyongyang to explore options. As history shows, the consequences of making a mistake in war are calamitous.

Read more from David Ignatius's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Columnist

It has become axiomatic that when President Trump says or does something over the top or below the belt, beware the unseen.

His cunning use of distraction turns red herrings green with envy.

The template works like this: Trump says something outrageous that drives Washingtons Bubble Belt wild. The media leaps to outrage while bookers haul in experts to intone the obvious in exchange for makeup and a limo.

Next, the same talking heads, commentators and columnists lament the time wasted on such trivia as, say, first lady Melania Trump's wearing stiletto heels to visit victims of Hurricane Harvey. Critics and the media itself lament that Important Issues are being ignored while attention is turned on, oh, whether Ivanka and Jared are being snubbed by the D.C. in-crowd, such as it is. The point is taken, but one should note that nothing is ever being ignored by everyone. Or, rather, everything of import is being monitored and commented upon by someone.

[History shows us how calamitous the North Korea crisis could become]

But then, broadcast and cable producers know  and Trump knows deeply  that most Americans dont really care that much about what they insist they care about. A few headlines will get most through the morning. Twitter and Facebook keep the curious plied with updates, and by days end, who really wants to plunge into tax reform?

It is true, nonetheless, that when Trump needs time to fidget with something that actually matters, he tosses a dead fish into the Dasani tank and waits for the media herdlings to begin their march toward the trough.

Temporarily spared the spotlight, Trump fluffs the thatched nest atop his head and invites his brain to hatch some very bad ideas. Thus, we seem to be on the brink of a nuclear confrontation with North Korea. Remember when we used to worry about Trump having his finger on the nuclear launch button? Square that. When the other antagonist is North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, the nightmare can't be dismissed as the twisted hankie of the persistently worried.

Never have two less qualified leaders been so endowed with such devastating power without the requisite impulse control upon which living civilizations depend. Not to mention that these two nuke hecklers are unmercifully coifed to resemble cartoon characters so that we, the soberly sane, are left to ponder our face-melting demise as a clown showdown between two renegade circus performers. The horror movie It, featuring a diabolical clown and opening this week, couldnt pay for better timing.

Meanwhile, one seeks cooler comfort in the memory of the Cuban missile crisis between Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and President John F. Kennedy. At least these men were capable of finding an alternative to worst-case scenarios. There seems to be no such inclination on North Koreas part or, frankly, on Trumps. Unless our reality star-in-chief holds his sagacity in reserve for special occasions such as this, theres little reason to assume or hope hell diplomatically temper his counterparts apparent need to demonstrate his manhood.

In July, Trump was typically eloquent in describing his approach to thwarting disaster:

Well handle North Korea. Well be able to handle North Korea. It will be handled. We handle everything.

Whew, that.

As further insult to reason, this isnt even a conflict over something at least historically rational, such as the now nearly charming contest between communism and Americanism. No battle of wits, the U.S.-North Korea stare-down is more accurately a battle of nitwits who seem to think threatening nuclear holocaust and mutual destruction is a contest to see who has bigger hands.

[Inside Russias growing role in the North Korean nuclear crisis]

No one would suggest that Trump is responsible for all the nail biting these past few months or that Kim's missile and nuclear tests aren't deadly serious. But Trump surely has exacerbated matters with his "fire and fury" rhetoric. The goading language of ultimatum, more than a bluffing tactic, is an inflammatory agent such that the possible moves inexorably toward the inevitable. U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, the president's toughest-talking Cabinet member, recently said: "We have kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left."

Perhaps Kim might argue the same. Meanwhile, a can-kicking strategy (i.e., containment and diplomacy) seems a not-irrational substitute for mutual annihilation. Have we reached a point of no return? Will the president of the United States fire Kim, or will he invent some new distraction (staffers: Watch your backs) while he becomes a stealth, wartime leader?

Stay tuned. But first: What will Melania wear to the presidential bunker?

Read more from Kathleen Parker's archive, follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook.
Columnist

With last weekend's surprise nuclear test, North Korea has reached final stage of its crash course to develop thermonuclear weapons that can reach and destroy U.S. cities. So why are we not on a crash course to protect our cities from North Korean nuclear missiles?

Answer: Because for more than three decades, Democrats have done everything in their power to prevent, obstruct or delay the deployment of ballistic missile defense.

Opposition to missile defense has been an article of faith for Democrats since President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative in 1983. Sen. Edward M.Kennedy led the early opposition to what Democrats derisively labeled "Star Wars," denouncing missile defense as a "mirage" and "a certain prescription for an arms race in outer space." Running against Reagan in 1984, Walter Mondale called it a "dangerously destabilizing" and unworkable "hoax."

Reagan nonetheless moved forward with research and development, and his successor, George H. W. Bush, put missile defense on track for deployment with the Global Protection Against Limited Strikes (GPALS) program. But as soon as President Bill Clinton took office in 1993, he terminated GPALS and cut national missile defense funding by 80 percent, while downgrading it from an acquisition program to a technology demonstration program. Clinton also signed an agreement to revive the moribund Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, which banned deployment of missile defense and whose status had come into question with the 1991 collapse of our treaty partner, the Soviet Union.

Then Republicans took over Congress, and passed a defense authorization bill in 1996 that required deployment. Clinton vetoed it on the grounds that there was no threat. Secretary of Defense William Perry declared "we do not need a national missile defense system because . . . no rogue nation has [intercontinental ballistic missiles] . . . and if these powers should ever pose a threat, our ability to retaliate with an overwhelming nuclear response will serve as a deterrent." In other words, national missile defense would never be needed  even to protect against a regime such as North Korea.

When President George W. Bush came to office, he revitalized missile defense efforts and withdrew from the ABM Treaty. Democrats were more upset than the Russians. Sen. Joseph Biden declared "The thing we remain the least vulnerable to is an ICBM attack from another nation" adding "This premise that one day Kim Jong Il or someone will wake up one morning and say, 'Aha, San Francisco' is specious."

Bush deployed the first ground-based interceptors in California and Alaska, and put in place a plan to deploy 44 interceptors by 2009. He reached a historic agreement with Poland and the Czech Republic to deploy defenses. And he dramatically increased funding for three critical programs: The first two  the Airborne Laser and the Kinetic Energy Interceptor  would take out a ballistic missile in the "boost phase" of flight, the most vulnerable eight minutes when a missile is still over enemy territory and presents a large, slower-moving target because the small nuclear warhead at the top has not yet separated from the large rocket filled with highly explosive fuel. The third  the Multiple Kill Vehicle  would place multiple warheads on our ground-based interceptors, so that instead of hitting a "bullet with a bullet" we could fire five or 10 bullets at each target, dramatically increasing chances of success.

If we had continued the Bush program over the past eight years, we would now have a robust array of defenses against any North Korean ICBM. We would be able to target a North Korean missile in the boost phase, and if that failed we would have 44 ground-based interceptors armed with hundreds of warheads that could be fired to take it out in mid-course.

But we did not continue the Bush program. President Barack Obama slashed funding for ballistic missile defense by 25 percent. As part of his failed "reset" with Russia, he scrapped Bush's agreement with Poland and the Czech Republic. He reduced Bush's plan from 44 ground-based interceptors to just 30. (He belatedly changed course in 2012 after North Korea tested the Taepodong missile, but the United States still has not recovered from the delay.) And he cancelled the Airborne Laser, Kinetic Energy Interceptor and Multiple Kill Vehicle programs. As a result, North Korean now has eight minutes of unchallenged flight during which their missiles are most vulnerable, and we have dramatically reduced the chances of hitting a North Korean missile as it descends on a U.S. city.

Amazingly, on taking office, President Trump's budget continued Obama's missile defense cuts, reducing funding by another $300 million . Trump has since recognized his mistake, promising "We are going to be increasing the anti-missiles by a substantial amount of billions of dollars." Time to do so is short. He should immediately deliver Congress an emergency supplemental spending bill to speed the deployment of ground-based interceptors, and he should revive the Multiple Kill Vehicle, the Airborne Laser and Kinetic Energy Interceptor  and then work with Congress on a long-term plan to build and deploy space-based interceptors.

In 1983, Reagan asked "Isn't it worth every investment necessary to free the world from the threat of nuclear war?" For the Democrats, the answer was no. No one is happier about that today than Kim Jong Un.

Read more from Marc Thiessen's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Columnist

House Speaker Paul Ryan could not have been more clear.

After meeting with his Republican caucus Wednesday morning on the first day back from their long summer break, he declared at a news conference that Democrats call for a three-month extension of the governments borrowing limit was ridiculous.

Thats ridiculous and disgraceful, that they want to play politics with the debt ceiling at this moment, he repeated. He called it unworkable, said it would jeopardize hurricane response and called out Democratic leaders by name for promoting what I dont think is a good idea.

About an hour later, Ryan and other GOP leaders sat in the White House with President Trump, who told them he wants . . . a three-month increase of the debt ceiling, just as Democrats proposed.

Such chaos and confusion at the highest level of American government hadnt been seen since, well, the day before.

On Tuesday, even as the administration announced that it was ending protection from deportation for the 800,000 "dreamers"  mostly young people who know no country but America  there were signs that Trump had no idea what he was doing. "As late as one hour before the decision was to be announced, administration officials privately expressed concern that Mr. Trump might not fully grasp the details of the steps he was about to take, and when he discovered their full impact, would change his mind," Michael Shear and Julie Hirschfeld Davis of the New York Times reported, citing an anonymous source.

Sure enough, Trump fired off a tweet Tuesday night that revised his position. He called on Congress to legalize the dreamers program and vowed to revisit the issue if Congress cant.

Even Trumps close advisers seem to have little knowledge of, much less control over, what he says and does.

Trump has signaled that he wants to end a free-trade deal with South Korea, even though his national security adviser, his defense secretary and the director of the National Economic Council all object. He and Defense Secretary James Mattis have contradicted each other about whether to talk with North Korea. Chief of Staff John Kellys attempts to tone down Trumps antics have reportedly led Trump to escalate his attacks  on Kelly. Trump has publicly criticized Attorney General Jeff Sessions and repeatedly contradicted Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner have let it leak that Trump ignored their advice on Charlottesville and other matters.

One imagines a future scene in the Situation Room:

The president: Why don't we bomb Guam so the North Koreans can't?

The secretary of state: That's part of our country, sir.

The secretary of defense: We have thousands of troops there.

The national security adviser: And 150,000 innocent civilians.

The chief of staff: It would be a humanitarian and strategic catastrophe.

Ivanka Trump: Please don't do this, Dad.

Jared Kushner: [Silence.]

The president: It's settled. We begin bombing in five minutes. Let's hit Hawaii, too. But not my hotel in Waikiki.

The unreliability of Trump has put an unusual burden on Congress, which is ill equipped to bear it.

Outside the House caucus gathering the morning after Trumps immigration announcement, Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), an immigration hard-liner, angrily opposed legislative action for the dreamers, saying they can live in the shadows and demanding GOP leaders not divide our conference over an amnesty act.

Minutes later, Rep. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), took the opposite view, threatening to use a discharge petition with Democrats to force a vote on protecting the dreamers if the House doesnt act.

Ryan put the responsibility right back on Trump for the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) legislation. We will not be advancing legislation that does not have the support of President Trump, because were going to work with the president on how to do this legislation, he said. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) urged Trump to lead.

But what does Trump support?

We love the dreamers. . . . We think the dreamers are terrific, Trump said last week, four days before putting them in jeopardy of deportation.

I have a great heart for the folks we are talking about, a great love for them, Trump said on the same day his administration announced the end of protection for the dreamers.

What does the president want? Nobody knows  not his advisers, not his fellow Republicans in Congress, and probably not Trump himself.

Twitter: @Milbank

Read more from Dana Milbank's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Contributing columnist

Michael Morell was acting director and deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2010 to 2013.

It is conventional wisdom that North Korea is not yet able to put a U.S. city at risk of nuclear attack. Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the country's No. 2 military officer, captured this view in a statement last week to Bloomberg News. Selva said: "It is clear North Korea has the capability to build a missile that can range the distance to the United States, but North Korea has yet to demonstrate it has the requisite technology and capability to actually target and strike the United States with a nuclear weapon." Many other U.S. officials, as well as outside experts, have made similar comments.

I think the conventional wisdom may be wrong. I believe that North Korea may have the capability today to successfully conduct a nuclear attack on the United States. I believe that the conventional wisdom may be based on a fundamental mistake of logic: Just because North Korea has not yet demonstrated a capability does not mean it does not have it.

What is the case for concluding that North Korea may already have the capability? There are three key pieces. First, North Korea's first unambiguously successful nuclear test was in 2009. (North Korea's first test, in 2006, most likely failed.) The 2009 test showed that North Korea could generate a nuclear yield from a device. And that test has been followed by four other successful nuclear tests  the latest being this past weekend. The explosive yields of the tests have grown over time.

Second, in December 2012, North Korea successfully put a satellite in orbit with a rocket that, had it been a missile, could have ranged to at least Alaska and, if more work had been done, could have hit the contiguous United States. In addition to the range, the satellite launch demonstrated that North Korea can successfully separate a payload from a rocket or missile. North Korea, of course, has since demonstrated, with two intercontinental ballistic missile tests this summer, that it has missiles capable of ranging as far east as Chicago.

Third, and this addresses the pieces of the puzzle that we have not seen, I believe that North Korea has the technical capability and has had the time necessary to make a nuclear weapon small enough to fit on a long-range missile and to ensure that the warhead can survive the vibrations, pressures and heat of reentry. If you can build a nuclear weapon, you can make the rest of the pieces work.

I am not the only one to express the view that North Korea might already have the capability to put a U.S. city at risk. At an October 2016 Council on Foreign Relations event, then- Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. told Charlie Rose, "We ascribe to them the capability to launch a missile that has a weapon on it that could reach parts of the United States, certainly including Alaska and Hawaii." In response to a follow-up question, Clapper added, "We've assessed . . . for years that they could do it."

A year earlier  at an Atlantic Council event in October 2015  Adm. William Gortney, then-commander of U.S. Northern Command, said, "I agree with the intel community that we assess that they have the ability, they have the weapons, and they have the ability to miniaturize those weapons, and they have the ability to put them on a rocket that can range the homelands." As commander of Northcom, Gortney was responsible for protecting the country from a missile attack.

Why is this such an important issue? Because, if you believe, as Selva and others apparently do, that North Korea cannot yet attack the homeland with a nuclear weapon, it follows that the United States can take preemptive military action against North Korea without risking a retaliatory nuclear strike by Pyongyang. You can take such action without putting the United States at risk.

However, if you believe, as I do, that North Korea might be capable of striking us today, it follows that a preemptive U.S. military strike against Pyongyang could bring about the very thing that we are working to avoid  the nuclear annihilation of a U.S. city and the deaths of millions of Americans. If this darkest of scenarios were to play out, the assumption and assessment that North Korea cannot yet threaten us would be a strategic mistake of historic proportions.
I was disappointed to see the Sept. 2 front-page article "In Maryland, late school start is a boon for tourist industry " espousing the benefits for businesses in Ocean City of the longer summer vacation for Maryland schools. Gov. Larry Hogan's (R) decision to force schools in Maryland to finish the school year by June 15 and start after Labor Day ignored overwhelming evidence that longer breaks widen the educational gap between struggling students and their peers. School districts across Maryland have fought the implementation resulting from the governor's executive order to no avail.

The article painted a rosy picture of the bliss of the last hoorah of summer. I believe the phenomenon would be the same in any week just before the start of school. Putting this article on the front page was like pouring salt in a wound for those of us who opposed this change. The economic strength of Ocean City businesses should not take priority over the educational needs of our students. I find the focus on a potential positive economic impact irritating.

The article mentioned two school systems that were granted waivers for snow days, but Prince Georges County Public Schools waiver request for academic reasons was denied. Maryland prides itself on having some of the best schools in the country. But that might not be true if our educational leaders must balance higher graduation rates and test scores with shorter school years.

Nancy Grigsby, Davidsonville
PRESIDENT TRUMP found a facile way to deflect blame for his decision to terminate the program that provides safe harbor for the "dreamers," some 800,000 young immigrants brought illegally to this country as minors. Lacking any policy conviction  as a candidate, Mr. Trump vowed to end the program, then once in office said the "incredible" young dreamers should breathe easy  he ducked, dodged and shunted the issue to Congress.

Agreed: Congress should have dealt with the dreamers years ago, and several times tried to do so. It failed, which is why President Barack Obama established Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which grants two-year renewable reprieves from deportation, along with work permits. Mr. Trump did not kill the program outright, which may have disappointed some of his hardcore supporters. But he handed it a slow-motion death sentence, unless Congress can break its long-standing deadlock on the issue.

The president didn't have the spine to announce his decision himself. He shuffled it to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, an anti-immigration extremist who seemed to relish sticking a knife in DACA. Mr. Trump told reporters Tuesday that he hoped "Congress will be able to help" the dreamers "and do it properly." But his written statement  "young Americans have dreams too"  was a study in ambiguity. While saying the dreamers wouldn't be first in line for deportation, Mr. Trump put them on a path to lose jobs, educational opportunities, and the ability to lead open and unafraid lives.

Tossing red meat to the administration's hardcore nativist base, Mr. Sessions falsely asserted that DACA amounts to unconstitutional "amnesty." In fact, DACA is a stopgap that conferred no legal status on its recipients. And despite the administration's contention that it is legally indefensible, predicting how the Supreme Court would rule on it is a guessing game. Presidents have long exercised broad discretion over the enforcement of immigration law and deportations  a matter of necessity given finite resources.

By calling attention to the plight of a sympathetic group of generally hard-working, law-abiding young people, DACA has clarified for many Americans just how senseless it would be to deport hundreds of thousands of them. That's one reason Congress should act to extend their protections.

Another is that the dreamers are a boon to the U.S. economy. They are English speakers; nearly all are in school, college or the workforce; and tens of thousands of them are working toward a bachelor's degree or higher. Most own cars and pay taxes. Many have bought houses and apartments; several thousand have even started businesses. Mr. Sessions is wrong to claim that the dreamers take jobs from Americans. In fact, the unemployment rate has plummeted in the five years since the dreamers have been eligible for work permits.

Mr. Trump's order is an assault on economic logic. By subverting the employment and educational prospects of so many promising young people, Mr. Trump has sapped their earnings and purchasing power, withdrawn their college prospects and imperiled their jobs. That's why more than 300 top executives of some of the largest U.S. corporations asked him not to rescind DACA. Now, unless Congress acts, the United States will suffer along with the dreamers.
Representatives of Facebook told congressional investigators Wednesday that the social network has discovered that it sold ads during the U.S. presidential campaign to a shadowy Russian company seeking to target voters, according to several people familiar with the companys findings.

Facebook officials reported that they traced the ad sales, totaling $100,000, to a Russian troll farm with a history of pushing pro-Kremlin propaganda, these people said.

A small portion of the ads, which began in the summer of 2015, directly named Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, the people said, although they declined to say which candidate the ads favored.

Most of the ads, according to a blog post published late Wednesday by Facebook's chief security officer, Alex Stamos, "appeared to focus on amplifying divisive social and political messages across the ideological spectrum  touching on topics from LGBT matters to race issues to immigration to gun rights."

The acknowledgment by Facebook comes as congressional investigators and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III are probing Russian interference in the U.S. election, including allegations that the Kremlin may have coordinated with the Trump campaign.

The U.S. intelligence community concluded in January that Russia had interfered in the U.S. election to help elect Trump, including by using paid social media trolls to spread fake news intended to influence public opinion.

Even though the ad spending from Russia is tiny relative to overall campaign costs, the report from Facebook that a Russian firm was able to target political messages is likely to fuel pointed questions from investigators about whether the Russians received guidance from people in the United States  a question some Democrats have been asking for months.

Facebook reported in its blog post Wednesday that about one-quarter of the ads in question were geographically targeted, although company officials declined to provide specifics about what areas or demographic groups were the recipients. Of those targeted ads, the company said, more ran in 2015 than 2016.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (Calif.), the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Wednesday that the disclosure by Facebook confirmed one of the ways Russia sought to interfere in U.S. politics and serves as a profound warning to us and others about future elections.

This is a very significant set of data points produced by Facebook, Schiff said, adding: Left unanswered in what we received from Facebook  because it is beyond the scope of what they are able to determine  is whether there was any coordination between these social media trolls and the campaign. We have to get to the bottom of that.

The House panel, whose staff investigators heard briefly from Facebook representatives behind closed doors Wednesday, will follow up with Facebook and other social media companies and platforms to see to what degree they are able to confirm similar metrics, Sciff said.

An official familiar with Facebooks internal investigation said the company does not have the ability to determine whether the ads it sold represented any sort of coordination.

The acknowledgment by Facebook follows months of criticism that the social media company served as a platform for the spread of false information before the November election. In a statement posted days after the election, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg promised to explore the issue but said that 99 percent of information found on Facebook is authentic and only "a very small amount" is fake or hoaxes. In December, however, the company announced that it would begin flagging articles that had been deemed false or fake, with the assistance of fact-checking organizations.

Facebook discovered the Russian connection as part of an investigation that began this spring looking at purchasers of politically motivated ads, according to people familiar with the inquiry. It found that 3,300 ads had digital footprints that led to the Russian company.

Facebook teams then discovered 470 suspicious and likely fraudulent Facebook accounts and pages that it believes operated out of Russia, had links to the company and were involved in promoting the ads.

A Facebook official said there is evidence that some of the accounts are linked to a troll farm in St. Petersburg, referred to as the Internet Research Agency, though we have no way to independently confirm. The official declined to release any of the ads it traced to Russian companies or entities.

Our data policy and federal law limit our ability to share user data and content, so we wont be releasing any ads, the official said. The official added that the ads were directed at people on Facebook who had expressed interest in subjects explored on those pages, such as LGBT community, black social issues, the Second Amendment and immigration.

Clint Watts, a former FBI agent who has studied Russian online influence campaigns, said Wednesday that Facebooks report served as validation for findings by him and his researchers, who he said had spotted what they believed to be Russians posing as Americans to press political messages on Facebook as early as 2015.

He said his analysis showed that Facebook ads in 2015 were largely concerned with divisive social messages and were used to identify other Facebook users most susceptible to messaging. Those users were then targeted with election-oriented ads in 2016, he said.

We had these suspicions, but we could never see who was purchasing the accounts, said Watts, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Facebooks being brave. They probably could have buried this, and they did the right thing by coming forward.

Stamos, the Facebook security chief, said the company is committed to continuing to protect the integrity of its site and improve its ability to track fraudulent accounts. He said Facebook has shut down the accounts that remained active.

We know we have to stay vigilant to keep ahead of people who try to misuse our platform, he said.

This year, Facebook announced technology improvements to detect fake accounts and more recently announced that it would no longer allow Facebook pages to advertise if they have a pattern of sharing false news stories. Over the past few months, Stamos said, the company has also taken action to block fake accounts tied to election meddling in France and Germany.

The Internet Research Agency has received attention in the past for its activity.

In 2013, hackers released internal company documents showing it employed 600 people across Russia. Ex-employees who have gone public with their experiences at the company in Internet postings and in media interviews have said their work entailed creating fake Twitter and Facebook accounts and using them to circulate pro-Kremlin propaganda. They said Internet Research Agency employees, for instance, spread derogatory information about Putin critic Boris Nemtsov in the days after his 2015 murder.

In 2015, the New York Times Magazine reported that social media accounts linked to the Internet Research Agency had launched social media campaigns in the United States, including a sophisticated hoax that spread false news of a chemical leak in Louisiana in 2014, apparently to sow chaos and fear.

In its unclassified report in January, the U.S. intelligence community concluded that the Internet Research Agencys likely financier is a close Putin ally with ties to Russian intelligence.

In May, Time magazine reported that U.S. intelligence officials had discovered evidence that Russian agents had purchased ads on Facebook to target specific populations with propaganda. A Facebook spokesman told the magazine that the company had no evidence of such buys.

Under federal law and Federal Election Commission regulations, both foreign nationals and foreign governments are prohibited from making contributions or spending money to influence a federal, state or local election in the United States. The ban includes independent expenditures made in connection with an election.

Those banned from such spending include foreign citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties, foreign corporations, foreign associations and foreign partnerships, according to the FEC. (Permanent residents who hold green cards, however, are not considered foreign nationals.) Violators face civil penalties, as well as criminal prosecution, if they are found to have knowingly broken the law.

Andrew Roth, Alice Crites, Matea Gold and Ashley Parker contributed to this report.
The last time The Washington Post conducted a 50-state poll was in 1988, a year when Republican George H.W. Bush won 39 states and defeated Democrat Michael Dukakis. The nations political geography has shifted in several important ways since that year, and this years presidential contest could shake up states political leanings again. Here are five key trends to watch across the states this year.

Coastal states swing toward Democrats

Demographic and ideological shifts have pushed states on the east and west edges of the nation in Democrats direction, helping the party recover from Republican presidential victories in the 1980s. George H.W. Bush won Florida, New Hampshire and Virginia by at least 20 percentage points that year, and Obama won all three by single digits in 2008 and 2012. Bush also won narrower victories in coastal states that have moved firmly into the Democratic column, including California, Maryland, Vermont, New Jersey and Delaware. Clinton leads Trump by double digits in all six of these states, according to the new poll.

Republicans still dominant in the Deep South?

Back in 1988, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Texas were firmly Republican. Now, according to the recent 50-state poll, some are swinging. Bush won North Carolina by double digits in 1988, then the state narrowly went for Obama in 2008, and in 2012 flipped back to Romney. Clinton and Trump are tied in the state today. The two candidates are also tied in Georgia, where Republicans have won the last five straight presidential contests. Texas and Mississippi have been loyal to Republicans since the 1980s, and Romney won them by double digits four years ago, but the 50-state poll suggests Clinton could be competitive in both states.

Rust Belt is key battleground

The 50-state poll finds Trump faring better in the Rust Belt states of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania than in other battlegrounds, offering a glimpse of a potential route to victory should he gain on Clinton. Back in 1988, Rust Belt states Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania all supported Bush, but Democrats strength grew in these states over the years, and Obama won all four in 2008. Trump leads by 15 points in Indiana, according to the 50-state poll, while Clinton has a narrow four-point edge in Pennsylvania and a two-point edge in Michigan. Trump has a small three-point edge in Ohio. Clinton fares better in other recent polls in these states, and winning them would thwart one of Trumps most promising paths to victory.

Democrats benefit from growth in Latino population

The nations growing and geographically concentrated Hispanic population has boosted Democrats in several states over recent elections. California and New Mexico are now solidly Democratic, while Nevadas strong support for Reagan and Bush have turned to clear edges for Obama in the past two elections. Clinton and Trump are roughly even in Arizona, a state Republicans have won by healthy margins since 2000, and Floridas large and diverse Hispanic population has been a counterweight to Republican-leaning white voters.

But heavily whites states have not moved in tandem

Over 90 percent of voters in West Virginia and Iowa are white, but theyve followed different political trajectories in recent decades. West Virginia used to be a fairly reliable Democratic state, supporting Dukakis by five points over Bush in 1988 as one of only 11 states he won. But since 2000, its been a Republican standby in national presidential elections, following the track of Deep Southern states. Trump leads by 57 percent to 33 percent in the 50-state poll. By contrast, Iowa has shifted from a one of the most Democratic-leaning states in the country in 1988, when Dukakis won it by 10 points. The state was decided by less than one percentage point in 2000 and 2004, and while Obama won Iowa by a comfortable margin in the past two elections, Trump is faring better there than he is nationally. The new 50-state poll finds Trump up a narrow four points, while other recent surveys show Clinton with a narrow edge.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:12:05|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- With his latest war film "Dunkirk," Christopher Nolan yet again has his name buzzing across China.

As of Sunday, only its third day of public screening in the Chinese mainland, the film had already raked in over 197 million yuan (about 30.1 million U.S. dollars).

On Douban, a major Chinese film rating platform, Dunkirk is currently rated 8.6 out of 10, sitting comfortably in the top 10 percent of both war and history films.

For many Chinese fans, the director was the main drawcard.

"I went to see the film because of Nolan," said Huang Ziyun, a moviegoer, whose opinion was echoed by many others. "His films have always delivered, so I had faith and high expectations in this one."

"I'm also very interested in films that depict history," she continued.

The film did not disappoint. Telling the story of the evacuation of British and French soldiers who were surrounded by the German army during a fierce battle in World War II, Dunkirk puts the audience through an immersive experience that many have found unique.

"There were many scenes that imposed an oppressive feeling on me, such as the scene where a number of young soldiers hid in a cabin which became the target for German soldiers' shooting drill," said Shen Cong, a viewer in Beijing.

"It dragged the audience to the battleground right from the get-go," said a user named QueerasfolkChina on Douban. "The three storylines overlapped one another, making us struggle and panic inside out."

He was referring to the storylines that consisted of a week for the soldiers desperately waiting for a beach rescue, a day for a family sailing from England to the rescue, and an hour for a group of fighter pilots shielding the rescue from the air, which intertwined with each other and converged in the end.

"I love the way Nolan has resorted to minimalism in telling the stories," he added. "Without much blood and violence, it easily presented the tension and brutality of war."

Huang agreed. "Unlike most other war films, it doesn't draw a clear line between love and hate," she said. "It's more about showing the emotions and senses in the thick of an evacuation."

Their words echoed those by Nolan himself in August. "This story is about suspense. Suspense is a cinematic language where you can't take your eyes off the screen," he told Xinhua.

"Time in any film is a very interesting tool for filmmakers to use," he continued.

For viewers, his take on time and suspense might be less convincing without the ear-scratching and tension-building music produced by German composer Hans Zimmer.

"The soundtrack is the most significant source for an immersive experience," Huang said, highlighting the role of the sounds in intriguing the audience.

"Zimmer also resorted to minimalism for this film, which fits very well with the ambience that Nolan wanted to create," Shen added. "Even though the ever-rumbling background sounds distracted me from the plots a bit."

After all, apart from all the suspense and ambience, as Nolan told Xinhua, Dunkirk is a story "about communal heroism - about the cumulative effect of small acts of human heroism and what we can achieve together, rather than individually."

That's part of why a lot of viewers are confident the film will continue to attract Chinese moviegoers, even though it doesn't directly relate to Chinese history and it is immersive yet unorthodox in a way.

"There are no boundaries for the appeal of this film," Huang said. "It allows us to look at warfare from a unique angle."

Others simply took it as a call for peace.

"Just take it as a anti-war story to follow, and you'll be touched as I was," said Mao Zhuxin, a viewer from southwest China's Chongqing.

"May peace prevail on earth." she continued.
The new poll of voters in all 50 states revealed a variety of interesting dynamics across the country, including wide-ranging support for third-party candidates, the consistent role of Obamas popularity and how Utah may be the most interesting state to watch this election.

Johnson wins substantial support for third-party bid

Third-party candidates Gary Johnson and Jill Stein are positioned to garner significant support across the country in a year in which the major-party candidates have broken records for unpopularity. The Post-SurveyMonkey poll finds the Libertarian Partys Johnson supported by an average of 13 percent across all states, ranging from a low of 4 percent in Mississippi to a high of 25 percent in New Mexico, the state where he served two terms as governor.

Johnsons second-best showing comes in neighboring Utah, where the states heavily Republican and Mormon electorate has been especially resistant to Trump. Johnson also fares well in several Midwest and Western states, receiving 19 percent support in South Dakota, Idaho and Alaska, 17 percent in Kansas and 16 percent in Colorado, Iowa, North Dakota and Washington.

The Green Partys Stein receives less support than Johnson, averaging 5 percent across all states in the new poll. Her best showing is 10 percent in Vermont, home to runner-up for the Democratic nomination Sen. Bernie Sanders. She also receives 8 percent in Maine and 7 percent across a range heavily Democratic or Republican states, including Oklahoma, Idaho, Oregon and California.

Utah is most uncertain state

An average of 10 percent of registered voters reported no opinion when asked whether they would vote for Clinton or Trump, but the share of uncommitted voters is nearly twice as high in Utah at 19 percent, the most of any state. Even when third-party candidates are offered as options, Utahs 11 percent undecided is the most in the nation.

Utah has long been loyal to Republicans, supporting the partys presidential candidates by double digits in presidential contests for nearly half a century. But Trump came in third place in the states Republican caucuses this March, earning only 14 percent of the vote. He performed particularly poorly in areas of the state with a larger share of Mormons, who account for a majority of the states population, according to a 2015 Pew Research survey.

Trump is still a favorite to win the state, leading Clinton by 46 percent to 35 percent. His edge shrinks to 34-27 when third-party candidates are mentioned, with Johnsons significant 23 percent only four points below Clinton. Mitt Romneys 73-25 victory in 2012 marked Republicans largest margin since Ronald Reagans 1984 run, with Romney probably benefiting from his leadership in the Mormon church. Comparing with the 2008 race, while Clintons current standing in a two-way contest is nearly identical to Obamas 34 percent support, Trumps support today is well below Sen. John McCains 62 percent support that year.

Can Clinton ride Obamas coattails?

Obamas approval rating has been above 50 percent in national polls, an above-average popularity that figures to benefit Clinton this fall. The Post-SurveyMonkey poll underscores the close connection between Obamas image and Clintons fate this fall.

Across all 50 states, Obama averages 48 percent job approval, and Clintons support against Trump differs from his rating by an average of only four percentage points. On average, Obamas approval rating is three points higher than Clintons support, exceeding her support at least narrowly in 48 states. The two exceptions are strongly Republican Wyoming (Obama approval 27 percent, Clinton support 26 percent) and Arkansas, where Clinton served as the states first lady and garners 41 percent support against Trump, compared with Obamas 36 percent job-approval mark.

Home state favoritism also appears to play a role in the state where Clinton falls short of Obama the most. In Obamas home state of Hawaii, his 70 percent job-approval rating far surpasses Clintons support by 12 percentage points. The gap is smaller but more consequential in more politically divided Colorado, Florida, Michigan and Iowa, where Clintons support falls four points short of Obamas approval mark. Coming closer to his support would nearly assure victory in these states, with Obamas job-approval rating ranging from 49 percent in Florida to 53 percent in Iowa.

While Clinton has not united all of Obamas supporters, Trump has even more work to do in galvanizing Obama opponents. His state-level support is six points below Obamas disapproval rating, on average, with sizable underperformance across many states. Obamas disapproval mark exceeds Trumps vote share by 13 points in Vermont and New Hampshire, and by 11 points in Delaware. Among battlegrounds, Trump trails Obamas disapproval mark by eight points in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, and by seven points in Ohio and Iowa.

Immigration a lower-tier issue in all 50 states

Donald Trumps promise to deport undocumented immigrants and build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border have put the issue of immigration at the center of this years campaign, but the 50-state poll finds immigration is a second- or third-tier issue for voters across the country.

Asked which issue matters to them most, an average of 32 percent across all 50 states picked the economy and jobs, followed by health care and terrorism at 16 percent each, education at 9 percent and the environment at 8 percent. Immigration came fifth at 7 percent, exceeding only foreign policy at 4 percent.

The importance of immigration peaked in some states near and far from the U.S.-Mexico border, including 13 percent in North Dakota, 12 percent in Idaho, 10 percent in Texas and 9 percent in California. But in each of these states, immigration ranked behind the economy, health care and terrorism.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, left, walks with Joint Chiefs Chairman Joseph Dunford, right, to speak to members of the media regarding the escalating crisis in North Korea's nuclear threats outside the West Wing of the White House on Sunday. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

President Trumps approach to the rapidly rising threat from North Korea has veered from empathy for the countrys bellicose leader to finger-pointing at China to quick-tempered threats of possible military action.

The administrations goals and tactics have also shifted, from isolating North Korea to reassuring leader Kim Jong Un that the United States wont overthrow him to threats of, as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis put it, annihilation.

Before Pyongyangs sixth and largest nuclear test Sunday, Trump had said U.S. military options were locked and loaded should North Korea behave rashly.

On Wednesday, Trump sounded subdued and statesmanlike.

Were going to see what happens, Trump said when asked whether he is considering military action against North Korea. Well see what happens. Certainly, thats not our first choice, but we will see what happens.

While Trump has accused his predecessors of not being tough on North Korea, the zigzagging U.S. response and the presidents willingness to talk openly about a military attack could be creating its own set of problems by raising the price of an eventual deal and probably making negotiations impossible for now, Asia security analysts said.

Kim Jong Un is not begging for war, said Daniel Russel, who was the State Departments top diplomat for Asia until earlier this year. What he wants is not conflict but some kind of major concession from the United States and its allies South Korea and Japan.

Kim, in contrast to Trump, has been relentlessly consistent.

During Trumps nearly eight months in office, North Koreas leader has, as promised, accelerated development of a more powerful nuclear weapon and long-range missiles that could deliver a warhead to U.S. shores. The goal, Asia security specialists said, is to cut off U.S. military options and force the United States and the rest of the world to make concessions.

Kim Jong Un has a very scrutable game plan, said Russel, now a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Leverage his nuclear threat and monetize it.

That strategy predates Trump, and U.S. officials have complained about a shakedown for years.

But Trumps response has been far different from recent administrations and, at times, has seemed more off the cuff than the result of deliberative planning.

He recently mused about cutting off all trade with nations that do business with North Korea, a practical impossibility and a proposal at odds with the U.S. strategy of engaging China and other nations in international economic sanctions against North Korea.

Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday and told reporters that the 45-minute conversation about North Korea was productive.

President Xi would like to do something. Well see whether or not he can do it, Trump said. But we will not be putting up with whats happening in North Korea. I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent. He doesnt want to see whats happening there, either.

On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said that if the United Nations does not put additional sanctions on North Korea, he has an executive order ready for Trump to sign that would impose sanctions on any country that trades with Pyongyang, Reuters reported.

[Well see Trump says of potential attack over North Korean nuclear test]

The muddled U.S. message includes offers of diplomacy from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and threats of additional economic sanctions from U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and of a massive military response from Mattis.

Haley told the U.N. Security Council at an emergency session Monday that Kim is begging for war.

Trump had appeared to endorse diplomatic outreach before writing it off as pointless in a Twitter message on Aug. 30.

Talking is not the answer! he wrote then.

Democrats have criticized Trumps handling of the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, arguing a more measured approach is needed.

The president of the United States needs to be on the phone conducting diplomacy, not these hot and cold tweets, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said Tuesday in an interview with MSNBC. We want to work with China, and we want to get them to put pressure on North Korea. On one hand, he tweets that his best buddy is President Xi, and the next day he tweets something very different.

Mattis and Tillerson along with other national security officials briefed lawmakers on North Korea on Wednesday. Democrats who attended the meeting, according to CNN, said they struck a more diplomatic tone than Trump.

"I feel like we still have two different polices on North Korea: one at the Department of State and Department of Defense, and another on the President's Twitter feed," Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) told the network.

[Republicans and Democrats urge Trump not to cancel South Korea trade deal]

China is the most important partner in making any economic penalties stick. Beijing worked with the United States to approve tough new export bans on North Korea last month, a strong signal of Chinese irritation with a regime it protects but cannot fully control. Beijing has signaled opposition to new penalties, potentially including an oil embargo, that the United States is now seeking through the United Nations.

The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, and that means quickly enacting the strongest possible measures here in the U.N. Security Council, Haley said Monday.

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders emphasized pressure and military options.

Look, weve been clear about what our priorities are: that now is not the time for us to spend a lot of time focused on talking with North Korea, but putting all measures of pressure that we can, she said. All options are on the table, and were going to continue to keep them on the table until we get the results that were looking for.

It is not clear where Tillersons diplomatic overture stands. A week before North Koreas latest nuclear test, of a hydrogen bomb, Tillerson told Fox News Sunday that the United States hoped Kim would take the different path that negotiations could offer.

Were going to continue our peaceful pressure campaign as I have described it, working with allies, working with China as well to see if we can bring the regime in Pyongyang to the negotiating table, Tillerson said in the Aug. 27 interview.

He has gone so far as to directly address North Korea, and offer assurances that the United States does not plan to invade.

We are not your enemy, he said on Aug. 1.

[As Tillerson tries to calm fears in Asia, Trump talks tough]

Since then, North Korea has twice test-fired missiles and conducted its most powerful nuclear test yet. And at least until Wednesday, Trump had increasingly emphasized military responses.

He referred only to military advisers and White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, a retired Marine general, when tweeting about a White House emergency session on North Korea on Sunday.

I will be meeting General Kelly, General Mattis and other military leaders at the White House to discuss North Korea, Trump wrote.

Mattis later told reporters the session was a small-group national security meeting with Trump and Vice President Pence.

Any threat to the United States or its allies will be met with a massive military response  a response both effective and overwhelming, Mattis said Sunday.

He advised Kim to heed international warnings to stand down, but he did not call for talks or repeat earlier warnings that he sees no military solution to the North Korean problem.

We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country  namely, North Korea, Mattis said. But, as I said, we have many options to do so.
Democrats in Congress, dismayed but unsurprised by a White House decision to unwind legal status for 800,000 immigrants who arrived in America as children, are approaching it as a political opportunity  a chance for the minority party to get a bill it wants, not one favored by most Republicans.

On Tuesday, as Republican leaders said theyd back permanent status for some immigrants, Democrats pitched the 16-year-old Dream Act as the only vehicle that could pass. Activists, who spent Tuesday mobilizing against the White Houses decision, were just as adamant that the bill be passed without adding more immigration restrictions to secure Republican votes.

The same way we came out strong against the Muslim ban, or stopping the end of funding for Planned Parenthood, or that we would stand up for the transgender community, we have to make it clear and unequivocal that there is no peace going forward if youre going to allow the devastation of the lives of 800,000 people, said Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.).

Senior Democratic aides said that two current immigration-related bills would be strongly opposed by Democrats  and some Republicans. First, Democrats will oppose any attempt to spend federal dollars on the construction of a new wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. They also oppose the RAISE Act, a bill by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and David Perdue (R-Ga.) that would restrict legal immigration into the United States.

Trump voiced support for the RAISE Act on Tuesday. The plan bears the hallmarks of bills that Attorney General Jeff Sessions introduced when he was an Alabama senator.



Sens. Lindsey O. Graham R-S.C.), left, and Richard J. Durbin D-Ill.), left center, speak before they held a news conference on their bipartisan effort for a Dream Act on Sept. 5. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

But Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), who held a news conference with Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) to demand quick passage of their Dream Act, said that RAISE was a non-starter.

Cutting down the total number of legal immigrants becomes problematic on two or three fronts, said Durbin. Lindsey opposes it. So, [Cotton] has some issues with his own caucus.

Graham was just as critical of the proposed funding for a border wall. If thats what you mean by border security, youre not going to get the votes, he said.

Democratic leaders on Wednesday are set to meet with Trump face-to-face for the first time since January and are likely to discuss several issues, including his DACA decisions, aides said.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has requested meetings with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) to discuss the matter. Aides said that, for now, theres no need for such a meeting, since its likely to be a main subject of conversation on Wednesday.

Despite Democratic calls to hold a clean up-or-down vote on legislation protecting dreamers, senior GOP aides said that is not likely to happen given the strong opposition to doing so among conservative lawmakers. Instead, leaders are expected to launch talks in the coming days to pair a bipartisan plan to protect dreamers with other legislation that tackles border security or other immigration concerns, said the aides, who were not authorized to speak publicly about ongoing talks.

What might be negotiated to protect DACA recipients was unclear Tuesday afternoon. Several aides cautioned that the details cant be sorted out until GOP leaders signal how they plan to pass a short-term spending plan and raise the debt limit. Republicans, who were almost universally critical of President Obama for introducing DACA, had no clear proposal of their own, and several ideas, like Cottons, were already taking friendly fire.

Whats out there right now doesnt pass the laugh test, said Clarissa Martinez, deputy vice president of UnidosUS, the civil rights group formerly known as NCLR. For Republicans to muddle the Dream Act with wall funding or immigration cutbacks would be, she said, like someone saying theyre going to shoot you but want you to hold the gun.

Talks are likely to focus on four bills that would provide relief to DACA recipients or more broadly to most children of undocumented immigrants.

The Bridge Act enjoys significant bipartisan support in both chambers. Sponsored by Sens. Graham and Durbin as well as Reps. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.) and Gutierrez, it would benefit anyone under the age of 36 who has been in the U.S. since 2007 and includes strict educational or military service requirements. The Dream Act, sponsored by the same lawmakers plus several other Democrats, is a slightly more generous version.

Meanwhile, the Recognizing Americas Children Act, introduced by Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), has no Democratic sponsors. It applies a stricter standard to people who entered the U.S. before 16 and are either in school or have valid work authorization, but it would not apply to people already undergoing removal or deportation proceedings.

Finally, the Hope Act, sponsored by Gutierrez and more than 130 other House Democrats, would essentially provide blanket protections to dreamers regardless of their education or work status or whether theyre a DACA recipient. Aides and activists say its the proposal least likely to pass despite broad Democratic support.

But those activists have largely won Democrats  and most voters  over toward a narrow pro-DREAM position. In a Morning Consult poll conducted in April, when it seemed that the White House might leave DACA untouched, 78 percent of registered voters  and 72 percent of Republicans  said they favored some form of legal status for childhood arrivals.

The Republicans main ideas for Dream Act add-ons are less popular. In an August poll conducted by Quinnipiac University, 44 percent of voters favored the idea of halving legal immigration. In May, the last time the pollster asked the question, 33 percent of voters favored the construction of a border wall with Mexico  down from 42 percent last year.

The idea that the Stephen Miller crowd has  that you can cut immigration by 50 percent, ban sanctuary cities, build the wall  as a deal for dreamers, is ridiculous, said Frank Sharry, the executive director of Americas Voice. The idea that we have to go along with border security and a border wall is ridiculous, too. The American people have litigated this. They dont want to pay for a border wall.

Activists roundly rejected the idea that dreamers, out of desperation, would back more restrictive proposals. On a Monday call with reporters, joined by Sharry, United We Dream executive director Cristina Jimenez said that Congress needed to pass the Dream Act without any racist gimmicks, like money for a border wall or punishment for sanctuary cities, characterizing it as playing with the lives of 800,000 people.

There is no way in hell well allow this Congress or this president to use the Dream Act as a vehicle for white supremacist demands, said Kamau Chege, an undocumented immigrant and organizer with the progressive group #AllOfUs, which has organized primary challenges against corporate Democrats. We demand stand-alone legislation that protects immigrant youth, and does not hurt anyone else.

The Democrats confidence was on display in deep red states, too. Later this week, the president is traveling to North Dakota, a state he won by 36 points, where Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) is up for reelection in 14 months. But in a statement on Facebook, Heitkamp said that she favored a bipartisan DACA fix no stricter than the comprehensive immigration bills shed backed in the past.

Ending the DACA program is simply cruel, said Heitkamp. These children and individuals just want to be part of the only country most of them know. And we should want that for them as well.

Read more at PowerPost
Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) talks with the press March 30 about the House Intelligence Committee's probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 election. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

The House Intelligence Committee has subpoenaed records from the Justice Department and the FBI pertaining to a salacious but unverified dossier over objections from the committees minority members, the panels ranking Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) confirmed the details of the subpoenas, initially reported in the Washington Examiner, during an appearance Tuesday evening on MSNBC. But he also complained that the subpoenas were "uncalled for," accusing Republicans of attempting to "discredit" the author of the dossier "rather than looking into how many of the allegations he wrote about were true."

What we should be most concerned about is whether those sources of the information in the report are true, not in discrediting the author of that report, Schiff said.

The author of the dossier, Christopher Steele, is a respected former MI-6 agent whom at one point, the FBI considered paying to continue his work collecting information about Trump's alleged personal and financial exploits in, and connections to, Russia. Steele had been compiling such information for Washington research firm Fusion GPS, which had been contracted to conduct that research by an individual opposed to Trump's candidacy.

Republicans around Congress have approached the report, its author and his backers with a healthy degree of suspicion and skepticism since it came into the public eye, released in its entirety by BuzzFeed after a CNN report that President-elect Trump had been briefed about the existence of the dossier by intelligence officials.

In the Senate, Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) has focused considerable attention on Fusion GPS in particular, in an effort to figure out whether it was in fact Russian money that went to fund Steeles project.

In its piece about the subpoenas, the Examiner quoted House Intelligence Committee member Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), who is helping to run the panels Russia probe, as saying we got nothing in response to multiple letters the committee had sent to the DOJ and FBI requesting information.

But appearing on MSNBC, Schiff seemed to reject that argument, saying that the requests [to DOJ and the FBI] for documents were never made in a letter form or a written request to the department.

Instead, the first the department got was a subpoena, Schiff said. That is just not good practice.

Schiff added that if theres any part of the administration the committee should be subpoenaing, its the White House  from which the committee has requested information on multiple occasions, and still have not gotten the majoritys approval for a subpoena.

This kind of disparate treatment concerns us greatly, Schiff said.

A spokeswoman for Rep. K. Michael Conaway (R-Tex.), who is running the House Intelligence Committees Russia probe, did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday night. A spokesman for committee Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.)  who is no longer running the committees Russia investigation but retains the right to sign off on subpoenas  also did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.

Read more at PowerPost
President Trump, a man of few allegiances who seized control of the Republican Party in a hostile takeover, suddenly aligned himself with Democrats on Wednesday on a series of key fiscal issues  and even gave a lift to North Dakotas embattled Democratic U.S. senator.

Trump confounded his partys leaders when he cut a deal with Democratic congressional leaders  Chuck and Nancy, as the president informally referred to them  on a short-term plan to fund the government and raise its borrowing limit this month.

The presidents surprise stance upended sensitive negotiations over the debt ceiling and other crucial policy issues this fall and further imperiled his already tenuous relationships with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.).

The episode is the latest turn in Trump's separation from his party as he distances himself to deflect blame for what has been a year of gridlock and missed opportunities for Republicans on Capitol Hill. It follows a summer of presidential stewing over McConnell and Ryan, both of whom Trump views as insufficiently loyal and weak in executing his agenda, according to his advisers.

Trump made his position clear at a White House meeting with both parties congressional leaders, agreeing with Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on plans for a bill to fund the government and raise the debt ceiling for three months.

That effectively postpones until December a divisive fight over fiscal matters, including whether to fund construction of Trumps long-promised wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, Trump told reporters Wednesday aboard Air Force One as he traveled to North Dakota. We agreed to a three-month extension on debt ceiling, which they consider to be sacred  very important  always well agree on debt ceiling automatically because of the importance of it.

In siding with Democrats, Trump overruled his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who was in the middle of an explanation backing a longer-term increase when the president interrupted him and disagreed, according to a person briefed on the meeting who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Trump was in deal-cutting mode, the person said.

[Schumer, Pelosi offer Democratic votes for Harvey aid if paired with short-term debt-limit hike]

After the gathering, McConnell said he would add provisions extending government funding and the debt limit through mid-December to legislation passed by the House on Wednesday providing $7.85 billion in Hurricane Harvey relief. McConnell introduced the legislation late Wednesday night, setting up a Senate vote as early as Friday.

The president agreed with Senator Schumer and Congresswoman Pelosi to do a three-month [funding extension] and a debt ceiling into December, and thats what I will be offering, based on the presidents decision, to the bill, McConnell told reporters. The president can speak for himself, but his feeling was that we needed to come together to not create a picture of divisiveness at a time of genuine national crisis.

Later in the evening, McConnell introduced legislation to extend current spending levels and the federal borrowing limit until Dec. 8 and increase disaster funding to $15.25 billion. The funding boost includes several provisions to address potential damage from Hurricane Irma, which is expected to make landfall in the continental United States over the weekend.

During the meeting Wednesday, Trump also threw tacit support behind the Democrats push for a dreamers bill that would effectively formalize an Obama-era program shielding undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children from deportation.

Trump on Tuesday began phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which GOP hard-liners regard as illegal amnesty, but suggested Wednesday that if Congress passed a dreamers bill he might sign it.

Chuck and Nancy want to see something happen  and so do I, Trump said.

Later Wednesday, Trump brought a special guest with him to an oil refinery in Mandan, N.D., to pitch his tax-cut plan: Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat facing a tough reelection effort in a solidly Republican state that Trump carried in 2016 by 36 percentage points. He welcomed Heitkamp into his traveling delegation, affording her the chance to appear bipartisan by standing alongside a president popular with North Dakotans.

As Heitkamp stepped onto an outdoor catwalk at the Mandan refinery to join him on stage, Trump delivered play-by-play commentary: Everybodys saying, Whats she doing up here? But Ill tell you what: Good woman.

Trump opened his speech by recounting his great bipartisan meeting at the White House. Im committed to working with both parties to deliver for our wonderful, wonderful citizens, Trump said, citing Schumer and Pelosi by name before mentioning the Republicans who were in attendance.

Everybody was happy, Trump said of the meeting. Not too happy, because you can never be too happy, but they were happy enough.

By setting up another debt-ceiling vote in December  a vote in which Republicans will almost certainly need Democratic help to avoid default  Democrats keep their seat at the table in this falls key policy debates.

[Trump administration announces end of immigration protection program for dreamers]

Had Trump sided with GOP leaders, Democrats would have been stuck trying to extract concessions ahead of debt-ceiling votes this week using an empty threat  voting against a legislative package that includes the politically sensitive Harvey aid. Democrats believe pushing the debt-limit debate into December will increase their leverage on several issues, including the protection of dreamers and securing funds to help stabilize health-care markets.

Schumer and Pelosi also gained an edge by giving Democrats an aura of strategic command they have lacked since Trumps election. Instead of McConnell claiming victory, it was Schumer who told reporters, The nation can breathe a sigh of relief.

The deal may also benefit Trump by allowing him to revive his threat to shut down the government over wall funding.

At the White House, Republican leaders pushed for an 18-month debt-limit hike, then floated doing a six-month extension, according to two aides briefed on the meeting. But Pelosi and Schumer dismissed the six-month proposal, and Trump then agreed to the three-month hike that Democrats put on the table.

McConnell and Ryan came out of the White House meeting in the weakest position  losing an opportunity to neutralize the debt-ceiling issue before the 2018 midterm elections and to exclude Democrats from major policy debates this fall.

The presidents decision came barely an hour after Ryan panned the idea of a short-term debt hike, accusing Democrats of playing politics with much-needed aid for Hurricane Harvey victims.

I think thats ridiculous and disgraceful that they want to play politics with the debt ceiling at this moment when we have fellow citizens in need, Ryan told reporters.

Trump apparently disagreed.

We essentially came to a deal, and I think the deal will be very good, Trump said. We had a very, very cordial and professional meeting.

Not all Democrats were so thrilled with the deal. Some were upset it did not include protections for the estimated 800,000 dreamers.

So Trump attacks our dreamers, and the next day the Democrats walk in there and say, Oh, lets just have a nice timeout, while theyre all suffering? said Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.). That is what is wrong with Democrats. They dont stand up.

Schumer said he was not finished advocating for dreamers. This is not a trade-off for us, he said. This is a very important issue that were going to fight hard for until we get it done.

The plan for now is to suspend the debt ceiling until Dec. 15 and then revisit it with a vote by Congress before then, but the Treasury Department would retain flexibility to take emergency steps, two congressional aides said.

The short-term extensions for the debt ceiling and government funding are also expected to further cloud the prospects for enacting major tax cuts, Trumps top domestic priority. They effectively mean spending and budget fights will continue for months, just as the GOP was hoping to coalesce around a plan to cut taxes.

Trump tried to rally support for his tax plan in North Dakota.

Anybody thats going to vote against tax cuts and tax reforms  whether its in North Dakota or anybody else or any place else  youve got to vote against them and get them out of office, because its so, it is so bad, Trump said, pausing so that the crowd could cheer. This is not a close one.

The White House meeting took place just as the House approved the Harvey aid package, its first major order of business after the August recess.

The measure  providing $7.4 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and $450 million for a disaster loan program for small businesses  passed 419 to 3, with 12 members not voting. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), Justin Amash (R-Mich.) and Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) voted no. It now moves to the Senate, where leaders plan to hold a vote by the end of the week.

[Recovering from Harvey when you already live a disaster every day of your life]

Top House Republicans barely veiled their frustration with Trumps decision to side with Democrats on the debt ceiling. House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Tex.) said he would have not tied the knot so tight for December, saying an extension till at least February would have been better, but he carefully avoided criticizing Trump.

We all do it differently, Sessions said. I think it was an overly generous answer that he gave our friends the Democrats. But Im not going to be critical of my president. I support my president.

Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, was among those who warned that Democrats short-term debt-limit request could threaten GOP efforts to cut spending.

Obviously getting a [continuing resolution] and the debt ceiling to not come due at the same time would be the most prudent fiscal decision we could make, Meadows told reporters.

Rucker reported from Mandan. Damian Paletta, Abby Phillip, Paul Kane and Jenna Johnson in Washington contributed to this report.

Read more at PowerPost
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, here answering reporters questions in May 2017, said Tuesday that it was his aspirational goal to conclude the committees probe and release its findings by the end of the year. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet with Donald Trump Jr. on Thursday to discuss the Trump campaigns contacts with Russia, according to three Democratic members of the committee.

The meeting, which is expected to be comprehensive, is the first opportunity that members of the committee will have to grill someone from President Trumps inner circle about the campaigns alleged attempts to engage with Kremlin surrogates, during a period when the intelligence community believes Russia was taking steps to influence the 2016 presidential election in favor of Trumps candidacy.

Trump Jr. will be the first Trump campaign member who participated in a June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer to speak with the Senate Judiciary Committee. Committee members still hope to interview Trumps then-campaign manager Paul Manafort, and the presidents son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, about the meeting they held in Trump Tower with the Russian lawyer claiming to have damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

Kushner and Manafort have already spoken to the staff of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

But Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) suggested on Tuesday that Trump Jr. might not be able to tell senators much more than they already know.

Tell me what value there is to that one, Ill entertain it, Burr said, when asked whether the Senate Intelligence Committee also planned to speak with Trump Jr. in the coming weeks.

Burr said that his committee would nonetheless speak with Trump Jr. before it completes its review. On Tuesday, Burr reiterated that it was his aspirational goal to conclude the committees probe and release its findings by the end of the year  something he said should be possible unless the committee learns something that we dont know today in the meantime.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) has not set any such deadlines for his committees probe. He originally called Trump Jr. to testify before his committee in public in July, alongside Manafort and witnesses for a parallel probe the committee is running into lax enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Manafort is one of two senior Trump surrogates who had to retroactively register as a foreign agent in June.

The committee is still trying to interview Manafort, but has not been able to schedule him yet, according to members. Spokespeople for Grassley and ranking member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday afternoon.

Manafort has been resistant, to be very blunt. Certainly much more resistant than Trump Jr. Perhaps surprisingly but not really so much because Manafort probably is confronting some fairly serious criminal charges, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).

Though the Judiciary Committee cannot prosecute, only probe, Blumenthal surmised that Manafort might be nervous about the fact that we can elicit information from him, he said. Blumenthal then added: Were not going to give him immunity.

On Tuesday, Burr said that Manafort hasnt altered his cooperation with the Senate Intelligence Committee after changing his legal team, or the FBI raid on his home in late July.

The Judiciary Committees Thursday meeting with Trump Jr. is technically an interview with staff, but several members are planning on attending the meeting to ask their own questions directly.

Blumenthal said that for him, its all about following the money . . . financial dealings and how that entangled the Trump Organization.

Sen. Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.), who is also planning to attend, said that the interview will be a good opportunity to better understand what was going on in that meeting . . . and to better understand the thinking of core members of the presidents team.

Both the Senate Judiciary and Intelligence committees are trying to better establish the mind-set of the Trump campaign representatives who participated in that June 2016 meeting.

For the intelligence committee, that means bringing in more members of Trumps inner circle as well  but only once they are ready to interview them, Burr stressed, which likely wouldnt be for at least a few weeks.

Burr said that he does plan to bring Trumps lawyer Michael Cohen in to speak with the committee soon. He said he would not rule out the possibility that one or more of the interviews he is planning to hold with Trump surrogates before the end of the year might be public.

He acknowledged, however, that that might not please Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

Im not sure that theres any special counsel that wants you to have more public hearings of potential key witnesses, Burr said. He noted, however, that Mueller is on a totally different path than we are  hes on a criminal investigation, and were on a collusion-slash-influence by Russian in the elections.

Burr added that he and Mueller have not spoken since the original meeting that we had to talk about deconfliction. He and the president have not spoken in a long while either, Burr said, based in part [on] the advice he was given by his staff, and in part because its how I think the chairman of the committee should function. I dont think its appropriate to speak with the president about the investigation, Burr said.

Burr acknowledged Tuesday that new information about undisclosed meetings or other events could add weeks to the probe, extending it past the end of the year. A spokeswoman for committee ranking member Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) said that Warner already believes that recent revelations about the Trump campaigns contacts with Russia  such as Cohen emailing the Kremlin to ask about facilitating a Trump Tower deal in Moscow  are already likely to push the probe into 2018.

Burr said he intends to conclude the committees probe by releasing an unclassified version of its findings, without an editorial from the committee as to what those facts mean so they can come to their own conclusions as to what happened.

He told reporters that he expects the majority and the minority members of the committee to cooperate on that final product, though he rejected the idea that the committee would necessarily have to vote on that product to release it.

Im not sure weve done anything like this since Watergate, and Im not sure they voted on that, he said.

Read more at PowerPost
Senate leaders are prepared to vote this week on legislation that would pair an increase in the federal governments borrowing limit with $7.9 billion in disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Harvey despite opposition from conservatives.

The decision to combine the two unrelated measures is a potentially risky strategy that could further alienate conservatives who have insisted that any debt-limit increase be paired with corresponding spending cuts. Leaders hope that those on the far right will abandon their demands to immediately replenish rapidly diminishing funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), whose home state is still reeling from Harveys impact, endorsed the strategy Tuesday and vowed to move quickly to pass the debt-and-disaster package. And House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said in the Capitol late Tuesday that the House will also take up the measure if it passes the Senate.

I believe that FEMA is going to literally run out of money at the end of this week, Cornyn told reporters. It is imperative that we get that supplemental passed. The leaders made the decision to attach the debt limit to that, and I support that decision.

The House is expected to vote on an initial version of the disaster relief package on Wednesday. If all goes as planned, the Senate would then attach the debt-limit increase and hold a vote before the end of the week.

Such a swift timeline would allow Congress to approve the disaster relief money ahead of the potential impact of Hurricane Irma, which could make landfall in Florida this week. It would also allay fears of a federal government default if Congress fails to increase the debt limit.

But conservatives, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), want to see the disaster aid approved without the debt limit attached. Cruz said Tuesday that he believes the FEMA funds should not be tied to other unrelated matters but he did not answer when asked if he would actively oppose a plan to combine the two matters. My hope is that we will see strong bipartisan support for substantial relief from the crushing damages, Cruz said. There will be many ongoing discussions in Congress about passing that relief package.

President Trump has not explicitly endorsed the plan, but Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that both he and the president think that the debt limit should be tied to Harvey funding.

Our first priority is to make sure that the state gets money, Mnuchin said in an interview on Fox News Sunday. It is critical, and to do that we need to make sure we raise the debt limit.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) delivered a very similar statement on the Senate floor Tuesday.

I know that securing this emergency funding is very important for the president, McConnell said. I know that preventing a default or shutdown amid such a historic natural disaster is also very important to him  and even more so now with another major hurricane on the way.

But leaders of the major House conservative caucuses  the hard-line House Freedom Caucus and the larger Republican Study Committee, have both warned in recent days against attaching a debt-ceiling increase to a Harvey aid package. Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), the RSCs chairman, called the prospect a little unsettling and even more frustrating in a Fox News Channel interview Tuesday.

The chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), said Tuesday that tying the debt limit to disaster aid is just using it as leverage but he believes the White House supports McConnells plan.

They want the debt ceiling done no matter how it gets done, and I think they support this approach, Meadows told reporters. I think its a tactical move that this is the best way to do a debt-ceiling increase, and obviously it will work.

Members of the Freedom Caucus did not take a formal position Tuesday evening on the leadership plan, despite what Meadows called overwhelming opposition to the approach.

The roughly 40 Freedom Caucus members would not necessarily have the power to block the legislation. Democrats have generally supported increasing the debt limit in the past, and most Republicans expect that Democrats will do so again.

But if the group decides to vote against the bill it could exacerbate tensions among House Republicans and raise the specter that the bill could pass without a majority of the majority party  violating an informal rule that House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) had pledged to adhere to when he became speaker in 2015.

Conservative Rep. Joe Barton (R-Tex.), who represents a Dallas-area district, said he is eager to deliver relief for his fellow Texans but he would not say whether he would vote for an aid bill tied to a debt-limit increase.

I think thats a mistake, he said. The debt ceilings a different breed of cat.

Democrats also have not signed off on the plan, in part because Ryan and McConnell have not yet committed to how long the debt-limit increase would last. Senate Minority Leader Charles. E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Sunday that they are willing to consider the plan, but they did not commit to providing the votes necessary to ensure that the bill can pass without conservative support.

Democrats generally view the debt limit as a chance to get leverage in upcoming budget and spending battles.

"Providing aid in the wake of Harvey and raising the debt ceiling are both important issues, and Democrats want to work to do both," Schumer and Pelosi said in a statement.

"Given the interplay between all the issues Congress must tackle in September, Democrats and Republicans must discuss all the issues together."

Read more at PowerPost
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday that she is drafting the amendment with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) to try to protect the transgender troops against the order that President Trump issued in July banning them from the military. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post)

Two senators are preparing an amendment to challenge President Trumps announced ban on transgender people serving in the military that they hope to attach to a sweeping defense bill the chamber is set to consider this month.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday that she is drafting the amendment with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) to try to protect the transgender troops against the order that Trump initially issued via Twitter in July banning them from the military.

[Trump announces that he will ban transgender people from serving in the military]

In tweets, the president wrote that the government "will not accept or allow Transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military." Last month, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis froze implementation of the president's policy until the Pentagon can convene experts to help determine how to best carry it out. In an official memorandum, the White House gave Mattis until Feb. 1 to make that determination.

[Transgender ban frozen as Mattis moves forward with new review of options]

The backlash to Trump's order has been swift and bipartisan  but it is not yet clear what support there will be for Gillibrand's planned amendment. Representatives for Collins and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.), who is managing the bill, declined to comment for this story.

The entire $700 billion defense bill is also being held up by at least one senators objections to let it proceed unless he is promised a vote on an amendment giving Congress a chance to weigh in on the U.S. militarys engagement in conflicts.

Im asking for one vote on an amendment to sunset 2001 and 2002 AUMFs, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Tuesday, referring to authorizations for use of military force. If I get that vote, Ill let [the defense bill] go, otherwise Ill oppose it coming up.

[House spending bill targets military authorization in rebuke to Trump on Syria, ISIS]

Both the Trump and Obama administrations have argued, over the objections of many in Congress, that the legal foundation for continuing combat operations in Afghanistan and against the Islamic State can be found in a pair of authorizations for use of military force that Congress passed 15 years ago. The 2001 AUMF authorized military operations against al-Qaeda, the Taliban and associated groups, while the 2002 AUMF let the military go into Iraq.

Paul explained that his amendment would not actually replace the AUMFs he seeks to repeal. Instead, it would sunset the existing AUMFs after six months, giving Congress a hard deadline in which to come up with an alternative.

Its kind of similar to what theyre doing with DACA, Paul explained, noting it would force us to debate on it in the next six months.

[Trump administration announces end of immigration protection program for dreamers]

On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Trump administration would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that has let 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children study or work free from fear of deportation. The program will end after six months, however  giving Congress a half-year window in which to try to pass a bill to allow them to stay.

Paul is not the only member of the Senate who has been angling for Congress to pass a new AUMF. Several members of Congress have proposed new AUMFs to replace one or both of those authorizations with a new mandate for fighting terrorist groups. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) has promised that his committee would take up at least one AUMF proposal this year.

But although proponents of a new AUMF think that the defense authorization bill is a good vehicle for a military force authorization, the Senates chief agitator for an AUMF said Tuesday that he disagreed with Pauls approach of holding up the defense bill until a vote is guaranteed.

The national defense bill is a product of our work across the aisle in the Armed Services Committee to support our troops, and holding that up unnecessarily would be a disservice to our service members and their families, said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who has been angling for a new AUMF for several years. He and Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) partnered again this year to write the AUMF proposal that has gained the most traction in the body.

We do owe it to the public to debate our military engagements in the most transparent way possible, which is why the best approach is for the Foreign Relations Committee to accelerate its work, mark up a new AUMF, and vote on it, Kaine added.

Paul may not be the only senator objecting to efforts to advance the defense bill through the Senate. On Tuesday evening, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) said that Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) was also resisting moving forward.

Lee spokesman Conn Carroll said Wednesday morning that Lee is looking for an open debate and opportunity to amend the NDAA, particularly with a measure to guarantee that American citizens and lawful permanent residents detained during war or other military operations are guaranteed due process. Lee has held up the defense bill in previous years over this measure.

Paul has also held up debate on the defense bill earlier this year. Paul objected to the Senates bringing up the defense bill in the immediate aftermath of the failed health-care vote, pushing the debate to September. McCain cast the deciding vote to bring down the health-care bill, a vote that Trump has forcefully complained about since, including during a rally in McCains home state of Arizona. But Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) on Tuesday rejected rumors that anyone might be holding up the defense bill as a means of punishing McCain for that vote.

Senate leaders are trying to make sure that McCain can shepherd the bill through the Senate as he has done in years past, despite the senators recent brain cancer diagnosis. McCain returned to Capitol Hill from the August recess with the rest of lawmakers on Tuesday.

Read more at PowerPost
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-05 23:27:19|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TALLINN, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Estonian Minister for Rural Affairs, Tarmo Tamm, on Tuesday stressed the need for better cooperation and exchange of information between EU countries after the fipronil scandal.

The health of EU citizens is extremely important and that the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will take the issue very seriously, Tamm was quoted as saying in a statement.

He expected to "resolve these kinds of crisis situation faster and more efficiently".

On the last day of a three-day informal meeting of EU ministers for agriculture and fisheries, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis informed the EU ministers on the steps taken by his commission after the incident and the actions that will follow.

He invited the ministers to a high-level ministerial meeting in Brussels on Sept. 26 to discuss how to improve the way EU networks are dealing with food safety and food fraud.

In several EU member states, authorities have found eggs and egg products that have been contaminated with fipronil.

Fipronil is a pesticide effective on a large number of pests. It is considered slightly poisonous by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is hence forbidden on animals destined for the food chain to prevent damage to human liver, thyroid and kidney.

While the risk to human health is low, the consequences of this criminal activity have greatly impacted consumer confidence, as the ramifications of the illegal use of fipronil on laying hens has become an EU-wide issue with hundreds of farms blocked from production, said the statement.


A Rohingya refugee carries a child through a paddy field after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Teknaf, Bangladesh, on Wednesday. (Danish Siddiqui/Reuters)

More than 140,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled violence in Burma over the past 10 days, carrying with them whatever they can on the perilous journey to Bangladesh and arriving hungry, injured and afraid, if they arrive at all.

The mass exodus of Rohingya began on Aug. 25, when members of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), a militant group, attacked dozens of police posts.

The number of displaced is expected to rise, and possibly double, in the coming days.

More than 400 people have been killed in the clashes, some of the worst fighting in decades in a state prone to religious and ethnic conflict. Burmas government says 371 of the dead are Rohingya fighters, 15 are from the security forces and civil service, and 22 are civilians.

[How Burmas Rohingya crisis went from bad to worse]

Much is in dispute in Rakhine state, where an estimated 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims live in uneasy relations with their Buddhist neighbors.

Rohingya activists and monitors say many of the dead are noncombatants and that massacres  including decapitations  have taken place. They also argue the death toll is much higher.

The government says Rohingya militants and supporters are burning their own homes, spreading fake news, and killing their own people, including informants.

It is the terrorists who are cutting off heads, and this needs to be known by you and the rest of the world, Burmas national security adviser, Thaung Tun, said Wednesday at a news conference.

What is not in dispute is the epic migration unfolding.

Ive worked in many war zones. Ive worked with refugees before. But the scale of this particular flow of refugees is highly distressing, said Tejshree Thapa, senior South Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Thapa witnessed the exodus in Coxs Bazar in Bangladesh on the border with Burma.

Ive spoken to people who have walked four or five days through mountains, across rivers, she said. Its wave after wave. I mean, you stand at the border and its just family after family. Its endless. You drive down one patch of road, you see thousands of people. You turn down another patch of road and see thousands.



Rohingya refugees get off to the boat as they arrive in Bangladesh through the Bay of Bengal near Teknaf on Tuesday. (Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters)

The story of the Rohingya, the worlds largest stateless group, is a story of movement.

In the decades after World War II, tens of thousands fled an increasingly unwelcoming Burma, with waves occurring in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

There are Rohingya diaspora communities in Malaysia, India, Nepal, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. But the biggest is in Bangladesh, where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya live, many undocumented.

In 2012, intercommunal violence in Rakhine state sent more than 140,000 Rohingya into internal displacement camps, where many remain today. In 2014, tens of thousands fled the country by sea.

Last year, nearly 90,000 escaped to Bangladesh after ARSA first emerged with deadly assaults on border guard posts, triggering a crackdown by the military that has resulted in allegations of possible crimes against humanity.

Organized armed resistance is nothing new, but it has taken different forms and names over the years. ARSA was formed in the aftermath of the violence in 2012, with ties to the diaspora.

Burmas government insists on calling the Rohingya Bengali, implying that they are illegal immigrants.





The length of the trip from Burma to Bangladesh can depend on a variety of factors, not least geography.

Those closer to Maungdaw, a town near the top of northern Rakhine, are positioned closer to the Naf River separating the two countries and may be able to cross that way.

But at least 57 people have died after their boats capsized trying to make the trip.

Those living further south have to navigate security patrols, some of which have reportedly involved civilians. Making the trip on foot further north involves a longer, hilly journey that can take almost two weeks.

There are other problems. The monitoring group Fortify Rights, for example, has documented instances of ARSA fighters preventing men from fleeing.

Health officials and rights monitors in Bangladesh say hospitals are filled with patients needing serious medical care. There are food, water and medical scarcities, and hospitals are overwhelmed.

Some arrive long after getting hurt.

The patients came here many days after they received bullet injuries inside Myanmar, Sumon Barua, the chief of a medical facility in Teknaf, near the border, said, using another name for the country.

Rakhine state has been declared a military operations zone, and government officials have implied that ARSA members could be mixing in with civilians to elude capture.

But many Rohingya describe fleeing an aggressive army campaign that does not distinguish between militants and civilians.

Mohamed Ayat, 22, said he was shot twice in the leg on Friday when he tried to flee his house after the army tried to burn it down.

I couldnt leave my house before September 1 as there was heavy firing [in the area], he said.

He left without any food.

A man who identified himself only as Arafat said he fled along with six family members, including his wife, son, sister and two nephews.

He says the Burmese military set fire to their homes in northern Rakhine on Aug. 31, forcing them to leave the area and that a member of the security forces killed his 14-year-old cousin.

They walked for two days to reach the border and then crossed on a tiny boat on Saturday, he said.

[Hundreds are dead in Burma as the Rohingya crisis explodes again]

Stories of experiences inside northern Rakhine, which is largely closed off to the media, could not be independently verified.

Videos circulating online depict groups of refugees massed in a no mans land along the border, and one appeared to show a trail of people gingerly stepping over a small strip of tarp that had been placed over barbed wire.

Burmas de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, whose new administration is less than two years old, has come under increased pressure for not doing more to speak up for the Rohingya.

Though she rarely weighs in on developments in Rakhine, she told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday that the government is defending all the people of the state, according to a readout of the call.

ARSA on Wednesday called on the international community to put maximum pressure on the Burmese government to stop committing what it called war crime, genocide, and crimes against humanity.



A Rohingya woman arrives with her children at Kutupalong refugee camp after crossing from Burma into Bangladesh in Ukhia on Tuesday. (Bernat Armangue/AP)

Muktadir Rashid contributed to this report from Dhaka.

Read more

Rohingya crisis intensifies as Indias Modi arrives in Burma for talks

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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A US soldier sits in the rear of Chinook helicopter while flying over Kabul. (Shah Marai/AFP/Getty Images)

A senior U.S. commander in Afghanistan apologized Wednesday for propaganda leaflets that superimposed a key Islamic text on the image of a dog.

The leaflets distributed by U.S. forces in Parwan province, north of Kabul, on Tuesday depicted a lion, representing the U.S.-led coalition, chasing a dog with a section of the Talibans banner, containing a passage from the Koran in Arabic, superimposed on its side.

Linking Islamic texts and religious beliefs with animals is a sensitive matter in the Islamic world, including Afghanistan, a country where the United States is fighting its longest anti-Islamist war and that has been the scene of bloody protests over religious issues.

Dogs are particularly offensive.

In Afghan society, many people are culturally and religiously sensitive to the issue of dogs. The animals generally are considered unclean, diseased and dangerous, and a common Afghan proverb says that if a dog is in your home, angels will not cross the doorstep. Dogs are a common sight in Afghanistan and are traditionally used for fighting, guarding and herding. The Afghan hound is considered a national treasure, although few can be found in the country anymore.

Many wealthy Afghans now import expensive breeds as a status symbol, especially German shepherds, but local or stray dogs are still widely shunned, and children often throw stones at them. Even though the American pamphlet showed a dog in connection with Taliban militants, who are officially the enemy of the Afghan government and people, the symbol and slogan were still considered offensive, creating a public uproar on social media and leading to the U.S. militarys hasty apology.

The Taliban in a statement Wednesday slammed the leaflets, saying they were deliberately distributed to show the United States utter animosity with Islam. Qari Mohammad Yousuf, a spokesman for the group, urged Afghans to support the militants in their war against U.S. troops to save the country and Islam.

Zabiullah Mujahid, another spokesman for the group, later said that as a move to partly avenge the leaflets, a suicide bomber conducted an attack on U.S. troops at an entrance of Bagram air base Wednesday afternoon. The coalition confirmed a blast outside the base. Without giving details, it said that the blast had caused a small number of casualties and that the injured were treated inside the base.

The base was secure, it said in a statement.

The propaganda leaflets drew stern criticism and anger among the residents of Parwan  home to Bagram, the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan  and prompted the coalition to issue an apology Wednesday.

The design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam. I sincerely apologize, Maj. Gen. James Linder said in a statement.

We have the deepest respect for Islam and our Muslim partners worldwide, he said, promising an investigation to find out why the incident happened and to hold those responsible accountable. Furthermore, I will make appropriate changes so this never happens again.

Parwans authorities have managed to calm anger by talking to the public, officials said.

It is a very serious violation. The people are very angry. It is a major abuse against Islam, Mohammad Zaman Mamozai, the police chief of Parwan, said by phone.

Why they do not understand or know our culture, our religion and history? We lost several million, became refugees, lost our country and government just because of our religion, he said referring to the occupation of Afghanistan by the former Soviet Union in the 1980s.

Images of the leaflets also have been published on some social media sites.

Regain your freedom from these terrorist dogs and aid the coalition forces so that they annihilate these enemies, said the writing on the top of the leaflet.

President Ashraf Ghanis government, which some consider a puppet of the United States, has not reacted to the distribution of the leaflets.

Parwan was the scene of days of anti-U.S. demonstrations in 2012 when copies of the Koran along with other Islamic texts were burnedat the Bagram base by U.S. troops. The U.S. military apologized at the time, saying it was a mistake and not a deliberate act.

The demonstrations turned violent and spread to other parts of the country.

Constable reported from Islamabad, Pakistan.

Read more

In Kabul, access to safe drinking water is a matter of money

Shes a Nobel winner heading to Oxford. But Malala hate is still real in Pakistan.

I believe in the Afghan people, says top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
The killing of a prominent journalist and government critic outside her home in Bangalore prompted protests in major Indian cities Wednesday and a national uproar about the shrinking space for free speech in the world's most populous democracy.

Gauri Lankesh, 55, was shot in the head and chest Tuesday on her doorstep by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

Although police have not yet identified suspects or possible motives, Lankeshs death is widely being attributed to her work as a journalist and activist.

They want us to be intimidated, said Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, former editor of the academic journal Economic and Political Weekly, speaking at the Press Club here. I hope that a thousand Gauri Lankeshes will be born and will rise among us.

Lankesh was a vocal critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the rising far-right Hindu nationalism associated with his party. Her death follows a string of recent killings that targeted leftist academics and scholars, activists said.



A security guard walks past a placard installed at the Press Club of Kolkata in solidarity with Lankesh. (Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters)

The activist was given a state funeral in Bangalore, where her body was displayed in a glass case adorned with marigolds.

Activists gathered at the Press Club and in cities across India holding signs that read, #IamGauri and Who is next? They shouted, May Gauri Lankesh remain immortal.

The killing was condemned by organizations such as Amnesty International. The U.S. Embassy in India said in a statement: The U.S. Mission in India joins advocates of press freedom in India and worldwide in condemning the murder of respected journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bangalore. We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Lankesh.

Her death has been compared to the killings of other writers and scholars in recent years. I think there should be no doubt in our mind that she has been killed because of her work as a journalist, said Siddharth Varadarajan, editor of online news outlet the Wire. He said that police officers did not properly investigate the other deaths and that the failure encouraged those who killed Lankesh.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 27 journalists have been killed in India since 1992. According to the World Press Freedom Index, India fell three points in 2017, ranking 136 out of 180 countries.

Lankeshs killing is the most high profile in recent years. She edited a popular regional tabloid called Gauri Lankesh Patrike, known for its irreverence toward politicians and its coverage of issues that affected the most marginalized sections of society.

She was very respected and well-known, said Ramesh Aroli, who teaches journalism at Kamala Nehru College at the University of Delhi and who is writing a doctoral thesis about Lankesh Patrike. People used to call her office to complain about corrupt politicians.



Police investigate the crime scene at Lankeshs house. (Manjunath Kiran/AFP/Getty Images)

Lankesh Patrike was started by Lankeshs father, P. Lankesh, a poet and literary giant in Karnataka. When it first came out in the 1980s, the publication significantly altered the regional media scene, poking fun at politicians and spotlighting issues that mattered to the rural and semi-urban populations of the state, rather than catering to city dwellers.

Gauri Lankesh inherited the paper in 2000 when her father died. But differences with her brother resulted in a split, and in 2005, Lankesh started her own publication. This weeks issue carried a cover story about a former chief minister of Karnataka who had previously been arrested for a corruption scandal, with a headline that read, Once again, the fear of jail.

Lankeshs stories had prompted death threats and abuse on social media and on the phone, friends said. In November 2016, she was convicted of defamation, a criminal charge in India, after she ran a story alleging that local leaders of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party were involved in a scam to cheat a jeweler.

She was not an intellectual like her father, per se, said Umapathy, a journalist and friend of Lankesh who goes by only one name. But she was a firebrand activist, much more so than her father was.

At the Press Club here, people paid tributes to Lankeshs work on behalf of people historically underrepresented in India: women, those in low castes and the poor. A student activist recalled how Lankesh had donated her own money to help a struggling fellow student pay for his studies abroad.

Close friends of Lankesh expressed disbelief at the news of her death. I wish it was a dream, said Bharathi Gowda, who knew Lankesh for three decades. Her family is in shock.

Read more

Crackdown on news network NDTV sparks fears that press freedom in India is under threat

Why Trump wants a war on the media

How corporations, billionaires, and secretive governments curtail press freedom

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Two guitar players strummed and sang in Farsi as a stream of Afghans and Iranians knelt at the front of Trinity Lutheran Church, sipping wine from a shared Communion cup. Most of the congregants had arrived in Germany within the last two years, part of the refugee influx that's brought more than a million asylum seekers to the country since 2015.

At the peak of the crisis two years ago, this Lutheran church was holding mass baptisms of more than 200 people at a time, said the pastor, Gottfried Martens. This church went from just a few hundred members to more than 1,300 Iranians and Afghans, Martens said. All converts.

When Germany opened its doors to refugees in 2015, churches and church-affiliated organizations played a critical role in the response. Most of them took care to separate religion from humanitarian aid, especially those implementing state-funded relief projects. More than two years later, however, some churches are more actively defending refugees, even housing rejected asylum seekers in churches so German police cannot deport them, while submitting legal appeals for their cases. Many of these church asylum beneficiaries have also converted, a controversial act thats drawn criticism from Islamic groups and skepticism from German authorities.

Downstairs at the Lutheran church, 12 rejected asylum seekers were living in the basement. Iranian Ali Karimi, 44, said hed been in the church building for almost six months. Karimi had fled to Germany after being imprisoned twice in Iran for political activism, he said, and had become a Christian while taking refuge in this building. Im looking for a religion that doesnt force, push or kill, Karimi said.

[The mysterious drop in the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean]

Refugees in the European Union are subject to a law called the Dublin Regulation, which requires that asylum seekers process their papers in the country where they entered the E.U. Karimi came in through Italy, so Germany could send him back there under the Dublin Regulation, as it tried to do with 29,507 asylum seekers in the first half of 2017. Yet, only 3,085 of those people were actually deported. One way to avoid deportation is through church asylum, in which people like Karimi live in churches for six months, after which German law allows asylum seekers to process their requests in Germany instead.

There are 351 church asylum locations in Germany, according to Asyl in der Kirche, a network of German parishes offering safe houses. They host 551 people, including 127 children and 301 Dublin cases. Legally, German police can deport both Dublin cases and rejected asylum seekers, a phenomenon that has increased for Afghans in particular. Germany started deporting hundreds of Afghans in 2016, sending them on charter flights back to Afghanistan, despite the countrys growing instability. If refugees are living on church grounds, however, police wont enter.

Germanys church asylum movement dates to 1983, when a parish in Berlin protected three Palestinian families from deportation to Lebanon amid its civil war. Hundreds of refugees have sought German church asylum since then, with a success rate of more than 75 percent.

The law doesnt say that police cant enter the church. But they dont do it. Its something sacred, said Martina Domke, head of migration at the Cologne office of Diakonie, the social welfare organization of Germanys Protestant churches. The churches said: Sometimes from a humanitarian or a Christian point of view, the law is not correct, Domke said.

Conversion is both a side effect of church relief and a potential advantage for rejected asylum seekers, who can claim deeper need for asylum if they are at risk of religious persecution in their home country. Whats tricky for both authorities and church leaders is determining whether a converts faith is real. Many of Martenss church members have been rejected and told they are not really Christian, which Martens said is a cause of contention between authorities and the church.

Pastors say, I know this man. He is a Christian, and they say, Hes just cheating,  Martens said. One of his congregation members was asked what illness Martin Luther died of, he said, and when he couldnt answer, he was told he wasnt a Christian.

We as churches dont want to support cheating via religion. Thats why we check so carefully  if someone cant explain to me why he wants to be a Christian, I wont baptize him, Martens said.

[Europe is trying to cut the flow of migrants from Africa. It wont be easy.]

Bekir Alboga, general secretary of the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs, Germanys largest Islamic organization, said converting refugees is a form of abuse.

You want to give bread in one hand and a Bible in the other, Alboga said, adding that the main reason Islamic groups dont do as much for refugees as Christian groups is because of their legal status. Germanys two main churches are highly structured and close to the state, with long-established status as public corporations that can own land, collect taxes and receive government money to implement social welfare projects. Germanys mosques and Islamic associations have not attained that status.

Almost all support and work for refugees are paid from the government to church organizations, Alboga said.

Church leaders say government money is exactly why conversion is not a goal of the mainstream German church. Were paid by the government, so our work must be open to everyone. We have to follow humanitarian principles and Christian principles, Domke said, adding that those latter principles influence Diakonies worldview but dont compel it to recruit others into its religion.

The Protestant church says: Jesus was a refugee, so love the other person. But were not trying to make them part of a group.

Martens disagreed with the main churches aversion to conversion, but also rejected Albogas accusation of active missions work. We are not doing mission work among Muslims, Martens said. But people who come here are fed up with Iran and Afghanistan, and looking for an alternative. I dont think we should patronize them and say, You should know there is a better Islam than this. This is religious freedom.

Though some of the converts may be pretending for the sake of bettering their chances at asylum, others point out that changing religion has made their lives harder.

I cant believe when people ask, Didnt you just come here for a better life?  said 32-year-old Saeed Hassan, who was jailed twice in Iran, for political dissent and for getting caught with alcohol and his girlfriend. Resentment toward religious government made him first an atheist and then a Christian.

He fled Tehran in 2015 when Iranian police caught him with a Bible in his car, eventually arriving in Berlin, where he has yet to receive refugee status. His parents have since divorced, he said, fighting over whether their son should risk return to Iran instead of struggling to survive in Europe. He hasnt seen his wife in two years, and hes been drinking more and more recently to fight off loneliness.

I had everything in Iran, Hassan said. My wife, my car, my house in the north  you think I want this better life in camps and hiding, alone for two years now? I choose to believe in Jesus. But for everything else  to run, to be a refugee, to come to Germany  I did not have a choice.

Reporting for this story was supported by the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

Read more:

An experiment: Can rock climbing lure young Jordanians from the pull of violent extremism?

In once-welcoming Italy, the tide turns against migrants

Migrant flow to Italy shrinks as government in Rome cracks down

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, center, and his daughter Alicia Menendez, left, exit federal court in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. (Louis Lanzano/Bloomberg)

The bribery trial of Sen. Robert Menendez began Wednesday with a federal prosecutor charging that the lawmaker sold his office in exchange for luxury getaways, private jet flights and hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign cash.

This is what bribery looks like, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Koski in opening arguments at U.S. District Court in Newark. These two defendants corrupted one of the most powerful offices in our country. The defendants didnt just trade money for power, they also tried to cover it up.

Menendez (D-N.J.) is accused of receiving gifts from Salomon Melgen, a doctor in West Palm Beach, in exchange for a range of government favors involving the doctors professional and personal life.

The two men have spent years fighting the charges, saying their trips together were evidence only of their public friendship, not secret crimes.

Supporters of the senator applauded as he walked into the courthouse to face trial on 12 separate charges.

Not once have I dishonored my public office, Menendez said.

He became emotional and choked back tears as he thanked his children and supporters who have stood by me as I try to clear my name.

The courtroom of Judge William Walls was filled for opening arguments, as was a second, overflow courtroom.

Menendezs lawyer, Abbe D. Lowell, accused the Justice Department of trying to paint a decades-long friendship as something sinister and criminal.

It is wrong for a public official to violate the public trust, but its equally wrong for an innocent man to be charged, he said. The evidence will be that Bob Menendez and Sal Melgen have a real friendship.

Lowell said the prosecutors are focused on seven years of alleged corruption, but the relationship between the two men goes back to the early 1990s  proving their friendship is genuine. Acting out of friendship is not improper, it is not corrupt, and it is certainly not a crime, Lowell said.

Koski, the prosecutor, derided that claim.

Theres no friendship exception to bribery, Koski said.

Prosecutors allege Menendez repeatedly pulled strings to help Melgen in a variety of areas: in getting his girlfriends U.S. visas, in trying to resolve the doctors $8.9 million billing dispute with Medicare, and in an effort to help Melgens efforts to make money from a port security contract in the Dominican Republic.

Senator Menendez went to bat for Doctor Melgen at the highest levels of our federal government over the course of many years . . . because Melgen gave Menendez access to a lifestyle that reads like a travel brochure for the rich and famous, Koski said.

Make no mistake about it  Robert Menendez was Salomon Melgens personal United States senator.

Prosecutors say they can tie $750,000 worth of campaign cash from Melgen to Menendezs favors.

Since his indictment two years ago, Menendez has seen his political star dim, but he still has plenty of allies in the Democratic Party. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) attended the opening argument, and the two senators laughed and chatted during a court break.

Menendez has said he plans to attend the trial every day, but if a critical vote came to the Senate floor during the trial, he would consider leaving if his vote was needed.

Melgens lawyer, Kirk Ogrosky, attacked prosecutors for what he called their filthy, dirty view of the world and urged jurors not to be so jaded.

The defendants are not guilty and they stand falsely accused, said Ogrosky. What youre going to hear from every single witness who knows these two men is that they are friends. Real friends.

He also said prosecutors would try to make his married client look bad by calling his former girlfriends to the witness stand  but urged the panel to focus on the facts. These people want to trot these girlfriends here in front of you, he said. Youre not here to judge his personal life. Im here to tell you right now that hes not always the best husband.

The trial is expected to last nearly two months, but tempers were running high even before the jury entered the courtroom, during a couple of tense exchanges between Menendezs lawyers and the judge.

When defense lawyer Raymond Brown argued that the judge had disparaged their case, the judge grew exasperated.

Shut up for a moment, the judge said.

Excuse me, sir? the lawyer replied.

Walls told the lawyer he felt quasi-insulted by the lawyers suggestion that a judges response was too critical of the defense.

The judge got testy again when Lowell defended another filing that the defense had made before opening arguments.

Lowell insisted theyd only made the filing to adhere to a previous instruction from the judge. Fine. Bill me, the judge shot back.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 00:52:57|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GENEVA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said here on Tuesday that its two staff abducted by an armed group in February in Afghanistan have been set free.

"We are relieved and grateful that our colleagues are now back with us unharmed," the Geneva-based organization quoted its external head of delegation in Afghanistan, Monica Zanarelli, as saying.

The two ICRC staff members went missing in a deadly attack, which also killed other six Red Cross colleagues.

"Their abduction and the killings of our six colleagues were emotional agony for all of us, especially for their families and friends," said the organization.

ICRC President Peter Maurer tweeted: "Relieved that our colleagues abducted in #Afghanistan have been released. Respect for humanitarians is imperative. We are #NotATarget."

The two staff members were abducted on Feb. 8 while on their way to deliver assistance in Jawzan province along with six other ICRC personnel (in all, three drivers and five field officers).

Their relief convoy was attacked in an area south of the town of Shibergan and six staff members were shot and killed.

The ICRC did not comment on the identity of the abductors, their motives or the details of the release.

The Swiss national broadcaster, however, speculated on its website, Swissinfo, that it was suspected that the Islamic State gunmen carried out the attack as it noted that numerous armed groups are present in northern Afghanistan.

The ICRC team had been transporting relief and livestock supplies to areas affected by heavy snow and avalanches in the north of the country.

The ICRC said that kidnapping have been a major problem in Afghanistan for many years. Most victims are Afghans abducted for ransom, but foreigners or Afghans working for foreign organizations have also been targeted.
The United States on Wednesday placed sanctions on three close associates of South Sudans president, saying they had personally profited from a climate of corruption in a government that has been called a kleptocracy.

The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Gen. Malek Reuben Riak Rengu, the armys deputy chief of staff in charge of military procurement; and Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudans information minister. In addition, sanctions were placed on Paul Malong Awan, who was chief of staff of the South Sudan Peoples Liberation Army until President Salva Kiir fired him in May. Three companies owned or controlled by Riak also were sanctioned.

The Treasury Department said the sanctions were in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan and the role of officials in undermining stability and peace.

These actions send a clear message to those enriching themselves at the expense of the South Sudanese people that we will not let them exploit the U.S. financial system to move and hide the proceeds of their corruption, said Sigal Mandelker, undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. Treasury will forcefully respond to the atrocities ongoing in South Sudan by targeting those who abuse human rights, seek to derail the peace process and obstruct reconciliation in South Sudan.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement that the Trump administration will increasingly scrutinize South Sudanese officials.

This is a man-made crisis, and one the Government of South Sudan can stop, she said.

The sanctions come days after Kiir met in the capital of Juba with a senior U.S. official who raised concerns about the violence sweeping South Sudan and the dangers posed to humanitarian workers trying to reach starving people amid a civil war.

Mark Green, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said he warned Kiir that the administration is reviewing U.S. policy toward South Sudan, but Kiir dismissed all his concerns. The following day, after he visited U.N. and church compounds where tens of thousands of ethnic minorities have sought protection from government forces who have looted their homes and killed people, Green told reporters that he thought Kiir should visit the same sites and observe the truth firsthand.

[U.S. warns South Sudan: Chaos is not acceptable]

The timing of the sanctions so soon after Greens visit suggests that while the measures were already in the works, they could have been averted if Kiir had acknowledged the lawlessness and government corruption and agreed to improve the situation.

The United States has spent about $730 million this year on humanitarian aid to people uprooted by almost four years of conflict.

South Sudan is the newest and one of the poorest countries in the world. It declared independence from Sudan in 2011, and war erupted two years later over a falling-out between Kiir and his vice president, a political rival. Since then, 2 million civilians have been displaced inside South Sudan, and another 2 million have fled as refugees to neighboring countries. In the chaos engulfing the country, 83 humanitarian aid workers have been killed, making it the most dangerous place in the world for them to work.

In 2014, President Barack Obama placed sanctions on six military officers in South Sudan, including one who commands opposition troops. None ranked as high or was as closely linked to Kiir as those sanctioned Wednesday.

Officials from the United Nations and donor countries have visited South Sudan recently to urge Kiir to participate in peace negotiations. Almost all have said the government is as much to blame for the violence and resulting famine as the opposition troops fighting it.

A report last year in the Sentry, an investigative group funded by actor George Clooney, said top officials in South Sudan have accumulated fortunes while war and atrocities have pushed the country to the edge of collapse. The State Department's latest human rights report cited the Sentry's conclusion that South Sudan's government is a kleptocracy.

The Treasury Department said Riak was responsible for planning offensives in which civilians were targeted and human rights abuses occurred. It said he had entered into contracts with inflated prices, for which he received kickbacks. The Sentry said it saw documents showing millions of dollars moving through Riak's personal bank account over four years, although he drew an annual salary of $32,000.

According to the Treasury Department, Malong ordered army units to block the movement of humanitarian supplies for hungry civilians, claiming that food would be diverted to militias instead. Treasury said that after Malong was fired and fled Juba, he was reportedly stopped carrying millions of U.S. dollars allegedly stolen from the army. The Sentry said that Malong, whose government salary was $45,000 a year, has two luxury villas in Uganda and a mansion in a gated community in Kenya.

Makuei, as information minister, was accused of advocating actions that obstructed the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Treasury Department also said he was involved in planning a 2014 attack on a U.N. compound in which three U.N. guards and 140 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed. Last week, Makuei said in a news conference that the government will review the mandate for U.N. peacekeepers to operate in South Sudan when it is scheduled for renewal in December.
The international, sanctions-focused approach to dealing with North Korea has been a success, according to the commander of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet, because it has staved off a war in Asia.

Speaking just three days after North Korea detonated a huge nuclear device that was or was close to being a hydrogen bomb, Adm. Scott Swift said that the only alternative to diplomacy and pressure was military action.

I think that the strategy has worked, Swift said in an interview Wednesday in Tokyo, describing the use of sanctions to try to stop North Korea from pursuing nuclear weapons. I say it has worked because we are not at war.

Swift reiterated recent pronouncements from the secretaries of defense and state that all options are on the table but that diplomacy and pressure were preferred to military action against North Korea.

The international community is in a much better place to deal with Pyongyang than if we had foreclosed on the diplomatic options, Swift said.

China, South Korea, Japan, Russia, the United States  all of those with direct equities have been working hard, Swift said after two days of meetings here and in Seoul with political and military leaders.

[Trump leaves open military option with North Korea: Well see]

Since North Korea conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, it has been subject to increasingly harsh unilateral and multilateral sanctions, designed to cut off its ability to obtain the parts and the money needed for its weapons program but also to inflict so much economic pain that the current leader, Kim Jong Un, decides its not worth it.

But some analysts say the sanctions have clearly not worked, neither changing Kims calculus nor isolating the regime.

The nuclear test conducted Sunday had an explosive yield of 160 kilotons, the Japanese government said Wednesday, making it more than 10 times the size of the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima and putting it into thermonuclear territory.

Since Sunday's test, the United States has been pushing at the United Nations for "the strongest possible" sanctions against North Korea, raising the prospect of an oil embargo.

South Korea and Japan are backing the United States calls for more tough sanctions on North Korea, but China and Russia, both veto-wielding members of the U.N. Security Council, favor negotiations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday condemned the Norths latest nuclear test but dismissed the idea of cutting off oil exports to the communist country, which was once a Soviet client state and continues to have close ties with Moscow.

It is clear that it is impossible to solve the problems of the Korean Peninsula by sanctions alone and pressure, Putin said after talks with his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, at an economic forum in the Far Eastern Russian city of Vladivostok.

One shouldnt give in to emotions and drive North Korea into a corner, Putin said, according to local reports. He added that the countries involved need to stop tensions from escalating.

Without political and diplomatic tools, it is very difficult to change the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Putin said.

[South Korea raises possibility of bringing back U.S. tactical nuclear weapons]

Moon had asked the Russian president to support a drive to cut off crude oil supplies to North Korea, said Yoon Young-chan, Moons spokesman.

But Putin said that might hurt ordinary North Korean citizens, Yoon told reporters.

Elected president of South Korea in May on a pledge to engage with North Korea, Moon has taken a notably harder line in recent weeks, partly driven by Pyongyang's increasing provocations and partly, it seems, in response to President Trump's criticism Sunday of Moon's "talk of appeasement."



During a phone call Monday, Trump and Moon agreed to maximize pressure on North Korea using all means at their disposal, according to the White House.

Moons government said Wednesday it would go ahead with plans to install four more rocket launchers to complete the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) antimissile system at a base in the south of the country.

China's primary objection to an oil embargo stems from concern over stability on its borders. For all its anger with Kim over his nuclear and missile tests, Beijing does not want to cause the collapse of his regime and the uncertainty that would follow. For Russia, which has been under U.S. economic sanctions, resisting an oil embargo is more a matter of principle.

Still, Swift said that the focus on sanctions and diplomacy was a glass half full situation. As long as we are not reaching into the military tool kit as the only option, then thats a success, he said.

[ Top Navy admiral orders fleetwide investigation after latest collision at sea ]

Separately, Swift said he was taking steps to change the culture within the 7th Fleet after two fatal collisions at sea since June. A guided-missile destroyer, the USS Fitzgerald, collided with a container ship south of Japan in June, killing seven sailors, and another, the USS John S. McCain, collided with an oil tanker in August, leaving 10 sailors dead.

This came on the heels of two other incidents in the region involving 3rd Fleet guided-missile cruisers: a May incident in which the USS Champlain collided with a South Korean fishing vessel, and the USS Antietams running aground in Tokyo Bay in January.

After the fourth incident, Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, ordered an operational pause so that the Navy could review procedures, and a separate investigation into how the Navy prepares its forces to operate in the Pacific.

Asked whether the collisions reflected a deeper problem with the culture inside the 7th Fleet, Swift said: It does say something about it. Thats reflective of the reviews and the inspections that are ongoing.

Swift fired Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin as commander of the 7th Fleet after the USS McCain incident, although he had been due to retire in a few weeks.

Weve taken immediate steps to address the errors, but we also have to look at the culture, Swift said. You dont change culture overnight, and you dont change culture just by removing people. We have to change the approach people take to the challenges they face.

The Fitzgerald, which is still in its home port of Yokosuka in Japan, will be moved to Mississippi next month for repairs, while the McCain, which is still in Singapore, will be brought back to Yokosuka while the Navy decides where it will be fixed.

Lee reported from Seoul. Yoonjung Seo in Seoul contributed to this report.

Read more:

For Kim, nuclear weapons are a security blanket. And he wants to keep it.

The North Korean chessboard: What next for the main players?

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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United Nations investigators formally accused the Syrian government Wednesday of using the banned nerve agent sarin in a deadly chemical weapons attack in April that left dozens of civilians dead and hundreds more wounded.

The daybreak attack, the investigators said in a report, was one of more than 20 government assaults involving chemical weapons since March 2013, most of them targeting families with no part in the conflict.

The

United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria

is tasked with investigating alleged war crimes that have taken place during the six-year conflict. But it has no capacity to prosecute any party, underscoring the

geopolitical constraints that hamstring the worlds response to the war.

The commission's report marked first time that a U.N. body has explicitly accused the Syrian government of using sarin, a chemical that pushes the nervous system into overdrive and can kill in minutes.

[Global watchdog confirms use of sarin in Syrian chemical attack]

Video footage from the scene of the attack on the northern village of Khan Sheikhoun showed men, women and infants convulsing uncontrollably. In many cases, they had no idea what had hit them  sarin is colorless, odorless and tasteless.

The attack killed at least 83 people, dozens of them women and children. According to investigators, some died in their beds. A single mother who had left her house early to work said she returned to find all of her four children dead.

Images of the youngest casualties are believed to have figured in President Trump's decision to order missile strikes on a Syrian government airstrip days later, marking the first direct American military intervention against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian government and its Russian backers had insisted that the Khan Sheikhoun attack was the fault of opposition forces in the area, or that it was entirely fabricated. The inquiry found no supporting evidence for either claim.

[Chemical attack that drew U.S. response was just one in a series]

Diplomacy over the Assad governments use of chemical weapons has been thorny, resulting in deadlock at the U.N. Security Council as the Syrian presidents key backers have blocked resolutions to punish his armed forces.

Despite an internationally backed effort to remove the Syrian governments chemical weapons stockpiles, U.S. intelligence officials believe that it retains a significant quantity that could still be used for attacks on civilians.

The U.N. commission also criticized both a U.S.-led coalition and jihadist groups it is battling, accusing them of possible war crimes in Syria. The condemnation highlighted the breadth of atrocities in a war that has killed nearly half a million people and driven millions more to flee as refugees.

[Mounting claims of civilian deaths in U.S. airstrike in Syria]

As U.S.-backed forces fight their way through the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, the coalition faces mounting allegations of civilian casualties from its airstrikes on heavily armed extremist groups in Syria and Iraq. In a detailed timeline of a March attack on a mosque in the northern Syrian town of Jinah, the commission said the coalition had neither taken appropriate measures to protect civilians nor provided evidence to back up its claim that the mosque was being used as a meeting place for senior al-Qaeda leaders.

Information gathered by the Commission does not support the claim that any such meeting was being held at that time, the U.N. report said. Interviewees described the gathering as strictly religious, and explained that most attendees were Al-Jinah residents, and that many of them were internally displaced persons, with the exception of some residents from neighbouring towns.

At least 38 people were killed in the attack, including a woman and three boys ranging from 6 to 13 years old.

[Chemical weapons activity monitored at Syrian air base]

The coalition has repeatedly emphasized that it takes extensive precautions before launching any strike that may affect civilians. On Wednesday, the commission concluded that these procedures were not followed adequately in Jinah.

Although the targeting team had information on the target three days before the strike, the inquiry said that the expected additional verification processes were not completed.

The commission also accused Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked rebels of targeting religious minorities with car bombs, snipers and kidnapping.

Violence, it said, continues to be carried out in blatant violation of basic international humanitarian and human rights law principles, primarily affecting civilians countrywide.

Read more:

Sarin was used in April attack on Syrian civilians, global watchdog confirms

For Trump, sarin in Syria prompted a different reaction than other chemicals

Using chemical weapons is risky. So why did Syria use sarin?

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of...
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/09/2017 (1895 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitobas health minister says the government will make sure all health care facility policies concerning medical assistance in dying are reviewed.

Kelvin Goertzen made the statement Tuesday in response to a Free Press story highlighting accountability questions as health-care facilities across the province develop protocols for the transfer of patients out of faith-based facilities that do not want to partake in medical assistance in dying or MAID.

Manitoba Health set Nov. 26 as the deadline, leaving policy review in the hands of each regional health authority. However, Southern Health-Sante Sud said it wouldnt be reviewing the policies of its six faith-based personal care homes because they are affiliates.

Cases where the rights of the patient compete against those of faith-based facilities will likely end up before the courts. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press files)

We will ensure that the policies are reviewed, Goertzen told reporters. People have the right  the legal right  to the procedure if they meet the criteria, but those facilities that are not participating also have the right to not participate.

While the Supreme Court has spelled out an individuals right to avoid participating in assisted dying, it has not yet been so unequivocal with respect to institutional rights.

On Tuesday, Goertzen dismissed a recent survey by Probe Research that asked Winnipeggers whether they feel a Catholic hospital has the right to refuse to offer medically assisted dying on religious grounds or whether it must provide all legal medical services to patients who request it, regardless of whether it is a faith-based hospital or not.

Of the respondents, 59 per cent were quite adamant that St. Boniface  which overhauled its hospital board in May in order to overturn a vote that would have allowed the procedure under limited circumstances  must offer MAID.

We dont govern by polls, Goertzen said, we govern by what we think is the right practical policy.

Across the country, provinces are attempting to figure out the best way to offer assistance in dying without forcing anyone who doesnt want to be involved in the procedure to take part. Manitoba is unique in Canada because it has one team that travels the province providing the procedure.

Weve struck the right balance, the minister said.

Goertzen said the province has to grapple with not just the Supreme Courts edict but also provincial legislation that requires the government not issue any directives to faith-based health care facilities that are counter to the fundamentals of their faith.

But, as Mark Handelman, a Toronto-based lawyer specializing in health law, told the Free Press last week, cases where the rights of the patient compete against those of faith-based facilities will probably eventually end up before the courts.

Goertzen himself seemed to acknowledge this possibility.

Every province is struggling to try to find that balance and I think weve done that better than most, (but that) doesnt mean weve done it perfectly, he said. Its a legal landscape that has a lot of holes in it.

jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 00:58:03|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GENEVA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- More than 5,000 civilians have died in the Yemeni conflict since March 2015 and the extremist group al-Qaida has become "operational" expanding into the southwestern city of Taizz, a UN Human Rights Council report said Tuesday.

Human rights violations and abuses continue unabated in Yemen, along with unrelenting violations of international humanitarian law, with civilians suffering deeply the consequences of an "entirely man-made catastrophe," said the report.

As of Aug. 30, at least 5,144 civilians have been documented as killed and more than 8,749 injured.

The civil war in Yemen, the Arab region's poorest country, began in March 2015 between two factions claiming to constitute the Yemeni government, along with their supporters and allies involving a Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels.

Other armed actors "have continued to take advantage of the prevailing insecurity in Yemen," said the report. "Over the past year, extremist groups have sustained and adapted their presences. For example, after being driven out of Al Mukalla in Hadramaut governorate in April 2016, Al Qaida is now operational in Taizz city."

The humanitarian crisis, with nearly 18.8 million people in need of humanitarian aid and 7.3 million on the brink of famine, is a direct result of the behavior of parties to the conflict, the report says.

These including indiscriminate attacks, attacks against civilians and protected objects, sieges, blockades and restrictions on movement.

Saudi Arabia, with support from the United States, has imposed a naval and airport blockade to assist the deposed government it supports, and resist the Houthi rebels.

The Houthis are backed by Iran and are allied with Yemen's former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The Saudi-led Coalition consists of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Senegal, the Sudan, and, until June 2017, Qatar.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein appealed to all the parties to the conflict "to have mercy on the people of Yemen, and to take immediate measures to ensure humanitarian relief for civilians."
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/09/2017 (1894 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

OTTAWA  After months of sparring over ownership of Churchills troubled rail line and port, two northern Manitoba groups have joined forces in a last-ditch effort to get the line fixed before winter.

The move comes as Omnitrax publicly released a 60-day plan Wednesday to restore service along the line, with a repair-cost estimate of $43.5 million.

Missinippi Rail and One North are two separate corporate groups that include First Nations chiefs. In an Aug. 28 letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, obtained by the Free Press, the two pledge to find a strong, inclusive and lasting solution for Churchill and communities along the line.

KRISTIN ANNABLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES The operational headquarters of the Hudson Bay Railway in The Pas.

Its been 15 weeks since historic flooding ended service along the Hudson Bay Railway, whose owner Omnitrax, a private company, has refused to pay to repair, despite pressure from Ottawa.

An independent engineering assessment said repairs to the line would have to start in the first week of September in order to be finished before the winter freeze.

Time is not on our side; this needs to be expedited, Churchill Mayor Mike Spence said in an interview Wednesday.

The letter was signed by Spence, along with his One North co-chairman, Opaskwayak Cree Nation Chief Christian Sinclair. Their group is as a coalition of municipalities along the rail line and the Nunavut hamlets that rely on its shipments.

We have been saying for more than a year we are willing to work with them, Sinclair said. We can take part of our model and part of theirs and combine it to make it the best-case scenario.

The letter was also signed by Grand Chief Arlen Dumas on behalf of Missinippi Rail, which is made up of a group of northern Manitoba First Nations. Dumas, who was elected head of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in July, was chief of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation until last week.

In June, Missinippi Rail had signed an agreement with Omnitrax to buy Churchills port, rail and petroleum tank farm for $20 million  on the condition Ottawa pony up some of the funding.

Dumas described the recent letter as a concession, saying Missinippi had angled to get possession since 2015. He claims when other First Nations groups mulled their own takeover, it gave officials a stall tactic to delay transferring the line.

I found it very bizarre because we had already secured a contractual position, we had an exclusivity agreement, he said in an interview.

Yet Sinclair pointed out despite Omnitrax talking with the Dumas-led group exclusively for more than a year, the discussions have not progressed past a memorandum of understanding. He claimed One North has more public support because it represents communities connected by the rail line, which doesnt include Dumass home community.

We are all geographically located on the Bay Line, Sinclair said.

Regardless of their precise location, there now seems to be a general consensus the enterprise makes most sense to be run by operators with a vested interest in the region.

In the statement released late Friday afternoon from the office of Jim Carr, the minister of natural resources, it was made clear Ottawa was exploring the possibility of working with a new owner towards the repair of the rail line.

In various ways, the government of Canada has signalled it believes Indigenous ownership of the railroad makes sense.

Ultimately, the best people to put in there are from northern Canada, Sinclair said. They can make it work with the right people and the right business model.

Dumas said the Prime Ministers Office pushed the two northern Manitoba groups to collaborate, saying it would make it easier for Ottawa.

Its about wanting to find ways to move ahead, he said, adding the feds otherwise envisioned a drawn-out, litigious process to get the rail line from the Denver-based company which has owned the railway since 1997.

The PMO wouldnt confirm that Wednesday. Our government committed to helping the people of Churchill, and to finding a resolution to this situation, spokesman Cameron Ahmad said.

Meanwhile, a government source familiar with the issue said departments are focused on finding a solution for Churchill that doesnt involve a large taxpayer expense.

On Wednesday evening, Omnitrax quietly published the AECOM engineering report it had held for a month.

Repairs must commence in early September if the line is to be reopened this year, reads the report, which includes a plan that involves dropping material by air, an automated conveyor train and a work camp on rail cars.

It says the rail line could be made operable for lightweight cargo in 60 days, in time for the early November freeze-up. That would be followed by more permanent repairs in spring 2018 for 90 days, which would cost more money.

The report said AECOM is already preparing contract documents that could be used to commission contractors to start work by early September 2017.

Dumas and Spence said theyve discussed having Keewatin Railway Company fix the line. The group, which maintains its own rail line in northern Manitoba, offered June 23 to do so, after Omnitrax said it would take months.

If Ottawa transferred the rail line to both groups, it would likely save the federal obligation to have a months-long tendering process to chose which company would fix the line.

Dumas and Spence hope the move means they can get working as soon as this week, to make the line operable at a lower speed this winter, and then do more permanent repairs in the spring when the thawing ground is harder.

We gotta get shovels in the ground, said Spence. The bigger fixes can happen next year.

Im very optimistic, said Dumas. Once were able to get rid of Omnitrax, were going to be able to salvage all of the progress.

Omnitraxs report describes its two-month plan as ambitious given the remote locations requiring repair and the shortness of remaining construction season.

It says the repairs could be hindered if contractors or equipment isnt available, or if the temperature drops earlier than normal. It also says ongoing geotechnical and underwater bridge scour investigations could find more faults.

The report is dated Aug. 18, though Omnitrax told the Free Press last month it had received the assessment Aug. 4.

Omnitrax has already presented the report to federal and provincial officials, as well as Missinippi Rail. The company says it will also present the report to One North on Friday.

In a Wednesday statement, Omnitrax Canada president Merv Tweed said he was very pleased Dumas has reached out to One North to own and operate the HBR and the port assets.

 with files from Martin Cash

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca

Omnitrax full engineering report
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 06/09/2017 (1894 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The last time North Korean nuclear weapons might have been headed off by diplomacy was 15 to 20 years ago, when there was a deal freezing North Korean work on nuclear weapons and then one stopping the countrys work on long-range ballistic missiles.

If they had been negotiated with the same attention to detail that was given to the recent deal that has frozen Irans nuclear program for 10 years, maybe North Koreas quest for nuclear-tipped ICBMs could have been stopped for good  or maybe not, because North Korea always has wanted an effective deterrent to the permanent U.S. nuclear threat.

At any rate, both the nuclear and missile deals with North Korea failed after a couple of years. Pyongyang and Washington were equally to blame for the breakdowns, resorting to tit-for-tat retaliation for various perceived breaches of the deal by the other side.

Korean Central News Agency / The Associated Press North Koreas leader, Kim Jong-un, holds a meeting of the ruling partys presidium.

But it was the United States that had more to lose, since it faced no nuclear threat from North Korea unless the deals were abandoned and North Koreas weapons research went ahead. What we have seen recently  two ICBM tests in July, another one in August and now what was almost certainly North Koreas first test of a thermonuclear weapon (hydrogen bomb)  is the inevitable result of the failure then.

It took a lot of time and effort to get Pyongyangs bomb and missile programs to this point and it seems clear that Kim Jong-uns regime decided the safest way to test the new weapons and vehicles was all at once. Hes right.

Stringing the tests out over a couple of years might have given the countrys enemies time to organize a complete trade embargo against North Korea, or maybe even some form of attack. The safer course was to bunch the tests up, get the outraged reactions over fast and then hope the whole issue fades into the background.

Thats what both India and Pakistan did in 1998 and it worked for them. Everybody eventually got used to the idea that they were more or less legitimate nuclear weapons powers.

India and Pakistan didnt bother doing all their missile tests at once, because they had enough space to carry them out over their own land and maritime territory. North Korea is much smaller and entirely surrounded by Chinese, Russian and Japanese territory, so any long-range tests are bound to pass over one of those countries. Pyongyang chose Japan, because it is a U.S. ally.

But even its ICBM test on Aug. 30, when the Japanese government ordered its citizens in parts of Hokkaido into the shelters, did not enter Japanese airspace. The missile crossed Japan at a sub-orbital altitude, and the Japanese authorities knew that it would as soon as the boost phase ended. The pictures of allegedly panic-stricken Japanese civilians in shelters were propaganda meant to serve Prime Minister Shinzo Abes project for remilitarizing Japan.

There is no good military option available to the United States and its allies in the current crisis, even though U.S. President Donald Trump says, Well see.

A direct U.S. attack on North Korea using only conventional weapons would not get all of North Koreas nukes, which are hidden in hardened underground sites or moved around by night on mobile launchers. It would also call down fire and fury on Seoul from 10,000 North Korean artillery pieces and short-range rockets.

A U.S. nuclear attack probably would still not get all of Kim Jong-uns nukes: North Korea is the hardest intelligence target in the world. Pyongyang may already be able to reach the United States with one or two ICBMs carrying thermonuclear warheads and it can certainly reach all of South Korea and Japan.

The political options for the United States and its Asian allies are equally constrained. Trumps talk of stopping U.S. trade with any country that trades with North Korea is really aimed at China (which already operates selective embargoes on various North Korean exports). But cutting U.S. trade with China would cause immense disruption to the American economy and its unlikely that Trump actually would do it.

Normally, when human beings encounter a problem they cannot eliminate, they find ways of living with it. It often takes a while for them to get there, however  and we are currently in the dangerous phase where people (or at least some people) are convinced that there must be something they can do to make the problem go away.

The only excuse for radical action now would be a conviction that Kim Jong-un is a crazy man who will use his nuclear weapons to launch an unprovoked attack on the United States, even though it would certainly lead to his own death and that of his entire regime. If you truly believe that, then the right course of action is an all-out nuclear attack on North Korea right now.

Otherwise, start dialling back your rhetoric, because you eventually are going to have to accept that North Korea now has a usable nuclear deterrent. You can live with that, because its better than fighting a nuclear war.

Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.
In the UN Security Council yesterday, the United States dramatically raised the stakes in the intense crisis on the Korean Peninsula following North Koreas nuclear test on Sunday. Washingtons response targeted not only Pyongyang, but Beijing and Moscow as well.

A clear division emerged. The US and its allies threatened an economic blockade and, by implication, war against North Korea, while China and Russia continued to appeal for a reduction in tensions and talks.

In a belligerent and provocative speech, US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, delivered an ultimatum to China and Russia: end all economic relations with North Korea or face a full-blown trade war with the US. Moreover, if Beijing and Moscow did not bring Pyongyang to heel, the US would do so through military means.

Standing reality on its head, Haley declared that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was begging for war. The Pyongyang regime is escalating its nuclear program in a desperate and misguided attempt to ward off a devastating war with the United States that it would inevitably lose. Its latest nuclear test, which it claimed was a hydrogen bomb and had an estimated yield of 100 kilotons, came just days after the US and South Korea finished major annual joint exercises to rehearse for war with North Korea.

Haley demanded that the UN impose the most stringent set of sanctions on any country in a generation. She warned Washington would not accept what it regarded as half-measures. We have taken an incremental approach and despite the best of intentions, it has not worked, she declared.

While no details have been released, the sanctions being mooted include cutting off oil supplies, freezing all financial transactions and ending the export of North Korea labourers. Trump is threatening to cut US trade with any country that conducts any economic activity with North Korea.

The United States will look at every country that does business with North Korea as a country that is giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions, Haley warned. She declared that US patience was running out, saying the time has come for us to exhaust all of our diplomatic means before its too late. By implication, the US would resort to war.

American military allies in Asia and Europe all joined the chorus of condemnation of North Koreas latest nuclear test and demanded the toughest sanctions. Grossly inflating the threat posed by North Koreas limited nuclear arsenal, Japans ambassador Koro Besso declared the danger posed by Pyongyang had been raised to an unprecedented level and was a grave threat to the peace and security of the world.

Chinas ambassador Liu Jieyi, however, while condemning Pyongyang, warned that the situation on the Korean Peninsula was deteriorating constantly and called for the crisis to be resolved peacefully. He called on all parties to make joint efforts together to ease the situation, restart the dialogue and talks, and prevent further deterioration of the situation on the peninsula.

China and Russia have opposed North Koreas nuclear and missile program because it provides a pretext to the US and its allies for a massive military build-up in the Asia Pacific that is ultimately aimed at their countries. At the same time, however, Beijing is deeply concerned that a complete economic embargo on North Korea will precipitate a political crisis in Pyongyang that Washington will exploit to intervene, greatly heightening the danger of war.

Liu reiterated the freeze for freeze proposal made by China and Russia, for the US and South Korea to end major military exercises in return for North Korea halting its nuclear and missile testing so as to facilitate new talks. Haley again flatly rejected the plan.

In a blunt warning to the Trump administration, Liu warned that China will never allow chaos and war on the Peninsula. In other words, Beijing is determined to use all means at its disposal to prevent a US-led regime-change operation or war on Chinas doorstep that would result in a pro-US Korea.

The latest US threats are being accompanied by a major military build-up on the Korean Peninsula in preparation for a war that could include nuclear weapons.

After lashing out at South Korea on Sunday for talk of appeasement, President Donald Trump spoke with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in yesterday. Trump agreed to end the limit, imposed by a treaty between the two countries, on the payload that can be carried by South Korean missiles. In return, Moon gave the green light for the US to fully deploy its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile system. A White House statement said Trump gave conceptual approval to the sale of many billions of dollars worth of military equipment to South Korea.

Talks last week between US Defence Secretary James Mattis and South Korean Defence Minister Song Young-moo went far further. Speaking in South Koreas National Assembly yesterday, Song said he suggested to Mattis that many people in South Korea were calling for the reintroduction of American tactical nuclear weapons in the country.

The US already can annihilate North Korea using nuclear missiles delivered by aircraft, warships and submarines. The installation of tactical nuclear weapons would put the Korean Peninsula on a hair trigger and dramatically heighten the danger of a mistake or miscalculation escalating into a nuclear exchange. At present, President Moon has ruled out the option.

Song indicated that he pressed Mattis to send long-range heavy bombers, aircraft carriers and other strategic assets more often to South Korea. The US has repeatedly dispatched strategic B-1 bombers over the Korean Peninsula as a warning to North Korea and last week released photos of B-1 Lancers dropping bombs on a range near the border between the two Koreas.

Yesterday, the South Korean military carried out a drill involving F-15K fighter jets and surface-to-surface ballistic missiles to simulate a strike on North Koreas nuclear test site. Major General Jang Kyung Soo claimed North Korea was preparing another missile test for as soon as September 9 and said South Korea planned another missile drill to show its strong will and ability to respond.

Last week, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported that President Moon had ordered the military to formulate new war plans that could quickly switch to an offensive posture in case North Korea stages a provocation that crosses the line or attacks the capital region. The aim of the plan was to infiltrate Pyongyang to quickly bring down the North Korean regime.

In response to the US preparations for war, China and Russia are reinforcing their military positions. A lengthy article in the Wall Street Journal in July said the Chinese military had established a new border defence brigade, 24-hour video surveillance of the mountainous frontier backed by aerial drones, and bunkers to protect against nuclear and chemical blasts.

Both Russia and China have opposed the installation of THAAD batteries in South Korea, saying their high-power radars can peer deep inside their territories and undermine their nuclear deterrents. Russias deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said yesterday Moscow would increase its missile presence in the Pacific in response to the expanded THAAD deployment in South Korea.

The chief responsibility for creating this explosive tinderbox in North East Asia is the Trump administration. Far from North Korea begging for war, the US is systematically goading Pyongyang into making a move that would create the pretext for, in the words of US Defence Secretary Mattis, a massive military response that would result in the countrys total annihilation.
Amid mounting social tensions, there are intense concerns within Australian ruling circles over the discredited character of the political establishment. With the corporate elite demanding ever-deeper austerity measures, and all the major parties signalling unwavering support for US-led wars around the globe, polls have shown a collapse of support for the entire parliamentary set-up.

In this context, a conference held by Socialist Alternative in Sydney last month signalled the pseudo-left organisations preparations to try to channel popular opposition behind the thoroughly corporatised trade unions and the political establishment, especially Labor and the Greens.

There was no discussion at the conference about the unprecedented crisis afflicting the parliamentary system or the agenda of war, austerity and erosion of fundamental democratic rights supported by all the official parties.

Two conference sessions, however, underscored Socialist Alternatives efforts to spearhead a left regroupment, aimed at blocking the development of an independent movement of the working class based on a genuinely socialist and revolutionary perspective.

The organisations attitude to Labor and the unions in Australia was made crystal clear by its enthusiastic support for British Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Presenting a panel on Corbyn, Socialist Alternative student leader Sarah Garnham declared that Labours result in the June 2017 British election, where it increased its share of the vote by almost 10 percent, represented a rise of mass support for left politics.

Garnham hailed Labours electoral program as the most left-wing in decades and declared that Corbyn had taken on the whole establishment. In reality, since being elected Labour leader in 2015, Corbyn has continuously capitulated to the right-wing of his party.

Corbyn has provided tacit support for Britains predatory bombing of Syria, backed austerity cuts by councils across the country, including those led by the Labour Party, and guaranteed his partys committment to Britains nuclear weapons program and its participation in NATO, the US-led militarist alliance.

All these regressive policies were carried over into Labours election manifesto. His record demonstrates that Corbyns claim to be a socialist is pure window-dressing, aimed at channeling growing anger behind the political establishment. Any British Labour government would dispense with his tepid reformist pledges and impose the dictates of the corporate elite.

Garnham nevertheless stated that revolutionary socialists have to support Corbyn. She said ones attitude to his leadership of the Labour Party was the dividing line in British politics. In other words, socialist opposition to Labour, a major party of British big business, is illegitimate.

Garnhams entire presentation was a whitewash of the record of a party that, over the course of more than a century, has played the central role in defending British capitalism, including by putting forward left-talking leaders in periods of deep crisisleaders who have invariably betrayed their limited election promises. Yet Garnham insisted Labour could be forced to enact a social-reformist agenda, if sufficient pressure were applied from below.

Mick Armstrong, Socialist Alternatives longstanding leader, identified the crucial role that the pseudo-left had to play in promoting this political fraud. He warned that workers who had experienced decades of betrayals by Labour would not be convinced by a few slogans from Corbyn. It was the task of the left, he said, to galvanise workers behind Corbyn. In other words, the left must prop up this key mechanism of capitalism, against the widespread opposition that already exists within the working class.

Socialist Alternatives support for Syriza, the Greek Coalition of the Radical Left, makes clear that its promotion of Corbyn is not a product of naivete or misunderstanding. Syriza won office in 2015 by pledging to end the crippling austerity measures enacted by previous governments. Within months, it had betrayed its election promises and has since imposed the deepest cuts to social spending in Europe.

Throughout 2015, Socialist Alternative promoted all the lies of the Syriza leadership. Even after Syriza began enforcing the austerity agenda demanded by the European financial elite, Socialist Alternative insisted there was no prospect of the party betraying.

At the conference, Garnham and other Socialist Alternative leaders shamelessly blamed the working class for Syrizas right-wing program, declaring workers had not placed sufficient pressure on the partys leadership. In reality, when the working class overwhelmingly rejected the austerity agenda at a referendum, the Syriza leadership ignored the result.

Like Syriza, Socialist Alternative is utterly hostile to the working class and speaks for layers of the affluent upper middle class. Its adulation of Corbyn and Syriza is a warning that it will play a similarly treacherous role in the political crisis unfolding in Australia.

Australian Labor leader Bill Shorten has already begun a campaign to falsely present Labor as a party of the working class, including by demagogically denouncing big business and invoking widespread opposition to social inequality.

The working-class hostility to the British Labour Party, of which Armstrong warned, is replicated in Australia, where the Labor governments of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating implemented a sweeping pro-business agenda in the 1980s and early 1990s, comparable to that imposed by Margaret Thatchers Tory government in Britain.

The dismantling of education, healthcare and welfare, and a broader austerity agenda, were deepened dramatically by the Labor governments of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, from 2007 to 2013. Shorten has adopted his present posture precisely in an attempt to overcome the deep hostility to Labor as a party of the corporate elite.

Socialist Alternative has already lined up behind this fraud. The organisation has hailed Sally McManus, the new secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), and a prominent Labor Party member, who is waging a bogus campaign against inequality and corporate tax evasion, in conjunction with Shorten.

At a panel titled, How to rebuild the union movement, Socialist Alternative signalled it would serve as a willing foot soldier for McManus and the ACTU. Speaker after speaker bemoaned the collapse in trade union membership, which fell to the lowest level in history this year, and declared they would seek to overcome it.

Kath Larkin, the panels featured speaker, is a member of Socialist Alternative and the womens officer of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU). She said the unions crisis was a result of the mistakes of individual leaders, which would be reversed if officials adopted militant and class struggle politics.

This is a lie. McManus and Socialist Alternative are seeking to cover up the fact that the unions bear primary responsibility for the deepening social crisis afflicting the working class. For the past three decades, they have collaborated with successive governments and the corporate elite in the destruction of hundreds of thousands of jobs, and the gutting of wages and conditions.

The record of the RTBU is a glaring example. It has played a central role in the privatisation of public transport, aiding major corporations in their drive to reap a profit bonanza through the sell-off of state assets.

Last year, for instance, the RTBU welcomed a decision by the New South Wales (NSW) state government to provide a private company with a contract for all rail, bus and ferry services in Newcastle, a major regional centre. And the union pledged to assist a pro-business restructure of the NSW State Transit Authority, slated to eliminate 200 jobs.

Larkin denounced any suggestion that structural changes were responsible for the role played by the unions, insisting that the issue was merely the incorrect politics of their leaders.

In fact, underlying all the wretched pro-company deals and betrayals of the unions is their transformation into corporatised entities, hostile to the workers they falsely claim to represent.

The unions have always defended the profit system. But in an earlier period, when capitalism was regulated within the framework of the nation-state, they performed this function by placing pressure on employers and governments to grant limited social concessions to the working class.

The globalisation of production, beginning in the 1980s, shattered the objective basis for this national-reformist program. Now, the unions, taking their pro-capitalist and nationalist program to its logical conclusion, have become the chief proponents of ensuring the international competitiveness of their own national industries by imposing continuous cuts to jobs, wages and working conditions.

Hand-in-hand with this process has been the ever-greater enrichment of the union officialdom. Union leaders, earning six-figure salaries, sit on joint union-company management boards, overseeing superannuation funds that have billions of dollars in corporate investments. In other words, union officials have a direct material interest in suppressing the struggles of the working class.

Socialist Alternative and the rest of the pseudo-left are increasingly integrating themselves into these organisations. Like the union leaders with whom it collaborates, Socialist Alternative is above all seeking to prevent the emergence of a revolutionary upsurge of the working class that would challenge the profit system, upon which their own privileges depend.

Amid escalating class tensions, there is a growing recognition in ruling circles that the political establishment requires new left safety valves to head off the working class struggles that are on the agenda. This was unmistakably indicated by an extraordinary article that appeared in the Sydney Daily Telegraph the day before Socialist Alternatives conference began.

The Murdoch-owned tabloid is synonymous with the gutter press. It specialises in vicious demonisations of refugees, welfare recipients and the unemployed, and the promotion of xenophobia and racism. Earlier this year, for instance, it spearheaded a filthy campaign, based on lies, to slander Muslim primary school children, under 12 years old, as Islamic extremists.

The publication is the promoter of far-right and fascistic tendencies associated with the Reclaim Australia movement and has been prominent in McCarthyite-style witch-hunts of ostensibly left-wing academics and public figures, often deriding them as representatives of the lunatic left.

But on August 18, the Daily Telegraph adopted a very different tone, publishing a fawning profile of Haley Pessin, the featured speaker at Socialist Alternatives conference.

It provided Pessin, a prominent member of the US organisation Black Lives Matter, with column space to expound a racialist interpretation of American politics that aims to sow divisions in the working class, and legitimise the Democratic Partys attempts to ascribe Donald Trumps election victory to the racism of the white working class.

The article politely advised its readers that Pessin was in Sydney to talk at the Socialism Conference at Sydney University this weekend, favourably advertising the conference among its readers. This unprecedented promotion of Socialist Alternative is not a sign that the Daily Telegraph is changing its political spots, but rather, that such fake left organisations perform an essential function in helping to preserve the capitalist order.
There is nothing so heinous as a government failing to support its most vulnerable citizens: young children. Yet due to government neglect and chronic underfunding of critical social services, the number of deaths and critical injuries of children in foster care in Canada has steadily risen in recent years.

In British Columbia alone, deaths of children in care jumped from 72 in 2008 to 120 last year, while critical injuries skyrocketed from 120 to 741. In Alberta, within the span of 14 years between 1999 and 2013, 741 children died while in care or while receiving child welfare services. Since 2013, another 71 children have died. These deaths and injuries result from suicide attempts, overdoses, sexual and physical abuse. But they are only the tip of the iceberg, as a far larger number of young children in care suffer emotional and psychological damage.

The childcare crisis is rooted in the unwillingness of Canadian governments to provide proper funding for social services and, more generally, in capitalist societys treatment of poor working class and, especially, indigenous families.

At the end of 2016 there were more than 10,000 children receiving child intervention services in Alberta, with more than 7,000 children in the care of the province. According to Statistics Canada, indigenous children made up 73 percent of those in government care, although Albertas indigenous people comprise only 6 percent of the provinces population. This is a pattern replicated across Canada, with indigenous children making up 48 percent of all children in foster care, even though indigenous children age 14 or under represent just 7 percent of all children in this age group.

Despite Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus promises of equal treatment for indigenous people, the living conditions within indigenous communities are deplorable. Per capita funding for education, health care and other basic services on native reservations, where poverty is generally endemic and many lack access to proper housing and safe drinking water, remains far below the Canadian norm.

Successive governments at the federal and provincial level have starved indigenous communities of funding for physical and mental health services, resulting in suicide and drug addiction rates that are twice as high as in non-indigenous communities, and six to 11 times higher than the general population among Inuit people. All these factors lead to an increasing number of children being forced into government care.

Most in government care are placed with foster parents who, according to Wayne MacFarlane, president of the Prince Edward Island Federation of Foster Families, receive a stipend of between $600 and $1,400 per month per child to look after them.

Governments have consistently failed to provide foster parents and those in their care with adequate psychological, educational and therapeutic support, although many of the children have lived through traumatic experiences of abuse and neglect. Foster families are thus left to cope as best they can with complex care needsneeds which they are ill-equipped to manage.

While the stipends paid foster parents are tax-free, they are provided no additional benefits or assistance with paying for holidays for either themselves or those in their care.

The tragic results of this state neglect have been illustrated by a number of high-profile, tragic cases. Serenity was a 4-year-old girl who died in foster care in Alberta. At the time of her death, she weighed just 19 pounds and had suffered severe brain trauma along with significant physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her foster parents. Two years on, no charges have been laid and six other children who were living in the same home as Serenity have been allowed to remain there.

In Ontario, the deaths of three First Nations children in foster care over several months late in 2016 and at the beginning of this year prompted the Ontario Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth to indict the government for reinforcing the legacy of Canadas residential schools, under which thousands of indigenous children died after being removed from their families and many more suffered abuse.

The chronic underfunding of social services is exacerbated by a shortage of foster parents. In 2016, the Canadian Foster Family Association declared that the nationwide shortage had reached a crisis point.

Governments often respond to this shortage by housing children and teenagers in group homes or motels, many of which are inappropriate for the purpose.

An example of this is the fate of 18-year-old Alex Gervais, who was placed in a BC motel after his group home was closed and ended up jumping through a four-story window. The teenager had been housed at the motel in virtual isolation for 49 days prior to his suicide. In BC at one point last year, there were upwards of 117 foster children being housed in cut-rate hotels and motels.

For years, Gervais had been shunted from one care-giver to anothera story all too typical for children in government care in Canada. In the last 11 years of his life, Gervais had lived in 17 different placements under the watch of 23 different social workers and caregivers. According to a report from British Columbias acting Representative for Children and Youth, Gervais suffered profound neglect, and was unable to form lasting attachments with foster caregivers or support staff.

In some cases childrens aid societies return children in foster care to a member or members of their biological families, after they secure proper housing and meet various tests, such as following parenting classes and entering substance-abuse programs. However, there is very little ongoing support or assistance for the biological parents after their children have been returned to them, even though they are generally among the most socially vulnerable and frequently have to work through complex personal and psychological issues.

The terrible fate of Alex Gervais is also indicative of the prospects facing children in government care once they reach the age of 18, when all sources of government child-assistance are abruptly cut off. Due to the deterioration of social conditions under capitalism and the lack of educational support and decent employment, 60 percent of young people aged 20 to 24 in Canada are forced to live at home with their supporting parents.

Lacking family support and deprived of all government assistance at the young age of 18, in-care children usually end up fending for themselves on the street upon attaining adulthood. This results in myriad additional social problems, such as drug addiction, homelessness, and crime. In BC, 41 percent of young adults who previously lived under government care have been involved with the criminal justice system.

The high rates of indigenous children in foster care contribute to higher percentages of native people incarcerated. Twenty-four percent of federal prison inmates have an indigenous background, an increase of 84 percent since 2003. The current public inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls is also examining the link between foster care and the disproportionate exposure of indigenous women to sexual trafficking, violence, and murder.

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Manitobas NDP presides over child care crisis

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Canadas aboriginal Truth and Reconciliation Reportthe class issues

[13 June 3015]
The unending series of inflammatory and reckless threats by Donald Trump and his top advisers against North Korea have provoked global fears that the world is being brought to the brink of a nuclear war and a catastrophic loss of human life.

The US presidents vow to unleash fire and fury the like the world has never seen has been followed by his National Security Adviser Gen. H.R. McMaster warning that Washington is prepared to wage a preventive wara doctrine outlawed by the Nuremberg Nazi war crime trialsto stop North Korea from threatening the United States with a nuclear weapon. Trumps defense secretary, Gen. James Mad Dog Mattis, declared Sunday that the Pentagon has many options to carry out the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea, and that Trump was being briefed on each one of them.

Most recently, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley declared Monday on the Security Council that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is begging for war. This has been combined with Trumps chiding the South Korean government for attempting appeasement of Pyongyang, and repeated declarations that the time for talks has ended.

With each ratcheting up of these threats to unleash a nuclear conflagration, the question is posed with increasing force: Will Washington go to war to make good on its war rhetoric? Have the threats themselvesand the determination to prove they are not mere bluffsbecome a driving force in the march to a potential nuclear war?

It is an article of faith within the Trump administration, the US military high command and powerful sections of the state apparatus and the American ruling oligarchy that under the Obama administration, US imperialism suffered a loss of credibility on the global arena, encapsulated in Obamas failure to make good on his red line for a US war against Syria. To reverse this loss, Washington may well choose a patently insane military option on the Korean peninsula.

That this is perceived as a real and present danger within US ruling circles found unmistakable expression in a slump in share prices when Wall Street resumed trading Tuesday and a climb in the price of gold to its highest level in nearly a year.

The war threat is not merely a function of the bellicose tweets from the fascistic billionaire demagogue in the White House. There is no organized public opposition to the drive to war. What leading figure within the Democratic Party has spoken out against it? When have any public hearings been convened to consider the consequences of an all-out war on the Korean Peninsula?

The corporate media, a pliant instrument of war propaganda, treats the conflict as if it has no broader historical or geopolitical context and is unrelated to anything that took place before the latest North Korean missile launch or bomb test.

One would hardly guess that there are people alive today in North Korea who can remember the US war 65 years ago in which some 3 million Koreans lost their lives, the great majority of them in the north, and in which every one of the countrys cities was reduced to smoldering rubble by US bombs and shells. For them, the invocation of fire and fury is no mere rhetorical excess. Ever since, the US has maintained a massive military presence on North Koreas borders, while regularly threatening it with nuclear-armed bombers, submarines and warships.

As in every US war of aggression over the past quarter-century, the present buildup to military confrontation with North Korea is being prepared with the charge that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is crazylike Noriega, Milosevic, Saddam Hussein and Gaddafi before him. In previous wars--in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and elsewhere--a pretext was invented, either of some horrific threat posed to the US by weapons of mass destruction or terrorism, or of an imminent human rights disaster that could be countered only by US firepower. The nuclear issue in North Korea is no different.

Why North Koreas possession of nuclear weapons constitutes a mortal threat to the US, while other countries, including Israel, Pakistan and India, have been allowed to obtain such arms, in some cases with US assistance, is never explained. The threat of a nuclear clash between India and Pakistan, both ostensible US allies, is arguably greater than any threat on the Korean Peninsula.

The escalating war crisis bears the stamp Made in the USA. The previous wars of aggression waged by Washington have a direct bearing on the behavior of the North Korean leadership. There is nothing crazy about its determination to maintain and develop its nuclear capability after seeing the fate of both Iraqs Hussein and Libyas Gaddafi, who gave up their weapons programs to appease Washington and, in return, saw their countries invaded and destroyed before they themselves were murdered. While not crazy, the North Korean leadership miscalculates the insanity of US imperialism, which is prepared to dispense with previous restrictions against nuclear war to advance its aims.

These aims are directed not against the policies pursued by the government of the impoverished and isolated country of North Korea, but rather at the two countries bordering it, China and Russia, both nuclear-armed powers that Washington regards as chief obstacles to its drive to exert its hegemony over the Eurasian landmass and the entire planet. Even as it threatens war against North Korea, Washington is mounting freedom of navigation provocations against China in the South China Sea and conducting a provocative military buildup in the Baltics against Russia.

A new war on the Korean Peninsula has every prospect of drawing in China, as did the war of 65 years ago, and Russia, posing the threat of a nuclear Third World War.

Even the best case scenario of a conventional war against North Korea would involve the deaths of tens if not hundreds of thousands of people, while a nuclear exchange poses the slaughter of tens if not hundreds of millions and the potential extermination of life on the planet.

Far from restoring US imperialist credibility, a so-called preventive war against North Korea would turn the US into a pariah state the world over, reviled for crimes without precedent since those of Hitlers Germany. US political leaders implicated in these crimes would be unable to leave the US for fear of facing arrest warrants abroad.

The political, economic and, indeed, moral fallout from such a war would unleash an internal crisis of unprecedented dimensions, calling into question the very existence of the United States.

The present war danger is, in the final analysis, the outcome of the failure of the entire political system in the US. The diseased state of American political culture may find its personification in the loathsome figure of Donald Trump, but it is deeply rooted in the crisis of US and global capitalism and pervades both political parties, the media and every institution of the capitalist state and ruling elite.

For the quarter of a century that has followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union, US imperialism has sought to counter its global decline by means of unendingand unsuccessfulwars of aggression that have killed, maimed and displaced millions.

War abroad has gone hand in hand with ever-widening social inequality and relentless attacks on the living standards and basic rights of the working class at home. The reckless and criminal foreign policy that is leading to a catastrophic war in Asia is mirrored in the inability and unwillingness of the American ruling class to respond to, much less prepare for, catastrophes like Hurricane Harvey, as vast social wealth is funneled into the enrichment of a narrow layer of financial oligarchs.

The same crisis of capitalism that creates the drive to nuclear war is laying the objective foundations for revolutionary struggles of the working class. However, the gap between the advanced state of the drive toward world war and the consciousness of this threat among broad layers of workers must be overcome. Only a politically conscious and independent intervention by the working class fighting for socialism in the United States and internationally can prevent a global catastrophe.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 01:48:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Israel's army began on Tuesday in the country's north what could be the largest military drill in nearly two decades simulating a conflict with the Lebanese Shiite movement of Hezbollah, military sources said.

Sounds of live munitions were clear in Lebanon's border villages and towns, where the Israeli air forces participating in the drill violate Lebanese airspace many times, witnesses said.

The drill, according to the Israeli Defense Army, will last 10 days and is meant to simulate scenarios in the next confrontation with Hezbollah.

The drill involves tens of thousands of soldiers including thousands of reserves, as well as aircraft, boats and submarines, the defense army said.

In the meantime, the Lebanese army was put on high alert, while the United Nations Interim Force in south Lebanon (UNIFIL) deployed extensive patrol units to monitor the situation and prevent any possible escalation on both sides of the border.

"That is to keep the readiness of the Israeli Army on its high level to face Hezbollah that has gained huge experience after its participation in the war in Syria during the past five years," a Lebanese security source, who asked to remain anonymous, told Xinhua.

"The Israeli army is in need to boost its troops' moral and send a warning to Hezbollah," the source added.

The Israeli army last held a drill of this size in 1998, when it simulated a war with the Syrian army for a week.
Rough Guide has released an updated list of the most beautiful countries in the world, as voted for by their readers.

The travel company  known for their guides, e-books, and blog  listed the top 20 destinations on their website on Monday.

The list includes everything from stunning tropical landscapes like Indonesia and Vietnam, to icy retreats such as Norway and Finland.

Surprisingly, the number one spot was claimed to somewhere a little closer to home  Scotland.

England, Ireland, and Wales also made the top 20 list thanks to their romantic rural landscapes and historic sites.

Scroll on to see the 20 most beautiful countries in the world, as votes for by Rough Guide readers, alongside stunning photos which justify each countrys place on the list.

20. Vietnam

Vietnams wild and impressive landscapes, including the terraced fields of the Sa Pa mountains, earn the Southeast Asian country a place in the Rough Guides readers top 20.

19. Croatia

The terracotta skylines of Croatias tourist traps like Dubrovnik and Split against the deep blues of the Adriatic sea make for great tourist snaps, and won over Rough Guides readers earning a place on the list.

Read more: These 50 cities are home to the worlds best universities

18. Ireland

Among its dewy hills and rocky coastlines, Rough Guides readers are rarely left disappointed  even if they are left a little wet.

One guide states that, Among the romantic preconceptions visitors bring to Ireland, it is their expectations of the landscape that are most likely to be fulfilled.

17. Norway

Whether its the glacier peaks, the bustling cities, or the Northern Lights that brings visitors to Norway, few are left dissapointed upon departure  Rough Guides readers included.

16. Peru

Rough Guides readers were won over by Perus eclectic and varied landscapes  with everything from the stripey peaks of Rainbow Mountain, the perilous steps of the ancient Inca Trail, leafy rainforests, snow-capped summits, and many deserts, Peru has it all.

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Whats more, Peru made it onto Business Insiders recent list of 100 trips everyone should take in their lifetime, according to the worlds leading travel experts  proving that it really is a must-see getaway, regardless of what youre going in search of.

15. Switzerland

Switzerlands mountainous landscape, snowy runs and hiking trails offer plenty of opportunities for visitors to get out into the wild and actively enjoy its stunning landscapes.

14. Finland

One Rough Guides reader believes that the skies, the forests, the mysticism, and just about everything else earn Finlands stunning Nordic landscapes a place in the list.

13. India

Whether its the beautiful cultures or lush landscapes, Rough Guides readers have a soft spot for India, and it was voted the 13th most beautiful country in the world.

12. Mexico

One Rough Guides reader states that Mexico has it all when it comes to history, breathtaking sites, and deeply-engrained, enchanting culture: Beautiful nature, ancient temples, great food. So much to see and explore.

11. Slovenia

This small European country is has an endless number of historical and cultural sites that will leave visitors reaching for the camera.

Whether its the mirrored waters of Lake Bled  a glacial lake equipped with hot springs and a tiny, church-topped islet, or the stunning, baroque architecture lining the streets of Slovenias capital, Ljubljana. Slovenias natural landscapes partnered with its unique national identity makes the country one of the most beautiful places in the world, according to Rough Guides readers.

Read more: 50 stunning drone photos that will make you look at the world from a different angle

10. Wales

Described on the Visit Wales website as epic, Wales trademarks hills and lush valleys are truly the stuff of Legends to Rough Guides readers.

In addition, the number of castles, heritage sites, and quaint villages add to rather than interrupt the vast landscape of wild greens and cool stone.

9. USA

Each states varying and characteristic landscape makes the USA the ninth most beautiful country in the world, according to Rough Guides readers.

Boasting peaks to canyons, metropoles to wastelands, there are few places across the vast nation that arent worth getting the camera out for  especially national parks and landmarks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, which are protected for posterity with the worlds best national park system according to one Rough Guide reader.

8. Iceland

Iceland.

With its volcanic mountains, black sand beaches, and number of natural hot springs, Icelands unique and dramatic landscape was ranked the eighth most beautiful place in the world in the Rough Guides list.

7. England

England climbed to seventh place in the Rough Guides reader ranking, thanks to its stunning coastlines and historic sites. Visitors can take a bus ride along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, or visit the fossil beaches in Cornwall or the Isle of Wight to find their own piece of preserved, national history to take home.

6. Indonesia

Indonesia ranks in the top 10 most beautiful countries in the world, with one reader choosing it for its myriad islands, while another favouring the countrys mountains and proud heritage.

5. South Africa

Whether its the inquisitive wildlife, sprawling vineyards, hidden-gem beaches, or the bustling towns and cities, South Africas varied and breathtaking landscape earn the country fifth place on the Rough Guides list.

4. Italy

Culture, community, history, and natural beauty all meet in this European nation, with one Rough Guides reader picking up on the romance that floats through the air in the small towns and vast cities alike.

Each with their characteristic styles and ways of life, Italys many regions all boast their own variations of Italian food, language, culture, and landscape.

3. New Zealand

One Rough Guides reader defines the magic of New Zealands varied sites that earn the country third place in the list by its rolling green hills, majestic mountains, breathtaking fjords and amazing diversity of landscape from one island to the next.

2. Canada

Canadas vast wilderness includes world renowned, waterfall-haven Niagra Falls and lake-filled Banff National Park in the Rocky mountains.

Rough Guides praises the North American country for its raw beauty and majestic landscapes, which its readers ranked the second most beautiful country in the world.

Read more: 100 trips everyone should take in their lifetime, according to the worlds top travel experts

1. Scotland

Landing the top spot and the title of most beautiful country in the world, it is Scotlands ragged hills and heathered highlands that won over Rough Guides readers.

In the list that reveals the top 20 most beautiful countries, as voted for by its readers, Rough Guides states: Who can deny that these wild beaches, deep lochs and craggy castles are some of the most wonderful and beautiful sights in the world?

This article originally appeared on BusinessInsider.com
If you feel like youre constantly asked to provide your Social Security number, you may be right! Social Security numbers were originally created to track income to determine your Social Security benefits in retirement. But now, a Social Security number has become a near-universal form of identification, and is often sought whenever you give out your personal information.

With this increase in use has come a massive increase in the amount of identity theft reported in the United States. In 2016, 15.4 million cases of identity theft were reported, according to the Insurance Information Institute. One way to lessen your risk is to limit where you give out your information. Here are 5 places where you dont need to give out your Social Security number.

1. Before youve been hired for a job

Employers may ask for a Social Security number before youve been hired, but its not mandatory to provide it, according to the Society of Human Resource Management. When you are hired, you will need to provide your Social Security number so your employer can do a background check. But if youre asked for your SSN on your job application, you may be able to leave it blank, or explain that you dont feel comfortable providing that information.

2. At the doctors office

Your doctor may ask for your Social Security number when you fill out patient forms because they want to easily identify you to collect outstanding payments. But your insurance company identifies you by your insurance policy number in order to bill you and submit payments. While your insurance company will need your SSN, your doctor does not need this information for billing purposes.

If you have Medicare or other federally sponsored health care, you will need to provide your SSN, according to the IRS. Otherwise, leave this box blank the next time youre visiting the doctor.

3. To attend schools or colleges

According to the US Department of Justice, all children living in the US are entitled to attend public school, and schools cannot require children or their parents to provide a Social Security number in order to enroll. If they ask for proof of identity, provide a birth certificate or passport. Leases or electric bills can also be presented as proof of address.

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If youre heading to college, youre not required to submit your Social Security number. However, if youre applying for financial aid, loans, or scholarships, this information will be needed to confirm you or your familys income, as well as to check your credit score.

4. At supermarkets and other retailers

You will need to provide your Social Security number when applying for a credit card, because the bank associated with your card will want to track your credit score. But rewards cards at grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers dont have any credit value, and are used just to track your purchases. So dont give out your SSN when you sign up!

5. When purchasing travel

You dont need to provide your SSN in order to book travel. Depending on where youre going, you will need to provide your passport number and will need a credit card in order to purchase your tickets. Once youre ready to take off, bring your drivers license, passport, or another TSA-approved form of ID.

There are situations when you will need to provide your Social Security number, like applying for a credit card; filing your tax returns; when signing up for state and federal benefits like Medicare or food stamps; or when applying for a drivers licence. Otherwise, if youre asked for your SSN, the Social Security Administration recommends you ask these questions:

Why do you need it? What will it be used for? What other identification do you accept? What will happen if I dont provide my number?

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place and take steps to protect your identity.

WATCH MORE

What you should know before collecting Social Security

Tax fraud and identity theft: How to protect yourself

The facts about Social Security, Medicare may surprise you
Taylor Swift, Reputation (Nov. 10) When Taylor releases an album, its big news  something youve likely already noticed by the mere release of the first single from the album, the Kanye-and-Kim dis track Look at What You Made Me Do. With the single and its video already setting records, you can bet the Reputation will top the chart, even if the old Taylor is dead.

In the not-too-distant past, fall wasnt only for back to school  it was also the time when all the record companies readied their major releases with the hopes that they would land on the charts and on consumers holiday shopping lists. Of course, the advent of streaming services has changed the music business dramatically in recent years, but as a wise man recently said, streaming is for the rest of the year; the holidays are when physical products sell  or so the record companies hope.

With that in mind, weve compiled a list of fall 2017s most anticipated albums. But stay on your toes  this is the era of surprise releases, so your favorite artist might just drop any album out of nowhere.
An 8-year-old boy died of an asthma attack after Hurricane Harvey after he couldnt get treatment in time, according to his family.

Noah Delgado, who was just one week shy of his ninth birthday, was in his Houston home last Monday when he was stricken with a severe asthma attack, reports said.

Read: Rescuers Race to Save Pets Left Behind in Hurricane Harvey

His mother, Tina Galan, used Noahs inhaler to try to calm the attack but to no avail.

Galan said that her repeated calls to 911 went unanswered as authorities fielded thousands of calls during the deadly storm.

I went outside with him to try and get him some air, thinking it would help. I thought, because the power was out, maybe it was too stuffy inside, Galan told the New York Post.

Once outside, however, she realized Noah wasnt breathing.

I was doing CPR, and trying to get him to inhale the medicine, and the air, trying to get him to inhale anything at all, Galan told the paper.

A stranger in a truck passing by their home reportedly stopped and picked them up and began driving to the hospital. On the way, they spotted an ambulance, which took them the rest of the way, reports said.

While receiving CPR, one of Noah's lungs collapsed, the familys GoFundMe said.

Noah was life-flighted from North Cypress Medical Center to Texas Children's Hospital, but there was no room on the helicopter for Noah's mom so a friend drove her to the hospital, she said.

Galan got stuck in the floods along the way but the National Guard assisted them.

Once she arrived at the hospital, doctors told her Noah's diagnosis looked grim. Even if he lived, hed be brain dead, they told her.

Read: How You Can Help the Victims of Hurricane Harvey

Noah was in a coma and on life support for three days before he died.

Noah was loving and energetic, and lit up the room with his presence," he family wrote on the fundraiser."He was loved by all of his teachers and friends. He was a brave young man and loved a challenge. He loved playing video games, watching scary movies, home cooked meals and Pokemon.

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Watch: Houston Police Officer Drowns While Driving to Work During Hurricane Harvey

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An airline is now apologizing to a disabled man whose wheelchair was destroyed while traveling with the carrier. Andy Latham and his wife, Kerry Latham, claim that the specialized wheelchair was severely damaged while being loaded onto their Ryanair flight from Birmingham Airport in England.

The airline told International Business Times in a brief statement Tuesday that its service representatives were working with the couple to get the issue resolved.

We regret any inconvenience caused by our handling agents (Swissport) at Birmingham Airport, and our customer service team are liaising with this customer to resolve this matter directly, the airline said.

Andy Latham was partially paralyzed two years ago after suffering a brain hemorrhage, BBC News reported Sunday. The Warwickshire-based couple was headed for Alicante, Spain, for vacation at the time of the incident. Andy Lathams custom-made wheelchair, on which he is dependent, was reportedly destroyed while being loaded onto the plane as the two were en route to their destination.

Andy depends on the wheelchair, so of course Im feeling upset to see his wheelchair in pieces, Kerry Latham told BBC News.

The couple said they spent hundreds of euros during their vacation to secure a wheelchair. Kerry Latham also said that they were contacted by the airline while they were in Spain at their UK phone number, meaning that they werent able to take the calls. Ryanair also reportedly sent an email to the couple apologizing for the handling of the chair. But Kerry Latham said shes been having to chase both the carrier and Swissport to get a resolution.

Somebody needs to replace the wheelchair, Kerry Latham said.

It could take up to three months for Andy Latham to receive another chair that suits his medical needs, but the couple is renting one in the meantime.

Ryanair came under fire earlier this year for its customer service provided to another wheelchair-dependant customer. A 20-year-old student with Friedreich's Ataxia was left at a Dublin airport after being detained because of her chair and was allegedly asked to walk up stairs for easiness sake.

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I thought, how dare they ask a person in a wheelchair that question? Niamh Herbert told the Guardian in February.

She added: I was visibly distraught and a few people in the airport came up to me, asked me if they could help or buy me tea, but Ryanair staff barely spoke to me.

While we regret any inconvenience, this customer arrived at the boarding gate 13 minutes before the flight was due to depart and had not booked any wheelchair services, Ryanair later said in a statement. Our crew provided full assistance and as a gesture of goodwill, transferred this customer on to the next available flight, free of charge, and the customer flew to London Stansted. Had this customer booked wheelchair assistance and arrived at the boarding gate on time, there would have been no issue.

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After the Trump administration pulled the plug on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on Tuesday, putting the future of some 800,000 Dreamers in peril, thousands of people across the nation took to the streets to #DefendDACA.

The policy was originally enacted under former President Barack Obama to shield young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. by their parents from deportation.

In Washington D.C., hundreds gathered outside the White House in the hours before and after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announcement. People shouted: We want education; down with deportation, and held placards with slogans like Here To Stay.

Protest outside the White House rallying against today's decision to end the #DACA program. pic.twitter.com/uQGNiKIEGj  Lisa Chiu (@lisachiuster) September 5, 2017

The Defend #DACA protest in Washington DC: "Move Trump, Get Out of the Way!". Beautiful.  #RESISTpic.twitter.com/Yntr6hM4V7  Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) September 5, 2017

In Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Detroit and New York, throngs of protesters clogged the streets in support of DACA recipients.

In reponse to Trumps decision to rescind the program, Obama said in a statement that the move was cruel and contrary to our spirit, and to common sense.

A demonstrator yells while holding a sign protesting the end of the DACA program outside Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. (Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

SF #DACA protest spills into the street. Several thousand people here pic.twitter.com/dEZNtlgLjg  Casey Tolan (@caseytolan) September 6, 2017

SF #DACA protest breaking up under a full moon at City Hall. Went strong for 3.5 hours pic.twitter.com/atMDHK4D5V  Casey Tolan (@caseytolan) September 6, 2017

Young immigrants, activists and supporters of the DACA program march through downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday. (Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN via Getty Images)

Minneapolis #DACA marchers: just so you know, there was one driver downtown who was thrilled to have you there today. pic.twitter.com/GIVW5BxKwi  Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) September 5, 2017

Save DACA March, Southwest Detroit, 9-5-17 pic.twitter.com/2sIZQp4zYh  Michael Mulholland (@detroitmichael) September 6, 2017

Young immigrants, activists and supporters of the DACA program march through downtown Los Angeles, California on September 5, 2017. (Photo: FREDERIC J. BROWN via Getty Images)

Panorama: Over a thousand in Foley Square, NYC, to fight for #DACA. pic.twitter.com/RrOvSKLVxa  Keegan Stephan (@KeeganNYC) September 5, 2017

Stop Pretending Your Racism Is Patriotism. Fight for #DACA protest, NYC. pic.twitter.com/tZNS61YSy7  Keegan Stephan (@KeeganNYC) September 5, 2017

BREAKING VIDEO: Hundreds of protesters are marching towards Trump Tower to protest rescinding of #DACA. pic.twitter.com/HrmsSkTJgD  The Anon Journal (@TheAnonJournal) September 5, 2017

In Denver, hundreds of students from several local high schools walked out of classes in protest of the DACA announcement. According to CBS Denver, some of the young demontrators were Dreamers themselves, but many others were friends and supporters of the DACA program.

This is the only country that they know, so I think that as long as theyre good and as long as they study, they work, they pay their taxes, they should have a chance to stay in this country, Raul Duran told the outlet.

#Breaking: Students at Denver schools are walking out of classes in protest of #DACA announcement

WATCH: https://t.co/fYKBG4jvCA pic.twitter.com/ErH0Hz86oq  Channel 2 KWGN (@channel2kwgn) September 5, 2017

Students gathering outside West High in Denver to protest against the ending of #DACA pic.twitter.com/p1PB3szZaw  Melanie Asmar (@MelanieAsmar) September 5, 2017

INSPIRING SUPPORT FOR DREAMERS! 



RT to show SUPPORT for Denver STUDENTS who have WALKED OUT of school to protest Trump #DACA announcement. pic.twitter.com/FOqoFk2fPy  The Hummingbird (@SaysHummingbird) September 5, 2017

In midtown Manhattan, dozens of people, including several DACA recipients, gathered outside Trump Tower for a sit-in on Tuesday.

Almost three dozen people were arrested for disorderly conduct, reported WABC.

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Demonstrators preparing for civil disobedience and mass arrests outside #Trump Tower in New York City during #DACA announcement. pic.twitter.com/0LKWd6mYne  N. J. Burkett (@njburkett7) September 5, 2017

Cuffs are on and DACA protesters are lead away pic.twitter.com/7GfA2gXfna  Andrew Joyce (@AndrewPaulJoyce) September 5, 2017

Young immigrants are voluntarily arrested at Trump Towers in a protest to defend DACA #SinDACASinMiedo (photos via @CosechaMovement) pic.twitter.com/vmcLvBUyuc  Molly Crabapple (@mollycrabapple) September 5, 2017

In the days to come, more DACA protests will be held across the nation. The Here to Stay website has an interactive map showing where protests and rallies were being planned. As of Tuesday night, the map was replete with upcoming events.

(Photo: Here To Stay)

Organizers also urged DACA advocates to take other actions to push for positive change. In a blog post that went viral on Tuesday, HuffPost contributor and DACA recipient Pierre R. Berastain encouraged people to spend a few minutes contacting the White House and local lawmakers to urge them to support legislative reform that will protect Dreamers.

The one hour you spend a few times a week will keep the pressure on Congress to act, wrote Berastain. Your advocacy can make a difference.

Related...

Ending DACA Would Be Cruel And Senseless

If You're Outraged By Trump's DACA Decision, Here's How You Can Help Recipients Like Me

An End for DACA, But Not for Dreamers

Trump's Plan To Undo DACA Is Unveiled

Also on HuffPost

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Colin Trevorrow on set of Jurassic World (Photo: Universal Pictures)

Theres been a great disturbance in the Force  a disturbance that has become increasingly common: another Star Wars director has been jettisoned. Lucasfilm announced Tuesday that Colin Trevorrow would no longer be directing Episode IX, the presumptive final chapter of the franchises Skywalker Saga.

Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ, Lucasfilm said in a statement posted on StarWars.com. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.

The future of Trevorrow, best known for helming the blockbuster Jurassic World, became the subject of intense speculation after his most recent film, The Book of Henry, was thoroughly panned by critics. Then in August Lucasfilm tapped screenwriter Jack Thorne (Wonder) to rework the script by Trevorrow and his writing partner, Derek Connolly, perhaps suggesting a bigger change was in the offing.

His departure marks the second major Star Wars directorial shakeup this year. In June, the Disney-owned production house stunned fandom by firing the filmmaking tandem of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller from the untitled Han Solo prequel, replacing the upstart Lego Movie duo with Oscar-winning veteran Ron Howard.

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy made the move just weeks before the film was scheduled to wrap. She was reportedly disappointed with the completed footage and ultimately decided Howard would bring a stabilizing hand to what had reportedly been a chaotic production. Howard has since been retooling the film, which is still scheduled for a May 2018 release.

Last years Rogue One was plagued by rumors of behind-the-scenes troubles, with Lucasfilm bringing in Tony Gilroy to help director Gareth Edwards reshape the film, which became a worldwide blockbuster. In 2015, Kennedy pulled the plug on a different standalone film  reportedly following Boba Fetts early bounty hunting exploits  to be directed by Josh Trank, following his disastrous Fantastic Four reboot. Tranks project, which was supposed to follow Rogue One into production, was shuttered shortly before Han Solo with Miller and Lord was announced. The message is clear: Disney and Lucasfilm consider the multibillion-dollar Star Wars franchise a crown jewel, and they will go to any length to protect it.

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Mark Hamill in The Last Jedi (Photo: Lucasfilm)

Although Episode IX is not due to begin shooting until January for a May 2019 release, the project has faced faced much turbulence even before todays news. The death of Carrie Fisher necessitated a major overhaul of the story and a new script, and, as noted above, the Trevorrow-Connolly redraft failed to pass muster. Episode IX is expected to conclude the adventures of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his family, and pass the torch to a new generation of galactic adventurers.

Despite all the drama surrounding the upcoming installments, the next film in the series, The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson, is set to arrive Dec. 15 and has not suffered from any considerable backstage intrigue.

Watch: Carrie Fisher would have been front and center in Episode IX and other things weve learned about Star Wars sequel:

Read more from Yahoo Movies:
Sept. 14, 2017: This story has been corrected.

A groundswell of anti-Trump activism has helped inspire an expanded field of Democratic legislative candidates in Virginia this fall, but a Center for Public Integrity analysis found that those office-seekers are lagging badly in fundraising as they prepare to face well-funded GOP incumbents.

These often-ignored races may be a harbinger of the "Resist" movements political clout nationwide  and the steep challenges it faces  in the coming years.

For the first time in at least two decades, 60 of Virginias 100 House of Delegates seats  which are all in play this fall  have candidates representing both major parties. The total represents a major increase from each of the last three cycles. In 48 of these races, Democrats are attempting to unseat Republican incumbents. Senate races will not occur until 2019.

The state has a lot of motivated Democrats in it right now, and a lot of House seats held by Republican incumbents, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Thats a stark contrast from some previous cycles, he added, when Democrats have struggled to field candidates.

The boost in Democratic candidates is part of a broader trend nationwide largely stemming from President Donald Trumps stunning election victory last fall. The November upset was a wake-up call for Democrats and motivated them to begin building a deeper bench of candidates, especially at the state level where theyve been pummeled in recent years. The GOP now holds a record 34 governors offices and controls 69 of the nations 99 state legislative chambers.

Since last falls election, Emilys List, a political action committee that supports pro-abortion rights women candidates, said more than 16,000 women nationwide have contacted the organization about running for office since Trumps election, up from 920 women in the previous two years combined.

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Another example of the newfound energy: An estimated 3,000 scientists interested in becoming candidates are asking for similar support from PAC 314 Action, a new political group that says it is trying to elect candidates focused on evidence-based policy solutions to issues like climate change and fighting the Trump administration's attacks on science.

This story is part of Whos Calling the Shots in State Politics?. The Center exposes the powerful special interests that drive elections and policy in the states. Click here to read more stories in this series.

Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email.

Virginia in the spotlight

Virginia, with its off-year elections, represents Democrats next major opportunity to see if this anti-Trump fervor will translate to victories  and is thus being watched closely by pundits and politicians alike.

New Jersey, the only other state with major elections this fall, isnt much of a contest: Democrats already control the Legislature and are polling far ahead of Republicans in both the gubernatorial and legislative elections.

In Virginia, a close race for governor between current Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and former Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie is attracting national headlines and abundant cash. Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates are hopeful their races may receive some of the attention, too.

One of those new House of Delegates candidates is Democrat Hala Ayala, who said she was dismayed by President Trumps election. The Womens March on Jan. 21 helped drive her decision to run for office against Republican Del. Rich Anderson in the 51st District in Prince William County, just southwest of Washington, D.C. Before announcing her candidacy, Ayala quit her job as a cybersecurity specialist with the Department of Homeland Security to focus on the race.

You need to step up, you need to run for office, Ayala said of her decision. You need to take a stand.

Anderson, who is seeking his fifth term, did not face a challenger during the last election in 2015, and in 2013 he beat his opponent by 7 percentage points. But one statistic makes Ayala hopeful: Last fall, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won the 51st District by 7 percentage points.

Tapping into Clintons base

The 51st District is one of 17 in the Virginia House that went for Clinton but are currently held by Republicans. The majority of these seats are located in northern Virginia, where housing complexes have taken over farmland as the exurbs of Washington continue their relentless expansion and attract a demographically diverse workforce.

If the Democrats were to win all 17 of those districts, they would flip control of the House of Delegates, giving them a narrow 51-seat majority. Republicans currently have a 21-19 majority in the Senate.

The chance to flip the House has helped draw national attention to races that are often won and lost over local issues like traffic and schools.

Flippable, an organization founded after the 2016 elections by Clinton staffers, is among the groups pushing for Democratic victories in Virginia and elsewhere. The organization is focused on identifying districts that could be flipped from Republican to Democrat, and is providing challengers with a national platform and fundraising dollars from across the country.

Incumbency and dollars are big predictors of victory, said Catherine Vaughan, CEO of Flippable. Were bringing some star power to these challengers.

Democratic candidate Danica Roem, who is looking to make history as the first transgender member of the House of Delegates, notably attracted $115,000 from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele in Wisconsin. Even before receiving the bulk of Abeles donation, Roem had raised more than $149,000 as of the last reporting period; thats twice as much as incumbent Del. Bob Marshall, who has represented portions of Prince William County and Manassas Park since 1992.

Although Roem welcomed the donation from Abele, whom she has yet to meet in person, she added that she has raised more than her opponent across the board since she entered the race.

Were outraising him locally, were outraising him in the county, were outraising him in the state and were outraising him nationally, Roem said of her opponent.

Marshall declined to comment.

Candidate Ayala, even without the same level of national attention, has been competitive with incumbent Anderson in terms of fundraising. Anderson had raised $83,078 compared with $72,154 for Ayala as of the end of June, the latest figures available from the Virginia Public Access Project, which gathers state election filings.

Anderson did not respond to requests for comment.

Related: More Virginia House elections contested in 2017

Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email.

The fundraising gap persists

Taken as a whole, however, the House of Delegates races show that Democrats are seriously behind in fundraising, and still have their work cut out for them.

In the 60 House of Delegates races being contested by both parties, Republicans have raised nearly twice as much as Democrats, $7.43 million to $3.73 million, according to the Center for Public Integritys analysis of the most recent campaign filings available. In the districts Clinton won last fall, which are expected to be more competitive, Republicans have raised $2.75 million to Democrats $1.61 million.

Democrats are leading in fundraising in only 15 of those 60 contested races and only six of the 17 District races where Clinton won. In two races, the Democrats even trail both the Republican and Green Party candidates.

Although two more months remain until the election  a time period thats typically among the busiest for fundraising  the name recognition and pre-existing donor base for Republican incumbents may make it difficult for Democrats to close the gap.

I definitely think that Democrats will give us a good run for fundraising efforts, said Republican Party of Virginia Chairman John Whitbeck. But I dont expect they will outspend us in any [Republican incumbent] delegate races, even where Democrats are competitive.

Katie Baker, spokesperson for the state's House Democratic Caucus, countered in an email: We have seen unprecedented support both on the ground here in Virginia and from outside groups offering a range of support.

Outside political groups doing their own campaign fundraising may not make much difference. So far this cycle, independent campaigning by advocacy groups hasnt been much of a factor in the legislative races, according to a review of state records. Virginia does not place a cap on donations to candidates, so outside spending by other groups seeking to affect elections has represented a relatively small percentage of the money put into legislative races in recent years.

Democratic candidate Lee Carter is among those struggling to keep up. The first-time candidate is running against incumbent Republican Del. Jackson Miller in the 50th District, centered in Manassas, about 25 miles outside of Washington.

Trump only won 41 percent of the vote in that district last fall, but Miller has held his seat for 11 years. Carter has raised less than his opponent  $83,764 to $202,627  while pledging not to take donations from for-profit corporations.

Of course, raising more money does not guarantee a victory in the fall. But in contentious elections, everything from yard signs to television ads come at a steep cost.

When youre challenging someone with a 10-year head start, theres never enough money, Carter said. You always feel like you need more.

This story was co-published with NBC News.

Correction, Sept. 14, 2017, 1:11 p.m.: An earlier version of this story reported the incorrect timing of when Hala Ayala quit her job with the Department of Homeland Security. She quit on March 22, the day before she launched her campaign for Virginias 51st District House seat, according to her campaign manager Shu-Yen Wei.

This story is part of Whos Calling the Shots in State Politics?. The Center exposes the powerful special interests that drive elections and policy in the states. Click here to read more stories in this series.

Copyright 2017 The Center for Public Integrity. This story was published by The Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative news organization in Washington, D.C.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:34:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAKU, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan meets its obligations to cut daily oil output by 35,000 barrels under the terms of the Vienna agreement, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Energy told local media here Tuesday.

According to the ministry, oil output in Azerbaijan amounted to 734,800 barrels per day in August, 704,000 barrels of which accounted for crude and 30,800 barrels for condensate.

The Energy Ministry also said Azerbaijan exported 617,600 barrels of crude, 30,800 barrels of condensate and 6,600 barrels of petroleum products daily last month.

The country has submitted the daily oil production data report for August, 2017 to the OPEC Joint Technical Committee (JTC), according to the ministry.

OPEC agreed at a meeting in November 2016 to reduce oil production by 1.2 million barrels a day from the October levels.

One month later in Vienna, 11 non-OPEC oil-producing countries, including Azerbaijan, agreed to cut oil output by 558,000 barrels per day in the first half of 2017 with the possibility of extension, the largest contribution made by non-OPEC oil producers ever.

Azerbaijan's proved oil reserves stood at 7 billion barrels at end 2016, or 0.4 percent of the world proved oil reserves, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy.
(MOSCOW)  Russian President Vladimir Putin refrained from criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump at a news conference in China on Tuesday, but said a decision to shutter Russian diplomatic outposts in the U.S. was poorly handled.

Speaking at a news conference during a summit in China on Tuesday, Putin dismissed as naive a question about whether he was disappointed in Trump.

In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is not my bride, and Im not his groom.

Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be absolutely wrong for Russia to discuss domestic U.S. politics.

Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further U.S. sanctions on Russia and the U.S. decision to close Russian diplomatic outposts have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

The Trump administration last week ordered the closure of three Russian facilities in the U.S.: The San Francisco consulate and trade missions in New York and Washington. It was the latest in a series of escalating retaliatory measures between the former Cold War foes.

Putin said the U.S. had a right to close consulates but it was done in such a rude way.

It is hard to hold a dialogue with people who mix Austria with Australia, he continued, an apparent reference to a decade-old gaffe by George W. Bush, who during a 2007 visit to Sydney referred to Austrian troops when he meant Australian troops.

The American nation, America is truly a great country and a great people if they can tolerate such a big number of people with such a low level of political culture, Putin said.
The calm in Berkeley is unlikely to last for long. The city that is home to one of Californias most prestigious universities has been the site of four messy, violent clashes between the far-left and the far-right this year, the latest just before Labor Day. Now, the city is bracing for an upcoming Free Speech Week at the University of California, Berkeley campus in late September, which will bring back the provocateur whose appearance sparked the recent series of conflicts.

Firebrand Milo Yiannopoulos, along with conservative commentator Ann Coulter and more than a dozen other speakers, has been invited to campus by a student group called Berkeley Patriot to speak during a four-day event running Sept. 24-27. While a week focused on free speech might sound like a series the university itself would host, given that it is the proud home to the Free Speech Movement, the branding was done by Yiannopoulos  who vowed to return after protesters forced him to cancel a planned speech there in February.

The school will be providing venues for the event but does not play the role of approving or rejecting speakers invited by students, officials say. This isnt something we decided to permit, says UC-Berkeley spokesperson Dan Mogulof. There is no discretion.

In advance of the event, Yiannopoulos has been channeling what has become a rallying cry for the right: that political correctness has gone too far in America, stifling a free exchange of ideas.The greatest risk to the American republic is from the unprecedented assault on free speech, he says in a video about the event. Critics on the left, in turn, have accused those on the right of using the words free speech as cover for spreading racism, sexism and hateful ideologies.

On the Berkeley campus, administrators and the students who have invited the speakers are busy trying to figure out how to keep things from going haywire this time. At least once per day, theyve been on a conference call with the campus police to discuss strategies for keeping people safe and making sure the university doesnt turn into a battleground. Mogulof says the school will be coordinating with other local and regional law enforcement in advance of Free Speech Week as well.

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Though they will inevitably be criticized for it, the students who invited Yiannopoulos back to campus say their aim is not to stir up trouble. We want this to be a peaceful event, says Mike Wright, a senior at the school and leader of Berkeley Patriot, a freshly formed group that aims to serve as a conservative-leaning student news organization. Were principled people who are agonizing over how to do this right. The publication, formerly known as the California Patriot, is in the process of re-launching and has about 15 student writers.

Wright says that, in a way, the event isnt about Yiannopoulos at all. Its not about any of the speakers specifically. Its the fact that they werent able to speak, he explains.

The former Breitbart editor is anathema to many on the left, having called rape culture a fantasy and suggested that transgender people are mentally ill, for instance. In advance of his planned appearance in February, rumors swirled that he was going to out undocumented students on stage (Yiannopoulos denies this, saying he was never going to single out students, even though the event was supposed to campaign against sanctuary campuses.) Free speech belongs to everyone, not just the spoilt brats of the academy, he wrote on Facebook when he promised to return, vowing to dedicate each day to what he called enemies of free speech such as Black Lives Matter and Islam.

Given the rhetoric he is known for, it was little surprise that hundreds of non-violent protesters showed up to speak out against his presence in the liberal city earlier this year, but school officials were caught off guard when 100 or so black-clad protesters  known as antifa  marched into the fray, eventually breaking windows and setting fires before vandalizing nearby city streets. The event was cancelled out of safety concerns and the university issued a campus-wide shelter in place order. Our society cant have civil discourse, cant have debate, says Wright, if we choose to silence ourselves because of the threat of fringe groups.

Ann Coulter also canceled a speech this past spring after confusion  and a subsequent legal dispute  over when and where her speech was supposed to take place. Students from the Berkeley College Republicans, the group that invited her the first time, accused administrators of attempting to restrict conservative speech on campus. The university rejected that notion, saying that all the schools actions have been aimed at keeping students safe.

In advance of Coulters planned appearance in April, people from outside the campus, on the right and the left, had been gearing up to protest, and the school spent about $600,000 on security. Mogulof says that the institution could very easily spend that amount or more on security for the Free Speech Week event, given that it takes place across multiple days. And there may be other costs. The anti-fascist protesters who came to shut down Yiannopoulos first event caused more than $100,000 worth of damage.

The administration says that the Berkeley Patriot group has been scrupulous in its adherence to policy and attempts to work with school officials. We really do care about this university and were not inherently an adversarial organization, Wright says. We are just students who are trying to stand up for the principle of free speech. The group and the school both say that anyone who is seeking a dustup is not welcome. We will deter and confront those who would engage in violence, says Mogulof, and we dont care from what side of the political spectrum theyre coming.

Still, the latest blowup on Aug. 26 has people nervous. At a city park outside the campus, right-wing protesters were swarmed by another band of black-clad counterprotesters in a city park. Hundreds of non-violent protesters also showed up to rally against a conservative anti-Marxism gathering, but things got messy when the more militant leftists arrived. Police eventually arrested 13 people on various charges that day, including assault with a deadly weapon. Six people were injured, two sent to the hospital. And many worry that outsiders from both sides will be drawn to the university campus to protest  or support  the Free Speech Week events.

In the wake of that violence, the mayor of Berkeley, Jesse Arreguin, has called for the university to cancel Free Speech Week. But the students and the administration both say that, legally, that isnt the way it works. Student groups are separate legal entities and the university has neither the right or the ability to interfere with their choices of speakers based on the perspectives or beliefs of those speakers, says Mogulof.

The school can act to safeguard people on campus and does have the right and responsibility to step in when there is a clear and present danger or true threats, he adds. But for now, our focus is on preparation and planning that will allow these events to go forward safely and successfully.

The school has, meanwhile, attempted to bring some order to the controversy over free speech, promising to spend the year hosting its own fireside chats about the issue and civil point-counterpoint discussions. As students returned for the beginning of the school year, Chancellor Carol Christ sent out a letter noting that a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, where a young woman died after a man drove his vehicle into a crowd of counterprotesters, had made the issue of free speech even more tense. And she advised students to defend free speech, even it means hearing ideas they do not like.

Call toxic speech out for what it is, dont shout it down, she wrote, for in shouting it down, you collude in the narrative that universities are not open to all speech. Respond to hate speech with more speech.
Louise Linton, the wife of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, has spoken out for the first time since she came under fire for an Instagram post flaunting her wealth in August.

It was scary and surreal but it forced me to take a deep look at what I had done, she told Washington Life, a magazine that details the life of the wealthy and powerful in Washington, D.C., in an interview. I dont feel like a victim. I feel like the world gave me a good, hard wake-up call and Im OK with that.

In a post of an image of her and her husband descending from a military jet after a trip to Kentucky, Linton wore an outfit worth up to $4,600 and used hashtags to describe the brands. A woman, identified by the New York Times as 45-year-old Jenni Miller, a mother of three, commented on the post, calling Linton #deplorable. The actress then wrote a lengthy response, calling Miller adorably out of touch and appearing to shame her for her cute life.

Linton issued an apology through her publicist after the incident made headlines and has since made her Instagram account private.

I want to say I concede completely to the comments of my critics, she told Washington Life.My post itself and the following response were indefensible. Period.

The interview appeared in the annual Balls and Galas issue of the publication, and featured a spread of Linton posing in ball gowns. I see the irony of making an apology in a ball gown, Linton said, clarifying that she really is a no makeup girl who is more comfortable in leggings and a sweatshirt.

But Linton, who grew up in her familys castle in Scotland, made clear she has learned from the incident.

I dont have any excuses, nor do I feel any self-pity for the backlash I experience, Linton said. I sincerely take ownership of my mistake. Its clear that I was the one who was truly out of touch and my response was reactionary and condescending.
The trailer for Netflix's "Magic School Bus" reboot instantly went viral upon its Tuesday release, racking up 9.4 million views on Facebook within 24 hours. But criticism came just as fast, with countless fans taking issue with the animation style: "This animation looks cheap in comparison to the original," reads the top-liked comment.

That backlash has some merit to it. But we have another concern:

Why did Ms. Frizzle get a nose job?

According to the trailer, in the years since she went off the air, Ms. Frizzle has received a well-deserved promotion to Professor Frizzle. And it seems she put that hefty pay raise toward a rhinoplasty.

Photos: Scholastic/Netflix

The face of TV's most beloved science teacher has taken on a much rounder shape, completely smoothing out the angles of her jawline. She's also seemingly made use of keratin treatments. But -- most importantly -- while she still has a bridge bump, no amount of blend and contour can create that perky upturned tip.

If you're too distracted by the animation style to notice Ms. Frizzle's obvious cosmetic surgery, you're not alone: Even the Washington Post has taken up arms, lamenting, "The reboot has saddled its talent with the plastic facial expressions of a childrens Barbie or Bratz ad. Its as if the artists have embalmed the soul of the show beneath the most plastic of pixels."

Netflix replied to one of the critical Facebook responses by encouraging viewers who prefer hand-drawn animation to watch "Castlevania."

Complaints aside, "The Magic School Bus Rides Again" has A-list talent -- Lily Tomlin and Kate McKinnon star, and Lin-Manuel Miranda is behind the revamped theme song -- and plenty of source material for an awesome kids' show. Take a look at the trailer:
The senior national co-ordinator for counter-terrorism policing, Neil Basu - PA

Isolated communities and illegal Islamic schools are a "breeding ground" for terrorism, a senior police chief has said, as he warned the security services are investigating 600 extremist plots.

Neil Basu, the Metropolitan Police's counter-terror chief, said that the nature of the threat the UK faced has shifted, warning that the main danger came from extremists "in our midst".

Mr Basu highlighted the risk posed by illegal schools, saying: "segregated, isolated communities, unregulated education and home schooling are a breeding ground for extremist and future terrorists".

The Met's deputy assistant commissioner also revealed that the intelligence services were currently investigating 600 terror plots, of which 60 were opened in the past six weeks alone.

In July, Cressida Dick, the Met's commissioner, warned that 500 investigations were active.

Speaking during the Police Superintendents' Association conference yesterday, Mr Basu said counter-terror officers currently open more investigations than they close each week.

He added that there were also weaknesses in the country's borders and called for much stringent checks on arrivals as he warned the UK's terror threat level would remain at severe for at least the next five years.

He said: "It is not going to change. This was truly a summer like no other, it was truly a shift and not a spike, it is truly a new norm that we face."

Mr Basu went on to say that the dual issue of terrorists returning from fighting abroad and those who were unable to leave Britain in order to fight, meant the threat is "now in our midst", the Daily Mail reported.

He added that borders and ports were "porous", with "a lack of biometrics and advanced passenger information" which made them vulnerable.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - A divided federal appeals court on Wednesday said the elected public board of commissioners in Jackson County, Michigan, did not violate the U.S. Constitution by opening monthly meetings with Christian prayers and asking audience members to join.

By a 9-6 vote, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati rejected claims by the plaintiff, Peter Bormuth, that the prayers violated the First Amendment's Establishment Clause because the commissioners, all Christian, offered them.

Bormuth did not respond to requests for comment.

The majority said its decision conflicted with a July 14 ruling by the federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, rejecting a similar practice by Rowan County's Board of Commissioners in North Carolina.

Rowan County is weighing an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which considers federal appeals court splits a key criterion for taking a case.

Bormuth, a self-described pagan and animist, claimed he was made to feel like he was "in church" and forced to worship Jesus Christ before participating in Jackson County board meetings.

He said one of the nine commissioners called him a "nitwit" for objecting, while two turned their backs while he spoke.

But in the majority opinion, Circuit Judge Richard Griffin called Jackson County's "religion-neutral" prayer practice consistent with Supreme Court precedents letting Nebraska's legislature and the upstate New York town of Greece open sessions with prayer led by clergy.

Griffin also said the board's asking attendees to please stand and assume a "reverent" position for invocations was not coercive.

"The solemn and respectful-in-tone prayers demonstrate the commissioners permissibly seek guidance to make good decisions that will be best for generations to come and express well-wishes to military and community members," Griffin wrote.

While the prayers' Christian nature offended Bormuth, "offense does not equate to coercion," Griffin added.

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A dissenting judge, Karen Nelson Moore, accused the majority of extending constitutional protections to "a practice that excludes non-Christians from the prayer opportunity and expresses disgust at people who voice a different opinion."

The nine judges in the majority were appointed to the court by Republican presidents. Democratic presidents appointed five of the six dissenters.

Ken Klukowski, senior counsel for the nonprofit First Liberty Institute, which represented the board, in an interview said the appeals court split "skyrockets the odds" the Supreme Court might ultimately weigh in.

Wednesday's decision upheld a lower court ruling favoring Jackson County, which a three-judge appeals court reversed on Feb. 15. Jackson County is about 80 miles west of Detroit.

The case is Bormuth v County of Jackson, 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 15-1869.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Jonathan Oatis)
Ash fell in the Portland, Oregon, area on Tuesday, September 5, because of a wildfire raging east of the city. The Eagle Creek Fire has burned at least 4,800 acres and crossed into Washington overnight.

An air quality alert was issued for Portland because of smoke and ash from the fire, according to a news report. The air quality was expected to be some of the worst of the year, and people were encouraged to stay indoors.

This video shows the ash that had fallen on a car in Camas, Washington. Credit: Instagram/svenofthegorge via Storyful
Asylum seekers and refugees held in a remote Pacific camp were Wednesday awarded Aus$70 million ($56 million) for being illegally detained and treated negligently, in Australia's largest human rights class action settlement.

Canberra sends asylum seekers who try to reach Australia by boat to facilities on Nauru in the Pacific and Papua New Guinea's Manus Island, where they are blocked from resettlement in Australia.

But conditions in the camps have been widely criticised by doctors and refugee advocates, who say some asylum seekers have suffered mental health problems due to their prolonged detention.

A deal was struck in June to avoid a trial, more than three years after lawyers mounted the class action against the government and two service providers operating at Manus.

The compensation package was approved by Victoria's Supreme Court on Wednesday. Nauru was not involved in the legal case.

"I am satisfied that the settlement is fair and reasonable as between the parties," Justice Cameron Macaulay told the court.

The Manus centre is due to shut next month after a PNG Supreme Court ruling last year declared that holding people there was unconstitutional.

Lawyers for the group participating in the settlement said they hoped to get the compensation to them before the closure.

"The response rate we have had so far has been very good. The sign-up rate speaks for itself. People have voted with their feet here," Rory Walsh of law firm Slater and Gordon told reporters in Melbourne.

Some 70 percent, or 1,346, of the 1,923 detainees held at the centre from November 2012 to December 2014 joined the class action.

"The group is engaging with us and they are keen to get this approved and to get some compensation to them so they can get some certainty given the significant uncertainty that lies ahead for this group at large," Walsh added.

But one detainee, Iranian refugee Amir Taghinia, said he had opted out of the agreement and that it would not help him leave Manus Island.

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"Getting that money is not the issue," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Wednesday.

"We are still in the same situation, we are still suffering from the same conditions."

The government, which had no immediate comment, has said it will move the asylum seekers and refugees from the Manus camp by October when it closes.

Some will be relocated to third countries, or resettled elsewhere in PNG.
Rohingya refugees from Myanmar's Rakhine state reach the border near Teknaf, Bangladesh, on Sept. 5. (Photo: K M ASAD/AFP/Getty Images)

The plight of Myanmars Rohingya Muslims reached a grim benchmark this week, with the United Nations now estimating that more than 140,000 refugees have fled to neighboring Bangladesh in just 12 days to escape persecution.

Yet amid a crisis increasingly described as genocide, Myanmars state counselor and former Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, has dismissed the mounting reports of abuse as misinformation.

The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group from Rakhine state, where they have limited rights and are classified as illegal immigrants rather than citizens. They have long been victims of state-sponsored discrimination  including what the U.N. has deemed possible crimes against humanity.

Rohingya militants attacked government security posts on Aug. 25, triggering renewed violence and a brutal retaliation by government forces that has prompted this latest exodus. In addition to those who have fled the country, tens of thousands of Rohingya are internally displaced.

A Rohingya woman carries her child in a sling after crossing the border into Bangladesh on Sept. 5, 2017. (Photo: Mushfiqul Alam/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Security officials have reportedly carried out gruesome violence, including killings, rapes and arson, against the Rohingya community in recent days.

The brutality is unthinkable, Matthew Smith, CEO of the advocacy group Fortify Rights, told NPR from the Bangladesh-Myanmar border. [Myanmars security forces] are killing children. Theyre killing women. Theyre killing the elderly. Theyre killing able-bodied men and boys. Its indiscriminate.

But Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner and activist during Myanmars decades-long military dictatorship, has said little in the face of mounting international pressure to address the unfolding violence. Her inaction has even stirred discussion of revoking the Nobel Peace Prize she won in 1991 for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Suu Kyi finally addressed the crisis, saying that a huge iceberg of misinformation has been calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists.

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Myanmars government has already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible, the post continued.

Tirana Hassan, Amnesty Internationals crisis response director, was appalled by this response to the crisis.

This is a human rights and humanitarian catastrophe. In her first comments on the crisis, instead of promising concrete action to protect the people in Rakhine state, Aung San Suu Kyi appears to be downplaying the horrific reports coming out of the area, Hassan said.

Suu Kyis latest comments are reminiscent of a rare interview with the BBC in April, when she denied that ethnic cleansing was taking place in Rakhine state, calling it too strong a term.

An Indonesian protester burns a picture of Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi during a rally in front of Myanmar's embassy in Jakarta on Sept. 2. (Photo: Donal Husni/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Suu Kyi declared that she wanted to run for president in Myanmars 2015 election, but the countrys constitution barred her from doing so because she had married a foreigner and had foreign children. The role of state counselor, which is similar to prime minister, was instead established for her in 2016.

Calls for Suu Kyi to take action have come from concerned parties around the world, including 20-year-old activist Malala Yousafzai.

I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to condemn the tragic and shameful treatment of Myanmars Rohingya Muslims, Yousafzai wrote on Twitter. The world is waiting and the Rohingya Muslims are waiting.

Yanghee Lee, the U.N.s special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, called the situation in Rakhine really grave, and said it was time for Suu Kyi to step in.

Protesters outside of Myanmar's embassy in Jakarta hold signs protesting Myanmar's government and Aung San Suu Kyi on Sept. 4, 2017. (Photo: Darren Whiteside/Reuters)

As the crisis worsens, Myanmars government has tightened restrictions on desperately needed aid supplies and services in Rakhine state.

The Muslims are starving in their homes. Markets are closed and people cant leave their villages, except to flee. There is widespread intimidation by the authorities, who are clearly using food and water as a weapon, a humanitarian official told Amnesty International.

As state counselor, Suu Kyi does not have authority over the security forces committing the alleged and documented atrocities against Rohingya Muslims, but there are still many ways she could help to ameliorate the situation, according to Hassan.

Aung San Suu Kyi is the civilian arm of the government. She can immediately do the right thing. She can allow the U.N. Fact-Finding Mission in, for example, instead of not cooperating with the Mission, Hassan told HuffPost from Bangladesh, referring to the U.N.s blocked efforts to conduct an independent international inquiry into the violence in Rakhine state.

Hassan, who visited the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Tuesday before speaking with HuffPost, described it as a sea of misery.

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Rohingya refugees wait for aid at Kutupalong refugee camp in the town of Teknaf, Bangladesh, on Sept. 5, 2017. (Photo: K M ASAD via Getty Images)

The government must commit to addressing the root causes of the conflict, including minorities citizenship and rights, Hassan said.

Thus far, we have seen absolutely no attempt to do that, and its incredibly disappointing, she noted. The restrictions on humanitarian aid, the stopping of food aid and the inability to provide shelter services is the perfect storm for a humanitarian disaster.

Tejshree Thapa, the senior South Asia researcher for Human Rights Watch, last visited the Bangladesh-Myanmar border during the Muslim holiday of Eid.

Its a very important day for Muslims. All of these people I saw coming across [the border] were Muslims, and I remember feeling particularly heartbroken, because its supposed to be a celebratory day for them, Thapa told HuffPost from Bangladesh.

Its family after family after family, she added. Theyre desperate  theyve walked four or five or six days over mountain passes, after facing attacks on their villages and sheer terror.

A Rohingya child holds a baby after arriving at a refugee camp near Teknaf, Bangladesh, on Sept. 5, 2017. (Photo: K M ASAD via Getty Images)

But for many refugees arriving in Bangladesh, the living conditions are still abysmal. Theres no shelter for them. Theres nothing, said Thapa. Theyre literally sitting by roadsides, hillsides and under trees and bushes. They have nothing. I mean, absolutely nothing.

She believes Suu Kyi has chosen to take the side of the majoritarian population in Myanmar, which has an overwhelmingly Buddhist population. State media outlets in the country have been especially disparaging of Rohingya Muslims, reportedly referring to them as morally bad and human fleas.

Its very disappointing. I wish [Suu Kyi] would recognize that she is leader of everyone in the country, not just the majority, said Thapa. Its time for her to show leadership and to call on security forces to stop these egregious violations, but shes not showing any inclination to do so.

But the crisis can be addressed, Hassan asserts. There are solutions to these problems  it takes the sort of moral courage and commitment to human rights that we would hope to see from leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi.

This article has been updated with comment from Aung San Suu Kyi.

Also on HuffPost

In this Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 photo, an injured Rakhine Man, centre, is helped to go to hospital in Thandwe, Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Buddhist mobs killed a 94-year-old Muslim woman and torched more than 70 homes on Tuesday as sectarian violence again gripped Myanmar's Rakhine state despite a visit by President Thein Sein, officials and residents said. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

A couple carries goods on their motorbike as a man rides a bicycle on a road by a mosque Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Thandwe, Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Terrified Muslim families hid in forests in western Myanmar on Wednesday, one day after rampaging Buddhist mobs killed a 94-year-old woman and burned dozens of homes despite the first trip to the volatile region by President Thein Sein since unrest erupted last year. The violence near Thandwe, a coastal town the president was due to visit later Wednesday on the second day of his tour of Rakhine state, raised new questions about government's failure to curb anti-Muslim attacks and or protect the embattled minority. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

In this Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 photo, an injured Rakhine man, right, is helped to go to hospital in Thandwe, Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Buddhist mobs killed a 94-year-old Muslim woman and torched more than 70 homes on Tuesday as sectarian violence again gripped Myanmar's Rakhine state despite a visit by President Thein Sein, officials and residents said. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

Traffic police officers stand outside a religious building decorated with Buddhist flags Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Thandwe, Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Terrified Muslim families hid in forests in western Myanmar on Wednesday, one day after rampaging Buddhist mobs killed a 94-year-old woman and burned dozens of homes despite the first trip to the volatile region by President Thein Sein since unrest erupted last year. The violence near Thandwe, a coastal town the president was due to visit later Wednesday on the second day of his tour of Rakhine state, raised new questions about government's failure to curb anti-Muslim attacks and or protect the embattled minority. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

In this Sept. 17, 2013 photo, a Muslim boy, who become displaced following the 2012 sectarian violence, cries at Nga Chaung refugee Camp in Pauktaw, Rakhine state, Myanmar. President Thein Sein traveled to Myanmar's conflict-torn west on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 as a new spate of sectarian violence gripped the state of Rakhine, with police saying Buddhist rioters killed a 94-year-old Muslim woman and torched more than 70 homes. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

A woman and a child sit near their burnt house after violence in Htan Gone village of Kantbalu township, Sagaing division, Myanmar, Monday, Aug. 26, 2013. A tense calm returned Monday to a Myanmar town that was ripped apart by sectarian violence, leaving hundreds homeless after Buddhist mobs tore through the small, winding streets torching Muslim-owned houses and stores. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

In this Sept. 17, 2013 photo, a Muslim man pushes a rickshaw with an injured child, all became displaced following the 2012 sectarian violence, close to Bawda Pa IDP camp in Rakhine state, Myanmar. President Thein Sein traveled to Myanmar's conflict-torn west on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 as a new spate of sectarian violence gripped the state of Rakhine, with police saying Buddhist rioters killed a 94-year-old Muslim woman and torched more than 70 homes. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)

In this Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 photo, two injured Rakhine men sit in a car as they prepare to go to hospital in Thandwe, Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Buddhist mobs killed a 94-year-old Muslim woman and torched more than 70 homes on Tuesday as sectarian violence again gripped Myanmar's Rakhine state despite a visit by President Thein Sein, officials and residents said. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

Totally blackened pillars stand among debris of a burnt building Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Thandwe, Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Terrified Muslim families hid in forests in western Myanmar on Wednesday, one day after rampaging Buddhist mobs killed a 94-year-old woman and burned dozens of homes despite the first trip to the volatile region by President Thein Sein since unrest erupted last year. The violence near Thandwe, a coastal town the president was due to visit later Wednesday on the second day of his tour of Rakhine state, raised new questions about government's failure to curb anti-Muslim attacks and or protect the embattled minority. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

MYANMAR-POLITICS-UNREST-RELIGION

Muslim residents take shelter at a house following communal clashes in Thabyu Chi village near Thandwe, in Myanmar's western Rakhine state on October 2, 2013. Terrified women and children hid in forests and security forces patrolled tense villages in western Myanmar on October 2 as police said the toll from fresh anti-Muslim unrest rose to five. AFP PHOTO/SOE THAN WIN (Photo credit should read Soe Than WIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Distorted corrugate panels are scattered among debris of a burnt building Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Thandwe, Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Terrified Muslim families hid in forests in western Myanmar on Wednesday, one day after rampaging Buddhist mobs killed a 94-year-old woman and burned dozens of homes despite the first trip to the volatile region by President Thein Sein since unrest erupted last year. The violence near Thandwe, a coastal town the president was due to visit later Wednesday on the second day of his tour of Rakhine state, raised new questions about government's failure to curb anti-Muslim attacks and or protect the embattled minority. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 03:59:17|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LONDON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Brexit Secretary David Davis told MPs in the House of Commons Tuesday that significant differences remain between the European Union (EU) and the government over Britain's so-called divorce settlement when it leaves the bloc.

Addressing politicians on their first day back at Westminster following the summer break, Davis said it's clear Britain and the EU will have financial obligations to each other that will survive Britain's exit from the EU.

But he said it is also clear the two sides have very different legal stances, noting that "the settlement should be in accordance with law and in the spirit of the UK's continuing partnership with the EU".

Davis added: "We should not underestimate the usefulness of the process so far. But it is also clear that there are still significant differences to be bridged in this sector."

He told the Commons that while last week's negotiations in Brussels had at times been tough, it was clear concrete progress had been made on many important issues.

"The days of making vast yearly contributions to the EU budget will end when we leave. But there may be programs that the UK wants to consider participating in as part of the new partnership that we seek."

He said Britain and Brussels need to discuss them as part of talks both on the withdrawal from the EU and Britain's future as its long-standing friend and closest neighbor.

The latest round of talks focused on rights of citizens on both sides, Northern Ireland and Ireland, the question of a financial settlement and a number of technical separation issues.

Davis said there have been significant steps forward in citizen's rights, with a high degree of convergence on a number of issues affecting British citizens in EU countries and European citizens living and working in Britain.

"The outcomes of these discussions demonstrate that we have delivered on our commitment to put citizens first and to give them as much certainty as early as possible in this process. Of course, there remain areas of difference which we continue to work on," said Davis.

Davis said his Brexit team will publish further position papers in the coming weeks, continuing to set out Britain's ambition for the next negotiations.

Answering questions from MPs, Davis said there will be a vote in the House of Commons on the final EU settlement, saying his expectation was that the argument over money will go on for the full duration of the negotiations.

"There will be a vote. The House can reflect its view on the whole deal, including the money," insisted Davis.

Labour's shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said the level of progress on key issues was a "cause for concern".

He said Britain and the EU have now reached the point "where fantasy meets brutal reality, with too many promises about Brexit made that can't be kept".

Starmer has indicated that Labour party will vote against the government in a crucial debate which starts Thursday on a repeal bill to switch all EU law into British law from the day when Britain leaves the EU.

Political commentators say the vote will be a big test of the way prime minister Theresa May is leading Britain's journey out of the EU after more than 40 years of membership.
By Kirsti Knolle and Shadia Nasralla VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) on Tuesday accused Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz of stealing its platform on immigration and the economy ahead of a parliamentary election, which he is favorite to win. FPO leader Heinz-Christian Strache's comments come a day after Kurz presented plans for his conservative People's Party (OVP) for a slimmer state, changes in corporate tax law and cuts to benefits for foreigners. "The program Kurz presented is almost identical to the FPO economic program. We are still waiting for the presentation of the OVP's own economic plan," Strache told Reuters. Kurz has led opinion polls ahead of the Oct. 15 election with just over 30 percent. The Freedom Party and the center-left Social Democrats (SPO) trail with around 25 percent each. The conservatives and the far right have enough common ground on migration, taxes and education to launch coalition talks if the vote does not yield a clear winner, said political analyst Peter Filzmaier. Austria's system of proportional representation will likely lead to another coalition government. A coalition of the SPO and OVP has held power since 2006 but is unpopular because it failed to agree major reforms on job creation, investment and taxes. "Given Sebastian Kurz's popularity, a coalition between the OVP and the FPO seems to be the most likely outcome," said Vienna-based analyst Peter Hajek. Kurz told reporters on Tuesday he did not rule out working with any party and was "equidistant" from the FPO and the SPO. A cartoon in daily newspaper Kurier showed a naked Strache in a police station telling an officer Kurz had stolen "everything" from him. The FPO and OVP focus on the free market, a small state and low taxes. The SPO wants new taxes, including on wealth and inheritance and subsidies to promote job creation. The Social Democrats under Chancellor Christian Kern have begun to consider cooperation with the Freedom Party but Kern this week said his party was "light years" from it. The Freedom Party's popularity rose to a high during Europe's migration crisis in 2015 when it denounced the government's decision to open Austria's borders to hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants. It led polls for more than a year with support above 30 percent and its candidate came close to winning last year's presidential election. Tens of thousands of people from the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa have arrived in Austria in the past two years, raising public spending on social benefits and fuelling support for policy makers who advocate cutting migration. (Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
By Matthew Tostevin PHNOM PENH (Reuters) - Foreign donors must open their eyes to Cambodia's "false democracy" and put more pressure on Prime Minister Hun Sen after the arrest for treason of his main rival, Kem Sokha, a top opposition figure said on Monday. Mu Sochua, known internationally for campaigns against sex trafficking and for women's rights, said the opposition had done as much as it could and would not call for demonstrations because it believed in non-violence. Now the world had to save Cambodia, which has taken decades to recover from the Khmer Rouge genocide, she said. "There isnt true peace. There has always been a false democracy," said Mu Sochua, 63, who is one of three deputies to Kem Sokha in the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). "The international community have been willing to close their eyes and play along with it. Right now all the red lines have been crossed," she told Reuters in an interview in Phnom Penh. Kem Sokha was arrested on Sunday and accused of plotting treason with the United States in an escalating crackdown on Hun Sen's critics that has also targeted independent media and rights groups in the run-up to an election next year. Kem Sokha's lawyer had been allowed to visit him for the first time on Monday and he seemed to be OK, she said. The opposition party was not calling for cuts in aid or trade, Mu Sochua said. But donors needed to make clear what they could do and convince Hun Sen that he would have no legitimacy from a flawed election. "We are asking for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr Kem Sokha," she said. "We hope the international community will come up to our expectations." She welcomed statements from both the United States and European Union, which have criticized the arrest of Kem Sokha and questioned whether next year's elections can be fair. HUN SEN DEFIANT But Hun Sen, who has pulled in billions of dollars in Chinese loans and become one of Beijing's closest regional allies, has only condemned foreign interference. "We cant allow any group to destroy the peace we hold in our hands by being the puppets of foreigners," said Hun Sen, 65, a former Khmer Rouge soldier who has ruled Cambodia for more than three decades. Mu Sochua said the opposition wanted dialogue with the ruling Cambodian People's Party under the auspices of countries that signed and guaranteed peace accords in Paris in 1991: the biggest world powers, Asian powers and Southeast Asian states. "We have done everything possible," she said. "When there is use of force by a corrupt judiciary we are very vulnerable. Thats why were saying 'dont defend the opposition, defend Cambodia'." Opposition party leaders met on Sunday to discuss the next steps after Kem Sokha's arrest, but with few obvious options. They would definitely not call for protests, Mu Sochua said. Replacing Kem Sokha would not happen either. "Thats exactly in the scenario of Mr Hun Sen," she said, raising the possibility of an election boycott if Kem Sokha were not released. "That would be a last resort. We cannot pretend that we will go into something that will totally destroy the party and we cannot be part of the destruction of democracy in Cambodia," she said. Kem Sokha, 64, only became leader in February after his predecessor, Sam Rainsy, resigned in the face of a new law to ban any party whose leader has been found guilty of a crime. Sam Rainsy lives in France to escape a defamation conviction. Parties were then banned from even having links to convicted criminals, prompting the CNRP to go around old posters with paint brushes to obliterate Sam Rainsy's picture. Party officials are not allowed to mention his name. "Maybe when Mr Kem Sokha is convicted we can't mention his name either, but then whos next?" Mu Sochua said. "In the minds of the Cambodian people, we know who is our leader in our hearts." (Additional reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Robert Birsel)
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Rescuers on Monday found the body of a Belgian army helicopter pilot who had disappeared in a mysterious midair incident at a weekend airshow, local media said. Investigators are trying to determine how and why the unnamed pilot left the controls of his Agusta A-109 on Sunday and ended up dead hundreds of meters below. The Belgian Armed Forces said in a statement that the pilot had fallen from the aircraft but that the co-pilot, alone on board, had landed it safely. Public broadcaster RTBF, quoting public prosecutors, said the co-pilot told them he was watching three skydivers who had just jumped from the helicopter. When he turned back round, the pilot's seat was empty and the door of the aircraft was open. (Reporting by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Gareth Jones)
London (AFP) - British public relations firm Bell Pottinger was expelled from a trade body Tuesday over a controversial campaign in South Africa which was found "likely to inflame racial discord".

The decision by the Britain-based Public Relations and Communications Associations (PRCA) comes after Bell Pottinger ran a campaign which included the phrase "white monopoly capital".

It was carried out on behalf of Oakbay Capital, an investment holding company run by the controversial Gupta family -- itself accused of wielding undue political influence over the South African government.

A PRCA committee set up to investigate the matter said the British firm's campaign "was by any reasonable standard of judgement likely to inflame racial discord in South Africa and appears to have done exactly that".

Announcing the decision to expel Bell Pottinger from the PRCA, director general Francis Ingham said the PR firm had brought the industry "into disrepute with its actions".

"The PRCA has never before passed down such a damning indictment of an agency's behaviour."

The decision has no financial costs for Bell Pottinger, which will be able to operate as normal going forward.

"But they will be doing so with the impact of significant reputational damage," the PRCA's Matt Cartmell told AFP.

"The potential impact on them is large because they've been publicly expelled from the PRCA as a result of their activities," he added.

Bell Pottinger co-founder Tim Bell told the BBC it was "almost certainly" curtains for the firm but said he was not responsible for what had happened.

"I think it probably is getting near the end, you can try and rescue it but it won't be very successful," Bell told the BBC's Newsnight programme.

"I don't take any responsibility. This is 18 months ago... I resigned from the company in August last year, I published my resignation and I said one of the reasons I was leaving was because of the Gupta account," he said.

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South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), previously accused Bell Pottinger of having run a "divisive campaign to divide South Africa along the lines of race" on behalf of Oakbay.

The DA criticised Bell Pottinger for promoting "economic apartheid" through its campaign.

On Sunday, Bell Pottinger's chief executive James Henderson resigned from his post.

"Whilst I had no involvement in the account, there were warning signs that I should have heeded. Therefore I must take responsibility," he said.

An independent report conducted by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills released on Monday found senior management at fault for failing to put in place adequate policies to minimise the risks associated with the account.
Bernie Sanders says he isnt interested in discussing Hillary Clinton blaming him for her election loss to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

My response is that right now its appropriate to look forward and not backward, the Vermont independent senator said in an interview published by The Hill newspaper on Wednesday. Our job is to go forward.

Sanders comments came a day after excerpts were published from Clintons upcoming campaign memoir, What Happened. In the book, Clinton claims that the attacks Sanders leveled at her during the 2016 Democratic primary caused lasting damage, made it harder to unify progressives and paved the way for Trumps Crooked Hillary refrain during the general election.

I dont know if that bothered Bernie or not, Clinton writes. He certainly shared my horror at the thought of Donald Trump becoming President, and I appreciated that he campaigned for me in the general election. But he isnt a Democrat.

Sanders lost his bid for the Democratic nomination and endorsed Clinton two weeks before the Democratic National Convention.

He didnt get into the race to make sure a Democrat won the White House, Clinton continues. He got in to disrupt the Democratic Party.

Wow  "I am proud to be a Democrat and wish Bernie were, too." #ShePersisted pic.twitter.com/jSv7ilP5Nv  Tom Watson (@tomwatson) September 4, 2017

And while Sanders was right Democrats needed to strengthen [their] focus on working families and engage younger voters, he was fundamentally wrong about the Democratic Party, Clinton argues, ticking off a list of Democrat-led accomplishments including Social Security, Middle East peace, the auto industry bailout and health care reform.

I am proud to be a Democrat, Clinton adds. And I wish Bernie were, too.

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Sanders told The Hill that hes focused on protecting progressive interests from Trumps legislative agenda.

Im working overtime now to see we overturn Trumps decision on DACA, pass a $15-an-hour minimum wage and next week Ill be offering a Medicare-for-all single-payer system, he said.

In her book, Clinton also criticized Sanders for effectively stealing her ideas.

We would propose a bold infrastructure investment plan or an ambitious new apprenticeship program for young people, and then Bernie would announce basically the same thing, but bigger, she writes.

The Vermont senator declined to respond to that specific claim.

Ill let the people decide, he said.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Lagos (AFP) - A spurt in attacks by Boko Haram Islamists has claimed nearly 400 lives since April in Nigeria and Cameroon, double the figure of the previous five months, Amnesty said on Tuesday.

The increasing use of suicide bombers -- often young women and girls forced to carry and detonate explosives in crowded areas -- has killed at least 381 civilians in the two countries, the rights group said in a statement.

"Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can," said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International's director for West and Central Africa.

"This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians... Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror."

Amnesty said at least 223 civilians died in Nigeria since April, underscoring that the real toll could be far higher.

"Between May and August, seven times more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone," it said.

Boko Haram is waging an insurgency in a bid to establish a hardline Islamist state in Nigeria's mainly Muslim north.

At least 20,000 people have been killed in violence since 2009 and more than 2.6 million people have been left homeless.

More than five million people are starving as the fighting has devastated farmland, leaving farmers unable to sow or cultivate crops for several years.

In neighbouring Cameroon, Amnesty said since April at least 158 civilians died in Boko Haram strikes, a figure four times higher than the preceding five months.

"The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30 - more than one per week - carried out since the beginning of April," it said.

The deadliest attack took place in the town of Waza on July 12 when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.
Bell Pottinger, one of Britains most prestigious public relations firms, has been expelled by a U.K. industry body for at least five years over accusations of stirring up racial tensions in South Africa.

An investigation by the U.K. trade body, the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), found that the PR firms work for Oakbay Capital, the holding company of the controversial Gupta family, would likely inflame racial discord in South Africa and was in breach of four clauses in PRCAs code of conduct and professional charter. Now, the companys future is in doubt as investors and clients prepare to jump ship. Heres what to know:

What is Bell Pottinger?

The pioneering PR firm was co-founded by Timothy Bell, who helped launch former Prime Minister Margaret Thatchers career. It has worked on behalf of a range of major corporations across a host of sectors, including Airbus, HSBC, Coca-Cola, and Birds Eye. Its also no stranger to controversy; past clients include Syrias first lady Asma al-Assad, apartheid-era South African President F.W. de Klerk, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko and the Pinochet Foundation. It was hired by Oakbay Capital in 2016 to help buff the Guptas image.

What is the company accused of doing?

South Africas opposition Democratic Alliance alleges that Bell Pottingers campaign for the Guptas portrayed opponents of the family and South Africas President Jacob Zuma as agents of white-owned businesses, or white monopoly capital, in a bid to divert attention away from the powerful family linked to a variety of corruption scandals (see below).

A cache of leaked emails in May alleged that the PR firm worked with Zumas son, Duduazne, and the Guptas to create a strategy that exploited the countrys racial tensions as well as edited the familys Wikipedia page. Duduazne apparently told a Bell Pottinger partner that the campaign should be along the lines of #EconomicEmancipation or whatever, according to one email reported by the Guardian. Zuma subsequently spoke of white monopoly capital being behind calls for his resignation and suggested breaking up white ownership of businesses.

Story continues

The slogan, white monopoly capital, began to air frequently on a Gupta-owned television station. It eventually gained traction in a country where the white minority still hold a disproportionate amount of wealth, Reuters reports. But a protest outside the home of a white journalist held by a group called Black First Land First led to fears that the situation was spiralling out of control.

Irked South Africans now blame Bell Pottinger for orchestrating a campaign where hundreds of fake Twitter accounts posted racial messages against opponents of the Guptas, including white business leaders in South Africa. While its unclear who created the fake accounts, the company has apologized for its role in the divisive campaign and dismissed one partner and suspended three staff in July for what it admitted to being unethical and offensive behavior.

Who are the Guptas and why are they controversial?

The Guptas, who consist of brothers Ajay, Atil and Rajesh, rapidly built a business empire, that spans from media to mining, after moving from India to South Africa in the 1990s. Their troubles began in 2013 when their deep political ties in Zumas administration were revealed following reports of a private plane loaded with Gupta wedding guests landing at a South African military base, the New Statesman reports. The Gupta family has since been linked to a number of corruption scandals, which includes allegations by former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas who says the family offered him a promotion in 2015 and nearly $50 million if he followed their agenda, the Daily Maverick reports.

Both the Guptas and Zuma have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, but the issue feeds the toxic claim that the family has exploited their close links with the president for financial gain.

What will happen to Bell Pottinger?

The future of the once-pioneering PR firm is now in doubt. Co-founder Bell, who left the firm due to his unease over the Gupta links, told BBC on Monday that the company is probably getting near the end.

Bell Pottinger has brought the PR and communications industry into disrepute with its actions, and it has received the harshest possible sanctions Francis Ingham, director general of PRCA, said in a statement. The PRCA has never before passed down such a damning indictment of an agencys behavior.

On Sept 4, the companys CEO James Henderson resigned following a separate independent review commissioned by the PR firm. Having read these findings, I recognise the business requires a change of leadership to fix the problems of the past and to move forward Henderson said in a statement. I feel deeply let down by the colleagues who misled me. However, I think it is important I take proper accountability for what has happened.

While accepting the ruling, the company said in a statement that it disputes the basis on which the ruling was made.
Neo-Nazi group National Action is banned in the UK (HuffPost)

Four British soldiers have been arrested on suspicion of preparing acts as terrorism as suspected members of the banned neo-Nazi group National Action.

The men, from the Midlands, Suffolk and Wales, were detained by counter-terror police in a series of raids on Tuesday and their homes are being searched.

West Midlands Police said the suspects are a 22-year-old man from Birmingham, a 32-year-old man from Powys, a 24-year-old man from Ipswich and a 24-year-old man from Northampton.

They have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; namely on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation, National Action, a police spokesperson said.

The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led; there was no threat to the publics safety, the spokesperson added.

The men arrested on Tuesday are members of the Army, officials confirmed.

We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far right group, an Army spokesperson said.

These arrests are the consequence of a Home Office Police Force led operation supported by the Army.

National Action became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws after the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox last year, whose killing the group had praised.

The designation meant that being a member of or inviting support for the group is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to ten years in prison.

National Action was established in 2013 and had several branches across Britain that launched provocative protests aimed at intimidating local communities.

Its activities and propaganda materials are particularly aimed at recruiting young people, the Governments official designation says.

The group is virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic. Its ideology promotes the idea that Britain will inevitably see a violent race war, which the group claims it will be an active part of, the document explains.

Story continues

The group rejects democracy, is hostile to the British state and seeks to divide society by implicitly endorsing violence against ethnic minorities and perceived race traitors.

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Britain is on its second-highest terror threat level, severe, which means an attack is highly likely.

The UKs senior counter-terrorism officer warned earlier on Tuesday that it would remain at that level for at least five years after a summer like no other of deadly Islamist terror attacks.

Last month a senior police chief said the number of reports to the authorities about suspected right-wing extremists had doubled since the murder of Cox, who was killed in June 2016 by a man obsessed with Nazis and white supremacist ideology.

The rise of neo-Nazi groups across the world was brought to the fore of the public consciousness last month when a counter-protester was killed at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
President Donald Trumps Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, is set to announce Tuesday morning that the administration is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a six-month delay. The popular Obama-era executive action provides legal status to some 800,000 people brought to the U.S. illegally, and was instituted during the 2012 campaign as Congress refused to budge on immigration-reform legislation. Trumps action, reached after months of internal West Wing debate, fulfills a campaign pledge to end the program, but flies in the face of his comments to so-called Dreamers that they had nothing to fear from his administration and that he would treat them with heart. Caught between his core base and the mainstream of his partyand the countryTrump is effectively punting the ball to Congress, forcing lawmakers on Capitol Hill to act in the coming six months to maintain protections for DACA recipients. Trump admitted as much Tuesday in a tweet previewing the decision: Congress, get ready to do your job  DACA! Sessions and Trump are expected to focus their arguments on the process by which Obama implemented DACA, rather than its popular effects. The program was the subject of a legal threat by conservative state attorneys general, who promised a lawsuit if action wasnt taken to undermine the program by Sept. 5.

Now DACA adds to the mounting stack of items waiting on Congressional action. Congress must raise the debt limit and keep the government funded by the end of the month. Lawmakers must also approve billions in aid for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief, reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program, the National Flood Insurance Program, and the FAA. All of that is before GOP lawmakers move to what they say is their priority for the fall: tax reform. Harveys devastation has highlighted the need to act swiftlythe House plans on voting this weekand lessened the odds of a government shutdown right now. But with 12 legislative days remaining before the crucial end-of-month deadlines, lawmakers have their work cut out for them.

Story continues

Tensions on the Korean peninsula are reaching new heights as North Korea claims to have tested a hydrogen bomb over the weekend. In a series of tweets, calls and statements, administration officials have ratcheted up the rhetoric on the rogue state, but Trump faces a daunting challenge with no promising options.

The Russian probes move closer to Trumps inner circle. DACA tests Trumps relationships on Capitol Hill. And Putin speaks.

Here are your must reads:

Must Reads

Why Does Trump Always Shoot The Hostages?

The president prepares to throw DREAMers lives into chaos, his political goals unknown [BuzzFeed]

Why Congress Will Decide Dreamers Fate

Trump puts the ball in Congress court [TIME]

Trumps punt to Congress on DACA threatens new GOP rift

A growing number of Republican lawmakers are softening toward Dreamers, but others say Trump cant end the program fast enough [Politico]

Congress Faces a Tense Agenda, With Little Margin for Error

After a summer recess, Congress must grapple with keeping the government open, paying U.S. creditors and passing a hurricane-aid bill [Wall Street Journal]

How Hurricane Harvey Could Save Congress From Itself

A break in the stalemate [TIME]

Trump family and associates to be in Russia probe crosshairs

Congress and Mueller close in [Associated Press]

Sound Off

We have kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, adding North Korea is begging for war.

After all, he is not my bride, and I am not his groom Russian President Vladimir Putin on President Donald Trump.

Bits and Bites

Richard Cordray could step down soon, leaving the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in limbo [LA Times]

Breitbart bangs the drum in Alabama Senate showdown [Politico]

EPA now requires political aides sign-off for agency awards, grant applications [Washington Post]

Reid Hoffman has billions of dollars and one of the best networks in Silicon Valley. Heres how hes using them to take on Trump. [Recode]

Menendez Trial Set to Begin With Tensions High and Washington Watching [New York Times]

Paul Ryan: Trump Shouldnt Scrap DACA for Kids Who Know No Other Country [TIME]

Justice Department Confirms There is No Evidence Barack Obama Wiretapped Trump Tower [TIME]

Read the Inauguration Day letter Obama left for Trump [CNN]

James Mattis to North Korea: Any Threat Will Be Met With Massive Military Response [TIME]

Harvey wreaks havoc on Houstons undocumented immigrants [USA Today]

Spicer lands post-White House gig [Politico]
ABC/Randy HolmesAfter being inspired by a visit to a Texas shelter this past weekend, Dustin Lynch is heading back to the Lone Star State to further help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

The Small Town Boy will headline a benefit for the American Red Cross next Tuesday at Cowboys Red River in Dallas.

The spirit of Texas and of country music is to help your neighbor, to pitch in when others are struggling, Dustin says. So many people have stepped up to lend a hand to those affected by this storm, and Im proud to do my small part to support the citizens of Houston and surrounding communities.

Tickets are only $10, and the first 500 fans through the door will get a copy of Dustins new album, Current Mood, which comes out Friday.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 06:35:09|Editor: huaxia

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CHICAGO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) grains futures closed higher Tuesday with soybean futures rising two percent on a mix of technical buying and forecasts for dry weather in the Midwest that could threaten late-season yield prospects.

Corn and wheat futures followed the higher trend.

The most active corn contract for December delivery rose 3.25 cents, or 0.91 percent, to 3.585 dollars per bushel. December wheat delivery rose 4.25 cents, or 0.97 percent, to 4.43 dollars per bushel. November soybeans added 19 cents, or 2 percent, to 9.685 dollars per bushel.

CBOT brokers estimate that funds have bought 6,000 contracts of corn, 9,000 contracts of soybeans, and 3,200 contracts of wheat.

In the outside markets, the Brent crude oil market is 1.23 dollars per barrel higher, the U.S. dollar is lower, and the Dow Jones Industrials are 221 points lower.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday announced that private U.S. exporters recently sold 136,000 tons of soybeans to China and 143,650 tons of corn to Mexico. Enditem
(PHNOM PENH, Cambodia)  Cambodias opposition leader has been formally charged with treason for allegedly conspiring with the United States to topple the government, and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Kem Sokha had been expected to lead his Cambodia National Rescue Party in next years election in a strong challenge against the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party of Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has held power for three decades. The opposition party has denied the treason allegation, saying the charge is strictly politically motivated.

Kem Sokhas arrest on Sunday in the middle of the night came amid a crackdown on the media. Radio stations among the few mass media to carry voices critical of the government were shut down for alleged breaches of regulations, and the English-language Cambodia Daily, also independent of the government, was forced out of business after being presented with a huge but disputed tax bill.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court spokesman Ly Sophana said Tuesday that Kem Sokha was charged after a thorough investigation, including interrogation and examination of the evidence. The crime is punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison.

A statement issued by the court said Kem Sokha had secretly conspired with a foreign country to carry out an act harmful to the social order and that could cause unrest. It said he had been carrying out his plan since 1993 to topple the government step by step.

Speaking to 4,000 Cambodian garment factory workers Sunday, Hun Sen claimed Kem Sokha had colluded with the United States against his government and warned the opposition party it could be dissolved if it defended him. He provided no proof for his claim.

The government appeared to have based part of its claims against Kem Sokha on a video clip that shows the opposition leader giving a public speech in which he describes a grassroots political strategy to challenge Hun Sen with U.S. support.

The clip, which was released by the government Sunday, was published on YouTube by the Australia-based Cambodia Broadcasting Network in 2013. In it, Kem Sokha says the United States hired university professors and experts in America and Canada to advise me on (a) strategy to change the leadership in Cambodia.

Story continues

A U.S. State Department spokeswoman, Heather Nauert, did not address the allegations against Washington, but issued a statement expressing grave concern over Kem Sokhas arrest, saying he has a long, distinguished, and internationally recognized commitment to human rights and peaceful democracy.

Nauert said the detention and unprecedented restrictions recently imposed on independent media and civil society raise serious questions about the governments ability to organize credible national elections in 2018.

Legal threats forced Kem Sokhas predecessor as leader, Sam Rainsy, to resign this year from the opposition party. He now lives in exile.
Footage captured by Caribbean residents reveals the early damages inflicted by one of the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricanes recorded in history just hours after it made its first landfall.

Hurricane Irma battered several Caribbean islands early Wednesday and appears destined to hit the United States, with Florida at particular risk of being pummeled by rain and wind this weekend.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Irma claims at least two lives as it churns through Caribbean islands, possibly en route to Florida

But before it reaches the U.S., Irma is expected to continue wreaking havoc from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic, and eventually the Bahamas by the weekend.

Carribean residents have already started to document the storm, sharing photos and videos to Twitter of Irma's destructive 185-mph winds and intense rainfall.

Carrot Bay, Tortola BVI! The eye of the storm has passed but the tail is still to come! Get the Virgin Islands more coverage! #hurricaneirmapic.twitter.com/YvPbwjA0kS  Maybe: Anonymous  (@CallRoc_K) September 6, 2017

My daughter & grandson r in the eye right now in Road Town British Virgin Islands #hurricaneirma2017pic.twitter.com/06hdoia1cw  Sherry Wetzel Zellers (@sherryazellers) September 6, 2017

See more photos of Hurricane Irma here:



Multiple deaths have been reported so far. According to the New York Times, there has been at least one death in Anguilla, a British territory, and another death reported in Antigua.

Story continues

France's overseas territories minister also confirmed two people were killed on two of its Caribbean territories, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy.

Though it remains unclear where Irma will make landfall in the U.S., most projections are showing the "potentially catastrophic" storm impacting Florida.

According to the Guardian, Irma is the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic, and its winds remain just shy of the all-time record hurricane wind speed of 190 mph.

RELATED: Preparing for Hurricane Irma


Geneva (AFP) - More than 5,000 civilians have been killed in Yemen since March 2015, including 1,184 children, the UN human rights office said Tuesday, renewing its calls for an international probe into the conflict.

The rights office has been mandated to track civilian casualties in Yemen since the start of the Saudi-led offensive in support of the government against an alliance of Iran-backed Huthi rebels and ex-president Yemeni Ali Abdullah Saleh.

"Between March 2015... and 30 August, at least 5,144 civilians have been documented as killed and more than 8,749 injured. Children accounted for 1,184 of those who were killed," the rights office said in a statement.

"Coalition airstrikes continued to be the leading cause of child casualties as well as overall civilian casualties," the statement added, referring to the Saudi-led campaign.

"Some 3,233 of the civilians killed were reportedly killed by Coalition forces."

More than 8,400 people, including civilians and combattants, are believed to have died in Yemen's civil war, according to UN estimates.

The United Nations human rights chief, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, has repeatedly pushed for an international investigation into violations in Yemen.

That effort has largely been stymied by Saudi pressure within the Human Rights Council, the UN body empowered to set up major international probes.

Yemen's internationally recognised government has said that its own investigation is sufficient to document abuses in the conflict.

The rights office again cast doubt on the credibility of that probe, noting that it is "not perceived to be impartial."

"An international investigation would go a long way in putting on notice the parties to the conflict that the international community is watching and determined to hold to account perpetrators of violations and abuses," Zeid said in the statement.
Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP)

In her soon-to-be-released election memoir, Hillary Clinton takes on her numerous enemies and opponentsand supporters, including former Vice President Joe Biden, who criticized her campaign for its supposed neglect of middle-class voters.

CNN was able to buy an early copy of What Happened, Clintons firsthand account of her election loss to President Trump, which is supposed to go on sale next week. In one excerpt cited by the network, Clinton disputes Bidens critiqueciting his own role in her campaign.

Joe Biden said the Democratic Party in 2016 did not talk about what it always stood for  and that was how to maintain a burgeoning middle class,' Clinton wrote. I find this fairly remarkable, considering that Joe himself campaigned for me all over the Midwest and talked plenty about the middle class.

After considering and eventually ruling out running himself, Biden campaigned for Clinton in the general election. This March, he offered his assessment of the Democratic Partys inadequate messaging in the election.

What happened was that this was the first campaign that I can recall where my party did not talk about what it always stood for  and that was how to maintain a burgeoning middle class, Biden said during an appearance at the University of Pennsylvania. You didnt hear a single solitary sentence in the last campaign about that guy working on the assembly line making 60,000 bucks a year and a wife making $32,000 as a hostess in restaurant.

In another, previously leaked excerpt, Clinton also singles out her former primary election rival, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who later endorsed Clinton and campaigned for her in the general election. Clinton said Sanders attacks caused lasting damage to her candidacy, ultimately making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trumps Crooked Hillary campaign.

Elsewhere in the book, according to CNN, Clinton cites the rash statements of former FBI Director James Comey, who accused her of carelessness in handling classified emails, and muses about whether former President Obama should have more forcefully responded to Russias meddling in the election.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran / NorthJersey.com

From Delish

Two aid workers got to have a little fun while doing a greater good Saturday when they broke into a Coca-Cola warehouse  with permission  to take 14 cases of water back to Hurricane Harvey victims.

Bill Zang, who owns Hovercraft Unlimited, drove down to Beaufort, Texas all the way from Illinois this weekend to help with relief efforts. Along the way, he used a hovercraft to rescue a man from a flooded highway.

Once he got to Beaufort, his services were needed once again. Coca-Cola representatives had recently let local firefighters know that a nearby warehouse had thousands of water bottles inside, but due to flooding, hadn't been reached yet. That's where Zang came in.

Zang told USA Today firefighters asked him if he could use his hovercraft to get close to the facility. So on Saturday afternoon, he and a buddy, Sam Byers, floated over to the warehouse armed with a hand saw and hammer.

Photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran / NorthJersey.com

The duo broke open the lock with their tools and the facility's gate swung open, according to USA Today, causing Byers to happily admit, "This is so much fun!"

Inside, there were huge quantities of soda and Dasani water. The two carried 14 cases of water out to the hovercraft, which they then delivered to National Guard troops to distribute to evacuees of Hurricane Harvey.

The things you can do with a hovercraft!

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Colin Trevorrow is no longer directing Star Wars: Episode IX, according to Disney and Lucasfilm.

A statement released Tuesday at StarWars.com said that the Jurassic World director will not be involved in the final chapter of the Star Wars saga:

Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.

Neither Disney nor Lucasfilm has publicly suggested a possible replacement director.

Trevorrow is the third director who was set to helm a Star Wars universe movie and then was removed from the job, according to EW.com. Josh Trank was scheduled to direct an unspecified standalone Star Wars movie, but parted ways after the failure of the 2015 Trank-directed Fantastic Four reboot. In June of this year, Lego Movie directors Phil Miller and Chris Lord were removed from the young Han Solo film four months into shooting and replaced by Ron Howard.

Colin Trevorrow indicated in July that he was not facing any "internal conflicts" in making "Star Wars: Episode IX." (Photo: Phil McCarten / Reuters)

Trevorrow was confirmed as the Episode IX director in August 2015, according to Deadline.com. At the time, he described it as not a job or an assignment, but a seat at a campfire, surrounded by an extraordinary group of storytellers, filmmakers, artists and craftspeople.

In July, Trevorrow discussed the removal of Miller and Lord with the Hollywood Reporter and stressed that, for him, things were going swimmingly with Disney and Lucasfilm.

Ive been fortunate enough in all the films that Ive made so far that we havent had internal conflicts, as far as the movie that we were making, he said. Thats not a situation Im involved in.

Star Wars: Episode IX is scheduled to be released on May 24, 2019.

Also on HuffPost

Porg

Maz Kanata

C-3PO

Chewbacca

BB-8

K-2SO

R2-D2

Supreme Leader Snoke

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Celebrating your one-year anniversary with a photo sesh is always a good idea. But when you add in a cute idea like this? It becomes so, so meaningful. Lauren and Grant read their message-in-a-bottle notes written by friends and family from their wedding, how sweet?! Trousseau Style added their pretty touch and Celia Ragonese snapped it all up, right here.

From Celia Ragonese Photography... For Lauren and Grants first-year anniversary session, Philadelphias rich and vibrant architecture in the Old City neighborhood created the perfect backdrop for their classic style as husband and wife. From the iconic columns of the First Bank of the United States to the cobblestone streets in Old City, the citys dusky summer hues created a warm and neutral color palette that went perfectly with Laurens millennial pink dress and Grants chambray blue shirt. During their early morning session, they shared laughs as they remembered their wedding day in Oregon and reminisced about their favorite moments with friends and family. For their home session, we continued the warm neutral vibe with pops of pink and blue that was highlighted by a beautiful vintage bottle and flower motif that Lauren created in their bright and airy home. With their wedding cake 2.0 from Nutmeg Cake Designs at the ready (traveling 3,000 miles with cake is a tricky endeavor) and a bottle of rose, Lauren and Grant read their message-in-a-bottle notes written by friends and family from their wedding. I love photographing married couples and one of my favorite aspects about Lauren and Grants anniversary session was watching their faces light up and their warm laughter fill the room as they shared stories and read these advice notes together. I always say its an honor to capture memories for couples, and it was truly a special day with this wonderful couple that will be remembered for a long time. From the couple... Most of our love story takes place in Philadelphia - we met, dated, fell in love and live in the city. However, after getting engaged on vacation in Oregon, we decided to return to Oregon for our wedding and engagement photos. We thought our year anniversary would be the perfect opportunity to capture a little bit of our Philadelphia love story.We started by visiting some of our favorite neighborhood locations in Old City. We had so much fun walking about the city and remember our first year of marriage! Next, we headed home for some cake, rose and to read the "messages in a bottle" our guests left for us at our wedding. We laughed and cried reading through the funny, thoughtful and some cryptic messages (too much wine?). It was such a meaningful way to celebrate our first year of marriage and we'll cherish these photos forever.

Photography: Celia Ragonese Photography | Wedding Cake: Nutmeg Cake Design | Fashion Stylists: Trousseau Style
People attend a rally protesting against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in front of the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Sept. 5, 2017. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been rescinded. The move potentially puts 800,000 illegal immigrants in danger of deportation. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of people were handcuffed and removed by police during a rally Tuesday outside Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, to protest U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to scrap a program shielding from deportation immigrants who came to the country illegally as children.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of Trump Tower at about 11 a.m. on Tuesday, chanting "undocumented, unafraid," "We are human beings, our dreams are all equal, protect dignity and all of our people!"

At least 34 of the protesters who sat down in the middle of Fifth Avenue and briefly blocked traffic were taken away in handcuffs by the police.

Images and videos of the rally were widely circulated on social media. Many of the netizens expressed their support and sympathy for the protesters.

"... #DACA recipients risk arrest outside Trump Tower. @NationalNurses stands with Dreamers! #TuesdayThoughts," tweeted RoseAnn DeMoro with a short video showing protesters held hands and sat down on the Fifth Avenue.

The protests came shortly after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the administration would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a six-month delay.

The DACA beneficiaries were known as Dreamers in the United States.

The DACA, which was passed under the Obama administration in 2012, grants temporary residency and work privileges to those who entered the country before their 16th birthday.

Under the program, Dreamers can apply to defer deportation and legally reside in the U.S. for two years. After that, they can apply for renewal.

By March 31, 240,700 people had applied for renewal in the 2017 fiscal year and nearly 800,000 renewals have been approved over the life of the program.

"We warned you not to threaten our neighbors, @realDonaldTrump," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Tuesday minutes after Sessions made the announcement.

"New York City will fight to defend our Dreamers," de Blasio added, using a term commonly used to refer to recipients of DACA.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Monday also threatened to sue if Trump moved to end the DACA program.

Yet there are voices expressing concern that the DACA has amounted to an amnesty for illegal immigrants.

"I support immigrants and immigration standards focused on national security only because it is clear to me that immigrants have always been and remain a huge net positive to America," Lee Cheng, co-founder and director of the Asian American Legal Foundation, told Xinhua Tuesday.

"However, I have to say that as with everything Trump related, there is a lot of misinformation being promulgated by the media and immigration activists," Cheng said.

The problem and challenge with "broad amnesty of almost any kind" can be seen in the aftermath of the amnesty granted to illegal immigrants under President Reagan, he said, "No one can dispute that the amnesty absolutely encouraged even more illegal immigration in the following 2 decades and is the driver of many of the immigration issues facing America today."

The Trump administration is simply asking Congress to take appropriate action on immigration law rather than extending DACA -- Congress has the power and also the authority, as well as the duty, to do so, he said.

"They get 6 months to get something done they should have done years ago but never had the guts or principle to do -- pass comprehensive immigration reform," Cheng said. "It needs to be done. Congress has been punting on it for years because no one wanted to catch the political fallout from one side or another."
Students protest Donald Trump's decision to end the DACA immigration programme: Fox31 Denver

Students in Denver have walked out of their schools in protest at Donald Trump's decision to end a programme that protected 800,000 young immigrants from deportation.

It was the first day back to school for many across the US, with students looking to make their feelings about the move to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) scheme clear.

The protests in Denver included a number of schools in Denver, with hundreds of students walking out.

As well as Colorado, other student protests are expected in Albuquerque and a number of other areas. Students have also joined protests against the decision outside of the White House in Washington DC.

Beyond the protests, Democrats and civil liberties advocates blasted Mr Trump.

President Trump's decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America, said Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who announced the decision to end the programme, said the action does not mean the DACA recipients are bad people.

To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here. It's just that simple. That would be an open-border policy and the American people have rightly rejected that, Mr Sessions said.

In a statement issued by the White House, Mr Trump said, I do not favour punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognise that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

Protests were held around the country in response to the DACA announcement as well. In New York City, activists marched from Centarl Park down Fifth Avenue to Trump Tower, the private residence of the President. For some at that demonstration, Mr Trump had opened their eyes to the importance of issues like the DACA programme and of speaking out on issues they care about.

Story continues

"Donald Trump's election made me more active," Zoe, a 16-year-old soon-to-be Sophomore told The Independent. Zoe's last name is being witheld because she is a minor and was not with her parents at the demonstration.

Zoe said that she is an American citizen, but had been compelled to begin speaking out since November in order to help the undocumented immigrants she knows at her school, and whom she is friends with. "A lot of people didn't necessarily talk about it."

The DACA program was enacted five years ago by the administration of former President Barack Obama. The programme was geared toward helping young immigrants who had come into the United States illegally as children, when they were too young to make their own decision on the matter. The programme did not provide protections for parents of those DACA recipients, however another programme pushed by the Obama Adminstration sought to do so.

Since 2012, nearl 800,000 undocumented immigrants have received protections throught DACA, which allows young immigants to apply for and receive work permits. Many of those DACA recipients have been able to pursue careers and study in American schools and universities. Many have also started families during that time. A considerable portion of DACA recipients have been in the United States long enough that they known no other home than America, and would not know what to do if forced to move back to their countries of citizenship.

Reuters contributed to this report
Update  Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 1:06 p.m. EDT: After the story was published, a rep for Delta responded to International Business Times request for comment. The airline did not raise any prices because of the storm. We have absolutely not been raising prices, the rep said.

The discrepancy apparently happened after the traveler, Leigh Dow, tried to book her ticket through Expedia.com. When she spoke with Delta directly, they fixed the problem. She was satisfied with the fare she got, the rep said.

Moving forward, Delta encouraged anyone who wants to book a flight with their airline to go to Delta.com directly. They added extra flights from Florida and the south Caribbean to accommodate people who want to evacuate because of Hurricane Imra.

If passengers need to alter their travel plans, they will not be charged a fee because of the storm. In addition to the waiver, the fares are stable and we have not increased them at all, the rep said.

Finally, the rep noted Delta Air Lines has a partnership with the Red Cross and were working with them to provide relief. Were very active in those efforts, the spokesperson said.

Original story:

Delta's in trouble again.

The airline was accused of jacking up the price of one of their flights nearly 600 percent after a traveler tried to book a flight out of Miami in the midst of Hurricane Irma Tuesday. Leigh Dow, a public relations executive, was trying to safely evacuate from the hurricane area and not pleased with the price gouging. She took to Twitter to vent her discontent to her nearly 19,000 followers.

Dow posted a screenshot of the price change. The photo showed her flight from Miami to Phoenix was raised from $547.50 to $3,258.50. Jacking from $547 to over $3200 for people trying to evacuate responsibly?

Shame on you @delta. Jacking from $547 to over $3200 for people trying to evacute responsibly? #IrmaHurricane pic.twitter.com/O2nfPHQUAh  Leigh (@LeighDow) September 5, 2017

While talking to her followers, Dow said the flights out of Miami were apparently sold out. I think they are probably sold out at this point. Seems to be the case across the industry, she wrote when someone suggested she take another airline.

Story continues

The post soon went viral on Twitter, garnering more than 30,000 reactions over 23,000 shares. Hundreds of people started to comment on Dows post. They slammed Delta.

They shud be fuckn free. They should be sending planes from everywhere to get these people this is sad.  _LUVIN_ (@luvin_hester) September 6, 2017

Right! But then gone say "pray for them" once everybody dead, underwater, and missing _  S.S. _ (@ReallyDGAFF) September 6, 2017

Horrible  Heather Hunter (@heather_hunter) September 6, 2017

That is not cool @Delta! Help people, not screw them.  Paul Abrahamian (@deadskulltweets) September 6, 2017

Delta like, "Just wait till you get in this flight." ___ pic.twitter.com/Ck5Sh5lSzu  Falcon Travis (@TravisSelvidge) September 6, 2017

Delta soon responded to Dow to try to make amends. Leigh, can you please message me more details regarding this! I would love to try and help, the airline wrote.

Less than a half hour later, Delta helped Dow find a solution.

The @Delta team explained how it happened, and another airline was also involved. That wasn't obvious to me. They intervened & helped us out, she wrote. .@Delta reached out & helped tremendously. Note to travelers, always call airline directly if something doesn't look right.#IrmaHurricane.

International Business Times reached out to Delta for a statement, but did not immediately hear back.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella

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In the wake of the November election and the collapse of efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, enacting single-payer health care  one government insurer for all Americans  has been steadily gaining steam as a priority for progressive activists.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus political action committee, Bold PAC, has sought to capitalize on the energy behind the so-called Medicare for all push with at least eight fundraising emails in the past few months that suggest contributing to the PAC will help advance single-payer legislation.

The emails frequently invoke Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is planning to introduce single-payer legislation in the coming weeks, after he mainstreamed the ambitious policy with his 2016 presidential bid.

The strategy is paying off: In a non-election year, the Bold PAC has already raised nearly $3.9 million  including over $820,000 in contributions under $200. In the first quarter of 2017, it brought in over $2 million, breaking its previous fundraising record for a three-month period.

By contrast, the PAC raised about $6.1 million in the entire 2015-2016 election cycle  a period when it had the benefit of national attention on a presidential race in which the Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, was highly favored to win.

The trouble is, just half of the 30 full voting members of the Congress Hispanic Caucus have publicly endorsed single-payer health care. (The caucus has 31 members including Northern Mariana Islands Delegate Gregorio Sablan, but he does not have the authority to vote on legislation that makes it to the House floor.)

Of the 28 CHC members with full voting rights in the House, 15 are among the 117 co-sponsors of single-payer legislation introduced by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.).

The 13 CHC members in the House who have not signed onto the bill include Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.), chair of Bold PAC and a member of House Democratic leadership; Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; and Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), a nationally prominent former Texas state lawmaker, whose twin brother Julian Castro served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the Barack Obama administration.

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Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), the two senators in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have not revealed whether they plan to support Sanders single-payer legislation or otherwise indicated it is a policy they support.

Menendezs office pointed to his past support for a public health insurance option. Cortez Mastos office did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation of her current positions.

Reps. Cardenas, Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), Lou Correa (D-Calif.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.), Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.) and Ruben Kihuen (D-Nev.), all of whom are CHC members who have not co-sponsored the Conyers bill, received major contributions from Bold PAC in the 2015-2016 cycle.

A number of other House Democrats who have yet to sign onto Conyers bill were recipients of Bold PAC largesse last cycle as well, including Democratic Reps. Kyrsten Sinema (Ariz.), Brad Schneider (Ill.), Sean Patrick Maloney (N.Y.), Stephanie Murphy (Fla.), Charlie Crist (Fla.), Josh Gottheimer (N.J.) and Cheri Bustos (Ill.).

A spokesperson for Bold PAC said the decision to fundraise off of the Medicare for all push is not intended to reflect the positions of all CHC members, or candidates it endorses.

The passage of Trumpcare would be a disaster and Medicare for All is one solution that many of our Members support, the spokesperson said in a statement.

Minority communities are more likely to lack access to affordable healthcare, which is why CHC Bold PAC is committed to ensuring that healthcare is available for every American  not just for a privileged few, the statement continued. CHC BOLD PAC will fight with the progressive community to protect the American people from Trumpcare with everything we have.

The spokesperson would not say whether the PAC is even planning to urge its members or candidates it endorses to sign on to single-payer legislation.

Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Bold PAC, is one of 15 CHC members who is not on record supporting single payer legislation. (Photo: Bill Clark/Getty Images)

But given the strident tone of the fundraising emails, rank-and-file Democrats might not be aware of the subtleties in the PACs single-payer stance.

In an Aug. 6 email with the subject line MISSING your support of Bernies new bill! (sign right now >>), Bold PAC employed the urgency of a political candidate facing a deadline to solicit petition signatures in support of Sanders yet-to-be-announced Medicare for all bill. Using issue-based petitions and surveys to raise money is a common digital fundraising tactic.

HUGE UPDATE: Bernie Sanders is absolutely introducing Medicare for All bill. YES!!! We need 50,000 signatures immediately  or Republicans will CRUSH our chances of passing Bernies landmark plan, the email stated alongside a photo of Sanders and a link labeled support Medicare for all that led to a landing page with the petition.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Bold PAC has routinely invoked Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in fundraising emails focused on single-payer health care. (Photo: Bold PAC)

A follow-up email on Aug. 10 with the subject line Medicare for All (Your Feedback Needed  URGENT) warns against the dire consequences of not completing a survey about single-payer health care.

Bernie Sanders is officially introducing a Medicare for All plan to guarantee every American the right and access to affordable, quality healthcare. This is groundbreaking! But Republicans are still determined to DESTROY our healthcare system, no matter who suffers. So we need to find out where you stand NOW, Bold PAC admonishes the recipients.

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The Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Bold PAC conveys the impression that it is at the front lines of the fight for "Medicare for all," despite the fact that half its members do not support it. (Photo: Bold PAC)

Two other similar email solicitations invoke liberal economist Robert Reich and comic Jon Stewart, both of whom support single-payer.

If readers sign the petitions or complete the surveys, they are led to other webpages that solicit donations that supposedly go toward the Medicare for all fight.

Bold PAC even has a special Medicare for All fund donation webpage it has set up on the Democratic fundraising site Act Blue where supporters can chip in $5 or $10 right now to support Medicare for All.

A senior aide to a progressive House Democrat, speaking on condition of anonymity, argued that Bold PACs behavior was outside the norm in terms of its disregard for authenticity.

In general, representing your actual positions helps avoid the messiness associated with taking conflicting positions, the aide said.

To complicate matters further, Bold PAC has received major funding from pharmaceutical and health insurance companies that ardently oppose modest health care reforms, let alone single-payer legislation. The drug makers Amgen, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Merck each donated $10,000 to Bold PAC in the 2015-2016 cycle, as did health insurers Anthem and Humana. Eli Lilly, another pharmaceutical company, also contributed $7,500.

Theyre telling their grassroots supporters that they want to get profit out of heath care, the House Democratic aide said. At the same time, theyre taking corporate PAC money from the industries most opposed to Medicare for All  Pharma and the health insurance industry. Its disingenuous at best and malicious at worst.

But Kenneth Pennington, who was digital director for Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, said fundraising on an issue that does not enjoy consensus among a PACs members is not uncommon.

I can only imagine theyd raise even more if 100% of the membership backed the Conyers bill, he said.

Michael Lighty, director of public policy for the National Nurses United, a labor union that is one of the most prominent single-payer proponents, characterized the fundraising campaign as a reflection of politicians growing recognition that the Democratic base supports single-payer  even as they remain wary of backing it themselves.

Nearly three-quarters of Democrats  73 percent  support replacing the Affordable Care Act with a federally funded healthcare program providing insurance for all Americans, according to a May 2016 Gallup poll.

In a poll commissioned by the NNU in California, 69 percent of Californias Latino voters supported the state-level single-payer bill that NNU is fighting to pass.

I would urge [Bold PAC] to have every member of the PAC be a co-sponsor of the legislation introduced by John Conyers or Bernie Sanders. Anything less is not a legitimate commitment, Lighty said.

Fundraising off of single-payer without taking a firm stance in favor of it risks being seen as exploitative, he posited.

Unless they take a substantive position it could be viewed that way and thats what they should want to avoid, Lighty said.

The campaign for single-payer is not about a symbolic political fundraising strategy. This is about providing health care for people who are dying and suffering, he added.

Also on HuffPost

Taking Security Seriously

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) talks with Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) before the start of a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing concerning the roles and responsibilities for defending the nation against cyberattacks, on Oct. 19, 2017.

With Liberty And Justice...

Members of Code Pink for Peace protest before the start of a hearing where U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will testify to the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on Oct. 18, 2017. Committee members questioned Sessions about conversations he had with President Donald Trump about the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, the ongoing investigation about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and other subjects.

Whispers

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), right, speaks with Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) before a confirmation hearing for Christopher Sharpley, nominee for inspector general of the CIA, on Oct. 17, 2017.

Not Throwing Away His Shot

Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the musical "Hamilton," makes his way to a meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies in the Rayburn Office Building during a round of meetings to urge federal funding for the arts and humanities on Sept. 13, 2017.

Medicare For All

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), center, speaks on health care as Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), left, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), right, listen during an event to introduce the Medicare for All Act on Sept. 13, 2017.

Bernie Bros

Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pack his office on Sept. 8, 2017. Members of the "Draft Bernie for a People's Party" campaign delivered a petition with more than 50,000 signatures to urge the senator to start and lead a new political party.

McCain Appearance

Sen. John McCain, second from left, leaves the Capitol after his first appearance since being diagnosed with cancer. He arrived to cast a vote to help Republican senators narrowly pass the motion to proceed for the replacement of the Affordable Care Act on July 25, 2017.

A Narrow Win

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, center, speaks alongside Sens. John Barrasso, left, John Cornyn, right, and John Thune, rear, after the Senate narrowly passed the motion to proceed for the replacement of the Affordable Care Act on July 25, 2017.

Kushner Questioning

Jared Kushner, White House senior adviser and son-in-law to President Donald Trump, arrives at the Capitol on July 25, 2017. Kushner was interviewed by the House Intelligence Committee in a closed-door meeting about contacts he had with Russia.

Hot Dogs On The Hill

Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) prepares a hot dog during the American Meat Institute's annual Hot Dog Lunch in the Rayburn Office Building courtyard on July 19, 2017.

And Their Veggie Counterparts

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) visits the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals veggie dog giveaway on July 19, 2017, countering a National Hot Dog Day event being held elsewhere on Capitol Hill.

Poised For Questions

Callista Gingrich, wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, waits for a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on her nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican on July 18, 2017.

Speaking Up

Health care activists protest to stop the Republican health care bill at Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 17, 2017.

In The Fray

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) speaks to members of the media after announcing the revised version of the Senate Republican health care bill on Capitol Hill on July 13, 2017.

Anticipation

Christopher Wray is seated with his daughter Caroline, left, as he prepares to testify at a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on his nomination to be the next FBI director on July 12, 2017.

Up In Arms

Health care activists protest to stop the Republican health care bill at Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 10, 2017.

Across A Table

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) meets with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Capitol Hill on June 29, 2017.

Somber Day

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) speaks about the recent attack on the Republican congressional baseball team during her weekly press conference on Capitol Hill on June 15, 2017.

Family Matters

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), right, and his sons, Jack, 10, and Brad, arrive in the basement of the Capitol after a shooting at the Republican baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia, on June 14, 2017.

A Bipartisan Pause

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), right, coach of the Republican congressional baseball team, tells the story of the shooting that occurred during a baseball practice while he stands alongside Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.), left, a coach of the Democratic congressional baseball team on June 14, 2017.

Hats On

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-Tenn.) reacts about the shooting he was present for at a Republican congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia, as he speaks with reporters at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on June 14, 2017.

Public Testimony

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is sworn in to testify before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on June 13, 2017.

Comey's Big Day

Former FBI Director James Comey testifies before a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election on Capitol Hill on June 8, 2017.

Conveying His Point

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats testifies at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on his interactions with the Trump White House and on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act on June 7, 2017.

Selfie Time

Vice President Mike Pence takes a selfie with a tourist wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat inside the U.S. Capitol rotunda on June 6, 2017. The vice president walked through the rotunda after attending the Senate Republican policy luncheon.

Budget Queries

Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney testifies before the House Budget Committee about President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 budget proposal on Capitol Hill on May 24, 2017.

Flagged Down By Reporters

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, leaves a closed committee meeting on Capitol Hill on May 24, 2017. The committee is investigating possible Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election.

Shock And Awe

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) hold a news conference on the release of the president's fiscal 2018 budget proposal on Capitol Hill on May 23, 2017.

Seeing Double

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) arrives in the Capitol for the Senate Democrats' policy lunch on May 16, 2017.

Honoring Officers

President Donald Trump speaks at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service on the West Lawn of the Capitol on May 15, 2017.

Whispers

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.), right, and ranking member Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) talk during a hearing with the heads of the U.S. intelligence agencies in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 11, 2017.

Skeptical

Former acting Attorney General Sally Yates arrives to testify before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election on Capitol Hill on May 8, 2017.

Differing Opinions

Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.) gives a thumbs-up to protesters on the East Front of the Capitol after the House passed the Republicans' bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act on May 4, 2017. The protesters support the ACA.

Real Talk

United States Naval Academy Midshipman 2nd Class Shiela Craine (left), a sexual assault survivor, testifies before the House Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Military Personnel with (2nd from left to right) Ariana Bullard, Stephanie Gross and Annie Kendzior in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 2, 2017. Kendzior, a former midshipman, and Gross, a former cadet, were both raped twice during their time at the military academies. The academy superintendents were called to testify following the release of a survey last month by the Pentagon that said 12.2 percent of academy women and 1.7 percent of academy men reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact during the 2015-16 academic year.

In Support Of Immigrants

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.), center, is joined by dozens of Democratic members of the House of Representatives to mark "Immigrant Rights Day" in the Capitol Visitor Center on May 1, 2017 in Washington, D.C. The Democratic legislators called on Republicans and President Donald Trump to join their push for comprehensive immigration reform.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
White House officials have raised concerns that Donald Trump didnt completely grasp the implications of ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program before he made a decision about its future.

Administration officials privately fretted that Mr Trump may have not understood exactly what effects rescinding DACA could have, according to a report from the New York Times.

Mr Trumps administration has since then has attempted to cede responsibility for the policy, and said that it is now up to Congress to determine a legislative future for the program. Since its implementation in 2012, as many as 800,000 young undocumented immigrants in the US have applied for the protected status, which grants work visas to people who came to the United States illegally at a very young age.

The program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday, announcing a six-month sunset for the program.

Mr Sessions indicated that the program would be phased out and that new applications from people hoping to become DACA recipients would not be taken going forward.

Mr Trump built his campaign in large part by taking a tough-on-illegal immigration stance that many in the Republican primary were hesitant to embrace. The President, during the campaign, promised mass deportations of individuals without legal status in the US  a group that includes an estimated 11 million people.

Deportation courts in the United States are already backlogged, however, and it is unclear if deporting that many people is even possible.

In the first six months of his presidency, Mr Trumps administration issued 57,069 deportation orders, an increase of 31 per cent over the same period the year prior when Barack Obama was still in office. Of those, 16,058 people fought and won their immigration cases, or had them closed, which allowed them to stay in the United States.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump falsely claimed on Wednesday morning that the United States has the highest taxes of any country.

We are the highest taxed nation in the world, Trump said in a tweet previewing a speech the president plans to deliver later on Wednesday in North Dakota to promote the Republican tax reform agenda.

Trump has made this claim many times before, and as fact-checkers have repeatedly noted, it is not true. While the U.S. may have the highest nominal tax rate for corporations, American businesses pay a lower effective rate, and taxes in the U.S. are generally lower than in most other countries.

According to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, as a percentage of the economy U.S. tax revenue ranked near the bottom among economically advanced countries in 2015, with a rate of 26.4 percent. The OECD average was 34.3 percent.

Will be going to North Dakota today to discuss tax reform and tax cuts. We are the highest taxed nation in the world - that will change.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

If Trump cared, he could have correctly claimed that the U.S. has the highest statutory corporate tax rate in the world of nearly 40 percent, but even that claim can be a bit misleading since the effective rate is much lower. American corporations wind up paying more like 27 percent, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Congressional Republicans have been laying the groundwork for tax reform this fall, with one of their chief goals being the reduction of corporate tax rates. Its not clear if theyll have any more success than they did with repealing Obamacare, an effort that collapsed in a heap over the summer.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
There's no denying Donald Trump loves to tweet, but when given the opportunity to craft 140-character messages to comfort those in need, he hasn't been very reliable.

As the potentially catastrophic Hurricane Irma slams islands in the Caribbean, likely heading towards the U.S. east coast, President Trump has sent out two tweets about the storm ... and boy are they weird.

Watching Hurricane closely. My team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida. No rest for the weary!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

At first glance the tweets might seem alright. They're surprisingly tame given Trump's record, and he notes that his team is already stationed in Florida, which sounds positive.

But the tweets are brief, braggy, and make absolutely no mention of all the people in the hurricane's path who are likely to be affected by the storm.

Quite frankly, they sound as though they came from a cable news weather nerd rather than the leader of a country.

SEE ALSO: Here's how to watch out for Hurricane Irma

While such a delayed and seemingly tone deaf reaction from the President of the United States may shock some, Trump's Irma tweets aren't much different from his early tweets on Hurricane Harvey.

In late August after a state of emergency from Hurricane Harvey had been declared in and around Houston, Trump also tweeted nonchalantly about the natural disaster.

After calling out the "great coordination" between government agencies he simply tweeted, "Continuing rains and flash floods are being dealt with. Thousands rescued."

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Great coordination between agencies at all levels of government. Continuing rains and flash floods are being dealt with. Thousands rescued.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017

Trump then went on to recommend a book to his followers as though the flooding and lives being lost in Texas were NBD. He continued tweeting for hours without once mentioning the city that was in turmoil.

A great book by a great guy, highly recommended! https://t.co/3jbDDN8YmJ  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 27, 2017

11 tweets later, Trump finally used the word "Houston."

With Hurricane Irma already being dubbed one of most intense storms on record in the Atlantic, you'd think the president would at least have the decency to offer a message of support to those facing Irma or even bother to say the hurricane's name  but no.

In the days leading up to Irma's landfall, however, here are some things Trump did feel the need to tweet about:

He kicked off the week by prepping America for the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) scheme, which protects children of illegal immigrants in the U.S. from being deported.

Big week coming up!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

He addressed Japan and South Korea's ability to purchase military equipment from the country.

I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Oh, wait  back to immigration.

I look forward to working w/ D's + R's in Congress to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country 1st.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

Finally, on Wednesday morning when Hurricane Irma made landfall in Barbuda, Trump announced bright and early that he's headed to North Dakota to discuss tax reforms.

Will be going to North Dakota today to discuss tax reform and tax cuts. We are the highest taxed nation in the world - that will change.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

Could you at least try to get in touch with humanity, Trump? Just try.
Mr Trump vowed to pour fire and fury on North Korea: Getty

Donald Trump has announced his is selling Japan and South Korea a substantially increased amount of US military equipment, as the President and his allies look for ways to counter the threat from North Korea.

Amid mounting tension over North Korea aggressiveness, and the USs bellicose rhetoric and sabre-rattling, Mr Trump said he was ready to increase the amount of military hardware in the region - presumably as a bid to deter Pyongyang.

I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States, Mr Trump said on Twitter.

I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Mr Trumps comment came after the US and its allies scrambled to decide how to respond to recent actions from North Korea.

The East Asian nation has tested up to six missiles in recent months and over the weekend it apparently detonated a thermonuclear device, many more times powerful than the bomb the US dropped on Japan seven decades ago. It has fired missiles over the Japanese mainland, and threatened to fire such devices close to the US territory of Guam.

As Mr Trump made his announcement, a senior North Korean diplomat said his country was ready to send more gift packages to the US.

Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the UN in Geneva, was addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth nuclear test explosion.

I am proud of saying that just two days ago on the 3rd of September, DPRK successfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for intercontinental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force, he said, according to Reuters.

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He added: The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US.

Ri Chun-hee broadcasting on North Korea TV (The Washington Post)

The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK.

US disarmament ambassador Robert Wood said North Korea had defied the international community once again.

We look forward to working with our partners in the (Security) Council with regard to a new resolution that will put some of the strongest sanctions possible on the DPRK, he told the conference, according to the news agency.

Advances in the regime's nuclear and missile programame are a threat to us allnow is the time to say tests, threats and destabilising actions will no longer be tolerated. It can no longer be business as usual with this regime.

The White House said on Monday that Mr Trump had agreed in principle to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Koreas missiles in the wake of the Norths latest test. The United States accused North Koreas trading partners of aiding its nuclear ambitions and said Pyongyang was begging for war.
Its hard to tell who was more excited when Dwayne The Rock Johnson met Jacob OConnor, 10, whom he has described as a real-life hero.

Jacob made headlines last month when hesaved the life of his 2-year-old brother, Dylan. The toddler had fallen into their grandmothers swimming pool in Roseville, Michigan, and Jacob pulled his brother out of the water when he found him facedown. Then he remembered a scene from his favorite movie, San Andreas, in which Johnson performs CPR on his on-screen daughter. Jacob started giving chest compressions to his brother.

The moviejust popped up in my headand I started thinking about that scene, Jacob recalled to The Washington Post. And thats when I started doing the compressions.

10-year-old boy saves 2-year-old brother from drowning after learning how in@TheRock's movie 'San Andreas.'https://t.co/Omq9iHwCKd  Maxwell White (@MaxWhiteWXYZ)August 24, 2017

Johnson sooncaught windof the story. The actor told Jacob he was proud of his quick thinking and extended an invitation to the kid and his family to fly to Vancouver, Canada, where hes currently filming his next film.

I gotta shake the hand of a real life 10yr old hero, Johnson said Aug. 26 in an Instagram post.

A post shared by therock (@therock)on Aug 25, 2017 at 6:59pm PDT

Johnson and Jacob met face-to-face on Tuesday. The actor said Jacob was nervous and shy during the meeting, but that it was fun getting him to laugh and talk.

What a special day. What a special kid. Thanks Jacob for being awesome and for being the kind of person we all aspire to be, Johnson said.

A post shared by therock (@therock)on Sep 5, 2017 at 1:40pm PDT

The actor added that Jacob had touched a nerve when he showed up to the set wearing a T-shirt with a picture of Johnson holding his two dogs, Brutus and Hobbs, who heonce had to rescue from a pool.

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Seeing that picture on this boys shirt, got me in the gut, Johnson wrote. Eventually, we would lose Brutus to heaven, but it wasnt the picture of Brutus that made me tear up, it was the fact that this 10-year-old kid, had a heart big enough to put our puppies on his shirt after he saved his little 2-year-old brothers life.

Fans of Johnson  and Jacob  tweeted praise.

You are a good guy @TheRock, wrote one user. Nicely done!

Amazing what Jacob did! What a super hero, wrote another.

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Dwayne Johnson Gushing About His Baby Daughter And Puppy Is Ridiculously Adorable

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Officials combined efforts to fight two wildfires east of Portland, Oregon, in the Columbia River Gorge on Wednesday, September 6.

The Eagle Creek and Indian Creek fires have burned a combined 31,000 acres and spread 15 miles Tuesday, a news report said. Evacuation orders were in place in several towns in Multnomah County, and a portion of I-84 remained closed. The fire had spread into Washington on Tuesday.

Oregon State Police said they identified a 15-year-old from Vancouver, Washington, as the person who started the Eagle Creek Fire with fireworks. Police said they were seeking additional witnesses to the incident. Credit: YouTube/Troy Crivellone via Storyful
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 08:50:29|Editor: Yang Yi

Video Player Close

by Tamara Treichel

XIAMEN, China, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 9th BRICS summit hosted by China has shown more "internal optimism and external confidence," Robert Lawrence Kuhn, a prolific China expert and observer, said.

As leaders from the five emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, concluded their three-day gathering on Tuesday in this coastal Chinese city, Kuhn remarked on the positive mood at the summit.

"I sense more internal optimism and external confidence, driven by two factors: the improving economic situation of several of the BRICS members and, frankly, China hosting the summit, which increases the visibility, publicity and international interest," he said in a written interview with Xinhua.

The chairman of the Kuhn Foundation and author and editor of over two dozen books added that the summit is the last major event in China before the 19th CPC National Congress, which gives it a special significance in China.

Kuhn also commented on Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the opening ceremony of the summit by mentioning some of the current international themes -- a community of shared future, win-win cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, multilateralism and a new kind of global governance. Yet this time, Kuhn said, the emphasis had shifted a bit.

"I sensed a greater emphasis on global peace and stability, with specific stress on international security, fighting terrorism and creating conditions for settling regional conflicts. President Xi's message fits the moment," Kuhn said.

"President Xi's grand vision for 'common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security' stands in stark contrast to disruptive actions that seek to undermine global peace and stability," the expert said.

Kuhn said BRICS is of great importance to China. "BRICS development enables China to expand and diversify its international trade. In addition, BRICS facilitates China's vision of a new style of global governance, as presented by President Xi," Kuhn said.

"Certainly the continuing common interests among BRICS members have only grown greater over the past decade," he said. Those interests include developing mutual trade in the face of challenging domestic and international circumstances and advocating a stronger voice in global governance, especially in financial and economic matters, for BRICS nations.

"There are certainly fundamental differences among the BRICS countries, especially different domestic conditions, but what unites them is stronger than what divides them: a great need to increase international trade and a deep sense that the current international system does not properly represent the interest of the developing world, especially the largest developing countries," he said.

He suggested that BRICS might contribute to a comeback of globalization as it is founded on the principle of economic globalization. However, he cautioned that BRICS alone could not be expected to make a "transformative world impact."

"Setting unachievable expectations for BRICS only supports those who think that BRICS is more form than substance. BRICS works best by setting examples of globalization and promoting international trade by multiple mechanisms," Kuhn said.

As for the bloc's NDB and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), Kuhn viewed them not as rivals of the Western-dominated International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, but as complementary institutions. As Kuhn pointed out, "the world has more projects to do than resources to finance them."

Although he said that BRICS and the IMF and World Bank are not "in the same league" because the BRICS's NDB has a much smaller capacity and a much tighter focus, Kuhn suggested the NDB made a smart move with its strategic decision to focus on green and sustainable projects. "This provides purpose and good competitive positioning among larger, older institutions," the expert said.

Kuhn was optimistic about the outlook of the bloc and its contribution to the changing world order.

"Global governance is perhaps the most pressing need of our complex and often fractious world. Never before have we faced such divisive and interwoven challenges -- political, economic, social, technological, ethnic, religious," Kuhn said, adding that these call for a new approach to global governance.

"President Xi Jinping is now proposing a grand vision of global governance -- stressing the strength of stability and the goal of mutual prosperity -- with China playing a dramatic new role in seeking global win-win cooperation. BRICS is one platform in an increasing complex environment of global governance," Kuhn said.

He suggested BRICS continue to facilitate trade among its members and offer a means for influencing the international economic and financial order.

"Properly positioned, BRICS can facilitate the continuing emergence of the largest developing countries to participate fully in a new kind of global governance, which humanity so badly needs in the 21st century," Kuhn said.
CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's armed forces said on Tuesday that joint U.S.-Egyptian military exercises will resume this month for the first time since 2009, after U.S. officials canceled them in 2013 following an Egyptian army crackdown on protests. The joint training is usually held every two years but was also canceled in 2011 after the "Arab Spring" uprising that year that overthrew Egypt's longtime ruler Hosni Mubarak. The announcement on the "Bright Star" exercises came weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration denied Egypt $95.7 million in aid and delayed $195 million because of its failure to progress on respecting rights and democratic norms. The exercises will take place from Sept. 10-20 at the new Mohamed Najuib military base in west Alexandria, according to a statement on the Egyptian military's official Facebook page. "The Bright Star training is considered one of the most important joint Egyptian-American armed forces exercises, which reflects the depth of relations and cooperation between the armed forces of both countries," the Egyptian statement said. A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to media confirmed the timing and location of the exercise and said U.S. Central Command is due to make an official announcement soon. Egypt is one of Washington's closest Middle East allies, and U.S. military aid has long cemented its historic 1979 peace deal with Israel. Home to the Suez Canal, the stability of the Arab world's most populous state is a U.S. priority. But the strategic relationship hit a low under former U.S. President Barack Obama, who briefly froze aid to Egypt after President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi overthrew his Islamist freely elected predecessor in 2013 after mass protests against him. Washington provides $1.3 billion in military aid and about $250 million in economic aid to Egypt every year. Trump has moved to reset U.S. relations with Sisi, giving him firm backing and vowing to work together to fight Islamic militants. U.S. sources have said last month's decision to freeze aid reflected a desire to continue security cooperation but also express frustration with Cairo's stance on civil liberties. A new law regulating non-governmental organizations is widely seen as part of a growing crackdown on dissent. (Reporting by Amina Ismail and Ali Abdelatti; Writing by Amina Ismail; Editing by Patrick Markey and Catherine Evans)
Bled (Slovenia) (AFP) - The European Commission on Monday urged Zagreb to respect a recent arbitration ruling that gave Slovenia key access to international waters off Croatia's coast and drew a maritime border between the two EU member states.

Croatia has repeatedly said it will not implement the June ruling by an EU-backed special tribunal in The Hague.

"It's very important for two member states, for the EU and for the region as such that the ruling of the arbitration is respected and implemented fully," the European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said on the sidelines of a western Balkans conference in the Slovenian lake resort of Bled.

"It's important... to show to the rest of the region that rules are to be respected," she added.

The area under dispute is a tranquil bay on the northern Adriatic Sea, where the medieval buildings of the southwestern Slovenian town of Piran tumble down to a sleepy port.

But the bay is also shared by Croatia, and the dispute over where the sea borders should be drawn has poisoned relations between the neighbours since they both declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.

In 2009, the two countries signed an EU-supported deal to allow the arbitration court in The Hague to solve the row over the 13 square kilometres (five square miles) of largely uninhabited land and Piran Bay.

Zagreb had only agreed to join the proceedings after Ljubljana lifted its veto in 2009 to Croatia's accession to the European Union. But it pulled out again in 2014 following a phone tapping scandal.

Zagreb insists it does not recognise the June ruling, which awarded Slovenia uninterrupted access to international waters as well as a larger stake of the Piran bay, currently divided in half by the warring neighbours.

European Commission vice-president Frans Timmermans warned Monday that Brussels "will insist with both parties that the implementation... is the best possible outcome of this process".

"Let me remind you that when we discussed enlargement of the EU with Croatia, arbitration was one of the conditions set upon enlargement," Timmermans said in Bled.
(Photo: bigacis via Getty Images)

Barack Obama doesnt care for it. Jimmy Fallon despises it. And chances are you have a friend in your life who cant stand the stuff, or you yourself wont countenance it. Were talking about mayonnaise, the simple egg-and-oil condiment that fires up complicated feelings in people.

Its clear that mayonnaise has its share of haters, but as people who actually eat the stuff, we wanted to find out why. We reached out to two experts on the topic of disgust to shine some light: William Ian Miller, professor of law at the University of Michigan and author of the 1997 book The Anatomy of Disgust, and Rachel Herz, an adjunct assistant professor at Brown University and author of 2012s Thats Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion.

Mayonnaise wiggles, jiggles and moves.

Its possible some people find mayonnaise off-putting because its just a bit too... excitable.

Its texture is what makes it most repulsive, Herz told HuffPost. It has the ability to wobble and does not sit inert, even though it is not animate. The inert taking on qualities of an animate object can create feelings of disgust. Its moving implies a living thing, and living things can contaminate you.

One of the main functions that disgust serves for us is to help us avoid contamination. If something moves when you dont expect it to, or in a way you dont expect it to, your mind can generate a feeling of aversion as a way to protect you from whatever this weird thing is.

Even if youre eating mayonnaise in a sandwich, where you wont see it move, your mind might still associate mayo with unnatural behavior, which can render it inedible to you.

Mayonnaise reminds people of bodily fluids.

I suppose people are disgusted with mayo because it has the consistency of pus, Miller told HuffPost. Some things are more likely to generate disgust than others, and bodily fluids and rot are two of those things.

Semen, pus, fat: Mayonnaise doesnt not resemble these substances, and that might not be what you want to be thinking of at mealtime. Some people are disgusted by bodily fluids subconsciously as a result of the fear of contamination.

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Mayonnaise is the wrong temperature.

As a general rule of thumb, Miller said, unless [a substance is] ice cold or in flames... the potential for disgust is greater.

Vanilla ice cream, for example, is white and viscous, like mayonnaise. But it doesnt provoke the same reaction, because its frozen. Anything thats close to room temperature is also close to the temperature of the human body, Miller explained. Sure, mayonnaise isnt served at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but it isnt served frozen or fried, either.

Anything non-human that reminds people of human life has the potential to induce disgust  thats why the uncanny valley is a thing. Is there anything more revolting than the science of human life? Miller said.

A hate for mayonnaise is learned.

Theres often a cultural component to disgust, which can help explain why mayo is regarded dubiously in some countries (like the U.S.) and beloved in others (like Belgium).

Our response to disgust is actually learned, Herz said. Theres no innate understanding that mayo is like a bodily fluid or that we should have an aversion to bodily fluids, but once we do have that association, it does really elicit a real emotion of disgust.

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WASHINGTON  Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.) is calling on the Senate to lower its threshold for ending a filibuster from 60 votes to 51 votes  a simple majority  in order for the GOP to more easily advance President Donald Trumps legislative agenda.

The proposal, which Trump backs but the Senates Republican leadership opposes, also appears aimed at buttressing Stranges chances of holding onto his office this year  even as it puts him at odds with his main supporter in that bid, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

Strange, who since February has been temporarily filling the seat fellow Republican Jeff Sessions gave up to serve as Trumps attorney general, is struggling to fend off a tough challenge from Roy Moore in a special GOP Senate primary on Sept. 26. The victor is virtually assured of winning the Dec. 12 special election in heavily Republican Alabama.

Moore, a staunch social conservative and former Alabama Supreme Court chief justice known nationally for his refusal to remove a monument of the Ten Commandments from the Alabama Judicial Building, has cast himself as the anti-establishment candidate in the race.

The controversial provocateur has portrayed Strange as beholden to Washington elitists, and has attacked him for the receiving financial backing from McConnell and his allies. Moores supporters include Steve Bannon, Trumps former chief strategist in the White House who has returned to his old job of running the right-wing Breitbart News website.

A survey conducted last week by Harper Polling found Strange, 64, and Moore, 70, locked in a virtual tie in the primary race.

In his call for the Senate to, in essence, end the ability of the chambers minority party to block legislation, Strange noted that Alabamians overwhelmingly supported Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

They expect his agenda to be enacted by Congress, Strange said in a letter to McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). But, because of obstructionist tactics by Democrats and broken promises by some Republicans, very little legislation is even making it to the Senate floor.

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While I had hoped that Republicans and Democrats would work together to accomplish the will of the American people, it has become obvious that politics and self-preservation will continue to rule the day, he said.

Strange added that conversations with the president led him to change his position on the filibuster as the only way we will be able to build the border wall, rein in sanctuary cities, defund Planned Parenthood, and give the American people real tax relief.

Trump backed Strange in the first round of the nomination race in a 10-candidate primary on Aug. 15. Moore, with 39 percent of the vote, and Strange, with 33 percent, were the two top finishers and headed into this months runoff because neither exceeded the 50-percent mark.

Strange got a Trump bump in the initial vote, said Vince Gawronski, a professor of political science at Birmingham-Southern College In Alabama.

Trump, though, has not actively touted Strange since then. And reports have surfaced that some conservatives are urging him to stay silent.

Strange, meanwhile, has benefited throughout his campaign from millions of dollars spent on his behalf by a McConnell-aligned super PAC, which makes his push to revise the filibuster rule awkward for both men. McConnell and other Senate GOP leaders prefer retaining the 60-vote requirement to end a filibuster as a protection for whenever control of the chamber reverts to the Democrats.

Stranges call for the rule change follows reports of a pair of key endorsements of Moore this week.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R)  whose daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, serves as the White House press secretary, announced his support for Moore on Monday.

Huckabee said on his website his decision has nothing to do with specific displeasure with Strange. But, Huckabee said, if the power brokers in D.C. are as desperate as they seem to be to keep Judge Moore from joining them, then they must fear that he cant be counted on to join the club.

The Senate Conservatives Fund, which supported Rep. Mo Brooks in the first-round primary, also backed Moore on Monday.

The groups president, Ken Cuccinelli, in a statement praised Moore as a political outsider who isnt afraid to stand up to the liberals in his own party.

He also said the races outcome would impact McConnells future as the Republican leader in the Senate.

Nothing would destabilize McConnell more than losing the Alabama Senate race after spending millions to crush conservatives in the state, Cuccinelli said.

Brooks, who finished third in the first-round primary with 20 percent of the vote, has so far declined to make an endorsement in the runoff.

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Five nurses were suspended for three weeks after allegedly opening up a body bag to inappropriately view a deceased patient's genitals.

According to a spokesperson at the Denver Health Medical in Colorado, the incident was reported to administrators after another nurse overheard the five discussing in admiration the size of the deceased patient's genitals.

RELATED: Click through some of the craziest mug shots and crimes



Multiple staff members viewed the victim while he was incapacitated, including after he was deceased, a Denver Police report said, according to the Denver Post. The complainant, Risk Management for Denver Health, made a mandatory report.

Four of the five employees involved have yet to return to the hospital, and one reportedly no longer works at Denver Health but was not terminated because of the incident, a spokesman confirmed Tuesday.

Denver 7 Investigates reported the incident occurred earlier this year, allegedly between March 31 and April, but wasn't reported to hospital administrators until May.

The names of the suspended nurses also have not yet been made public, in addition to their respective medical units. Police reportedly allowed the hospital to handle the matter internally.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) is urging residents and tourists to take Hurricane Irma seriously, warning that the record-breaking storm is bigger, faster and stronger than Hurricane Andrew, which devastated the state 25 years ago.

Scott implored people to get out quickly if local officials have ordered them to evacuate, adding that he had waived highway tolls across the state to streamline the process.

Do not ignore evacuation orders, Scott said during a news conference on Wednesday. Remember: We can rebuild your home, but we cannot rebuild your life.

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for the Florida Keys and parts of Miami-Dade County, where Irma could make landfall by early Monday. Scott said he expects additional evacuations to be issued as the storm continues to barrel toward the continental United States.

Its too early to tell, but its important that all Floridians keep an eye on this, he said. Do not sit and wait for [Irma] to come. Get prepared right now.

#Irma is a potentially catastrophic hurricane and will bring life-threatening wind, storm surge, & rainfall to portions of Puerto Rico today pic.twitter.com/ZcBstQu1ig  NWS (@NWS) September 6, 2017

With maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, Irma is one of the most powerful hurricanes on record in the Atlantic Ocean. The storm wreaked havoc as it passed over regions of the Leeward Islands on Wednesday morning.

Irma is predicted to hit northeastern Puerto Rico on Wednesday afternoon as it moves west toward Florida.

Scott said Wednesday that 1,000 Florida National Guard members had been activated in anticipation of Irmas impact, with an additional 6,000 members directed to report for duty by Friday morning.

Thousands of people packed into stores to stock up on water, fuel and other supplies, emptying shelves and forming long lines.

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Water, gas, and other supplies are flying off the shelves and out of the pumps in #Florida, ahead of Hurricane #Irma. pic.twitter.com/g9QE9uKQOH  AMHQ (@AMHQ) September 6, 2017

As you prepare, be considerate of your neighbors, Scott said. Take only what you need.

Scott encouraged people to register on volunteerflorida.org to help with relief efforts, including shelter management and food distribution.

Irmas wrath comes just days after Hurricane Harvey ravaged parts of Texas and Louisiana. Thousands remain displaced as recovery efforts continue throughout the region.

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As Hurricane Irma batters the Caribbean and threatens to make landfall in Florida this weekend, one sheriff has a stern warning: Those seeking shelter with a warrant will be sent to jail.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd issued a series of warnings Wednesday on Twitter ahead of Hurricane Irma.

If you go to a shelter for #Irma, be advised: sworn LEOs [law enforcement officers] will be at every shelter, checking IDs. Sex offenders/predators will not be allowed, said Judd on Twitter.

He also expanded the warning to all people who have a warrant out for their arrest.

If you go to a shelter for #Irma and you have a warrant, we'll gladly escort you to the safe and secure shelter called the Polk County Jail, wrote Polk. If you have a warrant, turn yourself into the jail  it's a secure shelter."

If you go to a shelter for #Irma and you have a warrant, we'll gladly escort you to the safe and secure shelter called the Polk County Jail https://t.co/Qj5GX9XQBi  Polk County Sheriff (@PolkCoSheriff) September 6, 2017

We cannot and we will not have innocent children in a shelter with sexual offenders & predators. Period. https://t.co/DlhqjqFrkM  Polk County Sheriff (@PolkCoSheriff) September 6, 2017

The land-locked county in central Florida is sure to be affected by the storm. President Donald Trump declared an emergency in Florida on Tuesday. Irma reached a Category 5 designation with sustained winds at one point of 185 miles per hour, making it one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

The southernmost county in Florida, which encompasses the Florida Key is under a mandatory evacuation, and officials are eying other counties for evacuation as the storm approaches.

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Florida Governor Rick Scott has activated all of Floridas National Guard for Friday in preparation for Hurricane Irma.

Currently, the storm is battering a number of Caribbean Islands, including St. Martin, Barbuda and Barthelemy. The storm is on track to hit the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico later Wednesday.

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Vicente Fox has taken aim at President Donald Trump over his decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Mexicos former president posted a series of tweets on Tuesday in which he condemned Trumps actions in the strongest possible terms.

Fox, who previously slammed Trump over his proposal to build a wall on the Mexico-U.S. border, described ending DACA as being on the top of the vilest acts youve pulled off.

.@realDonaldTrump ending DACA is on the top of the vilest acts you've pulled off. You're destroying the legacy of greater men before you.  Vicente Fox Quesada (@VicenteFoxQue) September 5, 2017

Youre destroying the legacy of greater men before you, he added.

He then suggested that Trump was terminating the program, which allows the children of undocumented immigrants to legally stay in the U.S., because he needed to prove himself worthy after TrumpCare failed.

.@realDonaldTrump is it because TrumpCare failed, as your other "succesful" bills? Childish and futile actions to prove yourself worthy?  Vicente Fox Quesada (@VicenteFoxQue) September 5, 2017

Fox later posted a 64-second video in which he claimed that Trump had failed America by canceling the program, which has now been punted to Congress.

It is the worst action you have ever done against the ones that cannot defend themselves, he said. This measure is cruel and heartless, worse than any machine. Youre cancelling the future of 800,000 children and young people.

Check out the video here:

.@realDonaldTrump cancelled the future of 800,000 kids who are the cornerstone of America and didn't even had the balls to say it himself. pic.twitter.com/hM3KejSzaW  Vicente Fox Quesada (@VicenteFoxQue) September 6, 2017

Fox said that the future of any countries is in the minorities which will be majorities in a few years and warned Trump that he cannot stop the change, the progress, the future of that great nation.

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I hope your grandsons will never be in this terrible situation, he added.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
National Action became first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December. File picture of National Action flag at an anti-mosque demonstration in Bolton in November 2016 - London News Pictures Ltd

Serving British soldiers are among four alleged members of National Action, the banned neo-Nazi group, arrested on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism.

The men - a 22-year-old from Birmingham, a 32-year-old from Powys, a 24-year-old from Ipswich and a 24-year-old from Northampton - were held on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that "a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act".

West Midlands Police said the four men have been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences.

A spokesman said they "have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; namely on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation (National Action) contrary to sec 11 of the Terrorism Act".

All four men are being held at a police station in the West Midlands.

File picture of an anti-mosque demonstration in Bolton in November 2016. National Action became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned in Britain in December Credit: Joel Goodman/LNP

The arrests were carried out by police in conjunction with counter-terror units from the West Midlands, Wales and the East Midlands.

Several properties are being searched in connection with the arrests.

A police spokesman added: "The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led; there was no threat to the publics safety."

An Army spokesman said: "We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far right group.

"These arrests are the consequence of a Home Office Police Force led operation supported by the Army. This is now the subject of a civilian police investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further."

What is National Action?

National Action became first extreme right-wing group to be banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.

The proscription meant that being a member of or inviting support for the organisation is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to ten years' imprisonment.

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An entry for National Action in the official list of proscribed groups says it is a "racist neo-Nazi group" that was established in 2013 and has branches across the UK which "conduct provocative street demonstrations and stunts aimed at intimidating local communities".

The flag of National Action, which was established in 2013 Credit: Joel Goodman/LNP

The document adds that the group is "virulently racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic".

Its activities and propaganda materials are particularly aimed at recruiting young people, according to the list.

What the Home Secretary has said about National Action

Announcing the move to ban National Action, Home Secretary Amber Rudd described the group as a"racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic organisation". She said:

"As Home Secretary, I am clear that the safety and security of our families, communities and country comes first. "So today I am taking action to proscribe the neo-Nazi group National Action.

"This will mean that being a member of, or inviting support for, this organisation will be a criminal offence.

"National Action is a racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic organisation which stirs up hatred, glorifies violence and promotes a vile ideology, and I will not stand for it.

"It has absolutely no place in a Britain that works for everyone."

How National Action endorsed the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox

After the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in June 2016, National Action endorsed her killing.

The group posted a message, which read: "Our thoughts go out to Thomas Mair #Britain-First #JoCoxMP' and, 'Don't let this man's sacrifice go in vain. #JoCox would have filled Yorkshire with more subhumans."

Thomas Mair was jailed for life after being found guilty of murdering the politician.

Jo Cox was murdered by far-Right fanatic Thomas Mair, right, in June 2016 Credit: PA

The phrase "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain", which was said by Mair in court, appears alongside the listing for National Action's website on Google.

In the wake of Mair's conviction, warnings emerged that the terror threat from the extreme Right could be growing.

Profile | Thomas Mair
London (AFP) - Five alleged members of a banned British neo-Nazi group were arrested on terror offences Tuesday, among them serving soldiers including one deployed in Cyprus, the UK defence ministry said.

National Action became the first far-right group to be outlawed by the government in December last year, six months after the assassination of lawmaker Jo Cox by a far-right sympathiser.

The suspects are being held "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism", British police said in a statement.

Authorities said the four suspects arrested on British soil were aged between 22 and 32 and came from Birmingham, Ipswich and Northampton in England and Powys in Wales.

The defence ministry later said that some of the suspects were serving soldiers, but did not reveal how many.

"We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far right group," it said in statement.

"These arrests are the consequence of a Home Office Police Force led operation supported by the Army," it added.

One of the soldiers was detained in Cyprus, a defence ministry spokesman confirmed to AFP, and is to be transported to the UK where he will be arrested.

According to a British military source, the suspect is a soldier from the Anglian regiment based at Dhekelia garrison, outside Larnaca in southeast Cyprus.

Cyprus became independent from Britain in 1960, but the former colonial power retains sovereignty over some 99 square kilometres (38 square miles) of the island and has more than 7,000 military personnel stationed at its bases there.

The Anglian regiment has only recently arrived on the island for a tour of duty.

"The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led; there was no threat to the public's safety," the British police statement said, adding that raids were also being carried out on "a number of properties".

Story continues

Cox, an MP from the main opposition Labour party, was shot and stabbed to death in her constituency by far-right nationalist Thomas Mair in June 2016.

Mair shouted "Britain first!" as he killed her.

National Action, which had praised Mair's actions, was banned in December.

At the time, Interior Minister Amber Rudd branded the organisation as "racist, anti-Semitic and homophobic".
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 09:10:34|Editor: Song Lifang

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DHAKA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Members of Bangladesh's anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have battled to neutralise militants holed up in a building rocked by fresh explosions in capital Dhaka.

Fresh sounds of intermittent gunshots and explosions were heard Tuesday night, indicating the militants' denial to surrender finally.

At least three heavy blasts were heard from inside the six-storey building since about 9:00 p.m. local time Tuesday night.

A huge blast inside the building tilted it towards one side. Thick smoke is seen to billow from the building.

At least four RAB personnel were injured due to the blasts.

It's unclear who were firing the shots as RAB prepared for a final assault following the militants' indication not to surrender.

A ban has been enforced barring entry of ordinary people within the vicinity of the building as final preparations were underway to flush the militants out from their den.

RAB early Tuesday cordoned off a building in capital Dhaka, where militants were suspected of being holed up.

"The militants have agreed to surrender," RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan told reporters Tuesday evening. He did not tell immediately when they will surrender.

Law enforcers had surrounded the six-storey house in Dhaka's Mirpur area since early Tuesday.

Security has been tightened in Bangladesh after militants attacked a Spanish cafe in Dhaka's Gulshan on July 1, which left 22 people, mostly foreigners, dead.
Forbach (France) (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron accused French journalists of being "too interested in themselves" on Monday amid criticism by some media groups of his decision to give few interviews.

"I'm not interested in journalists, I'm interested in the French people, that's what you need to understand," Macron replied when asked why he "spoke so little" by French television reporters on Monday.

Addressing them while visiting a school in eastern France, Macron said the media should be reporting on the 12 million school children returning to their classes, rather than asking about him.

"But journalists have a problem. They are too interested in themselves and not enough in the country. Let's talk about the French people," he added.

Macron's approval ratings have fallen sharply since his election in May -- only 30-40 percent of voters view him favourably, according to polls -- with some analysts seeing his aloof style as one of the reasons.

The 39-year-old had promised before his election to keep his distance from the media and avoid being caught up in day-to-day politics, seeing his job as presenting a long-term vision for the country.

Government spokesman Christophe Castaner admitted at the end of August that the government had had "difficulties" in explaining its priorities in the first months in office.

On August 29, Macron also named a spokesman, former journalist Bruno Roger-Petit, seen as recognition that he needed someone to amplify his message in the media.
Tripoli (AFP) - French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian pledged his country's support for efforts to resolve Libya's political and security chaos during a visit to the war-wracked country.

Le Drian held talks in the capital Tripoli with the foreign minister of the UN-backed Government of National Accord, and then travelled to the east of the country, where he met military strongman Khalifa Haftar who backs a rival administration.

"This is a signal of the commitment of France, of President (Emmanuel) Macron's will, to contribute to resolving this crisis," Le Drian told reporters in Tripoli.

He said the visit was a follow-up to a July 25 accord sealed in Paris between the GNA head Fayez al-Sarraj and Haftar.

"Our objective is the stabilisation of Libya in the interest of Libyans themselves but also in the interest of neighbouring countries, of which we form part in a way," Le Drian said at a joint news conference with Libyan counterpart Mohamed al-Taher Siala.

The French foreign minister said the aim was "a unified Libya with functioning institutions" that would stave off "the terrorist threat" and clear the way for reconciliation.

He met Haftar at his headquarters in second city Benghazi, the military strongman's spokesman Khalifa al-Abidi said, for talks on "national and international developments".

Libya has plunged into chaos since the overthrow of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011 with dozens of armed factions filling the power vacuum as people smugglers exploit the chaos to ferry migrants on unseaworthy ships across the Mediterranean to Europe.

At the July talks hosted by France, Sarraj and Haftar accepted that only a political solution can end the crisis, starting with a ceasefire.

In a 10-point statement, the leaders said: "We commit to a ceasefire and to refrain from any use of armed force for any purpose that does not strictly constitute counter-terrorism."

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The two sides also committed to "building the rule of law", and integrating fighters into "lawful military forces".

Although the statement did not stipulate a date for elections, the French president said Sarraj and Haftar had "struck an agreement to hold elections next spring".

Following his German and British counterparts who visited Libya this summer, Le Drian also visited the eastern city of Misrata, home to some of Libya's most influential militias.

In Misrata he met with members of the municipal council and military figures and was also due to make a stop in the remote eastern city of Tobruk for talks with parliament speaker Aguila Salah.
Men trying to follow the advice on whether they should get screened for prostate cancer have long been confused, since guidelines and recommendations keep changing. Now, in the latest analysis of data published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers conclude that testing does help save lives from the disease and is linked to as much as a 32% decrease in prostate cancer deaths, compared to men who arent screened.

But that doesnt mean the debate is over.

For decades since the 1980s, doctors have recommended that men start to get an annual blood test that can detect possible signs of growing tumors: one for the prostate specific antigen (PSA). But PSA testing has always been tricky, since prostate cancers (unlike breast cancer tumors) tend to grow more slowlyso slowly, in fact, that most men are more likely to die of something else other than prostate cancer. That made treating prostate cancer detected by the blood test less black and white. It also led many men to get biopsiesa relatively safe procedure, but one that still carries potential complications like infectionsand even treatment with surgery, radiation or other therapies to remove the tumors, despite the fact that they were slow-growing.

In the U.S., that led to a surge in what some doctors view as unnecessary medical treatments that put men at risk without providing them much benefit. (For most men, prostate cancer isnt fatal.) So in 2012, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a recommendation that most men ages 55 to 69except for those who have a family history of the disease or are at high risk of developing the cancershould not get PSA testing at all.

The task force based its conclusion on two large studies, one conducted in the U.S. and the other in Europe, which were published simultaneously in the New England Journal of Medicinebut had apparently opposite results. The U.S. study, the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO), did not find any difference in deaths from prostate cancer among men 55 to 74 years who were screened with PSA and men who were not screened. The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) which included men 55 to 69 years, however, found that PSA screening led to a 21% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer during the study follow-up compared to men who didnt get screened. Given the uncertainty, and the risks of treating cancers that werent aggressive, the USPSTF decided there wasnt convincing enough evidence to recommend PSA screening.

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MORE: Fewer Men Are Getting Prostate Cancer Blood Tests, And That May Not Be a Good Thing

But in a new look at the same data from the two studies, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers, including some involved in both of the earlier trials, conclude that PSA does indeed help reduce death from the disease. The scientists report that the two studies used different methodologies and definitions, so comparing their results was like comparing apples and oranges. In the U.S. study, for example, many of the men in the so-called non-screened group had actually had PSA testing at least once, since the testing is so widespread in America. That meant they might have already had treatments related to their results as well. The PLCO study also screened men every year, while the ERSPC screened men every two to four years.

Another difference was that in the U.S. trial, doctors set a higher threshold of PSA levels for obtaining a biopsy, which could mean that men in the European trial were treated slightly sooner. That, in turn, could translate into a reduction in prostate-related deaths.

Overall, the differences meant that the U.S. study was comparing men who were screened with PSA to men who were occasionally screened with the blood test. In the European trial, the researchers were comparing men who were screened to men who were not screened at alla truer control group.

Once they accounted for the difference in intensity of screening, the researchers of the new study say that PSA testing results in a decrease in prostate cancer deaths of anywhere from 25% to 32%, compared to men who arent screened.

The results will likely play a role in any revised guidelines on prostate cancer screening. Already earlier this year, the USPSTF modified its recommendation against general PSA testing and advised men to make individual decisions on whether and how often to get the blood test after discussing their risk with their doctors.

There will also likely be more studies that focus on not just overall deaths from prostate cancer, as the U.S. and European studies did, but on the financial and health costs of screening that can lead to additional biopsies, testing and procedures.

The current results should give more men and their doctors confidence that PSA testing can detect cancers, and that doing so could prolong their lives. But that only happens if the treatment matches the cancer; while some prostate cancers are aggressive, most are not, and the proper treatment means ensuring that not every prostate cancer is treated with invasive surgery, toxic anti-cancer drugs and radiation if the disease doesnt warrant such an approach. More men with a prostate cancer diagnosis are being asked by their doctors to simply monitor their disease without any active treatment, which may be the best approach for some.

The controversy over PSA-based screening should no longer be whether it can do good, wrote Andrew Vickers, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in an editorial accompanying the study, but whether we can change our behavior so that it does more good than harm.
Croydon town centre - Paul Grover

The Government has intervened in Croydon's children's services as an Ofsted report has revealed that inspectors had to take "immediate action" to keep children safe.

The Department for Education has appointed a commissioner to oversee the department after an inspection found that children were "at risk of significant harm".

Inspectors said that social workers and managers at the Labour-controlled council were not doing enough to prevent children being sexually exploited.

The report published on Monday said: "Too many frontline practitioners do not follow child sexual exploitation and missing procedures to protect children.

"Inspectors saw several cases where workers and frontline managers had failed to identify, assess or respond appropriately to children at risk of sexual exploitation.

Chris Philp, MP for Croydon South Credit: Heathcliff O'Malley

"Despite Croydon having one of the highest numbers of missing children nationally, procedures and protocols for children missing from home and care are not fully established or routinely followed."

Slow responses mean children "remain in harmful situations for too long," inspectors said.

Fostering was not properly regulated and foster carers did not feel supported by the council, the report added.

The service was rated inadequate, prompting the Government to appoint Commissioner Eleanor Brazil, who worked with Haringey Council following the Baby P scandal, to improve it. It was last rated in 2012 as adequate.

Croydon South MP Chris Philp called for council leader Tony Newman and cabinet member for children Alisa Flemming to step down, but both said they would not.

Shadow council leader Tim Pollard said: "The most shocking bit was that Ofsted had to take action to instruct the council to make different decisions during the course of the inspection.

"There are a number of sections in there about how senior leadership was unaware of how serious the situation had got, which is fairly striking."

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"All the way from top to bottom, management has been poor," he added.

Barbara Peacock, executive director of people at the council, said: We accept the findings of this report and are committed to making sure that we provide better support for our children and young people. Im sorry that our services have not been good enough."

The council added that it had made a number of improvements since the inspection, including hiring more staff and giving better computers and smartphones to social workers.

Robert Goodwill, Minister for children and families, said: Keeping children safe is vital, and we take tough measures when councils are failing them.

We have appointed a commissioner in Croydon to conduct a three month review before we determine the best next steps to ensure improvements are made for vulnerable children and families.
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Antarctica is a vast icy wasteland covered by the worlds largest ice sheet. This ice sheet contains about 90 percent of fresh water on the planet. It acts as a massive heat sink and its meltwater drives the worlds oceanic circulation. Its existence is therefore a fundamental part of Earths climate.

Less well known is that Antarctica is also host to several active volcanoes, part of a huge volcanic province which extends for thousands of miles along the western edge of the continent. Although the volcanic province has been known and studied for decades, about 100 new volcanoes were recently discovered beneath the ice by scientists who used satellite data and ice-penetrating radar to search for hidden peaks.

These sub-ice volcanoes may be dormant. But what would happen if Antarcticas volcanoes awoke?

We can get some idea by looking to the past. One of Antarcticas volcanoes, Mount Takahe, is found close to the remote centre of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. In a new study, scientists implicate Takahe in a series of eruptions rich in ozone-consuming halogens that occurred about 18,000 years ago. These eruptions, they claim, triggered an ancient ozone hole, warmed the southern hemisphere which caused glaciers to melt, and helped bring the last ice age to a close.

Mount Takahe

USGS

This sort of environmental impact is unusual. For it to happen again would require a series of eruptions, similarly enriched in halogens, from one or more volcanoes that are currently exposed above the ice. Such a scenario is unlikely although, as the Takahe study shows, not impossible. More likely is that one or more of the many subglacial volcanoes, some of which are known to be active, will erupt at some unknown time in the future.

Eruptions below the ice

Because of the enormous thickness of overlying ice, it is unlikely that volcanic gases would make it into the atmosphere. So an eruption wouldnt have an impact like that postulated for Takahe. However, the volcanoes would melt huge caverns in the base of the ice and create enormous quantities of meltwater. Because the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is wet rather than frozen to its bedimagine an ice cube on a kitchen work topthe meltwater would act as a lubricant and could cause the overlying ice to slip and move more rapidly. These volcanoes can also stabilise the ice, however, as they give it something to grip ontoimagine that same ice cube snagging onto a lump-shaped object.

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In any case, the volume of water that would be generated by even a large volcano is a pinprick compared with the volume of overlying ice. So a single eruption wont have much effect on the ice flow. What would make a big difference, is if several volcanoes erupt close to or beneath any of West Antarcticas prominent ice streams."

antarctica

NASA/JPL

Ice streams are rivers of ice that flow much faster than their surroundings. They are the zones along which most of the ice in Antarctica is delivered to the ocean, and therefore fluctuations in their speed can affect the sea level. If the additional lubricant provided by multiple volcanic eruptions was channelled beneath ice streams, the subsequent rapid flow may dump unusual amounts of West Antarcticas thick interior ice into the ocean, causing sea levels to rise.

Under-ice volcanoes are probably what triggered rapid flow of ancient ice streams into the vast Ross Ice Shelf, Antarcticas largest ice shelf. Something similar might have occurred about 2,000 years ago with a small volcano in the Hudson Mountains that lie underneath the West Antarctica Ice Sheetif it erupted again today it could cause the nearby Pine Island Glacier to speed up.

The volcanoice melt feedback loop

Most dramatically of all, a large series of eruptions could destabilise many more subglacial volcanoes. As volcanoes cool and crystallise, their magma chambers become pressurised and all that prevents the volcanic gases from escaping violently in an eruption is the weight of overlying rock or, in this case, several miles of ice. As that ice becomes much thinner, the pressure reduction may trigger eruptions. More eruptions and ice melting would mean even more meltwater being channelled under the ice streams.

Potentially a runaway effect may take place, with the thinning ice triggering more and more eruptions. Something similar occurred in Iceland, which saw an increase in volcanic eruptions when glaciers began to recede at the end of the last ice age.

Bardabunga-volcano

Reuters

So it seems the greatest threat from Antarcticas many volcanoes will be if several erupt within a few decades of each other. If those volcanoes have already grown above the ice and their gases were rich in halogens then enhanced warming and rapid deglaciation may result. But eruptions probably need to take place repeatedly over many tens to hundreds of years to have a climatic impact.

The Conversation

More likely is the generation of large quantities of meltwater during subglacial eruptions that might lubricate West Antarcticas ice streams. The eruption of even a single volcano situated strategically close to any of Antarcticas ice streams can cause significant amounts of ice to be swept into the sea. However, the resulting thinning of the inland ice is also likely to trigger further subglacial eruptions generating meltwater over a wider area and potentially causing a runaway effect on ice flow.

John Smellie is Professor of Volcanology at the University of Leicester, U.K.

The Conversation

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Research suggests that Hawaii workers could be hit particularly hard by technological advances: Caleb Jones/AP

Hawaii is considering introducing a basic income for all its citizens.

The US states congress voted to look into the idea as research suggests a large number of current jobs are likely to be replaced by automated technology in the coming years.

State representative Chris Lee, who introduced the legislation, said: "Our economy is changing far more rapidly than anybody's expected.

He added that it was important "to be sure that everybody will benefit from the technological revolution that we're seeing to make sure no one's left behind."

The bill declares that all families in Hawaii are entitled to basic financial security  paving the way for a policy that would guarantee this.

It also tasks several government offices with analysing the states economy and finding ways to ensure all families have basic financial security, including an evaluation of different forms of a full or partial universal basic income."

Universal basic income (UBI) involves paying every citizen a set amount of money each month to live on, regardless of whether or not they are in work.

Hawaii is the first US state to pass legislation in support of UBI but a number of countries around the world have taken steps towards introducing the policy.

Finland and Germany have implemented pilot schemes and the Canadian province of Ontario is set to follow suit. The Dutch city of Utrecht is also trialling the policy.

Advocates say UBI is a more effective way of distributing money than current social welfare systems and will help people cope with the job losses resulting from new technology.

Critics, however, say it will discourage people from working and is prohibitively expensive.

Research suggests that Hawaii workers could be hit particularly hard by technological advances because many of the jobs in the tourism industry that fuels the states economy, such as waiters, cooks and cleaners, will eventually be replaced by machines.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 09:30:41|Editor: Song Lifang

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MINSK, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday reiterated that the upcoming Belarusian-Russian joint military drills West-2017 are defensive.

"We are not going to attack anyone. We have invited almost everyone who is interested in our exercise. Let them come and see," the press service of the head of state quoted Lukashenko as saying.

"It's time for us to stop explaining ourselves saying that the exercise is defensive. We have an army, a Belarusian-Russian joint force in the western direction. And since its existence, we have never hidden the fact from anyone. We will train it. Just in case," Lukashenko said.

The joint military exercise will be held on Sept. 14-20 at six testing ranges in Russia and Belarus, involving about 12,700 troops and 680 combat units.

In late August, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin told a news briefing that "the drills will involve some 7,200 Belarusian troops and about 5,500 Russian servicemen."

The purpose of the exercises is to test the preparedness of the joint forces for ensuring the security of the two countries and their capacity to repel terrorist attacks or an aggression, Fomin said.

He added that the number of troops, combat vehicles and other armaments, as well as the number of planned sorties, will not exceed the level that is subject to mandatory monitoring required by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in its 2011 Vienna Document.

Notifications about the drills have been sent to all OSCE members and observers have been invited to the exercises, Fomin said.
Giant holes, some as much as 1,300 feet wide, have opened up in Icelands largest glacier, the result of geothermal heat waves caused by volcanic eruptions.

Following fierce activity near the Vatnajokull glacier between 2014 and 2015, seismic eruptions have changed the landscape of the region in its entirety, leading to increased temperatures from the earth.

Related: Yellowstone supervolcano earthquake swarm now one of biggest on record, with over 2,300 tremors

Geologist Magnus Tumi Gudmundsson told the Icelandic news agency RUV that the waves of heat energy emanating from the volcanic rock below had melted through ice hundreds of feet thick, forming the remarkable holes known as calderas.

The creation of the giant holes means that the ground beneath the glacier has been left exposed for the first time in hundreds or thousands of years, since the glacier itself was formed.

GettyImages-453202776

JOEL SAGET/AFP/Getty

In the wake of the recent volcanic eruptions in the area, known as Bardarbunga, Gudmundsson has warned authorities and researchers of the need to be vigilant against the creation of any more calderas, which raise the likelihood of a glacial flood.

These floods, known by their Icelandic name (jokulhlaup), occur when the dam that contains a glacial lake fails. They can occur simply as the result of a buildup in pressure but are more likely to be caused by a volcanic eruption or earthquake.

In 2010, the second eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull from a glacier-covered vent caused the emergency evacuation of 800 people living in the flood zone. The glacial melt raised local river levels by as much as 10 feet and caused the closure of major roads.

The Vatnajokull icecap is the second largest glacier in Europe. It covers some 8 percent of Iceland, running over the top of several volcanos. Over the years, seismic activity has led to a series of glacial floods in the area.

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Calderas, when they do not appear through melted glacial ice, form from collapsed volcanoes. The massive craters are created when huge volcanic explosions blow out the sides of the volcano, or the surface rock falls into an empty magma chamber.

The eruption of a supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park formed a caldera about 50 miles across that lies beneath most of the park itself. Yellowstone is a hot spot for geothermal and seismic activity. The geysers and hot springs in the park are formed by the same kind of heat energy that formed the holes in the Vatnajokull glacier.

On average, Yellowstone sees around 1,500 to 2,000 earthquakes per year. Of those, 40 to 50 percent occur as part of earthquake swarms.

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Hong Kong's public radio station has replaced its 24-hour BBC World Service broadcast with Chinese state-run programming, in a move the British broadcaster called "disappointing" as concerns grow over Beijing's influence on the semi-autonomous city.

Listeners woke up on Monday morning to the Mandarin-language broadcast of the China National Radio Hong Kong Edition (CNR), instead of the World Service, which had been relayed live by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) since 1978.

The BBC said it was "always disappointed when a service our listeners are used to changes" with listeners launching a petition to bring back the World Service.

RTHK has a number of different channels offering some programmes in English. The World Service was broadcast on Channel 6, which is now playing CNR.

The CNR broadcast includes news, culture and lifestyle programming mostly in Mandarin -- the language most commonly spoken in mainland China.

Only some of its content is in Cantonese, which is the dominant language of Hong Kong, leading to criticism that this was another step towards the "mainlandisation" of Hong Kong.

RTHK is still running a reduced version of the World Service on a different channel, but only late at night, from 11pm to 7am.

China stands accused of tightening its grip on Hong Kong, with critics also blaming the pro-Beijing local government for acting as a puppet.

The jailing of prominent young pro-democracy activists last month and the unveiling of a controversial rail link to the mainland that would see a portion of the city come under Chinese law have worsened fears the city's cherished freedoms are being eroded.

An online petition against the change to the World Service programming had received over 1,000 signatures by Tuesday morning.

"The removal of the BBC World Service from the airwaves makes the city feel more parochial and inward-looking," the petition said.

Longtime resident Alex Hofford, who organised the petition, said he had nothing against the CNR broadcast but does not believe it should have come at the expense of the BBC.

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"This is a sad day for Hong Kong, I'll really miss the Beeb as I drive around Hong Kong during the day," Hofford said.

RTHK's head of corporate communications Amen Ng told AFP Tuesday that it was a "difficult decision" due to "limited radio frequency".

She described the CNR broadcast as "tailor-made" for Hong Kong.

"This is a cultural exchange between mainland China and Hong Kong," Ng added.

Hong Kong was handed back to China by colonial ruler Britain in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" agreement designed to protect its freedoms and way of life, but there are growing concerns those rights are now under threat.
Beirut (AFP) - Human Rights Watch on Wednesday accused Egyptian security services of widespread torture of detainees in a probable "crime against humanity".

The New York-based rights group said in a report that security services in the North African country used torture as a "systematic practice" against suspected opponents of the government.

Egypt's foreign ministry said the HRW report was based on undocumented testimonies.

Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid said it ignored steps the government had taken on human rights and accountability for individuals involved in torture cases.

Rights groups have regularly accused Egyptian security services of practising torture, something the interior ministry has denied.

"Human Rights Watch believes the torture epidemic in Egypt likely constitutes a crime against humanity, due to its widespread and systematic practice," the group said in the report.

It said it had interviewed 19 former detainees who detailed the methods of torture, which include electrocution.

Police also handcuffed suspects and suspended them by their arms.

In another position called the 'chicken' or 'grill', "officers placed a stick or bar behind the suspects' knees, wrapped their arms around the bar from the other side so that the bar laid between the crook of their elbows and the back of their knees, and tied their hands together above their shins to secure them in the position," HRW said.

The bar was then lifted, placing the suspects in a position "resembling a chicken on a rotisserie spit".

The report quoted a former detainee alleging police "repeatedly raped" him with a stick.

Egypt's government has acknowledged "individual" cases of torture in recent years, and several policemen have been tried and sentenced for violent deaths in detention.

Police abuses fuelled a 2011 uprising that unseated veteran autocrat Hosni Mubarak and ushered in years of political instability.

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In 2013, then army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi overthrew Mubarak's unpopular Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi, unleashing a bloody crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood movement.

Jihadists have since launched a deadly insurgency that has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers.

Sisi, elected president in 2014, asked the police to crack down on abuses after a spate of violent deaths in prison and police shootings that sparked protests.

In February last year, a court sentenced a policeman to eight years in prison for beating to death a veterinary surgeon in custody in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya.

In December 2015, a court in the Nile delta city of Tanta sentenced two policemen in absentia to life in jail for killing a man in custody.

The same month, a court sentenced two secret policemen to five years in prison for beating to death an imprisoned lawyer in a Cairo police station.

In its report, HRW recommended Sisi tackle what it called a "torture epidemic" and task the justice ministry with appointing a special prosecutor to investigate complaints of abuse and prosecute them.

Failing that, it urged "UN member states to investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute in their own courts Egyptian security officers and other officials accused of committing torture or allowing it".
Now that flood waters have begun to recede, Texas victims of Tropical Storm Harvey face another challenge: eviction notices. Even worse, some people are still on the hook for rent on apartments they cant live in.

Sheri Ilo was a resident of an upscale apartment complex in Katy, Texas, a city just west of Houston. She was evacuated during the storm and now has just five days to leave her building all over again, according to the Houston Chronicle Tuesday.

Where do you expect us to go? Ilo said Monday to the Chronicle. This is overwhelming to my neighbors and I. ... We all work here in Houston so we have to go back to work. Do you expect us to commute from San Antonio?

San Antonio is roughly three hours away.

Ilo is an assistant principal at a high school and considers herself luckier than others, as she has a place to stay and the means to be able to get her things. The kids shes responsible for, however, might face different circumstances.

About half of our school community live in areas that were flooded, she said to the Chronicle. My parents live across the street from the high school and they lost everything. The entire street outside the school is loaded with memories and furniture.

As many as 17 percent of the 640,000 rental units overseen by the Houston Apartment Association have seen some flood damage, according to NPR Saturday. The Association represents at least 90 percent of rental units in Houston.

Most owners are doing everything they can to accommodate residents whose apartments are flooded, but individual owners and renters are working out those situations based on what level of damage they have received in their unit, Michelle Pawelek, a spokesperson with the apartment association, told NPR.

Some landlords have waived late fees and returned rents, but others are asking tenants to pay up.

We are paying rent for somewhere we can't live in. They said you aren't the only ones in this situation, but what are we supposed to do? We don't have any money. We don't have anything, said Rocio Fuentes, who had to evacuate his home, to the Guardian Monday.

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Fuentes construction job has also stopped due to the flooding and said for the time being he has no income.

Landlords may still charge rent in Texas unless the building is completely uninhabitable. Either a tenant or a landlord can break a lease in Texas if the residence is totally unusable.

More than half a million people have applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance, and the agency has already doled out over $33 million in housing assistance. Housing assistance can help with rent subsidies, but the market is sure to be squeezed with lots of people left without homes, and housing stock suddenly dipping substantially.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner spoke with NBC Sunday and when asked what his biggest priority going forward was, he responded, Housing, housing, housing.

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The Royal Caribbean International cruise ship Liberty of the Seas is shown docked, Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2017, at PortMiami in Miami.

Hurricane Irma has been upgraded to a Category 5 storm, bringing major damage to several small Caribbean islands, including St. Maarten and Barbuda. The storm, carrying winds of 185 mph, has also caused cruise lines to halt operations.

Tuesday night, Carnival Cruises (CCL) announced that it is canceling two cruises scheduled to travel through the projected path of the storm. In a statement, the cruise line expressed that safety was paramount, and passengers would be reimbursed for any inconvenience. Across all cruises, the average fare is $222 a day.

We will automatically process a full refund, including any pre-purchased Carnival Adventures, Fun Shop purchases, and beverage packages, said Carnival in a statement. The refund will be processed to your original form of payment within three weeks.

Among the canceled cruises are the Carnival Liberty, which was scheduled to depart from Orlando on Sept. 7 and holds 4,134 passengers (including crew), and The Carnival Victory, which was scheduled to leave on Sept. 8 from Miami and holds 3,854 (including crew).

Currently, there are five ships (Glory, Magic, Splendor, Pride, and Ecstasy) out at sea. They will sail on modified itineraries to maintain a safe distance from Irma.

While floating out in the middle of the ocean doesnt sound appealing, its safer than trying to outrun the storm. For instance, The Carnival Glory (which weighs 110,000 tons) travels at 22.5 knots, which is about 26 mph. Meanwhile, Unidata says that the average forward movement of a hurricane is between 15 mph and 20 mph. So, while its possible for cruise ships to outrun a storm, its probably a better idea to steer clear until the weather improves.

Royal Caribbean (RCL) was initially slow to cancel sailings, but was forced to pull itineraries for three ships: The Enchantment of the Seas and the Majesty of the Seas were both scheduled to depart from Florida on Sept. 8 for cruises to the Bahamas. The Empress of the Seas, scheduled to leave Florida for Cuba on Sept. 9, has also been canceled.

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While canceled vacation plans are never easy to accept, those affected by the last-minute change can expect full reimbursement from Royal Caribbean, similar to Carnival Cruises. The cruise fare and fees will be 100% refunded to the original form of payment, said Royal Caribbean, which is also offering a 25% discount for a future cruise, based on the fare. To take advantage of the deal travelers will have to book a new cruise in the next 30 days.

Three additional Royal Caribbean cruises have had their departures delayed until next week. Travelers will be refunded if they are unable to travel on the new itinerary. Those choosing to travel on the new dates will still receive a 30%-50% refund of their cruise fare due to the inconvenience.

Meanwhile, a few passengers will have to settle for longer cruise vacations. Royal Caribbean has delayed the return of several ships to Florida, including the Oasis, Harmony, and Allure of the Seas. These ships are being kept out of harms way, but it also means that passengers are stuck on the boat until the coast is clear.

Correction: A previous version of this story said the average forward movement of a hurricane is about 30 mph. In fact, its 15 mph to 20 mph. The error has been corrected.

Brittany is a reporter at Yahoo Finance.

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Versions of the ToyotaTacoma, ChevroletColorado and GMCCanyon Crew Cab earned top ratings in a new crash test of midsize pickup trucks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while two versions of the NissanFrontier earned marginal ratings. But the organization gave poor marks to all eight pickups tested for their dim headlights.



Overall, four of the eight pickups evaluated earned good ratings for protecting occupants in all five crash test categories  the Tacoma double cab along with crew cab versions of the Colorado, Canyon and Tacoma. But the poor headlights and lack of an automatic emergency braking system blocked any of the pickups from qualifying for the IIHS's Top Safety Pick awards.



The study looked at two pickup body styles using 2017 models: crew cabs, which have four full doors and two full rows of seating, and extended cabs, which have two full front doors, two smaller rear doors and compact second-row seats. It subjected each to five tests, and it evaluated the performance of front crash prevention systems and headlights.



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The Toyota Tacoma crew cab was the only pickup in that class that earned a good rating for structure in the small overlap test, which replicates what happens when a vehicle clips a tree, pole or another vehicle that has crossed the center line. The model's Access Cab extended-cab version was rated similarly, though its structure was rated acceptable.



"This group of small pickups performed better in the small overlap front test than many of their larger pickup cousins," says David Zuby, the Institute's executive vice president and chief research officer. "The exception was the Nissan Frontier, which hasn't had a structural redesign since the 2005 model year."



The extended-cab versions of the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon earned acceptable ratings, while both the Nissan Frontier king-cab and crew-cab models were rated marginal.



Toyota says its 2018 Tacoma will feature upgraded headlights and a standard autobraking system that can detect pedestrians.



"Headlights are basic but vital safety equipment. Drivers shouldn't have to give up the ability to see the road at night when they choose a small pickup," Zuby said.



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Tehran (AFP) - Iran thanked Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for its handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage, saying it opened the way for negotiations between the regional rivals.

"We thank Saudi Arabia... for adopting a new approach in dealing with Iranian pilgrims," said Ali Ghazi-Askar, the head of the hajj organisation in Tehran, according to the state broadcaster.

Some 86,000 Iranian pilgrims took part last week in the hajj. They were unable to attend in 2016 after talks collapsed over security concerns.

Iran had been highly critical of Saudi Arabia's organisation efforts in the wake of a stampede during the 2015 hajj that killed up to 2,300 people, including hundreds of Iranians.

"There are always differences arising among countries but the important thing is for the parties to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation," said Ghazi-Askar, according to the ISNA news agency.

"Right now, after holding a successful hajj, it is a good time for both parties to negotiate to resolve their bilateral issues in other fields."

The two countries severed diplomatic relations after Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran in January 2016 in response to Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif remained circumspect, however, saying he had yet to see "a clear prospect for change" in the relationship.

"If such a development occurs in the Saudis' mentality, it will definitely be a positive development and will be met with Iran's positive reaction," he told Khabar Online newspaper.
Woman said to be holding detonator in Mosul blows herself up along with a small child moments after the picture was taken. - AL-MAWSLEYA TV

The Islamic State is increasingly urging women to fight in its battles, in a significant ideological move that highlights the groups desperate bid to boost its manpower.

Women had not previously participated in Islamic State of Iraq and the Levants armed struggle, with the single exception of an all-female brigade responsible for policing females in their Syrian stronghold of Raqqa.

However, with the jihadists losing large numbers of militants in the fight for Raqqa and Mosul in Iraq they have begun to adjust its narrative to appeal to an untapped resource  female fighters.

Smoke rises after an air strike during fighting between members of the Syrian Democratic Forces and Islamic State militants in Raqqa Credit: Reuters

Its dwindling pool of male fighters is leading the group to seek out women for the frontline, according to analysis by IHS Markit, a UK-based defence consultancy.

The first approved use of women in battle was thought to have been at the end of the Mosul offensive, where Isil put up a fierce defence for what had been the largest and most strategic territory under its control.

One captured jihadi bride, German teenager Linda Wenzel, was believed to have been trained as a sniper to target Iraqi troops. Officials told the Telegraph they arrested at least a dozen more foreign women they believed had been ordered to attack them.

Social media images alleging to show an Isil sniper believed to be 16-year-old German Linda Wenzel Credit: Twitter

In the final days of the operation more than 40 are believed to have carried out suicide attacks against the army in Mosuls Old City, some even killing their children in the process.

Isil realised the value in sending women as they were very rarely checked for explosives, due to Iraqs socially conservative culture.

Despite Islamic States claims to the contrary, urging women to seek an active role in combat is most likely an attempt to reduce the impact of severe manpower shortages caused by the decimation of male fighters, and a recruitment crisis, said Ludovico Carlino, a senior analyst at IHS Markit.

It is as yet unclear whether the spike in female suicide bombings is simply a result of the final pockets of Isil resistance or women compelled by the group to execute those attacks, or whether it represents the beginning of a wider trend of female fighters willing to take part in the groups battles.

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Meanwhile the latest edition of Rumiyah, Isils online magazine, indicated a revisal of previous messaging surrounding the role of women.

Picture of Sally Jones, a British woman who joined Isil and joined the group in Syria Credit: Twitter

In an article entitled Our Journey to Allah, the author emphasises that the role of women is of increased importance, as ahead of us await times of intense trials and extreme hardships, and times of severe battles.

Rumiyah is released in several western languages, including English, French and German, indicating that this call is primarily directed at a Western audience, likely the wives and widows of foreign fighters still living in the groups self-proclaimed caliphate.

This rhetoric marks a stark contrast to previous propaganda that had highlighted womens primary function as wives and mothers of mujahideen (fighter), Mr Carlino said.

European officials have also recently admitted they have underestimated the threat of female militants in Europe and the role they wish to play when they return to their home countries from conflict zones.

Some 24 women and three girls under the age of 18 are in custody in France for alleged extremism offenses, and some 40 percent of French recruits who joined Isil in Syria are female, according to the French Interior Ministry.

Tashfeen Malik set the precedent for female Isil attackers in the West when she and her husband shot and killed 14 people in teh Californian city of San Bernardino.

Syed Rizwan Farook (R) and Tashfeen Malik (L) arriving at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois. The couple killed 14 people and and wounded 21 others in a shooting in San Bernardino, California, Credit: EPA

Last September, French authorities arrested two teenage women on suspicion of planning an attack on Notre Dame after a car full of gas canisters was discovered parked close to the cathedral.

The pair had been in contact with a prominent French Isil recruiter, who is believed to have directed the failed attack.
The Islamic State militant group (ISIS) is shifting its narrative to focus on boosting its ranks with women, calling upon them to take up arms in its propaganda output, according to new analysis.

The group has traditionally railed against women taking up arms on the same level as men, despite women taking a leading role in the suicide operations of many other insurgent groups. But, on the backfoot in Iraq and Syria, the organization is changing tack and exploiting other options, London-based defense consultancy IHS Markit said in a new release.

In issue 11 of ISISs online magazine Rumiyah, released on July 13, the group included an article entitled Our Journey to Allah that stresses the importance of womens roles in upcoming times of intense trials and extreme hardships, and times of severe battles.

ISIS has traditionally not welcomed the active combat role of women, referring to them only as supporters in its claims of responsibility, despite them committing attacks for the groups cause. It does not recognize women as an equal participant in battle. Tashfeen Malik, who led the San Bernardino shooting attack in December 2015, remains the only woman named as one of the groups soldiers."

The earlier incarnation of ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq, said in 2008 that women should only commit attacks in circumstances where men cannot. The western media has often painted female jihadis as primarily acting as wives and mothers.

But, in Europe, women have become increasingly involved in plots inspired or directed by the group. In Paris, police arrested three women in September 2016 over a plot that saw gas canisters left in an abandoned car near the famous Notre-Dame cathedral. In London, police have arrested several women in the past year for alleged extremist offenses. Authorities have started to take notice of the increasing willingness of women to take part in operations, with the Paris prosecutor Francois Molins saying in September 2016 that security services would increasingly monitor women returning from Iraq and Syria.

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The new recruitment drive for ISIS in Iraq and Syria is a result of losses on the battlefield in the two countries, and the death of thousands of its militants at the hands of ground forces allied to the U.S.-led coalition and strikes conducted by the coalition, IHS says.

Despite Islamic States claims to the contrary, urging women to seek an active role in combat is most likely an attempt to reduce the impact of severe manpower shortages caused by the decimation of male fighters, and a recruitment crisis, said Ludovico Carlino, senior analyst, Middle East and North Africa at IHS Conflict Monitor.

This rhetoric marks a stark contrast to previous propaganda that had highlighted womens primary function as wives and mothers of mujahidin, Carlino said. Historically, women have been absent from Caliphate institutions, with the single exception of an all-female brigade responsible for policing women in Raqqa."

In one case, a teenage German girl travelled to join the group and, in July, Iraqi forces captured her alongside other female fighters in Mosul's Old City. She remains in custody in Baghdad, and is suspected of acting as a sniper for the radical Islamist group as it battled to hold on to the northern Iraqi city.

German national in Mosul

Twitter

Other militant groups have sought to take on the same strategy as ISIS in looking to add more women to its ranks. Last month, the Pakistani Taliban, the most dangerous militant group in the country, launched a new magazine aimed at attracting potential female recruits.

The magazine, named Sunnat-e-Khaula, or the Way of Khaula, is named after a female Muslim fighter from the 7th century. It calls on women of Islam to come forward and join the ranks of mujahideen, or holy warriors. It also includes an interview with the wife of the groups leader, Fazlullah Khorasani.

The call may be working. In the southern Philippine city of Marawi, ISIS-linked militants have been battling the Philippine military for more than three months. The military said on Monday that because of the mostly male fighters dwindling numbers, they have noticed an increase in women taking up arms in gun battles raging amid the urban sprawl of mosques and damaged buildings, some connected by tunnels.

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 10:10:59|Editor: Yang Yi

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CANBERRA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tourists accounted for almost a quarter of all spending in Australia by overseas visitors in 2016/17, according to Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steve Ciobo.

On Wednesday, Ciobo released details of the 2017 International Visitor Survey, which said international tourists spent a record 40.6 billion Australian dollars (34.5 billion U.S. dollars) in Australia last financial year.

The minister said the "stellar result" came on the back of record spending by Chinese tourists, who kicked in almost a quarter of the overall spend.

"International visitors spent a record 40.6 billion Australian dollars in the year to June 2017, an increase of 7 percent on the previous year," Ciobo said.

"Chinese tourists continue to have the biggest impact on our economy with 1.2 million visitors spending 9.8 billion Australian dollars (7.85 billion U.S. dollars). Both are increases of 10 percent. This growth comes during the China-Australia Year of Tourism."

Ciobo added that a weaker Australian dollar had also contributed in a record rise in expenditure from tourists from the United States.

"Along with the Chinese, Americans are also visiting Australia in record numbers. Australia welcomed a record 706,000 tourists from the United States, a 14-percent increase, and they spent 3.8 billion Australian dollars (3.05 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 4 percent," the minister said.
Jennifer Lawrence is Old Hollywood vibes in an Atelier Versace gown. (Photo: Getty Images)

Jennifer Lawrences new thriller has drawn a collective WTF from critics, but the sparkling silver gown she wore to the films London premiere reminded everyone why shes true Hollywood royalty.

For the Wednesday showing of the psychological thriller Mother at the Odeon Leicester Square theater, Lawrence wore an Atelier Versace gown from the Fall 2017 couture collection. The sheer, netted dress had a halter top and a subtle ombre sheen that Lawrence underscored with a wispy hair twist and soft pink lips.

Front and back views of Jennifer Lawrences Versace dress. (Photo: Getty Images)

In the film, described by Variety as a head-trip horror movie, Lawrence plays one-half of a married couple (her husband is played by Javier Bardem) whose life takes a dark and twisted turn after unwelcome guests show up at their door. Mother was directed by Lawrences boyfriend of one year, Darren Aronofsky, 48, and its positive reviews have included dark comparisons to the 1968 film Rosemarys Baby and 2000s Requiem of a Dream.

Mother also debuted at the Venice Film Festival Tuesday, where Lawrence walked the red carpet wearing a Christian Dior haute couture gown with black overlay (the 27-year-old is an ambassador for the brand) and earlier that day, she dazzled in a lace Giambattista Valli dress.

At the festival, Lawrence and Aronofsky strategically avoided posing together on the red carpet, noted People. In the shadow of Lawrences stunning style, who could blame him?

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REUTERS/Mike Blake

JetBlue (JBLU) is capping its ticket prices in every city in Florida where the airline operates so people can evacuate as Hurricane Irma barrels through the Caribbean.

JetBlue will charge a maximum of $99 up to the last available seat for direct flights and a maximum of $159 up to the last available seat for connecting flights, a JetBlue representative told Yahoo Finance. That includes government taxes.

The airline has also added flights to its schedule out of select cities where they have aircraft available.

For existing reservations, JetBlue is waiving cancellation fees as well as waiving change fees and differences in air fare for rebooking.

Given that many Floridians are struggling to get out of harms way, this is welcome news, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) said in an emailed statement sent by a spokesman. I hope more airlines do the right thing and follow suit.

Other airlines followed JetBlues lead.

On Wednesday afternoon, American Airlines (AAL) said it would also cap its airfares.

While there are limited seats remaining before the storm hits, we will cap our pre-tax fares at $99 for MainCabin seats on direct, single leg flights out of Florida for tickets sold through Sunday Sept. 10 for travel until Sept. 13, a spokeswoman said in a statement to Yahoo Finance.

A spokesman for Delta (DAL) told Yahoo Finance that the airline reduced the price level of its highest fares, which are typically seen when customers are booking last-minute travel and inventory is limited.

In addition, we are waiving change fees for customers who want to change their flight plans due to the forecast. We have full details on the waiver at delta.com, the Delta spokesman said. We also are adding flights and increasing the size of the aircraft were using on flights to and from San Juan and south Florida, providing more opportunities for customers to leave. New flights are being added to and from San Juan, Miami, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Key West, all to Atlanta (where people can connect to destinations across the U.S.).

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Delta is capping fares at $399 on flights out of Florida and the impacted islands. New flights are being added from Miami, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Key West to Atlanta, the spokesman confirmed to Yahoo Finance.

United Airlines (UAL) added six additional flights in Florida with airfare capped at $399. Those additional flights have already sold out, according to a spokesperson.

A number of travelers had complained of steep airfares as they scrambled to book tickets to flee the storm. Some had even noticed prices above $1,000.

Heres what the fares look like on JetBlues website at the time of this articles publication.

Julia La Roche is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter.
Danish inventor Peter Madsen gave his account in a Copenhagen court Tuesday of how journalist Kim Wall died on board his home-made submarine earlier this month. Madsen, 46, alleged that Wall died in an accident when the submarine's 15-pound hatch fell on her, according to Swedish tabloid Aftonbladet.

The pair had climbed up onto the submarines watchtower when Madsen slipped, causing the hatch to slam shut, the inventor said. Wall, 30, was coming up behind him and the hatch hit her over the head. When he looked down, he told the court, she was bleeding violently from her head. He tried to administer first aid, he claimed, but she was already dead, the Daily Mail reported.

If I hadnt slipped, then the hatch would not have fallen, said Madsen, according to Aftonbladet. We would have had Kim alive and I would not have been sat here today.

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Photo: Twitter/Kim Wall

Madsen said after he realized Wall was dead, he continued out to the Baltic Sea, where he slept with Walls body on board the craft. When he decided to dump her body in the ocean, he said, her shoe and tights fell off while he carried her to the top of the submarine. He admitted in court Tuesday to indecent handling of a corpse, according to the Daily Mail.

Walls torso was found more than a week after she went missing August 10. Her head and limbs had been deliberately cut off and her body was weighed down with metal to make it sink, police said. Investigators had not yet released Walls exact cause of death but said they found blood belonging to Wall inside Madsens submarine.

Madsen, who was charged with manslaughter, initially told investigators he deposited Wall safely back on land before changing his story to say she died in an accident and he buried her at sea. Madsens submarine sank shortly after Wall was reported missing. The inventor said there was a technical malfunction with the ballast tanks, but police maintained he sunk it deliberately. Danish police said they were searching the submarine for any possible secret chambers as they continued to hunt for the rest of Walls remains.

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Madsens pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges and his lawyer maintained an accident occurred on board the ship even after Walls mutilated corpse was discovered.

It doesnt change my clients explanation that an accident happened, Betina Hald Engmark reportedly told the Danish tabloid BT after Walls remains were found. No matter what, we find it very positive that she has been found now.

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Photo: Getty Images

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French president Emmanuel Macron claims journalists have a 'problem' - EPA POOL

French President Emmanuel Macron has accused journalists of being "too interested in themselves" and not enough in the state of the nation amid criticism over his decision to accord few interviews.

"I'm not interested in journalists, I'm interested in the French people, that's what you need to understand," Mr Macron said after TV reporters asked him why he "spoke so little" to them.

The 39-year-old president made the outburst while visiting a school in eastern France on Monday. The media, he added, should be reporting on the 12 million school children returning to their classes, rather than asking about him.

French President Emmanuel Macron spent 26,000 on make up in his first three months in office Credit: Vadim Ghirda/AP

"But journalists have a problem. They are too interested in themselves and not enough in the country. Let's talk about the French people," he added.

Reacting to the claim, French rolling news channel BFM TV said it "appears contradictory given the lengths Emmanuel Macron goes to manage his image since the start of his mandate".

Le Point wrote: "In the bistrot just like in the Elysee, whacking journalists is a national sport."

In L'Obs, media commentator Daniel Schneidermann sarcastically noted that "just a few moments after knocking journalists for professional narcissism, (Macron) posted (on his official Twitter) account the following video, whose informative value about the country, its energies and hopes shines through."

Rentree (pour le moins) enthousiaste : gardez la meme energie durant toute l'annee les enfants ! pic.twitter.com/4PBG5g8wUt  Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 4, 2017

Mr Macron's criticism of journalists came as some were piqued he chose not to give a traditional July 14 Bastille Day interview this year, reportedly remarking that his "complex" thoughts could not be properly relayed in a half-hour TV chat.

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The French leader's approval ratings have slumped since his election in May, with the latest poll suggesting those who back his actions has dropped to 30 per cent.

With some questioning whether the drop may be linked to his aloof, "Jupiterian" style, Mr Macron last month explained his long-term view more, giving a 20-page interview to a weekly magazine, Le Point.

The 39-year-old had promised before his election to keep his distance from the media and avoid being caught up in day-to-day politics, seeing his job as presenting a long-term vision for the country.

Government spokesman Christophe Castaner admitted at the end of August that the government had had "difficulties" in explaining its priorities in the first months in office.

Last week, Mr Macron also named a spokesman, former journalist Bruno Roger-Petit, seen as recognition that he needed someone to sharpen his message in the media.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, is blasting President Trumps decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protected hundreds of thousands of young people from deportation, and give Congress six months to extend or replace it.

It should take, like, six hours to get this done, Kasich said on CBS This Morning Wednesday. They ought to be able to stay here.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that Trump had ordered the DACA program phased out. Then-President Barack Obama implemented the program in 2012 to provide work permits to about 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as young children.

Imagine if you were one of them, if you were one of these young people striving to be a part of America and make something of yourself and all of a sudden somebody tells you that one day you may be deported to a country they know nothing about, Kasich said. We want them in America.

The Republican governor continued: Think about this: This is the United States of America and were putting kids, young people who are contributors, in jeopardy. This is not the America we all love.

Related slideshow: Immigrants and advocates rally in support of DACA >>>

Kasich, who lost his bid for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, had a message for the so-called DREAMers potentially affected by Trumps decision.

Come to Ohio, Kasich said. We want all the immigrants to come to Ohio because we know how much they contribute to America. I wouldnt be in America if it wasnt for immigration.

Kasich joins a chorus of mostly Democratic lawmakers who are speaking out against Trumps approach.

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called the decision heartless and said Democrats would do everything we can to prevent President Trumps terribly wrong order from becoming reality.

In a statement, Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who had said that Trump should not end DACA, said it is now his hope that Congress can come up with a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

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Obama also released a lengthy statement rebutting the Trump administrations rationale for rescinding the program.

Lets be clear: the action taken today isnt required legally, Obama said. Its a political decision, and a moral question. Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldnt threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us.

Additional reporting by Yahoo News Liz Goodwin.

(Cover tile photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP)

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By John Ndiso NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's election commission said on Tuesday that different staff will be in charge of the Oct. 17 re-run of the presidential election, after the country's top court last week nullified the result of the August vote. The Supreme Court ordered on Friday that the vote be re-run within 60 days, saying incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory by 1.4 million votes was undermined by irregularities in the process. Kenyatta was not accused of any wrongdoing. Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Wafula Chebukati said in a statement on Tuesday that it had appointed for three months a project coordinator and officials to run the information technology, logistics, operations and training as well as the national tallying center during the re-run. "The appointment takes immediate effect," Chebukati said. The appointments were announced hours after opposition leader Raila Odinga said his coalition would not participate in the re-run unless some officials were removed and its voting technology audited. Chebukati's statement did not mention those who previously held the positions. Kenyatta responded to Odinga's demands by saying there was nowhere in law that required the electoral body to consult Odinga. Odinga's conditions for participating in the repeat presidential election included the removal of six officials at the election board. He wants criminal investigations to be opened against them. "You cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results," Odinga told reporters. "A number of the officials of the commission should be sent home, some of them should be investigated for the heinous crimes they committed." The opposition also said it was planning to file dozens of challenges to results from races lower down the ticket, including legislative and local seats contested in the Aug. 8 vote. COURT CASES The Supreme Court ruling, the first time in Africa that a court had overturned the re-election of a sitting president, was hailed by Odinga's supporters as "historic". Analysts have said it is likely to lead to some short-term volatility in East Africa's biggest economy, but could build confidence in institutions longer-term. On Monday, the election board said it would hold new elections on Oct. 17. But Odinga said he wanted elections held on Oct. 24 or 31 instead. Odinga's National Super Alliance said in a letter to the chairman of the election commission that before the new vote is held, it needs to audit the technology used to conduct August's election and give an assurance it will be transparent in its conduct. "There will be no elections on the 17th of October until the conditions that we have spelt out in the statement are met," Odinga said. Kenyatta rebuffed Odinga's demands. "There is no legal requirement that Raila be consulted. I was neither consulted. Kenya doesn't belong to one man," he said in a statement sent by his office. Odinga has lost the last three presidential elections. Each time, he has said the vote was rigged against him. A row over a 2007 poll, which Odinga challenged after being declared loser, was followed by weeks of ethnic bloodshed that killed more than 1,200 people. The opposition also plans to lodge 62 court cases contesting governorship, lawmaker, and local seats, spokeswoman Kathleen Openda told Reuters. At least 33 court cases were filed contesting election results before the presidential election was annulled, said Andrew Limo, spokesman for the election board. The judiciary said in a statement that by Tuesday a total 66 cases had been filed before various courts challenging the outcomes of such seats countrywide. The board received challenges to 189 results in 2013. (Additional reporting by Humphrey Malalo; Writing by David Lewis and Katharine Houreld; Editing by George Obulutsa and Alison Williams)
Heres a look at some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today.

Kohls (KSS) stock was higher in early trading. The department store chain is the latest retailer to team up with Amazon (AMZN). Kohls said it would start selling Amazon devices, such as the Echo and Fire tablets, at 10 stores in Los Angeles and Chicago starting in October. In July, Sears (SHLD) signed a deal to sell its Kenmore home appliances on Amazon.

US-listed shares of Trivago (TRVG) sank on Wednesday after the German travel website lowered its earnings outlook for the current quarter and the year, due to slower-than-expected revenue growth.

Newell Brands (NWL) is feeling the impact of Hurricane Harvey. The stock was down sharply in early trading after the maker of Sharpie and other consumer products slashed its profit outlook for the current quarter. The company said it expects costs to rise because of lower supply of resin. Nearly all of its resin suppliers with facilities in Texas and Louisiana have been shut down for more than a week and some are still not operating.

Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) shares raced ahead. Barclays is upgrading the stock to Overweight from Equal Weight. The firm believes that CEO Sergio Marchionne will take steps to unlock shareholder value in the next 18 months. Plus theres ongoing speculation the automaker is looking to sell its Jeep division or the whole company.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 10:16:01|Editor: Song Lifang

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MANILA, Sept. 6 Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 12 others injured in a road accident in the Philippines Wednesday, police said.

Police officer Jeffrey Punzalan told the local radio DZBB that five people died when a jeepney rammed into a post at past 6 a.m. on a highway in Kawit, a town in Cavite province south of Manila.

He said the 12 injured passengers were rushed to a nearby hospital.

The jeepney, which traces its roots to the U.S. Willys jeep used by the U.S. army during World War II, is ubiquitous in the Philippines. It is the cheapest mode of mass transport for Filipinos across the archipelago.
MASERU (Reuters) - Lesotho has detained a senior army officer in connection with the killing of the country's military leader and two other soldiers, a Defence Ministry official said Wednesday. The shooting took place at an army barracks on Tuesday, but it was not clear what the motivation was. An army major, whose name was not disclosed, was taken into custody to help police with the investigation, Defence Ministry Principal Secretary Colonel Tanki Mothae said. The kingdom has been subject to several coups and periodic political violence since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, and South Africa called for calm after the shooting. (Reporting by Marafaele Mohloboli; Editing by Alison Williams)
Hurricane Irma is gathering strength over the Atlantic Ocean as it heads towards the Caribbean. Already rated Category 5, it is expected to make landfall in Florida by the end of the week, with many worried about a repeat of the havoc caused in Texas and Louisiana by Hurricane Harvey.

None of that seems to worry Rush Limbaugh.

On Monday, the right-wing radio personality delivered a customarily freewheeling monologue in which he seemed to suggest that hurricanes were a liberal conspiracy intended to convince the public that climate change is real.

Limbaugh is not a meteorologist, as he acknowledges at the opening of the monologue, before proceeding to muse on meteorology. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Limbaugh is a resident of Palm Beach, Florida, and the hurricane-themed monologue appeared to be driven by his observation that bottled water had already been sold out in local stores, in preparation for Irmas imminent landfall.

The reason that I am leery of forecasts this far out, folks, is because I see how the system works, Limbaugh said, alluding to alleged conspiracies against President Donald J. Trump. Hurricane Harvey and the TV pictures that accompany that go a long way to helping further and create the panic.

Related: Limbaugh is making the GOP the party of wimps

Hurricane Harvey flooded 50 counties, killed 63 people and displaced more than a million. Limbaugh did not offer evidence of how any of this was a conspiracy by the "Deep State," environmentalists or other groups that might presumably want to exaggerate the storms devastation.

The crux of Limbaughs argument was that in the official meteorological circles, you have an abundance of people who believe that man-made climate change is real. And they believe that Al Gore is correct when he has writtenand he couldnt be more wrongthat climate change is creating more hurricanes and stronger hurricanes.

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It is not clear what Limbaugh meant by official meteorological circles. Perhaps this is a reference to people who have studied meteorology and are experts in the field. Recently, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory published an extensive review that said it was premature to declare a causal link between human activity and hurricane strength. However, that same review said that it is likely that climate warming will cause hurricanes in the coming century to be more intense globally and to have higher rainfall rates than present-day hurricanes.

Hurricane Irma possible path

Reuters

The journalist John K. Wilson has called Limbaugh the country's leading denier of global climate change. That mantle has been proudly claimed by President Trump, who does not appear to believe that global warming is real. Nor do most national Republican politicians. A recent Gallup poll found that only 18 percent of Republicans worry a great deal about climate change; conversely, 66 percent of Democrats evinced a heightened level of concern about it.

On Mondays program, Limbaugh said that there is a desire to advance this climate change agenda, and hurricanes are one of the fastest and best ways to do it. You can accomplish a lot just by creating fear and panic. You dont need a hurricane to hit anywhere. All you need is to create the fear and panic accompanied by talk that climate change is causing hurricanes to become more frequent and bigger and more dangerous, and you create the panic, and its mission accomplished, agenda advanced.

The National Hurricane Center did not respond to a request for comment on Limbaughs assertions about hurricanes.

Near the end of the segment, Limbaugh suggested that hurricane coverage was a means for local media outlets to increase ratings and local retailers to increase sales, returning to the observation with which hed begun.

You cannot find a case of bottled water here in Palm Beach, he said. You cant. Miami, probably even worse.

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 10:21:02|Editor: Song Lifang

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YANGON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The "Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA)" continued to ambush the government's security forces in Maungtaw, Myanmar's northern Rakhine state over the last two days, leaving one terrorist dead, the Myanmar News Agency reported Wednesday.

The villages, which came under attack, are Ducheertan (East), Yaymyat Taung and Jintaw where more than 100 houses were set fire by the terrorists before they retreated, the government's Information Committee was quoted as saying.

At the weekend, the extremist terrorists had burned down hundreds of houses as they invaded other villages in Maungtaw and exchanged fire with the security forces in other six villages.

Extremist terrorists launched renewed attacks on 30 police outposts in the northern Rakhine on Aug. 25 and as of Aug. 31, more than 52 attacks by the extremist terrorists killed 13 security forces members and injured 15 others.

Some 14 civilians, including seven Hindu people and five Daingnet ethnic people, were also killed while fleeing the attacks.

Over 2,625 houses from villages in Maungtaw were burnt down by the terrorists with 370 bodies of terrorists uncovered as of last weekend since Aug. 25.

So far, about 38,000 Muslims people from Rakhine state have reportedly fled toward the Bangladesh border.

Amid threat by ARSA extremist terrorists, the security forces have evacuated 11,720 ethnic villagers to safer places and provided them with aid, the military claimed.
Activists of an ultra-leftist organization burn a poster featuring a photograph of Aung San Suu Kyi - AP

Pakistani Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai and Muslim countries across Asia have led a growing global outcry over the Myanmar armys brutal crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority and the failure of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi to stop it.

Nearly 90,000 Rohingya have poured into Bangladesh in the past ten days after a military operation in Myanmars restive western Rakhine state that has seen security forces accused of widespread arson, and indiscriminately killing civilians, including beheading and drowning children.

Malala Yousafzai has spoken out Credit: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock

While the official death toll is around 400, human rights activists claim there are at least 1,000 casualties among the Rohingya people, described as the worlds most persecuted minority.

The latest violence broke out on August 25 after insurgents from the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacked Myanmar paramilitary posts, claiming to be protecting their Muslim minority from persecution.

But conflict has raged in Rakhine since October, after a similar ambush on border posts. It has been the worst witnessed in the state in years, with the United Nations reporting that the army may have committed ethnic cleansing.

Aung San Suu Kyi, the formerly feted political prisoner of Myanmars junta, who secured a landslide in the November 2015 election, has come under increasing criticism over her perceived reluctance to condemn the militarys harsh treatment of Rohingya civilians.

We hope that [she] can use her remarkable qualities to unite her country, stop the violence, and end the prejudice that afflicts Muslims and other there, said a Downing Street spokeswoman on Monday.

A Rohingya ethnic minority from Myanmar carries a child in a sack and walks through rice fields after crossing over to the Bangladesh side of the border Credit: AP Photo/Bernat Armangue

But she has made no comment since the latest fighting broke out, a silence that Miss Yousafzai, who famously survived being shot in the head by the Pakistani Taliban when she was just 15, has urged Ms Suu Kyi to break.

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Stop the violence. Today we have seen pictures of small children killed by Myanmars security forces, Miss Yousafzai said in a statement on Twitter.

Over the last several years, I have repeatedly condemned this tragic and shameful treatment. I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to do the same. The world is waiting and the Rohingya Muslims are waiting, she added.

Human rights activists on the Myanmar/Bangladesh border have described horrific conditions as refugees flee in fear of their lives.

There are enormous numbers of people arriving. The Myanmar military is basically clearing out all of the Rohingya Muslim villages in northern Rakhine state, said Matthew Smith, the Chief Executive of Fortify Rights, a human rights organisation.

Imagery from the Rohingya Muslim village of Chein Khar Li in Rathedaung township shows 700 buildings burned, a near total destruction of the village

People are desperately in need of shelter, of food, of clothing. There are a lot of people right now sleeping under the rain, in the mud, he said.

His organisation has documented allegations of heinous crimes against entire families.

State security forces have been killing men, women and children. They have been slitting throats, there have been beheadings. Soldiers have opened fire on groups of people and then set the bodies on fire, including children, said Mr Smith.

Children were not only victims of indiscriminate violence but appeared to be deliberately targeted, he claimed. Children have been thrown into rushing rivers, thrown on the ground and stomped. Weve documented children being burned to death, he said.

Rohingya Muslims make their way through muddy water after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border to reach safety Credit: Anadolu Agency

Muslim countries in Southeast Asia are incensed at mounting reports of atrocities.

The Maldives announced on Monday that it would severe all trade ties with Myanmar, while Irans foreign minister, Javad Zarif, called for international action to prevent further ethnic cleansing.

Pakistans foreign ministry said it was deeply concerned, while Indonesian president Joko Widodo said this humanitarian crisis has to stop immediately.

The impoverished region bordering Bangladesh has been a crucible of communal tensions between Muslims and Buddhists for years, with the Rohingya denied citizenship and basic rights.

Analysts have long warned that Myanmars treatment of the Rohingya would lead to homegrown militancy as well as support from international jihadists.

Since the latest fighting broke out, Al Qaedas offshoot in Yemen has called for retaliatory attacks against Myanmar, while the Afghan Taliban called on Muslims to use their abilities to help Myanmars oppressed Muslims.
A Florida man whose wife tried to hire a hit man to kill him in 2009 is starting a new life and moving on with a new flame.

Read: Is Dalia Dippolito Plotting a Jailbreak? Hit Man-Hiring Newlywed Caught Discussing an Escape

Michael Dippolito saw his world turn upside down nearly a decade ago when his wife tried to hire a hit man to murder him.

The man she hired was actually an undercover cop and she was arrested after the police staged a phony crime scene to give her the impression that her husband was dead.

I was impressed with her lying skills," Michael told Inside Edition. "I mean, you can't believe when you watch it,

It took three trials to reach a guilty verdict. After the third, she was sentenced to 16 years.

Michael Dippolito is building a new life, and has found a new love in a woman named Gloria, whom he met at a restaurant and the couple is now engaged.

I was a little aware of what was going on [with Michael], she told Inside Edition.

She said that after she learned the whole story, she felt bad for him.

Read: Newlywed Convicted of Murder-for-Hire After Jury Deliberates for Just 90 Minutes

I really felt bad for him but my thing is just moving on from there, she added. I love him a lot.

After what he's been through, Michael wants to make sure this time, he has found true love at last.

It's nice, he said of Gloria. Sometimes it's hard to accept something this good is happening to you.

He's very lucky to be alive to be with me, she added.

Watch: Brother of Victim in 'Jenny Jones Murder' Rips Killer as He's Released: 'I Hope You're Sorry'

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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday that Congress should be involved in getting the family of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to surrender their wealth, since they would likely seek immunity in return.

Marcos and his wife Imelda were accused of plundering about $10 billion from state coffers in their 20 years in power. A bloodless "People Power" army-backed uprising in 1986 chased the family into US exile.

He died in exile in Hawaii in 1989 but his family made a political comeback in the Philippines, with widow Imelda and their children being elected to office.

Duterte has openly supported the family, encouraging the late dictator's son Ferdinand Jnr in his failed bid for the vice-presidency last year. The president and vice-president are elected separately in the Philippines.

Duterte said last week a Marcos family member had consulted him about a proposal to hand over some assets to the government. But on Tuesday the president said such a move would need congressional approval.

"You have to have the consent of Congress because they have to formulate a law. It is a long process. It is not up to me," he told reporters.

Although Duterte said the Marcos family had not asked for immunity, he said they clearly would not offer to return the wealth unless they were given such protection in exchange.

"These Marcoses will not agree to return it and then to be jailed," he said.

Duterte warned that if the government did not agree to offer immunity, "you will look till the ends of the earth to get them," referring to the Marcos wealth.

Duterte had originally said he would accept the Marcos offer and planned to appoint a retired supreme court judge to negotiate with the family on the government's behalf.

But his suggestion was fiercely opposed by victims of the Marcos regime. They say the family has never admitted guilt for widespread rights abuses and corruption during the dictatorship.

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No member of the Marcos family went to prison despite the government recovery of part of the family fortune through litigation and out-of-court settlements.

The government announced in June that Duterte may abolish the government agency that has recovered some 170 billion pesos ($3.4 billion) from Marcos and his family.

Duterte also stunned the nation last November by allowing the late dictator to be buried in the national "Heroes' Cemetery" despite a widespread outcry.
Montevideo (AFP) - Fugitive Italian mafia boss Rocco Morabito had split from his wife and was searching for a new apartment when he was arrested by Uruguayan police, his lawyer said Tuesday.

Morabito, dubbed in Italian media reports as the one-time "king of cocaine" in Milan, was arrested at a hotel in downtown Montevideo in a dawn raid by police on Saturday.

He had taken a room in the hotel while he looked for new lodgings in the Uruguayan capital after he had fought with his wife, his lawyer Alejandro Balbi said.

Local media said registering for new accommodation would have helped expose Morabito, who had been on the run for 23 years.

Now Uruguay authorities are investigating how he managed to quietly live in the resort town of Punta del Este for the past 13 years without being detected.

So far their investigation has found that he had obtained Uruguayan residence papers after presenting a Brazilian passport in the name of Francisco Capeletto in 2004.

Until their recent separation, Morabito had lived with his wife -- an Angolan national with a Portuguese passport named as Paula Maria De Oliveira Correia -- and their daughter, according to the interior ministry.

By all accounts, he lived a quiet life in Punta del Este, a resort known as a playground for South America's rich about 90 minutes drive north of Montevideo.

However, last February he threw a big coming-of-age party for his daughter who was turning 15 -- a tradition in Uruguay -- inviting classmates and their parents to one of the town's trendy venues.

It seems the Uruguayan authorities had begun to take notice around then. The interior ministry said his arrest was part of a police operation code-named Calabria which began in March.

-- Low Profile --

Morabito, a capo with the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta, Italy's most feared organized crime gang, is being held in a Montevideo prison, accused of forging identity documents, pending the arrival of an extradition request from Italy.

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The Italian justice ministry said extradition documents are being prepared.

Morabito's family had been renting a house in a well-heeled part of Punta del Este since last June, the owner of the property Daniel Puig told AFP.

Real-estate broker Puig met Morabito three years ago when he sold him a 600-hectare country estate with a Tuscan style farmhouse located some 40 kilometers from Punta del Este.

The family lived there until last year.

Puig and other Punta del Este residents were stunned to learn of the real identity of their acquaintance.

"He's not a drug dealer type, someone who goes out to restaurants, having a luxury car. He was low profile," Puig said. Morabito even drove around in a "super modest Chinese car."

"He was a good person. He lived for his daughter," he said.

According to a man who worked for the family, Oliveira was an enthusiastic buyer of artworks, and the estate had many paintings, dinnerware and expensive objects.

Morabito, on the other hand, "liked to cook. The kitchen was full of spices," said the man, who wished to remain anonymous.

Another neighbor described Oliveira as "an elegant lady, she seemed high-class. She wasn't nouveau riche. And she didn't speak about him."

Oliveira has made no comment and has reportedly taken refuge in a hotel with her daughter.

-- King of Cocaine --

Morabito arrived in trendy Milan from his hometown of Africo in Italy's poor southern region of Calabria at the age of 23, and quickly carved out a reputation as the city's "king of cocaine".

Nicknamed 'U Tamunga' in reference to a German military vehicle, the Dkw Munga, in Milan the young Morabito became a charismatic figure who frequented bars and parties, according to Italian press reports.

He quickly came to the attention of Italian anti-Mafia investigators and they regularly tracked him delivering suitcases filled with millions of lira to Colombian drug traffickers in a Milan piazza.

Police finally moved in on his birthday as he made what would be his last delivery, in October 1994, but the capo managed to escape.

The following year he was sentenced in absentia to 28 years' imprisonment for mafia association and drug trafficking. Later the sentence was extended to 30 years.
A rescue ship that has been focusing on saving African migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean is now moving to Asia because of the desperate humanitarian crisis faced by Myanmars Muslim Rohingya minority.

Malta-based Migrant Offshore Aid Station Foundation (MOAS), which has rescued over 40,000 people who fell in distress during the perilous sea crossing since 2014, says it now intends to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance and aid to the Rohingya people.

Its principal rescue ship, the Phoenix, will be sailing from the Mediterranean into the Bay of Bengal to provide help.

To date, over 123,000 Rohingya people, described by the United Nations as the worlds most persecuted minority, have fled the escalating violence in western Burmas Rakhine state  a result of militant insurgency and a state military crackdown  to neighboring Bangladesh.

Witnesses have described random slaughter perpetrated by the Myanmar army and scenes of burning villages. Aung San Suu Kyi, the countrys State Counselor and de-facto leader, is facing increasing pressure to intervene in the crisis, and has faced a call from fellow Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.

U.N. aid agencies have been unable to distribute vital supplies of water, food and medication into northern Rakhine state. According to the office of the U.N.s resident coordinator in the country, who spoke to the Guardian, deliveries were suspended because the security situation and government field-visit restrictions rendered us unable to distribute assistance.
By Lizbeth Diaz

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Yolanda Varona is encouraging her children and thousands of other young Mexicans who may lose their right to live in the United States to stay and fight to achieve their American Dream.

Varona is the mother of two of the 800,000 people, most of them Mexicans, who could face deportation after U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday eliminated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA).

DACA gave work permits to people known as "Dreamers" who were brought to the United States illegally as children by immigrants like Varona. Trump scrapped the Obama-era program, but delayed implementation until March to give Congress a chance to draft an alternative.

After Varona was deported in 2010 and separated from her two children in the United States, she set up a chapter of Dreamers' Moms in the border city of Tijuana.

The group, founded in the United States by parents of Dreamers and other activists, has organized legal education workshops for immigrants across the United States.

The Tijuana chapter has 80 mothers whose children in the United States could lose the legal protection that originally convinced them to risk registering with the U.S. government to join DACA.

"We want them to keep fighting, they can achieve better things there," Varona said by telephone. "In the unfortunate case that the police arrive to deport them, we will be there to help them."

Varona said Trump's decision would drive young people to "live in the shadows" again. She stressed how difficult it was for these youths to return to Mexico, where they have lost family ties and sometimes do not speak the language.

AFRAID OF MEXICO

Some 625,000 young Mexicans are enrolled under DACA. The Mexican government has offered them legal support and help finding work should they be deported from the United States.

But many Dreamers fear returning to an unfamiliar, violence-plagued country offering salaries that are a fraction of what they can earn in the United States.

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Iliana Flores, a 28-year-old Dreamer in San Diego, across the border from Tijuana, said she was afraid of taking her two young, American-born children back to Mexico, where she said they would not receive a good education and would be surrounded by poverty and violence.

"I fear for the future of my children there," she said.

Like millions of Mexicans living in the United States, Flores sends part of the U.S. dollars she earns back to her family, who live in Durango, to help them make ends meet.

"The situation in Mexico is unfortunately very difficult," she said.

The U.S.-Mexico border is home to the largest per capita wage differential of any land border on the planet, with average U.S. wages about five times higher than those in Mexico.

Carlos Martinez, a young man who came with his parents to California at the age of 11, said he feared he would expose his two children to rising violence and extortion if he was to return to Mexico.

The murder rate in Mexico hit a record high this year, reaching levels not seen in homicide data going back two decades.

"To be honest, I'm afraid to live in what was once my country," Martinez said.

(Reporting by Lizbeth Diaz; Writing by Michael O'Boyle; Editing by Andrew Hay)
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The United States, Mexico and Canada are largely in agreement on issues related to the energy sector, Mexico's economy minister said Tuesday, as the second round of talks to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement comes to a close. Speaking at a press conference, Mexican minister Ildefonso Guajardo said the countries are still discussing whether to devote a separate chapter to energy in the agreement, or whether to weave it in across the board. That issue should be settled by the next round of talks, he added. The three countries wrapped up the second round of talks to modernize NAFTA on Tuesday, building on the momentum from the first round in Washington two weeks ago. The ministers said negotiators will meet for a third round of talks in Ottawa from Sept. 23-27 as they race to rewrite the accord by early next year to avoid conflicts with 2018 election cycles in Mexico and the United States. (Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel)
By Stefanie Eschenbacher MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican, Salvadoran and Guatemalan officials expressed concern and sadness on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to phase out a popular program that shields hundreds of thousands of young illegal immigrants from deportation. Mexico's deputy foreign minister, Carlos Sada, said the Trump's decision created "anxiety, anguish and fear." The change could affect some 625,000 Mexican nationals, a majority of the nearly 800,000 young men and women who were brought into the United States illegally as children and are protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. "They are exceptional. ... This is as emotional for the United States as for Mexico," Sada said at a news conference immediately following the announcement to end the program. He urged for a quick solution to the uncertainty that "dreamers," as they are commonly called, now face in their adopted home. Immigrants who opt to return to Mexico will be welcomed with "open arms," Sada said, offering them assistance with work, finances and education. The announcement to end DACA, created by former President Barack Obama in a 2012 executive order, came during the final day of talks in the Mexican capital to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement, adding pressure to already tense conversations between Mexico and the United States. El Salvador's foreign relations minister, Hugo Martinez, said on Tuesday that he would meet with members of the U.S. Congress in Washington to push for a solution within the next six months, before DACA's provisions are set to end, aiming to protect the 30,000 to 60,000 Salvadorans who could be affected. "It's a worrisome situation. ... We will be lobbying to have legislation as soon as possible that opens a way out, that opens a bridge for the beneficiaries of DACA," Martinez said. Guatemalas foreign relations ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that its U.S. consulates would assist the thousands of Guatemalans protected under DACA, adding that that the ministry is counting on the "humanitarian sense" of U.S. lawmakers to ensure migrant youth are not forced to leave the country where many grew up. The director of a Honduras migrant aid center, the Center for Attention for Honduran Migrants, called the U.S. decision "very sad," and said young Hondurans forced to return home could face violence from gangs and drug traffickers. "Their lives will be much more difficult and put at enormous risk," said Valdette Willeman, the center's director. For graphic on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, click http://tmsnrt.rs/2wC83sF (Additional reporting by Daina Beth Solomon, David Alire Garcia, Adriana Barrera, Gustavo Palencia, Nelson Renteria Meza; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lisa Shumaker)
Queretaro (Mexico) (AFP) - Arturo Avila toiled and suffered to build his Mexican start-up into a thriving aerospace company -- and the last thing he's going to do now is lose sleep over Donald Trump's NAFTA threats.

Avila is the founder of Altaser Aerospace, one of more than 300 companies that make up Mexico's small but booming aerospace sector, which has grown 179 percent since 2009 to become a $19-billion industry.

These companies, which provide some of the millions of highly specialized parts that go into every commercial airplane, have thrived under the North American Free Trade Agreement -- the 23-year-old deal the United States, Mexico and Canada are trying to revamp this week in Mexico City, at Trump's behest.

Last year, Mexico's aerospace industry exported more than $7 billion in parts -- nearly triple the $2.5 billion it exported in 2009.

It has not been easy breaking into the highly demanding sector, known for white-knuckle deadlines, complex technology and intense global competition.

Avila still remembers how hard it was to get a foothold. He recalls details like the sympathetic smile on one Bombardier executive's face when the aerospace giant rejected his bid to become its supplier.

The Canadian multinational told him he would need to have far more sales history, and a solid client portfolio.

"I suffered for the first three years," said Avila, 51.

"You have to be humble, very humble, to understand that it's a tough industry. You have to win their trust," he told AFP.

Today, he has a thriving medium-sized business in the state of Chihuahua, on the US border, specialized in making parts for airplane wings.

It has orders booked through 2034, and will soon employ a total of 500 people when it opens a new factory in the city of Hermosillo, in the neighboring state of Sonora.

His clients include such US giants as General Electric and Spirit Aerosystems.

Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman: all the world's largest aerospace and defense companies source parts in Mexico.

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- Bigger worry: Asia -

Given NAFTA's central role in creating this boom, Avila and his fellow entrepreneurs might be expected to be nervous over the American president's repeated threats to "terminate" it.

But at the Mexico Aerospace Summit -- held in the aeronautics hub of Queretaro just before the latest NAFTA talks opened -- Mexican executives said they had more pressing concerns.

"It's not something we're losing sleep over," said Avila.

Mexico exported 81.3 percent of its aerospace products to the United States in 2015, and 6.6 percent to Canada. The two countries accounted for 81 percent of the $2.1 billion in foreign investment in the sector from 1999 to 2015.

But Mexican executives say they are confident the industry is so globalized, with such complicated and deeply integrated supply chains, that even if Trump pulls out of NAFTA, he can't staunch demand for their products.

The main reason is that their prices are so competitive, with or without tariffs: Mexican factory workers make an average $2.30 an hour, about one-tenth the average US factory wage.

And demand keeps growing.

"The current supply chains are maxed out, so there's opportunity for suppliers who have the know-how," said Xavier Hurtado of the Mexican Aerospace Industry Federation.

The makers of the jet bodies, wiring, cables and myriad other plane parts that Mexico produces say they are more worried about competition from Asia than keeping American clients.

"We need to take action and improve" in areas like best practices, standardized processes and meeting commitments "rather than worry about something as abstract as NAFTA," said Hurtado.

European planemaker Airbus's director of procurement for North America, Ruben Tauste, said Mexican entrepreneurs and the government should be less worried about NAFTA than things like investing more in research and development and breaking into more high-tech segments such as engines and flight control systems.

"Mexico should try to be independent, to make its own products... from beginning to end," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 10:26:03|Editor: Lu Hui

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Photo taken on Sept. 4, 2017 shows the night view of Xiamen, host city for the 2017 BRICS Summit, in southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Jiang Kehong)

by Xinhua writers Qu Junya, Gao Wencheng

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Changes in the global landscape call for a solidified, stronger BRICS with better contribution to the global governance as the bloc of five emerging economies enters its second decade.

The 9th BRICS annual summit which was wrapped up on Tuesday in Xiamen has attracted worldwide attention to how Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will shape the bloc's future course amid challenges and uncertainties stemming from global economic sluggishness, increased anti-globalization sentiments in Western countries, regional security and geopolitical blackswans, among others.

The bloc representing some 44 percent of the world population and 23 percent of the world economic volume is striving towards a stronger identity, a leading platform for South-South cooperation and a larger role in global governance.

GROWING ROLE IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

Former Goldman Sachs chief economist Jim O'Neill, who coined the acronym BRIC (made BRICS by South Africa's participation later), said the bloc's economic performance has exceeded his expectations.

"Sixteen years later the BRICS share of the global GDP (gross domestic product) is bigger than every scenario I projected," he noted.

Currently, the bloc's five economies together contribute more than half to global growth, serving as a major economic powerhouse.

"BRICS is at the center of solutions needed for international financial system reform," said Sergey Karatayev, deputy head of the Center for Economic Research at the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies, citing the increased voting rights of China and India in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

According to the BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration released on Monday, the bloc will strive towards broad partnerships with emerging markets and developing countries, noting that the dialogue and cooperation with non-BRICS countries will be "equal-footed."

"With the BRICS demands, many global governance structures are undergoing a gradual reform," commented Srikanth Kondapalli, professor at the Center of East Asia Studies under the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University.

"BRICS has acquired certain momentum in international relations," he added, highlighting the bloc's increasingly more unified voice in international affairs. "It has advocated dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, in addition to lifting any curbs on trade and investments," he said.

"It tries to protect the interests of developing countries," he added.

LEADING PLATFORM FOR SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION

The just-concluded 9th BRICS Summit was a show of Chinese wisdom on South-South cooperation and global governance, leaving behind "BRICS Plus" as one of its most important legacies.

During the Xiamen Summit, China held the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing countries, where leaders of the five BRICS Plus countries of Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand, were invited to join the BRICS leaders.

Iqbal Surve, Chairman of South Africa BRICS Business Council told Xinhua on the sidelines of the summit that he personally welcomes the BRICS Plus initiative. "That can only benefit the people of those countries," he said.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping put it in a Chinese saying, "It's easy to break one arrow but hard to break ten arrows bundled together." BRICS Plus is expected to expand the coverage of BRICS cooperation and enhance the strengths of the bloc in the international community.

Xi is now proposing a grand vision of global governance - stressing stability and mutual prosperity, Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation and a longtime China expert and observer, told Xinhua via email during the summit.

"Properly positioned, BRICS can facilitate the continuing emergence of the largest developing countries to participate fully in a new kind of global governance, which humanity so badly needs in the 21st Century," said Kuhn.

A STRONGER SELF

Professor Kondapalli from Jawaharlal Nehru University believes there is plenty of potential to tap in intra-BRICS cooperation. "The total trade between the five BRICS countries accounted for only 4.9 percent of the total foreign trade of these countries," and "much of the trade is of low-end products," he said.

In addition to deepening economic and trade cooperation, increased cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges are deemed necessary for building a more stable and solid BRICS bloc.

"People-to-people exchanges are the pillar of all the bilateral and multilateral exchanges. It is the cultural capital of a country that has attraction and lays foundations of understanding between the peoples," said B.R. Deepak, sinologist and professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Deepak added that it is needed to institutionalize such mechanisms as cultural festivals, media and film exchanges, and BRICS scholarship programs.

There are also calls for the bloc's foreign ministers to meet regularly as part of its mechanism building efforts to further coordinate the bloc's voice on global political, security and economic issues.

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CAIRO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The latest BRICS summit in China achieved a noticeable success and managed to provide a roadmap for boosting cooperation among developing countries, said Egyptian experts. Full story

Interview: U.S. scholar sees BRICS summit "hugely impressive showing" of grouping's future potential

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The 9th BRICS summit hosted by China was a "hugely impressive showing" of the future potential of the five emerging economies, namely, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, as a group, a U.S. scholar said. Full story

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XIAMEN, China, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 9th BRICS summit hosted by China has shown more "internal optimism and external confidence," Robert Lawrence Kuhn, a prolific China expert and observer said. Full story

Spotlight: "BRICS Plus" pushes for global governance reform

XIAMEN, China, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The just-concluded 9th BRICS Summit was a show of Chinese wisdom on South-South cooperation and global governance, leaving behind "BRICS Plus" as one of its most important legacies. Full story

Commentary: BRICS committed to making pie of global economy bigger
ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria has canceled its weekly cabinet meeting for the second time since President Muhammadu Buhari returned from three months of medical leave in Britain. Information Minister Lai Mohammed said in a statement Wednesday's meeting would not take place "due to inadequate time to prepare the documents". Buhari canceled the first cabinet meeting following his return on Aug. 19, raising concerns that the president, criticized for inertia by his opponents, was returning to his former ways, when he worked from home and missed ministerial meetings. But the 74-year-old president, who has been working from home since his return, last week presided over his first cabinet meeting since taking leave for an unspecified ailment. The refusal to disclose details of his illness has caused speculation about whether he is well enough to run Africa's most populous country and biggest economy. Mohammed's statement said a two-day public holiday on Friday and Monday to mark the Islamic Eid-el-Kabir celebrations had left little time to prepare for the weekly meeting. (Reporting by Felix Onuah; Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram Editing by Jeremy Gaunt.)
KAMINOKAWA, Japan  Earlier this summer, as Nissan was busy readying the 2018 Leaf EV for its grand debut, the automaker invited us out to Japan to get to know the car a little better and take an early crack behind the wheel. Before we headed off on the multitude of simulated roadways throughout Nissan's Tochigi proving grounds, we were able to sample the semi-autonomous ProPilot systems. On the Nissan Leaf, there are two. ProPilot Assist is an adaptive cruise control system combined with lane-keeping assistance. ProPilot Park is a function that parks the Leaf for you.



First, we were able to test out the ProPilot Park system, albeit at empty spaces with perfectly painted lines separating them. The system is fairly easy to use. You activate it, drive alongside the parking space  we sampled both parallel and perpendicular parking  until the car recognizes an empty space. On the central touchscreen, the system overlays a parking logo graphic over the camera's view of the space. The driver selects the space, be it between painted lines or parked vehicles, by tapping it on the screen, and holds down the ProPilot Park button on the center console. From there, the car maneuvers itself into the spot.



The car will perform a multiple-point turn as needed to fit into the spot, and we're told it'll make seven such maneuvers before the system gives up. Another helpful feature is that once the car designates a parking spot on the screen, the driver can adjust it from there by pressing directional buttons in order to place the car more precisely where wanted. For instance, if you want to be further from the car in front of you, you can specify that before the car begins moving into the space.



Unfortunately, ProPilot Park won't be available in the first model year of the new-gen Leaf, but it'll be on offer after that.



The other semi-autonomous feature we sampled was the ProPilot Assist system, which is Nissan's intelligent adaptive cruise control. ProPilot uses a suite of sensors  the Leaf has cameras in front, back, and on the side mirrors, as well as 12 sonar sensors, plus radar in the nose  to feel its way through the world. After our parking demonstration, we headed out on a banked oval test track following a lead vehicle. We got in the same lane as the other car and turned on cruise control, set it to a specific speed that happened to be higher than our lead vehicle's, and let the car do the rest. The driver can also choose a number of different following distances, and we picked one in about the middle.



The Leaf kept its distance and adjusted its speed to match the car ahead. When that car slowed, even to a stop, so did the Leaf. At the same time, the ProPilot Assist kept us squarely in the center of our lane. The Leaf tracked well, so the system wasn't doing much work on the straight road, anyway. Despite the pavement being slightly wet, the car had no trouble detecting the lane markings. We were told, though, that engaging the windshield wipers will disable steering assist, leaving the driver to keep in their lane the old-school way.



For more about the Nissan Leaf driving experience, read our full First Drive review. We've provided at-a-glance details here. And if you're wondering how the Leaf can compete against the formidable Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt, we've got an answer for that.



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LONDON (Reuters) -Russia's Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said on Sunday that a former mercenary who was filmed being executed by a sledgehammer blow to the head after changing sides in the Ukraine war was a traitor. Prigozhin, a Russian businessman who founded the Wagner private military group, was responding to an unverified video distributed on Telegram that showed a man identified as a former Wagner mercenary being executed after admitting that he had changed sides in September to "fight against the Russians". In the footage, the man, who gave his name as Yevgenny Nuzhin, 55, was shown with his head taped to a brick wall.
The US suggested further sanctions against North Korea may be appropriate to deny the country funds for continued nuclear tests: Reuters

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has admitted she is not sure that sanctions will work to deter North Korea from moving forward with developing nuclear weapons, as North Korea promised more "gift packages" for the US following the nation's latest missile test.

Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea? Not necessarily, Ms Haley told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington, DC. But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles.

The previous day, Ms Haley had accused Pyongyang of "begging for war" as she pushed for harsh sanctions from the UN after the sixth - and largest - nuclear test conducted by the regime of Kim Jong-un.

After the latest bomb testing, an official for for North Korea said that the US can expect more shows of military might if it does not stop trying to put pressure on the country.

The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK [North korea] Han Tae Song, an ambassador to the UN in Geneva, said, stating that the bomb tests were the gifts.

He did not elaborate on what he meant by more gift packages.

The likelihood that the UN Security Council will impose new sanctions on North Korea is pretty slim at the moment. Russia, a permanent member of the 15-country council with veto power, does not seem keen on letting the measures be implemented.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called more sanctions a road to nowhere on Tuesday, and his UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said: I dont think well be able to rush it so fast.

Russia condemns North Korea's nuclear test as provocative, Mr Putin told a televised news conference in China. But he stopped short of expressing willingness to impose more sanctions on North Korea, saying Moscow viewed them as useless and ineffective.

Mr Putin said North Korea's neighbours should engage with it, not whip up military hysteria.

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It's a road to nowhere. Whipping up military hysteria  this will lead to no good, he said. It could cause a global catastrophe and an enormous loss of life.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters during her daily press briefing that the Trump administration views the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as a priority, and ruled out no future course of action.

Were going to continue to push for a safer and denuclearised Korean Peninsula, and thats the priority here, Ms Sanders said. All options are on the table to deal with North Korea, including diplomatic and economic measures.

Tensions between the United States and North Korea have been strained this year since Donald Trump took over the Oval Office, with Pyongyang repeatedly testing weapons systems. The North Korean government has raised the stakes in its relationship with Washington through repeated missile and nuclear tests, and is said to have the capacity to place a nuclear warhead on the tip of a missile.

The country tested intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) earlier this year, raising concerns that the country may be able to launch a missile capable of hitting the US mainland soon.

In response to those tests, which were perceived in Washington as threats either against the US itself, or allies in the region, Mr Trump promised fire and fury if North Korea continued to test weapons. The escalation in language between North Korean media sources and Mr Trump has not stopped since then, and the President has indicated that available diplomatic solutions are becoming rarer the longer the conflict continues.

North Korea launched another missile over Japan late last month, adding to concern that the concerns could boil over into full-on war. The United States has pledged to defend both Japan and South Korea in the case of aggression impacting either country, and any attacks on those countries would likely pull the US into a war in the Pacific theatre.

Mr Trump has steadfastly promised to honour those protection commitments since the tensions have flared.

The missile launch over Japan did not yield any casualties, and the warhead landed harmlessly in the sea. Still, the launch was enough to worry the government in Tokyo enough to encourage residents in the flight path to take cover. The missile, which flew nearly 1,700 miles, has also been seen as a powerful and provocative propaganda tool.
By Nate Raymond (Reuters) - Novo Nordisk will pay nearly $58.7 million to resolve claims the drugmaker's sales staff downplayed the importance of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-mandated warnings about the cancer risks of its diabetes medication Victoza. The U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday's settlement would resolve claims Novo Nordisk supplied its sales representatives with information to give to doctors that created the false or misleading impression that warnings were wrong or unimportant. "When a drug manufacturer fails to share accurate risk information with doctors and patients, it deprives physicians of information vital to medical decision-making," Acting Assistant Attorney General Chad Readler said in a statement. Novo Nordisk Inc, a unit of Denmark's Novo Nordisk A/S, did not admit wrongdoing as part of the civil settlement, which the company said would resolve an investigation launched in 2011 concerning the sales and marketing practices for Victoza. Doug Langa, the head of Novo Nordisk's North American operations, in a statement said while the drugmaker continued to deny wrongdoing and did not agree with the U.S. government's conclusions, it was pleased to have negotiated a settlement. "At Novo Nordisk, we take our responsibility to communicate the safety and clinical benefits of our medicines seriously, and remain committed to properly addressing safety questions healthcare professionals ask every day," he said. Under the settlement, Novo Nordisk will pay the government $12.15 million that the Justice Department said it earned by violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act from 2010 to 2012. It violated that law stemming from a failure to comply to a FDA-mandated risk program, the Justice Department said in a lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington. The lawsuit said that program required Novo Nordisk to provide doctors information about the potential risk of a rare form of cancer associated with the drug, which gained FDA approval in 2010. Victoza's FDA-approved labeling also contained a boxed warning related to that form of thyroid cancer, the lawsuit said. Novo Nordisk's sales force employed messages and tactics that created a false or misleading impression with doctors regarding the cancer risks, leading some physicians to be unaware of them, the lawsuit said. The company will pay an additional $46.5 million to resolve claims under the False Claims Act that Novo Nordisk's conduct caused the submission of false claims from 2010 to 2014 to federal health care programs, the Justice Department said. Those claims arose out of seven whistleblower lawsuits. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Peter Cooney and Andrew Hay)
According to Christine Lu, If you understand that dealing with people in China is all about face  giving face, getting face, saving face and not letting that person lose face  then youre all covered. For China and its president, Xi Jinping, North Koreas latest nuclear test is a slap in the face.

Xi styles himself as the strongest Chinese leader since Mao, but Kim Jong Un has humiliated him repeatedly, for example by killing Kim family members who were close to Beijing. In the latest affront, North Koreas sixth, and by far largest, nuclear test upstages a BRICS summit meeting Xi is hosting, and comes just before next months crucial Chinese Communist Party Congress, where he hopes to consolidate further his hold on the country. The specter of nuclear chaos is hardly consistent with the image of control that he seeks to project.

Xi is also attempting to manage Chinas rise to the top tier of nations, but if the Middle Kingdom cannot keep an erstwhile tributary state in check, how can it credibly challenge great powers? It is often noted that Chinas first interest with respect to North Korea is stability, and that it is therefore indulgent toward DPRK provocations. The Norths barrage of missile tests, and its latest nuclear test, constitute grave threats to stability  which Beijing can no longer ignore.

China expressed strong condemnation of the DPRK test, but absent any move to slash the 90 percent of North Koreas aid, trade, and investment that it lavishes on Pyongyang, such statements simply look feeble, and Xi cannot escape the ignominy. Pyongyang, not Beijing, is controlling the security agenda in Northeast Asia and it will cause profound changes that redound to Chinas disadvantage.

The American agenda is clear. While neither negotiation nor military action are viable options to solve the North Korean nuclear threat, several conclusions are obvious. The United States and its allies in Japan and South Korea will grow closer. The stabilizing presence of U.S. forces in the region will be seen as even more important. Missile defenses will be beefed up, to protect both U.S. troops and allies in the region and the American homeland. Extended nuclear deterrence will become more salient. Secondary sanctions on businesses trading with North Korea  including those in China  will exact a toll.

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Most important, if North Korea persists in keeping regional tensions near the boiling point, Chinas cardinal interest in stability will be undermined. Good relations between Beijing and its neighbors will be stressed. Investment and economic activity will be depressed. Chinas rust belt will suffer further from its proximity to the Hermit Kingdom. As the relative abundance of fissile material in North Korea grows, the nature and severity of the threat will too.

But there are options open to Beijing. North Korea is not viable without Chinese support, which accounts for about a third of the DPRKs straitened economy. If the Chinese military and Communist Party made clear to their counterparts that they no longer see the Kim government as tenable, it soon would not be. In addition to Kims destabilizing behavior, Beijing may reflect that dynastic succession is inconsistent with communism.

For too long, China has shielded and subsidized, coddled and enabled its thuggish ally. Even Russia seems to grasp the North Korean threat to international security. Last year, Moscow warned that, Pyongyang should be aware of the fact that in this way the DPRK will become fully opposed to the international community and will create international legal grounds for using military force against itself in accordance with the right of a state to self-defense enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

Kim Jong Un has caused Xi Jinping to lose face. What will China do about it?

Photo credit: WU HONG/AFP/Getty Images
A fight broke out aboard a recent Ryanair flight from England to Spain in an incident that saw both male and female passengers throwing punches during the brawl. The airline said following the Thursday incident that a passenger involved in the fight has been banned from flying with the carrier for life.

It wasnt clear Monday what spurred the incident, though video seems to indicate the fight started with an argument between a man and a woman seated in a row behind him. Tensions apparently hit a boiling point shortly before the plane touched down in Alicante.

It was just as we were about to land when the woman started kicking off, said 30-year-old Lucy Norris of Blyth, Northumberland, told the Chronicle Live. She was shouting, screaming and making a show of herself. She had been rude to a few people on the flight and I think she was mortal drunk.

Norris added that police were reportedly made aware of the in-flight melee but did not board the flight to remove the woman from the cabin immediately upon landing. According to the witness, They were waiting there as we got off.

Ryanair  an Irish budget carrier and Europes largest short-haul airline  issued a statement this week addressing the incident.

The crew of this flight from Newcastle to Alicante requested police assistance upon arrival after a passenger became disruptive inflight. The aircraft landed normally and the passenger was met by police, the airline said. We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time and the safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority. This passenger has been banned from flying with Ryanair and this is now a matter for local police.

The carrier added, This is exactly why we are calling for significant changes to prohibit the sale of alcohol at airports, such as a two-drink limit per passenger and no alcohol sales before 10am.

Ryanair has been a vocal proponent of the crackdown on alcohol sales at airports and before flights. Amid a hike in arrests pertaining to alcohol-related incidents, the airline called for a ban on early morning alcohol sales in addition to a cap on the number of drinks that passengers can order at airports, the Guardian reported last month.

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Its completely unfair that airports can profit from the unlimited sale of alcohol to passengers and leave the airlines to deal with the safety consequences, Kenny Jacobs, Ryanairs marketing director, said in a statement at the time.

He added: This is an issue which the airports must now address and we are calling for significant changes to prohibit the sale of alcohol at airports, particularly with early morning flights and when flights are delayed.

NOTE: An earlier version of this story referred to the banned passenger as a woman. It was not immediately clear whether the person banned from the airline was a man or a woman.

Ryanair

Photo: PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images

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By Joseph Ax

(Reuters) - A Pennsylvania town settled a lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice that alleged the town illegally denied plans for a proposed mosque, the department said on Tuesday.

Bensalem, Pennsylvania, did not admit wrongdoing in resolving the Justice Department's lawsuit. The town will also pay $250,000 to settle a separate lawsuit filed by the Bensalem Masjid, the group that had sought permission to build a new prayer center. "Masjid" is Arabic for "mosque."

The agreement paved the way for the group to build a mosque once it secures the necessary permits from Bensalem, a town of about 60,000 people bordering northeastern Philadelphia.

"The Bensalem Masjid is very pleased that a solution could be achieved, and looks forward to building a place of worship that can serve its members and their children for generations to come," Manzoor Chaudhry, a spokesman for the group, said in a statement.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore, head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said, "Federal law protects the rights of all religious communities to build places of worship free from discrimination.

The organization, which included 200 families as of 2014, had sought to build a 16,900-square-foot (1,570-square-meter) building.

The Justice Department complaint, which was filed in July 2016, said the town's zoning board treated the group more strictly than other organizations that had made similar applications.

The group went through six public hearings and answered more questions than typical before the zoning board unanimously denied their request in 2014, according to the lawsuit.

A lawyer for the town, Joseph Pizzo, said in a phone interview that the town's decision to settle the litigation was largely a financial one, noting that the Bensalem Masjid lawsuit had sought close to $5 million in damages.

He also pointed out that the town had approved zoning variances for a separate mosque in 2015 and said the denial that led to the litigation was based solely on the merits of the application.

"Peace is very much a part of the fabric of our community, and it is no small coincidence that the very name of our community, Bensalem, includes the word 'salem,' or 'peace,'" the town said in a statement.

(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
As natives of Charlottesville, Virginia, members of the Dave Matthews Band will host a benefit concert on Sept. 24 for those affected by the violent and hateful demonstrations that left three dead there in August.

Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Chris Stapleton, The Roots, the Alabama Shakes Brittany Howard and Cage the Elephant are slated to appear alongside special guests.

Billed as an evening of music and unity, the show directs supporters to make donations to a Concert for Charlottesville Fund organized by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation. Beneficiaries will include victims and their families, first responders and organizations devoted to the promotion of healing, unity and justice in the Charlottesville community and nationally.

The concert will be staged at the University of Virginias Scott Stadium more than one month after a white supremacist rally, held in part to protest the removal of a Confederate statue, clashed with counter-protesters in the universitys home city on Aug. 12. The protests turned deadly when a man drove his car into a crowd, killing 32-year-old Heather Heyer. A Virginia State Police helicopter involved with the conflict also crashed nearby, killing two onboard.

In the weeks since Heyers death  which prompted a nationwide discussion on Confederate symbolism and racism in America  her mother, Susan Bro, has spoken out against hate, appearing at the MTV Video Music Awards late last month.

In response to the recent events in their hometown, DMB will host A Concert for Charlottesville: https://t.co/FPRDsvUjEX #Concert4Cville pic.twitter.com/7yDONeqjxX  dave matthews band (@davematthewsbnd) September 6, 2017

UVA partnered with Live Nation and local event organizer Starr Hill Presents to put on the benefit, which offers free tickets to the universitys students and faculty, along with local residents.

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Ticket requests can be made online through Sept. 11.

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A man wears a purple ribbon to remember Heather Heyer, who was killed protesting during a white supremacist rally, as he arrives for her memorial service at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Aug. 16, 2017.

The Paramount Theater marquee bears the name of Heather Heyer.

Heather Heyer's mother, Susan Bro, walks by a picture of her daughter after speaking at her memorial service.

Mourners gather inside the Paramount Theater.

Heather Heyer's father, Mark Heyer, speaks at her memorial service.

Mourners inside the Paramount Theater wear purple, as Heyer's family had requested. Purple was her favorite color.

People line up to attend the memorial service.

Marcus Martin (center), who was injured in the same car attack that killed Heyer, leaves the memorial service.

Anna Quillon hands out purple pieces of cloth outside the memorial service.

People wore stickers and ribbons to the memorial service.

A poster announcing the memorial service.

Mia Jones shows off the "NO H8" message written on her hands.

Outside the service, people carry guns to provide security in the event of far-right protesters.

A person tapes a note to the front door of a bookstore to announce that it will close during the memorial service for Heather Heyer.

A man puts on a purple ribbon while waiting in line.

People carry bats and shields to provide security.

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 10:31:05|Editor: Song Lifang

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YANGON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor's Office on Wednesday warned of incitement of tension and public unrest by possible extremist terrorists' attacks in major cities including Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay.

The aim of such attacks will be to attract international focus on and garner support for their activities in Maungtaw and Buthidaung in Rakhine state, the office said in a statement.

The statement called on the people to remain vigilant against such instigation.

It urged people to remain security conscious and report any suspicious persons, activity or irregularities in their areas to the nearest administration authorities or to security personnel.

The statement called for cooperation with the government in its efforts to maintain peace and stability across the country.

Extremist terrorists' renewed attacks continued in Rakhine state since Aug. 25, prompting the security forces to counter the offensive.
A Chinese woman who was 41 weeks pregnant committed suicide after her family refused to let her have a cesarean section birth, according to the South China Morning Post.

The 26-year-old woman, identified only by the surname Ma, was admitted to the maternity ward of Yulin No. 1 Hospital in Shaanxi Province, Northern China, last Wednesday.

According to China Business News, doctors who examined Ma told her that her unborn child had an unusually large head.

Since this can make vaginal delivery riskier than normal, her physicians recommended she have a C-section birth instead.

However, the young woman's family insisted she give birth naturally -- and because in China a patient's family members must give consent before they undergo surgery, she was not allowed by the hospital to have the procedure.

Ma continued to beg her family members to let her have a C-section, saying that the pain was becoming too much for her to bear, but they would not listen to her.

On 8 p.m. Thursday night, Ma fell from a fifth-floor window at the hospital, killing herself and her fetus in what police are calling a suicide.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during a news conference after a BRICS summit in Xiamen, China: REUTERS

Vladimir Putin has mocked the state of US politics by joking that it is "difficult to have a dialogue with people who confuse Austria and Australia".

"There is nothing to do about it. Apparently thats the level of political culture of a certain part of the American establishment," the Russian President said, according to state funded broadcaster, RT.

He added: "America is really a great nation and the Americans are a great people if they can endure so many people with such a low level of political culture."

Mr Putin was referring to a 2007 gaffe by former US President George W Bush, when he thanked then-Australian leader John Howard for visiting Austrian troops in Iraq.

Mr Bush also mixed up the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) during a speech to business leaders in Sydney.

Speaking at a news conference, Mr Putin refrained from making any criticism of current President Donald Trump. He dismissed a question about whether Mr Trump was "naive."

Instead he said Mr Trump was "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."

Asked how Russia would feel if Mr Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be "absolutely wrong" for Russia to discuss domestic US politics.

Russian officials cheered Mr Trump when he was elected last year, and Mr Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with his country.

However, further US sanctions on Russia and the US decision to close the Russian consulate in San Francisco have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

Additional reporting from agencies
Doha (AFP) - Qatar said Tuesday that a new $7.4 billion port would help to "break the shackles" of a three-month-old boycott of the gas-rich emirate by Arab states led by Saudi Arabia.

The Hamad Port, which began operating in December, is a major hub for imports to Qatar, hit by a land and air embargo by some of its most powerful neighbours.

"This is a gateway to break the shackles imposed on Qatar," transport minister Jassim bin Saif Al-Sulaiti said in a speech during an inauguration ceremony for the port held Tuesday.

"Nothing can stop us and our ambition," he added.

In a relatively rare public appearance since the onset of the crisis, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani attended the inauguration but did not speak.

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of bankrolling Islamist extremist groups and having close ties to Shiite Iran.

Qatar denies the charges.

Tuesday's hour-long ceremony, broadcast live on Qatari television stations, included a band, acrobats and fireworks.

The ostentatious display was a clear signal of defiance to Qatar's neighbours after their suspension of economic and diplomatic relations with Doha.

Hamad will be Qatar's largest container port and will provide commercial access to some 150 countries, according to official reports.

These include links to regional ports in Oman and Kuwait, and more distant ports of call from Turkey to India and Pakistan.

Qatar previously relied on neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for food imports.

But as part of the sanctions, Saudi Arabia sealed its land border with Qatar.

Turkey and Saudi Arabia's arch-rival Iran have since stepped in to help meet Qatar's food needs.

The Hamad Port is located on Qatar's south eastern coast, around an hour's drive from Doha.

It has a capacity of 1.7 million tonnes of general freight and one million tonnes of grain, according to Mwani Qatar, the country's port management company.
Hollywood all too often constrains actresses, pigeonholing them into conventional archetypes: Women as mothers or women seeking romance.

Reese Witherspoon acknowledges she has found a rarity with Home Again, a new romantic comedy in which she plays a 40-year-old newly single mother of two who begins a fling with a young filmmaker staying in her guest house.

I think its a modern perspective that a woman in her 40s can be attractive to a 25-year-old guy, Witherspoon, 41, told Yahoo Movies at the films Los Angeles press day. Being a mother doesnt immediately make you a turnoff. I think thats sort of a fallacy. But if you never see that on film then you dont think its possible, and its important.

Written and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer (and produced by the first-time filmmakers mother, Nancy Meyers), Home Again stars Witherspoon as Alice, a woman struggling to fulfill her own career ambitions after moving her daughters from New York to L.A. following a split from her record-exec husband (Michael Sheen). On her 40th birthday, Alice befriends a trio of Hollywood newbies (Pico Alexander, Nat Wolff, and Jon Rudnitsky) and extends them an invite to crash at her place.

I think a lot of people find themselves at a crossroads in life, particularly in their 40s, what am I going to do? What do I do next? Am I living the best version of my life? Witherspoon said when asked what she found relatable about Alice. Cause life is short, and you only get one of them.

Home Again opens Sept. 8. Watch the trailer:

Read more from Yahoo Movies:
The world of chocolate just got a little sweeter.

Barry Callebaut, a global supplier of cocoa products, has invented a whole new type of chocolate adding a fourth choice to the current line up of dark, milk and white varieties. And thats not all, the chocolate, the company says, is naturally pink.

This new chocolate has been named ruby. According to the company, it offers an entirely new taste experience, which is not bitter, milky or sweet, but a tension between berry-fruitiness and luscious smoothness.

Ruby chocolate will be the first new chocolate introduced to consumers since white chocolate was first produced more than 80 years ago.

Ruby chocolate made by the producer Barry Callebaut and the cocoa pod that was used to produce this naturally-pink hued confection. (Photo: Barry Callebaut AG)

Ruby chocolate is made from ruby cocoa beans, which are grown in the Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Brazil. The unusual color comes from a powder achieved through processing, Barry Callebaut CEO Antoine de Saint-Affrique told Bloomberg. The companys research department unexpectedly discovered the color around 13 years ago while conducting studies of cocoa beans.

The new chocolate has been tested in markets across the globe. De Saint-Affrique says that it has gotten positive feedback and may appeal to Chinese consumers. But not everyone is on board. As Eater reports, some chocolate specialists have their doubts about this new product, calling it a classic marketing hype.

Food critic and Eater contributor Megan Giller says she hopes that in the future, big chocolate companies will focus on making quality chocolates with unique flavors and pure, ethically sourced ingredients rather than gimmicks designed to trick consumers. There are already single-origin chocolates with delicious fruity notes  they just arent bright pink.

Marketing hype or not, many folks believe this chocolate will appeal to millennials as many other rose-colored things have in the past.

Its unclear yet if this product will be on the market in time for Valentines Day, but if it is were sure there will be many naturally-pink chocolate hearts stocking the shelves.

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About ten days after fresh outbreak of violence in the Rakhine state on Aug. 25 and military crackdown led to the exodus of tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims, the world is gradually waking up to the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. While Nobel Peace Laureate Aung Sang Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar, has remained silent over the deepening crisis, rights groups, thought leaders, and politicians across the world continue to express solidarity with the community.

On Monday, the Chechen Republic, popularly known as Chechnya, saw thousands of Russian citizens pouring on the streets to protest against the rights violations against Rohingyas often labeled as the most persecuted community in the world.

In a YouTube video, regional leader Ramzan Kadyrov could be seen condemning the genocide of the community. He even threatened to break with Moscows policy if it did not criticize the violence. If...Russia supported these devils that carry out the crimes today, I am against Russias position because I have my own views and my own position, he said. Similar protests were reported in Australia as hundreds of protesters gathered outside Parliament House and urged the country's government to prevent the violence.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai also took to Twitter on Monday to voice her support for the community.

A report released Tuesday by the London-based Burma Human Rights Network (BHRN) reveals the persecution of Muslims has worsened after March 2016 when a civilian government was elected to power and the development was hailed by the international community. The rights group sheds light on the different forms of persecution under the new civilian government: Refusal by authorities to grant identity cards (ID) cards for Muslims, restrictions faced by Muslims in building and repairing mosques, the creation of Muslim-free villages across Burma, and an ongoing and highly-organized boycott of Muslim-owned businesses.

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Titled, Persecution Of Muslims In Burma, the report explains how the violence that broke out between the Buddhist communities and Muslims in western Burma in 2012 had spread to about 25 urban areas by 2015 leading to the displacement of tens of thousands of Muslims.

The community does not have the freedom to practice its religion, the rights group found after conducting 350 interviews over an eight-month period. A large number of mosques across Burma have either been damaged or destroyed entirely in the last few years. Numerous reports have surfaced of authorities refusing to allow Muslims to repair their mosques, it says.

There has also been an increase in instances of religious intolerance directed largely at Muslims. Ceremonies to mark Muslim holy days have been blocked by authorities following pressure from ultra-nationalist Buddhists groups, such as Ma Ba Tha. Muslims face frequent harassment and are the subject of debasing propaganda campaigns by organized networks of nationalists, the report states. Around 120,000 remain confined to camps, thereby reinforcing the sense that Muslims are a security threat that needs controlling. This provides a foundation for possible future violence. Other Burmese Muslims are also faced with similar difficulties, the rights group reveals.

Over 30,000 Rohingya Muslims are reportedly stranded on a hill area around Tha Win Chaung and Inn Din townships in the most southern point of Maungdaw Township, bordering Rathedaung Township, according to BHRN. These people, caught between the ocean miles south of the mouth of the Naf river and security forces stationed nearby, have been left isolated without access to food and water.

According to the estimates by the United Nations, nearly 80,000 Rohingyas were forced to flee to Bangladesh, which shares about 200 km long border with the country, after the recent outbreak of violence between insurgent groups and security forces. Amid the fresh influx, the Election Commission in Bangladesh has warned against registration of Rohingyas as voters, the Daily Star reported.

The Human Rights Watch published a statement Aug. 29 referring to the widespread burnings in at least 10 areas of northern parts of Rakhine state. "This new satellite imagery shows the total destruction of a Muslim village, and prompts serious concerns that the level of destruction in northern Rakhine state may be far worse than originally thought," HRW deputy Asia director Phil Robertson said.

"The burnings follow a series of coordinated attacks by ethnic Rohingya militants on August 25, 2017, against dozens of Burmese government checkpoints and bases," the rights group highlighted in the statement. HRW also underlined residents and militant groups have been blamed for the burnings by the Burmese government, however, no proofs were offered in this regard.

A report published Monday by the Guardian further revealed that Myanmar has blocked all the UN aid agencies from delivering food, water, and medicines to the civilians affected by the ongoing violence. In a statement, UN World Food Programme admitted, WFP has not been able to distribute food in northern Rakhine since mid-July. Furthermore, it had to suspend distributions in central Rakhine last week due to ongoing security challenges. This left a total of 250,000 people, including internally displaced persons and other vulnerable populations, without regular food assistance."

As tensions escalate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for restraint by Myanmar security forces. "The current situation underlines the urgency of seeking holistic approaches to address the complex root causes of violence," spokesman Eri Kaneko said on his behalf. The Secretary-General has also warned, in the absence of restraint, the situation may lead to a "humanitarian catastrophe."

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United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Russia asked the UN Security Council on Tuesday to authorize the deployment of a lightly-armed mission to protect OSCE observers dispatched to monitor the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

A draft resolution obtained by AFP called for setting up the new mission for a period of six months with a mandate to ensure the safety of the observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier told a news conference in the Chinese city of Xiamen that the new mission would be "completely appropriate," but Ukraine's foreign ministry quickly set down conditions for the deployment.

Ukraine said no Russian troops should be part of the protection force and stressed it must give its approval for the deployment.

The Russian-drafted proposal would deploy a mission "equipped with small arms and light weapons mandated exclusively to ensure security" of the observers.

The draft resolution requests that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres provide recommendations to the Security Council on the size and national composition of the force.

The mission would be deployed after a "complete disengagement of the forces and equipment from the factual line of contact" between Ukrainian troops and Russian-backed rebels.

Its mandate and personnel makeup would be agreed with the government of Ukraine and with representatives from the Donetsk and Lugansk regions, which are seeking to break away from Ukraine.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said there were no immediate plans to call for a vote on the proposed resolution.

"We are not talking about voting yet. We are circulating it for consideration," he told reporters.

Some 600 international OSCE observers are on the ground in eastern Ukraine, but their presence has failed to stop fighting in a conflict that has killed 10,000 people since 2014.

Ukraine -- which in 2015 called for UN peacekeepers to be sent in -- accuses Russia of being behind the insurgency that has gripped swathes of its former industrial heartland.

Ukraine's Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko said the mission should also be deployed on the border between Russia and Ukraine to help monitors report on flows of weapons and fighters that Kiev maintains are coming from Russia.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Russia on Tuesday expressed doubt that tough new sanctions on North Korea will be quickly adopted by the UN Security Council, and said any new measure should support efforts to open up talks with Pyongyang.

The United States is planning to circulate as early as Tuesday a draft sanctions resolution in response to North Korea's sixth and most powerful nuclear test, with Ambassador Nikki Haley pushing for a vote on the new measures on Monday.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters that a vote on Monday would be "a little premature. I don't think we will be able to rush it so fast."

Russia argues that sanctions alone will not resolve the North Korea crisis and are backing a Chinese proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korean military drills.

Nebenzia said a new resolution should stress the need for diplomatic steps.

"We want a reference to the need for a political dialogue based on the recent initiatives that have been undertaken," Nebenzia said.

Haley on Monday rejected the Russian-Chinese proposal as "insulting."

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," she said.

The United States has yet to circulate the draft, but diplomats said it will likely propose cutting oil supplies to North Korea, banning tourism and sending back North Korean laborers working abroad.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre said that he expected negotiations on the new measures to move quickly, and suggested that Russia and China could be brought on board.

During an emergency council meeting on Monday, "nobody ... opposed new sanctions so we believe there is clearly some space, some political space to move forward and to move forward fast," Delattre said.

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The Security Council last month unanimously decided to impose new sanctions on North Korea after it tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) that some experts say brought the US mainland within range.

Those included a total ban on North Korea's exports of coal, iron and seafood, and a freeze on work permits for North Korea foreign workers whose earnings are a source of hard currency for the regime.

UN human rights investigators estimate that more than 50,000 North Koreans have been sent abroad, mostly to Russia and China, generating between $1.2 billion and $2.3 billion per year.
A 14-year-old girl who suffered from a painful attack associated with sickle cell anemia was rescued from Hurricane Harveys floodwaters in Houston after using Apples Siri technology to phone the U.S. Coast Guard, according to CNN.

Tyler Frank and her family were forced to flee to the roof of their home after waking up Aug. 27 to find the house inundated with floodwater, the network news outlet reported Monday. After failed attempts to summon help through 911 and social media, the teen turned to Siri.

I was like, Siris smart enough! Let me ask her! Tyler told CNN.

A call to Siri helped a teenage girl with sickle cell anemia get rescued from Hurricane Harvey's floodwaters https://t.co/ve4rux0D6S pic.twitter.com/jLmKquqMuy  CNN International (@cnni) September 4, 2017

Siri, call the Coast Guard, she told CNN she demanded of her phone. After getting through, Tyler provided her familys location and explained that she was in pain and needed help. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder of the red blood cells, and attacks  known as sickle cell crisis  can block blood vessels and cause extreme pain.

A Coast Guard helicopter showed up at the Frank house the following afternoon, but rescuers reportedly left after explaining to the family that rescue operations were focusing on the elderly and those in life-threatening situations.

Coast Guard first responders were faced with an overwhelming request for assistance due to Hurricane Harvey, the Coast Guard told CNN in a statement. On-scene rescue crews made determinations based upon emergent factors (i.e. immediate, life-threatening situations) and the conditions faced on the scene.

Later that day, Tyler  who by then was running a fever of 103 degrees  again called the Coast Guard using the personal assistant technology. Rescuers arrived the following morning and flew Tyler and her family to safety.

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Tylers mother, Tameko Frank, filmed the rescue via Facebook Live.

Tyler was discharged from the hospital Friday, after several days of treatment.

Shes got this great sense of humor. She just made us laugh, Dr. Titilope Fasipe, Tylers hematologist at Texas Childrens Hospital, told CNN. Its so impressive what she and her family dealt with. I dont think most of us can even imagine.

Read CNNs full story here.

Also on HuffPost

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People begin cleaning up the damage to their homes after torrential rains caused widespread flooding during Hurricane Harvey.

A Dickinson resident hugs a friend who came to help her remove possessions damaged due to flooding.

Floodwaters have receded from this home, but the damage is done.

Family members remove debris and damaged items from their father's home.

Volunteers from Performance Contractors help co-worker Cornell Beasley clear up the damage to his home.

People in face masks begin cleaning out their property.

Books, furniture and other belongings are set to dry outside.

Lorenzo Salina helps a neighbor remove damaged walls.

Volunteers and students from C.E. King High School help to clean up the school.

Debris and possessions are piled at the curb.

Bryan Parson (left), Chris Gaspard (center) and Derek Pelt (right) remove ruined items from Parson's home.

Volunteers place water damaged school furniture and text books on the front lawn of C.E. King High School.

Lillie Roberts talks with family members on the phone as contractor Jerry Garza begins the process of repairing her home.

Cornell Beasley joins other residents as they dry and toss out their possessions.

Furniture that was destroyed in the flood is piled on the side of the street.

A man power-washes the driveway of his once flooded home.

Stacey House holds up her daughter's volleyball portrait, which was damaged during the hurricane.

Willy Coronado helps a neighbor to clean a house.

Missy Givens inspects the water level in her home.

People try to repair a truck that was submerged in floodwater.

Derek Pelt removes a wall at his friend Bryan Parson's house.

People on cleanup duty look around a damaged property.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 10:46:11|Editor: Song Lifang

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Trade representatives from the United States, Canada and Mexico on Tuesday claimed that they made progress in the second round of talks to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), despite U.S. President Donald Trump's recent threat to terminate the deal.

"Important progress was achieved in many disciplines," United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said in a trilateral statement after wrapping up the five-day talks in Mexico City.

"More than two dozen working groups comprised of trade experts and technical officials worked diligently to advance the discussions and exchanged information and proposals," they said in the statement released by the USTR's office.

"In several groups, this engagement resulted in the consolidation of proposals into a single text upon which the teams will continue to work during subsequent negotiation rounds," the ministers said.

Despite Trump's recent threat to terminate the 23-year-old trilateral trade deal, the ministers from the three countries "reaffirm their commitment" to an accelerated and comprehensive negotiation, with the shared goal of "concluding the process towards the end of this year."

The third round of NAFTA talks will take place in Ottawa, Canada on Sept. 23-27, according to the statement.

Simon Lester, a trade policy analyst with Cato Institute, a Washington-D.C. based think tank, believed Trump's threat of NAFTA termination was "a negotiating tactic."

"In theory, you can gain leverage in any negotiation by threatening to walk out. It's not clear how much credibility Trump's threat has ..." Lester wrote in a recent analysis, noting Trump might not have the legal authority to terminate NAFTA without Congressional approval.

"Aside from the law, such an action by President Trump would create a political battle between the White House and Congress that could upset the rest of Trump's agenda," he said, believing Trump was unlikely to withdraw from the deal at the current stage.

As Mexico will have a general election in July 2018 and the U.S. congressional mid-term elections are slated for the next fall, negotiators have hoped that NAFTA talks could be wrapped up by early next year.

However, trade experts have expressed doubt about the quick conclusion of NAFTA talks due to the extensive agenda and contentious issues among the three countries.

"Because the agenda of the negotiations is so extensive, so comprehensive, it will be very difficult for the three countries to come together on agreement on this entire agenda of issues in the next few months," said Jeffrey Schott, a trade expert and senior fellow at the Washington D.C.-based Peterson Institute for International Economics.

"There will be delays caused by electoral considerations, which will limit the flexibility of negotiators to make commitments and compromises before votes are taken," he said, adding it's "very possible" that NAFTA negotiations "will still be ongoing in 2019."
The companies behind Gucci, Saint Laurent, Dior, and other brands have banned size zero models on their catwalks. (Photo: Getty)

French fashion powerhouses LVMH and Kering announced today that size zero models will no longer be allowed in their catwalk shows and photo shoots.

The conglomerates  which own the likes of Gucci, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Dior  have vowed to stop the promotion of ultra-thin body ideals.

They have unveiled a charter to ensure the well-being of models. In addition to banning size zero models from appearing in their fashion shows, LVMH and Kering have also banned girls younger than 16 from doing work where they would be representing adults.

The news comes the day before the official start of New York Fashion Week. Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault said the companies would like to move quickly and make changes, leading many to believe the move will mark a different approach to this seasons Paris Fashion Week.

Paris has typically been home to some of the worst offenders in the size zero debate, making this decision an important one in the fashion industry.

Some designers also banned the use of female models younger than 16 in work where they would be representing adults. (Photo: Getty)

Pinault added that he hoped the ban would prompt others in the industry to follow suit.

France is fast becoming one of the leaders in ensuring the health of models. This year, the country banned the use of unhealthily thin models after the fashion industry was accused of encouraging eating disorders such as anorexia.

Models working in France are now required to provide a doctors certificate which states that their BMI (body mass index) indicates they are healthy enough to work.

Paris-based magazines are also now legally obliged to note when a photo of a model has been edited. If they dont, they could face a fine of as much as $45,000.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

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South Korean army K-1 tanks move during a military exercise in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea: Ahn Young-joon/AP

South Koreas liberal President Moon Jae-in faces intensifying pressure from his own military leaders and some within his ruling Democratic Party to forget about reconciliation with North Korea and stick to a policy of no dialogue and no compromise.

Mr Moon, rounding up international support against North Korea, said he would tolerate no advances in nuclear technology in response to the Norths sixth nuclear test, by far its most powerful, over the weekend.

While running for president in May, after the ousting of his conservative predecessor Park Geun-hye, Mr Moon had promised to pursue a different strategy of engagement with the North and its leader Kim Jong-un, but that rhetoric has taken a back seat to the pragmatism of his Defence Ministry.

South Koreas Defence Minister, Song Young-moo, said bluntly that the country's leadership is leaning in a direction that strengthens the military standoff, rather than ... dialogue.

While Mr Moons government is not endorsing a preemptive strike against the Norths nuclear and missile facilities, South Koreas military command staged an exercise Monday that showed the aggressive response that commanders want. South Korean warplanes bombed and strafed imaginary targets in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan., that the Defence Ministry described as simulating an attack on North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un. The Americans have set the precedent for such exercises, mounting war games described as practice for decapitating Kim Jong-un.

Mr Moon and US President Donald Trump agreed in a telephone call to scrap a warhead weight limit on South Korea's missiles, South Korea's presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of a military conflict. That call came about 30 hours after the North Korea's nuclear test and about 24 hours after Mr Trump tweeted his disdain for Mr Moon's "talk of appeasement" over his want to engage with the North. Ties have also been strained by the fact that reports emerged just ahead of Pyongyang's latest missile test that Mr Trump was mulling pulling out of a trade deal with Seoul. Doing damage control ahead of the call by Mr Trump the US National Security Council affirmed its policies regarding North Korea had not changed and the US and South Korea were working closely.

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Mr Trump and Mr Moon also agreed to push for tougher punishments against Pyongyang, including tough sanctions via the UN for breaking resolutions against North Korean nuclear and missile programmes. In a statement, the White House said Mr Trump had also given his "conceptual approval" to the sale of "many billions of dollars" worth of military equipment to South Korea.

The South Korean President also spoke on the phone with Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, while Mr Trump spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel with them also agreeing to push for harder sanctions.

In addition to the drill, South Korea will cooperate with the United States and seek to deploy strategic assets like aircraft carriers and strategic bombers, Jang Kyoung-soo, acting deputy minister of national defence policy, told a parliament hearing.

South Korea's Defence Ministry also said it would deploy the four remaining launchers of a new US missile defence system after the completion of an environmental assessment by the government.

The rollout of the controversial Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system at a site south of the South Korean capital, Seoul, which is vehemently opposed by neighbouring China and Russia, had been delayed since June.

South Korean defence officials warned that North Korea might well test-fire another missile, possibly a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), to mark the anniversary on Saturday of the formal founding of the North Korean government in 1948.

Mr Moon, however, is working hard to round up international sympathy as a prelude to persuading Mr Kim to think in terms of peace, not war. He sees Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok on Wednesday on the sidelines of an economic summit in hopes of enlisting meaningful Russian support, possibly in the form of cutting off exports of natural gas to North Korea..

South Koreas foreign minister, Kang Khung-wha was also busy, talking on the phone to the foreign ministers of Japan and China and to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Dealings with China were especially sensitive since Mr Moon, contrary to his position while running for president, now favours keeping the THAAD on South Korean soil despite the strenuous objections from China.

The phone conversation between Ms Kang and Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi aeared to have been strained. South Koreas Foreign Ministry said blandly they focused on the circumstantial assessment of the sixth nuclear test and the direction of their future response.
Gary Numan (photo courtesy of BBGun PR)

Gary Numan is a bona fide synth-rock pioneer and the artist behind Cars, one the biggest and most beloved new wave hits of all time. His last studio album, Splinter (Songs from a Broken Mind), was his highest-charting release since 1983, and its politically charged follow-up, Savage (Songs from a Broken World), out Sept. 15, is already garnering critical acclaim. Earlier this year, he even won the prestigious Ivor Norvello Inspiration Award for his songwriting.

But you wouldnt know any of that from talking to the man, who remains as humble  and unsure of himself  as the day he accidentally stumbled upon his first synthesizer in the late 1970s.

Its lovely when you read [good reviews], but the way you feel about yourself doesnt change. Im still nervous now going into a studio  just anxious that youre going to be able to come up with it again and again and again, that the songs are going to be good enough, he tells Yahoo Music. Ive been doing this 35 years; youd think Id get used to it by now. So all of these lovely things that are said, as much as I appreciate them and its nice to hear as a person, my insecurities are intact. And that doesnt look as if its ever going to change.

Ironically, it was Numans neuroses that helped him create what many are heralding as a comeback masterpiece, since Splinter was inspired by his recent battle with depression. He also asserts that he doesnt see his Aspergers as a disability, but as an advantage that helped him develop his mysterious, aloof onstage persona.

Around 2008-2009, I got dark. I was having really weird things going on, he reveals. My wife had post-natal depression after our second baby, which continued through to the third, so she was different. That affected me quite badly. And I had a massive falling-out with my mum and dad; wed been close for my whole life, and then all of a sudden, it just fell apart in a day. Unbelievable.

Anyway, thats all fixed now. But that happened. I turned 50, we had two children, and then a third came along, which was a real surprise. We didnt think we could have children; our first baby was IVF because we tried for ages and couldnt have children naturally.  All these things were going on, and I started to get really weirded out about getting older and dying, and it all freaked me out. I would see an old person in the street and start crying. And I dont cry as a rule; Im not an overly emotional person. Ive got Aspergers, that whole disconnection. So I got treatment, but it went on for a while, three or four years.

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Numan struggled to get back on track, even with treatment. In a way, the treatment for depression is just as dangerous, because the thing about depression is youve got no drive. It sort of sucks your life energy away, he says. The cure puts you in a permanent state of I dont care about anything, Im just having a great time. You dont care, so you dont want to do anything, either. I think it was four years that I didnt write a single song, four years that I didnt care. Career was fading away, marriage was in trouble, just horrible, horrible  but you dont care, because youre taking these pills and everything is just all right.

I was lucky; I had lovely people around me that saw it and were able to eventually get through to me. So you back out and you come back to normal life again. But when that happened and I started to write again, and I wrote about depression, because that was the thing that was most in my mind at the time.

Now that Numan is enjoying a career renaissance, hes trying to enjoy the accolades, even though proclamations of his comeback perplex him.

Its a weird thing, because Ive never stopped, and yet Im always coming back, apparently, he chuckles. From what? Cars? Am I coming back from Cars? 1980? Im not sure what Im coming back from. Im not sure when [fans] think it stopped the last time.  But as long as people like it, that means everything, really.

Numan admits, however, that its still difficult for him to settle into a positive mindset. My wife goes mental with me. Something really good happens and instead of just enjoying the moment, I go, What about next week, what about the next album, what do I do now? She says Im one of those glass-half-empty people. And I dont want to be like that; I want to enjoy life and have fun. When something good happens, I want to be able to just really have fun with it and say, Hey, isnt this great? Not go, Oh, now what? Because thats what I do. Pathetic, really.

Numan says his move to Southern California five years ago helped make his outlook a little sunnier. Theres another part of me thats got three little children and goes to the beach and goes to Disneyland, thats married and very happy, he stresses. Im [trying to be] glass-half-full now  Part of the reason I moved to America [from England] is because I wanted to get as much out of the days Ive got left. I sound like Im 100! I got sick to death of sitting in the rain and your life is ticking away and youre doing nothing with it, so I came here to get more out of life. So this whole glass-half-empty thing is all going to be a part of that. Ive got to swing it around.

Overall, Numan is in a good place nowadays, literally and spiritually, and is feeling brilliant, actually. Ive always been very moody, up and down  Ive always been problematic, as they say, but Ive come out of depression and Im less so now. So while he looked inward during the making of Splinter, for the climate-change-themed concept album Savage he found dark inspiration in the world around him. In an essay he recently penned for the Daily Beast, he explains, Just as I was starting the process of converting into songs my half-baked ideas lurking within the chaos of my scattered notes, Donald Trump lumbered over the horizon

I listened with increasing horror to his opinions on many things, but especially to his thoughts on climate change and the enormous, and very real, danger I believe with all my heart that we face. I couldnt make out whether he really believed what he was saying, or whether he saw his outrageously divisive and ill-informed rhetoric hitting home with enough people for it to become a strategy, a path to power. Either way, it coincidentally had a real-world relevance to what I was writing.

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A coalition of 15 states, along with the District of Columbia, filed a lawsuit Wednesday aimed at overturning the Trump administrations decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in the Eastern District of New York, argues that President Donald Trumps decision to terminate the program, which protects undocumented immigrants who arrived as youth from deportation, violated due process and amounted to a discriminatory attempt to punish and disparage people with Mexican roots. Some 78 percent of DACA recipients were born in Mexico, according to the complaint.

The same type of argument was successful for states before  courts blocked Trumps travel bans based in part on an argument that he had shown animus toward Muslims. His words and tweets could come back to bite him again on DACA.

The suit also argues that rescinding DACA would harm the states economies, colleges, residents and businesses.

Its clear that President Trumps DACA repeal would cause huge economic harm to New York  and that its driven by President Trumps personal anti-Mexican bias, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a statement.

The states also asked that the federal government be prohibited from sharing DACA recipients personal info with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in order to deport them.

In addition to New York and the District of Columbia, the states involved are Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

The lawsuit marks the second legal challenge in federal court to the Trump administrations decision to nix former President Barack Obamas signature immigration reform, which Obama carried out by executive action.

Trump announced on Tuesday that he was terminating the program, and the first DACA recipients will begin to lose their work permits and protections in six months. The move could eventually drive nearly 800,000 so-called Dreamers, who came to the U.S., as children out of the legal workforce and put them at greater risk of being deported.

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A lawsuit filed last year on behalf of DACA recipient Martin Jonathan Batalla Vidal in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn sought to overturn the decision to enjoin a similar program that would have shielded the undocumented parents of U.S. citizens from deportation and expanded the scope of DACA. On Tuesday, the lawyers for the National Immigration Law Center, Make the Road New York, and the Worker & Immigrant Rights Advocacy Clinic at Yale Law School who brought the case asked to amend the complaint to also oppose the termination of DACA.

President Trumps consistent anti-Mexican statements, from the start of his campaign through his rally last month in Phoenix, demonstrate his intent to discriminate against Mexican and Latino individuals, who will bear the overwhelming burden of the DACA termination, the filing Tuesday in the Batalla Vidal case states.

U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis scheduled a hearing for the request to amend the complaint for Sept. 14.

The two lawsuits against Trump for ending DACA hinge on similar claims. They say the Trump administration flouted the Administrative Procedure Act by canceling the DACA program with little notice and no time for public comment.

They also both describe nixing DACA as the culmination of Trumps alleged hostility toward Mexicans, citing his harsh comments on the campaign trail about Mexican immigrants.

Justice Department spokesman Devin OMalley defended the decision to phase out the program despite the lawsuits, reiterating the administrations claim that Obamas creation of the program unlawfully skirted the authority of Congress.

While the plaintiffs in todays lawsuits may believe that an arbitrary circumvention of Congress is lawful, the Department of Justice looks forward to defending this Administrations position, OMalley wrote in a statement.

Legal analysts consulted by HuffPost said the cases would be challenging to win but raise complex legal arguments that could sway a court to either reverse the Trump administrations decision or delay it.

Any president has wide latitude to take executive action or to undo the executive actions of past presidents. But if either lawsuit succeeds in convincing a federal judge that Trump was driven by an intent to discriminate against Mexican immigrants, his decision could be invalidated as a violation of the Constitution.

If they can prove this was motivated by racial animus, then a court would likely strike it down as a violation of equal protection, Stephen Legomsky, a professor at Washington University School of Law and former legal counsel for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, told HuffPost. But thats not a slam dunk by any means. Much will depend on the particular judge they land and how the judge assesses the evidence.

Muzaffar Chishti, a legal analyst with the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute, said the case against ending DACA has a chance of success given the Trump administrations losses in federal court over the attempt to restrict visitors from seven Muslim-majority countries.

We have frankly no idea how the courts are going to react, but there are some substantive issues for the courts to deal with, Chishti told HuffPost. The legal front on this has been opened.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) plans to bring a third lawsuit in the coming days, according to a spokesperson for his office. He plans to file the suit in California, which is home to approximately 200,000 Dreamers.

President Trump has turned his back on hundreds of thousands of children and young Americans who came forward and put their trust in our government. But in terminating DACA, the Trump Administration has also violated the Constitution and federal law, Becerra said in a statement on Tuesday.

Attorneys general in other states have also voiced support for DACA. Twenty of them, led by Becerra, signed a letter to Trump in July asking him to maintain the program. The attorneys general of all the states involved in the lawsuit filed Wednesday signed that letter, along with those from Maine, Maryland and Minnesota.

Other state attorneys general helped contribute to DACAs demise. Ten states, led by Texas, threatened legal action against Trump if he did not rescind DACA by Sept. 5, although one of the state attorneys general backed off his demand last week. Trump still eventually agreed to their demand.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said while announcing the decision on Tuesday that he had determined the original DACA program was unconstitutional and would fail in the courts based on a past injunction against the broader program by Obama to protect certain undocumented parents and expand DACA. Although those policies were blocked before going into effect, there was never a final court ruling on the merits of that case, and its not a certainty that a court would draw the same conclusions for the DACA program already in effect.

This was a breaking story and has been updated throughout.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.


Stocks (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC) are on the move higher as President Donald Trump signals hell reach across the aisle to make a deal. Plus, Hurricane Irma is bearing down on Puerto Rico and soon Florida. We break down the impact on the region, and business.

And is Trump really more anti-business, than pro-business? We look at the scorecard. Catch The Final Round at 4 p.m. with Jen Rogers and Yahoo Finance columnist Rick Newman.

Winners and losers

Stocks in the red today include Dave & Busters as the restaurant chain warned on same-store sales guidance, Newell Brands as the Rubbermaid maker cut its outlook as Hurricane Harvey has hurt its resin suppliers, and Trivago  shares of the travel site are getting clobbered as it cut its outlook citing slower-than-expected revenue growth.

Stocks in the green today include Sarepta as the drugmaker announced positive results for its Duchenne MS treatment, Fiat Chrysler as Barclays upgraded the automaker to overweight citing the possibility of the sale of Jeep or the entire company itself, and Charter  shares of the cable operator rising on a Reuters report that bankers are working to raise $70 billion in debt financing for an Altice-Charter tie-up.

LIVE REVIEW: Galaxy Note 8

Its phone season. Samsung just released its flagship Galaxy Note 8 and theres a lot riding on it after last years literal meltdown of the Galaxy Note 7. Is this the phone Samsung needs for a comeback? Joining us now for a live review is Yahoo Finance Tech editor, Dan Howley.
When we think of ancient peoples traveling to new and unknown lands, its easy to imagine groups of men roaming from settlement to settlement, thousands of years ago. New findings now suggest that it may have actually been women doing a lot of the legwork, at least in western Europe, during the Stone and Bronze Age. It also suggests that these women would have been largely responsible for the exchange of cultural objects and ideas throughout this period.

Researchers at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich have discovered that 4,000 years ago, the majority of women living in a region of Austria were actually not locally born, but rather from Bohemia or Central Germany. Over 800 years, from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age, women appear to have migrated to new surroundings in substantial numbers, while men stayed put.

The findings were published on Monday the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Researchers at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich have discovered that 4,000 years ago, the majority of women living in a region of Austria were actually not locally born, but rather from Bohemia or Central Germany. Over 800 years, from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age, women appear to have migrated to new surroundings in substantial numbers, while men stayed put.

I think theres kind of a perception or different hypotheses in archeology that theres kind of this movement of men that came, and married the local women and possibly killed the local men, Dr. Alissa Mittnik, one of the principal researchers of the study, tells Inverse. Maybe that did happen at some point, but we dont see that in our data.

Some 4,000 years ago, European women traveled far from their home villages to start their families, bringing with them new cultural objects and ideas.

Researchers examined the remains of 84 individuals in the Lechtal, a valley region in Austria where ancient settlements once existed. Using genetic and isotope analyses, as well as archeological evaluations, of people buried between 2500 and 1650 BC, the researchers concluded that the majority of the women buried there were not native to the region.

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However, these foreign women were given the same burial treatment as the native population, implying that they were very much incorporated into the local society.

Looking at the isotopes in the molars of ancient individuals, Mittnik said they could even see at what age these women had moved. The third molars  that form around 16 or 17 years of age  still had a non-local signals, meaning that these women migrated to new homes when they were already adults. This really looks like they were moving for marriage, not for servitude or something like that, she says.

Mittnik says she was surprised by the amount of non-local women that she discovered at the site. We can say that over 60 percent of them are non-local, but thats a conservative count (More) of them could be non-local but we just dont see it from their isotope signal.

Whats more, their lineages appeared to be from a diverse array of regions, implying a rather individualistic migration, as opposed to large groups as one might assume.

It seems that this patrilocal marriage system was so pronounced and part of their lives, it really surprised me actually, Mittnik says.

She says that men could have gone to foreign settlements to find their brides, but either way, the findings imply that womens movement may have been largely responsible for cultural exchange over this period. Mittnik says there may have been a marriage network in place throughout parts of Europe, and that contact between different communities would have been largely established through these mobile women.

Mittnik says the early use of metal falls into the late Stone Age, and then of course the use of bronze and more sophisticated tools began in the Bronze Age. Its very possible that materials and technology were brought into different communities by ancient traveling women. In the sites that we were studying, we see artifacts that look like theyre from a more northern region, Mittnik says.

Must Read: The 5 Most Influential Ancient Corpses of 2016

Photos via Stadtarchaeologie Augsburg, Stadtarchaologie Augsburg

Written by Grace Lisa Scott

More articles by Grace Lisa  Follow Grace Lisa on Twitter

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Geneva (AFP) - United Nations war crimes investigators said Wednesday that they had evidence Syrian government forces were behind a chemical attack which killed dozens of people in Khan Sheikhun in April.

In the first UN report to officially blame Damascus, the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria said it had gathered an "extensive body of information" showing that the Syrian airforce was behind the horrific sarin gas attack on April 4.

"All evidence available leads the commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhun," the report said.

At least 83 people, a third of them children, were killed and nearly 300 wounded in the attack on Khan Sheikhun, a town in the opposition-held northern province of Idlib, it said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, has previously given a death toll of at least 87.

Syria's government has denied involvement and claims it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender its chemical arsenal.

A fact-finding mission by the UN's chemical watchdog, the OPCW, concluded earlier this year that sarin gas was used in the attack, but did not assign blame.

A joint UN-OPCW panel is currently working to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack.

- Significant evidence -

But Wednesday's report is the first from the UN to officially lay the blame for the attack on Damascus.

The report also found the Syrian government responsible for at least 23 other chemical attacks in the war-ravaged country since March 2013.

The investigators, who were never granted access to Syria, said they based their findings on photographs of bomb remnants, satellite imagery and eyewitness testimony.

They determined that a Su-22 fighter bomber, which is operated only by the Syrian air force, conducted four airstrikes in Khan Sheikhun at around 6:45 am on April 4.

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"The commission identified three of the bombs as likely OFAB-100-120 and one as a chemical bomb," the report said, adding that "photographs of weapon remnants depict a chemical aerial bomb of a type manufactured in the former Soviet Union."

The investigators said they had found no evidence supporting Syrian and Russian claims that the chemicals had been released when an air strike hit an opposition weapons depot in the area producing chemical munitions.

Their report, which covers the period from March 1 to July 7, also found that Syrian government forces had carried out chemical attacks on at least three other occasions since March -- in Idlib, Hamah and eastern Ghouta -- using weaponised chlorine.

- No prosecutions so far -

The report is the 14th from the Commission of Inquiry, which has been tasked with detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed more than 330,000 people since 2011.

But despite documenting information about dozens of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity, the commission's work has not yet led to any prosecutions.

That has fuelled criticism and questions about the panel's usefulness, including from commission member Carla Del Ponte, who announced last month she was quitting, citing the failure to secure indictments.

Reacting to Wednesday's finding, Human Rights Watch said that "those responsible for chemical attacks in Syria have faced no real consequences."

"As evidence mounts, both the UN Security Council and the OPCW should take concrete measures to increase the pressure on the Syrian government to end the use of chemical weapons and to hold those responsible to account."

But Moscow, a main supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, denounced the report as "amateurish, propagandistic, and not professional or impartial."

"Despite claiming depth and even some scientific expertise, it is very superficial and this becomes evident when you read it," the foreign ministry's weapons proliferation chief Mikhail Ulyanov told the Interfax news service.

Security Council permanent member Russia -- which supports Damascus militarily -- has consistently fended off accusations that the Syrian regime was responsible for a chemical weapons attack at Khan Sheikhun.
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has been sued by three Texas churches severely damaged in Hurricane Harvey, over what they called its policy of refusing to provide disaster relief to houses of worship because of their religious status.

In a complaint filed on Monday in federal court in Houston, the churches said they would like to apply for aid but it would be "futile" because FEMA's public assistance program "categorically" excludes their claims, violating their constitutional right to freely exercise their religion.

They said FEMA's ban on providing relief where at least half a building's space is used for religious purposes, a policy also enforced after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, contradicts a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision making it easier for religious groups to get public aid.

That June 26 decision, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia Inc v. Comer, said U.S. states must sometimes provide such aid even if their constitutions explicitly ban such funding.

Becket, a nonprofit that advocates for religious freedoms and represents the churches, said the same principle should apply to federal FEMA relief for Harvey victims.

"States and the federal government are different, but the First Amendment applies the same to both," Daniel Blomberg, a lawyer for Becket, said in a phone interview. "The principle is that governments can't discriminate on the basis of religious status, and that is unapologetically what FEMA is doing here."

The three churches, he added, "need emergency repair, now."

A FEMA spokeswoman said in an email it would be inappropriate to discuss pending litigation.

The Texas churches that sued are the Rockport First Assembly of God in Rockport, which lost its roof and steeple and suffered other structural damage, and the Harvest Family Church in Cypress and Hi-Way Tabernacle in Cleveland, which were flooded.

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"This may be the first case this court will hear regarding Hurricane Harvey disaster relief, but it is surely not the last," the complaint said.

The case is Harvest Family Church et al v Federal Emergency Management Agency et al, U.S, District Court, Southern District of Texas, No. 17-02662.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 10:56:13|Editor: Song Lifang

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CARACAS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro met with top executives of U.S. oil giant Chevron to discuss the impact of economic sanctions imposed by Washington, state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) said on Tuesday.

Maduro spoke with the president of Chevron Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production, Clay Neff, and Ali Moshiri, adviser to Chevron's CEO, to explore mechanisms that will lead to a continuation of the relationship between PDVSA and the U.S. firm, despite the sanctions.

The sanctions throw a wrench into joint operations "that had been developing very successfully," said PDVSA, which the sanctions directly target.

Maduro let Chevron know Venezuela is interested in preserving its "commercial ties" with the firm and "the Venezuelan state is interested in conserving foreign investment in the country," the company said. [ Following the announcement of the sanctions, Maduro called for a meeting with various U.S. companies that do business with Venezuela, saying that U.S. investors with significant investments and interests in oil, gas and other businesses are also affected.

On Aug. 25, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order that "prohibits dealings in new debt and equity issued by the government of Venezuela and its state oil company" and also prohibits "dividend payments" to the South American country's government.

In announcing the sanctions, the White House said that these "measures are carefully calibrated" to deny the Maduro government "a critical source of financing" to maintain its rule.
Thick smoke blowing in from the 10,000 acre Eagle Creek fire choked the air around Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday morning, September 5, reducing air quality to some of the worst seen in the area all year.

Strong winds fanned the wildfire overnight pushing it 12 miles westward into Washington and prompting mandatory evacuations, according to local reports. Footage by one Portland resident capture the smoke filled air as he flew over Vancouver, Washington, before landing in Portland on Tuesday. Credit: Facebook/Jon Beil via Storyful
What John Lyon saw on Tuesday when he went to book his daughters roommate a ticket home from Miami.

On Monday evening, John Lyons, a 53-year-old father from West Hartford, Connecticut, purchased a one-way American Airlines ticket from Miami to Hartford for $159.20 for his daughter to get out of Hurricane Irmas path as the storm churns through the Caribbean.

On Tuesday, he was shocked at the spike in airfare prices.

I logged in and expected to see $160, and frankly if I had seen $260 I wouldnt have reacted. And I logged in and saw, $1,020, and I about had a heart attack, Lyons told Yahoo Finance in a phone interview on Tuesday afternoon.

Lyons, who describes himself as an amateur meteorologist, likes to post weather reports on West Hartfords Facebook page. Although Hurricane Irma poses no direct threat to where he lives, he has been following the storms developments.

Im seeing the direct hit on Florida. My daughter is down at the University of Miami, so I called her and said, Im going to bring you home. If worst comes to worst, we waste money, and you dont come home, and this thing misses you, and everything is fine. I logged in last night and saw $159.20 to be exact. I said you know what; this ticket is so cheap, Im just going to buy it.

The next day, he went back to look for a ticket for his daughters roommate, who is also a close family friends daughter. Shocked at the price increase, he said he even made sure that he didnt click first class by accident and he also verified that the flight had pretty much the same number of seats available compared to when he checked last night.

American Airlines had the audacity to raise the rate $800. Im sorry. I posted it. You know, Im angry. I think its horrible what they are doing. I just think its horrible. Ill leave it at that.



We have not changed our fare structures, and, in fact have added capacity to help get customers out of the affected areas, an American Airlines spokeswoman said in a statement. We have added several extra flights  from St. Maarten (SXM), St. Kitts (SKB), Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS); and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)  in addition to upgrading aircraft when possible. In addition, we have 33 airports included in our waiver program so customers will not be charged change fees or difference in fare with tickets for passengers who already held tickets. Full details on the waiver can be found at www.aa.com/travelalerts.

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Lyons said that hes traveled to Florida many times and has never had that sort of price tag, even last minute.

I have booked trips to and from south Florida from Connecticut, short notice during peak holiday periods and Ive never paid more than $600 or $700 round trip. It is appalling what American Airlines is doing. Like, literally, Im sick to my stomach over this, Lyons said. This is outrageous behavior. Peoples lives are at stake.

Some major airlines are now offering fares above $1,000 for one-way tickets out of Florida and customers have taken to social media to express their outrage.

Shame on you @delta. Jacking from $547 to over $3200 for people trying to evacute responsibly? #IrmaHurricane pic.twitter.com/O2nfPHQUAh  Leigh (@LeighDow) September 5, 2017

On Tuesday, a woman on Twitter with the handle @LeighDow tweeted a screengrab of a Delta ticket price changing from $547.50 to $3,258.50. Two hours later, she tweeted again saying @Delta reached out & helped tremendously. Note to travelers, always call airline directly if something doesnt look right.

. @AmericanAir @Delta @united price going from NJ/FL and from FL/NJ if thats not price gouging before the hurricane then idk what is pic.twitter.com/WEP5ZwDRp9  John Parker (@itsjohnparkerr) September 5, 2017

Yahoo Finance looked at prices using Matrix Airfare Search by the ITA Matrix, a tool for searching the lowest fares on every airline.

At the time of this writing, a one-way ticket from Fort Lauderdale to Newark for Wednesday, Sept. 6 costs $1,326 on Delta Airlines (DAL) with a layover in Atlanta, while another flight on the same route at a slightly different times costs $1,526.

A one-way, non-direct economy ticket on Delta from Miami to New York, with a layover in Minneapolis-St. Paul, costs anywhere between $873 and $1,358, the site shows. A Delta ticket from Miami to Boston, with an overnight layover in Orlando, is going for $1,879.

Delta didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, a one-way ticket on American Airlines (AAL) from Miami to a New York City-area airport, all of which stop in Dallas-Fort Worth, costs anywhere from $837 to $1,240.

American airfare

Elsewhere, JetBlues (JBLU) non-direct, one-way tickets from Fort Lauderdale to the New York area range from $433 to $492, but they all connect through San Juan Airport in Puerto Rico, which is in the path of the storm.

Those folks in Florida arent the only ones trying to escape Irmas path. Many were unable to get out of the Caribbean.

Stranded in the Caribbean

Klaudia Harris was supposed to celebrate her 19th birthday on Tuesday in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Instead, the Alabama native, is hunkering down in a three-story villa at The Westin Resort on St. John with her boyfriend, mom, and stepdad as Hurricane Irma barrels toward the island chain.

Their group arrived on Saturday evening. By Sunday, they received a letter on their door about the progress of Irma. They quickly began looking for flights back to the states.

We were prepared to spend any amount to get off this island, Harris said in a phone interview. There were no plane tickets at all. We were prepared to fly to California to New York. We just wanted to get off the island but couldnt find tickets.

At one point, she said her mom found an itinerary with a layover in Puerto Rico that would have cost $5,000. By the time her mom went to purchase the tickets, they were gone.

Vincent Magenti, a 22-year-old from Florida, is also trapped on St. Thomas at the Margaritaville Vacation Club with his girlfriend and eight other family members.

They were expecting to leave on the Spirit Airlines (SAVE) flight at 4:19 p.m. on Tuesday out of Cyril E. King Airport heading back to Fort Lauderdale. At 1:30 a.m., they received an email that it had been canceled.

According to a notice Magenti received at his hotel, Spirit was the only major airline to cancel flights in and out of St. Thomas on Tuesday.

A representative from Spirit didnt return requests for comment.

Like many others, Magenti and his family are waiting out the storm with stocked refrigerators.

Klaudia Harris family is doing the same thing.

We went to the marketplace yesterday and bought necessities like water, sandwich meat, bread, milk, cereal. We cooked meat for meals yesterday because they turned off the gas this morning.

She said that neighbors and locals had come together to help each other out ahead of this storm.

If you think the world is not nice anymore, you should come to the U.S. Virgin Islands during a hurricane, and youll change your mind.

UPDATE: Early Wednesday afternoon, JetBlue capped its ticket prices on direct flight out of Florida at $99, while connecting flights were capped at $159. The airline also added more flights.

Delta also reduced the price level of its highest fares. The airline added more flights and larger aircraft to hold more passengers.

On Wednesday afternoon, American Airlines said it would also cap its airfare.

While there are limited seats remaining before the storm hits, we will cap our pre-tax fares at $99 for MainCabin seats on direct, single leg flights out of Florida for tickets sold through Sunday Sept. 10 for travel until Sept. 13, a spokeswoman said in a statement to Yahoo Finance.
Less than a month after its unsuccessful attempt to purchase the Chicago Sun-Times, Tronc, a Chicago-based company, acquired the Pulitzer-Prize winning tabloid, The New York Daily News.

The announcement of the acquisition came Monday. Tronc purchased The Daily News for only $1 million and the assumption of operational and pension liabilities, Chicago Tribune reported.

Tronc is the publisher of The Los Angeles Times and The Chicago Tribune among other news outlets, and was formerly known as Tribune Publishing.

"We are excited to welcome the New York Daily News team to the tronc family, and we look forward to working with them to serve new audiences and marketers while delivering value for our shareholders," stated a press release from Tronc, quoting its CEO Justin Dearborn.

"As part of the tronc portfolio, the New York Daily News will provide us with another strategic platform for growing our digital business, expanding our reach and broadening our services for advertisers and marketers," Dearborn added.

The deal brought to an end the 25-year ownership of The Daily News by Mortimer B. Zuckerman, who had bought the paper out of bankruptcy in 1993 for $36 million in cash, reports said.

Along with Zuckerman, Fred Drasner also owned The Daily News, however, he left the company in 2004.

The Daily News was currently going through tough times, characterized by sweeping layoffs. In the 1940s, it used to have a circulation of more than two million a day, but in recent times it had been reduced to just a few hundred thousands.

According to the Daily News Zuckerman had started considering the option of selling the newspaper from 2015, when he informed The News' staff in an email: A few weeks ago, we were approached about our potential interest in selling the Daily News. Although there were no immediate plans to consider a sale, we thought it would be prudent to explore the possibility and talk to potential buyers and/or investors."

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Zuckerman put the publication on sale that year itself and received offers from several wealthy businessmen, including supermarket magnate John A. Catsimatidis.

However, the business tycoon later reconsidered his decision of selling the paper by taking it off the market, the New York Times reported.

Zuckerman is a Canadian-born American businessman whose interests predominantly lie in magazines, publishing, and real estate. He is now a naturalized citizen of the U.S.

He graduated from Harvard Business School, but remained in the university as an associate professor for the next nine years. After that, he also taught at Yale University. He also spent seven years at the real estate firm Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, where he did well and became senior vice president and chief financial officer, according to his biography.

In 1980, he bought the literary magazine The Atlantic Monthly and was the chairman from 1980 to 1999 before selling it to David G. Bradley for US$12 million. In 1984, he bought U.S. News & World Report.

In 2008, he was named the 147th wealthiest American; in 2007, he was the 188th richest man, his biography said citing Forbes.

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The United States is seeking United Nations authorization to use military force to board and seize North Korean smuggling vessels on the high seas, dramatically escalating the Trump administrations nuclear standoff with the Hermit Kingdom, according to a draft resolution obtained by Foreign Policy.

The push for a green light for military action was included in a sweeping U.S. draft Security Council resolution that would ban Pyongyangs export of oil, liquid gas, and textiles, and forbid the employment of North Korean laborers, who are required to send home a big chunk of their earnings. The draft would also hit North Koreas leader, Kim Jong Un, his government, and the ruling Workers Party, with sanctions.

The United States latest diplomatic gambit comes just days after North Korea on September 3 detonated its sixth, and by far its most powerful, nuclear explosion, triggering widespread expressions of condemnation from Beijing to Moscow and Washington, D.C. In response, the Trump administration is looking to target key economic sectors that contribute to pouring up to $3 billion-a-year in revenue into the North Korean economy  money that U.S. policy-makers believe is funding its nuclear weapons program.

The initiative is likely to face tough pushback from Russia and China, who have both been pressing the administration to resolve its difference with Pyongyang through negotiations. In a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Vladivostok, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that his government firmly opposes the imposition of an oil embargo on North Korea. We should not act out of emotions and push North Korea into a dead end, Putin said, according South Korean reporters cited by the New York Times. We must act with calm and avoid steps that could raise tensions.

The 13-page draft condemns North Koreas Sept. 2 hydrogen bomb test and its flagrant disregard of numerous previous Security Council resolutions that prohibit Pyongyangs nuclear weapons and ballistic missile activities. North Korea, the draft states, shall immediately suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program and  immediately abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear nuclear programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

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The resolution would authorize member states, including the United States, to use all necessary measures to interdict and inspect cargo vessels that have been designated as sanctions violators by the U.N. Security Council. It would also empower a U.N. Security Council sanctions committee to designate vessels for non-consensual inspections.

Security Council diplomats say that Russia and China have both been briefed on the draft resolution, but have not expressed support. On Wednesday, the United States went ahead and distributed the text to all 15 members of the council.

The move comes just one month after the U.S. secured passage of a resolution banning the export of coal, North Koreas largest source of foreign revenue, and iron, lead and seafood. The U.S. claimed that resolution  which was adopted unanimously in response to two reported intercontinental ballistic missile launches in July  would cut off as much as $1 billion in revenues that could be used to support Pyongyangs missile and nuclear weapons program.

Council diplomats said that the draft sets the stage for a likely showdown between the U.S., Britain and other close allies on the one side and Russia and China on the other. One provision in the American draft text would close a loophole that permitted the export of coal, iron or iron ore through a single border crossing into Russia from the North Korean town of Rajin.

One senior council diplomat who reviewed the text said that it was doubtful that Russia and China, two of the councils five veto-wielding members would let the resolution pass. But at least the world will see whos who.

Photo credit: STR/AFP/Getty Images

This story has been updated.
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed a question about U.S. President Donald Trump at a news conference Tuesday, refusing to comment on U.S. political affairs and distancing himself from the American leader.

Trump is not my bride, and, likewise, I am neither his bride nor bridegroom. We are statesmen, Putin told reporters, according to a translation by Reuters.

Putin also said it was naive to question whether he was disappointed with Trumps actions as president, yet he criticized the U.S. order last week that the Kremlin close a Russian consulate in San Francisco and floated the idea of retaliatory action in response to its shuttering.

The news conference took place at an economic summit for BRICS countries  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  being held in the Chinese city of Xiamen this week. Putin answered questions for around 45 minutes, sometimes using the platform to take jabs at Washington.

Its difficult to talk to people who confuse Austria with Australia, Putin said, in a dig at U.S. officials. President George W. Bush raised eyebrows, and laughs, when he mixed up the two nations in 2007.

The Russian presidents comments come at a post-Cold War low point in relations with the United States. Despite Trumps praise of Putin during the campaign and vows to repair ties between Moscow and Washington, the relationship has instead deteriorated.

The most recent decline in relations came earlier this summer when the U.S. imposed sanctions on Russia over its meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. Since then, the two countries have issued a series of reprisals aimed at diplomatic institutions, including consulates and embassies. In July, Putin ordered a huge reduction of U.S. diplomatic staff in Russia and on Tuesday threatened that he could further cut personnel if he wanted.

The U.S. and Russia have also been drawn into diplomatic fights over conflicts in Syria and eastern Ukraine, where the two nations have differing international interests. Russia did agree to join in U.S.-proposed sanctions against North Korea in August, but Putin said Tuesday that adding stronger sanctions, which the White House is now calling for, would be useless.

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Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday ended an amnesty for 800,000 people brought illegally to the United States as minors, throwing their future in serious doubt and triggering fierce condemnation from across the political spectrum.

Business leaders, unions, religious groups, opposition Democrats and many within Trump's own Republican party joined forces to criticize the phased end of protections for people who arrived in the United States under the age of 16.

So-called "Dreamers" -- many Hispanic, now in their twenties -- will have somewhere between six and around 24 months before they become illegal and subject to potential deportation.

"This is the only country I know," said Ivan Ceja, a 26-year-old computer science student and immigrant rights advocate who arrived in the country as a baby.

"My future is here. I'm not going to go without a fight."

Trump later insisted he had "great heart for the folks we are talking about, a great love for them" and called on Congress to pass wide-ranging immigration reform -- something lawmakers have tried and failed to do for decades.

The president vowed to "revisit" the issue if Congress fails.

"I look forward to working w/ D's + R's in Congress to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country 1st," he tweeted.

Trump had argued that the amnesty introduced by Barack Obama in 2012 was an unconstitutional overreach of presidential powers and would likely be struck down by the courts eventually.

The announcement prompted ex-president Obama to make a rare re-entry onto the political stage to decry the decision as "wrong," "self-defeating" and "cruel."

"Let's be clear: the action taken today isn't required legally. It's a political decision, and a moral question," Obama said.

Republican Senator John McCain, who lost the 2008 presidential election to Obama, said that while he disagreed with his ex-rival's use of an executive order to set the policy, reversing it now would be "unacceptable."

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He vowed to work with both Democrats and Republicans to craft and pass comprehensive immigration reform.

- 'Fair to American families' -

Around 800,000 people took up the offer to get two-year renewable permits under the DACA scheme, but a similar number opted to stay in the shadows largely because of uncertainty over policy once Obama left office.

Trump, who ran for office on a hard-right immigration and law and order platform, painted his decision as an effort to put natural-born Americans first.

Senior Department of Homeland Security officials admitted that the addresses and other sensitive information provided by current permit holders would be kept on record indefinitely.

But, one official said, there was "no plan at this time" to specifically target recipients for deportation.

In New York, thousands of protesters marched in Lower Manhattan before walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

"We've always been responsible here, paying our taxes; we haven't taken anyone's job, we pay for everything out of pocket, not even getting government help or scholarships for school," said student Adriana Perez, 33, who arrived in the city from Guerrero, Mexico, when she was 6.

- We will fight -

Texas, which led a coalition of 10 conservative states threatening court action against the federal government unless DACA was rescinded, said it was dropping a 2015 lawsuit that provided the basis for its legal challenge -- with Attorney General Ken Paxton claiming "victory."

But elsewhere, Trump's decision was met with broad opprobrium.

The Mexican government, mayors from across the US and the Service Employees International Union were among those who issued statements of condemnation.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops called the decision "reprehensible" and said "today, our nation has done the opposite of how Scripture calls us to respond."

Opponents hinted that they may challenge Trump's decision in the courts.

"We warned you not to threaten our neighbors, @realDonaldTrump. New York City will fight to defend our Dreamers," said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Even Trump allies in business and the Republican Party voiced concern, arguing the policy would damage the economy and was not in keeping with US values.

"To reverse course now and deport these individuals is contrary to fundamental American principles and the best interests of our country," the American Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

Much of the business world, especially the high-tech firms of California's Silicon Valley, stood firmly against a DACA repeal. The program offers the equivalent of a renewable residence permit to young people who were under the age of 16 when they arrived and have no criminal record.

Top congressional Republican Paul Ryan called on lawmakers to step in -- although the chances of a badly divided Congress reaching a long-elusive agreement on immigration reform in months appear dim.

"It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the president's leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country," Ryan said.

burs-oh/mdl
WASHINGTON  Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon is still notching policy wins after his return to the right-wing website Breitbart. President Donald Trumps decision to end Obama-era protections for undocumented immigrants brought as children to the U.S. by their parents is a major victory for Bannon and Breitbart  and they know it.

As Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced plans Tuesday to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program with a six-month delay on enforcement, Breitbarts chief White House correspondent celebrated:

Sessions going full Breitbart with this announcement  Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 5, 2017

This is a huge step in the right direction for the Trump administration, and for Breitbart as we cover the stories that most of the rest of the media ignore on immigration like crimes committed by illegal aliens including so-called Dreamers, the economic and cultural effects on American workers of large scale legal and illegal immigration, and the forgotten man and woman President Trump honed in on during the 2016 race and in his inauguration speech, a senior Breitbart editor who was not authorized to speak on the record told HuffPost.

Breitbart was a primary source of the push to repeal DACA, which covers approximately 800,000 people. The site has sometimes published multiple stories per day promoting repeal and praising DACA opponents, while attacking Democrats and Republicans who support the program. At one point on Tuesday, nine of the sites 10 most popular stories were about Trumps DACA repeal (or, in one case, about Hillary Clintons DACA support). Its no surprise that Breitbart sees a victory here: The site has served for years as the most prominent platform for anti-immigration organizations and politicians to promote their views.

Start  serving  citizens  with  this  same  urgency  https://t.co/vZWy8bN0cs  Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) September 4, 2017

Breitbarts celebration also shows that the right-wing populist movement Bannon represents is still influential in the administration, even after Bannons departure. Strong supporters of these policies remain in power: Sessions, who Bannon convinced to endorse Trump in 2016, remains in charge of the Justice Department. Stephen Miller, a former Sessions aide, is the presidents top domestic policy adviser. And former Breitbart writer Julia Hahn remains in the White House working on policy with Miller. Bannon can now provide them support from his perch at Breitbart.

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Trumps decision on DACA could result in a congressional push to pass legislation reinstating the program. But Breitbart is already planning to work to defeat any such legislative action, should it arise.

Over the next six months as Congress considers whether to legislatively grant amnesty to the 800,000 plus illegal aliens that Obama illegally granted DACA executive amnesty to, we will be vigilant in how we cover and expose any career politicians who run counter to the will of the American voting public and the citizens of this country who very clearly stated in November 2016 that amnesty in any form is not acceptable public policy, the senior Breitbart editor told HuffPost.

The idea of a fight against congressional Republicans who favor immigration reforms that would legalize undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. dovetails with Breitbarts larger political mission of remaking the Republican Party. The news organization, particularly under Bannon, is openly hostile to both House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

In 2013, Bannon, Sessions and Miller, then a staffer for Sessions, successfully joined forces to beat a bipartisan immigration reform bill. Bannon and Miller teamed up again in 2014 to orchestrate the shock defeat of then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.). Cantors support for immigration reform, and the backing he received from Wall Street donors who supported the policy, were the main issues that brought him down.

Breitbart now backs former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore in the special Republican Senate primary runoff election against Sen. Luther Strange (R-Ala.), who was appointed to fill the seat Sessions left when he became attorney general. This position puts the site at odds with Bannons former boss, Trump, who endorsed the incumbent Strange in early August. Just as it did in Cantors race, the website has dispatched reporter Matt Boyle to cover the final weeks of the contest. One such dispatch favorably compares Moore to Sessions, noting that their respective positions on immigration and trade are no different.

The Moore-Strange primary fight is only a piece of the larger battle Breitbart is waging. The big fight is to oust Ryan from his position as House speaker and replace him with a congressman more favorable to the Breitbart agenda. Axios reported on Tuesday that Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), who heads the conservative House Freedom Caucus, met with Bannon and Boyle at Breitbarts offices in Washington on Monday to discuss the caucus plans to take control of House leadership.

Meadows appeared the next day as a guest on Breitbarts radio show, hosted by Boyle, to tell listeners how they should pressure Ryan, House Republican leadership and their own representatives. Meadows laid out the big fights to come on the debt ceiling and the budget, and urged Breitbart followers to press their lawmakers to oppose linking a debt ceiling increase to Hurricane Harvey relief funds. He called on listeners to tell lawmakers only to pass a government funding bill that would defund sanctuary cities and Planned Parenthood and include money for Trumps border wall, and to put a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare on the presidents desk.

If they do that, we will hopefully avoid this bloody September, Meadows concluded.

Matt Fuller contributed reporting.

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AUSTIN  When Karla Perez handed over a stack of paperwork including her home address, photographs and her fingerprints to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services five years ago to apply for DACA, she was still living at home with her parents. To gain the ability to work legally under the new program despite being undocumented, Perez had to make the tough choice to give the Department of Homeland Security not just her own address, but the one for her mom and dad as well.

That always weighs heavily on my mind, Perez said. My biggest concern right now is my parents because DHS has my information Im not so much worried for myself as for my family.

After the Trump administration announced the termination of DACA on Tuesday, several of the programs recipients interviewed by HuffPost described feeling a sense of both injustice and betrayal. The program, whose full title is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, shielded undocumented immigrants who came to the country as minors from deportation and allowed them to work legally in the United States.

To take advantage of the program, DACA recipients had to make a leap of faith that the federal government would not turn around after Barack Obamas presidency ended and use their own information against them.

Many of them, like Perez, were living with undocumented family members when they provided their address to USCIS on their first applications. As the Trump administration eviscerates the last major immigration reform of the Obama years, many DACA beneficiaries were not worried so much about themselves as their parents or other family members left out of the program and in limbo by stalled attempts to pass farther-reaching reforms through Congress.

Im freaked out, Perez said. But at the same time, theres this renewed commitment to fight for everyone in the immigrant community, including my parents.

Juan Belman, 24, obtained DACA while studying at the University of Texas at Austin. He has graduated, but continues to organize with the University Leadership Initiative, a student group at the school. The address Belman submitted with his DACA application was his family home, where his undocumented parents live.

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Thats a concern, Belman told HuffPost. Im not always home. Thats something I worry about. Weve given them all our information.

Another DACA recipient, who asked to be identified only as Luis in order to protect his family, remembered feeling ecstatic back in 2012 when the Obama administration rolled out DACA. Having fled years ago as an unaccompanied minor from gang violence and an abusive father in Central America, Luis had no way to apply to normalize his status before DACA.

A 10th grader with a 'stay strong' sticker marched with students, immigrants and impacted individuals to Tivoli Quad on Denver's Auraria Campus to defend the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program during a city-wide walkout and rally. (Photo: Joe Amon via Getty Images)

Many of us ran from persecution, from violence, from absolute levels of poverty, Luis said. All of the sudden, a Dreamer is told that there is going to be a line. Of course youre going to jump on line!

Of course I trusted it, he continued. Because I believe in this nation and I want to serve this nation, regardless of its politics and its different administrations.

Now enrolled in graduate school, he worries about what the Trump administrations decision to kill the program will mean for his ability to work here, or the impact it will have on more mundane but life-changing opportunities the program granted him, like the ability to obtain a drivers license. (A spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Public Security wrote in an email that DACA recipients licenses would expire along with their participation in the program.)

But more than that, hes concerned about the impact the decision will have on his mother.

I wonder what my mom is thinking, Luis said. I talk to her and shes crying I am in college and so is my mom every single day Im in class because I have her in my heart. My family trusted. And now the entire nation has been betrayed.

Homeland Security officials insist that they will not use the information provided by DACA recipients against them to pursue deportation orders. Those who participated in the program gave their information to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that processes applications to obtain legal residency or to obtain American citizenship. That agency is separate from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which carries out deportation policy.

But both agencies belong to DHS, leading to unease among the programs recipients that their trust of federal authorities may backfire on them.

Ahead of Tuesdays announcement that the Trump administration would end DACA, Homeland Security officials told reporters that USCIS will not share information with ICE, unless they had a compelling reason. In instances of criminality or law enforcement, we will use all of our law enforcement databases, one of the departments senior officials said.

A statement posted on the DHS website noted that the information-sharing policy between the departments agencies could change without warning.

This policy, which may be modified, superseded, or rescinded at any time without notice, is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law by any party in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter, the statement reads.

The vagueness of those assertions offers little assurance to the individuals concerned about what Tuesdays changes mean for themselves or their families.

At the same time, concerns about information sharing through the soon-to-be-defunct DACA program is unlikely to keep many of the programs beneficiaries quiet.

Even before the Obama administration implemented DACA, many undocumented youths had begun openly declaring their immigration status as a political act, adopting the slogan undocumented and unafraid. One of them, Cesar Vargas, became the first undocumented immigrant in the state of New York to obtain a license to practice law in 2015  a state court decision based partly on the fact that he had DACA.

These days, he practices immigration law in Staten Island. Despite concerns about information sharing between USCIS and ICE, Vargas emphasized that until its phased out, the program continues.

Im telling clients, your information should be safe, he said. But dont get in trouble. Thats where were at right now.

While his hard-fought ability to practice law was plunged into doubt with the Trump administrations decision, Vargas urged other Dreamers to keep publicly pushing for reform, noting like most others interviewed for this story that it was their efforts that led to the creation of DACA in the first place.

One of the things we try to tell people is that this is a moment not to regress back to the shadows, Vargas said. This is a moment where were undocumented and unafraid. Trump and [Attorney General] Jeff Sessions want us to regress back to the shadows. They tell stories that portray us as criminals and rapists. But we need to keep telling our own stories.

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President Donald Trump is leaning against picking Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council, to lead the Federal Reserve, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

The president had previously said he was considering Cohn among other candidates. He also said he is considering the possibility of renominating Janet Yellen, who has led the Fed since 2014.

According to Wednesdays report, Trump cooled on elevating his top economic adviser to the role after the former Goldman Sachs president said he felt distress over Trumps response to the racist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month.

Read The Wall Street Journals full report here.

The White House didnt immediately return HuffPosts request for comment.

Cohns remarks in a Financial Times interview came in response to Trumps refusal to explicitly condemn white supremacists for the clashes at a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. In that interview, Cohn said the administration can and must do better in consistently and unequivocally condemning these groups. Trump was reportedly furious with Cohns comments.

Cohn, who is Jewish, reportedly drafted a resignation letter amid the Charlottesville fallout.

Earlier Wednesday, the Federal Reserves vice chairman, Stanley Fischer, announced he will end his term early. That move, according to CNBC, indicates that Yellen may also be ready to leave when her term expires next year.

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Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 11:16:20|Editor: Song Lifang

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday decided to impose travel ban and asset freeze on individuals and entities responsible for derailing the peace process in the African country of Mali and to set up a sanctions committee for the purposes.

The council unanimously passed Resolution 2374, demanding all UN member states prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by individuals designated by the sanctions committee, unless the committee determines on a case-by-case basis that such travel is justified.

The resolution also demands all UN member states immediately freeze, with certain exceptions, all funds, other financial assets and economic resources on their territories, which are owned or controlled by the individuals or entities designated by the sanctions committee, or by individuals or entities acting on their behalf or at their direction, or by entities owned or controlled by them.

Both the travel ban and asset freeze would be valid for an initial period of one year from the date of the adoption of the resolution.

The sanctions committee, comprising all Security Council members, would designate those subject to the travel ban and asset freeze. It would also examine and take appropriate action on information concerning alleged violations or non-compliance with the restrictive measures.

Under Resolution 2374, the UN secretary-general is requested to create a panel of up to five experts to assist the sanctions committee in carrying out its mandate and to gather, examine and analyze information regarding the implementation of the restrictive measures.

The resolution encourages timely information exchange between the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali and the panel of experts, and requests the UN mission assist the sanctions committee and the panel of experts.

Mali is plagued by a civil war between the north and the south, plus political instability and the rise of rebel militants.

Tuareg rebels in the north began to fight for independence in January 2012, and after a military coup that ousted Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure in March, declared independence of their own state -- Azawad.

Tuareg rebels and other militant groups, which were allies for the independence of Azawad, turned their guns at each other over ideological division. In a few months' time, Tuareg rebels lost control of most of northern cities. The Malian government had to ask for foreign military help.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali, known as Minusma, was established in April 2013 to stabilize the situation. Conflicts still occur despite peace agreements.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., left, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urge Republicans to stand up to President Trumps decision to terminate the DACA initiative. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Trump sided with Democratic leadership in a deal to keep the government open another three months, but stopped short of promising them anything on the program for young unauthorized immigrants he ended earlier this week.

The bottom line is the president listened to the arguments, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told reporters Wednesday of the very productive meeting with Trump. And to his credit, he went with the better argument.

A congressional aide briefed on Wednesdays White House meeting said Republican leaders were surprised when Trump suddenly agreed to a proposal from Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to fund the government and lift its borrowing limit for three months, until Dec. 15. The bill also provides billions of dollars in aid for the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Republican leaders wanted a longer extension of the debt ceiling, to avoid multiple votes on the politically tricky issue.

Shortly before the meeting, Speaker Paul Ryan blasted the Democrats three-month proposal in a press conference as ridiculous and disgraceful.

Republican senators agreed. I think its absurd to continue to say were going to go every three months to tell people whether were going to pay our bills, Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said shortly before the announcement of Trumps deal.

In the past, Trump criticized Republicans for agreeing to a four-month extension on the debt ceiling, calling them bad negotiators.

The worst negotiators in history (otherwise known as Republicans) have just offered to suspend debt ceiling for four months. Pathetic!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2013

Asked why the president sided with Democrats over Republicans, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told reporters, The president can speak for himself.

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But McConnell added that he believed Trump felt that we needed to come together to not create a picture of divisiveness at a time of genuine national crisis.

Pelosi and Schumer pushed Trump during the meeting to agree to sign a version of the DREAM Act that would offer a path to citizenship for young unauthorized immigrants brought to the country as children who do not have criminal records and pursue higher education or join the military.

On Tuesday, Trump rolled back the Obama-era program known as DACA that had prevented nearly 800,000 of those young people from being deported. Both Republicans and Democrats have said Congress should pass legislation to legalize this group, but GOP leadership has not made any moves to do so yet.

We discussed that also today, and Chuck and Nancy would like to see something happen, and so do I, Trump told reporters on Air Force One Wednesday en route to a tax reform event in North Dakota. And I said if we can get something to happen, were going to sign it and were going to make a lot of happy people.

Trump said he was not sure if the DACA bill should provide a path to citizenship or not, and indicated he would like it to be paired with border security measures.

Still, some in the Democratic caucus wanted to go farther than Schumer and Pelosi in using the governments looming crises to win concessions on immigration. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., called for Democrats to hold up funding for the government to pressure Republicans to hold a vote on the DREAM Act to legalize DACA recipients. His proposal was greeted with applause in a meeting of Democratic lawmakers Wednesday, Politico reported.

Protesters demonstrate at the Capitol against President Trumps decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images

But in the end, Democratic leadership decided to agree to help Republicans fund the government and lift the debt ceiling with a three-month limit to create another cliff that would give them another chance to bargain over the fate of DACA recipients and other priorities.

Here is the challenge we face, Democrats are not heartless, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill, told Yahoo News. I vote for natural disaster aid in states other than my own, always have, and Im not going to do anything to shortchange the victims of Harvey.

Durbin said no Senate Democrats even suggested holding up funding to pressure Republicans on the DREAM Act.

Schumer announced in a packed press conference with DACA recipients and Democratic lawmakers Wednesday morning that he would attempt to attach the DREAM Act to other legislation to force a vote on it if it does not pass by the end of the month.

Were willing to hold things up, were willing to attach it to things and were going to be aggressive about it, Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., told Yahoo News.

Read more from Yahoo News:
A street monitor in Tokyo showing Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Donald Trump after they had spoken by phone about the crisis: Reuters

Donald Trump did not create the raging sore that North Korea has become, but he does done little to soothe it. On the contrary, his instinct, as with so many other things, has been to prod and scratch. If you think this sounds dangerous, you are not alone. The whole world is nervous.

Lets be clear, though, this is not pure fecklessness. Trump is in part a victim of timing. If previous US presidents, going back to Bill Clinton, were able one way or another to sweep the North Korea conundrum under the rug it was because the threat it posed remained largely theoretical. The regimes quest for nuclear mastery was still in the slide-rule stage.

The detonation of what may or may not have been a hydrogen bomb last Sunday  rattling pantries as far away as northeastern China  and the lobbing of a missile over Japanese territory a few days earlier were reminders that that latitude is now largely gone. If Pyongyang cannot yet land a nuclear-tipped missile on San Francisco, it appears to be approaching that point. The theoretical may very quickly become a terrifying doable.

Barack Obama warned then President-elect Trump back in January that this would be his most vexing foreign policy test, an assessment that probably didnt require much prescience. That Trump is meeting it head-on is arguably to his credit.

So far, so good. But its one thing to acknowledge the dragon in the room and another to find a way to slay it without collateral calamity. Trump and his crew have yet to convince that they have the necessary talent, let alone diplomatic finesse, to bring this situation to an acceptable conclusion  ie without hundreds of thousands dying.

I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Some consistency of message would help. While Kim Jong-un has been coolly single-minded, undistracted by the Wests assorted remonstrations against him, the United States has given us the opposite. Trump is the worst culprit here. What was that he said about Kim in May? Oh yes, that his holding on to power at such a young age means he must be a pretty smart cookie.

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If the South Koreans were puzzled then they were bamboozled at the weekend when Trump chose the most dangerous moment in the crisis so far to cast aspersions on them, of all people. On Twitter, he faulted President Moon Jae-in, South Koreas new President, for what he called talk of appeasement. This as the White House was publicly musing about pulling out of the US-South Korea free trade deal negotiated a decade ago. When youre in a jam, undermining your best friend who is in it with you does not seem the smartest tactic.

By Tuesday morning, we had a more supportive tone from Pennsylvania Avenue, with Trump announcing plans, via Twitter, allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States. Seoul could relax. Trump loved them again. The South Korea-US-Japan alliance had been mended again even if pointing a lot of new conventional weaponry at Pyongyang is unlikely to change things much.

Along the way, Trump has frayed relations with two other countries key to getting this resolved, China and Russia. North Korea is a rogue nation which has become a great threat and embarrassment to China, which is trying to help but with little success, he noted in one tweet. He has meanwhile floated the notion of an American embargo against any country doing trade with North Korea. That would clearly involve China, which made this an empty, even absurd, threat. The US ending all commerce with China would plunge the world into recession and will never happen. So why say it?

That the Moscow-Washington axis is tense right now barely needs explaining. But it was while in China on Tuesday that Vladimir Putin offered a sharp rebuke to Trump for his handling of the crisis, warning that, whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation. Putin was referring to Trumps pledge to rain fire and fury on North Korea if it continues on its current course. He also voiced opposition to new sanctions that the US is now seeking, perhaps not surprisingly given that it is only a few weeks since Trump signed a new law imposing sanctions on three countries all at once  North Korea, Iran and also Russia.

If massive loss of life is to be avoided, even whole cities or countries destroyed, then this confrontation will have to be resolved with legal treaties and diplomatic salves, not the firing of missiles and interceptors. Maybe some members of the Trump administration understand this. We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea, Secretary of State James Mattis said on Sunday. (Although, how reassuring that was, we are not quite sure.)

Trump is right not to understate the problem that is Pyongyang. But his urgent priority now is to decide what he can bring to the table to resolve it, up to and including accepting the North as a new nuclear power and  more trickily  accepting a reduction of its military activity and operations in the south of the peninsula.

So far, he has managed instead only to insult, anger and alienate almost every government that will be crucial to making any of this happen while at the same time walking directly into a trap set for him by Kim by speaking of a war he cant possibly engage in.
WASHINGTON  President Trumps decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program led to protests across the country, including one all day Tuesday in front of the White House. A crowd of hundreds gathered in Washington prior to Attorney General Jeff Sessions official announcement that the president had ordered the program, which provides work permits to about 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to this country as young children, to be phased out.

The protesters included many DACA recipients. A 25-year-old Pennsylvania woman named Camila Contreras told Yahoo News that her parents brought her to the United States from Colombia when she was a child. She described the impact of Trumps decision as so confusing.

Its just like not knowing whats going to happen. Its so unpredictable, so heartless, Contreras said.

The program will be wound down over the next six months, unless Congress acts before then to extend or replace it. At a briefing with reporters on Tuesday, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trumps decision came as a response to a group of 10 state attorney generals who were suing the federal government to end the program, which President Obama implemented with a policy memorandum in 2012.

Related slideshow: Immigrants and advocates rally in support of DACA >>>

Sanders noted that, at the time, Obama framed the policy as a temporary measure that would be in place until Congress came up with a more permanent solution. Congress has previously failed to pass similar legislation several times. At the briefing, Sanders said Trump is optimistic Congress will find a solution, but she wouldnt say if Trump would continue the program if Congress does not act or whether he will deport former DACA recipients if the policy ends.

Opponents of DACA have argued that the recipients, who are often referred to as DREAMers, are hired for jobs that would have gone to American citizens. Immigration advocates say immigrants often take low-paying jobs others do not want or do not have specialized talents to fill. At the protest, Contreras offered her own take by carrying a sign that read, Roses are red, Guac is enjoyable, Dont blame DREAMers because you are unemployable. She explained to Yahoo News that she did not want to return to Colombia because the economys really bad there. Contreras also noted DACA recipients grew up here in the United States and often have tenuous connections to their countries of origin.

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Like most of our Spanish is really crooked and bad, said Contreras. If we go back, wed be lost.

Bryan Diaz, a 20-year-old video editor at a local TV station in Mamaroneck, N.Y., said he received DACA after coming to the United States from Mexico with his parents 10 years ago. Speaking in Spanish, he described DACA as something very incredible for me, and explained why he doesnt want to return to Mexico.

Im used to it here. This is where I have a life. This is where I have everything, said Diaz.

A group assembled outside of the White House to protest President Trumpas decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Sept. 5, 2017. (Photo: Hunter Walker/Yahoo News)

Not all of those who attended the protest were DACA recipients. Karina Mendoza told Yahoo News she obtained U.S. citizenship after her family brought her to this country at a young age, but says she understands not all immigrants can go through that process. In a reference to Trumps Slovenian-born wife, Melania, she said: The U.S. has always been a country of immigrants, whether they are Irish, whether they are Jewish, whether theyre Italians, whether theyre Melania, they all come here for a reason.

Mendoza said America should be welcoming to immigrants because of its status as a beacon of hope and its role in historical colonization issues that created a system where a lot of countries are not enriched.

DACA recipients pay biannual fees to renew their status. Earlier this year, the right-leaning CATO Institute said deporting the people in the program would cost the federal government more than $60 billion along with a $280 billion reduction in economic growth over the next decade.

Mendoza similarly argued that DACA recipients contribute to the economy. She also said the country has invested in them. Mendoza pointed to her own familys immigration story as evidence DREAMers make this country richer.

We have benefited and we have contributed to our society. My sisters a high school principal out in California. Im here working for a nonprofit, said Mendoza.

Alejandrina Zomora told Yahoo News that she is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico living in New York. She said she came to Washington for the protest so that Trump knows that were not afraid and were all here united.

They are taking away from our DREAMers and the young people who came here at such a young age and theyre being left with nothing, Zomora said in Spanish. Were asking President Trump to touch his heart, to think a little bit. Were not hurting anyone. We came here to work. We are not hurting anyone. Just let us work.

Zomora argued that the six-month window and possible congressional action to save the program left DACA recipients in a difficult position.

They have us, as us Mexicans say, dancing. They tell us yes, then they tell us no. Lets hope that the president changes his opinion to allow our dreamers DACA  to come here and work legally, said Zomora.

Zomora is not a DACA recipient and, as an undocumented immigrant, she is subject to deportation. Yahoo News asked Zomora if she felt speaking out and protesting is a dangerous risk.

Yes, we have the risk that they are going to take us and deport us, but the hand of God has more power, she replied.

_____

Read more from Yahoo News:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Energy firm Florida Power & Light (FPL) said on Wednesday it could shut its four nuclear reactors in the path of Hurricane Irma before Saturday if the storm stayed on its current path. "Based on the current track, we would expect severe weather in Florida starting Saturday, meaning we would potentially shut down before that point," spokesman Peter Robbins said in an email. The company, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Inc, is watching the weather and would adjust any plans as necessary, Robbins said. The trajectory of Irma, a Category 5 storm with winds of 185 miles per hour (295 km per hour), is uncertain. Irma, which the U.S. National Hurricane Center said was the strongest Atlantic storm on record, was expected to pass near or just north of Puerto Rico on Wednesday before scraping the Dominican Republic on Thursday. FPL operates the St. Lucie nuclear power plant on Hutchinson Island, a barrier island on the Atlantic about 55 miles (88 km) north of West Palm Beach. Two reactors generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity, enough power to supply more than 1 million homes. It also operates Turkey Point nuclear power station on Biscayne Bay, about 24 miles south of Miami. That has two reactors that generate about 1,600 megawatts of electricity, or enough for about 900,000 homes. Robbins said the plants were designed to withstand extreme natural events including hurricanes and serious floods. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The U.S.-backed forces battling the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in Syria have liberated the Great Mosque of Raqqa in the eastern Syrian city, as the campaign to oust the jihadists from its de facto capital continues apace.

The Kurdish-Arab coalition, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have already captured Raqqa's Old City, but it has now seized the centuries-old structure that serves as the city's oldest mosque, another milestone in the campaign.

"The liberation of this historic landmark is a testimony to the dedication and courage of the SDF as they fight to defeat ISIS in Raqqah," said Coalition Spokesman Col. Ryan Dillon.

"The SDF have made consistent incremental gains in the urban terrain of the city, fighting block by block, and applying increasing pressure on ISIS each day while evacuating civilians along the way."

The forces launched the campaign to liberate the city in early June, before breaching the Old City in July after the U.S.-led coalition punched two holes into the wall surrounding the area with airstrikes.

Raqqa

Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty

The ground forces, backed by the air power of the U.S.-led coalition, have captured almost two-thirds of the city.

But ISIS, as in other cities that it captured after its rise in 2014, has slowed the offensive with booby traps, sniper fire and suicide vehicle attacks. The jihadist group has also laid down an extensive network of tunnels under Raqqa to launch counter-attacks against coalition-supported ground forces, according to the U.S.-led coalition.

The eastern Syrian city was seized by anti-government Syrian rebels in 2013 but then overrun by ISIS in 2014. It implemented its brutal brand of conservative Islam over the population, crushing dissent and imposing capital punishment for its opponents.

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Some of the groups most shocking propaganda videos were shot on the hills surrounding the city, including the beheadings of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

The radical Islamist group retains control of the eastern cities of Mayadin and Deir Ezzor but the Syrian regime is nearing the edge of the latter, which the group has controlled for more than three years.

Related Articles
By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Several U.S. states and immigrant advocacy groups vowed on Tuesday to fight President Donald Trump's decision to end a program that protects people brought illegally to the United States as children from deportation. But legal experts said the challenges will face an uphill battle.

Democratic state attorneys general in California, New York, Washington and Massachusetts said they will sue to defend the Obama-era policy known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, and the immigrants known as Dreamers.

"We are going to court to defend DACA and to fight for these Dreamers," said Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healy. The states have not said what their legal claims will be.

The Trump administration on Tuesday announced it would phase out the program but urged Congress to enact immigration reform if it wants to protect DACA recipients. [nL2N1LM0HT]

Whatever lawsuit the Democratic states file, winning will not be easy, said Jonathan Adler, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University College of Law.

"DACA did not create any legally enforceable rights, and certainly did not create any right to indefinite presence in the country," he said.

One immigrant group, the National Immigration Law Center, has already filed court papers seeking to block the Trump administration's action by amending an existing lawsuit pending in New York.

The case was filed last year on behalf of DACA recipient Martin Batalla Vidal, an immigrant from Mexico who came to the United States when he was 7. It originally contested a ruling enjoining a program of former President Barack Obama that offered protection to undocumented parents of U.S. citizen children.

In the new filing, Vidal's lawyers outlined a two-prong challenge to Trump's DACA action. One claim was that the move violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act, a law requiring government agencies to follow set processes when making major policy changes.

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Batalla Vidal's lawyers said Trump's announcement was an "abrupt policy shift" affecting nearly 800,000 program participants who had assumed the protections would remain in place.

Trump promised during his presidential campaign to dismantle DACA but since taking office in January has taken a softer tone. The lawyers noted that he told DACA recipients he would "take care" of them.

The filing also asserts that the new policy is discriminatory and was "substantially motivated by the animus of the president and his administration toward Latinos and Mexicans."

Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration law professor at Cornell Law School, said any litigation against Trump's action will face multiple obstacles.

Among them is the fact that courts are "generally more deferential to immigration actions by the executive branch than in other areas, because immigration touches on sovereignty and national security," he added.

(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Additional reporting by Mica Rosenberg; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council on Tuesday agreed to set up a sanctions regime for Mali to punish those who obstruct a 2015 peace deal as fears grow that the West African country is sliding back into turmoil.

The council voted unanimously to back a resolution put forward by France that established a sanctions committee to consider names of individuals and entities to be put on a UN blacklist.

Those on the list would be subject to a global travel ban and an assets freeze.

The move is backed by Mali's government, which has told the council that repeated ceasefire violations by jihadists threatened to derail a 2015 peace agreement ending years of fighting with the insurgents in the north.

Islamist jihadists took over territory in northern Mali in 2012, but were driven out by a French-led military intervention in January 2013.

Mali's government signed a peace agreement with coalitions of armed groups in June 2015 to end the fighting, but insurgents remain active, including in central Mali.

French Ambassador Francois Delattre stressed that France had worked "hand in hand" with the government in Bamako to set up the sanctions regime.

"Now is the right time to move forward to give a boost to the implementation of the peace accord in Mali. That's what this text is all about," Delattre said.

No names have been submitted, but the resolution states that those who obstruct or delay the peace agreement implementation, block aid deliveries, or attack UN peacekeepers can be blacklisted.

Insurgents have repeatedly attacked the UN peacekeeping force in Mali, which is considered the world's most dangerous UN mission.

Mali and four neighboring countries -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Niger -- are working to set up a counterterrorism force to fight jihadists in the Sahel, a region France has warned could become a haven for extremists.

In the latest attack to shake the region, gunmen opened fire on a restaurant in the Burkina Faso capital of Ouagadougou on August 14, killing 19 people including several foreigners.
Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and undocumented American. (Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Jose Antonio Vargas isnt going to stop challenging President Donald Trumps decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, whos undocumented, told HuffPost in an email that theres much more work to do even after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on Tuesday that the administration was terminating the program. While DACA will officially end in six months, its now up to the House and Senate to formulate a solution to protect the nearly 800,000 Dreamers.

And Vargas is adamant about pushing Congress to step up and serve DACA recipients. In order for that to happen, the journalist told HuffPost, awareness must be spread regarding the programs payoffs for both undocumented and documented Americans alike.



Dont give up. Were with you. The majority of the country is also outraged right now and together, we are powerful, Vargas, whos Filipino-American, told HuffPost of his message to Dreamers. We will fight for a new  and maybe even better  solution. Weve done it before.

Vargas called on local media outlets and allies to highlight the contributions DACA recipients in their own communities bring to society. And the activist said that there are many of them. In the Teach For America program alone, there are almost 200 educators and alumni enrolled in the DACA program who serve more than 10,000 students. A significant portion of recipients also work in healthcare with about 21 percent working in educational and health services, a survey indicated  a particularly noteworthy statistic as the U.S. faces a projected shortage of between 40,800 and 104,900 doctors, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.

One day, that teacher wont be able to show up for her kids. That nurse, who might be the only ray of sunshine in one of their patients lives, wont be able to provide them comfort, Vargas, who co-founded nonprofit Define American, said of the consequences of ending the program. We have brilliant students who wont be able to finish out their studies and give back the fruits of their knowledge.

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The journalist also pointed out Dreamers are a benefit to the economy as a whole. More than 90 percent of the group is currently enrolled in school or employed, according to the Center for American Progress. And DACA beneficiaries will contribute $460.3 billion to the countrys GDP over the next decade. Its why Vargas stresses the importance of grassroots efforts to show the true value of Dreamers.

While Trumps decision makes this a difficult time for anyone benefitting from DACA, Vargas remains hopeful. And He has a few words for anyone looking to create change following Tuesdays announcement:

There is so much information out there about what DACA actually is and the benefits it provides. We need to keep speaking up and showing up. This fight isnt over.

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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 11:16:21|Editor: Song Lifang

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SEOUL, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The military authorities of South Korea, the United States and Japan held a video conference on Wednesday over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) sixth nuclear test.

Earlier in the day, working-level defense ministry officials from the three countries held the video conference to share intelligence on the DPRK's latest nuclear test and discuss countermeasures, according to Seoul's Defense Ministry.

Attending the conference were Choi Hyong-chan, director general for international affairs at South Korea's Defense Ministry, David Helvey, acting U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs, and Satoshi Maeda, director general of the defense policy bureau at Japan's Defense Ministry.

The three officials agreed to continue cooperation in applying maximum pressure on the DPRK to force Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and missile programs and refrain from provocative and threatening acts.

They re-affirmed their commitment to increasing the trilateral interoperability to strengthen deterrence against the DPRK.

During the conference, the U.S. side re-affirmed its "ironclad" security commitment to its South Korean and Japanese counterparts, saying the U.S. extended deterrence commitment would be secured through all categories of military capabilities including conventional and nuclear weapons.

The conference came three days after the DPRK tested what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb warhead that can be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Kabul (AFP) - A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle blew himself up outside an American base in Afghanistan on Wednesday, Afghan officials said, in an attack the Taliban claimed was revenge for a US leaflet deemed highly offensive to Muslims.

US and Afghan authorities confirmed several people were wounded in the late afternoon attack at Bagram Airfield, America's largest base in the country. The Taliban claimed responsibility and said it was in retaliation for "their insult to the Islamic creed".

A spokeswoman for the Parwan provincial governor said "a suicide attacker on a motorbike detonated himself at the third gate of Bagram airbase".

"The attacker was riding a motorcycle. Three wounded can be confirmed," said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry.

NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement that "an explosion" had occurred "outside an entry control point" to Bagram that had caused a "small number of casualties".

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the attacker had killed and wounded "over 20 soldiers".

The incident came hours after US forces apologised for dropping leaflets in the northern province of Parwan, where Bagram is located, that allegedly depicted a lion chasing a white dog -- the same colour as the Taliban's flag.

The Islamic statement of faith -- "There is no God but Allah, and Mohammad is the messenger of Allah" -- was superimposed on the dog's body.

Dogs are seen as unclean creatures by some Muslims and the association of Islam with a canine in deeply religious Afghanistan has angered many people.

"Take back your freedom from these dogs. Help the security forces eliminate these enemies. Take back your freedom and ensure your security," the leaflet says.

NATO forces frequently drop leaflets over large swathes of Afghanistan in an effort to persuade locals against supporting insurgents.

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Social media users condemned the disrespectful design on the leaflets.

"Death to infidels, death to their servants," one user posted on Facebook.

Another wrote: "They do this in a country with a 99.9% Muslim population. We will see how the (insurgents)... react."

Major General James Linder, who heads the US and NATO special operations forces in Afghanistan, issued a statement apologising for the leaflet design which he said was an "error".

Hassiba Efat, a member of the Parwan provincial council, told AFP: "The leaflets are very offensive to Islam".

"The people in the villages are angry about it but so far we have had no reports of any demonstrations.

"They (foreign forces) have apologised and promised to collect as many of the leaflets as possible."

It is not the first time US forces have caused offense in Afghanistan where they have spent the last 16 years waging war against the Taliban.

In 2012 US troops set fire to copies of the Koran, sparking days of protests in which about 40 people died.
The United States and North Korea are locked in a dangerous cycle of escalation. The only way forward is negotiation

Michael Fuchs is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, and most recently was a deputy assistant secretary of state for east Asian and pacific affairs

The immediate goal of diplomacy is to lower tensions, cutting through the chest-thumping public statements by talking face to face. Photograph: Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock

The United States and North Korea need to talk.

Despite continuing provocations and saber-rattling, the United States must continue to work with allies to strengthen deterrence and ramp up the pressure on North Korea  but it must also push for diplomacy. Negotiations are the only hope for easing tensions.

The United States and North Korea are locked in a dangerous cycle of escalation, but one thats not new: North Korea tests a nuclear weapon; the United States responds with sanctions and military exercises. Eventually, tensions ease, and diplomacy appears possible, only to be scuttled by another North Korean provocative act. Rinse and repeat.

The newest variable is the reckless rhetoric coming from the Trump administration  such as a threat of fire and fury and a claim that North Korea is begging for war  which damages alliances and raises the risk of conflict.

While the threat from North Korea is clearly growing, the United States knows how to keep its citizens safe and to ensure peace and stability in the region. For decades, the United States, South Korea, and Japan have deterred North Korea from starting a new war, and contained the North Korean threat.

Deterrence has worked for 64 years, since the end of the Korean war, and can continue to work. Kim Jong-un knows that the only guaranteed way to end his regime is to attack the United States or its allies. North Korea is unlikely to give up its nuclear or missile programs in the foreseeable future because the regime sees them as its survival strategy.

Talk of the need for preventive war with North Korea is irresponsible and dangerous. Any strike against North Korea would guarantee an attack on South Korea that could kill millions, and potentially escalate into a wider war.

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The priority for the Trump administration must be shoring up deterrence, which means keeping US alliances with South Korea and Japan as strong as possible.

And yet Trump is doing the opposite. After the test, instead of coordinating with his South Korean counterpart, Trump used Twitter to criticize South Korea for what he called talk of appeasement. This critique required the South Korean government to immediately rebuke the United States  its closest ally  at the height of tensions. Kim Jong-un could not have asked for a more helpful response from Washington.

Assuming that the Trump administration can get coordination with South Korea and Japan back on track (which will be difficult), deterrence and containment continue to be the best bet for keeping the peace in north-east Asia. But it clearly wont rid the world of the danger from North Korea, nor the occasional scares when tensions flare.

The only way to address the North Korean threat is through diplomacy. The United States gives up nothing by talking. Talks should happen regardless of actions by North Korea, while the United States continues to apply sanctions and pressure. North Korea will want lots of topics on the agenda; the United States should insist that the nuclear and missile programs are at the top.

The bigger question is not whether diplomacy should happen  in fact, there may already have been quiet talks in recent months  but rather what should happen when talks start. The immediate goal of diplomacy is to lower tensions, cutting through the chest-thumping public statements by talking face to face. Only after repeated rounds will both sides get a sense of whether there is room for progress. Any progress would probably come in small increments, such as a temporary halt in missile tests, or renewed family reunions and talks with South Korea.

If initial steps proved productive, more consequential topics  such as limits on North Korea missiles and nuclear weapons, inspections, and economic issues  could eventually be considered. But these topics can only be broached if the United States and South Korea, along with Japan, are in complete agreement on the goals. Can the allies, for now, live with a nuclear North Korea? What concessions  military exercises, economic assistance, and sanctions relief  are the United States and its allies willing to consider? What would a peace treaty look like?

If the United States does not know what it wants  and is not on the same page as its allies  an inexperienced Trump administration could easily walk into a very bad deal.

Trump needs to stop threatening war with North Korea and start working seriously with Americas allies to maintain a credible deterrent, to figure out how to get to the negotiating table, and to determine what they want when they get there.

Michael Fuchs is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, and most recently was a deputy assistant secretary of state for east Asian and pacific affairs
Vanity Fair just released its 2017 International Best Dressed List Wednesday, and a number of famous faces made the cut.

The exclusive list, divided into different categories, features notable names like Rihanna and Michelle and Barack Obama.

Rihanna was praised for the Monse tweed dress she wore while accepting the 2017 Harvard Humanitarian of the Year award. The magazine also honored the Obamas in its couples category, singling out their best looks of 2017 -- a white Club Monaco top and custom BCBG olive-green pants for Michelle and a blue shirt, navy trousers and desert boots for Barack.

The couples category also honored a number of international political figures and their spouses, like French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte.

Hollywood A-listers also snagged spots on the coveted list -- actresses Cate Blanchett, Zoe Kravitz and Ruth Negga made the cut, as did Donald Glover and Dev Patel.

Surprisingly, Duchess Kate didn't appear on the list this time around, but another member of the British royal family did -- Lady Amelia Windsor. The 22-year-old model has been dubbed the "most beautiful member of the royal family" and has walked the runway for some notable designers like Dolce & Gabbana.

Likewise, Melania Trump was also not honored despite stepping out in some notable looks this year, making a case for herself as one of the most fashionable first ladies in history.

Check out the slideshows above to see this year's honorees.

RELATED: All of Michelle Obama's state dinner dresses:


Frank Abagnale, Jr. has nothing on Eduardo Martins, the pseudonym used by a person who fooled news agencies around the globe into believing he was an intrepid United Nations war photographer from Brazil.

Fans of Eduardo Martins work would likely tell you that the accomplished photographer was not only handsome, but also a skilled surfer from Sao Paulo, and a survivor of childhood leukemia.

They probably didnt know, until now, that the 32-year-old is who had amassed more than 100,000 followers on his now-deleted Instagram account wasnt Eduardo Martins at all. There was never an Eduardo Martins.

The face of Eduardo Martins actually belongs to that of British surfer Max Hepworth-Povey, who doesnt shoot war photography at all.

So, who is the real person behind Eduardo Martins? Well, no one really knows.

The whole facade came crashing down after war photographer and Waves site columnist Fernando Costa Netto published an interview with Martins, with whom he had developed an online friendship. The interview, published in July, lauded the photographers work. Shortly thereafter, Costa Netto received calls from BBC Brasil and an unknown English publication indicating Martins was a fraud. In an attempt to get the real story, Costa Netto questioned Martins, which led to Martins deleting his Instagram and WhatsApp, according to SBS.

Prior to deleting his accounts, Martins told Costa Netto that he was in Australia.

Ive made the decision to spend a year in a van, he said. Ill delete everything online, including internet. I want to be in peace, well see each other when I get back. For anything, write me at dudumartisn23@yahoo.com. A big hug. Im going to delete the zap. God be with you. A hug.

That exchange led Costa Netto to publish a follow-up report with extremely damning accusations in August. Additionally, the BBC had previously published a long profile of Martins and his life story, which has since been retracted after Middle East-based BBC Brasil contributor Natasha Ribeiro became suspicious. Martins had contacted her and she realized that no one she knew in the region had ever actually met him, the BBC reported Wednesday.

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Ribeiro was able to confirm with the United Nations that no one named Eduardo Martins was ever employed by them.

No one, between authorities and non-governmental organizations in Syria or Iraq, said they had ever seen or heard of [him], Ribeiro wrote.

BBC Brasil also discovered that the images passed off as Martins face were of surfer Hepworth-Povey. The mystery fraudster had inserted Hepworth-Povey into dozens of photographs depicting war zones. Hepworth-Povey told BBC Brasil that its crazy that some random guy decided to use my image among so many options across internet.

The false persona would be bad enough on its own, but when you factor in how widespread the images were, the con takes on a new significance.

The mystery person doctored images from photographers all around the world, inverting and retouching them so theyd become unsearchable, then shared them on Martins account.

The phony images, taken in places including Gaza, Iraq, and Syria, were picked up by Getty Images, The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, and other outlets.

So far, Getty has since taken down all of the fraudulent Martins photos they had in circulation, and HuffPost has reached out to them for comment.

Daniel C. Britt, one of the real photographers behind some of the stolen images, told Mashable that he was most disappointed that Martins bastardized his work and gave people yet another reason to distrust the news.

As for Martins, the real identity of the fake photographer is still unknown. For now, this mystery is unsolved.

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Colima Volcano, Mexico

"Powerful eruption of Colima Volcano in Mexico on December 13th, 2015. That night, the weather was dry and cold, friction of ash particles generated a big lightning of about 600 meters that connected ash and volcano, and illuminated most of the dark scene. On [the] last part of 2015, this volcano showed a lot of eruptive activity with ash explosions that raised 2 to 3 kilometers above the crater. Most of night explosions produced incandescent rock falls and lightning."  Sergio Tapiro Velasco (Grand prize winner)

General Carrera Lake, Patagonia

"My dad and I traveled to Patagonia this year, and we wanted to see something off the beaten path. After a 10-hour drive and traversing a long, dirt trail, we finally came upon the marble caves in General Carrera Lake. We chartered a boat to take us closer, and I waited for the perfect light to capture these intricate blue swirls. The extra effort it took to reach the caves was worth it."  Clane Gessel (Honorable mention, Nature)

Lofoten Islands, Norway

"This football field in Henningsvr in the Lofoten Islands is considered one of the most amazing fields in Europe, and maybe even in the world. The photo was taken during a 10-day sailing trip in Norway in June 2017. We arrived to Henningsvr after a week of sailing through the cold and rainy weather. Upon our arrival, the weather cleared up. I was really lucky that the conditions were suitable for flying my drone, and I managed to capture this shot from a height of 120 meters."  Misha De-Stroyev (Third place winner, Cities)

Tavarua, Fiji

"I recently traveled to Tavarua, Fiji to do some surf photography with pro surfer Donavon Frankenreiter at Cloudbreak. I'm always looking for new angles and perspectives. The usual surf shots have all been done, so we decided to get a little creative. Makes you look twice."  Rodney Bursiel (Third place winner, People)

Mount Bromo, East Java, Indonesia

"Mount Bromo volcano is a small but active volcanic cinder cone on Java, Indonesia. Early [in] 2016, I happened to be in Mount Bromo during the increase of seismic activity [which] triggered the alert status to the second highest."  Reynold Riksa Dewantara (Honorable mention, Nature)

New Delhi, India

"A beautiful photo of a father and son sitting in white traditional attire with beautiful blue sky on the day of Eid al-Fitr in a mosque in New Delhi, India. The photo shows the beautiful bond which these two generations have been building up in a very simple and lovable manner."  Jobit George (Honorable mention, People)

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

"New buildings rise from the desert floor near Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates."  Andrzej Bochenski (Honorable mention, Cities)

Kabukurinuma, Osaki, Japan

"Swans glide over the water in Kabukurinuma, Osaki, Japan, a protected wetland. Since many of Japans wetlands have been lost, this area has become a rare wintering place for birds and may be a last paradise for them. I was particularly impressed by the swans, and careful not to disturb them when taking pictures. I took into account wind direction and shutter speed to capture the strength and elegance of their flapping wings."  Hiromi Kano (Second place winner, Nature)

Tongi Railway Station, Gazipur, Bangladesh

"The photo was taken on 23rd of July 2016 at Tongi Railway Station, Gazipur, Bangladesh. I was there taking photos and waiting for a moment. A train from Dhaka toward another district had reached and stopped at the platform for 5 minutes for lifting passengers. It was raining. Suddenly I found a pair of curious eyes looking at me through the window, and on his left an umbrella had been put to protect from the rain. I got the moment."  Moin Ahmed (Honorable mention, People)

Rio Tarcoles, Costa Rica

"This image was captured in Costa Rica when I was traveling from Monteverde to Playa Hermosa. As you cross over this river, you can stop and peer over the edge of the bridge. Below reside over 35 gigantic crocodiles, relaxing on the muddy banks of the river. I wanted to capture the stark difference between the crocodiles on land and in the water. In the murky waters, the body contours of these beasts remain hidden, and one can only truly see their girth as they emerge from the river."  Tarun Sinha (Third place winner, Nature)

Whampoa Garden, Hong Kong

"The Kowloon Walled City was the densest place on Earth. Hundreds of houses stacked on top of each other enclosed in the center of the structure. Many didnt have access to open space.This notorious city was finally demolished in 1990's. However, if you look hard enough, you will notice that the city is not dead. Part of it still exists in many of the current high-density housing apartments. I hope this series can get people to think about claustrophobic living in Hong Kong from a new perspective."  Andy Yeung (Second place winner, Cities)

Tamba, Japan

"This photograph was taken in the evening hours of a humid early summer day in the forest of a small remote village in the Tamba area of Japan. It beautifully captures the magical atmosphere of princess fireflies carpeting a stairway leading to a small shrine revered by the local people."  Yutaka Takafuji (Honorable mention, Nature)

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

"Museum visitors curiously watch Rembrandt's painting 'Syndics of the Drapers' Guild' [which gives] the illusion that the people on the paintings too are curiously watching the visitors."  Julius Y. (Second place winner, People)

Stuttgart, Germany

"The modern interior of the city library in Stuttgart. With its wide-open space in the center, where natural light comes from through the windows on the top, it has a very unique atmosphere where you can broaden your knowledge."  Norbet Fritz (First place winner, Cities)

Gardens of the Queen

"Gardens of the Queen is a remote marine area south of Cuba. Caribbean reef sharks are usually shy, so I placed my camera on a rock where I know they frequent and used a remote trigger to click away as they came in and bumped my camera around."  Shane Gross (Honorable mention, Nature)

Konya, Turkey

"Willing Dervish in an historical place of Sille Konya, Turkey. The 'dance' of the whirling dervishes is called sema and is a symbol of the Mevlevi culture. According to Mevlana's teachings, human beings are born twice: once of their mothers and the second time of their own bodies."  F. Dilek Uyar (First place winner, People)

Gifu Prefecture, Japan

"This building is a 20-minute drive from my office -- it's a functioning apartment complex in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, where people live. The modern style of the building is a strange contrast to my sleepy country town, and for a long time I couldnt quite capture its character. The woman dressed in red was perfectly consonant with the mood of this image. Without her, I couldnt have made this image."  Tetsuya Hashimoto (Honorable mention, Cities)

Besakih Temple, Bali

"Besakih Temple has been known as Bali's 'mother temple' for over 1,000 years and is perched 1000 meters high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung. Here, Balinese often come to offer up prayer and take blessing from the temple priests, or 'pemangku,' who reside there."  Michael Dean Morgan (Honorable mention, People)

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
The Washington National Cathedral, a central landmark in the U.S. capital, has announced its decision to remove two stained glass windows honoring Confederate Gens. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

The two 4-by-6-foot windows are not only inconsistent with our current mission to serve as a house of prayer for all people, but also a barrier to our important work on racial justice and racial reconciliation, church leaders wrote in a statement published Wednesday on the cathedrals website. Their association with racial oppression, human subjugation and white supremacy does not belong in the sacred fabric of this Cathedral.

The statement, signed by Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, the cathedrals dean, and John Donoghue, chair of the board of directors, said the decision came after two years of discussion and deliberation. The cathedrals board voted it into effect on Tuesday.

A stained glass window at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., depicting the life of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson. This window, as well as another depicting Gen. Robert E. Lee, will be taken down. (Photo: PAUL J. RICHARDS via Getty Images)

There are a lot of people who have felt alienated from the cathedral because of these windows, Kevin Eckstrom, the cathedrals chief communications officer, told HuffPost on Wednesday. We dont want anybody to have to check their identity or their history or their beliefs at the door when they come here.

As a central hub for the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, the cathedral has hosted many prominent events over the years, including presidential funerals and inaugural events, most recently for President Donald Trump.

The Confederate-themed windows date back to 1953, when they were installed as a gift from the United Daughters of the Confederacy. They depict scenes from the two generals lives, as well as a representation of the Confederate battle flag.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Former cathedral dean Gary Hall had previously called for the windows removal in 2015, after a white supremacist known to admire Confederate symbols and history killed nine black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina.

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In 2015, we know that celebrating the lives of these two men, and the flag under which they fought, promotes neither healing nor reconciliation, especially for our African-American sisters and brothers, Hall told Religion News Service at the time.

In August, two days after violence erupted in Charlottesville, Virginia, as white supremacists rallied against the removal of a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee, Hall reposted his earlier call on Facebook, commenting: Just sayin.

Responding to a critic who suggested the windows removal would be akin to removing the face of slave-owning presidents from Mount Rushmore  an argument Trump has also made  Hall wrote:

These monuments were designed and paid for by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in the 1950s to rebrand the confederacy and distract from the issue of slavery and civil rights. They are not innocent.

Eckstrom also addressed the question of historical erasure, saying: One of the common misunderstandings is that well take the windows down and either throw them away or give them away. Actually were planning on preserving them and returning them to the cathedral in some way in a non-sacred place so they can have a second life as an educational tool.

Cathedral leaders said they will deliberate further to determine what will replace the windows.

Protesters gather below a monument dedicated to Confederate Maj. John B. Castleman while demanding that it be removed from the public square in Louisville, Kentucky, on Aug. 14, 2017. (Photo: Bryan Woolston/Reuters)

Surveys have found that Americans are generally unsupportive of attempts to remove memorials honoring Confederate leaders. One HuffPost/YouGov poll conducted in August found that one-third of Americans favor removing statues and memorials of Confederate leaders, with 49 percent opposed. Just 29 percent of Americans favor changing the names of streets, schools and buildings commemorating Confederate leaders, while half are opposed. Responses to similar surveys varied, based on how the question was asked and what different options were provided.

Several states, including North Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi, have laws on the books that make it particularly difficult to remove symbols of the Confederacy. In other places, local officials have worked swiftly to remove Confederate monuments without drawing attention from white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups.

With memories of the violence in Charlottesville still fresh, Eckstrom said the cathedrals windows will be removed judiciously in a process that may take several days.

Safety is a big concern for us, and it has been throughout this process, he said. Were trying to do this in as dignified and safe a way as possible. We dont really know what to expect, but have tried to plan for a number of scenarios.

Removing the windows is a symbolic action that will hopefully underscore ongoing racial justice efforts, Eckstrom added, reiterating the cathedrals official statement.

Were not just talking about windows here, Eckstrom said. Were talking about racial justice and the legacy of slavery and the role of the church in that. After the windows are gone, were hoping to rally the attention around the harder work of racial reconciliation.

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I am taking action to relocate the Confederate statues. We have thoroughly examined this issue, and heard from many of our citizens.  Mayor Jim Gray (@JimGrayLexKY) August 12, 2017

Citing events in #Charlottesville #Baltimore City Council adopts resolution calling for immediate destruction of confederate monuments #WBAL pic.twitter.com/9IiiGpfr99  Vanessa Herring (@VanessaWBAL) August 14, 2017

I'm sending a letter to @NatlParkService & will intro a resolution calling for the removal of Gen. Pike statue once we're back in session https://t.co/NuoFDTXNgr  David Grosso (@cmdgrosso) August 14, 2017

JUST IN: Jacksonville City Council President calls for starting process of moving confederate monuments/memorials off public property. pic.twitter.com/AVJGqZ9CPs  Stephanie Brown (@SBrownReports) August 14, 2017

Its time to move forward. These monuments should come down. - RC https://t.co/Lw9m6ZYbQJ  Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) August 15, 2017

JUST IN: City of Franklin to remove Robert E. Lee monument in Warren County. @Enquirer  Jason Williams (@jwilliamscincy) August 16, 2017

A look at the now covered Confederate Monument in Linn Park. Mayor Bell ordered the statue covered this afternoon. @WBRCnews #Birmingham pic.twitter.com/VbqYLSwZ1t  Jamiese Price (@ThePriceReport) August 16, 2017

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
A Japan Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Tokyo on Tuesday after a suspected bird strike to one of the planes engines.

Video footage of the reported strike shows flames burst out of one of the planes engines after takeoff. A spokesperson for Japan Airlines told South China Morning Post that a bird strike was believed to have caused the flames, though the airline is still investigating the incident and will inspect the engine.

It seems that a bird got sucked into the left engine when taking off, the spokesperson said. According to the spokesperson, the plane discarded fuel in the air to lessen its weight ahead of landing.

The Boeing 777 plane was headed toward New York from Tokyo with 233 passengers and 15 staff members on board. Crew members requested an emergency landing within minutes of take-off, and the flight landed at Tokyos Haneda International Airport about half an hour after taking off, the Morning Post reports. There were no injuries reported.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders will give a press briefing Tuesday afternoon just hours after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump Administrations decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program which protects immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from deportation.

Speaking at the Department of Justice Tuesday, Sessions recommended that the administration start rolling back the DACA program, which was created by former President Obama. The Trump Administration said it decided to phase out the program after the threat of legal action from Republican attorneys general from nine states against DACA.

The program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama Administration is being rescinded, Sessions said.

The fate of Dreamers, or those who have benefitted from DACA, will be determined by Congress, which has a six-month delay to develop a policy.

Sanders is likely to face questions on the rescinding of DACA . Watch the press briefing live above.
(PARIS)  French authorities have handed preliminary kidnapping charges to a 34-year-old man in the case of a 9-year-old girl who went missing from a wedding celebration in France.

Grenoble prosecutors office said late Sunday that the man attended the same wedding last month. The suspect was one of two men detained then released last week without charges after being questioned.

The prosecutors office said the man denied any wrongdoing but his explanation did not convince investigation judges, who charged him with kidnapping, illegal confinement or arbitrary detention of a minor of less than 15 years.

Several French media reported that DNA traces of the girl were found in the suspects car.

Bernard Meraud, the lawyer representing the suspect, told BFMTV channel that the DNA traces of the girl were found only because the missing child had played inside his clients vehicle with another child.

His dogs were mentioned during the party so the children, as they were playing outside, came to him and asked to see his dogs in his car, Meraud said. He opened the door, turned over the passenger front seat, the children went on the back seat, looked inside the boot and came out. Thats it.

The girl, identified as Maelys De Araujo by Grenoble prosecutors, was last seen on Aug. 27 at the village hall in Pont-de-Beauvoisin, 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Lyon in southeastern France.

Police have questioned more than 200 potential witnesses and hundreds of volunteers have helped searching the area, but the girl was still missing on Monday morning. Police dogs found the girls scent but lost it in the halls parking lot, suggesting she may have been forced into a vehicle or gotten into one voluntarily.
The following material contains graphic images that may be disturbing. Parents are advised that these images my not be suitable for young children.

A normal day for Pennelope turned into near death nightmare when her boyfriends Rottweilers nearly killed her.

She went outside and the two dogs attacked out of nowhere. She had been around the dogs in the past, but never before without her boyfriend present. The first dog bit her in the crotch area and repeatedly charged at her and continued to attack. She explains that she went into a state of shock as both dogs repeatedly came at her. I could hear my bones crunching and I could see my blood running down their mouths, she shares. Pennelopes arms were severely mangled by the attack. She also was attacked on her anus, breasts, skull and foot.

More With Woman Attacked By Dogs: How She's Moved Forward

It was like being eaten alive. Like I was a piece of food, she painfully shares, explaining she thought she was going to die. Fortunately, her boyfriend arrived on the scene and shot both dogs, most likely saving her life. The rest of the events are a blur for Pennelope, who awoke in the hospital after being in a coma for nearly 2 months.

She was forced to re-learn many of lifes most basic tasks, like walking, feeding herself and using her left arm instead of her right. She is now permanently disabled and does not even recognize herself in the mirror. She thinks of herself as damaged and she constantly replays the event over and over in her head. In an effort to get her life back and possibly overcome her extreme fear of dogs, Pennelope joins The Doctors seeking the help she so desperately needs.

More With Woman Attacked By Dogs: Tips On Surviving An Attack

I used to be a person that was fearless. I didnt have anything that I wouldnt try or would limit myself to, she tells ER physician Dr. Travis Stork. Just going outside is hard for me.

She goes on to say that in addition to a fear of dogs, shes now fearful of people who she does not know and she fears being attacked again, by both dogs and people. I dont want to be in fear anymore and I dont want to be afraid to be outside, she says.

Story continues

More With Woman Attacked By Dogs: See The Surprises We Have For Her

The Doctors enlisted the help of phobia expert Gary Coxe, who explains that Pennelope must rewire her thoughts and change her response behavior in order to overcome her crippling fear. See how she reacts when past four-legged adorable Doctors guest Norbert appears at her session with Gary in the video below.

Update:

With the help of Gary Cox, we are happy to share that Pennelope was able to work through her intense fear of dogs and is doing well. Unfortunately, she was not medically cleared to undergo plastic surgery, but The Doctors will continue to work with her to find other modalities to help her. We wish her the best in her continued recovery.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 11:56:28|Editor: Liangyu

Venus Williams of the United States celebrates after the Women's Singles quarter final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic at the 2017 U.S. Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 5, 2017. Venus Williams won 2-1. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams became the oldest semifinalist in US Open history at age 37 with a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(2) thriller win over Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Coming up next for the US ninth seed will be the clash against her 83rd-ranked compatriot Sloane Stephens, who edged past Latvian 16th seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(4).

Williams, who improved to 2-4 all-time against the Czech 13th seed, will return to the world top five for the first time since January 2011. All six of the matches between Williams and Kvitova have gone to a third set.

"I'm so fortunate to have won that match. It came down to the wire," Williams said. "I try to tell myself enjoy the competition, enjoy the battle and I think I was able to do that."

Williams gave up the first break of serve trailing at 3-1 with three double faults, but was able to reel off five straight games as Kvitova racked up too many errors.

A loose Williams game early in the second offered Kvitova the lifeline she needed and she clawed back to take the second set.

Two brilliant cross-court backhands gave Kvitova an early break in the third but Williams recovered from 3-1 down, leveling it when the Czech double-faulted.

It came down to a tiebreak and a brilliant return at 1-1 was enough to give Williams the momentum. Roared on by the New York crowd, the 2000 and 2001 champion powered to 6-1 and never looked back.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, 27, ended a remarkable run just nine months since she suffered a knife attack at her home, which left her requiring surgery to her playing hand.

"Everything she has gone through is unbelievable," said Williams.

"It's wonderful to see her back and playing. I was so excited to see her playing well, to be able to play her. I hope we have more matches like that."
(Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

The New York Daily News has been sold for $1 to newspaper publisher Tronc, in a move thats been called both bold and a sign of perilous times for newspapers and the people who run them.

Tronc, which owns the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune among several other papers, confirmed the takeover on Monday night.

We look forward to working with [the Daily News] to serve new audiences and marketers while delivering value for our shareholders, Tronc CEO Justin Dearborn said in a statement.

In typical Daily News fashion, the Pulitzer Prize-winning tabloid, which has been in operation since 1919, shared the big news on Twitter. The other big story of day: President Donald Trumps reported decision to pull the plug on the so-called Dreamers immigration program.

STOP THE PRESSES ... new front! @tronc buys News https://t.co/Sas9YPBmXV

AND...

Trump is Dreamer's worst nightmare https://t.co/Yv7qfGgi7h pic.twitter.com/RF8X96og1B  New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) September 5, 2017

Tronc, formerly known as Tribune Publishing, acquired the Daily News for $1 but also assumed all of the papers operational and pension liabilities, according to the Chicago Tribune. The exact worth of the Daily News pension liabilities was believed to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

oh my god, zuckerman really did sell @nydailynews for $1 after all https://t.co/WOpB6x6MBY pic.twitter.com/2pSu3uW8aU  mike tigas (@mtigas) September 5, 2017

Reaction to the acquisition was mixed among those in the media industry. The New York Times said the deal represents the end of an era for The News, which was long a voice for New Yorks working class. It may also signal the end of the political influence of its owner, the real estate magnate Mortimer B. Zuckerman, who often used the papers bold, front-page headline  for commentary about candidates and politicians, locally and nationally. Zuckerman has owned the Daily News since 1993.

CNNs Brian Stelter described the acquisition as a sign of the perilous times for newspaper publishers while Troncs Chicago Tribune called the takeover a stunning and bold bet on the future of newspapers.

Buying a newspaper is risky business these days, with traditional print advertising revenue declining in the face of digital competition. While small- and medium-market newspapers have been more insulated from the disruption, Tronc is going all-in on major market newspapers as a platform to grow its digital business, wrote the Tribune.

U.S. sailor reads the front page of the New York Daily News at a newsstand on November 9, 1962. (Photo: Getty Images)

Tronc has aggressively been trying to expand its media footprint since Michael W. Ferro Jr. took over as company chairman in 2016. The publisher attempted to buy Us Weekly magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times earlier this year, but neither deal came to fruition.

The Daily News has a daily circulation of 200,000, and about 260,000 on Sundays. This pales in comparison to the several million copies it used to sell daily in the 1940s. However, as the Tribune noted, the tabloid remains one of the top-selling newspapers in the United States.

Troncs Tribune and the Los Angeles Times were also ranked in the top 10.

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With emotions running high in the political establishment and on the streets of south Tel Avivwhich has been hardest hit by illegal migrationfollowing the High Court of Justice's (HCJ) Monday decision stating illegal aliens cannot be detained for more than 60 days, Eritrean migrants have also weighed in.

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According to the decision, the illegal aliens can be forcibly deported to a third African country, but obstacles have been placed upon implementing such a policy due to prior state assurances against it.

"I came here after suffering through wars in Eritrea. I came here to live my life and to no longer be made miserable," said an illegal migrant identified as 'B.', who came to Israel from Eritrea in 2012 and is now being held in the Holot detention facility.

Detainees in the Saharonim detention facility (Photo: Haim Horenstein)

"The Ministry of the Interior never replied to my request for asylum," he claims, "made immediately upon my arrival. I've been in Holot for the past six months and spent three months in Saharonim before that. I hope we can finally be free but I'm not optimistic, because the state always finds a way of getting around the court's decisions. Were it up to me I wouldn't stay here for one minute longer, but I just have nowhere else to go."

"It isn't easy being a normative person who's locked in prison," adds B. "They say the facility's open and you can go wherever you like and only come back at night, but it's not really true. There are a lot of Ministry of Interior decrees and we're being intimidated. They don't want us asking for anything: if I say I need to leave for a wedding or a funeral, I'm told I'm a liar and I shouldn't open my mouth in Israel."

'H.,' another illegal migrant being held in the Holot detention facitlity, says that he too never came to Israel to cause problems. "I'm an asylum seeker," says H. "I didn't come here to commit crimes or make a mess. I don't know why I'm being held in Holot or why the state won't reply to my asylum request. If Israel signed a refugee protection convention all I'm asking is that it stand by it.

"I couldn't live a normal life in Eritrea," H. recounts, "it's like one giant prison, living under a dictatorship and war. I only want my freedom and hope we'll soon be released."

Detainees in the Saharonim detention facility (Photo: Haim Horenstein)

Current Israeli law says a foreign national may be detained indefinitely until they're "convinced" to agree to willing deportation. The judges' recent ruling, however, severely curtailed Israel's ability to forcefully deport those objecting to it by using prolonged incarceration.

Dr. Tally Kritzman-Amir, an expert on refugee law from the Ramat Gan College of Law and Business, clarified the meaning of the ruling. "The High Court never invalidated the possibility of removing asylum seekers to Uganda and Rwanda, despite the fact they don't seem to be able to offer those deported complete safety and the fact that the details of the agreement to move these migrants to the two countries weren't divulged," she explained.

"Nevertheless," Kritzman-Amir continues, "the court insisted asylum seekers cannot be coerced into agreeing to deportation by using prolonged incarceration on the ones who won't cooperate, saying a third-country removal requires willful consent and cannot be coerced by the revocation of liberty."

Three of the judges ruling against prolonged detainment: Hanan Melcer (L), Miriam Naor and Elyakim Rubinstein (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky, Guy Assayag)

"By so doing the court blocked yet another attempt to exert undue pressure on the asylum seekers, in essence pushing them out of Israel by making their lives here so unbearable they end up agreeing to be deported," she concluded her analysis.

Data presented by Amnesty International shows that until June 2017, 8,490 asylum requests have been submitted to Israel by Eritreans and 5,274 by Sudanese, totaling 13,764 requests.

Until November of last year, 2,066 of these requests were summarily rejected and 1,350 were rejected after a brief legal procedure. In total, 7,282 asylum requests received no reply.

Amnesty claims only two Sudanese and eight Eritreans received a refugee status in Israel.
Leading rights groups called Tuesday for the release of a prominent Palestinian activist who was detained by Palestinian security forces after criticizing the government of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

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Issa Amro's detention signals a growing crackdown on free expression in areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, said the London-based group Amnesty International and the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights.

President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: AFP)

Amro, 35, was detained Monday by Palestinian security forces in Hebron, the West Bank's largest city, after he criticized in a Facebook post the detention of a local journalist who had called for Abbas' resignation.

Amro went on hunger strike Tuesday to protest what he said was an unlawful detention, made without a warrant or due process, said his brother, Ahmad Amro.

"Issa started a hunger strike today protesting his arbitrary arrest," he said. "He has been in detention for more than 24 hours without being presented before a prosecutor and without official charges."

Separately, Amro faces Israeli charges in an Israeli military court, including allegedly calling for illegal protests and obstructing the official duties of soldiers. His trial is to resume in October.

Amro is the founder of the group Youth Against Settlements in volatile Hebron, where Jewish communities are heavily guarded in enclaves in the center of the city. He has said Israel is trying to silence him.

His lawyer, Farid al-Atrash, said he visited Amro and the detained local journalist in the detention center of the Palestinian Preventive Security in Hebron on Monday.

Al-Atrash said Tuesday that the aim of the charges by Israel is to halt what he called Amro's "relentless struggle against settlement activities in Hebron."

"It is shameful for the Palestinian Authority to arrest such a strong activist against settlement activities and (Israeli) aggressions in Hebron," the lawyer said.

Palestinian rights activist Issa Amro (Photo: AP)

Adnan Damiri, a spokesman for the Palestinian security forces, said he was not aware of the details of Amro's detention and declined further comment.

Abbas recently clamped down on social media and news websites the main outlets for debate and dissent in the West Bankwith a vaguely worded decree that critics say allows his government to jail anyone on charges of harming "national unity" or the "social fabric."

Rights activists have said the edict, issued without prior public debate, is perhaps the most significant step yet by Abbas' government to restrict freedom of expression in the areas it administers.

The detention of Amro sparked new criticism.

"It is outrageous that a prominent human rights defender has been arrested simply for voicing his opinion online," said Magdalena Mughrabi, deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

"Criticizing the authorities should not be a criminal offence," she said in a statement. "Issa Amro's arrest is the latest evidence that the Palestinian authorities are determined to continue with their repressive campaign against free speech."
Investigators who grilled the Israeli-born tycoon Arnon Milchan in London last week on suspicion he bribed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, apparently told him you bribed Netanyahu in exchange for the assistance he gave you on Channel 10 interests, according to police officials.

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The accusation was made to Milchan, who holds a 9.8% proprietary stake in the Israeli commercial TV channel, despite the fact that during his initial rounds of questioning he insisted that the shares he owned in company were put in a trust.

Arnon Milchan and PM Netanyahu (Photo: EPA, Reuters)

Police decided to head to London to confront Milchan yet again after new information emerged indicating that Netanyahu had allegedly interfered in matters relating to his business interests, particularly his partial ownership of Channel 10.

Milchan was questioned under caution for three hours on suspicion of giving bribes to Netanyahu and his wife Sara, in the form of extravagant gifts including cigars, champagne and jewelry.

According to officials familiar with the investigation, commonly referred to as Case 1000, the Hollywood producers latest testimony strengthened suspicions that Netanyahu had engaged in breach of trust by accepting the illicit gifts, thereby implicating himself in a conflict of interest.

Photo: Getty Images

The evidence, they say, add yet another pillar to the case for indicting the beleaguered prime minister.

According to reports on Channel 2, Milchan posited that the decision to turn him into a suspect was forced. He also insisted that any gifts given to the Netanyahu family were meant in friendship and no ulterior motive was at play.

Regarding his business interests, Milchan said that the partial sale of his shares in Channel 10 were extremely low and pointed out that Yossi Maiman, another businessman with a stake in the network, sold his shares for the same price in the same transaction.

The magnate also addressed allegations that Netanyahu had personally intervened on his behalf to acquire a US visa by reaching out to John Kerry and insisted that he asked a number of people, including the prime minister, simply to clarify where things stood on the matter.

Milchan has already provided testimony twice in the recent past during his visit to Israel following suspicions which arose that he furnished Netanyahu family with gifts. But during that time, he was never officially suspected of any wrongdoing.

A close Netanyahu associate dismissed the notion out of hand that Milchan and the prime minister had transgressed in any way. "Any attempt to attach impropriety to the deep, years' long friendship between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Arnon Milchan is baseless and doomed to fail. We repeat: there won't be anything because there wasn't anything," the official defiantly stated, repeating Netanyahu's commonly-expressed mantra.
Howard University, located in Washington DC in the United States is set to begin an African Studies program which will feature hiphop African songs, including a song from Ghanaian rapper Abena Rockstar.

Get the latest entertainment news on YEN.com.gh

YEN.com.gh gathered the programme dubbed  Hip Hop African Podcast, is produced by students of the African Studies Department at Howard University, led by Dr. Msia Kibona Clark.

Abena Rockstar. Source: Loudsoundgh.com

READ ALSO: Calculations: Here is the only way Ghana can qualify for the World Cup

The podcast centers on discussions on hip hop music and culture from artists across the African continent.

In a report by Graphic.com.gh, so far, a number of select artists with what Dr. Clark describes as strong lyricism have been featured; this includes artists from Kenya, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania.

Abena Rockstars Abena Abena song features on the podcast, because according to Dr. Clark, it is among the best selected songs from Africa due to its strong lyrical content.

Abena Rockstar, real name Bernice Bediako Poku, is a rapper, songwriter and composer based in Tema.

She began producing her own music at the age of nine, and released her first demo when she was in high school.

Her first official single was released in 2014, and in 2016, she released her debut EP titled #OFCR (Only Few Can Relate).

Abena Rockstar boasts of some successful hits such as Foko, Makoma, I want it all and Abena Abena.

READ ALSO: Sick Wizkid predicts his death?

YEN is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other. Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YENs official Facebook page, or contact us via info@yen.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 12:01:32|Editor: Liangyu

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CANBERRA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- An international survey has ranked six Australian universities in the world's top 100.

The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings for 2017, released on Wednesday, rated 1,000 institutions from 77 countries and regions on teaching, research, citations, outlook and income.

The University of Melbourne was rated Australia's best - and the 32nd best university in the world - followed by the Australian National University (48), the University of Sydney (61), University of Queensland (65), Monash University (80) and University of New South Wales (85).

All of the Australian universities within the top 100 fell between one and seven places from last year's ranking with the exception of the University of Melbourne which moved up one place.

China was the biggest-improving nation with two institutions in the top 30 for the first time.

"There are, however, Western nations that appear to be keeping pace with the improvements seen in Asia," Simon Baker, THE's data editor, said on Wednesday.

"Australia, for instance, has recorded an impressive change in average overall score, fuelled by a solid citations and research productivity performance. The country seems to have been held back only by falling reputation scores for its universities."

In releasing its latest survey, the THE editors noted the continued rise of China's institutions in the rankings.

"The Asian giant is now home to two universities in the top 30: Peking and Tsinghua. The Beijing duo now outrank several prestigious institutions in Europe and the US. Meanwhile, almost all Chinese universities have improved, signalling that the country's commitments to investment has bolstered results year-on-year," wrote the survey's authors.

Simon Birmingham, Australia's Education Minister, said he was encouraged by the latest results which confirmed that Australian universities were punching "above their weight on the international stage."

"In a competitive world Australia and our universities cannot rest on their laurels," Birmingham said in a media release on Wednesday.

"We need to adapt and respond to student needs and ensure our universities are set up for the future."

Australian universities heavily rely on Chinese students, with 30 percent of all international students studying in Australia coming from China.

"As China's higher education system improves there is a possibility that many Chinese students will choose to remain in the country for their university education, rather than travel to an institution abroad," Phil Baty, editor of the rankings, said.

Speaking to Australian media on Wednesday, Baty said: "Australia is not the only nation that is being overtaken by Asia in the rankings.

"Several universities in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe have also been outranked by Asian institutions in this year's table. In many cases this is due to a boost in Asian universities' reputation for teaching and research."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 12:31:36|Editor: Song Lifang

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YANGON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 26,747 ethnic people have been evacuated to safe places in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state due to terrorist attacks since Aug. 25, the government's Information Committee said on Wednesday.

From Aug, 25 to Sept. 5, 97 terrorist attacks launched by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) extremist terrorists killed 36 people, including 13 security force members, two government service personnel and 21 ethnic people, and injured 22 others.

A total of 59 villages and 6,842 houses were burnt down by the extremist terrorists with eight bridges being destroyed by planted mines.

At least 371 terrorist bodies were found.

The security forces were evacuating more civilians and providing medical care and treatment to them, the Information Committee said.

Meanwhile, Myanmar authorities called for cooperation with the government in its efforts to maintain peace and stability across the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 12:31:37|Editor: Song Lifang

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A senior Indian journalist and an outspoken activist was shot dead outside her residence in southwestern state of Karnataka, police said Wednesday.

Gauri Lankesh, 55, was fired upon Tuesday evening outside her residence in Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka.

"Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her home in Rajarajeshwari Nagar here last evening," a senior police official told Xinhua. "Her body was found on the porch of her house."

According to police, when she disembarked from her vehicle, unidentified assailants shot her from close range.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar told media that Lankesh has three bullets wounds, two in chest and one in the forehead.

"Preliminary investigations revealed the assailants fired seven bullets, three hit her body, while as four others missed the intended target and hit the wall," the official said.

Though she was immediately rushed to nearest medical facility, but doctors declared her brought dead. Reports said Lankesh died on spot and was lying in a pool of blood.

Authorities have sent her body for post-mortem. The motive behind Lankesh's killing was not clear.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 12:31:38|Editor: Song Lifang

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian former Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff denied on Tuesday evening the accusations of corruption and embezzlement against them.

"The Prosecution General's accusations are baseless and are a political action ... a campaign of persecution against former President Lula, moved by party-dominated sectors of the judicial system," Lula's press office state said.

"It was announced today to try to create a negative fact on the day Lula concludes his victorious journey through the northeast," the office said.

Lula is currently holding a victorious rally in the northeastern states to gather support and highlight the achievements of the Workers' Party's government in the region.

Both Lula and Rousseff were formally accused of criminal associations by Prosecutor General Rodrigo Janot. Based on testimonies of Marcelo Odebrecht, head of construction company Odebrecht, the prosecution accused both presidents of heading a scheme to favor the Workers' Party and embezzle money from oil giant Petrobras.

Rousseff also released a statement, accusing Marcelo Odebrech of blatantly lying in his testimony and denying any participation in corruption schemes and bribe-taking.

"The information that Dilma Rousseff asked or ordered anyone to ask for any resources or favors from Marcelo Odebrecht or his company's executives is a lie," Rousseff's office said.

"That has never happened. The truth will come to light," her office said.

In addition to Lula and Rousseff, Senator Gleisi Hoffmann, current leader of the Workers' Party, was also denounced in the same case.

Hoffmann denied all accusations and accused the prosecution of trying to divert attention from a prominent case of corruption involving Geddel Vieira Lima, a former minister of the current administration, who was found in possession of several million reals in cash earlier Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 12:36:40|Editor: Song Lifang

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Forty years after launching, humanity's farthest mission, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Voyager 1, now is drifting through interstellar space at about 38,000 miles an hour (61,000 km an hour), nearly 13 billion miles (21 billion km) from Earth.

Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of the launch of the only probe to pass beyond the limits of our own Solar System.

"In exploration terms, Voyager was and still is, to me and to so many, the Apollo 11 of space science. It's a mission that changed everything," Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's deputy administrator, said Tuesday at a news conference on the mission.

On September 5th, 1977, Voyager 1 spacecraft launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, only a little over eight years after the blast-off to Apollo 11 in 1969. Meanwhile, its sister spacecraft, Voyager 2, which launched two weeks earlier, trails shortly behind, nearly 11 billion miles from its starting point.

"Voyager 1 launched second, but it is travelling the fastest. It's in interstellar space as of the August 25th, 2012," Suzann Dodd, Voyager project manager at NASA' s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), said in a news conference on the mission. The researchers said they anticipate Voyager 2 reaching that boundary within the next few years.

Today, Voyager 1 and 2 are "as healthy as senior citizens can be," Dodd said. "Each of them has had different ailments over the years."

Since their launches, the twin probes have transmitted astounding views of the solar system back to Earth, giving scientists the first close-up looks of Jupiter and Saturn's planetary systems, plus Uranus and Neptune between 1979 and 1989.

According to NASA, the Voyager 1 spacecraft has become the first human-made object to reach interstellar space, the distance between stars.

"From many points of view, Voyager really represents humanity's most ambitious journey of discovery," Voyager principal investigator Ed Stone said on Tuesday. "It's really I think legacy."

In an earlier interview with Xinhua, the renowned U.S. scientist said that space is the "newest realm of human activity," and a new frontier for humankind.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 12:51:42|Editor: Song Lifang

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TEGUCIGALPA, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Honduran-born Carlos Martinez, who lives in the southern U.S. state of Florida, said Tuesday that a White House decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) dashes hopes of people like himself who benefit from the program.

Earlier in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would gradually phase out DACA, a program that extends work permits and other rights to young Hispanics who were brought to the United States as children by their undocumented parents.

"This dashes our hopes. It is very unfair. It is a hard blow that not only affects Hondurans, but also (other) immigrants who arrived in the United States as young innocents," Martinez told Xinhua by phone.

Martinez's story is typical of the approximately 800,000 "Dreamers," as beneficiaries of the plan came to be called, who reside in the United States.

He and his father entered the United States illegally when he was just four years old. He is now 21, and has spent his entire life studying and working in southern United States.

"Many 'Dreamers' are working, studying. We made a life here and they took it away just like that. I have just renovated my permit, which expires in March of the year after next," said Martinez.

Trump said the program will be gradually phased out by basically no longer renewing the two-year permits.

The move has sparked protests in the United States, including one outside the White House, and led Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, who created DACA in 2012, to take the unusual step of speaking out against the policy decision by the Trump administration.

"To target these people is wrong, because they have done nothing wrong," Obama posted on Facebook.

Martinez said he hopes the U.S. Congress will block the decision to abolish the program, or devise a new one to take its place.

"Right here, right now, there are many dashed hopes and protests in the streets. Many young people are demonstrating," said Martinez.

"I have already made my life. I have friends, a girlfriend, a house and suddenly everything has gotten ugly," he added.

The Honduran government said it regretted the White House decision.

Some 18,526 DACA recipients are Honduran, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 13:01:45|Editor: Yang Yi

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by Mahmoud Fouly, Emad al-Azrak

CAIRO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The latest BRICS summit in China achieved a noticeable success and managed to provide a roadmap for boosting cooperation among developing countries, said Egyptian experts.

The ninth summit of the bloc including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa was held on Sept. 3-5 in southeastern Chinese coastal city of Xiamen, with the participation of five developing states, namely, Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Thailand and Tajikistan at the invitation of China to convene for the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries on the sidelines of the event.

A BRICS Business Forum was also held on the sidelines of the summit with the participation of some 1,200 heads and representatives of about 600 companies, business organizations and financial institutions.

"Xiamen's BRICS summit has achieved an unprecedented success, particularly by its concluding declaration that is considered a roadmap for cooperation among all states," said Ali al-Hefni, former Egyptian foreign minister and former ambassador to China.

"Being held in China helped make it a success, for China provided it with all means of success as it did with the preceding G20 summit last year," the ex-diplomat told Xinhua.

The expert believes that the "BRICS Plus" proposed by China by inviting five developing states from three continents, namely, Africa, Asia and Latin America, was among the factors of success for the event in general, as it boosted dialogue and discussion about cooperation between BRICS countries and other developing states.

The BRICS summit with the 10 participant states is believed to have provided an opportunity for their leaders to elaborate on the economic conditions and challenges of their countries and the joint investments that can be reached among them.

As a developing state and an emerging economy, Egypt participated in the economic platform under the "BRICS Plus" mechanism where Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his accompanying delegation represented the most populous Arab country.

"There is no doubt that Sisi's participation and the talks he held on the sideline of the summit gave him a chance to firstly present Egypt's vision and recommendations to enhance future partnerships among Egypt, the BRICS group and developing states within the framework of South-South cooperation," Hefni commented.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who vowed that China will always firmly support Egypt's efforts to maintain stability and accelerate development and to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership with the Arab country, met Sisi on Tuesday.

"It was a very important opportunity for Egypt to join the BRICS summit for the first time at China's invitation, which reflects mutual appreciation between the two countries," said Ahmed Qandil, an expert of Asian affairs and head of the Energy Studies Program at Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

Qandil said that Xiamen's declaration at the end of the BRICS summit could be a roadmap for cooperation among the participant developing states in particular and South-South cooperation among developing countries in general.

The declaration condemned all sorts of terrorism and all terror groups across the world, calling for a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism that includes countering radicalization, recruitment and movement of terrorists.

"This BRICS anti-terror call is highly appreciated, as without combating terrorism, development and stability cannot be maintained," Qandil told Xinhua, urging collective international effort and coordination to uproot "the cancerous phenomenon."

The expert believes that U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policy has sent a warning message to the whole world against commercial protectionism that may inflict on the world economy and increase economic suffering particularly for developing states.

The BRICS leaders promised in Xiamen's declaration that they will continue to firmly oppose protectionism.

"We recommit to our existing pledge for both standstill and rollback of protectionist measures and we call upon other countries to join us in that commitment," they said, emphasizing the importance of an open and inclusive world economy which enables all countries and peoples to share the benefits of globalization.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 13:01:48|Editor: Song Lifang

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CHICAGO, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people rallied at downtown Chicago Tuesday afternoon to protest against the Trump administration's decision to end a policy aimed at protecting immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday the decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, an Obama-era program to protect immigrants who were illegally brought to the U.S. as children.

The protesters gathered at Federal plaza and then marched south to Chicago's federal immigration services headquarters with the streets closed for a time as police redirected traffic.

Several speakers on behalf of the organizers addressed the crowd during the rally. Angelica Magana, a Chicago-based kindergarten teacher, called on Illinois Congress members to draft replacement legislation to protect current DACA recipients.

Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn also participated in the rally, collecting term-limit signatures from the protesters. "I believe in the cause," he said to people around him.

Protesters carried signs reading "Keep DACA, deport racists," "Education not Deportation", "Resistance, Unity and Respect" and many wore shirts bearing the phrase "Protection for all."

No incidents of violence were reported during the protest.

Earlier in the day, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel declared that the third biggest city in America is a "Trump-free zone" for young immigrants who may face deportation after the U.S. administration decided to end the DACA program.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 13:26:56|Editor: Song Lifang

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KABUL, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Eleven militants loyal to the Islamic State (IS) group were killed after aircraft targeted the hardliner group's positions in the eastern Nangarhar province Wednesday, the Interior Ministry said.

"Today early morning, 11 Daesh (Islamic State) terrorists were killed after Afghan Air Forces targeted militants' hideouts in the Diwana Baba village, Haska Mina district of eastern Nangarhar province," the ministry said in a statement.

The IS group, which has been fighting against government forces in parts of the eastern Nangarhar province with Jalalabad as its capital 120 km east of Kabul, has yet to make comments.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 13:37:00|Editor: Song Lifang

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a bipartisan group of congressional leaders on Tuesday urged the Trump administration not to withdraw from the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS).

"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce opposes U.S. withdrawal from KORUS in the strongest possible terms. We do not believe this move would create a single American job - but it would cost many," Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of U.S. Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

Donohue said the trade deal has boosted U.S. exports in a number of areas, including aerospace, service and agriculture, warning U.S. exports would be at risk if South Korea restored tariffs against U.S. products.

"Ironically, states across mid-America that voted for the president would take the hit from withdrawal as their agricultural and manufactured goods exports fell in the wake of such a move," he argued, saying the move would also damage White House relations with allies in the business and agriculture communities and in Congress, greatly complicating Trump's other initiatives such as tax reform.

"It's difficult to imagine a move that would bring more self-harm to our economy and national security, with no benefit in return, than withdrawing from KORUS. We urge the administration not to make this rash and irresponsible move," he said.

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady and Ranking Member Richard Neal, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch and Ranking Member Ron Wyden also emphasized the importance of U.S.-South Korea relations amid tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

"The U.S.-South Korea agreement, negotiated under two presidents and approved by Congress, is a central element of that alliance", the four lawmakers said in a joint statement, adding South Korea is a significant economic partner and the seventh largest export market of the United States.

"Our trade relationship can be enhanced ... To be effective and constructive, however, we must not withdraw from the agreement while we do so," they said, urging the two sides to have bilateral discussions to strengthen the economic ties.

U.S. President Donald Trump has long blamed the KORUS trade deal for U.S. trade deficit with South Korea. The stance is rejected by Seoul.

The two sides last month held the first special session of the Joint Committee under the KORUS FTA to discuss trade imbalance, but reached no agreement.

According to U.S. media, the Trump administration was considering initiating the process of withdrawing from the trade deal as early as this week.

But U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer said on Tuesday that he hoped the two countries could have a successful discussion to amend the agreement, appearing to back away from Trump's threat of withdrawing from the trade pact.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 13:47:02|Editor: Song Lifang

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TRIPOLI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Libya's state-owned General Electricity Company on Tuesday said that a number of new electrical connections were recently installed for some residential neighborhoods in Tripoli that were damaged by excessive power loads.

The capital city has been plagued by frequent blackouts, Ayad Rajab of the company's maintenance and operations department told Xinhua.

Rajab said that the company carried out maintenance on a low pressure cable damaged by overloads, confirming another cable line will be put into use to improve services.

Rajab also called on residents to rationalize power consumption, pointing out that illegal connections have had a negative impact on the electricity network.

Libya has suffered frequent power blackouts that last as long as 12 hours a day after foreign companies doing regular maintenance pulled out amid violence and chaos.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 14:07:10|Editor: Yurou

The file photo taken on July 19, 2017 shows the landscape of Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East. (Xinhua/Sputnik)

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A joint exploration of the huge economic potential of Russia's Far East will contribute to the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, representatives attending an economic forum said here on Wednesday.

In the past three years, Russia's Far East region passed 19 federal laws, issued 72 government decrees and created four development institutions to enhance its investment attractiveness, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev said in a speech at the opening ceremony of the Third Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

So far, 837 investment projects have been established in the region which boasts rich natural resources, including oil, gas, portable water, diamond and forest reserves as well as unique logistic conditions, said Trutnev, who is also the chairman of the Organizing Committee of the EEF.

As a major international communication platform for business cooperation between Russia and other markets, the EEF this year continues to present better conditions for doing business in the country's Far East in a bid to attract more foreign investment.

"The Far East has become a magnet for different people from all over the world since five years ago when the APEC summit was held here... It's a great way to strengthen ties with the countries in the Asia-Pacific region," said Nguyen Van Binh, head of Vietnam's Communist Party Central Committee Department for Economic Affairs.

Under a comprehensive and strategic partnership developed in 2012, bilateral trade volume between Russia and Vietnam in 2016 reached 2.6 billion U.S. dollars, he told the opening ceremony.

"We will do our best to develop and promote trade and economic ties between the countries to contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity in the region," he said.

Calling the Asia-Pacific region "the engine of growth in the world", Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said India welcomed Russia to play a bigger role in the region and implement its initiatives for an all-round development of the Eurasian landmass.

She said India supports Russia's Far Eastern strategy and looks forward to more engagement by Indian companies in the Far East, especially in the areas of coal mining, agriculture, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, health and tourism, which will help boost bilateral trade to the target of 30 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.

"This forum is inviting the coming together of countries in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on trade ... trade that must be sustainable, creative and innovative," U.S. California Governor Jerry Brown said.

He underlined that all countries should also work together to better cope with climate change and other environmental issues while striking business deals and stimulating trade.

Over 30 investment projects worth 1.2 trillion rubles (20 billion dollars) are expected to be presented at this year's forum, according to earlier reports.

Starting in 2015, the EEF aims to improve relations between the international investment community, Russian businesses, and Federal and local governments while presenting the competitiveness and favorable conditions for investment in the Russian Far East region.

This year, more than 700 business representatives from 55 countries including China, India, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, the United States and Britain were present at the forum. The total number of participants is expected to reach 3,500.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to attend the plenary session of the forum on Thursday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 14:27:15|Editor: Yang Yi

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YINCHUAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a letter of congratulations to the China-Arab States Expo, which opened Wednesday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Noting that China and the Arab states are "good friends," Xi said the two sides had become important partners in the construction of the Belt and Road.

He also hailed the ever broader cooperation and achievements between the two sides.

Xi said the Arab world actively responded to and widely supported his proposal that the Belt and Road should be built as a road of peace, prosperity, opening up as well as innovation, and one that connects different civilizations, during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which was held in Beijing this May.

The expo is an important platform for China and Arab countries to expand cooperation, he said.

During the construction of the Belt and Road, China is willing to promote shared opportunities with other countries, including the Arab states, and jointly promote peace with them, Xi added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 14:27:16|Editor: Yang Yi

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KATHMANDU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Nepalese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara has said that his country is fully committed to pushing forward bilateral cooperation with China under the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We have already signed the Memorandum of Understanding on participating in the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China," Mahara told Xinhua in an exclusive interview here just before his embarking on a six-day official visit to China on Wednesday.

The Nepali government has made sincere efforts to push forward bilateral cooperation on multiple areas such as trade, transit, energy, agriculture, connectivity, investment, among others, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, he said.

The deputy prime minister said that the Nepalese government had set up two separate mechanisms to identify and accelerate cooperation projects between the two countries under the initiative.

"The two panels composed of senior government officials from inter-governmental agencies are working to identify concrete projects to be proposed to China in the near future."

Mahara expressed his confidence that cooperation under the initiative is a win-win situation for both Nepal and China. "We are hoping that the practical cooperation under the initiative will help to improve our economy on the long-term," he added.

The deputy prime minister, who is also a senior leader of the ruling CPN (Maoist Centre), said that political parties in Nepal have always been positive toward strengthening the age-old close and friendly ties with China.

Nepal is willing to earnestly implement the agreements and understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, he said.

Mahara also told Xinhua in the interview that Nepal is seeking to diversify its trade with China and the rest of the world.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative aims at developing good relations with neighboring countries like Nepal and the rest of the world, and working together to achieve the common goal of economic development and prosperity, Mahara observed.

The deputy prime minister said the initiative will be beneficial to all South Asian countries including India. "I believe that the Belt and Road Initiative is also in the interest of India."

Lauding China's support for Nepal in developing infrastructure projects, Mahara said that enhanced connectivity within Nepal and between Nepal and China are the top priorities of the government.

Nepal and China signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative on May 12 this year.

The initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 14:47:22|Editor: Yang Yi

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BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The ninth BRICS annual summit has attracted worldwide attention and was commented on social media platforms by many state leaders who had just participated in the gathering.

The summit of the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, or BRICS, closed on Tuesday with a blueprint mapped out to chart the course of the emerging market group to achieve common development.

"Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Modi in the southeastern city of Xiamen after the ninth BRICS summit.

During the meeting, Xi said healthy and stable relations between China and India are in line with the fundamental interests of their people, adding China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along the right track.

"The various deliberations during the BRICS Summit were extremely productive. Looking forward to building on these in the times to come," Modi said via Twitter.

The Indian prime minister on Tuesday congratulated Xi on a "very successful" BRICS summit.

"I thank the Chinese government & people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit," the prime minister said on Twitter.

Guinean President Alpha Conde, who came to Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, said on Twitter that "With China, we are engaging in a win-win partnership to achieve our development goals."

During a meeting with Xi on Tuesday, Conde said Guinea is willing to enhance cooperation with China in fishery, mining and West African development.

"African countries speak highly of China's proposition of respecting their efforts in solving African problems on their own," Conde said,pledging closer dialogue and deeper cooperation in international affairs between the African Union and China.

Brazilian President Michel Temer showed special interests in the BRICS New Development Bank.

According to his Twitter account, the president, at the expanded meeting of BRICS 2017, called on the New Development Bank to bring together the productive and corporate sectors.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 15:12:31|Editor: Zhou Xin

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NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams became the oldest semifinalist in US Open history at age 37 with a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(2) thriller win over Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Coming up next for the US ninth seed will be the clash against her 83rd-ranked compatriot Sloane Stephens, who edged past Latvian 16th seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(4).

Williams, who improved to 2-4 all-time against the Czech 13th seed, will return to the world top five for the first time since January 2011. All six of the matches between Williams and Kvitova have gone to a third set.

"I'm so fortunate to have won that match. It came down to the wire," Williams said. "I try to tell myself enjoy the competition, enjoy the battle and I think I was able to do that."

Williams gave up the first break of serve trailing at 3-1 with three double faults, but was able to reel off five straight games as Kvitova racked up too many errors.

A loose Williams game early in the second offered Kvitova the lifeline she needed and she clawed back to take the second set.

Two brilliant cross-court backhands gave Kvitova an early break in the third but Williams recovered from 3-1 down, leveling it when the Czech double-faulted.

It came down to a tiebreak and a brilliant return at 1-1 was enough to give Williams the momentum. Roared on by the New York crowd, the 2000 and 2001 champion powered to 6-1 and never looked back.

Stephens' comeback from injury will keep going all the way to the semifinals.

"When I started my comeback at Wimbledon, I could have never even dreamed of something like this happening, having these results," Stephens said after the match.

She's No. 83 now with 13 wins in her last 15 matches, becoming just the seventh player outside the top 50 to reach the US Open women's semifinals. Her only previous Grand Slam semi was at the Australian Open four years ago.

In men's side, Spanish 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta, who has not dropped a set, cruised into his first Grand Slam semifinal by defeating Argentine 29th seed Diego Schartzman 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.

"Incredible," Carreno Busta said. "It's something that I always dreamed about but something I never thought was going to arrive here. It's a great feeling."

Elsewhere, Kevin Anderson of South Africa defeated Sam Querrey of the United States 7-6(5), 6-7(9), 6-3, 7-6(7) to also make semifinals.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 15:27:37|Editor: liuxin

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KHOST, Afghanistan, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- At least six militants including a key commander named Jehad Shah were killed as unmanned plane targeted a Taliban hideout in Nadir Shah Kot district of the eastern Khost province on Wednesday, an army spokesman Captain Abdullah said.

"Acting upon intelligence report the security forces conducted drone strike on Taliban hideout in Zinokhil area of Nadir Shah Kot district early today morning, killing six rebels including their key commander Jehad Shad and injuring another," Abdullah told Xinhua.

However, locals said that the drone targeted a car killing all those traveling in.

Taliban militants haven't commented yet.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 15:32:39|Editor: Yamei

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by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is phasing out a program for young immigrants to appease his base, yet again his action has sparked controversy in the American society.

The White House announced it would end a program whereby thousands of children of those who entered and lived in the United States illegally are shielded from deportation.

The measure has already sparked controversy, as some of these young people have fought in the U.S. military, excelled in school and contributed to the economy.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions billed the measure an "unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch," and called on Congress to seek an alternative way to protect the young people whose parents brought them into the United States illegally when they were minors.

The program, established by the previous administration, is known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or the DACA, and experts said Trump's move is an effort to fulfill his vows to his base.

"Trump is ending the DACA program to re-enforce his anti-illegal immigrant stance," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.

"He campaigned on that policy and feels people who are here illegally have no right to be here, even if they now are law-abiding citizens," West said.

Indeed, Trump's move comes at a time when unemployment and under-employment among many working class Americans remain high. The billionaire businessman-turned politician campaigned on a promise to halt the massive tide of illegal migrants, as the United States already hosts millions of undocumented workers.

Many Trump supporters -- rightly or wrongly -- believe illegal immigration has driven down wages in industries such as construction, and has spurred unfair competition for employment.

Trump supporters also believe that allowing millions to live in the United States illegally amounts to chipping away the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

While Trump's base may approve of Trump's action, it will be sure to spark increasing controversy in the U.S. society, even in his own GOP.

"He doesn't care that many oppose his DACA viewpoint, including many members of his own party. He is not letting public opinion affect his decision," West said of Trump's thinking on the matter.

GOP SPLIT OVER TRUMP'S STANCE

"Trump ended the DACA program because it satisfied a concern among his base," Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president and director of policy at the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency, told Xinhua.

But Trump's stance may, going forward, split the GOP, with business leaders, GOP establishment figures and moderates on one side, and Trump's base on the other.

"Immigration is key to the American economy and its growth. At the same time, this decision drives a deeper wedge between Trump and his base on one side, and a wide range of moderate Republicans, corporate leaders, immigration activists, immigrant communities, and Democrats on the other side," Mahaffee said.

West said there will be a strong outcry from many different quarters.

"Many Republicans think what he is doing is wrong and will make the party look bad if young kids who serve in the military or hold productive jobs lose their current status and are not able to work," West said.

"There will be (media) interviews with DACA people who helped save lives in Houston (in the recent hurricane) and otherwise performed great service. Most Americans believe those who are gainfully employed should be able to stay here and keep working," West said.

Some experts believe that Congress will stand in Trump's way, and come up with an agreement to continue the previous policy, although it remains unknown when that might occur.

"There is a good chance Congress will come up with a bipartisan agreement to continue the DACA program. The business community will argue it needs these people for the workforce," West said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 15:57:44|Editor: liuxin

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- When asked about his opinion of U.S. President Donald Trump during the BRICS Summit in China, Russian President Vladimir Putin shed the question by saying Trump "is not my bride," according to U.S. media reports Tuesday.

"I am not his bride, nor his groom," Putin said when asked whether he was disappointed with Trump Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2017 summit held in the southeastern Chinese coastal city of Xiamen.

Calling it a "naive" question, Putin said he and Trump are both working for their governments and only engaged in state activities.

Regarding the two countries recently closing diplomatic properties belonging to the other, Putin said Russia's Foreign Ministry will file a lawsuit against the United State, the Washington Post reported.

When asked to comment on the U.S. investigations into alleged ties between Trump's campaign team and Russian intelligence, Putin said, it's America's internal political issue and not Russia's business.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 16:17:57|Editor: Yamei

Du Qunyang (L, rear), deputy president of School of Economics and Management under Zhejiang University of Technology, addresses a signing ceremony in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, on Sept. 6, 2017. China's Zhejiang University of Technology on Wednesday signed a contract with Vietnamese partners to deliver the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course and a bachelor program in Vietnam. (Xinhua/Le Yanna)

HANOI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's Zhejiang University of Technology on Wednesday signed a contract with Vietnamese partners to deliver the Master of Business Administration (MBA) course and a bachelor program in Vietnam.

Vietnamese University of Business and Technology has been chosen to be the first school to host the programs which are taught in Chinese. Later on, the model will be introduced to other universities nationwide via the Association of Vietnam Universities and Colleges (AVU&C).

"This will be the inception of China-Vietnam MBA transnational education, bringing fresh vitality to Vietnam's business and technology environment," said Du Qunyang, deputy president of School of Economics and Management under Zhejiang University of Technology at the signing ceremony.

In particular, the MBA program by Zhejiang University of Technology started to call for enrolment in 2003 in China. Last year, it was accredited with the international AMBA certificate which represents the highest standard of achievement in postgraduate business education.

Meanwhile, students under the bachelor program will spend three years in Vietnam before going to China to complete the fourth year there.

Le Khac Doa, Head of AVU&C's Institute for Research and Human Resource Development assessed that educational cooperation between the two countries have several advantages, namely the cultural, economic and legal similarities.

"China hosts numerous of world's prestigious universities. Partnering with one of those, Zhejiang University of Technology will be surely beneficial to Vietnamese students and business people in general," noted Pham Chi Cuong, Deputy Director of International Cooperation Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, adding that cooperating with foreign institutes is associated with national directives to upgrade education methods.

Amid the rapid-growing trade, economic and cultural exchanges between China and Vietnam, the ministry is considering attaching Chinese language classes to high schools curriculum.

"We hope that after years of learning Chinese in Vietnam, our students can confidently communicate with Chinese friends and be qualified for programs like those held by Zhejiang University of Technology," Cuong said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 17:00:16|Editor: An

Photo taken on Sept. 5, 2017 shows colorful houses in Nanpingtouwu Village of Huguan County, north China's Shanxi Province. Houses were painted with colorful coatings in the village as an effort to promote the construction of beautiful countryside. (Xinhua/Zhan Yan)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 16:38:09|Editor: liuxin

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LUSAKA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Tuesday said he will not succumb to pressure from civil society to revoke the order that gave police extra powers to curb lawlessness in the country.

On July 5, the Zambian leader declared a Threatened State of Public Emergency which gave police extra powers to control the tension escalated in the country following the arrest of leading opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema who was charged with treason.

The declaration was approved by the parliament to run for three months.

However, 28 civil society organizations resolved to petition the parliament to revoke the decree on Friday, saying the existed tension, led to unfortunate events such as setting on fire of some markets, had been brought under control following the release of the opposition leader from detention.

But presidential spokesperson Amos Chanda said the Zambian leader will only revoke the declaration at the correct time and will not succumb to pressure from the civil society.

He said in a statement that civil society organizations should not trivialize issues of national security and accused some organizations of collecting money from foreign donors to champion selfish interests.

The presidential spokesperson said citizens have not complained about the declaration, which he said had worked well to curb acts of arson and other retrogressive vices.

While the majority of the people are in support of the declaration, Chanda wondered whom the civil society organizations stand for.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 17:03:21|Editor: huaxia

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LONDON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Britain will set out Wednesday its eagerness to continue space exploration and nuclear fusion research with its European neighbors after Brexit.

The Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEu) is to outline the country's clear objectives for continued scientific collaboration with Europe.

The objectives form part of the latest position paper, the first paper since last week's negotiations in Brussels.

The paper on science and innovation will lay out a range of mechanisms and areas for future collaboration that Britain will seek to discuss with the Europe Union (EU) as part of the negotiations on the future partnership.

The message from Westminster is that continued collaboration in science and innovation is seen as an important part of Britain's future partnership with the EU.

Brexit Secretary David Davis said: "Prime Minister Theresa May has set that a global Britain must be a country that looks to the future. This paper sends a clear message to the research and innovation community that we value their work and we feel it is crucial that we maintain collaboration with our European partners after we exit."

"We want to attract the brightest minds to the UK to build on the already great work being done across the country to ensure that our future is bright and we grow this important sector."

Britain's space sector is worth over 15.4 billion U.S. dollars and employs at least 37,000 people around the country, with its work in the European Space Agency putting astronaut Tim Peake in space and enabling Britain to explore Mars.

The position paper considers areas where there are precedents for countries outside the EU to participate in pan-European programs such as Galileo and Copernicus.

Britain plans to continue to collaborate with European partners through international organizations that are not part of the EU such as the EUREKA network that helps small- and medium-sized companies collaborate on R&D across borders and CERN, the European platform for particle physics and the fundamental laws of nature of which Britain was a founding member.

Science Minister Jo Johnson said: "From space exploration and developing better and safer medicines, to nuclear fusion research, the UK and Europe have a long history of close collaboration."

"It's in our mutual benefit to maintain this successful partnership, and this paper clearly outlines our desire to have full and open discussion with the EU to shape our joint future," he added.

The position paper will also lay out projects on nuclear research including the Oxfordshire-based JET (Joint European Torus) which is funded by the Euratom Research and Training program and supports 1,300 jobs in Britain, 600 of which are highly skilled scientists and engineers. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 17:13:27|Editor: An

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JAKARTA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo departed on Wednesday for Singapore to attend reception on golden jubilee of the relations between the two neighboring countries.

President Widodo's visit to Singapore was scheduled to last until Thursday, the president's senior aide said.

"We would expand the bilateral relations between the two countries under the theme of bilateral trust improvement," Indonesia's State Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said at the airport.

He added that trust between Indonesia and Singapore has been improving from time to time.

Pramono said that the president is scheduled to have a casual outdoor meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

A bilateral cooperation enhancement in digital economy development was also part of talks, he added.
File photo shows visitors look around on an photo exhibition to commemorate ancient Chinese navigator Zheng He(1371-1433) in Nairobi, capital of Kenya. As a trade and political emissary of the Chinese emperor, Zheng He and his 27,000-men in some 200 ships traveled more than 50,000 kilometers and visited more than 30 countries in Asia and Africa, over a period of 28 years from 1405 to 1433. His voyages were 87 years earlier than Columbus, 92 years earlier than Vasco da Gama and 114 years earlier than Magellan. (Xinhua Photo/Yang Lei)

by Christine Lagat and Lu Duobao

NAIROBI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Digital Silk Road envisioned by China will promote sustainable development through harnessing and application of big data to solve challenges facing the planet, an expert said on Monday.

Guo Huadong, a professor at the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said a digital version of the Belt and Road Initiative is in the works to enhance knowledge sharing on sustainable development and green growth.

"The Digital Silk Road is part of the Belt and Road Initiative and focuses on collection and sharing of big data among countries for application in fields that advances human welfare," Guo said.

He spoke to Xinhua on the sidelines of a conference on climate, ecosystems and livelihoods for Africa in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Dozens of African and Chinese scientists are attending the three-day conference to explore strategic areas of collaboration aimed at revitalizing green agenda in the world's second largest continent.

The UN Environment Program (UNEP), the World Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Natural Science Foundation of China organized the dialogue forum for Chinese and African scientists.

Guo noted that African countries will benefit from the roll-out of a Digital Silk Road, which will be implemented in three phases.

"Smart use of big data will enable African countries respond better to climate change and natural disasters. Its application in agriculture will boost food security," said Guo.

He said the initial implementation phase of the Digital Silk Road will involve setting up supportive infrastructure, recruitment of personnel and forging partnerships among countries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"The second implementation phase of Digital Silk Road will focus on data collection and analysis to inform decision-making," Guo said. "Countries require data-driven solution to achieve sustainable development goals."

He noted that developing countries will benefit immensely from access to big data to help deal with social, economic and environmental challenges, such as ecological disasters like droughts and floods.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 17:53:44|Editor: An

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will pay an official visit to China on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Wednesday.

Chinese leaders will meet with Asif, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, Geng said at a regular news briefing.

China believes the visit will boost practical cooperation in building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and communication of both sides on international and regional affairs, the spokesperson said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 17:58:55|Editor: liuxin

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RABAT, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan and Spanish authorities have arrested 5 people suspected of planing stabbing attacks in the two countries, the Moroccan Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday.

In a joint operation, four people with suspected links to the Islamic State (IS) group were arrested in the northeastern Moroccan city of Nador, while their Spanish national partner was captured in the Spanish enclave of Melilla, the ministry said in a statement.

The members of the cell had secret meetings and were training to execute terror attacks with white arms, it noted.

The dismantled cell was also engaged in recruiting and sending young fighters to IS, it added.

The four arrested in Morocco will be brought to justice pending the completion of the probe led under the supervision of the public prosecutor, according to the Interior ministry.

The Moroccan-Spanish joint operation comes less than month after terrorist attacks that hit Barcelona and Cambrils.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:03:58|Editor: liuxin

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A portion of a Freeway running through the northern suburb of Los Angeles, California, will be named after former U.S. President Barack Obama, officials said Tuesday.

The state Legislature of the western U.S. state gave final approval Tuesday to a resolution naming the portion of the 134 Freeway between the 2 Freeway and the 210 Freeway the "President Barack H. Obama Freeway," according to Anthony Portantino, a Democratic member of the California State Senate.

The resolution was passed with bipartisan support in the Assembly and the State Senate of California.

"I am so proud to have authored this proposal to forever appreciate and commemorate President Obama's tremendous legacy, statesmanship and direct connection to Southern California," said Portantino in a statement.

"It is so important that California highlights the dignity of President Obama," said Portantino who represents locals from the area of the freeway.

Obama attended Occidental College from 1979 to 1981 and lived in Pasadena during his sophomore year, where he traveled the 134 Freeway from his apartment to the campus, City News Service reported.

"It is also quite appropriate and symbolic that the California Legislature would pass this resolution for a president filled with compassion on the same day we witness another president turn his back on 800,000 children," Portantino added.

Earler in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump phased out a program called DACA, that had protected nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children from deportation. Trump's action has sparked increasing controversy in the American society.

Los Angeles City Council also approved a proposal on June 28 to rename a 5-kilometer stretch of road in Southwest Los Angeles from "Rodeo Road" to "Obama Boulevard."

Los Angeles already has a number of streets named after former presidents, including Washington Boulevard, Adams Boulevard and Jefferson Boulevard.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:09:00|Editor: liuxin

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ANKARA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Wednesday shot dead a suicide bomber who was preparing for an attack targeting a police station in the southern province of Mersin.

The man, wearing a suicide vest, was shot after disobeying police order to halt. He also appeared to be reaching for a cable dangling from his shoulder before he was gunned down, the Mersin governor's office said in a statement.

"The terrorist was most probably a Daesh (Islamic State) member," said Mustafa Ercan, Mersin chief public prosecutor.

State-run Anadolu Agency, citing the owner of the man's rented house, reported him as an unemployed Syrian citizen.

The private DHA news agency, without citing sources, identified the suspect as a 20-year-old Syrian refugee, whose two brothers died in the conflict in Syria.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:09:03|Editor: liuxin

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LUSAKA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said Tuesday that it was on course to switch to digital television broadcasting as migration was within schedule.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Kampamba Mulenga said the country was on course and progress towards digital television migration was on the schedule.

The first phase of migration from analogue to digital television had been completed with the initial switch expected to be implemented on Oct. 1, 2017 covering major cities, Mulenga said at a Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers' Meeting on Communication and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Durban, South Africa.

Zambia, she said, is the first country in Africa which successfully acquired over 500,000 decoders in readiness for the switch, adding that it shows the country is ready to step into the digital era.

The government has assigned TopStar, a joint venture agreement between state broadcaster the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation and Chinese satellite television provider StarTimes, which has cut the prices of its decoders by half to enable more people to afford to buy them.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) had set June 17, 2015 as the deadline for countries to migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial television migration.

Zambia partially met the deadline, but the country has been running simulcast television services running in urban areas.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:14:07|Editor: liuxin

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MADRID, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Spanish National Police and their Moroccan counterparts have broken up a jihadist cell and arrested five suspected terrorists in Morocco and one in Spain, the Spanish Interior Ministry said here on Wednesday.

The leader of the group, a 39-year-old Spanish national, was one of the five arrested in Morocco, while he was carrying "recruitment and educational" work for the Islamic State.

The other five members are all Moroccan, although one of them was a resident in Melilla, Spain, where he was arrested.

The Spanish Interior Ministry said the six had made up a cell reaching a "dangerous level of activity," while the Moroccan Security chief said they were planning "large scale" terrorist attacks and that they held "nighttime meetings where they carried out training sessions and simulated assassinations through decapitations."

Spain highlighted the cooperation with Morocco in the operation which has led to the "neutralization of a dangerous threat for both countries."

The Spanish security forces have detained, or led to the detention of 244 terrorists in Spain and abroad since the start of 2015.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:14:09|Editor: Zhou Xin

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CHENGDU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A college student in southwest China's Sichuan Province was given the death sentence with a two-year reprieve for intentional homicide on Wednesday.

According to the Intermediate People's Court of Chengdu, Teng Fei, a student at Sichuan Normal University, killed a classmate on the night of March 27, 2016, after an altercation.

Teng turned himself in to police, and was later diagnosed with clinical depression. However, the court judged him capable of taking responsibility for his actions and made its ruling on the basis of the extremely brutal nature of the killing and said he posed a serious threat to society.

Teng was also ordered to provide compensation of 83,212 yuan (12,720 U.S dollars) to the victim's family, and deprived of political rights for life.

Teng did not appeal.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:29:15|Editor: liuxin

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by Joy Nabukewa and Chris Mgidu

LAMU, Kenya, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Suspected Al-Shabaab militants on Tuesday night brutally murdered four people in the restive Lamu County in Kenya's coast, the police confirmed on Wednesday.

Regional police commander Larry Kieng said the four villagers were shot and then decapitated by armed militants who raided Hindi village.

"We had another attack in Hindi area where four people were shot and then slaughtered with knives by armed militants. It's a very unfortunate incident but we have launched investigation," Kieng told Xinhua.

The regional police commander said more security officers are pursuing the suspects who escaped towards Boni Forest which they have been using as their hideout.

The area has been under attack in recent months by Al-Shabaab members hiding in Boni forest which is near the Somalia border.

The forest is used as recruitment and training ground for Al-Shabaab members. The government has enhanced security in the restive country following frequent attacks by the Islamist militants.

The occurrence follows a similar incident in the area where three people were killed after Al-Shabaab militants attacked a passenger bus and a car at Nyongoro area in Witu, Lamu.

"We have deployed adequate police agents to pursue the militants believed to be holed up in the forest," Kieng said. The authorities have previously threatened to bomb the forest.

The incident comes barely few days after suspected Al-Shabaab returnees killed two police officers in Ukunda, Kwale County.

Police said the four gunmen are part Jaysh Aman, an affiliated group of Al-Shabaab hiding at Boni forest in Lamu.

Report indicates the four are believed to have killed the officers to avenge the death of wanted terror suspect Hussein Said Omar, alias Babley, behind Mpeketoni attacks gunned down last month in Mombasa.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:39:19|Editor: Zhou Xin

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BERLIN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) deputy executive secretary Pradeep Monga complimented China and Chinese government in taking a leadership role and setting a very good example in the combat against desertification, in an interview with Xinhua.

Monga made the remarks in the UNCCD headquarters based in the German city Bonn in the lead up to the 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 13) to the UNCCD which kicked off Wednesday in the city of Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

The UNCCD official believed that by hosting the COP 13, China and Chinese government has shown leadership, and besides, China has taken various successful initiatives in preventing and controlling desertification.

Among those initiatives, Monga was most impressed by a private sector model led by China's energy company Elion in carrying out land restoration experiment in Kubuqi desert, Inner Mongolia. "I could witness greening the desert is happening. Seeing is believing," Monga said.

Monga also commended the use of biotechnologies such as mycorrhiza, or juncao technology, in combating desertification in China, saying it is an eco-innovation and also an affordable way of preventing and controlling land degradation.

Government support to make all these things happen as well as a legal and institutional framework are also the keys to China's success in this field, Monga told Xinhua.

"China has shown business model works and private sector model can be successful, before that we need laws in place and policies," he said. China is among the earliest countries to set up a legal framework on the prevention and control of desertification.

Monga believed China showed a good example "on both the legal side and on the implementation side to showcase to all countries in the world that desertification can be arrested and combating desertification can lead to multiple economic, social and environmental benefits."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:44:22|Editor: liuxin

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HANOI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- During the first state visit by an Egyptian president to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1963, the two sides on Wednesday agreed to deepen their traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation.

During their talks on Wednesday in Hanoi, Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and his visiting counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reached consensus on strengthening exchanges of delegations at all levels, as well as coordination at regional and international forums of the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, and Francophone International Organization.

The two presidents also agreed to increase two-way trade to one billion U.S. dollars in the near future, and create more favorable conditions for bilateral cooperation on such spheres as information and telecommunications technology, seaport, shipbuilding, agriculture, and consumer goods production.

After their talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of nine documents regarding bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, sea transport, tourism, culture and fishery.

The documents include a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment and Egypt's Suez Canal Authority.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:44:27|Editor: liuxin

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KABUL, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan's police detained a militant overnight in Bagram district of eastern Parwan province, which is located near foreign forces' base, the country's Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.

"Last night, one suspected militant was arrested with 35 kg of explosives and two pistols following a security operation in Nasrat village, Bagram district, Parwan province," the ministry said on a statement.

The Bagram Airfield, some 50 km north of Kabul, has been serving as a main U.S. and NATO military base in Afghanistan over the past 16 years.

The arrest of the targeted militant would further improve the public security in the provinces, the statement added.

Afghan security forces have beefed up security operations against militants, as Afghans have been witnessing a surge in attacks by Taliban and Islamic State (IS) militants across the country.

In a separate development, the NATO-led coalition forces have apologized for distribution of leaflets earlier this week in Parwan, which they said had contained an image offensive to Muslims.

"On September 5, U.S. forces conducted a leaflet drop in Parwan Province. The design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam.

"I sincerely apologize...I am reviewing our procedures to determine the cause of this incident and to hold the responsible party accountable. Furthermore, I will make appropriate changes so this never happens again," Major Gen. James Linder, a senior coalition official, was quoted in the statement as saying.

More than 13,000 foreign forces are currently stationed in Afghanistan for the Resolute Support mission to help Afghan forces in the fields of training, advising and backing them in the war on insurgents.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:49:38|Editor: liuxin

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GHAZNI, Afghanistan, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Four armed Taliban insurgents were killed and three others wounded after Afghan forces attacked a militants' hideout in Afghanistan's eastern province of Ghazni, a local official said Wednesday.

"The airstrike was conducted by Afghan airforce late on Tuesday, in Deh Yak district, where four militants were killed and three others wounded," Anif Rezaee, an army spokesman at the region, told Xinhua.

In addition, the security forces also detained two militants while they were planting an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Ghazni on Tuesday.

Finding and neutralizing the home-made IEDs remain a challenge for Afghan security forces.

Furthermore, the Afghan army personnel have also found and defused 82 rounds of landmines and IEDs since early Tuesday across the country, the Afghan military said earlier on the day.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:59:43|Editor: liuxin

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ABU DHABI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi museum will open to the public on Nov. 11, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Wednesday.

Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and head of the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), made the announcement at a press conference.

The 97,000-square-meter museum is the first of three TDIC museums to open on the Saadiyat Island.

"The establishment of such a museum is a landmark in the history of art...and shows the commitment (of the UAE and France) to peace and diversity," said French Culture Minister Francois Nyssen.

The museum was built under an agreement signed between Abu Dhabi and France in 2007. It was designed by Jean Nouvel, a French architect who won the Pritzker Prize, a top award in architecture.

"The Louvre Abu Dhabi and its universal story embodies the spirit of openness and dialogue among cultures, displaying works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from different times and civilisations," the TDIC said.

The museum is in fact a "museum city" in the sea comprising a contrasting series of 55 white buildings.

Its defining feature is an 180-meter wide eight-layered dome, which weighs 7,000 tons, that covers the majority of the complex. Called Rain of Light, the dome has about 4,500 tube lights attached to its steel structure to light it up in night.

In addition to 23 permanent galleries in 12 sequences, it also includes a temporary exhibition space, a children's museum, an auditorium and retail space.

The museum has a 600-piece permanent collection as well as 300 artworks loaned from 13 key French institutions, including paintings by Leonardo da Vinci's and Edouard Manet.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 18:59:44|Editor: liuxin

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NAIROBI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Airways said Wednesday it has implemented a codeshare agreement with Omar Air covering services between its Nairobi hub and Muscat.

Kenya Airways Group CEO Sebastian Mikosz said the new partnership will allow seamless connectivity to Kenyan carrier's customers in accessing Muscat directly from Nairobi. Oman Air launched its flights to Nairobi in March.

"This new codeshare agreement represents an important element of our strategy to increase the choice, convenience and connectivity that Kenya Airways offers its customers," Mikosz said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

On the Nairobi-Muscat route, Kenya Airways will place its codeshare flight numbers on the Oman Air flights operating on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Mikosz added that code-share partnerships and airline alliances continue to play an important role for Kenya Airways in improving the airlines competitive offering.

Through this partnership Kenya Airways is extending services to tourists as well as people visiting friends and families due to the close cultural links that Oman has with the coastal parts of East Africa, mainly Kenya and Tanzania.

Oman Air CEO Paul Gregorowitsch said trade between Kenya and Oman has been growing steadily over the years and this latest agreement is a natural progression, following the launch of the new flight from Muscat to Nairobi in March.

Oman Air's strategy, he stated, reflects the country's national character and the Omani people's legendary hospitality and their culture of friendliness.
President of the Louvre Jean-Luc Martinez speaks during a press conference in Abu Dhabi on September 6, 2017 during which they announced that the Louvre Abu Dhabi will open its doors to the public on November 11, 2017. (AFP Photo)

ABU DHABI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi museum will open to the public on Nov. 11, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Wednesday.

Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and head of the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), made the announcement at a press conference.

The 97,000-square-meter museum is the first of three TDIC museums to open on the Saadiyat Island.

"The establishment of such a museum is a landmark in the history of art...and shows the commitment (of the UAE and France) to peace and diversity," said French Culture Minister Francois Nyssen.

(FILES) This file photo taken on November 4, 2014 shows part of the dome structrure of the future Louvre museum still under contruction on Saadiyat island, near Abu Dhabi. (AFP Photo)

The museum was built under an agreement signed between Abu Dhabi and France in 2007. It was designed by Jean Nouvel, a French architect who won the Pritzker Prize, a top award in architecture.

"The Louvre Abu Dhabi and its universal story embodies the spirit of openness and dialogue among cultures, displaying works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from different times and civilisations," the TDIC said.

The museum is in fact a "museum city" in the sea comprising a contrasting series of 55 white buildings.

(FILES) This file photo taken on March 6, 2007 shows Emirati men standing behind a scale model of the new Louvre Abu Dhabi museum. (AFP Photo)

Its defining feature is an 180-meter wide eight-layered dome, which weighs 7,000 tons, that covers the majority of the complex. Called Rain of Light, the dome has about 4,500 tube lights attached to its steel structure to light it up in night.

In addition to 23 permanent galleries in 12 sequences, it also includes a temporary exhibition space, a children's museum, an auditorium and retail space.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 19:19:53|Editor: ying

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (R) and Indonesian President Joko Widodo attend the press conference during the Leaders' Retreat held in Singapore, on Sept. 7, 2017. Indonesian President Joko Widodo is in Singapore on a Leaders' Retreat with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as Singapore and Indonesia mark 50 years of bilateral ties. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

SINGAPORE, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A crowd of about 1,800 Indonesian people gathered at the Indonesian embassy in Singapore on Wednesday evening to try catching a glimpse of their President Joko Widodo, the Straits Times reported.

President Widodo is in the city-state on a Leaders' Retreat with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as Singapore and Indonesia mark 50 years of bilateral ties. The visit will last from September 6 to September 7.

A series of activities to commemorate the milestone has been organized. On Thursday, a fly-past by fighter jets from Singapore and Indonesia will be witnessed by Lee Hsien Loong and Joko Widodo in the afternoon. It will be a highlight of the retreat, as the F-16s will form the numeral 50 in a historical first that involves aircraft from the two air forces, to mark the golden jubilee of bilateral relations.

The two leaders will exchange views on regional and international developments, review the progress of bilateral relations, and explore new economic collaboration, security cooperation and cultural exchanges during the retreat. They will also follow up on discussions from last year's retreat, in the areas of energy, digital economy, tourism and skills training.

Lee and Widodo will attend the Singapore-Indonesia Investment Forum, where they will also meet members of the Indonesia-Singapore Business Council.
(FILE) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during his meeting with French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, in his office in Jerusalem September 5, 2017. (REUTERS Photo)

JERUSALEM, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised on Wednesday his country's "best ever" ties with the Arab countries, citing "many levels of cooperation" that still cannot be exposed.

Hailing a "breakthrough" in Israel's relations with the Arab world, Netanyahu said these ties cannot yet be publicly acknowledged, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.

"The things that are actually happening with [the Arab states] have never happened in our history, even when we signed agreements," Netanyahu told Israeli diplomats at a Jewish New Year's toast at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem.

He said that cooperation between Israel and Arab countries is being held "in various ways and different levels," noting that these ties are not yet "visible." Away from the public eye, Netanyahu said, "[the cooperation] is much more than during any other period in the history of Israel. This is a tremendous change."

Israel and its Arab neighbors have been engaged in wars and conflicts since the statehood of Israel in 1948.

In 1978, Israel and Egypt signed the Camp David Accords, marking the first ever peace agreement between the Jewish state and an Arab country. In the 1990's, Israel signed a peace agreement with Jordan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 19:29:59|Editor: liuxin

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DAMASCUS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Ministry of Health on Wednesday sent nine tons of medical supplies to the eastern city of Deir al-Zour, just a day after the Syrian army and allied fighters lifted the three-year siege by the Islamic State (IS) group on the city, state news agency SANA reported.

The supplies include ambulances, mobile clinics as well as medication to the city, said SANA.

A day earlier, the Syrian army and allied Iranian-backed forces reached the outskirts of Deir al-Zour, and lifted the siege of a government-held enclave.

The progressing forces broke the siege from the western part of the city through the Brigade 137, where a garrison of forces had been besieged by IS for three years.

About 93,000 civilians were surrounded by IS in the enclave of government loyalists in the city, half of which is controlled by IS.

During the siege, the government and the UN carried out expensive airdrops of food and aid to the besieged people.

Deir al-Zour is the last major stronghold of IS, as the terror-designated group is also losing its de facto capital of Raqqa to the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, which has captured more than 60 percent of Raqqa.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 19:40:01|Editor: Yamei

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VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia does not recognize the nuclear status of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as its missile program threatens the security in Northeast Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.

During the press conference following a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin reiterated Moscow's stance of opposing the DPRK's missile program, saying it extensively violates U.N. Security Council resolutions, undermines the global non-proliferation regime, and threatens security in Northeast Asia.

Meanwhile, the Russian president noted that hostility will not help solve the Korean Peninsula issue.

"Clearly, it is impossible to solve the Korean Peninsula issue by sanctions and pressure... There is no sense in giving in to emotions and pushing the DPRK into a corner," Putin said.

"Now more than ever, everyone needs to be calm and avoid steps that lead to an escalation of tension," he added.

Putin said Russia and China have come up with proposals on solving the issue under the framework of a joint "road map". Therefore, Moscow called upon all parties to take a closer look at the initiative which "offers a real way of reducing tensions and step-by-step settlement."

Moon also condemned the DPRK's missile tests, warning of bigger threat in the future.

"If we fail to top the DPRK's provocations, it could sink into an uncontrollable situation... I would like to seek a fundamental solution to resolving the nuclear problem," he said.

The South Korean president also said he and Putin had agreed on the urgency of easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

"Mr. Putin and I agreed that nuclear and missile tests are the wrong way, and that the urgent task is to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

On Sunday, the DPRK successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb capable of being carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was the sixth nuclear test by the country so far, further worsening the hair-trigger confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 19:45:04|Editor: Yurou

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YANGON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 14th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) will take place in Yangon starting Sept. 15, gathering more than 2,000 overseas Chinese business leaders to discuss plan of business expansion, according to a press release of the convention organizer on Wednesday.

The four-day convention, which will last until Sept. 18, is hosted by Myanmar Chinese Chamber of Commerce with Wu Jiyuan (U Myint Swe) as Chairman with the strong support of the Myanmar government.

Wu told the press that under the motto of "An opening Economy in Myanmar, A New Epoch in History", the convention will be held with the aim of pushing the regional economic development in line with the world's changing economy and bridging world's Chinese entrepreneurs for cooperation.

The enterpreneurs will also discuss making use of the new status of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Belt and Road Initiative to jointly explore the future development trend and development space of Chinese businessmen, the world and Myanmar's economy.

Memorandums of understanding on economic and industrial cooperation, and contracts on implementation of projects will be signed during the event, he said, adding that donation for social assistance will also be made.

Yangon Mayor U Maung Maung Soe said Myanmar will benefit from the job opportunities created from the event, calling for helping the country to become more developed.

World-known leading Chinese entrepreneurs have been invited to make key speeches at the opening ceremony and Myanmar's Investment Commission will also be present to introduce the country's investment environment and the latest investment rules and regulations.

The forum attached with the convention will involve internationally-known experts and scholars.

Besides the opening ceremony, such activities as business forum, business matching, relay of convention flag and grand artistic performances will be attached.

The biennial WCEC was first conceptualized and organized by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in August 1991 to provide a forum for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs to enhance economic cooperation and promote better understanding among overseas Chinese entrepreneurs and business communities worldwide.

Two other founder members of the WCEC are Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 20:00:10|Editor: liuxin

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CAIRO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Secretary General of the Arab League (AL) Ahmed Aboul-Gheit condemned on Wednesday violence against the minority Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

In a press statement, the AL chief demanded the authorities in Myanmar to shoulder responsibility and stop escalating violations against Muslims as soon as possible.

Aboul-Gheit also urged for investigating the violations committed against Rohingya Muslims and holding those responsible accountable, referring to reports including that of the United Nations, which raised concerns of Arab and Muslim people.

Media reports said violence erupted in Myanmar's Rakhine state on Aug. 25 when security forces launched an operation against the Rohingya Muslim community.

According to the UN on Tuesday, 123,600 Rohingya Muslims had crossed into Bangladesh since the crackdown began.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 20:00:11|Editor: liuxin

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TEHRAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Wednesday that Tehran is ready to work with all Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, to help resolve Muslims' problems, Tasnim news agency reported.

"We are ready to cooperate with Islamic countries on all issues that are important to the Islamic world," Zarif was quoted as saying.

"Saudi Arabia is an important Islamic country and therefore, we are prepared to work with the country to address the problem of Rohingya Muslims as well," he said.

Tehran is also ready to cooperate with Riyadh to help end regional crises, including the Syrian conflicts, crackdown in Bahrain and the "irrational and costly" war on Yemen.

On Sunday, Iran said that a Saudi Arabian delegation will visit Tehran after Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran last year.

"The Saudi delegation simply comes to visit diplomatic buildings because the buildings have been empty after the two countries broke off relations. At the same time, we will visit our buildings in Saudi Arabia," Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said.

Saudi Arabia severed its diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016, following demonstrations in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad.

Angry protesters set the diplomatic missions ablaze for the execution of top Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 20:10:17|Editor: liuxin

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ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The government-mandated Ethiopia Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is investigating 328 instances of alleged human rights violations committed in Ethiopia.

EHRC Chief Commissioner Addisu Gebregezbaher said on Wednesday the investigation is based on information gathered from alleged victims.

A preliminary report on the findings will be made available in October, Gebregezbaher said.

The EHRC also plans to present to Parliament its recommendations on ways to handle the effect from the 2016 unrest, which claimed the lives of 669 people across Ethiopia, he said.

The Ethiopian government has already made its assessment on the unrest, blaming corruption, bad governance and rent-seeking activities as the main reasons.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 20:10:19|Editor: liuxin

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TEHRAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will pay an official visit to Kazakhstan in coming days to talk on bilateral relations, Tasnim news agency reported on Wednesday.

The announcement was made by Mahmoud Vaezi, the Iranian president's Chief of Staff. "President Rouhani would travel to the Kazakh capital of Astana within a few days," he said.

Last month, the foreign ministers of Iran and Kazakhstan discussed ways to promote economic, political, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and his Kazakh counterpart Kairat Abdrakhmanov discussed plans for the expansion of banking ties between Tehran and Astana, closer scientific and technological cooperation, joint efforts in tackling dust pollution, and cooperation in the transportation industry.

Zarif and Abdrakhmanov also emphasized close coordination between Iran and Kazakhstan in international organizations, in the war on terrorism, and in contribution to the Astana talks for peace in Syria.

Rouhani also plans to pay official visits to a number of African countries in the near future, adding that the exact time of the visits has not been determined yet, Vaezi said on Wednesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 20:30:30|Editor: Yamei

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Delegates attend the opening ceremony of China-Arab States Expo 2017 in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Sept. 6, 2017. The four-day expo began Wednesday in Yinchuan.(Xinhua/Li Ran)

YINCHUAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The China-Arab States Expo began Wednesday in the northwestern Chinese city of Yinchuan, drawing representatives from 47 countries and regions.

The four-day event will focus on trade in commodities and services, as well as cooperation in technology, investment and tourism. The Belt and Road will be highlighted during the expo, and forums on high-speed railways, logistics and credit will be staged.

Executives from 1,080 companies and nearly 5,000 exhibitors covering 31 industries ranging from transportation to big data are present.

The gathering has achieved good results and become an important platform for cooperation between China and Arab countries, Kamal Hassan Ali, assistant secretary general for economic affairs of the Arab League, said at the opening ceremony.

A total of 321 deals related to science and technology, finance, energy, agriculture, health, tourism, culture and education were inked during previous events, with total contract worth tens of billions of U.S. dollars.

During the ceremony, attendees recognized the Belt and Road in bolstering economic ties between the two sides, including Guinean President Alpha Conde, first deputy CEO of Afghanistan Mohammad Khan and Egyptian Trade and Industry Minister Tarek Kabil.

Along the ancient Silk Road trading routes, the Belt and Road is aimed at building an infrastructure and trade network linking Asia, Europe and Africa, with the Middle East playing a crucial part.

China-Arab trade reached 171.14 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, and agreements on projects worth 40.37 billion dollars were signed between the two sides, up 40.8 percent from 2015. China's non-financial direct investment in Arab countries surged 74.9 percent.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the government of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the biennial expo has been held three times since 2013.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 20:50:48|Editor: liuxin

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MOGADISHU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The African Union has resolved to form a team of experts including troop contributing countries to map out ways in which forces will exit Somalia by May 2018, officials said on Wednesday.

Military Operations Coordination Committee (MOCC) for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has called for the reduction of AMISOM military personnel and the gradual hand over of security responsibilities to the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF).

In its meeting held on Tuesday in Ethiopia and attended by Chiefs of Defense Staff (CDS) and designated representatives of AMISOM police/troop contributing countries (Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda) and Somalia as well as donor community, it was agreed that experts should work out options including details of the exit plan.

"The MOCC agreed to establish a team of experts including the troop contributing countries to work out options including the details of the exit plan for AMISOM to exit Somalia by May 31, 2018," AMISOM said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.

The exit strategy formulated by the AU's Peace and Security Council calls for the staggered withdrawal of 22,000 AMISOM troops.

The troops were deployed to Somalia in 2007 to defend the government against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgent group Al-Shabaab.

AMISOM said the MOCC agreed on the way forward in terms of the initial reduction of military personnel by December 2017 as well as AMISOM's new tasks.

The meeting reiterated the need for assured funding within the period recommended by the Joint Review for transition from AMISOM to Somali National Security Forces, availing the stated force enablers and multipliers and additional support.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 20:50:51|Editor: liuxin

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DAMASCUS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria stated Wednesday that the Syrian government warplanes were behind sarin gas attack in Idlib province last April.

The UN war investigators said a government warplane dropped sarin on the town of Khan Sheikoun in the countryside of Idlib province last April, killing 80 people.

It added that the government forces had used chemical weapons over two dozen times during the nearly seven-year crisis.

"These attacks constitute clear violations of international humanitarian law and the Convention on Chemical Weapons, which the Syrian Arab Republic ratified in 2013 following a previous sarin attack," it said.

The Syrian government has vehemently denied the accusations in previous statements, as it wasn't the first time the government was accused of being behind the April attack, which drew in a U.S. strike that targeted a Syrian air base in Homs province.

At the time, the U.S. didn't wait for any investigation, taking a solo action of striking the Shairat Air Base, saying the warplanes that struck Khan Sheikhoun flew from that base.

The Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said last month that government would provide help for the international fact-finding mission tasked to probe chemical attack allegations in Syria.

A fact-finding mission from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) was supposed to come within a few days after Mekdad's Aug. 17 remarks.

However, no information was ever revealed about the advent of the OPCW investigators, who previously confirmed the chemical attack in Khan Sheikhoun, but stopped short of identifying the perpetrator.

In April, the opposition activists accused the government warplanes of dropping sarin, an odorless gas, on the town.

The Syrian government denied carrying out a chemical attack, saying its warplanes struck an arms depot of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, which controls much of Idlib.

The Syrian government has yet to comment on the latest accusation by the UN commission of inquiry.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 20:55:55|Editor: huaxia

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ISLAMABAD, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani agreed on Wednesday to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York later this month, the foreign ministry here said.

Asif spoke to the Afghan foreign minister over the telephone and conveyed that "Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Afghanistan and is prepared to work with Afghanistan in all fields including political, economic, trade and transit, security, and other fields for the progress and prosperity of the two countries," according to a foreign ministry statement.

He also underlined Pakistan's support for Afghan owned and Afghan led peace process to bring lasting peace and stability to Afghanistan, the statement said.

"The two foreign ministers agreed to remain engaged for building closer cooperation between the two countries. They also agreed to meet on the sidelines of UNGA in New York later this month," the statement said.

The development came days after Asif welcomed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's statement that his country is ready for comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan. Ghani said that peace with Pakistan is on his country's national agenda.

Asif had hailed the Afghan president's remarks in his response and said Pakistan is willing to hold talks with Afghanistan in line with a bilateral mechanism.

He also said Pakistan and Afghanistan have bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral and multilateral mechanisms for dialogue and interaction and that those mechanisms should be utilized to their full potential. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 21:00:59|Editor: liuxin

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BERLIN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Germany's manufacturing sector has entered the third quarter (Q3) of 2017 with an unexpected drop in total orders, figures published on Wednesday by the Ministry of Economics reveal.

Industrial firms recorded 0.7 percent less orders in July compared to the same month last year. Economists had predicted another rise of 0.3 percent, following strong order growth of 0.9 in June this year. Domestic orders fell by 1.6 percent, while foreign orders stagnated.

Despite the decline, the Ministry of Economics emphasized in a statement that "order activity remained at a very high level."

"In the past three months, German firms have secured nearly as many orders as last seen before the start of the economic and financial crisis in 2008," a ministry statement read. Officials further noted that an unusually low number of large orders had been recorded in July, creating an unduly pessimistic view of overall business activity for the month.

Many economists remained similarly sanguine about the prospects of German industry and described the figures as a glitch.

"The prospects for growth in the second half of 2017 remain stable," Stefan Kipar from the bank BayernLB said.

"It must also be noted as a positive that new orders from outside of the Eurozone did not suffer despite the single currency's recent strength," he added. Orders to non-Eurozone countries grew by 0.6 percent during the period.

Nevertheless, analysts warned that a strong Euro could still harm the growth prospects of some German exporters in the medium to long term.

"The strong increase in the Euro's value has the potential to slow down the pace of growth in some industrial sectors," VP Bank Chief Economist Thomas Gritzel warned. The Euro has surged by nearly 14 percent since the start of the year and was worth 1.19 U.S. dollars on Wednesday.

The German Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.6 percent between April and June according to official estimates with the outlook for Q3 remaining positive.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 21:11:14|Editor: Yurou

HANGZHOU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China and Mexico have tremendous cooperation potential in the e-commerce sector, said Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto during his first visit to Alibaba headquarters in Hangzhou in east China's Zhejiang Province Wednesday.

Pena Nieto came to Hangzhou from Xiamen, where he attended the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries. He said many small and medium-sized firms have benefited from Alibaba's e-commerce platform and he hoped more companies in Mexico can cooperate with Chinese e-commerce companies in the future.

"The digital economy has made it possible for small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in global trade. As an open country, Mexico believes in globalization and hopes to strengthen our competitiveness and productivity by opening our windows wider," he said.

More than 200,000 Mexican companies have registered on Alibaba's various platforms, according to Jack Ma, Alibaba's founder and chairman.

Ma said his company will help small businesses and young entrepreneurs in the near future.

"We should pay more attention to young people under 30 and companies with less than 30 employees," he said.

Trade between Mexico and China has grown rapidly in recent years. China is Mexico's second-biggest trade partner, while Mexico has been expanding its exports of agricultural products to China. The country currently exports more than 20 kinds of produce to China, including avocados, pork, beef, berries, and tequila.

During this visit of Pena Nieto, Mexico signed a memorandum of understanding with Alibaba, which expects the Chinese Internet giant to create more business opportunities for Mexican companies.

"We are pushing forward a nationwide technological upgrading so that most Mexicans can have access to high-speed broadband services by 2024," said Pena Nieto. "And we hope Alibaba can bring Mexican products to more places."

Guo Cunhai, a scholar from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said help from Alibaba will greatly boost the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises in Mexico to tap the international market.
Visitors look at an unmanned pilot concept car by Tsinghua University at the China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 17, 2016.(Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

NAIROBI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's Tsinghua University is going to forge strategic collaboration with Nairobi-based African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in areas that promote ecological protection and human health, officials said on Tuesday.

Chen Xu, the Chairperson of Tsinghua University Council, said that plans are in the pipeline to formalize partnership with the Pan-African scientific body to enable the two institutions to optimize on their strengths in academic research.

"We appreciate the contribution of AAS in advancing scientific progress across Africa and look forward to future collaboration in climate, health and food security research," said Chen.

She led a delegation of scholars from Tsinghua University to meet senior AAS officials and discuss strategic areas of collaboration that include infectious disease control, climate change and training of young African scientists.

Chen said that knowledge sharing between African and Chinese scientists could strengthen response to climate-related disasters and infectious diseases that have devastated communities in the world's second largest continent.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa attended the bonding session between senior officials from Tsinghua University and African Academy of Sciences.

Liu said that Beijing is committed to strengthening collaboration in science and technology with African allies in order to achieve mutual benefits.

He added that joint research programs and vocational training will remain a key pillar of Sino-African scientific cooperation.

African scientists are keen to harness research and technological edge from Chinese academic institutions in order to tackle endemic challenges facing the continent like hunger, disease and environmental degradation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 21:36:25|Editor: Yamei

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Editor's Note: China is rolling out a major documentary series on its diplomatic principles, practices and achievements over the past five years. The English-language version of the program will soon be available on TV and online. To help the audience better understand Chinese diplomacy, Xinhua is releasing a variety of reports that include anecdotes, quotable quotes, facts and figures.

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The following is a selection of remarks made by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and others about China's diplomatic philosophy.

Xi Jinping, Chinese president

"More than 7 billion people inhabit the planet Earth. We in the same boat should keep watch and help each other to achieve common development."

"We Chinese people seek to realize the Chinese dream, a great revitalization of the Chinese nation, and also wish that the dreams of people of all countries will come true." (2014 New Year Message, Beijing, Dec. 31, 2013)

Xi Jinping, Chinese president

"All countries should join hands in building a new type of international relations featuring cooperation and mutual benefit." (Speech at Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Moscow, March 23, 2013)

Xi Jinping, Chinese president

"In the interest of peace, China will remain committed to peaceful development." (Speech at V-Day commemoration, Beijing, Sept. 3, 2015)

Xi Jinping, Chinese president

"China's proposition is: build a community of shared future for mankind and achieve shared and win-win development." (Speech at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2017)

Xi Jinping, Chinese president

"China's development has been possible because of the world, and China has contributed to the world's development. We will continue to pursue a win-win strategy of opening-up, share our development opportunities with other countries and welcome them aboard the fast train of China's development." (Speech at the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2017)

Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister

"General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed that China must pursue a major-country diplomacy with its own characteristics, which must illustrate salient Chinese features, a Chinese style and Chinese confidence."

Wang Yi, Chinese foreign minister

"In a way different from traditional major countries, China is striding towards the center of the world stage with more confidence and openness. While building an external environment conducive to its own development, it is also making increasingly significant contributions to world peace and development, as well as the prosperity and advancement of all humankind."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 21:41:30|Editor: liuxin

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by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Greece and Bulgaria signed on Wednesday in the northern Greek city port of Kavala a memorandum of cooperation to speed up the construction of a railway link which will be connecting Greece's northern ports to Bulgaria's Black Sea ports, according to Greek national news agency AMNA.

The agreement concerns the interconnection of Greece's ports of Kavala, Alexandroupolis and Thessaloniki with the Bulgarian ports of Varna and Burgas on the Black Sea and Ruse, a port on the Danube River.

The project is expected to create a new freight corridor that will boost the development of the ports and turn them into important trade hubs in the region.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras spoke of a deal of "historic and geopolitical significance" which will boost the two countries' and the wider region's common course towards growth, according to an emailed statement from his office.

The Greek leader made the remarks during a joint press conference with his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov.

On his part, Borisov announced plans to try to extend this cooperation to include Serbia and Romania in the future.

"Greece and Bulgaria can play a significant role in the Balkans," the Bulgarian premier stressed.

Borisov added that in talks with Tsipras, the two leaders agreed to request a meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in October to present their common ideas and proposals for the further development of the Balkan region.

No references to timetables or costs were made during Wednesday's event, but according to Greek government sources, the project could reach up to 4 billion euros (4.8 billion U.S. dollars) and the two sides plan to seek European funds.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 21:41:32|Editor: Yurou

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BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China is expected to need 7,240 new planes over the next 20 years, valued at nearly 1.1 trillion U.S. dollars, said Boeing in its latest market outlook, released Wednesday in Beijing.

China's fleet size is expected to grow at a pace faster than the world average. Almost 20 percent of global new airplane demand will be from airlines based in the country, said Boeing in its annual China Current Market Outlook (CMO).

Boeing has projected a global demand of 41,030 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years, valued at 6.1 trillion U.S. dollars.

"China's continuous economic growth, significant investment in infrastructure, growing middle class and evolving airline business models support this long-term outlook," said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing adjusted China's expected airplane demand higher by 6.3 percent compared with last year's forecast.

It predicted that China will need 5,420 new single-aisle airplanes through 2036.

According to the CMO, full-service airlines and low-cost carriers have been adding new single-aisle airplanes and expanding new point-to-point services to cater to both leisure and business travel demand in China and throughout Asia.

"China's outbound travel market continues its rapid growth toward 200 million passengers annually," said Tinseth.

More than 50 percent of all the commercial jetliners operating in China are Boeing airplanes, according to Boeing.

According to the company, China has a component role for every current Boeing commercial airplane model. Over 9,000 Boeing airplanes fly around the world with integrated China-built parts and components.
File photo: U.S. President Barack Obama attends his final news conference of the year in the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, Dec. 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- A portion of a freeway running through the northern suburb of Los Angeles, California, will be named after former U.S. President Barack Obama, officials said Tuesday.

The state Legislature of the western U.S. state gave final approval Tuesday to a resolution naming the portion of the 134 Freeway between the 2 Freeway and the 210 Freeway the "President Barack H. Obama Freeway," according to Anthony Portantino, a Democratic member of the California State Senate.

The resolution was passed with bipartisan support in the Assembly and the State Senate of California.

"I am so proud to have authored this proposal to forever appreciate and commemorate President Obama's tremendous legacy, statesmanship and direct connection to Southern California," said Portantino in a statement.

"It is so important that California highlights the dignity of President Obama," said Portantino who represents locals from the area of the freeway.

Obama attended Occidental College from 1979 to 1981 and lived in Pasadena during his sophomore year, where he traveled the 134 Freeway from his apartment to the campus, City News Service reported.

"It is also quite appropriate and symbolic that the California Legislature would pass this resolution for a president filled with compassion on the same day we witness another president turn his back on 800,000 children," Portantino added.

Earler in the day, U.S. President Donald Trump phased out a program called DACA, that had protected nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children from deportation. Trump's action has sparked increasing controversy in the American society.

Los Angeles City Council also approved a proposal on June 28 to rename a 5-kilometer stretch of road in Southwest Los Angeles from "Rodeo Road" to "Obama Boulevard."

Los Angeles already has a number of streets named after former presidents, including Washington Boulevard, Adams Boulevard and Jefferson Boulevard.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 21:51:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Zhang Dejiang (3rd R), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), visits the standing committee of the people's congress of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 5, 2017. Zhang made an inspection tour of Guangxi from Tuesday to Wednesday, where he attended a symposium on local legislation. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

NANNING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang has called for efforts to improve the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks during an inspection tour of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from Tuesday to Wednesday, where he attended a symposium on local legislation.

The strategy of rule of law in an all-round manner has been thoroughly implemented and remarkable achievements have been made in legislation, Zhang said.

Legislators should have the "four consciousnesses" firmly rooted in their minds and have strong confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, he said, noting they should uphold the Party's leadership in the process of legislation and ensure every legislation is in compliance with constitutional spirit.

Zhang asked local lawmakers to bring in new legislation in strict accordance with the law, and ensure the full implementation of the central authority's major policies and effective abidance by laws and regulations.

Local legislators should keep close ties with the people to respond positively to their requests, Zhang said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 21:56:44|Editor: Yamei

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A Syrian military vehicle takes a position on the outskirts of Deir al-Zour city in eastern Syria on Sept. 5, 2017. Following days of intense battles on the outskirts of Deir al-Zour in eastern Syria, the Syrian forces and allied fighters broke Tuesday the three-year siege of the Islamic State (IS) to government-held parts in the city. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani)

MOSCOW, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Syrian government troops supported by Russian air force have inflicted a "crushing defeat" on Islamic States (IS) militants in eastern and central Syria in the last two weeks, the Russian military said Wednesday.

Syrian armed forces have cleared an area of 4,800 square km of militants, and knocked them out of 59 settlements, Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff Sergei Rudskoy told a news briefing.

After the Syrian city of Deir al-Zour was deblocked Tuesday, a column with humanitarian aid has entered the city, Rudskoy said.

In addition, the Syrian troops have completely liberated the town of Akerbat, a terrorist stronghold in the western-central province of Hama, he said.

In the last two weeks, Russian warplanes made 1,417 sorties, inflicting 2,687 strikes against IS command posts, camps and concentrations of militants, the Russian Armed Forces' group commander in Syria Sergei Surovikin noted at the briefing.

He said more than 1,200 IS fighters were killed in the operations masterminded by the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and the Syrian government troops command.

Russia has been participating in operations against the IS and other terrorist groups in Syria since September 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:11:56|Editor: Yurou



The 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 13) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) opens in Ordos, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Sept. 6, 2017. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

HOHHOT, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 13) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) opened Wednesday in Ordos City in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

More than 2,000 delegates from 196 parties and more than 20 international organizations attended the two-week conference with the theme "Combating Desertification for Human Well-being."

The main task of the session is to seek solutions for the UN sustainable goal of "achieving a land degradation neutral world by 2030" and to develop a new UNCCD strategy framework for the 2018-2030 period.

Zhang Jianlong, head of the State Forestry Administration, said China has made some progress in containing desertification and set a goal to improve 50 percent of the desertified land that can be controlled by 2020.

Monique Barbut, Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, said substantial achievements have resulted from the great efforts made over the past years, and more are expected with the new strategic framework formed at the Ordos session.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:22:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Yu Zhengsheng (R front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with representatives of the proposals and units rewarded by the 12th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The key to the proposal work lies in quality of proposals, not the quantity, China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng said Wednesday.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks when meeting representatives of the proposals and units rewarded by the 12th CPPCC National Committee.

Putting forward proposals is a significant part of CPPCC work and reflects the requests and views of society, he said.

The proposals should be in line with the fundamental policies of the country, and not only represent the demands of the people, but feature feasible advice, Yu continued.

He asked political advisors to follow the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee's decisions and deployment of the people's political consultative work, and work together to raise the quality of proposals.

A total of 240 proposals and 45 sponsoring units were recognized at the commendation conference of the 12th CPPCC National Committee on Wednesday morning.

From the Seventh CPPCC National Committee, a commendation conference has been held every five years to reward outstanding proposals and units during the tenure of every CPPCC national committee.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:22:02|Editor: liuxin

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RAMALLAH, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A majority among the Palestinians are not optimistic over the U.S. President Donald Trump's role in pushing forward the stalled peace process in the Middle East, a Palestinian poll suggested Wednesday.

The poll, which was conducted by the Jerusalem Media and Communication Center, said that 79.3 percent of the respondents found that Trump was not serious in calling for the resumption of the Palestinian-Israeli peace process.

It added that 11.9 percent of the respondents believed that he (Trump) was serious, while the rest did not specify their position.

The poll also suggested that 42.9 percent of the respondents deemed a decline in the U.S. role in the peace process, while 42.8 percent said there had been no change compared to the previous administrations.

The poll also showed that 54 percent of the respondents advised the Palestinian leadership to accept the resumption of the peace talks "if Trump called for them, but on condition that the Israeli settlements must stop."

However, 30.6 percent refused to resume the negotiations.

The latest peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians ended at the end of March 2014 after nine months of U.S.-sponsored talks without progress to resolve the decades-old conflict.

According to the poll, 54.2 percent supported the resumption of negotiations with the Israelis in principle, while 41.9 percent opposed it.

However, 35.6 percent of the respondents believed that the peace process has "died and cannot be revived," while 39.6 percent said that the peace process is going through difficult circumstances and its future is unclear.

The poll showed that 19.7 percent said that the peace process is still alive and can be resumed.

Moreover, 28.6 percent said they support the resumption of military operations against Israeli targets as an appropriate response in the current political circumstances while the rest opposed this option.

The poll also said that 54.7 percent of the respondents supported the Arab peace initiative, which is proposed in 2002 to normalize Arab relations with Israel, while 36.1 percent opposed it.

The poll is conducted on a random sample of 1,199 Palestinians above the age of 18 in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on Aug. 13-21.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:32:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Bedah Mengo

NAIROBI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- As Kenya readies for a fresh round of presidential polls, election fever is spreading faster across the East African nation.

The fever is being heightened by intensified campaigns and political rhetoric by the main protagonists, President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga.

The two are reorganizing their troops in readiness for a fierce election contest on Oct. 17 that spells doom for the political careers of both in case one loses.

On Tuesday, Kenyatta received a host of leaders from Odinga's strongholds, some of whom had defected after losing in Aug. 8 polls.

The leaders promised to campaign for Kenyatta in their regions even as he hit the trail on Tuesday, selling his candidature to residents on the outskirts of Nairobi.

Kenyatta castigated Odinga for rejecting Oct. 17 as the new date for the polls as set by the nation's electoral commission.

"Why is he against the new date? That's a person who is not ready to accept the will of the people. Being respectful does not mean I am a coward," he told a cheering crowd.

On the other hand, Odinga had on Monday received a former supporter of Kenyatta from his central Kenya bastion, who lost in the governorship seat.

Odinga on Tuesday campaigned in Kisii and Nyamira, western Kenya, capitalizing on Kenyatta's criticism and threats against Chief Justice David Maraga.

"The Chief Justice, who comes from this region, is a wise man. He helped us to reclaim our victory. We shall stop at nothing and I plead with you to vote for me to the last man, angrily and in protest to the stolen votes," said Odinga, as he called on Kenyatta to stop attacking the top court.

The heightened political rhetoric, with Odinga and Kenyatta failing to agree on nearly every important issue, is psyching up their supporters.

The official campaign period as set by the electoral commission started Wednesday, but the two leaders and their supporters have been selling their agenda to the voters soon after the election was annulled last Friday.

In the capital Nairobi, politics is taking center stage as residents in residential areas and in the central business district congregate in groups to talk about the upcoming polls.

Along Moi Avenue Street at Ambassador terminus on Wednesday morning, three groups of about 15 people each hurdled together separately listening to what appeared to be their leaders.

From afar, one would have thought the groups were discussing how to raise funds for a particular course but politics was at the center of their debates.

"This time round Raila must ensure he has agents in all polling stations to guard his votes. It is clear that his opponents seized the opportunity of missing agents to doctor results in Aug. 8 polls. Raila must do it, he may never get any other chance," said a man full of vigor.

Similar discussions happened at the two other groups showing the gravity of the coming polls on citizens' lives.

As the elections approach, some Kenyatta and Odinga supporters would suspend their daily activities to concentrate fully on politics.

Small traders are yet to start feeling the pinch but as Oct. 17 nears, business would plummet and many would be reluctant to bring in new stock as it happened before Aug. 8 polls.

The most affected, however, by the rising election fever in the East African nation is the stock market and the Kenya shilling.

The currency lost ground marginally on Wednesday against the U.S. dollar to trade at 103.3, according to the central bank, as political bickering on repeat presidential polls intensified, with many businesses aligning their operations to the coming polls.

On the other hand, NSE 20 Share Index, the stock market key indicator, had been hit harder by the election fever, losing some 200 points in two trading days as investors' wealth declined markedly in the same period.

"Kenya is a highly political country and Kenyans love politics, the reason why election fever spreads faster. The country is perpetually on campaign mode and activities only heighten when the polls draw closer.

"The Oct. 17 polls are do or die for the candidates, therefore people expect intense political campaigns which will affect many sectors and lives," said Bernard Mwaso of Edell IT Solutions in Nairobi, noting business has declined as corporates, his major clients, hold back on activities until after polls.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:37:10|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BAKU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia have agreed to raise their economic ties to a new level, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said here on Wednesday.

Cavusoglu made the statement at a briefing following a trilateral meeting of Azerbaijani, Georgian and Turkish foreign ministers.

Cavusoglu said the trilateral formats make a significant contribution to the development of regional cooperation, adding that "the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway will be used to strengthen cooperation between the three countries in the transport sector."

The Turkish minister noted that more efforts are needed from the two neighboring countries to solve a number of issues related to cooperation in the sphere of customs, logistics and transport.

For his part, Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze said Tbilisi is ready to expand cooperation with Baku and Ankara both at the bilateral level and in a regional context.

Since 2012, foreign ministers of the three countries have met twice a year to discuss trilateral cooperation and regional issues. The previous meeting was held last year in Tbilisi.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:37:12|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 425 million grants totalling nearly 700 billion yuan (107 billion U.S. dollars) were made to students from 2012 to 2016, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced Wednesday.

The sum increased from 112.6 billion yuan in 2012 to 168.9 billion yuan in 2016, a raise of nearly 50 percent.

The growing number of grants is just one aspect of improving educational equality.

On Tuesday, the General Office of the State Council moved to control the dropout rate of students.

By 2020, the percentage of students who drop out of school during the nine-year compulsory education period is set to fall to less than 5 percent.

The dropout rate stood at 6.6 percent in 2016. Most of these come from a few rural areas, particularly border and ethic minority regions, where poverty is a major factor, according to the MOE.

Support for rural teachers acknowledges that remote and poor areas in central and western regions are the weakest links in the education system.

Information technology can make more high-quality educational resources accessible to rural schools, which have been improved to make them more attractive to students.

Poverty relief work is also stemming the number of students who drop out of school for financial reasons.

Support is available to students with financial difficulties and those with disabilities or with disabled parents.

The MOE is seeking more investment in education, better planning of school buildings and more boarding schools for rural students with transportation problems.

Employers are not allowed to hire children under the age of 16 and parents or guardians of school-age children must make sure that students finish compulsory education, or be held accountable under the Compulsory Education Law.

In higher education, quotas are reserved specifically for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. China's elite universities have been told to reserve vacancies for 63,000 students from disadvantaged rural areas in their 2017 enrollment.

The bests universities are included in another program to ensure no less than 2 percent of their students come from disadvantaged rural areas.

These programs have already made a difference. At Renmin University, the percentage of freshmen from rural areas increased from 14.7 percent in 2011 to 18.6 percent in 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:42:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MOGADISHU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Three Al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in airstrikes conducted by the United States and Somalia military forces in central region on Tuesday, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the joint operation with Somalia security forces took place in central Somalia against the militants who have engaged the government and the African Union peacekeeping forces in near daily attacks.

"The United States conducted this operation in support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Somali National Army (SNA) forces that were operating in the area," Africom said in a statement.

The operation occurred in the Bay Region of Somalia, about 75 kilometers west of the capital, Mogadishu.

According to Africom, Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda 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 United States and our partners in the region," Africom said.

It said the U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect Americans and to disable terrorist threats.

This, Africom said, includes partnering with AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces (SNSF); targeting terrorists, their training camps and safe havens throughout Somalia, the region and around the world.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:42:15|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIRUT, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Sigrid Kaag extended Wednesday her "deep condolences" to the families of Lebanese soldiers kidnapped and executed by the Islamic State (IS).

"The servicemen will always serve as a symbol of courage, commitment and dedication to their country," said Kaag in a statement by her media office.

She commended the Lebanese army and security forces in their "continued efforts to safeguard Lebanon's stability, security and territorial integrity, including from the threat of terror."

The soldiers were officially announced dead earlier Wednesday after the release of the DNA tests results. Their families were also informed.

The remains of the soldiers had been recovered last month after the army's successful military offensive dubbed the "Dawn of the Outskirts," which aimed to dislodge IS militants from the Lebanon's border area.

A national day of mourning and an official national farewell ceremony will be held Friday at the army headquarters in Yarze.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:47:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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PARIS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A demining operation has been underway since noon on Wednesday in Villejuif, a commune in the southern suburbs of Paris, reported French media.

Two men have been arrested after the discovery of equipment that could be used to manufacture explosives in an apartment, the newspaper Le Parisien reported.

Gas cylinders and electric wire are among the things found by deminers in the apartment, according to the newspaper Le Figaro.

The anti-terrorism section of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation.

It was a plumber who noticed something that looked like detonators, and then called the police, according to the reports.

A large area around the residential building has been evacuated, the reported added.

"I count on the police for a thorough intervention," wrote Franck Le Bohellec, mayor of Villejuif on Facebook in the early afternoon.
Aerial photo taken on Aug. 17, 2017 shows mulberry trees (L) planted on the desert in Jinghe County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Jinghe County has carried out shelter forests program at the north edge of the desert since 2013, and nearly 20,000 mu (1,300 hectares) mulberry trees have been planted. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

BERLIN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) deputy executive secretary Pradeep Monga complimented China and Chinese government in taking a leadership role and setting a very good example in the combat against desertification, in an interview with Xinhua.

Monga made the remarks in the UNCCD headquarters based in the German city Bonn in the lead up to the 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 13) to the UNCCD which kicked off Wednesday in the city of Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

The UNCCD official believed that by hosting the COP 13, China and Chinese government has shown leadership, and besides, China has taken various successful initiatives in preventing and controlling desertification.

Among those initiatives, Monga was most impressed by a private sector model led by China's energy company Elion in carrying out land restoration experiment in Kubuqi desert, Inner Mongolia. "I could witness greening the desert is happening. Seeing is believing," Monga said.

Monga also commended the use of biotechnologies such as mycorrhiza, or juncao technology, in combating desertification in China, saying it is an eco-innovation and also an affordable way of preventing and controlling land degradation.

Government support to make all these things happen as well as a legal and institutional framework are also the keys to China's success in this field, Monga told Xinhua.

"China has shown business model works and private sector model can be successful, before that we need laws in place and policies," he said. China is among the earliest countries to set up a legal framework on the prevention and control of desertification.

Monga believed China showed a good example "on both the legal side and on the implementation side to showcase to all countries in the world that desertification can be arrested and combating desertification can lead to multiple economic, social and environmental benefits."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 22:52:22|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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by Maria Spiliopoulou

ATHENS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The presidents of Greece and Italy on Wednesday called for the strengthening of institutions and democratic principles within the European Union (EU) while discussing Europe's future during a meeting in Athens.

Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos welcomed at the Presidential mansion in the center of the Greek capital his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella, who is in Athens to attend a scientific conference organized in Greece on the occasion of the 10th anniversary since the establishment of the European Public Law Organization.

Pavlopoulos stressed the need for a fruitful dialogue on the future of Europe welcoming the forthcoming conference in Malta on Sept. 14-15, with the participation of all the non-executive presidents of member states, according to an emailed press release by the Greek Presidency.

"(EU's future) concerns European integration and can be based first of all on the institutional deepening of the entire European edifice. European integration, according to the EU's historic course, leads to a federation based on democratic principles, the rule of law and a state of social justice," he said.

"The deepening of democratic principles, of the principles of European rule of law is very important," Mattarella said on his part, praising Greece's role in the establishment of the European Public Law Organization.

"The European Public Law Organization was founded following a Greek initiative. Greece took the initiative and gave us this organization and this is one more proof of the country's significant role," the Italian leader added.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will join the two presidents and other delegates in the conference which is held at Sounion, about 70 km southeast of Athens.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:02:25|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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DAMASCUS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A total of 978 civilians have been killed over the past three months by U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria's northern city of Raqqa, a monitor group reported on Wednesday.

The death toll includes 234 children and 163 women, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Casualties have been increasing in the past three months when the U.S.-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an offensive to dislodge the Islamic State (IS) from their de facto capital in Raqqa.

Additionally, 118 civilians have been killed by landmines planted by IS while attempting to flee Raqqa, said the London-based watchdog group.

The SDF, with the heavy backing of the U.S.-led coalition, has captured over 60 percent of Raqqa amid expectations that the entire city will be taken by the end of October.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:02:26|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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COLOMBO, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government will not allow the capture of elephants and having them transported overseas following concerns that the elephant population was increasing in the island country, a local media report said here Wednesday.

Minister of Sustainable Development and Wild Life Gamini Jayawickrama Perera said that capturing and sending elephants overseas was a a violation of the world wild life regulations and Sri Lanka would not grant permit for this.

He said Sri Lanka would next year carry out a census to obtain an accurate figure of all the wild elephants in the country.

In response to concerns raised on the human-elephant conflict, Perera said that the government was addressing the issue but the main reason that such conflicts occurred was due to a haphazard manner in which forests were being cleared.

Between 2010 to 2017, more than 25 people died as a result of wild elephant attacks in Sri Lanka while around 57 elephants also died during this period.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:02:27|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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VIENTIANE, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A preliminary calculation has suggested that Lao economy will have grown by 6.83 percent in 2017, slightly lower than the target of 7 percent, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Kikeo Chanthabouly said.

The calculation was based on initial reports provided by sectors and local authorities. Both the service and agriculture sectors failed to meet their growth targets for the year, Chanthabouly said at a recent government meeting held in Lao capital Vientiane.

"Just calculating based on initial reports, the growth rate has already reached 6.83 percent," the deputy minister was quoted by Lao state-run media Vientiane Times as saying on Wednesday.

According to the calculation, the service sector continues to make the biggest contribution to GDP, accounting for 42.08 percent, even though it failed to meet the target set for this year. The service sector grew by 6.15 percent, less than the target of 7.8 percent.

"A decrease in tourist arrivals lowered the income earned by hotels, restaurants and tourism-related services"

The agriculture sector, which accounted for 16.34 percent of GDP, grew by just 2.78 percent, less than the target of 3.1 percent.

The impact of floods, drought and insect infestations in some areas contributed to the fact that dry season rice production fell to 95 percent of the plan. The amount of rainy season rice planted was only 46 percent of the plan.

However, rice production for the whole year was expected to reach 4.2 million tons, equal to 98.2 percent of the plan.

Kikeo said the government's ban on the export of unfinished wood products and the end of the annual logging quota were contributing factors to the poor performance recorded by agriculture.

Industry was the only sector whose growth exceeded the target set for this year. The sector, which accounted for 30 percent of GDP, grew by 9.53 percent, exceeding the target of 8.9 percent.

Earlier, both the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank forecast that Lao economy would grow at 6.8 percent in 2017.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:07:29|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with British and Australian leaders by phone regarding the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

The White House said that in his discussion with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday, Trump stressed that now is not the time to talk to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and made clear that all options remain open to defend the United States and its allies.

The two leaders agreed to continue working closely together on increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on the DPRK, said the White House in a statement.

In a related development, Trump also spoke on Tuesday with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia by phone, said the White House.

In their discussion on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the leaders confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearize the DPRK, said a statement by the White House.

Trump also reaffirmed his commitment to defending the homeland, territories, and allies of the United States, using all available diplomatic and military capabilities, said the statement.

The DPRK on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the country's Central Television announced.

The DPRK's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology have violated UN Security Council resolutions.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, on Monday condemned the latest nuclear test by the DPRK and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Liu said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, asking relevant parties for due consideration of the plans.

The idea of dual-track approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both denuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale war games.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:22:35|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HARBIN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russian doctor Alexey comes to China twice a year. He speaks fluent Mandarin and his Chinese surname, Zhao, speaks of his Chinese lineage.

Lianqiang was Alexey's Chinese name. His geologist father Zhao Pengda, 86, is a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and former head of the China University of Geosciences.

Father and son, Zhao Pengda and Alexey Zhao, both academicians and separated for many years, have witnessed many changes between their two countries.

DIFFICULT DAYS

In 1954, Zhao Pengda went to the Soviet Union to study, where he met Irina. They were married in 1957.

"I can still recall the fragrance of the wine her elder sister brought from Georgia," Zhao said.

The couple came to China the following year, where Irina found a research post at the former Beijing Institute of Geology.

Lianqiang was born on January 27, 1959. His name literally means "uniting the powerful," and was meant to be a crystallization of China and Russia, said his father.

In the 1960s, relations between China and Soviet Union deteriorated. Many Russians left China and returned home. Irina felt the change.

"Her colleagues were still polite to her, but more distant," Zhao said.

Their marriage reached a crossroads in 1966. Zhao begged his wife to stay in China, but she had an ailing mother to take care of. She asked him to go with her, but he refused.

In March that year, Zhao waved goodbye to Irina and Lianqiang at Beijing railway station.

"I was busy with my work and she took care of the boy most of the time," Zhao said. "I knew how much she loved him and could not be so selfish as to keep him with me."

CHANGING TIMES

Irina married again, but Zhao Lianqiang retained his surname.

As Sino-Russia relations had improved, a delegation of Chinese doctors went to Moscow in 1987.

"Have you heard of Zhao Pengda?" asked a young Russian doctor. "He is a geologist and also my father."

Wang Huiqing, formerly a doctor with the Harbin Medical University, remembers how Lianqiang showed her a comic book that his father had given him before he left. With her help, Lianqiang got in touch with one of his father's students, who told Zhao Pengda that his son was looking for him.

In 1989, Lianqiang received an invitation to visit China and after 23 years, made his way home.

MEETING OF MINDS

Lianqiang began on his journey in April that year. Five days later, the train chugged into Beijing railway station.

"When you get out of the station, you will find an old man holding a windbreaker with his left hand. That is me, your father," Zhao Pengda told his son in a letter.

"In fact, I recognized him the very moment I saw him," Lianqiang said. "I knew I could find him even without the windbreaker."

Since then, Lianqiang has visited China twice each year, celebrating Spring Festival and his father's birthday.

Both Zhaos are academicians. Zhao Pengda continued his geological research, and became the first Asian to win the William Christian Krumbein Medal in 1992, the highest award by the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences. Lianqiang became an outstanding doctor specializing in liver transplants.

"I have a Russian first name, but my surname is Chinese," he said in Mandarin. He has three daughters, all with his surname. They too all speak Mandarin.

Lianqiang has turned down offers to work in Western hospitals, but frequently attends seminars in China. This August he attended a conference in east China's Shandong Province.

Before he left for Russia, the father and the son took a stroll to the China University of Geosciences to see the old house where they used to live as a family.

"No matter how far one travels, lineage can never be cut," Zhao Pengda said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:22:37|Editor: Song Lifang

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YINCHUAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- On Wednesday, a cargo train filled with machinery, auto parts and porcelain left Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, for Teheran, Iran.

The first international cargo train of this inland region was launched last year. The trains carried more than 50 types of commodities, including steel, chemicals and daily necessities from around China, in addition to local tires, porcelain and agricultural products in Ningxia.

At present, 33 cities in China have international cargo trains linking them with 33 cities in 12 European countries.

"A total of 5,093 China-Europe trains have departed since 2011, important logistics along the Belt and Road," Zhong Cheng, deputy general manager of China Railway Container Transport Corp. Ltd, said Wednesday.

The trains have become a favorable way of transportation for many businessmen.

"In the past, we had to ship our auto parts to the Czech Republic by sea, which took about 40 days," said Wan Jun of an auto part making company based in Shandong. "But with the trains, we have slashed the time by half at very little rise of cost."

As the Belt and Road Initiative gains steam, the trains will play an increasingly important part in meeting the rising need for logistics, said Wang Xuanqing of the Ministry of Commerce.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:22:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HONG KONG, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The British Consulate General in China's Hong Kong apologized Wednesday for delays in dealing with visa applications from hundreds of Hong Kong students.

The British Consulate General said in a statement, that it "would like to apologize for any inconvenience caused by these delays."

In the statement posted on its Facebook page, the British Consulate General said that "the overall picture is that 99 percent of student visa applicants in Hong Kong are successful and the vast majority receive a decision within 15 days."

"This is the busiest time of the year for UK visa applications and for some cases recently -- not just in Hong Kong -- it has not been possible to process these within the usual timescales," it said, adding that the British Consulate has been assured by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that "they are working flat out to ensure that outstanding applications are resolved as quickly as possible."

The British Consul General in Hong Kong has spoken to both the chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative region (HKSAR) and the chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government about the issue, the statement said.

It said that the British Consulate General "will continue to work closely with them in the coming days."

The HKSAR government on Tuesday opened a dedicated hotline and email address for students to register their cases for assistance.

Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR government Cheung Kin-chung said on Wednesday that more than 1,200 calls and 500 emails were received.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:37:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Iran will never breach the nuclear deal it signed with major powers, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani vowed on Wednesday.

Rouhani made the remarks in a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister's Special Envoy Masahiko Koumura, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

The Iranian leader said the nuclear deal, also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed in 2015 by Iran with the U.S., Russia, Britain, China and France plus Germany, was an important international accord.

"Today after the implementation of the JCPOA, we should not allow violating the deal," Rouhani said.

He pointed out that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has verified Iran's commitment to JCPOA for several times, while the U.S. has not been fully committed to the deal.

"The U.S. is trying to make a media campaign against international cooperation," Rouhani said.

Iran spares no efforts in establishing stability and security in the region, he added.

In the wake of the economic sanctions imposed recently by the U.S. government led by President Donald Trump, there have been worries about possible U.S. termination of the nuclear deal with Iran.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:42:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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MANILA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China has donated 5 million pesos (97,749 U.S. dollars) to help fund the rehabilitation of the war-ravaged southern Philippine city of Marawi, the Philippine military announced on Wednesday.

The fighting, which broke out on May 23, continues as government security forces try to retake the city from Islamist extremists.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), told reporters that Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua handed over the check to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Ano on Tuesday during a visit to the main AFP headquarters in Quezon City.

"The donation is for the soldiers operating in the battle-stricken Marawi City," Arevalo said.

Arevalo said the Chinese envoy had pledged to give more donations before the year ends for the Marawi fund. "The donation will be used to assist in the rehabilitation of Marawi, particularly in the delivery of engineering equipment," he said.

"Gen. Ano expressed his gratitude to the Chinese government," Arevalo said.

During Zhao's meeting with Ano, Arevalo said the Chinese ambassador revealed the plan for a possible joint training exercises between the Chinese and Philippine special forces to sharpen their skills in counterterrorism.

"The plan also includes sharing of intelligence information in fighting the threat of global terror," Arevalo said.

Arevalo said the Philippine military welcomes Beijing's offer, saying it's an important move to combat terrorism.

"Remember that terrorism is a global concern, it knows no bounds, it knows no country, it knows no government. So, it is important for us to be united to combat terrorism," Arevalo said.

More than 800 people have so far been killed in the 107-day war to defeat the militants allied with the Islamic State (IS) that occupied most of Marawi City.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Tuesday that at least 50 billion pesos (979 million U.S. dollars) is needed in the rehabilitation and reconstruction to rebuild the ruined Marawi city.

Lorenzana said it will take at least three years to rebuild the city.

The fighting and shelling has ruined the city's buildings and houses. Television footage shows destroyed building, bullet-pocked houses, roofs with bullet holes and debris-strewn streets.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-06 23:57:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LUSAKA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Call by a local organization to reintroduce corporal punishment to instill discipline in schools has sparked controversy after such punishment was banned for more than a decade in the southern African country.

Last week, the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia called for the reintroduction of corporal punishment at both public and private schools to restore discipline among learners.

Aaron Chansa, the organization's executive director said untold indiscipline has crept into Zambian schools after corporal punishment was abolished in 2004.

According to him, the lack of discipline among learners is making it difficult for teachers to effectively discharge their duties.

"This indiscipline among our pupils is greatly affecting teaching and learning in Zambia. Today, teachers are finding it very difficult to meaningfully discharge their duties due to too much indiscipline among learners," he said.

However, the call has received mixed reaction from various sections of society. Some feel that abolishing corporal punishment has created serious disciplinary issues in the country's schools while many others question how effective corporal punishment will be in instilling discipline among learners.

A teacher, who asked not to be named, said corporal punishment is vital in disciplining the learners as some pupils are stubborn to listen to words of mouth.

He attributed the high levels of indiscipline among learners to modernization, adding that teachers are supposed to discipline the pupils in order to modify their behavior.

HUMAN RIGHTS BODY REJECTS CORPORAL PUNISHMENT

According to the Human Rights Commission, corporal punishment is a violation of human rights as clearly guided by the UN convention on children's rights which Zambia has ratified and domesticated.

Corporal punishment violates the dignity of and adversely affects the victim who may develop anti-social behavior, depression and loss of self-esteem due to the degrading treatment or punishment, the human rights body said.

The statutory body has however clarified that opposing corporal punishment in schools is not synonymous with supporting indiscipline as it believes that pupils have a responsibility in line with established regulations to refrain from delinquent behavior.

It has since called for concerted efforts towards building the capacities of teachers and school authorities in alternative forms of discipline in line with the UN convention and national laws.

ALTERNATIVES TO INSTILL DISCIPLINE

Instead of reintroducing corporal punishment, the human rights body feels that there is need to strengthen mechanisms and efforts towards non-violent means of instilling discipline in schools such as counseling and guidance.

The human rights' views have been supported by the Media Network on Children's Rights, a local media organization promoting the rights of children, which says reintroducing corporal punishment will not automatically see discipline among learners.

"In the past when corporal punishment was in full swing, pupils used to misbehave and we feel that there are many other ways to discipline a child which should be explored," said Henry Kabwe, the organization's executive director.

Brian Mambwe believes that the issue of discipline requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders, adding that parents play a vital role in ensuring that children are raised in a proper way.

"Discipline should start from home. Nowadays kids are being left on their own because parents are too busy," he said.

Alinani Sakala, a minibus driver said reintroducing corporal punishment is not a solution but that other ways of dealing with the problem should be introduced.

"They should find out why is there so much indiscipline among learners in school. If they reintroduce corporal punishment and they don't deal with the underlying issues, it will come to zero." he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 00:13:00|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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PARIS, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Two men were arrested Wednesday afternoon after police found equipment and material suspected to be used for making explosives in an apartment in the southern suburbs of Paris.

A demining operation began around noon in the commune of Villejuif, and lasted until the late afternoon, according to French media.

The men were arrested in the neighboring commune of Kremlin-Bicetre when their car was stopped by the police.

One of them is the owner of the apartment, a 36-year-old man from Amiens, north France, and the other is a 47-year-old born in Tunisia, said French broadcaster LCI quoting police source.

Gas cylinders and electric wire are among the things found by deminers in the apartment, according to the newspaper Le Figaro.

LCI said oxygenated water, syringes and batteries were also found in the apartment, as well as many writings in Arabic.

Traffic in the two communes was disrupted on Wednesday afternoon, and a metro station in Kremlin-Bicetre was also temporarily closed.

The administrative bodies of both communes asked people to avoid going to these areas on social media.

The anti-terrorism section of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation for possible terror-related crimes.

It was a plumber who noticed something that looked like detonators, and then called the police around 11 a.m. local time, the reports said.

A large area around the four-storey residential building was evacuated shortly after the operation began, including a construction site nearby.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 00:18:01|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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TEHRAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- No access to Iranian military sites by international inspectors will be allowed despite the U.S. attempt to do so, a senior advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Wednesday.

Ali Akbar Velayati, head of Strategic Research Center at the Expediency Council, told a press conference that the world is against the U.S. plan to violate the nuclear deal that Iran signed with major powers in 2015, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

"We are informed that the U.S. officials have conducted frequent visits to the international nuclear watchdog, and talks have been held with the chief of the body," Velayati was quoted as saying.

He was referring to the recent visit by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, where she held talks with IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano.

Haley on Tuesday claimed that hundreds of military sites in Iran are suspicious, but the UN has no access to them.

"Nobody is allowed to visit Iran's military sites," Velayati said, adding that Iran's military sites are related to the country's national security.

Iran signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015 with the U.S., Russia, Britain, China and France plus Germany, under which Tehran agreed to roll back parts of its nuclear weapon program in exchange for decreased economic sanctions.

But in the wake of the new economic sanctions imposed on Iran recently by the Trump administration, there have been worries about possible U.S. termination of the nuclear deal with Iran.
Epic/Legacy RecordingsA new Michael Jackson compilation will arrive at the end of this month.

Called Scream, the 13-track disc features the King of Pop's most "electrifying and danceable tracks," including "Thriller, "Dirty Diana," "Leave Me Alone" and the title track, a duet with his sister Janet.

The album features a new bonus track called "Blood on the Dance Floor X Dangerous." It's a five-song mashup of the songs "Blood on the Dance Floor," "Dangerous," "This Place Hotel," "Leave Me Alone" and "Is It Scary." You can get the track as an instant download when you pre-order Scream digitally, and it's also available on all streaming platforms.

Of note on the album: two songs are by The Jacksons: "Torture" and "This Place Hotel," which was the first single ever to be written, composed and arranged solely by Michael. In addition, the album features "Somebody's Watching Me," the 1985 Rockwell hit featuring a hook sung by Michael.

The album will be available in a variety of formats, including glow-in-the-dark vinyl, which is coming out October 27. Each format will include a poster, and each poster, and the cover art, includes the first ever augmented reality experience created for an MJ project.

To go along with the album, there will be Official Michael Jackson Scream album celebrations worldwide this fall in Paris, London, Sydney, Berlin, Los Angeles and Tokyo. The events will feature screenings of seven short films from the album, including the 40-minute movie Michael Jackson's Ghosts, which has rarely been screened since it debuted in 1997. More details on the events will be coming soon.

Here's the track listing for Scream:

1. "This Place Hotel"

2. "Thriller"

3. "Blood On The Dance Floor"

4. "Somebodys Watching Me"

5. "Dirty Diana"

6. "Torture"

7. "Leave Me Alone"

8. "Scream"

9. "Dangerous"

10. "Unbreakable"

11. "Xscape"

12. "Threatened"

13. "Ghosts"

Bonus Track: "Blood On The Dance Floor X Dangerous" (The White Panda Mash-Up)

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 00:28:06|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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JERUSALEM, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday asked International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help bring back Israeli civilians held in Gaza.

He made the request in his meeting with ICRC President Peter Maurer in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu said Israel has been seeking information about two civilians, who voluntarily crossed into the Gaza Strip and are believed to be held captive by Hamas, the Islamist organization that controls the coastal enclave.

Hamas, however, refused to divulge any information, the prime minister added.

"You come at a time when Israel is concerned about the unbelievable cruelty as the bodies of its slain soldiers are kept, and even information about them is kept," Netanyahu told Maurer, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.

"No less important, innocent, defenseless civilians are being held in Gaza," he noted.

In response to Netanyahu's request, Maurer said the Red Cross has a mandate under international law but "also had a mandate to help people and find practical ways (to this end)."

The ICRC president added that he was looking forward to having "the opportunity to look into some of the challenges that everyone is currently confronted with and to see how the ICRC can eventually help with them."

Two Israeli civilians, identified as Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, entered Gaza in 2014. Israel believes they have been held captive by Hamas since then.

Hamas has never officially acknowledged if the two Israelis are in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

In 2015, an anonymous senior Palestinian official told the Hebrew-language Ynet news site that Mengistu was held by Hamas' security forces which later released him after ensuring that he was not a soldier.

Maurer's meeting with Netanyahu came a day after he met in Gaza with Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar.

Maurer told reporters that they had a "good conversation" about several topics, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and international humanitarian law.

He also toured several devastated areas in the coastal enclave and met with several families.

His visit is aimed at checking the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli blockade for more than 10 years, according to an ICRC statement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 00:33:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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LONDON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Plans for a new fleet of smaller warships were announced Wednesday by Britain's Defense Secretary Michael Fallon as he unveiled an ambitious new national shipbuilding strategy.

The government said it accepted the recommendations of an independent review which called for a "renaissance" in British shipbuilding.

The new strategy outlines an ambition to transform the procurement of naval warships, make Britain's maritime industry more competitive, grow the Royal Navy fleet by 2030s, export British ships overseas, and boost innovation, skills, jobs, and productivity across the country.

The review also set out plans for the first batch of five general purpose frigates, type 31e, each with a price tag of no more than 250 million pounds (327 million U.S. dollars).

In line with British policy on warships, they will be built in Britain, with work shared between shipyards and assembled at a central hub.

This method of "block" construction is similar to the method used to build the recently commissioned aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy's biggest ever warship. Different parts were built at shipyards in six British cities and assembled in Scotland.

The first of the new frigates are to be in service by 2023, with British shipyards encouraged to work with global partners to ensure the vessel is competitive on the export market.

Fallon said: "This new approach will lead to more cutting-edge ships for the growing Royal Navy that will be designed to maximise exports and be attractive to navies around the world."

A spokesman for the MOD said: "The Type 31e frigates will be designed to meet the needs of the Royal Navy and with the export market in mind from the beginning." This could see the Royal Navy become industry's customer, as well as the navies of Britain's allies and partners.

"The MOD is committed to new ships for the Royal Navy through its rising budget and 178 billion pound equipment plan."

In July, Fallon cut the steel for the first of eight new Royal Navy Type 26 frigates as part of a contract worth nearly 5 billion U.S. dollars for the first three warships.

Sir John Parker, who carried out the independent review for the MOD, said: "The next challenge is to come up with a world-leading design, one that can satisfy the needs of the Royal Navy and the export market. We have the capability to do that, the will is there and it is a tremendous opportunity for UK shipbuilding. I see no reason why industry will not rise to that challenge." (1 British pound = 1.31 U.S. dollars)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 00:43:14|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- China will keep streamlining administrative approvals and cutting red tape to improve business environment, a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday decided.

The government will expand a pilot reform already in trial in the Shanghai Pudong New Area on separating operation permits with business licenses and clearing 116 approval items, to 10 free trade zones across the country, including those in Tianjin, Chongqing, Liaoning and Zhejiang. Provincial governments are authorized to extend the measures to eligible national-level new areas, innovation demonstration zones, high-tech industry zones and economic and technology development zones.

A priority of the reform is to standardize various administrative approvals. Many of them will be canceled, while some others will be switched to simpler approaches.

The government will improve transparency and predictability of policies and provide standardized services, and make sure enterprises conduct the filings and fulfill their promises in accord with industry standards.

"Streamlining approvals, delegating power to lower levels and improving regulation and services are major measures to transform government functions and advance supply-side structural reform. This term of government has prioritized the reform of the approval system and institutional reform in the business sector, which in essence aim to develop a fair and just market environment. Facts showed that our efforts are paying off," Li said.

The meeting on Wednesday also decided to step up regular oversight during the pilot reform process, with more efforts going to spot checks, self-inspection inside industrial associations and credit rating practices to enhance compliance oversight.

The sharing of basic information of residents, enterprises and social organizations among government departments will be boosted to avoid unnecessary submissions, inspections and certifications.

"Government departments must be open-minded. Due approval procedures are necessary, but they are not a panacea, especially in terms of compliance oversight. We should continue to follow and improve the principle that the responsibility of oversight goes to those who give the approval and who take charge," Li said.

To further spur market vitality and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, the meeting decided that the government will cancel 52 administrative approvals by central government departments.

The approvals are mostly related to employment and entrepreneurship, investment and doing business. Some of them are no longer necessary because of maturing market conditions. Canceling approvals enables the government departments to transform their functions to developing industry standards and performing oversight.

The meeting also decided to cancel 22 administrative approvals delegated by central government departments to lower-level governments, most of which are related to enterprise operation, innovation and entrepreneurship.

"We need to take concrete measures to ensure the full implementation of reform measures, create a fair and just environment, and bring convenience to people's lives and entrepreneurship endeavors, as well as the operations of businesses," Li said.

Taking into account the latest measures, this term of government has cut administrative approvals by 697 items. Statistics show that the country had 2.91 million new businesses registered in the first half of 2017, up by 11.1 percent year on year.
A man rides a donkey past construction workers building new houses in the Israeli settlment of Kiryat Arba, east the West Bank town of Hebron, Aug. 24, 2017. (AFP photo)

RAMALLAH, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinians condemned on Wednesday Israel's approval of a plan to build 4,000 settlement units in East Jerusalem, arguing that Israel's settlements escalation undermines the two-state solution.

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee member Ahmad Majdalani told Xinhua that the plan represents a continuation of Israel's escalation of its settlement activities to destroy any chances of implementing a two-state solution.

He accused the Israeli government of "trying to escalate settlements both in the West Bank and East Jerusalem to completely eliminate the vision of a two-state solution and any chances of establishing a contiguous and sovereign Palestinian state."

Majdalani said Israel is using its current policies regarding the escalation of settlement position of the U.S. Administration, which has so far refrained from declaring a clear position against settlement.

The Israeli Planning and Construction Council in Jerusalem approved on Tuesday a plan to build 4,000 settlement units on the surrounding hills in the eastern part of Jerusalem, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on its website on Tuesday.

According to the newspaper, the construction plan will cover an area of 600 hectares, and Israel considers construction in the target area "necessary because of the lack of building land in Jerusalem."

Nabil Shaath described the plan as "a major war crime and a dedication to the colonial settlement project."

Shaath told Xinhua that Israel's escalation of settlement "represents the utmost disregard for international legitimacy and all international positions and resolutions calling for the resumption of the peace process and against settlement."

He stressed that the continued Palestinian anti-settlement movement at all levels, including the United Nations and its institutions, as well as the International Criminal Court.

According to the PLO Negotiations Affairs Department, Israel has submitted at least 56 plans to build 4,909 settlement units between January and August of this year, representing a sharp 85-percent increase compared to all settlement units approved during 2016.

"There's a decision of the Israeli Ministry of Justice to establish the ownership of hundreds of acres of agricultural on behalf of a company belonging to Israeli settlers in the south of the province," the Palestinian National Authority said Tuesday.

According to the authority, the decision aimed at fixing the ownership of 876 donums (87.6 hectares) of agricultural land in the area near the settlement of Etzion, south of Bethlehem, on behalf of the settlement company (Asayneh), despite the existence of a dispute between the Palestinian and Israeli sides for 18 years.

For its part, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the escalation of Israel's settlement plans, statements, positions and calls by Israel's ruling right wing, which "incites on settlement expansion and displacing Palestinians from their homeland by all means."

The ministry said in an official statement that the escalation of settlements "is a shameless challenge to all efforts exerted to revive the peace process and another attempt to thwart the serious American move to resume negotiations."

It said "the figures of the ruling right-wing in Israel prove day after day that their colonial plans and their expansionist settlement strategy has no boundaries or controls and is completely out of any laws and agreements signed."

On Tuesday, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas stressed that Israeli settlements pose a "great danger" to the future of the political process.

Abbas stated during his meeting in Ramallah with head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, that Israeli settlement "is contrary to international law and all resolutions of international legitimacy."

Israeli settlement is the most important file in the disputes between the Palestinians and Israel in light of the cessation of peace negotiations between them since the end of March 2014 after nine months of talks sponsored by the United States without progress.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 00:53:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (C) speaks at a symposium held to commemorate the centenary of the birth of late Chinese Vice Premier Yao Yilin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 6, 2017. Member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Liu Yunshan, head of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Wang Qishan, and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, who are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also attended the symposium. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A symposium was held at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday to commemorate the centenary of the birth of late Chinese Vice Premier Yao Yilin.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attended the symposium, and met with Yao's relatives.

Member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Liu Yunshan, head of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Wang Qishan, and Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, who are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also attended the symposium.

"Yao was a great leader of the CPC and the country, an outstanding proletarian revolutionist, and a distinguished leader in economy," Li told the symposium, which was presided over by Li Zhanshu, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.

Yao dedicated his whole life to the Party and the people, and had made immortal accomplishments in the independence and liberation of the Chinese nation, socialist revolution and construction, reform and opening up, and socialist modernization, Li said.

He had also made major contributions to improving the leadership of the CPC, maintaining social and political stability, reform, opening up and economic development, according to Li.

Yao, who died in 1994 at the age of 77, was vice premier from 1979 to 1993. He was also a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

"By commemorating Comrade Yao Yilin, we are learning from his commitment to faith and dedication to ideals, his pragmatism, his determination to reform and courage," Li continued.

"We should also learn from his standpoint of the people, and his self-disciplined and frugal working style," he said.

Moreover, Li noted that the great cause pioneered by the older generation of revolutionists should be continued.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 01:18:37|Editor: Liu

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YINCHUAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- According to Abdulrahman Al-Basri, very few Chinese companies worked on contract in Saudi Arabia 10 years ago. Today, Chinese workers are everywhere.

From skyscrapers to oil rigs, Chinese companies in Saudi Arabia work swiftly and cost-effectively.

"We would welcome more engineering companies from China, as well as IT and others," Al-Basri, vice president of SABIC, a Riyadh-based chemical company, said Wednesday at the business session of the ongoing China-Arab States Expo in northwest China.

The corporate executive is far from the only one encouraged by closer China-Arab ties at the gathering in Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

Running till Saturday, the four-day expo has assembled executives from over 1,000 companies and nearly 5,000 exhibitors from 31 industries ranging from transportation to big data, along with government representatives and academics. The event has been held three times since 2013, the year the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed.

Economic ties between the two sides were steady, but the Belt and Road Initiative shifted cooperation into another gear.

The expo is important to expanding cooperation, Kamal Hassan Ali, assistant secretary general for economic affairs of the Arab League, told the opening gathering.

A total of 321 deals in science and technology, finance, energy, agriculture, health, tourism, culture and education were made during previous events, with total contract worth tens of billions of U.S. dollars.

China-Arab trade reached 171 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, and agreements on projects worth 40 billion dollars were signed between the two sides, up 40.8 percent from 2015. China's non-financial direct investment in Arab countries surged 74.9 percent.

At the junction of the Belt and Road that spans across Eurasia, Arab countries are eager to revitalize ancient trade routes, Egyptian Trade and Industry Minister Tarek Kabil said.

Six Arab states signed agreements with China on the Belt and Road and seven are founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Joint infrastructure projects were worth 46 billion U.S. dollars last year.

"The Belt and Road has created new opportunities and offers a better business environment for both Chinese and Arab companies," said Ding Hongxiang, vice president of China National Machinery Industry Corporation (Sinomach), a Fortune 500 company.

Entering Arab markets more than 30 years ago, Sinomach has a solid presence there, with infrastructure projects ranging from power plants to schools and hospitals. Projects valued at 3.8 billion U.S. dollars are still in progress.

Chinese firms have channeled investment and production capacity that is badly needed for the industrialization of Middle East, Kabil said.

"We hope to attract Chinese businesses to build industrial parks... to help the development of textile, furniture, electronics and chemical industries," Kabil said, promising favorable measures including tax breaks and shortened approval procedures.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 01:33:41|Editor: Mengjie

Soldiers attend a military parade in central Pyongyang, April 15, 2017. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Saturday showcased its military muscles by parading all of its most-advanced ballistic and tactic missiles, including a submarine-launched ballistic missile which could strike targets 1000 km away. (Xinhua/Cheng Dayu)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that military action was not the "first choice" of his administration on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

On his way to Bismarck, North Dakota, where he'll participate in a tax reform event, Trump told reporters that military action against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was "not a first choice, but we will see what happens."

The DPRK on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced.

DPRK's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology have violated UN Security Council resolutions.

China's permanent representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi on Monday condemned the latest nuclear test by the DPRK and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Liu said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue.

The idea of dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both de-nuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula. The initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale military exercises.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 01:38:43|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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CAPE TOWN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Wednesday condemned the assassination of Lieut. Gen. Khoantle Motsomotso, commander of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF).

Motsomotso's assassination on Tuesday was an "inexcusable barbaric and heinous act," the SADC said in a statement.

Some senior officers of the LDF are reported to have also lost their lives in a shooting, reportedly carried out by an army officer.

The motive for the assassination remains unknown.

Motsomotso's killing happened two years after the killing of former LDF commander, Brig. Maaparankoe Mahao, in June 2015.

"This development is a serious blight and setback to the ongoing efforts to restore peace, security and stability to the Kingdom of Lesotho," the SADC said.

Lesotho is a member of the 15-state SADC. Other member states are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The organization called the killing of Motsomotso "an unfortunate occurrence which threatens the prevailing peace and security of the SADC region as a whole."

The SADC said it is immediately deploying a ministerial fact-finding mission to Lesotho to avert the possibility of further deterioration of security in the kingdom.

The mission is expected to conduct an assessment of the security situation and to hold meetings with all key stakeholders in Lesotho so as to establish the root causes of the assassination and subsequently recommend the appropriate courses of action.

South African President Jacob Zuma has also condemned the assassination and called for absolute calm and restraint so as not to further destabilize the situation in the kingdom.

Lesotho, completely landlocked by South Africa and one of the world's poorest countries, has been haunted by political instability in recent years.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 01:38:44|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ISTANBUL, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A large fire broke out on Wednesday in a forest land in Turkey's southwestern province of Mugla, burning down at least 40 homes, prompting the evacuation of about 250 people, local media reported.

The private Dogan news agency said the fire was putting a total of 136 households at risk in Zeytinkoy neighborhood.

Up to now, about 30 homes have been evacuated, Dogan said, noting that fire brigades, 11 helicopters and four planes were joining the battle against the fire.

Pictures posted on social media showed some residents in the area being affected badly by the smoke.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 02:13:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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GENEVA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- You can never wake up a man pretending to be asleep, just like facts and rational voices can never be heard by deaf ears.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) is one such sleeper. It issued a report on Tuesday claiming that China was trying to weaken the United Nations' (UN) human rights mechanisms, accusations that are biased and totally groundless.

The report alleged that China harassed "independent activists", used its membership to block NGOs critical of China from being granted UN accreditation, and most severely, "rarely provides substantive answers to queries by UN human rights bodies."

The U.S.-based organization even asserted that "UN officials have capitulated to Chinese pressure" to deny access Dolkun Isa, a so-called "well-known ethnic Uyghur activist."

But there's an important truth forgot or deliberately neglected by the organization that Isa is still on the wanted list of the International Criminal Police Organization.

And the Chinese government has repeatedly explained that Isa is the leader of a terrorist organization, "suspected of committing several criminal and terrorist acts."

So, the real problem here is not that China rarely provided substantive answers, but the drafters of the HRW report just don't want to listen.

Asked why targeting China for the report, Kenneth Roth, executive director of HRW, asserted heinously that China's UN Security Council membership and global influence make it "a model of bad faith that challenges the integrity of the UN rights system."

How come a country that has been relentlessly championing UN principles, including those of human rights, by improving the economic and social conditions of its people at home and providing various ever-increasing assistance to UN causes abroad, can be called as "a model of bad faith"?

The authors of the HRW report claimed that it was based largely on interviews with people "who have direct knowledge of China's interactions with UN human rights mechanisms," but they seem to forget to also include the real important voice of Chinese mainstream society.

As it was said, one of the reasons that they chose China to make the report is China's "bad human rights record at home."

If so, the voice of home should never be neglected. If you were to ask the millions of villagers living in remote mountains who, for the first time in generations, are not living in poverty, if you were to ask the millions of rural workers who moved to cities to enjoy a much richer and colorful life, and if you were to ask the millions of people with disabilities who have started to live a better life with government help, you would hear a different story.

Or, if you were to go to the plaza in front of the UN office in Geneva, which is just hundreds of meters away from where the report was issued on Tuesday, you would meet a lot of happy and free-talking Chinese tourists and they, too, will draw a different picture of China.

No need to cite the figures and long list of facts, the achievement of China's human rights course during the past decades is big enough for almost everyone to see, except for those with their eyes deliberately closed.

Perhaps labeling China as the "bad guy" of human rights will win HRW some favor from certain groups, but it will do no good in promoting international human rights.

On Sept. 11, there will be an exhibition at Geneva's Palais des Nations on China's efforts and progresses in human rights. Hopefully the authors of the HRW report will attend so that they can see what China really looks like.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 02:13:54|Editor: Yurou

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EDINBURGH, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Leading space scientists from Britain and China signed a partnership agreement here on Wednesday which aims to promote and strengthen both sides' space education and space culture activities.

Under the memorandum of understanding, a new virtual center will be established to lead space education and space culture activities between the two countries.

The center will be led by Britain's National Space Academy and a consortium of Chinese laboratories. In the areas of culture and education programs, it will be supported by the University of Nottingham.

The new virtual center partnership will serve as a platform for China-Britain space educational and cultural leadership which could then be expanded to include participation from other space agencies and new space programs or agencies in the developing world.

"We hope to accelerate the development in this area and in the future expand the program into other developing countries, so as to nurture more talents in space science," said Professor Yu Junsheng from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, and leading scientist of the consortium.

For the first stage of this partnership, the team aims to select 100 primary and middle schools in China, Britain, and countries along the Belt and Road to carry out a trial run of the education program, according to Yu.

While the center will help spread space education across China, British students and teachers will be offered the chance to participate in summer school programs including visits to China astronaut training and launch centers, and Britain-China education experiments will be developed to fly in China's space program, according to the UK National Space Academy.

This new center will give British teachers, students and researchers new opportunities to work in partnership with one of the world's most ambitious space programs, said Professor Anu Ojha, director of the Academy.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 02:13:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ULAN BATOR, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil met with his visiting Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo Damcho Dorji here on Wednesday on bilateral cooperation.

Noting that Mongolia and Bhutan have a common historical and cultural base, both foreign ministers agreed that the two landlocked countries need to strengthen bilateral, regional and international relations.

Dorji said that Bhutan is ready to boost cooperation with Mongolia in the agricultural, tourism, and health spheres. He also suggested Mongolia to develop a route for Mongolian tourists to Bhutan and to enhance cultural exchange.
File photo: Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 30, 2017 shows the test-firing of a ballistic missile by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. (Xinhua/KCNA)

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Russia does not recognize the nuclear status of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), as its missile program threatens the security in Northeast Asia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.

During the press conference following a meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Putin reiterated Moscow's stance of opposing the DPRK's missile program, saying it extensively violates U.N. Security Council resolutions, undermines the global non-proliferation regime, and threatens security in Northeast Asia.

Meanwhile, the Russian president noted that hostility will not help solve the Korean Peninsula issue.

"Clearly, it is impossible to solve the Korean Peninsula issue by sanctions and pressure... There is no sense in giving in to emotions and pushing the DPRK into a corner," Putin said.

"Now more than ever, everyone needs to be calm and avoid steps that lead to an escalation of tension," he added.

Putin said Russia and China have come up with proposals on solving the issue under the framework of a joint "road map". Therefore, Moscow called upon all parties to take a closer look at the initiative which "offers a real way of reducing tensions and step-by-step settlement."

Moon also condemned the DPRK's missile tests, warning of bigger threat in the future.

"If we fail to top the DPRK's provocations, it could sink into an uncontrollable situation... I would like to seek a fundamental solution to resolving the nuclear problem," he said.

The South Korean president also said he and Putin had agreed on the urgency of easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

"Mr. Putin and I agreed that nuclear and missile tests are the wrong way, and that the urgent task is to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

On Sunday, the DPRK successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb capable of being carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was the sixth nuclear test by the country so far, further worsening the hair-trigger confrontation on the Korean Peninsula.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 02:19:01|Editor: ying

File photo taken on March 13, 2014 shows Stanley Fischer at a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the confirmation of him to be the vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States. Vice Chairman of the U.S. central bank Stanley Fischer submitted his resignation on Sept. 6th for personal reasons, giving U.S. President Donald Trump a chance to remake the leadership of the Fed board.(Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Stanley Fischer, Vice Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, on Wednesday submitted his resignation for "personal reasons," adding another vacancy in the Fed's seven-member board.

Fischer's resignation as Vice Chairman and a member of the Fed board of governors will be effective on or around Oct. 13, 2017, months before his term expires in June 2018, the central bank said in a statement.

Fischer, a respected 73-year-old economist and former head of Bank of Israel, has joined the Fed board since May 2014 and served as chairman of the board's committee on financial stability.

"Stan's keen insights, grounded in a lifetime of exemplary scholarship and public service, contributed invaluably to our monetary policy deliberations," Fed Chair Janet Yellen said in a statement.

"He represented the Board internationally with distinction and led our efforts to foster financial stability," she added.

Fischer's departure comes as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to reshape the Fed board, which currently has three vacancies. Trump has nominated Randal Quarles, an investment-fund manager and former U.S. Treasury official, as Fed's vice chiair of supervision.

As Yellen's current term expires in February next year, Trump has also begun the search for the next Fed Chair. Yellen and Director of the National Economic Council Gary Cohn are among contenders to lead the central bank next year, according to U.S. media.

But Trump said he wouldn't announce his nominee for next Fed Chair until the end of this year, as it's still too early to make that decision.
One Iraqi F-16 jet fighter crashed during a training mission in the U.S. and one of the pilots was killed on Sept. 6. (AFP Photo)

BAGHDAD, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Defense Ministry said Wednesday that one Iraqi F-16 jet fighter crashed during a training mission in the United States.

"An Iraqi Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft crashed in Arizona at dawn today in Baghdad timing during a training mission. The incident resulted in the death of one of the pilots of the Iraqi Air Force," the ministry said in a brief statement.

The Iraqi Defense Minister ordered a joint investigation on the reason behind the crash, the statement said without giving further details about the name and the rank of the killed pilot.

Earlier, the Iraqi government ordered 36 Lockheed Martin F-16 jet fighters, as Iraqi pilots have been training on the new aircraft since 2012.
The file photo taken on July 19, 2017 shows the landscape of Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East. (Xinhua/Sputnik)

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- A joint exploration of the huge economic potential of Russia's Far East will contribute to the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, representatives attending an economic forum said here on Wednesday.

In the past three years, Russia's Far East region passed 19 federal laws, issued 72 government decrees and created four development institutions to enhance its investment attractiveness, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev said in a speech at the opening ceremony of the Third Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).

So far, 837 investment projects have been established in the region which boasts rich natural resources, including oil, gas, portable water, diamond and forest reserves as well as unique logistic conditions, said Trutnev, who is also the chairman of the Organizing Committee of the EEF.

As a major international communication platform for business cooperation between Russia and other markets, the EEF this year continues to present better conditions for doing business in the country's Far East in a bid to attract more foreign investment.

"The Far East has become a magnet for different people from all over the world since five years ago when the APEC summit was held here... It's a great way to strengthen ties with the countries in the Asia-Pacific region," said Nguyen Van Binh, head of Vietnam's Communist Party Central Committee Department for Economic Affairs.

Under a comprehensive and strategic partnership developed in 2012, bilateral trade volume between Russia and Vietnam in 2016 reached 2.6 billion U.S. dollars, he told the opening ceremony.

"We will do our best to develop and promote trade and economic ties between the countries to contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity in the region," he said.

Calling the Asia-Pacific region "the engine of growth in the world", Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said India welcomed Russia to play a bigger role in the region and implement its initiatives for an all-round development of the Eurasian landmass.

She said India supports Russia's Far Eastern strategy and looks forward to more engagement by Indian companies in the Far East, especially in the areas of coal mining, agriculture, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, health and tourism, which will help boost bilateral trade to the target of 30 billion U.S. dollars by 2025.

"This forum is inviting the coming together of countries in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on trade ... trade that must be sustainable, creative and innovative," U.S. California Governor Jerry Brown said.

He underlined that all countries should also work together to better cope with climate change and other environmental issues while striking business deals and stimulating trade.

Over 30 investment projects worth 1.2 trillion rubles (20 billion dollars) are expected to be presented at this year's forum, according to earlier reports.

Starting in 2015, the EEF aims to improve relations between the international investment community, Russian businesses, and Federal and local governments while presenting the competitiveness and favorable conditions for investment in the Russian Far East region.

This year, more than 700 business representatives from 55 countries including China, India, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, the United States and Britain were present at the forum. The total number of participants is expected to reach 3,500.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to attend the plenary session of the forum on Thursday.
Members of the Syrian government forces raise the victory gesture as they ride on a tank, in the village of Kobajjep on the southwestern outskirts of Deir al-Zour, on September 6, 2017, during the ongoing battle against Islamic State group jihadists. (AFP PHOTO)

MOSCOW, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Syrian government troops supported by Russian air force have inflicted a "crushing defeat" on Islamic States (IS) militants in eastern and central Syria in the last two weeks, the Russian military said Wednesday.

Syrian armed forces have cleared an area of 4,800 square km of militants, and knocked them out of 59 settlements, Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff Sergei Rudskoy told a news briefing.

After the Syrian city of Deir al-Zour was deblocked Tuesday, a column with humanitarian aid has entered the city, Rudskoy said.

In addition, the Syrian troops have completely liberated the town of Akerbat, a terrorist stronghold in the western-central province of Hama, he said.

In the last two weeks, Russian warplanes made 1,417 sorties, inflicting 2,687 strikes against IS command posts, camps and concentrations of militants, the Russian Armed Forces' group commander in Syria Sergei Surovikin noted at the briefing.

He said more than 1,200 IS fighters were killed in the operations masterminded by the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and the Syrian government troops command.

Russia has been participating in operations against the IS and other terrorist groups in Syria since September 2015 at the request of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 04:09:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Wednesday slapped sanctions on two senior members of South Sudan's government, a former official and three South Sudanese companies for undermining peace, security, or stability of the country.

According to the U.S. State Department and Treasury Department, the sanctions targeted South Sudan's deputy defense chief Malek Reuben, Information Minister Michael Makuei and former military chief of staff Paul Malong.

Three firms owned by Reuben, namely All Energy Investments, A+ Engineering, Electronics & Media Printing and Mak International Services, were also targeted by the sanctions, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

"We continue to make clear to South Sudan's leaders that they must honor their declared ceasefire, revive the 2015 Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan by engaging meaningfully with opposition parties," said the State Department in the statement.

South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.

The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital forcing Machar to flee into exile.

The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 04:29:53|Editor: Yurou

A woman works at a stall during the 14th China Expo (Jordan) in Amman, Jordan, on Sept. 6, 2017. The expo kicked off here on Wednesday, attracting 208 exhibitors from China. (Xinhua/Mohammad Abu Ghosh)

AMMAN, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese companies taking part in the 14th China Trade Fair in Jordan expressed on Wednesday keenness to build partnerships with local firms.

The three-day trade fair, starting on Sept. 6 in the capital Amman, has attracted more than 200 exhibitors from China.

"It is the first time for my company to take part in the exhibition and I think we will participate again," Sandy Yang, general manager of Luoyang Runcheng Petrochemical Equipment Company Ltd., told Xinhua.

"It is a good venue to be at for networking and I am looking forward to having more cooperations with traders in the region, especially those working in the field of oil, energy and petrochemicals," Yang added.

Yang also hailed the exhibition as an opportunity to find new partners from markets such as Iraq, Libya and Syria and other countries.

"Jordan is a good gateway into the regional markets like Syria and Iraq," he explained.

Iris Chen, manager of export department at Nanjing Huale Machinery Company Ltd., voiced similar opinions.

"Jordan is famous for its pharmaceutical industries and we work in the field of packaging of pharmaceuticals and we are looking forward to having cooperation with Jordanian and Arab partners," Chen told Xinhua.

"I think by taking part in this exhibition, the private sector from both countries can help boost trade exchange and build new partnerships," he added.

The exhibition displays more than 8,000 products in multiple industrial sectors including textile, food, electronics and petrochemicals.

In 2016, the trade exchange between Jordan and China stood at 3.17 billion U.S. dollars, 75 times larger than 40 years ago when diplomatic ties were established.

China is the second largest commercial partner of Jordan and its biggest exporter.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 04:29:54|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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KIEV, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- About 2,000 representatives of Ukrainian business will attend the 122nd Canton Fair, which will open next month in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, a senior Ukrainian official said on Wednesday.

"Canton fair is well-known in Ukraine and it enjoys a great popularity. According to various calculations, each exhibition is visited by about 2,000 representatives from Ukraine. I believe the upcoming fair will be visited by the equal or greater number of participants," Gennady Chizhikov, the president of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

He made the remarks during the presentation of the 122nd Canton Fair in Kiev, which was attended by representatives of about 90 companies from all over Ukraine.

Chizhikov said that the Canton Fair is a trading platform, which attracts the attention of the Ukrainian businessmen working in various sectors -- from agriculture to innovative industries.

"According to our information, the exhibition is frequently visited by the companies that work in the field of high technologies, which mostly purchase equipment at the fair. The event is also an opportunity for the companies to promote their own goods," Chizhikov said.

The upcoming Canton Fair will be special for Ukraine as many Ukrainian food-making companies will attend the fair, he added.

Launched in 1957 by the Chinese government, the Canton Fair is held in the spring and autumn seasons each year. Being China's largest trade fair, the exhibition is widely seen as a barometer of China's trade.

During its 121st session from April 15 to May 5, 2017, a total of 196,500 buyers from 213 countries and regions attended the Canton Fair, up by 5.9 percent from last year.

According to Ukrainian experts, the popularity of the Canton Fair among Ukrainian businessmen is also rising with each coming year due to the wide information campaign carried out by the fair's organizers and the increased interest of Ukrainian entrepreneurs in doing business with China.

Georgy Gubskiy, deputy director of Fialan Company, which since 2004 provides logistics and information assistance for Ukrainian entrepreneurs visiting the Canton Fair, said that the number of his clients has increased in the recent years as the trade show constantly improves and innovates.

"The main positive side of the Canton Fair is that the Ukrainian businessmen can find newly-designed products at the fair, thus expanding the assortment of goods they sell," Gubskiy told Xinhua.

Ruslan Osypenko, the executive director of Chinese Commerce Association in Ukraine, described the Canton Fair as a good instrument to promote global trade. He also hailed the role of the Chinese government in combating protectionism.

"China is working to develop the multilateral trade system. At the time, when some countries close their markets or turn to bilateral trade relations, China has introduced its famous One Belt One Road Initiative, which is advancing global free trade," Osypenko said.

The 122nd Canton Fair will be held from Oct. 15 to Nov. 4, and about 25,000 vendors and some 200,000 buyers are expected to attend it.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 04:50:01|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's northern Tigray regional state on Wednesday granted pardons for 957 prisoners ahead of the upcoming Ethiopian New Year, which starts on September 11.

Wolday Abreha, Head of Tigray regional state correctional office, said the prisoners were freed because they showed regret and met the requirements for pardon.

Abreha called on the freed prisoners to compensate the society for their crimes by engaging in developmental activities.

Prisoners convicted on corruption charges, illegal firearms trafficking and human trafficking were excluded from the clemency.

The East African country has also declared 10-day long nationwide celebrations, which started from September 1, 2017, to usher in the upcoming Ethiopian New Year.

The 10-day long nationwide celebrations include Love Day, Mothers' and Children's Day, Elders' Day, Peace Day, Reading Day, Green Development Day, Respect Day, National Feelings Day, Unity Day and Ethiopia Day.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 04:55:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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HELSINKI, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The decision by Nordea Bank, the largest in the Nordic area, to move its headquarters from Stockholm, Sweden to Helsinki, Finland, was welcomed on Wednesday by Finnish politicians.

Besides Helsinki, also Copenhagen, Denmark, had been considered as an alternative to Stockholm.

Bjorn Wahlroos, chairman of the Nordea Board, said in a statement that the change of domicile is an important strategic step in positioning Nordea on par with its European peers. He noted the predictable regulatory environment offered by the European banking union, which Finland has joined since 2012 but Sweden has not.

Jan Vapaavuori, the Mayor of Helsinki, said on Wednesday the decision by Nordea to change its domicile to Helsinki is a positive development for Finland and Helsinki. It indicates Finland has shown competitive edge, he said.

Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila said that there is wide parliamentary commitment to maintaining a stable business environment for banking in Finland. "And this may have affected the Nordea's decision," Sipila commented.

Anneli Tuominen, the director of the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority, said that it is expected that the capital requirement for Nordea will be smaller in Finland than in Sweden. She underlined to national broadcaster Yle, however, that the decision on the capital required to be kept for eventual risks will be taken by the European Central Bank.

The consideration to change the domicile started in early 2017 following Sweden's plan to increase the security charges levied on banks. Sweden takes such decisions independently.

As Finland is a member of the European banking union, Nordea has estimated it will save slightly above a thousand million euros in publicly levied charges in Finland compared to remaining in Sweden.

Actual operations of the bank will not be affected. Nordea said it will serve its customers in its four domestic markets as previously.

The move will not increase the tax revenue Finland gets from Nordea. Local commentators have noted though that the arrival of Nordea will generate banking related services in Finland and enhance the position of Helsinki as a financial center.

Nordea has historic roots in Finland. It was created in 1995 when Finnish Merita Bank merged with Swedish Nordbanken. Merita was a successor to Finnish Kansallis Bank and Union Bank.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 05:10:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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By Evan Duggan

VANCOUVER, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Despite positive messages come from recent NAFTA renegotiations attended by Canadian, Mexican and American trade officials, Canadian trade experts were cautious that a new pact would likely face delays and political speed-bumps.

Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland joined U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Mexican Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo to express optimism for a new pact on Tuesday, following the second five-day round of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) talks in Mexico City.

The three officials said in a joint statement that they had made important progress across many fronts and expected more progress in coming weeks as the negotiators consult with industry leaders and their political masters.

The statement said all three partners "reaffirmed their commitment to an accelerated and comprehensive negotiation, with the shared goal of concluding the process towards the end of this year."

That optimism seems to fly in the face of the latest rhetoric of U.S. President Donald Trump who said on Aug. 28 that Canada and Mexico were acting very difficult and he was still considering tearing up the 23-year-old trade pact.

A new NAFTA deal may not come by the end of the year, said University of British Columbia (UBC) trade expert, John Ries.

NAFTA has historically worked well for industry and investors and should have a future so long as Trump's bluster doesn't become reality, he said.

"I don't think he can [tear up NAFTA]," he told Xinhua on Wednesday. "Trump doesn't have the political ability to do anything really dramatic because it's going to hurt various people whatever he does, and there's going to be resistance. I think that NAFTA stays in place."

Ries said the gap between Trump's attacks and Lighthizer's feedback feels a bit like a good cop, bad cop routine.

"The threat of Trump tearing [NAFTA] up and levying 30 percent tariffs might be a useful negotiating ploy," he said. "But as we know, Trump does a lot of tweets that his advisors aren't on side with... You could also think it's an idle threat."

Trump has so far failed on several fronts, including replacing Obamacare and compelling Mexico to pay for his border wall.

"He was going to do lots of things that he didn't manage to pull off," he said.

Behind the optimism remain several hot spots, including the U.S. demand for more access into Canada's market-managed dairy and poultry industries and its demand to eliminate independent dispute resolutions (known as Chapter 19). The U.S. team is also trying to protect its "Buy American" position for the auto-parts industry and for government procurement.

The communique coming out of Mexico City indeed seems like a good sign, said Werner Antweiler, another trade professor at UBC in Vancouver.

"Mr. Lighthizer is a competent and an accomplished trade negotiator, so I see that he has the will to move things along," Antweiler told Xinhua. "His political masters in Washington, that's a different matter."

He said the expectations in the White House may not align with the better senses of Lighthizer and his team.

"If Mr. Trump actually tried to [pull out of NAFTA] through an executive order, it will really send the message that he is not really keen on accomplishing anything in the negotiations," he said. "He is just essentially trying to blackmail the other parties to do something."

Antweiler, however, remains optimistic that a new deal will get done. "Because essentially, the legal authority to negotiate trade agreements and to implement them lies with Congress."

The next round of talks is set for Ottawa on Sept. 23-27.

As for Canada's negotiation team, Antweiler had some advice.

"They are on the right track by furthering a progressive agenda," he said. "Let's own the process. Let's not be pushed by the U.S. Let's basically try to set our agenda of what we want to see in the renegotiations."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 06:55:40|Editor: ying

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. House lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday to speed up introduction of self-driving cars by removing regulatory barriers.

The bill, which faces tougher going in the Senate, would effectively bar state and local regulatory authorities from blocking autonomous vehicles.

The bill allows automakers to obtain exemptions from the current safety standards to deploy up to 25,000 vehicles in the first year. The exemptions eventually could cover up to 100,000 vehicles annually over three years.

"With this legislation, innovation can flourish without the heavy hand of government," Ohio Republican Bob Latta, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, said on the House floor before the vote.

Automakers and technology companies, including General Motors, Ford and Alphabet's self-driving unit Waymo, has been pushing for legislations making it easier for them to deploy self-driving technology.

Senators have been making their own version of the legislation and have yet to introduce a bill. Senate Commerce Committee announced on Wednesday to hold a hearing to examine autonomous commercial vehicles on Sept. 13. The House version of the bill only covers cars and largely avoids trucks.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-09-07 07:00:43|Editor: ying

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Evacuation has started in parts of Florida, which is expected to feel the wrath of record breaking Hurricane Irma this weekend.

Miami-Dade County officials are advising residents living in low-lying areas to start evacuating Wednesday, as well as individuals with special needs in Miami, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

Monroe County, which lies on the southern tip of the Florida Peninsula including the Florida Keys, issued a mandatory evacuation order for visitors starting Wednesday morning, and for residents starting Wednesday evening.

Broward County, to the North of Miami-Dade County, said all residents east of U.S. Route One must evacuate starting at noon Thursday.

The orders of evacuation comes as the National Hurricane center modified the pathway of Hurricane Irma, the largest in history to form over the Atlantic Ocean, to cover the entire Florida peninsula after landing near Miami.

Rick Scott, Florida's Governor, warned in a news conference Wednesday afternoon in Monroe County that Floridians should take the hurricane seriously and not to take chances.

"The track now has a forecast of direct impact on the Florida Keys on Sunday as a devastating major hurricane. The Florida Keys should be prepared to start feeling the effects of this storm as early as Saturday," he said.

"A storm of this size could have effects statewide and everyone must be prepared... we all have to understand that this is serious and we cannot take chances," he said.

Scott said some 6,000 National Guards will be reporting to duty state wide.

"Storm surge and extreme winds are the biggest concern right now. This storm is bigger, faster and stronger than Hurricane Andrew," Scott said.

"We can rebuild your home, but we cannot rebuild your life," Scott said.

Hurricane Irma is moving west at 26 km per hour, at 85 km to the Northeast of Puerto Rico, with maximum sustained wind speed of 295 km per hour, according to the latest forecast from the National Hurricane Center.

The maximum sustained wind speed of Hurricane Irma as it approaches Florida is projected to be around 250 km per hour.
Close eye on Irmas potential damage

He was speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) at the ACS Secretariat, Sweet Briar Road, St.

Clair, during the formal opening of the 25th meeting of the ACS Special Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction. He said, over the years the facility has entered into MOUs with eight organisations, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency; the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States; The University of the West Indies (The UWI); the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean and the UWI Seismic Research Centre.

Signing for the ACS was its secretary general Dr. June Soomer who welcomed the initiative, saying the ACS works closely with all its partners.

Anthony said the facility was established in 2007 and seven years later it was restructured to facilitate its expansion into new products and geographic areas. He said it is the worlds first regional fund using parametric insurance, a type of insurance in which payout is triggered when specific conditions, or parameters, are met. Because the parameters are already specified, experts say no loss adjusters are needed, allowing for speedy payments and Anthony said the CCRIF has consistently provided payments within 14 days of an event. He said the parametric nature of the policies allows for rapid payouts against losses and keeping operational expenses to a minimum.

He said that since 2007, CCRIF has made 22 payouts to ten member governments totalling U.S. $70 million.

After the passage of hurricane Matthew last year, he said CCRIF paid U.S. $29.2 million to four member countries affected by that hurricane: Haiti; Barbados; St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and all the payments were made within 14 days.

He said the majority of the payment - U.S.

$23.4 million - went to Haiti under its Tropical Cyclone policy which covered wind and storm surge and its excess rainfall policy.

He said immediate access to liquidity is critical for governments after a disaster and while the international community provides relief, those funds are often slow to be released taking as much as six to 12 months.

Government borrowing and reallocation of funds in their budgets also takes time and smaller governments such as those in the Caribbean and most of the Small Island Developing States, with their high debt burdens, can no longer afford to self-finance disaster risk.
12 previous convictions for drugs... man jailed for nine months

He pleaded guilty to the charges laid by PC Dario Ramlal of the Marabella Police Station.

Prosecutor Sgt Veano Ragoo told the court police stopped a vehicle on Sunday at Mt Moriah Road, San Fernando. They saw Indarsingh, who was a passenger, take a bag out of his pocket and hide it in his right front pocket.

The bag contained cocaine and a device used to smoke it.

Charles was told Indarsingh was released from prison in September 2016 after serving time for drug possession. Indarsingh told the magistrate he tried seeking help through several rehabilitation programmes for his addiction, but nothing seems to be helping him.

Yes I does take my smoke now and then, but I behaving myself these days, he said.

Indarsingh said he did not have a house to live in and was sleeping in an abandoned shed near a cemetery in San Fernando.

Charles told him he needed to think about his life and the direction he was heading.

On the charge of possession of cocaine, he was jailed for nine months. On the charge of possession of a device, he was sentenced to six months in jail. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Arima man charged with 2016 murder

Police said in a release, Nixon Anthony Gordon, 41, of Hosein Street, Arima was charged with murder after advice was received from Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Joan Honore-Paul on September 3. Gordon was charged by Inspector David Guelmo, of the La Horquetta Police Station the following day.

Straker, 32, of Phase 4, La Horquetta was found dead at his girlfriends Greenville Park, La Horquetta home, on October 6, 2016. He had been chopped several times.
12 Tribes of Israel celebrate 40th anniversary

Noel said this yesterday as the TTI marked its 40th anniversary, at their headquarters at Sea Trace, Bagatelle, Diego Martin.

He said Rastafarians have been given a raw deal over the years with all types of stigma being placed upon them, but he noted they survived the task and will continue the good work of the leader of the Rastafarian movement, Haile Selassie.

This is our time to showcase to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the world at large the work we do. I give thanks to all those who steer the course and hold the faith because in this time of trials and tribulations, it is very hard to stand firm as a Rastaman, and living is not easy. We employ our members to educate themselves to find a trade. We teach our members to live a better life. To live with their fellow man. As we say, our main goal is repatriation. He continued, We are in our 40th year of our anniversary and we have invited people from around the world to celebrate with us, so we are also playing an integral part in tourism in Trinidad and Tobago.

We intend to protest and let all know, it is equal rights and justice for all. Our plight must be highlighted and we would be going in Woodford Square on September 17 with a load chant to wake up the nation because life is a serious thing. Noel said according to TTs anthem, every creed and race finds an equal place, and they( Rastafarians) too needed their equality and justice. He said Rastafarians deserve to be highlighted not only when it is heard in the news that Rasta City and Muslims in war, and the source of the whole issue are never reported. The TTI created a live band studio to encourage the talented youth by giving them the opportunity to develop their musical skills. We have accomplished a state of the art studio. We also host calypso competitions yearly.

There is an active youth group that hosts three-day, weekly homework centre classes to assist the youth  these classes along with many other activities including Bible studies.

These activities were created to encourage the youth to be positive and productive in society. Noel said the TTI is a spiritual and peaceful entity within various communities of TT and its members promote peace .
Man crictical after hit in head by vagrant

Relatives told Newsday he suffered a fractured skull and bruises to the brain. At the time of the incident the father of two of Malabar, Arima was driving on Pro Queen Street, Arima when the sudden blow to the head caused him to lose control of the car.

The stone, Newsday was told, crashed through the drivers side window and landed in the trunk of the AD station wagon.

His friend Shevaughn Jones, who was a front seat passenger, was able to grab the steering wheel and subsequently ditched the vehicle in a nearby drain. Jones suffered a dislocated shoulder, head injuries and other burns and bruises as a result of the airbags being deployed. The incident happened just after two oclock last week Thursday. The family is now praying for his recovery.

Relatives said Sunday was the first time since the incident that he woke up. He is now breathing on his own but doctors told them he is not yet out of the woods. And as if dealing with the injury was not bad enough, relatives said during the melee, someone stole $1,100 from Georges pocket. The money was to purchase books and groceries for the opening of school.

Up to yesterday, police had not yet detained the homeless suspect who, relatives said, has gone into hiding. He is said to be well known to the police and people of Arima. The suspect has been identified as the man who strips himself naked in the streets. Speaking with Newsday yesterday, Georges fiancee Aariann Blackman called for the authorities to find a home in the borough for the homeless. He could have killed someone, the distraught mother of two said.

Right now I could have been planning a funeral and my children, fatherless because of the homeless roaming the streets.

They have to try to get this man arrested and hear from him why he did that. He plays mad in the road but since Thursday he in hiding so it come as if he know what he did. She said there is enough land in Arima to build a shelter. She is even more worried as to how she and their two children would make out as George, who works as an operations manager at a car rental company, is the breadwinner in the family. She said she recently quit her job to take care of their children who are seven and three years old.

She told Newsday relatives have since been contacted by Arima Mayor Lisa Morris and a full investigation launched into the matter.

Arima police are also investigating.
Cook: Poor treatment by SWWTU

Clark said staff are employed without contract, must buy their own requite uniforms and have maternity benefit paid by the National Insurance Scheme not the company.

No extra pay is given for working unsocial hours such as weekends, and workers are not paid when they are off work, she alleged.

They are paid just $800 or $900 per fortnight, may be victimised and are not given respite between sailings. She said she had not been called for duty for seven months, even as women must regularly trek to the SWWTU Hall to find out if they have been given a duty.

Annisette in a short statement dismissed the remarks as malicious and calculated. Promising to elaborate at a future sitting of the JSC, Annisette vowed, Ill show you the connections.
Sinanan to JSC: The chips must fall where they may

I have played no role in procurement of any vessel. The minister also said contrary to claims made by certain people, no charter party agreement for any vessel was signed before Cabinet approval. Responding to questions from JSC chairman Stephen Creese and Opposition Senator Wade Mark on this issue, Sinanan said the documents the committee were seeing were ratifications of the approval he alluded to. He said the ministry would provide the JSC with further clarity if necessary.

The Minister has nothing to do with the signing of any charter party agreement, he added.

Sinanan said after assuming office last November, it became apparent that the port and ferry service, were heading for a crisis. Expressing confidence that the new Port Authority board would address the problems facing the port, Sinanan reminded JSC members that Cabinet appointed a threeman investigative committee to review the operations of the port. He also disclosed that a sea sector expert will soon be engaged to assist in this exercise.

Sinanan said the problems with the TT Spirit and TT Express were the result of poor maintenance over the years. This is an experience for the country that we need to pay attention to maintenance. He said in some countries, aluminium hull vessels (like the Spirit and Express) are taken out of service once they pass 15 years. He described the situation with the Super Fast Galicia as as case of commercial advantage where the provider threatened to pull the vessel out of service if a certain arrangement was not agreed to.

Sinanan confirmed the former port board chaired by Christine Sahadeo never approved a five-year extension for the Galicia. He also confirmed the request for that extension came from the ports management.

Sinanan said he was not prepared to commit the country to extending the Galicias contract at a cost of over $200 million, without a tendering process. He also said the Galicias abrupt departure in April had to to do with unresolved issues since 2014 under the then Peoples Partnership government.

Sinanan referred to a letter from Inter-Continental Shipping Limited, brokers for the Galicia, to support this statement. Sinanan also said the Cabo Star cargo vessel cost less than the Galicia. The Transport Minister said Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley may have more information to support his comment about something being crooked in the procurement of the Ocean Flower 2. He said he awaited the findings of all investigations into this matter. Sinanan supported his Cabinet colleague Fitzgerald Hinds defence of Sahadeo.
Hinds defends Christine

This, as Hinds appeared before the Land and Physical Infrastructure Joint Select Committee (JSC) at Tower D of the Port-of- Spain International Waterfront Centre. As he confirmed receipt of a letter from former acting Port CEO Leon Grant complaining about Sahadeos conduct, Hinds disclosed, I received complaints from her about other persons. Hinds said it became clear to him from the various pieces of correspondence that bacchanal and confusion and egos were causing friction between the board and the management. The minister said it was also clear to him that Sahadeo did nothing irregular in pursuance of her responsibilities of her duties as chairman.

He said his focus was to encourage all stakeholders to work in the countrys best interest
Moroccan authorities in coordination with Spanish counterparts dismantled a terrorist cell comprising five Moroccans and a Spaniard loyal to IS.

The Moroccan Interior Ministry explained in a statement that the terrorist cell was busted by Moroccos counterterrorism agency, the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (BCIJ), in the area of Beni Chiker in Nadors suburbs.

The Spanish member of the cell was arrested in the Spanish occupied city of Melillia along with an accomplice with ties to the disbanded terrorist cell, the statement explained.

Investigations reveal that the cell was active in recruiting terrorists from Morocco and Spain to the ranks of IS, the statement said.

Members of the cell used to hold secret meetings and physical training in preparation for eventual knife attacks, the interior ministry said, adding that they plotted to perpetrate terrorist attacks in Morocco and Spain.

The dismantling of this cell is part of Moroccos pro-active anti-terrorism approach. It also comes in a context marked by the exacerbation of the terrorist threat in Spain and Morocco as the IS group endures setbacks in its Iraq and Syria strongholds pushing it to export terrorist attacks elsewhere.

Since its creation in 2015, the BCIJ arrested 693 suspected terrorists and dismantled 46 terrorist cells, including 41 loyal to IS. 81 foreign fighters with IS in Syria, Iraq and Libya were arrested upon their return to Morocco and 42 suspected terrorists were extradited to Morocco by other states.
Southlake Mall in Hobart will no longer allow teenagers under 17 without adult supervision on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Any teens 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. One adult can accompany up to six teens.

This new policy goes into effect this Friday.

We want to thank everyone  our mayor, the Hobart Police Department and community leaders  for their time and input over the last few months as we put this program together, said Kristi Jackson, Southlake Malls marketing director. Were pleased we have this policy in place so the community can enjoy a family friendly, pleasant shopping experience at Southlake Mall.

Southlake's new policy was not specifically prompted by any recent occurrences, Jackson said.

"No negative incident or incidents with or without teens affected the decision to roll out the new policy at this time," she said. "We are actually just being proactive and wanting to create an even better enjoyable family-friendly environment for our shoppers."

The policy does not affect AMC Showplace Hobart 12 or teens who work at the mall, who will have to show a valid ID and proof of employment to get to work during policy hours.

Mall security will be posted at doors at entrances starting at 4 p.m. They will pass out copies of the policy and ask shoppers to show proof of ID, which can include drivers licenses, military ID, state identification card, passport or visa

Starting on Thursday, the super-regional mall at U.S. 30 and Mississippi Street will start posting signs advising shoppers about the new policy.

"Southlakes management team reviewed and incorporated best practices from similar mall programs around the country," the mall said in a statement.

More than 100 malls across the country have implemented restrictions on teens, typically during Friday and Saturday nights, according to The International Council of Shopping Centers trade association. Shopping centers including the Mall of America, the St. Louis Outlet Mall and the East Towne and West Towne Malls in Madison, Wisconsin, have adopted curfews or supervision requirements after incidents of unruly behavior to make adult shoppers feel more comfortable.

Hobart Police Department spokesman Lt. James Gonzales said parents should be aware they can no longer just drop their kids off at the mall and leave them there unsupervised on Friday and Saturday nights.

Though there's been no recent uptick in arrests or problems reported to police instead of handled internally by mall security, teens have caused issues at the shopping mall over the years such as minor skirmishes, he said.

"It's a myriad of things," he said. "They've caused minor disturbances, such as running around, being obnoxious or loud, or loitering. ... Starwood, the mall's management company, has implemented the policy elsewhere in the country."

One of the most common crimes at the mall, shoplifting, is not just the province of teens though.

"In my experience, shoplifting is done by both juveniles and adults," he said.
INDIANAPOLIS  The Indiana Court of Appeals has declined to reduce the 110-year prison term issued to Mark A. Williams for stabbing a Gary couple to death in 2013.

Williams, 47, last year pleaded guilty but mentally ill to two counts of murder while perpetrating a robbery for his role in deaths of Leviticus Dupree, 62, and Toshiba R. Moore-Dupree, 54, at their home in the 2500 block of Delaware Street.

According to court records, Williams was on parole for a 1996 manslaughter conviction when he used a knife to repeatedly stab the Duprees, who were family friends, while trying to steal their shotgun.

Williams argued in his appeal that his prison sentence was determined improperly as well as inappropriately lengthy, given the nature of the offense and his character.

In its 3-0 decision, the appellate court rejected Williams' claims and concluded that consecutive 55-year sentences were justified because "Williams has demonstrated his inability to live among society."

"It is clear that Williams requires the structure of incarceration to maintain his mental health treatment and sobriety," the court said.

"He has now taken the lives of three individuals  at least two of whom considered him to be family. We cannot say that his aggregate 110-year sentence is inappropriate."

Williams still can request that the Indiana Supreme Court review the appellate ruling.
CEDAR LAKE  At Jane Ball Elementary School Principal Ryan Eckart is known to his students as the principal with the colorful shoes and stylish wardrobe, but hes also known as the guy who just might make your day.

An avid Twitter user, Eckart found a nationwide movement on Twitter that recognizes students who do great things, or simply deserve recognition for their good behavior, or for making good choices. Another avid Twitter principal in Minnesota first came up with the idea and went on to challenge principals across the country to implement the, #GoodNewsCalloftheDay, program in their schools. Never one to pass up a great Twitter idea or a good challenge, it took Principal Eckart about 30 seconds to know this was something he wanted to do. The benefits are obvious.

So many students at Jane Ball do so many great things. Recognizing that encourages them to continue to do so and encourages others to follow their example, Eckart said.

Once a day, Eckart selects a student who has been either nominated by their teacher, or a student he has observed during his daily rounds of classrooms and hallways and offers them a bright red bracelet imprinted with #myjblions on one side and #GoodNewsCallof theDay, on the other. The student then calls his or her parent/guardian from the phone in Eckarts office and lets them know they have been selected and why.

Ten parents have received the call so far this year. Calls can come at any time of the day and are as exciting for parents to receive as they are for students to make. We want kids to make good choices and when they do, its important and fun to recognize them, Eckart said.

Not everyone in the school is aware of the #GoodNewsCalloftheDay, initiative, but Eckart is looking forward to December when the number of students wearing the bracelets will reach 100.
EAST CHICAGO  Government officials said theyre working to resolve data and reporting issues that resulted in the confined disposal facility being inaccurately listed on an EPA website for some wastewater violations during the past two years.

However, community activists said data and reporting issues remain a reason for concern and threaten to erode their trust in public officials, whom they rely on to accurately inform them of the risks posed by the storage of toxic sediments from the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal at the facility at 3500 Indianapolis Blvd.

Community members for months have been fighting the Army Corps of Engineers application for a permit under the Toxic Substances Control Act to store sediments containing higher levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBS, than previously allowed. More than 1 million cubic yards of sediment has been removed from the harbor and canal since 2012 and stored at the confined disposal facility.

The inaccurately reported violations appear on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Enforcement and Compliance History Online website.

Activists support dredging, but have raised concerns that the current plan doesnt go far enough to adequately protect public health. Theyre also opposed to the Army Corps' current proposal to store the most heavily contaminated sediments at the confined disposal facility, which is less than a half mile from several East Chicago schools.

Trust at stake

Natalie Mills, project manager with the Army Corps, said the confined disposal facility is safe and well-operated and that the Army Corps is committed to operating the facility in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

USACE works with IDEM to ensure that the wastewater treatment plant is operating safely, Mills said. Additional details on the plant operation have been provided to IDEM, who has concurred that the wastewater treatment plant operation is satisfactory.

Thomas Frank, an East Chicago resident and environmental activist, said the community has questioned EPA about the information on its website and were told the system needs to be fixed.

We want to have confidence in those who are handling the data and the information and that what theyre reporting out is real and reflective of the situation, he said.

EPAs ECHO website continues to show the inaccurate information, he said.

We cant have confidence if the only way we can have a true reflection of the risk is in a backroom discussion, he said. It doesnt give me confidence. I want to make sure its public and their public face is telling me what risks we face.

EPA did not respond to questions about community activists' criticisms.

According to EPA, Indiana Department of Environmental Management inspectors visited the confined disposal facility in June 2016 in response to reported violations.

The violations were reported by an Army Corps contractor hired to operate a wastewater treatment plant at the site, officials said. Wastewater from the confined disposal facility flows into the Lake George Branch of the Indiana Harbor Canal, records show.

IDEM inspectors noted violations related to reported values of PCBs, hexavalent chromium and benzo(a)pyrene, a probable human carcinogen and member of a group of chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, according to an IDEM violation letter.

Inspectors also found the facility was using a nonapproved method to test for pH and exceeded a maximum limit for zinc.

The facility was in significant noncompliance at that time for total suspended solids violations, EPA said.

Miscalculations, insufficient testing

There have been no total suspended solids effluent violations since April 2016," EPA said. "The only continuing effluent violations after that time are for pH violations that occurred through August 2016.

The Army Corps said "exceedances" for PCBs and hexavalent chromium resulted from incorrect calculation of monthly average values in discharge monitoring reports. A review of data showed a laboratory was not using a sufficiently sensitive analytical method to measure benzo(a)pyrene, said Mills, the project manager.

No detectable levels of PCBs or hexavalent chromium were found in the wastewater, and the Army Corps has taken steps to ensure monitoring reports and testing methods comply with its wastewater permit, Mills said.

A galvanized metal spigot cause the zinc exceedances, and algal blooms were to blame for the pH issues, according to the Army Corps' response to IDEM's violation letter.

Samuel Henderson, an attorney with the Hoosier Environmental Council, said improper testing is a serious matter.

"Even without the (Toxic Substances Control Act) permit that the Corps is now seeking, the gigantic pile of contaminated mud in the CDF poses a very substantial risk to a very vulnerable community," Henderson said. "East Chicago is already bearing heavy burdens of present and historical contamination. The fact that the Carrie Gosch school was relocated from the Superfund site to just down the block from the CDF is Exhibit A of how these burdens pile onto each other."

The Army Corps' permit application remains pending, according to IDEM and EPA.

IDEM has heard and understands the concerns raised about the inclusion of (Toxic Substances Control Act) waste in the CDF and is carefully considering all potential options, the department said.
The Times dedicated space to labor in its Sunday issue, a welcome effort. The voices included, however, do not represent all the voices critical to labors future.

The vast majority of workers today are nonunion, female and people of color, including immigrants, youth and the unemployed.

The first Monday in September is, in fact, just one of two labor days. The American Federation of Labor set up the September celebration to oppose the class struggle that gave us labors international holiday: May 1. On May 1, 1886, workers across the United States went on strike nationwide for the eight-hour day and unions representation. It was the first national action by workers.

They were met by repression. Workers were killed. Following the subsequent protest at Haymarket Square in Chicago, labors leaders were framed for the violence caused by an unknown bomber and police attacks. May 1 is commemorated all over the world. Labors slogan, An injury to one is an injury to all, explains solidarity.

In 2017, workers have little to celebrate, much to commemorate but even more to protest. Here in Northwest Indiana, that is certainly the case. We have a state law prohibiting any local effort to raise the minimum wage. We have a right-to-work union-busting law and a prohibition statewide of sanctuary cities. Womens rights to reproductive care have been slashed to the bone. Unemployment among youth in Gary hovers close to 40 percent. Yet a $45 million building went up at IUN in Gary without hiring Gary workers. Drive up and down Broadway and count the number of African American construction workers in a city that is overwhelmingly black.

Working people in East Chicago have been repeatedly poisoned by lead, arsenic and PCBs in water, soil and air. The resistance has been powerful, but where are unions in the protest to block the permit that would allow further dumping of PCBs within a half mile of schools?

It was labor in the 19th century that fought for public education. But with the exception of teachers unions, where is organized labor in the struggle to stop the privatization of our schools?

What we can celebrate, though, is the increased activism in Northwest Indiana: the defeat a year ago of a GEO private immigrant prison in Hobart and then Gary; the push to pass Welcoming City ordinances (Gary and East Chicago have done so); efforts to protest the deportations at the Gary airport; community resistance in East Chicago to contamination and forced relocation; and the long-term struggle for local hiring throughout the Region. Unfortunately, organized labor has had little presence in these struggles.

It is critical for labor to stand united with working-class communities, immigrants, youth, workers of color and women who for so long have been some of the hardest workers, strongest union supporters and some of the least protected and compensated.

As John L. Lewis, founding leader of the Congress for Industrial Organization, said in 1937, Raise the valleys, and the mountains will also rise.
Editor's note: This is part of an ongoing series of guest columns about the Southlake YMCA and its upcoming $35 million transformation to the Crown Point facility.

Kids have headed back to school, and 700 of them are fresh out of the Southlake Ys 10-week summer camp. The friendships and newfound skills from camp boost them into the new school year.

Under the watchful eyes of summer camp staff, kids are encouraged to explore new interests, friendships and the outdoors. Over the summer, their confidence grows, and once-shy children come out of their shells. According to Lisa Dudek, her 6-year-old son Dominic had a meaningful experience at camp.

Being around other kids all summer really helped him develop socially, she said. His teachers have already noticed that he is more confident. He is definitely coming back next summer.

According to Y staff, Dominics experience is typical among campers, and many of them return to camp year after year.

Camp is offered five days a week, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The extended hours make camp an important resource for parents who need quality child care during the summer. The programming includes a variety of activities. A carnival day and a visit by the Clydesdale horses were highlights this summer.

There is something fun and different all of the time, said Sarah Johnson, Southlake YMCA youth and family coordinator.

Adventure Camp participants took field trips to destinations such as Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center in Olympia Fields, Illinois, Barker Mansion in Michigan City and Fair Oaks Farms. Campers rode horses at Forest View Farms in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Forty kids in the Junior Leaders Camp focused on community connections and service. They cared for animals at the Humane Society Calumet Area in Munster and interacted with elderly adults at Caring Hearts Adult Day Services in Portage. Campers traveled to the the Federal Reserve Money Museum in Chicago, where they enjoyed posing for photos next to $1 million in cash.

Summer camp also means a lot to the camp staff, many of whom return each summer. Chris Myers marked her 10th year as a summer staff member this year.

Paige Dougherty is a sophomore majoring in elementary education at Indiana University in Bloomington. She has spent many summers at the Southlake Y, both as a camper and as a staff member.

I really like what the YMCA is about and the values they instill in the kids," Dougherty said.

Dougherty remembers fun and friends during her childhood summers at the Y. For the past two years, she has been working to create that same experience for other youngsters.

Its awesome to see the kids learning and growing together year after year, Dougherty said. Seeing the kids blossom makes my heart so happy.

Now Dougherty is back on her college campus, but she knows where shell be next summer.

Ive already started planning our field trips and crafts, she said. Im ready.

For information on the YMCA go to www.crymca.org/southlakeycampaign.
Illegally subsidized steel imports slamming like waves into our nation's ports are bad for American industry.

Nowhere is this more keenly felt than Northwest Indiana, which has evolved into the United States' key steel producing region but struggles to compete with an unfair glut of foreign steel.

It's also clear any threat to our steel industry is more than just a threat to our Region's economy. It also imperils national security by harming an industrial sector key to our ability to produce naval vessels and other material essential to our military defenses.

For all of these reasons, President Donald Trump should pay careful attention to a letter recently sent to him by our nation's leading steel producers.

Executives from 25 of those companies, including ArcelorMittal and U.S. Steel, recently signed a letter encouraging Trump to "take broad and decisive action to ensure the ability of the domestic steel industry to supply our nation's defense and critical infrastructure needs."

Their plea is for federal leaders to use tariffs on foreign steel to battle against steel "dumping," the practice of flooding our markets with surplus steel from other nations.

China has been among the worst offenders in recent years, and our nation should be doing all it can to level the playing field for our own domestic companies  and national security interests.

Trump's administration is investigating the potential impact on national security, and we commend that.

But the president and his advisers should take care not to soften how they approach this issue.

Steel imports have caused thousands of steelworker layoffs, including Region jobs, in recent years. Despite previous tariffs, imports are up 22 percent so far this year and have a near-record U.S. market share.

The president campaigned on the need to preserve steelworker jobs. It's now time to act.
Teacher Calvin Hobbs works with students at African-centered Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology in Detroit. Photo: AP

Several months ago, David Leonhardt wrote a column in the New York Times summarizing evidence of the striking success public charter schools have had in providing better educations for urban children. Many charters have flourished, especially in places where traditional schools have struggled, he wrote. This evidence comes from top academic researchers, studying a variety of places, including Washington, Boston, Denver, New Orleans, New York, Florida and Texas. The anecdotes about failed charters are real, but theyre not the norm.

The most striking thing about the coverage of charter schools is the contrast between the tone of data journalism and narrative journalism. In the New York Times, readers of the the Upshot, its data site, have absorbed a story of a movement producing clear successes. A consistent pattern has emerged from this research, wrote University of Michigan professor of education, public policy, and economics Sue Dynarski in 2015. In urban areas, where students are overwhelmingly low-achieving, poor and nonwhite, charter schools tend to do better than other public schools in improving student achievement.

There are important caveats. For one, charter schools in suburbs have not produced measurable improvement. For another, there is a high level of state-by-state variation. The most successful charter systems tend to be highly regulated, with controls to require high-quality operators and close down low-performing schools. Systems that rely on the market entirely tend to perform much worse. The best charters tend to be nonprofit public schools, open to all and accountable to public authorities, concluded Kevin Carey earlier this year. The less private that school choice programs are, the better they seem to work.

But it is the anecdotes, not the data, that command the largest and most prestigious real estate in the Times. And the anecdotes tell a very different story. A prominent front-page Times report on Michigans charter-school experiment last summer concluded, Michigan leapt at the promise of charter schools 23 years ago, betting big that choice and competition would improve public schools. It got competition, and chaos. The Times Magazine has a new story again recounting the Michigan charter experiment and again reporting the same dismal conclusion.

The anecdotes, as Leonhardt conceded, are true. Michigan really does have one of the worst-run charter sectors anywhere in America. DeVoss fanatical devotion to a deregulated charters system, along with her unstinting support for private-school vouchers  a proven failure, as the data journalists have told us  is an important policy story. (Private-school vouchers are often confused with public charters, but they are not the same thing. Charter schools, unlike private schools, are secular, publicly run, cannot charge tuition, and cannot control their admissions except by random lottery. The fact that charters use lotteries for admission allows researchers to directly compare students who win admission with those who dont. My wife is an education-policy analyst who believes enough in the potential of charter schools to help urban students that she now works for one.)

The headline on the Times Magazine story offers a bold and compelling claim to its readers: Michigan Gambled on Charter Schools. Its Children Lost. The dek, or smaller headline below the main headline, unspools a lengthier and less bold thesis: Free-market boosters, including Betsy DeVos, promised that a radical expansion of charter schools would fix the stark inequalities in the states education system. The results in the classrooms are far more complicated. Note that the thesis has been ratcheted way back, from children lost to the plan failing to fix problems (and even here the result has been upgraded to far more complicated).

And then, more than 5,000 words into the story, which depicts the charter experiment in Michigan as a catastrophe, we encounter this passage: More than half of Detroit students already attend charter schools, and studies have found these schools, on average, to be either as poorly performing or only marginally better than the public schools long called a national disgrace. Readers paying very close attention to the language will note that as poorly performing or only marginally better is another way of saying as good as or better. So a story about a cataclysmic failure is basically a story of small progress. Disappointingly small progress, to be sure. But not a change that made things worse for students.

The story refers to a study of Detroits charter system by Education Trust-Midwest, a highly respected think tank. The unmistakable thrust of its analysis is that the problem with Michigan lies in the deregulated quality of its schools, not its decision to allow charters at all. That is what makes Michigans failure so striking: A well-run charter system would be producing huge gains, not minuscule ones. As an Education Trust-Midwest study argues, In a leading education state like Massachusetts, serious charter sector accountability has proven to be a huge difference in providing dramatically better educational outcomes.

The Times story does detail the operational decisions that have made Michigan a disappointment. But it omits evidence that well-run charters have a proven track record. Indeed, the story leaves readers with the distinct impression that Michigan is some kind of positive model, the failure of which disproves the entire concept. The ultimate proof-of-concept for charter-school advocates in Michigan has been Detroit, the story asserts at one point. Michigan has become a symbol  and, for some, a cautionary tale  of a movement gone astray, it states at another. The data actually tell us that Michigan is just the opposite: not a symbol of a movement gone astray, but an outlier of a movement that is performing extremely well.
Heitkamp isnt a hard no, which may be the best Trump can do. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A Democratic senator has figured out how to ward off the worst of President Trumps bipartisan attacks on members of Congress  for now, at least.

Senator Heidi Heitkamp will become the first Democratic lawmaker to fly with Trump on Air Force One on Wednesday when she accompanies him to her home state of North Dakota. Trump is hoping to woo Heitkamp into supporting his tax-reform plan, and the White House is plugging her presence as the first sign of bipartisan support for overhauling the tax code.

But Heitkamp hasnt actually backed Trumps tax-reform plan. She told reporters shes against some rumored proposals, like taxing 401(k) plans, but shes been in touch with administration officials and wants to hear more.

Weve always said that were interested in tax reform, Heitkamp said. I continue to be curious about what the actual plan is.

Many share that curiosity, since Trump doesnt have a detailed reform plan. He does have a strategy to pass off tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy as populist, and during Wednesdays speech at the Andeavor oil refinery in Mandan, hell call on Democrats to get onboard.

Both of the Reagan tax cuts were passed by a Democratic majority in the House, a Democratic speaker, and the vast majority of Democrats in the Senate, including a Democratic senator from the great state of North Dakota, Trump plans to say, according to his prepared remarks. If Democrats continue their obstruction  if they dont want to bring back your jobs, raise your pay, and help America win  voters should deliver a clear message: Do your job to deliver for America or find a new job.

Trump carried North Dakota by 36 points, so Heitkamp is smart to maintain a friendly but noncommittal approach to Trump. During his first event to promote tax reform in Missouri last week, Trump attacked Claire McCaskill, the states Democratic senator, telling supporters they must vote her out of office if she fails to get behind his plan. Democrats probably wont be thrilled about Heitkamp standing next to Trump as he threatens their jobs, but theyre likely to be forgiving.
Photo: Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Most weeks, New York Magazine writer-at-large Frank Rich speaks with contributor Alex Carp about the biggest stories in politics and culture. Today: Donald Trumps DACA decision, North Koreas nuclear ambitions, and Harvey recovery.

Administration officials worry that President Trump, reportedly looking for a way out of making a tough decision on DACA by kicking it to Congress, might not fully grasp what the end of the program could bring. This Congress has so far failed at all attempts to pass major legislation  is there a chance they can fix the program on Trumps six-month deadline?

Trumps way out on DACA was to send it to the Dead Letter Office, otherwise known as the GOP-majority Congress, which couldnt even deliver on its signature seven-year-plus crusade to repeal and replace Obamacare. Trumps additional way out was to delegate the public announcement of his egregious decision to Jeff Sessions, who then refused to take questions from the press. Our president knows one meaning of the word pussy. His own cowardice exemplifies another.

The Times reported that aides have portrayed [DACA] as a difficult emotional decision for the president. No doubt aides worked hard to portray it that way, but that hardly means Trump actually felt that way. He no more grasps DACA than any other issue that intrudes on his Fox News binge-watching in the White House. But apparently the political crisis his decision created  as measured by polls, demonstrations, corporate outrage, and (selective) opposition in his own party  dawned on him late yesterday when he tweeted that he might revisit the issue in six months. That he thinks a 140-character stab at damage control could contain this fiasco is yet another example of the bubble of ignorance and self-delusion he lives in.

Trumps talk about having great heart and love for the Dreamers is equally bogus. His attitude toward immigrants, as measured by his actions, is uniformly bigoted: the pardoning of former sheriff Joe Arpaio, the brutal Bull Connor of xenophobia, was the policy prelude to this week. Sessions was the perfect mouthpiece for ending DACA because of his own past abetting Jim Crow as a U.S. Attorney in the same state where Connor reigned, Alabama, in the 1980s  a past he slipped away from during his confirmation hearings. Yesterday Sessions condemned DACA as an unconstitutional exercise of authority. Its not. But Sessionss language is a throwback to the invocations of unconstitutionality that Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan used to try to derail the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (A similar argument tripped up Rand Paul in his ill-fated presidential campaign.)

Jennifer Rubin, arguably the most rousing of the conservative Republican pundits turned anti-Trumpers, put it this way in the Washington Post this week: The party of Lincoln has become the party of Charlottesville, Arpaio, DACA repeal and the Muslim ban. Embodying the very worst sentiments and driven by irrational anger, it deserves not defense but extinction. My only quarrel would be with the words has become  the GOP has been this party for some time, the fruits of the Southern strategy hatched by Richard Nixon in the late 1960s. Lets not forget that it was Reagan who launched his 1980 presidential campaign by speaking on behalf of states rights near Philadelphia, Mississippi, where civil-rights workers had been slaughtered in 1964  and who nominated Sessions to the Federal bench in 1986.

The only way DACA can be saved now is if Republicans in Congress have the guts to do so  and do so on top of their mountain of unfinished business (passing a budget, extending the debt ceiling, Harvey relief, etc. etc.). The odds hardly look great, and Trump hasnt even specified what DACA bill he would sign. Meanwhile, the White Houses larger war on undocumented immigrants, sanctuary cities, and the rest, besides being a moral and humanitarian scourge, is also going to create practical havoc in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. As one undocumented immigrant in Houston, a carpenter from El Salvador named Samuel Enriquez, told the Post this week: If they deport all of us, who will rebuild? We do more for less. According to the Pew Research Center, the Houston metropolitan area has the third-largest undocumented population in the U.S. (575,000) closely followed by the area now in the path of Hurricane Irma, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Palm Beach County (450,000). More than a quarter of all government-paid recovery jobs after Hurricane Katrina went to illegal immigrants, according to the Post. Good luck rebuilding Houston and possibly southern Florida during a Trump administration.

After its test last weekend, North Korea has seemingly joined the worlds thermonuclear club, unchastened by Trumps threats and the red line warnings hes posted on Twitter. Where does this escalation end?

I dont know and neither does anyone else. In Kim Jong-un, we are dealing with a madman even more frightening than our own. Ours has no plan whatsoever, as manifested by his choosing this moment to threaten a trade war with South Korea, the ally we need most in the region. As for Trumps threats to North Korea, they are fire and fury signifying nothing and accomplishing nothing beyond spending down whatever credibility abroad he has left. This weeks tweeted threat that the U.S. might stop all trade with any country doing business with North Korea was embarrassingly stupid or ignorant (your pick) given that among those who do business with North Korea are Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Americas own biggest trading partner, China. The world economy would go into a tailspin.

That the Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin, was the public spokesman for that limp threat is another indication of what a useless tool he is. He will be no better at squiring this years impending economic legislation  tax reform (a.k.a. tax cuts) and managing the debt ceiling are both in his charge  than he is at managing his wife Louise Lintons Instagram account. What mainly seems to be standing between Trump and a Korean apocalypse are his secretary of Defense, Jim Mattis, and his chief of staff, John Kelly. When and if they bolt, the fallout on America, literal or figurative, could be severe.

It took Trump two trips to Texas to meet any Hurricane Harvey survivors, his EPA responded to criticism of recovery efforts by attacking an AP reporter by name, and a notoriously anti-bureaucracy state is now in dire need of federal aid. What will be the lasting legacy of this storm?

The lasting irony will be that it occurred when an American president and the collaborators in his party were engaged in full-scale climate-change denial, turning that toxic ignorance into actual governmental policy, as exemplified by the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris accord. Harveys lasting legacy will be that it proved the hypocrisy of Texas Republicans, led by Ted Cruz, who refused to support disaster relief for the victims of Hurricane Sandy but now want the Treasury to open the spigots for their own state. This hypocrisy may soon have a second wave if Irma should devastate Puerto Rico and Florida.

If the storm does strike Palm Beach, no doubt Trump will follow Joel Osteens Christian example and open Mar-a-Lago to displaced storm victims only if shamed into it. And maybe not even then. Theres no reason to believe that he has written or ever will write that $1 million personal check he pledged to aid the displaced in Houston. Given that he judged the families he met at a Hurricane Harvey shelter as happy, Trump may regard his visit to Texas as reward enough.
Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Hillary Clinton still isnt feeling the Bern (or, still is, depending on how one interprets that phrase). In her upcoming tell-all on her presidential campaign, What Happened, Clinton details her frustrations with her old primary rival. This week, word of those complaints reached social media, forcing Hillarybots and Bernie Bros to mount yet another dreary reenactment of blue Americas most recent civil war.

In the leaked excerpts, Clinton argues that because she and Bernie Sanders agreed so much on policy, the Vermont senator resorted to innuendo and impugning my character. Specifically, Clinton suggests that Sanders tried to undermine the credibility of her progressive positions, by drawing attention to how much money she had accepted from Wall Street and corporate America. She then argues that such attacks made it harder to unify progressives and paved the way for Trumps Crooked Hillary campaign. (She also takes exception to Sanderss refusal to identify as a Democrat.)

Theres a kernel of truth to this argument. At various points in his campaign, Sanders suggested that his rivals word could not be trusted because she was beholden to special interest money. But such arguments were hardly beyond the pale of primary politics. And their logic tracked with that underlying Clintons own critique of Citizens United: that the reason corporations invest in politicians is because they get a return.

Nonetheless, some of these attacks were gratuitous, coming after delegate math all but ensured that Clinton would be the nominee. And by undermining Clintons credibility, Sanders did make it more difficult to convince his supporters that her subsequent concessions to the left were sincere. By the end of his campaign, Sanders had successfully pressured Clinton into embracing free public college for working-class students and a public option for health insurance. But none of that mattered much to those Sandernistas who believed Clintons true intentions were hidden in secret speeches to Goldman Sachs.

Further, theres little question that Sanderss narrative dovetailed nicely with Trumps  both advanced a story that painted Clinton as the representative of an unaccountable elite. In Sanderss tale, that elite was a Democratic Establishment that had grown too comfortable with both big-dollar donors and the suffering of the working poor; in Trumps, it was a cabal of globalists who were hell-bent on giving Americas jobs to China and the lives of its young women to homicidal illegals. By November, an aura of corruption clung to the Democratic nominee, distracting from her message, undermining her attacks on Trumps character, and sapping enthusiasm for her candidacy. On Election Day, Clintons untrustworthy numbers rivaled those of the pathological liar she ran against.

Still, it would be difficult to argue that Sanders is primarily responsible for those facts. The socialist senator did not force Clinton to spend the lead-up to her 2016 campaign collecting a small fortune in speaking fees from widely reviled Wall Street banks. When Clinton accepted those gigs, she knew that she was the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, and that voters resented the influence of corporate money over their political leaders (let alone, the influence of Wall Street money). Nevertheless, she buckraked.

In truth, Republicans never needed Bernie Sanderss help to paint Clinton as corrupt. There are GOP operatives with more than a quarter-century of experience in demonizing the Clintons  and with her private email server and family foundation, the Democratic standard-bearer gave those goons plenty to work with. Months before Sanders launched his candidacy, Steve Bannon had already placed the opening chapter of the Crooked Hillary saga into the pages of the New York Times.

Clinton may resent the way Sanders buttressed that narrative. But she knows that there is nothing unusual about a primary challenger aiding the other partys cause: In 2008, she explicitly endorsed the GOP nominees case against Obama, saying, Senator John McCain has a lifetime of experience that hed bring to the White House. And Senator Obama has a speech he gave in 2002.

The Sanders campaign landed a few body blows, but it also pulled no small number of punches. The Vermont senator declined to make what, in hindsight, may have been the strongest argument against Clintons candidacy  that nominating someone who is under an active FBI investigation is an unwise thing for a political party to do, no matter the merits of said investigation. Ultimately, Sanders shepherded the lions share of his voters into Clintons camp: In 2008, 25 percent of Clinton voters defected to the GOP nominee; in 2016, only 12 percent of Sanders voters did the same.

Whether it was more irresponsible for Clinton to court Wall Street speaking fees when she knew that she was probably going to be the only thing standing between the White House and a radically reactionary GOP  or for Sanders to give her such a hard time about those speaking fees, while knowing the same thing  has few implications for the Democratic Partys future.

But Clintons other critique of Sanders just might. While Clinton claims that she and her primary opponent barely disagreed on policy, she also maintains that Sanderss agenda was as asinine and unrealistic as a pitch for four minute abs  and likens his call for social democratic programs enacted by other Western democracies (single-payer health care, free public college) with a demand for the U.S. to guarantee all of its citizens a Universal Basic Pony:

Jake Sullivan, my top policy advisor, told me it reminded him of a scene from the 1998 movie Theres Something About Mary. A deranged hitchhiker says hes come up with a brilliant plan. Instead of the famous eight-minute abs exercise routine, hes going to market seven-minute abs. Its the same, just quicker. Then the driver, played by Ben Stiller, says, Well, why not six-minute abs? Thats what it was like in policy debates with Bernie. We would propose a bold infrastructure investment plan or an ambitious new apprenticeship program for young people, and then Bernie would announce basically the same thing, but bigger. On issue after issue, it was like he kept proposing four-minute abs, or even no-minute abs. Magic abs!

Someone sent me a Facebook post that summed up the dynamic in which we were caught.

Bernie: I think America should get a pony. Hillary: How will you pay for the pony? Where will the pony come from? How will you get Congress to agree to the pony? Bernie: Hillary thinks America doesnt deserve a pony. Bernie Supporters: Hillary hates ponies! Hillary: Actually, I love ponies. Bernie Supporters: She changed her position on ponies! #WhichHillary#WitchHillary Headline: Hillary Refuses To Give Every American a Pony. Debate Moderator: Hillary, how do you feel when people say you lie about ponies?

This argument is uncompelling (and not just because it betrays a misunderstanding of that scene in Theres Something About Mary).

Its certainly true that Sanderss signature proposals stood little chance of passing the Congress he would have inherited. But the same can be said for most of Clintons platform. The Democratic nominee promised that she would allow federal funds to be spent on abortion services; reform labor law to make it easier for workers to form unions; and overturn Citizens United. Opposition to that first proposal is deep and bipartisan. Support for the second is largely limited to Democrats from states where organized labor has a foothold  a fact that has long-doomed labor reform efforts in the Senate. And that last promise is genuine magic abs territory, given that no president can promise, in good faith, that she will be able to dictate future Supreme Court decisions.

These are hardly the only politically untenable promises Clinton made in 2016. Given how badly the House is gerrymandered in conservatives favor, almost nothing on her issues page met the test of near-term viability. But instead of centering her campaign on a proposal to expand tax credits for job training (or whatever else she could plausibly get Paul Ryan to sign onto), Clinton ran on an aspirational platform, using policy to tell a story about what her party wanted to do for voters  not what it actually, realistically could do, in a four-year time horizon.

And theres nothing wrong with that.

Campaigning on long-term ideological goals is both legitimate and electorally sound. To champion policies that have little chance of immediate passage is not an inherently cynical exercise. In fact, its often a prerequisite for major reforms. In the late 19th century, when both political parties were still committed to laissez-faire, William Jennings Bryan planted the seeds of the Progressive and New Deal eras by campaigning on calls for the legalization of strikes, regulation of Wall Street, and the formation of a central bank. In 1980, Ronald Reagan campaigned on a more ambitious vision for overhauling the American welfare state than he was able to execute while in office. But by spreading the gospel of small government, he helped create a political universe where a Democratic president would end welfare as we know it.

Today, it is impossible for Democrats to offer credible solutions to our nations challenges while staying within the bounds of near-term political possibility. Despite the Obama administrations redistributive reforms, the wealthiest people in the United States continue to hoard obscene shares of our national wealth and income. Americas extraordinary inequality doesnt just mock popular intuitions about economic fairness, erode social trust, undermine social mobility, and give idiosyncratic billionaires unprecedented influence over politics  it has also left us with historically weak growth in GDP and productivity. Meanwhile, the accelerating progress of climate change poses an existential threat to all human civilization. Democratic candidates will be unable to begin popularizing the kinds of reforms that these crises demand if they restrict their 2020 platform to policies certain to withstand a Senate filibuster in 2021.

Insisting on 120-minute abs will also, probably, impede their ability to get elected. Clintons failure to energize critical parts of the Obama coalition can be linked to the success of the Crooked Hillary narrative. But it was also a product of her failure to articulate a vision of change that (less reliable) Democratic voters could believe in. According to data from Hart Research Associates, 90 percent of African-Americans believed that Barack Obamas policies would be good for people like me in 2012; just 62 percent said the same about Clinton in 2016. Among millennials, those figures were 57 and 38 percent, respectively. Its worth noting that these two demographics are disproportionately harmed by our economys inequalities  and that the fall-off in their support for the Democratic ticket in 2016 put Trump into the White House.

That decline in support can be attributed to many factors, but Clintons platform was too politically unrealistic isnt one of them.

In 2020, Democrats should offer voters a clear, ambitious vision for how they would like to improve their lives. That vision will need to be restricted to what appears viable with the electorate  but not to what appears tenable with the next Congress. Literally giving every American a pony is a bridge too far. But calling for universal access to health care, affordable housing, and a job, is a different story. Reasonable people can object to such an agenda. They cannot, however, insist that it is perfectly realistic to aspire to seven-minute abs  but that six-minute abs will never, ever come to pass.
Forget everything I just said. Photo: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images

At the very start of his campaign, Donald Trump deployed what proved to be a winning strategy: Making extreme statements on immigration, then immediately backtracking. When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best, Trump famously declared when announcing his candidacy. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists.

He quickly added: And some, I assume, are good people.

Trump has repeated this pattern again and again. A year ago, he claimed he would be extremely tough on immigration, vowing to immediately terminate President Obamas two illegal executive amnesties, in which he defied federal law and the constitution to give amnesty to approximately 5 million illegal immigrants. Then, just weeks after the election, he emphasized in several interviews that he has great compassion for Dreamers, those brought to the country illegally as minors. I do have a big heart. Were going to take care of everybody, Trump told ABC News in January, adding that Dreamers shouldnt be very worried.

On Tuesday, Trump performed his immigration flip again, and he did it in record time. After avoiding the issue for seven months, Trump was forced to make a decision on President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, apparently because his aides failed to explain that the deadline set by conservative state attorneys general wasnt real. Shortly after waking up, he laid the groundwork to blame Congress for failing to resolve his contradictory position of taking care of 800,000 Dreamers by kicking them out of the only country theyve ever known.

Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

Then, at 11 a.m., Trump sent out Attorney General Jeff Sessions to announce that he was ending the Obama Administrations executive amnesty policy because it is unlawful, and essentially provided a legal status to Dreamers and denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans (all of which is false or unproven).

Trump released a written statement, in which he said he would begin the orderly transition and wind-down of DACA, but provide a six-month window of opportunity for Congress to finally act. While he offered no details on how Congress should address the decades-old problem of immigration reform, he promised that it would be done with heart:

As Ive said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful Democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans.

Speaking to reporters in the late afternoon, Trump underscored that all those outraged by his DACA decision should direct their ire at Congress.

I have a great heart for the folks we are talking about, a great love for them, Trump said. I have a love for these people and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly.

Trump added that members of Congress told him they want to be able to do something and do it right. Over the course of the day, many expressed serious doubts that Congress can actually pass immigration reform, and Politico released a poll showing that only 15 percent of Americans are in favor of deporting Dreamers.

Late on Tuesday night, Trump showed just how great his heart is for the most sympathetic group of undocumented immigrants. He confirmed, as some had speculated, that if Congress fails to find a way to allow Dreamers to stay in the country, hell revisit the issue.

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

Trumps 140-characters of compassion for Dreamers may actually make their situation worse. There was a chance that the prospect of kicking out hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants with deep roots in America would have spurred Congress into taking a difficult immigration vote. But why would GOP lawmakers take the risk after Trump admitted that hes bluffing?

The president doesnt seem to understand that revisiting DACA in six months isnt as easy as flipping a switch. The Department of Homeland Security stopped accepting DACA applications as of Tuesday, so anyone who was planning to apply is already blocked from the program. Those whose DACA protections are set to expire before March 6 have a month to apply for one last renewal. All other DACA recipients are set to revert to unauthorized status on March 6.

That means for at least the next six months, DACA recipients will be living in a state of fear and anxiety, unsure of whether they need to start planning for the possibility of deportation. If Congress fails to act and Trump doesnt finish rethinking DACA by March 6, more than 275,000 people will lose their protections by the end of 2018.

Furthermore, its unclear how Trump could unilaterally declare DACA back on after his administration spent the day arguing that its illegal for the president to do so. In his statement, Sessions said that by enacting DACA, the Obama administration deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch.

Sessions went on to argue that if DACA were kept in place, it would be struck down by the courts:

Our collective wisdom is that the policy is vulnerable to the same legal and constitutional challenges that the courts recognized with respect to the DAPA program, which was enjoined on a nationwide basis in a decision affirmed by the Fifth Circuit.

The Fifth Circuit specifically concluded that DACA had not been implemented in a fashion that allowed sufficient discretion, and that DAPA was foreclosed by Congresss careful plan.

In other words, it was inconsistent with the Constitutions separation of powers. That decision was affirmed by the Supreme Court by an equally divided vote.

If we were to keep the Obama Administrations executive amnesty policy, the likeliest outcome is that it would be enjoined just as was DAPA.

That argument may not be legally sound, but tell that to the conservative state attorneys general who just bullied Trump into ending a program he was content to continue ignoring. It seems unlikely that theyll hold off on their court challenge just because Trump failed to make Congress solve the DACA problem for him.
Schumer and Trump negotiating. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

President Trump sided with congressional Democratic leaders Wednesday and struck a deal to raise the debt ceiling and fund the government through December 15. The measures will be attached to a bill providing nearly $8 billion in funding for communities hit by Hurricane Harvey.

In agreeing to the three-month debt-limit extension, Trump went against the wishes of his own Treasury secretary and congressional GOP leaders. CNN reports that Republicans initially wanted an 18-month increase, but eventually backed down to six months. After Democrats remained committed to the three-month hike, Trump agreed. Heres how one person briefed on the meeting described it to BuzzFeed.

McConnell, Ryan, McCarthy, and the Presidents own Treasury Secretary, [Steven] Mnuchin, all advocated for a longer debt limit extension than what Schumer and Pelosi called for. Basically everyone with an R behind their name, the source said. There was an expected standstill in the meeting on this point and the congressional leaders were basically going to agree to disagree, and then unexpectedly the president said basically lets just all agree and do three and three. Three month CR and three month debt limit with Harvey.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell explained Trumps eagerness to strike a deal after the meeting. His feeling was that we needed to come together to not create a picture of divisiveness at a time of genuine national crisis, McConnell said.

We had a very good meeting, Trump said on Air Force One on his way to an event in North Dakota. We essentially came to a deal and I think the deal will be very good.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, who was in the meeting, had previously called the idea of a three-month debt-ceiling extension ridiculous. After it was announced, other Republicans registered their complaints.

Utah senator Orrin Hatch said, Lets just say Im not supremely happy right now, while Nebraska senator Ben Sasse gave the deal a catchy name:
Photo: Erbin News/NurPhoto/Corbis via Getty Images

(Update: Daily Intel acquired a copy of the study, which you can download here. The below article provides context about the reason it was pulled offline in the first place.)

If theres one thing that should be clear to any American who is alive in the year 2017, its that there are profound limits to the United States ability to intervene, militarily or covertly, in other countries in a manner that is humane and productive. In fact, theres a long, sorry track record of such interventions making bad situations much, much worse.

The most salient example, of course, is the 2003 invasion and occupation of Iraq, which led to something like half a million deaths. And that figure probably understates the carnage: in the chaos that war unleashed so many people have died  from airstrikes, from suicide bombings, from execution at the hands of the out-of-control militias that ethnically cleansed parts of the country  that no one has anything close to an accurate body count. That war also led directly to ISISs rise, of course, which in turn caused another humanitarian nightmare and cost countless thousands of lives.

One would think, given this history, that most Americans would be receptive to arguments like It might feel good to run around the world, trying to prevent bad things from happening, but were not very good at it and should exhibit extreme caution before doing so. Alas, a sorry turn of events centering on the United States Holocaust Museum in DC, suggests that its still very difficult to make this argument in certain venues.

Because the Museum isnt just interested in the Holocaust, but in the question of why atrocities occur and how to prevent them more broadly, it commissioned a study on the hotly controversial question of whether the Obama administration could have done more to prevent the murder of Syrian civilians at the hands of Bashar al-Assad. At latest count, the regime has killed something like 60,000 citizens, hundreds of whom may have died in a series of massacres involving chemical weapons  attacks which crossed a red line Obama drew in 2012. But President Obama did not respond to militarily to the atrocity, nor did he aggressively arm opposition fighters hoping to topple Assad  a moment that looms large in many negative assessments of his presidency. If ever there was a point of crystal clear moral calculus requiring U.S. action, critics of Obamas decision have argued, its when a dictator is remorselessly murdering civilians with weapons of mass destruction. Sure, there are risks in acting  but isnt doing something, with its uncertainty, better than the awful passivity of doing nothing under such dire circumstances?

This is not an easy question to answer  thats why it has been raging for years. The hawkishly inclined, including center-left figures like John Kerry and Anne Marie Slaughter, have long claimed airstrikes against Assad and/or the establishment of no-fly zones and/or the arming of moderate rebels could have saved lives. Doves point out, among other objections, that the situation on the ground is so complicated that its often hard to discern the blurry boundaries between moderate rebel groups and those affiliated with al-Qaeda, ISIS, and other groups the US definitely doesnt want to fund.

As was revealed in an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg, Obama went through an agonizing process of trying to understand these competing arguments as he worked toward developing a policy that abided by the lessons of the Iraq war. Many in his administration, including Kerry, aggressively lobbied him to take a harder line on Assad, but Obama refused to relent  in part because of how poorly he thought the recent Libya intervention and its aftermath had gone. John, remember Vietnam? Obama said to Kerry at one point, according to Goldberg. Remember how that started? In the end, while the US did arm some moderate rebel groups (an unsuccessful program Trump ended in July), it took a much less active role than many members of the DC foreign-policy establishment, which from center-left to center-right is generally inclined toward interventionism, would have preferred.

All of which brings us to the Holocaust Museum study. It was commissioned explicitly as an attempt to step back and put this complicated, heated debate on a somewhat more rigorous footing. Tablet sums up its findings thusly:

According to a publicity email sent by the Museum, the study was set to be launched at an event at the US Institute for Peace in Washington, D.C., on September 11 and was overseen by a former US intelligence and national security official under Obama, Cameron Hudson, now director of the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide. The paper argued that a variety of factors, which were more or less fixed, made it very difficult from the beginning for the US government to take effective action to prevent atrocities in Syria, even compared with other challenging policy contexts. Using computational modeling and game theory methods, as well as interviews with experts and policymakers, the report asserted that greater support for the anti-Assad rebels and US strikes on the Assad regime after the August 2013 Ghouta chemical weapons attack would not have reduced atrocities in the country, and might conceivably have contributed to them.

So, in short, the study went through all the evidence Obama weighed and reached a similar conclusion: Yes, a horrific tragedy has unfolded in Syria, but the U.S. had less power than many assumed to affect the outcome there. At the very least, this would appear to be a claim worth debating. At some point, a U.S. president will face a similar decision, after all, and such decisions need to be made in a careful way.

Instead, the claim is being suppressed altogether  the Museum is pulling is cancelling its planned released. Thats because when word of what the study found leaked, it caused a significant amount of outrage  outrage Tablet captures in the article, which rather heavily promotes the perspective of the studys critics. The articles author, Armin Rosen, quotes Leon Wieseltier as saying Shame on the Holocaust Museum for releasing an allegedly scientific study that justifies bystanderism. In typically colorful fashion, the former literary editor of the New Republic goes on to say: If I had the time I would gin up a parody version of this that will give us the computational-modeling algorithmic counterfactual analysis of John J McCloys decision not to bomb the Auschwitz ovens in 1944. Im sure we could concoct the fucking algorithms for that, too. Abraham Foxman, former head of the Anti-Defamation League, doesnt like the study either. After expressing affection for the Holocaust museum as an institution, he told Rosen, I just dont think its appropriate for the Museum to issue this kind of judgementthats beyond its mandate. This should be a place where one meets to discuss, to debate, to question, to challenge: Could more have been done? Where? How? Not to issue judgment, especially not in this politicized atmosphere. And according to Rosen, Some Jewish communal leaders suggested both privately to Tablet, and in conversations with board members and staff at the Holocaust Museum, that the Museums moral authority had been hijacked for a partisan re-writing of recent history. (A Google search reveals the page where the study was listed, and where a PDF presumably would have eventually been posted, but if you go to the page itself now you get an error.) (Note: In this paragraph, I initially referred to Foxman as the head of the ADL rather than its former head.)

There are, of course, legitimate critiques one could level at a study like this one. Maybe it shouldnt have been headed by Cameron Hudson, the former Obama staffer, given that he could view that his own legacy is at stake here. Or maybe there were methodological errors in that game-theory analysis. Or it could be the study authors didnt interview a wide enough range of voices.

But the critics arent saying any of that (they  we  dont even have the full study to evaluate, anyway). Rather, theyre saying its fundamentally wrong for an institution like the Holocaust Museum to suggest that American intervention in Syria likely wouldnt have helped, and probably could have hurt. Its bystanderism, as Wieseltier put it, and bystanderism is a morally bankrupt position to take.

This is an extremely odd view. The question of whether and to what extent US efforts can stave off future atrocities is an absolutely vital one, and one which deserves to be analyzed from a stance of real rigor and humility. And once one accepts the question needs to be asked, one has to accept the answer may be No, sometimes U.S. intervention makes things worse. If you care about atrocities around the world, you should care about US complicity in fueling those atrocities through an ill-advised intervention  that is, exactly what has happened in Iraq and numerous other countries.

Wieseltier should know this as well as anyone: He was an enthusiastic proponent of the Iraq war. (Wieseltier did later say that had he known Saddam Hussein didnt have weapons of mass destruction, he wouldnt have supported the invasion  but in 2013 he offered a rather sanguine take on what had happened to Iraq since then). Back in 2002, during the runup to that conflict, Wieseltiers co-enthusiasts would consistently raise Husseins slaughter of Iraqi civilians, particularly his treatment of the countrys Shiite majority and his gassing of Kurds, as a rationale for ousting him  how could we just stand by and let him continue to be such a horrifically oppressive dictator?

Well, we didnt. And since then, Iraq has been much, much worse off and many hundreds of thousands of people are dead who would otherwise likely be alive. Naturally, Syria is a different case  for one thing, hardly anyone is calling for full-blown invasion. But the key point here isnt about whether and to what extent the two conflicts are the same, but rather about the boundaries of acceptable discourse in mainstream DC circles. Experts need to at least be allowed to argue  and this study, were it to be released as planned, would just be an argument, which people would be free to discount or rebut or debate  that US intervention can make bad and complicated situations worse. If such arguments are beyond the pale, then weve learned nothing from our many blunders and the many lives that have been lost as a result.

Its unfortunate the Holocaust Museum has given in to this pressure. The study should be debated out in the open, not shouted down by the Leon Wieseltiers of the world.
About three weeks ago, a joint force comprising Uganda Police and Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) stormed mining camps in Kitumbi, Mubende district, to evict what the government termed as illegal miners.

The miners were given a two-hour ultimatum to carry their belongings and leave the area. On August 30, CHRISTOPHER TUSIIME went back to the district to assess the impact of the eviction.



Its a cold Wednesday morning and I am travelling back to Mubende gold mines, about 30km off Kampala-Mubende highway.

The only slippery and potholed murram road that connects the main road to the mines is less busy. We drive through without much traffic as the case was during my maiden visit, two months ago.

However, a stopover at Lujinji trading centre reveals something new: the place is more congested but with no serious business taking place. People seated on verandahs in groups of about five to 10 can be heard telling stories.

A grader destroys shelters formerly used by artisanal gold miners in Mubende

Policemen clad in their heavy navy blue jackets, wielding fire-arms, can be seen almost in every corner of the place. I am forced to inquire what is taking place. Realising I am a journalist, many people surround me, with each trying to describe their predicament.

We no longer have anything to do, Sylvia Nakiyira, one of those people who used to sell water in the mines, says.

All my 200 jerrycans were confiscated. I wasnt allowed to take any out of the mines because the time they gave us was too little to collect our belongings, Nakiyira said as she struggled to stay calm.

Nakiyiras only source of income was from selling water to the people working in the mines. Each jerrycan, she says, could go for Shs 1,000. However, after the eviction, that was the end of her business.

To prove how life has turned out to be miserable, Nakiyira takes me to an incomplete structure without a roof where she sleeps with several other people who were evicted.

I currently sleep here with my daughter. We have nowhere to go. All these people you are seeing here sleep with us in this roofless church. Others sleep on the verandah of those houses you are seeing outside, Nakiyira adds before she breaks down into tears.

Abdul Hakim is more worried than Nakiyira. He had bought land from where he could carry out farming and rent the remaining lot to miners. All that is now gone.

I had bought a plot of land of 11 hectares near the mines there. But they chased me out. I had also bought several other plots between Shs 3m and Shs 4m but I dont have access to them now. The soldiers told us to leave immediately, a visibly sad Hakim says.

Hakim, who is currently living in his small house which he had constructed with the money he had acquired from the tenants on his land, is worried he may fail to look after his family.

My nine children are there. Very soon they will be out of school because there is no money. The bricks you see behind that house were for constructing a bigger house but I wont manage that now, Hakim says.

Hakim says before the eviction, he had more than 20 goats. Currently, only three are remaining. In his view, they could have been stolen by the several unemployed youths who have since remained in the area.

Bernard Ssemuyaba is equally stranded. Aged 34, Ssemuyaba is now considering taking back the land he had offered for the construction of a church because he is afraid his large family may soon become too expensive to look after.

He says he was born in the area even before the mining firms got the mining leases and exploration licenses. But he is shocked he is being evicted without any compensation.

For Abel (not real name), who had come from Kampala to exploit the golden opportunities Mubende offered, life will never be the same.

I cant move anywhere at this time of the day. In July, someone lent me about Shs 50m, which I immediately invested in the mining pits. A few days later, we were evicted. Now, the man wants me arrested because he wants his money yet I dont have it, Abel said.

As a result of the misery, a number of stories are flying around Mubende. One of the severally told stories in all areas around the mines is that bulldozers covering the pits have buried many miners inside.

BURIED ALIVE?

Joseph Kibira, a landlord in a gold mine called Kampala, said he has information some people were buried alive. He says on August 25, at around 2pm, one of the bulldozers tried to cover a pit that belonged to a one Caleb.

Kibira says some people had thought that this pit could not be covered that day and had stealthy entered to continue with their mining.

It is one of the oldest pits... As the second bulldozer was being brought, one person was seen running out of the pit, Kibira recounts.

He says a few minutes after the incident, another miner ran out of the pit.

It is those two who later told me that there were between 10 and 20 people inside.

We could not independently verify this information. However, Colonel Joseph Balikuddembe, the commander of the operation to evict the miners, who had declined to discuss the matter, said such an incident of burying miners alive could not have happened.

But how can me a human being bury another human being when he or she is still alive? Thats impossible, Balikuddembe said.

Pressed for more information about the issue and the whole operation, Col Balikuddembe who is also the UPDF first division commander, simply drove away.

Now that Col Balikuddembewas leaving the mines for a meeting in Kampala, his colleague, a one Col James Kasule, remained.

DEMOLISHED STRUCTURES

After a long stay at the blocked and well-guarded entrance, since no one, including journalists, is allowed to enter, I am finally let inside. Here, tattered blue tarpaulins and shiny corrugated iron sheets covered the mines. Several bulldozers can be seen bringing down a few remaining structures.

We are simply enforcing an eviction by government, and not UPDF, says Kasule. People shouldnt hate us... when we came, we didnt slap anyone. We didnt beat anyone. We simply told people to vacate.

Kasule says they are currently working around the clock to en- sure the property that was left behind can be picked by rightful owners. He adds that this process is easy as one only needs an LC-I letter with receipts of the property in question.

He argues that many people have already picked their properties even though some that I interviewed say they couldnt pick them because they even lost the receipts they were given at the time of buying.

According to an August 4 letter from the ministry of Energy and Mineral Development that was issued by the then permanent secretary, Stephen Isabalija, the eviction was meant to eliminate non-Ugandans from the business.

He argued that Ugandan artisanal miners would be called back after three months from the time the eviction started.

However, to many miners, this isnt possible because one cant call back people who were not registered. The miners want government to reconsider its position and allow them back into their business because it was their only source of income.

They also blame President Museveni for all their woes because they say its him who, during the 2011 and 2016 presidential campaigns, asked them to go on with their business before promising a gold refinery too.
Dfcu towers

African Alliance Uganda, a brokerage firm, has said it is yet to receive any shareholder seeking to renounce their shares in Dfcu bank as the rights issue enters the third day.

Kenneth Kitariko, the CEO of African Alliance, told The Observer yesterday: There hasnt been any renunciation. So far it is positive. Shareholders are coming to pick their forms. The rights issue ends on September 25.

Renunciation means rejecting and selling ones or shareholders right for more shares. Kitariko said, however, that it was too early because he did not have all the information from other brokers.

During the rights issue, shareholders are expected to buy more shares so as not to have the value of their stock diluted.

They also have an option to decline the offer or sell the rights to another investor. A shareholder may refuse to subscribe to the rights issue and just let the right lapse. That means they get nothing. And their shares are diluted.

Alternatively, they can renounce the shares in favour of another person. Dfcu seeks to raise Shs 200bn from the rights issue but some investors are not comfortable with the offer price saying it was too expensive.

Dfcu set Shs 760 per share in its rights, the exact price, it is trading normally at the Uganda Securities Exchange. On Monday, Dfcu counter traded at Shs 758/759 per share, which Kitariko said was fairly stable.

He said the fact that not many investors are willing to renounce their right speaks to the attractiveness of the Dfcu stock.

Andrew Muhimbise, a shareholder in Dfcu, told The Observer he had decided to renounce his shares.

He said: They [Dfcu management] have concealed Crane bank information. I wanted to know information on memorandum of how books were as at March 2017. Denying us the months from then to June 2017 tells of something hidden.

Kitariko said institutional investors, who own up to 90 per cent of Dfcu shares, are yet to come out. He said this was because most of them needed to go through approvals from their investment committees.

Dfcu declared Shs 114bn after-tax profit for first half of 2017. It was mainly attributed to the takeover of the defunct Crane bank.

amwesigwa@observer.ug
In this third and last part of our series on Gulu remand home, ABALO IRENE OTTO brings you the story of a food crisis that has forced officials to threaten to expel districts that have failed to remit their quarterly contributions. She also explores the possibility of a government takeover that has stalled for over two years.



Gulu district chairman Martin Ojara Mapenduzi says they are nearing a breaking point if other districts do not meet their financial obligations towards the running of Gulu Remand Home.

At a recent visit to the facility, Mapenduzi said management of the remand home has been left on the shoulders of Gulu and well-wishers as government and other districts have kept a distance.

A juvenile inmate at Gulu Remand Home prepares porridge

If they cannot contribute and help us, we are going to stop these districts from sending their children here. They should also know that children are children. If we do not give them the reform they deserve, they will become more dangerous, said Mapenduzi.

Some of the children in this facility are for capital offences which explains how much we have to do to rehabilitate them but the conditions under which they are living tantamount to child abuse.

Gulu Remand Home accommodates juvenile offenders and suspects from Gulu and the neighboring districts of Nwoya, Amuru, Pader, Lamwo, Agago, Kitgum, Omoro and Oyam.

In June, Gulu district contributed 50 bags of rice to this facility from the 500 bags given by the prime ministers office in response to food crisis in the region. But this was just a drop in the ocean.

In the financial year 2016/2017, Gulu district contributed about Shs 6m to running the facility. According to Joseph Kilama, the in-charge of the remand home, this could only take them for less than two months since they need at least Shs 3.7m per month.



UNMET PROMISES

The remand home was eventually hit by a food crisis in March this year and inmates went without food for three days until neighbours and well-wishers rushed to provide the little they could.

Gulu district local government resolved in 2013 that every other district that sends juvenile offenders to this remand home should contribute Shs 500,000 quarterly towards its operation.

Douglas Peter Okello, the Omoro LC-V chairman, was Gulu district speaker then and he says the agreement was a gesture to save the remand home from collapsing. However, compliance has since been a problem.

Okello says his district is still new but they intend to incorporate this contribution in their budgeting process for accountability purposes.

Meanwhile, Patrick Okello Oryema, the Nwoya district chairperson, says his district has fulfilled its obligation and remitted the Shs 500,000 to Gulu.

We are meeting our obligation as a district. Amidst the meager resources we have as local government, we should spare some percentage to contribute for the rehabilitation of our children, said Oryema.



NO OBLIGATION

However, according to Amuru district LC-V chairman Michael Lakony, there has been no written agreement in relation to this contribution.

He told The Observer that since he became the district chairman in 2016, contribution for the remand home has never been a subject of discussion by the councilors, neither has it been tabled before him.

There is no formal agreement between Gulu and Amuru to contribute for the remand home. It is not reflected anywhere. I have never seen a signed agreement on this, he said.

Lakony added that it is the responsibility of government, through the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to budget for the remand home.

We need the government to budget for the remand home because if other remand homes in the country are being budgeted for, why not Gulu? he said.

In 2015, Gulu wrote to government requesting it to take full control of this facility that is the only correctional center for children that come into conflict with the law in the sub-region.

However, James Kaboggoza Ssembatya, the assistant commissioner for children affairs in the ministry of Gender, says the ministry has never received the letter.

However, records show that the letter dated June 5, 2015 was received by the permanent secretarys office on September 3, 2015. This same letter was handed over to Ssembatya during a recent visit to the facility and he claimed to be seeing it for the first time.

I have just been to the remand home today and discovered that Gulu district actually wrote a letter to hand over the facility to government. I didnt know they had written, he said.

The commissioner said it is not automatic that the remand home can get a budget once they have written to the ministry. He says they have to get a vote from public service for staffing and for the budget at the ministry before they can begin remitting funds.

It is good that they have written that they are willing to hand over the remand home. Now we have to start thinking of getting approval from the ministry of public service for staffing. Reasonably, they have the structures. They already have separated dormitories, they have staff houses and they have enough land, said Ssembatya.

He says the new proposal at the ministry is to have children with shorter sentences of six months and below to serve them from the regional remand homes rather than taking them to Kampiringisa, the national remand home.

We can only take some cases which require two to three years to go through some training at Kampiringisa, he said.

Most regional and district juvenile remand homes are under the jurisdiction of local governments, further stressing their meager resources.

According to the law, remand homes are supposed to operate with short-term programmes. But in ideal situations, capital child offenders should not take more than three months on remand while minor cases should not take more than 45 days on remand. This, however, has not been in practice at most remand homes. At Gulu remand home, some children have stayed for years.



MEDICAL DILEMMA

The ministry of Gender recently initiated a special court piloted in Naguru Remand Home in Kampala that hears juvenile cases expeditiously with the aim to decongest the remand homes and release reformed children back to the community.

Gulu Remand Home was not saved of disease either. About 80 per cent of the children were recently diagnosed with malaria while 20 per cent had hepatitis B.

Life Church from the United Kingdom came to the rescue with medication and the facility now conducts two clinics a week to improve the health of the children.

One such big champion is Shirley Crawford, a registered nurse with Uganda Medical Council. She has been working with children at the remand home and was part of the team that fundraised to build a medical facility and pay for medication for children here. She says nutrition is a fundamental issue for children at the remand home.

For children who have HIV, food is fundamental because you cant take medication on an empty stomach, Crawford told The Observer.

She says the priority for donors is to provide medication to the children. While Kilama, the in-charge, is happy about the medication provided by the donors, he says the facilitys biggest problem is food.

They eat. I am not saying that they are gluttons but they are boys. The girls are always four, five but you know when they dont eat well, they turn out to be a problem. Running a remand home requires a lot of funding. Many districts want their own remand homes but with this experience, I dont advise them to start unless they are ready for the challenges, Kilama said.

He intimated that between February and March this year, four boys fled the remand home due to hunger.

They fled through that open space. As you see, we have no serious fence here and we never got them. We followed them to their parents homes but they never reached home. We had to abandon the case because I have to use my vehicle and fuel to follow them, which is expensive, Kilama lamented.



irene.abalo@gmail.com
KCCA, working in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), plans to erect monuments of the impala and the oldest silver-Back gorilla, some of the countrys iconic animals.

The oldest silver-back gorilla, Ruhondeza, is the leader of the first habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park, and the impalas, from which Kampala derived its name, are medium-sized antelopes, which roamed the capital citys swamps and hills before independence.

KCCA and UWA officials

The gorilla statue will be erected at Colline House, Pilkington road in Kampala, while that of the impala will be erected at Jubilee House, in front of City Hall, the headquarters of KCCA. Each of the monuments will cost Shs 200 million.

Andrew Sseguya, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, said the monuments will highlight Ugandas history, promote tourism in the capital and tell the story of the kind of animals Uganda has in its national parks.

Uganda is home to over 35,000 impalas and more than half of the worlds mountain gorilla population, according to UWA records. The severely endangered species now has an estimated population of about 880 left in the wild and none in zoos; of these, at least 480 are in Uganda.

KCCA executive director Jennifer Musisi said Uganda needs to identify with its wildlife. Musisi said the investment in the monuments will motivate more tourists to visit the parks.

The construction of the monuments, to be done by Nile Comrades group of companies, is expected to last three and a half years.
Police in Nakaseke district have arrested Charles Kato who they say is the prime suspect in the murder of Maria Nabirawa whose body was recovered in Nyanama, along Entebbe road, on Monday.

Nabirawas body was on Monday morning discovered by employees of a private car washing bay in Nyanama.

In a media briefing yesterday, Kampala Metropolitan police spokesman Emilian Kayima confirmed that Kato, a mechanic based in Kampala, had been arrested from Ssakkabusolo village, Kasangobe sub-county, in Nakaseke district.

Murder suspect Charles Kato

Kato was arrested yesterday in the morning when he had gone to a shrine for cleansing because of the murder he got involved in, Kayima said. We have not arrested the owner of the shrine because he is the one who tipped us and that is healthy. So, it was good news from him.

Kayima added that Kato, who was married to Nabirawa with two children, would be brought to Kampala where he is to be charged for her murder.

According to police, Kato, aged 26, and Nabirawa, estimated to be in her early 20s, were both residents of Matugga in Wakiso district.

Kayima explained that Nabirawa met her death after getting involved in a conflict with her husband.

When [Nabirawa] felt that she was not safe at home, she went to spend a night out in a lodge known as Master Inn in Namasuba, along Entebbe road, he said.

However, little did Nabirawa know that Kato was closely following her movements to the lodge. During the night, she was allegedly pulled out of her room, bundled onto a boda boda and later into a vehicle and driven away to an unknown place.

The next day, residents in Nyanama found a dead body.

We also want to establish whether he [Kato] was alone or had other assailants with him, Kayima said, urging couples to seek help from counselors and elders whenever relationships turn sour.

Nabirawas death brings the toll of women who have been gruesomely murdered in Wakiso district to 20 in a space of three months. Of the 20, Kayima said, four are linked to domestic violence.



nangonzi@observer.ug
Well into its second week, the judicial officers strike over poor pay has stretched police and its resources rather too thin.

In the last two weeks, inmate numbers on capital offences have doubled or tripled at various police stations, food has had to be rationed and special units have been created in Katonga region to mediate an amicable end to petty offenses, an independent assessment of four big police stations in and around Kampala has found.

In the face of the strike, police has had to make some tough decisions. In interviews yesterday, police officials at the Central police station (CPS), Kampala, said they are stuck with 105 crime suspects and they are still counting.

An empty court room during the ongoing judicial officers' strike

Usually, according to Emilian Kayima, the police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan region, CPS takes in around 50 to 60 suspects of all kinds daily, but that number has now doubled.

The situation in our cells now is not yet alarming but its not very sweet because when the judiciary strikes, it creates a problem for us because cases of capital nature whose files have been sanctioned cannot be taken to court and yet we hardly give the suspects bond since most of them will never be seen again.

So, we detain them longer than the allowed time before producing them in court and this creates a problem for us, he said.

To decongest the CPS cells, Kayima said, petty offenders accused of assault, criminal trespass and theft have been quickly released on police bond until courts re-open.

It is hoped courts will reopen on Thursday.

But the challenge is, justice and fairness go hand in hand and the problem created by the judicial strike affects all of us and impacts on the management of these suspects like on feeding them since the number has increased yet the planned amount of money apportioned to police doesnt increase in accordance with the increased number of suspects in the cells, he said.

Kayima added that besides the burden of feeding the increased number of suspects in the cells, utilities like power and water have come under increased pressure.

However, the minister of justice and constitutional affairs promised that they are going to sort out these problems through dialogue but before they do that, the problem still remains with us. For example at Kasangati police station, a criminal, Arafat Sekatawa, escaped while being escorted to the toilet. He was rearrested and is charged with armed robbery and has four files sanctioned to go to court but we are stuck with him, he said.

Deputy police spokesperson Polly Namaye said to avoid suspects escaping from police custody due to congestion, minor offenders have been released on bond once they produced sureties.

At Gulu police station, 11 suspects escaped, in Sheema, three suspects escaped and at Kasangati police, one suspect tried to escape while being escorted to the toilet, mainly due to congestion in the cells. So, when they have sureties, we give them bond so that they dont spend over 48 hours in the cells, she said.

Namaye added that for capital offences like murder, defilement, rape and aggravated robbery, suspects cant be released since they might be dangerous to the community.

Interviewed yesterday, Ronald Watwali, the division police commander (DPC), Kawempe police station, said by yesterday they were stuck with 21 suspects on capital offences whose files were sanctioned to go to court.

For minor offenders we have given them police bond to create space for those on capital offences whose files have been sanctioned by the DPP. However,we still detain habitual offenders because they can easily be lynched by mobs when police releases them without appearing in court, he said.

Watwali further said most suspects in Kawempe police station are capital offenders accused of attempted murder, defilement, rape, theft of motorcycles and aggravated robbery.

However, we still have challenges of civil cases like land and fraud which return to police and the complainants force us to handle them since courts are closed. But when we fail to handle them, people take laws in their hands and fight, demolish houses or kill each other, Watwali said.

He added hat since they are stranded with criminal suspects, every morning on parade, the suspects demand to be taken to court or be released because they are not supposed to spend over 48 hours in police cells without appearing in court.

Another big challenge we are facing are people with warrants of arrest who manage to arrest suspects but cannot take them to court. A person arrested under a warrant of arrest cant be detained in police cells, Watwali explained.

He said, however, that a big number of minor offenders in Kawempe have been released; that is why they have fewer suspects in police cells since the judicial strike started.

Minor offenders have been released

Phillip Mukasa, the police spokesperson for Katonga region, said they have approximately 20 crime suspects in police cells daily in every police station. Katonga region has three districts; Mpigi, Butambala and Gomba.

The strike has led to increased food consumption in all police cells in the regionWe no longer do night operations because we have nowhere to detain suspects until they are screened to go to court, he said.

He added that they have resorted to handling minor cases through mediation and negotiations through the departments of Professional Standards Unit (PSU), Minor Crime Unit and community liaison officers (CLO).

All these departments have been given tasks to do negotiations between the complainants and suspects until they reach an agreement because we have nowhere to keep suspects. But this has disappointed the community because they are not satisfied with a suspect being released without appearing in court, Mukasa said.

The strike has also distorted all the evidence we have for capital offences since some [of it] is perishable, like say in defilement, rape and other cases. Witnesses are also not willing to give statements because they know the suspect is going to be released on bond within a short time, he added.

At Katwe police station, a police officer who declined to be named because he is not authorized to speak for police, said they have about 55 suspects in the cells mainly on capital offences.

He said the strike had affected the station more because it generates a big number of suspects daily.
Libyas largest oil field, Sharara, will resume production following a two-week halt, after a pipeline blockade ended yesterday. This is what an unnamed source from Libyas oil industry told Reuters, with the Sharara to resume output today, according to Bloomberg.

The pipeline that was blocked feeds crude oil from Sharara to the Zawiya export terminal. The armed group responsible for the latest blockade, which began on August 19, was one led by Ashraf Al-Gurjthe leader of an organization from Zintan that calls itself the Reyayna Patrol Brigade. The same group was behind the August shutdown of another two fields as well, El Feel and Hamada. The three shutdowns cost Libya 360,000 bpd in lost output, the National Oil Corporation said at the time.

Al-Gurjs group claims they are fighting for more investments by NOC in Zintan but according to Libyan media, the more likely reason for the blockades is the release of Al-Gurjs cousin, who is being held in custody on charges of smuggling.

Sharara produced 280,000 bpd before the August blockade, which was the latest in a string of similar events that had a crippling effect on Libyas recovering oil output. Before the last shutdown at Sharara, the country was producing around 1.1 million barrels daily. This was still short of pre-2011 levels, when Libya produced about 1.6 million bpd, but on the way to 1.2 million bpd  the daily production figure NOC announced it will be striving for earlier this year.

While oil production recovery has been positive for Libya, it has been a problem for the countrys OPEC partners. When the cartel agreed to take off 1.2 million bpd from global supply, Libya was exempted because of its political and militant group woes. Over time, its rising production began to pressure prices, offsetting the cuts that other OPEC members made.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Amid rising tension over North Koreas nuclear tests, South Koreas president has pleaded with Russia to help it with its push to cut off oil supplies to Pyongyangs regime, but Russian President Vladimir Putin is urging for diplomacy, saying that sanctions and pressure wont work, while stopping oil supply would have a worrying impact on regular North Koreans.

We too, are against North Korea developing its nuclear capabilities and condemn it, but it is worrying cutting the oil pipeline will harm the regular people, like in hospitals, Putin said at his meeting with South Koreas President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday, according to a readout from a South Korean presidential official, as carried by Reuters.

Pyongyangs missile and nuclear programme is a flagrant violation of the UN Security Council resolution, it undermines the non-proliferation regime and poses a threat to security in Northeast Asia, Putin said in press statements after meeting with Moon, as the Kremlin reports.

At the same time, it is obvious that the Korean problems cannot be settled with sanctions and pressure alone. We must not yield to emotions or try to drive North Korea into a corner. Now is the time for all of us to summon the presence of mind and to avoid taking steps that could escalate tensions, Putin added.

Yesterday, Putin said that Russia sends only 40,000 tons of oil and petrochemicals per quarter to North Korea, which, compared to exports of over 400 million tons of oil and petrochemicals to the global market, is as good as nothing.

Moreover, none of our large vertically integrated companies exports anything to North Korea, Putin said at a press briefing posted on the Kremlin website.

China and Russia have been supporting a freeze for freeze plan in which the U.S. and South Korea would stop major military exercises in exchange for North Korea suspending its nuclear weapons programs. Related: Post Harvey: Crude Climbs As Gasoline Crashes

A day after North Korea claimed that it tested a hydrogen bomb, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said at an emergency UN Security Council Briefing on North Korea that the freeze-for-freeze plan was insulting. Referring to North Korea sanctions, Haley said enough is enough for half measures, and We must now adopt the strongest possible measures.

Tensions continue to escalate and on Tuesday, a senior North Korean diplomat was quoted as saying that Pyongyang was ready to send more gift packages to the United States.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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OPEC appears to be nervous that its production cut deal will once again fall short, and the group is already discussing the possibility of yet another extension.

While the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey continues to drive headlines in the energy sector, the attention will once again shift back to OPEC as the year wears on and we head into 2018. OPEC had hoped that a nine-month extension of its original six-month production cut deal  1.2 million barrels per day from OPEC, plus reductions of nearly 0.6 mb/d from non-OPEC countries  would be enough to rebalance the market. But with seven months or so left to go on the deal, they are already coming around to the conclusion that it wont be enough.

Part of the reason for the groups struggles is that the two exempted members  Libya and Nigeria  have added large volumes of new supply this year. Nigerias output is up to about 2.2-2.3 mb/d, according to government officials, a figure that includes condensate. Based on that figure, S&P Global Platts says Nigerias crude output probably stands at about 1.8 mb/d, which comports with OPECs latest estimate. In other words, Nigeria is now producing about 400,000 bpd more than it was a year ago on the eve of the original OPEC agreement.

Libya too has ramped up output dramatically, topping 1 mb/d recently, essentially twice as much as a year ago, although Libyas output has seesawed lately on pipeline and oilfield outages.

Although exact figures are a bit elusive, those two countries have added between 700,000 and 900,000 bpd of new supply in the past year, going a long way to offsetting the production cuts from the rest of the OPEC. Related: An Energy Independent North America Needs NAFTA

In other words, one of the principle reasons that OPECs efforts to balance the market are floundering is because of the resurgence of supply from its exempted members, Libya and Nigeria. It is no wonder why OPEC officials are trying to bring Nigeria, at least, formally into the agreement by taking away its exempted status. In the past, Nigerias oil minister Emmanuel Kachikwu said that Nigeria would join the agreement when its oil production returned to 1.8 mb/d, a threshold it appears to have reached.

OPEC has invited both Libya and Nigeria to its upcoming monitoring meeting on September 22. The pressure to put a limit on Nigerias production could rise ahead of the official meeting at the end of November.

But even capping Nigerias output at its current rate would not solve OPECs problems. That is why the group is reportedly considering another three-month extension, pushing the deal through mid-2018. The proposal is gaining traction, and there are some signs that other members, including Iran, could sign on.

There are concerns that if OPEC and non-OPEC producers exit the market in March, traders will react quite negatively to it and behave as if the market is in a free fall, a senior Saudi oil official told the Wall Street Journal. This also ensures that producers wont pump full tilt and push prices down.

An extension would surely be welcomed by oil traders looking for some reassurance that prices wont crash again. Plus, compliance has actually ticked up a bit recently, with Iraq, in particular, boosting its efforts. Related: Failed Oil Price Recovery Slams Energy Stocks

But letting the deal lapse in June 2018 as opposed to March is not really a game-changer. A much bigger question is what happens when the deal expires, regardless of the precise end date. What is the exit strategy? Will the group immediately go back to producing at maximum capacity? Not only are there not answers to those questions, but there is little evidence that top OPEC officials have any semblance of a strategy beyond keeping the current cuts in place for the time being. An extra three months might not do a lot to move the market closer to some sort of balance.

And based on OPECs current output, and the current supply/demand dynamics, it could arguably take years to normalize inventories. If they wish to achieve the reduction of oil stocks down to the five-year average, theyre going to have to dig in for the long haul, Neil Atkinson, head of the IEAs oil markets and industry division, told Bloomberg in an interview last month. Rebalancing is a stubborn process.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

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Azerbaijan will sign in the coming days a new deal with BP to continue the development of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) oil field in the Caspian Sea until 2050, extending the existing contract that is set to expire in 2024, Azeri media quoted President Ilham Aliyev as saying on Wednesday.

ACG was Azerbaijans first offshore oil Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) contract with Western majors. The country and a consortium of foreign oil companies signed back in 1994 a 30-year deal to develop the field. Foreign partners in the venturealongside SOCARs 11.6 percent interestinclude BP, Chevron, INPEX, Statoil, ExxonMobil, TPAO, ITOCHU, and ONGC, with BP acting as operator.

In December last year, BP, its co-venturers, and Azerbaijan signed a letter of intent (LoI) to cover the development of the field until 2050.

The LoI agrees the key commercial terms for the future development of the ACG field and enables the parties to conclude negotiations and finalise fully-termed agreements in the next few months, BP said back then.

Now, according to Azeri President Aliyev, the signing of the actual contract is expected shortly.

ACG is the biggest producing oil field in the Caspian Sea, and oil production there started in November 1997. Until the end of 2016, the field had produced more than 3 billion barrels of oil with around US$33 billion of investment, BP says. There are six producing platforms on ACG, linked with an onshore terminal in Sangachal near Baku. From that terminal, ACGs oil is exported to world markets primarily by the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil export pipeline, and the Western Route Export Pipeline to the Supsa terminal in western Georgia.

In the first half of 2017, the ACG field production averaged 585,000 bpd from the six platforms. BP and its partners spent more than US$230 million on operating expenditure and some US$601 million in capital expenditure on ACG activities between January and June this year, BP said last month.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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New tax breaks will put Norwegians on the hook for oil production taxes levied by the United Nations for drilling deeper in the Arctic, according to Reuters.

The report suggests the strategy of spreading legal costs to citizens could set an example for other nations planning to explore fossil fuel production farther and farther from solid land.

Opposition parties in Norway seek to limit oil exploration in the countrys waters. The Scandinavian countrys sovereign wealth fund is famed for using its fossil fuel wealth to fund the development of green energy initiatives within its borders.

There is too little risk on the companies, and too much risk on the people of Norway, Ola Elvestuen, who chiefs the Energy and Environment committee as a representative from the small Liberal Party, said. Neither me, nor the committee were informed about this, he said regarding the plans, which were described in special letters given to Reuters by the Oil and Energy Ministry.

Article 82 of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulates that rich nations must pay a seven percent tax per year on any fossil fuel production that occurs beyond 200 nautical miles from land. The capital from those fines are meant to be used to fund development efforts in other countries.



Related: Post Harvey: Crude Climbs As Gasoline Crashes

Hypothetically, the International Seabed Authority based in Jamaica would receive the money for its projects, but no country has yet attempted to drill so far into the ocean. The United States and Norway are the only two nations that have discussed the implementation of Article 82, with the former concerning itself with efforts to explore further in the Gulf of Mexico.

The licensees could be required to cover certain costs in this connection, the petroleum ministry wrote in the letters to oil companies. Any such cost will be deductible in the calculation of the petroleum tax.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

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Congress has already demonstrated that it is incapable of resolving any complex issue. The Democrats, succumbing to the guile of former President Barack Obama, gave us Obamacare which has, as predicted, virtually destroyed healthcare coverage for the middle class. While the Republicans, preferring big talk to bold action, have failed to deliver on their seven year promise to repeal and replace Obamacare. And years of currying favor (by Democrats and Republicans alike) with Washingtons powerful lobby has resulted in a tax code that is so complex that taxpayers cannot even rely on the advice of agents of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in preparing their returns  that is not an exaggeration; that is an admonition from the IRS itself:

It is unfortunately all too common for government manuals, handbooks, and in-house publications to contain statements that were not meant or are not wholly reliable. If they go counter to governing statutes and regulations of the highest or higher dignity, e.g. regulations published in the Federal Register, they do not bind the government, and persons relying on them do so at their peril. (Caterpillar Tractor Co. v. United States)

So bad is the tax code that Congress long ago abandoned the purpose of the tax code  to raise the necessary revenue to fund the legitimate purposes of government  in favor of social engineering and picking the winners and losers in what should be a competitive marketplace.

While Obamacare and tax reform simmer on the back burner never to be resolved by this Congress, the political elites and mainstream media have instead engaged in collective hand wringing over problems that most third graders could solve while running to recess. Here are three such problems and their simple solutions:

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This is a program initiated by executive order under Mr. Obama which, in essence, gave children who arrived with their parents as illegal immigrants a form of amnesty which is reviewable every two years. The program clearly exceeds the constitutional authority of the President and is subject to a threatened lawsuit by several states attorneys general. The program will expire of its own volition in June of 2018. President Donald Trump has threatened to revoke Mr. Obamas executive order and end the program. Republicans who had complained bitterly about Mr. Obamas executive order establishing the program are now horrified that Mr. Trump may give them their wish.

While the President lacks authority to unilaterally adopt, alter or repeal the law, Congress can. If DACA is good policy then Congress should act to adopt, alter or reject it. Mr. Trump should simply announce that because Mr. Obama clearly exceeded his authority in creating DACA, that he has ordered it terminated with a delayed effective date six months hence. If Congress cannot act within that time  and odds are that it cannot  the program will disappear. (Frankly, I would give Congress thirty days but it has proven that it cannot even find the restrooms in that time let alone do something productive.)

Initial Funding for Hurricane Harvey Relief. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, southeast Texas and western Louisiana find themselves devastated, first by the winds and then by massive and sustained rains which have caused widespread flooding. The price tag for recovery is simply impossible to calculate at this time. However, those on the ground can, apparently, calculate the cost of immediate and temporary aid  between $7 and $8 Billion. Mr. Trump, in collaboration with Texas governor Greg Abbot  the person actually responsible for implementing the rebuilding program  have agreed on that figure as a down payment to address immediate needs. Mr. Trump has pledged to deliver that money from current discretionary spending available to the President.

However, while Mr. Trump has the authority to spend that money, he does not have the actual funds to spend. Technically, the federal government ran out of authority to borrow additional funds to pay bills back in March of this year and has, since then been using accounting tricks and moving funds from various programs to other programs in order to pay its current bills. Pending before Congress is authorization to increase the debt ceiling to enable additional borrowing. The reason that it is pending is that members of Congress see it as an opportunity to make pointless speeches bemoaning the national debt while doing nothing about it and then to attempt to hang a myriad of unrelated subjects on its passage. Mr. Trump and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin have asked that Congress to raise the debt ceiling while including a provision authorizing the funds for the Harvey recovery but to otherwise deliver a clean bill  no extraneous matters. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC), chairman of the Freedom Caucus, has demanded substantial and substantive measures be attached to the authorization bill.

The result is that a critical need is being held hostage by a larger and unrelated philosophical debate. In this instance both sides are wrong. To assist the Hurricane Harvey relief, an increase in the debt ceiling of $7-$8 Billion (sufficient to fund the initial commitment) should be authorized and the remainder of the debate about raising the debt ceiling should be left to proceed without impacting the critically needed commitment to assist those impacted by the hurricane.

Nuclear North Korea. Last weekend, North Korea announced that it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb that had been miniaturized so that it could be fitted into the ballistic missiles that it had successfully tested weeks before. The world, including the United States, reacted predictably with uniform condemnation and nothing else. For over three decades, former President Barack Obama and his predecessors succumbed to the appeasement monkeys who dominate the State Department as well as other foreign governments. Mr. Obamas fault may be greater than all the rest before him because it appears that he actively buried intelligence reports that would have informed the public about the significant progress that North Korea made in its nuclear weapons program during Mr. Obamas tenure. (History will not be kind to Mr. Obama and somewhere along the line, historians will begin to assert that Mr. Obama was guilty of treason by deception.)

Uniformly, the hand wringers are blowing hot air as they assert that a nuclear-armed North Korea is unacceptable. Sorry folks, decades of appeasement have led us to this. That ship has sailed. North Korea possesses nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them  deliver them to the heartland of America and with each passing day their guidance technology will provide greater accuracy. Not only does North Korea possess nuclear weapons they have deployed such a potent array of conventional weapons on the border with South Korea that any offensive move against them will result in the destruction of Seoul along with hundreds of thousands of South Koreas citizens.

All of the really smart people who have led us to this intolerable situation agree that non-military responses  basically economic sanctions  can only work if China actively and aggressively participates  which they have not to date. Why would they? The paper tiger presented by the appeasement monkeys at the State Department exacts no penalty for failure to participate. The business lobby in Washington ensures that the sanctions for non-participation are small and generally not enforced because any strong measures will result in economic and financial difficulties for those American and international companies doing business with China. (If you have ever wondered why the application of economic sanctions are so slow and gradual it is precisely because American and European businesses do not want to disrupt trade with whatever rogue regimes is targeted.) Somewhere in the slogan America First should be American security first, even at the cost of international business profits.

So what do you do? If the bully has checked your aggressive alternatives, you switch do impenetrable defensive alternatives. In this case it means a sufficient build up of conventional arms to ensure that any invasion by North Korea of South Korea will be repelled with sufficient reserves to roll in to Pyongyang, crush the regime and destroy their armaments. In this case it also means that sufficient nuclear weapons be programmed for North Korea so that it becomes an ash heap should it attempt to use its own nuclear weapons. And finally, you incentivize China to co-operate by opening discussions with Japan and South Korea to supply nuclear weapons to them. The idea of a nuclear Japan and a nuclear South Korea will instantly bring China to the table and will result in them forcing a regime change in North Korea. Kim Jung Un may be crazy but he is not so crazy that he will risk nuclear annihilation  after all, what advantage is there to running a nuclear power if there is no there left.

But none of this makes any difference to political elites  or for that matter the mainstream media. They would much prefer worrying about Melania Trumps footwear than solving real problems.
Pakistan rejected claim by BRICS Summit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a claim by the BRICS Summit that militant groups based in Pakistan were a concern for the regional security, with countrys Foreign Office and the defence minister saying none of the named group operates freely inside Pakistan.



We have already said that there are no terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan, Minister for Defence Khurram Dastgir told a meeting of the National Assemblys Standing Committee on Defence, claiming that 40 per cent of Afghanistan was a safe hideout for militants.



Terrorist safe havens are found in Afghanistan. Pakistan does not fear any external aggression as its army, navy and air force are keeping a strict eye on the situation, he said.



On Monday, the leaders of the five emerging market powers, for the first time, named militant groups allegedly based in Pakistan as a regional security concern and called for their patrons to be held to account. We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, Al Qaeda and its affiliates, including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Haqqani Network, Lashkar-i-Taiba, Jaish-i-Mohammad, TTP and Hizbut Tahrir, the leaders had said in the declaration.



The minister said Pakistans defence was in strong hands and unnecessary threats were being raised after US President Donald Trumps statements against Pakistan. He said any wrong step by US can take this region towards instability.



The committee took strong notice of the hostile and threatening statement made by US President Donald Trump and top US commander in Afghanistan Gen Nicholson and adopted a condemnation resolution.



The committee rejected Trumps claim that billions of dollars in aid had been spent on Pakistan, stating that Pakistans economy had suffered a loss of more than $123 billion due to war against terrorism.



Separately, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said that Pakistan was seriously concerned over the threat posed by terrorism and extremism in the South Asian region.



Speaking in reference to the BRICS leaders summit document, Zakaria said, Many terrorist groups based in the region  including in Afghanistan  such as the (banned) Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and its associates like Jamaatul Ahrar (JuA) had been responsible for extreme acts of violence against Pakistani people, Zakaria said.



We are deeply concerned at the presence of (banned) groups, like Daesh, East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, in the ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan as they pose a threat to peace and security in the region. Zakaria further said that Pakistan was concerned about the rise of extremist ideologies and intolerance in the region, which have been encouraging social stratification and systematic targeting of minorities.



Zakaria further said that Pakistan was concerned about the rise of extremist ideologies and intolerance in the region, which have been encouraging social stratification and systematic targeting of minorities.



Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa make up the BRICS grouping. In the 43-page declaration, Chinas Xi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma had said they would work together to improve global economic governance to foster a more just and equitable international order.



The BRICS had called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations and the UN Security Council with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges.



The five also pledged their opposition to protectionism, a theme increasingly taken up by host Chinese President Xi Jinping as anti-globalisation sentiment in the West poses a threat to Chinas vast export markets.












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LOS REVOLUCIONARIOS NO TOMAN CACA-COLA No se trata solamente de un capricho, sino de una sana actitud en todos los sentidos. Desde la solidaridad con el pueblo colombiano donde la empresa Caca-Cola ha cometido los mas grandes abusos contra sus trabajadores incluyendo el presunto secuestro y asesinato de los dirigentes del sindicato, hasta la proteccion de la salud de nuestros hijos, enviciados por ese jarabe de cola y azucar, que les produce obesidad prematura. Pensemos tambien los revolucionarios, que ese dinero que gastamos en los refrescos es utilizado por esas empresas para financiar el terrorismo en nuestro pais. Es cierto, no se trata solo de la Caca-Cola, sino tambien de la cerveza, de los cigarrillos y todos esos articulos innecesarios y mas que eso, daninos para nuestra salud. Podriamos incluso pensar en un dia de parada para cada uno de ellos. Es cuestion de irnos organizando. Pero para empezar, que tal si dejamos de comprar Caca-Cola y sus similares?



























Cuando lo extraordinario se vuelve cotidiano...



Discurso del Acto de Grado en Barinas en 12 de Febrero del 2005 Queridos Graduandos:



Mas que un discurso, quiero dirigirles algunas palabras que escribi anoche, despues de visitar en las clinicas, a los estudiantes heridos, a consecuencia de los enfrentamientos con la policia de hace apenas dos dias.



Me ha tocado por razones del destino, ser la persona que les otorgue el titulo que bien merecieron con sus estudios. Y me siento sumamente orgulloso de serlo. Me consta que la Universidad de Los Llanos Occidentales Ezequiel Zamora, a pesar de lo dicho por los enemigos de esta universidad, es una universidad de primera.



No tendremos la mejor planta fisica, en los salones hace calor. En el comedor hace calor. Pero no es en lo material que las cosas deben valorarse. El mayor capital es el ser humano. Y en eso, nuestra UNELLEZ, lo digo con conocimiento de causa, esta sobrada. Los llaneros venezolanos son nobles, valientes, de coraje.



En la UNELLEZ hacen vida, en este momento, aproximadamente 67000 personas. El 97% de ellas son estudiantes. Jovenes que, como Ustedes hasta el dia de hoy, buscan ese titulo, que constata los anos de dedicacion y de estudio.



Los jovenes son el rio de la vida, ustedes graduados deben ser los capitanes de esos barcos que naveguen por el rio de la vida.



Nuestra Patria atraviesa momentos muy dificiles porque decidio dejar de ser esa matrona de edad vetusta y complaciente, para ser joven, rebelde y altanera. Nuestra imagen ya no es la de una acaudalada ricachona mayamera. En nuestro rostro brilla ahora la sonrisa del Che Guevara, con su diente delantero torcido, su pelo largo y su boina con la estrella.



Entender esto, a mi me ha tomado practicamente toda la vida. Tengo 53 anos, y ya perdi mi oportunidad de derramar sangre joven a causa de un ideal.



Ustedes son jovenes, estan en la flor de la vida. No cometan por favor el error de renunciar a su instinto de rebelion. El Che Guevara fue Ministro de a Economia en Cuba. Los billetes y las monedas se adornaban con su rostro. Nada de eso le importo. Primero fue a Angola donde paso un penoso ano de combate. Despues se fue a Bolivia, donde encontro la muerte. El Che era el ultimo que comia, el que cargaba la mochila mas pesada. Siempre se sacrificaba por los demas en un estoicismo que mas parecia fervor religioso que ideologia marxista.



Si quieren un modelo de vida. Ahi lo tienen.



Dije hace unos momentos que el 97% de la poblacion de la UNELLEZ es estudiante. Se imaginan Ustedes la Universidad que podriamos tener si todos los estudiantes tuvieran la abnegacion, la combatividad del Che?



Los momentos que se avecinan van a requerir de una gran unidad del pueblo venezolano. La alternativa de continuar siendo libres o regresar a la pobreza se nos planteara en los proximos dias de forma enmascarada, o quizas peor, desenmascarada, vestida con uniforme de soldado del Imperio.



Por nuestra parte podemos esperar lo mejor. La macroeconomia no podria ir mejor, la justicia social ha mejorado notablemente. Las misiones ocupan un papel muy importante en el pago de dicha justicia social. Aqui en Barinas ya hemos cumplido con dos de las misiones, la mision Robinson y la mision Sucre. No hay analfabetismo y no hay exclusion en la educacion superior, en estas tierras de Zamora.



Pero ay malhaya! Son precisamente estos exitos los que nos hacen mas antipaticos al Imperio. Para ellos, somos inclusive un mal ejemplo que se esta contagiando al resto del continente y cuidado sino al resto del mundo.



Nunca venceremos al Imperio. Estara siempre ahi, acechando. Por lo menos hasta que el mismo no se autodestruya. Porque, sepanlo senores, el neoliberalismo es canibal. Cuando le ataque el hambre, se devorara a si mismo.



Ustedes, queridos graduandos, a partir de hoy pasan a conformar la elite profesional que debe sostener este pais en los proximos cuarenta o cincuenta anos. Anos decisivos para el logro de nuestra libertad y del rescate de nuestra Soberania.



No se dejen comprar. No se dejen corromper. No se dejen gritar. No se dejen pisar. Que nadie les diga que comer, o que vestirse, o que leer. Sean siempre autenticos, rebeldes, contestatarios. Pero eso si, profundamente patriotas, dignos de ser hijos de Bolivar.



Muchas gracias y que Dios los bendiga.





Alguna duda?



Medio siglo de Holocausto Palestino



Oscar Zanartu Nacio en Caracas en 1960. Ha realizado exposiciones individuales en las galerias Minotauro, Clave y San Francisco, y en salas de Coro, estado Falcon, y Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolivar. En Paris su obra ha sido exhibida en el Centro Cultural Tanagra, en la Exposicion Cite Internationale des Arts, en las galerias De Mars y Arver Space, al igual que en la Galeria Municipal Levallois, en Levallois Perret (Francia). En muestras colectivas, su obra se ha expuesto en Belgica, Francia, Estados Unidos y Venezuela; en Caracas intervino en la exposicion "Del genesis a la memoria", 1995, organizada por la Fundacion La Previsora. En 1982 obtuvo el Premio Nacional Critven y en 1990 la Mencion de Honor Jose Antonio Paez, en la Embajada de Venezuela en Paris. En 1991 se le concedio el primer premio de Pintura Itinerante, en Levallois Perret, Francia.



OZ1



OZ2



OZ3



OZ4



Homenaje a Jason Galarraga



La Victoria de Samotracia



Odalisca



Mas fotos de la nevada del pasado agosto 2008



























La Sierra Nevada de Merida



Nuestro precioso Churum Meru



Homenaje a Picasso



Autoretrato



Sabes lo que bebes en una Coca-Cola?

La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.

Mi profesion?

Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.

Sal en la Coca Cola?

A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.

De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:

Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gusto

Acido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)

azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)

Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantas

Mucha Cafeina

Conservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o Potasio

Dioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebe

Sal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracion

El uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.

Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.

Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.

En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).

Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.

La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.

Bebidas Light?

Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el

Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.



Publicado por loretahur



En realidad, la formula secreta de la Coca-Cola se puede detallar en 18 segundos en cualquier espectrometro optico, y basicamente la conocen hasta los perros. Lo que ocurre es que no se puede fabricar igual, a no ser que uno disponga de unos cuantos millones de dolares para ganarle la demanda que te metera la Coca-Cola ante la justicia (ellos no perderian).La formula de la Pepsi tiene una diferencia basica con la de la Coca-Cola y es intencional, para evitar el proceso judicial. La diferencia es a proposito, pero suficientemente parecida como para atraer a los consumidores de Coca-Cola que prefieren un gusto diferente con menos sal y azucar.Tuve que aprender quimica, entender todo sobre componentes de gaseosas, conservantes, sales, acidos, cafeina, enlatado, produccion, permisos, aprobaciones y muchas otras cosas. Monte mi propio mini-laboratorio de analisis de productos.A patadas. El Cloruro de Sodio no solo refresca sino da mas sed, como para pedir otra gaseosa. Y no resulta desagradable porque la sal mata literalmente la sensibilidad al dulce... del que por cierto tambien tiene mucho: 39 gramos de azucar.De los 350 gramos de producto liquido, mas del 10% es azucar, o sea que en una lata de Coca-Cola mas de un centimetro y medio es puro azucar en polvo. Aproximadamente tres cucharadas soperas llenas de azucar por lata!!La formula de la Coca Cola es muy sencilla:Concentrado de azucar quemado caramelo- para dar color oscuro y gustoAcido fosforito (para darle el sabor acido)azucar (HFCS-jarabe de maiz de alta fructosa)Extracto de hojas de la planta de Coca (Africa e India) y otros pocos aromatizantes naturales de otras plantasMucha CafeinaConservante que puede ser Benzoato de Sodio o PotasioDioxido de Carbono en cantidad para sentir freir la lengua cuando se bebeSal para dar la sensacion de refrigeracionEl uso del acido fosforito y no del acido citrico como en todas las demas gaseosas, es para dar la sensacion de dientes y boca limpia al beber. El acido fosforito literalmente frie todo y dana el esmalte de los dientes, cosa que el acido citrico lo hace en menor grado.Trate de comprar acido fosforito para ver las mil recomendaciones de seguridad que te dan para su manipulacion (quema el cristalino del ojo, quema la piel, etc...). Esta prohibido usar el acido fosforito en cualquier otra gaseosa; solo la Coca Cola tiene permiso. Porque claro, sin el acido fosforico, la Coca Cola sabria a jabon.El extracto de coca y otras hojas casi no cambia en nada el sabor. Es mas bien un efecto cosmetico. El extracto forma parte de la Coca-Cola porque legalmente tiene que ser asi. Pero sin el, no se nota ninguna diferencia en el gusto, que esta dado basicamente por las cantidades diferentes de azucar, azucar quemada, sales, acidos y conservantes.Sabor a que...? ja, ja, ja.Aqui en Bartow, sur de Orlando, hay una empresa quimica que produce aromatizantes y esencias para zumos. Envian diariamente camionadas de sales concentradas y esencias para las fabricas de helados, gaseosas, jugos, enlatados y comida colorida y aromatizada.Cuando visite por primera vez la fabrica, pedi ver el deposito de concentrados de frutas, que deberia ser inmenso, especialmente los de naranja, pina, fresa y tantos otros. El encargado me miro, se rio y me llevo a visitar los depositos inmensos... pero de colorantes y componentes quimicos.Las gaseosa de naranja no contiene naranja.En los zumos dizque de fresa, hasta los puntitos que quedan en suspension estan hechos de goma (una liga quimica que envuelve un semi-polimero).Pina, es un popurri de acidos y goma.La esencia para helado de aguacate usa peroxido de hidrogeno (agua oxigenada) para dar la sensacion espumosa tipica del aguacate.Quieres saber la cantidad de basura que tiene un refresco 'light'? Yo ni siquiera los uso para destapar mi lavaplatos pues temo que danen los tubos de PVC. Los productos endulzantes 'ligth' tienen una vida media muy corta. Por ejemplo el aspartamo , despues de tres semanas mojado, pasa a tener gusto de trapo viejo sucio.Para evitar eso, se agregan una infinidad de otros productos quimicos, uno para alargar la vida del aspartamo, otro para neutralizar el color, otro para mantener el tercer quimico en suspension porque sino el fondo de la gaseosa quedaria oscuro, otro para evitar la cristalizacion del aspartamo, otro para realzar el sabor, dar mas intensidad al acido citrico o fosforito que perderia su sabor por el efecto de los cuatro productos quimicos iniciales... y asi sucesivamente.Un consejo final !!Despues de toda mi experiencia con la produccion de bebidas embasadas, puedo afirmar sin dudar un segundo: la mejor bebida es el agua, como tambien los jugos exprimidos de naranja o limon. Nada mas, cero azucar y cero sal.Publicado por loretahur

MARGARINA o MANTEQUILLA La margarina fue producida originalmente para engordar a los pavos; cuandolo que hizo en realidad fue matarlos.Las personas que habian puesto el dinero para la investigacion quisieronrecobrarlo asi que empezaron a pensar en una forma de hacerlo.Tenian una sustancia blanca, que no tenia ningun atractivo como comestible,asi que le anadieron el color amarillo, para venderselo a lagente en lugar de la mantequilla.Que tal esa?... Ahora han sacado algunos nuevos sabores para vender mas alos incautos como usted y yo.CONOCE USTED la diferencia entre la margarina y la mantequilla?Siga leyendo hasta el final... porque se pone bastante interesante!Comparacion entre mantequilla y margarina:

1.- Ambas tienen la misma cantidad de calorias.

2.- La mantequilla es ligeramente mas alta en grasas saturadas: 8 gramos,comparada con los 5 gramos que tiene la margarina.

3.- Comer margarina en vez de mantequilla puede aumentar en 53% el riesgo deenfermedades coronarias en las mujeres, de acuerdo con un estudiomedico reciente de la Universidad de Harvard.

4.- Comer mantequilla aumenta la absorcion de gran cantidad de nutrientesque se encuentran en otros alimentos.

5.- La mantequilla provee beneficios nutricionales propios mientras lamargarina tiene solo los que le hayan sido anadidos al fabricarla.

6.- La mantequilla sabe mucho mejor que la margarina y mejora el sabor deotros alimentos.7.- La mantequilla ha existido durante siglos mientras que la margarinatiene menos de 100 anos.

Ahora... sobre la margarina:

1.- Es muy alta en acidos grasos trans. (Si, esos que recien ahora loscientificos descubrieron que son malisimos y los gobiernoscomenzaron a prohibirlos) .

2.- Triple riesgo de enfermedades coronarias.

3.- Aumenta el colesterol total y el LDL (el colesterol malo) y disminuye elHDL (el colesterol bueno).

4.- Aumenta en cinco veces el riesgo de cancer.

5.- Disminuye la calidad de la leche materna.

6.- Disminuye la reaccion inmunologica del organismo.

7.- Disminuye la reaccion a la insulina.

Y he aqui el factor mas inquietante (AQUI ESTA LA PARTE MAS INTERESANTE! ):A la margarina le falta UNA MOLECULA para ser PLASTICO...!!Solo este hecho es suficiente para evitar el uso de la margarina de porvida, y de cualquier otra cosa que sea hidrogenada (esto significaque se le anade hidrogeno, lo cual cambia la estructura molecular de lassubstancias).Usted puede ensayar lo siguiente:Compre un poco de margarina y dejela en el garaje o en un sitio sombreado.Dentro de unos dias notara dos cosas:

* No habra moscas; ni siquiera esos molestos bichos se le acercaran (esto yale debe decir a usted algo).

* No se pudre ni huele mal o diferente porque no tiene valor nutritivo; nadacrece en ella. Ni siquiera los diminutos microorganismos puedencrecer en ella.Por que? Porque es casi plastico!!



No a la guerra, Si a la Paz



Misterios de la ciencia...



Los costos de la guerra



medicos y capitalismo...



Capitalismo...



medicos (2)



Quien educa a nuestros hijos?



Los Medios...



Sin Palabras...



Chistes feministas

- Cual es el problema, Eva?

- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz...

- Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.

- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...

- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.

- Que es un hombre?

- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.

- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.

- Cual es el truco?.

- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.

- Cual?

- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.





Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Un dia, en el Paraiso, Eva llamo a Dios: Tengo un problema.- Cual es el problema, Eva?- Se que me has creado, que me has dado este hermoso jardin, todos estos maravillosos animales y esa serpiente con la que me muero de risa... pero no soy del todo feliz... - Como es eso, Eva? - replico Dios desde las alturas.- Me encuentro sola, y ademas estoy harta de comer manzanas...- Bueno Eva, en tal caso, tengo una solucion... creare un hombre para ti.- Que es un hombre?- Un hombre sera una criatura imperfecta, con muchas artimanas. Mentira, hara trampas, sera engreido... vamos, que te va a dar problemas... Pero, va a ser mas fuerte y rapido que tu y le gustara cazar y matar cosas... Tendra un aspecto simple, pero como te estas quejando, le creare de tal forma que satisfaga tus... eh... necesidades fisicas... Y tampoco sera muy listo, y destacara en cosas infantiles como pegarse o dar patadas a un balon... Necesitara tu consejo siempre para actuar cuerdamente.- Suena bien - dijo Eva, mientras levantaba la ceja ironicamente.- Cual es el truco?.- Pues... que lo tendras con una condicion.- Cual?- Como te decia, sera chulo, arrogante y muy narcisista... asi que le tendras que hacer creer que le hice a el primero... recuerda... es nuestro secreto... de mujer a mujer.Por que a los hombres no les puede dar la enfermedad de las vacas locas?  Porque todos son unos cerdos

Ellas...



Ellas (2)...



Tres venganzas femeninas VENGANZA NUMERO 1

Hoy mi hija cumple 21 anos y estoy muy contento porque es el ultimo pago de pension alimenticia que le doy, asi que llame a mi hijita para que viniera a mi casa y cuando llego le dije:

-Hijita, quiero que lleves este cheque a casa de tu mama y que le digas que: Este es el ultimo maldito cheque que va recibir de mi en todo lo que le queda de su puta vida!!! Quiero que me digas la expresion que pone en su rostro.

Asi que mi hija fue a entregar el cheque. Yo estaba ansioso por saber lo que la bruja tenia que decir y que cara pondria.

Cuando mi hijita entro, le pregunte inmediatamente: -Que fue lo que te dijo tu madre?

-Me dijo que justamente estaba esperando este dia para decirte que no eres mi papa!



VENGANZA NUMERO 2

Un hombre que siempre molestaba a su mujer, paso un dia por la casa de unos amigos para que lo acompanaran al aeropuerto a dejar a su esposa que viajaba a Paris.

A la salida de inmigracion, frente a todo el mundo, el le desea buen viaje y en tono burlon le grita:

- Amor, no te olvides de traerme una hermosa francesita Ja ja ja!!

Ella bajo la cabeza y se embarco muy molesta.

La mujer paso quince dias en Francia.

El marido otra vez pidio a sus amigos que lo acompanasen al aeropuerto a recibirla.

Al verla llegar, lo primero que le grita a toda voz es:

- Y amor me trajiste mi francesita??

- Hice todo lo posible, - contesta ella - ahora solo tenemos que rezar para que nazca nina.



VENGANZA NUMERO 3

El marido, en su lecho de muerte, llama a su mujer. Con voz ronca y ya debil, le dice: - Muy bien, llego mi hora, pero antes quiero hacerte una confesion.

- No, no, tranquilo, tu no debes hacer ningun esfuerzo.

- Pero, mujer, es preciso - insiste el marido - Es preciso morir en paz.

Te quiero confesar algo.

- Esta bien, esta bien. Habla!

- He tenido relaciones con tu hermana, tu mama y tu mejor amiga.

- Lo se, lo se Por eso te envenene, hijo de puta!!!



machismo y cibernetica



Chiste machista La NASA ha enviado al espacio una mision experimental tripulada por dos monos y una mujer.Apenas abandona la atmosfera, se establece comunicacion con Houston.

-Atencion, simio 1, verifique sistemas hidraulicos, controle adecuada presion de los propulsores de arranque. A 60.000 pies disminuya un 25% la velocidad.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, simio 2, nivele al cruzar la estratosfera y active sistemas anticongelantes. No olvide monitorear sistemas de comunicacion e indicadores de presion. Comprendido?.

El simio hace la sena de OK.

-Atencion, Houston llamando a mujer: no se olvide.

-Mujer: Si, si, ya se! -interrumpe enojada- que no me olvide darles de comer a estos monos de mierda y que no se me vaya a ocurrir tocar nada!.



.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti.

Un abogado mantiene un romance con su secretaria.Al poco tiempo, esta queda embarazada y el abogado, que no quiere que su esposa se entere, le da a la secretaria una buena suma de dinero y le pide que se vaya a parir a Italia.Esta pregunta: Y como voy a hacerte saber cuando nazca el bebe ? El abogado responde: Para que mi mujer no se entere, tan solo enviame una postal y escribe por detras: Spaghetti. Y no te preocupes mas, que yo me encargare de todos los gastos.

Pasan los meses y una manana la esposa del abogado lo llama al bufete, algo exaltada: Querido, acabo de recibir el correo y hay una postal muy extrana viene desde Italia. La verdad, no entiendo que significa.El abogado, tratando de ocultar sus nervios, contesta:Espera a que llegue a casa, a ver si yo entiendoCuando el hombre llega a casa y lee la postal, cae al suelo fulminado por un infarto.Llega una ambulancia y se lo lleva. Ya en el hospital, el jefe de cardiologia se queda consolando a la esposa y le pregunta cual ha sido el evento que precipito tan masivo ataque cardiaco.

Entonces la esposa saca la postal y se la muestra diciendole: No me explico, doctor; el solamente leyo esta postal. Vea usted mismo lo que trae escrito.Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti, Spaghetti."Tres con salchicha y albondigas y dos con almejas



Gol !!!!



Chistes de Borrachos Entra un borracho a su casa todo manchado con lapiz labial por todos lados hecho un desastre, y la mujer le pregunta:-Hombre que te paso?Y el borracho le responde:-No me vas a creer, me pelee con un payaso!



Este es un borracho que entra en un bar y le dice al camarero:-Me da cinco copas de whisky?Al rato:-Me da cuatro?Al rato:-Me da tres copas?Despues:-Me da dos copas?Luego le dice:-Me da una copa?Y le dice al camarero:-Ves? Cuanto menos bebo, mas borracho estoy!


We are looking for broadleaved trees such as birch, beech, poplar. Expecting offers with supply volumes and specification.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  A Corinth man was jailed Wednesday for allegedly punching and injuring a police officer at Saratoga Hospital, police said.

Troy T. Charoensook, 40, of Main Street, was arrested after a 6 a.m. incident at the hospital, which occurred after he was taken to the hospital for treatment after an "incident" at his home, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office.

He allegedly hit the officer in the face, causing an injury that resulted in a felony count of assault on a police officer, officials said. The officer was not seriously hurt.

Charoensook was arraigned in Saratoga Springs City Court and sent to Saratoga County Jail for lack of bail.
NORTH HUDSON  A Vermont man was jailed after he was found to have narcotics during a traffic stop on the Northway on Tuesday, police records show.

Rykeem B. Allen, 25, of St. Albans, Vermont, was arrested after a 1:50 p.m. traffic stop in the northbound lanes of the interstate highway, according to State Police.

He was driving a vehicle that failed to signal a lane change, and was found to have drugs that he allegedly tried to destroy or hide, according to the State Police public information website.

Allen was charged with felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance and tampering with a physical evidence, misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, criminal impersonation, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest and numerous traffic offenses, police said.

He was arraigned and sent to Essex County Jail for lack of bail.

A passenger in the vehicle, Ricky E. Bell, 26, of Burlington, Vermont, was charged with non-criminal unlawful possession of marijuana, the website showed. He was released.
FORT EDWARD  Rail manufacturing is not coming to Fort Edward after all.

Bombardier and CRRCs proposal to build rail cars here was not accepted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The companies were notified in late August that their proposal was not going forward to the final round of the bidding process.

Its too bad. It was going to be good for the community and the whole area, said Supervisor Mitch Suprenant. It wouldve put a lot of people back to work.

The loss means the property also wont have a tax assessment close to what it had when General Electric used the site.

I feel really concerned about Fort Edward. Theyve got quite an issue there, said county Board of Supervisors Chairman Bob Henke. Its going to be quite a tax burden shift onto homeowners ... I think its a real tragedy. It seemed like that was a perfect, perfect fit down there.

Now, economic development officials are moving on. Theyve already found another company that might be interested in the former General Electric dewatering site. Suprenant sent a letter of support on Sept. 1.

It is what it is. Well work on getting someone else in there, he said.

The site still has all the infrastructure that supported GEs dredging program. It has railroad sidings, natural gas, electricity and sewer and water lines.

CRRC had proposed building rail cars at the site, supported by Bombardier in Plattsburgh and CRRCs manufacturing plant in Springfield, Massachusetts.

A source there confirmed that CRRC had lost the rail car bid but asked for anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press.

Officials at Bombardier openly said theyd lost the joint bid with CRRC and took full responsibility for it.

CRRC has successfully won several rail car bids recently and is speeding up the opening of its Springfield plant. But at Bombardier, workers have struggled to complete two recent rail car contracts on time.

Benoit Brossoit, president of Bombardier Transports Americas division, castigated workers in a memo.

He said they lost the bid because of their poor performance and the major delays on a previous New York City rail car project.

That sealed the fate of our bid, he said in a memo first published by Le Journal de Montreal. A spokeswoman for Bombardier said the memo had been written by Brossoit.

Our actions have exacerbated an already difficult mobility environment in New York City, and our clients decision demonstrates that the market is no longer willing to accept delays in the performance and to withstand the impact of our shortcomings, he wrote.

Bombardier spokeswoman Maryanne Roberts defended the company.

We have so many contracts around the world. There will be some that are behind schedule, some that are ahead of schedule, she said.

But Bombardier was years late on its last New York City project in 2012, and she acknowledged that problem.

Bombardier is undergoing a five-year transformation, she said. Were addressing a lot of issues that have gone on in the past and making sure were better and stronger, going forward.

The company has been making rail cars for New York City since 1981, she added.

We cant win them all, but it was disappointing, she said.
GLENS FALLS  A new electric car charging station scheduled to be installed on Saturday will allow the city to complete its $50,000 grant application for sustainability projects.

The six-bay electric-vehicle charging station is going in at the citys Park Street parking garage according to Jeff Flagg, a resident who is a member of the special projects committee working on issues to reduce energy costs and help the environment.

Plug-In Stations Online is handling the job. A state grant of about $26,000 is covering 80 percent of the cost and the city is funding the rest.

Completion of the project will qualify the city for funding through the New York Energy Research and Development Authoritys Clean Energy Communities program.

Glens Falls had to complete four tasks to become eligible. Among the initiatives it has undertaken already are adopting a unified solar permit to streamline the process for solar projects, establishing goals to reduce energy at city-owned buildings and passing a local law so the city can participate in the Energy Improvement Corp., which provides financing for people to make energy-efficiency upgrades.

Once the city submits the documentation to NYSERDA about these initiatives, it will receive the $50,000.

Thats both liberating and kind of daunting. Its not really a lot of money. Its not a huge chunk if youre talking about doing an energy project, Flagg said.

The city is in the process of analyzing energy data from its buildings, according to Second Ward Councilman Bill Collins.

We know theres buildings that are huge energy users, he said.

One project would put a new roof on City Hall, but $50,000 will not cover that.

We just have no money to replace a roof  solar or otherwise, Collins said.

Among the ideas the committee has been brainstorming is replacing street lights with LED lights.

Its crazy how much money these communities are saving with LED lighting, Flagg said.

Replacing the inefficient lights at East Field has also been suggested. Flagg said is the current lighting is why the fee to use the field is $900 per day.

If they could get their lighting costs down, they could charge $200 a day, which of course expands the use of these fields, he said.

Other ideas suggested at the meeting were a bike-sharing program and purchase of electric vehicles.

Collins said the city should ask department heads for ideas.

There may be something sitting on a shelf somewhere, waiting for $50,000, he said.

Greg Mumby, associate community planner for Climate Action Associates, said projects have to lead to a reduction in greenhouse gases, whether by improving energy efficiency or generating power in a greener way, such as solar.

The city must submit a project within three months of learning it has been awarded the funding, according to Mumby. NYSERDA will either say that the project is approved, needs to be modified or is not acceptable.

The municipality has to start working on the project within six months of getting approval and has three years to finish it, Mumby said.

The projects committee has scheduled another meeting for Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. in the mayors second floor conference room to get updates on ideas.

Fifth Ward Councilman Jim Clark said even this small amount of money will help the citys sustainability efforts.

Its money that we didnt have to do something thats meaningful with regard to sustainability in the city of Glens Falls, he said.
iStock/Thinkstock(PHOENIX) -- An F-16 fighter jet with the Arizona Air National Guard crashed Tuesday afternoon in southeastern Arizona, officials said.



"Rescue efforts are underway and the status of the pilot is unknown at this time," read a statement on the Facebook page of the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Wing, of which the F-16 Fighting Falcon is based out of.



The crash happened at 3 p.m. about 20 miles northwest of Safford, Arizona.



The U.S. Air Force has assembled an interim safety board to investigate the incident.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
A flood of emotions ranging from nervousness to excitement ran through students and their parents as a new school year began on a rainy Wednesday.

Teddy Golden had gear to match the weather  a golden-colored rain jacket  as he began his first day of kindergarten at Kensington Road Elementary School. His father, Scott Naylor, said the family had a busy summer, with trips to San Francisco and Atlanta and going zip-lining and cave exploring.

Now, it is time to go to school.

Im excited but a little nervous, a few tears, said mother Meg Golden. Hes ready. Hes got lots of friends.

There was plenty of picture-taking going on.

Isaac Brown, 5, was shy and not ready to talk to a news reporter, but his mother, Laura Brown, said he was eager to start.

He woke up this morning and said, I cant wait for this day to happen, she said.

Sean Papenhausen, 6, was celebrating another occasion  his birthday.

Exciting stuff, said his mother, Sarah Papenhausen, who was handing him a large box of cupcakes to take to his classmates.

Parents of kindergartners were allowed to accompany their children to their classrooms. Parent J.D. Stearns had difficulty saying goodbye.

Have a good day. Learn, he said to his daughter, Izabella Huff.

Its emotional, overwhelming. Shes still young, but shes in a big girl school, he said.

Parents at the Hudson Falls Kindergarten Center also were a bit sad to say goodbye.

Hes just growing up, said Charisse Boyd, while her son MyZaylyn, 4, waited with great excitement.

Other parents took comfort in their childrens enthusiasm.

Shes very excited, so Im happy, said Katie Fiorillo as she stood with her daughter Tessa, 5.

Some students were more excited about showing off their fashion sense.

Olivia Johnson, 5, admitted she was a little nervous about starting school. So she was happiest about her rain boots, which had pictures of the Disney princesses Elsa and Anna. She planned to wear them all day, though her dad had packed other shoes in her backpack.

Four-year-old Amelya Bennett was sporting a pink shirt covered in unicorns.

Im gonna color, she predicted confidently. I want to color a unicorn like my shirt. I got this new shirt.

But not everyone danced happily through the doors.

Two staffers came to offer hugs and encouragement to Kayden Rowe, 4, who hesitantly walked in and came to a stop just two steps inside the building.

Teachers waited outside each classroom door, and half a dozen staffers stood at the entrance, offering an enthusiastic welcome to reassure even the most reluctant new students.

Hugs were also readily given and accepted at Corinth Elementary School.

I can never get too many hugs, said Principal Jennifer Ross-Steimle, who was hugged a second time by 6-year-old first-grader Samantha Wells.

Despite the weather, a message in letters adorning the wall said: Its good to see your sunny faces!

Fifth-grader Madison Bergstrom was giving high-fives and doing tricks with Maisy, the schools therapy dog. Madison she had an awesome summer and spent a lot of time swimming.

I hope you had a great first day, she said as students left. Are you coming back tomorrow?

Yeah! they answered.

Wednesday was also the first day of school for Abraham Wing, Argyle, Cambridge, Fort Ann, Fort Edward, Granville, Hartford, Johnsburg, Long Lake, Minerva, North Warren, Salem, Saratoga Springs, Schroon Lake and Warrensburg.

Students in the following districts head back Thursday: Bolton, Greenwich, Hadley-Luzerne, Lake George, Queensbury, Schuylerville, South Glens Falls and Whitehall.
MOREAU  A soon-to-be-retired accountant got the shock of her life last month when she stopped at a corner store to scratch a Lottery ticket.

She won a few dollars on one ticket, so she used the cash to buy another one. When she scratched it, it said shed won $5 million. (After federal and state taxes, thats $3.3 million.)

It was pretty exciting because she did it right in front of me, said clerk John Shempp, who sold the winning ticket at the Moreau Xtra Mart on Saratoga Road.

The accountant started shouting that the ticket won $5 million, saying, What am I supposed to do?

Shempp replied, Well, you dont have to worry about money anymore.

The lucky winner was so nervous afterward that she decided not to drive home. She called a friend for a ride, and spent an hour at the store with Shempp, waiting for her friend to arrive. The winner is from Gansevoort.

She drove here, but after she won she was like, Im not driving. She was too excited, he said.

By the time her friend arrived, Shempp had gotten to know her fairly well. He said she was nice  the kind of person youd want to win $5 million.

She scratched the $5 Million Fortune ticket on Aug. 14. On Thursday, Yolanda Vega will meet her at the Xtra Mart to present her with an oversized check for $5 million.

Of course, the oversized check is for publicity purposes. After taxes, she will receive $3,309,000.

At the event, her name will be released.

According to the New York Lottery system, the odds of winning $5 million from that scratch-off game is 1 in 3,646,200.
GLENS FALLS  President Donald Trumps Tuesday decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, more commonly known as DACA, has sparked a visceral national reaction, including lawsuits, protests, legislative outcries for change and pleas for the president to reconsider his decision.

But New York Sen. Betty Little, R-Queensbury, said that the president is asking Congress to fix the law by waiting six months before the phase-out begins.

President Obama did it administratively, and it should be legislative, the senator said, referring to Obamas 2012 decision to institute DACA. We cant choose which laws to follow and which ones to ignore.

Nonetheless, Little said she is supportive of helping the DACA grantees. New York is supportive of it and Im supportive of it. Many have been here for years and years, some since toddlers, Little said Wednesday afternoon, adding that perhaps a federal law could give them the opportunity to get a Green Card someday so they can become citizens.

In New York, there are about 42,000 approved DREAMers (DACA grantees) and nearly 800,000 nationally. But according to the presidents Tuesday decision, those working or studying in the U.S. through DACA face deportation if Congress cannot pass legislation making it legal for them to remain in this country.

This is the proper decision, said Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former U.S. Justice Department lawyer about the decision to give DACA to Congress. The Heritage Foundation is a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C. President Obama did not have the constitutional and legal authority.

Von Spakovsky continued.

This is tied to issues of law ... Congress has 100 percent authority over immigration, he said, pointing to the Constitution. Only Congress has the power to make it law.

According to spokesman Tom Flanagin, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, believes Congress should urgently address immigration issues, but she did not state her views on DACA specifically.

The Congresswoman has advocated for the need to fix our broken immigration system in Congress and understands this is a sensitive issue, Flanagin said. She believes on such a critical issue, both President Obama and President Trump should not circumvent the legislative branch with an executive order.

Flanagin said Stefanik believes that the issue can be solved by addressing DACA and border security in the same legislative package.

Stefanik did not offer any details about her views for the legislative package.

Immigration is the lifeblood of New York state. The Trump administrations decision to end DACA is cruel, inhumane, and devastating to the 42,000 New Yorkers who have been able to come out of the shadows and live a full life as a result of the program, said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in a Wednesday afternoon statement. These DREAMers play by the rules. They work hard and pay taxes. America is the only home they have ever known  and they deserve to stay here and keep contributing to our state and our nation.

Schneiderman, along with Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, are leading a lawsuit that has been filed by a total of attorneys general in 16 states: New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.
QUEENSBURY  Warren County Attorney Brian Reichenbach has chosen his judgeship over his county attorney post.

Reichenbach announced late Tuesday that he will step down from the county attorney position at the end of September to take a position as counsel with Jackson Demolition Services of Schenectady.

That will allow him to continue to sit as a Lake George town justice and run for re-election this fall.

He has served as both county attorney and justice since taking the attorney job in January 2016, but got an opinion earlier this year from the state Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics that he could not hold both because of potential conflicts of interest.

He said that same group had said in 2015 that he could hold both jobs.

He held court for a few hours a week, and county leaders said there had been no complaints about the time dedicated to the judgeship.

The county attorney position was to pay $118,320 this year. The part-time judgeship pays $32,696.

Reichenbach said it was a tough decision, but that he has enjoyed serving his neighbors in the town of Lake George. He has been one of two town justices since 2003 and is unopposed for re-election this fall.

I love being a town judge, he said.

Bolton Town Supervisor Ronald Conover, chairman of the county Board of Supervisors, said Reichenbachs departure was a big loss for the county and a search would begin as soon as possible for a replacement. He said he understood how much Reichenbach enjoyed his time as judge and feared he would choose that job over the county job.

He has been a tremendous county attorney, Conover said. He has developed an excellent working relationship with all of the board members. I think he has earned a lot of respect from them.

Conover said no one at the county had expressed any concerns about the judgeship interfering with Reichenbachs county duties.

Reichenbach supervises two full-time assistant county attorneys.

First assistant county attorney Mary Elizabeth Kissane will head the office in Reichenbachs absence.

The problem with Reichenbach holding both jobs stemmed from rules that dictate what part-time town justices can do in other courts in their county. They are typically barred from appearing in other county courts, but Reichenbach argued that, as county attorney, he would not be appearing in court.

The advisory committee, though, wrote in its most recent correspondence that, because Reichenbachs deputies do handle cases in Warren County Family Court, the situation is questionable.

All appearances by the county attorneys office would be made in your name and the attorneys with prosecutorial responsibilities would be answerable to you, wrote committee members George Marlow, a retired Appellate Division justice; and Margaret Walsh, an Albany County Family Court judge.
QUEENSBURY  Supervisor John Strough is trying to force out Town Board member Doug Irish because Irish wont resign voluntarily.

But Irish has responded by insisting that Strough set up technology so that he can use video conferencing to attend every Town Board meeting.

The two sent angry emails to each other on the topic Sunday, and both asked the town attorneys to weigh in.

At issue is whether Irish can still represent Ward 3 even though he is working in North Carolina. He is teaching there and heading up a department at the Fayetteville Technical Community College. This term, he is teaching classes on Mondays and cant get back to Queensbury in time for the meetings.

He has promised to start attending meetings in October, when his class schedule changes. He hasnt been to a meeting in two months.

Strough asked him to resign, but Irish refused. Irishs term ends Dec. 31.

Strough, a Democrat, has previously said that the Town Board should appoint Republican George Ferone to fill the seat of Irish, who is also a Republican.

In the towns best interests, the Town Board should appoint George Ferone to replace Doug Irish. The sooner the better for all, he said, adding, In any event, even before moving to North Carolina, Doug had a less than admirable attendance record.

Now, Strough thinks Irish can be kicked off the board on the grounds that he is no longer a Queensbury resident.

I will seek an opinion from town counsel as to whether your absence makes you, no longer an inhabitant, Strough wrote, referring to state law on the issue.

In a follow-up email, Strough attached the law and wrote, Residency is primarily a matter of intent.

He noted that Irish is now working full-time in North Carolina.

But Irish defended his residency in an interview Wednesday. He noted he still owns a house in Queensbury.

House, family, dogs and Im a voter in Warren County. And I dont plan on selling any time soon, either, he said. As a matter of fact, my truck I have here (in Fayetteville) is registered in New York and Im licensed there as well, and dont plan to change that either.

He is also looking at the law. The towns law firm, FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth, noted that he could attend meetings via video conferencing, and so Irish immediately informed Strough that he would do so.

I will be attending any meetings I cannot make in person via Skype or another program as determined by StoredTech. Please feel free to give me a call if you need to discuss this accommodation, he wrote.

StoredTech is a Queensbury-based technology company.

Strough refused the request, saying that Irish was trying to abuse rules set up for emergency situations.

He wants the Town Board to set up a policy that would prohibit the long-term use of videoconferencing to accommodate a board member that has not been, and does not plan to be, physically present in the town for an extended period of time.

It should not be used by an elected official who has left the district permanently, Strough said.

Other board members indicated they might side with Irish.

Board member Brian Clements cited his recent knee surgeries, which forced him to miss multiple meetings.

I even signed a document that was brought to my house during my recovery. But I still would have preferred to participate in the workshops and regular Town Board meetings, live via video conference, he wrote in response to the dueling emails from Strough and Irish.

Other board members could use video conferencing if they needed surgery, or if they were on vacation, he said.

He added that the technology has been in use for many years.

I implemented video conferencing at Lake George Central School over 12 years ago, and have been using video conferencing technology at SUNY Plattsburgh through SUNY Adirondack for 10 years, he said.

The technology isnt unknown in Queensbury. The board used it in February to interview Jennifer Switzer, who was one of three candidates being considered for appointment to the Ward 4 seat. Switzer was out of the state to attend a family members military school graduation.

In that case, the board used technology set up in its small conference room. Town officials would have to move that equipment to the main room, or buy new equipment. By law, the public must be able to see and hear the elected official who is participating remotely. The board cannot simply call him on a cellphone and prop up the screen where the board members can see it.
HUDSON FALLS  A woman died in a fire early Wednesday at a home on North Street and police, aided by a neighbor, were able to rescue her boyfriend from the homes roof.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Ashley E. Coltrain. She was found in a second-floor bedroom in the burning house shortly after the 4:50 a.m. blaze was knocked down.

Hudson Falls Police officers rescued a man from the roof of a front porch at the 11 North St. home, but were unable to get into the building to get to Coltrain, Hudson Falls Police Chief Randy Diamond said. She was believed to have called 911 to report the fire.

The home was fully engulfed, Diamond said. It was a really, really hot fire.

He said it was not clear why the woman did not evacuate the home, as county dispatchers advised her to do when she placed the 911 call.

We are not sure what kept her inside, Hudson Falls Fire Chief Mike Fitzgerald said.

The man who escaped was her boyfriend, identified as Derrick Guilder, and he remained in Glens Falls Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation as of late Wednesday afternoon.

There were pets in the home, including ferrets and at least one cat, and she may have been trying to get them out. Police were interviewing Guilder on Wednesday, but he was on oxygen and his condition was hindering that, police said.

Diamond said a neighbor brought a ladder over to help officers Sean Smith and Ed Ackley rescue the man.

Thankfully, they were able to get him or there would have been a second fatality, he said.

Neighbors identified the good Samaritan as Duane Charland, saying he heard the fire call on a police scanner, and grabbed a ladder when he saw police cars in front of the burning house and ran it down the street.

The Washington County Sheriffs Office released later Wednesday video from Deputy Brad Hamiltons body camera that showed officers and firefighters battling heavy smoke and flames to try to get in different windows and doors of the burning home. Some coughed heavily as smoke billowed.

Its too hot for them to get in there, an officer said at one point.

Four firefighters suffered minor injuries, ranging from heat exhaustion to a cut finger, smoke inhalation and a minor back injury.

Fitzgerald said there were initial concerns that others may have been unaccounted for in the building, but just the one woman was found.

We did a complete sweep and everyone was accounted for, he said.

The makeup of the home, with a wall that separated one side from the other, and an abundance of items stored in hallways and stairways hindered firefighter access, but Fitzgerald said those issues likely didnt affect the outcome.

The cause of the fire had not been determined, but Diamond said there was no initial indication it was suspicious. Washington County and state Office of Fire Prevention and Control fire investigators are investigating, with State Police assisting Hudson Falls Police with interviews of witnesses.

Fire damage was heaviest on the first floor in the southeast corner of the two-story home, where a living room was located, but Diamond said it may take days or longer to determine the cause.

Fire investigators were using shovels to scoop up debris to review it closely.

They are going over every square inch of that house, Diamond said.

Guilder was taken to Glens Falls Hospital for treatment of injuries that were considered non-life-threatening.

Coltrains 40-year-old mother had just died a week or so earlier of a heart attack in the home, police said.

Neighbors said the family was quiet, and several were tearful at the double tragedy they had endured.

They lived there about a year. I never talked to them. They were quiet, said Joe LaPointe, who lives across the street.

Coltrain was a 2016 graduate of Hudson Falls High School who worked at The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom as a cashier.

Loved ones of the victim gathered near the home throughout the day, a fire department chaplain consoling them at one point. They declined to comment to gathered reporters as they waited amid a steady rain.

One neighboring home sits no more than 20 feet from 11 North, and firefighters kept the blaze from jumping to it.

Firefighters from Hudson Falls were assisted by Fort Edward, Kingsbury, South Queensbury and Queensbury Central at the scene. Fort Edward Police, State Police and the Washington County Sheriffs Office assisted at the scene as well.
According to Lawrence M. Krauss, a theoretical physicist at Arizona State, the suns brightness is expected to increase by 15 percent over the next 2 billion years, creating a runaway greenhouse effect that will produce surface temperatures on Earth in excess of 700 degrees.

Forget about global warming, this will be global incineration.

The only remnant of our wasted time in this world will still be hurtling across space in one of two Voyager spacecrafts.

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the launch of Voyager 1. It has left our solar system and is now nearly 13 billion miles from Earth. Voyager 2 is out there too, just 10.6 billion miles from home, each forging its own path toward new worlds.

And neither has had to stop for gas.

The Voyager spacecrafts, which launched when I was in college, were conceived as a flyby of the outer planets in our solar system. Voyager used the planets gravity to slingshot from Jupiter to Saturn to Uranus and on to Neptune.

Both missions furthered our understanding of the planets and solar system and took some extraordinary photos. But the lasting legacy will be the golden record aboard each spaceship.

As the Voyager mission was developed, several scientists suggested that information be included that would describe our planet and our species, just in case.

Carl Sagan wrote this at the time:

The spacecraft will be encountered and the record played only if there are advanced space-faring civilizations in interstellar space. But the launching of this bottle into the cosmic ocean says something very hopeful about life on this planet.

The record, a 12-inch gold-plated copper disc, is a space-proof version of the vinyl I was playing in college when Voyager was launched. It contains sounds, music and images from Earth, a message of peace from President Carter as well as drawings of the human form. NASA passed on naked photographs for fear the controversy surrounding interstellar pornography might derail the mission.

It also invited alien civilizations to visit while providing a cosmic map of where to find us.

The beginning of the 1984 movie Starman shows Voyager whizzing through space to the sounds of Chuck Berrys classic Johnny B. Goode. It was the only rock n roll tune to make the cut on the golden record.

In Starman, Jeff Bridges plays an alien who has taken Voyager up on its offer to visit. What follows is the panicked efforts of government forces trying to capture the alien that are less than hospitable.

Jeff Bridges was nominated for an Academy Award and the movie should be required viewing for any extraterrestrial planning a trip.

In celebration of the anniversary, PBS aired The Farthest, a documentary that followed the two missions and interviewed the people instrumental in their success. You can hear the excitement in their voices all these years later, a reminder of the joy scientific discovery used to bring us as a people.

It was also a reminder of the vastness of outer space and the worlds we will never know.

While we face an uncertain future, the two spacecrafts continue their missions with the message there was once a civilized people in a world far away.

Voyagers futures appear much brighter than our own.

Ken Tingley is the editor of The Post-Star and may be reached via email at tingley@poststar.com. His blog The Front Page discusses issues about newspapers and journalism. You can also follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kentingley.</&box_em>
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Japan's domestic PV-cell shipment hit 1,263 MW in Q2, up 7% year-on-year, the first growth in nine quarters, according to Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA).

Statistics just released by JPEA show that affected by drastic decline in external demand, total Japanese PV-cell shipment, for the domestic market and export, in terms of volume of modules, slipped, for the ninth quarter in a row, by 2% year-on-year to 1,333 MW in Q2.

Overseas enterprises accounted for 42% of Q2 shipment, up two percentage points sequentially, with domestic/overseas production ratio standing at 33:67.

Domestically, shipment of residential PV cells dropped by 8% year-on-year to 246MW in Q2, when shipment of non-residential, or industrial-use, PV cells, such as for PV power stations, shot up by 10% to 1,008 MW, for 80% share.

Meanwhile, Q2 export of Japanese PV cells plunged by 62% year-on-year to 70MW.

Nikkei Shimbun reported, citing industry insider, that "The market has not bottomed out yet, as the environment is still rigorous." Since the inauguration of PV power purchase scheme FiT (Feed-in Tariffs) in 2012, PV power generation has been expanding by leaps and bounds in Japan. However, purchase price for industrial-use PV power has plummeted by 50% from 2012 level in 2017.

Major Japanese PV-cell suppliers include Sharp, Kyocera, Panasonic, Solar Frontier, a subsidiary of Showa Shell Sekiyu K.K., and Mitsubishi.

(Photo courtesy of Jumanji Solar via Flickr CC2.0)
Heres a look at some of the traffic changes ahead on the Moline side in the next few years.

September 2017: Advanced local road improvements begin in downtown Moline as part of the reconstruction of the I-74 bridge. Part of the work will reconstruct the 19th Street and 7th Avenue intersection to improve traffic flow to and from downtown Moline and the new bridge. The 19th Street/7th Avenue intersection will be closed beginning the week of Sept. 25 through early December. All ramps will remain open, but with detours.

2018: Additional improvements will be made to Molines 19th Street from Avenue of the Cities north in preparation of detours to be implemented in 2019.

2019: A section of Iowa-bound Interstate 74 in Moline will be closed for reconstruction. Iowa-bound drivers will exit at Avenue of the Cities, travel north on 19th Street to River Drive to get back onto Interstate 74 or to reach downtown. On the bridge, they will travel in a single lane of traffic.

At the same time, a section of I-74 in Bettendorf will be closed. North-bound traffic on I-74 will have to exit the bridge at Grant Street, follow a detour north through Bettendorf to get to Middle Road, where they can return to the interstate.

Illinois-bound drivers will travel to Iowa on the existing span and interstate with no changes.

2021: The existing I-74 bridge will be demolished.

To follow the progress: Visit I74RiverBridge.com or follow @I74RiverBridge on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Information also is available at Molines website www.moline.il.us/drive.

The hotline: 1-866-I74-4ALL (1-866-474-4255).

Source: Iowa DOT, Illinois DOT
IOWA CITY  The father of the newborn  left by his mother in a trash can at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics last year  said he is incredibly disappointed that the babys mother, who left his son for dead, will not serve prison time.

Brandon Addison of Davenport is the former boyfriend of Ashley Hautzenrader, 24, and father of their children, 16-month-old Matthew James and Ahnna Lily Addison, who turns 3 later this month.

He said Tuesday he wasnt aware that Hautzenrader suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time she gave birth to Matthew on May 8, 2016, in a restroom at the hospitals John Colloton Pavillion. She tried flushing him down a toilet and then placed him in a pillowcase and left him in a restroom trash bin.

Hautzenrader was sentenced to probation on Friday.

In talking to The Gazette on Tuesday, Addison said he wanted to introduce Matthew and Ahnna to the community so people who have read about Hautzenraders case would know the children are happy and thriving in his care.

Addison said Ahnnas health has greatly improved over the past year and she and Matthew are learning from each other and have become a great team.

I am very happy and grateful they are here with me, Addison said.

At the end of the day, I am happy that the University of Iowa Hospitals found my baby boy and saved his life, he said in a Facebook post.

Hautzenrader, originally charged with attempted murder, pleaded guilty to neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, a felony, and child endangerment, an aggravated misdemeanor.

She faced up to 12 years in probation, but 6th Judicial District Judge Marsha Bergan, in a Friday hearing in Johnson County District Court, ordered five years probation after a psychiatrist testified Hautzenrader had PTSD from dealing with her daughter Ahnnas severe medical condition and was in pregnancy denial of Matthew.

If Hautzenrader violates conditions of her probation, she would face the 12-year sentence. She also was fined $1,625. A no-contact order prohibits her from having any contact with Matthew for five years.

Court documents show Hautzenraders parental rights have been terminated, and Addison has custody of Matthew and Ahnna.

Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness said Tuesday there was testimony about Ahnnas health issues and that when Matthew was born, Hautzenrader was at the hospital where Ahnna was being moved from pediatrics to the intensive care unit. Ahnna has severe health issues, including heart problems that required a heart transplant, Lyness said.

Lyness said she wasnt aware of Hautzenraders mental health evaluation until Friday morning, but the judge allowed the testimony.

Bergan said during the hearing she had been inclined to order prison time for Hautzenrader until she heard testimony from Dr. Cara Angelotta, instructor of psychiatry and behavior sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Addison confirmed his daughter, Ahnna, has health issues and continues to have many doctor appointments and therapy sessions. But, he said, its your job as a parent to step up and make sure they are safe and protected at all cost.

Addison said Tuesday he hopes other parents dont see the trials outcome as an easy way out, if they, too, dont want a child.

He encouraged parents to learn about Iowas Safe Haven law, in which a parent can turn over a newborn to a hospital, no questions asked, and the baby will be cared for and placed in a temporary or permanent home.

If anyone is interested in helping the Addison children, a fund has been set up at Gofundme.com/matthewahnna.
Eight years after being started, Davenport NOW, a program designed to spur development in the city, is scheduled to sunset on June 30, 2018, and the Davenport City Council is currently looking at its options for a program to replace it.

"I don't believe the intent was a long-term, permanent fixture but to get through that recession," Community Planning and Economic Development Director Bruce Berger said during Tuesday's management update meeting.

Since 2009, $80 million in capital has been expended through Davenport NOW, which provides a rebate for 50 percent of the city's portion of the taxes for 10 years based on the increase in assessed value from construction.

Rebates can be received either in one lump sum check, or spread out over 10 or 13 years of rebates utilized for a college savings plan.

Berger said 95 percent of projects through Davenport NOW have been residential and 80 percent have been for the construction of new homes.

At the time the program was implemented, the housing market was at a standstill.

"The recession was killing everybody," Alderman Mike Matson, 7th Ward, said. "We were having zero, zero housing build out in Davenport."

The other goal of the project was to help increase enrollment in the Davenport Community School District, but there's no longer any evidence to support the program does that.

The program needs to change, they said, and the City Council must decide what it would like in its place.

Alderwoman Maria Dickmann, 2nd Ward, said she wanted the Council to focus on a new program to help repopulate the school district.

Matson suggested more of a hybrid program that would also look at infrastructure improvements.

"We can build out, but if our streets aren't doing anything, we can't get to them," Matson said.

City Administrator Corri Spiegel said a more robust discussion will take place over the year, including potential alternatives to the program.

Besides changes to Davenport NOW, the city also is considering changes to the city's urban revitalization tax exemption, or URTE, areas.

URTE areas are defined as spaces with substantial numbers of deteriorated structures, detrimental to public health, safety or welfare.

The central city URTE area was created in 1979 before being amended in 2004. A north area was created in 1987 and amended in 2013. The most recent area was created in 2013, which includes areas along Kimberly Road, Locust Street and on West River Drive.

Berger said there have been two projects eyed that could not get off the ground because they were outside the current zones.

While Alderwoman Rita Rawson, 5th Ward, said the city should not be reacting to one project, Alderwoman Kerri Tompkins said the city's plans should adjust to meet its needs every few years.

"If needs are changing, this should be something we are updating and having that conversation," Tompkins said.
Shortly after the Trump administration Tuesday formally announced it will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, East Moline resident Tar Macias did not waver from his usual calm and positive demeanor.

Instead, the founder and publisher of Hola America News, a Latino newspaper based in the Quad-Cities, stepped up his advocacy and support for young undocumented immigrants in the community.

He attempted to connect with those in the area legally protected from deportation by DACA, who entered the U.S. illegally as children. There are 800,000 people who have registered with the government since President Barack Obama signed the executive order in 2012.

The main message Macias, 44, wants to convey to those individuals, including his stepson, who is a DACA recipient:

Do not be fearful, he said. Ive been in that situation, and I know how it feels.

While his grandfather was born in Moline, Macias' immediate family emigrated from Mexico to the United States 30 years ago this past Fourth of July. He was 14 years old at the time.

He went on to graduate from Moline High School in 1990. Because he was an undocumented immigrant, however, he could not apply for federal financial aid and attend college.

I was in the shadows, he said.

In 1991, Macias secured his residency, landed a job at a comic book shop in Silvis and later worked as a server at a Mexican restaurant in Moline.

It was there where a representative from Black Hawk College recruited him to take classes.

After studying business administration for a couple years at the community college in Moline, Macias took a semester off in 2000 to start his news organization, which quickly turned into his full-time job.

The publication comes out on the first Wednesday of every month, and Hola Iowa, which he launched in 2014, comes out on the third Wednesday of every month.

Maybe I would still be waiting tables now if it wasnt for people motivating me to go back to school, he said. If we dont support the DACA students, theyre going to be in the shadows instead of being doctors and engineers, the people we want them to be for the better of this country.

When their permits expire, Macias, who is now a U.S. citizen, does not think Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, will target DACA holders specifically, noting it would not be logistically feasible.

These are good kids, he added. "They don't have criminal records."

Although Macias called DACA a great program, he said it is not the perfect solution.

He remains optimistic that lawmakers, who have six months to act under Trump's order, can pass a bill improving protection of undocumented immigrants.

Im hoping that Congress is going to have something even better than DACA for these kids," he said.
For years, the city of Bettendorf has given the state the authority to prosecute illegal tobacco sales to minors within its limits and after the latest two violations, that relationship will continue.

Two weeks ago, the Iowa Attorney General's Office sent letters detailing compliance failures to city administrators and informing them of their rights.

Iowa Code grants local jurisdictions the right to civil prosecution within 60 days before the state pursues cases, but City Administrator Decker Ploehn said Bettendorf has and will continue to hand enforcement over to the Sheriff's Office and Iowa State Patrol before the Attorney General's Office tries the case.

"That practice has been in place for as long as I've been aware of this program," Ploehn said. "It has been the council's prerogative to spend more time on alcohol checks than tobacco checks."

Police Chief Phil Redington said the city's police department does not participate itself in compliance checks, which are performed by the Scott County Sheriff's Office.

Jessica Ekman, the tobacco program coordinator at the state Alcoholic Beverages Division, said the state contracts with about 200 local law enforcement agencies and Iowa State Patrol to check every retail location in the state at least once every year.

"During the compliance checks, minors are trying to purchase tobacco and if the sale occurs, the clerk is cited," Ekman said. "Local law enforcement is in charge of coordinating minor participation."

As part of the Iowa Pledge Program, which began in 2000 and is aimed at curbing use of tobacco and sales to minors, Eckman said retailers are encouraged to take part in a training program in which employees become certified through online modules and quizzes.

The certification lasts for two years unless there is a sale to a minor, which causes it to be revoked.

Businesses that have been certified can avoid prosecution by claiming affirmative defense for one violation within four years, otherwise they are subject to fines and suspensions outlined in the code.

Eckman said the compliance rate has risen to 91 percent and stayed consistent over the past two fiscal years.

Since 2001, there have been 59 reported tobacco compliance violations in Bettendorf.
Quad-Citians are doing their part for the Hurricane Harvey relief effort, scraping together donations at a rate local businesses call "unreal." Here at the Quad-City Times, we're partnering with Rock Island's Valley Construction for a massive donation drive with the goal of sending two full, 53-foot-long semi-trailers of supplies to Houston later this month. And while we welcome your first-aid kits, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, nonperishable food items, and childrens school supplies, there may be a business more convenient for your donations. We'll be updating a list of businesses aiding in the relief effort here. If we missed any, contact us at newsroom@qctimes.com.

Drop-off sites

The following locations will accept donations until Sept. 15:

Valley Construction, 3610 78th Ave. West, Rock Island

Duck Creek Tire & Service, 4000 Middle Road, Bettendorf

Two Rivers YMCA, 2040 53rd St., Moline

Heritage Church, 4801 44th St., Rock Island

Quad-City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave., Rock Island

Quad-City Times, 500 E. 3rd St., Davenport: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday

Other ways to help

Werner Restoration is collecting personal items for adults including hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, maker up, curling irons, toothpaste, and deodorant, as well as as socks, underwear, white shirts, and basic clothing, in all sizes for both men and women. Please do not donate children's items. The business will collect items for donation through Friday, Sept. 9., at their location at 102 Innovation Way, Colona, Ill.

Two Men and a Truck of the Quad-Cities is working with the Church of God to hold a donation drive for the residents of Houston. From Sept. 11-17, the moving company and the church will collect donations from the Quad-Cities and Two Men will transport the items to Texas on Sept. 18. Juan Gallegos, Two Mens regional supervisor for Quad-Cities and Peoria, said the donation drive is happening across the company, including the franchises two other locations in Peoria and Rockford, Illinois. Donations of bottled water, canned goods and nonperishables may be dropped off at Two Mens office, 5000 Tremont Ave., Building 200, Suite 202, and Church of God, 1334 Ripley St., both in Davenport. If Quad-City residents have donations but are unable to get to a drop-off site, he said, Two Men and a Truck is more than willing to go pick it up for them.

Hy-Vee is accepting and matching donations from customers to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The grocery store chain, which is partnering with the Red Cross, will match up to $100,000 in donations received before Sept. 30, according to a news release issued by the company. Proceeds will help support volunteer efforts, open shelters and provide meals and other supplies. Customers may donate $1 or $5 at the cash register of any Hy-Vee store.

Schnucks is holding a companywide drive to benefit victims of Hurricane Harvey and will be collecting donations through Friday, Sept 8. When checking out at any Schnucks, customers may add a $1, $5 or $10 donation to their total. The American Red Cross will receive the full amount of their donation for the Hurricane Harvey relief fund. Schnucks is located at 858 Middle Road, Bettendorf.

LiveWell Chiropractic and Wellness will be collecting items, including cleaning supplies, toiletries, blankets and baby diapers, through Sept. 15. Donations will be taken to Rockport and Aransas Pass in southeast Texas. Especially needed are Borax, bleach, bristle pads, mops, Pine Sol, dish soap, personal hygiene items, gift cards to Lowe's, Walgreens and Walmart. Donations can be left at the office at 3456 Holiday Court, Bettendorf.

Rayz Barbershop is accepting emergency supplies, specifically construction gloves, masks, trash bags, duct tape and cots, at any of its Quad-City locations. Rayz can be found at 3002 Avenue of the Cities, Moline; 5262 Utica Ridge Road, Davenport; 1733 30th St., Rock Island; and 1150 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport. Donations also will be accepted at Rayz Barber College, 3707 Avenue of the Cities, Moline.

Ruff Life Dog Rescue of Illowa is taking in dogs that were in shelters prior to the arrival of the hurricane to make room for new dogs that were displaced by the storm. The rescue operation is in need of dog crates, beds, blankets, leashes and collars, chews, puppy pads, slip leads, toys, food bowls and dog treats. Donations for small dogs are especially appreciated. Contact them at adoptions@rufflifedogrescue.org.

Muscatine Veterinary Hospitalwill be making monetary donations to two organizations providing disaster relief for the affected animals: The SPCA of Texas and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation Disaster Relief Fund. Funds will be collected at the clinic at 2200 Park Ave., Muscatine, until Sept. 15.

U.S. Bank ATM users may make donations to the Red Cross at any U.S. Bank cash machine through Sept. 30. Contributions will support the organization's efforts to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Fleet Feet Sports, 4257 Elmore Ave., is collecting lightly used footwear for flood victims. Owner Phil Young will send donations to the Fleet Feet store in Houston. He also will handle the shipping costs and offer gift cards to his business in exchange for shoes. For more information, call 563-355-1231.

The Jewish Federations of North America, which has an affiliate in the Quad-Cities, opened a Hurricane Harvey relief fund to provide resources to emergency service providers in Texas. According to its website, the nonprofit organization will fund urgently needed basics, such as food and medicine, as well as long-term needs, such as trauma counseling. For more information, go to bit.ly/2xEyWvy.
 Here's the afternoon forecast from the National Weather Service. The Quad-Cities will see increasing clouds with a high near 65 degrees and a low around 46 degrees.

 Josey Jewell wasnt impressed. Matt Campbell was. That and more, including a breakdown of the 22 former Hawkeyes who made the opening-game cut in the NFL, are all part of todays Hawkeye 10@10. Delivered each weekday at 10 a.m. at Hawkmania.com, your home for all things Iowa, here is your daily dose of Iowa news and notes.

Hurricane Harvey floods Houston. Irma is bearing down on Florida. And it's been a long wildfire season across Montana and other parts of the northwest. Here are some images from this year's fires.

 Here's the latest on Hurricane Irma:

12:00 p.m.: National Weather Service Director Louis Uccellini says Hurricane Irma is so record-breaking strong it's impossible to hype. Uccellini told The Associated Press on Wednesday he's concerned about Florida up the east coast to North Carolina, starting with the Florida Keys. He warns that "all the hazards associated with this storm" are going to be dangerous.

Hurricane expert Kerry Emanuel of MIT calculates that Irma holds about 7 trillion watts  about twice the energy of all bombs used in World War II.

11:50 a.m.: A Dutch navy spokeswoman says that marines who flew to three islands hammered by Hurricane Irma have seen a lot of damage, but have no immediate reports of casualties. The Category 5 storm made a direct hit Wednesday on the island where the Dutch territory of St. Maarten is located, though the scope of damage isn't yet clear. Some 100 Dutch marines flew to the islands on Monday to prepare for the hurricane.

11:30 a.m.: President Donald Trump says Hurricane Irma looks like "something that could be not good." Ahead of a meeting with Congressional leaders Wednesday, Trump said the group had a lot to discuss, including what "seems to be record-breaking hurricane heading right toward Florida and Puerto Rico and other places."

Trump says "we'll see what happens." He adds: "it looks like it could be something that could be not good, believe me not good."

9:55 a.m.: President Donald Trump's homeland security adviser says the government can handle Hurricane Irma relief because the life-saving phase for Hurricane Harvey is over and has entered a longer term phase focused on individuals.

Tom Bossert tells The Associated Press that the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas are not being forgotten as Irma hits the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and possibly Florida later this week. He says those in the path of the newest storm should heed evacuation orders.

For Harvey, he says the government is working on longer-term assistance, such as Small Business Administration loans, unemployment wages and reconstruction.

9:40 a.m.: The U.S. State Department is warning U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Cuba, Haiti or the Dominican Republic due to the expected impact of Hurricane Irma. It notes that the Category 5 storm could bring life-threatening flooding, flash flooding, mudslides, and storm surge, while travel and other services will likely be disrupted.

The department says it has authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. government employees and their family members from the three countries due to the hurricane.
Until about a year ago, Kristen Lundh, a 15-year employee of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, had never heard of the rusty patched bumble bee.

But as efforts geared up to get the native pollinator listed on the federal Endangered Species List  which was done in March  Lundh added it to her scope of work as the service's endangered species coordinator for Iowa and Illinois.

Based in the Rock Island District office, Lundh has gone hunting for the elusive bee herself, finding four of them in an area that she describes only as "in Iowa."

On Thursday, Sept. 14, Lundh will lead a hunting expedition for the rusty patched bumble bee in Rock Island County's Loud Thunder Forest Preserve as one of the workshops included in the third annual Quad-Cities Pollinator Conference, based at the Davenport RiverCenter.

Pollinators, including bees, have gotten increased attention in recent years because they make possible one out of every three bites of food we eat, and their numbers are declining.

The rusty patched bumble bee, named for the rusty-colored patch on its back, is one of 47 known bumble bee species in North America, according to The Xerces Society, a nonprofit environmental organization.

Historically, the bee was broadly distributed across the eastern United States and Upper Midwest, but it was listed as endangered because it now is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant part of its range, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Since 2000, it has been reported in only 13 states, including Iowa and Illinois, and in only four and 10 counties of those states, respectively.

In Iowa the counties are Black Hawk (Waterloo), Johnson (Iowa City) and Clayton and Winneshiek counties in northeast Iowa.

In Illinois, they are Champaign, Cook, DuPage, Jo Daviess, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Ogle, Peoria and Winnebago.

Lundh picked Loud Thunder for the expedition because of its "preponderance of good fall flowers" and because it is relatively close to the conference site.

Her expedition will be the second this year to try to find the rusty patched in Loud Thunder. In June, members of a nonprofit organization called Guardians of the Prairie and Forest organized a 24-hour bio-blitz of the area, and they, too, would have been delighted to find the bee but did not.

Regardless, Lundh's workshop isn't all about finding a particular insect, she said.

It also is about learning about pollinators in general.

Bumble bees, for example, are important "buzz pollinators"  a process in which the bee vibrates its flight muscles while clinging to the flower, thereby dislodging pollen, enabling them to serve as the primary pollinators for agricultural crops such as greenhouse tomatoes and peppers, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. They do not produce honey.

She also will talk about how a species gets put on the Endangered Species list and the Fish and Wildlife Service's role in administering the list. This includes identifying areas where endangered species exist and working with landowners to develop projects that might enhance the endangered population.

The rusty patched bumble bee, for instance, needs nectar sources (flowers) from April to September, which is a longer time span than some other pollinators require, and often, there is not much blooming in April in Iowa and Illinois.

One of Lundh's jobs, then, might be to find funding to add early-blooming plants to a specific area.

She also will talk about "what any landowner can do to improve habitat in their yard," she said.
Iowas attorney general has joined with 15 other attorneys general to sue the federal government over Tuesdays decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Established by executive order under President Barack Obama, the program offered a level of protection to certain immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children. The protections allowed those immigrants to receive work authorization and live in the country legally.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced it would end DACA within six months.

About 2,800 Iowa residents have been approved for the program, with another 3,100 having submitted applications as of March, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data.

In a statement Tuesday, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said DACA has protected those residents who arrived illegally as children, grew up following the rules and are very much a part of our fabric.

Miller said that he doesnt know how long it will take the court to rule on the case but that courts can move pretty quickly in preliminary decisions as they did in the case of President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from predominantly Muslim countries.

It doesnt need to move quite as quickly as the travel ban when people were being held at the airports, but clearly, there is some urgency here, Miller said. Theres just great fear and concern about the people it affects.

He claimed in the lawsuit the state stands to lose $258 million in tax revenue over 10 years if DACA recipients in the state lose their authorization to work.

Iowa Republicans largely praised the Trump administrations decision. For instance, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said DACA is an example of Obamas executive overreach and Trumps move means its up to Congress to sort it out.

President Trump should continue to work with Congress to pass reforms through the legislative process that encourage lawful immigration, Grassley said in a statement.

Other attorneys general involved in the suit include those from Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, among others.

In the lawsuit, the attorneys general ask a federal judge to declare the rescission of DACA contrary to the Constitution and unlawful.

They also ask a judge to prevent the federal government from using information obtained through DACA applications to identify, apprehend, detain, or deport any of those applicants or their family members.

(James Q. Lynch contributed to this report.)
Heartless and weak.

Few words better describe President Donald Trump's announcement Tuesday that would do away with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) created by executive order by his predecessor, Barack Obama. Trump's been all over the map on DACA, waffling between telling its recipients, colloquially dubbed "dreamers," not to worry. Weeks later, he's out on the stump blasting the program, seamlessly rolling it into the rank nativism that placates his base.

Trump's entire strategy exposes the weakness of a man whose persona is built on supposed machismo. The six-month delay for the program's end means he can, ultimately, make a patsy of Congress when more than 790,000 young people -- effectively Americans in every way but birth -- find themselves rounded up, jailed and hauled back to Central and South American countries they probably don't even remember. Trump didn't even have the guts to announce it himself on Tuesday. He sent out Attorney General Jeff Sessions to do his dirty work.

So much for the tough-guy image Trump likes to sell.

Illinois is home to more than 42,000 DACA recipients, according to data released this month by U.S. Department of Homeland Security. About 2,800 registered DACA recipients live in Iowa. Without congressional action, at best, they'll be forced back into the underground, a massive waste of talent and tax revenue. At worst, they'll become regular targets for immigration raids.

All available data points to DACA's sweeping success. These were people, brought to the U.S. as children who, by and large, worked under-the-table jobs, couldn't attend even community college and were forced to live in the shadows. More than 91 percent of DACA recipients are either gainfully employed and paying taxes or enrolled in college.

They're functioning parts of the social fabric. Now often in their early 30s, thousands of DACA recipients started families. They started businesses. They pay taxes. They participate in society to everyone's benefit. And, come March, their willingness to register for DACA and provide personal information -- to play by the rules -- is likely to be used as a weapon against them. It's the ultimate betrayal.

Tuesday's move was a political ploy with very human costs. Republicans across the spectrum begged the president to avoid it. House Speaker Paul Ryan publicly asked the president to leave DACA be. But Trump, facing an eroding base, opted Tuesday to use people -- our neighbors -- as political pawns.

Almost never in the U.S. are families, especially children, blamed for the sins and crimes of their parents. Such multi-generational punitive action is a shameful relic of the Dark Ages.

Trump's demand for congressional action is a dodge, plain and simple. For years, Congress has bickered about immigration reform. It proved a near-impossible lift even during less noxious times. Demanding congressional action in the midst of an emergent right-wing is downright laughable. It's even more unlikely when Congress entered the fall session Tuesday with tax reform, disaster relief, the debt ceiling and the federal budget on its plate.

Ultimately, yes, it would be best for Congress to finally grapple with the immigration problem that's dogged Republican politics for more than 30 years. It would be preferable for a legal solution outside of the executive order process. But, make no mistake, Trump's move on Tuesday happened just because it would have been bad optics for his administration to defend DACA in court. Doing so would have eroded further the segment of his base that gets offended when they hear someone speaking Spanish at the super market. It was the action of a weak president cornered by his own nasty brand of political bombast.

Make no mistake, this has nothing to do with the "rule of law." Such a claim is laughable from an administration that last month pardoned renegade Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Congress must act now. A failure to do so would display a shameless, inhuman lack of courage. Congressional action on immigration, would, no doubt, give Trump an opening to claim a much-needed victory. But the task facing lawmakers is probably insurmountable.

On Tuesday, President Trump opted to threaten vital human capital and make a scapegoat out of Congress for the sake of politics. It was the action of a man who would rather shrink than grapple seriously with the issues before him.
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that an Attorney General Explanation for a proposed initiated measure has been filed with the Secretary of State. This statement will appear on a petition that will be circulated by the sponsor of the initiated measure. If the sponsor obtains a sufficient number of signatures (13,871) by November 6, 2017, as certified by the Secretary of State, the initiated measure will be placed on the ballot for the November 2018 general election.
PIERRE - With school back in session in many South Dakota communities, the Department of Education wants families to know about the National School Lunch, School Breakfast and Special Milk Programs.

These federally funded programs help to ensure that students from families whose income meets certain guidelines (see chart below) are eligible for free or reduced price meals, which are served at participating schools. Students also may be eligible for free milk if the school participates in a Special Milk Program. A list of participating agencies can be found at http://doe.sd.gov/cans/.

Families may apply for free or reduced price meals or free milk for their children for school year 2017-18 according to guidelines effective July 1, 2017. Depending upon a familys circumstances, there are varying ways to gain access to the programs.

To learn more about the programs, families should contact the administrative office of their local school district.

The income scales below are used to determine an applicants eligibility for free or reduced price meals if the household is at or below the guidelines.

INCOME ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

(Effective from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018)

Annually Annually Monthly Monthly Weekly Weekly

Household Size Free Reduced Free Reduced Free Reduced

1 $15,678 $22,311 $1,307 $1,860 $302 $430

2 $21,112 $30,044 $1,760 $2,504 $406 $578

3 $26,546 $37,777 $2,213 $3,149 $511 $727

4 $31,980 $45,510 $2,665 $3,793 $615 $876

5 $37,414 $53,243 $3,118 $4,437 $720 $1,024

6 $42,848 $60,976 $3,571 $5,082 $824 $1,173

7 $48,282 $68,709 $4,024 $5,726 $929 $1,322

8 $53,716 $76,442 $4,477 $6,371 $1,033 $1,471

For each additional family member, add $5,434 $7,733 $453 $645 $105 $149
SPEARFISH - The city of Spearfish would look much different if not for the real estate leadership of Black Hills State University alum Joe Jorgensen. Jorgensen was recently named the 2017 Swarm Day Parade Marshal.

A distinguished teacher, veteran, and real estate entrepreneur, Jorgensen will lead the annual homecoming parade through Spearfish Saturday, Sept. 9 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Donald E. Young Center Parking Lot and will proceed down St. Joe Street, Jackson Blvd. and then Main Street.

Its a bit of a flashback for Jorgensen who helped plan the homecoming festivities at Black Hills State 50 years ago as the student chairman of the Swarm Day Committee.

Every club spent days and weeks building their float for the parade, remembers Jorgensen.

The floats were huge and stuffed with napkins of different colors.

Born and raised in Witten, S.D. in Tripp County, Jorgensen began attending Black Hills State in 1964. His hometown graduating class included just 10 students, so attending Black Hills State was a big jump for Jorgensen.

I was nervous initially going to a big school. But I took one speech course and one theatre course to start and I just continued until I obtained my degree. Ive used those course throughout my lifetime and Black Hills State was a big contributing factor to my success, said Jorgensen.

Jorgensen graduated with bachelors degrees in social studies and speech/theatre and started teaching at Spearfish High School. Jorgensen taught several subjects including world geography, world affairs, psychology, sociology, and speech. He obtained his masters degree in educational administration with an emphasis in guidance and counseling from BHSU in 1970.

After three years of teaching, Jorgensen was drafted into the U.S. Army where he worked with Pershing missiles. When the Vietnam War came to an end, Jorgensen returned to teaching in Spearfish and then went into real estate.

The education my dad provided me, learning how to trade just about anything  from horses to land, real estate was always an interest of mine, said Jorgensen, whose parents were livestock dealers.

Ever the forward-thinker, Jorgensen brought the first seated chain restaurant to Spearfish with the introduction of Pizza Hut. He introduced townhouses in 1983 and is now developing the citys first pocket neighborhood Crow Peak Place.

Just one of Jorgensens honors or accolades would be enough recognition for a lifetime, but his commitment to economic development is consistently recognized by his neighbors. Jorgensen received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce in 2017, Lifetime Achievement from the Black Hills Board of Realtors in 2013, the Volunteer Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2008 from Black Hills Community Economic Development, the Spirit of Spearfish Award in 2007, the Vocation Award from the Rotary Club in 2006, the Spearfish Economic Development Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, and BHSU Distinguished Alumnus in 1987.

He has served on the Spearfish School Board, as President of the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation, and was elected as Mayor in 1981.

Of all his accomplishments, Jorgensen said he is most proud of establishing Jorgensen Park and all the parks through which hes worked to dedicate land to the City.

Weve contributed walking and bike paths to the City which the City has continued to maintain for the community. Im also proud of the bronze horse statues we built to honor our parents at Jorgensen Park, said Jorgensen.

Over the years, Jorgensen has supported BHSU by giving to several student scholarship funds named in honor of faculty and students: Marion Hilpert, Sever Eubank, Charlotte Forsberg, and the T.H. and June Proctor Scholarships.

Jorgensen is currently working with a group of developers on a commercial development called The Village at Creekside, and also on Dakota Meadows  a commercial and housing venture at exit 10.

Spearfish is a wonderful place to live with no mosquitos, Jorgensen says simply when asked why he chose to stay and build his career here. Im very honored and pleased to be the Swarm Day Parade Marshal at my alma mater.

For a full listing of BHSU Swarm Week events, visit www.BHSU.edu/SwarmWeek
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Black Hills Health Care System (BHHCS) is joining VA and other community groups to focus on programs and initiatives to make suicide prevention everyones business. VAs Be There campaign continues to bring attention and support to prevention efforts, emphasizing the fact that one small act could save the life of a Veteran or Service Member in crisis.

We are not only guided by the statistics, but also the Veterans we see in our health care system every day and those Veterans who arent using our services, said Sandra Horsman, Director, VA BHHCS. Its up to all of us to learn how we can jump into action if we speak to someone who needs support.

In August 2016, VA released a national suicide data report, Suicide Among Veterans and Other Americans, 20012014. The report was the most comprehensive analysis of Veteran suicide rates in the United States, examining more than 55 million records from 1979 to 2014. The startling data indicated:

 An average of 20 Veterans died from suicide each day. 6 of the 20 were users of VA health services in 2013 or 2014.

 Veterans accounted for 18% of all deaths from suicide among U.S. adults, while Veterans constituted 8.5% of the US population.

 Approximately 67% of all Veteran deaths from suicide were the result of firearm injuries.

Important VA resources include the Veteran Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, Press 1; online chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net, and texting to 838255.

VA BHHCS offers many services for Veterans including resources for homeless Veterans, mental health counseling and special programs for women Veterans and Veterans of operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

For more on VAs Suicide Prevention resources, visit these websites: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net, https://maketheconnection.net, www.va.gov.
Pennington County commissioners acknowledged Tuesday that a company may continue mining an existing quarry while a dispute over a proposed expansion receives consideration by the state Supreme Court.

The limestone quarry, operated by Croell Redi-Mix to supply raw material for concrete and other products, is about a mile east of the Bear Country USA drive-through wildlife park along U.S. Highway 16, south of Rapid City.

Residents who live near the quarry have complained about mining that has continued there since the county commission last year revoked a permit for a proposed expansion. Croell Redi-Mix appealed the permit revocation and won in circuit court, and the county has appealed that ruling to the state Supreme Court, which has not yet issued a decision.

During a Pennington County Commission meeting at the County Administration Building in Rapid City, county resident Duane Abata said he has seen up to 30 trucks per day emerging from the quarry since the revocation of the expansion permit, and he has seen rock-crushers, scrapers and other equipment operating there.

We asked the county to issue a stop-work order, Abata said Tuesday in public testimony to the commission. We felt it is important since the Supreme Courts action is still pending.

Employees of the county Planning Department visited the quarry Aug. 17. In a written report, they said the current mining at the site is confined to an area that was disturbed prior to 1994, when the county began requiring construction permits for mining. For that reason, the report said, the current mining activity is allowable.

By that same logic, Croell Redi-Mix would only need a permit to expand beyond the area that was disturbed prior to 1994.

Tom Brady, an attorney for Croell Redi-Mix, said he actually believes the company could expand its mining now, but it will stay within the previously disturbed area while the appeal in the permit case is pending with the state Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Croell Redi-Mix also has a separate, $10 million lawsuit pending against the county for damages allegedly caused by the permit revocation.

Discussion of the quarry lasted more than an hour at Tuesdays commission meeting. Near the end of the discussion, Commissioner George Ferebee made a motion to issue a stop-work order to Croell Redi-Mix until the Supreme Court appeal is resolved.

When we voted to deny the construction permit, Ferebee said in support of his motion, we were essentially saying, everything is on hold.

His motion failed on a voice vote.

The commission then voted, again by voice, to acknowledge the Planning Departments report about the quarry.
SALT LAKE CITY | A judge is awarding $16 million in a lawsuit filed by a woman married to her cousin at age 14 in a ceremony overseen by polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs.

A lawyer for Elissa Wall said Wednesday the decision lets attorneys investigate bank accounts and property connected to the secretive group based along the Utah-Arizona border.

Alan Mortensen says Wall plans to use the money to help people leaving the group, which also has a compound tucked into the southern Black Hills about 15 miles southwest of Pringle.

Wall's testimony helped convict Jeffs in Utah, though the verdict was overturned on a technicality and he's now imprisoned in Texas.

His group does not have a lawyer or spokesman to comment on the case.

The Associated Press doesn't generally identify victims of sexual assault, but Wall speaks publicly about her experiences.
Authorities are asking for the public's help to identify the man who robbed a Rapid City gas station and convenience store at knifepoint on Tuesday night.

According to a release from the Rapid City Police Department, a man went into the Fresh Start at 3275 Cambell St., at around 9 p.m. and brandished a knife.

Witnesses told police the man with the knife jumped over the store counter, struck an employee in the head and demanded money. He then fled the store. Police described the employee's head injury as minor.

The suspect is described as Native American, 20 to 30 years old, 6 feet tall and about 200 pounds. Witnesses also described his face as acne-scarred.

He was wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, black and white DC shoes and a black hat with a red bill. Anyone with any information about the identity of the man is asked to call Detective Trevor Tollman at 394-4134.
South Dakotans might as well face the fact that developing multi-lingual opportunities is probably the only realistic way to advance our economic interests. A piece in last week's Sioux Falls Argus Leader showcased the problems that our state's most powerful region of economic growth, the Sioux Falls metro area, is having with this.

The construction trade in particular finds it hard to fill its workforce needs because of a built-in language barrier that's written into state law. Specifically, South Dakota's legal requirement that all government documents  including driver's license exams  be written in English is turning into an economic roadblock.

The English-only law was adopted in 1995, apparently to save printing expenses, according to retired legislator Mel Olson, who helped push the bill through. Olson told the Argus Leader there was "never any intention on prohibiting giving the driver's license test in other languages."

Olson's deeper explanation  the law's intent was to save the state money by blocking an effort to get official state reference guides printed in Lakota as well as English  has questionable overtones, but regardless of the objective, the unintended consequence now poses a problem.

This is a law that needs to be refined, if not repealed. I have background in this. My family came up through the immigration ranks (I was born in a refugee camp in Rome) of the post-WW II era. Nearly 70 years later, I'm actually glad that in our day refugees seeking a new life in the U.S. were by custom and circumstance immersed in English.

By any standard, the Tsitrians have done pretty well for ourselves and communities, an outcome I believe was energized and accelerated by our quick adoption of English as the language of our household. I wish that were the case for every immigrant in this country, but it isn't.

And the fact that it isn't has come home to roost in South Dakota, where we have to grapple with the fact that English immersion for immigrants will probably never be a fact of our state's economic and cultural life again.

Nostalgia for our historic character as a "melting pot" doesn't get the job of building our economy done, as a lot of South Dakota enterprises are finding out. In Sioux Falls, the head of the local chapter of the Associated General Contractors says that immigrant labor is "hugely important" to the construction trade, a fact that anybody in the Black Hills who's had a roof installed in recent years knows first-hand.

I've put up three roofs  two commercial and one residential  in the past four years. I'm pretty sure that each crew was close to 100 percent Spanish-speaking, with only the lead installer capable of communicating in a halting version of English. I doubt that roofing and other contractors here would have much luck putting adequate work crews together without Spanish speakers making up a good share of the workforce.

The much-discussed labor shortage brought up frequently in state government circles is one that is magnified by making it difficult for non-English speakers to gain some sort of residential and professional toehold in South Dakota. By at least making driver's licenses accessible to them in their native tongues, as the Sioux Falls business community is promoting, our state will probably be doing itself some good on the economic-development front.
Bankruptcy trustee of JFC to receive $337,000

MOSCOW, September 6 (RAPSI)  The Commercial Court of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region has set the amount of interest on remuneration to JFC Groups bankruptcy trustee Igor Maslov equal to 19.4 million rubles (about $337,000), the courts ruling reads on Wednesday.

According to court records, on April 27 overall sum of creditor demands against the head company of the JFC group of companies, largest importer of fruits in Russia formerly headed by businessman Vladimir Kekhman, reached 18.2 billion rubles (about $316.5 million). Acting as bankruptcy trustee, Maslov managed to partially compensate 647.2 million rubles (about $11.2 million) or nearly 3.5% of the overall amount. His compensation was set at 3% of the amount paid for the compensation.

In March, the court extended JFCs bankruptcy procedure by six months. Next hearing is set for September 12.

In September 2015, the court found Kekhmans company bankrupt.

In July 2016, Kekhman himself was found bankrupt under the application of Sberbank.

On July 21 of the same year, a court in St. Petersburg dismissed a petition lodged Kekhman seeking the recognition of Londons High Courts judgment declaring him bankrupt. Kekhmans financial executive Mikhail Bologov, Russias Federal Tax Service, Sberbank, Rosbank, Promsvyazbank, Raiffeisenbank, UniCredit Bank, Aquamarine Company and Pulkovo Trade Company are named as interested parties in the dispute.

A representative of Kekhman claimed during the bankruptcy hearings that the former head of JFC had no obligations before Sberbank because he had already been declared bankrupt by The High Court of Justice of England in 2012, and Sberbank received its share from sales of Kekhmans property. A representative of Sberbank, on the other hand, claimed that the bank was not involved in the process and did not receive any compensation. According to the Sberbanks representative, the bank had rulings of several Russian courts on debt recovery from Kekhman.

Nevertheless, Kekhmans lawyer insisted that the ruling of The High Court of Justice of England had been recognized by Sberbank and was to be complied with in Russia.

In its ruling, the court pointed out that in the absence of international treaties, entered into by the Russian Federation, decisions on bankruptcies taken in foreign jurisdictions were to be recognized in Russia only on the reciprocity basis unless otherwise stipulated by federal laws. At present, the court stressed, the Russian Federation was not a party in any international treaty on bankruptcy issues.
Bank seeks to recover $5.1 mln from alleged mastermind of Crimean blockade

MOSCOW, September 6 (RAPSI)  Bank Peresvet has filed a claim with the Moscow Commercial Court seeking to include about 295 million rubles (about $5.1 million) in creditors demands list against Lenur Islyamov, one of the initiators of food blockade of Crimea, the courts ruling reads on Wednesday.

The hearing is set for October 2.

In May, the court found the deal between bank Eurocredit and Islyamov to be unlawful and ruled to include a house in the Moscow Region into the list of property restructured by bankruptcy procedure. In December 2016, the court held that Islyamov owes Eurocredit Bank 234 million rubles (about $4 million at the current exchange rate).

Islyamov was declared bankrupt on July 18, 2016.

On March 16 of the same year, the court introduced a procedure for restructuring of Islyamovs debt upon the application of Sberbank of Russia. According to the banks representative, the businessmans debt under two loans is estimated at 1.1 billion rubles ($17.4 million). Islyamov was a loan guarantor for the Queen Group Company that received these credits. The company later has been declared bankrupt.

Islyamov owns TV company ATR, transportation company SimCityTrans, and retail chain ICom selling Apple products.

In June 2016, the Commercial Court of Crimea suspended operations of SimCityTrans for 90 days on the grounds that the company committed a serious administrative offence with regard to licensing regulations.

In May 2014, Islyamov, who at that time was Deputy Chairman of the Crimean Council of Ministers responsible for repatriates, water provision and utilities, was dismissed as failing to cope with these responsibilities.

The Crimean investigators launched probe into Islyamov and in November 2015 raided the offices of companies he controlled on the peninsula.

Earlier, Crimea's Prosecutors Office informed that two men (Mustafa Dzhemilev and Refat Chubarov) behind the peninsula blockade had been put on the international and one (Lenur Islyamov) on the federal wanted lists.
Mongolia, Iran and Turkey wish to join Eurasian Alliance of Ombudsmen

BISHKEK, September 6 (RAPSI)  Mongolia, Iran and Turkey have stated their willingness to join Eurasian Alliance of Ombudsmen as co-founders, Russias High Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova announced on Wednesday.

This regional integrated association will expand opportunities of protecting rights of citizens, who migrate, travel or work in other countries, Moskalkova said during the international forum The Role of Ombudsman in improving laws and regulations in the field of human rights: expectations and prospects held in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Initially it was expected that the foundation memorandum of Eurasian Alliance of Ombudsmen will be signed by Russia, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Uzbekistan, Moldova and Armenia, the ombudsmans press office reported.

Currently, another three countries expressed their wish to join the document, the statement reads.

Under the memorandum, the major purposes of Eurasian Alliance of Ombudsmen are cooperation in human rights protection, the spread of knowledge of human rights protection methods, cooperation with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, and other international human rights institutes.

The institute of human rights ombudsman is a government body involved in protection and promotion of rights and freedoms, and competent legal assistance. Moskalkova was appointed as Russias human rights ombudsman in April 2016.
Russian human rights commissioner proposes creation of world ombudsmen database

BISHKEK, September 6 (RAPSI) - Russias High Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova has proposed to create a single electronic information and legal base of ombudsmen, RAPSI reports on Tuesday from the international forum of ombudsmen held in the Kyrgyz Republic.

According to Moskalkova, the common database will allow ombudsmen from all over the world to share information on legal acts concerning human rights protection and law enforcement practice.

The Russian ombudsman also suggested to publish the unified collection of laws and regulations on human rights commissioners.

Speaking at the forum Moskalkova singled out the legislation improvement based on the analysis of citizens complaints as one of the main lines of Russian ombudsmans work. Currently, the Russian parliament is obliged to consider initiatives proposed by the Commissioner. In 2017, Moskalkova submitted 30 initiatives on improvement of human rights protection, several of which were realized including compulsory release of seriously disabled persons from jail. This year, the parliament also approved the development of a bill on human rights ombudsmen in Russias territorial entities.

The institute of human rights ombudsman is a government body involved in protection and promotion of rights and freedoms, and competent legal assistance. Moskalkova was appointed as Russias human rights ombudsman in April 2016.
A grizzly bear mauled a bow hunter in southwestern Montana, slashing a 16-inch cut in his head that required 90 stitches to close.

"I could hear bones crunching, just like you read about," said Tom Sommer, as he recovered in a Montana hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

Sommer said he and a hunting partner were looking for an elk they had been calling Monday morning when his partner spotted a grizzly bear feeding on an elk carcass in the southern end of the Gravelly Range, just north of the Idaho border.

"The bear just flat-out charged us," Sommer said. He said it closed the 30-foot distance in 3 or 4 seconds.

His hunting partner deployed his bear spray, which slowed the bear's charge. Sommer said he grabbed his canister so quickly that he couldn't release the safety and he couldn't afford to look down as the bear closed in. He ran around a tree twice and dropped his bear spray in the process.

Sommer then grabbed his pistol and turned to confront the bear.

"It bit my thigh, ran his claws through my wrist and proceeded to attack my head," Sommer recalled Tuesday.

He still had his pistol in his hand and was going to shoot the bear in the neck when it swatted his arm down, Sommer said.

"Just like that it stopped. He stopped biting me, he got up and started to run away," said Sommer, who splits his time among Idaho, Missouri and Florida.

His hunting partner had been able to deploy the rest of his bear spray, ending the attack Sommer estimated lasted about 25 seconds.

"It could have been a lot worse," he said.

Sommer reportedly shot his pistol into the air as the bear retreated, but did not hit the animal, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks spokesman Greg Lemon said.

After the mauling, Sommer found his bear spray canister. His hunting partner had some blood coagulation powder and they made a turban, stopping the bleeding after about 15 minutes.

They walked a mile back to their spike camp and rode mules another 4 miles out to their base camp, followed by a 2-hour ride in a pickup truck to get to the hospital in Ennis.

"Through it all I was very conscious, very level headed and low key about it," said Sommer. "Besides some scars, it doesn't appear that I will have any problems."

"I've been a hunter my whole life," said Sommer, 57. "I have no grievance against the bear. He was just doing what bears do. But I would have shot him just the same."

The incident was reported as self-defense and authorities were still looking into it Tuesday, Lemon said.

FWP does not anticipate any management action related to the grizzly but the Forest Service is posting warning signs in the area, he added.
HAMILTON  Wildfires are encroaching from almost every direction on the Bitterroot Valley.

Uncontrolled fires are burning in both the East Fork and West Fork of the Bitterroot. The Hidden fire to the west of Victor has crossed from Idaho into Montana, and the Lolo Peak fire is marching south, with evacuation warnings in place for residences west of Highway 93.

And new fires burst onto the scene Sunday in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness as part of the Green Ridge Complex, with the Eagle fire alone growing from about 3 acres to 1,800 in just a few hours.

Altogether, the fires cover 112,857 acres; however, only 13,632 acres from the Meyers Fire is burning in the Bitterroot National Forest, lowering the total to 71,675 acres in the mountains surrounding the valley.

Inversions made it difficult for teams to fly some of the fires and gauge their activity on Monday, but most were expected to be fairly quiet after a busy weekend that saw fire growth with few exceptions.

The Nelson Creek fire, which is about three miles west of the West Fork Ranger Station, is the bright spot for firefighters, holding at about 280 acres during the weekend. Its 45 percent contained, with residents allowed to return to their homes. But they were warned that they could be evacuated again.

It could easily spot out of Nelson  but weve got the Helena Hot Shots monitoring that line, Mark Wilson, the Bitterroot National Forests fire management officer, told Ravalli County commissioners Tuesday morning.

The goal is to keep the fire southwest of Nelson Creek.

On the other side of the south Bitterroot valley, the 54,814-acre Meyer fire spotted over into the Bitterroot, and is now covering 13,632 acres here. Residents in the area are being warned that evacuations could be possible.

Paige Houston said the warnings came as a surprise, since most of the concern over the Meyers Fire was its proximity to Moose and Georgetown lakes, as well as to Philipsburg. She wondered aloud why Bitterroot National Forest officials didnt give area residents notice that the fire could take a run to the west.

With how many firefighters assigned to that fire in July, they couldnt have sent one person up here to say they have some activity? Houston questioned. They closed the road and didnt even tell us; I was watching fifth-wheels come up here over the holiday.

But the sheriffs department was wonderful. If not for them, we wouldnt have known.

Emergency closure orders are in effect for upper areas of the East Fork Bitterroot River. The fire took a 4,800-acre run, mainly to the southwest last week, which is opposite where fire managers were expecting it to grow based on prevailing winds and topography.

The Hidden fire also leapt to life during the weekend, growing to 10,335 acres and crossing from Idaho into Montana. Its located west of Victor in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and was active both to the east and west last weekend.

Two spot fires moved the fire into the Fred Burr Creek drainage on the Bitterroot National Forest, throwing up a large plume visible from town, according to Victor Fire Chief Scott Hackett.

It was messing around Flat Creek and Killed Colt Creek, and it got down to where you could see it burning up the mountain by Bear Creek, Hackett said. They flew it by 12:30 a.m. and by that time it had gone past Bear Creek to Fred Burr and spotted over.

Hes recommending all Bitterroot area residents to keep an eye on the fires and start thinking about what they want to take if theyre suddenly evacuated.

People need to think about whether they need to get some stuff done and what important meds they may need so if they have to move out in short order, they can.

Meanwhile, the largest fire in the valley made some significant flares, but by Monday was fairly quiet and all evacuation orders were rescinded by Tuesday, according to Sheriff Steve Holton.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Lolo Peak fire was 45,012 acres. During the weekend, torching trees caused spot fires on the western edge that grew to 300 acres outside of the primary containment line, bringing with it the potential to move toward Highway 12. The fire also moved to about three miles to the east in the North Fork of Sweeney Creek.

Fire managers expect that it will eventually move into the old Kootenai Creek burn, and that theyll be able to hold it there.

The newest fire to add to the mix is the Green Ridge Complex fires, which include six fires burning on 2,222 acres in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness near Spot Mountain. The fires are about 28 miles west of the West Fork Ranger District, and are within one-third of a mile from the Spot Mountain lookout, which has been wrapped with flame-resistant material.

Holton notes that all of the evacuations  from the north to the south, and east to the west  have tired his officers, but they seem to be holding up fairly well. They key, he said, is to try to rotate officers so they can have two days off; if not, he tries to ensure that they at least can get a good nights sleep.

Theyre also working with volunteers from the local fire departments so at least two people are handling each homes evacuation order.

That helps with the safety talks, and theres also a lot of paperwork involved, Holton said. We try not to pull guys who are assigned to regular shifts, particularly patrol guys.

I think were still on track this year of covering the normal, everyday calls for services and the cases, but the detectives have been working a lot of overtime related to the fires.
Ravalli County Airport will receive more than $200,000 appropriated through the efforts of Sen. Jon Tester.

With big skies come big responsibilities, Tester said in a press release. One of them is maintaining and upgrading our states air travel infrastructure because its such a critical part of keeping Montanans safely connected.

Tester has secured funding for a similar projects at Missoula and Deer Lodge airports this month and has announced more than $20 million will go toward upgrading 12 other airports around the state.

Marnee Banks, a communications director for Tester, said he has worked hard to secure airport investment grants. The grants are competitive and airports have to apply to get them.

The funding for Ravalli County Airport will go toward upgrading its taxiway and replacing its rotating beacon, which helps pilots land safely at night and in inclement weather.

According to Ravalli County Commissioner Greg Chilcott, the airport needed the money.

The taxiway is falling apart, so theyll be resurfacing that, Chilcott said. The rotating beacon is way out of date and has required constant maintenance and repair.

Ravalli County Airport was built in 1934 with two runways constructed in a T shape, each a quarter mile long and 400 feet wide. Airport Board Chairman Dave Hedditch said he thinks the rotating beacon at the airport is from the World War II era.

Theyll start construction on the taxiway next spring, Hedditch said. Its very bad for aircraft to have a crumbling runway because the propellers and engines can pick up gravel and damage the plane. Were trying to do some things to make this airport safer.

When viewed as a single entity, the Ravalli Airport ranks among the top six county employers, has 204 jobs with a payroll nearing $8 million, and is one of the top 14 taxpayers, according to information compiled from census data and Montana Department of Revenue reports.
Nearly 2,800 current and past employees and their families are expected to ride on eight employee appreciation train trips across Montana starting Friday to help celebrate Montana Rail Links 30th anniversary.

The trips will run in and around Missoula, where MRL is headquartered, as well as Helena, Livingston, Billings and Laurel, according to a letter from MRL president Tom Walsh.

It promises to be a wonderful time to reflect with friends, co-workers and retired co-workers on MRLs achievements and operations over the past 30 years, Walsh said.

More than 500 employees from over 30 different railroads launched MRL on Oct. 31, 1987. Montana Rail Link is a Class II regional railroad that employs nearly 1,200 people and operates more than 900 route miles of track in Montana and Idaho, on line owned by partner BNSF Railway, one of seven Class I railroads in North America.

BNSF traces its roots back to the Northern Pacific, which completed a transcontinental railroad across Montana in 1883. Much of MRLs line follows the original NP route.
The first night Dave Pauli was in Rockport, the east Texas town where Hurricane Harvey made landfall, he slept in a jail that had been converted to a safe house for rescuers and volunteers.

"One night in a jail is enough for anybody," he quipped.

The next night he had been set up in an RV parked outside the Aransas County animal shelter, where he's helping with efforts to rescue pets and other animals left behind when the hurricane hit.

Pauli, a Billings resident, works with the Humane Society of the United States Animal Rescue Team and has been in Texas since Sunday. He's been helping with animal rescues since Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992. In 2005, he spent 51 days on the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.

And it might be a short stay for Pauli in Texas. Authorities in Puerto Rico, where Pauli has done animal rescue work in the past, want to place him on call as Hurricane Irma  now rated the strongest hurricane ever to form in the Atlantic  barrels toward the Caribbean.

In Rockport, Pauli has been partnered with a local animal control officer, and together they travel around the flooded neighborhoods answering calls and looking for animals. Hurricane Harvey damaged 80 percent of the homes in Rockport, and 35 percent are uninhabitable.

"There's water everywhere," Pauli said.

They spent much of Monday trying to find the owner of six dogs that had been abandoned at home in a flooded-out neighborhood. A neighbor had called animal control to report that a house down the street had three dogs loose on the property and three more dogs locked in a camper in the driveway.

Pauli and his partner found the dogs and then canvassed the neighborhood trying to find people who knew the dogs' owners or where they went. They ended up with a phone number for a friend of a friend and, using it, they tracked down the owner in a motel one town over from Rockport.

It turned out the owners had left food and water for the dogs and believed they were OK, Pauli said. When he and the animal control officer explained the situation, the owners gave Pauli permission to open the doors on the camper, leaving the screen doors shut, so that the three dogs inside had ventilation.

The three dogs loose on the property were taken to the animal shelter. Pauli explained they're not there to give citations or get people in trouble. They're there to educate pet owners and help them find or simply take care of their animals.

"It's all we can do," he said.
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock has agreed to settle a campaign violation case involving his state airplane use during his 2016 re-election bid.

Bullock and his 2016 campaign organization Friends of Steve Bullock have agreed to pay a $3,000 fine to avoid a lawsuit involving the governors use of the state plane for campaign purposes during the Democrats successful re-election bid.

On 36 occasions, Bullock used the the state Beechcraft King Air plane for politicking, piggybacking campaign events on official business trips. Part of the cost of those trips was billed to Bullock's campaign, but left off his campaign finance reports for several months, in some cases until weeks after he was re-elected.

Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan identified five months of Bullock campaign reports in which expenses related to the state plane were missing.

"There are folks that want to know," Mangan said. "It's all about transparency, and folks want to know, just in general, what campaigns are spending their money on and how they're utilizing their campaign funds."

The governor's office issued a statement Tuesday, calling the campaign violations an error. The 2016 election cycle was Bullock's third as a statewide candidate. He campaigned for attorney general in 2008 and governor in 2012, winning both times.

Gov. Bullock has fought for transparency in government and in elections both as attorney general and as governor. He was happy to correct this error," communications director Ronja Abel said in an email.

All told, Bullock's campaign used the government plane 41 times between April and November. Tax dollars paid for the trips, unless the pilot's workweek exceeded 40 hours, in which case Bullock's campaign paid for the overtime.

The governor's campaign also picked up any extra time incurred by co-pilots.

The state billed Bullock's campaign $4,561.66 for the 36 flights involved in Bullock's political violation.

In Montana, the public has a right to full disclosure of all of a candidate's debts and estimated debts. Those debts are supposed to be reported on schedule. Bullock failed to do so.

Criticism of Bullocks use of the state plane for campaigning started in February after the governor piggybacked a Billings campaign fundraiser onto an official trip to make peanut butter sandwiches for a Billings schools lunch program and meet with a union representative.

Campaign flights taken in April and June didnt show up on the books until August, Mangan reported. Flights in July and September werent reported until 16 days before the general election ended. Bullocks October campaign trips went unreported until Nov. 28.

All of the flights should have been reported within a month of occurring, Mangan said.

By delaying reports about the flights, Bullock provided little ammunition to Republican campaign messaging about the trips.

The governor's other campaign expenses were reported as required under a 2015 campaign reform bill signed into law by Bullock.

The use of the state plane for campaigning was new to the governor, Abel said. Bullock didn't have access to the plane in his two previous statewide campaigns. Paying for the flights and reporting the use as a campaign expense was a new issue.

Mangan didn't take issue with the reimbursement policy Bullock, as governor, used to bill his campaign.

"The campaign fully reimbursed the state for the use of the plane and reported it," Abel said. "This was an honest misunderstanding about the proper time at which to file the reports."

Hamilton resident Jason Ellsworth filed the campaign complaint against Bullock with the Commissioner of Political Practices last October.

Abel said that before Ellsworth's complaint, Bullock was unaware the plane expenses weren't being filed according to law.

Bullock's plane reimbursement policy was revealed in March 2016 after campaign fundraising events in Billings, Bozeman and Missoula were paired with "official business" critics called superfluous.

Responding, the governor identified 21 flights on which non-government functions were paired with official trips. Bullock paid $2,671.84 for those flights, which dated back to 2014. None of those flights were part of the complaint filed by Ellsworth.
HELENA  Montana Gov. Steve Bullock is touting the state's low unemployment rate as his administration releases its annual Labor Day report on the economy.

The report released Tuesday highlights Montana's 4.1 percent unemployment rate in 2016, its $3.2 billion manufacturing sector and its relatively high number of entrepreneurs.

Bullock said in a news conference the unemployment rate is ideal and more Montanans are working than ever before.

Outgoing Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy repeated past years' warnings that Montana's aging workforce will mean labor shortages without trained younger workers.

The Bullock administration has encouraged job training through apprenticeships in fields such as manufacturing.

The rosy economic picture in the report is somewhat dampened by an upcoming round of budget cuts meant to fill a projected $227 million shortfall in state government.
America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
Guwahati : Protesting against the speaker's ruling, opposition Congress staged walkout from the Assam assembly session started from Monday after Assam assembly speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami rejected the adjournment motion raised by the opposition to discuss price hike issue.

After question hour of the first of the assembly session, opposition Congress demanded adjournment of the other matters of the assembly to discuss about the price hike of essential commodities.

Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia, former minister Rockybul Hussain and other Congress legislators had sought to discuss of price hiking issue, but Parliamentary affairs minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said that price hike is continuing in past 15 years and it is not a recent issue.

The Assam minister requested the speaker to reject the adjournment motion at this time and it should be brought up later.

Following the minister request, the speaker had given his ruling against the opposition's demand.

While the speaker had given his ruling, Congress MLA Rockybul Hussain opposed the ruling and raised the rules on admissibility motion.

Former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also opposed the speaker's ruling and said that it is a dictatorial attitude.

Arguments between both opposition and ruling government, the speaker reserved his ruling and Congress legislators walkout from the assembly protesting against not being allowed to raise their voice in the price hike issue.

Opposition leader Debabrata Saikia said that, price hiking issue is a very concerning issue and Congress wanted to discuss about the issue.

"But the speaker showing his dictatorial attitude. Following it, we had decided walkout from the assembly," Debabrata Saikia said.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
sacw.net - 6 September 2017 - A compilation following assassination of Gauri Lankesh

[updated on 18 September 2017]

Contents:

1. Statement by NAPM 2. A statement from the All India Forum for the Right to Education .. 3. Statement by Network of Women in Media, India 4. Statement from Indian Writers Forum 5. Statement by ANHAD 6. Statement by New Trade Union Initiative (NTUI) 7. HRD Alert - India a Urgent Appeal for Action a Karnataka : Senior Journalist and human rights defender Ms. Gauri Lankesh shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru 8. Statement by Peopleas Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) 9. Statement by Forum - Asia 10. A tribute to Gauri Lankesh, fearless defender of free speech: Statement from the Lawyers Collective 11. Statement from International Skeptic Organisations + Schedule of Protests as planned in various cities: Related news reports

+ + +

1. Statement by NAPM

Those who fear the Power of the Pen took to the Gun. Again !

NAPM strongly condemns the targeted political assassination of senior journalist, editor and activist Gauri Lankesh

Demands time-bound high-level judicial inquiry into the crime and conspiracy

Govt. inaction in the political murders of Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar, and Prof. M M Kalburgi responsible for murder of another independent critic and fearless voice against communal fascist forces.

Murder of constitutional rights, fearless critical voices:

Irreparable loss to the nation and initiatives of communal harmony

New Delhi | September 06, 2017: National Alliance of Peopleas Movements is deeply shocked and shattered at the cowardly and cold-blooded murder of well-known journalist, editor and fearless firebrand activist, Gauri Lankesh who, time and again, locked horns with divisive, communal and casteist forces, in particular the right-wing Hindutva brigade. We have enough reason to believe that her political assassination is a direct consequence of her publicly expressed progressive positions as well as the lack of conviction of the murderers responsible for the calculated political killings of M M Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar, even after months and years! It is precisely this tacit and active support by the current regime in India that is further emboldening the right wing Hindutva forces to commit more brazen crimes, against progressive and peopleas voices.

Gauri was widely known and loved across Karnataka and the country for her relentless writings, talks and campaigns in solidarity with the oppressed a be it dalits, adivasis, women, students, minorities etc. As one of the fiercest contemporary critics of divisive politics, she worked hard to counter the growth of Hindutva politics that created an atmosphere of fear and intolerance. Alongside, she also continued to write on and engage with various social and developmental issues and constantly raised her voice against injustices. She extended and expanded by many bounds the legacy of her father P. Lankesh, an eminent journalist and a well known writer and literary critique.

Gauri openly and publicly questioned and challenged politicians, bureaucrats, judiciary, chauvinists and stood by the oppressed. Her last post on social media on the inhuman denial of refuge to the persecuted Rohingyas by Indian Govt. speaks of her concern and compassion for the oppressed humanity. We salute the conviction and courageous life of Gauri and commit to joins hands with all progressive forces across the country to bring justice to her, her values and intensify our struggle against the silencing of democratic and dissenting voices.

The spate of killings, threats, ban on food and personal choices, books, movies, artistic works and fast spreading atmosphere of hatred against rational, scientific and constitutional temper with tacit support from popular governments to keep their vote banks intact is shameful in a modern democracy. We are constantly being pushed in the dark ages, where rational and critical thinking is being silenced, mythologies are being promoted as science and scientific knowledge and temperament is derided. It is with this tendency to wipe out a secular and socialist outlook in the country that text books are being are-writtena and new dominant Hindutva narrative is being promoted all in the name of cultural and national pride.

It is nothing but an absolute failure of Indian Government that rationalists and human rights defenders are being murdered, one after the other, by fascist forces with complete impunity. As reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 27 Indian Journalists were murdered due to their fearless independent writings between 1992 and July 2016, but the state governments failed to secure a conviction in even one of them ! This is a compete shame for India where journalists, rationalists, fearless and critical voices are important for a positive and progressive change in society. In her own words, Gauri Lankesh said aAlong with that, my criticism of Hindutva politics and the caste system ... makes my critics brand me as a Hindu hater. But I consider it my constitutional duty to continue a in my own little way a the struggle of Basavanna and [social reformer] Dr [Bhimrao Ramji] Ambedkar towards establishing an egalitarian society.a There is ample evidence, therefore, suggesting that this is a political assassination since Gauris views have not found favour with the Hindutva hardliners and goondas !

NAPM unequivocally condemns the heinous gunning down of Gauri Lankesh and deeply mourns the irreplaceable loss of an outspoken human rights activist and a voice of conscience, communal harmony and sanity. We demand the following:

Govt. of Karnataka must immediately institute an independent, high level and time bound judicial inquiry, with a Special Investigation Team to nab all those guilty of committing and conspiring this grave crime. The unlawful and terror-infusing role of groups such as the Hindu Jagarana Vedike, VHP, Bajarang dal, Srirama Sene, Sanathana Samsthe and all other affiliates of RSS must also be inquired into by this Judicial Commission and strictest action must be taken, as per law.

Taking cognizance of the common pattern in the murders of Dhabolkar, Pansare, Kalaburagi and Gauri Lankesh and assassinations carried out by a organised terror group/s which evidently holds an ideology opposed to secular, democratic and constitutional forces, Govt. of India must constitute a Joint Parliamentary Committee to take stock of such groups and their political benefactors, responsible for such actions and serious erosion of constitutional values, freedoms, rights and spaces and recommend action against all those conspiring to tear the secular fabric of India as well as assassinate voice of reason and constitutional justice.

The murderers of M M Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar must also be identified and convicted at the earliest.

Even as were are aroused by the outpour of outrage across the country, we call upon media fraternity, peopleas organizations and all progressive and concerned citizens to stand up and fight this cowardly act and rise up to the defence of rights, freedom and the constitutional values which are under attack today from right wing fascist forces in a consistent manner. We hope all like-minded persons and groups would to keep the spirit of Gauri Lankesh alive by questioning injustices even when it is committed by the powerful people in power.

Medha Patkar, Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) and National Alliance of Peopleas Movements (NAPM)

Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh a Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) and National Campaign for Peopleas Right to Information and NAPM

P.Chennaiah, Andhra Pradesh Vyavasaya Vruthidarula Union-APVVU and National Centre For Labour and NAPM-AP

Ramakrishnam Raju, United Forum for RTI and NAPM, AP

Meera Sanghamitra, NAPM Telangana-AP,

Prafulla Samantara, - Lok Shakti Abhiyan & NAPM, Odisha;

Lingraj Azad a Samajwadi Jan Parishad - Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti, NAPM, Odisha;

Binayak Sen and Kavita Srivastava, Peopleas Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

Sandeep Pandey, Socialist Party and NAPM, Uttar Pradesh

Maj Gen S.G.Vombatkere (Retd), Mysuru, NAPM, Karnataka

Gabriele Dietrich, Penn Urimay Iyakkam, Madurai and NAPM, TN;

Geetha Ramakrishnan, Unorganised Sector Workers Federation, NAPM, TN;

Arul Doss, NAPM Tamil Nadu

Arundhati Dhuru, Nandlal Master, Manesh Gupta - NAPM, UP;

Richa Singh, Sangatin Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan, NAPM-UP

Vilayodi Venugopal, CR Neelakandan and Prof. Kusumam NAPM, Kerala

Vimal Bhai - Matu Jan Sangathan, NAPM-Uttarakhand & Jabar Singh, NAPM, Uttarakhand;

Sister Celia - Domestic Workers Union & NAPM, Karnataka;

Anand Mazgaonkar, Krishnakant - Paryavaran Suraksh Samiti, NAPM Gujarat;

Kamayani Swami, Ashish Ranjan a Jan Jagran Shakti Sangathan & NAPM Bihar;

Mahendra Yadav a Kosi Navnirman Manch, NAPM Bihar;

Sister Dorothy, NAPM Bihar

Dayamani Barla, Aadivasi-Moolnivasi Astivtva Raksha Samiti, NAPM Jharkhand

Dr. Sunilam and Adv. Aradhna Bhargava - Kisan Sangharsh Samiti NAPM Madhya Pradesh

Bhupender Singh Rawat a Jan Sangharsh Vahini, NAPM, Delhi

Rajendra Ravi, Nanu Prasad, Madhuresh Kumar, Amit Kumar, Himnshi Singh, Uma Kapari, Zaved Mazumder, NAPM, Delhi

Faisal Khan, Khudai Khidmatgar, NAPM Haryana

J S Walia, NAPM Haryana;

Kailash Meena, NAPM Rajasthan;

Samar Bagchi, Amitava Mitra, NAPM West Bengal;

Suniti SR, Suhas Kolhekar, Prasad Bagwe - NAPM, Maharashtra;

Gautam Bandopadhyay, NAPM, Chhatisgarh

Anjali Bharadwaj, National Campaign for Peopleas Right to Information and NAPM

Kaladas Dahariya, RELAA, Chhatisgarh

Bilal Khan, Ghar Bachao Ghar Banao Andolan, Mumbai,

For details contact : 9818905316 | email : napmindia[at]gmail.com

2. A statement from the All India Forum for the Right to Education ..

6 Sept 2017

Murder of Democracy

All India Forum for Right To Education (AIFRTE) is shocked and deeply saddened by the cold-blooded murder of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh at her Bangalore residence.

Gauri Lankesh was shot dead in her home in northern Bengaluru on the night of 5th September. Unidentified men fired at least five shots at her before escaping by motorbike.

Gauri Lankesh was a fierce journalist and the most vocal critic of communal forces in Karnataka and in India. She was committed till her last breath in her struggle against communalism and supported progressive forces in maintaining communal harmony in Karnataka. She was one the founding members of Karnataka Komu Souharda Vedike (KKSV), an organisation dedicated to maintaining communal harmony in Karnataka. She worked vociferously to bring together people with similar ideology on a common platform in the fight against the class, caste and religious fundamentalist forces.

She was closely associated with All India Forum for Right To Education (AIFRTE) and has always been supportive of student struggles against fascism, privatisation of education, communalisation and caste and gender based discrimination. She had supported immensely and also participated in the All India Convention of Student Struggles (AICSS) conducted on 5-6 August 2017 in Bangalore.

Known for her fearless and outspoken attitude, Gauri Lankesh was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a kannada fortnightly newspaper and has authored several books. She was a staunch critic of right wing Hindutva politics and wrote extensively about it. The newspaper exposed corrupt politicians and called out the communal agenda and bigotry of hindutva brigade on several occasions. It provided space for progressive voices in the rapidly diminishing democratic space in media.

This is the second murder in Karnataka and fourth in India where a public intellectual has been killed in broad daylight. The cold blooded murder bears similarity with the killings of Narendra Dhabolkar, Govind pansare and Dr. M.M. Kalburgi. There seems to be a pattern and a network operating behind these murders. The earlier murders remain unsolved.

In view of the seriousness of the crime, AIFRTE along with all other progressive-democratic voices demands that,

1. A judicially monitored probe for the murder of Gauri Lankesh is conducted.

2. This shall be declared as an act of terror.

3. Joint parliamentary committee must be formed to recommend action against the groups operating behind the assassinations of rationalists and thinkers.

You can kill a person but you cannot kill the ideas! We all are Gauri Lankesh!!!

AIFRTE Presidium

3. Statement by Network of Women in Media, India

In solidarity with Gauri Lankesh

To the spirit of Gauri Lankesh, you inspire us forever. To journalists everywhere, this is a note of solidarity. We the Network of Women in the Media, India solemnly swear to uphold the values of journalism. This does not and should not need to be prefaced with good. Or courageous. Or brave. We must simply power on in the face of the greatest adversity, threats and political opposition to do what our job mandates. To be free and fair and stand together solidly behind each other to be able to rise against the tidal wave of intolerance and often criminal intimidation that surrounds us and tries to prevent us everywhere. We want to declare to ourselves and to everyone that is watching with and without malice - we will not be prevented, silenced, outdone or shut down.

We at NWMI also take this opportunity to say we continue to back, fight for and voice each others concerns legally, politically, journalistically. We urge everyone to not share insensitive pictures of Gauris body post her killing. We would also like to bring to the notice of the Press Club of India, the Editors Guild and Twitter of the online lynch mob that has surrounded the murder of Gauri Lankesh. In particular the twitter handle of

@JagratiShukla29 and others like her that have been baying for Gauris blood need to be disbanded immediately.

In continued determination, steadfastedness and support of each other and the universe of journalism we inhabit.

The Network of Women in Media, India

September 05, 2017

4. Statement from Indian Writers Forum

They Cannot Silence Us All: Statement from the Indian Writersa Forum

aOnce more, a voice of dissent, a voice of reason, has been silenced with guns.a

September 6, 2017

Yesterday, September 5th, journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh was assassinated in her home in Bangalore. Once more, a voice of dissent, a voice of reason, has been silenced with guns. This is a chilling continuation of the series of murders of rationalists, writers, scholars and activists, from Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare to MM Kalburgi. None of the murderers has been punished, though much points to the extended right wing family. Instead, the punishment of critical voices continues, as do attacks against Muslims, dalits, Adivasis and women a Indian citizens all.

Gauri Lankesh performed her duties as a journalist and a citizen with uncompromising honesty. She was guided by democratic, secular values, that insist on an India in which speaking up against division and hatred is every citizenas right.

The Indian Writersa Forum condemns the brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh. The Forum condemns the continued unmaking of India in which writers, artists, scholars, rationalists a and indeed any citizen who exercises her right to speak freely a is no longer safe. We pledge to continue Gaurias fight against the haters of free speech and a plural India. We will continue to speak on her behalf and ours. They cannot silence us all.

For the Indian Writers Forum

Githa Hariharan

K. Satchidanandan

Ashok Vajpeyi

Ganesh Devy

Nayantara Sahgal

Keki Daruwalla

Kiran Nagarkar

Shashi Deshpande

Romila Thapar

Anuradha Kapur

Indira Jaising

Shyam B. Menon

Chandrakant Patil

Adil Jussawalla

and others

5. Statement by ANHAD

Arrest the killers of Gauri Lankesh

New Delhi, 5th Sept. 2017: ANHAD is deeply anguished at the assassination of Gauri Lankesh, noted journalist and intrepid activist. We condemn in the strongest terms possible this act of cowardice by her killers who wish to spread fear and suppress dissent. ANHAD will not let this shock dampen our intent to fight the forces that she took on.

It is well-known that Gauri Lankesh had consistently opposed right-wing forces, despite the threats and court cases she had to face. As the editor of aLankesh Patrikea, a Kannada weekly, she had continued to raise her voice against communalism and casteism.

As a leading voice against majoritarian and undemocratic politics and one that fearlessly stood for the freedom of expression in India, her passing away is a severe shock for those dedicated to a secular and just India. Her death is yet another reminder of how grim the situation is and the urgent need for peaceful resistance.

We demand immediate arrest of those behind the assassination.

In solidarity,

Amrita Nandy, Ovais Sultan Khan

ANHAD (Act Now for Harmony and Democracy)

C5, Basement, Nizamuddin West, Delhi a 110013

Tel: 011-41670722

Email: anhad.delhi[at]gmail.com

6. Statement by New Trade Union Initiative (NTUI)

BJP Government silent as vigilantes murder Gauri Lankesh: 6 September 2017:

The New Trade Union Initiative strongly condemns the cold blooded premeditated murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh. The voices of dissent of Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, M M Kalburgi and now Gauri Lankesh have all been silenced.

Lankesh, editor of Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly, last week, wrote on the Gorakhpur deaths criticising the UP government, against the deportation of the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, slammed demonetisation. In 2003, she opposed the Sangh Parivars attempts to appropriate the Sufi dargah of Hazrat Dada Hayat Khalandar in the Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, as a Hindu temple. She most recently vocally supported the demand of the Lingayat community declaring themselves as non-hindus. In 2008, following an article in her paper against several BJP leaders, including an MP, a defamation suit was filed against her, which she eventually lost. She has also been a vocal advocate for freedom of the press and freedom of speech. She has stood up for the rights of historically discriminated castes and communities and against the discrimination of religious minorities.

For the last three years the BJP government at the centre has sought to tell citizens what they must eat, what they must wear, who they must marry and what they can say. It has allowed vigilantes to set and enforce what they think the law should be. Leading voices of the BJP, the RSS and its organisations have turned on citizens with whom they disagree, through both silence and intense statements of hate, against citizens exercising their personal liberty as provided in our constitution. Nearly 24 hours after the killing of Gauri Lankesh apart from tweets asking for investigation into the murder not one member of the BJP government at the centre has spoken up to condemn this dastardly act of cowardice.

Most drastically this is an attack on views within society that are based on rationality and rooted in the scientific temper and especially on constitutional provisions for social justice and equality. From the assassination of M. M. Kulbargi to the cold blooded murder of Akhlaque Saifi in Dadri to now Gauri Lankesh these acts represent the attack on plurality of our society and the effort to push us towards a unidimensional society rooted in the BJPas majoritarian ideology of Hindutva. The scaffolding of Hindutva represents a fundamental attack on political, social and economic rights in our society.

The NTUI demands:

(1) A time bound investigation into the killing of Gauri Lankesh and punishment of the guilty;

(2) A status report, within thirty days on the investigations into the killings of Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M M Kalburgi; and

(3) The Union Government, including the Prime Minister, unequivocally and unambiguously condemn the killing of Gauri Lankesh and set how government plan to respond to hate crimes.

Hate Crimes and the attack on democratic rights, especially the freedom of speech and the right to dissent, affects every section of society. The NTUI joins with all voices that have come together in the immediate aftermath of the killing of Gauri Lankesh to fight against the right wing onslaught to defend our democratic rights.

Gautam Mody

General Secretary

7. HRD Alert - India a Urgent Appeal for Action a Karnataka : Senior Journalist and human rights defender Ms. Gauri Lankesh shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru

Shri Srinivasa Kammath

National Focal Point - Human Rights Defenders & Deputy Registrar

National Human Rights Commission

Manav Adhikar Bhawan,

Block-C, GPO Complex, INA,

New Delhi a 110 023

Email: hrd-nhrc[at]nic.in

Sub: HRD Alert - India a Urgent Appeal for Action a Karnataka : Senior Journalist and human rights defender Ms. Gauri Lankesh shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru a Regarding

Greetings from Human Rights Defenders Alert - India!

HRD Alert - India is a Forum of Human Rights Defenders for Human Rights Defenders. It endeavours to initiate actions on behalf of Human Rights Defenders under threat or with security concerns.

We are now writing to express our grave concern regarding the killing of senior journalist, social activist and writer Gauri Lankesh who was shot dead point blank by unknown assailants.

Source of Information on the Incident:

A Reports from Media

A The Regional Coordinator of HRDA for South of India

Status of the Human Rights Defender:

Ms. Gauri Lankesh ran the weekly Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada tabloid, and was seen as a fearless, independent and outspoken journalist. Gauri was the elder daughter of P Lankesh - a man who brought in a new brand of Kannada Journalism. She followed in his footsteps, speaking her mind and running her own Kannada paper with views that were never careful or circumspect.

She was part of a group that worked for communal harmony. Her views were considered Leftist and anti-Hindutva. She was a fearless and independent journalist who gave voice to many causes and always stood up for justice.

She ran the weekly Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada tabloid. Like her father, who was a noted Kannada writer, Gauri Lankesh faced opposition and criticism of her journalism. Gauri was known for her fearless and outspoken attitude, besides owning some other publications. The tabloid did not take any advertisements and is run by a group of 50 people. In her works, she had often voiced her opinions against the communal politics as well as the caste system. She was also a staunch critic of right-wing and Hindutva politics as was evident from her works published in different media outlets.

Ms. Lankesh who had been a strong advocate of freedom of press, in an interaction with The Wire had said that ashe was concerned about the state of freedom of expression in the countrya. She had also raised apprehensions about how people are targeted because of their ideology.

In her social media posts, hours before she was killed, Ms. Lankesh had in twitter raised the issue of fake news and propaganda and said, aWhy do i feel that some of ausa are fighting between ourselves? we all know our abiggest enemya . can we all please concentrate on that? Ok some of us commit mistakes like sharing fake posts. let us warn each other then and not try to expose each other. peacea comrades.a

In November 2016, Gauri had been found guilty of defamation in a case involving a Member of Parliament and Bharatiya Janata Party Mr. Prahlad Joshi and had been sentenced to six months in jail. She was out on bail.

The Perpetrators:

Three Unknown assistants

Date of Incident:

Tuesday, 5th September 2017

Incident detail:

Senior Journalist, activist and writer Gaur Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by unidentified men outside her residence Ideal Homes in Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru on the night of September 2017.

Preliminary reports say that there were three men on a motor bike who opened at least seven rounds of fire on Gauri when she was unlocking her main door after parking her car at around 8 PM. Three bullets had pierced Gauris head, neck, and chest, four bullets were sprayed on the walls due to which she died instantly confirmed the police.

According to neighbours, Gauri was returning from her office as she usually would drive back home late night. At around 8 PM today, they heard gun shots and rushed out. For a few minutes, they could not understand what had happened, then realized that Gauri had been shot at and saw her lying in a pool of blood near the door.

This brutal murder is a reminiscent of the murders of rationalist M.M. Kalburgias in Dharwad, Karnataka in 2015, Narendra Dabholkar in Pune in 2013 and social Activist Govind Pansare in Kolhapur. All three were shot at close range.

HRDA is apprehending that this death of Gauri Lankesh would also be facing similar fate as that of Kalburgi, Dabolkaras and Pansareas where the killers are not apprehended and are still at large.

We want to highlight to the Commission the status of earlier complaints sent on the killings of other rational voices like Kalburgi, Dabolkar and Pansare by HRDA.

1.) Mr. M M Kalburgi

Date of incident: 30 August 2015

Present status: Response from concerned authority awaited

Case number: 1019/10/10/2015

2.) Mr. Govind Pansare

Date of incident: 16 February 2015

Present status: Case closed stating that one arrest was made in the case and Writ Petition is pending in Bombay High Court

Case Number: 602/13/14/2015

3.) Mr. Narendra Dabholkar

Date of incident: 20 August 2013

Present Status: Case is close stating aThe law will take its own coursea

Case number: 2393/13/23/2013

Hence, we urge the Commission to urgently intervene into the incident by conducting an independent investigation into the incident of Ms. Gauri Lankesh and also expand the scope of the investigation taking into account of the same modus-operandi in the past killings of Kalburgi, Dabholkar and Pansare used also in the killing of Ms. Gauri Lankesh.

Appeal:

We, therefore urge you to immediately take necessary steps to ensure that the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Bangalore City -

Order an immediate, independent, thorough, transparent, effective and impartial investigation into the above-mentioned incident of brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh.

Take immediate action on the perpetrators, in this case they are unknown, who should be searched for with a nationwide alert issued and investigation done transparently and from all angles.

Guarantee in all circumstances the physical and psychological integrity of the family members of Gauri Lankesh of further reprisals from the perpetrators, using all provisions of law, to ensure that the witnesses are not harassed in future.

Ensure provision of reparation, compensation, apology to the family of the defender for the psychological sufferings they are undergoing because of the death of Gauri Lankesh.

Put an end to all acts of attack and harassment and killing against all human rights defenders like Gauri Lankesh in the country and to ensure that in all circumstances they carry out their activities as defenders of human rights without any hindrances.

Looking forward to your immediate action in this regard,

Yours sincerely,

S/d-

(Henri Tiphagne)

National Working Secretary

8. Statement by Peopleas Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)

6 September 2017

PUCL Statement on the Assassination of Gauri Lankesh

Peopleas Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) strongly condemns the dastardly assassination of Gauri Lankesh, well known journalist and activist, outside her house in Bengaluru in the evening of 5th September, 2017 by a 4 member hits quad. PUCL is deeply grieved over the fact that by the shameful killing of Gauri, not just Karnataka, but the entire country, has lost a fearless and indomitable opponent of divisive and hate filled majoritarian politics of the Hindutva groups, a fighter for fairness and social justice for all marginalised groups, a rare media professional who saw her professional expertise as not keeping distance from `walking the talka in terms of her political and social values and her expressed stand and commitments.

As a crusader for communal harmony, peaceful coexistence and respect for diversity, Gauri was active in the Babubudangiri issue opposing the Hindutva forces seeking to engineer a communal divide between Muslims and Hindus. As a fearless critic of communal politics and opportunism of ruling political elites dividing the country through majoritarian politics, she showed through personal example that the current challenges before the country needs to be addressed both in the arena of activist or field politics as also in the domain of knowledge, thought and ideology. Amongst her last actions was to oppose the demonization of the Rohingya muslims who sought refuge in India from murderous Buddhist mobs in Rakhine province of Myanmar (Burma) whom the ruling BJP - Indian government wants to forcible repatriate now. Equally importantly was her call to all social and political groups who are opposed to majoritarian, fascist politics to sink differences and work together so as to safeguard democracy, secular values and peace.

The brazen shooting down of Gauri, just outside her house, in public view, follows a pattern similar to the unsolved assassinations of Prof. Kalburgi in Karnataka and Govind Pansare and Dr. Dabholkar in Maharashtra. It appears that the ruling political parties, irrespective of which party they belong to, do not have the political will to bring the perpetrators of these cowardly killings to book.

PUCL gives a call to all political parties, particularly to the parties which are part of the ruling NDA dispensation in the Centre, to declare publicly their unequivocal condemnation of the killing of Gauri Lankesh in particular, as also their opposition to the politics of killings of all political opponents and dissenters, as being unacceptable in a democratic polity. It is important that political parties do not fan communal hatred, hate politics and intolerance as this irreparably ruptures the social fabric of our country and threatens democracy.

PUCL demands:

(i) The Government of Karnataka should immediately form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of select police officers of proven integrity to investigate into the killing of Gauri Lankesh so that the assassins and those forces behind them are identified and brought to book.

(ii) That the Government of Karnataka should consult the High Court of Karnataka and seek a court-monitored investigation by the SIT similar to the court monitored probes into coal scam, 2-G scam etc.

We wish to point out that only if the killers and their sponsors are speedily prosecuted, tried and convicted will ordinary citizens continue to retain any sense of confidence in the edifice of rule of law and criminal justice system.

PUCL calls upon all citizens to remain vigilant and vocally oppose from the very beginning, the politics of hate, intolerance, caste a and- communal divisions and majoritarian politics which is systematically being fanned by different political parties and which has already claimed numerous lives. The best way to pay homage to martyrs like Gauri Lankesh, as also of Prof. Kalburgi, Dr. Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare who were also martyred for their beliefs, is to continue the fight for secular values, democratic ethics and respect for social, cultural and religious diversity in India.

Mr. Ravi Kiran Jain, National President, PUCL;

Dr. V. Suresh, National General Secretary, PUCL

9. Statement by Forum - Asia

India: Ensure justice for Gauri Lankesh and protect space for dissent as a democratic value

6 September 2017 5:56 pm

(Kathmandu/Bangkok: 6 September, 2017) a The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the assassination of Gauri Lankesh, a senior journalist, writer and human rights defender, in Bangalore on 5 September 2017. Lankesh, aged 55, was the editor of the weekly Kannada tabloid aGauri Lankesh Patrikea. She was known for her stance against politics of hate, corruption and was an uncompromising voice for freedom, human rights and justice.

Media reports indicate that she was fatally shot from close range in the head and chest outside her residence by assailants on motorcycles. Her body was later moved to Victoria Hospital in Bangalore for postmortem.[1]

As an editor of the tabloid, she occasionally faced opposition for her secular views and criticism of right wing politics. In November 2016, she was found guilty of defamation in a case involving a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentarian and was sentenced to six months in jail. She was later released on bail.

Lankesh firmly stood against communal and undemocratic politics and was a fearless voice for freedom of expression in India. Recently, she was also involved in the reintegration effort of many Naxalites into mainstream with the co-operation of the Karnataka government.[2]

aThe killing of Gauri Lankesh is another example of silencing the voices for freedom, human rights and democratic valuesa said John Samuel, Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA. aThe proponents of politics of hate and exclusion are posing great challenge for democracy and human rights in India. We call up on the government to immediately arrest the perpetrators and ensure a democratic space for the freedom of expression and secure environment for journalistsa, he added.

Gauri Lankesh is the fourth writer-activist killed in recent years, following Dr. Naredra Dabolkar, Govind Pansare and Dr. MM Kalburgi, noted writers and civic leaders, who were killed in similar attacks for their critique of politics of hatred nurtured under the ideology of Hindutva in India.[3]

FORUMaASIA is concerned that these attacks indicate a planned effort to stifle freedom of expression and undermine the promises of democratic principles and practices of the largest electoral democracy in the world. It urges the Government of India and the State government of Karnataka to ensure an immediate, thorough, effective and impartial investigation into the murder of Gauri Lankesh. It also calls upon the National Human Rights Commission to intervene in these attacks systematically directed at human rights defenders and, by implication, at the constitutional guarantees of fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression.

FORUM-ASIA also urges the Government of India to undertake all measures necessary to stop further killing of journalists, writers and civic activists, and abide by its human rights commitments under national and international laws, which include unhindered space for dissent and freedom of expression.

For a PDF version of this statement, click here.

[1] http://www.ndtv.com/bangalore-news/senior-journalist-gauri-lankesh-shot-dead-at-her-residence-in-bengaluru-1746480

[2] http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41169817

[3] http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/gauri-lankesh-s-killing-brings-focus-back-on-murders-of-right-wing-critics-kalburgi-pansare-dabholkar/story-XgzqWPjEJFyqhgIcVQUMaN.html

10. Statement from the Lawyers Collective

A tribute to Gauri Lankesh, fearless defender of free speech: Statement from the Lawyers Collective

Lawyers Collective condemns the cowardly murder of Gauri Lankesh, editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, who was an active voice of dissent against the obscurantist policies of the State, and stands in support of her rationalist views. We stand united for the freedom to resist, in a regime where speaking out runs the risk of being killed. Last week, on September 5th, 2017, she was murdered at the gate of her house in Bangalore, where she was shot by a spray of bullets. In this time of shock and tribulation, LC calls for a united stand of all champions of free speech. When they try to silence us, we must speak out louder.

The murder of Gauri Lankesh cannot be understood in isolation, since it is indicative of a larger pattern of silencing voices of rationalism which were seen with the murders of Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi who were all active crusaders of free speech. These murders were all by "unidentified" persons and the cases still remain unsolved.

These murders, which bear a striking similarly of purpose of silencing the rationalist voices, have resulted in nationwide protests among a community of people who still believe in the idea of democracy. This was an attack on the very ideas that are enshrined in our Constitution. By protesting and speaking up we are ensuring that we as a community of citizens have the freedom to speak out and dissent.

The rule of law is endangered in a State where such acts of violence go unpunished. The State needs to be accountable for protection of the life and liberty of all citizens irrespective of their political views.

As Lawyers we pledge to defend the rule of law and condemn the use of violence to silence rational voices.

In support and solidarity from the Trustees of Lawyers Collective:

Indira Jaising

Anand Grover

Justice Suresh

Sanober Keshwaar

Nilima Dutta

Norma Alvarez

Mihir Desai

Lawyers Collective

11. Statement from International Skeptic Organisations

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Paul Fidalgo

Phone: (207) 358-9785

E-mail: press[at]centerforinquiry.net

International Skeptic Organizations Condemn the Murder of Gauri Lankesh in India

September 08, 2017

The Center for Inquiry (CFI) and the European Council of Skeptical Organizations (ECSO) jointly condemned the murder of journalist and rationalist Gauri Lankesh, 55, in Bengaluru, India. Lankesh was shot down Tuesday evening by unidentified terrorists at the entrance of her home.

Gauri Lankesh was editor of a weekly magazine and a vehement critic of the right-wing populist aHindutvaa policy of the Indian government. She had fervently opposed the caste system and used her voice to speak for the oppressed and exploited in Indian society.

CFI is a U.S.-based organization that seeks to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values, which includes the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), publisher of Skeptical Inquirer magazine. ECSO is a coalition of skeptical organizations in Europe that aims to co-ordinate activities of organizations and individuals to critically investigate pseudoscientific and paranormal claims and make the results of its investigations known to the broad public.

aThis abominable murder is an attack on democracy and the freedom of the press in India,a said Amardeo Sarma, a fellow of CSI, board member of ECSO, and Chairman of the German Skeptics organization GWUP. aIt shows the great dangers our friends in India face when they stand up for reason and science or firmly come up against superstition and backwardness.a

aWeave lost far too many friends and allies to the violence of religious and ideological extremists around the world,a said Barry Karr, Executive Director of CFIas Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. aBut we canat let the perpetrators get the last word. They want to silence dissent, but we will never be quiet about the fundamental human rights to free expression and inquiry.a

aThe elimination of voices of reason by silencing them through murder is the hallmark of those cowardly dunces who do have no arguments to counter those put forward by us,a said Narendra Nayak, President of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Organizations (FIRA). aAs a fellow member on the hit list of these organizations, I feel sad that I have lost a good friend and a supporter. She was one of those who was not afraid to speak her mind on any issue which she felt was important.a

The Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations is committed to promoting humanism and the development of scientific temper and humanism in India.

CFI and ECSO share this grief and the feeling of loss. The murder of Gauri Lankesh is part of a series of attacks against those who have campaigned in India for rationalism and against superstition. Previous victims in India included the rationalists M. M. Kalburgi and Narendra Dabholkar.

ECSO and CFI call upon the European Union, the United States, and Canada to stand up in defense of all those who are committed to human rights, reason, science, and freedom of expression. They also appeal to all democratic politicians worldwide: aIndia is the worldas second-most populous country. It is not only a global economic power but a nuclear power as well. What happens in India concerns us all.a

# # #

The Center for Inquiry (CFI) is a nonprofit educational, advocacy, and research organization headquartered in Amherst, New York, with executive offices in Washington, D.C. It is also home to the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science, the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, and the Council for Secular Humanism. The Center for Inquiry strives to foster a secular society based on reason, science, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values. Visit CFI on the web at www.centerforinquiry.net.

Informational Links

o o

Schedule of Protests as planned in various cities:

Protests on September 6:

BANGALORE - 8:45 am, Naik Bhavan

DELHI, CHENNAI - 11 am, Press Club

MUMBAI - 6 pm, Amphitheater, Carter Road

HYDERABAD - 4 pm, Sunderayya Vignana Kendram

MANGALORE - 4 pm, Town Hall, Gandhi Statue

DHARWAD - 10 am, Prof Kalburghis house

PUNE - 4 pm, opp SP College, Sadashiv Peth, Tilak Road

o o

See Related news report(s):

Gauri Lankesh: Indian journalist shot dead in Bangalore http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-41169817

The BJPas head of information technology just issued a warning to every journalist in the country https://scroll.in/article/822940/the-bjps-head-of-information-technology-just-issued-a-warning-to-every-journalist-in-the-country
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Education Reporter

Mathew Burciaga is a Santa Maria Times reporter who covers education, agriculture and public safety. Prior to joining the Times, Mathew ran a 114-year-old community newspaper in Wyoming. He owns more than 40 pairs of crazy socks from across the globe.
Javier Valdez

I attended the Robert Eagle Staff Middle School ribbon-cutting today and also walked thru Licton Springs K-8 and and Cascadia Elementary. Bustling and busy were the biwords of the day for these schools. There were several attendees of interest including former Board members Peter Maier and Sharon Peaslee along with Director Rick Burke and Director Scott Pinkham and Superintendent Nyland. As well, 46th Reps Gerry Pollet andwere in attendance. Rep. Valdez spoke about the recent decision on DACA and the need to protect and welcome all children to school.Principal Marni Campbell welcomed the crowd of parents and students. The PTA had made up t-shirts for students with the new emblem of RESMS, the Raven. Entering both RESMS and Cascadia, there is an information board about the history of the land and the programs. The district invested in interactive boards for a full history of the programs.The ceremony in naming the school was long but worthy. Mr. Eagle Staff's brother, Thomas, introduced family members including their mother. He went on to talk about how passionate his brother was about education and helping children. He said his tribe, the Lakota, in South Dakota was astonished that a faraway place like Seattle would recognize his brother's efforts in this way and said he wouldn't even try to pronounce the names of the many Native American tribes in the NW. The ceremony included many supporters and family members of Eagle Staff who were given NW quilts to wrap around themselves. There was ceremonial smoke and then the unveiling of a great gift to the school - a real eagle staff.(My photo does not do it justice - the woman in the lower foreground is Principal Marni Campbell who seemed deeply moved to be part of this induction of the eagle staff to the school community.)These are very basic looking buildings. It's a bit startling, after touring Hazel Wolf K-8 last year, to see the difference. Whereas HW has some areas of interest, indoors and outdoors, the Wilson-Pacific campus (not sure if that's the proper term for the entire campus at that site) has boxy and somewhat dull buildings with not much outside interest beyond the terrific murals that grace it. I don't really understand the color palette used. However, if the buildings are solidly built and functional, that's enough for any new school building.I note in Cascadia that there are these cute seats, two sizes, that are wobbly and probably are for the wiggly kids. It also has a teaching kitchen. Once again, I find the finishes in these buildings to be lacking. Seams not meeting on stairs (with some stairs having some gap areas with small depressions (see the cafeteria) and some staining in various areas.And the parking lots. Those are some small parking spaces and where there was an SUV or mini-van parked, you see the next space empty because larger cars take up too much room. RESMS' parking lot is a one-way loop so be aware of that. I suspect that the traffic will be somewhat insane. My advance is to NOT use the parking lot but park on the street (sorry, neighbors).Licton Springs seems a bit of an after-thought to RESMS but with very friendly staff. I notice that the buildings do have separate entrances but I was told that yes, the buildings would have their access on different floors open the whole day. They will be sharing science labs and gyms.
" " A spoonful of the protein powder produced from microbes, carbon dioxide, water and a steady current of electricity LUT/Science Photo Library/Getty Images

Choose three ingredients to make a nutritious meal and it's unlikely you'd pick carbon dioxide, water and microbes. But researchers in Finland are developing a way to zap that simple recipe with electricity inside a bioreactor to create a powder that's about 50 percent protein and 25 percent carbohydrates.

The edible powder could be mixed into a shake or turned into a tofu-like food for people. It also could be transformed into feed for animals. Because it's processed inside in a bioreactor  similar to how beer and Quorn, a British meat substitute, is made  it doesn't require the tremendous amounts of land, water or other resources necessary for large-scale agriculture and doesn't emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

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"We detach the whole process from the land," says Jero Ahola, a professor in the department of electrical engineering at Lappeenranta University of Technology. If solar power is used to produce the electricity, the process is about 10 times more efficient at producing food than conventional agriculture that relies on soil, says Ahola.

For this proof-of-concept endeavor, the bioreactor used was the size of a coffee cup, and the process to produce 1 gram of the protein took about two weeks. Ahola and colleague Juha-Pekka Pitkanen, a principal scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, say they are working on plans to build a larger bioreactor, about 6 liters (1.6 gallons) in size, by early next year. After that, they'll apply for additional funding to scale up the system even more, building a 2-cubic-meter (71-cubic-foot) bioreactor that can produce 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of powder per day. Imagine one of those 10-pound bags of flour or sugar, and you get the idea.

"We think that we would be able to scale it up rather soon now that we have got it working," says Pitkanen.

At the moment, the system is running at about 26 percent efficiency, meaning that 26 percent of the electricity is going directly toward turning the mixture into food. The team says they feel confident that they can almost double that to achieve upward of 50-percent efficiency.
" " Burying your nose in an old book can provide some useful information about its history and its chemical makeup. www.labicicletavermella.com/Getty Images

Pardon me, what fragrance is your book wearing? Researchers at University College London suggest that the nose knows. In an extensive study of smells, heritage and historic paper published in the journal Heritage Science, the authors argue the importance of documenting and preserving smells. But why?

The researchers realized that visitors at St. Paul's Cathedral Dean and Chapter Library in London frequently comment on the aroma of the space, saying they feel like they can smell history. Thanks to our limbic system, odors can make us pretty emotional, especially when they evoke memories. Scents affect how we experience different cultures and places, and help us gain more insight into and engage more deeply with the past.

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Since smells are a part of our cultural heritage, the researchers posit, they have historical value and deserve to be identified, analyzed and archived. Using chemical analysis and sensory descriptions, the study authors set about figuring out a way for scientists and historians to do so.

In one experiment, the researchers asked visitors at the historic library to characterize the odors they smelled. More than 70 percent of respondents considered the library smell as "pleasant." All the visitors thought it smelled "woody," while 86 percent noticed a "smoky" aroma. "Earthy" (71 percent) and "vanilla" (41 percent) were also descriptors visitors chose often. Other responses ranged from musty to pungent, and floral to rancid.

In another experiment, the study authors analyzed the responses of 79 visitors to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (U.K.) to the smell of a historic book from a secondhand bookstore. To capture the book smell, a piece of sterile gauze was soaked in 5 milliliters (0.17 ounces) of an extract of the book odor and placed in an unlabeled metal canister screwed shut to prevent visitors from peeking. The top three responses when the visitors were prompted to describe the smell? Chocolate, coffee and old.

The team even analyzed the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the book and the library. Most odors are composed of VOCs, or chemicals that evaporate at low temperatures. VOCs are often associated with certain smell types, like acetic acid with "sour."

Using the data from the chemical analysis and visitors' smell descriptions, the researchers created the Historic Book Odour Wheel to document and archive the "historic library smell." Main categories, such as "sweet/spicy," fill the inner circle of the wheel; descriptors, such as "caramel/biscuits" fill the middle; and the chemical compounds likely to be the smelly source, like furfural, fill the outer circle.

The researchers want the book odor wheel to be an interdisciplinary tool that "untrained noses" can use to identify smells and the compounds causing them, which could address conservators' concerns about material composition and degradation, inform artifact paper conservation decisions and benefit olfactory museum experiences.

Now That's Interesting In 2015, researchers used "smellwalks" and social media data to map city smells in London and Barcelona.
 US Sentencing Commission releases big new analysis of Prez Obama's 2014 Clemency Initiative | Main | Encouraging new Brennan Center data on 2017 crime trends ... let the spinning begin 

September 5, 2017

A deep look at "tough on crime" responses to the opioid epidemic

German Lopez has this lengthy important new Vox piece under the headlined "The new war on drugs: Not every state is responding to the opioid epidemic with just public health policies." I recommend the piece in full, and this excerpt highlights its themes:

There has been much discussion of criminal justice reform in the past several years. And there has been a lot of talk about treating the opioid epidemic  the deadliest overdose crisis in US history  as a public health, not criminal justice, issue, unlike past drug crises. The cliche about the crisis, said by both Democrats and Republicans, is that we cant arrest our way out of the problem. Yet the rhetoric doesnt tell the whole story. In my own investigation, I found at least 13 states, including Kentucky, that passed laws in recent years that stiffened penalties for opioids painkillers, heroin, or fentanyl  largely in response to the epidemic. In sharp contrast to all the talk about criminal justice reform and public health, these laws risk sending even low-level, nonviolent drug offenders  many of whom are addicted to drugs and need help for that addiction  to prison for years or decades. The facts show that the conventional narrative about the opioid epidemic and criminal justice reform is incomplete. Most states  including many of the states I found that passed new tough on crime laws in response to the opioid epidemic  have passed criminal justice reform at some level in the past several years. And the rhetoric about drugs has undeniably changed a lot in recent years across both political parties. But as the opioid epidemic continues to kill tens of thousands of people in the US each year, many state lawmakers have gone back to the old criminal justice playbook to fight the crisis  even as the empirical evidence remains clear that tougher prison sentences are not an effective means to stopping the epidemic. The new laws are just one example. Several states have also dusted off old laws to lock up more opioid users and dealers. And that shows that for all the talk about reform, Americas instincts for the tough on crime approach are still very much here.

September 5, 2017 at 05:37 PM | Permalink

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A brief review of the role of punishment in the prevention of addiction and of its lethal consequences.

Punishment is a major factor in the treatment of addiction. Addiction is defined by continued use, in the face of punishment (loss of freedom, health, family, money). Therefore a greater dose of punishment is needed to help addicts.

1) People with something to lose have a higher chance of recovery, doctors, admirals, CEO's vs janitors, convicted felons, prostitutes;

2) the punishment of alcohol use and the forbearance of opiate use in Vietnam resulted in the 15% addiction rate to opiate among soldiers, and less alcohol use. Upon return to the US, with no punishment of alcohol use, and punishment of opiate use, the rate of opiate addiction in the returning vets dropped to the expected 1%. The remaining US addicts had features similar to the addict population of the US, and were more deviant than the addicts who stopped;

3) Prohibition of alcohol dropped alcohol use only 50%, its having no popular support. Yet, the benefits were great if under reported, drops in crime (except, of course, for bootlegging), drops in crashes, economic boom times, drops in the rates of death from cirrhosis, which is a reliable indicator of the rates of alcoholism (only 10% of alcoholics die of it, but it is a statistical indicator);

4) severe punishments end all addiction, in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the old Communist China. Zero addiction. These have extreme cost benefit ratios. Yes, shoot an addict, but save the lives of a hundred who do not become addicted;

5) the threat of punishment after death also is effective, from religion. Drink, go to hell, if Muslim, Mormon, Methodist. Low rates of alcoholism, and the prevention of all its consequences.

So harsh sentencing is effective, contrary to the false propaganda of the lawyer. I am going to translate here, "evidence based." That means rent seeking, make work jobs for registered members of the Democratic Party. "Evidence based" is a form of quackery.

Here is a brief review of why evidence based is a euphemism for quackery. You will need to have attended high school statistics class for the first day only, when they discuss coin tossing. No one in our failed medical elite has done so.

http://davidbeharmdejd.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-serious-and-insurmountable-problems.html

Posted by: David Behar | Sep 5, 2017 9:43:04 PM

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How about this heat, huh? Thankfully your evenings will bring with them some much needed cooling off this week, only to warm up again this weekend. So get out there for some outdoor movies, wine tasting, a touch of opera, or a quick photography class next to a non-fog-enshrouded Golden Gate Bridge.



TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

BENEFIT READING: This evening at Book Passage in Corte Madera there will be a special reading and book sale benefiting the Southern Poverty Law Center featuring readers whose work appears in the Pact Press resistance-themed anthology "Speak and Speak Again." Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera, 7 p.m., free



WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

HURRICANE RELIEF HAPPY HOUR: This benefit event at The Stud will be donating proceeds specifically to the transgender victims of Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, via the Transgender Foundation of America. If you can't attend have a drink at The Stud, consider donating at that link. The Stud, Harrison at Ninth Street, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., free

BEGINNERS TANGO CLASS: Always wanted to learn how to tango? A six-week session of Wednesday classes starts this week, and at $15 per class it isn't half bad. You'll learn all the lingo and be able to dance with more experienced people by the time you're done, according to teacher Janet Lott. And, admission includes entrance into the Milonga tango party after class.

SOMArts, 934 Brannan Street, 8:10 p.m. to 9:10 p.m., $90 for the series

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7





TAROT 101: Learn the mystical art of tarot card reading with teacher Marcela Liliana Veron and Casey Zabala at this small occult and crystals shop in the Castro. "This intro class will take you on a powerful journey through the 22 Major Arcana, Minor Arcana and Tarot Spreads." You can drop in at the last minute, but you can a discount if you pre-register for the class. Crystal Way, 2335 Market Street, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. $45

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

RAUCOUS COMEDY PARTY: This weekly shindig Night Moves at PianoFight kicks off one minute before midnight, but things get rolling at this venue long before then, with happy hour, and the food and drinks throughout the evening. Hosts Josef Anolin and Andrew Holmgren will keep you laughing, and you'll get a window on what some of SF's hip kids do on a Friday night. PianoFight, 144 Taylor Street, 11:59 p.m.,

free

OPENING NIGHT AT THE OPERA: This year's season opener at SF Opera is Puccini's Turandot, and this opening night performance will be preceded by the grand Opera Ball, the annual inaugural event of the SF society season  which means glimpses of the town's hoi polloi wearing their high-fashion finest as they take their seats and mingle at intermission. And if you don't mind the nose-bleeds (they're not that bad!), tickets come pretty cheap. And if you want to spend a bit more and get dressed up, there's also the Bravo! Club Gala for the youth (aged 21-40). SF Opera, 301 Van Ness Avenue, 8 p.m., tickets starting at $26

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

OUTDOOR SHORT FILM FESTIVAL WITH MUSIC: Bernal Heights Outdoor Cinema will be having its kickoff party on Thursday, but Saturday is when they'll be doing short-film screenings by local filmmakers all evening in Precita Park, under the stars. The fun kicks off with an hour of music by the Tony Saunders Quartet. Precita Park, 6:30 p.m., free

'THE GRADUATE' IN UNION SQUARE: As part of the Film Night In the Park outdoor movie series, there will a free showing of the 1967 classic The Graduate, starring Anne Bancroft and Dustin Hoffman. BYO flask, etc. Picnics encouraged, but chairs are not. Union Square, film starts after sundown

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10



Photo: Airbnb

WINERY HOPPING IN VINTAGE VW BUS: As part of one Airbnb's Experiences, you can take a tour of Sonoma wineries, complete with gluten-free picnic, in a cool vintage VW bus, led by a local chef and restaurateur. The same tour is available Monday and Tuesday as well, and it kicks off in Sonoma's town square. Also, be warned, the price includes the chauffeuring and the picnic, but not the price of individual tastings at the wineries. Sonoma Town Square, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., $125 per person

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS AT SF LANDMARKS: Another Airbnb Experience is this hands-on, outdoor class with a local photographer who promises to "Expand your camera know-how & travel photo skills with the Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop." The group meets up at Crissy Field and photos of the Palace of Fine Arts will also be taking place. Crissy Field Warming Hut, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., $19

OPERA IN THE PARK: This year's free opera concert in Sharon Meadow will feature tenor Brian Jagde and soprano Toni Marie Palmertree,'Turandot'; mezzo-soprano Jill Grove and bass-baritone Alfred Walker from the cast of Strauss Elektra; soprano Aurelia Florian, tenor Atalla Ayan and baritone Artur Rucinski from Verdis La Traviata; and San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow sopranos Sarah Cambidge and Amina Edris, and tenors Pene Pati and Kyle van Schoonhoven. Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., free

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

SALMAN RUSHDIE AND MICHAEL CHABON: The man whom Ursula LeGuin has called "our Scheherazade," Salman Rushdie, will be "in conversation" at City Arts & Lectures with local literary star Michael Chabon, talking about the world  and, no doubt, terrorism on this grave anniversary  as well as his new book The Golden House, which is described as a "modern epic of love and terrorism, loss and reinvention." Nourse Theater, 275 Hayes Street, 7:30 p.m., $29 - tickets here
Fort Bragg-based brewery North Coast Brewing is in some hot water with the estate of the late jazz pianist Thelonious Monk over their apparently unauthorized use of Monk's name and likeness on merchandise sold by the brewery promoting their Belgian-style abbey ale named Brother Thelonious. As Reuters reports, jazz drummer T.S. Monk administers his father's estate and brought the lawsuit, citing a letter dated in January 2016 in which he revoked permission for the use of Thelonious Monk's name and likeness after finding out that in addition to bottles of beer, the brewery was selling 17 other related items like t-shirts, CDs, tap handles, hoodies, and mouse pads all bearing the Brother Thelonious logo. The lawsuit claims that the brewery has done nothing to stop selling the items in the intervening 19 months, and this has done "irreparable" harm to the estate.

The Monk Estate initially granted permission for using Monk's name and likeness on the beer labels, and this was apparently done verbally by T.S. Monk himself. But now, as Eater notes, the estate is seeking $75,000 in compensatory and punitive damages, and they want a merchandising agreement for the sale of all these other promotional items.

North Coast Brewing has its own association with jazz, hosting jazz performances at the brewery, and making Brother Thelonious the "the Official Beer of the Newport Jazz Festival" in Rhode Island. They also produced a CD with the Claire Daly Quartet called Baritone Monk, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz to further international Jazz education programs  the place where they also donate a portion of the proceeds of every bottle of Brother Thelonious.

Thelonious Monk died in 1982 at the age of 64. He would have turned 100 years old this October 10.
Local Thai mini-chain Lers Ros, which has its roots on Larkin Street in the Tenderloin, is expanding once again, this time with a slightly different concept in a space across the street from the original Lers Ros. It's called Esan Classic, and we first heard about the spinoff going into the former Olive space a full two years ago, but of course, because it's SF, there were major delays getting the place open.

Owner Tom Silargorn and his wife Oah Budsabagorn decided to branch out with their fourth restaurant, following on Lers Ros branches in Hayes Valley and the Mission that opened in recent years. They've hired family member Chanon Hutasingh to serve as chef, as Eater reports, and the menu will focus on the food of northwestern Thailand known as Esan (or Isaan), which is heavily influenced by the cuisines of Cambodia and Laos.

Check out the full dinner menu here, which features some dishes familiar to the Lers Ros canon like alligator curry, and frog legs with basil, but also features some Esan dishes like fried sun-dried calimari, a pork liver salad with shallots and cilantro, and an Esan bamboo salad with chili powder.

Silargorn also told the Chronicle that "the menu will feature ingredients that are harder to find here in the United States, like neem leaves and sesbania grandiflora, an edible flower used in Southeast Asian cooking."

Esan Classic opens Saturday, September 9, and it will then be open for lunch and dinner daily.

Esan Classic - 739 -743 Larkin Street - Open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Friday and Saturday until 2 a.m.
Wisconsin writer-director Melonie Gartner shot her latest film, the 25-minute Where the Great Spirits Live, in lustrous black and white. I felt that colors would take away the focus from the narrative, she explains. I have always been a big fan of black-and-white films. Theres something very beautiful and mysterious about them.

Mystery fills nearly every frame of Where the Great Spirits Live; it spreads across the shabby interiors and wintry outdoors of Manitowoc where it was filmed. Its Gartners second film starring Milwaukee cineaste Mark Borchardt (he describes her as completely dedicated to her craft), a prequel to her previous production, Two Rivers.

This time, Borchardt plays a loner uncomfortable inside his own skin. He drinks alone in a dingy bar and goes by himself to the downtown cinema where he watches the same horror flick over and over. The staff comments on the lonely guy in lineHe doesnt say much, walks around like a zombie. Scattered around his crummy room are newspapers whose headlines tell of a lengthening string of murders, A Gruesome Discovery at the Lakefront. He stares at the papers without emotion.

Skillful camerawork enhances a bar scene to suggest that Borchardts world is shifting slightly, spinning with the uncertainty of his situation. Is he a killer, a hallucinating psychotic or just a lonesome movie buff?

Where the Great Spirits Live screens on Sunday, Sept. 10 as part of the Milwaukee Womens Film Festival, running Sept. 8-10 at the Underground Collaborative, 161 W. Wisconsin Ave., lower level.
A mobile wood-fired brick pizza oven is something that you dont see every day, so when Flying Cow Pizza rolls into an event to craft Neapolitan-style pizza on the spot, baked to perfection in their brick oven, people tend to notice.

Brett Buchanan owns Flying Cow Pizza and operates it with his wife, Angela, and daughter, Lindsey. Buchanan and his brothers first saw a mobile wood-fired brick pizza oven in California around 2010 and decided to try it in the Midwest.

The Buchanans built a wood-fired pizza oven, and Tom, one of Bretts brothers, started Grumpy Goat Pizza. Brett helped him run it, and a year later when Tom moved out west, Brett bought the business from him and made it his own, renaming it Flying Cow Pizza. He comes from generations of dairy farmers. During college, he decided not to continue in the dairy business so he flew the coop, with the cow reference connected to his heritage.

Tom now builds pizza ovens and does some pizza events in Arizona. Seth, another Buchanan brother, operates a mobile wood-fired brick oven pizza business in Colorado.

Buchanan handcrafted two 4-foot diameter ovens, and hes working on a third oven. He makes his own pizza dough and sauce. We make true Naples-style pizza. There, pizzas are done in a wood-fired oven at very high heat, around 900 degrees, he said. We get non-genetically modified flour from Italy and use the same type of oven and similar ingredients.

The taste of pizza baked in a wood-fired brick oven is remarkably different. The high heat bakes the pizza in less than two minutes. The crust is crisped at the edges but still slightly chewy and flavorful. Buchanan obtains as many ingredients as he can seasonally.

The pizza offerings are simple and true to Italian pizza. A customer favorite, the margherita, dates back to 1700s Italy, Buchanan said, and it consists of tomato sauce, fresh basil, olive oil, sea salt and fresh mozzarella. Most wood-fire pizza companies keep it to three or four toppings because, when cooking in an oven for a minute and half, a pile of toppings doesnt create a good pizza.

Buchanan noticed that Wisconsinites love meat, so Flying Cow Pizza offers a quality pepperoni pizza, the Bambino. The Market Special is a veggie pizza with feta and mozzarella, with vegetables from the farmers market hes appearing at that day. The pizzas are sold whole, and the 12-inch pies average around $10 to $12 each. Pizzas in 14- and 16-inch sizes are offered for catering.

Buchanan has mastered most challenges involved with transporting a wood-fired brick pizza oven, such as vibrations, bumps in the road, freezing temperatures and humidity. Cooking in a wood-fired brick oven outside in Wisconsin does offer challenges. If I toss the pizza up in the air when its windy, it carries the pizza, he laughed. Its an old craft, and people got away from it because its hard to master.

Flying Cow Pizza attends farmers markets in Oconomowoc, Lake Mills and Whitewater. They team up with Earth Fresh Acres for monthly Pizza on the Farm events. Buchanan uses their seasonal vegetables, and attendees have the option to try different things typically not found on pizza, such as beets or squash. Upcoming Pizza on the Farm nights will be Sept. 29 and Oct. 20. They also do catering for private events.

For more information, visit flyingcowpizza.com.
Editor's Note: This article was updated on Sept. 11, 2017.

Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA), founded in 1984 and part of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), places a unique emphasis on integrating arts with academia. The mission is to foster the growth of the whole child and significantly increase preparedness for higher education and other life experiences following graduation. The school ranks in the 90th percentile for graduation rates in the district and achieves the remarkable feat of ensuring that students gain the state-mandated academic credits to graduate, while simultaneously providing at least two class hours of arts education every day in students selected majors" of visual arts, music, creative writing, dance or theatre. [Full disclosure: I graduated from MHSA in 2008 with a major in Theatre Performance.]

This summer, I sat down with MHSA Principal Barry Applewhite to discuss what makes MHSAs educational approach unique and how the school continues to develop its efforts to give students the tools they need to manage their busy schedules and to succeed in life after graduation. Asked why he believes arts are an essential part of education, Applewhite shares his personal background: I think it makes the whole child. I was an arts person. I was a band director in 97-98 at High School of the Arts. Band made a big difference in my life. It helped me understand that 2+2 = 4. It made everything practical for me."

Proof of its commitment to quality arts education, MHSA maintains a staff of 13-15 arts-certified teachers as well as consultants. Moreover, through programs like artsHubmke (a collaboration between Cardinal Stritch University, Arts @ Large and MPS), MHSA strives to integrate what students learn in the academic classroom with their arts education.

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Applewhite cites a recent project in which MHSA science teacher Mara Kachelski brought her students to the Milwaukee Public Museum to display and present models theyd made about relevant environmental subject matter. This creates memorable experiences. You could go into a classroom and ask, Are you doing art or are you doing science? and she would argue that shes doing both," Applewhite says. Another recent point of pride was a Cancer Health Fair presented to the public last January by MHSA students under direction from physical education teacher Dakota Berg. Here again, participants were able to apply model-building and presentation skills gained in their arts curricula to an academic field.

Academic Preparedness

How can a student with a schedule including two hours of art per day as well as extracurriculars such as health fairs, plays and recitals possibly keep their grades up and be ready for the rigors of college? MHSA manages by giving its students many opportunities specifically geared toward college readiness. For many years, the school has offered Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which count not only for high school credit but can also contribute to core curriculum at the majority of universities; at this time, available courses number at least 15 and include everything from chemistry and physics to literature and psychology. New this year, MHSA offers students the chance to be part of the AP Capstone Program, which, in addition to the usual AP courses, gives students the chance to learn college-level research and seminar skills starting at age 14.

As Applewhite points out, Now a kids coming out with an AP Capstone diploma. You can have more than 16 credits going into college. Think about how that translates into the pocket. An [approximate] $20,000 discount your first year is a game changer for many of our kids that have nothing. Youre going to school practically free your first year and, on top of that, when your university sees that youre in the AP Capstone Program, guess whats going to happen? Youre going to get more scholarships."

Also new this year, MHSA offers the Personalized Blended Learning Program, which uses a combination of online and traditional learning to allow students greater flexibility in personalizing their busy schedules and incorporating as many opportunities as possible. MHSA likewise works diligently with local organizations to offers students internships in the real world of arts and business. Applewhite notes that many students begin their senior year having already earned the 22 credits they need to graduate.

What then do they do with their final year? There are two major possibilities. Through the Youth Options Program, high schoolers can begin their collegiate level work on a local campus. MHSA also works with several prominent local organizations including Near West Side Partners and The Wisconsin Center to find students internships. Applewhite offers an example of this process at work even over summer vacation: Just recently we got a phone call from Near West Side saying We need two students that do visual arts to work with some community kids and introduce them to oil paint."

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To help students cope with the mental and emotional strain of their artistic and academic rigorsas well as personal challenges they may face because of their home environment, poverty or other factorsthe school also offers a Restorative Practices elective. This gives them a safe space to talk about their day-to-day dilemmas and receive restorative tools and support from peers and faculty.

The Payoff

MHSAs alums include many prominent members of the local and national arts scene, including Broadway performer Kyle Taylor Parker (Theatre, 07), New York City fashion designer Kasia Wisniewski (Visual Art, 06), Joffrey Ballet and former Milwaukee Ballet dancer Jacqueline Moscicke (Dance, 03), and Strange Fruit Festival co-founder and saxophone virtuoso Jay Anderson (Music, 07). However, as Applewhite points out, even if an MHSA student does not pursue a career in the field they explored in high school, the presence of arts in their early life has inestimable value.

In education today, you cant just deal with one side of the brain; you have to deal with both sides of the brain and educate the entire child." Especially for students who are part of what Applewhite terms the microwave generation"raised with the instant gratification of social media and internet search enginesdeveloping attention and retention are paramount. He extols the ever-greater importance of gaining the fundamental problem-solving and critical thinking skills that academics and arts education have to offer.

When you get the foundational tools from math, just like when you get the foundational tools in the arts, you become a great person in those areas, and you can pull out and use those tools in your everyday life."

Update Sept. 11 2017: On July 27, it was announced that Barry Applewhite would be transferred by the MPS board to serve as principal of Marshall High School, and Marshalls principal, Larry Farris, would replace Applewhite at MHSA. This announcement occurred 9 days after Applewhite was interviewed by the Shepherd and we were not made aware of this development by him or his staff. Furthermore, it has come to light that MHSA students receipt of a full two hours of arts programming per school day is now pending academic and artistic performance.

To learn more about Milwaukee High School of the Arts, call 414-934-7000 or visit milwaukeehighschoolofthearts.org.
 Expand Photo credit: Gage Skidmore

Scott Walker has had the advantage of being Wisconsins governor during the third-longest economic expansion in U.S. history. While Wisconsins economy has lagged behind the national average during his time as governor, there still has been state revenue growth in each state budget. Despite these increases, Gov. Walker has slashed funding for the UW System and K-12 education.

If Wisconsin has had more revenue, why hasnt that resulted in increased investment in educational opportunity? The answer: It was a bigger priority for Gov. Walker to direct state resources to tax cuts for the wealthy.

Wisconsins budgets continue to be hobbled by the governors so-called Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit included in the 2011 budget. At that time, the credit was forecast to cost $128 million each year when fully phased in by 2016-17. However, state estimates show that the credit cost has more than doubled and is expected to balloon to $334 million a year by 2018-19. In addition to cuts made to public schools and higher education, 148 school districts have voted to raise their own property taxes by nearly $630 million to avoid harmful cuts to educational programs since 2011. The lost revenue from this credit has also resulted in the governor borrowing $209 million the last three years from future taxpayersjust to keep the budget in the black.

In other words, there have been significant consequences and costs associated with this credit. It would be one thing if the hundreds of millions spent on this credit had resulted in successful job creation. But they have not. Under Gov. Walker, Wisconsin dropped from 12,009 manufacturing jobs gained in 2010 to 3,776 manufacturing jobs lost in 2016.

Which brings us to Foxconn and Wisconsins future.

Over the past six and a half years, Walker has desperately tried to define himself as the pro-business/jobs governor. His efforts have, of course, been a colossal failure. Currently, Walkers track record includes: an unfulfilled pledge to create 250,000 jobs by the end of his first term; a mining bill which promised thousands of jobs but created zero; anti-worker reforms; and reckless tax credits aimed at drawing new business.

These failures have led a desperate governor to double-down on a costly economic trickle-down fantasy: his proposal to offer the most expensive state taxpayer-funded subsidy to a foreign company in U.S. history. It is important to note that because of that previously-mentioned Manufacturing and Agriculture Tax Credit, Foxconns billionaire owner will owe basically nothing in taxes and will therefore be receiving up to $3 billion in tax credits as a cash payment from Wisconsin taxpayers.

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Before the state has even passed the 2017-19 budgetand before the legislature has even approved up to $3 billion in taxpayer-funded incentivesWisconsin faces a more than $1 billion deficit in the 2019-21 budget. With national economic growth projections being lowered for the next few years, it can be expected that state growth will slow as well.

Walker has left the state financially unprepared for slower economic times. Now he is pushing through the Foxconn package, which, under the best-case scenario, would not break even for a quarter-century. If you know Walkers and Foxconns history of overpromising and underperforming, the best case is not likely to happen.

There is an opportunity cost of not investing in transportation, the future education of our children and further incentivizing entrepreneurship. Just like public school and university cuts paid for massive tax cuts the past few years, you can assume that taxpayer funding for Foxconn will come at the expense of these programs again.

Gordon Hintz serves in the Wisconsin State Assembly as the representative for the 54th District.
 Expand Photo credit: Gage Skidmore

The Great Man Theory of History has long been disputed. In order for a single person to be celebrated for changing history, skeptics note, that individual, no matter how gifted, needs support from enormous numbers of unsung activists in the same time and place. On the other hand, the Terrible Man Theory of History (which I just made up) is alive and well. Obvious examples are the current president of the United States and David Clarke, the suddenly departed sheriff of Milwaukee County.

The gist of the Terrible Man Theory is that, although its very difficult for a single individual to spread positive change on his own, it is far too easy for the wrong person in a powerful position to do enormous damage to the lives of others. Thats why no matter what Clarke does next, the most important fact about his resignation is that hell no longer have legal authority to abuse and endanger the already troubled lives of individuals incarcerated in the Milwaukee County Jail.

Even though most of those jailed were awaiting trial without any final determination of guilt or innocence, Clarke treated all of them as subhuman, creating a culture of contempt, permitting his jailers to inflict inhumane, torturous punishment, sometimes fatally.

When Gov. Scott McCallum appointed Clarke sheriff in 2002, the young African American was a blank slate. Despite his Republican appointment, Clarke immediately announced he would run as a Democrat. Not because he was one, mind you: Clarke refused to join the party and attacked Democrats relentlesslyespecially African American Democrats. That made Clarke the sweetheart of right-wing radio and suburban Republicans.

Running as a fake Democrat was a political dirty trick. Clarke could win the Democratic nomination in the low-turnout primary by attracting white Republican votes and conservative black votes. Then, he only had to defeat a weaker Republican in the much higher turnout general election.

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I cant prove Clarke hasnt always been the vicious, right-wing extremist everyone sees today, but when I first met him shortly before his appointment, he came off as a decent guy. I was one of those hopeful about his political future. But very quickly you could almost see him changing before your eyes. Ive always thought the change was driven by two ugly, destructive forces that became entwined in modern America: Republican politics and right-wing talk radio.

Being on right-wing radio helped Clarke politically. But it also pushed him to become more and more outrageous. If you want to attract attention, claim Black Lives Matter is secretly in league with ISIS to destroy America. If your primary audience is white racists, pander to racial prejudice and say African Americans sell drugs not because so many are shut out of the legitimate economy, but because theyre uneducated, theyre lazy, and theyre morally bankrupt.

Theres always been a lucrative speaking circuit before white supremacists and other right-wing extremists for good blacks willing to feed racial hatred. Soon, Clarke was more than doubling his public salary and basking in the adulation of some very twisted white folks. But it was Clarkes public job that took the most toxic turn as he sought national recognition as racist Sheriff Joe Arpaios natural successor.

It starts with feeding inmates a repulsive, inedible mixture of food scraps as punishment for misbehavior. In any American jail, misbehavior is often a direct consequence of the large number of mentally ill inmates warehoused there. Once you begin punishing mental illness rather than treating it and feeding the mentally ill dog food, its a short leap to withholding drinking water entirely. That will teach them to stop acting so crazy.

Terrill Thomas dehydration death last year after his cells water was shut off wasnt the first. In 2011, Antonio Cowser, another mentally ill inmate whod been jailed for a traffic violation, died in Clarkes jail under nearly identical circumstances.

Cruel male indifference toward women in Clarkes jail required women giving birth while incarcerated to do so in shackles. Did his staff really fear women would try to escape in the midst of childbirth? Perhaps that cruelty was preferable to the death of a newborn after a woman gave birth last yearalone in her cell and ignored by jailers as she screamed for help. Or the woman awarded $6.7 million by a jury in January who testified shed been repeatedly raped by jail guards.

At this writing, Clarke hasnt revealed what he plans to do next. Im betting on right-wing media; hes always been better at stirring public controversy with outrageous attacks than anything else. Media blowhards feeding racial hatred can still be destructive, but they mostly exist within an ugly, little closed circle talking to people like themselves. Nobody dies. Nobody gets tortured, abused or repeatedly raped.

Heres hoping this is the last column anyone ever writes about Clarke inflicting damage on the lives of others.
NORTH SIOUX CITY | The North Sioux City Fire Department will hold an open house at its fire station Monday to showcase an art project by Dakota Valley High School students.

Beginning 5 p.m. Monday, the open house at 205 Sodrac Drive will showcase the students' mural of the New York City skyline and an actual structural steel beam artifact from the World Trade Center.

The students and North Sioux City firefighters will be in attendance to discuss the project and the acquisition process for the World Trade Center steel.

Refreshments will be served.
SIOUX CITY | Western Iowa Tech will host the University of Iowa's mobile museum 12-3 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of the campus at 4647 Stone Ave.

A press release said the mobile museum launched in 2014 and "inspires visitors to understand the world by bringing exhibits to communities in Iowa."

The mobile museum features exhibits on Oneota archaeology, discoveries from Iowas ancient seas, and oral histories on Iowas changing workforce. An archeologist and geologist from The Sanford Museum and Planetarium in Cherokee, Iowa, will also be present and will provide activities for the attendees, the release said.
UPDATE (5:47 p.m.) The woman who was shot to death outside the Law Enforcement Center in South Sioux City has been identified as Mei Huang, 33.

Her husband, Beisheng Chen, 41, has been charged with first-degree murder and other felonies, a press release said.

Officers inside the building who heard the gunshots ran outside and found Huang laying on the sidewalk with severe injuries. She was rushed to a Sioux City hospital, where she later died.

Chen was spotted leaving the scene and was placed under arrest. He is currently in the Dakota County Jail awaiting arraignment.

UPDATE (2:23 p.m.): The woman who sustained a gunshot wound in the parking lot of the Law Enforcement Center in South Sioux City Wednesday morning has died, police said.

South Sioux City Police Chief Ed Mahon said Wednesday afternoon that Mercy Medical Center -- Sioux City has notified authorities the woman died shortly after 11 a.m.

Mahon said the investigation into the incident and into the male suspect who was detained this morning is still ongoing.

SOUTH SIOUX CITY | A woman was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries early Wednesday after she was shot near the Law Enforcement Center in South Sioux City, police said.

Police say the incident involved a "possible domestic situation."

Officers inside the building, 701 W. 29th St., heard gunshots fired at 8:10 a.m. and, upon exiting the building, found the female victim on the ground in the east parking lot at the Law Enforcement Center, according to South Sioux City Police Chief Ed Mahon.

Mahon said a male was found in the vicinity and taken into custody for questioning. No other suspects are being sought.

The victim had life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mercy Medical Center -- Sioux City via South Sioux City Fire & Rescue, he said.

The shooting is being investigated by the South Sioux City Police Department, Dakota County Sheriff's Office and Nebraska State Patrol.

A news release on the police department's Facebook page said the incident was a "possible domestic situation," but Mahon did not have any details Wednesday morning on what sort of relationship the male and female may have had.

Mahon said the male and female -- whom he estimates are in their early to mid-thirties -- arrived in the east parking lot in separate vehicles. Police located a handgun at the scene.

No officers were injured in the incident.

Authorities taped off the area around the Law Enforcement Center following the incident Wednesday and blocked traffic for the length of the block on Willow Street, the road directly to the east, as investigators worked in the scene.

Investigators were reviewing surveillance footage from the parking lot and, around 10:30 a.m., brought in a drone from the South Sioux City Community School District.

"We're using the drone to get another aerial perspective," Mahon said.

Mahon said the South Sioux City Community Schools went on lockdown for a brief period Wednesday morning after the call came in, as is standard practice when there is a reported shots fired call.
SIOUX CITY | Around 40 people gathered outside the federal building in Sioux City Tuesday afternoon to object to the Trump administrations decision to end legal protection for immigrants who illegally crossed the U.S. border with their parents as young children.

Critics say the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA threatens 800,000 undocumented immigrants across the U.S., including more than 3,000 in Iowa, with deportation. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared the Obama administration's program "an unconstitutional exercise of authority" that must be revoked.

The protest Tuesday echoed demonstrations nationwide that supported keeping the program, also known as the Dreamer Act.

The people outside the federal building at 320 Sixth St. held signs that read "Education Not Deportation" and "Dreamers make American great." Many of the chants and signs were met with honks and thumbs-up by passing cars.

"This decision by the President to rescind the DACA program is nonsensical, unnecessary and produces anxiety and terror in an already anxious and terrorized community," said the Rev. Ryan Dowell Baum, a Sioux City pastor. "As a person of faith, this issue is a no-brainer. There are a lot of issues that are pretty complicated in the Bible. Immigration is not one of them."

The administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops reviewing work permits for people already covered by the program.

Community activist Susan Leonard came to support those enrolled in DACA because most are contributing members of society, although it seems they don't reap the same benefits, she said.

"The Dreamers have all been responsible. Many of them are employed with good jobs and are highly educated ... They pay taxes but they have no eligibility, no path to citizenship, and they are not allowed to get Social Security or anything like that," Leonard said. "So they pay into our system and they get none of the benefits. We need to rewrite the Dream Act so there is a path to citizenship for these people."

The group encouraged those who support DACA to contact local legislators.

"I think the important thing for people (to do) who want to support the Dreamers, is to put pressure on our legislators because I think Republicans will see that it's political suicide not to do something positive for them," Leonard said.
SIOUX CITY | The uncertain future of Siouxland Paramedics Inc. has sent a ripple throughout the region.

After the nonprofit ambulance service notified Sioux City and North Sioux City that it will cease providing 911 emergency ambulance services to the two cities after New Year's Eve, both cities have begun weighing options and counting the cost of staffing up their rescue squads to fill the void.

Those in outlying communities and rural areas who benefit from the organization's assistance are also waiting to see what arrangements they may need to make if SPI discontinues its services entirely.

Sioux City Fire Rescue Chief Tom Everett said his department is continuing to work with other city departments on plans to put before the City Council as early as this month. He said the two main choices for future 911 services include absorbing them into Sioux City Fire Rescue or contracting with another private company.

He said if 911 services are absorbed into the city, it will not be a profitable venture, and he's unsure at this point how much of a subsidy such a move would require from the city.

Sioux City currently owns all of Siouxland Paramedics' ambulances, and Everett said if 911 services are fully absorbed, the city will attempt to hire current Siouxland Paramedics employees if possible.

"We know there is a little bit of duplication with regards to the administration and management," he said. "From that perspective, we would look to absorb as many of their full-time employees as we can within the structure."

Everett said the city is at this point only looking into providing those 911 services within the city limits.

In a meeting with the Journal's editorial board last month, Mayor Bob Scott said he believes the city taking over the service is a more likely scenario than finding another private contractor, but he said what happens to the outlying cities that currently receive paramedic assistance from SPI will be a question mark if the organization dissolves.

"I don't see the city of Sioux City -- if it's in a situation where it's going to require a subsidy, which it appears it's going to -- leaving the boundaries of Sioux City," he said. "I feel bad."

So far, Everett said, no private companies have expressed an interest in taking up 911 transport but have shown interest in non-emergency transports, such as between hospitals and nursing homes, which are more profitable because most patients are covered by government insurance programs.

"We've spoken to several ambulance providers," he said. "I think they might be interested in the non-emergency transport portion of it. A couple have reached out to find what the market is for that."

In North Sioux City, where Siouxland Paramedics also provides 911 services, Fire Chief Bill Pappas said the city has reached out to Sioux City to discuss potential partnerships but is also licensing its ambulance and looking at ways to raise money to staff its own service.

"We have a volunteer staff, and we can take this over temporarily, I guess, but we don't have the staffing to do it continually 24/7, 365 days a year," he said, adding that it would only be a basic service compared with Siouxland Paramedics.

Pappas said to equal the current level of service, he would need to hire six paramedics who would work two at a time for 24-hour shifts. Pappas said under such a scenario, the added cost would be at least $300,000, and due to state budget restraints it would require an "opt-out" vote by the public to raise taxes to fund the new positions.

He said Siouxland Paramedics' patient care was top-notch, and the city valued its partnership with the organization.

"We're going to continue service one way or another," he said. "There may be some bumps in the road, but everyone's going to get service."

Outlying cities in rural areas are also waiting to see how their services will be affected.

In Akron, EMS director Lynette Kiger said the department requires assistance from Siouxland Paramedics on about 16 percent of its calls. SPI helps with critical patients and makes up for limitations of volunteer paramedics, she said, and she's worried that not having that level of service will cause a risk to those needing emergency care in rural areas.

"We're going to have to assume a greater risk with patients (if SPI ceases operations)," she said. "I don't like thinking about that."

Kiger said if Sioux City assumes 911 services and is not assisting outlying areas, then Plymouth and other counties need to begin coordinating with Sioux City and planning, taking more of a responsibility for their own paramedic services.

"Maybe we as a county need to get our heads together, and the board of supervisors needs to figure out whether we need to have our own paramedic assistance," she said. "Instead of being at their mercy, maybe we need to figure out what we can do."

South Sioux City Fire Chief Clint Merithew said his department would like to help fill the potential void in ambulance service as it relates to his area of Nebraska. He said his department itself hasn't used Siouxland Paramedics for at least four months, but it does have the agency on standby in case the fire department is tied up and unable to respond to a 911 call.

Merithew said the fire department has received a more than $600,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to add five new positions, which, if approved by the city, he said will give the department the manpower to have three shifts of three people and potentially aid outlying communities.

In Sergeant Bluff, where the fire department has its own ambulances but uses Siouxland Paramedics for assistance and for non-emergency transports, Fire Chief Anthony Gaul said the agency is waiting for the future to become more concrete.

"We've had conversations with people, but we have not gotten anything official," he said. "We're sending as many people as we can get to class to be sure we get our numbers the best we can."

He said his largest concern is that a service is still available to perform non-emergency transports from the city's nursing homes, which his department doesn't have the numbers to do itself. He said the city could also rely more on Woodbury County Emergency Services for paramedic assistance.

Siouxland Paramedics, which formed in 1982, announced it was looking to move to a "more sustainable model" last month. At the time, Karen Van De Steeg, executive director of Health Inc., the governing body of Siouxland Paramedics, cited a rising number of uninsured patients, declining reimbursements from Medicaid and Medicare and increased personnel costs.

An Aug. 20 statement issued by the International Association of Firefighters union Local I-53, Siouxland Paramedics Association, opened a further window into the situation, explaining that Siouxland Paramedics has been challenged by the presence of Midwest Medical Transport Company, an Omaha-based for-profit transport company that launched a station at 1015 Court St. in July 2016.

Midwest Medical does not provide 911 ambulance transportation, but rather transports from hospital to hospital, or to other health facilities. It recently added two more emergency medical technicians to its staff of five and acquired a second ambulance last month.

The union's statement said the presence of the new company "has eviscerated how Siouxland's EMS model has worked for a long time."

"The notion that SPI, Inc. which has its roots in Siouxland may no longer exist because a 'for-profit' company was able to make some financial gain is a terrible blow to our employees who have loved working here for many years," the statement said.

Van de Steeg declined to comment on the union's statement.

Everett said in the current environment, non-emergency transfers and transports are still a business, whereas 911 services are not profitable. He said he assumes Midwest Medical did cut into Siouxland Paramedics' income.

Van de Steeg told the Journal Friday that any assumption Siouxland Paramedics will completely end operations is a misinterpretation and that all it has so far discussed with cities are 911 services. She said future decisions hinge on what Sioux City decides to do with 911 service.

"The biggest player in this picture is the city of Sioux City," she said. "Whatever they will do, that will bring about a broader discussion."

Currently, Siouxland Paramedics jointly responds to emergency medical calls in Sioux City and with regional emergency medical services to provide paramedic assistance. It employs 57 people, 31 of whom are full-time employees, and serves more than 10,000 people each year.
SIOUX CITY | The candidates running for three Sioux City School Board positions addressed the district's reading program structure at a League of Women Voters of Sioux City debate Tuesday.

"Change is hard and it doesn't come without strife and perseverance," Nelson said. "However, I think the changes were made with the best intentions. Now the students get extra allotted time for reading (in each) subject matter."

Colling said it is too soon to tell whether the change is effective.

"The reading program has been changed and I'm guessing we are not going back to the way it used to be, so it's incumbent upon us to evaluate the reading program going forward. Is it working? Is it doing what we wanted it to do and is it fit? If it needs to be changed, adapted, that's how everything should be evaluated."

Saint agreed it is going to take some time to see the change's impact.

Reading is the most fundamental skill. Im a little skeptical on how the changes are going to work, but I'm going to keep an open mind," Saint said in a phone interview afterward. "... I think we are going to have to wait and see what happens to see if it benefits the children."
SIOUX CITY | Shaun Broyhill is a whiz at technology.

How so?

"I learned how to write a computer program at age 6," Broyhill said, recapping his lifetime of interest in a field that led to a job today as database administrator for Beef Processors Inc., in Dakota Dunes.

Broyhill, of Sioux City, said his strong performance in technological matters is likely because of being diagnosed as autistic with savant syndrome. If it involves technology, science or engineering, "things that take other people 10 years, I can learn in a month," Broyhill said.

Broyhill graduated with high honors in getting undergraduate and graduate degrees from Briar Cliff University in 2013 and Iowa State University in 2016. But with his autism, writing is more difficult for him.

That's why he said he has volunteered more than 1,000 hours annually to social agencies and the Sioux City School District, including donating books to Unity Elementary School.

"Reading is a vital skill and I had a lot of struggles as a kid with reading and writing," he said. Being in the schools also led him to have the desire to run for the Sioux City School Board.

The school board election is on Sept. 12. Five candidates -- Broyhill, Ron Colling, Miyuki Nelson, Jeremy Saint and incumbent Perla Alarcon-Flory -- will compete for three seats carrying four-year terms.

Broyhill, 37, is in his third run for elective office in Sioux City. He unsuccessfully sought an Iowa House seat in 2016, and initially won a school board seat in 2013. Before the first meeting, he resigned from the board, citing a 120-day jail sentence for violating probation on a misdemeanor theft charge from 2002 in northeast Nebraska.

Broyhill said 15 years ago he had made arrangements to sell many items as he went to military boot camp. But not all the sold items got shipped, and he didn't know about one of two charges until years later, after he won the school board seat.

"I felt the best, most responsible thing was to resign and take care of the issue," he said. Broyhill said people seem ready to not hold that episode against him in 2017. "A lot of them understand, I was an extremely young kid at the time," he said.

Broyhill, who is married with a son, said he has a strong work ethic. He said that is shown by his volunteerism and substantial work on behalf of the Republican Party, both in Woodbury County and a 4th Congressional District post.

He said through Republican politics he has strong connections with existing lawmakers, which would be a boon as a school board member.

Said Broyhill, "I've been extremely passionate about education. I really want to see every child in Sioux City be successful. I am a strong fiscal conservative...This is going to be a challenging year in several areas."

Editor's note: Second in a series of five stories on candidates seeking seats on the Sioux City School Board in the Sept. 12 election.
SOUTH SIOUX CITY | The South Sioux City Fire Department may double its full-time staff thanks to a more than $600,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association.

Fire Chief Clint Merithew said the new positions would be in addition to the four current full-time positions and himself. Merithew was hired in fall 2016 as the city's first full-time fire chief.

"The five new positions will give us three people per shift," Merithew said.

The South Sioux City Council met for a special meeting Tuesday to discuss fire department personnel but did not approve the hiring of the five additional positions. Merithew told the Journal after the meeting that the council wanted to ensure it would have enough funding once the FEMA grant of $626,972 runs out to retain the additional staff.

Merithew said with the growth of South Sioux City, the high time commitment required to be a volunteer firefighter and the decline in volunteers nationwide, the added positions would help the department moving forward.

"It's about moving forward and being proactive. Right now we just can't handle all the call levels that come in -- we don't have the staffing," he said.

The news comes during a momentous month for the South Sioux City Fire Department. A grand opening of its brand-new fire station will be 11 a.m. Monday.

Merithew said with an expanded force, the department could also be well-poised to help other Nebraska communities in the area with 911 service needs if Siouxland Paramedics Inc. is unable to serve the area after the end of the year.

The future of SPI, Siouxland's 35-year-old nonprofit ambulance service, is in a state of flux after the organization in August informed Sioux City and North Sioux City it would be ceasing 911 service in the two communities. The future of its operations remains uncertain as the cities discuss how to proceed.

"We've got the equipment to do it, we just need to have the support personnel," Merithew said. "To have this grant come in, we'll be able to handle all of our calls, and those other outlying communities that rely on us and SPI -- we'll be able to fill that void in."
Iowas attorney general has joined with 15 other attorneys general to sue the federal government over Tuesdays decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Established by executive order under President Barack Obama, the program offered a level of protection to certain immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children. The protections allowed those immigrants to receive work authorization and live in the country legally.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced it would end DACA within six months.

About 2,800 Iowa residents have been approved for the program, with another 3,100 having submitted applications as of March, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data.

In a statement Tuesday, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said DACA has protected those residents who arrived illegally as children, grew up following the rules and are very much a part of our fabric.

Miller told The Gazette he doesnt know how long it will take the court to rule on the case, but said courts can move pretty quickly in preliminary decisions as they did in the case of President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from predominantly Muslim countries.

It doesnt need to move quite as quickly as the travel ban when people were being held at the airports, but clearly there is some urgency here, Miller said. Theres just great fear and concern about the people it affects.

He claimed in the lawsuit the state stands to lose $258 million in tax revenues over 10 years if DACA recipients in the state lose their authorization to work.

Iowa Republicans largely praised the Trump administrations decision. For instance, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said DACA is an example of Obamas executive overreach and Trumps move means its up to Congress to sort it out.

President Trump should continue to work with Congress to pass reforms through the legislative process that encourage lawful immigration, Grassley said in a statement.

Other attorneys general involved in the suit include those from New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

In the lawsuit, the attorneys general ask a federal judge to declare the rescission of DACA contrary to the Constitution and unlawful.

They also ask a judge to prevent the federal government from using information obtained through DACA applications to identify, apprehend, detain, or deport any of those applicants or their family members.
DES MOINES  Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday congratulated Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey for being selected for a U.S. Department of Agriculture post and expects to have a lot of qualified people seeking to succeed him once he is confirmed for the federal job.

I think history has shown we dont know what the timeline is, Reynolds told reporters in reference to the months of preparatory work that preceded former Gov. Terry Branstads confirmation as U.S. ambassador to China.

Hes not going to resign until hes confirmed by the Senate, and so weve got some time if history proves right, the governor said during her weekly news conference. When he does, then Ill appoint somebody to fulfill Bills term. There are a lot of people under consideration.

After months of speculation, Trump administration officials announced last week the president had selected Northey to serve as USDA undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, a job that requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

As undersecretary, Northey would oversee three USDA agencies: the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Risk Management Agency, according to the USDA.

Northey, 58, a Spirit Lake farmer, was first elected secretary of agriculture in November 2006 and re-elected in 2010 and 2014.

The post will be up for election in 2018.

Hes set the bar high, and I think anybody who would emulate what Bills been able to do would be a great person to appoint to that position, the governor said. Weve got a lot of qualified people, so well do the due diligence on that and, when the time is appropriate, well make that decision.
"'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

"He will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'"

Matthew 25:44-45

They are the least of these.

They are women without faces, men without voices, children without names. More to the point, they are families without homes, running to escape hunger, war, oppression and death.

And maybe this would pull at your heartstrings, open up within you that reliably human thing we saw in Houston, where people reached out to the suffering stranger, squeezed tighter in the boat to make room for one more. Except that the people we're talking about are not from Houston.

They come from different places, speak different languages, sing to another God. And they huddle behind a collective noun: refugee. All of which makes it easier to objectify them, to see them as anonymous and abstract, to subsume their trauma in your unreasoned fears. It makes it easier to support dumb ideas like "extreme vetting."

Anyone who does could benefit from reading "Refugee," the new novel by Alan Gratz. It is a tripartite narrative, stories of escape as experienced by three children in three different eras. In 1939, Josef and his family are running from Nazi Germany and its persecution of the Jews. In 1994, Isabel and her family are fleeing the hunger and repression of the Castro regime. In 2015, Mahmoud and his family are trying to get away from the civil war that that has turned Aleppo, Syria, into a wasteland of blasted rubble.

Gratz is a writer of young adult fiction, but there is nothing childish about the ordeals these children face. Captured by the Nazis, Josef must help his mother make an unbearable decision. Capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, Mahmoud must do the unthinkable to save his infant sister. And then, there is Isabel, racing for the bright lights of Miami Beach as a U.S. Coast Guard ship bears down.

Under the immigration policy later dubbed "wet foot-dry foot," if she and her family and friends are caught before reaching land, they will be sent back to Cuba, but if they make the beach, they can stay. That rule was always controversial. People complained that it discriminated against Haitian refugees, who enjoyed no such favor. Others feared a new influx of refugees would overwhelm Florida's economy.

But those concerns are far from your mind as the Coast Guard closes in on Isabel. Having endured a harrowing trip with her on a rickety boat crossing the Florida Straits, you're just pulling for her to make it.

It's not that the political concerns are immaterial or even wrong, but that they tell only part of the story. In "Refugee," Gratz tells the rest, which is that human beings and human lives get caught in the gears of those politics.

His book is dangerous because, once having lived in Isabel's shoes, in Josef's and Mahmoud's shoes, you will find it that much harder to ever again reduce a refugee's plight to just its policy dimensions. Much less, to your fears. The book demands more. It demands your humanity.

At its best, fiction is a lie that reveals truth. The truth these pages reveal could not be more timely for a nation arguing over Muslim bans even as Syrian families run for their lives.

That truth is this: What we so readily see as nameless, voiceless and faceless is really none of those things. It is girls and boys, women and men, people like us, just trying, like us, to navigate safely through this challenging life.

And all they're asking for is a seat in the boat.
1) What are your priorities for building projects, including new schools?

The core of this question ties back to the looming date of the sales tax sunset, which allows the school district flexibility in borrowing money against future sales tax dollars. With the amount of funds still available decreasing as the date gets closer, we need to take a two-pronged approach to come to a solution.

The first prong would be to advocate our state legislators for a solution to the upcoming sunset in an attempt to pursue flexibility in funding for operations. On the other hand, we need to make preparations for the reality that this may not occur and, instead, investigate solutions that will maximize the return on investment for infrastructure improvements. Any investment in infrastructure that will yield long-term reductions on maintenance expenses should be a top priority.

2) On what education issues at the state level should the local Board of Education take a leadership position?

There are several areas that local boards should advocate our state Legislature provide for students. First and foremost, I believe the state Legislature needs to work diligently to ensure local control of our education is protected. In 2017, our Legislature passed bills such as HF 573, which opened up Home Rule capabilities to our local districts, and HF 565, which opened up spending flexibility to the district. These are examples of areas that board members should be working with our state legislators on in order to bring this authority to the local level.

3) What steps do you advocate our school system take to meet the challenges of a student population growing in diversity?

Diversification is not new in America or our fine city. Sioux City has always had a diverse school population that is constantly evolving over time with ever-changing populations. While it is important to have diversity within our city and schools, we should continue to teach our American values and history just as we have through all these years regardless of where people were born or what their heritage is.

The beauty of our country is that we are a melting pot and we can all come together and learn our American history, and it starts with educating our children on Americanism.

4) What is your opinion on how the school board responded earlier this year to allegations made by John Chalstrom, former chief financial officer for the district, about Superintendent Paul Gausman? How would you seek to protect the publics right to know the business of the local school district?

I think the controversy and allegations over the last two years have demonstrated several core issues that are currently present within our school administration and board.

The first of these issues is the appearance of a lack of transparency within the district and board. Many citizens have spoken up and demonstrated frustration with the board and superintendent that their voice is not being heard and that decisions are being made behind closed doors. The public needs to have visibility over all functions of the district.

Second, many residents have voiced concerns that our superintendent is not making decisions with an open mind and making decisions in a very authoritarian style. We need to work with our superintendent to find ways to make our community feel that they are an active part in his decisions versus being simply observers to the outcomes.

5) What principles will guide your decisions when salaries and benefits for employees of the school district are discussed during budget deliberations? How, if at all, will changes made during the last legislative session to the states collective bargaining laws impact your approach?

I believe that in order to hire and retain the best teachers for our children, we need to remain competitive within the market to attract talent and personnel to our district. Regardless of any changes made in the Legislature, without a drive to remain competitive we will not be successful. However, I also feel that there needs to be a fair middle ground on which to start all negotiations to prevent either side of the bargaining table from having an advantage over the other.

So when going into negotiations, all decisions need to rely on an open, honest and equitable negotiation process for all parties involved.

6) What steps will you support and do you believe the Board of Education should take if state budget challenges result in allowable growth of 1.1 percent (the figure approved by the Legislature this year) next year?

Every decision made by the board when discussing expenditures of the district need to revolve around making decisions that will benefit the students within the district while maintaining a cost-effective environment that is justifiable to the taxpayers providing the funding.

Every line item within our budget needs to be analyzed for effectiveness, even including things like administrative pay and benefits. I would also be open to discussing items with our local county Board of Supervisors and City Council to look for potential cross-organization programs that could save expenses across multiple jurisdictions, which has been opened up at several of these organization meetings.
Canada  September 6, 2017  Richard Fidler

The 2017 edition of the Universite populaire (the Peoples University), meeting in Montreal August 17-19, included a panel of speakers from Quebec and English Canada on the possibilities for building a convergence of left forces in both nations. It was chaired and introduced by Andrea Levy, a Montreal-based editor of Canadian Dimension , and included Andre Frappier, a former president of the Montreal postal workers and now a leader of Quebec solidaire ; Kevin Skerrett, a leading activist in Solidarity Ottawa ; Corvin Russell, a Toronto solidarity activist and recently co-author with Andrea Levy of an excellent paper, Mapping the Canadian Left: Sovereignty and Solidarity in the 21st Century and myself. I am a member of both Solidarity Ottawa and Quebec solidaire . The conference program introduced the topic as follows: The Canadian State is a common obstacle faced by progressive forces in Quebec and Canada that makes the creation of alliances as much a necessity as a virtue. However, both in Quebec and Canada, the left is mired in narrow ideological perspectives and lacking real involvement in day-to-day struggles. The growing resistance of Indigenous peoples is a game changer for both sides as it calls into question the very foundations of the Canadian State. This session proposes to look at how we might build toward a new convergence of forces. How can the Canadian left support the struggle for national and social emancipation in Quebec? What are the weak points in the Canadian State and among the elites seeking to maintain power. What sorts of struggles can we engage in jointly? How can progressive organizations in Canada and Quebec develop a common strategy of international solidarity with Indigenous peoples in Canada? What means can we use to fulfill these aims? Levy and Frappier spoke in French, the rest of us in English, with simultaneous interpretation. The panelists contributions were followed by some stimulating exchanges with members of the audience. Unfortunately, the session was not recorded. The following is a slightly expanded and edited version of my presentation. Readers will note that, contrary to some assertions in the above note by the conference organizers, I make some important distinctions between the lefts in the two nations.  Richard Fidler

The program introduction speaks of convergence as the goal. And it speaks of an impasse between the lefts in Quebec and Canada, implying a divergence. So Ill begin by exploring this. In what follows I will focus on what can be termed the political left, seeking political solutions to the problems addressed more generally by the various social movements. And I will treat the New Democratic Party (NDP) as a part of the broad left in English Canada, for reasons I explain later.

Generally speaking, the socialist project is to change the world by taking power  that is, building powerful anticapitalist social forces and parties capable of winning control of the state and using government to help build a new anticapitalist popular sovereignty based on decentralized grass-roots participatory democracy.

However, how we think of taking power differs between the lefts in Quebec and the Rest of Canada (ROC). In Quebec, socialists have historically oriented to breaking from Canada and creating a sovereign state. In the rest of Canada the left seeks power in Ottawa, hoping at best to use the central government to reform, not dismantle, the central state. To understand this difference, which is crucial, we need to understand how the existing state is viewed in Quebec.

The Canadian State

Both lefts can agree that the Canadian state is historically based on the theft and occupation of indigenous lands and the genocide of their peoples; the British Conquest of the French settlers, the defeat of the latters Rebellion, and their subsequent marginalization outside of Quebec. The state that resulted, the bulwark of the class rule of the Canadian capitalists, including their Quebecois counterparts, is thoroughly integrated within global imperialism.

This central state has exclusive jurisdiction over finance, banking, regulation of trade and commerce, issuance of currency, foreign affairs, the military, criminal law, the appointment of judges of the superior courts, etc. The provinces are generally limited to powers of a merely local or private nature. And Ottawa holds residual power over all matters not specifically allocated by the Constitution to the provinces, including Quebec.

The possession by the surviving indigenous peoples and by the Quebecois of the territories in which they predominate, that they partially control and that continue to be the mainstay of their languages and cultures, their respective nationhood, is the basis of their respective quests for political sovereignty.

The Canadian state structures and constitution fail to recognize this plurinational composition of Canada, still less the democratic right of First Nations and Quebecois to self-determination. The Constitution Act (1982), leaves it to the federal courts to define and interpret the existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples, while the amending formula (art. 38) effectively rules out the secession of Quebec from Canada in the absence of overwhelming or even unanimous acceptance by federal and provincial lawmakers in the ROC.

Defending their lands and resources against incursions by capital, the indigenous peoples challenge the federal regime. However, it is the Quebecois, above all, who pose a threat to the territorial integrity of the Canadian state per se. The forces mobilized for sovereignty are especially powerful when they are exerted by a nation with Quebecs demographic weight and its geographical location in Canadas heartland.

Quebecs subordination to the central state structures underpins its oppression  it lacks the powers needed to fully defend its existence as a nation, let alone implement a progressive social agenda. That is why rising social struggles (as in the 2012 Maple Spring upsurge), to the extent that they advance an emancipatory politics, point to the need for national independence. Quebecois resistance to their oppression is the major fault line within Canada as a social formation and it is a key source of political and social instability.

The ROC left historically has struggled with Quebecs national consciousness. For this left, it complicates, even blocks the fight for governmental power in Canada. For example the NDP, with a long record of opposition to Quebec nationalism, has most recently tipped its hat to Quebec self-determination in its Sherbrooke Declaration. But even this document aims, as it says, to attract Quebec support for the NDPs own project of reforming the central state and giving it further powers. (More on this later.)

Apart from some very small political currents that claim adherence to the Marxist legacy, the Anglo-Canadian left for the most part seems baffled by Quebecs national question. Some may formally claim to respect Quebecs democratic right to national self-determination, but in practice they are inclined at most to accept or support minor constitutional reforms devised to win Quebecs acceptance of the Constitution, as we saw in the case of ROC left support to the unsuccessful Meech Lake and Charlottetown accords  the latter rejected by a majority of Quebecois in a referendum. The ROC lefts unresponsiveness to Quebecs national demands deepens its rupture with Quebec progressive opinion.

I think the Canadian left should stop seeing Quebec as a problem or simply hoping to neutralize the effect of sovereigntist sentiment by formally supporting Quebecs right to self-determination. Instead, it should adopt a pro-active approach, viewing the Quebec independence movement as a strategic ally, an opportunity to break this current impasse on the left and, by recognizing Quebec secession as a potential key to dismantling the oppressive Canadian state structures, to open the way toward rethinking power as a reconceptualization of state and government in terms of establishing popular sovereignty.

Shifts in Leadership of National Struggle

There are important changes taking place within the Quebec national struggle. An historical overview indicates the shifts in class relations it is producing.

Following the defeat of the Rebellion of 1837-38 and the British grant of home rule to its four British North American colonies in 1867, thereby cementing Francophone minority status within the new state, the Quebecois  led by traditional conservative and clerical elites  fought with uneven success for almost a century in defense of their language and schools and against the denial of their rights in the new provinces created with the expansion westward of the Canadian state.

However, in the 1960s, as a result of Quebecs industrialization and proletarianization by Canadian and foreign capital, a more assertive strategy emerged. The Quiet Revolution, led by Francophone professionals within the traditional capitalist parties and later the Parti Quebecois (PQ) but with great popular support, modernized and secularized the Quebec state, and it became the vehicle for expanded education facilities and social programs.

Initially, the federal state attempted to accommodate the rising nationalist upsurge, for example through creating the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism or by allowing Quebec to use the massive revenues accumulated by the universal pension plan (the QPP) to help create a new Francophone bourgeoisie, later known as Quebec Inc. But as Quebec sought expanded powers through constitutional change, the federalist response became more hostile, culminating in Trudeau Sr.s 1982 patriation of the Constitution with its amending formula and Charter of Rights that imposed limits on Quebecs Charter of Language Rights and its right of self-determination  later extended through Supreme Court rulings and the Clarity Act .

However, federal resistance, while having a chilling effect on the national movement, has not persuaded the Quebecois to embrace the federal regime. On the contrary, it has tended over time to deepen Quebecs alienation from the Canadian state while exposing the PQs incapacity to lead the struggle for independence.

While seeking an expanded role for itself within the Canadian and global capitalist economy, the Quebec bourgeoisie has never favoured independence. And the Parti quebecois, which has hegemonized the pro-sovereignty movement until recently, has always hinged its project  the creation of a state that advances the interests of a Francophone bourgeoisie while retaining popular support through occasional social reforms, workers rights and defense of the French language  on maintaining an association with the Canadian state through such means as a common currency and even a central bank. The PQ has never been prepared to counter the federalist offensive; it was tamed by the repression in the October 1970 crisis, Ottawas signal that it was prepared to use armed force to resist moves toward secession.

In this sense, we can speak of the PQ as a bourgeois party, a party upholding capitalist rule in all its forms. And since 1980, when its first referendum on sovereignty was defeated, the PQ has proved to be another party of neoliberal austerity, now relying increasingly on an appeal to reactionary identitarian nationalism that scapegoats ethnic minorities. This is the main cause of declining popular support for the pro-sovereignty movement in recent years.

But the Quebec national struggle intersects with the class struggle, giving both a distinctive dynamic and progressive content, and thereby furthering the challenge to the Canadian capitalist state.

There is now a recomposition taking place within the national movement with the emergence of Quebec solidaire as a progressive (and implicitly anticapitalist) alternative leadership, winning increasing popular support through its role in championing the interests of working people and social movements. This in turn opens new opportunities for advancing the struggle through linking the independence movement with a progressive social program, and vice versa, while pointing to the need for joint action, if not convergence, with left forces in the ROC.

The progressive dynamic of the national and class struggles in Quebec, when combined, is illustrated by the program that Quebec solidaire is now finalizing. It includes free lifelong education, progressive taxation, the extension of social benefits to precarious workers, expanded rights for temporary foreign workers, environmental protection and meaningful targets for greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a fundamental reorientation of international policy toward achieving global justice and disengaging from the imperialist military alliances NATO and NORAD.

QS plans to publish its program (including the recently adopted sections on global solidarity, justice, territory and agriculture) this fall. Containing many progressive proposals, it deserves to be translated into English and promoted in the ROC.

So What About Convergence?

What, then, of convergence? My English dictionary defines it as terminating at the same point. Are the lefts in Quebec and the ROC likely to do that? And what is that point?

Interestingly, the English translation of this panels topic asks How can we bring about a convergence of forces on the left. But the original French text asks us only to think about the convergence of the lefts. I will speak to the latter, because I do not believe a true convergence is feasible in the foreseeable future. I prefer to address the possibilities for joint action around common goals, a united front around the class issues that can unite socialists and social movement activists in both nations and in which the Quebec left, the leading edge, retains its autonomy and its clear national trajectory.

Strategically, Quebec independence will only be realizable through massive mobilization and solidarity from working people not only in Quebec but in the rest of the oppressor Canadian state.

But first, a few thoughts about the NDP, the hegemonic party in the broad left in Canada outside Quebec, and the prism through which electoral politics are largely viewed. It is an established party, with a long history in ROC politics, experience in provincial government, formal links to trade unions and informally with many community, provincial and national social movements. Although not anticapitalist, it is seen as the logical alternative to the traditional parties of Capital. Its social-liberalism is seen as a kinder, gentler antidote to aggressive neoliberalism.

As a reformist party, the NDP is unable to contemplate a break-up of the central state. Its politics are entirely oriented to operating within or at best reforming that state, not destroying it. This is part of its DNA. It promotes a homogenizing politics, unable to accommodate the different dynamic of Quebecs national struggle.

The NDP voted for unilateral patriation of Canadas constitution in 1982 in the face of Quebec opposition. In the early 1970s it expelled the left-wing Waffle, which supported Quebec self-determination.

Did the 2011 federal election, when the NDP managed to elect a majority of Quebec MPs, disprove this historical record? On the contrary. That result reflected a confluence of several factors, all of them conjunctural. Traditionally, the Quebec Francophone electorate votes defensively and pragmatically in federal elections, either to help elect a government with the most MPs from Quebec or to prevent parties perceived as relatively hostile to Quebec from winning government. Following the defeat of the Meech Lake Accord, however, the Bloc Quebecois (BQ) provided an alternative opportunity to promote Quebec interests in Parliament, helping to fend off unwanted federalist incursions on Quebec jurisdiction.

But the BQ is confined to Quebec. In 2011, when it was suffering from the the decline of the PQ and the Harper Tories were threatening to form a majority government, Quebec voters sought a federal option that could more effectively defend them from that danger. The NDP under Jack Layton was able to position itself as the alternative, helped by the apparent tolerance of Quebec self-determination expressed in the partys Sherbrooke Declaration.

The NDP proved unable to sustain that support, especially with Thomas Mulcair as its new leader. Even before his ascendency, the partys resistance to Quebec nationalism was revealed when it forced leading MPs like Nycole Turmel (the interim leader) and Alexandre Boulerice to drop their QS (and Bloc) memberships. This was a bottom-line issue for the NDP. And since then the party has been unable to sink roots in Quebec. It is barely hanging on to its reduced caucus of 16 MPs, its membership is down to fewer than 5,000 ( Le Devoir , Aug. 30), and efforts to build a provincial Quebec NDP have gone nowhere.

So the Quebec electorate has reverted to its old pattern of voting for what it perceives to be the lesser evil  in 2015, the Trudeau Liberals  to the detriment of the NDP.

In Quebec the revival of a powerful movement for political independence, combined with relatively strong social movements, can be an incentive for activists to think of achieving their objectives through creation of a sovereign Quebec with a government based on social justice movements. And that in turn can awaken a positive response to Quebec national demands among progressives outside of Quebec.

But in the ROC, lacking an adequate political vehicle, social movement activists are less likely to think in terms of socialist-oriented power, the creation of a new kind of state as I have defined it, and more likely to think only of trying to convince governments to adopt progressive reforms.

That said, what can be some common campaigns with shared objectives of the broad left in both nations? Ill mention only two obvious ones  fighting capitalist austerity and fighting for climate justice, especially in opposition to the extractivist economic model  both issues offering important opportunities for forging class alliances with indigenous activists. The key role of the indigenous in leading the fight against climate change, in particular, is signalled in the Leap Manifesto (even though the Manifesto ignores the progressive potential of Quebec independence in posing a real governmental alternative).

Like the Quebecois, indigenous militants have little reason to limit their demands to what is possible within the context of the existing state. And in Quebec, they have what can be an important ally. The Quebec solidaire program acknowledges the sovereignty of the ten Amerindian peoples and the Inuit people who also inhabit Quebec territory. And QS pledges its support to their fundamental right to national self-determination, however they may choose to exercise that right  whether through self-government within a sovereign Quebec or through the political independence of their own communities, which cover almost half of Quebecs present territory.

It remains to be seen what the NDP will commit to next year when it determines its position on the Leap Manifesto , but whatever that decision the party cannot be relied on to incorporate or implement the thinking behind the Manifesto. A key test for the federal NDP will be how it approaches the pending confrontation between the partys governments in Alberta and now British Columbia over the future of tar sands oil pipelines.

The Quebec solidaire programmatic proposals, both in some particular demands and as a whole, cannot be implemented short of breaking from the federal state and establishing a fully sovereign Quebec.

By way of conclusion, I think the ROC left need not support Quebec independence in order to facilitate such alliances, but it does have to understand how the Quebec national question impacts the perspectives for joint campaigns and endeavours with Quebecois social movement activists. And I would go further.

I think the Canadian left, and indeed consistent democrats, have good reason to go beyond the defense of the right of self-determination and to express solidarity with the demand of most progressives in Quebec for political independence, even if only to help provoke a public rethinking of the undemocratic nature of Canadas state structures and how they might be reconceived and reconfigured, with or without Quebec, to facilitate the pursuit of a progressive social agenda of equality and solidarity among the constituent peoples within the existing state. This, in my opinion, is a class question, not just national.

There might be some surprising responses, too. In a recent book chronicling a tour of his electoral constituency in Northern Quebec, Romeo Saganash, a Cree leader and as it happens an NDP member of the federal parliament, expresses an idea that must surely have occurred to other indigenous activists. There has never been a country constituted with the participation of the First Nations. The sovereignty of Quebec could be the opportunity for that!, Saganash tells the books author, a French woman. She says he spoke seriously: an independent Quebec could be the framework within which the First Nations would win emancipation.

Food for thought. 

This article was first published on Fidlers blog Life on the Left .

Video from the Universite populaire 2015.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
WASHINGTON (Sept. 06, 2017)Maryland's congressional Democrats and various immigrant rights groups condemned the Trump administration's decision Tuesday to rescind an order protecting immigrant children who were brought to the United States illegally.



Lawmakers said removing protections for such immigrants would disrupt families and be cruel to those who were not to blame for their illegal status.



As Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the decision only blocks away, a crowd of a couple hundred protesters backing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program assembled at LaFayette Park and yelled "Shame!" in the direction of the White House while beating drums.



House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Mechanicsville, said the announcement signaled a "dark day in our nation's history" and implored Congress to pass legislation to make DACA permanent sometime this month.



"I know DACA kids, I've actually volunteered to do applications for them," said Priscilla Labovitz, a Takoma Park, Maryland, resident. "I was an immigration lawyer, but I retired, so I know them as human beings, as nice kids, not in some lumped up way of 'illegals' because nobody is illegal."



Rev. Jennifer Butler, the CEO of Faith and Public Life, a network of 40,000 religious leaders across the country, said the decision to revoke DACA goes against the major principles she believes in as a Christian.



"It's morally despicable. I stood out there today with young people who are mourning, who are weeping," Butler said.



"We're going to keep fighting," she added. "Clergy are planning even now to take these folks into their houses and into their sanctuaries. We don't believe in this, and we are going to oppose it every step of the way."



Rep. Andy Harris, R-Cockeysville, was the lone congressional voice from Maryland who came out in favor of the DACA wind-down. "I strongly support President (Donald) Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy," he said in a statement. "The Obama-era policy is a gross overreach of executive power and undermined the authority of the legislative branch. President Trump is returning that power to Congress."



Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, had the opposite reaction. "Clearly written with little thought of the human consequences, this latest action by the Trump Administration will harm our economic and national security," Cardin said. "It will break families and drive many underground, out of work and into poverty."



Maryland's other Democratic senator, Chris Van Hollen, warned of the economic impact of repealing DACA.



"Over its five-year history, DACA has helped nearly 800,000 young people pursue higher education and grow our economy," Van Hollen said in a statement. "Ending this program will cost our economy over $460.3 billion over ten years and displace over 685,000 workers vital to businesses in Maryland and across the nation."



Roughly 9,000 Marylanders are beneficiaries of DACA, and according to Sessions' announcement, they will remain so for the next six months, as the administration plans to use an interim period to usher out the order's recipients.



However, any DACA requests filed after Tuesday will be rejected, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Filings for renewal for current recipients will be accepted until Oct. 5.



Sessions announced the administration's decision to a roomful of reporters but took no questions. Trump issued a statement following the announcement.



Ending the DACA program would leave roughly 800,000 illegal immigrants subject to deportation.



A 2012 executive order by President Obama allowed people who came to the United States as children to apply for deferred action for two years at a time. Once the deferred action expired, recipients could apply for renewal.



Recipients had to have been at least 15 and under 31 as of June 15, 2012. An applicant convicted of a felony or at least three misdemeanors was ineligible.



Trump has advocated for DACA's end since his presidential campaign and, after the seeming inevitability of its termination came to a head this weekend, urged Congress via Twitter to "get ready to do (its) job."



"Enforcing the law saves lives, protects communities and taxpayers and prevents human suffering," said Sessions, who three times referred to DACA recipients as "illegal aliens."



"Failure to enforce the laws in the past has put our nation at risk of crime, violence and terrorism," the attorney general said.



But a wide array organizations and individuals across the political spectrum, from Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain and the United States Chamber of Commerce to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and California Gov. Jerry Brown, decried the administration's move. Some pledged court challenges.



In Lafayette Park across from the White House, protesters said they were dismayed at what felt like a betrayal.



"I served in the United States military, and this is not the type of freedom I served for," said Jaime Contreras, a vice president at 32BJ SEIU, the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, told Capital News Service.



"It doesn't make any sense economically or socially in any form."



Additional protesters marched along Pennsylvania Avenue, sitting down and blocking traffic just outside the Trump International Hotel.



Sheridan Aguirre, a DACA beneficiary, called the decision to strike down the executive order "cruel."



"We have had five years now being able to live authentically as ourselves, and it's been a cornerstone of safety for our immediate families," he said in an interview with CNS. "We need to heal, we need to come together to talk about what's happening, and in the long term be able to fight for a permanent solution."



Aguirre is a 23-year-old undocumented immigrant from Austin, Texas, who said his life's direction was uncertain before DACA. He graduated high school in Texas in June of 2012, days before DACA was announced.



After DACA was implemented, Aguirre, then 19, became the first person in his family to get a driver's license.



Bobbie Monahan came into the city from Baltimore with other members of her Catholic parish, St. Gabriel, Woodlawn, to support the work of CASA.



"It is a great injustice, and my faith tells me to be here," said Monahan. "If the heads of my church aren't moving fast enough, then we'll get out there and show them."



Hoyer said he would like to see DACA passed and take effect permanently.



"We will see whether or not the statements of both sympathy and support for Dreamers (by Republicans) are in fact carried out legislatively or whether or not the most strident voices within the Republican Party fomenting anger and ire directing (sic) at these young people are followed," he said. "Hopefully they will not be."



Hoyer would not commit to the idea of using would-be Democratic votes for upcoming bills on Hurricane Harvey relief, the debt ceiling, or a continuing budget resolution as leverage to force passage of DACA legislation.



In the meantime, Hoyer believes that DACA would pass right now if it was introduced in the House.



"I frankly think the votes are there," he said. 'Will there be controversy? There will because there are some people who don't want to see anybody admitted to the U.S. and particularly anybody who came here unauthorized."



In 2015, Hoyer signed an amicus brief along with 180 other House members including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Reps. John Sarbanes, D-Towson, Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Timonium, John Delaney, D-Potomac, and Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, supporting Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and DACA.



"President Trump is breaking his promise to hundreds of thousands of DREAMers who were brought here as childrenthrough no fault of their ownand today know only America as their home," Cummings said in a statement. "Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see and eliminating DACA sends a terrible message."
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme.

(Sept. 06, 2017)The Prince Frederick Barrack of the Maryland State Police (MSP) released the following incident and arrest reports.VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDER: On 8/31/2017 at 10:10 pm, Trooper First Class Matthews stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Rt. 4 at Rt. 231 in Prince Frederick., was a passenger in the vehicle and investigation revealed a Final Protective Order was active for him not to have any type of contact with the person who was driving the vehicle. He was placed under arrest and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.DISORDERLY CONDUCT: On 9/2/2017 at 11:09 am, Trooper Backus responded to the Holiday Inn Express in Prince Frederick for a reported intoxicated person causing a public disturbance in the hotel lobby., was located and arrested for disorderly conduct. During transport to the Calvert County Detention Center, Ms. Benny made several statements to harm herself and she was taken to the Calvert Memorial Hospital for an evaluation. Case remains open pending her release.POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: On 9/3/2017 at 1:07 pm, Trooper Backus stopped a vehicle for traffic violations on Armory Rd. south of Steeple Chase Drive in Prince Frederick. A strong odor of marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted and 87.1 grams of marijuana and a metal friction baton were located.was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.DUI ARREST: Megan R. Evans, 22, of Lusby, arrested on 08/31/2017 @ 11:38 pm by TFC N. Rucker.
Brian Douglas Pierce, 35, of Indian Head, was arrested for shooting 2 victims outside his home Monday; one man died and the other was seriously wounded.

LA PLATA, Md.

(Sept. 06, 2017)On Monday, Sept. 4, at approximately 1:56 p.m., officers responded to the 6000 block of Port Tobacco Road in Indian Head for the report of a shooting in which two males had been shot. Prior to arrival, officers learned the victims fled on foot. Officers and paramedics located the victims about 500 yards away from where the shooting occurred and administered first aid; however, one of the victims, Robert Tywaughn Branson, 39, of Indian Head, died on the scene. The other victim, 42, of Indian Head, was transported to a hospital in serious condition.The initial investigation revealed the homeowner, Brian Douglas Pierce, 35, shot the victims, both of whom he knew, outside his house. After the shooting, Pierce fled in his car, which was found abandoned on Friendship Landing Road in Nanjemoy by a K9 officer canvassing the area.With the assistance of officers and support teams from the Maryland State Police, MSP Trooper 2, Virginia State Police, Department of Natural Resources Police, and the Prince George's County Police Department, a perimeter was established and officers conducted a search, but Pierce was not located. He turned himself in today at 7:30 a.m. at the CCSO La Plata District Station.Pierce will be charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault and other related charges. A motive is not immediately clear.Anyone with additional information is asked to call Det. J. Elliott at (301) 609-6515. The investigation is ongoing.
WASHINGTON

(Sept. 06, 2017)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is being awardedfor modification P00022 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursable contract (N00019-15-C-0120) for additional funding for spare parts in support of the E-6B Mercury Take Charge and Move Out and Airborne Command Post aircraft and support equipment. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed in November 2017. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor modification P00013 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursement, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-15-D-0022) to exercise an option which provides for business jet training services in support of contracted air services basic training, large national exercises, and small, single unit training exercises. Missions include maritime air patrol, low/slow terrorist aircraft, air interdiction training, and air intercept/anti-submarine training. These services support training requirements through air intercept control, anti-submarine tactical attack control, tracking exercises, electronic warfare missions, banner tows and target tows. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Virginia (50 percent); Coronado, California (40 percent); and Kauai, Hawaii (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2018. Fiscal 2017 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,872,415 are being obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded ancost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable contract for program management support services for the government of Australia F/A-18 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland (83 percent); Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington (7 percent); Navy Supply Systems Command, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (4 percent); Naval Air Station North Island, California (3 percent); Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Queensland, Australia (2 percent); and Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2018. FMS funds in the amount of $384,065 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured, pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-4. The, is the contracting activity (N00421-17-C-0056)., is being awarded afirm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to procure airborne instrumentation modular data recorder system hardware and associated repair services for use on Navy F/A-18, V-22, F-35, C130, Triton, and Fire Scout aircraft, and various helicopter platforms. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, is expected to be completed in August 2022. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on each delivery order as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The, is the contracting activity (N00421-17-D-0044)., is being awarded ancost-plus-incentive-fee delivery order (N00019-17-F-2001) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0003). This order provides for analysis, trade studies, architecture, modeling, simulation development, evaluation, and prototyping activities for the integration of seeker suite technology and processing capabilities into the Tactical Tomahawk Block IV All-Up-Round missile system in support of the Maritime Strike Tomahawk Program. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (44.7 percent); Dallas, Texas (23.3 percent); Boulder, Colorado (20.6 percent); and various other locations inside and outside the U.S. (11.4 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2019. Fiscal 2017 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,400,000 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor fixed-price-incentive-firm, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification P00004 to a previously awarded contract (N00019-16-C-0048). The modification will provide for the Lot I low-rate initial production of two CH-53K Heavy Lift helicopters, associated aircraft and programmatic support, logistics support, peculiar support equipment, and spares. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $303,974,406 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded afirm-fixed-price contract for the full-rate production of Lot 6 for Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). This contract provides for the conversion of AGM-88B High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles into 230 AGM-88E AARGM All-Up-Rounds and six captive air training missiles, to include related supplies and services necessary for their manufacture, sparing, and fleet deployment. Work will be performed in Northridge, California (90 percent); and Ridgecrest, California (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2019. Fiscal 2017 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $155,352,654; and fiscal 2015 non-U.S. Department of Defense funds in the amount of $1,478,735 will be obligated at time of award, $1,478,735 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The, is the contracting activity (N00019-17-C-0005)., is being awardedfor firm-fixed-price delivery order N0001917F0399 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0003) for 63 Smart Multi-Function Color Display B-kits to support the CH-53E Heavy Lift helicopter. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is expected to be completed in August 2020. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,090,453 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor cost-plus-fixed-fee modification 11 to deliver order 0096 under previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-12-G-0006 in support of the V-22 aircraft. This modification provides for the procurement of Marine Corps MV-22 integrated aircraft survivability equipment and Air Force CV-22 directional infrared counter measures, advanced mission computer kits, validation/verification kits, delta kits, non-recurring engineering and installation. Work will be performed at Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed in May 2019. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,572,596; and fiscal 2016 and 2017 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $5,099,090 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded amodification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00174-16-D-0001) to exercise an option for post-production support under the Man Transportable Robotic System (MTRS) MK2 Robotic Systems program. Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division has a continued need for the procurement of depot level repair services, quality assurance, metrics tracking and reporting, catalog ordering logistics tracking system (COLTS) data entry and implementation of government approved configuration management changes and engineering enhancements to support the MTRS MK 2 series. As the sole designer and developer, Foster-Miller Inc. has the unique knowledge, special skills, and data required to provide the modification and conversion of the MTRS MK-2 system configuration and therefore is the only source capable of providing the required post-production support. The work will be performed in Waltham, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by August 2018. No additional funds are being obligated at the time of this action. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor modification P00004 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-17-C-0047) to exercise an option for the procurement of 24 Lot 21A full-rate production F414-GE-400 install engines for the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in Lynn, Massachusetts (59 percent); Hooksett, New Hampshire (18 percent); Rutland, Vermont (12 percent); and Madisonville, Kentucky (11 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2018. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $91,575,576 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor firm-fixed-price delivery order N0001917F0346 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0014) providing or the procurement of spare and sustainment parts to maintain the RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft system in support of Naval Special Warfare fleet operations. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington, and is expected to be completed in June 2018. Fiscal 2015 and 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount ofare being obligated at the time of award;of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.
Florida is fortunate to have two political leaders on opposite extremes of the political spectrum team together as advocates for the rescheduling of marijuana.

Roger Stone is a seasoned veteran of American political wars, whose career led to a captivating Netflix documentary release earlier this year. A lightning rod on many issues and a passionate libertarian, Stone lives locally and helped advise Scott Israel on his campaign for sheriff of Broward County.

Still, Stone is more recognized for his friendship and allegiance to Richard Nixon, so much so that his back bears a tattoo of Nixon's face. Stone has come into the public eye more recently as an associate and advisor to some guy named Donald Trump, a New York businessman who became last fall, oh, the President of the United States.

Meanwhile, John Morgan, a personal injury lawyer known from one coast of Florida to the other, singularly launched and virtually underwrote a statewide campaign in 2016 to help pass a constitutional amendment allowing for medical marijuana here in the Sunshine State. Morgan is a fighter. Defeated with the initiative in 2014, he dug in, dug deeper, and was not denied last year.

Morgan is a politically connected lawyer, who funded and befriended, amongst others, Hillary Clinton, a woman also close to Stone's heart, with a slight difference. Stone, you see, would like to pierce Clinton's heart. He may have even created for Trumpet the frightening 'Lock Her Up' mantra. So this being Florida, it is perfectly natural the two of them would team up on the issue specific cause of rescheduling Cannabis. I support their efforts.

The two have formed an association titled the United States Cannabis Association and have prudently partnered with a bipartisan coalition of professionals to advance the cause of rescheduling, creating a distinguished advisory board.

I was asked to serve on it with them but as the Vice Chair of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, I have to avoid conflicts of interest or embracing multiple organizations seeking the same goal. Still, I have to admire the fact that two persons of countervailing ideologies and opposite interests are willing to come together for a common purpose. Joints unite us.

I grew up with Al Lowenstein, a Long Island congressman in the 1960's as a mentor, and a most liberal Democrat was he. His best friend though was an eminently conservative and very scholarly William F. Buckley, who he debated frequently on a PBS Show called 'Firing Line.' And when Tip O 'Neil was the Democratic speaker of the House, he and Ronald Reagan had no problem socializing and sharing dinner and drink. It's the way it was.

One of the difficulties in today's political world is that no one wants to talk to each other. Morgan, a good old Southern boy you want to have a drink with, does it better than Stone. For example, the other night, after His Emperor the Trump pardoned Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Stone went on Twitter to depict a visual of a police dog attacking a vagrant beachgoer, shouting 'Liberals, eat shit.' That's no way to build relationships.

Roger, you are making things more difficult daily. I just don't think John McCain will burn in hell because he joined a bipartisan group of legislative leaders who censured Trump for pardoning a racist sheriff prematurely.

The Cannabis reform community is aghast at this marriage of Morgan and Stone. Morgan points out that politics makes strange bedfellows. On the other side, drug law reformers remind us that if you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas. "And," said one group in pulling out of a conference where Stone was slated to talk, "none of us need friends who act like pigs and call us pigs."

So how do you bridge the gap? Or do you even try?

First and foremost, I think you come together to speak out on only one targeted and limited purpose, and trespass nowhere beyond. In this case you simply say a cross section of leaders with varying political beliefs, support the rescheduling of federal marijuana laws.

Second, you showcase your unity on social media to show that regardless of your political leanings, extremely different though they may be, the Cannabis community cuts a unifying swathe across the country, and is both cross cultural and cross sectional. Young or old, black or white, right or left, Americans love their weed.

For a moment, make believe you are in an 18 foot ditch with two guys you utterly hate. Water is filling in. The only way out is if each stands on top of the shoulder of the other. Then the first guy out gets a rope to pull the other up. No one drowns and you all get out. Or you can defiantly refuse to work together and you all die.

OK, maybe you think the first guy will get out and leave and watch you drown because a leopard won't change his stripes. True that; the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior. However, life is risky, and you must take chances. I know, you also make choices, and why join a party where the host hates you?

This is the conundrum both liberals and conservatives face in this unholy alliance. Frankly, the drug reformers in private associations that don't want to hear from Stone have that right. They can withdraw the invitation. It's not a government agency requiring due process. Stone should be used to it. His own ideological partners at the Conservative Political Action Conference shut him down when he and Peter Thiel tried to represent the gay rights group there a few years ago, GOProud. But there is my point. As a libertarian, some of Stone's views may philosophically align with your own. Personally, he may repulse you. Well, face it, most Republicans do.

Me, I don't care if a dozen Nazis march in my neighborhood, as long as 12,000 of my best friends can drown them out. The first amendment has to stay strong because you are learning this year what happens when Nazis run your government and white supremacists have offices in the White House.

Look, if you let this administration choose who had a right to march in Arizona, do you think gays, transgender people or Latinos would be chosen? We represent a majority today that was yesterday a minority. Let no one shut down either. Let diversity and disagreement reign. A democracy can withstand critique and criticism.

Roger Stone can be charming, from his eclectic personality to his clothing line. He can also be terrifying. John Morgan is a personal injury lawyer, a profession not particularly thought of with high esteem. Pot has changed him. People appreciate his courage and conviction; that he put his money where his mouth was. He also is a bit controversial, but if you are tired of hiding joints under your car seat, he is the candidate for you.

If he becomes governor next year, you can bet the monopolistic, draconian, offensive and repressive regulatory scheme our legislature has set up under the medical marijuana amendment will be struck down. Your medical needs have become his passion.

As for Roger Stone, the fashionista, if he can cajole Trump into rescheduling Cannabis while pissing me and every one of my friends off with his criminal and conspiratorial theories about the Bush Crime Family and the Clinton Cartel, he can scream and shout till he is blue in the face.

I just want pot to be legal. So do you, so suck it up for now. Who knows, maybe he is a masochist at heart- if he has one.

Choose your poison, a strange bedfellow or handcuffs? Guess in the gay community you can have both though....
Here are the latest briefs from Wilton Manors!

Woof & Wine

Woof & Wine, a free dog-centric event hosted by the Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department, will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Colohatchee Park, 1975 NE 14 Ave. The event will feature local pet vendors, an opportunity for owners to get the required dog permit to use of the citys dog park, and complimentary wine and appetizers. The cost of the permit is $30 for residents and $60 for non-residents. All dogs must have a current city dog permit with them at all times when in the park. For more information, call 954-390-2130.

K9 rescue fundraiser

A bowling tournament fundraiser for S.H.A.R.E. [Shepherd Help And Rescue Effort], the organizations third annual, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Manor Lanes, 1517 NE 26 St., Wilton Manors. The cost is $22 per person. Along with bowling, there will be raffle prizes available, an auction, and food and refreshments for sale. S.H.A.R.E. is an organization that rescues German Shepherds. Regardless of how they come to S.H.A.R.E, our goal is to find them a loving, safe, permanent home where they will be a beloved family member, reads the organizations website  shepherdhelp.org. To purchase a ticket, visit the website.

Father Bills Celebration of Life

A celebration of life for Father Bill Collins will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. at United Church of Christ, 2501 NE 30 St., Fort Lauderdale. Collins, who died in May, is remembered as the founder of the Poverello Center and someone who offered aid and comfort to many of those forgotten by society, including individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS. A community choir will perform at the service. After the service, a pot luck dinner will be held. Anyone who would like to volunteer or contribute to the dinner should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Music on Main Street

Oakland Parks next Music on Main Street concert will be held on Friday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. at City Hall, 3650 NE 12 Ave. The free event will feature The Otis Cadillac Band, which describes itself as an 11-piece band that performs Classic R&B, Root Rock N Roll and related Blues oriented material. The band performs in a style that emulates the R&B revues of the late 50s and early 60s. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, call 954-630-4251.

Art Gallery 21 kicks off season

Art Gallery 21 will begin its 2017-2018 season with the Sixth Annual Island City Juried Art Exhibition. All Broward County artists are invited to participate. The fee is $20 per entry, with a maximum of two entries per artist. All media is accepted, including oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic painting, mixed media, pen and ink, photography, and collage. Art entries will be accepted from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23. For more information on the rules, visit artgallery21.org. Located in the Womans Club of Wilton Manors next to Hagen Park, Art Gallery 21 is a non-profit art gallery established to showcase the work of local artists.
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino and the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association on Tuesday honoured Ray Paver for the 4,000th winning drive of his career. Paver, who years ago left a job dealing blackjack to mess around with harness racing, dealt himself winning hand 4,000 on Aug. 23 at the Monroe County Fair in Woodsfield, Ohio.

Paver responded in kind by winning Tuesdays feature with Shesasmokinlady, a mare he also trains.

An Ohio native, Paver helped his dad, the late horseman Ray Paver, Sr., while attending Marysville High School but didnt envision harness racing in his future. He struck out on an itinerant path, serving a stint as a tugboat painter in Florida before landing in Las Vegas. There, he secured a job dealing blackjack at the Flamingo. One of the important lessons he learned was that his compensation might be enhanced by women of a certain age.

All you had to do was be sweet to them, he recalls, and theyd just keep tipping you. I always hoped they won. The more they won, the more they tipped.

After three years of dealing on the graveyard shift burned him out, he returned to Ohio, primarily to help his father, but his own career as a trainer/driver took off. In fact, United States Trotting Association records show Paver, 61, with 793 career training wins; that figure is almost certainly substantially below his actual total, as USTA didnt begin documenting trainer statistics until 1991.

Today, Paver and his wife, Kelly, jointly operate a stable of about two dozen horses at The Meadows, though they also race in Ohio and, occasionally, in New York. Since Kelly also is a trainer, theyve developed a system that determines which of them should be listed as conditioner for a given horse.

Theyre pets to her more than racehorses, he said, so if she wants to keep one, shes his trainer. For the others, Im the trainer.

Paver is talking retirement, but nobody is taking him seriously  yet.

I would have to do something; I just dont know what it would be, he said. Kelly doesnt want to quit, so she could operate the stable. It would give her something to do while Im laying on the beach.

(The Meadows)
Shed been the belle of the barn for Ontario-based trainer Luc Blais for a couple of years already, but Emoticon Hanover has raised her game further at four.

With a wire-to-wire victory in the $150,000 Joie de Vie Mare Trot at Tioga Downs on August 27, in a world-record time of 1:50.2, the Kadabra mare is now within $6,000 of becoming a millionaire for the Determination Stable of Montreal.

Emoticon Hanover could reach the $1 million plateau as early as September 21, when Emoticon Hanover will make her next start in the Miss Versatility final at Delaware, Ohio, on Little Brown Jug day.

She won a division of the Miss Versatility series at the Meadowlands Racetrack (in 1:51) and was second to Hannelore Hanover in another at Mohawk earlier this year.

Am I surprised by the world record (for four-year-old trotting mares)? Yes and no, said Blais. Her previous races at the Meadowlands (in the Miss Versatility, which she won, and the Dr. John R Steele Memorial, where she was third to Pasithea Face S) were also very good. But you also need some luck. The race unfolded well for her. And Daniel Dube drove her very confidently.

Versatility, speed and consistency have been Emoticon Hanovers calling cards since the $165,000 yearling came to prominence on the Ontario Sires Stakes circuit at age two.

Shes finished in the top three in 27 of her 34 career starts and has tasted victory on 13 of those occasions. As a four-year-old, shes missed the board only once in nine starts and collected $171,008. Last year, she made $604,168 and was the runner-up to Caprice Hill in the OBrien Award vote for outstanding three-year-old trotting filly of the year in Canada.

Making the transition from three to four, competing against older horses, its always hard, but shes stepped up. The competition is exceptional, but shes come out of her races well, Blais said. A horse like her, you dont get often. Shes been there at two, three and four, always giving her 100 per cent. Shes never had a bad race, really. We made a few mistakes, she lost a few she should have won, but its not on her.

Beyond the Miss Versatility, Blais targets for Emoticon Hanover this season are the Breeders Crown and TVG final. Last year, she was second to Broadway Donna in the Breeders Crown final for three-year-old fillies.

(A Trot Insider Exclusive by Paul Delean)
It has been reported that more than $1 million in purse money that had been in escrow for more than two years has been released to Hazel Park Raceway and the Michigan Harness Horsemens Association.

News of the Michigan Control Boards release of the funds comes courtesy of an article by Crains Detroit Business.

The MHHA is expected to receive roughly $850,000 for future races at Northville Downs, while Hazel Park will receive roughly $150,000 for upgrades.

The Crains Detroit Business article goes on to explain that the monies were accumulated at Hazel Park Raceway in 2014 for the MHHAs 2015 season of racing. The money was then put into an escrow account after it was determined that Hazel Park would no longer host live Standardbred racing.

The article explains that live Standardbred racing then moved to Northville Downs, but, at the time, a state law required the purse money to be doled out at the track in which it was accumulated.

(With files from Crains Detroit Business)
The publicity department for the Grand Circuit has sent out its weekly recap and preview of Grand Circuit races.

This Week: Jim Ewart Memorial and Jug Preview, Scioto Downs, Columbus, Ohio; Kindergarten Series and Miss Versatility, Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, N.J.; Simcoe Stakes and Maple Leaf Trot, Canadian Trotting Classic, Elegantimage, and Milton eliminations, Mohawk Racetrack, Campbellville, Ontario.

Schedule of events: Grand Circuit action will kick off on Friday (Sept. 8) at Mohawk with a pair of $40,000 eliminations in the Maple Leaf Trot for older trotters and two $35,000 eliminations in the Milton for older pacing mares. The Saturday (Sept. 9) card will be highlighted by the $163,872 Simcoe Stakes for three-year-old filly pacers, the $162,838 Simcoe Stakes for three-year-old colt pacers, two $40,000 eliminations in the Canadian Trotting Classic for three-year-old open trotters and two $35,000 eliminations in the Elegantimage for three-year-old filly trotters.

Grand Circuit racing at the Meadowlands will also be held on Friday (Sept. 8) with a $40,000 leg of the Miss Versatility for trotting mares, and a pair of $10,000 divisions each in the Kindergarten Series for two-year-old colt trotters, two-year-old filly trotters, two-year-old colt pacers and two-year-old filly pacers.

On Saturday (Sept. 9), Scioto Downs will host the $225,000 Jim Ewart Memorial for older pacers and the $125,000 Jug Preview for three-year-old colt pacers.

Last time: World champion Downbytheseaside (driven by Brian Sears) withstood a late charge from two rivals to win the $500,000 Messenger Stakes final for three-year-old colt pacers in 1:52.1 on Saturday (Sept. 2) at Yonkers Raceway by a nose. Sears completed the Messenger/Yonkers Trot double when he steered Top Flight Angel to victory by the very same margin in the aforementioned contest later on a card that also included the Hudson Filly Trot and Lady Maud Pace.

Downbytheseaside and Sears got away from the gate to make the lead just past the :27.1 first quarter, with Blood Line (Mark MacDonald) tucked in behind. Downbytheseaside led the field to the half in :56 and to the three-quarters in 1:24.1. He was still on top at the head of the stretch but a charge was developing from horses on both sides.

Art Scene (Jordan Stratton) came charging on the inside late and was second and Funknwaffles (Corey Callahan) was third on his outside. Downbytheseaside held them off to win by a nose.

Downbytheseaside is owned by Country Club Acres, Joe Sbrocco, Richard Lombardo and Diamond Creek Farm; hes trained by Brian Brown. The son of Somebeachsomewhere-Sprig Hanover improved his 2017 record to 12-8-1-2, with earnings of $956,216.

Top Flight Angel (Sears) was a nose the best in the $500,000 Yonkers Trot for three-year-olds in 1:56.3.

Devious Man and Andy Miller got away with the lead off the gate to hit the quarter-mile mark in :28.4 and held that lead to the :58.4 half, with Yes Mickey (Ake Svanstedt) along the rail in second racing with a new Murphy Blind on the left side and Top Flight Angel in third.

Devious Man was still on the lead at the 1:27.3 three-quarters, but there was a gathering storm behind him, with both Yes Mickey (along the inside) and Top Flight Angel (on the outside). In the end it was a win by a nose for Top Flight Angel over Yes Mickey, with Devious Man in third.

The win earned Top Flight Angel an automatic invitation for the Yonkers International, to be held Oct. 14, and improved his seasonal slate to 12-3-1-3, with earnings of $331,916. Top Flight Angel is owned by Legendary Standardbred Farm of New York and trained by Julie Miller.

Grand Circuit Standings: In 2017, the Grand Circuit leaders in three categories (driver, trainer and owner) will once again be tracked on a points system (20-10-5 for the top three finishers in divisions/finals and 10-5-2 for the top three finishers in eliminations/legs). Winbak Farms is the sponsor for the 2017 Grand Circuit awards.

Here are the leaders through and including the races on Sept. 2.

Drivers: 1. Yannick Gingras  760; 2. David Miller  598; 3. Tim Tetrick  503; 4. Scott Zeron  395; 5. Jason Bartlett  288.

Trainers: 1. Ron Burke  617; 2. Jimmy Takter  529; 3. Brian Brown  275; 4. Ake Svanstedt  221; 5. Ray Schnittker  187.

Owners: 1. Emerald Highlands Farm  155; 2. Burke Racing Stable  143.9; 3. Determination  137; 4. Diamond Creek Racing  132.1; 5. Harry Von Knoblauch Stable  123.5.

Looking ahead: A busy schedule of Grand Circuit racing will be taking place next week at Mohawk, Hoosier Park, the Meadowlands, Harrahs Philadelphia and the Delaware County Fair. Mohawk will host finals in the Maple Leaf Trot, the Canadian Trotting Classic, the Elegantimage, and the Milton, as well as eliminations in the Metro Pace, the Shes A Great Lady, the Peaceful Way and the William Wellwood Memorial; Hoosier Park will host the Nadia Lobell for three-year-old pacing fillies; The Meadowlands will card another leg of the Kindergarten Series for freshman trotters and pacers; Harrahs Philadelphia will race Simpson stakes for three-year-old male pacers and trotters; and Delaware will have Standardbred stakes for two-year-old colt and filly pacers.

(Grand Circuit)
Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the...
Three local men are facing attempted murder charges after a 17-year-old youth was shot at his West Kelso home early Sunday morning, according to Kelso police and court documents.

The three suspects are Harley Dakota Hanson, 18, of Longview; Craig Steven Henry Christy, 25; and Charles Nick Mallis, 21, of Kelso. All three were booked on suspicion of first-degree assault and first-degree attempted murder and are lodged in the Cowlitz County Jail.

The victim was taken to St. John Medical Center, where he was treated with non-life-threatening injuries. Kelso police said the victim knew the suspects.

Mallis and Christy were arrested without incident Tuesday in South Bend, according to the Pacific County Sheriffs Office. Hanson was arrested separately in the local area.

According to Kelso police, a 17-year-old male was shot at around 3 a.m. Sunday in the 500 block of Lincoln Street in West Kelso. The three suspects  Hanson, Christy, and Mallis  allegedly fled the scene after the shooting, Kelso police said.

The victim and his girlfriend accused Mallis and Christy of sending them Facebook messages and phone calls allegedly threatening to assault the victim, according to court documents.

On Sunday evening, the victim said he and his girlfriend were standing on his front porch when Hanson rode up on a bicycle and told him Mallis was coming to get him, court documents state.

When Mallis arrived, the victim said he heard a shot and felt a pain in his upper left chest, according to court documents. The victims girlfriend said Christy was present as well. The three suspects then allegedly fled the scene, court documents state.
The ash is here, and this time its not from Mount St. Helens.

Wildfires across Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana are flushing thick clouds of ash and smoke into Western Washington, giving it the appearance of a bad smog day in Los Angeles or Bejing.

Weather forecasters are holding out hope for a break from the smoke and heat, though, with westerly winds expected Tuesday night. Smoke will stick around into Wednesday, but temperatures will be cooler and thunderstorms are likely by the evening.

In one upside to the smoke, it may have shielded us from some of the suns heat. Forecasters had expected another day of temperatures in the mid to upper 90s, but the high in Kelso reached only 88 degrees.

The sun rose a bright red orange disk Tuesday and remained that way throughout the day. From the Longview lowlands, the Rainier hills were barely visible behind a veil of smoke. The air smelled of campfires. Ash drifted down like a fine snow, leaving whisps of light, fluffy particles visible on windshields, awnings and pavements.

Elementary schools in Kelso and elsewhere around the region kept students inside for lunchtime recess Tuesday, and those in Kelso kept windows shuttered to prevent smoke intrusion.

The Southwest Clean Air Agency (SWCAA) has extend an air pollution advisory through the end of this week. Over the long weekend, Longview tipped from good air quality into the moderate classification. It still had a way to go before getting into the Unhealthy for sensitive groups ranking. The amount of particulate pollution in the local air has been rising steadily since Friday, a period that had marked a sequence of 90-degree days.

Last week SWCAA issued an advisory through Tuesday at 6 p.m., but SWCAA Executive Director Uri Papish said Tuesday the advisory will be extended until noon Friday.

Theres supposed to be a shift in offshore winds forecasted for tomorrow evening that will provide moderate improvement, but with all the wildfire smoke we dont know if (the winds) will be enough to clear the smoke out enough to remove the advisory, Papish said.

Thursday has a small chance of rain, which could scrub the particulates from the air, Papish said. But there is also a chance of lightning, which could enhance the risk of fire.

This advisory simply means that local residents are urged to protect their health and help improve air quality by reducing pollution from cars, mowers, paint and aerosol sprays, according to a SWCAA press release.

In addition, people who are sensitive to smog and wildfire smoke, as well as those with asthma, could begin to have breathing problems due to the air quality and should limit time outdoors, SWCAA said.

On smoky days, the Department of Health recommends avoiding physical exertion outdoors. The DOH also urged people to keep indoor air as clean as possible by setting air conditioners on the re-circulating setting instead of taking in air from outside. If air conditioning is not available, the DOH recommended leaving the area.

To help limit air pollution, residents can reduce any burning, engine idling and use of gas-powered lawn equipment.

St. John Medical Center spokesman Randy Querin said the Longview hospital has treated no patients recently for smoke-related breathing difficulty, saying people with chronic breathing problems must be heeding warnings to remain indoors until the air clears.

Whatever rain falls in the next few days will be a welcome respite for one of the driest spells of weather on record locally, but it may not have much effect putting out the numerous wildfires burning in the region.

With multiple fires burning on the landscape and communities suffering from dense layers of smoke, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources on Tuesday expanded its burn ban to cover the entire state.

Wildfire and smoke is affecting every community around the state as we see the hot, dry summer take its toll on our forests, said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. Without any relief from this weather in the foreseeable future and with our firefighters spread across the Northwest, we can no longer allow outdoor burning anywhere in Washington.

The statewide ban means outdoor burning is prohibited on all forestlands that DNR protects from wildfire. Anyone caught violating the burn ban can face fines.

Incredibly, the Eagle Creek fire in Oregon jumped the Columbia River overnight and ignited a 25-acre fire on steep terrain in Skamania County, according to sheriffs officials there. The fire, reportedly burning opposite Multnomah Falls, was 0 percent contained early in the afternoon, though state firefighters were on the scene.

The fire is just north of State Route 14, prompting state officials to prohibit vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds from using the route between Washougal and US 197 in Dallesport while emergency crews battle a wildfire in the area. WSDOT recommended all other travelers avoid the highway as well.

Highway 410 east of Chinook Pass on the east side of Mount Rainier also remained closed so traffic does not interfere with firefighting equipment. A spokeswoman for Mount Rainier National Park says the park is socked in smoke below 10,000 feet.
10.or (pronounced Tenor) smartphones announced their debut in India today with the upcoming launch of 10.or E exclusively on Amazon.in.

The 10.or product experience is built from insights curated from hundreds of thousands of customer reviews on Amazon.inmarketplace. This gives customers a phone with features that are meaningful to their usage and needs. 10.or has been manufactured to high reliability and quality standards  passing 962 different tests  to deliver on the experience it promises. Therefore 10.or is Defined by you, Created by Us.

The first smartphone, the 10.or E, will be available in two memory variants  the 2GB RAM + 16 GB storage variant priced at INR 7,999, and the 3GB RAM + 32 GB storage variant which is priced at INR 8,999. 10.or E comes with a 5.5 FHD screen, 4000 mAH battery and the Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor. It comes with the latest Android Nougat OS  which provides Google Assistant, will have regular security updates and is upgradeable to Android Oreo. The phones come with dual SIM and a dedicated memory slot that is expandable up to 128GB. It is manufactured by Huaqin Technology and will be exclusively available on Amazon.in.

The 10.or E series will be available in two colours  Aim Gold and Beyond Black. The smartphones will come pre-loaded with Amazon experiences: Shopping, Kindle and Prime Video Apps; a daily Deals widget all tied together by a single-sign-on (SSO) during initial device set-up.

India is a large market for smartphones, 10.or is a great buy for those looking for great features and reliable performance at an attractive price. We learnt a lot from Amazons customer insights. This product has been designed and developed specifically for India. With world-class design, features and functionality, we are confident this product will resonate well with customers in India. We will work towards bringing more innovations to the market soon, said Jeffrey Liu. Key Account Director. Huaqin Technology

We are delighted to welcome the 10.or E series smartphone as an exclusive on Amazon.in. This smartphone combines insights from customer feedback with world-class reliability and quality standards. We were happy to provide Huaqin with these insights as they developed this phone especially for the Indian market. We are happy to provide our customers with exclusive access to the smartphone combined with a convenient, trusted shopping experience from Amazon.in. said Arun Srinivasan, Director Category Management, Smartphones and Consumer Electronics, Amazon India

Register at www.amazon.in/10or to stay posted on the new 10.or E.

Details on 10.or E product specifications:

Bigger on-screen experiences

The 10.or E comes with a 5.5 full HD screen that maximizes your viewing experience

It comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 that makes sure the screen is scratch and impact resistant and a 2.5D curved glass on the screen that softens the edges and lends an elegant look to the phone

Peak Performance

The 10.or Es Snapdragon 430 octa-core processor for parallel processing and improved battery life, combined withQualcomm Adreno 505 GPU for improved graphics performance, ensure that your phone is superfast and you can smoothly switch between multiple apps and games

The 10.or Es 2 GB RAM/ 3 GB RAM ensures that there is enough space for other apps to run in the background while you focus on the task at hand without any lag

Stays on when you do

The 10.or Es 4000 mAH battery lasts up to two days with regular use to ensure that your phone stays on when you need it most

Capture life

The 10.or Es 13 MP back camera with CMOS sensor and PDAF for quicker focus and clicks makes sure you effortlessly add to your bank of memories

The 10.or Es 5 MP HD front camera gives you clear pictures and video call captures. The option to take multiple selfies with one click ensures you dont miss that one perfect moment.

The 10.or E comes with 12 shooting modes, Beautify Feature and 4 filters, all of which give your photos the perfect enhancement to bring your story to life

The 10.or E comes with a front flash and back flash so that your world is always lit up when youre capturing your moments, in any kind of lighting conditions

Expand memories

The 10.or Es 16 GB/32 GB internal memory is expandable up to 128 GB with a dedicated memory slot, allowing you to store all your favorites

Unlock and explore

With a sensitive fingerprint sensor, you can unlock your device and use it in a matter of just 0.2 seconds

Dual 4G VoLTE options

The 10.or E comes with dual 4G* SIM card capability with VoLTE support so you can switch based on your preferences

Software

The 10.or E comes with Android v7.1.2 Nougat operating system which is upgradable to Android 8.0 Oreo. Your phone will have Google Assistant and get regular security updates
Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive Democracy
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EU court says Eastern states cannot refuse to take refugees

Migrants face Hungarian police in the main Eastern Railway station in Budapest.

Reuters, Luxembourg :

The European Union's highest court dismissed complaints on Wednesday by Slovakia and Hungary about EU migration policy, upholding Brussels' right to force member states to take in asylum seekers.

In the latest twist to a dispute that broke out two years ago when more than one million migrants poured across the Mediterranean, the European Court of Justice found that the EU was entitled to order national governments to take in quotas of mainly Syrian refugees relocated from Italy and Greece.

"The court dismisses the actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary against the provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers," the Luxembourg-based court said, adding it rejected the complaints "in their entirety". "The mechanism actually contributes to enabling Greece and Italy to deal with the impact of the 2015 migration crisis and is proportionate."

The program set up by the executive European Commission was approved by majority vote of member states in the face of opposition from formerly communist countries in the east who said their societies could not absorb mainly Muslim immigrants.

It provided for the relocation of up to 120,000 people, but only about 25,000 have so far been moved. A further program for resettling people directly from outside the EU has also struggled to hit targets for taking in asylum-seekers. Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos tweeted: "Time to work in unity and implement solidarity in full." The Commission's chief spokesman, however, denied a report that the executive would propose a new round of 40,000 relocations. It is unclear how far Brussels many try to force eastern states to take refugees, many of whom themselves are reluctant to settle in the poorer, ex-Soviet bloc. However, countries like Germany and Italy which are housing large numbers have said the easterners are jeopardizing western-funded EU subsidies if they go on refusing, adding to deep strains in


Eastern EU states seek compromise on cheap labour rule

AFP, Warsaw :

Three Baltic states vowed on Tuesday to join forces with four other eastern EU states in seeking a compromise on tough proposals by France to overhaul a controversial EU rule on cheap labour, especially regarding the transport sector.

"We will not agree to the introduction of rules that would in practise eliminate transport companies from the countries of our region from the EU's common market," Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told reporters in Warsaw alongside her Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts and a senior Estonian diplomat.

"We are counting on being able to reach a compromise, thanks to the involvement of the Estonian EU presidency, that takes into account the interests of entrepreneurs from our region," Szydlo added.

Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis echoed Szydlo, insisting that "the rules of the Posted Workers Directive, and any future limitations, cannot apply to the transport sector".

"We will not agree to one-sided initiatives or proposals on the transport sector," he added.

Signalling that steps toward a compromise may already be in the offing, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said later Tuesday that France had invited Polish Labour Minister Elzbieta Rafalska for consultations on the posted workers directive.

"It's our duty as diplomats to seek a compromise," he said, quoted by the Polish PAP news agency.

French President Emmanuel Macron made overhauling the so-called Posted Workers Directive one of his key election promises and is set to push for it at an EU summit on October 19-20.

The regulation lets firms send workers from low-wage countries to wealthier economies on short-term assignments without paying their hosts' social charges.

The rule has caused resentment in western countries like France, Germany and Austria, which argue it amounts to "social dumping" and creates unfair competition on national labour markets.

But there has been staunch resistance in eastern and central Europe, where most of the cheap labour comes from.
KitKat bets on weird and wonderful flavours in Japan

AFP, Inashiki :

Cough-medicine-flavoured KitKat anyone It may not be to everyone's taste, but this is just one of 300 weird and wonderful flavours flying off the shelves in Japan, which has become the world's biggest market for the four-fingered snack. In true Japanese style, human workers are a rare sight at one KitKat factory in Kasumigaura, around 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Tokyo. Instead, dozens of robots manufacture four million bars a day at breakneck speed, from mixing the chocolate paste to wrapping them ready for sale. KitKats have been around in Britain since 1935 and only arrived in Japan in 1973. But the Japanese market has a crucial unique selling point-a huge variety of different flavours.

It all started with a strawberry flavoured KitKat in 2000 and the range expanded quickly-from flavours aimed at local taste buds such as sake, green tea and wasabi-to more exotic combinations like melon and mascarpone.

Access to KitKat factories is strictly limited and photos are kept to a minimum in a bid to preserve the secrets of the recipe. And it appears to be a recipe for success. Without publishing an exact turnover figure for Japan, KitKat manufacturer Nestle says sales have grown 50 percent in the country since 2010, making it the biggest market ahead of Britain-although second-biggest in terms of volume. And in a sign of the success, a new production site was opened only last month in the western region of Kobe.

Why such success in Japan? One reason, according to Cedric Lacroix, managing executive officer of Nestle Japan's confectionery business, is that Japanese consumers appreciate the variety of flavours on offer.


JL man put on 3-day remand

A Correspondent :

The court granted three days remand of a Juba League activist for killing his friend yesterday .

The accused was identified as Amit Muhuri, a Jubo League activist.

M Shahdat Hossain, Additional Chief Metropolitan magistrate gave the order this afternoon.

Jahangir Alam, Assistant Commissioner of CMP (Kotwali Zone) said, the police sought 10 days remand of Amit Muhuri. But the court granted three days.

Meanwhile, on 13 August last, police recovered a dumped body identified as Imranul Karim Emon, in a drum from Rani Dhigi of Enayet Bazar area under Kotwali thana and police continued their investigation.

On 2 September last Detective Branch of CMP had arrested Amit Muhuri from drug rehabilitation centre of Comilla.

Day after his arrest, Amit confessed his involvement in the killing case.
JSC exam begins on Nov 1



Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid on Wednesday said this year's Junior School Certificate (JSC) exam would begin on November 1 and schoolchildren would get their next year's textbooks on January 1.

"We are taking necessary preparations for conducting the examination. We have adopted plans to start repairing the schools and colleges affected by the recent flood," he said.

Nahid came up with the observations while exchanging Eid greetings with officials and staffs of Secondary and Higher Education Division at his ministry.

Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Md Sohorab Hossain, Additional Secretaries Md Mohiuddin Khan, Abdullah Al Hasan Chowdhury, National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) Chairman Prof Narayan Chandra Saha and Dhaka Education Board Chairman Prof Mahabubur Rahman, were present on the occasion, among others.

The education minister greeted all and thanked them for their continuous support for the activities of the ministry.

"The present government under the leadership of Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is working relentlessly to turn Bangladesh into a developed and affluent country based on the spirit of the War of Liberation. To achieve this goal, we all have to bring dynamism in the activities of the ministry. We have to take forward the work of all the projects concerned as per plan and complete those within the stipulated time," Nahid added.

Later, the minister exchanged Eid greetings with the officials and staff of Technical and Madrasa Education Division.




UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh Robert D Watkins made a farewell call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office yesterday. BSS photo
Tangail MP Rana, 13 others indicted in murder case

UNB, Tangail :

A court here on Wednesday framed charges against 14 people, including Awami League lawmaker from Tangail-3 constituency Amanur Rahman Khan Rana, in freedom fighter Faruk Ahmed murder case.

Abul Mansur Ahmed, judge of Tangail Additional Metropolitan and Session Court-1, framed charges after a long hearing from both the sides.

Earlier, the court deferred the charge framing eight times as MP Rana, now in Kashimpur jail, didn't appear before the court on health grounds.

On August 23, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) directed the authorities concerned to ensure the appearance of Amanur Rahman Khan Rana at the lower court during the hearing on the murder case.

On April 13, an HC bench granted bail to MP Rana in the case.
Dutch help to face flood risk assured

UNB, Dhaka :

The Netherlands has expressed their eagerness to support Bangladesh in land reclamation and river dredging for mitigating long-term flood risks.

This was conveyed to Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Sheikh Mohammed Belal during his meeting with the Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and the Environment Melanie Schultz in The Hague on Tuesday.

During the meeting, both the Dutch Minister and Bangladesh Ambassador expressed satisfaction at the expanding and fast growing bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a message UNB received from The Hague on Wednesday.

They especially mentioned the momentum in the relations following the official visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Netherlands in November 2015 and the twin-ministerial visit to Bangladesh in June 2015 by Dutch Minister for Infrastructure and the Environment Melanie Schultz and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen.

Referring to the signing of three important instruments between the two sides in June 2015 on resilient and sustainable delta management for a prosperous Bangladesh, collaboration in land reclamation and land accretion in Bangladesh, and

partnership on knowledge and innovation for sustainable development, the Dutch Minister assured Bangladesh Ambassador of taking measures for early implementation of the instruments specially on land reclamation and accretion.

Both sides agreed to initiate commencing pilot or demonstration projects in this regard, specifically on land reclamation in and around Chittagong Port.

Schultz also assured of looking into the Bangladesh's proposals for estuary development and potential cross dam projects for land reclamation in the coastal zone of Bangladesh.

Thanking the Dutch Minister for the Netherlands' support to Bangladesh in the water sector since 1960s, the Bangladesh envoy urged him to reinvigorate their support in implementing Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 as well.
Youth held for `raping` schoolgirl in Magura

UNB, Magura :

A schoolgirl was allegedly raped by a youth at Kamalapur village in Sreepur upazila on Tuesday morning.

Police said when the girl was going to take tuition from a teacher of Nakol Sommiloni High School at 7:00am Nasir Molla, 27, who used to stalk her, intercepted her and forcibly took her to his house.

He confined the girl to a room of his house and raped her.

Hearing her scream, locals rushed in and caught the alleged rapist and handed him over to police, said Rezaul Karim, officer in charge of Sreepur police station.

The victim was sent to Magura Sadar hospital.

A case was filed in this connection and Nasir Molla was shown arrested in the case, OC Rezaul added.
Involving women in water management

Bruno Tisserand :

Women and water. What is the connection? Yes, we all need water to survive, but the link between women and water goes deeper than hydration and crop irrigation.

By 2015, 68% of the world's population had access to improved sanitation facilities, including flush toilets or covered latrines, compared with 54% in 1990. But 2.4 billion people still do not have toilets or latrines.

Lack of access to sanitation affects women more than men. Women are usually responsible for collecting enough water for a family's daily cooking and hygiene needs. Even with improved access, women still have to travel to collect water for the home.

2.1 billion people, or 30% of the world's population, still do not have access to safe drinking water and 60% do not have safe sanitation. The WHO highlights in its latest report that good hygiene practices are the simplest and most effective way of preventing the spread of disease.

As women are usually responsible for assisting children, the elderly and the sick, they are more exposed to microorganisms. Good basic hygiene - and therefore access to clean water - is vital to ensuring that carers remain healthy.

Access to safe water, adequate sanitation and improved hygiene practices help prevent disease. Diarrhea diseases alone account for 3.6% of the global burden of disease and cause 1.5 million deaths each year (WHO, 2012). An estimated 58% of this burden, or 842,000 deaths per year, is attributable to the poor quality of water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WHO, 2014).

Sanitation is critical for preventing many diseases including diarrhoea, intestinal worms, schistosomiasis (a parasite) and trachoma (bacteria). Ensuring universal access to sanitation in households, healthcare facilities and schools is essential in reducing disease, improving nutritional outcomes, enhancing safety, well-being and educational prospects, especially for women and girls (WHO).

So why sanitation and education?

Women in developing nations can positively alter their lives and the lives of their families and their compatriots through education. Because of cultures of seeing menstruating girls as being 'unclean' or because of a lack of basic toilet facilities or sanitary products, girls can miss up to eight days each term, causing them to lag behind or drop out of education altogether. For each year a woman stays in school, her first child is delayed by 10 months.

Women's education impacts the demographic of the family, which is especially important in developing worlds. The larger the family, the more likely it is that that the family will fall into the poverty trap. If the family cannot afford to send their children to school and get an education, those children in turn end up having larger families and the cycle continues.

If women spend more time in school, they are more likely to climb out of this trap. Each year of secondary education allows a woman to boost her income by 25 percent.

Higher income and fewer children give women in developing countries more opportunity.

The importance of education goes further than making people more educated and involved in the world around them. Women especially feel more empowered and ultimately have a better chance at thriving if they are given the opportunity to stay in school.

EurEau believes that everyone has the right to access to water in sufficient quantity and quality to meet their basic consumption and sanitation needs. In Europe, our members provide 95% of people with drinking water services while 86% of people are connected to waste water services.

A gender-sensitive approach must be included in the management of water resources that enhances and strengthens the important role women play in the acquisition, conservation and use of water. Because of their crucial position in water and sanitation management, women should be at the heart of strategies to improve access to water and sanitation. Yet, their voices are not always taken into account and supply and sanitation programs neglect to build on their current and potential role in this area.

This needs to change. Water, sanitation and hygiene enable women to participate in the development of their communities, including, of course, decision-making and water supply and sanitation systems.

Both the EU and EurEau members cooperate with developing countries to transfer knowledge and technical assistance.

During our annual congress later this year, we will discuss how the European water sector can help realise all of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Women are key to these goals and they will be central to our discussions.

The water and sanitation sectors contribute to efforts to redress inequalities and can have a positive impact on the social, political and economic status of women. Well-targeted services can be designed to improve the health and safety of women and their families, allowing them to fully engage in social, economic and political activities. Women should be included in decision-making on water supply and sanitation.



(Bruno Tisserand is the president of EurEau, representing Europe's drinking water and waste water service operators).


Passengers owes at Padma ferry ghats

THOUSANDS of Eid holiday-makers from 17 southwestern districts remained stranded and suffering a lot while waiting to cross the Padma as the ferry service on Daulatdia-Paturia route is remained paralyzed due to strong currents.







Commuters suffering knows no bound also at Mawa-Kathalbari ferry ghat where only four small ferry boats are operating out of 19 because of faulty navigation channels. At many places shoals have emerged in the riverbeds causing impediments to uninterrupted movement of ferry services.







The situation is critical as women and children are facing terrible time waiting for the bus carrying them to cross the river to start Dhaka bound journey again. The Eid celebration has turned sour at the riverbanks.







Local BIWTC officials on the spots are of no help to the people languishing against odds and in fact they have hardly anything to do if prior arrangements were not made to face such situation. They are paid from taxpayers' money but what service they give is not clear. Our government only talks of big development but its inefficiency to operate ferry services in difficult situation shows its incompetence. It has left people exposed to rain and heat.







At Daulatdia-Paturia route people are waiting around four to five hours to get on a ferry. Over 500 vehicles, including buses and cars, were reportedly waiting for ferry services on Tuesday morning, creating 5-6km tailbacks on Daulatdia side of the river. More than 400 vehicles were stuck on both sides of Shimulia-Kathalbari ferry route. Ferries are taking twice the time in each trip due to strong currents, said official at Daulatdia office of BIWTC.





The ferry service on the route is reportedly hampered as water level of the Padma is dropping since August 31 and question arises if shoal and poor navigability is blocking ferry services during full monsoon season how it will operate in the dry season? The other question is why can't our government do things proactively before passengers face such problems. The fact is that our government has left the fate of the people to the vagaries of nature and whatever the government leaders say before cameras asking officials to repair roads and highways overnight is nothing but just eyewash to the nation.







People of the northwestern districts have nothing to hope better until the commissioning of the Padma Bridge, expected to open by early 2019. The suffering that cost people several hours waiting for river crossing and so many lives lost in boat capsize will then end over several minutes drive. The dream project can only mitigate people's owes.
Suu Kyi says, `fake news helping terrorists`

Myanmar's de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has claimed that the crisis in Rakhine state is being distorted by a "huge iceberg of misinformation".

In her first comments on the latest Rohingya crisis, she said tensions were being fanned by fake news promoting the interests of terrorists.

Ms Suu Kyi made the comments in a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, her office said.

More than 123,000 Rohingya have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh in two weeks.

The latest outbreak of violence has sent waves of refugees fleeing the country, which is also called Burma.

The latest government statement said Ms Suu Kyi told Mr Erdogan that her government had "already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible". Ms Suu Kyi is quoted as saying: "We know very well, more than most,

what it means to be deprived of human rights and democratic protection.

"So we make sure that all the people in our country are entitled to protection of their rights as well as, the right to, and not just political but social and humanitarian defence."

The statement also said there were many fake news photographs circulating which were "simply the tip of a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists".

There has certainly been a large amount of "fake news" surrounding recent events.

By 5 September there had been 1.2 million tweets talking about the crisis since refugees began flooding over the border, and many contain pictures purportedly showing a glimpse of the violence which has engulfed the region.

The problem is, according to the BBC's south-east Asia correspondent Jonathan Head, "much of it is wrong". A closer look reveals many - but not all - of the pictures come from other crises around the world, with one tweeted by Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek dating back to the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

But the BBC Burmese Service's Tin Htar Swe said much of the blame for Ms Suu Kyi's "iceberg" could be laid at the government's door.

"The fake news is generated because the government is not allowing media access to the troubled areas," she said. What's more, she added, "if they allowed the UN or human rights bodies to go to the place to find out what is happening then this misinformation is not going to take place".

As a result, all people outside the affected areas have to rely on is the conflicting accounts of the Rohingya fleeing Myanmar and the government - with the space in between ripe for "fake news".

However, we do know the latest conflict was sparked on 25 August when Rohingya militants attacked police posts, triggering a military counter-offensive.

The military says it is fighting against Rohingya militants who are attacking civilians.

But the Rohingya families streaming north into Bangladesh have been reporting that security forces, sometimes backed by armed Buddhist civilians, burned their villages and opened fire on their inhabitants.

Their story has been contradicted by Myanmar's Minister in charge of Border Security in Rakhine, Col Phone Tint. He told our correspondent Jonathan Head who is travelling on a government-organised visit to the border town of Maungdaw that the destruction of villages was a deliberate strategy by the militants, aimed at forcing the Muslim population to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, two Bangladeshi government sources told Reuters news agency they believe Myanmar has been laying fresh landmines along the border, despite the flood of refugees trying to cross to safety.

The allegations came after blasts were heard in the area, in which two children and a woman were injured, according to news agency AFP.

Media captionRohingya families are living in makeshift shelters in refugee camps

The area was mined in the 1990s, during military rule, to prevent trespassing. Myanmar's government has yet to respond as to whether or not fresh mines have been laid in recent weeks, Reuters said.

But on Monday, Ms Suu Kyi's spokesman Zaw Htay questioned who exactly had placed the explosives.
Take Rohingya issue to UN

Accusing the government of having failed to take any step to resolve the Rohingya crisis, BNP on Wednesday urged it to raise the issue at the United Nations.

"Foreign ministers from Indonesia and Turkey are arriving here over the Rohingya crisis. The United Nations has issued a statement to stop persecution on them immediately. But, our government didn't send any envoy anywhere and it still didn't take any step to take the issue to the United Nations," said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

He further said, "From this meeting, I strongly demand the government immediately raise the issue at the United Nations and take proper steps to resolve the problem."

The BNP leader came up with the comments while speaking at a discussion programme arranged by Dhaka North city unit BNP at the Jatiya Press Club, marking the 10th 'jail release' day of BNP senior vice chairman Tarique Rahman.

Fakhrul said the government has failed to give shelter to thousands of Muslim and Hindu Rohingyas who are fleeing their country in the face of mass killing and persecution by the Myanmar army.

"The current government has also failed to force the Myanmar authorities to take back the Rohingya refugees ensuring their rights and dignity through diplomatic efforts," he observed.

The BNP secretary general alleged that the current government is again trying to hold a lopsided election like January-5, 2014 one.

He warned that the country's people will not allow the ruling party to hold any lopsided election. "The 11th parliamentary elections must be held under a neutral election-time supportive government conducted by an impartial Election Commission."

Fakhrul said the government is killing people and making them disappeared as it has no accountability.

He called upon BNP leaders and activists to get united to get rid of the 'misrule' of the current regime through putting up a strong resistance at every locality.
Turkey`s First Lady due today to see plight of Rohingyas

Turkey`s First Lady Emine Erdogan will arrive in Dhaka early Thursday to meet Rohingya Muslims who fled persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine state. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Hakan Cavusoglu announced the visit in Ankara on Wednesday.

A foreign ministry official in Dhaka said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam would receive her at the airport.

According to the schedule of Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, he would accompany the first lady to Cox's Bazar camps on Thursday.

She is also expected to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday before leaving Dhaka.

More than 125, 000 Rohingya refugees have crossed into Bangladesh as tens of thousands more were internally displaced by the latest violence on Aug 25, according to the UN agencies.

The violence drew global condemnation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres wrote "officially" to the president of the Security Council to express his concern. He also appreciated Bangladesh for allowing in Rohingya refugees.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also phoned his Bangladesh counterpart Md Abdul Hamid and supported measures taken by Bangladesh over the Rohingya refugee issue in the conversation last week.

He expressed concern over the ongoing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state.

Cavusoglu, Turkey's deputy prime minister, speaking in Ankara, said the first lady would have "close contact" with Rohingya Muslims who had escaped from Myanmar.

"Also our Turkish Coordination and Cooperation Agency head and our foreign minister, who is currently in Azerbaijan, will head to Bangladesh to meet, contact and provide aid opportunities there," he said.
7 charred bodies found inside Mirpur `militant den`

Staff Reporter :

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Wednesday recovered seven charred bodies, including two women and two children, from the suspected militant hideout on the Mirpur's Mazar Road in the city on Wednesday morning.

"We found the corpses of militant Abu Abdullah, his two wives, two children and two associates across the apartment," RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed said while talking to reporters at the spot in the afternoon.

RAB chief thinks that the dead include Abdullah, son of late Mir Yusuf Ali from Chuadanga district, his wives Nasrin and Fatema, sons Umar and Usama and his two employees, whose names could not be confirmed.

The RAB men also recovered several bones from the spot, he said the identities of the deceased could be confirmed after DNA test, the DG said.

The RAB chief said also that the explosives, which went off on Tuesday night, had been made of acid, petrol and chemicals and these completely destroyed the third and fourth floors of the building. The law enforcers left the spot quickly as the temperature there was 55-60 Degree Celsius, he said.

"We tried to rescue the innocent women and children alive, but failed as Abdullah himself detonated the explosives killing his family members and accomplices," the RAB top official said.

Benazir said Abdullah joined Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in 2005 and later joined the Neo-JMB's Sarwar-Tamim group in 2012. He provided shelter and financial help to the top leaders of Neo-JMB, Benazir added.

The operation resumed at 9:30am with bomb disposal units, dog squads and the assistance of Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence, after overnight massive explosions and exchange of gunfire, said Mufti Mahmud Khan, Director of the Legal and Media Wing of the elite force.

The militants carried out three massive explosions inside the building around 9:45pm followed by three more blasts which led to a fire, leaving four RAB men injured with splinters, he said.

The building owned by Habibullah Bahar Azad has five flats on its each floor. He lives on the 2nd floor, according to the RAB spokesman.

Law enforcers earlier claimed that the suspected militant, Abdullah, son of late Mir Yusuf Ali, agreed to surrender along with his two wives, two children and two associates, he said.

The operation will be resumed today (Thursday) morning, he further said.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Hoque visited the spot in the morning.

RAB Additional Deputy General (Operations) Colonel Anwar Latif said that 12 fire fighting units rushed to the spot after a fire broke out in the hideout after the militants commenced a daring counterattack with bomb explosions and gunfire against the law enforcers on Tuesday night.

"We allowed the residents of the building to return home after verification. They were kept at Darus Salam High School on Tuesday," he said.

The house owner Habibullah Bahar Azad and Abdullah's sister were in their custody.

Tipped off, a RAB team cordoned off the six-storey building on the south side of Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard at 12:15 am on Tuesday.

Security forces sealed the six-storey building and evacuated residents of 23 out of the 24 apartments before cutting off utility supplies on Tuesday morning.

Earlier, police arrested two suspected militants conducting a drive in Tangail district and got information about Abdullah from the arrestees.
Rohingya influx protested

Special Correspondent :

Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday summoned the Myanmar acting ambassador in Dhaka Aung Myint to register its protest against the 'unprecedented' influx of Rohingya refugees at an 'increasing rate' in the recent time.

Ambassador Aung Myint was called to meet Director General of the Southeast Asia desk Manjurul Karim Khan. During the meeting, an informal letter was handed over to the Myanmar envoy demanding repatriation of all Myanmar citizens from Bangladesh.

The DG expressed grave concern at the continued influx of Rohingya Muslims from the Rakhine State of Myanmar into Bangladesh. He mentioned that around 1, 23,000 Myanmar citizens have taken shelter in Bangladesh in the last two weeks.

He also expressed Bangladesh's readiness to engage with Myanmar to discuss the modalities of repatriation in Myanmar. Apart from new arrivals, around 500,000 documented and undocumented Myanmar nationals have also been staying in Bangladesh for years.

Manjurul Karim Khan, during the meeting, further protested about laying landmines by the Myanmar authorities on Bangladesh-Myanmar border.

Officials said Aung Myint was summoned for the third time in a span of only two weeks centering the Rohingya refugee issue. In the second time [August 28], Dhaka proposed starting a joint anti-terrorism crackdown with Yangon especially against the Arakan Army and other insurgent outfits of Myanmar.

But in the first and third meetings, Dhaka severely protested about the influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed has urged the global community to stand beside the Rohingya Muslims. "We're looking after the Rohingyas on humanitarian grounds. But we've limitations. It is difficult to give shelter to a huge number of Rohingyas in Bangladesh. If other states share the Rohingyas, it will reduce the pressure on us," he said on Wednesday.

When asked whether Bangladesh would cut ties with Myanmar like Maldives, the Minister said, "Bangladesh cannot cut financial ties easily with Myanmar over Rohingya crisis due to geo-political reasons. Besides, Bangladesh and Myanmar are close neighbours."

The National Human Rights Commission in a statement issued on Wednesday said its Myanmar's responsibility to look after the human rights condition of the Rohingyas.

The NHRC said that it will send letters to other national and international human rights organizations to initiate talks with their relevant governments for creating economic and diplomatic pressure on Myanmar government to stop the genocide.

"Despite huge adversity, Bangladesh has been providing shelter, food and medicine to the Rohingyas considering the human rights condition. So, the Myanmar government should stop the genocide. At the same time, the Myanmar government must take back its nationals those have taken shelter in Bangladesh," the NHRC said.

In the statement, NHRC also said, "It is extreme violation of human rights, in which way Myanmar government has been carrying out repression, killings and destruction in the Rakhine state. The Rohingya women and children are not getting respite of it."

Official sources said that Border Guard Bangladesh on Wednesday pushed back 2649 Rohingyas while they tried to enter Bangladesh through four points of Teknaf border.

"About 2649 Rohingyas tried to enter Bangladesh but we thwarted their effort. BGB troops are in alert position to tackle any untoward situation," Lieutenant Colonel SM Ariful Islam, Commander of BGB -2 at Teknaf, said yesterday.

But local sources from Cox's Bazar said that hundreds of Rohingya refugees entered Bangladesh through different points of the border like other days defying security surveillance. They have taken shelter at Mouchni, Nayapara, Leda, Kutupalong and Balukhali refugee camps.


Landmines laid close to borders

Fleeing Rohingyas continue to pour into BD: 63 mostly kids, women found dead on shore in 2 weeks: 420 drown in boat tragedies

A Rohingya refugee girl sits next to her mother who rests after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Teknaf, Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Staff Reporter :

Rohingya refugees from Myanmar continued to pour into Bangladesh with many drowned after boats sank during their bid to flee violence that killed over 420 people and displaced tens of thousands.

At least 63 Rohingya refugees, mostly children and women, found dead on Bangladesh shore in the last two weeks.

Cxbcoordination.org, the portal managed by International Organization for Migration (IOM) for better coordination of humanitarian response in Cox's Bazar on Wednesday said about 146,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state until Wednesday, almost two weeks after insurgents attacked police posts and an army base, prompting a brutal military counteroffensive and clashes.

They are passing their days in great misery for want of shelter, food and drinking water at many points of no man's land area.

On Wednesday, at least eight bodies, including five children of Rohingya refugees, were recovered after a boat capsized in Naf River in Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar district. With the latest incident, the death toll from the boat capsize rose to 63.

"A boat carrying Rohingyas sank in the Naf River at Shah Pori Dwip at about 3:00am on Wednesday," Mohammad Mainuddin Khan, Officer-in-Charge of Teknaf Police Station told journalists yesterday, saying some managed to swim ashore but many of them are still missing.

Five children, aged between 6 and 7, washed up dead on the Bangladesh shore, he said. "Locals reported to police after they found the children floating on the river on Wednesday morning."

Hundreds of Rohingyas were seen entering Bangladesh by 15 to 20 boats each carrying 25 to 30 Rohingyas at Shamlapur bazar in Baharchhara Union in Teknaf.

Besides, many Rohingya refugees have been missing since Tuesday after a group crossed the river Naf that separates Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Those who managed to enter Bangladesh sought shelter in refugee camps or people's homes.

Although many of those on board could swim and were able to reach the river bank, seven people remain missing.

They scrambled over barbed wire fences on as the border guards tried to stop them. Thousands of refugees have been trapped in no man's land since August 25.

Those who could not cross, including many women and children, are spending rainy night and days under the open sky at many points of no man's land.

Rohingya residents and human rights groups accuse the military and border guard forces of raping Rohingya women, torching houses and killing civilians during operations

As many as 400 people have been reported dead in fighting that has rocked the country's northwest, according to latest official figures.

On Wednesday, Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi blamed "terrorists" for "a huge iceberg of misinformation" on the violence but did not say anything about the Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh since late August.

The leader of Buddhist-majority Myanmar has come under pressure from countries with Muslim populations over the crisis, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday warned of the risk of ethnic cleansing and regional destabilisation.

In a rare letter expressing concern that the violence that has raged for nearly two weeks in the northwestern state could spiral into a "humanitarian catastrophe", Guterres urged the UN Security Council to press for restraint.

Barefoot and running for her life, Rohingya Dilara, 20, reached Bangladesh in recent days clutching her young son, her family torn apart by violence in Myanmar.

"My husband was shot in the village. I escaped with my son and in-laws," said Dilara as she trudged on mud-caked feet into Kutupalong refugee camp on Friday. "We walked for three days, hiding when we had to. The mountain was wet and slippery and I kept falling."

Dilara lost track of her in-laws during the journey and followed her fellow villagers to the camp. "I don't know where I am  I just knew to run to save my life," she said in a daze, carrying her 18-month toddler and nothing else.

With nowhere to go, many of the new arrivals are being directed to the existing refugee camps that were established in the 1990s.

Many are hungry, in poor physical condition and in need of life-saving support.

UNHCR is gravely concerned about the continuing conflict in Myanmar and by reports that civilians have died trying to reach safety. It is of utmost urgency to address the root causes of the recent surge in violence so that people are no longer compelled to flee and can eventually return home in safety and dignity.

Those who have made it to Bangladesh are in poor condition. Most have walked for days from their villages - hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes. They are hungry, weak and sick.

With hundreds of new refugees arriving every day, Kutupalong and Nayapara camps are at breaking point. The new arrivals are hosted by refugee families and in refugee schools, community centres, madrassas and covered structures.

There is an urgent need for additional emergency shelters and land as more refugees arrive. Coordination is crucial with the authorities to ensure that life-saving assistance gets to those who need it the most.

Three Rohingya children who sustained injuries reportedly from landmine explosion along Myanmar-Bangladesh border on Tuesday were taken to Teknaf in Cox's Bazar crossing the border and admitted to Kutupalaong refugee camp hospital.

The injured were identified as Umme Sultana, 13, Ibrahim, 16 and Md Yunus, 11.

Earlier on Monday, one leg of a Rohingya woman-Sabekun Nahar, 45, -- was blown off in an explosion along the border.

When asked about explosions along Myanmar-Bangladesh border, Major Iqbal Ahmed, Second-in Command, 34 BGB Battalion, said, "A woman was injured in landmine explosion at 2:30 pm Tuesday while two siblings were injured at 8:00am on the same day. Rohingyas saw 8 landmines near Tombroo along the border between 12:30pm and 1:00pm on Tuesday and two of those exploded that caused minor injuries to two children."

All the explosions occurred on Myanmar side, he added.

Meanwhile, four more Rohingyas, who sustained bullet wounds by security forces in Rakhine State of Myanmar, were admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH).

They were taken to the hospital for better treatment on Tuesday night and early Wednesday, Alauddin Talukder, Sub Inspector at CMCH police outpost.

The injured were identified as Md Shafi, 25, son of Nurul Amin, Hasina Begum, 18, daughter of Ahmad Hossain, Jafar ALam, 25, son of Nuru Mia, Osama, 16, son of Abdul Jabbar hailing from different areas of Maungdu in Myanmar.

With the four, around 50 injured Rohingyas have been admitted to CMCH after fresh violence erupted in Rakhine State of Myanmar. Besides, many bullet-hit and burn-injured Rohingyas are undergoing treatment at Kutupalong refugee camp health complex and Cox's Bazar Digital Hospital.
KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), the first industrial park to be jointly developed by Malaysia and China, is on track to achieve its investment target, according to MCKIP Chairman Soam Heng Choon.

Soam said in a recent interview with Xinhua that so far, the industrial park has secured 30 billion ringgit ($7.03 billion) in foreign investments, which is within his expectation.

At least 18 investors at MCKIP came from industries related to energy-saving and environmental technologies, high-end equipment and advanced materials manufacturing as well as heavy industries, he said.

Soam, also chief executive officer and managing director of Malaysia's established conglomerate IJM Corp which is one of the stakeholders of MCKIP, said, "The demand from investors has been encouraging. Our focus now is to get these investments on ground."

Noting that most of the investments originated from China, the veteran businessman sees the high level of interest from Chinese investors as a reflection of a positive development and investors' confidence in MCKIP and the Malaysian government's commitment to supporting the growth of MCKIP.

Although China's investors are the industrial park's main partners, Soam said the management is open to investors from home and other countries, who are looking to expand their foothold and take advantage of MCKIP's strategic location.

Soam acknowledged that competition is rife among industrial parks in the country and in neighboring countries. But Malaysia's cultural diversity, its high adaptability as well as attractive incentives that are doled out by the government have been MCKIP's main selling point.

Investors are given a 15-year tax exemption period by the government - a special incentive that no other industrial parks in Malaysia offers.

MCKIP's strong relationship with the Kuantan Port, a strategic shipping port located 10 km from MCKIP, also makes the industrial park an attractive destination for businesses.

According to Soam, the port is expected to secure the final clearance to operate as a Free Trade Zone by the end of this year, which he sees as a highly complementary feature.

It is also noted that Hong Kong's NewOcean Energy has recently announced its plan to set up an oil refinery and related sea terminal facilities at the Kuantan Port for the export and sale of petroleum products.

Soam is hopeful that by utilising the Kuantan Port's existing and new berths as well as its terminal equipment, the new refinery project will augment the port's throughput.

In line with the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, MCKIP together with its sister park, the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park, has been identified by the Malaysian and Chinese governments as iconic projects in their bilateral investment cooperation.

According to Soam, managers of these two parks are constantly exploring alternatives to strengthen their partnership.

"We are looking for more cooperation, not only the joint communication, but also the exchange of technology and industry," said Soam, who believes the further tie-up will also augur well to MCKIP's investment outlook.
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CAIRO  U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth continues to push Housing and Urban Development officials to get their story straight concerning the relocation effort in Cairo.

Duckworth, D-Ill., has said on numerous occasions that the lack of consistent information from HUD officials is both frustrating and confusing to residents and other concerned city leaders and federal officials.

Ben Garmisa, a spokesman for Duckworth, said the senator's continued insistence for clarity on the nuts-and-bolts issues concerning the move  including how long residents have to find a place to live after receiving a voucher and whether most people prefer to stay in Cairo or move to another location  is not intended to be adversarial.

Rather, Garmisa said the senator believes it is important that everyone is on the same page with the facts to allow for honest, even if difficult, conversations to unfold.

What do residents want?

For example, Garmisa said the senator is still waiting for Housing and Urban Development to provide data supporting the claim by the deputy director of the Chicago-based regional field office that most residents of Elmwood and McBride public housing complexes want to leave Cairo.

HUD has been charged with the operations of the Alexander County Housing Authority since it placed it under administrative receivership on Feb. 22, 2016. More than a year later, in April, HUD officials announced that they were going to relocate about 400 people from their unsafe housing complexes and provide them with rental vouchers. They also told the residents that many would have to move to communities outside of Cairo because of a shortage of affordable housing in the deeply rooted, African-American city that has been the only home many of these residents have ever known.

Duckworth first made the data request to HUD in early July after meeting with residents in Cairo. She told the newspaper during that visit that she also met with HUD Region V Deputy Regional Administrator Jim Cunningham. And according to Duckworth, Cunningham told the senator that although the residents who want to stay are the most vocal, the majority of families prefer to relocate to communities outside of Cairo.

Duckworth said Cunningham told her that HUD knows this is the case based on the residents' responses on their intake forms for their voucher and relocation services concerning where they want to move.

But Duckworth said HUDs claim that most people want to relocate is confusing to her given the number of people who have approached her about their desires to stay in Cairo. Duckworth told The Southern during her July visit to Cairo that was why she requested the data from the intake reports  so that it could clear up the confusion about what it is that most residents want.

In a meeting that took place in Sen. Dick Durbin's office, Duckworth said she also asked HUD Secretary Ben Carson and his senior advisers on Cairo who were present in a meeting the following week in Washington for the same information.

In response to Duckworth raising the question about the intake survey results, the newspaper also requested the information from HUD the day after Duckworths visit to Cairo. At the time, HUD spokesman Jerry Brown said the agency was not prepared to release the data because the report was not finalized. The newspaper followed up again last week, two months after making the initial request.

Brown responded to the newspapers email stating that HUD is not prepared to turn over the results of the intake surveys. He provided this explanation: Publishing or sharing specifics may bring additional, unnecessary pressure on specific residents.

We have no doubt that given the option, most tenants would choose to reside in Cairo, Brown added. Sadly, the affordable housing market in Cairo will not support everyone who would like to stay.

The newspaper responded to Brown restating, and further clarifying, its previous request for aggregate data, not specific privileged information of HUDs housing clients.

Brown said he would check with the HUD team leaders assigned to Cairo. In a follow up response, he said the newspaper can file a Freedom of Information Act request for the information. The newspaper has filed the FOIA request, but it may be weeks before the information is released.

Though, typically, information requested by congressional officeholders does not require submission of a FOIA. It was not clear to the newspaper why Duckworths office had not been provided the information she claims to have requested on at least two occasions in the past two months.

Duckworth: 'Recognizing reality' is important

Duckworth, asked about Browns comment stating that most residents would like to remain in Cairo given the option, said,  Im glad HUD is now acknowledging the clear reality on the ground: most of the families  many of whom have roots going back generations in Cairo  want to remain in Cairo and help rebuild their community.

Recognizing reality is certainly an important step, but the hardworking people of Cairo deserve action from the Secretary too, and Im going to keep pressing him to help the families of McBride and Elmwood, including by pursuing all options to build or rehab housing facilities, and to work with his Administration colleagues to bring real economic development and growth to the region.

Asked to respond to Duckworths comments and clarify if there was a change of story about the HUD intake data on whether people want to stay or go, Brown said he isnt going to wade into a political debate. He said people often change their minds about where they want to go through these types of processes, as was the case during HUDs most recent relocation effort of about 1,000 people from a housing complex sitting on a Superfund site in East Chicago, Indiana.

Brown: HUD will focus on its clients

The back-and-forth is confusing to the residents and not helpful to the process, he said. Brown added, Rather than get in a debate, well continue to focus on providing housing options.

But Duckworth has maintained her aim is not to create confusion, but to clear it up.

Duckworth relayed to the newspaper during the July interview that she said to Cunningham during their meeting, Youre telling me a lot of the residents dont want to stay here, and yet every resident Ive talked to has said, We want to stay. So I want the intake report.

Why is it you in Chicago are getting a different picture through your chain of reporting than what is happening here?

At the time, Duckworth said the lack of facts led her to draw the conclusion that were still in crisis mode in Cairo.

Other concerns of confusion raised

Late last week, the newspaper also was provided by Duckworths office a response to questions that had been posed to Secretary Carson following the meeting in Washington with Duckworth and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and other HUD officials. There were additional discrepancies between HUDs responses and what Duckworth and Durbin previously said Carson and his staff previously agreed to do.

In a July 20 letter, following their meeting with Carson, the senators thanked Carson for agreeing to visit Cairo to witness firsthand the unacceptable and outrageous public housing conditions and to hear directly from residents.

Durbin and Duckworth also wrote that they fully supported HUD's decision under Secretary Carson to provide Tenant Protection Vouchers that have no time limit or restrictions on their use. These special TPVs will afford families the necessary time and comfort to make the right decision in determining when and where to relocate from Elmwood Place and McBride Place, they wrote.

Given that the The Southern Illinoisan was not present at the meeting, the newspaper cannot determine where the breakdown in communication occurred  but its apparent there has been one. On Aug. 25, HUDs Seth Appleton, acting assistant secretary for congressional and intergovernmental relations, responded to several questions previously posed in a joint letter by Duckworth and Durbin, including about the deadline for use of the vouchers once they are issued to tenants.

Appleton wrote that the Menard County Housing Authority is administering the vouchers, and that according to MCHA staff, the vouchers can be active, with extensions, for up to 330 days. Appleton further qualified that by adding, while the vouchers may be active for up to 330 days, circumstances may change that require residents to move prior to voucher expiration. He did not further clarify what those circumstances might entail. Brown, the HUD spokesman, recently told the newspaper that the agency is encouraging residents to move before winter, because there might not be money to repair boilers that break, which provide heat.

Duckworth and Durbin had also previously stated that Secretary Carson had agreed to remove a 250-mile limit on full-service contract moves for residents. But again, the letter contradicted that, restating the same facts that HUD staffers had previously provided to the newspaper and residents. Residents have three options for moving expenses.

They can chose to move themselves, and receive a flat rate based on unit size. They can opt for a full-service move up to 250 miles, or if they are moving a longer distance, they can be reimbursed for expenses, for up to the amount that would be covered for a contract move up to 250 miles. According to HUD, this amount is likely to fully cover a move, even one across the country, for someone who opts for the self-move option, such as by renting a UHaul truck and seeking reimbursement of expenses.

Finally, HUDs Appleton also responded to Duckworth and Durbins request for information about who wants to stay, but Garmisa, with Duckworth's office, said the response was not clear.

Appleton wrote that 213 households are eligible for vouchers, including some families that lived in Elmwood and McBride from when HUD began administrative receivership in February 2016 but who moved prior to the April relocation announcement.

Housing counselors have worked with 174 households between April 10 and Aug. 9, and since that date 133 vouchers have been issued and 9 families have moved. In April, HUD said there were 185 families still living at Elmwood and McBride. Of the 133 vouchers issued, 34 households have indicated a desire to remain in Cairo, HUDs Appleton wrote to Sen. Duckworth.

As of deadline, it was not clear to the newspaper if these numbers reflected the intake survey data discussed earlier in this article by HUD officials and Duckworth.

In addition to the communication issues, the Cairo relocation effort also apparently has been snagged by an unwillingness for residents to participate in tours to see housing in other communities coordinated by the company HUD has contracted with to provide mobility counseling services.

Some residents have reported feeling threatened to participate because of the pressure by those who want HUD to rebuild in the city  including other public housing residents, city leaders and community activists  not to sign up for or participate in the relocation activities.

Other residents say they dont want to go because it is not comfortable piling onto a bus with several of their neighbors for a house-hunting activity that feels deeply personal and is at times emotional.

Even some of the residents who say they are interested in looking outside of Cairo for other living arrangements, or at the very least exploring their options, say they feel conflicted about going through with it. Since April, residents of Elmwood and McBride have not been required to pay rent. There also have been discussions among community leaders about hopes of recruiting a private developer to town to build houses so that most people can stay, but there's been no groundbreakings to date and this remains an uncertain and long-shot prospect.
HARRISBURG  During a special meeting of the Saline County Board on Thursday, members will discuss a potential audit of an unidentified county office.

Stephen Carns, the board's parliamentarian, said he could not delve into the specifics of which office was under scrutiny, but said in the last four to six months, red flags have been thrown up regarding taxpayer money.

There are indications that there may be funds that have not been properly accounted for, Carns said.

He said the allegations are serious and that there are a sufficient number of board members on various committees who have concerns that county money has been mishandled.

Carns said he did not call the meeting, but did sign a petition to have the meeting called  he said a minimum of five members have to sign off on special meetings. The other four signatures were from commissioners Mike McKinnes, Joe Jackson, Benny Gibbs and Roger Craig.

Carns said he believed there would be time during the meeting for a representative from the accused office to address the board, however he was not sure of the specific agenda.

Im sure that the board would seek input with the office they are concerned with, he said.

Carns did say that through such discussion the board could decide not to proceed with the proposed forensic audit, however he said he did not see this as likely.

At this point in time, I believe the board would probably proceed with a full audit just simply to allay any concerns, Carns said.

Carns said he knows board members have contacted several firms, but said he is unaware if a particular audit team has been chosen should the board vote to proceed.

Should the board vote to move forward with the audit, it would be only the most recent in a series of such investigations in Southern Illinois.

On Aug. 24, the FBI raided Zeiglers City Hall, targeting treasurer Ryan Thorpes office, prompting the City Council to place him on administrative leave during a special meeting that very day. Details are sparse regarding the specifics of that investigation.

Similarly, earlier this year, newly-elected Franklin County Circuit Clerk Jim Muir called for a special forensic audit of his office after he could not adequately complete a past due state-required exit audit because of missing files.

Also, in 2016, Kindra Eickelman, 49, was ordered to pay $37,403 in restitution to cover the $23,121 she took from the Franklin County circuit clerks office between 2012 and 2014. Eickleman pleaded guilty to one count of official misconduct and one count of theft of between $10,000 and $100,000. She was arrested in 2014 after leaving her post and admitting to stealing from the office.

Saline Countys special meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in the county board room at the Saline County Courthouse.
OKAWVILLE  Though acreage has been stagnant, wheat growers in Illinois are steadily increasing yields.

The crop harvested this year was possibly the best on record, with the average state yield of 74 bushels filling grain bins. Quality was also high in most areas. There was little to complain about in 2017, according to University of Illinois agronomist Emerson Nafziger.

I talked to people who would normally expect 60-bushel wheat who got 100 this year, Nafziger said at the Illinois Wheat Forum here. Lots of people in Illinois this year reported the highest wheat yields theyve ever had.

Still, acreage is at an all-time low, holding at about 520,000 acres, the same as in 2016.

Im a little bit encouraged now that we may be leveling off. But were leveling off at a half-million acres, Nafziger said. Throughout most of our lifetimes, we were at 2 million.

Prices certainly havent added incentive to plant more wheat. And, Nafziger pointed out, farmers who abandon acres of a crop rarely return to it.

This happened with our other crops, too, he said. Oats have almost disappeared. At one time we had more oats in Illinois than wheat. Grain sorghum has never has taken off. It hovers around 50,000 to 60,000 acres.

Meanwhile, yields continue to grow. That may one of the biggest untold stories of the past few years, Nafziger said. Wheat yields in Illinois are actually outpacing those of corn and soybeans.

Its a pretty positive message, Nafziger said. Before 2006-07, yields were pretty bouncy in this crop. Thats different in corn and soybeans. Theyve been pretty steady upward. This is good progress  50 bushels to 70 bushels on the trend line between 1995 and 2017. Thats about 0.9 bushels per acre per year, better than corn and soybeans, from a percentage basis.

The yield success isnt reflected in planted acreage. Problems in the past with diseases such as fusarium head scab have resulted in quality issues and dockage. And as global wheat production has flourished in recent years, prices have fallen well below $5.

Wheat has become a pretty minor rounding error when you look at the crops we grow here, Nafziger said. The corn acreage we lost from 2015 to 2017 was as much as our total wheat acres.

The crop still fits well in southern Illinois in a double-crop system with soybeans. In many years, it holds up well economically against a corn-soybean rotation or continuous corn. Conditions were nearly perfect for the crop in Illinois in 2017.

We did have a very forgiving fall and winter; it never got too cold, Nafziger said. Heading started early in southern Illinois, probably as early as weve ever seen it. But then we had that stretch of cool, wet, rainy weather late April and early May. We had a lot of concern about all the rainfall. Certainly ahead of normal in southern Illinois. The big story is that was hardly any fusarium head scab.

Harvest could hardly have been better for the crop. We had almost 50 percent harvested by June 15. Thats really outstanding. Most stands with double crop are pretty good. Im impressed generally with the soybean crop. If we continue to get some rain we have good potential.

Nafziger pointed out that a wheat crop has other benefits, including standing in as a virtual cover crop.
Rauner's office on Wednesday said the trip will start Saturday in Tokyo, where the governor will attend the Midwest-USA Japan Conference. Former Illinois Gov. James Thompson started the conference nearly 50 years ago. Rauner then will continue on to Shanghai and Hangzhou, China, where he will have meetings with government officials that his office says will promote Illinois in China.
HARRISBURG  Natalie Phelps Finnie, a nurse, wife and mother of three, has been named to fill the seat vacated by this past week's resignation of former State Rep. Brandon Phelps.

Phelps Finnie, a Democrat from Elizabethtown, is the daughter of former Congressman David Phelps and cousin of Brandon's, according to a news release from her office. Brandon Phelps announced his resignation on Friday, citing health reasons. He has held the seat since 2003.

Phelps Finnie has spent much of her career as an advanced practice nurse at the Gallatin Wellness Center, a school-based health clinic that often serves as a front-line care provider for many area children.

She plans to maintain the 118th district office in Harrisburg.

Our area has given me so much, and Ive always strived to give back," she said in a statement. "Growing up, my grandmother often quoted Luke 12:48: To whom much is given, much shall be required.'"

"As a mother, wife and nurse, I know that service means putting others first. I never thought my path of service would lead me to represent our families in the Capitol, but more than anything I want to make sure Southern Illinois still has a leader who will make our voices and our values heard.

Following closely on the virtual heels on Phelps Finnie's announcement as Brandon's successor was a comment from a would-be competitor, Patrick Windhorst. He is State's Attorney for Massac County.

The 118th district is not the Phelps family seat," Windhorst said. "Southern Illinois needs change, not more of the same. Our voice in Springfield is too important to be handed down to the next available Phelps family member. Career politicians, political insiders and the Madigan-Phelps machine have gotten us into this mess. We need a conservative outsider to clean it up.
CHICAGO  Mayor Rahm Emanuel says Chicago students "have nothing to worry about" as President Donald Trump's administration said it will wind down a program protecting young immigrants from deportation.

Emanuel spoke as Chicago Public Schools marked the first day of classes Tuesday. The mayor told students at Solorio Academy High School they "are welcome in the city of Chicago." The Chicago Sun-Times reports that school officials say about a third of the school's students are undocumented citizens. Emanuel said Chicago schools "will be a Trump-free zone."

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday said the program known as DACA is an "unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch."

Chicago is suing the Trump administration over its policy of withholding public safety grants from so-called sanctuary cities unless they agree to tougher immigration enforcement.

 Associated Press
The Great American Eclipse has come and gone, and area eye doctors say they're pleased to report that most individuals seemed to heed warnings about protecting their eyes during the celestial event.

A total solar eclipse occurred from coast to coast across a swath of the United States on Aug. 21. Orangeburg County was in path of the eclipse.

Because staring directly at the sun can damage the retina, citizens were urged to wear specially designed eclipse glasses to protect their vision from what most often is reported as solar retinopathy. Solar retinopathy is damage to the eye's retina from prolonged exposure to solar radiation or other bright light. It usually occurs from staring at the sun, watching a solar eclipse, or viewing an ultraviolet, Illuminant D65, or other bright light.

"I will be honest. I thought for sure that we'd see at least somebody who didn't obey the rules. But I haven't, and I don't think any of my partners have seen anyone with any problems," said Dr. John F. Payne of Palmetto Retina Center LLC at 1170 Boulevard St. in Orangeburg.

"We cover a pretty broad area. So I'm really surprised that we didn't see anybody, but that's all great news. I think it goes to show how good the education was this time around on eye protection and that everyone was paying attention" Payne said.

Dr. Michael McMullen of Orangeburg Eye Center at 1190 Summers Ave. in Orangeburg said he was also pleasantly surprised to not have any reports of eye damage following the eclipse.

"No, everybody was fine. I had nobody come in with any problems from the eclipse. So everybody did what they were supposed to do," McMullen said.

He added, "The dangers of the eclipse were covered extensively by the newspaper and on television. So I think everybody got the message about how to safely view it."

The danger was real, McMullen said.

"When you stare at the sun, it can damage the very center of the retina, which is called the fovea. That term solar retinopahty is a spot of missing vision in the center, but thankfully nobody had that," he said.

The Aug. 21 eclipse drew thousands of people from across the state and nation to Orangeburg County.

The last time South Carolina was in the path of totality for a solar eclipse was on March 7, 1970, and the next one won't be until 2052.
Claflin University announced the appointment of Barbara Steadman as major gifts officer in the Division of Institutional Advancement.

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Steadman to Claflins fundraising team, said the Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, vice president for Institutional Advancement at Claflin.

Her primary responsibility will be cultivating and soliciting individual gifts to the university of $50,000 or more, which is critical to the success of our strategic plan, Claflin LEADS: A Shared Vision for the 21st Century, he said.

Steadman has 20 years of experience in fundraising, board governance, alumni relations, media relations, web development and marketing. She comes to Claflin from the South Carolina Governors School for Science and Mathematics where she served as director of development.

Previously, Steadman provided support for successful capital campaigns at Coker College in Hartsville and a $105 million campaign at Allegheny College. She also served as the director of resource development at the Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Assault.

Steadman is a member of the International Rotary and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She has worked with several community organizations including the Community Foundation for a Better Hartsville and the Hartsville Chamber of Commerce.

Steadman is a graduate of the University of North Dakota where she earned a bachelors degree in communications.
Forecasters dont yet know if Hurricane Irma will affect The T&D Region, but officials urge citizens to be prepared as the storm could pose a serious threat.

Its still too early to determine what the direct impacts would be to the Orangeburg area, said Jeff Linton, forecaster with the National Weather Service.

But it is a threat, he said.

Florida declared a state of emergency Tuesday as Irma strengthened to a Category 5 storm headed for islands in the northwest Caribbean.

It could reach the Orangeburg area early next week, Linton said, with conditions getting breezy on Sunday.

But if it does impact us, the effects will probably be Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, he said.

The local impact depends on Irmas track, he said.

If it interacts with the land in Florida, then comes through Georgia, it would be much less general wind, but it would still be a threat with floods and tornadoes, he said.

If it were to turn north sooner and not have so much interaction with land, say just off Florida, the east coast, then move directly into this state, of course it would be much more wind here, he said. But its still a ways out. Its really hard to say.

Being close to land could have the effect of weakening the storm somewhat, he said, but it still could be very dangerous.

All I can tell you is it is a threat, and everyone should ensure they have their hurricane plan in place, he said.

Residents should think about their preparation and evacuation plans, particularly if they live in mobile homes or flood-prone areas, he said. Also, residents should think about trees in their yards and where they might fall on homes. They should also secure yard items such as lawn furniture.

Billy Staley, director of the Orangeburg County Office of Emergency Services, said, Its too early to tell where its going, but were going through, checking our contact list, making sure that weve got good numbers for all of our people and all of the towns and the government officials throughout the municipalities.

So were doing that today and double-checking all of our equipment, generators that we have. The countys in the process of going through all of their equipment, just last-minute checks that we usually do when we have something like this out in the Atlantic or any weather event.

The county is making sure all the fuel tanks are topped off and the equipment is up and running, he said.

Staley urged residents to monitor the storm closely.

The storm forecast track is not locked down yet, and keep in mind that the forecast track that you see on TV ... is only for five days, he said. So keep that in mind.

Where the storm actually makes landfall, in the U.S., if it does, is still undetermined yet. So make sure you continue to monitor it and know what the storm is going to do and be prepared.

Staley said that a list of suggested items for a disaster preparedness kit and other information is available at the Emergency Services section of the Orangeburg County website: www.orangeburgcounty.org.

According to a release, the S.C. Department of Transportation has been monitoring Hurricane Irma. As the storm moves closer to the United States, SCDOT maintenance forces began the first steps in making storm preparations Tuesday.

SCDOT crews in all 46 counties are inspecting equipment and checking the inventory of supplies such barricades, cones and replacement traffic signals. Coastal counties use these items to set up lane reversals and evacuation routes. All counties have a 10-day fuel supply for equipment and vehicles.

Crews are also inspecting low-lying areas that are prone to flooding and checking drainage systems to make sure they are clear. Generators are in place to provide emergency power to critical facilities such as traffic management centers that monitor traffic through traffic cameras and other systems.

SCDOT traffic engineers are monitoring interstate traffic as Florida and Georgia residents may travel north to avoid the path of the hurricane should it take that route. Preparations are being made to inform the public of road conditions through the web and SCDOTs Customer Service Call Center in the event this information is needed.

SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Engineering Leland Colvin said all actions are preliminary.

These are the normal processes we would begin should any emergency arise. SCDOT wants to be prepared as much as possible, particularly when conditions could change rapidly. We have to expect the unexpected, Colvin said.

SCDOT encourages the public to monitor the situation on the 511 Traveler Service: www.511sc.org.
SEOUL  Donald Trumps notion of fire and fury for North Korea inspires cheers, fears and jeers. Is he threatening the biblical fire and brimstone, or does his rhetoric more closely resemble Shakespeares tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing?

Yes, there are those who think the American president is an idiot, but you also find some who admire him for getting Kim Jong-un to back down. Kim did call off ordering a missile to hit somewhere off Guam, didnt he? Thats true enough  though its not likely The Fearless, Respected Leader has given up on that idea while thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops play annual war games in defiance of a torrent of rhetoric.

So what to do? Might a quick hit, a pre-emptive strike, maybe even massive retaliation, be the way to wipe out the terrorist of the North? As the dust is settling, would not millions of North Koreans rise up in rebellion and install a more reasonable and humane leader? Why, they might even hold an election like those in South Korea!

Oh sure. You dont have to have followed North Korea too closely to know that such a denouement is the stuff of fantasy. More likely, as everyone knows, bombardment of the North would precipitate a conflagration of unpredictably bloody proportions. Nobody but nobody wants Korean War II though some insist on keeping the military option out there, dangling in Kim Jong-uns face in case he gets ideas of carrying out his threats.

But surely there are other ways to bring the North, if not into submission, at least into the realm of reason.

Heres one. How about bombarding North Korea with leaflets instead of bombs? OK, defectors from the North for years have been unleashing balloons over their former homeland, blowing leaflets hither and yon on which are written tales of the excesses and terrors of the Kim dynasty mingled with news, real news, from South Korea and elsewhere. Lately, however, President Moon Jae-in, in quest of negotiations, has told them to knock it off. No reason for upsetting North Korean leaders while calling for dialogue.

Anyway, leaflets lofted on balloons have not been too effective. Not so many people have seen them. Instead, drones should fly high over all North Korea day-and-night dropping devices filled with tons of leaflets wafting everywhere. And what about including a few dollar bills and candy bars so folks would have that much more incentive to scramble around looking for them in the face of dire commands not to touch them?

This leaflet bombardment need not be a one-day or now-and-then phenomenon. It should go on for weeks, months, infuriating North Korean leaders but getting through to all their hungry, unhappy people. Leaflets should bear different news every day, including exposes of the high living of the ruling elite compared with the desperate circumstances of the typical citizen. Human rights abuses would merit top billing, banner headlines reporting executions, imprisonment, torture and suffering.

Messages might vary from target to target  some aimed at Pyongyang, others for less fortunate communities elsewhere. Special editions might float down on mass rallies and parades. Think of dropping clouds of leaflets on those great shows of military hardware in the capital.

In this high-tech age, it should be possible to bombard specific concentration camps and prisons, remote villages and towns with leaflets tailored for individual conditions. Some might target military bases with articles about the hardships of army life, the poor food, the dangers of duty above the demilitarized zone, the perks of officers accustomed to bullying the men and women who form the backbone of the Norths 1.2 million soldiers, sailors and airmen.

North Korea would undoubtedly respond with antiaircraft barrages, perhaps short-range missile shots and Soviet-era MiGs zipping around, but the planes carrying these leaflets would be drones. Nobody would get hurt, on the ground or in the air. Piloted U.S. aircraft would stay away other than for maybe a few high-flying U2 spy planes up there to see how everyone was doing way down below.

The greatest fun would be to cascade leaflets on one of Kim Jong-uns palaces while he was feasting with sycophantic minions. The message would be simple. Sorry, comrade, the partys over. Everyone toast to that.
I completely agree with Dr. Stanley Harrold's assessment (Monumental inaccuracies, T&D, Aug. 30) of the long and steadfast commitment to opening The Times and Democrat's columns to expressions and often opposing points of view. I confess that I do not consider myself a good or bad writer. In fact, I don't consider myself a writer at all. This may account for some interpretations by Dr. Harrold that are not exactly on target.

My assessment of what happened at Charlottesville, Virginia (Dangerous national distraction, T&D, Aug. 25) had very little to do with the neo-Nazis and the like. My observation centered on the city administration allowing two opposing groups to meet in the same place at the same time and some apparent order for the police to stand down while violence erupted. I wondered if there was some hidden reason or agenda for that decision.

The assertion that I believe the Civil War was not fought over slavery leaves out the fact that South Carolina threatened to meet the U.S. Army with its own army over the issue of taxes in 1832. This fact indicates just how divided the country had become by that time period. Slavery had very little to do with it at that point. It became an important issue particularly after the Emancipation Proclamation.

For thousands of years, slavery has been used as a labor system. How could anybody overlook that fact? The only way slavery works is if the owner controls the slave. It must be understood that a slave society involves a horizontal movement within the society. A competitive society involves a vertical movement. In other words, the freed slave was ill equipped to compete in a competitive world and a government based on freedom of thought.

I take offense to the sentence, "He goes so far as to defend slaveholder's efforts to maintain their 'property' in human beings. I do not defend the slaveholder's efforts to maintain. I defend the fact of the slaveholder's efforts to maintain. Does Harrold believe I defend slavery? Also, yes, $500 times 4 million slaves equals $2 billion of property as defined by law at the time.

I would be careful how I viewed the legacy of slavery. The fact is there is no historical account of a mass movement of Africans to the North and South American continents with the exception of the slave trade. Many African-Americans would be Africans without that trade. Therefore, slavery is responsible for a tremendous enrichment and expansion of the culture of the United States.

Because of the fight for equal rights after the Civil War, Africans-American have jumped from the cotton fields to the most complicated, computerized, competitive and capitalist society in the world. This fact makes them one of the fastest developing groups in the history of the world. I would be proud of that.

Harrold is correct in the military takeover of China by the Communists in 1949. However, I was referring to the attempt to win the "hearts and minds" of the Chinese people. One thing the Chinese Communists are afraid of is a revolution by a dissatisfied populace.

I believe that my great-grandmother loved her son who was killed in the Civil War in Virginia. He is buried in some mass grave. I can understand the desire for some kind of monument in his memory.

I believe we have a multifaceted racial problem and if all facets are not dealt with, then racism will persist. Also, I believe I would like four statues erected in all cities as a great teaching tool to help the younger generation understand the complexity of our mutual history.

As the Southern States had passed segregation laws, W.E.B. Du Bois believed in protests against inequality using the aid of the federal government. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tempered the idea of protests with emphasis on peaceful protests. Booker T. Washington advocated a different course of action with emphasis on being humble and modest while concentrating on education. Following the teaching of Du Bois and Dr. King, civil rights have been emphasized during the last century. With the development of the technological revolution, I believe it is time to increase the emphases on education and upward mobility through the workforce, which is the main idea as espoused by both Booker T. Washington and Carter Woodson.

The American people need to come together. World War III will be fought economically, technologically, militarily, and/or a combination of the three. In any case, I want to be on the winning side.
While the United States is looking at how to proceed in the nations longest war in Afghanistan, the threat from North Korea has again seized the spotlight.

North Korea is pressing ahead with missile tests despite condemnation from around the world, and over the weekend the regime successfully tested a hydrogen bomb so powerful that it set off a Richter scale reading of 6.3 magnitude.

The test led to a Labor Day meeting of the U.N. Security Council at which U.N. Ambassador and former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley laid things on the line for the world body  and notably the nations such as China that continue to directly and indirectly prop up Kim Jong-Un.

As reported by CNN, Haley said North Korea is "begging for war," calling its sixth nuclear test a clear sign that "the time for half measures" from the United Nations has to end.

"Enough is enough," Haley said. "We have taken an incremental approach, and despite the best of intentions, it has not worked."

She said the United States does not want war but will defend itself and allies when North Korea is issuing threats with missiles pointed at U.S. territories.

"War is never something the Unites States wants -- we don't want it now," Haley said. "But our country's patience is not unlimited. We will defend our allies and our territory."

At the conclusion of the meeting, Haley said the United States will circulate a resolution in response to the nuclear test.

South Korea's Ambassador to the United Nations Cho Tae-yul, according to CNN, said it has to have real teeth.

"Now is the time to take measures that are strong and robust enough to compel North Korea to seriously engage in dialogue," he said. "The new resolution must include not only additional measures to further block funds that could possibly flow into North Korea's illegal nuclear program, but also truly biting and robust measures that Pyongyang finds very painful."

Monday's session was the 10th time the Security Council has met on North Korea this year and it came on the heels of other comments from U.S. leaders.

Defense Secretary General James Mattis issued a strong warning on Sunday. He said North Korea would be met with a massive military response if it threatens the United States or its allies.

Any threat to the United States or its territories including Guam or our allies will be met with a massive military response, Mattis said. Kim Jong-Un should take heed the United Nations Security Councils unified voice. All members unanimously agreed on the threat North Korea poses. And they remain unanimous in their commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Because we are not looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely, North Korea.

Mattis said the United States has many military options.

But the fact remains that none of them is good. A new war in Korea not only risks nuclear confrontation, it would be deadly with only the use of conventional forces. The death toll in the Koreas alone is projected to be staggering.

Avoiding such a war is the top priority and it may take extraordinary measures short of military action.

President Donald Trump continues to target China as complicit in allowing North Korea's nuclear program to continue. On Sunday, he tweeted that the United States is considering "stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea," which would include China.

At the U.N. meeting Monday, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jieyi said the situation was "falling into a vicious circle" and urged North Korea to "stop taking actions that are wrong."

But he said, China will never allow chaos and war on the peninsula and again pushed for a China-Russia proposal that would freeze the North Korean nuclear program in exchange for suspension of U.S.-South Korean military exercises.

Haley said such a proposal is a non-starter.

Again as reported by CNN, she said, "The idea that some have suggested a so-called 'freeze for freeze' is insulting. When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't."

She said quickly enacting the strongest possible sanctions in the Security Council is the only way to resolve the issue diplomatically.

"We've kicked the can down the road long enough," Haley said. "There is no more road left."

But a road has to be found. And sanctions may not be the only way toward resolution short of war. In fact, sanctions against North Korea  even those that are truly biting and robust  appear unlikely to work in the short term. They may be giving the regime ammunition to foster the story line that the United States is out to destroy North Korea.

North Korea is a state with nuclear weapons and all the talk of war and is not going to undo that fact. And while the United States does not accept a nuclear-armed North Korea in the long term, the best way to bring about a Korean peninsula without such weapons is to be pursue negotiations to which all key players are partners.

China is crucial to such negotiations and should get serious immediately about bringing the North Koreans out of the corner into which they have put themselves and into talks about avoiding a war that will be devastating for them and others. President Trump should use all the leverage needed regarding trade and other issues to get the Chinese mobilized immediately, even as the rhetoric in the Korean confrontation is cooled.

War in Korea can and must be averted.
By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

The sixth trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia kicked off in Baku on September 6.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Georgia Mikheil Janelidze have voiced proposals to deepen the trilateral cooperation and develop the region.

The three ministers have agreed to prepare a summit of presidents of three countries.

The countries also agreed to develop a road map for further cooperation, Mammadyarov said at a briefing following the trilateral meeting.

"Interesting and fruitful talks were held, he said. The three countries are implementing many regional projects and we have discussed the stage of their implementation."

Mammadyarov further said that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway construction project will be implemented till late 2017.

The BTK railway is being constructed on the basis of a Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement. Peak capacity of the railway will be at 17 million tons of cargo per year.

"There is a need for this project, as well as the necessary volume of cargo transportation," he added. Three countries also intend to use other ways of cargo transportation."

"We also discussed the issues of cooperation in ICT, energy and other spheres, the minister added. We also signed an action plan for 2017-2019, which will cover cooperation in all spheres."

In turn, Cavusoglu said that Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia intend to raise economic relations to a new level.

Cavusoglu added that the trilateral formats are making an important contribution to the development of regional cooperation.

Baku, Ankara and Tbilisi intend to give a new impetus to relations, Janelidze said, stressing that Tbilisi seeks to expand cooperation with Baku and Ankara both at the bilateral level and in the regional format.

Regional projects cover a wider scope, he said, adding that the success achieved in the implementation of major regional projects makes great contribution to regional security.

The Georgian foreign minister also noted that the three countries successfully cooperate in the international arena, support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of one another, and cooperate fruitfully in this field at various venues.

The first meeting of this format was held in Trabzon on June 8, 2012. The second one was held on March 28, 2013 in Batumi, during which the parties developed an action plan for sectoral cooperation in 2013-2015 years. The third meeting took place in Ganja on February 19, 2014, the fourth - on December 10 of the same year in Kars, and finally, the fifth meeting was held in Tbilisi on February 19, 2016.
By Azertag





Press Secretary of the Azerbaijani President Azer Gasimov named allegations by The Guardian as absurd.

In a statement given to APA news agency, Gasimov commented on the fact that his name was mentioned in an article published by the Guardian on September 4 and alleging that a secret scheme was used to pay for Azerbaijani officials` expenses.

The information is this article is so absurd that, frankly, I would not want to react to it. As you know, certain anti-Azerbaijani circles and their patrons as well as representatives of various media outlets, financed by the Armenian lobby, regularly spread unthinkable, slanderous and false information about Azerbaijan. This article is one of them, said Gasimov

Such kinds of articles are presented in such a way that the facts referred to are based on alleged evidence and documents. In a sense, all this is aimed at having a psychological impact on the readers who are not aware of the essence of the issues.

Gasimov stated that these allegations are ridiculous and biased.

Gasimov went on to say: If we take into account the fact that one of the authors of the article is Dina Nagapetyan, the issue becomes clearer. I reiterate that this kind of nonsense, which is the fruit of a sick imagination, is aimed at undermining the image of Azerbaijan.

The press secretary expressed confidence that all these efforts will be futile. All these efforts are nothing but a senseless waste of time. I think any publication that considers itself a respectable media outlet should not publish articles based on such meaningless information, he said.
By Trend

George Soros has gone so crazy that he behaves as the main actor of international relations, Novruz Mammadov, assistant to Azerbaijans president for foreign policy issues, department head, wrote on his Facebook page.

Soros believes that he was given the right to determine the fate of various countries, interfering in their affairs as it pleases him, noted Mammadov.

Today Azerbaijans success, its increasing prestige in the world, social and economic progress, stability and prosperity in the country have deprived our enemies, foes and envious people of sleep. Unfortunately, in todays world, legal nihilism has reached such an extent that some countries, organizations, structures, circles, media burning with feelings of jealousy and envy try to damage the international image of Azerbaijan in every way, to spoil its relations with the West, turning the country into an object of criticism and censure, belittling its authority in the world, said the top official.

To implement their vile intentions, they resort to any means, try to use all opportunities, including the services of notorious organizations financed by such persons as Soros, as well as media outlets interested in disseminating false, libelous information, added Mammadov.

However, lies have short legs, he noted.

They cant mislead the international community with such attacks on Azerbaijan and the country's leadership. Having acquired great prestige in the world with its fair position, domestic and foreign policy, Azerbaijan is confidently continuing its development path, and they wont be able to tarnish the countrys name," Mammadov said.

Meanwhile, George Soros should answer why 140,000 people signed the petition, which is sent to the White House, and where organizations financed by him, are declared as being illegal and terrorist organizations, Mammadov said.
By Elchin Alioglu

Azerbaijan has become a target of six sensational stories published in the British daily newspaper The Guardian on September 5. The country has become a subject of a pseudo-free "investigation" named as "Global Laundromat" and presented as the area of absolute, total chaos and lawlessness, where the power ball rules, and as an "alien and hostile for West."

The six horror stories were presented to a British reader about the Forces of Evil, as an octopus, accusing a healthy, but sickly and disposed body of Western democracy, that is, the "golden billion".

Four articles were published simultaneously, and the other two were published with an interval of 2 hours, which is seen as an unprecedented occurrence in the history of The Guardian.

What was the reason for such rush and effectiveness of the newspaper, which indiscriminately accuses Azerbaijan of laundering $2.9 billion through the UK- registered four companies?

"Investigators" of deep investigation

The authors of the article "Everything you need to know about the Azerbaijani Laundromat"- Luke Harding, Caelainn Barr and Dina Nagapetyants, following the traditions of the yellow press, indiscriminately accused Azerbaijan of almost all mortal sins.

Naturally, the accusations are based on such "authoritative and unquestionable" sources as Wikileaks and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), known for their categorical judgments, "fried facts" and sketchy, torn from the general context by "copies" correspondence, documents, and many others.

Authors of the imperishable masterpiece of the yellow press caught interest of many. What was the motivation to write such a fake story full of hatred towards the South Caucasus nation?

Luke Harding is a scandalous British journalist, a special correspondent of The Guardian with an experience in this capacity in India, Germany, Russia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.

Luke is also famous for his book "Mafia State: How One Reporter Became an Enemy of the Brutal New Russia", which describes Russia as a "mafia state".

Harding was refused entry to Russia on February 8, 2011. The Russian Foreign Ministry explained the refusal by the expiration of Hardings visa validity term, declaring in addition that earlier he had violated the rules of accreditation and visited the zone of the counter-terrorist operation without notifying the security bodies about it. Harding himself and the newspaper assessed the ban as a consequence of the journalist's professional activities. The refusal to enter Russia was the first case of the expulsion of a Western journalist in the post-Soviet history of Russia.

Harding, along with David Lee, published the biographical book in 2011 "WikiLeaks: Inside Julian Assange's War on Secrecy," where he extolled not only the "world-wide nightman" Julian Assange, but also did not forget himself, modestly designating the author as "an indefatigable seeker of truth, a fighter against the Forces of Evil."

Another author of the article, Caelainn Barr, has been officially listed on the Guardian's "Data Projects" for many years now, but journalists of London refer to it as "Armenian Herald". Caelainn is closely connected with the leading organizations of the "spryk", the Armenian diaspora in Europe.

For instance, Caelainn shared his proud of these links on her Facebook profile last year. "I love the Armenians, this proud, intelligent, strong-willed and purposeful people. And I am proud that I have the honor to be friends with representatives of this ancient people".

And on April 24, the day of the world Armenian hysteria over the fictitious "genocide in Turkey," Ms. Barr burst out in a tirade: "I mourn, I'm sad, I remember that I'm with you, my friends, and will do everything in my power to help you."

Watchdogs of "democracy", or Dirty "clouds in pants"

Media in the West largely plants a stereotype of "the press is a watchdog of democracy". The phrase is more intensively present in the British media. However, the "fried facts" allegedly revealed by the liberal press, especially The Guardian, show the opposite: reporters and authors engaged in "exposing" particular countries, statesmen and politicians are guided by the interests of very specific organizations, groups or, as in our case, "a link "of the interests of George Soros and the organizations of the Armenian diaspora.

The fact that the stereotype of "the media is a watchdog of democracy" is false, that media freedom in the West is illusory, is confirmed by the crisis of readers' trust in the media in Britain itself.

The Guardian with perseverance worth a better use is trying to form a host of prejudices and false ideas about Azerbaijan, where the foreground gives false, primitive, over-simplified ideas about our country.

Although the democratic role of journalism should not only be a news provider and actor as a watchdog, but also to affect our feelings, inspire us and feed our thoughts.

Considering the role of mass communications and their influence on political processes, we note that in the postindustrial society the power of knowledge and information becomes decisive in public management, pushing to the second plan the influence of money and state coercion. And the mass media are the direct carriers and, especially, the disseminators of knowledge and other socially significant information.

The cynicism and pragmatism of the profession, both among journalists themselves, as Harding and "independent investigators", and in relation to them is the professional norm. Such pseudo-journalists almost unanimously justify corruption in professional work and in society as a whole. Most think that corruption and professionalism are the same. Their main argument is that everything around is corrupt and dependent, and there is no other way to get out of poverty.

Some authors of The Guardian, an influential newspaper, and their "research" have become a commodity, because no one can buy a non-professional in this environment. Time has changed, old pro-state Anglo-Saxon priorities are being replaced by new market ones, where getting the material prosperity is at the forefront.

Journalism in Foggy Albion remains the second most ancient profession, therefore, according to Harding, there is no harm that it is corrupt. They identify professionalism as technical skill, not including ethical norms in this characteristic. They approach consider selling the journalist's marketability as an assessment of his professionalism in the labor market -- that's all.





The article about the "Azerbaijani Laundromat" is a striking example not of journalism, but of "churnalism". The expression "churnalism" belongs to the reporter of BBC Waseem Zakir.

"Butter maker" journalist, as the authors of the article published on The Guardian, creates not only the stories that he finds on his own, but also selects, rewrites and develops stories that he receives from other sources, often without leaving the newsroom.

The authors of the article can be qualified as "gonzo journalists".

Gonzo journalism, as a direction in journalism, is a deeply subjective style of first-person narration in which the reporter acts as an immediate participant in the events described and uses his personal experience and emotions to emphasize the main meaning of these events.

But, the trio of authors preparing the libel about Azerbaijan is far from Tom Wolf and Hunter Stockton Thompson, and in their "independent investigation" everything is based on lies, slander, speculation and idiomatic statements.

The ears of Soros and the stench of "spryk"

The third author of the article about the "Azerbaijani laundry" is Dina Nakhapetyants, one of the most devoted and obvious students of the George Soross Open Society.

Becoming a pariah in Hungary, a country hitherto considered an impregnable stronghold of the ideas of "color revolutions" and "open society", George Soros does not intend to retire. Far from it, he intends to avenge all his failures and fiasco in Azerbaijan, and he does not want to follow the Confucian axiom of revenge as a dish that should be served cold.

No, George Soros, now relying on the ties, money and opportunities of the Armenian diaspora in Europe, is striving for a hot, crazy and absurd attack on Baku.

George Soros and his assistants, who have won the image of scammers, falsifiers, and deceivers on the international arena, talk about democracy, freedom of speech, and finance insinuations against Azerbaijan.

Naturally, such dirty deeds of Soros should be seriously investigated. The Armenian lobby and Soros acting together conduct a dirty campaign not only against the head of state, members of his family, but also against the entire Azerbaijan. However, the attempts on "independent investigation" did not yield any results. The very fact that one of the authors of the article in The Guardian is an Armenian by origin Dina Nahapetyants, once again demonstrates that these filthy accusations are also the repulsive acts of the world Armenians, or rather, the European "spryk".

In addition, OCCRP has long been firmly seated on the financial backing of George Soros. This has long been not only the open secret, but also the parable of the British media where the "independent investigators" from OCCRP are called not otherwise, as "sweet little doggy of Soros."

There is just no way without Khadija

As in case with many "investigations" about Azerbaijan, the current hysterical escapade already in six articles in The Guardian was not without the journalist Khadija Ismayilova.

Khadija Ismayilova was arrested in December 2014 on charges of misappropriation and embezzlement, illegal entrepreneurship, tax evasion, and abuse of official authority. By the decision of the Baku Court for Serious Crimes, Ismayilova was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison. The Supreme Court of Azerbaijan ruled on release of the journalist on May 25 this year. By the decision of the court, Ismayilova was sentenced to three years and six months of imprisonment conditionally.

Conditionally free Ismayilova decided to become free from all conventions and zealously began her "campaign" against her own country. Considering herself as the "enfant terrible" of local media, Ms. Ismayilova calls the campaign "a struggle against power", but always conducting identity between the country and the authorities, the journalist does not disdain any infringement of media taboos.

That is why the article by Ismayilova published in the framework of the "Azerbaijani laundry" campaign in The Guardian is not accidental. She feels comfortable in the low-level company of Soros' servants and the hack writers sitting on the doping of the Armenian diaspora, who rages in Baku with angry tirades and draws gloomy picture of the future of the country in her article.

She said that she is not going to leave the country where she lives.

After all, Soros needs Khadija Ismayilova here: she is useless in the West, where there are enough people in the media who are selflessly serving the Great Saruman of democracy - that's why they pointed to "field work" on the ground, so that, with her exclamations and lamentations about the inescapable the heaviness of being in Azerbaijan did not go beyond the framework defined by the authors of the libretto of the vaudeville under the title "Soros, Armenians and The Guardian for democracy in Azerbaijan".

... The real tragedy of Faust is not that he sold the soul to the devil. The real tragedy is that there is no devil to buy the little souls of some people.
By Azernews





By Ali Mustafayev

Russia and Iran examine details of the oil for goods program, said Alexander Novak, the Russian Energy Minister.

We finalize the details. The question is primarily being examined in terms of financial settlement, the minister said on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum on September 6, Ria Novosti reports.

The deal dates back to 2014 when Iran tried to boost vital energy exports amid the intensified Western sanctions. Then, the two countries were discussing a barter deal that would see Moscow buy up to 500,000 barrels a day (bpd) of Iranian oil in exchange for Russian equipment and goods.

The swap deal was halted during the tenure of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as authorities questioned its economic merits.

In May 2017, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh said Tehran and Moscow have signed an agreement whereby Iran will sell crude to Russia in exchange for products.

Novak previously said that the volume of oil supply from Iran is 100,000 barrels per day, which is 5 billion tons per year. The minister also mentioned that Russias state trading enterprise Promsirieimport has been authorized by the government to carry out the purchase of Irans oil through the oil-for-goods.

Russian Trade Representative in Iran, Andrei Lugansky, said that Russia can supply Iran with goods worth $ 45 billion within the framework of this program.

Iran and Russia have formed a strong alliance in recent years and ramped up efforts to boost defense cooperation, trade ties, and cultural interaction. The trade cooperation between the two regional neighbors strengthened following the signing of nuke deal in 2015 and removal of the international sanctions.

Iranian oil exports decreased by 50 percent after international sanctions against the country were tightened in 2001 due to a dispute over Tehran's nuclear program.

The country plans to raise oil output by about 200,000 bpd to around 4 million bpd by the end of 2017. It was exempted from the OPEC deal to reduce output to regain market share after Western sanctions over its disputed nuclear programme were lilted in January 2016.
The net income of commercial and Islamic banks in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi amounted to Dh7.6 billion ($2.07 billion) during the second quarter of 2017, with commercial banks accounting for 83.1 percent of the net income of all banks operating in the emirate.



The remaining 16.9 percent is claimed by Islamic banks, a Wam news agency report said quoting Statistics Centre- Abu Dhabi.



The rise in total revenues of commercial banks during the first quarter of the year has been attributed by the report to a 20.5 percent increase in other income streams, and a 14.2 rise in investment revenues compared to Q2 2016 figures. The report indicated a slight decline of 3.6 percent in the net interest income.



The number of employees by the end of the second quarter reached 12,100 across all commercial and Islamic banks, said the report, noting that the total benefits obtained by the employees fell by 5.0 percent against the corresponding period in 2016, including salaries, financial remunerations, and other perks.
Al Hilal Takaful, the Islamic insurance subsidiary of Ahli United Bank with operations in Bahrain and Kuwait, has appointed Emirates NBD Asset Management, the Dubai-based asset manager, to manage three risk-graded Sharia compliant investment strategies on Al Hilal Takafuls behalf.

The appointment will broaden Al Hilal Takafuls access to global Sukuk, global equity, Mena equity and other emerging market opportunities, a statement said.

Emanuel Lantzos, chief executive officer of Al Hilal Takaful, said: We are motivated and inspired by opportunities that help our customers achieve their personal and family financial goals. This appointment is one such opportunity to generate consistent, positive returns for our clients over the long run, thanks to this multi-asset, multi-strategy link-up with Emirates NBD Asset Management, which offers one of the broadest range of Sharia compliant fund managers in the region. We look forward to working closely with them for the benefit of our customers.

Salman Bajwa, senior executive officer of Emirates NBD Asset Management, said: Were pleased to be working with Al Hilal Takaful, a leading family Takaful provider in the region. Their decision to appoint Emirates NBD Asset Management to manage these three strategies is a clear testament to the quality and range of our Sharia funds, which weve worked hard to grow and develop in recent years. Im pleased to say that their low-risk mandate will be run by the same fixed income team that manages the award-winning Emirates Global Sukuk Fund.

Al Hilal Takafuls policies will be linked to three investment strategies, categorised as Conservative, Balanced and Growth. The conservative strategy is a Sukuk-focused mandate, while the Balanced and Growth strategies will access global Sukuk, global and Mena equities and emerging markets.

Al Hilal Takaful is the Sharia-compliant arm of Al Hilal Life, originally established in 2009 as a joint venture between Legal & General Group and Ahli United Bank before becoming a 100 per cent owned subsidiary of AUB in October 2015.  TradeArabia News Service




Emaar Properties has announced the launch of an exhilarating tourist attraction that will especially appeal to adventure lover with the new Sky Walk, a 200-m-high cantilever observation corridor at the Address Sky View development in Downtown Dubai.



Sky Walk joins the league of Emaars other iconic attractions such as At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY. It opens to the entire expanse of Downtown Dubai including its famed attractions such as Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building and The Dubai Fountain. The views expand further afield to the upcoming new icon Dubai Creek Tower and of the Arabian Gulf.

At level 53 of Address Sky View, and suspended at the imposing height of 200 metres, Sky Walk is another first-of-its-kind in Downtown Dubai.



Address Sky View, a residential and hospitality project, also features the iconic 85-m-long Sky Bridge, at 220 m high, featuring eight units of luxurious Sky Collection Duplexes, a 70-m-long infinity pool and other amenities.



Sky Walk offers the unique experience of taking in spectacular views from a height of 200 m as the visitors navigate the observation corridor in safety harnesses, walking literally outside the building, said the developer of the world's tallest tower.



The 30-m-long cantilever Sky Walk, fixed to the structure of one of the two Address Sky View towers, is a half-oval structure offering 45 m of walking distance. To ensure maximum comfort level of visitors, high-tech tuned damping parts are being fixed underneath the Sky Walk.



Mohamed Alabbar, the chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "Address Sky View is one of the prestigious upcoming developments in Downtown Dubai that not only features a world-class hotel and serviced residence but also the iconic Sky Bridge and now a new Sky Walk."



"Appealing to adventure seekers, Sky Walk will add to the touristic appeal of the city and offer visitors a never-before experience. Lifting the Sky Walk in place is a true engineering feat accomplished seamlessly by a team of experts from across the world. Sky Walk is another demonstration of the global collaboration that our nation promotes," observed Alabbar.



A global team of over 300 engineering, construction and design experts worked on the project over a period of one year to achieve a new milestone as the Sky Walk, weighing over 350 tonnes of structural steel, has been lifted to position using customised strand jacking technology.



The international team working on the project had to address several design challenges for Sky Walk from the use of extensive loads of steel to the ambient temperature difference. They introduced several innovative approaches for the on-schedule progress of Sky Walk construction.



Among the engineering features, a 4-m-high steel girder was designed to hold the huge load of the Sky Walk that will be transferred to the core walls of the Address Sky View tower. The main body was assembled and erected in situ using high-capacity cranes that are not commonly used in the region.



The Sky Walk Steel Structure was divided into two main pieces, the girder with a total weight of almost 250 tonnes, and the Sky Walk with a total weight of almost 350 tonnes. Special high-capacity hydraulic jacks were imported from Switzerland to lift the two main steel pieces.



Each element was assembled on the ground over a period of three months from May to August 2017 and lifted into position using Strand Jacking Technology. The Sky Walk truss, the heaviest component, was lifted to the height of 200 m using high-capacity hydraulic jacks and cables, said Alabbar.



The lifting of Sky Walk was accomplished through detailed planning, team work and the use of advanced technology. It had to take into consideration high wind speeds and the high ambient temperature during summer. Each element was lifted and erected following the highest standards of safety and security.



Linked directly to The Dubai Mall Metro station through a travellator, the 60-floor Address Sky View towers are 260-m-high, and offers spectacular views of Downtown Dubai and the city, said the developer in a statement.



It is designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the architects of Burj Khalifa, and will feature 169 luxurious hotel rooms on 12 levels with amenities including restaurants, lounges, a world-class event venue, meeting rooms, three pools including a rooftop pool and a spa.



Address Residences Sky View will have 551 serviced residences that are fully furnished with floor-to-ceiling windows, it stated.



Address Sky View hotel and Address Residences Sky View are operated by Address Hotels + Resorts, the premium luxury hotel and serviced residences brand under Emaar Hospitality Group, a subsidiary of Emaar Properties, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the Bahrain-based international aluminium smelter, revealed that top officials visited the shop-floor employees during Eid Al Adha holiday, in line with its journey towards Safety Tomorrowland.



Led by Albas chief executive officer Tim Murray; and accompanied by chief financial officer Ali Al Baqali; chief power officer Amin Sultan and other officials, Alba management conducted several safety visits within the plant to include reduction lines, power stations and casthouse operations, said a statement.



Murray said: Our colleagues are the family we choose at work. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our employees, who spent this joyful occasion away from their families to make sure our company is running safe.



We also appreciate their resilience to always do more than necessary in order to achieve the companys objectives, he said.



Management visits are held regularly, especially during holidays, to boost the employees morale and ensure that Safety remains a top priority at all times, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
The $1 trillion investment by China in its One Belt One Road initiative is expected to accelerate the growth of the $50 billion GCC Halal food market and global Halal economy and make Halal products much cheaper to the Middle Eastern consumers, said organisers of the forthcoming Halal Expo Dubai.



The event focusses on a number of business verticals, including, halal food, halal beverage, halal fashion, halal cosmetics and personal care products, halal travel and tourism, halal hospitality, halal banking and finance.



Halal Expo Dubai, supported by a number of government and semi-government organisations as well as the media, will be open on September 18 and 19, at the Roda Al Bustan Hotel  near Dubai International Airport, Al Garhoud Area.



More than 100 companies from 15 countries Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Poland, Pakistan, Switzerland, India, ?UK, Brunei,? Philippines, South Africa, China and many more are expected to join the show.



More than 4,000 trade visitors are expected to visit the event, from 40 countries, while more than 100 business organisations from 13 countries are expected to showcase halal products and services.



Spanning more than 68 countries and encompassing 4.4 billion people and up to 40 per cent of the global GDP, Chinas One Belt, One Road project will create a direct land-link with the Middle East markets where it could roll out an increase volume of Halal products  be it food, hygiene, health, perfume and cosmetics, said a statement.



The country, with a 26 million Muslim population, has a flourishing domestic halal industry and continues with efforts to strengthen the halal ecosystem in the country, it said.



Mohammed Saleh Badri, secretary general, International Halal Accreditation Forum (IHAF), said: Gaining credibility in the global halal food market is crucial for China to increase its presence.



The country is already the highest exporter of modest fashion to OIC countries and has a high potential in terms of catering to the rapidly increasing demand for global halal food market, which will cross $1.7 trillion by 2021, he said.



China has also created infrastructure to support the halal trade, including the construction of halal food and Muslim supplies manufacturing hubs such as the Wuzhong Halal industrial park, in the Muslim stronghold of Ningxia, which has attracted 218 companies, it added.



In 2008, China formed its first halal foods certification centre named Ningxia Halal Foods International Trading Certification Centre, which created the General Provisions of Halal Food Certification in March 2013 with approval by the China Certification and Accreditation Administration in September 2014.



A credible halal food certification is crucial for China to develop trust in these products on a global level. The government is yet to come out with national law or regulations for the industry.



China continues to be the UAEs top trade partner, with total bilateral trade exchange amounting to Dh170.2 billion ($46.37 billion) in 2016, according to the UAE Ministry of Economy statistics.



The GCC countries import $50 billion (Dh183 billion) worth of Halal products, according to a latest research by Farrelly and Mitchell  a food and agri-business specialist. Of this, the UAEs Halal import bill is $20 billion (Dh73 billion), or about 40 per cent of the GCCs Halal imports.



Raees Ahmed, director of Orange Fairs and Events, organiser of the Halal Expo  Dubai, 2017, said: Chinese investment in One Belt One Road initiative will definitely accelerate the growth of the global Halal consumption, as it will reduce the cost of mass production and overland transport costs across Asia, Europe, Middle East and Africa  the worlds largest Halal market.



Chinas halal sector is expected to reach $1.9 trillion by 2021, a CAGR of 9 per cent from 2015, according to research.



China has a strong domestic demand for halal foods, estimated at $20 billion coming from the 26 million Muslim consumers. Even though Chinas Muslim population is only 2 per cent, majority are settled in Northwest China including Xinjiang, Ningxia, Gansu and Qinghai provinces, accounting for 70 per cent of the total Muslim population in these regions.



Ahmed said: The Muslim population is also younger than the national average and with more than 41 per cent of being younger than 19 years. This age profile and increase in the Muslim population are the key long-term drivers for domestic halal food consumption in China.



Halal foods are considered to be healthy and hygienic. A growing number of non-Muslim consumers prefer halal foods, as they are deemed safer. As a result, the distribution of halal foods has expanded beyond traditional markets in cities such as Shanghai which has 80,000 Muslims, he said.



China is witnessing a growth in the number of national halal food players as well as partial halal product lines. In addition to demand from Muslim population, growing popularity of halal foods as a healthy option is also driving demand, he added.



Orange Fairs and Exhibition, is organising Halal Expo  an international exposition to highlight the growth in the ethical, moral and halal and healthy living, products and services.



The event is the largest and most comprehensive business-to-business (B2B) halal exposition in the Middle East for the $2.3 trillion global halal industry. The event, which attracted participation from 13 countries in its previous edition and registered 3,700 trade visitors from 40 countries, expect larger trade participation where buyers and sellers of halal products and services are expected to do brisk business, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Samsung was the most popular mobile handset brand in the UAE, while iPhone 6 was the leading Smartphone, according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) statistics for the second quarter of 2017.



The report reveals the market share of mobile phones in the UAE by manufacturer and model.



According to the report, during the period between April 1 and June 30, 81.5 per cent of handsets registered on the UAEs networks were Smartphones.



In terms of Smartphones by model, the iPhone 6 continues to be the most commonly used Smartphone in the UAE comprising 3.1 per cent of total handsets registered on UAE networks.



The report shows that the iPhone 6S was the second most popular Smartphone with 2.33 per cent. The third most commonly used Smartphone was iPhone 7 with a share of 2.25 per cent. The fourth place went to iPhone 7plus with a share of 1.77 per cent.



The report indicates that during the second quarter of 2017, 34.5 per cent of all handsets registered on UAE mobile networks were manufactured by Samsung.



Nokia handsets were the second most popular manufacturer with a presence of 22.9 per cent. Apple manufactured the third most popular handsets used in UAE with a share of 15.5 per cent. This was followed by Lenovo with 5.4 per cent, and then Huawei with 3.2 per cent.



Apple iTunes Store was by far the most visited applications website, followed by Samsung apps, and finally Android applications.



In terms of social media, UAE Smartphone and fixed internet users made 20.4 billion visits to social networking websites during the period. Visits to Facebook accounted for 90.4 per cent of total visits to social networking sites, followed by Twitter with 5.0 per cent of visits, then LinkedIn with 4.6 per cent. - TradeArabia News Service
More than 80 per cent of the telecom executives from the Samena region believe their growth depends on making fundamental changes to their business and operating models, a report said.



Simultaneously, diversification and development of new businesses is becoming increasingly important with 85 per cent of executives affirming that developing new business is critical to their companies success, added the recent report produced by management consultants A T Kearney in conjunction with the Samena Telecommunications Council.



The report, based on a recent survey of C-level executives from the regions leading telecom companies, highlights the importance of mastering customer retention and customer base value management to sustain returns.



In terms of new consumer revenue sources, less than one-fourths of executives believe that content or digital services will be important. For the enterprise segment, though, more than 80 per cent of executives believe ICT-related revenue will increase, with the largest potential expected in mobility, cloud, and data center services.



Simultaneously, to sustain competitiveness, telecom operators will continue focusing on operational efficiency (e.g., network, IT, overhead), although commercial-related costs will be less under scrutiny. The key driver, based on A T Kearney view, is the understanding that significant investments are needed to bring commercial operations into the digital age with upgrades to the customer experience such as support online sales, self-service via apps.



Commenting on the findings of the report, Marc Biosca, partner, A T Kearney, said: Telecom operators in the region are considering a wide range of changes to their operating model. The customer is at the epicentre of this strategy as most operators and executives in the region believe that a differentiated and superior customer experience is a top priority for long-term success. Providing a seamless customer experience across interfaces has never been more key. Today meeting customers expectations is no longer enough. New customer journeys now must include positive surprises at all touch points.



Tapping into new sources of revenues also puts additional pressure on telcos operating model. Executives point out that partnerships are essential, especially to gain access to different skills required and to ensure fast time-to-market while maintaining a lean organization. Across the region, establishing local ICT solution capabilities is still work-in-progress. Only 30 per cent acknowledge they have them in place, while most are at the planning phase. Given that acquisitions are a faster way to achieve capabilities, A T Kearney expects M&A activities in the ICT space will be increasing in the coming months.



According to A T Kearney's report, telecom operators in the Samena region cannot afford to focus only on short-term steps in their transformation journey.



Commenting on the way forward, Biosca said: in addition to redefining their strategic direction and priorities to enhance the customer experience and revamp commercial approach to new areas such as digital and ICT, operators will need to significantly transform their operating model (improved efficiency, sound partnerships, M&A, etc.). Operators also need to embrace digital to realize benefits across the business and to upscale the skills and competency levels. Focusing on these priorities protects the value of the core business of telecom operators in the Samena region while preparing it to capture added value from the evolving value chain.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has r launched a new generation of self-service machines featuring smart features that enable payments for transactions fees in cash, or through a wide range of debit and credit cards.



The move epitomises RTAs first, third and seventh strategic goals: Smart Dubai, People's Happiness, and RTA Excellence, respectively.



"20 new generation self-service machines have recently been launched, in a project that aims to facilitate transactions processing, and realize RTA's objective of enhancing the partnership between the public and private sectors, said Ahmed Mahboub, executive director of Customers Service, Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, RTA.



The project echoes RTAs first strategic goal (Smart Dubai), the third goal (People's Happiness) and the seventh goal (RTA Excellence), thus coaxing a quantum leap in delivering services at world-class standards. The machines have been deployed at RTAs Headquarters, and affiliated customers happiness centers, where customers can now complete their transactions and make payments in cash, through bank accounts or credit cards issued by a number of banks, added Mahboub.



The new generation of self-service machines have several technical features as it supports four languages: Arabic, English, Urdu and Malayalam, thus enabling customers to select the language of their preference to process their transactions. The machines are connected to both the contracting company and the RTA, which enable the tracking of transactions to identify the most popular services and customer needs, noted Mahboub.



A scanner is also available to enable customers to send a copy of the required documents to the service center to complete transactions, if necessary. The self-service machines are also fitted with an electronic signature feature and a channel for capturing submitted documents should a customer opt to process the transaction directly through the machine, such as the printing vehicle registration cards. An ID card reader and user fingerprint services are also available, in addition to services related to other government bodies. The services available are related to drivers licensing and vehicles licensing, as well as parking services, and To Whom It May Concern Certificates. These machines have advanced electronic security features, and enable customers to receive the receipts of their transactions and payment via e-mail, added Mahboub.



A future plan is in place to deploy more self-service machines of this type, and increase such services in shopping centers and other areas in Dubai to satisfy the needs and aspirations of the public. The procedure stems from RTA's keenness to pursue the best ways to bring comfort to customers who are the backbone of RTAs business, and fits well within our government drive, Mahboub concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Sedric, Volkswagen Groups first concept car featuring an integrated mobility concept for the road traffic of tomorrow, will make its Middle East debut at Cityscape Global 2017.



Invited by the Dubai Land Department to showcase the future of transport solutions at its stand, Volkswagen Group will be showcasing Sedric (Self-Driving Car) to visitors from September 11 to 13.

Sedric is the first Concept Car from the Volkswagen Group and it is the first vehicle in the group to have been created for level 5 of autonomous driving  in other words a person as a human driver is no longer required. Sedric was devised, designed, developed and constructed in cooperation with the Future Center Europe of the Volkswagen Group in Potsdam and Volkswagen Group Research in Wolfsburg.



The vehicle will be showcased at SAH10, Dubai Land Department Booth, Trade Centre Arena, Dubai World Trade Centre. -TradeArabia News Service
Japan imported 21.642 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE in July 2017, statistics released by the Agency of Energy and Natural Resources in Tokyo, revealed.



This accounts for 20.8 percent of Japan's total crude imports for the same month, said a Wam news agency report citing the agency, an affiliate of the Japanese Ministry of Economy,Trade and Industry.
Lulu Group, a retail major, has opened its second hypermarket in Indonesia at BSD City, Tangerang.



Located at the QBig, the new Lulu hypermarket was inaugurated by Himawan Hariyoga, chairman of the Investment Board of Indonesia; Dr Sutisno Rawita, Deputy Governor of Banten Province; Walid Darwish Al Raeesi of UAE Embassy in Jakarta; Prabir Bhattacharaya, commerce attache, Indian Embassy; Yusuff Ali MA, chairman of Lulu Group; and other officials.



Lulu, which opened its first hypermarket and department store in Indonesia in the capital city of Jakarta last year, is firm on its planned investment of $500 million in the country as part of its expansion. The group intends to set up 10 hypermarket and department stores in the next three years in the country.



Speaking to media, Yusuff Ali, said: The tremendous response for our first Lulu Hypermarket opened last year in Cakung has encouraged us to further expand our operations in Indonesia and we plan to open another eight new hypermarkets in coming years.



The first Lulu Hypermarket and Department store in the country, inaugurated by President Joko Jokowi Widodo, has fast become a highly popular shopping destination for residents in and around East Jakarta thanks to its high-quality products, vast product range and competitive pricing, said the statement.



With an initial investment of $300 million in the first phase, we plan to open 10 hypermarket and department stores by the end of 2018 and a central logistics and warehousing facility in Jakarta. These projects are likely to generate more than 5,000 job opportunities for Indonesians, said Yusuff Ali.



The next two hypermarkets will come up in Sentul and Jababeka and will generate employment opportunities for at least 3,000 Indonesians.



We also plan to set up contract farming to ensure continuous supply of high-quality products and to support the Indonesian agriculture sector, he added. Products are also procured from these farms for the group's global operations across the Middle East, Africa and India.



With an area of over 200,000 sq ft, the new store has got wide aisles for easy shopping with a range of world-class products and brands. A special section is devoted for promoting local products and agricultural sector. - TradeArabia News Service
Oman is investing heavily in its tourism and hospitality sector, as the sultanate aims to host seven million tourists by 2040, including 2.7 million in capital Muscat, according to a real estate expert.



This has primarily benefitted Muscat, with the construction of multiple new infrastructure and real estate developments, including the ongoing work on the long-delayed Muscat International Airport, as well as other projects such as the Mall of Oman and The Wave, which are designed to craft the Oman brand, stated global real estate consultancy firm CBRE in its latest Oman Market View.



Whilst already targeting a diversified visitor base, the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) market will become an increasingly important revenue generator for Oman in the coming years, subsequent to the opening of the Oman Convention & Exhibition Center at the end of 2016, it added.



Commenting on the report, Mat Green, the head of research and consulting, CBRE Middle East, said: "The ongoing construction of various internationally branded hotels, including the Westin, W, JW Marriott and Kempinski, will better cater to corporate demand and help to attract a rising proportion of leisure orientated demand from the GCC and transit leisure business for tourist groups visiting the sultanate."



The first half indicated steady growth of average occupancy rate, with a 2.2 per cent increase from 59.6 per cent in the same period last year to 60.9 per cent, as per data from STR Global.



During the period 2005 to 2016, hotel supply in Muscat more than tripled from approximately 2,900 to 9,600 keys, said Green.

This pace of expansion is also expected to be maintained moving forward, with almost 3,400 keys currently under construction and expected to be operational by 2018, with a further 9,000 new rooms to open by 2021, depending on the pace of planned and on-hold projects, he added.



With a number of major new additions to the hotel market during the first half of the year, pressure on ADRs has remained intense, with an 8.9 per cent decrease for the period June year-to-date, as rates dipped to RO65.89 ($171)/room/night from RO71.81/room/night in the same period last year.



RevPAR has saw some notable decline, falling from RO42.79/room/night in H1 2016 to RO39.82/room/night in H1 2017, equating to a 6.9 per cent drop, as per data from STR Global.



According to the report, the residential rental market witnessed a very minor contraction during H1 2017, with rental rates declining marginally by one per cent.



Landlords are now becoming more willing to negotiate on rentals with both existing and prospective tenants to combat rising vacancy rates.



Building tenant loyalty and ensuring ongoing asset management of properties, has become increasingly important as supply levels and competition have risen.



Residential sales prices fell modestly by around two per cent during H1 2017 and approximately 5 per cent year-on-year.



Overall sales market sentiment remains weak, due to the prolonged period of low oil prices and overall economic mood, at a country and regional level. Despite soft fundamentals, future supply levels continue to grow quite quickly, with close to 18,000 residential units expected to be delivered in the next two years.



The first half of the year witnessed a decline of around 70 per cnet in the total value of real estate transactions, as compared to the same period last year, based on figures from the National Centre for Statisitics and Information (NCSI). This was primarily due to the sizeable decline in the value of mortgage transactions.



This reflected a drop in both values and volume terms, as volumes from GCC nationals dipped by more than 50% on a year-on-year basis, said Green.



Muscats office market remains under deflationary pressure as the economy continues to feel the negative impacts of low oil pricing. Average office rentals have now declined seven per cent year-on-year and three per cent during the first half of 2017, as demand levels have weakened from both local and international occupiers.



With new office accommodation being delivered into the market in locations such as Azaiba, Ghala and Al Khuwair, we expect to see a further softening of rentals, with greater flexibility in leasing terms also becoming more prevalent as landlords look to maintain occupancy levels by offering more attractive terms to tenants.



With the economic headwinds continuing to limit new office demand, the office sector will remain somewhat constrained in the short term at least, with minimal evidence of current occupier expansion or new market entrances, said Green.



"However, with well-located Grade A office accommodation with adequate parking in comparatively low supply, occupancy rates for these properties are likely to remain high, with rental rates for prime spaces stable in the range of RO8-10/sq m/month," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
International Travel Week (ITW) Abu Dhabi has announced the line-up of keynote speakers for ITW 2017, which will be held in the UAE capital from November 25  26.



Powered by ITB Berlin, the ITW Abu Dhabi exhibition and seminar programmes will be held for two days at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).



The exhibition combines four tourism events, seminar programmes and the Halal CEO Forum, each addressing the needs of the fastest growing and most important sectors for Muslim majority travelers. These sectors are halal tourism, medical tourism, shopping tourism and family friendly travel.



The free to attend seminars will address vital aspects of tourism in the rapidly growing Muslim majority market, providing industry professionals with innovative strategies and best practices on how to develop strong future business opportunities.



Leading international experts from tourism leaders, innovators, investors and industry stakeholders will share their knowledge and expertise with delegates during the two days of the event. Speakers will impart their know-how and experience and delegates will benefit from a wide range of halal, medical and shopping tourism focused presentations.



The seminars extensive speaker line-up includes:

Nehme Darwiche, CEO of Jannah Hotels & Resorts

Reem El Shafaki, senior associate of Dinar Standard

Rashid Al Noori, chairman rRepresentative, Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan in GCC

Faeez Fadhillah, CEO and co-founder of Tripfez & Salam Standard Ognjen Bagatin, CE of Poliklinika Bagatin

Sven Heininger, director of Schon Klinik International

Dr Howard Podolsky, chief executive officer of Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Center

Daniel Shaw, co-founder of GCR.org



The internationally renowned speakers have been carefully selected and will offer impartial presentations in their fields of excellence and experience. Case studies and panel discussions form part of the two days where delegate interaction, debate and questions are encouraged.



In addition to the vertical market specific seminars, the organiser has added a number of marketing sessions, addressing a wide range of topics, including:

Effectively targeting millennials and generation Xers, Marketing strategies, Digital Innovation and Social Media, amongst others.



The Muslim majority travel market continues to be one of the fastest growing segments in the global travel industry. In 2015, it was estimated that there were 117 million Muslim international travellers. This is projected to grow to 168 million by 2020, where the travel expenditure by Muslim travelers is expected to exceed $200 billion.



Delegates interested in attending ITW Abu Dhabi, or to see the entire seminar programme agendas can visit the events website. - TradeArabia News Service
ServeWyoming is looking for volunteers to help its Riverview Park Mural Project. Creativity is not required to help paint the mural and all supplies are provided. Volunteers must sign up. The project commemorates community and service as part of ServeWyoming's 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Mural painting will follow an AmeriCorps Pledge Ceremony and Wyoming Day of Service and Remembrance proclamation.
A judge determined Tuesday that prosecutors have enough evidence for two Coloradans to face charges alleging they brought nearly a pound of methamphetamine to Natrona County.

Cecil E. Crow and Rebecca McIntosh-Crow, both of Grand Junction, Colorado, face charges of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance, both felonies. The charges are punishable by 20 and seven years imprisonment, respectively.

McIntosh-Crows attorney said investigators had committed a blatant constitutional violation by pulling the two over for speeding instead of seeking a warrant. A K-9 alerted for possible drugs, allowing officers to search the GMC truck. McIntosh-Crow will fight the charges on constitutional grounds in Natrona County District Court, her attorney indicated.

The stop came as part of an investigation into a methamphetamine trafficking ring, an investigator with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation said. He said he did not seek a warrant so as not to jeopardize the investigation and instead waited for the two to slip up.

Crows attorney said there was no evidence her client knew the 445 grams of methamphetamine were in the pickup when officers stopped the Coloradans in Natrona County headed for Casper.

The investigator, who declined to give his name to a reporter after the hearing, testified text messages indicated the two planned to pick up and collect. The investigator said the text messages indicated the two were picking up methamphetamine, although that was not specified in the messages.

The investigator also testified that law enforcement found a small bag of meth and a pipe behind the drivers seat. A handgun with a bullet in the chamber was also found in the vehicle.

The investigator testified that Crow, when asked about the purpose of the trip, said the two were returning from Las Vegas where they had gotten married. That was not true, the investigator said. They were coming from San Bernardino, California, instead.

Crow appeared in court in an orange jail uniform. McIntosh-Crow was free on bond.
A judge sentenced a Natrona County man Wednesday to three decades in prison for raping a 12-year-old girl and possessing child pornography.

Aaron Rushing received three sentences of 30 to 35 years in prison and another of five to 12 years. The sentences will all run at the same time.

He pleaded guilty in May to three counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography. He had been charged with an additional six felony counts that prosecutors dismissed when he pleaded to those four charges.

Rushing, with shackles atop his orange jail uniform, did not perceptibly react when Natrona County District Court Judge Daniel L. Forgey handed down the sentences. He did not speak when given the opportunity.

Natrona County Public Defender Robert Oldham, who represented Rushing in the case, had requested the judge suspend Rushings sentences on the first-degree sexual abuse charges and serve five to 12 years on the child porn charge, so he could be reunited with his family. Oldham said there is something mentally wrong, with offenders like Rushing and asked for restorative justice. He said he hoped Rushing would be rehabilitated in prison.

Forgey instead took the prosecutions suggestion in sentencing Rushing.

Law enforcement had begun investigating Rushing when a high school student borrowed a USB drive from him and found child porn on it. The student knew the girl who appeared in the photographs and law enforcement interviewed her. She told them Rushing had basically been raping (her) for a long time, according to court documents. The girl was 12 years old when the abuse started in April 2015.

Both the girl and the high school student spoke at Wednesdays sentencing hearing.

The girl asked that the judge exercise leniency in his sentencing decision, saying: I honestly dont want him to go to prison but I understand after everything thats happened, he needs to.

The high school student said he thought Rushing should serve at least the minimum sentence of 25 years, but not more than 30.

Rushing will receive credit for the 204 days he has already served. He had faced up to 50 years imprisonment
Dont tell him, but it wasnt Steven Spielberg who lured us to northeastern Wyoming over the weekend.

Im sure the renowned filmmaker would be desperately disappointed to learn that we were planning the trip anyway  but the minute we found out about the outdoor screening of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, set against a darkening sky and the silhouette of Devils Tower itself, we decided immediately to incorporate the activity into our itinerary.

After all, we were heading in exactly the right direction. I was going to see the Black Hills and Devils Tower for the first time. Technically, I guess, Id driven through South Dakota when I moved here from Wisconsin during a frigid February three and a half years ago, but that hardly counted. And after years of hearing and reading about the countrys first national monument, I was more than ready to see it in person.

But as ready as I thought I was, I wasnt prepared for what I saw. My boyfriend and I drove through the hazy hills toward the tower, wondering aloud when wed see it dominate the landscape. Suddenly, though, I stopped talking. All I could do was point.

There it was, lording dark over the rolling prairie. It was sturdy but graceful, solid but elegant. Its rounded, softened edges showed that it had learned to exist among the elements  wind, snow, rain  that ravage rock over time. But its colossal size in relation to the rest of the landscape indicated that here was a very special thing, one that might take quiet pleasure in fascinating humans for generations.

Later, we got closer, and we saw its bumpy sides in person. We didnt scramble on the boulders that had cascaded to its base  and all nearby emergency medical crews can thank me for that  but we strolled the loop around the tower, spotting climbers on the rock face, turkey vultures soaring in the sky above and smaller species, like squirrels and chipmunks, sharing the Earths surface with us below.

I had heard it described as a bundle of pencils held vertically, and that characterization wasnt wrong. It does, however, gloss over the irregularity of the rocks, how the long, slim columns tumbled, cracked and fell against each other as they spanned the distance between earth and sky.

But thats visible only up close. Later that evening, we sat on the blanket wed bought from a thrift store in Moorcroft after realizing wed neglected to bring one on the trip. The movie began, and hoots of appreciation rang out among the audience on the grass as Devils Tower and Wyoming were mentioned for the first time.

I looked back up at the monument. Stars twinkled above it, and it looked so far away, though the drive down to the campground had taken only a few minutes. But I realized that I had no trouble believing that if alien beings were to visit Earth, theyd be as gripped by this monolith as humans are.

The movie was fun  Ill definitely be inspired to sculpt my next serving of mashed potatoes into a squishy, carb-heavy likeness of Devils Tower to commemorate the occasion. Close Encounters is the kind of film that makes you optimistic about what would happen if residents of another world stopped in for a visit, and I loved that about it.

But when it ended and the crowds began to clear, many of the audience members still glancing back at the tower high above in the dark as they walked, I knew I didnt need to travel the universe to see something otherworldly. All Id need to do is return to this colossus in the rolling hills of Wyoming.
City Attorney Bill Lubens long tenure at Casper City Hall ended Tuesday evening after the City Council terminated his contract. The decision to part ways was mutual, according to City Manager Carter Napier and Mayor Kenyne Humphrey.

His contract officially ended late last week, according to a resolution, but was not formally approved by council until Tuesday.

Assistant City Attorney Will Chambers will serve as interim city attorney until a permanent replacement can be found.

Napier said that both Luben and Council had requested Lubens contract be terminated.

Luben had been at the city a long time, Humphrey said, and was ready for something new.

Vice Mayor Ray Pacheco said Lubens tenure ended on good terms, and that the city attorney did great work.

Bill was ready to move forward, Pacheco said after the Tuesday council meeting.

The city will be looking for someone to replace Luben who will think outside the box, and who has significant previous experience, Pacheco added.

Councilman Charlie Powell called Luben a quality individual at the end of Tuesdays meeting. We wish him the best in his retirement.

Role in police scandal

Luben was praised by city employees for his earnest style, though over the last six months some Council members began to chafe under his stringent interpretation of the law.

City Council directly supervises only a handful of positions  the city manager, city attorney and municipal judges  while the manager oversees all other personnel concerns. Following controversy over the leadership of then-Casper Police Chief Jim Wetzel last April, Luben held the position because Wetzel was an employee of the city manager, the Council was barred from offering advice or being consulted about how to handle the situation.

The city manager cannot report back to the City Council on what he does or doesnt do with a certain employee, Luben said at the time. We cannot share with City Council whether we discipline someone or dont discipline someone  they are outside the scope of their duties for me to take them into that area.

Luben stopped speaking with the Star-Tribune in April, citing the hectic nature of events at City Hall. But his advice on what was inside and outside the scope of Council members authority provoked questions from some of the elected officials.

He was not immediately reachable through the City of Casper on Tuesday.

Prior to Wetzels ouster as chief in May, Councilwoman Amanda Huckabay said that while she supported Luben, she and several other Council members had sought outside legal opinions.

His position kind of just inherently is conflicted because not only does Bill represent Council, he also represents the city manager and he also represents all city staff, Huckabay said in April. When you have a fluid working city government thats fine, but when a situation such as whats currently evolving comes into play that puts him in a very difficult position.

In the months since, city officials have largely followed Lubens opinion that personnel decisions regarding department heads, like police chief, are strictly confidential. Interim City Manager Liz Becher who dismissed Wetzel in May, declined to explain her reasoning behind that decision.

Distinct style

In addition to handling litigation and issuing official legal advice on city matters, Luben also settled technical questions at Council meetings and offered legal opinions on the fly. Typically wearing suits in various shades of beige, he was known for a dour demeanor at public meetings.

After an attorney presenting at a City Council work session last spring praised Luben for his assistance, Mayor Kenyne Humphrey gently teased him.

No smile, Bill? she asked.

I appreciate those comments, Luben then curtly replied. Very appreciated. Thank you.

But there had also been less good-natured exchanges in recent months, especially since Councilman Dallas Laird was appointed in June. Laird has said that Council needed an attorney like himself as a member to offer legal advice.

During the same meeting where he joked with Humphrey, Laird repeatedly cut Luben off.

I really think we understand this, Laird interjected at one point.

Im answering, Luben replied.

Well I think we understand, Laird said.

Controversial advice

Luben made a point of being meticulous when it came to legal questions. For example, an update to the citys liquor laws meant to align them with state law was stalled over the question of what over 18 meant in Wyoming statute. Luben thought it might mean 19-years-old, despite every other government agency interpreting it as, simply, at least 18-years-old.

Im not sure how to interpret it, Luben said. I dont know what the Legislature intended.

But experts in Wyoming liquor law were befuddled as to why Luben would hold up what they saw as simple language that had been adopted in an identical manner by every other municipality in the state.

When everyone else reads it the other way, I think I side on the side of everyone else, Wyoming State Liquor Association Executive Director Mike Moser said at the time.

When it came to a discussion of opening Council meetings with a prayer earlier this year, Luben warned members that it was almost certain to draw both Satanists and a lawsuit. The issue died.

One person commented Tuesday evening after the council meeting that perhaps the council would now allow prayer, since Luben is gone.

Luben has also issued stringent and sometimes controversial opinions in previous years. One such opinion continues to bar community organizations from using City Council chambers for events, based on the idea that doing so would open the body up to legal challenges and erode the citys control of meetings.

Former Councilman Keith Goodenough has harshly criticized Lubens support for an amendment to Council regulations passed in 2015 that allowed for members to be removed from office for bringing embarrassment to the body.

To me thats totally unconstitutional and would never hold up, Goodenough said. But Bill Luben supported that.

Goodenough said he believed Lubens support in that case was political.

On some things he perhaps bends to the will of the manager and the Council and then in other ways he doesnt, Goodenough said.

Perhaps Lubens most famous legal wrangling came in the dispute over whether Casper could display a statue of the Ten Commandments in a city park. The Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas demanded permission to erect its own monument in the park, declaring that murdered Wyoming college student Matthew Shepherd went to hell because he was gay.

Luben filed a brief in a U.S. Supreme Court case dealing with religious monuments on public property, arguing that it should not be required to display the WBC monument.

The city dreads that prospect for reasons any person who values civility can easily understand, Luben wrote.

The city now displays the Ten Commandments along with other historical documents in the park as a way of removing the religious overtones of the statute.

Years in Nebraska

Luben began his law practice in Nebraska, working as a prosecutor and then in private practice in North Platte before relocating to Cheyenne County in that state where he worked as a Deputy County Attorney for six years. Luben came to Casper as an Assistant City Attorney in the mid-1990s.

My family and I, we really like Casper, Luben said when was hired as city attorney in 2001. Council was good enough to give me a chance to head the reins of the office. So Im really looking forward to it.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Sept. 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.
An Erroneous View Of Tucson

The handling of the Schmid case by Life magazine presents an erroneous view of Tucson, however factual the statements may be about the case itself. The Star has received considerable mail from various parts of the country on this. It would be vain to try to answer to the whole nation. But Tucsonans should comfort themselves with some facts.

First, the youths involved in the Schmid case are not typical of the youths of Tucson. That is shown by the large number of good things young people do within the community, by the awards they win in school and in extracurricular activies, and by the ready admission of a high percentage of Tucson area students to universities and colleges of standing in the United States.

Secondly, the Schmid case reflects on a few principals and not on either the school system, city policing in general, or the morals of the community.

Thirdly, Life has used loosely some terms which are not in themselves evil, but because of the way they are used have evil connotations. For example, what is wrong with "a hamburger joint?" There are many "hamburger joints," and other restaurants to which are applied joking names, that run respectably and well.

If East Speedway is a street noted for its hamburger houses, its jukeboxes and its teenage rallying places, this can be good or evil depending on whether the kids have an innocent good time, or raise cain. Speedway is unzoned, for all practical purposes; but bad zoning does not necessarily mean bad morals.

There are tens of thousands of teenagers in Tucson who date, go out periodically to get a hamburger (which is an inexpensive after-movie meal), go to places where jukeboxes play popular (and sometimes even classical) music, play billiards, and do other things which are not of themselves wrong. The vast majority of these young people need no defense of their morals and Tucson need not apologize for them. Many of them are top students and are headed for careers of great public service.

Life magazine is as wrong to categorize all of Tucson in the fashion it did as a publication would be wrong to charge that the entire ministry was corrupt because one preacher went astray.

Tucson is a good city, with more juvenile problems than 30 years ago because there are more juveniles. The Star has said before that people quick to condemn today's youth should think back on their own teen days. What person who went through prohibition can utter blanket charges against Tucson's youth today?

There is one aspect of the Schmid case which does deserve deep thought. In the fall of 1963 Tucson had some parties called boondocks. These have passed from the memories of many. The Star at the time maintained that such parties had been held by every generation and while it was desirable to control or halt them, to brand them as criminal things was going a bit far.

Had as much police work been put onto the Alleen Rowe case when Mrs. Rowe said her daughter was dead, and named the suspected killers (accurately, it later developed), would the Fritz girls now be dead? If there is any question that should stir Tucson, it is that one.
Arizonas top prosecutor intends to pursue his lawsuits challenging benefits for dreamers even as the president has given Congress six months to fix the program or start phasing it out.

Mark Brnovich told Capitol Media Services that what the Trump administration announced Tuesday could make the entire issue moot.

On the one hand, he said, if Congress passes a legal replacement for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, then the nearly 28,000 in Arizona who have been accepted into the program get the legal status they need to have a state-issued drivers license and get in-state tuition at colleges and universities.

Conversely, Brnovich said if Congress falters, then DACA begins to self-destruct in March  as does any legal basis for those in the program to claim they are entitled to be here and get certain benefits.

But in the interim, he said, the cases continue.

My job as attorney general is to enforce the law as it is, not as I want it to be, he said.

I hope Congress comes up with a solution to address the DACA issue, Brnovich continued. But until we do, we have to proceed accordingly as a state.

Thats also the position of former state Senate President Russell Pearce.

He told Capitol Media Services on Tuesday that he intends to sue members of the Arizona Board of Regents personally if Brnovich does not bring a new lawsuit against them by Saturday. He said whatever Congress does about dreamers does not excuse the fact that board members allowed DACA recipients to pay less in tuition than he says a 2006 voter-approved law allows.

Among the cases pending is Brnovichs request that the U.S. Supreme Court allow Arizona to rescind the drivers licenses that a federal appeals court ordered the state to provide to DACA recipients.

Brnovich told the justices that the 2012 decision by former President Barack Obama to create DACA is not federal law but merely a directive to allow those who arrived in this country illegally as children to remain and be able to work. What that means, he said, is DACA recipients have no legal immigration status.

What makes that important, he said, is a 1996 Arizona law that says licenses are available only to those whose presence in this country is authorized by federal law.

That argument failed to convince federal appellate judges who said Arizona cannot decide for itself who is legally entitled to be in the country.

Jennifer Chang Newell, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, said the best thing for the Supreme Court to do would be to reject Brnovichs request for review.

She said no court has ever concluded that DACA is illegal.

But even if it was, the announcement today about the administrations decision to end the program only strengthens the conclusion that the case is not worthy of the Supreme Courts attention, Newell said.

The program that Arizona is complaining about is coming to an end anyway, regardless of anything the Supreme Court is going to say.

There is a parallel lawsuit brought by others who are not here legally but have been allowed by the federal government to stay, like victims of domestic abuse, whom Arizona also denied licenses in a bid to show the state is treating all deferred-action recipients equally. The implications of the future of DACA are less clear for those individuals.

The other big issue is whether DACA recipients are entitled to residential status so they can attend public colleges by paying in-state tuition.

At this point, Brnovich has the upper hand, legally speaking.

Earlier this year, a three-judge panel of the state Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that Proposition 300, approved by voters in 2006, clearly says that in-state tuition is reserved only for those with lawful immigration status. Judge Kenton Jones said the decisions by the Obama administration to let those who arrived illegally in this country as children to remain and work do not translate into the recipients eligibility for in-state tuition or other state and local public benefits.

Mary OGrady, attorney for the Maricopa community colleges, the defendant in the lawsuit, is arguing to the Arizona Supreme Court that the federal government considers DACA recipients to be lawfully present, even if they have no legal immigration status. She said that means the college Governing Board acted legally in allowing them to pay reduced tuition.

And college spokesman Matthew Hasson said Tuesday that the appeal will continue even after the presidents announcement.

But what the justices decide had broader effect.

Following a trial court decision upholding the Maricopa policy, the state Board of Regents followed suit and now charge DACA recipients in-state tuition. Several other community college systems have done the same.

Brnovich said he intends to ask the justices to uphold the appellate ruling  even if DACA either becomes legal or goes away in March. And its not just to affirm the decision about the Maricopa colleges, but to bring the university system into compliance.

At the end of the day, we have an obligation to enforce the law as it is, he said.

Proposition 300 was passed by nearly 70 percent of the Arizona voters, Brnovich said. The reality is that the Board of Regents are frankly thumbing their noses at Arizona voters.

Board Chairman Bill Ridenour said he doesnt see it that way. And Ridenour said it is the position of most board members to keep the in-state tuition in place unless and until the Arizona Supreme Court rules otherwise.

But Ridenour, who is an attorney, said he doesnt think the last word will end up with the states high court.

I would suspect the (Supreme Court, when they take this up, will not be in any hurry to make a ruling until such time as it is determined, at least by Congress, what the DACA students status is going to be, he said.

With no court ruling likely soon  and Congress likely to wait until next year  Ridenour said the tuition policy will remain into the spring semester.

In the interim, though, Pearce said he will pursue his own litigation to make individual regents personally financially liable for voting to allow DACA recipients to pay in-state tuition, even in the face of the Court of Appeals ruling.

The Board of Regents is damaging the nation and destroying the rule of law, said Pearce, who is represented by Judicial Watch. And I will not stand by and allow that to go on.

Pearce is using a section of law that says if the attorney general does not act within 60 days of a request to enforce certain state laws, an individual may sue to recover financial damages. That deadline is Saturday.

Brnovich questioned why anyone would sue now, pointing out the entire issue could be made moot by Congress by the time that lawsuit ever gets into court. Anyway, the attorney general said he wont be forced into opening a new legal front against the universities simply because Pearce and Judicial Watch are pushing the issue.

What I dont want this office doing is trying to score cheap political points, he said. We dont kowtow to anyone.
As offensive as many found them, Supervisor Ally Millers Facebook comments expressing pride in her whiteness did not violate county policy and are not grounds for censure or any other discipline from the county board.

Thats according to several privileged legal opinions provided by Deputy County Attorney Andrew Flagg, which the supervisors voted to make public Tuesday.

Miller wrote from her personal Facebook account several hours after an apparent white supremacist drove a vehicle into a crowd of counter demonstrators in Charlottesville, Virginia in mid-August, killing a woman. Miller wrote, Im sick and tired of being hit for being white ... It is all about making us feel like we need to apologize. I am WHITE-and proud of it! No apologies necessary.

Board of Supervisors policy requires all county employees to be professional, respectful, fair, unbiased, honest, civic-minded, service-oriented, and fiscally responsible, but only while acting in their official capacities and in the discharge of their duties.

In Flaggs view, Millers weekend post from her private account appears to be an expression of her personal opinion. Additionally, the relevant county policy applies to workplace conduct, and Supervisor Millers comment was not workplace conduct, Flagg wrote.

As to whether her colleagues on the board can nevertheless censure her for her private speech, it was Flaggs opinion that they have no clear authority to do so.

I think our First Amendment rights and our rights to free speech are alive and well, Miller said after the meeting. Im very pleased with the county attorneys opinion.

The board could adopt a resolution regarding the comments as long as it does not purport to discipline her in any way, Flagg said.

While acknowledging there was little the board could do in response to the comments, Supervisor Sharon Bronson said Miller should still have apologized.

Though shielded from formal sanction, a number of people harshly criticized Miller during the call to the public Tuesday, including one who pledged $10,000 to an effort to unseat the District 1 supervisor.

It takes no courage to be white, written comments from Darsha Stockton Doran, who said she previously voted for Miller, read. Life hands out skin color.

You can have German pride, you can have Irish pride, you can have Lithuanian pride, said Najima Rainey, a member of the local Black Lives Matter chapter. You can have all kinds of pride, because those are cultures that have actual cultural traditions and rituals and identities. But when you say I am white and proud, what you are saying is I embrace a designation of superiority.

But Miller was not without defenders. While not weighing in on the comments themselves, Christopher King said it was reprehensible that there was even consideration of censure for private comments.

The First Amendment protects everybodys right to free speech, regardless of whether you like the information, he said.
A presidential order on immigration spurred about 100 Tucson teens to walk off their school campuses Tuesday in protest.

Students from Cholla and Tucson high schools headed to the University of Arizona Mall to protest the end of a federal policy that protected immigrants who were brought into the United States illegally as children.

Trump administration officials announced Tuesday morning they would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy begun by the Obama administration in 2012.

We couldnt sit there and receive an education knowing other people were being denied, said David Calzadillas, a 16-year-old junior and student council vice president at Cholla High Magnet School.

Two other Cholla juniors, Brianna Trevizo, 17, and Vanessa Gomez, 16, said they each have family members who are DACA recipients and need to work, in some cases to support young children. Their family members now could be eventually deported to Mexico, even though one of them doesnt speak Spanish.

We came here to protest because we think its the right thing to do, Gomez said.

A few hours later outside Tucson City Hall, DACA recipients and their supporters gathered to voice their opposition to the presidents decision.

DACA allowed me to work, to buy a car, to drive without fear of being stopped by a cop, from the fear of deportation, to continue with my educational goals, said Jessica Rodriguez, a DACA recipient with Living United For Change in Arizona.

There was a decision made today to take that away, she told the crowd of about 150 people.

However, she said, We are undocumented, unafraid, and we are not going back into the shadows.

Edward Cott, with United Struggle of Parents and Students, or LUPE for its acronym in Spanish, said the immigration crackdown being carried out by Trump officials began with the Clinton administration and never stopped.

He called on local officials to stand up to the federal government and protect the rights of their constituents.

Weve got to demand they take concrete steps to defend vulnerable communities that are being criminalized, persecuted, continue to be attacked by the federal government, Cott said.

Josue Saldivar, a DACA recipient with Mariposas Sin Fronteras, or Butterflies without Borders, said politicians have failed for 15 years to pass legislation that would permanently protect immigrants brought into the country illegally by their parents.

Our humanity has been generalized. It has become a buzzword and we have become political pawns, Saldivar said. But we each of us have our own humanity and that should be respected.

Local educational institutions also voiced their support for DACA recipients.

A letter signed by Pima County School Superintendent Dustin Williams and the superintendents of the Sunnyside and Flowing Wells school districts said many school employees, from teachers to cafeteria workers, are DACA recipients.

If the program were ended, Tuesdays move would put those people in legal jeopardy and hurt the schools, they said. More importantly, students lives may be thrown into a tailspin.

Gabriel Trujillo, the leader of Tucsons largest school district, Tucson Unified, reminded families on Tuesday that its campuses are a safe place and that students will never be questioned about their legal status or that of their family members.

The Pima Community College Governing Board issued a statement saying it resolutely supports a permanent and certain path forward for our DACA students to fulfill their educational goals and pursue their dreams.
An ex-teacher at Cholla High Magnet School was sentenced Tuesday in a case involving inappropriate conduct with a student in 2016.

Under a plea agreement, Pima County Superior Court Judge Deborah Bernini sentenced Eddie Rodriguez to three years probation for aggravated assault on an incapacitated victim, said Krisanne LoGalbo, a court spokeswoman.

Rodriguez is not eligible for early termination. He also was not ordered to register as a sex offender, but if he violates his probation a judge could decide otherwise, LoGalbo said.

In October 2016, Tucson police were called to Cholla, 2001 W. Starr Pass Boulevard, where a 15-year-old student reported that Rodriguez made sexual contact with her while on campus.

Rodriguez was arrested on a sexual abuse charge. At the time, district officials placed Rodriguez on administrative leave.
PHOENIX  Foes of universal vouchers have more than enough signatures to give voters the last word  if the petition drive is not invalidated by judges or legislators.

New figures released Tuesday show that the Maricopa County Recorders Office found that 86.6 percent of the signature samples it reviewed on referendum petitions were valid.

While results are still not in from several counties, it now is a mathematical certainty that the petitions will have more than the minimum required 75,321 valid signatures needed, said Matt Roberts, spokesman for Secretary of State Michele Reagan.

With that in mind, those who want to use tax dollars for private and parochial school education have quietly dropped one of their lawsuits aimed at eliminating some of the signatures. Even if they were to win that battle, there would still be more than enough names on the petitions.

Instead, they are pursuing a second lawsuit, seeking to invalidate the entire referendum based on what they claim are irregularities in the petitions themselves. We knew from the beginning this was going to be decided through the court case, by a judge, said a spokeswoman for one such group, Kim Martinez of the American Federation for Children.

She said her group has evidence of falsified petitions and even surveillance video that is popping up of multiple volunteers who misled voters to get them to sign the petition. Among the charges is that circulators said the vouchers are benefiting the rich, that the vouchers will take $24 million out of public education and theres no oversight of how parents spend the money.

We never heard reports like that, said Dawn Penich-Thacker, spokeswoman for the Save Our Schools petition drive. She conceded that when volunteers are involved, theres always the possibility some have a different way of explaining things.

But she said petition signers clearly do not want universal vouchers. The vast majority knew what it was, they know why they oppose it, she said. Penich-Thacker said voucher supporters want to keep the issue off the ballot because theyre afraid of what voters will say.

If a judge doesnt void the referendum drive, theres a political backstop for voucher supporters: The Legislature could repeal its 2017 vouchers law and immediately re-enact it with just a few words changed.

That scenario is already on the minds of voucher supporters, starting with Sen. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, who has been the prime proponent of universal vouchers. All options are on the table, she has said when asked about a repeal-and-replace scenario.

Hanging in the balance is who gets to use state tax dollars for a private education.

Vouchers, formally known as Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, were first approved in 2011 to help students with special needs. Since that time, lawmakers have expanded eligibility to cover everything from foster children to those attending schools rated D or F.

This years Senate Bill 1431 would eliminate all preconditions.

To get the votes, backers had to agree to a cap of about 30,000 by 2023. But that cap is subject to future legislative votes, with some supporters of the vouchers already saying they hope to repeal it.

The referendum drive, if successful, keeps SB 1431 from taking effect until there is a public vote on it in the 2018 general election.
The pilot was killed when an F-16 training with the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Wing crashed near Safford on Tuesday afternoon, Graham County Sheriff P.J. Allred said.

Allred said he did not know the identity of the pilot, nor where the man was from.

The crash site is near Fort Thomas, about 20 miles northwest of Safford, in Graham County.

The wing said Tuesday that the Air Force has assembled an interim safety board to investigate the incident and additional details will be provided as they become available.

The crash was the second involving an F-16 Fighting Falcon flying from the 162nd Wing at Tucson International Airport, and the third F-16 crash in Arizona, since mid-2015.

The 162nd Wing is the Air Guard's biggest F-16 training operation and conducts training missions across military ranges in Southern and Central Arizona.

In July 2015, an Iraqi brigadier general flying from the 162nd died when his F-16, a newer model recently delivered to the Iraqi air force, crashed during night training near Douglas.

In January 2016, a Taiwanese pilot on a training flight from Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix was killed when his F-16 went down near Bagdad in Yavapai County.

The 162nd Wing has hosted training for pilots of allied nations since 1990 and trained pilots from nations including Iraq, Singapore, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Oman, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Why can't people get the facts straight before putting forth false information? Chelsea Manning was NOT pardoned. Her sentence was commuted. A presidential commutation reduces the sentence being served (Manning had already served over six years) but does NOT change the fact of conviction. A pardon forgives a certain criminal offense. Therefore, you cannot compare the Arpaio pardon to the commutation of Manning's sentence. Part of the thinking was that Manning's term was quite "extreme" (35 years) and "without historical precedent". She was NOT found guilty of the most serious crime - "aiding the enemy". Another issue was that Manning was a transgender female serving time in a male prison which meant she was "facing an uncertain fate behind bars."
While Vietnam sells its green produce around the world, the Southeast Asian country has also spent huge amounts of state money importing vegetables.

In the Jan-Aug period of this year, Vietnam imported more than US$1 billion worth of fruits and vegetables, a massive 94 percent increase on a year earlier, according to the agriculture ministry.

The eight-month import figures on vegetables were worth $190 million, up 35 percent from the same period last year, while fruit imports more than doubled to top $800 million, the ministry elaborated.

In August alone, the country spent nearly $170 million on imported green produce.

Vietnam imports the most produce from Thailand, with the neighboring countrys produce accounting for nearly 62 percent of imports in the first eight months of 2017. China ranks second, making up 16 percent of Vietnams green import value.

Vietnams fruit and vegetable imports from Thailand rose by 3.2 times from last year, while increases from the Indian and New Zealand markets were 2.2 times and 50 percent, according to the ministry.

Vietnam posted $20.45 billion in export revenue from agro-forestry and aquatic products in the Jan-Jul period this year.

As of mid-July, Vietnam shipped more than $1.8 billion worth of fruit and vegetable to other markets.

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Residents in the southern Vietnamese province of Dong Nai have been able to harvest some big catches after a local hydropower dam ceased its release of water.

The Tri An Hydroelectric plant, located in Vinh Cuu District, Dong Nai, concluded its eight-day long water release on Tuesday, leaving local citizens with a shallow body of water filled with big fish.

The operation ended at around 10:00 am, and hundreds of people were ready to pocket some catches of the year.

These are the fish that were unable to swim through the dam when it began its release of water downstream.

Residents from Vinh Cuu District and nearby localities in the southern province of Dong Nai gather at the location to harvest the fish.

By 11:00 am on the same day, the hunting began as fishermen equipped with the necessary tools harvested a wide variety of fish, including catfish, snakehead, and carp.

Some of them weighed up to 10 kilograms.

According to some experienced residents, this years quantity was less than in previous years.

Some merchants also took the opportunity to buy the fish from local residents to resell them at local markets and restaurants.

Two men manage to catch a big fish.

A local resident shows off a fish he has just caught.

A resident joyfully shows his big catch.

Hundreds of people catch fish after the Tri An Hydroelectric plant finishes releasing water on September 5, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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Officers in Lam Dong Province, in Vietnams Central Highlands, have found the bodies of two baby tigers at one local business, of which one was stored in the freezer while another was infused in wine.

Environmental units under the provincial Department of Police carried out a raid on Huy Hoang 2, a furniture business in Phu Hoi Commune, Duc Trong District, on Tuesday morning.

At the facility, owned by Vo Anh Huy, 32, officers discovered the bodies of two tiger cubs, of which one was soaked in a large tank of rice wine, while the other, weighing about nine kilograms, was kept in the freezer.

A baby tiger is infused in a tank of rice wine. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Officers from the local police department, the Peoples Procuracy, and forest protection department, later arrived at the house to assist.

The two dead animals were confiscated and the case was transferred to the police station in Duc Trong District for further investigation.

Initial statements reveal that Huy had bought the baby tigers for personal use as well as to give as a gift to others.

The Huy Hoang 2 furniture business run by Vo Anh Huy in Lam Dong Province. Photo: Tuoi Tre

In Vietnam, its a commonly held belief that infusing animals such as snakes and scorpions will create a drink with various medicinal qualities, including improving virility.

The poaching, transportation, and trading of endangered wild animals is outlawed.

Offenders face up to seven years behind bars, according to the countrys Penal Code.

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An unlicensed cabbie that has been extorting hospital-goers in Ho Chi Minh City has revealed his true colors after pointing a paper knife at traffic inspectors in an act of protest.

The driver is Tran Dinh Phuc, 40, from the south-central province of Binh Dinh.

He was identified as Teo in a previous Tuoi Tre expose that reported on him having been overcharging passengers in front of the Oncology Hospital in Binh Thanh District using his charged by the hour taxi service.

On Monday morning, Phuc carried a passenger from the infirmary to Truong Son Street in Tan Binh District in his unlicensed cab, which carries a Vantaitaxi logo and has the license plate number 51A-383.35.

Upon reaching his destination, the driver said the fare was VND700,000 ($30.79) for the roughly five kilometer journey.

As two traffic inspectors approached the vehicle, Phuc lowered the cost to VND500,000 ($21.9).

The officers then charged Phuc for parking his car in a no parking area, demanding the driver present some documents and quickly discovered that the cabbie was not working for any transport company.

While dealing with the case, Phuc took off his shirt, pulled out a paper knife and pointed it at one of the inspectors, repeatedly swearing at him and telling him to return his papers.

Phuc takes off his shirt and pulls out his paper knife.

He then took off his trousers and chased the officer around the sidewalk, forcing him to hand back the documents.

Phuc only stopped and put on his clothes when officers from the Tan Binh District police department arrived.

At the police station, Phuc was fined for operating without a permit for passenger transport, and had his car registration and driving license confiscated.

Officers also kept the paper knife and a baton to support the investigation.

The traffic inspector has to hand back the document after being chased by Phuc.

Police units arrive and confiscate Phucs knife along with a metal baton.

The paper knife Phuc used to threaten the inspector.

The taxi badge shows that Phuc does not work for any transport business.

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The administration of Can Tho City in southern Vietnam has issued a new code of conduct for public servants, which includes a controversial ban on jeans at the office.

The code of conduct, applicable to all employees of state entities, was signed into effect on Tuesday by Can Tho chairman Vo Thanh Thong, according to the Office of the municipal Peoples Committee.

The code requires public workers to be considerate, courteous and affable in communicating with people, and be attentive to inquiries so as to give clear and detailed explanations of regulations related to their field of expertise.

Public workers are also asked to give priority treatment to the elderly, the sick, the disabled and pregnant women, while picking up the habit of saying sorry and thank you in appropriate circumstances.

For government bodies that do not have uniforms, public workers must wear clothes that are clean, smart and unrevealing, using colors pleasant to the eyes and suitable for the nature of the job, the code of conduct reads.

Men are required to go to work in tucked-in dress shirts, trousers and shoes or sandals, while women must wear either the ao dai  a traditional Vietnamese costume  or shirts with office skirts or dresses.

Both male and female public servants are not to wear jeans and T-shirts of any kind to work, according to the code of conduct.

The ban on jeans at the office has been met with public backlash, with some public workers criticizing the new regulation as inflexible.

Nguyen Hoang Ba, director of Can Thos Department for Internal Affairs who responded to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers request for comment, said the ban had been issued after considering precedents set by Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City administrations.

Bas department is reportedly the body that requested the ban to be included in Can Thos code of conduct.

According to Ba, the city welcomed feedback from agencies and bodies that would be affected by the code of conduct prior to its issuance, but there was no objection to the ban at the time.

Blue jeans are a complete no-no, Ba said. It just doesnt feel right for civil servants to wear jeans at the office.

However, contrary to Bas claim, Hanois code of conduct does not make any mention of such a ban on jeans, only discouraging public servants from wearing shirts without collars and sleeves, or dresses shorter than the knee, to work.

Meanwhile, there is no official code of conduct in Ho Chi Minh City that adjusts the behavior of state employees.

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Health authorities in Yulin, Shaanxi province, have launched an investigation into the death of an expectant mother who was denied a C-section, according to Beijing Youth Daily.

The 26-year-old woman, Ma Rongrong, jumped to her death from the fifth floor of the First Hospital of Yulin on Aug 31 because of unbearable labor pain.

On Wednesday morning, Mas family and the hospital were still in dispute about the events leading up to Mas death.

The hospital issued a statement on Wednesday morning, saying that police had confirmed that Mas death was suicide.

The hospital offered three pieces of evidence in its defense  an informed consent for natural birth signed by Ma and her husband, a nurses record showing that Mas relatives had rejected the option of a C-section three times, and screenshots from the hospitals surveillance cameras.

In the screenshots, Ma is seen leaving the labor room three times to talk to her family. She is twice seen kneeling, which the hospital statement said showed she was begging her family for a C-section.

But Yan Li, a cousin of Mas husband, told Beijing Youth Daily that Ma was squatting due to the pain.

Yan said that when Ma crouched down, she told her husband that she could not hold on any longer because of the pain and asked her husband to tell the doctor.

My cousin told hospital staff immediately that a C-section was acceptable, but two doctors said after an examination that there was no need for a C-section and took away clothes prepared for the baby, Yan said.

Two doctors involved have been suspended pending an investigation.

Wang Keju contributed to this story.
A Vietnamese man has left for Taiwan to work with authorities after the death of his son, a guest worker who was shot dead by police on the island late last month.

The father, whose name has not been disclosed for legal reasons, was expected to arrive in the island late Tuesday to get a full explanation for his sons death.

His son, Nguyen Quoc Phi, 27-year-old Vietnamese overseas contract worker in Taiwan, was shot dead on August 31.

The Vietnamese was caught stealing a motorbike and the belongings from a truck in the Taiwanese city of Hsinchu at 10:40 am that day, according to local police.

When two Hsinchu officers were dispatched to the scene, Phi started throwing rocks at them, prompting them to use a stick and pepper spray to neutralize him.

After being pepper-sprayed in the face, Phi jumped into a river to wash his face and continued throwing rocks and bricks at the policemen. One of the policemen was hurt.

As Phi continued to jump into the driver seat of the police car, the officers took out their guns and shot nine bullets at the Vietnamese citizen, with six bullets hitting their target.

Phi was immediately brought to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead at noon the same day, according to official documents from Vietnams Economic Cultural Office in Taipei.

Verification needed

Tran Duy Hai, a representative at Vietnams Economic Cultural Office in Taipei, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on the phone that Phi had a six-year contract to work in Taiwan, but he had been staying illegally on the island for the last three years.

Hai added that when the police came, Phi wasnt wearing any clothes and fought back by throwing rocks.

There is a possibility that Phi might have used a stimulant, Hai said.

However, all of this is just estimation. We will have to wait for the police investigation outcome and autopsy results to know for sure.

The death of Phi has sparked rage among Vietnamese labor workers in Taiwan. More than 100 of them, along with the International Workers Association in Taiwan, took their anger to the streets in a protest on Monday. The protesters gathered in front of the islands national police agency with banners.

Protesters demanded an investigation and the release of the recorded video showing how policemen shot down the 27-year-old Vietnamese, according to Taiwans Central News Agency.

Nguyen Duy Thong, a 25-year-old Vietnamese worker in Taiwan who joined the protest, told Taipei Times that many workers had to run away because they were unable to pay off the brokerage fees, which usually vary between US$6,500 to $7,000.

Taipei Times also quoted another Vietnamese guest worker, Nguyen Viet Ca, as saying that foreign workers are usually stopped to have their paperwork examined. Phis case may be the result of discrimination against foreigners, Ca told the newspaper.

Given the fact that police shot nine bullets at an unarmed man, many are worried about the police departments discriminative attitude.

Even if he ran away, he still did not have any weapons with him. Considering the fact that the policemen were fully armed, Phi couldnt have been a threat to them, Ca said.

Meanwhile, Focus Taiwan quoted Yibee Huang, chief director of a human rights protection organization, Covenants Watch, as wondering whether the police would have handled the case in the same way if the exact same scenario involved a Taiwanese citizen or a white person.

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AMERICA-HYSTERICA. "A New Report Raises Big Questions About Last Years DNC Hack" finally got the VIPS analysis into the mainstream. (Briefly: Guccifer 2.0 documents were locally downloaded and doctored to give a Russian flavour). Has this killed the story? Maybe: the MSM has been shrieking about other things since. (And the interminable US investigations inch closer to the truth.) Normal hysteria returns: "Putins Hand Can Clearly Be Seen In the Chaos of a Destabilized West". Amazing how powerful these people think he is, isn't it? Nothing is beyond his reach (except Kiev and Vilnius.)

DIPLOMATIC PROPERTY. A complete violation of the Vienna Convention: "Article 22. The premises of a diplomatic mission... are inviolable... The host country must never search the premises...". Washington has set a precedent that will come back to bite it: what's to stop any country that thinks it's on Washington's target list from doing the same? Incredible. Who's in charge?

BRIDGE. The Kerch Strait bridge rolls along. Here's the railway arch being moved into position and the first ship passing under it. Here's an amusingly one-sided account of things from the Daily Signal.

ZAPAD 2017. NATO is giving itself a major case of the fantods over this exercise "close to its borders". The website so you can follow yourself: 14-20 September in Russia and Belarus, 13K troops, 70 aircraft, 250 tanks, 200 guns and 10 warships. "Anti-terrorist" of course  aren't they all these days?  "The exercise stipulates that some extremist groups have penetrated... ". They have them every four years.

QUAGMIRES. Shortly after Moscow began its intervention in Syria, Obama opined "An attempt by Russia and Iran to prop up Assad and try to pacify the population is just going to get them stuck in a quagmire and it wont work". Well, yesterday Damascus broke the seige of Deir ez-Zor which probably marks the beginning of the mopping up phase. In short it's not a quagmire and it did work. The US involvement in Afghanistan, on the other hand, is about to enter year 17, getting on for twice as long as the Soviets were there. That is a quagmire and that hasn't worked; the Pentagon isn't even sure how many soldiers it has there: 8.4K, 11K or more? Russia has had three military actions this century  Chechnya II, Ossetia and Syria  all victories; all US military interventions have been failures. What's the difference? I would suggest that Russia initiates military violence with a clear plan 1) to do only what violence can do 2) that is integrated with a diplomatic and civil program for the things it can't and 3) coordinated with reliable allies on the ground. When it has done what it set out to do, it stops. Washington, on the other hand, 1) expands its aims after the initial success far past those that violence can achieve 2) has a negligible diplomatic effort and 3) its allies on the ground turn out to be phantasms of the Washington echo chamber. Added to which, I do not believe that the US military is nearly as competent as its cheerleaders think it is; I suspect it resembles the post-Vietnam mess I saw on exercises in Germany in the 1980s. Maybe even "hardwired for failure".

ISRAEL. Jerusalem seems to have understood its defeat sooner than Washington. Iran has a much stronger presence in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq thanks to two decades of calamitous interventions. It is argued here and here that a nervous Netanyahu received a dusty answer from Putin in Sochi: Iran is Russia's "strategic ally in the Middle East".

BRICS. The summit communique is rather blah except for 10 and 11 which deal with finance and currencies. There's a story that China "is preparing to launch a crude oil futures contract denominated in Chinese yuan and convertible into gold". This would be a strong blow to the power of the US dollar and, by extension, of Washington itself. When Kennan warned against the "superficial and ill informed" decision to expand NATO I don't think he foresaw all the downstream consequences. Beijing, famous for long-term thinking, took a warning from it too. Newton's Third Law of geopolitics.

OOPS! It will be at least 2024 before the US can replace the Russian rocket motors. Carefully excluded from Congress' sanctions bill of course.

KOREA. Has there been much mention in your local news outlet of the US-South Korea exercises of 21-31 August which, they say, sometimes include practising decapitation strikes? (The media often leaves out important synchronicities.) I've heard that North and South will meet in St Petersburg. We shall see; there is a solution to the problem: what Beijing calls "double suspension". And it probably doesn't require Washington: Seoul could agree to stop the exercises and tell some of the 35K+ US troops to leave. Putin has strongly condemned Pyongyang's tests: "a flagrant violation".

 Patrick Armstrong Analysis, Canada Russia Observer
New UK observational series Hospital (points for creative titling there, folks) will premiere on Seven next week.

Season 1 of the BBC2 series was filmed over 6 weeks in 2016.

Season 2 will include footage of the moment Westminster Bridge terrorist Khalid Masood arrived in hospital following his deadly assault in March, which attracted some debate in the UK.

Go behind the scenes to show the complexity of a hospital in action  including how staff are managing competing pressures and demands to ensure patients get the care they need.

Autumn 2016 Two patients await life-saving surgery at St Marys in Paddington, the biggest of the five hospitals in the Trust.

9:40pm Tuesday September 12 on Seven.
A clever billboard campaign simply declaring Netflix is a joke has been getting attention in LA & New York.

Social media users were posting shots of the signage with Netflix remaining silent on whether it was behind them.

But media reports now claim they are part of a wider campaign that will soon feature Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, among others, all together to promote Netflixs comedic offerings.

Along for the comedic ride will be Netflix stars like Kevin Spacey, who will be interacting with the comedians in character, plus other Netflix stars.

Source: Hollywood Reporter
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Aligarh: The Department of Shia Theology, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in collaboration with Iran Cultural House, New Delhi today organised an International Seminar on Reason and Religion: Way to Defeat Extremism, Contribution of India and Iran in Development of Kalam-e-Jadid (with special reference to role of Sir Syed as the founder of Kalam-e-Jadid) at the University Polytechnic Auditorium. The seminar was conducted as a part of Sir Syed Ahmad Khans Bicentenary celebrations.

Presiding over the inaugural function, AMU Vice Chancellor, Professor Tariq Mansoor said extremism can be defeated with Sir Syeds vision of tolerance and large heartedness. People need to be tolerant towards history and culture of all communities in the world and a special stress should be paid on education of masses, said the Vice Chancellor.

Talking about women education, Professor Mansoor said that no community in the world can progress without educating their women. Women make 50 percent of humanity and nations cannot progress if their women are not educated, said Prof Mansoor.

The Vice Chancellor further said that AMU has started a Centre for Interfaith Understanding with Prof Syed Ali Mohammad Naqvi as the Director to foster a culture of liberal views and tolerance. He pointed out that the Centre will be a platform for scholars of various religious faiths to come together for useful dialogues and interactions.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Majid Maarif (Dean, Faculty of Theology, Tehran University, Iran) said that Islam regards reason as one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on human beings. He added that it is by means of reason that we understand ourselves and the world around us.

Talking on the importance of knowledge in Islam, Prof Maarif said that a believer in his life must work in harmony with the knowledge he has, otherwise there would be no benefit in that knowledge.

He further said that wisdom, intellect and authority occupy a special place in Islam. The issue of the authority of wisdom in Islam is certain and since the earliest times until the present, the Islamic civilization has never negated the authority of wisdom; Muslims have always been used wisdom as a source to take discussions, said Prof Maarif.

Dr Ali Dehgahi (Cultural Counsellor of Iran), who attended the function as the chief guest said that to defeat extremism, we need to redouble efforts. He added that Islam aims to build a society in peace, serenity, friendship, collaboration, altruism, justice and virtue. We need to send across the right message of Islam to the world, he pointed out.

Prof Tauqeer Alam Falahi said that the Holy Quran mentions that all believers are brothers and sisters and if a disagreement appears among them they make peace and correct it. He added that a religious person will avoid what God forbids and will do good deeds at every stage in life.

Earlier during the welcome address, Prof Ali Mohammad Naqvi said that Sir Syed was the founder of Kalam-e-Jadid (New Islamic Theology) and other scholars have followed him. He added that the deliberations in todays seminar will focus on stopping bloodshed and working for world peace with the true spirit of Islam.

Prof Saud Alam Qasmi said that it is imperative to follow Sir Syeds teachings for the betterment of society in general and marginalised sections in particular.

Maulana Kalbe Jawad Sahab deliberated that people, who read Quran can never follow a violent path. He added that this seminar condemns terrorism with the Sir Syeds Kalam-e-Jadid.

He said that it is necessary to revisit Sir Syeds teachings and follow his reformist fervour and missionary zeal.

Prof Akhtarul Wasey (Vice Chancellor, Jodhpur University) emphasised that on a closer look at the facts, one can easily make out the importance of the lasting legacy of Sir Syeds message, which has become even more crucial in todays world.

Prof A R Kidwai, Dr Shahid Mehdi (former Vice Chancellor, Jamia Milia Islamia) and Dr Zafar Mahmood were also present on the occasion.

Books Sir Syed: Founder of Ilm-e-Kalam-e-Jadid by Prof Ali Mohammad Naqvi and Islami Tehreeqon ke Gusishta Sau Saal by Ustaad Murtaza Mutahri were also released at the function.
Bodies of 16 migrants have been found in the desert near Libya's border with Egypt, according to Reuters.

According to the report, the corpses were found by Libyan troops affiliated with the now retired General Khalifa Haftar. Spokesperson for the Haftar forces in eastern Libya, Ahmed Al-Mismari claimed that they found the bodies nearly 310 kilometres away from the coastal town of Tobruk in southwest Libya.

Al-Mismari assured that further searches in the region are underway but the identity of the migrants is yet to be determined. This is not the first instance where bodies of migrant workers have been discovered in the Libyan Desert.

Previously, patrol cars and rescue workers have come across bodies of Egyptian migrant workers who died of starvation after being stranded or abandoned by Libyan human traffickers.

Migrants looking for work often try to reach the EU countries via boat through Libya. General Haftar demanded an astonishing $20 billion from the European Union to combat illegal immigration into Europe from Africa.

Algeria tightens security across Libyan border

The Algerian government has sent 3000 of its soldiers to reinforce the country's border with Libya.

According to Quds Press, senior officials of the Algerian People's National Armed Forces have also agreed to deploy advanced electronic monitoring equipment to keep track of terrorists attempting to cross the border.

The Algeria-Libya border is thousands of kilometres long and is rife with smuggling and illegal immigration. As per Al-Bilad, a military newspaper in Algeria, the government wants to intensify security along the border region to tackle those issues. Surveillance planes are also expected to fly over the desert near the border.

Terror warning issued

This major upgrade of security comes on the back of a warning from the West which suggested that eleven African countries, including Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco, are in danger of being targeted for terror attacks by groups linked to the so called Islamic State's Libyan faction or the Al-Qaeda's northern Mali branch.

Libya plummeted into civil war in 2011 following the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi. The country now hosts three governments in conflict with each other - the Libyan National Unity government, the internationally recognised Government of National Accord and the Interim Government in the east. Hopes for peace among the three factions appear slim at the moment.
Turkish Police have shot dead an Islamic State militant suspected of planning a terror attack on a police station in southern Turkey.

The assailant was said to be wearing a vest loaded with explosives. Police shot him on Wednesday outside a police station in the Yenisehir district which according to security sources is located next to the regional headquarters of MIT - Turkey's national intelligence agency.

A statement issued by the government confirmed the death of the assailant on Wednesday morning. The Mersin governor's office confirmed that the suspect was first spotted by the police some 50 metres from the police station.

The man as behaving suspiciously and was told to stop as he continued walking towards the station. The police opened fire after he ignored the repeated calls to stop and started to reach for a cable dangling from his shoulder which is believed to be the detonator plug.

Suspect was a Syrian national

The terrorist's suicide vest was later defused, confirmed Mustafa Ercan, the chief prosecutor of the Mersin province. The man's identity has not yet been revealed but Ercan said that the authorities believe that the suspect is a militant belonging to the so-called Islamic State.

The Dogan news agency, however, claims that the would-be-attacker was a 20-year-old Syrian national living in an apartment near the police station.

The father of the suspect has been taken into custody after the police searched his home. The family had moved into Mersin a year ago. The owner of the house said that the ISIS militant was unemployed and depended on aid provided by the neighbours and his relatives. He also confirmed that the man appeared to be 'partially paralyzed' when he first came from Syria and had been undergoing physiotherapy sessions at a hospital for the past six months.

Gateway to ISIS

Many fighters wishing to join the Islamic State pass through Turkey to reach the group's so called Caliphate in Iraq and Syria. According to government sources, Turkey has detained more than 5,000 ISIS suspects and deported around 3,290 foreign militants from 95 countries. The security forces have also cracked down on terror cells inside Turkey that are providing support to militants in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey's continued fight against ISIS has seen it become a target of a number of attacks in recent years.

In 2015, Turkey witnessed one of the deadliest attacks on its soil as twin suicide bombings in Ankara resulted in the deaths of 102 people while injuring 400 others at a rally on October 10.
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, another storm is making its way up to the United States. Hurricane Irma is projected to possibly reach Florida this weekend, and Donald Trump made sure to comment during his routine morning tweets.

Trump on Irma

When the news broke that yet another hurricane could rock part of the United States, it sent many in Florida and in the South into panic mode. After seeing the destruction left by Hurricane Harvey just last month in Texas, Floridians are not taking anything for granted. In recent days, millions across the state have rushed to stores to grab as many supplies as possible, as water and others items have been reported out of stock, with lines backing up for gas at the local pumps.

Reports of the storm started last week, as experts are predicting Hurricane Irma to reach a Category 5 with winds making their way to as strong as 130 mph. After close to a week of the storm being in the news, Donald Trump finally decided to make mention of it on social media, sending out a pair of tweets on September 6.

Watching Hurricane closely. My team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida. No rest for the weary!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday morning, Donald Trump tweeted with almost excitement about the upcoming hurricane and how his administration is planning to face it. "Watching Hurricane closely.

My team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida," Trump tweeted out, before adding, "No rest for the weary!"

Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

Not stopping there, Donald Trump sent out yet another tweet, this time warning that the storm could be record breaking.

"Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!" the president posted.

Twitter reacts

Not long after Donald Trump sent out his tweets, he was quickly mocked on social media for finally taking time to mention the hurricane, as well as his odd excitement. "Don't act like you've earned being weary watching TV weather from your mansions and gold plated towers," Erik Stanger tweeted, while adding, "Only the weak get weary from taking photos."

Only the weak get weary from taking photos.  Erik Stanger (@erikforCO) September 6, 2017

Category Orange Fucksicle  Stefan Gutenberg (@TheRealFooJones) September 6, 2017

"We have also been watching Hurricane Trump closely and the damage its done in the last 9 months.

A new category should be invented for it," one tweet read. "No kidding! Where have you been for the past 3 days? Delayed reaction?" another Twitter user, before noting, "Just think how big of a crowd size you will have in Florida after the largest Hurricane ever hits!"

Just think how big of a crowd size you will have in Florida after the largest Hurricane ever hits!  Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) September 6, 2017

Irma turned into cat5 due to warm waters. And that's due to climate change. Which Trump denies!! Smh  Mike Matheson (@MikeRMatheson) September 6, 2017

2 Things:



#1 You Clearly Don't even know its name



#2 It doesn't 'Look Like," It 'IS" The Strongest ever in the Atlantic  Impeach Donald Trump (@Impeach_D_Trump) September 6, 2017

"Trump Looks like the Largest Disaster in American History," yet another tweet noted. As the backlash continued to pour in, only time will tell how Donald Trump will handle the aftermath of Hurricane Irma this weekend.
Following the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, Donald Trump declared Sunday, September 3 as a National Day of Prayer. After Melania Trump sent out a tweet in regards to prayer day, critics of the president were quick to lash out on social media.

Melania on Trump

It's been just over a week since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas in what experts say is the worst storm to hit the state in close to 500 years. Dozens have been reported dead because of the hurricane, with thousands being forced to leave their home and take shelter elsewhere due to the devastation and damage.

The city of Houston was hit the hardest, and was where Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited during their second trip to the state following the storm, after their initial stop was marred by controversial and criticism. Heading into the weekend, the former host of "The Apprentice" declared September 3 the "National Day of Prayer," which Melania highlighted on her Twitter account.

Beautiful service today at St. John's. @potus and I wishing you many blessings on this National Day of Prayer.  Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) September 3, 2017

Taking to Twitter on Sunday was Melania Trump who took time promote Donald Trump's National Day of Prayer with a tweet after the couple attended church service at St.

John's. "Beautiful service today at St. John's. @potus and I wishing you many blessings on this National Day of Prayer," Melania tweeted. As expected, the first couple took heat over Prayer Day, with critics of the president making sure to give their candid thoughts on social media.

Twitter reacts

Within minutes of Melania Trump's tweet about Prayer Day, backlash quickly followed.

"The only prayers that have been answered is your teenage prayers to get the best Sugar baby set up ever," comedian Kristina Wong wrote.

The only prayers that have been answered is your teenage prayers to get the best Sugar baby set up ever. pic.twitter.com/PexTumMoqW  Kristina Wong  (@mskristinawong) September 3, 2017

#FirstAmendment tells me there is no government sanctioned or sponsored National Day of Prayer. It's against the separation church & state  Monica Drake (@Monica_Drake) September 3, 2017

What the hell is this national day of prayer bullshit. F that.  ann (@annehmsd) September 3, 2017

"What the hell is this national day of prayer bullshit.

F that," one Twitter user rhetorically asked. "#FirstAmendment tells me there is no government sanctioned or sponsored National Day of Prayer. It's against the separation church & state," another tweet pointed out.

You mean the crooked assh*hole didn't get struck by lightning on the way in?  jeff ehlers (@cletushusker) September 3, 2017

Wishing you would learn about the Constitution and respect it.  Cynthia (@noodicle) September 3, 2017

"You mean the crooked assh*hole didn't get struck by lightning on the way in?" another tweet mockingly asked. "Wishing you would learn about the Constitution and respect it," another social media user added. As the negative reaction continued, it was clear that the reaction over the prayer day came straight down party lines, with those on the political right embracing it, while others made sure to bash it as the rift between liberals and conservatives continued.
For the better part of the last two years, Donald Trump has made it a habit to bash the media on an almost daily basis. Despite Trump's strong words, there's one network that the president can't seem to stop watching.

Trump and Fox News

It all started when Donald Trump stood on the floor of Trump Tower in New York City back in the summer of 2015 and announced that he would be running for president. During his speech, the former host of "The Apprentice" spoke about his plans on immigration, while referring to those who have come into the United States illegally as "rapists" and "murderers." From that moment forward, Trump has been at odds with the mainstream media, often taking to social media to bash any report that he doesn't agree with, with the exception of Fox News.

Following his upset election win over Hillary Clinton last November, the billionaire real estate mogul was forced to hit back against allegations that he was in cahoots with Russia after it was revealed that the Kremlin had hacked the election in his favor, with many blaming alleged "fake news" on the internet for his victory. Fast forward to present day and Trump's relationship with the press has only gotten worse, as his own cries of "fake news" have dominated his social media accounts. As first reported by the New York Times on September 1, Chief of Staff John Kelly has had a difficult time getting the president to step away from watching Fox News.

John Kelly, the new chief of staff, has indicated he will not tolerate President Trumps dressing-downs for long https://t.co/vp5lmYrLlr  The New York Times (@nytimes) September 1, 2017

On Friday, the New York Times released a bombshell new report that uncovered Robert Mueller has an early draft detailing the additional reasons why Donald Trump fired James Comey earlier this summer as Director of the FBI.

In addition, the paper also ran a story noting the trouble new Chief of Staff John Kelly has been having getting on the same page as the president.

NYT Report Says John Kelly Can't Stop Trump From 'Binge-Watching Fox News' https://t.co/1BFnUprNAd pic.twitter.com/72NKuvrAMX  Mediaite (@Mediaite) September 2, 2017

John Kelly has been doing his best to clean up the apparent mess he inherited from Reince Priebus, which has included eliminating some of the daily media articles from questionable sources like the right-wing Daily Caller and Breitbart News.

The biggest problem, however, is that Kelly has clashed with Donald Trump over his obsession with watching Fox News throughout the day. "Mr. Kelly cannot stop Mr. Trump from binge-watching Fox News," the New York Times writes, while adding that aides to the president say the network is his "primary source of information gathering."

He wont abide such treatment: Gen. Kelly said nobody has spoken to him like Trump in his 35-year career https://t.co/nigPu98vrO  Raw Story (@RawStory) September 2, 2017

Getting heated

The New York Times report continued, explaining that Donald Trump and John Kelly got into a heated exchange in August where the new Chief of Staff was quoted in saying he had "never been spoken to like that during 35 years of serving his country." Not stopping there, Kelly addressed the issue to some of his aides, stating that "he would not abide such treatment" moving forward. As of press time, neither Trump or Kelly have responded to the report in question.
A President extorting his people is not a deal maker. Donald Trump doesnt really make good deals. He, instead, uses intimidation, and extortion to get what he wants.That's not suave deal making, it's bullying and intimidation. It's gangster. DACA is being used, by the Trump administration, as a form of extortion through kidnapping.

Donald and his so called, 'Republican' sycophants are really fascist.

Rejecting Dreamers; Its wrong. Its sadistic. Its down right evil.What it appears to be is that Donald Trump and his Republican lap dogs are trying to get funding to build their wall, by holding 800,000 or so young dreamers hostage.

They are also trying to engender xenophobia and further foster the fascist, racist Trump brand. They are using this despicable cloak of nationalism with which to do it.

It is clear to me that these greasy politicians will not answer any question directly. What they do instead, is refer to weak descriptions about ambiguous events in uncertain time periods, arriving each time in their speech, with their tired fear mongering, false nationalism schtick about a nation of laws and needing to protect our southern borders. As if by doing so they will magically protect us from some mass invasion which never manifests. This is how a small fascist group manages to usurp a nation. There are no invaders to fear but the ones occupying the White House as we speak.

What has the Republican party done lately that we should so easily fall for these aggressive tactics?

These fatcats, so detached from the pulse of the American people, have absolutely no idea of what we need or want. Republican party politicians have become liars and cheats on such a blatant level it boggles my mind. If there are still those that support the Constitution they have become, or have always been weak willed and spineless cowards.

American Democracy is for the people, not for the white people, take it back.

Im ashamed to admit that until Donald Trump became our President, I never really concerned myself with politics. I have been alive for going on 48 years. I have never been as scared for the planet as I have been since these fascists have taken over the White House.

I realize though, that they have been doing this for a while.

Dont think I have not had my share of self-loathing moments when taking this into consideration. I thought I was being patriotic by refusing to participate in a system that was so incredibly flawed. I was wrong. I was an idiot, which is how the ancient Greeks used to refer to those who neglected political life. I was part of the problem. And so are you if that is what you have been doing.

Its time to make a stand at the ballots if ever there was such a time. These people have been setting fire to the entire institution that is our American Democracy. Democracy is for the people, by the people. Not; for poor, scared white bigots, by poor, scared, white bigots.

And not for rich, greedy, manipulative psychopathic fat cats that call themselves Republicans either. How many blatant slaps in the face can the American people take before we have finally had enough? What will be left of our once great nation once they have finished rearranging the furniture?
"Days of our Lives" spoilers for the week reveal that there will be a lot going on in Salem. There will be love triangles, kidnapping, sadness, couples drama, and devilish plans. On Tuesday, "DOOL" viewers will see all of the above thanks to characters like Angelica, Marlena, Hattie, Adrienne, Bonnie, John, Eric, Nicole, and Brady. Don't forget to set your DVRs for this episode!

History repeating itself?

According to the latest "Days of our Lives" spoilers, Nicole is making mistake after mistake in her life, per usual. The fan favorite character is already in over her head when it comes to her love life as she's dating Brady Black, but has been sneaking around with his step-brother, Eric Brady.

Nicole and Eric have a long history together, and have been in love for years. However, after Eric drove drunk and caused the accident that killed Nicole's fiance, Dr. Daniel Jonas, there relationship changed. Now, Nicole has forgiven Eric, and it seems some old feelings are resurfacing. Meanwhile, she's been lying to Brady about seeing Eric after work hours.

Nicole is playing with fire

This week, "Days Of Our Lives" viewers will see Nicole make yet another mistake when she decides that she must have a look at her baby daughter, Holly, who is currently in the foster care system. Nicole was ordered to keep herself out of trouble and follow the rules of the court for a period of two months before she was allowed to have Holly back.

Now, she's risking it all by trying to get too close to Holly, and it could cost her everything. Meanwhile, Brady is still raging with jealousy over Nicole and Eric's relationship. Brady will grow increasingly suspicious and will take a toll on him.

Marlena's nightmare

All the while, John Black and Eric Brady will get a bit worried about the whereabouts of Dr.

Marlena Evans. John returned home from his trip to Greece in hopes of reuniting with the love of his life. Instead, he found an empty house. John has been trying to get in contact with his "Doc," but he can't seem to find her anywhere. He'll get so worried that he and Eric will visit the Salem police department to file a missing persons report on Marlena.

However, as "Days of our Lives" fans know, Marlena is being held prisoner in a psychiatric hospital thanks her to her doppelganger Hattie Adams. Hattie drugged and kidnapped Marlena and then impersonated her in order to lock her away.

Hattie dumps John, moves on to Roman

Now, Hattie is living Marlena's best life, and she's got big plans. Hattie will call of the relationship with John and move on to Roman, whom she's been crushing on. Hattie living as Marlena should be interesting to watch, and her scenes with Roman should give longtime "Days of our Lives" fans major nostalgia of when Marlena and Roman were one of Salem's hottest super couples.

Angelica and Bonnie meet

Also happening in Salem, Angelica continues her scheme to get close to Justin.

This means that she'll need Bonnie Lockhart to get on board with her plan of taking over Adrienne's life and getting her out of the picture so that she and Justin can get close again. Bonnie will do much of what Hattie will, and end the relationship with Lucas Horton. "Days of our Lives" fans may love or hate this storyline, but it will be bringing some comedy to the NBC soap.
In recent years, cable news has turned into more a political drama program than an actual presentation of the day's current events. While that may be the case, notable Christian Pat Robertson is still making headlines due to his controversial remarks and views which were evident during his most recent broadcast.

Robertson on MSNBC

The United States of America is a secular country where individuals are free to practice, or not practice, any religion that they choose. The government is also free from following any religious doctrine, which further leaves the ability of any American not to be dictated to by a a faith-based system.

Despite this, many on the political right disagree with how the American system works and often attempt to push their own religious beliefs on others. One of the most prominent voices in the faith based community for decades has been Pat Robertson, the chief of the Christian Broadcasting Network and host of the "700 Club." While religion often dominates the show, politics finds its way into the discussion on a routine basis. On Monday night, Robertson expressed his disgust that the liberal-leaning MSNBC was now pulling in better ratings with some demographics than the conservative Fox News. As reported by Mediaite on August 8, Robertson was not pleased.

2. This is amazing. Pat Robertson is just horrified that MSNBC is #1 in the demos - can't believe @maddow is #1. (ps Roger Ailes loved her) pic.twitter.com/MSCSzz9DeG  Yashar Ali (@yashar) August 8, 2017

During his Monday night broadcast, Pat Robertson elaborated on his thoughts of MSNBC becoming more popular over the last year.

"MSNBC is now winning the demographic ratings against Fox, theyve got the demos, which is the 18 to 49 young people, isn't that amazing?" Robertson rhetorically asked.

WATCH: Pat Robertson talking about the Bolling story. He makes sure to say "I'm not a conspiracy theorist"/"I don't have first hand info" pic.twitter.com/56ytaTSQ11  Yashar Ali (@yashar) August 8, 2017

"Rachel Maddow of all people is number one," Pat Robertson continued, before accusing Fox News of "self-imposed wounds." "Those lawyers better get out of the picture and let the programmers run that network," Robertson went on to say.

In addition, Robertson also went on to defend Fox News host Eric Bolling from the recent allegations that he took part in sexting and sending lewd pictures to female co-workers without their consent.

Next up

While Pat Robertson and others on the far right of the political spectrum continue to be in disbelief with the current state of the country, President Donald Trump is also on hard times.

According to the most recent round of polling, Trump is now holding on to just a 35 percent approval rating despite the favorable coverage he receives on a daily basis from the majority of the talent on Fox News.
While most of the outrage over Donald Trump's decision to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) came from those on the political left, at least one high-profiled supporter of the president was not pleased with his overall plans on immigration. As White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders held a briefing on Tuesday, conservative author Ann Coulter was quick to lash out on Twitter.

Coulter on Sanders

Not long after Donald Trump announced his plan run for President of the United States, he quickly got on the wrong side of the mainstream media after labeling those who enter the county illegally from Mexico as "rapists" and "murderers." Trump's comments during his campaign announcement drew a line in the sand for where he was going politically, with Americans taking sides over whether to support or oppose the former host of "The Apprentice." While the majority of the mainstream media and most big name celebrities pushed back against Trump, with many often labeling him a "racist," Islamaphobe," "homophobe," and a "misogynist," others stood by his side with die-hard support.

One of the most vocal supporters of Trump has been Ann Coulter, though the outspoken right-wing firebrand has spoken out against the president since his inauguration over a variety of issues. After the news about DACA was announced, Coulter made sure to hit back at the White House on social media during the September 5 press briefing.

That's great. Sarah Huckabee Sanders says Trump wants COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM! Exactly what he used to denounce.  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) September 5, 2017

While Sarah Huckabee Sanders addressed reporters at the White House for her daily press briefing on Tuesday, Ann Coulter made sure to throw shade at Donald Trump and company during various tweets. Coulter isn't a fan of DACA, and she took offense to the president's planned actions on immigration reform on Twitter.

Trump's landmark, election-winning immigration speech, 8/31/16: ENFORCEMENT 1ST! We can't even discuss amnesty until we have a wall! pic.twitter.com/mSnz95qnhe  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) September 5, 2017

"That's great. (SHS) says Trump wants COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM! Exactly what he used to denounce," Ann Coulter tweeted out with sarcastic anger.

While attaching the text of part of an old Trump speech in reference to immigration, Coulter tweeted out that amnesty shouldn't even be talked about until the construction of the Southern border wall was completed. The billionaire real estate mogul has long-promised that he would build a wall separating the United States and Mexico, while also vowing that the neighboring country be held financially responsible for the construction.

In response, Mexico has denied that they would put any money towards the building of the aforementioned wall.

Weird how Huckabee Sanders obsessively attacks congress. Trump's not going to get out of betraying voters on the wall by blaming congress.  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) September 5, 2017

Coulter doubles down

Not stopping there, Ann Coulter continued her attack on Sarah Huckabee Sanders over the press briefing in question. "Weird how Huckabee Sanders obsessively attacks congress. Trump's not going to get out of betraying voters on the wall by blaming congress," she tweeted.

Huckabee Sanders is calling for Congress to pass amnesty. NICE! That's just what you won on, Mr. President!  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) September 5, 2017

I hope you didn't see the Huckabee Sanders press conference just now, Jamiel. https://t.co/pFKDyDTo3F  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) September 5, 2017

"Huckabee Sanders is calling for Congress to pass amnesty.

NICE! That's just what you won on, Mr. President!" Ann Coulter added with even more sarcasm. In response to a fellow Twitter user's tweet about Donald Trump keeping his word, Coulter replied, "I hope you didn't see the Huckabee Sanders press conference just now." While it's unknown what parts of Trump's immigration plan will become law, it doesn't appear that Coulter is a fan of what is being brought to the table.
Meghan Markle graced the cover of Vanity Fair magazine's October issue, and she looked absolutely stunning. In an interview with the publication, the 36-year-old star talked about her relationship with Prince Harry.

This is the first time that the Suits actress spoke vis-a-vis her romance with Prince Henry of Wales. And although they are under public scrutiny, she is proud to say that they are happily in love.

The start of the controversial romance

Were two people who are happy and in love, Meghan Markle told Vanity Fair.

Prince Harry revealed that they indeed had a relationship in a rare statement in November last year, People reported.

And even though they are surrounded with controversies, Markle insisted that their relationship is just simple  they love each other. She narrated that they were quietly dating six months before the rumors about them even started.

She proudly said that nothing about her has changed even though she is with a royal highness. However, peoples perception of her altered. She explained that she is still the same person that she always was and she will never be defined by the relationship she is into.

The alleged engagement

Rumors about Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys romance never stop. In fact, there are rumors that they were engaged when they visited Botswana.

The country in Southern Africa is a special place for the 32-year-old royal.

He visited this location a few years ago when he volunteered to work with conservations protecting rhinos and elephants from poachers. This was also the place where Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton.

However, Markle chose not to talk about the alleged engagement and stayed 'mum' about it. Aside from the rumors, their relationship also has challenges.

Since they met in London in July 2016, her name has been spread out across a lot of tabloids. It has its challenges, and it comes in waves, she admitted.

Prince Harry even revealed that his girlfriend is often the subject of abuse and harassment. Markle further said that some days feel more challenging than the others. While public opinion is always with her, fortunately, she has a support system and, of course, her partners back.

Avoiding being affected by rumors

To avoid being stressed by rumors, Meghan Markle revealed that she doesnt read any kind of press.

She does not even read the press release about her television show, Suits. She disclosed that people who are close to her make her secure because they know her real personality while the rest of things that said about her is just noise.

Markle admitted that she is very aware that peoples attention is focused on her and her boyfriend as their romance moves forward. "We're a couple. Were in love," she said. Although the spotlight is often on them, she said that she loves a great love story.
Man wants to set up a human settlement on the red planet and the latest entrant in the field is the Austrian Space Forum. They plan to send a team of Astronauts to the Oman desert and the site it has selected bears a strong resemblance to the surface of Mars. The team of six will remain there for one month to prepare for future missions to Colonize Mars.

The Austrian Space Forum, based in Innsbruck, is organizing the program scheduled for February 2018 and the venue selected is the Dhofar desert in Oman. The participants will live in total isolation while they conduct a number of predetermined experiments to search for traces of life.

The tentative plan

Daily Mail UK reports that the astronauts will have equipment like drone, robotic rovers and a hydroponic greenhouse to simulate missions on Mars and conduct the Amadee-18 experiments. While one team will be in the Oman desert, a second team will be in Innsbruck to monitor the activities. There will be a 10-minute signal delay between them and it will be similar to real life situations. The program will act as a stepping stone to colonize Mars.

The Austrian Space Forum has chosen the deserts of Dhofar as the venue because its surface offers a wide range of sand and rocky surfaces similar to that on the red planet. The team will have to undertake a total of 19 experiments during the month long mission and these would include growing microgreens in the greenhouse and DNA sequencing supported by rovers.

Dr. Gernot Gromer, president of the Austrian Space Forum, is hopeful that the mission in the desert of Oman will provide an impetus to Mars related missions of other space agencies like NASA and SpaceX.

Others in the fray

Mars has always been a pinnacle to be conquered and Netherlands-based Mars One set the ball rolling. It has inducted a team of volunteers who will proceed on a one-way mission to Mars.

They have been selected from applicants across the world. It is expected that these astronauts would be the first human beings to land on the red planet and colonize Mars.

NASA already has its Curiosity rover on Mars for the last five years and plans to send humans in the 2030s. It is preparing the ground work and is conducting experiments on the International Space Station keeping in mind the goal.

Hawaii has stepped in to train astronauts for Mars mission. It has established HI-SEAS (Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) on an isolated location at approximately 8200 feet above sea level. The region resembles the topography of Mars.

Elon Musk, of SpaceX, hopes to launch manned missions to Mars from 2022. His team is now working to eliminate glitches in the Dragon spacecraft to the Red Planet. This could be the first privately funded mission to Mars.
White House halts young-immigrant program; fate rests with Congress

Protesters outside the White House in Washington on Tuesday morning demonstrate against the Trump administration's decision to end DACA, an Obama-era program that protects from deportation some 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children. CHEN WEIHUA / CHINA DAILY

The announcement on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump's administration will cancel DACA, a program that protects from deportation some 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the US illegally as children, triggered protests in Washington and across the nation.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the decision on Tuesday morning. Under the decision, the Department of Homeland Security will stop processing new applications for the program and the Obama-era policy known as DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, implemented by executive order 2012, is rescinded.

Any DACA recipients with a permit set to expire before March 5, 2018, will have the opportunity to apply for a two-year renewal.

"I am here today to announce that the program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded," Sessions said.

After Sessions' speech, Trump issued a statement, calling it "in the best interest of our country" to "begin an orderly transition and wind-down of DACA, one that provides minimum disruption".

"I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," Trump said.

"We will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion - but through the lawful democratic process - while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve," Trump said.

Prior to a White House meeting, Trump told reporters that he has "great love" for the young immigrants protected by the DACA program and hopes "Congress will be able to help them and do it properly".

Just as Sessions was making the announcement at the Justice Department, hundreds of people gathered outside the White House protesting the decision. Many protesters marched to the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Francisco Lasso, from Woodbridge, Virginia, said he was a DACA recipient and a "Dreamer", the nickname given to participants in the program. "I am protesting because we need to do something about DACA. We need to pressure Congress to make it a permanent statute. Right now, it's only an executive order, which could be revoked at any time. It's vulnerable to anything," he told China Daily outside the White House.

Lasso, who is originally from Ecuador, is not optimistic about Congress.

"Congress, honestly, I don't think they will do anything. Probably it will just end up being revoked. That's my honest opinion, but we always have to be, you know, somewhat on the optimistic side," he said, citing support from the Democratic Party and people like Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Shelley Winkler of Maryland said children who were brought to the US very young, have grown up here and gone to school here should not be threatened with being sent back to places they don't know. "That's cruel, vicious and mean," she told China Daily.

"[It's] against our entire history," she added. "I hope the Congress does the right thing, and allows them to stay here and to be the productive citizens they already are."

Maria Moreno, a student, traveled all the way from Yonkers, New York, to join the protest. She is not a Dreamer but said she represents her friends who are Dreamers but who could not come to protest.

"DACA gives them opportunity. I know my friends. They were able to get jobs, degrees at schools and if they end it, on and off, what's going to happen," she said.

Later in the day, former president Barack Obama called the decision to phase out DACA "cruel" and "self-defeating".

Obama did not mention Trump by name in his statement but said a "shadow has been cast" over some of the nation's best and brightest young people. He said targeting them was wrong "because they have done nothing wrong".

Protests also took place on Tuesday in New York, Denver and Phoenix, Arizona.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
Technical workers assemble engines at a plant in Yiwu, Zhejiang province.[Photo provided for China Daily] Companies should consider outside investment, mergers, premier says

Premier Li Keqiang promised more incentives to boost high-end manufacturing in China during a visit to Huaxiang Group, a private steel-casting company in Linfen, Shanxi provincepart of a two-day visit to the area on Monday and Tuesday.

The company's moves to retain top-level professional engineers have brought success, turning it into a major supplier for a number of overseas automobile companies. Huaxiang provides an annual salary of 3 million yuan ($456,000) to some of its top craftsmen, four times that of the company's CEO.

Li spoke warmly about the approach as he talked with some of the craftsmen from whom young workers have learned, noting that providing better incentives to lure talent in high-end manufacturing is also a key strategy for the country as it seeks to shift from old economic drivers to new ones.

"We should pass on the spirit of craftsmanship from one generation to another, so that the idea of Made in China will be competitive not only in terms of prices but also in quality," Li said.

Also on Tuesday, Li visited Linfen Iron and Steel Co to learn about the region's efforts in cutting outdated capacity. The company, which is affiliated with Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Corp, stopped most of its outdated operations in 2016, and 10,000 workers have been relocated with new jobs. Among them, more than 2,500 have started their own businesses.

"These workers may be seen as a burden for a company with outdated capacity, but their talent may be in demand when they find new and more suitable jobs," Li said, calling on companies to focus on developing high-end products.

Companies that rely on traditional models should be open to private investment, mergers and reorganization, Li said, adding that China is determined to phase out outdated and excess industrial capacity as a key part of its structural reform, especially as coal prices have been rising again in recent months. The idea is to truly make room for new economic growth drivers, he said.

Li also visited the Shigejie Coal Mine, which ceased production of low-quality coal in 2016, and poverty-stricken Chengzhuang village in the Taihang Mountains to learn about local poverty alleviation and medical services.
The annual BRICS summit that concluded in China's Xiamen city on Tuesday has drawn the world's attention to the member nations' tremendous accomplishments and promise.

The five economies that comprise the BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - have experienced combined growth of nearly 180 percent in the past 10 years. They look set to usher in another "golden decade" that will benefit BRICS citizens and beyond.

But while that GDP growth is cause for celebration, there is a glaring health problem that needs to be a priority for the emerging economies that are home to 44 percent of the world's population: They are among the most heavily plagued by tuberculosis, according to the World Health Organization.

The BRICS nations combined contribute to about 50 percent of all cases of TB in the world, according to the WHO's latest Global Tuberculosis Report.

The BRICS club also accounts for 40 percent of all TB-related deaths, according to a previous report by the UN agency, which estimated that 1.4 million people died of TB globally in 2015.

As TB is widely known as a disease of poverty, the threat, if uncurbed, could push individuals, families and communities into destitution, suffering and debt, denting that dream for a BRICS golden decade.

It is reassuring to note that at both the sixth BRICS health ministers' meeting in New Delhi last year and the seventh such gathering in China's Tianjin in July, officials agreed to set up a BRICS-wide network on TB research and create an R&D consortium on TB, HIV and malaria.

The efforts mean the BRICS health authorities have realized the importance of pooling resources to address their common malady. The challenge is how to make the plan successful.

The WHO has urged each of the BRICS countries to continue to innovate and to ensure that future global tuberculosis strategies set ambitious but achievable targets.

International fundraising should be listed among the priorities, as the WHO has pointed out that BRICS countries, except India, rely mostly or exclusively on domestic funding.

Yet India's spending per TB patient is the least among BRICS countries, The Hindu reported on March 18.

It's laudable that Jim O'Neill, the former Goldman Sachs economist who coined the term "BRIC" in 2001, proposed that the BRICS collaborate on health issues, particularly infectious-disease prevention, and with that , funding for new tuberculosis drugs.

O'Neill said that by 2050 there could be 10 million people dying of antimicrobial resistant-related illnesses each year.

"Approximately one-third of these would be TB-related, and all five BRICS countries have a significant TB challenge. What better policy initiative could there be to finance the search for new TB drugs?" he wrote on the huffingtonpost.com just before the BRICS summit.

Researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention forecast in July that the proportion of TB cases that don't respond to one or more antibiotics will become far more common in Russia, India, the Philippines and South Africa by the year 2040.

In addition to funding for new drugs, there also should be a concerted effort to close the diagnostic and treatment gaps that persist among the five countries.

President Xi Jinping, speaking at the BRICS Business Forum on Sunday, said, "BRICS is not a talking shop, but a task force that gets things done."

He noted that the five countries are engaged in practical cooperation across the board, covering several dozen areas, including health.

For the well-being of the people and the BRICS' prosperity, let's hope we get this TB thing done as soon as possible.

Contact the writer at huanxinzhao@chinadailyusa.com
When 9-year-old Liang Zhuolan started learning Chinese two years ago, she barely knew anything of China other than that it's the country of origin for her immigrant parents.

Now a first grader in Nam Kue School, established in 1920 in San Francisco's Chinatown, Liang excels among 20 peers at Chinese proficiency. She not only speaks fluently, but also can write neatly in Chinese.

"I can recite many Chinese poems and recognize thousands of simplified Chinese characters," said Liang, as she pointed to a lesson she was learning. The textbook she uses is published by Jinan University in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, one of the most reputable publishing houses specializing in Chinese-language study materials.

"We take efforts to make sure our materials, methods and philosophy for teaching Chinese at Nam Kue keep abreast with our counterparts in China," said Tan Lin, the principal who took over the post at the afternoon school since 2013. "Our 1,000-strong students from kindergarten to 12th grade and their parents are counting on us."

Leading a school of 97 years of history toward modernization and advancing it into a more sophisticated center for Chinese culture, Tan admits the mission is tedious, but she always seeks strength from the founders of the school to proceed.

In the late 1910s, a group of Chinese immigrants from Nanhai, Guangdong province, who had settled in San Francisco, endeavored to establish a school to teach their children Chinese language and culture.

Through donations and crowd-funding led by the Fook Yum Benevolent Society and many small-business owners since 1919, Nam Kue School took shape.

"There was only one classroom, one Cantonese-speaking teacher and approximately 20 to 30 students enrolled in the first year," said Tan, adding that Nam Kue means "school for Nanhai American-Chinese descendants" in Cantonese.

The school kept expanding in enrollment and classroom size. In 1926, on a $100,000 budget and with support from the Chinese-American community, Nam Kue completed construction of its new buildings on 755 Sacramento Street, nestled under the shade of cypress and banyan trees.

"The school's connection with China has never discontinued no matter what," said Chi Peiying, a second-grade teacher originally from Guangdong province. "The bonding with Chinese culture is all-time strong.

"Seventeen years ago, we decided to switch our textbooks from traditional Chinese and Cantonese to Chinese Mandarin," said Chi, adding that many parents have urged the school to adopt simplified Chinese characters.

"Nowadays, learning Chinese is not about self-interest; it's a skill that you'd better acquire," said Tan.

"What we are doing at Nam Kue today is to equip our children with this skill set, then their chances for success tomorrow will be bigger."

The school offers 45 Chinese-language classes and six extracurricular classes around the theme of tradition, culture and social norms.

The year-round curriculum featuring calligraphy, martial arts, self-defense, musical instruments and traditional dance, plus a fun-filled summer camp with programs run by professionals from China.

"Our students have pen pals in China, and they exchange holiday greetings through mails and postcards," Tan said.

junechang@chinadailyusa.com
NAIROBI - Kenya's electoral body on Monday set Oct 17 for a repeat of presidential elections following the directive from the Supreme Court on Friday.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati said there will be no new nominations for the vote, which was ordered by the Supreme Court that annulled the presidential elections held on Aug 8.

Chebukati said opposition leader Raila Odinga along with his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka and President Uhuru Kenyatta along with his running mate, William Ruto, will be the only candidates.

"The Commission is revising the operational and procedural requirements for the conduct of the fresh election and will share details with stakeholders sooner than later," he said in a statement issued following a plenary meeting in Nairobi.

Chebukati said in light of the Supreme Court's decision, it is imperative that a detailed judgment be released in order to allow the electoral body to identity areas that require improvement in the management of the new vote.

The Supreme Court on Friday called for a new election within 60 days after finding irregularities in the re-election of Kenyatta in last month's elections.

The court ruled that the presidential elections were not conducted in accordance with the constitution rendering the result invalid, null and void. The court said that Kenyatta was not validly elected.

Four out of the six judges on the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Odinga, who is from the National Super Alliance party that contested the election results and filed a petition at the apex court to have them overturned.

This is the fourth time Odinga has lost an election, often citing irregularities.

Odinga said on Tuesday that his coalition would not participate in the rerun of a presidential election unless it is given "legal and constitutional" guarantees.

Odinga's conditions include the removal of some officials at the election board. He wants criminal investigations to be opened against them.

"You cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results," Odinga said.

Xinhua - Reuters - Afp

(China Daily 09/06/2017 page11)
The phone conversation between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump on Wednesday amid growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula was a timely and necessary one for the international community.

The situation had further deteriorated after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea proclaimed on Sunday a successful test of a hydrogen bomb. The DPRK has conducted several missile tests in the past months in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The DPRK and the US also have engaged in a war of words.

The US and South Korea on Aug 31 concluded their annual military drill, known as the Ulchi Freedom Guardian, which involved 50,000 South Korean soldiers and 17,500 US soldiers.

Xi reiterated China's long-standing and unswerving resolve to achieving the denuclearization of the peninsula; maintaining its peace and stability; and solving the issue through dialogue and negotiations. Both leaders expressed their commitment to strengthening coordination on the issue.

While China and the US agreed on the goal of denuclearization of the peninsula, their approaches are not the same.

There should be no doubt that China is keen on the denuclearization, given that China abuts the Korean Peninsula. China has repeatedly stressed the importance of talks and negotiations, a view shared by many other leaders and experts.

It is true that past talks have not been smooth and even failed. But the avenue of talks is far from exhausted. It is hard to believe that a solution could be found if relevant parties, in particular the US and the DPRK, are not engaged in direct and sufficient talks to understand and address each other's key concerns.

The continuing nuclear and missile tests by the DPRK are a grave concern for the region and the world, but the US should seriously address the DPRK's legitimate security concerns, such as signing a peace treaty to end the 1953 armistice and assuring the DPRK that the US will not pursue regime change in the DPRK, as it did in Libya and Iraq.

The DPRK has long regarded the joint military drill by the US and South Korea as a provocative act. This means that the US should heed China's proposal of dual suspension as a means to ease the tension  the DPRK halts its nuclear and missile tests, and the US and South Korea halt their large military drills.

When Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, said on Monday that the DPRK "is begging for war", many experts would not agree with such an assessment. The DPRK wants a security assurance.

It was both narrow-minded and undiplomatic when Haley described the "freeze-for-freeze" proposal as "insulting". Why not give it a try if it could help ease tension and lead to denuclearization?

The US has been calling for stronger sanctions on the DPRK after sanctions have repeatedly proved a failure.

Speaking at the American Enterprise Institute on Tuesday, Haley herself questioned the effectiveness of sanctions. "Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea?" she asked. "Not necessarily. But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles."

What Haley could not dare admit is that the sanctions she hopes for could lead to an enormous humanitarian disaster in the DPRK, hurting millions of women and children and innocent people. Besides, she has provided no convincing argument that sanctions will lead to a solution rather than further raising tensions.

It's quite disturbing when Haley said that, "We should always let every country know, whether it's North Korea or Iran or anyone else, that we will always look out for our interests, our security and make sure that it's working for us, not making sure that it works for everyone else. That's very important."

If the US cares only about its own interests and ignores others', then it will be hard to seek others' support.

The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
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Hi-tech agriculture has been riding a new wave of investment in recent years, with the Government viewing technology as key to restructuring the sector, achieving food security and improving produce quality. Nguyen Anh Phong of the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development speaks to Viet Nam News reporter Nguyen Linh Anh about the new spirit of innovation.

Viet Nam has identified the development of hi-tech agriculture as the sectors development orientation in the coming years. However, it is said that farmers have not grasped this concept fully and correctly. Can you comment?

Although the term hi-tech agriculture has been around for quite a long time, it seems that there is still confusion about what it means. Most people generally understand that it means a technology-based farming method, which sounds pretty sensible, but is actually insufficient.

Yes it can be said that term has only been understood properly by policy makers and researchers, while most farmers have a limited understanding that also limits their ability to fully tap the potential for hi-tech agriculture.

Many farmers think that when they grow flowers in a glass house they are engaging in hi-tech agriculture. Actually, hi-tech agriculture involves a lot more, from the production of quality seedlings and plant varieties, cultivation technology, automation, IT application, biotechnology, organic farming and development of human skills to get high-yielding, good quality produce.

The agricultural methods of Israel, Singapore and Japan are welcomed and applauded in Viet Nam. Many leading farming technology companies have been investing and transferring technology to Viet Nam. However, experts say we should not mechanically apply models of foreign countries here. What is your opinion?

It would be absurd to mechanically apply farming models of a country with cutting-edge production technologies to another countrys agriculture sector characterised by use of outdated cultivation methods and scattered production.

In developed countries with advanced agriculture sectors, technology is applied synchronously on a large-scale basis with evenly-developed infrastructure and highly skilled labour. Conversely, in Viet Nam, a country with erratic climate, uneven terrain, scattered production and incomplete distribution system, hi-tech agriculture can only be developed in places that meet certain infrastructure requirements and technical demands.

Generally speaking, the technology chosen for farming must suit the particular characteristics of each country and territory, like climate, infrastructure, market orientation and socio-economic situation. For example, in areas prone to drought and salinity, it is necessary to use biotechnology to generate drought-resistant and salinity-resistant seedlings.

Viet Nam needs to quickly research more and invest in technology that suits the countrys different cultivation conditions. If we receive technologies from foreign countries without proper adjustments, hi-tech agriculture will definitely become a "private operation zone" for large enterprises.

Recently, in an interview with the media, Nguyen Huu Thai Hoa, Vice Chairman of the VNPT Strategic Advisory Council, said that in smart agriculture, the decisive factor is not information technology but professional expertise. What is your opinion?

I agree. As I mentioned earlier, the success of applying technology in agricultural production depends mostly on the actual conditions of land, climate and production methods. There is no denying that in order to develop technology-based agriculture, we need to develop an infrastructure network that requires IT professionals, however, that is not the decisive element.

Some experts have said that human resources are the biggest constraint for businesses when investing in hi-tech agriculture because it requires skilled workers. It is estimated that more than 97 per cent of current agricultural workers are untrained. How can we tackle this problem?

It is true that the lack of skilled labour is a bottleneck for hi-tech agriculture development. For example, there are technicians or engineers who have spent their entire life researching and grasping traditional farming methods and not conversant with advanced technologies, far less applying it in production.

The solutions to this problem include improving the staff qualifications at research institutes, socialising the research system on hi-tech agriculture and renewing management mechanisms of the research system.

Besides, it is also necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of the agricultural extension system and introduce new technology or information on farming methods to farmers.

We should also use an education model that applies visual training for workers and farmers and they should be implemented on the ToT (Training of Trainers) basis, a high-level professional learning process for qualified trainers who will then build capacity for evidence-based programme (EBP) implementation.

The development of hi-tech agriculture requires great investment in modern facilities involving mechanics, electronics, automation, biotechnology, processing and preservation technology and so on. What are the negative environmental impacts hi-tech farming can have, especially in the long run?

The idea to find technological solutions to support agricultural production comes in the context that the worlds agriculture sector needs to increase food production by 70 per cent by 2050, but requiring less use of fertilisers and chemical pesticides to improve product quality and preventing climate change from negatively affecting agriculture. Therefore, hi-tech agriculture can be seen as a way to lessen the negative impacts on the environment.

However, it can not be asserted that hi-tech agriculture is always clean agriculture or that it protects the environment. It depends on the awareness and conscientiousness of those who engage in it.  VNS
Chi Lan

HA NOI  For the first time on August 25, Australia announced its agriculture strategy in Viet Nam, identifying economics, innovation and security as priorities in the agriculture co-operation between the two countries.

Such a move by Australia was the latest in international commitments in response to Viet Nams calls for international support and co-operation in one of the key sectors of its economy.

The Government has been calling for reform in the agricultural sector for years to little avail, until a series of intense natural disasters hit Viet Nam last year. The fatal floods in northern and central Viet Nam, followed by prolonged drought in southern areas occurred in tandem with increasingly severe saline intrusion in the Mekong Delta - the largest rice producing region in the country. Such disasters left Viet Nams agriculture sector - a key contributor to the countrys economic development - with unprecedented minus growth for the first time in decades.

It was a big wakeup call to both the Vietnamese Government from central to provincial levels, and also society as a whole, of how vulnerable the countrys traditional ways of working on the fields are to natural weather disasters in times of climate change.

The race to modernise the farming sector by applying more advanced technologies in producing, harvesting and post-harvest stages in an effort to reduce farmers reliance on nature, started to heat up.

In addition to changes in land and capital policies, Viet Nam has approved plans to build ten agricultural zones applying high-tech methods in Hau Giang, Phu Yen, Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Khanh Hoa, Lam ong, HCM City, Binh Duong and Can Tho provinces by 2020. The number is expected to more than double to 22 zones by 2030. In the meantime, several high-tech agricultural centres at a municipal level have started popping up across the country.

Vietnamese leaders constantly called and aggressively pushed lower levels to engage more in the sectors reform, while seeking technological and financial support from other countries.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc this year paid State visits to Japan and the Netherlands, two of the leading countries in the agriculture sector, while Israeli President Reuven Rivlin also visited Viet Nam. President Rivlin visited the VinEco farm, which implements Israeli technologies to grow vegetables.

Dozens of meetings at ministerial levels and below between Viet Nam and several other countries that are strong in agricultural technology like Australia and South Korea, also took place. Vietnamese enterprises and farmers found new ways of farming through co-operation with international businesses or study trips to agriculturally-advanced destinations.

Agro-technology transfer

Israel was one of the most popular destinations.

Israel has faced a lot of agricultural problems like climate change or lack of water and so does Viet Nam now, Israeli Deputy Chief of Mission in Viet Nam Doron Lebovich told Viet Nam News.

Lebovich believes that there is a win-win match between Israel and Viet Nam in agricultural co-operation.

Israel is just a small country of 8.4 million people, well-known for cutting-edge agricultural technologies, and is seeking a big market, while Viet Nam is a huge market looking for a transition from traditional agriculture, he said. Obviously, there is huge potential for the two.

More and more delegates from the Government as well as the private sector have come to Israel to observe and explore the co-operation potential.

Most of Israeli business involvement in Viet Nams agriculture sector so far has been technology transfer and consultancy in particular fields, Lebovich said.

These range from dairy and greenhouse, for example coordination with the Vietnamese dairy group TH, or the drip irrigation that by now is largely applied by many Vietnamese companies and farmers to tackle water shortages, and even aquaculture with new methods to run fish and shrimp farms.

Israel in 2007 signed an agreement with Viet Nam to offer some US$150 million in loans to Vietnamese enterprises which partner with Israeli ones, and upped the ante by another US$100 million in 2011. Such supporting aid has encouraged Vietnamese businesses to look for a partnership with the Israelis as they stepped into the long-neglected agriculture sector.

In recent years, people have started seeing the potential of the Vietnamese market and so did Israeli businesses. But the biggest challenge to establish a partnership in Viet Nam is that it is very hard to find a good local partner, Lebovich said.

An indoor laboratory using LED light to boost the production of vegetables at HCM City National University, a result of co-operation between Vietnamese and South Korean experts.  VNA/VNS Photo Manh Linh

Sustainability focus

While Israel is a typical example of how Viet Nam can learn new farming methods and technologies to improve production in both quality and quantity, others like the Netherlands have a specific focus to support Viet Nams agriculture sector.

High-tech is sometimes spoken of like a magic formula. Its as if you have high-tech, everything can be solved. However, the focus should be on sustainability instead and high-tech methods are just a means to an end, Dutch Ambassador to Viet Nam Nienke Trooster told Viet Nam News.

Sustainability is a much more important concept to develop in agriculture, she added, while stressing the comprehensiveness of the concept mentioning the three Ps  there should be benefits for People; protection of the Planet; and lastly Profits for businesses.

In order to support sustainable agriculture in Viet Nam, the Netherlands and Viet Nam signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management in 2010; and another on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in 2014.

In that framework we will hold high-level governmental dialogues with Viet Nam every year to discuss how we can create the right conditions for (Viet Nams) agriculture to strive. We are expecting the Vietnamese Agriculture Minister to attend the meeting in the Netherlands this fall, Trooster said.

An approach that is very successful in the Netherlands, she said, is to foster cooperation and consultation of four parties: the government, the private sector, knowledge institutes and civil society.

What Viet Nam needs is a comprehensive strategy for different parties from central to provincial level, to work together in the sector. To organise such co-ordination well is not easy, she said.  VNS
Viet Nam has to build on its impressive agricultural successes in the past few decades by deploying advanced technology and building a brand name for every product, Chief Representative of Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Hironobu Kitagawa talks with Viet Nam News reporter Ta Thu Giang.

How do you evaluate the development of hi-tech farming in Viet Nam?

I think Viet Nam should be proud of many products including coffee and cashew, which have achieved the highest output in the world. But it would be a waste if Viet Nam stops here.

To create more opportunities to develop agriculture, I think Viet Nam needs to continue to improve and increase its output by using advanced technologies and marketing its products better in both domestic and foreign markets.

In my opinion, the country needs to build brand name for every agricultural product. For this, its necessary that many things happen in tandem, including modernisation of technology, creating new, quality products and generating opportunities for investors. The most important thing is that to help local farmers access new farming technologies, the Vietnamese Government should take steps to support them, especially with funding.

How do you see the role and potential of Japanese investment in developing hi-tech farming in Viet Nam?

We can see that investment by Japanese businesses in this field has rapidly risen in recent years. There are four reasons for this.

Firstly, the investors, including Japanese businesses, have seen great potential in Vietnamese agriculture.

Secondly, Viet Nam has not yet developed agriculture systematically, especially in linking farming, transportation and to consumption, so it has failed to create a value-added chain in production. Meanwhile, Japanese businesses have the knowhow for this, and are capable of investing in the production chain in Viet Nam.

Thirdly, Vietnamese businesses should also strengthen co-operation with Japanese firms in the agro-products processing industry, which has also seen unsystematic growth. This will help create added value.

Fourthly, the living standard and income of Vietnamese people have increased, generating demand for high-quality agricultural products. This presents opportunities for Japanese businesses to invest in the farming chain including upgrading arable soil and transferring growth technologies, which can help farmers get products of similar sizes and quality. Another area is applying information technology, which would cover a system for weather forecasts in specific areas.

What do you feel are the biggest obstacles to development of hi-tech farming in Viet Nam?

The definition of hi-tech farming is not yet clear in Viet Nam. To develop hi-tech farming, the Government should clarify this.

Japanese businesses can also help with mechanisation, a key step for raising output in Viet Nam. We want to know what areas have been selected for hi-tech farming in the country. Based on this, we can make detailed plans to develop business here.

We also need to know why the products have been selected for hi-tech farming as well as their development potentials.

In addition, I think foreign investors are facing difficulties with hi-tech farming sites. The Government and local authorities need to mark off areas for hi-tech farming, which should be like industrial parks, to help investors develop business here. Its also necessary to build up co-operation among local authorities, Jetro and producers.

Infrastructure is inadequate. As you know, after harvesting, the farmers will have to transport their products to the market in the shortest possible time, so they need a convenient traffic system, in addition to relevant facilities like preservation equipment.

What can be done to attract more investors to the From Farm to Table value chain, and take domestic brands to consumers across the world?

I can share my ideas about this. We are conducting a project on developing co-operation in different areas.

For example, we are considering linking Viet Nams hi-tech farming production with Japans food processing, or retailers like Aeon  creating a chain to develop business together.

Vietnamese products can be designed under Japanese models  helping each other to promote consumption in the country and elsewhere.

I think we need to share information with each other before considering matching various sectors together. We have to connect production, processing and packaging to raise the value of Vietnamese products to its top possible level.

The country must produce safe products on the domestic front first, then it will be noticed, and these safe and high-quality products can be exported to foreign markets.

Are there many Japanese businesses investing in hi-tech farming in Viet Nam?

Japanese businesses have carried out 43 projects in agriculture, forestry and seafood sectors in Viet Nam. All of these are equipped with advanced technologies. Many businesses have been successfully growing tea, tomato seeds, strawberry and other produce.

Japanese businesses are concerned with producing products that will be accepted by the businesses and the market, so we need to know what the market needs, and based on that, produce products of high quality at minimal costs. Its necessary to build up awareness among producers that they will fail if their products do not meet the markets demand for safety and quality.

In Japan, the farmers are confident about putting names and faces on their products, because they are confident about their quality.  VNS
Shares advanced on both local exchanges yesterday after a long weekend holiday, driven by large-cap stocks. However, trading conditions suggest rough sessions ahead for the markets. Photo vietnamfinance.vn

HA NOI  Shares advanced on both local exchanges yesterday after a long weekend holiday, driven by large-cap stocks. However, trading conditions suggest rough sessions ahead for the markets.

The benchmark VN-Index on the HCM Stock Exchange rose 0.45 per cent to close at 792.31 points. It had increased 2.2 per cent last week and 1.9 per cent in the previous three sessions.

The HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange gained 0.56 per cent to end at 104.38 points, rebounding from Fridays loss of 0.1 per cent. The northern market index finished up a total 1.1 per cent last week.

More than 202 million shares were traded on both bourses, worth VN3.85 trillion (US$171.4 million).

Tuesdays trading figures constituted an 11.2 per cent volume rise and 8.4 per cent hike in value compared to Friday.

Tuesdays gains on both local exchanges were attributed to good performances of large-cap stocks with the VN30 Index, which tracks the 30 largest companies by market capitalisation, gaining 0.38 per cent.

Fourteen of the 30 largest stocks by market capitalisation in the VN30 basket advanced between 0.2 per cent and 3.5 per cent, with the biggest gainers being food producer Kido Group (KDC), PetroVietnam Power Nhon Trach 2 (NT2), lenders Sacombank (STB) and Vietcombank (VCB), PetroVietnam Gas (GAS) and property developer Vingroup (VIC).

Among 20 industries in the stock market, property, banking and energy industry indices were also the three that posted good gains, which were 0.9 per cent, 0.6 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively.

Beside VIC, other stocks that also made good gains in the real estate sector included Sacomreal (SCR), Quoc Cuong Gia Lai JSC (QCG), Thang Long Investment Group (TIG) and Nha Bay Bay Investment Corp (NBB).

The Ha Noi-based brokerage Bao Viet Securities (BVSC) wrote in its Tuesday report that it saw very few positive signals with the good performance and flow of money limited to large-cap stocks.

Despite the market trading liquidity improvement from Friday, it remained much lower than the average of the previous 21 sessions, reflecting weakening market demand and cautious investment sentiment, it said.

That created an imbalance as total declining stocks on both bourses outnumbered gaining ones, proving that investors were seeking profit in speculative small- and medium-cap stocks, BVSC added.  VNS
Kundhavi Kadiresan*

The many uses of biotechnology in helping to feed the worlds hungriest region  Asia and the Pacific

As an economist by profession, understanding the complex world of agricultural sciences involves a learning curve. When we talk about employing biotechnologies in agricultural production and sustainable food systems for better nutrition its easy to get lost in the jargon. Youve probably heard some of it  use of molecular markers, microbial food fermentation, reproductive technologies in livestock, DNA-based kits to diagnose diseases in farmed fish and of course genetic modification.

For our part, at the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation, we are encouraging governments, researchers and the private sector to take bold steps to ensure safe, evidence-based agricultural biotechnology is placed into the hands of smallholder farmers, fishers and pastoralists.

And we need to get on with that now, as our Asia-Pacific region is increasingly facing some predictable and unpredictable results of climate change and the future effects these will have on agricultural production, particularly for smallholders who are the least equipped to deal with climate-related shocks.

The challenges we already face are enormous  and thats why we need to make use of all available technologies that we know are safe  both old and new. This region has nearly half a billion hungry and malnourished people  more than 60 per cent of the worlds total. Consider the 2030 deadline to deliver all 17 of the worlds Sustainable Development Goals, and the 2050 mid-century point where our children will be living among some nine to ten billion people competing for limited natural resources and you get the picture.

FAO has a number of good case studies on the use of agricultural biotechnologies, but I want to look at just two here.

In several countries in this region, floodwater incursions into rice paddies has long been a major problem. But scientists at the International Rice Research Institute, working with partners, have developed a version of rice that can still thrive when submerged in floodwater. This flood-tolerant rice, known better by its nickname Scuba Rice is a good example of how scientists and farmers can come together in tackling some of the more complex problems that the environment can throw at those who often struggle to produce the food we eat each day.

In India, where some 10 per cent of the land used for growing rice is prone to submergence, this has led to low rice yields and sometimes complete loss of the crop. Using molecular markers, which enable genes to be associated with the traits they encode, IRRIs scientists and partners were able to identify the gene responsible for this tolerance when submerged. In short, through breeding techniques, the gene for submergence tolerance could be bred into popular rice varieties, generating new submergence-tolerant rice without losing flavour and still producing high yields. It is now grown by millions of farmers in India. Other rice varieties tolerant to submergence are being grown in Bangladesh and Viet Nam.

In Thailand, a global seafood hub, breeding a hybrid catfish using artificial insemination from two species has resulted in a hybrid which performs better than the average of either parental species. Researchers noted that the local Thai broad-headed catfish, a favourite food due to its favourable colour and texture, was slow to grow and susceptible to diseases, making it difficult to culture on a commercial scale. By contrast, the African sharp-tooth catfish, was known for its high growth rate and low susceptibility to diseases. Breeding the two catfish species together has resulted in a hybrid vigour (both palatable and fast growing), making it ideal for aquaculture in Thailand. Production of hybrid catfish has skyrocketed from less than 18,000 tonnes in 1990 to more than 150,000 tonnes.

Use of this biotechnology has created a huge expansion of aquaculture and related industries in Thailand and has provided greater access to high-quality protein food for poorer people in rural areas.

With the clock ticking toward 2030 and 2050, FAO is convening high-level regional meetings on agricultural uses of biotechnologies to achieve sustainable food systems and better nutrition. The first such meeting is taking place in Kuala Lumpur, on September 11-13, co-organised by FAO and the Malaysian Government. The purpose is to offer an open and neutral forum for the exchange of ideas and practices between representatives of member countries, intergovernmental organisations, research institutions, farmer organisations, cooperatives, academia, civil society and the private sector. The participants will study examples where the use of biotechnologies has worked well and areas where it has worked less well in the production of crops, fisheries, forestry and livestock. With more than half a billion hungry and malnourished people in this region, we need to work together while looking at all forms of food production  and without delay.

*Kundhavi Kadiresan, assistant director-general and regional representative (Asia-Pacific) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Chairman of the Culture, Education, Youth and Children Committee of the National Assembly, Phan Thanh Binh, is heading a Vietnamese delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)s Interregional Seminar in Beijing, to promote implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs).  VNA/VNS Photo Vinh Ha

BEIJING  Chairman of the Culture, Education, Youth and Children Committee of the National Assembly, Phan Thanh Binh, is heading a Vietnamese delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)s Interregional Seminar in Beijing, to promote implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The three-day seminar opened yesterday under the theme Parliamentary Capacity Building and the Further Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, is intended to foster interregional exchanges on SDGs implementation between Asian and African parliaments.

Measures to address climate change will be on the table while experience will be exchanged among the lawmakers with the focus on the significance of industrial and agricultural modernisation to poverty reduction.

The Vietnamese delegation will also hold bilateral meetings with the host Chinese delegation, IPU Secretariat officials and the Lao delegation.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted in September 2015. The IPU and its members have carried out the agenda by organising a line-up of seminars.

The Beijing seminar follows the regional seminar on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for the Parliaments in the Asia-Pacific Region that took place in HCM City on May 11-12.  VNS
Viet Nam calls for all related parties to maintain restraint and implement denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula through peaceful measures, the Foreign Ministrys Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Van iep

HA NOI  Viet Nam calls for all related parties to maintain restraint and implement denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula through peaceful measures, the Foreign Ministrys Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said yesterday.

Hang made the statement in response to reporters queries about the Democratic Peoples Republic of Koreas sixth nuclear test on September 3. She said that the test seriously violated resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

Viet Nams consistent viewpoint is to oppose all actions that complicate the situation and threaten peace, security and stability in the region and the world, she stressed.

The spokeswoman also highlighted the need for all parties to strictly abide by relevant resolutions issued by the United Nations Security Council.  VNS
HA NOI  Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisis visit to Viet Nam is considered an important milestone in the cooperation between Viet Nam and Egypt, which is expected to boost the traditional partnership between the two countries in all fields.

The visit on September 6-7 at the invitation of President Tran ai Quang, will be the first made by a State leader of Egypt to Viet Nam since the two countries established diplomatic relations on September 1, 1963.

Egypt was one of the first Arabian countries to establish relations with Viet Nam. Viet Nam opened a trade representative office in Egypt in 1958, and its embassy in Cairo in 1963. In 1964, Egypt inaugurated its embassy in Ha Noi.

Over the past years, Egypt has highly valued Viet Nams stance on issues related to the Arabian world, especially the Middle East peace process.

The Egyptian government has supported Viet Nam in the evacuations of workers from Libya in 2011 and 2014. The two sides have coordinated closely and supported each other at international forums, while sharing viewpoints on various issues at the United Nations.

At the eighth political consultations at Deputy Foreign Ministerial level in Cairo in May 2015, Egypt committed to giving technical assistance to Viet Nam so the country could be able to issue Halal certificates on food for Islamic markets.

Egypt is the second largest trade partner of Viet Nam in Africa, with two-way trade hitting US$316 million in 2016. Viet Nam exported seafood, automobile spare parts, fabric, black peppercorn, coffee, rubber and other consumer goods to Egypt and imported mainly chemicals, oil products, milk and dairy products, and fibres.

Egypt was the first North African country to recognise Viet Nams full market economy in November 2013. The country is running two projects in Viet Nams Tay Ninh and Khanh Hoa provinces with combined capital of $750,000.

The Egyptian Government offers 12 scholarships in Arabian to Viet Nam each year. The two sides have regularly exchanged information on inspections and culture and established the Viet Nam-Egypt Friendship Parliamentarian Group.

It is hoped that the visit of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will help bilateral cooperation grow more effectively and extensively, while creating cooperation opportunities in trade, agriculture, culture and tourism. The two sides will also discuss regional and international issues of shared concern.  VNS
A leading Government watchdog yesterday praised concerted efforts to fight corruption but conceded that no breakthrough had been achieved in surmounting the scourge.  VNA/VNS Photo

HA NOI  A leading Government watchdog yesterday praised concerted efforts to fight corruption but conceded that no breakthrough had been achieved in surmounting the scourge.

The report by the Deputy Inspector General of the Government Inspectorate, ang Cong Huan, was presented yesterday to the National Assemblys Judicial Committee that convened for its seventh session.

Administrative reform has been thoroughly implemented in the fields of land, taxation, customs and social insurance, intensifying the accountability of State agencies in the performance of their assigned tasks, ensuring transparency in the operation of authorities and Government organisations and strengthening the supervisory role of elected bodies, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, press agencies and the people in corruption prevention and control, Huan said.

In addition, according to the inspector, functional agencies have taken the initiative in coordinating with each other in the process of investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating corruption cases.

Many serious and complicated corruption cases have been strictly adjudicated in accordance with the law, resulting in deterrence and prevention.

According to the Government report on corruption prevention and control, corruption in 2018 is forecast to continue showing signs of decline.

"Drastic authorisation of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption, along with efforts of functional agencies in the fight against corruption, especially resolutely investigating and strictly handling serious corruption, will help strengthen peoples trust and at the same time have a clear deterrent effect, " said Huan.

However, the report acknowledged that despite the positive results, it was still not a substantive breakthrough.

Corruption is still occurring in a more serious, complex and sophisticated manner, especially in the financial and banking sectors, management and use of land, management of mining, mineral and investment.

Corruption prevention in localities is still weak and uneven, according to the report.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu, who chaired the session, suggested that the report on corruption prevention in 2017 should clarify both the

objective and subjective causes of complex corruption.

He said the implementation of the law, as well as implementation of discipline, should be strengthened to effect real change in 2018.  VNS
HA NOI  Advances and discoveries in the field of oncology are being presented at the first Viet Nam multidisciplinary oncology conference being held in Ha Noi on September 5 and 6.

Organised by the Central Military Hospital 108, Salt Cancer Initiative, the Viet Nam Young Physicians Association, Viettel Group, Forbes Vietnam, and the University of Southern California, the conference has attracted academics, scientists, and healthcare professionals from leading cancer hospitals in the US and Viet Nam.

The event will create an opportunity for them to share knowledge, exchange experience, and collaborate for improving the quality of cancer treatment and prevention.

The Viet Nam Oncology Patient Forum will be held in HCM City on September 8 to connect cancer patients and caregivers with physicians and supporting organisations in the fight against the disease.

It will be attended by over 400 cancer patients in the city and raise public awareness about cancer in Viet Nam, according to the organisers.

Each year in Viet Nam more than 120,000 new cancer cases are detected with more than 75,000 dying.

Despite the many significant achievements in cancer treatment, for various reasons the disease continues to increase globally and in Viet Nam, indicating that additional efforts and new initiatives are needed.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has asked Ha Nois police department to quickly investigate a customs officer who was caught replacing real ivory with imitations.

In the document sent to authorised agencies, Binh, who is also head of National Steering Committee No 389 for Anti-Smuggling, Counterfeit Goods and Trade Fraud, asked the police to look into the incident and take strict actions against those involved.

He has also asked the finance ministry to guide the General Department of Customs to do a comprehensive overhaul of its management, supervise whats done with confiscated products, and remove any loopholes in the system. This request was made after the committee received a report on the recent incident.

Pham Minh Hoang, an employee of Ha Nois customs department and the keeper of the departments storage facility, abused his role by stealing and sell 150kg of elephant ivory, which had been confiscated. Hoang was caught red-handed replacing real ivory with fake ones.

The General Department of Customs has suspended Hoang until the investigation is complete. Two other people have also been arrested for their involvement. Early last month, the Ha Noi police commenced criminal proceedings against Hoang for embezzling property.  VNS
HA NOI  A tropical depression near Luzon Island of the Philippines is predicted to strengthen into Typhoon Guchol, which will land in the East Sea (South China Sea), according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Committee for Search and Rescue on Wednesday asked steering committees of natural disasters, search and rescue of coastal provinces and cities from northern Quang Ninh Province to central Phu Yen Province to provide news about the storm to owners and captains of boats operating offshore so that they could take preventive measures against the storm.

The committees have also been asked to follow storm updates in the media and maintain contact with boat owners to respond to any case while on duty round-the-clock and provide updates on the situation to offices of the Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and the National Committee for Search and Rescue.

At 1pm on Wednesday, the storm centre was at 20.7 degrees north latitude, 119.9 degrees east and some 460km from Fujian Province of China to the south and southeast. The strongest wind speed at the storm centre was at level 8 (60-75km per hour).

In the next 24 hours, the storm is forecast to move northwest at the speed of 15 to 20km per hour.

At 7am on Thursday, the storms centre will land in the sea to the southeast of Fujian Province of China at the strongest wind speed of level 8.

The sea area to the northeast of the northern East Sea is forecast to experience rain and a thunderstorm.

On Wednesday and Thursday, floods are predicted to take place on the upper stream of the Hong (Red), Thai Binh and Thao rivers in Viet Nam. Flash floods and landslides are forecast in the northern mountainous provinces of Lai Chau, Son La, ien Bien and Lao Cai, as well as Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang and Bac Can.  VNS
HA NOI  Each student who joins the medical insurance programme would be provided with a social insurance code which could be used for all their lives, according to a new regulation for medical insurance, social insurance and unemployment insurance.

The insurance code would be used for recording insurance history and processing insurance payment claims, said Tran inh Lieu, deputy general director of Viet Nam Social Insurance (VNSI).

Under the new regulation, the monthly fee for medical insurance for students is 4.5 per cent of the State basic salary level, equal to VN58,500 (US$2.5), increasing from 3 per cent last year.

However, each student would pay 70 per cent of the fee; the rest would be paid by the State.

The fee could be paid in three-, six-, nine- or twelve-month terms.

The cardholders, excluding poor students, receive benefits of up to 80 per cent of their medical treatment fees.

In this school year, many localities have introduced policies to encourage students to join the insurance programme.

Students of poor families may be offered assistance up to 70 per cent of the insurance fees.

Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands)s Lam ong Province paid 70 per cent of insurance fees for ethnic minority students.

Student medical insurance is compulsory.

According to the statistics of VNSI, in this school year, the percentage of students joining medical insurance has reached 92.5 per cent, equivalent to 15.9 million students nationwide, as compared to 90.5 per cent and 15.6 million students last school year.

However, to reach the goal of 100 per cent of students joining the medical insurance, schools nationwide were asked to disseminate information about the benefits of medical insurance among students and parents, said Lieu.

In fact, many people, including students and parents, were not aware of the benefits of the medical insurance.

In many education entities, the fee of medical insurance was not separated from other fees, creating misunderstanding among students and parents.  VNS
MARIGOT  Officials in Floridas Key West and popular Caribbean tourist islands ordered people to evacuate on Tuesday (local time) as Irma, a "potentially catastrophic" Category Five hurricane, was set to make landfall.

The monster hurricane coming on the heels of Harvey, which struck Texas and Louisiana late last month, is expected to hit a string of Caribbean islands including Guadeloupe late Tuesday before heading on to Haiti and Florida.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said Irma had strengthened to the most powerful Category Five, packing sustained winds of 300 kilometers (185 miles) per hour.

The front was moving west at 15 miles per hour, and is expected to dump up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) of rain in some areas when it hits land.

"These rainfall amounts may cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides," the NHC warned, calling the storm "potentially catastrophic" and urging that "preparations should be rushed to completion" in the region.

The United Nations program UNICEF warned that Hurricane Irma may affect hundreds of thousands of children and their families in the Caribbean, urging governments in the region to help protect children from the storm.

I am scared

Schools and government offices in French overseas territory Guadeloupe have been ordered shut, while hospitals are stocking up on medicines, food and drinking water. People living on shorelines will be moved to safety, authorities said.

The popular holiday destinations of Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin  a French territory and a French-Dutch split island respectively -- are expected to be especially hard hit.

Local authorities ordered people living close to the water and other easily flooded areas to take shelter in safe, elevated zones.

"Their life is in danger if they dont take shelter quickly in secured areas," said Prefect Anne Laubies.

The Dutch defence minister said soldiers arrived in the Dutch part of Saint Martin on Monday and two vessels, including one equipped with a helicopter, were in place to help.

The ordered evacuation of 11,000 people living in affected areas on both islands was under way, while churches have also mobilized to help.

In Guadeloupe, families began filing into shelters with their children, along with tourists.

"We came here to protect our little two-year-old boy," said a tourist who only gave his first name Ludovic.

"We hadnt prepared for this disaster scenario. Our rental home is beautiful but it only has bay windows."

In Shada, a shantytown in Cap-Haitien, many were unprepared, unaware a monster storm was looming.

"I didnt know a hurricane was coming because we dont get electricity here so we dont get the news," said Jacquie Pierre.

"I am scared, not just for my life but that of my children and for all of us Haitians; were like a big family."

Irmas precise path remains unclear, but projections suggest it will head towards the British Virgin Islands before reaching the US territory of Puerto Rico late Wednesday, before passing over the Dominican Republic, Haiti and the Bahamas.

Florida expects the greatest danger from Friday night through Monday. President Donald Trump declared states of emergency in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, authorizing federal funding to help local authorities respond.

Threat to Puerto Rico, Florida

Florida Governor Rick Scott said Irma posed "a severe threat to the entire state" barely a week after Harvey claimed at least 42 lives.

Tourists in the popular Key West islands were packing their bags on a mandatory evacuation order and were due to begin leaving at sunrise on Wednesday, with a similar order for residents due to follow.

"Were emphatically telling people you must evacuate, you cannot afford to stay on an island with a Category 5 hurricane coming at you," said Monroe County emergency operations center director Martin Senterfitt.

There were long queues as people rushed to get batteries, bottled water, groceries and fuel, while many cut trees around their homes and sought to tie down objects and seal up their windows.

In a crowded supermarket in Miami Beach where people were scrambling to buy provisions, it was already difficult to find some basic supplies, like water.  AFP
DECORAH  Representatives of Menards are exploring options for building a new store in Decorah.

On Aug. 29, Menards and city of Decorah officials discussed the companys interest in locating in the city, according to City Manager Chad Bird.

He said the company is considering a couple of locations, but couldnt disclose potential sites.

We dont think theyve closed on the property. We dont know the extent of legal paperwork that has been signed, said Bird, who said his conversations with Menards started several weeks ago.

I think they look favorably on Decorah and the growth we have going on here. They like what they see, he said.

Winneshiek County Development Inc. Director Stephanie Fromm has been in discussions with the retailer for half a year.

Ive had multiple conversations with Menards over the past six months. At this time, a couple of different sites have been presented and discussed. With any business prospect, it is my job as the countys economic development director to assist potential businesses and to support the growth of our communities.

There has been some speculation one of the properties being considered is land zoned F-1 flood plain, north of the Decorah Walmart Supercenter. Bird said Menards officials have not taken out any permits or applications with the city. They also havent disclosed the size of the store, although Bird said there was no indication the company is considering anything outside the norm.

The city manager said he hasnt been given a timeline for when a new store could potentially be built.

It depends on where they end up and what they have to do, Bird said.

Menards representatives would not comment on the potential of a Decorah store.

We have nothing official to report at this time, said Spokesperson Jeff Abbott.
DES MOINES -- The third draft of Iowas state plan for meeting the federal Every Student Succeeds Act is available for public review and comment.

An online feedback survey available from the Iowa Department of Education is open through Monday. Find the survey and more information about the plan at www.educateiowa.gov under the "Headlines" section near the top right of the page.

The final state plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by Sept. 18. It will be revised and updated in years to come.

ESSA is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. This update replaces the No Child Left Behind Act. Under ESSA, Iowa and other states must develop state plans that address student assessments, school accountability, funding and support for struggling schools.

The third draft incorporates feedback on the second draft, released in June. The third draft includes the following changes to an accountability index, or series of measures that will be used to identify schools in need of improvement (see pages ix and x for a complete summary of plan revisions):

A postsecondary readiness measure will remain part of the accountability index, but Iowa needs time to develop the right measure. Accordingly, the department will convene a work group during the 2017-18 school year to develop the measure and phase it in starting in the 2018-19 school year.

A measure of school climate and culture, called conditions for learning, will carry a smaller weight in the accountability index (5 percent) during the 2017-18 school year while the measure is fully developed. This measure relies on surveys of students, school employees and parents -- as well as data such as student suspensions -- to measure a schools safety, engagement and environment.

In developing the draft ESSA plan, department leaders have sought input through 18 public forums statewide, an advisory committee, focus groups, education work teams and written comments.

Feedback also can be submitted via email at ESSA@iowa.gov or by mail: Iowa Department of Education, Attn: Deputy Director David Tilly/ESSA Feedback, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-0146.
WATERLOO -- A student was taken to the hospital after apparently jumping from the roof of West High School on Wednesday.

Details werent immediately available, but school officials said the incident appears to be a suicide attempt.

The student was conscious at the scene and is expected to survive, police said.

No other students or staff were involved, said Tara Thomas, spokeswoman for Waterloo Community Schools.

The district takes any mental health situation seriously, and we continue to support any student who needs help, Thomas said. If any child needed counseling, we have resources available to make that happen.

The incident happened around 1:10 p.m. Wednesday near the schools Baltimore Street entrance. According to police, officials were told the student was on the roof, and when an officer and a school employee went to talk to him, he jumped.

Paramedics with Waterloo Fire Rescue took him to Covenant Medical Center.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Iowas attorney general has joined with 15 other attorneys general to sue the federal government over Tuesdays decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Established by executive order under President Barack Obama, the program offered a level of protection to some immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children. The protections allowed those immigrants to receive work authorization and live in the country legally.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced it would end DACA within six months.

About 2,800 Iowa residents have been approved for the program, with another 3,100 having submitted applications as of March, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data.

In a statement Tuesday, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said DACA has protected those residents who arrived illegally as children, grew up following the rules and are very much a part of our fabric.

Miller said he doesnt know how long it will take the court to rule on the case, but said courts can move pretty quickly in preliminary decisions as they did in the case of President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from predominantly Muslim countries.

It doesnt need to move quite as quickly as the travel ban when people were being held at the airports, but clearly there is some urgency here, Miller said. Theres just great fear and concern about the people it affects.

He claimed in the lawsuit the state stands to lose $258 million in tax revenues over 10 years if DACA recipients lose their authorization to work.

Iowa Republicans largely praised the Trump administrations decision. For instance, U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said DACA is an example of Obamas executive overreach and Trumps move means its up to Congress to sort it out.

Attorneys general involved in the suit include those from New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Mexico and Pennsylvania, among others.

Gazette reporter James Q. Lynch contributed to this report.
DES MOINES  Iowa leaders are organizing a first-of-its-kind digital literacy conference designed to help educators, parents and others identify and address media-use disorders that young people may develop due to lengthy exposure to TV, social media, video or other electronic devices.

The conference, to be held Nov. 10 in Ames, will feature educational and scientific leaders who will share innovations in digital literacy teaching with educators, health professionals and others.

The one-day conference is being organized by the Partnership for a Drug-Free Iowa, with support from Iowa State University, the Mayo Clinic, the Governors Office of Drug Control Policy and others, Gov. Kim Reynolds said in highlighting the event during her weekly news conference Tuesday.

This conference is an opportunity for Iowa to lead the way with cutting-edge research and teaching tools to strengthen our children and teens by making them more media savvy, the governor said.

The goal of digital literacy is to improve the behavioral health and educational outcomes of Iowas youth, she said. That means minimizing the risks and maximizing the benefits of growing up in a fast-changing digital world.

Reynolds cited ISU research indicating an average child or teenager spends more than 50 hours a week  often unsupervised by adults  involved or interacting with digital media that include TV, video games, movies, social media, video and cellphone.

That usage has raised concerns parents, educators and others are not keeping up with the influence of media that may cause high-risk behaviors among young people.

Digital literacy helps address attention disorders, bullying, cyberbullying, obesity, poor school performance and substance abuse, among other behavioral risks that can be influenced by media interactions, said Peter Komendowski, co-founder of Iowas Digital Literacy Project and president of the Partnership for a Drug-Free Iowa.

Iowa is doing a good job combating substance abuse, Komendowski said, but he noted there are new threats and changing perceptions of risks for children.

These include dangerous new substances, harmful habits and toxic behaviors on social media that all can exacerbate mental-health issues, undermine the educational process and alter the values of children.
DES MOINES -- September is National Voter Registration Month, and Secretary of State Paul Pate is encouraging eligible Iowans to participate. Anyone who is 17 and 1/2 years old is eligible to register.

Iowa is already one of the best states in the nation for voter registration and voter participation, but we can do even better, Pate said.

Voter registration in Iowa was made quicker, easier and more accessible by the implementation of online voter registration in 2016. Pate partnered with the Iowa Department of Transportation to launch the system, which 70,000 Iowans used to register to vote last year. The online voter registration portal can be accessed at sos.iowa.gov/registertovote.

Other ways to register include at the polls on Election Day and by visiting sos.iowa.gov to download a voter registration form that can be filled out and returned to your county auditors office.

Forms also are available at county auditors offices, DOT offices, military recruiting stations and public assistance agencies around the state.

Voters also may check their registration information online at sos.iowa.gov/voterregistration and sign up for election alerts and reminders by visiting MyIowaVote.com.

Lenovo settlement

Personal computer manufacturer Lenovo Inc. has agreed to a $3.5 million settlement with 32 states, including more than $65,000 to Iowa, over allegations it violated state consumer protection laws by pre-installing software on laptop computers that made consumers personal information vulnerable to hackers.

The payment to Iowa will go to the states consumer education and litigation fund.

In August 2014, Lenovo began selling laptop PCs that contained installed ad software called VisualDiscovery. VisualDiscovery disclosed itself to consumers through a one-time, pop-up window the first time consumers visited a shopping website. Unless consumers affirmatively opted out, VisualDiscovery would be enabled on their computers.

The states allege VisualDiscovery operated by acting as a man in the middle that stood between consumers browsers and the internet websites they visited  including encrypted sites. This technique allowed the software to see all of a users sensitive personal information and allowed for the collection of consumer information, including sensitive communications with encrypted websites.

In addition to the monetary payment, the settlement requires Lenovo to change its consumer disclosures to require consumers affirmative consent to using the software on their device and to provide a reasonable and effective means for consumers to opt-out, disable or remove the software.
Road closure set

in Cedar Falls

CEDAR FALLS  The University Avenue center turn lane at Royal Drive will be closeda few days this week to adjust the length of the curb, facilitating semi-truck turning movements and business access at that location.

Only the median curb will be impacted. The median will be cut back about 5 feet and a new curb placed.

University Avenue will have minimal lane closures to facilitate the work, city staff said.

Photo contest

set this month

CEDAR FALLS  The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa will host the second year of the Good Things Happening Photo Contest. The contest will last four weeks, ending Sept. 29.

To enter the contest, community members are asked to submit a photo that represents something they love about Black Hawk County.

Each Friday during the duration of the contest, CFNEIA will award one $500 grant to the most liked photo on our Facebook page. This means participants have four chances to win $500 for their nonprofit of choice.

At the end of the four weeks, all submissions have the opportunity to be selected by a panel of judges to receive either a $5,000 grant or one of three $1,000 grants for the nonprofit of their choice. Those grand-prize winners will be announced at CFNEIAs annual Celebration of Community in November.

Submissions will be accepted at cfneia.org/goodthings. Questions can be directed to Andrea Pingel at apingel@cfneia.org.

More information may be obtained at www.cfneia.org or 287-9106.

Grout exhibit

seeking items

WATERLOO  The Grout Museum District, in collaboration with Bosnian-American Leadership network of the Cedar Valley and the University of Northern Iowa Center for Holocaust and Genocide Education, is searching for supporting materials for an upcoming exhibition highlighting the Bosnian community in the Cedar Valley.

During the late 1990s through the early 2000s the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area experienced a dramatic cultural change as Bosnian refugees relocated to Black Hawk County.

The exhibition will have information about the aftermath of a bloody civil war and the journey to the heartland of America. Through the use of interviews conducted specifically for the exhibit, visitors can explore the experiences of the refugees and what they brought to the Cedar Valley.

Items include: photographs, travel documents, travel bags, coffee sets, Bosnian lace, dancing attire, items from Tyson or IBP, public service items (police, fire, banks, etc.), construction items, items from local Bosnian businesses (bakeries and groceries), and other items that represent Bosnian culture in the Cedar Valley.

For more information or to loan an item, call 234-6357.

Waterloo dam

deflation set

WATERLOO  The city of Waterloo will begin the deflation of its downtown dam Sept. 28 on the Cedar River.

It should be completed by Sept. 29. The river level upstream from the dam will be shallower, and boaters should take notice.

The dam is being lowered earlier than normal this year to allow for the reconstruction of the parking lot and boat ramp at the Waterloo Boathouse. The parking lot reconstruction is expected to be completed this fall.

On Sept. 29 and 30, the Cedar Valley Paddlers will be moving mussels to deeper water due to the lower river levels. Questions should be directed to Jamie Knutson in the city engineers office, 291-4312.
Refusing to uphold the law became somewhat fashionable in the Obama era -- especially when it concerned immigration. Well, now enter Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Pardon the Alabama vernacular, but Sessions ain't a real fashionable guy. Good for him. We either have laws or we don't. We can't make them up on the fly.

Tuesday, Sessions announced the Trump administration would no longer shield from deportation undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as minors. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, he said, "was implemented unilaterally to great controversy and legal concern after Congress rejected legislative proposals to extend similar benefits on numerous occasions to this same group of illegal aliens." So, the administration has given Congress six months to take action and reflect the will of the people.

For his part, Sessions is committed to enforcing the law above all else. Period. Bringing DACA to an end is not an insider legislative tactic. Rather, it is a return to proper law enforcement. And if Congress legislates a provision protecting undocumented immigrants who have mostly known life only in the United States -- and President Donald Trump signs the bill -- Sessions would be the first person to uphold that law.

Look, I hope Congress steps up and does exactly that. Passing an exception for those who came here illegally at a young age seems like it would be the fair thing to do. And to that point, I think Laura Ingraham speaks with a lot of clarity on DACA. Her commentary usually runs a tad hot for me, but Ingraham was spot on during "Fox & Friends" Tuesday morning when she said, "We don't rule by emotion, we rule by law." If we are going to protect certain immigrants from what many have described as unfair deportations, we will first have to get a law on the books that does exactly that.

Oh and by the way, let's not forget DACA is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Just as President Barack Obama deferred action on North Korea and Afghanistan, Trump and his team now have to deal with the consequences of the previous administration's deferrals. So, while Hollywood elites, Silicon Valley tech giants, Wall Street billionaires and the political establishment everywhere pose and swoon over DACA, just remember the attorney general is upholding the law. If they don't like it, they should call their member of Congress.

After all, Obama's overreach was not the result of a humanitarian crisis. It caused a humanitarian crisis. To this day, no one knows the full consequences of the resulting human wave of young people that appeared on our border when Obama gave the all-clear. Andrew C. McCarthy wrote in National Review Tuesday Obama's "maneuvers violated core constitutional principles: separation of powers and the president's duty to execute the laws faithfully. There has never been a shred of honesty in the politics of DACA." And now our democratic system must deal with the problem.

It is a little harsh, but if the shoe fits and the GOP passes the buck on DACA, Republicans will have to call out our elected members in Congress for failing to take charge. Again, to quote McCarthy: "As for the Republican establishment, DACA is just another Obamacare: something that they were stridently against as long as their objections were futile, but that they never sincerely opposed and -- now that they are accountable -- cannot bring themselves to fight."

So, Republicans now face a test. Sessions is upholding the law. If Republicans cower and punt, we will get what we deserve at the ballot box.
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Commission Releases Sample Ballot Paper for Kurdistan Referendum

On Wednesday, the Kurdistan Independent High Election and Referendum Commission (IHERC) released a sample ballot paper for the upcoming independence referendum for the Kurdistan Region. The people of the Kurdistan Region are heading toward a historic day, where on Sep. 25, they will decide whether to remain a part of Iraq or secede as a newly-created independent country. On Wednesday, the IHERC revealed the sample ballot paper, which shows the question written in four languages: Kurdish, Arabic, Turkmen, and Assyrian. "Do you want the Kurdistan Region and Kurdistani areas outside of the [Kurdistan] Region to become an independent country?" the question asks in all four languages. According to the IHERC, the disputed territories currently under the administration of the Kurdistan Region will also be included in the upcoming referendum. In total, over five million people are eligible to vote in the referendum, including Kurdistani people currently living in the Diaspora. President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani has repeatedly mentioned that an independent Kurdistan would be democratic, with a federal system where the rights of all ethnic and religious groups in the Kurdistan Region would be protected. Despite opposition from Baghdad, neighboring countries and the US regarding the timing of the vote, senior Kurdish officials insist on holding the referendum as scheduled, stating there have been no guarantees given to the people of the Kurdistan Region should they agree to delay the vote.

Editing by G.H. Renaud.
[contentcards url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sanctions-havent-worked-and-bombs-would-be-a-disaster_us_58d4e4d0e4b0c0980ac0e4e5]

If someone put me into a box and tried to seal it? If someone locked the doors on my home from the outside?

Wouldnt you be a bit angry at those people? I would

While North and South Korea had issues and it looked as it North Korea was going to mope the ground up with the South. The issue started originally due to cold war crap between the USSR and USA. The USA had to get into the middle of all of it and came close themselves to getting their ass handed to them. My dad was in the Korean War and if the UN counter-offensive that was launched at Incheon, had failed. We with SK would have been in the ocean next. Very possible my dad would never have made it home alive

As it was we failed for the most part, because China swarmed over the border and handed us our asses again. But we bombed the hell out of everything in the North Korea and made sure that hardly any buildings were left standing We dropped 635,000 tons of bombs and if it moved we tried to bomb it. The war never ended and in NKs eyes is still technically going on

[contentcards url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Armistice_Agreement]

The armistice also established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The DMZ was decided to be a 2.5-mile (4.0 km)-wide fortified buffer zone between the two Korean nations. The Demilitarized Zone follows the Kansas Line where the two sides actually confronted each other at the time of the signed armistice. The DMZ is currently the most heavily defended national border in the world.

So instead of one Korea, we had as it was at the beginning of the whole mess, two Koreas. Therefore we poured money into SK and boxed NK in tight as a sardine can. We did not let the world properly intermingle with NK

70 years of propaganda, financial destruction and literally just plain making up anything to demoralize the NK. On top of which America has a huge propaganda system at work in SK and this is all to keep fear of NK alive in SKs eyes. Thus, they need our military bases there

Once again, we Americans need to look in the mirror as we, talk trash about a country that has been abused beyond imagination verbally, morally, financially and socially. We are the catalyst to what NK became

They fear the USA and that fear drives them to protect themselves at all costs In their minds the war never ended. And it did not

They are right to fear the USA! Ask Syria, Ukraine, Iran, Libya, Iraq, Venezuela, Serbia, Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Somalia and there is many more These are just off the top of my head

How would you like it if someone tried to lock you in your room for 70 years?

WtR
Sep 5, 2017 | By Julia

BayBG Bayerische Beteiligungsgesellschaft, one of the largest equity investment funds for small and medium size businesses in Germany, has officially sunk its teeth into the liquid 3D printing game with a seven-figure investment in 3D printing company German RepRap GmbH. The massive financier has now secured itself as a minority shareholder in RepRaps framework, whose output ranges from applications in medical technology to automotive and mechanical engineering.

Not just any 3D printing company, RepRap has been carving a sizeable niche for itself for some time now in Liquid Additive Manufacturing (LAM) technology. Founded in 2010 as a straightforward business-to-consumer (B2C) provider, the German company has since upped its game, shifting its focus solely toward devices for professional use in the business-to-business (B2B) sector. Since 2015, RepRap has emphasized the development and distribution of a growing number of research facilities around the world, catching the eye of numerous investors in the process.

The companys biggest innovation, however, came in 2016 with the launch of its groundbreaking LAM technology. Based on the prototype developed by English scientist Adrian Bowyer, this 3D printing process enables the printing of liquids such as silicone, allowing for the formation of complex parts that would be impossible to achieve through traditional injection molding. With a roster of LAM platforms such as the Dow Coming LC-3335, launched late last year, functional prototypes can be 3D printed in silicone rubber, enabling small manufacturing trials of elaborate parts  a game changer within both the 3D printing and entrepreneurial industries.

Following Bowyers original ethos of knowledge-sharing, RepRap has remained a proud open source company to date, a strategy that company representatives say has secured their popular position among clients worldwide. Our B2B customers appreciate the fact that 3D printers from German RepRap offer an open source approach, says Florian Bautz, Founder and Managing Director. It is possible to define your own individual processes, change the material, adjust the temperature or the speed. This makes them decisively different from the usually closed systems of competition," he added.

BayBGs stance has also remained positive in light of the recent seven-figure investment. "BayBG has invested in German RepRap because we want to enable the company to achieve faster growth through rapid market closure," says BayBG's investment manager Lukas Biberacher.

Already leveraging its LAM technology across numerous industries, RepRap is now poised to go even bigger with its reach. Current applications of the German 3D printing system include the serial production of 40,000 parts for car designer Thomas Pazulla, spare parts production at crane producers Schmid Hebebuhnenverleih Minikranverleih, and the development and production of an autonomous sailing boat for the Darmstadt sailing team. Where the German LAM system manufacturer decides to focus its efforts next remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: they wont be messing around with seven figures under their belt.

Posted in 3D Printer Company

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Matt Lebovic in the Boston Herald:

You wont find it mentioned along the citys Freedom Trail route, but Boston was once home to a thriving network of Nazi supporters. Not only did the Cradle of Libertys anti-Semitic activists receive funds and direction from Berlin, they also helped incite small pogroms against Jews well into the war.

During the same years as the Holocaust, marauding anti-Semitic bands severely restricted the physical movement of many Jews in [Boston and New York], rendering it difficult for them to carry on normal religious, business, or social activities, wrote Stephen H. Norwood, a history professor at the University of Oklahoma.

In Boston and elsewhere, anti-Jewish incitement was fueled by Father Charles Coughlin, the founder of hate radio. Although he was based in Michigan, Coughlins largest following was in Boston, where members of his Christian Front heeded the priests calls to organize boycotts and mass mailings against Jews.

When we get through with the Jews in America, theyll think the treatment they received in Germany was nothing, said Coughlin during a tirade in the Bronx. The hate-monger also published Social Justice, a newspaper that reprinted The Protocols of the Elders of Zion in 1938, just as the persecution of German Jews reached a fever pitch.

Coughlins largely Irish American adherents earned Boston the moniker, the poisonous city.

More here.
On Sunday night, a private plane touched down at Oakland International Airport. Traveling from Houston, the flight was sold out, its seats taken up by 54 dogs and 15 cats, all displaced from overwhelmed shelters in Southeast Texas.

In the week following Hurricane Harvey's record-shattering rainfall, recovery efforts were carried out with a sense of dire urgency. Countless Houstonians were left with nothing but the shells of their former homes, now blanketed by thick films of clay silt. Savings accounts dwindled down to right-of-decimal-point sums; rent was, however, still due for many of the properties caught in Harvey's path. In the ensuing turmoil, hundreds of dogs and cats, young and old, were left to fend for themselves in various Lone Star State shelters.

This week, 69 of those in-need animals found their way to the Bay Area.

[instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BYrM7GfgRiw/?hl=en&taken-by=sanfranciscospca expand=1]

Our own San Francisco SPCA joined forces with three other Bay Area local adoption agenciesMuttville Senior Dog Rescue, Mad Dog Rescue and Milo Foundationto rescue dozens of dogs and cats. With transport kennels and leashes in tow, the quickly assembled rescue team boarded a private plane, graciously offered up by an affluent Sonoma county resident, and headed to Houston on a heroic expedition.



"What we can do is relieve those shelters that had all those dogs [prior to the storm] and now they can handle the homeless animals that are being rounded up daily," said Sherri Franklin, founder and CEO of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, to SFGate.

Of the 69 animals, all 15 cats and over a dozen of the rescued shelter pups are now residing at the SF SPCA's Mission campus; all remaining four-legged refugees have been divvied up between Muttville, Mad Dog and Milo (the latter taking the more senior, in-need dogs).



"We're hoping to have all of our animals posted with photos and adoption details on the website within the next week or so," Miriam Martinez, an adoption agent at the SF SPCA, told 7x7 yesterday evening. "Right now, we just have to perform our standard quarantine procedures, then they'll be good to go to the public."

So, if you're in the market to welcome a new four-legged canine or feline into the family, perhaps think about taking in one of these Texas transplants.Adoption fees are rumored to lower than usual or even free at the SF SPCA. Watch for updates online at sfspca.org, milofoundation.org and muttville.org.
What does good listening look like? The doctor sitting at eye level with the patient, making eye contact, and at the right time, speaking loudly and clearly enough, with words that a patient truly understands.

Susan Hassmiller, senior adviser for nursing at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Princeton, N.J.

Sitting down with the patient says, I have time for you. I believe that saying, People dont care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Jay Kaplan, M.D., past president, American College of Emergency Physicians, New Orleans
University of Maryland University College tops a recent list of the best colleges and universities for so-called nontraditional students. The rankings looked at offerings for older students who fall outside the normal range of first-time, full-time degree seekers fresh out of high school or in their early 20s.

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The methodology of the list, by college resource website College Factual, gauged the needs of older and returning students, including:

Working adults who need additional flexibility in course scheduling

Older students who want to take advantage of online learning opportunities

Working professionals who want to return to school and use their life experience toward college credit

Students coming back to school after dropping out or transferring

Though most of the ubiquitous college rankings available cater specifically to traditional college students, nontraditional students actually outnumber their younger counterparts, according to College Factual, and make up the majority of degree seekers in the United States. The nontraditional rankings included nearly 1,000 schools  representing a mix of online colleges and traditional universities and weighing factors including schedule flexibility, regional accreditation, affordability, percentage of older students among its population and salary expectations after completing a degree.

At chart-topper UMUC, nearly 97 percent of the students are enrolled online. Tuition starts at $289 per credit for Maryland residents and $499 per credit for out-of-state students (plus associated fees). Among the contributing factors to its top ranking were robust offerings for part-time students, flexibility for online learners and a diverse student-body population.

Here are the top 10 schools for returning adults, according to the College Factual rankings:



University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Md. Excelsior College, Albany, N.Y. Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. American Public University System, Charles Town, W.Va. Capella University, Minneapolis Ashford University, San Diego Bellevue University, Bellevue, Neb. Thomas Edison State University, Trenton, N.J. Charter Oak State College, New Britain, Conn. Regis University, Denver

The full rankings list includes state-by-state and regional breakdowns of the best schools for returning students.

If you are unsure if returning to school is right for you, read the article 6 Questions to Ask Before Going Back to School.
After clinching Valley title, playoff seed, South Dakota State football prepares for two weeks off

Having two weeks off before the playoffs is unusual, but the Jackrabbits could use it to get healthy


CFO Appointment

Brisbane, Sep 6, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - OtherLevels Holdings Limited ( ASX:OLV ) ("OtherLevels" or the "Company") wishes to advise that it has appointed Mrs Ashika Lala as its Chief Financial Officer, effective from today.



Mrs Lala has over 17 years international experience in tax and finance, commencing her career at Ernst & Young, followed by various roles in large listed organisations in Australia and the UK.



Mrs Lala holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws degrees, a Masters of Law and is a Member of the Tax Institute of Australia.



The Board would like to thank Andrew Ritter for his contribution as both CFO and Company Secretary, and is pleased that he will continue in the role of Company Secretary for OtherLevels.





About Otherlevels Holdings Ltd





OtherLevels Holdings Ltd (ASX:OLV) (FRA:7OL) is a leading second-generation digital marketing platform with offices in Europe, the US and Australia.

The OtherLevels platform enables clients to acquire sooner, engage smarter and retain longer across desktop, mobile web and apps audiences. The OtherLevels platform offers both Intelligent Messaging for Conversion, and Intelligent Messaging for Marketing Clouds and CRM, hence delivering both acquisition and engagement capabilities for digital marketers. OtherLevels leading clients include Camelot (UK), Tatts/Tabcorp, Coles, Flight Centre, IHG, LadbrokesCoral, Betfred and Doubledown.

For more information, please visit https://otherlevels.com.

For media enquiries please contact media@otherlevels.com.
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Synopsis

This report outlines and analyzes all infrastructure projects around the world in which Chinese companies  including owners, financers, and contractors  are involved.







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05092859







Summary

Throughout the 21st century, China has been a world leader in expanding its infrastructure base, creating the world's largest high-speed rail (HSR) network with over 20,000km of track spread throughout the country, growing its national trunk highway system to over 100,000km and becoming the world's largest energy producer. In recent years, the domestic construction sector has begun to cool off, and China has looked beyond its borders to export its excess contractor capacity and have a wider influence on infrastructure more globally.



The One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative epitomizes this philosophy, which seeks to improve infrastructure in emerging nations across Asia, the Middle East and Africa and Europe. The initiative aims to facilitate massive economic development through companies being able to transport goods more easily and cheaply between the provinces and countries along the route connecting China to Europe. The Infrastructure Intelligence Center (IIC) is currently tracking 111 large-scale OBOR infrastructure projects with a combined total value of US$688 billion.



Scope

All infrastructure projects in which Chinese companies have a role, inside and outside of China.



Details of each region's involvement of Chinese companies, and ranking of the leading Chinese contractors in each region.



Analysis of the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, and progress on projects encompassed by the initiative.



Listing of major projects taking place in each region with Chinese involvement and an update on their progress.



Reasons To Buy

 Assess the current state of Chinese involvement in global infrastructure construction.

 Better understand projects currently under construction with Chinese involvement and those that are likely to begin construction in the near future.

 Gain insight into which Chinese construction companies are most heavily involved in infrastructure construction outside it country borders.



Key Highlights

Currently Chinese contractors are involved in 1,034 projects in other countries, the majority being found in Emerging Asia, the Middle East and Africa. China appears to be particularly interested in large-scale mega projects. While projects with Chinese contractor involvement only make up 16% of the global total, the size of many of the infrastructure initiatives means this corresponds to 31% of the total global infrastructure project pipeline value, US$17.1 trillion as of 2017.



A recent Timetric survey on Globalization and Construction provides an outlook on trends relating to globalization in construction based on responses from construction companies operating in all major regions throughout the world. Respondents reported that China, with 31% of the vote, to be the greatest foreign threat to their construction businesses, with the US a close second at 25%.



Emerging Asia, due to its close proximity to China and high number of fast growing, developing nations receives the bulk of investment and involvement from Chinese companies. According to the IIC, Emerging Asia is home to 430 projects, valued at US$1.2 trillion, in which China is at least partially involved. Many of these projects are related to the OBOR initiative, with Pakistan in particular the site of 43 OBOR construction projects, as currently tracked by the IIC.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05092859



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.



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View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinese-influence-on-global-infrastructure-300515032.html

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A Bihar court on Wednesday handed life terms to Rakesh Ranjan Yadav alias Rocky Yadav and two others for killing a Class 12 student in the infamous Gaya road rage case, a government lawyer said.

Gaya Additional District and Sessions Judge Sachchidanand Singh also handed a five-year jail to Rockys father Bindeshwari Prasad Yadav aka Bindi Yadav.

On August 31, the court had convicted Rocky Yadav and two others under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the fatal shooting of Aditya Sachdeva who had overtaken his (Rocky) vehicle in Gaya town on May 7, 2016.

Those given life terms included Rocky Yadavs convicted cousin Teny Yadav and a bodyguard of his mother Manorama Devi, a former Member of the Legislative Council from the Janata Dal-United.

Rockys lawyer said they will challenge the order in the Patna High Court.

The parents of Aditya Sachdeva welcomed the court verdict.

Last year, Rocky was granted bail by the High Court but the bail was promptly suspended and subsequently cancelled by the Supreme Court.

During the trial, the victims four friends who were case eyewitnesses turned hostile.

According to the police chargesheet, Rocky was driving a new Land Rover costing around Rs 1.5 crore and carrying a licenced Italian pistol when he got into a fight with Aditya and his friends, who were returning home after a birthday party in Gaya.
Grandmaster and former world junior champion Pentala Harikrishna survived anxious moments before defeating Yuri Vidal Gonzales of Cuba 3.5-2.5 after two sets of tie-break games to enter the second round of the World Chess Cup.

B Adhiban was the other Indian to move to the round of 64 as he crashed through the defences of Nguyen Ngoc Troung Son of Vietnam also in the rapid games.

However, the third Indian Murali Karthikeyan crashed out after losing the rapid set of tie-break against Francisco Vallejo Pons of Spain.

Former world champion Viswanathan Anand, S P Sethuraman and Vidit Gujarathi had already made it to the second round with victories under normal game itself.

Out of the seven Indians in the fray, as many as five have advanced to the second round now.

It was a day of nerves for Harikrishna as he almost came back from the jaws of defeat in the first set of rapid tie- breaker with 25 minutes and 10 seconds addition after every move.

From a level looking middle game with white pieces Harikrishna kept looking for some complexities and found himself in a tough situation when the endgame arose in the second game of the rapid.

A loss would mean an ouster but a never-say-die Harikrishna was at the top of his game in difficulties. The Indian pounced on a super trick and found a study-like draw in the end.

Gonzales was apparently hurt deep by this close call and caved in the 10-minute rapid tie-break that followed after the first.

Like Harikrishna, Adhiban also took four more games but did not quite face any serious threat for his bid to enter the second round.

Troung Son, the second highest ranked player in Vietnam, lost tamely with white in the 10-minute game.

Interesting challenges lie ahead for all five Indians in the second round except Anand who will start as an overwhelming favourite against Anton Kovalyev of Canada.

Harikrishna and Sethuraman clash against each other, Vidit Gujrathi plays top Vietnamese Le Quang Liem while Adhiban has a tough customer in Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia.
The mutual disengagement by Indian and Chinese forces in Doklam has ended the stand-off that lasted for more than 70 days. Still it is evident that China has continued to make provoking statements. The fact is that the disengagement has been achieved by the combination of Indias strong diplomacy combined with Chinas internal compulsions. Indias success lies in exploiting Chinas pressing issues such as the BRICS Summit, upcoming meeting of the Communist Party of China and beginning of winter and snowfall. This stand-off highlights various factors which would enable India in dealing with China in totality and not just border issues.

A few days before the disengagement, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj spoke of working on the overall bilateral relations with China and not just on one incident. Incidents like Doklam stand-off could be prevented if there is continuous diplomatic engagement and trust building in bilateral relations. This statement was made at the time when China was threatening India of grave consequences of the stand-off. India has been consistent in its policy all along that any dispute should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means. Diplomatic engagement is the way that is always preferred by India.

However, the differences in world views of India and China have prevented the exploitation of the full potential of their relations. Co-operation, equality and mutual benefits form the basis of Indias foreign policy. On the other hand, irredentism is an important factor in Chinas foreign policy. Falling back on historical reference for justifying its expansionist policy makes China an unequal and overbearing partner in bilateral relations with any country. It also makes meaningful engagement with China difficult. This especially applies to India.

In addition Chinas economic power has enabled it establish control over relatively weaker countries. This further paves way to implement its policy of expansion even if it is at the cost of overriding international law. Again this becomes an area where Indias policy of honouring international law differs from China.

India and China are termed as emerging superpowers. From Indias point of view competition with each other for the top spot is a natural phenomenon. Chinas policy does not just stop at competition. Its policy extends to preventing its competitors from concentrating on development by creating distractions. This is the very reason that China has been supporting Pakistan and North Korea in order to keep India and Japan engaged in their neighbourhood.

Using economic and military resources China has been expanding its influence across different regions. This expansion has raised questions as to how can India compete with or even counter China which is trying to encircle India. But the Doklam stand-off could be a good example and even a lesson for both India and China. For India of course it is a positive outcome which shows that China can be stopped and countered. For China, the lesson is that bullying tactics do not always work and expansionist policy can be challenged. Here Bhutan also deserves credit for standing up to China and holding its ground.

It is important that the strategic and diplomatic momentum gained by India at the moment should be continued. Chinas compulsions in initiating the disengagement must not be overlooked. The disengagement in Doklam would most probably lead to an engagement in other sector. Indias entire boundary with China has always been disputed from Chinas side. In case there is absence of confrontation from Chinese side of the border, China would ensure that the Pakistani side would increase its activity. The timing of the current disengagement must be understood from the context that beginning of the winter is the time when there is highest possibility of infiltration in to India from Pakistan.

As mentioned above despite these situations India continues to favour dialogue as a mechanism of settlement of disputes. However, the Doklam stand-off should push the balance towards Indias side even while conducting dialogue. India has leverage over China since it is the large market for Chinas businesses. So, China has high economic stakes in India. This should certainly take India towards parity while dealing with China.

The Doklam stand-off has also sent across the message that China can be stopped. This would encourage particularly the smaller countries in Southeast Asia with which China has disputes in South China Sea. India should look forward to increasing co-operation with these countries to increase its leverage. For India various combinations of engagements and disengagements should be continuously explored and implemented in order to contain China.

(The author is an Independent Researcher based in Vadodara and can be reached at  niranjanmarjani@gmail.com.)

Niranjan Marjani

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
The recently released NITI Aayog action plan targeted 8% growth rate for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2017-18 to 2019-20, hoping to reduce poverty through trickledown effect. It reiterated that all 125 crore population should benefit from the action plan as envisaged by Prime Minister Participation of All and Development of All or Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.

The action plan indicated that in the coming years, there will be reallocation of resources from non-developmental revenue expenditure to capital expenditure with focus on growth with much emphasis on private sector job creation in manufacturing sector. It also emphasises social sectors as well as infrastructure as priority areas for huge investments. The following are some the key ideas for inclusive rapid growth for the coming three years.

Better implementation of developmental schemes

Effectiveness of laws and government schemes are important not only to achieve targeted growth rate of 8% per annum, but also for inclusiveness. The current government is giving more emphasis on private investment by providing enabling environment through initiatives like Make in India, Digital India, Jan Dhan Yojana, MUDRA (Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd), Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act and GST etc. Although, all these schemes are with good intension, the key for rapid development is effective implementation.

Better laws for pro-poor growth

One of the important aims of the government is to increase incomes of the poor in both rural and urban India. As a part of the increasing rural incomes, government aims at doubling farmers income by 2022 with multi-pronged strategy. It requires about 10.4% annual growth in real income compared to only 3.5% per annum during 2002-03 to 2012-13. As per agricultural census 2011, 47% of landholdings had less than half a hectare in size. These holdings are too small to support a family of five. Some of them are willing to lease-out land and engage in full-time non-agricultural employment and some may lease-in land to make their cultivated land bigger and economically viable. But unfriendly tenancy laws make it almost impossible to lease-in and lease-out in existing legal framework. As a result, most of the productive farm land left fallow year after year. The introduction of model land-leasing law that balances and protects the rights of the tenant and landowners would be a potential solution. Age-old laws which hinder the progress need to be repealed and replaced with new laws.

Eliminate under-employment through industrial friendly policies

As mentioned in the NITI report, Indias major problem is underemployment. A job that one worker can perform is often performed by two or more workers. It means majority of workers are poor and working in low productive informal sector, earn lower-wages and working only 2-3 days a week as casual labourer. To generate high income jobs to young India, there is a need to focus on industry and services. NITI Aayog report mentioned that, in addition to low productive agricultural sector, small scale manufacturing and service sectors are suffering from under-employment. Small firms with less than 20 workers which employed 72% of Indias manufacturing workforce contributed only 12% of manufacturing output. The 650 largest enterprises accounted for 38% of services output but only employed 2% of services workers. Put another way, the remaining services firms employed 98% of the workforce but produced only 62% of the output.

Make-in-India and Skill-India should focus on creating high-income jobs. On the other hand, Indias service sector is already competitive globally. Hence there was a need to promote both manufacturing and services sector including apparel, electronics, gems and jewelry, financial services, tourism and cultural industries.

Promoting investments

Recent taskforce report on doubling farmers income mentioned that, there is a need for investment of Rs.6.3 lakh crore in irrigation projects and infrastructure to double farmers incomes, of which 80% should be public investment. Similar investments are needed to promote industry and small scale sector in backward districts. Given the fiscal constraints, it is difficult to mobilize this huge budget, unless through innovative financial instruments like viability gap funding through public-private partnerships with proper incentives.

Creating markets

With all these efforts, if production increases, finding market is a difficult task for agricultural as well as many rural industries. Domestic consumption demand is subdued except a few sectors like real estate. And competition in international markets is increasing from countries like China, Bangladesh, and South East Asia etc. Crash in prices of potatoes, onions, oilseeds and pulses is an example of lack of demand and consequent problems. There was a need to create demand by expanding incomes and consumption levels of the poor, through income support schemes or employment schemes like MGNREGA.

Enabling environment

Creating an enabling environment and governance structure for growth and employment is crucial. These include infrastructure, digital connectivity, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), energy, science and technology and creation of an effective innovation ecosystem especially in backward and rural India. The report mentioned that the government should get out of production sector and focus on creating competitive environment and proper governance and regulation for wider participation in growth by all sections of the society. Social harmony and productive workforce is essential to promote economic growth as well as to benefit from it. Education, skill development and health contribute to the creation of a productive workforce.

Universal Basic Income

Lastly, providing minimum basic income for each and every household to sustain minimum standard of living is an important duty of any developing country as in the development process with the liberalisation there were chances that many left out of due to competition. However, this assistance should not intervene in market mechanisms and incentives for more efforts. It may take direct money transfer to the beneficiaries to reduce corruption and increase transparency. It will also help in creating demand for the agricultural and other small scale industrial products.

Overall, better implementation of government acts and scheme, innovative programmes like universal basic income, promoting investments, creating markets, increasing labour productivity and creating enabling environment for private sector for job creation will boost inclusive growth.

(The author is the Director of National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad. He can be contacted at anugu.amarender.reddy@gmail.com.)

A. Amarender Reddy
Cowards killed a brave, independent and a liberal woman. This is a disturbing trend which can turn the country into a cesspool of hatred and intolerance. If we remain passive, our country would be another failed state just like the neighbouring nation. Hopefully, civil society will not allow these addicts of hate to stifle questioning minds and our freedom of speech. Lankeshs death is being regarded as the latest in a string of murders of rationalist writers, including MM Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar. Lankesh, a vocal opponent of right-wing excess was also present at the vanguard of most such protests in the state.

The 55-year-old was known for her pro-minority and pro-Dalit stand and was one of the few women editors in Kannada journalism who sympathised leftwing ideologies. She edited a tabloid newspaper and was an outspoken critic of right-wing Hindutva politics. Lankesh was the daughter of renowned journalist and founding editor of Kannada weekly tabloid Lankesh Patrike. She was part of the Chief Ministers panel that brought some leaders of Karnatakas Naxal movement above ground.

Her brutal murder is painful and it is a loss for the society at large. She was a sane and firm voice against the social evils of all kinds. Gauri was a rationalist and dared to speak her mind. Even though two years have passed ever since Kalburgi was murdered but the case remains unresolved. A neighbour who heard the gunshots said that there were multiple firings. Gauri was shot at as she got down from her car and opened the gate. These rationalists were closely under observation by their killers, be it Dabholkar, Kalburgi or Pansare, they were chased and killed.

Lankesh has been known for her strident stands against communalism in Karnataka. In 2016, she was convicted in a defamation case filed by MP Prahlad Joshi, who had objected to a report published in Lankeshs tabloid against BJP leaders. She was hassled and warned by many, but no one ever imagined that she would be killed like this. Her death is a great loss to the community of independent journalism. We have lost a voice, an accomplished journalist and a wonderful human being. The elimination of voices of reason by silencing them through murder was the hallmark of those cowardly dunces who have no arguments to counter those put forward by such writers. She was one of those who was not afraid to speak her mind on any issue which she felt was important.

More than a journalist she was a social activist raising her voice for the oppressed and exploited of the society. It is a shame to all the citizens of our country that we have tolerated such a sorry state of affairs that even voices cannot be raised against the forces of irrationalism. Let those forces clearly understand that such acts by them are not going to silence the basic ideology.

Gauri started her career as a journalist with The Times of India in Bangalore. Later, she moved to Delhi with her husband Chidanand Rajghatta. Shortly after, she returned to Bangalore, where she worked as a correspondent for the Sunday magazine for nine years. At the time of her fathers death in 2000, she was working for the Eenadus Telugu television channel in Delhi. She had spent 16 years as a journalist by this time. When their father P. Lankesh died, Gauri and her brother Indrajit visited Mani, the publisher of Lankesh Patrike, and told him that they wanted to cease the publication. Mani convinced them against the idea. Gauri then became the editor of the Lankesh Patrike, while her brother Indrajit handled the publications business affairs. Beginning in 2001, differences developed between Gauri and Indrajit over the papers ideology. These differences became public in February 2005, when a report about a Naxalite attack on policemen, approved by Gauri, was published in the magazine. On February 13, Indrajit (who was the papers proprietor and publisher) withdrew the report, alleging that it favoured the Naxals.

On February 14, Indrajit filed a police complaint against Gauri, accusing her of stealing a computer, printer and scanner from the publications office. Gauri filed a counter complaint, accusing Indrajit of threatening her with a revolver. On February 15, Indraji held a press conference, where he accused her of promoting Naxalism through the paper. Gauri held a separate press conference, where she denied the accusation, and stated that her brother was opposed to her social activism. Gauri subsequently started her own Kannada weekly called Gauri Lankesh Patrike. Gauri has been a staunch critic of the right-wing Hindutva politics. She was known for advocating freedom of the press. She had written about the wrongdoings of the Indian National Congress leader D. K. Shivakumar, a close associate of the former Chief Minister S. M. Krishna. She was opposed to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and broke her 35-year old friendship with Prakash Belawadi, when the latter became a media advisor to BJP during the Indian general election, 2014. In November 2014, the Congress-led Karnataka government appointed Gauri as a member of a committee aimed at convincing the Naxalites to give up violence and surrender. A delegation of BJP leaders accused her of being a Naxalite sympathiser, and demanded her removal from the committee. However, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rejected the demand. Gauri alleged that she was being targeted for her left-leaning political views.

On September 5, 2017, three unidentified men on motorbikes shot her to death at her house. Three of the bullets pierced her head, neck and chest, resulting in her death at the scene. In todays India, revolution is a historical necessity, but any extreme, like predetermined violence or parliament path is doomed to fail.

We need mass movement on political line through class struggle to replace capitalism, based on exploitation, which breeds all evils, by socialism, to have a society based on equality, brotherhood and freedom. We need strong protests and voices to say Enough is Enough or else tomorrow it could be you

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
No answer as of yet. I will update if they do. But they won't. They never do. Because they don't have to.

So I wrote to them. I coulda sent a buncha stuff, but this is what I thought might be the most helpful to them. Tried to back them up at least to the right starting point. I figure maybe if I can convince them to get to the trail head, they might be able to see where they have gone wrong from that vantage point, and perhaps move in the right direction.

THEY ARE SO LOST. They are wandering around lost in the woods, pretending to know where they are going, that they are experts on the terrain, and teaching other lost doctors how to find their way out... of they woods they are lost in. (But to be fair, they are being paid by Pfizer to wander around lost in the woods, so perhaps they are happy there.)

Actually the presentation was pretty weak. They don't really have a solution to getting parents refusals. Because, of course, they have not correctly diagnosed the reasons that they are refusing. And when you have the wrong dx, the tx ain't gonna work.

To one of the women's discredit (I could not be sure of who was talking at the time) she expressed her strong umbrage at being told by parents that they were declining vaccines because they had, "done their research on the internet," then burst out laughing at the incredulous and outrageous nature of such a statement. (Ahem... ma'am... you do realize you are teaching on the internet right now, yes???) #Irony

I listened in to see if they were going to recommend anything egregious to the physicians. Surprisingly, it was not horrible. Well it was pretty much the arrogant garbage we already know and experience. Be the expert, be aggressive, blah, blah, blah. To their credit, they did stop short of recommending the full on bulldozing of parents, they didn't recommend dismissing non vaccinating parents from practices, and they did (for a split second) admit they had biases.

During this session, pediatrician Dr. Sharon Humiston will moderate a panel with pediatrician Dr. Nathan Boonstra and family physician Dr. Margot Savoy, who will share their top tips for having positive and productive vaccine conversations with parents. Join us on Friday, August 25 at 12 p.m. Eastern to gain insights and tips that you can begin implementing in your practice immediately."

"With parents consuming so much conflicting health information about their babies and children, providing an effective vaccination recommendation can be harder than ever. Fortunately, there are strategies for discussing immunization with parents that can help them feel comfortable protecting their babies and children with on time immunization.

I was glad to hear that you don't recommend dismissing families from practices for declining vaccines, and that you refrain from calling families "anti-vaccine" (as only about 5 or 10% of those tagged with that epithet are actually opposed to vaccination.) However, I did want to point out a perspective that I don't think that you have taken into account in examining this topic.

The baseline assumption that was made was that a physician can assume that they are trusted by a family simply because that family has come to that physician. I don't think that you have taken into account that such trust, while it may extend to everything from a twisted ankle to cancer, may not exist for vaccines.



Because the 1986 National Childhood Vaccine Injury act has effectively relieved medical providers of all liability for vaccine injury and death, you have been insulated from almost all accountability for adverse vaccine reactions, even those that could have been foreseen and prevented.

It is true that pediatricians, unfortunately more than most, have to practice defensive medicine in their decision making, however in the case of vaccination, the physician is ONLY must defend himself against liability for child getting a disease, his practice's ire if he is not making vaccine quotas to earn insurances bonuses, or his industry's attack for not fully participating in the NIP. There no is mechanism, other than his own conscience (subject to bias) to give scientifically accurate vaccine safety and efficacy information. It is the opposite of defensive medicine. A doctor backed into a corner with a question he does not know the answer to can simply make one up, and even if the child is severely disabled as a result, there are no consequences for him.

There has not been a medical provider who has had to answer in court for a vaccine injury and death before a jury in the US for more than 30 years. And while the Hazelhurst v. Jackson Clinic will be going to trial this year, chances are still next to nothing that even if you do everything wrong, and kill a child with a vaccine, that you will even be questioned by any authority on the matter. There are no consequences even if you simply don't report it to VAERS. In fact, you can just call it a "coincidence" and "unprovable," and even attack the parents as "grieving, desperate and scientifically illiterate," even call CPS on them, and go on with your day. You can behave as badly as you want to, and do things that are considered malpractice in any other matter, and you will simply get a pat on the back from your fellow doctors. And while you may not have, sadly, there are some doctors that have gone to that extreme. Their conscience has not constrained them.

My questions are this...

Do you understand the impact of this liability protection on the trust parents have in your vaccine recommendations? Why should I trust any businessperson who has this magical liability protection and can't be sued even if they kill me or my child?

Do you understand the impact of this liability protection on your bias? When I hear you recommend to doctors that they approach families with such confidence in vaccine safety, I think, "They have so much hubris on this issue that they are not going to be teachable or learn anything from their clients." Even the name of the webinar is how to get them to "Yes." The question of, "When is their NO correct, and what can we learn from them?" is not even on your radar.

Do you know that EVERYTHING is on the internet? And when you laugh at people for making that statement, you kinda seem like you are living in 1990? Your webinar is on the internet. Pubmed is on the internet. All of the resource materials you recommended are on the internet. Mocking people from learning from "the internet" in 2017 is like mocking people for learning from "books."

Do you understand the impact of this liability protection on your vaccine safety education and accountability? If there is no way for families to legally challenge physicians or the industry when they are wrong, even when fraud is charged, how do you know if are right?

Because what we find when we talk to doctors is that they actually don't know research or vaccine policy. They have chosen selective research and policy, and will even read individual documents selectively, and take away what they want to take away.

Let me give you an example from the webinar. Dr. Boonstra referenced the NEJM Thompson paper, "Early Thimerosal Exposure and Neuropsychological Outcomes at 7 to 10 Years." And he characterized the study as finding no link to adverse outcomes.



That is not what the paper reports:



"Among boys, higher exposure to mercury from birth to 7 months was associated with significantly better performance on letter and word identification on the WoodcockJohnson test, third edition (WJ-III), poorer performance on the parental rating of behavioral regulation on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and a higher likelihood of motor and phonic tics, as reported by the children's evaluators."



"Higher mercury exposure during the first 28 days of life was associated with significantly poorer performance on the GoldmanFristoe Test of Articulation, second edition (GFTA-2)"



"Among girls, increased neonatal mercury exposure was associated with significantly lower scores in verbal IQ on the WASI"



(I know this about the paper in question, because it is on the internet.)

Dr. Boonstra, have you made this claim in your office to families? Isn't that fraud? I can't imagine you knowingly want to commit false claims to families, but do you realize that the industry is structured NOT to prevent you from making false claims? That it encourages false claims?

This paper is 10 years old. If liability existed, and Dr. Boonstra or any other physician was making this false research claim by now certainly would have been sued by a family who had a child who had an adverse outcome. This would have litigated, new guidelines for these products would have been issued, and this false understanding of thimerosal safety would not be spoken in any physicians office.

But here, in 2017, Dr. Boostra has just taught physicians that this paper showed no adverse outcomes from injecting mercury into babies. And short of asking him to retract his false claim (which is usually ignored by the physician, who believes he has been attacked by the "anti-vaccine lobby,") reporting him to his practice (also usually ignored) and reporting him to the state for making a fraudulent safety claim about a product he sells to consumers (I have done this, they don't investigate) there is no action to correct Dr. Boostra on his fraudulent safety claim. He can literally say anything he wants.



Thus parental lack of trust in Dr. Boostra (and this is almost all physicians really, because of the "vaccine culture" you discussed) is not only justified, it is correct. He is not trustworthy on vaccine safety. He is biased, and there is no accountability mechanism that corrects his bias.

I hope that you will take this admonition and inquiry seriously. The liability protection has brought vast corruption into the vaccine program, and until it is gone, and the industry is willing to clean up the damage they have done, vaccine rates will continue to drop, and I believe, at some point, the program will fail.

--

Ginger Taylor, MS

Director

Maine Coalition for Vaccine Choice

207-200-8469
NOTE: Thanks to World Mercury Project for this article.



By Robert Kennedy Jr.

Turning their backs on the human rights principle of voluntary informed consent memorialized in the Nuremberg Code after World War II, health authorities in France and Italy are fast-tracking involuntary vaccine mandates for school-age children. In Italy, millions of Italians have been demonstrating since June, protesting the infringements to parental rights. On July 28, industry-beholden Italian legislators voted 296-92 to pass a one-size-fits-all law that mandates multiple doses of ten vaccines for preschoolers through teenagers, imposing steep fines for parents who do not comply. Mainstream media outlets in both Italy and the US ignored the record protests against medical coercion.

Vaccines are big business, and the new vaccine mandate ensures the continued flow of profits to the $32 billion industry despite steady erosion of public confidence in vaccine safety.



Why Italy? And why now? Italys pharmaceutical sector is one of the largest in the world. Vaccines are big business, and the new vaccine mandate ensures the continued flow of profits to the $32 billion industry despite steady erosion of public confidence in vaccine safety. A recent survey found widespread doubts among Italian and French citizens about the importance and safety of vaccines. A cascade of recent scientific studies have described the emergence of new vaccine-related autoimmune illnesses and the inferior health status of vaccinated compared to unvaccinated children. Furthermore, a slate of films, news reports and government investigations have exposed widespread corruption among vaccine regulators, government efforts to hide serious vaccine-related adverse reactions and intimidation of scientists who publish data contrary to the orthodoxy that all vaccines are always safe for all children. Read more at World Mercury Project here.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

A clear sky. Low near 35F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

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A clear sky. Low near 35F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
An artist's rendering depicts The Clubhouse, a mixed-use apartment and office building, that will be located next to the Augusta GreenJackets' new stadium at Riverside Village in North Augusta.
The Disappearing Assyrians of Iraq

A woman lights a candle among pictures of slain Iraqi Christians at Our Lady of Salvation church in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, Dec. 31, 2010. ( AP) The liberation of Mosul was heralded as a new era for Iraqi Christians who could go back to their homes following the defeat of ISIS. However, this much-publicized triumph overshadowed a significant defeat that seems to shed a more realistic light on the fate of Christians in Iraq. The capital Baghdad was, meanwhile, witnessing the permanent closure of eight churches. After a delegation from the Catholic Church regional authority visited those churches and following investigations that showed that attendance, if any, kept dropping in the past seven years, the Chaldean Catholic Patriarchate announced that the churches will be closed for good. While such decision seemed to have made a lot of sense, it leaves little space for optimism as far Iraq's Christian community is involved. Journalist Elsy Melkonian argues that Baghdad is different from Mosul, where the latter was occupied by ISIS, hence placing Christians under a direct threat that forced them to leave. For Melkonian, the remarkable decline in the number of Christians in Baghdad can be attributed to other reasons. It is not related to ISIS, but to the fact that Christians have generally become targeted by different militias since 2003, Melkonian wrote. They always kidnap Christians and ask for ransom and at times they would just kill the kidnapped person right away. This led many to flee Baghdad whether to other parts of Iraq or to other countries, she added. Melkonian said that violence against Christians continues till the present time and was especially demonstrated in the case of an old Christian woman who lives alone in Baghdad. In the first week of August, this woman was brutally beaten by a group of armed men and robbed. This was a message for Iraqi Christians who fled to Kurdistan or Lebanon or other neighboring areas never to come back, Melkonian quoted William Warda, coordinator Alliance of Iraqi Minorities Network, as saying. Warda added that Iraqi Christians who still live in Baghdad are under a lot of economic and social pressure. For example, shop owners have to regularly pay money to armed groups in return for protection, he said. Christian girls are also not capable of walking alone in several neighborhoods in Baghdad. The state, meanwhile, is incapable of securing the capital and protecting its minorities. Kaldo Oghanna, member of the central committee of the Assyrian Democratic Movement, said that the decline in the number of Christians in Baghdad has been taking place since 2003, before which they constituted 20% of the capital's population. Even though Baghdad has always been better than other parts of Iraq security-wise between 2003 and 2010, Christians remained the weak link that was targeted by different extremist groups, he said. The real turning point was the Our Lady of Salvation Church massacre in October 2010. According to Oghanna, this massacre drove a large number of Iraqi Christians to flee to Kurdistan or to the Nineveh Plain, having to flee the latter in 2014 when it was invaded by ISIS, while others made it to Western countries. Christians realized that Baghdad is no longer a suitable place for them and that one group or another is always sending them a message to stay away. "An Easy Target" Journalist Sandra Elliot said that after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, the main conflict in Baghdad was between Sunni and Shiite groups then starting 2005, Sunni extremist groups started targeting Christians in different neighborhoods across the capital. It was commonplace for Christians to receive envelopes containing bullets and a threat from nearby extremists, she wrote. Messages promising bloodshed and death drove thousands of Christians from their homes in these neighborhoods. Elliot explains that Christians were an easy target because most of them were unarmed and with no help from a crumbling government, they had no choice but to flee their homes. Journalist Fadi Kamal Yusuf argued that the decision of the Chaldean Catholic Patriarchate came too late that it negatively affected the cause. Churches have been empty of worshippers for years and the church should've taken such a step as soon as it noticed the decline in the number of Christians in the capital because then it would have alerted everyone to the problem, he wrote. Now it is pointless and the issue is just a news story that no one paid attention to and the church can no longer ask people to stay. For Yusuf, taking this step now will most likely lead to the migration of more Christians from the capital because they would feel they there is very few of them left already, but in the past they could have united to overcome the threats facing them and to keep the churches open. And very soon we will be hearing of more churches in Baghdad closing their doors especially that many of the ones that are still open are located in neighborhoods where Christian presence is remarkably dwindling. Yusuf added that lack of religious will is also coupled with lack of political will to protect the remaining Christians in Baghdad and the rest of Iraq. Both religious and political authorities need to make use of the liberation of the Nineveh Plain, which received both regional and international attention, in order to give Iraqi Christians hope in going back to their homes. Otherwise, more churches will close and Christians will disappear from Iraq.
Qatar Airways, facing an air space embargo by its Middle East neighbours since June this year, chartered in extra freighters and increased its own maindeck capacity on key trade lanes to maintain urgently needed food supplies and traditional cargo flows.

Despite a 160% rise in cargo volumes at its Doha home hub in June, the carriers cargo operation still managed to restock Qatari supermarket shelves with ample supplies of fresh produce overnight.

But Qatar Airways reports that the blockade has seen its customers report that there are carriers serving other markets, who are using the embargo as an opportunity to increase prices.

Qatar Airways chief officer cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann, has outlined the Middle East Gulf carriers airfreight response following the continuing trade and air embargo imposed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.

The embargo was put in place over Qatars alleged support for extremist groups, something vehemently denied by the countrys government.

Ogiermann responded by email to a series of questions put to him by Air Cargo News (ACN).

ACN: How has the blockade affected Qatar Airways Cargo (QR) operations? What are the greatest challenges and how did QR Cargo deal with the situation given the sudden announcement?

Ogiermann: The illegal blockade imposed on the State of Qatar on June 5 did provide some early challenges. However, it has proven our resilience, not only for Qatar Airways Cargo but also for the airline and the country.

We reacted swiftly to ensure minimum disruption to our schedule and services, prioritising our customers and the business and at the same time supporting the massive airlift of food imports into Doha.

During this period, we received and handled an average of 15 freighters daily, in addition to our normal capacity of cargo services to 60 destinations around the world.

The freighters each transported between 60 to 100 tonnes of relief and food supplies such as dairy, vegetables, fruits, eggs and fresh meat.

ACN: Has QR Cargo been able to find sufficient capacity for these food charters, given your scheduled services to 60 freighter destinations?

Ogiermann: Qatar Airways Cargo currently has 20 freighters in its fleet (12 B777F and eight A330F). With a timely growth in our Hong Kong freighter slot-portfolio (the single largest air cargo market in the world), we moved quickly from 17 B777F flights per week to 21 flights.

Along with this, we started upgrading capacity into the key region of the Indian sub-continent and offering more charter services to the commercial market, ensuring that we preserved our overall share of the global air cargo market.

At the same time, we witnessed a surge in the demand for air cargo capacity for perishable goods into Qatar from an average of 180 tonnes per day to 900 tonnes per day.

Recognising the importance of preserving the integrity of our commercial schedule, Qatar Airways Cargo quickly sourced a range of aircraft from 3rd party providers comprising military C17s, B747Fs, A330F, A300Fs and Ilyushin aircraft, to fly dedicated charters bringing in supplies of fresh milk, yoghurt, fruits and vegetables.

Our widebody passenger flights out of Australia and key Asian destinations such as Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Denpasar Bali also provided sufficient capacity for perishable exports to the State of Qatar. This has ensured uninterrupted service.

ACN: Have food imports into Qatar increased during this period? How does QR Cargo cope with the capacity of cargo into or transiting through Doha?

Ogiermann: We handle an average of 150,000 tonnes of cargo that passes through Dohas Hamad International Airport each month. In the month of June 2017, we have seen a 160% increase in cargo imports into Qatar, compared to June 2016.

Managing such a precipitous increase in imports fully stress-tested Qatar Airways Cargos state-of-the-art investments, not just our $1bn, 55,000 sq m cargo facility that opened mid-2015, but also our two brand new facilities which opened this summer  our dedicated Climate Control Centre and Cargo Overflow structure, providing close to an additional 10,000 sq m of temperature-controlled handling space.

Thankfully, we had planned well ahead for future commercial growth. So, these wise investments proved more than capable of accommodating the extra demand, serving grateful importers in record time and restocking the supermarket shelves with ample supplies of fresh produce overnight.

ACN: What were the changes or plans imposed by the Qatar government and how is QR Cargo working with the government to help with the imports?

Ogiermann: Immediately when the blockade was imposed, we were given the mandate to prioritise the airlift of food supplies for the country.

We quickly reinforced our operations, flight schedules and staff rosters to manage the increased imports of food supplies and provide stability for the national food distribution channels.

Since this time, structural changes to Qatars supply chain have taken place. With food inventory levels now fully restocked and the introduction of two key maritime shipping routes from Asia and Oman, demand for air cargo capacity has now returned to pre-crisis levels.

While the majority of the nations imported supplies now come by ship, we continue to manage the national air cargo requirements using leased freighters, leaving our global commercial operations running at full capacity.

There have been several beneficial outcomes for us as a result:

 Qatar Airways Cargo has proven itself to be a very robust and resilient business

 we have maintained our global airfreight shares with pre-embargo customers

 our customers benefit from having access to a larger network and greater flexibility

In spite of an early adjustment period, our on-time-performance and flown as planned results are consistently within the tenth percentile.

Furthermore, most recently we were delighted to achieve the number one position for industry quality as recognised by IATA*.

An interesting by-product of the illegal blockade is that many plans have been expedited. Such was the case with Qatars planned dairy industry, and QR Cargos role in bringing it about.

Qatar has been actively investing in the agriculture and food sector through Hassad Food, Qatars premier investor in food and agri-business sectors. This is in line with Qatars National Vision 2030, food security goals, which are to increase the quality and quantity of crop production.

As a key partner in the nations food security strategy, we have been appointed to transport 4,000 Holstein cows to facilitate the newest industry to be developed in the State of Qatar, a dairy industry.

We have begun these livestock shipments on board more than 20 B777 charter freighters to Doha. This is the first time that Qatar has experienced an airlift of this magnitude to support the establishment of a new industry.

*Based IATAs Cargo iQ ranking for carriers AWBs reported at or above 90% of their network.

ACN: Have cargo operations returned to normal? Update us on the situation as it stands currently.

Ogiermann: The urgent need to secure Qatars food supplies and source the extra aircraft to service that need, required careful management to minimise disruption to our normal operating schedule.

As a result, we largely maintained our normal operating schedule. Those customers who joined us in accommodating the adjustments, have seen our freighter fleets on-time-performance results return to business-as-usual levels and 97% of our schedule is operating as planned.

We are truly humbled by the pledges of support from across our customer base. We attribute this loyalty not just to the effectiveness of our response but also to the contrasting approaches to pricing which took place immediately after the blockade was announced.

Qatar Airways chose not to exploit our greater share of Doha capacity.

However, customers are reporting that there are carriers serving other markets, who are using the embargo as an opportunity to increase prices.

Thanks to Qatar Airways Cargos professional response to the crisis, our investments in ground-based infrastructure and our long-term attitude toward our customers, we continue to see major gains in our overall market share.

Qatar Airways Cargo is the only Middle East carrier to grow market share in 2017 while both our competitors in the region have seen material declines**.

2017 is proving to be another high for Qatar Airways Cargo  we are seeing record volumes, revenues, yields and market shares.

Underscoring the confidence in our industry position, we continue to make major long-term investment in our network and fleet expansion along with a multi-billion-dollar investment in a second cargo hub in Doha which will more than triple our handling capacity.

**Based IATAs Carrier Tracker in International FTKs for 2016 vs. YTD 2017.

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 5, 2017

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September 5, 2017

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq  Information on the reported seizure of two Turkish spies by members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) near the city of Sulaimaniyah on Aug. 3 is scarce, as Turkey stays silent and the PKK and the Iraqi Kurds refrain from divulging details about what happened.

Iraqi Kurdistan has been a battlefield between the PKK and Turkey since the early 1990s. The PKK has used the rugged mountains of northern Iraq as a hideout since the early 1980s and has clashed several times with various other Kurdish groups including the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) over territory and influence. Staging several cross-border operations since the mid-1990s, Turkey has developed limited special operations capabilities and independent intelligence activities on the ground in the Kurdistan region.

Since August 2014, when attacks by the Islamic State threatened the very foundations of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the PKK has gained widespread popularity among Kurds by deploying hundreds of its battle-hardened fighters to defend Iraqi Kurdistan and the Yazidis of Sinjar. A group of former PKK commanders established a formidable army across the border in Syria, where it became a vital partner in the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State (IS).

In late July 2015, the two-and-a-half-year Turkish-Kurdish peace process came to an abrupt end. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his loyal spy chief Hakan Fidan appear to have set their eyes on the most wanted man in Turkey, 60-year-old clean-shaven guerrilla fighter and author Cemil Bayik. Erdogan remembered well how agents working for Turkish intelligence (MIT) captured the founder of the group, Abdullah Ocalan, in Kenya back in 1999 and brought him back to Turkey blindfolded and shackled.

Al-Monitor spoke with well-informed sources who asked to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the matter. Here is their story:

Sometime after July 2015, when MIT tried to infiltrate Bayiks inner circle, the PKK enlisted one of Bayiks bodyguards as bait. MIT took the bait, and for two years the PKK fed accurate information through the guard to MIT agents until a solid base of trust was established between them. The intelligence provided to MIT was so important that two of the top officials on the PKK/Kurdish desk decided to meet with their mole in Sulaimaniyah on at least two occasions.

Around early August, the bodyguard appeared to have fed information to the two MIT officials that Bayik was going to Sulaimaniyah for medical treatment. Killing or abducting Bayik would have been a major intelligence coup for Erdogan.

At the last minute, the guard informed his MIT handlers that he could not meet with them in Sulaimaniyah, where the PUK's sophisticated intelligence apparatus kept a watchful eye. The guard asked them instead to travel to a mountainous resort town halfway between the Qandil Mountains and Sulaimaniyah. With its huge lake, Dukan is popular with Arab tourists from southern Iraq and Kurds looking to escape the scorching heat of the summer. It's an ideal cover for espionage operations.

A group of PKK guerrillas arrived on Aug. 3, apprehended the two intelligence officials and their Kurdish companions at one of the resort sites and drove 43 kilometers (27 miles) to the Qandil Mountains in an operation videotaped by the PKK. The road to Qandil is dotted with PUK checkpoints, but somehow the PKK fighters managed to get the MIT agents through and reach Qandil.

The PKK immediately started interrogating the agents. A former official familiar with the PKK believes that the interrogation and debriefing will take at least three months. Back in Ankara, Erdogan and Fidan  who had not informed the PUK  pleaded with them to intervene. The PUK sent delegations on at least two occasions to persuade the militants to release the MIT agents. The PKK refused.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu arrived in Erbil and met with a PUK delegation on Aug. 23, but it appears that nothing came out of the meeting. Two sources briefed on the MIT incident told Al-Monitor that Ankara has asked Tehran to intervene on its behalf and an Iranian delegation met with PKK officials, but the Iranians also returned empty handed.

The following morning, on Aug. 24, Turkey took an unprecedented measure and expelled PUK representative Bahroz Galali, who is close to the Kurdish parties from Turkey. Back in 2003, when 11 Turkish special forces were seized by American commandos with the help of the PUK from the city of Sulaimaniyah on July 4, Turkey did not expel Galali, who had served in Ankara since 2000.

When Galali reached Sulaimaniyah airport on Aug. 24, he spoke critically of the PKK and said that the group should not behave as it pleases and should respect the KRG's sovereignty. The PUK spokesperson said the party was not aware of the operation and criticized both Turkey and the PKK.

Senior officials from the PKK, including Bayik, hit back, calling for the expulsion of the Turkish diplomats and warning that PUK or KDP involvement in Turkish ploys would be treason against the Kurdish people.

Some PUK officials have become concerned about the PKK activities in their zone after this incident, but the party is so fractious that it may not be able to take any action. Graffiti depicting the PKK and its founder, Abdullah Ocalan, is common in Sulaimaniyah.

If the PKK goes ahead with publishing the video footage of the operation, Erdogan will have no option but to own up to one of the most humiliating intelligence failures in Turkish history. As for the Iraqi Kurds, who are about to hold a referendum on independence, the unintended consequences of the PKK actions in their territories could become a serious headache.
September 6, 2017

BAGHDAD  Christian leaders say Iraq's monasteries and churches could soon become mere relics unless something is done to curb the violence against Christians. During an Aug. 26 press conference, Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch Mar Ignatius Joseph III Younan described Christians as "the most targeted and most vulnerable" minority in the region  and not just because of the Islamic State (IS).

This comes as Iraqi Christians in general, and Armenians in particular, prepare for the post-IS phase. Many of those who were driven from their homes in the Ninevah Plains are deciding whether to return. On Aug. 9, Iraqi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Farid Rwandzi received Armenian leaders to discuss promoting their communitys cultural activity.

In June, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Iraq, Archbishop Avak Asadourian, and representatives of Armenian committees and groups visited some of the liberated villages and towns of Ninevah, including Aghajanian, one of the areas IS had occupied since 2014 after either killing or forcing out its residents.

Now that IS is gone from the village, there's a possibility that Christian areas in the plains could be included in the controversial Kurdistan Regional Government independence referendum scheduled for Sept. 25. However, on Aug. 27, the Assyrian Democratic Movement, which is Christian, called for steering the Ninevah Plains clear from the conflicts and keeping the area out of the referendum.

Amid the long-term threat of violence, the Armenian population in Iraq has significantly declined. The Armenian Embassy in Iraq estimates about 13,000 Armenians remain in the country. Before US-led forces invaded Iraq in 2003, the Armenian population stood at about 25,000.

Since IS took over Mosul in 2004, the number of Armenians has completely receded in Mosul; not a single Armenian remains, said Adnan Haider, the editor-in-chief of Bashtabya news agency, which regularly covers minority affairs.

As Armenians came to Iraq centuries ago, some settled in the south and have had dioceses in Basra since 1222. Their numbers reached 37,000, most of whom settled in Baghdad in al-Batawin area and in the areas of Camp Sarah.

Muslim minority activist Mudrek Hussein, the director of relations for the Armenian Relief and Development Association in Basra, has witnessed firsthand how the rights of the Armenian community in Basra have been quashed. Politicians "used legal tricks" to turn a centuries-old Armenian club into a shopping center, Hussein told Al-Monitor, adding, The [Armenian] cemetery has shrunk to about 5,000 square meters [1.2 acres], all of which is destroyed graves now.

However, though the Armenian presence is receding, it's still reflected in current symbols, most notably the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Church of the Virgin Mary and the Armenian Church in Baghdad, which is more than 100 years old. Given Armenians' lengthy history in the region, a Christian Armenian said, on condition of anonymity, Iraqis should no longer look down on Armenians as strangers.

Khajak Vartanian, the head of the administrative committee of the Armenian community in Basra, told Al-Monitor recently by phone about the absence of projects reserved for Armenians by either the government or the Christian endowment."

There are so few Armenians left, he said, that national ID cards don't even include "Armenian" as an option anymore. In the old Basra area, for example, there is only one Armenian family left," he said.

Although Vartanian claimed Armenians "are not included in the parliament quota like other minorities, Christian parliament member and rapporteur Imad Youkhana denied this.

The Christian [parliament] quota includes Armenians as part of the Christian community, and one should not look at this subject from a national point of view only, Youkhana told Al-Monitor.

The Armenians are suffering under a lack of financial allocations to manage their places of worship and fund their schools, he said. The Committee on the Needs of Christians was officially formed and approved by both the government and parliament, with the participation of Asadourian, head of the Armenian community in Iraq, as well as Raad Kja Jie, head of the Endowments of the Christian, Yazidi and Sabaean Mandaean Religions Diwan.

Youkhana added, The Iraqi parliaments decision to recognize that Christians in Iraq are being subjected to genocide also includes Armenians.  Armenians have the right to promote their [culture] and as a result of their [help], the Syriac language is being taught in Christian schools in Kirkuk.

Abdul Rahman Alloizi, a parliament member representing Ninevah, told Al-Monitor, Armenians lived in Iraq in peace with the rest of Iraq's sects, and the Iraqi constitution has approved the use of the Armenian language as a mother tongue. Alloizi added, There is a current opportunity for displaced Armenians to return to their areas, which was demonstrated in July, when a new church was built in Ankawa in northern Iraq.

Political and church leaders want to restore minorities' faith in the state and the law so they can practice their religious rites freely. Meanwhile, the constitutional protection for minorities must be applied so they are equal partners, much like the sects that represent the majority in the country. Only then, the leaders say, will displaced minorities want to return, which will promote the sectarian and national diversity that has characterized Iraq throughout history.
September 4, 2017

TEHRAN, Iran  Iran's capital city hosted the worlds largest and most prestigious handmade carpet exhibition Aug. 23-29. Hamid Kargar, the head of Iran National Carpet Center, told Al-Monitor, About 730 companies from across Iran and dozens of carpet traders from across the globe participated in the 26th Iran Handmade Carpet Exhibition. He added, Among them were more than 90 international businessmen, including 14 Americans and 14 Japanese, who came to Iran for the first time.

The world-renowned Persian carpet, which is widely believed to have been around for more than 2,500 years, is deeply rooted in the Iranian national identity. There is probably no home in the country where at least one rug isnt part of either the flooring or decoration.

As the worlds largest producer and exporter of handwoven carpets, Iran produces three quarters of total global output. According to Kargar, About 3 million square meters of carpets are woven in the country every year, 65% of which is exported to about 80 countries across the globe.

A number of antique Persian carpets can be seen in such renowned museums as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York or the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, which houses the oldest surviving rug (likely of Persian origin and misleadingly called the Pazyryk Carpet) from around 500 B.C. In the neighboring United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabis Sheikh Zayed Mosque holds the worlds largest handwoven carpet at 60,546 square feet, woven by Iranian weavers from Neishabour in Khorasan Razavi Province.

This ancient industry has long had a significant share in Iran's non-oil exports. Nearly two decades ago, Iran had a record high export of nearly $690 million worth of handwoven carpets (then 17.5% of total non-oil exports). But over the past decade, the value of such exports has slumped, for various reasons.

According to the head of the Iran National Carpet Center, the last decade has been one of the toughest in the history of the Persian carpet industry. Referring to the US-imposed ban on imports of handmade carpets from Iran in September 2010, Kargar told Al-Monitor, The United States is considered the world's top importer of handmade carpets and was Iran's top customer before the sanctions in 2010. At that time they were importing some $80 million worth of carpets from Iran, which accounted for over 16% of our total carpet exports. So losing such a big customer was a major blow to our handmade carpet industry.

As a result of the US ban, not only did exports of Persian carpets to the country come to a total stop, but the overall value of exported carpets began to decline.

As a result of the US ban, not only did exports of Persian carpets to the country come to a total stop, but the overall value of exported carpets began to decline, reaching a record low of $315 million in the Iranian year of 1392 (March 2013-14). The industry has also seen increasing competition from other countries like India, Pakistan, Turkey, Nepal and Afghanistan, which produce either replicas of original Persian designs or lower quality rugs for cheaper prices.

As a nonprofit governmental organization established in 2003 to support the Persian handwoven carpet industry, the Iranian National Carpet Center has undertaken several measures over the past years to protect the rights of artisans.

We have paved the path for issuing patents to Persian carpet designers," Kargar told Al-Monitor. "We have also registered our handmade carpets in 47 different geographical locations as national heritage with the World Intellectual Property Organization and registered the carpet-weaving craft in the provinces of Fars and Kashan at UNESCO. These measures will deter rival countries from producing fake versions of our carpets.

However, the sanctions and foreign rivals have not been the only causes of the slowdown in the industry. Economic downturn among Europeans, political instability in several neighboring Arab states and increased risk of doing business with Iran as a result of [other] sanctions have also had their effect on our industry, Kargar added.

In terms of internal factors, I can say poor transportation infrastructure, poor planning and marketing in international markets and lack of sufficient monitoring of international markets are among the many other reasons that our carpet industry has suffered over the past decade, he said.

But the situation began to change after the landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and the six world powers was implemented in January 2016. One of its articles explicitly called for the removal of sanctions on Iranian carpets. As a result, Iran has resumed carpet exports to the United States after nearly six years of inactivity. In the last Iranian calendar year (which ended March 2017), Iran exported nearly $90 million worth of carpets directly to the United States, making it the top importer of Iranian handmade carpet once again.

In the same period, another $270 million worth of carpets were exported to other markets, bringing the total value of exports to $359 million, up from $333 million in the previous year.

As Iran seeks to further diversify its economy and reduce its dependency on oil, attributing greater investment and attention to the carpet industry could help it create jobs, address its unemployment crisis and increase non-oil exports.

While there are some 1 million carpet weavers in Iran, out of which some 700,00 are full-time workers, Kargar says the Iran National Carpet Center plans to create jobs for 20,000 new weavers across the country in the current Iranian calendar year (ending March 2018). This industry has great potential to further boost our non-oil exports. It is considered a clean and environmentally friendly occupation with very low investment required, and can be set up anywhere without sophisticated machinery. On the other hand, the final product has a very high added value that can be a great source of bringing in foreign money to the country, Kargar told Al-Monitor.

With the removal of sanctions and the renewed momentum for expansion of handmade carpet exports, industry officials and activists are optimistic. Government bodies like the Iran National Carpet Center and carpet producers are taking marketing, branding and advertisement in global markets more seriously than before in hope of retaining current markets and finding new ones.
September 6, 2017

Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked lost out this week in the fight over the appointment of Justice Esther Hayut as president of the countrys top court, a pick she had tried to thwart. However, Shaked intends to push ahead with her plan to curb the powers of the countrys judicial branch.

On Sept. 5, Israels Judicial Appointments Committee elected Justice Esther Hayut to replace retiring Chief Justice Miriam Naor as president of the Supreme Court, overriding the objections of Shaked, who heads the panel. Shaked had fought for months to abolish the principle of seniority that gives the job to the longest-serving justice on the bench.

Since March, Shaked had rejected repeated requests by Naor to bring Hayuts selection to a committee vote, generating heavy tensions among the top echelons of Israels legal system.

Shaked, a leading force in the right-wing HaBayit HaYehudi party, prevailed earlier this year when the Judicial Appointments Committee picked two justices identified with the Zionist religious stream among the four new appointments to the bench. The carefully crafted achievement boosted Shakeds standing within her hard-line party as well as on the political right. The next target she set herself was to eliminate the Supreme Courts long-standing seniority convention.

Shaked argued that this system fails to take into account the capabilities and leadership skills of the candidate. At one of the pinnacles of her battle, Shaked engineered in July a special debate on the seniority issue by the Knessets Constitution, Law and Justice Committee. At that point, Shaked knew already that she would lose the fight, and that Hayut would be appointed. But she wanted to stir up a public debate in line with her persistent efforts to erode the powers of the Supreme Court.

Naor was reluctantly dragged into the Knesset debate, where the outgoing chief justice set out to defend the system. She argued that the system provides for greater independence of the justices who are not beholden to politicians for their promotion, and preserves the moral independence of the judicial branch of government.

Shaked is a calculating and skillful politician who understands that despite her failure to overhaul the seniority regime, she can leverage her efforts among the partys nationalist, religious voters as yet another move in her campaign to contain the countrys top court, which they deem too left-leaning, liberal and independent.

Addressing an Israel Bar Association conference Aug. 29, Shaked stunned participants when she said, "Zionism should not, and I say here, will not continue to bow down to the system of individual rights interpreted in a universal way that divorces them from the history of the Knesset and the history of legislation that we all know." A day earlier, the Supreme Court had ruled that Israel was within its rights in deporting asylum seekers, but could not jail them for more than two months if they refuse to leave.

Shaked views this ruling as favoring individual liberties over the continued strengthening of the countrys Jewish majority. Such a declaration by a justice minister is nothing short of a declaration of war against the legal system and the Supreme Court.

Shaked wished Hayut well after her appointment and praised her professionalism, but the smiles will not dispel the tense, explosive relationship between the minister, the Supreme Court and the justice who will preside over the court starting next month.

Shaked intends to maintain her adversarial stance vis-a-vis the Supreme Court, which has historically enjoyed the backing of the justice ministers, for the most part. In that sense, she is a successor to former Justice Minister Daniel Friedman, appointed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in 2007, who attempted unsuccessfully to reduce the courts powers during his two-year term. Unlike Friedman, Shaked is a skilled politician operating within a right-wing government at a time when the standing of the Supreme Court is being undermined by a perception of its leftist bias  fueled in large part by harsh right-wing political attacks on its rulings.

Joining Shakeds campaign against the Supreme Court is Tourism Minister Yariv Levin of the ruling Likud Party. Levin has escalated his fight in recent years, arguing that the justices are a small, dissociated, leftist group that has accumulated excessive power at the expense of the legislative branch.

Reflecting this line, Levin launched an outspoken attack in the media immediately after the vote on Hayut, dubbing the selection process insolent. In a harsh reaction, Levin also claimed the public has had enough of the way the legal system operates and of the post-Zionism rulings often issued by the justices who are appointed in secret deals far from the public eye. He pledged to act for a fundamental change of the judicial appointment system so that Zionism and Judaism are restored to their rightful place on the judicial values scale.

Shakeds and Levins ambitions augur a stormy, challenging and complex term for Hayut. This is a battle for supremacy between the established legal system and the increasingly powerful new political right-wing class, which aspires to shape the Supreme Court to reflect its views and values. Shakeds declaration placing Zionism over liberal, universal values is a challenge to the courts fundamental ethos as the defender of democracy.

Hayut is a highly respected, talented, sharp, courageous, erudite judge. From now on, she will bear much of the burden of protecting the courts independence. Other than being an excellent judge, she is hardly the epitome of an isolated judicial elite. Hayut, nearly 64, is the daughter of Holocaust survivors raised in poverty at the home of her grandparents after her parents divorced when she was 18 months old. From there she forged her way to one of the most important positions in the country.

In many ways, Hayut is the right person at the right time to withstand the aggressive forces on the political right in the battle threatening the independence and power of one of the most important symbols of Israeli democracy.
September 6, 2017

It has been almost two years now that Israeli police investigators have been searching  at first secretly, then intensively  for the other side of the bribery equation involving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahus associate, Israeli-American billionaire Arnon Milchan, willingly provided the police who are working File 1000 with the details of the benefits of the $100,000 that he had in recent years showered on Netanyahu and his wife, Sara. The missing piece of the puzzle was the answer to one question: Did Milchan serve to gain anything from his generosity?

As long as nothing was known about what, if any, benefits Milchan received in exchange for what he provided, the suspicions against Netanyahu remained the relatively mild violations of fraud and breach of trust. The prevailing assessment was that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit would be hard put to generate an impeachment process against an incumbent prime minister over an indictment for breach of trust or fraud, but when it comes to bribery, that is a different story altogether. At the end of August, the police appeared to be coming close to a milestone.

It turns out that Milchan, an international movie mogul who divides his time between Los Angeles and Israel, has been questioned under caution on several occasions at the Israeli Embassy in London. The police have prima facie evidence according to which Netanyahu used all his weight to convince British Jewish billionaire Len Blavatnik to acquire shares in Israeli Channel 10. A significant portion of those shares were held by Milchan in an investment gone bad, in which he stood to lose tens of millions of dollars. When Blavatnik acceded to Netanyahus request and acquired the channel, which he still controls, it redeemed Milchan's failed investment. The acquisition by Blavatnik was worth a fortune to Milchan.

Now that the police investigation rests on this factual base, it is likely that a serious indictment will be filed against the prime minister in the near future. Of note, the decision regarding an indictment is not made by the police, but by the attorney general. It must be emphasized that Blavatnik is not under suspicion for anything. He legally acquired the commercial television channel, period.

This has been one of Netanyahus worst weeks. Just prior to anticipated trips to South America and North America, starting Sept. 11, the noose of investigation is tightening around the neck of Israels eternal prime minister. In addition to his increasingly bleak-looking position regarding File 1000, the investigation in File 2000  involving Netanyahus conversations with publisher Arnon Mozes for an alleged deal for positive media coverage  is also advancing. In addition, the submarine and naval vessel affair ratcheted up a notch, with another wave of arrests shaking up the Israeli military and political establishments. Netanyahu is currently not under suspicion in the submarine affair, but since the investigation has only recently gotten underway, and a large percentage of the suspects are close associates and advisers of Netanyahu, anything is possible.

The long-standing mantra of Netanyahus office and his fans  There wont be anything, because there was nothing  now seems divorced from reality. Netanyahu has no intention of vacating his seat willingly, however, and will fight for it with all the means at his disposal. One of his political rivals in the Likud told Al-Monitor on the condition of anonymity, Netanyahu wont hesitate to burn down the house over its inhabitants. His personal [political] survival is more important to him than the public good.

The submarine affair now threatens the Israeli defense establishment and is lifting the veil over the Israeli defense acquisition process itself, which is worth tens of billions of dollars. Netanyahu's former chief of staff David Sharan was arrested Sept. 3 on suspicion of accepting bribes. (Sharan had also served as senior aide to Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz.) Others arrested were Brig. Gen. (Res.) Shai Brosh, the former commander of Shayetet 13, Israels esteemed naval commando unit, and former minister Eliezer Sandberg, who is close to the Netanyahus.

Thus one sees how media advisers, political pals and business middlemen are striding in lockstep to police interrogation rooms. All this is the result of evidence obtained from state witness Miki Ganor over the course of a month. Ganor had been the representative for the German concern ThyssenKrupp, from which Israel is purchasing Dolphin submarines.

Amid all this, contacts are moving toward closure on a deal in which Israel will acquire another three Dolphins from Germany at a cost of billions. The Germans have already declared that if it emerges that the deal is tainted with corruption, it will be canceled. As of now, however, no corruption has been revealed on the German side. Meanwhile the Israeli side, or rather the Israel Police, is conducting its investigation under a heavy cloak of secrecy.

To date, quite a number of the prime ministers close associates are under suspicion in the investigation. They include, in addition to Sharan and Sandberg, Netanyahus lawyer and cousin David Shimron, former Netanyahu chief of staff Ari Harow and Avriel Bar-Yosef, the former deputy head of the National Security Council (to which Netanyahu had appointed him). Netanyahu continues to assert that he didnt know a thing, including that his cousin Shimron served as legal representation for ThyssenKrupp in Israel.

The big question is this: Will the police succeed in proving that Netanyahu did know about Shimrons involvement in the billion-dollar deal? It was, after all, a deal that he, as prime minister, led. As of now, that question remains unanswered. Regardless, Netanyahus position looks precarious on all fronts.

If Netanyahu did know about Shimrons involvement with the submarines, he will face criminal charges in this affair as well. If he didnt know, it could cause a lot of people to wonder if such as person is sufficiently competent to lead the country. The submarine and naval vessel deal is viewed as a strategic transaction involving Israeli national security, and as such, it was administered and led by the prime minister himself. Responsibility for the deal was placed on his shoulders alone. I didnt know is an excuse that could extricate Netanyahu from criminal charges, but not from the publics blame.
September 5, 2017

GAZA STRIP, Gaza City  Six children sit amid the leafless branches of a tree in an arid, barren landscape, a small weary-looking shed in the distance. The image, a photograph by Mohamed Badarne, is part of Unrecognized Games, a series featuring children from the 45 unrecognized villages in Israel's Negev Desert, where more than 75,000 Bedouin live. Badarne told Al-Monitor that he wants to pose one key question through his work on the Bedouin: Why is Israel destroying Negev villages? Answering his own question, he replied, Israel wants to eliminate the Palestinian presence from the pre-1948 territories.

The term unrecognized village stems from Israels refusal to recognize Bedouin ownership of the land on which they have settled in the Negev, where they have had a presence since the seventh century, well before Israel's establishment. As the Bedouin lack deeds or documentation of ownership, Israel refuses to provide their settlements with public services  that is, water, electricity, waste disposal and education and health facilities. In addition, the Bedouins' homes are under the constant threat of demolition, because Israel considers them to have been illegally built. For instance, on Aug. 31, Israeli authorities used bulldozers to destroy containers used for storage as well as olive trees in several villages.

In 2011, the Israeli government approved the Prawer Plan, which aimed to move thousands of Bedouins, against their will, from their villages and resettle them in urban communities. The Bedouin, who live a semi-nomadic lifestyle, opposed the plan, emphasizing their historical ownership of the land. The United Nations has been calling on Israel to recognize and respect the specific rights of its Bedouin communities, including recognition of Bedouin land ownership claims.

Life in the Negev, given the absence of public services and the state's destruction of personal property, is insecure and tough, but the children Badarne has photographed have nonetheless managed to turn their surroundings into a playground: They climb trees; they play with the remains of broken or discarded objects; they run around on the sandy stretches of land and amuse themselves in front of a broken television set.

Children make toys out of nothing. They create their own heaven among the rubble, Badarne remarked. I watched children playing atop power generators, knowing that they have no electricity to begin with.

Children make toys out of nothing. They create their own heaven among the rubble, Badarne remarked.

Badarne visited the Negev on numerous occasions between 2013 and 2015 and built relationships with the people he photographed. The photos focus on Negev children and aim to show the struggle to survive despite the difficult living [conditions], Badarne said. These candid shots are to try to create local and global awareness about the situation in the Negev.

Unrecognized Games was shown in Gaza City in March 2015, shortly after Badarne finished working on the series. The same Israeli hand is destroying Gaza and Negev, is how he described the aim of the exhibit there. In June 2016, the work was mounted in Berlin as part of the opening of Palestinian Days, an annual festival organized by the Committee for Solidarity with Palestinians. The artist also displayed the photographs this April during Israeli Apartheid Week in Doha. The series will travel to Belgium for an exhibition, beginning Oct. 2, organized by the Committee for Solidarity of Palestinians and the Municipality of Brussels.

Badarne was born in 1978 in the village of Arraba, in the Galilee. He has volunteered in refugee camps in the West Bank, where he organized a human rights movement with the young Palestinians living there. Until 2012, he earned a living as a high school teacher and as a project coordinator for a nongovernmental organization in the region. He then decided to devote his time to photography, offering workshops to aspiring photographers as well as taking photos of his own.

Badarne has assembled a large portfolio of images of the many aspects of Palestinian life, from children who work on the streets to the daily life of construction workers. Badarne remarked, My aim is not to [just] take photos, but to create a narrative with them and use photography to cast an eye on the unseen, under the slogan of art for change.

Displaying his photographs abroad, Badarne said, has helped raise awareness of the Palestinian cause, and he hopes that it has increased support for it. This is what it means to mobilize art and use it to serve national interests, he said, adding that such shows inform people that the Palestinians are not only concentrated in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, but also living in Israel, including the Negev. My aim is to ensure that humanity, rather than injustice, dominates Palestinian lands.

Hussam Salem, a Palestinian photographer from Gaza who has worked with Badarne, praised his work in depicting reality through his photos and helping Palestine. He told al-Monitor, A picture is worth a thousand words.

Salem believes that Badarnes images, like those of other Palestinian photographers, show that life is worthwhile despite all its attendant difficulties. A simple photo with a human touch satisfies you and reflects the concerns, happiness and sadness of that forgotten person in an unrecognized village. It gives them a voice.
September 6, 2017

The Senates foreign aid spending panel voted today to slash military assistance to Egypt by $300 million amid growing congressional frustration with the countrys dismal human rights record under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

A summary of the fiscal year 2018 bill from Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee overseeing the State Department and foreign assistance, indicates that lawmakers also want to cut economic aid by $37 million compared with current year levels. The subcommittee passed the bill unanimously and the full Senate Appropriations Committee will take it up Thursday.

There is growing concern in the Congress, and the administration, with the repressive policies of the al-Sisi government, Leahy told Al-Monitor in an email after the vote. The United States and Egypt have a long history of cooperation, which we want to see continued. But it is important for the Egyptian people to know that the United States supports freedom of expression, of association and of due process, and when these rights are systematically violated there is a consequence.

The Senate vote follows similar pushback from the Donald Trump administration, despite the presidents overall support for Sisis muscular response to perceived security threats. The State Department recently cut $95.7 million in military and economic aid to the country, Reuters reported last month, while withholding another $195 million in foreign military financing pending progress on human rights and democracy.

The proposed cuts to military assistance are remarkable because they mark a rare attempt to cut a source of bilateral aid that is often justified as a reward for Egypts peace treaty with Israel. Egypt has long been a top recipient of US foreign military financing, and the Trump State Departments budget request for fiscal year 2018 seeks $1.3 billion, just as in years past, even as it proposes slashing aid for most other countries. Similarly, House appropriators voted in July to maintain military aid at current levels.

The Senates spending proposal would also slash economic aid for Egypt from $112 million this year to $75 million in fiscal year 2018. The State Department is seeking the same amount, while House appropriators by contrast have proposed increasing economic aid to $150 million.

While we dont comment on the Senates appropriation products, the House bill reinforces Chairman Rogers commitment to Egypt as an ally and strategic partner, said Danielle Smoot, the communications director for Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., the House foreign aid panel chairman.

The proposed aid cuts come after Sisi implemented legislation that bars nongovernmental organizations from engaging in human rights work. The legislation further threatens civil society advocates with fines up to $55,000 and up to five years in prison. A former senior official in the Barack Obama administration, speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, attributed the cuts to the recent NGO law, arguing that it has alienated Republicans enough to side with Senate Democrats in cutting US aid.

What has happened here is that the Egyptians have managed to alienate key Republicans, the source said.

Indeed, the chairman of the Senate foreign aid panel, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., derided the law as draconian in a joint statement in May with Senate Armed Services Chairman John McCain, R-Ariz. The pair called the bill the latest sign of a growing crackdown on human rights and peaceful dissent in Egypt.

Graham had previously convened a hearing in April to specifically assess US assistance to Egypt, during which he criticized the Sisi regime for its undemocratic trajectory.

Civil society seems to be deteriorating, their economy is lacking and I really worry about a consolidation of power in a way thats basically undemocratic, Graham said at the hearing. Im not asking Egypt to become America, Im asking Egypt to become the best that Egypt can be.

And disturbing news out of Egypt keeps on landing on lawmakers doorsteps. In a report released today, Human Rights Watch accuses the Sisi government of operating an assembly line of torture, including electrocution and rape, against dissidents of all political stripes.

This isnt the first time Senate appropriators have tried to use US foreign assistance to force Sisis hand in implementing democratic reforms. The Senate previously sought to cut military assistance to Egypt by $300 million and economic aid by $100 million in 2014 following Sisis coup against the democratically elected government of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. The House at the time won out during negotiations to reconcile the two bills, overruling the Senate on both the military and economic aid cuts.
September 5, 2017

WASHINGTON  US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley made the case today for President Donald Trump to not certify Irans compliance when the nuclear deal comes up for review next month, effectively tossing the issue back to Congress.

Speaking at the American Enterprise Institute, the neoconservative think tank that was a main cheerleader for regime change in Iraq, Haley argued that the 2015 nuclear deal was deeply flawed. She said it did not resolve a long list of other US grievances about Irans behavior, from its support for the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah to its ballistic missile program.

The truth is, the Iran deal has so many flaws that its tempting to leave it, Haley said, while acknowledging that she did not know what Trump might do. But the deal was constructed in a way that makes leaving it less attractive.

Under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015, the president must certify to Congress every 90 days that Iran is complying with the nuclear deal. If he doesn't, it's up to Congress to determine whether to reimpose nuclear-related sanctions that the United States agreed to suspend under the nuclear deal.

Haley argued that this act requires the president to certify not only if Iran is complying with the deal but also whether the sanctions relief advances US national interests. The law asks the president to certify that the suspension of sanctions against Iran is appropriate and proportionate to Irans nuclear measures and that it is vital to the national security interests of the United States, she said.

Strikingly, in a nearly hourlong speech devoted almost solely to the deficiencies of the Iran nuclear deal, Haley offered no vision for what alternative steps the Trump administration would take to restrain Irans nuclear behavior should it move to collapse the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

It was puzzling that she did not have better answers, consonant with her overall position, to basic questions, such as why the Europeans should support the US withholding certification, Michele Dunne, a former State Department official and now director of Middle East programs at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Al-Monitor by email. Also no answer as to why a world without JCPOA would be more likely to constrain Iran than a world with it.

It was more repeal instead of replace, Dunne added, referring to Republican lawmakers eagerness to overturn former President Barack Obamas healthcare reform without a plan for what should come next.

Even Republican experts sympathetic to Haleys arguments about the deals flaws acknowledged she did not offer any vision or plan for what the Trump administration would do instead if it decides to walk away from the deal.

Her presentation was, I think, well in line with longstanding criticisms of the JCPOA  that it insufficiently limits Irans nuclear activities, at best fails to address and at worst abets the non-nuclear threats Iran poses, and  like it or dislike it  is ultimately temporary, Michael Singh, the former Middle East senior director in the George W. Bush administration National Security Council, told Al-Monitor.

The real challenge the administration faces, however, is not identifying the weaknesses in the JCPOA, but rather determining what to do about them, said Singh, now with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Haley acknowledged that Americas European allies want the United States to stay in the deal, but she said the United States has to determine for itself if the JCPOA is in the best interest of US national security. But while she argued that the United States should not be held hostage by international pressure to preserve the deal, she offered no reason why the United States would be better positioned to restrain Irans nuclear program or address Irans other troubling behaviors without it.

No, they dont want us to get out of the deal, Haley acknowledged about the European allies, in a short question and answer period after her speech. But are we going to take care of our allies, or look out for our interests? Its not about European security. This is about what is in our national security interests.

You cant put lipstick on a pig, Haley added. You cant make the deal look better. The deal is flawed.

It is this unwillingness to challenge Iranian behavior for fear of damaging the nuclear agreement that gets to the heart of the threat the deal poses to our national security, Haley argued in the speech. The Iranian nuclear deal was designed to be too big to fail. The deal drew an artificial line between the Iranian regimes nuclear development and the rest of its lawless behavior.

There were several flat-out mistakes in Haleys remarks, noted former member of the US nuclear negotiating team Richard Nephew, who went to the trouble of cataloguing them. Among them: Haleys assertion that Obama intended the deal to not only restrain Irans nuclear program, but to address Irans other non-nuclear behaviors.

This is simply not true, Nephew wrote. We decided long beforehand that we would not get a broader agreement.

French Ambassador to the United States Gerard Araud had a similar reaction.

The Iran deal is about the nuclear issue, nothing else, he tweeted today. So far, Iran is abiding by the commitments taken in this mutually agreed framework.

Sources said that Haleys expressed views on the flaws of the JCPOA were not reflective of the advice or information of career State Department officials and experts. As to who is advising her on Iran, This seems to stem from her inner circle, said one official, speaking not for attribution.

European allies said they continue to believe the nuclear deals benefits far outweigh any shortcomings. One official said the JCPOA provides for the most comprehensive monitoring and verification regimes of any nuclear program to date, with some special provisions beyond the Additional Protocol that go on for 25 years.

"We are very clear that right now our priority is working with the deal and making the deal work and looking toward the future," a European official, speaking not for attribution, told Al-Monitor. That assessment has not changed, and Iran is complying.
September 5, 2017

ANKARA, Turkey  The Turkish surgeons mastery in giving women Brazilian butt lifts has become a new source of hard currency for the Turkish economy. The Realself website offers the list and contacts of Turkeys 20 most famous plastic surgeons in this realm.

More and more TV stars seem to go under the knife to get the Brazilian butt lift. Keen to rectify bodily flaws and feel better, women and men alike are looking for surgical solutions, boosting the health tourism market by the day.

In recent years, Turkey has progressed remarkably in the sector. From hip and breast augmentation, vaginal and penile surgeries, hair transplantation and dental implants to cancer treatment, organ transplantation and gender reassignment surgeries, Turkey is a rising star in the health tourism field. Turkish medical centers offer standards on par with, and sometimes even higher than, their counterparts in Europe and the United States, but they usually bill patients half, and in some cases, a third of what the procedures cost in Western countries. Hence, the growing foreign demand for surgeries in Turkey.

A number of British celebrities from popular TV series and reality shows have made the tabloid headlines after traveling to Turkey for various plastic procedures  from Brazilian butt lifts and lip enhancements to breast and vaginal surgeries. Abi Clarke, Chloe Khan, Chanelle McCleary, Lateysha Grace and Jemma Lucy are some of the popular names that have gone under the knife in Turkey in the past several months alone, paying sums of no more than 45,000 Turkish lira (roughly $13,100).

Though the celebrity makeovers excite interest mostly in the tabloid press, they still contribute to promotion and publicity.

Founded in 2005, the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council (THTC) has grown fast to include 317 members  hospitals, clinics, thermal and medical spa centers, and assistant facilities  as well as 144 network offices in 85 countries, which, it says, makes it the largest health-care association in Turkey and the world. In 2013 at Monte Carlo, the THTC initiated also the creation of the Global Healthcare Travel Council and cemented its place as a global contender in the healthcare industry, the THTC website reads.

According to the THTC, 54 private Turkish hospitals  employing some 150,000 health-care professionals, including more than 15,000 physicians  have been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), representing a fifth of all JCI-accredited hospitals in the world.

In remarks published Aug. 27, the THTCs founding president, Emin Cakmak, said THTC members were expected to treat 750,000 medical tourists by the end of the year. While tourists holidaying in Turkey spend an average of $600 to $800, medical tourists spend an average of $10,000, with some patients paying up to $650,000 for procedures such as liver transplantation, he said.

Cakmak noted that while Europes population is aging, many governments have slashed by half the money they allocate for elderly care, which is pushing senior citizens to look for alternative health-care destinations. Turkish health-care entrepreneurs have now turned to investments targeting the elderly segment of Europes population, which has reached about 125 million, he said. Pointing to the field of oncology, he added, Today we have 15 large hospitals above world standards working in the oncology field alone. Thanks to those investments, Turkey is becoming one of the [international] centers of cancer treatment.

According to figures cited by the THTC president, 746,000 medical tourists traveled to Turkey in 2016, providing revenues of $5.8 billion for the sector. The bulk of the sum  90%  came from medical treatments and the rest from plastic surgery procedures. In the first half of 2017, the number of medical tourists stood at 359,683, a 7.6% decrease from the same period last year, but revenues were 21.4% up at $3.4 billion. The figure was expected to reach at least $7.5 billion by the end of the year.

While the number of tourists holidaying in Turkey fell sharply last year, those who came for hair transplants, for instance, increased by 4.7%. In 2016, foreigners who traveled to Turkey for hair implants and plastic surgeries alone numbered about 377,000 and paid some $715 million for the procedures.

Dentistry is another area that stands out in the health tourism drive. Bekir Okan, the head of Okan Holding and the board of trustees of Istanbuls Okan University, said that Turkey is on par with the United States and Europe in this field, and even ahead in some dental procedures. Stressing that the university has invested more than $150 million in its dentistry faculty and affiliated clinics and research hospitals, he told Al-Monitor, Our technological infrastructure is well above Western standards. We are using the newest technology. People from various countries are coming for treatment to our hospital in Mecidiyekoy [in Istanbul]  not only from the Middle East and Europe, but even from the United States. That is because treatment prices are cheaper than in the West, while the treatments are above Western standards. We intend to offer also accommodation for patients coming for dental implants.  It is a system in which hotels will profit as well.

A 2016 Health Ministry report, titled Turkeys Health Tourism Vision, describes Turkey as a regional and international heavyweight in health tourism, noting that the World Health Organization commends the development of the sector.

According to Murat Isik, the head of Turkeys Export Development Center, the country has become the third top destination in health tourism after the United States and Germany. He puts the target at $20 billion in revenues for 2023. The head of the Ankara Chamber of Commerce, Gursel Baran, is even more ambitious, arguing that Turkey has the potential to generate as much as $50 billion per year from health tourism.

Turkeys health system may be earning billions of dollars from foreign celebrities and the well-to-do, but it often struggles to meet the needs of its own. In one recent incident, a pregnant woman perished along with her unborn baby in the mainly Kurdish town of Cizre in late August because the local state hospital lacked a gynecologist to take care of her ailment and was short on ambulances to send her to a bigger hospital.

No doubt, the headway in health tourism comes as a refreshing development at a time when gloom hovers over many sectors of the Turkish economy. Yet the countrys deteriorating image  tensions at home and abroad and escalating spats with Europe, especially Germany  are threatening to hit this emerging sector as well. Although Russians, Middle Easterners and Central Asians dominate Turkeys medical tourist portfolio at present, the country seems on track to become a preferred destination for Europeans and Americans, thanks to lower prices and quality services. Yet if Turkey maintains its current political path, it may find itself increasingly isolated internationally, which will bear negatively on the preferences of medical tourists as well.
September 5, 2017

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey  As Iran becomes more vocal about its opposition to the upcoming Kurdish independence referendum in Iraq, there's some speculation about Tehran's true concerns.

Iranian armed forces Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheris recent visit to Turkey found its place in history as the first visit by a senior Iranian general to Turkey in 38 years. Although the subject was not on the official agenda, it wasnt difficult to guess that the parties discussed the referendum the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has scheduled for Sept. 25.

While Bagheri was in Ankara in mid-August, his army was active on the Iraqi border, with thousands of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members and heavy equipment deploying in six towns in Iran's Kurdish area. This wasn't the first time Iran had taken military measures against Kurdish organizations in the region, but its timing was significant, as Iran was looking for support from Turkey against the referendum.

In addition to amassing forces, Iran is using drones to observe the area. There were some predictions of a joint Iran-Turkey operation against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), but Iran quickly denied those reports.

In areas where Iranian troops are gathered, there are also members of the Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan, the PKK's Iranian extension; other Iranian Kurdish organizations; and KRG security units.

Mehmet Alkis, a Ph.D. student at Marmara University who closely monitors the Middle East and Iraqi Kurdistan, said it was no coincidence that Iran suddenly moved troops to the area. According to Alkis, Iran will use all available means to foil the referendum.

Iran considers Iraq and Syria strategic [high-value areas] because of their gas and oil resources and for being relevant to Irans military and political interests. An independent Iraqi Kurdistan could constitute a major threat to Iran. Iranian media said [two weeks ago] Iraqi government forces were about to attack the Kurdish capital, Erbil, but the Baghdad government swiftly denied the reports," he said.

In April, there were reports that Irans renowned Gen. Qasem Soleimani had met with groups close to Iran  groups already opposed to the referendum and to Massoud Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party  and asked them not to be swayed and to withhold any support for the referendum, Alkis told Al-Monitor on Sept. 2.

Something even more interesting is worth noting. A few days ago, the Islamic State [IS] signed a deal with Lebanon's Hezbollah to withdraw [IS] jihadi fighters from Lebanon to the Iraqi border. This is important. We saw how IS lost Raqqa and Tal Afar. Clearly, now [IS wants] to come to the Iraqi border and reinforce its forces at oil-rich Deir ez-Zor. For me, it shows that Iran had conspired to bring IS to the Iraqi border and lay siege on the Kurdistan region, thus sabotaging the referendum, he added.

(However, the US-led coalition was able to delay the IS convoy, and Syria announced Sept. 5 it had broken IS' three-year siege of Deir ez-Zor.)

Though Iran's tactics are bound to influence the referendum, Alkis thinks there is not much likelihood that Iran will militarily intervene to stop the vote. It could, however, further manipulate the situation.

"I cant disregard how in 2014, IS became a threat to Erbil. Iran could again cooperate with opposition groups to destabilize the region, but without getting involved directly," Alkis said. "Iran has influence in the Kurdish region, especially in Sulaimaniyah." But in any event, he said, Iranian military moves will not delay the referendum.

Israel is among the countries interested in Iraqi Kurdistan affairs. Iran openly opposes the referendum, but Israel declares its support. Their differences have generated speculation that Iran's military moves are actually against Israel.

Political analyst Siddik Hasan Sukru of Erbil is among those who believe claims of Israeli involvement. Sukru told Al-Monitor the referendum is not the main motivation behind Iran's recent actions.

True, [the maneuvers] could be linked to the referendum, as Iran fears a renewed offensive by opposition forces. Then there was the visit of [Bagheri] to Turkey, which could have been about a joint operation. But the most important reason [for the military moves] is IS. Most likely there wont be any IS left in Iraq by December, but that wont be the end of IS, which is very much present in Syria. IS could then try to cross Iran or Turkey to expand to Central Asia. Iran could be taking measures against that possibility, he said.

Sukru insists, however, that Irans priority is to undermine the influence of Israel and Saudi Arabia in the Kurdish region.

Irans concern is not about the independence of Kurdistan, but about Israel. Israels relations with the Kurdistan region are developing by the day. Israel is working hard to build an infrastructure for itself in that region. Saudi Arabia has its own goals for that region. Iran understands well Israeli and Saudi designs. Both those countries aspire to a war between Shiite Hashid Shaabi [Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units, which is backed by Iran] and the Kurds after the IS issue is concluded. This is why Iran is on alert: The steps it is taking are against Israel," Sukru said.

"Iran, in the meantime, is fortifying its standing in the Middle East with the help of Baghdad, Damascus, Hezbollah and some jihadis. New tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia after IS are inevitable. Kurdistan will become a regional conflict, because what is at stake is not the independence of Kurdistan, but a war between Iran and Israel/Saudi Arabia.

Sukru, like Alkis, thinks Iran will observe the referendum from a distance, rather than intervening militarily. In the meantime, the KRG is moving its special forces to the Iranian border.

Iran has been in close contact with Kurdish organizations since the emergence of the Kurdistan region in 1990s. Nobody really thought Iran would oppose the referendum, but the picture changes when it involves Israel. Iran is intent on foiling Israeli designs and cannot ignore the cooperation between Israel and Sunni Kurds. So Iran appears determined to thwart an independent Kurdistan state while preventing further Israeli influence in the region.
September 6, 2017

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is keeping on the table the topic of a military operation against US- and Russian-allied Syrian Kurds operating under the banner of the People's Protection Units (YPG).

Despite the problems we are having with our allies, we are not stepping back from our plans or operations, Erdogan told his guests during the Victory Day reception Aug. 30.

They have to know that we are preparing to do whatever we did with [Operation] Euphrates Shield, he added, referring to the 216-day military incursion Turkey launched into northern Syria a little over a year ago.

Ankara said at the time that its operation would not only target the Islamic State (IS) but also other terrorist elements, which in this case means the YPG, a group Turkey says is a Kurdish terrorist group.

Erdogan suggested in early August that such an operation was imminent, but nothing has happened since then despite the beefing up of Turkish forces along the border.

In a recent op-ed for the pro-government Sabah, foreign policy expert Merve Calhan said Operation Euphrates Shield had ended without seizing the YPG-held city of Afrin, a stones throw from the Turkish border.

Turkish authorities still worry about the YPG militants' burgeoning Kurdish corridor extending from the Kurdistan Regional Government [KRG] of Iraqi Kurdistan to Mediterranean ports, she said. Keeping Afrin isolated from the rest of Kurdish-controlled cantons in northern Syria is Turkey's primary strategic priority in the region, Calhan added.

Ankaras problem, however, is embedded in Erdogans reference to problems Turkey is experiencing with its allies. His words were generally perceived to be aimed at the United States, which refuses to ditch the YPG and list it as a terrorist organization.

Yahya Bostan, another Sabah columnist, expressed recently what most Turkish officials believe.

The US has been trying to expand its sphere of influence by using the [YPG]. For policymakers in the Turkish capital, Washington's steps amount to a thinly veiled effort to form a new state in northern Syria under YPG control, Bostan said in his column on Sept 1.

Despite Turkish anger with the United States, developments on the ground indicate that Turkeys problem in Syria is not just with the United States but also with Russia. A reprimand from Moscow  in addition to Washington  after Turkeys deadly targeting of YPG fighters in April still rankles Ankara.

But Turkeys increasing reliance on Russia, given its deteriorating ties with the West, makes it reluctant to speak out against Moscow. Ankara is also keen on good ties with Moscow since it is about to conclude a deal for Russian S-400 long-range anti-missile systems.

Nevertheless, developments indicate that Russia may pose the main obstacle to a new Turkish operation against the YPG.

The YPG announced Aug. 29 that Russian military observers would be deployed to Afrin and al-Shahba region in northwestern Syria to coordinate with Kurdish and local forces with a view to maintaining security.

The Kurdish daily Rudaw, which carried the YPG statement, also reported that three civilians had been killed and 17 wounded recently by Turkish artillery fire on al-Shahba.

Ankara was silent on the YPG statement, which was not denied by Moscow. The Hurriyet daily, however, reflected the official mood when it broke this news with the headline Shocking move from Russia in Afrin.

Hurriyet said Russian military observers would also be deployed in the town of Tel Rifaat in al-Shahba region, which it said is currently held by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is comprised mainly of YPG fighters. It said Tel Rifaat had been taken by the SDF in February 2016 from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and has been the scene of clashes between the two groups since June.

The pro-government daily Star, on the other hand, claimed that Russia wanted to get hold of Afrin in order to restore it to the Syrian regime.

There are multiple revelations in these reports for Turks confused about developments in Syria. One of them is that the Turkish-backed FSA had lost Tel Rifaat to the US-supported SDF  although this is not new news.

Another revelation is that Russia is deploying military observers in parts currently held by the SDF. This suggests that Moscow is not only hobnobbing with the YPG but is also cooperating indirectly with Washington over protection for this group, which Russia also refuses to list as a terrorist organization.

Moscow's latest move mirrors the deployment of Russian observers to Afrin in May after deadly Turkish strikes on the YPG. The United States also deployed forces between FSA and YPG lines after the Turkish strikes.

Moscow is downplaying the significance of its latest move, as it did in May. Lt. Gen. Alexei Kim, the deputy commander of Russian forces in Syria, said that what was set up in Afrin at the end of August was a national reconciliation committee.

This statement suggests that Moscows move is innocuous but comes against the backdrop of Erdogans latest remarks about a new Turkish incursion into Syria.

News that the reconciliation committee would include YPG representatives was also unlikely to have gone down well in Ankara. Moscows efforts to try to convince Ankara that the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the YPGs political wing, should be part of the Syrian talks have already displeased the Turkish government.

The Russian move in Afrin and al-Shahba region also comes at a time when the United States issued a demarche to Turkey over multiple attacks by the FSA on US troops in northern Syria in the past few weeks. Some of these reportedly took place as US Defense Secretary James Mattis was in Ankara for talks. Col. Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the US-led coalition against IS, said later that they "reserved the right to defend themselves." Many took this as a warning not just to the FSA but also to Turkey.

Complicating matters is the fact that Ankara is said to be working with Russia for some kind of a trade-off between Afrin and the city of Idlib, which is held in part by the FSA and in part by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a successor group to Jabhat al-Nusra that is on Washington's and Moscows hit lists.

Despite much talk in this context about de-escalation zones, no progress has been reported yet. Meanwhile, US interest in taking on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and other such groups in Idlib is increasing.

How Turkey hopes to mount a successful operation in Syria under these conditions remains unclear.

Bostan said diplomacy will be required before any new Turkish operation begins.

He said the only obstacle before the operation is to handle the diplomatic aspects. In order to get results from military engagement, it is necessary to accurately predict how each player will behave on the ground.

He pointed to the recent talks in Ankara with Mattis as well as with Russias and Irans top generals, and he maintained that plans regarding Afrin have become clearer as a result of these.

In the light of recent developments, it could just as easily be argued that rather than trying to accommodate Ankara over Afrin, those negotiations were aimed at trying to stay Turkeys hand.

They may be global rivals, but the United States and Russia seem to have a common interest in prioritizing the fight against Islamic terrorism in Syria. They also dont agree with Turkey on the YPG or the PYD. It seems Ankara will have to overcome this obstacle first before it hopes to make any headway against its Kurdish nemesis in Syria.
September 6, 2017

SIHA  the acronym sounds like the name of a pop starlet. But for some villagers in Turkeys mainly Kurdish southeast region it spells death. SIHA stands for Silahli Insansiz Hava Araci, Turkish for Armed Unmanned Airborne Vehicles, or UAVs.

On Aug. 31 an armed drone belonging to the Turkish air force dropped its payload on four locals as they were picnicking near the village of Ogul in Hakkari, a remote province near the Iraqi border. It was the day before Eid al-Adha. Mehmet Temel died and the other three were injured, one gravely, in the attack. They left my sons three children fatherless.  They turned our [Eid] into poison, wept the victims mother as she related the tragedy to members of the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP).

The Hakkari governor's office confirmed a day later that an armed drone had dropped a bomb on four PKK fighters and what it called four collaborators who had assembled with the terrorists in the area. The statement read that authorities had established that the discovery of the alleged meeting took place after, not before, the men were struck. In other words, their supposed crime was uncovered after they were attacked with no prior warning of any kind  it's called extrajudicial killing, said Sezgin Tanrikulu, a prominent human rights lawyer and member of parliament for the main opposition Republican Peoples Party.

The statement further explained that following the attack, the men checked into a local hospital using their own means.

Eyewitnesses told the HDP that members of the security forces and armored vehicles surrounded the building. They set upon a group of people demanding to see the victims with tear gas and plastic bullets. At least five people were wounded. One of the people injured said the authorities threatened them when they sought to lodge a formal complaint.

The HDP said in its report documenting the affair that the four men had been allowed through an army checkpoint en route to the picnic grounds. If there were suspicions about these people, why were they not detained at the checkpoint? And if there was an opportunity to catch them, why was an armed drone used? the HDP asked.

Sympathy for Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels runs strong in Hakkari. The provinces mountainous terrain is hospitable to the fighters crossing in and out of Iraqi Kurdistan, where the PKKs headquarters are currently based.

Tanrikulu told Al-Monitor that a son of one of the men injured in the attack had informed him that his father was now in police custody and had sought his help. Presumably they want him to confess to links with the PKK, Tanrikulu speculated. The impunity we are witnessing today in Turkey is unprecedented. And there are no checks left on the government, no properly functioning parliament, no media, nothing.

The Ogul incident is reminiscent of another bombing raid that hit the border village of Roboski, in neighboring Sirnak province.

Some 34 people, many of them teenagers, were blown to pieces on Dec. 28, 2011, when two Turkish air force jets struck them as they were carrying smuggled goods across the border. Then, too, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) buried the affair and none of the perpetrators or their commanding officers was called to account. That was when Turkeys generals, who were hostile to the AKP because of its Islamist roots, still had some sway.

The military leadership has since been supplanted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who concentrated further power in his hands after last years failed coup. Erdogan and his generals seem to be in agreement on ditching peace talks with the PKK in favor of a so far elusive military solution to the Kurdish problem. Drones have been assigned a strategic role in the armys new strategy against the rebels.

Turkey began developing its own drones because of congressional foot-dragging on the sale of US-made armed UAVs.

The Bayraktar, the armed drone currently used by the Turkish air force, is manufactured by the eponymous family-run Bayraktar Group. One of the Bayraktar scions, MIT-trained engineer Selcuk, wed Erdogans youngest (and, it is whispered, favorite) daughter Summeye in a lavish ceremony last year. The couple had their first child, a daughter, last month.
September 6, 2017

WASHINGTON  The US Navy is reviewing its operations in the Persian Gulf following a series of high-profile crashes on the other side of the globe that have killed more than 20 sailors over the past few months.

While the accidents have all occurred in the Asia-Pacific Theater, the entire US fleet was ordered to take a daylong operational pause last month to review basic seamanship and teamwork. Concerns that the Navy is stretched too thin and that crews are skimping on regular training are resonating far and wide.

It has sent a global message around. Everyone who is in operation of US vessels is looking around and saying, We need to do some more exercises, we need to do some more training, Rockford Weitz, the director of the Maritime Studies program at Tufts Universitys Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, told Al-Monitor. For the Gulf region, from Kuwait and Basra through the Strait of Hormuz, this will have long-term implications for how the Navy approaches those zones.

The US 5th Fleet, which includes 5,000 American sailors and is stationed in Manama, Bahrain, used the break in operations to solicit feedback from both officers and sailors. More than a half dozen companies, including Boeing, Maersk and BP North America, will also participate in an ongoing readiness review of US Navy operations worldwide.

Comdr. Bill Urban, a 5th Fleet spokesman, said the pause was spread out across several days for Central Command units in order to limit any impact on Operation Inherent Resolve, the US-led effort to defeat the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria. Since that effort kicked off in 2015, the US Navy has launched F/A-18E Super Hornets from aircraft carriers stationed in the Gulf to strike IS fighters.

Even if the Pentagon doesnt immediately feel the effect of the review, experts say the Asia-Pacific crashes could have lasting impacts on how the fleet operates in the Middle East, where highly trafficked waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz can put an emphasis on better training and additional watches to steer clear of accidents. While the cause of the latest crash, between the destroyer USS John S. McCain and a merchant ship near Singapore last month, has not been determined, the incident raised questions about possible issues with training and human error.

The emphasis of that is really to take a look at  the fundamentals  at the unit and team level, to make sure that we're not overlooking anything, US Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson told reporters at the Pentagon last month as he announced the pause.

The crash of the McCain and the destroyer USS Fitzgerald two months earlier led the Navy to relieve Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin of command of the US 7th Fleet, headquartered in Japan. The Navy declined to comment on whether the operational pause could lead to the firing or relief of any officers in the Persian Gulf.

Both collisions occurred before sunrise, a time when experts say that low-visibility conditions can make spotting other vessels challenging.

In these very dense trafficked areas where you have naval vessels intermingling, its the same reason you have car accidents, Weitz said. Out on country roads, its not frequent, but downtown, it happens all the time.

Heightening risk management has taken a front seat in the first several months of the Donald Trump administration, as Iranian military incursions against US ships have surged.

Last month, an Iranian QOM-1 drone repeatedly buzzed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz in the Persian Gulf despite several attempts by American troops to establish communications. That marked the 14th interaction between the US and Iranian navies that Central Command has deemed unsafe so far in 2017.

Its unclear if the pause will have any impact on US military efforts to maintain freedom of navigation in the Middle East. The US Defense Department says Tehran claims parts of maritime space in the Persian Gulf in violation of international law by restricting the rights of transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Adding to the uncertainty, clashes between Bahrains Sunni rulers and the countrys marginalized Shiite majority have sparked recurring congressional calls to consider relocating the fleet.

Concerns that the US Navy is stretched too thin have pushed the Trump administration to promise to expand the fleet by more than 25%, to 350 ships. The United States currently has 277 ships, the smallest American fleet since 1916, Navy Secretary Richard Spencer said Sept. 6.

Spencer indicated the 350-ship goal could be achievable if the Pentagon makes the move to develop more small surface ships, extend the lifespan of the current American destroyer fleet and reactivate old ships such as Oliver Hazard Perry frigates. But for the time being, the operational review will force the US Navy to keep a closer eye on shipping lanes in the Persian Gulf.
Honda Acura

Millions of auto owners who bought Honda and Acura vehicles with potentially defective Takata air bags are expected to be eligible for up to $500 under the terms of a new consumer settlement. A federal judge must still approve the plan. According to the company, Honda agreed to a $605 million class-action settlement for U.S. owners of vehicles with Takata air bags. About 16.5 million people could be affected.

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William Thornton | wthornton@al.com

Birmingham's HealthSouth Corp. will partner with health information technology company Cerner Corp. to form a post-acute innovation center to optimize patient management. Kansas City-based Cerner first began working together developing and implementing HealthSouth's clinical information systems, which has been installed in 116 of HealthSouth's 126 hospitals. The Innovation Center is not a physical place, but a digital center. The goal of the center will be to use data sets from multiple care settings to deliver care that is both efficient and effective.

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William Thornton | wthornton@al.com

Bad news coffee lovers- your Starbucks fix may now cost you a little more. On the same day the long-awaited Pumpkin Spice Latte made its return, the coffee chain quietly raised prices at certain U.S. locations. The higher prices will be seen on 10 percent of menu items, including brewed coffee, bacon Gouda sandwiches and cookies, Business Insider first reported. Price increases ranged from 10 to 30 cents and varied based on location. The price hikes are not national but the company won't say how many of the chain's 8,000 U.S. locations raised prices.

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Paul Gattis | pgattis@al.com

A steakhouse with locations in Tennessee and Mississippi will soon add Alabama to its roster. Char Restaurant, a Southern-style steakhouse, will be a tenant at the Merchant's Square Development on Bob Wallace Avenue across from the Whole Foods-anchored The Shops at Market Square.

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Birmingham's Regions Financial Corp. has added to its executive staff with the hiring of Mark Hardison as the Managing Director of the Healthcare Group, which is based in Nashville. Hardison will report to John Barton, whose titles at Regions include group head of healthcare.

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Michelle Matthews | mmatthews@al.com

Hand Arendall LLC has leased three floors of the eight-story Merchants Plaza office building at St. Francis and Royal streets in downtown Mobile, according to Jeff Barnes of Stirling Properties. He represented the law firm along with Dan Lovell and Eric Getty of Graham & Company. Hand Arendall will relocate from its current office in the RSA Tower in Mobile.

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Kelly Poe | kpoe@al.com

Can't get enough merchandise for your favorite football program? Golden Flake has introduced officially licensed Alabama and Auburn chips to celebrate 125 years of the two programs. The two football programs began in 1892. Golden Flake has been a sponsor of both programs for more than 50 years. The Crimson-clad Alabama chips are 8-ounce Thin & Crispy potato chips, while the blue-and-orange bags are the 8-ounce Dip Style Potato Chip.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

About 500 students statewide will get skills training thanks to $1.8 million in grants through the state's newly created Craft Training Board. The board announced funding for 25 applicants. The money will fund craft education programs in schools, colleges and companies.

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Leada Gore | lgore@al.com

An Alabama city has earned the title of the worst place in America for women. The challenges and benefits of being a woman are different through the country. Things such as the gender wage gap, poverty, healthcare and education can make life harder for women. Those factors are among the ones looked at by 24/7 Wall Street in its ranking of the best  and worst - places to be a woman.

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William Thornton | wthornton@al.com

The day that Barkley Shreve scrambled to load her Mamie's Famous Cheese Wafers on a South Carolina-bound truck, she knew that she'd arrived. Fourteen years later, Mamie's Famous Cheese Wafers adorn grocery shelves from Miami to New York.

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William Thornton | wthornton@al.com

A month after relocating, Gadsden's Tameron Honda just had its best month ever in sales. General Manager Kevin Riggan said the company knew its new six acre site at 550 East Meighan Boulevard was already seeing an "incredible" traffic count. But the response from customers has confirmed the decision to relocate there. The $5 million location opened July 31 in a 25,000-square-foot building.

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Lucy Berry | lberry@al.com

Winn-Dixie's parent company Southeastern Grocers is recalling four Country Fresh vegetable products due to listeria concerns. The products were also sold at Southeastern Grocers other stores, which include BI-LO and Fresco y Mas. If you bought one of these products with a sell by date ranging between Aug. 12 and Aug. 20 of 2017, it should be thrown away or returned to the store for a full refund.

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

One reader, who identified himself as John from Ardmore, Tennessee, asks: "How many H-1B Visa jobs are in Alabama? How many H-1B Visa jobs have qualifying US citizens available?"

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Lee Roop | lroop@al.com

The average price of a gallon of regular gas hit $2.46 in Alabama Saturday, a bump from Friday's $2.42 as the combination of Hurricane Harvey and a big Labor Day weekend of holiday and college football travel kept demand strong.

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Leigh Morgan

A mandatory visitor evacuation order is expected to begin at sunrise Wednesday for those in the Florida Keys as Hurricane Irma, a potentially "catastrophic" Category 5 storm appears to be on course for Florida. The National Hurricane Center said Irma is the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic basin outside of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico in NHC records.

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Birmingham Mayor William Bell, last week, warned city employees that if he loses the runoff election to Randall Woodfin that the "vast majority" of them could be out of a job.

"The political survival of my administration is at stake," Bell said. "And if you think that is just about William Bell, no it is about everyone in this room. It is about each of us in this room. Because I guarantee you while some may survive, the vast majority of you will not. OK. I'm not trying to put fear I'm just trying to tell you the realities of the situation."

Bell made the statements during a mandatory meeting of the mayor's appointed staff held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28 in the City Council Chambers.

AL.com received an audio recording of the meeting.

April Odom, spokesperson for the mayor's office, told AL.com that the meeting wasn't a "campaign meeting." She said it was a meeting to "address the widespread information that was being put out.

"After the election we were inundated with requests from staff on how they could help," she stated in an email. "We had a staff meeting where the mayor clearly outlined what was acceptable and not acceptable."

Bell's meeting raises legal questions, though, as it is against Alabama law for any person to use his or her "official authority or position for the purpose of influencing the vote or political action of any person."

It is also against the law to use city time or resources for political activities.

In a field of 12 candidates, Bell came in second to Woodfin, an outgoing member of the Birmingham Board of Education, in the Aug. 22 municipal election. Woodfin received 1,643 more votes than Bell.

The runoff is set for Oct. 3.

In last week's meeting, Bell doesn't explicitly ask staff members to campaign for him.

"Now, what do I need from you? It is improper for you to campaign during working hours," he said. "I am not asking you to do that, but what I am asking you to do when you are at work - do your job professionally. Reach out to citizens. Whatever they need try to meet them as immediately as possible. Don't get into any arguments with people, but try to satisfy whatever their needs are. That's the best thing you can do to help me while you are on duty."

Bell tells them to be professional to residents. He also asks them to "tell the true story" of his leadership and the progress going on in the city.

"I need your voices out there," Bell said, during the meeting. "If you hear something that you know is not true, correct them on that.

"Tell the real story, and do it online," he said. "That is the battle front right now."

Bell began the staff meeting discussing the "heated race" against Woodfin, who serves as an assistant city of Birmingham attorney.

"This race isn't against William Bell and Randall Woodfin," he said. "This race is against Bernie Sanders and the Democratic Party."

Bell said for the past year and a half or so, national officials have been in Birmingham working to restructure the Democratic Party.

The mayor appeared to be speaking about groups like Our Revolution, a political action organization that was spawned out of Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. The group has supported progressive candidates like Woodfin and newly sworn in Jackson, Miss. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba.

"There is money flowing into Birmingham to help (Woodfin's) candidacy," Bell said. "While I have been running a local race, he's been running a national race. It is putting me somewhat at a disadvantage."

Bell asked staff members to help "debunk this narrative" that he only cares about downtown, and that city funds and labor isn't being put into neighborhoods.

"If you can do that for me, I deeply appreciate it," he said.

Bell said staff members "who choose to do so" can help. He advised them to take a vacation day if they wanted to volunteer "to help the city."

"We have rallies, we have events," he said. "Some of you were on the corners with me on this past Saturday. We knocked on doors. We go into communities. I can't be every place at the same time. I have to have people out there telling the true story of my compassion, my passion for this city."

Bell also let staff members ask questions. The questions couldn't be heard on the recording.

On the recording, Bell said donations would be appreciated. "It could be a dime. It could be a dollar," he said.

He said staff members could help by saying a "few works on my behalf" at their church services.

"You can magnify my voice out there in the community," Bell said. "If you so choose you can share the story of the progress we are making."
Doris Gooden

An 88-year-old woman was found dead Wednesday inside her Ensley home after friends and family had been unable to reach her for at least 24 hours.

Birmingham police responded to the home in the 3200 block of Avenue D about noon. Authorities said the woman's body was discovered in a bedroom, but said they have not determined how she was killed.

"Whoever this individual is doesn't have heart,'' said Birmingham police Lt. Sean Edwards. "It's pretty cruel."

"It's very unusual,'' he said. "We normally don't have elderly people being harmed in their homes."

Friends identified the victim as Doris Gooden. The Rev. Ozell Bates, pastor at Pleasant Hills Baptist Church, said Gooden was a deaconess at the church and the second-oldest member of the congregation.

"It's shocking," Bates said. "She's going to be missed very, very much.We thank God for loaning her to us for 35 years."

Peggy Smith, a friend of the victim who attend church with Gooden and has acted somewhat as a caregiver to the victim for a couple of years. She said she was unable to reach the Gooden Tuesday by phone, which isn't that unusual. They had a system, Smith said, where if she couldn't reach the victim, she would drive over there and tap on her bedroom window.

Usually, Smith said, Gooden would respond and Smith would know that all was OK.

After repeated attempts, Smith called the victim's grandson Wednesday morning who told her he was at the doctor. He said he and the victim's daughter also had been trying to reach her, but to no avail.

The grandson told Smith Gooden kept the back door unlocked in case he needed to get in the house, so he told Smith she could go inside to search for the victim. Smith said she went to the victim's bedroom and though she didn't turn on any lights, she called out her name. There was no answer. She left, but returned to the home again to check the bathroom in case the victim was in there.

The victim's grandson then told her he would go check. She was on the phone with him when he began yelling that he had found her in the bedroom. The victim was apparently covered by, or wrapped up in, bedsheets.

Smith said she was heartbroken. "I didn't want her to be like that,'' she said.

Several family members and church members were on the scene as investigators collected evidence and canvassed the neighborhood. Gooden's body was removed from her home at 1:39 p.m.

Gooden had lived in the home for decades. Her adult grandson lived with her for a time, but recently moved to his own apartment nearby, friends and family said. Just last week, Smith said, someone knocked out the victim's window with pick axe but said she didn't call police about the incident.

Gooden was a faithful member of her church community. Just three days ago, friends said, she joined the church's effort to help gather supplies for victims of the flooding in Houston. She joked with her pastor that she had put out buckets to collect rainwater, but they remained dry. Instead, she bought a case of water to donate to the cause. "She loved her church,'' Smith said.

Another church member, Betty Yow, said the victim was well-liked. "She was a nice lady," said Betty Yow, who attended church with the victim. "She loved to talk."

The victim's cousin, Evera Robinson, said she often worried about her living alone. "I'd ride by here to make sure she was OK,'' she said. "In fact, I rode by yesterday to see if she was sitting outside on the porch but I never saw her."

Gooden's grandson was taken in for questioning, but police have not identified any suspects in the slaying, which is the city's 69th so far this year. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

"Every homicide causes us great concern, but when a child or an elderly person is victimized, it goes to a different level. It's difficult to explain, but that's where we are,'' said Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper. "We will put the full weight of the Birmingham Police Department on solving this case."

"It's extremely concerning there are no obvious signs of forced entry which could mean she was familiar with this heartless criminal,'' the chief said. "Every possibility is on the table and we won't rest until we bring justice to this family."
A Cullman man was killed during a two-vehicle wreck on Tuesday morning, Alabama State Troopers said.

Steve Wayne Kennemur, 46, was killed when the Ford Fusion he was driving collided with a Chevrolet pickup truck on Cullman County Road 1269 at 6:50 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene, which was located four miles north of Cullman. The Chevrolet driver was not injured.

The wreck remains under investigation and additional details were not released.
If dogs could talk, Princess the Yorkie would have quite a story to tell.

The four-pound pup was stolen during an aggravated burglary July 24 in Lincoln County, Tennessee. Since her abduction, she was brought to Alabama, traded to repay a debt, adopted and, finally, reunited with her rightful owner after a Hueytown dog groomer recognized her from social media posts.

"The original post had nearly 15,000 shares since we posted on Saturday,'' said Dana Darby, founder at Pound on the Hill Animal Rescue in Bessemer. "We had calls from all over the U.S. and Canada. So many people were looking for this four pounds of love."

The owners of Princess returned home from running errands that July Monday to find their back door kicked in and many of their valuables gone. But the most valuable valuable - Princess - was a devastating loss.

Lincoln County sheriff's officials then told the victims they had caught the perpetrator, but had not yet found Princess. The suspect told investigators he took the dog to Alabama and gave it to someone to repay a debt.

Richard Earnest Williams, originally from Bessemer, was arrested on July 27 and charged with several aggravated burglaries. Lincoln County investigators Nathan Massey and Patrick Murdock conducted several interviews and developed information that the dog had been sold in Bessemer, but the suspect either refused or didn't know who that dog had been sold to, Massey said Wednesday.

Richard Earnest Williams

That information was relayed to the victim and several dog rescue programs in and around Bessemer. On Sept. 2, Darby created a Facebook post with the information about Princess

This was part of Darby's original post about the missing Princess: "The burglar admitted stealing the dog. He brought it to Bessemer where he used to live. Pound on the Hill Animal Rescue has tapped every resource we know and cannot find this baby. She was reported to have been given to the mother of the person the burglar gave it to.

I am certain the person who has her does not know this dog was stolen. There is a family in Tennessee who misses their companion terribly. They just want her back. No questions. If the person who has her wants another Yorkie, they will gladly get her one. Please come forward if you have her.

A rather large reward is being offered for her return or for information leading to her return. Again, if the person who has her would prefer to have a Yorkie, we will provide you with one or take the reward and purchase one! The dog would have appeared in the Bessemer area around the 25th of July. Her tail has a longer docking than most. Her ears are short for a traditional Yorkie. There is nothing special about this particular dog except to her family. She is not even a pure-bred Yorkie."

Tips came in from all over, but the whereabouts of Princess remained a mystery until Tuesday, when she landed on the grooming table at Elegante Poodle Inc. in Hueytown. Groomer Mary Avery said she didn't see the dog brought in, but recognized her immediately when she saw her preparing for pampering.

"I was like, 'There is no way that is the dog I saw on Facebook,''' Avery told AL.com on Wednesday. In fact, just days before, she too had shared Pound on the Hill's Facebook post about Princess.

Princess, Avery said, had a tail that is longer than most Yorkies, and that stood out to her. She contacted Darby, and sent her some photos of the dog on her table. She went back and forth with Tennessee detectives and, at the end of the day, had Princess's owner, Teresa Mitchell, call on speaker phone to see if Princess responded to her voice.

"She started pawing at the crate to get out,'' Avery said. "It was a crazy day."

When the woman returned to pick up Princess, Elegante Poodle employees broke the news to her. "She got upset because she had bonded with her but she understood and she just wanted to get the baby back to her owners,'' Avery said.

Darby picked up Princess and took her back to Pound on the Hill to await the arrival of Princess's owners, who immediately left Tennessee headed to Alabama to pick up their fur baby. Darby said the emotional reunion was everything she hoped it would be. "I doubt Princess knows that thousands of people have been looking for her all over the U.S. and Canada, but if she did, I know she would be grateful to each and every one of you. I know I am,'' Darby wrote on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Williams remains in a Tennessee jail on $112,000 bond. He is charged with aggravated burglary, theft of property, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and vandalism.

Darby called Avery a hero, but Avery said she doesn't really see it that way. "I just wanted to do a good thing,'' she said. "It was a hard situation to deal with, but I think we dealt with it well."
What the death of one South African journalist may reveal about the intimidation facing sections of the media.

Cape Town, South Africa  As a nine-year-old, Suna Venter used to plead with her mother to let her skip school so she could watch coverage of the first Iraq War on the news.

She was absolutely fascinated by the people on the fringes of the war, the children especially who were impacted by wars, and fascinated by the fact that this could be publicised, televised and so on, her father, Philip, remembers.

Venter had found her calling: she was set on becoming a journalist.

At the age of 24 Venter would go on to become a current affairs journalist and producer for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the state-owned public broadcaster.

She reported from the front lines in Gaza, Libya and Syria.

Venters father says she was committed to her job, and to good journalism  journalism with integrity, to the point of obsession.

We used to worry about her working too hard, but we would never have asked her to stop. She wouldnt have taken our advice in any case. The SABC was her life, he says.

But Venters passion for her work allegedly came to play a role in her sudden death at the end of June 2017, aged 32.

According to veteran SABC journalist and media ombudsman George Claassens, Venters death should be seen as a red flag signalling a growing onslaught against the countrys journalists, as well as a reminder that South Africas hard won media freedom, a pillar of its fledgling democracy, should never be taken for granted.

Broken Heart Syndrome

Venter was suspended from the SABC in 2016 for disagreeing with orders to not cover anti-government and anti-media censorship protests that were taking place outside the SABCs offices in Cape Town.

Within weeks, Venter and seven other SABC employees, who together came to be known as the SABC 8, had been sacked by the broadcaster for their public defiance of its policies  policies Classens says hark back to the apartheid era, when the SABC was interfered with to the point where it was essentially the government mouthpiece of the authoritarian and segregationist National Party.

Venter and three of her SABC colleagues took their dismissal to South Africas Labour Court, where it was ruled that theyd been unfairly and unlawfully dismissed and had to be reinstated. But Venter, seen as leading the charge against the SABC, soon began to receive anonymous death threats.

Venters family claim that her flat was broken into multiple times; the tyres on her car were slashed; she was allegedly assaulted on three separate occasions, shot at, and once even abducted.

Foeta Krige, Venters senior producer at SABC for eight years and another member of the SABC 8, remembers that Venter would often stay with him and his family because she was scared to be at her own home, where she lived alone. On one occasion, Krige says that Venter got into her car outside his house in the morning to find that her brake cables had been cut.

Venters father Philip says that during this period the family struggled to sleep at night: We checked her Facebook every hour to see whether she was still alive. It was a scary and traumatic experience. I think the trauma that she experienced must have been absolutely devastating.

Philip Venter says that this trauma undoubtedly contributed to his daughter being diagnosed with stress cardiomyopathy earlier this year. Also known as Broken Heart Syndrome, stress cardiomyopathy can cause rapid and severe heart muscle weakness. Philip Venter believes this condition ultimately claimed his daughters life.

SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kanyago maintains that while Suna Venters passing was a terrible loss, at no stage has the intimidation that she faced, nor her death, been linked to the SABC.

An environment of fear and intimidation

Like Venter, Krige says he also received about 13 or 14 death threats after the SABC 8 applied to South Africas Constitutional Court to have the SABCs refusal to air protest footage declared unconstitutional in September 2016. He says he was labelled a traitor and a liar and that threats were also directed at his family.

But Krige also describes an atmosphere of fear that went far beyond him and the other members of the SABC 8 and which he says infiltrated every echelon of the public broadcaster, particularly under the stewardship of former executive Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Motsoenengs allegedly strong ties to South African President Jacob Zuma were once said by another SABC journalist, Lukhanyo Calata, to be an open secret. Motsoeneng could not be reached for comment for this story, but has repeatedly denied such claims.

According to Krige: For such a long time, there was this absolute fear  Its an atmosphere that I cannot describe to you. Its people standing in little corners, whispering, people avoiding eye contact, people who will stop talking when you pass them, people glancing at the roof to see if there are hidden microphones or cameras. It was really a toxic environment of fear and intimidation.

Following an internal disciplinary hearing in June this year, Motsoeneng was found guilty of bringing the public broadcaster into disrepute and an interim board was appointed. SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says: The interim board wants to make absolutely sure that journalists are given the space to do their work freely. They are taking a very proactive approach to ensure that the working environment is good.

But while Krige says that there have been improvements at the SABC within the past two months, he reiterates the widespread concerns in the South African media industry that there is an increasingly orchestrated effort to intimidate local journalists, and that this extends far beyond the public broadcaster.

Hired thugs?

Kriges assertion has been most brazenly illustrated by the role of radical activist group Black First Land First (BLF), who have been responsible for a number of acts of harassment and intimidation against journalists who they claim are intentionally perpetuating racist media agendas through selective coverage.

This came to a head on the day of Venters death, when the BLF picketed outside the private residence of Peter Bruce, a columnist for Business Day newspaper and editor-at-large of Tiso Blackstar, a major South African private media corporation.

South African political journalist Karima Brown, a former colleague of Bruces when she was political editor at Business Day, says that she was physically assaulted and threatened by a female member of BLF when she arrived at Bruces house to contest the picket; she has since laid charges against the alleged assailant.

More recently on Monday, July 17, investigative journalist Micah Reddy also gave a statement describing how hed been assaulted by members of BLF after a televised panel debate on fake news at Shine Studios in Johannesburg.

On July 27, the BLF disrupted a Johannesburg town hall event hosted by the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, where Reddy is employed. A statement on amaBhunganes website the following day said that BLF physically threatened participants and members of the public.

BLF spokesperson Zanele Lwana dismissed such claims, telling Al Jazeera: The BLF does not promote racism, intimidation, harassment, assault against anyone. That is not the conduct of our movement.

However, referring to the alleged incidents involving Reddy and Brown, she added: You cannot provoke us and create situations where there is going to be an altercation, then when we respond to your insults you go and cry to the media.

Brown says BLFs members are hired thugs who enjoy political support from the highest office in the land, while chair of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF), Mahlatse Gallens, points out that BLF has specifically targeted editors from publications that have exposed high-level government corruption.

Although the ruling African National Congress (ANC) declined to comment on Browns and Gallens claims for this article despite repeated requests, at a communications briefing during the ANC National Policy Conference on July 5, Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu condemned the actions of BLF against journalists. He added that the ANC has always fought for media freedom and will continue to do so.

Brown, however, argues that although the ruling party made a big song and dance of coming out in support of us and condemning the BLF, the president in whose name this is being done has said nothing.

Lwana denies that there is any direct government support for BLF, but a number of recent articles in the South African press have also linked the group to the controversial Gupta family, Indian expatriate business tycoons who enjoy a favourable relationship with Jacob Zuma and some other members of parliament.

The Guptas have been mired in corruption scandals since a series of hundreds of thousands of emails was leaked to South African media outlets including the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, as well as Media24 and the Daily Maverick. Branko Brkic, editor of the Daily Maverick, says that he had beefed up armed security at the popular news sites Cape Town offices after it received the leaked emails.

Such measures are not isolated. In April, Sunday Times investigative journalist Mzilikazi wa Afrika and his family were put under 24-hour protection after the paper received what it called credible information that wa Afrikas life was in imminent danger due to his coverage of apparent corruption at the parastatal energy provider, Eskom.

City Press investigative journalist Sipho Masondo and his family experienced similar threats following his investigations into corruption at the Department of Water and Sanitation. Masondo says he declined a total of 3.5 million rand (more than $250,000) offered to him in bribes by representatives of the department to drop his investigation.

The creeping threat of authoritarianism

For wa Afrika, who has won more than 20 awards for his investigative journalism over almost as many years, the death threats are nothing new. But he believes the overall threat to journalists in South Africa is undoubtedly getting worse, and he points to the correlation with some members of parliament who have also been receiving death threats for speaking out against the Zuma faction of an increasingly fragmented and controversy-laden ANC.

Prominent media commentator and columnist Eusebius McKaiser shares wa Afrikas belief in the overlap between increasing contestation in South African political arenas and encroachments on journalists and media freedom.

These attempts to undermine journalists  its all part of the factional battles inside the ANC in the first instance and then in society at large. It is a battle for resources and journalists are seen as a threat to those who wish to loot, and thats really the motive behind it, McKaiser says.

He adds that encroachments on media freedom should be seen as a serious risk to the overall health of South Africas fledgling democracy. Where authoritarian society starts they come first for radio stations, then for the rest of the media, and then you have the average Joe, civil and political, and socio economic rights being trampled on.

Gallens echoes McKaisers sense that the current encroachment on media freedom is part of a wider onslaught against crucial democratic institutions in South Africa.

We know the painful past that we come from in terms of apartheid, Gallens says, and the vision going forward was that we needed these kinds of institutions to hold those in authority accountable. In response to the work that these democratic institutions are doing, those that are on the wrong side have now taken to denigrating and attacking [them].

The ANC did not respond to multiple requests from Al Jazeera for comment on this.

South Africa has long been viewed as a shining example of a robust free press; the role journalists played in opening up some of the cracks in the authoritarian apartheid regime is well documented. But the country has slumped in press freedom indexes in the past few years.

The death of Suna Venter has come to serve as a symbol of the human cost of this new trend. But although her father Philip is acutely aware of this, he says the family doesnt want to waste its energy apportioning blame or harbouring anger. Theyd rather focus on the positives.

Nothing ever came between us as a family, not at all, he remembers. In fact, just this morning my wife and I told each other were so glad we supported [Suna] all the time in everything she did. How would we have felt today if we hadnt done that?
Outspoken editor known for her criticism of far-right Hindu groups murdered at her residence in Bangalore.

Gauri Lankesh, an Indian journalist, publisher and outspoken critic of right-wing groups, was shot dead by unknown attackers in front of her home in the southern city of Bangalore on Tuesday. She was 55.

The fact that she was so vocal made her a prime target, Sudipto Mondal, a Bangalore-based journalist based in Bangalore, told Al Jazeera.

And I suppose that goes for a lot of people over here, which is why there are fears that other people might be in the line.

The news of Lankeshs killing met shock and outrage, with journalists, civil society members and students across the country sharply condemning the murder.

Gauri Lankesh was a known critic of the central government on key issues and had fearlessly expressed her views in the newspaper she edited, as well as in other forums, the Editors Guild of India said in a statement.

Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on the freedom of the press.

why do i feel that some of `us' are fighting between ourselves? we all know our biggest enemy''. can we all please concentrate on that?  Gauri Lankesh (@gaurilankesh) September 4, 2017

Several groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), demanded a thorough investigation into the killing.

India needs to address the problem of impunity in journalist murders and ensure the press can work freely, Steven Butler, CPJ Asia Program Coordinator, said from Washington, DC.

On Wednesday, people in several Indian cities held candlelight vigils to pay tribute to Lankesh, while hundreds of mourners, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, attended her state funeral in Bangalore, the hub of Indias IT industry.

A Special Investigating Team was tasked with probing Lankeshs murder, which came more than two years after the killing of rationalist MM Kalburgi, a former vice chancellor of Hampi University, in a similar attack. The investigation into his death has still not been concluded.

There have been attacks on writers and thinkers in the recent past, particularly since the ascendancy of Mr [Prime Minister Narendra] Modi. There has been murder of rationalist [Narendra] Dabholkar in Pune, [Govind] Pansare, a left party worker in south Maharashtra [state], Dr Kalburgi in Karnatakas Dharwad, where I currently live, Ganesh Devy, a prominent linguist and a novelist, told Al Jazeera by phone.

These were people who objectively presented the picture of the society. They were eliminated because [the] right wing did not like their rationality and objectivity, he added.

In Dharwad, about 400km north of Bangalore, some 3,000 young people staged a rally in Lankeshs memory, while all colleges and universities remained closed, according to Devy.

This has not happened before. The death of journalist has never received this kind of response, he said.

READ MORE: Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bangalore

Gauri was seen by many as intrepid and a sympathiser of marginalised communities  a trait that Indian media reported she inherited from her father, P Lankesh, a fearless editor and founder of the independent Kannada language newspaper Lankesh Patrike.

Hours before being killed, she had posted a message on her Facebook page condemning the planned deportation of Rohingya refugees by the Indian government.

Devy said she was the most fearless and outspoken crusader for the marginal people.

Assassination is the most extreme form of censorship. #GauriLankesh said things some people did not like2hear. She was killed4doing her job. https://t.co/T3oWE0CrIk  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) September 5, 2017

Born in Shivamogga district on January 29, 1962, Gauri studied in Bangalore, capital of Karnataka state, and New Delhi. She initially wanted to become a doctor, but later on decided to follow in the footsteps of her father.

Lankesh started her journalistic career with English newspaper Times of India. She took over her fathers newspaper after his death in 2000 but started her own weekly publication, Gauri Lankesh Patrike (GLP) in 2005 following a feud with her brother.

The GLP did not accept advertisements and ran based on individual subscriptions.

Lets by Sudipto

newspaper. But she chose not to do that.]

Its anti-establishment views struck a chord with many readers, but also drew the ire of right-wing political forces, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which runs the federal government.

Lets not forget she could have landed any job she wanted; she was that good of a journalist, said Mondal.

She could have been a senior editor at a mainstream English [language] newspaper. But she chose not to do that. She chose to work with a small Kannada publication. She taught herself how to write Kannada, as she did not start as a Kannada journalist.

Those close to Lankesh said her views on caste structure, as well as her active support for minorities, had angered far-right Hindu groups.

In the present atmosphere of intimidation of writers, threats received by them all the time on Twitter, Facebook and mobile [phones], she espoused the cause of full expression, Devy said.

Last November, Lankesh was convicted in a defamation case brought by BJP leaders. She was granted bail the same day.

I oppose the caste system of the Hindu Dharma, which is unfair, unjust and gender-biased, she had said in an interview last year.

Lankeshs death has raised fears over free speech and the right to dissent in India, where far-right Hindu groups have previously attacked people with secular views.

These are times of great arguments over the idea of India. The Hindu right is on the one side and the forces who are opposed to the Hindu right are caught up in bitter acrimonious arguments, Mondal, who knew Gauri since 2004, said.

She was like a glue who would have been able to bring different factions together. And with her gone, the task of fighting the right-wing has become that much more difficult.

The killing also sent a shockwave through the journalism industry in the worlds largest democracy, where media has been accused of self-censorship.

Definitely, it is a blow to freedom of press. I do not think Gauri Lankesh should be confused with regular mainstream press, which is pliant and tends to self-censure, said Mondal.

Journalists like her are often dismissed as activists, which is unfortunate. These are people, who take an open political stand.
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Mosul, Iraq  Amid the devastation of Mosuls Old City, surrounded by the sounds of gunfire and explosions and engulfed by the stench of rotting flesh, volunteer medics worked day and night to provide life-saving care to injured civilians and soldiers.

With little more than a few makeshift hospital beds set up inside a dark, abandoned storefront, and with only the most basic medical resources, international medical organisations confronted the human cost of the war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group.

Working alongside the Iraqi army, the medics set up makeshift field clinics as close as possible to the front lines, moving forward as Iraqi forces gained ground.

A medical team leader would make a quick triage assessment of each persons needs and injuries as they arrived. After being stabilised, patients were taken to a nearby hospital for additional care.

Many civilians arriving at the clinic expressed relief and joy at having escaped ISIL and the deathtrap of Mosuls Old City. Isra, 30, who sustained an injury to her face, cried with relief to be free, noting: Today is our birthday because its the first day we are free. Her two-year-old son was killed in the fighting a day earlier.
The number of Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh in the last two weeks to escape the violence in Myanmar has shot up to about 270,000, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees said.

Vivian Tan said the number had jumped from an estimate of 164,000 on Thursday because the agency had found new pockets of refugees in border areas.

A UN official told AFP news agency on Friday that more than 1,000 people may already have been killed in Myanmar, mostly minority Rohingya Muslims.

This [the refugee figures] does not necessarily reflect fresh arrivals within the past 24 hours but that we have identified more people in different areas that we were not aware of before, said Tan.

The numbers are so alarming. It really means we have to step up our response and that the situation in Myanmar has to be addressed urgently.

Al Jazeera has been unable to independently verify the figures.
I fear that I may no longer look forward to a future in the United States, my home and the only country I have ever known. I immigrated to the state of Rhode Island at the age of 10 months, through no choice of my own and I have no recollection of Portugal, my country of birth.





Im afraid of what will happen now that President Donald Trump and his Attorney General Jeff Sessions have announced the decision to abandon the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)  an Obama-era executive order allowing me and many other undocumented migrants like me to stay in the country lawfully.

DACA was implemented in 2012 by the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and currently protects about 800,000 undocumented people. DACA grants a two-year renewable period of work authorisation and a reprieve from deportation by recognising the recipient as a non-priority for removal. Immigrants that are eligible  dubbed the Dreamers  include those who have been present since at least June 2007 and were 16 or younger at the time they entered into the United States.

READ MORE: What is DACA? A look at rescinded immigrant programme

The vast majority of undocumented immigrants have no viable pathway to citizenship, unless they marry a US citizen, can argue that they are a refugee in need of asylum, or find an employer willing to sponsor them for a green card. This is further complicated by the fact many DACA recipients have accrued unlawful presence or entered without inspection, making it almost impossible to adjust their US residency without undergoing consular processing abroad and being subject to a 10-year ban from entering the country.

I now risk being forced back into the shadows of undocumented status, unless the US Congress revises federal immigration law to permanently protect DACA recipients. by

I have been able to openly and lawfully work, study, and contribute to my community ever since I was granted deferred status under DACA three years ago. Prior to this, my family and I had struggled for many years to pursue the American Dream, with no available path to citizenship. In spite of this, I am proud of what weve achieved: iconic American milestones such as purchasing a family car and moving into our own family home.

With the new decision, however, I now risk being forced back into the shadows of undocumented status, unless the US Congress revises the federal immigration law to permanently protect DACA recipients.

Living in the shadows means declining legitimate job offers, as I would be unable to work lawfully. Undocumented people that work off the books risk employer exploitation such as wage theft. My father was a victim of this when he first came to the US: he found a job in Maryland soon after arrival, but after two weeks of work, he was laid off without pay and no legal recourse. Like many undocumented people, I fear that I may have to move from job to job, without a sense of knowing where I will be working next week or even whether I will be paid.

The decision to terminate the DACA programme was ostensibly propelled by threats from Texas and eight other states to sue the Trump administration if it did not act to end it by September 5. The attorney general of Texas, Ken Paxton, intended to amend an existing case before the court, Texas v United States. In 2015, the case resulted in Texas Judge Andrew Hanen issuing an injunction against a similar programme called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA). DAPA, although never implemented, would have also granted work permits and would consider recipients as a non-priority for removal.

READ MORE: US reacts to Trumps move to scrap the DACA programme

Paxton has framed Texas challenge to DACA by arguing that it represented an unconstitutional abuse of executive authority by the Obama administration. In the brief (PDF), however, Texas concedes that it would be within the authority of the federal government to issue low-priority identification cards to aliens affirming precedent previously set by the Supreme Court. In fact, in Arizona v United States (2012), it was ruled that federal officials  must decide whether it makes sense to pursue removal at all. If removal proceedings commence, aliens may seek  discretionary relief allowing them to remain in the country. DACA and DAPA both function by considering a recipient as a non-priority for removal; in essence, this is an exercise of discretionary relief.

The federal circuit court judges were divided on United States v Texas, which also resulted in a 4-4 draw when it was finally heard by the US Supreme Court. Perhaps the only reason Texas was found to stand is due to a dubious claim that issuing drivers licenses to DACA and DAPA recipients would present an unreasonable burden on the state, costing millions of dollars. Texas, of course, is at liberty to decide the cost of issuing its drivers licences.

READ MORE: Dreamers left vulnerable as Trump scraps DACA

Time and again the courts have ruled that the executive branch of government has broad discretion on immigration, leaving President Trump with no real reason to terminate DACA, except to leave 800,000 other recipients, such as myself, without a place in America.

Congress must finally stand up to protect the Dreamers and pass the DREAM Act, which would first grant conditional residency and, upon meeting further qualifications, permanent residency to people like me.

For far too long, our lives, our hopes, and our dreams have been at the whim of the White House and it is time for this to change.

Rodrigo Pimentel is a 20-year-old DACA recipient and the immigration coordinator for the Rhode Island Progressive Democrats.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
South Korea is still hopeful of a diplomatic resolution of the crisis with its northern neighbour.

This is the new abnormal, a key adviser of South Korean President Moon Jae-in told me amid North Koreas latest missile and nuclear tests. Yet, to my surprise, many experts I met in Seoul in recent weeks displayed an uncanny sense of optimism.

Many of them told me they still believe that reunification on the Korean Peninsula is a historical inevitability, though they admitted that no one knows how traumatic or successful it would turn out to be. For some, it could dwarf the absorption costs borne by West Germany after the disruptive reunification with its communist half. While for others it could ameliorate the demographic winter and rising labour costs in post-industrial South Korea.





As for ordinary South Koreans, they seem, on the whole, impeccably resilient and stoically unfazed by the spate of intimidation tactics deployed by their unruly neighbour.

If actual war were to break out, North Korean artillery shells would likely eviscerate Seoul, home to the bulk of the countrys economic output and population. Not to mention, South Korea would have to cede command-and control of its armed forces to the United Nations and the United States.

The ultimate tragedy is that South Korea  the country that could suffer the most in the event of a conflict  is increasingly powerless in shaping its own destiny.

The Trump factor

During my visit to the War Memorial in Busan, the southern coastal city that served as the final refuge of retreating allied forces during the Korean War, I thought of the important role Americans played in the fate of the South Korean nation half a century ago.

Back then, the US deployed more than a million troops and suffered the bulk of casualties among the UN forces, who were also under US generals command.

Despite the global hysteria over Pyongyang's growing mastery of long-range missiles and, even possibly, thermonuclear weapons, the Moon administration sees North Korea's actions as largely defensive and rational. by

Today, however, South Koreas biggest headache is its former saviour.

This is largely because of the highly bellicose, incoherent, and petulant nature of President Donald Trumps approach to the Korean crisis. The US president regularly engages in verbal duels with the North Korean regime and its key ally, China. As a result, the worlds superpower has ended up pouring gasoline on fire, making an impossibly explosive situation even more combustible.

North Korea has constantly called Trumps bluff, undermining his diplomatic capital by openly defying the US presidents threats and taunts.

Sunshine Policy 2.0

In a direct rebuff of Trumps cavalier approach to the crisis, South Koreas President Moon Jae-in declared in mid-August, Military action on the Korean Peninsula can only be decided by South Korea, and no one else can decide to take military action without the consent of South Korea.

This was nothing short of a desperate call for sanity and composure.

The two allies have had difficult conversations in recent weeks, with Trump openly mocking Moons call for dialogue. The US president has even threatened to nullify the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the bedrock of their economic interface.

A human rights activist born to North Korean parents, President Moon Jae-in is the former protege of ultra-liberal President Roh Moo-hyun, who advocated dialogue and peace on the Peninsula.

OPINION: North Korea just had its sixth nuclear test. Now what?

In particular, Moon is interested in reviving the Sunshine Policy of former President Kim Dae-jung (1998-2003), a Nobel Prize laureate, who met the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and oversaw a surreal era of diplomatic engagement between the two neighbours.

Moon seeks a nuclear weapons-free zone in the Korean Peninsula by 2020. This would inevitably entail a final peace agreement and huge infusion of investments and aid into impoverished North Korea. In exchange, as one of Moons advisers told me, Seoul will seek the transformation, albeit gradually, of its northern neighbour into a more stable and affable regime.

Cornered beast

Despite the global hysteria over Pyongyangs growing mastery of long-range missiles and, even possibly, thermonuclear weapons, the Moon administration sees North Koreas actions as largely defensive and rational. After all, the reclusive regime is surrounded by some of the worlds most technologically advanced nations, some of whom are outright hostile.

Meanwhile, North Koreas traditional allies, Russia and China, are proving increasingly impatient and unreliable. Both powers have signed up to intrusive sanctions against Pyongyang, though strict implementation seems sorely lacking.

INTERACTIVE: Two Koreas  History at a glance

In Beijings view, its erstwhile ally is proving more of a liability than an asset, but it dreads the prospect of regime change and large-scale refugee crises on its northeastern borders.





The underlying problem is that technically speaking, the Korean War (1950-1953) hasnt ended yet. All we have is the Korean Armistice Agreement, which is essentially a transient and fragile ceasefire.

Signing a final peace agreement seems the most logical step forward. But the devil is in the details: there will likely be a grand bargain for the terms of such an agreement. And developing inter-continental ballistic missiles and thermonuclear weapons, which can target the US, gives the Kim Jong-un regime a crucial bargaining chip down the road.

As American historian Bruce Cumings perceptively notes, direct talks is the only method that has ever worked, since it managed to freeze North Koreas nuclear proliferation and slow down its missile programme for almost eight years (1994-2002). All other methods, from sanctions to regime change and threat of war, either failed or exacerbated the situation.

Richard Javad Heydarian is a specialist in Asian geopolitical/economic affairs and author of Asias New Battlefield: The USA, China, and the Struggle for the Western Pacific.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Money to benefit over 1,300 refugees who were detained and mistreated on Papua New Guineas Manus prison island.

Australia will pay 70 million Australian dollars ($56m) to asylum seekers detained in Papua New Guinea (PNG), after a senior judge approved a major compensation package.

The state of Victorias Supreme Court awarded the funds on Wednesday to more than 1,300 refugees held at a centre on Manus Island between November 2012 and December 2014, on the grounds of illegal detention and negligent treatment.

The remainder of the almost 2,000 detainees from that period have been granted an extra two and a half weeks to join the class action and register for payment if they wish to.

Justice Cameron Macauley declared the decision, which is believed to be the nations largest human rights settlement, fair and reasonable.

Compensation deal

Australia offered the compensation agreement in June, more than three years after lawyers initiated the case brought against the government and two service providers operating on the island.

Officials have previously declared the deal prudent, but denied wrongdoing.

Australian policy dictates that asylum seekers attempting to reach the country by boat are transferred to detention facilities in the Pacific Ocean on Manus, or the island of Nauru; which was not involved in the litigation.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Nick McKim, immigration spokesperson for the Australian Greens party, said: The government of Australia wants to appear politically tough on refugees and tough on people seeking asylum.

As a result, political leaders have a political imperative to treat the detainees inhumanely, he said, and thats exactly what theyve done.

The centre on Manus is due to close in October, following a PNG Supreme Court ruling last year that declared the holding of people on the island unconstitutional.

The 803 men currently detained will be moved elsewhere in PNG, or relocated to third countries, according to government officials.

Lawyers representing the refugees who generated the claim said they are seeking to secure the compensation payment before the centre shuts.

These detainees came to Australia seeking refuge, compassion and protection, which were all denied to them by successive Commonwealth governments, said Rory Walsh of the law firm Slater and Gordon.

Today, the group has finally been delivered justice through the Australian legal system and the Supreme Court of Victoria. The result  will allow meaningful compensation to be paid to group members much more quickly than would otherwise have been the case.

Distribution of the funds will be overseen by the court, with another hearing scheduled for October to determine when payments will begin.
Investigation launched into distribution of pamphlets in Parwan province deemed highly offensive to Muslims.

A senior US commander has apologised after a series of controversial leaflets were dropped in Afghanistan.

The pamphlets, distributed on Tuesday in Parwan province, north of Kabul, were deemed highly offensive by Major General James Linder.

Images used showed a white dog, with a passage from the Quran used in Taliban banners superimposed on its side, fleeing from a lion.

Above the picture of the lion and the dog, the handout implored people to report combatants operating in the region.

Take back your freedom from the terrorist dogs and cooperate with coalition forces so they can target your enemy and eliminate them, it said.

Highly offensive image

In a statement, Linder said: The design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam.

I sincerely apologise. We have the deepest respect for Islam and our Muslim partners worldwide.

An investigation into the incident is under way, said a spokesman for the special operations forces at Bagram Air Base in Parwan. He refused to release a copy of the leaflet.

Mohammad Hasem, Parwans governor, declared the incident unforgivable and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Those who have committed this unforgivable mistake in the publicity, propaganda or media section of the coalition forces will be tried and punished, he said.

Hassiba Efat, a member of the Parwan provincial council, told AFP news agency: The leaflets are very offensive to Islam.

The people in the villages are angry about it but so far we have had no reports of any demonstrations.

They [foreign forces] have apologised and promised to collect as many of the leaflets as possible.

The Afghan government and coalition forces have frequently used information campaigns in an attempt to persuade local populations to help them defeat the Taliban and other groups active in the country.

It is not the first time US forces have caused offence in Afghanistan where they have spent the past 16 years waging war against the Taliban.

In 2012, US troops set fire to copies of the Quran, leading to days of protests in which about 40 people died.
Regional parliament adopts measure with with 72 votes in favour, as opposition boycotts procedure.

Catalonias parliament has passed a law paving the way for an October 1 referendum on whether to declare independence from Spain  a vote fiercely opposed by the central government in Madrid.

The so-called referendum bill was adopted on Wednesday by the regional parliament, which is controlled by pro-independence parties, with 72 votes in favour and 11 abstentions.

Politicians who oppose independence for the wealthy northeastern region of Spain left the chamber before the vote.

OPINION: Why Catalonia should be given a say on its future

After the law passed, separatist legislators sang the regions anthem, Els Segadors, which recalls a 1640 revolt in Catalonia against the Spanish monarchy.

Xavier Garcia Albiol, the head of the Catalan branch of the conservative Popular Party, accused the separatist politicians of wanting to cause Spains biggest institutional crisis since a failed coup attempt in 1981 when armed civil guards took over parliament.

Not allowed to do so

Catalonia, a region of 7.5 million people with its own language and culture, accounts for about 20 percent of Spains economic output and has significant powers over matters such as education, healthcare and welfare.





But Spains economic worries, coupled with a perception that the region pays more in taxes than it receives in investments and transfers from Madrid, have helped push the cause of secession from the fringes of Catalan politics to centre stage.

If the region pushes through with the referendum, it will move even further towards a collision course with the national government, which has repeatedly argued that any attempt to break away from Spain is illegal and will not be recognised.

The state legislature move is important, as the legal underpinnings for such a referendum have been questioned.

Now that it has been approved legislatively, Catalonian President Carles Puigdemont is expected to sign the measure into law either late on Wednesday or early on Thursday.

OPINION: The case against Catalan secession

However, the Constitutional Court of Spain is already expected to review the law this week and declare it null and void, as it has done with similar attempts in the past.

Should the referendum take place and yield a majority for seceding, supporters say they would move to break away from Spain within two days.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy repeated a few days ago that there is no way he would allow the economically important region to break away.

The Catalonians cannot carry out this referendum as planned because they are not allowed to do so either by the Constitution or existing law, he said.

Under the Spanish Constitution, referendums on sovereignty must be held nationally, not regionally.

According to Article 155, Madrid has the power to intervene directly in the running of Catalonias regional government, forcing it to drop the vote.

In 2014, months after Scotland voted to stay in the UK, pro-independence campaigners staged a symbolic ballot, organised by volunteers rather than government officials to get around court restrictions.

Some two million people voted in favour of secession in that non-binding ballot, though turnout was relatively low.
At least five children have drowned after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees sink at the mouth of the Naf river.

At least five children have drowned after a boat carrying Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar sank early on Wednesday, Bangladeshi border guards have said.

Authorities, according to the Associated Press, said the boat sank at the mouth of the Naf river, which separates Bangladesh from Myanmars violence-wracked Rakhine state, raising fears there could be many more casualties.

So far, the bodies of five male and female children have been found at different locations, Border Guard Bangladesh Officer Aloysius Sangma told AFP news agency which said three to four boats had sunk, citing border officials.





Last week, Bangladeshi border guards recovered two dozen bodies from the shore as an upsurge in violence in Rakhine on August 25 increased efforts to cross the border.

Authorities in Myanmar say close to 100 people have been killed in the violence, but advocates for the Rohingya told Al Jazeera that at least 800 of the Muslim minority, including dozens of women and children, were dead.

Al Jazeera has been unable to independently verify the figures.

According to a UN estimate, more than 146,000 refugees have crossed the border into Bangladesh, and UNICEF, the UN childrens agency, said 80 percent of those are women and children.

Myanmars national security adviser, however, disputed those claims, saying the number of people crossing the border was closer to 20,000 than the hundreds of thousands.

READ MORE: Who are the Rohingya Muslims?

On Tuesday, Reuters news agency reported that hundreds of exhausted Rohingya arrived near the Bangladeshi border village of Shamlapur by boat.

The new arrivals  many of them sick or wounded  have strained the resources of aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous spasms of violence.

A UN source working in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district said many of those arriving had no shelter, and aid agencies were racing to provide clean water and sanitation.

Against this backdrop of a growing humanitarian crisis, Turkey has pledged to send 1,000 tonnes of aid to Rakhine after President Recep Tayyip Erdoganspoke to Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars civilian leader, according to government spokesperson.

In Pictures: The perilous journey of Rohingya refugees

Erdogan condemned the escalating human rights violations against the Rohingya during a phone call with Aung San Suu Kyi earlier on Tuesday, Turkish presidential sources said.

People have come with virtually nothing, so there has to be food, the source told Reuters news agency.

So this is now a huge concern  where is this food coming from for at least the elderly, the children and the women who have come over without their husbands?

After the presidents conversation with his Myanmar counterpart  permission was given for 1,000 tonnes of aid to be sent initially, Ibrahim Kalin, Erdogan spokesman, said in a statement.

At the first stage, 100,000 [Rohingya] families on both sides of the [Myanmar-Bangladesh] border will receive aid.

Kalin said military helicopters would be used because of concerns over safety.
Lawyer to lodge appeal after Israeli court denies bail for the leader of the northern branch of Islamic Movement.

An Israeli court has extended the detention of Raed Salah, leader of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement, who was charged with incitement to terrorism in connection with deadly unrest at a Jerusalem holy site last month.

Salah, a Palestinian citizen of Israel, remained custody on Wednesday after his bail was denied, his lawyer said.

The Israeli magistrate court in the northern city of Haifa has decided to extend the detention of Sheikh Raed Salah until the end of his trial, Khaled Zbarqa, Salahs lawyer, told Anadolu Agency. This means that Sheikh Salah will be kept in detention for several months.

Zbarqa said an appeal against the courts decision would be lodged.

It is an unprecedented decision, he said. It proves that Sheikh Raed is a prisoner of conscience, tried because of his religious views.

READ MORE: Palestinians decry arrest of Islamic movement leader

Salah faces trial on charges of membership of an illegal organisation and inciting violence over a speech he gave last month at the funerals of three Palestinian citizens of Israel who killed two police officers at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.

He was arrested on August 14 at his home in the northern city of Umm al-Fahm.

Salahs group was outlawed in 2015 for alleged incitement linked to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount.

The charges have been denied by Salah and the Israeli decision to ban the movement remains contentious.

READ MORE: Islamic Movement rejects Israeli government ban

Salahs arrest was widely condemned by Palestinian leaders in Israel, who say the charges against him are politically motivated.

I am sure that this is a political arrest, Mohammed Barakeh, chairman of the Higher Committee for the Arab citizens of Israel, told Al Jazeera last month.

This is a kind of anti-democratic act to put the Arab population in Israel under pressure, he said.
Those who have benefited from DACA say the future of nearly 800,000 undocumented migrants are now in limbo.

New York City, US  Until recently, Flor Reyes-Silvestre, an undocumented Mexican immigrant, had high hopes for her life in the United States.

Her political science degree was going well and with a little more schooling afterwards, she could have been on her way to a legal career.

Those ambitions came crashing down on Tuesday when US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of a programme that helped Reyes-Silvestre, 20, and other young, undocumented immigrants live and work in the US without fear of deportation.

The reality hits you hard when you realise you might not be able to work any more, Reyes-Silvestre told Al Jazeera.

I was thinking about law school, grad school. Now, it doesnt seem plausible to work as a lawyer or get a job at a law firm.

Nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants were brought to the US as children have benefited from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, which has helped them gain a legal status, work permits and driving licenses.

READ MORE: Cruel and reckless: Trump under fire over DACA move

On Tuesday, Sessions, a Republican and longtime-critic of DACA, unveiled President Donald Trumps plans to wind down the programme.

DACA was introduced in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama, a Democrat, after Congress failed to agree on reforming the US shaky immigration system.

Sessions branded Obamas carve-out a unilateral executive amnesty that lured a surge of unaccompanied minors to the southern border.

It also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens, Sessions told reporters on Tuesday.

Tall order for Congress

The scheme does not end immediately. Congress has the next six months to find a political solution before legal protections for DACA recipients  known as Dreamers  are phased out.

This is widely viewed as a long shot. Legislators failed to reform the US immigration system during Obamas eight years in office, despite pressing concerns over 11 million undocumented people living in the country.

That gridlock has gotten worse since Trump came to power in January. His fellow Republicans could not agree on a healthcare overhaul earlier this year and upcoming debates on the budget and taxes look similarly dicey.

Its going to be a tall order [for] this dysfunctional Congress to magically get its act together in the next six months and pass immigration reform, Steve Choi, director of the New York Immigration Coalition, told reporters in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Phasing out DACA does not immediately trigger the mass deportation of all 800,000 Dreamers. Instead, it is expected that they will lose that status and see work permits lapse as they revert back their undocumented status.

In a statement, Trump promised to act with heart and compassion  but through the lawful democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve.

Trump said he had advised the Department of Homeland Security that DACA recipients are not enforcement priorities unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang.

On the campaign trail, Trump promised to deport all undocumented migrants. Since taking office, he appeared to soften on dreamers, a relatively well-educated and industrious group who he described as incredible kids.

Late on Tuesday, Trump tweeted that he would revisit this issue if Congress fails to legalise DACA within six months.

But many have pushed back on Trumps comments, saying he hasnt shown compassion and has instead left the futures of hundreds of thousands of young people in legal limbo.

Support for Dreamers

Many have rallied to support the young adults who have spent much of their lives in the US.

A Morning Consult poll in April found that 78 percent of voters wanted to let dreamers stay in the US; 56 percent expressed support for eventual citizenship. Only 14 percent of respondents said they should be sent back to their countries of origin.

Dreamers, other undocumented immigrants and their supporters yelled, Shame! in front of the White House. And at least nine DACA recipients were arrested in front of Trump Tower in New York City on Tuesday, in advance of bigger rallies that were planned for the evening.

Supporters argue that recipients grew up and are integrated into American society, with little connection to the countries they hail from. They point to young people like Reyes-Silvestre as poster children for the benefits of foreign talent.

READ MORE: DACA scrapped  What next for 800,000 Dreamers?

Reyes-Silvestre arrived in the US at the age of two with her parents from Puebla, Mexico. She said she speaks Spanish and has seen pictures of the city where she was born, but would struggle even to catch a bus in a Mexico of which she knows little about. She calls New York her home now.

Most Dreamers came from Mexico and other parts of Central and South America. On average, they entered the US at the age of six and a half. Some 200,000 live in California; 100,000 are in Texas and 50,000 live in New York. Many also live in Illinois and Florida.

Dreamers are good for the economy, according to a study by the University of California, San Diego. Some 97 percent of DACA recipients are employed or in school. They open firms and buy cars and homes and will boost the US economy by $460bn over the next decade.

At least 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies employ Dreamers, meaning that phasing out DACA will likely force big firms to spend time and cash recruiting new talent, Tom Wong, the author of the University of California study told Al Jazeera.

READ MORE: American dream fades for child immigrants under Trump

Jamie Dimon, the chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co bank said in a statement that America is and always has been a country of immigrants.

We should do everything in our power to continue to attract the best and brightest because they make us stronger as a people and as an economy, she added.

Obama used his Facebook page to join the throng of criticism, calling Trumps move cruel.

To target these young people is wrong  because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating  because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love, Obama said.

We feel vulnerable

Trumps decision indicates he is moving ahead with his campaign promises  despite his previously softened tone on DACA recipients.

It came on the same day that Republican officials from 10 states had set as a deadline for his administration to rescind the programme or allow it to face a legal challenge.

Yajaira Saavedra, 29, is another undocumented Mexican migrant who now expects her DACA status to expire in the coming months. She is less anxious than Reyes-Silvestre.

The scheme was merely a Band-Aid that never gave her a strong sense of security in the US, she said.

She described feeling let down by both Obama and Trump. The US government had persuaded her and many others to come out of the shadows and reveal their names, addresses and other personal data on DACA forms.

The government has our records and knows where we are, Saavedra told Al Jazeera.

Were vulnerable. Here in New York, even though its a sanctuary city, she added, referring to cities and states that have limited their cooperation with federal immigration authorities in hopes of reducing the number of deportations.

Were vulnerable to the NYPD [police force] and theres so much racial profiling in this country. It scares me.

Follow James Reinl on Twitter @jamesreinl
European Court of Justice rules against claims brought by Slovakia and Hungary seeking to end mandatory migrant quotas.

The European Unions highest court has dismissed complaints raised by Slovakia and Hungary against a mandatory quota to accept asylum seekers, established as part of efforts to resettle arriving refugees more equally across the bloc.

EU countries agreed in September 2015, at the height of Europes migrant crisis, to relocate 160,000 refugees from Greece and Italy over two years. Yet, only approximately 27,700 people have been moved so far.





Slovakia and Hungarys legal action, which was seeking to have the refugee-sharing scheme annulled, was struck out on the grounds that current EU policy is proportionate, a European Court of Justice (ECJ) statement said on Wednesday.

The long-awaited ruling added: The mechanism actually contributes to enabling Greece and Italy to deal with the impact of the 2015 migration crisis.

The courts decision is final and not open to appeal. As a result, European Commission (EC) officials will continue to be able to order member state governments to take in specific quotas of refugees entering the bloc, or risk facing fines.

EU REFUGEE-SHARING SCHEME, BY THE NUMBERS: According to the UN refugee agency, 125,240 refugees have made the Mediterranean crossing to Europe so far this year  mainly to Italy and Greece. That is significantly down from the 2016 total of 362,753 and a massive drop compared with the 1,015,078 who arrived by sea during 2015. That reduction has helped ease the pressure on Italy and Greece, but political strains are still evident. At the height of the crisis, in 2015, EU leaders forced through a vote to relocate up to 160,000 refugees from Italy and Greece to new homes spread around the EU member states. It was a bitterly contested policy. Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia all voted against a compulsory relocation scheme, but they were over-ruled. The UK used a legal exemption to opt out of the scheme. A month after the vote, Poland elected a new right-wing government which promptly refused to cooperate with the EU plan. But in reality, the prediction of 160,000 turned out to be an overestimate. Only around 35,000 asylum seekers were actually eligible for relocation  because although Syrians and Eritreans, for example, qualify for asylum, Nigerians, for example, do not. To date, approximately 27,000 of the eligible refugees have now been relocated. Thats more than 75 percent, but countries willingness to participate remains patchy. Malta, Latvia and also Norway have taken in their full quota of refugees from Greece. Finland, Lithuania and Luxembourg have achieved more than 80 percent of their quotas. Austria, Hungary and Poland still have not accepted any asylum seekers. The Czech Republic has not relocated anyone since August 2016. Slovakia has taken in just 16 refugees and Liechtenstein just 10.

Stick to the ruling

The verdict was welcomed by top European officials.

ECJ confirms relocation scheme valid. Time to work in unity and implement solidarity in full, said EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Ska Keller, the lead parliamentarian on the scheme, said the verdict means there is no excuse for EU states not to share refugees from Greece and Italy as they have committed to do.

READ MORE: Rejected asylum  From Karachi to Germany and back again

German officials were also quick to announce their support for the ruling, with Sigmar Gabriel, the foreign minister, encouraging member states to act swiftly following the decision.

It is right to clarify questions legally if there is doubt. But now we can expect all European partners to stick to the ruling and implement the agreements without delay, he said.

Appalling and irresponsible

Slovakias Prime Minister Robert Fico said his country respected the courts judgement, adding, however, that its critical stance on the quota system and the migrants has not changed at all.

We will continue to work on having solidarity expressed in different ways other than forcing [on us] migrants from other countries that dont want to be here anyway, he said.

Hungary strongly condemned the ECJs verdict.

Peter Szijjartom, the nations foreign minister, claimed the decision was made on political rather than legal considerations and jeopardises the security and future of all of Europe.

The Hungarian government considers todays decision by the European court to be appalling and irresponsible, he said.

INSIDE STORY: Whats the EUs vision to address the refugee crisis?

Al Jazeeras Sonia Gallego, reporting from Budapest, confirmed Hungary is now seeking $470m of compensation for border reinforcements developed since the scheme was introduced, including razor wire fencing and the employment of 3,000 guards.

The EU has agreed to examine the request, though how Hungary reached the precise figure remains unclear.

Last step

The compulsory relocation scheme was backed by a majority of EU member states but was rejected by Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary.

The UK used a legal exemption to opt out of it, while Poland, which accepted the plan, later refused to cooperate when a new right-wing government came to power.

Kati Piri, a member of the European Parliament for the Netherlands, predicted that disputes over migration would continue in the bloc regardless of the ECJs ruling.

The political battle has not yet been finished, she told Al Jazeera in Brussels.

We know the European Union is divided on these issues, especially [between] the member states in the east, who would like to take in many less refugees, [and] the member states in the west, she added.

INSIDE STORY: Is the EU closer to solving the migration crisis?

The EU executive is now believed to be ready to institute court proceedings within weeks that could lead to fines for member states not complying with the scheme.

If the member states that have not relocated at all or not for a long time do not change their approach in the coming weeks, we should then consider to take the last step in the infringement procedure, taking Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic to the ECJ, said Avramopoulos.

Slovakia is not included in the legal action. It recently agreed to host a few refugees.
Category Five storm causes floods and destroys homes in the Caribbean as it heads towards Puerto Rico, Cuba and Haiti.

The strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever measured has slammed into Caribbean islands, causing major damage en route to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading for the US state of Florida.

Hurricane Irma caused the death of at least two people in the islands of Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin, Annick Girardin, the French overseas territories minister, said on Wednesday.

Were talking about two dead and two seriously injured for now. Obviously, the situation can change very quickly, Girardin told reporters before boarding a plane for the region, adding that the powerful storm had destroyed homes and flooded streets.

Located south of the island of Anguilla, Saint Martin  Sint Maarten in Dutch  is divided between the France and the Netherlands. Saint Barthelemy, which lies to the southeast of Saint Martin, is administered with the status of a French collectivity, as is the French part of Saint Martin.

READ MORE: Officials warn of powerful Hurricane Irma impact

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the toll would be harsh and cruel and that damage on the two islands was considerable.

A national reconstruction plan will be implemented as soon as possible, Macron said after chairing a crisis meeting in Frances capital, Paris, adding that an emergency fund to finance it would be set up.

As the rare Category 5 storm barreled its way across the Caribbean, it brought gusting winds of up to 294 kilometres per hour, weather experts said.

The hurricane made landfall just before 06:00 GMT in Barbuda, part of the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Garfield Burford, director of news at government-owned broadcaster ABS TV in Antigua and Barbuda, told Al Jazeera that the country has been spared the worse from the ferocious storm as emergency services assess damages.

It was quite a bit of an experience overnight for us, but all things considered Antigua and Barbuda missed a bullet, he said from Antiguas capital, Saint John. It couldve been much worse.

Burford added: There have been a few minor injuries that were treated at the hospital but thankfully, no deaths or serious injuries and that itself is a miracle when you consider the ferocity of the storm.

Historic hurricane

The French weather office said Irma was a historic hurricane (with) an unprecedented intensity over the Atlantic.

With the islands on maximum alert before the arrival of the strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic, France had raised the alarm over the fate of some 7,000 people who refused to seek shelter.

People dont know phenomena of this scale in this part of the Caribbean, Girardin said.

Hurricane Irma carries the potential for coastal storm surges of up to six metres above normal tide levels, the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre said on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Harvey exposes Houstons vulnerability

The National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irmas magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma is over water that is 1C warmer than normal.

The 26C water that hurricanes need goes about 80 metres deep, Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private forecasting service Weather Underground, told The Associated Press agency.

Its forecast late on Tuesday was for the winds to fluctuate slightly but for the storm to remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two.

Dangerous winds

The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico through Wednesday.

Al Jazeeras meteorologist Richard Angwin said: The movement of the storm is pretty steady at 26km/h and it is going to continue to cross the Caribbean region over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Other islands in the path of Irma include the Virgin Islands and Anguilla, a small, low-lying territory of about 15,000 people.

US President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

The dangerousness of this event is like nothing weve ever seen, Ricardo Rossello, Puerto Rico governor, said.

A lot of infrastructure wont be able to withstand this kind of force.

The director of the islands power company has warned that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for about a week and other, unspecified areas for four to six months.

The worst-case scenario for Puerto Rico, in particular, is that if the storm tracks southwards, then the island could get really battered, said Al Jazeeras Andy Gallacher, reporting from the capital, San Juan.
Minister denies reports of laying landmines whose purpose may be to prevent return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence.

Myanmar has been laying landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh for the past three days, according to reports citing two government sources in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka.

The sources say the purpose may be to prevent the return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing the violence.

Bangladesh will on Wednesday formally lodge a protest against the laying of landmines so close to the border, the sources  who had direct knowledge of the situation but asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter  told Reuters news agency.

Since the latest round of violence began in Myanmars Rakhine state, at least 400 people have been killed, and nearly 125,000 Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh, leading to a major humanitarian crisis.

They are putting the landmines in their territory along the barbed-wire fence between a series of border pillars, one of the sources told Reuters.

READ MORE: Who are the Rohingya Muslims?

Both sources said Bangladesh learned about the landmines mainly through photographic evidence and informers.

Our forces have also seen three to four groups working near the barbed wire fence, putting something into the ground, one of the sources said.

We then confirmed with our informers that they were laying landmines.

The sources did not clarify if the groups were in uniform, but added that they were sure they were not Rohingya.

Reacting to the reports, Phone Tint, Rakhines minister for border affairs, told Al Jazeera: We did not do such a thing.

In Pictures: The perilous journey of Rohingya refugees

Manzurul Hassan Khan, a Bangladeshi border guard officer, told Reuters earlier that two blasts were heard on Tuesday on the Myanmar side.

Two similar blasts on Monday had already prompted speculation that Myanmar forces had laid landmines.

One boy had his left leg blown off on Tuesday near a border crossing before being brought to Bangladesh for treatment, while another boy suffered minor injuries, Khan said, adding that the blast could have been a mine explosion.

A Rohingya refugee who went to the site of the blast on Monday  on a footpath near where civilians fleeing violence are huddled in what is being described as no mans land on the border  filmed what appeared to be a mine: a metal disc about 10cm in diameter partially buried in the mud.

He said he believed there were two more such devices buried in the ground.





Two refugees also told Reuters they saw members of the Myanmar army around the site in the immediate period preceding the Monday blasts, which occurred at around 2:25pm local time (07:55 GMT).

Reuters was unable to independently verify that the planted devices were landmines and that there was any link to the Myanmar army.

Myanmars army has not commented on the blasts near the border.

Zaw Htay, spokesperson for Myanmars national leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was not immediately available for comment.

On Monday, Htay told Reuters that clarification was needed.

Where did it explode, who can go there and who laid those landmines. Who can surely say those mines were not laid by the terrorists? he said.

No comment

The border pillars mentioned by the Dhaka-based sources demarcate the boundaries of the two countries, along which Myanmar has a portion of barbed wire fencing.

Most of the two countries 217km-long border is porous.

They are not doing anything on Bangladeshi soil, one of the sources said.

But we have not seen such laying of landmines in the border before.

READ MORE: Persecution of all Muslims in Myanmar on the rise

Myanmar, which was under military rule until recently, is one of the few countries that have not signed the 1997 UN Mine Ban Treaty.

The more than one million Rohingya in Myanmar are seen as illegal immigrants in the mainly Buddhist country.

They have been forced to live under apartheid-like restrictions on movement and citizenship.

The areas where Rohingya live, mainly in Rakhine, have been under a constant military crackdown, with reports of extrajudicial killings, rape, arson and torture by security forces  allegations the government has denied.

Antonio Guterres , UN secretary-general, called on the government of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday to end the violence against the Rohingya.

He warned of regional destabilisation if the violence continues.

Myanmar contends the security crackdowns are necessary to fight terrorism.

In a statement issued by her office on Facebook, Aung San Suu Kyi said the government had already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible and warned against misinformation that could mar relations with other countries.

Al Jazeeras James Bays, reporting from the United Nations headquarters in New York, said: There is a real concern from the UN about the humanitarian situation because of this human exodus and the sheer number of people crossing the border into Bangladesh.

The UN Security Council met last week to discuss the crisis, but there was no formal statement following the closed-door meeting.
Irma headed towards Puerto Rico, Haiti, Cuba and Florida, with potential for coastal storm surges of up to six metres.

A powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane has made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean, en route to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading for the US state of Florida.

Hurricane Irma carries the potential for coastal storm surges of up to six metres above normal tide levels, the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre said on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irmas magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma is over water that is 1C warmer than normal.

The 26C water that hurricanes need goes about 80 metres deep, said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private forecasting service Weather Underground.

READ MORE: Harvey exposes Houstons vulnerability

The eye of Irma passed over Barbuda at about 1:47am local time (05:47 GMT), the National Weather Service said.

Residents said over local radio that phone lines went down. Heavy rain and winds buffeted the neighbouring island of Antigua, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

Officials warned people to seek protection from Irmas onslaught in a statement that closed with: May God protect us all.

This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane, US Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp said. Its not time to get on a surfboard.

The Category 5 storm had maximum sustained winds of 295km per hour (kph), said the National Hurricane Centre.

Its forecast late on Tuesday was for the winds to fluctuate slightly but for the storm to remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two.

Dangerous winds

The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico through Wednesday.

On Antigua island, people who live in low-lying areas were staying with friends and relatives on higher ground or sleeping in churches, schools and community facilities built to withstand hurricanes.

None of the shelters has yet been tested by Category 5 winds, however.

These are times for the most likely arrival of winds too strong to continue hurricane #Irma prep actions. Prep now!https://t.co/EtEGhob4E6 pic.twitter.com/TgM8s76VjI  National Weather Service (@NWS) September 6, 2017

Many homes in Antigua and Barbuda are not built on concrete foundations or have poorly constructed wooden roofs that are susceptible to wind damage.

Other islands in the path of Irma included the Virgin Islands and Anguilla, a small, low-lying territory of about 15,000 people.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

The dangerousness of this event is like nothing weve ever seen, Ricardo Rossello, Puerto Rico governor, said.

A lot of infrastructure wont be able to withstand this kind of force.

The director of the islands power company has warned that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for about a week and other, unspecified areas for four to six months.
Military said that it will not absorb MILF fighters but enlist their help in overcoming ISIL-linked group in Marawi.

The Philippines military has teamed up with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters as it prepares for a final assault against the Maute armed group in the southern city of Marawi.

Soldiers were seen mingling freely with several hundred MILF fighters who have joined forces for an assault on fighters on the southern island of Mindanao.

The joint operation is the latest tactic by the Philippine government to try to stamp out fighters linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group after months of battling a separate faction of fighters who have besieged the city of Marawi.

The alliance with MILF included providing them with indirect fire support and even air support and other expertise, Major-General Arnel dela Vega told AFP, adding that the awkwardness of fighting alongside former long-time foes had evaporated.

READ MORE: MPs back Dutertes bid to extend Mindanao martial law

The Maute group, who have pledged allegiance to the ISIL group took control of Marawi in May. After a three-month siege, the fighters now control only a 500sq metre area.

More than 100 soldiers have died while almost 500 fighters have been killed, according to the Philippine military.

Thousands, including children, have been displaced due to the conflict and now live in host communities or 75 centres across Mindanao.

One man, who only identified himself as Ansari, told Al Jazeera that he refused an offer of $500 and an M16 rifle by the Maute to fight alongside them.





They are evil. What they do is evil, he said.

Look how they destroyed Marawi. I wouldnt be a part of them.

He said that many others who accepted the offer did so out of desperation, not ideology.

Vega said troop units would not merge with the MILF fighting groups because they had different operational tactics and procedures in the conflict.

By and large the result has been substantially in our favour, he said.

Meanwhile, the United States has committed $14.3m in emergency relief and recovery assistance for communities affected by the ongoing conflict in Marawi and its surrounding areas.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim announced the donation during a round table discussion with journalists at the US Embassy in Manila.

The aid is in the form of safe drinking water, hygiene kits, kitchen sets, shelter materials and 18 facilities with critical supplies and services to address tuberculosis and maternal, newborn and child health needs.
Decision to end DACA draws criticism from civil society groups, tech giants and politicians, including some Republicans.

The Trump administration has come under harsh criticism from all sides of the US political spectrum for its move to scrap a programme that protects from deportation hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) scheme on Tuesday, angering many but also drawing some support from staunch Trump allies.

DACA has helped nearly 800,000 young people, referred to as Dreamers, get legal status, work permits and driving licences.

The programmes fate now rests with congress members who will have six months to come to a political solution before DACA officially ends.

Late on Tuesday, Trump tweeted that he would revisit this issue if Congress fails to legalise DACA in six months.

READ MORE: With DACA scrapped, what next for 800,000 Dreamers?

While the move was expected for weeks, Tuesdays announcement drew strong condemnation from many throughout the US.

Barack Obama, the former US president who created DACA in 2012, called the action cruel and a political decision.

Ultimately, this is about basic decency, he said in a statement on Facebook.

This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way wed want our own kids to be treated. Its about who we are as a people  and who we want to be.

To target hopeful young strivers who grew up here is wrong, because theyve done nothing wrong. My statement: https://t.co/TCxZdld7L4  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 5, 2017

Trumps move effectively kicks responsibility for the fate of Dreamers to his fellow Republicans who control both Houses of Congress. Members of Congress, however, have been unable to pass any major legislation since the president took office in January and the body has been bitterly divided over immigration in the past.

Obama bypassed Congress and created DACA through an executive order.

READ MORE: Texas police arrest DACA recipients in Austin protest

Lorella Praeli, director of immigration policy at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said the decision throws the lives and futures of Dreamers into disarray.

Today is a cruel day for Dreamers, our families and all Americans, she said in a statement.

President Trump just threw the lives and futures of 800,000 Dreamers and their families, including my own, into fearful disarray, and injected chaos and uncertainty into thousands of workplaces and communities across America, she added.

He is using the lives of 800,000 people as pawns.

Criticism within the Republican party

Trumps move also brought about criticism from some within his own party.

Republican Senator John McCain called the presidents move the wrong approach.

.@POTUS's decision on #DACA is wrong approach at a time when both sides need to compromise on #immigration reform https://t.co/kPBCUhJ2m4 pic.twitter.com/5stY5spxOC  John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) September 5, 2017

Republican Senator Jeff Flake urged Congress to act immediately and pass permanent, stand-alone legislation to lawfully ensure that children who were brought [to the US]  are able to stay.

And Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican Congresswoman from Florida, said Trump was wrong on the DACA termination.

The decision by the administration to end DACA and shut down the dreams of young immigrants is heartbreaking, reckless and wrong, she said in a statement.

Legal support

Some of the strongest critics have come from within the tech and business industries, which have hired a number of Dreamers.

This is a sad day for our country, Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer (CEO) of Facebook, said in a post on the social media platform.





It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it, he added.

Tech giant Microsoft has offered to pay for the legal counsel of any Dreamers who work for the company and may face deportation.

Its CEO, Brad Smith, called Trumps move a big step back for our entire country.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said 250 Apple employees are Dreamers who deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values.

#Dreamers contribute to our companies and our communities just as much as you and I. Apple will fight for them to be treated as equals.  Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 5, 2017

Online, #DACA trended worldwide, while Dreamers was among the top Twitter hashtags in the US, with many expressing support for DACA recipients.

Incredible how we punish people to just want to belong to this country#DACA  rabia O'chaudry (@rabiasquared) September 5, 2017

When #DACA is repealed, 800,000 undocumented youth will lose their ability to work. But they are courageously resisting #SinDacaSinMiedo pic.twitter.com/Jj3I14Hyz4  Eric Dirnbach  (@EricDirnbach) September 5, 2017

Some students, many of whom headed back to school on Tuesday, walked out of class to protest Trumps move.

#Breaking: Students at Denver schools are walking out of classes in protest of #DACA announcement

WATCH: https://t.co/fYKBG4jvCA pic.twitter.com/ErH0Hz86oq  Channel 2 KWGN (@channel2kwgn) September 5, 2017

And protests were held in major cities across the country, including New York City, where activists say at least nine DACA recipients were arrested at a sit-in.

30+ DACAmented immigrants & allies arrested outside Trump Tower today. #SinDACASinMiedo Resist with them: https://t.co/TJMAEzP1G1 pic.twitter.com/QyGtEcSlam  Movimiento Cosecha (@CosechaMovement) September 5, 2017

https://twitter.com/parthvohra622/status/905109677075288065

(Thread) In response to DACAs repeal, a Pro #DACA rally has started in Downtown LA pic.twitter.com/Lx3Fehwbl9  KCRW (@kcrw) September 5, 2017

Unconstitutional

Trumps move though does have some level of support, particularly from his closest allies, who have called Obamas creation of the DACA programme unconstitutional.

Many Republicans who reacted to Tuesdays decision chose to focus on its creation by Obama, instead of the programme itself.

Paul Ryan, the top Republican in the House who had previously urged the president to keep the programme intact, praised Trumps move, calling the creation of DACA a clear abuse of executive authority.

He added, however, that he hopes Congress will be able to find consensus on permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

READ MORE: American dream fades for child immigrants under Trump

Mitch McConnell, the top Republican in the Senate, said that Trumps action to scrap the programme corrects a fundamental mistake.

President Obama wrongly believed he had the authority to re-write our immigration law, McConnell said in a statement. Todays action by President Trump corrects that fundamental mistake.

And Republican Senator Ron Johnson, who is the chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, echoed McConnell.

DACA was an unconstitutional overreach by the Obama administration that created incentives for children from Central America to take great risks to enter America illegally, he said.

The Trump administration said no current beneficiaries of the programme would be affected before March 5.
Two former presidents among eight Workers Party members accused of cartel formation, corruption and money laundering.

Brazil has formally charged two former presidents, Dilma Rousseff and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with racketeering for plotting to skim funds from Petrobras, the state-owned oil firm.

Brazils top prosecutor, Rodrigo Janot, alleged on Tuesday that eight members of the Workers Party, including Lula and Rousseff, committed a series of crimes involving Petrobras, including cartel formation, corruption and money laundering.

They were the first criminal charges to be levelled against Rousseff, who was impeached in 2016 for breaking budgetary laws.





The news was particularly bad for the uphill battle Lula is waging to win the presidency again.

Lula, who is still Brazils most popular politician, is appealing a corruption conviction that would bar him from running for president in 2018.

He faces four other corruption trials.

Rousseff was Lulas designated successor and Brazils first female president.

The crimes are believed to have taken place at least from mid-2002 to May 12, 2016 when Rousseff was suspended as part of impeachment proceedings, the attorney generals office said.

Their Workers Party allegedly pocketed $475m in bribe money, making use of public entities including Petrobras, the National Development Bank (BNDES) and the Planning Ministry, according to the charges.

Janot alleged that much of what became a transnational corruption operation was run by Lula.

Lulas lawyer said the law was being misused to persecute the former president.

READ MORE: Dilma Rousseff  Impeachment is a coup

In a statement, the Workers Party said the charges were baseless and being used to divert attention from other investigations, including one into a former federal prosecutor, referring to a case Janot announced on Monday.

A representative for Rousseff said the prosecutors office offered no evidence of the crimes and called on the Supreme Court to guarantee the right to defend against them.

The charges arise from the Operation Car Wash investigation that uncovered a cartel of companies paying bribes to officials to secure Petrobras contracts, revelations that have spawned a host of investigations that has shaken Brazils political system and economy.

Dozens of senior leaders across the political spectrum and high-ranking businessmen have been investigated or convicted since the sprawling corruption scandal broke in 2014.
Draft resolution to UN also urges oil embargo and textile exports ban in response to Pyongyangs sixth nuclear test.

The United States has asked the UN Security Council to freeze the assets of North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un and slap an oil embargo on the country in response to Pyongyangs sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

A US-drafted resolution circulated on Wednesday also called for banning textile exports and ending payments made to North Korean labourers sent abroad, further depriving the Asian country of revenue to pursue its military programmes.

The draft text comes two days after Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, called for the strongest possible measures to be imposed on North Korea.

READ MORE: North Korea tensions  All the latest updates

Haley said on Monday that the US was seeking a vote on the new sanctions on September 11. However, Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has said this might be a little premature.





The proposed resolution takes aim directly at the leadership in Pyongyang with a freeze on Kims assets, as well as those of the ruling Workers Party of Korea and the government of North Korea.

Kim would be added to a UN sanctions blacklist that would subject him to a global travel ban, along with four other senior North Korean officials, according to the draft.

It was not immediately clear if the draft resolution had the support of North Korean ally China.

Economic collapse

Al Jazeeras Rosiland Jordan, reporting from the UN headquarters in New York, said the draft, which has raised eyebrows, was likely to meet resistance from China and Russia.

The oil embargo is something that China, in particular, would very much oppose to, she said.

Beijing not only provides the bulk of North Koreas energy needs, but the measure could also lead  according to the Chinese  to an economic collapse [of North Korea], Jordan added.

That is something that China does not want to see.

READ MORE: All you need to know about North Korea explained in graphics

A resolution needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the US, UK, France, Russia or China to pass.

Its very difficult to see that this first draft, in its current form, would go before the Security Council as early as Monday and be passed, said Jordan.

The US presented the new raft of measures after President Donald Trump spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, and told him that military action against North Korea was not his first choice.
Investigation also confirms that the Syrian government has used chemical weapons more than 20 times during the war.

UN war crimes investigators say they have evidence that Syrian government forces were behind a chemical attack that killed scores of people in a rebel-held town in April.

The UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria said on Wednesday it had gathered an extensive body of information showing that the Syrian air force was responsible for the sarin gas attack in Khan Sheikhoun.

All evidence available leads the Commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhoun, the report said.

At least 83 people, a third of them children, were killed and nearly 300 wounded in the attack on the town in the northern province of Idlib, it said. Other sources have given a death toll of at least 87.

READ MORE: Syrias civil war explained from the beginning

Syrias government has denied involvement and claims it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender its chemical arsenal.

A fact-finding mission by the UNs chemical watchdog, the OPCW, concluded earlier this year that sarin gas was used in the attack, but did not assign blame.

A joint UN-OPCW panel is currently working to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack.

Significant evidence

But Wednesdays report is the first from the United Nations to officially lay blame for the attack on Damascus.

The report also found that the Syrian government was responsible for at least 23 other chemical attacks in the war-ravaged country since March 2013.

INTERACTIVE: From chlorine to sarin  Chemical weapons in war

The investigators, who have never been granted access to Syria, said they had based their findings on photographs of bomb remnants, satellite imagery and witness testimony.

They determined that a Su-22 fighter bomber, which is only operated by the Syrian air force, conducted four air attacks in Khan Sheikhoun at around 6:45am on April 4.





The Commission identified three of the bombs as likely OFAB-100-120 and one as a chemical bomb, the report said, adding that photographs of weapon remnants depict a chemical aerial bomb of a type manufactured in the former Soviet Union.

The investigators said they had found no evidence supporting Syrian and Russian claims that the chemicals had been released when an air raid hit an opposition weapons depot in the area producing chemical munitions.

Their report, which covers the period from March 1 to July 7, also found that Syrian government forces had carried out chemical attacks on at least three other occasions since March  in Idlib, Hamah and eastern Ghouta  using weaponised chlorine.

The report is the 14th from the COI, which has been tasked with detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of people since 2011.
Protesters brandished placards denouncing President Faure Gnassingbe, whose family has been in power for 50 years.

Hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters have reportedly taken to the streets in several cities across Togo to call for constitutional reform, despite an apparent government concession to their demands.

Aime Adi, head of Amnesty International in the West African country, told AFP news agency on Wednesday that at least 100,000 were demonstrating in the capital, Lome, with similar demonstrations taking place in some 10 other cities.

For his part, opposition party leader Jean-Pierre Fabre called the demonstrations unprecedented and estimated that more than one million people were on the streets of Lome.

The figures could not be independently verified by Al Jazeera.

RELATED: Tensions in Togo as anti-Gnassingbe rally turns deadly

Many protesters brandished placards denouncing the government of President Faure Gnassingbe, whose family has been in power for the last 50 years, AFP reported.

Gnassingbe chaired a cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening, which saw ministers approve plans for a bill about restrictions on terms in office and changes to the voting system.

The opposition has been calling for both since 2005 when Gnassingbe succeeded his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled for nearly 40 years.

This bill to modify the constitution concerns specifically the limitations of mandates and voting procedures, said the government statement, referring to article 59 of the Constitution.

Parliament only returns from its summer break in October, and exact details of the proposals are vague.

Previous protests

Most of Togos opposition parties decided to come together in Lome and some 10 provincial cities on Wednesday, despite the governments olive branch.

They are calling for an acceleration of constitutional reforms, including the limit on how many terms a president can serve, and the introduction of a two-round voting system.

Unir (Unite, the presidents ruling party) calls for talks as soon as it is cornered, said Tikpi Atchadam, the head of the Pan-African National Party, according to AFP.

READ MORE: Life after near-death for Togos shot footballer

I think the people have made up their mind because theyre fed up, he added, calling on Gnassingbe to leave by the front door.

I dont believe in dialogue with the regime any more, he said.

Hundreds of people were killed in 2005 during violent protests following the death of Gnassingbe Eyadema and the election victory of his son.

The president was re-elected in 2010 and 2015, although the opposition rejected the results.

Last month, at least two people were killed in anti-Gnassingbe protests in the city of Sokode, some 300km kilometres north of the capital, according to the security ministry.

Opposition leaders had put the death toll at seven.
PM calls new line-up a war government that will fight against terrorism, corruption, unemployment and inequality.

Tunisias Prime Minister Youssef Chahed has replaced 13 ministers in a wide cabinet reshuffle that included the interior, defence and finance posts.

Speculation had been rife for several weeks over new faces in Chaheds government following his consultations with political parties and organisations such as the powerful labour union UGTT.





Chahed, in power for just over a year, on Wednesday restored Ridha Chalgoum, a former finance minister close to the ruling Nidaa Tounes party, to that ministry.

He also named Lotfi Braham, another Nidaa Tounes ally, as interior minister, according to a statement on the appointments released by the prime ministers office.

He appointed Ennahda member Taoufik Rajhi, one of his economic advisers, to the new post of economic reforms minister.

Six years since the 2011 uprising that overthrew Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has been held up as a model by avoiding the violence that affected other nations after their Arab Spring revolts.

Successive governments, however, have struggled to enact fiscal reforms that have been delayed by political infighting and government wariness of social tensions over jobs and economic conditions that helped spark the 2011 uprising.

Since last year, Tunisians have taken to the streets several times to protest against unemployment.

READ MORE: Tunisia unemployment protests spread to capital

Chahed described the newly-named cabinet as a war government that will continue to fight against terrorism, corruption, unemployment and regional inequality.

Three of 11 new faces in the 27-member government served as ministers under the rule of former President Ben Ali.

Nidaa Tounes allies were appointed to six of the 13 cabinet changes. Ennahda kept three posts and the new economics reforms portfolio.





Nidaa Tounes had been pushing Chahed hard for more representation in the cabinet to better reward their 2014 election victory, while rivals in the power-sharing government pushed back.

Ennahda said the party saw no reason for a major overhaul other than filling vacant minister posts.

Aimed at boosting stability

Political squabbling and Tunisias compromise-style politics to maintain stability have in the past delayed economic reforms as parties jockey for position.

This week, the UGTT warned it could intervene as a mediator, something it had done in past when tensions between secular Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda threatened to scuttle Tunisias young democracy.

Chaheds deal with Nidaa Tounes and Ennahda is likely to ease tensions and to boost government stability, said Riccardo Fabiani at Eurasia Group.

After scheduled local elections in December, this relationship is likely to gradually deteriorate again as tensions rise ahead of the 2019 presidential and legislative ballots, he said.
For the past two years, UF has dropped in Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

UF ranked No. 143 this year, a decrease from UFs previous ranking of 134.

The rankings are based on five categories: teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income, according to the Times Higher Education website. Of those five areas, UF dropped in the teaching and citations category.

Of Florida universities, UF is first, followed by the University of Miami and then Florida State University.

The largest increase came from the industry income category, with a score of 80.7 out of 100, an increase of 15 points from last years score of 65.7. The industry income category examines how much research income a university earns compared to the number of staff employed.

UF remained stagnant in its overall score of 56.6.

UF spokesperson Steve Orlando said he could not provide an exact reason for why UF dropped in this years rankings.

As to what the cause was, it is not entirely clear at the moment, Orlando said. We havent really had a chance to sit down and look at them, but we will in the near future.

More universities were included in this years rankings, which could be a possible reason for UFs drop, Orlando said. Twenty-nine out of 62 U.S. institutions in the top 200 dropped in world rankings.

Austin Buholtz, a business administration freshman, believes the drop could be due to the location of UF.

Were definitely the best university in the state, but regardless of our academics, you cant change the location of the university, the 18-year-old said. Theres not a lot of opportunity for job growth in Gainesville compared to universities in California, Massachusetts or New York.
In hopes of increasing graduation rates, incoming freshmen on the autism spectrum can now find peer support while adjusting to college life.

SOCIAL Gators, a program which began this Fall, offers peer mentorship and group meetings for new students on the spectrum.

The program is a collaboration between UFs Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), the Counseling and Wellness Center and the Disability Resource Center. It also includes academic counseling and a section of the First-year Florida course.

The main goal is student retention and graduation, Ann-Marie Orlando, associate director of CARD said.

SOCIAL Gators will accept students at any time, Orlando wrote in an email.

Every Friday, program directors meet with mentors and mentees for an hour-long discussion group.

Its more of a weekly review to sort of touch base and talk about your week and any concerns that someone has, Orlando said.

At the second meeting Sept. 1, about five attendees spoke about communication through body language, including Mary Neill, a 20-year-old statistics and economics sophomore.

Neill, who works with SOCIAL Gators, hopes the program will help students with communicating their needs, she said.

Through the mentorship program, mentees can get help in areas they might have trouble with, like introducing themselves to professors or getting involved in social events, Neill said.

The sort of social skills and the general anxieties that theyre talking about working on are things that I know I struggled with my first year, Neill said.

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Applying for Student Government funding should now be easier for student organizations.

At Tuesdays Student Senate meeting, allocations committee chairperson Janae Moodie (Impact, Liberal Arts) said she made the online funding request form easier. She said she received at least one request each week that wasnt filed completely.

If I see a pattern in the errors that have been made, I think to myself, What can I do to make this better? Moodie said.

Moodie said she made the online funding request form easier by reducing five separate tabs to two tabs.

Senators also unanimously approved more than $4,000 in funding for five student organizations on Tuesday.

Young Life, a Christian organization open to all students, received $1,600 for decorations, utensils, napkins and color copies. Gator Anime received $1,000 to fund UFPD security at SwampCon, a Spring semester convention. The Student Information Security Team at UF, which teaches students about computer science, received $765 for advertising and food. L.A.D.I.E.S., which helps students build character and confidence, received $624 for decorations, a motivational speaker, advertisement design, a velcro board, a banner and food. Knitting Gators received $397 for a Facebook advertising, promotional shirts, copies, food and programming.

Moodie said her committee will hear six more funding requests Sunday.

During public debate, Zachariah Chou (Independent, Infinity) shared his concerns for members in the UF community who were affected by President Donald Trumps decision to end DACA on Tuesday morning.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals allows undocumented immigrants brought to the country at a young age to get temporary protections.

Aside from comfort, the biggest resource is the UF website, Chou said. That might be helpful in this time of need.

@taveljimena

jtavel@alligator.org

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Yesterday, President Donald Trump announced his decision to end DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the controversial Obama-era executive order that allowed illegal immigrants who were brought here as children to remain in the U.S. and receive work permits. The fact is, DACA was the epitome of our nations foolish immigration policies, and President Trump was right to put a stop to it.

For decades, self-serving politicians in Washington D.C. have deliberately ignored our immigration laws that currently exist on the books. From failing to secure our border (yes, Congress authorized the construction of a border wall more than 10 years ago), and essentially endorsing widescale illegal entry into our country, politicians in both parties have proven they have no desire to enforce our laws and solve this problem. On one hand, Republicans like Paul Ryan and Marco Rubio lie and pretend they care about illegal immigration and the border when theyre campaigning, only to ditch it once theyre elected in favor of the big business lobby that is in favor of cheap labor. Democrats, on the other hand, like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, will stop at nothing to turn the U.S. into a third-world hellhole. The left believes in open borders and that anyone in the world has the right to enter the United States. If they could, Democrats would put no limits on the number of poor, uneducated or unskilled immigrants that could enter the country. Dont believe me? Just ask a politician how many immigrants we should let in the country, or how many is too many. They cant answer because there is no answer. The truth is the Democrats see one thing and one thing only: future votes.

President Obama decided to act unilaterally on immigration when he first introduced DACA in 2012. The Constitution specifically grants Congress authority on issues dealing with immigration. The courts have even ruled against DACA. Its simple  under the Constitution the president cannot grant these DACA children, or so-called Dreamers, status to remain and work in the United States.

If the Constitution doesnt convince you, consider this on a matter of principle: Why should we, as a country, reward those who break our laws? Why should we grant illegal immigrants greater privileges than citizens, or even legal immigrants for that matter? We are essentially doing all of these things. Millions of people come or attempt to come to this country legally, and what message do we send when we deny many of them in favor of immigrants who have already broken our laws by coming here illegally?

Perhaps the most frustrating argument thats heard when discussing DACA is that these children have dreams (hence Dreamers) and to end DACA would end their dreams. Scores of politicians have used this emotional argument to justify DACA amnesty. These politicians will say something along the lines of, We must let them pursue their dreams, we cant take it away! Well to that, I say, what about my dreams? Or the dreams of other citizens or legal immigrants? Will I be allowed to break the law in pursuit of my dreams? No other fabric of our society allows citizens to openly break laws and be forgiven for them because they are following their dream, so why should we allow it of noncitizens?

President Trump once commented of Dreamers on the campaign trail and said, I want dreamers to come from this country. I want the people in the U.S. to have dreams. By ending DACA, Trump is not only fulfilling a campaign promise, but he is restoring respect for the law from the highest levels of government. In doing this, he is rightfully prioritizing the rights, education and employment of American citizens and legal immigrants. If people choose to live and pursue their dreams in our country, they must respect our laws.

Eduardo Neret is a UF finance senior. His column appears on Wednesdays.
If you havent been living under a rock for the last week or so, youve probably read coverage on Hurricane Harvey.

The video and pictures have been devastating, to say the least. Weve seen horrific images of people losing their homes, their families and even their pets. These people include journalists, who just like everyone else, have lost pretty much everything. Nonetheless, they continue to go to work every day to provide you with the news.

Dear reader, the next time you feel the urge to call reputable newspapers and their dedicated staff members fake, think of this.

Now let me start by saying we are humans. Just like you and just like all humans, we make mistakes. By all means in those instances, call us out when we slip up. But when you leave a nasty or cynical comment on a story thats based on proven facts because you dont agree with whats been said, thats when youve crossed the line.

This might be where I lose you, which is fine. I understand that this isnt what most of you came here to read. The concept of fake news has become part of our everyday lives now. We say it without thinking because our president and everyone else does.

You might think its funny, and sure, you might make your friends laugh, as well, but there are people out there working hard to provide you with quality news. When you write snide comments like that, please remember how they affect the real people who you are attacking.

Id like you to remember that nobody in journalism goes into this profession to spread fake news. In fact, most of us decide to stay for our love of people and stories. Any true journalist will tell you that making a factual error feels like getting your hand jammed in a car door. Its equal parts awkward and humiliating when a source or a reader chimes in to let you know you messed up.

I cant attest as to why everyone stays in journalism, but I can promise you it definitely isnt for the pay. Most journalists work long hours, weekends and pretty much every holiday known to man because we love our jobs. The majority of smaller newsrooms are often understaffed and trying to make ends meet. With this in mind, I hope youll think twice before you decide "fake news" is the appropriate way to respond.

Youre allowed not to agree with newspapers. In fact, most newspapers are perfectly fine with readers striking up a discussion on their websites or social media pages. But when you go as far as to call their writers and editors nasty names or try and shame the newspaper overall for writing something you dont agree with, its time for you to take a step back and reflect on your thought process.

Im not here to make you feel bad, I just hope that after reading this, you see the other side of journalism. The side where its everyday people in your community trying with all of their might to get important stories out. In a sense, we are public servants  here to serve you, here to tell your stories and, most importantly, here to inform you.

A little over a week ago, Mike Hixenbaugh, a medical reporter from the Houston Chronicle tweeted Some have lost cars. One hitched a ride home on a jet ski. Water in their homes, but theyre still out reporting. #NotTheEnemy.

Id like you to remember this tweet the next time you think its funny to call your local or national news organization fake.

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Sara Marino is a UF journalism senior. Her column appears on Wednesdays.










English News Blue economy now new growth engine of BRICS cooperation

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 5 Septembre 2017



India and China have begun to explore maritime resources thousands of years ago, while Russia is a maritime power with the third longest coastline in the world, he elaborated, adding that the Brazilian government is also devoted to growing blue economy.

By Zou Zhipeng from Peoples Daily A closer cooperation on blue economy will generate new impetus for economic growth in BRICS members, experts agreed at a panel discussion during the BRICS Business Forum in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province on Monday.

During the discussion, experts exchanged ideas and experience over blue economy. Their discussion came as the blue economy is now embracing a leapfrog growth driven by a spurt of technological progress.

With a long coastline, BRICS members enjoy rich natural resources as well as great economic potential provided by the vast ocean.

I am optimistic over the BRICS cooperation on offshore oil and gas, port construction, and logistics on the sea as all its members have a long coastline, said Marcelo Veloso, commercial director of Brazil-based Port of Acu.

He suggested the members to expand the space of blue economy by increasing efforts to boost maritime economy and construct quality port facilities, so that they could seek a parallel land and sea development and exploit the maritime resources in a scientific manner.

The BRICS bloc is betting more on blue ocean for development, given their abundant resources and strong growth momentum.

All of the BRICS countries bear an aspiration for intensified cooperation on development of blue economy, George Sebulela, founder and president of African Entrepreneurs Council, told the Peoples Daily.

The blue economy is also one of key areas that South Africa and China cooperate on, he pointed out, adding that South Africa and Chinese enterprises have inked over 20 cooperation agreements involving blue economy.

He believed that more capital would flow into port infrastructure and other blue industries in the future as the New Development Bank (NDB), a multilateral financial institution set up by BRICS, has launched its Africa Regional Center in South Africa.

The Belt and Road initiative put forward by China is now stretching its reaches to the African continent, which endows South Africa more capacity to develop blue economy, Sebulela said.

The blue economy is expected to be a new highlight in BRICS economic cooperation, predicted Shiv Khemka, Vice Chairman of India-headquartered Sun Group Enterprises Pvt Limited.

India and China have begun to explore maritime resources thousands of years ago, while Russia is a maritime power with the third longest coastline in the world, he elaborated, adding that the Brazilian government is also devoted to growing blue economy.

The BRICS countries could make blue economy a new economic engine, he concluded.

Given the increasing pressure carried by the maritime ecology posed by pollution and other challenges, Khemka also called on the business representatives at the meeting to tap the potential of blue economy, so as to ensure an innovation-driven and green development of blue economy.







Dans la meme rubrique : < > China accelerates green, low-carbon development World-class astronomical obervation base takes shape in Qinghai province China, Germany should keep to overall direction of bilateral ties from strategic height: Xi Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










INTERNATIONAL BRICS cooperation conforms to historical trend: Xi

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 5 Septembre 2017



"The BRICS mechanism is now at a turning point, evolving to a mature phase. The BRICS summit in Xiamen gives a blueprint for future cooperation direction," Wu said, adding that BRICS countries are at similar stages of development and share the same goals on the global stage.

By Shan Jie in Xiamen and Liu Caiyu in Beijing Source: Peoples Daily and Global Times BRICS countries have vowed to deepen cooperation in broad aspects, including economy, anti-terrorism and anti-corruption, and to enhance the voice of emerging economies globally.



The leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa attended the summit held in the city of Xiamen in East China's Fujian Province, and released the Xiamen Declaration on Monday.



With profound and complicated changes taking place in the world, cooperation among BRICS countries becomes all the more important, Chinese President Xi Jinping said while addressing a plenary session at the ninth BRICS summit on Monday.



"BRICS cooperation meets the common requirements of our five nations for development and conforms to the historical trends," Xi said, underscoring the common pursuit of partnership and prosperous development despite different national conditions.



"We recommit our strong support for multilateralism and the central role of the UN in international affairs," the declaration said, adding that BRICS nations commit to strengthening coordination and cooperation among BRICS in areas of mutual and common interest within the UN and other multilateral institutions.



"One country alone can't alter the global framework, but when BRICS, a cluster of developing and emerging countries, unite together under the mechanism, they could gain great benefits," Wu Baiyi, director of the Institute of Latin American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Monday.



Russia, for example, benefited a lot from the BRICS mechanism when it had conflict with European countries last year, and China has received support from other BRICS nations as well on the South China Sea issue, Wu said.



Lead and share



BRICS leaders reaffirmed that they remained committed to an open and inclusive world economy and firmly opposed protectionism.



"We will continue to firmly oppose protectionism. We recommit to our existing pledge for both a standstill and a rollback of protectionist measures and we call upon other countries to join us in that commitment," the declaration said.



Globalization has met the biggest crisis as leading nations are setting globalization back, but developing countries cannot survive without globalization as they continue their development process, Wu said.



"The BRICS bloc will lead globalization now and will continue to share the benefits of globalization to other nations," Wu added.



Meanwhile, the leaders strongly deplored the latest nuclear test conducted by North Korea in the Xiamen Declaration.



"We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasize that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned," it said.



The BRICS leaders also supported efforts to enhance cooperation on anti-corruption given the negative impact of corruption on sustainable development.



Corruption, including illicit money and financial flows, and ill-gotten wealth stashed in foreign jurisdictions, is a global challenge which may impact negatively on economic growth and sustainable development, said the document.



In the declaration, the leaders also stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fight against terrorism.



"As the BRICS nations all have a wealth gap, corruption might become a bottleneck in their economic development, so putting forward anti-corruption is very necessary and timely," Li Xing, director of the Eurasian Studies Center at Beijing Normal University, told the Global Times on Monday.



Building the mechanism



The BRICS and the surrounding programs like BRICS Plus have become a new cooperation mechanism for emerging countries around the world, experts said.



This time, the summit is emphasizing building a mechanism on specific cooperation programs and management personnel, and this will help implement bilateral or multilateral agreements, Chen Fengying, an expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.



"The summit will also create a new development mechanism among developing countries, and this mechanism will accept more nations in the future," Chen told the Global Times, adding that there will be mechanisms in e-commerce, counter-terrorism and finance, and a people-to-people mechanism.



Xi also said China will set aside 500 million yuan ($76 million) for economic and technological cooperation and exchanges among BRICS countries, the Xinhua News Agency reported.



"The BRICS mechanism is now at a turning point, evolving to a mature phase. The BRICS summit in Xiamen gives a blueprint for future cooperation direction," Wu said, adding that BRICS countries are at similar stages of development and share the same goals on the global stage.



Along with the summit, the BRICS Cultural Festival will also open on September 15 in Xiamen, featuring more than 200 artists from the five countries with more than 30 performances.



Supported by different civilizations, cultural and creative exchange cooperation among countries can "transfer the equality of civilizations rather than conflict," Wu told the Global Times.



"Moreover, people-to-people exchanges among those five BRICS countries will be a new future cooperation trend, which offers public support for BRICS summits in the next decade," Wu said.



(L-R) Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Jacob Zuma and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a group photo during theBRICS Summit at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province on September 4, 2017. Photo: Xinhua





Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tchad : laccord sur le traitement de la dette "reduit le risque de surendettement" (FMI) Grande muraille verte : la France apporte un important financement face au changement climatique Forum de Paris : le ministre Mahamat Saleh Annadif represente le chef de l'Etat Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
BRICS leaders strongly deplore the latest nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), according to the Xiamen Declaration released at the ninth BRICS summit Monday.



"We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasize that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned," it said.



The BRICS summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen was presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping and attended by leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa.



The DPRK on Sunday successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile, DPRK's Central Television announced. This was the sixth nuclear test the DPRK has undertaken.



(Source: Peoples Daily)










English News Chairs Statement of the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 5 Septembre 2017



Emerging market and developing countries need to expand cooperation including South-South cooperation, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, synergize development strategies, and intensify cooperation in fields such as infrastructure connectivity, industrialization, IT application, urbanization and agricultural modernization, so as to achieve common development and gain strength through solidarity. The Leaders welcomed the efforts by China and other Dialogue participants to provide support for developing countries through the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation.

Source: People's Daily On 5 September 2017, the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries took place on the margins of the BRICS Xiamen Summit. It was chaired by President Xi Jinping of the Peoples Republic of China and attended by President Michel Temer of the Federative Republic of Brazil, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India, President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, President Alpha Conde of the Republic of Guinea, President Enrique Pena Nieto of the United Mexican States, President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Under the theme Strengthening Mutually-Beneficial Cooperation for Common Development, the Leaders had in-depth discussions and reached extensive consensus on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building broad partnerships for development, the major points of which are summarized as follows:

The Leaders pointed out that emerging market and developing countries have actively explored development paths suited to their respective national conditions and made remarkable achievements over the past decades. Particularly in recent years, these countries have maintained sound momentum of steady development, serving as important engines of global economic growth and making important contribution to the common development of all countries and the improvement of global governance.

As the world economy is undergoing profound adjustment and transformation, emerging market and developing countries face both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, peace, development and win-win cooperation remain the trend of the times, and the world economy has shown signs of mild recovery. On the other hand, serious challenges persist, such as weak growth drivers, inadequate global governance and development imbalances, as well as worrying trends of rising protectionism and growing backlash against globalization. It is necessary for emerging market and developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation so as to safeguard their common interests and create a favorable external environment for development.

The Leaders appreciated the efforts made in recent years by BRICS countries in pursuing dialogue and cooperation with other emerging market and developing countries in a spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. They welcomed and expressed support for the BRICS Plus cooperation proposed by China, which provides important opportunities for cooperation among emerging market and developing countries, and helps strengthen South-South cooperation and international development cooperation and build broader partnerships for fair, open, all-round and innovative development.

Stressing that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers a new blueprint for international development cooperation, the Leaders believed that its full implementation will be of important immediate and long-term significance to peace and development around the world and to the pursuit of a community of shared future for mankind. The international community needs to translate political commitments into concrete actions in real earnest, and jointly embark on a path toward innovative, coordinated, green, open, shared and sustainable development.

It is important for all countries to shoulder their primary responsibility for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and integrate it into their national development strategies, so as to boost endogenous drivers for development and promote coordinated development in all three dimensions -- economic, social and environmental, and to create an enabling policy environment for national development and international development cooperation. Priorities should be given to poverty eradication, growth promotion and job creation to ensure that everyone share in the benefits of development. Developed countries should fully honor their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments and increase support for developing countries.

Emerging market and developing countries need to expand cooperation including South-South cooperation, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, synergize development strategies, and intensify cooperation in fields such as infrastructure connectivity, industrialization, IT application, urbanization and agricultural modernization, so as to achieve common development and gain strength through solidarity. The Leaders welcomed the efforts by China and other Dialogue participants to provide support for developing countries through the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation.

Climate change is a common challenge confronting the international community. It is important to uphold the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change including the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances, and to fully implement the Paris Agreement. Developed countries should provide more financial, technical and capacity building support to developing countries.

Global economic governance should keep abreast with the times and the representation and voices of emerging market and developing countries should be enhanced under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. All countries need to be committed to foster an open economy, uphold the multilateral trading regime and its fundamental principles, oppose protectionism, and jointly work for a successful 11th WTO ministerial conference to make economic globalization more open, inclusive and beneficial to all.

It is important for all countries to support the United Nations in playing a central role in international development cooperation and in conducting necessary reform to its development system. This reform should center on promoting development, prioritize poverty eradication, remain membership-driven, extensively seek views of developing countries and respond to their concerns. Meanwhile, the reform should help enhance UNs efficiency and capabilities in coordinating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen coordination and complementarity among all bodies within the UN system and mobilize more resources for development.

The Leaders expressed appreciation to China for hosting the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries as the BRICS Chair and agreed to maintain communication and coordination in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and promoting international development cooperation.







(Source: Peoples Daily)





Dans la meme rubrique : < > China accelerates green, low-carbon development World-class astronomical obervation base takes shape in Qinghai province China, Germany should keep to overall direction of bilateral ties from strategic height: Xi Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News Connectivity brings more benefit to BRICS people

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 5 Septembre 2017



Africa is working to build a free trade zone covering the whole continent and the biggest bottleneck for the endeavor is the lack of infrastructure interconnectivity, Conde pointed out. It is crucial for Africa to enhance cooperation with the BRICS countries so that it could join the fourth industrial revolution.

By Pei Guangjiang, Xie Yahong and Yang Xun from Peoples Daily An improved connectivity is significant to promote BRICS cooperation and has brought benefit to the people in the five countries, business representatives from BRICS members agreed at a panel discussion on connectivity during the BRICS Business Forum in Xiamen on September 4.



Nine guests from the business circle of the five BRICS countries- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa-exchanged views on BRICS cooperation during the discussion.



When we were exploring new energy resources in South Africa, we found that some rural areas in the country had not found access to electricity, then we started to build distributed power generation, micro-grids and solar power stations so that kids in those places could read and study under electric light, Shu Yinbiao, chairman of State Grid Corp of China, shared a vivid story to show what benefits connectivity can generate.



Infrastructure connectivity, with huge development potentials, has been given priority by BRICS members in their pragmatic collaboration.



Over the years, the State Grid has invested more than $20.9 billion in Brazil, a figure which is expected to double in the next three years, Shu said. Now the State Grid has become the largest power distribution and transmission company in Brazil.



Currently, Chinese companies are working with their Russian counterparts to design Russias first high-speed rail line linking Moscow and Kazan. The construction is scheduled to start in 2018.



In the next 20 years, the explosive growth in the number of global passenger planes and airlines will open up more opportunities for China, India, Brazil and other countries.



Thanks to an increased connectivity, the Atlantic, the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean are no longer insurmountable barriers for BRICS countries.



Waves of innovation-driven development brought by Internet Plus strategy, digital economy and sharing economy caught wide attention at the discussion.



Sun Pishu, chairman of Inspur Group Co Ltd., said interconnectivity driven by big data and cloud computing has facilitated economy of the BRICS countries and the world at large.



To pursue common prosperity, we must achieve interconnectivity of infrastructure and all kinds of factors of production, extend and break physical boundaries so that all countries can share information and resources to achieve win-win cooperation, Sun said to Peoples Daily.



Guinean President Alpha Conde, who was invited to attend the Dialogue Between Emerging Market Economies and Developing Countries, said he was pretty impressed by the digital economy of the BRICS nations.



Africa hopes to catch up with the tide of the fourth industrial revolution since it has missed the previous three, Conde said.



Africa is working to build a free trade zone covering the whole continent and the biggest bottleneck for the endeavor is the lack of infrastructure interconnectivity, Conde pointed out. It is crucial for Africa to enhance cooperation with the BRICS countries so that it could join the fourth industrial revolution.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges are key to bolster the interconnectivity of BRICS cooperation. In recent years, especially this year since China took over the BRICS presidency, a slew of events to boost cultural exchanges have drawn the BRICS peoples hearts closer.



It surprised me when I saw the Chinese people talking about Dangal, an Indian movie which Im not familiar with but a lot of the Chinese people know about, said Onkar Singh Kanwar, chairman and CEO of Apollo Tyres of India.







Dans la meme rubrique : < > China accelerates green, low-carbon development World-class astronomical obervation base takes shape in Qinghai province China, Germany should keep to overall direction of bilateral ties from strategic height: Xi Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)










English News Expanding horizons key to BRICS' 2nd golden decade

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 5 Septembre 2017



BRICS nations aim to set down new measures to boost trade in services, investment and e-commerce. In 2015, export of BRICS members' trade in services reached about $540 billion, a mere 11.3 percent of the world's total. With the middle classes expanding in BRICS countries, there is plenty of opportunity for cooperation in healthcare, tourism, education and other sectors.

By Zhao Minghao Source: Peoples Daily and Global Times The months-long Doklam border standoff between China and India has been peacefully resolved. The two sides are both founding members of BRICS and both hope to maintain unity among emerging economies. As Chinese President Xi Jinpingonce said, "The BRICS cooperation is an innovation, which transcends the old pattern of political and military alliance and pursues partnerships rather than alliances." Furthermore, BRICS countries are expected to reach beyond differences in political systems and ideologies and seek win-win development instead of playing a zero-sum game.



The first BRICS foreign ministers' meeting was convened in September 2006, which marked the foundation of the BRICS mechanism. In the 10 years since then, BRICS has become an important international economic bloc representing some of the world's key emerging economies and developing countries.



In that time, BRICS member states have increased their share in the global economy from 12 percent to 23 percent, their trade has grown from 11 percent to 16 percent, and investment has increased from 7 percent to 12 percent. Most importantly, the contribution made by BRICS economies to global economic growth now stands at more than 50 percent.



With the Trump administration's "America First" policy in play, the global economy now faces the major risk of declining multilateralism. If both developed and emerging economies continue to turn more inward-looking and back away from coordinating their macro-economic policies, the flickering flame of global economic recovery could be snuffed out.



In recent months, many economists including Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde have stated that the global economy is finally showing positive momentum 10 years after the financial crisis. The US, Europe and Japan have witnessed steady growth and Russia, Brazil and South Africa have reportedly improved economic figures as well. China and India, meanwhile, have maintained medium to high economic growth rates.



The ongoing BRICS Xiamen Summit aims to usher in the second golden decade of the mechanism.



First, BRICS nations aim to set down new measures to boost trade in services, investment and e-commerce. In 2015, export of BRICS members' trade in services reached about $540 billion, a mere 11.3 percent of the world's total. With the middle classes expanding in BRICS countries, there is plenty of opportunity for cooperation in healthcare, tourism, education and other sectors.



In addition to this, BRICS countries have been committed to implementing schemes to facilitate investment, including measures to improve efficiency in the administrative approval process and the openness of industries. The BRICS E-commerce Working Group was established in August to help develop small- and medium-sized e-commerce enterprises into the new driving force behind the bloc's future economic and trade cooperation.



Second, BRICS nations are looking to proactively promote the improvement of global governance. Apart from reform of existing international mechanisms such as the UN Security Council and the IMF, BRICS countries have already established cooperation mechanisms in anti-terrorism, space, cyber security, and energy security. As major energy exporters and consumers, BRICS countries will also deepen cooperation in increasing strategic energy reserves, developing renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency.



Third, BRICS member nations are looking to enhance cooperation on national and regional security hotspots. During the seventh Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues in July, it was agreed that deeper political and security cooperation would be the key to strengthening the BRICS mechanism. The political situation in the Middle East and North Africa was the main focus of attention, while issues relating to Afghanistan were made on several occasions in the joint declaration.



Most importantly, the Xiamen Summit will put forward the concept of "BRICS Plus." This places the focus on BRICS member countries to deepen relations with other developing countries to support and safeguard their interests, with the ultimate goal of expanding its international influence. Talks between BRICS and African state leaders were arranged during the 2013BRICS Summit in Durban, South Africa, while India invited leaders of countries that border the Bay of Bengal to the Goa Summit last year. This year, leaders of countries such as Mexico, Egypt and Tajikistan are attending the Xiamen Summit as part of the BRICS Plus initiative.



There is no doubt that BRICS cooperation is not without its challenges. China, Russia and India need to better manage the negative impact of geopolitical factors between their countries, and help build a stronger collective identity for the economic bloc. BRICS also needs to focus on turning cooperation documents into real actions instead of dwelling on empty talk.



It is estimated that by 2021, the BRICS New Development Bank will have made $32 billion in loans. The bank's African office also started operations in South Africa in August.



It is clear that such international mechanisms under the BRICS framework need to play a more complimentary role in global governance to a much greater extent in the future than they do now.



The author is a research fellow with The Charhar Institute and an adjunct fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China.



Illustration: Peter C.Espina/GT





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The merged entity, to be called Columbia Marlow, has said that it plans to focus on its core services  technical and crew management  along with support services.



Cyprus-based vessel management companies Columbia Shipmanagement and Marlow Navigation have received the regulatory approval needed from anti-competition authorities to allow their previously reported intended merger to proceed, the companies said in a joint statement Sept. 1.

The approval came from the countries where the two firms have the largest presences, including Germany, where both companies originated before becoming headquartered in Cyprus. Both have a significant presence in Europe in Asia, but none in North America.

The merged entity, to be called Columbia Marlow, has said that it plans to focus on its core services  technical and crew management  along with whatever support services are required by its clients.

Columbia Marlow will continue to deliver the high-level quality services that are, and will continue to be, in demand by todays fast-changing shipping industry, the company said in a statement. The merger is seen as a perfect fit.

Columbia Shipmanagement President Mark ONeil will fill the same role with the combined Columbia Marlow.

The two companies first announced in March that they were engaged in exploratory talks for a merger, with the aim of creating one of the largest ship management companies in the world. The merged entity will be involved in the technical management of around 500 ships and the crew management of over 1,300 vessels.

The merger is the fourth major merger & acquisition in global ship management in just over three years, following the takeover of Bibby Shipmanagement by market leader V Group in March 2016; the merger of Anglo-Eastern and Univan in late 2015; and April 2014s merger of the Christian F. Ahrenkiel Group with the MPC Group.
The DACA program being terminated by AG Sessions was a Federal program started by President Obama. The program was promoted as an administrative strategy to provide eligible youth relief from deportation. Since the entire issue has been clouded with political rhetoric its important to look at its legal and constitutional status.

The DACA program was started when on November 20, 2014 President Obama issued an Executive Order. Its important to note that the US Constitution does not allow any president to set immigration policy. Since the DACA EO was directed to delay deportation of illegal immigrants it clearly falls under the authority of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and those Federal rules can only be passed by Congress. The Constitution clearly states in Article I Section 8 clause 3 that only the Congress shall have power To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization. It further states that all legislative powers shall reside in Congress, which shall be composed of a House of Representatives and a Senate.

The power to establish any rules regarding immigration do not reside in the office of President and never have. So, at this point the question is moot: President Obama did not have any authority to issue a DACA order through any executive action.

President Obama himself stated twenty-two times that he has no authority over issues of immigration. This then means he cant unilaterally change any immigration laws. But President Obamas entire presidency was an exercise in executive overreach, and several of the changes he made to immigration law were overturned by the Supreme Court.

Its important to understand that whether or not one agrees with what President Obama does about immigration is irrelevant: he has no authority under the Constitution to write or rewrite, or amend, the rules of immigration passed by Congress such as the 1996 Illegal Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act. What President Obama frequently did during his presidency was go around Congress and write his own laws by changing the application of existing law through new regulations and rules. He has no more authority to change laws through bureaucratic rule changes than he does to pass a law.

But this was something he established immediately in his first term. The $800 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), designed to work around existing Federal laws, was clearly established to enable President Obama and his private army of appointed bureaucrats to rewrite existing laws. The Act states, on page two, The Presidents and the heads of Federal departments and agencies shall manage and expend the funds made available in this Act so as to achieve the purposes specified in subsection (a)

While this one sentence seems innocent enough, consider that the department heads were then appointed by President Obama as czars. These czars were discussed by Judicial Watch in a special report published September 15, 2011. The report states the number of czars that have been appointed by the President, or by others in his Administration, appears to total 45there are as many as 18 other unfilled or planned czar positions.

These czars were clearly appointed by Obama to spend money on policies chosen by President Obama. In addition, in 2011, 56% of the Federal budget was dedicated -- pre-spent -- on mandatory programs. This includes the entitlement programs that earn the Democratic Party the votes of program-dependent voters throughout the US. So, between the czars, ARRA act money and mandatory spending, President Obamas party had seized the will and consent of the voters and used the czars to both choose public policies and pay for them. At the same time, he refused to negotiate with Republicans on a budget. The Republican House after 2010 was forced to just go along with existing mandatory spending programs and through this strategy, President Obama seized control of the Congress as well, even though his party didnt have majority control. This is perhaps unprecedented in US history -- just as the illegal immigration strategy is unprecedented.

The DACA act is just one of many hundreds of major programs. The strategy President Obama used to create DACA, while unconstitutional, is minor compared to the trillions of dollars spent on the mandatory programs already established to keep his party in control of policy and the national budget.

Its no coincidence that the nations credit rating was downgraded after Congress passed the Budget Control Act of 2011, which didnt control the budget in 2012 or in the future. In fact, the budget of the US continues to spiral out of control. Its major component now is mandatory spending, spending that goes on automatically, without the voters having any influence as to how their will and consent, as expressed in national elections, is realized through appropriations.

The Democratic Partys control of the US Government in Washington is now effectively a fact. Since no one, under existing practices, will bring mandatory spending under control, the DACA policy can be seen as just one more usurpation of the power of Congress to control the rules of naturalization. The far bigger issue is the impact the growing debt, interest payments taxpayers are forced to pay, and loss of control they have over Congress has in dismantling the role voters have in the functions of the Federal government.

Theres no doubt that Barack Obama, the unknown candidate from Chicago, was put into office to promote the Democratic Partys control of US government at all levels, since all units of government, from the smallest town to the largest state, now heavily depend upon mandatory spending. This does not bode well for the ability of voters to control the direction of government or for the US to remain a government that is, in Lincolns words, of the people, by the people and for the people.
During the Cold War, the Warsaw Pact nations were Soviet protectorates. What that means is that nations like East Germany have a degree of nominal independence, but their foreign policy and national security positions had to strictly conform to the interests of the Soviet Union. Rather than annex the nations of Eastern Europe after the Second World War, the Soviets made these nations protectorates.

The Soviet Union took responsibility for the actions of these nations. So despite the fact that there were many theater nuclear weapons with effective delivery systems in these nations, these could never be used without the consent of the Politburo. NATO never had to worry that a rogue leader of one of these nations would threaten Western Europe because every leader of a Warsaw Pact nation was ultimately under the control of Moscow.

America ought to take the position that North Korea is a protectorate of China, recognizing China's right to represent North Korea's interests in global affairs and also to recognize that China can take whatever action it deems necessary to restrain North Korea. That places both responsibility and authority to Beijing.

What that would mean is that if China occupies all or part of North Korea, or, indeed, if China annexes North Korea, we would accept that decision without negative comment or action. It would also mean that if North Korea launched any nuclear attack against Seoul or Tokyo, then we would consider that an act by China against South Korea or Japan.

America, under this arrangement, could give food and other aid to North Korea, but only through China. That would give China extra leverage in dealing with its new protectorate. The affluent democracies threatened today by the madman in North Korea could give every deference and support to China in controlling North Korea.

Why might China want the privilege and the burden of accepting North Korea as a protectorate? China's authority would be formally expanded, something Chinese expansion into the South China Sea suggests that Beijing would like. China also could act to prevent a nuclear attack, which would throw global markets, Pacific trade, and financial markets into a calamitous death spiral  a disaster that would hurt China as much as any nation.

North Korea might also view this favorably if China then ensured the rule of Kim Jong-un, the dominance of the Communist Party in North Korea, and the safety of that nation from any foreign attack. The dubious capacity of North Korea to attack America if America threatened that regime would be replaced by the very real power of China to hit American cities.

The system of protectorates seems archaic and a throwback to 19th-century imperialism, but in fact, protectorates work. The client state (the state over which a protectorate is made) gets the protection of a great power, the great power gains influence and control, and the rest of the world has a more responsible nation superintend the actions of a smaller, potentially rogue nation.

How might this protectorate status be created in a way in which the international community would be compelled to take notice? Here, for once, that most useless creature of modern international politics might be actually helpful: the United Nations, and particularly the Security Council. A vote of that body placing North Korea under the protection (as a protectorate) of China would reflect a global concern about the threat North Korea poses today, and it would make it almost impossible for North Korea to do anything but accept this status.

This protectorate would also allow a gradual evolution of North Korea from the sort of malignant insane asylum it is today into the sort of regime that exists in China today, a hardly ideal but vastly less malign and much more rational nation. This would allow South Koreans to re-establish contact with North Korea, without reunification, and it would evolve North Korea into a nation with a stake in peace as the economy of North Korea grew slowly into the sort of quasi-market economy of China.

There are few, if any, truly "good" solutions to the nightmare of North Korea. Creating a Chinese protectorate is the best solution to a horrible problem.
As expected by the bien-pensants of the mainstream media, a New York federal district judge dismissed Sarah Palin's libel suit against the New York Times.

The decision reached what is, for the Progressive media, a politically correct result, which is that a scruffy conservative like Palin cannot be allowed to sue the New York Times.

But to get there the judge played some good old New York street hustler shell game, palming the pea so it was under none of the walnut shells and upholding the right of the paper to publish made up facts without consequence.

The factual background is straightforward. After the June 2017 shooting of Representative Steve Scalise, the NYT ran an unsigned editorial referring to the 2011 shooting of Representative Gabby Giffords. In the 2017 piece, the paper repeated a canard made in 2011 that the Giffords shooting was triggered by a SarahPac ad showing various Democratic congressional districts with crosshairs superimposed on them.

In fact, and as had been recognized in 2011 and after by several media outlets including the NYT, this meme was false. No connection existed between the SarahPac ad and the Giffords shooting. Indeed, the online version of the 2017 editorial linked to a 2011 AP story debunking any connection between the SarahPac ad and the Giffords shooting. Anyone who followed the link would learn that the editorial's assertion was untrue.

The NYT was informed of its error and issued various partial and grudging corrections. Nonetheless, Palin filed suit.

Under New York Times v. Sullivan and its successors, a plaintiff who is publicly prominent must show not only that a statement was false, but also that the media outlet had "actual malice." This term does not carry the commonsense meaning of ill will. It means that the outlet knew that the statement was false and, further, that the specific employee who drafted the article had this knowledge.

The exact bounds of this knowledge requirement are murky. Pushed to its logical end, the requirement would mean that a paper could publish anything, even if it had no basis for the claim. For example, it could say: "Senator X is a necrophiliac" and, if sued, say the author did not know the accusation to be false, even if he had no reason to think it true.

Judges shrink from pushing this logic to its limits and qualify the "knowingly false" standard, adding that of course the media cannot deliberately avoid the truth or be guilty of reckless indifference.

On the other hand, they also say violation of good journalistic practice is not actual malice, and the extent of any duty to investigate is minimal. This in turn raises something akin to the made-it-up issue. Suppose a reporter gets an email saying, "Senator X is a necrophiliac." Can the reporter assume it true and publish, or does some degree of duty to check exist?

Palin v. NYT is essentially a "we made it up" and "no duty to check" case.

In 2011, the supposed connection between the SarahPac ad and the Giffords shooting was moonshine. The shooter was not politically interested, and no evidence existed that he ever saw the ad.

In 2017, NYT editorial page editor James Bennet assigned a staffer to do a first draft of a piece on the Scalise shooting. He told her to look at the earlier reporting on the Giffords affair  reporting that included references to the SarahPac ad and that debunked the idea of a connection.

The staff draft was carefully written. It said the shooter's "rage was nurtured in a vile political climate," "just as in 2011," when "in the weeks before the shooting Sarah Palin's political action committee circulated a map of targeted electoral districts that put Ms Giffords and 19 other Democrats under stylized crosshairs." In short, it accused the ad of creating a "vile" climate but did not say it directly triggered the Giffords shooting. (I dispute that the ad contributed to a "vile political climate"; crosshairs are a cliche image for any kind of targeting, used often by media, including the NYT. Note also that this draft erred in that the ad showed the districts in crosshairs, not the representatives.)

In this draft, "circulated" was a hyperlink to an ABC News story published the day after the Giffords shooting that said "no connection has been made" between the shooting and the SarahPac ad.

Bennet rewrote the draft to say that in the Giffords shooting, "the link to political incitement was clear. Before the shooting Sarah Palin's political action committee circulated a map[.]" The link to the ABC News story that debunked the connection remained. In the next paragraph, he referred to "incitement as direct as in the Giffords attack."

In short, Bennet made the story wrong. In doing so, he testified, he had no recollection of ever seeing articles debunking the connection, he did no additional research, and he did not look at the link in the draft.

If editing, without checking, something so as to make it wrong on the basis of some vague impression of five years ago does not qualify as actual malice under Sullivan, then we are indeed in strange territory.

To find for the NYT, the judge used a shifting definition of "malice."

As noted, in Sullivan and its successor cases, the phrase "actual malice" means "knowledge." It does not carry the conventional meaning of ill will. It matters not whether the media outlet loves or loathes the plaintiff; the crucial question is knowledge of falsity.

However, malice in the conventional sense of ill will remains relevant to libel in two ways. First, it can establish a motive for disregard of facts. Second, it can provide a basis for punitive damages. In her complaint, Palin alleged ill will toward her on the part of the NYT, but the issue should be relevant only later in the case, when a jury is assessing the credibility of witnesses and deciding on damages. At this early stage, ill will should not be significant.

Analytically, the judge faced two related questions.

First: What is required for the Sullivan defense? Assuming the accuracy of Bennet's testimony, did his rewrite of something to make it wrong, with no investigation, constitute "actual malice"?

Second: Was it correct to put on Palin the burden of showing actual malice, before discovery, when knowledge of the relevant facts is uniquely within the possession of the NYT and Bennet?

In deciding the first issue in favor of the NYT, the judge put on Palin a new requirement  that she show that the NYT acted not just with Sullivan malice (knowledge of falsity), but with malice in the sense of ill will. He then took the facts tending to show that NYT did act with reckless disregard of truth or falsity, such as the link to the accurate 2011 ABC article, and used them as evidence that the NYT acted without ill will. This is not the standard created by Sullivan.

On the second issue, the judge said he could have dismissed the complaint because Palin has the burden of showing actual malice by the specific employee(s) who wrote the article, and her complaint alleged only knowledge of falsity by the NYT as a corporate entity. Furthermore, the complaint failed to allege specific facts demonstrating Sullivan malice, so it could be dismissed even if it were amended to focus on the employee.

The statement that the relevant state of mind is that of the employee is true under Sullivan. Actual malice cannot be established by generalized institutional knowledge.

But putting the burden of demonstrating malice on the plaintiff at the stage of filing a complaint is absurd. At this point, a plaintiff knows only that a false statement has been made; she does not know who made it or that person's state of mind.

The judge relied on two major Supreme Court cases (Twombly and Iqbal) for the proposition that the complaint must contain specific facts establishing malice. But these concerned specialized contexts of antitrust and governmental immunity and cannot easily be extended to a libel action in which the plaintiff has already shown falsity. These precedents have been applied to libel cases, but cautiously, and only when uncontested facts pretty much established the lack of Sullivan malice because the defendant relied upon reasonable sources for statements.

For a court to say that facts sufficient to prove actual malice must be contained in the initial complaint produces another absurdity. The libelous editorial was by the NYT editorial board, not an individual. So if the NYT had said, "We won't tell you who wrote it, n'yah, n'yah!," then the judge would dismiss the complaint because it did not assert specific facts about the actual author. If the editorial had been signed, then the judge would dismiss it because it did not allege sufficient facts about the actual author's knowledge and state of mind, even though the plaintiff has no way of knowing this. She knows, and can know, only the falsity.

Note also that the judge accepted Bennet's explanations at face value. A jury might well regard as improbable his explanation that he looked at nothing and decide that he acted deliberately and that the error was corrected, grudgingly, only because of pressure from others in the NYT, who feared a lawsuit and wanted to move quickly to limit the fallout. On this issue of credibility, the NYT's ill will toward Palin would indeed be relevant, and a jury might regard it as more important than did the judge.

Palin's chance of winning an appeal are good, and one would certainly like to see the courts impose some sense of responsibility on the media. In this case, as in other libel cases, the judge delivered a paean to robust political debate, but he ignored the harm to that debate that occurs when "made it up" reporting becomes the norm. Robust debate cannot thrive when the signal is lost in the noise.

The judge made much of the NYT corrections, but these were rather grudging. Absent fear of a lawsuit, would they have been made? Doubtful. The lie would have stood, ready to be quoted again in the future.

Palin herself is unlikely to reap significant money from any victory. She may have been damaged greatly by the allegations made in 2011, but she will have difficulty showing much harm from the repetition in 2017. The corrections will militate against any punitive damages because the NYT can argue that, whatever the state of mind of Bennet, the paper as an institution corrected itself.

But I doubt that she was ever in this for the money, and I hope she appeals. The need for truth in media has never been greater.

James V. DeLong is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
Let us define our terms: What is an Act of War? There are two types of Acts of War: de jure, which means as a matter of law and de facto, which means as a matter of fact. Unless a nation literally announces (de jure) to the world community, as in a declaration of war, that it committed an attack on the personnel and/or territory of another nation it comes down to a matter of fact (de facto) as assumed by the nation being attacked.

These are the established facts: since late 2016 and continuing into 2017 some 19 U.S. embassy personnel while in the U.S. embassy in Havana (the capital of Cuba) have reported serious medical injuries due to (sonic or electromagnetic?) attacks. These injuries range from some permanent loss of hearing to brain trauma rising to the level of concussion. These attacks have also caused similar injuries to Canadian embassy employees (it is unreported as to both when these attacks occurred and whether the Canadians were in the U.S. Embassy when they were subject to these attacks).

These attacks have occurred since President Obamas decision to both lift sanctions against and normalize relations with Communist Cuba. This decision is opening the way for renewed mass tourism and the investment of billions, perhaps tens of billions, of dollars in modern hotels and resorts to service those legions of tourists waiting to come to Communist Cuba (along with a host of pedophiles and other sex tourists). Those readers with a sense of history will find it highly ironic that the end of U.S. sanctions and the return of international tourism to Cuba in the 21st century will likely return Cuba to a similar economic situation that its people found themselves in prior to the Communist Revolution that brought Castro to power in the mid-1950s -- that of a nation engaged primarily in sugar production and tourism.

The Cuban government has repeatedly denied any responsibility for any such attacks (so, no de jure Act of War). The host nation (Cuba, in this case) does have a responsibility to provide both outer security for all foreign embassies and to make a thorough investigation of any attacks, which will hopefully result in the prosecution and imprisonment of those responsible for attacks launched from its territory into any foreign embassy, which is considered to be sovereign territory of that other nation.

Given that the attacks have been occurring for nearly a years time, it seems very suspect (something does not ring true) that the Cuban authorities, which are not hindered by both the rule of law and civic rights for its subjects (not citizens) have neither been able to stop them, nor make any arrests. Are Cuban authorities either that incompetent (in which case, the FBI can be consulted by the Cuban authorities) that they cannot provide basic security functions in Cuba (a Communist government that cannot maintain internal security in its own capital, seriously?) or is it a cover-up of complicity of Cuban officials or third party in these attacks? I further ask my honest liberal compatriots, what would they have demanded if such attacks occurred in Johannesburg, South Africa in the 1980s during the Apartheid era?

The U.S. government under President Obama never formally accused Cuba of conducting the attacks, nor did it issue any statements about both Cuban protection of the U.S. embassy and Cuban investigations into the attacks. Had the U.S. government reacted it would have publicly undermined the outgoing Presidents legacy (a nonstarter politically) and led to U.S. to at least a reassessment or perhaps even reverse those policies (again a nonstarter politically).

The International Left and its U.S. fellow travelers have for decades sought an end to U.S. sanctions on Cuba and thus vindication for their opposition to those policies, which are viewed by them as at least wrongheaded if not evil. I will note that there is no large domestic constituency for President Obamas policy changes (unless you count the international tourism lobby), so I leave it to the readers to figure out why these policies of many decades long duration (under both Democratic as well as Republican administrations) were so abruptly changed.

As of this writing the U.S. government under President Trump has not formally accused the Communist government of Cuba of these attacks, or issued statements regarding either the Cuban security afforded to the U.S. embassy in Havana and the unproductive nature of Cuban investigations. Congress should use its oversight function to question both previous and current administration officials regarding these matters to illuminate the role of Cuban authorities as well as the number and extent of the injuries and circumstances of those attacks.

Who could have committed these de facto acts of war against the U.S.? Sadly, the list of nations/groups wanting to attack U.S. interests is a long one: Cuban hardline Communists out to strike blows against the Yankee devil, Russian factions wanting to punish the U.S. for sanctions against Mother/Neo Czar Putins Russia, Iranian factions wanting to strike a blow against the Great Satan, Venezuelan factions wanting to strike the Northamericanos for the self-inflicted collapse of their nation, an Islamo-Fascist group wanting to strike another blow against the Great enemy abroad, or yet another international actor.

Basic questions remain: who and why would the Cuban government shield the attackers? The U.S. public deserves a full accounting of the attacks and the extent of the injuries inflicted. The government should demand the Cubans provide a detailed accounting and undertake reparations for those injured. The price tag of noncompliance is a reinstatement and tightening of the U.S. trade sanctions. Perhaps those prospects could motivate Cuban authorities to provide a through accounting of their investigations, to produce their findings and even to turn over the culprits responsible for these attacks.
Electoral prognosticators failed miserably last November. The smart set in the media establishment predicted a landslide win for Hillary Clinton. For an amusing review, here is a video montage of their smug certainty. On what did they base their certainty? Bogus polls oversampling Democrat voters? Or projection of their wishes and fantasies that Donald Trump would be smacked down in big league fashion? We all know how that turned out.

Just as the old quote predicted, Wish in one hand, crap in the other, and see which fills up first. Obviously political pundits needed more than their wishes to avoid looking like fools holding a handful of electoral poop after their predictions were turned upside down on November 8.

Heres an idea that might help future electoral soothsaying. A recent USA Today article discussed the most popular cars and trucks in each of the 50 states. The map looked surprisingly like the 2016 electoral map. The top vehicles sold in each state in 2016, based on new car registrations, was compiled.

There was a mix of sedans, small SUVs and pickup trucks. The trucks included the Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Looking at the electoral map and vehicle map its clear that red states, won by Donald Trump, were predominantly pickup truck states whereas the blue states, won by Hillary Clinton, were mostly sedans or small SUVs.

The four western blue states of Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada were not truck states, instead favoring Honda Civic, Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4. Most of New England, also electorally blue, has drivers choosing the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

Colorado, despite its rugged mountains and frontier chic is a blue state and its drivers chose the Subaru Outback, while surrounded by red-voting, Ford F-150 driving states, like on the electoral map. Illinois, electorally deep blue, chose the Honda CR-V.

Of course, there are a few exceptions. Minnesota, a blue state, likes pickup trucks. Michigan and Florida, both barely red electorally went with cars or small SUVs.

The correlation, however, is clearly there. At least by the electoral map. Heres how the truck versus non-truck electoral map would look, red being pickup trucks, blue being non-trucks, meaning sedans and small SUVs. It looks remarkably like the actual electoral map above.

This is just observational, not scientific. The statisticians want p-values and statistical significance. Im simply comparing the red and blue maps.

What are the politics of vehicles? The Washington Examiner describes the conventional view, The Volvo-driving liberal and the redneck in a Chevy pickup are long-held stereotypes. They go further, noting a correlation with blue-staters driving foreign cars and red-staters driving domestic brands. The USA Today article confirms this since all the pickup truck preferring states chose American brands, the only exception being blue state Hawaii and the Toyota Tacoma, perhaps reflecting Japanese influence on Hawaiian culture, or else comparative distance from Japan versus Detroit.

The Economist observed differences in how pickup drivers view government. Pickup buyers dislike overt government nagging. They do not feel guilty about driving exceptionally large vehicles. They revere hard work, starting with their own. The Root, an online magazine aimed at Blacks, brings obligatory race into the mix, It feels as if racists love big trucks. Not just pickup trucks, but all trucks!

Dont forget the Confederate flag! USA Today didnt when it tried to stereotype a Pennsylvania Trump voter, noting with shock, He's young and he's educated. He doesn't own a pickup truck or a confederate flag. Confirming the impression that Trump voters prefer pickups. With plenty of exceptions of course.

Look at the website for the Ford F-150, Americas top selling vehicle. A truck described with words such as durability, high-strength, capability, smart and power. Much the same as Trump voters feel about their President.

Its no wonder the US truck map closely mirrors the red-blue electoral map. Its one of many ways of stratifying voters. The fancy pants set at CNN or the Washington Post wouldnt be caught dead in a pickup truck. Instead opting for their hybrid or electric cars, or something similar from Uber. Illustrating once again how out of touch the coastal elites are with the rest of the country, and the millions of Trump voters.

Its funny that something as simple as vehicle choice is a better predictor of an election than expensive polls, focus groups and cable news show pontificating.

Brian C Joondeph, MD, MPS, a Denver based physician and writer. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
The American college campus was once a place where students listened to the views of their peers, debated ideas, and derived knowledge through the examination of multiple viewpoints. Schools like UC Berkeley proudly advertised themselves as leaders of a free-speech movement, and discourse was not only allowed, but encouraged.

Fast forward to 2017. Students demand safe spaces. Classes are cancelled for emotional mourning over election losses. School-sponsored counselors are coddling grieving students, triggered by their offensive surroundings. Speakers are shouted down by angry mobs. Speakers are banned from campuses. Schools unapologetically cave to the demands of gangs of 18-22 years old activists. There are violent riots, fires in the streets, and university administrations literally taken hostage by their students.

The problem is that on many American campuses, a single set of views is all that students, faculty and administrations deem safe, and any dissent or opposition from the platform is viewed as hate speech and a threat to public safety. So, those who deviate from that singular worldview not only become pariahs among their academic peers, but they may also see their classroom grades suffer.

This has affected the Jewish and pro-Zionist college experience on many campuses throughout the United States. The once apolitical decision to support the existence, growth and successes of the State of Israel -- the only free democracy in the Middle East and, arguably, Americas closest, most trusted ally -- has become politicized, and opposed, by mainstream campus culture.

Today, the social aspect of campus academics have increasingly been hijacked by continuing campaigns of disinformation, propaganda, and polarization about Israel. According to data from the AMCHA Initiative, 53 Boycott, Divestment, & Sanctions (BDS) Resolutions have been passed to isolate or entirely eliminate association with Israel in all facets of campus life. Examples include opposition to collaboration with Israeli academics and universities, and the heated and bizarre debate on the morality of carrying Sabra hummus in campus mini-marts. On another 59 major American campuses, these types of BDS resolutions have been raised, but defeated. Currently, the AMCHA Initiative is tracking 56 new campuses and three new State University Systems, which are facing upcoming BDS votes in the 2017-18 school year.

Directly spearheading much of this anti-Israel sentiment on many campuses is the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist (i.e. radical Islamic) organization (that should be designated as a terror organization). The Muslim Brotherhood founded two popular American student groups: Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and the Muslim Students Association (MSA) . These groups have made their names on many campuses by engaging in ridiculous PR stunts such as die-ins, apartheid walls, the aforementioned BDS campus resolutions, and public protests with the intent to shut down events and speakers of opposing viewpoints.

As Muslim Zionist activist Nadiyah Al Noor explained at the Endowment for Middle East Truth Rays of Light in the Darkness Dinner, the fighting and propagandizing rhetoric of these organizations create a narrative of anti-Semitism under the guise of anti-Zionism. I believed their hateful lies: Israel was an apartheid state, Israel was Nazi Germany 2.0, Zionism is racism and Israel has no right to exist. But then I met Zionist Jews, I met Israelis, I started to learn about Israel and once I learned the truth I became a vocal Zionist. I wasnt going to sit back and watch my Jewish friends suffer at the hands of their anti-Israel peers.

Anyone who has ever been to Israel knows that what Al Noor said is the truth. Israel is truly a ray of light in the darkness that is the Middle East. In Israel, Jews, Christians, Muslims, Bahai, Druze, Bedouin, the members of the LGBTQ and the straight communities, the religious and the secular groups of all religions, all live together in a free, peaceful, and thriving land that the Jews have continuously inhabited for the past 4,000 years. On a Mediterranean coastline, surrounded by the atrocities of Islamist terrorists and dictatorial regimes, Tel Aviv and Haifa sit as diamonds In the rough.

Israel is a country with a thriving economy, a tech scene rivaled only by the Silicon Valley, valleys that allow it to produce 95% of its own food, and responsible for unprecedented desalinization techniques that allow it to provide its own water in a desert region. The contrast between Israel and its neighbors towards gays is particularly telling. The Tel Aviv Pride parade is one of the largest of its kind, while in the rest of the Middle East, on regimes controlled by ISIS, Hizballah, Hamas, the Saudis, the Iranians, etc., LGBTQ people are imprisoned, hanged on cranes or pushed off buildings.

Unfortunately, the anti-Zionists are winning in the battle for the hearts and minds of American college Jews right now. In a recent study released by Brand Israel Group, in 2010, 84% of U.S. Jewish college students supported Israel, but by 2016 only 57% did. At this rate, by 2018, support from Jewish American college students is projected to dip below 50%. Relentless propagandizing and an anti-free-speech campus culture, complicit in spreading such slanderous lies about Israel, have lead us to a point of reckoning.

It is now the start of a new school year, a new beginning with countless memories to be made. There is no doubt we live in a polarized society, but this year, put your partisan views aside at least on this issue. Jewish college students as well as college students from all backgrounds are going to have to stand up for what is right, by supporting the State of Israel and denouncing those who spew anti-Semitic rhetoric and hatred. I know I will, but will you?
American Thinker has published two articles in the past week on having a flat income tax, and a similar proposal to use FICA, which is a flat rate, to replace the current rates. The articles generated interesting debates. I believe that a better reform is to abolish the income tax and replace it with a national sales tax.

In designing a tax system, the goal of conservatives and libertarians should be to reduce the power of the federal government, which means reducing (even to zero) the power of the IRS, the most powerful and intrusive federal agency. The goal should also be to raise taxes by the fairest and least intrusive manner. The only method that accomplishes this is a national sales tax at the point of final purchase by the consumer.

First, in any system based on taxing income, regardless of the rate, businesses and the self-employed will have to deduct business-related expenses to arrive at taxable income from gross income. Thus, the IRS is still in place to audit expenses. You cannot have a flat rate on businesses and the self-employed because you would be taxing gross receipts. This will drive up the taxes on business and the self-employed dramatically. The IRS will love this. This is obvious to anyone who examines the problem, or who owns or runs a business.

Second, a flat rate on W-2 employees may work, but most will object because they lose the deductions for children, home mortgage and real estate taxes, charitable contributions, college education, and so on. Taxpayers will lose all their deductions in return for the promise of a simpler tax return. But now that you have lost your deductions, the government will surely raise the rate when needed.

Most W-2 employees file the simple form with no deductions. For $50, you can buy Turbotax to do your taxes. The argument that it simplifies your tax return is weak.

The best solution is replace the income tax with a national sales tax. Most states already have a sales tax and experience in collecting and enforcing it. It is collected by the merchant at the point of sale to the consumer. The merchant usually remits to the state on a monthly or quarterly basis. If it does not, the state will suspend the sales tax license of the merchant and shut down the store. With a national sales tax, the states would collect the tax, then remit to the federal treasury. Collection and enforcement are at the state level. There is no need for the large, intrusive IRS. This would return some power to the states.

The tax should exclude food, clothing, medical services, and legal services, as many states now do. Food at restaurants would be taxed. This is not a value-added tax, but a tax at the point of sale on goods and some services.

Businesses and individuals now spend lots of money and expend much time to do their income tax returns. For tax year 2015, the IRS received about 137 million personal returns, with about 71 million e-filed by paid preparers. These taxpayers would save money.

A sales tax would reach the cash underground economy and the tax avoidance economy because the merchant has to collect the tax. It will result in all paying taxes. And it will get rid of the use of the tax system to subsidize private living expenses disguised as business expenses.

Most politicians will oppose this because it takes away their power. Lobbyists in D.C. make a great living lobbying for tax breaks for their clients. Many lobbyists are former congressmen and government employees who know whom to call and lobby. More importantly, politicians, especially Democrats, like the current system because it gives them power to regulate the economy.

Most taxpayers would support repeal of the income tax because they will not have to spend time and money keeping track of records and paying people to do their returns.

The goal of tax reform should be to have everyone pay his fair share of the tax burden in the least intrusive manner. This requires the reduction of the power of the IRS, and at best the elimination of the IRS. Only a sales tax will accomplish this.
The election of Donald Trump signaled the end of an era of lawlessness and a return to law and order. While leftists and the GOP establishment wing revolt against repeal, the decision to end DACA sends a clear message that illegal immigration is not acceptable and that America is back and ready to enforce the immigration laws on the books.

Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump vowed at campaign rallies that he would repeal the Obama amnesty program known as DACA, which allows children born in this country to parents who came illegally to have an extended stay. The left refer to these children of illegals as "DREAMers," possibly in part to garner sympathy from the public.

In my opinion, DACA sets a precedent in that it excuses illegal immigration and rewards it by giving DACA children access to the job market. At first, the President did not repeal DACA, and General John Kelly had told recipients that they may wait for it to be struck down in court. This, fortunately for America, has now changed.

President Trump campaigned on Making America Great Again, and part of that is enforcing immigration laws on the books. Both Donald Trump and Ted Cruz emphasized on the campaign trail the illegality of amnesty. Thus, for the president to repeal it should come as no surprise. Repealing DACA was clearly a popular proposition among the president's base, as Donald Trump won the presidency, and the many candidates, both Democrats and Republicans, wishing for amnesty lost the primaries and elections.

Many in the establishment will argue that repealing DACA is inhumane. They will argue that separating families is cruel; as Sen. Jeff Flake asked, why punish the children because of their parents? This complaint misses the point. Of course, no one blames the children. However, laws on the books must be enforced. In a case where parents build a house on stolen land, we don't say the children get to keep the home since the parents committed the crime, not the kids. The law must be enforced and the parents are ultimately responsible for their kids' situation, since they knowingly violated immigration law by coming into the country illegally.

While unlawful, many so-called DREAMers are innocent. Some DREAMers may be gang members. Even if a few among the DREAMers are MS-13 or other unsavory characters, it's not in the best interest of the USA to keep people here who may be criminals. There are already too many gangs and criminals in the country.

Who opposes the repeal of this lawless amnesty? Unfortunately, some in the GOP do. While many of their constituents oppose amnesty and voted to support the president's agenda, some of their senators and congressmen clearly wish to disregard their will and vote against their interests. Sadly, it's become expected that many in the Democratic establishment promote amnesty, as evidenced by the so-called Gang of 8 amnesty and the Democratic featured support for DACA. What's even worse is that grassroots claiming to be Republican in the Senate openly defy their voters and wish to retain Obama's politicians' amnesty in the form of DACA.

The base has made itself clear: the president has been given a mandate for immigration enforcement. We applaud him for ending the unconstitutional DACA, which Obama issued by executive order. American borders should mean something. Immigration is not a human right that everyone is entitled to. Ending DACA sends a clear message. America is back, as is the mandate to Make America Safe Again.
Are the End Times upon us?

There must be something that accounts for actual responsible journalism being practiced on the MSNBC cable network.

Soopermexican at The Right Scoop spotted the anomalous performance of Craig Melvin cross-examining Democrat Congressman Ruben Gallego of Arizona. He actually explains the situation fairly and puts a Democrat on the spot.

I am stunned.

I hope Craig Melvin's contract has a few more years on it.
When President Obama drew a "red line" that threatened the Syrian government with U.S. military action if Bashar Assad's forces used poison gas  and then withdrew it  the move was justified by a Russian guarantee that the Russians would take possession of Syria's entire gas inventory.

Only a five-year-old would have believed the Russians. As it turns out, no matter how much of Syria's stockpile of poison gas the Russians removed, they apparently made sure that there were plenty of weapons left to use on innocent people.

The U.N. is reporting that the Syrian government has used poison gas to attack civilians at least 27 times. In six other attacks, experts have been unable to identify which side used the banned weapon.

Reuters:

A government warplane dropped sarin on the town in Idlib province, killing more than 80 civilians, the U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Syria said, in the most conclusive findings to date from investigations into chemical weapons attacks during the conflict. The Commission also said U.S. air strikes on a mosque in the village of Al-Jina in rural Aleppo in March that killed 38 people, including children, failed to take precautions in violation of international law. The weapons used on Khan Sheikhoun were previously identified as containing sarin, an odourless nerve a gent. But that conclusion, reached by a fact-finding mission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), did not say who was responsible. "Government forces continued the pattern of using chemical weapons against civilians in opposition-held areas. In the gravest incident, the Syrian air force used sarin in Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, killing dozens, the majority of whom were women and children," the U.N. report said, declaring the attack a war crime. In their 14th report since 2011, U.N. investigators said they had in all documented 33 chemical weapons attacks to date. Twenty seven were by the government of President Bashar al-Assad, including seven between March 1 to July 7. Perpetrators had not been identified yet in six early attacks, they said. The Assad government has repeatedly denied using chemical weapons. It said its strikes in Khan Sheikhoun hit a weapons depot belonging to rebel forces, a claim dismissed by the U.N. investigators. That attack led U.S. President Donald Trump to launch the first U.S. air strikes on a Syrian air base. A separate joint inquiry by the U.N. and OPCW aims to report by October on who was to blame for Khan Sheikhoun. The U.N. investigators interviewed 43 witnesses, victims, and first responders linked to the attack. Satellite imagery, photos of bomb remnants and early warning reports were used.

Most of the dead from these attacks are directly on the head of Barack Obama. His apologists can try to wiggle away from Obama's culpability, but the fact of the matter is that Obama made the decision not to take out Syria's chemical weapons supply and then made a ridiculous deal with Syria's ally Russia to have the stockpile removed.

The Obama administration "guaranteed" in 2013 that "100%" of Syria's chemical weapons were removed by Russia. Following that guarantee, Syria's military dropped chlorine bombs on civilians. Obama claimed that chlorine was not a chemical weapon. (Millions of World War I soldiers would disagree). While it's true that chlorine has multiple industrial uses, the same cannot be said of sarin gas, used in several attacks over the last few years.

This U.N. report exposes the hollowness and cynicism of the Obama administration in its dealings with Russia and the American people. Many of us did not believe Obama when he assured us that the deal with Russia would end the threat of chemical weapons being used on Syrian civilians. But the media  ignoring the unprecedented withdrawal of a red line, which severely damaged U.S. credibility  played along with the fiction, and thousands of Syrian civilians died.
Ben has been uttering the word since August 24, and since then, nearly all the other lemmings in his party have followed. Liz Warren and Hillary Clinton seem to be AWOL, while Samantha Power gets points for using more original but similar words. The rest of them are marching in lockstep with that one word just as the media marched in lockstep to declare President Trump's inaugural address "dark."

From Twitter, the Ben Rhodes " echo chamber " is going full blast as President Trump's DACA decision has been announced. One particular word stands out, one that Ben has uttered first  and who knows, maybe poll-tested  in his ongoing "narrative" now echoed by all the Democrats on his email list.

Trump is clueless & cruel. Above all he is a coward. Punts #DACA to Congress & has his "beleaguered" Attorney General make the announcement.

It's a cruel hand that extends the American dream and then steals it away. #DACA #DREAMers (1/3)

Undoing #DACA unnecessary & cruel.Extremists favor this-not majority. Inconsistent with who we say we are as a nation. Dreamers-good for USA

Let's be clear, this was not an economic decision. It's nothing more than a cruel ploy to inspire fear and anger towards immigrants. https://t.co/r4TOTmMk9X

Dreamers grew up in America. Its their home. Ending the program, deporting them back to a country they dont even know, would be cruel.

As @realDonaldTrump prepares to end DACA particularly cruel=500k undocumented ppl in Houston, 125k DACA recipients impacted by Harvey

Was away from Twitter: Seems like the Trump Administration is handling this DACA thing with trademark cruelty, dishonesty, and incompetence

President Trump's cruel #DACA decision means one thing: hundreds of thousands of DREAMers stand to lose everything. Congress must act now.

Brought by parents, these children had no choice in coming here. Now they'll be sent to countries they've never known. Cruel. Not America.

. @realDonaldTrump s cruel decision to attack Americas young people is nothing short of shameful. https://t.co/u9jD79ZrKR pic.twitter.com/WAORpLO1IM

Trump's decision on DACA is the ugliest and most cruel decision ever made by a president of the U.S. in the modern history of this country. pic.twitter.com/3k64uuo2XM

Former Pres. Obama on Trump admin. rescinding DACA: "To target these young people is wrong...and it is cruel." https://t.co/t54dnA7h8e pic.twitter.com/eYclvcV0Rw

100s of thousands of lives could be cruelly affected by this change, people who did nothing wrong. Would be government with no moral compass https://t.co/no6EcJSIsZ

To underscore Trump's cruelty this would include many people who are currently struggling in the aftermath of Harvey. https://t.co/K44irNY0tH

This is just unspeakably cruel. At what point on this downward spiral do Trump staff or GOP feel the slightest tug of conscience? https://t.co/otIBMBmxHA

Here is a choice selection with that one word the rest of them are all echoing for Ben on DACA. Spot that word...

From Twitter, the Ben Rhodes "echo chamber" is going full blast as President Trump's DACA decision has been announced. One particular word stands out, one that Ben has uttered first  and who knows, maybe poll-tested  in his ongoing "narrative" now echoed by all the Democrats on his email list.

Ben has been uttering the word since August 24, and since then, nearly all the other lemmings in his party have followed. Liz Warren and Hillary Clinton seem to be AWOL, while Samantha Power gets points for using more original but similar words. The rest of them are marching in lockstep with that one word just as the media marched in lockstep to declare President Trump's inaugural address "dark."

Here is a choice selection with that one word the rest of them are all echoing for Ben on DACA. Spot that word...

This is just unspeakably cruel. At what point on this downward spiral do Trump staff or GOP feel the slightest tug of conscience? https://t.co/otIBMBmxHA  Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) September 4, 2017

To underscore Trump's cruelty this would include many people who are currently struggling in the aftermath of Harvey. https://t.co/K44irNY0tH  Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) August 31, 2017

100s of thousands of lives could be cruelly affected by this change, people who did nothing wrong. Would be government with no moral compass https://t.co/no6EcJSIsZ  Ben Rhodes (@brhodes) August 24, 2017

Former Pres. Obama on Trump admin. rescinding DACA: "To target these young people is wrong...and it is cruel." https://t.co/t54dnA7h8e pic.twitter.com/eYclvcV0Rw  ABC News (@ABC) September 5, 2017

CRUEL?

Bill Clinton: Cruel & Irresponsible DACA Repeal Will Crush Dreams - Breitbart https://t.co/ZHlB1wMBXj pic.twitter.com/WO2MbEjCOp  The Slammer (@THESLAMMMMER) September 6, 2017

Trump's decision on DACA is the ugliest and most cruel decision ever made by a president of the U.S. in the modern history of this country. pic.twitter.com/3k64uuo2XM  Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) September 5, 2017

.@realDonaldTrumps cruel decision to attack Americas young people is nothing short of shameful. https://t.co/u9jD79ZrKR pic.twitter.com/WAORpLO1IM  Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) September 5, 2017

Brought by parents, these children had no choice in coming here. Now they'll be sent to countries they've never known. Cruel. Not America.  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 5, 2017

President Trump's cruel #DACA decision means one thing: hundreds of thousands of DREAMers stand to lose everything. Congress must act now.  Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiffCA) September 5, 2017

Was away from Twitter: Seems like the Trump Administration is handling this DACA thing with trademark cruelty, dishonesty, and incompetence  Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) September 5, 2017

As @realDonaldTrump prepares to end DACA particularly cruel=500k undocumented ppl in Houston, 125k DACA recipients impacted by Harvey  Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) September 1, 2017

Dreamers grew up in America. Its their home. Ending the program, deporting them back to a country they dont even know, would be cruel.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 5, 2017

Let's be clear, this was not an economic decision. It's nothing more than a cruel ploy to inspire fear and anger towards immigrants. https://t.co/r4TOTmMk9X  Robert Reich (@RBReich) September 5, 2017

Undoing #DACA unnecessary & cruel.Extremists favor this-not majority. Inconsistent with who we say we are as a nation. Dreamers-good for USA  Eric Holder (@EricHolder) September 5, 2017

It's a cruel hand that extends the American dream and then steals it away. #DACA #DREAMers (1/3)  Rep. Joe Kennedy III (@RepJoeKennedy) September 4, 201
I suddenly realized we have a clear precedent from the Clinton administration of how we should deal with the DACA children. For those of you too young to remember the incident, I will summarize it.

Elian Gonzalez's mother attempted to bring him to the United States from the socialist paradise of Cuba. She died in the attempt, but Elian was rescued and brought to the U.S. Fiendish relatives claiming to represent Elian's best interest attempted to keep him in the U.S., but caring and compassionate Federal Agents took him and returned him to his home in Cuba.

Fidel Castro became a sort of godfather to Elian. He is a grown man now, a Cuban hero, and quite supportive of the Cuban regime.

Why should we deny the DACA children the benefits of this kind of treatment? Are they less deserving than Elian Gonzalez? The United States is, after all, a terrible place filled with "racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic" deplorables. Hillary Clinton said so. Surely the DACA kids would be better off somewhere else.

Some of the DACA "children" are actually adults now and able to make their own decisions. If, for some reason, they do not want to return to their home countries, perhaps they would be interested in going to the socialist paradise of Cuba. I'm sure the Cuban government would be eager to accept as many of these "wonderful" "kids" as it can get. They could help offset the constant outflow of traitorous counter-revolutionaries constantly leaving the island on anything that will float.

Of course, Fidel is gone now, and Raul is a bit old to act as godfather to several hundred thousand DACA kids, but I'm sure the Cubans can work something out.
As Donald Trump ends Barack Obama's unconstitutional DACA program, giving enforcement agencies and Congress a six-month head start to legislate a permanent solution, the debate about the merits of unrestricted immigration (and the Rule of Law) is once again front and center.

As seen in this clip on CNN's State of the Union show this past Sunday, a rational conversation about amnesty (or legalization) will be hard to find. Leftists, as they now are wont to do, ascribe any opposition to the granting of citizenship to those who have entered this country illegally to nativism and racism. (Of course, what isn't, right?)

What is racist is the disparate impact that unrestrained illegal immigration has had on lower- to middle-class blacks. It is no secret that illegal immigrants drive down wages, as they very often work off the books and below the prevailing wage. Many jobs that young inner-city black youths might otherwise have done have often been taken by illegal workers.

What is dismaying is how the Democrats are able to keep various contingent groups loyally within their ranks. Do not poor blacks see how illegal immigration negatively affects their access to the bottom and middle rungs of the ladder of success? Does the LGBT community not feel at odds opposing conservative Christians while at the same time marching behind radical Islamist Linda Sarsour? Are single women so enamored with liberalism that they'll embrace a party that is welcoming refugees to our country, who routinely subjugate women?

We (as a nation) have abandoned rational thought. While conservatives generally seek to limit government, and to operate within a constitutionally prescribed set of laws and precepts, leftists seem hell-bent on abandoning the rule of law if and when it serves their interests to do so. If illegal immigrants voted predominantly Republican, they would have funded that border wall themselves (as Mark Zuckerberg has done).

But back to young blacks. Apart from being denied opportunities to enter and rise through the workforce, what do you think the impact is on quality education? Does increased money needed to educate a non-English speaker have a negative impact on money spent educating you and your native-born, English-speaking children? How about health care? Are you pleased with your access to care? The quality of said care, once seen? Odds are, your access is limited and the quality is poor. The hard reality is, every dollar spent servicing an illegal immigrant is a dollar taken away from servicing your access to these institutions.

Illegal immigration serves two purposes and only two: a seemingly loyal, left-leaning voting bloc and cheap, below-prevailing-wage labor.

As a left-leaning voting bloc yourselves, you must ask  do Democrats have our best interest at heart, or are their actions self-serving? Have the promises made to the black community for 50 years panned out? Are you better off, since you (seemingly) pledged your loyalty to the Democratic Party? My black brothers, y'all getting hosed. To my legal Hispanic brothers, look at the plight of our inner-city black liberal neighbors, and ask yourself: is this what we can expect 50 years hence? The answer, almost assuredly, is yes. Your party, appreciates your loyalty.
Trasnscription:

He was giving a talk at an upmarket girls school about his time as a pilot in the Second World War. So there were two of the f***ers behind me, three f***ers to my right, another f***er on the left, he told the audience. The headmistress went pale and interjected: Ladies, the Fokker was a German aircraft. Sir Douglas replied: That may be, madam, but these f***ers were in Messerschmitts.
Ted Heath, Jim Hemming and the evidence gap

Police have stopped investigating former LibDem MP John Hemming for his alleged part in a paedophile ring. The former MP for Birmingham Yardley  he left the Commons in 2015  was accused along with two other men of being a paedophile. His accuser, Esther Baker, claimed Mr Hemming had abused her when she was six. In 2015, Baker, then 32, waived her right to anonymity.

She told Sky News that police took part in the alleged abuse:

I got the feeling very much that they were protecting somebody, that they were with one of the men. One of them (police officers) I knew from church. There were a few occasions where they would be in uniform, and I kind of knew, I learnt that when they were in uniform that it was going to be a rough night.

Sky added:

Abuse survivor Esther Baker has named a politician as one of the men who abused her while police officers stood guard. She told detectives at Staffordshire Police that he was one of a number of men who would regularly abuse her in the 1980s and 1990s. She believes a Lord and a judge may also have been among her abusers. Ms Baker described the political figure as: One of the core members. He was there quite often  I was one of his favourites.

Mr Hemming has always denied any involvement with alleged child abuse and any wrongdoing. On his website hes posted this message:

I am pleased that the Police have now made it clear that there has been a concerted effort to promote false criminal allegations against me and that the allegations had no substance whatsoever. I would like to thank Emily Cox, my children, Ayaz Iqbal (my Solicitor), my local lib dem team and many others who supported me through this dreadful experience. There are many worse things that happen to people, but this was a really bad experience. It is bad enough to have false allegations made about yourself to the police, but to have a concerted campaign involving your political opponents and many others in public creates an environment in which it is reasonable to be concerned about ill founded vigilante attacks on your family and yourself. Luckily there was a more substantial lobby to the contrary as well, which included many people who were themselves real survivors of abuse, which has helped. I am normally someone who helps other people fight injustice. Being subject to an unjust campaign of vilification is something I do not wish to repeat. The police themselves have handled the allegations well. However, although it was obvious from the start that the allegations were nonsense, it has taken two and a half years for this to be resolved. Identifying why that is will take time, but I believe that the system is too tolerant of false allegations. The current CPS guidelines on handling false allegations are in my view too tolerant of malicious allegations and need review. The unnecessary delay of around 2 years in resolving the issue I believe arises from procedures that are being used being flawed. It has been in the public domain for 2 years that the complainant changed her allegations in early 2015 from those she had made publicly previously and that she had stated publicly that she had never met a politician. It is worth people more generally learning a little about criminal procedure particularly that when someone is not arrested they are most likely to be innocent  even an arrest does not imply guilt. The police asked me not to put key information in my defence into the public domain, I agreed to keep that out of the public domain. That obviously made the public campaign against me harder to handle. This sort of situation is inevitably an attack on my family not just myself. I am still in discussion with the police about some of the criminal incidents involving my family and myself during this process. Therefore I do not wish to make further comment on those at the moment. It should be noted that the newspapers generally have handled the issue reasonably well. Exaro and Exaros funder have behaved dreadfully. Sky should recognise that not only was their broadcast of the original allegations in May 2015 a complete nonsense, but also had it been based upon truthful allegations that it would have undermined a criminal investigation. The attempts to drum up additional false complainants through the use of publicity highlights a difficulty with publicising cases whilst a police investigation is going on. There are people who will make false allegations merely because someone suggests that they are looking for such allegations. Some members of the Labour Party, including my opponent in the last two General Elections, have invested considerable time in promoting these allegations. The promotion of the complainant as an expert in this subject area as a consequence of these allegations has caused addtional difficulties for my family. I am not myself aware of another situation where members and supporters of a political party have promoted such allegations in such a public manner  essentially arming the villagers with torches and pitchforks and setting off on a lynching. There were public attempts to prevent me from standing as a candidate because of allegations made maliciously by a Labour Party member backed by other members of the Labour Party. Many Labour members will find this unacceptable and it is an issue that needs consideration by the Labour leadership. I have asked the police to investigate this attempt to pervert the course of justice and await their response. There are, of course, many procedural options that are open to me to obtain justice for my family. I will consider those over the near future.

Meanwhile, what of Ted Heath, the stubbornly dead former Tory PM accused of being part of a Satanic cult that abused and murdered children? Not much. But you can read about him in European Psychiatry Volume 33, Supplement, March 2016, Page S456 under the headline: The Satanist cult of Ted heath: Ethical implications of authority compromise.

The paper highlights the corrosive impact on society of powerful pedophile rings that are protected by compromised authority representatives and professionals.

To say nothing of the corrosive effect of being accused of heinous crimes that are never tested in court.

Staffordshire police have also released a statement:

We have now concluded a thorough and sensitive investigation into a number of non-recent child sexual abuse allegations made by Esther Baker. Throughout this process our priority has been to support Esther and ensure all potential lines of enquiry were carefully assessed and investigated. We submitted the findings to specialist lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who have now concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction of any suspect in this case. We recognise this investigation, and subsequent review by the CPS, has taken a great deal of time. Supt Amanda Davies said It was vital we gave the victim the time, space and support she needed to disclose the information. Over 100 hours of interviews were conducted by specially trained officers, and throughout the investigation we have kept her informed and continued to provide support. In this case Esther made the difficult decision to waive her right to anonymity and we will continue to support her, as we would with all victims of crime. We want to take this opportunity to reassure other potential victims that their identity is protected by law. Supporting victims remains our absolute priority, rest assured you can contact us confident that you will be listened to and we will provide the support you need. Three people were interviewed under caution during this investigation, one of which was arrested, he has now been released from bail.

Such are the facts.

Anorak

Posted: 6th, September 2017 | In: News, Politicians Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
Kak-handed Spanish police alienate Saudi King

Look out Bournemouth, here come the Saudis! Saudi Arabias King Salman bin Abdulaziz is most displeased with the treatment meted out to his eldest son, Prince Abudullah, as he dined with his entourage at Marbellas Finca Besaya eatery. Spains Territorial Security Unit raided the place, reportedly acting on a tip-off that members of the royals security detail were not carrying the required permits.

The princes party were asked for IDs and interrogated, and, as one eyewitness claims, treated like terrorists. For a double-whammy, the armed police then raided another restaurant, El Ancla, where Prince Abdullahs daughter, Princess Susu, was celebrating her 17th birthday, again the story goes that two of her bodyguards had not been properly certificated.

So incensed is King Salman by the polices actions that hes threatening to pack up his millions  his presence is estimated to be worth 100,000 a day to the local economy; and thats just in handbags  and never to return to Spain.

Well, thats if you read EuroNews and believe my source who claims to be close to the Kings circle. The local Costa del Sol news paints a very different picture:

A National Police inspection of the private security guard detail of the Saudi royal family, carried out last week at a restaurant and a private property in Marbella, revealed that four guards had no license to act as security guards and were carrying blank-firing pistols, not real ones. Police officials said a representative of the Saudi royal family thanked the department and told it that the guards would be fired [no pun intended].

El Mundo also reports the fiasco as a triumph of Spanish policing  via Google Translate:

The National Police has detected irregularities in the escort service of members of the Saudi royal family who spends their holidays in Marbella when they discover that the four men in charge of their security do not have the professional qualification required to carry out this function In the first, Princess Susu celebrated her 17th birthday and in the second her father, Prince Abdullah, son of King Salman of Saudi Arabia, dined with his family to fire his vacation. Faced with this situation, Prince Abdullah lodged a complaint with the Spanish Ministry of Interior for a supposed vexatious treatment of the police to his family and his entourage . The officers, according to their version, came to gag their daughter. For their part, escorts of the royal delegation denounced that the police action was excessive and that they asked for passports and documentation without allowing them to give any explanation. The police argue that the inspections were carried out with absolute respect, without at any time occurring no violence or intimidation . He also underlined that the identifications were carried out by plainclothes agents and uniformed police officers to avoid any confusion in the inspection.

The troublesome thing for the heavy-handed Spaniards is that a source tells me that when the French upset the King a few years ago  he wanted a public beach reserved exclusively for his use; locals objected with a 100,000-name petition  he left and vowed never to return to his familys seafront home in Vallauris, preferring to take his summer hols at his palace on the beach in Tangier. Hes not holidayed in France since.

So with France and Spain out, Bournemouth it is.

Anorak

Posted: 6th, September 2017 | In: Key Posts, News, Royal Family Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
(ANSA) - Brussels, September 6 - European Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said Wednesday that "there was an 81% fall in (migrant arrivals) in Italy in August with respect to the same month last year". He added that "there was a 66% fall with respect to July".

The huge wave of asylum seekers coming to Italy from North Africa has slowed after Rome launched a mission to support the Libyan coast guard and implemented a code of conduct on NGOs conducting migrant rescues at sea in the southern Mediterranean.

Interior Minister Marco Minniti said Tuesday that it was too soon to say whether the reduction in the number of migrants would last. "We are witnessing a significant reduction in the migrant arrivals but it's a little soon to say whether the drop is structural," Minniti told an event organized by artisans association Confartigianato. He also admitted that "I don't know if I exaggerated" when he said the migrant crisis was putting Italian democracy in peril.


(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 6 - European Migration and Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said Wednesday that "in August there was an 81% fall in (migrant arrivals) in Italy in August with respect to the same month last year". He added that "there was a 66% fall with respect to July".

The huge wave of asylum seekers coming to Italy from North Africa has slowed after Rome launched a mission to support the Libyan coast guard and implemented a code of conduct on NGOs conducting migrant rescues at sea in the southern Mediterranean. Interior Minister Marco Minniti said Tuesday that it was too soon to say whether the reduction in the number of migrants would last. "We are witnessing a significant reduction in the migrant arrivals but it's a little soon to say whether the drop is structural," Minniti told an event organized by artisans association Confartigianato. He also admitted that "I don't know if I exaggerated" when he said the migrant crisis was putting Italian democracy in peril.


Islamic State counterattacks in Deir Al-Zor After siege broken, ISIS still controls 50% of city

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, SEPTEMBER 6 - Intense fighting was underway on Wednesday in the city of Deir Al-Zor in eastern Syria between Islamic State (ISIS) fighters and regime and allied troops.



On Tuesday, government-backed troops broke a siege that had been imposed on regime-held areas almost three years ago.



Over 50% of the city is still in ISIS hands. Sources quoted by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), over the night ISIS fighters used four car bombs to attack regime troops that had the previous day managed to breach ISIs defenses around the besieged 137th Brigade base.



The aim of the ISIS fighters is most likely that of breaking the connection established between regime-backed fighters with the base in the western part of the center, from which they intend to proceed towards the center. General Sergei Rudskoy, head of the major operations department of the Russia Chiefs of Staff, said that the battle for the city of Deir Al-Zor has ''almost been won''. Russia has set up a new ''de-escalation'' area north of Aleppo in an area controlled by Kurdish forces linked to both Russia and the US, reported Syrian sources in Aleppo. (ANSAmed).




GENEVA - Government forces have used chemical weapons more than two dozen times during the ongoing war in Syria, including in April's deadly attack on Khan Sheikhoun, UN war crimes investigators said Wednesday.

The report stated that the April 4 attack on the town in Syria's northwestern Idlib province had been carried out by Russian-made aircraft used by military forces answering to President Bashar Al-Assad. At least 84 civilians including many children were killed in the attack.



After the chemical attack on Khan Sheikhoun, the US launched missiles from the Mediterranean at an airbase east of Homs in central Syria, from which the aircraft that dropped the bombs with sarin most likely took off. After a few days of high political and diplomatic tension between the US and Russia (which strongly backs the Syrian regime), Washington and Moscow strengthened their political and military agreement in Syria in the name of ''the fight against terrorism'', thereby aiding Syrian government forces directly and indirectly in various areas of conflict.

The UN report went on to note that Syrian government forces had continued with systematic use of chemical weapons against civilians in areas under opposition control. Assad's forces used chlorine gas as a weapon in Idlib, Hama, Ghouta and Damascus and they and the Russian airforce have continued to target hospitals and medical personnel, the report noted.

Targeting medical facilities and healthcare personnel is a war crime.



The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria noted that it was strongly concerned about the impact of US-led coalition airstrikes on civilians in Islamic State-held areas.



The report criticizes the US for not having taken all necessary precautions to protect civilians in an airstrike on a mosque in the Aleppo province in March. In Raqqa, it added, the anti-ISIS offensive has led to 190,000 internally displaced persons and the airstrikes have killed and injured a significant number of civilians.


BARCELLONA - Despite several attempts to filibuster by the opposition, the Catalan parliament on Wednesday decided amid high tension to debate the draft law for the calling of an October 1 independence referendum.



The vote was 72 for, 60 against and 3 abstentions. The session was suspended twice by Speaker Carme Forcadell to convoke the office of the presidency on the opposition's request. Pro-independence parties have an absolute majority in the Barcelona parliament.

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy on Wednesday ordered the Attorney General's Office to bring a petition before the Constitutional Court to stop the Catalan parliament from debating and passing a law that would call the October 1 independence referendum. Reports were from Spanish media. The prime minister also asked the court to look into possible criminal charges against regional parliament speaker Carme Forcadell, who authorized debate on the law.


Hungary and Slovakia criticize EU decision on relocations 'Better to give up EU funds than accept quotas', Czech president

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, SEPTEMBER 6 - The European Court of Justice decision Wednesday to dismiss actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary against the provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers has sparked criticism.



Hungary and Slovakia lashed out at the EU after the decision, as did Poland and the Czech Republic.



The decision was called ''outrageous and irresponsible'' to the point of ''putting European security at risk'', the Hungarian government said. EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos noted that the judiciary is independent in all EU states in which there is rule of law. Slovakia reacted by saying that the sentence should be complied with but that the relocation quotas do not work.



''The Slovak appeal did not concern the fact of whether or not Slovakia must take in migrants,'' Peter Susko said in commenting on the sentence to ANSA. ''It was about the problems in the procedure used by the EU Council of Ministers in deciding the quotas.'' The court's decision does not change the Polish government's stance on immigration policies, Prime Minister Beata Szydlo told journalists. Warsaw ''is a loyal partner of the EU that fulfills its commitments and hopes to be treated as such like other EU countries''. Czech Republic president Milos Zeman has said that the country must not give in to the EU on the issue of migrants.



''We should not give in to threats,'' he said. ''I will now say something that some people will not like: in the worst case scenario, it is always better to do without EU funds than let migrants in.'' (ANSAmed).




Minniti met General Haftar in Benghazi Important development after hostility to naval mission

(ANSAmed) - Rome, September 6 - Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti recently met Generale Khalifa Haftar, the eastern commander who is a rival to Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj, in Benghazi, according to a post on the Facebook page of the strongman's press office.



The post featured a photo of Minniti and Haftar smiling during a meeting that is thought to have taken place last week.



It is an important development as Haftar adopted a hostile stance towards Italy's mission to support the Libyan coast guard of Sarraj's UN-recognised administration.




September 5, 2017

Women get absolutely zero for supporting [Hassan] Rouhani! If we hadnt voted in this election, does Rouhani think he would have gotten re-elected with the numbers he did? Leila, a 34-year-old womens rights activist, shot off in an angry text on Telegram after it was revealed that Irans president had not nominated any women to join his second-term Cabinet. Even [Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad had a woman as a minister! Ava responded in the private group for young womens rights activists, referring to the conservative former presidents 2009 appointment of Marzieh Vahid Dastjerdi as the Islamic Republics first female minister. She served as health minister.

This is a joke. How disrespectful to all the women who supported him, added Fatemeh, a 25-year-old political science student. Most of these young women do not know each other  they are activists scattered across the country  but they share each others anger at the president as he begins his second term.

During both the February 2016 parliamentary elections as well as the city and village council elections of May 2017, women won an unprecedented number of seats. For the first time in the history of the Islamic Republic, Iranians chose women in high numbers, demonstrating that when women have the opportunity to run for office, voters do not have an issue with casting their ballots for them. Thus, understanding that the predominantly young electorate demands more social and cultural rights, including an increased presence of women in leadership positions throughout the country, 157 members of parliament wrote a letter to Rouhani on July 19 urging him to nominate women for his second-term Cabinet.

When Rouhani failed to do so, women across social media and in opinion pieces aired their dismay and anger at the president. I dont know if hes trying to allay fears with the conservatives who lost badly in the elections, and thats why he didnt nominate any women, or if he actually doesnt believe in women holding higher leadership positions in political life, Farzaneh Hosseini, a womens rights activist, told Al-Monitor. In a similar line of criticism, on Aug. 21, former conservative journalist and filmmaker Mohammad Nourizad blasted the clerical class for its backward views on women and blamed it  and by extension Rouhani, a cleric  for the lack of female nominees for ministerial positions. He asked, Could it be that the hopes for anything different were just misplaced?

In a move that further angered activists and indicated to them that Rouhani was more closed than they had wished, Laya Joneidi, his pick for vice president for legal affairs, told the Reformist Shargh Daily on Aug. 21 that the reason for her sudden change in attire was not entirely hers. She said, The respected president, who was elected with 24 million votes, asked me to work with the government. He said my service was needed [and] he also said that the Cabinets protocol is such [that a woman wears a chador]. The full-length black chador is commonly favored by conservative women. Prior to assuming her new position, Joneidi  a law professor at the University of Tehran  wore colorful headscarves and overcoats.

Voters and activists took to social media to blast the president for his request of Joneidi. Indeed, it has not been lost to the public that none of the 19 male Cabinet ministers are likely to have personally received fashion advice by Rouhani. But some also turned their ire toward the new vice president for quietly accepting such a demand and failing to stand up for her right to appear in public as she deems fit, within the confines of Iranian law.

To be sure, Rouhani has likely faced extreme pressure behind the scenes to make certain concessions to conservatives in the regime. Having women involved in high levels of government is a thorny issue for the political and clerical elites. For instance, it took decades before women were assigned certain posts by the Foreign Ministry. Marzieh Afkham became the Foreign Ministrys first female spokesperson in 2013, and two years later, she was appointed as the first female ambassador of the Islamic Republic. Yet these opportunities continue to be highly limited. Apart from having to confront the ongoing restrictions, women in the Foreign Ministry, as in other sectors of government, constantly have to struggle to prove that they are capable enough.

Thus, some womens rights activists were hopeful that Rouhani would fulfill his campaign promises and offer more formal leadership positions for women. Nonetheless, his unwillingness to even nominate women as ministers is a stab in the back of women, who voted for him in large numbers. Many think women would likely not have been confirmed, even by the incumbent reform-leaning parliament.

These clerics show us every time that we shouldnt take their word for granted, Fattaneh, a womens rights activist from the city of Isfahan, told Al-Monitor. I always feel disappointed; duped, almost. But I really thought that we had a chance to get women at least nominated for ministerial positions this time.

Im not surprised in the least, Mahnaz, a veteran womens rights activist in Tehran, told Al-Monitor. Those of us who have fought against this system for decades know not to trust a cleric when he promises women something. Everything weve gained in the past nearly 40 years has been because we have taken it with a long struggle. We havent been given anything. This fight is no different.

Indeed, activists such as Mahnaz, although disappointed in the president, are not hugely surprised. Empty promises for increased womens rights by pro-reform politicians have become commonplace for activists  and such setbacks are nothing more than bumps in the road. As for looking ahead, Mahnaz told Al-Monitor, What we have now thats different than in years past is an increased presence of women in city and village councils. We want to empower those voices and try to get more and more women elected in such positions in the future. In a telling retort to the Rouhani administration and its slogan of Prudence and Hope, she added, We dont hold out hope on these old clerics changing their minds. Our hope lies in the young women who are stepping up to lead and the younger generation that is willing to support them.


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The presentation is to take place at the third Eastern Economic Forum to be held in Vladivostok on September 6-7. This is the second flight hardware assembled by Progress Aresenyev Aviation Company.

The new helicopter will be publicly presented at the exhibition the Streets of the Far East, which is to take place at the Eastern Economic Forum. It will be the major exhibit at the stand, and will be seen from a distance of over 500 meters from different angles. The total area of the stand will be 450 sq m.

"For the guests from various regions and countries, Ka-62 will become a spectacular example of the scientific, technical and production power of the Primorsk Territory. This helicopter demonstrates the potential of Progress in manufacturing hi-tech products designed for both military and civil use," says Andrei Boginsky, the CEO of Russian Helicopters. "We lay hopes on this state-of-the-art and hi-tech model. I am confident that all potential users will soon be able to fully appreciate all of the advantages of Ka-62."

Ka-62 helicopter is designed for the passenger carriage, off-shore works, emergency medical services, search and rescue, conveyance of cargo inside the cabin and as suspended load, patrolling and environmental monitoring. The high operating ceiling and high power loading of its engines enable Ka-62 to perform the search-and-rescue and evacuation works in mountainous areas.

Its airframe stands out with perfect aerodynamic lines, high capacity of the cargo and passenger cabin, the tricycle landing gear with tail support, and large widows which simultaneously serve as emergency exits. Other distinguishing features include the classical scheme with a multibladed tail rotor in the vertical tailfin protected against incidental damages. Moreover, Ka-62 stands out with a low noise level.

Ka-62 is the first helicopter ever in the history of the global helicopter industry equipped with the system for general helicopter equipment control, as well as an integrated open-architecture flight management system built to the principle of 'glass cockpit'. One or two crewmembers can use it for visual and instrument day/night flying in various geographical and climatic conditions. 
My DownBeat review of the 39th annual Chicago Jazz Festival held over Labor Day weekend in and spilling out of Millennium Park, highlights the best I heard  including the specially organized big band

led by trumpeter Jon Faddis, making big fun from his mentor Dizzy Gillespies fresh-as-fire arrangements dating 60 to 70 years back. (Gotta wonder what a music fan raised on the past decades pop, country and rap but who never heard anything like this would make of the power of 16 players so synced in rhythm, tune and spirit, partying with sound).

Lauren Deutschs photos depict that set splendidly  (and thanks in large part to her work over the past 21 years as executive director of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the fest retains its essential community DNA).

To expand: The huge screen backdrop is good for attendees in the grassy field and back rows of seats, but can dwarf those onstage. Faddis was able to make this presentation, lasting more than an hour, seem intimate and simultaneously made for tv (astute camera work from the Citys staffers helped).

A large man in dark clothes, Jon was at ease talking with his horn under his arm, and equally so lifting it to pierce the limits of hearing at key points in the hard-driving, wildly colorful compositions from the era when swing bands went bebop over Afro-Cuban beats. Gillespie was a pioneer of drawing on Afro-Cuban, Caribbean and South American elements and on the flagwaver Manteca Faddis silvery upper register is so amazing we might forget what a swift and sensitively musical mind he has. But like Gillespie, thats the real crux of his creativity, his high notes and wit, willingness to be silly and ability to spontaneously inspire a dozen or so virtuosi simply aspects of it. To me, Faddis best and most personal playing was his all-but-recklessly fast, nimble, nuanced, shapely, melodically developed solo on Tanga, based on one of Gillespies later career combo recordings.

One mans solo doesnt a set make. Faddis demonstrated generosity as well as geniality joshing with Victor Garcia, an upncoming Chicagoan in the brass section, creating a running joke that had a handsome musical payoff, gaining Garcia extra attention for his flugelhorn feature. (More or perhaps less incidentally, the very first solo of this show, on Night In Tunisia, was performed by Audrey Morrison, Jazz Studies Director at the Music Institute of Chicago, a mature white woman.)

New Yorker Antonio Hart, a last minute sub for his mentor, saxophonist Jimmy Heath (91, he had a medical issue)

was a standout , tearing through Things to Come, Gillespies warning from 1946, in alto sax language that took the freedoms claimed by of Charlie Parker through the changes wrought by such as Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders and Albert Ayler. Chicago tenor saxophonist Pat Mallinger of Sabretooth, the hardbitten, longtime midnight Saturday to 4 am Sunday attraction at the Green Mill, showed his stuff, as did trumpeter Pharez Whitted

The rhythm section, however, was this orchestras solid core: Dr. Todd Coolman, understated but unwavering bassist and professor (former director) of jazz studies at Purchase College (SUNY), where Faddis also teaches; drummer Ignacio Berroa, who arrived in the US from his native Havana as a refugee/alien during the 1981 Mariel boatlift, was hired by Gillespie for his quartet and stayed until the trumpeters death in 93, plus Chicago pianist Willie Pickens, at age 86 undiminished in ideas and agility.

Just days earlier Id heard Pickens in command of entirely different repertoire, accompanying Gary Bartz. He sweeps stylistically from Bud Powells fast single note lines to the more spacious, all-octaves approach of McCoy Tyner, and his infectious momentum connected with the clave rhythm of Manteca irresistibly.

This all made for a thrilling first night for a jazz festival, and set a high bar for all the acts who followed.

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PostClassical Ensembles most recent WWFM PostClassical radio show is Copland and the Cold War  aired last Friday and now archived.

Our two-hour program includes Aaron Coplands prize-winning New Masses workers song Into the Streets, May First as well as a re-enactment of Coplands 1953 grilling by Senator Joseph McCarthy starring myself and Bill McGlaughlin.

And  sampling one of PostClassical Ensembles three Naxos DVDs presenting classic 1930s films with newly recorded soundtracks  we audition and discuss Coplands least-known important score: his music for the classical 1939 documentary The City. Scripted by Lewis Mumford, this film  far better known to film-makers than to musicians  advocates government-built new towns. Its images of happy workers remind my wife  a native of Communist Hungary  of the propaganda films she knew as a child.

How far did Copland migrate to the left in the 1930s? Citing Howard Pollacks biography, I read a couple of 1934 letters in which Copland excitedly described his participation in Communist Party functions among Minnesota farmers:

Its one thing to talk revolution . . . but to preach it from the streets out loud  well, I made my speech and now Ill never be the same. Now when we go to town, there are friendly nobs from sympathizers. Farmers come up and talk as one red to another. One feels very much at home, not at all like a mere summer boarder.

This Cold War chapter concludes a fascinating and at times chilling three-part compositional odyssey charted by the dean of American composers. He began as a high modernist in 1930 with his lean, hard, and dissonant Piano Variations  a breakthrough in American music. Then, spurred by Mexico and the Depression, he turned himself into a populist and composed the ballets by which we know him best. It was during the beginning of this period that he addressed Communist farmers, scored The City, and won a New Masses contest for the best workers song.

These political adventures returned to haunt Copland in the fifties  during which decade he was bluntly interrogated by McCarthy and observed by the FBI (we now know that the switchboard agent at Tanglewood Festival was an informant). His Lincoln Portrait was dropped by from the Eisenhower inauguration following protests from Republicans in Congress who marked him as a former fellow traveler or worse. Copland now turned his back on the new audience he had once wooed, returning to his modernist roots in a series of non-tonal compositions beginning with the bleak Piano Quartet of 1950.

The result is a veritable American fable  suggesting, among other things, that the US is less hospitable to political artists than was the Mexico of Diego Rivera, from which Copland drew instruction. Coplands Mexican colleague Carlos Chavez at various times conducted Mexicos first permanent orchestra, ran the National Conservatory of Music, and directed the National Institute of Fine Arts.

Looking back at his Mexican visits of the 1930s, and doubtless reflecting upon the American prominence and influence of such outsiders as Arturo Toscanini, Copland said: I was a little envious of the opportunity composers have to serve their country in a musical way. When one has done that, one can compose with real joy. Here in the U.S. A. we composers have no possibility of directing the musical affairs of the nation  on the contrary, I have the impression that more and more we are working in a vacuum.

At the close of our two-hour WWFM radio show, the three co-hosts had (as usual) different perspectives on the topic at hand. Quoting Roger Sessions quip that Aaron is a better composer than he thinks he is, I opined that the Piano Variations were Coplands highest achievement and that his populism was synthetic.

PCE Music Director Angel Gil-Ordonez expressed admiration for Coplands non-tonal valedictory, the Piano Fantasy (1957). Of the populist Copland, the best Angel could do was He really tried.

Bill McGlaughlin was aroused by our remarks to passionately defend the entirety of Coplands oeuvre. From his perspective, Angel and I fail to appreciate the social and political forces impinging on Aaron Coplands aesthetic vicissitudes  So you better get over it, Jack.

The broadcast draws on two PostClassical Ensemble programs: Copland and the Cold War (including Into the Streets, the McCarthy re-enactment, and Copland piano works in masterly performances by Benjamin Pasternack); and The City, presenting the 1939 film with live orchestra. The musical content of both these concerts are preserved on the Naxos recordings we sampled.

Our previous PostClassical broadcasts  all archived  are Are Orchestras Really Better than Ever?', a Lou Harrison Centenary celebration, and Dvorak and Hiawatha. Coming up next, on 20: The Most Under-Rated Twentieth Century American Composer  a tribute to Bernard Herrmann.

COPLAND AND THE COLD WAR

LISTENING GUIDE

PART I  Copland the modernist turns populist

6:30  Copland the wild man: Piano Variations (1930), performed by Benjamin Pasternack on Naxos

22:00  Copland speaks at a Communist picnic in Minnesota (1934)

28:00  Into the Streets (1934), Coplands prize-winning workers song for The New Masses

32:00  Copland becomes a film composer: The City (1939), espousing government-funded new towns with happy workers. From PCEs Naxos DVD.

52:00  The famous lunch counter scene from The City, in which Copland prefigures Philip Glass

59:00  Sunday Traffic from The City

PART II  Copland the populist returns to modernism

3:00  Copland in Hollywood: The Red Pony

11:30  Copland is interrogated by Senator Joseph McCarthy (1953)

18:00  Giving up on the new audience he once courted, Copland composes a non-tonal valedictory: The Piano Fantasy (1957), performed by Benjamin Pasternack on Naxos
MoS Kiren Rijiju said that the Central govt had directed the state authorities to identify and deport illegal immigrants, including Rohingya.

An exhausted Rohingya helps an elderly family member and a child as they arrive at Kutupalong refugee camp after crossing from Myanmmar to the Bangladesh side of the border. (Photo: AP)

Srinagar: Protests were held by enraged crowds, mainly students, at various parts of the Kashmir Valley, including southern Kulgam and Pulwama districts, on Tuesday amid growing anger over the alleged persecution of Rohingya Muslims in the Buddhist-majority Myanmar.

Students of various schools and colleges in southern parts of the Valley boycotted their classes and took to the streets on Tuesday when the educational institutions reope-ned in the predominantly Muslim Kashmir Valley after three days of break on Id-ul-Azha festival.

The students in Kulgam marched along the towns streets chanting slogans against the Myanmar government. In Pulwama, the students of the Government Degree College boycotted their classes and held protests against the alleged cleansing of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. Later, the protesters clashed with the police when it came in their way. They also hurled stones at a police station, witnesses said. Street protests over the issue were also reported from Tral, another town in Pulwama.

Many people have taken to the social networking sites to condemn the massacre of Rohingya Muslims and have urged the Muslim countries to work out a joint strategy and pool their resources to help the victims. Reports say that tens of thousands of Rohingya have fled violence in Myanmars Rakhine state since 25 August.

Meanwhile, a meeting of various religious organisations held in Srinagar on Tuesday called for observing Friday (September 8) as solidarity day with the Rohingya Muslims.

Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said that the Central government had directed state authorities to identify and deport illegal immigrants including Rohingya. The UNHCR has issued identity cards to about 16,500 Rohingya in India that it says help them prevent harassment, arbitrary arrests, detention and deportation.
In his talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India understands the problems Myanmar is facing.

Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, right, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi listens during their signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi/Nay Pyi Taw: A cautious but supportive India said on Wednesday that it shares Myanmars concerns over extremist violence in the Rakhine state and asked all stakeholders to preserve the countrys unity and territorial integrity.

In his talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India understands the problems Myanmar is facing. We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state and specially the violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been affected. We hope that all the stakeholders together can find a way out in which the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected and at the same time we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all, Mr Modi said in the joint press statement after the talks.

Ms Suu Kyi told the joint news conference at the presidential palace in the capital, Nay Pyi Daw, that Myanmar was grateful for Indias support and added, Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take root on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries.

In the joint statement, the two countries said, The two leaders discussed the security situation prevailing along their borders and expressed concern at various incidents of terrorism and extremist-inspired violence that have taken place in their respective territories... Myanmar condemned the recent barbaric terror attacks during the Amarnath Yatra in India as also various acts of terror perpetrated by terrorists from across the borders.

Significantly, both countries recognised that there was a developmental as well as a security dimension to the problem in Rakhine. India has offered assistance under the Rakhine State Development Programme in several sectors such as health, education and agriculture, which Myanmar has accepted.

PM Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar and support comes at a time when the Myanmar government is facing international pressure over 125,000 Rohingya refugees fleeing to Bangladesh in just two weeks. The exodus, over two weeks, began after Myanmars military launched a crackdown in Rakhine.

Rohingya militants had raided police posts in Rakhine last month, killing 12 security personnel. Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims have died since in the military crackdown.

Ms Suu Kyi, who won the Nobel Peace prize in 1991, has been facing lots of criticism for not raising her voice against the persecution of Rohingya Muslims.



The meeting between Mr Modi and Ms Suu Kyi came on a day she was quoted as telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that global outrage over Myanmars treatment of Rohingya was being fuelled by a huge iceberg of misinformation.



With China looking to expand its already formidable presence in Myanmar, India too made its presence felt by inking 11 pacts in various fields, including maritime security cooperation and coastal surveillance.

We would like to contribute to Myanmars development efforts as part of our Sabka saath, sabka vikas initiative, said PM Modi.



Among other things, PM Modi also announced gratis visas to Myanmarese citizens wanting to visit the country. I am pleased to announce that we have decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to all the citizens of Myanmar who want to visit India, he said.



Mr Modi also announced that India will release at least 40 Myanmarese fishermen, currently lodged in various jails in India.



Later in the day, in his address to the Indian community at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, PM Modi said, I am seeing a mini India in front of me. You have come from different parts of India and I am pleased to meet you as you represent thousands of years of civilisation of the great sons and daughters of India as well as Myanmar.



I read somewhere five Bs are base of India-Myanmar relations Buddhism, Business, Bollywood, Bharatnatyam and Burma teak.

But, I think most important B is missing here and that B is

Bharosa We never shy away from taking big and strict actions for the benefit of the country We have pledged to develop a new India by the time Indian independence turns 75. We will develop a poverty-free, caste-free, terrorism free, disparity-free India.



This is the place where Subhash Chandra Bose famously said, You give me blood, I will give you freedom. This prompted the youth not only in India but in different parts of the globe to participate in the freedom struggle. I got a chance to meet few of them today, Mr Modi added.



PM Modi on Wednesday presented Ms Suu Kyi, 72, with a special copy of the original research proposal she had submitted for her fellowship in 1986.

Presented Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a special reproduction of original research proposal she submitted for fellowship at IIAS (Indian Institute of Advanced Study), Shimla, in May 1986, PM Modi said in a tweet.

Her original research proposal was titled The Growth and Development of Burmese and Indian Intellectual Traditions Under Colonialism: A Comparative Study.

Ms Suu Kyi studied political science at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and was a fellow at Shimlas Indian Institute of Advanced Studies.
The 55-year-old was shot dead by three unknown gunmen as she entered her home in Bengaluru late Tuesday.

Journalists demonstrate at a protest condemning the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, in Thiruvananthapuram. (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: Activists, politicians and journalists all over India united in grief on Wednesday over the murder of editor and outspoken critic of Hindutva politics Gauri Lankesh, demanding a full investigation into her horrible murder Tuesday evening.

The 55-year-old was shot dead by three unknown gunmen as she entered her home in Bengaluru late Tuesday. Police found Gauri dead on her front porch. No arrests have been made yet.

She was given the full honour of a state funeral in presence of CM Siddaramaiah.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pays last tributes to the mortal ramains of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. (Photo: PTI)

The Editors Guild of India said her death was "an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on the freedom of the press", calling for a swift and thorough investigation.

Lankesh was a target of right-wing trolling on social media and had complained of facing "rabid hate" that made her fear for free speech in India.

Protests erupted across Bengaluru city, condemning the "cold blooded murder" of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh.

Journalists took out a march from the Press Club to the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking immediate action to bring the culprits to book.

"We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media," the memorandum said.

Condemning the killing, Press Club of Bengaluru president Sadashiva Shenoy said he was closely associated with Gauri Lankesh and was at loss of words to condole her death.

"Divisive forces cannot muzzle the liberal voices by resorting to killing," Shenoy said.

He said the Press Club of Bengaluru will form a committee to mount pressure on the government for speedy investigation.

"We demand that a judicial committee be constituted, headed by a sitting High Court judge, to probe the brutal killing," Shenoy said.

Freedom fighter 99-year-old H S Doreswamy led a protest at the Town Hall, where hundreds of people turned up to condole the death and express their anger at the murder.

The body of Gauri Lankesh was kept at the Ravindra Kalakshetra here where mourners paid their last respects.

In Delhi, prominent journalists gathered at the Press Club and demanded justice amid a call for standing up to "forces" trying to the "muzzle" the voices of dissent.

Author and senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta termed Tuesday's killing of Lankesh in Bengaluru as "a defining moment" in the history of Indian media.

"We are seeing the space for free-thinking shrinking. They want to silence the people who want to hold truth to power. We cannot remain silent, because that is what they want. Don't keep quiet. That would be their success," he said.

The Press Club of India (PCI) had yesterday strongly condemned the killing, saying, A fearless and independent journalist who gave voice to many causes and always stood up for justice has been shot dead in the most brutal manner in order to silence her voice."

Senior journalist Manini Chatterjee said, "Regardless of legislative majority, certain rights should be inviolable."

The Club has demanded the attackers be identified and brought to book in a swift manner.

"What is wrong in being a journalist and also an activist or vice-versa," Thakurta asked.

"There was a criminal defamation case against Lankesh. Why was Gauri targeted for the same story that was published by several others? At this defining moment in the right to free speech, we cannot forget Gauri, if we do, their objective would be served," he said.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) also staged a protest at the Jantar Mantar.

The Delhi unit of the forum said the killing of senior Kannada journalist was an example of "politics of intolerance".

The KUWJ also said it is an "attempt" to muzzle the voices of criticisms. "She was not only a journalist but a social activist who shared the concerns of the society. This murder is similar to the killings of M M Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare," KUWJ said in a statement.

The media in Hyderabad demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. Under the aegis of Press Club Hyderabad, a group of journalists raised slogans condemning Lankesh's killing.

Holding placards that read: 'I AM ALSO GAURI', 'You cannot curtail freedom of expression through murder', the journalists also participated in a march from the Press Club to Khairtabad Circle.

In Thiruvananthapuram, journalists took out a march and raised slogans condemning the murder. Holding placards, the journalists took out a march stating that the killing of Lankesh was an attack on press freedom.

The media also demanded the guilty be arrested as early as possible.

At the Thiruvananthapuram Press club, journalists paid floral tributes in front of the portrait of the veteran journalist and lit candles. Later, a condolence meeting was also organised.

In Chennai, journalists and political parties condemned the brutal murder.

Political leaders, including AIADMK (Amma) deputy chief T T V Dhinakaran, expressed "shock" and concern over Gauris death.

"This incident has shocked the entire country and has once against raised questions on safety of journalists in India," the Chennai Press Club said.

"The manner in which Gauri Lankesh was killed shows it was a planned execution. Chennai Press Club urges the Government of Karnataka to arrest those who are responsible for this murder," the statement said.

Madras Union of Journalists also strongly condemned the killing and wanted the assailants to be arrested at the earliest.

Journalists also held a protest. They held placards that read: "Murder of democracy" and "Tomorrow it could be one of us".

CPI state unit secretary R Mutharasan and TNCC president Su Thirunavukkarasar also expressed concern over the killing.

Amnesty International India said the killing of Gauri Lankesh "raises alarm" about the state of freedom of expression in the country.

Gauri, who was known for her strident anti-establishment views and writings against Hindu fundamentalists, was never afraid of speaking truth to power, the rights body said.

"Her assassination must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. The police must investigate whether she was killed because of her journalism," Asmita Basu, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India, said.

Gauri was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly. She was widely regarded as an independent and outspoken journalist and activist, and a fierce critic of hardline Hindu groups in Karnataka.

"Critical journalists and activists have increasingly faced threats and attacks across India in recent years. State governments must act to protect those whose voices of dissent are being silenced," Basu said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has said there have been no convictions in any of the 27 cases of journalists "murdered for their work" in India since 1992, the statement said.

Condemning the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, the Indian Writers' Forum today pledged to continue her fight against the "haters of free speech and a plural India".

A statement from the forum described Lankesh, who was killed at her home in Bengaluru yesterday, as a "voice of dissent, a voice of reason" who was "silenced with guns".

"The forum condemns the continued unmaking of India in which writers, artists, scholars, rationalists -- and indeed any citizen who exercises her right to speak freely -- is no longer safe.

"We will continue to speak on her behalf and ours. They cannot silence us all," the statement read.

It termed the murder of the 55-year-old journalist "a chilling continuation" of the series of killings of rationalists, writers, scholars and activists like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M M Kalburgi.

"None of the murderers has been punished, though much points to the extended right wing family. Instead, the punishment of critic voices continues, as do attacks on Muslims, dalits, adivasis and women -- Indian citizens all."

The Forum remembered Lankesh as a person who performed her duties as journalist and a citizen with "uncompromising honesty".

"She was guided by democratic, secular values, that insist on an India in which speaking up against division and hatred is every citizen's right," it said.

In April, Reporters Without Borders ranked India 136th of 180 countries in its world press freedom ratings, blaming "Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of 'anti-national' thought from the national debate".

Last year, Gauri Lankesh was found guilty of defaming a BJP lawmaker in a 2008 article about alleged corruption. She was appealing against the conviction.

"The murder must be investigated effectively and with urgency," the All India Democratic Women's Association said in a statement.

Lankesh's murder was a "grim indicator of the intolerance and violence that have been let loose by the increasing influence of right wing forces in the country", it added.

Human Rights Watch's South Asia director, Meenakshi Ganguly, called on politicians to "condemn violence over beliefs".

"Dissent, engaging with criticism, are strengths of a democracy, but in India, they are being drowned by allegations of causing offence to faith or nation," she told AFP.

Colleagues, activists and friends gathered in cities around the country on Wednesday to protest Lankesh's death and demand justice.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said three special investigation teams of police officers would investigate the murder.

Editor, social activist and a virulent critic of right-wing groups, Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead Tuesday night outside her residence in Bengaluru. (Photo: Facebook)

Bengaluru: Editor, social activist and a virulent critic of right-wing groups, Gauri Lankesh, was shot dead Tuesday night outside her residence in tony Raja Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru by three unidentified bike-borne assailants, setting off a public outcry, with her gangland style murder drawing comparisons to the murders of writers and thinkers Dr M. M. Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar, who were all gunned down in similar fashion.

Ms Lankesh, in her early 50s, was editor of the edgy Kannada tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike".

She was gunned down in her own home just as she returned from office at around 7.45 pm on Tuesday evening. She had parked her car, and was about to enter her home, where she lived alone when two of the three men fired at her at point-blank range with a small pistol or revolver, police said.

She suffered bullet injuries to her head and her chest, and died instantly.

Neighbours from an apartment complex next door, who came running up at the sound of gunshots found her lying in a pool of blood on her patio. Police, who arrived shortly thereafter said there were four empty cartridges by her body, leading them to suspect that four rounds of were fired at her.

A post-mortem will be conducted on her body which was moved to Victoria Hopspital. Without CCTV cameras, police will have their work cut out to track the killers, although 3 teams, one headed by the DCP Crime, and two more have thrown a security ring around her home, and the city and are checking all bikers.

Gauri was tailed last week but did not seek security

It is learnt that journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead in front of her house on Tuesday evening, had noticed two suspicious men following her on a bike in Gandhi Bazaar a week ago.

The two men had reportedly followed from her office till her home last week. Gauri had told her mother Indira about it. But she did not alert the police or seek protection. Gauri lived alone in the house, while her mother lived with the younger daughter Kavita Lankesh, a film director.

The vacant sites next to Gauris house have bushy growth and anyone could have easily hidden behind them. The assailants might have also taken advantage of this, the police suspected.

Activists stage protests

Following Gauri Lankeshs murder, many progressive organisations held protests across the state against the BJP and RSS. Around 60 persons staged a protest near her house while another group of activists held protests at Corporation Circle late in the night. Protests were held even in Dharwad and other districts. The agitators shouted slogans against BJP & RSS, blaming them for the incident. They also demanded immediate arrest of the assailants.

Twitter reactions

B.S. Yeddyurappa

Shocked to hear the murder of #Gauri Lankesh strongly condemn this inhuman barbaric murder. Law &Order in the state has completely collapsed

Office of RG

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished

Ramesh Srivats

They say the pen is mightier than the sword.Unfortunately, today, the gun is mightier than the pen. RIP #gaurilankesh

May voices never die.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw

Shocking and blood curdling to hear about the murder of Gauri Lankesh. These monstrous criminals must be nailed n dealt with sternly.

Shehla Rashid

You are not dead. We are not afraid. This strengthens our resolve to fight. #GauriLankesh was a strong supporter of students'

Siddaramaiah

In fact, this is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend.

Dinesh Gundurao

#GauriLankesh murder is indeed a challenge for our Govt. Finding the truth is vital as her death strikes at the very root of our democracy.

Did her FB, Twitter rant do her in?
Sleuths of the NIA swooped down on traders at various parts of Srinagar and North Kashmir on Wednesday morning.

As many as five traders in old Delhi were also raided by the NIA officials. (Representational Image)

Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted searches at 16 locations in Kashmir and Delhi on traders who were allegedly indulging in hawala operations and using the money for funding terror and separatist activities, officials said.

Sleuths of the NIA swooped down on traders at various parts of Srinagar and North Kashmir on Wednesday morning and carried out extensive search operations at suspected locations, officials said.

As many as five traders in old Delhi were also raided by the NIA officials.

The raids come a day after the NIA arrested two people, including a freelance photo-journalist, who allegedly indulged in stone pelting and mobilised support against security personnel through social media.

These raids and arrests by the NIA is part of its investigation in a case registered on May 30 in which the leader of the Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa and banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hafiz Saeed, was named as an accused.

The NIA has arrested seven persons in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley to fuel unrest there.

The case was registered on issues of raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means, including hawala channels, for funding such activities.

It also included causing disruption in the Valley by stone pelting, burning schools, damaging public property and waging war against India.

For the first time since the rise of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in the early 1990s, a central probe agency conducted raids in connection with the funding of terrorist and separatist groups.
Amit Shah on Wednesday evening said the voices of dissent were never tolerated in the Congress and BJD.

BJP chief Amit Shah is welcomed by supporters on his arrival to attend working executive body meeting in Bhubaneswar. (Photo: PTI)

Bhubaneswar: BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday dubbed the Congress and Odishas ruling BJD as parties devoid of internal democracy and having no definite ideals for development of people.

Mr Shah on Wednesday evening said the voices of dissent were never tolerated in the Congress and BJD, and people with enormous potential were always sidelined and suppressed.

Please tell me who will be Congress president after Sonia Gandhi? Also, please tell me who will be president of BJD after its present head and Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik? Mr Shah asked.

One has to be born in Sonia Gandhis family to become Congress president. Similarly, one has to be only from Biju Patnaik family to succeed Naveen Patnaik to become BJD president, he added.

Claiming that the BJP always believed in internal democracy, Mr Shah said a common boy who used to paste party posters on walls in his home town in Gujarat could become president of the biggest political party in the world and a teaseller (Narendra Modi) could become Prime Minister of India.

Stating that neither the Congress nor the BJD had any set ideology and ideals, the BJP presidents such parties would be able to take forward the nation. Prior to his interaction with the intellectuals, Mr Shah, who arrived here Wednesday afternoon on a three-day visit to the state, met the partys senior leaders and advised them to work them towards getting at least 120 of the 147 seats in the 2019 Assembly elections.

The BJP has set a target to win at least 120 seats in 2019 Assembly elections and we will surely achieve it. We have to work for it, said Mr Shah.

Hours before BJP national president Amit Shahs arrival, Odisha chief minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik had expressed his doubt over the saffron partys Mission 120, an aim to clinch 120 seats in the Assembly polls.

I doubt very much whether they (BJP) will get so much seats, Mr Patnaik said.

Reacting over Mr Patnaiks statement, BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma said, The conch party supremo doubts everyone, including his partymen. He has never faced defeat and time has come for him to taste it, for which he is making such statements.
The move likely to impact eight lakh undocumented workers including more than seven thousand Indian-Americans.

Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he has great love for young immigrants who came to America as children and hoped that the Congress would bring in a legislation to help them, hours after he scrapped an amnesty programme for eight lakh undocumented workers.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday Tuesday announced the rescinding of the Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA), an Obama-era amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children.

The move likely to impact eight lakh undocumented workers including more than seven thousand Indian-Americans.

"I have a great heart for the folks we're talking about - a great love for them. And people think in terms of children, but they're really young adults. I have a love for these people, and hopefully now the Congress will be able to help them and do it properly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.

The decision has evoked widespread criticism with former President Barack Obama calling it calling it "wrong," "self-defeating" and "cruel."

The announcement, which was anticipated for the past few days, was greeted with protests from across the country.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House on Tuesday demonstrating against Trump.

The White House has defended the decision to rescind DACA.

"There is a misconception that DACA primarily serves as a shield from deportation. This is misleading. DACA grants work authorisation to nearly 800,000 individuals who are not legally authorised to work. DACA recipients, whose average age is in their 20s, were not an enforcement priority before, and they certainly won't become a priority now," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday.

"The priorities remain the same - criminals, security threats, and those who repeatedly violate our immigration laws," she said.

Sanders said the main effect of the announcement is that work permits and other government benefits are being gradually phased out.

"No permits will be expiring for another six months, and permits will remain active for up to two full years. The president was elected partly on his promise to deliver meaningful immigration reform that puts the jobs, wages, and security of the American people first. He is delivering on that promise every day, and he has put forward serious proposals to Congress that would responsibly end illegal immigration, prevent visa overstays, remove dangerous criminals, protect American jobs and wages," she said.

Responding to questions, Sanders exuded confidence that that the Congress is going to step up and do their job.

"This is something that needs to be fixed legislatively, and we have confidence that they (Congress) are going to do that. And we stand ready and willing to work with them in order to accomplish responsible immigration reform, and DACA is certainly part of that process," she said.

Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said the president is right to want this issue to be resolved legislatively.

"Hopefully, while addressing it, we also will deal with a myriad of other issues that need to be corrected with our broken immigration system, including enhancing enforcement and security measures," he said.

Senator Chuck Schumer said most Americans know how heartless this DACA decision is, ripping apart families and telling people who worked so hard to become Americans for years that they now have to leave the country.

"These are folks who were brought here as children, through no fault of their own. They may have known no other country but ours and have voluntarily registered themselves with the government in order to live, work and give back to our great country," he said.

Schumer said 91 per cent of DACA recipients are employed, paying taxes and paying into Social Security.

A study by the Center for American Progress earlier this year found that ending DACA would drain USD 433 billion from national GDP over 10 years, he said.

"The human and economic toll of rescinding DACA will be far reaching. The Trump administration's action to end DACA is senseless and cruel. California has its eyes on Congress to do what it should have done years ago, but we cannot bank on that. So, the governor stands with Attorney General Becerra as he takes our fight to court to defend the Dreamers," California Governor Edmund G Brown said.
Bengaluru police hope to get a lead from the footage of CCTV camera installed at her residence.

Washington/New Delhi: The United States Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday condemned the murder of noted senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening.

In an official statement, the US embassy said, The US Mission in India joins advocates of press freedom in India and world-wide in condemning the murder of respected journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms Lankesh.

At least seven bullets were fired at Lankesh, 55, around 8 pm, when she was about to enter her house. Three of those bullets hit her  two in the chest and one in the forehead  killing her instantly.

Bengaluru police hope to get a lead from the footage of CCTV camera installed at her residence. They said Lankesh could have been killed by hired professionals and the murder was well planned.

It was reported that two bike-borne men followed Gauri's car till her house, while one was waiting at her residence.

The location was an advantage for the assailants as the road was poorly lit and has many cross roads.
Modi is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, left, offers a toast to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a dinner in honour of Modi at the Presidential palace in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. (Photo: AP)

Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

"Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi pic.twitter.com/TJfIahUvMk  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 6, 2017

The Prime Minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Read: 125,000 Rohingya refugees flee Bangladesh; Suu Kyi under pressure

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived Myanmar on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India in 2016.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Nikki Haley on Monday accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of begging for war with a series of nuclear bomb and missile tests.

North Koreas state media said Kim inspected the loading of a hydrogen bomb into a new ICBM. (Photo: AP)

Geneva/Seoul: A top North Korean diplomat on Tuesday warned that his country is ready to send more gift packages to the United States as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyangs latest nuclear weapons test.

Han Tae Song, ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday.

"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US, Han told a disarmament conference, using the acronym for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the countrys formal name.

The US will receive more gift packages ... as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK, he added without elaborating.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of begging for war with a series of nuclear bomb and missile tests, and urged the 15-member Security Council to impose the strongest possible sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

But Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday a US bid for the Security Council to vote on September 11 on new sanctions is a little premature. Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and wields veto power.

I dont think well be able to rush it so fast, Nebenzia told reporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Tuesday said imposing more sanctions was a road to nowhere.

US stocks sank, with the S&P 500 stumbling to its biggest single-day loss in about three weeks, as investors weighed the increasing tensions with North Korea.

Sanctions have done little to stop North Korea boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with US President Donald Trump who has vowed to stop Pyongyang from being able to hit the mainland United States with a nuclear weapon.

Haley acknowledged on Tuesday that further sanctions on North Korea are unlikely to change its behavior but would cut off funding for its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea? Not necessarily, she told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington. But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles.

More sanctions?

North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, marking a major step in its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that puts the US mainland within range.

Satellite imagery appears to show the blast caused numerous landslides at North Koreas Punggye-ri test site, according to 38 North, a Washington-based North Korean monitoring project.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday Trump continues to see denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as the priority in how it responds to the latest nuclear weapons test.

Sanders said all options are on the table, including diplomatic and economic measures, but said talks with Pyongyang were not the current focus for the White House.

Diplomats have said the Security Council could consider banning North Korean textile exports, barring its airline and stopping supplies of oil to the government and military.

Other measures could include preventing North Koreans from working abroad and adding top officials to a blacklist aiming at imposing asset freezes and travel bans.

China accounted for 92 percent of North Koreas trade in 2016, according to South Korea. Chinas foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take part in Security Council discussions in a responsible and constructive manner.

Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May agreed in a telephone call on Tuesday that China must do more to persuade North Korea to cease its missile tests, a spokesman for May said.

South Korea said an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on Seouls warheads would help it respond to North Koreas nuclear and missile threat.

US lawmakers and Americas biggest business lobby urged Trump not to scrap a free trade agreement with longstanding ally South Korea, especially at a time of heightened tensions.

Analysts and South Korean policymakers believe North Korea may test another weapon on or around September 9, its founding day.

North Korea says it needs to develop its weapons to defend itself against what it sees as US aggression.

South Korea, after weeks of rising tension, is talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defenses.

Trump and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, agreed on Monday to scrap the warhead weight limit on South Koreas missiles, South Koreas presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of war.

South Korea and the United States are technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty.

Each side has thousands of rockets and artillery pieces aimed at the other across the worlds most heavily armed border.
The priest had urged a political reform in the country. The thugs are local pro-government activists. The pastor will not file a complaint: it would be useless because the security forces and the aggressors are on the same side. District Police Vice-President congratulates his decision: it is a "complicated" case.

Hanoi (AsiaNews / Rfa) - Two days ago, a Catholic church in Vietnam was attacked by armed thugs. The raid goes hand in hand with the numerous episodes of violence perpetrated against Christians in the communist country, such as the demolition of the cross of Thien An monastery last June 30. This is the article published yesterday by Radio Free Asia.

Men in plain clothes and armed with pistols, batons, and pepper spray descended on a Catholic church in southeast Vietnams Dong Nai province on Monday to confront the parish priest over a Facebook post the priest had made urging political reform in the one-party communist state.

The assault, in which the churchs attackers arrived by bus, took place at about 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 4 at the Tho Hoa parish church in the Xuan Tho commune in the provinces Xuan Loc district, parish priest Nguyen Duy Tan wrote later on his Facebook page.

Tan identified at least one of the harassing group as a member of a local pro-government activist group, Tan told RFAs Vietnamese Service on Sept. 5. I recognized Nguyen Trong Nghia of the Red Flags group, Tan said, adding that he saw other signs of support for the group from local police and other authorities. Commune security kept inviting them back to their office, and district security officers behaved the same way, refusing to do any work at the scene. They wouldnt note down the registration numbers of the guns or count how many bullets they had, he said.

Tan told RFA he declined to press charges with police against the group because they are all on the same side, the side of the Communist Party. There would have been no point in pushing for prosecution, he said.

Writing on Facebook, Tan said that he had locked the church gate when the group arrived, and had rung the churchs bell to alert parishioners in the neighborhood to come to help. Parishioners then briefly held 13 of the invading group, who identified themselves as Catholics and wrote in a statement of confession that they were angry at Tan because he had wanted to overthrow the Communist Party and government of Vietnam and had used insulting words against Party founder Ho Chi Minh.

A 'complicated case'

District police deputy chief Nguyen Thanh Loi complimented the parish on their handling of the situation, describing the case as complicated, and promising to report later to the parish on how it would be resolved, Tan wrote on his Facebook page.

Speaking to RFA, Tan said that the group had objected to his proposal, shared on Facebook, that the Communist Party be dissolved. He added that authorities themselves should take action if he had broken the law, though, and that private groups should not become involved.

Netizens contacted by RFA said that though Father Tan had declined to press charges, Xuan Loc authorities should still treat the matter as a criminal case and prosecute the members of the harassing group.

Nguyen Van Hau, vice president of the Lawyers Association of Ho Chi Minh City, told RFA that group members could be tried, if authorities agreed, on charges of disturbing public order under Article 245 of Vietnams penal code. The use of guns by unauthorized persons to threaten others is an especially serious offense, Hau added. [Vietnams] constitution makes it very clear that peoples physical safety is inviolable. This case should therefore be handled in accordance with the law, he said.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service.
The animals ate onions exposed to an illegal toxic chemical. The same spring onions were also sold to the public.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies)  More than a hundred goats died from eating onions exposed to pesticide in Shandong province. Spring onions were also sold to local hotels and shoppers.

The goats belonged to a farmer who lives in the city of Shouguang, 175 km east of Shandongs provincial capital of Jinan. The animals died in the morning of 24 August.

A video was posted online showing dead goats with white foam on their mouths, and a handful of other animals struggling on the ground in a barn.

The farmer told the Beijing Youth Daily that the animals died within a few hours after eating spring onion leaves he had bought from a local wholesale vegetable reseller. Other farmers in the area also complained that their goats had died too. All had bought feedstock from the same supplier.

Shouguang is a major vegetable wholesale hub in China that supplies fruits and vegetables to hotels and markets in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai. The spring onion leaves were left over after the stocks were cleaned and stored in cold-storage for future sales.

On 1st September, the Shouguang city government confirmed that the goats had died from ingesting a banned chemical detected in the spring onions. More than 25,000 kg of the produce were sealed and destroyed.

The incident triggered a public outcry over the overuse of pesticides and the lack of regulation on how much of these substances can be used or sold.

In fact, many pesticide producers reportedly fall below the regulatory radar. Nevertheless, most of the countrys 250 million small farmers rely on them for their supplies, including in remote areas.

The toxic spring onions came from Shenyang, Liaoning province. A farmer, only identified as Meng, who is suspected of having grown and sold the toxic product, was arrested on 27 August.
The areas Buddhist and Hindu tribal groups are one tenth of Muslims. Some 25,000 have been displaced and are now in camps set up by the army. Ongoing violence has undermined peaceful coexistence. Fear of possible Islamist infiltrations in the country is widespread. Mizzima News blames the Islamic State for the attacks against military outposts. This is part of an attempt to disrupt Aung San Suu Kyi's peace policy.

Yangon (AsiaNews)  Whilst the international community is putting pressures on the Government of Myanmar to end violence in Rakhine State, many Burmese and members of ethnic groups evacuated from northern villages complain of atrocities committed by armed Rohingya militants.

More than 400 people have died as a result of the fighting that broke out on 25 August, when militants of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) attacked dozens of police and military posts. The attacks led to what the government calls a legitimate military campaign against Bengali terrorists".

At the same time, the violence has sparked an exodus of residents. The state is home to about 750,000 Muslims originally from Bangladesh, and about 75,000 tribal Buddhists and Hindus. So far, about 125,000 Rohingya have sought refuge in neighbouring Bangladesh, whilst more than 25,000 non-Muslim residents have been evacuated with state assistance.

At a camp set up by government and army, evacuees accuse Rohingya of starting the crisis, and defend Burmese security forces. Aung Tun Hla is one of them. Speaking about what happened in his village during the first hours of clashes, he is quoted as saying: "Around 9am on 25 August 2017, more than 20,000 persons besieged our Taungbaza Village. At that time, we informed the Tatmadaw (Myanmar Armed Forces) about our situations [sic]. When the Tatmadaw evacuated us from the village, those persons attacked even the Tatmadaw. So, the Tatmadaw let us choose the way to go to safe place.

The Tatmadaw performed counter-attacks against them, Aung Tun Hla says. So, we arrived at the foot of the hill and saved [our] lives. [. . .] If there are Bengali terrorists, we [will] never live in our native villages. We cannot live there together with them similar [sic] to the past. Our ethnic people would like to live here separately. Those Bengalis are crafty. In the past, they raped our ethnic women. We had found they killed a few people [sic]. We would not let them live in the region.

Phyu Phyu Hlaing, a woman from Buthidaung township, says more ore less the same. They "besieged our village from four directions. When hay [they] besieged our village, all of our villagers went to the monastery.

Ngwe Hlaing is also from Buthidaung Township. "Buthidaung Bengali terrorists raped two girls of our village in 2008 and then killed them. Our villagers had bitter experience over those terrorists [sic]. On 25 August 2017, those Bengali terrorists attacked [. . .] At night, we heard information that those Bengali terrorists raided the police outpost in Phaungdawbyin Village. [. . .] So, we could not live here peacefully.

"Our village is always posed [sic] threats by Bengalis," said Soe San Maung of Thinbawhla. "On the starting day of [the] crisis, they besieged our village in the morning. They threatened us not to live here [sic]. They committed same acts many times. In 1990, a family from Thayagon Village was killed. All six family members were killed. They totally killed the people as massacre acts [sic]. So, we do not live here together those Bengalis.

Some analysts argue that Myanmars influential military is using tensions between Rohingya Muslims and other ethnic groups to assert their power. Yet, among locals there is fear and a strong feeling of possible Islamist infiltrations in the country.

Citing intelligence sources, Mizzima News, a news organisation founded by exiled Burmese journalists, reported that on 23 and 24 August, India and Bangladesh intercepted three phone calls between ARSA military chief Hafiz Tohar and some Islamic terrorists in Pakistan.

According to some sources, these calls played a key role in the armed group's offensive against Myanmar's security forces.

They indicate that ARSA and its supporters, the Islamic State and Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence, want to cause problems for Aung San Suu Kyi's government, which has pledged to establish an inter-ministerial committee to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Rakhine Commission, headed by Kofi Annan.

"The ARSA is determined to thwart Daw Suu Kyi's good intentions to implement the Kofi Annan report. They want to brutalise the discourse in Rakhine and help re-militarise the area so that the narrative of torture and extra-judicial killings help them boost the level of jihad and find recruits," a top Bangladesh intelligence official told Mizzima News.
Pope today tweeted, Dear Friends, please pray for me and all of Colombia, where I will be travelling for a journey dedicated to reconciliation and peace. His difficult trip includes several stages.

Rome (AsiaNews) - Pope Francis is on his way to Colombia for his 20th pastoral journey. The pontiff is scheduled to arrive at 4.30 pm local time. A simple ceremony without speeches is planned in Bogota. No meetings are planned to give the pope time to recuperate from the jet lag.

The visit is being undertaken as a symbol of reconciliation, to mark an important stage in Colombia's history after 52 years of civil war, more than 260,000 deaths, more than 60,000 missing, 7 million displaced and refugees, and thousands of children soldiers.

Dear Friends, please pray for me and all of Colombia, where I will be travelling for a journey dedicated to reconciliation and peace, the Holy Father said in a tweet this morning. I come as a pilgrim of hope and peace," he said in a video message sent to Colombia yesterday.

Calling on the people of Colombia to take the first step", Francis urged them to build bridges to undertake the path of peace that he has so often emphasised.

Peace he noted in the video message, is what Colombia has sought after for a long time, and she is working to achieve it: A stable and lasting peace, so that we see and treat each other as brothers and not as enemies. Peace reminds us that we are all children of the same Father, who loves and consoles us.

This wont be easy. Despite an agreement between the government of President Manuel Santos, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and the guerrillas of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, FARC), violence continues, especially by the countrys drug cartels. Colombia is the world's top cocaine producer.

If Francis speaks of peace, he will certainly avoid delving into a very politically divisive situation. Not surprisingly, It will be a pastoral visit, Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said on Friday. The peace issue will be on the agenda but first and foremost the pope wants to proclaim the Gospel.

The latter will begin tomorrow during planned meetings with civil authorities and the governing committee of the Latin American Bishops Council (Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano, CELAM). In the afternoon, the pope will celebrate his first Mass in Colombia.

Friday, 8 September, will be devoted to national reconciliation. Francis will travel to Villavicencio where he will celebrate Mass and attend the Great Prayer Meeting for National Reconciliation, with an important stop at the Cross of Reconciliation.

The next day, Saturday, the Holy Fathers visit will continue in Medellin, a city associated to the most famous cocaine cartel. Here Francis will celebrate Mass and meet priests and religious accompanied by their families and address the issue of Christian vocation and apostolate.

On Sunday, in Cartagena, human dignity and human rights will be the main topic. Francis will bless the first stone of housing for homeless and the Talitha Qum Opera. He will also visit the shrine of Saint Peter Claver. In the afternoon, after celebrating the last mass of his trip, he will leave for Rome, where he will arrive at 12.40 pm on Monday, 11 September.
Commentary by Phil Gurski

New Canadian Media

Before this piece goes any further I need to spell out that I am not a big fan of the use of force unless absolutely necessary (and when necessary it is best to use it wisely, while still protecting the lives of the force wielders). Clearly it is required in some situations, but if public perception is that it is being applied too quickly or too harshly things go awry.

That is why police officers are often (rightly or wrongly) convicted in the court of public opinion when some amateur video suggests they have overstepped their authority and shot someone. It is also probably why the anti-fascist/extreme RW/neo-Nazi Antifa may be losing its clear advantage over repugnant skinheads: it seems to resort to the same violence it is protesting against.

In some situations it is easy to understand why a group decides to use violence even if it is hard to provide outright support.

A case where this appears to be true is unfolding in Myanmar (Burma), a southeast nation still emerging from decades of military rule under what everyone thought would be the wise leadership of Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. Well, things have turned out a little differently.

Not only has Ms. Suu Kyi been described as autocratic, she has not decried a clear human rights violation in her own country  the armys campaign of rape, killing and destruction in the northwest corner (Rakhine state), an area where the Rohingya live.

The Rohingya are a Muslim people who probably arrived in Myanmar from neighbouring Bangladesh centuries ago. The state, however, sees them as usurpers and johnny-come-latelys and wants them to return to Bangladesh. It refuses to recognize the Rohingya as an official ethnic group which seriously undermines their representation and rights.

To make things worse, a Buddhist monk some have called Myanmars Osama bin Laden, Ashin Wirathu, leads an Islamophobic group called Ma Ba Tha and has inspired Burmese (the dominant ethnic group) attacks on unarmed villagers. Tens of thousands of Rohingya have tried to flee both west to Bangladesh (more recently) or southwards on flimsy boats where they have landed (if they dont drown) in Thailand and Malaysia, only to be enslaved at times.

In response to the one-sided violence, a group known as the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) has arisen and has carried out attacks against Myanmar soldiers. Ms. Suu Kyi has called them terrorists and there are allegations that foreign jihadis have joined the group (perhaps because they also call themselves Harakah al-Yaqin  Arabic for the Faith Movement, which is a little odd since no one in Rakhine speaks Arabic that I know of).

This development was eminently predictable since no outside body, including the UN, seemed capable of doing anything to lessen the violence against the Rohingya. What is very worrying is the possibility that the conflict will draw in foreign jihadis (if it hasnt already), perhaps some leaving the Islamic State in Iraq/Syria. We saw an outflow from Afghanistan post Soviet withdrawal to Bosnia in the early 1990s and could witness similar movements in a host of wars including Myanmar.

The possibility that Myanmar may become a new jihadi battleground, as well as two dozen other cases, is covered in my soon to be released third book The Lesser Jihads.

Is the ARSA a terrorist group as Myanmar claims? I have no idea and I am the last person to support terrorism. The problem is that we have no idea about the ideology the ARSA espouses and, to date, they have only targeted the military. The militants say they just want the killing to stop and self-determination for the Rohingya. We will wait and see how this pans out.

So while I would prefer a peaceful resolution to the situation in Rakhine, the violent surge by the ARSA is easily comprehended. The Rohingya do not stand a chance against the army and extremist Buddhists (should this not be an oxymoron?).

If Myanmar does not change its approach or the international community does not step up, we will see more killing, perhaps worse. The time for another kind of action is now.

Phil Gurski has worked for more than three decades in Canadian intelligence, including 15 with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). His latest book The Lesser Jihads is available now for pre-order on Amazon.

This piece was originally appeared in New Canadian Media.

See http://forum.newcanadianmedia.ca/component/k2/42190-myanmar-may-be-the-next-jihadi-battleground
While the demise of summer may be painful for most, the truth of the matter is that the closing of one door simply means the opening of anothe


(Ann Muse/Bigstock.com) (Ann Muse/Bigstock.com)

Australian citizenship is at the top of the political agenda at the moment with a rowdy consultation currently going on over proposed changes to make the application process tougher.But it is now affected people at a local level with the national Government stripping the city council of Yarra from its ability to hold citizenship ceremonies over a decision to stop calling 26 January Australia Day.Yarra councillor Amanda Stone said the decision can after undertaking in-depth conversations with the local Aboriginal community, as well as feedback from the broader Yarra community.'The overwhelming sentiment from our Aboriginal community is that January 26 is a date of sadness, trauma and distress. They have told us that this is not a day of celebration, but a day of mourning,' she said.The council also commissioned an independent survey of nearly 300 non-indigenous people in Yarra which showed strong support for change. Some 78.6% of broader community respondents supported the idea of the council holding an event to acknowledge Aboriginal experiences of January 26.'In recognition of our Aboriginal community's experiences, we will hold a small, cultural sensitive event acknowledging the loss of culture, language and identity felt by the community on January 26. We will also be undertaking community education to help people better understand the Aboriginal community's experiences of this date,' Stone explained.'In the last 12 months there has been a groundswell of community support for change from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people across the country. People can still have their barbeques and parties on the January 26 public holiday, but I hope our stance encourages people to stop and think about what this date really means in the history of our nation,' she added.As a result, the Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Alex Hawke has issued a new instrument under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 which removes the ability of office holders in the northern Melbourne council to receive a pledge of commitment at a citizenship ceremony.Hawke said the action comes due to the action of the council being regarded as a significant breach of the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code, claiming that the council has been using citizenship ceremonies as a political device in a campaign against Australia Day being celebrated on January 26 each year.'We are committed to ensuring that citizenship is treated in the 'non-commercial, apolitical, bipartisan and secular manner' which the Code mandates. The instrument I have signed means there will be no more citizenship ceremonies conducted by the City of Yarra on behalf of the Government,' Hawke added.Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has also got involved. 'On Australia Day, we celebrate what's great about our wonderful nation. An attack on Australia Day is a repudiation of the values the day celebrates: freedom, a fair go, mateship and diversity,' he said.'Yarra council is using a day that should unite Australians to divide Australians. I recognise Australia Day and its history is complex for many indigenous Australians, but the overwhelming majority of Australians believe the 26th of January is the day and should remain our national day,' he added.
We received this email this morning regarding our PMV application. However, my fiance's police checks are expired. Would the case officer request a updated version if it was an issue and they required an updated police check? Does this sound like our PMV will be granted once he leaves Australia?



Thank you for providing a copy of your sponsors AFP clearance.



As we have received all the required documents, your application is now

ready to be finalised.



Our movement records indicate that you are currently in Australia. Since

you lodged outside Australia, you need to be outside Australia for the

grant of the visa. However as the wedding date is near, I would understand

if you are unable to leave the country, before the wedding date next month.



Please advise if the wedding date is set and confirmed. That is, if the

wedding will take place on 21 October 2017. If you marry during the

processing of the visa, the application will be changed to a partner visa

S/c 309.



Please note that if you do marry during the processing of the visa

application, you will have to provide a copy of the marriage certificate

and you are still required to depart the country at the time of grant.



Looking forward to your confirmation.





Thanks all
Photo of a Coca-Cola Amatil delievry truck courtesy of Cokestories/Coke Spring and Autumn via flickr.

A former Coca-Cola fleet manager in Australia was sentenced to jail after a court found him guilty of receiving more than $1.5 million in bribes and corrupt commissions.

Georgiou

Bryan Pereira was accused of conspiring with two executives at Orix Australia, George Georgiou and John Carter, who was the chief executive at the time, to allegedly receive kickbacks as a fleet manager for Coca-Cola Amatil for facilitating leasing contracts worth millions of dollar, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Orix Australia is fleet leasing company and a subsidiary of Orix Group, a fleet management group that has more than 1100 offices across the world, while Coca-Cola Amatil is a bottler for Coca-Cola in the Asia-Pacific region.

Carter

Pereira netted $859,000 between 2003 and 2013 as a result of his scheme, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Pereira, who was sentenced to a maximum six years in jail, also used a slush fund to pay for trips to Singapore, Thailand, and Scotland, according to the Daily Mail.

Pereira was arrested in 2015 after his boss become suspicious of his interactions with Georgiou, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Satellite image of Manheim Fort Lauderdale via ThingLink.

Manheim has closed its Puerto Rico facility and will close four of its Florida auctions on Friday ahead of Hurricane Irma's expected landfall in Florida over the weekend, according to the company.

Prior to the arrival of the Category 5 storm, Manheim plans to close locations in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Palm Beach, and Lakeland. Manheim Caribbean will be closed until further notice. The Fort Lauderdale location offers about 2,500 units for sale each week.

The company is encouraging clients to retrieve purchased vehicles, and will shift auction sales to digital platforms.

"During severe weather conditions such as Hurricane Irma, Manheim proactively plans and prepares to protect the safety of our team members, clients and locations," said Mark Ford, vice president for the Southeast. "This includes encouraging clients to retrieve their purchased vehicles at our locations prior to Friday to avoid any possible damage and moving physical sales to digital channels such as OVE (Online Vehicle Exchange) for safety reasons."

KAR Auction Services doesn't maintain any auction facilities in South Florida. It's southernmost ADESA location is in Sarasota. A spokesman from the South Florida Auto Auction of Fort Lauderdale said he was too busy to discuss any precautions.

Hurricane Irma battered Puerto Rico on Wednesday after striking the northern Lesser Antilles and Virgin Islands with 185-mile-per-hour winds. The storm is headed toward the Dominican Republic and Cuba. It's expected to reach the Florida Keys on Saturday, reports the Washington Post.

"We are proactively communicating with our clients about the status of our operations and their vehicles and are helping to direct them to other Manheim digital channels for their vehicle needs," said Tim Janego, vice president for Manheim's East region.

A week ago, Manheim closed three Houston-area auctions ahead of Hurricane Harvey.

Vehicles that have been sent to South Florida auctions will likely remain on lots through the weekend, and could suffer wind and water damage. When Irma swept through the U.S. Virgin Islands, vehicles were blown down streets and into buildings.

"We have to wait to see what kind of damage there is," said Toni Lee Sabatino, the office manager for Orlando-based consignor Courtney Leasing. "South Florida is going to get hit hard and they're going to have a lot of cleanup, as will a lot of other counties in the path of Irma. It could affect business for quite a while. It's just hard to tell with something like this.
Photo via EveryCarListed/Flickr.

The average fuel economy of new vehicles sold in August decreased by 0.1 mpg to 25.3 mpg from July, according to Brandon Schoettle and Michael Sivak, researchers from the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).

The value for August is up 5.2 mpg since October of 2007, the beginning of monitoring, but still down 0.2 mpg from the peak of 25.5 mpg reached in August of 2014, according to the UMTRI report.

The University of Michigan Eco-Driving Index (EDI)  an index that estimates the average monthly emissions of greenhouse gases generated by an individual U.S. driver  worsened to 0.83 in June, up from 0.82 in May (the lower the value, the better).

The EDI indicates that the average new-vehicle driver produced 17% lower emissions in June than in October of 2007, but 5% higher emissions than the record low reached in November of 2013.
Photo courtesy of Zipcar

Zipcar has announced a new partnership with the city of Golden, Colo., to bring its carsharing service to area residents, businesses, visitors, and students.

Two Zipcars are now available for reservation in city-owned parking spots in the downtown Golden area. The two vehicles  a Jeep Wrangler named Javier and a Ford Focus named Shawshank can be reserved by the hour or by the day.

The addition of Zipcar in Golden represents another transportation option in the community, which is consistent with our goals of providing more access to transportation options and reducing vehicle miles traveled, said Steve Glueck, director of Golden community & economic development. A carsharing program like Zipcar can provide an effective and cost-efficient way to handle those trips where a car is necessary, without the expense of full-time ownership.

The launch in Golden builds on Zipcars presence at the Colorado School of Mines. With a number of students already using Zipcar, Zipcar wanted to expand its presence off-campus, according to the company.

Were excited to launch our carsharing service in Golden, giving residents the freedom and flexibility of having access to a car without the hassles of owning one, said Nathan Huber, Zipcars regional community marketing manager. Bringing our service to the area will also help ease some of the citys transportation problems like traffic, congestion, and parking demand by encouraging residents to ditch their personal cars in favor of carsharing.
Cambridge, UK, September 06, 2017 / B3C newswire / -- Congenica, a global provider of clinical genomics interpretation software, today announced a new customer partnership with the Coimbra Paediatric Hospital (CPH), a leading paediatric hospital in Portugal and part of the Coimbra Hospital and University Centre (CHUC). Through this partnership, the hospital has licensed Congenicas Sapientia software platform to perform analysis of whole-exome sequencing data and produce diagnostic reports for its In2Genome project. The 1.2 million ($1.4 million) project funded by Portugal2020, Compete 2020, and European Structural and Investment, aims to revolutionize the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases through insights gained from population-wide genomic data.

Initiated by The Medical Genetics Unit of CHUC, which is housed in CPH, the In2Genome project is a multidisciplinary consortium collaborating with Portuguese companies Coimbra Genomics and Genoinseq by Biocant. The project, which commenced in July 2017, is expected to run for two years.

Sergio B. Sousa, MD, PhD, Medical Geneticist at CPH, said: This is a unique and innovative project for the Portuguese national health system. We have chosen Sapientia due to its demonstrated speed and high accuracy in other diagnostic projects as well as the well-known UK 100K Genomes Project. One of the main aims of In2Genome will be to set up a whole-exome sequencing analysis service at our leading public hospital centre. Our first project is the study of a large cohort of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, namely intellectual disability syndromes with the aim of developing faster precise diagnostics to better support patients health and lifestyle outcomes.

Sapientia is currently deployed at a number of clinical and research organizations as well as being used for the interpretation of rare disease in the 100,000 Genomes Project. As an end-to-end solution, the platform is designed to allow clinicians to upload data in a number of different formats, using existing bioinformatics pipelines or adopting publicly available ones, and then to filter and interpret the genetic variants associated with disease.

Shikha OBrien, Congenicas Chief Business Officer stated: Building rapidly on our global footprint, we are delighted to be working with CPH and CHUC, and to be part of an important national project in Portugal. The use of Sapientia in this clinical setting demonstrates the value of the platform, especially in diagnoses of paediatrics cases where speed and accuracy is of utmost importance.

Professor Jorge Saraiva, Director of both CHUCs Medical Genetics Unit and CPH, added: This project is strategically important to us and an important milestone in clinical genetics. It was critical that we selected the best and clinically most experienced partner to ensure success. Congenica has gained a significant depth of know-how from its work with the UK NHS and Genomics England, which provides valuable experience to draw upon.



About Coimbra Paediatric Hospital and Coimbra Hospital and University Centre

Coimbra Paediatric Hospital (CPH) is part of the Coimbra Hospital and University Centre (CHUC), the largest hospital centre in Portugal. Known for its integrated research, teaching and patient care approach, and founded within one of the oldest universities in the world, CPH provides a range of specialist paediatric services to local, national and international patients and will commemorate its 40th anniversary this year. Since its formation, the hospital has been dedicated to comprehensive childrens healthcare, aiming to provide world-class clinical care and professional training whilst pioneering new research and treatments in partnership with others for the benefit of children worldwide.

CHUCs Medical Genetics Unit is the largest clinical genetics department in the country, attending to both child and adult populations, and is deeply committed to improving genetics at the national level and within international networks. It is the only Iberian member of the European Reference Network (ERN) on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability (ERN-ITHACA) and of the ERN on Rare Bone Disorders (ERN-BOND). For further inquiries contact: Sergio B. Sousa, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .



About Coimbra Genomics

Coimbra Genomics, S.A. is a Digital Health and Precision Medicine start-up, headquartered in Cantanhede, Portugal. Coimbra Genomics has developed and is commercializing ELSIE, a first-in-class digital platform that allows physicians of any speciality to use information on their patients genome during regular medical appointments in an easy, fast and secure way, to make individualized decisions about diagnosis or prognosis. Coimbra Genomics has been voted one of the Top 3 Promises in Europe in the field of Digital Health. For further inquiries, please contact: Sonia Martins, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .



About Genoinseq by Biocant

Genoinseq is the Next Generation Sequencing Unit of Biocant, at Cantanhede, Portugal. This unit grants access to the full potential of next generation sequencing equipment and bioinformatics data analysis for delivery of personalized solutions. In operation since 2007, Genoinseq provides services to companies and research groups in the field of Life Sciences and collaborates in R&D projects. For further inquiries, please contact: Conceicao Egas, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .



About Congenica

Congenica is a leading provider of clinical decision support software and services, which has developed the gold-standard platform, Sapientia, for analysis, interpretation and generation of clinically actionable reports on patient derived genomic data. Headquartered at the Welcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, U.K., Sapientias underlying technology was spun out of the pioneering research from the Sanger Institute and the platform continues to evolve through well-renowned scientific staff and advisors. Congenica aims to integrate genomics into healthcare by providing clinical genome analytics to support medical practitioners treating patients with genetic diseases, and thereby improving human health and personalised patient care. The company is at the forefront of partnering with leading clinical research and healthcare providers, charities and patient advocacy groups, pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies, and new medical paradigms in orphan diseases.



Contact

Dr Priya Kalia/ Sue Charles

Instinctif Partners

+44 207 866 7862

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Contributing columnist Justin Salters writes weekly on politics, culture and civic engagement; the views expressed are his own. He can be reached on Twitter @justinsalters or at justin@justinsalters.com.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: Wasco Animal Shelter pups in danger of being put down due to overcrowding
Rob M.

My good pal Attorney General Jeff Sessions' character was viciously attacked last month by the governors of four states where cannabis is legal. It was a low blow. Try putting yourself in his hoof-shaped shoes for a moment: You're in a strange place where the laws of nature and good sense have been turned upside-downwhere drugs are medicine and D.A.R.E. is stupid. Everyone you meet hates you. People actually laughed at your confirmation hearing. Anddespite the fact that you look like you woke up in a Hieronymus Bosch painting this morningthe papers continue to cover their front pages with photos your face, taken at moments when you appeared to be on the verge of either sneezing or crying.

It's almost like all those hippies you curb stomped in the name of good, clean fun back in the '60s have crept up from the gutters and hospital wards to wreak their ungodly vengeance on you through an uncaring and untrustworthy media. I'd be upset and lashing out, too.

Which is why I've decided to take this space to reprimand the governors of the four states who decided to respond to the letters Sessions sent to them on July 24 that criticized each state's cannabis regulations, citing local statistics related to public health that caused him concern. To the four of you: While you might believe that some of those numbers were misleading or incorrect, you clearly didn't take Sessions' feelings into account when you wrote your responses. He's a frail, confused man. Have some compassion.

For instance: In his letter to Alaska governor Bill Walker, Sessions quoted statistics from the 2015 Annual Report released by the Alaska State Troopers noting that 19 percent of teens had used cannabis within 30 days (according to the latest data in the report). In response, Gov. Walker callously highlighted Sessions' misunderstanding of calendars by pointing out that the statistics in the 2015 report cannot be fairly attributed to the industry since sales from state-licensed businesses did not begin until 2016. The report simply does not speak to the success or failure of the new regulatory framework. Gov. Walker also explained that while the number of minors that reported using marijuana in 2015 is concerning, the rate of marijuana use by Alaskan youth is lower than national averages, lower than reported alcohol use, and continues to decline.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson responded to Sessions' letter most unpleasantly, noting that the attorney general has twice refused to meet with the governor in person to discuss cannabis policy. From the response: Your letter, citing the March 2016 Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (NW HIDTA) report on marijuana in Washington, makes a number of allegations that are outdated, incorrect, or based on incomplete information. If we can engage in more direct dialogue, we might avoid this sort of miscommunication and make progress on the issues that are important to both of us. Gov. Inslee and Attorney General Ferguson obviously don't realize that the first casualty in the drug war was facts.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown also seemed to have trouble understanding just how unimportant accurate scientific data is in the battle for America's youth when she responded to Sessions' letter, saying that the January draft report by the Oregon Police that Sessions quoted does not (and frankly does not purport to), reflect the 'on the ground' reality in Oregon in 2017. She goes on to say the report was made to serve as a baseline understanding of the state of things related to marijuana in Oregon prior to legalization. Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton wrote his own letter to Sessions last month that explained that the report, which was produced by his agency, was the first and least defensible draft, which the agency had no immediate plans to publish until objective data could be recovered for many years. The report had been leaked, and according to Hampton: The agency attempted to make clear the document was not accurate, not validated, outdated and the Oregon State Police did not endorse the conclusions in the draft baseline report. Unfortunately you sourced the same leaked draft document as evidence against Oregons marijuana regulatory structure.

The final whopping five-page response came from Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and Attorney General Cynthia Coffman. This beast goes through every public health and safety concern raised by Sessions in his letter to the governor, and explains point-by-point how the state is addressing each issue. The State of Colorado has worked diligently to implement the will of our citizens and build a comprehensive regulatory and enforcement system that prioritizes public safety and public health, they wrote. Colorado's system has become a model for other states and nations. Our agencies have consulted with countless jurisdictions around the world as they work to construct a comprehensive and effective regulatory framework.

Which may very well be true, but Sessions has already made it clear that he isn't going to believe something just because it's true. The problem isn't his poorly sourced claims or his deceptive use of data. The problem is all these poindexter lawmakers trying to get him to use his head. The man got where he is by thinking with his gut, dammit! (I hear there's brain cells in there.)

Jeez. I sure hope Ol' Sessions at least understands irony, or else he'll start quoting this article, too.
With sirens and lights on Tuesday, Task Force 3 returned home from Houston and into the waiting arms of family.

Task Force 3 spent several days helping Harvey victims

Team members rescued more than 850 hurricane victims

If Irma hits Florida, task force says it will be ready



The team, made up of firefighters from St. Petersburg, Tampa and Hillsborough County departments, left last Monday to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

"How good is it to hug them? Are you kidding me?" said volunteer Scott Mayville. "Theres no way I could explain that."

Team members rescued more than 850 hurricane victims, many of whom were stranded in flooded out homes.

"A lot of times it would be, 'Hey, go check this neighborhood out," said Task Force 3 leader Steve Santana.

"And we were literally just kind of floating down the street," he said. "In some areas it flooded so much we were floating over cars."

It's a mission team members said they won't forget. But if Irma hits hard, the task force said it will be ready.

"All of my guys are telling me, 'Hey, Im ready for the call," Santana said. "Give me 48 hours, let me take care of my family, make sure that they are good and if we need it we're ready to go back out the door."
As Hurricane Irma moves along and Florida is bracing for a possible impact, airlines, cruises and the travel industry in general are making changes as the storm approaches.

7 a.m., Monday, Sept. 11, 2017

Tampa International Airport announced that there will be no scheduled flights today. Operations will likely resume Tuesday or Wednesday. Passengers should contact their airline for flight information.

6:38 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017

Daytona Beach International Airport is going to close Saturday at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, in Orlando International Airport will cease operations Saturday at 5 p.m. This morning News 13 is learning that people are scrambling to buy plane tickets and waiting in long lines.

Officials at the airport will suspend all flights starting Saturday night. The airport reported more than 40 cancellations Friday.

As of early Saturday morning, Orlando International Airport is the calm before the storm.

The last flight takes off at 5 p.m., Saturday, which is the same time the parking garages will close.

If you are traveling out of this airport Saturday, you should arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours if you are traveling internationally as many are waiting in long lines at the ticket counter and security.

Allegiant Air has cancelled flights to and from the Orlando-Sanford International Airport as the last flight there leaves around 5:15 p.m. Saturday.

Also, the Orlando-Melbourne International airport will suspend flights at 6 p.m., Saturday.

Some travelers have been stranded here for days.

7:10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 8, 2017

Officials at Orlando International Airport will shut down all of its operations on Saturday, ahead of Hurricane Irma. On Friday morning it is not too busy here at the airport yet, but travelers did report long lines at the ticket counter.

Airport officials announced on Thursday that all flights will be suspended here at OIA starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday. In addition, Allegiant Air has cancelled flights to and from the Orlando-Sanford International Airport. The Orlando-Melbourne International airport will also suspend flights starting at 6 p.m., Saturday.

If your flight is cancelled, make sure to call your airline. Some of them are waiving fees to change your flight. Attorney General Pam Bondi also says Delta and American Airlines are capping fares for customers. Several flights have been cancelled and delayed. Airport officials say they do not know when those fights will take off since it will depend on the storm and how quickly it passes.

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017

Currently, two flights to San Juan have been canceled at Orlando International Airport. Because of Hurricane Irma, the Orlando International Airport originally posted that it will stop all commercial flights at 5 pm., Saturday, Sept. 9, but later Thursday morning airport officials told us they will be holding a meeting later in the day to see if they may suspend flights or not.

The Orlando Sanford International Airport announced that the last commercial flight will depart at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9 due to Hurricane Irma. There will be no commerical passenger flight activity after that time until further notice. Commercial passenger flight operations will resume as soon as possible and will be announced accordingly. Click here for more info. Allegiant has begun cancelling Saturday flights.

Tampa airport officials said Irma is being monitored and not impacting any flights as of Wednesday afternoon. However, airline seats are running out.

JetBlue reportedly has sold out flights leaving Florida through Sept. 13. United Airlines is reporting they're sold out through Friday.

American Airlines, meanwhile, still has limited seats available. Like JetBlue, the airline vastly cut fares on flights leaving Florida, capping economy seats at $99 and premium one-way fares at $199.

People leaving Tampa International Airport said they felt lucky to get tickets.

"We were just at the counter and they were telling other people they're sold out so I'm glad we got on ours and can get out before they get sold out completely, " said Nina Schroder.

"I didn't have any trouble getting a ticket and the price wasn't too bad but I noticed right after I got mine, it went way up," said Nick Smith.

Some airlines are also waiving baggage fees and pet fees for people flying out of certain cities that could be impacted by the hurricane.

But flights are not the only ones being impacted.

The Disney Fantasy has canceled its cruise that sets sail on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Also, the Disney Dream has cancelled two of their cruises that were set to sail on Friday, Sept. 8, and Monday, Sept. 11.

Refunds will automatically be returned to the original form of payment.

And the Royal Caribbean is also canceling some of their cruises.

The Empress of the Seas, which was supposed to leave on Saturday, Sept. 9, to Cuba.

Then the Enchantment of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas cruises to the Bahamas for Friday, Sept. 8, are also both canceled.
While unveiling his Huntsman Flood Fund in Beaumont on Tuesday, businessman and philanthropist Jon Huntsman challenged area businesses and contractors to match his $2 million donation by the middle of next week.

Huntsman, who announced the fund on the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, said his family donated $1 million to the fund and The Huntsman Foundation donated another $1 million.
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6:30 p.m.: U.S. 69 open, one lane each way

U.S. 69 between Lumberton and Silsbee has one lane open in each direction while TxDOT continues to repair flood damage at Village Creek Relief Bridge.

6:00 p.m.: Three hurricanes, none expected to impact Texas

The National Weather Service is now monitoring three hurricanes after Tropical Storms Katia and Jose were upgraded.

"None of them are expected to impact our region," NWS meteorologist Roger Erickson said.

Category 5 Hurricane Irma is expected to be a threat to Florida this weekend and early next week. It's expected to take a significant turn to the north as it approaches the east coast due to low pressure.

The cold front over our area will likely keep Hurricane Irma away from the region. It's expected to dissipate this weekend after making landfall in Mexico.

Jose is expected to become a major hurricane later this week, but does not pose a threat to our region, Erickson said.

Noon: Free tetanus shots, prescription refills Thursday

The Jefferson County Public Health Department will be giving free tetanus shots and refilling prescriptions at 7933 Viterbo Road from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday. For prescriptions, bring previous bottle and photo ID.

11:15 a.m. VA opens mobile center

Veteran Affairs has deployed two mobile medical units and a vet center to Beaumont. The mobile units are set up in the parking lot of the Beaumont clinic, 3420 Plaza Circle, which sustained water damage.

11 a.m. NWS monitoring 3 storms

The National Weather Service in Lake Charles is monitoring three tropical systems today.

Major category 5 Hurricane Irma is moving through the Virgin Islands this morning, and is forecast to be a threat to Florida later this weekend into early next week, according to the NWS.

In the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, Tropical Storm Katia is expected to become a hurricane before it makes landfall in Mexico late this week.

"The cold front moving through our region today will help keep this system in the southern western Gulf of Mexico, so it poses no threat to our region," the NWS said.

Tropical Storm Jose is expected to become a hurricane this week, but the forecast track shows it staying in the Atlantic through early next week.

10 a.m. Price-gouging reports spike

The Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division said they've received more than 500 complaints of post-Harvey price gouging in Texas - from $20 for a gallon of gas to $99 for a caase of water. Click here to read the full story.

8 a.m. Debris Clean-Up in Nederland

On Thursday, trucks will begin picking up debris in heavily-impacted areas. Those with items needed to be picked up should place them as close to the road as possible. Please separate in piles: Green waste (limbs, branches), spoiled food and household garbage, construction debris (drywall, lumber, carpet, etc), appliances, electronics, and hazardous materials. For more information, call (88) 721-4372.

Tuesday

2 p.m. Motiva refinery startup

Motiva's Port Arthur Refinery is in the final phases of equipment assessments and initial phases of refinery startup, the company announced in a statement on Tuesday.

"We expect the refinery to initially return to approximately 40 percent production by the end of this weekend, provided that the final assessments meet our operational standards," the statement said. "We continue to work closely with state, local and federal officials as well as disaster relief organizations to address storm impacts on our business and to aid our communities in their recovery. Our highest priority remains the safety of our employees and community."

Tropical Storm Harvey forced Motiva Enterprises, owned by Saudi Arabia's Aramco, to start a controlled shutdown of the Port Arthur refinery on Aug. 30.

Motiva Port Arthur Refinery is the nation's largest refinery. It churns through more than 600,000 barrels of crude oil a day to produce gasoline and other petrochemicals.

1 p.m. Huntsman Foundation unveils Flood Fund

While unveiling his Huntsman Flood Fund in Beaumont on Tuesday, businessman and philanthropist Jon Huntsman challenged area businesses and contractors to match his $2 million donations by the middle of next week.

Huntsman, who announced the fund on the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, said his family donated $1 million to the fund and The Huntsman Foundation donated another $1 million.

The money will be distributed through the Beaumont Foundation, Huntsman said.



Huntsman and prominent Beaumont attorneys Wayne Reaud and Gilbert Low are Beaumont Foundation board members, according to the website, bmtfoundation.com.

Reaud and Low praised Huntsman for his donation and thanked him for being a friend to Southeast Texas.

Huntsman said it "feels like home" here, saying his company has operated in Jefferson County for more than 25 years.

Huntsman said he would like the Flood Fund money to be given to families affected by Harvey who need to buy school supplies, clothes for their children and other necessities.

12:45 p.m. Volunteers needed in Port Arthur

Operation Blessing is coordinating volunteer efforts for Port Arthur. Anyone interested in helping residents can call (757) 374-0944, or go directly to the Volunteer Reception Center, 460 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., at 8 a.m. daily for assignment.

11:45 a.m. FEMA opening disaster recovery centers

FEMA disaster recovery centers will be set up in Jefferson County perhaps as early as this week, a FEMA representative said today.

People who were affected by flooding should go to disasterassistance.gov and register, said FEMA's Jefferson County spokesman Scott Thomas.

Once registered, a FEMA inspector will contact you for an appointment to look at your damage.

Thomas said no FEMA representative will ask for money up front, or bank account information or any requirement to pay for assistance.

"Anything else is fraudulent," Thomas said. "If you have not registered, you will not be contacted."

For people with no internet access, try visiting an established local government emergency center or wait for the FEMA disaster centers to open, Thomas said.

If you think you have been targeted in a scam involving FEMA, call the Department of Homeland Security's fraud hotline at (800) 269-0271.

11:20 a.m. FEMA warns of job scam

FEMA is warning people about a fake job offer circulating on social media.

The fake post reads that the government agency is hiring around 1,000 people and offering $2,000 a week for 90 days. The post also includes a phone number.

Anyone who wants to work for FEMA and help out Harvey victims should visit the official website - www.fema.gov/hurricane-harvey - and apply there.

11:15 a.m. Cold front coming tomorrow

A cold front should flow into Southeast Texas by daybreak Wednesday, the National Weather Service's Lake Charles, Louisiana office reported today.

Once it arrives, it should bring overnight temperature in the low-to-mid 60s and daytime highs from the low-to-mid 80s, said forecaster Donovan Landreneau.

The fronts should keep flowing through early next week, which could also act as a block to Category 5 Hurricane Irma, which has a track taking it possibly to the Florida Keys and perhaps into the eastern Gulf.

"Usually, when (a tropical storm) is in the eastern Gulf, we have fine weather," he saId.

Though Irma's eventual track is impossible to predict at this point, the northerly flow through Southeast Texas will bring cooler and drier air to the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, he said.

"Theoretically, it pushes Irma away," he said.

But all that could be overturned f troughs develop aloft, allowing Irma to slip toward the west.

"We can't pinpoint it yet," Landreneau said.

11 a.m.: Lumberton lifts curfew for most of town

From Lumberton PD: "The curfew has been lifted for the majority of the City of Lumberton. The curfew will remain in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. inside the city in all low-lying and flooded areas.

This only affect's inside the City of Lumberton only."

10:45 a.m. Beaumont residents asked not to burn trash

Due to the shortage of firefighting water, Beaumont Fire and Rescue warns residents not to burn their garbage or any debris.

10 a.m. Entergy power updates

Around 16,000 Entergy Texas customers are still without power, the company said.

"Since yesterday morning, power was restored to nearly 5,100 Texas customers of the 192,000 affected by the storm," Entergy said.

Here's an update by region:

Jefferson County

Beaumont

Power has been restored to all customers in Beaumont, except for customers who cannot take power because of equipment damaged by flood waters, areas that are still flooded, and areas impacted by the Amelia substation or Bevil substation outages.

Customers impacted by the Ameila substation outage include those along North Major Drive to Highway 105, Delaware St. to Barrington Heights, parts of Folsom Dr. and the Amelia area. Power is estimated to be restored to this area on Wednesday.

Customers impacted by the Bevil Oaks substation outage include those in the areas north and west of the intersection of Hwy 105 and Major Drive. Power is estimated to be restored to this area on Thursday.

Port Arthur, Mid-County

Power will be restored by tonight to all customers in Port Arthur and the surrounding areas, except for customers served by equipment damaged by flood water and areas that are still flooded.

Orange County

Orange, Vidor, Bridge City

Power will be restored by tonight to all customers in the Orange County area, except for customers served by flood damaged equipment, areas that are still flooded and areas impacted by the Vidor substation and Viway substation outages.

Customers north of IH-10 on Hwy 105 up to Travillo Rd including Pine Forest and Lake View can expect power to be restored by Thursday, provided the property is able to take power.

Customers in Rose City, areas south of IH-10 between Hwy 1132 and the Neches River, and the Maple Crest addition North of IH-10 can expect power to be restored by Friday.

Hardin County, Tyler County

Silsbee, Woodville, Lumberton

Power has been restored to all customers in the Silsbee, Lumberton and Woodville areas, except for customers served by equipment damaged by flood water, areas that are still flooded and areas impacted by the McDonald substation outage.

Customers in north and east Silsbee along Hwy 418 and Hwy 92 north should expect power to be restored on Wednesday, September 6th, provided there is no additional flooding.

Chambers County

Winnie, Anahuac

Power has been restored to all customers in the Winnie area, except for customers served by equipment that became damaged by flood water and areas that are still flooded.

9:28 a.m. 105 at Tram Raod still closed

Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies have reported an increase of traffic west on 105 trying to get to Countrywood. Highway 105 west of Tram is still under 3 feet of water, according to the sheriff's office. Motorists need to go north through Lumberton and around Sour Lake to get to Countrywood.

8 a.m. Gov. Abbott in Beaumont

Gov. Greg Abbott will be at Ozen High School at 3:30 p.m. today. Ozen is a water distribution site for the city.

7:30 a.m. Pinewood Estates open to residents

Pinewood Estate residents can enter their homes today beginning at 10 a.m. A police checkpoint will be setup at Pinewood Boulevard. Only residents will be allowed in. Residents with inhabitable homes will be required to leave before the 8 p.m. curfew. County officials believe most homes to the bridge are accessible.
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Hundreds of gas stations in San Antonio are still without fuel to pump in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Common sights in the city over the Labor Day weekend include gas stations with bags on the pumps and signs with the words Sold Out.

At stations with gas, long lines wrapped around city blocks.

For those who drive for a living, the closed pumps and long lines can mean days without work.

RELATED: Mayor again urged calm as residents continue panic buying

About one quarter of oil refining capacity on the Gulf coast was shut down because of the storm, but the supply situation worsened with the run on gasoline, produced by panic and hoarding, experts and city officials said.

Without fuel, the drivers at County Line Cabs are all sitting at home, Charles Charles, manager of the Boerne-based taxi company, said.

We are not taking any new passengers. We are not doing any booking, Charles said.

The company normally fields a roster of 27 vehicles. Only two currently have fuel, and these are being saved to transport people with medical emergencies, Charles said.

He said he is considering whether to close up shop until gas returns.

Now Playing: Lines extend to the streets on Wednesday, Aug. 31, as gas stations run low after Harvey. Video: San Antonio Express-News

At Poppys Pizza, drivers have not had enough gas to get to work, let alone get the pies to customers.

Its made it a little harder to deliver, Poppys Pizza manager Geoffrey Handler said.

The same has been true at Wok on Wheels, which delivers throughout the North East side.

Our drivers have had a hard time finding gas, said Nicole Thompson, a Wok on Wheels driver and cashier.

A few drivers could not come to work, Thompson said, and she and her husband wouldnt have made it to their jobs if he hadnt left at 5 a.m. to get gas.

RELATED: Man who poured gas on car in Dallas gas station fight tells his side of story

In his latest post on social media Sunday night, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the city has asked the state to provide more frequent updates to the public and that as much as he would like to impose restrictions on purchasing gas, that authority lies with the state government.

"San Antonio, I feel your frustrations and share them with you," the mayor wrote on Facebook. "Our city's market is being prioritized, and gas is being delivered daily and in greater quantities than usual. But demand has not decreased, with our city consuming more fuel than average largely due to panic and hoarding."

The mayor urged residents to take alternative transportation, carpool or work from home until distribution of fuel normalizes.

In a post on Saturday the mayor said gas purchases in San Antonio are 2.5 times the normal rate and said citizens were hoarding fuel. In other statements, he noted city officials reported people filling up 55-gallon drums.

If we all work on fueling as needed and not over-consuming, we will expedite our return to normal, Nirenberg wrote.

The mayor also posted a clip of a bank run from the movie classic, It's a Wonderful Life.

Refineries along the coast shut down in advance of Harvey, but experts said the fuel supply should return to normal soon. Karr Ingham, an oil and gas economist based in Amarillo, said it will take the industry two to three weeks to get everything running smoothly again.

Gas prices increased by an average of four cents a gallon nationwide after the storm, AAA spokeswoman Jeanette Casselano said in a release.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon regular unleaded in San Antonio on Sunday should be $2.39.

Supply trucks are now bringing gas from Corpus Christi and other refineries, according to the Mayors office.

Drivers in need of fuel have turned to apps such as gasbuddy. The app, as of Sunday afternoon, reported more 400 stations without fuel, compared to slightly less than 200 stations with fuel.

RELATED: Some of the best memes fueled by S.A. gas panic

The Shell station at Olmos park ran out of gas late Friday afternoon. A delivery truck was supposed to come that day with 3,000 or so gallons, but when it didnt, people rushed to the pump. They created a line backing up all four arms of the nearby roundabout, manager Aamir Khan recalled.

In the days since, Khan said he gets around 500 calls a day from people who want to know if he has gas. Sometimes they want to complain when he says he doesnt, but Khan said he knows there is nothing he can do.

I'm not listening to them, Khan said. I dont have time for that. I'm just answering the call and telling them I'm out of gas.

As he spoke, two cars drove past his pumps, which were wrapped in yellow caution tape, before driving off again.

For tow truck companies, the fuel shortage means an upsurge in deliveries of cans of fuel to drivers who have run out. Barbara Perales of New Era Towing said the company received 244 calls for fuel delivery Saturday. As of mid-morning Sunday, the company had received 45 calls, she said.

Her company also had to tow a driver who ran out of gas on U.S. 90. The driver said he had been stuck there for three hours, Perales said. After getting towed to the gas station, he was allowed to cut in line to get gas.

RELATED: Gas prices surged higher Friday as drivers rushed to fill their tanks

Perales waited in line for gas as she spoke. She blamed hoarders for the shortage and said she had limited her personal driving to save gas.

People get scared, they get shocked, Perales said. When you have people who are greedy and filling up with those big containers, then it limits the amount of fuel that other people have.

Despite the limited supply of drivers and fuel, numerous restaurants said they will continue to deliver throughout Labor Day weekend.

Its our living, Thompson at Wok on Wheels said. We have a job to do.

jlawrence@express-news.net
A man was arrested Wednesday after he ran into a North Side Walmart, tossed his backpack onto the ground, said it was a bomb and then ran out.



Police and firefighters responded to the alleged bomb threat around 6:30 a.m. and promptly evacuated about 60 people from the building.

RELATED: Arson investigating remains of NE Side trailer home that burned twice



As authorities investigated the incident, they learned the suspect had been going in and out of the Walmart all night, and that the threat was likely a hoax.



The suspect was later located near U.S. Highway 281 and Loop 1604. He was detained as police investigated.
A 4-year-old girl was hospitalized in critical condition after she discovered her father's handgun hidden in a couch and accidentally shot herself early Tuesday, police said.

The girl's father, Lazurus Anthony Gutierrez, is accused of lying to police about the incident and is now facing charges of tampering with evidence and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $20,000 bond.

RELATED: Teen driver charged in SE side street racing crash that killed 23-year-old man

According to a preliminary report, police and paramedics responded around 12:50 a.m. to the 500 block of Park Grove Drive, where they found the girl suffering from a gunshot wound.

The girl was transported to University Hospital in critical condition and was taken into surgery, authorities said.

Gutierrez allegedly originally told police he and his daughter were walking in the street when someone shot at them from the direction of Brownleaf Drive and then fled the scene in a vehicle. He said he saw his daughter was shot so he took her to a relative's house near the scene, police said.

RELATED: Suspected truck burglar leads Bexar County deputies on chase after owner spots her stolen vehicle

Police said they did not find any shell casings at the scene. Officers further questioned Gutierrez about the shooting, and he allegedly confessed that his daughter had found his gun hidden underneath a couch cushion while he was in the kitchen.

"[Gutierrez] gave a false statement because he was afraid that he would get in trouble," according to the report.

He was then arrested and booked into jail.

His daughter's status is unknown.

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Twitter: @calebjdowns
Indianapolis-based Anthem continued its 2018 exchange rollback in Missouri where it will pull its individual products from 17 counties, including the city of St. Louis, according to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch report.

Anthem will offer individual plans in 68 counties next year, compared to 85 in 2017. As of Friday, other insurers  Bloomfield, Conn.-based Cigna and St. Louis-based Centene  will offer marketplace products in the state next year, the report states.

To date, Anthem pulled back its exchange presence in California, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Chicago-based Shriners Hospitals for Children hosted 15 spine surgeons from across the country to share their knowledge and discuss strategies to treat early onset scoliosis.

Here are three takeaways:

1. Gathering physicians spoke about infantile casting, use of magnetic growth rods, spine growth modulation, vitamin D impact on scoliosis and scoliosis specific exercises and braces.

2. Physicians also held discussions on further developing a Shriners Hospitals for Children database of scoliosis cases to improve research and care.

3. Mark Niederpruem, Shriners Hospitals for Children administrator, said, "It is through this sharing of information that new techniques and improved outcomes are discovered and implemented."
Alexander McLawhorn, MD, and Meghan Kirksey, MD, PhD, of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City received a $135,000 grant from the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation to study total joint arthroplasty patient safety and outcomes.

Here are five takeaways:

1. The OREF Perioperative Surgical and Medical Home Patient Safety Research Grant provides funding for clinical research to advance breakthroughs in orthopedic patient safety.

2. Drs. McLawhorn and Kirksey are conducting a study, Effect of Operative Team Consistency on Patient Safety and Efficiency, which examines the impact of consistent surgical team staffing on patient outcomes.

3. To conduct the study, the OREF is partnering with:

 American Society of Anesthesiologists

 Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research

 Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

 Cigna Foundation

4. Funding for the grand was provided by OREF, ASA, FAER, APSF, AAOS, the Cigna Foundation and individual donors.

5. APSF President Mark Warner, MD, said, "This grant advances perioperative patient safety for all of us and accelerates the career development of our investigators." He went on to emphasize the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration grants.
Director Prabhu Solomons next venture is Kumki 2, the next installment to his hit film Kumki. The movie, that is supposed to star fresh faces in the lead roles, has got a start for its shoot. The shoot of the film is said to have started yesterday (August 6, 2017) at Thailand.



Close sources add that, the entire film is not set abroad and that its premise is India only. This Thailand schedule that does not include the lead cast is supposed to be for about 10 days. Apparently, the lead actors have still not been decided and that confirmation regarding the same is awaited. Also, the movie is said to be about elephants and only has a small segment that features horses.
The Navy's biggest ever ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, was built in blocks in six British cities, before being assembled in Rosyth (Royal Navy/PA)

A new fleet of multimillion-pound warships could be built in blocks across several shipyards in Britain, including Belfast, the Defence Secretary has announced.

While tender is open for selection for the build, Harland and Wolff are hoping to be involved.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the first batch of new Type 31e frigates would be built with the export market in mind, with the UK shipbuilding industry potentially serving both the Royal Navy and navies of allies and partners.

As part of this approach, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that the first batch of five Type 31e frigates could be built across different shipyards, before being assembled at a central site.

Cost would be capped at no more than 250 million each.

A spokesperson from Harland and Wolff said: "Commercially it would be a great success for us.

"All the work we do, the benefit has not been seen by they Royal Navy."

They added: "It would also mean our commercial fabricators would have the opportunity to work with international partners."

Expand Close The entrance to Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast. / Facebook

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The frigates would be constructed at various shipyards and later assembled at a central site - ready in time for 2023.

Sir John Parker, the chairman of mining giant Anglo American said the Navy fleet was being depleted by a "vicious cycle" of old ships retained beyond their sell-by date.

Sir John said: "I am very impressed by the courage that the Secretary of State has shown - and the Government - in adopting my recommendations, which were very extensive, and will change the shape of naval shipbuilding over the country in the future.

"The next challenge is to come up with a world-leading design; one that can satisfy the needs of the Royal Navy and the export market.

"We have the capability to do that, the will is there and it is a tremendous opportunity for UK shipbuilding.

"I see no reason why industry will not rise to that challenge.

"There is an incredible keenness from around the country, from Scotland to Merseyside, to the South West and over to Belfast."

Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey has criticised the British Government's plan to intensify warship building. Following the announcement at Westminster that over 1billion of taxpayer money would be spent on at least five new British war ships, the MP said:

"Yesterday I spoke Harriet Baldwin, British under-secretary of defence procurement and made clear Sinn Fein's total opposition to this militarist programme.

"In the Tory end of food banks, zero-hour contract and brutal cuts to vital public services, the British Government has decided that building warships is their economic priority."

Mr Maskey added: "1billion of investment would be better directed towards schools and a health service crumbling under Tory austerity, not on inflating British military ego."

However, East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has welcomed the new Shipbuilding Strategy.

The DUP MP stated: "This strategy is a significant announcement and is good news for the maritime industry across the UK, including Belfast.

"Firms such as Harland and Wolff undoubtedly have the skills and capacity to undertake work required by the Royal Navy, but testified to the fact they found the current approach to be something of a closed shop. Competitiveness is vital and I agree that for too long the work has rested with one or two companies.

"Sharing the construction of vessels across multiple partners means Belfast can demonstrate the capacity that exists within Harland and Wolff and take advantage of our unique shipyard, including the two largest dry docks in the United Kingdom."
Irish hotel giant Dalata Group plc  which will soon open its fourth hotel in Northern Ireland  has announced a 24% jump in revenues to 161.8m (149m).

The company, which is listed on the Dublin and London stock exchanges, runs the Maldron hotels at Belfast International Airport and in Londonderry, and also owns the Clayton Hotel in Belfasts Ormeau Avenue.

Next year it will open another Maldron, in Belfasts Brunswick Street.

In its half-year results, the company said construction on the new Maldron was well underway.

Dalata reported profits of 32.7m (30m) for the first half of the year  an 80% increase on the first six months of 2016, as a surge in average room rates in the Republic helped the bottom line.

Revenue growth was ahead of analyst expectations, with shares in the group jumping 7.7%, catapulting Dalatas market capitalisation to just under 1bn (0.9bn). And chief executive Pat McCann called for the retention of the Republics 9% Vat rate for the hotel and other tourism-related sectors.

He said he believed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Irish Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe will be loathe to tinker with it.

Mr McCann also said that Dalata has no designs on any more projects in Ireland and will be able to fuel its asset-light expansion in the UK without having to raise any more equity from shareholders, or any more debt.

The hotel group has just agreed to lease a planned 300-bedroom hotel in Manchester that will be built by Property Alliance Group. The hotel is set to open in mid-2020.

Mr McCann said that the focus for Dalata has been the UK for the past 18 months, even as its involved in a number of new hotel builds and extensions here.

There might be one or two more projects in Ireland  but thats a very big might, he added.
The Belfast Telegraph Runher Titanic 2017 will take place this weekend as ladies from all over Northern Ireland get set to take part.

Last year over 1000 ladies took on the Runher challenge, with many wearing fancy dress for the occasion.

The race started off with the landmark Titanic Belfast building forming the backdrop, as runners headed around the Titanic Quarter, taking in the sights of Harland & Wolff's Samson and Goliath cranes, before heading off to Victoria Park.

So here's everything you need to know about this year's event:

When is Belfast Telegraph Runher Titanic 2017 taking place?

The event will kick off at 11am Sunday, September 10 at the the Titanic Slipway in Belfasts Titanic Quarter.

Be prepared for a great group warm-up at 10:45 am!

What is it and who is it for?

Runher is a fun, female-only running event open from age 11 (for the 5 km event), and age 15 (for the 10 km event). Participants can walk, jog, run or race the flat, fast course.

Can I still register to take part?

Online entry for the run has now closed, but you can still register on the day or fill out a paper entry form at Pure Running in Belfast.

Where can I collect my Runher pack?

During pack collection, youll be able to pick up your race number and timing chip, t-shirt, and goody bag.

Pack collection will be available at Pure Running in Belfast on the following dates:

Thursday, September 7: 10am - 8pm

Friday, September 8: 9:30am - 5:30pm

Saturday, September 9: 9am - 5:30pm

Pure Running is located at 60 Wellington Place, Belfast.

What if I'm collecting on behalf of someone else?

Please have the following info:

are they doing 5k or 10k?

exact full name on their entry

either their email address or date of birth or other identifying piece of info - in case we have more than one entry with the same name!

What if I'm collecting multiple packs?

If you are planning to collect multiple packs and you can let the Runher team know details in advance - email shop@purerunning.co.uk - they will try to have these ready so it's quick and easy for everyone.

Are there any offers available at Pure Running id I'm taking part?

Pure Running will offer all ladies taking part 15%* off shoes and 25%* off clothing and accessories in store from Thursday, September 7 to Saturday, September 9.

There will also be past-event Runher tees on sale for 5.

*Not valid in conjunction with any other offers, including club discount, sale items or prize vouchers.

Is the event family friendly?

There will be a free kids race (under 11 years) at 10:30 am on the Titanic Slipway, as well as activities to keep them occupied while you run, so feel free to bring the family to cheer you on.

Will there be parking facilities at the event?

We suggest car-sharing or taking public transport where possible, but there are plenty of spaces in paid public car parks in the Titanic Quarter.

If you have any queries, contact the Runher team via the Facebook page.
From Viking invasions to megalithic and monastic sites, Northern Ireland is filled with historical heritage that dates back some 5,000 years ago.

There are many sites and attractions for curious travellers to visit and immerse themselves in, so why not try ticking off some of these unique spots as part of a day trip or weekend away over autumn?

1. Grey Abbey, County Down

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Moments away from Strangford Lough in the quaint village of Greyabbey are the ruins of Grey Abbey, one of Ulsters first gothic style buildings.

A special find amidst County Downs beautiful landscape, the site was founded by Afreca, wife of Anglo Norman invader John De Courcy, in 1193 and remained open for parish worship until the 15th century.

Take in the historic charm of Grey Abbey as part of a wider visit to County Down.

2. Hill of the ONeill and Ranfurly House, Co Tyrone

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Once a stronghold for Irish kings and clans, what remains of the Hill of ONeill and Ranfurly House is well worth a look when passing through Dungannon.

Once you have enjoyed the impressive views from the sites highest peak, wander inside the visitor centre below where you can visit a multi-media exhibition narrating the Hills importance in Irish and European history, its links to the ONeill clan and the subsequent Flight of the Earls and Plantation of Ulster.

3. Devenish Island, Co Fermanagh

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Located among Fermanaghs Lakelands and the lower part of Lough Erne, Devenish Island is a unique and memorable spot to experience when visiting this part of Northern Ireland.

The site was once home to monastic communities until Vikings raided the area in 837AD.

Thankfully, some of the ruins left from monastic buildings still remain on the island for all to see, including Saint Molise church and a 12th century round tower.

The island can be accessed by ferry from Trory Point and has a museum located on it for those wanting to find out more about the island and its heritage.

4. Springhill House, Co Londonderry

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One of the few remaining 'Big Houses' in Ireland, Springhill in Moneymore has been described as one of Ulsters prettiest houses.

Today, thanks to The National Trust, the building and its grounds are open to the public to explore as part of a tour, or by wandering around the site at your leisure.

5. Irish Linen Museum, Lisburn

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An important part of Irelands economic history, Lisburn's Irish Linen Museum details the thriving linen industry in Ireland in the 1800  1900s.

This includes the museums award-winning Flax to Fabric: The Story of Irish Linen exhibition and a chance to see the traditional mills in action.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams at the partys away day conference at City North Hotel, Co Meath

Unionists have dismissed Gerry Adams' call for a border poll as an attention-seeking stunt by a political leader whose time is running out.

Revealing that he is putting in place plans to step down as Sinn Fein president, Mr Adams also said his party would bring forward a white paper in the Republic on an Irish unity referendum within five years.

He told a gathering of his party in Co Meath that he would be seeking re-election as Sinn Fein president at its coming Ard Fheis.

But he added: "If elected I will be setting out our priorities and, in particular, our planned process of generational change, including my own future intentions."

He stated that Sinn Fein's 10-year internal plan, to which Martin McGuinness had contributed, included setting out an "orderly leadership change".

He said: "It is our intention to unveil at the Ard Fheis in November the plan that he helped to formulate." Mr Adams insisted that a border poll was "achievable and winnable".

However, UUP leader Robin Swann said Sinn Fein's campaign for Irish unity was doomed to failure.

"Time is running out for Gerry Adams. He is desperately searching for a fig leaf in the shape of a border poll," Mr Swann said.

The UUP leader said there was no evidence of support for a referendum on Irish unity. "A border poll call is a distraction from the other issues. And that is exactly what Adams wants.

"He wants people to ignore the thousands suffering on waiting lists, ignore the cuts to school budgets and ignore the need for more jobs and investment," he said.

Mr Swann claimed that when the Sinn Fein president finally retired, he wouldn't be missed by the people of Northern Ireland.

"Gerry Adams is incredibly vain and this teaser that he has thrown out about possibly standing down at some unspecified time in the future is further massaging his ego.

"When he does stand down it will be welcomed by many people across these islands. Most people will probably wish that they had never heard of him given the untold suffering inflicted by the IRA as it pursued its failed but brutal sectarian campaign."

DUP leader Arlene Foster said that Northern Ireland needed stability and a functioning government, not a border poll.

"A united-Ireland will always be the goal of republicans and nationalists. As a unionist, I will always campaign for Northern Ireland remaining within the Union. Support for the Union has never been greater," she said.

Under the Good Friday Agreement, a border poll can be called by the Secretary of State if it appears likely a majority would support Irish unity.

However, there can be no further poll for at least seven years.

Mrs Foster said: "There will be no border poll as there is no evidence of overwhelming support for a united Ireland.

"Holding, or indeed even just proposing, a border-poll within five years is not sensible. It will propel Northern Ireland into a cycle of referenda. This is nothing short of wishful thinking by Gerry Adams.

"I want Northern Ireland to have a period of stability where we can deal with matters affecting health, education, investment and infrastructure."

Ms Foster added: "I am not surprised by Gerry Adams' attachment to a narrow political project, but it is time he and those around him lifted their eyes and considered the damage recent instability is having upon everyone in Northern Ireland."

Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry said Mr Adams' insistence on an Irish Language Act before agreeing to restore power-sharing did nothing to dispel "the perception Sinn Fein is pursuing a chaos strategy".

"There was nothing in this speech which gave any indication Sinn Fein are willing to show any sense of compromise or any sense of responsibility towards good governance and public services," Mr Farry said.

"Gerry Adams' speech did nothing to dispel the perception Sinn Fein is pursuing a chaos strategy. In fact, it reinforced it.

"While Alliance respects everyone's constitutional aspirations, a border poll at this stage or even a debate on it would be a major distraction from what should be a singular focus on getting stable and inclusive power-sharing restored as soon as possible."
Grainne Teggart from Amnesty in Northern Ireland has welcomed the clarification

Medical staff in Northern Ireland who refer women to hospitals in the rest of the UK for abortions will not face prosecution, the Director of Public Prosecutions has said.

Barra McGrory QC confirmed the position in correspondence with human rights charity Amnesty International.

Campaigners against the strict laws surrounding the procedure said the clarification was a significant breakthrough.

Grainne Teggart from Amnesty in Northern Ireland, said: "The threat of prosecution has long loomed over medical professionals in Northern Ireland, who have previously felt unable to refer women to other parts of the UK for abortion services for fear of criminal prosecution. This has acted as a significant barrier for women seeking to access abortion.

"The Public Prosecution Service has now stated clearly they can see no risk of criminal prosecution in these circumstances. This is hugely important and should relieve the profession of this chilling threat. This is a significant breakthrough in the fight for abortion rights here."

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where terminations remained banned after the 1967 Abortion Act was introduced in Great Britain.

Hundreds of women have travelled elsewhere in the UK for procedures.

The UK Government recently said it was providing funding for women to access abortions free in England while administrations in Wales and Scotland have followed likewise.

Amnesty wrote to Mr McGrory about the matter after MPs in Westminster voted in June to provide free terminations at NHS hospitals in England and Wales for women who travel from Northern Ireland.

Amnesty International said medical staff in Northern Ireland feared they could face possible prosecution for making such referrals.

Ms Teggart said the question was central to the effectiveness of the new arrangements being put in place by the UK government.

Breedagh Hughes, Royal College of Midwives Director for Northern Ireland, said the clarification would enable the organisation to look after women who sought abortion services.

"Midwives and other healthcare professionals will now be able to refer women to the rest of the UK for abortion services, confident that they will not face prosecution or criminal sanctions.

"The RCM is now calling on the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to issue clear guidance on referring women for abortion to midwives and all those working in this area of healthcare."

In November 2015, the Belfast High Court ruled that Northern Ireland's near-total ban on abortion violated human rights legislation under the European Covention of Human Rights, by not permitting terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormality or sexual crime.

The case was challenged by the Department for Justice and Northern Ireland's Attorney General John Larkin QC.

A subsequent ruling at the Court of Appeal in June 2017 did not uphold the 2015 judgment and instead ruled that it is the role of Stormont rather than local courts to decide the law.
Northern Irish consumers have been urged to rid of their round pound coins with the deadline for spending them falling next month.

Northern Irish consumers have been urged to get rid of their round pound coins with the deadline for spending them falling next month.

Non-departmental government body the Consumer Council - which looks after the interests of consumers in Northern Ireland - has urged the public to spend their pounds coins or exchange them at the bank or post office, or risk not being able to spend them.

From October 15 the coins will no longer be legal tender.

The change in the design of the pound coin is a move aimed at tackling counterfeit coins.

The Royal Mint estimates that one in 30 round 1 coins in circulation are fakes, and has said that the new 12-sided design will make the coins much harder to replicate.

Speaking about the withdrawal Philippa McKeown Brown, the head of consumer empowerment and protection at the consumer council, said: "Its time to check the piggy-banks and money jars for 1 coins and to either spend them at the shops or exchange them at the bank or Post Office, because as of 15 October 2017 the current round 1 coins will cease to be legal tender and will no longer be accepted."

The new 12-sided coins have been in circulation since March, with the Royal Mint putting around 1.5bn of them into circulation.

It is estimated that the number of new pound coins in circulation surpassed the number of old pound coins in July.

Good news for consumers who find themselves still holding old pound coins after the October deadline - it will still be possible to bring them in and exchange them at the bank.
Caral ni Chuilin has said her party's Irish language proposals are those that were put out for consultation by Stormont, which she drafted.

Sinn Fein has confirmed a Stormont consultation on the Irish language act is the basis for its demand for an Irish language act but that it no longer is requiring "affirmative action" for the recruitment of Irish language speakers in civil service recruitment.

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Questions have been asked of the party as to what an Irish language act would actually look like. Party president Gerry Adams has repeatedly stated his party will not return to the Northern Ireland Executive unless there is an act in place.

Responding on Twitter to Belfast Telegraph columnist Alex Kane, who said it didn't appear the party had a formal policy or draft legislation on the matter, former Culture Minister Ni Chuilin said draft legislation went out to full public consultation in February 2015.

When asked if the outcome of the consultation and its recommendations were in the public domain and if that was Sinn Fein policy, she responded: "I drafted the legislation. Recommendations in public domain."

The party later confirmed, to the BBC Stephen Nolan show, the draft legislation was the basis for its demands for an Irish language act but they have ruled out affirmative action for Irish speakers in civil service recruitment.

Previously it had been suggested 10% of civil service staff should be Irish speakers as a target. However, Sinn Fein dismissed the claim.

A consolation on introducing an Irish language act was launched by the then Department of Culture Arts and Leisure in February 2015.

Among its proposals were:

Official status for the language

Provision for the right to speak Irish in the courts

English and Irish to be equal in the Assembly

The creation of an Irish language commissioner

Public bodies to recognise status of language including "affirmative action" in favour of Irish speakers in recruitment to the Civil Service and other public bodies.

Public bodies to produce scheme on how language services will be provided

Definition of conditions for recognition of Gaeltacht areas.

Recognition of Irish in placenames - including bilingual road signs

Provision to guarantee the right to education through the medium of Irish.

The full consultation document can be read here.

A follow-up report on the consultation was published in December 2015. It found that 95% of the near 13,000 responses received were in favour of legislation with the majority supporting the content of the proposals.

The cost of translation services and the small number of Irish speakers were issues raised among the small number of objectors.

The Department of Communities has said nothing further has been done on the matter since the report.

The full report can be read here.

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Michelle O'Neill addressed the current position of the Northern Ireland talks, the impact Brexit will have on the island and the "arrogance" of Fianne Fail, read her full speech below.

Introduction

Dia daoibh agus maidin mhaith.

Ba mhaith liom failte a chuir romhaibh go dti an comhdhail seo.

Ar dtus ba mhaith liom a leagan amach ca hait a bhfuil rudai o thuaidh.

Good morning and welcome to todays conference.

Yesterday we discussed a wide range of issues and planned the way forward.

This morning I want to focus on the Talks in the North and Brexit.

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This Saturday will mark nine months since our dear friend, leader and colleague, Martin McGuinness announced his resignation as deputy First Minister as a direct result of the DUP's failure to accept the principles of power sharing and parity of esteem, to implement previous agreements and because of their handling of the RHI crisis.

Let there be no doubt  Martin McGuinness did the right thing, at the right time.

As a member of the Executive I witnessed how he led the way in working with successive DUP leaders, he continually reached out to unionists on the basis of equality, respect and reconciliation.

He did so because it was the right thing to do and I am firmly committed to continuing on with that legacy.

The Sinn Fein track record in the Executive speaks for itself. We not only worked the institutions, but heavily invested in them over the last ten years up unto the point of collapse.

Over the course of the last nine months we have fought two elections. The people understood the importance of these elections and this was reflected in voter turnout  the largest since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

The support for the Sinn Fein party in both the Assembly and Westminster elections was an endorsement of a new way  a demand for absolute respect, integrity and common decency and rights for all  a demand for power-sharing as it was originally agreed.

An overwhelming majority of the nationalist community have given their support to our party.

And we will use that support to be a driving force for good and lead the North forward into a new political era where citizens have rights, and those rights are delivered and respected regardless of who you are or where you come from.

There cannot be and won't be any tolerance of inequality, discrimination or second-class citizenship for anyone in our society  women, LGBT, Irish speakers, ethnic minorities.

POLITICAL TALKS

There has been 3 phases of talks to date, 3 phases, which have not produced the right basis to form a sustainable executive.

I will update you on the current state of play.

But first, I want to take the opportunity today to address directly, the claims by some of our political opponents that Sinn Fein does not want the political institutions restored in the north - either because, they claim, we want to destabilise the north or even more bizarrely, that we do not want to re-enter the Executive so as to maximise our electoral prospects here in the South.

These assertions are not only untrue, but are patently absurd, illogical and do not stack up  and here is why;

Firstly, and put simply, it is not in our strategic interests. Our political strategy is premised on effective and functioning Government.

We are fully committed to the Good Friday Agreement - an agreement, which we negotiated and signed up to.

We are committed to these institutions because they provide the democratic vehicle for addressing the day-to-day issues, which confront the people of the North.

Secondly, we want the political institutions restored because they include critical all-Ireland structures, delivering important benefits for all the people of this island and under-scoring the benefits of all-Ireland approaches and actions. These include practical examples of co-operation in areas such as childrens cardiac services and cancer services in the North-West at Altnagelvin.

Lastly, Micheal Martin cannot genuinely believe what he is saying, and if he does, he is being badly advised in relation to the North. He and others who make such bogus arguments know that they fly in the face of logic, do so only to serve their own narrow self-interests.

Sinn Fein wants to bring about fundamental societal change North and South. This therefore requires us to be in government in both Dublin and Belfast.

I reject absolutely the arrogance of the Fianna Fail Leader and others in Fine Gael who say Sinn Fein is not fit for government in Dublin. I have a message for them. The people will decide that.

For us part of delivering this societal change means the implementation of outstanding agreements in the North. The Irish government has a leadership responsibility to hold the British government to account on these issues. Thus far it has not succeeded in doing so.

Irish language rights are a central part of the Good Friday Agreement and Acht na Gaeilge is a part of the 2006 St Andrews Agreement.

This issue has both practical and symbolic importance in recognising and respecting Irish national identity.

Many citizens may not speak Irish but believe that those citizens who wish to should have the protection of the law. And I welcome Arlene Fosters recent acknowledgement of this.

Irish language speakers are entitled to the same language rights as enjoyed by citizens in other parts of these islands.

Marriage equality is another one of the rights based issues that is at the heart of the current political impasse. Who can logically explain to a loving couple why they cannot marry in the North, but can do so here in this State and elsewhere on these isles?

It is time for progressive politics. A new era and a shared society, which means equality and respect for every citizen regardless of who you are, where youre from, or who you love.

It's time for the British government to stop denying families access to legacy inquest funding. They need to stop hiding behind the guise of so called national security and make the funding available in line with the lord chief justice request. They must act without further delay.

So many challenges remain and we in the Sinn Fein leadership will continue to play our part to make every effort to find a political solution to the political crisis that exists.

However, any attempt to put the cart before the horse and form an Executive while at the same time having a parallel negotiation would guarantee failure from the outset. A new Executive would be hamstrung from the beginning, so lets get it right.

In the past fortnight I have met with all the party leaders and both Governments.

And the Sinn Fein and DUP leaderships have for more than a week now been engaged in intensified dialogue to determine whether political progress is possible.

We do believe progress is possible and are therefore ready to re-engage in formal negotiations together, and with the other parties and both Governments, to try and reach agreement in a short, sharp and focussed negotiation.

This process should begin immediately.

BREXIT

One of the most severe challenges Ireland will face is Brexit.

It will dominate and radically change the political landscape for years to come.

We all know the impact it will have on our business, trade, agri food, tourism and other sectors of the economy, with the imposition of trade tariffs, a border and other detrimental limitations placed upon us.

Our economy, just like our population, does not exist in splendid isolation. Our collective economic future lies with relationships north, south and east and west. The threat to the economy arising from Brexit cannot be over stated.

There is growing concern in the north and on the entire island of Ireland about the economic consequences of Brexit, the negative implications of which are already becoming clear.

A special status relationship outside of the EU would do little to deal with the massive political, social and economic challenges thrown up by Brexit.

The North of Ireland is collateral damage in what is a reckless Tory agenda and while the majority of Assembly members in the North are anti-Brexit who will argue the case for our unique and special circumstances, the onus is firmly on Simon Coveney and the Irish government to defend the national interests of the entire island.

We cannot withstand exclusion from the single market and customs union, allow the return of borders of the past or deny citizens access to the European Courts of Justice.

There is an urgent need for new thinking.

Sinn Fein believes that the only credible approach is for the north to be designated a special status within the EU and for the whole island of Ireland to remain within the EU together.

We also believe strongly that the EU itself must be radically reformed which must be decided by all member states as equals rather than the dominant forces within it.

CONCLUSION

There are clear challenges that need to be addressed head on.

The route map to establishing the executive is clear, its reasonable and its achievable. Implement previous agreements, deliver equality for all and embrace genuine partnership government.

Thats when we will establish a sustainable executive.

That respects all citizens now;

That delivers citizens rights now;

And wins public confidence now.

Mile buiochas.

Go raibh mile maith agaibh go leor
The 23-year-old man from Galway was pulled from the Grand Canal in the Portobello area of Dublin in the early hours of Sunday morning

A young hurling fan has been left fighting for his life in hospital after falling into a canal.

Gardai said the 23-year-old man from Galway was pulled from the Grand Canal in the Portobello area of Dublin in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A man and woman helped in the rescue.

Gardai said the injured man had travelled to Dublin with friends for Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final in Croke Park.

He was not with his friends when he ended up in the water.

The man was rescued from the canal and brought to St James's Hospital where he remains in a critical condition, gardai said.

Officers appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident at Portobello Harbour to come forward, including the man and woman who helped the man.
Armed gardai have opened fire on a suspected gunman.

One man, aged in his late 20s, was arrested and a gun and silencer were recovered when a van was intercepted in the operation in the Inchicore area of Dublin.

Gardai said the vehicle failed to stop on Kylemore Way when officers from the Special Crime Task Force, attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau, moved in.

The van was subsequently forced to stop and armed gardai fired a number of shots before making the arrest.

No-one was injured in the incident, gardai said.

A second vehicle thought to be involved in the incident fled from the scene.

The incident has been reported to the Garda Ombudsman's office, gardai said.
Prime Minister Theresa May has confirmed - and happily - there will be no role for Dublin in the governing of Northern Ireland if the talks failed, but that restoring devolution was best for all its people.

It comes after her government issued a rebuke following comments by the Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney.

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Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions Questions, in response to the DUP's Nigel Dodds, Mrs May said: "I am happy to confirm we are not looking at joint authority.

"The Belfast Agreement does include certain responsibilities in relation to the government of the Republic of Ireland in terms of north south coordination.

"The focus for all of us should be on trying to resolve current differences and see devolved administration reasserted.

"That would be best for Northern Ireland."

Labour Jeremy Corbyn, on asking the PM to end the public sector pay cap for nurses and others again raised the DUP's 1bn deal with the Tories.

He said: "The Prime Minister has no problems finding the money to please the DUP, no problems whatsoever... is she really happy that NHS staff use food banks?"

The Prime Minister said the pay review body was continuing its work and would report in the autumn while millions were no longer paying income tax and record numbers of people were in work.
Suspected ringleader of criminal network has been charged under Modern Slavery Act (PA Wire)

A British woman suspected of being one of the ringleaders of a criminal network involved in trafficking young women for sexual exploitation has been charged under the Modern Slavery Act.

Joesphine Iyamu, 50, was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers after she landed at Heathrow Airport on a flight from Lagos, Nigeria, on August 24.

The criminal network is thought to be involved in trafficking young women from Nigeria to Europe for sexual exploitation.

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Whatsapp The National Crime Agency arrested Joesphine Iyamu after she landed at Heathrow Airport on a flight from Lagos (Nick Ansell/PA)

Iyamu, of Wilson Grove, Bermondsey, south east London, was charged with arranging to facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation  an offence under the Modern Slavery Act.

She has been remanded in custody and will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on September 22.

A 59-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering and has since been released under investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer Kay Mellor said: Criminals involved in modern slavery see their victims as a commodity that can generate income over and over again.

They are adept at hiding their activity and often exploit individuals who are vulnerable and may not be missed.

The NCA, with our partners, is turning over stones, seeking out the individuals who are profiting from this trade, prosecuting them and safeguarding the vulnerable people they exploit.
Evelin Hernandez makes her point at a protest in Minneapolis (Star Tribune/AP)

Fifteen US states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit in New York challenging President Donald Trump's plan to end a programme protecting young immigrants from deportation.

The suit was first announced by Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who called Mr Trump's act "a dark time for our country".

Plaintiffs include New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

On Tuesday, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the programme, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, will end in six months to give Congress time to find a legislative solution for the immigrants.

The participants were brought to the US illegally as children or came with families who overstayed visas.

Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire.

If their permits expire before March 5 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by October 5.

However, the programme is not accepting new applications.

Opponents of the programme said they are pleased with the Trump administration's decision.

They called DACA an unconstitutional abuse of executive power, but proponents of the programme said the move by Mr Trump was cruel.

Mr Ferguson said the action violates the due process rights of the immigrants.

He said he fears the information the immigrants provided to the government to participate in DACA could be used against them.

"It's outrageous, it's not right," an emotional Mr Ferguson said at a news conference in Seattle.

"As attorney general for the state of Washington, I have a hammer, it's the law."

Washington Governor Jay Inslee joined Mr Ferguson at the news conference and said "this is one more of a long train of abuses that this president has attempted to foist on this great nation".

Earlier this year, Mr Ferguson sued Mr Trump over the initial travel ban, which resulted in a federal judge blocking nationwide enforcement.

AP
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has given a "green light" to systematic torture inside detention facilities, allowing officers to act with "almost total impunity", an international rights group said.

In a 63-page report, Human Rights Watch said Mr el-Sissi, a US ally who was warmly received at the White House earlier this year, is pursuing stability "at any cost", and has allowed the widespread torture of detainees despite it being outlawed by the Egyptian constitution.

Mr el-Sissi "has effectively given police and national security officers a green light to use torture whenever they please", said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at the New York-based group.

"Impunity for the systematic use of torture has left citizens with no hope for justice."

The allegations, the group said, amount to crimes against humanity.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry slammed the report in a statement later on Wednesday, saying it is full of inaccuracies and undermines the sovereignty of the state and the role of its national institutions.

Most of the detainees are alleged supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood group, which rose to power after the 2011 uprising that toppled president Hosni Mubarak but has been the target of a sweeping crackdown since the military overthrew Brotherhood leader Mohammed Morsi in 2013.

Human Rights Watch says Egypt arrested or charged some 60,000 people in the two years after Mr Morsi, who became Egypt's first freely elected president, was overthrown following a divisive year in power.

Hundreds have gone missing in what appear to be forced disappearances, and hundreds of others have received preliminary death sentences.

Widespread torture in a perceived climate of impunity was one of the main grievances behind the uprising that toppled Mr Mubarak.

Mr Stork warned that "allowing the security services to commit this heinous crime across the country invites another cycle of unrest".

Us President Donald Trump has hailed Mr el-Sissi as an ally against terrorism, but last month the United States cut or delayed nearly 300 million US dollars (230 million) in military and economic aid, part of an estimated 1.3 billion dollars (1 billion) a year the US has given Egypt since it made peace with Israel in 1979.

Based on interviews with 19 Egyptians detained as far back as 2013, the rights group documented abuses ranging from beatings to rape and sodomy.

Human Rights Watch said local rights groups have documented dozens of deaths under torture in police custody.

It said torture sessions are aimed at extracting confessions, collecting information or simply as punishment.

Prosecutors, who are tasked with probing violations, create an "environment of almost total impunity" by either ignoring complaints of torture or threatening abuse themselves.

Human Rights Watch says it found identical methods of torture used in detention facilities across the country, an "assembly line of serious abuse".

After a "welcoming party" of beatings, detainees are stripped naked, blindfolded and subjected to electrical shocks and various stress positions.

In one position, known as the "grill", detainees are hung from a spit-like wooden pole placed atop two chairs.

Officers often move detainees from one room to the other, where different methods of torture are used, such as pulling out nails or electrocuting a detainee while dousing him with water, often until he passes out.

Some detainees said they were placed inside a room dubbed the "fridge" and kept in extremely cold temperatures while wearing nothing but underwear.

"All my nerves were shaking. I wasn't in control of them," Human Rights Watch quoted a detainee as saying, after an intense torture session that included shocking his genitals with electrical wires.

The researchers found five cases in which officers used torture to force detainees to read pre-written confessions, which were filmed and then posted on social media or shown on state TV.

"I gave them the answers they wanted to hear because the electrocution was too much for me to bear," another detainee said.

The Interior Ministry in the past has denied allegations of systemic torture, blaming any abuses on individuals and saying they are held accountable.

Several officers have been tried and convicted of torture, while others have been acquitted.

Egypt has said enhanced security measures are needed to combat Islamic State (IS) and other armed groups that have stepped up attacks since Mr Morsi's ouster.

Mr el-Sissi declared a state of emergency in April after a series of deadly church bombings claimed by IS.

Citing national security, the government has shut down hundreds of websites, including many operated by independent journalists and rights groups.

Judges have been referred to a disciplinary committee for helping prepare an anti-torture bill, and parliament, which is packed with el-Sissi loyalists, passed a law that would cripple the work of independent rights groups.

AP
At least 70 deaths in Texas are now being attributed to Storm Harvey, county and city officials said.

The latest deaths reported by county emergency officials include a lineman electrocuted while working to restore electricity outside of Bloomington, about 13 miles (21 kilometres) south-east of Victoria, and several people with medical conditions exacerbated by flooding or delayed from receiving treatment.

The Associated Press has confirmed the fatalities and causes of death by interviewing emergency personnel and county officials in the areas under state and federal disaster designation.

The deaths span 13 counties, with the highest totals in Harris County, where at least 30 people have died from Harvey-related causes, according to officials.

At least 10 counties have reported no deaths.
After all the debate about falling election turnouts, the last two Northern Ireland elections reversed that trend.

With previous NI elections having turnouts approaching the dangerous 50% level the most recent two produced turnouts of 64.8% (NI Assembly election) and 65.6% (Westminster election). So what caused this sudden increase in interest from a section of the electorate who had previously not been voting. In particular, who are these people?

Our analysis of the results, and of all the data, received from our six pre-election polls, and also our post-election polling, show some interesting patterns.

On the unionist side there was a notable increase in turnout from the C2DE socio-economic groups  or to put it in plain language from the unionist/loyalist working class.

This particularly applied in the east of Northern Ireland and mostly in the big urban areas specifically Belfast. On the nationalist/republican side the situation is a bit more complicated with a notable section of ABC1 Catholics across NI (i.e. middle class Catholics) who previously didnt vote, or sometimes voted SDLP or Alliance, coming out to vote  and voting Sinn Fein.

Analysing the voluntary comments made by poll participants from this group, the "attitude of the DUP leader" seemed to be the main driver in terms of getting this group of Catholic non-voters, or sometimes voters, to go back to the polls.

So are these increased turnouts here to stay? There a couple of reasons to say Yes to this.

Firstly, voting is habit-forming. An individual voting in one election significantly increases the likelihood of them voting again in the future.

Evidence suggests that the relationship is causation, and not just a matter of correlation.

That is, its the act of voting itself which is significant in causing people to vote again, rather than other factors such as the persons community or social grade.

The psychological reasons as to why this is so, are unknown. Of course, one key event that fed into the increased turnout at NIs two 2017 elections was the last electoral event of 2016 i.e. the EU Referendum, when 86,000 more people turned out to vote, compared to the 2016 NI Assembly election only seven weeks before. This new 86,000 group were therefore more likely to vote again.

Secondly, now these groups have made their voices heard, when they were previously not involved in the electoral process, the political parties are more likely to devise policies and campaigns that appeal to them, in order to keep their votes.

For example, and not surprisingly, the DUP are carrying on building up their voter registration and campaign activities in unionist working class areas. Perhaps Sinn Fein have a more difficult task to keep the momentum going on their side of the camp, as the reasons for the increase in their vote are more complex. However, no doubt they will work out some strategies to do this. In a way, its a virtuous circle  participation leads to representation which leads to participation, and so on.

In addition, the pre-election campaigns could now be more important. An old rule, particularly in NI, is that election campaigns have a limited effect in determining how people will vote.

Prods always vote DUP (or UUP)  Catholics vote Sinn Fein (or SDLP). Its been the case (in NI and also elsewhere), that only a very small group of people are open to persuasion as campaigns reach their peak  most people have their voting preferences fixed very early into the electoral cycle.

This is changing, and voter volatility is on the increase. One of the key groups least likely to have their preferences fixed in advance are young people  this applies across the UK and Ireland, and also applies in NI across all communities.

If we look at the UK wide polling figures 64% of 18-24 year olds only decided which way to vote during the month before the June Westminster election, and 39% made their mind up within the last week. In contrast, just 41% of people aged 65 or over made their minds up in the last month and 25% in the last week. As young peoples votes stay up for grabs longer, they are more sensitive to the highs and lows of the campaign period.

So it looks like larger election turnouts could be the norm for the future in Northern Ireland.

Bill White, is Managing Director of Belfast based LucidTalk Polling and Market Research. You can follow LucidTalk on Twitter at @LucidTalk.
As A Labour Party member, like many others I joined on the back of Jeremy Corbyn's successful leadership election in 2015. Like others, I have been active in various campaigns and backed Corbyn during the leadership challenge last year and have become a committed democratic socialist.

Now, my regional party, the Labour Party in Northern Ireland (LPNI), finds itself in an internal struggle and without a functioning executive due to multiple resignations and the suspension of the executive (albeit temporarily) during investigations into alleged rulebook violations.

There have been internal battles for some time, but it always seemed that the issues were resolved and we were able to move on. But, of late, it has come to a head and many feel they cannot function within the executive.

Having been in regular contact with some of the then executive officers and other people with positions in the party, and after observing comments and debate on social media, it occurred to me that it was, in the most part, due to mistrust and suspicion.

There are some familiar comparisons in the situation with the LPNI and the current political situation with a non-functioning Northern Ireland Executive, yet the LPNI set out to challenge and criticise this impasse and the failings of the Northern Ireland Executive and the Assembly to address the social inequalities in Northern Ireland.

I myself have been guilty of this mistrust and I think all active LPNI members need to look at why we joined the Labour Party to begin with.

We should ask ourselves, are we not being a little hypocritical if we can't find a way round our own impasse and disagreements, considering what we are, or have been, challenging as a party? Isn't it time to build bridges and find a way to compromise with our differences?

This may sound very cliched, but I am reminded of the late Jo Cox MP in her maiden speech, when she said: "There is more that unites us than divides us." Particularly when we are united on so many things, like LGBTQ rights and equality, women's rights and equality, workers' rights, fighting austerity and so many other things.

Maybe it's time we concentrated on these things that unite us, rather than fighting over what divides us.

Surely, the issues that we fight for are far bigger than what annoys us or upsets us?

MATT BEECHING

By email
All the candidates are jockeying for position as they come around the home bend. Get right up there on the edge of the running, as it were, when the North Valley Coalition and

Weekly Alibi

present a forum for Albuquerque Mayoral Candidates at the

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12th Street NW)

.
Protesters from grassroots group Bersih hold a rally in Kuala Lumpur calling for the resignation of Malaysias Prime Minister Najib Razak over the 1MDB scandal, Nov. 19, 2016.

Malaysias new police chief said Wednesday that the shooting of the former attorney generals driver was not linked to the 1MDB financial scandal, as U.S. authorities filed court documents claiming that international witnesses were afraid to talk to investigators.

Unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle shot the driver of former Malaysian attorney-general (AG) Abdul Gani Patail in the leg as he was about to leave his home in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 29, police said. The victim was rushed to a hospital where he was reported to be in stable condition, officials said.

According to Police Inspector-General Mohamad Fuzi Harun, the shooting was not connected to Abdul Gani, who was sacked from his post by Prime Minister Najib Razak two years ago. At the time, the attorney general was leading an investigation into allegations that hundreds of millions of dollars of money linked to state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) had been deposited into Najibs bank accounts.

As far as I know, the shooting has nothing to do with 1MDB, Fuzi told BenarNews.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said that a number of potential witnesses into the alleged embezzling of billions of dollars from the Malaysian state fund had contacted American authorities and expressed fears of possible retaliation.

In documents filed at U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, FBI Special Agent Robert Heuchling urged the court to protect the identity of its informants in the 1MDB investigation.

A number of individuals, who have provided information to the government have expressed significant concerns relating to their safety or retaliation if the identities of certain witnesses, especially those located in certain foreign countries, were disclosed publicly, Heuchling said.

These individuals have also expressed concern for their own safety and security if their contact with the United States became known, he said.

Heuchling cited media reports, including about the drivers shooting in Malaysia, as evidence of the gravity of these safety concerns.

The FBI court filings come ahead of Najibs visit to Washington and meeting with President Donald Trump next week.

American criminal investigation

Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice said it had launched a criminal probe related to 1MDB. It requested a judge to put aside U.S. civil forfeiture lawsuits seeking to recover more than $1 billion in assets in the United States, Switzerland and the United Kingdom that had been purchased with money linked to 1MDB.

Producing any identifying witness information could result in witness intimidation or jeopardize the safety and security of witnesses  a legitimate concern in this case, given that press reports have publicized potentially retaliatory or threatening acts linked possibly to the 1MDB investigation, Heuchling said.

The FBI agent also cited the arrest of Khairuddin Abu Hassan, an official with the Malaysias ruling party, the United Malays National Organization, on Sept. 1, 2015, by Malaysian authorities after he announced that he intended to travel to New York to provide information about 1MDB to investigators.

Malaysian officials said Khairuddin was arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 or SOSMA. He was charged on Oct. 12, 2015, with attempting to sabotage the countrys banking and financial services.

Heuchling also mentioned reports that Rafizi Ramli, a member of Malaysias parliament, was arrested on April 8, 2016, because he was suspected of disclosing information relating to 1MDB.

The justice department had filed 29 civil cases since July 2016 as it targeted assets that were allegedly acquired by Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, also known as Jho Low; Riza Aziz, a stepson of Prime Minister Najib; and Khadem al Qubaisi, a former managing director of an Abu Dhabi petroleum investment company.

The U.S. investigation is part of efforts in at least a half-dozen countries, including Singapore, Switzerland and Luxembourg, to track the billions of dollars that 1MDB raised for development projects in Malaysia that were allegedly siphoned off and diverted through money laundering.

The debt-laden 1MDB had been tied to corruption allegations surrounding Najib, who until last year was chairman of 1MDBs advisory board.

Najib has denied any wrongdoing.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano speaks during the closing ceremony of the 50th Association of Southeast Asian Nations regional security forum in Manila, Aug. 8, 2017.

The Philippine government on Wednesday said about 10,000 Filipinos could be deported from the United States as a result of President Donald Trumps decision to end a program that had allowed undocumented immigrant children to stay there legally.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said he was authorizing the use of special funds to assist immigration-related cases including those that would arise from Trumps decision to revoke the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals, otherwise known as DACA.

On Tuesday, Trump said he was revoking the program and gave the U.S. Congress until March 2018 to pass legislation that would effectively prevent the deportations of as many as 800,000 people covered by the program.

Of the estimated 3.4 million Filipinos living and working in the U.S., about 310,000 are undocumented, according to the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs.

Of those, approximately 10,000 qualified for DACA because they entered the U.S. prior to their 16th birthday and before 2007, and were students, high school graduates, honorably discharged from the military, not convicted of a crime or considered a threat to national security.

Cayetano called on Filipino citizens who would be affected by the decision to remain hopeful even as he called on them to prepare themselves for any eventuality.

While we hope for the best in the form of a legislative solution, those affected should likewise prepare for the worst, he said.

In any event, we are ready to welcome and assist our compatriots in whatever way we can if they are returned to the Philippines, he said.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama issued an executive order on DACA in 2012 in an effort to protect children of undocumented immigrants from being deported.

The program provided temporary legal status that allowed qualified undocumented immigrant children from the Philippines, and other countries, to stay, study and work in the United States.
The sister of teenager Carl Arnaiz, who was shot and killed after he allegedly robbed a taxi driver at gunpoint, weeps during a Mass ahead of his burial at the Mater Dolorosa Parish in Manila. Sept. 5, 2017.

The mutilated body of a missing 14-year-old boy has been found two weeks after he and a friend were allegedly picked up by officers enforcing Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes sweeping war on drugs, police said Wednesday.

The body of Reynaldo de Guzman was discovered Tuesday in northern Gapan City, bearing multiple stab wounds and with his head wrapped in packing tape, police said.

The parents had gone to the area. They identified that the body was indeed Reynaldo de Guzmans, local police chief Peter Madria said.

The teenagers friend, university student Carl Arnaiz, 19, was found dead in Manila last week, 10 days after both youths were reported missing. Police claimed Arnaiz had held up a taxi and fought it out with officers, and that he had a gun and methamphetamines.

On Aug. 18, the two told their parents that they were going out to buy food. But they never returned to their homes in suburban Rizal province, east of Manila.

An autopsy revealed Arnaiz was gunned down in a similar fashion to Kian Loyd delos Santos, 17, whose killing last month provoked an outpouring of sympathy and anger over Dutertes war on drugs.

Delos Santos was allegedly forcibly taken by policemen and shot at close range while kneeling down. His arrest was caught by a closed-circuit television camera and the footage belied police accounts of a shoot-out.

The national police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. But on Tuesday Director Gen. Ronald dela Rosa denied that there was a departmental policy to kill innocent people.

It is not correct to say that there is a policy sanctioning widespread killing, he said in testimony before a Senate inquiry.

Pure and simple murder of a child

Sen. Risa Hontiveros described de Guzmans brutal death as a vile, gruesome, barbaric act.

Reynaldo, at the tender age of 14, did nothing to deserve such a fate. To be stabbed 31 times is no accident. It is the pure and simple murder of a child, she said.

I hope this removes any doubt and settles with finality any discussion of whether or not there is a pattern and policy of killings under the Duterte government, she said.

She called on Duterte to halt his bloody war on narcotics, under which there is a pattern of killing young and poor people.

There is a policy to kill, she said, as she called on the public to stand up and hold the year-old Duterte administration accountable for abuses and deaths logged in his anti-narcotics campaign.

To President Duterte and all the EJK (extrajudicial killing) deniers, here is your pattern. Here is the result of your policy, she said.

The presidents spokesman was not immediately available for comment, although Dutertes office said he met with the Arnaiz family Wednesday and, during the brief meeting, he promised them justice would be served.

Duterte guaranteed a thorough and impartial investigation, the presidential palace said in a statement, adding there would be no whitewash in the case.

Opposition leader Sen. Francis Pangilinan called on Duterte to end his war on drugs, noting many of the 8,000 alleged pushers and addicts slain so far were young and poor people.

Many of us parents are worried about these murders, he said in a statement. Only the president can stop the war on drugs and the killings of the innocent by rogue members of the police force.

In August, police conducted one-time, big time operations across Manila and nearby suburbs, killing nearly 100 suspects including two boys and a 19-year-old.

Their deaths came after 15 people were killed by police in the south last month, including a mayor named on a list of 150 politicians, judges, police and military officers whom Duterte had said were involved in the drug trade.

Despite publicly naming the officials, the president has offered no proof of their involvement.

On Wednesday, Duterte said he would always protect troops and the police from prosecution. But always, there has to be the element of the performance of duty, he said. And you do not kill defenseless persons.

He said he would pursue the cases against police implicated in the killings and, if need be, they should go to jail.

The statement appeared to be a calculated move to distance himself from the bloodshed. Last month, reacting to the first wave of the killings, he praised the police for doing what he said was a good job.
 Contrary to what most people have been told, the only battle we ever lost was right here at home! Read moreWhat being a veteran means to me
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400 million euros for a border fence? |

Brussels  Hungarys Viktor Orban (54) is demanding a hefty sum of 400 million euros from the EU! So that the EU, out of solidarity to Hungary, can participate in erecting a fence along the borders with Serbia and Croatia to keep migrants out of the bloc.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (62) has now answered Orban over his border funding request by teaching him a lesson about solidarity.

According to information obtained by BILD, Juncker wrote a letter to Orban in which he said: "Solidarity is not an a-la-carte dish; one that can be chosen for border management, and rejected when it comes to complying with relocation decisions."

Juncker is referring to Hungarys refusal to receive refugees from Italy and Greece. The redistribution decision was agreed upon by the EU in 2015. Since then, Hungary, Poland and Chechenya have refused to comply with the relocation plan.

"Solidarity is a two-way street. There are times in which member states may expect to receive support, and times in which they, in turn, should stand ready to contribute," Juncker wrote to Orban.

Furthermore, Juncker mentions in his letter that in 2014 and 2015, emergency grants totaling 6.26 million euros were made available to Hungary. Juncker to Orban: "I regret that, given the modest implementation rate by Hungary of these three grants, only around 33% of the funds were used and the unused funds were lost."

He added that Hungary continues to receive subsidies from the European Structural and Investment Funds until 2020 amounting to 25 billion euros as another form of European solidarity". "This represents more than 3% of Hungary's GDP annually, the highest of any Member State."

If Hungary requests additional financial support for a strengthened border control, the "Commission is ready to swiftly examine this request", says Juncker.

It will be interesting to see the outcome of this inquiry.

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Von: By Sara Germano

U.S. President Donald Trump has plenty to keep him busy, from the recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey to the ever-escalating tensions with North Korea.

But now an executive order from his administration canceling a benefit program for young immigrants is plunging the U.S. into debate once again. With some 800.000 individuals who came to the U.S. as children at risk of deportation in the coming months, can Congress of the U.S. legal system wrangle a solution?

Who are the "Dreamers"?

Participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are colloquially known as "Dreamers," taken from a related bill in Congress called the Dream Act that sought to give protection to children who entered the U.S. as illegal immigrants. Versions of the bill failed to pass both houses of Congress in 2007 and 2010. In 2012, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, under then-President Barack Obama created the DACA program by issuing an executive memorandum.

The DACA program gives provisions by which the American government agreed to delay deportation of children who came to the country illegally, and furthermore enables them to work in the U.S. General terms of the program require that Dreamers were under 16 years of age when they arrived in the U.S., had never been convicted of serious crimes, lacked immigration status at the time of their application, and had either graduated from or were enrolled in school and/or the U.S. armed services. Since the memorandum was issued, some 800.000 children and young adults have enrolled in DACA.

Who opposes DACA, and why?

Critics maintain that DACA, as an executive action, was an over-reach of executive power by the Obama administration and that immigration policy should be governed through legislation. Representative Steven King of the U.S. state of Iowa, an early and vocal critic of the program, tweeted this week that "ending DACA now gives chance (to) restore the rule of law."

Auch interessant

Some more conservative members of President Trump's administration, most notably Attorney General Jeff Sessions who announced the Trump-administration memoradum on Tuesday, are DACA opponents Sessions said that the Obama policy "deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize.

At the time DACA was created, Obama said the action was "a temporary stopgap measure until Congress could pass relevant protective legislation. He also emphasized that the program was not a path to citizenship.

President Trump himself has expressed mixed feelings on the matter. Before taking office, he pledged to "immediately terminate" the program, but as recently as last week said "we love the Dreamers, we love everybody," during a photo opportunity in the Oval Office, according to the New York Times. But he has faced pressure from within his advisor circle to end the program in order to maintain his stance as tough-on-immigration, which he's attempted to enact through the controversial travel ban and his repeated insistance on a border wall with Mexico.

What happened Tuesday?

A group of state attorneys general who opposed DACA had given gave President Trump a deadline of Sept. 5 to take action to rescind the program or they would file a lawsuit against his administration. With the deadline at hand, the acting Department of Homeland Security secretary issued an executive memorandum initiating a phase-out of DACA over the next six months. For the basis of its argument that DACA is flawed, the memorandum cited an earlier ruling by a U.S. appellate court which struck down a similar Obama-era executive order on immigration.

The action effectively punts the issue of immigration protection for young illegal immigrants to Congress, who as noted have historically had trouble finding consensus to pass legislation on the matter.

Immediately, some legal groups vowed to take action. A second group of state attorneys general, including those in New York, California, Washington and Massachusetts said they intend to sue in defence of the DACA program, though as of midday Wednsday it was still unclear what their legal claim might be, according to Reuters. Others, including business leaders like Apple CEO Tim Cook, took to social media to defend DACA recipients.

What's next?

According to terms of the Trump memorandum, the DHS will begin winding down the DACA program over the next six months. DHS will no longer process new applications for the DACA program and said it will continue to process pending requests and renewals until October 5. When DACA benefits expire, it is unclear what if any action DHS will take against beneficiaries.

As DHS explains on its website, "recipients of DACA are currently unlawfully present in the U.S. with their removal deferred. When their period of deferred action expires or is terminated, their removal will no longer be deferred and they will no longer be eligible for lawful employment."

Ambiguity about what may happen to DACA recipients  specifically, the risk of deportation  is generating concern in the U.S. Leon Rodriguez, the former director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services under President Barack Obama, told POLITICO New York that program participants are growing concerned that the information they provided the U.S. government could be used against them for deportation. "People will be absolutely in terror from now on," he said.

Already, some institutions began giving guidance to DACA beneficiaries. The University of California, Berkeley added a bright red header to its webpage for DACA recipients saying "it is unclear whether the Trump Administration will keep DACA and what it would do with the information collected through the program," adding that the university will continue to assist students who may wish to file initial applications.

How Congress will handle DACA, and whether they can resciusitate the Dream Act, will be something to watch in the coming months. Already, the legislative branch is returning to session with a heavy workload, including determining emergency funding for areas damaged by Hurricane Harvey as well as pre-existing priorities like tax reform.

The debate over DACA is particularly divisive among Congressional Republicans, some of whom have traditionally taken a tough stance on immigration, according to the Wall Street Journal. Still, House Speaker Paul Ryan, from Wisconsin, said on Friday: "These are kids who know no other country, who were brought here by their parents and dont know another home. And so I really do believe there needs to be a legislative solution."

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For Immediate Release, September 6, 2017 Contact: Brian Segee, (805) 750-8852, bsegee@biologicaldiversity.org Lawsuit Challenges San Diego Border-wall Waiver as Unconstitutional Homeland Secretary Not Authorized to Suspend Environmental Laws SAN DIEGO The Center for Biological Diversity today expanded its lawsuit against border wall and prototype projects in San Diego, challenging the Trump administrations authority to waive environmental laws and calling for an end to the unconstitutional maneuver. The new filing, in U.S. District Court, asserts former Department of Homeland Security chief John Kelly did not have authority to waive dozens of laws to rush construction of the border wall and prototypes. It amends the Centers ongoing lawsuit against the border-wall replacement and prototype projects. The waiver highlights the Trump administrations dangerous disregard for our environment and the rule of law, said Brian Segee, a senior attorney with the Center. Trump is willing to throw environmental protections out the window to fulfil his divisive and destructive campaign promise. Whats to stop him from using this lawless approach to wreck wildlife refuges and beautiful public lands all along the border? We need to halt these unconstitutional waivers once and for all, here in San Diego. The waiver would speed construction of replacement walls, 30-foot-high prototypes, roads, lighting and other infrastructure without any analysis of the environmental impacts or any public input. This coastal area of south San Diego is surrounded by communities and contains critical habitat for several endangered species.



The 2005 REAL ID Act amended the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to give unprecedented and sweeping authority to the Homeland Security secretary to waive federal, state and local laws to expedite construction of the double- and triple-layer border fencing in San Diego. This waiver authority was later interpreted to apply to border wall construction under the 2006 Secure Fence Act, which requires Homeland to build 700 miles of border barriers. But Homeland met this mandate several years ago, using the REAL ID authority five times to waive more than 35 laws on 625 miles of border wall and barrier construction. The REAL ID waiver authority no longer applies. Homeland Security doesnt have perpetual power to toss crucial conservation laws for any border project it wants until the end of time, Segee said. Trumps border wall must comply with the laws that protect the environment and communities in the borderlands. The Centers lawsuit also notes that the waiver violates constitutional requirements, including the separation of powers doctrine, and that the wall projects violate the Endangered Species Act.



Last week Homeland Security announced contracts with four companies to build concrete prototypes, and additional contracts are expected to be announced this week. Construction could begin later this month on 20 border-wall prototypes in the Otay Mesa area of south San Diego.



The border-wall replacement project would include construction of 14 miles of new primary and secondary border fencing from the Pacific Ocean to Otay Mesa. This region of coastal San Diego County contains wetlands, streams and other rare wildlife habitats, as well as critical habitat for numerous endangered species, including the Quino checkerspot butterfly and the coastal California gnatcatcher. A recent study by the Center identified more than 90 endangered or threatened species that would be threatened by proposed wall construction along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border. In April the Center and U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) sued the Trump administration over the proposed border wall and other border-security measures, calling on Homeland Security to conduct an in-depth investigation of overall border-security environmental impacts. Beyond jeopardizing wildlife, endangered species and public lands, the U.S.-Mexico border wall is part of a larger strategy of ongoing border militarization that damages human rights, civil liberties, native lands, local businesses and international relations. The border wall impedes the natural migrations of people and wildlife that are essential to healthy diversity. Laws suspended by the Aug. 2 waiver are listed below. Waived Laws National Environmental Policy Act, 42 U.S.C.  4321 et seq. Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C.  1531 et seq. Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 701-706. Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C.  1251 et seq. National Historic Preservation Act, Pub. L. 89-665. Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S.C.  703 et seq. Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C.  7401 et seq. Archaeological Resources Protection Act, 16 U.S.C.  470aa et seq. Paleontological Resources Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C.  470aaa et seq. Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988, 16 U.S.C.  4301 et seq. National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C.  1241 et seq. Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C.  300f et seq. Noise Control Act, 42 U.S.C.  4901 et seq. Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C.  6901 et seq., and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (Superfund), 42 U.S.C.  9601 et seq. Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act, 54 U.S.C.  320301 et seq. Antiquities Act, 54 U.S.C.  320301 et seq. Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act, 54 U.S.C.  3201-320303 & 320101-320106 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, 16 U.S.C.  1281 et seq. Farmland Protection Policy Act, 7 U.S.C.  4201 et seq. Coastal Zone Management Act , 16 U.S.C.  1451 et seq. Wilderness Act, 16 U.S.C.  1131 et seq. Federal Land Policy and Management Act, 43 U.S.C.  1701 et seq. National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act and National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, 16 U.S.C.  668dd-668ee National Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, 16 U.S.C.  742a et seq. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C.  661 et seq. Wild Horse and Burro Act, 16 U.S.C.  1331 et seq. Pub. L. 106-398 Otay Mountain Wilderness Act of 1999, Pub. L. 106-145 Sections 102(29) and 103 of Title I of the California Desert Protection Act, Pub. L. 103-433 Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, 33 U.S.C.  403 Eagle Protection Act, 16 U.S.C.  668 et seq. Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, 25 U.S.C.  3001 et seq. American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C.  1996 Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 42 U.S.C.  2000bb.
For Immediate Release, September 6, 2017 Contact: Michael Robinson, (575) 313-7017, michaelr@biologicaldiversity.org Texas Grass Is First Endangered Species Protected Under Trump Protections Cover Habitat in Big Bend National Park BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today added the Guadalupe fescue, a type of bunchgrass, to the federal list of endangered species and protected 7,815 acres of the fescues last U.S. location, in Big Bend National Park, Texas, as critical habitat. The fescue is the first species officially protected under the Endangered Species Act by the Trump administration. Todays decision is a result of legal action by the Center for Biological Diversity. The fescue was first identified as needing protection in 1975, more than 40 years ago. The Guadalupe fescue was like green gold to cattle ranchers, whose cows ate it up to the brink of extinction, said Michael Robinson, a conservation advocate at the Center. The Endangered Species Act is now giving this graceful grass a chance to return to some of the Sky Island woodlands it used to thrive in. Were glad this incredibly imperiled species is finally getting the protection it so badly needs. The Guadalupe fescue is a 3-foot-tall species of bunchgrass that once flourished on mountains in southern Texas and Coahuila, Mexico. But now it is only known to exist in a single location in the Chisos Mountains within Big Bend, as well as one site in Mexico. The possible survival of three other isolated populations in Mexico has not been confirmed since the last botanical surveys of these locations in 1941, 1973 and 1977. Guadalupe fescue is native to oak woodlands at altitudes above 6,000 feet across a few high mountains  known as Sky Islands because they are isolated from and far different than the lowland environments surrounding them  that tower over the Chihuahuan Desert. In the United States the grass was found in the Guadalupe and Chisos Mountains, but is believed to be extirpated in the former where it was last seen in 1952. In Mexico the grass is known from only three sites. It has disappeared from a number of formerly known sites because of livestock grazing, competition with invasive plants and possibly also loss of fire. Climate change now poses an additional threat. The Endangered Species Act is the best line of defense for disappearing wildlife and even obscure plants threatened by our growing numbers and appetites, said Robinson. Todays action came in response to a 2011 settlement agreement with the Center under which the Fish and Wildlife Service made protection decisions for hundreds of vulnerable species over the past six years. The fescue is the 185th species to be protected as threatened or endangered under the agreement. Thirteen additional species have been proposed for protection and await decisions expected by the end of the year. Endangered Species Act protection for the Guadalupe fescue will free additional resources to conduct botanical surveys to locate any other surviving populations and to research the fescues habitat requirements including, in particular, whether the grass needs low-intensity wildfires to survive. Additionally, the Fish and Wildlife Service will write a recovery plan to guide reintroduction of additional populations and conservation of remnant genetic diversity in the fescue. The critical habitat designation ensures that federal actions such as trail maintenance are conducted in a way that do not harm the fescues currently occupied habitat in Big Bend National Park. A hiking trail traverses the area in which the grasses survive. Just 56 individual Guadalupe fescues were counted last year in a monitored plot in Big Bend. The fescues within the plot are estimated to make up 25 percent to 50 percent of the entire population. The monitored portion of the population has declined by more than 50 percent from a high of 127 fescues counted in the same plot in 1994. Background

The Guadalupe fescue once formed part of the vegetative understory in woodlands of pine, oak and juniper above 6,000 feet in sky island mountain ranges rising above the Chihuahuan Desert. The fescue produces two or three small, relatively inconspicuous flowers following summer rains and can reach 40 inches in height. The Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledged in 1975 that the Guadalupe fescue likely needed the protection of the Endangered Species Act but failed to provide protection over the subsequent decades. In 2004 the Center, along with leading scientists, filed a petition to protect it as endangered.
For Immediate Release, September 5, 2017 Contact Amy Atwood, (503) 504-5660, atwood@biologicaldiversity.org Public Records Sought in EPA's Attack on Reporter Covering Toxic Flooding of Houston Superfund Sites WASHINGTON The Center for Biological Diversity filed a Freedom of Information Act request today for public records detailing the Environmental Protection Agencys decision to attack an Associated Press reporter covering the flooding of toxic Superfund sites in Houston. The EPA Office of the Administrator took the extraordinary step of describing AP reporter Michael Bieseckers reporting as yellow journalism. In an error-ridden press release, the agency attacked Biesecker and incorrectly stated that the AP did not have any on-the-ground reporting in in Houston, when in fact another AP reporter, Jason Dearen, was present in Houston. The EPAs press release failed to point out any actual factual inaccuracies in the AP story. Amid catastrophic flooding at some of Americas most toxic industrial sites, Pruitt is more concerned about protecting his image than the people of Houston, said Amy Atwood, a senior attorney at the Center. The EPA should be working overtime to contain pollution from these dangerously contaminated facilities. Instead the Trump administration is wasting time attacking journalists for reporting the truth. On Saturday the AP reported that the EPA had no personnel on the ground in Houston monitoring dozens of Superfund sites that could have been inundated by Hurricane Harvey and potentially causing releases of toxic materials into the water. Although at the time of the story EPA officials offered no evidence they had visited the flooded Superfund sites in Houston, AP reporters visited seven sites that were discussed in the report. The public has every right to know why the EPA is choosing to spend so much of its time attacking the media rather than using that energy to help victims of Harvey, said Atwood. Background

Biesecker drew Pruitts ire earlier this year when he wrote a story detailing Dow Chemicals outsized influence in the Trump EPA. The story revealed that shortly after the Trump EPA reversed a planned ban of Dows brain-damaging pesticide chlorpyrifos, Dow asked the administration to stop legally required work assessing the harms that pesticide, and two others, caused to endangered plants and animals.



The back-channel ploy to convince federal agencies to abandon a nearly four-year effort to protect endangered species from these pesticides is revealed in letters, obtained by the Center, in which Dow urged the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Pruitt to withdraw biological evaluations that were finalized in January detailing how the three highly toxic organophosphate insecticides  chlorpyrifos, malathion and diazinon  harm nearly all 1,800 threatened and endangered animals and plants.
Starting your day with a cup of mushroom coffee can give a much-needed twist to your daily regimen. Many speak of its benefits, and some even prefer it to regular coffee. But given its unique
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Dana Air has announced that it has recruited and trained more Nigerian pilots in Johannesburg, South Africa and Madrid, Spain, as part of efforts towards contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry.

The airline also introduced a Special Services Unit which consists of well-trained males and females to, among other functions, attend to passengers with special needs, urgent complaints, update passengers on current promos and benefits of Dana Miles at the airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Owerri.

Accountable Manager of Dana Air, Obi Mbanuzuo, stressed the commitment of the airline to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation industry and reduction of unemployment among Nigerian pilots.

"More than 500 pilots unemployed in 2015"

He said, "As at 2015, more than 500 Nigerian pilots were unemployed but with our recruitment and frequent training both locally and abroad since 2015, we have been able to reduce the number, by engaging these pilots and paying for their training in South Africa and Spain.

"We will continue to encourage professionalism in the industry and support our Nigerian pilots to ensure constant growth and development in the industry," he said.

On the newly-introduced Special Services Unit, Mbanuzuo added that it was introduced "to further deepen customer service, offer multiple issue-solving options, and provide seamless travel experience for our teeming guests."

"Need to keep raising the bar"

"Only recently, we won World Stage Economic Summit's Nigerian Airline of the Year award for being inventive with our customer service and products, and there is need to keep raising the bar of service excellence, so we do not let our guests who keep nominating Dana Air for awards down", he added.

Having flown over 2.7 million passengers in the last eight years, Dana Air is one of Nigeria's leading airlines with over 27 daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri.
If you want to impress someone, or at least have a good chance they'll remember you or your product, then a piece of advice often offered is Go big, or go home...

Screengrabs from the ad.

Thats what Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) has done with its latest TV commercial which took nine days to shoot, Im told, and had locations in nine cities in two countries.

And that is going pretty big but it fits in with the image of the bank.

Do you want someone dealing with your corporate or investment matters who thinks small? Or someone who does not see the global picture?

The ad, conceptualised by Joe Public and brought to life by director Kim Geldenhuys of 0307 Films, is intended to showcase the broad spectrum of activities in which Nedbank CIB is involved: from renewable energy solutions to infrastructure, agriculture and telecommunications.

It takes a uniform birds-eye view of life, courtesy of a series of camera-carrying drones, helicopters and cranes to give the on high perspective.

That perspective, of life as we seldom see it, is something which is becoming more and more common as drones start proliferating everywhere.

For the moment, the images produced are still fresh and, as the ad shows us, they do allow us to see life differently.

That, in turn, is Nedbanks pay-off line  of seeing money differently  and is part of a broader campaign that has brought a breath of fresh air to the local ad scene, even if I have not always appreciated some aspects of it.

It works very well because it dovetails so sweetly with the overall marketing pitch. And when that happens, you can only get an Orchid from me.

Well done to Nedbank CIB, Joe Public and to 0307 Films. Finally, as a Nedbank customer myself, it does make me feel happy with my choice

The sad reality, for all of us in businesses which rely on advertising for survival, is that GooBook  that catchy phrase hiding the potential danger of the Google and Facebook monoliths  is gobbling up a lot of new advertising.

That is especially true of the digital space, where as much as 95% (by some estimates) of new advertising in the past year has gone to the two American giants.

And that should worry you if you are concerned with privacy, diversity and freedom of both ordinary and commercial speech.

One of the ways these two giants have managed to corner the digital advertising markets is in their slick, sophisticated computer programmes and algorithms.

These offer, allegedly, the advertising buyer the possibility of directly targeting consumers because GooBook snoops on those consumers. (There is nothing you can say or complain about, by the way. If you read the terms of conditions of either of them, you will see you signed your life away.)

In theory, the programmes should help both advertisers and customers. If the system knows what I am looking for  through its surveillance of my online browsing history  then it can offer me marketing which I might like and which would be effective for those paying to intrude into my space. In theory 

In practice, of course, it can be somewhat different. This week, my brother-in-law was looking for a last-minute air ticket from Johannesburg to Dublin.

He had tried a number of websites but, as is common with most, his activity was tracked and as he returned each time after browsing, he found the prices were going up.

Trying from a different computer will often get around that, so he asked me if I would have a go.

I duly did, going onto the Travelstart website and looking for flights to Dublin  outgoing on 1 September, returning on 16 September.

I didnt find anything which saved him a huge amount of money and I let him know.

However, Big Digital Brother had been watching my activity and, from then on whenever I went back on to the internet (I use Chrome, a Google product, as a browser) I kept getting popup ads from Travelstart offering me flights from Johannesburg to Dublin.

I opened a few of them and each time they were for flights outgoing on 19 October, returning on 9 November.

Nowhere, of course, had I ever entered those dates. Worse was to come, though. I thought I would open up the window and then have a quick look at prices for my correct dates. Problem!

There was no way to change that page to amend dates. So, what on earth is the point, from a marketing perspective, of enticing a customer so far into your e-commerce system only to spit them out? I was so miffed that, had I been looking for real, I would have gone elsewhere.

I cannot abide anything that wastes my time. So, for bad digital marketing, Travelstart, you get an Onion from me. Which takes effect immediately, and not on 19 October
Following the recent success of the fourth national Manufacturing Indaba and the aligned Small Business Indaba, which took place in Gauteng in June 2017, the KwaZulu-Natal roadshow will be hosted in Durban on Thursday 14 September 2017 at the ICC.

It will host manufacturing experts, who will address the provinces delegates, meet with the private sector manufacturers and discuss opportunities and challenges related to the provinces manufacturing industries.

With high-level government and industry role-players speaking at the conference, the programme is tailored to meet the needs of the provinces manufacturing businesses. In addition, the event will host over 20 manufacturing companies that will be exhibiting their products and services to the delegates in attendance, with a focus on expansion and access to new markets.

KwaZulu-Natal's manufacturing sector is the second largest in the country, following Gauteng. The sector is geared for exports, with nearly a third of South Africa's manufactured exports being produced in KwaZulu-Natal. The diversified nature of its exports is significant and the sector generates 20% of provincial employment. The largest manufacturing industries are the automobile and components sector, pulp & paper products, chemicals & petrochemicals, and food & beverages. The mining sector, which includes titanium dioxide, zircon along with iron, steel and ferroalloys, is particularly important.
South African cuisine will tanatalise the taste buds of the world when local companies exhibit their products at the World Food Moscow 2017 Mockba in Russia. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will lead a group of 20 companies from the agro-processing industry to the exhibition that is scheduled to take place from 11 to 15 September.

The participation of South African companies in the popular exhibition has been made possible by the DTI through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme, with the aim of increasing exports of South African manufactured products to Russia. The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said South Africa's participation in the exhibition is to promote the country's agro-processing industry in order to consolidate and establish market presence of South Africa in Russia.

He said this will also generate greater returns for the South African agro-processing and related industries at the show and within the Russian market, in alignment to the DTI's Market Diversification Strategy.

Davies said South African exporters are in a position to take advantage of the imposition of European Union sanctions and Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) relations by developing or maintaining a presence in this primary market.

An opportunity to increase export sales from the SA's agri-food industry

"The popularity and reputation of the World Food Moscow trade fair have grown significantly over the last 20 years. The fair has grown to become a major meeting place for the food and drinks industry and a vibrant source of products for the Russian market. This provides an opportunity for increasing export sales from the South African agri-food industry, food retail, institutional and commercial catering," said Davies.

One of the DTI's strategic goals is to grow the South African manufacturing sector to promote industrial development, job creation, investment, and exports.

The exhibition is an annual event held in Moscow and it is an ideal platform for South Africa to showcase the country's products to a significant number of wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and restaurateurs.

Total trade between South Africa and Russia increased from R5bn in 2012 to almost R8bn in 2016. Major South African exports include fruits and nuts, manganese ores, beverages, spirits and vinegar, wine, electrical machinery, and equipment.
This #InnovationMonth, we go behind the selfie with Peter KohlOffel, national sales manager at Provantage Media group's activations division, ProActive.

KohlOffel out on a champagne tasting with his beautiful wife.

1. Where do you live, work and play?

I work in Randburg, live in Parkmore and play in South Africa.

2. Whats your claim to fame?

My surname. Due to the impossible nature of my surname, I can never get into trouble without someone knowing that its either me or one of my family members. I also have a number of nicknames that stem from my surname some of which cannot be spoken about, LOL!

3. Describe your career so far.

Colourful, diverse, inspiring and very rewarding.

4. Tell us a few of your favourite things.

Time with my family and close friends. I love sport, both as spectator and as participator. Travelling is my passion. I enjoy cooking and being in the bush. I also enjoy sharing and collecting South African wines.

5. What do you love about your industry?

The diversity of activations as a marketing medium. The relationships that you build with key clients. There is never a dull moment.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

Haha, that ones funny! My average day starts with coffee and my family, and that is a constant. The direction that the rest of the day will take is anybodys guess. Im a highly organised individual with a very structured outlook to the particular week or day, however in this industry, one must always expect the unexpected. If you dont, you do so at your peril.

7. What are the tools of your trade?

A great team made up of highly skilled, creative, strategic, knowledgeable and professional individuals who know the industry inside and out. I am also blessed with access to the collective experience of everyone who works within the Provantage Media Group company. I have a very good and consistent sense of humour. Most importantly, I have a very supportive wife.

8. Who is getting it right in your industry?

Activations companies in the most part are getting it more right than wrong when they have the basics right, i.e.: the right brand ambassadors, the right brief, their own infrastructure and the scale to grow.

9. List a few pain points the industry can improve on.

Companies getting the brand ambassador role wrong.

Lack of thorough campaign training.

Claiming to be something that youre not; which does the entire industry harm.

10. What are you working on right now?

I am personally working on getting our entire offering to world-class standard  to be able to say that we are world-class in everything. In certain elements in the business, were not there yet. Im also working on people development and succession planning.

11. Tell us some of the buzzwords floating around in your industry at the moment, and some of the catchphrases you utter yourself.

ROI, KPI, lack of budget, cant afford to do that, brand equity, push-pull strategy, Shoppa Shows, Shoppa Shows, Shoppa Shows

12. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

Over a great bottle of wine surrounded by my inspirational team and the extended Provantage Media Group team.

13. Whats your secret talent/party trick?

Singing.

14. Are you a technophobe or a technophile?

I love to hate technology! It has changed my world but it is also very intrusive.

15. What would we find if we scrolled through your phone?

Lots and lots of family pics and videos, activations pics and videos from a hundred WhatsApp groups. Childrens games and emails.

16. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?

Have the humility to understand that this industry is about learning new things every hour of every day and that one needs to be significantly flexible and totally client orientated to make yourself successful. The more you surround yourself with great people that know way more than you, the far higher your potential to make a success of it.

Simple as that. Click here for Provantage Media Groups press office, here for KohlOffels MyBiz profile and interact with him on the following social platforms: Twitter | Instagram. You can also follow Provantage Media Groups latest updates on Twitter.

*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.
The One Environmental System (OES), implemented on 8 December 2014, cleared up any confusion in the mining industry about which department was responsible for environmental authorisation for mining and ancillary activities.

Photo: City of Johannesburg

Historically, mining activities were regulated in terms of an environmental management programme (EMPR) approved by the minister of mineral resources under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA). Although separate authorisation in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA) was also required to undertake activities on a mine site that were secondary to mining (such as clearing vegetation and storing dangerous goods), the perception of many in the mining industry was that a separate environmental authorisation (EA) under NEMA was not required.

Paradigm shift

The OES resulted in a paradigm shift in regulating environmental matters from the MPRDA to NEMA. This involved promulgating a complex set of laws which included mining specific listed activities under NEMA's listing notices and deleting the provisions under the MPRDA which regulated EMPRs. The result is that mining right holders are now required to obtain an EA under NEMA instead of an EMPR under the MPRDA to commence with mining operations.

Fox in the hen house

A key feature of the OES, is that the minister of mineral resources is the competent authority under NEMA for issuing EAs to authorise listed activities that are "directly related to- (a) prospecting or exploration of a mineral or petroleum resource; or (b) extraction and primary processing of a mineral or petroleum resource". The assignation of this power has been seen as putting the proverbial fox in charge of the hen house.

While this may be true in relation to, among other things, the "primary processing" of a mineral resource, it can be argued that the minister of environmental affairs has the power under the OES to issue EAs for activities on a mine site which are regarded as "secondary processing" and which are not "directly related" to the extraction and primary processing of a mineral resource. This argument is supported by the amendments to NEMA's listing notices in April this year, which excluded secondary processing from the mining specific activities under NEMA's listing notices.

Although no definition of the term "directly related to" has been included under NEMA, some guidance has been provided in relation to the meaning of primary and secondary processing of a mineral resource. According to the Act, "primary processing" includes "winning, extraction, classifying, concentrating, crushing, screening or washing" of a mineral or petroleum resource, and "secondary processing" includes "the smelting, beneficiation, reduction, refining, calcining or gasification" of a mineral resource.

Commercial opportunities

The delineation of mandates under NEMA between the environmental and mining ministries based on, among other things, whether activities are "directly related to" the extraction and primary processing of a mineral resource, presents a number of commercial opportunities for mining companies.

Firstly, mines can dispose of secondary processing assets which are not directly related to the extraction and primary processing of the mineral resource to third parties, without impacting their primary processing activities. This is particularly advantageous for older mines planning on downscaling their operations and focusing on their core assets.

Secondly, the delineation of mandates under the OES opens up the possibility for new activities that are not directly related to the extraction or primary processing of a mineral resource to be undertaken on a mine site and regulated independently by the minister of environmental affairs.

However, given that no definition of "directly related to" has been provided under NEMA, there is no clear-cut guide to determine which ministry should be competent to authorise these kinds of activities.

Our view is that this determination can only be made by analysing the factual circumstances of each case, and, in particular, the purpose of the activity in question and whether it is at all related to the extraction and primary processing of a mineral resource; whether the activity will be undertaken by a third party or the holder of the mining right; and whether the activity will be undertaken for the sole purpose or benefit of the mine.

Financial provisioning

Lastly, it is arguable that the requirement for financial provisioning under NEMA is only relevant to activities that are directly related to the extraction and primary processing of a mineral resource.

This means that mines do not have to put up financial provisioning for facilities or activities which are not directly related to the extraction or primary processing of a mineral resource, even though any such facility or activity is developed or undertaken on the mine site.

This also means that mines that were in existence before the OES took effect, and which are undertaking activities that are not directly related to the extraction and primary processing of a mineral resource, could motivate to reduce the quantum of their financial provisioning.

While it is clear that the OES presents commercial opportunities for mining companies, exactly how open the minister of mineral resources and the minister of environmental affairs will be for these opportunities to be realised remains to be seen.
According to the recent Stats SA Poverty Trends in South Africa report, one in two South Africans lives under the poverty line, implying that more than half of South Africa's population are poor and are living in poverty. The report further indicated that the most vulnerable to poverty in the country's communities are black Africans, people living in rural areas, those residing in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, and persons with little or no education.

What the report does not directly say, however, is that intrinsically linked to rising poverty in South Africa is the rise of both inequality and unemployment, especially amongst black Africans. Also important to note is that poverty, inequality and unemployment are directly linked to the looting and corruption that is currently taking in the country.

Looting and corruption

Billions of rands that could have been used for meaningful projects to create jobs and ultimately grow the economy are being spent on unnecessary expenditure at a government level and wasted on corrupt activities at the countrys state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Looting and corruption is denying the majority of South Africans access to basic social services and are perpetuating poverty, inequality and unemployment.

South Africa must show the political will to address the things that are required to lift people out of poverty such as employment creation, skills development and encouraging entrepreneurship, which has a huge potential to eradicate poverty.

In that regard, there is a framework in place, the National Development Plan (NDP), which is described as the detailed blueprint for how the country can eliminate poverty by 2030. The NDP makes a compelling claim in this regard about the importance of the agricultural sector. Notwithstanding the importance of other sectors of the economy, there is evidence that suggests agriculture dominates non-agricultural activities by its potential to reduce poverty. According to an Organisation for Cooperation and Development (OECD) study carried out in a few developing countries that made the fastest progress in reducing poverty (including Indonesia and Vietnam), more than half of the reduction in poverty achieved was attributed to growth in agricultural incomes.

Leadership needed

Given the many challenges facing South Africa at the moment, including slow economic growth, there is a high probability that poverty will not be eliminated, instead it could worsened by 2030. The implementation of the NDP, coupled with good political and economic will and leadership, might salvage South Africa from the brink of a poverty crisis.

Perhaps the upcoming ANC elective congress in December will provide some light on how South Africa will address the poverty, inequality and unemployment issues, depending on the leaders that will be elected, which will potentially lead the country come the 2019 general elections.
The top management at the Treasury is soon to change significantly, with five positions for deputy directors-general vacant.

The vacancies include the heads of public finance, international relations, the chief procurement officer, the Office of the Accountant-General and the head of the Treasury's Government Technical Advisory Centre. Two arose from recent retirements: Andrew Donaldson as head of the Government Technical Advisory Centre and Kenneth Brown as chief procurement officer.

Several of the other vacancies have existed for some time.

Interviews were held three weeks ago and the process was still in progress, said Mayihlome Tshwete, spokesman for finance minister Malusi Gigaba.

The appointments will need to be approved by the Cabinet.

The outcome will be of keen interest to the investment and business community and credit ratings agencies, which will see it as an indicator of the extent to which Gigaba intends to ensure continuity at the Treasury. A decision by Treasury director-general Dondo Mogajane last week to reshuffle three officials in acting positions, including acting chief procurement officer Schalk Human, has caused unease in the department and opposition parties, who interpreted it as a cleanout of staff loyal to former finance minister Pravin Gordhan.

The position of chief procurement officer is regarded as particularly important, as the office plays a role in overseeing and monitoring government procurement. The previous incumbent, Brown, faced death threats and was smeared in the media.

The move was preceded by a hearing in Parliament on Tuesday at the standing committee on public accounts in which Mogajane and Gigaba were grilled over the mismanagement of the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), a decade-long incomplete project to modernise government information technology systems.

The auditor-general has flagged the IFMS for various lapses in internal controls and is in discussion with Treasury officials on whether to give the department's annual financial statements qualified status.

The previously Gupta-owned television channel ANN7 last week blamed Gordhan and Human for the IFMS bungle, accusing them of corruption.

In a special report on the IFMS on the night of the parliamentary hearings, ANN7 repeatedly displayed Gordhan's and Human's pictures with headlines alleging wrongdoing and the loss of billions of rand.

In an interview on Sunday, Mogajane said his actions had been misinterpreted by Treasury staff and he intended to explain it further when he returned from China, where he is attending the Brics summit.

Mogajane said Human had on several occasions asked to be relieved as acting chief procurement officer. His appeals had "become more earnest" to be moved over the past week following the ANN7 broadcasts.

He said he had asked Human to provide him with assistance in dealing with the IFMS. Human had not applied for the permanent position of chief procurement officer, he said. More significant, he said, was the redeployment of Lindi Bodewig, who had headed the project management office of the IFMS, and Jayce Nair, who was acting accountant-general. Both were involved in the IFMS, now a priority in the Treasury.

Mogajane said in moving the two back to their old jobs and appointing new people to act in these positions, "I am making sure that when it comes to the IFMS that we reposition ourselves". There have been lapses and there are challenges". By resetting that button, I hope to get a new injection of some kind," he said.

The Treasury had failed to allocate the necessary resources to the IFMS before, he said. Bodewig had worked on the project for only half of her time and the other three people in the team were junior, with the remainder being consultants.

Mogajane said he had stopped all payments on the IFMS while he reviewed the project.

The officials appointed to replace the three will also be in acting positions until permanent appointments are made. They include Willie Mathebula as acting chief procurement officer; Zanele Mxunyelwa as acting accountant-general; and Phila Mhlakaza as acting IFMS head.

Mathebula has applied for the permanent chief procurement officer position.
Better access to irrigation for farmers is key for climate change adaptation. Until recently, irrigation had never taken off in Africa for multiple reasons, from poor maintenance planning to lack of inputs and market access. Many donor and government-funded large and small-scale irrigation schemes lay dry after a few years of exploitation.

Kate HoltAusAID via Wikimedia Commons

Water experts estimate that only four to seven percent of arable land is irrigated in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the lowest ratio across the world. Over the past decade, donors have renewed their interest in funding irrigation projects to tackle the high food insecurity in the region. Experts predict that irrigated areas in SSA from 1998 to 2030 will increase by 30 percent. There are also opportunities to improve the performance of existing irrigated areas.

Developing viable and sustainable irrigation schemes

In a special series on small-scale communal irrigation in South-Eastern Africa published earlier this year, farming systems experts are calling for donors to avoid failures of the past by developing a viable, sustainable and inclusive business model for small-scale public irrigation schemes in sub-Saharan Africa. This work is led by the Australian National University including partners like International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Zimbabwe. It was funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Water, Lands and Ecosystems CGIAR research programme.

Andre Van Rooyen, one of the co-authors, from ICRISAT Zimbabwe, explains the complexity of efficiently running a small-scale irrigation scheme in southern Africa. "To make these irrigation schemes more profitable and sustainable for the farming community, irrigation users should be able to experiment with different crops, watering regimes, and markets. You also need to find the right farmer-centered governance so that maintenance runs smoothly, and everybody agrees collectively to contribute his or her share of costs, responsibilities, and benefits. This is easier said than done as you have many different actors each with their own interests and perspectives."

"You aim at improving the efficiency of the irrigation system at multiple levels, reducing the labour required, the water used, better use of fertilisers with careful choice of crops and farming practices to maximise output per drop. You also have to make sure that markets work for farmers so that they are eager to invest in the irrigation system maintenance and farming inputs for the next crop," he adds.

Distribution of water and benefits

The transfer of irrigation management from public institutions to local water user associations since the 1980s in Africa has always been difficult as the transfer has rarely translated into ownership. No clear boundaries of plots, under-representation of marginalised groups in irrigation groups - for instance, women - means there is an uneven distribution of water and benefits.

Conflicts of interests often occur, the collection of maintenance fees trickle down after a while and many schemes are now obsolete. Many irrigation systems were not built with smallholdings in mind, but more as small-scale models of large public schemes. Technically they are often too advanced (80% of smallholder irrigation devices are manual) and once a piece is broken, e.g an electrical motor pump, user groups have no way to fix the whole system.

Another example of mismanagement of water is when water is distributed on a weekly roster, it leads to overwatering the fields, and loss of much of the fertilisers, as farmers will irrigate their crops whether it is required or not.

A comparative study of six irrigation schemes in Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Mozambique showed that investing in a participatory space called agricultural innovation platform (AIP) opens up new ways of managing water and crops to increase the profitability of each water user. Here farmers, agricultural and water engineers as well as market operators and any other relevant stakeholders to the irrigation scheme, can engage and experiment together.

In the 450 hectares Silalatshani Irrigation Scheme, one of the oldest in Zimbabwe, farmers have learned how to use the Chameleon, a low-cost tool to measure soil water moisture availability for the crops through a color code, easy to recognise even for illiterate farmers. Another device, the Full stop, has helped farmers understand when fertilisers are washed away by excessive irrigation. Farmers began to only use water when crops really needed it (every two to three days instead of daily) and realised this saved a lot of water. This ultimately reduced water conflicts between water users.

Collective problem solving reaps rewards

AIP members learn to ask the "why" several times to understand the root causes of their problem, gaining confidence in their collective problem-solving ability. For instance, in the Magozi scheme in Iringa district, Tanzania, only 750 hectares out of a potential of 1,300 ha are irrigated, where farmers produce a meager one to two tonnes of rice per hectare. Rice farmers complained about the low prices of their rice harvests and came up with the idea of organising themselves to collectively sell the rice, invest in storage to be able to sell later when prices are more attractive, and grow varieties that are in higher demand. Farmers are asked during the first sessions of the innovation platform to draw a current map of the irrigation scheme as well as a desired vision for 2019. AIP members visualise what needs to be done, who should intervene and the priorities.

In a development intervention, technological innovations are often presented as a quick-fix solution, but the human factor is often much more important. "When the group visualise on paper where they want to go, this creates discussion on the 'people' side of the problem which is often more difficult to articulate," says Van Rooyen.

More important than looking for 'technological interventions' to boost water and farming efficiency, irrigation interventions should focus on investing in building inclusive institutions like Silalatshani and Magozi innovation platforms where members learn step by step to use water more efficiently, earn more per drop and build skills and social connections to become more resilient and prosperous.

Thomson Reuters Foundation
From Venice to Spain and even Dubrovnik, over-tourism has become a major problem throughout Europe. Anti-tourism marches against invading' tourists have been held in Mallorca, Venice, Barcelona and San Sebastian over the past few weeks, with locals brandishing messages such as Tourists go home', Stop destroying our lives' and even This isn't tourism, it's an invasion'.

While the situation is not dangerous for South Africans, it is advisable to stay away from the protests and monitor the news, tour operators around South Africa have warned.

Tread right

Responsible travel has become mainstream and it is incumbent on all travellers to be careful about the potentially negative impact they have on the destination theyre visiting, says Theresa Szejwallo, MD the Travel Corporation. Szejwallo advises to always ensure youre travelling with a tour operator that follows legitimate responsible tourism practices like Trafalgar with its TreadRight initiative.

An initiative supported by The Travel Corporations (TTC) family of brands, the TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities travellers visit remain vibrant for generations to come.

Taleb Rifai, UNWTO secretary general, explains growing tourism numbers are not the enemy and actually lead to economic growth and prosperity. Today, tourism generates 10% of the worlds GDP, 1 in every 10 jobs and 30% of world trade in services.

Diversifying the tourism experience

However, Rifai also adds it is crucial to ensure that tourism is an enriching experience for visitors and hosts alike and this demands strong sustainable tourism policies. He explains the sector needs regulations and clear guidelines, but not ones that would curb growth. Destinations and tour operators need to look into how they can diversify visitor activities both in type and location, reduce seasonality, and invest in new areas and new products.

Konstantin Yolshin via 123RF - La Rambla street in central Barcelona, Spain is popular with both tourists and locals alike

Also, the World Travel and Tourism Council has announced it is planning to release a report on recommendations for travel brands on how to tackle over-tourism. This report will likely help brands educate their customers on how to properly behave when they travel and will suggest less congested yet exciting destinations to visit.

For Szejwallo, diversifying the tourism experience away from the crowds is key to a successful holiday in Europe for South African travellers. Move away from the crowds to explore the lesser-known hidden treasures of destinations. Take Venice for example. The city offers so much more than only St Marks Square, she says.

Szejwallo adds that it is often much more rewarding for travellers to experience the Venetian art of glass blowing on Giudecca Island, or to eat Cicchetti on Burano Island with a glass of wine. Having Cicchetti in a local pub on Burano Island will make you feel like a true local, enjoying real Venetian cuisine, she says.

Lessen the pressure

Travelling outside high season is also a good idea to avoid the masses and lessen the pressure on the destination and its inhabitants. Szejwallo explains that for South Africans, any time between November and February is high season. However, when travelling to Europe, this time is considered the low season and, therefore, more affordable and less crowded.

Says Szejwallo: If youre travelling to Mauritius or Cape Town in December, youll be paying top dollar because youre travelling peak season. But, if you decide to travel to Europe, youre going during their low season. Youre missing the crowds and your travel experience will be more affordable. Its also a lovely time to visit Europe with its Christmas markets and winter vibe.

The truth is that tourism will undoubtedly have downsides for the destinations and inhabitants. Every growing human activity has a downside to it, says Rifai. The answer, however, should never be to halt the activity and lose all the benefits, but rather to live up to the challenge and manage it correctly.
BEIJING, China: German car giant Volkswagen and its two Chinese joint-ventures will recall 1.82 million vehicles in China, the country's top consumer watchdog said Monday, in a new setback for the scandal-hit company.

 renehesse via 123RF

The firm along with SAIC Volkswagen and FAW-Volkswagen are calling back the vehicles owing to a faulty fuel pump, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said on its website.

The callback applies to 2007-2014 Magotans and 2009-2014 Volkswagen CCs produced domestically by FAW-Volkswagen, as well as the 2011-2015 Passat domestically produced by SAIC Volkswagen. It also includes around 19,000 imported models.

The defect can cause the engine to stall due to the failure of electronics in the fuel pump.

The companies will replace the fuel pump control modules for free from 25 December 2017.

In March, Volkswagen recalled nearly 680,000 premium Audi cars in China over defects in coolant pumps that could lead to engine fires.

The carmaker apparently became aware of the latest defect after an investigation by Chinese authorities launched in April 2016.

Last week, the company informed US regulators that it was recalling 281,000 vehicles due to similar problems with the fuel pump.

VW is still trying to recover from the controversy after it admitted in 2015 to equipping its diesel cars with defeat devices to evade emissions tests.

The company pleaded guilty in March to charges stemming from "dieselgate" and agreed to pay $4.3 billion in penalties - on top of $17.5 billion in civil settlements.

Volkswagen still faces legal challenges in Germany and worldwide, and has so far set aside more than 22 billion euros ($24.4 billion) to cover costs. Experts estimate the final bill from the scandal could be even higher.

Source: AFP
BRUSSELS, Belgium: The European Commission has approved Germany's plans to grant insolvent Air Berlin a 150 million ($180 million) loan to allow it temporarily to serve passengers while selling off its business.

 JaromAr Chalabala via 123RF

The 28-nation EU executive effectively refuted critics who say the German government is offering state aid for rival airline Lufthansa to build a monopoly with Air Berlin assets.

"The European Commission has endorsed under EU state aid rules Germany's plans to grant Air Berlin a temporary 150 million bridging loan," the commission said in a statement.

"The measure will allow for the orderly wind-down of the insolvent airline Air Berlin without unduly distorting competition in the single market," it added.

It said the German government on 15 August 2017 had notified the commission of its intent to grant a bridging loan to Air Berlin after Etihad, the main shareholder, withdrew its financial backing for the insolvent firm.

The aim of the loan, the commission said, is to allow Air Berlin to continue serving passengers in the "coming months", while at the same time concluding negotiations to sell its assets and eventually exit the market.

Under EU rescue and restructuring rules, member states may support companies in difficulty as long as the measures are "limited in time and scope" and promote the common interest.

The commission said it has taken into account the fact that the loan will be paid out in instalments under strict conditions, with Air Berlin demonstrating its liquidity needs weekly.

It said Germany has also pledged to ensure the loan will either be fully repaid or the government in Berlin will submit a plan to wind down the airline.

Welcoming the EU's approval, Air Berlin chief executive Thomas Winkelmann said the government loan will help the airline as it looked for buyers.

"Since discussions began, we have done everything to ensure that as many jobs as possible are kept," Winkelmann said in a statement.

Bidders for the airline's assets are due to put in their offer by 15 September 2017, and several companies, including Lufthansa, counts among them.

Interested airlines

Lufthansa - which already leases 38 of Air Berlin's 140 planes - could buy up to 70 aircraft with as many as 3,000 crew for its low-cost subsidiary Eurowings, Bild newspaper reported recently.

Other interested airlines cited in media reports include package holiday firm TUI, British low-cost carrier Easy Jet and Thomas Cook subsidiary Condor.

Winkelmann told Bild am Sonntag that the airline was in talks with "more than ten interested parties, including several airlines".

"There won't be just one but two or three buyers," he added.

Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary claimed last month that Lufthansa has enjoyed an unfair advantage in the scramble for chunks of the business, especially valuable landing slots at major German airports.

Bavarian investor Hans Rudolf Woehrl lent his voice to O'Leary's criticism of the bridging loan.

Source: AFP
Regional airline SA Airlink has assured its customers that it is operating under a valid scheduled air service licence and that there is no threat of disruption to its services.

This follows a Business Day report on Monday about concerns raised by the Airlines Association of Southern Africa - representing at least 19 airlines in the region - about the lack of progress made in dealing with a licence application that has been lodged by Airlink.

Airlink CEO Rodger Foster said it was not true that the airline could be operating without a licence by the end of September. The airline had a valid scheduled air service licence.

"Airlink has applied to the Air Services Licensing Council for an amendment to its charter licence in order to offer and operate a particular type of aircraft on an ad-hoc charter basis. It is the processing and approval of this application that remains in limbo at the Air Services Licensing Council, despite having been gazetted in June for adjudication," he said.

"As a result, we are not yet able to offer our new aircraft for ad-hoc charters but until our licence amendment has been approved, we continue to service our charter customers with some of our smaller aircraft," Foster said.

Airlines Association of Southern Africa CEO Chris Zweigenthal had expressed concern in a letter to Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi about the council's delay in processing Airlink's application.

Zweigenthal urged the licensing council to deal with the backlog in applications.

Source: Business Day
The beleaguered SABC is a step closer to having a permanent board after Parliament's communications portfolio committee drew up a final list of the 12-member board on Tuesday, following much deliberation.

The committee concluded interviews for the board positions on Friday.

The proposed candidates for the board are: Khanyisile Kweyama, Nomvuyiso Batyi, Rachel Kalidass, Dinkwanyane Mohuba, Victor Rambau, Bongumusa Makhathini, Michael Markovitz, Jack Phalane, Mathatha Tsedu, John Matisonn, Krish Naidoo and Febe Potgieter-Gqubule.

The names will be forwarded to the National Assembly for adoption.

However, the final list was not unanimously agreed to by MPs, with opposition members from the DA and EFF particularly objecting to the appointment Naidoo and Potgieter-Gqubule, whom they labelled 'ANC operatives'.

"The key problem at the SABC over the last decade or so was cadre deployment," DA MP Gavin Davis said.

"I want to oppose the deployment of political operatives because we think it's at heart of the problems at the SABC. Potgieter-Gqubule is considering running for the NEC and Naidoo is working at Luthuli House which is a conflict of interest," he said.

But the ANC would not budge.

"We are not going to change our minds ... we are not persuaded at all," said ANC MP Lerumo Kalako.

"It's a perception that Febe is an ANC strong [sic] and in the leadership. Whilst she was in the interim board these things did not come up ... the fact is that Krish declared that he needed to go back and consult [the ANC] it's now being distorted that he went to ask for permission from the ANC. Febe was clear here that nobody approached her for an NEC (national executive committee) position. Febe is an independent woman why reduce her to a puppet?"
PARIS, France - A host of French-owned fashion labels spanning Christian Dior to Saint Laurent pledged Wednesday to ban ultra-thin models from their advertising and catwalk shows following criticism that the industry encourages anorexia.

French holding companies LVMH and Kering, which own dozens of top brands between them, unveiled a charter "to ensure the well-being of models" which will also outlaw the hiring of girls under the age of 16 for adult shoots or events. In May, a French law requiring models to present a doctor's certificate attesting to their good health was introduced to try to tackle the problem of the industry promoting thinness and unattainable beauty ideals.

The two French groups said they wanted to go beyond this requirement and would only use female models who were size 34 or over according to the French system, and men sized 44 or over. Size 32 in France corresponds to XXS, or size 6 in Britain and size 0 in the United States.

"Respecting the dignity of all women has always been both a personal commitment for me and a priority for Kering as a group," the company's billionaire chairman Franois-Henri Pinault said in a statement. "We hope to inspire the entire industry to follow suit, thus making a real difference in the working conditions of fashion models industry-wide," he added.

As well as the age and size stipulations, the charter includes other measures such as banning the serving of alcohol to models under 18 and ensuring they have a guardian or chaperone present at all times.

"As the leader in the luxury sector, we believe it is our role to be at the forefront of this initiative," said Antoine Arnault, a board member of LVMH and son of owner Bernard Arnault, in a statement. "We have the responsibility of building new standards for fashion and we hope to be followed by other players in our sector," he added.

Speaking to AFP, Arnault explained that some unnamed designers worked with size 32 models. "That's finished now, the size will be 34 and above, which is already quite small," he said.

LVMH is a luxury goods behemoth that owns classic French brands Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Givenchy as well as other high-end European names including Fendi and Marc Jacobs. Kering owns Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent among others.

In 2015, Saint Laurent had to withdraw a magazine advertisement in Britain over its use of of an "unhealthily thin model" and earlier this year, it caused outrage with a poster campaign around Paris. In those pictures, a reclining woman in a fur coat and fishnet tights was pictured opening her legs, while another extremely thin model was photographed in a leotard and roller skate stilettos bending over a stool.

The head of the French advertising authority said they were part of a disturbing trend in fashion promoting "porno-chic" and the label was ordered to remove them.

Source: AFP
South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry (dti) will lead a group of black industrialists to find market opportunities in Uganda, in September.

The mission will consist of export-ready black industrialists operating in the economic infrastructure, agro-processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, electronics, as well as textiles, footwear and leather sectors

The dti will take the group of black industrialists on an outward trade mission to Uganda from 18-23 September to assist them search for a market for their products and investments opportunities. The mission will consist of export-ready black industrialists operating in the economic infrastructure, agro-processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, electronics, as well as textiles, footwear and leather sectors.

According to the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, the mission is part of the implementation of the Black Industrialists Programme (BIP). The programme is one of governments industrialisation initiatives to expand the countrys industrial base and inject new entrepreneurial dynamism in the economy as outlined in the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP).

The Black Industrialists Programme is specifically dedicated to supporting the growth and building the global competitiveness of majority black-owned and managed businesses in the manufacturing sector. The intention is to contribute towards shifting the demographic composition of South Africas industrial sector by engaging with and nurturing emerging Black Industrialists to tap into a reservoir of potential jobs, revenue, taxes and innovation, says Minister Davies.

He adds that the goal of the programme is to accelerate the growth of black industrialists who are actively participating in the national economy, selected industrial sectors and value-chains in order to increase their contribution to economic growth, investment, exports and employment.

The trade mission is expected to open a market for the black industrialists for trade and investment in Uganda and potential markets in other parts of the East African region.

The BIP is anchored on three fundamental pillars, namely access to capital, access to markets and non-financial support. The trade mission is expected to open a market for the black industrialists for trade and investment in Uganda and potential markets in other parts of the East African region, says Minister Davies.

He adds that one of the dtis strategic goals is to grow the South African manufacturing sector in order to promote industrial development, job creation, investment and exports.

In order to achieve this, the department embarks on international missions in order to promote exports of South African value-added goods and services to increase market share of the markets in various regions of the world, adds Minister Davies.

Uganda has been selected due to its geo-political position within the East African region, as well as its economic size and importance for trade with South Africa and as a destination for South African investments.

The mission to Uganda will be the third that the dti has arranged for the black industrialists, after missions to Nigeria in September last year, and Namibia in June this year.

Fifty projects with an estimated grant value of R1.3 billion have been supported through the Black Industrialists Incentive Scheme since the inception of the programme in 2015. This is matched by approximately R3.6 billion of private sector investment across all sectors with 8 000 jobs supported. The main sectors in which approved entities participate in are agro processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
President Trump. Photo: Gage Skidmore-Flickr

U.S. HANDS OFF ZIMBABWE

President Trump Must End Sanctions Now. March & Rally at United Nations General Assembly.

For the past 16 years the United States has imposed severe economic sanctions on the people of Zimbabwe. A major march and rally in support of Zimbabwe will be led by the December 12th Movement International Secretariat.

Thw March and Rally is Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 12 PM. Assemble at 53 Street and Lexington Ave. March to UN Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 47 Street and 1st Avenue.

Zimbabwe remains squarely in the crosshairs of the United States and Great Britain. These Atlantic cousins remain committed to reversing the land reform program which returned Zimbabwes stolen land to its indigenous inhabitants and set a dangerous precedent in Africa where political independence did not develop into economic self-determination.

The U.S. and UK remain determined to remove President Robert Mugabe and his party ZANU-PF.

The demonstrators are demanding President Donald J. Trump repeal the U.S. Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act of 2001 [ZDERA] now. ZDERA has imposed economic sanctions designed to cripple Zimbabwe's economy.

The December 12th Movement, an US-headquartered international NGO in consultative status with the UNs Economic and Social Council, defends the human rights of African people in the US and throughout the African Diaspora.

The organization acts on the credo of Malcolm X who said that the freedom of African people in the U.S. is inseparable from the existence of a truly independent Africa. Zimbabwe exemplifies that independence.

December 12th Movement International Secretariat,

456 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, N.Y., 11216

Phone (718) 398-1766 www.d12m.com
An internally displaced persons camp in Kayin (Karen) State is making a last-ditch appeal for international donors to continue providing aid. All food assistance to the shelter for nearly 3,000 people is set to dry up at the end of this month.

The support committee at the Ei Tu Hta IDP submitted a letter to international donors on September 4.

We have appealed [to the donors] to understand that neither the IDPs [in Kayin State], nor the refugees [just over the border] can be sent back home without political reforms and political assurances due to the insecure situation. We need [the donors] to continue the provision of humanitarian aid to the camps, Pdoh Mahn Mahn, the camp committees chair and a former secretary for the Karen National Union (KNU), told KIC News.

The letter also called for short-term rehabilitation programs, including education and livelihood training.

The KNU signed a bilateral ceasefire in 2012, and was among the eight signatories of the nationwide ceasefire agreement in 2015.

Following the ceasefire and return of relative stability to Kayin State, pressure has mounted on displaced villagers to return home, and funding for their shelters has dried up.

The IDP camp committee claimed however that there has not been any concrete progress in Myanmars peace process since the nationwide ceasefire was signed. Meanwhile Tatmadaw strongholds continue to dot the displaced persons villages, making the families feel there is no guarantee for their safety if they return.

The Ei Tu Hta IDP Camp was opened as a temporary shelter in 2006 to house Karen civilians fleeing fighting between the KNU and the Tatmadaw.

The camp currently hosts 2,670 people and rice is the main subsidy for the IDPs. Each person under the age of six receives six kilos per month, while camp residents above the age of six receive twelve kilos per month.

Around 100 IDPs, including residents of Taungoo and Nyaunglaybin townships in Bago Region, and Hpapun township in Kayin State, voluntarily returned home in early June amid the announcement that funding for the camp would soon end.

The Australian Karen Organization told KIC News on August 27 that it would try to meet with the Australian Refugee Council concerning aid to Ei Tu Hta IDPs.

Officials from Myaing Gyi Ngu IDP camp in Hlaingbwe township told KIC News last week that over 6,000 IDPs there are also currently facing food shortages.

Funding for camps along the Thai-Shan border is expected to run out in October, while the official Karen camps in Thailand have been hit with major funding cuts. Over 100 families from those camps have reported registered with the UN-run Voluntary Repatriation Center to return home this year.
The two leaders discussed wide-ranging issues ranging from infrastructure to terrorism to training and higher education for Myanmar students in India.

"Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi," external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The Prime Minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid an increase in ethnic violence in Rakhine state after a number of attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA).

Indian sources said PM Modi raised the entire dimension of the issue including terrorist links and illegal migration.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants and junior home minister Khiren Rijjuju said recently that Delhi was considering deporting all the 40,000-odd Rohingyas , saying they were staying illegally in India.

Below are some of the tweets of the two leaders published in the Indian media.

10:42 am (IST)

"Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots in our country," says Aung San Suu Kyi.

Sep 6, 2017

10:40 am (IST)

"We would like to thank India for the strong stand that it has taken with regard to the terrorist threat that came to our country," says Aung San Suu Kyi, to which PM Modi responds that India completely understands the challenges.

Sep 6, 2017

10:16 am (IST)

"We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our Sabka SaathSabka Vikaas initiative," says PM Narendra Modi.

Sep 6, 2017

10:05 am (IST)

"Deepening relationship with Myanmar is a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of Act East Policy," says PM Narendra Modi.
Smiths

kicks off the Great American Food Drive,

Dions

releases new ranch,

Silver Street Market

turns a year old,

Sauce Pizza and Wine

already giving back, how New Mexicans can help victims of

Tropical Storm Harvey

, and theres a new boss in the

food section

.
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A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): India and Japan have agreed to collaborate closely in defence production, including on dual- use technologies, as the two countries resolved to ramp up overall military engagement under the bilateral special strategic framework.



Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera yesterday held wide-ranging talks, as part of the India-Japan annual defence ministerial dialogue in Tokyo during which issues relating to the US-2 amphibious aircraft also figured, a joint press statement said.



The decision by India and Japan to boost defence ties comes amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the nuclear test by North Korea and China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.



The two sides also agreed to commence technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.



India plans to buy the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft from Japan for its navy. Last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move is disgraceful.



The two sides also agreed to ramp up counter-terror cooperation, besides deepening engagement among navies, air forces and ground forces of the two countries.



"The Ministers exchanged views and ideas with the aim to further strengthen defence and security cooperation under the framework of the 'Japan-lndia Special Strategic and Global Partnership'," the statement said on Wednesday.



It said Jaitley and Onodera deliberated on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region and condemned in the strongest terms North Korea's latest nuclear test and called upon the country to cease such action which adversely impacts peace and stability of the region and beyond.



Reviewing bilateral defence ties, they commended the progress made in discussions to identify specific areas of collaboration in the field of defence equipment and technology cooperation for production of various military platforms.



"They noted the effort made by both countries regarding the cooperation on US-2 amphibious aircraft," said the statement.



The ministers endorsed the importance of enhancing interaction between governments and defence industries of the two countries to encourage collaboration, including for defence and dual-use technologies.



In the meeting, Jaitley briefed about India's policy reforms in the defence manufacturing sectors, saying the country offers huge opportunities for foreign industries to play an active role.



Seeking to further intensify naval cooperation, Onodera expressed his intention to have state-of-the-art Japanese assets, including P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to participate in next year's trilateral Malabar naval exercise which also involves the US Navy.



"The two sides will consider inclusion of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training to expand cooperation. In addition the ministers agreed to pursue exchanges and training by ASW aviation units such as P-3C," the statement said. P-3C is an anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft.



The Japanese side proposed to invite Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training held by it.



Jaitley attended the dialogue with Japan as defence minister though Nirmala Sitharaman was given the defence portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle on Sunday. Jaitley had said there were logistical constraints for her to attend the dialogue.



At the talks, the two sides also welcomed the constructive engagement between Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistic Agency (ATLA) and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).



The defence and security cooperation between India and Japan is on an upswing and both countries are exploring ways to further deepen it.



Prime Minister Modi had visited Japan in November last year during which both sides had decided to ramp up bilateral defence and security cooperation.


Leaked Government proposals to cut immigration of lower-skilled workers after Brexit have come under fire from employers, who voiced concern at the potential impact on Britain's agriculture, hospitality and healthcare sectors.

The draft of an upcoming Home Office white paper, obtained by The Guardian, sets out plans for a new "more selective approach" to which EU nationals will be allowed to live and work in the UK.

Departure from the EU will mean "the end of rights-based, unconditional free movement", with future migration rights driven by the Government's view of "the economic and social needs of the country" rather than employers' desire for European workers, the document states.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Theresa May said last year's Brexit vote had shown British people wanted "control" of immigration, in part because of the impact of cheap foreign labour on wages.

"We continue to believe as a Government that it's important to have net migration at sustainable levels," she said.

"We believe that to be in the tens of thousands because of the impact, particularly, it has on people at the lower end of the income scale in depressing their wages."

Manufacturers' organisation EEF said employers would have "grave concerns" at wholesale changes to their access to lower-skilled EU workers while the National Farmers Union said an abrupt reduction in EU workers would cause "massive disruption to the entire food supply chain".

The Food and Drink Federation said employers would be "alarmed" at the Government's "deep lack of understanding" of the vital contribution of EU migrant workers to the sector.

Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, said proposals to restrict lower-skilled migrants to two-year work permits would be "catastrophic" for hotels and restaurants.

The British Medical Association said hardline restrictions would "seriously impact patient care across the country".

The 82-page government paper, which has not been approved by ministers, suggests new immigration arrangements would be introduced "gradually" following Brexit, with an implementation period lasting at least two years.

Among proposals floated to cut numbers of lower-skilled migrants are a restriction to two years' residency, compared with work permits for a longer period of three to five years for those in high-skilled occupations.

The right to bring family members into the country could be tightened to only the most direct relatives like partners, spouses and children, and there could be an unspecified "income threshold" for EU citizens to show they can support themselves while in the UK.

There could be requirements for employers to recruit locally first and restrictions on recruitment for lower-skilled occupations which are not experiencing staffing shortages, the document suggests.

"Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better-off," the document stated.

It is not envisaged that EU citizens would be required to apply for permission to visit the UK for tourism, family visits and short business trips, or be given stamps in their passports on arrival.

However, they will have to show passports rather than using a national identity card to enter the country.

Those on longer stays would have to register with the authorities and may be required to provide fingerprints and proof of employment, self-sufficiency or study status.

Cabinet minister Sir Michael Fallon insisted the document does not represent the Government's final position and said Home Secretary Amber Rudd would bring forward finalised proposals later in the year.

He appeared to back the paper's overall strategy and stressed voters want a reduction in immigration.

The Defence Secretary told BBC Breakfast: "There's always a balance to be struck.

"We're not closing the door on all future immigration but it has to be managed properly and people do expect to see the numbers coming down."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn shied away from raising the issue at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, perhaps wary of fuelling divisions within his own party on immigration.

Shadow home affairs secretary Diane Abbott confined herself to saying that Labour will judge the eventual white paper against its goal of "fair rules and reasonable management of migration".

However, Labour's London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticised the document, calling it "an example of an extreme hard Brexit and a blueprint for strangling the London economy".

The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford called the leaked proposals "a disgrace" and said the policies could break up families.

Interim Ukip leader Steve Crowther said the paper "takes the right line" but Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said: "The Government's post-Brexit immigration crackdown isn't just economically illiterate, it's plainly cruel too."

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable, who served as business secretary in his party's coalition with the Tories, said Mrs May had suppressed reports which showed immigrants do not compete with British workers for jobs.

"When I was business secretary there were up to nine studies that we looked at that took in all the academic evidence.

"It showed that immigration had very little impact on wages or employment. But this was suppressed by the Home Office under Theresa May because the results were inconvenient."
Convicted murderer Catherine Nevin has been granted temporary full-time release from prison.

The 65-year-old has been in palliative care after finding out last year that she is terminally ill with a brain tumour.

She had been staying at the Dochas Centre in Mountjoy, Dublin, but is now being dealt with by probation services.

Nevin, who was dubbed the Black Widow, had been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her husband Tom in 1996.

In 2000, Nevin was jailed for life having been convicted of murdering her husband Tom Nevin at their pub, Jack Whites Inn, near Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow, on March 19, 1996.

She also received a seven-year sentence for soliciting three men - Gerry Heapes, William McClean and John Jones - to kill her husband in 1989 and 1990.

Ms Nevin, who has always denied any involvement in the murder, lost an appeal against her conviction in 2003. In 2010 she also lost an application to have her conviction declared a miscarriage of justice.
The family of a woman who died from a form of cancer linked to asbestos say she may have been exposed to the material during the construction of a Dublin flat complex.

Mary Wynne (aged 86) and her family were among the first to move into the Dolphins Barn Flat Complex in Dublins south inner city in 1955.

The family took up residency in the first completed block of flats while construction continued on the remaining blocks.

Mrs Wynne, a mother of 12 from Saul Road in Crumlin and formerly Dolphin House, died from a rare form of aggressive cancer linked to asbestos.

A former trader at the Iveagh Market, she also spent time working as a cleaner at a water works site during the 1980s, according to her daughter Stephanie Wynne.

At an inquest into Mrs Wynne's death at Dublin Coroner's Court, family members said asbestos had been found during the demolition of the flats as part of the ongoing 25m redevelopment of the Dolphins Barn complex.

Family members said they thought Mrs Wynne may have been exposed to the substance while resident in the complex during the construction phase. The family moved out of the flats in 1985. When Mrs Wynne sought treatment in 2015 doctors found a tumour 21cm long in her abdomen, the family said.

She died from a form of cancer known as mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen as a result of asbestos exposure, on December 11, 2016, at Our Ladys Hospice in Harolds Cross.

"The hospice staff were so good to her, they cared for her so well, they are beautiful people," a family spokesman said.

Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane adjourned the inquest to address the matters raised by the Wynne family.

"I will put the relevant people on notice and ask if they wish to attend a reconvened inquest. We are expected to ascertain the facts as much as we can so that would be the reason for reconvening," the coroner said.
Update: Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has said the latest findings into the investigation of falsely recorded breath tests are "astonishing."

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Mr Adams has said there is an issue of incompetence and that the Garda Commissioner, Noirin O'Sullivan "should go."

Mr Adams said the public have lost confidence in the force and that people have become tired of listening to the failures of the force.

He said the biggest problem is that no one is being held accountable for the situation.

"There is a lack of accountability, if you go into Dunnes Stores and steal, you're held accountable," he said.

"The Taoiseach should act in this case and the Commissioner should go."

Earlier: An investigation into the false recording of almost a million breath tests on An Garda Siochana computer systems has discovered a further 500,000 false tests were recorded but not carried out.

According to RTE, a report which has yet to be published by the Assistant Garda Commissioner, Michael O'Sullivan, found that members of the force were making up the figures and in some cases, the figures were exaggerated by as much as 300%.

The Assistant Commissioner's report concludes that the controversy surrounding the false breath tests reflects poorly on the organisation and has undermined the public's confidence in the service.

RTE have said a separate report into how almost 15,000 motorists were wrongly convicted over fixed charge penalty fines has also identified failures and points out Gardai had a lack of understanding of how the system operated.

Both reports have been sent to the Minister for Justice, who is expected to issue a statement regarding the reports while briefing the Cabinet this morning.

An independent investigation commissioned by the Policing Authority to review the garda reports is due to be completed later this month.

Gardai were under the impression that between 2011 and 2016, over 933,000 false breath tests had been recorded on the force's Pulse system but the Assistant Commissioner has established that the figure is over 1.4 million, dating back to 2009.

The report identified systems failures, failures of governance, a lack of supervision and a misinterpretation of policy.

No Garda is expected to face criminal charges as a result of these reports but disciplinary proceedings have in some cases already been initiated.
Church leaders have called for the Government to take "brave" decisions to tackle the homelessness and housing crisis.

Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson and the president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Laurence Graham, said the issue is an growing problem.

The clerics also expressed sorrow over the recent deaths of homeless people.

"While accepting that homelessness has many causes and there is no 'one size fits all solution', we believe it is imperative that the Government take the brave decisions needed to tackle the crisis that has been an increasing scandal for our country," the clerics said.

"The flow of families and individuals into homelessness must be addressed urgently."

They welcomed the emergency summit organised by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy.

Heads of the country's 31 local authorities and senior civil servants are meeting to discuss additional solutions to alleviate the unprecedented housing crisis.

"Our hopes and prayers are that all who are involved in these talks will devote their energy and efforts to finding an innovative, well thought out, structured resolution for all those who are most deeply affected by homelessness," the clerics said.

In their statement they also called for "constructive compassion as a matter of extreme urgency".

There have been at least three deaths of homeless people in the last week, including two rough sleepers and one suicide.

A vigil to raise awareness of the crisis, organised by the Home Sweet Home campaign, was cancelled following reports that one of those who died on the streets was a sex offender.

"Jack" Watson, as he asked to be known when being assisted by homelessness outreach workers, returned to Ireland from Australia in 2015. He used a number of aliases and had also spent time in the UK.

Home Sweet Home, which led the occupation of Apollo House in Dublin last winter to provide emergency beds, said the vigil was cancelled out of respect for victims.

Watson had stayed in the building for a while.

"This does not change the fact that many people have died as a result of our housing emergency," the group said.

"This is totally unacceptable and urgently needs to be addressed."

AP
A homeless man who died while sleeping rough in Dublin's city centre last week was on the sex offenders register.

Campaigners Home Sweet Home have cancelled a vigil which was due to be held outside Apollo House tomorrow for Stephen 'Jack' Watson.

The 51-year-old was deported from Australia in 2015 for clocking up almost 40 convictions, one of which was for the sexual assault of two underage girls.

"Jack" Watson, as he asked to be known when being assisted by homelessness outreach workers, used a number of aliases and had also spent time in the UK.

Home Sweet Home, which led the occupation of Apollo House in Dublin last winter to provide emergency beds, said the vigil was cancelled out of respect for victims.

Watson had stayed in the building for a while.

The Irish Sun reports that he was registered in Ireland as a sex offender because, as part of his conviction in Australia, he was put on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

They reported it was due to expire in 2018 in this country, but Gardai were aware of it and he did make himself known to Gardai that he did have the conviction.

A statement released by Home Sweet Home Facebook said: "Those associated with the Home Sweet Home campaign are shocked at reports that a homeless man who passed away last week had been deported from Australia for very serious crimes.

Out of respect for the victims of these crimes a planned vigil outside Apollo House on Thursday evening is cancelled.

This does not change the fact that many people have died as a result of our housing emergency. This is totally unacceptable and urgently needs to be addressed.

The Artists and Trade Unionists involved in HSH have had some discussions about building a permanent policy driven intervention into the housing emergency that would systemically target the root causes of this policy made catastrophe.

Such an initiative not only forms part of a solution to the emergency, but serves as a permanent memorial to all those who have had their lives ruined by it, in perpetuity."
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions have called for for a 1bn home-building fund, compulsory purchase orders and an expedited introduction of a Vacant Site Levy to address the homelessness crisis.

ICTU has told the Finance Minister that a failure to properly tackle the Housing Crisis in Budget 2018 would see Ireland pay a high price in terms of future social cohesion, damage to future growth prospects and increased living costs for working people.

ICTU made the statement following a pre-Budget submission made by Congress General Secretary Patricia King.

Ms King said ICTU is proposing that local authorities across the country take the lead in the provision of social housing as the only long-term and sustainable response to the housing crisis.

We abandoned the housing market to private developers and let profit become the key driver of housing provision. But the market has failed and government must now step in and declare a National Housing Emergency and act accordingly.

Local authorities should take the lead in a major house building programme with funding of at least 1 billion from government, providing at least 10,000 social housing units a year by late 2018," said Ms King.

She also suggested that Compulsory Purchase Orders must be utilised "as a matter of urgency to ensure available serviced land is put to good use."

Additionally, the proposal suggested the Vacant Site Levy should be brought forward from January 2019, as we are in a state of "emergency".

We cannot afford a return to the developer-led and shaped policies of previous years despite recent attempts from that sector to extract more tax breaks and subsidies in order to build houses. That approach has led us directly into the crisis we see today," said Ms King.

She said that thousands of lives are being damaged beyond repair by the housing crisis and that Budget 2018 is an opportunity to deliver a "game-charger" on the issue.

The ICTU said they would continue to push for an end to the special reduced rate of VAT received by the hospitality/tourism sector as this was a de facto subsidy that had already cost the state some 2.2 billion in taxes foregone.

Ms King said that there was no justification for the reduced rate and said that the move hasn't led to any significant new job creation.

In fact all the evidence suggests that the reduced rate operates as a subsidy to very profitable corporations which is a waste of valuable resources when set against areas of obvious need, such as homelessness, said Ms King.

Ms King said Congress also made the case for increased investment in key services to Minister Donohoe, as a way of boosting the social wage and lowering the cost of living, particularly in terms of tackling higher costs in education and healthcare for working families.
The British Government has said there can be no joint authority over Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has warned he may pass legislation at Westminster to fund public services if no political agreement can be found.

On Tuesday, Simon Coveney said direct rule from London could not be imposed without input from the Irish government.

Dublin has a legal obligation to be consulted on issues involving North/South co-operation under the 1998 Belfast Agreement between the British and Irish governments which largely ended decades of violence.

The UK Government statement said: "We will never countenance any arrangement, such as joint authority, inconsistent with the principle of consent in the agreement."

The agreement gives prominence to a "principle of consent", which affirms the legitimacy of the aspiration to a united Ireland while recognising the current wish of the majority in Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Senior Sinn Fein representative Alex Maskey suggested the UK's intervention represented a "slapdown" for the Irish government's position.

The two administrations have been meeting Stormont parties as they consider whether to kick start fresh talks aimed at restoring powersharing.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for seven months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

The British Government statement added: "The UK Government, along with the Irish government, is engaging intensively with the Northern Ireland parties to secure the re-establishment of inclusive, devolved government at Stormont, and the operation of all the institutions established under the Belfast Agreement.

"That is our clear objective and we are determined to succeed.

"Should this not prove possible, in the absence of devolved government, it is ultimately for the United Kingdom Government to provide the certainty over delivery of public services and good governance in Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom. This is consistent with our obligations under the Belfast Agreement."

Mr Brokenshire has warned he may have to legislate for a Stormont budget to fund the under-pressure health service and other public responsibilities if the deadlock continues.

Mr Coveney said there were still grounds for optimism and direct rule should still be avoided.

"There can be no British-only direct rule. That is the Irish government's position.

"It would be very difficult to even contemplate how direct rule would function in that context.

"We don't want to go there, it is not good for Northern Ireland, it is not good from the point of view of the government that I am a part of, it is not good from the point of view of the Government in London, everybody loses in that scenario."

AP
The British Government has said it is "determined to succeed" in restoring powersharing in Northern Ireland, but warned it was ultimately responsible to provide certainty over delivering public services.

A government spokesman said it would not support an arrangement unless it complied with the Good Friday Agreement, but ministers must obey their constitutional obligations.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney said direct rule could not be imposed without the input of the Irish government after Westminster warned it may pass legislation to fund public services in Belfast.

A spokesman said: "The UK Government, along with the Irish government, is engaging intensively with the Northern Ireland parties to secure the re-establishment of inclusive, devolved government at Stormont, and the operation of all the institutions established under the Belfast Agreement.

"That is our clear objective and we are determined to succeed.

"Should this not prove possible, in the absence of devolved government, it is ultimately for the United Kingdom Government to provide the certainty over delivery of public services and good governance in Northern Ireland, as part of the United Kingdom.

"This is consistent with our obligations under the Belfast Agreement."

Mr Coveney said on Tuesday that powersharing talks were at a high-stakes stage and could not continue for many more weeks.

"The status quo is not sustainable in Northern Ireland," he said.

Dublin is under a legal obligation to be consulted on issues involving North/South co-operation under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement between the British and Irish governments.

Mr Coveney was in Belfast to try to kick-start powersharing at Stormont and said all parties wanted to see progress made.

But he reminded them while the negotiations continued Northern Ireland has no voice at the Brexit talks table.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for seven months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has warned he may have to legislate for a Stormont budget if the deadlock continues.

Mr Coveney said there were still grounds for optimism and direct rule should still be avoided.

"There can be no British-only direct rule. That is the Irish government's position," he said.

The 1998 Agreement bestowed a legal obligation on the Irish government over North/South issues affecting Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr Coveney added: "It would be very difficult to even contemplate how direct rule would function in that context.

"We don't want to go there, it is not good for Northern Ireland, it is not good from the point of view of the government that I am a part of, it is not good from the point of view of the Government in London, everybody loses in that scenario."

He said there was an opportunity cost for Northern Ireland as tough decisions needed to be made over funding for health and education.

"Essentially Northern Ireland is in limbo at the minute because those decisions cannot be made, that is not a sustainable situation for many more weeks and that is why the stakes are very high now," he said.

He said he had no objection to a mediator but bringing somebody totally new into the talks when everyone else has such a detailed knowledge of the political complexities may not be helpful.

"If the parties want that we will try to facilitate that but I think it is unlikely," he said.

AP
Evidence from three witnesses is to be challenged during the rape case against Ireland and Ulster rugby star Paddy Jackson, his lawyer said.

A full-day sitting has been scheduled next month for a preliminary review of the charge against Jackson, 25, and co-accused fellow player Stuart Olding, 24.

DVD footage is to be presented to a district judge deciding whether the pair should face trial, a lawyer told a court.

Jackson's solicitor Joe McVeigh told Belfast Magistrates' Court: "Three witnesses are objected to."

He asked that the court hearing on October 17 be ready to watch a DVD as part of the evidence.

The session is designed to test the quality of the evidence against the men and whether there is enough to send them to a higher court for trial.

Lawyers for the accused, who deny all allegations against them, claimed material relating to the case had so far been provided by prosecutors in a "piecemeal" fashion and paperwork was still to be received.

A DVD is planned to be played as part of the case against the sportsmen and two other men connected with the case who are not facing rape charges.

The district judge at Belfast Magistrates' Court confirmed the hearing on October 17 was expected to last a full day.

Olding, of Ardenlee Street, Belfast, is charged with two counts of rape.

Stuart Olding.

Jackson, from Oakleigh Park, Belfast, is accused of one count of rape and one of sexual assault.

The offences are alleged to have been committed against the same woman in Belfast in June 2016.

Fly-half Jackson has been capped for Ireland 25 times and centre Olding has played four times.

They are established stars for Ulster Rugby.

The Irish Rugby Football Union and Ulster Rugby have said Jackson and Olding will not play again until court proceedings conclude.

It is likely both will miss this entire season at least.

Charges against two other men connected with the case have also been lodged with the court.

Blane McIlroy, 25, from Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, is charged with one count of exposure.

Rory Harrison, also 25, from Manse Road, Belfast, is charged with perverting the course of justice and withholding information.

The case was adjourned until later this month.
President Michael D Higgins is in Scotland with the UK's Prince of Wales to mark 10 years since he helped secure the future of an 18th century stately home.

The President and First Lady of Ireland, Sabina Higgins, are with Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire today.

Celebrations are being held to mark a decade since the house was opened to the public after being bought over by the Prince's Trust.

The 2000-acre Dumfries House estate now receives 24,000 visitors a year, employs around 150 people and provides a series of amenities to the local community.

These include skills training, educational programmes, woodland walkways, a playground and an outdoor swimming pool.

During their visit, the guests will hear about the significance of building on the talents of young people from under-privileged backgrounds as part of the project.

The president and First Lady Higgins will have private meetings with their hosts and attend a live broadcast recital of classical music.

They will hear the world premiere of Twilight Falls on Temple View, written by Welsh composer Paul Mealor about Dumfries House.

The Prince made the invitation to the president in May, when the president hosted the royal couple for meetings at his official residence in Dublin.
The PSNI plans to adopt an awareness campaign created by a Dublin community project to highlight the linkages between recreational drug use and the power of gangs, writes Cormac O'Keeffe.

A delegation of PSNI officers attended a presentation by Safer Blanchardstown in west Dublin yesterday, which was also attended by senior officers from Blanchardstown Garda Station.

Safer Blanchardstown, an inter-agency community safety project, launched the education initiative Think Before You Buy last October  it hopes it will become an all-island initiative.

The drug debt intimidation campaign, involving a video, specifically targeted recreational drug users, highlighting the link between their purchases and organised crime and the damage inflicted on local communities.

A PSNI inspector, Jonathan Francey, from Newtownards, Co Down, was on an exchange at the Blanchards-town division and saw the campaign. He brought it back to his local Policing Community Safety Partnership, which was interested.

It was also passed up the chain in in the force and impressed Chief Inspector David Henderson, who heads the Organised Crime Unit in the PSNIs Crime Investigation Branch.

I saw the video and it was a very good production, he said. This issue is not peculiar to Blanchardstown: its a problem for everyone, north and south.

He said the issue is a supply-and-demand reduction issue.

This education initiative highlights the impact [that] recreational drug use has, firstly, on generating money for organised crime and, secondly, the violence that it causes in communities and the destruction caused to communities, said Chief Insp Henderson.

He said there is a link with paramilitarism in the North and the intimidation of communities and punishment-style attacks.

Philip Jennings, co-ordinator of Safer Blanchardstown, said recreational drug use is a powerhouse for the money generated by organised crime gangs.

A person who spends 10 a week on drugs thinks it has no effect, but if 400,000 people do it every week, thats the reason why these boys are shooting each other on the street, why they are missing their targets and getting the wrong person, an innocent person, he said.

Mr Jennings said this violence and the intimidation of communities is happening right across the country.

He said recreational users need to be aware of the responsibility they have for fuelling the drugs trade and the accompanying violence and intimidation.

Inspector Tony Twomey of Blanchardstown station said it was a very good campaign rare in its particular focus on recreational users.

Often people who engage with recreational drug use do not see the link with organised crime and intimidation and its contribution to whats happening on the bigger scene at the moment, with the major feuds, he said.

Intimidation is particularly difficult for us to investigate. For obvious reasons, people dont want to report and it only comes to our attention when houses are targeted by these middle men.

Insp Twomey said there is a whole chain in drugs supply and that pressure is applied on each link.

He said the campaign has a wider application within the country and, with the interest of the PSNI, across the border.

Chief Insp Henderson said they hope to use the campaign across the North.

Mr Jennings said he hoped to have an all-island campaign and has the endorsement of seven joint policing committees and the backing of the main political parties.

This story first appeared in the Irish Examiner.
By Denise O Donoghue and Anna O'Donoghue.

Our very own Saoirse Ronan has already been tipped for an Oscar with the trailer release of her new movie, Lady Bug.

The film, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, is about a teenager living in Northern California who is trying to find any possible way to escape her family/small town to go on and achieve bigger and better things.

Well, she deserves an award for throwing herself out of that moving car alone.

Now  before award season begins, let's get on thing straight - the pronouncation of Saoirse.

Over the years, the Carlow native has divided opinion among Irish people in her attempt to clarify the pronounciation of her name.

Last year, her fellow actor Ryan Gosling presented Saoirse with an award, and gave a lesson in pronouncing Irish names correctly.

Its not Say-or-see or Seer-say or Sor-cery but it probably should beits Ser-sha, like inertia, he joked.

And while appearing on the Ellen Show, she asked people to call her 'Sur-sha'.

Social media has ben filled with confusion ever since.

Let us know how you pronounce the divisive name in our poll below.
Britain will not shut the door to European Union immigrants after Brexit but the Government wants people "with high skills" and better jobs for domestic workers, a Cabinet minister has said.

Leaked proposals to force a post-Brexit cut in low-skilled migrants from Europe have ignited a political row on the eve of a Commons battle over EU withdrawal.

Sir Michael Fallon insisted the Home Office document does not represent the Government's final position but appeared to back its overall strategy and stressed that voters want a reduction in immigration.

The Defence Secretary told BBC Breakfast: "I can't set out the proposals yet, they have not yet been finalised, they are being worked on at the moment.

"There is obviously a balance to be struck, we don't want to shut the door, of course not.

"We have always welcomed to this country those who can make a contribution to our economy, to our society, people with high skills.

"On the other hand we want British companies to do more to train up British workers, to do more to improve skills of those who leave our colleges.

"So there's always a balance to be struck.

"We're not closing the door on all future immigration but it has to be managed properly and people do expect to see the numbers coming down."

AP
A trawler carrying Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Burma has capsized, drowning at least five people, as the UN said the crisis has pushed more than 125,000 refugees into Bangladesh.

Residents of Shah Porir Dwip fishing village recovered five bodies from the Bay of Bengal, hours after the boat capsized at around midnight, said police official Yakub Ali.

It is not clear where the boat began its journey, or if the passengers had been among 450 detained by Bangladeshi border guards and ordered on Tuesday to return to Burma.

While some border guards were letting refugees across the borders, others were sending them back.

Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi has blamed a misinformation campaign for fuelling the crisis.

Faced with mounting numbers and a lack of space and basic supplies, Bangladesh said it will set up a new camp to accommodate Rohingya refugees who have arrived from Burma since August 25, many walking for days and crossing jungles and rivers to reach safety.

Shah Kamal of the Ministry of Disaster Management did not say when the new camp would be ready. He said it will be established in Tyingkhali, south of Cox's Bazar district and near the established camp in Balukhali where more than 50,000 Rohingya have been sheltering since October.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has asked officials to prepare a database with fingerprints for the new arrivals.

The number of Rohingya fleeing western Rakhine state has reached more than 125,000, 80% of whom are women and children, said Unicef executive director Anthony Lake.

"Many more children in need of support and protection remain in the areas of northern Rakhine state that have been wracked by violence," he said in a statement, adding that the UN refugee agency has no access to Rakhine trouble spots.

"We are unable to reach the 28,000 children to whom we were previously providing psycho-social care or the more than 4,000 children who were treated for malnutrition in Buthidaung and Maungdaw" in Rakhine, he said.

"Our clean water and sanitation work has been suspended, as have school repairs that were under way."

The violence and civilian suffering have prompted international condemnation and resonated particularly in many Muslim countries.

Ms Suu Kyi complained to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call that Turkey's deputy prime minister was a victim of fake news when he posted photos purportedly showing dead Rohingya that were not related to the crisis.

The photos on Mehmet Simsek's Twitter account have since been taken down.

According to her office, Ms Suu Kyi said such misinformation helps promote the interests of "terrorists", a reference to Rohingya insurgents whose deadly attacks on Burmese security posts on August 25 triggered the latest military crackdown and streams of refugees.

The military has said nearly 400 people, most of them insurgents, have died in clashes. Security forces responded to the attacks with days of "clearance operations" the government says were aimed at rooting out insurgents it accuses of setting fire to Rohingya villages.

Many displaced Rohingya, however, say it was Burmese soldiers who set their homes on fire and fired indiscriminately around villages in Rakhine state.

Rohingya Muslims have long faced discrimination in the majority-Buddhist south-east Asian country.

Turkey said Burma agreed to allow its aid officials to enter Rakhine state with a ton of food and goods for Rohingya.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said it was crucial for Burma's government to immediately give Rohingya either nationality or legal status so they can lead normal lives and freely move, find jobs and get an education.

He cited a long-standing history of "discrimination, hopelessness and extreme poverty" for Rohingya and warned of possible ethnic cleansing.

AP
Pope Francis has arrived in Colombia for a five-day visit in which he hopes to give an extra boost to the country's peace process and encourage reconciliation after a decades-long guerrilla conflict.

Francis arrived on a flight from Rome at Bogota's military air base.
Update 8.15pm: America is asking the UN to impose an oil embargo on North Korea following the secretive country's latest nuclear test.

A draft resolution also reportedly proposes banning the exports of North Korean textiles and freezing the assets of leader Kim Jong Un.

The 15 security council members could vote on the measures on Monday.

A resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, Russia or China to pass, however it is unclear if China will back the proposition.

Earlier: Donald Trump says US military action against North Korea is not their "first choice" but they will "see what happens".

The President says he is had a "strong and frank" talk with his Chinese counterpart following Pyongyang's latest nuclear test.

He claims Xi Jinping wants to do something, and they will not put up with what is happening in the rogue state.

Donald Trump also said in a tweet yesterday that he is "allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States."

North Korea's issued new warnings over nuclear weapons yesterday - telling the U.S to expect "more gift packages".

The country's ambassador to the United Nations accused the U.S. of reckless provocations and attempts to put pressure on North Korea.

Japan's defence minister revealed North Korea's latest nuclear test was almost twice as big as first thought.

It is estimated to have been around eight times the size of the bomb which destroyed Hiroshima in 1945.

It reportedly shook buildings in China and Russia.

Russian leader Vladamir Putin, speaking in China on Tuesday, condemned the latest nuclear test as provocative, but said that Moscow views sanctions on North Korea as "useless and ineffective".
An English secondary school has banned girls from wearing skirts to make the uniform "gender neutral" for transgender pupils and to deal with complaints over the decency of short skirts.

Headteacher Tony Smith has introduced the policy for all new students at Priory School in Lewes, East Sussex, England.

The school's website states: "From September 2017, all new Priory students will be required to wear our updated uniform.

"This uniform has been designed specifically in response to the many issues and suggestions raised by parents, students and school staff.

"Specifically, it addresses the current issues of inequality and decency. We hope that it will provide a smart, comfortable and affordable alternative to the current uniform."

Speaking to the Brighton Argus newspaper, Mr Smith said: "Pupils have been saying why do boys have to wear ties and girls don't, and girls have different uniform to boys.

"So we decided to have the same uniform for everybody from Year 7.

"Another issue was that we have a small but increasing number of transgender students and therefore having the same uniform is important for them."

He added that there had been "problems with decency" over how skirts were being worn by students.

One mother critical of the changes told the local newspaper: "My daughter said she has got a gender and it's female so being gender neutral when she has got a gender is a big deal for her, as she is proud to be a girl."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for talks with North Korea, saying sanctions are not a solution to the country's nuclear and missile development.

Mr Putin spoke after meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in in Vladivostok, Russia, on the sidelines of a conference on economic development in Russia's Far East.

North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday, saying it had detonated a hydrogen bomb.

Mr Moon said before his meeting with Mr Putin that the situation could get out of hand if Pyongyang's missile and nuclear tests are not stopped.

The Russian leader, speaking in China on Tuesday, condemned the latest nuclear test as provocative, but said that Moscow views sanctions on North Korea as "useless and ineffective".

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who will meet Mr Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday, said before his departure from Japan: "We must make North Korea understand there is no bright future for the country if it pursues the current path."

Mr Putin said supporting a Russian-Chinese road map would help resolve the nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula.

In televised remarks, he urged North Korea's neighbours to support the Russian-Chinese road map, saying it "offers a genuine way to defuse the tensions and a step-by-step settlement".

Russia and China both share a border with North Korea.

US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has dismissed the Russian-Chinese road map, saying the United States is "done talking about North Korea".

While Mr Putin reiterated Moscow's opposition to new sanctions against Pyongyang, he told reporters he had assured Mr Moon that Moscow condemns North Korea's nuclear test and thinks it "flagrantly violates" international law.

AP
Leading mortgage franchise Aussie Home Loans has reaped the rewards of a national ad campaign showing the human difference that brokers provide borrowers.The ads, which feature the phrase Its better with a broker, also include the faces of Aussies many franchisees, along with a redesign of the companys website and TV commercials.Creatively it positioned Aussie mortgage brokers at the front and centre of the brand to demystify their role in helping to secure the right loan for our customers, Aussie CEO James Symond told Australian Broker.Hundreds of brokers have so far featured in the campaign to date with more to be included in the coming months. As well as outdoor advertising, franchise brokers also appear on social media and even their own business cards.Aussie brokers are the hero of our campaign and showing their many and varied faces reinforces the power of Aussies collective wisdom, Symond said.The face of Aussie isnt one broker. It is all our brokers.The campaign matches pictures of Aussie franchise brokers to different outdoor areas, allowing the company to use the face of the actual broker who services that area, he added.Symond continued, saying that feedback from brokers in both mobile and retail channels had been exceptionally positive.They have loved that the new brand shows consumers what happens in thousands of homes, offices and Aussie stores every month: Aussie brokers working side-by-side with customers, helping them navigate thousands of home loan products, each with different features and limitations that could go unnoticed to an untrained eye.
Mortgages are not simple consumer credit products and broker commissions create a poor alignment between broker and consumer interests, according to one independent financial consultancy.These sentiments come from a Treasury submission sent by research firm Rice Warner on the Australian Securities & Investments Commissions (ASICs) review of mortgage broker remuneration.The submission, which was prepared by senior consultant Alun Stevens and peer reviewed by CEO Michael Rice, suggested that the duties and remuneration structure of mortgage brokers be brought into alignment with those of financial planners implemented after the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) reforms.In the current process to determine how broker remuneration should work, Rice Warner recommended that the principles and provisions established by the [FOFA] reforms in respect of remuneration, and especially conflicted remuneration, should be the industry benchmark.The firm proposed outlawing commissions, claiming they created a poor alignment of interests.Mortgage brokers would be able to charge an establishment fee which could be charged at the time of the transaction. Trail commissions make no sense for consumers, Stevens wrote.We consider that trail commissions should not be paid when no service is being provided.The firm also recommended a Best Interests duty for brokers and aggregators which was equivalent to that imposed on financial advisers.Financial advisers and mortgage brokers give advice that impacts on the long-term financial positions of their clients and they should have equal obligations to act in those clients best interests.We believe that the lack of formal Know Your Client obligations that properly recognise the long-term nature of mortgages is a deficiency that should be remedied. Mortgages are long-term financial commitments that impact on all other long term financial plans and need to be recognised as such.Consumer interests could best be served by reclassifying mortgages as financial products, Stevens wrote, as this would immediately and definitively resolve issues related to conflicts of interest around remuneration.It would also address the quality of advice, the qualifications of brokers, the oversight and disclosure regime, and the need to act in consumers best interests. It would also recognise mortgages for what they are, long-term financial instruments, and not simply consumer credit.
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88th Precinct

Fort GreeneClinton Hill

Train tussle

A pair of worms punched two women in the face and tried to take one of their phones on a Manhattan-bound Q train at Atlantic Avenue station on Aug. 27.

The two boarded the train at Church Avenue station at 9:05 pm and were scoping it out when one of the rogues punched the first victim on the right side of the face, police said. Her friend stood up to help her, but the villain punched her in the face, too, according to authorities.

The train eventually stopped at the station near Flatbush Avenue, and one of the louts tried to take one of the womens phones, but were unsuccessful and fled, according to a report.

Mugged

Police are searching for two baddies who they say held up a guy with a gun on St. Edwards Street on Aug. 29.

The victim told police he was near Fort Greene Park at Myrtle Avenue at 8:05 pm when the creeps approached him and asked for the time. One of the nogoodniks then pulled out a silver gun and demanded, Give me all your property or you will die tonight, authorities said. The pirates took the mans iPhone, headphones, and $60, and fled, according to cops.

Held up

A trio of snakes robbed a guy by threatening him with a gun on Washington Park on Aug. 30.

The 20-year-old man was strolling on Washington Avenue at 1 am when the three punks flashed a gun and took his debit card, credit card, and iPhone, he told police.

Pickpocketed

A thief stole a womans iPhone while she was aboard a Downtown-bound B25 bus near Grand Avenue on Aug. 29.

The lady was sitting on the bus near Fulton Street at 7:15 pm when her Bluetooth headphones disconnected and she felt her back pocket where her cellphone was get lighter, a report said.

She thought she had dropped her phone on the seat or floor, but it wasnt there. The victim then noticed a man leaning forward in his seat towards her, authorities said. He got off at the same stop as her. The phone was tracked to Bedford-Stuyvesant, but it was not recovered, according to cops.

Tripping

Some weasel snatched a guys bag after he tripped and dropped it on Flatbush Avenue on Sept. 2.

The man was walking near Fulton Street at 5 pm when he tripped and let go of his bag, contianing $169, credit cards, and his license. The filcher then lifted it off the ground and fled, according to a report.

 Lauren Gill
This star kept Kelce from retiring; have Philly fans seen last of Wentz?
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...
The George Bence Group has taken on two new Directors.

Simon Cunningham joins the company as Contracts Director, formerly Group Sales Director of MAP Contracts in Kent. He will be driving the lightside contract business majoring on bathrooms, underfloor heating and kitchens.

I am excited to become a part of such a forward thinking business as Bences, initiating an immediate strong and bold growth strategy. The drive and aspirations of the Board attracted me to use my skillset to propel key product segments.

Ian Broad is joining the George Bence Group as Sales Director, having recently left Tarmac Building Products after a 28-year stint. He is already very familiar with the business and will be working closely with the external and internal sales teams.

After a long term and enjoyable commitment with Tarmac Building Products, I am excited to join a customer focused business that is proactive both with customers and suppliers to become the number one merchant within its market. This is a big opportunity to bring some key learnings from the suppliers market along with the already knowledgeable understanding of the merchant market that George Bence has to help increase the professional performance and customer experience that the company can offer.

Paul Bence, Managing Director at the George Bence Group, said: We have been looking for the right characters to join our senior management team for a considered period of time. We are extremely pleased that with patience we have found the right balance with Ian and Simon to push our market offering in two distinct areas, both heavyside and lightside sales. Their commercial acumen, experience and successes in the industry will certainly add value to our business and fits extremely well with our ambitious plans for Company growth.
TVs Lewis the Dulux Dog has made a guest appearance at MKMs branch in Anlaby, Hull.

The iconic Old English Sheepdog popped by the MKM Building Supplies branch to celebrate the unveiling of a new Dulux Trade Paint Mixer. The celebrity pooch, famed for his long hair, looked particularly fetching as he posed for fans, many of whom had travelled especially to see him.

The event was held on the final day of the school holidays. Along with face painting for the kids, Lewis was the star attraction. Turnout for the famous canine was outstanding, with selfies being the order of the day.

Since making his first appearance in a 1961 black-and-white television advert, the Dulux Dog has become an instantly-recognisable, celebrated figure on British TV sets. Although there have been several Dulux dogs, all are selected from a closely-related pedigree breed, and most have won Best in Show prizes at dog competitions as well as made cameo TV appearances.

Glenn Paddison, Branch Director at MKM Anlaby, said: Were delighted to have been able to welcome such an historic (and well-behaved!) figure to the branch.

After a fair few selfies, its safe to say that everyone has had a great time, particularly the kids! The new trade paint mixer is another valuable asset for MKM Anlabys portfolio of products.

Picture caption: Anlaby staff with Lewis the Dulux Dog. Left to right: Jaymie Moss, Glenn Paddison, Mikey Howley and Ryan Smith.
Democrats largely prevail in SJ, but reversals loom in two townships

Democratic incumbents held on to many seats, but GOP challengers made inroads in two large townships
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!)
India's aviation regulator DGCA has found 132 pilots and 434 cabin crew of state-owned Air India to have allegedly skipped the mandatory pre and post-flight alcohol test this year and they face the prospect of being grounded.
The Indian unit of Seattle-based online retail major Amazon is looking to more than double the space for its operations across the country, it is learnt. In an e-commerce market that is in the midst of consolidation, the Jeff Bezos-led company is eyeing aggressive expansion, a source with direct knowledge of the development said. This is despite an overall focus on cost-cutting and road to profitability.
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Diversified firm has filed a Rs 1,000-crore defamation suit against proxy advisory firm IiAS at the Calcutta High Court for allegedly making 'defamatory' statements against the company and its directors.

In the suit, filed last month, said Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) had published two reports that were "false, defamatory and malicious" on its website www.iiasadvisory.com in July 2017 before the AGM of the company.

I prayed before the court to issue a "decree for Rs 1,000 crore against" the defendants while also seeking a mandatory injunction directing IiAS to publish an unconditional apology.

When contacted, an spokesperson said: "We cannot comment as the matter is sub judice."



Queries sent to IiAS remained unanswered.

The complaint was presented before the court of Justice Soumen Sen on August 29 and leave was granted. Subject to scrutiny, the summons will be served on all parties.

IiAS had published two voting advisories for shareholders of ITC and had suggested them to vote against the company's plan to pay a monthly remuneration of Rs 1 crore to its Chairperson Y C Deveshwar for his non-executive role.

IiAS had said it "believes the board structure, and the proposed remuneration, signal Yogi Deveshwar's continuing control over the company, which undermines the recently appointed CEO Sanjiv Puri. Once Yogi Deveshwar has stepped down, he must let go".

ITC, in its petition filed through its counsel Khaitan & Co, said IiAS' reports 'Voting Advisory, ITC Limited, Annual General Meeting' and 'ITC's Succession Plan: Letting it Go', contained "words which were defamatory of the plaintiff (ITC) and its management".

It further submitted that based on IiAS advisories were widely read and circulated across the country and had a "huge negative impact on the image of ITC".

Claiming damages, ITC said the composition of its board, the audit committee, and the nomination and remuneration committee "was in compliance with all applicable laws".

"The imputation that Deveshwar's remuneration was not deserved and fixed on improper considerations is also without basis and patently false. Such appointment and remuneration is in keeping with current practices in the industry and the role envisaged for Deveshwar," said ITC.

Shareholders of ITC at the AGM held on July 28 approved the remuneration of Deveshwar as Chairman and Non-Executive Director with effect from February 5, 2017, with 85.11 per cent of polled votes in favour and 14.88 per cent against.
The appellate court of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLAT) will on Thursday decide the fate of the 169 McDonalds stores and almost 6,500 jobs affected by McDonalds Indias (MIPL) termination of licence agreement with Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd (CPRL).
Nearly two years after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had banned Nestles flagship noodles brand Maggi in India, a closed-door meeting between representatives of the regulator and the multinational (MNC) has opened up possibilities for them to join hands.
Carrying thin plastic bags full of medical reports, about 30 cancer-ridden patients queue up outside Pankaj Chaturvedis office on the second floor of the Homi Bhabha Wing of the 76-year-old in the central suburb of Parel. Some of the patients are too weak to stand. So they sit down, sometimes on the floor, as a receptionist tries to maintain order in the overcrowded lobby, the volume of patients and attendantsmostly relativesswells.
India should be prepared for a two-front war, Army chief said on Wednesday, adding that the threat of conflict was real on both western and northern borders, and deterrence in form of nuclear bombs or military power may not actually stop it.

"To say that in the future there will be no war if you have deterrence may not always be true.

"Nuclear powers don't go to war and that nuclear weapons are weapons of deterrence.... But to say that they can deter war, they will not allow nations to go to war, in our context that may also not be true," Gen Rawat said at an event here.

Noting that in future, wars may start before forces come into contact, he cited the recent stand-off with China, where something similar was seen.

"The nature of warfare has been changing, while we are accustomed to kinetic, force on force being applied, there can be blurring of lines in the future context. Wars may commence through non-contact warfare even before nations begin to understand that there is war.

"If you look at recent situation that happened at our northern border close to Sikkim, we did see information, psychological, media and legal warfare being launched by the adversary. It did not, however, lead to kinetic warfare. But this kind of warfare will continue so we have to remain prepared for everything," he said.

About Pakistan, Rawat said that propaganda was being used to make its people believe that India is an adversary.

"As far as our western adversary is concerned, we don't see any scope of reconciliation, because the military, the polity, and the people in that nation have been made to believe that there is an adversary, that is India, which is all out to break their nations into pieces...

"The kind of propaganda makes them believe India is their long term adversary.. while they have launched a proxy war on us, how long the country will bear this proxy war, when will the country decide the threshold level has been crossed is something difficult to predict. Because of this proxy war, there is always scope of conflict on our western border," he said.

For China, Rawat said they have "started salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, testing our limits of threshold... it is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations which could gradually emerge into conflict.

"Whether these conflicts will be confined or limited in space and time or whether these can expand into an all-out war along the entire front with the western adversary taking advantage of the situation developing along the northern border is very much likely," he said.

"We have to be prepared for conflict on the northern as well as the western borders... in our context, therefore, warfare lies within the realm of reality," he said.

On the shortcomings of deterrence, he said: "Most of us have been made to believe as we are gradually upgrading defence forces and that we are trying to achieve credible deterrence we will be able to deter war... Politically yes, but in the practical sense we should be prepared."

He also added that if the nation believes there is no threat of war, it may lead to defence forces not getting sufficient funds or not being prepared.
A Special Investigation Team will probe the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead in Bengaluru on Tuesday night, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday.

"A SIT has been formed, headed by an Inspector-General-level officer, to investigate the journalist killing," the Chief Minister told the media here after meeting top police officers at the state assembly Vidhan Soudha.

Asked if the investigation could be handed over to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team, Siddaramaiah said: "Have left it to the Director General of Police (RK Dutta) who will speak to the state Home Minister (Ramalinga Reddy) and decide."

"I have an open mind," the Congress leader said, adding that if the family members insist on a CBI investigation, the state could think about it.

"This is an organised crime, but let the police look into it," he said, adding, "I have instructed the police to take the case seriously."

"Similar weapons were used in M M Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar's killings, but we can't link anything yet," Siddaramaiah said.

"Two persons had written something against Gauri on Facebook and the police is investigating it," the Chief Minister said.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) MN Anucheth told IANS: "Three special teams were set up to crack the case. They are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are tracking the movement of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders."

"We have alerted our counterparts in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu as well," said Anucheth.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her when she returned home from her office in the city. Two hit her in the chest and one in the forehead.

She was the editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike".

A prominent Left thinker and a staunch critic of Hindutva politics, Lankesh was convicted in November 2016 in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Pralhad Joshi. She was out on bail pending appeal.

The manner in which Lankesh was shot dead was reminiscent of the way Kannada progressive thinker and researcher M M Kalburgi was killed in August 2015 at his residence in Dharwad in the state's northwest region, about 400km from Bengaluru.

Activist Narendra Dabholkar, who was at the forefront of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill, was shot dead by unknown assailants in August 2013.

Dabholkar was found dead in a pool of blood at Omkareshwar bridge in Pune. He was also the editor of Sadhana magazine which was devoted to the propagation of progressive thought.

Senior Communist leader Govind Pansare was shot and killed in February 2015. Two men on a motorcycle shot five times at Pansare and his wife from close range outside their house. His wife survived but Pansare succumbed to his injuries.

Lankesh, Kalburgi, Dabholkar and Pansare -- all were known critics of the right wing forces.
India said today that it shares Myanmar's concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state and asked all stakeholders to preserve the country's unity and territorial integrity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Modi's first bilateral visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya refugees that have poured across the Bangladeshi border in just two weeks after Myanmar's military crackdown in the Rakhine state.

The prime minister, at a joint press statement with Suu Kyi, also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

Modi and Suu Kyi held talks and discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.

After the talks, Modi said India shares concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state where there has been a loss of innocent lives of people and military personnel.

He said that when it comes to the peace process or solving a problem, "We want all stake holders to work towards preserving Myanmar's unity and territorial integrity."



Suu Kyi, in her remarks, thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

She said together India and Myanmar can ensure that terrorism is not allowed to take root on their soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State las month.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.
More than 90,000 Rohingyas, victims of a new surge of violence in Myanmar, are fleeing the country and pouring into Bangladesh, while 30,000 people are still trapped near the border. At the same time, the government of the prime minister of India  who is due to visit Myanmar this week  has announced that 40,000 Rohingya refugees are to be deported. A plea against this decision, made by two Rohingya asylum seekers in Delhi, is being reviewed by Indias supreme court.
In one corner of Malsi, not far from the deer park and zoo, as one heads up towards the popular hill destination of Mussorie, there is a left turn that leads to a bizarre and incomplete childrens science park.
An anonymous letter stating that a bomb would explode at the railway station premises here each month "till the NEET exam is withdrawn by the government' was received by a senior railway official here today, police said.

They said the Railway Station Manager received the letter threatening that one bomb will explode in the station premises every month 'till the NEET examination is withdrawn by the government'.

However, the letter did not elaborate.

Tamil Nadu has been witnessing anti-NEET protests by various student and pro-Tamil outfits over the past few days after the suicide of 17-year-old medical aspirant Anitha.

Anitha, daughter of a daily wage worker, allegedly hanged herself at her house in Ariyalur district on September 1.

She was reportedly upset after reports emerged that Tamil Nadu would not be exempted from the ambit of the NEET.

The Supreme Court had last month asked the Tamil Nadu government to start the counselling for admissions to MBBS and BDS courses in the state, based on the NEET merit list.

It had given the directive after the Centre told the court that it was not in favour of a recent ordinance passed by the state to exempt it from the NEET this year.
With President Donald Trumps reversal of an Obama-era executive order known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), worst fears of young immigrants seem to be coming true.
A delay in land acquisition has sparked disputes between the Madhya Pradesh government and two with the state government cancelling the power purchase agreements for all projects of SkyPower Global, a Canada-based solar power company. The state government initiated a similar exercise against ReNew Power, which went to court against the cancellation and won the case.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday granted gratis visa to all Myanmar citizens who want to visit India.

Gratis visa is granted to diplomats and officials, UN officials travelling on duty or those travelling to India on the invitation of the government of India as its guest.

Modi also shared its concerns with Myanmar over the situation in the country's Rakhine state where the army has launched a crackdown on the Rohingyas, triggering a mass exodus.

"We share your concerns about the extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been lost," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a joint address to the media along with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi following delegation-level talks between the two sides here.

"We hope that all stakeholders can together find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected," Modi said. "At the same time, we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all."

Suu Kyi is under mounting international pressure to stop the alleged human rights violations against the Rohingyas, who are denied citizenship in Myanmar.

Thousands of Rohingyas are crossing over into Bangladesh -- where they are sparingly given refugee status -- to escape from the violence in Rakhine state. Media reports quoted the UNHCR spokesperson in Bangladesh as saying that at least 123,000 Rohingyas have crossed over in the past few days.

The latest exodus began on August 25, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

Meanwhile, India has said that it would deport all Rohingyas living in the country illegally but the country's Supreme Court has said that it will hear on September 11 a plea seeking a direction to the central government not to deport about 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees back to Myanmar.
The Competent Authority has approved the assignment of the additional charge of the post of Chairperson, National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) to Dr. Inder Jit Singh, IAS ( KL:1985), Additional Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat, with immediate effect and until further orders. .

.
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to assume charge as Defence Minister Tomorrow

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will assume charge as the Defence Minister on September 07, 2017 in South Block, New Delhi. She will assume the charge from Shri Arun Jaitley who was holding the additional charge of the Ministry of Defence since March 14, 2017. Smt. Sitharaman will become the first full time woman Defence Minister of India.

A Profile:

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman was born on 18th August 1959 in the temple town of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. She did her schooling and her graduation in Economics, from Seethalakshmi Ramaswamy College in Tiruchirapalli. She went on to do her Masters in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Indo-European Textile Trade was the focus of her draft Ph. D thesis.

Smt Sitharaman served as an assistant to Economist in the Agricultural Engineers Association, UK in London. She subsequently worked as Senior Manager (Research and Analysis) with Price Waterhouse, London. During this time she also briefly worked with BBC World Service.

On her return to India, she served as Deputy Director of the Centre for Public Policy Studies at Hyderabad. Her interest in education led her to lay the foundation of Parnava, a reputed school in Hyderabad. She was a member of the National Commission for Women from 2003-2005 and instrumental in voicing various issues of women empowerment.

Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2008, and was made a member of the National Executive. She was nominated as party spokesperson in March 2010, from when she has been a full time party worker.

Smt Sitharaman was inducted in the Union of Indias Cabinet in a Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 26 May 2014 as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry.

She is married to Dr. Parakala Prabhakar, alumnus of Jawaharlal Nehru University and London School of Economics and they have one daughter. She is an avid reader and maintains a personal twitter handle @nsitharaman, and can be reached at nsitharaman@nic.in

NW/NAo/Nampi/MT
British PR agency said on Wednesday it was exploring a potential sale after it lost business for running a racially charged campaign in South Africa, leaving its future increasingly uncertain.

said it had hired accountancy firm BDO "to look at all options for the business including a possible sale" as the tarnished company faced the prospect of being broken up.

Banking giant HSBC cut ties with and the PR agency's second-biggest shareholder walked away on Tuesday after it was thrown out of an industry body for running a campaign that the political opposition said had inflamed racial tensions.

South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, had complained to the Public Relations and Communications Association that Bell Pottinger's campaign was trying to "divide and conquer" the South African public in order to keep President Jacob Zuma and his party in power.

Bell Pottinger worked with the president's son and the influential Gupta family on the campaign. According to an email published in South African media, Bell Pottinger said the campaign needed to stress the continued "existence of economic apartheid".

The communications preceded a sustained campaign condemning enemies of Zuma, including pro-business elements of the ruling African National Congress, as agents of "white monopoly capital".

The slogan, aired frequently on a Gupta-owned television station, quickly gained traction in a country where the white minority still wields disproportionate economic clout two decades after the end of apartheid.

The PRCA expelled Bell Pottinger for a minimum of five years. The PR firm, founded in 1987, said it accepted there were lessons to be learned but disputed the basis on which the ruling was made.

Bell Pottinger's founder Tim Bell, who worked on former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's election victories in the 70s and 80s, told Reuters he was sad over the fate of the firm.

He visited South Africa to meet the Guptas ahead of the start of the work but has since distanced himself from the South Africa scandal.

Bell has previously courted controversy for doing work for the wife of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, as well as for the Pinochet Foundation, which works to promote the legacy of former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.

(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.)
For local officials in Chinas provinces keen to boost their chances of promotion, the days of being able to puff up the output data they send to Beijing may be coming to an end.
President Trump didnt even have the guts to do the job himself. Instead, he hid in the shadows and sent his attorney general, Jeff Sessions, to do the dirty work of telling the country that the administration would no longer shield from deportation 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to this country as children.
UK looks to invest $250 million in its Stanlow refinery to increase production, improve focus on high-value products and expand its crude oil sourcing basket to save costs and improve margins.
Hurricane Irma, the most powerful storm to form in the open Atlantic Ocean, made landfall in the Caribbean early Wednesday and barrelled toward Puerto Rico on a path that may bring it ashore in Florida and destroy so much property that damages surpass Hurricane Katrina.
Intel won a boost in its eight-year fight with the European Union over a $1.06-billion ($1.26 billion) fine in a case that could have ramifications for a list of disputes involving US tech giants including Google and Apple. The EUs top court ruled that Intels appeal had to be reexamined by a lower tribunal, criticising judges for failing to properly analyse the economic aspects of the case in its 2014 decision to reject the chipmakers initial challenge.
Kim Jong-un -led (centre) North Korea could fire an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean as it had threatened to launch missiles toward Guam, which prompted warnings of retaliation from American military officials | Photo: Reuters
Russian President again rejected US calls for new sanctions against North Korea after its sixth and most powerful nuclear test, echoing China's resistance to more punitive measures to pressure Pyongyang into abandoning its atomic and missile programmes.The Russian leader criticised sanctions as "useless and ineffective," instead urging the community to offer security guarantees to North Korea. "They'll eat grass, but they won't abandon their programme unless they feel secure," he told reporters Tuesday at an emerging markets summit in Xiamen, China, which was hosted by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Myanmar's de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has claimed that the crisis in Rakhine state is being distorted by a "huge iceberg of misinformation", media reports said on Wednesday.

In her first comments on the latest Rohingya crisis, she said tensions were being fanned by fake news promoting the interests of terrorists, the BBC reported.

Suu Kyi made the comments in a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Efe news quoted her office as saying.

More than 123,000 Rohingyas have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh in two weeks.

The statement carried by the state media, said Suu Kyi told Erdogan that her government had "already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible".

Suu Kyi is quoted as saying: "We know very well, more than most, what it means to be deprived of human rights and democratic protection."

"So we make sure that all the people in our country are entitled to protection of their rights as well as, the right to, and not just political but social and humanitarian defence."

The statement also said there were fake news photographs circulating which were "simply the tip of a huge iceberg of misinformation".

She said it was a "calculated effort to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists".

By September 5, there had been 1.2 million tweets talking about the crisis since refugees began flooding over the border. Many with images purportedly showed the violence in the region, the BBC report said.

The BBC report said not all the pictures came from Rakhine. There was one tweeted by Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek dating back to the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

The BBC also said: "The fake news is generated because the government is not allowing media access to the troubled areas."

The latest conflict was sparked on August 25, when Rohingya militants attacked police posts, triggering a military counter-offensive to protect the civilians.

However, the Rohingya families streaming north into Bangladesh have been reporting that security forces, sometimes backed by armed Buddhist civilians, burned their villages and opened fire on the inhabitants.

Suu Kyi was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for her work in bringing democracy to Myanmar, but some have called for her Prize to be taken back.

While she has previously acknowledged problems in Rakhine state, she has denied the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingyas, the BBC said.

Several fellow laureates have called on her to act in the latest conflict, and the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar this week said she must "step in".
The Trump administration announced on Tuesday that it would begin phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program on March 5, 2018.
President Trump on Tuesday ordered an end to the Obama-era program that shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation, calling it an amnesty-first approach and urging Congress to pass a replacement before he begins phasing out its protections in six months.
New Delhi Television (NDTV) has rallied 9% to Rs 62.20 on Wednesday, extending its three-session long gains of over 50% on BSE, in an otherwise weak market on back of heavy volumes. The trading volumes on the counter nearly doubled with a combined 769,529 shares have already changed hands on BSE and NSE in first 10 minutes of trade.
The flaring up of geopolitical tensions between North Korea and the United States has kept global investors on the edge in the past few weeks. MARC FABER, editor and publisher of The Gloom, Boom & Doom Report tells Puneet Wadhwa in an interview that the present situation might not blow up into a full-fledged war, but it will continue to remain tense. Investors should look to protect against losses, instead of eyeing huge returns right now, he advises. Edited excerpts:
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah on Wednesday began his three-day visit to Odisha to persuade the party workers and leaders to help achieve the party's goal of securing 120 out of 147 seats in the 2019 Assembly poll.

Shah is likely to hold discussions and meetings with the MLAs, leaders and workers of the party to plan out policies to achieve 'Mission 120', which he had envisaged during his last Odisha tour in July.

Meanwhile, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who was also present at the occasion, hailed the BJP president's strategies to fight the Assembly polls and asserted, "It is the people who will decide the fate of BJP and BJD in the next Assembly elections. The mood of the people is changing."

Amit Shah is on a three-day visit to Odisha, as part of his 110-day nationwide tour, to strengthen the party in the states. He also plans to hold separate meeting with the state office bearers, district presidents and district in-charge.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Amnesty International India on Wednesday asserted that the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh by gunmen outside her residence in Bengaluru raises alarms about the state of freedom of expression in the country.

"Gauri Lankesh was never afraid of speaking truth to power. Her assassination must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice," said the Programmes Director at Amnesty International India, Asmita Basu.

"The police must investigate whether she was killed because of her journalism," she said.

55-year-old Gauri Lankesh was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly. She was widely regarded as an independent and outspoken journalist and activist, and a fierce critic of hardline Hindu groups in Karnataka.

Speaking to journalists, the Bangalore City Police Commissioner said that unidentified men shot Gauri Lankesh in a close range, and three bullets hit her on the neck and chest.

"Critical journalists and activists have increasingly faced threats and attacks across India in recent years. The State Governments must act to protect those whose voices of dissent are being silenced," Basu mentioned.

"Investigations into these killings have been ineffective for too long," she added.

On August 30, 2015, M.M. Kalburgi, a prominent scholar and critic of religious superstition and hardline Hindu groups, was shot dead outside his home in Dharwad, Karnataka by unidentified assailants. Over two years later, there has been little progress in the investigation. No charges have been filed yet.

In January 2017, the Bombay High Court criticised the Central Bureau of Investigation for its slow progress in investigating the killings of Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare, activists who were killed in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has said that there have been no convictions in any of the 27 cases of journalists murdered for their work in India since 1992.

In 2016, the organisation urged the central government to bring together journalists, scholars and experts on freedom of expression to submit draft proposals for a national-level journalist safety and protection mechanism.

Meanwhile, following Lankesh's murder, major protest demonstrations have been planned across India, especially in prominent parts of Karnataka.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Antidepressant can drastically slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease, a recent study found.

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.

According to researchers, drug, nortriptyline, which has been used to treat depression and nerve pain, stopped the growth of abnormal proteins that can build up in the brain and lead to the development of the disease.

Lead author Tim Collier from the Michigan State University in the U.S. said that depression is a very frequent condition associated with Parkinson's, so we became interested in whether an antidepressant could modify how the disease progresses.

They examined previous patient data to see if individuals, who were on antidepressants experienced any delay in their need to go on a standard Parkinson's therapy called levodopa.

This type of therapy increases levels of dopamine, a natural chemical in the body that sends signals to other nerve cells and can significantly decrease in cases of Parkinson's.

The medication also treats many of the symptoms associated with the disease such as tremors and poor muscle control.

"We found that those on a certain class of antidepressant, called tricyclics, didn't need the levodopa therapy until much later compared to those who weren't on that type of antidepressant medication.

They tested rats with the tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline and found that it indeed was able to decrease the amount of abnormal protein that can build up in the brain.

This protein, known as alpha-synuclein, can cause the brain's nerve cells to die when in a clustered state and is a hallmark sign of the disease.

"Proteins are constantly moving and changing shape," said Lapidus, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

By using a test tube model, they found that by adding nortriptyline to the alpha-synuclein proteins, they began to move and change shape much faster, preventing the proteins from clumping together.

Understanding how these proteins can clump together could point researchers in new directions and help them find other possible drugs that could potentially treat Parkinson's.

The research appears in in the journal Neurobiology of Disease.

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An arrest warrant against Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung and seven others has been issued.

According to the reports, the warrant has been issued in the wake of the unrest created in Darjeeling on June 8 when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had held a cabinet meeting in the hilly city.

Earlier, on September 1 the police issued a lookout notice against the GJM chief for his alleged involvement in various cases, including a bomb blast in Kalimpong police station, in which a civic volunteer was killed.

This comes right after the expulsion of the party assistant general secretary Binay Tamang and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) member Anit Thapa for violating the party line.

On Thursday, a section of the GJM's central committee met in Kurseong and decided to suspend the indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling and Kalimpong till September 12, when the Hills parties would be meeting West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in Siliguri for a second round of talks.

But, the suspension of the shutdown resulted in turmoil and confusion within the GJM as another group, apparently with party president Bimal Gurung's blessings, removed Tamang from the post.

A delegation of the GJM leaders met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on August 29 and submitted a memorandum demanding a judicial inquiry into the deaths caused due to the police action.

The meeting was also attended by other hill parties like the Gorkha Liberation Front (GNLF) and the Jan Andolan Party (JAP).

Accord to the reports, the TMC chief said that the meeting was held on a positive note and was cordial.

"It's the beginning of a dialogue process. We are happy we have been able to sit across the table. We have requested them to withdraw the strike since it's causing a great hardship to the people," Mamata had said.

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The Patiala House Court on Wednesday sent the British national, accused of sexually abusing blind school kids, to 14-day judicial custody.

On September 4, the Delhi Police arrested British Murray Ward on charges of sodomizing visually challenged students at the Association for the Blind (NAB) in R.K. Puram area in New Delhi.

The incident came to notice after a Police Control Room (PCR) call was received at R.K. Puram Police Station regarding the same.

It was revealed that Ward was a frequent visitor and a regular donor with NAB from the last eight to nine years.

He is accused of subjecting three minors, all blind students of NAB, to paedophilic sexual harassment on September 2.

A case has been registered in this regard under Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

54-year old Ward hails from UK's Gloucestershire and was working with Sterlite Technology Limited in Gurugram till April 2017.

In February this year, he suffered a paralytic attack and since then, he has been under treatment.

The police have seized his cell phone for examination. They have also recovered his MacBook, which contains a couple of objectionable video clippings.

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The Supreme Court on Thursday will continue the hearing on the Cauvery water issue dispute involving tussle between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

A bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Dipak Misra, had earlier directed the Karnataka Government to provide 200 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu till its further order.

The top court, earlier in January, dismissed the plea seeking compensation from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Governments for the loss of property during the Cauvery water related dispute between both the states.

Siva Kumar, a Tamil Nadu based activist, had earlier filed the petition in the apex court on the same.

On January 9, the Tamil Nadu Government sought a compensation of Rs 2,480 crores from Karnataka for not releasing water to the state despite getting the Supreme Court directive to do so.

The lawyer from the side of Tamil Nadu, Shekhar Naphade, had urged the three-judge bench to bring the matter to a logical end for which there should be a continuous hearing.

On December 9 last year, the apex court upheld its constitutional power and right to hear appeals filed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, against the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal final award.

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China must stop weakening United Nations mechanisms that promote human rights, the New York-based rights watch dog Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said in a report.

"China's crackdown on human rights activists is the most severe since the Tiananmen Square democracy movement 25 years ago," The New York Times quoted Kenneth Roth, Director, HRW, as saying in Geneva on Tuesday

"China engages with the UN on human rights but often with the goal of aggressively silencing criticism and eroding access for activists who work on China," said Roth.

"China is not the only country that acts terribly at the UN, but its Security Council membership, global influence, and fierce crackdown on civil society at home make it a model of bad faith that challenges the integrity of the UN rights system," he added.

The 96-page report titled "The costs of International Advocacy: China's Interference in United Nations Human Rights Mechanisms," details China's efforts to harass independent activists, primarily those from China.

The HRW said Chinese officials have photographed and filmed activists on UN premises in violation of rules and restricted travel by mainland activists to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

China has also used its membership on the Economic and Social Councils Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to block NGOs critical of China from being granted UN accreditation, and it has sought and succeeded in blacklisting accredited activists from participating in UN events.

The report is based on interviews with 55 people who have direct knowledge of China's interactions with UN human rights mechanisms, including 20 UN officials and experts, 15 foreign diplomats, and 20 civil society representatives.

"The whole UN machinery tries to make space for civil society while China's machinery works the other way, trying to shrink space for NGOs," one expert told Human Rights Watch.

The report in HRW mentions that China sharply limits the visits of UN experts to the country, pressurises the UN to exclude from committees potentially critical experts, and rarely provides substantive answers to queries by the UN human rights bodies.

"China is slated for its next Universal Periodic Review in 2018, but Cao Shunli's death (in 2013) has sent an enduring, chilling message to Chinese activists: participate at your own risk," Roth said.

The UN, however, has been dubiously known to capitulate to Chinese pressure, presumably to avoid confrontation, and therefore weakens its position to question China's rights record, the HRW said.

"The UN system offers one of the few remaining channels for activists from China to share their views and press for improvements in Beijing's abysmal rights record. Unless the UN and concerned governments put a stop to China's efforts to manipulate or weaken UN human rights mechanisms, the UN's credibility, and indeed its ability to defend rights in China and around the globe, are at risk,"Roth said.

The Chinese foreign ministry predictably responded by saying that it attaches great importance to promoting and protecting human rights.

"All bear witness to our contributions to the sound development of the international human rights cause. We urge the relevant organization to remove the tinted glasses, perceive China's human rights development and contributions to the international human rights progress in an unbiased manner, and stop groundless criticism on China,"spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited Odisha for the first time after the Cabinet reshuffle and met Jagadguru Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati on Guru Purnima.

In the Cabinet reshuffle, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, he was appointed as the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Besides petroleum, he has been given an additional charge of the skill development ministry.

Ahead of BJP president Amit Shah's three-day visit to Odisha from Wednesday, Pradhan on Tuesday voiced his confidence that the party would achieve the goal of winning 120 of the 147 assembly seats in the state.

Pradhan's comments come a day after the ruling BJD in the state yesterday exuded confidence that the regional party would win in 123 of the 147 seats in the state Assembly.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Dwayne Johnson is having a great impact on the lives of the people.

The actor met a 10-year-old boy, who saved his younger brother's life by doing a medical move he learned from the film 'San Andreas'.

The 10-year-old Detroit native, Jacob O'Connor, in August, saw his two-year-old brother fall into their pool and was lying face down for about a minute.

O'Connor immediately pulled him out and began doing chest compressions, which Johnson's character, Raymond Gaines, does in a scene in the 2015 disaster film.

Johnson shared a video of their meeting on his official Instagram profile.

He captioned the video, "Jacob was super nervous and shy the whole time we hung out, so it was fun getting him to laugh and talk. He threw me for an unexpected spin when he showed up on set wearing a shirt that he proudly made with my bull insignia on the front and on the back was the picture of me holding our two puppies, Brutus and Hobbs, after I rescued them from our pool. Seeing that picture on this boy's shirt, got me in the gut."

The post continued, "Eventually, we would lose Brutus to heaven, but it wasn't the picture of Brutus that made me tear up, it was the fact that this 10yr old kid, had a heart big enough to put our puppies on his shirt after he saved his little 2yr old brother's life. What a special day. What a special kid. Thanks Jacob for being awesome and for being the kind of person we all aspire to be. DJ."

The young man met the 'Baywatch' star on set of his upcoming film 'Skyscraper'.

The Rock also shared another photo with Jacob's mother, Christa O'Connor.

He wrote, "Big Rock hugs for mama Christa O'Connor. As you can imagine, she's so proud of her son and even more, so grateful to have her boys. She told me that at first she wondered 'Wait, I am just calling Jacob a hero because I'm a proud mom and he's my son? Then I said, no wait.. he IS a real hero for saving his brother's life'. Amen."

"Yup, he sure is. Thank you so much Christa for flying out to Vancouver to allow us to meet you and your boys, Jacob and Gavin. We had a blast and grateful to have you on our set. #OConnorFamily #ProudMama," he added.

On the work front, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson will be next seen in 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' alongside Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan and Jack Black.

The flick is slated to release on December 20 in the U.S.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A French court has recently ordered Closer magazine to pay 100,000 Euros (Rs 64,1,1140) in civil damages and further 90,000 Euros (Rs 6876436.63) in fines for publishing topless photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge in 2012.

Also, the publication's editor, Laurence Pieau, and its owner, Ernesto Mauri, will have to fork out the maximum fine of 45,000 Euros (Rs 28,8,4963) each, reports the Independent.

The photographs of Prince William and Kate Middleton were published in the magazine while the two were holidaying in France in September 2012.

The royal couple filed a criminal complaint for invasion of privacy, while the two were relaxing in a swimming pool at a private chateau owned by Viscount Linley, the Queen's nephew, in the Luberon, Provence.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In the wake of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh's death on Tuesday, various organisations have planned protests all over the nation, especially in major parts of Karnataka.

Senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga on Tuesday night.

The police say that few unidentified assailants, on a motorcycle, fired shots and rode away.

The Press Club of India in New Delhi has planned for a protest at 3 p.m. today.

Here are some of the other protests planned:

In Karnataka:

Bengaluru

Mandya

Mangaluru

Udupi

Other states:

Ahmedabad

Chandigarh

Chennai

Gorakhpur

Hyderabad

Lucknow

Mumbai

Pune

Thiruvananthapuram

Gauri's family has asked the for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, while the Karnataka Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, has directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the matter.

Indrajeet Lankesh, Gauri's brother, said, "I am requesting a CBI probe, as we have seen in earlier cases as well that the police have done nothing in issues like this."

Furthermore, prominent personalities have condemned the murder asking the concerned authorities to take action and find the culprits.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today whilst addressing a press conference said, "It is true that it is an organised crime, let the police look into it."

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter expressing shock and said "Shocked to hear of the assassination of @gaurilankesh. We strongly condemn this cowardly attack. Her courage will continue to inspire".

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 5, 2017

The Union Cabinet Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting (Additional Charge) Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, adding that she hoped that justice is delivered soon.

Irani took to Twitter and wrote, "Condemn killing of #GauriLankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted &justice delivered. Condolences to the family."

Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja said, "On behalf of my party, I strongly condemn the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. It is a heinous crime committed by communal forces in Karnataka. The state had earlier witnessed the killing of scholar M.M. Kalburgi now it's Gauri. These atrocious crimes should be stopped and action on these cases should be rightly given".

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) general secretary Sitaram Yechury also took to Twitter and said, "The cold-blooded murder of Gauri Lankesh is reprehensible. Dabholkar, Pansare, Kalburgi - such murderous violence has an eerie pattern."

President of the Press Club of India (PCI) Gautam Lahiri lamented the death of journalist Gauri Lankesh and deemed it as a "sad day for democracy."

Condemning the brutal killing of Gauri Lankesh, senior journalists termed the incident highly despicable and called on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to order an immediate probe to find the perpetrators.

Many women activists accused the communal and Hindutva forces of attacking and murdering the journalist.

The Indian Cinema also came forward and condemned the incident as well with personalities like Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das expressing anguish over the death.

Earlier, Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar said that Gauri Lankesh did not complain of any threats, adding that if there was any, then that will be thoroughly investigated.

"She didn't complain of anything. If she anywhere expressed about threats, it will be thoroughly investigated," Kumar told the media.

He said that Lankesh was found lying all in blood and four empty cartridges were found from the scene of offence.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a tabloid described as an "anti-establishment" publication.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Myanmar, on Wednesday said his government has always taken bold and tough decisions aimed at people's welfare as for them nation is above everything else.

"For us, the nation is above everything else. That is why we have always taken bold and tough decisions aimed at people's welfare," Prime Minister Modi said while addressing the Indian community in Yangoon at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

He said his government is not merely reforming the country but transforming India, adding that they are building a new India.

The Prime Minister said in addition to infrastructure, his government is focusing on infrastructure, which will help the hardworking farmers of the country.

Emphasising Myanmar's value in India's freedom struggle, Prime Minister Modi said that this is the sacred land from where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose gave the slogan of 'give me blood and I will give you freedom'.

He appreciated the role of Indian diaspora in contributing towards to the development of wherever they have settled, adding that they also kept in touch with their roots.

He said Yoga was globally recognised due to efforts of Indians living in different parts of the .

Prime Minister Modi also lauded External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in helping people in distress, and being sensitive to the concerns of every Indian in any part of the .

He also took the platform to announce the decision to release 40 Myanmar fishermen presently lodged in Indian jails.

"I read somewhere five Bs are base of India-Myanmar relations - Buddhism, Business, Bollywood, Bharatnatyam and Burma teak...But, I think most important 'B' is missing here and that 'B' is 'Bharosa'," he said.

He also spoke about an India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism that is being created.

Prime Minister Modi noted that people to people ties are the strength of India-Myanmar relations.

"People of India have the confidence that India can be transformed and we can break free from some of the evils that entered our system," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Myanmar on Wednesday signed eight Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and three agreements in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

Following are the agreements and MoUs signed between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's State Counsellor and de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi:

1) MoU between the Election Commission of India and Union Election of Myanmar

2) Cultural Exchange Programme for the year 2017-2020

3) MoU on Cooperation betwen the Myanmar Press Council and the Press Council of India

4) Extension of MoU on the establishment of India-Myanmar Centre for enhancement of IT skills

5) Extension of MoU on the establishment of MIIT

6) MoU on cooperation in medical products regulation

7) MoU on cooperation in the field of health and medicine

8) MoU on Enhancing the Cooperation of the upgradation of the women's police training center at Yamethin, Myanmar.

The two leaders unveiled the agreements after delegation-level talks, touching upon several issues, including the unrest in the Rakhine state. India and Myanmar signed an MoU to strengthen maritime security cooperation. The two sides also signed an agreement for sharing white shipping information to improve data sharing on non-classified merchant navy ships or cargo ships.

Prime Minister Modi also announced gratis visas for people of Myanmar and promised to release the 40 Myanmarese citizens, lodged in Indian jails.

"India's democratic experience is relevant to Myanmar. As neighbours, our interests are similar in the area of security. It's necessary for us to work together towards the security of our land and maritime border," Prime Minister Modi said.

Underlining the importance of maritime security, the Prime Minister said, "Myanmar and India, being neighbours, our outlook and focus on security are similar. It is necessary that India and Myanmar cooperate to ensure that the land and coastal borders we share remain calm, he added.

State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi said, "There are many areas in which we can cooperate. I would like to talk about the role India has played in capacity building because that is what our country is more in need of - to build up the capacity of our people that we may be able to construct truly safe and lasting federal democratic unions."

"India has always been eager to join us in our efforts, to strengthen our democratic institutions of our country and for this also, we appreciate the relationship between our two countries. The friendship between our two countries has always been good. We need to further strengthen what we already have, what we built up at the time of our Independence 70 years ago," Kyi said.

The Myanmar leader added, "The respective fathers of our Independence movement were close to each other and I think this closeness has been maintained throughout the seven decades and we truly believe that this will continue to be maintained in the years to come."

This is PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had last visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit. Suu Kyi and the Myanmarese president had visited India last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Myanmar on Wednesday signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and three agreements in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.

Following are the agreements and MoUs signed between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's State Counsellor and de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi:

1) MoU between the Election Commission of India and Union Election of Myanmar

2) Cultural Exchange Programme for the year 2017-2020

3) MoU on Cooperation betwen the Myanmar Press Council and the Press Council of India

4) Extension of MoU on the establishment of India-Myanmar Centre for enhancement of IT skills

5) Extension of MoU on the establishment of MIIT

6) MoU on cooperation in medical products regulation

7) MoU on cooperation in the field of health and medicine

8) MoU on Enhancing the Cooperation of the upgradation of the women's police training center at Yamethin, Myanmar.

The two leaders unveiled the agreements after delegation-level talks, touching upon several issues, including the unrest in the Rakhine state.

Prime Minister Modi also announced gratis visas for people of Myanmar and promised to release the 40 Myanmarese citizens, lodged in Indian jails.

"India's democratic experience is relevant to Myanmar. As neighbours, our interests are similar in the area of security. It's necessary for us to work together towards the security of our land and maritime border," Prime Minister Modi said.

Underlining the importance of maritime security, the Prime Minister said, "Myanmar and India, being neighbours, our outlook and focus on security are similar. It is necessary that India and Myanmar cooperate to ensure that the land and coastal borders we share remain calm, he added.

State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi said, "There are many areas in which we can cooperate. I would like to talk about the role India has played in capacity building because that is what our country is more in need of - to build up the capacity of our people that we may be able to construct truly safe and lasting federal democratic unions."

"India has always been eager to join us in our efforts, to strengthen our democratic institutions of our country and for this also, we appreciate the relationship between our two countries. The friendship between our two countries has always been good. We need to further strengthen what we already have, what we built up at the time of our Independence 70 years ago," Kyi said.

The Myanmar leader added, "The respective fathers of our Independence movement were close to each other and I think this closeness has been maintained throughout the seven decades and we truly believe that this will continue to be maintained in the years to come."

This is PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had last visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit. Suu Kyi and the Myanmarese president had visited India last year.

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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said there is a need for enhancing trade, commerce and investment with the Russian Far East to achieve the target of $30 billion, set for bilateral trade, by the year 2025.

"The Russian Far East is one of the richest regions in the world and India is among the fastest growing large economies of the world. There is lot that can be done together. When other markets are closing, we need to find new ones and create virtuous cycles of investment. Investment is in the ultimate analysis an act of faith," Sushma said, while delivering a speech at the Eastern Economic Forum

"Greater trade, commerce and investment with the Far East will help us in achieving the target of $30 billion that we have set for our bilateral trade by the year 2025," she added, attaching importance to the opportunities in the Russian Far East.

"First, bridge the knowledge gap between our business communities. We need to create a network of partnerships and better understand the laws and regulations in each other's countries. Second, identify areas of common interest and potential, keeping in mind the mutual strengths and complementarities," the External Affairs Minister said, while listing the objectives to be attained by her participation in the third Eastern Economic Forum.

"Third, identify what actions the two governments should take to further facilitate investments and trade. We are already working on initiatives such as the Green Corridor, the International North-South Transport Corridor and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. The Russian Government has eased visa policies for Indians in the Far East. Fourth, we should create success stories. An Indian company, KGK Diamonds, is setting up a processing facility in Vladivostok. Other projects are under discussion. I am confident that the Russian Government will assist the Indian investors in the region," Sushma said.

"Fifth, we should encourage more interactions between our regions. I would like to reiterate our invitation to regions and businesspersons of the Far East to visit India. The Russian Far East Investment and Export Agency has been in touch with Invest India."

Sushma also announced that India would provide an annual grant of 10,000 US Dollars to fund the study of Indology at the Centre of Regional and International Studies in this University.

Sushma said that under the flagship programmes of Make in India and Start-up India, the Indian Government has made concerted efforts to attract technology, investments and best practices from across the world.

Sushma said, "Our programmes, directed at the social sector, such as those for skilling our youth and providing housing for all and massive infrastructure programmes in roads, ports, metros, railways, energy, food processing, education, innovation, are opening up unparalleled opportunities and creating the impulse for rapid growth. There has been no better time to engage with India".

"Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Putin together met the CEOs of both countries in St. Petersburg. Many ideas were exchanged. I see today's Dialogue as a continuation of that process," Sushma added.

"India is not new to the Russian Far East. In 2001, during the tenure of the then Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, ONGC took the bold decision to invest in the oilfield, not far from here. Till today, this is one of the most successful multi-billion dollar investments by India overseas."

Sushma said, "The areas, identified as priority sectors such as machine industry, oil and gas, fisheries, agriculture, metals and mining, diamonds, timber, transport and logistics and tourism are all of interest to India."

"The Ministry of Far East Development has taken many initiatives such as liberalisation of the visa regime, establishment of Special Economic Zones and making land allocations. In 2016, we made very significant investments in each other's countries. India invested 5.5 billion US Dollars in the oil sector in Russia. The largest Russian investment in India of 12.9 billion US Dollars, which is also India's largest FDI, was concluded last month in the oil sector between Rosneft and Essar," she added.
India has lodged strong protest with Pakistan over the increased cross border infiltration by Pakistan nationals belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed terror outfit who carried out a brutal terror attack in Pulwama on August 26 resulting in the death of eight Indian security personnel.

The External Affairs Ministry summoned Pakistan High Commissioner Haider Shah on Tuesday and made a demarche over increase in cross border infiltration by Pakistani nationals belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist organization.

The Ministry told Pak High Commissioner that a group of Pakistani nationals belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist organization infiltrated in Jammu and Kashmir in the intervening night of 16th and 17th of last month. And the same group carried out a brutal terror attack in the District Police Lines of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on 26th of last month resulting in the death of 8 Indian security personnel.

The External Affairs Ministry called upon Pakistan High Commissioner to abide by their commitment not to allow its territory to be used for terrorism in any manner and take credible and effective action against the terrorist entities operating from its soil and to prevent cross border infiltration.

"The Pakistan High Commissioner Haider Shah was called in and a strong protest was lodged over the cross border infiltration of a group of Pakistani terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed who carried out a brutal terror attack in Pulwama on August 26 resulting in the death of eight Indian security personnel," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

"Pakistan side must investigate into the incident of infiltration and take action to bring to justice the individuals and entities responsible for orchestrating the heinous attack," the Ministry said in New Delhi.

The statement said, DNA samples of the neutralized terrorists have been preserved and could be made available for investigations in Pakistan.

Eight security personnel, including four CRPF personnel, were killed when JeM terrorist carried out a suicide attack on a district police complex in south Kashmir's Pulwama on August 26, triggering a massive gunfight in which three terrorists were also killed.

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Outgoing defence minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday exchanged views and ideas with his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera to further strengthen defence and security cooperation.

Jaitley was on a two-day visit to Tokyo to attend the India-Japan Annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue which was held from September 5.

The ministers exchanged views and ideas with the aim to further strengthen defence and security cooperation under the framework of the "Japan-lndia Special Strategic and Global Partnership".

The defence ministers of both the countries expressed satisfaction at the continued deepening and diversification of the bilateral defence cooperation since the signing of the bilateral Memorandum on Defence Cooperation and Exchanges in September 2014 and the two Defence Framework agreements signed in December 2015.

They also exchanged views on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the meeting, they also condemned North Korea's nuclear test conducted on September 3, which is in violation of its international obligations and commitments.

They also called upon the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to cease such actions, which adversely impact peace and stability of the region and beyond.

The ministers noted that regular interactions at all levels, in particular the establishment of the staff talks at the level of the three services, have enhanced mutual understanding.

The ministers also underlined their intention to explore opportunities for enhancing exchanges and decided to promote cooperation in the following areas:

(1) Institutionalised Dialogue and Visits

a. Annual Defence Ministerial Meeting: The Defence Minister of Japan will visit lndia in 2018

b. Welcoming the visit by the Chief of Naval Staff, Indian Navy to Japan in 2016 and the visit by the Chief of the Staff, Air Self Defence Force and Chief of Staff, Ground Self-Defence Force to India in 2016 and 2017 respectively, both sides agreed to organise the first visit of Japanese Chief of Staff, Joint Staff Japan Self Defence Forces to India in the first half of 2018

c. Scheduling the 6th Defence Vice Minister/Secretary level Defence Policy Dialogue and the 5th Vice Minister/Secretary level "2 + 2" dialogue in India in 2018

(2) Exchanges between Japan Ground Self Defence Force and Indian Army

The ministers welcomed the progress in the Army to Army Staff talks in November 2016 and agreed to develop active exchanges in the fields of PKO, Counter-Terrorism and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), as key areas of common interest for the two countries.

The Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF) would invite Indian Armed Forces personnel to participate in the HADR exercise conducted by the JGSDF as Observers.

In the context of the enhanced co-operation between the two ground forces the Ministers decided to explore a joint field exercise in the field of counter-terrorism between the Indian Army and the JGSDF in 2018.

(3) Exchanges between Japan Maritime Self Defence Force and the Indian Navy

The ministers expressed satisfaction at the success of Japan-India-U.S. Trilateral Maritime Exercise MALABAR 2017 in July 2017 and confirmed their intention to further deepen and advance the objectives of this Exercise. Minister Onodera expressed his intention to have state-of-the-art Japanese assets including P-1 to participate in the MALABAR 2018. Jaitley welcomed this proposal.

The ministers noted the importance of bilateral training interactions between the Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The two sides will consider inclusion of the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training to expand cooperation. In addition, the ministers agreed to pursue exchanges and training by the ASW aviation units such as P-3C. The Japanese side proposed to invite the Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training held by the JMSDF.

(4) Exchanges between the Japan Air Self Defence Force and the Indian Air Force

The ministers welcomed the participation of the Vice Chief of Staff, JASDF in "Aero India-2017" in February 2017. They also welcomed the visit of Indian Air Force helicopter crews to JASDF's Air Rescue Squadron in Hyakuri, expanding bilateral air-to-air exchanges in the domains of aviation safety and air crew exchanges.

The ministers expressed their intention to seek further opportunities to enhance cooperation by enabling visits of their aircraft to each other's air bases.

(5) Education and Research exchanges

The ministers appreciated personnel exchanges between the two sides by means of representation at defence educational and research institutions. They expressed satisfaction over successful bilateral exchanges in the U.N. Peace Keeping involving the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping of India and the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Centre.

(6) Cooperation in Defence Equipment and Technology.

The ministers endorsed the importance of enhancing interaction between governments and defence industries of the two countries to encourage equipment collaboration including defence and dual-use technologies.

They commended the progress made in discussions to identify specific areas of collaboration in the field of defence equipment and technology cooperation including in the framework of the Joint Working Group on Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation. They noted the effort made by both countries regarding the cooperation on US-2 amphibious aircraft.

They welcomed the constructive engagement between Acquisition, Technology and Logistic Agency (ATLA) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and agreed to commence the technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.

The ministers commended the conduct of the first-ever meeting on defence industry cooperation held by ATLA and Department of Defence Production (DDP) in Tokyo, which witnessed significant participation of government entities and companies of both countries.

They expressed their expectation that this meeting will lead both countries to future defence equipment and technology cooperation and enhance interaction between governments and industries of both countries. Jaitley briefed about recent policy reforms in the defence manufacturing sectors in India which offer opportunities for foreign industries to play an active role.

Jaitley also thanked Minister Onodera for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and members of the Indian delegation during his visit to Japan.

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Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe has urged Russia to collaborate against the policies pursued by North Korea to help scale down the current tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

"I hope the joint actions on the part of Japan and Russia and the entire community, including a still tougher resolution of the UN Security Council, and utmost pressure on North Korea will bring about changes in its policies. For this purpose, I call on Russia to cooperate so that it would resolutely show initiative in the current situation," Tass quoted Abe as saying.

"We agreed to hold an in-depth discussion of the problem at a meeting in Vladivostok," Abe added.

The tension escalated after Korea, on September 3, announced a successful test of a thermonuclear explosive that could be used as a warhead at an intercontinental ballistic missile.

Earlier, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman dubbed North Korea's nuclear tests as dangerous provocation and said that Pyongyang has undermined the international non-proliferation efforts.

"We are alarmed by this dangerous provocation. The secretary-general condemns the underground nuclear test announced by the DPRK. This act is yet another serious breach of the DPRK's international obligations and undermines international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts," he said.

Japan's UN Ambassador Koro Bessho called for UNSC to adopt swiftly a new resolution with further robust sanction measures against Pyongyang.

He said UNSC must act to stop North Korea from continuing such actions and should put maximum pressure to change its policy.

He further said that North Korea's nuclear test was an outrageous and unacceptable challenge to the security and safety of the .

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As the release date for Darren Aronofsky's upcoming horror movie 'Mother,' starring Jennifer Lawrence is coming closer, people are getting more and more curious about what the title and JLaw's character represent in the movie.

And it seems like we now have an answer to that question.

While premiering his new thriller at the Venice Film Festival, director Darren Aronofksy told that Lawrence's character represents Mother Earth, and her destruction symbolises how people treat the environment.

He said, "I think there is absolutely a connection. America is schizophrenic. We go from backing the Paris climate [accord] to eight months later pulling out. It's tragic, but, in many ways, we've revealed who the enemy is and now we can go attack it."

He also noted that making Lawrence's character completely submissive was intentional.

"It really has to do with the allegory of the film and what we're trying to do there. If you think about Day 6 in your history and in your bibles, you'll kind of figure out where the film starts," shared Aronofksy.

The film also stars Domhnall Gleeson, Ed Harris, Kristen Wiig, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Brian Gleeson in pivotal roles.

The flick is slated to hit theatres on September 15.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is going to be constituted to probe into the murder case of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh.

"I have taken stock of the investigation which is done so far. I have given instruction to police official. This case will be taken seriously and will be investigated by a special team. Therefore, a SIT is going to be constituted immediately to probe into this case. It is true that it is an organised crime, let the police look into it," the Chief Minister told media here.

Siddaramaiah further said that the decision of handing over the murder case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will be taken by the Director General of Police (DGP).

Addressing the media here over the murder, the Chief Minister said that there was no threat to Lankesh's life.

"I have left it to the DGP who will speak to the Home Minister and decide on whether to hand over the case to CBI or not," the Chief Minister said.

He further said that he could not ascertain if it was a case of conspiracy or not.

"She met me recently, but never spoke about any threats. I cannot say yet if it was a part of a conspiracy," he said.

The Chief Minister, however, refrained from linking Lankesh's murder to the murder of three other outspoken critics of right-wing extremist ideology, M.M. Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar.

"Similar weapons were used in Kalburgi, Pansare and Dabholkar killings. In this case, we don't know yet, so can't draw link," he said.

Siddaramaiah further said that he has also instructed the police that protection should be given to the activists propagating progressive thoughts.

The Chief Minister yesterday condemned the death of the senior journalist said it 'is an assassination on democracy'.

"Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime," Siddaramaiah had tweeted.

Senior journalist Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga by some unidentified assailants at around 8-8:30 p.m.

As per reports, three bullets were pumped in her body.

Lankesh's body was later shifted to the Victoria Hospital for the post-mortem.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a tabloid described as an "anti-establishment" publication.

Following this, major protest demonstrations have been planned across India, especially in prominent parts of Karnataka.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Karnataka Law Minister, T.B. Jayachandra, on Wednesday termed the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh's shocking death and said that an investigation will be initiated to nab the culprit.

Jayachandra further said that he is in touch with the Home Minister and officials.

"It is really shocking. Yesterday night, when I came to know that she was brutally killed, I immediately came here. She was always committed to secular credentials. It is very sad that she has been killed. There must be some conspiracy behind this. It is a serious matter, we will take it up," he told ANI.

Senior journalist Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga by some unidentified assailants at around 8-8:30 pm.

As per reports, three bullets were pumped in her body.

Lankesh's body was shifted to the Victoria Hospital for post-mortem.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a tabloid described as an "anti-establishment" publication.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
"Vaadi-e-Kashmir", a short film on Kashmir, a CSR initiative of KENT RO, dedicated to Kashmir on behalf of the Nation by Rajnath Singh, Home Minister and Hema Malini, Member of Parliament, along with Mahesh Gupta, Chairman - KENT RO Systems created by Law & Kenneth Saatchi & Saatchi.

"Kashmiris are an important part of the development of this nation. We wish to ensure a promising future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir," said Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

This film showcases the warmth, oneness and love that we share with Kashmir and its people, and also serves up the magical slice of Kashmir that we all celebrate. The film is on air from today.

It endeavours to knit the people of Kashmir with the rest of the country in an open hearted, warm and compassionate message of togetherness. It is a joyful celebration of a diverse country that we inhabit, Kashmir included! The film splendidly appreciates the mesmerising beauty of the valley of Kashmir and its people.

"The film celebrates the beauty of Kashmir and its people, and celebrates the love and togetherness that we share as a nation. The vision of this short 6 minutes film is to 'make our brothers and sisters in Kashmir feel that the rest of the country stands with them' and also open many more doors to bring us closer to each other. It's a simple film which carries a message of oneness, with Purity of Heart and Intent. Just like what KENT RO stands for, Purity. It is simple. It is not driven by any political or religious agenda. Instead it is driven by humanity and the sense of family and togetherness. India is a one big diverse family and Kashmir is an integral part of our lives. And we need to celebrate it," said Mahesh Gupta, Chairman - KENT RO.

"Ye film mere ek bhartiye hone ke naate. hamare pyare Kashmir se judne. aur hamare Kashmiri bhaiyo behonon ke dil ko chhoone ka ek prayas hai. As an Indian, this film is my attempt to reach out to Kashmir and touch the hearts of our brothers and sisters in the Valley," added Hema Malini.

"The task at hand, keeping in mind the current situation of Kashmir was challenging. We met a myriad of people, both in Kashmir and outside, to find a starting point. We had to keep it simple. Gupta and I believe, anything can be answered and any solution is possible, if there is a genuine connection between people. It's the first step, to establish any possibilities. And we as a nation when called upon, reach out very easily across the spectrum of caste/creed/differences. That's the beauty of this nation. And this attempt is our small contribution to create the platform to connect people," said Kenneth.

This six minute short film, directed by the legendary film maker Pradeep Sarkar, is a scintillating way to build a bridge of hearts, between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Shot over a period of 2 weeks in Kashmir, Pradeep Sarkar has brought alive this "Paradise on Earth".

"Falling in love at the age of 62 years is possible... it happened to me when I went and met Kashmir! Though it was my first trip to Kashmir, it seemed like I knew the place... the warm and friendly people just make you feel at home instantly. In this film I tried to capture her beauty... but I want to go back to capture her beauty unawares - and also to know her a little better... Believe it, we all need to know her a little better," he said.

The film starts with an introduction by one of the most distinguished personalities in the country, Amitabh Bachchan. His powerful presence and message is enough to keep you hooked to the film. Also shot in the backdrop of beautiful valley of Kashmir with its stunning mountains, greenery and shikara, the video is uniquely fascinating while the youth of the country proudly showcase the love and bond. Furthermore, the outstandingly captivating song sung by Shankar Mahadevan and composed by Shankar/Ehsaan/Loy with lyrics written by Gulzaar, lifts the film and the message to a whole new level.

The film calls the viewer to log on to www.dilsekashmir.com, a platform that's been created for the people across the nation to send a message of love to the people of Kashmir. It also showcases some amazing stories of the people in Kashmir, who have surmounted numerous challenges and stood tall. It is a must visit to see the State of Kashmir in new light.

This truly is an attempt at bringing beautiful Kashmir into the collective consciousness of the Nation and opening many doors to build togetherness and connection across the nation.

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The whole incident of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder was captured by two CCTV cameras outside her residence, said her brother Indrajeet Lankesh.

Gauri was shot by unknown assassins last night.

Speaking to the media outside the hospital, where Gauri's post-mortem was carried out, Indrajeet Lankesh said that the CCTV has captured everything while also requesting the police to let him or his mother be present, while watching the footage.

Talking about the incident Indrajeet said that the police have told him that a lady living in the neighbouring building heard a sound, thinking it was a firecracker. "When she came, she saw Gauri lying down there."

"The place where she was living was calm and there were no street lights there. She was living alone as well," said Indrajeet Lankesh.

He also said that there is nothing that Gauri told her mother, sister or Indrajeet himself.

"She never told us if there were any threats given to her," Indrajeet said.

He further said that she was an aggressive journalist, and was doing her job.

"She's not just my sister; she's an activist, a journalist. It is disgraceful and painful for me as a brother," Lankesh said and added that he is requesting a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, as they have seen in earlier cases as well the police has done nothing about issues like this.

He then added that the Gauri's wish has been fulfilled as "one of the patients here has got Gauri's eyes," as she had always wanted to donate her eyes.

Meanwhile, Gauri Lankesh's "adopted" son and controversial figure Kanhaiya Kumar said, "Deeply shocked and saddened at the cowardly murder of Gauri Lakesh! She was like a mother to me. She will always be alive in my heart."

Deeply shocked and saddened at the cowardly murder of #GauriLakesh! She was like a mother to me. She will always be alive in my heart. pic.twitter.com/6x4u5UaXqt  Kanhaiya Kumar (@kanhaiyajnusu) September 5, 2017

Following the incident, major protest demonstrations have been planned across India, especially in prominent parts of Karnataka.

Senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh has been shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga on Tuesday.

Reportedly, she was shot by three unidentified gunmen.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a magazine described as an 'anti-establishment' publication.

Last year in November she was convicted of defamation and was sentenced to six months in jail, after she ran a piece in 2008 that Prahlad Joshi, a BJP MP from Dharwad, and Umesh Dushi, also of the BJP, found objectionable.

However, the court also granted her bail and allowed her to appeal to a higher court.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Editors Guild of India on Wednesday strongly condemned the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh and said her killing was a brutal assault on the freedom of the press.

The Editors Guild of India also demanded that the Karnataka Government acts with alacrity to bring the culprits to justice apart from instituting a judicial probe into the killing.

Expressing deep shock over the murder, the Guild said her death was an ominous portent for dissent in democracy.

It further said that Lankesh was a known critic of the Central Government on key issues and had fearlessly expressed her views in the newspaper she edited as well as in other forums.

Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga by some unidentified assailants at around 8-8:30 p.m.

As per reports, three bullets were pumped in her body.

Lankesh's body was later shifted to the Victoria Hospital for the post-mortem.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a tabloid described as an "anti-establishment" publication.

Following this, major protest demonstrations have been planned across India, especially in prominent parts of Karnataka.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear a plea filed by an NGO seeking to make marital rape a criminal offence.

The matter was earlier adjourned to September 4.

Earlier, the hearing was to be carried out by the Delhi High Court, but they put it on hold after learning that the SC has taken up for hearing of a petition on similar matter.

The HC then asked the parties before it to find out if the issues raised before it in the petitions seeking to make marital rape an offence are similar to those being heard by the apex court.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar observed it would be "highly improper" for it to continue hearing this matter if SC was examining the issue of marital rape as a whole.

The NGO, who had filed the plea is opposing this as they argue that while SC is hearing a plea questioning the validity of a provision under the IPC permitting a man to have physical relationship with his wife, even if she was aged between 15 and 18 years. the issue before HC is different as the PILs challenge the constitutionality of Section 375 (rape) of the IPC on the ground that it discriminates against married women being sexually assaulted by their husbands.

Earlier, Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves appearing for the petitioner NGO RIT foundation, during his arguments read out judgments of United States Court, European Union Court and Nepal Supreme Court, which have criminalized marital rape.

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United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged big powers to come up with a political solution to stop Kim Jong-un from advancing in the development of nuclear weapons and inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and warned against adopting military action, saying the "potential consequences to military action are too horrific."

"A confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences. The solution must be political. The potential consequences of a military action are too horrific," the Secretary General said, referring to the rhetoric being used by U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

The Secretary General stressed that a dialogue and communication is necessary to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding.

Guterres said, "As the Secretary General, I am ready to support any efforts towards a peaceful solution of this alarming situation, and as I said, to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula."

Guterres's comments came hours after a top North Korean diplomat warned that his country is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States.

The United Nations has "unequivocally" condemned the latest nuclear and missile tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), denouncing them as "profoundly destabilising for regional and international security."

"The DPRK has broken the global norm against nuclear test explosions," Guterres said at the U.N. Headquarters in New York.

Han Tae Song, Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday.

"Yet again, the country has defied the Security Council and the international community."

"Yet again, the DPRK has needlessly and recklessly put millions of people at risk - including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights," he added.

The U.N.S.C. has reiterated that North Korea should fully comply with its international obligations, including the Security Council Resolution 2371, which was adopted last month.

The Council has adopted Resolution 2356 designating high-ranking North Korean government officials and the military's Strategic Rocket Forces Command for individual sanctions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A North Korean diplomat has warned that his country is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States, if it continues to exert pressure on the Kim Jong-un regime.

Han Tae Song, the Ambassador of North Korea to the United Nations in Geneva, at the U.N.-sponsored Conference on Disarmament said that Pyongyang had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday and was "addressed to none other than the U.S."

"I am proud of saying that just two days ago on September 3, the DPRK succcessfully carried out a hydrogen bomb test for inter-continental ballistic rocket under its plan for building a strategic nuclear force," the Independent quoted Han, as saying.

Referring to the sixth nuclear test conducted by North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, Han said that military measures undertaken by North Korea were "an exercise of restraint and justified self-defence right" to counter "the ever-growing and decade-long U.S. nuclear threat and hostile policy aimed at isolating the country."

He told the Geneva forum: "The recent self-defence measures by my country, the DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the U.S."

"The U.S. will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged big powers to come up with a political solution to stop Kim Jong-un from advancing in the development of nuclear weapons and inter-continental ballistic missiles (ICBM) and warned against adopting military action, saying the "potential consequences to military action are too horrific."

"A confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences. The solution must be political. The potential consequences of military action are too horrific," the Secretary General said.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that the time has come to "exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, and that means quickly enacting the "strongest possible measures here in the U.N. Security Council. Only the "strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy."

South Korea's defence ministry, which said the North was considered to be ready to launch more missiles including ICBMs at any time, said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

In 1993, the Council approved Resolution 825 calling on North Korea to remain in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. That didn't work. North Korea withdrew from the treaty and continued its nuclear pursuit.

In 2006, the Six-Party Talks faltered, and North Korea conducted several ballistic missile launches, which led to Resolution 1695 condemning them.

The same year, North Korea conducted its first nuclear test. That led to Resolution 1718, establishing a U.N.-sanctioned regime, aiming to stop all nuclear, ballistic missile, and other weapons of mass destruction programmes.

After the Six-Party Talks fell apart again in 2009, North Korea conducted additional missile launches and its second nuclear test. That led to Resolution 1874, which expanded sanctions, including an arms embargo and cargo inspection obligations.

In 2012, the Leap Day Deal failed, and North Korea conducted two new space launches. The Security Council responded with the adoption of Resolution 2087.

Following North Korea's third nuclear test in 2013, the Council adopted Resolution 2094, expanding sanctions to restrict financial, maritime, aviation, and diplomatic activities.

By 2016, North Korea had conducted its fourth nuclear test and another space launch. They followed that with more missile launches. In response, the Council adopted multiple resolutions expanding sanctions even further, targetting whole sectors of North Korea's economy.

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Keen to stop Christians in China from carrying out evangelistic and proselytizing activities, authorities in Beijing have recently ordered a crackdown on the community.

This follows the murder of two Chinese Christians -- Meng Lisi and Li Xinheng -- in Pakistan earlier this year.

Both were abducted from Jinnah Town in Quetta on May 24 and reportedly killed by ISIS in Pakistan.

The response in China was to launch a crackdown against Christians. At least four Christian preachers were detained in the country's Zhejiang province, a website named Christians in Pakistan reported.

According to the www.christiansinpakistan.com web site, those detained were later released but were barred from carrying out evangelistic activities.

However, Beijing continues to target house churches that are connected to overseas missionary activities.

"In 2016, the Chinese government continued its campaign to remove crosses and demolish churches. Since 2014, authorities have removed crosses or demolished churches at more than 1,500 locations in Zhejiang Province alone. The government also has targeted individuals opposing the campaign," United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCRIF) in its annual report said.

"During 2016, Chinese authorities arrested Christians for displaying the cross in their homes and printing religious materials, threatened parents for bringing their children to church, and blocked them from holding certain religious activities," it added.

The Chinese presence in Pakistan has increased in the past few years due to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. To keep the Chinese safe, Pakistan has deployed 15,000 military personnel to protect them and Chinese projects.

China has said it will step up efforts to safeguard the security of its citizens and agencies in Pakistan.

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Formed United States president Barack Obama on Tuesday said that President Donald Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that allowed some undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children to work and live legally was "cruel, self-defeating and wrong."

"Let's be clear: the action taken today isn't required legally. It's a political decision, and a moral question," Obama further said in a post on Facebook.

"Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn't threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us," he wrote.

Trump on Tuesday ended the DACA programme instituted by Obama during his tenure as the President.

The DACA supporters have also staged a protest outside the White House and Trump Tower against Trump's administration decision to end the programme.

Hundreds of people took to the streets of Washington D.C. after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the DACA immigration policy will be phased out.

The DACA has protected about 800,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the country illegally by their parents from deportation and given them the opportunity to obtain work permits.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Myanmar's Bagan city on Wednesday and visited the famous Ananda Temple.

The Ananda Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple, built in the early 12th century. It is the second largest temple in the entire Bagan region.

The Archaeological Survey of India has carried out structural conservation and chemical preservation work of this temple. Restoration work is being carried out after the damage due to earthquake last year.

Prime Minister Modi was shown a photo exhibit depicting the ongoing restoration work at the temple. He offered prayers and made a Parikrama of the temple, during which, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) representatives explained him the restoration process.

He also signed the visitors' book at the temple and unveiled a plaque, signifying the contribution of India in the restoration of the Ananda Temple.

The ASI has undertaken several major conservation works across various countries of Asia.

Besides the Ananda Temple, the major conservation works include the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia, the Vat Phou Temple in Laos and the My Son Temple in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Modi is now set to visit Yangon. The preparations for the Indian community event in Yangon to be addressed by Prime Minister Modi are underway.

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President of the Press Club of India (PCI) Gautam Lahiri lamented the death of journalist Gauri Lankesh and deemed it as a "sad day for democracy."

While speaking to ANI about the murder, Lahiri said, "As the President of the Press Club of India, I think that it is a sad day for democracy and freedom of press. A journalist who exposed the wrong doing of the country was shot dead. It is difficult to accept this as a journalist."

The PCI President urged the journalists around the country to come together in support of the murder.

"I think all the journalists would come together and protest, and demand the arrest of the culprit," he said.

He demanded that the government should look into the matter and punish the culprit.

He said, "The government should explain how this happened. They should book the culprit without further delay."

The moment the news of Lankesh's murder broke out, fellow journalists, activists and celebrities took to twitter to express their shock and anger over the incident.

At around 8:00 pm in the evening, senior journalist and activist Lankesh was shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a tabloid described as an "anti-establishment" publication.

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The Supreme Court today has asked each state to appoint a Senior Police Officer in each district as a nodal officer to take action against cow vigilantism.

The apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra, was hearing the plea filed by Tehseen S. Poonawalla seeking to stop cow vigilantism.

The CJI observed, "You petitioners know that how large number of animals were slaughtered a few days back. You must also file petitions against it."

The apex court also made it clear that the Central and the State governments must take effective steps to stop cow vigilante groups or body from misusing the law.

The monsoon session of the Parliament had also discussed the cow vigilante issue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an all-party meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, had also asked the State Governments to take a strict action against the anti-social elements creating violence in the name of cow vigilantism and punish them strictly.

While earlier on July 21, the Supreme Court asked the states, which had knocked its door seeking ban on cow vigilante groups across the nation, to file an affidavit.

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The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to give an urgent hearing to a plea filed by top court lawyer G.S. Mani, in connection with the death of a Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) student S. Anitha.

Mani had mentioned before the apex court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra, seeking a judicial probe into the death of Anitha.

Anitha, depressed over not being able to get admission in a medical college, hanged herself to death at her residence in Ariyalur's Kuzhumur village

She had moved the Supreme Court against the NEET for medical admission.

Selvaraj, who had advocated in favour of Anitha at the Supreme Court, averred that she was a very intelligent and confident girl and was motivated to complete her higher education.

Her father supported her dream with his job as a coolie, informed Selvaraj.

The advocate criticised the judiciary as well as the government for ignoring people's welfare.

"The reservation policy is in favour of Scheduled Caste but the government is intentionally violating it," he said.

Selvaraj also alleged that no actions were taken to improve the lives of people below poverty line, adding that the Centre does not take cognisance into Tamil Nadu while making laws and policies.

"The Government ignores Tamil Nadu, its people and its government," he said.

On August 22, the Apex Court ruled that medical college admissions in Tamil Nadu will be based on the admission test merit list by September 4.

Anitha had scored 1,176 marks out of 1,200 in the plus two exams under the Tamil Nadu state board. However, she got only 86 marks in the NEET examination for medicine which ruined her chances of getting admission.

After her suicide, Anitha's family, relatives and villagers staged a road roko, holding the State and Centre responsible for her death.

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Exposing the wrongdoings and expressing dissent has turned out to be risky in modern India with the rise in attacks on journalists in the past two years.

The attacks show that the alleged nexus targetting scribes adamant on digging out the truth has strengthened and the mightiness of pen is under the attack of sword.

The killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh has once again shown that our nation is not a safe haven for investigative and outspoken scribes, as threat of death seems looming over them.

The journalists are increasingly under fire for their reporting. They are killed, attacked and threatened.

According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), five journalists were killed in 2016. India is eighth on a list topped by Iraq.

According to the largest global federation of journalists' trade unions report-:

 Tarun Mishra, Bureau Chief of Jan Sandesh Times, was killed on February 14. He was shot dead.

 Indradev Yadav, a Journalist with Taaza TV, died on May 16. Also known as Akhilesh Pratap Yadav, he was gunned down by unidentified miscreants near his home in Kolkata while he was on his motorcycle.

 Rajdeo Ranjan, the Bureau Chief of Dainik Hindustan, passed away on May 14. Siwan town of Bihar saw Ranjan being gunned down by some assailants as he was returning from his office in the evening. The CBI is investigating the case.

 Kishore Dave, the Bureau Chief of Jai Hind, got killed on August 22. Dave was brutally stabbed in the chest repeatedly, while he was penning a story.

 Dharmendra Singh, a Correspondent of Dainik Bhaskar, on November 12. He was killed in Sasaram by unknown motorcycles borne assailants .

In 2015, targetted killings of six mediapersons, including those from news channel Aaj Tak and Hindi daily Dainik Jagaran were reported.

Similarly, earlier this year Minister of States (MoS) Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir informed during question hour in the Lok Sabha that 142 attacks on journalists took place between 2014-15.

The committee to protect journalists also reports that from 1992-2017 in India, 40 journalists have been killed with a confirmed motive, while 27 journalists have been killed in cases where the motive has not been confirmed.

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Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar has said that there are some forces in the country that had betrayed India's Independent movement and are now trying to change the secular fabric of the country by trying to create a "Hindu Rashtra."

Speaking on the occasion of 'Teachers' Day', the Chief Minister Sarkar on Tuesday said, "Those who betrayed India's independent movement and acted as agents of the British Government are now active to change the secular fabric of the country to form a Hindu Rashtra."

He, however, did not name any organisation or political party.

Clearing up the air, he asserted that his party was not against the Hindus or the Hinduism or any religion as such, but the country should be for people, irrespective of the religion, caste or creed.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) further alleged that democracy and secularism, which are the mainstay of the country, are now under attack.

He also expressed his dismay at the Union Government's initiative for turning education into a business.

"The educational institutes are now privatised and as a result of which, the education has turned into a business, which is disastrous for people," he added.

The Chief Minister later handed over this year's Tripura Government's highest teacher award - Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar Award - to renowned educationist and award winning writer Aparajita Roy.

In addition to the award, around 20 teachers, six retired teachers and 11 schools were felicitated for their performance in the function.

The grand state celebration was held at the Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan on Agartala on Tuesday.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India shares Myanmar's concern on extremist violence in the Rakhine state and that he hopes that all stakeholders can find a solution, in which the unity and the territorial integrity of the country is maintained, together.

In a joint statement following the signing of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between India and Myanmar, Prime Minister Modi said, "We share your concerns on extremist violence in the Rakhine state and violence against the security forces and how innocent lives have been affected."

''Whether it is a peace process or any other special issue, we hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which the unity and the territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected. At the same time, we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all," he added.

The Prime Minister further said, "Your courageous efforts towards the Myanmar peace process are worthy of praise. We understand and stand by Myanmar in these challenging times."

"India and Myanmar are neighbours and hence, in the areas of security, our interests are the same and it is necessary that we work together to safeguard our long land border and maritime boundary for the security and the stability of the region."

"We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' initiative."

"India's democratic experience is relevant to Myanmar and therefore, the Election Commission of India and the Myanmar Press Council are the institutions which we have agreed upon for comprehensive cooperation programmes in capacity building."

Also, in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with the neighbour, the Prime Minisrer announced gratis visas for the Myanmar citizens.

"The citizens of Myanmar, who wish to visit India will be given gratis visas, and 40 Myanmarese citizens in the Indian jails will be released," PM Modi announced.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi and State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi witnessed signed agreements.

State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar recently faced.

"Together, we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots in our country, on our soil or in our neighbouring countries," she said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi appreciated Suu Kyi's leadership during the Myanmar peace process.

"Your courageous leadership to the Myanmar peace process needs to be lauded," he said.

Suu Kyi, on her part, said, "There are many areas in which we can cooperate. I would like to talk about the role India has played in capacity building because that is what our country is more in need of - to build up the capacity of our people that we may be able to construct truly safe and lasting federal democratic unions."

"India has always been eager to join us in our efforts, to strengthen our democratic institutions of our country and for this also, we appreciate the relationship between our two countries. The friendship between our two countries has always been good. We need to further strengthen what we already have, what we built up at the time of our Independence 70 years ago," Kyi added.

The Myanmar leader added, "The respective fathers of our Independence movement were close to each other and I think this closeness has been maintained throughout the seven decades and we truly believe that this will continue to be maintained in the years to come."

This is Prime Minister Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had last visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

Suu Kyi and the Myanmarese president had visited India last year.

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Three civilians were injured in a suicide bomb attack at the southern gate of Bagram Airbase in Parwan province on Wednesday evening.

Tolo News quoted Afghanistan's Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish as saying that the explosion was carried out by a suicide bomber riding a motorbike.

According to the reports, Taliban has reportedly claimed responsibility for the explosion.

The blast comes hours after a senior US commander in Afghanistan apologised for a leaflet distributed by distributed by US forces in Parwan, which offended Afghan Muslims.

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Swine flu has claimed another life in Gujarat's Vadodara, with the death toll in the district climbing to 38, confirmed Mukesh Vaidya, additional health officer at Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC).

Seven people have lost their lives in past one week and thirteen cases have been tested positive in the rural area of Vadodara.

The deadly swine flu outbreak is spreading in various parts of the country.

Surat Municipal Corporation Deputy Health Commissioner Hemant Desai on August 27 informed that till now 22 have died in Surat district, one in Tapti, one in Navsari and seven in Valsad district.

He also informed that a mass survey was conducted 15 days back to control the swine flu spread, in which people with the symptoms were treated.

More than 300 people have succumbed to the flu in Gujarat since January.

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TAB Capital, a Pune-based digital lending Non Banking Financial Company (NBFC) financing MSMEs and professionals on Wednesday announced the appointment of V.S. Krishna Kumar, the former Executive Director of Canara Bank, as an Independent Director.

"We are glad to welcome V.S. Krishna Kumar on-board and join our team of driven and earnest professionals. While his credentials and professional odyssey carry a strong testament of his merit, I believe his efforts and expertise are going to be instrumental in TAB Capital achieving its objective of AUM worth 500 crores by 2019," said CA Abhay Bhutada, Chairperson and Managing Director of TAB Capital.

A B.Sc. LLB degree holder, Kumar has over 34 years of banking experience, with Canara Bank, its subsidiaries like Canbank Venture capital fund, Canara HSBC OBC Insurance company, Canara Bank securities, Canara Robeco Mutual Fund, and Allahabad Bank.

In his previous roles, Kumar rendered services in the fields of prime corporate credit, financial management and subsidiaries, information technology and transaction banking, vigilance and human resources management.

"The new-age lending platforms of today are endeavoring to fill up the credit deficit faced in the industry, especially in the tier II and III segments and the small-scale businesses. I share the TAB Capital's vision of ushering in financial inclusion in the diverse and scattered Indian landscapes today. I look forward to my tenure with TAB Capital, and utilizing the esteemed platform created by CA Abhay Bhutada in bringing about financial inclusion in India," said Kumar.

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Defence experts in India believe that Pakistan denied the BRICS statement targeted at them as they didn't expect such a development.

Speaking to ANI on the same, Defence expert Qamar Agha said, "They didn't expect that such a development would take place in China."

Echoing Agha's views, defence expert P.K. Sehgal said that the root cause of terrorism in South Asia is Pakistan and the statement was a hammer blow to them

"It was a blow to Pakistan that China mentioned terrorist organizations of Pakistan," he said.

Sehgal added that it has been established in every international forum that the world faces a major threat from terrorism.

He also said that the nations, involved in the BRICS summit, targeting the Pakistan-based terrorist organizations speaks a lot about the situation of Pakistan.

"Pakistan's statement is baseless. BRICS represent a lot of countries and if they say that Pakistan is funding terrorism, then it shows that the world knows what Pakistan is. They aren't willing to accept that they have been unmasked," he said.

Pakistan today rejected a declaration by the BRICS nations, including China, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations at the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen yesterday and expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has said that the time is ripe to exhaust diplomatic sanctions and adopt a strong action to deter North Korea from moving forward with developing nuclear weapons.

Haley said, "The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, and that means quickly enacting the strongest possible measures here in the United Nations Security Council. Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy."

"For more than 20 years, the Security Council has taken actions against North Korea's nuclear programme. And for more than 20 years, North Korea has defied our collective voice. It's worth taking a few moments to recount some of the history," she added.

"I must say enough is enough. North Korea now claims to have tested a hydrogen bomb. And just this morning, there are reports that the regime is preparing for yet another ICBM launch."

Haley further said that despite the U.N. efforts over the past 24 years, the North Korean nuclear programme is more advanced and more dangerous than ever. "They now fire missiles over the Japanese air space. They now have ICBM capabilities."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called more sanctions a "road to nowhere" on Tuesday, and his U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, said, "I don't think we'll be able to rush it so fast."

Russia condemns North Korea's nuclear test as "provocative," Putin told a televised news conference in China.

"The United Nations Security Council has spoken with unusual unity and consistency on North Korea. That's a good thing. Along the way, there have been problems with implementation, and the Council has at times been too slow and too weak; but this is not a situation in which we have allowed divisions among us to stop any action," Haley said.

In 1993, the Council approved Resolution 825 calling on North Korea to remain in the Non-Proliferation Treaty. North Korea withdrew from the treaty and continued its nuclear pursuit.

In 2006, the Six Party Talks faltered, and North Korea conducted several ballistic missile launches. That led to Resolution 1695 condemning them.

The Council has adopted Resolution 2356 designating high-ranking North Korean government officials and the military's Strategic Rocket Forces Command for individual sanctions. Then, just last month, after the regime's first two ICBM launches, we adopted Resolution 2371 - the strongest sanctions we have ever imposed on North Korea.

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Union Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday said that the Karnataka Government should hand over the murder case of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

"The Karnataka Government should hand over the Gauri Lankesh murder case to the CBI," Gowda told ANI.

Senior journalist Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Naga by some unidentified assailants at around 8-8:30 p.m.

As per reports, three bullets were pumped in her body.

Lankesh's body was later shifted to the Victoria Hospital for the post-mortem.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a tabloid described as an "anti-establishment" publication.

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The United States military in Afghanistan has apologised for "highly offensive" leaflets that were distributed by them in northern Parwan province of Afghanistan.

The military had distributed anti-Taliban leaflets among the people that contained offensive material desecrating the Islam religion, the Khaama Press reported.

The leaflets, which sparked furor among the people, contained an image of a dog along with Islamic verses-containing Taliban flag.

Meanwhile, a U.S. military official General James Linder, in a statement, said, "The design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam."

"I sincerely apologize. We have the deepest respect for Islam and our Muslim partners worldwide," he added.

Linder also said that an investigation would be held "to determine the cause of this incident and to hold the responsible party accountable.

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Domestic stocks are likely to see a gap-down opening on negative global cues. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 45 points at the opening bell.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading lower as nations grapple with how to deal with escalating provocations from North Korea. US stocks closed firmly lower yesterday, 5 September 2017 as investors focused on heightened tensions between the West and North Korea and worries about a lack of progress on President Donald Trump's pro-growth agenda.

The case for a continued risk-off tone was supported by a lack of consensus among the US, Russia and China on how to pressure Kim Jong Un to abandon his nuclear ambitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected US calls for more sanctions, echoing China's resistance to more punitive measures. The standoff between North Korea and the US and its allies escalated over the weekend after Pyongyang said it had successfully tested its largest-ever nuclear bomb.

Back home,the key benchmark indices logged modest gains in volatile session of trade yesterday, 5 September 2017 as positive European stocks boosted sentiment. The Sensex rose 107.30 points or 0.34% to settle at 31,809.55, its highest closing level since 1 September 2017.

The trading activity on that day showed that the foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth a net Rs 379.16 crore yesterday, 5 September 2017, as per provisional data released by the stock exchanges. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 474.36 crore yesterday, 5 September 2017, as per provisional data.

Among corporate news,HCL Technologies said it has agreed to buy ETL Factory, doing business as Datawave, a UK-based company that has created an innovative data automation platform which enables enterprise customers execute large scale, complex data-migration and data-integration projects in a leaner, faster and smarter way. The flagship product Datawave, won the Informatica Innovation Award and is also extendable to other platforms, including big data. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

Bajaj Finance said that the special committee of the board of the company on 5 September 2017, authorized the opening of the qualified institutional placement (QIP) on 5 September 2017. The floor price for the QIP was fixed at Rs 1,771.90 per share. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

A meeting of the committee will be held on or after 8 September 2017 to consider and approve the issue price including a discount, if any, thereto for the shares to be allotted to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the QIP.

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Sales decline 5.60% to Rs 73.80 crore

Net profit of Diamond Infosystems declined 47.83% to Rs 0.12 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 0.23 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016. Sales declined 5.60% to Rs 73.80 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 78.18 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016.73.8078.180.260.400.120.230.120.230.120.23

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Key benchmark indices hovered in a small range in negative zone in mid-morning trade. At 11:27 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 179.10 points or 0.56% at 31,630.45. The Nifty index was down 48.90 points or 0.49% at 9,903.30. Weakness in Asian stocks triggered by rising geopolitical tensions between the US and North Korea weighed on domestic bourses.

Domestic stocks saw a gap-down opening on negative Asian stocks. Key benchmark indices extended early slide and hit fresh intraday low in morning trade.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.01%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.15%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was negative. On the BSE, 1,079 shares fell and 1,054 shares rose. A total of 111 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading lower as investors remained wary about North Korea tensions. US stocks closed firmly lower yesterday, 5 September 2017 as investors focused on heightened tensions between the West and North Korea and worries about a lack of progress on President Donald Trump's pro-growth agenda.

The case for a continued risk-off tone was supported by a lack of consensus among the US, Russia and China on how to pressure Kim Jong Un to abandon his nuclear ambitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected US calls for more sanctions, echoing China's resistance to more punitive measures. The standoff between North Korea and the US and its allies escalated over the weekend after Pyongyang said it had successfully tested its largest-ever nuclear bomb.

Back home, pharma shares declined. Lupin (down 1.98%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (down 2.97%), Alkem Laboratories (down 0.99%), GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (down 0.69%), Aurobindo Pharma (down 0.3%), Wockhardt (down 1.72%), Cadila Healthcare (down 0.89%), Cipla (down 0.01%) and Dr Reddy's Laboratories (down 0.84%) declined. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (up 0.05%) rose.

Merck rose 3.43% after the company announced that its ultimate holding company, Merck KGaA, Germany, is preparing for strategic options for its consumer health business globally, including a potential full or partial sale of the business as well as strategic partnerships. This strategic initiative would involve the company's consumer health business in India as well, the implementation of potential measures and their specific design are subject to further analysis and decision making by competent bodies, the company said in a statement. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

Index heavyweight and cigarette major ITC lost 1.98% to Rs 276.75 after reports of downgrade on the stock by a couple of brokerages. The stock hit a high of Rs 281 and low of Rs 276.25 so far during the day. Cigarette business remains impacted by regulatory pressures and other businesses will see gradual uptick in growth and profitability, a brokerage reportedly said.

FMCG stocks saw mixed trend. Godrej Consumer Products (down 1.09%), Britannia Industries (down 0.14%), GlaxoSmithkline Consumer Healthcare (down 0.01%), Nestle India (down 0.9%), Dabur India (down 0.91%), Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care (down 0.09%) and Bajaj Corp (down 0.1%) declined. Tata Global Beverages (up 4.25%), Jyothy Laboratories (up 0.45%), Hindustan Unilever (up 0.43%), Marico (up 0.53%) and Colgate-Palmolive (India) (up 0.12%) rose.

Music Broadcast rose 1.05% after Radio City, a part of Music Broadcast, has partnered with Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) to create customised content packages during peak and off-peak hours respectively, which comprises of songs jingles and a special trivia. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

Just Dial rose 4.24% to Rs 401.05 after HDFC Mutual Fund purchased bulk shares of the company via bulk deal mechanism on the National Stock Exchange of India yesterday, 5 September 2017.

SCI Growth Investments II sold 13.93 lakh shares of Just Dial at Rs 375.27 per share in a bulk deal on the NSE yesterday, 5 September 2017. Sequoia Capital India Growth Investment Holdings I sold 14.94 lakh shares at Rs 375.55 a piece. Sequoia Capital India Investments II sold 7.11 lakh shares at Rs 375.28 per share. HDFC Mutual Fund bought 32.06 lakh shares at Rs 375 per share.

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Sales rise 12.68% to Rs 9.42 crore

Net profit of Gujarat Themis Biosyn declined 30.00% to Rs 0.91 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 1.30 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016. Sales rose 12.68% to Rs 9.42 crore in the quarter ended June 2017 as against Rs 8.36 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2016.9.428.3615.7118.901.431.721.151.450.911.30

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HCL Technologies rose 1.38% to Rs 871 at 9:20 IST on BSE after the company said it has agreed to buy ETL Factory, a UK-based company.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 184.65 points or 0.58% at 31,624.90.

On the BSE, 6,620 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 1.33 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 870.95 and a low of Rs 862.20 so far during the day. The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 926 on 27 July 2017 and a 52-week low of Rs 731.05 on 15 November 2016.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 5 September 2017, sliding 3.54% compared with the Sensex's 1.6% fall. The stock had also underperformed the market over the past one quarter, gaining 0.12% as against the Sensex's 1.6% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market over the past one year, advancing 9.54% as against the Sensex's 11.49% rise.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 278.40 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

HCL Technologies said it has agreed to buy ETL Factory, doing business as Datawave, a UK-based company that has created an innovative data automation platform which enables enterprise customers execute large scale, complex data-migration and data-integration projects in a leaner, faster and smarter way. The flagship product Datawave, won the Informatica Innovation Award and is also extendable to other platforms, including big data.

On a consolidated basis, HCL Technologies' net profit fell 10.67% to Rs 2210 crore on 5.8% decline in net sales to Rs 12149 crore in Q1 June 2017 over Q4 March 2017.

HCL Technologies is a global IT services company.

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On 06 September 2017

Kanungo Financiers has appointed Sachin Adani as Additonal Independent Director of the Company. The Company announced the resignation of director Pintu Patel.

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Domestic stocks saw a gap-down opening on negative Asian stocks. At 9:25 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 147.77 points or 0.46% at 31,661.78. The Nifty index was down 48.30 points or 0.49% at 9,903.90.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.31%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.17%. The fall in both these indices was lower than the Sensex's decline in percentage terms.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was negative. On the BSE, 895 shares fell and 575 shares rose. A total of 58 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading lower as nations grapple with how to deal with escalating provocations from North Korea. US stocks closed firmly lower yesterday, 5 September 2017 as investors focused on heightened tensions between the West and North Korea and worries about a lack of progress on President Donald Trump's pro-growth agenda.

The case for a continued risk-off tone was supported by a lack of consensus among the US, Russia and China on how to pressure Kim Jong Un to abandon his nuclear ambitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected US calls for more sanctions, echoing China's resistance to more punitive measures. The standoff between North Korea and the US and its allies escalated over the weekend after Pyongyang said it had successfully tested its largest-ever nuclear bomb.

Back home, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (down 2.37%), HDFC Bank (down 0.87%) and ITC (down 0.78%) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

HCL Technologies rose 1.03% after the company agreed to buy ETL Factory, doing business as Datawave, a UK-based company that has created an innovative data automation platform which enables enterprise customers execute large scale, complex data-migration and data-integration projects in a leaner, faster and smarter way. The flagship product Datawave, won the Informatica Innovation Award and is also extendable to other platforms, including big data. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

Bajaj Finance rose 0.43% to Rs 1,795.20 after the company said that the special committee of the board of the company on 5 September 2017, authorized the opening of the qualified institutional placement (QIP) on 5 September 2017. The floor price for the QIP was fixed at Rs 1,771.90 per share. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

A meeting of the committee will be held on or after 8 September 2017 to consider and approve the issue price including a discount, if any, thereto for the shares to be allotted to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the QIP.

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Merck rose 3.77% to Rs 1,252.10 at 9:59 IST on BSE after the company said that its holding company is considering full or partial sale of its consumer health business.

The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 170.21 points, or 0.54% to 31,639.34.

On the BSE, 5,980 shares were traded in the counter so far, compared with average daily volumes of 4,720 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 1,280 and a low of Rs 1,205 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 1,320 on 27 July 2017. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 681 on 30 September 2016.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 5 September 2017, falling 3.76% compared with 1.44% decline in the Sensex. The scrip had outperformed the market in past one quarter, rising 10.98% as against Sensex's 1.72% rise. The scrip had also outperformed the market in past one year, rising 65.08% as against Sensex's 9.77% rise.

The mid-cap company has equity capital of Rs 16.60 crore. Face value per share is Rs 10.

Merck announced that its ultimate holding company, Merck KGaA, Germany, is preparing for strategic options for its consumer health business globally, including a potential full or partial sale of the business as well as strategic partnerships. This strategic initiative would involve the company's consumer health business in India as well, the implementation of potential measures and their specific design are subject to further analysis and decision making by competent bodies, the company said in a statement.

Merck's net profit fell 11.6% to Rs 20.13 crore on 3.7% decrease in net sales to Rs 251.61 crore in Q2 June 2017 over Q2 June 2016.

Merck is engaged in manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals, bulk drugs, fine chemicals and pigments. The company operates through two segments: pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

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Key benchmark indices extended early slide and hit fresh intraday low in morning trade. At 10:21 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 180.38 points or 0.57% at 31,629.17. The Nifty index was down 49.35 points or 0.5% at 9,902.85. Weakness in Asian stocks triggered by rising geopolitical tensions between the US and North Korea weighed on domestic bourses.

Domestic stocks saw a gap-down opening on negative Asian stocks.

The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was down 0.13%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was down 0.05%. The fall in both these indices was lower than the Sensex's decline in percentage terms.

The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was negative. On the BSE, 1,071 shares fell and 893 shares rose. A total of 96 shares were unchanged.

Overseas, Asian stocks were trading lower as nations grapple with how to deal with escalating provocations from North Korea. US stocks closed firmly lower yesterday, 5 September 2017 as investors focused on heightened tensions between the West and North Korea and worries about a lack of progress on President Donald Trump's pro-growth agenda.

The case for a continued risk-off tone was supported by a lack of consensus among the US, Russia and China on how to pressure Kim Jong Un to abandon his nuclear ambitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected US calls for more sanctions, echoing China's resistance to more punitive measures. The standoff between North Korea and the US and its allies escalated over the weekend after Pyongyang said it had successfully tested its largest-ever nuclear bomb.

Back home, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (down 2.61%), Lupin (down 1.48%) and Axis Bank (down 1.45%) edged lower from the Sensex pack.

Index heavyweight and cigarette major ITC lost 1.82% to Rs 277.25 after reports of downgrade on the stock by a couple of brokerages. The stock hit a high of Rs 281 and low of Rs 276.80 so far during the day. Cigarette business remains impacted by regulatory pressures and other businesses will see gradual uptick in growth and profitability, a brokerage reportedly said.

Cement stocks rose. Ambuja Cements (up 0.14%), UltraTech Cement (up 0.26%) and Shree Cement (up 0.96%) gained. ACC (down 0.07%) fell.

Grasim Industries was up 0.67%. Grasim has exposure to the cement sector through its holding in UltraTech Cement.

Realty stocks dropped. DLF (down 1.41%), Indiabulls Real Estate (down 2.3%), Housing Development and Infrastructure (down 0.96%), Unitech (down 0.79%), Godrej Properties (down 0.44%), Prestige Estates Projects (down 0.17%), and Oberoi Realty (down 1.59%) declined. Sobha (up 0.56%) and D B Realty (up 1.47%) rose.

Merck rose 3.58% after the company announced that its ultimate holding company, Merck KGaA, Germany, is preparing for strategic options for its consumer health business globally, including a potential full or partial sale of the business as well as strategic partnerships. This strategic initiative would involve the company's consumer health business in India as well, the implementation of potential measures and their specific design are subject to further analysis and decision making by competent bodies, the company said in a statement. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 5 September 2017.

Bharat Financial Inclusion rose 1.25%. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) yesterday, 5 September 2017, notified that the foreign shareholding through Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs)/Foreign Portfolios Investors (FPIs) in Bharat Financial Inclusion has reached the trigger limit. Hence further purchases of equity shares of this company would be allowed only after obtaining prior approval of RBI.

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Police arrested about a dozen "DREAMers" and civil rights activists in New York on Tuesday during a protest that paralyzed Fifth Avenue in front of Trump Tower here.

This came after the administration's announcement that it is eliminating the DACA program that has protected hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants from deportation and has allowed them to work and drive legally, Efe news reported.

"Undocumented and unafraid!" shouted the group as it approached the building, which was guarded by police and Secret Service agents, given that it is where President Donald Trump lived until last January, when he moved into the White House.

Dressed in black pants and white t-shirts bearing the message "My job, my family", the demonstrators staged a sit-in on Fifth Avenue and joined hands, blocking traffic for about 15 minutes to call the attention of passersby to their outrage and their demands.

Before the arrests were carried out, police were heard warning the protesters that they would be arrested and charged with disorderly conduct if they did not leave the area voluntarily.

One by one, police handcuffed the activists and DREAMers, as the some 800,000 undocumented foreigners who were brought to the US as young children are known.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was implemented via executive order by former President Barack Obama in 2012, but the Trump administration eliminated the program -- with a six-month grace period -- on Tuesday.

The government's decision will not enter into force until March 5, 2018, six months from Tuesday, during which time Congress, the only institution with the power to change the country's immigration system, will have to find a solution to regularize the situation of young undocumented migrants.

New Yorkers who demonstrated their support for the protesters displayed signs and slogans saying that Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are the ones who should be deported and "No fascists in our White House".

Some 42,000 young people have benefited from the DACA program in New York.

Obama also created another program known as DAPA to benefit the parents of the young DREAMers, but it has already been eliminated by the Trump administration.

Meanwhile, more than 50 DREAMers and civil rights activists protesting the administration's DACA cancellation gathered in Washington in front of the White House and promised to keep up the fight to demand that the government provide a solution for their irregular immigration situation.

--IANS

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Over 300 foreign tourists from different parts of the world witnessed the colourful Ganeshotsav immersions at Girgaum Chowpatty Beach till early Wednesday morning as part of the "Maha Ganesh Festival-2017", an official said here.

The "Maha Ganesh Festival" was organised for the first time by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Tourism to promote the state's biggest fest -- which completed 125 years in 2017 -- among the foreign tourists.

Joining hands with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, as many as 100 tourists were guided to a special pavilion erected to witness the immersions of thousands of gigantic, large, medium and small idols of the elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha, culminating the 12-day long Ganeshotsav.

Present in the pavilion were Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Tourism Minister Jaykumar Rawal, Minister of State for Tourism Madan Yerawar, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) MD Vijay Waghmare, MTDC Joint MD Aashutosh Rathod, diplomats and Consuls General of various countries and other senior officials.

The tourists, hailing from the US, Europe, Japan, Thailand and other nations, witnessed the elaborate immersion rituals which ended on Wednesday morning with the farewell to some of the gigantic idols, including Lalbaug-cha Raja, Fort-cha Raja and Sion-cha Raja.

The highlight of the Maha Ganesh Festival was the worship of an idol of Lord Ganesha by a team of 55 tourists from Thailand at their room in Hotel Trident for the entire 12-day fest this year, said a MTDC spokesperson.

Tourists from Thailand also performed the immersion ceremony of their small idol of Lord Ganesha at Girgaum Chowpatty amidst chanting of "Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudchya Varshi Lavkar Ya". They offered prayers to the tune of drums and cymbals as the Indian dignitaries in the pavilion looked on.

"It is a privilege to organise the immersion (visarjan) ceremony and offer a separate dais to foreigners to witness the best of Maharashtra's rich culture and traditions," remarked Rawal on the occasion.

Mumbai had a little more than 200,000 associations and groups organising the Ganeshotsav festivities while there are around another 50,000 Ganesh organisations worldwide who celebrate the festival in the US, Europe, north Africa, Australia and South East Asian countries.

--IANS

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Ever since violence against the minority Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar resurfaced, Dil Mohammad has been living in tension silently as he desperately tries to reach his brother's phone back home.

"I am trying my brother's number since August 25. But everytime I get a message that the number is switched off," says Mohammad sitting in a hutment in south Delhi's Shram Vihar area, where over 75 families of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar have taken refuge for the last five years.

"I don't know if he is alive or dead," Mohammad said in a choked voice. The last time he had spoken to his brother, about two weeks ago, he was told that "military personnel had surrounded the village and were indulging in mass killings".

Mohammad's desperation is the story of many who shared their experience with IANS during a visit to the colony of refugees which does not have even the basic facilities required for human existence.

It's a choice between a rock and a hard place for them. But the residents of this colony say they are indebted to India for the refuge given to them. They said they would like to return to their homeland once the situation becomes normal and they are assured of their rights.

Shram Vihar is a small shanty town in the southeastern part of Delhi, where Mohammad, and several others like him live in hutments. The Indian Tri-colour is still seen fluttering on several hutments put up by the Rohingyas, remnants of the celebrations of Indian Independence Day on August 15.

All the refugees residing here have proper documents and identity cards given by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Sixty seven-year-old Mohammad says they cannot repay India for whatever the country had done for them. "We only want justice from the world. We are also human beings. We want our identity back," he said adding that if justice is done to them "we will go back to our motherland where our ancestors have been living for the last two centuries."

Mohammad's remarks came in the wake of the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court against the deportation of the Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar on several grounds, including the alleged violation of international human rights conventions in Myanmar.

The Court had on Monday asked the Centre for a detailed reply on why it planned to deport thousands of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had on August 8 issued an Advisory titled 'Identification of illegal migrants and monitoring thereof', which emphasises the detection and deportation of illegal migrants from the Rakhine State.

The Rohingyas are a Bengali-speaking Muslim ethnic minority of Myanmar who live in the western state of Rakhine. They do not find mention in that country's official listing of 135 ethnic communities and are thus not recognised as citizens by Myanmar.

Shahana Akhtar, 30, is busy in her kitchen trying to find out what to cook for her husband Mohammad Rafique who suffered partial paralysis in the face a few days ago. "For the last three days, he has been unable to go for work. And now there is nothing left to cook," she said. Akhtar has two children.

Recalling her days in her country before arriving in India, she said: "There we had our own land. We used to grow crops and feed our family. But now the entire world has changed for us.

Akhtar had arrived in India in 2012 and has been living in the same refugee camp since then.

Mohammad Reyaz, in his late 20s, said that he felt bad when he heard some people saying that Rohingyas would be deported to Myanmar as they were a security threat to the country.

"Please ask our neighbours here. Have we ever posed any threat to any of the people here?" he asks. "We are not terrorists, but refugees who are fighting for their identity," he added.

Citing the harassment by Myanmar authorities, Reyaz said, "All our rights were snatched by the government. Even the marriages in our communities were banned," adding that they were left with no choice: "Either run away or get killed."

Asked about what he wanted the Indian government to do, he said: "We want to urge the Indian government not to deport us to Myanmar as the conditions there are very volatile."

He said everyday they hear news of Rohingyas getting killed there. "Thousands of houses have been burnt. Many people are fleeing the country just to find a shelter," he added.

On Tuesday, Minister of Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju made it clear that Rohingya Muslims who had entered India to escape violence in their country have to go back.

Rijiju declared: "They (Rohingyas) are illegal immigrants in India."

Rijiju said they would be deported to Myanmar but no force would be used. "We can't throw them out just like that. We can't dump them in the Bay of Bengal," he said.

For Mohammad, Akhtar and Reyaz -- and thousands like them and their families -- that is another threat hanging over their desolate existence.

(Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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In yet another blow to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leadership, a district court in West Bengal on Wednesday issued arrest warrant against eight of its leaders including party chief Bimal Gurung.

Other than Gurung, the warrants were issued against his wife Asha Gurung, GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri, party's youth wing head Prakash Gurung and Chief Convenor of the Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee Kalyan Dewan.

The others GJM leaders against whom arrest warrants were issued are Amrit Yonzon and Tilak Roka.

"The warrants have been issued by Chief Judicial Magistrate Darjeeling on the prayer moved by the CID on Tuesday. The Court wanted to have a hearing in the day and the warrants were issued," Special Superintendent of Police, North, CID, Ajay Prasad.

He also said the warrants were issued in connection with a case lodged at Darjeeling Sadar Police station on June 8.

Last week, the CID had issued look out notice against Gurung and other GJM leaders.

The warrant against GJM leaders came at a time when the controversies erupted following a West Bengal Police raid attempt to arrest top GJM leaders in Sikkim's Namchi and Sikkim Police asked their counterparts to produce arrest warrants.

Violence had erupted in Darjeeling hills on June 8, when Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a cabinet meeting in the hill town.

Several police personnel were injured and army was deployed on June 8 to control the situation.

--IANS

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With an objective to bring normalcy back in Darjeeling, West Bengal Tourism Minister Goutam Deb took out a peace rally at Garidhura area, near Kurseong, on Wednesday.

"We are getting a good response from the people of Darjeeling as they are fed up with ongoing shutdown. People in the hills are with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and they want development. Many of the shops, schools and offices opened up and transporters started their services. Life is crawling back to normal in Kurseong, Mirik and many other areas in Darjeeling hills," Deb said during the rally here.

The leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress said the situation in the hills would be almost back to normal before the all party meeting to be held on September 12.

The rally was taken out on the 84rd day of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha-sponsored indefinite shutdown called in the northern West Bengal hills demanding a separate Gorkhaland state.

Deb said relief materials were distributed among people who have been facing hardship due to ongoing shutdown.

Binay Tamang, the ousted leader of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, was also supposed to take out a rally in Darjeeling on Wednesday demanding restoration of peace in the hills.

Meanwhile, the other ousted GJM leader Anit Thapa had led a silent rally in Kurseong township demanding peace on Tuesday.

He said the hill people were being emotionally blackmailed in the name of Gorkhaland to continue with the shutdown.

Thapa and Tamang Awere expelled from the party on September 1 by the party leadership on charges of conspiring with the Bengal government to derail the Gorkhaland movement after they decided to temporarily call off the indefinite shutdown.

--IANS

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A Bihar court on Wednesday handed life terms to Rakesh Ranjan Yadav alias Rocky Yadav and two others for killing a Class 12 student in the infamous Gaya road rage case, a government lawyer said.

Gaya Additional District and Sessions Judge Sachchidanand Singh also handed a five-year jail to Rocky's father Bindeshwari Prasad Yadav aka Bindi Yadav.

On August 31, the court had convicted Rocky Yadav and two others under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for the fatal shooting of Aditya Sachdeva who had overtaken his (Rocky) vehicle in Gaya town on May 7, 2016.

Those given life terms included Rocky Yadav's convicted cousin Teny Yadav and a bodyguard of his mother Manorama Devi, a former Member of the Legislative Council from the Janata Dal-United.

Rocky's lawyer said they will challenge the order in the Patna High Court.

The parents of Aditya Sachdeva welcomed the court verdict.

Last year, Rocky was granted bail by the High Court but the bail was promptly suspended and subsequently cancelled by the Supreme Court.

During the trial, the victim's four friends who were case eyewitnesses turned hostile.

According to the police chargesheet, Rocky was driving a new Land Rover costing around Rs 1.5 crore and carrying a licenced Italian pistol when he got into a fight with Aditya and his friends, who were returning home after a birthday party in Gaya.

--IANS

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Wednesday said the BJP, or any organisation linked to the party were not involved in the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

He also slammed the opposition and added that it was irresponsible on the part of the 'President' of another political party to blame the BJP for the crime.

Gadkari went on to defend Prime Minister Narendra Modi against criticism on his silence over the killing. He said the Prime Minister could not react on everything.

"There should be a proper probe of the murder. The guilty should be brought to book. Government of India, BJP or any of our organisations are not linked to this murder," Gadkari said.

"The president of one political party has reacted irresponsibly on this incident. The allegation is baseless and a lie. It is unfortunate and not good for the democracy," he said.

He also took on the critics who questioned Modi's silence on the killing.

"Prime Minister had not reacted and for that they are holding him responsible. The Prime Minister cannot react on everything," Gadkari said pointing out that Modi was out of the country.

"Law and order of Karnataka is the responsibility of the state government, under Congress. Holding the Prime Minister responsible for it is wrong," he said.

On Wednesday Congress President Sonia Gandhi condemning the murder said it was a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in the society.

While Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi questioned Modi's silence on the issue. He also said anyone speaking against the BJP was being silenced.

Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence, police said. She was 55.

--IANS

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has finalised the party's strategies for three poll-bound non-BJP ruled northeastern states -- Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram, a party leader said on Wednesday.

"Amit Shahji held meetings with the party leaders of Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram on Tuesday in New Delhi and asked them to strengthen the party organisation from the booth level of each assembly constituency," Tripura state BJP President Biplab Kumar Deb told IANS over phone from the national capital.

He said: "A host of the party's central leaders, ministers and members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party President Amit Shah, would lead the campaign in all the poll-bound states from next month."

According to Deb, the Prime Minister and Amit Shah are scheduled to visit Left-ruled Tripura in October and November.

He said the BJP's alliance with the local and regional parties would be finalised after a meeting of NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) in Guwahati. Various regional and local parties of northeastern states are being invited to the NEDA meeting, expected to be held in the third or fourth week of this month.

Former Congress leader and incumbent Assam Minister for Finance, Education and Health Himanta Biswa Sarma is the Convener of the BJP-led alliance -- NEDA.

Tripura is currently ruled by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Front and Meghalaya and Mizoram by the Congress. These three northeastern states, besides Nagaland, will go to polls to constitute new assemblies next year. The BJP is a partner of the Naga People's Front (NPF)-led ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN).

The Tripura BJP chief said that in the New Delhi meeting, state party chiefs and other prominent leaders from Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh participated.

Deb said: "BJP's poll thrust is development of the northeast India and making the region Congress and Left-'mukt' (free of Congress and Left). The three-year-old BJP government at the Centre has done much more work for the region than the Congress had in the last 65 to 70 years."

"Left parties have also been a failure in ensuring development of Tripura and the people of the state, though it has been in power for several decades," he added.

With a population of 45.58 million, the eight northeastern states collectively account for 25 Lok Sabha seats.

Till early last year, the Congress was in power in five of the eight states -- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Manipur. But the political equation has been reversed in just about a year, with the BJP and its local allies now ruling in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Sikkim.

In Left-governed Tripura, the BJP made a breakthrough last month by getting six Trinamool Congress legislaors to defect. Thousands of the Congress, Trinamool Congress and other party leaders and members have also joined the BJP in Tripura.

--IANS

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of silencing dissent, saying it was a part of their ideology.

"Anyone who speaks against BJP is silenced..." Rahul Gandhi said.

He was commenting on the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bangalore.

"People say that the Prime Minister is quiet and Prime Minister has not said anything. The point is the entire ideology is to silence voices," he told reporters.

"Sometimes, under pressure, the Prime Minister makes some statements. But the entire idea is to crush dissent," adding that "non-violence is the history of this nation... Murder cannot be justified," he added.

He also said that he spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and has been assured that the guilty will not be spared.

"I have spoken to the Chief Minister and the General Secretary of the AICC. The Chief Minister has said that those responsible would be caught and punished."

Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence, police said. She was 55.

--IANS

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Lucknow Metro's run on day one on Wednesday morning was affected as one of its trains developed a snag during the rush hours, leaving more than 100 passengers stranded and triggering a slugfest between the ruling BJP and the Samajwadi Party.

Officials said it was a "technical snag" due to which emergency brakes were applied, which in turn jammed the train.

Mahendra Kumar, Director (Rolling Stock and System) of the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation, said the train had been shunted to a depot for inspection by a technical team.

Otherwise, the Lucknow Metro, formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Home Minister and local MP Rajnath Singh, did good business on the day as eager members of the public took the ride, having waited for long for the Metro service to open in the city.

LMRC officials said more than 20,500 passengers boarded the metro on the first day. The number could be higher as ticketing details were still to be collated.

As news of the snag on the Metro train spread, hundreds of SP workers, mostly from its Youth Wing, reached the Transport Nagar Metro station and squatted on roads and raised anti-Bharatiya Janata Party slogans.

They said the ruling BJP was in a hurry to take credit for the project otherwise started by the then SP government led by Akhilesh Yadav, but was now refusing to take responsibility for the technical snag that caused great public inconvenience.

After they did not disperse despite repeated warnings, police cane-charged them.

People stuck inside Lucknow Metro. Photo: ANI

Akhilesh Yadav, during whose tenure as chief minister the metro rail project was conceptualised and took shape, took to Twitter to question the state government on the snag.

The BJP accused Yadav of trying to "hijack" the project, which it said was set rolling by the Democratic Alliance government at the Centre.

State BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi claimed the Lucknow Metro could see the light of the day only because Prime Minister Narendra Modi facilitated a loan on easy instalments from the European Investment Bank through central guarantee.

Lucknow residents, however, seemed happy with the Metro launch and maintained that they were okay with such snags in such big projects.

"The good thing is that the Metro service has started and we are sure that traffic congestion on city roads will ease a bit, particularly in Alambagh area," said Shiv Shukla, a businessman in Shringaarnagar.
The Tide Was Always High

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!)
Pulling up the CBI for its probe into the gang-rape and murder of a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Shimla district in July was progressing at a "snail's pace", the Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday granted another two weeks to file status report into the investigation.

The court, listed the matter for the next hearing on September 21, also asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that who was leaking the details about the probe to the media.

During the resumed hearing, a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Sharma directed the CBI to expedite the investigation and not to reveal anything substantial that was not brought before the court.

The CBI submitted its third status report in the high court, which it said was still not complete as the investigation was in progress.

CBI counsel Anshul Bansal told reporters the investigating agency sought four week of time to file the status report.

He said the CBI also moved an application to seek copy of personal affidavits furnished by eight members of the Special Investigating Team (SIT) of the state police that was earlier probing the case.

Director General of Police Somesh Goel submitted an additional affidavit stating the role of the state police in the case.

Police said the 16-year-old victim girl was offered a lift in a vehicle by the accused on July 4 when she was returning home from school in Kotkhai town, some 56 from the state capital.

On the way, they raped and murdered her in a nearby forest. Her naked body with injury marks was found two days later.

The autopsy report mentioned injuries on the girl's body.

The arrested persons are prime accused Rajinder Singh, who offered her the lift, Ashish Chauhan, Subhash Bisht, Deepak Kumar, Suraj Singh and Lokjan.

However, a new twist in the case came after Rajinder Singh allegedly murdered a fellow accused Suraj Singh in the police lock-up on July 19.

The CBI arrested eight policemen, including an IPS officer, on August 29 for the custodial death of Suraj Singh.

The policemen included Inspector General (IG) Zahur H. Zaidi, who was heading the Special Investigation Team probing the crime, and Deputy Superintendent Manoj Joshi.

Following the gang rape of the girl, people held massive protests in Himachal Pradesh. The family of the victim alleged that the "real culprits", who belong to high-profile families, have gotten away scot-free.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Chinese President Xi Jinping told his US counterpart Donald Trump, in a telephone conversation that Beijing remains persistent on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

During the phone conversation late on Wednesday, Xi and Trump exchanged their views on the current situation on the peninsula, Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi said China has been adamant in preserving nuclear non-proliferation regime, maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and resolving the nuclear issue through talks.

The Chinese president said the general direction should head toward a peaceful settlement of the issue, adding that dialogue combined with a set of comprehensive measures is best for seeking a long-term solution.

Trump said Washington has been deeply concerned over the ongoing situation on the Korean Peninsula, and attaches importance to China's essential role in resolving the issue.

He pledged to step up communication with the Chinese side in a bid to find a solution as early as possible.

Also during the phone talks, Xi noted that exchanges and cooperation between China and the US in various areas have been moving forward.

He added that the two countries' diplomatic, security and economic teams have maintained close communication, and the two sides are preparing for the first round of dialogue on social and people-to-people exchanges, as well as on law enforcement and cybersecurity.

Xi said China attaches great importance to Trump's visit to China later this year, hoping both sides can work together to ensure the visit a success.

For his part, Trump said it is very important for him to keep close communication with Xi and strengthen coordination over major and regional affairs.

The US leader said he is looking forward to visiting China and meeting Xi again this year.
Officials and employees of the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Bank have donated Rs 13.72 lakh to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund, a state government spokesman said on Wednesday.

The move came in response to a call given by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to come forward and help the people in flood-ravaged districts of the state.

The fund was generated by the bank after its employees and officials decided to donate one days salary to relief for the flood-hit districts. Hundreds of villages have been ravaged by floods in eastern Uttar Pradesh and thousands have been marooned in flood waters.

While the state government has been extending help - both monetary and otherwise - to those affected by the floods, the Chief Minister has during his visits to these places been exhorting the people and organisations to extend a helping hand as well.

Flood has hit many parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Shravasti, Lakhimpur Kheri and Balrampur.

Other than the surplus rains during the monsoons, what has added to the woes of the people in these areas is the extra water routed to the state from neighbouring Nepal, which too has been battered by heavy rains this season.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been rescinded, potentially putting 800,000 illegal immigrants at the danger of deportation.

"I'm here today to announce that the program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded," Xinhua news agency quoted Sessions as saying in a press conference at the Department of Justice on Tuesday.

"The DACA program was implemented in 2012, and essentially provided a legal status for recipients or a renewable two-year term work authorization and other benefits," Sessions said.

His announcement came after US President Donald Trump called on Congress Tuesday to take action to address the issue.

According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memorandum released on Tuesday, the DHS will stop accepting new DACA applications, and will review case by case pending requests.

The memo said all current recipients whose DACA benefits expire before March of next year, may renew their request before October 5, in effect leaving a six-month window before Congress comes up with a long-term solution.

In a written statement, Trump said he is looking forward to working with Congress to finally address all of these issues "in a manner that puts the hardworking citizens of our country first."

Meanwhile, police arrested about a dozen "DREAMers" and civil rights activists in New York on Tuesday during a protest that paralyzed Fifth Avenue in front of Trump Tower here.

Dressed in black pants and white t-shirts bearing the message "My job, my family", the demonstrators staged a sit-in on Fifth Avenue and joined hands, blocking traffic for about 15 minutes to call the attention of passersby to their outrage and their demands.

Hundreds of protesters, many of whom are recipients of the DACA program, also gathered in Washington in front of the White House and promised to keep up the fight to demand that the government provide a solution for their irregular immigration situation.

As the DACA program was only open to those who have arrived in the US at young age, the DACA recipients were often referred to as the "Dreamers".

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
After testing the feature with a select few users, Facebook has now rolled out "Watch" -- a redesigned video platform for creators and publishers -- to every US citizen who uses the social media platform.

According to a report in Tech Crunch on Tuesday, "Watch" will be available on Facebook's native mobile apps, desktop site and TV apps. Users in the US will now see the TV icon in the mobile navigation bar and desktop site bookmarks.

Facebook is offering a range of different options for discovering video content, including programmes and sections like "Today's Spotlight", "New This Week", "Popular Now", "What Friends Are Watching", "Most Talked About", "Suggested For You", and a special "10 Minutes Or More" spot for long-form videos.

For now, Facebook is primarily highlighting reality shows, which partners are producing en masse since they are cheap, don't require set scripts and can be watched piece-meal, the report said.

The social media giant debuted with Business Insider's lifestyle shows -- "The Great Cheese Hunt" and "It's Cool, But Does It Really Work?".

News and issues publisher Attn premiered "We Need to Talk" and "Health Hacks" starring Jessica Alba last week.

Meanwhile, food video giant Tastemade debuted with four shows, including "Safe Deposit", "Struggle Meals", "Food to Die For" and "Kitchen Little", over the next week.

In an apparent bid to take on Google-owned YouTube, Facebook rolled out "Watch" last month.

The social media giant last year launched "Video" tab in the US which offered a predictable place to find videos on Facebook.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A fake dentist was arrested by West Bengal Police's CID in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday.

"Prince Basu Mallik, a fake dentist was arrested from Barasat by the CID team," the CID said in a tweet.

An array of fake doctors have been arrested from the state in the past few months.

The fake doctor racket came to the fore on May 3 when the CID arrested two practitioners employed in government-run hospitals in north Bengal's Alipurduar and North Dinajpur districts.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Female mobility during the final phase of the Stone Age and start of the Bronze Age was a key element in cultural interchange between regions, according to a new study.

The study, published on Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) magazine, shows how 4,000 years ago European women left their birth settlements and travelled far to form families, taking with them new objects and cultural ideas, Germany's Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History said.

The report is based on the graves found in the Lech valley, south of the city of Augsburg, reports Efe news.

In the families living in the settlements in the region at that time, the majority of women came from other areas, probably from Bohemia or central Germany several hundred kilometres away, while the men normally remained in or very near their birth location.

According to the researchers, this "patrilocal" type of social pattern, in which new couples live in the territory of the man's family, combined with individual female mobility, was not a temporary phenomenon but rather lasted for some 800 years during the transition from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age.

Participating in the study headed by Philipp Stockhammer, of Munich's Ludwig-Maximilians University, were Corina Knipper of the Curt-Engelhorn-Centre for Archaeometry, along with Alissa Mittnik and Johannes Krause of the Max Planck Institute and the University of Tuebingen.

"Individual mobility was a major feature characterising the lives of people in Central Europe even in the third and early second millennium," said Stockhammer regarding a phenomenon that the researchers believe fostered the development of new technologies in the Bronze Age.

The scientific team used genetic and isotope analysis along with archaeological evaluations to research the remains of 84 individuals buried between 2,500 and 1,650 B.C. in cemeteries belonging to individual homesteads and containing up to several dozen burials made over several generations.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called North Korea's defiant nuclear programme the "most serious crisis" the world faces and appealed to the fractured Security Council to unite to meet the threat.

Speaking to reporters here, he warned that heated rhetoric could worsen the crisis and that even taking one step at a time as the crisis escalates could incrementally lead to a war situation before the world realises it and the international community had to act to avoid this.

Any talk of a military solution is deeply disturbing, he said.

At an emergency meeting of the Security Council on Monday, US Permanent Representative Nikki Haley had warned that North Korea was "begging for war" and while Washington did not want war, it would take steps to defend its territory.

Guterres said that he backed the actions taken so far by the Security Council on the North Korean nuclear and missile programmes but further action was needed. "Unity of the Security Council is crucial," he added.

Security Council action on North Korea has been blocked by China, which he did not name. After the hydrogen bomb test by Pyongyang on Sunday, the emergency meeting of the Security Council convened at the request of the US and four other countries adjourned without taking any action because of a lack of consensus.

Last month, North Korea had tested intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching major US cities and sent a missile over Japan.

As the world leaders prepares the meet here for the General Assembly summit next week, they confront three threats, and the "most serious crisis" is the North Korea's nuclear programme carried out "in defiance of the Security Council and the international community", Guterres said.

He listed two other "threats" that the world leaders will be facing: Sectarianism and climate change.

He cited the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar as an example of the sectarian threats to world order.

While condemning the attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, he denoucned the actions by the Myanmar government against the Rohingya and Muslims.

He said that he was asking the Security Council to take up the issue.

The actions by the Myanmar security forces against the Rohingya was only increasing the risk of radicalisation, he said.

He asked the Myanmar government to give it Muslim population citizenship, and pending that at least right to employment and freedom of movement.

On climate change, he cited the natural calamities gathering force resulting in huge damages to Texas in the US, India, and other countries.

The UN was ready to help with relief efforts, but the world should continue to take steps to both fight climate change and mitigate its effect.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hundreds gathered at Ravindra Kalakshetra in the city on Wednesday to pay their tributes to journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead on Tuesday night by three unidentified assailants at her residence here.

Kannada film actors, writers, activists, political leaders, members of the general public, friends and family of Lankesh were seen at the venue paying their homage to the Editor of popular Kannada tabloid -- Gauri Lankesh Patrike.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress leader and member of Parliament M. Veerappa Moily and other state leaders were also present at Ravindra Kalakshetra and paid their last respects to Lankesh.

Siddaramaiah was seen interacting with Lankesh's family members.

Her mother Indira Lankesh and sister Kavitha Lankesh were inconsolable.

"We will not follow any religious customs for Gauri's last rites, which are to take place later this evening," the slain journalist's brother Indrajit Lankesh told reporters.

"She was a rationalist and we do not want to go against her ideologies," Indrajit said.

Both Indrajit and Kavitha are film-makers in the Kannada film industry.

She was the daughter of P. Lankesh, a renowned Kannada journalist who had started "Lankesh Patrike" in 1980.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Japan came together to condemn North Korea's September 3 nuclear test, a joint statement released after India-Japan Annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue said on Wednesday.

The two-day dialogue was held on September 5-6, in Tokyo, between Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera. The two defence leaders stressed on the need to increase pressure on North Korea with the international community, the Japan Times reported.



Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and his Indian counterpart, Arun Jaitley, confirmed Tuesday the necessity of increasing pressure on North Korea in cooperation with the international community, amid Pyongyangs advancing nuclear arms and missile development.

Though Nirmala Sitharaman was named the new Defence Minister on Sunday as part of a reshuffle on Sunday, Jaitley had said he would represent India at the Dialogue.





"It is a very important security dialogue between the two countries ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit and therefore changes are not advisable. I will continue for next two days to complete the dialogue, and Ms Sitharaman will take the charge of the ministry as soon as the dialogue ends," he had told reporters.

The statement said the Ministers exchanged views on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

"They condemned in the strongest terms North Korea's nuclear test of September 3, 2017, which is in violation of its international obligations and commitments, including under relevant UNSC resolutions.

It also "called upon North Korea to cease such action that adversely impacts peace and stability of the region and beyond," the joint statement said.

The Ministers also expressed satisfaction at the success of Japan-India-US Trilateral Maritime Exercise Malabar 2017 in July, and confirmed their intention to further deepen and advance the objectives of this exercise.

Onodera expressed his intention to have state-of-the-art Japanese assets including P-1 to participate in the next edition of the Malabar exercise in 2018 and Jaitley welcomed his proposal, the statement said.

"The Ministers noted the importance of bilateral training interactions between Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The two sides will consider inclusion of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training to expand cooperation," it said.

In addition the ministers agreed to pursue exchanges and training by ASW aviation units such as Lockheed P-3 Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft. The Japanese side proposed to invite Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training held by JMSDF.
India must push for a trans-national deep water gas pipeline from Iran, passing through Oman but by-passing Pakistan, to feedstock the country's power, fertilizer and steel plants in an environment-friendly and affordable way and for sustainable supply of the fuel, according to an Assocham study released on Tuesday.

"An undersea pipeline between Iran-Oman-India will connect the producers and consumers of gas directly. This will bypass all geo-political issues. It will also lead to more gas-to-gas competition and creating a genuine gas hub, as in Europe/USA etc," suggested the business chamber's study titled "Middle East to India Deep Water Pipeline- A Favourable Situation for All."

"India can finally connect to Gulf region, where more than 7 million Indians reside," an Assocham release here said.

During 2016-17, India consumed 55,534 mscm (million standard cubic metres) of natural gas of which 24,686 mscm was imported. India is now the fourth largest natural gas importer, mainly from Qatar.

The study said India must take a stronger and more pro-active approach to build a least one trans-national gas pipeline in the next five years.

Currently, 2,500 MW gas based power generation capacity is idle, due to non-availability of low priced gas, Assocham said.

"No new fertilizer plants are being set up for same reason. There are several Indian steel plates and steel pipe manufacturers and construction companies which will gain sizeable business from the proposed pipeline, to promote/boost 'Make in India' and 'Skill India' campaigns," it said.

"Unfortunately, we have not succeeded in this effort to build trans-national gas pipelines from the neighbourhood, inspite of efforts for the last two decades. Since many years there is an endeavour to build a deepwater gas pipeline through a safe route, avoiding Pakistan and using cleaner fuel than coal," it added.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has committed development assistance to Rakhine state in Myanmar where large-scale violence blamed on the minority Rohingya Muslim community has claimed the lives of security personnel and innocent people and triggered a mass exodus, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

"I would particularly draw attention to the fact that we have discussed committing Indian assistance to the Rakhine state development programme because we really believe that the medium term way of addressing problems in the Rakhine area is really to look at developmental aspect," Jaishankar said while briefing media persons following delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi here earlier in the day.

"So, we made an in-principle commitment," he said, adding that the modalities in that regard will be worked out.

Thousands of Rohingyas are crossing over into Bangladesh -- where they are sparingly given refugee status -- to escape the violence in Rakhine state. Media reports quoted the UNHCR spokesperson in Bangladesh as saying that at least 123,000 Rohingyas have crossed over in the past few days.

The latest exodus began on August 25, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine, leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

India also faces the problem of Rohingyas fleeing into the states bordering Myanmar. The government has said it would deport all Rohingyas living in India illegally but the Supreme Court has said that it will hear on September 11 a plea seeking a direction to the central government not to deport about 40,000 such refugees back to Myanmar.

According to a joint statement issued following Wednesday's talks, India and Myanmar shared the view that the situation in Rakhine state had a developmental as well as a security dimension.

"In this context, they agreed to bring about overall socio-economic development in the State by undertaking both infrastructure and socio-economic projects, particularly in the spheres of education, health, agriculture and allied activities, agro-processing, community development, construction of small bridges, upgradation of roads, small power projects, livelihood activity, setting up of training centres, promotion of household crafts, conservation of environment and cultural heritage," the statement said.

"Myanmar welcomed India's offer of assistance under the Rakhine State Development Programme and the two sides agreed to finalise the implementation modalities within the next few months."

Jaishankar also said that India has become for its neighbours an important partner for energy supplies.

"We are looking at fuel, we are looking at power transmission, we are looking at solar, we are looking at LED," he said.

On the capacity building side, the Foreign Secretary said India has built industrial training centres, entrepreneurship development centres, and English language training centres.

"During this visit. I think we heard very strong appreciation of what we have done. The Prime Minister agreed that we would open two more industrial training centres in the near future in Myanmar," he said

On the agriculture side, he said India would be scaling up agricultural training.

In the health care sector, the Foreign Secretary said India has upgraded three hospitals in Myanmar, including in Yangon and Sittwe.

"We have now committed to building a hospital at Nay Pyi Taw. That is a new commitment that has come out of this visit," he said.

Modi arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit on his first bilateral trip to Myanmar. He had earlier come here in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Summit.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Expanding its presence in Rajasthan, domestic consumer electronics brand Intex Technologies on Wednesday opened its Smart World store in Udaipur.

Intex Smart World stores are exclusive outlets that serve as single touch points for consumers to experience range of the company's products.

Apart from the newly opened store, there are six existing stores in the state, including three in Jaipur and one each in Bikaner, Bhilwara and Kota.

"We are very happy to inaugurate the first store in this city as Intex is already an accepted and loved brand in Rajasthan," said Vishal Malik, DGM, Retail, Intex Technologies, in a statement.

Intex Smart World began its operations in April 2015 and currently, the company has 135 such stores covering more than 90 cities spread 25 states across the country.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The last rites of senior Kannada weekly tabloid editor and social activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead the night before, will be conducted on Wednesday in Bengaluru, her family said.

"Gauri's last rites will be held at Chamrajpet Cemetery in the city," her brother Indrajit Lankesh told reporters here on Wednesday at the Victoria Hospital, where her post-mortem was being conducted.

"Her mortal remains will be kept at Samsa Bayalu Rangamandira (an open air theatre) for public viewing," Lankesh said. "Gauri's eyes were donated as per her wish," he said.

He also expressed confidence in the probe: "Investigations have been going on since last night. I'm very confident that the killers would be caught soon," Lankesh said.

"CCTV footage has been taken by the police and I'm sure the killers will be identified soon," he said.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who had fired seven bullets towards her when she returned home from her office in the city.

Four had missed the target and hit the wall of the house, while three bullets had hit her -- two in her chest area and one in the forehead, Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar had told reporters on Tuesday.

Lankesh was an editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Lankesh Patrike".

In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said there was need for a new law to ensure the rights of fishermen.

Gandhi, addressing the national executive meeting of All India Fishermen Congress, said: "The Congress party will make strong interferences to ensure fishing guarantee for the fishermen in the country. It was the Congress-led governments who have brought Right to Information Act, Right to Service Act, Vanavasi Rights Act, Food Security Act, Employment Guarantee programme."

"In this model a new Act should be formulated for the right of fishermen. All India Fishermen Congress will take the initiation to pressurize the Union government for actions. But it is clear that the BJP-led government is neglecting common men's lives and they are looting natural resources to corporates," he added.

Gandhi said: "When the Congress comes to power, new Act will be brought to give the right of fishermen habitats to the fisheries communities of India."

National chairman of All India Fishermen Congress T.N. Prathapan presided over the session.

AICC General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi, AICC Treasurer Motilal Vohra, AICC In-charge Communication Department Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC Schedule Caste cell chairman K. Raju, AICC Secretary R.C. Khuntiya were also present.

--IANS

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Some leading faces from the world of cinema, art and poetry have opined that the individual freedoms of objects are surrendered to give rise to the reality of linear perspective.

In a session titled "Linear Perspective in Painting and Cinema," organised by the Raza Foundation's Art Dialogues here on Tuesday evening, artist and geologist Manish Pushkale and cinematographer Piyush Shah were on the panel with poet and film-writer Udayan Vajpeyi as the moderator. Noted filmmaker Kumar Sahani was also present at the event.

Art Dialogues, a monthly series of discussion on various aspects of art, is organised by the Raza Foundation in partnership with the Civil Services Officers' Institute.

Pushkale, whose solos include Galerie Edition Caracters, Paris (2006), explained how vanishing point is an important term in linear perspective and a key element in works of art. The artist-geologist also discussed how vanishing point is a physical property, as opposed to the emerging point, which is something that emerges within the viewer.

He urged viewers not to focus solely on the vanishing point which exists outside him. Rather, he made a case for turning the gaze to the emerging point which occurs within the viewer in response to the vanishing point.

"Linear perspective creates an optical illusion of objects converging to a fixed, single point," Pushkale said.

He elaborated on the subject of perspectives by citing Arjuna's response to Dronacharya, when the military arts teacher asked his ace pupil what he actually saw before aiming. "Arjuna could only see the eye of the bird. As an artist, I find the scenario very interesting. What Arjuna visualised was the bird's eye and he used his own eyes to accomplish that," he said. "Was the bird's eye a vanishing point in Arjuna's own eyes," Pushkale.

Udayan Vajpeyi, introducing the panelists and the subject, noted that there is both the act of locking and appropriation through linear perspective in art and cinema. But there are various ways in filmmaking and painting in which unlocking is being done.

"Kumar Shahani in his film Kasba unlocks the space into floating realities through colours and movements," he said, adding: "In Fyodor Dostoyevsky's works, there are multiple, ethical dimensions, which interact with each other."

Cinematographer Piyush Shah said perspective generates reaction in cinema and a majority of films still use single point perspective. That's because the guideline for most filmmakers is the frame, as opposed to the moment, a product of space-time. "Very rarely does a filmmaker engage in a multi-point perspective," he said.

Shah discussed how Orson Welles' Citizen Kane is a good example of the use of forced perspective where the foreground object is very large and the background object is small. "Through the movie, Welles defined the inner space of a person," he pointed out.

However, Shah also noted that there are some filmmakers who moved away from the tradition of the European single-point perspective and tried to create their own dialogue with the Western concept of perspective. They have introduced the multi-point perspective in their works by deflecting away from perspective.

"One example is Japanese filmmaker Yasujir Ozu. His films are always shot from ground level. Ozu deflects from the eye level perspective by taking the camera down and looking at the world from there," he maintained.

Raza Foundation's Art Dialogues series features expert practitioners from the world of ideas, literature, visual arts, performing arts and various other disciplines. The Foundation, set up by the late artist S.H. Raza, provides support and platforms for various arts, publications and fellowships, especially aimed at young talent.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Journalists' organisations in Mumbai and Maharashtra on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of Bengalaru journalist-turned-activist Gauri Lankesh and demanded that the Karnataka government order a CBI enquiry into the murder.

Over 200 mediapersons from print, electronic and web participated in a silent candle-light march organised by the Mumbai Press Club on Wednesday evening.

The gathering marched from the MPC to the Azad Maidan gates, lit candles before a garlanded portrait of Gauri and paid homage, while some recalled her services and contributions to .

The Mumbai Press Club (MPC), the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh (MMPS), the Mantralaya Ani Vidhimandal Vartahar Sangh (MVVS), the TV Journalists Association (TVJA), Photographers Association, Network of Women in and others, expressed outrage at the brutal gunning down of Lankesh in her home by unknown assailants on Tuesday evening.

The MPC urged the Karnataka government to hand over the investigation into the sordid killing of the 55-year old Lankesh to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

It also demanded that the state government must ensure the culprits are subjected to maximum punishment, be they foot-soldiers or the masterminds.

"If this is how the Fourth Estate is going to be treated by the powers that be, while the government looks the other way, it is indeed a black hour for Indian democracy," said the MPC.

"This is not just the killing of a journalist. It is the murder of the freedom of thought and expression. Ideological issues must be fought ideologically, and the government must take this matter seriously," said the MVVS.

All media organisations, Left parties and civil society groups planned protests in the city and across the state.

On Thursday, various organisations including the Dr Dabholkar Vivek Vyakhanmala have planned a protest procession in Nashik, besides similar marches in Pune and Thane by various media groups and civil society members.

Lankesh was the editor of a Kannada language weekly tabloid, 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike,' noted for its independent views. Like her father, who was a noted Kannada writer, she faced opposition and criticism over her fiercely independent style of journalism.

She is survived by her mother, sister Kavitha and brother Indrajit, who manages the tabloid.

The MPC said that in the time of crisis, it stands behind the family and urged for a speedy investigation and trial in the case.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Actor Matthew McConaughey has partnered with skincare company Kiehls on a campaign benefiting the Autism Speaks organization.

The collaboration is centered around a special video of the actor spreading the message that "children with autism need our support and they need it right now", reports people.com.

Viewers are invited to share the informative video across all social media platforms to raise awareness and money for funding Autism research and resources.

The brand is also releasing a limited edition version of their beloved Ultra Facial Cream. McConaughey was given the opportunity to design the packaging of the product, which features vibrant colours, geometric shapes, designs of airplanes and bikes, and of course the iconic Autism Speaks blue puzzle piece logo.

This partnership isn't the only way the star is giving back.

McConaughey and his wife, Camila, started the Just Keep Livin Foundation to provide high school students with after-school programs that encourage the development of the body and mind, making this partnership with Kiehl's and Autism Speaks a perfect fit.

--IANS

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Condemning the murder of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, the Congress on Wednesday said "muzzling the voice of ordinary citizens and silencing dissent" is the slogan of 'New India' under the Modi government.

The party said "India is in the throes of a violent clash" between advocates of freedom of speech and the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to "silence dissent and throttle democracy".

It also said gagging and often subjecting them through torture is often a sign of dictatorial regimes.

"The shocking murder of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh is a grim reminder of the times we live in. This mindless and cowardly assassination has not only shaken our conscience but is also an extremely sad moment for our democracy," said Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

The party said it stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the fraternity.

"Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi have spoken to the Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the culprits to the book.

"Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state," he added.

He also said the state has put its best investigative officers to work and the Chief Minister has promised that the assailants will be swiftly nabbed.

"The CM further has said that three police teams have been formed to investigate and nab the culprits. There was no intelligence input prior to the attack. Even Gauri Lankesh hadn't sought police protection, the CM has said.

"We urge the Karnataka government to take prompt action and bring these criminals to book," Singhvi added.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives.

"There is a definite pattern in the murder of rationalists and free thinkers and those who question the government - Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi and now Lankesh," said Singhvi.

Singhvi said: "An unprecedented atmosphere of hate and intolerance is being created in order to take on those who have ideologically divergent views. 'If you do not agree with us, we shall kill you' is the new slogan of 'New India'.

Muzzling the voice of ordinary citizens and the lynch mob mentality has become a regular habit of this 'New India-Achhe Din' government, he added.

"Why is Narendra Modi following such accounts who are involved in these illegal and unlawful activities?" asked Singhvi.

--IANS

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday suggested the setting up of a memorial to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army (INA) in Myanmar.

"It was in Myanmar that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose made the clarion call of 'Give me blood and I will give you freedom', to which many people responded," Modi said while addressing a gathering of the Indian at the Thuwunna Stadium here on the second day of his three-day official visit to Myanmar.

He said that he had the good fortune to meet some of the soldiers of the INA in Myanmar who are now in very advanced stage of age.

"We (India and Myanmar) can together do a survey for an INA memorial here," he stated to much applause from the gathering.

Stating that people-to-people ties are the strength of India-Myanmar relations, he said that a road project connecting Manipur in northeastern India with Myanmar has been approved.

Estimates vary between 1.5 million and 2.5 million about the number of people of Indian origin living in Myanmar.

Praising the work of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for Indians abroad, Modi said: "She is sensitive to the concerns of every Indian in any part of the world and is always ready to help."

The Prime Minister said that all Myanmar citizens wishing to travel to India will get gratis visas. He also announced that 40 Myanmarese fishermen lodged in Indian jails would be released.

Talking about his government's development initiatives, he said that "we are not merely reforming India but are transforming India".

"We have pledged to build a new India by the time independent India turns 75 in 2022," he said.

Stating that development of good infrastructure was necessary for this, Modi said: "Nineteenth century infrastructure cannot work in the 21st century. Good infrastructure is no longer about roads and rail only... it includes several other aspects that bring a qualitative change in society."

He also spoke about bringing about development in the agricultural sector.

"Infraculture is important. By infraculture I mean quality infrastructure that benefits our farmers," he said.

Stating that his government has not shied away from taking tough decisions, Modi said: "My government has not hesitated in surgical strikes, demonetisation and GST (Goods and Services Tax). GST is ushering in a new culture across the nation."

Earlier on Wednesday, Modi and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi headed delegation-level discussions in Nay Pyi Taw capital city, following which 11 agreements were signed between the two sides.

From Nay Pyi Taw, the Prime Minister went to the ancient city of Bagan where he visited the Ananda temple before coming to Yangon.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Tau on Tuesday on what is his first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had earlier to this country in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Summit.

--IANS

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The US, Canada and Mexico have claimed progress in talks to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), despite US President Donald Trump's threat to terminate the deal.

"Important progress was achieved in many disciplines," US Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said in a joint statement at the end of the five-day second round talks on Sunday in Mexico City.

"More than two dozen working groups comprised of trade experts and technical officials worked diligently to advance the discussions and exchanged information and proposals," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement released by the USTR's office as saying.

It resulted in the consolidation of proposals into a single text upon which the teams will continue to work during subsequent negotiation rounds, they said.

Despite Trump's threat to terminate the 23-year-old trilateral trade deal, the ministers from the three countries "reaffirm their commitment" to an accelerated and comprehensive negotiation, with the shared goal of "concluding the process towards the end of this year".

The third round of the Nafta talks will take place in Ottawa, Canada from September 23 to 27, according to the statement.

As Mexico will have a general election in July 2018 and the US congressional mid-term elections are slated for the next fall, negotiators have hoped that Nafta talks could be wrapped up by early next year.

--IANS

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The Nestle Research and Development (R&D) Centre on Wednesday said it has inaugurated the first Nestle Food Safety Institute (NFSI) in the country to develop a collaborative approach towards ensuring safe food.

According to the company, NFSI India, -- a part of Nestle R&D Centre India located in Manesar -- will work closely with the Nestle Research Center in Lausanne, Switzerland.

"The mission of NFSI India is to build and share knowledge through collaborative partnerships for strengthening the food safety environment in India," a company statement said.

It added that the laboratory of NFSI India is equipped with high-end analytical technology.

"The food safety environment in India is changing dynamically and so are the consumers. There is an increasing consciousness among them on the quality of food consumed," said Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and Managing Director, Nestle India.

"We at Nestle strongly believe that food has a significant influence on our health and there should be collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and industry for catering to the health and safety of consumers."

Nestle R&D Centre India, founded in 2012, is part of Nestle's global R&D network.

--IANS

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You can take a man out of his familiar haunt but can you take the haunt out of the man? Not, at least, for newly appointed Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons, a former civil servant and a regular at the India International Centre (IIC), the capital's intellectual and cultural hub.

Alphons, who was inducted into the government by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday and assumed charge on Monday, was back that same evening at the IIC where he is known to be a habitue.

According to the staff, he spent some time, met up with old friends, and posed for photos with familiar staff who were thrilled to find one of their regular visitors become a minister.

He was back again on Tuesday evening, went around the main lounge shaking hands and hugging friends, before settling down for a coffee with an aide. He was mindful of keeping his new retinue of security and ministerial assistants at a respectable distance.

Alphons, a former District Collector of Kottayam in Kerala, which he was famous for making into India's first 100 percent literate town, and then earned renown for demolishing over 10,000 illegal buildings in Delhi with impunity as Commissioner of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) -- otherwise notorious for its corruption -- joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2011.

He was hoping to get a ticket to run for Parliament from New Delhi constituency in the last Lok Sabha election, but that did not happen. His name then figured among those in contention to become Delhi Lt Governor after Najeeb Jung resigned in December 2016. But again his hopes were dashed.

He spent long hours at IIC, reading in the library or discussing national affairs with retired bureaucrats and other friends over cups of coffee. His friends speak of him as a a man who can get things done and will be a driver of Modi's policies in the government.

Besides having independent charge of tourism, he is also minister of state for electronics and IT.

--IANS

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Former US President Barack Obama said that a shadow has been cast over thousands of immigrants with the end of the DACA program, which protected from deportation some 800,000 undocumented young people, and slammed the decision taken by his successor Donald Trump, as "cruel" and "wrong".

"That shadow has been cast over some of our best and brightest young people once again. To target these young people is wrong...and it is cruel," said Obama, who enacted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012 by executive order.

In his opinion, Trump's decision to rescind DACA and pass the responsibility along to Congress is a "political decision", Efe news reported.

"Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn't threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us," Obama said in the note posted on his Facebook page.

For that reason, the former president said that the question of "Dreamers", as undocumented youths who came to the US as children are known, is ultimately "about basic decency".

"This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated," he said.

"It's about who we are as a people -- and who we want to be," said Obama, who left the White House in January of this year after first being elected president in 2009.

This morning, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions officially announced the decision, though he added that the suspension of DACA will become effective in six months, during which time Congress must find an alternative solution.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered prayers the Ananda temple in this ancient city in Myanmar.

Built around 1105 AD by King Kyanzittha, this Buddhist temple derives its name from the Venerable Ananda, Buddha's first cousin and personal secretary.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is involved in restoration work in this temple and some other historic structures in this city.

"The Prime Minister was shown a photo exhibit depicting the ongoing restoration work at the temple," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

"He offered prayers and made a parikrama of the temple, during which ASI representatives explained the restoration process," it said.

Modi also signed the visitors' book at the temple, and unveiled a plaque signifying the contribution of India in the restoration of the nine centuries old temple.

Earlier on Wednesday, Modi held bilateral discussions with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw capital city following which the two sides signed 11 agreements.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Protests erupted across Karnataka on Wednesday morning condemning the dastardly killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead at her residence here on Tuesday night by three unidentified men.

Journalists, activists, writers, thinkers and women organisations were seen among the crowds that gathered in the city and across the state condemning the killing of the journalist.

People were seen gathered at the Town Hall here for a silent protest, holding placards. "You can kill a person but not their ideas," read one placard.

Silent demonstration was also staged by journalist groups at the Victoria Hospital grounds, where the autopsy is being done.

Across the state, protests were witnessed in Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Dharwad, Koppal among other regions, where citizens took to the streets.

Journalists in Mysuru, wearing black ribbons around their shoulders, also held a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner's Office.

Massive protests have also been planned across the country in various cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad among others.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also cancelled all his official programmes on Wednesday.

"CM has cancelled all engagements, including a day-long trip to Kerala in view of the developments since Tuesday night," said an official from the Chief Minister's Office.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi also expressed shock and distress over the murder on Wednesday, saying "this can't and should not be tolerated".

Accusing the BJP of silencing dissent, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi said it was a part of their ideology. "Anyone who speaks against BJP is silenced..." Rahul Gandhi said on Wednesday.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who had shot her when she returned home from her office in the city.

Lankesh was an editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Lankesh Patrike".

In November 2016, Lankesh was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. She was out on bail pending an appeal.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Qatar has decided to grant Moroccan nationals visa-free entry, the media reported on Wednesday.

Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani made the announcement at a meeting with Moroccan officials on Tuesday, said the daily Le Matin.

The decision was conveyed to House of Representatives Speaker Habib El Malki, who heads a Moroccan delegation, representing King Mohammed VI at the inauguration ceremony of Qatar's new Hamad Port, Xinhua reports.

Qatar had last month announced that it was exempting the nationals of 80 countries from entry visas. Morocco was not included in the list then.

--IANS

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"Baahubali" star Rana Daggubati on Wednesday was appointed the brand ambassador of Telugu Tigers team in the second edition of Premiere Futsal which kicks-off in Mumbai on September 15.

In a statement, it was also announced that Rana is the co-owner of the team.

Deco, the former Barcelona and Chelsea star, has been named as the marquee player for Telugu Tigers.

Rana is confident the team will rock in this year's competition.

"It has been a matter of great pride and honour to be associated with Telugu Tigers in Premier Futsal. I am sure with Deco as a marquee player in the team; the Telugu Tigers will rock this year. I am also sure that my fans will come in large numbers to support my team in Premier Futsal across every centre," Rana said in the statement.

On being signed as the team's marquee player, Deco said: "I am really excited to have got an opportunity to travel to India and play in Premier Futsal. Unfortunately, I could not play last year in the inaugural edition due to injury but this year I am excited and looking forward for the experience."

In Mumbai, the first round of matches will be played till September 17. The next round of matches will be played in Bengaluru from September 19. The semi-finals and final will be held in Dubai from September 26 to October 1.

The inaugural edition of Premier Futsal was played in 2016, and it was won by Mumbai 5s.

--IANS

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Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh at her Bengaluru home and demanded a speedy investigation.

"Condemn killing of... Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted and justice delivered. Condolences to the family," Irani said in a tweet.

Lankesh, 55, editor of a Kannada tablod, was shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her soon after she returned home from office. Karnataka Police has launched a probe.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Even as protests and condemnation erupted over the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, there were some on Twitter, apparently right-wing supporters, who said the noted Kannada journalist-activist "deserved" what she got and also asked why the Karnataka government gave a "Naxal" supporter a state funeral.

Nikhil Dadhich, who claims to be a garment manufacturer on his Twitter profile, posted a tweet that appeared to be an abusive reference to the slain journalist.

Dadhich's Twitter account is followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and many political leaders, including Congress leader Digvijaya Singh have questioned why the Prime Minister was following the account.

While Dadhich later deleted his tweet, and in subsequent posts claimed his earlier tweet was not in reference to Lankesh, there were many who decided to rally behind him, with Akash J. Dave, a member of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the youth wing of BJP tweeting a #IstandWithNikhil to "show unity" in his support.

Raj Tiwaria said: "Everyone nationalist with @nikhildadhich bhai".

Sonam Mahajan, who describes herself as a "politically aware Dogra Hindu" on Twitter, said: "Who killed Gauri Lankesh?

"The very mindset that she endorsed. She always hailed naxal terrorists. If you live by gun, you will die by gun."

Another Twitter user Naina said: "Investigations R not yet over but Ecosystem is on overdrive to blame RSS, Bjp, Hindus.Same narrative like Hindu Terror #GauriLankeshMurder."

Film maker Vivek Agnihotri said Lankesh was his batch mate from Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), and said: "Gauri Lankesh was in my batch at IIMC. An idealist leftist. In the end, became victim of the same politics she believed in and fought for."

A twitter account named Hindu Voice said: "Who's this Gauri Lankesh?? Hundreds of Hindus are murdered everyday... esp in Kerala & Karnataka... no one makes such a fuss... Why Now??"

BJP member Priti Gandhi ameanwhile questioned why Lankesh was given a state funeral.

"What???? State funeral for Gauri Lankesh?? In what capacity?? Are there any protocols to be followed, or not??" she tweeted.

Another Twitter user 'Ashih Mishra Pune' suggested that Lankesh deserved what she got, though he later deleted the tweet.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted his condemnation of those expressing happiness at the murder.

"I strongly condemn & deplore the messages on social expressing happiness on the dastardly murder of #Gaurilankesh," the Minister posted.

Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence, police said. She was 55.

--IANS

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Hundreds of Samajwadi Party (SP) workers protesting against the disruption of Metro Rail services in the state capital on the very first day of operations on Wednesday were cane-charged by police.

One of the Lucknow Metro trains had developed a technical snag on its maiden run and more than 100 passengers remained trapped inside the train for over an hour.

The SP workers were protesting outside the Transport Nagar Metro station and demanding an apology from the Yogi Adityanath government for the inconvenience caused to commuters on the very first day.

"When they are so overzealous in taking undue credit for the Metro, they should also accept the flaws and take responsibility for the snag and apologise," a SP leader said.

Police tried to remove them forcibly from outside the Metro station and cane-charged them when they refused to budge.

Earlier in the day, soon after the technical snag stranded the Metro train, former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, under whom the project had taken off, taunted the state government and asked why this had happened.

He tweeted from his personal handle why after safety audit, technical clearance and many a trial run had the Metro Rail developed a technical snag on the very first day of its run.

His party has been accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party government of hijacking the good work done under its regime and taking credit for it.

--IANS

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The makers of superstar Mahesh Babu's upcoming Tamil-Telugu bilingual "Spyder", gearing up for grand release this Dussehra, have rubbished reports about the leak of film's footage.

"There's been no footage leak. We have ensured no such thing happens. Everything that you're reading online or in papers is absolutely baseless," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

Earlier this week, reports emerged that some footage including a few minutes of a song had leaked out.

Mahesh plays an intelligence bureau officer in "Spyder", directed by A.R. Murugadoss.

The project marks the first time Murugadoss and Mahesh have collaborated.

Tipped to be made on a lavish budget, the film will be based on bio-terrorism featuring actor-filmmaker S.J. Suryah as the antagonist.

Rakul Preet Singh plays the leading lady.

--IANS

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Tech giants, including Apple, Microsoft, Google and Facebook, have unanimously criticised the decision by Donald Trump's administration to rescind the DACA programme that had potentially put 800,000 illegal immigrants at danger of deportation.

"I'm here today to announce that the programme known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded," Xinhua news agency quoted US Attorney General Jeff Sessions as saying on Tuesday.

Sessions said the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme was "implemented in 2012 and essentially provided a legal status for recipients or a renewable two-year term work authorization and other benefits".

His announcement came after Trump on Tuesday called on the Congress to take action to address the issue.

While Apple and Microsoft have offered defence to their "Dreamers", Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, "This is a sad day for our country." Google CEO Sunder Pichai asked the "Congress to act now".

"On behalf of the hundreds of employees at Apple whose futures are at stake, on behalf of their colleagues and on behalf of the millions more across America who believe, as we do, in the power of dreams, we issue an urgent plea for our leaders in Washington to protect the Dreamers so their futures can never be put at risk in this way again," ReCode quoted Apple CEO Tim Cook as saying.

Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said the company was deeply disappointed by the administration's decision and they believe this was a big step back for the country.

"If Congress fails to act, our company will exercise its legal rights properly to help protect our employees. If the government seeks to deport any one of them, we will provide and pay for their legal counsel," Smith wrote, of the 39 Dreamers who work at Microsoft, in a blog post shortly after the decision was announced.

The administration has given the Congress six months to replace the DACA with a new legislation.

Google echoed Microsoft's comments and its Indian-origin CEO tweeted: "Dreamers are our neighbours, our friends and our co-workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers."

Asserting that the decision to end DACA is not just wrong, Facebook CEO said: "It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it."

"It's time for Congress to act to pass the bipartisan Dream Act or another legislative solution that gives Dreamers a pathway to citizenship," he wrote on his Facebook page.

"Our team at FWD.us has been working alongside Dreamers in this fight, and we'll be doing even more in the weeks ahead to make sure Dreamers have the protections they deserve," he added.

Meanwhile, tech giants like Amazon, AT&T, Lyft, Tesla, Uber and hundreds of other companies joined Facebook in a letter from Fwd.us -- a political group created by Zuckerberg -- in extending support to DACA and the Dreamers.

Other big tech companies, including Oracle and Intel, appear so far to be silent on the administration's move, ReCode said.

--IANS

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Security was tightened in and around the Panjab University (PU) campus and affiliated colleges in the union territory of Chandigarh on Wednesday as authorities and students geared up for student council elections to be held on Thursday.

The Chandigarh Police has also deployed 'Anti-Gang Squads' from Punjab Police and Haryana Police to supervise the student elections, a police spokesman said here.

The police is apprehending that gangsters from neighbouring Punjab and Haryana and youth with criminal background could come here to intimidate voters.

Nearly 2,000 security personnel will be deployed on the PU campus and affiliated colleges to ensure peaceful and smooth voting.

There are over 15,690 voters on PU campus and another 8,000 student voters in affiliated colleges in Chandigarh who can exercise their franchise.

Voting will begin on Thursday at 9.30 am and results are expected later in the afternoon.

On PU campus, there are nine candidates for the post of president.

The main student parties in the fray are Students for Society (SFS), National Students Union of India (NSUI), Ahkil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), PU Students Union (PUSU) and Students Organisation of India (SOI). There are other smaller groups also.

The affiliated colleges include Government College for Boys, Sector-11, DAV College, Sector-10, Sri Guru Gobind Singh (SGGS) College for Men, Sector-26, SGGS College for Women, Sector-26, S.D. College, Sector-32, Dev Samaj College for Women, Sector-45, Government College, Sector-46 and Government College Commerce & Business, Sector-50.

Security forces have taken out flag marches and conducted raids in PU hostels to ensure that no outsiders enter the campus. Several outsiders have been arrested from the campus in the past one week.

The campaigning, which ended on Tuesday, was rather low-key this year, mainly owing to the fallout of the violence in neighbouring Haryana following the conviction of rapist Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, disgraced chief of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect.

The fate of the election on PU campus will be decided by departments like the University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) which has 2,484 voters, University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) with 1,343 voters, Department of Law with 1,190 voters and Chemical Engineering Department with 780 voters.

--IANS

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Pavia (Italy), Sep 6 (IANS/AKI) A massive fire broke out at a special and hazardous waste facility near Pavia in northern Italy Wednesday, causing a black plume of smoke that has sparked fears cancer-inducing dioxins and other toxic chemical substances could be in the air.

"Everything is burning, probably rubber and plastic too. The danger is that dioxins are being released," said the Italian government's top representative in Pavia, Attilio Visconti.

Firemen called to the plant at the at Mortara industrial estate reported that hazardous waste, aluminium and tyres were ablaze.

Health and protection officials in the surrounding Lombardy region claimed that only paper and cardboard materials had caught fire at the plant, which handles non-dangerous as well as hazardous waste.

Local Mayor Marco Facchinotti issued orders to local residents to stay indoors with their doors and windows closed as prevailing winds blew black smoke from the plant towards nearby dwellings.

A team of experts was despatched to the scene to monitor air pollution as firefighters battled the conflagration and police probed its causes.

Wednesday's blaze was the latest in a series that have broken out at waste facilities in recent months and the head of the Italian parliament's environment commission, Ermete Realacci, on Wednesday urged tougher measures to prevent such blazes.

"Italy's authorities should pay maximum attention....we need timelier and more rigorous checks," Realacci said.

--IANS/AKI

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Former Brazilian Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff have denied the accusations of corruption and embezzlement against them.

Lula said Prosecution General Rodrigo Janot's "accusations are baseless".

"A campaign of persecution against former President Lula, moved by party-dominated sectors of the judicial system," Xinua quoted Lula's press office as saying on Tuesday evening.

"It was announced today to try to create a negative fact on the day Lula concludes his victorious journey through the northeast."

In an endeavor to gather support and highlight the achievements of the Workers' Party's government, Lula is currently holding a victorious rally in the northeastern states.

Both Lula and Rousseff were formally accused of criminal associations by Janot.

The prosecution based on testimonies of Marcelo Odebrecht, head of construction company Odebrecht, accused the two former Presidents of heading a scheme to favour the Workers' Party and embezzle money from oil giant Petrobras.

Rousseff also released a statement, accusing Odebrecht of blatantly lying in his testimony and denying any participation in corruption schemes and bribe-taking.

"The information that Dilma Rousseff asked or ordered anyone to ask for any resources or favors from Marcelo Odebrecht or his company's executives is a lie," her office said, adding "that has never happened" and "the truth will come to light".

Senator Gleisi Hoffmann, the current leader of the Workers' Party, was also denounced in the same case besides Lula and Rousseff.

Hoffmann, however, denied all accusations and accused the prosecution of trying to divert attention from a prominent case of corruption involving Geddel Vieira Lima, a former Minister of the current administration, the report said.

--IANS

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Geneva, Sep 6 (IANS/AKI) The United Nations on Wednesday praised a ruling by the European Union's top court that rejected a challenge by Hungary and Slovakia to relocation quotas approved at the height of the migrant crisis in 2015.

"Today's decision by the European Court of Justice on the relocation scheme sends a very strong signal on the importance of solidarity and responsibility sharing among EU Member States," UN refugee agency UNHCR said in a statement.

European leaders agreed in September 2015 to relocate a total of 160,000 migrants "in clear need of international protection" from Italy and Greece to other EU countries over two years.

The UNHCR urged EU nations to "increase the pace of relocation for eligible asylum-seekers from Italy and Greece, and to fully meet their relocation commitments as a concrete gesture of solidarity towards countries of first arrival in the EU".

So far less than 28,000 people have been relocated in the face of opposition from several Eastern European countries notably Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Romania also voted against the scheme, which was approved by a majority vote.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed Wednesday's ruling - which is final an cannot be appealed - calling it "appalling and irresponsible" and vowed to use all legal means against the judgement, which he said was "the result of a political decision".

In asking the ECJ to annul the deal, Hungary and Slovakia argued the relocation scheme should have been agreed unanimously and that it put them at risk of Islamist terrorism and threatens their homogenous societies.

If Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic do not cooperate with the relocation scheme, they could be referred to the ECJ and face heavy fines.

The EU has said 160,000 asylum-seekers need to be relocated from Greece and Italy by the end of this month but at the latest count just 27,695 have been - 8,451 from Italy and 19,244 from Greece.

A further 7,000 asylum-seekers who arrive before September 26 can be redistributed to other EU countries from Italy and another 4,700 from Greece, according to the European Commission.

--IANS/AKI

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The US Agency for International Development and Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), under bilateral cooperation with the Ministry of Power (MOP) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), jointly hosted on Wednesday an international conference on 'Large-Scale Grid Integration of Renewable Energy' here.

More than 300 representatives and energy experts from 28 countries, including the US and Germany are attending the three-day conference to share their experiences, highlight challenges and develop India-specific solutions for integrating large-amount of renewable energy into the system, a US Embassy release said.

India plans to deploy an unprecedented 175 gigawatts of renewable energy into its power grid by 2022, which can greatly strengthen the country's energy security and reduce carbon intensity.

Speaking at the launch of the conference, German Ambassador Martin Ney said: "The need of the hour is to set the priorities right. There are a variety of complex issues, the solution is an intelligent energy mix coupled with the focus on both energy efficiency and renewable energy."

Highlighting the importance of the conference, Mark Anthony White, USAID Mission Director to India, said: "Today's international conference has been organized under USAID's bilateral program with the Ministry of Power called the Greening the Grid and showcases our efforts to increase knowledge exchange between the United States and India to put in place solutions that will move India closer to achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity."

--IANS

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The Vellore-based Christian Medical College's (CMC) decision to suspend new admissions for 2017-18 on the ground that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) marks alone could not be the criteria to get admitted has evoked contrasting reactions.

Welcoming CMC's decision, PMK founder S.Ramadoss in a statement said the explanation given by the college for suspending admission is justifiable and is equally applicable for all medical colleges in the country.

According to reports, CMC has said its admission process comprises of aptitude test, commitment to serve in rural areas and social service and these aspects are not revealed in the marks secured by a medical college seat aspirant in the NEET.

The CMC is objecting to government's decision to base admission to MBBS course based on NEET marks and nothing else.

The college, which admits 100 students for MBBS course and 62 in super specialities per year, has filed a case and the judgement on that is expected this year from the apex court.

On the other hand the Doctors' Association for Social Equality (DASE) has opposed the manner of CMC's protest.

In a statement issued here, DASE General Secretary G.R.Ravindranath said the CMC's decision not to admit students on NEET basis is unacceptable as it has to abide by the law.

"If it wants to fight for its rights, in admission process as a minority institution, it must get a legal remedy. It has the right to stop admissions, but its decision to stop admissions is not a better method of protest," he said.

"As a developing country, we need more UG (undergraduate) doctors and super speciality doctors also. At this juncture stopping admissions to these courses is a great loss to the health care delivery system of India," he added.

Requesting CMC to reconsider its decision, Ravindranath said DASE has been very clear from the beginning that NEET should be exempted for state government controlled medical seats only and no private institution, including CMC should be allowed to admit students directly.

"Even if the admission process is good in Vellore CMC, we cannot accept its method of fighting for its rights as a minority institution. It may admit students in a good and fair method but we cannot expect other minority institutions will follow the same," Ravindranath said.

--IANS

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Full-service passenger carrier Vistara on Wednesday said it will operate flights between Delhi and Jharkhand capital Ranchi from October 29 with the one-way fare starting from Rs 2,199 inclusive of taxes.

"Vistara will operate two flights daily between Delhi and Ranchi, providing a convenient same-day return option to travellers," the airline said in a statement.

The airline network will thus expand to 21 destinations with 660 weekly and almost 100 daily flights operated by a fleet of 16 Airbus A320 aircraft.

--IANS

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Russian state-run development bank Vnesheconombank (VEB) and Chinese fund manager China Merchants Capital have signed an MoU to jointly finance projects and set up high-tech and innovation funds, VEB said on Wednesday.

Under the memorandum of understanding signed on the sidelines of the BRICS leaders summit that ended here on Tuesday, "the parties are considering joint participation in a fund investing in Russian companies, including those focused on export," a Vnesheconombank statement said.

"I am sure that China Merchants Group will provide serious support to Russian innovation products in the Chinese market," VEB Chairman Sergey Gorkov said in a statement.

"The partnership also offers new opportunities for VEB's investment projects to enter the Chinese stock exchange market, which is to facilitate the increase in capitalization of the Russian high-tech companies," he added.

In the run up to the just-concluded BRICS summit, five banks of the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism (ICM) agreed to establish local currency credit lines and develop cooperation on credit ratings.

The agreement was signed by the CEOs of Exim Bank of India, Brazil's Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social, China Development Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa and Vnesheconombank.

The banks will establish a framework mechanism to extend credit lines in local currencies to the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) ICM members and the BRICS companies against guarantees of the signatory banks.

The agreement on credit ratings allows the ICM members to share information about internal credit ratings assigned to clients, as well as rating assessment and assignment methodologies.

Earlier this year, Kolkata-based Srei Infrastructure Finance signed an MoU with VEB to create a $200 million IT and Innovation Fund. This fund will enable Srei and VEB to jointly explore investment opportunities in technology companies in Russia, India and other selected regions.

--IANS

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As the lives of thousands of people living close to the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border in Jammu and remain on the edge, tensions between India and Pakistan suggest their suffering is not going to end anytime soon.

A day before and the day after the holy Muslim festival of Eid-ul-Azha on Saturday, Defence Ministry sources said the Pakistani army resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing to target military and civilian facilities in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

"During this year till August, there have been 285 ceasefire violations on the LoC and 221 on the international border by Pakistan.

"In 2016, during the entire year there had been just 228 such violations," government sources pointed out.

Ten people, including soldiers and civilians, have died in these truce violations.

The cross-LoC trade and the cross-LoC bus service between Chakan Da Bagh and Rawalakot, started as a confidence-building measure (CBM) between India and Pakistan, has remained suspended for the last two months due to heightened tensions on the LoC in Poonch district.

"We are passing through war times without India and Pakistan announcing a war on the LoC.

"Our lives, livestock and livelihood have remained hostage of guns fired by the two armies. We sow crops, but are never sure whether there would be anything to reap because of shells raining on our agricultural fields," said Noor Muhammad Kasana, who lives close to the LoC in the Mendhar sector.

The authorities had to shut educational institutions for three days before Eid because of indiscriminate shelling from across the LoC in the Mendhar sector.

The lives of thousands of villages living close to the international border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts are no better than those living close to the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

"We had hoped that the BJP coming to power in the Centre would end our miseries due to border firing. That has not happened.

"We have lost hope of a better tomorrow. We have been living here for generations and have nowhere else to go now.

"What happens to our children if the endless tragedy continues," asked Balbir Singh of R.S. Pura sector in Jammu district.

One can see the trench line dug by the Indian Army beyond which no civilian movement is allowed near the international border during times of aggressive firing and shelling by Pakistan Rangers.

The problem for the farmers in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts is that most of their agricultural land is situated beyond the trench line.

At places, even homes and schools are situated beyond the "out of bounds areas" while firing and shelling escalate on the international border.

The border residents are also angry with the state and central governments because they were promised land away from the shelling areas to relocate their homes. This, the villagers allege, has not happened.

"Ministers of the state and central governments have been coming here during the last three years. They promised us small pieces of land to build homes away from the shelling areas, but this has not happened till today.

"Each time tensions mount, we shift with families to makeshift accommodation in schools or religious places, where we remain till ordered to move back. We are living unsure, without any hope of the future", said Sham Lal, resident of Hira Nagar border area in Kathua district.

As in areas close to the LoC, the education of children becomes the first casualty of the shelling.

Schools in areas along the international border are closed the moment Pakistan starts indiscriminate shelling.

"Schools in areas close to international border remained closed for over a forthright during the last seven months due to border tensions", said an official of the provincial administration.

Disaster management teams, ambulances and makeshift accommodation are not good news for the border residents.

The arrival of these "facilities" have always brought horror into the lives of villagers living along the LoC and the international border.

Given the state of affairs, one can only avoid telling these innocent villagers that their tragedy is not going to end too soon.

(Sheikh Qayoom can be contacted at sheikh.abdul@ians.in)

--IANS

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Widespread protests by journalists, writers, politicians and civil society erupted on Wednesday in several cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram, to condemn the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh.

The Union Home Ministry has sought a report from the Karanataka government on the killing even as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the Kannada journalist's murder on Tuesday night at her house in Bengaluru.

Journalists, activists, writers, thinkers and women's organisations participated in Bengaluru and across the state in protests condemning the killing of Lankesh, the editor of Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike'.

People gathered at the Town Hall in Bengaluru for a silent protest, holding placards. "You can kill a person but not their ideas," read one placard. A silent demonstration was also staged by journalist groups at the Victoria Hospital grounds, where the autopsy was being conducted.

Across the state, protests were witnessed in Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Dharwad and Koppal, among other regions, where citizens took to the streets.

Journalists in Mysuru, wearing black ribbons around their shoulders, also held a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner's Office.

In New Delhi, the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) expressed deep shock and outrage at the incident.

In a statement, it said: "The silencing of a journalist in this manner has dangerous portents for Indian democracy."

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Vice President Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, Union Minister Smriti Irani and Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhter were among those who condemned Lankesh's killing.

The US Embassy too condemned the murder.

"The US Mission in India joins advocates of press freedom in India and worldwide in condemning the murder of respected journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru," the US Embassy said in a statement.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who opened fire at her when she returned home from her office in the city.

In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders. She was out on bail pending an appeal.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah cancelled all his engagements, including a day-long trip to Kerala, and ordered an SIT probe into the assassination.

"An SIT has been formed, headed by an Inspector-General-level officer, to investigate the journalist's killing," the Chief Minister told the after meeting top police officers at the state assembly Vidhan Soudha.

Asked if the investigation could be handed over to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team, Siddaramaiah said: "Have left it to the Director General of Police (R.K. Dutta) who will speak to the state Home Minister (Ramalinga Reddy) and decide."

The Karnataka Police has formed three special teams to nab the killers.

The BJP blamed the Congress-led Karnataka government for the incident. Union Ministers H.N. Ananth Kumar and Nitin Gadkari said it was for the Karnataka government to "seriously" probe the case and nab the culprits.

--IANS

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As Sikkimese film "Pahuna - The Little Visitors", produced by Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, gears up for its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Thursday, its director Paakhi A. Tyrewala says since the film deals with negative impact of political violence on the mind of children, she hopes for a peaceful world where there will be no need to make such film.

Sharing a little insight of the story of her film, Paakhi told IANS here: "Though the protagonists of the film are children, the film deals with a story which is an adult topic, very relevant to the present situation. Every action of adults affects children.

"Therefore, we should be very responsible for everything that we do, that we say. Socio-political turmoil and religious fights always affect children and this film shows how. I wish we do not need a film like 'Pahuna' after five years as I hope the world will be a more peaceful place by then."

"Pahuna" is being touted as the first ever Sikkimese language feature film.

It's a children's film with a realistic subject and tells the story of an unexplored land and in a language less spoken. All of these elements made it tougher to get financial support, but Paakhi loved the journey of making her first film.

"Making a film in Sikkimese language is first-of-its-kind. There was a series of discovery and that excited me a lot. But, it was not easy. People (producers and financiers) told me that they won't get returns from a children's film, that too in a language that is new to them, so finally when I met Dr Madhu Chopra and Priyanka, I actually mentioned these points at the first place.

"And then, they said, these are the reasons why they are interested in producing the film," she said.

Thanking her team, including the cinematographer, story translator, music director and sound engineer, Paakhi said: "Priyanka told me that if I can manage to make a good film, she will take me to an international platforma. Everything is happening. Hats off to my producers and the wonderful team that I have worked with. This film is as much theirs as mine."

Since Sikkim has no film industry, there are no professional actors apart from theatre actors from National School Of Drama (NSD), Sikkim. Therefore, the director had to go through an extensive process of auditioning to choose the right cast, followed by a three weeks long acting workshop and training by her mother Veena Mehta, who is an actress and lecturer at NSD.

"Oh God, that was something and I would like to tell you the story," she said excitedly.

"I auditioned and finalized two kids for the lead roles. But by the time we started shooting, their look changed, because my story is of kids of 8 or 9 years old. This is the phase of physical change, so a child of 11 or 12 years looks quite different from someone who is 8 or 9 years old. That 'baby look' goes away... They enter adulthood. So, I was like, 'Wow, now?'"

However, they later finalized two child actors from an earlier audition.

"I had (initially) rejected them because they were too tiny then, and they have done a fantastic job. They are brilliant and have all the potential to become a professional actor even in Bollywood," she said.

While the director is happy for her debut film's world premiere at the TIFF 2017, Paakhi said: "After liking the story, our producers expected one thing from me, and that was, to make a film that matches up the international standard. I think that is very important -- matching the quality, and telling a story in a manner that shouldn't look like just a regional film.

"I think we managed to do that. The cinematography is beautiful, it blends the beauty of mountains and faces of local people and local elements that give a glimpse of their world. It's a good looking fairy tale with a touch of reality."

(Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at arundhuti.b@ians.in)

--IANS

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The taller you are, the more likely you may be at risk of developing blood clots in veins, according to new study of more than two million siblings.

The findings showed that the risk of venous thromboembolism -- a type of blood clot that starts in a vein -- was associated with height, with the lowest risk being in shorter participants.

"Height in the population has increased, and continues increasing, which could be contributing to the fact that the incidence of thrombosis has increased," said lead researcher Bengt Zoller, Associate Professor at Lund University in Sweden.

According to Zoller, gravity may influence the association between height and venous thromboembolism risk.

"It could just be that because taller individuals have longer leg veins there is more surface area where problems can occur," Zoller said.

"There is also more gravitational pressure in leg veins of taller persons that can increase the risk of blood flow slowing or temporarily stopping."

For the study, reported in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics, the team looked at data on more than 1.6 million Swedish men born between 1951 and 1992, and data on more than one million Swedish women who had a first pregnancy between 1982 and 2012.

For men shorter than 5 feet 3 inches, the risk for venous thromboembolism dropped 65 per cent when compared to the men 6 feet 2 inches or taller.

For women shorter than 5 feet 1 inches who were pregnant for the first time, the risk for venous thromboembolism dropped 69 per cent, compared to women that were 6 feet or taller.

Besides, the risk of blood clots, previous studies have linked height also with cancer, heart problems, gestational diabetes and even longevity.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The issued by the leaders of the five BRICS nations  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  at the summit meeting in that provincial Chinese city represents a significant step forward for Indian diplomacy. The declaration, in words similar to those at the sixth Heart of Asia Conference in Amritsar last year, explicitly called out several Pakistan-based terror organisations and expressed concern on the security situation in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. It also referred to violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/Daesh, and Al-Qaida and its affiliates, including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and Hizb ut-Tahrir. It is worth noting that the Peoples Republic of China, whose leader Xi Jinping is a signatory to this declaration, had till recently been blocking the designation of the head of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group, Masood Azhar, as an international terrorist by the United Nations. This was done presumably to protect Beijings clients in Pakistan, where Azhar continues to move around freely and address massive rallies. It is not yet certain whether this declaration represents a change in Chinas stand on Azhar, but Indias efforts to make Beijing yield its obstructive position at the United Nations should continue.
While several market participants are using social media to express their pleasure at the growing equity culture in India, a few remain unimpressed. The chief executive officer of a top international brokerage said in Mumbai that although Indians were trying out the equity market, they still lacked investing discipline. Indians should be taught equity investments just like you teach children that they ought to brush their teeth twice a day, whether they eat junk food or dont, the CEO said. Investors should be made to understand that they must invest regularly, irrespective of the direction in which the market is moving.
The brutal murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh has yet again brought into sharp focus the issue of intolerance in Indian society. Lankesh, in her fifties, was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly published in Bengaluru, and was known for taking on right-wing Hindu fundamentalists with her sharp and stinging pieces. She had been receiving threats and online abuse for a while now with her paper being labelled anti-Establishment, and she was seen as an anti-Hindu and Maoist sympathiser. While there is no clear evidence to suggest who killed her, it is being widely suspected that right-wing fundamentalists were possibly behind the murder because of the recent history of her being harassed by them. Another reason for such apprehensions is the manner in which she was killed  it was very similar to the cold-blooded murders of at least three other rationalist thinkers, Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi, over the past few years.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Amit Shah on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Northeast Development Alliance (NEDA), which his party leads, would have governments in all the eight northeastern states. Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed that at least one minister from his ministerial council to visit the region each fortnight, and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) is preparing a roster for ministers.
Fifteen people died during idol immersion proceedings this Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra, as thousands of devotees bid adieu to the elephant-headed God in various corners of the state.

Till last night, 11 deaths were reported across the state. The figure rose to 15 today, officials at the state police headquarters here said.

Three persons drowned during Ganesh idol immersion in the Shivnai lake near Bidkin in Aurangabad district yesterday, while four people lost their lives in Pune, two in Jalgaon and one each in Nashik and Beed districts.

According to police, four more deaths were reported today, one each in Nashik, Ahmednagar, Satara and Parbhani.

However, the exact detail of the deaths is not yet known.

The famous 'Lalbaughcha Raja' idol was immersed in the Arabian Sea off Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai this morning after a 22-hour long procession.

The 'Dagduseth Halwai' Ganesh idol in Pune was immersed after a 20-hour long procession.

The immersion processions of Ganesh idols had begun yesterday amidst much fanfare and tight security, marking the culmination of the Ganesh festival that began on August 25.

Around 7,000 'sarvajanik' (public) idols and over 33,000 'gharguti' (home) idols were immersed here till 7 am today at various spots, which included beaches, natural and artificial ponds, an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told PTI.

Many idols were immersed in artificial ponds, set up by the BMC to prevent pollution of natural water bodies.

Chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Moraya, pudhchyavarshilavkar yaa' (Lord, come back quickly next year), devotees from all walks of life and age groups flooded the streets.

The lengthy processions could not dampen the spirit of the devotees who were seen singing and dancing on the streets.

The prime locations for the idol immersion in Mumbai were Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar Chowpatty, Madh jetty and Marve.

The authorities had also deployed helicopters and drones for surveillance.

Lifeguards were deployed at various water bodies, while control cells and first-aid centres were set up across the city. Motor boats and ambulances were also kept ready for any exigency.

The civic body had also set up portable toilets.

As many as 9,000 BMC employees oversaw the immersion proceedings.

The BMC had appealed devotees to inform the civic authorities if they needed any assistance or if they were stung by jelly fish or sting ray along the beaches.
Fifteen states and the District of Columbia sued the US government to block President Donald Trump's plan to end protection against deportation for young immigrants who New York's attorney general labeled the "best of America."



The lawsuit filed in federal court in Brooklyn yesterday asked a judge to strike down as unconstitutional the president's action involving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.

It called the move "a culmination of President Trump's oft-stated commitments ... To punish and disparage people with Mexican roots."



Also Read: Trump ends DACA: All you need to know about it and how Indians are impacted



The attorneys general who brought the lawsuit all Democrats represent states where the population of DACA participants known as "dreamers" ranges from hundreds to tens of thousands. They were brought to the US illegally as children or came with families who overstayed visas.

Trump's plan is "cruel, shortsighted, inhumane" and driven by a personal bias against Mexicans and Latinos, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman said.

He said the 42,000 New Yorkers with protected status under the program are largely model citizens.

"They are the best of America," Schneiderman said.

"Dreamers play by the rules. Dreamers work hard. Dreamers pay taxes. For most of them, America is the only home they've ever known. And they deserve to stay here," he added, using the term that came from a failed piece of legislation called the DREAM Act.

Also Read: US tech giants pledge to fight for 'Dreamers' hit by DACA



Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum called the government's action "indefensible" and said Trump was "playing chicken" by giving Congress six months to improve DACA or cancel it.

Devin M. O'Malley, a Justice Department spokesman, said the agency looks forward to defending the administration's position.

Under former President Barack Obama, Justice Department lawyers concluded in 2014 that DACA is lawful.

The lawsuit filed says rescinding DACA will injure state-run colleges and universities, upset workplaces and damage companies and economies that include immigrants covered under the program.

The lawsuit noted that Harvard University has over 50 DACA students while Tufts University has more than 25. Both schools are in Massachusetts.

"The consequence of the president's animus-driven decision is that approximately 800,000 persons who have availed themselves of the program will ultimately lose its protections" and be exposed to deportation, the lawsuit says. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday the program will end in six months so Congress can have time to find a legislative solution for people in the program.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit are New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

California, one of the most solid Democratic states, was noticeably absent.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra plans to file a separate lawsuit because a quarter of DACA recipients are California residents, his spokeswoman Bethany Lesser said. Under Trump's plan, people already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If that happens before March 5, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5. But the program isn't accepting new applications.

Opponents of the program said they are pleased with the Trump administration's decision. They called DACA an unconstitutional abuse of executive power.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson, both Democrats, called Trump's action cruel and outrageous, given that the decision was announced by Sessions rather than the president himself.

A half-dozen beneficiaries of DACA young adults from Mexico, Venezuela, Peru and elsewhere, including some now working at law firms or for the state Legislature - flanked Inslee and Ferguson at a news conference in Seattle announcing the lawsuit.

"It's outrageous, it's not right," an emotional Ferguson said. "As attorney general for the state of Washington, I have a hammer, it's the law."



Inslee said, "This is one more of a long train of abuses that this president has attempted to foist on this great nation."



Earlier this year, Ferguson sued Trump over his travel ban, prompting a federal judge to block nationwide enforcement.US tech giants pledge to fight for 'Dreamers' hit by DACA
Two Pakistani fishermen and three boats were apprehended today by a BSF patrol from the 'Harami Nala' creek area along the Indo-Pak border in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

A senior Border Security Force (BSF) official said the apprehension was made early today from the "vertical channel of the creek area" when a boat patrol of the force detected the presence of the fishermen in the area.

The two men, details about whom are being collected, were apprehended by the patrol party of 79th battalion of the force deployed in the area to guard the Indo-Pak border.

Few other items were recovered from the boats and the local police has been informed, the official said.

In the past, several fishing boats as well as Pakistani fishermen have been caught while fishing in the Indian side of the the creek area.

Given the sensitive nature of the area, even Indian fishermen are barred from fishing in the creek.

However, Pakistani fishermen often venture into Indian waters to catch fish, especially prawns, and then sail off to their side.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In order to curb road crashes, which kill over 400 people every day -- nearly half of them in the 18-35 age group, the states should utilise a portion of the central road fund (CRF) to fix "accidental spots", Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said today.

Releasing the 'Road Accidents in India - 2016' report, the Road Transport and Highways Minister said while overall road accidents last year declined by 4.1 per cent, the fatalities were up by 3.2 per cent, meaning more than 400 people lost their lives daily on roads.

The report mentioned that as many as 17 people died in 55 road accidents per hour on average last year, with 46.3 per cent of them in the 18-35 age group.

The working age group of 18-60 years constituted 83.3 per cent in the total road accident fatalities, it added.

Overall, 4,80,652 road accidents took place in India last year resulting in the loss of 1,50,785 lives and inflicting serious injuries on 4,94,624 persons.

"We are working to reduce fatalities not only on National Highways but on state highways and district roads as well. I have asked all state governments to utilise 10 per cent of the CRF in addressing flaws at accidental spots," Gadkari said.

Besides, Road Safety Committees should be constituted in districts, headed by senior most MPs with Deputy Collector as Secretary, and they will look into all aspects of accidents at that level, he said.

The minister said the target is to reduce the fatalities by 50 per cent in next two years and Road Safety Bill pending in Parliament, if cleared in the next session, will prove to be a milestone in addressing it.

Indicating a slew of steps to minimise accidents, Gadkari said these included installation of crash barriers and correcting design and engineering flaws in projects besides identifying about 786 black accidents spots and steps to correct these through an expenditure of about Rs 12,000 crore.

"I have no hesitation in admitting that faulty road engineering is also responsible for road accidents which we are now amending," he said, citing the example of Delhi-Jaipur highway where underpasses were constructed.

Based on the data reported by the police, drivers' fault was the single most important factor responsible for road accidents (84 per cent), killings (80.3 per cent) and injuries (83.9 per cent).

The report said 13 states accounted for 86 per cent of accidents. These are Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Haryana, Kerala, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

It said: "The number of road accidents relative to population, registered vehicles and road length are on a general declining trend from 2010.

"Number of accidents per lakh population declined from 42.5 in 2010 to 37.9 in 2016. Number of persons injured per lakh population decreased from 44.8 in 2010 to 39.0 in 2016. Number of persons killed per lakh population marginally increased from 11.4 in 2010 to 11.9 in 2016."



The National Highways constitute about 2 per cent of the total road network of India, but they accounted for 29.6 per cent of total road accidents and 34.5 per cent of total number of persons killed.

The State Highways accounted for 25.3 per cent of total accidents and 27.9 per cent of the total number of persons killed in road accident in 2016.

The report said maximum number of accidents occurred on two lane roads (1,90,800) followed by single lane (1,77,067) , four lane with median (67,179) and more than two lanes road without median (35,290) in the calendar year 2016.

Among the vehicle categories, two wheelers accounted for the highest share in total number of road accidents (33.8 per cent), followed by cars, jeeps and taxis (23.6 per cent), trucks, tempos, tractors and other articulated vehicles (21 per cent), Buses (7.8 per cent), Auto-Rickshaws (6.5 per cent) and other motor vehicles (2.8 per cent).

The report said the share of two wheelers in total road accidents has increased from 28.8 per cent in 2015 to 33.8 per cent in 2016.

"Any road accident is multi-causal... Within drivers' fault category, exceeding lawful speed accounted for a highest share of 66.5 per cent in accidents and 61.0 per cent of accident deaths," it said.

"However, in the total road accidents and total road accident killings, over speeding accounted for 55.9 per cent and 49.0 per cent respectively," it added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The fifth edition of Agritex exhibition-cum-conference, with a focus on agriculture, dairy, horticulture, food processing and aquaculture will get underway here from tomorrow.

Companies from the UK, Italy, Cyprus, Japan are participating in the three-day Agritex-2017, which will have agriculture, horticulture, dairy, food processing and aquaculture as its main conference theme, director of Kenes Exhibitions, Prema Zilberman, told reporters here today.

"This exhibition-cum-conference aims to sustain and augment agriculture, dairy and food Processing in Telangana by bringing farming community, agri and dairy, food processing and aqua specialists on a single platform," she said.

British Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Fleming said 13 companies from the UK involved in dairy, aquaculture, seeds, food processing and a business delegation are participating in the conference and they will share the best practices and their innovations.

"The companies will explore collaboration and business opportunities," Fleming said.

The event with over 100 exhibitors will showcase new trends and developments in the agriculture arena with special focus on Innovation and start-up pavilion, and 10,000-12,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, Prema added.

The conference will have special sessions on seed development and quality, integrated pest and disease management, seed processing, post-harvest technology and seed certification, supply chain management, logistics and marketing, farm mechanisation and water conservation, agri-financing and crop insurance, besides policies for seed business.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Oscar-winning documentarian, Alex Gibney, will direct the dramatic feature "American Hero".

The movie is based on the true story of US Army Captain Hugh Thompson, who defied orders and saved a number of civilian lives during the Vietnam War's infamous My Lai massacre. Thompson was eventually awarded the Soldier's Medal, the highest medal for bravery not involving direct conflict.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project marks Gibney's second narrative film following the political thriller, "The Action", which was announced last year.

Oscar-nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten is writing the original screenplay for "American Hero".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An American man and a Costa Rican woman have died when the small plane they were taking to Costa Rica's northwestern coast plunged to the ground shortly after takeoff, officials said.

Four other people survived the crash just outside the capital San Jose: an American and two Costa Ricans who were passengers; and the Costa Rican pilot yesterday.

They were in hospital in stable condition.

The national civil aviation authority opened an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

The American man killed was aged 70 and was also a naturalized citizen of Costa Rica, officials said. He died of his injuries after being taken to Calderon Guardia hospital in the capital.

The Costa Rican woman who died was aged 40. Her body was recovered from the plane, which ended up in a river bed at the bottom of a ravine.

The light aircraft had been heading from San Jose to Tamarindo, a town popular with tourists and American retirees.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Having junked the proposed metro project from Vijaywada, the Andhra Pradesh government today joined hands with a US-based company to introduce the futuristic "Hyperloop" transportation system in the state capital region, Amrawati.

If everything goes well, this will be the first Hyperloop project to be implemented in India.

The concept of Hyperloop mode of transportation is notably backed by business magnate and inventor Elon Musk. But it has not been implemented for practical use anywhere in the world yet.

The AP Economic Development Board (AP-EDB) and the US- based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) here. But an official release on the MoU did not disclose the probable cost of the project.

The project will be taken up in the public-private- partnership mode with the funding coming primarily from private investors, the release said.

Hyperloop envisages a 'tube modular transport system' that runs free of friction. It is still in trial stages in different countries.

Following his first interaction with HTT executives during the World Economic Forum in Switzerland in January, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held another round of talks with them at the Secretariat here recently.

HTT chairman and co-founder Bibop Gresta and EDB CEO J Krishna Kishore signed the MoU.

Hyperloop is proposed to be introduced between the city centres of Vijayawada and Amaravati. It will supposedly cover the distance of over 35 km only in five minutes.

Under the MoU, the HTT will conduct a feasibility study from the next month to "analyse the surrounding cityscapes to create the best route between the two cities".

"After the six-month feasibility study, we will construct and build the first Hyperloop in India," the HTT said.

"The AP-EDB, along with the state government, will assist HTT with all regulatory requirements and develop and implement Hyperloop in Amaravati," CEO Kishore was quoted as saying in the release.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Apollo Hospitals today launched a specialised geriatric care centre here and plans to open similar clinics in other cities.

Renowned film director and Dadasaheb Phalke awardee K Viswanath inaugurated the 'Apollo Elder Care Centre' at the Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills.

This exclusive centre for the elderly will be a comprehensive centre to diagnose the patient, comprehend his medical background and offer customised care, Apollo Hospitals said in a release.

Hari Prasad, President, Apollo Hospitals, said the clinic inaugurated today is the first Apollo Elder Care centre and that the Group will have five more similar centres within the next two months at Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkatta. "It will be subsequently taken to 60 plus group hospitals," it said.

Viswanath said senior citizens are often left to fend for themselves, at an age when they are vulnerable, as their children are encouraged to go abroad for career opportunities.

A geriatric centre would help them in such a situation, he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
An arrest warrant was on Wednesday issued against absconding GJM chief and seven others for their alleged involvement in the arson and violence reported from Darjeeling on June 8.

"The arrest warrant was issued by the chief judicial magistrate (CJM), Darjeeling on a prayer by the CID. The warrant has been issued against and seven others for their involvement in the arson and violence that took place outside the Bhanu Bhawan in Darjeeling on June 8," Ajoy Prasad, Special Superintendent, CID, told PTI.

The others against whom the warrant was issued were GJM general secretary Roshan Giri, GJM Yuva Morcha president Prakash Gurung, Amrit Yonzon, Ashok Chhetri, D K Pradhan, Tilak Roka and Asha Gurung, the GJM Mahila Morcha chief and wife of .

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is spearheading the agitation, which has been going on for over two-and-a-half months in the Darjeeling hills over the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Last week, the West Bengal police had issued a lookout notice against Gurung for his alleged involvement in various cases, including a bomb blast at the Kalimpong police station, in which a civic volunteer was killed.

On June 8, GJM supporters had indulged in violence and arson while attempting to march to the Raj Bhavan in Darjeeling town, which was hosting a cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the first time.

The Army was deployed after the protesters damaged police vehicles and set some of them ablaze, prompting the men in uniform to fire teargas shells and lathi charge the violent GJM supporters, who were opposing the "imposition" of Bengali in the schools of the hills.
Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland today appointed ADK-Fortune as its creative agency to take care of its brand campaigns in India.

ADK-Fortune in India is an equal partnership between Japan's Asatsu-DK and the British multinational communications firm, WPP group.

The account will be handled out of the agency's Gurgaon office, the agency said in a statement.

Commenting on the development, Ashok Leyland Head (Marketing and Corporate Communication) Rajesh Mani said: "I am sure this partnership will be fruitful for the brand with the intent of increasing brand awareness, higher top of mind recall and overall market share."



With offices in Gurgaon and Bangalore, ADK-Fortune is already working for brands like HMSI, MRF Tyres, Mankind Pharma and Greenlam Industries, among others.

******



KOR Energy installs Grid Tied Rooftop Solar System in Varanasi * Solar power firm KOR Energy today said that it has installed a 100 KWp Grid Tied Rooftop Solar System at Delhi Public School (DPS), Chandauli Mohansarai Bypass Road, Varanasi.

The project is a part of National Solar Mission and has a power generation capacity of 1, 45,000 units of electricity every year, the company statement said.

KOR Energy has used Polycrystalline Modules of 315Wp which is manufactured by leading PV module manufacturer Vikram Solar and solar string inverters of ABB Group to ensure maximum yield and performance consistency.

The system has remote monitoring of production that offers accurate fault recognition and real time performance monitoring.

Sushil Kumar Sarawgi, Director, KOR Energy (India) Pvt Ltd, said, "Rooftop Solar System installed at DPS will produce approximately 12000 units of electricity resulting in savings of Rs 85,000 per month to DPS.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bangladesh today summoned Myanmar's envoy here to protest against the fresh influx of Rohingya Muslim minority into the country and ask Naypyidaw to take steps to de-escalate violence in Rakhine state.

Charge'd affairs of the Myanmar embassy Aung Myint Than was summoned by director general (Southeast Asia) at the foreign ministry.

In the past 10 days, Than has been summoned for the fourth time. He was handed a protest note as influx of refugees is estimated to have exceeded 1,50,000 since the outbreak of violence in Buddhist majority Rakhine state.

Bangladesh also expressed concern at the reported laying down of anti-personnel landmine close to the zero line of the border by Myanmar security forces.

According to reports, Myanmar was laying landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh for the past three days while Bangladesh officials feared the purpose may have been to prevent the return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence.

The foreign office in a statement said Dhaka demanded immediate Naypyidaw steps to de-escalate violence in Rakhine and effective measures on urgent basis to stop the ongoing influx.

Bangladesh also regretted that appropriate measures for protection of civilian population (Rohingyas) have not been ensured during the military operation (Rakhine) that compelled huge number of desperate people to seek shelter in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought UN intervention in sending back Rohingyas.

"The UN should act in such a way to put pressure on Myanmar for immediate repatriation of their nationals," Hasina's press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted her as saying.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Border Security Force (BSF) today detained two Pakistani nationals and seized three boats from Harami Nalla in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat coast.

The Pakistani nationals and their boats were apprehended by the central security agency's patrolling team near pillar number 1,166 at Harami Nalla, the BSF said.

At least five other Pakistani nationals managed to escape, leaving behind the boat in which they were travelling, it said.

Following the apprehension, the BSF intensified combing operation in the area.

An initial investigation revealed that fishing material was being carried on the boats, the BSF said.

In April this year, the border forces had seized an abandoned Pakistani fishing boat from the same area off Gujarat coast in Kutch district.

The BSF patrolling team had also seized four such boats off Sir Creek area in February this year, even though the occupants had managed to escape across the border to the neighbouring country following a chase.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had also seized a Pakistani boat with nine crew members in March 25 this year.

In another major operation, the ICG had apprehended 26 Pakistani fishermen with five boats off Jakhau port on December 20 last year.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A candlelight vigil was organised here this evening as various media organisations and representatives, including the Mumbai Press Club and Bombay Union of Journalists, condemned the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

The vigil was held at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai and several members of the Mumbai media fraternity took part in it.

Some social activists also organised a protest meeting at the Carter Road Amphitheatre in suburban Bandra in the evening to condemn the killing of the journalist.

Lankesh (55), known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her Bengaluru residence last night.

"To protest and condemn the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, members of the Mumbai Press Club, TV Journalists' Association, Photographers' Association and Network of Women in Media joined the protest," Press Club secretary Dharmendra Jore said.

At Kolhapur, protests were held at the Bindu Chowk to condemn the killing of Lankesh.

Journalists in Nashik also condemned the killing, with the chairman of the All India Journalist Coordination Committee (AIJCC), Satish Rupvate, demanding the immediate arrest of Lankesh's assailants.

Lankesh had returned home in her car and was opening the gate of the vehicle when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her, killing her on the spot.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A principal director in the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has been booked by the CBI for allegedly diverting funds of the Coffee Board during her posting there.

Sharada Subramaniam, an Indian Audit and Accounts Service official, allegedly diverted Rs 16.2 crore of the Coffee Board into mutual fund causing a loss of Rs 53.3 lakh to the organisation and corresponding gain to herself during her posting as its Director, the CBI has alleged in the FIR.

Apart from her, Nagarajan, the then in-charge accounts officer of the Coffee Board, G Ananda, also in-charge accounts officer in the board, M Gururaj, managing partner of Green Homes and G S Financial Services and Sandeep Dash, ICAS, the then Finance Member, Bangalore Development Authority and husband of Subramaniam have also been booked by the CBI for allegedly acting in connivance.

The case pertains to the period between 1998 and 2003, the FIR registered on September 4 alleged.

Despite repeated calls, Subramaniam did not pick calls or responded to SMSes seeking her comments on the development.

Her personal biodata report given on the CAG website shows her "under suspension" from November 3, 2015.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
China said today it has invited Pakistan's Foreign Minister for talks, in an apparent move to assuage Islamabad's concerns after the BRICS countries for the first time named Pakistan-based terrorist groups like LeT and JeM in the grouping's declaration.

Foreign Minister Mohammed Asif will pay an official visit to China on September 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, he said.

"China and Pakistan are all weather strategic partners. The two sides have seen their relationship growing with a sound momentum, frequent high level exchanges and fruitful outcomes of political cooperation," he said.

Asif was supposed to travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this week to drum up support for Islamabad after US President Donald Trump warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues to support terror groups.

Asif's visit will be "another important event between the two sides which will further the cooperation consensus reached between the two leaders, deepen political cooperation centered on the China Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) and promote coordination and communication on international and regional affairs," he said.

India has protested to China over the USD 50 billion CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"Two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest," he said without mentioning the concerns in Pakistan over BRICS, (Brazil Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries naming Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Haqqani networks in their declaration.

The declaration of BRICS, of which China is a prominent member, had expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) active in China's Xinjiang and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, LeT, JeM, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

At the just concluded ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen the BRICS leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever. They stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.

The naming of the JeM outfit in the declaration also sparked speculation whether China would continue to resist efforts by India to bring about a UN ban on its leader Masood Azhar.

China has blocked the resolutions tabled by India and later by the US, backed by the UK and France, in the UN by putting repeated technical holds.

Pakistan yesterday rejected the BRICS declaration, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

China's endorsement of BRICS declaration, which is also seen as a significant diplomatic victory for India, was sharply criticised by a Chinese think tank, saying that it would strain close relations between China and Pakistan.

"It is beyond my understanding how China agreed to this. I don't think it is good idea," Hu Shisheng, Director of the official China Institute of Contemporary International Relations told PTI.

"This will irritate Pakistan. I don't think when the BRICS declaration is made, Pakistan is consulted. In the coming days Chinese diplomats have to explain to Pakistan. This is too costly to China. Pakistan will be very upset. After Trump denouncement of Pakistan, it is already feeling pressure. I feel little strange," he said.

Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told state-run Global Times today that "stressing counter-terrorism shows that the BRICS summit, which started from business cooperation, has expanded its cooperation to a more comprehensive level".

"China is also a victim of terrorism and is firmly against any kind of terrorism, and that's the main reason that the organisations are named in the declaration," Hu said.

Song Zhongping, an expert on international relations, said that terrorism could impact the BRICS mechanism.

"The organisations are already defined as terrorists by global society, and have threatened the security of the world and BRICS countries," Song said.

"The BRICS nations have named the organisations as the first step, and the next steps are to share information and build a security mechanism," Song added.

"In the future, sharing intelligence, building a drill mechanism and normalising these actions are the methods that the BRICS should refer to on counter-terrorism cooperation," Hu said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Opposing the TRS government's plan to construct a new Secretariat building complex, the Congress today said it would launch an agitation on the issue.

Telangana Congress president N Uttam Kumar Reddy, who visited the Bison Polo Ground here where the state government proposed to construct new Secretariat buildings, alleged that the move is not only a waste of money but also anti-environment.

"Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao seems to hate open spaces in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. He came up with different proposals to turn several green lung spaces into concrete jungles. Congress party will never allow this to happen under any circumstances," Reddy said.

Instead of wasting money on building a new secretariat, the chief minister should urge the Andhra Pradesh government to hand over the secretariat buildings in its possession as the neighbouring state has already shifted its administration to Amaravati (AP's permanent capital), he said.

"The present Secretariat complex has more than sufficient space after the Andhra Pradesh government moved all its employees and infrastructure to its interim secretariat near Vijayawada. Instead of wasting over Rs. 2,000 crore on new secretariat, KCR should persuade his AP counterpart Chandrababu Naidu to formally hand over the blocks which are lying empty," the Congress leader said.

Rao is behaving like a royal who does things as per his wish, he alleged.

"Citing Vaastu defects, he (Rao) constructed a new palatial house for his accommodation at a cost of over Rs. 350 crore. Pragati Bhavan (CM's new official residence) has virtually turned into the new secretariat as the CM is holding Cabinet and review meetings from the same premises. KCR himself is not visiting the present secretariat and therefore, why does he need a new secretariat," Reddy asked.

Many blocks in the present secretariat complex are not even 10 years old, he said.

"They are not more than 10 years old and are in good condition. Crores of rupees was also spent on renovation of blocks in Secretariat allotted to both the chief ministers. Entire money spent on renovation would go waste," he said.

Rao had met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who held additional charge of Defence prior to recent Union Cabinet reshuffle, to urge him to handover Bison Polo Ground which was in the possession of Defence Ministry.

"Jaitley informed the CM that the Centre is willing to handover Bison Polo Ground for the construction of a new secretariat and required lands for the expansion of Karimnagar and Medchal highways," a release from Rao's office had said after his meeting with Jaitely.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Congress today condemned the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh with party president Sonia Gandhi saying it was a chilling reminder that "intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society".

Her son and party vice president Rahul Gandhi, senior leader P Chidambaram and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also expressed shock at the killing of the journalist in Bengaluru yesterday.

In condemning this debilitating attack, the Congress party stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity, Sonia Gandhi said.

The Congress president described Lankesh as one with fearless and independent views, who had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement.

"It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society," she said.

Sonia Gandhi as well as Rahul Gandhi have spoken to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the culprits to the book.

"Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state," she added.

Expressing her deepest condolences to Lankesh's family and friends, the Congress president said she offered her prayers.

The Congress vice president said no one could suppress the truth.

He also said it was very important that the perpetrators were caught and punished and the chief minister had assured him of that.

"Anybody who speaks against the ideology of BJP and RSS, is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed," Rahul Gandhi told reporters.

The Congress vice president attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described him as a "skilled Hindutva politician", what he spoke had a different meaning for his base and another one for the world.

"No one can suppress the truth. The RSS and BJP ideology is trying to suppress the truth but this cannot happen in India," he said.

Asked about Modi's silence on the issue, Gandhi said, "...But the entire ideology is to silence voices".

"When sometimes the prime minister feels there is too much pressure to speak then he says something, but the entire ideology is to crush dissent and this is resulting in a serious problem in India," he said.

"The idea is there should be only one voice in this country. There should not be any other voice except one voice and that is just not the nature of this country," he said.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram also spoke out.

"Gauri Lankesh: another anti-establishment voice silenced. Freedom is in peril.

"Liberty will survive only where contrarian views are freely spoken and written," he said on Twitter.

He added that Lankesh was afraid of no one. "Who was afraid of Gauri Lankesh?" he asked.

The Punjab chief minister said such brazen intolerance had no place in a civilised democratic society.

"Strongly condemn Gauri Lankesh murder. No place for such brazen intolerance in a civilised democratic society. Exemplary punishment needed," Singh said.

Lankesh, 55, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence last evening.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Punjab AAP today accused the Congress and the SAD-BJP alliance of "completely ruining" the state through "corruption and mismanagement" in the last 25 years.

Both parties have always made "false promises" to people in elections and never "bothered" to redress their basic problems after winning, AAP state president and MP Bhagwant Mann alleged at a political conference at the Chhapar Mela.

Launching a scathing attack, he alleged that Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had backtracked from his promise of a complete waiver of farm debt. "As a result, there has been a spurt in farmers' suicides in state," Mann said.

The AAP state president expressed serious concern over notices being issued to defaulting farmers and their photos being displayed at banks.

He termed it as an "insult to the injuries" of farming community of Punjab and charged the Congress of failing to implement any of its promises including enhancement of old age pensions to Rs 2,500 per month and jobs to unemployed youth.

Lok Insaaf Party patron and MLA Balwinder Bains lambasted the Congress and the SAD-BJP for allegedly "looting" the natural resources and demanded the implementation of the assembly's resolution for recovering royalty for water from Rajasthan and other states.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Communist Party of India (CPI) today questioned the "astonishing silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the killing of Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh.

The party alleged that "right-wing and fanatic forces" were behind the attack.

"I strongly condemn her killing. The right-wing fascist forces have become so aggressive that they are taking law into their hands. This attack is part of their sinister design," CPI national secretary D Raja said.

He urged the people to unite and resist the "fascist onslaught" on dissenting voices.

CPI leader Atul Kumar Anjan said the killing was also an attack on freedom of press.

"Many political parties and leaders have condemned the gruesome attack by the fanatics. But the silence of the prime minister and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is an astonishing one," he said.

Gauri (55), an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru yesterday.

She ran Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike'.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania today accused former minister Eknath Khadse of making obscene remarks against her and demanded the arrest of the BJP leader, who denied the charge.

Damania is among the petitioners who have filed a PIL in the Mumbai High Court seeking action against Khadse for alleged graft.

The activist said that she has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the state women's commission seeking action against Khadse for his remarks.

She demanded that Khadse be arrested under IPC section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty).

"I have written to the CM seeking Khadse's arrest over the obscene comments he made against me while speaking at a public meeting in Jalgaon," the former AAP leader claimed.

Khadse, however, denied having made any such remarks against Damania.

"I have never made any obscene remarks against her," he said.

Jalgaon district Superintendent of Police Dattatreya Karale said that the "police will record statements of the persons concerned".

The Bombay High Court had recently asked the Maharashtra government to inform it in the next three weeks what steps it has taken in the last 10 months against Khadse, against whom corruption allegations were levelled by Damania.

Damania and others had filed a public interest litigation (PIL), alleging that Khadse had amassed huge wealth.

The property owned by Khadse and his relatives was thoroughly disproportionate to the known sources of income, the PIL had alleged.

Khadse stepped down as Revenue Minister last June after allegations of impropriety surfaced against him in the purchase of an industrial plot near Pune in the name of his wife and son-in-law.

He was subsequently examined by a single-member inquiry committee.

Meanwhile, Khadse told reporters today that a Government Resolution (GR) of 1995 on the basis of which the land grabbing allegations were levelled against him has been withdrawn.

The Muktainagar MLA said he was given a letter by the state Industries department on August 2 this year to this effect.

"The letter says that after the introduction of Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act in 2013, the circular published in 1995 became ineffective," he claimed.

Khadse, trying hard for his political rehabilitation since he was sidelined in the BJP, said he had raised this issue several times in the state legislature, but failed to get any reply.

"After the recent monsoon session, I was given this letter and I am hopeful of getting relief in court," he said.

On Damania's allegations that he had made 'obscene' remarks, Khadse said, "There is a code of conduct for the BJP workers and I follow it strictly. I have never used such language against any woman including Damania".

Khadse also questionned the 'timing' of the allegations brought up against him by the activist.

"I think whenever of cabinet expansion or a legal hearing against me is scheduled, she (Damania) pops up with baseless allegations," he said.

The BJP leader said Damania might be angry with him as he didn't allow her bid to purchase some agricultural land in Raigad district when he was Revenue minister.

"Damania had tried to purchase some agricultural land, which was turned down by me. She may be angry with me. However, whatever had happened then was on a merit basis. I had no personal grudge against her," he claimed.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Social activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania today sought the intervention of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the arrest of minister Eknath Khadse for making alleged obscene remarks against her.

She said she has also written to the state women's commission seeking action against Khadse and demanded his arrest under IPC section 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty).

"I have written to the CM seeking Khadse's arrest over the obscene comments he made against me while speaking at a public meeting in Jalgaon," the former AAP leader said.

Khadse, however, denied having made any remarks against Damania.

"I have never made any obscene remarks against her," he said.

Jalgaon district Superintendent of Police Dattatreya Karale said "police will record statements of the persons concerned."



The Bombay High Court had recently asked the Maharashtra government to inform it in the next three weeks what steps it has taken in the last 10 months against Khadse, against whom corruption allegations were levelled by Damania.

Damania and others had filed a public interest litigation (PIL), alleging that Khadse had amassed huge wealth.

The property owned by Khadse and his relatives was thoroughly disproportionate to the known sources of income, the PIL had said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi government today approved a proposal allowing the Irrigation and Flood Control department to carry out development works in unauthorised colonies in addition to the DSIIDC.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here.

The move is intended to expedite development works in these colonies in the city.

At present, the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) is the only executing agency for carrying out civic projects, including constructing drains and roads in unauthorised colonies.

"The Delhi Cabinet, in its meeting, chaired by the chief minister approved the proposal of the Urban Development Department to entrust the development works in unauthorised colonies to Irrigation and Flood Control Department in addition to the DSIIDC," the AAP government said in a statement.

It also stated that the finance department will provide additional funds to the executing agencies for development works.

Last month, during the Monsoon session of the Delhi Assembly, several MLAs had complained that there had been a delay in executing civic projects in all 1,700 unauthorised colonies in their respective constituencies.

Responding to legislators' complaints, Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain had then said the government had made a plan to allow the Flood and Irrigation department to look after development works in such colonies along with the DSIIDC.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Sidelined AIADMK (Amma) deputy chief T T V Dhinakaran is slated to meet Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao tomorrow, for the first time after 19 MLAs loyal to him expressed lack of confidence in Chief Minister K Palaniswami.

The Governor has given appointment at 12.30 PM tomorrow for Dhinakaran and his team, Raj Bhavan sources said.

Appointment for a total of 10 persons, including Dhinakaran, had been given, the sources said adding details about the other members of the delegation was not known.

However, Dhinakaran's key aides are expected to accompany him during the meeting which comes amid demands by opposition parties, including DMK, that the Governor direct Palaniswami to prove his majority in the assembly in view of the revolt.

A day after the formal merger of the two factions of ruling AIADMK led by Palaniswami and then rebel leader and present Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, the 19 MLAs owing allegiance to Dhinakaran had met Rao on August 22 and said they had lost confidence in the Chief Minister.

They had wanted his removal. The camp's strength has since then grown to 21 MLAs who are staying in neighbouring Puducehrry.

Palaniswami and Dhinakaran are involved in a tussle for power with the unified AIADMK declaring that the latter had been removed from the Deputy General Secretary post on August 10 itself and questioning his authority to make changes in the party set up.

DMK, Congress and Left parties had also met President Ramnath Kovind seeking a direction to the Governor to order a floor test.

Incidentally, during the hearing of a PIL seeking a floor test in the Madras High Court, the state Advocate General had contended that the revolt by 19 MLAs was an internal affair of AIADMK and the Governor cannot interfere in the matter.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former Union minister Milind Deora today said the Election Commission should disqualify the political parties, whose names end with 'Sena' or 'Fauj'.

"Political parties whose names end with 'Sena' or 'Fauj' insinuate & justify violence. EC must disqualify them. India isn't at war," the former Congress MP tweeted.

Talking to PTI, Deora said, "Any name, which implies 'army', virtually means that they want to fight and are talking about violence."



"Such a name suggests that the party is open to violence as a method. A party means you want to join the democratic movement. But if you call it something else, adding the words Sena or Fauj or Lashkar, it is suggestive of violence," he said.

"You are obviously encouraging or allowing violence by using such a nomenclature," Deora said.

He, however, made it clear that his demand has "nothing to do with parties like Shiv Sena or the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena" and that it was a "general comment".

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The Editors Guild of India today "strongly condemned" the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh and called for a judicial probe into the incident.

Gauri, an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, had "fearlessly" expressed her views on key issues in the Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' edited by her, as well as in other fora.

"The Editors Guild of India is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the murder of Gauri Lankesh.

"Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on freedom of press," it said in a statement.

The body also demanded that the Karnataka government act with alacrity to bring the culprits to book, apart from instituting a judicial probe into the killing.

The 55-year-old Kannada journalist was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru yesterday.

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(UK) Ltd, which owns and operates UK's Stanlow Refinery, on Wednesday said it will invest $250 million in expanding the refining capacity and is targeting 400 petrol pumps in Britain in 5-years.

The investment in revamp of certain units of the refinery would help cut down on crude oil processing cost, improve product slate and lead to marginal increase in capacity, chief executive S Thangapandian said.

Refinery capacity would increase from 9.09 million tonnes per annum to 9.7 million tonnes by March 2018, he said.

Chief Financial Officer P Sampath said the revamp would add $1 to refining margin, translating into $70-75 million revenue.

"The project will deliver enhanced yields of high-value products, reduce crude costs and drive revenue growth," Thangapandian said.

The company reported a 17 per cent drop in March quarter net profit to $54 million, mainly because of one-time tax adjustment.

The company earned $9.2 on turning every barrel of crude oil into fuel in the January-March period as compared to $6.8 a barrel current price gross refining margin (CP-GRM).

Revenue was up 39.5 per cent to $1.32 billion.

For the full year, the company reported a net profit of $168 million on a revenue of $4.92 billion.

The firm, controlled by Ruia-family of Mumbai that sold to Russia's Rosneft for $12.9 billion, now has a net worth of $981 million.

He said the company has 39 petrol pumps in UK currently and has permission to set up another 14. "Our long term target is to have 400 outlets in five years," he added.

The company has also entered into the direct aviation fuel supply market, selling the fuel produced at Stanlow to major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Jet2.Com and Oman Air.

These direct sales presently make up for 10 per cent of the 1.2 million tonnes of jet fuel produced at Stanlow. Going forward, the company is looking to scale up the sales to 40- 50 per cent, he said.

UK non-executive chairman Prashant Ruia said: "The major investment we have confirmed in Stanlow will materially increase throughput and further grow revenues, building on the tremendous progress we have made in turning around the business over the past six years".

Sampath said with a strong financial base and key improvement projects set to be completed this fiscal, the firm is looking to continued growth with an increased commercial focus.

Essar has invested over $800 million since acquiring Stanlow in July 2011.
The EU's top court today ordered a lower court to reconsider its rejection of an appeal by US chip giant Intel against one of the EU's biggest-ever fines for breaking competition rules.

The decision by the European Court of Justice keeps alive one of the longest running EU competition court cases in history that could have a huge impact in similar cases against Google and chipmaker Qualcomm.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, in 2009 slapped a then record fine of 1.06 billion euros ($1.16 billion) on Intel after it said the company had offered clients price rebates to use its own computer chips in preference to rival AMD.

Intel then appealed to the General Court, second only to the European Court of Justice, but lost the case in 2014.

"The Court refers the case back to the General Court so that it may examine, in the light of the arguments put forward by Intel, whether the rebates at issue are capable of restricting competition," the court said in a statement.

A victory for Intel would bring a rare defeat for the European Commission that has not lost a major anti-trust case in decades.

The fine against Intel was a record at the time, but the EU surpassed it in June with a 2.4 billion euro ($2.8 billion) against Google over its online shopping service.

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A father-son duo, wanted for allegedly killing an official of the CRPF in Haryana, were arrested here, the police said today.

Surender Singh (47), a former sarpanch of Panchi village in Haryana, and and his son Praveen (27) are accused of killing Sajjan Pal in Gannaur, Sonepat, in 2015.

Singh's son Harpal was shot dead by Pal's relatives in 2013, the police said.

The accused were declared proclaimed offenders in the case and carried a reward of Rs 50,000 each on their head, the police said.

Acting on a tip-off, the duo were nabbed yesterday from near Shani Mandir in Alipur.

A .32 bore revolver and six cartridges were seized from Singh's possession.

Singh was elected the sarpanch of Panchi village the second time in 2015.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court today directed private schools which have failed to refund the excess fee charged by them despite a government order, to deposit 75 per cent of the principal amount within 14 days to avoid any coercive action.

A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Najmi Waziri directed these city schools to deposit the amount in the form of "cash, fix deposits receipts or bank guarantees favouring the Registrar General" in the High Court Registry.

The court took strong exception that over six years have passed since 2011 and the schools have failed to comply with Justice Anil Dev Singh committee recommendations to refund the excess fees on some pretext or the other.

"We had given you adequate time to schools to put your house in order. Yet, the schools have not complied with our order. They must themselves deposit the amount extracted in excess from students.

"We acknowledge that there may be variations in the amount calculated by the committee. But to say that halt the whole process, is not fair. We can't pass a blanket order that don't recover the money. You deposit the amount and we are inclined to give an expeditious hearing," the bench observed.

The High Court was hearing a bunch of pleas filed by various private schools seeking recall of the Justice Anil Dev Singh committee recommendations to refund excess fees.

They had also challenged a May 29 notice of Directorate of Education (DoE) ordering refund of the excess fees charged by schools, failing which the institutions could face de- recognition or takeover by the department.

The court directed various schools and the DoE to sit together and articulate the broader issues relating to findings of the committee, which the petitioners were challenging in the case.

The direction came after senior advocates Salman Khurshid and Amit Sibal, appearing for some private schools, said there were discrepancies in the findings of the committee and had challenged some of its recommendations including computation of the excess fees.

The bench posted the matter for hearing on September 25.

The High Court had earlier said it would seek implementation of the recommendations of a panel set up by it to look into the excess fees charged by private schools here on the pretext of implementing the 6th Pay Commission.

On May 31, the DoE had told the court that private schools which do not refund the excess fees charged by them on the pretext of implementing the 6th PC, will face de- recognition or takeover.

After examining 1092 private schools, the panel had said that 531 among them had charged excess fee and recommended that it should be refunded with nine per cent interest. It had also recommended special inspection of 247 schools.

The high court had set up the panel and issued directions for refund of excess fees in 2011 on a plea by the NGO, Delhi Abhibhavak Mahasangh.

Thereafter, the NGO had moved the court claiming that over 500 private schools were yet to refund Rs 350 crore of excess fee taken from students on the pretext of implementing the 6th PC. It had also sought initiation of contempt proceedings against all such institutions.

To ensure compliance of the panel's recommendations, the DoE had on May 29 this year issued a notice to several defaulting schools, telling them that failure to refund the excess fees as recommended by the committee could lead to their de-recognition or taking over of their management by the department.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A fire broke out in an ethanol producing company following explosion in one of its tanks near here this afternoon, but no casualty was reported, police said.

The incident took place at around 12.55 pm in the company, BYS, located near the Mumbai-Agra national highway, they said.

A tank containing ethanol, a bio-fuel derived from molasses and a variety of other feedstocks, exploded suddenly, causing fire in the company premises, said an official from Wadivhare police station.

Fire tenders from Igatpuri and Nashik rushed to the spot to douse the flames, he said.

Under a government policy, ethanol, which is cost- effective and pollution-free, is mixed with petrol. Ethanol blending in petrol results in saving of petrol to the extent of its blending and consequent foreign exchange.

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"The Exorcist" director William Friedkin said that filming a real exorcism was a "terrifying" experience for him.

The 82-year-old filmmaker said he felt a range of emotions from being afraid to feeling apathy for the woman on whom the exorcism was being performed for his documentary, "The Devil and Father Amorth", reported Variety.

"It was terrifying. I went from being afraid of what could happen to feeling a great deal of empathy with this woman's pain and suffering, which is obvious in the film," Friedkin said on the sidelines of the movie's screening at the Venice Film Festival.

The director also revealed he shot the sequence alone with no lights.

"I had to shoot it alone, obviously. The conditions were that I come along with no crew and no lights. So I used a Sony still camera that shot high-definition video. I had only that camera running and I was about two feet away from them, probably even closer," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The cold-blooded murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru unleashed outrage across the country today even as the Karnataka government quickly set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing.

As the media fraternity and members of civil society reacted with horror and staged protests in Bengaluru, Delhi and several other cities, leaders cutting across party lines condemned the murder. However, top leaders of the Congress and the BJP were locked in a spat over the killing in Bengaluru last night.

"Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on freedom of press," the Editors Guild of India said in a statement.

In an audacious attack, unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants pumped bullets into 55-year-old Gauri, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, as she left her car after reaching her home.

As the killing in poll-bound Karnataka sent shock waves, Chief Minister Siddaramaiahannounced a SIT probe headed by an Inspector General-level officer immediately, saying his government had an "open mind" to an investigation by CBI, which the slain journalist's family has demanded. He said the murder of the senior journalist was an "organised crime."



The chief minister also instructed the police to identify and give protection to freethinkers and those involved in the Left movement.

Briefing reporters after chairing a meeting of senior police officials with Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy to take stock of the investigation, Siddaramaiah said he had told the police that the case should be taken "very seriously."



No deadline has been fixed for the SIT, but they have been asked to take up the work immediately, he said.

Investigators pinned their hopes on the CCTV footage to get some clues about the identity of the killers.

When asked about the evidence gathered so far, Siddaramaiah said there were four CCTV cameras installed at Gauri's house, and one of them had caught the image of a person wearing a helmet entering the gate and firing at her after which she collapsed two to three feet away.

Scores of journalists gathered at the Press Club of India in the national capital and demanded justice amid calls for standing up to "forces" trying to "muzzle" the voices of dissent.

Author and senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta termed the killing as "a defining moment" in the history of Indian media.

Journalists took out a march from the Press Club in Bengaluru to the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking immediate action to bring the culprits to book.

"We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media," the memorandum said.

Press Club of Bengaluru president Sadashiva Shenoy, who was closely associated with Gauri, said, "divisive forces cannot muzzle the liberal voices byresorting to killing."



"We demand that a judicial committee should be constituted headed by a sitting high court judge to probe the brutal killing," Shenoy said.

The Union Home Ministry also sought a report from the Karnataka government over the incident.

Gauri's murder comes just days after the second anniversary of the killing of noted Kannada writer and rationalist Dr M MKalburgi (77), who fell to bullets fired by two unidentified men at his residence at Dharwad in north Karnataka on August 30, 2015.

Asked whether there was any similarity between the killings of Gauri and Kalburgi, Siddaramaiah said, "investigation is in the preliminary stage. It is true that it is an organised crime, let police look into it."



Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said the "series of killings" of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives.

Echoing her views, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi asserted that anybody who speaks against the ideology of BJP and RSS, is "pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed."



Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari hit back, terming as "irresponsible, baseless and false" the Congress allegation seeking to link the killing of Gauri to the BJP or people following its ideology.

Slamming the statements of Sonia and Rahul, he said levelling "untrue" allegations against the BJP is injustice to his party and detrimental to democracy.

"The present government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh," Gadkari told reporters. Another BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao accused Rahul of trying to seek "political capital" out of the murder,.

After being in the mainstream media, working with The Times of India at its Bengaluru edition, 'Sunday' magazine and a Telugu T V channel, Gauri took over the mantle from her father P Lankesh, a progressive writer, to run "Lankesh Patrike". A family feud led her to start her own tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike" in 2005.

With Left leanings, Gauri, an outspoken activist, was also actively involved in bringing Naxals into the mainstream and often came in conflict with rightwing outfits.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A gurdwara in the US state of California has been vandalised with hate messages scrawled on its walls, including one calling for 'nuking' Sikhs.

The incident took place at the Vermont Gurdwara in Los Angeles, also known as the Hollywood Sikh Temple.

A witness confronted the vandal and caught him on cell phone footage walking away from the gurdwara's wall without any explanation, NBC Los Angeles reported.

"I said I was going to call the police on him at which point he said he felt threatened," Karna Ray, the witness who filmed the vandalism, said. "He said, 'I will slit your throat'".

Hollywood police were investigating the hate messages written on the side of the gurdwara.

Ray, who is from New York, was visiting a friend on Thursday when he saw the man writing long incoherent messages with a black maker on the pristine white wall of the gurdwara and started recording him with his cell phone.

He then uploaded the video on Facebook and received thousands of comments.

Ray was particularly disturbed by one of three separate passages calling for the "nuking" of Sikhs, according to Fox 11.

According to a Facebook post by Ray, the vandal flashed a razor at him as he made his threat.

Ray said the hateful message left on the walls of the gurdwara counters everything the Sikh community stands for.

A member of the gurdwara hoped to invite the vandal to a service so he could experience what the community believes in.

"I would love to invite the person in the temple, make him, show him what he is missing," Sarab Gil was quoted as saying.

Nirinjan Singh Khalsa of California's Sikh Council is in close contact with the Los Angeles Police Department about the case.

"This particular incident isn't a matter of swastikas and 'go home, ragheads,' which we get sometimes," Khalsa said. "This seems to be a diatribe by someone who may or may not be mentally imbalanced," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao today asked the state Lokayukta to investigate into the permissions granted by Housing Minister Prakash Mehta with regard to a slum rehabilitation scheme in Mumbai.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had requested the governor to issue a direction to the Lokayukta to launch an investigation into the matter, a Raj Bhavan spokesperson said.

The scheme relates to rehabilitation of a slum at the M P Mill Compound in south Mumbai.

"In a letter to the governor, the chief minister had stated that he had made a statement before both the Houses of state Legislature that in regard to the allegations against Prakash Mehta pertaining to the grant of permission in the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme, an inquiry would be entrusted to the Lokayukta of Maharashtra," the spokesperson said.

The governor ordered investigation under sub-section (3) of section 17 of the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act-1971, he said.

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The Delhi High Court today directed the CBI to take necessary steps to trace JNU student Najeeb Ahmad, who has been missing since October last year.

The high court gave its direction after examining the status report filed by the CBI. The agency, in its report, gave details of the steps taken by it to trace the student and sought time to conclude the probe.

"We direct CBI to take all necessary steps to trace the missing person who is missing since October 15, 2016," a bench of Justices G S Sistani and Chander Shekhar said.

The court asked the CBI its reason for placing the status report in a sealed cover.

The CBI counsel responded by saying that they do not want the names of witnesses to be revealed.

The agency's counsel informed the bench that they had examined 26 persons, including JNU officials, staff, Najeeb's friends, colleagues and those who had any issue with him, during the investigation.

The court was hearing a plea from Najeeb's mother, Fatima Nafees, who moved the court on November 25 last year to trace her son, a first-year MSc Biotechnology student who went missing from the Mahi Mandavi hostel in JNU.

The counsel, appearing for his mother, also gave suggestions to the CBI to be included in its probe.

The high court had on August 8 pulled up the CBI saying the case was "not transferred to the agency for fun". It had filed the same report regarding its probe that was placed on record in the previous hearing.

The high court had on May 16 ordered the CBI to take over the probe into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the student.

The student went missing after an altercation with some students belonging to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in the campus. Later, students of the RSS-affiliated ABVP denied any involvement in his disappearance.

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A PIL was today filed in the Madras High Court Bench here seeking to ban the proposed indefinite strike by government employees and teachers in Tamil Nadu.

Petitioner T Sekaran said the Joint Action Council of Government Teachers and Employees Organisations (JACTO GEO) has given the call for the strike from tomorrow to press their demands including restoration of the old pension scheme.

The petition is likely to come up for hearing tomorrow.

The council had claimed that 12 lakh teachers and employees would joint the strike, the petitioner said, adding general public would be affected by the proposed agitation.

Though he had sent a representation to the state chief secretary seeking to prevent the employees from going on a strike and ensure smooth functioning of government offices and educational institutes, so far no action had been taken, he contended.

The strike had been called to "threaten" the government and to get more pay, he alleged.

Contending that the employees were already getting adequate salary, the petitioner said if the pay was further hiked, the government would not be able to implement welfare programmes.

Instead of finding alternative way to project their demands, the employees were trying to bring government to a halt by resorting to the strike.

Strike was not a basic right and it was against the service and conduct rules, the petitioner claimed.

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Following are the top stories from the western region at 2100 hrs.

BOM 3 MH-JOURNALIST-PROTEST



Mumbai: Various media organisations led by the Mumbai Press Club and Bombay Union of Journalists condemn the killing of Kannda journo Gauri Lankesh and seek a speedy probe in the case.

BOM 6 MH-MINISTER-PROBE



Mumbai: Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao asks the state Lokayukta to investigate into the permissions granted by Housing Minister Prakash Mehta with regard to a slum rehabilitation scheme in Mumbai.

BOM 9 GJ-PAKISTANIS HELD



Kutch: The Border Security Force (BSF) detains two Pakistani nationals and seizes three boats in the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast.

BOM 11 MP-BLUE WHALE BAN-CM



Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan says his government is making efforts to ban the online game 'Blue Whale Challenge', which allegedly incites participants to commit suicide.

BOM 21 MH-KHADSE-LD DAMANIA



Mumbai: Activist and former AAP leader Anjali Damania accuses former minister Eknath Khadse of making obscene remarks against her and demands his arrest.

BOM 23 MP-LIQUOR-SUSPENSION



Indore: The Madhya Pradesh government suspends six Excise department officials after an alleged scam worth Rs 41.40 crore related to the liquor contracts exposed.

BES 19 GJ-DIGVIJAYA-PM



Ahmedabad: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh says Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have "fooled" people in the name of the "failed" Gujarat model of development.

LGB 4: MH-HC-BLUEWHALE



Mumbai: A PIL in the Bombay High Court seeks a direction to government to act against the backdrop of suicides due to 'Blue Whale Challenge' being reported from various parts of the country.

BES 20 MP-PATKAR-SARDAR SAROVAR



Bhopal: Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar says the move to dedicate the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) to nation on September 17 is politically motivated in view of upcoming Gujarat polls.

BCM 23 BIZ-PWC-CYBERSECURITY



Mumbai: Experts feel that India requires locally developed tools and niche workforce to protect its cyberspace.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Two-wheeler major Honda, which is at a striking distance to overtake Hero as the No 1 player, having narrowed the gap between them to just 56,617 units in August, says it is confident of meeting the 20 per cent volume growth in the year and continue to lead the industry growth.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has grown 22 per cent in the first half of the fiscal, while the industry managed just 11 per cent, which means that Honda has consistently been adding 50 per cent of the incremental volume year-to-date to August, according to Siam data.

Honda has also retained its No 2 tag in terms of bike volume since April, overtaking Bajaj Auto with a wide margin and increasing its market share to 17 per cent-adding a full 300 bps to its market share pie YTD.

However, it is not vocal enough to overtake its estranged partner to become the No 1 two-wheeler maker sooner than the 2020 deadline its Tokyo headquarters has given to it saying it is constrained by low capacity.

"With our present capacity of 24,000 units a day, we cannot sustain the present volume growth. But we have appointed an internal panel to study the need to add more capacity at the earliest, which again is not possible in 2018," senior VP-sales & marketing YS Guleria told PTI today.

In August, Honda reported its best-ever sales numbers clipping at 26.4 per cent to 6,22,180 units, while Hero MotorCorp sold 10.1 per cent more units at 6,78,797 in the month, its best-ever as well.

When asked whether they will advance the 2020 target to become the No 1 two-wheeler maker, he said, "We are constrained by capacity. If at all we want to add more capacity, we can't do so even in 2018 as it takes at least 14 months to add an assembly line. So that headquarters' target remains."



He said even the 0.6 million capacity added last month at its Bangalore plant is consumed already and will touch the full capacity of 2,200 units a day by the month end.

On sales target, he said, "With the first half getting me 22 per cent, I am pretty sure of meeting my 20 per cent volume target this year. But I am not revising it upwards again due to our capacity constraints."



The company has an installed capacity of 6.4 million units at its 11 assembly lines spanning four plants.

Guleria said even adding a third shift is not feasible as we have to have a shift for maintenance and other machine tooling and other activities.

Guleria attributed the break-neck growth to all-round showing by the company, especially the bikes, which has been consistently going up and retaining the no 2 tag since April growing at 43 per cent YTD. Similarly, in scooters we have grown at 19 per cent against industry's 18 per cent helping us retain our market at 59 per cent.

"We're firing from all the six cylinders- five regions plus exports, which grew 40 per cent since April to 1,50,438 units, making us lead the industry in this segment too. There is not a single region, where we have not grown less than 30 per cent in festival sales. While our sales grew 85 per cent during the Ganesh festival in the Western region over last year, for Onam we grew 41 per cent this year," Guleria said.

Honda had clocked Rs 20,000 crore revenues last fiscal and hopes to touch Rs 25,000 crore this year he said, adding that their cumulative investment stands Rs 9,482 crore in the country and employs 22,000, of which 40 per cent on the rolls at its four plants.

In August, Honda's domestic sales rose 25.1 per cent to 5,86,173 units of which motorcycles sales were at 1,91,944 units up 47.73 per cent and scooters at 3,94,229 units,up 17.2 per cent and exports for the first time crossed 36,000 mark.

"On the domestic front, both scooters and bikes touched their highest sales mark. We are seeing increased footfalls at dealerships and are fully equipped to cater to the high demand during the festive period," Guleria said.

As against this, Bajaj Auto sales inched up a pale 3 per cent in August to 3,35,031 units of which domestic bikes sales were only 1,71,664 units down 1.75 per cent and exports at 1,34,372, up 7.47 per cent.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hurricane Irma roared into the Caribbean with record-setting force early today, shaking people in their homes on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda on a path toward Puerto Rico and possibly Florida by the weekend.

Irma, which was the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded north of the Caribbean and east of the Gulf of Mexico, passed almost directly over the island of Barbuda, according to the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami.

Authorities in the small islands of the eastern Caribbean were still evaluating the situation as the sun rose though there were widespread reports of flooding and downed trees.

Antiguan police were waiting until the winds dropped before sending helicopters to check on damage reports of damage in Barbuda. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

"We are glad so far for the good that we have had so far," Donald McPhail, executive director of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, said early today as he heard from employees around the region after hunkering down for the night at home in Antigua.

The island of Anguilla was experiencing "extremely heavy winds and rain," according to the Disaster Management Department and there were reports of flooding, but details were not yet available.

The centre of the storm was about 25 kilometres west of St Martin and Anguilla about 8 a.M. Today, the hurricane centre said. It was heading west-northwest at 26 km/h.

As the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 2 a.M., phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

In Barbuda, the storm ripped the roof off the island's police station, forcing officers to seek refuge in the fire station and at the community centre that served as an official shelter. The Category 5 storm also knocked out communication between islands. Midcie Francis of the National Office of Disaster Services confirmed there was damage to several homes, but said it was too early to assess the extent of damage.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 295 kph, according to the Hurricane Centre. It said winds would likely fluctuate slightly, but the storm would remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two. The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico today.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Slain journalist Gauri Lankesh was today held up as a symbol of free speech and dissent, as journalists and activists warned against treating her killing as an isolated incident.

The murder of the editor of Kannada publication 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' should be seen in the context of a climate of "hate and intolerance" in the country, speaker after speaker said at a condolence meeting attended by hundreds at the Press Club of India here.

Voices in the nearly two-hour-long meeting also expressed concern over the reaction in social media from a section that greeted Lankesh's chilling murder with glee and tasteless jibes at the political views she held.

"The voices that were celebrating Lankesh's killing are products of the political climate that has been created. We have created a society where it smiles around your corpse," said television journalist Ravish Kumar.

Members of the media fraternity, including the Editor's Guild, as well as rights organisations and student actvists, condemned the incident, describing it as a brutal assault on the freedom of the press.

The press club meet also saw the presence of CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI national secretary D Raja, Dipankar Bhattacharya of the CPI (ML), Aam Aadmi Party's Ashutosh and Sanjay Singh, Congress's Shobha Oza and former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, among others.

Veteran journalist H K Dua said it had to be kept in mind that Lankesh was killed as she dissented against the "prevailing philosophy" and fought for the right to free speech and the right to report.

The issue of celebratory tweets after Lankesh's killing by social media hate mongers, who were followed on Twitter by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was also repeatedly flagged by the speakers.

They also criticised the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah in Karnataka for having "failed" to bring the assailants of rationalist scholar M M Kalburgi to book till date and also referred to the lack of progress in cracking the murder cases of CPI leader Govind Pansare and rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in Maharashtra.

Pansare's daughter Megha, who was among the speakers, said the probe into her father's death picked up a little only when the Bombay high court intervened and directed the CBI to redouble its efforts to trace the culprits.

Yechury called for a larger campaign against the "eerie pattern" of assaults and killings while Raja said the incident pointed towards the emergence of "fascism" in India.

The presence of politicians triggered some unease among a section of journalists with television anchor Rajdeep Sardesai stressing the need to ensure that netas should not "hijack" such events.

His view found takers among many others, though there were some who believed that if politicians had come to support the cause of journalists, they should be welcomed.

Kanhaiya, who said Lankesh was a mother-fgure to him, referred to the slander campaign against her on the social media, where she has been described by many as a Maoist ideologue.

"Today those who proudly proclaim their allegiance to a brand of hyper-nationalism should remember that in future they can also be in the line of fire," he said, while political activist Yogendra Yadav held that Lankesh was silenced as she stood for a "culturally rooted secularism".

An outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Rajrajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru last evening.

Lawyer Vrinda Grover, who was present at the protest meet, expressed her horror over the killing, and said, "We are living in very dangerous times".

"This was not a one-off, random case. Lankesh was killed because she stood and fought for ideas of justice and values enshrined in our Constitution -- liberty, equality," she said.

Many spoke about the urgent need to fight intolerance.

"This is not good. We cannot go on gathering at condolences," Ravish Kumar rued.

Student leader Kanhaiya stressed that the times were difficult for journalists and activists.

"But bullets cannot kill ideas," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Karnataka Intelligence IGP B K Singh will head the Special Investigation Team set up by the state government to probe the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh.

DCP (West) M N Anucheth will be the Investigating Officer of the 21-member SIT, state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said.

"The government has passed an order in this regard," he told PTI here.

Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision to form a SIT to investigate the brutal killing, which has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.

He also said his government had an "open mind" to an investigation by CBI, a demand made by the slain journalist's family.

"I have given direction to the police that this case should be taken very seriously and it should be investigated exclusively by a special team, so a Special Investigation Teamheaded by IG level officer will be constituted immediately,"Siddaramaiah had told reporters.

55-year old Gauri Lankesh, known as an anti-establishment voice with strident anti-right wing views, was shot dead at close range by unknown assailants at her home here yesterday.

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Students from IIT Kharagpur are organizing a pan India competition on technology ideation for young innovators from schools.

The Young Innovators' Programme (YIP) is a platform to foster young minds belonging to the 8th to the 10th classes with scientific quest and inspire them to ideate new solutions of technological challenges currently faced in the world.

The competition will be covering key area such as energy, agriculture and food sciences, environment, hardware modelling, product designing and BioTech, an IIT-KGP spokesperson said.

The competition has three rounds.

While proposals from about 250 teams comprising 600 students from across India were considered for evaluation, 60 teams were shortlisted for the second round based on the concept note of the project prepared by the students.

In the second round, the students will be presenting detailed project synopsis based on which selection for the final round will be made.

"We are amazed to see how students have used their scientific knowledge to apply these for real-life problems and come up with technological propositions such as automatic writing pen, device for persons with disabilities, agricultural drone, horticultural treatment of sewage, drying-agent cooler for CFC emission," Debanjan Nayak, a 4th year student from the Branding and Relations Cell, a student group conducting this competition, said.

The final round is scheduled to be held on October 4 this year at the IIT Kharagpur campus.

The finalists will get the opportunity to present their projects in front of distinguished researchers from among the faculty and alumni of the institute.

The finalists would be required to prepare a model to demonstrate their ideas and proposed solutions to the taken up problem.

"The teams capable of presenting a lucid and achievable demonstration of their ideas would take away the prizes," another IIT-KGP student from the organising team Souvik Bhowmik said.

Professor Baidurya Bhattacharya, Associate Dean at IIT-KGP said, "IIT Kharagpur's main aim is to develop every student's interest towards research, right from young age. Hence, we are conducting this Young Innovators' Programme, promoting the enthusiasm for research in the country.

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Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said corruption, illicit liquor, illegal coal and sand mining would not be allowed in the state.

Addressing officials - Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police during a review meeting here, Das said whenever complaints of illicit liquor, illegal coal and sand mining come the area police inspector in charge and official concerned would be immediately suspended.

A toll free number is being created on which any person could give information about illicit liquor and the person's identity would be kept secret, the chief minister said.

Asking the police and civil administration to work in coordination and pro-actively, he said law and order should be such that no one could indulge in crime.

He said that developmental works are going on well and Jharkhand is second in developmental matters and a little more push would take Jharkhand to number one position.

The chief minister said in the next five years every district should create its own vision plan which it wants to see in the next five years, an official release said quoting him.

Saying that development is the response to eradicating extremism, Das said all officials should create obsession in rooting out poverty and every work be taken in a campaign mode.

Jharkhand is the first state in the country in soil heath card and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Bima Yozana while second in growth rate, Das claimed, while crediting the achievements to team Jharkhand.

The chief minister asked the officials to identify anti-development forces and those misleading tribals and take action against them.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Japan have agreed to collaborate closely in defence production, including on dual- use technologies, as the two countries resolved to ramp up overall military engagement under the bilateral special strategic framework.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera yesterday held wide-ranging talks, as part of the India-Japan annual defence ministerial dialogue in Tokyo during which issues relating to the US-2 amphibious aircraft also figured, a joint press statement said.

The decision by India and Japan to boost defence ties comes amid escalating tension in the region in the wake of the nuclear test by North Korea and China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The two sides also agreed to commence technical discussions for research collaboration in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicles and Robotics.

India plans to buy the US-2 ShinMaywa aircraft from Japan for its navy. Last year, China had reacted angrily to reports that Japan plans to sell weapons to India at cheaper prices, saying that such a move is disgraceful.

The two sides also agreed to ramp up counter-terror cooperation, besides deepening engagement among navies, air forces and ground forces of the two countries.

"The Ministers exchanged views and ideas with the aim to further strengthen defence and security cooperation under the framework of the 'Japan-lndia Special Strategic and Global Partnership'," the statement said today.

It said Jaitley and Onodera deliberated on the current security situation in the Indo-Pacific region and condemned in the strongest terms North Korea's latest nuclear test and called upon the country to cease such action which adversely impacts peace and stability of the region and beyond.

Reviewing bilateral defence ties, they commended the progress made in discussions to identify specific areas of collaboration in the field of defence equipment and technology cooperation for production of various military platforms.

"They noted the effort made by both countries regarding the cooperation on US-2 amphibious aircraft," said the statement.

The ministers endorsed the importance of enhancing interaction between governments and defence industries of the two countries to encourage collaboration, including for defence and dual-use technologies.

In the meeting, Jaitley briefed about India's policy reforms in the defence manufacturing sectors, saying the country offers huge opportunities for foreign industries to play an active role.

Seeking to further intensify naval cooperation, Onodera expressed his intention to have state-of-the-art Japanese assets, including P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to participate in next year's trilateral Malabar naval exercise which also involves the US Navy.

"The two sides will consider inclusion of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training to expand cooperation. In addition the ministers agreed to pursue exchanges and training by ASW aviation units such as P-3C," the statement said. P-3C is an anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft.

The Japanese side proposed to invite Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training held by it.

Jaitley attended the dialogue with Japan as defence minister though Nirmala Sitharaman was given the defence portfolio in the cabinet reshuffle on Sunday. Jaitley had said there were logistical constraints for her to attend the dialogue.

At the talks, the two sides also welcomed the constructive engagement between Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistic Agency (ATLA) and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The defence and security cooperation between India and Japan is on an upswing and both countries are exploring ways to further deepen it.

Prime Minister Modi had visited Japan in November last year during which both sides had decided to ramp up bilateral defence and security cooperation.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat today said the country should be prepared for a two-front war, insisting China has started "flexing its muscles", while there seems to be no scope for reconciliation with Pakistan whose military and polity saw an adversary in India.

Referring to the 73-day long Dokalam standoff, the Army chief warned that the situation could gradually snowball into a larger conflict on the northern border.

He said there is a possibility that these conflicts could be limited in space and time or can expand into an all out war along the entire frontier, with Pakistan taking advantage of the situation.

"We have to be prepared. In our context, therefore, warfare lies within the realm of reality," he said, adding the Army's supremacy among the three services must be maintained to successfully combat external security threats.

The comments by Gen. Rawat came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a "forward-looking" approach to Sino-India ties, putting behind the Dokalam standoff.

The Army Chief said India cannot afford to let its guard down against China.

"As far as northern adversary is concerned, the flexing of muscle has started. The salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, testing our limits of threshold is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations emerging which could gradually emerge into conflict," he said.

In military parlance salami slicing denotes divide and conquer process of threats and alliances used to overcome opposition.

He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies.

The Army chief also talked about China engaging in a psychological warfare by using the media and information technology against India during the Dokalam face-off.

The Army chief rejected the notion that credible deterrence could prevent war and pitched for adequate budgetary allocation for the armed forces.

Talking about Pakistan, Gen. Rawat said there was no scope for any reconciliation with that country.

"As far as our western adversary is considered, we don't see any scope of reconciliation, because their military, the polity, and the people in that nation have been made to believe that there is an adversary, India, which is all out to break their nation into pieces," he said.

Gen. Rawat also wondered how long the country will continue to tolerate the proxy war by Pakistan and when it would conclude that Pakistan has crossed the threshold limit, adding the scope of a possible conflict is difficult to predict. He said it was for the political masters to take a call on the issue.

Rawat also explained that credible deterrence does not take away the threat of war.

"Nuclear weapons are weapons of deterrence. Yes, they are. But to say that they can deter war or they will not allow nations to go to war, in our context that may also not be true," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India and Myanmar today agreed that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region and the fight against the menace should also include strong measures against countries and entities who finance and provide sanctuary to terrorists.

In a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, the two sides called on the international community to end selective and partial approaches to combating terrorism.

The two leaders discussed the security situation prevailing along their borders and expressed concern at various incidents of terrorism and extremist-inspired violence that have taken place in their countries.

The two sides agreed that the fight against terrorism should target not only terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against States and entities that encourage, support or finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, the statement said.

Myanmar condemned the recent terror attacks during the Amarnath Yatra in India as also various acts of terror perpetrated by terrorists from across the borders.

On its part, India condemned the recent terrorist attacks in northern Rakhine State, wherein several members of the Myanmar security forces lost their lives.

"Both sides agreed that terrorism violates human rights and there should, therefore, be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs," the joint statement said.

They jointly called for the expeditious finalisation and adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the United Nations General Assembly, it added.

Recognising that maintenance of security and stability along the common border is essential for the socio-economic development of the peoples of the border areas, Myanmar reaffirmed its respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

Myanmar also vowed not to allow any insurgent group to utilise its soil to undertake hostile acts against India, the statement said.

Prime Minister Modi appreciated the measures taken by Myanmar towards peace and national reconciliation and commended the on-going peace process in the country.

He noted that peace and stability in Myanmar are of the highest priority to India and reiterated India's continued support to Myanmar in consolidating democratic institutions in the country and for the emergence of a democratic Federal Republic, the statement said.

Noting that the situation in the troubled Rakhine State had a developmental as well as a security dimension, the two sides agreed to bring about overall socio-economic development there by undertaking both infrastructure and socio-economic projects, particularly in the spheres of education, health, agriculture and allied activities.

Myanmar welcomed India's offer of assistance under the Rakhine State Development Programme and the two sides agreed to finalize the implementation modalities within the next few months, the statement added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India said on Wednesday that it shares Myanmar's concerns over the "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state and urged all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the country's unity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation with Modi emphasising that it was important to maintain stability along the long land and maritime borders of the two countries.

Modi's first bilateral visit in Myanmar comes at a time when the Myanmarese government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya refugees that have poured across the Bangladeshi border in just two weeks after Myanmar's military launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state.

Modi, in his joint press statement with Suu Kyi after the talks, said India understands the problems being faced by Myanmar.

He said India shares Myanmar's concerns over the "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state, especially the loss of innocent lives of the people and the military personnel.

"When it comes to a big peace process or finding a solution to a problem, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution which respects the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar," Modi said.

At the same time, the solution can bring about peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all, he said.

After Modi-Suu Kyi talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.

Modi, in his statement, stressed on scaling up security cooperation, saying that being neighbours, the two countries have similar security concerns.

Taking a strong stance on terror, Suu Kyi said, "Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries."

Suu Kyi also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine state last month, killing 12 security personnel.

Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

He said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit the country.

"We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka saathsabkavikaas' initiative," Modi said.

He also lauded Suu Kyi's leadership in Myanmar's peace process.

The meeting between Modi and Suu Kyi came on a day she was quoted as telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that global outrage over Myanmar's treatment of its Rohingya Muslims was being fuelled by "a huge iceberg of misinformation".

Sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by "a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists", Suu Kyi was quoted by an official statement as telling Erdogan in a call.

Suu Kyi has come under fire in recent days for failing to speak out against violence targeting Rohingyas, particularly given her previous image as a champion of human rights.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS Summit.

Yesterday, Modi called on Myanmarese President Htin Kyaw, describing it as a "wonderful meeting".

They had discussed steps to deepen the "historical relationship" between the two neighbours.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
India said today that it shares Myanmar's concerns over "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state from where 125,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the country's unity.

Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, asserted that it was important to maintain the security and stability of the land and maritime boundaries of the two countries.

The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation.

Modi's first bilateral visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya Muslims that have poured into Bangladesh in just two weeks after Myanmar's military launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state.

Modi, in his joint press statement with Suu Kyi after the talks, said India understands the problems being faced by Myanmar.

He said India shares Myanmar's concerns over "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state, especially the loss of innocent lives of the people and the security personnel.

"When it comes to a big peace process or finding a solution to a special issue, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution which while respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar ensures peace, justice and dignity for all," Modi said.

His remarks came a day after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and will be deported from India.

Rijiju had asserted that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

After Modi-Suu Kyi talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.

Modi, in his statement, stressed on scaling up security cooperation, saying that being neighbours, the two countries have similar security concerns.

Taking a strong stance on terror, Suu Kyi said, "Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take root on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries."



Suu Kyi also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine state last month, killing 12 security personnel.

The meeting between Modi and Suu Kyi came on a day she was quoted as telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that global outrage over Myanmar's treatment of its Rohingya Muslims was being fuelled by "a huge iceberg of misinformation".

Sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by "a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists", Suu Kyi was quoted by an official statement as telling Erdogan in a call.

Suu Kyi has come under fire in recent days for failing to speak out against violence targeting Rohingyas, particularly given her previous image as a champion of human rights.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.

Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

He said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit the country.

Modi highlighted the development initiatives India was undertaking in Mynamar especially in capacity building, which Suu Kyi said her country needed the most.

"I believe the democratic experience of India is relevant for Myanmar and that is why we are proud of our massive support in the capacity building of the executive, legislature, election commission and press council and other institutions in Myanmar," Modi said.

Talking about India's assistance to Myanmar, he said the work on the Paletwa Inland Waterways Terminal and Sittwe port under the Kaladan project has been completed.

Modi also noted that the high-speed diesel from India has started coming through trucks to meet the needs of Upper Myanmar.

Under the development partnership, Modi highlighted India's assistance in the development of high quality education and healthcare and research facilities in Myanmar.

He said in future also India would take up projects that will be according to the needs and priorities of Myanmar.

"Today's agreements will strengthen our all-round bilateral cooperation," the prime minister said.

He also lauded Suu Kyi's leadership in Myanmar's peace process.

Earlier, during the delegation-level talks, Modi said, "We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka saath sabka vikaas' initiative."



He said deepening the relationship with Myanmar was a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of the 'Act East Policy'.

Later in the day, Modi flew to Bagan and paid respects at the Ananda Temple there.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS Summit.

Yesterday, Modi called on Myanmarese President Htin Kyaw, describing it as a "wonderful meeting".

They had discussed steps to deepen the "historical relationship" between the two neighbours.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As a native Houstonian, Ive been shocked and saddened by the devastation that Hurricane Harvey has left in its wake, as I know all of us have. I remember when the people of Houston stepped up to offer shelter, food and a new home to victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. I have faith that they will do the same now for their fellow citizens.

But Houstonians arent the only ones who can pitch in during this crisis. Roadrunner Food Bank (full details on their website) recently released a list of ways that New Mexicans can help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

1. Donate money to any of the following Feeding America food banks in the areas affected by Harvey:

Food Bank of Corpus Christi

Food Bank of the Golden Crescent

Houston Food Bank

Southeast Texas Food Bank

San Antonio Food Bank

2. Donate directly to Feeding America (feedingamerica.org) to help them allocate resources appropriately across the state.

3. Check the list below of items that are particularly needed by disaster relief teams, then find a Bernalillo County drop-off location near you:

Hand-held snack items such as granola bars

Pop-top ready-to-eat items

Shelf-stable pantry items such as peanut butter, canned tuna and soup

Bottled water

Cleaning supplies (bleach, non-bleach, paper towels, etc.)

Personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.)

Bernalillo County Drop-off Locations:

All BernCo community centers

County Managers Office, One Civic Plaza, 10th floor

Treasurers Office, One Civic Plaza, basement level

Court of Wills, Estates and Probate, One Civic Plaza, 6th floor

BernCo office at Union Square Building, 111 Union Square SE

Public Works Division, 2400 Broadway SE

Sheriffs Department Headquarters, 400 Roma NW, 4th floor

All Area Command Centers

Fire Department Headquarters, Atrium Building, 6840 Second Street NW

Metropolitan Detention Center, 100 Deputy Dean Miera SW

East Mountain Transfer Station, 711 Highway 333 (old Route 66)

If you have the time and ability, also consider making a trip down to Houston to volunteer for a disaster relief organization such as Habitat for Humanity. The people of Houston will be hurting from this for many months and years to come, so dont feel like any donation of money, food or time is too little or too late.
India and Myanmar today signed 11 agreements in a range of sectors, including one on maritime security cooperation, to further strengthen their multifaceted partnership.

The MoUs were signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

India and Myanmar signed an MoU to strengthen maritime security cooperation.

The two sides also signed an agreement for sharing white shipping information to improve data sharing on non-classified merchant navy ships or cargo ships.

The 11 MoUs also include one between the Election Commission and Union Election of Myanmar, the national level electoral commission of Myanmar. An MoU was also signed to organise cultural exchange programme for the period 2017-2020, according to a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs.

The two countries also signed agreements on cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and Press Council of India, extension of agreement on the establishment of India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT skill.

They also signed agreements to cooperate in 'Medical Products Regulation' and in the field of health and medicine.

They also signed an MoU on enhancing the cooperation on upgradation of the women's police training centre at Yamethin in Myanmar.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Watching a dapper Matan Fishov in a crisp white shirt and a pair of black trousers, sitting at a classic Boston piano pretty much makes for a pleasant evening, which only gets better when you hear his fingers run through the keys.

But, what is interesting to know about the 24-year-old Israeli pianist, who flew in to give Delhiites two lovely evenings of spectacular piano recital, is that he mastered the instrument in barely 10 years, unlike most of his ilk.

In the absence of any musical background, Fichov's tryst with the piano began only at the age of 13, much later than most pianists who start as early as three.

"I was attracted to the piano for the first time during one of the music lessons at school, and then my interest grew deeper when I saw a close friend of mine, also called Matan, playing the instrument," he told PTI.

What followed was a decade of rigorous training, first under the mentorship of Eva Malkin, and a few years later with Jonathan Zak, a professor at Buchmann-Mehta School of Music in Tel-Aviv University.

And now, Fishov has over 200 solo piano recitals performed across Israel, Estonia, Germany and Spain to his credit.

Fishov, however, has a long way to go.

Currently, he only interprets and performs the works of other composers, and is yet to create something of his own. But, when he does decide to move forward, he said Indian classical music is something that he would turn to for inspiration.

"Indian classical music is like magic," he said.

Indian music, to Fishov, is "something coming from a far away land" that lends him the virtuosity, lyricism, and interpretive sensitivity for his recitals.

"We have a lot of French composers like Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel who are inspired from the east and Indian classical music makes me connect to them," he said.

A constant influence on Fishov has been that of Munich born Israeli composer Paul Ben-Haim, whose Arabic music is renowned in the Middle Eastern country.

"I play a lot of music by him. The flute, and the sound of the desert and the orient is simply magical," he said.

Among other inspirations are Polish composer Frederic Chopin and German composer Johannes Brahms, who he admires for their "intimate" music.

For his recitals at the India Habitat Centre and India International Centre here, Fishov chose a collection of by some of the greatest composers.

Beethoven's Sonata number 27 op 90, Brahms' intermezzi op 117, Russian composer Alexander Scriabin's 'The last 7 preludes op 11', German composer Johann Sebastian Bach's prelude and fugue no 14 from Book II, BWV 883 and Chopin's 'Polonaise Fantaisie op 61', were part of his performances.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Indians are becoming more generous in stepping up to support others in tough times, according to a new study that shows the country climbing up the of global generosity.

India's ranking improved to 81 from 91 in the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) for the year 2017.

The survey found that global giving has declined across continents, barring Africa which recorded a positive shift in giving habits.

The survey was conducted on parameters including number of people donating money, volunteering time and helping a stranger and 1,46,000 people were interviewed across 139 countries, a CAF statement said.

Asia witnessed a decline as compared to Africa in all three giving behaviours with those donating money falling from 37 to 33 per cent, helping a stranger decreasing from 51 to 47 per cent and volunteering down to 21 per cent.

Only six of the G20 countries appear in the top 20 and all experienced a decline in their WGI score, said the statement from the UK-based charity.

Myanmar retained its crown as the world's most generous country for the fourth year in a row. However, despite maintaining its position it also experienced a drop in its overall score, down from 70 to 65 per cent.

Africa is the only continent to buck this downward trend, experiencing an upswing across all three giving behaviours (against its five year average).

Kenya was one of the continent?s star performers, jumping from twelfth place to third with an eight percentage point increase in its WGI score, the statement added.

The Charities Aid Foundation, which delivers more than ?500 million to charities annually, has been producing the CAF since 2010 in order to inform wider research into the state of charitable giving at a and international level.

(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.)
German Ambassador to India Martin Ney today stressed on the need for having right energy mix, saying that focus must be on both energy efficiency as well as renewables.

"The need of the hour is to set the priorities right. There is a variety of complex issues, the solution is an intelligent energy mix coupled with focus on both energy efficiency and renewable energy," Ney said at an international conference on "Large-Scale Grid Integration of Renewable Energy" here.

The US Agency for International Development and Deutsche Gesellschaft f?r Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), under the bilateral cooperation with the power ministry and the ministry of new and renewable energy, jointly hosted the conference.

More than 300 representatives and energy experts from 28 countries including the US and Germany are attending the three-day conference to share their experiences, highlight challenges and develop India-specific solutions for integrating large-amount of renewable energy into the system.

India plans to deploy an unprecedented 175 gigawatts of renewable energy into its power grid by 2022, which can greatly strengthen the country?s energy security and reduce carbon intensity.

Highlighting the importance of the conference, Mark Anthony White, USAID Mission Director to India, said: "The Government of India has set a precedent in the world and USAID's commitment toward helping India achieve its clean energy goal is strong and unrelenting."



The conference aims to stimulate interdisciplinary thinking between renewable energy developers, power transmission and distribution industries, as well as education and research institutions. The opening day covered deliberations between representatives from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Central Electricity Authority, Central Electricity and Regulatory Commission, Power System Operation Corporation Limited on technical and economic issues.

Over the next two days, the conference will focus on renewable energy grid integration aspects ranging from forecasting, reliable system operation, transmission and market operation for reliable grid operations under high variability that accompanies clean energy.

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Hurricane Irma will exact a "heavy, cruel" toll on two French Caribbean islands, President Emmanuel Macron said today after a crisis meeting with key ministers in Paris.

"It's too soon for casualty figures (but) I can already tell you the toll will be heavy and cruel," a sombre Macron said, flanked by Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and Interior Minister Gerard Collomb. "And the damage on the two islands (St Barts and St Martin) will be considerable.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has briefed Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, which has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.

Officials at the CMO said Siddaramaiah spoke to Gandhi over phone.

Confirming his talks with Siddaramaiah, Gandhi said in a tweet, "Spoke to the CM of Karnataka andmentioned that it's very important that people who havemurdered Gauri Lankesh are caught and punished."



On hisofficial twitter account, the Congress vice president said anybody who speaks against RSS/BJP isattacked and even killed. "They want to imposeonly one ideology which is against the nature of India," he said.

"Sometimes the PM speaks under pressure but the entire idea is to crush dissent and this is resulting in a very serious problem in India," he said in a series of tweet.

Siddaramaiah today also announced an SIT probe, to be headedby Inspector General-level officer in the matter, saying his government hadan "open mind" to an investigation by the CBI, which the slainjournalist's family has demanded.

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The killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh by gunmen outside her residence in Bengaluru "raises alarm" about the state of freedom of expression in the country, Amnesty International India said on Wednesday.

Gauri, who was known for her strident anti-establishment views and writings against Hindu fundamentalists, was never afraid of speaking truth to power, the rights body said.

"Her assassination must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. The police must investigate whether she was killed because of her journalism," Asmita Basu, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India, said.

Gauri, 55, was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly. She was widely regarded as an independent and outspoken journalist and activist, and a fierce critic of hardline Hindu groups in Karnataka.

"Critical journalists and activists have increasingly faced threats and attacks across India in recent years. State governments must act to protect those whose voices of dissent are being silenced," Basu said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has said that there have been no conviction in any of 27 cases of journalists "murdered for their work" in India since 1992, the statement said.
The Karnataka government today decided to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh.

Briefing reporters after a meeting with top police officials and state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the SIT would be headed by an Inspector General level officer.

He said the state government was firm on tracking down the culprits at the earliest, and directed the Director General of Police to form the SIT.

To a query, the chief minister said he had an "open mind" for a probe by the CBI in the case.

"But let the SIT investigate. If family members (of Gauri) are very particular, I am with an open mind," he said.

In an audacious attack, the 55-year-old Kannada journalist, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence here last night.

Gauri had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately, with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead. She died instantaneously.

Meanwhile, hordes of journalists in various parts of the country hit the streets today against the killing of the journalist.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Family members of a 27-year-old man, who died after his tempo collided with a truck standing in the middle of a road, have been awarded a compensation of Rs 22.95 lakh by a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) here.

MACT Presiding Officer Rajeev Bansal directed IFCCO TOKIO General Insurance Company Ltd, the insurer of the truck, to pay the compensation to the wife, mother and three minor sons of victim Gajraj who was killed in the accident in 2015.

The tribunal decided the petition, filed by victim's family members, while relying on several documents on record including the FIR, charge sheet and the post-mortem report.

"The police after investigation has filed a charge sheet against respondent No.1 (driver) under section 279 (rash driving) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC which is suggestive of his negligence," the tribunal said.

According to the petition, on February 8, 2015, the victim was driving a tempo and going towards Ashram area of South Delhi when he collided with a truck, which was standing in middle of the road.

Due to the collision, Gajraj, who worked as a driver with a cargo company, sustained fatal injuries and was declared as brought dead by JPN Trauma Centre here, it said.

During the proceedings, the insurance company claimed that the accused truck driver did not have a valid driving licence. The driver himself did not appear before the tribunal in his defence.

The tribunal accepted the insurance company's contention and said the firm shall have a right to recover the compensation from the driver and owner of the offending vehicle, jointly and severally.

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Britain intends to impose limits on low-skilled EU workers and restrict the arrival of Europeans' family members after Brexit, according to a leaked document posted on the Guardian newspaper's website.

The 82-page document, posted yesterday, outlines Home Office proposals to manage migration after Britain leaves the European Union, putting an end to free movement from the bloc.

"Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off," the document says.

The government envisages a dual system for EU citizens arriving after Brexit, with those wishing to stay long-term needing to apply for a two-year residence permit.

Those deemed "highly-skilled", however, would be allowed to apply for a permit for up to five years under the proposals.

In the lengthy document, marked "sensitive", Britain's interior ministry also says it may "tighten up" the definition of family members allowed to accompany EU workers in Britain.

Partners, children under 18 and adult dependant relatives are the suggested limit.

Changes will also be seen at Britain's borders, with the document detailing government plans to require all EU citizens to travel on a passport rather than a national identity card as currently allowed.

This latter measure could be imposed as soon as Britain leaves the bloc -- set for March 29, 2019 -- but the Home Office promises "adequate notice" will be given.

A period of at least two years following Brexit is foreseen to fully implement the plans.

A spokesman for the Home Office told AFP the government would not comment on the leaked draft.

"We will be setting out our initial proposals for a new immigration system which takes back control of the UK's borders later in the autumn," the spokesman said.

The issue of citizens rights has been labelled a top priority by the EU during Brexit negotiations, which are being held in stages and hosted by Brussels.

In June the British government outlined plans for EU citizens in the country before Brexit, which would see them apply for "settled status" granting indefinite leave to remain.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today termed as "irresponsible, baseless and false" the allegations linking the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh to the BJP or people following its ideology.

Slamming the statements of Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul, he said levelling "untrue" allegations against the BJP and the Prime Minister is injustice to his party and detrimental to democracy.

"The present government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh," the Road Transport, Highways, Shipping and Water Resources Minister told reporters.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being accused of remaining silent despite people knowing that he is on a foreign visit.

"The reaction on this incident by the president of a political party is very irresponsible, baseless and false," Gadkari said without naming the Congress chief who has said that the killing is a chilling reminder that "intolerance and bigotry are raising their ugly head in our society".

Gadkari said he condemned the incident but the manner in which the ruling party is being portrayed by some political parties was unfortunate and objectionable.

"If there is a murder and somebody is accused of it, unless and until there is any evidence, that person cannot be pronounced guilty. Some people have allergy with Bhartiya Janata Party.

"They are unable to digest the good work by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister. They are levelling such false and baseless allegations," the former BJP president said.

He said such "irresponsible and false" allegations "will cause harm to democracy" and any such projection that the BJP is linked to it is injustice to the party.

At the same time, he said the Prime Minister was on a foreign visit and cannot be expected to issue reaction on everything.

Gadkari hit out at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, who had alleged that anybody who spoke against the ideology of the BJP and the RSS, was pressured, beaten and even killed.

Gandhi also described Modi as a "skilled Hindutva politician" whose comments had one meaning for his supporters and another for the rest of the world.

Taking exception to the remarks, Gadkari, "This is very unfortunate. The country's prime minister is not of one party and is the nation's honour. For a responsible leader of a political party, levelling such baseless and untrue allegation is unfortunate. It is not good for Indian democracy."



Gadkari, a former BJP president, said Modi was presently abroad to further the country's interests and it was unfortunate that such allegations were being levelled against him.

Condemning the journalist's murder, Sonia Gandhi said the party stood as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated," the Congress chief said in a statement.

"It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society," she said.

The Kannada journalist-activist, known for her left- leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence last night.

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Name of Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Rajkumar Badole's daughter has figured on the list of beneficiaries of the government scholarship for pursuing higher education abroad.

Names of sons of two higher level bureaucrats in the state also found place in the list published recently.

Social Justice and Special Assistance Department of the state government every year announces foreign education scholarship for SC students.

The assistance includes one-time fare of flight for economy class, education fee, allowances etc.

Badole, a BJP leader who heads Social Justice ministry, has distanced himself from the matter.

His daughter Shruti is pursuing a three-year Ph.D course in Astronomy and Astrophysics at University of Manchester in the UK.

The list was published by Ministry of Higher and Technical Education in a government resolution (GR) dated September 4.

Among 35 students selected for the scholarship are Sameer Dayanand Meshram and Antariksh Dinesh Waghmare, both sons of senior bureaucrats in the state government.

While Meshram has been selected for a two-year Master of Science course in Mechanical Engineering in University of Washington, Waghmare in Pennsylvania State University for a two-year course in Master of Science in Information System.

Dinesh Waghmare is Secretary, Higher and Technical Education and Dayanand Meshram a Deputy Secretary, Higher Education.

Meanwhile, the minister told reporters that he had no role in his daughter getting the scholarship.

"It is true that my daughter had applied and selected for the scholarship. However, I did not play any role in it. I was not even part of the selection committee," he said.

Badole said he had already informed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about Shruti's application.

"Shruti was selected by a scrutiny committee. Though her name is finalised, we have not yet decided on whether to accept the financial assistance from the government or not," he added.

Under the scope of the scholarship, a total of 50 SC students are given the assistance for pursuing post-graduate and Ph.D courses in foreign institutions listed under QS world University Ranking 300.

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Malaysian girls claimed three titles with with Aira Azman, Sehveetrraa Kumar and Anrie Goh all emerging champions by winning the under-15, under-13 and under-11 crowns, respectively, in the 9th Indian Junior Open Squash tournament that concluded here today.

All three Malaysian girls got the better of their Indian opponents in the respective finals.

Unseeded Aira shocked top-seeded Indian Ananya Dabke in three games in the under-15 final. The Malaysian girl, seeded in the 9-16 bracket, was in impressive form and, after a bit of struggle early on, was in complete control.

She hit some brilliant winners to unsettle her Indian opponent, who was unable to come back after losing the opening game over extra points. Aira won the next two games in convincing fashion to complete a deserving 13-11 11-3 11-5 victory at the Bombay Gymkhana's glass-back courts.

Aira's compatriot Sehveetrraa, the top seed in the girls' under-13 event, was also in dominant mood and quelled the challenge from India's second seed Yuvna Gupta to coast to a comfortable 11-5 11-3 11-5 win.

Anrie, the top seed in the girls' under-11 competition, brushed aside a determined fight from India's Diya Yadav, the joint 3-4 seed in four tense and tough games to help Malaysia win their first title of the day.

In boys' section, India's Kanhav Nanavati continued with his giant-killing run as he overcame top seed Tanay Punjabi also from India in a five-game final.

Kanhav, showing tremendous fighting qualities and plenty of resilience, managed to prevail over Punjabi by snatching a 11-4 9-11 11-4 7-11 11-9 win.

Top seed Rohan Arya Gondi (USA) won the boys' under-11 title defeating second seed Abdul Fahmi Bin Abd Basir (Malaysia) 11-7 11-3 11-5 in the final.

In the boys' under-13 final, which was an all-India affair, Jaivir Singh Dhillon - the 3-4 seed - scored a shock 11-6 11-9, 2-11, 11-8 win over top seed Yuvraj Wadhwani.

Kanhav and Aira, the boys and girls' under-15 winners, went home richer by Rs 19,200 each.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Hitting out at critics for accusing her of Muslim appeasement, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said she believed in taking care of all the communities.

Referring to certain incidents in BJP-ruled states, she also urged the media to play an "impartial" role.

"Many say Mamata Banerjee is appeasing the minority community. They should know that Muslims constitute 30 per cent of the state's population which is the highest in the country.

"We have Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs and several other communities in West Bengal. I do not work for any particular community. When I am in the chair (of CM), I have to take care of all," Banerjee said at a programme here.

Alleging that the media was mum on the swine flu deaths in Gujarat, she said, "Not only in Gujarat, but even in other BJP-ruled states, the media remains silent. But whenever there is a small matter in West Bengal, it starts creating a hue and cry."



In an obvious reference to the recent child deaths in Uttar Pradesh, the Trinamool Congress supremo said, "A political party is trying to divide the people. If a government cannot supply oxygen and save the lives of babies and still talks big, I cannot agree with this."



Stating that the infant death rate had come down in West Bengal, she said, "I want it to be zero.

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A 27-year-old man allegedly stabbed his wife, mother-in-law and father-in-law to death with a sharp-edged weapon over a family dispute at Zira sub- division here, the police said.

The accused, Krishan Singh, also stabbed himself, but was rushed by neighbours to a government hospital in Faridkot, they said.

Reena (24), Mangal Singh (60) and Mohinder Kaur (55), residents of Zira, died in the last night incident, the police said.

Krishan, a resident Moga district's Dune Ke village, entered Reena's house by climbing its wall and and allegedly attacked them, they said



When his brother-in-law Saab Singh and sister-in-law Amandeep tried to stop him, he attacked them too, due to which they got critically injured, the police said.

The accused did not try to flee from the spot instead he challenged the neighbours who had assembled there. Later, he stabbed himself as well, they said.

Senior police officials, including SSP Ferozepur Gaurav Garg, reached the spot.

The SSP said that the accused has been referred to the Government Medical College in Faridkot while Saab and his wife have been admitted to a local hospital.

Krishan's wife had left him due to some differences and had started living with her parents here.

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Stock broker Master Capital Services Ltd (MCSL) has settled with Sebi a case related to alleged violations of norms by paying Rs 7.65 lakh.

The regulator had initiated adjudication proceedings against MCSL for allegedly violating Sebi (Stock Brokers and Sub-brokers) Regulations.

Sebi had conducted an inspection of MCSL for the period from April 2013 to August 2014.

Following the initiation of proceedings, MCSL was issued a show-cause notice (SCN) in which it was alleged that the stock broker had taken more than a month to take necessary steps to redress three complaints out of the total of 127 received by it during the inspection period.

Another allegation pertained to over 6,079 active clients where new email IDs were not secured by the stock broker from the clients despite instructions from Sebi.

Pending the adjudication proceedings, the stock broker submitted a consent application to the regulator for their settlement, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said in an order.

MCSL proposed a payment of Rs 7.65 lakh towards full and final settlement of all regulatory, civil or criminal proceedings in relation to the facts contained in the SCN without admitting or denying any violation on the part of the applicant, the order added.

Earlier, the settlement terms were considered by the High Powered Advisory Committee (HPAC), which sought the status of compliance from MCSL in obtaining new e-mail IDs from its 6,079 active clients. As the information was not readily available with the stock broker, the settlement application was deferred.

The settlement terms were again placed before the HPAC along with the information sought, following which it recommended that the case may be settled on payment of Rs 7.65 lakh towards the settlement terms.

The recommendation of HPAC was also approved by a panel of whole-time members of Sebi, the regulator noted.

Last month, MCSL paid the settlement amount of Rs 7.65 lakh and accordingly, Sebi disposed of the proceedings.

The regulator also noted that if any representation made by the stock broker in the settlement proceedings is subsequently found to be untrue, enforcement actions can be initiated against it.

Separately, Arcadia Share & Stock Brokers has settled a case with Sebi related to alleged violations of various capital market norms after paying over Rs 5.86 lakh.

The regulator had initiated adjudication proceedings against Arcadia for alleged fraudulent trading activities in the shares of Veritas India during the period from January, 2009 to March, 2012.

Sebi had initiated fresh adjudication proceedings against Arcadia after the Securities Appellate Tribunal had set aside an earlier order.

While the broker has paid Rs 5 lakh towards the settlement terms, it has discharged Rs 86,375 as legal costs incurred by Sebi.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Journalists, writers, artists and politicians in Kerala today condemned the killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh.

Protest marches were taken out in different parts of the state by media personnel, who sported black badges and held placards condemning the shooting of Lankesh by unidentified assailants at her residence last night.

The marches were organised by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur and various press clubs.

At the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, journalists paid floral tributes to a portrait of the veteran editor and lit candles.

Later, a condolence meeting was organised.

Ruling CPI(M), the Congress and BJP condemned the killing.

CPI(M) state Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, described it as an "insult" to the civilised society.

The manner in which it was carried out was similar to the attacks on rationalists M M Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dhabolkar, he said.

"A "powerful" voice against communalism and corruption has been silenced. She was a journalist at the forefront of progressive activities and had been vocal against the sangh parivar's extreme stands," he said in a Facebook post.

In a series of tweets, former union minister Shashi Tharoor, MP, said, "Assassination is the most extreme form of censorship. #Gauri lankesh said things some people did not like2 hear. She was killed 4 doing her job."



"India wasn't supposed to be a country where journalists are silenced by bullets. Her voice rings on," he stated.

BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan said Lankesh's murder was "shocking".

"Such attacks against democratic values should be condemned and those behind the crime should be brought to book as early as possible," he said in a statement.

The BJP leader also questioned on what basis CPI(M) and Congress were attacking the Sangh Parivar over the killing.

A protest meeting of writers, poets and artists was held at the University College here this evening under the banner of 'Purogamana Kala Sahitiya Sangam' (a forum of progressive artists).

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Union Home Ministry today sought a report from the Karnataka government on the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru, an official said.

The move came after Home Minister Rajnath Singh directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to get a report from the state government, the home ministry official said.

The Karnataka government has been asked to provide details of the incident and the steps taken to nab those involved in the killing, the official said.

The 55-year-old journalist, known for her outspoken views on Hindutva politics, was gunned down at her residence in Bengaluru yesterday.

The Karnataka government today decided to form a Special Investigation Team to probe the killing.

There was widespread outrage and condemnation at the cold blooded murder of the journalist.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani condemned the killing of Lankesh and hoped there would be a speedy investigation and justice delivered.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi also condemned the incident. While Sonia said it was a chilling reminder that "intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society", Rahul expressed shock and said no one could suppress the truth.

The Editors Guild of India "strongly condemned" the murder of Lankesh and called for a judicial probe into the incident.

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US President Donald Trump said today that a military strike was not his first option for dealing with a nuclear-armed North Korea, but he did not rule it out completely.

Trump's comments came during his telephonic conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to discuss the situation in the Korean Peninsula after North Korea carried out its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date.

His latest comments were less harsh than ones he made last month where he threatened "fire and fury" against the Pyongyang regime.

The US has urged China, which is the North's main trading partner, to put more pressure on the reclusive nation to limit his controversial missile programme.

Trump said he has had a "strong" and "frank" conversation with Xi about North Korea.

"I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 per cent. He doesn't want to see what's happening there, either," Trump told reporters.

"President Xi would like to do something. We'll see whether or not he can do it. But we will not be putting up with what's happening in North Korea," Trump said.

Responding to another question, Trump said military option is not his first choice but he has all options open.

"We're going to see what happens. We'll see what happens. Certainly, that's not our first choice, but we will see what happens," Trump said when asked if he is considering military action.

Xi said China had been adamant in preserving international nuclear non-proliferation, maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and resolving the nuclear issue through talks, China's state-run Xinhua agency reported.

The Chinese president said the general direction should head toward a peaceful settlement of the issue, adding that dialogue combined with a set of comprehensive measures is best for seeking a long-term solution.

Trump said Washington has been deeply concerned over the ongoing situation on the Korean Peninsula and attaches importance to China's essential role in resolving the issue.

He pledged to step up communication with the Chinese side in a bid to find a solution as early as possible.

Also during the talks, Xi said China attaches great importance to Trump's visit to China later this year, hoping both sides can work together to ensure the visit a success.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A controversy erupted today after the name of Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Rajkumar Badole's daughter figured on the list of beneficiaries of the government scholarship for pursuing higher education abroad.

Names of sons of two higher level bureaucrats in the state also found place in the list published recently.

Taking cognisance, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has sought explanation from the minister who belongs to the BJP, sources said tonight.

However, Badole has distanced himself from the matter.

Badole's daughter Shruti is pursuing a three-year Ph.D course in Astronomy and Astrophysics at University of Manchester in the UK.

Social Justice and Special Assistance Department of the state government every year announces foreign education scholarship for SC students.

The assistance includes one-time fare of flight for economy class, education fee, allowances etc.

The list was published by Ministry of Higher and Technical Education in a government resolution (GR) dated September 4.

Among 35 students selected for the scholarship are Sameer Dayanand Meshram and Antariksh Dinesh Waghmare, both sons of senior bureaucrats in the state government.

While Meshram has been selected for a two-year Master of Science course in Mechanical Engineering in University of Washington, Waghmare in Pennsylvania State University for a two-year course in Master of Science in Information System.

Dinesh Waghmare is Secretary, Higher and Technical Education and Dayanand Meshram a Deputy Secretary, Higher Education.

Badole told reporters that he had no role in his daughter getting the scholarship.

"It is true that my daughter had applied and selected for the scholarship. However, I did not play any role in it. I was not even part of the selection committee," he said.

The minister said he had already informed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about Shruti's application.

"Shruti was selected by a scrutiny committee. Though her name is finalised, we have not yet decided on whether to accept the financial assistance from the government or not," he added.

Under the scope of the scholarship, a total of 50 SC students are given the assistance for pursuing post-graduate and Ph.D courses in foreign institutions listed under QS world University Ranking 300.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

"Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter- terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today proposed setting up of an Indian National Army (INA) memorial in Myanmar to commemorate the sacrifices of those who fought against the British rule.

"Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose made the clarion call of 'Give me blood and I will give you freedom' in Myanmar and thousands of men and women responded," Modi said while addressing the Indian diaspora here.

Prime Minister Modi said India and Myanmar can together do a survey for an INA memorial here.

Naming Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore and Bahadur Shah Zafar, he said Myanmar had become the "second home" for those who had to leave their own homes during the freedom struggle.

The INA also known as 'Azad Hind Fauj' was formed by Indian nationalists in 1942 in Southeast Asia during World War II to secure Indian independence from British rule.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the famous 11th-century Ananda Temple in Myanmar's ancient city Bagan which was damaged in a tremor last year and is being renovated with India's assistance.

The temple, one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture, is believed to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.

The temple's architecture shows Mon and Indian influence.

"Connecting with history. PM @narendramodi pays respects at Ananda Temple, the most historical and venerated temple in Bagan, Myanmar," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The temple was first damaged in an earthquake in 1975, and then last year when a 6.8 magnitude quake shook Myanmar.

India and Myanmar signed an agreement in 2010 to restore the Ananda Temple and New Delhi allocated USD 3 million to the project being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The ASI will also restore a number of pagodas and murals damaged in the earthquake last year.

Modi, in his address with Myanmar State State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, said he was excited to visit the temple and pay tributes to the monuments of religious and historical importance.

According to a legend, King Kyanzittha built the temple after eight monks from India visited him and told him about a cave temple in the Himalayas. The vision of a snowy landscape so impressed the king that he dicided to replicate the temple in Bagan.

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Dilshan Munaweera smashed his maiden half-century while debutant Ashan Priyanjan played a useful hand to guide Sri Lanka to a respectable 170 for seven in the lone Twenty20 match against India, here today.

Playing his 10th T20 match, Munaweera scored a quick-fire 53 off 29 balls with the help of five boundaries and as many as four hits over the fence to keep up Sri Lanka's momentum at the R Premadasa Stadium here.

He was ably supported by Priyanjan, who scored a run-a- ball unbeaten 40 during which he hit one boundary and two sixes to take Sri Lanka to the fighting total.

For India, young leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the bowlers with figures of three for 43 from his four overs, while chinaman Kuldeep Yadav scalped two for 20.

Priyanjan played a handy knock to save the hosts from the blushes after losing their way in the middle overs once again.

This was after the match started a 55 minutes delay because of wet outfield following rains.

Put into bat, Sri Lanka made a hectic start with Niroshan Dickwella (17) attacking Jasprit Bumrah (1/38) at the start.

It forced India skipper Virat Kohli to introduce spin early into the powerplay in the form of Chahal.

Skipper Upul Tharanga (5) played on a Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/36) delivery in the third over.

Munaweera then went into an attacking mode as he carted Chahal for two sixes in the next over.

Dickwella added 23 runs with both Tharanga and Munaweera, as Sri Lanka reached 50 for two in the sixth over.

Munaweera kept up the assault on Indian bowlers and hit 5 fours as well as four sixes.

He reached his fifty off 26 balls, the second quickest for a Sri Lankan batsman in this format against India, after Kumar Sangakkara who took only 21 balls.

Using their five-pronged attack, inclusive of three spinners, India rotated the bowlers around.

The turning point perhaps came when Mahendra Singh Dhoni pulled off a trademark quick stumping to dismiss Angelo Mathews (7) off Chahal in the seventh over.

It denied Sri Lanka an aggressive middle-order partnership.

Kuldeep Yadav (2/20) and Axar Patel (0/29) then put on the brakes after the powerplay overs as Munaweera and Thisara Perera (11) added 37 runs off 29 balls.

Munaweera was bowled off Yadav in the 12th over, the bat escaping from his hand as he looked to force a pull and the ball hit the stumps instead.

Two overs later, Chahal returned to strike a double blow as he bowled Perera and then trapped Dasun Shanaka (0) LBW in the space of four balls.

Sri Lanka were crawling by then and were reduced to 134 for seven in the 17th over as Seekkuge Prasanna (11) was caught in the deep off Yadav.

Priyanjan then played a blinder of a knock to help Sri Lanka post a competitive target.

He was watchful at first as Sri Lanka didn't want to lose any more wickets and put on 36 runs off 20 balls with Isuru Udana (19 off 10 balls) for the eighth wicket.

Towards the end, the duo played some unorthodox shots to push Sri Lanka forward.

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NATO today demanded tougher implementation of sanctions against North Korea in the wake of the country's sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date, and called for new efforts to draw the reclusive state away from its "threatening and destabilising path".

The test on Sunday of what Pyongyang described as a hydrogen bomb demonstrated North Korea's "accelerating and unprecedented campaign" of unlawful missile launches and nuclear tests, the alliance said in a strongly worded statement.

International unity in the face of the North's nuclear push appeared to crumble this week as Russia rebuffed US calls for new UN sanctions, joining Pyongyang's key ally China in resisting pressure for more action.

NATO said the threat posed by the North demanded a "unified response" from the international community.

"It is now imperative that all nations implement more thoroughly and transparently existing UN sanctions and make further efforts to apply decisive pressure to convince the DPRK regime to abandon its current threatening and destabilising path," the alliance said.

Japanese experts said Wednesday that Sunday's blast had a yield of about 160 kilotons -- more than 10 times the size of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima at the end of World War II.

Washington's ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, is expected to unveil yet another new UN sanctions package targeting Kim Jong-Un's regime this week.

She had demanded a vote as early as Monday -- as Washington is in parallel considering hitting Russian and Chinese businesses that have dealings with the North with secondary sanctions.

Russia backs a Chinese proposal for peace talks based on a freeze of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korean military drills.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced Wednesday that he would be travelling next month to Japan and South Korea -- alliance partners in the region -- to discuss the North Korea crisis.

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Nepal Police launched a manhunt to nab a Chinese couple they believe masterminded the smuggling of 88 kg of gold into Nepal through the China border, the biggest seizure of the precious yellow metal in the country.

Wan Wei Ming, 50, allegedly operated the racket under the cover of running his tourism business in Thamel, a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu frequented by foreign tourists.

His wife Yang Wei Wing had managed to escape when the police yesterday arrested Manoj Adhikari, the driver of the vehicle carrying gold worth NRs 430 million, the police said.

The gold was smuggled into Nepal from China via the Rasuwagadi-Kerung border checkpoint, north of Kathmandu.

Learning that the police were following them, the Chinese couple fled their Thamel-based residence.

The police succeeded in seizing their car, which was used to transporting the smuggled gold, the police said.

The police is questioning the driver.

Authorities have alerted all police units and the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu abouth the couple. "We are committed to bringing to book any person directly or indirectly involved in the smuggling," said senior police officer Jaya Bahadur Chand.

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Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara today left for China on a six-day visit during which he will hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi besides meeting the country's top leaders.

Mahara, who is visiting China at the invitation of his counterpart Wang, is leading a four-member delegation which includes Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi and other senior foreign ministry officials.

During the visit, Mahara will hold a meeting with Wang and attend a discussion programme to be held at the China Foreign Affairs University.

Senior foreign ministry officials of the two countries will take part in the bilateral meetings.

The deputy prime minister will inaugurate the newly established Nepal's Consulate General's office in Guangzhou.

He will also address a gathering of business community there and meet provincial leaders before returning back on September 11, according to foreign ministry sources.

Nepal in May inked a deal with China to join Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious 'One Belt One Road' (OBOR) initiative to link Asia with Europe. Mahara is likely to discuss the OBOR project with Chinese leaders.

Mahara will also visit the Hebei province and meet local leaders, before wrapping up his visit and return to home on September 11.

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Swooping down on few traders and alleged hawala dealers, the NIA today carried out searches at 27 places in various parts of the Valley and Delhi and seized nearly Rs 2.20 crore in cash in raids relating to probe into terror-funding activities in the state.

During the operations, that began in the morning, houses and business establishments of those suspected of channelising funds to fuel secessionist and anti-India activities were searched, an NIA spokesman said here.

"During the searches, cash amounting to approximately Rs 2.20 crores were recovered," he said.

The spokesman said various digital devices including laptops, mobile phones and hard drives have also been seized during the searches.

Diaries pertaining to contacts of hawala operators/ traders, ledger books containing accounts of cross-border LOC trade of various trading companies have been recovered. Some details of bank accounts of Jammu and Kashmir were also recovered, the spokesman said.

Travel documents of some entities indicating their visits to the UAE have also been recovered, he said, adding that some of the suspects were being questioned about the recoveries made from them.

The raids come a day after the NIA arrested two persons, including a freelance photo-journalist, who allegedly indulged in stone-pelting and mobilising support against the security personnel through social media.

These raids and arrests by the NIA is part of its investigation in a case registered on May 30 in which the leader of the Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa and banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hafiz Saeed, was named as an accused.

The NIA has arrested seven persons in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley to fuel unrest there.

The case was registered for raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means, including hawala channels, for funding such activities.

It also included causing disruption in the Valley by stone-pelting, burning schools, damaging public property and waging war against India.

This is for the first time since the rise of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in the early 1990s that a central probe agency has conducted raids in connection with the funding of terrorist and separatist groups.

The searches were also part of NIA probe into the alleged irregularities in cross-LoC trade. In this connection, the NIA had carried out searches on traders at trade facilitation centres at Salamabad in Kashmir region's North Kashmir's Baramulla district and Chakan-da-bagh in Poonch district of the Jammu region.

During its probe, the NIA found that after clothes and 'dupattas', California Almonds has emerged as the new product in cross-LoC trade in Jammu and Kashmir that is being used a mode of terror-funding.

According to the cross-LoC trade agreement between India and Pakistan, products grown in both sides of Jammu and Kashmir will be exchanged under barter system. The products included 'badam giri' that is grown in parts of Pakistan- occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

The traders from PoK were sending and receiving California Almonds and it is alleged that the money was used for funding of terror groups in the state.

The NIA, in its FIR, had alleged that there was a large scale transfer of funds from Pakistan to India through the import of California Almonds (badam giri) via the cross-LoC trade mechanism through the trade facilitation centres located at Salamabad and Chakkan-da-Bagh.

"This is in gross violation of the state policy of prohibition on trade in 'third-party origin goods' through this mechanism and information indicated that these funds are being used for fomenting terrorism and separatism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir," the NIA said.

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Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh has warned senior officials of his ministry that no laxity will be tolerated in performance at any level and there has to be accountability and a result-oriented approach in their working.

In his weekly review meeting with senior officials of the steel ministry yesterday, Singh has tasked them to play an active role in transforming and turning around steel PSUs, the Ministry of Steel said in the statement today.

The minister made it clear that senior officials will be responsible for monitoring the performance of individual steel plants through ground visits and reviews, the statement added.

While outlining the agenda for the future, the minister remarked that "no laxity will be tolerated at any level and there has to be accountability and a result-oriented approach built into the work culture of Ministry of Steel and the PSUs".

He also asked officials to check the progress of each plant in terms of achievements of the targets set out for them. They have also been directed to work on instituting an award for the best performing plant among steel PSUs so that other plants get inspired, it said.

An expert committee, which was constituted by the ministry has also made recommendations for improving production of these plants, the statement said.

Steel Secretary Aruna Sharma, joint secretaries and other officials of the ministry attended the meeting.

The minister had earlier said that steel PSUs are not holy cows and should step out of their comfort zone to perform and compete with private players.

Domestic steel major Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) had reported a net loss of Rs 801.38 crore during the June quarter of the ongoing fiscal, owing to higher expenses. The steelmaker was in loss of Rs 535.52 crore in the corresponding quarter of 2016-17 also.

Besides SAIL, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd, NMDC Ltd, KIOCL Ltd, MECON Ltd, MOIL Ltd , MSTC Limited and Hindustan Steel Works Construction Ltd (HSCL) are also under the Ministry of Steel.

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Hundreds of milk producers in Odisha today staged a demonstration and poured it on the streets protesting against state government's alleged lack of concern for them.

The producers under the banner of 'Odisha Milk Farmers' Association' demanded at least Rs 30 MSP (Minimum Support Price) per litre of milk, inclusion of milk and milk products in MDM and ICDS programmes, interest free loan for milk farmers and animal feed at Rs 15 per kg.

The agitating milk farmers also held a rally from Master Canteen Square to PMG Chhak during which they poured milk on the street in protest.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor, Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister, they said that the condition of eight lakh milk farmers across the state was very bad and they were distressed as the cost of production was higher than what they got from Omfed (Odisha Milk Federation), the state run milk federation.

Though the state government has made provision of crop loan at the rate of one per cent interest, the dairy loan is given at 12 per cent, he said.

Besides, the secretaries and testers in 5049 primary milk co-operative societies do not get minimum wages fixed by the state government, he said.

They said while OMFED purchased milk at an average price of Rs 24 to 26 per litre from farmers, the consumers got it at Rs 40 per litre.

The Association also said that about 14 per cent of the state's population depend on milk economy for their livelihood.

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Over hundred passengers were stuck inside a Lucknow Metro train for more than an hour due to a technical snag on the first day of its commercial run today, officials said.

There were no lights and air-conditioning when the train stopped near Mawaiya metro stations.

Around 7.15 am, the train, on the way from Charbagh to the Transport Nagar metro station, developed a technical snag and emergency brakes were applied between Durgapuri and Mawaiya stations, Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation's senior PRO Amit Kumar Srivastava said.

All 101 passengers travelling on the train were rescued through the emergency rear exit and were taken safely to the Durgapuri Metro station, he said. They traveled to the Transport Nagar Metro station on a different train.

"During the intervening period, LMRC officials provided proper care and support to all passengers inside the train. The staff/officials at the Durgapuri Metro station ensured the commuters didn't face further inconvenience," he said.

The affected train has been withdrawn and taken to the Transport Nagar workshop/depot for troubleshooting.

Passengers, excited about their first trip on the much- awaited transport service, were stuck till a team of the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) came to their rescue.

"I was excited about the metro journey. I took the train from Charbagh to reach airport to catch a flight to Delhi at 8.45 am but got stranded and missed the flight," Gaurav told reporters.

Ashish, a student, said he would not be allowed entry in the school as he got stranded and late. "I took the train to reach early but due to the snag I am late now", he said.

But his excitement has not disappeared. "I will again take the metro ride tomorrow."



Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had jointly inaugurated the maiden run of the metro with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday. Governor Ram Naik was also present on the occasion.

The 8.5-km 'priority corridor' runs from Transport Nagar to Charbagh in the city.

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BJP president Amit Shah today said internal democracy exists only in the BJP and Communist parties and not in Congress or others including BJD headed by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as they follow dynastic politics.

"There have been about 1650 political parties in the country since Independence. But, only the BJP and Communist parties have internal democracy which is not found anywhere else including the Congress and BJD," Shah said addressing a meeting with intellectuals here.

Maintaining that dynastic politics dominated most parties including the Congress, the BJP president asked the gathering as to who will be the president of the oldest party of India after Sonia Gandhi and said the answer was obvious.

"I and all of you know who will take over the Congress after Sonia Gandhi. We also know that BJD is such a party where one has to belong to Biju Parivar to take over the reins of the party in Odisha," Shah, who began his 3-day Odisha visit to galvanise the BJP workers in the state, said.

"Is there any dearth of talent or merit in Congress and BJD? Though there are many talented people in these parties, they are sidelined because they do not come from any particular political dynasty.

"However, a tea-seller could become the prime minister of India and a booth-level worker like me could become the president of BJP, the world's biggest political party having 11 crore members," Shah said.

To buttress his point, Shah asked whether anyone from the audience could name the next BJP chief.

"This is not possible because there is internal democracy in the BJP. The leaders are chosen on the basis of merit and not their family," Shah said, adding the BJP was the only party which had its ideologies and policies rooted in the cultural heritage of India.

He said Congress once ruled from panchayat to Parliament, but it later failed the people of India.

Shah claimed the BJP would win 120 of the 147 Assembly seats in the next polls in Odisha as "people are disillusioned with the dynastic rule in the state".

On Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's doubt over BJP winning so many seats, the BJP chief said, "Let Naveenji learn mathematics .. The poll outcome and number of seats will be known the day votes are counted."



Hitting out at the Naveen Patnaik government, Shah said the "state is plagued by rampant corruption", and people have been deprived of proper electricity and drinking water supply in the last 17 years of BJD rule.

The irony is the chief minister has failed to learn Odia in such a long period, he said.

As per 14th Finance Commission recommendation, Odisha had received around Rs 2.11 lakh crore from the NDA government at the Centre, while under the previous UPA rule it had got only Rs 79,000 crore, he said.

"If Narendra Modi can be described as a power house, Naveenji may be compared to a damaged transformer," he said, adding the people of Odisha now want a political change after having given several opportunities to the Congress and BJD to govern.

"Now they have got a chance to try the BJP and taste good governance," Shah said.

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Justice S K Mishra of Orissa High Court today recused himself from hearing petitions seeking disqualification of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as an MLA for allegedly filing incorrect affidavits in the 2014 assembly elections.

As the cases were listed today, Justice Mishra withdrew from the case proceedings and requested the Chief Justice to allot the cases to another bench, said Pitamber Acharya, advocate of one of the petitioners.

It was not immediately ascertained as to why Justice Mishra recused himself from hearing the cases.

Sources said this could be due to the fact that one of the petitioners - Subash Mohaptra, in the meantime, has approached the Supreme Court seeking transfer of his case to the Delhi High Court.

Mohapatra had approached the Supreme Court last month and the apex court after admitting the petition, issued notices to Patnaik and Election Commission of India (ECI).

On the other hand, BJP leader Devananda Mohapatra, who has not made any plea in the apex court seeking to transfer his case, on the day, urged the High Court to adjudicate over his petition as was done before.

Both the petitioners had alleged gross discrepancies in the statements of account and expense the BJD supremo incurred during the May 2014 elections while contesting from Hinjili Assembly segment in Ganjam district.

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A prominent Shia leader today alleged those creating hurdles in the settlement of the Ayodhya land dispute were working at the behest of Pakistan which was trying to destabilise India by exploiting religious sentiments over the issue.

"This (Ayodhya) dispute is not getting addressed because Pakistan has the biggest hand in it. Those representing the Muslim community in the Supreme Court on the issue have direct links with Pakistan and want bloodshed to destabilise the country," Syed Waseem Rizvi, chairman of the Shia Central Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh, said here.

Last month, the Shia Central Waqf Board told the Supreme Court that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a "reasonable distance" from the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The Shia leader, who is on a campaign to mobilise public opinion in support of the Shia Waqf Board's proposal to allow Hindus to build a Ram temple at the disputed site, and a mosque in the Muslim-majority area, alleged that Pakistan is funding members of the Sunni Waqf Board and Babri Masjid Action Committee as part of its nefarious designs.

"We do not want a solution from the Supreme Court. We want to build a consensus among the Muslims of the country and we are on a mobilisation tour so that the issue could be resolved through dialogue between the two communities.

"Muslims of the country are real patriots because they chose to stay back in India when the doors were open for their migration to Pakistan at the time of Partition. We want brotherhood among communities to remain intact," he said.

He said his team is visiting Kashmir in the next couple of days to hold talks with the Muslim leadership there.

"After that we are going to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other places where there is a possibility of riots to make the people aware about the nefarious designs of Pakistan and the role of 'mullahs' and 'moulvis' who are misleading the innocent people," he said.

Demanding stern action against "mullahs and moulvis on Pakistan's payroll", he said "We don't want to hold talks with those who are working at the behest of Pakistan".

"All those who do not want to talk on Babri Mosque issue have got exposed. They are misleading the people at the behest of Pakistan because they are getting funds from there. Intelligence people are aware of their activities and we are hopeful that action will be taken against them," he said.

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will visit China on Friday to review bilateral relations and garner support for his country which is facing mounting international pressure to act against the terror groups.

During the visit, the foreign minister will hold meetings with China's State Councillor for Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

"The two sides will review bilateral relations and regional developments, including the situation in Afghanistan," Pakistan Foreign Office said.

The announcement came a day after BRICS nations expressed concern over threat posed by terror groups, including those based in Pakistan.

Officials said that the visit was part of efforts to develop support for Pakistan after US President Donald Trump criticised Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorists.

Asif will also visit Russia, Turkey and Iran after his trip to China.

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The United States said today that Pakistan must "change its approach" towards terror groups operating from its soil and take decisive action against them.

"As the administration has said, Pakistan must change its approach," a State Department spokesperson told PTI in response to a question on the BRICS statement that named Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed among the terror groups that create problem in the region.

"We look to the Pakistan government to take decisive action against militant groups based in Pakistan that are a threat to the region," the spokesperson said.

For the first time, BRICS Summit in their joint declaration named Pakistan-based terrorist groups as a concern for regional security and called for action against them.

Pakistan has denied allegations it harbours these groups.

The BRICS declaration in the Chinese city Xiamen was significant given that China previously repeatedly stonewalled any reference to Pakistan or terrorist groups based there.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has told a channel that BRICS concerns about the militant groups should not be considered as China's official stance.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami today claimed his government enjoyed the support of "all the AIADMK MLAs" in the Assembly even as the legislators loyal to sidelined party deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran continued to stay put at a Puducherry resort.

"There are 135 MLAs in the party, including the speaker, and the government has the support of all of them," he told reporters at the airport here, before leaving for Erode by road.

Stating that 109 MLAs had attended the meeting convened by him in Chennai yesterday, Palaniswami said the other party legislators could not be there due to various reasons.

But he asserted that his government had the support of all of them.

His comments come a day after state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar claimed that 111 MLAs had attended the meet convened by the chief minister.

According to reports, as many as 17 rebel AIADMK MLAs are currently lodged at a resort in neighbouring Puducherry.

A group of 19 MLAs, loyal to Dhinakaran, had met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on August 22, expressed lack of confidence in the chief minister and demanded his ouster.

This was a day after the merger of the AIADMK factions, led by Palaniswami and current deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam respectively.

The strife in the ruling party prompted the opposition parties to allege that the Palaniswami government had lost the majority in the Assembly. They have been pressing for a floor test in the House.

In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, which has one seat vacant (R K Nagar, represented by late J Jayalalithaa), the AIADMK has 134 MLAs, excluding the speaker, while the DMK-led opposition has 98 legislators.

Replying to a question on the National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test (NEET), Palaniswami said the state government had exerted "maximum pressure" on the Centre, seeking an exemption to Tamil Nadu from the ambit of the exam.

However, he added that the state had to comply with the Supreme Court directive in this regard.

The recent suicide of a 17-year-old medical aspirant, Anitha, who was believed to be upset over her poor NEET score and the state not getting an exemption from the common eligibility test, had triggered an outrage in Tamil Nadu.

The daughter of a daily wage earner, Anitha was found hanging at her house in Ariyalur district on September 1.

On DMK working president M K Stalin's criticism about his government, Palaniswami said the opposition leader had been levelling allegations from day one and added that whatever he said was "incorrect".

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A photographer for a small organization who was shot by a sheriff's deputy who mistook his camera for a weapon is uninterested in seeing the officer punished, the newspaper has said.

Photographer Andy Grimm left the office on Monday to photograph lightning when he saw Jake Shaw, a Clark County sheriff's deputy, performing a traffic stop in New Carlisle, north of Dayton, The New Carlisle reported yesterday.

Grimm got out of his Jeep to take pictures of the traffic stop and started setting up his tripod and camera when he was shot in the side, the newspaper reported. The shooting happened about 10:15 PM (local time), according to the sheriff's office.

"I turned around toward the cars and then 'pop, pop,'" Grimm said in the newspaper's story.

The sheriff's office yesterday said that it had placed Shaw on administrative leave and that he will attend a "critical incident debriefing." The agency has planned to release records and body camera footage of the shooting.

"Our hearts and prayers are with Mr. Grimm as he recovers and with Deputy Jake Shaw and we ask the community to keep both of them in your hearts and prayers as well," Maj. Andy Reynolds of the sheriff's office said in a statement.

An update on the organization's Facebook page says Grimm is "is very sore but otherwise is doing fine" after surgery and doesn't want Shaw to lose his job.

"This is a small town. Everybody knows everybody. Everybody looks out for one another," Dale Grimm, Grimm's father and the publisher of the weekly paper along with two others, said in a phone interview Tuesday morning.

Dale Grimm said it's not clear what the deputy was thinking.

The case has been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. At the request of the Clark County prosecutor's office, prosecutors from the Attorney General's office will handle the case.

It's not uncommon for local prosecutors to make such a request, especially in communities where prosecutors and sheriff's office authorities work closely together.

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Hacking networks like Anonymous are perceived as modern-day equivalents of Robin Hood, especially by people who feel more angry about societal injustices and disconnected from the political process, a study has found.

Giovanni Travaglino a psychologist at the University of Kent in the UK carried out two studies to find out why people support Anonymous.

He found that in contexts of the UK and the US anger against the political system was the common factor in explaining the relationship between people's belief that they could or could not influence political affairs and their attitude toward Anonymous.

Those who took part in the two studies who reported feeling angry and powerless to change their political context were more likely to express their dissent vicariously, in the form of support for Anonymous, rather than engaging directly in the political processes (for instance, by voting or protesting).

This finding was consistent with what is known as 'Social Banditry' theory, whereby political grievances that cannot be otherwise voiced trigger anger against the political system, which in turn promote support for disruptive social actors, 'social bandits'.

The research also found that people who considered themselves to have an individualistic outlook were more likely to have a supportive attitude to groups like Anonymous.

The findings suggest that Anonymous are seen as 'social bandits' - the modern-day equivalent of figures such as Robin Hood or Jesse James who have traditionally been celebrated in local folklore as noble individuals who robbed the rich and gave to the poor.

In contrast, people with a collective view of society had stronger intentions to engage in direct political engagement, such as voting or participate in a public demonstration.

This finding reflects Anonymous' role as channel for an individualistic desire of revenge against the system, rather than a programme for collective and institutional social change and improvement.

The research published in the journal Group Processes and Intergroup Relations.

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The government has given smartphone companies time till September 12 to furnish full details of procedures adopted by them to ensure data security, a senior IT Ministry official said on Wednesday.

Nearly 24 of the total 36 smartphone companies that were approached for the information have sent their responses to the government, and the same is being examined, the official said.

The extension has been granted to the rest to ensure that they have adequate time to furnish detailed responses.

"The idea is to ensure that companies are following the requisite security practices and, if they need a few more days to provide the responses then there is no harm (in giving a few days to them)," said the IT Ministry official who did not wish to be named.

Standardisation, Testing and Quality Certification (STQC), a body under the Ministry of IT and Electronics, is being asked to "look into" the responses that have come in so far.

More information could be sought in those cases where the responses are not adequate, the official added.

Last month, the IT Ministry wrote to various smartphone companies asking them to outline the framework and procedures adopted by them to safeguard the data of consumers.

Leading phone makers including leading Chinese brands like Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi and Gionee were asked to give "detailed, structured written responses" on how they secure data and ensure its safety and security.

Other companies that were asked to furnish data security related information were Apple, Samsung, as well as Indian players.

The IT ministry had cited international and domestic reports about data leaks from mobile phones, and had said devices and preloaded software and apps will be under scrutiny in the first phase.

Based on the response of the companies, the Ministry will initiate verification and audit of devices where required.

It has also warned of penalties under provisions of IT Act 43 (A) in case stipulated processes were not being followed.

The objective of the entire exercise is to ensure that required data security measures are being taken with regard to hardware and software in mobile phones.
Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "real saint" and "philanthropist", Union Minister Mahesh Sharma today said the PM's vision is to take the benefits of democracy and economic growth to the the poor who are on the last step of the ladder.

The minister, who was addressing the 12th Sustainability Summit organised here, said that unless growth, particularly economic growth, is inclusive, it cannot be sustainable, and emphasised that the Modi Government's 'Sabka saath, Sabka vikas' slogan was in consonance with it.

Stressing that discussions of the Summit should influence common man's growth, empowerment and development of downtrodden and marginalised sections of the society, Sharma said that these were the areas on which the PM was focusing.

"He (Modi) is a real saint. He is really thinking and working for the common man. I have the privilege of working in his cabinet for last three years," said Sharma who recently took charge as a minister of state for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

"This government has a philanthropist Prime Minister who has the vision of taking the benefits of independence and democracy to the the poor who are on the last step of the ladder," the minister said.

The two-day Summit hosted by CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development is themed '2030 Agenda: Driving Inclusive Growth'.

India is a "key partner" of European Union(EU) in terms of climate(change) action, EU's ambassador to India and Bhutan Tomasz Kozlowski said in his special address at the Summit.

"EU and its businesses stand committed to India regarding sustainability, clean energy and climate change," he said.

The event was also addressed by the CII president Shobana Kamineni and ITC Limited CEO Sanjiv Puri.

The Summit provides a platform for businesses, governments, think tanks and civil society, to share experiences, discuss and debate upon global development holistically, seeks to widen sustainability dialogue in achieving inclusive development by 2030.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today justified demonetisation which has come in for criticism, asserting that his government was not afraid of taking "big" and "tough" decisions in the interest of the country.

Addressing the Indian diaspora here in Myanmar, he said his government could take such decisions because it considers the country above politics.

Along with demonetisation announced on November 8 last year, he named the surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir last year and the GST which was rolled out on July 1 as the "big" and "tough" decisions taken by his government.

"In the national interest, we are not afraid of taking big and tough decisions because for us, the country is above politics. Whether it be the surgical strikes, demonetisation or GST, all decisions were taken without any fear or hesitation," Modi told the gathering.

Referring to the noteban, the prime minister said the step was taken to curb black money and that it had helped identify lakhs of people who had crores of rupees in bank accounts but never paid income tax.

He also said that registration of over two lakh companies had been cancelled in last three months as those had been found to be indulging in laundering of black money.

"To deal with corruption, we banned currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination. A handful of corrupt people were making 125 crore people pay for their misdeeds. This was not acceptable to us," Modi said in 35-minute address.

"There used to be no clue as to from where black money was coming and where it was going," he said.

His justification of demonetisation came against the backdrop of criticism of the decision by the Opposition.

The Congress has dubbed the noteban as a "disaster" and said it had "utterly failed" while the "corrupt made windfall gains".

The prime minister also talked about GST, saying an "atmosphere of doing business with honesty" had been created in the country within a span of two months after its launch.

Modi said over the last three years, his government had initiated massive changes and rules were being eased to unshackle the potential of the country.

"Now, the people of the country have begun believing that India can move forward. The shackles can be broken," he said.

"We are not merely reforming India but transforming India. We are not changing India, but we are building a new India," he said, adding 2022 was the target year to achieve this as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the country's independence.

In the context of building a new India, he talked about the pledge to rid the country of problems like terrorism, communalism and corruption.

The prime minister also said that India believes in sharing the benefits of its development with its neighbours and also help them in the times of need.

He referred to the launch of South Asian satellite a few months back and said its benefits were being availed of by all the neighbouring countries which had joined it. Pakistan had refused to associate with the project announced by Modi soon after he became the prime minister in 2014.

Talking about helping the neighbours, he said India was the "first responder" in the times of need and in this context, mentioned earthquake in Nepal, water crisis in Maldives and cyclone in Myanmar. "We fulfilled the responsibility of a good neighbour," he said.

He also mentioned the evacuation undertaken by India in West Asian nations, including those of other countries, and said, "while doing so, we do not check the colour of their passports".

Underlining the need for enhanced cooperation with Myanmar and other East Asian nations, Modi, who is on a three-day visit here, said the Kaladan multi-modal transport project should become a "development corridor".

He told the gathering that the Indian government had already taken decisions to merge Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) cards and do away with police reporting for those having long-term visas among various measures for their benefit.

He also showered praise on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, saying she was always there, ready to help any Indian in trouble anywhere in the world.

"People facing problems anywhere in the world contact Sushmaji through tweets without any hesitation... I do not think there will be any foreign minister like Sushmaji anywhere in the world who actively helps the countrymen in trouble just on the basis of a tweet," Modi said.

The prime minister, who is on his first bilateral visit here, talked about the historical importance of Myanmar in the context of India's freedom struggle.

Naming Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore and Bahadur Shah Zafar, he said Myanmar had become the "second home" for those who had to leave their own homes during the freedom struggle.

He said communication infrastructure between India and Myanmar was being upgraded to facilitate increased trade and people-to-people contacts.

He said a road between Imphal and Moreh, the border point with Myanmar, is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 1600 crore, as part of enabling greater trade and travel between the two countries.

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Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have "fooled" people in the name of the Gujarat model of development, which he dubbed as a "failure".

Singh also criticised Shankersinh Vaghela for quitting the Congress ahead of the Assembly polls and for voting against party leader Ahmed Patel in Rajya Sabha elections held last month.

"The way Narendra Modiji and Amit Shahji have fooled us and made us 'Pappu' is something unprecedented," Singh told reporters in coastal Porbandar where he interacted with local Congress workers before leaving for Dwarka.

Questioning the "Gujarat model of development", the Congress leader said the state lags behind other states on the indicator of social development and that "several MoUs signed during the Vibrant Gujarat summits have not been realised".

"Where is the Gujarat model? On social development indicator, the state is slotted at 13th or 14th position, and while MoUs were signed in Vibrant Gujarat, factories were not set up. Gujarat is nowhere number one at any level," he said.

Ahead of 2014 polls, Modi, then the Prime Ministerial candidate of the BJP, had often touted Gujarat as the most developed state.

Taking on Vaghela, Singh said the former had betrayed the party.

"The Congress offered you (Vaghela) everything. It made him the chief minister and union minister. The party helped you in every possible way, but you quit the party at such a (critical) juncture (before assembly elections). You betrayed the person like Ahmed Patel who always helped you," Singh told reporters at Porbandar.

Vaghela, who had demanded that he be declared the chief ministerial face for the upcoming polls, had quit the party ahead of RS polls last month.

After Ahmed Patel scraped through in the close contest against his BJP rival Balwantsinh Rajput, the Congress expelled Vaghela and seven other MLAs for cross-voting.

Vaghela, who subsequently resigned as an MLA, has not yet announced his next political move.

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The police rescued a businessman of Jalpaiguri district who was kidnapped and taken to Assam by his abductors.

According to police Krishna Gopal Chakraborty (37) of Moynaguri area of Jalpaiguri district was kidnapped and taken to Assam by his abductors.

The abductors were demanding Rs 30 lakh from his family to release him.

After Chakraborty's family lodged a police complaint, a police team rescued the businessman from Assam and arrested six of his abductors.

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While condemning North Korea over its latest nuclear test, the leaders of Russia and South Korea seemed far apart on the issue of stepping up sanctions against Pyongyang after a meeting today in the Russian port city of Vladivostok.

Speaking after the meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for talks with North Korea, saying sanctions are not a solution to the country's nuclear and missile development.

Moon had been calling for Moscow to support stronger sanctions against Pyongyang, which conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday in what it claimed was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.

"We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner," Putin said in a conference after the meeting, held on the sidelines of a conference on economic development of Russia's Far East.

"As never before everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions." Moon didn't provide details of his conversations with Putin.

He said the leaders agreed that reducing regional tension and "quickly solving" the security challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile program were critical. Ahead of his meeting with Putin, Moon said that the situation could get out of hand if North Korea's missile and nuclear tests aren't stopped.

"Myself and President Putin share a view that North Korea has gone the wrong way with its nuclear and missile program and that easing tension on the Korean Peninsula is an urgent issue," Moon said. He complimented Putin and the Russian government over what he said were diverse efforts to find diplomatic solutions to the North Korean problem.

Moon, a liberal who took office in May, had initially showed a preference for a diplomatic approach on North Korea, but his government has since taken a harder stance as the North continued its torrid pace in weapons tests.

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Heavy rain delayed the start of the third day's play in the second Test between Bangladesh and Australia at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.

Australia were 225 for 2 thanks to an unbeaten century stand between David Warner (88) and Peter Handscomb (69) at the close of play on Tuesday.

They trail Bangladesh, who made 305 in their first innings, by 80 runs.

Bangladesh lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by 20 runs in Dhaka.

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West Bengal and Delhi are the only two states which have not shown interest in the central government's One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme for survivors of sexual crimes, according to official data.

This is despite Delhi ranking fifth in terms of total number of sexual offences in the country and West Bengal ranking seventh, as per National Crime Records Bureau data for 2015.

The scheme is intended for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, trafficking, acid attacks and honour crimes and aims to provide them medical, legal and psychological support under one roof.

The reluctance on the part of the two state governments comes while the Centre has persisted with all the other states and union territories to set up rape crisis cells or One Stop Centres. As a result of this push their numbers have gone up from a mere 16 last year to 151 until July 2017, as per official records of the women and child development ministry.

"We have sent repeated reminders to all states but these (West Bengal and Delhi) are the only two states which have not sent a proposal to us," said a ministry official on condition of anonymity.

When contacted, a source in the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the decision to not execute this programme in the state is a political one.

"This is not how we intend to proceed. We have also not planned anything under the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme of the Centre. In order to implement these schemes we have to spend our own money apart from the funds from Centre. We don't have that kind of money.

"But we are already implementing our own programme, Kanyashree scheme, for the girl child. The decision to not implement the One Stop Centre scheme is not an administrative decision but a political one," said an official on condition of anonymity.

The WB government Kanyashree scheme is a conditional cash transfer scheme which aims at retaining girls in schools and delaying their marriage until the age of 18.

Delhi government, on its part, has set up 11 OSCs at various hospitals under its own scheme and plans to have 11 more in place but blamed the bureaucracy for delay in implementation.

"The chief minister had asked officials concerned to hand over the work of One Stop Centres to the Delhi Commission for Women a year ago but it is very unfortunate that the bureaucracy is still sitting on the file," it said.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi had also met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last year to push for implementation of the programme.

The Centre had announced the scheme in April, 2015 under the Nirbhaya Fund which envisaged setting up of 36 centres across the country. The following year another 150 were proposed to be set up.

While initially the implementation of the scheme was slow, the Centre tweaked norms to help state governments.

The biggest hurdle was acquiring land for the purpose of starting an OSC. The Centre then stipulated that these could be temporarily set up at an existing medical facility or a government institution in a district.

As a result, of the 186 centres the central government aimed to operationalise by July 2017, 151 are now ready. 96 of these facilities are in an existing building.

The Nirbhaya Fund was set up with a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore in 2013 for enhancing safety and security of women in the country in the aftermath of the December, 2012 gangrape in the capital. The fund is non-lapseable and the total amount transferred to the fund till 2017-2018 is at Rs 3,100 crore.

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Oil-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries today said it has acquired assets of Kemrock Industries and Exports Ltd for undisclosed sum to enter the composites and carbon fibre manufacturing business.

The company "participated in an on-line e-bidding process held recently by Allahabad Bank being leader of the consortium of 11 Banks to sell / dispose off assets of Kemrock Industries & Exports Ltd of Vadodara (Gujarat) and has been declared as the winner in the said bid," RIL said in a statement.

Participation in the auction, it said, was part of RIL's efforts to enter the composites business and establish a leadership position in this large and growing market in India.

Composites are used in a variety of applications and industries such as renewable energy, mass transportation, infrastructure and a host of other industrial products.

"The assets will pave the way for Reliance to foray into new materials (Composites and Carbon Fibre) and further strengthen its petrochemicals business portfolio," the statement said.

RIL, the largest private sector company that operates the world's biggest oil refinery complex at Jamnagar in Gujarat, is in the process of complying with the necessary formalities for acquisition of assets, it added.

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Two masked persons broke into the house of former deputy speaker of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly A V Suryanarayana Raju at Chintapalli village in East Godavari district and robbed him, police said.

The incident took place yesterday, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Prasanna Kumar.

"Two men, wearing masks, entered Raju's residence at 2 am yesterday night when he and his wife were sleeping. Threatening the couple with a knife, they looted gold jewellery and some cash before fleeing," he said.

Further probe is on, the officer said.

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Sanjeev Sanyal, the principal economic adviser in the finance ministry, today expressed hope that a major portion of the banks' bad loan problem will be resolved by the end of the fiscal.

The Reserve Bank has already identified 50 large stressed accounts that account for two-thirds of the over Rs 8 trillion dud loans and banks have started resolving these assets accounts through the bankruptcy code.

"I think by the end of this year or early next year, a substantial proportion of this (NPA resolution) will be in the process, if not already resolved, in some form. We aren't attempting (resolving) thousands of NPA accounts, but only these 50 cases which is two-thirds of the overall problem," Sanyal said at a capital market conference here today.

"Yes, we recognised that it's painful right now, not only for those 50 companies, but for everybody else because the banking system itself has stopped expanding as a result of this and it has stalled the wider economy. We think this clean-up is necessary and is well underway," he said.

Sanyal said after the clean-up, the government will know the recapitalisation amount required for the banks.

"We happen to have a feel of what the recapitalisation numbers are. Let me assure you that they are large, but not catastrophic," he said.

Sanyal, who joined the finance ministry from Deutsche Bank, further said there are many ways in which bank recapitalisation can be done.

"We do not have to fill the entire hole; some of it is already filled with provisioning and some part would be filled through recoveries. We only need to recapitalise to the extent that is required and for that there are several options, including everything from the budget, to selling down the very large stake in many of these banks that government owns," Sanyal said.

He said currently the priority of the government is to clean up banks' balance sheets and then it will look into other matters such as privatisation.

"For the time being, I think a major clean-up is what has to be done first. Even if you wanted to sell them you cannot do it right now. So, let's clean them up first, expand them, get them healthy and then we can have discussions on their privatisation.

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Ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to return on Friday to Pakistan to face cases against him, days after he went to London to see his ailing wife who underwent a throat cancer surgery.

Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court on July 28 in the Panama Papers case. His wife Kulsoom is contesting on Lahore's NA-120 seat that fell vacant in the wake of his disqualification.

Last week, Sharif had gone to London to see his wife Begum Kulsoom who had a successful lymphoma (throat cancer) surgery there.

Sharif, 67, is likely to return to Pakistan from London on September 8, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) political secretary Senator Asif Karmani.

"On his return, he will not only face cases against him in the accountability court but also launch second-phase of his public contact campaign from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province," Karmani told PTI.

The of Sharif's return came amid rumours that he may not come back as he is facing corruption and money laundering cases. The country's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is going to file four cases against Sharif and his children.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is going to file four cases of corruption and money laundering against Nawaz Sharif, his children - Hasan, Husain and Maryam - son-in-law Capt (Retd) Safdar and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in an accountability court tomorrow.

The cases are being filed in connection with the investigation of offshore properties of the Sharif family members.

The four cases will be related to the Avenfield Properties in London, Azizia Steel Mills, Hill Metal Company and the other companies of the Sharif family, a NAB spokesman said.

Sharif will hold a rally in Abbotabad on September 10, to kick off the second phase of mass contact campaign and mobilise the people to support him, the PML-N said.

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Congress president Sonia Gandhi today condemned the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh and said it was a chilling reminder that "intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society".

Her son and party vice president Rahul Gandhi also expressed shock at the killing of the firebrand journalist in Bengaluru yesterday and said no one could suppress the truth.

The Congress president described Lankesh as one with fearless and independent views, who had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement.

"It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society," she said.

In condemning this debilitating attack, the Congress party stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity, she said.

Sonia Gandhi has spoken to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the culprits to the book.

"Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state," she added.

Expressing her deepest condolences to Lankesh's family and friends, the Congress president said she offered her prayers.

Rahul Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described him as "skilled Hindutva politician", what he spoke had a different meaning for his base and another one for the world.

"No one can suppress the truth. The RSS and BJP ideology is trying to suppress the truth but this cannot happen in India," he told reporters here.

Lankesh, 55, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence last evening.

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St Teresa was declared the co-patron of the Archdiocese of Calcutta today, 131 years after St Francis Xavier.

"We now officially declare St Teresa of Calcutta as the co-patron of Archdiocese of Calcutta," Vicar General, Archdiocese of Calcutta, Chancellor Fr Dominic Gomes read out from a decree in the presence of the Vatican's ambassador to India, Most Rev. Giambattista Diquattro, bishops from across the state and nuns of the Missionaries of Charity, which was founded in the city by St Teresa.

The solemn and pious occasion, which lasted for an hour- and-a-half, was attended by all the bishops from Bengal, along with nuns, Diquattro and the archbishop in the Catholic cathedral on Portuguese Church Street in central Kolkata.

A statue of St Teresa was also unveiled inside the church on the occasion by the Vatican ambassador in the presence of the vicar general and archbishop.

St Francis Xavier was declared the first patron when the Archdiocese of Calcutta was established in 1886.

Speaking after the decree was read out, Diquattro expressed Vatican's approval saying, "She (St Teresa) showed us the way of life...As ordained by Jesus Christ."



Archbishop of Calcutta Thomas D'Souza said, "Every diocese in the world has a patron. St Francis Xavier has been our patron here since 1886 when the Archdiocese of Calcutta was established. Since Mother Teresa belonged to our own Calcutta, we have decided to declare her our co-patron."



The decision was taken to commemorate the first anniversary of St Theresa's canonisation, the archbishop said.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O'Brien, who was present on the occasion, told PTI, "It is a spiritual occasion, a historic occasion and a solemn occasion for us."



The ceremony was also attended by differently-abled children and those from the orphanages run by the Missionaries of Charity. The children sang hymns in the presence of the dignitaries after the mass was over.

A senior nun of the Missionaries of Charity said, "This day reminds us how Mother exuded joy and peace wherever she went. An unflinching faith in god was her driving force."



Every archdiocese has a patron who is a saint. The holy person selected as the patron intercedes for the people with god when they pray to him, an official of the archdiocese later explained to mediapersons.

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The BJP today alleged that a state- owned indoor stadium, where party president Amit Shah was scheduled to attend a programme next week, had cancelled the booking for the event.

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal claimed it had nothing to do with it.

"On August 26, we had called up the Netaji Indoor Stadium authorities. They said we were given a pencil (provisional) booking and asked us to come with a no-objection certificate issued by the Kolkata police.

"But on August 30, we were told that the stadium was booked for the entire month, except for the Durga Puja days between September 26-30," state BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu told PTI.

Shah will be on a three day visit to West Bengal from September 11-13.

TMC sources claimed that the booking for the BJP chief's event at the stadium or its cancellation had nothing to do with any of its ministers or leaders.

The stadium officials did not respond to phone calls.

The development comes a day after a row erupted over the cancellation of booking for an October 3 event, which was to be addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, by a state-run auditorium.

The Sangh and the BJP had denounced it as an act of "vengeance" but the decision was defended by the Mamata Banerjee-led government.

It had set off a slugfest, with the official Twitter handle of the RSS alleging that it was done to "appease jihadi elements" and the TMC government saying the booking was cancelled over "safety and security" reasons as the auditorium would be under renovation and repair around that time.

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A candlelight vigil was held at the India Gate tonight to pay tribute to slain journalist- activist Gauri Lankesh, with Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav saying the "climate of fear" must be combated by civil society groups.

A small group of people from different parts of the national capital responded to the call of the Yadav-led party and expressed solidarity with Lankesh.

"This wasn't an attack on a journalist, or attack on the media fraternity, but some of the very ideas on which are Constitution is based," he said.

An outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Rajrajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru yesterday.

"There is an undeclared censorship in the country. People are first targeted on social media, then mainstream media and eventually, if their views are divergent or if they dissent, they are silenced in real life too," Yadav alleged.

"There is a climate of fear, and Lankesh was killed to give a signal that tomorrow you could be next, so behave or face consequences. But, civil society activism is the way forward," he said



The "fear and intimidation" being spread by an "army of trolls" on social media and the hate-mongering in real life, can only be combated by joint efforts of civil society groups, Yadav said.

Noted lawyer and Swaraj India founding member Prashant Bhushan said, "Two persons can have ideological differences, but a murder can never be justified."



Swaroop Singh Bisht, 37, who came from Badarpur in south Delhi, to take part in the vigil said he was shocked by the of her killing.

"Someone, a journalist no less, was killed right outside her home in a metro city like Bangalore. That should make us all uncomfortable. Since, the voices from Delhi (India Gate) reach out to all parts of the country, we came here to spread the message," he said.

Earlier, at a condolence meeting attended by hundreds at the Press Club of India here, Yadav held that Lankesh was silenced as "she stood for a culturally rooted secularism".

She edited a Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications.

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A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle blew himself up outside an American base in Afghanistan today, Afghan officials said, in an attack the Taliban claimed was revenge for a US leaflet deemed highly offensive to Muslims.

US and Afghan authorities confirmed several people were wounded in the late afternoon attack at Bagram Airfield, America's largest base in the country. The Taliban claimed responsibility and said it was in retaliation for "their insult to the Islamic creed".

A spokeswoman for the Parwan provincial governor said "a suicide attacker on a motorbike detonated himself at the third gate of Bagram airbase".

"The attacker was riding a motorcycle. Three wounded can be confirmed," said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry.

NATO's Resolute Support mission said in a statement that "an explosion" had occurred "outside an entry control point" to Bagram that had caused a "small number of casualties".

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the attacker had killed and wounded "over 20 soldiers".

The incident came hours after US forces apologised for dropping leaflets in the northern province of Parwan, where Bagram is located, that allegedly depicted a lion chasing a white dog -- the same colour as the Taliban's flag.

The Islamic statement of faith -- "There is no God but Allah, and Mohammad is the messenger of Allah" -- was superimposed on the dog's body.

Dogs are seen as unclean creatures by some Muslims and the association of Islam with a canine in deeply religious Afghanistan has angered many people.

"Take back your freedom from these dogs. Help the security forces eliminate these enemies. Take back your freedom and ensure your security," the leaflet says.

NATO forces frequently drop leaflets over large swathes of Afghanistan in an effort to persuade locals against supporting insurgents.

Social media users condemned the disrespectful design on the leaflets.

"Death to infidels, death to their servants," one user posted on Facebook.

Another wrote: "They do this in a country with a 99.9% Muslim population. We will see how the (insurgents)... React."



Major General James Linder, who heads the US and NATO special operations forces in Afghanistan, issued a statement apologising for the leaflet design which he said was an "error".

Hassiba Efat, a member of the Parwan provincial council, told AFP: "The leaflets are very offensive to Islam".

"The people in the villages are angry about it but so far we have had no reports of any demonstrations.

"They (foreign forces) have apologised and promised to collect as many of the leaflets as possible."



It is not the first time US forces have caused offense in Afghanistan where they have spent the last 16 years waging war against the Taliban.

In 2012 US troops set fire to copies of the Koran, sparking days of protests in which about 40 people died.

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Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today successfully underwent a cataract procedure on his right eye in Delhi today.

"The CM's cataract procedure on the right eye completed successfully in Delhi today. Thanks to Dr Sachdeva," Rao's son and Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao said on a social network site.

The Chief Minister had left for Delhi on September 1. Prior to the cataract procedure, Rao had met Union Minister Arun Jaitely and discussed issues concerning the state.

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- Indonesian Muslims protested outside the Myanmar embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday demanding an end to violence against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority.

Thousands of demonstrators, many in white Islamic robes and skullcaps, walked through the capital's streets to converge outside the embassy in downtown Jakarta.

Persecution of the Rohingya, reviled as illegal immigrants and mostly denied citizenship in Myanmar, has been a lightning rod for anger in Indonesia and across the Muslim world.

Protesters shouting "God is greater" and holding banners that read "Stop killing Muslim Rohingyas" gathered to condemn the worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine state.

"I think this is not only a religion issue, but moreover a humanitarian issue. What is happening there is very cruel," Tita Fatmawati, a teacher from nearby Bogor, told AFP.

About 6,000 armed police and military officers were deployed to guard the embassy, which was cordoned off behind barbed wire, Jakarta's police spokesman told AFP.

Authorities have been on alert since Sunday after a molotov cocktail was thrown at the embassy.

Nearly 125,000 mostly Rohingya refugees have crossed the border to Bangladesh in recent weeks, fleeing a security sweep by Myanmar forces who have been torching villages in response to attacks by Rohingya militants on August 25.

The refugee exodus has enraged many in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim majority country.

The country's foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, wrapped up a two-day visit to Myanmar on Tuesday, where she urged Suu Kyi as well as army chief General Min Aung Hlaing to help resolve the crisis.

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Journalist bodies and political parties here today condemned the killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh and expressed concern over the incident.

Political leaders, including AIADMK (Amma) deputy chief T T V Dhinakaran, expressed "shock" and concern over the killing of Gauri Lankesh last night.

"This incident has shocked the entire country and has once against raised questions on safety of journalists in India," the Chennai Press Club said.

Gauri (55) was known for her fearless attitude, outspoken views and commitment to secular values, a statement from press club joint secretary Bharathitamizhan said.

"The manner in which Gauri Lankesh was killed shows that it was a planned execution. Chennai Press Club urges the Government of Karnataka to arrest those who are responsible for this murder," the statement said.

Madras Union of Journalists also strongly condemned the killing and wanted the assailants to be arrested at the earliest.

Meanwhile, journalists held a protest here against the incident. They held placards that read "murder of democracy" and "tomorrow it could be one of us".

Meanwhile, Dhinakran said the "cold-blooded murder" of Lankesh was "shocking".

"The cold-blooded murder of senior woman journalist-writer Gauri Lankesh was quite shocking," Dhinakaran said in a tweet.

"It was a brutal assault on the freedom of expression. The culprits should be brought to book at the earliest," the AIADMK leader said in another tweet.

CPI state unit secretary R Mutharasan and TNCC president Su Thirunavukkarasar also expressed concern over the killing.

Gauri, a senior journalist and activist known for her progressive and fearless writing, was shot dead at close range by unknown assailants at her home in Bengaluru yesterday.

The 55 year-old journalist had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately, with two bullets hitting her in the chest and forehead.

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The killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh drew widespread condemnation from media bodies and political parties in Tamil Nadu today.

Political leaders, including sidelined AIADMK (Amma) deputy chief TTV Dhinakaran and DMK working president MK Stalin, expressed "shock" and concern over the killing of Gauri in Bengaluru last night.

"This incident has shocked the entire country and has once against raised questions on safety of journalists in India," the Chennai Press Club said in a statement.

Gauri was known for her "fearless attitude, outspoken views and commitment to secular values", its joint secretary Bharathitamizhan said.

"The manner in which Gauri Lankesh was killed shows that it was a planned execution. Chennai Press Club urges the Government of Karnataka to arrest those who are responsible for this murder," he said.

The Madras Union of Journalists also condemned the killing and demanded the assailants be arrested at the earliest.

A group of journalists held a protest here against the incident. They held placards that read "murder of democracy" and "tomorrow it could be one of us".

Dhinakran said the "cold-blooded murder" of Gauri was "shocking".

"It was a brutal assault on the freedom of expression. The culprits should be brought to book at the earliest," the AIADMK leader said.

Stalin "strongly" condemned the "brutal killing."



"Appeal to arrest the assailants and curb this menace of strangulating freedom of the Press with iron hands," Stalin, also Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, tweeted.

CPI state unit secretary R Mutharasan and TNCC president Su Thirunavukkarasar also expressed concern over the killing.

Gauri was shot dead at close range by unidentified bike- borne assailants at her home in Bengaluru yesterday.

In Coimbatore, journalists and photographers belonging to various associations held a demonstration condemning the killing.

Raising slogans against the "cold-blooded murder", the agitators sought a detailed inquiry into the incident and arrest of the culprits involved.

They also demanded the Centre and the state government bring in a legislation to protect journalists.

A demonstration was also held in Udhagamandalam in Nilgiris district, adjoining Coimbatore.

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The Tata Memorial Hospital here, one of the biggest cancer hospitals in the country, today sought the government's intervention to counter the "behind-the- scenes campaign by the tobacco lobby to stall anti-tobacco initiatives".

"We seek the government's intervention to counter a behind-the-scenes campaign by the tobacco lobby to stall anti-tobacco initiatives," Tata Memorial Hospital's Director (Academics) Dr Kailash Sharma wrote in a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

He claimed that an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report on anti-tobacco activities in India said restrictions on tobacco use would encourage the consumption of more injurious "toxicants" such as alcohol and narcotics and highlighted the "adverse economic impact of the forced closure of tobacco- related farming/industry on 3.5 crore people".

"I have been following the reports that the intelligence wing of your ministry has labelled 'tobacco control' as an 'unhealthy' activity. Please investigate if the report has been instigated by the tobacco lobby to derail the efforts of the government," a statement from the hospital quoted Dr Sharma as saying.

He questioned the use of the phrase, "anti-tobacco lobbying", in the report, saying that the so-called lobbying saved lives.

"The IB report conveniently ignores certain facts. International tobacco industries have also hugely invested in India's cigarette companies. The Indian tobacco industry has consistently challenged the country's tobacco control policy in several courts," Dr Sharma said.

"Tobacco is responsible for nearly 50 per cent cancer cases in India and 90 per cent of mouth cancers. Half of the mouth cancer patients die within 12 months of diagnosis. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco addiction is a disease," said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, professor and surgeon, Tata Memorial Hospital, in the statement.

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Trip Factory, a customised holiday package provider, which launched its first store in the city has plans to reach every holiday customer in India by 2020, a top official said today.

The company has plans to launch four stores across the city in the coming months and expand its offline presence to over 1,000 stores on the next five years, the company's co-founder and CEO Amit Aggarwal told reporters here.

Since, only 18 per cent of travellers shop for their holidays online, a whopping percentage of the population still seeks out an agent or an actual physical space to book the same, he said adding that two among three holiday-seekers looked for a customised holiday package.

"For the first time, our stores will be backed by technology that will enable them to create a truly customised holiday package and a virtual tour of the package, no matter where you want to travel within India or abroad," he added.

Further, Aggarwal said, "this in turn is backed by best prices from our suppliers and airline partners so that consumers know they are getting the lowest price always."



Stating that holiday intelligence in Coimbatore was high, he said that 10 per cent of a population of 18 lakh goes on a holiday, and over 50 per cent of holiday-goers undertake at least one international trip.

The opening of a Trip Factory offline store in Coimbatore, the fourth in the country, promises satisfying customer interactions, easy customisation and a hassle-free holiday buying experience, he said adding the company wanted to reach every holiday customer in India by 2020.

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US President Donald Trump discussed the latest nuclear test by North Korea this week with the British and Australian leaders as part of his outreach to international leaders, the White House said today.

Trump, in his separate phone calls to Theresa May and Malcolm Turnbull yesterday, ruled out any talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme, it said.

The US president has been making phone calls to other world leaders as well since the North detonated what it calls a hydrogen bomb, the biggest nuclear device it ever tested.

Trump called South Korean and Japanese leaders several times over the week to discuss the crisis on the peninsula.

The White House said that Australian and British leaders agreed with Trump that "this latest reckless act only strengthens the world's determination to confront the growing North Korean threat."



"President Trump reiterated that now is not the time to talk to North Korea, and made clear that all options remain open to defend the United States and its allies against North Korean aggression," it said.

Trump and Turnbull condemned North Korea's "belligerent actions" and confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearise North Korea.

"President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to defending the homeland, territories, and allies of the United States, using all available diplomatic and military capabilities," the White House said.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis also spoke with his South Korean counterpart Song Young-moo on the nuclear tests.

"Mattis assured minister Song that the US remains ironclad in its commitment to the defence of the ROK (South Korea). He further emphasised that any threat to the United States, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response," Pentagon chief spokesman Dana W White said.

"Mattis and Song discussed avenues for improving bilateral, trilateral, and regional defence cooperation in light of the threat posed by North Korea and to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region," the White House said.

In a separate statement, NATO called the threat posed by North Korea a problem for the wider international community and demanded a unified response.

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Former US president Barack Obama has decried his successor Donald Trump's decision to end an amnesty for 800,000 people brought to America illegally as children, calling it "wrong," "self-defeating" and "cruel."



"To target these young people is wrong, because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel," he said in a statement yesterday hours after US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has been rescinded.

"What if our kid's science teacher, or our friendly neighbour turns out to be a Dreamer? Where are we supposed to send her? To a country she doesn't know or remember, with a language she may not even speak?" Obama questioned.

He said the move was not "required legally", while terming it a "political decision".

Trump scrapped the Obama-era amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children, a move likely to impact 800,000 undocumented workers including more than 7,000 Indian- Americans.

"Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn't threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us.

"They are that pitcher on our kid's softball team, that first responder who helps out his community after a disaster, that cadet in ROTC who wants nothing more than to wear the uniform of the country that gave him a chance. Kicking them out won't lower the unemployment rate, or lighten anyone's taxes, or raise anybody's wages," Obama said.

He said it is precisely because this action is contrary to the American spirit, and to common sense, that business leaders, faith leaders, economists, and Americans of all political stripes called on the administration not to do what it did today.

"And now that the White House has shifted its responsibility for these young people to the Congress, it's up to members of the Congress to protect these young people and our future. I'm heartened by those who've suggested that they should. And I join my voice with the majority of Americans who hope they step up and do it with a sense of moral urgency that matches the urgency these young people feel," he added.

The announcement by the Trump administration, which was anticipated for the past few days, was greeted with protests from across the country.

India ranks 11th among countries of origin for students, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services statistics available till March 31, 2017.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House demonstrating against Trump.

The former US president said opposing the decision will determine "we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated."



Obama said the Trump administration's decision on is not about fixing the immigration system.

"This is about young people who grew up in America - kids who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag. These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper," he said.

"Over the years, politicians of both parties (Democrats and Republicans) have worked together to write legislations that would have told these young people, our young people, that if your parents brought you here as a child, if you've been here a certain number of years, and if you're willing to go to college or serve in our military, then you'll get a chance to stay and earn your citizenship," he said.

Obama claimed that during his tenure as the US president he had asked the Congress to send him such a bill but it could never be done.
US President Donald Trump would discuss with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping the security challenge posed by North Korea following Pyongyang's biggest nuclear weapons test, the White House said.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called its sixth and most powerful nuclear test a "perfect success", sparking world condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

Trump's call to Xi is part of his efforts to reach out to global leaders on the issue of North Korean threat.

This would be the first phone call between the two leaders after North Korea carried out another nuclear test a few days ago and has threatened to equip its ballistic missile with nuclear weapons.

"In the morning, President Donald Trump will speak with President Xi Jinping of China," the White House said.

Over the past few days, he has spoken multiple times with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He also spoke over phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and South Korea President Moon Jae-In.

Meanwhile, South Korean Second Vice Minister ofForeign Affairs Cho Hyun told a Washington audience that North Korea is rapidly becoming a threat too hard to bear.

"First, we should not accept North Korea as a nuclear weapons state. The second thing we can not accept, in any case, is a war on the Korean peninsula," Cho said at a luncheon organised at a think-tank.

Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Congressman Stephanie Murphy, said North Korea's nuclear test are a profoundly dangerous, defiant, and destabilising event.

"As expected, the test has generated verbal condemnation from the international community, including China and Russia.

But it is too early to say whether these strong words will be followed by strong actions and, if so, what those actions will entail-and whether they will make any difference in altering North Korea's strategic calculus," he said.

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UN chief Antonio Guterres has called on Myanmar government to grant either nationality or legal status to the Muslims of Rakhine state and voiced concern over the violence that has forced nearly 125,000 people to flee to Bangladesh.

Secretary-General Guterres said he is "deeply concerned" about the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State, saying everyone is aware of the long-standing history of discrimination, hopelessness and extreme poverty in that State.

"I have condemned the recent attacks by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army. But now we are receiving constant reports of violence by Myanmar's security forces, including indiscriminate attacks," he told journalists here yesterday, expressing concern about the security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Rakhine.

"This will only further increase radicalisation."



Guterres said he has officially written to the Security Council to express his concern and to propose various steps to end the violence, adding that the grievances of Rohingya - the Muslims in the Rakhine state - "have festered for far too long and are becoming an undeniable factor in regional destabilisation."



He called on the international community to prevent further escalation and to seek a holistic solution, and urged the authorities in Myanmar to provide security and aid to those in need and safe access to life-saving aid.

"At the same time, it is no longer possible to delay an effective action plan to address the root causes of the crisis," Guterres said.

"It will be crucial to give the Muslims of Rakhine state either nationality or, at least for now, a legal status that will allow them to have a normal life, including freedom of movement and access to labour markets, education and health services," he added.

He added that nearly 125,000 people - "victims of unbearable suffering and desperation" have sought refuge in Bangladesh adding that the recommendations of the report of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine led by his predecessor Kofi Annan, and which the Government has signalled it accepts, must be fully implemented.

When asked if it is now time for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to use her moral authority and political power to speak out about the human rights abuses against the Rohingyas, he said "we are facing a risk. I hope we don't get there" and his appeal to all civilian and military authorities in Myanmar is to put an end to the violence that is creating a situation that can destabilise the region.

When asked if he is disappointed in Suu Kyi and her inaction, he said "it's not a matter of being disappointed. I understand the complexity of the situation in Myanmar. We want a Myanmar that is democratic, but we also want a Myanmar where the Rohingya population will see their rights fully respected."



Meanwhile, Senator John McCain Chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi requesting adherence to human rights obligations in response to atrocities being committed by the Myanmar military against the Rohingya people.

"For decades, you have been a source of inspiration for all those who seek peace, freedom, and justice," he said.

"The Rohingya community has a long history in Myanmar and they have contributed significantly to your country's unique social fabric. They deserve the same rights and protection as Burmese citizens. To move forward, I hope you will work towards a more cooperative relationship with the Rohingya and facilitate a path of genuine reconciliation and reform," McCain said.

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A 1,300-km undersea pipeline from Iran, avoiding Pakistani waters, can bring natural gas from the Persian Gulf to India at rates less than the price of LNG available in the spot market, proponents of the pipeline said on Tuesday.

Releasing a study on the Iran-India gas pipeline, former oil secretary T N R Rao said natural gas imported through the over USD 4 billion line would cost USD 5-5.50 per million British thermal unit at the Indian coast, cheaper than the rate at which some of the domestic fields supply gas.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported through ships costs about USD 7.50 per mmBtu.

Rao, who is the chairman of the advisory board of South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt Ltd (SAGE) - the firm wanting to lay the undersea line - said the pipeline can first travel to Oman, and then onwards to Porbandar in Gujarat.

"The cost of landed gas through an undersea pipeline will be at least USD 2 cheaper than importing LNG, saving about USD 1 billion annually," the study said.

SAGE wants the government to support the pipeline and help buyers enter into contract.

The pipeline is planned to carry 31.5 million standard cubic meters gas per day and will be built in two years from the date of necessary approvals and a gas sale and purchase agreement (GSPA) being signed.

The subsea pipeline is being seen as an alternative to the onland Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline. New Delhi has not been participating in talks on the 1,036-km Iran-Pakistan- India gas pipeline since 2007 citing security and commercial concerns but has never officially pulled out of the USD 7.6 billion project.

Under the proposal being discussed, SAGE will lay the 1,300-km pipeline bypassing the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Pakistan. Any company wanting to buy gas from Iran can use the pipeline for rent, its Director Subhodh Kumar Jain said.

"SAGE will not be buying gas from Iran. It will lead an international consortium for building the pipeline," he said.

Chabahar port or Kuh-e-Mubarak could serve as the origin of the pipeline that may terminate near Porbandar in Gujarat. It can then be connected to India's gas grid.

Rao said gas from other nations can also be sourced through the pipeline.

Turkmenistan has a pipeline supplying gas to Iran in the north. Iran can use the Turkmen gas for its own use and supply and equivalent volumes to India from its offshore fields, he said.

Also, gas from Qatar can be pumped into the proposed pipeline.

Jain said fertiliser and power sector can be main users of the Iranian gas. "Landed price of gas in India would be competitive to spot LNG price," he said.
One of the biodiversity-rich uninhabited islands part of Lakshadweep has vanished due to coastal erosion and another four such territories in the sea are shrinking fast, claims a new study.

Parali I island, part of Bangaram atoll, which was 0.032 km2 in 1968 has been eroded to an extent of 100 per cent, resulting in its inundation, says R M Hidayathulla in his research work.

Hidayathulla, who is from Androth in Lakshadweep, was awarded PhD in July this year by Calicut University in Kerala for his work "Studies on Coastal Erosion in Selected Uninhabited Islands of Lakshadweep Archipelago with Special Reference to Biodiversity Conservation."



He conducted studies on assessment of the biodiversity confining to five uninhabited islands --Bangaram, Thinnakara, Parali I, II and III, of which Parali I has been inundated--of Bangaram atoll in Lakshadweep, an archipelago of 36 islands in the Lakshadweep sea.

The studysaid the complete erosion and inundation of Parali I was pointing to the gravity of issues associated with coastal erosion within the atoll.

Onan overall assessment of the changes in the aerial extent of islands using RS/GIS, it has been noticed that all the five islets of Bangaram atoll had undergone coastal erosion, it said.

"The results are indicative of the urgent measures to be implemented on each islet of the atoll to check further erosion.. It is also recommended to check the feasibility of a bio protection strategy using mangroves, in addition to the conventional physical protection measures," Hidayathulla told PTI.

His guide on the environmental studies, C C Harilal, said submergence of Parali I was noticed when he visited the Bangram atoll in 2011.

The data obtained were processed using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) softwares, Harilal said.

"One island has submerged.. We can say Lakshadweep now is not an archipelago of 36 islands," he told PTI.

Hidayathulla said the assessment of the extent of geo-morphological changes associated with each island for a period of 45 years was carried out using geospatial techniques.

"Since the absence of this island (Parli I) is noticed in both observations carried out in 2003 and 2007, it is assumed that the island has been subjected to complete erosion during 1968-2003 periods and an assessment of the exact year of its inundation requires data analysis for a span of 35 years extending from 1968," said the study.

Hidayathulla, in his study, said a general trend in erosion has been noticed in almost all islands he studied.

The magnitude of such events was higher in Parali group, evidenced by the complete erosion and inundation of the island Parali I, the study said.

Noted climate expert Chandra Bhushan hailed the work and said this is one of the very studies done in India to establish the erosion and complete inundation of an island.

"It is now widely recognised that islands and coastal areas are going to get eroded and inundated due to rising sea levels because of increasing global temperature.

India's coasts and islands, which are densely populated, are highly vulnerable," said Bhushan, who is also deputy director general of New Delhi-based advocacy group Centre for Science Environment (CSE).

"With the sea levels predicted to rise further, we should start preparing for building defenses to protect our coastlines and islands," he told PTI.

The magnitude of net erosion was higher in Parali I island (100 per cent), which resulted in its inundation.

Apart from Parali I, net erosion was higher in Parali II (80 per cent), followed by Thinnakara (14.38 per cent), Parali III (11.42 per cent) and Bangaram (9.968 per cent), the study said.

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Top international credit card company plans to expand its Bangalore centre to support the firm's global services, a senior official has said here.

The company will expand the Bangalore Technology Centre of Excellence by using more Application Programming Interface (API) expertise.

In computer programming, an API is a set of subroutine definitions, protocols and tools for building application software.

"We plan to add more APIs as and when we can and understand what the market requirements are," said T R Ramachandran, Group Country Manager for India and South Asia at the Consolidated Support Services (I) Pvt Ltd.

But security, as is the widespread concern in the industry including cyber risks, will be of absolute consideration in taking on API solutions, he asserted.

The Bangalore centre has about 1,100 professional engineers supporting the company's services across the globe and has added more than 200 APIs over the last 2 years.

"We not only have a business presence in India but we have a large technology presence in India," Ramachandran said yesterday underlining the group's commitments to the Indian market and tapping the huge pool of software talent in the country.

He expressed confidence in APIs and Fintech developers, saying "today innovation can come from anywhere".

"We don't want to create products anymore, we want to create standards for everyone," he told reporters.

Ramachandran described India as one of the fastest growing markets for and expressed confidence that electronic services will be strengthened by stronger IT infrastructure following the introduction of 4G and 5G, as well as fibre optic-based networks.

"The opportunities in India are too large for one player to take on," he said.

India is a market with the level playing field with domestic or indigenous service and international playing their own roles, he said, dismissing concerns about the tilt to support indigenous credit card services.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The efforts of medical aspirant Anitha, who was found hanging from the ceiling of her house, should not be in vain and there should be a protest to ban NEET altogether, says noted Tamil director Vetrimaaran.

Anitha, the daughter of a daily wage earner, allegedly committed suicide at her house in Ariyalur district of the state on September 1. She was believed to be upset after it became known that Tamil Nadu will not be exempted from the ambit of the National Entrance-cum-Eligibility Test (NEET).

"India is a conglomeration of different states with various languages, tradition, and culture for each. How can a standard examination be the solution for such a multi-cultured nation? The psychology of education is all about how the society gets benefited from it," Vetrimaaran said yesterday.

"When we belong to a community and learn things that are no way related to our society, we live as unwanted entities in that society. Given that, NEET is completely purposeless for anyone here."



The filmmaker was talking to reporters at a commemoration meeting organised by "Kabali" filmmaker Pa Ranjith to pay respects to Anitha.

Calling Anitha a coward for committing suicide would bring dishonour to her efforts, he said.

"Anitha is a fearless activist who found her way to the Supreme Court to get what she deserves. When such a bold personality decided to take her life, we should not call her a coward. I felt bad for not doing enough before she lost her life. We should protest to ban NEET altogether.

"Anitha's efforts should not go in vain."



Tamil actor Vijay Sethupathi, who was also present on the occasion, told youngsters to learn more about politics than cinema to understand the various facets of life.

"Education is a basic necessity. We have lost a precious life now, and I feel ashamed for not being able to do anything about it. People are always dividing us based on caste.

"I'm not sure if they listen to our protests anymore. They might have got used to it. We should change the methods of our protests. They've learned properly to suppress us now with various means," said Sethupathi.

National Award-winning actor Samuthirakani called for a fair education policy and sought a ban on the NEET examination.

"All we need is an appropriate education system. When we don't get what we ask for, we should protest. If our demands are still not met, we should boycott. When that goes unnoticed too, we should take ourselves what we deserve. That's the only solution," he said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu today said his ministry is looking at certain measures to rev up country's exports in a "shortest possible time" and will also strive to address the issues facing exporters post GST.

The minister said exports to GDP (gross domestic product) ratio of India has to improve substantially as the outbound shipments have a great ability to generate economic activity.

"Therefore, exports to GDP ratio has to rise...So we are at a crash intervention sort of a thing. We are trying to work out what to be done to promote exports in a shortest possible time which includes issues coming up because of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)," Prabhu, who assumed charge as the commerce and industry minister this week (rpt) this week, told reporters here.

Prabhu said exporters are facing certain challenges in the GST regime and the ministry is taking up those issues the concerned authorities.

The ministry is working on the support measures "which can facilitate quick increase in exports (both in terms of) volume and value," he said.

The commerce ministry is expected to announce incentives in the review of the foreign trade policy, which is scheduled to be released next month.

On the GST, exporters have stated that the new indirect tax regime would block working capital worth over Rs 1.85 lakh crore per year with the government as they now have to pay the tax first and then seek refund, which is a cumbersome process.

Earlier they were getting ab-initio exemptions from taxes.

The minister also said that domestic investments by the private sector has not increased considerably and one of the reasons for that is inadequate capacity utilisation.

"Unless domestic demand picks up...Exports can fill in that gap," Prabhu added.

He said the ministry will work on several other fronts, including bringing in new industrial policy, improving logistics for exporters, agri export policy and integrating into the global supply chains.

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has floated a discussion paper on futuristic industrial policy 2017.

"Global supply chains are now become a reality. India is part of that in auto components and generic formulations," he said adding these chains offer a great opportunity for Indian exports as well as upgrading capacities in terms of technology.

On logistics, he said this is being added in the rules of business of commerce now, so the ministry will work on this also.

"We will bring logistics to forefront and work on that as there is a direct link between competitiveness of exports and logistics," Prabhu said.

To promote investments, the minister has told the 'Invest India' team to prepare a district-wise industrial plan as local situations like human resource availability, law and order condition and natural resources help attract investors more.

Further, he said these are challenging times as countries are creating more and more walls around them.

"Protectionist ideas are growing. They are stronger over a period time. So we will follow our trade policy in manner that we will be able to work through these walls," he said.

India's export growth slowed to an eight-month low of 3.94 per cent in July, while the trade deficit widened to USD 11.44 billion on account of high gold imports.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Meng Meng and Henning Gloystein

BEIJING/SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Guangzhou port, the largest coal hub in southern China, has halted foreign coal imports, according to traders who use the port and said they had been informed of the shutdown by customs authorities and senior company officials.

Traders said the move caught merchants using Guangzhou by surprise - the port has 14 coal berths and can handle 60 million tonnes of shipments per year - and interpreted it as a sign of Beijing stepping up a campaign to cut pollution caused by use of coal. China already banned coal imports at small ports in July.

"We were told by customs that the port has stopped accepting foreign shipments," said one trader, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to media. "Starting this week, we will avoid using the Guangzhou port."

It wasn't immediately clear how long the import halt would last, nor how many cargoes would be affected. Shipping data compiled by Thomson Eikon showed dozens of large dry-bulk ships anchoring in waters outside Guangzhou, waiting to offload.

Guangzhou port authorities and customs officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Another trader based at Guangzhou said his company has stopped booking supplies for October arrivals, despite increasing demand from utilities.

"We still have a couple cargoes each of 60,000 tonnes on the way to Guangzhou port. If these cargoes cannot clear customs, we probably have to return them," the Guangzhou based trader said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.

"The last time I saw a foreign cargo being allowed to unload was almost a week ago," he said.

($1 = 6.5240 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Meng Meng in BEIJING and Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Michelle Price

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican U.S. senators on Tuesday called on the Trump administration to increase pressure on China to remove foreign ownership curbs that bar American financial companies from freely operating in the world's second largest economy.

Foreign banks, securities firms and insurers seeking to conduct certain kinds of business in China are required to partner with local firms that retain a majority interest in the joint venture.

The arrangement has long frustrated Wall Street players operating in China - including Morgan Stanley , JPMorgan Chase & Co and Citigroup Inc - because it limits their ability to make strategic decisions and maximize profits.

In a letter sent to the administration and dated Tuesday, 16 Republican U.S. senators urged the government to seek a "timely" commitment from China to allow U.S. financial firms to own 100 percent of their Chinese operations as part of the U.S.-China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue - a forum created in April by President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss pressing economic issues.

"Such restrictions effectively block U.S. financial companies from owning and controlling their investments as they do in almost every other market in which they operate," the letter said.

"They also harm U.S. companies in other sectors of the economy, like manufacturing, that rely on the scale, scope and expertise of U.S. financial services providers to compete with Chinese competitors."

The Chinese government has been gradually loosening foreign investment curbs as part of its pledge to open up the country's capital markets, and in December unveiled plans to further liberalize joint venture rules - but did not provide details. . [nL4N1EP1AG]

The U.S. financial services industry hopes to capitalize on President Donald Trump's pro-business agenda and tough stance on China trade relations to push Beijing to follow through on its promise to allow greater market access.

The letter was addressed to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, National Economic Council director Gary Cohn, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. The 16 senators who signed the letter included Tim Scott, who sits on the Senate Finance Committee and Mike Crapo, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.

"China's barriers to market entry have put U.S. financial institutions at a competitive disadvantage through numerous administrations," said Kenneth Bentsen Jr., president and chief executive of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association trade group and chairman of the Engage China group, which has been lobbying on this issue.

"By tackling these barriers, we will give U.S. financial companies the same competitive rights given to Chinese companies operating in the U.S.," Bentsen said in a statement.

(Reporting by Michelle Price; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
By Alexandra Ulmer

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela has arrested the state oil company's boss for the western region and eight other executives at PDVSA, according to an internal company memo and a half-dozen sources in the OPEC member's oil industry.

It was not immediately clear why Gustavo Malave and the other employees were apprehended, though a series of corruption probes are under way at PDVSA and have entangled other employees.

The sources said Malave was arrested on Monday in Zulia state, Venezuela's traditional oil-producing region near Colombia, in what would be one of the highest-profile detentions of a PDVSA executive.

PDVSA, the prosecutor's office, and Malave did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Separately, Venezuela's new chief prosecutor Tarek Saab on Thursday announced he was investigating "spectacular" overpricing in a dozen contracts in the nation's Orinoco oil belt, on the other side of the country. [nL2N1LH1BL]

The reputation of PDVSA - short for Petroleos de Venezuela SA - has been tarnished in recent years by graft investigations involving high-profile staff.

The company has blamed the problems on a small group of employees and executives, and promised a war on corruption.

Last year, the opposition-led congress said $11 billion was lost at PDVSA between 2004 and 2014, when Rafael Ramirez was in charge of the company. He denied the allegations. [nL1N1CP1BX]

The Caracas-based company is the financial motor of leftist President Nicolas Maduro's government, but is reeling from low oil prices, mismanagement, and lack of investments. [nL1N1KT1ER]

(Reporting by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Andrea Ricci)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Weeks after terminating franchise agreement with its Indian partner, McDonald's has reportedly said that from today Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd will not be authorized to use its names, trademarks and branding. McDonald's India had a 50:50 joint venture with CPRL that run 169 stores spreading across North and East India.

The Economic Times reported that starting today, 169 McDonald's stores in north and east Indian region will face closure. "The termination notice period ends on September 5. Therefore, CPRL is no longer authorised to use the McDonald's system and its intellectual property. It means they need to stop using the McDonald's names, trademarks, designs, branding, operational and marketing practice and policies, and food recipes and specifications. We are proceeding with exercising our legal and contractual rights," McDonald's India spokesperson told the ET in an email response.

Earlier in August, McDonald's India had terminated the franchise agreement for these 169 fast-food outlets run by CPRL, a company led by Vikram Bakshi. CPRL was the master franchisee for McDonald's operation in North and East India. Bakshi opposed McDonald's termination move and challenged it in the NCLT. However, the Tribunal dismissed it.



Vikram Bakshi did not comment specifically on whether the stores would remain shut from today. "As of now, all I am saying is that we will be approaching the national company law appellate tribunal on Wednesday," the ET quoted Bakshi as saying. "This will cause widespread damage to the lives of over 10,000 Indians (directly and indirectly), the company, the suppliers and all business associates," Bakshi reportedly said.

McDonald's and CPRL have been at loggerheads for sometime. It all started with CPRL chief Vikram Bakshi's removal from the post of Managing Director of CPRL. McDonald's alleged that Bakshi had leased out his property to a rival company, suggesting a conflict-of-interest scenario. Not only this, it also said that that Bakshi had transferred Rs 7 lakh from the company's account to his group company called Vikram Bakshi and Company Pvt Ltd. According to McDonald's, Bakshi was being selfish and not devoting enough time to CPRL. Vikram Bakshi refuted all these allegations and challenged the termination in the NCLT.

The NCLT later ordered his reinstatement saying, "The proceedings of the meeting of the Board of Directors held on 06.08.2013 relating to re-election of Mr Vikram Bakshi as the Managing Director of the Company are set aside and declared illegal, unjust and mala fide." Last month, McDonald's India challenged the NCLT's order reinstating Vikram Bakshi as the managing director of CPRL. In a press statement it said: "We are exercising our legal right and appealing the NCLT decision."

In a last attempt, the NCLT had asked both the parties to consider settling the dispute among themselves. However, McDonalds India on August 30 informed the NCLAT that settlement of dispute with Vikram Bakshi was not possible.


Infosys, which recently saw several changes at the board level after the resignation of former CEO Vishal Sikka, on Tuesday said it would announce quarter and half-year ended September 30, 2017 financial results on October 24.

For the first time in several years, the Bengaluru-based firm will not be among the first ones to announce its Q2 earnings in the first week of this month.

The company has not given any reason for the delay in the scheduled date of earnings.



Infosys had given October 13, 2017 as the tentative date for announcing the financial results for the September quarter in its earnings release for the first quarter.

Also read: Infosys promoters offer shares worth Rs 2,038 cr for buyback



In a release to the BSE, the company said on Tuesday night that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company would be held on October 23, 2017 and October 24, 2017, inter alia, to consider the audited consolidated financial results of the company and its subsidiaries as per Indian Accounting Standards (IndAS) for the quarter and half year ending September 30, 2017.

This will be the first set of earnings post the return of former CEO Nandan Nilekani to the company.

Co-founder Nandan Nilekani was the CEO of the company from March 2002 to April 2007.



Also read: Former Infosys Chairman Seshasayee calls Murthy's charges untrue, offensive



Under Nilekani, Infosys is looking for a new CEO after Vishal Sikka left the position post clashes with promoters and co-founder NR Narayana Murthy.

The company has appointed executive search firm Egon Zehnder to find a replacement for Sikka.

Infosys has been involved in a crisis since earlier this year after the IT service provider was in news for giving unusual hike to its top executives. UB Pravin Rao who is currently serving as interim-CEO got over 33 per cent hike in annual compensation. Not only that, the Infosys gave severance pay of Rs 12 crore to its former CFO Rajiv Bansal.

These two decisions of the Board did not go well with the founders. Speaking on the hike to Pravin Rao, NR Murthy said: "The impact of such a decision (compensation hike) is likely to erode the trust and faith of the employees in the management and the board."

On Rajiv Bansal's severance pay, former Board member Mohandas Pai said that never before in the history of Infosys someone had got this much money for leaving the company. Narayana Murthy had also questioned the large payment to Rajiv Bansal and termed it a 'hush money'.

All these decisions were taken under former Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka who last month decided to quit saying that he was personally attacked. After Sikka's exit, it was felt that someone was needed who could fix the governance issue at Infosys.

Then Nandan was brought back. Soon after taking over as Chairman, Nilekani told the investors that he was committed to the highest standard of corporate governance and would bring back the firm on super-stable high growth path.
Senior Kannada journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday, police said.

Gauri, aged 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said.

She died instantaneously.

Four bullets hit the compound wall of her building in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, the officials said.

Gauri edited Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications, and was known for her forthright views against hardline Hindutva politics.

Bengaluru police commissioner T Sunil Kumar, along with senior police officers, rushed to the spot and officials said it was not immediately known who carried out the attack and the motive behind it.

Police suspected that she was under surveillance of the assailants who must have trailed her closely.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed her death shocking.

The chief minister said three police teams have been constituted to probe the killing. Instructions have been issued to crack the case and bring the culprits to book at the earliest, he said.

He said recently Gauri had been instrumental in bringing Naxalites into the mainstream and they had surrendered.

"It's shocking news for me. No one who has faith in humanity will ever kill anyone. Gauri Lankesh was secular and helped government bring the Naxals back to the mainstream," said Siddaramaiah.

He wondered why Gauri didn't tell the government about the threat to her life though she had met him many times.

Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy drew parallels between the gunning down of Gauri and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi, allegedly by fringe Hindu groups. Dabholkar was shot dead in August 2013, while Kalburgi was gunned down in August 2015.

"Who is behind the incident, is it the Naxals or any other ideological fringe parties were behind the incident will be known only after investigation. It is very premature to hold anybody responsible for the incident," Reddy said.

Siddaramaiah also said he has asked police to get in touch with their Maharashtra counterparts probing the murder of Dabholkar.

Police have cordoned off the area around her house.

Senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M N Anucheth, rushed to the spot to supervise investigation.

Karnataka police chief R K Dutta said Gauri had not voiced apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her.

Asked about who could be the possible suspects in the killing, the officer refused to hazard any guess, saying "let the investigation proceed first."

"I do not know how to react. The assailants should be brought to the book. The case should be handed over to CBI," Gauri's brother Indrajit Lankesh said.

In a statement, RSS state unit expressed deep sorrow over the "heinous" murder of Gauri. "RSS appeals to the state government to act soon on the criminals responsible and bring them to the book," it said.

Veteran BJP Leader K S Eshwarappa rapped the Siddaramaiah government for "failing" to protect the lives of people, including those of noted writers like Kalburgi and Gauri.

Gauri was last year convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in her tabloid against some saffron party leaders.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore took to Twitter to denounce the incident.

"Terrible news from Bengaluru about the heinous murder of Gauri Lankesh. I condemn all acts of violence against journalists," he said.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said "truth cannot be silenced" and demanded that the culprits be tracked down and punished.

"The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished," his office said in a twitter post.

BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said, "The murder of #GauriLankesh is condemnable outright. Onus is on Sh.Siddaramaiah to ensure proper investigation."

"If it is BJP ruled state, Liberals would have cried for emergency, Intolerance, Fascism," tweeted National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: "Shocking & tragic! Brave journalist Gauri Lankesh who exposed the BJP has been shot dead in her home in Bangalore!"

Gauri was a journalist-activist, known for her anti- establishment, pro-poor and pro-Dalit stand.

Among very few woman editors in Kannada journalism, she was a fierce activist, who openly expressed her pro-Naxal and Leftist views.

Born in 1962, Gauri was the daughter of legendary Kannada journalist and founding editor of Kannada weekly tabloid 'Lankesh Patrike'.

Her siblings -- Kavitha and Indrajit Lankesh -- are film and theatre personalities.
India has frozen the bank accounts of 209,032 suspected shell companies as part of a crackdown on illegal transactions and tax evasion, the finance ministry said on Tuesday.

The latest action against shell companies - which have no active business operations or assets - comes months after authorities ordered nearly 200,000 such firms to be shut down.

Under the order, the owners and their nominated signatories will not be able to operate bank accounts until such companies are legally restored, the ministry said in a statement.

"The department of financial services has advised all banks that they should take immediate steps to put restrictions on bank accounts of such struck off companies," the statement said.

Tax officials say the owners of shell companies create elaborate smokescreens, including naming personal servants and chauffeurs as board directors, to obscure the ultimate beneficiaries, conceal political investment, evade tax, commit fraud or manipulate tenders.

In his Independence Day address on Aug 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described such firms as "looters of the nation's wealth".


Moving a step closer towards acquiring the formidable Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system, the Indian Air Force has completed the trials of the missiles which can shoot down fighter and surveillance aircraft, cruise missiles and drones at the range of 400 kms over enemy airspace itself.

"The field evaluation trials of the Russian air defence system have been completed by the Indian Air Force in Russia and they have been quite successful. The trials were conducted on two separate occasions and it performed to the satisfaction of the users," government sources told MAIL TODAY.

After the completion of trials, the defence ministry will now start the process of initiating the contractual negotiations with Rosoboronexport, the Russian agency which handles defence deals with foreign countries, including the fixation of price, the sources said.

Despite the high price tag attached with the five S-400 systems India is planning to acquire, the Indian Air Force is extremely happy to get the weapon system as it will give them an edge over Pakistan and bring them on par with the Chinese who have already installed this system, the sources said.

The missiles system manufactured by Russia's Almaz Antey consists of a set of radars, missile launchers and command posts and the radar of each system can track between 100 and 300 targets simultaneously. With a tracking range of 600 km, the missile system can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously within a range of 400 km.

The missile system gives India the capability to track all Pakistani air bases while bring the Chinese assets in Tibet in its striking range. An intergovernmental agreement on the sale of S-400 was signed in October 2016 at the 17th India-Russia summit between President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was earlier speculated to be pegged at Rs 54,000 crore.

After the top level negotiations, the deal is likely to cost less than Rs 40,000 crore and may go down even further in the tough negotiations on price with the Russians.

The Russian missile system would be used by the IAF, along with the other new air defence systems coming up in the country including the India-Israel joint venture Medium range-Surface to Air Missile system and the SPYDER systems that India recently acquired from Israel.

India has also developed its own air short range air defence systems including the Akash air defence missiles while the Missile complex of DRDO has also successfully tested the new Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system.

Air defence missile systems which can strike incoming targets at different ranges are deployed in tandem all over the world so that if one misses, there is a backup system to take down the enemy at the other level.
It all starts with the first pint and then moves on to the next one. A couple of pints more follow. And before you know it, you are not only dialing the numbers of your best friends and letting them know how much you love them; you now have a sudden need to vomit all the beer that you have been consuming for the last four hours. And there goes your favorite pair of shoes that you so painstakingly bought. Every beer fan knows that the struggle is real.

So, Adidas had a bright idea and decided to solve this problem once and for all.

Right before the most popular beer festival, Oktoberfest, held in Germany, the good people at Adidas launched a beer and vomit-repellent sneakers. The shoes are inspired by Bavarian leather pants and are made of high-quality leather and premium materials. The leather is coated with DPBR - durable puke and beer repellent.

The shoes also have Prost - German for cheers - lettered in golden next to the three stripes. That's not all, upon buying a pair; one gets a complimentary beer mug.



Oktoberfest or not, history is proof that we all need a little bit of DPBR on our shoes. The best part is one can get the shoes delivered to their address in India.



You can buy yours here .
Who is Muskaan Sodhi? Dressed casually in a white crop top, ripped jeans and white sneakers, when she alighted from a chauffeur-driven white Jaguar to meet me at our sprawling, sunny studio in the National Capital Region, heads turned, and some did a double take. The rich and the famous are hardly a rarity in a media office visited by the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Baba Ramdev. But Sodhi, 32, belongs to a different genre - the twentysomething (some of them are a bit older) clan of bold, brash, uber-rich and Chanel-toting elites who love to flaunt their lavish lifestyle on Instagram. She has shot to fame after being featured on the Rich Parents of Instagram and seems to be on a roll with more than 72,000 followers. That is not surprising as the snapshots up there feature her strutting on board a private jet, flaunting her bikini bod, taking travel-grams across exotic locations, riding an elephant or pouting for the camera - just the kind of eye candy that will push the popularity chart. Incidentally, she is not a mom yet, but her pictures with her niece might have triggered the perception.

Sodhi, an Indian by birth, is a global citizen, loves to travel and claims she has a 'Bible of passports'. She was brought up in the US as her father worked in the Indian Embassy there. Later on, she moved back to India, then went to Singapore and now lives in the UK after her marriage. Her profile bio on Instagram describes her as a fitness junkie, a mermaid and an ocean lover. She, however, maintains that unlike many others featured on the original and most-celebrated Rich Kids of Instagram (RKOI) page, she does not flaunt her wealth.

"Go to my Instagram [page], and you will see that I don't show my bags, I don't show my shoes, I don't show where I live. I will tell you who do it... people who have new money," says Sodhi. "A case in point is Siddharth Mallya (son of liquor baron Vijay Mallya and an aspiring actor). We know him very well, and he never shows off," she adds. Sodhi says she has grown up in an "old money" family where such flaunting is frowned upon. This year, she has married an Indian-origin Brit, who works for Formula 1 racing company Scuderia Toro Rosso, and now plans to launch her couture brand in the UK. Earlier, she had changed her career just like she had changed cities. Sodhi tried to be an air hostess, but did not like it, founded an events company but sold it and occasionally works as a model.

But before we bring to our readers more Indians making waves, let us take a look at the bigger picture. When Instagram started in 2010, its purpose was to design a platform for people who want to share image-worthy moments with their friends and followers. But in less than a decade, the young and the wealthy of the world seem to have taken over. Try searching the word 'rich', and you will come across at least 50 pages. Some of them feature people from specific regions while others are country-specific. There are 20 pages on India alone but none seems too exotic, and most of them simply showcase Bollywood stars or well-known Indian celebs. Do not get us wrong. India, home to the world's fourth-largest population of high-net-worth individuals, does not lack the rich-kid trope. But most of them keep a low profile at home compared to their overseas counterparts. Outside the country, they are not as modest, and our search for the Indian rich has led us to several illustrious groups, including RKOI, Rich Kids of London and Rich Parents of London.

Who Are Making Waves

Rich Kids of London features quite a few Indians, but most of them did not respond to our interaction request.

Sami Raja, a half-Indian and half-Pakistani British citizen, has talked some more about his life. The 29-year-old tells a rags-to-riches tale and claims to have set up his first company when he was 20. Now he brokers deals for companies looking to raise money and the cut supports his lifestyle. Raja has been featured in Rich Kids of London and Rich Parents of Instagram and often poses with his kid.

Another Indian who has found a slot on Rich Parents is Saarth Sathaye, whose bio says he lives in Mumbai, Dubai and London. He is seen driving a Porsche in his pictures, sporting luxury watches and vacationing in yachts. A Google search reveals that he is a director in Mumbai and Pune-based companies. But when we reached out for interaction, he refused to talk and later blocked this writer on Instagram.

Rich Kids of London has over five lakh followers while Rich Parents of Instagram, launched in 2015, only has 60,000 followers. Both groups have the same British founder, who also likes to remain anonymous. We got in touch to know why he started the groups but did not get any response to our e-mailed queries till the time of going to press.

RKOI, too, features a number of Indians, many of whom were covered in our story last year. In fact, it is the original trigger that has unleashed the recent barrage of 'rich people' pages. The RKOI Tumblr blog was started in 2012 by a few Americans anonymously and was the inspiration for a documentary, a TV series and a novel. With more than four lakh followers, its success is evident, and in its heyday, it saw an average 8,50,000 unique visitors a month.

What Keeps Them Going
News MARKETS IPO Corner Matrimony.com IPO to open on September 11: Seven things to know Feedback

Matrimony.com IPO to open on September 11: Seven things to know

The IPO is due to open on September 11 and close on September 13. Net proceeds from the issue will be utilised towards advertising and business promotion activities, purchase of land for construction of office premises in Chennai, repayment of overdraft facilities and general corporate purposes.
Noida-based consumer electronic manufacturer Dixon Technologies (India) launched Rs 600-crore initial public offer (IPO) on Wednesday.

The firm plans to spend the proceeds of the IPO on capacity expansion and debt repayment.

"In the primary raise, the money will be spent on setting up LED TV capacity in Tirupati, expansion of our backward integration of lighting business, debt repayment, IT infrastructure and the rest will be used for general corporate purposes," Dixon Technologies Managing Director Atul B Lall said.

On Tuesday, the firm raised Rs 179.8 crore by allotting 10.18 lakh shares to anchor investors at the higher end of IPO price band of Rs 1760 to Rs 1766 per share.

Anchor investors are marquee institutional investors such as sovereign wealth funds, mutual funds and pension funds that are invited to subscribe for shares a day ahead of the IPO to boost the popularity of the issue and provide confidence to potential IPO investors.

The company expects to raise Rs 60 crore from the primary round of equity sale and Rs 540 crore from offer for sale. "Post listing, 52 per cent of Dixon will be held by promoters and friends, 8 per cent by employees, 5 per cent by Motilal Oswal and 35 per cent will be with the public," Lall said.

The initial public offer will close on September 8 with a price band of Rs 1,760-1,766 per share with a face value of Rs 10 each.

Dixon has six manufacturing facilities at present. Three plants are located in Noida and Dehradun each. Dixon plans to repay debt of Rs 22 crore, invest Rs 7.57 crore in setting up its seventh manufacturing unit for LED television in Tirupati.

The company will use Rs 8.85 crore for producing parts of LED lights at its Dehradun plant. The company is electronic contract manufacturer for Panasonic India, Philips Lighting India, Intex technologies, Gionee and Surya Roshini, among others.

Dixon had registered about 20 per cent increase in its consolidated profit at Rs 50.4 crore in 2016-17, from Rs 42 crore in the previous fiscal.

The revenue of Dixon jumped by about 82 per cent to Rs 2,456 crore at the end of 2016-17, from Rs 1,344 crore a year ago, aided by the mobile phone segment.

Dixon Technologies (India) engages in the manufacture and sale of products for the consumer durables, lighting, and mobile phones markets in India.


Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Wednesday questioned Centre's move to consolidate public sector banks, saying the government should be clear on what purpose would PSU banks merger solve.

In an interview to The Economic Times, Rajan said bank mergers would be a complex process. "Consolidation itself requires a whole lot of time and effort by bank CEOs and bank managers throughout the system. You have to merge IT systems, you have to merge cultures, you have to merge HR systems etc that involves a tremendous amount of work."

Stating that the merger of banks that are already under stress due to mounting NPAs would be problematic, Rajan said, "You have explain how it is going to be easy to do that. Why this is going to be helpful and not just another distraction which weakens the entire entity."

Last month, the Union Cabinet approved the framework for merging state-owned banks. The mergers are expected be to bring the number of public sector banks from 21 down to somewhere between 10 and 15.

"The decision regarding creating strong and competitive banks will be solely based on commercial considerations. Our experience of consolidation has been positive. It increases the entity's commercial strength, the ability to absorb market shocks," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said.

State Bank of India merged with five of its other associate banks and Bharatiya Mahila Bank to form the 45th largest bank in the world. State Bank of India chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya had earlier called for more consolidation among the public sector banks, saying this could reduce their dependence on government for capital.
After Motorola and Xiaomi, now Lenovo has announced the launch of its mid-budget smartphone with dual camera module, K8 Plus in India. The K8 Plus features dual camera at the rear and comes with stock Android Operating system.

Featuring a 13MP primary camera and a 5MP depth sensor, K8 Plus can be used to capture 'bokeh' images, also known as 'DSLR like images' where the subject is in focus and the background is blurred, using the depth mode. There is also an 8MP front facing camera with flash. Addressing the pain points of the users, Lenovo has opted for pure Android and done away with the custom UI it used to add to their smartphones. Running on Android Nougat out-of-the-box, it has Google Assistant on board and a multi-view window. Aiming to optimise the performance and battery, the phone is powered by 64-Bit Octa-core 2.6GHz processor paired with 3GB of RAM and a 4000 mAh battery, which the company claims can easily last two days. It has a 5. 434ppi display. Lenovo has added a dedicated shortcut music key on the side panel, which can be assigned to any other app as well.

K8 Plus with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage has been priced at Rs 10,999 and will go on sale exclusively on Flipkart, starting September 7. The company also plans to launch another variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage around Diwali. The company is also planning to launch the K8 which boast a 5.2inch display, which is powered by 2.3Ghz P20 16nm processor, runs stock Android Nougat and features a 13MP single camera at the rear, 8MP front camera with flash and 4000 mAh battery.

Lenovo launched the A6000 Plus, an affordable 4G smartphone and P1m in 2015, which sold 30 lakh units. In 2016, Lenovo launched K5, K5 Plus and K6 Power and sold 31 lakh units. However, other Chinese players such as Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo has been giving tough completion to the Lenovo Group. According to figures shared by IDC on the basis of shipments, in Q3, 2016, Lenovo and Motorola combined, were at number two with the market share of 9.6 per cent. But the recent numbers for the Q2, 2017 reveal that the Lenovo Group fell to number 5 with just 7 per cent market share.

Also watch:




The decline in visitor numbers from Britain continues to be a real concern, according to Tourism Ireland. This comes after the CSO today published its Travel and Tourism second quarter release. This release provides estimates of revenue associated with overseas visits to Ireland in second quarter 2017.



The CSO release indicates that revenue from overseas trips to Ireland in the second quarter was 11.7% higher than the corresponding period in 2016, when carrier receipts (air fares etc.) are excluded. These strong returns for the second quarter meant that revenue for the first half of the year was 7.1% ahead of 2016.



The figures show that revenue associated with visits from North America grew by 16.7% while revenue associated with visits from Mainland Europe grew by 6.5%. Revenue associated with visits from long-haul destinations grew by 9.9%

However, revenue associated with visits from Great Britain fell by 3.7%.



Commenting on the figures, CEO of Tourism Ireland, Niall Gibbons said, "The decline in visitor numbers from Britain continues to be a real concern. The fall in the value of sterling has made holidays and short breaks here more expensive for British visitors and, at the same time, made Britain more affordable for visitors from many of our top markets. While we can see the impact of currency changes in todays CSO results, which confirm a decline of -6% in British visitors in the first half of the year, revenue from the market has held up somewhat better."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Despite an ambitious set of policy initiatives for Central Asia, the EU is punching below its weight in a region where Russia and China are far more influential. Ten years after the EU launched a strategy for Central Asia, the EU is still facing substantial challenges in implementing its strategy successfully. In the meantime, the dynamics in and around the region have changed and these new realities are not reflected in the 2007 strategy. After providing a brief overview of EU-Central Asia relations, this article identifies a set of nine policy recommendations with respect to what should be the main elements, tools and approaches of a revised EU strategy for Central Asia.

Despite an ambitious set of policy initiatives for Central Asia, the EU is punching below its weight in a region where Russia and China are far more influential. Ten years after the EU launched a strategy for Central Asia, the EU is still facing substantial challenges in implementing its strategy successfully. In the meantime, the dynamics in and around the region have changed and these new realities are not reflected in the 2007 strategy. After providing a brief overview of EU-Central Asia relations, this article identifies a set of nine policy recommendations with respect to what should be the main elements, tools and approaches of a revised EU strategy for Central Asia.

EU-Central Asia Relations: A Brief Overview

Central Asia has long been outside of the European Unions (EU) main sphere of interest, tucked away in the outskirts of Europes eastern periphery. This lack of interest was reflected in the relatively low level of EU engagement with post-Soviet Central Asia in the 1990s. It took until the mid-2000s before the EU gained a significant political interest in the region. The EUs interest was fueled mainly by the instability and the NATO operation in neighboring Afghanistan as well as the eastward enlargement of the EU and the growing need to diversify its energy resources. The EUs desire to enhance its presence in Central Asia and to become a more visible actor resulted in the appointment of an EU Special Representative for Central Asia in 2005 and the launch of an EU Strategy for Central Asia in 2007.

The EUs strategy for Central Asia provides a framework for enhanced cooperation, building, inter alia, on the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and outlining joint goals to foster closer relations in the political, economic and trade, as well as cultural and educational spheres. The strategy presents both a bilateral and a regional dimension of cooperation. The regional pillar aims specifically at cooperation on transnational issues, including countering drug trafficking, water management, energy and transport. The bilateral dimension, in turn, allows for a more tailor-made cooperation with the five republics, which specifically considers the countries individual needs. In order to implement the strategy, the EU more than doubled its budget for the region, earmarking an indicative budget of 719 million for the period 2007-2013, and decided to establish fully accredited delegations in all five countries. Today, Turkmenistan is the only country in Central Asia where the EU does not yet have a delegation. Meanwhile, the EU has further increased its assistance for the Central Asian states, having committed an indicative budget of 1 billion for its foreign aid to the region for the period 2014-2020. Additional funding comes from a number of EU member states, which are coordinating specific initiatives under the framework of the strategy. France and Germany, for instance, are the lead coordinators of the EU Rule of Law Initiative for Central Asia, which aims at supporting reforms and sharing experiences between the EU and the Central Asian republics in the area of legal and judicial reforms. Progress in the implementation of the strategy is discussed annually with the Central Asian foreign ministers at the EU-Central Asia ministerial meeting. The implementation of the strategy has already been subject to several internal reviews, the latest one dating back to 2015 and the next one coming up later in 2017.

At a lower political level, the EU has established bilateral human rights dialogues with the five Central Asian republics. Yet, it is debatable how constructive these human rights dialogues have been in practice. In addition, the EU has set up a series of other formal as well as informal dialogues and meetings, including the EU-Central Asia High Level Security Dialogue, the EU-Central Asia Environmental Dialogue, dialogue with regional organizations, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and education policy dialogues.

However, despite an ambitious set of policy initiatives in the region, the EU is punching below its weight in a region where Russia and China are far more influential. Ten years after the strategy was launched, the EU is still facing substantial challenges in implementing its strategy successfully in a region considered as one of the most authoritarian in the world. In the meantime, the dynamics in and around the region have changed and these new realities are not reflected in the 2007 strategy. Now that the implementation of the strategy is again up for review, and with some even arguing for a complete overhaul of the strategy by the time of the next review in 2019, it is important for the EU to reflect on what is the best way forward. A set of nine policy recommendations can be identified with respect to what should be the main elements, tools and approaches of a revised EU strategy for Central Asia.

Policy recommendations:

Redefining Interests.

First, the EU needs to redefine its interests in Central Asia. The EU needs to do so taking into account four factors. To begin with, the EUs redefinition of its interests should take into account the new context in Central Asia, as well as in the countries neighboring the region. Since the launch of the EUs strategy for Central Asia in 2007, these contexts have evolved. Domestically, the countries face resilient authoritarian regimes and economic downturn, which risk fueling social unrest and radicalization. Despite remaining relatively stable (with the exception of the regime change and ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan), the countries are increasingly fragile, spurred by deteriorating educational, healthcare and other services, and widespread poverty, corruption and human rights violations. The interests of neighboring countries and other regional powers also need to be taken into account. The region attracts growing attention from its neighbors, particularly Russia and China and to a lesser extent Iran, as well as from other regional powers, particularly India. Both Chinas and Russias foothold in the region has further expanded, respectively through the Belt and Road initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, and spillover effects from Chinas and Russias domestic contexts will likely intensify in the Central Asian countries (for example through a return of labor migrants due to the economic crisis in Russia).

Realistic Objectives.

Second, in redefining its interests in Central Asia, the EU needs to be realistic in terms of what it can achieve. Despite a steady increase in the budget allocations for the EUs involvement in the region since 2007, the financial resources the EU has at its disposal to implement the strategy remain fairly limited, and this is unlikely to change. Moreover, the EUs leverage in the region remains quite low. Therefore, the EU needs to redefine its interests in Central Asia based on a calculation of the leverage it has there. The EU has to identify the areas where it has a unique selling point in the eyes of the Central Asian states and where they are keen to cooperate. Finally, the EUs redefinition of its interests should also take into account the interests of the Central Asian states. However, in doing so, it is important to distinguish between the interests of the countries at large and the interests of the elites, as these do not necessarily coincide. The EUs strategy for Central Asia should also focus on fewer areas in order to increase its effectiveness. The EU needs to avoid turning the new strategy into a Christmas tree like the current one. Given the relatively limited budget, doing a bit of everything is not effective. Therefore, the new strategy needs to be more focused. This will be difficult to achieve, not least considering the different priorities of the EU member states and of all the institutional actors involved in drafting and adopting the strategy.

Providing Real Added Value.

Third, flowing from the previous point, the main areas to be covered in future EU-Central Asia cooperation should be decided based on where the EU can provide real added value and achieve concrete results, as well as on where the Central Asian states face real needs. In order words, the focal areas should reflect a match between the EUs comparative advantages and the vital needs of the Central Asian countries. Moreover, in line with the first point made above, the EU should prioritize areas where there is a genuine commitment to reform, and where reforms can benefit the population (rather than just the elites). In particular, the EU should pursue a soft policy agenda. In this light, three areas stand out as possible focal areas: education, health and borders. In each of these areas, the EU has a competitive edge compared to other external actors and the Central Asian countries face real needs. Education and healthcare are on the verge of collapse in most Central Asian states, and border management in the region is still underdeveloped, thereby negatively impacting trade flows and amplifying security threats. In addition, in pursuing this soft policy agenda, the EU should follow the principle of flexibility: it should pursue a right mix of regional and highly targeted national programs, which are tailored to the precise needs and contexts. Finally, the overarching goal of the EUs actions should be sustainable development: development that is sustainable in the long run, in the sense that the governments can pursue it on their own.

Enhance Knowledge of Central Asia

Fourth, there is a need for more evidence-based knowledge on Central Asia. Moreover, research on Central Asia needs to feed more into policy-making. In order to redefine its interests in Central Asia and offer viable solutions for the problems it seeks to address in the region, the EU needs to foster an epistemic community (i.e. a transnational network of knowledge-based experts) on Central Asia, which can help EU decision-makers and policy-makers understand the specificities of the issues at hand. One such issue is radicalization in Central Asia, on which the EU faces a pressing lack of knowledge. Moreover, as it remains difficult for European researchers to conduct research in Central Asia on sensitive issues like civil society and radicalization, there should be more cooperation between European and Central Asian researchers. At the same time, more knowledge about the EU is needed in Central Asia. Among other things, this can be achieved by stimulating European studies in higher education institutions throughout the five countries. This can also be linked to efforts to raise the EUs profile in the public sphere, for example by creating an EU university in the region.

Top-Down and Bottom-Up

Fifth, the EU should continue to work both top-down and bottom up in Central Asia. Apart from engaging with the Central Asian countries at the governmental level, the EU should continue to support civil society. The EU should also design ways to link both levels of engagement to each other, so that they do not remain detached. With civic space in Central Asia being under threat and conditions for civil society organizations deteriorating, civil society in Central Asia remains in need of the EUs support. Therefore, assistance through the European Instrument for Human Rights and Democracy (EIDHR) and the Civil Society Organizations and Local Authorities (CSO-LA) Programme should continue. New initiatives could be considered, such as involving civil society in the human rights dialogues. NGOs could be invited as observers, as in the case of the EUs human rights dialogue with Moldova. Given the countries varying levels of openness  with Kyrgyzstan being most open and Turkmenistan least open, a tailored approach to civil society support seems necessary.

Involving EU Member States.

Sixth, the EU member states need to be involved more in the implementation of the strategy. This should be the case especially in areas where the member states have comparative advantages and where they are perceived as role models by the Central Asian states. There are already a number of member states, which actively contribute to the implementation of the strategy, such as France and Germany in the case of Rule of Law initiative, Romania in the case of the EU Water Initiative, and Latvia in the case of the Border Management Programme (BOMCA). Overall, however, the involvement of the member states remains too limited. The EU needs to capitalize more on the strengths of its member states, and encourage them to take an active role in the implementation of the strategy. Given that the Central Asian states often perceive European countries as role models (e.g. Finland in the area of education; Sweden in the area of social security), the EU should use this as an opportunity and involve the member states more often both in the design and the implementation of specific programs. In this regard, new initiatives could be considered, which include Twinning, as is used in the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy.

A Results-Oriented Approach.

Seventh, given the lack of concrete results in many areas, the EU needs to pursue a more results-oriented approach. This means that the EU needs to reflect upon how to measure the results of its cooperation. However, this does not mean that the EU should end all the programs that have so far witnessed limited progress. Considering the slow pace at which change takes place in Central Asia, it is advisable to keep these programs, albeit in a revised manner. This is further backed by a recent evaluation study of the EUs regional-level support to Central Asia, which found that continuity of the programs is crucial for achieving real impact on the ground.

Supporting Regional Cooperation.

Eight, the EU should continue to pursue regional cooperation with Central Asia. Although this has proven very difficult, the EU should not abandon regional cooperation. A window of opportunity may have opened with the new Uzbek leadership. Nevertheless, it is likely that regional cooperation will remain difficult and new formats may therefore need to be designed that are more flexible. These can include multi-country programs, which the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ) already uses successfully in Central Asia. Moreover, where relevant, these programs or platforms should also include neighboring countries of the Central Asian states, for instance, in programs or platforms addressing borders and connectivity.

Continue Focusing on Borders.

Ninth, the EU should continue to focus on borders. Given the EUs unique expertise in dealing with border issues and the regions vital need for better border management, the EU should remain active in the area of border management. However, BOMCA is in need of an overhaul, and the EU needs to be realistic about what it can achieve with a limited budget (i.e. 5 million for BOMCA in 2015-2018). Moreover, it needs to reflect about what its priorities are with respect to border management. Given the limited funding, the EU needs to decide to focus either on the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan or the borders between the Central Asian states. In addition, the EU needs to decide whether it wants its border management efforts to focus on security goals or on economic integration and cross-border trade.

Conclusions

While the EUs overall engagement with post-Soviet Central Asia has long remained limited, the past fifteen years have seen the EUs role in the region gradually evolve from that of little more than an invisible  and arguably ineffective  donor to that of a full-fledged external actor. Nevertheless, the EU still punches below its weight in the region, where it plays second fiddle to Russia and China. In light of the upcoming review of the EUs strategy for Central Asia, the EU needs to redefine its interests in the region, thereby taking into account the new dynamics in and around it, while being realistic in terms of what can be achieved and what leverage the EU has in Central Asia. Moreover, the EU needs to limit the areas of cooperation. In particular, the main areas to be covered in future EU-Central Asia cooperation should reflect a match between the EUs comparative advantages (namely areas where the EU can provide real added value and achieve concrete results) and the vital needs of the Central Asian countries. Possible focal areas include education, health and borders. In implementing a more focused strategy, the EU should pursue a right mix of regional and highly targeted national programs.

Fabienne Bossuyt is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Ghent University. This article is based in part on the authors report from a panel at a Conference entitled EU-Central Asia Relations, organized by the EU Special Representative for Central Asia in Brussels, February 2017. The views expressed in this article are those of the author only, and do not represent those of the European Union.
Since the independence of the Central Asian states, this landlocked region has taken time to reconnect with the world, including Europe. Twenty-five years ago, many underestimated the diverse challenges  infrastructural, economic, political  that impeded the regions trade and connectivity with the rest of the world. Yet as trade statistics show, much has been accomplished in a quarter century. The EU may not be a major security actor in Central Asia, but its importance as an economic partner is universally acknowledged. While energy relations were a key driver of cooperation in the early days of independence, the emergence of Central Asia as a corridor for land-based trade between Europe and Asia is in the process of overtaking energy and establishing itself as the main vector of economic relations.

Since the independence of the Central Asian states, this landlocked region has taken time to reconnect with the world, including Europe. Twenty-five years ago, many underestimated the diverse challenges  infrastructural, economic, political  that impeded the regions trade and connectivity with the rest of the world. Yet as trade statistics show, much has been accomplished in a quarter century. The EU may not be a major security actor in Central Asia, but its importance as an economic partner is universally acknowledged. While energy relations were a key driver of cooperation in the early days of independence, the emergence of Central Asia as a corridor for land-based trade between Europe and Asia is in the process of overtaking energy and establishing itself as the main vector of economic relations.

Accepting this reality, this article focuses on three key strategic areas of relevance for the development of EU ties with Central Asia. The first concerns the priorities in EU assistance to Central Asia, where we argue for a much more hands-on approach focusing on quality of governance, working in tandem with governments to reform key institutions of importance for trade and investment. Second, we urge that the role of Central Asia as a transit corridor be considered in an even larger picture than is customary, as a land corridor not just to China but to the Indian subcontinent. And third, we urge the refocusing of attention on the Trans-Caspian connection, including Caspian sea security issues.

Promoting Good Governance

An important facet of Central Asian life is the resilience of the Soviet institutional legacy. The Soviet Union was a vast administrative state; its myriad agencies regulated, in an authoritarian fashion, most facets of economic activity. But as western scholars knew from at least the late 1970s, the Soviet administrative state was also highly corrupt. The need for institutional reform at independence was thus enormous; but it was not the focus of most western assistance to post-Soviet states. As a result, reforms have been piecemeal and incomplete; strong vested interests continue to oppose reform in many sectors; and to a considerable extent, a Soviet-like mindset continues to permeate state institutions. In practical terms, this mindset means an idea of civil service that is particularistic, and far removed from the universalistic conception of the modern western state. Government positions tend to be viewed not as jobs in which the civil servants task is to serve the public; but as opportunities for rent-seeking. The more unstable the political system of the country in question, the more rapid and uncontrolled this rent-seeking tends to be.

This state of affairs offers the most entrenched obstacle to the development of EU-Central Asia economic relations. Unless the Central Asian states develop better-functioning and more accountable institutions, their ability to gain their rightful place in the world economy will be delayed. This is true for transport and trade as well, where much of the focus has been on physical infrastructure, which is a necessary but far from sufficient condition for Central Asian trade routes to be actually used by anyone. Indeed, one could catalogue at length the number of western-supported projects that have been stillborn, or failed, because of the incompetence or outright resistance emanating from unreformed government agencies in Central Asian states.

Given how much was known of the Soviet administrative state, it is perhaps surprising that institution-building, or the promotion of good governance more generally, was not made a priority in most Western assistance programs. In fact, the paradigm governing the formulation of policies toward former Soviet states in the early 1990s focused strongly on the promotion of democracy rather than on the quality of governance. Indeed, the approach to these states borrowed heavily from the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, especially its division of the overall relationship into three baskets  where the security and economic baskets remained, but the Helsinki-era human rights basket was supplanted by democratization.

The problem was that in hindsight, official bodies in both America and Europe tended to treat democracy not as the outcome of a complex series of relations and preconditions, but as an independent variable. A similar assumption underlay much of the talk of market economies and the institutions that embody them. This unstated assumption had the great advantage of enabling bureaucrats to assign the promotion of democracy or of market economies to separate offices and charge them with doing the job, largely in isolation of other factors and conditions, and the tasks that needed to be accomplished to advance them. This was a time when the transition paradigm dominated western thinking on political evolution, which assumed that, in the words of Thomas Carothers, any country moving away from dictatorial rule can be considered a country in transition toward democracy. Further, it assumed that underlying conditions  economic, political, institutional  will not be major factors in either the onset or the outcome of the transition process. In addition, the predominant thinking was based on developments in southern Europe and Latin America: Based on this experience, it assumed that democratic transition was being built on coherent, functioning states. Yet as Carothers puts it, this line of thinking did not give significant attention to the challenge of a society trying to democratize while it is grappling with the reality of building a state from scratch or coping with an existent but largely nonfunctional state.

In practice, the policies that were developed did not advance the cause of democratization. The reason for this is that by treating democratization essentially as an independent variable, western governments and private foundations stripped away from it all the preconditions that were in fact essential to its success. This flaw, it should be noted, was much more prevalent in the U.S. Freedom Support Act and subsequent U.S. policies, whereas the EU and the Council of Europe have indeed spent more energy on institution-building, as the EU Rule of Law Platform is an example of.

That said, western assistance  in particular bilateral government programs  has too often come to adopt an adversarial attitude toward government, either directly, or more often through the support for non-governmental organizations with outright adversarial attitudes to governments. This has reduced trust between western countries and organizations and the Central Asian states, without succeeding in the state aim of furthering democracy.

It would make sense for EU efforts in Central Asia be directed in much greater part to the promotion of what scholars have termed Good Enough Governance, something that is in turn a prerequisite for the development of democratic government. This means that assistance should be focused less on seeking to effect change from outside the state; and more toward working to reform state institutions from within. In other words, this means adopting a more realistic approach to incremental change, seeking to work with the Central Asian states, not on them or even against them as has often been the case. In the short term, this means identifying those areas where an EU reform agenda aligns with, rather than opposes, the priorities of Central Asian governments. This means that the most likely areas to effectuate change are not in the key political areas; but very much in the areas of promoting the functioning of economic and in particular legal institutions. The streamlining of procedures, and development of e-government, rank among these priority areas. Gradually, this can build an agenda for broader reform that will over time reach into the political sphere as well; but in the meantime, it would improve the lives of millions of Central Asians, while also furthering EU interests in continental trade.

Given that institutional development is of paramount importance for economic development, the EUs perception as a balancing power in the region provides a comparative advantage in offering collaborative partnerships in governance reforms where Russia and China have little to offer. This raises the following implications:

The EU could embark on a concerted drive to apply current and future advances in technology to state governance, in order to simplify trade, investments, and other private sector activities.

The EU should choose reform initiatives not only based on likelihood of success  i.e. easier targets  but should also actively seek out the most flawed institutions in the region as partners, and not shy away from working to establish partnership in countries and sectors considered the most difficult, including Turkmenistan.

Looking South

The concept note that accompanied the Program for the conference that formed the basis for this article mentioned Iran, China and Russia as important factors in EU thinking on Central Asia in trade terms; yet it failed to mention the Indian subcontinent. Indeed, the most visible action in economic matters today involve China; Central Asia is generally viewed primarily as a transit corridor for trade between Europe and China. Over the next decade, this is likely to remain the case. And the security situation in Afghanistan, in practice, has meant that in the twenty-five years since independence, Central Asias economic ties to the Indian subcontinent have been suboptimal, to say the least.

Yet the challenges Chinas economy face as its population rapidly ages are well-known. Meanwhile, the question arises whether it is likely that manufacturing in other regions in Asia undergo the same kind of boom that China experienced over the past generation. If so, it would seem likely that these countries will be as interested as China in reaching the European market, and that they will seek to adapt the New Silk Road network, as presently conceived, to serve their best economic interests. Demography tells us that there are two realities of the year 2040 that are of overwhelming importance to the future of European trade with Asia and the potential role of Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan in such trade. First, by then the population of the Indian subcontinent will be nearly half again larger than that of China, and that Indias population will be much younger than that of China. As a recent CACI & SRSP Silk Road Paper has detailed, the total population of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is projected to be 2.1 billion; Indias alone will be 1.6 billion, while Chinas will be 1.4 billion.

Of course, that will not matter if the current political realities persist: trade within the subcontinent and between it and Central Asia is hampered by political issues, primarily the India-Pakistan conflict and the unrest in Afghanistan. Yet as intractable as these problems may be, it would be wrong to assume that they will remain static. India-Pakistan trade is already beginning to take off. And historically, the Indian subcontinent was a larger trading partner to Central Asia than any other; indeed, the distance Almaty to New Delhi is half that between Almaty and Beijing. And Central Asia did function as part of the land trade routes connecting South Asia with Europe.

The implications are several. First, a program that focuses exclusively on the connection of China to Europe and the Middle East ignores what is potentially an equally important corridor, namely, the ancient caravan road connecting Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan with the Indian subcontinent via Afghanistan, a route that over many centuries played a crucial role in connecting Europe and India. It is true that a route from India to Europe via Iran and the Middle East is more direct, yet tensions in the Middle East threaten to render such a route insecure for the foreseeable future, and strengthen the case for a Central Asian route. Moreover, routes from the Indian subcontinent through Central Asia and Kazakhstan are the most direct path to Northern Europe. Chinas Silk Road Economic Belt project has many virtues, but it in no way addresses Indias growing need for a land-based trade corridor to the West.

While it is in the EUs interest to support Chinas Silk Road Economic Belt initiative, it should at the same time be planning concrete and separate measures to develop Central Asias links to the Southern Corridor connecting the Indian subcontinent and the West and removing impediments to such a corridor in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Concretely, this highlights the strategic importance of Turkmenistan for Europe, as it is the country most ideally situated to play the key role in a transit corridor to the subcontinent. This raises the following implications:

The EU should integrate issues regarding continental trade in its relations with the Indian subcontinent, particularly India and Pakistan.

The possibility of the development of this trade route over the medium-term should change the EUs approach to Turkmenistan, which would be the key country in that regard.

The Caspian Connection

Surprisingly, Western relations with Central Asia are often considered in isolation from the territory that geographically connects Europe with Central Asia: the South Caucasus and the Caspian sea. Thus, when Hillary Clinton announced the U.S. New Silk Road Initiative in 2011, this initiative omitted the South Caucasus entirely, a flaw corrected only three years later, by which time the initiative itself was largely moribund. Similarly, both in Europe and the United States, Central Asia and the South Caucasus have come to be managed by different administrative departments. Unfortunately, such organizational matters severed the important connection between Western interests in the Caucasus and Central Asia, which were indeed understood to be joined at the hip in the 1990s. In the EU, the inclusion of the South Caucasus in the Eastern Partnership, while Central Asia was the subject of a separate strategy, has reinforced this division. It has also had practical implications, as it has led to a lack of coordination in EU policy vis-a-vis the two regions.

This occurred at precisely the time the importance of East-West transport corridors connecting Europe to China and India via the Caucasus was becoming more apparent. It also greatly hampered efforts to develop Trans-Caspian pipelines at the very time that Europe seeks to diversify the sources of its energy. The U.S. government continues to pay lip service to a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline but has failed to advance the project in any meaningful way. The EU has embraced the idea of a Trans-Caspian pipeline from Turkmenistan and has sent senior officials, including the president of the European Commission, to promote it. Yet the absence of involvement by member states leaves the EU unable, as yet, to close the deal. Even without regularized consultations among offices dealing with the Caucasus and Central Asia, the EU has come closer than the U.S. to embracing the importance of linking both sides of the Caspian. The European TRACECA initiative accords the Caucasus the role it merits. Unfortunately, TRACECAs sole focus is on transport to and from China, and has never been expanded to embrace transit and trade across the Caspian to Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. After being nearly moribund for a decade, TRACECA is now being revived in response to Chinas activism in the area.

Yet more is needed, in particular as concerns the role of the maritime security. As the Caspian becomes an increasingly important trade corridor linking Europe with Asia, the security of the Caspian sea becomes an acute matter. Just as Russias annexation of the Crimea showed in the case of the Black Sea, it would be relatively easy for Moscow, in possible cooperation with Iran, to create a new reality in the Caspian sea that would heavily impede both European and Chinese trade interests. Russias efforts to militarize the Caspian are well-known, and have yet to meet an adequate response. This heightens the dichotomy whereby Russia asserts itself as the key actor in matters of hard security in the post-Soviet space, whereas Europe and China increasingly dominate economic matters. But this dichotomy cannot long survive; for the economic interests of Europe and China dictate that their economic security interests be safeguarded in one form or another.

The EU should take the initiative to design a consultative body among transit and end users on economic security matters concerning the Caspian sea with the involvement of China, local states on both sides of the Caspian, as well as Russia and Iran.

The EU should take steps to further increase coordination between its efforts in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

The EUs stabilizing role in Georgia through the EU Monitoring Mission should be seen as part and parcel of a broader strategy that focuses on trade and transport to and through Central Asia.

This raises the importance of the EU amplifying its role in the management and resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, which is currently absent, because this conflict is a main risk to the EUs interests in a secure transport corridor across the Caucasus.

Conclusions

How should the EU take advantage of its status as a major trade partner of the Central Asian countries? Much has been done in recent years, mainly due to Chinas vast investments, to develop the physical infrastructure required for turning Central Asia into a corridor for land-based trade between Europe and Asia. However, to become a truly competitive participant in the global supply chains, the Central Asian states need low and predictable trade costs. To reap the full benefits of the new roads and railroads, focus must be placed on the soft infrastructure that makes trade possible. Building responsive and effective state institutions is essential for developing an economic environment where the type of private sector economic activities needed to support trade can flourish.

While there has been considerable resistance to institutional reform, the fall of oil prices and recent trends in the regions two largest states indicate that a new era may be dawning. The reforms sketched out by both President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan and Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan in the past year suggest a newfound willingness to engage in reforms that improve state performance. While it remains to be seen how much will be implemented, these developments provide an opportunity for Central Asias western partners  who are the only ones competent to assist in any reform agenda  to strengthen their role, and the EU is particularly well placed in this regard.

The EU needs to consider whether regional cooperation is most effectively accomplished through a grand regional strategy, or more likely to come around as a byproduct of concrete bilateral partnerships. Further, the EU needs to promote potential synergy effects between the different baskets of security, economy and human rights/democracy in its relations with the region. And finally, it appears that economic interests must be the key building bloc of EU strategy for the region, and, if so, the private sector should be accommodated into such a strategy.

AUTHORS BIO: Svante E. Cornell is Director, and Johan Engvall a Research Fellow, with the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute and Silk Road Studies Program, a Joint Center affiliated with the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington DC and the Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm. (www.silkroadstudies.org). Engvall is also a Research Fellow with the Swedish Defense Research Institute. This article is based in part on the authors concept note prepared for a Conference entitled EU-Central Asia Relations, organized by the EU Special Representative for Central Asia in Brussels in February 2017. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors only, and do not represent those of the European Union.
Fed's Beige Book "This report was prepared at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago based on information collected on or before August 28, 2017. The information included in the District reports was primarily collected before Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Gulf Coast. However, some Districts received preliminary information from business contacts regarding the impact of the storm, which is compiled in a special paragraph in the national summary. "



Economic activity expanded at a modest to moderate pace across all twelve Federal Reserve Districts in July and August. Consumer spending increased in most Districts, with gains reported for nonauto retail sales and tourism, but mixed results for vehicle sales. Capital spending also increased in several Districts. Manufacturing activity expanded modestly on balance. That said, reports were mixed regarding auto production, and contacts in many Districts expressed concerns about a prolonged slowdown in the auto industry. Both residential and commercial construction increased slightly overall. Low inventories of homes for sale continued to weigh on residential real estate activity across the country, while commercial real estate activity increased slightly. Activity in the energy and natural resources sector was generally positive prior to shutdowns arising from Hurricane Harvey. Agricultural conditions were mixed overall, with drought conditions reported in multiple Districts. Business and consumer loan demand grew at a modest pace in most Districts, with a number of banks reporting rising competition from both other banks and non-bank lenders.

...

Employment growth slowed some on balance, ranging from a slight to a modest rate in most Districts. Labor markets were widely characterized as tight. There were reports of worker shortages in numerous industries, most notably in manufacturing and construction. Firms in the Atlanta, St. Louis, and Minneapolis Districts said that they had turned down business because they could not find the necessary workers. Many Districts indicated that businesses were having difficulty filling openings at all skill levels. In spite of the tight labor market, the majority of Districts reported limited wage pressures and modest to moderate wage growth. That said, there were reports from firms in the Dallas and San Francisco Districts that labor shortages were pushing up wages.

emphasis added

Hurricane Harvey created broad disruptions to economic activity along the Gulf Coast in the Dallas and Atlanta Districts, although it was too soon to gauge the full extent of the impact. Many firms and organizations in the affected areas closed due to flooding. A fifth of the oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico was offline, and many onshore producers in the Eagle Ford region temporarily stopped production. Harvey also affected fuel and petrochemical production, forcing fifteen refineries in the region to shut down temporarily and several others to operate at reduced capacity. Some areas experienced gasoline shortages, and supply was expected to remain tight in the Southeastern United States because of pipeline disruptions. Contacts in the Richmond District indicated that spot freight prices jumped after the storm, as freight was being redirected around the country. The Port of Charleston expected increased volumes in coming weeks as freight traffic is routed away from the Port of Houston.

And on Hurricane Harvey:
Restaurant Review

Roots Farm Cafe: A Neighborhood Gathering Spot

Tijeras farm-to-table cafe serves up fresh veggies and small-town charm
| BY Ricki Green |

The Account Planning Group (APG) is today launching the APG Planning Idol competition to find Australias next top planner. The competition targets young professionals 30 years or under with an interest in strategic thinking and a passion for communications, to apply their talent to a good cause.

Entrants to the competition will tackle a brief on behalf of The Australian Red Cross and addresses the issue of deep social exclusion. Almost one million Australians are currently suffering from deep social exclusion, which is a form of entrenched loneliness that prevents people from fully participating in society.

Competition details:

Entries Close: Wednesday 18th October 2017

Award presentation: Thursday 16th November 2017

Entry fees:

Members: Free

Non-members: $55

Students: $45

To raise the awareness and scale of this problem, the goal of the Red Cross is to connect and support half a million lonely Australians and to recruit more volunteers to help connect people.

The brief is a collaboration between agency The Republic of Everyone and the APG and according to Angela Morris, APG chair and executive planning director at J. Walter Thompson, its a unique opportunity for rising stars in planning to showcase their original thinking.

Says Morris: Entrants will present in front of a panel of senior planners from across the industry. Its a great forum for young planners to stretch and challenge their thinking outside their agency.

Entrants who demonstrate clear understanding and original, strategic thinking will be shortlisted for the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a panel of industry leaders prior to the awards ceremony in Sydney on 16th November 2017.

The award which runs every other year, accelerated the career of Sam Geer, national strategy director UM who identifies the competition as one of the most rewarding of his career.

Says Geer: Getting exposure to some of the industrys brightest minds and having the opportunity to demonstrate my strategic nous in front of them is something Ill never forget.

Winning Planning Idol has given me a platform for career growth both internally and in the wider industry and Im grateful for all the opportunity it has bought.

The competition is open to both members and non-members and entrants must be aged 30 or under as of 1st October 2017.
| BY Ricki Green |

Apparition Media has donated its walls and paints to artist and Rainbow Warrior David Lee Pereira, who has painted a giant rainbow YES mural in Melbourne Central ahead of the gay marriage postal plebiscite.

Lee, an Apparition Media artist, put out a call on Facebook to paint a YES campaign, and was met with the support of Melbourne businesses to join the campaign in support of equal rights. As a result, Apparition Media artists and members of the wider community are donating their weekends to paint Melbournes donated walls in rainbow.

The plebiscite will be sent out on September 12th, so the volunteer campaign aims to push the community to take the vote seriously, and prompt parliament to step forward in joining the rest of the world in support of gay marriage, and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Rainbow Warrior campaign murals have been painted at Melbourne Centrals Knox Lane. Since then, businesses including Fitzroys Kent Street Bar, Fitzroy Norths Juddy Roller studios, and the Victorian Aids Council have all donated walls to join the campaign.

More locations will be painted over the coming month.
| BY Ricki Green |

The leaders of growth consultancy PENSO are in Beirut, Lebanon this week to host a series of marketing masterclasses for a United Nations backed initiative supporting socially conscious startups from across the Middle East.

The founder and CEO of PENSO, Con Frantzeskos (right), and Darius LaBelle (left), general manager of PENSO based in Dubai, will help train and mentor businesses that are part of Elevate  Lebanons first social impact accelerator which is a joint venture between UNICEF and AltCity providing education and training for startups.

Elevate provides funding, customised training and mentorships to startups that are working to address one or more of UNICEFs seven critical challenge areas including education, health and nutrition and social policy, across the Levant.

During the week the PENSO team will host a series of lectures and workshops on marketing science, branding, advertising, content, digital, marketing automation, design, measurement and data to entrepreneurs of nine starts ups in the Elevate program.

Says Frantzeskos: We are honoured to have been invited by the team at Elevate to bring PENSOs expertise in marketing and growing businesses to inspiring women in the Middle East who are behind some really innovative ideas that can make a real difference to the lives of people who need it most.

The startups PENSO will be helping include Vaxy-Nations, a digital health diary that keeps users and care providers informed of health-related conditions or alerts regardless of where their journey takes them. It is currently being trialed with Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Another is KwikSense, plug and play sensors that can track the temperature and environmental living conditions within refugee shelters in real-time which helps the UN and NGO partners decide how to best distribute services.

Says LaBelle: The conflict in Syria has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and UN agencies including UNICEF are leading the charge in alleviating the situation of vulnerable children and their families in countries such as Lebanon and Jordan by supporting businesses that address practical issues faced by refugees on a daily basis. We look forward to sharing our experience of working with startups to help these fledgling businesses flourish.
| BY Ricki Green |

OMD Melbourne has today announced its appointment as media agency to Simplot Australia. Simplot is one of Australias leading food manufacturers, home to a stable of leading brands including, Birds Eye, John West, Leggos and Edgell.

Says Aimee Buchanan, CEO of OMD Australia: OMD are delighted to be working with the Simplot team and their leading brands. OMD are focused on delivering business growth for our clients and we look forward to what we can achieve for Simplot.

OMD Melbourne will be responsible for all media strategy, planning and buying.

Says Margie Reid, managing director of OMD Melbourne: The Simplot suite of brands have been feeding Aussie families for decades so we are thrilled to have Simplot join the OMD family. This is a category our Melbourne team know very well and we look forward to a great partnership.

Says Justin Taylor, head of marketing communication and brand at Simplot: We are excited to be working with Margie and the team at OMD Melbourne. OMD have demonstrated a clear understanding of our needs and have a shared set of values that made them a great fit for Simplot.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 7:35PM

Red Carpet Report on Mingle Media TV/Flickr

Trouble is brewing yet again at Disney and Lucasfilm. The upcoming last film to the current Star Wars trilogy just lost its director Colin Trevorrow. Disney issued a statement about the news saying, Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX. Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process, but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon. The company has yet to name a replacement. According to Varietys sources, the split was caused by differences regarding script treatment. The news comes out a month after Wonder screenwriter Jack Thorne was brought on by Disney to polish the films script. Trevorrow and his writing partner Derek Connolly were the ones who penned the most recent draft of the script.

Disney announced that Trevorrow was working on Episode IX back at the August 2015 D23 Expo. He was fresh off directing the hugely successful Jurassic World film. Episode IX is expected to hit theatres two years from now on May 24th with filming expected to start early next year. Whether this news will affect the schedule, we cant say yet. Trevorrow joins the likes of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who were booted from the Han Solo spinoff, and Fantastic Four director Josh Trank, who was supposed to direct a standalone Star Wars spinoff.
"If the legislature wishes incitement to procure to be a discrete offence under the criminal code (and, given the serious nature of the conduct, that is an available view), then that is a matter for the legislature to consider; and it is for the legislature, if appropriate, to expressly provide for that offence."
"When the police came and the ranger had a look, from what they could see, it was jammed in one of the seams of the metal on the slide," Ms Chandler-Brown said.
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact.

Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here.

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Just as Toyota Motor Philippines updated the specs of the Hilux pickup truck , theyve done the same for the Fortuner as well.
Well, after months of eager anticipation, the 2018 Nissan Leaf has arrived, complete with an all-new design and powertrain that promise to take it to unexplored heights.



Set to premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the all-new Leaf will go on sale in early October in Japan before arriving in the U.S., Canada and Europe in early 2018. U.S. prices start at $29,990 before incentives.

Powering the EV is a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery pack mated to an electric motor delivering 147 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. In the U.S., Nissan says the EPA-estimated range sits at 150 miles while under the more generous European testing regime, it has a publicized cruising range of 235 miles (378 km). In both markets, it takes 16 hours to charge the battery via a 3kW plug, 8 hours from a 6kW plug and supports a quick charging function that tops up a depleted battery to 80 per cent in 40 minutes.

As outlined throughout the lead up to the launch, the new Leaf adopts a number of advanced technologies which the outgoing model didnt have.

Perhaps the most important of them all is ProPILOT, the Japanese automakers single-lane autonomous driving technology. The system can automatically control the distance to the vehicle in front at speeds between 19 mph (30 km/h) and 62 mph (100 km/h) and can also steer the vehicle and ensure it remains centered in its lane. If needed, the system can bring the Leaf to a complete stop and a simple touch of the accelerator will reactivate ProPILOT.

Also found within the ProPILOT suite is an autonomous parking function that uses 12 ultrasonic sensors around the car to guide the Leaf into a parking space.

Another intriguing addition to the 2018 Leaf is the e-Pedal. Offered as standard equipment, it allows the driver to accelerate, decelerate, stop and hold the car all through the accelerator pedal. Nissan claims that the single-pedal setup can be used for more than 90 per cent of an average drivers needs.

Further technology features in the latest-gen Leaf include Intelligent Lane Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent Around View Monitor.

Both the exterior and interior designs are dramatically different from the old model introduced in 2010. The overall shape of the EV is far less quirky, theres a host of more refined lines and an all-together more mature design. Among the standout features are the new headlights and taillights, faux front grille and thick C-pillars.

Video

NORTH AMERICAN 2018 NISSAN LEAF

EU 2018 NISSAN LEAF
Photo: Pixabay

Upper Carmi residents on the east edge of Penticton are anxious and hoping this years grade 12 students decide against throwing an annual massive bush party this evening.

Every year, students entering grade 12 celebrate their first day of their final year of high school by throwing a 'Sunrise Party' in the woods, which includes a large bonfire.

"We have notified the RCMP, the fire department, forestry and RDOS about this event because we are trying to prevent a fire from starting and devastating the community," a concerned resident told Castanet on Tuesday.

The party usually takes place on Beaver Dell Rd. accompanied by fire, liquor, cigarettes and often drugs. This year, with extreme fire hazard in the region, locals are feeling understandably stressed

Every year, principals send out emails to parents encouraging them to not let their children attend the party, while explaining that it's not a school sanctioned event, according to Wendy Hyer, Superintendent for School District 67.

"It's not just graduates who attend, its older individuals who are looking to take advantage of young people who are looking to party," she said. "A couple years ago there was a fight up there and a student wound up being killed."

"Students drink and drive whats a windy road essentially. We make sure parents know that it's not a school sanctioned event and we encouraged them not to let them go.

"At the end of the day, what kids do on a weekend or in the evening is a difficult thing for us to monitor," she added.

There has been talk of the party among students, according to Penticton Deputy Fire Chief Chris Forster.

"I've been informed that they are supposedly trying to put one together, it's been all over Facebook," he said. "I actually got a call from the Upper Carmi Association.

"I have taken all the information and passed it on to the RCMP,  he added.

The celebration takes place outside Penticton fire coverage, noted Forster, in an area that has not seen rain in over two months.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen issued a media release about the possible party Tuesday afternoon, reminding students of steep fines for anyone found around a bonfire.
Photo: Contributed

One person is dead and several others injured after a fiery head-on collision on Highway 97, Saturday.

RCMP responded to the two-vehicle crash about 3 p.m., three kilometres from Clinton.

A northbound GMC van crossed the centre line into the southbound lane and hit a Ford F-150 head on.

Both vehicles burst into flames and caused a grass fire that spread from the ditch to a hillside.

The fire was contained and extinguished, says Cpl. Janelle Shoihet.

The driver of the pickup was killed in the collision, and three family members were injured.

According to police, the driver of the van suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to hospital in critical condition. His 12-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate the collision.
Photo: Kate Bouey Vernon council is questioning the cost of proposed changes to the transit system.

Proposed changes to Vernon's bus transit system could be costly to taxpayers and councillors are concerned about that.

During a presentation to council on Tuesday, staff described proposed changes that would add:

up to 7,000 hours along bus routes

a core transit network down 29th Street and changes to existing routes

three additional buses

The proposals, which could be implemented by March of next year, will go to the public for consultation on Sept. 22. There will also be an online survey Sept. 22-Oct. 6 before the matter goes back to council in November with detailed budget implications.

The price tag is already worrying some councillors.

Has there been any consideration to possible fare increases? asked Coun. Bob Spiers, pointing out the proposed changes would cost $810,000 of which Vernon would pay $419,000 and BC Transit the rest.

Staff said fare increases were an option.

Spiers said later that $300,000 equals a one per cent hike in taxes.

Coun. Brian Quiring also questioned whether a big jump in transit hours were necessary, leading a BC Transit official to assure him the entire 7,000 hours might not be used due to streamlining of the service.

I think (the increased hours are) in question, Quiring said later, also pointing out the big hit to taxpayers. I think when we see the ability that we have to streamline the service and provide even beter service to the riders, that actually might even be enough.

Mayor Akbal Mund said council could not discount bus riders who need to get to work and school however he also said the city might not need to add so many hours to the routes.
Photo: IHIT Jose Martin Torres

A man shot dead in Chilliwack early Sunday was known to police, who believe his murder was targeted.

Jose Martin Torres, 35, was found by police just before 4:30 a.m. on the 9500 block of Williams Street. The man later died from his injuries.

Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the shooting, but believe that Mr. Torress murder was targeted, said Cpl. Frank Jang of the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. At this time, there is no information to link this with any other acts of violence in the Lower Mainland.

Police have not said if they have any suspects in the murder.

This was a brazen shooting in a residential neighbourhood, Jang said. We urge anyone with information regarding this shooting to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-551-4448 or email [email protected].
Photo: CTV

UPDATE: Wednesday 9:50 a.m.

Witnesses say no one was behind the wheel in a fatal dump truck crash in Coquitlam, Tuesday.

Six people were hospitalized and one died after the truck rolled down a hill and hit three vehicles on Lougheed Highway. It came to a stop on top of a compact sedan.

"I was like 'what is this guy doing, why is he going this fast?' Turns out, no one was in it," witness Kelsey Joy Gordon told CTV.

Witnesses saw a man running after the massive earth mover.

Worksafe BC and police are investigating the incident. The highway was closed until this morning.

ORIGINAL: Tuesday 5:50 p.m.

Lougheed Highway is closed in Coquitlam following a collision involving a massive dump truck.

It's believed the runaway dump truck lost its brakes on a worksite, ran over a construction worker and collided with up to three vehicles on the highway.

Multiple patients were being treated by paramedics following the crash, which happened about 3:30 p.m. near Pitt River Road.

A minivan and a compact sedan were heavily damaged in the accident.

RCMP are investigating the incident.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: Darren Handschuh Plans to turn the former New Dehli restaurant block at 29th Street by 30th Avenue into a downtown parking lot have hit a snag.

Plans to turn the former New Dehli restaurant block at 29th Street by 30th Avenue into a downtown parking lot have hit a snag.

During the demolition of the buildings, an underground storage tank was discovered with petrochemical contents and contamination of the surrounding soil.

In other words, it appears a gas station stood on the site, said Mayor Akbal Mund.

Nobody can remember a gas station there, Mund added.

The parking lot was scheduled to be completed this year, but may not be finished now until spring of 2018.

"I know parking is a big issue in the downtown," said Coun. Catherine Lord who suggested a fence go up around the offending area to allow drivers to park on part of the lot, at least until the contamination is removed.
Photo: The Canadian Press Grand Chief Edward John speaks after a meeting to discuss wildfire response in B.C.

Ranchers who have lost animals and land to devastating wildfires across British Columbia are getting help from the provincial and federal governments.

The governments have announced $20 million that farmers can use to replace lost breeding animals and re-seed damaged lands, with 40 per cent of the funding covered by the province and the federal government paying for 60 per cent of the costs.

"Farmers have been hit hard in this situation," said federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay on Tuesday. "As someone who has farmed and raised livestock, my heart goes out to all the families and communities that have been affected by this disaster."

MacAulay said the funds, administered through an existing disaster-relief program called AgriRecovery, will also help ranchers cover veterinary bills, transportation and housing expenses for displaced animals, feed cost, labour for fencing and critical infrastructure not covered by insurance.

He made the announcement at a news conference after federal and provincial cabinet ministers and First Nations met in Vancouver to discuss how to rebuild following the crisis and improve prevention and response in the future.

At least 30,000 animals have been killed or displaced in this year's record-breaking wildfire season, MacAulay said.

Kevin Boon of the BC Cattlemen's Association said the funds would not only help individual ranchers get back on their feet, but would also help communities that rely on agriculture.

B.C. Forests Minister Doug Donaldson said the previous provincial government did not do enough to mitigate the risk of wildfires and he believes much more must be done to reduce fuel, including wood debris and underbrush, around communities.

Donaldson also addressed the impact to sawmills, saying about 53 million cubic metres of timber have burned and that will affect supply. He said the ministry is working on ensuring mills can use wood that is still viable, and is looking at issuing salvage licences in certain areas. It's also beginning to plan reforestation, he said.

Several chiefs of B.C. First Nations expressed their frustration on Tuesday with the level of funding and support their communities have been given to fight wildfires.

Chief Ann Louie of the Williams Lake Indian Band said her First Nation felt abandoned during the crisis and she hopes the governments adopt a proposal put forward by Grand Chief Ed John to increase funding and supplies to Indigenous communities.

"We were invisible," she said.

John, a prominent Indigenous leader in B.C., said the proposal was delivered to the federal government at the end of July and it calls for $200 million for emergency preparedness and response in First Nations communities.
Photo: Grant Lalonde

Motorists jumped into action Tuesday to put out a small spot fire along Highway 3, near Midway.

Castanet reader Grant Lalonde says he was returning from Grand Forks to Kelowna when he saw a group of people running to extinguish a small fire beside the road, about two kilometres outside Midway.

"We saw this group of people putting out this fire that started on the side of the road," he said. "(We) thought it was great, showing how the people pulled together with any water and tools they had on hand.

"If not for their quick work, I am sure there would have been a much larger fire to deal with."
Photo: The Canadian Press The Eagle Creek fire has been burning in the Columbia River Gorge since Sept. 2.

The U.S. Coast Guard has closed the Columbia River to all vessel traffic east of Portland, Oregon, because of wildfire activity in the Columbia River Gorge.

The Coast Guard said Tuesday the closure affecting 20 miles of the river would be in effect overnight to protect personnel and boats from potential hazards created by falling hot ash and firefighting aircraft landing on the water.

The section of the Columbia River was closed after the Captain of the Port deemed it unsafe for vessels to travel the river from Reed Island to the Bonneville Dam.

The blaze that began Saturday also has closed an interstate highway and forced hundreds to leave their homes.

The Coast Guard says some vessel traffic has been impacted and that the need for the closure will be re-evaluated Wednesday morning.

Authorities say a 15-year-old boy is suspected of starting the blaze with fireworks.

The Oregon State Police said in a statement Tuesday that the teen from Vancouver, Wash., and others may have been using fireworks on a popular trail in the Columbia River Gorge area.

Meanwhile, a portion of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state has been closed because of its proximity to a nearby wildfire.

The National Park Service says the northeast portion of the park was closed on Tuesday afternoon.

A wildfire burning outside the east boundary of the park has scorched more than 29 square miles.
Photo: The Canadian Press Customers stock up at a supermarket as they prepare for Hurricane Irma, Tuesday, in Hialeah, Fla.

Hurricane Irma roared into the Caribbean with record force early Wednesday, its 185-mph winds shaking homes and flooding buildings on a chain of small islands along a path toward Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and likely Florida by the weekend.

The strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever recorded passed almost directly over the island of Barbuda, causing widespread flooding and downing trees. France sent emergency food and water rations to the French islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, where Irma ripped off roofs and knocked out all electricity.

The regional authority for Guadeloupe and neighbouring islands said the fire station in Saint Barthelemy was flooded by more than three feet of water, and no rescue vehicles could move. The government headquarters on Saint Martin was partially destroyed.

There were no immediate reports of casualties, but the minister for overseas territories, Annick Girardin, said "We have a lot to fear for a certain number of our compatriots who unfortunately didn't want to listen to the protection measures and go to more secure sites ... We're preparing for the worst."

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the twin-island nation appears to have weathered its brush with Hurricane Irma with no deaths, though there were widespread reports of damage.

The centre of the storm was about 15 miles west of St. Martin and Anguilla about 8 a.m. Wednesday, the hurricane centre said. It was heading west-northwest at 16 mph.

As the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 2 a.m., phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

The storm ripped the roof off the island's police station, forcing officers to seek refuge in the fire station and at the community centre that served as an official shelter.
Photo: CTV

Wildfire ash fell like snow over Victoria on Tuesday.

Smoke blanketed much of the region from wildfires burning in Washington state and the B.C. Interior, prompting a smoky skies bulletin for Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands.

The smoke varied widely from town to town, and an air quality advisory warned of deteriorating conditions.

A ridge of high pressure is expected to move east today and Thursday, bringing in clearer skies, with a chance of rain on northern parts of the island.

 with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Dateline: New York

A Brooklyn man's leg became trapped while crossing the street when a sinkhole opened up beneath him. Stephen Suarez was attempting to walk across an intersection when his foot broke through the pavement and his right leg was swallowed up to his hip. According to reports, the hole was only the size of a softball and hadn't existed before Suarez stepped on it. He was unable to free himself and emergency workers were sent in to rescue him. Cell phone video taken by a bystander shows Suarez sitting in the middle of a crosswalk with most of his leg completely vanishing into the street. Emergency crews were able to extract Suarez's leg from the sinkhole and take him to a local hospital with only minor injuries. Suarez was treated and released from NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. According to his father, he was suffering from back, hip and ankle pain after the accident and underwent X-rays the next day. He had also lost his shoe. The hole was quickly patched up after the incident. The Department of Environmental Protection is investigating what made the ground give out, but said the water mains and sewers are all operating properly.

Dateline: Washington D.C.

A woman allegedly assaulted a Metrobus driver with a cup of urine because she thought the operator's tone of voice wasn't courteous enough. Opal L. Brown was arrested last week after surveillance footage captured images of a suspect throwing a cup of what Metro says was her own urine at the operator. According to Metro, the incident occurred when the driver said, Have a nice day, to the woman. Brown confirmed the story in an interview with a local news station in which she said she desperately needed to relieve herself and decided to use a cup she was carrying. She said she had intended to throw the cup away at a later time, but changed her mind when the driver spoke to her. She said 'Have a nice day' all sarcastically, Brown told the reporter. She could have been more courteous. Following a number of local news stories covering the assault, a Facebook account appearing to belong to Brown posted: OK YALL KNOW IT WAS ME WHO DID THE BAD STUFF TO THE METRO OPERATOR!!! I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO HER BUT METRO OWE ME AND [she] WAS BEING VERY RUDE. The driver was not injured in the assault, but she did go to a hospital for decontamination. Brown later pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor simple assault in D.C. Superior Court. She is scheduled to appear again in court in September. In 2016, there were 75 recorded assaults on Metrobus operators.

Dateline: Colorado

The world's most extreme pop-up shop opened up earlier this month on the side of a cliff face at 6,000 ft above ground. The Cliffside Shop was open for 24 hours as part of an extreme marketing stunt for advanced materials company 37.5 Technology, whose products are found in brands like Carhhart, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Bahama and Bauer. Located on the sheer side of the Bastille Crack in Eldorado Canyon, the shop offered jackets, fleece and other weather protection to passing climbers. Matt Talbot, creative director of Work in Progressthe marketing agency in charge of the stuntsaid the pop-up shop raised $15,000 for the Access Fund and American Alpine Club for local climbing route improvements and brought awareness to the issue of public land preservation. He also intimated that the pop-up might appear in other remote locations.

Dateline: New Jersey

Authorities have solved the mysterious appearance of an alligator in a motel swimming pool on the New Jersey shore. The alligator was discovered by police in the Atlantic City Bayview Inn & Suites' swimming pool while they were conducting a raid of the motel in connection to a series of armed robberies in the area. Officers allegedly found stolen items taken from local homes during the raidincluding cash, electronics and other valuableswhich resulted in the arrest of two suspects: Bashawn Whitted-Scott of Atlantic City and Sean Temple of Mays Landing. Police say the pair robbed a number of homes in the surrounding area while armed with a firearm earlier this month. Police discovered that the alligator was used by Whitted-Scott and Temple as part of a rap video that was shot at the motel. The music video in questionDamn, by rapper Style1 (Temple's pseudonym)was posted by 2020VISION on YouTube in June. The two men face charges including robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, conspiracy to make terroristic threats and unlawful possession of a weapon. Animal Control was able to capture the alligator and transport it to the Cape May County Park & Zoo. Zoo officials say it will be taken to an animal reserve outside Tampa Bay sometime this year. The Bayview Inn & Suites has been set for demolition.
Photo: CTV/5 Kids 1 Condo

A Vancouver father has been told his children can't ride the bus without adult supervision.

Adrian Crook's kids, who range in age from seven to 11, take a city bus to school each day, from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore.

"I sold our car and I talked to TransLink to make sure there was no minimum age, and they informed me that it was a parental discretion issue," Crook told CTV.

For the first year, he or a caregiver rode along, but when the Ministry of Children and Family Development received a complaint they were riding alone, an investigation was launched.

The ministry told him children under 10 should not take the bus  or go anywhere outside the home  without supervision.

"Now they can't even go to 7-Eleven, which is across the street," he said. "When they're at their mom's house and only a few blocks from school, they can't even walk to school on their own."

Crook is complying with the order, but plans to challenge it in court.

"It's the safest mode of travel, buses," Crook said. "I was choosing a safe option. And we need, as parents, to be allowed to make those choices for our kids, especially if nothing has gone wrong."

A ministry spokesperson said in an email: "If social workers determine there is a risk to a child or to children, their first step is to immediately reduce that risk."

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: The Canadian Press

RCMP say a backcountry hiker had to be plucked from the path of an oncoming wildfire in the southeastern corner of B.C.

Columbia Valley RCMP Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuk says the man was hiking north of the Columbia Valley when he reported he was met by a wall of flames.

Vatamaniuk says the hiker had been on the trail in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park for six days and was low on energy and supplies when he realized he was in danger.

The man activated his handheld satellite communication system, sending a coded call for help that was relayed to police and a local search and rescue team.

Vatamaniuk says even before the team was able to set out, the man had been picked up and airlifted to safety by a helicopter crew working on the nearby wildfire.

"Knowing that he couldn't turn around and walk another six days, he initiated his SOS request," Vatamaniuk said.

The BC Wildfire Service says the Mount Assiniboine wildfire remains active.

It was sparked by lightning on July 15 and has burned 48 square kilometres of woodland.
Contributed Rajmeet Pabla

A black bear paid a visit to a West Kelowna home on Ironridge Place, just after 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Rajmeet Pabla submitted surveillance footage of the animal surveying her property, and said it was the second time in a week that the bear had paid a visit.

"It bent our fence and was trying to climb over," Pabla said. "Our two Alaskan malamutes who are always in our fenced yard escaped (Saturday) morning for two hours because the bear wrecked our fence."

She added that her neighbours three doors down were having a bachelorette party when the bear was cruising through his property.

"We are close to the forest line so it's expected around this time of year but it's super scary too."

Many bears are currently in stage four of their yearly activity and hibernation stages, which is hyperphagia. In this stage, bears eat and drink excessively to fatten for hibernation.

"We want to warn our neighbours to be safe and to keep their garbages out of reach," Pabla stated.
Photo: The Canadian Press

Immigrants are vowing to fight to stay in the U.S. and advocates are launching campaigns including fundraisers and registration drives after the Trump administration announced it would dismantle a program that protected hundreds of thousands of young people from deportation.

Immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children or whose families overstayed visas said they are veterans of setbacks in the political arena. They added that they are also accustomed to being persistent, and they pledge to do the same in this situation.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday it was ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that former President Barack Obama started in 2012. Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If their permits expire before March, 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5. But the program isn't accepting new applications.

Opponents of the program said they are pleased with the Trump administration's decision. They called DACA an unconstitutional abuse of executive power.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who made Tuesday's announcement, said DACA was an overreach that could not be defended by the Justice Department. The Trump administration and other DACA opponents argue that it is up to Congress to decide how to deal with such immigrants.

Activists and immigrants have already launched efforts to fight the decision.

A group that supports the program in Arizona is using a community summit this weekend to hold a session on DACA and reapplying. Another is holding an information session Wednesday on the program.

Maxima Guerrero, a leadership development co-ordinator for the Phoenix-based advocacy group Aliento, said her organization is considering creating a fundraising campaign to help DACA recipients renew before the October deadline.

"A lot of it right now is just kind of like first, taking the time to reflect on what the decision means, and what is happening. Making sure that people who are able to renew will have the support to do so," Guerrero said.
Five Minutes With Damien Geter Audio Article Vocalist, composer and Richmond Symphony artist in residence Damien Geters musical roots sprouted when he was a boy in the Matoaca District of Chesterfield County, where he was raised and...
Miami native Lissette Diaz is frantically trying to fly her family out from South Florida in case Hurricane Irma hits. But it may cost her thousands of dollars.

By Wednesday, prices for flights out of South Florida skyrocketed as high as more than $3,000 per person for domestic flights that would otherwise cost a fraction of the price during what's typically one of the slowest times of the year for air travel.

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Diaz, who grew up in Miami but is in school at Andrews University in Michigan, scoured Expedia.com Tuesday afternoon for a flight for her mother, adult cousin, 71-year-old grandmother, 11-year-old sister to New York.

There was only one option left: A Wednesday Delta Air Lines flight from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York with one stop. The price was $1,318.80 per person.

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"I've been searching for a few hours now on Expedia and other travel sites and it's been actually impossible," Diaz said Tuesday. "I'm scared for them."

The 22-year-old occupational therapy student was one of many frustrated travelers trying to book a flight from South Florida Tuesday as news of Irma's strengthening into a Category 5 hurricane sent ripples of fear through the region. Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced evacuations may begin soon.

In Florida, price gouging is illegal following a declared state of emergency. However, airlines are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation and are not subject to Florida's price gouging statute.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has activated a price gouging hotline for consumers who believe they have been victims of unlawful hikes. Bondi's office said via a statement that it is "receiving complaints about airline tickets and making phone calls to airlines requesting voluntary compliance."

On Twitter, travelers aired out their struggles finding flights for a reasonable price  or any flight at all.

The Category 5 storm is expected to bring strong storm surges. Part of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos is under a hurricane warning.

"Totally unacceptable, a $358 flight from Miami to NYC went up to $3578. Why should expect anything decent from these airlines???," tweeted user @joerileyhudson.

Antonio Mercurius was on the lucky few. On Monday, he got a flight from Miami to Washington, D.C. for Thursday before the frenzy began for $225.

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When he looked at the flights again on Tuesday, they had risen to $1,900 per person.

"Why is there no emergency evacuation cost? I understand supply and demand but the laws of capitalism should not operate in the times of catastrophic danger. What happens to the people that can't afford flights now?" said Mercurius, a health science and African-American studies student at the University of Miami.

But the laws of supply and demand apply in hurricanes as they do year round and the hefty price tags aren't unusual for last-minute tickets, said Seth Kaplan, managing partner at trade publication Airline Weekly. Prices can change dramatically when tickets are purchased less than three days before departure.

"The situation is that there just aren't enough seats for everyone who wants to fly," Kaplan said. "What we're seeing, with the very expensive fares for the few seats that remain, is just their standard pricing for any flight anywhere that's in high demand.  It basically becomes an auction for the few seats that remain."

Kaplan said it's clear airlines aren't price gouging because most flights are completely sold out. Without a way to anticipate a storm, the airlines didn't start charging higher prices until the last second  as they would with any last minute seats.

"The fact that everything was gone so quickly tells me that (not having time to react and adjust anything manually) airlines were selling seats rather inexpensively, so most of the seats were quickly gone  and then yes, you'll see that last seat selling for a crazy price," Kaplan said.

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Also not helping? Fewer flights this week compared to last week, a holiday weekend. According to airline data provider Diio Mi there are 10 percent fewer seats at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and 4 percent fewer seats at Miami International Airport this Thursday compared to last Thursday.

"Obviously not what airlines would have planned, had they known!" Kaplan said.

Airlines have insisted they are not trying to price gouge travelers.

"We have not changed our fare structures, and, in fact have added capacity to help get customers out of the affected areas," said American Airlines spokeswoman Katie Cody in a statement.

The airline has added several extra flights  from St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; and San Juan, Puerto Rico  and moved to larger aircrafts on some flights, including one from Miami to Philadelphia Wednesday. As of Tuesday night, American had 33 airports  including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Key West, Palm Beach and Sarasota  in its waiver program for flights affected by the storm through Sept. 12.

Delta also has a waiver program in effect through Sept. 15.

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"Customers are encouraged to visit delta.com or reach out to Delta direction via our reservations line where they will find the best fares," said spokesman Michael Thomas in a statement.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 84 A sailboat is pushed up between two buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, in Key West, Fla. (Chris O'Meara / AP)

Kaplan said airlines make more money when they can add a lot of extra flights, just as they add extra flights for the Super Bowl and other high profile events. The influx of new flights lowers the average fares and is a profitable exercise for the lines. But, with an event as unpredictable as a storm, it's hard for lines to add a large volume of flights.

"Like most businesses, they're always trying to get people to pay as much as they're willing to pay," Kaplan said. "It's just that usually, for most people who are able to plan in advance when they travel, that dollar amount is much lower."

Still, the oversized price tags have left travelers like Diaz's family with a slimming list of options. Unable to pay the steep costs, Diaz said Tuesday evening that the family was instad considering $60 per person Megabus tickets to Orlando, where other family members live.

Diaz said her family was in South Florida when Hurricane Andrew barreled through the region in 1992 as a Category 5 storm  the same Irma was as of Tuesday.

"They don't want to go through that again," Diaz said. "We stayed for Katrina and Wilma (in 2005) and got hit pretty bad, (so) we're not taking our chances. My grandma has a heart condition and is diabetic. If she needs medical attention and things go south for us we need a hospital to be accessible."
Jay Meza, 23, a global administration manager at Miramar Group, attends a Sept. 5, 2017, news conference outside the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago where speakers protested the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Meza, who lives in Chicagos Pilsen neighborhood, came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 3 years old and has a work permit thanks to DACA. ( Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune )

Miramar Group CEO Juan Ochoa knows what it is like to grow up living in the U.S. illegally. Brought from Mexico when he was 8 years old, he heard stories from his uncles about immigration raids, saw relatives get deported, and felt "a sense of desperation and anxiety" about his future.

Ochoa, now a U.S. citizen, feels fiercely protective of the two young employees in his company's Chicago headquarters who are authorized to work thanks to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which the Trump administration announced Tuesday will be rescinded. The two are among more than 42,000 people in Illinois signed up for the program, instituted by then-President Barack Obama for people brought to the U.S. illegally as minors, who now must count on Congress to pass legislation so they can stay.

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"I understand their anxiety because I felt that anxiety for myself," said Ochoa, who is intent on helping his DACA employees keep their jobs.

Anxiety rippled through Illinois' business community after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the "winding down" of DACA, which has allowed nearly 800,000 young people across the country to live and work without fear of deportation. The Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday that it would no longer accept new applications for DACA, while those already enrolled will be able to continue working until their permits expire. Permits that expire before March 5, 2018, can be renewed for another two years by Oct. 5.

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Illinois business leaders voiced disappointment with the move and warned of significant economic harm from ending the program, which permits nearly 37,000 people in Illinois to work. Ending DACA would be a $2.3 billion hit to Illinois' annual gross domestic product, according to a July report from the left-leaning Center for American Progress. The nation would lose $460.3 billion in GDP and $24.6 billion in Social Security and Medicare tax contributions over the next decade, the report said.

"From a business point of view, this has a real effect on high-end jobs in the tech areas, it has a real effect on the entire medical establishment, and of course it has a real effect on the low-end entry level jobs," said John Rowe, chairman emeritus of Exelon and co-chair of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition.

Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted Sunday, "250 of my Apple coworkers are #Dreamers" and that "they deserve our respect as equals." Microsoft's president and chief legal officer said in a blog post that at least 27 employees are DACA beneficiaries.

With their future legal status at the mercy of Congress, DACA recipients could see job prospects in jeopardy as bosses or potential employers don't want to take the chance.

"I can see people being told they can't continue to work and pay taxes, that within six months there will be people who have to be fired by employers," Rowe said.

Sam Toia, CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, said he imagines restaurant general managers will think twice about hiring DACA recipients if they could be gone in six months.

"It takes a good six months for someone to really know what they're doing if they're working on the line," Toia said. "If I'm the manager of a restaurant and I'm thinking I will hire them, I think they will take a harder look."

DACA recipients, many of whom have lived in the U.S. since they were infants, were able to pursue better education, careers and promotions after the program was implemented. Two-thirds of DACA recipients got better-paying jobs after getting their permits, and nearly half got jobs in line with their education, according to the Center for American Progress report.

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Carlos Roa, 30, who was brought to the U.S. from Venezuela when he was 2 years old and has never returned, got his architecture degree and works as an assistant project manager at a construction management company that builds the exterior glass facades for Chicago highrises. The idea that that he could be sent back to Venezuela, which most of his family has fled as a result of its political instability, is "unimaginable and unrealistic," he said.

Roa worries Congress won't be able to pass legislation protecting him and his peers in the six-month window the Trump administration has given, considering hurricane relief, budget issues and many other priorities on its agenda. He said the prospect of losing his job is "draining" and frustrating, given his economic contributions.

"I'm working on projects that are worth millions of dollars," Roa said. "It doesn't make sense for me to be stressed about this."

Nearly 80 Illinois executives were among 357 business leaders across the U.S. who signed an open letter to Trump urging him to preserve DACA and urging Congress to pass legislation protecting DACA recipients. Among those who signed the letter  which was organized by FWD.us, a pro-immigration group founded by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Microsoft's Bill Gates and other technology leaders  were Crate and Barrel co-founders Carole and Gordon Segal, United Airlines' former Chairman Glenn Tilton, and the presidents of the Illinois Institute of Technology and Northwestern, DePaul and Dominican universities.

The Illinois Business Immigration Coalition, a group of leaders urging comprehensive immigration reform, on Monday released a guide for employers and their DACA employees to help them navigate the change. It says, for example, that Social Security numbers issued to DACA recipients are theirs for life, but urges DACA recipients get a drivers license as soon as possible if they haven't done so and advises those traveling abroad to come back to the U.S. as quickly as possible. It is working with the nonprofit Resurrection Project to provide legal help and information sessions to DACA recipients every Tuesday through September.

Terry Howerton, CEO of Chicago-based Tech Nexus, an incubator and venture capital investor for technology startups, said revoking DACA is not only a disservice to the young people who were able to start pursuing careers, but to a nation that could benefit from their drive and entrepreneurship.

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"Technology startups would simply not exist without the participation of immigrants and immigrant entrepreneurs and because of these DACA kids," said Howerton, who said 40 percent of venture-backed companies count immigrant entrepreneurs on their founding teams. He hopes the plight of the group lights a fire under Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Ochoa, of Miramar Group, isn't taking any chances, and is speaking with attorneys to help his employees navigate the tricky months ahead. He sees in his employees with DACA permits ambitious self-starters who are good for his company and his country, based on his own experience.

After he got legal status thanks to President Ronald Reagan's 1986 amnesty, Ochoa served as a U.S. Marine, as CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and as CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority before founding Miramar, a commercial facilities management company that employs about 115 people across the U.S.

Jay Meza, 23, who works as a global administration manager at Miramar, is the employee Ochoa is most concerned about. Meza, who lives in the Pilsen neighborhood, came to the U.S. from Guanajuato, Mexico, when he was 3 years old and has never been back. Thanks to DACA, he was able to go to college and get a good job, but his permit expires in about a year.

"We had an opportunity to live correctly and better without the fear, and now it's hard to think that they will take it away," said Meza, who worries about paying bills and making car payments if he has to leave his job.

One idea Ochoa and Meza have been hatching is for Meza to leave the country and live with relatives he's never met in Mexico, and then apply for an H-1B visa, a temporary work permit meant for higher-skilled workers. It's a gamble, as the visas are capped and in high demand, but they aren't sure what their other options are.

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"It's a risk, but it's a risk that we're willing to take," Meza said.

aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @alexiaer
Tiffany Zadi with some of her purses in her studio at home in Miami, August 30, 2017. Zadi is part of the Gig Economy, with multiple jobs. She sells leather fashions for her one-person business called Heist. As part of that she does a lot of shows and pop-up stores and events around town as well as out of town.(CHARLES TRAINOR JR /Miami Herald/TNS) (Charles Trainor Jr. / Miami Herald)

Miami  Tiffany Zadi creates leather shoulder bags, totes, accessories and jewelry. While trolling thrift shops for materials she'll recycle for her fashions, she'll snatch up vintage finds and resell them through Etsy. The Little Havana resident also teaches piano to several students, and lately she's been leading handicraft "experiences" for small groups through Airbnb.

Joseph Nay builds and designs websites, including steady work for a content studio and a digital marketing agency. That's led to other freelance jobs. The largely self-taught Hollywood resident also creates and edits motion graphics and assists a nonprofit focused on helping Haiti. "It's been a fun ride, tiring but fun," he said.

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Zadi and Nay leverage their skills, experience and passions into a diverse portfolio of multiple work assignments and revenue streams to thrive in the Gig Economy, a fast-growing worker movement that includes consulting and contracting, temping, freelancing, self-employment, side gigs and on-demand workers. While Zadi and Nay enthusiastically jumped into the Gig Economy  Zadi gave up a law career to pursue her passions  others are thrust into it by necessity, as full-time jobs have slipped away. Some want the supplemental income as wages remain largely stagnant while still others use it as a buffer as they ease into retirement.

Experts differ on exactly how large the Gig Economy is  these jobs don't fit neatly into categories the government tracks  as well as on the pluses and drawbacks for workers and the economy. But there is consensus that the Gig Economy is growing faster than traditional employment. And it is here to stay.

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A 2016 McKinsey Global Institute Report found that about 27 percent of working-age people in the United States and Europe engage at least partially in independent work. A 2016 study by the Minneapolis Fed found a 37 percent engagement rate in the U.S., while government economists have estimated that about 40 percent of Americans will be working outside traditional full-time jobs by 2020.

"There's this myth that the Gig Economy equals Uber driver," said Diane Mulcahy, who recently wrote a book on the subject. "If you are not a full-time employee in a full-time job, you are part of the Gig Economy."

While gig workers have been around as long as there have been handymen, tutors, writers and musicians, what's new about the Gig Economy is how quickly it has infiltrated white-collar professions and industries such as health care, finance, the law and technology, Mulcahy said.

She is a private equity adviser for the Kauffman Foundation, which studies and supports entrepreneurship. As proof, she said, look at the growth of national online placement services like Toptal for tech and finance workers and Axiom for lawyers.

The one-two punch of tech advancements and recessionary times accelerated the Gig Economy.

Just before and during the most recent recession came the launch of several key tech-enabled online services, including ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft, Airbnb for lodging and websites helping consumers find people to teach, write, serve or fix something for them. Other websites popped up to pool contract workers, like call-center reps, hospitality workers, lawyers and accountants.

At the same time, corporations were already increasingly using cheaper contract labor that can be deployed when and where they need it.

Joseph Nay is part of the Gig Economy: Nay is a web developer, a web designer and a motion graphics artist and editor, he has a triple arsenal of freelance skills. Nay works out of his Hollywood home office on Wednesday, August 30, 2017. (Carl Juste / Miami Herald)

"In just one generation, the corporate gravy train full of plentiful, progressive, benefit-rich and secure full-time jobs has left the station," Mulcahy wrote in her book, "The Gig Economy: The Complete Guide to Getting Better Work, Taking More Time off and Financing the Life You Want!" At the same time, workers are getting used to non-full-time work and even choosing it because of the freedom it can afford, she said. "The Gig Economy is a new way of work that seems to be working."

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A national survey by the Freelancers Union and online freelance job board Upwork found that two-thirds of the 55 million Americans who freelanced in 2016 did so out of choice, up 10 points from their survey in 2014.

But there is no steady paycheck, no health insurance, no sick pay, and no vacation pay. What happens when there's too much month left at the end of your money?

Zadi went to the University of Miami for undergraduate studies in music and graduated from law school in New England in 2009, pretty much the worst year to jump into the job market. She snagged some temp law work but made jewelry on the side. Once she finished one of her law gigs in the fall of 2014, she thought she would take the rest of the year off to focus on her art. "I never went back. I guess I wasn't into office life."

She says she lives simply and combines vacation time with trips to trade shows, where she showcases her wares. Because buying a house was important to her, Zadi lived at her parents' home while she saved for a larger down payment to keep her monthly mortgage payments low.

She's got the right idea, according to Mulcahy. Gig worker should aim to create a financially flexible life of lower fixed costs, higher savings and much less debt. That may mean downsizing their vision of the American Dream. Increasingly people can access the lifestyle they want rather than own it, such as renting a home and going car-free, Mulcahy said.

Gig workers should aim to create a financially flexible life of lower fixed costs, higher savings and much less debt.

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Managing volatile income can come down to ongoing business development and networking. Gig workers must make sure to keep business flowing through the development pipeline and writing contracts in a way that ensures ongoing cash flow rather than a lump sum at the end of a project, Mulcahy said.

Mulcahy also advises building a safety net. Access to health insurance through the Affordable Care Act has enabled more people to work in the Gig Economy.

Saving for retirement is one of the few areas where the independent contractor has an advantage because through IRAs and 401Ks for the self-employed, they can save more quickly and at higher levels than their full-time brethren, she said.

Time management is also a challenge, said numerous gig workers. "Finding time is always the struggle. I'm working on a freelance project this weekend," said Nay, who is 31.

Jaclyn Rosell is relatively new to the Gig Economy and still finding her way.

She began selling her artisan soap online full-time last fall after working more than a dozen years in traditional jobs, first in real estate until the crash, and then in retail management and construction. While those jobs easily covered her bills and provided benefits, she longed to work at home, where she could spend more time with her 3-year-old daughter.

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Rosell picked up some wholesale clients. Networking with event planners has resulted in more orders for guest and thank-you gifts. For some clients she has provided private-label products, and she began making malas with aromatherapy features. Still, navigating the slower summer was "a rude awakening," with maxed-out credit cards and IOUs, and she contemplated going back to traditional work. But now her calendar is filling up again and she says she has learned ways to better navigate the summer slump next year.

For Nay, the Gig Economy has helped him build his portfolio of skills faster than he might have with a traditional job, as he's created websites and motion graphics for national retailers, airlines, health care companies and nonprofits. "I get to move around to different companies, and if one thing falls out, I still have other things I can fall back on  and it keeps me sharp. I don't think people look so much at where you went to school but they want to see what you have done.''

Economic realities are also driving more people into the Gig Economy to pick up a second source of income along side their full-time jobs.

Nicole Dominguez, 44 and a mother of three in Miami, works full-time as a docketing clerk at a law firm but signed up last year for extra work at Liveops, a work-at-home call center platform, to finance a trip to visit her son in Japan, who was in the military. But she took to it and stayed with it and her husband joined too.

Dominguez sees her gig job as something she could do in retirement too, and she's not alone. While millennials are typically identified with gig work, it's even more prevalent among baby boomers, economists at Harvard and Princeton found. About half of Uber and Lyft drivers are over 50. Airbnb identifies woman age 60-plus as their most successful hosts and the fastest-growing community of providers. DogVacay reports that people over 50 constitute 25 percent of their pet sitters.

Contract workers cost employers at least 25 percent less in benefits and give them the ability to hire contract workers only when demand spikes. But employees likely would be more committed to the company vision, and some companies see the value of having their employees under one roof. Training costs can be high, too, particularly if a contractor doesn't stay.

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For the economy, though, the news isn't all cheery. The cost of health insurance drives some gig workers to forgo it altogether, a risky financial move for them that also could lead to emergency room treatment at public expense. Home ownership has already started to fall nationally and could fall further. Social Security's safety net could be stretched with fewer paying into the system at the same levels.

The rise of the Gig Economy has also put the spotlight on the lack of worker protections. A worker might end up being paid less than minimum wage, if a task takes longer than expected. If the worker can't find a follow-up gig, he or she isn't eligible for unemployment benefits. Some companies take advantage by hiring contractors to essentially be full-time employees without paying benefits. There's even a term for it now: Perma-lancing.

Some U.S. lawmakers have begun to introduce legislation that could form the framework for portable perks, such as parental leave, workers' compensation and tax advantaged retirement savings. Other moves are also in the works, such as in New York, where state lawmakers are considering allowing online job platforms to pay into a benefit fund for the workers who use their apps. New York City, meanwhile, has considered surcharges on riders to pay benefits for delivery and ride-hailing service workers.

Yet, this all comes as the economy has already fundamentally changed.

"This is the future of work," Mulcahy said. "The full-time employee is getting to be the worker of last resort."
McDonald's will roll out frappes and other McCafe drinks in bottled form at retail stores starting in 2018. (Handout)

McDonald's said on Wednesday it will roll out coffee drinks in retail stores early next year, part of a plan to increase awareness of its McCafe line of frappes, lattes and other espresso-based drinks.

Starting next year, the bottled drinks will be distributed to retail stores nationwide through a partnership with the Coca-Cola Co. and come in three flavors: caramel, vanilla and mocha. Starbucks has a similar line of bottled coffee drinks available at convenience stores and other retailers.

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McDonald's also is expanding its McCafe offering in restaurants. The world's largest burger chain said it will add a caramel macchiato, Americano and cappuccino to its line of lattes and mochas. The cappuccino will be available with French vanilla, caramel or hazelnut flavor, and the macchiato will be offered hot or iced. They will be offered for $2, as part of a discount drink promotion McDonald's started earlier this year to spur repeat visits.

McDonald's has struggled for years to win back customers from its rivals and get existing ones to come back more often. The company has said it believes that improved coffee options are a key to this effort, because "coffee creates a habit." In other words, people are more likely to visit McDonald's every day for a coffee than they are for a burger and fries. McDonald's also has made other changes to make bakery items more prominent in its restaurants, like creating customer-facing bakery display cases for muffin tops and other assorted morning goodies.

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The chain's emphasis on McCafe coffee and bakery items, along with other efforts to win back customers, were evident in the most recent quarter when it reported higher traffic in the U.S. for the first time in CEO Steve Easterbrook's tenure.

McCafe started in Australia in 1993, and was brought to the U.S. national menu in 2009.

sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SamWillTravel
The company owned by Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty, right, pictured in this February 7, 2017 file photo, will play a role in relief administration efforts for victims of storm Harvey in southeast Texas, including Houston. ( Kevin Tanaka/Pioneer Press )

As Houston residents continue to assess the damage left in the wake of storm Harvey, Evanston's mayor said his consulting firm is expected to send over 100 people into the ravaged city in the coming days to aid residents there as they start to rebuild.

Mayor Steve Hagerty, founder and CEO of Hagerty Consulting, said his company steps in once first responders  police, firefighters, paramedics  have dealt with immediate emergencies.

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"Who needs hot lunch? Who needs housing? How do we help them?" Hagerty said. "This is what we do as a company."

By the time Hurricane Harvey struck southeast Texas, including Houston, Aug. 25, it had been officially downgraded to a tropical storm. Still, it left in its wake record rainfalls that led to massive flooding, causing people to flee from there homes. Some who didn't leave, initially, later had to be rescued.

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Hurricane Harvey "knows no socioeconomic boundaries," Hagerty said. "Multimillion dollar homes are under water."

The mayor said his crews are expected to arrive as flood waters recede.

"This is going to be a huge, huge housing mission," Hagerty said. "It could take a generation to rebuild."

Hagerty started his disaster recovery business around the time of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

One of his company's biggest assignments turned out to be managing $7.4 billion in recovery assistance in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

Hagerty Consulting staff went on to crunch data, draft reports and help coordinate emergency responses after the deadly Hurricane Katrina in 2005 swallowed parts of New Orleans and along the Gulf of Mexico. His company ran a $1.4 billion community disaster loan program following that devastation, he said.

His crew returned to New York following Hurricane Sandy in 2012 to help with that $12.5 billion recovery effort, among other responses around the country, Hagerty said.

Current Federal Emergency Management Agency Director William Long was formerly an executive vice president at Hagerty Consulting, according to the mayor and information on the government website.

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Hagerty said his company's Evanston office focuses mainly on "preparedness," with staff working with municipalities to anticipate the worst and figure out how to potentially respond to it.

The company already has contracts with agencies in and around Houston, Hagerty said, and could add more as recovery efforts continue.

It won't be easy though: "The demand is so, so going to exceed supply," Hagerty said.

As a result, Hagerty Consulting now is ihiring, looking for recruits with skills in accounting, finance, community planning, professional engineering and working with FEMA who are game to go to Texas, he said.

Applicants need to have "a passion of service to others," especially because the work will take them away from their homes and families for extended periods of time, Hagerty said.

At the end of it, though, "you look back at these communities with a tremendous amount of pride," Hagerty said. "You [helped to bring] this community back."

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gbookwalter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GenevieveBook
ALBANY, N.Y.  A fake architect named Newman charged in a New York state fraud investigation dubbed "Operation Vandelay Industries" has been sentenced to 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison.

Paul J. Newman was sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty to six felonies including grand larceny and fraud. He must also pay $115,000 restitution.

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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's office said Newman had rendered fraudulent architectural services since 2010 in Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. Victims included municipalities and businesses.

Schneiderman dubbed the operation to nab Newman "Vandelay Industries" in reference to a long-running joke on "Seinfeld" about a fictional company by that name. A character named Newman was Jerry's nemesis on the sitcom.
The Whiskey Barons Collection set out to resurrect brands that long ago disappeared, including Old Ripy and Bond & Lillard. (Styling by Mark Graham.) (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune )

Robin Coupar, senior brand manager for the fine whiskies portfolio at Campari America, knows how the distilleries that produced pre-Prohibition bourbons like Old Ripy and Bond & Lillard described their whiskeys. But he isn't sure how they actually tasted.

Neither is Norm Matella, Campari America's North American technical center manager. Nor is anyone else involved in Campari's Whiskey Barons Collection, a new limited edition series of whiskeys that seek to resurrect brands that long ago disappeared from store shelves.

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Old Ripy was a "bold whiskey," while Bond & Lillard was a "much lighter, more floral" style, Coupar says.

But even though Campari America, the parent company of Wild Turkey, owns those long-gone distillery's recipes, in addition to the brand names, it doesn't really know what those whiskeys tasted like.

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That didn't stop Campari executives a few years ago from deciding to resurrect those old brands in a way "that's in line with what they were," Coupar says. Which didn't mean replicating their recipes, aging them in barrels and waiting years for them to mature. Instead, it meant taking inspiration from what they do know about those whiskeys and then manipulating whiskey  Wild Turkey whiskey, in fact  that Campari already had to create new versions of Old Ripy and Bond & Lillard.

Sounds like a shortcut, right? It is.

But here's the thing: They're good. And I'm not sure that a more authentic whiskey would make for a better spirit.

Old Ripy is a 104-proof blend of 8-year-old and 12-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, along with some younger whiskeys to add "complexity." The whiskey is non-chill filtered, which means it still has compounds such as congeners, fusel oils, lipid fats and proteins that distilleries often filter out. That gives the whiskey a full, oily body that goes well with its bold, spicy flavor and fruit notes  red apples, plums, raisins  as well as hints of baking spice and toffee.

On the other hand, Bond & Lillard is a 100-proof whiskey that's charcoal filtered, giving the whiskey a markedly lighter (in color and flavor), more delicate flavor. Bond & Lillard features brighter orange, lemon and butterscotch notes.

They may, or may not, be true to the original. But that's OK.

Zak Stambor is a freelance writer.






Achieving a good balance of sweet and savory in any dish is challenging. This recipe meets the challenge, and here are three wines  from Greece, Italy and Spain  that will either bridge the sweet-savory gap or call out the dish's most intriguing qualities.

MAKE THIS

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Fig- and cheese-stuffed chicken breasts

Mix together 8 fresh figs, finely chopped; 2 ounces Comte cheese, grated; 4 teaspoons fresh thyme; and 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion. Season with salt. Pound 4 boneless chicken breast halves -inch thick. Cover each with a slice of prosciutto. Spread fig mixture thinly on top. Roll up each; secure with toothpicks. Season with salt. Brown in a skillet in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add  cup dry white wine; simmer, covered, until chicken is cooked through, 5 minutes. Remove chicken. Stir 2 tablespoons butter into sauce; cook to reduce slightly. Serve chicken, sliced, with the sauce. Makes: 4 servings

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Recipe by Joe Gray

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DRINK THIS

Pairings by sommelier Alan Beasey, of The Purple Pig, as told to Michael Austin:

2014 Domaine Sigalas MM, Santorini, Greece: This bright, fresh, vibrant red is made from two grapes indigenous to this mystical island: mavrotragano and mandilaria. Flavors of ripe cherries, red berries and a hint of sweet figs will bring the dish's fresh figs to the forefront, while the soft tannins will balance the rich, nutty cheese and enhance other savory elements.

2015 La Mozza I Perazzi, Tuscany, Italy: Just like the dish, this coastal wine combines sweet and savory perfectly. Made mostly of sangiovese grapes (called morellino in this part of Tuscany), this wine pairs well with Mediterranean-style dishes like this one. The wine's lush, dark cherry fruit, hints of licorice and subtle savory herbs will bring out all of the dish's best flavors.

2016 Camino de Navaherreros Garnacha, Madrid, Spain: This wine is light, fresh and full of fruit. On the nose you'll find spicy raspberries, ripe cherries and a hint of rose petals. The tart acidity will provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich cheese and prosciutto. Also, the ripe red fruits will be just sweet enough to enhance the figs.

food@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @pour_man
Violet Hour, the celebrated speakeasy influencing Chicago's cocktail culture over the past 10 years, is well-known for showcasing local and international artists on the wall out front. Obscuring the bar's entrance, the larger-than-life murals highlight a different artist every few weeks. This is a look back at some of them. (Joseph Hernandez/Chicago Tribune) (Joseph Hernandez)

"This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affections glow and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."  Bernard DeVoto, "The Hour: A Cocktail Manifesto"

The Violet Hour, the bar in Wicker Park, isn't named after this 1950s paean to drinking culture, but it may as well have been. The cocktail den, which turned 10 this year, has been a bastion for drinking culture since it opened in July 2007. In the same way restaurants like Alinea, Moto and Charlie Trotter's are praised for their influence on a generation of chefs, Violet Hour, with its exacting standards and technique-driven drinks, has been responsible for churning out some of the beverage world's biggest talent.

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It all started when managing partner and restaurateur Terry Alexander approached Toby Maloney  a former employee he remained friends with  to open the bar in Alexander's former Del Toro space.

"I was nervous about what (Maloney) was suggesting," says Alexander, remembering the conversation. "At the time, Chicagoans liked standing at bars, and the bigger the martini, the better."

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Maloney had other plans. A veteran of game-changing New York City cocktail bars Milk & Honey, Pegu Club and Grange Hall, Maloney wanted to inject some civility into what would become The Violet Hour. The infamous House Rules  banning everything from cellphones to vodka, Jager bombs and the like  caused a stir when the bar opened, but "we wanted to do something different, take people out of their comfort zone."

Within weeks of opening, cocktail lovers began flocking to the speakeasy, marked only by an ever-changing mural on the facade and a single yellow lightbulb  and, soon, a line down the block. Still, the greater public saw only an exclusionary bar for snobs.

"People thought we were elitist because we didn't let you in," Alexander says. "We only have 96 seats, and once they're filled, we don't allow overflow. We poured smaller drinks, no shots  we built a (new kind of) bar in a city that loved big martinis."

Eight kinds of ice are used at Violet Hour, but "people really bashed on it," says Maloney. "The ice program is the core of our sensibility  quality ingredients, an adherence to technique. We knew it sounded pretentious, but I wanted to create a space where you could get the best version of classic cocktails.

"Those first few weeks were fraught with peril," he says. "Violet Hour was a French wine list, and our guests couldn't speak French."

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 The Juliet and Romeo, a gin-driven sipper of cucumber, rose water and mint invented at Violet Hour, has become a classic. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

A "pre-Prohibition" bar, Violet Hour adheres to staples like sours, fizzes, Old-Fashioneds and simple three-part cocktails, an alchemy of sugar, booze and citrus. You can make a shocking number of drinks with this formula; Maloney compares the cocktail-invention process to swapping around parts on a Mr. Potato Head toy. "In the last decade, we've created something like 700 original cocktails," he says. "The goal is always balance, but also drinks that are thought-provoking, textured, creative."

Many of Violet Hour's drinks are now considered modern classics. Among them: The Hush and Wonder, a daiquiri-riff that gets its lift from creme de violette; the Juliet and Romeo, a gin-driven sipper of cucumber, rose water and mint; and the Art of Choke, another daiquiri-like drink but with a split base of rum and Cynar, an amaro derived from artichoke.

Ultimately, though, the bar's impact has been in the bartenders who learned their craft at Violet Hour and spread that culture across the city and beyond.

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"Violet Hour ushered in the industry in Chicago. There were cocktail programs before us, but the bar helped turn 'cocktail' into a household word," says Eden Laurin, who started as a hostess and is now a partner in the bar.

To wit, Violet Hour lists some of its alumni on its website: Brad Bolt (managing partner of Bar Deville), Mike Ryan (director of bars for Kimpton Hotels), Nandini Khaund (spirit guide for Cindy's) and Jane Lopes (former sommelier, Eleven Madison Park).

"Education is at the heart of what we do," says Laurin, citing the three-month training program for staff. "We start with hospitality and how to treat our guests even before we get to tasting ingredients or mixing a cocktail."

"It gave me the tools and confidence to turn bartending into a serious career," says Ryan, who ran acclaimed Sable Kitchen & Bar shortly after his Violet Hour tenure. "Regardless of how we've stumbled into the Violet Hour, many former employees truly influence bartending and drinking in Chicago and around the world."

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"We didn't know what we were doing when we were doing it," says Khaund. "The amount of knowledge you learned casually was astounding.

"Violet Hour helped educate the masses," she adds. "Guests are hipper to drinking these days, and bartending has become more of a conversation. Being inclusive, incorporating hospitality at all levels  that's Violet Hour's true legacy."

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As the bar enters its next decade (anniversary celebrations are slated for October), Violet Hour is not exempt from the shifting sands of cocktail culture. Its standards in bars throughout the city are now de rigueur, but its perceived stuffiness is less common. "Bars today are looser, not as formal or quiet as Violet Hour," says Alexander.

Maloney isn't worried. "If you sit at the bar, you'll witness cocktail foreplay. A slapdash dry martini is never as good as one you watch being carefully made: listening to the ice clink in the mixer, the spoon twirling the liquid, the whisper of vermouth being sprayed into the glass. Violet Hour is an experience. What we offer in aesthetic, in vibe, in how we make our drinks  I don't see it changing much in the next decade."

Violet Hour, 1520 N. Damen Ave., 773-252-1500, www.theviolethour.com

jbhernandez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @joeybear85






Heirloom tomatoes with salmon roe and nasturtium ($15) is one of the many vegetable-focused dishes on the menu. (Kristen Norman / Chicago Tribune)

Jason Hammel is excited. The chef behind Lula Cafe in Logan Square, which recently celebrated its 18th anniversary, will open Marisol inside the Museum of Contemporary Art in Streeterville on Thursday.

Named after the French-Venezuelan sculptor Maria Sol Escobar, who donated the first work to the museum, the restaurant's scale and design are unlike anything Hammel has worked on before.

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"People will be surprised," he says of the space, designed by Los Angeles-based firm Johnston Marklee. "Architecturally, it's really engaging, and I think that there'll be a certain excitement being there."

The restaurant is a major component of a recent $16 million renovation of the MCA. Previously, the museum housed Puck's At The MCA, a fairly anonymous project by an out-of-town chef (Wolfgang Puck). Hammel promises Marisol will be different.

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"We want (Marisol) to be a space where people come together," says Hammel. "If people walk around upstairs or go to a performance at the theater, they want a place to hang out afterwards and talk. Solange (Knowles) is giving a talk here next week  how cool will it be to provide a space to meet that's full of vegetables, life and color? I want people to leave here lifted up and excited."

Though a stylish downtown restaurant might seem a world away from Lula's neighborhood charm, Hammel sees more similarities than differences. "Lulu has always been an artists' place," says Hammel. "My wife is a musician. Tons of writers, artists, painters, have participated in building Lula's community. So it's a natural outreach."

Marisol's chef de cuisine is Sarah Rinkavage, whom Hammel has worked with for years at Lula. "Sarah is one of the brilliant young chefs," says Hammel. "We're super collaborative, almost twin-headed. We're always thinking each other's thoughts. That's exciting."

Considering the Lula connection, the foundation of the kitchen will be quite similar. "We'll work the same way as we do at Lula," says Hammel. "The menu will change frequently and at a moment's notice. When things are available, we'll jump on them and go with them."

In typical Lula fashion, it's hard to categorize the menu. There are some seemingly straightforward starters, such as Marcona olives ($5), next to more ambitious-sounding offerings, such as chilled octopus with saffron chips ($13). You'll be able to order roasted half chicken ($26) and a dry-aged strip steak ($36), along with fried quail ($18) and stuffed prawns ($22).

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The Marisol salad ($13) and Marisol sandwich (on the upcoming lunch menu) were inspired by Maria Sol Escobar's recipes.

"We certainly are broad in what we are serving," says Hammel. "The roasted chicken will be a favorite. But for 18 years, Lula has always been a great place for vegetarians to eat. We're always looking for a way to express ourselves through vegetables."

Marisol also features a dessert menu created by Alison Cates, who recently left West Loop restaurant Honey's.

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When it opens Thursday, Marisol will serve only dinner, but lunch and brunch will follow in the coming weeks. Also to come is a counter-service area called The Street, which will serve pastries and coffee.

"It's a different kind of restaurant for this area," says Hammel, "but it's going to be a great neighborhood restaurant for everyone."

Marisol, 205 E. Pearson St., www.marisolchicago.com

nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @nickdk






In their modestly-scaled but exemplary $16 million renovation of the common spaces inside the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Los Angeles architects Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee have wielded a scalpel with admirable precision. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

There are two ways to freshen an old museum: With a sledgehammer or a scalpel.

The sledgehammer approach imposes the will of the renovation architect on the original design. It is, in effect, a hostile takeover. In the scalpel approach, the new updates and improves upon the old rather than overwhelming it. It makes a virtue out of not striving for "look at me" virtuosity.

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In their modestly-scaled but exemplary $16 million renovation of the common spaces inside the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Los Angeles architects Sharon Johnston and Mark Lee have wielded a scalpel with admirable precision. Yet their revamp, which was done in cooperation with other designers, is anything but clinical.

Highlights of the project, which opens to the public Thursday, include a ground-floor restaurant by the British painter Chris Ofili and a second-floor gathering space by the Mexican design studio Pedro y Juana. Both introduce much-needed warmth and color, and even elements of fantasy, to the MCA's coolly gridded rationalist interior.

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The new elements pay heed to how the museum-going experience has changed in the 21 years since the MCA opened its home by the late Berlin architect Josef Paul Kleihues. But their framework manages to be deeply respectful of the Kleihues design  a surprise, given that the building's bunkerlike exterior might have invited a wholesale makeover.

The stolid five-story structure at 220 E. Chicago Ave. was based on the traditional idea of the museum as a temple and treasure house. It was all symmetry and monumentality, fronted by a flight of intimidating steps. The inside, though more appealing (especially its skylit, barrel vaulted galleries), remained focused on the individual's passive and private contemplation of works of art. The design sought to be timeless rather the giving artists the opportunity to change it over time.

Madeleine Grynsztejn, the MCA's director since 2008, took a different approach. Research showed that museum audiences wanted more interaction with works of art and with each other. She also rejected the model of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, whose stunning 1997 opening triggered a wave of pre-Recession museums that trafficked in architectural spectacle.

Instead, the MCA sought for the activities within the building, not an Instagram-ready architectural container, to drive its renovation. The fact that the project was a renovation, rather than an expansion (the default option for many museums today), itself projected a certain modesty.

In Johnston and Lee  co-artistic directors of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, which opens Sept. 16  the MCA selected architects perfectly suited to this approach. Their title for the biennial, "Make New History," suggests the value of building quietly on the past rather than indulging in radical ruptures. Their MCA renovation vividly demonstrates the value of the idea.

The project, which remakes 12,000 square feet within the museum's 151,000-square-foot footprint, consists of a reconfigured ground floor on the museum's north side, a second floor "engagement" space, the Commons, on the museum's east side, and, directly above the Commons, a third floor classroom and meeting space. A new, almond-shaped interior staircase in the museum's northeast corner leads directly from the remade ground floor to the Commons.

The staircase's configuration is the most obvious sign of the sensitivity Johnston and Lee have shown to Kleihues even as they have improved upon his original. It clearly pays homage to an elliptical, multilevel staircase in the museum's northwest corner that exemplified Kleihues' theory of "poetic rationalism."

Other elements also balance respect and change: Made of precisely-honed acoustic plaster, the vaulted ceilings in the remade ground-floor corridor evoke the sharp-edged barrel vaults in the MCA's top-floor galleries. Yet the vaults feel more expansive than the ordinary, angled ceiling they replace. And they create visual rhythms, comparable to those in an arcade, that join with the elegant curves of the new staircase and the natural light that brightens it to lure you forward. The corridor, still lined by the museum's theater, is no longer a dead end.

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The Ofili-designed restaurant, called Marisol and designed in cooperation with its chef, Chicago's Jason Hammel, is the focal point of the journey down the arcade. The restaurant's high point is a secluded dining room, topped by a vaulted ceiling that frames a colorful mural depicting a fantastic sight  two human figures riding a beast over a red cave. The room is a hip crypt. Ofili's sinuous lines, which run from walls to windows, further the appealing fantasy.

The Commons, not yet complete as of my tour on Tuesday, represents a Chicago reprise for Pedro y Juana, the Mexico City studio founded by Ana Paula Ruiz Galindo and Mecky Reuss. Their temporary Randolph Street lobby in the Chicago Cultural Center, with its movable lamps and rocking chairs, was one of the delights of the 2015 Chicago Architecture Biennial, and it's good that the MCA has drawn on their talent.

Plant lamps hang in the Commons, part of a $16 million renovation at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. (Alyssa Pointer/Chicago Tribune )

They, too, have warmed up the Kleihues original with hanging "plant lamps" that evoke Mexican paper cut-out art and introduce a note of greenery. A small stage, able to fold out of the wall like a Murphy bed, will allow for small-scale talks or performances in the Commons. In five years, Grynsztejn said, other designers will likely be invited to remake the space, furthering the MCA's goal of an evolving, artist-driven interior.

As a fan of tall, expansive spaces, I was disappointed to see the two-story restaurant at the back of the museum disappear to make way for the one-story Commons and the new classroom/meeting spaces above it. Yet the new elements largely retain the transparency of the museum's 55-foot-tall atrium and promise to enliven that space with the sight of human activity.

That's a better sight than empty spectacle.

bkamin@chicagotribune.com

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RELATED STORIES:

Architecture for fall 2017: Biennial casts the biggest shadow, but there's also the Apple store

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
It was a perfect day to trap a vole. The sun was out on this summer Wednesday, and its shine seemed especially bright on Chicago's Northerly Island, an oasis of native plantings surrounded on three sides by the reflective surfaces of Lake Michigan. A slight breeze ruffled the waist-high grasses. In the distance men with weed whackers worked to keep the restored prairie from getting a little too wild.

On top of a hill, beneath a stalk of grass tied with a colored flag, Lincoln Park Zoo wildlife researcher Matt Mulligan leaned over and picked up a small metal box. It had heft, at least more than these Sherman Traps do on their own. And it had movement inside.

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Mulligan pushed open the trap door, just a tad, and peered inside. "This right here looks like it's going to be a young meadow vole," he said.

He would know. Since late spring Mulligan and a couple of colleagues have been setting such traps in the afternoon, then coming back to check them the next morning. Their goal is to fill a gap in the zoo's expanding body of knowledge about the animals that share the city with homo sapiens.

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The North Side zoo runs the Urban Wildlife Institute, which has been successfully setting what are called "camera traps"  motion-triggered cameras  throughout the region for years. Thanks to the zoo's work, we now know a lot more about the Chicago coyote population than we used to, fun facts such as it's hardy and resilient and very canny in adapting to the built environment.

Indeed, that program has been so successful that the zoo this spring took it national, signing on universities and wildlife organizations in other cities in the new Urban Wildlife Information Network.

The hope is to share notes, approaches and data and better adjust to the reality of America as an increasingly urbanized place and animals as entities that will find a way to adapt.

"For a long time the approach of conservationists has been, 'Let's do everything we can outside the cities,'" Seth Magle, the institute's director, has said. "But our planet is not going to stop urbanizing. The solution is to look inward."

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 10 A Meadow Vole waits to be examined after being extracted from a trap on Northerly Island Aug. 23, 2017. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

Before this summer, however, the lion's share of that looking was spotting the bigger and, let's face it, sexier species, from flying squirrels (yes, they're among us) to muskrats to coyotes. The zoo even enlists the likes of you and me, to help out as "citizen scientists"; at www.chicagowildlifewatch.org, you can assist by poring through camera-trap photos and logging what you see.

But there's been a size limit to what gets spotted. The camera traps are very good at larger animals, on down to squirrels and even some chipmunks, but anybody who has ever heard scratching in a cupboard at night knows there's plenty of smaller urban wildlife too.

"We were missing out on the smaller species," Mulligan said. "Is the city just full of rats, or are there other species here?"

So he proposed this summer's study, which set 40 traps each at ten locations from the city out to DuPage County, roughly on the line of Roosevelt Road. This is what's known in animal studies as a "transect," a straight line across a region that is thought to give a reasonable representation of what exists in the region.

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The late August visit to Northerly Island, and to locations along South Lake Shore Drive and in a park in Bridgeport, was the last of three that are providing Mulligan with the data he'll need to write a scientific paper describing his findings.

He's learned a lot, he said.

For one thing, the devices used to capture the animals have been relatively safe. "We weren't sure if our traps were going to get stolen," he said.

But none has been taken  it helps that they are in underbrush, in areas where humans don't normally go  and only two have sustained damage. One of those seemed to have been stepped on by a deer, the other seemed to display tooth marks.

Mulligan has learned that there are two dominant little species: meadow voles, like the little one in the Northerly Island trap, and deer mice. Those made up about 85 percent of the captures to that point, he said. There are many more mice than voles in the city locations, while the opposite is true at a site in DuPage County.

"Did you get a vole?" asked Kelsey Philippi, an intern working on the project. "Nice."

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Overall nine species had been captured, including chipmunks and house mice. The most diverse location has been a cemetery in Hillside. The traps had captured more than 750 animals, including more than 180 recaptures, animals that liked the seed and mealworm bait mix in the traps so much they just had to have a second helping.

But catching the animal is just the beginning of an elaborate process. Mulligan had a small field kit of instruments beside him.

He pulled out an oven bag, like the kind you'd use to cook a turkey in.

"What I'm going to do now," he said, "is basically dump the animal (and the contents of the trap) into this oven bag. They're like, What's going on? I'm in a bag. I'm floating above the ground.'"

Using a 100-gram scale, he weighed the bag: 55 grams. Later, after letting the animal go in this strictly catch-and-release program, he'd weigh the bag again to determine that the animal itself weighed 42 grams.

Reaching through the bag, he grabbed the mouselike mammal by the scruff of its neck and turned it over, into the open air. "There's a nipple right here," he pointed out, using the end of a pencil to help push fur aside. "She's lactating. So we'll process her quickly so she can get back to her kids."

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Using a device like a pliers, he put an ear tag on to identify the animal should it be recaptured. Then he cut off some of its fur from its hindquarters, guiding it into a small coin envelope. He collected the fur right away, he said, before putting on a second ear tag, just in case the animal got away, which can happen.

After that, ear tag two went on, for redundancy, because these burrowing animals can knock them off.

"My mom calls it jewelry," Philippi said.

"They're bedazzled," said Mulligan.

Next comes quick examination for injuries or parasites  all clear  and with no ceremony the vole was set free to vole again.

"We played an Olympic torch ceremony-type song for the first one, but the novelty has worn off," Mulligan explained.

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Then, after weighing the animal-less bag, he used tweezers to pick through what was left in there to collect fecal samples. Back at the zoo, the stool and the fur would be tested and measured for indications of stress.

"This is the first study to do that," Mulligan said. "Usually small mammals are kind of an ancillary study for other, more charismatic species," studied as a food source or ecosystem component. Mulligan wiped the tweezers with a cleaning cloth, repacked his supplies and recorded his data on a chart attached to a clipboard. Then he set the trap, open, up on its end as a reminder to rebait it when they come back through in the afternoon.

"Well," said Philippi, "at least you got a vole."

The trapping would end after this three-day session, he said, leaving fall and winter for the heavy-duty processing of the data. What he's found hasn't been exactly surprising, he said, but as with a lot of science, it's just important to know, to establish what is true.

Well, maybe there's been one surprise: "We haven't had a rat yet," he said.

sajohnson@chicagotribune.com

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[ Penguins making a comeback at Lincoln Park Zoo  ]







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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
On his program Tuesday night, Jimmy Kimmel said President Donald Trump must have awakened that morning and asked, "What's something horrible I can do to distract people from the Russia investigation?"

"Someone said, 'you know there are 800,000 innocent kids you can deport for no good reason!'" Kimmel then said.

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Pundits and politicians alike spent much of the day on Tuesday unpacking Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

And then it was time for late-night comedy, though for some comics, there was nothing funny to say and they opted for seriousness, an increasing tendency since the conflict in Charlottesville, Virginia, last month.

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From "Late Night With Seth Meyers" to "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," hosts leaned on their refined Trump imitations to paint the picture of an administration no better at managing a natural disaster such as Hurricane Harvey than at preventing what Colbert dubbed the "man-made disaster unfolding in Washington right now" - the end of DACA.

Pivoting off Trump's appearances in storm-ravaged Texas, comedians used stories of undocumented first responders as examples of those at risk of deportation.

They mocked Trump for delegating the announcement to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and took note of the fact that two of Trump's wives also immigrated to this country.

"Ultimately Donald Trump believes if these kids want to be American, then they have to do it the right way," Kimmel said. "By marrying Donald Trump!"

The monologue included a spoof television commercial claiming Trump's three oldest children were hard-working "dreamers" who couldn't help that they were born to a mother who emigrated from Eastern Europe.

"Tell Congress to protect these children of immigrants, no matter how terrible their parents are," said a serious, albeit spooky narrator.

Colbert said the administration's decision had Trump "in some deep DACA." Footage of the news conference in which Sessions announced the end of the program included the attorney general saying the move "does not mean they are bad people or that our nation disrespects or demeans them in any way."

"You're right Jeff," Colbert quipped. "Deporting innocent children does not mean they're bad people. It means you're a bad person."

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On "The Daily Show," Trevor Noah was also quick to note that the young people protected by DACA had no say in being brought to the U.S. illegally by their parents.

"It's their parents, it's not like it was their choice," Noah said as a photo of a young boy appeared on the screen. Assuming the voice of a young child, Noah said "No Mama, you go on without me. I'm going to stay in Honduras and uphold the law. You go on. You go on. I know what Jeff Sessions wants me to do, Mama. I'm staying here."

Soon after, Noah recapped numerous politicians, business and tech leaders who have publicly supported DACA.

"I'll tell you this, if Amazon says you can't return something, then you know you're doing something wrong," he said.

Seth Meyers suggested Trump hid behind his attorney general while simultaneously urging Congress to act through a single tweet: "Congress, get ready to do your job -- DACA!"

"Trump ends every tweet like he's jumping out from behind a door to scare you," Meyers said.

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But he was more serious on the subject of Trump's repeated assurances that "dreamers" would be taken care of by his administration. In January, Trump said they "shouldn't be very worried ... I do have a big heart. We're going to take care of everybody."

Near the end of his monologue, Colbert revived a fleeting but viral moment from Tuesday's White House briefing in which press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders accidentally referred to President Barack Obama instead of Trump while describing how DACA's repeal would unfold. Reading a prepared statement, Sanders corrected herself by saying "Sorry, President Trump."

"It's OK, we're sorry he's president too," Colbert said with a grin.

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Beyonce, George Clooney to lead Sept. 12 Hurricane Harvey relief telethon







Watch the latest movie trailers.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
In a late August meeting with Immigration officers in downtown Chicago, Genoveva Ramirez  a 67-year-old grandmother and immigration activist  was ordered to return to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters on September 28 with a plane ticket proving shed leave the country within a month of that date, said her lawyer Mony Ruiz-Velasco.

"She could be detained at any moment. Actually, [ICE regional director Ricardo Wong] told us he could have detained her today if he would've wanted to," added Ruiz-Velasco, after the meeting.

On Mother's Day, Ramirez received a letter from ICE, informing her of the reevaluation of her case, which had been considered low-priority under President Barack Obama's administration.

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Supporting Ramirez on the day of her hearing were elected officials including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and state representative Elizabeth Hernandez, as well as five other immigrants, who also face ICE meetings in the coming weeks.

According to Rosi Carrasco, activist and member of Organized Communities Against Deportations (OCAD), Wong refused to meet with the undocumented immigrants in attendance, and instead chose to only speak to the officials.

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Genoveva Ramirez hugs her grandson outside the Chicago immigration facility. (ALONDRA VALLE/HOY)

When Ramirez was informed of her self-deportation date, "I told them they were breaking up my family," she said. "We do no harm here. We only work to get ahead."

On February 13, 2013, Ramirez was arrested in DuPage county for a traffic violation after leaving work. She was detained by immigration officials for two weeks. With the help of OCAD, her community, and Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Ramirez was able to appeal her order of deportation and her case was then classified low-priority for deportation. Upon her release, Ramirez became an active member of OCAD, the organization that had helped her be released.

The grandmother overstayed a tourist visa to remain in the country, in 2001, after her family had been victims of violence in her native Mexico City, Mexico. Here, Ramirez lives alongside her husband and two younger sons.

According to Ramirez, she and her grandson were victims of an assault at her home in Berwyn, west of Chicago. Her cooperation with authorities to resolve the case allows her to apply for a U-visa, given to noncitizens who have been targeted by crime and cooperate with law enforcement despite their status.

"She has the possibility of receiving legal status, it's just that it's been pending for a year and a half," said Ruiz-Velasco. "This is not the end of the road."

As she left the ICE headquarters in late August, Ramirez hugged and tried to console her grandson Mariano Castellanos, who is 7 years old, and said she would not give up.

"We will continue to fight. I feel strong and I won't give in," she said. "I will remain hopeful until the end."
Its hard to miss the bright pink wall on the southeast corner of Ohio and Noble Streets. Its even harder to miss the lines wrapped around the building almost daily with hungry customers aching to get their hands on a famous Ninis Deli sandwich.



We are so thankful, we get lines that consist of 32 people sitting down and 40 people in line, it feels incredible, it's an honor, said Juan Riesco, who has run Ninis Deli ever since his parents handed over the reins in 2011.



But Ninis hasn't always been the successful business it is today. In fact, Ninis isn't even the same restaurant it was when it was first opened in 2013 by Riescos parents, Julie and Jose Riesco, immigrants from Mexico and Cuba respectively. Back then, the Riescos planned to reinvent the business they had opened together in the 80s: a one-stop shop with organic groceries and their well-known cuban steak sandwiches. Despite their booming business back then, the new shop struggled to stay afloat.



When my parents opened their first business in this neighborhood it was primarily families, and families who cooked at home, said Juan. Now the majority of folks that live in this neighborhood are younger people who don't have time to cook and they want to grab something quick or just dine.



The failing business coupled with Joses health concerns led the Riescos to reach out to their son Juan, a then-21-year-old art school student, to help take over the family business.



More like they dragged me in, joked Juan. I said I would [come in and help] but you have to let me change literally everything, so I did just that.



The once 20-item menu was refined to three appetizers, three sandwiches and two homemade drinks.



My family is multicultural. We are Cuban, we are Mexican, we are Lebanese. I have Spanish in my bloodstream and originally when we opened that all reflected in our menu, and it was great! People thought our menu was interesting but it wasnt very conducive for growth, Riesco said.



Ninis sandwiches aren't the only thing that brings in the crowds. The weekly specials, which Juan promotes through the delis Instagram account, have been widely appreciated for their twists on classic Latin American foods. This week Ninis will offer a Hot Cheeto elote as their special for the third week in a row. Previous specials include mole chicken wings and fried chicken tender sliders on a cafe-con-leche-infused waffle.


Dear Amy: I recently changed careers. I am a new hire at my place of employment. Most of my co-workers are old enough to be my parents or grandparents, and have been working there for more than 10 years.

I have noticed a clash in personality with most of my co-workers. I am quite reserved and professional. During breaks and downtime, they speak and act as if they are in a rowdy bar. I try to be friendly and sociable with them, but it is hard, mostly due to our age difference.

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It has become increasingly difficult lately, as their personal and political beliefs have come out in conversation. I am a very progressive person, but some of my co-workers have expressed some extremely racist and classist views that make me very uncomfortable.

I have bitten my tongue during these discussions, but my conscience is telling me I am not being a good ally by keeping my mouth shut.

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I am not afraid of losing my job over my different opinions, but I am afraid of being snubbed and shunned, as I've noticed most of the minorities at our workplace have been.

My bosses and co-workers place importance on social activities, arranging cookouts at our office and nights out. I have been very cautious about interacting socially, especially after hearing those racist views.

I enjoy my job and the benefits are great. I would like to be comfortable at work.

I don't feel as if my bosses could do anything about this, as most of the racist talk has come from people who are employed by the city, and not directly by our company.

Should I avoid social interactions, or should I speak out about my disapproval of their racism?

 New Girl With Moral Dilemma

Dear New Girl: Yes, you should speak out. It is shocking that government employees would feel comfortable expressing racist views in the workplace. I am distinguishing between people expressing political viewpoints, and those who are openly racist. There is a wide difference between the two.

The workplace is not the place to express one's racist thoughts. This behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable, and it is unethical for you to stay silent.

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I think you should also make note of some of these incidents, in order to advocate for change. Your bosses should absolutely crack down on this.

If you are shunned for speaking out, then count yourself lucky. You would then be relieved from the pressure of spending any leisure time with these people.

Also, look for a different job.

Dear Amy: I'm 23 and recently got officially diagnosed with depression and anxiety, something I've struggled with since high school, when I would self-harm. I even attempted suicide.

Now I've finally gotten the help and medication I need, and I feel much better.

My mother refuses to acknowledge depression (or any mental illness, for that matter) as a "real disorder."

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I never told her about my self-harm or suicide attempts, but I did allude to not wanting to live anymore during high school. She responded by threatening to have me committed, since, of course, I sounded crazy, not depressed.

I haven't told her I have been diagnosed, or that I am on medication, since she doesn't believe in mood-altering medications.

I want her in my life, and need her support, since I don't have much family. How do I go about explaining to her that this is real and that medication is necessary?

 Desperate and Depressed

Dear Depressed: You should discuss this with your therapist, but I think you should consider the option of keeping your diagnosis and treatment private, at least for now.

You are at a tender and transitional age, and also at an important point in your recovery. This might not be the best time to encounter your mother's denial. In adulthood, one of your challenges will be to always put your health first, understanding that this might require you to keep some (emotional) distance from your mother.

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Dear Amy: "Stick to Business" wondered how to react to sexual innuendo traded at the local car dealership.

Ask Amy Daily No-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning. For a limited time, sign up for the Ask Amy newsletter and get the book Ask Amy: Essential Wisdom from Americas Favorite Advice Columnist for $5. >

When I was much younger, if a man told me a very "off-color" joke, I would give him a blank look and ask what he meant. Then I would watch him struggle to explain. More than once, my husband would finally step in and rescue the man by telling him, "She gets it; she's just pulling your leg."

 I Actually Get It

Dear Get It: Boom!

(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Amy Dickinson, c/o Tribune Content Agency, 16650 Westgrove Drive, Suite 175, Addison, Texas, 75001. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)

COPYRIGHT  2017 BY AMY DICKINSON

DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

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Then-Columbia University student Emma Sulkowicz, left, carries a mattress in protest after the school found a fellow student she had accused of sexual assault not responsible. Those helping her are supporters she had met moments before. (Andrew Burton/Getty 2014)

The 2015 documentary "The Hunting Ground" made campus sexual assault seem like a pandemic. That same year, Rolling Stone magazine's retraction of a discredited tale about a gang rape at a University of Virginia fraternity made it seem like a hoax.

Vanessa Grigoriadis' "Blurred Lines," based on significant reporting on college campuses, adopts neither view, seeking out instead the nuances and complexities of the issue. Grigoriadis, a contributing editor at The New York Times Magazine and Vanity Fair, admires the new generation of activists who are drawing attention to nonconsensual sex and the culture of "toxic masculinity" that supports it. But she also expresses compassion for a subset of the young men accused by these women, seeing them as a second set of victims.

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Following in the wake of recent books on teenage girls, social media and hookups, "Blurred Lines" is at times a deep dive into the millennial generation's cultural proclivities, confusions, musical tastes and lingo (in which being "woke" represents a state of heightened consciousness and "catching feelings" is one presumably regrettable effect of casual sex).

Eschewing a strong central narrative, Grigoriadis sticks to the magazine writer's toolbox, stringing together scenes and interviews from about 20 campuses, notably her own radically inclined alma mater, Wesleyan University, and fraternity-dominated Syracuse University. The book has a discursive quality and seems bloated, in need of a tighter edit.

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But Grigoriadis does succeed in depicting the ambiguities that exist around changing gender norms, the attempts of colleges to adjudicate them and the ways she'd like to see both evolve. She points out perceptively that the bedroom is one place where today's otherwise strong, self-confident young women still too often feel pressured and unable to advocate for their own interests.

The title, "Blurred Lines," is borrowed from a 2013 Robin Thicke song that inspired controversy, in part, because of the sentiments expressed by its chorus: "I know you want it, but you're a good girl." Grigoriadis not only condemns the implied notion that "no means yes"  she supports the new campus standard of affirmative consent, in which only an explicit "yes means yes."

It seems obvious that such clear, unambiguous communication about what is acceptable and desired in sexual encounters  and what is not  can be challenging for young men and women still on the cusp of adulthood and often less than sober. Without it, though, Grigoriadis suggests, the question of consent  central to most campus sexual assault charges  can be murky. Hookups, which too often privilege men's emotional and sexual needs, can lead to painful misunderstandings, and intoxication only adds to the confusion.

(Chicago Tribune)

Sexual assault or rape accusations can be particularly thorny when the parties involved have had a prior consensual sexual relationship. One example is the case of two former Columbia University students, Emma Sulkowicz and Paul Nungesser, which Grigoriadis originally chronicled for New York magazine and returns to periodically in "Blurred Lines."

In 2013, Sulkowicz accused Nungesser, a German architecture student who had been her lover, of anal rape. The university found him "not responsible," and, in protest, Sulkowicz began carrying a mattress on her back, a performance art project that sparked a national wave of campus activism. Nungesser, like a growing number of accused men, sued the university for allegedly supporting his defamation and in August received an undisclosed financial settlement.

Grigoriadis (mostly) believes the women, like Sulkowicz, who say they have been assaulted. But she argues, too, that the vast majority of those accused are not serial rapists or hardened predators, but rather young men guilty of some mix of bad judgment, caddishness and cluelessness.

Defying some feminist shibboleths, Grigoriadis advocates that young women exhibit a degree of wariness, avoiding drunkenness and "guys who exhibit toxic masculinity," and learning the rudiments of self-defense. She wants schools to discourage fraternity parties, a key locus of sexual assault, early in the school year, before freshmen have found their footing. Better yet, she'd like to see frats made co-educational  or dissolved completely.

In July, a faculty committee at Harvard proposed drastic, and controversial, action along those very lines: an outright ban on student participation in "final clubs, fraternities or sororities, or other similar private, exclusionary social organizations."

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That same month, U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced that she would examine whether tough enforcement of Title IX under the Obama administration might have violated the rights of those accused of sexually based offenses.

In such a fluid cultural environment, where today's certainties are tomorrow's taboos, it's difficult to produce a definitive book on the subject of campus sexual assault. But credit Grigoriadis with a fair-minded and informative try.

Julia M. Klein was a finalist this year for the National Book Critics Circle's Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing.

'Blurred Lines'

By Vanessa Grigoriadis, Eamon Dolan, 368 pages, $28






Interior designers are masters of light and color, but even they have blind spots when it comes to picking paint.

"I can tell you right now that red is my problem color," says Grant Gibson, whose firm is in San Francisco. Nashville, Tennessee, designer Gen Sohr says purple is "always a scary road" because it's exhausting over time. Bethesda, Maryland's Kelley Proxmire steers clear of mauve, a dusty pink that she finds "depressing and unflattering." And Mimi McMakin, a vanguard of Palm Beach chic, is wary of teal: "The wrong blue-green can really hit you in the face."

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But designers aren't the type to back down from a challenge, so we asked them to reveal the colors they never thought they'd fall for -- and how they finally did. Sometimes, the riskiest options are also the most rewarding.

Los Angeles designer Chad McPhail has a knack for updating old homes without compromising their historical integrity, so he jumped at the chance to work on a quirky Hollywood estate with an eclectic mix of architecture styles. But the art deco home theater became a pressure point when the homeowner insisted on a color scheme built around classic, rich red.

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"Red is so hard. It changes dramatically depending on the light source, and there are so many ways you can go wrong," he said. "Too berry, too cherry, too rusty, too fire engine. I was like, 'OK! I'm out of my comfort zone here.' But she was adamant, and of course we wanted to make it work."

After weeks of negotiations, they settled on a French Empire palette of scarlet red, rusty orange and a peculiar Prussian blue. McPhail, feeling nervous, buried himself in samples. He tested 15 reds from five brands on small boards that he hung around the room in sections. Then, he watched how each changed in the light from day into night. It took a week to pick a winner, a custom mix of two reds by Fine Paints of Europe. In the end, he said, the client was right.

"The blue is powdery but not too sweet and has just a hint of gray, and it works perfectly against the rich, sultry scarlet. It's incredible," he said. "I don't know if I'll ever feel confident with red, but I certainly feel more comfortable."

Not every paint gamble will be a triumph, but McPhail says your odds are higher with every shade you sample. "I always, always do a few tests," he says. "Even when I'm really sure, even if I'm playing it safe. People think neutrals are going to be easier, but I've had to test 40 or 50 whites in a single room because all you see is light. Colors are complicated, so it's best to avoid shortcuts."

Of course, some designers light up at the thrill of conquering an "ugly" shade. Jamie Drake of the New York firm Drake/Anderson is one of them. Known for opulent, joyful interiors that burst with personality and a high-profile client list, he's long been considered the King of Color.







"I'm drawn to colors that might be considered yucky, intense, low-end even," says the New Yorker. He points to Benjamin Moore's Nacho Cheese, a velvety yellow-orange that calls to mind plastic-wrapped cheese slices or sticky notes. "It doesn't sound like something you want to run to, but I've grown to love this color." In fact, when he renovated an 1840 Greek Revival home on Long Island and turned the attic into a study, he used it on the walls and the ceiling. "It's happy," he says. "It's surprising because it's pretty aggressive, but mostly it feels like sunshine. Intense, intense sunshine bathing this room at all times."

Drake doesn't bother with samples; he's always had a painterly sense of color and trusts his gut. While his approach isn't for everyone, he maintains that some colors must be met with a certain fearlessness. Miles Redd, another daredevil designer based in New York, agrees. His favorite risky colors are hot pink and taxicab yellow, both of which can look extraordinary when done right but are by no means easy.

"Taxicab looks like dried egg yolk if done wrong," he warns. He used it in projects with Nancy Lancaster and Oscar de la Renta to great success and says lacquer colors bring an extra sparkle. "Pink is better in fabric form, which isn't exactly cheap," he says, "but no one ever said risk was inexpensive."

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On a family trip to Portugal this summer, Sohr, the Nashville designer, stayed in a hotel, the Pestana Palacio do Freixo, in a room that took her breath away. The carpet, walls and ceiling were a warm golden-brown that looked, she said, like a "monochromatic masterpiece." Though never a fan of rust shades, she was completely inspired. "I'd never in a billion years have picked this color, but some designer did, and they went all the way. That's why it worked. It was so sophisticated and confident, you had to respect it."

Sohr and her husband started their company Pencil & Paper in 2003. Previously, they spent a decade in retail development with Gap in San Francisco. Color in interiors is like color in fashion, she says. It's novel, playful and slyly ironic and requires total confidence. "Just like an outfit," she says, "sometimes you have to go overboard to turn the corner from plain to chic."

McMakin stumbled upon one of her all-time favorite colors by mistake. She was testing green paints for a library in Palm Beach and the mixes kept coming back wrong. Eventually, she decided to see what one looked like on the wall. She calls it, fondly, Pond Scum Green. It's a murky shade of yellow-green that's wonderfully dismal and surprisingly cozy and feels "like an old pair of khaki pants," she said. It's become her go-to alternative to classic hunter and British racing greens, which she's bored with anyway.

"It should have been a complete failure," she said, "but some of my most dreaded mistakes have turned out to be home runs. That's how it goes."

If you're considering a DIY paint project, you may want to avoid warm colors, at least to start. Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, said they're indisputably more challenging than cool colors. "They're heavily pigmented, aggressive and can be super intense if you get it wrong," she said.

Her solution is to go down a few shades. "If you're drawn to a fuchsia, try a darker cranberry. If you're drawn to fire engine, try brick red. It will still look exciting, just not shocking."

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The trick should work for just about any risky paint project. This summer, Wadden repainted her dining room from medium putty brown to black. "It was a huge risk for me, but I swear, the room came to life." Rather than pure black, she used Sherwin-Williams' Sealskin, which has a hint of warmth to take the edge off.
More than 50 murals depicting life in Paducah, Ky., over the years cover the flood walls in the riverfront citys historic downtown. The murals by artist Robert Dafford helped rejuvenate the downtown, and they remain a popular tourist attraction. (Lori Rackl and Randi Stevenson / Chicago Tribune)

PADUCAH, Ky.  In this riverfront town in western Kentucky, art isn't just a luxury. It's a lifeline.

It helped salvage one of the city's oldest neighborhoods with an artist relocation program that lured talent from around the country.

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And art, in the form of 52 murals and a national museum devoted to quilting (much cooler than it sounds  I promise), served as a shot in the arm for downtown revitalization, sparing the historic area from the fate of many a small city destroyed by suburban sprawl.

More recently, art is what prompted UNESCO to designate Paducah as one of only six "Creative Cities" in the U.S. In late September, delegates from around the world will huddle here for the inaugural meeting of the Creative Cities' crafts and folk art network.

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You could say art is woven into the fabric of this town of roughly 25,000, known as Quilt City USA (again  cooler than it sounds). And the creative vibe that comes along with it has kept Paducah from devolving into just another pit stop off the interstate.

"There's a lot more here than gas stations," said Ed Musselman, one of several Paducahans who, in the last couple of years, have resurrected dilapidated pieces of the city's past and recycled them into creative new spaces.

Musselman and his wife, Meagan, recently restored an old Coca-Cola bottling plant in midtown and filled it with a craft brewery, restaurant and artist collective, among other things. The Coke Plant, as it's known around town, also houses Time on the String, where the curious can take a lesson in playing the fiddle  or just about any stringed instrument  with owner Josh Coffey, a staple on the local music scene.

"People thought we were nuts when we bought this building," Ed Musselman said about the 43,000-square-foot structure constructed at the tail end of the Depression. "We thought this was the perfect spot to showcase what makes Paducah great but isn't necessarily seen by the casual observer. If people make one stop in Paducah, we wanted it to be somewhere that might make them want to stay a little longer, maybe go to the Lower Town Arts District, go listen to live music or explore some more."

Before the Lower Town Arts District was called that, it was a run-down part of Paducah few would visit by choice.

"It's changed a lot from when I got here; it's a walkable, safe neighborhood now," said mixed-media artist Char Downs, who lives above her Pinecone Art Gallery & Studio at 421 N. Seventh St.

Downs moved to Paducah from the San Francisco area in 2004 as part of the city's artist relocation program, which offered incentives to get creative types to live and work in this 26-square-block area between Third and Ninth streets, and Jefferson Street to Park Avenue.

"It was a big deal in the art world," Downs said about the program. "Suddenly everyone knew about Paducah."

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 14 Tourists can often be seen snapping photos of the 50-plus murals that cover Paducah's floodwalls. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

Downs is the lead artist for a new project that's bringing more murals to downtown. This latest batch  all depicting quilts  will start cropping up by the convention center later this month. The first one, painted by Downs herself, will be unveiled Sept. 13, just in time for the first Fall AQS (American Quilter's Society) QuiltWeek in Paducah. The mural will be a replica of Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry's 1989 award-winning quilt, "Corona II: Solar Eclipse." (Paducah happened to be in the "path of totality" for the Aug. 21 solar eclipse and will be again when the next one rolls through in 2024.)

Fallert's "Corona II" is among the crown jewels of the National Quilt Museum's 500-plus collection. The world's largest quilt museum, opened in 1991 at 215 Jefferson St., annually draws more than 100,000 visitors  some begrudgingly, at first.

"Half of our audience is people getting dragged in here by someone else, but they end up really liking it," said Frank Bennett, head of the museum.

Even if quilts aren't your jam, give it a shot and take a guided tour of the museum for $15. These are not your grandma's bedspreads. They're intricate, modern works of fiber artistry that will leave you with a new appreciation for what's possible with a needle and thread.

Nearby in downtown Paducah  refreshingly free of been-there-done-that-franchises and chains  you'll find several cute-as-a-button arts and crafts shops. Two good ones: Bricolage Art Collective and Must Stitch Emporium. Both are on Market House Square, within a ball of yarn's throw of Yeiser Art Center, whose permanent collection has more than 300 pieces by local artists, as well as big names like Mary Cassatt and Alexander Calder. Nice gift shop too.

If all this gets your creative juices flowing, head to Make at 628 Broadway St. About two years ago, artist Kijsa Housman transformed this old photography studio and church into a public workshop space offering lessons in everything from painting to crochet to hand-lettering (she also does a bang-up business on Etsy). Or simply drop by during business hours, and make a Christmas ornament, dream catcher, welcome sign  whatever you want.

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Housman, a Texas native, has an infectious passion for the arts, and she's happily spreading that passion around her adopted hometown.

"Everywhere you look, art is being cut from the schools, funding is down," said Housman, a mother of three. "The experience of creating something with your own two hands  we're losing that. I wanted to start a fun place where that's still possible."

Straight down Broadway, about a half-mile from Housman's business and studio, are 52 murals by artist Robert Dafford. The life-size paintings along the banks of the Ohio River depict scenes from Paducah's past: images of Native American villages, early explorers, the Civil War, steamboats.

"It's the diary of the town," said Fowler Black, a fourth-generation Paducahan who works for the city's tourism bureau. Black was a teenager when the murals started going up in the mid-'90s.

"This three-linear-block project is what I would credit as being the resurrection of community pride made tangible," he said.

Night and day, tourists and locals stroll alongside these panels of visual history, snapping pictures and reading the descriptions at the base of each mural. The paintings are spread across 14-foot-tall concrete walls built by the Army Corps of Engineers after a flood in 1937 nearly decimated the city.

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"What protected us also partitioned us from the river," Black said. "People used to congregate by the water, but that changed when the walls went up."

And it changed again  for the better  when Dafford and his team used art to turn the flood walls into a canvas.

lrackl@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lorirackl

[ Former Chicago chef Sara Bradley 'boomerangs' back to Kentucky with delicious results  ]

[ Watching the eclipse in Paducah, Kentucky  ]

[ Fuel up on BBQ and other local eats in Southern Illinois  ]
Left, Jesse Jackson Jr. exits the courtroom with his attorney Brendan Hammer at the Daley Center courthouse following his divorce hearing in Chicago, Friday, April 28, 2017. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Former Ald. Sandi Jackson's divorce from former U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. keeps getting nastier.

Now she wants to subpoena television reporter Tamron Hall as well as a Harvey strip club owner, a former restaurant hostess and bikini model Jackson has described as a "social acquaintance" and Jackson Jr.'s father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson  among 12 people she says have knowledge about how the disgraced couple's marriage fell apart.

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Court papers filed in Washington, D.C., last week came after Jackson Jr. sought to subpoena former Chicago police Superintendent Garry McCarthy and two other men, alleging they, too, had insight into the circumstances of the couple's split.

Sandi Jackson's lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Jackson Jr.'s attorney Brendan Hammer said he would address only "the merits  or lack thereof  of Ms. Jackson's motion" in court.

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Included in the latest subpoena request by Sandi's lawyers are Hall; Division Street Bath House owner Joseph Colluci Jr.; Jackson Sr.; Beverly Hills-based Jackson Jr. campaign donor Nickie Lum Shapira; Club O strip club co-owner Debbie Diaz; East Oakland Youth Development Center boss Regina Jackson; Alana Ford and Frank Watkins of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; Change Hamilton-Hayyim, who worked for both Jacksons; Chicagoan Victor Matos: Oak Park resident and broadcaster Dorris Davenport; and Giovana Huidobro, a former model and hostess who Jackson Jr. memorably described as a "social acquaintance" after it was revealed that she had traveled to Chicago on a campaign donor's dime.

The contentious divorce is heating up again after a period of relative peace. The husband and wife  who both served federal prison time for misusing campaign funds  have each accused the other of using innuendo to advance their cause.

Jackson Jr. at one point withdrew his attempt to subpoena McCarthy, who denies any involvement in the case, only to renew it last week.

And her attempts to throw Jackson Jr's Chicago lawyers off the case, which is now being fought in Washington, were rejected late last week by Judge Craig Iscoe, who said he was "not persuaded" that Hammer and his partner Barry Schatz were "detrimental to the civility of this case."

kjanssen@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @kimjnews
Brendt Christensen, left, is charged in the kidnapping of visiting University of Illinois Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang. (Macon County sheriff's office / University of Illinois Police Department)

Three attorneys have asked to withdraw from defending a man charged with kidnapping a University of Illinois scholar from China who is missing and presumed dead.

The News-Gazette reports that Tom Bruno and his sons, Anthony and Evan Bruno, say in a federal court filing that 27-year-old Brendt Christensen can't afford to pay them for what could become a death penalty case if there are additional charges, and that they and Christensen have agreed that he should have a court-appointed defense lawyer.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled for Friday. Christensen is being held in the Macon County jail in Decatur. His trial is set for February.
Niceforo Macedo-Hernandez, from left, 46, with his son, Sabas Macedo, 19, and daughter Melissa Macedo, 16, in a 2016 photo at Sabas' graduation. (Macedo family)

A man at the center of a dispute over Illinois' new law on detaining immigrants living in the country illegally will remain behind bars and is now facing possible deportation, despite his lawyers' insistence that he should be released on bail under the Trust Act.

On Tuesday, a judge denied a request to release Niceforo Macedo-Hernandez, a Crystal Lake man who is is not legally authorized to live in the U.S. and was jailed on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge last month. His family and lawyers have argued that he should be released under the Trust Act, which Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law last week and which says state and local authorities cannot arrest or detain people solely because of their immigration status.

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But when Macedo-Hernandez's daughter sought to post his $500 bail Friday, the county declined to release the inmate, even after eventually allowing the family to post the bond. The county sheriff's department said it needed more time to interpret the new law, while Macedo-Hernandez's lawyers called the decision "outrageous" and "inhumane."

In declining to order the the man's release Tuesday, McHenry County Circuit Judge Michael Feetterer said it was not his place to rule on the new state law.

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The judge noted that he is only overseeing the battery case and there are other ways to seek the detainee's release, such as in civil court.

Defense attorney George Kililis called the ruling "nonsense" and said attorneys would consider whether to appeal immediately or take other action.

But as of Tuesday, Macedo-Hernandez was in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement pending removal proceedings, said Leticia Zamarripa, public affairs officer for the agency.

He was transferred to federal custody at 1:30 p.m. Friday, after the Department of Homeland Security issued a warrant for his arrest, calling him a "removable alien," according to court records. There was not, however, a record of any pending removal proceeding against him before this case, according to the arrest warrant.

Defense attorney Jeannie Ridings said federal officials made a "frantic" effort to detain Macedo-Hernandez before his family could bail him out.

The Trust Act does allow people to be detained on a warrant, but it must be signed by a judge. The warrant issued for Macedo-Hernandez's arrest was merely an administrative warrant, not signed by a judge, his lawyers argued.

But McHenry County prosecutors contended that the Trust Act itself is unconstitutional because it is pre-empted by federal immigration law. They also argued that the law violates the separation of powers because the legislative branch cannot dictate what laws to enforce to the executive branch, of which the sheriff is a member.

The prosecutor and the judge agreed that if the case was delayed, Macedo-Hernandez could be deported in the meantime. Prosecutors noted that he had a prior conviction: In 2014, he was also charged with misdemeanor domestic battery for allegedly squeezing a relative's torso. He pleaded guilty to simple battery in that case and served court supervision, records indicate.

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His pending charge involves allegations that he grabbed the wrist of the relative, causing minor cuts and redness, according to court documents.

Macedo-Hernandez, wearing an orange McHenry County Jail jumpsuit, made a small wave to family members and supporters in the courtroom before Tuesday's hearing. Later, during the hearing, he could be heard sobbing at one point. Lawyers in the case have said he has been in the U.S. for about 20 years and has three children.

Both sides, though, seemed to agree that the situation could have ramifications for about 250 other immigrant detainees that McHenry County is holding through its contract with the federal government.

It wasn't clear Tuesday how that question would be resolved, but McHenry County State's Attorney Patrick Kenneally wrote in court filings that authorities weren't given enough time "to fully understand the (Trust) Act's scope or parameters" and that the local case has raised "a number of complicated issues that require an extensive review."

Chicago Tribune's Jeff Coen contributed.

rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com

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A man from the Lake Meadows neighborhood was reported missing by his family Tuesday.

Tamon Philpot, 26, was last seen near his home in the 400 block of East 32nd Street, according to a statement from Chicago police. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray T-shirt with white graphics, officials said. He may be carrying a black backpack and could be wearing silver-colored metal sunglasses, police said.

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Philpot has a gray 2017 Dodge Journey and he's been known to visit the South Side, the West Side, as well as to the area of Carol Stream. He was an earring in each ear and he has a short, light-colored beard.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact detectives at 312-837-8380.
Thousands gather in downtown Chicago to protest against President Trump's decision on the DACA program. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) ((Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune))

More than 1,000 protesters gathered downtown Tuesday to protest the Trump administration's decision to eliminate a policy aimed at protecting immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.

The protesters gathered in Federal Plaza and then marched down Dearborn Street to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office at Congress Parkway and Clark Street, shutting down Congress for a time as police redirected traffic.

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Several young people provided refuge by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program spoke at the Federal Plaza gathering, among them Angelica Magana, who was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 8 years old. Magana, now 32, said she was rocked by Tuesday's decision.

"Most of my life I have lived in the shadows, afraid but maintaining," Magana said. "When (then-President Barack) Obama signed DACA, I was given an iota of relief. Today, I stand before you back where I started because that small protection I was granted by Obama was taken away by the monster in the (White House)."

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Magana and others expressed a combination of fear, anger and despair about their future.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 Protesters gather at the Federal Building at Congress Parkway and Clark Street in Chicago on Sept. 5, 2017, to protest President Donald Trump's action against the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

Luis Gomez, an Illinois Institute of Technology student, said he never thought higher education would be possible as a child brought to the country illegally from Mexico as an 11-year-old.

While supportive of DACA, Gomez said the policy has caused a riff between different generations of immigrants  young people and the older immigrants not afforded the program's protections.

"While I am protected, my parents and my community are labeled as criminals and they are being torn apart from me," he said.

Demonstrators carried signs reading "Coming out of the shadows," and many wore shirts bearing the phrase, "Protection for all."

Organizers led the protesters in chants in English and in Spanish as they marched south out of Federal Plaza.

tbriscoe@chicagotribune.com
Norman McIntosh is released from Stateville Correctional Center on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, after Cook County prosecutors announced they were dropping the charges against him. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Norman McIntosh spent more than 15 years in prison for a 2001 murder based on the testimony of three people who claimed they saw him fire the fatal shots from a gray Oldsmobile.

But the case unraveled last year after all three eyewitnesses  two of whom were 12 years old at the time  recanted their testimony, saying Chicago police detectives had pressured them into identifying McIntosh as the shooter.

What's more, a lawyer representing McIntosh in his quest for a new trial uncovered key evidence showing McIntosh's car was impounded at the time of the shooting and that a fingerprint taken from the scene matched not McIntosh but a known gang member who fit the witnesses' description of the killer.

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Now, nearly a year after his conviction and 45-year sentence were overturned, McIntosh has filed a federal lawsuit alleging the police conspired to frame him for the murder by rigging lineups and falsifying police reports.

The suit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court, names the city and 15 police detectives and officers involved in the investigation, including several who have faced other lawsuits alleging similar misconduct.

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The suit alleges a wide range of problems that have long plagued the Police Department  including the keeping of "street files" on suspects, the lack of quality training and supervision, and a dysfunctional disciplinary system that allows problem officers to remain on the street.

"Tragically, Norman's case brings together so many of the systemic failures in the CPD that have been part of the recent public debate," said McIntosh's lead attorney, Anand Swaminathan of the Loevy and Loevy law firm. "These broad cultural problems serve to induce rather than deter misconduct, and they are what make Norman's nightmare possible."

A city Law Department spokesman said he had not received the lawsuit and could not comment on the allegations.

McIntosh was convicted in the November 2001 gang-related shooting of Devon Hobson, 21, and wounding of Hobson's older brother, James, as they walked with two of their younger cousins in the West Englewood neighborhood.

The victims told the police they were shot by a man whom they had robbed at gunpoint a short time earlier of cash and items from his car, including several compact discs.

As he drove off in his gray, four-door Oldsmobile, the gunman shouted that he was a gang member and would come back to kill them, according to court records.

Later that day, the same car pulled up to the group on 60th Street and the driver opened fire, wounding James Hobson in the chest, court records show. As Devon Hobson tried to crawl to safety, the driver backed up the car, reached out of the window and shot him in the back of the head, according to court records.

McIntosh was arrested and charged in January 2002. He was convicted the next year in a bench trial by Judge Evelyn Clay after all three survivors testified that McIntosh was the gunman.

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It wasn't until a decade later that the case began to unravel when McIntosh's lawyer, Jennifer Blagg, tracked down the witnesses, who told her they'd been pressured by detectives to identify McIntosh as the gunman.

In a sworn statement, James Hobson said police told him after he was released from the hospital that they had caught the killer and wanted him to identify the man at the police station.

Norman McIntosh rests last month at a South Side train yard where he works as a temp unloading sacks of grain. He says his 2003 murder conviction, since overturned, has made getting a full-time job difficult. ( Courtesy of Norman McIntosh )

"They showed me a picture of Norman and said, 'This is the guy,'" Hobson said in a statement that was filed as part of McIntosh's petition for a new trial. "I knew (the shooter) wasn't Norman because the guy who did it was taller and looked older."

Hobson said he made the identification only after detectives threatened to pin the murder on him because the robbery of a gang rival he'd committed had led to the killing.

Hobson's cousin, Darius Thompson, said in his own recantation that police showed him McIntosh's photo, told him the man was the killer and asked him to pick McIntosh out of a lineup. Thompson said he was standing in the station when Hobson came out of the lineup room, walked past him and said, "Dude got on red," court records show.

"When I went into the room, the dude in the red shirt was the same dude that the police had pointed out to me and had been telling me about," Thompson said in his sworn statement. "I picked him out of the lineup because both the police and James said it was him."

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The reinvestigation also led to two other bombshells. First, Blagg obtained records from the city showing McIntosh's Oldsmobile had been towed away and impounded by the city in September 2001  two months before the shooting  after he'd abandoned it in an alley with no license plates.

Also, a fingerprint found on one of the compact discs the victims had stolen from the gunman matched a felon who lived in the neighborhood and drove a similar car, court records show. The owner of that Oldsmobile had the car salvaged for scrap shortly after the shooting.

Blagg was in the midst of trying to win McIntosh a new trial in August 2015 when she was contacted by attorney Candace Gorman, who had found McIntosh's street file among hundreds of other old murder cases in filing cabinets at the detective headquarters at 51st Street and Wentworth Avenue.

Gorman was combing through the files as part of a federal lawsuit alleging police routinely used street files to bury information about homicide investigations that could have helped defense attorneys prepare for trial. That lawsuit ended last year with a whopping $22 million jury award.

According to McIntosh's suit, his street file contained "dozens of pages of police investigative material withheld from (McIntosh's) criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors."

The Cook County state's attorney's office dropped the case in October 2016, although a spokeswoman at the time said the street file did not factor into the decision.

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In dismissing the case, Judge Clay, who had convicted McIntosh in a bench trial in 2003, apologized to McIntosh's family, saying "an injustice has been corrected."

A different judge, however, recently denied McIntosh's petition for a certificate of innocence, blocking him from recouping up to $200,000 from the state for his wrongful imprisonment.

In her 12-page opinion in April, Cook County Circuit Judge Ursula Walowski wrote that the three witnesses' recantations were unreliable and that the fingerprint evidence pointing to a different suspect was "not persuasive."

McIntosh is appealing that ruling.

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Since his release, McIntosh has reconnected with his family, including his son, Hassan, who was born eight months after his January 2002 arrest and previously knew his father only through prison visits.

McIntosh's own father, meanwhile, was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2015 and had been too sick to make the trip to prison. He died just three weeks after McIntosh's release.

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"It seemed like that was what he was waiting for, to see me out free," McIntosh said in a telephone interview this week. "Once I came home, he really just let go."

Meanwhile, McIntosh has struggled to find steady work. Jobs with UPS and Amazon both fell through after his murder conviction appeared in background checks, he said. Recently he's been working a temp job unloading sacks of grain from railroad cars.

"I didn't expect to be struggling like I am," McIntosh said.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @jmetr22b
Home health care workers sued the state of Illinois on Wednesday, alleging that Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration has failed to make good on pay raises required under the new state budget.

The workers who brought the class-action lawsuit are represented by Service Employees International Union Healthcare Illinois & Indiana. It's one of the unions that's been at odds with Rauner since he took office in 2015.

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The governor's office points to ongoing contract negotiations between the union and the administration, saying wage rates are supposed to be bargained for, not legislated.

At issue is a 48-cent-per-hour raise for home health workers that lawmakers wrote into the budget they enacted over Rauner's veto in early July. The raise applies to caregivers who work under the state's Home Services Program, which provides personal care, help with household tasks and some health care to people with severe disabilities. The program currently pays an average hourly wage of $13, which the lawsuit alleges is the lowest hourly wage paid to any state employee.

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According to the provision, the state had one month from the July 5 enactment of the budget to increase the wage rates for those workers. The suit, filed in Cook County, was brought by three home health care workers who say they represent a class of more than 28,000 personal assistants and individual maintenance home health workers who are entitled to the raises.

Rauner spokesman Jason Schaumburg said in an email that wage negotiations should be part of the collective bargaining contract process between the administration and SEIU. The union and the administration are in the midst of a yearslong negotiation for a contract to replace the one that expired June 30, 2015.

"The state and unions like SEIU are required to engage in collective bargaining about wages and wage increases under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act," Schaumburg said. "Under that same statute, the agreements the state and the union reach over wage increases take precedence over any conflicting law."

Terri Harkin, union vice president, called the administration's argument "disingenuous."

"The law is clear: the state is required to implement statutory minimum labor standards  such as minimum wage," Harkin said in a statement. "The state is then required to bargain with the union for any increases above the minimum standard by statute. Neither the Labor Act nor the SEIU collective bargaining agreement presents an obstacle to the immediate implementation of the raise required by the statute."

kgeiger@chicagotribune.com

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com
Aldermen introduced a proposal Wednesday in response to the violence in Charlottesville, Va., to ban guns, knives, shields, "rod-like" instruments and other potential weapons at Chicago public assemblies.

The ordinance introduced by Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, and Ariel Reboyras, 30th, says that because right-wing "paramilitary militias" carried guns and other weapons at the "Unite the Right" rally that devolved into violence, Chicago police should have explicit power to outlaw weapons at Chicago events.

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Given that Chicago police can ban loudspeakers and other disruptions, "it seems only fitting that Chicago should also be able to restrict the carrying of weapons during public demonstrations in order to curtail the possibility of violence," Burke said in a news release.

Chicago police already have broad powers to say what people can and can't bring to marches and other public gatherings in the city. But the proposal specifically outlaws "firearms, knives, weapons, sharp objects, shields, fireworks, chains, bats, clubs, sticks, batons and any other rod-like instrument."

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It also gives the Police Department the leeway "to determine other items that may not be allowed at an assembly."

Violators would face fines of $500 to $1,000, and up to 10 days behind bars. The proposal will head to a joint Finance and Public Safety Committee hearing. It was introduced at Wednesday's City Council meeting, where aldermen took other actions:

 Council Black Caucus Chairman Ald. Roderick Sawyer, 6th, introduced a plan to eliminate caps designed to limit the size of companies that qualify for the city's program to help minority- and women-owned businesses get municipal work.

Sawyer would do away with limits on the businesses' gross receipts and on the net worth of owners. Businesses that qualify for the program get a leg up in bidding for city construction contracts and other work. He also called for council hearings on how best to increase the participation of women- and minority-owned firms.

 Burke and Southwest Side Ald. Marty Quinn, 13th, called on Aviation Commissioner Ginger Evans to appear before aldermen to explain why she didn't show up last month at a joint Aviation and Finance Committee meeting. It was held near Midway International Airport to look into residents' complaints that faulty airplane noise-dampening windows had been installed in their homes.

 Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced a plan to try to cut down illegal "fly dumping" of construction debris and other waste on private property by using hidden cameras to try to catch perpetrators. Emanuel also said he will increase the maximum fine from $3,500 to $30,000.

 The council approved a $9.5 million settlement for Jose Lopez, who was left paraplegic and with brain damage in 2011 when he fell after a Chicago police officer used a Taser on him. It's the largest settlement the City Council has approved in a Taser-related case.

 The council passed Emanuel's bid to crack down on the resale of stolen cellphones by prohibiting stores from buying or selling devices that appear on a stolen phone database. The mayor's son, Zach, had his cellphone stolen from him as he talked on the phone near the family's North Side home in December 2014, according to police.

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The mayor alluded to the incident after aldermen adopted the measure Wednesday. "Obviously, you know this has touched my family individually," Emanuel said from the dais in council chambers. "I guarantee there's no ward in this city, and constituent, if you go to a meeting, that the issue of stolen phones, robbery and in some instances, we all know, the loss of life associated with stealing iPhones or smartphones."

 The council gave the Cubs the OK to play a rare night game Friday against division rival the Milwaukee Brewers. The North Siders asked for the exception to the longstanding ban on Friday night games because they play a night game in Pittsburgh Thursday. They wanted to avoid having to wake up early after a late-night return home to play a game against their better-rested opponents from Wisconsin.

 Emanuel introduced an ordinance setting stricter rules for residential developers to include affordable housing units in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods along Milwaukee Avenue heading northwest from downtown and west of the Loop.

jebyrne@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @_johnbyrne
Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, seen here on May 23, 2017, was dropped as running mate by State Sen. Daniel Biss, a Democratic candidate for governor. (Erin Hooley/Chicago Tribune )

Democratic governor candidate Daniel Biss announced Wednesday he has dropped his running mate of less than a week over differences involving Israel's future.

The decision represents a major embarrassment for Biss, a six-year lawmaker who is giving up his state Senate seat to run for governor. It leaves questions about his first major decision as a statewide candidate, as well as the vetting process he used to select Northwest Side Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as his prospective lieutenant governor.

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Biss said issues related to Israel were "deeply personal" to him with an "Israeli mother, grandparents who survived the Holocaust and great-grandparents who did not survive" and that the position Ramirez-Rosa took had changed since being interviewed for the running mate slot, which was announced Aug. 31.

Biss said that while he supported a two-state solution involving Israel's right to exist and "political and economic freedom for Palestinians," Ramirez-Rosa has moved in favor of the "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement" that Biss said "moves us further away from a peaceful solution" in the Middle East.

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Gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Daniel Biss, seen here on Aug. 17, 2017 at the annual Democratic Chairman's Brunch in Springfield, dropped his running mate of less than a week over differences on Israel. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

Ramirez-Rosa denied he had changed his position on Israel since being interviewed by Biss, and said he was sorry if the state senator misunderstood.

"I've been consistent in my position for several years," Ramirez-Rosa said. The 35th Ward alderman said a two-state solution is preferable, but the U.S. should use its leverage over Israel and that BDS should be part of the conversation.

Even before Wednesday's announcement, Ramirez-Rosa's position on Israel was cited by Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of Deerfield as the reason he pulled his endorsement of Biss for governor.

Biss' selection of Ramirez-Rosa, a first-term alderman elected in 2015, was interesting for a variety of reasons. Biss has actively been trying to appeal to the populist wing of Democrats, and Ramirez-Rosa was aligned with groups and supporters of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders' unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination last year.

But Ramirez-Rosa also was a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, prompting some in the Democratic Party establishment to question Biss' choice.

Moreover, some Democrats said privately that Ramirez-Rosa had been working in recent weeks to explore a potential challenge to Democratic U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, including conducting a recent poll. Ramirez-Rosa said he still wants to pursue a progressive agenda at the local level, but that does not mean a run against Gutierrez.

As for a new running mate, Biss said he'll "have news in the coming days about how we move this campaign forward  because we will move forward."

Later, in an email to supporters, Biss said: "There are many who will say this isn't the right move, that this will hurt my campaign. But, I'd rather be true to my ideals and do what I think is right, even if it ultimately costs me the chance to be your governor."

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Twitter @rap30
In Illinois politics, timing is everything.

Consider fall 2006. J.B. Pritzker was raising money to build a Holocaust museum in north suburban Chicago. Gov. Rod Blagojevich was raising money for his re-election campaign.

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Each had what the other wanted.

On Oct. 27, Pritzker and his wife gave $100,000 in campaign contributions to Friends of Blagojevich.

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Four days later  a week before the election  Blagojevich announced he was giving a $1 million state grant to support construction of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie. Pritzker was the museum's chief fundraiser.

Asked Tuesday whether there was any connection between the $100,000 campaign contribution and the state grant, Pritzker said he didn't "recall specifically" either the contribution or the grant.

"You know, I don't know anything about that," Pritzker said. "I'm very proud of the work that I've done on the Holocaust museum. You know, we worked for years starting in, really in 2000, to put together a campaign and then to get an architect and to make sure that we had community support. And, so, I'm very proud of all that work."

Later, campaign spokeswoman Galia Slayen said there was no connection between the contribution and the grant. She said Pritzker's foundation gave "over $12 million to the Illinois Holocaust Museum" and Pritzker "led fundraising efforts to raise tens of millions more."

Now Pritzker is mounting his own bid for governor, a road that so far has been paved with high-level Democratic endorsements and nearly unlimited campaign funds. The 52-year-old Gold Coast billionaire has never held elected office, so his resume of civic engagement and philanthropy makes up much of the record on which he is running as he seeks the 2018 Democratic nomination against eight others.

Part of that record is his relationship with the now-imprisoned Blagojevich, whose name is synonymous with Illinois corruption. Many prominent Democrats took pains to distance themselves from the former governor while he was still in office. Pritzker, though, maintained a lower public profile during those years and stayed in touch with Blagojevich.

The campaign contribution and release of the state grant money is among the examples from Blagojevich's tenure as governor that demonstrate the strong ties between the gregarious politician and the heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune.

In late May, the Tribune disclosed that the FBI had secretly recorded telephone conversations between the two men in late 2008 as part of an investigation into Blagojevich's attempt to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama, who was headed for the the White House.

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At the time, it was widely known the governor was under investigation for pay-to-play politics. The recordings captured Pritzker asking to be appointed state treasurer, joking about the failure of a Pritzker family-controlled bank that lost depositors' money, and offering advice about what Blagojevich could get in return for the Senate seat appointment.

The recordings captured Blagojevich asking Pritzker for a $50,000 campaign donation. "I can't, I mean, not while everything's up in the air, but I hear ya," Pritzker said during a Nov. 14, 2008, phone conversation.

FBI agents interviewed Pritzker during their investigation, but authorities did not call him as a witness at either of Blagojevich's two trials. The government did not accuse Pritzker of any wrongdoing.

A contribution and a grant

As Pritzker seeks to become Illinois' chief executive, his campaign is touting his philanthropic efforts. In one video, Pritzker notes his work with nonprofits to provide school breakfast to 55,000 children "because kids can't focus on an empty stomach."

Pritzker's leadership role in getting the Holocaust museum built has been one of his signature public achievements. During his April campaign kickoff speech, Pritzker talked about those efforts.

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"It took us nine years  nine years  to build that museum. But today, Illinois has a world-class museum that teaches more than 50,000 kids each year to fight bigotry, hatred and intolerance," he said.

The museum also is mentioned on his campaign's biography page.

The project grew out of a controversy in the late 1970s when neo-Nazis attempted to organize a march in Skokie, which developed after World War II into an enclave for emigres who had survived the Holocaust in Europe. The march never occurred, but survivors formed a foundation and speakers bureau that opened a 5,000-square-foot museum in a storefront on Main Street.

Eventually, they envisioned a larger museum. Pritzker, whose great-grandfather emigrated from Ukraine in the late 19th century to escape anti-Semitism, became the chief fundraiser.

In June 2006, Blagojevich and other politicians attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the $45 million state-of-the-art facility.

That year, Blagojevich faced a rocky road as he campaigned for re-election. He was running amid a swirl of scandal over federal investigations into accusations of wrongdoing in hiring, contracting and political fundraising.

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His Republican challenger, the late Judy Baar Topinka, frequently attacked Blagojevich's ethics and the corruption in his administration.

For weeks during the spring, Blagojevich repeatedly defended his appointment of an aide to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan to a state anti-discrimination panel. Five Jewish members of the commission eventually resigned, including Richard Hirschhaut, then the Holocaust museum's executive director.

On Oct. 11  less than a month before the November 2006 election  a federal grand jury indicted Antoin "Tony" Rezko, one of Blagojevich's closest advisers and top fundraisers. Prosecutors alleged that Rezko used his influence to seek millions of dollars in kickbacks and campaign donations from firms seeking state business. Then-U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called the actions of Rezko and a co-conspirator who was cooperating with prosecutors "pay-to-play politics on steroids."

It was in that political environment that Blagojevich, who had a voracious appetite for campaign cash, continued to raise money in a flurry. According to state records, Blagojevich collected $2.2 million in October, the final full month of the campaign.

When Blagojevich first ran for governor in 2002, Pritzker and his wife, Mary Kathryn, contributed $30,000, according to campaign finance records.

But during Blagojevich's re-election campaign four years later, Pritzker had been all but absent from the governor's political donor list. His only contribution listed in state records was a $1,000 donation in May 2005.

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That changed in late October 2006.

Records show that J.B. and Mary Kathryn Pritzker gave Blagojevich two donations, both recorded on Oct. 27  one in the amount of $60,000 and the other for $40,000.

Four days later, Blagojevich announced the state grant to the holocaust museum, according to a news release.

Over the years, lawmakers have intermittently started to address the timing of campaign donations and official state action, usually amid a scandal involving the governor's office.

Following Republican Gov. George Ryan's truck driver licenses-for-bribes corruption, the General Assembly in 2003 passed a wide-ranging ethics law that bans political contributions on state property and forbids politicians and state officials from staging fundraisers in the Springfield area during most days the legislature is in session.

Those changes came a decade after lawmaker-turned-lobbyist Al Ronan raised eyebrows by summoning several lawmakers from the House chamber and handing them envelopes containing campaign contribution checks from clients that included a Joliet casino.

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Then in 2008, as Blagojevich was engulfed in scandal, lawmakers banned businesses that have or seek state contracts worth more than $50,000 from making campaign contributions to statewide officeholders who dole out the business.

State funding

State government's first contribution to the Holocaust Memorial Foundation of Illinois was $5 million to buy land and start construction on the museum. The money was first set aside during Republican Gov. George Ryan's administration, according to state records.

Blagojevich pledged another $1 million to the museum.

Slayen, the Pritzker spokeswoman, said Tuesday that the grant "was allocated to the Holocaust museum as a part of the (Fiscal Year) 2007 budget that had passed months earlier."

A Tribune examination of both the state budget that year as well as additional records related to special grants that were part of the spending plan showed no mention of the museum funding. The Pritzker campaign could not point to any language in the budget identifying the Holocaust museum as a grant recipient.

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According to the grant agreement, the $1 million was given out under "miscellaneous state programs" from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Slayen also said the grant was "dated as beginning on Oct. 1, 2006, before any contribution was given." The agreement, however, does not indicate that Oct. 1 was when the grant began  it states only that the funding applies to costs the museum incurred after Oct. 1. In addition, the grant agreement was not signed until January 2007.

Most of the records related to the two museum grants no longer exist, state officials said.

Illinois governors have long used the economic development agency to reward political supporters and curry votes. Three days before he left office in January 2003, Ryan handed out a $750,000 grant to the owners of a closed horse track owned by political donors. Democrat Pat Quinn gave out a flurry of grants in 2010 amid a tough re-election battle.

Blagojevich, however, elevated the practice to an art form.

In 2005, Blagojevich pledged $3 million to a wealthy Democratic supporter to build a stadium for a minor league team in southern Illinois; the next year gave $1 million to a politically connected private school in the Loop; and pledged $1 million to rebuild the historic Pilgrim Baptist Church in Bronzeville after it was heavily damaged in a fire.

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When Blagojevich found himself criticized for attempting to funnel taxpayer money to the church, Pritzker bolstered the governor's initiative by pledging to donate up to $500,000 from his family's foundation.

dheinzmann@chicagotribune.com

tlighty@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @davidheinzmann

Twitter @tlighty
President Donald Trump's decision Tuesday to scrap an Obama-era program allowing young undocumented immigrants to work in the United States would fall most heavily on the hospitality, retail and construction industries, which together employ nearly half of the 1.3 million immigrants initially eligible for protection, according to an analysis by New American Economy, a national business coalition.

The announcement that the Trump administration would phase out the five-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program jeopardizes the livelihoods of tens of thousands of cooks, waiters, cashiers, salespeople and construction workers, the analysis found.

The impact will also be felt across across tech, health care and education  where many of the DACA-eligible immigrants who are college educated work as software developers, nurses and teachers.

Of the DACA-eligible immigrants over 21 years old, 12 percent have bachelor's degrees, 3 percent have advanced degrees, 84 percent have completed high school and some college, and 2 percent did not graduate from high school.

New American Economy, a national business coalition founded by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg to advocate for immigration reform, conducted the analysis for The Washington Post using Census data.

"People have a very specific image in their mind of who an undocumented immigrant is, but the reality is that Dreamers, who are American in every sense of the word except the legal one, are working in every industry in every community," said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of New American Economy.

In the hours following the Trump administration's announcement, some executives reassured employees who are DACA recipients, saying the companies had no plans to fire them and would offer legal protection.

One multinational corporation that declined to be named said it offered employees the opportunity to be transferred to other countries  but its workers wanted to stay in the United States where they have made a life for themselves and their families. The company did not want to publicize the transfer option because it was afraid that doing so would take the urgency out of Congressional action.

The Trump administration said it would wait six months to begin enforcing Tuesday's action to give Congress time to agree on a legislative solution. Current DACA recipients would not be impacted until March 5, 2018, the White House said.

"I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," Trump said in a statement Tuesday.

Trump said he decided to end DACA after 10 states threatened to sue the federal government over the constitutionality of the program. He said that he would gradually wind down the program over a period of two years.

"While new applications for work permits will not be accepted, all existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration up to two full years from today," Trump said. "Furthermore, applications already in the pipeline will be processed, as will renewal applications for those facing near-term expiration."

Brad Smith, president and chief legal officer of Microsoft, said Tuesday that while he believes Congress should now prioritize DACA over tax reform, Microsoft should be prepared for the possibility that Congress will not act in the next six months.

He said Microsoft is committed to the 39 known Dreamers employees of the company and would "vigorously defend" their legal rights.

"If Congress fails to act, our company will exercise its legal rights properly to help protect our employees," Smith wrote in a new blog post. "If the government seeks to deport any one of them, we will provide and pay for their legal counsel. We will also file an amicus brief and explore whether we can directly intervene in any such case. In short, if Dreamers who are our employees are in court, we will be by their side."

Apple chief executive Tim Cook sent out a company-wide email following Tuesday's announcement saying that Apple would make immigration lawyers available to the 250 Dreamer employees.

Cook said he received several notes over the weekend from these employees, some of whom arrived in the country as 2-year-olds. They were born in Canada, Mexico, Kenya and Mongolia, were educated in American colleges, and now work for Apple in 28 states  in its retail stores, as engineers, and in research and development.

"I want to assure you that Apple will work with members of Congress from both parties to advocate for a legislative solution that provides permanent protections for all the Dreamers in our country," Cook wrote.

Cook and Smith were among the more than 500 executives who recently signed onto a FWD.us petition asking Trump and Congress to preserve DACA's provisions. Some companies joined Tuesday morning as the Trump administration ended the program.

Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, said he expects CEOs to continue to weigh in on the issue, meeting with members of Congress and holding roundtables with DACA recipients.

If Congress does not come up with a legislative fix, he said, "the government will begin using information that DACA recipients handed over to them, under the promise that it would never ever be used against them, to round up and deport large numbers of young people who came to this country as children and were raised here."

The average DACA recipient is 26 years old, he said. More than 80 percent are from Mexico, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Other top countries of origin are El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, South Korea, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and the Philippines.

The majority live in five states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks to President Donald Trump in the Oval Office shortly before departing the White House on Sept. 6, 2017. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump, a man of few allegiances who seized control of the Republican Party in a hostile takeover, suddenly aligned himself with Democrats on Wednesday on a series of key fiscal issues - and even gave a lift to North Dakota's embattled Democratic U.S. senator.

Trump confounded his party's leaders when he cut a deal with Democratic congressional leaders - "Chuck and Nancy," as the president informally referred to them - on a short-term plan to fund the government and raise its borrowing limit this month.

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The president's surprise stance upended sensitive negotiations over the debt ceiling and other crucial policy issues this fall and further imperiled his already tenuous relationships with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

The episode is the latest turn in Trump's separation from his party as he distances himself to deflect blame for what has been a year of gridlock and missed opportunities for Republicans on Capitol Hill. It follows a summer of presidential stewing over McConnell and Ryan, both of whom Trump views as insufficiently loyal and weak in executing his agenda, according to his advisers.

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Trump made his position clear at a White House meeting with both parties' congressional leaders, agreeing with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on plans for a bill to fund the government and raise the debt ceiling for three months.

That effectively postpones until December a divisive fight over fiscal matters, including whether to fund construction of Trump's long-promised wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer," Trump told reporters Wednesday aboard Air Force One as he traveled to North Dakota. "We agreed to a three-month extension on debt ceiling, which they consider to be sacred - very important - always we'll agree on debt ceiling automatically because of the importance of it."

In siding with Democrats, Trump overruled his own treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, who was in the middle of an explanation backing a longer-term increase when the president interrupted him and disagreed, according to a person briefed on the meeting who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Trump was "in deal-cutting mode," the person said.

After the gathering, McConnell said he would add provisions extending government funding and the debt limit through mid-December to legislation passed by the House on Wednesday providing $7.85 billion in Hurricane Harvey relief.

"The president agreed with Senator Schumer and Congresswoman Pelosi to do a three-month [funding extension] and a debt ceiling into December, and that's what I will be offering, based on the president's decision, to the bill," McConnell told reporters. "The president can speak for himself, but his feeling was that we needed to come together to not create a picture of divisiveness at a time of genuine national crisis."

Trump also threw tacit support behind the Democrats' push for a "dreamers" bill that would effectively formalize an Obama-era program shielding undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children from deportation.

Trump on Tuesday began phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which GOP hard-liners regard as illegal amnesty, but suggested Wednesday that if Congress passed a dreamers bill he might sign it.

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"Chuck and Nancy want to see something happen - and so do I," Trump said.

Later Wednesday, Trump brought a special guest with him to an oil refinery in Mandan, North Dakota, to pitch his tax-cut plan: Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, a Democrat facing a tough reelection effort in a solidly Republican state that Trump carried in 2016 by 36 percentage points. He welcomed Heitkamp into his traveling delegation, affording her the chance to appear bipartisan by standing alongside a president popular with North Dakotans.

As Heitkamp stepped onto an outdoor catwalk at the Mandan refinery to join him on stage, Trump delivered play-by-play commentary: "Everybody's saying, 'What's she doing up here?' But I'll tell you what: Good woman."

Trump opened his speech by recounting his "great bipartisan meeting" at the White House. "I'm committed to working with both parties to deliver for our wonderful, wonderful citizens," Trump said, citing Schumer and Pelosi by name before mentioning the Republicans who were in attendance.

"Everybody was happy," Trump said of the meeting. "Not too happy, because you can never be too happy, but they were happy enough."

By setting up another debt-ceiling vote in December - a vote in which Republicans will almost certainly need Democratic help to avoid default - Democrats keep their seat at the table in this fall's key policy debates.

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Had Trump sided with GOP leaders, Democrats would have been stuck trying to extract concessions ahead of debt-ceiling votes this week using an empty threat - voting against a legislative package that includes the politically sensitive Harvey aid. Democrats believe pushing the debt-limit debate into December will increase their leverage on several issues, including the protection of dreamers and securing funds to help stabilize health-care markets.

Schumer and Pelosi also gained an edge by giving Democrats an aura of strategic command they have lacked since Trump's election. Instead of McConnell claiming victory, it was Schumer who told reporters, "The nation can breathe a sigh of relief."

The deal may also benefit Trump by allowing him to revive his threat to shut down the government over wall funding.

At the White House, Republican leaders pushed for an 18-month debt-limit hike, then floated doing a six-month extension, according to two aides briefed on the meeting. But Pelosi and Schumer dismissed the six-month proposal, and Trump then agreed to the three-month hike that Democrats put on the table.

McConnell and Ryan came out of the White House meeting in the weakest position - losing an opportunity to neutralize the debt-ceiling issue before the 2018 midterm elections and to exclude Democrats from major policy debates this fall.

The president's decision came barely an hour after Ryan panned the idea of a short-term debt hike, accusing Democrats of "playing politics" with much-needed aid for Hurricane Harvey victims.

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"I think that's ridiculous and disgraceful that they want to play politics with the debt ceiling at this moment when we have fellow citizens in need," Ryan told reporters.

Trump apparently disagreed.

"We essentially came to a deal, and I think the deal will be very good," Trump said. "We had a very, very cordial and professional meeting."

Not all Democrats were so thrilled with the deal. Some were upset it did not include protections for the estimated 800,000 dreamers.

"So Trump attacks our dreamers and the next day the Democrats walk in there and say, 'Oh, let's just have a nice timeout,' while they're all suffering?" said Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill. "That is what is wrong with Democrats. They don't stand up."

Schumer said he was not finished advocating for dreamers. "This is not a trade-off for us," he said. "This is a very important issue that we're going to fight hard for until we get it done."

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The fiscal agreement would probably force Congress to vote on the debt ceiling by Dec. 15. Negotiators were still working out details late Wednesday, and it was unclear whether the Treasury Department would have flexibility to avoid default after that date. Typically, the department can use emergency steps to avoid default for several months past any debt-ceiling deadline.

The short-term extensions for the debt ceiling and government funding are also expected to further cloud the prospects for enacting major tax cuts, Trump's top domestic priority. They effectively mean spending and budget fights will continue for months, just as the GOP was hoping to coalesce around a plan to cut taxes.

Trump tried to rally support for his tax plan in North Dakota.

"Anybody that's going to vote against tax cuts and tax reforms - whether it's in North Dakota or anybody else or any place else - you've got to vote against them and get them out of office, because it's so, it is so bad," Trump said, pausing so that the crowd could cheer. "This is not a close one."

The White House meeting took place just as the House approved the Harvey aid package, its first major order of business after the August recess.

The measure - providing $7.4 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and $450 million for a disaster loan program for small businesses - passed 419 to 3, with 12 members not voting. Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., Justin Amash, R-Mich., and Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., voted no. It now moves to the Senate, where leaders plan to hold a vote by the end of the week.

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Top House Republicans barely veiled their frustration with Trump's decision to side with Democrats on the debt ceiling. House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, R-Texas, said he "would have not tied the knot so tight" for December, saying an extension till at least February would have been better, but he carefully avoided criticizing Trump.

"We all do it differently," Sessions said. "I think it was an overly generous answer that he gave our friends the Democrats. But I'm not going to be critical of my president. I support my president."

Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., the chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, was among those who warned that Democrats' short-term debt-limit request could threaten GOP efforts to cut spending.

"Obviously getting a [continuing resolution] and the debt ceiling to not come due at the same time would be the most prudent fiscal decision we could make," Meadows told reporters.

Rucker reported from Mandan, North Dakota. Damian Paletta, Abby Phillip, Paul Kane and Jenna Johnson in Washington contributed to this report.
Reporting from Washington  When Sen. Robert Menendez stands in a New Jersey courtroom Wednesday to face bribery charges, a lot more than his political future will be riding on the outcome.

For federal prosecutors, the case will be a test of whether they can still make corruption charges stick in the wake of a Supreme Court decision last year that tightly restricted the reach of the federal bribery law.

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The case, the first against a sitting U.S. senator in nearly a decade, also might affect the delicate balance of power in the Senate, where a thin Republican majority has made it difficult for the party to pass legislation.

If the jury convicts Menendez, Republicans would try to boot him from office immediately, allowing Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, to appoint his replacement. Democrats would seek to let him hang on to the seat at least until January  when Christie will leave office. Polls currently show a Democrat likely to succeed him.

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Menendez, 63, once the powerful chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is accused of taking gifts for years from a wealthy South Florida eye doctor, Salomon Melgen, including plane rides, a stay in a five-star Paris hotel and visits to a resort in the Dominican Republic with three different girlfriends.

Menendez failed to report any of the gifts on disclosure forms until news reports in 2013 made the trips public. Ultimately, he wrote the doctor a $58,500 check and said that the trips had slipped his mind.

Daniel Weiner, senior counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, which advocates for tighter controls on money in politics, said the allegations in the case seem a throwback to an earlier, more colorful era of Washington corruption.

"No one goes to smoke-filled steakhouses anymore, they sleep on the floor of their offices and fly home on the weekends," he said. "This is good old-fashioned trips to the Dominican Republic on a private plane. There's something almost refreshing about it."

Over five months in 2012, Melgen also wrote $771,500 in checks to a legal expense fund and various political committees.

The government says that in return, Menendez used the power of his office to try to help Melgen. Prosecutors allege that the lawmaker worked to win visas for Melgen's foreign girlfriends and intervened in a contract dispute Melgen had in the Dominican Republic.

Melgen, an ophthalmologist in West Palm Beach, was once the country's top-billing doctor to Medicare. Much of the money went to pay for an expensive drug called Lucentis. According to prosecutors, Melgen would divide up one dose of the drug among several patients, then bill Medicare separately for each one.

In 2012, as Melgen was fighting a claim that he overbilled Medicare by $8.9 million, Menendez lobbied officials at the Department of Health and Human Services to advocate for Melgen's position that Medicare rules allowed him to divide up the dosages.

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Eventually, Menendez enlisted the help of then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada to get a meeting with Kathleen Sebelius, then the secretary of Health and Human Services. She declined to intervene in the case.

In a separate trial in South Florida, Melgen was convicted in April of 67 counts of Medicare fraud.

The key legal issue for Menendez's case is whether those accusations  many of which the defense does not deny  add up to bribery.

Defense attorneys will argue that the trips and flights don't make a crime. They point to a longtime friendship between Menendez and Melgen, which they say began long before Menendez was elected senator. The two spent holidays together with their families, lawyers said.

They say Menendez's attempts to help Melgen were just routine business for a senator. The favors he did for Melgen weren't "official acts" as defined by the federal bribery law, they assert.

That argument is quite similar to one the Supreme Court unanimously accepted last year when the justices threw out the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, ruling his actions didn't meet the legal definition of bribery. The justices found that although McDonnell set up meetings for a businessman who had provided expensive gifts and loans to his family, he didn't make any official decisions on his benefactor's behalf.

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If Menendez's actions add up to a crime, "then the prosecution can indict any member of Congress, and more alarmingly, whichever members they choose to target," defense lawyers said in one filing.

The case has a strange history, beginning with allegations in 2012 that Menendez and Melgen were having sex with underage prostitutes. No basis was found for those reports, and Menendez later charged that he had been the subject of a smear campaign, either by Republicans or Cuban intelligence agents unhappy with his fierce opposition to the Castro regime.

But a federal investigation of those charges turned up evidence of the trips and other benefits.

Since his indictment in April 2015, Menendez and his attorneys have tried to have the charges thrown out, saying the case was tainted and arguing that Menendez's activities were protected by the Constitution. Federal judges weren't sympathetic, and in March, the Supreme Court declined to consider that argument in advance of the trial.

Menendez will be the first sitting senator to stand trial since Ted Stevens, the Alaska Republican who was convicted in 2008 of concealing $250,000 in gifts. That conviction was later thrown out when federal prosecutors were found to have hidden information from the defense, but by that time, Stevens had lost his bid for reelection.

Former prosecutors say the Menendez case will be another big test for the Justice Department's public integrity unit, which handles major political corruption cases.

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"I'm sure this was heavily vetted by the front office for exactly those reasons," said one former prosecutor who discussed the case on condition of anonymity. "They don't need another embarrassment."

The trial, expected to last about six weeks, is not anticipated to feature a lot of argument over the facts  the government has assembled emails, credit card and phone records and interviews with dozens of witnesses to lay out the trips and the details of Menendez's work on behalf of Melgen.

In one email, Menendez asked Melgen to use his reward points to book him a luxury suite at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Paris for a three-night stay, specifying rooms that included a king bed and limestone tub with a rain shower.

In a brief this week laying out their view of the case, prosecutors said Menendez and Melgen were "hiding a corrupt pact spanning seven years" that began shortly after Menendez became a senator. Menendez's "relentless advocacy" for Melgen went far beyond what legislators typically do for constituents, they said.

If a jury buys the government's explanation, Weiner said the McDonnell ruling would not necessarily help Menendez.

"He used his position as a senator to pressure other public officials to do things, and the court was very clear, that counts," he said. "You have a powerful senator calling an embassy and saying, 'You've got to process this visa.' Sure, he's not the guy who is technically processing the visa, but that strikes me as more than an innocent suggestion."

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Even if he beats the bribery charges, Menendez could have a tougher time explaining away his failure to mention the trips over five years of financial disclosures. After his relationship with Melgen came to light, Menendez released a statement that said he had taken three flights on Melgen's plane; in fact, prosecutors said, Melgen treated him to 20 flights.

Menendez has vowed to beat the charges and run for reelection in the fall of 2018. He is still raising money for a campaign and has $3.7 million on hand.

If Menendez is convicted, though, Democrats will face the awkward political question of whether to stand by the senator  and for how long.

Republicans would likely try to force him from office immediately, but that will be unlikely if Menendez vows to stay in office as he appeals. He could be removed by his fellow senators, but only on a two-thirds vote, meaning 14 Democrats would have to go along.

Harrison Williams, a New Jersey senator caught in the Abscam scandal, stayed in office for 10 months following his 1981 conviction. Stevens also refused to resign after his conviction, although his election loss came just days after the verdict.

How long Menendez would fight to stay in office, and who would choose a successor, is now "the big guessing game in the state," said Ross K. Baker, a Rutgers University political science professor who has studied the Senate closely, most recently embedded in Reid's Senate office. In spite of the corruption allegations, Baker said he didn't see any sign that Menendez's Senate colleagues would be quick to condemn him.

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"They might be feeling, 'there but for the grace of God go I,'" he said. "He wasn't being treated like a pariah. He wasn't being shunned, he wasn't at all."

joseph.tanfani@latimes.com

@jtanfani
John Chambers thought of himself as a quiet, nerdy guy until he started receiving death threats in 2011. The next thing he knew, his Gmail account was hacked and he received an alert that someone was trying to steal money from his investment account.

Chambers was one of three authors of an August 2011 Standard & Poor's report that lowered the U.S. credit rating, saying American federal government bonds were no longer AAA - the highest rating issued - because "political brinkmanship" between Republicans and Democrats over the nation's finances meant the country was no longer an absolute guarantee to repay the money it owed.

The report, which stripped the country of a AAA rating it had enjoyed for 70 years, stunned the world and drew furious pushback from the top Obama administration officials. It also turned Chambers' life upside down. Threats from strangers to harm him and his family became so bad that S&P hired a bodyguard to follow him for two weeks. Chambers, who lived in New York City at the time, couldn't even walk his dogs in sleepy Riverside Park without an armed guard. He was instructed not to take the subway.

Six years later, Chambers feels vindicated in his call.

Since the downgrade, the nation's lawmakers have held a series of standoffs over the nation's finances, using the threat of default in an attempt to leverage other concessions on spending and taxation. And while the nation has yet to default, a lurch from one crisis to the next appears to be the new normal when it comes to the United States paying its bills.

The latest standoff appears to have been temporarily defused on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump said he had managed to negotiate a deal with Democrats to avoid default. Trump and top Democratic leaders said they agreed to raise the debt ceiling - a cap on how much money the government can borrow to pays its bills and repay off its loans - for another three months, as well as providing aid to hurricane-afflicted parts of the country.

If approved, the deal moves the country away from an immediate crisis. The U.S. Treasury had just $32 billion in cash on hand when it made its latest report on Sept. 1, only enough to keep the government out of default for a few weeks.

But the extension doesn't solve the underlying problem, and it sets up Republicans, Democrats and the White House for another debt-ceiling standoff in December - a logjam that could be even harder to loosen, as Republicans are reportedly furious over the deal that was reached by Trump and Democratic leadership.

While past crises, including in 2011 and again in 2013, were the result of struggles between President Barack Obama and Republicans in Congress, the current standoffs come at a time when the GOP is totally in control, further underscoring the country's political dysfunction. That a government united under one party cannot reliably keep the government open and paying its debts casts doubt on the country's ability to tackle larger, more complicated issues, including its long-term budget woes.

"It's beyond anyone's imagination that you would have one party that would control all parts of government and have this debt fight," said Chambers, who is retired. "It really speaks to poor governability."

If lawmakers ever miscalculate and do send the government into default, the results would be catastrophic, financial and economics experts say.

"It would be like Lehman on steroids," said Chambers, referring to the global financial crisis that started in 2008 when investment bank Lehman Brothers collapsed.

He's not alone in such dire pronouncements. Default would be "uncharted waters" said Gene Sperling, who was Obama's top economic adviser. He thinks S&P's 2011 downgrade was a huge mistake, but he agrees that there is a lot more risk of calamity than most people, even on Wall Street or in Congress, fully understand. "The debt limit is not something anyone should play games with and hold hostage," he said.

The United States has been able to borrow $20 trillion from lenders around the world largely because it is seen as the world's most reliable borrower. Anything that rocks confidence in the "full faith and credit" of the U.S. government would be likely to send markets nose-diving, trigger a rash of lawsuits and make it far more difficult and expensive for the United States to borrow in the future. Short-term bonds that are supposed to pay up in the coming weeks are already becoming a lot more expensive as investors worry that Congress might not get its act together in time.

The United States continues to borrow more money, adding to the debt. Trump's planned tax cuts could add even more, worsening the country's fiscal condition. On the spending side, Trump does not want to touch Social Security or Medicare, two of the main drivers of the country's unsustainable fiscal path, and he wants to increase military spending. There seems to be no political will to deal with anything beyond an immediate crisis.

Of the big three ratings agencies, S&P is the only one to have cut the United States' AAA grade. But Fitch, one of the other two, recently warned that it would seriously consider downgrading as well if Congress does not raise the debt ceiling on time. Even Moody's is growing weary of the U.S. government's ability to get anything done.

Most think Congress will get the job done - for now. But Chambers warns that the real issue is deeper than just the debt limit. It is about whether the United States can get anything done, even when one party controls all the branches of government.

"There is something there to be very concerned about America's governability more broadly," he said.
Donald Trump Jr. will be the first Trump campaign member who participated in a June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer to speak with the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Richard Drew / AP)

The Senate Judiciary Committee will meet with Donald Trump Jr. on Thursday to discuss the Trump campaign's contacts with Russia, according to three Democratic members of the committee.

The meeting, which is expected to be comprehensive, is the first opportunity that members of the committee will have to grill someone from President Donald Trump's inner circle about the campaign's alleged attempts to engage with Kremlin surrogates, during a period when the intelligence community believes Russia was taking steps to influence the 2016 presidential election in favor of Trump's candidacy.

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Trump Jr. will be the first Trump campaign member who participated in a June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer to speak with the Senate Judiciary Committee. Committee members still hope to interview Trump's then-campaign manager Paul Manafort, and the president's son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, about the meeting they held in Trump Tower with the Russian lawyer claiming to have damaging information about Hillary Clinton.

Kushner and Manafort have already spoken to the staff of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

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But Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., suggested on Tuesday that Trump Jr. might not be able to tell senators much more than they already know.

"Tell me what value there is to that one, I'll entertain it," Burr said, when asked whether the Senate Intelligence Committee also planned to speak with Trump Jr. in the coming weeks.

Burr said that his committee would nonetheless speak with Trump Jr. before it completes its review. On Tuesday, Burr reiterated that it was his "aspirational goal" to conclude the committee's probe and release its findings by the end of the year - something he said should be possible unless the committee learns "something that we don't know today" in the meantime.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has not set any such deadlines for his committee's probe. He originally called Trump Jr. to testify before his committee in public in July, alongside Manafort and witnesses for a parallel probe the committee is running into lax enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Manafort is one of two senior Trump surrogates who had to retroactively register as a foreign agent in June.

The committee is still trying to interview Manafort, but has not been able to schedule him yet, according to members. Spokespeople for Grassley and ranking member Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday afternoon.

"Manafort has been resistant, to be very blunt. Certainly much more resistant than Trump Jr. Perhaps surprisingly but not really so much because Manafort probably is confronting some fairly serious criminal charges," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Though the Judiciary Committee cannot prosecute, only probe, Blumenthal surmised that Manafort might be nervous about the fact that "we can elicit information from him," he said. Blumenthal then added: "We're not going to give him immunity."

On Tuesday, Burr said that Manafort "hasn't altered" his cooperation with the Senate Intelligence Committee after changing his legal team, or the FBI raid on his home in late July.

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The Judiciary Committee's Thursday meeting with Trump Jr. is technically an interview with staff, but several members are planning on attending the meeting to ask their own questions directly.

Blumenthal said that for him, "it's all about following the money . . . financial dealings and how that entangled the Trump Organization."

Sen. Christopher Coons, D-Del., who is also planning to attend, said that the interview will be "a good opportunity to better understand what was going on in that meeting . . . and to better understand the thinking of core members of the president's team."

Both the Senate Judiciary and Intelligence committees are trying to better establish the mind-set of the Trump campaign representatives who participated in that June 2016 meeting.

For the intelligence committee, that means bringing in more members of Trump's inner circle as well - but only once they are ready to interview them, Burr stressed, which likely wouldn't be for at least a few weeks.

Burr said that he does plan to bring Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen in to speak with the committee soon. He said he would not rule out the possibility that one or more of the interviews he is planning to hold with Trump surrogates before the end of the year might be public.

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He acknowledged, however, that that might not please Robert Mueller III, the special counsel investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election.

"I'm not sure that there's any special counsel that wants you to have more public hearings of potential key witnesses," Burr said. He noted, however, that Mueller is "on a totally different path than we are - he's on a criminal investigation, and we're on a collusion-slash-influence by Russian in the elections."

Burr added that he and Mueller have not spoken "since the original meeting that we had to talk about deconfliction." He and the president have not spoken in a long while either, Burr said, based "in part [on] the advice he was given by his staff," and in part because "it's how I think the chairman of the committee should function. I don't think it's appropriate" to speak with the president about the investigation, Burr said.

Burr acknowledged Tuesday that new information about undisclosed meetings or other events could add "weeks" to the probe, extending it past the end of the year. A spokeswoman for committee ranking member Mark Warner, D-Va., said that Warner already believes that recent revelations about the Trump campaign's contacts with Russia - such as Cohen emailing the Kremlin to ask about facilitating a Trump Tower deal in Moscow - are already likely to push the probe into 2018.

Burr said he intends to conclude the committee's probe by releasing an unclassified version of its findings, "without an editorial from the committee" as to what those facts mean so "they can come to their own conclusions as to what happened."

He told reporters that he expects the majority and the minority members of the committee to cooperate on that final product, though he rejected the idea that the committee would necessarily have to vote on that product to release it.

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"I'm not sure we've done anything like this since Watergate, and I'm not sure they voted on that," he said.
President Donald Trump is hurtling toward a crossroads on immigration  his signature campaign issue and a key source of his law-and-order reputation  where each path before him comes with significant political risks.

Trump has temporarily placed the fates of roughly 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children in the hands of Congress, buying himself time and shunting responsibility.

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Should Congress act, the president will have to choose whether to sign on to a legislative solution granting the "dreamers" legal status  or to let the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, expire, which would impede the ability of beneficiaries to find work and leave them vulnerable to deportation.

The choice cuts to the core of his presidency and could have long-term ramifications for the Republican Party.

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"From a Republican Party point of view, this is a defining moment," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., co-author of a bipartisan dreamers bill, told reporters Tuesday. As if addressing Trump, Graham added, "You have a chance to show the nation, as the president of all of us, where your heart's at."

Trump's hard-line base, which demands purity and expects results, recoils at DACA as illegal amnesty and will look to him to veto any such legislation. But allies said Trump also is eager to prove that he has the "great heart" he has long touted, and he is under pressure from his party's establishment, the business community and many of his own advisers to find a way to let dreamers stay.

Trump's 901-word statement on Tuesday explaining his decision zigzagged between those instincts. By the afternoon, when he sat down to a meeting at the White House with congressional leaders, Trump appeared to loosely come down on the side of the dreamers, saying he was confident lawmakers would achieve "the right solution."

"I have a love for these people and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly," Trump said. "And I can tell you, speaking to members of Congress, they want to be able to do something and do it right. And really, we have no choice."

On Tuesday night, Trump tweeted that he wanted to "legalize DACA," another call to action that further muddled where the administration stood and what it would do.

"Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do)," Trump wrote. "If they can't, I will revisit the issue!"

Trump's tone sharply contrasted with the harsher approach taken by Attorney General Jeff Sessions hours earlier at a news conference where he did not take questions, highlighting the murkiness of the administration's position.

"We cannot admit everyone who would like to come here," Sessions told reporters. "It's just that simple."

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Sessions' view was echoed throughout the conservative media universe on Tuesday.

Breitbart, the website managed by former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon, published a story with the headline, "14 Things the [Mainstream Media] Won't Tell You About DACA."

On one of Trump's favorite television program, "Fox & Friends," radio host and commentator Laura Ingraham, who has been friendly with the president for years, dismissed news coverage of DACA recipients as "sob stories."

"I think there were a lot of folks who listen to my show, who turned out at these rallies for Donald Trump, who really loved his 'America first' message," Ingraham said. "There are ways to be compassionate to people short of giving them work permits and federal benefits."

Some Trump allies said they understood the president's handling of DACA but did not echo him on every aspect of the issue.

"We have to recognize there are going to be two negative consequences of that action," Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said Tuesday on conservative talk-radio host Hugh Hewitt's program. "One, we create a new opportunity for citizenship through chain migration for their parents, the very people who violated the law by bringing them here as children in the first place. And two, we encourage other people around the world to bring their children here illegally."

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Trump wrestled with the DACA issue for months and into this past weekend, aides said. The uneven rollout of his decision to phase it out with a six-month delay gives Congress time to act and underscores the president's internal paralysis.

Trump in effect decided not to be the one who decides  at least for now.

The president's punt created chaos at the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, where it now falls to congressional Republicans to navigate a thicket of political interests and charged emotions amid a busy September as they try to keep the party's base from revolting and still appeal to Hispanic voters.

Due to Trump's lack of clarity, leaders of each wing of the GOP and Democrats are jockeying to shape the way DACA is addressed in the coming weeks. Deals are already being floated by figures who see the current vacuum as a useful opening to attach DACA to other priorities that have been lingering on Capitol Hill, such as extending the federal borrowing limit.

The White House has signaled that it would prefer Congress address the dreamers as part of a broader immigration package  one that could help Trump fulfill a major campaign promise by including funding for construction of a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"We can't take just a one-piece fix; we've got to do an overall immigration reform," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Tuesday.

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Thomas Davis, a former Republican congressman from Virginia, said, "It's a great opportunity for this Congress and for Republicans to come together. It's an opportunity for Trump to say, 'OK, I'll give you DACA, but I need my wall.' This is how deals can happen. Immigration reform was dead for years and this reopens the conversation."

On the right, there were glimmers of potential for that type of agreement. Commentator Rush Limbaugh, whose syndicated talk-radio show is popular with many of Trump's most fervent supporters, has proposed a similar compromise: Keep the dreamers and build the wall.

"Nobody wants to kick a bunch of kids out of the country, right?" Limbaugh said Tuesday on his radio program. "I don't care if they're budding little Al Capones. People just don't want to do it. ... There needs to be a price, and it would be a great thing, couple this, say, with building the wall. I mean, you do all-in on border enforcement."

The timeline for congressional action is unclear but top Republicans said addressing DACA could be fodder for legislative negotiations on other fronts.

"I think there may be a deal to be had," Sen. John Cornyn (Texas), the Senate's No. 2 Republican, told reporters when asked about DACA and border security.

Congressional observers said House and Senate leaders, who for years have taken more centrist positions on immigration than Trump, may want to handle the DACA issue sooner rather than later and well ahead of the 2018 mid-term elections.

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"This is one additional, very large agenda item, along with debt ceiling, Harvey, tax reform, health care and all the spending bills," David Winston, a veteran pollster who works with House Republicans, said. "It makes things so much more complicated, but I think you'll see steps taken pretty quickly to begin this process. There's a general consensus, although not a unanimous consensus."

The Washington Post's Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.
After North Korea tested what it has claimed is a hydrogen bomb, global attention once more focused on Pyongyang's seemingly relentless desire for nuclear capability. In response, President Donald Trump has castigated Seoul for its "appeasement" of Pyongyang, while Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has threatened a "massive military response." But successful de-escalation of the situation requires careful diplomacy, not knee-jerk military action.

States seek nuclear weapons for a host of reasons, including national security and a desire to demonstrate "greatness." Responding to such proliferation threats has been a fraught process, one dependent on careful and pragmatic calculations. And military responses simply haven't worked. Not only have Trump's predecessors recognized the public backlash that could accompany aggressive responses to proliferation, but they have also understood that military intervention could increase the determination of a state's pursuit of nuclear weapons, or at worst initiate a major war.

As a result, nonproliferation policy since 1945 has largely hinged on diplomacy, persuasion and coercion, not direct military confrontation. Although this approach has not prevented emergent nations from gaining nuclear capacities, it has contributed to preventing the vast expansion in the number of nuclear weapon states that was so often predicted, and helped certain states come into the international fold.

A half-century before the world worried about Pyongyang's nuclear capacity, it feared China's nuclear potential. In the 1960s, a Chinese bomb seemed to threaten vital U.S. interests in Japan and potentially limit American room to maneuver at a time when Asia was becoming a major Cold War battleground.

Both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson's administrations considered (to varying extents) pre-emptive action to halt Beijing's nuclear program. In the end, the risks of going to war with China far outweighed those of simply allowing it to become a nuclear weapon state. Strategy became less alarmist and more pragmatic.

Military action was increasingly seen as internationally risky, probably unnecessary and domestically problematic (especially in the election year of 1964). Once China's nuclear status was recognized in 1964, it became part of the process that brought a nation that had once been considered diplomatically unreachable (much like North Korea today) into the international fold. This newfound security allowed Beijing to display greater caution in foreign policy and a willingness to negotiate with Western powers.

For President Jimmy Carter, the greatest proliferation anxiety was Pakistan. Twin crises  defeat in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war and India's 1974 test of an implosion device as a '"peaceful nuclear explosion"  had catalyzed Islamabad's budding atomic program. Pakistan's Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was an enthusiastic nuclear nationalist who saw "the bomb" as a deterrent against New Delhi and a route to power and status in the Islamic world.

After ousting Bhutto in a coup in 1977, General Muhammad Zia ul-Haq did not slacken the pace of the nuclear program. Eventually, through skillfully planned purchasing on poorly regulated international markets, Zia's scientists managed to construct the viable uranium enrichment centrifuges that would allow them  in 1998  to make Pakistan a nuclear weapon state.

In dealing with Pakistan, Carter set the standard that his successors in both parties would follow in response to nations absolutely determined to acquire nuclear capability. His administration rightly concluded that no amount of pleading, bribery, coercion or diplomacy was going to halt Islamabad's quest for "the bomb." Bhutto and Zia were determined to meet the challenge of India and demonstrate that Pakistan was the technological and military equal of its neighbor. The best course, Carter's advisers concluded in mid-1979, would be to mitigate the worst effects of Pakistan's seemingly inevitable nuclear acquisition while maintaining global faith in the efficacy of U.S. nonproliferation policy.

While the U.S. intelligence and diplomatic communities attempted to dismember Pakistan's clandestine purchasing program, they accepted the inevitability of the South Asian state's eventual nuclear capability. Instead, they prioritized delaying eventual acquisition as long as possible and retaining Islamabad as a crucial regional ally. When journalist (and later diplomat) Richard Burt suggested in the New York Times that the United States was planning a strike against the Kahuta enrichment facility, such loose, inaccurate talk led to a diplomatic spat that contributed to a decline in relations. The Carter administration realized that even mentioning military action could potentially derail genuine nonproliferation efforts.

When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in December 1979, Pakistan was on the front line of a re-energized Cold War. Perhaps surprisingly given his ideological differences with his predecessor, when Ronald Reagan came to power in 1981, he maintained a commitment to Carter's "mitigationist"approach. While action to slow Islamabad's nuclear activities continued in the diplomatic and intelligence shadows, in public Pakistan was a staunch ally in the reinvigorated fight against the Soviet Union.

And in fact, Reagan learned quickly that military action could be counterproductive. During the 1980s, Iraq also captured the attention of the United States and its ally Israel because of its growing nuclear capacity. Israel's June 1981 airstrike against Saddam Hussein's nuclear facilities at Tuwaitha failed to halt the nuclear program. As recent research shows, the Israeli strike actually transformed the Iraqi efforts by increasing the resources made available to it and driving it forward with greater vigor. And it should be noted that neither the 1991 nor the 2003 invasions of Iraq were driven by nuclear proliferation concerns.

More recently, President Barack Obama once again showed how pragmatic negotiations and diplomacy work. Despite calls for military action against Iran by domestic political opponents and conservative international actors, the Obama administration instead pursued a policy of diplomatic engagement in concert with allies. That policy has paid demonstrable dividends. Iran's program has largely been dismantled, and the Islamic Republic is being gradually reintegrated into the international mainstream.

The history of American engagement with nuclear proliferation demonstrates that the rejection of force and the foregrounding of diplomacy is key. Because it is unlikely that Pyongyang will give up its hard-won nuclear capabilities, pragmatism and understanding must win the day. The Trump administration should treat a nuclear-armed North Korea as a given, and make moves to bring it into the international mainstream. Not following the lead of previous presidents could plunge the world into a nuclear nightmare, all in the name of nonproliferation.

Washington Post

Malcolm Craig is senior lecturer in American history at Liverpool John Moores University and the author of "America, Britain, and Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons Programme, 1974-1980."
I woke up one recent morning to my phone buzzing incessantly, lighting up with each new message from a high school student bubbling with excitement. When I finally blinked myself awake to see the news, I let out my own cheer.

What could we be celebrating? You will probably never guess. It was Gov. Bruce Rauner signing into law on Aug. 28 a bill allowing automatic voter registration in Illinois.

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It might strike you as a bland and bureaucratic reform. But those of us in my generation saw this electoral change as much more: a victory for all who are invested in promoting civic participation.

Are we just a bunch of teenage public policy nerds? Well, that we are. But we are also members of Vote16 Illinois, a student-run organization dedicated to lowering the state's voting age in local elections to age 16.

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My generation is growing up during a crisis of apathy toward our political system, a failure of faith in the power of participatory democracy.

How do we change that? Including more people in the electoral process through automatic voter registration is a start. Another is increasing awareness of the municipal and national issues through Illinois' soon-to-be implementation of civics education becoming a high school graduation requirement.

But instead of just telling citizens that their voice matters in government, we should show them that in order to increase voter engagement and build generations of civic-minded citizens, Illinois should grant voting rights to 16- and 17-year-olds for municipal elections.

Research, according to Vote16USA, shows that voting is habitual. By dropping the voting age to 16, Vote16USA, claims we increase by 25 percent the possibility that a person will vote in the next election. And, research shows that the earlier people start voting, the more likely they are to become lifelong voters.

The stereotype of apathy among young people may cause some people to question whether 16- or 17-year-olds would even bother to vote, given the opportunity.

The Takoma Park, Md,. experience says yes. Since the local voting age there was lowered in 2013, 16- and 17-year-olds are turning out to vote at a rate about four times greater than the overall turnout.

And, by the way, denying 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote cannot be credibly linked to maturity: 18-year-olds don't have a sudden increase in political understanding. At 16 and 17, my peers and I are ready and able to make thoughtful political decisions. In fact, we already do. Vote16 Illinois, is just one of many youth political organizations where teens fight for reforms in their schools, neighborhoods and cities.

But perhaps most important, 16- and 17-year-olds deserve to be represented in municipal elections because of the responsibility we already carry. Many of us work and pay taxes, while attending school. Some of us are even tried in court as adults.

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We will be around long after a law's passage to experience its ramifications. We should have a say in electing officials who make decisions that will impact our future. Young people have a crucial stake in the future of our communities and suffrage at 16 and 17 is crucial to us for ensuring the future strength of our electorate and democracy.

Illinois should be in the forefront of leading that charge.

Grace Adee is on the executive board of Vote16 Illinois, a nonpartisan student-led organization that aims to lower the voting age in municipal elections. She is a senior at Jones College Prep.
Not long ago, a supporter of mine, visiting from California, dropped by my Capitol office. A retired military officer and staunch conservative, he and I spent much of our conversation discussing the Republican agenda.

Finally, I drew a breath and asked him about an issue I feared might divide us: the liberalization of our marijuana laws, specifically medical marijuana reform, on which for years I had been leading the charge. What did he think about that controversial position?

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"Dana," he replied, "there are some things about me you don't know." He told me about his three sons, all of whom enlisted after 9/11.

Two of his sons returned from the battlefield whole and healthy. The third, however, came home suffering multiple seizures each day. His prospects were bleak.

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His medical care fell under the total guidance of the Department of Veterans Affairs, whose doctors came under federal restraints regarding the treatments they could prescribe. (Among the treatments allowed were opioids.) Nothing worked.

Finally, a sympathetic doctor advised our young hero to see him in his private office, where he could prescribe medication derived from cannabis. The prescription worked. The seizures, for the most part, ceased.

"Dana," said my friend, "I could hug you right now for what you've been doing, unknowingly, for my son."

What had I been doing? With my Democrat friend Sam Farr, the now-retired California congressman, I wrote an amendment to spending bills that prohibits the federal government from prosecuting medical marijuana cases in states where voters have legalized such treatment. The amendment passed two consecutive years, the second time with a wider margin than the first, and has been extended through continuing resolutions and an omnibus spending bill.

Surprisingly, given the Obama administration's generally liberal approach to marijuana, its Justice Department tried to interpret the amendment in such a convoluted way as to allow counterproductive raids on marijuana dispensaries. The courts  most recently the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit  repeatedly ruled that our amendment meant exactly what it said.

Unfortunately, my longtime friend Jeff Sessions, the attorney general, has urged Congress to drop the amendment, now co-sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore. This, despite President Donald Trump's belief, made clear in his campaign and as president, that states alone should decide medical marijuana policies.

I should not need to remind our chief law enforcement officer nor my fellow Republicans that our system of federalism, also known as states' rights, was designed to resolve just such a fractious issue. Our party still bears a blemish for wielding the "states' rights" cudgel against civil rights. If we bury state autonomy in order to deny patients an alternative to opioids, and ominously federalize our police, our hypocrisy will deserve the American people's contempt.

More than half the states have liberalized medical marijuana laws, some even decriminalizing recreational use. Some 80 percent of Americans favor legalization of medical marijuana. Only a benighted or mean-spirited mindset would want to block such progress.

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Despite federal efforts to restrict supply, studies continue to yield promising results. And mounting anecdotal evidence shows again and again that medical marijuana can dramatically improve the lives of people with epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, arthritis and many other ailments.

Most Americans know this. The political class, not surprisingly, lags behind them.

Part of the reason is the failure of too many conservatives to apply "public choice economics" to the war on marijuana. Common sense, as well as public choice theory, holds that the government's interest is to grow, just as private-sector players seek profit and build market share.

The drug-war apparatus will not give ground without a fight, even if it deprives Americans of medical alternatives and inadvertently creates more dependency on opioids. When its existence depends on asset seizures and other affronts to our Constitution, why should anti-medical-marijuana forces care if they've contributed inadvertently to a vast market, both legal and illegal, for opioids?

I invite my colleagues to visit a medical marijuana research facility and see for themselves why their cultural distaste might be misplaced. One exists near my district office at the University of California at Irvine, another at the University of California at San Diego.

Better yet, they might travel to Israel  that political guiding light for religious conservatives  and learn how our closest ally in the Middle East has positioned itself on the cutting edge of cannabis research. The Israeli government recently decriminalized first use, so unworried it is about what marijuana might do to its conscript military.

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My colleagues should then return to Washington and keep my amendment intact, declaring themselves firmly on the side of medical progress. Failing that, the government will keep trying to eradicate the burgeoning marijuana business, thereby fueling and enriching drug cartels. Trust me: Hugs from grateful supporters are infinitely better.

The Washington Post

Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican, represents California's 48th District in the U.S. House.
President Donald Trump has run to the door of Congress with yet another Obama-era policy that he has stabbed half to death, shouted "CONGRESS WILL BE TO BLAME IF THIS DIES," and then run off.

This time it is DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that has allowed 800,000 young immigrants brought to this country as children to serve in the military, seek higher education and hold jobs. Even the people who object to it object only on the grounds that they wish it were a law, not on the grounds that it is the wrong thing to do. So of course Trump has decided it needs to stop.

"Americans have dreams too," Trump said, in a statement, as though that justified it. (Has he seen Americans lately?)

The "dreamers" are being ruled out, but the Nightmare People are still here, and they continue to be in charge of everything.

The nightmare  the one where you are naked in front of the whole class, where you have to give an important speech, but you don't remember any words and the classroom is every important person in the world  is president now. Failing a test you didn't know you had to study for is the chief executive of the United States.

The unshakeable sense that you are being persecuted is in charge of the Justice Department. In fact, it just announced this change in policy. The man with a slow eerie smile that you thought you got rid of in the '80s is somehow back, standing behind a lectern, his smile growing wider and wider, even when you blink. How did he get here? You could have sworn ...

The thing that lives under the bed has the president's phone number and sometimes speaks for him at news conferences.

The thing that scuttles into the corner when you open the door to the attic, the clawlike hand that reaches out from under your closet door, they are both listed as Rational Voices in the Trump Cabinet and are about to come out in support of his plan for tax reform.

The sensation of drowning, drowning all the time, is what comes out every time you turn on your television.

All the clocks everywhere are melting. Weeks and months are indistinguishable. Everything partakes of a terrifying unreality. You try to write down what is happening but it doesn't make any sense.

No one's face remains the same for long. People appear and disappear behind lecterns and it is as if they never existed. A man is devoured by the bushes. Another man picks up the phone and disappears.

The dreamers are being thrown on the mercy of Congress, but the Nightmare People are still protected. (Do you feel great yet? they ask. Do you feel great yet?)

The sensation that all your teeth have fallen out and are continuing to fall out as you speak very nearly got passed through Congress as an alternative to your present health-care plan.

Fire is marching in your neighborhood. Nazis, just actual Nazis, are here in the streets.

All the streets are folding in on themselves. (At the rate we are going, the infrastructure will never be repaired.) Congress is trapped in an M.C. Escher-esque landscape where there are only right turns and obstructions, and there is no regular order.

Trump comes down the escalator and the escalator goes on forever and it goes even deeper than you thought. The stairs go on forever. There is no way to go off the stairs.

The Nightmare People are everywhere, making America what it once was: empty, undisturbed, a place no one in his right mind would want to live if you did not want to be immediately killed by mammoths.

Maybe they will cure their immigration problem after all. Immigration is only a problem as long as you are a country people want to come live in.

Dreams are the enemy of nightmare. There was a dream once that Americans dreamed. There were words on a statue in a harbor (but they were added too late; they were meaningless). There were words once from the steps of a memorial about brotherhood.

The worst nightmares of all are the dreams you have to wake up from. The ones where for a second everything is right. The worst dreams are the ones that get pulled out of your hands too soon, where you see a world that is better than the one you live in. But then you wake up.

And now it's on Congress to save that other, better world. Dream on.
Washington dealmaking is so out of fashion that we keep rechecking the facts to make sure we aren't dreaming: President Donald Trump and a fractured Congress have a rare opportunity to come together in order to rescue young immigrants by the hundreds of thousands.

On Tuesday, Trump said he would rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, thus undoing President Barack Obama's program that gave protected immigration status to people brought to the U.S. as minors without documentation. But rather than shut down the program outright, setting in motion potential deportations, Trump is rooting for Congress to provide a legislative solution that allows the so-called Dreamers to stay, finish school and work. He's giving lawmakers six months to pass a bill he then would sign.

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Putting the onus on Congress is savvy. Trump and other Republicans bristled over DACA because they  rightly  saw Obama's implementation of immigration policy via executive order as Obama's overreach of presidential authority. Congress makes the laws, but DACA looks a lot like a president rewriting immigration law to suit the wishes of Democrats. So let's see the Republican-led Congress fix the problem by passing a bill.

It would make no sense to deport people educated at public expense who have worked to become contributing members of society.

There are about 800,000 protected immigrants in the U.S. They didn't choose to violate the law to come here, their parents did. Many of these immigrants have no memory of their native countries. Some even thought they were U.S. citizens until they applied for a driver's license or student financial aid. It would make no sense to deport people educated at public expense who have worked to become contributing members of society. DACA, created by Obama in 2012, offered help to those who arrived before age 16. It barred anyone convicted of a felony, a serious misdemeanor or three or more misdemeanors. It required the young people to stay in school or have a high school diploma or GED.

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There are enough kind words being said about these young people on both sides of the aisle to imagine Congress making Obama's program the law. House Speaker Paul Ryan said he didn't want Trump to shut down DACA. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has sounded sympathetic. Democratic leaders are jawboning for the program. Business leaders are DACA fans, too: Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, says about 250 Dreamers work for his company, while Microsoft's president says he'd choose DACA legislation over tax reform as a priority.

Trump said in a statement Tuesday he doesn't want to punish these young immigrants, either. But he's caught between what he's advertised as his big heart and his campaign pledge to get tough on illegal immigration. The president took action Tuesday because Texas and other Republican-stronghold states threatened to challenge DACA in the courts. That's a reminder that many Americans are opposed to a softened stance on immigration.

Getting past the opposition  on Main Street and on Capitol Hill  won't be easy. Immigration reform has been chewed over by Congress without an outcome. Several versions of what's known as the Dream Act  the legislative version of DACA  have kicked around for years. Perhaps, then, the broader circumstances on Capitol Hill can help rally support. There is other legislation that needs passage this fall, including action to raise the debt ceiling and keep the federal government operating. That presents the opportunity for dealmaking. Perhaps a DACA bill gets attached to a budgetary bill, or one that addresses border security. What we wouldn't want to see, however, is a trade that gives Trump funding for his Mexican wall, an idea we think is a folly.

Of course if we really start dreaming, we'd imagine the DACA debate leads to comprehensive immigration reform to address the millions of people working and paying taxes here while existing in the shadows. For starters, though, we would welcome Republicans and Democrats coming together to help the so-called Dreamers.

Join the discussion on Twitter @Trib_Ed_Board and on Facebook.

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Demonstrators sit on Pennsylvania Avenue during a protest in response to the Trump administration's announcement that it would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program on Sept. 5, 2017, in Washington. (Zach Gibson / Getty Images)

America the beautiful? That doesn't work right now.

America the cruel, maybe. America the ugly.

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Those are better fits for the moment. Those are the slogans you get when your national agenda is driven by willful meanness, when it's oblivious to common sense.

America the cruel. That's what we were Tuesday when President Donald Trump decided to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that shielded hundreds of thousands of young people brought to America illegally as children.

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It was a decision as mean-spirited as it was unnecessary.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops called it "reprehensible" and wrote in a statement: "Today's actions represent a heartbreaking moment in our history that shows the absence of mercy and goodwill, and a short-sighted vision for the future."

The United Methodist Church called rescinding the protections "unconscionable" and "contrary to moral work and witness."

Former President Barack Obama, who started the program in 2012 after Congress failed to provide protection for these youths, released a statement Tuesday saying: "Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated. It's about who we are as a people  and who we want to be."

Much has happened over the past eight months to raise questions about who we, as Americans, want to be.

Ending the DACA program and thrusting the lives of nearly 800,000 people raised in America into the clumsy hands of Congress, which Trump called on to fix the problem he's creating, is only the latest example of an administration that routinely picks cruelty over basic decency.

Recall Trump's "travel ban"  a transparent attempt to keep Muslims out of the country  that got his presidency off to a bumbling, discriminatory start. The president claimed to have all manner of powers to enact such a ban, even though most experts correctly predicted it would get tied up in courts across the country and most Americans didn't want it to happen.

There was no legitimate security fix behind the travel ban. It was demeaning to Muslim people. It was faux-toughness aimed at reassuring Trump's quivering base. And that's all that mattered.

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The border wall is isolationist, promoted by painting Mexican immigrants as criminals and Mexico itself as a hive of murder and villainy, prohibitively expensive and frowned on by a sizable majority of Americans.

So what's the point of that wall proposal? To rile up Trump's predominantly white base at the expense of immigrants. There's no positive outcome. It's an idea rooted in meanness. Period.

Trump's ban on transgender people serving in the military? It wasn't anything the military wanted, and it's questionable whether the military will even enact the ban, it was opposed by a majority of Americans, and it is strikingly harmful to the brave transgender people serving in the armed forces and to the transgender community at large.

What was the point? There was no point. It was a malicious decision aimed at pleasing a narrow segment of the population, a segment that clearly couldn't care less about the harm such discrimination might cause fellow Americans.

Trump's response to the deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., could so easily have been a moment of kindness. But he had to hedge. He had to suggest there were "many fine people" among the Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan members. He couldn't keep his own ugliness at bay.

In announcing Trump's decision to wind down the DACA program, Attorney General Jeff Sessions hammered away at the importance of "the rule of law."

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"Societies where the rule of law is subject to political whims and personal biases tend to become societies afflicted by corruption, poverty and human suffering," he said.

A little more than a week earlier, Trump felt fine overruling the rule of law by pardoning his avid supporter and good pal Joe Arpaio, a notorious and unapologetic Arizona sheriff who violated a federal court order to stop racially profiling Hispanic people.

Apparently the law is sacrosanct when it comes to booting brown people out of the country or keeping them from getting in, but there's wiggle room when your openly xenophobic white sheriff buddy is in hot water.

Pardoning Arpaio was a middle finger in the face of minority populations in general and Mexican immigrants in particular. And that was followed up by an announcement about DACA in which the attorney general reduced the nearly 800,000 young people the program protects  people with clean records, a high school or higher education, and little knowledge of any home outside America  to "800,000 mostly adult illegal aliens."

If you line these decisions and declarations up, you see no higher purpose, just a clear pattern of callousness. And you notice that the only people spared in all that meanness are the ones who look like Donald Trump.

That's not the way things are supposed to work in America the beautiful.

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But I guess it's the new normal in America the cruel.

rhuppke@chicagotribune.com

What to read next:

President Trump's America is a nightmare. There can be no dreamers here.

Trump didn't have the nerve to make the DACA announcement himself

How Ivanka Trump makes money off faux-feminism

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Can Democrats get past identity politics?
Sharing a meal is one of the best ways to get to know somebody. You come together over plates of food, a glass of wine and conversation, and you leave full, happy and with a new friend in tow.

That's the hope for local organization Dinners for Humanity, a "community movement" that works to break down stereotypes associated with homelessness by hosting dinners for volunteers and homeless Chicagoans.

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"By sharing a meal and a conversation with people who feel invisible and ignored, we show them they matter and they are worth our time," wrote Mehdi Lazrak, Dinners for Humanity's founder, in an email. "This gift is so important because it makes people feel loved and people function better when they are loved."

The purpose of these meals is to help Chicagoans identify and overcome misconceptions about the homeless communitynamely, that they're more likely to commit crimes when they are, in reality, more likely to be the victim of a violent crime.

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To coordinate these dinners, Dinners for Humanity hosts weekly "Meals of the Week" events. Volunteers, who can register at dinnersforhumanity.org, convene at a predetermined location and are paired up with a guest before the two head to a restaurant within a given radius. The organization provides a list of "suitable" restaurants to choose from, though meals should cost no more than $30 for each pairvolunteers are expected to cover the cost.

In addition to a warm meal, "by volunteering with us and attending the dinners, our volunteers provide the beautiful gift of shared time," Lazrak wrote.

Interested volunteers must register before attending a dinner. Those who register are expected to attendno flaking!to ensure no guest is left without a partner, unless you're able to notify the organizers with 24 hours notice. However, there's no long-term commitment required. If you can only attend one dinner, that's all the organization asks.

@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com

[ Looking for more to do in Chicago?  ]
Staying fit is not just about how many calories you burn or miles you run. Health also extends to your mental well-being. While you may think pumping iron is the best way to blow off steam, take a deep breath and a second to clear your head with these Chicago meditation classes.

Viceroy Chicago

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1118 N. State St. 312-586-2000

The recently-opened Gold Coast hotel will host a series of yoga and meditation classes this weekend. CorePower Yoga kicks off the sessions at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 with a class open to the public. The following day, Sunday, Sept. 10, features a free meditation course from Chill Chicago. For more information, visit viceryhotelsandresorts.com.

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Chill Chicago

222 W. Kinzie St. 312-222-1442

Speaking of Chillthe local center for guided meditation, yoga classes and massage offers weekly classes with guidance on breathing, finding insight and yoga flows. Each class is $22, or memberships are available for $150 a month. For more information, visit chillchicago.com.

Shambhala Chicago

37 N. Carpenter St. 773-743-8147

Shambhala Chicago has been around for more than 40 years. The center provides community practice sessions like weekday lunchtime meditation from 12 to12:30 p.m. and evening meditation from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at their main center in West Loop. Get started this weekend, Sept. 8-9, with an introductory course, "The Art of Being Human" ($120). Their satellite locations in Hyde Park (5550 S. Shore Dr.) and Edgewater (6361 N. Broadway) also host regular community events. Memberships start at $20 per month. For more information, visit chicago.shambhala.org.

@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com
Adam Frisch keeps calm waiting for all ballots to be counted in CD-3
Foreign travelers transiting through China have several options for transit visa exemptions. These transit visa exemptions allow eligible foreign travelers a visa-free visit for 24, 72, or 144 hours.

Although requirements for each transit visa exemption are different, each transit visa exemption stipulates that foreign travelers are only eligible when traveling through China between two different countries. Further, onward travel must occur within 24, 72, or 144 hours of arrival.

To obtain a transit visa exemption, travelers should review eligibility requirements, and confirm their eligibility with their local Chinese embassy.

After confirmation, travelers must communicate their intention to obtain a transit visa exemption to their airline prior to travel. The airline will liaise with border control officials, who grant transit visa exemptions to travelers that meet requirements after verification.

In most cases, the transit visa exemption only allows the traveler to visit the province of their arrival. However, travelers entering China via Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing can travel within Shanghai, Zhejiang province, and Jiangsu province, and travelers entering via Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and Qinhuangdao can travel within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Starting from January 1, 2019, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy was implemented in Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Kunming. On May 1, 2019, the 144-hour visa-free policy in Guangdong province was further expanded.

From December 1, 2019, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy will expand the stay area in Sichuan province; Zhejiang province will allow it to be accessed from more ports of entry; and Chongqing and Shaanxi provinces will get upgraded from the 72-hour visa-free transit policy. In Sichuan, the 144-hour visa-free transit will expand the stay area to 11 cities besides Chengdu. Similarly, in Zhejiang, Ningbo will also be an applicable point of entry to access this visa-free transit; previously, it was applicable only from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport.

The 24-hour Transit Visa Exemption

Foreign travelers transiting through China within 24 hours to reach another country of destination may be eligible for a 24-hour Transit Visa Exemption. This visa exemption is available to all foreigners, and most ports of entry in China.

The 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption

Foreign travelers transiting through China within 72 hours to reach another country of destination may be eligible for the 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption. This visa exemption is only available to citizens of participating countries traveling through participating ports of entry in China.

To obtain this visa exemption, the foreign national must have a valid passport from one of the 53 countries, which includes:

24 Schengen countries in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland);

15 other European countries (Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, UK, and Ukraine);

Six countries in North and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and US);

Two Oceanic countries (Australia and New Zealand); and

Six Asian countries (Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and UAE).

Further, eligible travelers must be transiting through one of the following cities  Changsha, Guilin, or Harbin.

Xian and Chongqing currently enjoy the 72-hour policy but will upgrade to 144-hour one starting from December 1.

Authorities will continue to expand the list of cities where 72-hour Transit Visa Exemptions are applicable.

(Beijing, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Kunming, Nanjing, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Xiamen have already upgraded to the 144-hour visa-free transit policy.)

The 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption

Foreign travelers transiting through China within 144 hours to reach another country of destination may be eligible for the 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption. This visa exemption is available to citizens of countries that are eligible for the 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption; however, the number of participating cities is more limited.

To obtain this visa exemption, the foreign national must have a valid passport from one of the 53 countries that are eligible for the 72-hour Transit Visa Exemption.

The 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption was first introduced to three cities in East Chinas Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang area: Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Nanjing. The exemption was then expanded to North Chinas Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, namely: Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Tianjin, and Qinhuangdao.

On January 1, 2019, the 144 hour visa-free policy was implemented in the cities of Xiamen, Qingdao, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Kunming.

As of May 1, 2019, Guangdong province expanded the 144-hour visa exemption policy to cover every international airport in the province  Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao-an, and Jieyang Chaoshan  as well as four railways, eight land entries, and 15 ports. Travelers who obtain a transit visa exemption in Guangdong can travel freely throughout the province for the duration of the exemption.

Starting December 1, 2019, travel to the following regions will benefit from the 144-hour visa-free transit policy:

Xian and Chongqing, which currently enjoy the 72-hour visa-free transit policy, will allow the 144-hour visa-free transit policy from Xian Airport and Chongqing Airport, respectively.

Ningbo will be added to the 144-hour visa-free transit zone of Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang and passengers can enter or leave China from Ningbo Airport and travel within the transit zone.

Chengdu, which currently enjoys the 144-hour visa-free transit only in Chengdu city, will get its stay area expanded to 11 cities, including Leshan, Deyang, Suining, Meishan, Yaan, Ziyang, Neijiang, Zigong, Luzhou, and Yibin.

After this expansion, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy will be implemented in 27 ports across 20 cities.

The 20 cities are  Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, Dalian, Qingdao, Chengdu, Xiamen, Kunming, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang, Chongqing, Xian, and Ningbo.

Hainan Visa Exemption

Since May 1, 2018, visitors from 59 eligible countries can travel to South Chinas Hainan province visa-free for up to 30 days.

Unlike other visa exemptions in China, visitors to Hainan enjoying visa-free access do not need to be traveling to a third country. However, they must book their visits via travel agencies registered in Hainan and approved by Chinas National Tourism Administration.

To be eligible for visa-free travel to Hainan, visitors must hold a valid passport from one of the following countries:

25 Schengen countries in Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland);

15 other European countries (Albania, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Ireland, Macedonia [FYROM], Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Ukraine;

Six countries in North and South America (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United States);

Two Oceanic countries (Australia and New Zealand); and

11 countries in Asia and the Middle East (Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and UAE).

Confirm eligibility before departure

Travelers planning on visiting China with a visa exemption are advised to confirm their eligibility with the relevant port of entry in China or their local Chinese embassy/consulate before departure. The nature of the travelers itinerary and other factors may influence eligibility to qualify for a visa exemption.

Prospective travelers may also use a tool released by Chinas State Council to determine their eligibility for a visa exemption based on their nationality and port of entry. The tool can be accessed here.

Travel China Cheapers China Visa-Free Transit Guide is also an excellent resource for travelers.

(This article was originally published on September 6, 2017. It was updated on May 7, 2019 and November 14, 2019.)
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has stressed the role of innovation in economic transformation and upgrading.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang learns about overcapacity cuts and relocation of workers at Linfen Steel Company of Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd. in Linfen, north China's Shanxi Province, Sept. 5, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

During an inspection tour to north China's Shanxi Province on Monday and Tuesday, Li visited a base for entrepreneurship and innovation and applauded its services to small and micro-sized enterprises and its model that integrates research and development with production.

The base offers a platform for innovation of small companies, and can also help create considerable economic and social returns, Li said.

"Integrating creativity with the market will form strong new impetus and make a huge contribution to economic transformation and upgrading," the premier said.

While visiting a coal mine owned by Lu'an Group, Li said that reducing production capacity will make way for quality and advanced capacity.

"Human resources are the most valuable treasure," Li said, encouraging Lu'an Group to create more jobs by developing non-coal industries and helping former workers start their own businesses.

Former workers laid-off due to reduced capacity might have been a burden for previous employers, but they will become required talent in new companies, the premier said.

Companies of all sizes can stimulate the enthusiasm and creativity of employees through encouraging mass entrepreneurship and innovation, an approach that will raise their core competitiveness, according to Li.

He added that craftsmen should pass on their skills to apprentices to make Chinese-made products competitive in terms of both price and quality.

Li also went to a village in Shanxi to visit rural residents living in poverty and learn about medical services there.
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Chinese tourists accounted for almost a quarter of all spending in Australia by overseas visitors in 2016/17, according to Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steve Ciobo.

The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. [Photo by Li Jingrong/China.org.cn]



On Wednesday, Ciobo released details of the 2017 International Visitor Survey, which said international tourists spent a record 40.6 billion Australian dollars (34.5 billion U.S. dollars) in Australia last financial year.

The minister said the "stellar result" came on the back of record spending by Chinese tourists, who kicked in almost a quarter of the overall spend.

"International visitors spent a record 40.6 billion Australian dollars in the year to June 2017, an increase of 7 percent on the previous year," Ciobo said.

"Chinese tourists continue to have the biggest impact on our economy with 1.2 million visitors spending 9.8 billion Australian dollars (7.85 billion U.S. dollars). Both are increases of 10 percent. This growth comes during the China-Australia Year of Tourism."

Ciobo added that a weaker Australian dollar had also contributed in a record rise in expenditure from tourists from the United States.

"Along with the Chinese, Americans are also visiting Australia in record numbers. Australia welcomed a record 706,000 tourists from the United States, a 14-percent increase, and they spent 3.8 billion Australian dollars (3.05 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 4 percent," the minister said.
Four villagers in Shiqu county in Southwest China's Sichuan province found three snow leopard cubs in a cave in the Luoxu White-lipped Deer Nature Reserve on Friday.

Three snow leopard cubs huddle in a cave in the Luoxu White-lipped Deer Nature Reserve in Shiqu county, Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On Thursday afternoon, a villager found a dead blue sheep in the reserve. The next day he and three other villagers found a cave near the site of the dead sheep.

In the cave were three snow leopard cubs, said Wan Xu, a leading official in the reserve's management committee.

Although snow leopards are sighted from time to time in Shiqu, it is rare to find them so near to a village. The three snow leopard cubs are only two kilometers away from the nearest village, he said.

Forestry workers are monitoring the cubs far from the cave. They will withdraw if the mother leopard returns. If something goes wrong with the mother and she does not return, the forest workers will rescue the cubs, he said.

In the past five years, infrared cameras at the reserve have captured images of snow leopards more than 20 times. Villagers have taken pictures of them with their cell phones, too.

There might be more than 30 snow leopards in the reserve, which is Sichuans largest snow leopard habitat, Wan said.

Frequent sighting of snow leopards in Shiqu has much to do with the increase in the number of blue sheep in the reserve, a result of conservation methods, he said.

Chinas number of snow leopards ranks first in the world, accounting for about 40 percent of the total, he said.
China's strengthening of the implementation of environmental laws is yielding results: the number of polluting companies punished almost doubled in July. The strategy and other measures are aimed at deterring polluters and reducing air pollution in winter.

In July, 3,416 cases involving various violations of environmental law and regulations were found and punished nationwide, an increase of 92 percent year-on-year, said Tian Weiyong, head of the Ministry of Environmental Protections environment monitoring bureau, on Tuesday.

Among the violations, 835 companies were required to suspend production or shut down, an increase of 128 percent compared to July 2016, and 255 companies were transferred to judicial organs due to their severe pollution, an increase of 55 percent, Tian said.

The revised Environmental Protection Law and its supportive regulations, effective since Jan 1, 2015, have presented environmental officials a wider range of punishment powers, such as sealing production equipment, issuing daily, uncapped fines, suspending production or shutting down, and transferring cases with severe pollution to judicial organs for further investigation, making it Chinas strictest anti-pollution legislation, as the ministry said.

Tian added that in the first seven months the countrys environmental bureaus issued daily, uncapped fines totaling 761 million yuan ($116 million), a heavy blow to polluters.

Ministry data in the first seven months showed provinces with severe pollution, especially smog-prone provinces, have taken a tougher stand against the polluting companies.

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its neighboring Shandong, Shanxi and Henan provinces, in total, have punished over 4,400 polluting companies with the tools granted by the law and regulation, accounting for 21 percent of the national total.

The ministry praised Shandong and three other provinces for their the good performance in implementing the law and regulations in July.

But for the city cluster in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its neighboring provinces, prone to smog, especially in winter, more has to be done to tackle expected air pollution in the coming winter.

The ministry warned on Sunday that weather conditions are likely to be warmer and more humid due to the Arctic icecap melting and warming of the Pacific Ocean, which means it will beunfavorable to disperse pollutants.

The 28 major cities in the region will have extra inspections from the ministry and the central government in autumn and winter, said Liu Changgen, deputy head of the ministry's inspection bureau on Friday. He added that the performance in tackling air pollution will affect government officials' annual evaluation, giving them more attention.

On the other hand, the ongoing inspection sent by the central government, covering Shandong and seven other provincial regions, have received over 44,100 public reports on pollution. Over 4,100 government officials were held accountable for their poor performance in environmental protection, the ministry said on Tuesday.
One of the world's oldest species of mammal is facing the threat of extinction, but just one small word might save it - "No."

Jackie Chan fronts WildAid campaign to keep an endangered species off the menu.

That's the message from movie star Jackie Chan in the latest Wild-Aid campaign video designed to stop people eating or buying pangolin products.

Coming hot on the heels of similar campaigns against the consumption of shark fin, bear bile or tiger bones fueled by antiquated superstitions, the action hero appeared across China last month to raise awareness on the need to protect this endangered species.

In the video, he tries to teach a group of pangolins some martial arts moves, only to find that the toothless, timid animals only know how to curl up into a ball, making themselves vulnerable to poachers.

"The pangolins cannot defend themselves. It is up to us to take action to save them," Chan says.

The video was jointly produced by WildAid, the Nature Conservancy and the China Wildlife Protection Association, and is being broadcast at home and abroad via the China News Network.

Chan says in the video he hopes more people, especially children, will learn about these helpless animals and join the mission to save them.

"When I was a young boy, I practiced kung fu and got injured often," he says. "I was told then that using medicine made of tiger bones would cure me. Only when I grew up did I realize that it was all a lie.

"We should teach our children not to eat, use or buy pangolin products from an early age. Hopefully, future generations will have the chance to coexist with pangolins."

The action star, who is a wildlife protection ambassador, later told Xinhua News Agency that his next movie will focus on fighting wildlife trafficking, and he will almost certainly include pangolin protection in the story.

Is it too late?

Pangolins represent 70 million years of unique evolution.

These quiet, solitary, nocturnal creatures feed on ants and termites. Their bodies are covered by an armor of large keratin scales, which, according to an old wives' tale, can help new mothers produce breast milk or alleviate asthma. The animal's meat is also often consumed in Asia as a delicacy.

Although research has proved pangolin scales are no different to human fingernails in composition and their meat is considered unsafe because it eludes quality inspections, these animals have been slaughtered to near extinction in Asia and Africa.

Their natural habitats have also been seriously reduced by deforestation.

One pangolin produces a litter of one to three offspring, which are nurtured for about two years. The low breeding rate stands in stark contrast to the enormous quantities seized for international smuggling, and the animal is listed as one of the world's most trafficked mammals by the World Wildlife Fund.

It is estimated that 100,000 pangolins are captured every year in Africa and Asia. As a result, all eight species of pangolin feature on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's "red list" of animals threatened with extinction. Four Asian species are classified as critically endangered, while four African species are classified as vulnerable.

According to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, commonly known as CITES, the number of pangolins in China has fallen by 90 percent over the past 21 years. It is estimated the country may have significantly fewer pangolins than giant pandas.

In the past decade, over 1 million pangolins were illegally trafficked worldwide, according to estimates by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Last year, the 17th CITES Congress adopted a proposal that all eight pangolin species be elevated from Appendix II to Appendix I, which effectively bans all international trade of pangolins and their products.

China has placed the animals under the second-highest level of national protection, and they could soon be promoted to the highest level. On Dec 27, customs officials in Shanghai seized 3.1 metric tons of pangolin scales, equivalent to up to 7,000 dead pangolins, while Hong Kong customs officers seized 7.2 tons of suspected pangolin scale products early this year.

A wider aim

"A pangolin of about 3 kilograms can protect about 100 hectares of forest from termite damage," said Zhao Peng, director of the Nature Conservatory's China program. "To protect this endangered species is to protect the ecosystem."

The protection of wild fauna and flora constitutes a prominent part of the nation's development strategy, added Li Qingwen, secretary-general of the China Wildlife Conservation Association.

Since 2000, the association, which is part of the State Forestry Administration, has supported or conducted a series of scientific investigations into the status of pangolins, as well as poaching and trafficking. This has provided a solid foundation for government legislation and law enforcement.

The battle against wildlife poaching and smuggling is already bearing fruit, according to Peter Knights, founder and executive director of WildAid.

Since 1995, the organization has been working with Chan to raise awareness of endangered species worldwide. Under the slogan "When the buying stops, the killing can too", WildAid has gained global support.

Shark fin consumption has plummeted in the past three years, with China's shark fin imports falling by 81 percent, Knights said. A total ban on ivory processing and sales in China will be effective from the end of the year, a move that has been widely praised by the international community, he added.

With more stringent legislation and law enforcement, the ivory smuggled into the country last year fell by 80 percent, while ivory prices on the black market in Kenya and other African countries fell by more than 60 percent, resulting in a 75 percent decrease in elephant poaching.

Similarly, underground prices for rhinoceros horn are about a third of what they once were, according to Knights.

"This is the result of the joint efforts made by Chinese government agencies and their partners, and we hope that such efforts will have the same effect in protecting the pangolins," he said. "We are very grateful to the General Administration of Customs for its great contribution in combating the illegal trade of pangolins and other wild species."

Knights is now calling on all countries to strengthen legislation and to fight pangolin poaching and public consumption with stronger law enforcement at the international level.
U.S. President Donald Trump [Xinhua]

American President Donald Trump is always good for a surprise. He needs constantly to remind his own people and the world that his campaign slogan was "America First."

Following the appalling terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001, America has been at war with the Taliban in Afghanistan. Yet, its suppression by the U.S.-supported government in Kabul has enjoyed only limited success. [The British learnt in the 19th century just how hard it is for an external force to keep order in Afghanistan.]

So, now, Trump wants to double down and expand the U.S. military presence and activity there.

Reinforcements could start arriving in Afghanistan within days, according to a U.S. regional commander. The current force strength is around 8,400; Trump has already agreed to increase this by a further 3,900, but that had been delayed pending a final presidential decision, which now appears to have been made.

Defence Secretary James Mattis has said that NATO allies would also be asked to support this new deployment, and that several of them "have committed to increasing their troop numbers."

Peace and order in Afghanistan is something on which most of the world agrees. However, Trump has widened his focus to attack Pakistan, saying that the new strategy would focus more on counter-terrorism and increasing pressure on Pakistan to deny "safe havens" to terrorist and militant groups.

The government in Islamabad is being asked to "demonstrate its commitment to civilization, order and peace"  implying doubt it exists.

Its unclear how this approach is going to help U.S.-Pakistan relations or progress on overall regional peace. It is true that Pakistan itself has a big problem with militants and extremists, but it also plays a positive role in providing intelligence for the fight against terrorism, as well as being a vital supply route for the NATO forces in Afghanistan that Trump claims to be so keen to support.

However, more importantly, Pakistan is a key regional ally of China. China has often described the relationship as "all-weather friendship," persisting since 1950 when Pakistan became one of the first countries to recognize the newly-established PRC.

Pakistan has warmly welcomed the opportunities offered by Chinas Belt and Road project, and Beijings plans for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor involve investments of more than US$55 billion. Recent demonstrations of the "all-weather friendship" included Chinese soldiers marching in a parade during Pakistans national day celebrations last March.

It is no secret that there are long-standing tensions between China and India, as both countries are rapidly developing countries with large populations, and, in addition to the inevitable economic rivalry, there are long-standing territorial disputes that led to war in 1962 and remain unresolved.

Under the current circumstances, it was not helpful for Trump to call for greater Indian involvement in Afghanistan, as this can only increase India-Pakistan tension. In Pakistan, this will only encourage the army to increase its fear of Indian secret ambitions, and risk upsetting the delicate balance between civil and military institutions in Islamabad.

Following Trumps speech, China lost no time in defending her ally, saying that Pakistan "is at the frontline of fighting terrorism." It is clear that the aggressive American approach will strengthen the Sino-Pakistani alliance, underpinned as it will be by the infrastructural benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

No harm in this, but is that what the U.S. foreign policy establishment really wanted?

This is not diplomacy as most understand it. It sounds as though Trump is interested in speaking to no-one but his own electoral base in the U.S. Pakistan, a country under severe pressure both internally and externally, needs very careful handling.

China has always understood this. Barack Obama appeared to understand it, too  under his administration pressure on Pakistan to help with the struggle against terrorism was subtler and more flexible.

If Trumps newly-announced initiative were really likely to bring about peace and stability in Afghanistan, one might be prepared to overlook its more unorthodox aspects. However, past centuries have proved that order cannot be imposed on a country like Afghanistan by force alone.

It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that the new U.S. administration, probably not with intent but out of carelessness of unintended consequences, is withdrawing from playing an influential and constructive role on the continent of Asia. The result can only be an increased role for China  not because of a desire for hegemony, but simply by default.

Tim Collard is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/timcollard.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
 Flash

The ninth BRICS summit held in the Chinese southeastern city of Xiamen was encouraging for Central Asian nations, said one expert.

Ruslan Izimov, head of Kazakh Eurasian Studies program of the World Economy and Policy Institute, told Xinhua that he noted the summit was predominately aimed at economic interaction between the BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and developing countries worldwide.

"Of course, this encourages us and other states of the Central Asian region," he said.

He also said that cooperation with BRICS countries like China and Russia presents great prospects, noting that most of Kazakhstan's economic programs are related to China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Russia-backed Eurasian Economic Union.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the initiative in 2013, which includes building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Over 100 countries and international organizations have expressed support for or participated in the initiative.

Izimov said his country is very interested in the idea of BRICS's cooperation with developing countries, adding that there are a lot of mutually beneficial projects.

He believes that the economic potential of the BRICS countries will inject new impetus into the development of the their neighboring states and regions.
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday healthy and stable relations between China and India are in line with the fundamental interests of their people.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along the right track, he said.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the southeastern city of Xiamen after the ninth BRICS summit.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

The principles were endorsed by China and India in the 1950s, and have been widely accepted as norms for relations between countries.

China and India should see each other as development opportunities rather than threats, Xi said, adding that peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation are the only right choice for the two countries.

India should see China's development correctly and rationally, he said.

Modi agreed that India and China should not see each other as rivals and should instead make cooperation the focus of bilateral relations.

He said India is ready to work with China to develop stable ties.

Modi said he expects the leaders of the two countries to maintain close communication and play a leading role in developing the ties.

Xi said the leaders of China and India have in recent years reached wide consensus on how to advance bilateral ties, agreed on building a closer partnership, and set long-term development goals.

Much progress had been achieved in advancing the ties, he said.

The meeting came after a military stand-off lasting more than two months with more than 270 Indian troops with two bulldozers crossing the boundary in mid-June into the Dong Lang (Doklam) area, which is Chinese territory, to obstruct infrastructure construction.

On Aug. 28, China confirmed that India had withdrawn personnel and equipment from Doklam, and said Chinese armed forces would strengthen patrols and defense of the area to resolutely safeguard sovereign security.

Xi said the two sides should maintain mutual respect, seek common ground while shelving differences, and safeguard peace in border areas.

China and India are the world's largest emerging market and developing countries.

Xi said the two have great potential in economic and social cooperation. They should seek synergy in development strategies, cooperate more on infrastructure development and connectivity, and continue people-to-people exchanges.

China and India should also strengthen coordination on global affairs to strive for a fairer and more just world order, he said.

Modi said the two sides should advance mutual political trust, expand practical cooperation, increase people-to-people exchanges, and jointly protect regional peace and stability.

He congratulated Xi on a successful BRICS summit.

Modi said the world is undergoing fast changes and the BRICS countries need to step up cooperation under such circumstances, adding that the Xiamen summit played a key role in this regard.
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The Danish submarine owner Peter Madsen, who has been accused of manslaughtering Swedish journalist Kim Wall, said on Tuesday that Wall was accidentally killed by a hatch cover.

In a testimony read out in Copenhagen City Court by prosecutor Jacob Buch Jepsen, Madsen said Wall died at around 10:00 p.m. on Aug. 10 aboard his privately built submarine after being struck by a hatch cover weighing 70 kilograms.

He explained that he raised the hatch for Wall to come up from below in the submarine. Suddenly, he slipped on the platform and the hatch fell and hit her.

The builder of the 18-meter vessel, named UC3 Nautilus, told the court that he went into a state of shock and became suicidal following the accident, and decided to sail out into the the deep water and take his own life before changing his mind and disposing Wall's body into the sea.

Later, he decided to scuttle the submarine.

Madsen was rescued shortly before the vessel sank and brought back to Copenhagen on Aug. 11, claiming that the vessel had met a technical problem. He also told police that Wall had earlier disembarked from the vessel before it sank.

On Aug. 21, Wall's torso was found washed up on shore near Copenhagen.

On the same day, Copenhagen Police confirmed that Madsen had admitted on Aug. 12 that he had "buried Wall at sea" after she died on board due to an "accident".

Madsen was then charged with manslaughter and the prosecution has requested he undergo psychiatric evaluation.

Copenhagen police said that Wall's legs, arms and head, which have not yet been found, were removed deliberately, and that the body had been tampered with to make it sink.

However, Madsen is still pleading not guilty to the charge of manslaughter of Wall on Tuesday, insisting that her body was contact when disposed, according to his lawyer Betina Hald Engmark.
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San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee on Tuesday denounced the White House decision to rescind a federal program that gives undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children a chance to stay and work.

"To punish them (the children) for seeking a better life is unconscionably cruel," Lee said in a statement.

On the same day, several members of the San Francisco city and county Board of Supervisors held a press conference at San Francisco City Hall to voice their opposition against the decision announced by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier in the day.

The DACA program was implemented in 2012, and essentially provided a legal status for recipients or a renewable two-year term work authorization and other benefits. As the DACA program was only open to those who have arrived in the United States at young age, the DACA recipients were often referred to as the "Dreamers."

"As a country and as a government, we asked young people to step out of the shadows and participate in the DACA program. Now, this administration wants to attack them for their courageous action," said Mayor Lee. "This country needs to pass comprehensive immigration reform. Until we do that, political decisions like these will continue to divide our communities and tear families apart."

San Francisco has one of the most ethnically diversified populations across the United States. In addition, an estimated one-third of about 800,000 participants in the DACA program live in California, a state on the U.S. West Coast. And California by itself is the most populous state in the country.
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Eleven militants loyal to the Islamic State (IS) group were killed after aircraft targeted the hardliner group's positions in the eastern Nangarhar province Wednesday, the Interior Ministry said.

"Today early morning, 11 Daesh (Islamic State) terrorists were killed after Afghan Air Forces targeted militants' hideouts in the Diwana Baba village, Haska Mina district of eastern Nangarhar province," the ministry said in a statement.

The IS group, which has been fighting against government forces in parts of the eastern Nangarhar province with Jalalabad as its capital 120 km east of Kabul, has yet to make comments.
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The military authorities of South Korea, the United States and Japan held a video conference on Wednesday over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) sixth nuclear test.

Earlier in the day, working-level defense ministry officials from the three countries held the video conference to share intelligence on the DPRK's latest nuclear test and discuss countermeasures, according to Seoul's Defense Ministry.

Attending the conference were Choi Hyong-chan, director general for international affairs at South Korea's Defense Ministry, David Helvey, acting U.S. assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs, and Satoshi Maeda, director general of the defense policy bureau at Japan's Defense Ministry.

The three officials agreed to continue cooperation in applying maximum pressure on the DPRK to force Pyongyang to give up its nuclear and missile programs and refrain from provocative and threatening acts.

They re-affirmed their commitment to increasing the trilateral interoperability to strengthen deterrence against the DPRK.

During the conference, the U.S. side re-affirmed its "ironclad" security commitment to its South Korean and Japanese counterparts, saying the U.S. extended deterrence commitment would be secured through all categories of military capabilities including conventional and nuclear weapons.

The conference came three days after the DPRK tested what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb warhead that can be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile.
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When asked about his opinion of U.S. President Donald Trump during the BRICS Summit in China, Russian President Vladimir Putin shed the question by saying Trump "is not my bride," according to U.S. media reports Tuesday.

"I am not his bride, nor his groom," Putin said when asked whether he was disappointed with Trump Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2017 summit held in the southeastern Chinese coastal city of Xiamen.

Calling it a "naive" question, Putin said he and Trump are both working for their governments and only engaged in state activities.

Regarding the two countries recently closing diplomatic properties belonging to the other, Putin said Russia's Foreign Ministry will file a lawsuit against the United State, the Washington Post reported.

When asked to comment on the U.S. investigations into alleged ties between Trump's campaign team and Russian intelligence, Putin said, it's America's internal political issue and not Russia's business.
US President Donald Trump has raised a major political storm in both the United States and the Republic of Korea, its long-time ally, by threatening to terminate the bilateral free trade agreement. While making the statement, Trump, it appears, was not thinking about narrowing the $17 billion trade deficit the US has with the ROK. Rather, his is a desperate bid to rewrite existing global trade rules in favor of the US.

Ever earlier, Trump has threatened to withdraw from bilateral or multilateral free trade agreements. He has repeatedly threatened to terminate the North American Free Trade Agreement and clamored to use trade remedy measures to impose punitive tariffs on imports from major trade partners. He has ordered the Department of Commerce to investigate steel imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the imposition of tariffs on imports for national security reasons. And he has directed the US Trade Representative to launch an investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 into Chinas laws, policies and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation.

The US' huge trade deficits are certainly behind Trump's threats to withdraw from free trade agreements. For example, the US had a trade deficit of $17 billion in goods and services combined with the ROK last year despite having a $10.7 billion trade surplus in services.

By issuing such threats, Trump can cater to those white industrial workers in the US who formed a bulk of his electorate in last year's presidential election, but by carrying out such isolationist ideas in practice, the Trump administration could drag the entire world into a trade war. It could even ruin the chances of increasing jobs and incomes in the US, a promise that in all probability won Trump the presidency, because other economies are set to fight back.

The plain economic truth is that global trade improves the well-being of people  not necessarily all groups of people, though  in all countries. In the case of the US, globalization might not have been good for the low-end industries, but it has greatly benefited the advanced manufacturing and services sectors.

This should prompt the US administration to make some policy changes so that it can help those traditionally weak industries to improve their competitiveness and flourish in the globalized world. By pursuing the "America First" policy and coercing other countries to help the US to rewrite the trade rules in its favor, the Trump administration will only evoke firm opposition from countries, even its allies, which would not be conducive to global trade.
BEIJING -- The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) announced Tuesday that it would provide up to $210 million in debt financing to tap renewable energy in Egypt.

The project will consist of 11 greenfield solar power plants with an aggregate capacity of 490 mW, according to an AIIB statement.

"We are supporting this project because it contributes to Egypt's renewable energy capacity and will help position the country as a regional energy hub, which will have economic benefits for the entire region," said D.J. Pandian, AIIB vice-president and chief investment officer.

This solar power project will increase Egypt's power generation capacity, reduce the country's dependence on gas and fuel for electricity generation, and will help the country meet its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement as it moves towards an environmentally sustainable energy mix, according to the AIIB.

Egypt's huge solar resources, together with its strategic vision for green growth, will allow this project to generate global environmental benefits by avoiding greenhouse gas emissions of more than half a million tons of CO2 per year.

The program will increase Egypt's generation capacity so it can export energy during peak hours and improve its connectivity in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa, the AIIB statement said.

The project will be co-financed by AIIB and the International Financial Corporation, and is attracting additional lenders from the private sector and bilateral financial institutions, according to the statement.

As of July, the AIIB has approved a total of $2.8 billion in loans for 17 projects.

With 80 members so far, the Beijing-based AIIB was officially established in December 2015 and was opened for business in January 2016. China is the largest shareholder of the AIIB with 27.5 percent of voting rights.

On July 18 this year, S&P Global Ratings announced it had assigned AIIB "its highest possible rating and a stable outlook," following top-notch credit ratings from Moody's on June 29 and Fitch on July 13.
The app of Zomato, an Indian online restaurant search and food ordering company, is displayed on a smartphone. [Photo/www.zomato.com]

Indian online restaurant search and food ordering startup Zomato is in talks to seek $200 million from Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba and its financial affiliate Ant Financial that runs China's largest e-wallet Alipay, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The company, founded in 2008 and worth $960 million during its last fundraising round in September, 2015, is expected to be valued at $1.1 billion and titled unicorn if it could raise the target amount in this round.

Currently operating in over 10,000 cities across 24 countries and especially having a high visibility in Middle East and South Asia, Zomato saw its revenues surge 80 percent in India's 2017 fiscal year that ended on March 31, the report said.

In addition, the company's annual operating cost and losses were reduced by 81 percent and 34 percent respectively in 2017 fiscal year.

According to the report, Zomato's high presence in global markets and the close relation between food delivery service and payment business are believed to spark the interests of Alibaba and Ant Financial.

Expanding in international markets is an important part of Alibaba's strategy as the company's founder and chairman Jack Ma has set a goal of boosting its gross sales to $1 trillion by 2020, according to the report.

Since 2015, Alibaba has acquired a big stake in Paytm, India's second biggest unicorn and largest mobile wallet operator by user number, according to a report by tmtpost.com.

In China, Alibaba Group has become the largest shareholder of domestic largest online catering company Ele.me since it invested $1.25 billion in the company in 2015, according to a report by yicai.com.

After Alibaba lead a new investment round of $1 billion in Ele.me in June, Ele.me swallowed its rival Baidu Waimai, the food delivery business of Baidu, in August, Xinhua reported.
[Photo/VCG]

Initial coin offerings, raising funds through the launch of token-based virtual currencies, have been banned in China, according to an announcement made by several authorities on Monday.

Analysts said that authorities move to ban ICOs is not surprising given that ICOs, with strong liquidity and great risk exposure, have little positive influence on and relevance to the real economy, and it may be the start of further strengthened regulation over crypto-coin trading in the market.

Through ICOs, fundraisers have created and sold new crypto tokens, such as Ethereum and Litecoin, or Bitcoin's virtual currency peer, to investors.

The announcement said that ICOs are unauthorized, unlawful fundraising that have allegedly engaged in illegal activities such as the illicit issuance of bills, financial fraud and pyramid schemes.

"ICOs have seriously disrupted financial and economic order", said the announcement by the central bank, the banking regulator, the securities regulator, and a number of other regulators.

All kinds of initial coin offerings should be stopped immediately and those organizations and individuals who have already completed ICOs should offer refunds, protect investors' rights and handle risks properly.

ICOs have raised about 2.616 billion yuan ($399.5 million) in total in China with more than 105,000 investors in the first half of 2017.

The size of the funds raised through ICOs has surpassed that of conventional venture capital channels, said a research note by an expert committee on internet financial security and safety technologies in July.

"In terms of liquidity, regulation and investors' protection, ICOs are obviously different from conventional legal fundraising channels", said Yan Yuemin, an analyst with Industrial Securities, in a research note.

Fundraising through offering crypto-coins are easily exposed to risks due to ICOs' lack of transparency, ease of cross-border transactions, lack of regulation, a low threshold for fundraisers, and not being not asset-backed in any form, said a research note by Industrial Securities.

The price of crypto-coins fell sharply after the ban, with Bitcoin's price falling around 12 percent to $4,018 on Tuesday, and Ethereum's price declining some 32 percent to $232, according to virtual coin trading platform btctrade.com.

"Tighter regulations are likely to be launched in the near future as regulators are already seeking opinions from market players and have arranged talks with platforms," said an executive technology officer with one of the major virtual coin trading platforms in China who declined to disclose his employer's name.
A tower of bottled water on display at the opening of the 11th China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun, capital of Jilin province earlier this month. [Wang Zhengdong/for China Daily]

Shoppers snap up upmarket labels with the industry projected to reach 86.5 billion yuan in 2021

Drinking upmarket bottled water has become chic for China's sophisticated shoppers.

The thirst for the right brands is growing despite rising prices as consumers go for the healthy option and leave fizzy, sugary soft drinks on the shelves.

Tang Min is a typical example of this new wave of conscientious customers.

She is a marketing manager at a Chinese boutique furniture store in Shanghai and buys an array of different kinds of bottled water.

"I choose mineral water of a specific brand for boiling tea and not just because it is healthier," she said. "The taste will be impaired if I use distilled water.

"When my four-year-old son cries for carbonated beverages, I will give him a bottle of sparkling water instead," Tang, 33, added. "I don't want him to grow into a humpty-dumpty with a mouthful of decaying teeth."

Consumers are increasingly going for this healthy option, a survey by market research company Mintel Group Ltd highlighted.

Between 2011 and 2016, China's bottled water sector increased more than 12 percent annually on average.

Last year, the industry was worth 60.7 billion yuan ($9.1 billion) and is expected to hit 86.5 billion yuan by 2021, Mintel reported.

In 2016, 25,906 million liters of bottled water were consumed. The number will continue to grow to 30,699 million liters by 2021.

"Premiumization, or the increase in high-end brands which are considered healthier, is the major driver of increased consumption of bottled water in China," said Li Lei, a research analyst at Mintel.

But then shoppers are not only buying more, they are going upmarket.

In the 400- to 800-milliliter sector, which is the leading category, mid- to high-end brands are taking an increasingly bigger share, Kantar Worldpanel revealed.

The consumer trends company reported that upmarket bottled water sales grew 27 percent from mid-2015 to mid-2016.

This was much higher than the 5 percent posted in the low-end market during the same period.

Naturally, companies are scrambling to get a larger slice of the high-end sector.

In March, Shenzhen Ganten Food and Beverage released its Blairquhan series upmarket label. This included mineral and sparkling water priced at around 15 yuan a bottle, which was sold in hotels, cinemas, cafes, bars and luxury department stores.

The Blairquhan series was launched after the success of Nongfu Spring.

Based in Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang province, the company rolled out a high-end brand of mineral water in a glass bottle for 35 yuan in 2015.

International businesses have been quick to follow by dipping into this lucrative market.

In July, Reignwood Group, which distributes energy drink Red Bull in China, introduced Norwegian high-end bottled water brand Voss here.

A month later, Aoraki, the upmarket label marketed by French food producer Danone, made its debut in Shanghai and on e-commerce platforms.

"High-quality water sources are 'premium' among consumers," Li at Mintel said.

Indeed, this was evident in a poll conducted by the market research group about the retail habits of 2,965 shoppers aged between 20 and 41.

Mintel found that up to 71 percent of those surveyed last year were more concerned about where the water was sourced, compared to 68 percent in 2015.

Another 45 percent felt high-end bottled water helped provide additional health benefits, up from 42 percent in 2015.

"Consumers nowadays have become increasingly sophisticated and therefore look for value before paying a premium price," Li said.

"While high-quality water sources are strongly associated with 'premium bottled water', different age groups have different interpretations of 'premium'. This suggests companies and brands should target them accordingly," he added.

Sparkling water attracts mainly high-income consumers, while "black water", which contains additional minerals, is popular with younger shoppers, Li pointed out.

Even so, the overall beverage sector here has contracted for three consecutive years, consultancy firm Bain & Co confirmed.

Again, this is largely a result of the country's transition to services and the upgrading of traditional manufacturing industries.

"They are gradually moving from China to Vietnam and Bangladesh, where labor costs are lower," said Bruno Lannes, a partner at Bain & Co in China. "Products that usually target blue-collar workers, for example beverages, will see their sales decline accordingly."

The only exception will be the bottled water sector.

"People have accepted (rising) prices as they care more about their health," Lannes added. "It is not just about the wealthiest groups, it is about all consumers."
Entrepreneur Zhu Jiangliang is a water sommelier and the owner of Purelogica, a luxury water import and distribution business in China. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhu Jiangliang wanted to become a mixologist, learning the skill of making cocktails, before he was 20.

He even spent a year in a Sydney bar figuring out the "magical possibilities between gins, wines and liquors".

But now the 32-year-old Shanghai-born entrepreneur is dedicated to one beveragewater. In fact, he has made a "profession" out of sniffing and sipping various types of H2O.

He claims he can even tell the subtle differences of PH and calcium levels in a wide range of spring and mineral water.

In short, he calls himself a master water sommelier, a French word originally used to describe a "wine steward".

Zhu has even been profiled by CNN Travel in an article entitled: Serious sips: On the job with Shanghai's leading water sommelier.

He is proud of his "profession" and pointed out that there are only a handful of people in China with his background.

"There are five grades of water sommeliers," Zhu said. "The entry level is about telling whether the water is acidic or contains certain minerals. The second level involves blind tasting, while the third requires pairing different types of water with tea, coffee or wine.

"The highest level is a master of water sommelier, which is me," Zhu said half jokingly, adding that he also owns Purelogica, a luxury water import and distribution business in China.

During the past few years, Zhu has focused on training staff at luxury hotels and turning them into "water sommeliers", with a training system loosely based on wine tasting.

"My vision is to have 5,000 water sommeliers in China in 10 years," he said.

Since he introduced his training program last year, more than 200 candidates have signed up for the courses.

Most work for high-class hotels such as the Park Hyatt, the Ritz Carlton and the Waldorf.

The entry-level course is free of charge, but after that prices start from $3,000 per grade.

Zhu, who also worked for luxury car brands for several years, confessed he fell in love with H2O after being impressed by the sweetness of a glass of mineral water during a dinner appointment.

While the taste lingered overnight, his interest in water grew and he tried more than 100 types of H2O within a week.

In 2010, he became a certified "water sommelier" from the Korean International Sommelier Association. He has since developed his Chinese program in partnership with the KISA.

"Everyone has to drink water," Zhu said. "Unlike coffee or wine, water is as essential as air.

"So natural water is the safest choice as well as an indulgence," he added.

The most expensive water in his Purelogica portfolio is Greenland Iceberg at 1,500 yuan ($225) a bottle.

This is made from floating Arctic icebergs and sold as water "that is 100,000 years old".

"It sells like hot cakes," Zhu said. "The limited 15,000 bottles we can get every year are sold out within four months. And now people want to learn and tell others the special taste of the old water," he added.
China Merchants Capital and Russia's Vnesheconombank signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday with a view to financing joint projects and creating high-tech and innovation funds.

The parties are considering setting up to invest in a fund in Russian companies, including those focused on exports.

"Russia is an important participant in the Belt and Road Initiative and the signing of the MoU between VEB and CMC is undoubtedly fostering strategic cooperation and alignment between Chinese and Russian economies," said Anthony Yang, general manager of CMC SINO-BLR Fund.

The signing ceremony took place during the visit of the delegation of Vnesheconombank to Shenzhen. The MoU was signed by Li Yinquan, chairman of China Merchants Capital, and Sergei Gorkov, his Russian counterpart from Vnesheconombank.

The delegations attended the business incubator of China Merchants Space and shared best mechanisms and practices for implementing innovative projects.

"We look forward to working closely with our Russian partners toward mutually beneficial goal of contributing to prosperity of both nations," Yang said.

Gorkov said, "China Merchants Co is part of China Merchants Group, which has nearly 150 years' experience of contributing to the development of the Chinese economy. It has participated in the construction of the majority of existing business accelerators and innovation development zones in China.

"Vnesheconombank has been attracting Chinese funding for most forward-thinking high-tech projects that are implemented in Russia and oriented to the Chinese and global markets. I am sure that China Merchants Group will provide serious support to Russian innovation products in the Chinese market."
SHANGHAI - Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau said Tuesday the first shipment of US beef by sea entered China on Sept 1, signifying the normalization of the large-scale import of the product.

The shipment of frozen beef weighed 15.1 tons and was valued more than $300,000, according to the bureau, which opened a green channel for a faster approval procedure.

China started the import of US beef in June after a 14-year absence. However, imports were limited to air freight in June and July, which pushed up the costs while failing to meet market demand.

Data from Shanghai Customs showed the city's beef imports reached 144,000 tons from January to July, mainly from Brazil, Australia, Uruguay and New Zealand.

China's beef imports reached around $2.5 billion in 2016. However, per capita consumption is still low compared with the United States and Australia.

The reopening of the Chinese market to US beef, one of the first results from the China-United States 100-day action plan reached in May, ends a ban initially triggered by concerns over mad cow disease in 2003, and may well start a new chapter in bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
XIAMEN - In the face of global uncertainties and anti-globalization sentiment, representatives at the BRICS summit on Wednesday called for concerted efforts by developing countries to promote a freer global market and a fairer economic order.

"One of the main tasks for BRICS cooperation is to eliminate barriers in trading and investment and make our economy more open," Sergey Katyrin, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia, told Xinhua on the sidelines of the three-day summit held in southeast China's coastal city of Xiamen.

His remarks are in line with the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation reaffirmed in the BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration issued following the meetings of the five major emerging markets on Monday.

"We emphasize the importance of an open and inclusive world economy enabling all countries and peoples to share in the benefits of globalization," the declaration said, noting that the five countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- will "continue to firmly oppose protectionism."

It also urged the world to guard against "inward-looking policies" and tendencies affecting global growth prospects and market confidence.

Chairman of South Africa BRICS Business Council, Iqbal Surve, believed that protectionism emerged mainly in the developed world "does not make any sense" as globalization is an irresistible and irreversible trend of the times.

"The world has been integrated with technologies, languages and global standards. Going back to protectionism is immature and selfish," Surve said.

Considering the setback against integration, he said the BRICS should be better used to promote opening up and development in countries.

Global efforts towards a freer market have been undermined by the "America First" strategy prompted by US President Donald Trump, who has demanded renegotiations of the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico, aiming to reverse huge trade deficits and curb the outflow of manufacturing jobs.

Mexico, with its export sector heavily relying on the United States, is concerned about Trump's "Buy American, Hire America" policies.

"Any attempts to close itself and build artificial barriers will lead nowhere," former Mexican Ambassador to China Sergio Ley-Lopez said, calling on BRICS and other developing countries to work hand-in-hand to combat anti-globalization tendencies.

China has invited leaders of Mexico, Egypt, Guinea, Tajikistan and Thailand to join the dialogue on South-South cooperation and global development, a pragmatic move to build up the China-proposed "BRICS Plus" model for a broader partnership with emerging markets and developing countries.

For Atul Dalakoti, executive director of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, BRICS, as an important platform for cooperation, should take concrete actions to help the world realize that globalization is the only way forward, especially for developing countries.

Highlighting Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech on opening up and cooperation, Standard Bank economist Jeremy Stevens, who attended the BRICS Business Forum on Sunday, said Xi's remarks reminded the whole world of the vital significance of openness and inclusiveness to growth when protectionist measures emerge.

The just-concluded BRICS Xiamen summit is widely deemed as setting a brighter future course for the bloc and the whole world as well.

As the BRICS now contributes more than half to global growth, BRICS New Development Bank President K.V. Kamath believed the bloc will play a more significant and decisive role in facilitating free trade and pushing forward globalization.

"I have confidence that BRICS will drive the agenda of free trade in the future," Kamath said. "If the BRICS leadership believes free trade is the right way, that is how our way will be."
BEIJING - Under China's presidency, the BRICS mechanism has entered its second "golden decade" with global expectation that it will promote economic recovery amid deglobalization concerns.

Since the first meeting of their foreign ministers in 2006, BRICS countries have achieved 10 years of prosperity, with 42 percent of the world's population contributing 50 percent of global economic growth.

The five-member bloc has focused on promoting cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, currency and finance, connectivity, sustainable development, innovation and industrial cooperation.

Given a sluggish economic growth and rising protectionism, the world needs BRICS' unremitting efforts in the next decade to bring confidence and energize common development.

After assuming the rotating presidency this year, China, together with the other four members of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, has formulated a series of platforms within the BRICS mechanism to deliver tangible achievements.

The BRICS mechanism is based on results-oriented cooperation, and significant progress has been made in this regard.

While the bloc is dedicated to strengthening South-South cooperation, it is not intended to "move the cheese of anyone," as Chinese President Xi Jinping said at a three-day summit in China's coastal city of Xiamen, but to "make the pie of the global economy bigger."

Actions speak louder than words. Xi announced at the summit that China will offer 500 million yuan ($76 million) to facilitate practical cooperation in economy and trade, and another $4 million for projects of the BRICS New Development Bank, a Shanghai-headquartered body set up in 2015 as the bloc's major contribution to the world financial system.

It is worthy noting that the group has decided to invite more countries to participate in the mechanism, a move that will turn it into an engine for developing countries to stimulate mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.

As a stakeholder in shaping world order and safeguarding peace, the BRICS should further strengthen communication and coordination on major global and regional issues, and promote democracy in international relations so as to serve as a stabilizer for the world.
CANBERRA - Chinese tourists accounted for almost a quarter of all spending in Australia by overseas visitors in 2016/17, according to Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steve Ciobo.

On Wednesday, Ciobo released details of the 2017 International Visitor Survey, which said international tourists spent a record A$40.6 billion ($34.5 billion) in Australia last financial year.

The minister said the "stellar result" came on the back of record spending by Chinese tourists, who kicked in almost a quarter of the overall spend.

"International visitors spent a record A$40.6 billion in the year to June 2017, an increase of 7 percent on the previous year," Ciobo said.

"Chinese tourists continue to have the biggest impact on our economy with 1.2 million visitors spending A$9.8 billion ($7.85 billion). Both are increases of 10 percent. This growth comes during the China-Australia Year of Tourism."

Ciobo added that a weaker Australian dollar had also contributed in a record rise in expenditure from tourists from the United States.

"Along with the Chinese, Americans are also visiting Australia in record numbers. Australia welcomed a record 706,000 tourists from the United States, a 14-percent increase, and they spent A$3.8 billion ($3.05 billion), an increase of 4 percent," the minister said.
China's major listed insurer, Ping An Insurance (Group) Co, released its core intelligent technologies for the first time Wednesday to show how they can improve operation efficiency.

Two products, based on artificial intelligence, were open to other insurance companies, Chen Xinying, executive deputy general manager of Ping An, said at the publishing ceremony.

It aims to provide a better solution for risk control, cost reduction, efficiency improvement and users' experience, she said.

One of the products, intelligent authentication, adopted face and voiceprint recognition to establish biological files for every client with the company.

By using the technology, the identity and behaviors of insurance applicants or agents can be quickly verified, thus helping avoid possible disputes in selling, according to the company.

Ping An said since put into operation, the proportion of customers who withdraw their application dropped to 1.4 percent, compared with 4 percent with other insurers.

Time taken to settle claims were reduced from three days to 30 minutes, it said.

Also, the technology can cover 90 percent of the procedures involving customer services, which can significantly improve efficiency, it said.

Another product, intelligent quick claim settlement, mainly used in auto insurance sector, can recognize the type of car and degree of damage by reading photos of the scene. It will then calculate the cost of maintenance within a few seconds.

The company settled about 5 million auto-related cases with the technology in the first half of 2017, it said.

And its net promoter score, which measures how many clients recommend the product to others, reached 82 percent.

Ye Wangchun, CEO of Shanghai OneConnect Technology Co Ltd, a financial technology company subsidiary to Ping An, also maker of the two products, said they will share more AI intelligent insurance products with other insurers in the future to serve the healthy development of the industry.

More than 10 insurers signed agreements with Ping An to use the two products, including Manulife-Sinochem Life Insurance Co Ltd and Kunlun Health Insurance Co Ltd.
BEIJING  China's IT and internet industry continued to prosper in 2016 thanks to a better business environment and technological innovation, according to a report of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Total revenues of major IT and internet companies reached 17 trillion yuan (about $2.6 trillion), 1.55 times that of the 2012, the latest official data showed.

This represents 11.6 percent annual growth from 2012 to 2016, with the electronics manufacturing and software sectors leading growth by expanding 9.5 percent and 18.1 percent respectively.

Profit growth at major electronic IT and Internet companies gathered pace in 2016 on increasing investment and lower tax rates.

Last year such firms reported total profits of 1.3 trillion yuan, nearly double that in 2012, with a 17.3 percent annual growth.

The report said that last year the electronics manufacturing sector continued to support the country's industrial growth with its value-added output expanding 10 percent year-on-year.

The number of IT and internet companies with annual revenues of more than four billion yuan exceeded 200 and nearly a thousand companies made cross-border operations last year.

Investment in the electronics manufacturing sector rose 1.6 percent year-on-year. The growth was 14.7 percentage points higher than that of 2015, according to the report.

The industry's rapid development was boosted by Internet-based innovations including virtual reality, smart television and drones.

IT is playing a bigger role in consumption, which will boost combined output of related industries to 15 trillion yuan in 2020, according to an industry guideline released recently by the State Council.

China will bolster online information consumption in the next few years to stimulate domestic demand and shore up economic growth.

By the end of 2020, the consumption of online information products and services is expected to grow at least 11 percent per year to reach 6 trillion yuan, according to the guideline.

Online information consumption stood at 3.9 trillion yuan last year, contributing 0.26 percentage points to the country's 6.7 percent year-on-year GDP growth.

The government has said it will create a sound business environment by adopting inclusive and prudent regulation, cutting red tape, and improving the protection of personal information and intellectual property.
A pregnant woman's relatives and a hospital in Yulin, Shaanxi province, are blaming each other for rejecting the woman's request to have a C-section, which allegedly led to her jumping to her death from the fifth floor of the hospital.

The 26-year-old woman, Ma Rongrong, who was a week away from delivery, was admitted to the First Hospital of Yulin on Wednesday to give birth, the hospital said in a statement dated on Sunday.

Medical checks showed the baby's head was bigger than normal, suggesting higher risks during natural birth, the statement said.

Ma's doctor advised her and her family to give Ma a C-section, but her family refused and signed a document at the hospital confirming that Ma would deliver naturally, the statement said.

She was transferred to the delivery room on Thursday morning but later left the room several times because of pain. She asked her husband to allow a C-section. Her doctor and nurses also advised her husband to allow the surgery, but all requests were rejected, the statement said.

Ma became emotional and lost control due to pain, and jumped out of the building later that day and died, the statement said.

Yan Zhuangzhuang, Ma's husband, said in a statement that she left the delivery room at about 6 pm on Thursday, adding that his wife had asked to have a C-section and that he had agreed immediately.

The husband's statement said the doctor checked Ma's condition and said she was going to give birth soon and did not need a C-section.

After more than an hour a nurse came out of the delivery room and told him Ma had disappeared. He later saw Ma's body being lifted from the ground and put onto a stretcher, the statement said.

According to Huashang Daily, Ma fell from the fifth floor of an inpatient building at about 8 pm on Thursday and died after rescue efforts failed. The police ruled out foul play.

Neither Yan nor the hospital answered phone calls from China Daily on Tuesday.

Under a regulation released by the State Council, China's Cabinet, medical institutions must get consent from patients and a signature from a family member before performing surgery, but doctors can make decisions without consent in emergencies.

Gong Xiaoming, a gynecologist at Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, said pregnant women should have the right to decide whether to have a natural birth or C-section.

"In reality, in many cases in China the decision to have a C-section is made by the patients' family members and the doctors," he said.
Two senior leaders have called for extending the Communist Party of China's strict governance and self-supervision to the grassroots level.

Wang Qishan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said that discipline inspection - an effective measure to tighten supervision within the Party - should be further expanded to the grassroots level.

"We're at a historic moment, very much closer to the great rejuvenation of the country. The biggest challenge the Party faces is placing power under effective supervision," he said at a seminar in Hunan province, according to a news release on the commission's website on Tuesday.

Wang, who chaired the seminar, made a three-day inspection of the province from Sunday to Tuesday.

After the new Party leadership was elected in late 2012, China launched a massive campaign to fight corruption and extravagance. Wang said discipline inspections, in which inspectors from the central level have been sent across the country, are effective in tightening supervision within the Party.

Commission data show that in the past five years, central inspectors have carried out 12 rounds of inspections of 277 Party organizations and units. Tips from those inspections have played an important role in 60 percent of the probes of senior officials since late 2012, Wang said.

Wang said such practices should be further promoted, and local Party authorities should follow the commission's lead.

Liu Yunshan, another member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, also stressed efforts to integrate Party building at the grassroots level, urging members to achieve more ahead of the upcoming 19th CPC National Congress.

Liu asked Party members to serve the public, solve difficulties, explore targeted poverty eradication and set an example for others.

Liu made the remarks during a two-day inspection tour in Hebei province that concluded on Monday. He visited Saihanba forest farm and a village in Chengde, where he acknowledged the achievements of Hebei's economic and social development and Party building.

Saihanba is a vast forest covering nearly 75,000 hectares. It was barren land 55 years ago, but decades of hard work turned it into an important ecological shield for Beijing and Tianjin.

"Generations of workers have not only created the miracle of turning barren land into a forest but also a precious spiritual fortune, the Saihanba spirit, which should be learned and carried forward," Liu said.

China Daily - Xinhua
Chinese media professionals will help to train their counterparts from Mozambique, a senior official said on Tuesday.

While meeting a media delegation from the African country in Beijing, Jiang Jianguo, minister of the State Council Information Office, said the visiting group provided a great opportunity for the two countries to strengthen cooperation.

As economic cooperation has increased between China and Mozambique, the need for more news media communication about best practices has followed, Jiang said.

"We kept a positive attitude toward the news professionals and tried to broaden the cooperation with Mozambique in the media industry," Jiang said. "Through exchanges, workers in the industry will gain firsthand experience."

During the China-Africa Forum in December 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa, President Xi Jinping said China would help to train 1,000 African news professionals each year through 2018 as part of a Sino-African cooperation plan.

The proportion of the 1,000 spots that will be allocated to Mozambique is expected to get bigger, Jiang said.

Emilia Jubileu Moiane, director of the Information Office of Mozambique, together with six Mozambican media officials, started a weeklong visit in China on Sunday to deepen communication with Chinese media officials.

"The Chinese media are in a rapidly developing era, and we would like to learn from them in various aspects, especially high technology," Moiane said. "We would like to send more reporters and media professionals to China to get trained and learn new media technologies."

A majority of Mozambican media reports are delivered through radio and print channels, while digital television broadcasts are still on the way. "There is a large gap in our media industry development compared with other countries," Moiane said.

A Chinese TV soap opera, A Beautiful Daughter-In-Law Era, which was translated into Portuguese - Mozambique's official language - by China Radio International in 2013, had a great influence on the country.

Moiane said Mozambique would like to import more Chinese TV series.

"To broadcast more about Chinese culture and life in China would increase our media diversity, which could also be achieved through information and news exchanges with Chinese media," she said.

Xin Wen contributed to this story.
NANCHANG - Suspected food poisoning has sickened 120 children in three kindergartens in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, according to the municipal government.

The Nanchang educational department confirmed on Wednesday that the provincial children's hospital has given medical examination to the 120 children. Among them, 36 children have been hospitalized, 62 put under medical observation and 22 discharged.

The sickened children showed such symptoms as vomiting and abdominal pains after they returned home Tuesday afternoon. No children had high fever.

The municipal health and educational departments are working with the local food and drug authority and police to probe into the incident.
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SHIJIAZHUANG -- North China's Hebei province has set up more stations to precisely monitor pollutants in the air as its new efforts to fight against smog.

Since the beginning of this year, Hebei provincial environment protection department has ordered several cities to install devices to collect air pollution data, aimed at setting up a province-wide network.

Handan, one of the first group of cities to trial the precision of monitoring network, has installed 196 stations for air data collection, said officials with the city's environment protection bureau.

Sensors have been put up near key industrial plants, main thoroughfares and airways in the city to collect data on six main types of pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone and two sizes of particulate matter.

Dust and volatile organic chemicals sensors have been installed near large construction sites and gas stations.

"If certain data goes high, our staff will respond immediately, track the source and send inspectors to intervene," said Gao Feng, deputy director of Handan environment monitoring center.

"In July, several monitoring stations reported high carbon monoxide levels. We immediately studied the data, and found the source of pollution was a steel factory to the north," he said.

"The steel factory is far from the city, and if it were not for the data, it would be hard to tell the cause," he added.

Hebei is aiming for a 40 percent cut in PM 2.5 (airborne particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter) density by 2020 compared to 2013 levels, through slashing excessive industrial capacity.
URUMQI -- Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region received over six million tourists during Eid al-Adha, known in China as Corban Festival, one of Islam's most important holidays.

Corban Festival is the feast of sacrifice when people slay livestock to share with their family, or visit relatives and friends to send best wishes.

Tourists spent 8.4 billion yuan (about $1.5 billion) during the five-day holiday from Sept 1 to 5 in Xinjiang, the Xinjiang tourism commission said Wednesday.

The figure is a giant leap from last year, as the Corban festival only lasted for three days last year, the commission said.

Close to 20,000 people visited the Urumqi bazaar on Sept 1. Kanas Lake in the Altay region hosted a record 48,250 people on Sept 3.

During the festival, Russia overtook Taiwan to become the top tourist destination for overseas outbound travellers from Xinjiang.

Xinjiang has a total population of 23 million and many tourist sites.
Beijing health inspection authorities will launch a citywide inspection of five-star hotels this week following reports that top hotels have not been changing bed sheets and cleaning toilets after guests check out.

The Beijing Health Inspection Office launched investigations into five hotels on Tuesday and all five-star hotels across the city will face scrutiny this week, according to Beijing News.

The five hotels are W Hotel Beijing, InterContinental Beijing Sanlitun, Hilton Beijing, Beijing JW Marriott Hotel & Resorts and Shangri-La Hotel Beijing.

Lanmei Test, an independent reviewer, released a video on its official WeChat account on Monday, showing that stamps  only visible under ultraviolet light  left by its employees on hotel sheets, toilets and cups the previous day were still there when they checked in the next day.

The video went viral and raised public concern over the cleanliness of hotels in the city.

In 2011, the Ministry of Health passed a regulation on the administration of public spaces, which requires hotels to change bedclothes for every guest. For long-term guests, bedclothes should be changed at least once a week. Star rated hotels have stricter regulations.

Li Lei contributed to this story.
Health authorities in Yulin, Shaanxi province, have launched an investigation into the death of an expectant mother who was denied a C-section, according to Beijing Youth Daily.

The 26-year-old woman, Ma Rongrong, jumped to her death from the fifth floor of the First Hospital of Yulin on Aug 31 because of unbearable labor pain.

On Wednesday morning, Ma's family and the hospital were still in dispute about the events leading up to Ma's death.

The hospital issued a statement on Wednesday morning, saying that police had confirmed that Ma's death was suicide.

The hospital offered three pieces of evidence in its defense - an informed consent for natural birth signed by Ma and her husband, a nurse's record showing that Ma's relatives had rejected the option of a C-section three times, and screenshots from the hospital's surveillance cameras.

In the screenshots, Ma is seen leaving the labor room three times to talk to her family. She is twice seen kneeling, which the hospital statement said showed she was begging her family for a C-section.

But Yan Li, a cousin of Ma's husband, told Beijing Youth Daily that Ma was squatting due to the pain.

Yan said that when Ma crouched down, she told her husband that she could not hold on any longer because of the pain and asked her husband to tell the doctor.

"My cousin told hospital staff immediately that a C-section was acceptable, but two doctors said after an examination that there was no need for a C-section and took away clothes prepared for the baby," Yan said.

Two doctors involved have been suspended pending an investigation.

Wang Keju contributed to this story.
DALIAN -- Police in Dalian, a major port in China's northeast, have been busy over the past few weeks patrolling ports and harbors to monitor illegal fishing.

A four-month fishing ban ended on Sept 1 and thousands of fishermen have resumed their operations.

In May, China's Ministry of Agriculture ordered a one-month extension to the previous ban. From May 1 to Sept 1, fishing was prohibited in rivers and offshore areas during the spawning season for most aquatic life.

Starting from Aug 25, officers in Dalian have inspected 200 ports, and those who did not have approval documents were not allowed to set sail, said Song Xianguo, deputy Party secretary of the police department.

A total of 82 boats were seized after failing to obtain documentation, and about 100 people were found to have faked documentation, according to police.

China has carried out fishing bans for many years to preserve fish resources in major oceans, said Lin Shanqing, deputy director of State Oceanic Administration.

During the ban, police stepped up law enforcement and carried out awareness campaigns.

This year, Dalian police dispatched 9,000 officers to monitor illegal fishing. Over 500 boats were seized, more than 270 people were fined for providing logistics for the boats and 180 others were caught illegally ordering or purchasing the catch.

"We are trying to establish a system which records the data of all boats, fishermen, owners, captains and crew members, so that we can quickly discover malpractice cases," said Song.

So far, information has been collected on 2,400 boats and 3,300 people.

Over-exploitation of offshore fisheries has damaged the biodiversity of the sea, which can be seen around Haiyang Island in Changhai County, about 73 nautical miles from Dalian, one of the four largest fishery areas in China.

In the first half of the year, fish farming output has grown, but the wild fish catch in the county dropped by 25.9 percent.

"We hope, with the extension of the ban, the environment will be improved so that we can catch more high-quality fish and seafood," said Wang Huan, a fisherman who lives in Changhai.

Since 2013, Dalian has spent 184 million yuan ($27 million) to put fish fry, juvenile fish able to feed themselves, into the sea.

In Tianjin municipality, the fishery authority issued 400,000 yuan in fines during the ban and detained one person for violation.

A fishing ban in the South China Sea ended on Aug 16. During this period, 92 cases of illegal fishing were reported, down 30 percent from last year, according to Hainan provincial maritime and fishery authorities.

The authorities increased supervision and asked members of the public to report violations during the ban.
The first "1+6" roundtable dialogue is held by Premier Li Keqiang and six international financial chiefs in Beijing on July 22, 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Premier Li Keqiang is to hold the second roundtable dialogue with heads of six major international organizations, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, on Sept 12 in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday.

The event, also called the "1+6" Dialogue, will focus on topics such as economic growth, structural reform, sustainable development, trade and investment, financial stability, entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment, said Geng.

Attending the dialogue will be World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevedo, International Labour Organization Director-General Guy Ryder, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Secretary-General Angel Gurria and G20 Financial Stability Board Chairman Mark Carney.

The first dialogue was held on July 22 in Beijing, which centered on promoting strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the Chinese and global economy.
The death of a 26-year-old pregnant woman surnamed Ma, who jumped off the delivery room at the fifth floor of the First Hospital of Yulin when she suffered great pain on Aug 31, continues sparking discussions on China's social networks.

Especially, after the hospital posted Medical Informed Consent (MIC) online, saying Ma twice asked her husband Yan Zhuangzhuang to sign on a document about C-section birth but was twice rejected, many netizens scolded the husband for being coldblooded.

But Xiu Minghe, a lawyer specializing in medical disputes at Beijing-based Jingshi Law Firm, said that even if what the hospital said is true, the hospital should also be taken accountable because it could legally do C-section birth for Ma without her husband's signature.

According to the General Provisions of Civil Law, a citizen's own true volition for lawful civil activities should be respected.. "That means, as long as Ma had a sober mind and asked for C-section birth, the hospital could consider it, instead of waiting for the consent of her husband, the authorized person."

Xiu also quoted the Tort Law as saying that, when it is necessary to take major treatment measures such as surgical operation, medical staff are responsible of "telling either the patients or their family about potential risks and obtain a written consent".

"In practice, many hospitals choose to tell both, but to tell the patient is sufficient," he said.

He added that, even if both the patient and his/her family refuse to sign, the hospital could take necessary medical measures on its dean's signature, because it is up to the hospital to make professional decisions.

However, a problem in reality is, many medical staff don't dare to take such measures because of the rampant patient-doctor tensions or even conflicts.

An obstetrical doctor at West China Women's and Children's Hospital in Chengdu of Sichuan province, who requires to keep anonymous, said that the case reminds residents nationwide not to be over careful with C-section birth.

There was a time when C-section birth was quite rampant. In February 2010, a World Health Organization report showed that in China C-section births accounted for 46 percent of all the births in 2007 and 2008, much higher than the line of 15 percent the WHO suggests.

According to the obstetrical doctor, in the past few years, domestic medical authorities have taken measures to control C-section birth, because it is a surgical operation and the pregnant woman needs more days to recover after delivery. Babies born in this way face higher risk of wet-lung disease as they did not pass through the birth canal of the mother.

Yet it is still a most effective measure against dystocia and it saved many lives of women and children. "For the health of mothers and children, we encourage natural births, but we cannot demonize C-section birth", he said. "It is a last resort but a necessary last measure."

Currently all reports say Ma felt so great pain at the delivery room, implying she needed a C-section birth. But both interviewees point out that "China's medical standards allow medical staff to consider a C-section birth under nine conditions, such as uterine abnormality and oversize of embryo; heavy pain is not one of them so it is not any reason for C-section birth."

Xiu said local authorities should read the all medical records of Ma to decide whether she truly needed a C-section birth, and the obstetrical doctor said there might be more details. Both expect more investigation that dig into details can find out the truth.

And before that neither media nor the netizens should jump at a quick conclusion and point fingers at others easily.

Contact the writer at zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn
Nearly half a billion students in China received financial assistance for their education between 2012 and 2016, China's top education authority said on Wednesday.

A total of 425 million students across a wide range of educational categories received funding from governments and other organizations. These included those signed up for preschool education, compulsory education, common senior middle education, secondary vocational education and higher education.

"In the four years, the total amount spent helping students at all levels of education is 698 billion yuan ($106.87 billion), with the average annual growth rate of 10.66 percent, said Tian Zuyin, the official in charge of student assistance affairs at the Ministry of Education of China.

According to Tian, from 2012 to 2016, government financial input hit 478 billion yuan ($73.29 billion), accounting for 68.48 percent of the total, which has a critical role in sponsoring students. Meanwhile, the remainder, 31.52 percent, came from schools, enterprises and public institutions, social organizations and individuals, reaching 220 billion yuan ($33.73 billion).

China has hundreds of millions of students from poverty-stricken families, especially in western China. With the financial assistance of governments at all levels and society over the years, the majority of those students now have gained access to various levels of education.

About 77.4 percent children in China entered kindergarten in 2016, compared with 64.5 percent in 2012. During the four years, the penetration of China's nine-year compulsory education rose from 91.8 percent to 93.4 percent.

Benefitting from some special financial aid policy, plenty of students are inspired to be engaged in grassroots work, including in agriculture, forestry, mining and the petroleum industry. In the past four years, governments have invested over 3 billion yuan ($460 million), guiding 285,000 undergraduates to devote themselves to grassroots.

"We have supported lots of students to acquire knowledge indeed. And we also demand educational organizations respect and protect students' privacy when assessing their families' economic conditions or giving out grants, which allows needy students to accept aid with dignity," said Tu Yicai, an official with the Chinese education ministry.

Jiang Chenglong contributed to this story.
Luo Chan, at the wheel, and Ding Jie, in red, and their daughter pose for a photo in their car. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Six years ago Luo Chan and Ding Jie, a couple from Southwest China's Guizhou province, drove a car with Guizhou license plates across the Eurasian land mass and finally arrived in London.

The 21,682-kilometer journey across two continents took the couple two months.

In July this year they came back to Guizhou with their 4-year-old daughter after travelling through 18 countries. This time, the car that carried them was a vintage model with UK registration.

During their journey back home, the family raised money for a non-profit foundation, China Rural Kids Care, with the hope that the foundation could bring free medical insurance to children in the impoverished areas in their hometown. Their travels are far from an end.

"In early September, we will transport the car to North America by sea, and begin our new trip across the Americas from north to south," the couple said.
Ambassador Liu Xiaoming gets his honorary degree from David Greenaway, vice-chancellor of Nottingham University. [Photo by Kevin Wang / China Daily]

The University of Nottingham marked its strong links with China by conferring an honorary doctorate degree on the country's ambassador to the UK.

Liu Xiaoming, who has been China's senior diplomat in Britain since 2009, received a Doctor of Laws on Wednesday in recognition of his contribution to Sino-UK relations and his support for the university's endeavors to contribute to education in China.

"We wanted to recognize Ambassador Liu's achievements in promoting education cooperation between our two countries, but also helping us to build links in China," said David Greenaway, vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham.

A plaque was also unveiled marking the Nottingham Confucius Institute as a model Confucius Institute.

Liu has made tremendous contributions to bilateral political, economic and social exchanges during his time in the UK, which reached a milestone in 2015 with President Xi Jinping's state visit to Britain.

Liu said that he was pleased to receive the honorary degree, although he stressed that as a diplomat, his personal achievements would have little significance without the great prosperity of his country.

He said the creation of a sound UK-China relationship was not easy as China and Britain have different heritage and social systems, but the two countries have worked hard to build harmony.

Cultural exchanges and visits between China and Britain benefit both nations, he added.

Liu first visited the University of Nottingham in 2010 to meet the Nottingham Confucius Institute's staff.

He returned in 2012 to open the university's Si Yuan Centre, which houses the School of Contemporary Chinese Studies, China Policy Institute and Nottingham Confucius Institute.

The Nottingham Confucius Institute, established jointly by the University of Nottingham and Fudan University in 2007, has taught Mandarin to more than 7,000 university students.

The University of Nottingham opened its Ningbo campus in China's Zhejiang province in 2004.

Also on Wednesday, a group of around 100 scholars gathered at the university for an economic forum themed at China's economic development and collaboration with the UK.

cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com
President says bloc will work to boost economic, security and political ties

The leaders of BRICS countries are determined to use the Xiamen summit as a new starting point and work even harder for a closer, broader and more comprehensive strategic partnership and for another "Golden Decade" of BRICS cooperation, President Xi Jinping said.

Xi made the remark at a news conference at the end of the 9th BRICS Summit in the city in Fujian province on Tuesday.

Xi said the BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration "mapped out a new blueprint for strengthening BRICS partnerships and deepening practical cooperation in various fields".

In economic areas, Xi noted that the BRICS countries have made new strides toward greater connectivity in trade, investment, currency and finance, and infrastructure in the past year.

"We all stress the need to place more emphasis on innovation, seize the historic opportunities offered by the new round of industrial revolution and improve economic structure at a faster pace so as to secure more resilient, sustainable and quality growth for all," Xi said.

Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization, said the BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration sends a clear message that the BRICS nations believe in an open trade agenda.

"The BRICS nations have firmly rejected the protectionist position being taken by the US and fully support open trade. This is a very important message," he said.

Kimeng Hilton Ndukong, a reporter with Cameroon Tribune newspaper, said what impressed him most during Xi's news conference was the new blueprint for the BRICS partnership and the next "Golden Decade".

Given the greater role BRICS has taken on the international scene, "our continent, Africa, hopes to benefit more and more from BRICS", he said.

Since the start of this year, BRICS countries have had in-depth exchanges of views on such issues as the international situation. They held meetings of high-level security officials and the bloc's first stand-alone foreign ministers meeting.

Xi said the BRICS leaders believe that it is in their common interest to deepen political and security cooperation, and "this is also what the international community expects us to do".

"We support efforts to continue the good momentum of political and security cooperation, and we will play our part and contribute more to world peace and stability," Xi said.

Andrew Moody contributed to this story.
YINCHUAN -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a letter of congratulations to the China-Arab States Expo, which opened Wednesday in Yinchuan, capital of Northwest China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

Noting that China and the Arab states are "good friends," Xi said the two sides had become important partners in the construction of the Belt and Road.

He also hailed the ever broader cooperation and achievements between the two sides.

Xi said the Arab world actively responded to and widely supported his proposal that the Belt and Road should be built as a road of peace, prosperity, opening up as well as innovation, and one that connects different civilizations, during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which was held in Beijing this May.

The expo is an important platform for China and Arab countries to expand cooperation, he said.

During the construction of the Belt and Road, China is willing to promote shared opportunities with other countries, including the Arab states, and jointly promote peace with them, Xi added.
Events and stories coming up in the next few days

Ordos meeting to tackle scourge of desertification

The 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification will be held in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, from Wednesday to Sept 16. Under the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to the global goal of "zero growth in desertification by 2030", combating desertification has been a challenging task. The event aims to decide on the strategic framework that will guide action under the Convention from 2018 to 2030.
BOGOTA, Colombia - The government and the last remaining major rebel group signed a bilateral cease-fire on Monday, an agreement seen as a significant step toward negotiating a permanent peace deal.

The deal struck in Quito, Ecuador, where talks with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, have been taking place since February, goes into effect on Oct 1. It runs through Jan 12 and can be renewed if both sides agree.

The 2,000-strong ELN is Colombia's second-largest rebel group, after the now dismantled Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, which signed a peace deal with the government in November that paved the way for the group's transition to a political party.

Under the cease-fire, the rebels agreed to suspend attacks on infrastructure, kidnappings and recruitment of minors. In exchange the government has vowed to boost protection for social leaders who have recently come under attack and develop a program that would provide humanitarian aid to rebels, among other measures.

President Juan Manuel Santos welcomed "this important advance toward full peace for Colombians", in a message posted to Twitter.

The government's chief negotiator called the ceasefire, signed five years to the date after a framework agreement that kicked off peace talks with the FARC, "historic".

"This is the first agreement of this nature that the government has signed with this guerrilla group in more than 50 years," Juan Camilo Restrepo said in a statement. "And it constitutes the first step toward advancing a definitive peace."

Over five decades of conflict involving the two rebel movements, the army and right-wing paramilitary groups have resulted in more than 260,000 deaths, the disappearance of tens of thousands of people and the displacement of 6 million.

Under the earlier deal between the government and the FARC, the group has turned over its weapons and is in the process of reorganizing as a political movement to compete in elections next year.

But negotiations with the more ideological and less centralized ELN have been slower since exploratory talks began more than three years ago.

Unlike the FARC, which financed itself through involvement in Colombia's flourishing drug trade, the ELN funds its insurgency mainly through kidnappings and extortion.

Until now it has refused to abandon those practices, earning the enmity of many Colombians who want Santos to take a tougher line in talks than he did with the FARC.

"The priority is protecting citizens," Santos said. "That's why during this period the kidnappings, attacks on oil pipelines and other hostilities against the civilian population will cease."

Ap - Xinhua

(China Daily 09/06/2017 page11)
Contaminated eggs found in 40 countries

China Daily | Updated: 2017-09-06 07:33

FRANKFURT - Eggs contaminated with the insecticide fipronil have been discovered in 40 countries, including 24 of the European Union's 28 member states, German news agency DPA reported on Tuesday, without citing its sources.

Millions of eggs have been pulled from European supermarket shelves, though some national regulators have voiced concern that many contaminated eggs have already entered the food chain, mainly through processed products such as biscuits, cakes and salads.

EU agriculture ministers meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, are due to discuss the egg scandal on Tuesday, DPA said.

DPA said a spokeswoman for the European Commission confirmed that the only EU member states so far unaffected are Lithuania, Portugal, Cyprus and Croatia.

The non-EU states in which contaminated eggs have been discovered include the United States, Russia, South Africa and Turkey, DPA reported.

Dutch and Belgian authorities traced the source of the insecticide to a supplier of cleaning products in the Netherlands. Two Dutch men who ran the cleaning company Chickfriend were arrested last month.

While a large number of contaminated eggs would need to be eaten to affect health, fipronil is considered moderately toxic and can cause organ damage in humans.

It is widely used to treat pets for ticks and fleas but its use in the food chain - for example, to clean out barns - is forbidden.

Reuters

(China Daily 09/06/2017 page12)
President Xi Jinping told Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday that China will, as always, firmly support the African country's efforts to maintain stability and accelerate development.

Xi welcomed Sisi to the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries at the 9th BRICS Summit on Tuesday.

In recent years, development of the nations' bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership has accelerated, while mutual political trust kept growing, Xi said.
The second World Jilin Merchants Conference, held from Aug 31 to Sept 3 in Changchun, capital of Jilin province, encouraged more entrepreneurs with ties to the province to help stimulate its future development.

Zhang Simin, chairman of the Jilin Merchants Association, called on the province's entrepreneurs to do more to facilitate local development.

"Jilin merchants are willing to do much more to maintain investment here and are seeking more business opportunities in the province," Zhang said.

One of the most important driving forces in the region's economic development and rejuvenation, the association, one of the organizers of the event, has brought in a number of investment projects with a total value of more than 184.43 billion yuan ($28.12 billion) since the first World Jilin Merchants Conference, held last year.

The association has more than 1.5 million members worldwide, who all either do business in Jilin or have worked or studied there.

Headquartered in Changchun, the association is positioning itself as a non-profit social group that helps its members to become involved in and support Jilin's socioeconomic development and economic revival.

The merchant association deals with its members' problems related to investment and business operations, by helping them voice their opinions and insights to various government departments.

In addition, it also promotes cooperation among its members, and safeguards their rights and interests.

The head of the Qingdao branch of the association, Gao Yanchen, said he has overseen investment of 10 billion yuan in environmental economic projects in Jilin.

Ma Weidong, head of the Laos economic and trade delegation, said during the first World Jilin Merchants Conference that he was investing 15 million yuan in the pensions industry in his hometown, Baishan city in southeastern Jilin province.

"Local elderly people will see improved services as a result of my investment," he said.

He also plans to work with travel agencies in the Changbai Mountain area to boost tourism, drawing on his experience running a tourism company in Laos.

According to statistics from the provincial government, Jilin merchants have invested in all 31 of China's mainland provinces, as well as Taiwan, Macao and Hong Kong. They also have businesses operating in at least 36 countries.

During the conference, Xu Lejiang, vice-minister of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Jilin's entrepreneurs are among the most important parts of the province's business history and are playing an essential role in the industrial transformation and upgrading of Northeast China.

"With Jilin's long history in industrial manufacturing, its geographic advantages and the Chinese government's investment in Northeast China's infrastructure and industrial upgrading, Jilin's merchants should continue to play a leading role in terms of economic growth, industrial restructuring, employment and the improvement of people's lives," Xu said.

Party Secretary of Jilin Bayin Chaolu also called on the Jilin Merchants Association to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, to unite all Jilin merchants in making a more substantial contribution to the province's economic development.

(China Daily 09/06/2017 page7)
The BRICS countries' ambassadors and representative (from left) Jose Vallim Guerreiro, Alexander Tokovinin, Rakesh Arora, Qu Xing and Baso Sangqu (from left to right) open a film festival on Monday in Brussels. [Photo by Fu Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

While the leaders of BRICS countries pledged increased cooperation at the annual summit in China's Xiamen, Fujian province, their Belgian embassies echoed the commitment by launching a film festival on Monday in Brussels.

The festival, hosted by the Chinese embassy in Belgium, is scheduled for Sept 4-9 and will be followed by a conference themed on the global role of BRICS on Friday.

Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Qu Xing joined Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Jose Vallim Guerreiro, Russian Ambassador Alexander Tokovinin, Charge d' Affaires at the Indian embassy in Belgium Rakesh Arora, and South African Ambassador Baso Sangqu at the launch ceremony.

From Tuesday to Saturday, two films from each BRICS country will be screened at the China Culture Centre in Brussels. On Friday, movie-goers can watch Chinese films Born in China directed by Lu Chuan and Let's Get Married directed by Liu Jiang.

"The first film is talking about China's wild animals, nature and scenery, and the other is about Chinese young people's life," Qu Xing said at the launch ceremony.

Qu said that the festival has won support from all the embassies of BRICS countries in Belgium. Other ambassadors and representative from BRICS countries have introduced their films at the ceremony.

At the same time, the three-day BRICS summit and the sideline events held from Sunday to Tuesday, which have involved businesses and leaders of developing countries, also have attracted the attention of European politicians.

They urged the BRICS nations to enhance their cooperation with the European Union.

"We hope to see BRICS countries contributing more proactively for the creation of a multi-polar world," said Jo Leinen, chairman of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with China.

"The world needs the BRICS to defend open and fair international trade against the rising protectionism," Leinen said.

Leinen also said that the BRICS nations and the EU should work together to enhance the global governance.

"Climate protection, enforcement of the Paris Agreement and implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are all common ground for EU-BRICS cooperation," said Leinen.
A scene from Wael Shawky's three-channel video. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Egyptian artist Wael Shawky, 46, created Al Araba Al Madfuna, a work including an installation and three-channel video, in 2012 in which he explores the role of metaphysics and myth in human society.

And he is now showing the work at MOCA Yinchuan through Dec 17.

The display coincides with the China-Arab States Expo, to be held from Sept 6 to 9 in the capital city of the Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

Egypt is this year's guest country of honor at the expo.

Shawky's work features three short films that were inspired by a visit to the village of Al Araba Al Madfuna in 2004. They show children participating in ritual ceremonies while reciting short stories written by Egyptian author Mohamed Mustajab.

The tales of cursed villages and apocalyptic visions in the films immerse the audience in an atmosphere composed of theater effects and weirdness.
Walnut dishes [Photo provided to China Daily]

People clad in ethnic wear gathered at Renhe Square in Yangbi, in Yunnan province, on Sept 1 to mark the opening of the 2017 Yangbi Walnut Festival.

During the eight-day festival, a variety of activities, including food tasting, cooking competitions and exhibitions, will be held.

Over the past few years, the Yangbi authorities have implemented projects to upgrade the local walnut sector  from cultivation to processing.

In the future, Yangbi will focus on the branding of walnut products, says Yang Yu, the Party secretary of the county.
A missile is launched during a long and medium-range ballistic rocket launch drill in this undated photo released by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on August 30, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Ignoring the opposition of the international community, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday. The DPRK has been trying the patience of the international community, especially its neighbors, and risking more severe sanctions by continuing to conduct nuclear and missile tests.

It claims the nuclear/missile tests are to strengthen its national security and counter the threat posed by the US military. But it seems to have erred on this front, because the United States is much more likely to launch an attack if the DPRK becomes more capable of making nuclear weapons and advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The fact is, the DPRK's security depends on negotiations, not military power. It should not only stop its nuclear/missile programs, but also heed the international community's warnings and take steps to improve its ties with the US through talks. To restore peace on the Korean Peninsula, it also needs to enhance communication with the Republic of Korea.

China has been asking the DPRK to halt its nuclear program and the US to stop its large-scale military drills with the ROK, so that they could restart the peace talks. The proposal can help ease the tensions on the peninsula, which is a prerequisite for resolving the DPRK nuclear issue and maintaining peace in Northeast Asia. But Pyongyang and Washington seem least interested in Beijing's proposal.

The DPRK has been conducting nuclear tests to exhibit its military strength in response to the joint US-ROK military drills. But the more nuclear tests it conducts the more severe sanctions it will face.

Instead of being cowed down by the increasingly severe sanctions, however, Pyongyang has been advancing its nuclear program, complicating the issue further. This vicious circle, unfortunately, could eventually lead to a war.

Therefore, negotiations remain the only way to restore peace on the peninsula, especially because dialogue is a better means than economic sanctions or military threats to bring the rival parties to their senses.

China has been making exemplary efforts to maintain peace on the peninsula and highlighting the importance of negotiation mechanisms such as the Six-Party Talks. The US needs to abandon its hostile policy toward the DPRK. And Japan and the ROK should also work to restore peace on the peninsula and contribute to the stability and prosperity of Northeast Asia.

The author is deputy secretary general of and associate researcher at the Center for Northeast Asian Studies in Jilin province.
Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-14 is pictured during its second test-fire in this undated picture provided by KCNA in Pyongyang on July 29, 2017. KCNA via Agencies

That a new, knottier round of crisis would break out after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday was immediately clear, as was the fact it would not end any time soon.

With the dust the nuclear test raised and the verbal volleys of reactions it invited yet to settle down, come reports of Pyongyang preparing to launch another intercontinental ballistic missile, which, needless to say, would further raise the hackles of the United States and Japan, and make Northeast Asia's security yet more uncertain.

What the US thinks about the DPRK found expression in its ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley's remarks. The DPRK leader "was begging for war", she said on Monday while urging the UN Security Council to impose the strongest sanctions possible on Pyongyang to stop its nuclear program.

The same day, US President Donald Trump told ROK President Moon Jae-in on the telephone that he would support "in principle" Seoul fitting its missiles with heavier warheads as deterrence against Pyongyang, while the ROK said it would clear the installation of four more batteries of the Thermal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile.

Such threats of war are the last thing China wants, not least because a war would end its decades of efforts to restore peace on the Korean Peninsula in devastation, which would serve no parties' interest.

Unfortunately, the other stakeholders seem to feel otherwise, as neither the US nor the DPRK is ready to budge from its position. If this vicious circle of US threats and DPRK provocations continues, the situation one day is bound to reach a tipping point. And if either side exhausts its patience and uses even a conventional weapon, the consequences of what would follow would be catastrophic.

It may already be late but not too late to give negotiations, sincere and serious, another chance. All the stakeholders, except perhaps the DPRK, want to denuclearize the peninsula. And perhaps none, certainly not China, wants a war. Why can't then all the stakeholders use these two factors as key to begin, at least, informal talks?

The US is worried that the DPRK is inching closer to possessing nuclear weapons. But the DPRK has reached that point to counter the perceived threats, including those from the US, to its security. If Pyongyang gets a sincere assurance that its security is no longer threatened, it might, as in the past, see some reason for taking part in talks.

Sanctions have not deterred Pyongyang from its quest, nor have military threats. China has been right about their ineffectiveness, and is almost certainly right about the effectiveness of negotiations.
President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, addresses the opening session of a workshop in Beijing. A workshop for provincial and ministerial officials was held in preparation for the 19th National Congress of the CPC. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese solutions to common global problems, as highlighted in Major Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics, a six-episode documentary made by China Central Television that went on the air on Aug 28, have helped the world to pursue better global governance, promote peace and common development, and build a community of shared destiny.

At the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, Xi Jinping, CPC Central Committee general secretary, put forward new concepts of global governance, security, development and globalization, which have won China all-round praise, elevated its global status, increased its say in world affairs and widened its influence.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has not only been supporting but also taking part in UN peacekeeping missions. Also, it helped broker the talks to break the deadlock in Iranian nuclear issue and played a leading role in fighting the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. Such efforts have helped shape its new outlook on global security: that disputes should be settled through peaceful means.

As the documentary shows, the open, inclusive, reciprocal, balanced and win-win approach China has been promoting will facilitate global economic development. More importantly, China remains committed to maintaining a transparent, fair and liberal trade environment amid the anti-globalization and protectionist trend in some economies.

This approach has also helped China to make greater efforts to prompt the World Trade Organization to abolish subsidies on agricultural exports, the International Monetary Fund to include the yuan into its Special Drawing Rights basket, launch the Belt and Road Initiative and establish the BRICS New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bankas well as to seek the reform of the global financial system.

Such efforts are part of China's commitment to contribute more to global development. An increasing number of Chinese stories and solutions, as well as Chinese wisdom, as the documentary shows, have taken China closer to the center of the world stage and made the rest of the world more attentive to China.

- GUANGMING DAILY
A pet dog walks on a road in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. [Photo/VCG]

"Dan Na", a self-proclaimed presenter on Sichuan Satellite TV, wrote on her micro blog on Aug 30 that she was attacked by a middle-aged couple because her unchained six-month-old companion dog walked up to their grandson and got kicked away by them, sparking a heated debate this week.

The photographs Dan Na, whose real surname is Deng, posted on her micro blog showed she had deep wounds on the face, suggesting she was seriously injured. She even said the wounds might leave permanent scars that could ruin her career as a TV presenter.

Some people have criticized the couple for brutally attacking Deng, while others blame Deng for not keeping her dog under leash. Some of the remarks posted on the comments space of Deng's micro blog account were so abusive that she had to delete all her micro blogs and issue an apology on Monday.

Those abusive comments amplify Deng's mistakes and seek severe punishment for her for the mistakes she committed. Deng did commit a mistake by walking her dog unleashed, but that does not give anybody the right to launch a fierce verbal attack on her.

On the other hand, it is unfair to conclude that people in general hate dogs. In early August, when several children were reported to have killed a stray dog by putting its head inside a glass jar, the same micro-bloggers were angry with the children and demanded that they punished for their cruelty.

Even in Deng's case, no one has blamed her dog. Micro-bloggers seem to agree the dog is innocent and Deng's carelessness is the cause of the sordid episode. Some dog owners even said Deng's dog is the victim of her irresponsible behavior.

The majority of dog owners are careful not to walk their dogs unleashed but still become the targets of some people who, when irritated, pour all their anger on every dog and dog-owner because they don't distinguish one dog from another.

People are usually angry with dog-owners who walk their pets without a leash and/or let them excrete on pavements and other public places. Two more deeply rooted but often neglected unacceptable behaviors are: Raising dogs without registration, and refusing to let them undergo training under professionals. Not registering your dog is an offense, and untrained dogs can cause trouble because they don't know how to keep a distance from people and how to behave with strangers.

The exact number of unregistered pet dogs in China is not known, but they definitely would add to a rather high percentage of the total. For example, when the police in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, launched a weeklong campaign on Aug 13 to strictly enforce the regulation on raising dogs, more than 1,700 dog owners registered their pets within one week, 10 times more than the same period last year.

For the safety and convenience of dogs, dog owners, as well as other people, especially in cities, all dogs should be registered and trained.

The author is a writer with China Daily. zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn
Leaders of BRICS countries pose for group photos after the ninth BRICS summit in the eastern city of Xiamen, Fujian province, Sept 4, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The 9th BRICS Summit at Xiamen marks the journey of BRICS countries during a turbulent period in the world economy. It also signals the coming of age of the group and the challenges it would face in future.

The BRICS countries met for the first time in 2009 and have been meeting annually ever since. The composition of the group since its first meeting has expanded to include South Africa, in addition to the original members Brazil, China, India and Russia. More countries might join the BRICS group in future as it evolves into a major forum for the world economy fashioned by the interests of emerging market economies.

The fact that the BRICS came together for the first time after the global economic crisis of 2008 can hardly be overlooked. The financial crisis of 2008 highlighted the vulnerabilities of the global financial system that was dominated by banks and financial institutions of the US and Europe. The massive disclosure of non-performing loans and bad debts drew attention to the fact that the US and Europe would find it difficult to act as the engines of global growth from thereon. It also meant that large emerging markets of the world had to accept the inevitability of their providing leadership to the world economy. This is a job that the BRICS has performed admirably well over the last few years. Despite the skepticism that BRICS was purely a grouping that came together because of 'convenience' and not with a common constructive agenda, the BRICS has successfully survived and produced institutions. The New Development Bank is the biggest example.

As it moved ahead, the BRICS would experience bigger challenges. One of the biggest challenges that it faces now is the rapid change in the global order that has made the BRICS members, particularly Russia, China and India, very prominent actors in regional and global affairs. This has happened due to the US inability to stay constructively engaged in various global and regional issues and also due the BRICS members gaining in geo-economic and political significance over time.

The salience of the Russia-China-India trilateral in running BRICS is also a reflection of the importance that Asian emerging markets have in BRICS. Indeed, this is another challenge for the BRICS as it moved ahead. To become a true representative of large emerging markets across the world, BRICS must become pan-continental. Its membership must include more countries from other regions and continents. And this is where the mutual communication between Russia, China and India become vital. The complexities of modern geopolitics create situations where friends and allies of one country are not necessarily so for the other. All three countries would be extra-careful in nominating new members given the strategic calculations they make with respect to new members. And that might be one of the reasons why expanding the BRICS membership might be a rather difficult task.

It is also an important challenge for the BRICS to decide on its future agenda. As of now, two important issues have dominated its work. These are climate change and development finance, aimed at building infrastructure. Sooner or later, however, the BRICS will need to expand its agenda for increasing its relevance in the global order. There are several common global concerns where it can contribute without difficulties on part of any of the current members. These include managing natural disasters, health issues that are common concerns for all BRICS members as well as global trade and finance issues of common interest. In fact, it might well be a good idea to conceive of a 'BRICS view' or a 'BRICS paper' in forums like the WTO, where China and India are already working together to cut down trade-distorting farm subsidies maintained by advanced economies. The eventual final challenge for the BRICS, of course, would be to decide by what extent they can life the current development agenda to a political or strategic agenda. That would, however, be a much difficult agreement to reach.

The author is Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (trade and economic policy) at the Institute of South Asian Studies in the National University of Singapore.
A tiger performs in the circus at Guangzhou Zoo on Thursday.[Photo by Xiao Xiong/China Daily]

The Guangzhou Zoo in Guangdong province will seek help from law enforcement agencies, local industries and commerce authorities to shut down performances by a circus troupe after the troupe's operator refused to stop.

The zoo informed the troupe in July that it would not renew its contract when it expired at the end of August, the zoo said in a statement on Monday. It plans to use the circus venue to build a scientific exhibition center.

But the circus operator continued to sell tickets for shows.

The venue was leased to the circus operator in 1993. Shows have been performed six times a day for more than 24 years.

Huang Yingzhi of Anhui province, who heads the circus, said the troupe received notice on Aug 14 to close the show.

"As much as we do not want to leave, we probably have to because the zoo has made the announcement public. We are still discussing our future with the zoo. The zoo has offered to help transport the animals," Huang was reported as saying by Xinhua News Agency.

"We still have about 70 animals - monkeys, bears, tigers, gorillas and parrots - and our employees refuse to leave, insisting there is no reason to close the circus."

Performances feature monkeys riding bikes, gorillas playing drums and bears doing headstands on high-rise bars.

"More than 13 million people from around the country have watched the shows in the past 24 years, and audience numbers have not fallen off in recent years," Huang told Xinhua. As long as there is an audience, the show will continue, a worker with the troupe added.
Storm sparking alarm and alerts; authorities brace for 'catastrophe'

Workers put boats on dry docks in preparation, as Hurricane Irma was upgraded to a Category 4 storm in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Monday.Alvin Baez / Reuters

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Hurricane Irma, a powerful Category 4 storm, plowed toward the Caribbean and the southern United States on Tuesday as islands in its path braced for possible life-threatening winds, storm surges and flooding.

Hurricane warnings and watches were in effect for parts of the Leeward Islands, the British and US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, in preparation for a storm that was intensifying with 240 km/h winds, the US National Hurricane Center said.

"Dangerous Hurricane Irma heading for the Leeward Islands," the hurricane center said. "Preparations should be rushed to completion as tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive in the hurricane warning area by late Tuesday."

A Category 4 hurricane on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale means sustained winds of 210-250 km/h with "catastrophic" outcomes. They range from uprooted trees and downed power lines to water and electricity outages and enough damage to leave property uninhabitable, according to the Miami-based hurricane center.

In preparation for the storm, the government of economically struggling Puerto Rico has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard. The US territory, home to about 3.4 million people, has 456 emergency shelters prepared to house up to 62,100 people. Puerto Rico also froze prices on basic necessities, including food and water, medicines, power generators and batteries, to help residents prepare.

Telemundo TV station WIPR in Puerto Rico showed long lines of shoppers stocking up on bottled water, flashlights, batteries, generators, food and other items.

Irma also threatens the US East Coast and Florida, which has declared a state of emergency. The hurricane center expects Irma to reach southern Florida on Saturday.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said on Twitter late on Monday he had spoken to President Donald Trump, who he said "offered the full resources of the federal government as Floridians prepare for Hurricane Irma".

The NHC cautioned that it was too early to forecast the storm's exact path or what effects it might have on the continental United States, but warned of likely effects to hit some areas by later this week.

"There is an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week and this weekend. In addition, rough surf and dangerous marine conditions will begin to affect the southeastern US coast by later this week," the center said.

Irma will be the second powerful hurricane to thrash the US and its territories in as many weeks.

Residents of Texas and Louisiana are still reeling from the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Harvey, which struck Texas as a Category 4 hurricane on Aug 25 and dumped heavy rain, destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

Reuters - Ap
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on Tuesday was expected to rescind a program shielding from deportation some immigrants who came to the United States illegally as children, throwing their fate to Congress, which would have six months to find a fix.

Sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to outline the president's thinking ahead of the announcement, stressed that the decision was not final and that Trump could change his mind at the last minute.

The expected decision, with US Attorney General Jeff Sessions scheduled to hold a news conference at the Justice Department on Tuesday, would amount to a six-month extension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, to give Congress time to devise an alternative.

DACA, created by president Barack Obama in 2012, protects nearly 800,000 young men and women, often called "Dreamers", from deportation and allows them to work in the US legally. The group is a small fraction of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country.

Under the envisioned Trump policy shift, Dreamers with valid work permits would be able to stay in the US until their permits - which are issued for two-year periods - expired, the sources said. At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security would not target Dreamers for deportation, according to one of the sources.

A middle ground

The move is an attempt by Trump to find a middle ground between Democrats who want the president to leave the Obama-era policy alone and conservatives who consider DACA a form of amnesty for illegal immigrants.

As a result, the president is likely to draw fire from both sides.

Nine Republican state attorneys general have said they would sue if Trump does not act to end the program, while a number of Democratic state attorneys general have threatened action if he does.

While Trump talked tough on DACA during his campaign, he has publicly expressed reluctance to deport Dreamers since taking office.

"We love Dreamers. We love everybody," Trump said on Friday.

The sources said Trump's six-month extension is aimed at pressuring Congress to protect the Dreamers through legislation.

There were some signs that the Congress might be willing to act, with several Republican lawmakers coming forward to express an interest in protecting the Dreamers.

"If President Trump makes this decision, we will work to find a legislative solution to their dilemma," Senator Lindsey Graham said.

Trump made a crackdown on illegal immigrants a centerpiece of his election campaign last year and has stepped up deportations since taking office. But business leaders said immigrants make important contributions and that ending the program would hit economic growth.

Reuters - Afp - Ap
Chinese envoy condemns DPRK's latest nuclear test, calls for return to dialogue

UNITED NATIONS - Members of the UN Security Council remained divided on Monday over possible new sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea over its latest nuclear test.

In an emergency meeting of the Security Council, the United States, France and the United Kingdom, as well as Japan, were in favor of new sanctions, while countries like Russia advised diplomacy.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said DPRK leader Kim Jong-un is "begging for war".

"The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, and that means quickly enacting the strongest possible measures here in the UN Security Council," Haley said.

"Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy. We have kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left."

Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia cautioned that past failure of the council to curb the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs was owing to the fact that the resolutions "were only geared toward leveraging sanctions mechanisms".

"Russia calls on the international community not to yield to emotions, (but) to act in calm and balanced ways," he said, adding that a comprehensive settlement can be achieved only through diplomatic channels.

French ambassador to the UN Francois Delattre called for the adoption of new sanctions by the Security Council, plus autonomous sanctions by the European Union.

He said the threat from the DPRK has changed both in dimension and nature. It has changed from regional to global, from virtual to immanent, from serious to existential.

Japanese envoy Koro Bessho said: "We stresses the need for the council to adopt swiftly a new resolution with further robust sanction measures."

China's permanent representative to the UN Liu Jieyi condemned the DPRK for the latest nuclear test and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue.

"The issue must be resolved peacefully. China will never allow chaos and war on the peninsula," he said.

"It's China's firm stance, as well as the common goal of the international community, to achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintain a nuclear nonproliferation system and maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia," Liu said.

Dual approach

The envoy said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dualtrack approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue, asking the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both denuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the US and the ROK to suspend their large-scale war games.

The DPRK on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb, the DPRK's Central Television announced.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced opposition to tougher sanctions against Pyongyang. "Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he said at a summit of BRICS countries in the Chinese coastal city of Xiamen.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims."

Xinhua - China Daily
LONDON - Britain is considering measures to restrict immigration for all but the highest-skilled EU workers, a leaked government document said, plans some companies called alarming and an opposition lawmaker described as "plainly cruel".

Large flows of migrants from the European Union were one of the reasons some Britons said they voted to leave the bloc in a referendum last year, with one of the Brexit campaign's main slogans saying Britain should "take back control".

But companies, especially those in the catering, social care and retail industries which depend on the steady stream of workers from abroad, say they fear a restrictive immigration policy after Britain leaves the EU will leave them unable to hire the staff they need.

In the document, leaked to the Guardian newspaper and marked 'draft - official sensitive', the interior ministry said Britain was changing its focus to make sure, where possible, British companies take on British workers rather than migrants.

"Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off," the document said.

A government spokesman said the government did not comment on leaked draft documents. "We will be setting out our initial proposals for a new immigration system which takes back control of the UK's borders later in the Autumn," he said.

The government has also said it would listen to the results of a year-long study it commissioned in July from the Migration Advisory Committee to look at the impact of migration and how best to control it after Brexit.

Reuters
Russia calls for strengthening the cooperation between BRICS states in political, economic and humanitarian spheres, President Vladimir Putin has said.

The president expressed his assurance that the coming BRICS summit would promote the cooperation between BRICS states and help to find solutions to the modern challenges.

Russian President has proposed that small and medium-sized enterprises in the five BRICS emerging economies integrate their online resources to boost cooperation.

Putin said a Russia-drafted BRICS Strategy for Economic Partnership had been successfully implemented in recent years. He added he expected more efforts on reenergizing trade and investment across BRICS nations to be made at next weeks summit in the Chinese city of Xiamen.

Russia also proposes adopting a deal on information security by governments of five BRICS nations to promote cooperation, Vladimir Putin has announced.

"I am convinced that the Xiamen Summit will help invigorate our countries' efforts towards finding solutions to the challenges of the 21st century and will propel cooperation within BRICS to a higher level," Putin said.

The summit of BRICS states  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  will be held on September 3-5 in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.
Several women may become candidates for Russian 2018 presidential election, local media reported Friday, citing sources in administration of Russian President Vladimir Putin.



One of the sources told the Vedomosti newspaper that overall 5-7 women candidates could run for presidency, with three of them from the Just Russia party.

Another source close to the administration told the newspaper that a non-partisan candidate is being also a considered. An ideal candidate could be the daughter of late First Mayor of St. Petersburg Anatoly Sobchak, Ksenia Sobchak, who is known in the country as a TV host, but the question is whether she would agree, the source noted.

Women ran for presidency in Russia two times. In 2000, current chairwoman of Russia's Central Election Commission (CEC) Ella Pamfilova gained 1.01 percent of votes. In 2004, Irina Khakamada, the Russian politician, gained 3.84 percent of votes.

Russian presidential election is scheduled to take place in March 2018. The Kremlin has not provided any comments yet whether Putin would run for another presidential term. The latest polls of the Public Opinion Foundation research agency showed that 65 percent of Russian citizens would vote for Putin.
XIAMEN - Following is the full text of Chair's Statement of the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries released Tuesday in the eastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

Chair's Statement of the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries

On 5 September 2017, the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries took place on the margins of the BRICS Xiamen Summit. It was chaired by President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China and attended by President Michel Temer of the Federative Republic of Brazil, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India, President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt, President Alpha Conde of the Republic of Guinea, President Enrique Pena Nieto of the United Mexican States, President Emomali Rahmon of the Republic of Tajikistan and Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Under the theme "Strengthening Mutually-Beneficial Cooperation for Common Development", the Leaders had in-depth discussions and reached extensive consensus on implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building broad partnerships for development, the major points of which are summarized as follows:

The Leaders pointed out that emerging market and developing countries have actively explored development paths suited to their respective national conditions and made remarkable achievements over the past decades. Particularly in recent years, these countries have maintained sound momentum of steady development, serving as important engines of global economic growth and making important contribution to the common development of all countries and the improvement of global governance.

As the world economy is undergoing profound adjustment and transformation, emerging market and developing countries face both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, peace, development and win-win cooperation remain the trend of the times, and the world economy has shown signs of mild recovery. On the other hand, serious challenges persist, such as weak growth drivers, inadequate global governance and development imbalances, as well as worrying trends of rising protectionism and growing backlash against globalization. It is necessary for emerging market and developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation so as to safeguard their common interests and create a favorable external environment for development.

The Leaders appreciated the efforts made in recent years by BRICS countries in pursuing dialogue and cooperation with other emerging market and developing countries in a spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. They welcomed and expressed support for the "BRICS Plus" cooperation proposed by China, which provides important opportunities for cooperation among emerging market and developing countries, and helps strengthen South-South cooperation and international development cooperation and build broader partnerships for fair, open, all-round and innovative development.

Stressing that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers a new blueprint for international development cooperation, the Leaders believed that its full implementation will be of important immediate and long-term significance to peace and development around the world and to the pursuit of a community of shared future for mankind. The international community needs to translate political commitments into concrete actions in real earnest, and jointly embark on a path toward innovative, coordinated, green, open, shared and sustainable development.

It is important for all countries to shoulder their primary responsibility for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and integrate it into their national development strategies, so as to boost endogenous drivers for development and promote coordinated development in all three dimensions -- economic, social and environmental, and to create an enabling policy environment for national development and international development cooperation. Priorities should be given to poverty eradication, growth promotion and job creation to ensure that everyone share in the benefits of development. Developed countries should fully honor their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments and increase support for developing countries.

Emerging market and developing countries need to expand cooperation including South-South cooperation, strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination, synergize development strategies, and intensify cooperation in fields such as infrastructure connectivity, industrialization, IT application, urbanization and agricultural modernization, so as to achieve common development and gain strength through solidarity. The Leaders welcomed the efforts by China and other Dialogue participants to provide support for developing countries through the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation.

Climate change is a common challenge confronting the international community. It is important to uphold the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change including the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances, and to fully implement the Paris Agreement. Developed countries should provide more financial, technical and capacity building support to developing countries.

Global economic governance should keep abreast with the times and the representation and voices of emerging market and developing countries should be enhanced under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. All countries need to be committed to foster an open economy, uphold the multilateral trading regime and its fundamental principles, oppose protectionism, and jointly work for a successful 11th WTO ministerial conference to make economic globalization more open, inclusive and beneficial to all.

It is important for all countries to support the United Nations in playing a central role in international development cooperation and in conducting necessary reform to its development system. This reform should center on promoting development, prioritize poverty eradication, remain membership-driven, extensively seek views of developing countries and respond to their concerns. Meanwhile, the reform should help enhance UN's efficiency and capabilities in coordinating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, strengthen coordination and complementarity among all bodies within the UN system and mobilize more resources for development.
President Xi Jinping meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Xiamen, East China's Fujian Province, Sept 5, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

XIAMEN - President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said healthy and stable relations between China and India are in line with the fundamental interests of their people.

China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along the right track, he said.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the eastern city of Xiamen after the Ninth BRICS summit.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

The principles were endorsed by China and India in the 1950s, and have been widely accepted as norms for relations between countries.

Noting that the two neighboring countries are the world's two largest emerging market and developing countries, Xi told Modi that healthy and stable bilateral relations are also in line with the expectations of the region and the international community.

For his part, Modi congratulated Xi on a successful BRICS Summit.

He said the world is undergoing fast changes and the BRICS countries need to step up cooperation under such circumstances, adding that the Xiamen Summit played a key role in this regard.

Xi and Modi's meeting came following a military stand-off lasting more than two months after more than 270 armed Indian troops with two bulldozers crossed the boundary in mid-June into the Dong Lang (Doklam) area in the Chinese territory to obstruct infrastructure construction.

On Aug 28, China confirmed that India had withdrawn personnel and equipment from Dong Lang, and said its armed forces would strengthen patrolling and defense of the area to resolutely safeguard the country's sovereign security.
President Xi Jinping meets with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, Sept 5, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

XIAMEN - President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China will always firmly support Egypt's efforts to maintain stability and accelerate development, and stands ready to advance the comprehensive strategic partnership with the Middle East country.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, who came to the eastern Chinese coastal city of Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries.

In recent years, bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership has gained steam with increased political trust, economic and trade cooperation, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Xi said.

He said China attaches great importance to the bilateral ties, calling for maintaining frequent high-level exchanges and offering mutual support on issues concerning each other's core interests.

The two countries must synergize their development strategies and make Egypt a pillar country along the Belt and Road through cooperation on infrastructure construction and industrial capacity, Xi said.

The Chinese side encourages its companies to invest in Egypt and is willing to promote trade and investment facilitation together with the Egyptian side. The two countries should also deepen cooperation on anti-terrorism and law enforcement, and strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, the president said.

Sisi said Egypt supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and is willing to dovetail its development strategy with the initiative and expand cooperation with China on investment and infrastructure construction.

He said the Egyptian side appreciates China hosting the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, and agrees that developing countries should deepen cooperation.
President Xi Jinping meets with Guinean President Alpha Conde in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, Sept 5, 2017. Conde came to Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries. [Photo/Xinhua]

XIAMEN - President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed momentum in China-Guinea ties, saying the two countries should continue to understand and support each other in core interests and major concerns.

Xi made the remarks when meeting Guinean President Alpha Conde, who came to the eastern Chinese coastal city of Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries.

Xi said China and Guinea set up a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership one year ago, and China attaches great importance to bilateral relations.

"Both countries should consolidate political mutual trust and carry forward their traditional friendship. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Guinea in infrastructure, mining and agriculture," he said.

The president called for more people-to-people exchanges and better cooperation in science and education, human resources development, media and think tanks, and youth and women.

Xi pledged enhanced cooperation in peace and security, saying China is ready to support Guinea in maintaining stability and ensuring law enforcement.

"The two countries should deepen their cooperation in multilateral affairs and China backs Guinea holding the rotating presidency of the African Union in promoting a united and stronger Africa," Xi said.

Xi said China and Africa are good friends and China has proposed to forge relations with Africa based on sincerity, real results, friendship and good faith, in order to achieve mutual cooperation and common development.

"We welcome Guinea and other African countries to actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative to benefit the Chinese and African people," Xi said.

Conde thanked Xi for inviting him to the dialogue, saying Guinea is willing to enhance cooperation with China in fishery, mining and west African development.

"African countries speak highly of China's proposition of respecting their efforts in solving African problems on their own," Conde said.

Conde pledged closer dialogue and deeper cooperation in international affairs between the African Union and China.
One of the most influential Iowan pastors involved in politics, religious freedom, and pro-life advocacy, Pastor Terry Amann, met privately with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in April 2015. In less than one year from becoming President Trump, he successfully helped release one pastor who had been languishing in an Iranian prison, keeping his promise to a request Amann made when they first met. Last year, Amann described how President Trump kept his promise. This year, Amann is again asking for Trumps help, this time to find a missing U.S. missionary who was kidnapped in Africa in 2013. Below is Amann's open letter to President Trump. If the past is any indication, Trump is the most likely person able to answer his call for help.

From Pastor Terry Amann:

Dear Mr. President,

Since youve become president, youve strived to keep your promises to the American people. I want to thank you for keeping your promise to me, specifically by helping free Pastor Saeed Abedini. Now, Im calling on you again to help find a missing American missionary, Jerry Krause, who was kidnapped in Africa on April 7, 2013. His family is being denied access to information about his plight. They are seeking answers, resolution, and his safe return home.

Kraus, an American pilot, served the Mission Aviation Fellowship for roughly 22 years as a missionary in Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and later flew for the Sahel Aviation Service in Mali. His plight is posted on the Help Find Jerry Facebook page:

Jerry Krause, a U.S. citizen, was kidnapped on April 7th, 2013 while flying a Beechcraft 1900C from South Africa to Mali. All contact was lost on his approach to Sao Tome, a small island off of the coast of Africa. No concrete evidence of Jerry or his airplane were located during the first two months of investigations. Nevertheless, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (the governing authority over the aircraft incident) published their official report that Jerry Krause crashed and that Jerry Krause was dead. The Krause family did not believe that Jerry was dead, but they had no evidence to support their belief.

However, this has changed. First, the South African Civil Aviation Authority has removed their official report, which is a public record, due to new evidence being provided (via email with Albert Phuti Morudi, the Director of Investigations, April 5th, 2016). Although we have sought to learn what this new evidence is, we have been denied access to it. The airline incident was re-opened and has yet to be re-posted. Second, Jerry has been seen and found to be alive. The U.S. government knows Jerrys location. However, the Department of Defense has not had the correct authorization to act on this information. (Emphasis added.)

If this is truly the case, why has the United States government not acted to ensure his safe return home? Why has the family had little-to-no-news and (limited information about the investigation) for more than one year?

How does a plane go missing, and there also be no debris from its alleged crash? His family deserves answers, which Im confident youll be able to provide. Please help bring him home, as you did with Pastor Saeed.

Mr. President, I am asking to you please intervene and authorize the Department of Defense to defend this American citizen and bring him home.

Thank you Mr. President. You and your family remain in my prayers. Keep up the great work.

Respectfully,

Pastor Terry Amann

Des Moines, Iowa

Photo courtesy: Getty Images

Publication date: September 6, 2017
My story is like many others. When my wife and I got married and came to the United States, we told our parents that we would be back in two years. Our plan was to study at a seminary in Dallas and after our graduation to return to the city in Mexico where we were born, grew up, and where most of our relatives and friends live. Although it was not our original desire, 19 years later we still live in the United States where I enjoy my teaching ministry at Biola University, serving students from all over the world.

We became American citizens a few years ago when it became evident that the Lord wants us to live where we are now. Our family has dual citizenship, and we constantly face the tension to value the good of both countries and to be concerned about what happens in both nations. Just like has happened to many others, through the years our temporary residency here became a permanent one.

Nevertheless, in the last few months I have seen and experienced racism in the United States like never before during my time here. Unfortunately, because of anti-immigrant, anti-Mexican, and anti-minorities sentiments, many people now feel free to express insults that they would not have said before. For example, I have seen how my son, the son of another Biola professor, and the daughter of another seminary professor have been verbally abused at school, and some even at church, just because they are Latinos. Sadly, I want to believe their classmates only repeat what they hear from their parents without reflecting about the emotional damage they are inflicting.

The immigrant tension becomes evident when some Mexicans no longer perceive us completely as one of them, and in the United States we will always be considered foreigners even though we are now American citizens. Nineteen years ago we became Hispanics, a broad category for Spanish speakers, when the plane that brought us here to study crossed the border. We belong to what is considered a minority group (even though in places like Los Angeles we are the majority).

Perhaps the most difficult situation for me as a father is to realize that my children also will carry with them the labels of foreigners and minorities even though they were born in the United States; they are just victims of the political and social polarization of our times. Many consider my son and other children who have suffered racial discrimination as part of the group called bad hombres regardless of their American citizenship.

Furthermore, members of minority groups cannot remain neutral in terms or racial issues. For example, Hispanics, African Americans, Asian Americans, Indian Americans and many other groups are considered people of color, and they carry with them, even unwillingly, the baggage that comes with their cultural characteristics. In this way, the dominant and privileged group appears to be colorless and culture-free, and they can choose whether to get involved in racial issues and discussions.

This situation has led me to reflect that Jesus was also an immigrant and that all Christians are immigrants. Therefore, Christ identifies himself with all of us and understands our situation. As his followers, we should imitate his example and learn from him. We should have compassion for those foreigners who come from different regions and countries because we recognize that we all are also foreigners and exiles on earth (1 Pet. 2:11).

The immigration debate is a complex topic and people who want to place Christ at the center of their lives also reflect these differences. It is not necessary for Christians to reconcile the different perspectives of this issue, but we must remember two central points: Jesus was an immigrant and all Christians are also immigrants. These realities should help us to have a broader outlook about immigration, such a prevalent issue that impacts so many of us.

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Divine Immigrant Status

Jesus was an immigrant in coming to earth, and he was an immigrant during his time on earth. The Gospel of John highlights Jesus divinity and starts with an amazing declaration: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and apart from him nothing came into being that has come into being (1:13).

The apostle John uses a term common to his readers (logos) to describe Gods personality and his ability to communicate with his creation through his Word. The Word is God, the eternal creator and sustainer of the world. For Jews the expression the Word was related to Gods personality, and for the Greeks it implied the rational mind that governs the universe. Therefore, John wants to make clear for his readers that Jesus Christ is God and the source of everything that exists.

Nevertheless, John makes an even more surprising statement in verse 14, The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. The second person of the Trinity became a man and dwelt among us. In other words, Christ emigrated from heaven to earth to live among human beings.

We would expect that his visit was received with joy, but sadly the apostle John declares, He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him (vv. 1011). Jesus suffered the rejection of those who were like him and that he came to save. Jesus perfectly exemplified the combination of grace and truth, yet his presence was not celebrated and valued.

Philippians 2 affirms that when Jesus became a human being he humiliated himself. Jesus willingly and in obedience to the Father took the form of a human and lowered himself. Consequently, Jesus is the example of humility that we should imitate:

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to deatheven death on a cross! (Phil. 2:58)

Human Stranger

The second person of the Godhead, the God of the universe, became an immigrant when he came to this world. Furthermore, Jesus was not only an immigrant in his divinity, but also in his humanity. As a child, Jesus and his family ran away to Egypt. His family had to escape to a foreign country leaving behind their relatives, possessions, and culture. They had to communicate with other people using a different language, they ate different food and had to get used to different customs. His human father, Joseph, had to leave his work as a carpenter and to find a job in a foreign land. (Matt. 2:1315, 1920)

In obedience to God, Jesus and his family left everything behind to escape Herods cruelty. It is very possible that the gifts they had received from the Magi (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) helped them to cover the costs during their time in Egypt (Matt. 2:11). Then, once they were getting used to life in Egypt, they had to go back to Israel. Jesus, therefore, had the experience of moving to another country because of a desperate need, not just traveling for pleasure as a tourist.

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Jesus was also an immigrant in his own land. He was from Nazareth and when he ministered in Judea he suffered discrimination from his own countrymen. At the beginning of his ministry, Nathanael expressed these words that reflected the common perception of those who believed some people were better than others because of the region where they lived, Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? (John 1:46).

Nazareth was a town in the northern region of Galilee and that was regarded as less important than Judea, in the south where the capital city, Jerusalem, was located. Unfortunately, as human beings, we have the tendency to become regionalists and to value our own land over others. Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, identifies himself with those who are marginalized and whose value is downplayed because of their birthplace.

Just Like Jesus

All Christians are immigrants. The Bible clearly teaches that when we receive the gift of eternal life that Jesus graciously offers, we become citizens of heaven and now live as foreigners and strangers on earth as the people of faith. (Heb. 11:13) Our faith reminds us that this life is not all that exists and that now in Christ we have a new heavenly citizenship that unites all believers (Phil. 3:20). This reality does not invalidate our national citizenship nor prevents us from actively serving our society, but it does give us a broader, eternal perspective.

While all Christians are immigrants in a broader sense, many of us are also immigrants in a country or region different than the one where we were born and grew up. Those of us who know how it feels to live in a foreign land can identify with Jesus who understands our situation and brings comfort to us. Our Lord experienced the same situation that many immigrants around the world face every day. Jesus is our refuge and our source of inspiration to move forward in spite of immigration conflicts.

When we acknowledge that Jesus was an immigrant, we all can also have empathy for the foreigners and immigrants who live around us. In fact, the biblical narrative stresses the divine calling to treat foreigners with dignity and respect. In the Old Testament, God reminded his people that they were once strangers in Egypt and that this reality should motivate them to understand, care for and welcome the strangers among them (Ex. 22:21; Ex. 23:9; Lev. 19:3334; Lev. 24:22; Deut. 10:1719; Deut. 24:1415; Jer. 7:67; Jer. 22:3; Ezek. 47:2123; Mal. 3:5; Zech. 7:910).

In Matthew 25, Jesus said that when we receive a foreigner or stranger (in Greek, xenos) we are receiving him and when we reject a foreigner we are rejecting him (v. 35; 43). Our calling is to see people with the eyes of Christ, that is, as people with intrinsic value and dignity regardless of their origin or social condition.

To be a Christian is to be an immigrant. It means to live with the tension of having two nationalities (three for me and many others), earthly and heavenly. Our main loyalty is to Christ, but we also remain committed to our fellow citizens here on earth.

Of course, every country has the right and responsibility to protect its citizens. There are rules and regulations that we need to obey and legal processes to follow as good citizens. However, as Christ followers we also remember that we are also foreigners and immigrants on earth and we have a responsibility to the foreigners and strangers in our midst, to invite them in as brothers and sisters of Christ (Matt. 25:3540).

In this climate of social uncertainties, followers of Christ are called to be the aroma of Christ that brings refreshment to our environment. As Christians, we should build bridges that promote Christian unity and that lead people to Jesus. Only when we receive and accept the call to live beyond our national loyalties can we fully become effective ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom.

Octavio Javier Esqueda is professor of Christian higher education in the doctoral programs in educational studies at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University. He has several publications on Christian higher education, theological education, and the Spanish Reformation.
Why do children ask lots and lots of questions? Arent they capable of understanding the answer the first 15 times their parents respond? Why do people make statements about their views instead of asking each other questions? Shouldnt we be quick to listen to others ideas instead of simply asserting our own?

Why does God ask questions?

Isnt he supposed to be all-knowing?

The ability to ask questions is part of what makes us human. Animals have significant communicative abilitiesthe ability to signal, to gesture, and to vocalize. They can problem-solve and even reason, as Mexican ecologist Constantino Macias Garcia found in house finches that line their nests with cigarette butts as a chemical deterrent against ticks.

But animals lack the metacognition required to ask questions. Metacognition refers to the ability to think about thinking and implies more than merely taking action or responding to inputs.

Peter Carruthers, in his article Meta-cognition in Animals: A Skeptical Look, explains that thinking in humans and animals can be divided into two systems: a lower level that is reactive and a higher level that is reflective. In Carrutherss classification, animals can make statements because statements come from the lower level of thinking. They can reason that some types of nesting prevent ticks. But animals cannot ask questions, because animals cannot think about the possibilities that questions could evoke.

My cat, Sitka, can tell me he needs food (meow), and command me to get him food (meow, meow, meow), but he cannot ask me what the food is. He lacks the higher level of abstract thinking needed to ask questions. Being a cat, he probably ...

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With each controversial decision or remark President Donald Trump makes, his evangelical advisers come up against mounting pressure to resign and cut their ties.

This is why @rev_rodriguez and I have refused to leave the faith advisory council, Tony Suarez, vice president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) tweeted Tuesday, following the White House decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program over the next six months.

While Trump pledged to end DACA during his campaign, Suarez and NHCLC president Samuel Rodriguez have spent months lobbying to protect it for the sake of family unity, meeting with the President to defend their case as recently as last week. In their eyes, access to the chief executiveand the opportunity to influence him on political matters important to the churchis worth it, even if the decision doesnt turn out their way.

For the two dozen or so evangelical leaders who signed ...

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Editors Note: This article is part of Change Makers, our recent CT special issue focused on some of the ways women are influencing the church, their communities, and the world. In this special issue, weve included articles that explore trends in womens discipleship, examine research on women and workplace leadership, highlight women who are making a difference, and grapple with the unique challenges female leaders face. Click here to download your own free digital copy of Change Makers.

Chuck Norris is a big reason why Talitha Phillips first took the helm of Claris Health. Back in 2001, the actor and his wife were expecting twins, and they asked Phillips to work for them as a night nurse when the babies arrived.

Shortly before, Phillips had been offered the role of center director of California-based Claris, which provides comprehensive services to those facing unintended pregnancies. But she was only a year out of college and had large school loans to pay off. Taking on a half-time role at a nonprofit didnt seem possible. She remembers praying, God, if you want me to work at this place, you need to make this happen.Then along came Norris and his expanding family, who provided the financial means Phillips needed in order to pursue a line of work that captivated her for deeply personal reasons.

Just a few years earlier, Phillips had gotten pregnant at the age of 19. At a local womens clinic, she was told, Youre so young. You have your whole life ahead of you. We can make this go away. Feeling trapped trapped, she made the only decision she thought she could: an abortion.

Having an abortion haunted Phillips for two years, until she happened upon an ad for a post-abortion support group. When I finally got up the courage to call, it was the most life-changing moment, Phillips remembers. She had feared that she was the only good Christian girl whod had an abortion. Instead, the kind woman on the other end of the line told her, Youre not alone. There are other women and girls who have been through this. Would you like to meet them?

That support group was hosted by a small organization called Claris Health. There, Phillips experienced profound healing and transformation as a client. She later became a volunteer and today is the CEO of the rapidly expanding organizationputting her in a fairly small group of women who lead Christian nonprofits.

A lack of female leadership

Despite being the dominant workforce in the nonprofit sector as a wholemaking up as much as 75 percent of employeeswomen still lag behind men in nonprofit leadership positions. Across the US, women compose about half of nonprofit board members and one-third of nonprofit CEOs. In organizations with budgets exceeding $10 million, those numbers drop to 40 percent and less than 25 percent, respectively.

Unfortunately, evangelical nonprofits have even less female representation in leadership. According to a recent study by Gordon College and the Imago Dei Fund, women occupy leadership positions in evangelical nonprofits at less than half the rate as the overall nonprofit sector: Only 5 percent of Christian colleges had women serving as presidents, and only 5 percent of large nonprofits (with budgets over $10 million) had women serving as CEOs and presidents. This puts evangelical nonprofits on par with the business sector, where a Pew Center survey found that just over 5 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women.

On top of this, on the whole female nonprofit leaders tend to be paid less than their male counterparts, by anywhere from 8 to 23 percent, according to nonprofit research firm GuideStar.

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No wonder, then, that Christian women who end up in nonprofit leadership positions often have to take risks, either financially or professionally, to make their aspirations a reality. They make the most of unexpected opportunities and the encouragement of mentors, and capitalize on whatever professional experience they can gain. Most importantly, though, they are driven to overcome any barriers to entry by a deep and personal passion to address a particular social needand by their abiding faith in an inclusive, merciful, and just God.

Driven by lived experience

Chantal Huinink of Ontario, Canada, was born with cerebral palsy and spent much of her early years trying to measure up to able-bodied individuals. Then she came to understand that God wanted to use all things in her life for good, not just the things we like about ourselves.

A longtime fan of Joni Eareckson Tadas music and advocacy work, Huinink took the risk to write her a letter and ask about becoming involved in the work of the international disability ministry Joni and Friends. To Huininks great surprise, Tada wrote back and invited her, then a college student, to visit their office in Southern California.

I knew that God was up to something because it was rather miraculous that I could get the funds together and organize my attendant care so quickly, she recalls. Even more peculiar were the words she heard herself saying to Tada after she arrived: Joni, when I'm done with school in December I'm going to come and work with you for three months. Huinink had no such plans to do this until she said it, but just a few months later, she relocated to California for a three-month internship.

Afterward, Tada connected Huinink with a like-minded organization in Canada called Christian Horizons. Today she serves as their coordinator of organizational and spiritual life while also studying in seminary, serving as a church elder, and speaking regularly at Joni and Friends events around the world.

These are not roles that I planned for or pursued, Huinink says. She began by simply wanting opportunities that utilized her lived experience as a woman with physical disabilities and that served others in a meaningful way.

Jenny Yangs road toward becoming the senior vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief also began with a lived experience. The daughter of South Korean immigrants, Yang studied abroad in Spain while a junior at John Hopkins University. Then, as now, the European country was having a fierce internal debate about the many African migrants who were arriving at their borders.

It was something I had never thought about, Yang remembers. While in Spain, she realized that migration is a global phenomenon. Its a fundamental aspect of the human experience. It challenges our very thinking about who we are and our attitude toward others and identity.

Yang clearly recalls riding the subway one day and seeing an African mother with her young children. Soon after, a group of young Spaniards boarded and spray-painted these words on the subway car wall: Get out of my country, black people!

It bothered me to see such blatant racism, but it bothered me even more that no one said anything, said Yang. That summer, she volunteered with a United Nations refugee program, and later volunteered with World Relief. After two years working for a political consulting companywhich honed Yangs understanding of the political process and effective means of advocacyshe applied for a full-time staff position with World Relief.

Anger and action

Finding ones calling in the nonprofit sector often involves wrestling with the question of what makes you angry, explains Andrea Ramirez, executive director of the Faith and Education Coalition of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. For Ramirez, the cause of her anger is seeing smart children who see themselves as unintelligent. I want to connect these children to a body of support and help them know they can love the Lord with all their minds. She works closely with local church leadership in the majority of states to engage advocates for education equity.

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Ramirez has seen firsthand the cost of education inequality. As a graduate student at Dallas Baptist University, she worked as an academic adviser to college students while also serving on a youth ministry team in inner-city Dallas. In a community in which gang involvement and poverty were endemic, many young people were unable to flourish in school.

I was seeing the dichotomy: I was seeing higher-education students who had gone on a different path and realized that an undergraduate degree was critical for them, she told CT. Conversely, I was at prayer meetings where the students would be telling me basically what was going to be on the ten oclock news that night: how their school had been evacuated or the fears that they were facing.

Mentoring young people who had to care more about their physical safety than their performance in school fostered a deep desire in Ramirez to work toward better educational opportunities for all children. I believe in the imago Dei of every child and believe they should have access to high quality education, she said.

Honoring the image of God in others

This conviction of the God-given value of every individual has been a powerful motivating force for each of these women. For some, their lives were transformedand their passion for service and justice fosteredbecause someone else first saw the imago Dei in them at a time when they were vulnerable.

Talitha Phillips is still fueled by the compassion she received at Claris Health as a client, which was in stark contrast to the one-sided story she heard at the abortion clinic. I dont want other girls to ever feel like they only have one option, she explained. I want to tell them, You have options, and no matter what you choose, we are going to love you and be there for you and get you through this.

Born as a Rwandan refugee in Uganda, Christine Baingana was surrounded by poverty and the strong cultural belief that girls did not deserve an education. Fortunately, her parents valued the welfare of all 15 of their children (including 11 girls). Baingana had the same educational opportunities as her brothers and also learned the same skillsknitting and crochetingin order to make additional income to help pay for schooling. I never struggled to be heard, she explained. I therefore grew up with a healthy sense of self-worth.

After working in banking, Baingana was appointed as CEO of Urwego Bank, a program of HOPE International in Rwanda. The organization provides that same sense of empowerment and self-worth to underserved Rwandans through financial services like affordable bank accounts and loans.

But even with her self-confidence, Baingana has struggled as a female leader. In my leadership journey I have been overlooked, sidelined, ignored, and wrongfully categorized, she admitted. However, that does not dissuade me from focusing on delivering. I might have to work double hard and take more years to get there, but I keep on with the full knowledge that I can do more and better, given a chance.

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Intentional advancement

Bainganas determination speaks to the strong desire to lead that is present among female nonprofit professionals, especially in younger generations. A 2014 survey, published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, found that 72 percent of women under the age of 34 in the nonprofit sector wanted to be in a top leadership position. But significant barriers to advancement remain, including organizational policies and cultures that tend to favor men over women.

Breaking such institutional inertia requires initiative and intentionality. The Gordon College study recommends several practices to promote more women in leadership, including creating initiatives and setting goals around diversity; having senior leaders actively and vocally affirm women in leadership; and increased training on barriers faced by women.

Yang has personally experienced the benefits of management that actively promotes women leaders. At World Relief, theres been a value for women leadership, she explained. Since joining the organization 12 years ago, she has been intentionally mentored and has had multiple opportunities to move to new positions.

The unique gifts women bring

But for such a path to be possible, existing leaders must believe in the importance of welcoming women into roles of influence. Diversity is an asset. Its not a detriment, Yang asserts. Any time you have a variety of voices at table, that strengthens decision-making and capacity. She believes female representation is particularly relevant for nonprofits, where women are almost always part of the target clientele. Its important that the people you serve and work with see people in the organization who look like them.

As both clients and nonprofit leaders, women think differently and bring a unique perspective, says Ramirez. We represent a part of the body of Christ. When were not present, all that is absent.

Case in point: When asked about effective leadership, all five women spoke of the importance of humility and collaboration. Leadership is not about knowing and doing everything. It is about relying on those that know more than you in a given area, learning to trust ones team, and focusing on fostering unity, Baingana said.

Their Christlike humility and the value they place on the contributions of others may very well stem from the fact that these five leaders recognize they did not make it this far on their own. Often in strange and unexpected ways, God has provided opportunities, relationships, and experiences that have uniquely equipped them to recognize the suffering of others and to offer their gifts in the hope of alleviating that suffering.

And wherever God calls these remarkable women, along with countless others like them, they bring life to those in needwhether they are refugees, pregnant women, students, people with disabilities, or other underserved populations. I believe women, whether they are moms or not, have been given the ability to give life, Ramirez said. We help to birth ideas and organizations and new insights.

They simply need more opportunities to do so.

Dorcas Cheng-Tozun is an award-winning writer and editor from Silicon Valley who has lived in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Kenya. Start, Love, Repeat, her book about marriage and entrepreneurship, will be released by Hachette Center Street in November 2017.
home World Church leaders decry Israel's attempt to 'weaken Christian presence' in Jerusalem

The heads of Christian churches in Jerusalem have issued a rare joint statement on Thursday decrying what they describe as Israel's "attempts to weaken the Christian presence" in the city.

The statement, signed by the heads of the Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Lutheran and other churches, was made in response to an Israeli court decision that pro-settlement group to take control of church land in a mainly Palestinian area of annexed east Jerusalem.

The ruling, handed down by the Jerusalem District Court last month, declared that the purchase of three major compounds adjacent to the Jaffa Gate in the Old City was carried out legally, which resulted in the transfer of the property from the Greek-Orthodox church to the rightwing NGO Ateret Kohanim Yeshiva.

"We now find ourselves united once again in condemning recent further encroachment on the status quo," the statement read, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

"In such matters as this, the Heads of the Churches are resolute and united in our opposition to any action by any authority or group that undermines those laws, agreements, and regulations that have ordered our life for centuries," the statement continued.

Among the signatories of the statement were Greek Patriarch Theophilos III; Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Nourhan Manougian; Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate, Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa; and Archbishop Aba Embakob of the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate.

The church leaders also criticized a proposed bill that seeks to nationalize lands that were previously owned by churches and sold to private investors.

The legislation, proposed by the Kulanu MK Rachel Azaria, has not been passed yet, but it could have a damaging effect on future church property deals. The measure proposes to compensate all sides that will be affected from the nationalizing of the land.

Azaria, a former Jerusalem city councilwoman, maintained that she only intends to protect the residents living in disputed lands and has no intentions to weaken the Christian presence in the capital. She noted that the measure will not apply to lands owned by churches, but only those that have been bought by real estate entrepreneurs.

The heads of churches contended that the court ruling and the legislation both pose a threat to a decades-old agreement between religions about the governing of sites in the city. They called on world leaders to intervene and help them protect the status quo.

"We cannot stress strongly enough the very serious situation that this recent systematic assault on the status quo has had on the integrity of Jerusalem and on the well-being of the Christian communities of the Holy Land," the churches wrote.
home World Israel approves 'Gospel Trail' cable car connecting historic sites to enhance Christian tourism

The Israeli government has approved the construction of a Gospel Trail tourist cable car that will connect the historic sites in Upper Nazareth and the lower slopes of Mount Tabor in an effort to attract Christian tourists.

According to Jewish News Service, the project is a collaboration between Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, Minister for the Development of the Negev and Galilee, Aryeh Deri, and the municipality of Upper Nazareth.

The Ministry of Tourism will be allocating NIS 600,000 (US$168,000), while the Ministry for the Development of the Negev and Galilee will be spending up to NIS 400,000 (US$112,000) for engineering planning purposes.

The initiative is aiming to attract millions of tourists and religious pilgrims from around the world, apart from Israeli visitors.

"The cable car will enrich the tourist experience and help bring the large numbers of incoming tourists who visit Nazareth to also visit Upper Nazareth, thereby contributing to the local economy," Levin stated.

The tourism minister further noted that the cable car will offer "passengers great vantage points over the unique sites and sights in the area, enriching the tourist experience and making the area more accessible."

The area has numerous sites that attract the interest of Christian tourists. The Incoming Tourism Survey of the Tourism Ministry has indicated that more than a million tourists, many of whom are pilgrims, visit Nazareth, the Lower Galilee and the Sea of Galilee. Around 90,000 tourists stay in Nazareth for an average of three days, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics.

"The Galilee in general and the Nazareth ridge in particular is an area in which rich history and ancient traditions are intertwined. The cable car is good news for the people of the Galilee and the area's many visitors a tourists from Israel and overseas. The ministry will continue to work to facilitate such important tourism projects," said Deri, according to Breaking Israel News.

A survey by Mertens Hoffman Management Consultants indicated that 54 percent of the 2.9 million tourists that visited Israel in 2016 were Christians. Thirty-eight percent of the Christian visitors were Catholics, 28 percent were Protestant and another 28 percent were Eastern Orthodox.

Only 24 percent of the tourists who visited Israel last year were Jews. Fifteen percent said they had no religious affiliation and three percent identified themselves as Muslims.

As many as 47 percent of the tourists said they had already visited Israel at least once before, and 80 percent said they would visit the country again.
home World Orthodox Christian leader urges Copts in Australia to oppose legalization of gay marriage

Coptic Orthodox Church Pope Tawadros II has urged young Coptic Christians in Australia to "fight for what is right" and vote against the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country's upcoming referendum.

Tawadros arrived in Sydney, Australia on Aug. 29 to visit the Coptic Christians who had fled from their homes in Egypt to avoid persecution.

During a rally at the International Convention Centre in Sydney Harbour on Friday, the Coptic pope told 1,000 young people that "family equals 'father and mother.'"

"According to the Holy Bible, when you read either in the Old Testament or the New Testament, there is no a at all a same-sex marriage," the Coptic leader said after arriving in Australia, according to Christian Today. "Therefore, this marriage is completely refused from the Christian faith," he added.

According to Daily News Egypt, more than 1,200 Coptic Christians celebrated Tawadros' visit to Australia. The visit grabbed the attention of Australian media, which welcomed the Coptic leader, who is visiting the country for the first time since his ordination in 2012. During his visit, the Coptic leader urged the Australian government to support Egypt.

"The Egyptian government protects churches and the Church has good ties with the president, government, parliament, and the whole society," Tawadros said.

"Egypt is the heart of the Middle East and stability of Egypt means stability of the entire region, stressing that the terror attacks target Egypt's national unity," he went on to say.

Beginning this month, a voluntary postal survey will be conducted in Australia to determine public opinion on same-sex marriage. The government is expected to introduce a bill legalizing gay marriage if the postal ballots show a "Yes" majority, and a challenge is expected from LGBT activists if the ballots return a majority of "No" votes.

A poll commissioned by same-sex marriage advocates have indicated that a majority of Christians are inclined to vote "yes" in the upcoming referendum.

The survey, conducted by Jim Reed of Newgate Research last month, found that 58 percent of people of faith are in favor of legalizing gay marriage in Australia.

Catholics were among religious groups who are most supportive of the campaign, with as many as two-thirds indicating that they would vote "yes" in the upcoming postal survey. For Anglicans, 59 percent of members of Uniting Church and Church of England were in favor of gay marriage.

The Muslim community is reportedly reluctant to join the debate on same-sex marriage for fear of being labelled extremists, including by Christians who share their opposition to the move.

Despite the concerns of the community, the Council of Imams Queensland president, Yusuf Peer, has publicly spoken out against gay marriage and the Australian National Imams Council issued a statement declaring that marriage is between a man and a woman.
Christians and Sikhs in Roseville, north California, observed a candlelight vigil on the night of Aug. 28, to honor Pastor Sultan Masih, who was shot dead outside a church in Ludhiana, Punjab, on July 15.

The pastor of the neo-Christian Temple of God Church was shot four times by three motorcycle-borne men. He was announced dead after being taken to a nearby local hospital.

Bhajan Singh, founding director of Organization for Minorities of India (OFMI), said, "We are here to honor Pastor Sultan Masih...because of his sacrifice, because of his testament to his faith and belief, he was killed. He was assassinated," according to Sikh 24.com

Masih's murder is one of the recent attacks on minorities by followers of Hindutva ideology. In fact, before his death he was threatened by members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist group, to stop preaching.

Hindutva teaches that all non-Hindus are alien to India.

"We've all heard about Charlottesville. It was an attempt to reawaken a dead ideology. To reinvigorate a Nazi movement. To unfurl the Swastika banner. But we know it was an aberration. What if I told you there's a place where a movement like this is not fringe," said Pieter Friedrich, an analyst of South Asian Affairs.

"Hindutva is the core philosophy of the BJP, which is the political party currently ruling India. It is also the philosophy of the BJP's parent organization, the RSS," he added.

Fr Joshua Licker of Incarnation Anglican Church, who led the Roseville vigil, urged the observers to battle their apathy and show solidarity to the victims of religious discrimination in India.

"Imagine what it would be like if something like this happened to you, in the town where you lived and worshipped. Wouldn't you want others to speak up to make sure this kind if thing did not happen again," said Licker.

Another Christian leader, Tyler Dumont, also insisted the participants to empathize with Pr Masih and other victims of oppression.

"Fight your apathy with deep and intense love for others, no matter their social standing, skin color, or last name," said Dumont.

"This is not an insignificant death on foreign soil, but an example of the systematic oppression of humans in India. This is not just a problem of warring ideologies, but a fight for something that is so basic and fundamental to human existence: human worth.... Pastor Sultan Masih's blood spills over my soul, and I cannot help but to scream out," he added.

The vigilant ended with a song written by a martyred Indian Christian.

"Please educate yourself about what his happening in India right now," urged Lickter.

"Please regularly include the people of India in your prayers. Pray that the corrupt leaders would either repent, or be brought to justice. Pray that the caste system would be overturned, and that no one would be persecuted based on race or creed," he said

"Let your voices be heard. Pastor Sultan cannot speak anymore, but you can speak for him. Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, or Atheist, you have the ability to let the voice of the oppressed be heard," he added.
Collecting Guide: 7 things to know about Chinese traditional painting

International specialist Kim Yu looks at why age-old themes and techniques continue to flourish, illustrated with lots from upcoming and previous sales

There is room for confusion over the category known as Chinese traditional painting. The works in this field range from classical paintings that predate the 20th century through to contemporary paintings, all of which employ in some way age-old themes, materials and techniques. Artists use ink and water-based colour on paper or silk to create traditional tableaus, most often depicting landscapes. Additionally, the themes are rarely unique, but are variations of earlier compositions, continuing a solid historical thread. The differences are in the details.

There is a very strong relationship between what comes later and what goes before in Chinese traditional painting, says Kim Yu, international specialist head of Chinese paintings at Christies Hong Kong. Theres an idea that if you launch out without knowing thoroughly what came before you, you have no foundation, explains Yu. Traditional painting has a much stronger connection with the past than it does to global art trends.

1

Authenticity matters

Open a larger version of this image Wen Zhengming (1470-1559), Poems in Large Running Script. Handscroll, ink on paper. 46 x 900 cm (18 1/8 x 354 3/8 in). Sold for HK$83,227,500 on 27 May 2019 at Christies in Hong Kong

Given that Chinese traditional painters learned their craft by copying earlier masters, it can be very difficult to distinguish an original from a copy, especially if the work is very old. Even if the artist was not deliberately creating a fake, the copy might have been confused with an original at some point. As a result, even experts have a difficult time guaranteeing authenticity. If you get five experts in a room, Yu says jokingly, theyll end up with seven different opinions about a painting. There are no short cuts to authenticating, he says. It requires a great deal of time and study, and it is still largely subjective. Although classical paintings are highly treasured, the easiest approach, Yu says, is to acquire a traditional Chinese painting that has a direct connection to the artist who made it. That said, paintings made during the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties continue to be coveted by collectors. During the past few years, the most desirable works have been those owned by or made for the 18th-century imperial court of the emperor Qianlong, who assembled one of the worlds largest art collections. In these works, identified by Emperor Qianlongs collectors seals, everything  the painting quality, the materials, the presentation  is the absolute best. Or in other words, fit for an emperor.

2

Find an artist or style that truly resonates with you

Chinese paintings come in a variety of styles. Some are monochrome, and others are very brightly coloured. Some are made in the literati style, meaning that they tend to use expressionistic brushwork and were painted as an expression of personal creativity. Others are made in gong-bi, or meticulous, style, utilising very precise details to appear much more decorative.

Open a larger version of this image Yun Shouping ((1633-1690), The Fragrance of a Nation in Clearing Spring. Hanging scroll, ink and colour on silk. 134.5 x 68.5 cm (53 x 27 in). Sold for HK$59,650,000 on 29 November 2021 at Christies in Hong Kong

To focus ones collecting interests, Yu suggests finding the style that speaks most strongly to you, whether it is bold and expressive or quiet and detailed. Then, you can focus on a few artists who work in that milieu, and get to know their works intimately. In doing so, you can develop your eye and taste for an artists style that harmonises with your own.

3

Learn the artists history or biography

The most prized Chinese traditional paintings are those that reveal the artists personality and character. It is believed that an evil person cannot make a fine work of art. To really understand an artists works, it helps to learn his or her biography, and about the times in which the artist lived. There are so many layers of complexity and interest in a good Chinese painting, Yu says. The more you know, the more you experience, the more you can bring to your understanding of it.

Open a larger version of this image Lin Fengmian (1900-1991), Opera Figures. Scroll, mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper. 70.8 x 66.8 cm (27 78 x 26 14 in). Sold for HK$6,048,000 on 29 May 2022 at Christies in Hong Kong

The vehicle through which an artist communicates is ultimately the brushwork. Are his or her strokes bold and sure, or are they nuanced and restrained? Did he or she use many strokes of different kinds, or just a few, brilliantly placed?

4

Consider lesser-known artists

Open a larger version of this image C. C. Wang (Wang Jiqian, 1907-2003), Landscape. Scroll mounted and framed, ink and colour on paper. 68.7 x 45.3 cm (27 x 17 78 in). Sold for HK$212,500 on 30 November 2021 at Christies in Hong Kong

Yu says that a true collector of Chinese painters shouldnt worry too much about celebrated names. Instead, he suggests following your instinct when collecting, and buying something that delights you. You can get a wonderful painting for a couple of thousands of dollars, he points out.

5

Check the condition

Almost any work made in pre-modern times will have gone through some repairs, Yu notes. Sometimes, he says, these repairs look great on the surface  but dont be deceived. Overpainting can obscure both the damage and the original brushstroke, detracting from the value  and authenticity  of the original.

Traditionally, Chinese paintings are only taken out and viewed on special occasions, which serves to preserve their condition. Otherwise, they are kept in storage. Collectors who choose to frame and display their works continuously should take care to keep them out of direct sunlight. Artificial low light and conditions that are not too dry and not too humid are the ideal for keeping a traditional Chinese painting in good shape.

6

Visit the paintings in public collections

Open a larger version of this image Zhang Daqian, (1899-1983), (detail) Temple at the Mountain Peak. Hanging scroll, ink and colour on gold paper. 127.7 x 63 cm (50  x 24  in). Sold for HK$209,100,000 on 24 May 2021 at Christies in Hong Kong

7

Dont be intimidated by the paintings

Open a larger version of this image Yao Yunzai (16th  17th Century), Landscapes along the Rivers. A set of ten album leaves, ink and colour on silk. Various sizes, each leaf measures approx. 22 x 28 cm (8 58 x 11 in). Sold for HK$16,650,000 on 28 May 2022 at Christies in Hong Kong
Reverting to type

Why everyone from Tom Hanks to Lady Gaga is rediscovering the beauty of vintage manual typewriters, which  like classic cars and ocean liners  attracted the 20th centurys greatest designers in their efforts to make the practical beautiful

In August 1952, Ian Fleming took a break from writing his James Bond adventures to type a short note to his wife Ann. My love, he wrote, this is only a tiny letter to try out my new typewriter and to see if it will write golden words since it is made of gold. To celebrate finishing Casino Royale, Fleming had ordered a gold-plated Royal Quiet De Luxe at a cost of $174, and to avoid the duty, asked a friend to smuggle it back from America on the Queen Elizabeth. Fleming told him to bundle it up in furs. Sleek and elite, the Royal suited a man with an eye for an attractive chassis. Im not sure he wrote any Bonds on it, says Fergus Fleming, the authors nephew and editor of his collected letters, The Man with the Golden Typewriter. I think it appealed to his sense of humour. It was the idea, as much as the reality, that caught his imagination. Surveying the curious appeal of these QWERTY machines, I find that Fleming is far from unique. Over the past century, a large cast of writers, artists, collectors and curators have been beguiled by what Kingsley Amis called the alphabet piano. Amis was himself quite soppy about his Adler Standard. Manual typewriters, like vintage cars and ocean liners, illustrate the modernist mission to make the practical beautiful. Leading designers worked on them, and mid-century ad men pitched them to the public. As light as a syllable, complete as a sentence, declared the bright, bold Olivetti posters.

Open a larger version of this image Giovanni Pintoris 1953 poster for the Olivetti Lettera 22. Photo: The Museum of Modern Art, New York/Scala Florence

Like other collectables, typewriters often reflect their origins. American firms  like the gunmaker Remington  made them hardy enough to take out West; the French models were as curvaceous as Citroens. And the Italians introduced elegance: in the 1960s their game-changing Olivetti Lettera 22  slimline and pastel-coloured  became as much a symbol of la dolce vita as a Lambretta or a Vespa. The museum community has long recognised their significance. A Roger Tallon retrospective on view at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris earlier this year showed how the French designer worked on jolly-looking Japy typewriters as well as the nations fleet of TGV trains. And the new Design Museum in London recently chose the 1969 Olivetti Valentine as one of its dozen iconic objects. There are typewriters in the collections of the Science Museum in London and the Musee des Arts et Metiers in Paris. MoMA began showing them in New York in the 1950s. And cultural figures from Sam Shepard to Leonard Cohen have praised their simplicity. You cant hack an Imperial or a Smith Corona. No wonder Lady Gaga gets lyrical on a vintage Underwood. The film star Tom Hanks caught the bug in 1979 when he bought a Hermes 2000; he has since built up one of the great typewriter collections, and his typewriter-themed collection of fiction, Uncommon Type: Some Stories, is to be published in October. There is no reason to own hundreds of old typewriters other than the sin of misguided avarice, he admitted in a New York Times column. Although, he added, the tactile pleasure of typing old-school is incomparable.

Open a larger version of this image Tom Hanks has since built up one of the great typewriter collections. His typewriter-themed collection of fiction, Uncommon Type: Some Stories, is to be published in October. He is pictured here in the documentary California Typewriter, which is released later this year. Photo courtesy of American Buffalo Pictures

Hanks  together with Sam Shepard, musician John Mayer, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough and others  elaborates on his passion for typewriters in a charming documentary, California Typewriter, directed by Doug Nichol and released in the US this summer [and in the UK in November]. The thwack, whack and ping of the thing is indeed hard to resist. As is the chic symmetry: a typewriter is as evenly balanced as a butterfly print. Even that dandyish carriage arm accentuates its good looks, like a kiss curl or a duelling scar. The oddest thing about collecting typewriters is how many fellow collectors I have come across, and in how many locales, says Marty Cooper, a Californian communications executive who has 40 machines, ranging in date from 1880 to 1930. He has examples from Germany, Israel, Estonia, England, Russia and Belgium. And where there are typewriters, he says, there are collectors.

In 2009 Cormac McCarthys Olivetti  which had cost him $50 in a Tennessee pawnshop in 1963  was sold for $254,500

For Cooper, it was an Imperial B from 1915 that sparked his interest 30 years ago. There is, he explains, romance in the long-forgotten names of many of these mechanical marvels. Brands such as Erika, Bambino, Frolio, Fox and Blickensderfer conjure up a lost age of wild sentiments hammered home by impassioned authors. We work on our own machines, Cooper says. Thats part of the fun. Finding an obscure part through other collectors or online gives one the same feeling of triumph a treasure hunter must enjoy when the spade clunks against a buried chest of pirate gold. That alchemical infatuation can come at a price. Flemings pimped-up Royal sold for 55,750 at Christies in 1995. Jack Kerouacs last typewriter  a pale-green Hermes  made $22,500 in 2010. And in 2009, Cormac McCarthys Olivetti  which had cost him $50 in a Tennessee pawnshop in 1963  achieved a record-breaking $254,500. It has never been serviced or cleaned, McCarthy noted, other than blowing out the dust with a service station hose.

Open a larger version of this image William Kentridge, THE FULL STOP SWALLOWS THE SENTENCE, 2012  William Kentridge. Photo courtesy of Greg Kucera Gallery, Seattle


5 minutes with... A masterpiece by V. S. Gaitonde

Offered in the South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art sale on 13 September, Untitled from 1996 marks the apogee of the great Indian artists career  as specialist Nishad Avari explains

Everything starts from silence, the Indian artist Vasudeo Santu Gaitonde (1924-2001) once said. The silence of the brush, the silence of the canvas, the silence of the painting knife. The painter starts by absorbing all these silences... No one part of you is working there. Your entire being is. An advocate of Zen Buddhism, Gaitonde saw painting as a spiritual endeavour and not something to be rushed, either in conception or execution. He painted, on average, just five or six canvases a year. In the past decade, however, the Indian artists reputation has witnessed a sharp rise, including the retrospective exhibition, Painting as Process, Painting as Life, at the Guggenheim in New York, in 2014-15. Commercial success has matched institutional recognition. At the inaugural Christies auction in India, held in Mumbai in 2013, Gaitondes Untitled (1979) sold for INR 237,025,000 / $3.8 million, making it the most expensive painting ever by an Indian artist. Two years later, that record fell to another Gaitonde canvas, Untitled, from 1995, which fetched INR 293,025,000 / $4.4 million. It may be, though, that the artist's best work has yet to appear at auction. According to Nishad Avari, Indian art specialist at Christies in New York, Untitled (1996) marks the apogee of Gaitondes career. Everything that went before is, in a sense, leading up to this. The painting is being offered in the South Asian Modern & Contemporary Art sale in New York on 13 September.

Open a larger version of this image Vasudeo S. Gaitonde (1924-2001), Untitled, 1996. Oil on canvas, 55 x 40 in (139.7 x 101.6 cm). Sold for $4,092,500 on 13 September 2017 at Christies in New York

Gaitonde was brought up in Goa and then Mumbai, where, in the years after Indian independence in 1947, he joined the likes of Tyeb Mehta as associates of the seminal Progressive Artists Group. Where his peers stuck to figuration, however, by the late 1950s Gaitonde had taken the bold step of turning to abstraction  at first partially, then completely. It was a move influenced in part by a Rockefeller Foundation grant that took him to New York, where he visited the studio of Mark Rothko, among others. He was by nature a solitary person, says Avari. He never felt comfortable as part of a group and avoided distractions to the rigours of an artists life. Gaitonde, who never married and cut ties with his family after falling out with his father, moved to Delhi in the early Seventies and lived out his life alone in a dusty, one-room apartment.



This is a canvas that provokes new discoveries with every viewing, showing the balance of light, texture, colour and space that Gaitonde perfected over his career
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Houston's roads, skies and waterways saw increased traffic Tuesday as some of the city's biggest industries continued a slow march toward business as usual.

United and Southwest airlines operated more robust schedules, oil tankers headed toward the shoreline and ship movements returned to nearly normal levels at the Port of Houston.

"Things are getting back to normal," said Capt. Mike Cunningham, director of program management at the Greater Houston Port Bureau. "There are more and more vessel transits every day."

Airports

United and Southwest both described their operations Monday as about 70 percent of a typical day.

United Airlines had more than 300 departures and roughly the same number of arrivals scheduled at Bush Intercontinental Airport on Tuesday. It expects flights to operate at normal levels by Friday.

Spokesman Charlie Hobart said its website and app are current. If these platforms say a flight will operate as scheduled, then United intends to operate it.

"Customers should feel confident about connecting through Houston," Hobart said.

Overall, domestic flights at Bush Intercontinental were at 75 percent of typical operations, Houston Airport System spokesman Bill Begley said. Officials expect domestic and international flight service to be at 100 percent by this weekend.

Hobby Airport had 105 flights Tuesday. A typical day has around 160 flights. Southwest said it plans to resume a full schedule at Hobby on Thursday.

Trucking

Tropical Storm Harvey is being blamed for a price spike to have certain trucks carry goods into the Houston region, said Noel Perry, partner and transportation economist at FTR Transportation Intelligence.

The inbound rate for flatbed trucks, used to haul construction materials and the like, increased 4 percent for the period just before and during the storm. Rates then increased 24 percent in the past seven days, Perry said.

The inbound rate for a standard truck carrying packaged goods increased 7 percent just before and early in the storm. The cost has increased 8 percent in the past seven days.

POST-HARVEY TRAFFIC: Closed roads and displaced commuters create congestion

Both of those rate increases are for the spot market, where customers pay trucking companies for a one-time move as opposed to having a contract for frequent or recurrent moves.

Perry cited three main reasons for the inbound rate increases. First, truck drivers are entering the Houston region with full trucks but leaving with empty trucks since the industrial or manufacturing sectors are still behind in production. Also, people seeking construction materials or post-Harvey supplies quickly are willing to pay more.

A recent runup in diesel prices could also be contributing, and Perry said that impact may grow more noticeable.

"Since this price increase in fuel is so recent," he said, "it's probably not completely included in the price of transportation yet."

AAA reported diesel prices in Houston averaged $2.44 on Tuesday, up from $2.27 a week earlier and $2.15 a year ago.

John D. Esparza, president and CEO of the Texas Trucking Association, said the effects from higher-priced diesel are already being felt.

"A slight increase in gas will cause a significant increase in the amount it costs to move that product from point A to point B," he said.

Perry predicted trucking rates will eventually settle down, but they probably won't fall to previous levels. Trucking companies are shy about raising the prices, he said, but they'll use events like this to modestly boost their margins.

Refineries

Some refineries are back to normal while others are slowly ramping up production after Harvey knocked out more than 20 percent of the nation's fuel production at oil refineries, causing price spikes and some fuel shortages.

Refineries in Beaumont and Port Arthur could be the last to return to service, although some are beginning the methodical restart processes.

Motiva's Port Arthur refinery, the nation's largest, should be partially operational at the beginning of next week, Motiva Enterprises said Tuesday. It hopes by Monday to have operations restored to 40 percent - churning out more fuel than many other refineries when fully in service.

San Antonio's Valero Energy said it's in the early stages of restarting its Port Arthur refinery. The other two major refineries in the area are further behind. Exxon Mobil said its Beaumont refinery is shut down because of floodwaters. Paris-based Total, which until recently had no power at its Port Arthur campus, hasn't started work to restore its refinery there.

Meanwhile, the oil refining complex in Corpus Christi is nearly back to its pre-Harvey operations.

Flint Hills Resources confirmed Tuesday that its Corpus refinery is fully back online, just one day after Valero Energy said it had resumed its normal capacity to churn out gasoline and other fuels. Flint Hills is a subsidiary of Koch Industries.

The third major Corpus refinery, owned by Citgo Petroleum, is nearly back to normal operations.

In Baytown, Exxon Mobil said it is in the early stages of restarting the nation's second-largest oil refinery.

Apart from its oil refineries, Exxon Mobil said its Houston fuel terminals are again supplying gasoline and diesel, and that it's making "significant progress" in restarting its petrochemical, pipelines and logistical networks in the Houston area.

Oil tankers

Seaside commerce is also making a comeback, as healthy levels of oil tanker traffic returned to partially reopened ports.

From a satellite feed in Norway, Samir Madani, co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, counted around 275 vessels near major ports across the Gulf of Mexico, including 105 off the coast of the Houston and Galveston areas on Tuesday.

The day before, those vessels delivered some 10 million barrels of oil into the Texas energy complex, on top of 4 million barrels imported over the weekend.

"It looks as if nothing happened from here," said Madani.

On Aug. 26, Madani watched his monitor as nearly all of the 166 tankers off the Texas coast fled in the same direction at once, scurrying southeast into the depths of the Gulf of Mexico as Hurricane Harvey approached the Houston area.

When storms threaten the Gulf Coast, tankers usually take shelter near the coastline. But Hurricane Harvey was strong enough to wash out soil and run tankers aground. "It was like, danger, get out," Madani said.

But on Tuesday, 33 tankers lined up in the Houston Ship Channel, two or three times more than usual.

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston, overall, had 47 deep-draft vessels enter or leave on Monday, approaching the port's daily average of 51 transits, Cunningham said.

Port Houston, which operates the Bayport and Barbours Cut container terminals along the Ship Channel, reported 5,000 containers entering or leaving there on Friday and 3,000 on Monday, Labor Day. Fourteen vessels called on the terminals between Friday and Monday. That's a lot of vessels over the four days as a typical week sees 17 vessels, a spokeswoman said, adding that the longshoremen and others worked Labor Day even though they generally have it off.

Certain portions of the Houston Ship Channel still have draft restrictions. Cunningham added that inland beyond the Loop 610 East bridge is mostly barge traffic, largely due to a sunken dry dock and other obstructions in the channel.

"Everybody is working really hard to get back to normal," Cunningham said.
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Police in a small southeast Pennsylvania town are unnerved after an unidentified prankster tied red balloons to a sewer grate.

Lititz Borough police recognized the stunt was inspired by the movie "It," where a clown named Pennywise terrorizes children in a small town.

GOOD CLOWNS: Not all clowns are scary and weird

"A certain movie is coming to theaters in two days, and a local prankster took it upon themselves to promote the movie," the department said in a Tuesday Facebook post. "...we give points for creativity, however we want the local prankster to know that we were completely terrified as we removed these balloons from the grates and we respectfully request they do not do that again."

For those who are unaware of the movie "It," Lititz police recommend watching the movie preview "with a friend or coworker with all the lights on and the sound down low."

Reports of people dressing as creepy clowns or invoking clown imagery in online threats swept the nation late last year, including East Texas.

In October, a 14-year-old Houston ISD student was arrested after allegedly threatening a school in the district online. Authorities said he used a clown image as part of his threat. Around the same time, men dressed as clowns were arrested in Baytown and Atascocita.

WILD: Texas woman steals patrol unit, spurring high-speed police chase

One police station linked the prank to the creepy clown craze from last year.

"We did the clown thing last year, we aren't doing this again," the Lawrence Police Department tweeted on Wednesday. "Fight the clowns. Apply today."

The Lititz Borough Police Department did have some fun with the prank after their post about the red balloons was shared nearly 14,000 times on Thursday.

The police department had a follow up post with a detective wearing a red curly wig inspecting the balloons, telling followers that their criminal investigations division is looking further into the prank.

"Don't worry everyone, we'll have the person or "thing" responsible in custody in no time, these guys really know what they're doing!" Lititz Borough police wrote. "P.S. Don't tell them that Clowns wear gloves, we want to see how long this keeps them occupied!"

See accidentally creepy clowns in the gallery above.
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IT: Stephen King's classic story, about children fighting a shape-shifting terror, gets a reboot from director Andy Muschietti. (R)

HOME AGAIN: Reese Witherspoon plays a single mother living in Los Angeles who lets three young men move into her home. (PG-13)
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Today in 1977 a new chapter in the history of Houston barbecue was written with the opening of the original Goode Co. BBQ on Kirby Drive.

Goode Co. founder Jim Goode probably had no clue 40 years ago that serving mesquite-kissed brisket, ribs and sausage, along with traditional sides would lead to a mini-empire that by 1982 would include burger and taqueria spots and a sit-down seafood restaurant in 1986.

Now four decades later there are four Goode Co. BBQ restaurant locations, a cantina on the way, two seafood locations, a taqueria, and Armadillo Palace which celebrates all things Texas.

IN MEMORIAM: Restaurant founder Goode, 71, made his brand a Houston classic

Goode was born in April 1944 to parents from Tampico, Mexico, and grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast. He left Texas at 16 to enlist in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After his service in Okinawa, Japan, Goode attended the Milton Glaser School of Visual Arts in New York before he returned to Houston to try his hand as a graphic artist.

In 1977 Goode had grown tired of working in graphic arts and decided to open either a bait shop or a barbecue joint. His clients had already been enjoying his cooking so he found himself at a career crossroads of sorts.

Lucky for Houstonians and Texans, he decided to go the smoked meat route.

Goode invested the $6,000 he had in savings for what would become Goode Company BBQ, the first of his seven Houston restaurants. The barbecue joint opened on September 6, 1977.

He even slept at the barbecue place, waking up once an hour, so that he could tend to his brisket like so many good pitmasters had done before him and still do to this day.

RELATED: Goode Co. Barbecue opens in the Woodlands

Goode finally retired in 2005 and his son Levi Goode now runs Goode Company Restaurants.

The patriarch died in Feb. 2016 at the age of 71 of Alzheimer's.

"He liked barbecue because it was such a communal food," Goode said of his father soon after his passing. "The nature of the food is one that brings friends and family together and he enjoyed putting smiles on people's faces."
As heavy rains caused the Omni Houston Hotel to flood on the morning of Aug. 27, spa manager Jill Renick urgently called the hotel's front desk at 5:40 a.m.

She also placed a call to 911, her sister said, and hotel guests on the first and third floors reported hearing her cries from the elevator.

As the 48-year-old Renick apparently desperately sought help, the staff moved to shut off the Galleria-area hotel's power. About 100 guests were evacuated as water poured into the building.

But Renick, who had ridden out Tropical Storm Harvey overnight with her dog Sweet Pea in a fourth-floor room before reportedly being summoned to assist guests on the second floor, has not been seen or heard from since. Her car and dog were found later at the hotel.

Her disappearance  and possible death  at a four-star hotel has left family members anguished, mystified and looking for answers.

"It's baffling to me that there is no sign of her  that she's vanished," said Renick's sister, Pam Eslinger, 62. "And we're going into the second week now. And nothing."

Police searched at least one of the hotel's elevators and found it empty, but declined to say if they had searched other parts of the hotel. An Omni spokeswoman said the hotel staff combed through the building.

"When we determined Jill was missing, we immediately launched our own search of areas of the property we could still safely access despite the rising flood waters and contacted emergency responders to request assistance in locating her," wrote Kristen Cadenhead, a spokeswoman in Omni's Dallas headquarters, in an email to the Chronicle. "As waters receded from the building, we continued our search along with law enforcement personnel. The entire building has been searched, and the Houston Police Department determined that Jill is not in the hotel or parking garage. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jill's family during this difficult time."

Houston police on Tuesday assigned an investigator to Renick's case, which is being handled as a missing person's case.

In the meantime, Eslinger has called the Red Cross, the National Guard, Houston-area shelters and nearby hospitals. She's also checked with the Harris County medical examiner's office for a body that would match her sister's description.

Local officials say around 70 people have died or are feared dead in Texas as a result of Harvey, which made landfall on Aug. 25 as a Category 4 hurricane before dumping 50 inches of rain on some parts of the Houston area. Authorities have confirmed 30 storm-related deaths, mostly drownings, in Harris County.

The Texas Center for the Missing had located at least 118 missing persons, including three who died, as of Monday. The whereabouts of another 17  including former Houston journalist Jim Simmon  were still unknown. Houston police were continuing to investigate more than a dozen missing person reports opened since the storm.

The Omni, which backs up to Buffalo Bayou, suffered major flooding damage. Water spilled into the lobby while the basement, where the spa is located, was completely flooded. "The hotel will remain closed for the foreseeable future," Cadenhead wrote.

Renick had spent the night at the hotel to help guests in anticipation of bad weather, Eslinger said.

Hotel employees told Eslinger that Renick was awake early that Sunday morning. Between 5:15 and 5:30 a.m., Renick left her fourth-floor hotel room to go to the second floor to help guests, employee told Eslinger. Within 10 minutes, cell phone records show, Renick was trapped and calling the front desk, Eslinger said. The power was shut off by 6:30 a.m., she said.

"It is our understanding that a call from Jill was received by the front desk on Sunday morning," Cadenhead said. "At their request, we are not discussing the details of the call except with the family representative and law enforcement personnel."

Eslinger still believes her sister, or her body, may be at the hotel.

Relatives and friends described Renick as friendly and caring, the kind of person who made family reunions fun, her nephew, Austin Miller, 40, said. She never would have voluntarily left the hotel when guests were in need, Eslinger said.

And, judging by what she left behind, it doesn't appear she had voluntarily left the building, Eslinger added. A friend found Renick's dog in the Omni hotel room where Renick had stayed Saturday night. A few days later, Renick's car was spotted in the Omni's flooded garage.

The uncertainty has left Eslinger, and the rest of Renick's family, desperate for answers. Said Eslinger: "We just want to know where she is."
A man was found dead Sunday inside a southwest Houston apartment complex, police said.

The 25-year-old victim was found shot to death around 9:15 p.m. in the 10100 block of Forum Park, according to the Houston Police Department.
During the second day of catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Harvey, patrol officers initially were unable to reach a man shot at a southwest Houston apartment complex because of high water.

William Duncan was apparently involved in a fight at a convenience store in the 5400 block of Birdwood on Sunday evening. When the fight moved to the parking lot, store clerks intervened and tried to break it up.
Harvey was particularly hard on people with cognitive issues or memory loss  and on their caregivers. With that in mind, the Houston and Southeast Texas chapter of the Alzheimer's Association offers these answers to common questions.

My family member who is living with Alzheimer's had to be relocated during the storm. What strategies can help reduce their anxiety and agitation?

Listen to the frustration.

Find out what may be causing the agitation, and try to understand. Sometimes the words may not make sense, but if the problem is something you can solve, then try to address it. Pay attention to cues such as fidgeting and pacing, which may indicate that the person is overwhelmed

Provide reassurance.

Use calming phrases such as: "You're safe here;" "I'm sorry that you are upset;" and "I will stay until you feel better." Let the person know you are there. Even though you cannot change the situation, you can reassure the person that they are not alone.

Find outlets for the person's energy.

The person may be looking for something to do. Pay attention to signs that might mean they need to go to the bathroom, get some exercise, are hungry/thirsty or need a calming hug.

Check yourself.

Use a patient, low-pitched voice. Respond to the emotions expressed rather than the words. For example,"You're frightened and want to go home. It's OK, I'm here with you

Do not raise your voice, show alarm or offense, or corner, crowd, restrain, criticize, ignore or argue with the person. Take care not to make sudden movements out of the person's view. Always approach the person from the front.

Find the smile maker. This is a stressful time, but try to connect to the thing that the person loves. Is it sports? Babies? Old stories? Connect the person to the conversation topic that makes them feel safe and heard.

Remember to breathe. The persons with dementia can feel your own stress. Try to take some big breaths to help calm yourself down so that you can respond to the person in a more helpful way. Approach the person from the front and use his or her name.

DENNIS ABRAMS: "Disaster 1: My partner's dementia. Disaster 2: Harvey"

My brother has Alzheimer's and his wife is not well. They were evacuated due to flooding in their home, and are now living with us as they have no other family. Do I need a power of attorney to help them file for flood assistance? Is there anyone who can help us navigate how to access flood assistance? Also, who can help me find out what resources are available for individuals living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's who have been suddenly uprooted from their home?

The Red Cross can help with immediate needs. Call (866)526-8300, Option 3, to talk with a caseworker.

The 2-1-1 Texas/United Way HELPline will have updated disaster resources as they come available. Call 2-1-1 from any phone.

You can call the State Bar of Texas' Hurricane Harvey hotline at (800)504-7030. The hotline  answered in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese  connects low-income people affected by a disaster with legal aid providers in their area who can help with such issues as replacing lost documents, answering insurance questions, helping with landlord-tenant problems, and handling consumer protection concerns such as price-gouging and contractor scams during the rebuilding process. Callers can leave a message at any time.

Houston Volunteer Lawyers also has an intake line, (713) 228-0732; or visit their website, www.makejusticehappen.org.

If your home was ravaged by the floods or sustained any storm damage, you can register your damage with FEMA at (800)621-3362.

You can also file a personal claim with the Texas Department of Insurance's consumer hotline at (800)252-3439.

My 87-year-old father not only has Alzheimer's but is also suffering from other ailments. He's almost out of his medicine. Where or how can I get his prescriptions refilled?

Rx Open helps patients find nearby open pharmacies in areas impacted by disaster. Combining multiple data feeds from the pharmaceutical industry, Rx Open displays the precise location on Google Maps of open pharmacies, closed pharmacies, and those whose status is unknown.

Visit www.healthcareready.org/rxopen.

Pharmacists may provide emergency refills when the prescriber cannot be reached. Specifically, in an emergency, a pharmacist may use his/her professional judgment in refilling a prescription drug order for a drug (other than a Schedule II controlled substance) provided failure to refill the prescription might result in an interruption of a therapeutic regimen or create patient suffering.

We were concerned about my grandmother being alone during the storm, so we have moved her in with us for a couple of weeks. She is so confused, not knowing why she's here, insisting on driving home even though we've told her a hundred times the roads are closed, and so on. She seemed so capable at home. Now I'm really worried that she has some sort of senility.

Seeing this kind of change in a loved one would certainly be a cause for concern. Disasters can be life-changing events, for older adults, it is especially tough as many see a lifetime of belongings and memories wiped out, and many feel that they are too old to start again. It is not uncommon for otherwise healthy people to become confused or forgetful due to the stress.

However, during times of chaos and emotional trauma, people with cognitive issues and/or memory loss are especially vulnerable and may become more confused and agitated. They may not understand what is happening or they may forget what is happening. Older individuals who have been displaced may exhibit confusion and agitation for the first time.

DAYNA STEELE: Mom's Alzheimer's. Facebook. And a big glass of wine.

We have lots of family members in my house, all of whom have been affected by flooding. I've also been caring for my aunt with dementia in my house. The worry about everything, seeing my beloved city so beleaguered, and her normal issues with toileting, questions, trying to cook and so on, is pushing me over the brink. I can't sleep and find myself snapping at her. What can I do to reduce this stress? How can I get some help?

For support assisting someone with cognitive and memory issues or for caregiver support, we are just a phone call away. Call (800)272-3900 for 24/7 support in over 200 languages. The helpline offers support in more than 200 languages.

Our ALZConnected online community is useful for finding comfort and reassurance.

You can also talk to a professional about emotional distress by calling the Disaster Distress Helpline, (800)985-5990; or texting "TalkWithUs" to 66746.

For more information, see the Alzheimer's Association webpage about Harvey.
Two adults entered through a broken front door at H-E-B in Meyerland as Harvey lashed Houston. At first, the off-site personnel monitoring the location's security cameras assumed it was a break in. Then a third adult passed a baby into the store that already had taken on three feet of water.

It turns out they were just looking for a safe place.

So security contacted them through the store's intercom: Get up on the check-out counters; help is on the way. H-E-B had arranged for a boat rescue.

While they waited, the water-soaked visitors rearranged sandbags to keep more water from entering the building. Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Food/Drug, took it as a gesture of good will toward Texas' largest supermarket chain.

"What our people did (for them) was amazing," he said. "But I thought it was an incredible act of kindness for those people to move those sandbags."

And H-E-B exhibited its fair share of kindness within its own community as the supermarket giant worked to get its stores open and restocked when customers were most in need of essentials.

Of the 114 stores in the Gulf Coast region from Corpus Christi to Beaumont that were in Harvey's path - H-E-B has 330 in Texas - all but three are now up and running. A feat, given the logistics of procurement and delivery as major arteries throughout the region were impassable. Meanwhile,the company has given more than 150,000 cases of water and 75,000 10-pound bags of ice to communities in need as well as served 40,000 meals form its convoy of mobile kitchens.

Familiar to many through television commercials, often as self-deprecating straight man, McClelland is the face of H-E-B in the area, linking him directly with brand loyalty. So when he showed up to the shelter at George R. Brown Convention Center recently, he arrived with food, supplies - and open arms. There were many hugs during his visits with evacuees, embraces he said probably meant more to him than to the people he met.

But as top brass in these parts, his primary focus was to get stores back open so that customers can procure the items they require to start getting their lives back in order. Before the storm the need was all about water, beer, bread, batteries, salty snacks and canned fish and meat. ("It's the one time people really get excited about Spam," he joked.) Post-Harvey, the most popular grocery items were eggs, milk, ramen, macaroni and cheese, fresh meat and easy-to-prepare foods. The store is still struggling with meeting the demand for bread and eggs.

While H-E-B got back on its feet quickly, McClelland doesn't hesitate to recognize the struggle of recovery. Many employees went to work as they were dealing with personal damage and loss. Of 300 employees at one store in Beaumont, for example, 140 were displaced by the flooding.

Harvey will add new chapters to the H-E-B "playbook" on how to deal with emergencies such as hurricanes and flooding. Transportation when roads are inaccessible is an example, he said: "What do you do when you have absolutely no mobility? That's one of the things we have to look at in the future."

McClelland's next order of business is to get the new Kingwood store reopened by Thanksgiving, and the closed location in Woodforest on Uvalde open by end of September. The future of the Meyerland store, which has flooded before, is uncertain.

Within the H-E-B community there's a lot of talk about the company's spirit, something Harvey tested mightily, McClelland said. He feels the Texas-proud brand and its employees - including 24,000 in the Houston area - showed their true colors during the ongoing crisis.

"At the end of the day people leave work feeling good they made a difference," McClelland said, "and made a mark in some way."
A Rosenberg family reportedly spent $18,000 to prevent Harvey floodwaters from infiltrating its home. That's a fraction of the $150,000 they said they spent to remodel their house after a previous flood, KPRC reports.

Randy and Jennifer Socha told the station they invested in a portable dam from Aqua Dam company, which was delivered from Louisiana. The flood barrier costs roughly $2,400 and is a water-inflated barricade that wraps around buildings, in this case, a Rosenberg home. Installation costs bumped the total to $18,00 for the Sochas.
Having partnered with its restaurants to deliver more than 5,500 meals to local shelters and organizations in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Rice Village District is now putting out the call for other Houston-area restaurants to get involved.

A mainstay in Houston's retail scene, Rice Village is accepting meal donations (either buffet style, chilled for pickup or boxed) from Houston-area restaurants for delivery to Second Servings and other organizations with needs for prepared meals.
Louise Penny began her writing career later than most successful writers. Her first book, 2005's "Still Life," was published when she was nearing 50. Since then, though, she's written 14 books and has earned critical appreciation, developed a large readership and won several mystery-writing awards.

Penny's latest book, "Glass Houses," is her first release since the death of her husband, Michael Whitehead, whom she credits as the inspiration for her famous detective, Armand Gamache. She'll be in Houston on Thursday to read and discuss her book.

Q: Tell us about your latest novel, "Glass Houses."

More Information 'Glass Houses' By Louise Penny Minotaur Books, 400 pp., $28.99 Author appearance Louise Penny will discuss and sign "Glass Houses," 7 p.m. Thursday, Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave. Tickets start at $8; $32 tickets include a copy of the book. Buy online at murderbooks.com. See More Collapse

A: One of the challenges of writing a series, particularly one with this setting (a small village in Quebec) and the same cast of characters, is the danger of falling into a rut. And I do not want that, so I try to make each of the books different, either in tone, theme or structure. In this case, I changed the structure, and one of the things I haven't done with my main character, Armand Gamache, is put him in the courtroom. It's an inside-out story, where we start near the end when the trial is underway. But we do not know the identity of the victim or the defendant; nor do we know the motive. Thematically, the book is about conscience and the role that it plays in our lives. And that is where the character of the cobrador del frac comes in.

Q: The cobrador del frac is one of the more intriguing aspects of the novel. Tell us about this concept of the debt collector or, in this case, a moral debt collector.

A: I heard about the cobrador del frac about 20 years ago, long before I wrote this book. It's typically a man who is quite dapper, dressed in a top hat, tails and (who) carries a briefcase. He follows a person from their home, to their work, on their errands, standing aside and never approaching them. Everyone knows who this person is - a debt collector. The person the cobrador is following has reneged on a debt, and the cobrador essentially shames the person into paying the debt, following them for weeks if need be. It is incredibly successful because it plays on the person's conscience.

When I began writing this series, I knew I would use this character, but I wanted the time to be right and the characters' development to be right. With this book, I knew it was time to bring the cobrador del frac in. The cobrador comes into collect a debt, but it's a moral debt, not a monetary debt. He comes into this small village of Three Pines, and each of the characters thinks he is there for them because we all have done things of which we are ashamed.

Q: Your setting of Three Pines is particularly appealing to your readers. Tell us about Three Pines and how you created it.

A: I began writing this series shortly after the 9/11 attacks, and that had a profound effect on me. I felt vulnerable and unsafe, so I decided to create a setting where I would feel safe. It's the village of Three Pines in Quebec. It's set in a valley, off the beaten path, usually found by people who are lost. I created a bookstore, a bakery, a bistro and a general store, and I populated it with people I would want as friends. I wanted the book to be published, but I knew the reality of the publishing world. So I knew that writing it had to be reward enough because it might be my only reward. I had to love it, and the final touch was Armand Gamache.

Q: Tell us about Gamache.

A: I had heard stories of Agatha Christie growing weary of Hercule Poirot. I'm not sure those stories were true, but I knew I didn't want to grow weary of my main character. So I thought long and hard about who it should be, and I thought, "I have to make him a man I would marry" because that's pretty much the relationship I would have with him if the series was to continue. I gave him all the qualities I admire in a human being: He's gentle; he's thoughtful; he loves his wife; and he has a good relationship with his children and his colleagues. He has integrity. But he's not someone who would be mistaken for a member of a SWAT team. If anything, he would be mistaken for a university professor.

Q: Earlier you mentioned that you approach each book differently to avoid "a rut." Can you elaborate on your approach to writing, in which you use genre conventions without falling into cliches?

A: My books are clearly and proudly crime novels, but I think "crime fiction" is a marketing tool. I have no need to fall into a category. I think of my work as literary fiction. I think of them as whodunits, as courtroom dramas, as thrillers - they are all things. Just as I am multiple things: sometimes happy, sometimes angry, sometimes intellectual, sometimes emotional. We are the full package, and I think literature should reflect that and not be ghettoized. I refuse to be.
Westpark Springs behavioral health hospital has announced that beginning Tuesday, Sept. 5, it will be providing free stress management counseling services for adults coping with the tragic events of Hurricane Harvey.

Stress management groups will be offered Monday-Friday at 10 a.m. for the public and 6 p.m. for first responders.
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The home Homero Del Toro Jr. and Sean Doyle have shared in Humble for the last five years had been defined as a big, eclectic melting pot.

Toro is Catholic and Doyle is Hindu. Their home is a mixture of crosses, rosaries, a statue of Jesus and John Paul II right next to a statue of Krishna and Ganesh, two Hindu gods.

"I am from Mexico, and he is from here in the U.S., so we have Mexican terracotta pots right next to an American flag," Toro said.

But when floods from Tropical Storm Harvey consumed the couple's one-story home, three feet of water washed away the memories they've built together. Toro said they didn't have flood insurance because they don't live in a flood zone.

"We are waiting on funds from donations from our family and friends on our gofundme page and also my check from work, which is thankfully still paying me as I will go back to work tomorrow," Toro said from his hotel room Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Toro, Doyle and their two dogs Mijo and Durga, their cat Hit, and their fish Bowtie, were evacuated by boat on Monday, Aug. 28. At the time, Toro said, the water reached his shoulders.

The couple are staying in a FEMA paid hotel until Sept. 25.

Along with the home damage, Toro said they lost their 2016 Jeep Renegade that they have had for about 3 months. The water reached the dashboard and is a complete loss.

One of the most prized possessions was an irreplaceable antique 1890 piano, which Toro said was damaged during the flood.

Toro said they were able to begin stripping their home on Thursday, Aug. 31, and began ripping the walls apart with the help of family.

"We were able to go into the house and literally threw everything we owned to the curve for trash, and we were able to cut four feet of sheetrock and insulation," Toro said.

He estimated the cost to renovate the house at between $20,000 to $25,000.

"We lost every single thing we owned - all furniture, all appliances, all memories we had before we met and all we built together," Toro said.

Toro and Doyle have been able to raise $2,445 since first launching their page on Aug. 31 and hope to reach their goal of $10,000 soon. Funds allocated through their gofundme page will go first toward replacing electrical wiring and outlets as well as a new air conditioning unit compressor that was also damaged during the flood.

"Walking into the house and seeing everything gone, empty and muddy, it's just so draining and overwhelming, but we have no choice but to rebuild, and we will little by little, funds permitting," Toro said.

Toro met Doyle online in April 2012 after Doyle had moved to Houston from the east coast. The two traveled from Texas to Washington, D.C., to get married in May 2014 because, at the time, the Supreme Court had not ruled on the legalization of same sex marriage.

"Since the day we met, we literally never separated. The only days we've been apart since we met is when I've had to travel for business," Toro said.
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Helpless.

As the floodwaters rose in communities around the Lake Houston area, neighbors could do little more than watch as families were evacuated, their homes ravaged by murky, bacterial-filled water.

And now, as the water recedes, work has begun in earnest. Affected residents are returning to their homes to cut drywall, haul out furniture and clean what's been left behind. Some have lost everything.

But their neighbors are quickly organizing, looking for ways to help.

Neighbor to Neighbor

Abbie Setterbo and her husband, Travis, created a closed Facebook group - Neighbor To Neighbor: Humble/Kingwood/Atascocita Hurricane & Flood Recovery. Travis Setterbo is a teacher within the Humble Independent School District, and Abbie said they just wanted to find a way to help the community.

Google forms are used as a way for those affected by the flooding to ask for assistance as well as a way to take inventory of the skillsets of everyone who wants to help.

Members of the group have expressed interest in creating an adopt-a-family program for when evacuees find a place to live.

Donating Money

There are several places to donate where the money will be used locally.

Humble Independent School District's Education Foundation is raising funding to help students and teachers with classroom supplies at http://www.humbleisdfoundation.org. The foundation also is hosting a backpack drive and selling "Humble ISD Strong" T-shirts for $10 each, with all the proceeds going toward the Hurricane Harvey fund.

Humb;e Area Assistance Ministries has launched a campaign to rase funding to help pay for residents' gas, rent, bills food and other items. Contributions can be made online at haamministries.org or by mail or in person at the HAAM offices, at 1204 First St. E, Humble, TX 77338.

Somebody Cares Humble partnered with Insperity and the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce to create the Lake Houston Area Relief Fund to include residents of Atascocita, Humble, Kingwood, Fall Creek and Summerwood. Donations can be made online at https://www.paypal.me/SomebodyCaresHumble.

Huffman Independent School District established the Harvey Relief Fund for donors hoping to help. Checks can be mailed to Harvey Relief Fund, Huffman ISD, 24302 FM 2100, Huffman, Texas 77336. A link to donate online can also be found on the Huffman ISD Facebook page.

Helping Hands

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a web site to coordinate assistance to people affected in natural disasters. On the site, residents can put in requests for help and clean-up crews can sign up to help. Crews come from several religious organizations and there is no charge for help with things like drywall removal.
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Update: 9:40 p.m.: Humble ISD trustees formally approved moving Kingwood High students to the Summer Creek campus in an emergency meeting Tuesday night.

But before voting, board members heard from several parents from Summer Creek concerned about the shortened school days for their own children. Under the current version of the plan, Summer Creek students would have class from 7 to 11:19 a.m. Kingwood students would meet from 12:11 to 4:20 p.m.

Trustee Keith Lapeze is sending a child to Summer Creek High and said he had many of the same concerns.

"I pressed everybody extremely hard to try and find a better option," Lapeze said. "I've been promised by the administration that this is flexible  that this is a plan in progress. We're going to get the kids in school, and we're going to see how it works."

Ultimately, he said, the district had to choose between two sides of a bad coin  shorter class days or overcrowded classes.

Assistant Superintendent Trey Kraemer explained earlier in the meeting a committee looked at a variety of scenarios before deciding on a shared campus. Portables would take months to set up, he said, and would not be safe on the Kingwood High campus as construction is ongoing inside the school.

The committee considered dispersing the students into the district's other high schools, but all of them, with the exception of Summer Creek, already are at or over capacity. The Kingwood Park facility isn't big enough to house Kingwood students, and Atascocita already has several portable classrooms to accommodate its students. Humble was eliminated fairly quickly because it already shares space with Quest Early College High School.

Trustee Martina Lemond District, whose house also flooded, also said emphasized it was important to keep the Kingwood students together, especially when considering the possibility of overcrowded classrooms or changes in class rank.

"We have to be prayerful and mindful," said Dixon, later adding, "At the end of the day, we're doing what we can."

Kraemer emphasized the plan is evolving. The district is working with churches and businesses around the community to provide things like tutorials when students can't be in class.

"The plan is not concrete. It's a starting point," Kraemer said.

Original story: Humble ISD announced Monday the schedule Kingwood and Summer Creek high school students will use when they go back to school.

Kingwood High School sustained damage from Tropical Storm Harvey, and Humble Independent School District has been working on a plan to keep Kingwood students together as the school undergoes renovations. Students for both schools are scheduled to return to class Monday, Sept. 11.

To aid in the transition, Kingwood families are invited to an open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Summer Creek High, 14000 Weckford Blvd. in Houston.

The district originally offered two options, one that would allow for 34-minute periods with students attending half a day and another requiring school on Saturdays, but administrators were able to come up with a third option after receiving feedback from community members who thought 34 minutes wasn't enough time and Saturday classes would interfere with family life.

Both Kingwood and Summer Creek students will attend classes Monday through Friday. Summer Creek students will attend in the morning and Kingwood students will attend in the afternoon.

Students will have four class periods Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and three class periods Tuesday and Thursdays. A statement from the district points out the schedule is similar to that of higher education courses, which are longer on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The cafeteria will still be open extended hours at lunch, and students can still be bused from Kingwood to Summer Creek.

As for extracurricular activities, Kingwood High students will practice before classes and Summer Creek High will practice after classes.
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A grassroots effort to help those displaced by flooding has evolved into a multi-community campaign, now known as the Backpack Challenge, to put backpacks and school supplies in the hands of 10,000 children in need.

Matthew Mitchell, owner of Mitchell Insurance Group in Willis, and his father got into their boat to help with water rescues as homes flooded north of Houston last week. They were able to help a few people before their boat began experiencing issues, and they only barely made it back to safety.

"We looked at each other and thought, 'You know what? We've just been spared,'" Mitchell said.

They decided to focus their efforts on helping through another means.

They purchased and cooked about 1,000 pounds of meat to donate. It only took a day after posting on social media to get hundreds of shares and thousands of views.

Donating hot food seemed a less efficient way for them to help out as grocers and restaurants started gaining road access to reach people who needed it.

"We thought, 'What else do people need?' We saw all of these kids who have been displaced and need supplies to go back to school," Mitchell said. "Their parents went through the financial burden of getting them supplies for school, and now guess what? They're having to go through it all over again."

That's when Mitchell put out the call for backpack and school supply donations. In five days, they collected nearly 2,300 backpacks.

He was confident they would their original goal of 2,500 backpacks by the end of the day Tuesday, Sept. 5.

He now hopes to raise 10,000 backpacks.

"Our goal is to put a backpack on the back of every kid that needs one," Mitchell said.

The backpacks are filled with school supplies, including spiral notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, glue and crayons.

Mitchell said this was made possible with the help of countless people and businesses who have made donations and given discounts for the cause.

"The community came together," Mitchell said. "It's crazy how much people are doing to help get this done."

Backpack distribution efforts began Monday, Sept. 4. Mitchell has been in touch with several area school districts.

Although the districts do not yet know the specific extent of the need for supplies, Mitchell anticipates the need will be significant.

"In Montgomery County, there will probably be 3,000 to 4,000 backpacks needed to take care of the kids who were affected," Mitchell said. "I was talking to a district earlier, and they said there were 400 kids who were homeless in the district before the storm. Can you imagine how many there are now? That, to me, was mindboggling."

Mitchell has coordinated with Huffman ISD in Harris County as well. He was impressed by the Huffman community's willingness to jump onboard with the effort.

"They came together on Saturday and put together their own drive and raised 100 backpacks on their own," Mitchell said. "They had a huge outpouring from the community of people who said, 'We want to help.' They raised 100 backpacks in a couple hours. That's amazing."

Representatives of Huffman ISD thanked Mitchell, who they call the "Backpack Man," for delivering 106 backpacks with school supplies to the Huffman ISD administration building Monday, Sept. 4.

Mitchell and Huffman ISD are collaborating to get supply-filled backpacks to district students in need.

In the meantime, Mitchell has been working to get the word to retailers and the community to get supplies out to area school districts.

"We're trying to make people aware of what we're doing and make the biggest impact we can," Mitchell said.

He plans to continue the backpack challenge for as long as the need persists.

After this initiative, he wants to continue meeting the needs of children in the area.

"This is where my heart is at, and I think it's something we'll keep doing," Mitchell said. "Displaced kids will need socks, jackets, equipment - and that's our next stage. We'll eventually move our focus to more of that if the backpack challenge is done. We'll do as much with this program as we can. But, we plan to continue from this day forward."

For information on the Backpack Challenge, visit https://www.facebook.com/matthew.mitchell.31392/posts/10105404458324287.
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During what would have been the first few days of enforcing a Texas ban on "sanctuary cities," instead Montgomery County lawmakers and Gov. Greg Abbott are blasting a ruling by a federal judge that's blocking the implementation of the state's tough new law.

The measure, known as Senate Bill 4, was signed by Abbott during the Legislature's regular session last spring. Its passage brought great praise by local lawmakers, as well as conservative groups, but also sparked protests and drew sharp criticism from pro-immigration organizations.

Considered to be the toughest immigration law in the nation, SB 4, until being at least temporarily blocked, would have required local police agencies to abide by detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to hold criminal suspects for possible deportation. It also would have allowed police officers and sheriff's deputies to ask suspects about their immigration status.

The measure was scheduled to go in effect last Friday, Sept. 1, but was halted when a federal judge in San Antonio ruled the law is unconstitutional and issued an injunction.

The ruling prompted a sharp rebuke by Abbott, saying the judge's decision makes "Texas' communities less safe," while also warning that "gang members and dangerous criminals" would be released into communities.

"U.S. Supreme Court precedent for laws similar to Texas' law are firmly on our side," Abbott said. "This decision will be appealed immediately and I am confident Texas' law will be found constitutional and ultimately be upheld."

After the governor's comments, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked for a stay motion on the judge's ruling so he could appeal the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, a co-author of the bill, as well as state Reps. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, and Cecil Bell Jr., R-Magnolia, agreed the law eventually will be upheld by a higher court.

"It's up to the judicial branch at this point, but I'm confident SB 4 will be upheld," Creighton said.

Likewise, Metcalf, said he is "deeply disappointed" by the delay said expects a higher court to overrule the judge's decision. Bell also believes the ruling will be struck down.

"I think the judge's decision will not stand," Bell told The Courier. "At the end the day, the courts have long held that the states have sovereignty in those issues."

State Rep. Mark Keough, R-The Woodlands, did not return a call requesting comment.

Meanwhile, an official with the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, which was one of the groups challenging the law, applauded the judge's ruling, while also taking a swipe at state lawmakers.

"The Texas Legislature has a reliable history of ignoring the Constitution when writing law, and we're thankful the court blocked SB4 before it could do irreparable damage to our communities," said Terri Burke, executive director of the group.

"But we do not expect Gov. Abbott or Attorney General Ken Paxton to yield easily," he added. "This fight isn't over yet, so we call upon law enforcement, local officials and supporters who have fought so hard to stop this law not to let up until SB4 is well and truly dead."
The Houston Bar Association has expanded its LegalLine to assist those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The HBA has also set up a toll free number for Texas residents outside the Houston area.

Through Friday, Sept. 29, the HBA's LegalLine will have volunteer attorneys answering calls from 3 until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended LegalLine hours will be available from 3 until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, and Wednesday, Sept. 20.
There are a lot of contractor searches going on in the Houston area right now, but a Fort Bend County police department is warning residents about jumping on the first opportunity to hire.

"There are thousands of legitimate, ethical contractors in business in and around Fulshear," the Fulshear Police Department posted on Facebook. "Unfortunately, there are also scam artists looking to cheat you out of your money who pose as legitimate contractors."
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Authorities warned residents near Cinco South Wastewater Treatment Plant who have private wells that their drinking water might be contaminated after a possible spill at the plant.

Because of flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, there may have been a spill at the Cinco South Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to a notice sent out by the municipal utility district.

The notice said residents who purchase water from a public water supply may contact their distributor to ensure their water is safe.

Todd Burrer, regional director of Texas MUDs at Severn Trent, clarified Wednesday that the drinking water of all Cinco Ranch residents - including those living in Cinco 1 - has not been affected and is still safe to use.

READ ALSO: Government faces suit over Addicks and Barker dam releases

Residents with a private drinking water supply well within 1/2-mile of the wastewater treatment plant, which is off of South Fry near Westheimer, should distill or boil all of the water that they use, according to the notice.

They should have their well water tested before they stop distilling or boiling it.

READ ALSO: Before and after flooding pictures show what a difference a week can make

Residents should also avoid touching waste material, soil or water that could be affected by the suspected spill, according to the notice.

Cinco MUD 1 lacked an estimated date or time of the possible spill. The MUD also did not have an estimated volume of the spill.

Residents can contact Todd Burrer at 281-578-4245 with questions.
At a special meeting on Aug. 23, Needville Independent School District trustees approved the 2017-18 financial budget and set the 2017 property tax rate.

The tax rate will remain unchanged from last year, at $1.54 per $100 valuation. Of that amount, $1.17 is designated for maintenance and operations, and .37 cents is for bonded indebtedness/interest and sinking.

Dovie Peschel, assistant superintendent of finance, said that while the tax rate will remain the same, more money will be generated for the district because Fort Bend Central Appraisal District figures show the average market value of a house in Needville ISD has increased from $174,137 last year to $180,168 this year.

Peschel presented the $29.3 million balanced budget, which includes $2.1 million earmarked for construction, and predicted close to $1 million will be added to the fund balance this year.

Trustees praised Peschel for her work om the budget, as did Superintendent Curtis Rhodes.

"I can honestly say Dovie's done a heck of a job," said longtime Trustee Jim Kocian.

Kocian, who has served on the board for 30 years, said he recalls when Needville ISD's annual budget was only $800,000 and many never dreamed the district would grow like it has.

Rhodes said more growth is on its way, which calls for campus renovations and reconfigurations, including the addition of a second elementary school within the next couple of years.

"It's just something you need to start thinking about," Rhodes told trustees.
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The northwest Houston business chambers of commerce are offering local business owners guidance after Harvey's rains overwhelmed residences and businesses with flooding.

Since returning back to her office last week, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce president Barbara Thomason said she and her staff of five people began making calls to approximately 40 members who they believed might have had damages.

"We didn't want to sit around and wait to hear from them," she said. "We called them."

Some of the members she reached didn't experience any interruption, such West Park Communications, an answering service company, although others like St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church and Cypress Creek Christian Church, had extensive flood damage, she said.

Myeshi Briley, president of the Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce, said that once she was able to get into the office, she and her staff began reaching out to approximately 300 members to find out how they've affected.

"I want to find my business owners that got the most impact - they lost their cars, their houses and their small businesses," she said. "I want to try to help them in some kind of way."

Briley said she is now going door to door to check up on members, but isn't stopping at only business owners.

"I'm checking on businesses and neighborhoods that don't even have businesses because they're essential," she said. "It's about driving around and hitting the rounds."

The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is waiting for their members to call in and inform them of any damage they suffered from Harvey, said president Bruce Hillegeist.

"When there's been a situation like this, some people are in shock," he said. "Our minds are going to be concerned with: what are we doing to do next to overcome this disaster?"

While some businesses are more affected than others, Thomason said her chamber is focusing on helping those affected by lending the office to members so they can make phone calls, send e-mails or faxes as they work to get back on their feet.

One of the first things business owners need to do is to document the damage and keep inventory of damaged equipment and supplies before undertaking any cleaning or repairs.

"Don't just get in there and clean up without taking pictures of everything," Thomason said.

As owners begin the process of cleaning and repairing their storefronts and offices, Briley said she and her staff have also opened the doors of the chamber office so that Spring and Klein business owners can use their computers, phones and faxes to get in touch with employees or insurance companies.

"I expect damages to be pretty significant," Briley said. "I want to be that avenue to get them the resources they need."

Briley is also advising owners to keep a list of the essential equipment they need to keep running their businesses. She said she and her staff are compiling a list of items business owners need and hopes to put them in touch with other members so they can donate or exchange equipment between each other, like computers or printers.

The Spring Klein chamber is also accepting cleaning supply donations at their office, located at 6902 FM 2920, Suite 1, Spring, TX 77379.

Since the northwest chamber is also registered as a national business operations center member with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Thomason said they are providing information to approximately 700 members through e-mail and on their web site to inform them of local, state and federal resources. Owners can find information on loans, unemployment aid for employees and help in navigating insurance claims.

The chamber is also attempting to raise $100,000 through an online campaign to help affected small businesses.

A townhall meeting is also scheduled on Thursday to inform the public of the progress civic members and organizations have made to help recovery efforts.

In Tomball, Hillegeist said his chamber wants to be able to support businesses that reach out for help.

"It's going to take us a while to recover and the chamber wants to be at the forefront (and) to be a support to businesses and to the community as a whole to make sure that in Tomball, we bounce back and we bounce back strong.," he said.
Mayra Cruz

Houston's first responders affected by Harvey are getting a little help through donations of food, clothing and water by first responders from other states.

Organized by Cypress Creek EMS, the original donation site at their office was soon overrun with donations that were delivered by trucks and planes over the weekend that organizers decided to be move to a hangar at the Tomball Jet Center.
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Six-year Meals on Wheels volunteer Kalai McHan wasn't going to let Harvey stop her from providing meals to seniors who had no other means of obtaining food.

On Aug. 31, the Northwest Assistance Ministries meals-on-wheels volunteer brought frozen meals to her 17-person route though a couple of people had gone to be with their families.

At the last house on the block, the floodwaters had formed a lake in the yard but hadn't reached the residents who were down to lunchmeat and bread. McHan and her friend, Melissa, were the answer to their prayer to God of having someone bring them food because they didn't know what they were going to do.

Braving the elements isn't new for McHan, who's delivered meals in rainstorms, wading in some places up to her knees. "I was ready to do that."

It helped that she's familiar with neighborhood and knew that water had gone down quickly in some areas. "We knew Thursday we had to try. A lot of people have no way to get food. What a service that is."

McHan and her 21-year-old son Hayden delivered box meals on Saturday using his high-riding truck - just in case. "We had no trouble getting to any of the people," she said. Her son came home from Abilene Christian with supplies donated by churches there to help the people in the Houston area.

While some recipients want just the meal, others build a relationship with the volunteers.

"I'm supposed to help them," said McHan, "sometimes I feel like I'm blessed more."

She encourages people to help with the meals on wheels program. "There is a need for volunteers. So many people need the meals."

"NAM started to serve seniors as quickly as we could," said Grace Jackson, NAM's senior services director.

"This has been a terrible, terrible tragedy for our city and for all of us. Some of our staff were affected by the horrible storm."

NAM delivers meals from three locations: NAM's main office at 15555 Kuykendahl Road, Windwood Presbyterian Church, 19555 Spring Cypress Road, and Lifepath Church, 17703 W. Little York Road.

In the fiscal year 2015-16, NAM's MOW provided 134,011 nutritious meals to 1,034 homebound seniors and disabled adults, serving on average 600 each weekday and 91 on Saturday, according to a fact sheet of the Tomball Regional Health Foundation.

Volunteers delivered 2,500 shelf-stable meals on Friday and Saturday, said Jackson, but they couldn't reach all the 160 clients in the Bear Creek area served by Lifepath.

While some regular volunteers were unable to help because of damage to their homes, people who had never come before stepped forward.

"Word continues to go out that MOW needs volunteers," said Jackson.

But in addition to trying to reach its MOW clients, NAM also served as a distribution center for northwest Harris County to help those affected by Harvey.

"The community has just been wonderful," said Jackson, adding that NAM has received many donations, including clothing, water, food, diapers and other essentials for Harvey survivors.

She sees a need for more volunteers as those who left the area because of Harvey return to their homes and will need help during the recovery. Jackson said NAM could be a distribution center this week and maybe the week after until it runs out of everything. Since Aug. 30, NAM has served more than 3,000 people, said Jackson on Sept. 5.

Jackson thanks volunteers and the community. "People we do not even know contacted us and asked 'how can I help NAM serve the people in the community'," she said. "We're resilient. It shows what the human spirit can manifest."

Check NAM's page on Facebook for the latest needs and information or visit its website at http://namonline.org
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Joy Rizzi's voice quivered as she approached the pile of rubble, tossed like flotsam along the banks of the San Jacinto River.

She girded herself.

It had been four days since Rizzi was evacuated from the Riverview at Forest Cove complex in the Kingwood area. Four days since she had last visited the townhome that has been her sanctuary for nearly 20 years.

Hurricane Harvey had bulldozed through the Houston suburb, flooding dozens of neighborhoods, turning roadways into roiling rivers, displacing hundreds of families, ravaging schools.

Holed up at her daughter's place 6 miles north in Porter, Rizzi had watched the disaster unfold on her smartphone. Through social media posts, river and lake reports, messages from friends, photos snatched from news reports.

Over the course of 108 hours, the updates grew increasingly grim.

Then, around 8 o'clock Friday morning, a niece sent Rizzi a screenshot plucked from a CNN broadcast. It showed two buckling and damaged beige townhomes. Next to them, a heap of mangled wood and warped metal.

"Aunt Joy," she asked. "Is this your house?"

Two hours later, Rizzi, a former Marine with strawberry blonde hair and azure eyes, tread carefully over the mounds of wet sand that shrouded the road leading into her complex.

Past a deep gulf, filled with murky water and darting fish, was what was left of Rizzi's house. It looked as if it had been minced in a blender. The twisted roof jutted up toward the sky, cinder blocks scattered like toys, a washer-dryer and water heater poked out from crevices where there used to be walls.

Three adjoining units, which had stood to the west of hers, were gone - ripped clean off their foundations and washed away into the river.

Flooding alone couldn't have done that, thought Rizzi. Neither could the rain. That kind of damage had come from the force of water gushing from the Lake Conroe dam. The force of water spilling from a record river crest. The force of water funneled from seven tributaries all heading straight toward Rizzi's house.

The force of all three happening at once.

Rizzi took two shallow breaths and gulped hard. The palm trees had made it, she joked through tears. So had she.

Everything else was gone.

The only thing left to do, the only thing she could do, was to salvage the bits and pieces that remained of her life.

* * *

Rizzi had been through storms before.

Her four-story house, in the middle of a six-unit block, sat just 15 feet from the west fork of the San Jacinto River. So, even as Harvey lashed towns 500 miles to the south and rain had not yet reached Houston, she knew her house would flood.

Last year's Memorial Day flood deposited 5 feet of water in her first-floor garage, where she had marked the height in black marker on a white post.

CLASS ACTION: Government faces suit over Addicks and Barker dam releases

Still, she had been drawn years earlier by the tranquility of life along the riverbanks. When she moved in, she garnished the interior with an Asian theme, created a meditation room, installed decorative pavers in her back patio, planted yucca trees in her driveway island.

At 62, Rizzi relished the serenity of her home, the sunsets over the water, and the company of her four cats, including one rescued from last year's flood and named "Floodie."

As Harvey circled slowly closer, Rizzi stocked up on food and water. She covered her backyard in blue tarp, hoping for an easier clean-up. She hauled plants and backyard furniture inside and stacked as much as she could 6 feet off the ground.

Her house, like the 24 others in the community, was built with breakaway walls, designed to withstand flood waters. It had gulped in 5 feet with barely a scar. Eight feet would batter her garage, but not reach her second floor. Twelve feet would seep into her second floor living area, but the structure would hold strong.

At least that's what was supposed to happen.

Yet, early on Aug. 26, as Harvey pushed through the Gulf Coast and claimed its first life, Rizzi grew worried. Something felt different.

At 4:36 a.m. that Saturday, she wrote a two-word Facebook post:

"It's starting "

* * *

At 1:45 a.m. the next day, Rizzi began checking the National Weather Service reports for the San Jacinto River. The reading was 50.82 feet, with a predicted crest of 57 feet, which would mean first floor flooding.

Five minutes later, her Facebook mood was "feeling depressed."

"Everything I've done to repair last year's devastating flood is going to be gone in just a few hours," she posted.

Nine minutes after that: "Oh Jesus NO! They are releasing the flood gates at Lake Conroe!!"

AFTERMATH: How to keep the mold out

In 1994, the surge from a dam release had knocked an end unit off its slab and into the river. Rizzi prayed that would not happen again.

By 8:45 a.m., the river was at 53 feet and expected to rise to 62, translating to 5 feet of water in her house. Should she leave? Should she take her cats?

She remembered how the house shook during the last flood as water slammed debris against the exterior.

Her daughter came to get the cats.

At 1:58 p.m., Rizzi told Facebook friends that forecasters were predicting "a devastating and destructive crest."

"I may end up with 12 ft of water, which goes into the second floor."

Five hours later, as the water crept into her garage, Rizzi packed five tops, five pairs of shorts and her black and silver cowboy boots into an overnight bag and climbed aboard a rescue boat.

The next morning, Rizzi was "feeling emotional."

"Why did I leave my home this time, when my home can handle a flood? I left because I knew the San Jacinto predictive flood models were grossly inaccurate," she posted at 10:25 a.m.

Within two hours, the Lake Conroe release sent water hurtling at a rate of 79,141 cubic feet per second - nearly 2 times the rate during the '94 flood. It raced toward the San Jacinto and Rizzi's house.

Rizzi called up the river reports every two hours. The San Jacinto River kept jumping. 62.36 feet. 63.27. 64.14.

At 4:45 a.m. on Aug. 29, it hit 67.31 - breaking the record set 23 years ago.

We survived that, Rizzi thought. But this time, she couldn't imagine what would be left of her home.

That afternoon, the San Jacinto crested at 69.1 feet.

Rizzi calculated the worst.

The garage door, sliding glass doors and windows shattered by the water pressure. The surge from Lake Conroe ripping through walls and Sheetrock.

Water was sucking all her furniture into the center of the river.

The foundation and soil vacuumed from under the house.

The cement patio dropped into an abyss. The balconies, braces and brackets collapsing.

The roof tumbling onto the debris, crushing everything inside.

Later that day, a friend shared aerial photos of the complex. The first Rizzi had seen since she left.

Her abandoned block seemed to bob in the middle of a lake. The residents had all fled the churning waters. Three end units had vanished. Her house was sagging, the corner starting to give way.

But it was still standing.

Two days later, the walls were folding in, the support beams snapping in half.

Then, on Friday morning, Rizzi posted the CNN photo and wrote:

"My home is now gone."

* * *

Rizzi stood in front of the remains of her house on Sunday and smiled.

It was two days since she first returned to her property to find a mass of splintered wood and tattered furnishings where a home once stood.

The floodwaters had mostly receded, leaving behind a thick coating of sand and exposing even more of the destruction.

Some of Rizzi's furniture - a coffee table, sofa cushions, a chair - had turned up stuck in trees about a mile down river.

EXPERTS: What to do with the ruined clothing

All weekend, Rizzi had rummaged through the wreckage, hoping to find something intact. She had unearthed a stained glass light fixture. Panels were missing and the metal bent, but she put it aside - "just to have."

She found a rag doll she had handcrafted as a child, white Christmas lights neatly coiled, a framed photograph of her grandmother in Czechoslovakia.

Each find had restored a fraction of her peace of mind.

But many treasures, like the baptismal gown stitched by her mother and worn by her two children and a granddaughter, were still missing.

On this morning, she had brought along a knife and planned to cut through the roof to the attic and, if possible, the fourth floor. She wanted to recover as much as she could.

The house next door was shifting and what little left of hers sinking even deeper into the wet ground, so "we have to listen to noises. If we hear a noise, we have to get out." Looters had already been arrested at the complex, trying to scavenge through the abandoned houses.

She still questioned the decision to open the Lake Conroe flood gates, pointing to the line of trees flattened to the ground, as if in the path of a tornado moving from west to east.

The San Jacinto River Authority says that the release was necessary to keep the dam from breaching and endangering even more homes.

Rizzi did not have flood insurance. She had paid the mortgage off last year and was finishing repairs from the Memorial Day Food damage before getting an elevation report required by her new insurance company.

So, she found comfort in her own ritual, bidding goodbye to the items too waterlogged to keep and giving thanks for those she could retrieve.

The tiny jade elephant missing a trunk and two legs. The macrame plant holder still dripping and sodden. The wooden Christmas decoration from "the old country."

And items close to the heart: The flag from her father's burial place at Arlington National Cemetery. Her grandfather's Bible from Czechoslovakia. Her children's baby pictures.

Rizzi's friends have asked what she will do next.

For now, she tells them, she is living in hope - and hope can be found in the bits and pieces she retrieves from the ruins.
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A property management company has received numerous emails and phone calls from people angry over an inaccurate fine notification posted on a tenant's door that went viral.

The fine notification claims that an occupant of Northbrook North must remove carpet debris allegedly left outside in a common area by Monday, or incur a $75 fine per day payable to Randall Management.

A photo of the violation notice was posted on Reddit's r/Houston Sunday afternoon and has since collected nearly 700 comments and more than 4,500 upvotes from people who believe Randall Management was taking advantage of an occupant trying to clean out their home following damage from Hurricane Harvey.

LONG LEGS: Texas woman finds giant wolf spider outside her home after Harvey





The reality, according to Northbrook's general counsel Mellany McDonald, is the notice did not come from Randall Management and is thus not enforced.

"All official notices for deed restriction violations and fines are handled by Randall Management and are done by certified mail," McDonald told Chron.com Tuesday afternoon. "It is believed the notice arose out of a dispute between neighbors for leaving heavy trash in a common area. Since the subdivision uses a privately contracted refuse management service that does not haul building material, homeowners are required to dispose of their trash from interior renovations."

McDonald added that this neighborhood was not one of the communities that experienced damaging or destructive flooding and that the debris was from a tenant doing routine cleaning. None of the units in that community experienced water damage attributable to the weather system following Harvey that would have required removal of carpet or other interior building materials, McDonald said.

The resident of the home where the fine notification was posted claimed his home had multiple leaks after Harvey. Randall Management's Mayra Mora told Chron.com Friday the leak in that home existed before Harvey and they were only notified about it after the storm.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the neighborhood as an apartment complex.
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When Jason Saldivar, 36, is released from Beaumont's federal prison Thursday, he won't have his four children to return home to.

Saldivar's four childrenDaisey, 6, Devy, 16, Dominic, 15, and Xavier, 8drowned in a van Aug. 27 in Greens Bayou in east Houston after Hurricane Harvey hit.

Saldivar is finishing up a six month prison term in Beaumont due to a parole violation, he told Chron.com Wednesday morning during a brief pre-paid phone call from prison. In 2010, Saldivar was charged twice in a case involving the intent to distribute more than 220 pounds of marijuana, according to United States federal court documents obtained through PACER.

Now Playing: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez briefs news media on the discovery of the van that plunged into Greens Bayou on Ley Road on Sunday morning. (Harris County Sheriff's Office) Video: Houston Chronicle

Saldivar first heard of the death of his children Aug. 29 after another inmate let him use their prepaid phone minutes to talk to his family.

RUMOR CONTROL: Beaumont federal prison bats down reports of inmate deaths, mistreatment following Harvey

"I was shocked. I thought it was a cruel ass joke," Saldivar told Chron.com. "I really was in shock. I didn't think it was real. Those kids on TV, that's got to be somebody else. That's not my family."

The children's great grandparents, Belia, 81, and Maneul Saldivar, 84, also died in the van. The family was trying to escape rising flood waters in Houston, the Washington Post reported.

Family members told Chron.com after the van was found that it was being driven by family member Sammy Saldivar, who was able to escape. Sammy was found Aug. 30 clinging to a tree near the van, which was submerged in 4 feet of water at the time, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said that day.

"If I was out, I could've prevented this," Saldivar told Chron.com.

The death of the six Saldivar family members was some of the first from Harvey to capture national headlines on CNN and NBC.

STORIES FROM INSIDE: Inmates inside Beaumont's federal prison share stories of grim conditions following Harvey

Saldivar was held in Beaumont's federal prison, which has been overrun by rumors of inmate mistreatment and poor living conditions following Harvey. The funeral for the children is Monday and Saldivar will attend, the children's mother, Blanca, told Chron.com.
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Police say an Austin mother encouraged her 4-year-old daughter to physically fight with other children and filmed it.

The Austin Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Jennifer Sanchez, 19, accused of posting videos of her child fighting to Facebook, according to an affidavit obtained by KXAN.

In one of the videos, court documents allege that Sanchez's 4-year-old daughter is dragged by her hair by another child as she cries out in pain and pleads for her mother's help, who only continues to "encourage and cheer for the fight to continue."

NINE CHILDREN: Spring-area parents facing child endangerment charges appear in court

In another video, Sanchez's daughter and another girl are seen punching and slapping each other in a living room with a man saying, "Go, go, punch, punch, come on, if you want that cupcake," according to police.

Police say the man accused of also encouraging the young children to fight is Joann Sanchez's 32-year-old boyfriend, Tommy Cruz. He, along with Sanchez and her 37-year-old mother, who police say failed to stop the children from fighting, will be charged with child endangerment once arrested.

HARVEY: Child, 3, found clinging to drowned mother in Beaumont canal

Sanchez told police she was trying to teach her daughter how to defend herself from bullies.

Child endangerment is a felony charge under Texas law. The disturbing child fighting videos have been removed from Facebook.

See which Texas counties suffer from the highest rates of child abuse.
The federal prison system in Beaumont has come under heavy criticism from prisoners and their families regarding alleged widespread mistreatment and unsubstantiated claims of two inmate deaths following Hurricane Harvey.

The most damning allegation  which the Federal Bureau of Prisons told Chron.com is false involves a claim from the wife of an alleged inmate. The woman claims two inmates had died inside Beaumont because the prison's precarious water situation and other mistreatment.

These claims were made by Rachel Villalobos in an article published by Left Voice Monday and have since circulated around social media. A request for comment has been placed with the unmamed author of the Left Voice article.

STORIES FROM INSIDE: Inmates inside Beaumont's federal prison share stories of grim conditions following Harvey

"I have an email saying that two inmates in [the medium-low risk prisoner unit] have passed away because of this treatment. I found out because an inmate's wife emailed me that. Her husband who is locked up told her. They need help," Left Voice quoted Villalobos as saying. "I know at least one of the people who died has been drinking the water. That's what got me. My husband has been drinking that water. I don't know the health situation of the rest of the prisoners, but if two people already died, they need to make a change now. This was a couple days ago."

Villalobos did not provide Left Voice with the names of the alleged inmates who died. A request for the inmates names has been made to numerous other inmates and families who have contacted Chron.com.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons fired back against the rumors of inmate deaths Tuesday afternoon.

"There have not been any inmate fatalities as a result of Hurricane Harvey or otherwise at FCC (federal correctional complex) Beaumont," Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesman Justin Long told Chron.com. "Due to limited water in the city of Beaumont, the Federal Correctional Complex began using its own water reserves to operate the complex last Thursday, as noted on our public website. Inmates continue to receive bottled water and milk for drinking."

JUST IN TIME: More than 30 dogs saved from drowning in Beaumont community

Beaumont was one of the areas outside of Houston hit the hardest by Hurricane Harvey. The city made national news after its water supply was damaged, leaving its 120,000 residents without drinking water.

Long added that no inmates were hospitalized as a result of the conditions in the institution following Harvey's impact. Inmates have 24-hour access to medical coverage in Beaumont, Long said.

There have been two inmate deaths this year at Beaumont's federal prison. One death occurred in January as a result of cancer and the other death occurred in March as a result of cardiac arrest, Long told Chron.com Wednesday morning.

In numerous Facebook messages and emails to Chron.com, inmates and their families have raised concerns over a lack of food and unsanitary conditions relating to human waste disposal. At least one inmate reportedly has had to defecate in a plastic bag which could be discarded to prevent smells in his cell and was forced to shower using sanitary napkins, according to messages he sent his daughter.

SAVED: Stunning photo of coast guard rescuing infant during Harvey

"Portable toilets are accessible to inmates housed at the camp and low security facility and are emptied daily which has been sufficient," Long said. "Inmates at the medium and United States Penitentiary (USP) facilities have access to functioning toilets in their cells. All inmates at the Complex have access to the Inmate Telephone System (ITS) and email capabilities via CorrLinks. There have not been any reports of complaints regarding rotten food."

The Federal Bureau of Prisons denied Chron.com's request to visit the prison.

One person watching the situation in Beaumont closely is Azzurra Crispino, co-founder of Prison Abolition Prisoner Support (PAPS).

Crispino believes the stories from inmate's mothers and wives paint a very different picture than what officials are saying. That is why people are turning to each other on social media to try to piece together what is actually happening, Crispino said.

"For example, BOP (Bureau of Prisons) claims there is running water and electricity in all USP Beaumont units and plenty of food. Loved ones say otherwise. People don't believe BOP because they have reason to distrust their claims already. Same with TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice,) claiming there was never any standing water in any of the Beaumont units. There are too many reports from loved ones claiming otherwise for anyone to trust what (TDJC director) Jason Clark says," Crispino told Chron.com over email.
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Charity Navigator, the national group that rates charities on how efficiently they use donations, has released rankings of non-profits taking donations in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

In a notice on its website, Charity Navigator singles out the Houston SPCA, Houston Humane Society and Houston Food Bank as worthy organizations. It also gives a nod to the Food Bank of Corpus Christi and the San Antonio Humane Society as top-rated organizations providing direct support to people and animals.

The Houston Food Bank, for example, received a 100 percent rating and 96.2 percent of its spending went to programs and services.

"We have donors who come to us all year round and find organizations they can trust. We see upticks in people wanting to give  and give quickly  when things like Hurricane Harvey happen or are going on in the news," said Katelynn Rusnock, Charity Navigator's advisory system manager.

Since its founding in 2001, the organization has rated non-profits in two areas of performance  financial health and accountability/transparency  to help potential donors make informed decisions about where to give their money. They currently rate 8,955 501c3 charities based in the U.S. and who may do work all over the world.

Charity Navigator looks at a series of financial metrics, including information from nonprofits' 990 tax forms as well as information from their websites. The nonprofits must have revenue of at least $1 million a year and be in operation at least seven years.

More than 40 charities are listed on its website's post about post-hurricane giving and the link to each charity allows people to donate directly to the organization.

Other local charities making the list are Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Habitat for Horses, Small Steps Nurturing Center, Star of Hope, YMCA of Greater Houston and the United Way of Greater Houston.

"Even during Hurricane Irma we'll have something up and be a resource for that as well. We're available all year long. Our ratings are always there," Rusnock said.
Soap and water are not enough to salvage clothing soaked in flood waters caused by Hurricane Harvey.

The best option for those clothes is the trash bin, according to doctors who spoke with Fox 26 and TIME.
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A San Antonio man is accused of sending nude images of a woman to family members of her husband after the victim and her husband reconciled after a separation.

Adrian Romo, 20, was arrested Sunday on charges of unlawful disclosure of intimate visual material and assault causing bodily injury. He remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $31,500 bond.

RELATED: 4-year-old girl finds gun hidden in couch, shoots self in chest; father arrested for lying to cops

According to his arrest affidavit, he had an affair with the woman while she was separated from her husband. The woman told police that Romo would get "upset" if other men messaged her, and at one point broke her phone and stole her car while her children were inside.

She also told police that Romo had assaulted her "several" times and had filed numerous police reports with the department, according to the affidavit.

At some point, the woman reunited with her husband. Romo then allegedly began threatening to send nude images of her in the shower, which she had previously sent to Romo, to family members of her husband.

According to text messages cited in the affidavit, Romo sent out the nude images of the woman because she wouldn't answer his phone calls.

RELATED: Suspected truck burglar leads Bexar County deputies on chase after owner spots her stolen vehicle

The affidavit says Romo also harassed the husband by constantly calling his cell phone. On June 21, Romo allegedly called the man 60 times. Every time the man answered, Romo would ask "Where's my girl at?" referring to his wife, according to the affidavit.

The husband and wife pressed charges against Romo, and he was arrested this week and booked into jail.

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SALT LAKE CITY - A Utah police officer seen on video roughly arresting a nurse who refused to draw blood from a patient was fired Tuesday from his part-time paramedic job.

Salt Lake City Detective Jeff Payne's termination came after he said on the video that he'd bring transient patients to the hospital and take the "good patients" elsewhere to retaliate against nurse Alex Wubbels.

Those remarks were concerning for Gold Cross Ambulance President Mike Moffitt, who said he'd heard them for the first time when the video was released last week.

"That's not the way we conduct our business, that's not the way we treat people in our city," he said.

Wubbels was following hospital policy when she refused on July 26 to let Payne take blood without a warrant or formal consent from the patient who was unconscious in the hospital burn unit.

He had been in a car accident that started with a police chase. Payne maintained in his report that he wanted the blood sample to protect the man rather than prosecute him.

There were no answers Tuesday at publicly listed phone numbers for Payne. The Salt Lake police union didn't immediately return messages.

Police body-camera video shows Wubbels calmly explaining that she could not allow a blood draw from a patient who hadn't been arrested or consented, unless police had a warrant. They did not, but Payne insisted and put her on the phone with his lieutenant who said she would be arrested if she didn't agree.

The dispute ended with Payne handcuffing Wubbels and dragging her outside while she screamed and said, "I've done nothing wrong!"

Her lawyer, Karra Porter, said she can understand the ambulance company would be troubled by his comments and the decision to let him go wasn't surprising.

Payne was put on paid leave by Salt Lake City police after the video emerged.

A second officer was also put on leave after authorities opened a criminal investigation into the arrest.

The other officer has not been identified. Police have said the lieutenant's actions are also under review.

Payne joined Salt Lake City police more than 20 years ago and worked for Gold Cross as an EMT and paramedic since 1983. He was generally a hardworking, conscientious employee who followed the rules, so his behavior on the video was shocking, Moffitt said.

Gold Cross is a private company that contracts with Salt Lake City to respond to medical calls in the city.
Special counsel Robert Mueller and key congressional committees are tightening their focus on some of President Donald Trump's family members and campaign associates as probes into Russia's interference with the 2016 election enter a new and more aggressive phase.

Even fired FBI Director James Comey is aware that he may return to Capitol Hill to follow up on his explosive testimony from earlier this year, according to a source familiar with his thinking. Comey, who was dismissed by Trump in May, has not received a subpoena or any official indication he'll be summoned to again testify.

Both Mueller and congressional investigators are also eager to learn more from the growing roster of recently departed White House staff, including former chief of staff Reince Priebus and strategist Stephen Bannon.

What lies ahead

Interviews with more than a dozen lawyers and officials involved in aspects of the Russia probes hint at the intensity of what lies ahead in an investigation the president continues to rail against as "fake news" and a "witch hunt."

That intensity is intended to put a strain on major characters as well as bit players who are under investigation, as they jockey for advantage and it becomes clearer who's cooperating with investigators and who is resisting.

"In any criminal investigation, it is in the government's interest to magnify conflicts between the various people they're looking at," said Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor who's now a partner at Thompson Coburn. "When the subjects of an investigation are pitted against each other, the government can exploit those conflicts to induce some of the individuals to cooperate against others."

Although much of what Mueller is doing remains secret, there have been signs recently that his investigation is expanding, said two U.S. officials. That includes issuing subpoenas to a former lawyer and current public relations spokesman for Manafort, whose Virginia home was raided by the FBI last month.

Manafort, who directed Trump's campaign during six critical months last year, has emerged as a central figure because of his past financial dealings and his work for a Russian-backed party in Ukraine. Manafort's financial transactions are also under scrutiny by New York's attorney general, Politico reported Aug. 30.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who earned Trump's ire when he recused himself from the Russia probe, is also expected to testify in the Senate in the coming weeks for the second time since his January confirmation hearing.

"The investigations are becoming more active," Mariotti, who led prosecutions in a range of white-collar crimes including securities fraud and tax evasion, said in an interview. Mueller is "conducting an extremely thorough and wide-reaching investigation into what are complex crimes" while Congress is holding hearings and releasing details that Mueller might not, he added.

Expenses to be revealed

Mueller also will submit a list of his expenditures to the Justice Department soon after Sept. 30, which may provide insight into the scope of his investigation. The department is expected to make the document public.

Besides Manafort, one focus of investigators on Capitol Hill is the president's eldest son.

Donald Trump Jr. has come under scrutiny for arranging a meeting in June 2016 with Russians who were promising damaging material on Trump's rival, Hillary Clinton.

With congressional committees competing to hear from key witnesses, the Senate Judiciary Committee appears to be first in line to hear from Don Jr., though no firm date has been set.

The House Intelligence Committee issued subpoenas in June seeking testimony and documents from Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, as well as former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Flynn was removed after lying about communications he had with Russia's then-ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, before Trump took office.

Cohen has come under scrutiny because of allegations about him contained in the dossier linked to Fusion GPS.

Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was interviewed behind closed doors by the Senate and House intelligence committees, on July 24 and 25. Since then, Kushner hasn't received any requests to testify.

But Democrats say they continue to focus on details surrounding a meeting Kushner had in December - a month before Trump took office - with Sergey Gorkov, the head of a Russian state-owned bank, said Rep. Adam Schiff, the intelligence panel's top Democrat.

Schiff cited the bank's "reported ties to the Kremlin, that the meeting was taken at the request of Russian Ambassador Kislyak, and that Gorkov is a graduate of the FSB's finishing school," a reference to Russia's premier spy agency.

"These are not normal times and things are about to heat up" for Trump and his associates, said Jeffery Cramer, a former federal prosecutor. "The clock is ticking."
AUSTIN  President Donald Trump said he would personally donate $1 million toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, and more than half of that will go to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

According to a list released by the White House Wednesday, the president's personal donation will be divided among 12 organizations focusing on recovery efforts, including Samaritan's Purse, ASPCA, Catholic Charities and the Houston Humane Society.
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A dispute over a multi-million dollar insurance claim for an Ohio mansion that burned to the ground more than three years ago is set for trial next month in federal court in Cincinnati.

Jeffrey and Maria Decker sued Chubb National Insurance Company after it refused to pay the couples $14 million claim for the January 2014 fire in Cincinnatis Indian Hill neighborhood, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Chubb then countersued, saying the couple intentionally misrepresented or concealed information during an investigation of the fire. Settlement talks for both lawsuits broke down last month, the newspaper reported.

Chubb is seeking repayment of $700,000 the Deckers received before their claim was denied. The company insured the home built in 2006 for $5 million. The Deckers claimed it would cost $10.7 million to rebuild and are seeking $60 million in their lawsuit.

The cause of the fire investigated by the State Fire Marshals Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has yet to be determined.

The insurance company and investigators have questioned where Jeffrey Decker was when the fire broke out. Chubb has claimed investigators have told the company that cellphone tower records showed he was near his 5-acre property at the time. Decker said he was seven miles away at a construction site in suburban Cincinnati.

Jeffrey Deckers former business partner testified in a deposition that Decker told him the night of the fire that his wife would have killed me if the familys two dogs, who were outside during the fire, had been killed. Decker has said he stopped at home earlier in the day to let the dogs out.

The business partner committed suicide last year, his body found on the Deckers property.

Chubb also has claimed that the Deckers were planning to sell their house because they would soon not be able to afford it based on their lifestyles. The Deckers have said they had no plans to sell. A real estate agent testified in a deposition that Maria Decker called her three weeks before the fire about showing the house.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Federal prosecutors will lead a new Houston-based group created to help law enforcement agencies respond to an inevitable wave of fraud and other criminal activity set off by Harveys punishing rains.

Authorities are warning residents, volunteers and officials in flood zones in Texas and Louisiana they could be targeted by storm-related scams, contract corruption, document fraud, identify theft and other crimes. They emphasize that the easy availability of personal information and documents on the internet has widened criminal activities and potential victims to anywhere in the U.S.

The new working group, announced Thursday night, was intended to combine Justice Department prosecutors, FBI and other federal law enforcement agents with Texas and Louisiana state officials in a team aimed at quickly identifying criminal trends and deploying resources for investigations and prosecutions.

Houston-based acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez, one of the top officials in the new working group, said storm victims had already suffered devastation and the last thing that victims of the damage need is to be victimized again.

The working group will be supported by the National Center for Disaster Fraud, a Baton Rouge-based federal task force that has specialized in disaster-related fraud and crimes since its creation in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.

The National Centers team of operators will answer an expected crush of complaints in the coming months, while its core of federal prosecutors and agents will help the Houston-based group to identify criminal activities that span areas far from the flood zones.

We recognize that much of the fraud may occur in areas far removed from the disaster, said Corey R. Amundson, the acting U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana and the executive director of the National Center.

The task force played a role in many of the prosecutions of 1,463 defendants for disaster-related crimes associated with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Those cases targeted defendants in 49 federal districts across the country  a clear indication that criminal activities spawned by Harvey could originate anywhere.

After Katrina, many of the task forces criminal prosecutions targeted those accused of fraudulently obtaining emergency assistance funds intended to help storm and flood victims. The units scrutiny broadened to people and companies that filed fraudulent home repair and disaster loan applications and also to contract and kickback schemes involving corrupt public officials.

Depending on what the new working group tells us about what kinds of crimes theyre dealing with and where crimes are occurring, we can help identify what they need to look out for, Amundson said.

Among officials investigated by the task force after Hurricane Katrina were Benjamin L. Edwards Sr., a former New Orleans city sewerage director who pleaded guilty in 2010 to wire fraud and tax evasion for soliciting more than $750,000 in payoffs from hurricane cleanup contractors. Another was Gregory Brent Warr, the former mayor of Gulfport, Mississippi, who admitted guilt in 2009 for improperly receiving federal disaster funds.

As high water continued to spread Friday, Texas law enforcement officials were already warning residents about flood-related crimes.

Protect yourself and your wallet from unscrupulous operators, urged a new flyer posted by the Texas attorney general, whose office had received nearly 700 complaints by late Wednesday.

Most of the calls reported price gouging but a few alleged cases of fraud, said Kayleigh Lovvorn, a spokeswoman for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency and other relief agencies were accused of loose oversight after Katrina, but they have tightened controls since then, said Walt Green, a Baton Rouge lawyer and former U.S. attorney in Baton Rouge. But even in recent disasters, federal agencies were still targeted by scores of applications using fraudulent addresses, personal information and other spurious documentation.

Identity fraud is the newest angle, said Green. You can find long lists of social security numbers of the dark web and people are purchasing them to use after disasters.

Green, who led the federal disaster task force between 2013 and last March, said some criminal activity likely spiked even before Harveys landfall last week. He said hurricane-related internet addresses  often with wording stressing storm charity and relief  are quickly purchased in the hours before a hurricanes landfall. Some web addresses later surface in charity scams that bilk unsuspecting donors or lure viewers to virus-infected sites.

On Wednesday, the government-funded Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center reported more than 500 domain names associated with Harvey had been registered over the preceding week. The majority of those names, the center reported, used words associated with philanthropy and aid, including help, relief, donate and victims.

Four domain names referencing Harvey and the words relief, fund and recovery were listed for auction on eBay.com earlier this week, starting at $5,000 each. James Streigel, a northern California man who acknowledged offering them for sale, said he had no malicious intent and intended to sell them to the highest bidder. Streigel said his listings also carried notices saying he would donate 20 percent of his earnings to the American Red Cross.

He acknowledged to The Associated Press that he had no way of preventing prospective buyers from using the domain names for criminal activity. We cant be sure of anything these days, Streigel said.

Hours later, an eBay spokesman, Ryan Moore, said the listings had been removed from eBays site. Weve issued a warning to this seller that these listings violate eBay policy, Moore said.

The sites offensive material policy prohibits listings that attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering, or that are insensitive to victims of such events.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Hurricane Irma, the most powerful storm to form in the open Atlantic Ocean, made landfall in the Caribbean early Wednesday and barreled toward Puerto Rico on a path that may bring it ashore in Florida and destroy so much property that damages surpass Hurricane Katrina.

Irma sent cruise lines and insurance stocks plunging, with Barclays Plc estimating insured losses in a worst-case scenario at $130 billion. Natural gas slid on speculation that the storm could wipe out demand for the power-plant fuel, orange and cotton futures surged on potential crop damage, while lumber prices jumped on expected demand for reconstruction.

The eye of the storm passed over St. Martin and its northern wall was pounding Anguilla, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said in an advisory around 8 a.m. New York time. Its on a path that should pass near or just north of Puerto Rico later Wednesday, it said.

Irma comes less than two weeks after Hurricane Harvey smashed ashore in Texas, knocking offline almost a quarter of U.S. oil refining capacity and causing widespread damage, power outages and flooding. While models show Irma veering away from gas and oil platforms off the coast of Texas and Louisiana, sparing Houston more devastation, it threatens to wreak havoc upon the Caribbean islands and Florida.

Irma is the kind of storm where you get thousands of lives lost, said Chuck Watson, a Savannah, Georgia-based disaster modeler with Enki Research. This is not going to be the big slow-motion flood like Harvey  this is a real, honest-to-God hurricane.

Irmas top winds were 185 miles (300 kilometers) an hour early Wednesday, making the system a Category 5, the highest measure on the five-step Saffir Simpson scale. Its on track to strike or graze Caribbean islands through Wednesday and Cuba as early as Friday, the NHC said.

Anguillas Disaster Management Department said the island was experiencing extremely heavy winds and rain, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday. In Barbuda, phone lines went down and howling winds sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

In the U.S., Governor Rick Scott issued mandatory evacuations for Florida Keys and was starting to evacuate people in Miami. President Donald Trump said in a Twitter post that he is watching hurricane closely and his team is already in the state.

Were Irma to hit Miami with the same force as a Category 4 storm that struck in 1926, insured losses would reach $125 billion to $130 billion, Jay Gelb, an analyst at Barclays, wrote in a note. Uninsured losses would be on top of that. Across the Caribbean the cost of damage could easily reach $8 billion to $10 billion, Watson said.

Losses from Katrina, both insured and uninsured, reached $160 billion in 2017 dollars after it slammed into New Orleans in 2005, according to the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Information.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
Security guard Eric Leon watches the Knightscope K5 security robot as it glides through the mall, charming shoppers with its blinking blue and white lights. The brawny automaton records video and sounds alerts. According to its maker, it deters mischief just by making the rounds.

Leon, the all-too-human guard, feels pretty sure that the robot will someday take his job.

He doesnt complain, Leon says. Hes quiet. No lunch break. Hes starting exactly at 10.

Even in the technology hotbed stretching from Silicon Valley to San Francisco, a security robot can captivate passers-by. But the K5 is only one of a growing menagerie of automated novelties in a region where you can eat a delivered pizza made via automation and drink beers at a bar served by an airborne robot. This summer, the San Francisco Chronicle published a tech tourism guide listing a dozen or so places where tourists can observe robots and automation in action.

Yet San Francisco is also where workers were the first to embrace mandatory sick leave and fully paid parental leave. Voters approved a $15 hourly minimum wage in 2014, a requirement that Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law for the entire state in 2016. And now one official is pushing a statewide tax on robots that automate jobs and put people out of work.

Its too soon to say if the effort will prevail, let alone whether less-progressive jurisdictions might follow suit. The tussle points to the tensions that can flare when people embrace both technological innovation and a strong brand of social consciousness.

Such frictions seem destined to escalate as automation makes further inroads into the workplace. One city supervisor, Norman Yee, has proposed barring food delivery robots from city streets, arguing that public sidewalks should be solely for people.

Im a people person, Yee says,so I tend to err on the side of things that should be beneficial and safe for people.

Jane Kim, the city supervisor who is pushing the robot tax, says its important to think now about how people will earn a living as more U.S. jobs are lost to automation. After speaking with experts on the subject, she decided to launch a statewide campaign with the hope of bringing revenue-raising ideas to the state legislature or directly to voters.

I really do think automation is going to be one of the biggest issues around income inequality, Kim says.

It makes sense, she adds, that the city at the center of tech disruption take up the charge to manage that disruption.

Its not inherently a bad thing, but it will concentrate wealth, and its going to drive further inequity if you dont prepare for it now, she says.

Preposterous is what William Santana Li, CEO of security robot maker Knightscope calls the supervisors idea. His company created the K5 robot monitoring the Westfield Valley Fair mall in San Jose.

The private security industry, Li says, suffers from high turnover and low pay. As he sees it, having robots handle menial tasks allows human guards to assume greater responsibilities  like managing a platoon of K5 robots  and likely earn more pay in the process.

Li acknowledges that such jobs would require further training and some technological know-how. But he says people ultimately stand to benefit. Besides, Li says, its wrong to think that robots are intended to take peoples jobs.

Were working on 160 contracts right now, and I can maybe name two that are literally talking about, How can I get rid of that particular human position?

The question of whether  or how quickly  workers will be displaced by automation ignites fierce debate. Its enough to worry Bill Gates, who suggested in an interview early this year a robot tax as a way to slow the speed of automation and give people time to prepare. The Microsoft co-founder hasnt spoken publicly about it since.

A report last year from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development concluded that 9 percent of jobs in the United States  or about 13 million  could be automated. Other economists argue that the impact will be much less drastic.

The spread of automation should also generate its own jobs, analysts say, offsetting some of those being eliminated. Workers will be needed, for example, to build and maintain robots and develop the software to run them.

Technological innovation has in the past created jobs in another way, too: Work involving new technologies is higher-skilled and typically higher-paying. Analysts say that much of the extra income those workers earn tends to be spent on additional goods and services, thereby creating more jobs.

There are going to be a wider array of jobs that will support the automation economy, said J.P. Gownder, an analyst at the research firm Forrester. A lot of what were going to be doing is working side by side with robots.

What about people who lose jobs to automation but cant transition to more technologically demanding work?

Lawmakers in Hawaii have voted to explore the idea of a universal basic income to guarantee wages to servers, cooks and cleaners whose jobs may be replaced by machines. Kim, the San Francisco supervisor, is weighing the idea of using revenue from a robot tax to supplement the low wages of people whose jobs cant be automated, like home health care aides.

Doug Bloch, political director of Teamsters Joint Council 7 in Northern California and northern Nevada, said there have been no mass layoffs among hotel, trucking or food service staff resulting from automation. But that day is coming, he warns.

Part of his responsibility is to make sure that union drivers receive severance and retraining if they lose work to automation.

All the foundations are being built for this, he says. The table is being set for this banquet, and we want to make sure our members have a seat at the table.

Tech companies insist their products will largely assist, and not displace, workers. Savioke, based in San Jose, makes 3-foot-tall (91 centimeter) robots  called Relay  that deliver room service at hotels where only one person might be on duty at night. This allows the clerk to stay at the front desk, said Tessa Lau, the companys chief robot whisperer.

We think of it as our robots taking over tasks but not taking over jobs, Lau says. If you think of a task as walking down a hall and waiting for an elevator, Relays really good at that.

Similarly, friends Steve Simoni, Luke Allen and Gregory Jaworski hatched the idea of a drink-serving robot one night at a crowded bar in San Francisco. There was no table service. But there was a sea of thirsty people.

We all wanted another round, but you have to send someone to leave the conversation and wait in line at the bar for 10 minutes and carry all the drinks back, Allen says.

They created the Bbot, a box that slides overhead on a fixed route at the Folsom Street Foundry in San Francisco, bringing drinks ordered by smartphone and poured by a bartender  who still receives a tip. The bar is in Kims district in the South of Market neighborhood.

Simoni says the company is small and it couldnt shoulder a government tax. But hes glad policy makers are preparing for a future with more robots and automation.

I dont know if we need to tax companies for it, but I think its an important debate, he says.

As for his trio, he says: Were going to side with innovation every time. Innovation is what moves the world forward.

(AP Writer Christopher Rugaber in Washington contributed to this report.)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
AKRON, Ohio - An Akron man was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday for abducting and sexually assaulting a University of Akron student, prosecutors said.

Cedric Murphy, 60, groped the woman and refused to let her out of his car while he was giving her a ride to campus Nov. 6, 2016, according to court records.

Visiting Judge Patricia Cosgrove found him guilty July 24 of kidnapping, abduction and gross sexual imposition charges, the Summit County Prosecutor's Office said.

Murphy will be eligible for parole in 10 years. If he is released, he will be required to register as a Tier III sex offender every three months for the rest of his life.

The woman was out with her friends and decided to walk home when Murphy drove up in an SUV. Murphy offered the woman a ride to campus, and she got into the SUV, according to court records.

Murphy began groping the woman, and he threatened to harm her if she got out of the SUV. The woman eventually opened a door and jumped out of the moving vehicle, court records show.

Investigators identified Murphy as a suspect, and his DNA was found on the woman, prosecutors said.

Murphy's criminal history includes a 1982 conviction for rape and a 1977 conviction for sexual assault, according to court records.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
AKRON, Ohio -- A pizza delivery driver for Mama Rosa's Pizza was robbed at gunpoint in the middle of the day Saturday delivering food, police say.

The robbery happened shortly before 2 p.m. on Marcy Street near East Emerling Avenue, according to a police report.

The victim was sitting on his car outside of the house where he was scheduled to make a delivery. The robber walked down the sidewalk and pointed a gun at him. He demanded money, Akron police Lt. Rick Edwards said.

The delivery man gave the robber $60 in cash. The robber ran north on Marcy Street.

The delivery driver tried to follow him in his car but lost sight of the robber when he went into backyards of homes, police said.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to call Akron police at 330-375-2552.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section.
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio - Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters has put out a call for the community to donate cash and supplies to help the hurricane victims of Humble, Texas.

In response, thousands of Fallsites commented and shared Walters' Facebook posts seeking support.

The city plans to collect specific supplies through Tuesday, Sept. 12. The following day, Wednesday, Sept. 13, a U-Haul will depart from from Cuyahoga Falls City Hall to deliver the items to the Humble City Fire Department, where they will be sorted and sent to a distribution center for residents.

"Humble has been devastated by the storm, and I have been in communication with Humble Mayor Merle Aaron to assess their needs," Walters said in a news release. "Mayor Aaron is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and help from our community. I am incredibly proud of our community partners, businesses, and residents as we come together to help our fellow American citizens in their time of need."

People gather along flooded Interstate 69 in Humble, Texas to see a recreational vehicle overturned.

The relief effort is a collaboration between the city of Cuyahoga Falls, Continuing Healthcare of Cuyahoga Falls, Cuyahoga Falls Chamber of Commerce, GOJO Industries, Riverfront YMCA, U-Haul Moving & Storage of Cuyahoga Falls and Western Reserve Hospital.

"By bringing together a number of local organizations to aid in this effort, together, our collective resources will make a greater impact during this trying time," said the hospitals President and CEO Dr. Robert Kent in a statement.

Akron-based GOJO Industries is providing the hurricane victims with Purell hand sanitizer.

"With limited clean water available in the disaster areas, having access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers is critical," said GOJO Chariman and CEO Joe Kanfer. "American Red Cross warehouses across the country are stocked with PURELL(r) products for the disaster relief efforts and we will keep the warehouses fully stocked."

Needed supplies:

Cleaning tools - sponges, mops, brushes, rubber gloves, surgical masks, rags

Cleaning items - Lysol, bleach, mold removal products

Paper products - trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper

Miscellaneous - hand sanitizer, bug repellent, first aid supplies, wet wipes, batteries

Personal items - soap, feminine hygiene, tooth brushes, toothpaste

Pet items - dog food, cat food

Non perishable food - cans, can openers, peanut butter

Collection sites:

Cuyahoga Falls City hall, 2310 Second St. - Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Riverfront YMCA, 544 Broad Blvd. - Monday-Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

Continuing Healthcare Solutions, 300 E. Bath Road - Monday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monetary donations

Cash donations can be made with checks only and are tax deductible. Drop checks off off at the Falls collection locations or mail them to:

1302 First Street East

Humble, Texas, 77338

For questions about donating money, call Humble Area Assistance Ministries at 214-446-3663.

Encouragement

Cuyahoga Falls and Woodridge elementary students will be writing cards to send to the students of Humble. Students who want to send cards to Humble can drop them off at a designated box located in the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department at 2310 Second St.

See a video about the devastation to the Humble school system.

For more information about donating to Humble, Texas email Kelli Crawford-Smith at the city of Cuyahoga Falls

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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The U.S. Marshals Service captured a Cleveland man wanted on a warrant in a 1974 fatal car crash after he managed to elude authorities for decades by using aliases and frequently moving, according to a news release.

Alan Brown, 67, was arrested Tuesday night in Bladensburg, Maryland. The Cleveland Marshal's cold case unit, led by Deputy U.S. Marshal David Siler, tracked his movements from Cleveland to Farmington Hills, Michigan, outside of Detroit, to the Washington, D.C. area where he was living this year.

A grand jury indicted Brown in April 1974 on an aggravated vehicular homicide charge, according to court records. The Marshals Service says Brown drove faster than 90 mph while going the wrong way on Interstate 71. Brown then sideswiped a car and collided with another vehicle.

Juanita Reed, a passenger in the second car, died in the crash.

Brown, who was intoxicated, jumped into the back of a random car going the other direction and left, but authorities found him and arrested him, the Marshals said. He pleaded guilty to the indictment in May 1974 but fled before sentencing, according to court records and the Marshals Service.

He is now being held in a jail in the Washington, D.C. area and is expected to be brought back to Cleveland.

Siler said Brown evaded law enforcement for years using fake names and moving to different states. He said Brown worked odd jobs for the past 43 years until his arrest.

The local Marshals' office cold case unit was established in 2015. Its work has led to arrests for cases going back decades. It led to the 2015 arrest of Frank Freshwaters, an Akron man who walked off a Sandusky work camp in 1959, where he was serving a prison sentence.

At the time, he was serving a sentence for a probation violation that stemmed from his hitting a man with his car in 1957.

The Ohio Parole Board decided to release Freshwaters, 81, from prison in February 2016.

"Our Deputy Marshals and Task Force Officers will continue to relentlessly pursue those who attempt to evade justice no matter how long they have been on the run," U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott said in the news release.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Twenty-nine people face state and federal charges in a large-scale cocaine case in which the defendants purchase and sold large amounts of the drug in Medina County, according to a news release sent Wednesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The indictment was unsealed Wednesday as state and federal agents rounded up those were charged. Seventeen were charged in federal court, with an additional 12 facing state charges, according to the news release.

At the top of the drug conspiracy is Cleveland man Troy Bankhead, 47, whom federal authorities say sold large quantities of powder cocaine to Dona Battle. The news release says Battle, 44, cooked the powder cocaine into crack cocaine and sold it to other dealers. The dealers would then sell to drug users.

Other defendants indicted in federal court come from Cleveland, Medina and the surrounding areas.

As of Wednesday morning, all but three of the suspects are in custody, officials said.

The case is a result of an 18-month investigation between the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and state authorities that involved undercover buys and search warrants, the news release states.

It grew out of a case indicted earlier this year involving Marty McCaulley of Lyndhurst, as well as two other Northeast Ohioans and three others from out of state, U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Mike Tobin said.

Prosecutors said McCaulley purchased and sold large amounts of cocaine.

In that case, federal agents seized more than 37 pounds of cocaine and $511,000, according to the indictment.

If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The debate over DACA could quickly be rendered moot if North Korea and the United States followed through with threats to annihilate each other in nuclear warfare.

Sunday, North Korea ratcheted up tensions when it claimed to have successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb in an underground test. North Korea has said it is also able to load the bomb onto the tip of an intercontinental ballistic missile. It's anticipated that N.Korea will conduct another ICBM test sometime this weekend.

A hydrogen bomb, like the one N.Korea tested, is more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations called the tests a "gift package" addressed to the United States. "The U.S. will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," said Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

During an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, the Trump administration called upon China and other members to cut off oil to North Korea. U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley said North Korea was "begging for war." "We have kicked the can down the road long enough. There is no more road left", said an exasperated Haley.

After briefing President Trump on military options, Defense Secretary James Mattis said, "We have the ability to defend ourselves and our allies, South Korea and Japan from any attack and our commitments among the allies are ironclad. Any threat to the United States and its territories including Guam or our allies will be met with a massive military response - a response both effective an overwhelming. We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea, but as I said we have many options to do so."

None of U.S. options for responding to North Korea's nuclear armament are good. Sanctions haven't worked and are unlikely to. In addition to announcing its hydrogen bomb test, North Korea made clear its nuclear capabilities will never be put on the negotiating table.

Any military response would be sure to escalate, leading to mass casualties and destruction. The other option is simply accepting North Korea's nuclear arsenal, trying to contain it and running the risk of cash-strapped North Korea selling parts of its arsenal, or nuclear knowledge, to terror groups. "Fire and Fury" or "Acceptance and Containment"

The temperaments of Trump and Kim Jong-un, alone, heighten the risk of the U.S.-Korean war restarting. What is now just heated hyperbole could easily escalate to war. What happens if North Korea's next anticipated missile test this weekend lands in the direction of Guam?
FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio - The future of Lorain Road now has guideposts for city leaders thanks to a Planning for Infill Development Building Blocks Technical Assistance grant from the US EPA Office of Sustainable Communities.

"The EPA brought in a professional planning consultant (Renaissance Planning) and ran us through a program they've developed in their office to help us work through and identify ways that we can deal with infill development - redeveloping vacant properties - and our aging infrastructure," Fairview Park Director of Public Service & Development Shawn Leininger said.

The in-kind grant, which was awarded this spring, culminated with the recently received Next Steps Memorandum that identified key community issues, prioritized strategies and specific actions to create a downtown through infill redevelopment along the Lorain Road corridor.

Leininger said the Next Steps Memorandum recommendations includes four strategies: policy and codes that support infill development; promote and brand Fairview Park's downtown; shared management of vision with city and community partners; and financing the vision.

"The EPA is interested in sustainable communities because at the end of the day a sustainable community helps support the environment," Leininger said. "That means everything from how we control stormwater runoff to having sites that are providing economic opportunity."

Next for the city is an effort to address components of the Next Steps Memorandum with local organization Forward Fairview Park. Leininger said residents will incrementally see the plan come together.

"It's not like one day we'll stand back and say, 'We're done,'" Leininger said. "You're never really done when you're developing a downtown. It's always evolving. So hopefully we've developed a zoning code that supports mixed-use development. Also, we've developed a streetscape that promotes small business and walkability, and we have a structure in place to support it."

The efforts will mirror Fairview Park's master plan, which was last revised in 2013.

"You want to generally review a master plan every five to seven years, so instead of the entire community, we may do a portion of it," Leininger said. "Right now, we're still trying to decide when that master plan should be updated."
LAKEWOOD, Ohio - Brides say they're scrambling after a Lakewood seamstress left their wedding dresses unfinished -- even stained -- and refused to give refunds.

On Tuesday afternoon, Sew Cora had a combination lock on its front door. About six people stood outside with a Lakewood police officer, who had been called to the store on Detroit Avenue, near West Clifton Boulevard.

"My dress was torn apart and being held together by pins when I got my dress the night before my wedding," one bride wrote on wedding website TheKnot.com. "I had to scramble to find a new dress six hours before I walked down the aisle. Thank for for [sic] homecoming season."

Wedding planner Maria Kovacevich, with Elegant Events by Maria, said Wednesday that she has not personally worked with Sew Cora because she's based in the Akron/Canton area. However, a Northeast Ohio Facebook group of wedding planners is "on fire" right now with planners scrambling for recommendations for a new seamstress, she said.

Many of the disgruntled Sew Cora customers lamented that they were asked to pay in advance for the alteration services and were then given vague promises of refunds. A few mentioned that they have already obtained a lawyer or intend to do so.

Two brides separately emailed cleveland.com about the store.

Christina Bender of Aurora said she was able to find another seamstress to help her situation, but her "heart is broken for the brides who haven't been so lucky."

"It's a really unfortunate situation for all parties; the reason I chose Sew Cora is because I wanted to support a young, talented and local small business owner," Bender said. "Cora might produce absolutely beautiful work, but unfortunately for many of us we're not receiving anything but a headache."

Sew Cora is owned by Cora Mercer, according to Mercer's LinkedIn profile. The LinkedIn page claims that there are Sew Cora shops in the Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo areas; she also says she owns Classic Cora, her own custom bridal design company, and Social Cora, a social media engagement service for "the creative quilting and sewing industry."

Mercer defended her business through a Facebook post Tuesday evening, saying that "recent negative publicity based on lies... has spread like wildfire." She said that she has no plans to close down her business and will get attorneys involved, if need be. You can read the full post below.

Mercer did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Lakewood police said since the dispute is a civil matter, there is no complete police report.

Reviewer Megan W. wrote Monday that she arrived at an alterations appointment Aug. 27 to find that "nothing was done to the dress and there was a STAIN on my dress," her comment reads. "It almost didn't feel real that it was happening.....the most important dress that we will probably wear was in the hands of a women [sic] that didn't give a damn about anything."

Reviewer Meg B. sent a warning to fellow Sew Cora clients that she feared the shop was about to lock its doors with dresses still inside.

"The entire staff has quit! If your dress is with Sew Cora, pick it up ASAP!" she wrote. "I went to pick up my bridesmaid dress this Saturday and was greeted at the counter by Cora's mother. She informed me that all the staff had quit and they had no records to contact any of their clients... or any way to track who had paid. I was given my dress back with no refund and it [is] still in the same shape as when I dropped it off over a month ago."
CLEVELAND, Ohio - State Rep. Bill Patmon has asked Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted to investigate how a door to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections was left unlocked Saturday though the office was closed.

Patmon, who is a candidate for mayor of Cleveland, said in a letter sent Tuesday to Husted that the unlocked building raises a concern about the integrity of the elections. The primary election for Cleveland mayor and City Council, as well offices in five other communities, is Sept. 12 and the elections board has been collecting early-voting ballots since Aug. 15.

"The integrity of elections is vitally important to our democracy," Patmon wrote. Because the building was left open and unsecured "voting records, data and systems may have been tampered with and accordingly compromised."

Husted, through a spokesman, said only his office is looking into the situation. Cuyahoga County elections officials stated again Wednesday that voting materials had been safely locked up and were undisturbed Saturday.

The security breach was discovered by former Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who arrived at the board offices Saturday and found the building unlocked and open.

Kucinich was hoping to vote early but didn't realize the only day for Saturday voting is Sept. 9.

"I went to the back entrance and I entered and then the alarm went off and I said, 'That's odd,'" Kucinich told cleveland.com.

Kucinich contacted Cleveland police, who secured the building. The county sheriff's office then took over.

The sheriff's office now is investigating how the building was left unlocked. The sheriff's Division of Protective Services is in charge of security at the building.

Patmon's letter criticizes the elections board for failing to maintain security over the building and election systems.

On Wednesday, elections Director Pat McDonald labeled Patmon's assertions as "absolutely reckless and irresponsible."

"I would like to make it perfectly clear that we rely on the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Division of Protective Services to lock our entry doors, and we are alarmed that entry was permitted into our building when it should have been closed and -- even worse -- while an election is in progress," McDonald said. "However, while entry was permitted, the security alarm did go off and officers promptly responded.

"Further, I have been in communication with County Executive (Armond) Budish and Sheriff (Clifford) Pinkney as we work to get to the bottom of this matter and ensure it will never happen again."

Elections officials said Sunday that no one could access ballots cast ahead of the Sept. 12 primary election. Ballots are stored in double-locked rooms, and those rooms were found to be locked before the close of business, the board said in a statement. All ballots were accounted for and none were tampered with.

"We can confirm with certainty that no tampering with voted or unvoted ballots took place, nor any other action that would compromise the integrity of the... primary election," the statement reads.

That's one of the things that bothers Patmon, who acknowledged he doesn't "quite trust the board of elections" in an interview Wednesday.

"'There is nothing wrong,' was the first thing out of the bureaucrats' mouths," Patmon said.
WASHINGTON -- Reaction was swift and heated when President Donald Trump said he will cancel a policy letting undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children remain and work here. Trump said he wants Congress to find a solution because, his administration says, the Obama-era DACA program violates the law.

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and the beneficiaries are known as "dreamers." There are 800,000 dreamers, including about 4,000 in Ohio. Under DACA, they had to agree to certain terms, including working toward a high school degree or GED and avoiding serious criminal trouble.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has no problem with DACA. In fact, Kasich grew impassioned today when telling CBS This Morning that although Trump will wait six months before ending DACA, it should take Congress "no more than six hours to get this done, and the way I think they need to do it, they need reasonable Republicans and Democrats from the middle and build out a solution to this."

The dreamers, he said, should be given permanent resident status.

Trump acted this week because 10 states that oppose DACA, including Texas, threatened to go to court, saying DACA represented an illegal policy. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions agreed, saying DACA represented an unconstitutional exercise of authority.

Kasich today said Trump should have called the states' bluff.

"If I were president I would have told those states, 'Let's go to court, let's get it done, you're intent on shipping kids out of here? Alright sue me, because I'm going to expose you for what you are, because you're putting kids at risk, it's outrageous states are doing this.'"

Kasich also issued an invitation. Ohio, he said, wants the dreamers.

"If the dreamers want to go somewhere and live, come to Ohio, we want all the immigrants to come to Ohio, we know how much immigrants contribute," he said.

Cleveland.com asked Kasich's office if it understood correctly, because while the governor had been talking about dreamers specifically, he said "all the immigrants."

Kasich spokesman Jon Keeling replied, "The governor wants Ohio to be the destination of choice for everyone who wants a better life - from Indiana to India, from New England to Old England."

Do you agree with Kasich? Disagree? Take our Tylt poll and see how your fellow Ohioans feel.
NEW CARLISLE, Ohio -- A Clark County deputy who reportedly mistook a news photographer's camera and tripod for a weapon and shot him has been placed on administrative leave, reports say.

The Associated Press reports deputy Jake Shaw also will attend a "critical incident debriefing."

Meanwhile, the photographer who was shot says he is not upset with the deputy after the incident.

"My camera was already on the tripod and I grabbed it like this and turned and I just hear 'pop, pop,'" New Carlisle News photographer Andy Grimm tells fox45now.com. "I did not hear a single warning, did not hear the deputy identify himself. I said, 'What the [bleep] Jake Shaw, you shot me dude.'"

Grimm had gone outside Monday night to shoot photos of lightning during a storm when he saw Shaw handling a traffic stop. Grimm pulled over to take pictures of the traffic stop and the lightning.

Shaw came over to Grimm after the shooting and quickly called for help, telling Grimm he thought the camera and tripod were a gun.

Grimm, who was released from a hospital Tuesday, is asking for sympathy for Shaw.

"There's so much animosity toward police officers," Grimm tells fox45now.com. "He was just doing his job. I think he made a bad decision. He shot somebody, an unarmed civilian. Realistically there's going to be consequences."

Dale Grimm, the photographer's father and who runs the newspaper, said he knows Shaw but didn't want to comment on the shooting, the Washington Post reports. He did tell the Post that the paper has an "excellent" relationship with deputies at the Clark County Sheriff's Department.

Ohio's Bureau of Criminal Investigation is in charge of investigating the shooting.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Republican Gov. John Kasich has joined the legal fight against gerrymandering, the political map-drawing process geared toward creating congressional and statehouse districts that sharply favor one party over the other.



In signing an amicus brief in a Wisconsin gerrymandering case before the Supreme Court, Kasich joined former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas and U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, all Republicans.



"As I've continued to serve in public office and watched our political divide deepen, I've grown increasingly concerned with how primaries are pushing candidates to the extreme right and extreme left, which is creating more polarization and division," Kasich said in a statement released by the governor's office.



"The Court has a unique opportunity in this case to support fair, common sense standards for how districts are drawn and put legislators in a better position to work together to effectively govern and get results."

Toledo Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur joined a bipartisan group of U.S. House of Representatives members who filed a separate brief that argued extreme partisan gerrymandering "puts raw partisan position ahead of maintaining coherent political communities and sensibly sized and shaped districts based on traditional districting criteria."

"A cascade of negative results predictably follows: artificially drawn "safe" districts make the general election uncompetitive and give party insiders and a small core of "base" primary voters wield greater influence than the general electorate," the brief continued. "Political parties gain influence and obstruct independent, constituent-first representation; compromise with the other side becomes politically impossible even when there are areas of principled agreement and even when the voters want it; and the People grow frustrated with the capacity of the House to govern effectively, causing disillusionment with and disengagement from our democratic process.

The Supreme Court in 1986 ruled that partisan gerrymandering violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, but left ambiguous the standard by which courts might rule on such claims.

A clearer answer on the limits of partisan gerrymandering could come soon from the Supreme Court in the Wisconsin case.

The court in June agreed to hear such a dispute out of Wisconsin, where Republicans won 61 percent of the Statehouse seats with just 49 percent of the vote. The case involves Republican map-drawing efforts to sharply reduce Democratic representation.

Kasich has encouraged the Ohio legislature to change the way Ohio goes about drawing congressional district lines, but the legislature has not acted.

Separately, the Ohio legislature did put a proposal before voters, which was approved in 2015, to change how state legislative districts will be drawn after the next census.



The congressional lines in Ohio are drawn after each census, with the approval of the Ohio House, Ohio Senate and the governor. There is no requirement to design districts based on geography. The result under the current maps has been 12 strongly Republican districts and four heavily Democrat districts.

Last month, cleveland.com launched Out of Line: Impact 2017 and Beyond, a series that aims to get rid of gerrymandering - highlighting how some other states and countries block, or diminish, the role of politicians from the process of mapping political districts.

Earlier in Out of Line: Impact 2017 and Beyond:

Gerrymandering: why you should care

History: what has created today's mess

What Ohio can learn from California

Reporter Sabrina Eaton from cleveland.com's Washington Bureau contributed to this report.

Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner.
CORNWALL, Ontario  With renovations in the Women and Childrens Birthing Suites, the integration of midwifery services in 2012 and skin to skin after cesarean sections available since summer of 2015, Cornwall Hospital is delivering on its promise of becoming the birthplace of choice for local families. Last fiscal year, 597 babies were born at CCH. This indicates a 15% increase in the past two years. Over 60 babies were born in both March and July of 2017.

While assisting with deliveries staff also saw over 1200 assessment room visits last year. These visits include the examination of expecting mothers that come to the hospital with concerns which could include early labour signs, unexpected symptoms or concerns about the babys well-being. The professionals supporting this program have also expanded. Today Cornwall Hospital has 5 physicians with a specialty in peadiatrics, 5 anesthetist providing twenty-four hour anesthetic coverage and 10 midwives with hospital privileges. Respiratory therapy services are also available 24hrs per day, 7 days per week. These individuals are trained to respond to any type of respiratory emergency, including newborn needs.

Heather Mahon, a young local mother felt compelled to share her story with the manager of the department. In her words she writes: The arrival of our second son was fast and safe, thanks to the superb nursing staff. My nurses responded promptly and professionally, always making sure that my needs were met and maintaining the highest standard of professionalism. Dr. Pierre arrived as promptly as possible and took care of my post-partum needs swiftly and gently. My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by how fast I was able to recover and begin enjoying the bonding experience with our baby boy. I believe that this is due entirely to the quality of care that I received from my nurses. Although I never planned to experience a birth without pain medication, I can honestly say that I look back on the experience as one that was nothing but positive.
AKWESASNE, Ontario  the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) completed the paving of Buckshot Rd. and officially opened it with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017.

The project was completed through funding received from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and the Ontario Ministry of Transport (MTO).

Lazore Construction completed the construction of the road in partnership with Jp2g Consultants, the Department of Technical Labour personnel including Director Jay Benedict, Technical Project Manager Leslie Papineau, Roads Superintendent Kennedy Garrow and their summer student Blake Tarbell.

The days of our potholed and dirt roads is slowly coming to an end, said MCA Grand Chief Abram Benedict at the opening ceremony for the road. With this project, we will be able to access more properties to build more homes for our families and our children.

Benedict also emphasized that now, emergency services would have better access to that area of Akwesasne and can better serve residents along Buckshot Rd., including the residence of the Tri-District Elders Lodge who were on hand at the ribbon cutting ceremony and who cut the ribbon.

The project consisted of 730 meters of roadwork at a cost of $700, 000.

The Mohawk Council is proud that this project, which improves the safety of our community, is now complete, said Benedict. The patience and cooperation of Akwesasne residents in the immediate vicinity is very much appreciated.

Jay Benedict, Director of the Department of Technical Services said that the success of this project was owed in part to the fact that it was well planned and shovel ready which allowed the project to have its funding approved quickly.
Data center News

HPE CEO Whitman To Channel: I Have A Long-Term Commitment To HPE, Partners, And 'The Mission We Are On'

Steven Burke

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Meg Whitman told CRN she is firmly committed to leading HPE into the future.

"I would like to underscore to partners that I have a long term commitment to HPE and to the partners and to the mission that we are on," said Whitman in an exclusive interview with CRN Tuesday. "Yes, I talked to Uber [about the CEO job] at the end of their process because it is a business model I am very familiar with. It reminds me of eBay [where Whitman was CEO from 1998 to 2008] in many ways. But it wasn't the right thing. I think HPE is very special in its own right."

[Related: Partners 'Overjoyed' Whitman Is Staying Put As HPE CEO]

Whitman had asserted in a tweet on July 27 that she planned to remain the CEO at HPE after reports that she was on the short list for the Uber CEO job. The Uber board, however, spoke to Whitman about the Uber CEO job over the weekend of August 26 after former GE CEO Jeff Immelt took himself out of contention. The Uber board ultimately selected Expedia CEO Dana Khosrowshahi.

(3/3) We have a lot of work still to do at HPE and I am not going anywhere. Uber's CEO will not be Meg Whitman.

/**/ /**/

The Whitman pledge of "long-term commitment" came as HPE delivered better-than-expected earnings results for its third fiscal quarter ended July 31. The company's core server sales were up 13 percent; it reported 200 percent growth in SimpliVity hyper-converged sales; 30 percent growth in all-flash sales driven by Nimble and a whopping 30 percent growth in the Aruba wireless LAN business, with 70 new customers wins.

"Nearly 100 percent of the Aruba business goes through the channel and 70 to 80 percent of the core enterprise group business goes through the channel, so the channel did a great job," said Whitman. "The channel deserves a lot of credit for the results of the company both the new logo wins as well as selling more into the installed base."

Overall HPE reported non-GAAP diluted net earnings per share of 30 cents per share on sales of $8.2 billion. The Wall Street consensus was non-GAAP diluted net earnings of 26 cents per share on sales of $7.49 billion. HPE shares were up $0.70 (4.99%) to $14.74 in after-hours trading on Tuesday.

Whitman told CRN the strong results are evidence that the reinvention of HPE into a smaller, more nimble company focused on making hybrid IT simple, powering the intelligent edge and providing digital transformation IT services is paying off in the form of higher sales growth and margins for partners.

"The partners should be pleased by the results of the company," said a charged up Whitman. "This will give their customers the confidence to buy from HPE. I am feeling good about where we are as a company, and I am feeling great about the partners and distributors that we do business with every day."

Whitman said she is especially proud of the stabilization of the core server business which will help drive better results for partners. HPE's strong Synergy composable infrastructure sales have even driven up sales of bread and butter C7000 blade sales, she said. Customers feel confident in the server road map with blades and Synergy, said Whitman.

HPE partners, for their part, say they couldn't be happier that Whitman has reiterated her commitment to lead HPE into the future. They say over the last six years Whitman has taken HPE from a debt-ridden company with long-in-the-tooth products and a demoralized partner network and refashioned it into a next generation infrastructure provider with a re-ignited innovation engine and a fired up channel.

Frank Vitagliano, the CEO of Computex Technology Solutions, No. 121 on the CRN SP500, one of HPE's top Platinum partners, said he was ecstatic that Whitman is staying put at HPE. "I give her a lot of credit," said Vitagliano, noting the national managed services provider powerhouse's HPE business is growing. "Meg has done an excellent job since she came to HPE. I am sure the entire solution provider community is very pleased she is staying with HPE."

Whitman has been "open and honest" about her plans to transform HPE and the importance of partners, said Vitagliano. "For the solution providers what really matters is that we understand the direction that vendors are taking," he said. "That means being open and honest and communicating. Meg does that really well."

Vitagliano says Whitman also deserves credit for what appears to be setting up a strong succession plan by promoting Antonio Neri just two months ago to the president position.

"That's also a positive move," he said. "Antonio gets the partner community. He held a roundtable at Discover and it was pretty clear that he gets the channel. He considers solution providers a major part of the go to market. I would be happy with him as the next CEO of HPE if that is what ends up happening. Solution providers should be happy with the direction and leadership of HPE."

Kelly Ireland, founder, and CEO of Orange, Calif.-based CB Technologies, an HPE Platinum partner, said Whitman's leadership inspired her to remake CB Technologies into an innovator that has put the company at least 18 months ahead of most other partners. "We have looked at Meg as a compass as to where the industry was going," said Ireland. "We followed Meg's direction, and we are extremely happy about it. We feel we are a minimum of 18 months ahead of the majority of the VARs because we listened to Meg and how she guided HPE. That is a fact."

Ireland said she is looking forward to how HPE is going to integrate innovative partners like CB Technologies into the go to market strategy. "I see two paths emerging the VARs who have done what they have always done and another group being innovative on their own, taking HPE infrastructure and services and wrapping those around their own solutions," she said. "We have the engineers and subject matter experts that can drive innovative solutions versus ones that are staying on the path of transactional selling."

Whitman said HPE is accelerating its reinvention of the company with HPE NEXT initiative aimed driving even great customer facing efficiencies and sales growth for HPE and it partners.That could pay off, for example, in faster price quotes for and more rapid delivery to customers, said Whitman.

"For the past five or six years we have talked about being a more partner friendly company and being easier to do business with," said Whitman. "Virtually all of the partners would say we have made progress, but there is more work to do with the ability to quote fast, turn around orders faster, and to have a quicker supply chain."

Whitman says she envisions simplified supply chain which could result in dramatic benefits for partners. "Everything we are doing is trying to make this company to be simpler and easier to do business with so partners can be more successful selling Hewlett Packard Enterprise," she said.

As for the HPE acquisition on Tuesday of Cloud Technology Partners (CTP)  a born in the cloud agnostic solution provider with deep AWS, Google and Azure expertise, Whitman said partners should rest assured that HPE will continue to be a "channel first" company.

"We are very much still a channel first model and a channel first priority," said Whitman. "We always say that if the channel has the services to serve their own customer base, we will not get in the way, they should go do that."

If partners do not have the services capabilities customers are looking for they can augment their services capabilities with HPE Pointnext consulting and advisory services, said Whitman, noting that CTP is focused on the Fortune 100. "We never want to get in the way of the services that partners provide to their customers," she said. "If a partner has advisory and transform services they are providing their customers with so be it we won't get in their way."
Internet of things News

IoT Enterprise Startup Axonius Looks To Build Up Sales Efforts With $4 Million In Seed Funding

Lindsey O'Donnell

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Israeli startup Axonius, which touts a platform that helps enterprises secure Internet of Things devices, on Wednesday announced it had landed $4 million in seed funding.

CEO Dean Sysman hopes the company will help customers keep up with monitoring and safeguarding their connected devices in the midst of a "Cambrian-like explosion" of the number of IoT devices.

"IoT is the reason why we started our platform  organizations need to manage mobile and IoT devices, and they have so many solutions for different environments that it's hard to see it all with one lens," said Sysman. "With the Axonius Platform, IT and security operations teams gain unprecedented visibility and control of the devices on their networks, allowing them to be innovation partners and enablers for the business.

[Related: For IoT Startups In A Fiercely Competitive Market, Building Channel Strategies Can Make Or Break A Business]

The Axonius platform, which can be deployed on premises or in the cloud, is a single dashboard that integrates information from networked devices and device management solutions.

With the platform, IT and security operations teams  many of whom currently don't know how many devices are on their network or what those devices are  can better monitor and manage connected devices at scale, said Sysman.

The platform can be quickly deployed on a network, but after that end users integrate new device types  from Cisco routers to Windows products  to the platform through an adapter API and plug-in frameworks.

Axonius' platform comes equipped with software-based adapters that help customers bring new types of connected devices onto their networks  such as surveillance cameras or connected printers. Meanwhile, the company also offers plug-ins so that customers can control and manage their devices connected to the network remotely. Both these components help enterprise more quickly and efficiently track all the devices on their network, said Sysman.

"Once the platform is deployed, customers integrate it with their mobile and IoT devices on premise, and all the data from these different solutions build a picture of the devices stored around the organization," said Sysman.

While the platform's biggest customer target is enterprises, Sysman also said the company is focusing on certain vertical markets, like finance, for deployments.

Sysman told CRN he hopes to use the funding to increase the startup's sales efforts in select fields in the U.S., while also growing the company's staff and pushing out research and development efforts.

While the company currently sells direct, Sysman said Axonius is looking to develop a partner strategy in the future and is currently "open to inquiries from the channel" in the U.S. market.

Axonius joins an increasingly competitive startup landscape around the Internet of Things market, as investors like Cisco Systems, Intel Capital and Qualcomm Ventures all aim to cash in on IoT's potential.

YL Ventures was the lead investor in Axonius' seed funding round, with participation from Vertex Ventures and Emerge.
Earnings Call

The deepening relationship with VMware, the stubborn challenges of the global PC market, and progress toward a fully functioning partner portal are likely to be topics of discussion for Dell Technologies executives when the company reports its second-quarter financial results Thursday.

Thursday's report marks the third full quarter since Dell's $58 billion acquisition of EMC last September, and the Round Rock, Texas-based company is trying to maintain its momentum.

In recent quarters, Dell EMC has been the only major server manufacturer to book worldwide share gains, and the company is also riding an almost unbroken string of share gains in the PC market. Still, being the largest privately held IT firm in the world means Dell Technologies has a target on its back, and the company is contending with a contracting PC market as well as an all-out data center assault by competitors including Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Cisco Systems as demand for high-end gear softens.

Recently, the company has taken steps to tighten its relationship with VMware and improve the way they engage channel partners.

Click through to see five things solution providers should watch for in Dell Technologies' second-quarter results.
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A Croydon PC has revealed that local police officers are so snowed under that he worked 21 days in a row earlier this summer.

The Croydon Advertiser was invited to join PC Mark O'Meara and PC Rob Webb from the borough's robbery response unit for a shift last Thursday evening.

And while we were with the pair they revealed how hard officers in the town are currently having to work - part of which they blame on "horrendous" cuts which the police force has had to endure.

PC O'Meara explained how if the budget won't stretch to train and pay extra officers, existing policemen and women will instead be asked to fill the cracks through working lots of overtime.

Speaking last Thursday, he said: "The biggest expense for the Met is wages. So it can be cheaper to pay us overtime rather than pay to train new people.

"I do a lot of overtime and I miss days off. Last month I worked 21 days in a row."

He isn't alone in working so many days in succession as PC Webb was on his 18th day in a row when we met him.

And PC O'Meara added that after the terror attack at London Bridge in June of this year, he worked 24 hours straight.

"All or our officers are just getting snowed under," PC Webb said.

PC O'Meara and PC Webb explained that as well as not having the number of officers they would like, the closure of neighbourhood police bases has also had an effect on their job.

"Police cuts across the board are horrendous," PC O'Meara said.

"I've been in this borough for 10 years and you used to have South Norwood, Croydon, Addington [police stations] and they have all closed now.

"It [having less police officers than when he started] has a knock-on effect on our work because we're attending things we shouldn't usually have to, and we can't get on with the things we want to."

Working on the robbery response unit, PC Webb and PC O'Meara's job is meant to be to respond to any robbery-related calls.

But they admit that they attend all kinds of other crimes because of tight numbers.

The pair revealed how they even sometimes have to act as paramedics, as with the ambulance service experiencing similar cuts, police often arrive first to an incident and have to carry out first aid.

This, PC O'Meara added is becoming more common.

He said: "We keep getting directed to ambulance calls because we are first aid trained."

PC Webb added: "Sometimes people need an ambulance more than us, we go to calls and they say 'Why are you here? We called for an ambulance'.

"It's a relief when the ambulance turns up."

As well as lending a hand to the London Ambulance Service (LAS) officers from Croydon can often be sent to other boroughs.

And in cases where high numbers of officers are needed to reassure the public, such as after a terror attack or at busy events like the Notting Hill Carnival, PCs from Croydon can be sent way off their normal patch.

PC Webb has been to the scene of the Grenfell Tower multiple times.

He explained: "I was called to Grenfell about three or four times. I think it was two or three days after it happened and it was very eerie.

"There was a lot of anger towards everyone, police, fire officers, everyone. People just wanted more to be done."

More locally, the officers explained that by the end of shift there can be few officers available to respond to fresh calls, due to the lack of numbers in general.

If there is an arrest, for example, one officer must accompany the offender to custody and if there is an injured victim an officer will often accompany them to get treatment.

So towards the end of a shift multiple officers can be tied up with earlier jobs with there not being the numbers of officers there used to be to deal with new calls.
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It might well be months until Christmas, but Royal Mail are already gearing up for its busiest time of the year.

The Croydon Mail Centre, located just off Beddington Farm Road, and the Croydon Outhouse, based in Mitcham, are both looking for Christmas casuals.

To help handle the increased volumes of mail it requires casual workers to sort post in their mail centres with start dates between mid-November through to mid-December.

*To view job vacancies in Croydon and south London, across a variety of industries, head to the Fish4Jobs website by clicking here.

In the mail centre casuals will cover various indoor roles in a warehouse environment, they could be unloading mail from vans, moving large volumes of mail around in trolleys, sorting parcels and letters manually or operating machinery.

The advert says it is a fast paced environment and the casuals will be working to efficient methods to meet business performance targets. A mail centre can process over a million items in a shift.

The Royal Mail is an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds, beliefs and circumstances.

Pay Rate:

Monday to Saturday 6am to 10pm - 7.50

Monday to Friday 10pm to 6am - 8.10

Sunday 6am to 10pm - 8.30

Saturday and Sunday 10pm to 6am - 9.30

Typical shifts:

Earlies 6am to 2pm

Lates 2pm to 10pm

Nights 10pm to 6am

The advert asks candidates to be:

Punctual and reliable

Able to work to tight deadlines

Accurate and have attention to detail

Flexible and adaptable as you are likely to undertake several different tasks in one shift

Able to stand for long periods of time

Able to push trolleys weighing up to 250kg

To apply for a Christmas casual role click here.
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WASHINGTON  A day after President Donald Trump lowered the boom on DACA and its immigrant dreamer beneficiaries, Democrats on Capitol Hill expressed guarded optimism they could forge a legislative solution to prevent wholesale deportations.

Im more encouraged than ever by the growing consensus that President Trumps DACA decision is heartless and brainless, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who stood with other Democratic lawmakers at a news conference Wednesday to rally support for dreamers, more than 8,000 of them from Connecticut.

I think we do have a strong hand to play, Blumenthal said. We still have an uphill fight ahead, but its a fight that must be waged and one where a growing number of Republicans are with us.

Indeed, Republican support for permanent revocation of DACA appeared confined to more conservative Republicans, many of them members of the House Freedom Caucus.

Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, a leading conservative on immigration, called DACA unconstitutional amnesty and a reward for immigration lawbreakers.

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. After Congress failed to act, President Obama issued it as an executive order in 2012.

DACA gave legal status and work permits to about 800,000 youthful immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children by their undocumented parents. Most have little contact with their native lands and consider the U.S. to be their only home.

Both Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan said a legislative solution to preserve legal status for DACA recipients was within reach.

I think people should rest easy, Ryan told reporters.

Trump, for his part, tweeted late Tuesday that he would revisit DACA if Congress fails to act, suggesting he might unilaterally preserve Obamas 2012 executive order.

President Trump on Wednesday discussed a DACA fix with Congressional leaders including the Democratic leaders, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer.

Chuck and Nancy would like to see something happen, and so do I, Trump said later aboard Air Force One on his way to North Dakota for a tax-reform event. And I said if we can get something to happen, were going to sign it and were going to make a lot of happy people.

Also Wednesday, Connecticut joined 14 other states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump administration over DACA revocation. The suit also seeks to prevent federal immigration authorities from using information obtained from DACA applicants in enforcement proceedings against them.

The state has already invested so much in dreamers who have grown up in Connecticut, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement. They contribute to Connecticuts economy. They pay taxes. They defend our nation  We will not turn our backs on them.

Trump, Ryan and other Republicans insisted border security must be a part of any legislative package that codifies DACA. But neither Ryan nor Trump mentioned construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall that Trump pledged in his campaign.

For Democrats, funding for a wall would be a deal breaker that would sour any potential agreement on DACA preservation.

I think Republican leadership will try to discourage wall funding because they know its a poison pill, said Blumenthal. A lot of my Republican colleagues have a hard time keeping a straight face when you mention the wall. Its lost a lot of traction.

dan@hearstdc.com
FAIRFIELD  Police said three men broke into a service station on Black Rock Turnpike early Tuesday morning and led police in a pursuit that ended in Bridgeport.

An alarm at the Citgo station at 2515 Black Rock Turnpike around 3:30 a.m. alerted police to the break-in. When officers arrived, they found the front door damaged and left ajar. Two cash register drawers were missing.

A check of surveillance video shows a gray minivan pull up and park directly in front of the store. While the driver stayed in the van, two other men, dressed all in black and wearing gloves and masks, got out and pried the front door open. They apparently tried to move the ATM but failed. They did take the cash drawers, a rack of Newport cigarettes, cigar wrappers, and lottery tickets.

A short time later, another officer saw a gray minivan pull into the lot of a gas station next to the Black Rock Congregational Church. The officer pulled in to the gas station, and the van pulled out, leading police on a pursuit down Black Rock Turnpike. Fairfield police broke off the pursuit when it entered Interstate 95 due to the high speeds.

Connecticut State Police picked up the pursuit on the highway and, with Bridgeport police, stopped the van near Pearl Street. Three men jumped out and fled on foot, but police took two into custody.

One of the two was the driver, Paul Thompson, 23. Thompson was charged by Fairfield police with engaging in pursuit, reckless operation, and operating without a license.

Police will seek warrants for arrests in conjunction with the break-in and said they believe the trio was involved with the theft of a gun from Bass Pro Shops in Bridgeport, and a burglary at the Pickle Barrel in Stratford.

In the van, police found a yellow pry bar, cigarettes, and the two cash drawers from the Fairfield Citgo.

greilly@ctpost.com; @GreillyPost
Rather than receding into the past, Charlottesville threatens to become a permanent symbol of Donald Trumps supposed racism. To defend himself against that charge and other allegations, President Trump needs to make something great again  the president as communicator.

The president has made several unsuccessful attempts to blunt the unfounded racism charge leveled by his political opponents and the mostly anti-Trump media. To succeed, he needs to communicate more effectively in order to reach persuadable citizens who are neither part of his base nor soldiers in the Resistance.

Since Charlottesville, Trump has alternated between battling with the media and delivering solemn speeches saying all the right things.

Trading off-the-cuff barbs with the media in press conferences and savaging reporters in mass rallies hasnt improved the narrative.

Long since, potentially persuadable citizens have been turned off by the Trump-media battles.

On the other hand, Trumps solemn speeches are simply inauthentic and have convinced virtually no one.

Charlottesville intertwines difficult issues of racism, violence and Confederate monuments.

The president needs to do three things: first, debunk opposing arguments rather than only restating his own, second, concede indefensible elements of otherwise strong arguments, and, third, offer a transcendent and inspiring call for unity and reconciliation.

President Trump has been attacked for treating both sides equally. Sides of what?

Are his accusers referring to his position on racism, or on violence or on Confederate monuments. Racism is a belief; violence is behavior. And the same individual may take different sides depending upon which monument is under discussion.

At his controversial press conference on the Tuesday following the Charlottesville events, one reporter asked whether the President was placing the two sides on the same moral plane, and another Do you think what you call the alt-Left is the same as neo-Nazis.

Manifestly, these reporters were conflating the separate issues of racist belief and violent behavior.

Trump has condemned one side for its odious beliefs but, rightly, both sides for violence.

The president should call out his political opponents and the biased media, explaining their conflation of these separate issues and challenging their narratives.

Trump should confront the media Do you excuse violence on the good side?

Were Antifa thugs in Charlottesville entitled to come charging with clubs in their hands?

What about Hundreds of masked, black-clad [Antifa] anarchists who overwhelmed a peaceful California protest and assaulted at least five perceived political enemies in late August, as reported by the Associated Press?

The monument wars offer an ideal opportunity to employ tactical concessions designed to advance strategic goals.

Rather than always doubling down when challenged, Trump should concede indefensible ground when appropriate. Thats what successful battlefield generals do.

Concessions can serve as firebreaks against raging wildfires.

Trump raised the monuments issue with a warning about potential runaway excesses So, this week, it is Robert E. Lee. I wonder, is it George Washington next week? And is it Thomas Jefferson the week after?

Conceding that some statues should come down might break the anti-monuments fever. After the War, Confederate generals Nathan Bedford Forrest and George Gordon founded and led the Ku Klux Klan.

Their statues should never have been erected in the first place.

In face of persistent anti-monuments fever, the president would have standing to challenge extremes such as the Los Angeles City Councils decision to remove a statue of Christopher Columbus and Connecticut Democrats removal of Jefferson and Jackson from the name of their annual dinner two years ago.

Tellingly, the dinner was renamed the Progress dinner, revealing that Democrats have no heroes. Beware those without heroes.

Finally, President Trump must find a way to rise above the fray in transcendent presidential fashion.

He might call upon Americans to remember the behavior of Union and Confederate soldiers after the war. They held reunions together. Invoking this history might serve to inspire present-day Americans to reconcile and unite.

While defiantly counter-punching with the Resistance and the anti-Trump media will secure his base, that base is not large enough to carry the day.

The president needs to persuade open-minded Americans in the middle, on Charlottesville if its not too late and on other important issues going forward.

To reach them, the President needs to adopt a more versatile and sophisticated communications strategy.

Red Jahncke (RTJahncke@Gmail.com)is president of The Townsend Group International, LLC, a business consulting firm based in Connecticut, where he lives with his family. A version of this column appeared previously in Investors Business Daily at investors.com.
05 Eylul 2017 Sal, 15:58

Erdem Gul



Musa Kart is a cartoonist. His is a name that is synonymous with Cumhuriyet. He had the following to say about his nine months detention and his state of mind post release:

-Nobody can say, Justice exists: This cases file has now taken its place on bookshops humour shelves. I have no doubt that in the future it will be remembered as the pita vendor and parquet layer case. We were imprisoned for nine months on charges that are beyond a humourists imagination and have absolutely no rightful basis. How unfortunate, and also how comical, it is that when the rulers of this period throw opponents into prison they do not even feel the need to rely on convincing reasons. They have thus suffered a total loss of prestige, both domestically and abroad. Today, none of the parties to the debate over justice can say, There is justice in the country. The idea of throwing a drawer of cartoons into jail never even occurred to the soldiers who staged coups. But, there is apparently a need for us to transition to advanced democracy for cartoonists to become acquainted with incarceration!

-Let them praise themselves: They once used to praise themselves saying, We have made more segregated lanes than all the segregated lanes made by past governments put together. Now they can praise themselves saying, We have detained more journalists than all the journalists detained by past governments put together. In doing so, they can add, But no money came from our citizens pockets!

We all knew the truth

-We took solace in humour: In prison, people seek greater solace in humour to overcome the difficulties and duress. This is what we did, too. But, we all knew the truth. Our case was political. It was daily political expediencies, rather than the content of the file, that would determine the decisions about us. We mostly spoke about how domestic and external developments in politics would reflect on our case and we considered the situation we found ourselves in to be unsustainable.

-I had no experience of prison: I had had no previous experience of prison. I had spoken a great deal with friends and acquaintances who had passed through prison. I had also done a lot of reading about it. Those who can make the comparison best and most correctly will be those who experienced these periods.

I went in person and handed myself in

-The idea of fleeing did not occur to us: As soon as I heard about the arrest order, I went without any hesitation on my own two feet along with my lawyer friend (on his own two feet, too) and handed myself in. There is nothing at all shady about me with reference to myself, my stance or my attitude. Why would flight occur to me? In the same way, the stance of both my colleagues and my paper is common knowledge. There exists no situation that cannot be vindicated and accounted for.

-I wanted to be well groomed and in good spirits: I did not favour growing a beard. My bearded appearance in the first ten or fifteen days came from not having facilities for shaving. I attached importance to being well groomed and in good spirits when appearing before my acquaintances and loved ones.

-The humour in the indictment: In truth, I read this indictment line by line. I was amazed by the sense of humour of those who drafted it. This indictment filled a huge void in our cell into which no humorous magazines came.

-I was lucky: I was lucky in one way. My cellmates gave me priority when it came to reading Cumhuriyet. (I extend my thanks to Turhan and Kadri from here.) I devoured our paper as I read it every morning and, on a daily basis, I recalled with love and respect all those who had contributed their labour. Cumhuriyet is still Turkeys best and most trustworthy newspaper.

I took five thousand steps more for justice every day

-To keep step with Klcdaroglu: It is inconceivable not to be affected and excited by people who get up and march in the quest for justice. This business had its reflection on our walks in the courtyard. I increased to fifteen thousand the ten thousand steps I took every day to keep step with Mr Klcdaroglu and the other marchers.

-News that injured my soul: For the most part, the news that the newspapers and screens brought and deposited in our cell over the nine-month period was deeply injurious to my soul. There is no way I can stage a contest for the most egregious example, but I have never ceased to be tormented by the girl students who burnt in one anothers embrace in a student hostel in Adana Aladag. There was also the sorrowful state of the five or six-year-old girl asking her mother at her young fathers graveside, Why is dad not answering? Is this heaven? What we have been through bears no comparison to this.

-Longing is hard in jail: The thoughts of me and my cellmates were not very much occupied by our longing. Even if we did not say it, we knew that longing could make the business of being in jail even harder. Before going to jail, I used to make towers from Lego with my two-year old granddaughter. She was filled with amazement for me, because her granddad was the man who could make the tallest towers in the world. Can you imagine how much happiness this brought? Were I to say that I did not miss the relationship between a playful grandfather and his granddaughter, I would not be levelling with you.

-The joy of my life: I greatly loved each hour that I spent in jail. I cannot say, May God bless those who provided us with this opportunity. But, I still waited impatiently for the non-contact visitation hours I would have with Sevinc for an hour a week if nothing else. She was the joy of my life. One day a week, too, I would have mainly entertaining chats with my lawyers who are all my close friends. And also those hours during visits by Seran (my beloved daughter and lawyer) in which she brought her dad up to date with events on the outside. Additionally, our CHP parliamentarian friends who never left us on our own for the duration of our detention. I once more acknowledge my debt of gratitude to these fine people from here.

-I cannot pass on recommendations to the inside: Life is so strange! My mind and imagination has never been able to consent to the imprisonment of a cartoonist. It was beyond my conception that our democracy and law would sink to such a depth. But, as you say, I was also a prisoner. Now you ask me what I recommend to other prisoners. I did not consent to prisoner status so how can I consent to making recommendations?

-Release for the good of the country: This case has ceased to be bearable or defensible for the government. Our judicial and legal order has been placed in even greater question at home and abroad. Our colleagues detained status must urgently be ended. The release order to emerge at the second hearing scheduled for 11 September will bring relief, not just to Murat Sabuncu, Akn Atalay, Kadri Gursel, Ahmet Sk and Emre Iper, but to the whole country. This beautiful country is all of ours. Come on, lets keep it in good shape all together!

-Happy end: What is being done to us and our country cannot be accounted for in a single cartoon. We will all see together what impact the feelings and thoughts that crystallised in prison will have on my cartoons in the days to come. I want to say that I used to be acquainted with detention and the stories of others. It has become my story, too. But, if there is an end to the imprisoning of journalists in our country this will also be a happy end to my story. Thats what I think!



Onder Celik: I wanted to walk back home

Onder Celik is a Cumhuriyet employee of 34 years standing. He is one of the unseen characters who keep the paper on its feet, mainly on the printing side. That is why he spent nine months in detention. Onder Celik commented as follows:

-They stole nine of our months: I never underwent detention and entered prison in coup periods. Yes, I was in detention for a full nine months. What can you expect me to say differently from what I have said before? As one who was held captive in a political trial they stole nine months from our lives. There was something that I and the colleagues I was housed with kept on saying all the time in the first days: Nobody can detain us. Because we were really prompted to say this by the questions and allegations during the prosecution interrogation prior to the indictment. I did not succumb to the mentality that They will not let us go. I have no hope, but I can say that I saw it would be a long process from comments by my trusted jurist friends. In fact, I can say that I provoked the ire of my colleagues when I mentioned things like it being a matter of six to eight months.

-Not even smiling is permitted: There are big differences between what those who have previously been detained in Silivri speak of and our period. We were in full solitary confinement. A week is 168 hours; there is a one-hour lawyer visit and a one-hour non-contact family visit. If there is a visit by a parliamentarian, that is also restricted to fifteen minutes. Apart from this, it is forbidden to leave the three-person cell. It is entirely up to you how you use the remaining time. My photograph was only taken once. They took a passport-style photograph once in front of the wall in the yard. They said it was for the prison ID. I was told that it was forbidden apart from that. As was the case with all the other prohibitions, state of emergency conditions and security grounds were cited as the reasons. It defies comprehension  try to imagine how can you breach security with a smile or a wave of the hand.

-I was justified in swearing: I also took up the business of growing a beard. If you ask me, this is not because it physically suits you or enhances your appearance or for such reasons. At one point, I also pondered over the reason for this. Probably, under those conditions, it is the only form or protest that you can engage in freely without harming yourself and probably one of the few actions over which you can have freedom. I suppose I was the only one to swear in the cell, even if very little. And I considered myself to have good justification for this.

-I couldnt pick up the indictment for ten days: Yes, I read the indictment in full when it first got to me. Then I left it in a corner and didnt pick it up for ten days. Then, when the annexes came, I started to read it again. I was really unable even to plan what I was going to write for ten days. When you look at what passes for evidence, reacting in this way is most normal.

-Cumhuriyet in prison: There is no way you can help worrying about Cumhuriyet. As one who has been in its employ for nearly 34 years and who has personally lived through all its phases. I imagine it will suffice to describe something we went through nearly every day to better explain what it meant to wait for and read Cumhuriyet. The papers came at about 10.30. As you know, the TV stations briefly cover the newspaper headlines and selected stories in the mornings. Even though you knew the paper will come one hour later, we would follow Cumhuriyets front page on two or three TV stations.

-Justice March tension: It is very tough emotionally to speak of being in prison at the time of the Justice March. I would like to explain what I mean through something that happened to me. Kemal Klcdaroglu had started marching from Kzlay on the first day of the Justice March, and we were in front of the television trying to watch this on a news station to the extent that it was covered. At this time, there were power cuts in the prison every minute. I can say that the first day of the Justice March started tensely for us.

-The day I got most angry: A person in jail can speak of getting angry about many things. But, you accept all of this. You can find countless reasons such as the objections, solitary confinement, the news you get from outside or the mendacious testimony of witnesses you are closely acquainted with but who testify against you. Mine was a totally different reason. One of the friends who came once a week for the one-hour lawyer visit arrived 35 minutes late because he missed the bus that day. It may seem strange, but I got very angry over this. My colleague Guray (Oz), on seeing this anger of mine, made the following joke to me to calm me down a bit: Tell him next week that youve fired him.

-Walking back to Istanbul: One day, they asked me on a contact visit what I missed the most and what I wanted to do as soon as I got out. I replied that I wanted to walk back to Istanbul, never mind the Silivri coast. The day I liked best was visiting day. The hour I liked best was the hour before visiting time.

Justice on 11 September: I want justice to be done on 11 September and for detentions to be ended.

Alone with cameras

-UN Rapporteur David Kaye in the cell: In the first month of our detention, the United Nations Human Rights Council Rapporteur (David Kaye) visited us. We learnt that this visit was made with the permission of the Ministry of Justice. The cell door opened. The UN rapporteur walked round the cell. He said, Im sorry but this will be your home for a while. He said he wanted to speak to us. Then everyone started to wait. Everyone was waiting for what he had to say. He said, As you probably know, I must hold discussions alone and I cannot speak like this. The prison administrators remained silent and waited for a while. The rapporteur said he could not continue like this and everyone left the cell with no communications taking place. Fifteen minutes later the prison officers returned and said that the visit would take place in the contact visitation room and we moved there. And they really left us alone. We and the United Nations representatives were on our own in the room. The representative said, How nice. They have left us alone. In a room where sound recording is being made and surrounded by cameras!
Pa. Dems could flip the House of Reps. Here's what that might mean
Finding hope amid despair, a flicker of light in the blackest tunnel, is a key Christian virtue. Even so, for us proud Anglicans yesterdays news about the latest churchgoing habits was pretty bleak.

The British Social Attitudes survey found the number of people who belong to a religion has for the first time dropped below half of the population.

Only 47 per cent of us now align ourselves with an organised religion and only 15 per cent say we follow the Church of England. Fifteen per cent!

As the U.S. novelist Raymond Chandler nearly said, its enough to make a bishop kick a hole in a stained-glass window. If only they would.

As for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, he only seems interested in issuing Left-wing cliches about Brexit and egalitarianism

Cliches

Unfortunately, todays bishops are too wet to be stirred to such action.

As for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, he only seems interested in issuing Left-wing cliches about Brexit and egalitarianism.

The fundamentals and the mysteries of belief never seem to pass the lips of this outwardly dull ex-oil executive.

Yesterdays statistics suggest the C of E is in a dire state.

Here is a once mighty civilising influence, an institution which from the time of Henry VIII has helped mould our sense of national identity and the British character.

It has for 500 years helped the poor and spread ideas of mercy and justice. Its Book Of Common Prayer and King James Bibles are wonders of world literature. This most lyrically Protestant of Churches has for half a millennium defined laws and inner horizons on morality and mortality.

Now barely one in six of us admits to being an Anglican and more than half of us set our faces against any organised idea of the spiritual and transcendent.

In other words, when our loved ones die, more than 50 per cent of us stonily refuse to countenance any glimmer of optimism that their souls may have passed elsewhere, and accept some cold, ultra-rationalist view that we humans are no more than a mere bagatelle of skin and gristle, extinguished at death as surely as a guttering candle.

How did Archbishop Welby respond to yesterdays depressing social attitudes figures?

I wish I could say he met this crisis head-on, saying he understood or disputed the findings. I wish I could tell you he knelt in Trafalgar Square in public penance, or issued a fire-and-brimstone sermon, or told a joke, or issued a blood-curdling curse on all our houses.

Instead, he gave us his views on . . . the economy. He was putting his name to a report by a Blairite think-tank about economic justice and telling us (not that anyone was listening) Britains economic model is broken and we need to make fundamental choices about the sort of economy we need.

Oh, and he was writing an opinion article for the Financial Times. Thats really going to bring in the faithful.

The report promoted yesterday by Welby had all the usual buzzwords and phrases of the London centre-Left: social commission . . . gap between rich and poor . . . new vision for the economy . . . zzzzzz.

If there is anything deader than the Church of England it is the language of our patronising, technocratic, liberal Archbishop Welby, fiddling as Christian England burns.

As a deputy warden of a (healthy) Herefordshire church and the husband of a country-church organist, I dont know whether to laugh or cry or rage, like some helmeted Crusader, at my Churchs travails.

Most of my fellow congregants will probably just fall back on the numb hope that in due course, as has been the way in history, churchgoing attitudes will change and the British people will again start asking themselves questions about death and the daunting hereafter.

It happened in the Dark Ages and in the 19th century, when congregations revived. But history does not always repeat itself and this is no time for complacency. If trends continue, we could face the effective disappearance of Christianity from these islands. What will replace it? Islam?

The Anglican hierarchy should formulate a plan to stem this decline in church attendances, but is pathetically ill-matched to the task.

Some might ask: what is the point of the Church of England? But it boils down, in the short term, to something more awkwardly personal: What is the point of the Archbishop of Canterbury?

I have never met Justin Welby. I suspect he is a godly and devout and honourable man.

The tragedy is he cannot radiate those qualities. I know it is uncharitable to say, but he is proving a dud. A non-event.

Hes a Blairite/Cameroon archbish for a Brexit/Trump/Corbyn age.

His activities yesterday said it all. Instead of concentrating on his day job  trying to fill emptying pews  he was filling his time with the Institute for Public Policy Research, a Centrist Establishment body loved by New Labour.

Margaret Thatcher (another churchgoer snobbishly alienated by senior Anglicans) said if you stand in the middle of the road, you will be run down from both directions

Snooty

Remote, snooty language about economic emancipation and social inclusion may go down well with civil servants and BBC managers, but it bores the bejaysus out of the British public. Its a disaster that Archbishop Welby, who as I say is no doubt a sincere and clever man, cannot see this. He leads a Church which often tells us money is far from everything, yet here he was gazing into his navel about the economy.

As our leading churchman, he has an unrivalled pulpit to speak about spiritual matters.

He must surely have insights about death and eternity, if there be such a thing. Steeped in scripture as he is, he can teach us what wise prophets of the past thought and taught.

Yet he settles for blethering away at a think-tank about economic inequality.

When not trotting out Left-wing theories about egalitarianism, the Archbishop has given us his thoughts on Brexit, which he plainly dislikes. He has made life hard for Theresa May by saying her chances of a successful split from the EU by 2019 are infinitesimally small.

Vicars daughter Mrs May might have been well disposed to the Archbishop, but Downing Street has come to regard him as an irrelevant bore.

Welby talks of the poison of the Brexit debate, plainly meaning pro-Brexiteers are responsible for that poison, not his friends in the hardline Remain camp.

Woeful

The bishops are out of step with many Anglican churchgoers on Brexit. After last years EU referendum, one Sunday we were lectured with an episcopal letter saying what a disaster it was.

I dont suppose a single person in church that day agreed with our bishop on the matter  yet we had this political view rammed down our gullets in the name of religion.

What the heck has Brexit got to do with religion?

Margaret Thatcher (another churchgoer snobbishly alienated by senior Anglicans) said if you stand in the middle of the road, you will be run down from both directions.

The same is true in ecclesiastical leadership. In recent decades, top Anglicans have been terrified of being outspoken, one way or the other. Apologised almost for their own shadows. They have wrung their hands instead of wringing our withers.

And how topsy-turvy things have become. Even yesterday, while Welby droned on about the economy, Tory ex-leader Iain Duncan Smith and 43 other MPs were talking about a need for Britain to devote more importance to family life. We seldom hear such forthright words from the priesthood.

I believe the Church of England will survive and prosper. It will do so from two ends of the spectrum  its evangelical and its traditional wings, which both offer a clear view.

The one part of Anglicanism doomed to failure, alas, is the Centrist element personified by its current leader, the woeful Welby.
The feeling of waiting for a package can be as exciting and anxiety-inducing as the anticipation on Christmas Eve.

But one Dublin, California, man's mail delivery stirred up the wrong kind of anxiety after he claims his UPS driver accidentally trapped him inside his apartment by leaving a package propped up against the door, and completely blocking the handle.

After the incident, Jessie Lawrence took to Twitter to reveal how he had been accidentally imprisoned inside his own home, sharing an image of the makeshift barricade, while explaining that he had to call his building's maintenance man to let him out.

Dumb delivery: A man named Jessie Lawrence has claimed he was trapped inside his own apartment after a UPS driver blocked his door handle with a package

Viral fire: The Dublin, California, man took to Twitter to share the delivery gaffe, where it quickly gained traction

Revenge plot: One user joked that the package placement was actually an evil neighbor's trick

Jokes on you: Another wrote that the box might have held a door stopper

'Hey @UPS, your driver left this package under our door knob like this and trapped us in our apartment,' Lawrence tweeted on Sunday, along with a photo showing the incredibly unfortunate package placement.

The disgruntled customer went on to point out that, while it was 'inconvenient' for him to have to call someone to come and set him - and his unnamed companions - free, it would have been far more serious had there been an emergency like a fire, which required him to get out of his home quickly.

'Sure, it's inconvenient for us to call someone to get us out but if it were an emergency, we would have been screwed,' he said. 'We're five floors up.'

His message quickly caught the attention of social media, racking up over 137,000 likes and over 53,000 retweets in a matter of days.

UPS said they were unable to comment on individual customer cases, however a member of the company's social media team responded to Jessie's tweet on its official account.

'I'm sorry your for this. I'll be glad to assist you. Please click the link below to DM us the details of your concern,' the company wrote, in what appears to be an automated response.

But while UPS weren't too quick to get back to Jessie, plenty of other Twitter users were more than happy to respond to his tweet and the accompanying picture, which showed a tall, skinny package - which appears to be from Amazon - propped against the door.

Can't escape: Thanks to a maintenance man, Jessie was able to leave his apartment, but he pointed out that things would have been more serious if he'd to get out in an emergency

UPS upset: After the tweet gained tracked the delivery company reached out for assistance - although it appeared to be an automated tweet

Tweet tweak: Users only laughed all the more at the company's error-filled outreach

Lots of laughs: One user suggested that the delivery person was also controlling UPS Twitter

Placed directly underneath the swing door handle, it clearly prevents it from being turned downwards - the only way to open the door.

The tweet gained instant traction with commenters hilariously claiming the package blunder as a revenge plot.

One user wrote, '"I hear them inside and they don't want to open the door? I got something for them" - Delivery Guy.'

'No way the driver did that, your neighbor did that,' another user wrote.

Then Twitter began to joke that the package might have been a door stopper itself, which left some social media users in stitches.

'That made me laugh so fricken hard!! Nice work.'

One man posted a meme featuring Gandalf of Lord of The Rings with his famed phrase 'You shall not pass.'

Another confessed he had committed the same entrapping gaffe when he worked for the delivery company.

'When I worked for UPS I did this on accident once,' he wrote.

Not alone! Jessie was comforted by other people who experienced similar blunders

What if: Online jokers laughed that the a door stopper purchase was to blame for this entry jam

Gandalf gaffe: 'You shall not pass' was the message Twitter users and package sent to Jessie

All's well: At the end the ordeal was handled, when Jessie could finally control his door handle

The post was shared on other viral accounts with the clever caption, 'Well played delivery man.'

Jessie followed the social media fire with a clarifying tweet saying his post wasn't a stir for drama, rather the mistake could have led to a serious safety issue.

Some users poked fun at the grammatical error repeating the phrase, 'I'm sorry your for this.'

Social media also gave Jessie an extensive questioning on how he opened the door and even took the photo. He responded with a sarcastic, 'I'm still trying to figure out how I took this photo, to be honest.'

At the end Jessie was safely rescued from his home and the package put in a more fitting location, far away from his door knob.

A cheeky Twitter user summarized the ordeal with, 'Glad you handled the situation.'
Victoria's Secret is set to host its most diverse fashion show ever, with nearly 50 per cent of the models cast for its 2017 catwalk revealed as being Asian, black, or Hispanic.

Ahead of the lingerie brand's much-anticipated fashion show, a list of 61 models hailing from all around the world has been revealed - although more are expected to be listed - with a wide variety of ethnicities and races all being represented within the group of lucky ladies.

Additionally, most of the models cast in the show - which is due to take place in Shanghai - are international, with stars hailing from England, Brazil, Russia, Tanzania, France and the Netherlands.

Scroll down for video

Model moment: Estelle Chen (second to left) posted this photo alongside fellow new Victoria Secret show models for the 2017 line up, contributing to the most diverse show cast yet

Brown beauties: Leila Nda (left) and Lameka Fox (right) will step out on the show's Shanghai runway in November as part of the cast that is nearly 50 per cent black, Asian and Hispanic

Pretty pout: Sudanese beauty Grace Bol (left) and Texas-born Jourdana Phillips (right) took to Instagram to share their excitement about joining the show's model cast

Twice as nice: Chinese models Sui He (left) and Xiao Wen Ju (right) also made the list

Victoria's veterans: Sweden-born Kelly Gale (left) and Tanzanian beauty Herieth Paul (right) will return to the catwalk this year for another season with the lingerie brand

International faces: Daniela Braga (left) hails from Brazil while Frida Aasen (right) is from Norway and represent two of the many countries that walk in the international show

The diversity in looks and cultures in the show is a praise-worthy change in the show's 21-year-old legacy; last year only 30 per cent of the models were from diverse backgrounds, according to Teen Vogue.

However, despite that low number, last year's show, which was held in the Grand Palais in Paris, was still record breaking in terms of diversity, featuring four Asian models in total, more Asian representatives than ever before.

A social media applause was also made for the debut of three black women Herieth Paul, Jourdana Elizabeth, and Maria Borges, all returning models, who rocked natural hair down the runway in the 2016 show.

The growing diversity in the company's show has received an incredibly positive response, after years of backlash for the once homogeneous fashion show of tall, thin, white women.

Regal return: Britain's Leomie Anderson (left) and Domincan Republic's Dilone (right) will return to the runway for their second shows

Lucky birds: Angolan model Amilna Estevao (left) and Brazilian beaut Samile Bermannelli (right) will join the Victoria Secret family for the first time this year

Summer stunners: American Zuri Tibby (left) is already a model for the brand's PINK affiliate and walked with French model Cindy Bruna (right) in the Paris show last year

Across the ocean: Aussie Victoria Lee (left) and Brit Alexina Graham (right) are first timers for the lingerie brand's annual fashion show

All smiles: Spain's Blanca Padilla (left) returns to the Victoria Secret name while Dutch Roos Marijn de Kok (right) will walk for the very first time with the brand

This year's list of chosen stars boasts 16 newcomers and 31 returning models, who are all now in the process of show fittings.

The new cast is certianly a leap forward from the dark past of cultural appropriation, including the 2012 show moment when Karlie Kloss walked out donning a Native American headdress.

Included in the 2017 line-up is the return of long-standing angels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Behati Prinsloo, Lily Aldrige, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Josephine Skriver, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell and Taylor Hill.

One notable line-up change is the apparent absence of Kendall Jenner, who took her place on the catwalk for the first time last year - but will reportedly not make an appearance in the 2017 show thanks to an exclusive contract with rival lingerie brand La Perla.

However her best friend Gigi Hadid and sister Bella are signed to take the runway this year.

The star-studded lingerie show is set to air November 28.

Brazilian bombshells! Gizele Oliveira and Bruna Lirio share a video hugging and celebrating on Instagram their show announcement together

Model moment: Nadine Leopold of Austria (left) and Julia Belyakova of Russia (right) are the newest additions to the show as well. Nadine shared online 'never give up on your dreams!'

Blue eyed beauties: New Zealand fashion model Georgia Fowler (left) will return to the runway while Ukranian bombshell Dasha Khlystun (right) will walk for the first time

Serve face: Curly-haired Alanna Arrington (left) strutted the runway last year. She will be joined by first timer Alecia Morais, a Cabo Verdean model

Blonde strutters: Dutch model Sanne Vloet (left) and Russian Kate Grigorieva are also international returning show veterans

Strike a pose! Maggie Laine (left) from Columbus, Georgia, will return for a second show and perhaps show first-timer Nigerian model Mayowa Nicholas the ropes

Fab n fit! Baraba Fialho (left) will step out for her sixth show with Grace Elizabeth (right) who introduced the PINK line in last year's show in Paris

Sultry side eye: English model Megan Williams and Russian beaut Irina Sharipova will also join the show as returnees
A teenage cosplayer in Russia has built up a huge online following thanks to her striking resemblance to the British actress Jenna Coleman.

After being alerted to her celebrity doppelganger, Rita Saxon, 18, from St Petersburg, Russia, started dressing up as Coleman, 31, and her best-known characters - from Clara Oswald in Doctor Who to a young Queen Victoria.

The teenager dressed up in full royal garb - right down to the distinctive hairstyle Jenna displays on the programme - for a snap, much to the delight of her Instagram followers.

Rita Saxon, 18, from St Petersburg, Russia, has gained attention for her striking resemblance to British actress Jenna Coleman

Rita's Instagram is flooded with images of her looking spookily similar to the actress.

Rita, who describes herself as a 'cosplayer, big fan of food, memes, make up and music', posts all of her costumes to Instagram, and has also posed as characters from Game of Thrones and Harry Potter.

She started dressing up as Doctor Who companion Clara, who was also played by Coleman from 2012 to 2015, before experimenting with the actress' more recent roles.

Rita even dressed up as Jenna in her starring role of Queen Victoria in ITV's Victoria

Jenna plays Queen Victoria in the period drama, which depicts the monarch's early reign

Aside from her obvious talent for costume making, Rita looks just like Coleman when she is in her day-to-day wear.

The women share the same porcelain complexion and brunette bob, and look strikingly similar around the nose.

Mimicking Coleman's words in the series, Rita captioned the post: 'I'm not a woman. I'm a Queen.'

Rita also said she wanted to make a proper Victorian gown so she could accurately dress up as her famous doppelganger.

The cosplayer even bares a strong resemblance to the actress when she is in her day-to-day wear

Fans have left gushing compliments on Rita's Instagram page, praising her costumes

She said: 'I want to make her cosplay one day as Jenna is absolutely stunning in this show.'

Her followers were shocked by the uncanny resemblance between the two women, with one commenting: 'You're an excellent Queen Victoria and Clara Oswald!'

'Wooooow, amazing. You look so much to her. Wonderful cosplay,' another posted, followed by applauding emojis.

A third said: 'Amazing, one of the best I've seen.'

Rita has also dressed up as Hermione Grange from the Harry Potter series (pictured left)

She also did a cosplay of Margaery Tyrell from Game Of Thrones, who is played by Natalie Dormer

Jenna Coleman has starred in Victoria since 2016, with the first series seeing an average of 8 million viewers per episode

Victoria returned for its second season in August after an average of 8 million viewers tuned in for series one.

The show covers Queen Victoria's early reign from when she came to the throne in 1837 when she was just 18.

So Victoria has depicted the royal's relationship with Prince Albert, her crush on the Prime Minister Lord Melbourne and her struggles to adjust to motherhood.
A New York auction house is honoring late President John F. Kennedy's 100th birthday by selling off some of his and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy's most personal possessions, including pairs of his swimming shorts and their children's engraved toothbrushes.

The auction, which is made up of items from the collection of Lieutenant Henry Hirschy, who served as a military aide to JFK throughout his presidency, as well as some provided by the First Lady's former personal secretary, will take place next month, with bids starting as low as $1 but predicted to go as high as $1million.

Among the items going under the hammer are several historical gems, including one of the President's iconic leather 'bomber' jackets, made to replace the worn-out one he was often spotted wearing, which was delivered to the White House shortly before his assassination on November, 1963.

Historically glamorous: A New York auction house is selling off rare personal items belonging to late President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie to honor his 100th birthday

Relics: Among the items going under the hammer are the silver toothbrushes of John Jr and Caroline Kennedy, which are engraved with their names

Presidential bathers: The auction also includes some of President Kennedy's swimming shorts

Iconic: Bidders at the auction, which takes place next month, will also have a chance to scoop one of President Kennedy's bomber jackets

Guernsey's auction house will also give bidders the chance to get their hands on three of President Kennedy's swim shorts, as well as one of his presidential cigars and an original rocking chair used by him and his successor President Lyndon B. Johnson.

And it's not just JFK's personal belongings that are set to go under the hammer in honor of the late president's birthday.

Fans of perhaps the most adored First Lady in history will also be able to bid for some of her items, formerly owned by her personal secretary, Mary Gallagher, who wrote a best-seller book My Life with Jacqueline Kennedy.

Up for grabs is one of Ms Kennedy's black lace mantillas, believed to be the very same one she wore to meet Pope John XXIII when she visited the Vatican in 1962, and that looks very similar to the one she used for her husband's funeral.

The famous Cubanos: A presidential cigar with the President's name will be up for auction with bidding starting at $1

A one-in-a-lifetime opportunity: Bidders will have a chance to own some of the First Lady's iconic fashion pieces like one of her purses and pillbox hats

Chic like Jackie: The auction features a black lace mantilla, believed to be the same one the First Lady used to meet Pope John XXIII when she visited the Vatican

The silver toothbrushes of her children, John Jr and Caroline, engraved with their names, will be auctioned too, along with a labeled perfume bottle, one of her pillbox hats, a cheetah-printed purse, a handwritten thank-you note, and one of her belts.

Most of the treasured historical items are part of the Collection of Lieutenant Henry Hirschy, who worked at the White House during the Kennedy years. His Naval sword will surely be one of the items collectors will fight over, since it was one of two used to adorn Abraham Lincoln's catafalque- the wooden stand that was used to hold Kennedy's casket while it was on display in the White House's East Room.

The First Lady personally asked for the catafalque made for the 16th President shortly after her husband's untimely death, as she planned a funeral that matched the grandiosity of that of President Lincoln's nearly 100 years before.

Always polite: 'Thank you for all you did for the President and our children,' reads a note signed by the First Lady

Smell like a First Lady: One of the items provided by Ms Kennedy's personal secretary is a perfume bottle wrapped with the family name

A collector's dream: Lieutenant Henry Hirschy's Naval sword and a second sword used to adorn JFK's casket are expected to sell for $300,000 each

Guersneys president, Arlan Ettinger, told People that the unique swords, which are well documented, are estimated to be worth $300,000 apiece.

Among the auction's coveted items are also the transcripts of some of the 35th Presidents most famous speeches, including his address to the nation during the Cuban Missile Crisis and his 'Ich bin ein Berliner' speech, which he made in Berlin at the height of the Cold War era.

Rare art like an original oil on canvas portrait of JFK by artist Aaron Shikler, whose full-body portrait of the President was chosen by the Kennedy family to hang in the White House for eternity, will also be auctioned, as well as original versions of a bust created by Robert Berks.

The Kennedy Powers Auction will take place on October 6th and 7th and bidding will be available via internet or phone for anyone who can't attend.

Priceless history: Transcripts of scripts and other documents, like a letter from President Kennedy to Sir Winston Churchill are part of the auction's catalog

A painting worthy of the White House: People will be able to bid for an original oil on canvas portrait of JFK by artist Aaron Shikler
Aldi Australia has come under fire on social media, after the discount supermarket made the decision to stock a 'transgender' children's book, The Boy In The Dress.

The short novel, which was authored by British comedian, David Walliams, has angered various mothers thanks to its title - which alludes to a boy wearing a dress.

One Australian woman was so angered that she posted on Aldi Australia's Facebook page.

Aldi Australia has come under fire on social media, after the discount supermarket made the decision to stock a 'transgender' children's book, The Boy In The Dress (pictured)

One Australian woman was so angered that she posted on Aldi Australia's Facebook page (pictured: her original post)

'Aldi - we are so very disappointed in your decision to stock a book within your store - relating to transgenderism in children,' one woman posted on the store's Facebook page.

'Apparently it's available on Wednesday Sept 6th,' she continued.

'We would ask that you reconsider your choice to sell it! Family and children must be protected in times where there are those whose agenda is to groom and sexualise them! We ask you to have a conscience in this matter!'.

The book was made into a TV film in 2014 (pictured)

Since the woman posted on Facebook, the post has received hundreds of shares and countless comments (pictured)

Some agreed with the mother's post, writing things like the above post

Since the woman posted on Facebook, the post has received hundreds of shares and countless comments.

Some agreed with the mother's post, writing things like: 'I can assure you that none of these books would be acceptable in my home. I am disgusted and horrified that you are promoting a transsexual agenda that the vast majority of parents would find totally unacceptable.

'You are helping to confuse and undermine children's sense of identity and I believe this is a form of child abuse. I hope and pray that you will withdraw these books straight away.'

Another wrote: 'Inappropriate books for children. I spend big dollars shopping from your store and have been on regular basis since you came in our area for years now.

'My way of boycotting and saying to you you are exploiting our very young and have no right to push this debate.'

One person went even further, writing: 'Excuse me, Aldi Australia, but why are you peddling the child abuse that is The Boy In The Dress, a novel that promotes children cross-dressing? Are you joining the genderless bully brigade?'.

The book was authored by British comedian, David Walliams (left) - right, pictured, Aldi

One commenter went even further (pictured)

However, others were quick to step in and say they had no problems with it (pictured)

Another comment is pictured above

However, others were quick to step in and say they had no problems with it.

'Cheers Aldi for unintentionally ridding your stores of bigoted customers,' one woman wrote.

'Who knew a children's book could be so powerful?'.

Another added: 'Well done Aldi for selling a book that actually teaches kids about acceptance and tolerance. No wonder I continue to shop there.'

The book was made into a film for TV in 2014, starring Kate Moss and Jennifer Saunders.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Aldi for comment. An Aldi spokesperson responded saying:

'With ALDI's unique range of Special Buys, there is often a range of feedback. We have no intention of removing The Boy In The Dress from sale, the book tells the story of freedom of expression and tolerance.

'This forms part of a range from David Walliams, the third biggest children's book author in Australia, and is available throughout a number of major retailers.'
Matthew Davis famously played Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde, and while Reese Witherspoon's character Elle Woods was the star of the film, he has admitted that it was actually his on-screen girlfriend Selma Blair who had captured his heart.

In the 2001 film, Warner dumps Elle for not being 'serious' enough before heading to Harvard Law School where he meets his snobby socialite fiancee Vivian Kensington, who was played by Selma.

Sixteen years after the film debuted, the 39-year-old actor told News.com.au that he 'absolutely loved and adored Selma'. However, like his character, Matthew also ended up alone in the end, though for very different reasons.

And it all comes out! Matthew Davis (L) has revealed that he had a huge crush on his Legally Blonde co-star Selma Blair (R) while filming the 2001 hit

On-screen duo: In the film, Matthew's character Warner Huntington III dumps Elle Woods for not being 'serious' enough and starts dating socialite Vivian Kensington (played by Selma)

'I developed a crush on her at the time but she was with someone else  I think she was dating the guy from Rushmore [actor Jason Schwartzman] but he was coming around and I was kind of like "who is this guy?!"' he recalled.

Matthew added that Selma was 'the funniest person on set', explaining that he loves a 'very dry, dark sense of humor'.

'She had me in stitches the whole time ... She was the bees knees,' he gushed.

Crush: Matthew gushed that she was the 'funniest person' on set, but noted she was dating actor Jason Schwartzman at the time. Selma and Jason are pictured in 2001

Fan club: Matthew also admitted to 'fawning all over' Reese Witherspoon during a table read

Although he ended up falling for Selma, Matthew said he was completely starstruck by Reese during filming, admitting he 'fanboyed out' on the star and ended up embarrassing himself.

'I definitely wasnt cool. At the first table read, I just kept going on and on about how much I loved her work, fawning all over her,' he said, noting she was 'very sweet' about his gushing.

At the time, Matthew said he and his castmates had no idea how successful the movie would become, adding that he still gets recognized as 'Warner, the a**hole from Legally Blonde'.

Bloody famous: The film was one of Matthew's first big roles, and he went on to star in CW hit show The Vampire Diaries

Finding love: The 39-year-old actor is now engaged to former Miss Georgia Brittany Sharp

The film was one of his first big roles, and he went on to appear in the movie Blue Crush and the shows What About Brian and The Vampire Diaries.

Although Selma was dating someone else while they were on set together, she ended up marrying Ahmet Zappa, the son of musician Frank Zappa, in 2004 before divorcing him two years later.

The 45-year-old actress went on to have a son, Arthur, in 2011 with her then-partner Jason Bleick, and five years after their split, she is dating Ron Carlson.

Matthew has also found love; he is engaged to former Miss Georgia Brittany Sharp after proposing at to her at the Sistine Chapel in Italy last summer.
When Rosie Renee quit her job as a personal trainer for a gym in the middle of last year, she suddenly found herself at home more than she had been previously.

With time on her hands, the 22-year-old from Queensland started watching a documentary about cam girls - upon which point she thought she might try it out.

Fast forward a year and a half and the 22-year-old is doing everything from bathing in a kilogram of beetroot to covering herself in pancake batter and setting her nipples on fire - all in front of a live camera. She can also earn up to AUD $12,000 a month.

Here, Ms Renee lifts the lid on the life of an Australian cam girl - a model who performs on the Internet through live footage.

In her own words, 'it's not just getting naked and going online'.

Rosie Renee (pictured) is a 22-year-old cam girl from Queensland - she spoke to FEMAIL about what her job is really like - and how much money she makes

'It's not just getting naked and going online,' the 22-year-old (pictured) told FEMAIL - she has done all sorts of things including dressing up and writing her name in Vegemite on her chest

The 22-year-old can earn anything between $1,000 and $12,000 a month

Ms Renee (pictured) first went on camera after she watched a British documentary about cam girls on the Internet

After 'some extensive Googling', the 22-year-old (pictured) discovered that the industry was in fact alive and well in Australia

Ms Renee first went on camera after she watched a British documentary about cam girls on the Internet:

What is a cam girl? * A Webcam model, also known as a camgirl or camboy, is a model who performs on the Internet through live footage. * A webcam model often performs sexual services in exchange for money, goods, or attention. * Individuals in this profession often charge a fixed fee per minute, however many encourage viewers to purchase items on online wish lists or to add money to online accounts. Source: Wikipedia Advertisement

'I didn't know much about cam girls then,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'At the time, I thought they were all pre-recorded videos done way ahead of time.'

After 'some extensive Googling', the 22-year-old discovered that the industry was in fact alive and well in Australia:

'At that stage, I still thought it would be a scam, but I decided to give it a try,' she said.

Just one month later, Ms Renee received her first pay cheque - upon which point she explained her 'mind was blown'.

'I was nervous, of course, at the start, but I also found it exciting,' she recalled. 'It took me a while to find and create my niche, but once I did, I felt comfortable, natural and had a lot of fun.

'These days, I want to laugh and have a good time. You've got to do what comes naturally. In my time, I've covered myself in pancake batter and lit my nipples on fire.'

Among her strangest requests include covering herself in a kilo of beetroot (pictured)

Ms Renee shops for her outfits all over - including sex shops, Gumtree and the High Street (pictured in costume)

Just one month after starting as a cam girl, Ms Renee (pictured) received her first pay cheque - upon which point she explained her 'mind was blown'

The 22-year-old explained that, in her line of work, many of the girls have a 'tip list' which includes what they will do for 'tokens'

'I always have the permission to say no, however, it's very easy to do so. All you need to do is block someone and you don't see them,' she said of declining requests

The 22-year-old explained that, in her line of work, many of the girls have a 'tip list' which includes what they will do for 'tokens':

'For instance, it can be 1,000 tokens for something and 50 for something else,' she said.

'I always have the permission to say no, however, it's very easy to do so. All you need to do is block someone and you don't see them.'

Ms Renee said that while many people might assume that being a cam girl is 'easy money', she said she has to work very hard

Ms Renee said that while many people might assume that being a cam girl is 'easy money', she also has to work 'very hard' to earn the $12,000 she did in one recent month.

'It's a full time job,' she said. 'I put in up to 70 hours a week on cam doing all sorts of things.'

But not only this, but the 22-year-old also said there are different aspects to being part of brand Rosie Renee - including all day spent talking to people, prepping graphics and videos, marketing and social media.

'Recently, I made a cardboard lighting system for my room,' she said - 'which took a lot of work'.

'The marketing is a huge part of it - and the travelling to expos. I travel around Australia to expos all the time, you find the most bizarre things at expos - including costumes.'

Ms Renee said she also sources her outfits from places including Gumtree, Bras'n'Things and sex shops.

Speaking about her finances, Ms Renee said that working as a cam girl requires her to have a huge grip on what she's pulling in - because if she doesn't work, she doesn't earn

'I'm lucky because my family supports me 100 per cent,' Ms Renee added - saying she wants people to start seeing camming 'as not this underground seedy thing'

Speaking about her finances, Ms Renee said that working as a cam girl requires her to have a huge grip on what she's pulling in.

'If I don't work, I don't earn,' she said.

'There was one month recently where I only worked one day. While I did earn $1,300 that day, that is obviously considerably less than if I work for a full month - so you obviously have to be prepared for that instability.'

Among the strangest things she's done for people include dumping 'a kilo of beetroot over myself' and conducting a 'private Skype session with someone where I wrote my name in Vegemite across my chest'.

'I'm lucky because my family supports me 100 per cent,' Ms Renee added.

'I'm not ashamed of what I do - it's really important to me that people are starting to see camming as not this underground seedy thing.

'Sex workers are normal people, too,' she concluded.
After a busy few days, Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark have taken a moment to honour the Danish Military at the country's Flag Day ceremony in Copenhagen.

The 45-year-old and her husband arrived at the Copenhagen Citadel on Tuesday where they participated in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony for Danish soldiers abroad.

They then attended a memorial service at the Holmen church before viewing a parade at the Christiansborg Palace Square to mark the occasion.

After a busy few days, Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik have taken a moment to honour the Danish Military at the country's Flag Day ceremony in Copenhagen

The Princess, who was dressed in a large black hat, black Prada coat, blush pink dress and nude heels for the occasion, was overwhelmed with emotion and shed a tear for those who had fallen

The 45-year-old and her husband arrived at the Copenhagen Citadel on Tuesday where they participated in the traditional wreath-laying ceremony for Danish soldiers abroad

They then attended a memorial service at the Holmen church before viewing a parade at the Christiansborg Palace Square to mark the occasion

The Princess, who was dressed in a large black hat, black Prada coat, blush pink dress and nude heels for the occasion, was overwhelmed with emotion and shed a tear for those who had fallen.

The Crown Prince, who was dressed in military regalia, remained by her side throughout the ceremonies before they took the time to greet the military officials in attendance.

The royal pair appeared proud of their country as they took the time to acknowledge their soldiers and those who had sacrificed their lives for the country.

This monument was initiated by the HM Queen on September 5, 2011 and carries the inscription 'One Time - One Place - One Human'

The royal pair appeared proud of their country as they took the time to acknowledge their soldiers and those who had sacrificed their lives for the country

September 5 is an official day in Denmark to pay respect to deployed soldiers and is marked by a number of different events and ceremonies throughout the day

September 5 is an official day in Denmark to pay respect to deployed soldiers and is marked by a number of different events and ceremonies throughout the day.

It's been a week of royal duties and events for the princess, who wowed in a stunning blush pink gown when she attended an excellence in research award ceremony at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen on Sunday.

The effortlessly elegant 45-year-old stunned in a light pink gown as she assisted in the presentation of the Carlsberg Foundation Research Prizes.

The event honoured two worldwide active researchers with crucial impacts on basic research and widespread scientific recognition.

It's been a week of royal duties and events for the princess, who wowed in a stunning blush pink gown when she attended an excellence in research award ceremony at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen on Sunday

Princess Mary looked dazzling in the full length off-the-shoulder number, which she paired with a delicate pair of pointed peep-toe heals of the same colour

She carried a sparkling gold sequined clutch purse and wore an equally as glitzy smile - her brunette locks swept into loose curls and her make up kept light and feminine

Princess Mary looked dazzling in the full length off-the-shoulder number, which she paired with a delicate pair of pointed peep-toe heals of the same colour.

She carried a sparkling gold sequined clutch purse and wore an equally as glitzy smile - her brunette locks swept into loose curls and her make up kept light and feminine.

The prize winners of the evening each received 1 millionDKK with 250,000 to be kept for personal use and the rest to help fund a research project.

The esteemed awards ceremony was followed by a gala dinner.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have attended a recital celebrating 25 years of Classic FM broadcast live from the stately home he saved for the nation.

It was a double celebration as Dumfries House is celebrating ten years since the prince helped secure its future.

The radio recital, broadcast on the eve of the radio station's 25th birthday, began with a special performance from Aled Jones, who performed a track duetting with the voice of his younger self.

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Prince Charles met with Classic FM presenter Myleene Klass on Wednesday evening to celebrate 25 years of the radio station

Not to be outshone was Camilla who dazzled in a bejewelled white evening gown as she chatted with Myleene at tonight's event

The royal was presented with a facsimile of a manuscript written by Charles Hubert Parry

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall joined (left to right) Aled Jones, Margherita Taylor, John Suchet, Myleene Klass, Bill Turnbull, Alan Titchmarsh and Nick Owen

He was then joined by fellow Classic FM presenter Myleene Klass on the harp for a traditional Welsh folk song.

The prince wasted no time in introducing himself to Myleene following her performance and was pictured taking her hand while congratulating her on her performance.

Myleene stunned in a floor length red dress, showcasing her shapely figure as she introduced herself to the Duke of Rothesay, as he is known in Scotland.

However, not to be outshone was Camilla who dazzled in a bejewelled white evening gown at tonight's event.

Myleene looked stunning in a figure hugging red gown as she greeted the Duke of Rothesay, as he is known in Scotland

The royal shared a joke with Alan Titchmarsh as he examined the manuscript

Glamorous Myleene looked to be in great spirits as she laughed along with the royal guest

The royal couple were at Dumfries House in Cumnock to celebrate Classic FM's 25th anniversary

She too could be seen spending time chatting to the glamorous radio host during this evening's proceedings.

The royal couple were also treated to a performance by folksinger Josie Duncan who snag two melodies while the evening included performances of Bach's Cello Suite No 1 and Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No 1 featuring student musicians from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, of which Charles is patron.

Pianist Ji Liu played music by Chopin and Liszt while the final performance was the world premiere of Twilight Falls on Temple View by Welsh composer Paul Mealor, written about Dumfries House especially for the celebration.

Earlier, the President of Ireland joined the prince in celebrating the tenth anniversary at the property.

Earlier in the evening Myleene had treated guests to a perfornance on the harp of a traditional Welsh folk song

The radio recital, broadcast on the eve of the radio station's 25th birthday, began with a special performance from Aled Jones, who performed a track duet with the voice of his younger self

Kitted out in a kilt the prince appeared to be in high spirits as he chatted to guests at Dumfries House on Wednesday evening

Charles and Camilla posed for a photo with their guests Irish President Michael D Higgins and the First Lady

John Suchet presented the couple with a facsimile of a manuscript by the British composer Charles Hubert Parry, who wrote Jerusalem

Michael D Higgins and the First Lady were greeted by the prince on the steps of the stately home in Cumnock, East Ayrshire on Wednesday.

On entering the venue, the president and Mrs Sabina Higgins were shown the Grand Orrery, a mechanical model of the solar system built around 1758.

It does not include Neptune, Uranus or Pluto, as they had not yet been discovered.

Mrs Higgins spoke with Charles about how she and the president had seen a similar model in Florence, Italy.

During their visit, the guests heard about the significance of building on the talents of young people from under-privileged backgrounds as part of the Dumfries House project.

Prince Charles took a break from his summer break in Balmoral to welcome Irish President Michael D Higgins and First Lady of Ireland, Sabina Higgins to Scotland

The pair were greeted by a typically upbeat Charles at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire on Wednesday

The prince made the invitation to the president in May, when Mr Higgins hosted the royal couple for meetings at his official residence in Dublin.

Charles, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, helped arrange a 45 million deal to buy the house and its collection of Chippendale furniture to secure its future.

He led a consortium of charities and the Scottish Government to make the purchase in 2007, with his own Prince's Charities Foundation contributing 20 million.

The Prince of Wales is joined by the president to mark 10 years since he helped secure the future of an 18th century stately home

It had previously been in private hands, becoming rundown as owners struggled with upkeep costs.

The house opened to the public in the summer of 2008 following intensive restoration work.

Each year about 24,000 people visit the 2000-acre estate, which employs about 150 staff and provides a series of amenities to the local community.

These include skills training, educational programmes, woodland walkways, a playground and an outdoor swimming pool.
Lara Trump is over nine months pregnant, and while most women might be keen to do nothing but sit with their feet up, the fit mother-to-be is still hitting the gym  only this time she is hoping that working up a sweat will induce labor.

The 34-year-old, who is 39 weeks along, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a video of herself using a weight to do a series of overhead tricep extensions and lunges.

'Hoping the workout inspires this baby to make an appearance!' she wrote, thanking her trainer Michael Maloney for his help.

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Working up a sweat: Lara Trump shared an Instagram video of herself working out this week while nearly ten months pregnant

Although she is nearly ten-months pregnant, Lara looks trim and toned aside from her growing baby bump.

The video sees President Donald Trump's daughter-in-law wearing a Pink Floyd, black cropped leggings, and Nike sneakers for her workout.

Lara's blonde hair is up in a messy bun, and she looks focused as she alternates between lunging and lifting a weight above her head.

'Week 39 still kicking a**,' Michael says in the background. 'This girl's in sick shape.'

The trainer also shared the video on his own Instagram page while offering tips on how his followers can replicate Lara's workout.

High intensity: The video sees the 34-year-old, who is 39 weeks pregnant, alternating between overhead tricep extensions and lunges

Impressive: 'This girl's in sick shape,' her trainer Michael Maloney say in the background

'Baby training week 39 with my client @laraleatrump,' he wrote. 'Do 15 reps each side for 4 sets.

'This move is great for glutes, hamstrings, quads and triceps,' he added.

Lara and her husband Eric Trump are expecting a baby boy this month, and the mom-to-be told Daily Mail Online in August that she has been 'blessed with an incredibly easy pregnancy' that has allowed her to remain fit and active throughout.

'I was always a little worried, because I had heard different things from different people about their pregnancies; some people have to stay in bed for months... you never know what you're going to get,' she said.

'I knew I needed to workout for my sanity, and I try and make it a daily habit if I can, so I count myself very lucky that I have been able to keep doing that while pregnant.'

Powering through: The mom-to-be told Daily Mail Online in August that she has been 'blessed with an incredibly easy pregnancy' that has allowed her to remain fit and active throughout

Missing her horses: Over Labor Day weekend, Lara shared a throwback photo of herself horseback riding last year, writing: 'Countdown is on until I can ride again!'

Lara also admitted that she had heard staying fit and active can make delivering a baby easier  and helps to ensure that the recovery time after birth is as speedy as possible.

'I know it can make the delivery easier, which would be great,' Lara said of her efforts to stay fit and healthy. 'And it means that the recovery time after birth is often shorter.'

The animal lover and equestrian is also looking forward to being able to go horseback riding again.

Over Labor Day weekend Lara shared a throwback photo of her and a friend riding together at stable in Westchester, New York, and she admitted she can't wait to get back in the saddle.

'Laughing at this photo from a year ago today where neither of these rascals were being at all cooperative,' she wrote. 'Countdown is on until I can ride again! Come on baby!'

Staying active: A few weeks ago, Lara escaped the city and enjoyed a walk with friends and her dogs

Strollin': Lara and Eric were also seen walking around New York City in August

Busy as can be: The two appeared to be picking up a baby gift for someone

For the past month, Lara has been waiting out the remainder of her pregnancy in New York, splitting her time between Westchester and Manhattan. However, that doesn't mean she has been laying low.

A few weeks ago, she and Eric were photographed doing some shopping in Manhattan, walking down 5th Avenue with what appeared to be a baby gift in tow.

They then nipped back home to grab their dogs and take a car north of the city, likely to their home in Westchester.

Lara wore a pair of distressed white jeans, a striped long-sleeve tee, and white loafers, leaving behind the supportive ankle wrap she was seen wearing earlier this week.

Whoops! Lara' secret birth plan became very public after it was accidentally left on the dashboard of a black SUV parked outside of Trump Tower last month

Posed: Lara has been updating followers with pictures of her baby bump, like this one by Dawn Sela Photography

Growing family: Lara and Eric, pictured in July, are expecting their first child together in September

Meanwhile, Eric wore slacks and a blue button-down, as well as a matching pair of dark loafers.

The Trumps were followed by three Secret Service agents on foot, plus another three driving nearby in cars.

A detail has followed Eric when he conducted Trump Organization business to destinations including Uruguay  where the Secret Service spent $100,000 just on hotel rooms  along with the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, all in 2017.

That detail has also been with Lara, offering protection and  as was the case earlier this month  revealing details of her birth plan to the public after a handwritten note, titled 'Baby hospital info', was left on the dashboard of a black SUV parked outside of Trump Tower.

The note revealed exactly which New York hospital the first-time mother is is planning to give birth at next month, as well as the address of the emergency entrance and the phone number for security.
Almost every British household buys a loaf of bread regularly, and three quarters of the loaves we buy are white, according to the Baker's Federation.

Every supermarket sells it, and often customers are spoiled for choice, as stores will stock multiple brands as well as its own brand version.

But which white bread loaf is best for your morning slice of toast, slathered in butter?

Food experts at Good Housekeeping Institute have conducted a blind taste test of several varieties of white bread to find out which loaf makes the best toast.

And the winner is an own-brand label that costs just 50p - while the loaf in last place is a well-known brand that costs twice the price.

Tesco's loaf was top of the table, according to Good Housekeeping Institute, while Aldi's loaf was a close second

The best white breads for toasting 1. Tesco White Toastie Thick (50p) - 86/100 2. Aldi Soft White Toastie (45p) - 85/100 3. Co-op White Toastie (75p) - 83/100 4. Morrisons Medium White (50p) - 76/100 5. Asda Baker's Selection Medium White (50p) - 74/100 6. Lidl Rowan Hill Soft Medium White (45p) - 73/100 7. Warburtons Medium Sliced White (1) - 60/100 Advertisement

Top of the table was Tesco's own-brand 50p White Toastie Thick loaf, which scored a whopping 86/100 by the Good Housekeeping Institute judges.

They said of the bread: 'Crisp, fluffy and thick, the perfect combination for a delicious slice of toast.

'Tesco's Toastie ticked all the boxes.

'Our taste panel raved about its crunchy bite.'

It was closely followed by Aldi's 45p Soft White Toastie loaf, which scored 85/100, and Co-op's 75p White Toastie loaf, which received 83/100.

Of Aldi's loaf, the judges said: 'The bread turns a lovely brown when toasted.'

Of Co-op's bread, they added: 'A delicious bread with a satisfyingly crunchy crust.'

Warburtons Medium Sliced White Bread (left) came bottom of the loaves that GHI tested. It was 13 points behind the second worst loaf they tasted by Lidl (right)

Asda's loaf came fifth, and Morrisons came fourth of the seven loaves that Good Housekeeping Institute tested

Conversely at the bottom of the league was the only brand taste tested by the panel, Warburtons.

The brand's 1 Medium Sliced White loaf received just 60/100 - 13 points less than the next worst bread.

The judges said the loaf had a 'beautiful crispness,' but that the panel 'felt that the flavour was quite mild and the texture wasn't soft and fluffy enough'.

Lidl's 45p loaf was ranked second from bottom of the breads taste tested, with 73/100 but was close in score to Asda's 50p loaf - 74/100 - and Morrisons 50p Medium White loaf - 76/100.

Lidl's loaf said to be 'light and crisp,' but 'not fluffy enough,' while Morrisons' bread 'absorbs butter well for a flavoursome mouthful'.

A Tesco spokesman said: 'It's a real honour to be told that our Toastie Thick loaf is the best thing since sliced bread.'

Laurel Gilbert, product developer for bread at Co-op, said: 'We go to great lengths to make sure our own-brand ranges are the best on the market, and it's exciting to see that the work is being recognised. We strive to create delicious, everyday products for our customers and we're proud that our White Toastie bread has done so well in this taste test.'

FEMAIL has asked all supermarkets for comment.
Surgeons have performed an emergency cesarean section in a desperate bid to save a terminally ill mother and her baby - five weeks after she suffered a stroke that left her unconscious on life support.

Carrie DeKlyen, 37, was 24 weeks and five days pregnant at 5.30pm Wednesday when doctors delivered her sixth child, a girl who has been named Life.

Despite trying to wait until the end of September for Life to be delivered at 28 weeks, doctors at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor decided today that they could not wait any longer, as the baby has been moving less and less and they were worried she would die in Carrie's womb.

Surgeons warned the family that Carrie could die on the table during the delivery because she still relies on a machine to help her breathe and the cancer has worn down her body.

Her baby has survived the delivery, weighing 1lb and 4oz. Carrie's status is still unclear.

Carrie discovered she was pregnant in April, days after she was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, the same one John McCain has.

Doctors said they needed to reach seven months' gestation before they could deliver the child, and before Carrie could start chemotherapy.

But on July 28, at just 19 weeks, Carrie suffered a traumatic stroke. She has lain unconscious on and off a ventilator ever since.

Carrie DeKlyen, 37, found out she was pregnant with her sixth child, Life, after doctors found a terminal brain tumor that was causing her extreme headaches

Life, the baby, was doing well last week but her situation took a turn for the worst. Doctors delivered her today because she is sick and they worried she would die in Carrie's womb

Before her stroke: Carrie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in April. Pictured: Carrie in the hospital with Jez, Laila, Nevaeh and her husband Nick

Carrie was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme diagnosis, a terminal brain tumor that was originally the size of a clementine.



At the time, she and her husband Nick, 39, didn't know she was pregnant.

When she found out she decided to forgo chemotherapy to keep the child. Although it could have extended her life and shrunk the tumor, it would have killed the baby.

Doctors have yet to test the risks of chemotherapy on a baby during the first trimester.

Those first months are crucial for a baby because most of the internal organs are developing and the drugs could hinder that.

Chemotherapy is also more likely to cause a miscarriage during the first trimester.

So Carrie opted for radiation treatment in hopes it would keep herself alive long enough to have her child.

She also had two surgeries, one to try to remove the tumor and the other to drain the liquid, but both have no helped her situation.

People with this aggressive form of brain cancer only have a 10 percent chance of surviving five years after diagnosis.

The mother, from Wyoming, Michigan, has been unresponsive at the hospital since the end of July.

Doctors had to put her into a medically induced coma after she suffered a dangerous stroke from the tumor that continues to grow in her brain.

The stroke has left her off and on a ventilator for over a month as she fights to breathe on her own without exerting too much energy on her body.

Towards the beginning of her coma, she was responsive and would occasionally open her eyes or move her limbs.

Doctors were hopeful that she would maybe even wake up from the coma once the swelling in her brain went down.

Sonya, Carrie's sister-in-law, has been keeping people updated on Carrie's progress through a Facebook account. Today, doctors told the family they needed to deliver Life because of Carrie's current condition

But the tumor continues to grow and with that growth comes the need to constantly drain her skull from excess fluid.

Doctors tested Life's size and health today because they were worried about her viability outside of the womb.

She measured a couple days ago in the three percentile range for size at 24 weeks and five days old.

Her mobility has also grown less and less over the weeks, which has prompted the doctors to decide to deliver her tonight for fear that she would die in Carrie's womb if they didn't.

At 24 weeks, Life is considered in the extremely preterm category.

She also has developed a small amount of fluid in her brain.

This fluid can cause minor symptoms for Life or severe brain damage, but doctors won't know more until they monitor her more.

On average, 63 percent of babies born at 24 weeks survive in the United States, and Life is now another baby who so far is doing OK outside the womb.

The normal gestation period for an infant is 40 weeks old.

Some problems that doctors are worried about when they deliver a baby this young is the high risk of developing a neurological disability.

These disabilities can include something as severe as an inability to walk or control their muscles or something mild such as having a learning disability.

Life has all of her organs intact but the fluid in her brain could cause her problems later on.

Carrie and Nick have been married for 17 years. Their sixth child was a shock but they decided together to forgo chemotherapy and keep her

Fighting: Carrie, pictured after her first surgery to remove her tumor. It was just days before she found out she was pregnant with her sixth child

Carrie's husband Nick has been staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Ann Arbor, Michigan, since Carrie went unconscious so he can be close to his wife and baby while they fight for their lives.

Carrie and Nick have five other children besides Life: Elijah, 18; Isaiah, 16; Nevaeh, 11; Leila, four; and Jez, two.

The children have been staying with their dad during part of the week to see their mother and with their Aunt Sonya, Nick's sister, for the other part of the week.

Sonya created a Facebook page, Cure 4 Carrie, to keep family, friends and supporters updated on Carrie's struggle during her cancer diagnosis.

She also created a GoFundMe page to help raise awareness of what the family is going through to help pay for Carrie and the baby's care.

So far, the page has made close to $80,000 with more than three thousand shares on Facebook.

What is glioblastoma? The most aggressive tumor that forms from glial cells in the brain Glioblastoma is the most aggressive tumor that can form in the brain and was also found in John McCain last month. Patients have a 10 percent chance of surviving five years after their diagnosis. It is made up of a mass of cells growing in the brain, and in most cases patients have no family history of the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. The tumor won't spread to other organs, however, once it is diagnosed, it is nearly impossible to target. Unlike other types of brain cancer which are more specifically located, glioblastoma can occur in any part of the brain. Because the tumor likely already spread deep into the brain by the time it is diagnosed, the cancerous tissue is incredibly difficult to remove. It is mostly found in men between the ages of 50 and 60 with previous history of cancer, so it is incredibly rare that Carrie got the cancer. John McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer last month after getting a blood clot removed from behind his eye. Doctors removed the glioblastoma from the 80-year-olds brain but they say it will likely come back Symptoms: Symptoms can include blurred vision, severe headaches, trouble with memory and dizziness. Carrie experienced three weeks of severe headaches before doctors found her tumor. In order to diagnose the disease, doctors will do a CAT scan or MRI, and then biopsy the tumor and run pathology tests. Treatment: Chemotherapy is one option to treat glioblastomas, though it is relatively ineffective because of the blood wall surrounding the brain that protects it. That barrier makes it difficult for the drugs to reach the tumor. Radiation is another option the Senator's doctors will employ, however because of the chance of harming other organs or brain tissue, they will only be able to use a low dose. The low dose might shrink the cancer, but will not kill the entire tumor. Carrie opted to do radiation since she could no longer do chemotherapy since it would terminate the pregnancy. Although the radiation might have shrunk the tumor some, the doctors say Carrie's tumor continues to grow. The tumor makes it impossible to remove every microscopic growth. Therefore, it will continue to grow. Advertisement




A pill that protects against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be safely used by young men who have sex with men, according to a new study.

In a diverse group of teen boys at high risk for HIV infection, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the form of a pill that combines the drugs emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was well tolerated, researchers found.

'I do hope clinicians increase their comfort with being able to provide PrEP to adolescents,' said lead author Sybil Hosek, a clinical psychologist and HIV researcher at Cook County Health and Hospitals System's Stroger Hospital in Chicago.

She hopes the new data will be submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will encourage the agency to approve the pill for use by younger people. The pill is currently approved for HIV prevention in adults.

Few studies have looked at how PrEP would affect younger users, who are at highest risk of getting HIV through sex. Now research shows fears of side effects are unfounded (file image)

The drug was first approved by the FDA in 2012 as Truvada, which was marketed by Gilead. Trials found that the drug reduced the risk of HIV infection by over 90 percent.

But little evidence was collected on its use among gay and bisexual adolescent males, who are among those most at risk for HIV infection.

For the study, researchers enrolled 78 gay and bisexual young men, ages 15 to 17, from six U.S. cities. The participants all tested negative for HIV at the start of the study, but were at high risk for an infection.

Participants received a counseling session about HIV risk, plus access to daily doses of PrEP for the next 48 weeks.

Overall, 47 participants completed the study.

Only three adverse events occurred that were possibly related to PrEP, the researchers found.

'I think the safety piece is important,' Hosek told Reuters Health. 'It was well tolerated. We didn't see many complaints about side effects. We did not see many adverse events.'

The researchers also didn't find an increase in sexually risky behaviors over the study period.

WHAT IS PrEP? Truvada is the trade name for a certain type of PrEP ('pre-exposure prophylaxis') drug. This drug in particular is fixed-dose combination of two anti-retroviral drugs, tenofovir and FTC, in one pill. They work together to interfere with an enzyme which HIV uses to infect new cells, slowing down the virus's attack or preventing it altogether. The drug is designed for people that have not yet been exposed to the virus to protect themselves against it. Alternatively, people who have been exposed can take PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), a month-long course of drugs started within 72 hours of exposure. Advertisement

Three young men did become infected with HIV, however. Blood samples suggest they were taking less than two doses of PrEP each week at the time of infection.

The rate of HIV infection in the study was 6.4 cases per 100 people per year, which is about twice as high as the rate seen among men ages 18 to 22 years enrolled in a similar trial, the researchers write in JAMA Pediatrics.

'I shudder to think what the (HIV infection) rate would be if we didn't offer PrEP,' said Hosek.

She said the high rate of HIV infections is likely due to poor adherence. While more than 95 percent of the young men had evidence of the preventive medication in their blood during the first 12 weeks of the study, by week 48 only about 15 percent of participants had detectible levels of the drug.

Low adherence to medications is a common problem with adolescents, said Hosek.

Dr. Renata Arrington-Sanders writes in an editorial accompanying the new study that making PrEP a success among gay and bisexual adolescents will require effort.

'This work suggests that adolescents may require additional visits than what is currently recommended by national guidelines and suggests a need for multiple team members to address structural barriers to accessing PrEP, assist with youths' interpretation of HIV risk, and support self-efficacy to swallow and adhere to medications,' writes Arrington-Sanders, of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Hosek agreed, calling for doctors to be more connected to their young patients on PrEP.

'Clinicians should not be afraid to see adolescents more frequently, maintain a connection with the adolescents and keep them engaged,' she said.
This is the moving moment a woman whose life was saved by an organ transplant met her donor's mother.

Selwa Mitchell, 39, who suffers from cystic fibrosis (CF), hugged and thanked Kimber Spinks, who made the decision for her 18-year-old daughter Kendall's organs to benefit someone in need after she died.

The teenager, from Tyler, Texas, was driving home from visiting her sister when her car veered off the road.

She sustained horrific injuries and was placed in a coma, but sadly died five days later.

Mother-of-two Selwa, from Dallas, Texas, was diagnosed with CF  a genetic condition, causing a build-up of mucus in the lungs and digestive system  at the age of three.

By the end of 2015, her lung function had become so impaired, she was placed on the transplant list.

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Selwa Mitchell, who was diagnosed with genetic condition cystic fibrosis aged three, desperately needed a lung transplant

Kendall Spinks, 18, whose lungs were donated to Selwa, was placed in a coma after a car crash but tragically did not pull through

Just three months later, Selwa's own lungs took their last struggling breath, when she received new ones from Kendall.

They boosted her function from to 22 to 96 percent  giving her the gift of life.

'Kendall was an amazing, beautiful young woman,' said Selwa. 'I'm so grateful to receive her lungs.

'I struggle with the fact that she died, but it means so much that she decided to donate her organs.

'Meeting her mum and sister was such an emotional moment. Now I hope I can help them to keep Kendall's light alive.'

Kendall's mother Kimber Spinks had an emotional meeting with Selwa who received her daughter's lungs

WHAT IS CYSTIC FIBROSIS? Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. It causes sufferers to experience a build-up of thick sticky mucus in their lungs, digestive system and other organs. The condition reduces lung function and increases the risk of infection. CF patients require more than 50 tablets, and a couple of hours of physiotherapy, a day. Transplants may be considered for the severely ill when other treatments have failed. Source: Cystic Fibrosis Trust Advertisement

Battling for breath

Selwa was not expected to reach her seventh birthday.

Fortunately, treatment options improved and determined Selwa went to college, married her property developer husband, Scott, 41, and even had two children  Isabella, 12 and Charles Scott Junior, seven.

'I've defied the odds throughout my life. When you're told you aren't going to have a life, you really fight for it,' she said.

Yet despite medical advancements, people with CF lose two per cent of their lung function every year, and having the disease 'can feel like drowning from the inside', according to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

In late 2015, Selwa's lung function dropped to 22 percent and, struggling to breathe, she asked to be placed on the organ transplant list to receive new lungs.

'I was lying in bed and could hear my children opening their Christmas presents in the other room, but couldn't even go in there, I was so weak.

'I went to my doctor and said, "I think it's time. I'm so tired. I can't fight like I have been,"' she explained.

Despite her illness, Selwa married husband, Scott, 41, and had two children  Isabella, 12 and Charles Scott Junior, seven

The 39-year-old received the lung transplant in June last year after a three-month wait

The keen yoga fan had an 8-hour operation to remove her lungs and have Kendall's lungs transplanted

Able to run

Placed on the transplant list in March last year, it was just over three months before Selwa was called, saying a match had been found.

Rushed to hospital, she had a eight-hour operation to remove her lungs and have Kendall's lungs transplanted on June 25.

Selwa recovered well, leaving hospital two weeks later.

'I got into yoga five years ago,' she said. 'It's really important to me, as it's kept my body so strong, I was able to recover from the transplant really quickly.

'Most people take months to recover, but I was out of the hospital in two weeks. Even when I was really sick and wanted to lie in bed all day, I got on my mat, so my body didn't deteriorate.'

After the transplant, Selwa's lung function reached 96 percent for the first time in years, enabling her to run along the beach and breathe normally.

Selwa credited yoga for preparing her body for the transplant operation

She said: 'Before my transplant, I'd get up at 4am to do my treatment for about an hour, but still couldn't breathe.

'I'd still take my children to school and fight for every breath, but the transplant completely changed my life.'

'They gave me the gift of life'

After a mandatory six-month waiting period, Selwa was permitted to write to her donor family, through the Southwest Transplant Alliance  an organisation working with the families of organ donors and recipients.

'It was always something I knew I'd do, because I wanted to be able to say thank you,' she said. 'I never expected anything back, but I'm so thankful that she replied.'

Kimber's reply revealed that her student daughter, Kendall's lungs had been donated, after her death, following a car accident on Highway 155.

The 52 year-old, and Kendall's father Brent, 50, decided to donate their daughter's organs, as Kimber remembered her expressing her wish to be a donor, when she filled in her driving licence application form, a year before.

Kimber said: 'Kendall got her driving licence when she was 17 and when she was filling in the form, she turned to me and asked, "Should I be an organ donor?" I replied "Well, do you want to be?" She said it was something she would really like to do.

Selwa, pictured here with Scott, revealed her lung function had dropped to 22%

'Even if we hadn't had that conversation, I know I would have wanted her to be, but it meant I had no hesitation.

'I agreed for her heart, lungs, liver, kidney and even her uterus and corneas to be used, because I felt that although I had lost her, she could save so many others.'

After chatting online for five months, Kimber and Kendall's older sister Cameron, 21, made the courageous decision to meet Selwa for the first time last month.

On August 9, they met at a shopping centre in Dallas and have since developed a strong bond.

Selwa, who shared the emotional moment on her instagram page @selwayoga, said: 'We went from laughing to crying, to laughing again. It was such an emotional experience.

'These were the people that saved my life, because they were selfless. They gave me the gift of life.'

Tearful meeting

Meanwhile, Kimber was keen to meet anyone who had benefited from her daughter's organs.

She said: 'I did struggle to come to terms with it, but when Selwa got in touch, I was so happy to talk with her.

'I wanted to take it slowly, though, and waited until after the first anniversary of Kendall's death to arrange to meet up.

Selwa, pictured enjoying a holiday with her family, is keen to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation, along with Kendall's mother Kimber

'Driving to meet her, I was a tiny bit nervous, but the minute I saw her, I just burst into tears. It was so surreal, because this person I was talking to had my DNA inside her. It was amazing and wonderful.

'Selwa is part of our family now and I hope we will have a real friendship for life.'

Now Kimber and Selwa are speaking out to encourage others to discuss organ donation with their families, in the event of their deaths.

Selwa experienced some problems with her body rejecting the organ and her lung function dropping to 55 percent, but she is determined to keep fighting, and campaigning.

'Kimber has been very brave. I want to help her family to remember Kendall through me,' Selwa says of her donor's mother

She said: 'I think talking to your family about what happens to you after death still has a real stigma.

'No one likes to talk about death, but it's so important. There are so many organs that haven't been used because people haven't had that conversation with loved ones

'Kimber has been very brave. She lost her child, yet has been so loving and accepting towards me. I want to help her family to remember Kendall through me.'

Kimber added: 'Together we can give such a unique perspective to raising awareness of cystic fibrosis and organ donation. I am glad that I can do this in Kendall's memory.'
More than 80 per cent of the world's tap water is contaminated with plastic, new research reveals.

The US has the highest contamination rate at 93 per cent, followed by Lebanon and India.

France, Germany and the UK have the lowest levels, however, they still come in at 72 per cent.

Overall, 83 per cent of water samples from dozens of nations around the world contain microplastics.

Scientists warn microplastics are so small they could penetrate organs.

More than 80 per cent of the world's tap water is contaminated with plastic, research reveals

SCOTLAND LAUNCHES A DEPOSIT SCHEME FOR PLASTIC BOTTLES TO CURB LITTER Ministers are under growing pressure to curb the plastic bottle menace after Scotland announced a new deposit scheme. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a deposit and return scheme, to encourage the public to return empty bottles, would be introduced to slash waste. The announcement sparked calls for a similar scheme for the rest of the UK. Former Tory chairman Grant Shapps yesterday urged the government to follow suit. This summer, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said a deposit and return scheme was a great idea but he wants to ensure it works properly before guaranteeing he will introduce a similar programme. Advertisement

How was the research carried out?

The research was carried out by scientists from the University of Minnesota for an investigation by Orb Media. Results were published by The Guardian.

The scientists tested 159 samples from across the world, including regions such as Uganda, Ecuador and Indonesia.

Microplastics are plastic particles measuring less than 5mm.

What are the health risks?

Dr Anne Marie Mahon from the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, who led a previous study confirming microplastic contamination in tap water in Ireland, said: 'We don't know what the [health] impact is and for that reason we should follow the precautionary principle and put enough effort into it now, immediately, so we can find out what the real risks are.'

She added that if the microplastic particles are small enough, they can penetrate cells and even organs.

Previous research has also revealed microplastics absorb toxic chemicals, which are then released in the gut of animals.

Humans could even breathe in microplastics circulating in the air.

Frank Kelly, professor of environmental health at King's College London, said: 'If we breathe them in they could potentially deliver chemicals to the lower parts of our lungs and maybe even across into our circulation.'

More research is needed to determine the health implications of contaminated water

How did water get contaminated?

Although unclear, microplastics may enter water systems through the simple everyday wear and tear of clothing and carpets.

Tumble dryers may also be a source, particularly if they have a vent to the open air.

A previous study also revealed 700,000 plastic fibres could be released into the atmosphere with every washing machine cycle.

What can be done?

Current water systems are unable to effectively filter out all microplastic contamination due to the varying size of particles.

Bottled water may also not be a safer alternative, as the scientists from the University of Minnesota found a few contaminated samples in their investigation.

Roland Geyer, associate professor of industrial ecology at the University of California in Santa Barbara, said: 'We are increasingly smothering ecosystems in plastic and I am very worried that there may be all kinds of unintended, adverse consequences that we will only find out about once it is too late.'

Dr Mahon added more research is required to determine the health implications of microplastic-contaminated water, but in the meantime, people should be conscious of how they dispose of their plastic products.
Cannabis use does not affect teenager's IQ, new research reveals.

Taking the drug between the ages of 12 and 18 does not cause adolescent's intelligence to decline, a study found.

Yet, children with low IQs are more likely to use cannabis as teenagers, the research adds.

Drug researcher Ian Hamilton from York University told MailOnline: 'This research murders an age-old myth about cannabis.'

Previous studies have revealed cannabis use affects teenager's educational achievements, as well as increasing their risk of depression and psychosis.

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Using cannabis between the ages of 12 and 18 does not cause adolescent's IQ to decline

MARIJUANA USE INCREASES THE RISK OF DYING FROM HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE BY MORE THAN THREE TIMES Marijuana use increases the risk of dying from high blood pressure by more than three times, research revealed last month. This risk increases by more than one time for every year of cannabis use, a study found. Results suggest marijuana use is more dangerous for heart health than cigarettes, despite certain campaigners insisting cannabis is safer than tobacco. Experts argue the findings are particularly important given marijuana's legalization in eight US states, including Alaska, California and Colorado. Lead author Barbara Yankey from Georgia State University, said: 'It is important to establish whether any health benefits outweigh the potential health, social and economic risks.' Advertisement

How the research was carried out

Researchers from Arizona State University analyzed 1,989 twins born in England and Wales between 1994 and 1995.

The study's participant's cannabis use was assessed at 18 years of age.

Their IQ was determined at five, 12 and 18.

'Murders an age-old myth about cannabis'

Results reveal cannabis use between the ages of 12 and 18 does not cause IQ to decline.

Mr Hamilton said: 'This research murders an age-old myth about cannabis.

'For many years parents and teenagers have been warned about the harmful effects cannabis can have on their brains and education but this research found that short term use of cannabis by teenagers does not reduce their IQ even when they become dependent on the drug.

'By measuring children's IQ before they start using cannabis the researchers were able to show that it was not cannabis that was associated with a decline in IQ but other factors such as their family environment and social circumstances.'

Yet, the findings also revealed teenage cannabis users had lower childhood IQs than non-users prior to starting their marijuana habit.

They also have a lower IQ at 18.

The findings were published in the journal Addiction.

Past study shows cannabis affects educational achievements

The latest results contradict findings by from the University of Pittsburgh that revealed teenagers who increase their marijuana use with age have a greater risk of depression, an inability to experience pleasure and poor educational achievements in later life.

Men who infrequently use cannabis at age 15 but dramatically increase their use up to 19 years old, are more at risk than those who consistently take the drug throughout their teens, the study found.

Scientists at the University of Montreal also found that going from being an occasional marijuana user to indulging every day increases the risk of psychosis by up to 159 percent.

Marijuana is thought to cause psychosis-like experiences by increasing a user's risk of depression, the study found The two mental health conditions have previously been linked.

Frequently abusing the substance also significantly reduces a user's ability to resist socially unacceptable behavior when provoked, the research adds.
Eating oily fish while pregnant may protect children from developing schizophrenia when they grow older, new research suggests.

In trials on mice, scientists found mice deprived of omega-3 fatty acids in the womb displayed signs of the mental health disorder as adults.

The nutrient, abundant in salmon, mackerel and sardines, is already known to be good the brain - but the new study is the first to show a link to schizophrenia.

Japanese researchers also discovered similar effects for pregnant mice who had a lack of omega-6, found in mayonnaise, sunflower seeds and flaxseed oil.

Both nutrients change the way genes are expressed, a process called 'epigenetics', the scientists behind the landmark study believe.

They said the study provides 'evidence' of a potential new treatment that could revert the gene expression through giving patients the essential fatty acids.

In trials on mice, scientists found mice deprived of omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in salmon, displayed signs of the mental health disorder as adults

But the study is in contrast to NHS guidelines that recommend mothers-to-be to not eat any more than two portions of oily fish each week.

Researchers at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Tokyo, assessed both fatty acids because of their strong links to mental development.

Schizophrenic characteristics, such as impaired memory and depression, were seen in the adult mice whose mothers went without the nutrients.

Why do omega-3 and 6 affect the brain?

To determine why, the scientists then looked at gene expression in the part of the brain that is linked to the condition - the prefrontal cortex.

Humans in the early stages of the mental illness are known to have abnormal brain function in this region, located at the front of the brain.

It is involved in attention, complex planning, decision making, impulse control, thinking, personality development, risk management and short term memory.

WHAT ARE THE TWO FATTY ACIDS? OMEGA-3 Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for human health but can't be produced by the body. They can be found in other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. The essential acids play an important role in brain function alongside normal growth and development. Research shows that omega-3 reduces inflammation and may lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to benefit memory. OMEGA-6 Omega-6 is another essential fatty acid. However, while omega-3 reduces inflammation, omega-6 promotes it so a balance needs to be struck - like in the Mediterranean diet. Too much oily fish in pregnancy can be bad for the baby's development, so experts say it is important that mothers-to-be strike a balance when trying to boost their levels. Advertisement

Among the hundreds of affected genes, they found a group where activity was dramatically reduced in in both humans and the symptomatic mice.

These genes are related to oligodendrocytes, cells in the brain that surround neurons and help the transmission of signals.

What else did they find?

They also found the expression of some genes were altered in ways that mimicked findings from the postmortem brains of people with schizophrenia - a condition which affects around 1 per cent of the world, figures suggest.

Gene expression can be controlled by a certain class of proteins called nuclear receptors, the researchers said in the journal Translational Psychiatry.

When the team conducted further analysis of the fatty acid deprived mice they found several of these nuclear receptor genes had been turned off.

The abnormal expression of the oligodendrocyte-related genes could be traced directly back to the low expression of these nuclear receptors.

Once they knew which nuclear receptor genes were down-regulated, the team were able to think about how to reverse the process.

Testing a new drug

When they gave mice a drug that acts on nuclear receptors, they found the affected genes were up-regulated - and some of the abnormal motor behaviour was reduced.

Lead author Dr Motoko Maekawa said: 'Our work is the first in the field of psychiatry to identify a molecular cascade that links nutritional environment to disease risk.

'This was evidence that drugs acting on nuclear receptors can be a new therapy for schizophrenia.'

The researchers said 'the next step' is to test the effectiveness of drugs that target these nuclear receptors in patients.
If you want to see exactly what your teeth will look like after you have major work, scientists may finally have the answer.

Pioneering new technology gives dental patients a 'virtual view' of their expected smile prior to parting with their hard-earned cash.

Kapanu 3D allows adults seeking a Hollywood smile to choose their desired smile right in front of their eyes - based on current scans of their mouth.

The system, created by Swiss researchers, gives users the chance to edit how close together their teeth are, as well as their whiteness.

Kapanu 3D allows adults seeking a Hollywood smile to choose their desired smile right in front of their eyes - based on current scans of their mouth

Pioneering new technology gives dental patients a 'virtual view' of their expected smile prior to parting with their hard-earned cash

Roland Morzinger, chief executive officer, said the honest augmented reality helps manage expectations before a patient even sits down in the dreaded chair.

Writing on the product's website, he said: 'This software enables the patient to see within seconds the end result of the dental reconstruction.'

Hailed by experts

Leading dentists hailed Kapanu when it was revealed at the International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany, in March.

Kapanu, which is showcased on YouTube, can offer realistic simulations of length, width, shape and shade of teeth.

Patients can twist and turn their head to see their smile at multiple angles before they decide to go ahead with any treatment

The system, created by Swiss researchers, gives users the chance to edit how close together their teeth are, as well as their whiteness

THINK YOU'RE ON A SANDY BEACH... Just thinking about a trip to the dentist is enough to make most people quiver. But research in June suggested that just thinking you're on a beach can remove any fear you may have of sitting in the dreaded chair. Patients who were allowed to have a sandy escape through a virtual reality headset reported being less anxious about their treatment. While the simple distraction may also help to alleviate the pain of fillings and teeth extractions, Plymouth, Exeter and Birmingham University researchers believe. Advertisement

How does it work?

The system works by using 3D scans of the patient's mouth cavity through facial scans, International Business Times reports.

This is then matched with scans of known sets of good teeth that have already underwent the procedure in question.

A picture of the expected smile post-treatment is then overlapped onto a live video recording, dubbed a 'virtual mirror', of the patient's current grin.

This rolling footage allows users to see the results of little tweaks to their smile, such as changing the shape of the teeth and colour, right in front of them.

Patients can twist and turn their head to see their smile at multiple angles before they decide to go ahead with any treatment.

Who developed it?

Kapanu was originally developed at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, before it was acquired by Ivoclar Vivadent - a leading international dental firm.

Current methods to predict what a smile will look after treatment revolve around molds and casts and are widely considered to be complicated and time-consuming.

But the new technology, which may not be 100 per cent accurate, is not yet available for end users, even though it is ready for market.

Leading dentists hailed Kapanu when it was revealed at the International Dental Show in Cologne, Germany, in March
Unqualified care assistants are practising in the NHS with job titles that describe them as nurses with advanced skills, experts have revealed.

A new study found that thousands of nursing jobs across the health service have titles that have little or no link to a nurse's education or level of experience.

Researchers said people are also working with these titles without being registered with the regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

In many cases, NHS trusts or staff themselves create their own job titles.

Research as discovered that thousands of nursing jobs across the NHS have titles that have little or no link to education or level of experience (file photo)

The study author, Professor Alison Leary, from the London South Bank University, warned the practice could undermine public confidence in the profession and also puts patients at risk.

She said: 'What the results of this study clearly show is that advanced nursing practice needs regulation to help protect the public.

'Lack of consistency has implications for the wider perception of advanced specialist practice in the worldwide community and the workforce more generally.

'If the current system is allowed to continue unhindered, then there is a real risk posed to patient safety.

'Public trust also risks being undermined by NHS trusts applying professional job titles to low-paid carers who are not fully qualified nurses.

'In some instances, there is evidence that these post-holders are being expected to treat members of the public and are missing diagnoses altogether, which could lead to patients becoming seriously ill or worse.'

No formal qualifications

The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, examined 17,960 staff employed in specialist nursing jobs in the NHS over a 10-year period to 2016.

It found 595 different specialist job titles in questionable use.

Researchers said the International Council of Nurses recommends that advanced level nurses who often prescribe drugs and manage a caseload have at least a Masters degree level qualification.

But of 8,064 posts examined by the team, for which educational data was also obtained, 323 (4 per cent) were unregistered nursing support workers with titles such as 'advanced nurse practitioner' and 'specialist nurse', working in areas such as cancer and emergency care.

This is despite these staff having no formal first level nursing qualification registered with the NMC.

Meanwhile, among thousands more nurses registered with the NMC, those using the title specialist or advanced had a variety of qualifications, ranging from none to a Masters or PhD.

PROTECT THE TITLE 'NURSE' SAYS EXPERT Professor Leary said the report findings shows that advanced nursing should be regulated with clear standards. In the US, nursing bodies regulate the use of protected titles and specialist education. And in Australia, nursing titles including nurse, registered nurse, enrolled nurse and nurse practitioner are all protected by law. In the UK, the title of registered nurse is protected, but the title 'nurse' is not. However, other roles such as paramedic, radiographer, occupational therapist and hearing aid dispenser are all protected titles. Professor Leary said: 'This all stems from the fact we don't protect the title 'nurse' which means anyone can use any variant of it in any role. 'I find it amazing that hearing aid dispenser is a protected title and nurse isn't. We also need to regulate advanced practice so that only people who meet set standards can call themselves and advanced nurse. 'Our research only looked at the NHS. We have no idea what is going on outside the NHS.' Advertisement

Duty to not mislead

Professor Leary said it has been assumed that advanced practice job titles are associated with career progression but this is 'unsound' and needs addressing by the NMC.

She said the title 'nurse' should be protected, as it is in other countries like the USA and Australia.

And the NMC's chief executive and registrar Jackie Smith, told the Health Service Journal that NHS trusts had a duty not to mislead patients about who was caring for them.

She said: 'If individuals are calling themselves nurses and they are not on our register, then from a patient perspective that is quite worrying.

'If they are describing someone as an advanced nurse practitioner I would think that person was a nurse and on the NMC register.

'Employers should not mislead patients into thinking the person in front of them is a registered nurse when they are not. They have a duty to make that clear to patients.'

Professor Leary also argued nurses could be asked to work beyond their capabilities because assumptions were made based on the job title.

'There is way too much variation and the lack of regulation and standards is a threat to patient safety,' she said. 'People may not know their limitations.'
Former beauty queen Tracie Samara was left bruised, swollen and nearly blinded from getting silicone fillers in her face.

The then-44-year-old opted for a free, non-invasive face procedure by a Miami doctor because she wanted to return to her youthful appearance from when she modeled.

The fillers were so bad that an infection formed deep into the tissues causing pain and extreme discomfort along with bruising.

Eleven years later, she is still working on getting her face back to normal from the damage the injections caused.

The use of facial fillers is the second most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States.

Daily Mail Online spoke with Dr David Shafer, a double board certified plastic surgeon in NYC, who warns about the dangers of 'do it yourself' procedures and using doctors who are not certified.

Tracie Samara opted to do a free non-invasive face injections and fillers from a Miami doctor when she was 44 years old. The procedure left her bruised and swollen

The injections formed large and hard lumps under her eyes and lips that deformed her face. An infection also spread into the tissue under her eyes

Samara was attracted to the offer of a free, non-invasive procedure that would return her face back to the youthful days of her modeling career.

She went to a Miami doctor who injected her face with silicone fillers in many areas including her cheeks and lips.

Silicone face fillers are a cheaper option than collagen because they are inorganic.

What is the difference between fillers such as collagen and silicone and botox Face fillers Face fillers are used when people experience sagging skin, wrinkles or fine lines. These can occur during the natural process of aging or from unhealthy choices such as tanning or smoking. Some popular types of face fillers include silicone and collagen injections. Silicone is cheaper than collagen and was FDA approved in 1997. When the liquid silicone is injected into the skin, it forces the body to surround the foreign substance with its natural collagen. Silicone is inorganic so once it is put into the skin it doesn't break down. Collagen, on the other hand, is an organic face filler that will eventually be broken down by the body. These injections replenish the skins natural collagen stores to help fill wrinkles and fine lines. Botox Botox can be confused with a form of face filler, but it is actually different from collagen and silicone injections. Botulinum toxin is a natural protein that is injected into the skin to relax the facial muscles. These muscles are the ones that cause wrinkles and fine lines in the face. When those are relaxed, it helps to smooth the skin on the face. The injections do not fill out the area like face fillers. Advertisement

Collagen face fillers mimic the natural producing collagen in the body to help replenish the stores that have depleted in the face due to age.

But liquid silicone is an unnatural substance that is injected into the skin and normally stays longer because it can't be broken down by the body.

Instead, collagen surrounds it and helps fill out the areas in the face.

Samara was left bruised and swollen from the silicone filler, but she didn't realize something was wrong until a few weeks after the procedure.

'There are many cases of unethical people injecting industrial grade silicone in place of medical grade products and the complications can be life-threatening and life-long disfigurement,' Dr Shafer said.

He recommends for people to find doctors certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and to avoid people offering medical procedures who are not doctors.

Dr Shafer also shows his clients the packaging before he injects them.

This is to help reassure them that it is a genuine and legal product going into their skin.

'Feel free to speak up if they feel something does not seem right such as not seeing the packaging before being injected or not being told what you are having injected in you,' Dr Shafer said.

Samara still doesn't know exactly what type of silicone was injected into her skin.

The swelling and bruising under Samara's eyes got so bad that she was nearly blinded by the lumps.

An infection formed and there were spots that turned into hard and lumpy nodules, something that shouldn't occur after face injections.

She went under the knife for numerous surgeries to rid her face of the silicone and bring her appearance back to normal.

But the free procedure had done its damage.

Her face was left deformed from the surgeries because the infection had gone deep into the tissue under her skin.

'I sort of went under ground after that,' Samara said to 7 News Miami. 'No going out, no socializing.'

Samara opted to get the procedure because she wanted to return to her former glory as a model and beauty queen. This is her in 1997 when she was in her mid-thirties

Another trend happening is people thinking they can inject their own filler without the help of a trained practitioner.

'No one should ever inject their own filler,' Dr Shafer said. 'First of all, the mechanics are all backwards. Holding a needle and syringe backwards and injecting is awkward.'

He also warns that DIY injections do not give people the natural results they are looking for.

'It takes an impartial set of eyes and a different perspective when injecting to achieve the best and most natural appearing results,' Dr Shafer said.

Samara had a hard time finding a doctor to get her face back to normal after the infection and swelling took over her face.

She eventually found Dr John Martin in Coral Gables, Florida.

He works with patients who have received bad injections from previous procedures and gets those areas back to normal.

Dr Martin has now done five Ultherapy procedures on Samara's face to help break up the nodules that had formed from the bad injections.

This therapy is normally used to tighten the skin around the neck, but he has found that it also works well to soften and minimize the nodules that form from bad injections.

The deep ultrasound heating unit is very painful for Samara, but she has slowly seen her face go back to normal.

Samara is planning a future cosmetic surgery to further fix the damage to her face from the injections.

'I'm still not happy with the way I look, but I feel hope. Samara said to 7 News Miami. 'And I didn't have that before.'
Joint custody is best in a divorce, new research suggests.

Children have less behavioural problems and psychological symptoms after their parents separate if they do not live with just their mother or father, a study found.

From a parents' perspective, there is no difference in symptoms between youngsters growing up in a traditional family living arrangement and those whose mother and father share custody, the research adds.

Study author Dr Malin Bergstrom from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, told MailOnline: 'It is beneficial for children to have everyday contact with their parents. Parental quality often improves if they see their children often rather than just on the weekends.

'It may be more important to have parental quality than a stable home where a child is living with both their mother and father.'

Joint custody is best in a divorce, new research suggests (stock image)

DIVORCE BLAMED AS MORE MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN SUFFER EATING DISORDERS Divorce may be triggering eating disorders in middle-aged women, experts say. They warn women in their forties are in danger of bulimia and anorexia from life changes including a marriage breakdown and the death of a parent. A study by University College London and Icahn School of Medicine in New York earlier this year found that 15 per cent of middle-aged women have battled an eating disorder and almost a quarter of these have suffered in the past year. It was previously thought that by middle age women had passed the window of risk for eating disorders, which are most frequently associated with teenagers. The higher-than-expected figures are being blamed, at least in part, on emotional upheaval in later life. Advertisement

How the research was carried out

Researchers from Uppsala University, Karolinska Institute and the Centre for Health Equity Studies in Sweden analysed 3,656 children aged between three and five years old.

Of the study's participants, 136 children live in joint parental custody; 3,369 in a traditional family; 79 with mostly one parent; and 72 reside exclusively with either their mother or father.

Any of the children's behavioural problems and psychological symptoms were assessed via a questionnaire completed by their parents and teachers.

The questionnaire covered emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity or inattention and peer-relationship problems.

Parents living with one parent have more psychological symptoms

Results reveal children living with mostly or exclusively one parent have more behavioural problems and psychological symptoms than those in joint custody or a traditional family set up.

From a parents' perspective, there is no difference between youngsters in a traditional family living arrangement and those in joint parental custody.

Yet, children's teachers report youngsters from traditional families are better behaved.

Dr Bergstrom told MailOnline: 'It is beneficial for children to have everyday contact with their parents. Parental quality often improves if they see their children often rather than just on the weekends.

'It may be more important to have parental quality than a stable home where a child is living with both their mother and father.

'Parents shouldnt hesitate to decide on this practice if they feel it will be good for their family. Children may find it stressful to lose contact with someone who is important to them.

'However, this wouldnt be suitable in all cases, it depends on the parental quality and their relationship to the child.'

The findings will be published in the journal Acta Pdiatrica.
The county that pioneered IVF 40 years ago has become the latest victim of the clampdown on fertility treatment offered freely on the NHS.

Health chiefs in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area have stopped giving infertile women the service with immediate effect.

The decision, which has attracted huge backlash, is expected to save the clinical commissioning group (CCG) 700,000.

It follows similar controversial decisions made by cash-strapped boards in Croydon and a part of Essex as they react to NHS budget cuts.

Some exceptions will apply to the new plans. Cancer patients who have been left infertile by treatment will still be given free access.

Health chiefs in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area have stopped giving infertile women the service with immediate effect

Those couples who had already been referred for IVF will still receive one cycle, after the plans initially proposed at the start of the year went ahead.

'Financially necessary'

Dr Gary Howsam, chair of the CCG, said it was 'one of the hardest decisions we've had to take' but said it was 'financially necessary'.

In a statement, he added: 'I think there's a recognition that the NHS funding situation is desperate in our region.

'The CCG has finite resources to fund a whole range of health services and treatments.

'We need to save 46.5 million this financial year, and so we have had to review all areas of our spending and to make some difficult decisions.'

Nearly 2,400 women have since hit back at the decision and have signed a petition begging for the CCG to reverse its stance.

The first human egg was fertilised using IVF in a Cambridge laboratory in 1978 by biologist Robert Edwards.

WHEN IS IVF OFFERED? IVF is only offered on the NHS if certain criteria are met. If you don't meet these criteria, you may need to pay for private treatment. In 2013, the NICE published new fertility guidelines that made recommendations about who should have access to the treatment on the NHS in England and Wales. However, individual NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups make the final decision about who can access it in their local area, and their criteria may be stricter. According to NICE, women aged under 40 should be offered three cycles of IVF treatment on the NHS if: they've been trying to get pregnant through regular unprotected sex for two years, or they've not been able to get pregnant after 12 cycles of artificial insemination. If you turn 40 during treatment, the current cycle will be completed, but further cycles should not be offered. If tests show that IVF is the only treatment likely to help you get pregnant, you should be referred for IVF straight away. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

As a result of their breakthrough, nearly four million children have been born using the technique - allowing many infertile women to start their dream family.

IVF and the guidelines

Currently, IVF is only offered on the NHS if certain criteria are met. Patients who don't are usually left with no alternative but to pay for private treatment.

In 2013, NICE published new fertility guidelines about who should have access to the treatment in England and Wales.

The watchdog recommends that women under 40 should be offered three cycles for free if they have been trying to conceive for three years.

However, individual CCGs make the final decision about who can access it in their local area, and their criteria may be stricter.

Where else has had funding cuts?

Basildon and Brentwood CCG was the first to take such drastic action back in November in a step it said would save 14 million.

Croydon became the second in England to stop funding IVF. Its CCG took the decision in a bid to save 836,000 a year.

But it is believed many others could follow suit amid the postcode lottery created by CCGs who defy national guidelines.

The news follows MailOnline's revelation that IVF could be limited to just HIV patients and cancer survivors left infertile from treatment in one London borough.

In light of the NHS financial crisis, Richmond CCG in south-west London proposed to change its policy on who will be eligible to receive fertility treatment.

It stated it needs to make 13 million in savings in the next financial year  and IVF will be the first service to be slashed.
Donald Trump is not mentally ill, according to the man who created the manual on how to diagnose mental illness.

Dr Allen Frances was chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University when he oversaw the task force to build today's psychiatry manual.

He has been scathing about the president, branding him a narcissist and ruthless self-promoter.

However, he dismisses the scores of 'armchair diagnoses' from health professionals who claim Trump must be mentally ill.

According to Dr Frances, the 72-year-old does not fit the criteria for narcissistic personality disorder, delusional disorder, and dementia - the illnesses most commonly ascribed to him.

Writing for medical site STAT News, Dr Frances explains, in his view, why the president does not qualify.

Dr Allen Frances was chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University when he oversaw the task force to build today's psychiatry manual. He insists Trump does not have narcissistic personality disorder, delusional disorder or dementia

He warns that making flippant diagnoses merely stigmatizes other people with mental illness, and suggests no one with a mental illness could hold such a high position.

'Confusing Trumps behavior with mental illness unfairly stigmatizes those who are truly mentally ill, underestimates his considerable cunning, and misdirects our efforts at future harm reduction,' he writes.

'Buried in the noisy debate about Trumps mental health is the misinformed and noxious assumption that mental illness somehow automatically disqualifies someone for high leadership position.'

In fact, he believes invoking the 25th Amendment - removing the president due to sickness - would cause more problems for the state of the country.

'Assigning psychological disorders to Trump is not only wrong but futile,' he says.

'Any psychological fitness exam would also be inherently biased and unreliable.

'He may not be crazy, but we certainly were for electing him.'

Here, Dr Frances breaks down each illness to show how the president does not fit the bill:

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER

What is it?

These are the symptoms defined in the DSM manual:

Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it

Exaggerating your achievements and talents

Being preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate

Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people

Requiring constant admiration

Having a sense of entitlement

Expecting special favors and unquestioning compliance with your expectations

Taking advantage of others to get what you want

Having an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others

Being envious of others and believing others envy you

Behaving in an arrogant or haughty manner

Does Trump qualify?

Dr Frances concedes that Trump 'is an undisputed poster boy for narcissism' and 'demonstrates in pure form every single symptom'.

However, he told STAT, the president falls short on one point: 'To qualify for narcissistic personality disorder, an individuals selfish, unempathetic preening must be accompanied by significant distress or impairment.

'Trump certainly causes severe distress and impairment in others, but his narcissism doesnt seem to affect him that way.'

DELUSIONAL DISORDER

What is it?

These are the symptoms defined in the DSM manual:

Presence of one or more delusions with a duration of one month or longer.

The criteria for schizophrenia has never been met. Note: Hallucinations, if present are not prominent and are related to the delusional theme (e.g., the sensation of being infected with insects is associated with the delusions of infestation).

Apart from the impact of the delusion(s) or its ramifications, functioning is not markedly impaired, and behavior is not obviously bizarre or odd.

If manic or major depressive episodes have occurred, these have been brief relative to the duration of the delusional periods.

The disturbance is not better explained by another mental disorder such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, and is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or medication or another medical condition.

Does Trump qualify?

Dr Frances explains that Trump is branded 'delusional' because he believes conspiracy theories, such as claiming Obama was not born in the US.

However, he told STAT Trump is hardly unique in this - and that is the thing that shows he is not clinically delusional.

'Conspiracy theorists are a dime a dozen, while those with delusions are more rare,' he says.

'Up to half of all Americans believe in strange conspiracy theories. They are wrong, but not delusional.'

DEMENTIA

What is it?

The DSM manual says patients much show a clear decline in these areas:

Learning and memory

Language

Executive function

Complex attention

Perceptual-motor

Social cognition

Does Trump qualify?

Many say Trump's simplistic speech patterns and constant repetition show he has issues with his brain.

Dr Frances claims we can see the same kind of repetition in Abraham Lincoln's speeches, but the repetition is masked by the eloquent sentence structure.

He says the fact that Trump is less eloquent does not mean he has dementia.

He adds: 'Convincing proof that Trump is not demented is his undiminished creative and canny skills at blaming, bare-knuckle political fighting, and self serving.'
A nine-year-old boy had a heart attack after one bite of a hot dog.

After swallowing a mouthful of sausage and bread, the Turkish child's heart stopped.

The boy was rushed to a local hospital where he was resuscitated and diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, a rare condition that can put pressure on the nerve that links the abdomen and the thorax.

Normally, the illness only triggers such a life-threatening physical response in heavy alcohol drinkers.

But this case, reported today in the journal Pediatrics, has been tipped as an example of rare and unexpected ways the condition can be perilous.

Since the condition is so rare, experts warn all medical centers should test children for Brugada if they have a cardiac arrest after eating food.

A Turkish boy took a bite of a hot dog and immediately passed out as his heart stopped. He was rushed to a hospital where he was resuscitated and diagnosed with Brugada syndrome, a condition that can put pressure on the nerve that links the abdomen and the thorax (file image)

Brugada is a genetic condition affecting one in 10,000 people, which can cause abnormal heart rhythms.

These can lead to ventricular fibrillation, a series of rapid heart contractions that causes the pumping chambers to quiver uselessly instead of pumping blood. This can cause a fatal cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of Brugada include exercise-related chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness or fainting. But 80 percent of the 600 young people who die suddenly each year experienced none of these - or so mildly that they dismissed them.

Writing in Pediatrics, the team of doctors in Istanbul said: 'Vagal stimulus-dependent SCA after eating a large bite of food may be the first symptom of BS.

'For this reason, the electrocardiographic results of the children who had a cardiac arrest after eating a large meal with big bites should be evaluated in detail.'

Around 70,000 people die each year from cardiac arrests, due to different heart conditions.

Many people with abnormal heart rhythms receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). These monitor the heart's rhythm and send out electrical shocks to restore it if it becomes too fast and erratic.

Some ICDs also contain a pacemaker, which stimulates the heart with a small electrical pulse to keep it beating regularly.

Traditionally, the ICD is fitted under the skin, close to the collarbone.

It comprises a tiny battery-powered generator with one or two leads.

One lead goes into an atrium (one of the two upper heart chambers) for monitoring the heart, and for pacing if needed; the other goes into a ventricle (lower pumping chamber) to deliver an electric shock if required.
The way you draw a spiral could reveal whether you will get Parkinson's disease.

Researchers at Rmit University in Melbourne, Australia, asked volunteers to draw a spiral on a sheet of paper.

By analyzing their speed and how hard they pressed the pen on the paper, the team could tell which volunteers had Parkinson's disease.

They could also tell how severe their diagnosis was.

The current study builds on previous research which found that Parkinson's patients tend to move their pen more slowly when sketching, and use less pressure on the page.

By analyzing how long it took them to draw the spiral and how hard they pressed on the paper with the pen, the team at Rmit University could tell how severe their diagnosis was

And yet, researchers have not yet been able to find a way to measure these factors.

In a new study, recently published in Frontiers in Neurology, a team of researchers in Australia set out to develop an automatic system to contribute to the diagnosis of Parkinson's, and to assess its severity, from the comfort of a community doctor's office.

'Our aim was to develop an affordable and automated electronic system for early-stage diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which could be used easily by a community doctor or nursing staff,' explains Poonam Zham, a researcher involved in the study.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes shaking, muscle rigidity and difficulty with walking.

Many treatments for Parkinson's are only effective when doctors diagnose the disease early, and a patient's treatment options depend on their stage of the disease.

However, noticeable symptoms tend to arrive when it is already too late, and it is difficult to know how far along the patient is.

Given the physical symptoms, using a pen and paper can be a strong marker for determining their status.

But since writing words depends on language proficiency and education, the team at Rmit felt a sketch would offer a more accurate account.

The researchers developed specialized software and combined it with a tablet computer that can measure writing speed, and a pen that can measure pressure on a page.

They used the system to measure pen speed and pressure during a simple spiral sketching task in a sample of healthy volunteers and Parkinson's patients with different levels of disease severity.

In a world-first, the system also mathematically combines pen speed and pressure into one measurement, which the team calls the Composite Index of Speed and Pen-pressure (CISP) score.

The system measured slower pen speeds, pen pressures and CISP scores in the Parkinson's patients, compared with the healthy volunteers, and all three measurements clearly indicated whether a participant had Parkinson's or not.

On their own, pen speed and pressure were not sufficiently different between patients with different levels of Parkinson's severity, for the system to distinguish between them.

However, using the new CISP score, the system could tell whether the patients had level one or level three Parkinson's, using a particular disease severity scale.

'The system can automatically provide accurate Parkinson's diagnosis and could also be used by community doctors to monitor the effect of treatment on the disease,' says Zham.

'This simple device can be used by community doctors for routine screening of their patients every few years after the patients are above middle-age.'
Murray Davis Ward is in police custody

A 54-year-old British expatriate allegedly used mentorship and monetary aid to target visually impaired children, until a guard sprung him and alerted the management last Saturday.

Murray Davis Ward, a donor and voluntary teacher at the National Association for the Blind, New Delhi, was arrested by city police on Sunday at his Vasant Kunj residence and booked under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

'He first gained access to the NAB school with regular donations, won their trust and used teaching English language as a pretext to target blind children,' investigators linked with the case alleged.

Investigators claimed that they have found paedophilic video exchanges and chats in Ward's mobile phone and Macbook.

A resident of Gloucestershire, UK, Ward has worked in high positions with several top corporate groups in India such as Nokia Siemens Networks and Stertile Technologies, Gurgaon.

In February 2017, he suffered a paralytic attack and has not been employed since April. His wife and daughter live in England.

The mentor allegedly took advantage of his position teaching blind children in Delhi

According to Prashant Ranjan Verma, general secretary of the National Association for the Blind, Ward was a regular donor for the last seven to eight years.

Verma claimed that he was allegedly spotted touching young boys inappropriately during a teaching session on Saturday.

'The guard raised an alert and informed the management about the incident. A high-level meeting took place where we terminated Ward's services as a volunteer and informed the police about the incident,' said Verma.

All volunteers have now been suspended from the facility pending further investigations

Chinmoy Biswal, additional DCP (south) said: 'Based on the statements of the victim children and the management, Ward was apprehended from his residence in Vasant Kunj on Sunday. On Monday, he was produced in the court which sent Ward to two-day police custody.'

Police have seized Ward's Macbook and mobile phone which contain the alleged graphic images.

'Police are yet to ascertain if the material is related to the blind association school children,' police sources said.

A senior officer said that there was no evidence to suggest that Ward is part of any global racket but claimed that it could not be ruled out at this stage.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the NAB suspended the services of all volunteers pending investigations.

Verma said: 'Safety and dignity of our students is top priority of NAB and hence when the incident came into the light, we informed police without any delay.

'Since, the accused is a foreigner, we knew that organisation will face media glare and hardship in pursuing long legal battle. So we have gone a step ahead and done right thing by filing the FIR with the police.

'We want to normalise the situation on the campus and therefore, we have decided to suspend the services of all volunteers.'

Unlike any other non-governmental organisation, NAB, charitable organisation, depends on volunteers and donors for sustaining its activities. There are more than 100 volunteers in different fields.
India has emerged as one of the biggest contributors and consumers of child pornography despite a crackdown against such material online.

Cyber experts told Mail Today that an offending video is created in India every 40 minutes and Kerala tops the list in uploading such content while Haryana leads in viewing it, on mobile.

Alarmingly, 35-38 per cent of the total porn uploaded on the web is related to children or teenagers.

A pornographic video is created in India 'every 40 seconds' and up to 38 per cent of porn uploaded is deemed to be child abuse

Keywords like 'schoolgirls', 'teens' and 'desi girls' are among the top searched, said analysts. Cyber security experts said that 35 to 40 per cent of content downloaded daily from India is pornography, accounting for several thousand terabytes.

Kislay Chaudhary, director of the Indian Cyber Army (ICA), said: 'The content and consumers of child pornography are growing at a sharp rate. There are no exact statistics but our findings show that search engines get over 1,16,000 queries every day related to child pornography.

'The volume of such content can be estimated as every second around 380 people are looking for 'adult' content on search engines. Around 25 per cent of all search engine queries are related to pornography which will be about 68 million search queries a day.'

Recent trends show that maximum CSAM content is being shot on mobile devices and tier 2, 3 and 4 cities have emerged as major contributors.

Kerala tops the list in uploading such content while Haryana leads in viewing it, on mobile

Children in rural areas and from underprivileged backgrounds are soft targets but a large number of school students in urban areas are also vulnerable.

Pawan Duggal, noted lawyer and IT expert, told Mail Today that despite stringent directives by the Supreme Court, content related to CSAM is growing.

'There is a massive demand for Indian content in the global market as it is much cheaper for them to buy. Websites are flooded with child pornography,' he said.

Duggal explained that there are stringent punishments under the IT Act against viewing and sharing of such material but enforcement is lax. He pointed out that the government is aiming to block the websites but is not checking the source of the content.

The focus on the matter grew after Delhi police arrested British national who allegedly had paedophilic images on his devices and sexually assaulted three visually impaired children at a National Association for the Blind (NAB) school.

A pornographic video is created in India 'every 40 seconds' and up to 38 per cent of porn uploaded is deemed to be child abuse

The ICA research shows Kerala is a major contributor of CSAM content while states like Haryana, Assam, Bihar, Punjab, Delhi and West Bengal are high in viewing it.

Another cyber investigator, Rakshit Tandon, explained that urban children are falling prey to dating and messenger apps from where their personal pictures are getting leaked and are being uploaded on porn websites.

'Young children are glued to the latest dating and messenger apps but they do not know about the side-effects,' he said. There is no fresh government study on the spread or volume of explicit content but official data shows that there was a 100 per cent increase in cases of publication or transmission of obscene material, including child pornography, using electronic means in just one year - 2012 to 2013.

Children in rural areas and from underprivileged backgrounds are soft targets but a large number of school students in urban areas are also vulnerable.

Acting strict against internet majors like Google, Yahoo and Facebook as well as instant messaging application WhatsApp, the Supreme Court on Monday directed them to furnish details of complaints they have received in India about the uploading of objectionable content on child pornography, rape and gang rape.

Duggal explained that the country has no central database of such crimes and offenders. According to experts, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics do not provide any information on child pornography cases.

However, the Centre recently told the SC that it has adopted several steps to curb online child sexual abuse content, including blocking 3,522 websites carrying child pornographic materials in June this year.

The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has ordered the Internet Service Providers Association of India and the department of telecommunication to disable or remove access to child pornography sites by adopting the IWF list to prevent the distribution and transmission of online CSAM in India.

Earlier, cyber security officials, who function under the CBI, had told the bench that the Internet was a 'wild highway' and blocking objectionable content at the source was a technical challenge for which clear guidelines are needed to stop circulation of such material. A blocked website is up and running again in a matter of days because the business is so lucrative.

'Trading of CSAM on the darknet is a bigger worry as it has become a huge market for trading such content. Global buyers are directly buying content from India which gets uploaded to thousands of porn websites,' said Amit Dubey, cyber crime expert and ethical hacker.
As part of the government's crackdown on shell companies allegedly used as conduits for illicit fund flows and tax evasion, the Finance Ministry on Tuesday said that operations of bank accounts of over 2 lakh 'struck off' companies has been restricted by the government.

The Department of Financial Services has advised all banks through Indian Banks Association (IBA) to take immediate steps to put restrictions on bank accounts of struck-off companies.

The existing directors and authorised signatories of such struck off companies will now become ex directors or ex authorised signatories, the Finance Ministry tweeted.

'These individuals will not be able to operate bank accounts till such companies are legally restored by an order of the NCLT,' it added.

Government has stepped up decisive action against companies falling within the ambit of Section 248 of the Companies Act.

The names of 2,09,032 companies have been struck off from the Register of Companies under Section 248 (5) of the Act, a government release said.

These individuals will therefore not be able to operate bank accounts of such companies till such companies are legally restored under Section 252 of the Companies Act by an order of the National Company Law Tribunal.

The restoration, as and when it happens shall be reflected by change in the status of the company from 'Struck off' to 'Active',' it added.

A list of such companies, Registrar of Companies wise, has been published on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, an official release said.

Since such 'struck off' companies have ceased to exist, action has been initiated to restrict the operation of bank accounts of such companies.

'In addition to such struck off companies, banks have also been advised to go in for enhanced diligence while dealing with companies in general. A company even having an active status on the website of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs but defaulting in filing of its due financial statement or annual return of particular of charges on its assets on the secured loan should be seen with suspicion as, prima facie, the company is not complying with its mandatory statutory obligations to file this vital information for availability to its stakeholders' obligations,' it added
India and China on Tuesday looked to move beyond the 72-day border stand-off that strained relations and ensure such incidents do not recur, as their two leaders met in Xiamen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks that officials described as 'forward looking' and that lasted for more than an hour - beyond the scheduled 30 minutes - following the end of the BRICS Summit.

This was their first meeting since the August 28 disengagement at Doklam, and their ninth meeting. Both leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral issues, including managing border disputes and strengthening mechanisms to ensure 'an upward trajectory' in the relationship, officials said.

A meeting between the two heads of state was said to be positive and overrun by half an hour as the BRICS summit came to a close

(L-R) Brazil's President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Africa's President Jacob Zuma and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose during the BRICS Summit at Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Centre

An important consensus was that peace and tranquility in border areas was 'a prerequisite' for developing ties, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said.

'Especially with regard to defence and security personnel, they must maintain strong contact and cooperation, and ensure that the sort of situations, which happened recently do not occur,' Jaishankar said.

He said both leaders laid out 'a very positive view of where our relationship could go' and that there was 'detailed discussions of mechanisms that could help both countries really go forward'.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan greet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the welcoming banquet for the BRICS Summit, in Xiamen, China

Modi was welcomed at Xiamen airport by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and the Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui

This included inter-governmental mechanisms, such as the joint economic group, as well as defence and security dialogues and also fora such as BRICS and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank - that both sides see as valuable platforms to widen engagement.

Much of the focus of the bilateral was also on widening economic cooperation particularly under the BRICS framework.

Terrorism was not discussed at the bilateral, although it figured in discussions in the lead up to the BRICS Summit, which on Monday issued a declaration that strongly endorsed India's concerns and named several Pakistan-based groups.

Xi conveyed to the Prime Minister that both sides should 'shelve differences' on border disputes, Chinese officials said.

'China and India should respect each other, seek common ground and shelve differences to ensure peace and tranquility of the border areas,' Chinese Foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

Xi also called on both sides to 'jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in border areas' and to 'see each other as development opportunities, not threats', the official Xinhua news agency quoted the Chinese President as saying.

The PM on Tuesday also held a bilateral with Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. On Tuesday afternoon, the PM left Xiamen for Myanmar.
Though they primarily focus on matters of the soul, India's spiritual gurus will now encourage people to pledge parts of their body in a massive organ donation campaign.

The union health ministry will bring 10 faith leaders under one platform in the national Capital to break down myths and barriers standing in the way of the lifesaving act.

Yoga guru and tycoon Baba Ramdev, mystic Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Delhi Jama Masjid imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari and others including representatives from Christianity and Sikhism will participate, sources told Mail Today on Tuesday.

Yoga guru and tycoon Baba Ramdev is among the names thought to be lending weight to the new campaign to encourage more people to register for organ donation

The ministry in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Urology Society of India (USI) will conduct the National Organ Donation Awareness Programme in October.

India has a huge gap in demand and supply of organs. 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.

Dr Anup Kumar, head of the urology department at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, told Mail Today: 'The health ministry is continuously working on awareness programmes for organ donation. This is the first time that we are inviting 'dharm gurus' under one roof to circulate the message to donate organs. And external affairs minister Sushma Sawraj is likely to be the face of this National Organ Donation Awareness Programme.'

The initiative is set to be 'fronted' by external affairs minister Sawaj, who had a life-saving kidney transplant last year

Swaraj underwent a transplant surgery in December at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi with the kidney from an unrelated donor.

'People have misconceptions in donating organs and mostly it is of cadaver donation. People still think that if they will donate an organ, in their next birth they will be born without that particular organ, and are also afraid of body disfigurement after death.

'There is a need to clear minds of the people and it should be done at a community level by including their religious gurus,' said Dr Kumar, who is the national convener of USI.

Yogi, poet and best-selling author Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is also thought to be taking part

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (left) and Jama Masjid imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari (right) are also set to boost the drive for more organ donations

Health experts say that a braindead person can save at least seven lives and at a given point of time in any big city about 10 patients referred to ICU have suffered brainstem death  when a person has permanently lost the potential for consciousness and the capacity to breathe.

All India Imam Association chief Dr Umer Ilyasi is another name thought to be involved

'Even though we have one of the highest populations in the world, we rank the lowest in organ donation). It is worse in the category of cadaver donation, which is 0.8 per million population. Spain ranks first with 32 per million population followed by USA with 25.'

At any time, there are about 20 lakh patients in the country who need organ transplant and a lakh each for liver and corneal transplant. About two lakh kidney patients require renal transplant, but only, 5,000 receive the organ. Similarly, nearly 50,000 heart patients require transplant every year.

But in 24 years, about 350 surgeries have been conducted. Doctors say that every year they see about 90,000 cases of road accidents where victims suffer brainstem death.

'Even if we are able to retrieve organs from these declared brain death cases, we would be able to fill about 20 to 25 per cent of the gap in organ donations,' said Dr Kumar.

The country's apex organ donation agency  the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation  is training doctors in organ retrieval and transplant procedures.

The latest session was held in Delhi at Safdarjung's department of renal transplant and the next one will be in Kanpur.

'In Odisha, Bengal, Punjab, Kanpur, J&K, Himachal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, not a single organ transplant is happening,' NOTTO director Dr Vimal Bhandari told Mail Today.

'Many hospitals are still lacking specialist surgeons capable of recovering organs from brain-dead patients even when the relative of a deceased agrees to the donation.'
In 2014, I bought two mobile phones for my elderly parents on the Orange network (now EE), each with a 50 top-up. The phones were rarely used, but now neither of them works.

EE says that both numbers were disconnected because my parents hadn't made a call or sent a text for six months. It's refusing to refund their 98 unspent credit.

H. J., Treorchy, Wales.

Bad call: One reader's parents hadn't used their mobile phones for six months, so EE cut them off and kept their phone credit

At first glance, your case looked straightforward. It is standard practice across the mobile industry for providers to deactivate your number if you fail to make a call or send a text for six months  and you lose any credit built up.

Often, firms will pay this back if you ask, but issue refunds on a case-by-case basis.

In your case, only one of the phones you gave to your parents had been used over the past three years. It had 48.15 left on it when it was deactivated  and EE says it will refund you this amount.

But because the other mobile was never used, it was never 'activated'. That means it never appeared on EE's systems  so EE has no records on which to fall back.

When I suggested to EE it could simply refer back to the original sale and refund you the 50, it said this was impossible.

You bought the mobile phone through Sainsbury's. When you buy via a third party, the network provider only finds out when you start using the phone.

So EE says its hands are tied  it has no way of verifying that you bought the credit in the first place.

I'm afraid it seems you've fallen victim to the mad way the mobile industry works. I suggest calling this a bitter learning experience  and do remind your parents to make a text or phone call every six months at the very least.

YOU HAVE YOUR SAY Every week, Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails about our stories. Here are some from our article last week about how British authorities have asked the consumer watchdog in Spain to launch an investigation into car hire rip-offs after Money Mail submitted reams of evidence...

I always use a local firm on holiday. I've never been hit with fees or experienced any hassle. You need to do your homework, but I'd definitely recommend it. K. S., Harpenden, Herts. It's not just abroad that you can get ripped off when you hire a car  it happens in this country, too. They employ the same underhand tactics. W. H., Elstree, Herts. Take photos of every scuff and scrape. This has often saved me from big charges. Watch out for mileage limits, too. The last car I rented only let me to do 60 km a day  barely enough to get from the airport to my apartment. M. L., London. When you are looking for car hire at your destination, check online forums about which ones to avoid. There is a much better chance you won't be ripped off. W. Y., London. Car hire firms are in a race to get their prices as low as possible, so they appear at the top of comparison sites. But they can't make a profit with such prices, which is why they hit you with extra fees later on. S. P., London. The UK is just as bad. The same tricks apply  rip-off damage charges, fees to refill the tank, pushy salespeople peddling their own insurance. If we are to ask Spain to weed out the rogues, first we need to get our own house in order. P. M., Manchester. Will the Spanish regulator do anything? Even if it does, it will take months  even years  before any action is taken. P. R., London.

I have just returned from a disastrous holiday to Turkey with my fiance, eight-year-old daughter and his parents.

When we boarded the easyJet flight, I put a folder of passports and visas in the overhead compartment above our seats. But on landing, they'd disappeared.

When I climbed onto the seat opposite to look for them, I fell and injured myself. The cabin crew called for medics, who took me off the plane to see if I needed stitches in my lip.

Without the correct documentation, Turkish officials refused us entry. We felt intimidated, and they bundled us back to Britain on the same plane.

The crew were wonderful, and assured us we'd be given free flights and could choose when and where we wanted to go.

But since getting back, the airline has failed to follow through on this promise.

Meanwhile, I've been in and out of hospital with a suspected blood clot in my injured leg.

A flight voucher doesn't seem like much to ask for.

E. M., Staffordshire.

How awful. What's frustrating is that there is nobody to pin the blame on. The thief is long gone, the Turkish authorities were within their rights to refuse you entry and it's not easyJet's fault your passports were stolen.

But where easyJet falls down is in its communication. It says in this situation, it would usually rebook passengers for free on the earliest available flight back out to their destination after they'd replaced their travel papers.

This would have been a real pain, but you could have at least enjoyed the rest of your holiday.

However, you had to go to hospital for a suspected blood clot, so clearly couldn't travel.

You say you were told by the crew that you would be able to rebook the flights to a destination of your choosing. So it's understandable that you were upset when this didn't materialise.

The issue is that easyJet says it only offered seats on the next flight, as it usually would. And, despite your attempts at contacting the firm via social media, the issue was still not resolved nearly two months later.

The good news is that easyJet has changed its mind. A spokeswoman says: 'As a gesture of goodwill, easyJet will provide a flight voucher to the original value of the family's booking.'

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT Do I need to inform an insurer if I get six extra points on my driving licence? My renewal forms have gone through and, if I tell them I now have nine points, my premium will go up. In the event of an accident, will this affect my claim? P. M., London.

My source at a price comparison website says: 'Renewal documents will ask you to notify the insurer of any changes to your circumstances or inaccuracies in the details listed, and points would count as this.' Not all insurers require you to notify them of points immediately during your policy term, but you definitely need to mention them when your renewal comes about. Premiums may go up, but what's the use of a policy that's potentially invalid? *** I had a call from someone claiming to be from Tesco Clubcard, saying I'd won 50 in vouchers. The caller started asking questions such as whether I am retired or a homeowner. Was I right to hang up? C. S., St Albans, Herts. Tesco confirms this was a scam. Report your experience to Action Fraud at action fraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. *** My friend is at his wits' end struggling with debts. Last year, he missed some council tax payments while looking after his unwell sister. He's not in good health himself, and now, debt collectors are chasing him. Where can he go for help? R. C., Essex. There are a number of debt charities your friend can call for free advice. Try StepChange on 0800 138 1111, the Debt Advice Foundation on 0800 043 4050 or National Debtline on 0808 808 4000. *** I'm a retired basic-rate taxpayer, but for each withdrawal from my pension pot, I am taxed at 40 per cent. I have to manually reclaim the other 20 per cent, which takes a month. Is there a quicker way to reclaim? N. D., via email. Pension providers are required to apply 'emergency tax' on the first withdrawal, where the customer does not have a P45. The provider should send all of the details regarding the payout to the taxman, which will then usually issue an updated tax code so future payments are taxed correctly. Contact HMRC to ask why you are being taxed at the higher rate.

I earn a small income from my savings on top of my pension.

I'm confused about whether I need to pay tax on this during 2017/18. There are savings allowances  but I'm unclear how they work. Can you help?

L. P., via email.

IT's complicated. First, you don't have to pay any tax on the first 11,500 of your income, thanks to the tax-free personal allowance.

Then there are two rules that can also reduce your tax bill on savings income. These are the starting rate for savings and the personal savings allowance. Both vary depending on your total taxable income.

The starting rate for savings means that up to 5,000 of savings income will not suffer tax. You'll get the full 5,000 band if your pension income is below or equal to 11,500. Above this level, every 1 you earn from your pension reduces the savings band by 1.

So, if you earn 15,000 a year from your pension, the tax-free savings band will be 1,500.

As a basic-rate payer, you'll be entitled to a further 1,000 of tax-free savings income under the personal savings allowance.

Therefore, for 2017/18, you could receive up to 11,500 pension income, plus a further 5,000 savings income in the starting rate band that would not be taxed, plus a further 1,000 under the personal savings allowance.

And, of course, you don't have to pay tax on interest from savings held in ISAs
Made up with blue eye shadow, Kathleen Folbigg appeared at court by video link

Serial baby killer Kathleen Folbigg was shocked, embarrassed and immediately remorseful that she had punched a fellow inmate in a fight over a toaster.

Folbigg, who killed her four children between 1989 and 1999, was reacting to taunts about her crimes when she 'snapped' at Tara Mammen at Silverwater Women's Prison on April 21.

The 50-year-old unsuccessfully sought to appeal against a further four month prison term on Wednesday, as details of the assault were revealed to the court.

Made up with blue eye shadow and lipstick and wearing prison greens, Folbigg loudly exhaled several times while appearing via video link in Newcastle.

Barrister Isabel Reed said her client had 'snapped' and 'acted inappropriately' after taunts from Mammen.

The pair had been at the Silverwater Women's Prison's protection wing on April 21 when they fought over a communal toaster.

About 8.30am Mammen walked out of her cell for muster, returned, then walked out again carrying a toaster.

Kathleen Folbigg, who was found guilty of killing her four children, was 'embarrassed' over the toaster-related assault

Baby killer Kathleen Folbigg (right) with Major Joyce Harmer of the Salvation Army leaving the NSW Supreme Court in 2003

Folbigg snatched the toaster out of her hands, telling her: 'You're not allowed to take the f***ing toaster in the room.'

Mammen replied: 'Well I didn't know that. Don't tell me what to do.'

Mammen then asked 'What are you going to do about it then?' and Folbigg punched her in the stomach.

Slightly winded, Mammen punched back at Folbigg, clipping her ear.

Mammen then said 'We all know why you are here'.

Folbigg said 'What did you say?' and the pair engaged in name-calling.

Folbigg had an 'exemplary record' in prison and her behaviour had been completely out of character, her lawyer told the court.

'Ms Folbigg was the first to admit that she was extremely embarrassed and immediately remorseful about what she had done,' Ms Reed said.

'It's an unusual matter where the only conviction on her record is a very top shelf conviction,' Ms Reed said.

'Her immediate reaction to this was absolute shock and horror and embarrassment.'

'And the fact that it's been reported in the newspaper - I don't know why.

'She would never to put herself in this position again. This is something that is unlikely to happen again.'

Kathleen Folbigg (right) is supported by the Salvation Army's Major Joyce Harmer outside the NSW Supreme Court in 2003

Ms Reed tendered two references from other inmates who wrote of the assistance Folbigg had given them in prison.

Three other referees who had known Folbigg since childhood gave further written evidence of her good character.

Judge Tanya Bright accepted Folbigg had previously been a model inmate but said assaults could not be tolerated in jail.

'It is clear to me that the appellant has been of significant assistance to each of the inmates,' Judge Bright said.

'I accept this conduct was out of character.

Laura Folbigg (pictured) was 19 months old when she died at the hands of her mother Kathleen

'And I accept that she is genuinely remorseful for her conduct which could perhaps be described as somewhat an overreaction to the situation with respect to the toaster.

'The difficulty is that it occurred in a custodial environment.

'Any assault that occurs in custody has the potential to escalate and disrupt the entire custodial environment.

'In my view this offence could never be categorised as trivial.'

Judge Bright dismissed the appeal and upheld the original magistrate's sentence.

Folbigg opened and closed her mouth following the decision. She said 'Thanks, Your Honour' before the video link was cut.

Corrective Services officers told police Folbigg had never caused trouble in prison previously and described the assault as 'totally out of character'.

Folbigg had not believed her punch connected until shown CCTV footage of the assault, according to police.

'The accused appeared genuinely remorseful in regards to her behaviour,' police submitted.

'The accused expressed that she believed the victim had targeted her with her ranting and raving about her alleged crimes and had expressed that she had read about her case in books and in papers.

'The accused believed the victim was trying to incite others to participate in supporting her attack.'

Folbigg is 14 years into a 25-year minimum term for the killing of her four children.

She was found guilty in 2003 of murdering Patrick, eight months old, Sarah, 10 months old and Laura, 18 months old, between 1991 and 1999.

Folbigg was found guilty of the manslaughter of son Caleb when he was 19 days old in 1989.

Caleb Folbigg (pictured) was 19 days old when his mother killed him in the family's Hunter Valley home

All the children died in homes Folbigg shared with husband Craig in the New South Wales Hunter Valley: Caleb and Patrick at Mayfield, Sarah at Thornton and Laura at Singleton.

The NSW Supreme Court heard Folbigg killed her children because she could not cope with the stress of raising them. She resented their intrusion on her life.

Folbigg had a troubled childhood. When she was about 18 months old her biological father Thomas Britton stabbed her mother Kathleen to death.

The young Kathleen was made a ward of the state after her mother's murder and placed into foster care.

She left school at 15 and was about 20 when she married Craig Folbigg.

At Folbigg's trial the Crown suggested she had murdered her babies by smothering them. Folbigg maintained the children died of natural causes including cot death.

Sarah Folbigg (pictured) was eight months old when killed by his mother Kathleen Megan Folbigg

Patrick Folbigg (pictured), the second of the Folbigg children to be killed, was eight months old when he died

There was no physical evidence against Folbigg in what was a circumstantial case which relied heavily upon journal entries she had made.

Of Laura she wrote: 'Scared she'll leave me now, like Sarah did.'

Of Sarah: 'All I wanted her to do was shut up. And one say she did ... I knew I was short tempered and cruel sometimes to her and she left - with a bit of help.'

Again of Laura: 'She's a fairly good natured baby, thank goodness - it saved her from the fate of her siblings.'

Folbigg also wrote: 'Obviously I'm my father's daughter.'

Kathleen Folbigg appeared in the NSW District Court in Newcastle where she appealed against her sentence for assault on Thursday

Her defence team relied on other parts of the journals to show her caring nature and concern for her children's welfare. The incriminating passages were said to be the writings of a grieving mother.

Folbigg made no direct admissions and has always maintained her innocence.

She was originally sentenced to a minimum 30-year minimum term which was cut to 25 years upon appeal in 2005.

Supporters have been attempting to have the case re-examined, citing a lack of evidence against Folbigg and the existence of international examples of multiple cot deaths in the same family.
This is the shocking moment a police dog appears to savage a suspect's leg as women and children scream in the background at the travellers' site.

The video begins with a man on the ground who officers are attempting to arrest.

In a troubling clip shared to Facebook, a police dog has the suspect's leg in his grip to the horror of onlookers.

A police dog appears to savage a suspect's leg at an unidentified travellers' site

A police officer arrested the suspect who appeared to suffer a bite mark to his leg, right

It is understood the recording was made by a travelling community who were staying on some land in the United Kingdom.

It is not known exactly where they were staying or what constabulary the police officers involved were from.

In the background a child can be heard screaming as women shout.

The man on the ground is at one point dragged across the pavement by the dog who has his leg locked in his jaws with a vice-like intensity.

At one point the camera pans round to a young boy who is crying for the dog to 'stop hurting' his 'daddy'.

It is not known what happened in the run up to the incident being filmed.

The video was posted to a travelling community's Facebook page where it quickly gathered 90,000 views.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested on a murder complain in connection with two hit-and-run crashes that investigators believe targeted homeless people.

Jeremy Thacker was arrested Tuesday on complaints of first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, police have said.

Thacker hasn't yet spoken to detectives, police spokeswoman Jeanne MacKenzie explained, but damage on his truck is consistent with both crashes.

It was not immediately clear if Thacker had an attorney.

Jeremy Thacker, pictured in court Tuesday, was arrested Tuesday on complaints of first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, police have said

Though Thacker hasn't yet given his statement to police, the damage on his truck (pictured) was consistent with the two crashes

Police first recovered a white pickup truck near a rock quarry in north Tulsa that detectives linked to the attacks.

Thacker was arrested nearby a short time later.

The first crash occurred Monday morning under an interstate overpass and appeared to be a deliberate attack, Tulsa Police Sgt Stephen Florea told the Tulsa World.

'The pickup truck actually circled the block a couple of times before coming back, driving up over the curb and driving down the sidewalk to run over these individuals,' Florea said.

'There's just no way this could have been an accident.'

He said the vehicular assault killed 46-year-old Shawn Birdo and hospitalized 49-year-old Cynthia Wallace, who suffered severe injuries.

Police believe Thacker, pictured, was targeting homeless people in the attack, and Tulsa Police Sgt Stephen Florea said there is no way it was an accident

One of the fictims, Shawn Birdo, 46, was described by friends and family as a man who was temporarily homeless because he was between jobs

Both victims were sleeping at the time of the attack.

James Russell was also hit and suffered a minor leg injury.

Hours later, another homeless woman was hospitalized after her legs were run over in a separate crash. All of the victims are believed to be homeless.

Florea said evidence suggests that the driver swerved to hit the woman, who was sitting on a curb.

'The pickup truck (pictured) actually circled the block a couple of times before coming back, driving up over the curb and driving down the sidewalk to run over these individuals,' Sgt Stephen Florea Florea said

Witnesses described the driver as a white man in his 40s.

Russell said he considers himself lucky for not being more severely injured, and that many homeless people sleep on the streets because they have nowhere else to go.

'I was very lucky today, and I'm very sorry that the people who were hit were hurt so bad and one lost his life,' Russell said.

'What the man did was terribly wrong, and I hope he's caught.'

The victim who was killed, Shawn Birdo, was described on a GoFundMe page as a man who was only temporarily homeless because he was in between jobs. His friends are raising money for his funeral expenses.
Brittany Sharp, 25, was arrested for drunk driving in Fort Myers, Florida on Sunday after she crashed into the witnesses on the I-75 while they were on the phone to 911

Three women filmed themselves trailing a DUI driver for nine minutes on a Florida highway before eventually forcing her to rear-end them in a desperate attempt to stop her.

Brittany Sharp, 25, was arrested in Fort Myers on Sunday after she crashed into the witnesses on the I-75 while they were on the phone to 911.

Footage of the ordeal showed the three women trailing Sharp's white Chevrolet Cavalier for nine minutes as she weaved between lanes, hit curbs and came dangerously close to other cars on the highway.

One of the women stayed on the phone to 911 the entire time, while the other passenger streamed the pursuit on Facebook Live.

Fearing someone would end up seriously injured, the witnesses eventually overtook Sharp's Chevrolet and slammed on the brakes.

Footage of the ordeal showed the three women trailing Sharp's white Chevrolet Cavalier (above) for nine minutes as she weaved between lanes and hit curbs

The witnesses eventually overtook Sharp's Chevrolet and slammed on the brakes. Several other cars then blocked Sharp's vehicle (above) to ensure she couldn't get away before

It forced Sharp - a mother of two - to stop as she rear-ended the other car.

Moments before, the witnesses could be heard telling police that driver appeared to be asleep at the wheel.

Following the crash, several other cars blocked Sharp's vehicle to ensure she couldn't get away before Florida Highway Patrol troopers could arrive.

Sharp was filmed hunched on the ground at the rear of her car as police spoke with dozens of witnesses.

Sharp was filmed hunched on the ground at the rear of her car as police spoke with dozens of witnesses. She was arrested and taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries

Sharp (above with her husband Matt) was charged with driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and careless driving

She was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Sharp was charged with driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and careless driving.

She is scheduled to appear in court on September 18.

Police have since praised the three women for calling 911 but did not recommend other drivers taking matters into their own hands to stop drunk drivers.
A Florida man has been convicted of killing his wife and five children.

Nearly eight years after being accused of killing his family in their North Naples apartment and then fleeing to Haiti, Mesac Damas pleaded guilty on Tuesday to six counts of premeditated first-degree murder, reported the Naples Daily News.

The 41-year-old faces a possible death sentence, which he has previously claimed to want, at a hearing on September 29.

'I love my people, my wife and children. But this thing happened. I dont have an answer for it. I wish I had an answer for it, but I dont,' Damas said in court.

'When I stand before the great God, I will ask him a lot of questions. From now on, Im just going to put my trust in him, and say sorry to the whole world.'

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO

Mesac Damas (pictured in 2016) pleaded guilty on Tuesday to six counts of premeditated first-degree murder for murdering his wife and five children in their home in North Naples, Florida

The 41-year-old has been in custody since 2009 (right) since confessing the murders. He faces a possible death sentence, which he has previously claimed to want, at a hearing on September 29 (Pictured, left, with his wife, Guerline)

Damas has been in custody since 2009 after he confessed to murdering wife Guerline, 32, and children Michzach, nine; Marven, six; Maven, five; Megan, three; and 11-month-old Morgan.

The six victims were found in the family's home with stab wounds and their throats slashed on September 18 by Collier Sheriff Kevin Rambosk after the family asked police to conduct a welfare check.

Rambosk once called the murder 'the most horrific and violent event' in county history.

Damas fled to his home country of Haiti but was arrested and returned to the US. He said he went to Haiti to say goodbye to his family and claimed he was going to turn himself in.

Damas admitted to killing his family to a Naples News reporter, telling him 'Only God knows' when asked why he did it.

He then blamed the six murders on his mother-in-law, saying she 'pretty much made me do it - the devil, her spirit, whatever she worships'.

He told the reporter he wanted the jury to immediately send him to death before adding that his children and wife were innocent, that 'everybody's innocent'.

'Then why, why would you kill them?' the reporter asked.

'The devil,' he responded. 'The devil exists...When I did it my eyes was closed, right now my eyes are open.'

Damas fled to his home country of Haiti but was arrested and returned to the US. He said he went to Haiti to say goodbye to his family and claimed he was going to turn himself in (Damas's children pictured from left to right: Megan, three; Michzach, nine; Morgan; 11 months; Maven, five, and Marven, six)

The victims were found in the family's home with stab wounds and their throats slashed by Collier Sheriff Kevin Rambosk after the family asked police to conduct a welfare check. He once called the murders 'the most horrific and violent event' in county history

Damas's trial had been delayed by mental competency issues. His attorneys had argued that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury and had a long history of mental illness that began during his childhood in Haiti (Damas pictured in 2009 during his arrest in Haiti)

Damas's trial had been delayed by mental competency issues. His attorneys had argued that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury and had a long history of mental illness that began during his childhood in Haiti.

There have also been challenges to Florida's death penalty law.

Collier Circuit Judge Fred Hardt temporarily put Damas's trial on hold in until the Supreme Court ruled whether the state's death penalty laws and procedures were constitutional.

The Court ruled in January that it was unconstitutional to allow judges to reach a different decision regarding death penalties than juries.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty and Damas himself has been asked to be put to death.

In addition to pleading guilty, Damas also waived his right to a jury trial and his right to have his lawyers present 'mitigating evidence' - evidence and witnesses that could sway a judge to not impose the death penalty.
Children as young as 11 could begin hormone treatment to change their sex in an upcoming landmark family court case in Sydney.

A child wanting to transition wouldn't need approval from a court but instead only their parents and a medical professional.

In a move that hasn't been seen in 12 years five Family Court appeal judges will sit on the case to heard by the Full Court.

Children as young as 11 could begin hormone treatment to change their sex in an upcoming landmark family court case in Sydney (stock picture)

The case was launched by the father of a 16-year-old who was born female but identified as male from nine-years-old, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The child, identified under the pseudonym Kelvin, then changed schools to start as a male, used a chest binder and attended the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex and Questioning 'campout' on the Central Coast in 2014.

His father has launched the appeal to remove the court from the process at all despite having decided Kelvin fully understands what is required with starting the hormone treatment.

No applications for hormone treatment have been denied since the first transgender case in 2004.

The Family Court has seen around 60 similar cases between now and then.

Transgender girl Georgie Stone (pictured) began her transition when she was just 11-years-old to stop developing masculine features through puberty

Putting a case forward costs an estimated $20,000-plus in legal fees deterring many families from launching the action, meaning the child must wait until they are 18 to start the process without the court approval.

Multiple Family Court judges have indicated the issue is not for the courts.

'A number of judges have expressed the view that this is not a matter that should be before the court,' Associate Professor Fiona Kelly, the editor of Australian Journal of Family Law said on Monday.

Transgender girl Georgie Stone began her transition when she was just 11-years-old to stop developing masculine features through puberty.

The now-17-year-old said she would have killed herself if her voice broke, but beat the biological clock when she became the youngest person in Australia to be granted pubertal suppression.

Georgie (pictured) and her parents - Greg Stone and her mother Rebekah Robertson - appealed the court's jurisdiction after her own win, and had a partial victory in 2013

About five years after the Family Court granted her competent to consent to treatment, Georgie began campaigning to make it easier to access for transgender teens and children.

After her own win, Georgie and her parents - Greg Stone and her mother Rebekah Robertson - appealed the court's jurisdiction, and had a partial victory in 2013.

To access stage one treatment, known as puberty blockers, children are no longer required to go to court as it was deemed fully reversible and felt to be therapeutic.

The second stage of treatment - irreversible gender-affirming hormones is what will be contested.
Theresa May today vows her Government will not be knocked off course by Brexit, as she pledges to press ahead with a wide-ranging agenda of domestic reforms.

Ministers are braced for a series of bruising parliamentary clashes over Brexit legislation this autumn, as well as gruelling negotiations with Brussels over the shape of an exit deal.

Writing in the Daily Mail today, the Prime Minister says Parliament faces one of the most significant sessions in recent history as it debates the legislation needed to smooth Britains exit from the EU.

Theresa May today vows her Government will not be knocked off course by Brexit, as she pledges to press ahead with a wide-ranging agenda of domestic reforms

But, while pledging to make Brexit a reality and a success, she also insists that last years referendum result was a vote for change here at home, too. Mrs May highlights a decision to pump an extra 1.3 billion into schools in the wake of an election campaign in which parents raised concerns about a shake-up in education funding.

But she also vows to plough ahead with key reforms, including an expansion of the free schools programme and the introduction of new technical-level qualifications, designed to put vocational training on a par with academic.

And she takes a swipe at Labour and the SNP for their stewardship of education in Wales and Scotland. Both nations have refused to adopt key Tory reforms to the national curriculum and education provision, including free schools. Both have also fallen down the international rankings for school performance.

Mrs May said: More money will not be sufficient to deliver the outcomes we want on its own. It has to be accompanied by a continuing determination to improve standards and outcomes. English secondary schools are the best-performing in the UK, according to international assessments. In devolved parts of the UK, where reform has not been as rigorous, we can see the consequences in poorer outcomes for young people.

Education Secretary Justine Greening yesterday briefed the Cabinet on new figures showing 1.8 million more children now attend good or outstanding schools than when the Tories came to power in 2010.

Ministers are braced for a series of bruising parliamentary clashes over Brexit legislation this autumn, as well as gruelling negotiations with Brussels over the shape of an exit deal

Mrs May has been forced to abandon her dream of building a new generation of grammar schools after losing her Commons majority at the election. But today she pledges to continue the free schools revolution. Some 52 new free schools will open their doors for the first time this month, taking the total to more than 500.

Mrs May notes that some free schools are producing outstanding results in the most deprived areas, and pledges to build on this success and ensure there are even more good school places available.

The Prime Minister also vows to push ahead with the introduction of new T-levels, which are designed to boost the quality and standing of vocational education for those youngsters who do not want to pursue A-levels.

Ministers are committed to passing seven major pieces of legislation on Brexit before March 2019, including the giant EU Withdrawal Bill, which begins its passage through Parliament tomorrow.

Some insiders fear Brexit will create a parliamentary log-jam that makes other reforms impossible.

But Mrs May today vows to press ahead with flagship reforms on mental health and corporate governance. And she hints at a new push on resolving the housing crisis, which is seen by many Tories as critical to rebuilding the partys prospects with younger voters.

She says freeing up large tracts of public sector land for housing will help more individuals and families own a home of their own and move up the property ladder.

How I'll make Brexit a success for EVERYONE: Prime Minister THERESA MAY on why she is determined to deliver change that will make Britain a strong and fairer country

By Theresa May, Prime Minister for the Daily Mail

This week, schools across England return from the summer break to start a new academic year. Infants will experience their first day at school. Teenagers will make the transition to college. For all, this is a time of excitement and promise.

Parliament also returns this week. The biggest single item on our agenda is the legislation to make our withdrawal from the European Union a reality and a success. But the result of last years referendum represented more than just a vote to leave the EU  it was a vote for change here at home, too.

I am determined that the Government I lead will deliver that change and make Britain a stronger and fairer country as a result.

That starts with building a first-class state education system, which gives every child, regardless of their background, an excellent start in life. The children and young people starting back at school or college this week will benefit directly from seven years of successful school reform from Conservative Education Secretaries.

There are 1.8 million more pupils being taught in good or outstanding schools today than there were in 2010. Our new, more rigorous GCSEs and A-levels are raising the standards we expect of our young people, so they can match the best education systems in the world. As this summers excellent exam results showed, teachers and students have risen to the challenge.

Despite having to take difficult decisions to control public spending and reduce the deficit, we have been able to protect the core schools budget since 2010. But I know that more now needs to be done to ensure our schools are fully resourced for the future.

That is why in July, I announced an additional 1.3 billion for our schools over the next two years. This new deal protects per-pupil spending in real terms, so school budgets will increase as the school-age population rises.

JACOB TOPS POLL OF TORIES... Jacob Rees-Mogg has topped a poll of grassroots Tories on who should be the next party leader  as a minister cast doubt on Theresa Mays suggestion she would fight the next election. Mr Rees Mogg, who has never held ministerial office, was the favourite of activists and members to succeed Mrs May with more than one fifth of votes. The poll, by the influential Conservative Home website, also suggested Conservatives are disillusioned with the Cabinet, with other coming second on 19 per cent. Jacob Rees-Mogg has topped a poll of grassroots Tories on who should be the next party leader  as a minister cast doubt on Theresa Mays suggestion she would fight the next election Brexit Secretary David Davis was third and justice minister Dominic Raab fourth. It came as trade minister Greg Hands refused to back Mrs Mays claim she would fight another election as Tory leader. He would say only she is the right person to lead the country at the moment. Advertisement

More money has to be accompanied by a continuing determination to improve standards and outcomes. English secondary schools are the best-performing in the United Kingdom, according to international assessments. In devolved parts of the UK, where reform has not been as rigorous, we can see the consequences in poorer outcomes for young people.

Free schools in some of the most disadvantaged areas of England, such as Dixons Trinity Academy in Bradford and the Reach Academy in Feltham, have produced outstanding results this summer.

Some 52 new free schools will open their doors this term, bringing the total number of free schools opened since 2011 to more than 500. I want us to build on this success and ensure that there are even more good school places available in communities across England.

A rigorous education is the right of every child. So we will ensure that the vast majority of children study the English Baccalaureate combination of academic GCSEs. But as they get older, a more technical route might suit some pupils better. So our T-level reforms will reverse decades of drift and neglect by creating a new, high-quality, vocational equivalent to A-levels.

An excellent education has always been available for those with the means to pay for it, either through independent school fees or house prices in the catchment areas of our best state schools.

The principle which has driven Conservative education policy since 2010 is that these high standards should be available to all children, not just those born to wealth and privilege.

That is because a fundamental Conservative belief is that talent and hard work should determine your future, not where you come from. That simple conviction inspires every policy we are pursuing to improve the lives of people in our country.

The great schools and world-leading system of technical education we are building will give our young people the skills they need to succeed and make the most of their lives.

Our changes to corporate governance, giving a stronger voice to workers and shareholders, will incentivise businesses to make better long-term decisions and help restore public confidence in the free market economy which our public services depend on for their funding.

Making sure mental health is treated just as seriously as physical health in our NHS and wider society will help more people lead healthy and fulfilled lives. Freeing up public sector land to build thousands of new houses will help more individuals and families own a home of their own and move up the property ladder. These are the practical Conservative policies which will change lives for the better.

So as we bring forward the legislation to deliver Brexit, this Government will work unstintingly to make our country a stronger and fairer place. Through economic and social reform, we will improve the lives of the British people. As Prime Minister, I remain absolutely determined to build an economy, a society and a country that works not just for a privileged few, but for every single one of us.
Peter Mandelsons New Labour is back! So you might have thought from the Commons when, on the first day back after the summer recess, the Opposition completely changed the position it held on Brexit just a few weeks ago.

Back then it accepted the result of the EU referendum. Now it wants us effectively to stay in the EU.

The transformation is miraculous, a quick-change to rival anything you will see in a West End farce. Opticians could use Labour in eye tests: what can you see now, the circle or the square? Tory MPs said Labour Remainers had turned into Reversers.

Brexit Secretary David Davis was giving an update on EU withdrawal negotiations. This being the first day of term, lots of members wore suntans

Brexit Secretary David Davis was giving an update on EU withdrawal negotiations. This being the first day of term, lots of members wore suntans. James Gray (Con, Wilts N) had grown a grizzly beard. The Speaker had been at the Ambre Solaire.

Anna Soubry (Con, Broxtowe) had had a gamine haircut and Tom Tugendhat, newly elected chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, had grown in avoirdupois.

Mr Davis began with a trick, pausing theatrically after he said there had been important progress in his negotiations with his Brussels counterpart, wannabe matinee idol Michel Barnier. Blairite MPs laughed long and arduously at Mr Daviss claim, anxious to signal their derision.

Mr Davis, far from being taken aback by their scorn, retorted: I rather wondered if they would fall for that.

He went on to give a list of agreements reached on pensions and healthcare (the European Health card arrangement for British tourists visiting the Continent will continue, he said). I wonder how Labour will explain to the public that they dont care about those, mumbled Mr Davis. That boy could do with elocution lessons.

When Tory MPs mentioned the electorate (arguing that Labour had stiffed the voters in so quickly reneging on their election manifesto promises to be pro-Brexit), the claque of Centrists sitting near Hilary Benn (Lab, Leeds C) groaned.

Prominent among these blowhards was Stephen Doughty (Lab, Cardiff S and Penarth), who seems to have attended assiduously to his summer nosebag. Shameful! roared this Doughty when Tory MPs attacked the EUs negotiating position.

Sir Keir Starmer, Labours Brexit spokesman, kept his remarks mercifully brief. He is not a natural Commons performer

Ben Bradshaw (Lab, Exeter) wore a little moue of sardonic contempt throughout Mr Daviss remarks.

The dreadful moment arrived, as invariably it does, when Speaker Bercow felt we should hear from Yvette Cooper (Lab, Pontefract & Castleford). Quick, lads, earplugs. Too late! That voice came shooting through the air like a vinegar-dipped javelin  aieee  and pierced us in the lugholes.

The noise was so terrible that I failed to take a note of what she said (I was fumbling for cover) but her face said it all: the most exaggerated expressions, all bulgy-eyed and stretched mouth, as she conveyed her disbelief at the Governments failure to surrender to Brussels control. With that ability to emote with her chops, Yvette should be a Jackanory presenter. Shed be brilliant at Little Red Riding Hood and the big, bad wolf.

Kate Hoey (Lab, Vauxhall) braved heckles and mutterings from her party colleagues to say that any attempt to block a proper Brexit would be betraying the will of the British people. Kelvin Hopkins (Lab, Luton N) said it was perfectly possible to be pro-Europe but to oppose the EU on economic and democratic grounds.

If those two pro-Brexit Labour MPs signalled dissent from their party Whips, Ken Clarke (Rushcliffe) did the same on the Tory benches. Miss Soubry was more restrained. Tory Europhiles Dominic Grieve and Nicky Morgan said nothing.

Sir Keir Starmer, Labours Brexit spokesman, kept his remarks mercifully brief. He is not a natural Commons performer. Labours Chief Whip, Nick Brown (a friend of Mandelson and a member of the first Blair Cabinet) smirked but it was noticeable how few core Corbynites (save Diane Abbott) were present.

Ian Paisley (DUP, Antrim N) noted that for all this talk of Labour pursuing open-trench warfare on Brexit, the real hand-to-hand fighting was probably inside the Shadow Cabinet.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will launch a major review of prescribing mistakes over the course of the next few months

More than 80million prescriptions given to patients are wrong, Jeremy Hunt has warned.

Patients routinely receive the incorrect medication or dosage because of errors by doctors, nurses and pharmacists.

The Health Secretary will launch a major review of prescribing mistakes in the next few months.

He is to commission a panel of experts who will examine why so many errors are being made and how they can be avoided in future.

Mr Hunt said previous research showed 8 per cent, or one in 12, of all prescriptions contained a mistake in medication, dose or length of course.

Approximately one billion prescriptions are written out on the NHS each year. That suggests that more than 80million are wrong.

Although many of these are harmless, Mr Hunt said the impact can be significant.

Previous research shows that 5 to 8 per cent of patients admitted to hospital have been affected by some form of medication error or reaction.

And a further 4 per cent of hospital beds at any one time are occupied by a patient suffering the effects of medication.

Many of these problems have been blamed on a lack of knowledge among GPs about what is the most appropriate drug to prescribe and the dose.

Others are likely to be simple oversights caused by tiredness, being overworked or interruptions by other patients or staff.

The review will begin at the end of this year or early next year and will involve NHS Englands chief pharmaceutical officer Dr Keith Ridge.

Previous research shows that 5 to 8 per cent of patients admitted to hospital have been affected by some form of medication error or reaction

It will look at a range of initiatives to reduce mistakes, including the use of computer systems to minimise human errors and educating patients on what drugs they should be on.

Mr Hunt said: Up to one in 12 prescriptions may include a mistake and whilst were lucky most dont cause harm to patients, there is more we can do to tackle the problem and make the NHS safer.

Thats why Ive launched a new scheme working with the NHS to reduce these errors and protect patients.

This will look at a number of areas where we can do better: from improving how we use technology such as electronic prescribing, to understanding how best to educate and inform patients about their medicines, as well as supporting seven-day clinical pharmacy services in acute hospitals and working with care homes and GPs.

The Health Secretary aid previous research showed 8 per cent, or one in 12, of all prescriptions contained a mistake in medication, dose or length of course

It will also look at how we might improve the transfer of information about medicines when patients move between care settings, as we know that these transition points can be times when things go wrong.

One of the most high profile mistakes occurred when David Gray, 70, died after being given ten times the recommended dose of morphine by an exhausted German GP.

Mr Gray thanked the doctor for the pain relief but died just three hours later at his home in Manea, Cambridgeshire.

Other common errors include patients being given a drug for too long, or receiving an ineffective low dosage.

Patients may also be given medications to which they are allergic or which react with another drug, causing unpleasant side effects.
Malcolm Turnbull has discussed the North Korea crisis with Donald Trump in a 30 minute phone call.

The call between the prime minister and the US president was 'warm' and 'constructive'.

The two world leaders said it was time for the international community to exert maximum diplomatic and economic pressure, both agreeing China has the greatest leverage of the rouge nation.

Malcolm Turnbull (pictured Wednesday) will discuss North Korean crisis with Donald Trump

The prime minister and the US president (pictured) have a phone call scheduled for 7.45am AEST on Wednesday morning

Mr Trump has been discussing the heightening tensions recently with other world leaders

The 30 minute phone call comes after North Korea prepares to launch another missile

Mr Turnbull and Mr Trump agreed China holds a substantial economic influence which should be used to bring North Korea to its senses, stabalising the nation.

While North Korea was the hot topic of the phone call and two world leaders also discussed the Islamic State threat in the Philippines.

The two leaders spoke for about half and hour, scheduled for 7.45am AEST on Wednesday morning, which was hoped to be more productive than their famous phone feud in January.

Mr Trump has been discussing the heightening tensions in recent days with other world leaders including Germany's Angela Merkel and South Korea's Moon Jae-in.

The call comes after North Korea was observed moving what appeared to be an ICBM towards its west coast, where it has launch facilities.

A top North Korean diplomat warned his country was ready to send 'more gift packages' to America.

Mr Turnbull told coalition MPs at a partyroom meeting on Tuesday that the action of North Korea was 'reckless, dangerous and provocative'

Mr Turnbull said North Korea seemed to be 'begging for a war' with their missile launches

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten was pleased with the phone call Wednesday morning between the two leaders

An unidentified intelligence source told South Korea's Asia Business Daily the rocket started moving on Monday, a day after North Korea's sixth nuclear test.

There has been speculation North Korea may be planning to fire an ICBM this weekend when the republic celebrates its foundation on September 9.

Mr Turnbull told coalition MPs at a partyroom meeting on Tuesday that the action of North Korea was 'reckless, dangerous and provocative'.

He echoed the US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley who said the regime seems to be 'begging for a war'.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong will meet leaders in South Korea and Japan later in the month.

Mr Shorten said he was pleased about the phone call between Mr Trump and Mr Turnbull.

'Australia must use its influence wherever possible to promote a peaceful resolution to this crisis, and I hope this phone call goes some way to achieving this,' Mr Shorten said.
A powerful group of Tory MPs yesterday pressed Theresa May to do more to support marriage and the family.

The 44 MPs, including three former Cabinet ministers, called for bigger tax breaks for married couples and for school pupils to be taught the benefits of marriage.

Their 18-point family manifesto said that fatherhood should be promoted and fathers helped to assume their family responsibilities. It said that couple penalties in the tax and benefit system that encourage mothers and fathers to live apart should be removed.

A powerful group of Tory MPs including Secretary Iain Duncan Smith yesterday pressed Theresa May to do more to support marriage and the family

The manifesto also called for a Cabinet minister to be made responsible for families and said that every Whitehall department should have a minister charged with ensuring its policies were family-friendly.

The move follows signs of unhappiness among Tory backbenchers at lack of progress on help for couples to stay together and to form stable families.

Last week former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith  one of the signatories of the new manifesto to strengthen families  complained that opinion formers in Whitehall are preparing to cut a 70 million programme of support for relationship counselling organisations.

Mrs May dropped David Camerons longstanding pledge to encourage marriage from the Tory election manifesto this year and her family policies remain obscure.

The new paper was signed by 44 Tory MPs and eight peers. Alongside Mr Duncan Smith backers included former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan and former Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman, together with the influential backbench figure of Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee.

One of the 44, Congleton MP Fiona Bruce, said family life must be strengthened if the Government is to achieve its welcome aims to increase social mobility, deliver social justice, and make Britain a country that works for everyone, not just a privileged few.

The 44 MPs, including three former Cabinet ministers, called for bigger tax breaks for married couples and for school pupils to be taught the benefits of marriage

Families, she added, are also vital for our economic competitiveness. While the price tag for family breakdown has been set at 48billion a year, this is a fraction of the overall cost: stable, productive families that function well are usually wealth creators, fractured families are far more likely to be dependent on the state.

Strengthening families is a social justice priority: by the age of five almost half of children in low-income households have seen their families break apart, compared to only 16 per cent of children in higher income households.

The paper demanded increases in the tax break for less wealthy married couples introduced by David Cameron in 2015. The new allowance means married couples and civil partners who are not higher rate taxpayers can transfer 1,000 of their tax free allowance to their spouse or partner. The value to couples is worth around 200 a year, and has been dismissed by critics as trivial.

The MPs paper said its value should be increased for married couples or civil partners with children, and it should be included in Universal Credit payments. The fees paid by couples to register a marriage  currently registration costs 45  should be waived for those who take part in a marriage preparation course, it said.

In schools children should be taught about the importance of fatherhood and commitment, the paper added. The evidence-based importance of marriage should also feature in updated relationship education guidance to ensure that we, as a society, become more confident about why marriage matters, it said.

A Cabinet minister should ensure family-friendly policies get priority, and councils should be pushed to set up family hubs  that include health care, help for parents, and relationship support for parents at risk of breaking up.

Maternity services should be widened to encourage fathers to take part, and laws requiring fathers to be named on birth certificates that have yet to go into effect should be put into operation.

Mrs Bruce said: These family policies have commanded a very strong show of support from MPs. As the Prime Minister returns to Downing Street after the summer recess this manifesto ensures that she will be well-equipped to make tackling family breakdown a top priority.

If we want to address some of the biggest issues facing people up and down the country, such as soaring levels of childhood mental illness, stubbornly low rates of upwards social mobility, addictions, housing shortages and loneliness in older age, looking at how to strengthen family relationships is the place to start.
Bell Pottinger boss James Henderson with his wife Heather Kerzner in March 2017

Two major clients walked away from one of Britains top PR firms yesterday amid a racism scandal.

HSBC and building giant Carillion acted after Bell Pottinger  co-founded by Margaret Thatchers favourite spin doctor  became mired in accusations it stoked racial tensions in South Africa.

The firm allegedly used a fake blog and false Twitter accounts to stir up anger over the wealth of white South Africans. It is claimed the company aimed to distract attention from controversy about the influence of its owners, the Indian-born billionaire Gupta brothers.

An HSBC spokesman said yesterday: We have used Bell Pottinger for specific projects in the past but will not be doing so in the future.

Carillion, which specialises in huge projects such as the Battersea Power Station conversion, confirmed: We no longer work with Bell Pottinger.

The disgraced agency, co-founded by ex-Thatcher advisor Tim Bell, now Lord Bell, was also recently dumped by Unite Students, which develops and manages properties.

Yesterday a major investor handed back its 27 per cent share in the firm, writing off the value.

Chime, part of Sir Martin Sorrells WPP, had been trying to sell but opted to cut its losses after the value of the stake plummeted. Bell Pottinger has been blighted by controversy over its work for Oakbay Capital, a South African investment firm owned by the Gupta brothers.

The PR agency was paid 100,000 a month to deflect focus away from accusations that the tycoons are too close to South African president Jacob Zuma and influence his decisions for their own gain.

The Gupta brothers  Ajay, Atul and Rajesh  settled in South Africa in 1993 from India, setting up Sahara Computers

The Bell Pottinger debacle has reverberated far beyond London, creating full-on political upheaval in South Africa

The company commissioned writers who used racially loaded terms such as white monopoly capital and misled or undermined journalists who questioned its claims.

A review by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills said Bell Pottingers campaign was likely to inflame racial discord.

The row has prompted widespread criticism of Mr Zuma and the Guptas influence, leading to four major banks reportedly closing accounts connected to the family.

The fallout at Bell Pottinger has been dramatic.

The 75-year-old claimed it is now 'curtains' for the PR company - but that he takes no responsibility for the scandal engulfing the firm

Bell Pottinger's founder Tim Bell (pictured on Newsnight) received two phone calls during a car crash interview on Newsnight two nights ago

Chief executive James Henderson quit at the weekend after firing Victoria Geoghegan, the partner in charge of the Oakbay account.

The company has also been expelled from the PR and Communications Association for at least five years.

Director general of the trade body, Francis Ingham, said Bell Pottinger had brought the PR and communications industry into disrepute.

Lord Bell, who resigned as chairman of the 30-year-old firm a year ago, admitted on Monday that it was unlikely to recover.

Asked whether it was curtains, he said: Almost certainly. The peer added: But its nothing to do with me.

He went to South Africa to talk to Oakbay before he stepped down. But during a disastrous TV interview on Newsnight, he flip-flopped over the course of events and was also interrupted by his mobile phone three times during the six-minute exchange.

Last year luxury goods firm Richemont cut its ties with Bell Pottinger after its South African chairman Johann Rupert was targeted by one of the agencys smear campaigns.

Wealth managers Investec also ditched the company in 2016.

Other major customers are under pressure to follow suit, including Bloomsbury Publishing, Cineworld and Waitrose.
As the calendar flips over to Spring much of the nation prepares for warm weather in the knowledge summer is not far away - but not Victoria.

While Winter may have come and gone for almost every other state, the mainland's south-east has been lashed by massive amounts of snowfall in the past 24 hours.

But while it's not unusual for a blanketing to hit mountain areas this time of year, the chilly temperatures have seen coastal towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay turned to white and some homes incredibly 'snowed-in'.

Scroll down for video

Parts of Victoria have been blanketed in massive amounts of snow, including coastal areas like Lorne and Apollo Bay (pictured)

As a cold snap aw temperatures drop below zero, highlands and other areas turned white

A massive dump of snow led to one home being 'snowed in', with this incredible photo showing the severity of the snowfall

Incredible images posted to social media show the thickness of snow which covered parts of the state on Tuesday.

Towns at sea level turned white with alpine areas receiving up to 30 centimetres and the temperature dropping to as low as -7.5 degrees.

The cold snap caught out two men who found themselves stuck in their vehicle high in the alps for three days before being rescued by the Victorian SES.

With the cold snap caused by a low pressure system moving across the south of the nation, Weatherzone forecaster Rob Sharpe said it's the best time to hit the slopes.

'At least one Victorian location picked up a metre of snow which is a very significant snow fall for this time of year,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'I think by this Thursday we'll have had more than 250 centimetres, which would be the highest snow depth we've seen in Victoria for at least five years.'

The record levels of falls in some areas led to cars being completely covered in the thick snow

While the cold weather kept many indoors, some were keen to outside and get their hands - or paws - wet

Snow fell as low as sea level, including at Lorne in the state's south-west which is a popular summer destination

The cold snap and freezing temperatures proved perfect for one artist who decorated an icy area with a mandala (pictured)

The incredible cold snap also led to records being set in three alpine towns in both Victoria and New South Wales.

Falls Creek, Hunters Hill and Thredbo Village had their coldest September day ever recorded, with maximum temperatures as low as -3.

But after welcoming summer early with temperatures as high as 29 last weekend, Mr Sharpe said for residents in Sydney the outlook remains promising.

'The system has affected Victoria the most and... meant cold air hasn't pushed north into Sydney, so it's staying pretty mild,' he said.

This snowboarder made the most of the icy conditions at Thredbo Resort in New South Wales
Marks & Spencer has brought in new farm welfare standards in response to evidence of cruelty to dairy calves.

It will become the first British food giant to sell RSPCA Assured milk, which will involve regular welfare audits.

The move follows revelations by the Daily Mail earlier this year about potentially cruel and illegal practices on one Dorset farm raising dairy calves for M & S.

Large calves, older than eight weeks, were being reared in cramped hutches on one farm in breach of welfare regulations.

Earlier this year, the Daily Mail revealed shocking pictures taken at a Dorset farm that supplied Marks and Spencer with milk

Shocking photos showed rows and rows of the pens, with the large calves struggling to bend to get inside the small shelters.

At the time the problems were made public, M & S food director Andy Adcock said: We hold our hands up. Keeping calves over eight weeks old in such pens is unacceptable. One of our farmers made a mistake.

M & S subsequently called in the RSPCA to audit 37 dairy farms supplying the chain.

It has emerged that 23 initially failed to meet the charitys standards and have been required to make improvements.

Two farms failed ten standards and have been required to make significant changes to the way they operate.

All the farms have now achieved RSPCA Assured certification and from today M & S fresh milk packaging will carry the RSPCA Assured logo.

Shocking photos showed rows and rows of the pens, with the large calves struggling to bend to get inside the small shelters

It means the 150million pints of milk a year sold by M & S will come from farms with the highest welfare standards.

The revelations about large calves being reared in cramped pens at Grange Dairy in East Chaldon, Dorset, were based on secret filming by the campaigning group Animal Equality UK.

Following the scandal M & S has also promised to be more open with shoppers about where the milk on its shelves comes from.

The British food giant said that severing ties with the farmer would 'not have been the right thing to do' and instead worked with the farmer to 'rectify the issue'

It will publish the RSPCA Assured assessment reports for each of its supplier farms as part of an interactive online map.

Yesterday the chains head of agriculture and fisheries Steve McLean said: No other retailer has this level of transparency or standards in its dairy supply chain.

Back in March we faced calls to cut ties with one of our dairy farmers because of a breach of animal welfare regulations.

'It would have not have been the right thing to do. One of our farmers made a mistake, so ... we worked with the farmer to rectify the issue and took the decision to strengthen our standards by asking an independent to assess all of our dairy farms.

The RSPCA assessors checked 332 standards on the 37 farms, with the average number of non-compliances at two per farm.

Clive Brazier, head of RSPCA Assured, said: For the first time ever, consumers will be able to buy RSPCA Assured labelled milk in a high street retailer. This is a major step forward for improving dairy cow welfare and we hope other retailers will follow suit.
Steve Harvey has opened up about learning of his friend Bill Cosby's sex assault allegations and praised the comedian for urging him to stay away so he wouldn't be dragged down as well.

The Family Feud host said he picked up the phone to reach out to Cosby when the alleged sex assault scandal first broke.

'When I heard all the trouble he was in, I called and asked him how he was doing,' Harvey told The Hollywood Reporter.

Steve Harvey has opened up about learning of his friend Bill Cosby's sex assault allegations and praised the comedian for urging him to stay away so he wouldn't be dragged down as well

'You know what he says to me? "Hey man, I appreciate you calling, but just stay away from me right now. You don't need none of this on you. Whatever happens to me, happens to me, but don't you get none of this on you".

'That's an amazing thing for a guy to say.'

He admitted that the pair hadn't spoken in several months but their friendship remained strong because of how Cosby initially showed him the ropes of the industry.

'When I'm your friend, I'm your friend,' Harvey said.

'Bill Cosby helped my sons at Morehouse (College), and he taught me how to do this business. He didn't even know me and taught me how to do this business.'

Cosby, now aged 80, has faced more than 50 sex assault allegations dating way back to the 1960s.

The Family Feud host said he picked up the phone to reach out to Cosby (above in 2012) when the alleged sex assault scandal first broke to ask how he was doing

He is currently awaiting a retrial after a mistrial was declared in June on charges that he drugged and assaulted a woman.

Harvey did not elaborate further about the allegations against Cosby.

But he did speak about how he almost ruined his own reputation by meeting with a newly elected President Donald Trump in New York in January.

Harvey said his quick meeting at Trump Tower inflicted backlash that was unlike anything he had ever seen.

"It was so vicious that it really threw me. I was being called names that I've never been called: Uncle Tom. A coon. A sellout. Because I went to see this man?!" he said.

He added he should have listened to his wife who had urged him to skip the meeting in favor of his 60th birthday party.
Authorities are searching for a man, 33, and woman, 44, following the alleged murder of a Brisbane crime figure who was set alight as he slept.

Victor William Graveson, 65, suffered burns to 80 per cent of his body after being doused in petrol at his Alexandra Hills home and then set on fire on Friday night.

Police have since charged David Edgerley, 34, with Mr Graveson's murder, but hope to speak with the couple as they continue their investigation.

Anyone with any information about the pair's whereabouts is urged to call police.

Authorities are searching for a man, 33, (right) and woman, 44, (left) following the murder of Brisbane crime figure Victor William Graveson, 65, who was set on fire at his home on Friday night as he slept

Victor Graveson (right) died in hospital following an alleged murder attempt which left him with burns to 80 per cent of his body

David Charles Edgerley, 34, has been charged with murder (pictured is Mr Graverson)

Graveson ran burning from his home on September 1 as members of the public rushed to put out the flames.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but died on Monday afternoon.

Edgerley was originally charged with attempted murder, but the charge has since been upgraded to murder after Mr Graverson's death.

He faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Mr Graveson, the deceased, had a lengthy criminal history, having been jailed for 10 years in 1996 for his role in the sale of a cannabis crop worth almost $2 million.

In 1995, Queensland's Supreme Court heard Graveson was a criminal 'mastermind', with links to a prostitution ring and outlaw bikie gangs who he supplied drugs to.

He has also been photographed partying with crooked cops and strippers in the late 1980s and early 90s.

Mr Graveson was jailed again in 2008 for drug possession offences.

Graveson was allegedly set on fire by David Charles Edgerley
A public art exhibit in Atlanta which caused outrage for reinforcing negative stereotypes against black prisoners has been torn down.

Atlanta BeltLine, which promotes redevelopment along the former railway corridor of the city, showcased work from Canine Cellmates, a program that uses dogs to help rehabilitate prisoners. It featured photos only of black men involved in the program.

Shawn Deangelo Walton, who lives near the exhibit, was furious that the art installation was only helping to propagate 'stereotypical images about black men being incarcerated'.

He tore down the display and is currently storing it in his home.

Other residents who live in proximity of the exhibit echoed Walton's concerns, with one resident saying that 'to go into a neighborhood that I think is 90 percent black and just put up these pics of black men as prisoners is a bit toxic'.

Leaders of Atlanta non-profit expressed 'grave concerns' over public art display - one of the photos is seen above

Canine Cellmates said in response that it did not intend to be insensitive, but agreed that without context the imagery could be misunderstood. One of the images is pictured above

Canine Cellmates said in response to complaints that it did not intend to be insensitive, but agreed that without context the imagery could be misunderstood.

Atlanta BeltLine told Channel 2 Action News on Monday it is 'gravely concerned' over the photos submitted.

BeltLine later said in a statement that the art was 'was created to make art accessible to everyone by bringing the exhibit to public spaces and in doing so, be respectful of the community.

'The photos that were displayed did not reflect our commitment to do that. The community is understandably and justifiably upset and for that we humbly apologize.

'We make no excuses and are in the process of investigating the process of how this occurred in order to take the most appropriate action to ensure this does not happen again.'

Shawn Deangelo Walton (pictured) said he took down the display because it reinforces negative stereotypes

The exhibit, commissioned by Atlanta BeltLine, showcased work from Canine Cellmates, a program that helps rehabilitate prisoners

The exhibit was located on the Westside BeltLine Trail off Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Atlanta.

Walton said he'd be happy to give back the banner to BeltLine leaders, but said he hopes that the exhibit would be replaced with images that give 'an impression of education, progressive culture (and) dignity.'

It is unclear if Walton will face any legal repercussion following the incident.
The English language test for citizenship has been slammed as too hard by the coalition with calls to make the language test easier for would-be citizens.

The Turnbull government's proposed overhaul of citizenship eligibility laws were described as looking 'a bit sick' by Senate crossbencher Derryn Hinch.

'We've got half the politicians [who] can't even pronounce nuclear,' he told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

The English language test for citizenship has been slammed as too hard (stock image)

Sample questions on the International English Language Testing Scheme site include asking people to write at least 150 words in 20 minutes (pictured)

Another sample question (pictured) asks participants to spend 40 minutes writing at least 250 words

After meeting with Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, Mr Hinch said he believed the reforms weren't dead and the government would present amendments.

'It's looking a bit sick but it's not terminal,' he said.

The report, tabled in parliament on Tuesday, recommends the government lower the standard of the test and reconsider a proposed two-year ban for three failed attempts.

The harder test would require university-level English as opposed to the current test, introduced by the Howard government, which requires conversational-level English.

Sample questions on the International English Language Testing Scheme site include asking people to write at least 150 words in 20 minutes in the form of a letter complaining about a roommate.

In the reading section, tests are marked out of 40, where to get a score in level six, you have to get a score of about 30 out of 40. Previously, participants were only required to get to level four.

Reading tests are marked out of 40, where to get a score in level six, you have to get a score of about 30 out of 40

The proposed harder English citizenship test requires university-level English (pictured)

Under the Howard government, partcipants only had to score in level four to pass the test

Level four of the old citizenship test meant participants had a conversational-level English

Level six English is higher than more than one quarter of Australia's population (new sample test pictured)

Level six English is higher than more than one quarter of Australia's population, according to news.com.au

People are marked on content, organisation of ideas, accuracy and use of vocabulary and grammar.

Mr Turnbull announced the overhaul on April 20, with the new measures to be applied from that date.

The government faces an uphill battle to get its legislation through the Senate with Labor and the Greens also opposing the changes

But the report recommends a transition period for people who held permanent residency visas on or before April 20, with current laws to apply to them.

The new laws would also increase the waiting time from one year to four years for permanent residents before they can apply for citizenship.

However, the government faces an uphill battle to get its legislation through the Senate with Labor, the Greens and the Nick Xenophon Team all opposed to the changes.

Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm says the proposed changes are moving in the right direction, but he wants a closer look at whether the English test is suitable.

NXT senator Stirling Griff said a number of the measures were unfair, unnecessary and risked undermining Australia's reputation as a welcoming and inclusive multicultural society.

'The government has not adequately made its case for many of these reforms,' he said.

Greens immigration spokesman Nick McKim warned tens of thousands of people have their lives on hold waiting for the Parliament to make a decision.

'So what the government needs to do today is either put this bill up so the Senate can knock it off or pull the legislation to end the massive uncertainty,' he said.
Police have made an astonishing discovery when pulling over a man driving with a disqualified license.

Queensland officers have released images of the vehicle belonging to a 30-year-old man who was stopped illegally driving.

They found the car stripped of chairs, with the driver and his passenger sitting on rolled up foam mattresses.

Queensland officers have released images of the vehicle belonging to a 30-year-old man who was stopped illegally driving

The pair were pulled over by police on Wednesday morning in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

On top of having no seats installed, the car is almost completely hollowed out.

Side panels on the doors have been ripped out and most of the console has been removed exposing electrical wires.

It appears the man and his passenger may have been travelling or living in the car, with a plastic box and a large bag of clothing also visible.

Under Queensland law, removing seats must comply with safety regulations.

They found the car stripped of chairs, with the driver and his passenger sitting on rolled up foam mattresses

'Vehicles with the permanent removal of seating structures must be approved by an Approved Person and a Modification Plate must be fitted for the reduction in seating capacity,' QLD government legislation documents say.

'The vehicle modifier/operator is responsible for ensuring that the safety of the vehicle is maintained and that all seats, when being re-installed, are re-installed in accordance with relevant standards and recognised automotive practice.'

It is unlikely rolled up mattresses would fit under the approval of safety standards.
On Tuesday Cher took to Twitter to share her opinion of Trump's action and say she will take a Dreamer into her home

Cher lashed out at a Twitter user who questioned her intention to help some of the people affected by the President's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act.

On Tuesday she took to Twitter to share her opinion of Trump's action and say she will take a Dreamer into her home.

She also urged others to do the same, writing first: '[America] HAS BEEN OUR DREAMERS ONLY HOME!! HOW CAN WE THROW THEM OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS.'

The singer later followed that first tweet with: 'Those Who Can Must Take A DREAMER In2 Their Home & Protect them!! I'm Ready 2 Do This & Others in my BUSINESS WILL DO THE SAME!! SANCTUARY.'

Then, a woman, who clearly didn't believe the pop sensation would fulfill her Twitter promises, decided to challenge her.

'Sure you will Cher.. I'll believe it when I see it,' Twitter user Brenda Webb wrote.

Cher was not amused.

She quickly responded to Webb, writing 'Then keep your eyes open b****.'

Scroll down for video

Cher first wrote: '[America] HAS BEEN OUR DREAMERS ONLY HOME!! HOW CAN WE THROW THEM OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS.' She later tweeted to say she would invite Dreamers into her home, and urged others to do the same

A woman, who clearly didn't believe the pop sensation would fulfill her Twitter promises, wrote 'Sure you will Cher.. I'll believe it when I see it,' Twitter user Brenda Webb wrote. Cher, unamused, replied: 'Then keep your eyes open b****

On Tuesday the White House announced its decision to roll back DACA, much to the chagrin of many politicians and celebrities on both sides of the aisle.

Webb, pictured, has since deleted her tweet and made her account private

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, was an Obama-era program that granted work permits and protection from deportation for illegal immigrants who were brought to the United States as children by Family Members.

The decision to roll back protection for these nearly 800,000 individuals was announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions during a press briefing.

People on the president's team claim he's not 'cold' or 'heartless' for the decision, but instead that he's just trying to protect strong, hard-working Americans.

It is ultimately up to Congress to either save DACA, cease it, or implement a new plan for Dreamers protections, and they have a six month window to figure out a solution.

Multiple people on Social Media applauded Cher for her stance on the decision, and for her swift retort to the woman who questioned her

People on the president's team claim he's not 'cold' or 'heartless' for the decision, but instead that he's just trying to protect strong, hard-working Americans. Trump is pictured on September 5 during a meeting with Congressional leaders

Over the next six months, those protected under DACA will be able to renew permits for individuals whose may expire in that window so they can continue to work and study without fear of deportation while congress makes its move on the program.

Multiple people on Social Media applauded Cher for her stance on the decision, and for her swift retort to the woman who questioned her.

'Cher did not come to play with you h***,' one twitter user wrote with an image of the whole conversation.

Webb has since deleted her tweet and made her account private.
A man who admitted raping and murdering six-year-old Kylie Maybury in 1984 has been attacked in a Melbourne prison, with boiling water poured on his groin.

Gregory Keith Davies' defence lawyer David Gibson appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday morning asking for an extension of time before his plea hearing and sentence.

Davies, 74, who is still being treated and is in 'extreme discomfort', did not appear in court.

Gregory Keith Davies, who admitted in May to raping and murdering six-year-old Kylie Maybury (pictured) in 1984, has had boiling water poured on his groin during an attack at a Melbourne prison

Gregory Keith Davies' (pictured) defence lawyer David Gibson appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday morning asking for an extension of time before his plea hearing and sentence

Kylie's mother Julie Maybury (pictured leaving court in May) said she was shocked to discover she knew the family of her daughter's killer

Kylie had walked to the shops in suburban Preston East to buy sugar for her mother but never returned.

Her killer wasn't identified until 2016 with a DNA match to semen found on her underpants.

Mr Gibson told the court Davies had been attacked at Port Phillip Prison in July and transferred to the Alfred Hospital until August 16.

He said Davies was still being treated for his injuries in custody and had only just got back onto his feet to be able to walk.

'He is in extreme discomfort, he's had skin grafts to 15 per cent of his body. Those grafts are now tightening up and causing him considerable pain,' Mr Gibson said.

It is not expected that charges will be laid over the attack.

He sought an adjournment for a psychiatric assessment to be ordered and to find out what happened in the attack.

Crown prosecutor Mark Rochford argued the psychiatric report should be subpoenaed and the date not delayed.

Gregory Keith Davies, 74, pleaded guilty to the heinous crime on the first day of his pre-trial committal hearing in May

Davies (pictured) was arrested and charged in June last year with abducting and murdering Kylie

He said Kylie's family had already bought flights to Melbourne for the plea hearing, which was due to take place on September 21, and should not be inconvenienced.

Justice Lex Lasry said he couldn't refuse an adjournment in the circumstances.

Davies admitted the November 6, 1984 sexual assault and murder on May 29 on what was supposed to be the first day of his pre-trial committal hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

The retiree's guilty plea ended a three-decades-long mystery.

Davies will appear before the court on November 27.
President Donald Trump plans to revisit his administration's decision on Dreamers if Congress can't legalize the DACA program within six months.

He announced the news in a tweet on Tuesday night after earlier saying that he has a 'great heart' and a 'great love' for illegal immigrants who came to the US as children.

'Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!' Trump tweeted.

It came just hours after he wrote on Twitter that he was 'looking forward' to working with lawmakers from both parties in Congress 'to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country 1st.'

President Donald Trump said this afternoon that he has 'a great heart' for illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and 'a great love for them'

He said the responsibility rests with legislators in his first on-camera remarks since his administration revealed its plans to eliminate the DACA program, which saved Dreamers from deportation.

'Hopefully, now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly,' Trump declared during a meeting with GOP leaders hours after his administration said it was cancelling the Obama-era policy to jeers from Democrats.

'They want to be able to do something and do it right. And really we have no choice. We have to be able to do something,' he said.

He added: 'I think it's going to work out very well. And long-term, it's going to be the right solution.'

The White House contended earlier on Tuesday that Trump is not 'cold-hearted,' as critics of his DACA decision have claimed, as it headed into battle with Congress again over the president's illegal immigration demands.

Trump is acting out of 'compassion' for out-of-work Americans who want him to enforce stronger borders,' the president's spokeswoman told journalists.

'He's wrestled with this back and forth,' White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, 'in large part is because this is not an easy one.'

But 'you can't allow emotion to govern,' she added, and 'it's not cold-hearted for the president to uphold the law.'

Dreamers still won't be the administration's priority for deportation, Sanders insisted during her televised press conference. The government's focus is on criminal security threats, she contended.

It's work permits and other government benefits that the 800,000 illegal immigrants who are currently part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy will be losing access to, she said during the question-and-answer session where she repeatedly argued that it's up to Congress to make the program law.

The White House contended Tuesday that President Donald Trump is not 'cold-hearted,' as critics of his DACA decision have claimed, as it headed into battle with Congress again over the president's illegal immigration demands - he's acting out of 'compassion' for out-of-work Americans who want him to enforce stronger borders

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration's plans to 'wind down' the Obama-era program that allows illegal immigrants who arrived as children to live and work in the US without fear of deportation from the Justice Department this am.

Sessions said in a press statement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, DACA, is an 'unconstitutional exercise of authority' by the executive branch and amounts to 'unilateral executive amnesty.'

The administration is rescinding the policy that created the program, Sessions said.

It's up to Congress to pass legislation extending the policy if it see fit, the DOJ official stated.

'We are people of compassion, and we are people of law. But there is nothing compassionate about the failure to enforce immigration laws,' Sessions said.

President Trump waited an hour after Sessions had finished speaking to send out a statement explaining the administration's decision.

'I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws,' Trump's statement said.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions says the Trump administration will 'wind down' an Obama-era program that allows illegal immigrants who arrived as children to live and work in the US without fear of deportation

Protests from supporters of the DACA program broke out of over the weekend and extended into Tuesday at the White House and Trump Tower

Sessions said in a press statement that the policy, known as DACA, is an 'unconstitutional exercise of authority' by the executive branch and amounts to 'unilateral executive amnesty'

Trump stressed in the declaration that went straight to reporters' inboxes - he did not make a televised appearance - that the transition away from DACA would be 'orderly' and 'gradual.'

New applications will not be accepted but prospective DACA recipients who already have their paperwork in will have their requests honored, Trump said.

Dreamers with DACA paperwork that is about to expire will also have their statuses renewed, he added.

'This is a gradual process, not a sudden phase out. Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months,' Trump said. 'Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act.'

The president had hinted this morning on Twitter that he was planning to place the problem squarely on the shoulders of Congress.

'Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!' Trump tweeted.

He said in a formal statement later, 'Congress now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first.'

'We will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful Democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve,' he said, mistakenly capitalizing the 'D' on democratic.

Continuing, Trump said, 'We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans.'

DACA protects roughly 800,000 Dreamers, as they are known, from being deported. As many as 11 million illegal immigrants are believed to be residing in the U.S. overall.

Once their paperwork expires, Dreamers will not be rounded up and kicked out immediately, but they could be sent back to their home countries if they encounter a law enforcement officer.

They will not have access to documents that will allow them to work legally in the U.S.

President Donald Trump waited an hour after Sessions had finished speaking to send out a statement explaining the administration's decision

Sessions said Tuesday, during a televised statement at the Department of Justice, that Barack Obama had shown disrespect for the legislative process when he went around Congress to put DACA in place.

'The executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions,' Sessions said, claiming that 'such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch.'

The law enforcement official predicted that DACA would be slapped down in court if it sustained a legal challenge.

A similar Obama policy, DAPA, that protected the parents of illegal immigrants went down in court earlier this summer.

'If we are to further our goal of strengthening the constitutional order and the rule of law in America, the Department of Justice cannot defend this type of overreach,' Sessions said.

Acting DHS Secretary Elaine Duke said in a memo that the administration did not take the decision lightly.

'I am very aware of the consequences of this action, and I sympathize with the DACA recipients whose futures may now be less certain,' she said. 'But I am also frustrated on their behalf. DACA was never more than parolea bureaucratic delaythat never promised the rights of citizenship or legal status in this country.'

House Speaker Paul Ryan argued in a statement that the Obama policy, while well-intentioned, 'was a clear abuse of executive authority.'

'Congress writes laws, not the president, and ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches,' the GOP leader of the House stated.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell whacked Obama too for having ever created the DACA program in a short statement that preceded an afternoon visit to the White House to speak with Trump in person.

'President Obama wrongly believed he had the authority to re-write our immigration law. Todays action by President Trump corrects that fundamental mistake,' he said. 'This Congress will continue working on securing our border and ensuring a lawful system of immigration that works.'

A weekend report said Trump was planning to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals scheme that his predecessor implemented five years ago at the conclusion of a six-month waiting period

Activists asked Trump not to end DACA during a protest Monday outside the White House

Democratic lawmakers roundly complained that Trump's termination of DACA was 'cruel' and 'inhumane' in the the lead up to DOJ's announcement. They agreed, however, that it was time for Congress to use its legislative authority to preserve the program.

Organizing for Action, the group that grew out of the ashes of Obama's presidential campaigns, also urged Congress on Tuesday to undo Trump's actions.

'Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan clearly understand how cold-hearted and senseless it would be to tell 800,000 bright, young, law-abiding immigrants that they have no place here,' , OFA Communications Director Jesse Lehrich said. 'McConnell and Ryan know that these people represent the very best of America  that they deserve our compassion and our respect.'

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a leading Republican proponent of comprehensive immigration reform, pledged later at a bipartisan news conference with Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin to do just that.

'You have done nothing wrong. You came here as children. You've contributed to society. You've passed criminal background checks. You've demonstrated your ability to be beneficial to the country now and in the future,' he told Dreamers.

'The only thing that stands between you and certainty in your life is the Congress. That cannot be that reassuring,' he added. 'So here's the deal: The Congress is going to have to up its game.'

Former President Barack Obama chimed in only after Sanders had a chance to extrapolate on the current White House's position.

He defied the administration's claim that Trump ended DACA because of some legal argument.

'Ultimately, this is about basic decency,' he instead said. 'This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way wed want our own kids to be treated. Its about who we are as a people  and who we want to be.'

The two-term Democrat created the program in 2012 without the input of Congress. It provides worker permits and deportation protection to approved applicants on a rolling, two-year basis with an indefinite number of renewals.

Republicans say that Obama overstepped his authority when he mandated that DHS turn a blind eye to undocumented immigrants who meet the DACA specifications.

GOP lawmakers eventually took him to court on the grounds that he had been veering too far into their lane.

The White House said Friday that Trump would finalize his position on DACA today. It ultimately left Sessions, a staunch opponent of illegal immigration reform when he was in the Senate, to be the face of the polarizing announcement.

The action puts DOJ in compliance with a deadline thrust upon the administration by conservative attorneys general promising to sue the administration as a means of bringing about DACA's end.

A group of 10 states, led by Texas AG Ken Paxton, sent a letter to DOJ the last week in June announcing their plans to sue the federal government unless Trump rescinded the executive order Obama used to create the program by Sept. 5.

Tropical Storm Harvey did nothing to slow Paxton down. He affirmed last week that his cadre of state attorneys general would take legal action today unless Trump did what they were asking.

Sessions cited 'imminent litigation' in his statement to the press this morning, as did Trump.

PRESIDENT TRUMP'S STATEMENT ON DACA As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws. The legislative branch, not the executive branch, writes these laws  this is the bedrock of our Constitutional system, which I took a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend. In June of 2012, President Obama bypassed Congress to give work permits, social security numbers, and federal benefits to approximately 800,000 illegal immigrants currently between the ages of 15 and 36. The typical recipients of this executive amnesty, known as DACA, are in their twenties. Legislation offering these same benefits had been introduced in Congress on numerous occasions and rejected each time. In referencing the idea of creating new immigration rules unilaterally, President Obama admitted that I cant just do these things by myself  and yet that is exactly what he did, making an end-run around Congress and violating the core tenets that sustain our Republic. Officials from 10 States are suing over the program, requiring my Administration to make a decision regarding its legality. The Attorney General of the United States, the Attorneys General of many states, and virtually all other top legal experts have advised that the program is unlawful and unconstitutional and cannot be successfully defended in court. There can be no path to principled immigration reform if the executive branch is able to rewrite or nullify federal laws at will. The temporary implementation of DACA by the Obama Administration, after Congress repeatedly rejected this amnesty-first approach, also helped spur a humanitarian crisis  the massive surge of unaccompanied minors from Central America including, in some cases, young people who would become members of violent gangs throughout our country, such as MS-13. Only by the reliable enforcement of immigration law can we produce safe communities, a robust middle class, and economic fairness for all Americans. Therefore, in the best interests of our country, and in keeping with the obligations of my office, the Department of Homeland Security will begin an orderly transition and wind-down of DACA, one that provides minimum disruption. While new applications for work permits will not be accepted, all existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration up to two full years from today. Furthermore, applications already in the pipeline will be processed, as will renewal applications for those facing near-term expiration. This is a gradual process, not a sudden phase out. Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months. Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act. Our enforcement priorities remain unchanged. We are focused on criminals, security threats, recent border-crossers, visa overstays, and repeat violators. I have advised the Department of Homeland Security that DACA recipients are not enforcement priorities unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang. The decades-long failure of Washington, D.C. to enforce federal immigration law has had both predictable and tragic consequences: lower wages and higher unemployment for American workers, substantial burdens on local schools and hospitals, the illicit entry of dangerous drugs and criminal cartels, and many billions of dollars a year in costs paid for by U.S. taxpayers. Yet few in Washington expressed any compassion for the millions of Americans victimized by this unfair system. Before we ask what is fair to illegal immigrants, we must also ask what is fair to American families, students, taxpayers, and jobseekers. Congress now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first. We are facing the symptom of a larger problem, illegal immigration, along with the many other chronic immigration problems Washington has left unsolved. We must reform our green card system, which now favors low-skilled immigration and puts immense strain on U.S. taxpayers. We must base future immigration on merit  we want those coming into the country to be able to support themselves financially, to contribute to our economy, and to love our country and the values it stands for. Under a merit-based system, citizens will enjoy higher employment, rising wages, and a stronger middle class. Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue have introduced the RAISE Act, which would establish this merit-based system and produce lasting gains for the American People. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats in Congress to finally address all of these issues in a manner that puts the hardworking citizens of our country first. As Ive said before, we will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful Democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve. We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans. Above all else, we must remember that young Americans have dreams too. Being in government means setting priorities. Our first and highest priority in advancing immigration reform must be to improve jobs, wages and security for American workers and their families. It is now time for Congress to act! Advertisement

The president suggested in his written statement that he would have been content to leave DACA alone had it not been for the threats of legal action.

'Officials from 10 States are suing over the program, requiring my Administration to make a decision regarding its legality,' Trump said. 'The Attorney General of the United States, the Attorneys General of many states, and virtually all other top legal experts have advised that the program is unlawful and unconstitutional and cannot be successfully defended in court.'

Trump ran on a platform of 'law and order' that centered on pledges to build a wall with Mexico and deport an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants from the country.

He's softened his stance slightly since he was elected, instructing his administration to zero in on violent criminals and leaving the DACA policy in place.

Trump praised the illegal immigrants whose fates rested in his hands on Friday, telling reporters during an unrelated event, 'We think the DREAMers are terrific.'

'Great feeling for DACA,' he said at another point in the afternoon. 'We love the Dreamers. We love everybody.'

The comments suggested that Trump does not want to end the program.

Trump's phase out plan was embraced by some top Republicans on Monday and denounced by others as the beginning of a civil war within the party

MEET THE DREAMERS PROTESTING IN WASHINGTON, D.C. NAME: Deyanira Aldana AGE: 22 Deyanira Aldana, part of the group United We Dream that was protesting in front of the White House on Tuesday, came to the United States from Mexico at age 4 and grew up in New Jersey before relocating to Washington, D.C. 'When the announcement came out I cried,' she told the crowd. Aldana explained that she sobbed not only for herself, but because she has two siblings who use the DACA program, including her sister who owns a small business. 'And just to hear someone come out and say, first line of their whole entire speech is, "I'm here because the DACA program is being rescinded," right?' she told DailyMail.com, loosely quoting Attorney General Jeff Sessions. 'It was tough, it was really, really tough for me.' While difficult, the announcement today wasn't the worst case scenario, but rather the 'best,' she admitted, because of the six-month 'sunsetting option.' NAME: Paola Munoz AGE: 27 Paola Munoz heralds from Bolivia, but now works and studies marketing at the University of Maryland, living in Silver Spring, Maryland. Munoz told DailyMail.com she was impacted by the DACA decision because she currently works and pays her mom's bills. 'But I also, pretty much they impacted me because they killed our dreams, they killed my dreams, they killed what we want in the future,' she said. Munoz has been dating her boyfriend for five years and they were starting to talk about settling down in the area after she graduated from school. Now they've discussed moving to Canada. 'But right now our plan is to fight back, we have six months to keep fighting,' she said. 'Donald Trump ... won't make the bad decision of tearing us apart.' NAME: Gerson Quinteros AGE: 22 Gerson Quinteros studies computer science at the University of the District of Columbia and coaches soccer, having come to the United States from El Salvador at age eight. 'It was a day of happiness,' he said of his move to America, which reunited him with his mother. 'And now this, it's like a day of sadness.' Quinteros said he was particularly saddened by President Trump's decision to send out Attorney General Sessions to announce the news, instead of doing it himself. 'I grew up here, I don't know any other country than this,' he said. He said he fears that after six months he'll be undocumented again or worse, he'll be deported. 'It's a fear that's going to be on us always, but we have to actually have that fear and turn it into strength, if we don't fight for it we will never get anything done,' he advised. Advertisement

He said in an April said that Dreamers should 'rest easy' and told ABC News 'they shouldnt be very worried.' He also told ABC, 'I do have a big heart.'

Demonstrators surrounded Trump Tower in New York over the weekend, after reports said the president was leaning toward ending the policy. A large protest also erupted Tuesday outside the White House.

'Back up, back up, we want freedom, freedom, all these racist politicians, we don't need 'em, need 'em,' a pro-DACA group chanted at the White House Tuesday afternoon.

On the microphone was 22-year-old Deyanira Aldana, who was brought to the US from Mexico at age four and now is part of the United We Dream group, which fights for immigrant rights.

'We are here, we're fighting up against all these white supremacists, these racists, these people who just want us to be defeated,' shouted 22-year-old Deyanira Aldana, part of the United We Dream group protesting at the White House, as she encouraged the Dreamers and their allies to persevere.

Trump also received a lecture from Obama.

Writing a message on Facebook, Trump's predecessor talked about how he had wanted Congress to pass a bill that would have protected the Dreamers, but that bill never came.

'And because it made no sense to expel talented, driven, patriotic young people from the only country they know solely because of the actions of their parents, my administration acted to lift the shadow of deportation from these young people, so that they could continue to contribute to our communities and our country,' Obama explained.

Obama touted the benefits of the DACA program, which brought 900,000 young people out of the shadows, while chiding the reversal that happened today.

'To target these young people is wrong  because they have done nothing wrong,' Obama said. 'It is self-defeating  because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love.'

'And it is cruel,' Obama concluded.

Republicans and Democrats who support the illegal immigrants' ability to stay in the U.S. have blasted Trump for leading Dreamers on and then turning his back on them.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, remarked over the weekend that Trump sure does have a 'great heart,' using a claim he made during a February press conference against him.

'After teasing #Dreamers for months with talk of his "great heart," @POTUS slams door on them. Some "heart"...' she said. 'If reports of ending #DACA within 6 months are true, #Congress must work immediately to pass law protecting #Dreamers who only know the US'.

Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers said in a statement that while she disagreed with how the Obama administration went about implementing DACA, 'we must protect children who are already here in this country and those who are currently protected under DACA.'

'I'm committed to working with my colleagues in the House to establish common sense policies for children of immigrants, policies that recognize that many of these children came to our country at no fault of their own,' she said.

Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, a frequent Trump critic, said in a series of tweets that executive actions from the White House can 'have a short-shelf life and are a poor substitute for permanent, bipartisan legislation to fix our broken immigration system.'

'The ball is back in Congress' court where it belongs, and there are a lot of innocent kids counting on Congress to do its job.'

North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis announced on Twitter that he will introduce a bill 'addressing the legal status of undocumented children.'

His approach, Tillis said, 'will provide a fair and rigorous path for undocumented children to earn legal status. The path to earn legal status would require them to be employed, pursue higher education or serve in our military.'

Meanwhile, Graham, a member of the bipartisan group of senators looking overhaul the nation's immigration system, gave Trump's reported six-month phase out his blessing.

'I have always believed DACA was a presidential overreach,' Graham said in a Labor Day statement. 'However, I equally understand the plight of the Dream Act kids who -- for all practical purposes -- know no country other than America.'

The South Carolina Republican pledged that Congress would 'work to find a legislative solution to their dilemma' if Trump ultimately ends DACA.

Other Republicans, like Alabama Rep. Robert Aderholt, hinted that funding for Trump's long-promised border wall separating the U.S. from Mexico could be tied to any bill legalizing the 'DREAMers.'

'Before we can pass legislation that deals with DACA, we must first address the underlying issue, which is our lack or border security,' he tweeted.
A grieving widower from Illinois shared a heartbreaking photo of his wife, who never got to walk down the aisle in her 'dream dress'.

John Polo, 31, from Elmwood Park, shared the image of his late wife, Michelle, on Facebook as she posed in her wedding dress at an alterations fitting.

'That's my wife. In her wedding dress. A wedding dress that I never got to see her in,' he wrote in a post on August 31, which has received more than 4,000 reactions on his Facebook page Better Not Bitter Widower.

John Polo shared an image of his late wife, Michelle, on Facebook as she posed in her 'dream wedding dress' that she never got to walk down the aisle in (above)

John and Michelle (pictured) discovered in 2013 that Michelle had proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma, a rare cancer, and had a quick courthouse ceremony. The cancer returned three years later and would spread to her liver, lung, ovary, and tailbone. That's when the couple planned to have a larger, second wedding in February 2016

John told PEOPLE that the couple first met in 2002 as high school students in Illinois. They dated for a year and then broke up, only to be reunited eight years later and began dating again.

In July 2013, they discovered Michelle had proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma, a rare form of cancer than kills 50 to 70 percent of patients with five years. The Polos decided to have a quick courthouse ceremony.

The cancer returned three years later and would spread to her liver, lung, ovary, and tailbone. That's when the couple planned to have a larger, second wedding in February 2016.

Michelle didn't want John to see her in the dress until the day of their second wedding, and he still hadn't seen her wear it by the time she was bedridden.

She passed away on January 22, 2016, just 30 years old and two weeks away from the ceremony.

Michelle didn't want John to see her in the dress until the day of their second wedding, and he still hadn't seen her wear it by the time she was bedridden. She passed away on January 22, 2016, just 30 years old and two weeks away from the ceremony (pictured together)

A month after Michelle (right) died, John (left) started the blog Better Not Bitter Widower. He says writing has helped him connect with other widowers who have helped him through the grieving process

John wrote that he found the photograph a week after Michelle's death as he laid in bed and shuffled through pictures on her phone. He had no idea the picture existed, and he felt a wave of emotion when he found it.

'I was happy and devastated at the same time, but if I had to choose one emotion to describe how I felt when I saw it, it would be pride,' he wrote. 'I felt pride she was my wife.'

A month after Michelle died, John started Better Not Bitter Widower. He says writing has helped him connect with other widowers who have helped him through the grieving process.

'The blogging, and the writing, and being a part of the widow community, has saved me,' he told PEOPLE.

'As I write, it heals me, but when I read the comments from people, it is more healing knowing that it is helping them. It's extremely rewarding and humbling.'
A police officer mowed down by a car going more than 120km/h in Sydney's west is still in hospital, as the search for the hit and run driver continues.

Shocking footage of the crash shows the officer waving down a blue Mazda 3 with reflective flags and wearing a hi-vis vest on Roberts Road in Greenacre.

The car is then seen swerving dramatically to overtake a taxi and in the process takes out the policeman.

The officer tries to jump out of the way, but is struck and flips over the speeding car before it speeds off.

He stays on the ground for just a moment before pulling himself up, limping off the road and collapsing into a heap.

The man remains in Concord Hospital, with doctors running tests on his ankle, leg and knee.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Detective Inspector Katie Orr said her colleague was 'very very lucky' to have walked away with only those injuries.

Police are now turning their focus to finding the driver of the vehicle, and urging them to come forward.

As the car hits the policeman at 121km/h, he is seen flipping over the vehicle (left) before it leaves him in a heap on the road (right) and the driver does not stop

Det Insp Orr told media they had already sourced some CCTV footage of the incident and expected to find more.

She explained while it was possible they did not see the officer while travelling at such a high speed on the 70km/h road, there is no way they could have ignored the dramatic crash.

'The driver would have known they hit the officer and then continued to drive on,' she said.

'If you were the driver of the motor vehicle, I would urge you to attend your nearest police station and hand yourself in.
A Melbourne woman has wept in the dock after being jailed over a crash that led to the death of a baby born prematurely.

Personal carer Dimple Grace Thomas, 32, was supposed to turn left onto the South Gippsland Highway last year when she veered across three lanes towards a break in the median strip, hitting a car driven by Ashlea Allen, who was 28 weeks pregnant.

Baby Melarniah was born by emergency caesarean and died two days later.

Dimple Grace Thomas (right) was supposed to turn left onto the South Gippsland Highway last year when she veered across three lanes towards a break in the median strip

Thomas cried as she was jailed in the County Court on Wednesday for a minimum 15 months after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death.

Outside court, the baby's mum told reporters: 'The sentence can never take back the fact we lost our daughter.'

Judge James Parrish said Thomas knowingly disobeyed traffic signs indicating she must give way and only turn left onto the highway, putting her moral culpability 'at least mid level'.

He did not accept that she honestly believed she was allowed to perform a U-turn at the centre road strip.

Thomas hit a car driven by Ashlea Allen (above, with her partner), who was 28 weeks pregnant

The judge did not accept that Thomas honestly believed she was allowed to perform a U-turn at the centre road strip. Above, the aftermath of the crash

'I'm satisfied beyond reasonable doubt you were acting in wanton disregard to the law,' he said.

The prosecution suggested Thomas was trying to take a short cut home, but the judge was unable to make that finding.

Judge Parrish accepted Thomas was remorseful and that she risked being deported to her native India upon release. He also noted her time in custody would cause hardship to her husband and young son, but did not find the case warranted exceptional circumstances.

'The consequences of your driving have caused the death of a young baby girl. Such offending is serious,' he said, in sentencing her to two-and-a-half years jail.

The judge noted her previous unblemished driving record and good character.
Gifts from a wealthy friend or bribes?

It's the question at the center of the corruption trial of New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez and a Florida eye doctor that starts Wednesday in Newark and promises to put the very business of governing under a microscope.

Menendez and Florida ophthalmologist Dr. Salomon Melgen are charged with a conspiracy in which, prosecutors say, Menendez lobbied for Melgen's business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts.

The perks Menendez enjoyed included luxury vacations, flights on Melgen's personal plane and stays at his private villa in an exclusive Dominican Republic resort frequented by celebrities including Beyonce and Jay-Z.

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Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 6, in the trial of New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez (pictured) and Florida eye doctor Salomon Melgen

Sen. Menendez arrived Wednesday for the start of his trial along with son Robert Jr. (right) and daughter Alicia (left)

Menendez and Melgen (pictured) are charged with a conspiracy in which Menendez allegedly lobbied for Melgen's business interests in exchange for political donations and gifts

The indictment also alleges Menendez pressured State Department officials to give visas to three young women described as Melgen's girlfriends.

The men both pleaded not guilty, and Menendez has vehemently denied the allegations.

Defense lawyers say that the trips described as bribes were examples of friends vacationing together, that most of Melgen's contributions went to committees Menendez didn't control and that he didn't control the people he lobbied on Melgen's behalf.

'I'm looking forward to finally having the opportunity to seek exoneration,' Menendez said recently. 'I do believe we'll be exonerated. I did nothing wrong, and I did nothing illegal.'

Menendez is up for re-election next year. If he is convicted and steps down or is forced out of the Senate by a two-thirds majority vote before Gov. Chris Christie leaves office Jan. 16, the Republican governor would pick a successor.

While a Democrat has a large polling and financial advantage in November's election to replace Christie, the stakes are high. A Republican-led partial repeal of the Affordable Care Act might have succeeded this summer if Menendez's seat had flipped before then.

FBI agents and other law enforcement officials raided Melgen's Florida medical offices in 2013, hauling away evidence that later resulted in a Medicare fraud indictment

Melgen owns a private villa at the posh Casa de Campo resort in the Dominican Republic  a place where he feted Menendez on numerous occasions

Menendez also tried to persuade Judge William Walls to halt the trial on days the Senate holds critical votes, but he rejected the request on Friday. Walls said he wouldn't change the schedule for a 'cab driver' or 'construction worker' and wasn't doing it for the senator.

Among the gifts prosecutors say Melgen gave Menendez were flights on Melgen's private jet, vacations at Melgen's private villa in the Dominican Republic and a three-night stay at a luxury Paris hotel valued at nearly $5,000.

Melgen also directed more than $750,000 in campaign contributions to entities that supported Menendez, according to the indictment, which alleges they were inducements to get Menendez to use his influence on Melgen's behalf.

Prosecutors say that lobbying included a three-year effort to help Melgen avoid paying $8.9 million for overbilling Medicare, a meeting with an assistant secretary of state to help Melgen in a contract dispute over port screening equipment in the Dominican Republic, and helping one of Melgen's girlfriends and her sister get into the country after their visas were denied.

Melgen's sentencing in a separate Medicare fraud case has been delayed until after his trial with Menendez.

Senator Bridgegate? New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie's term expires January 16  the last day he could appoint a GOP senator to fill Menendez's place if he's convicted and expelled from Congress; and there's nothing stopping him from appointing himself if he wishes

Jurors will have to wade through complex legal concepts, including whether Menendez's interactions with executive branch officials were 'official acts' as defined under federal bribery statutes.

That will depend on how a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court decision reversing the bribery conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, is interpreted.

'This is not a black-and-white area of the law even for people who do this on a regular basis,' said Mala Ahuja Harker, a former federal prosecutor in New Jersey now working in private practice.

'I think people's gut sense of fairness is going to come into play: Does this offend their sense of the way politics is supposed to operate?'

Marvin Overby, a professor of political science at the University of Missouri, said that whether Menendez's meetings and conversations with government officials were run-of-the-mill senatorial activities or illegal attempts to help someone who had given him gifts and campaign cash goes to the central question of what constitutes corruption for lawmakers.

'The general public's sense of corruption and what is legally enforceable as corruption are often quite different,' he said.

The last sitting U.S. senator to go on trial was Republican Ted Stevens of Alaska, who was convicted of corruption charges in 2008. The conviction was overturned after a Justice Department investigation concluded prosecutors had committed misconduct.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Menendez began his career in public service in the early 1970s in New Jersey's Hudson County, an ethnically and economically diverse Democratic stronghold directly across the Hudson River from New York City.

He rose from school board member to mayor to state lawmaker to congressman before being named to replace Democrat Jon Corzine in the Senate when Corzine became governor in 2006. Christie, then New Jersey's U.S. attorney, began an investigation into Menendez's ties to a local anti-poverty group that rented office space from him at the same time he was helping it get federal funding.

Christie denied the investigation was timed to influence the 2006 election, which Menendez won with about 54 percent of the vote. The case was closed in 2011 with no charges.

Christie said last month that while he and Menendez have differed on many policy issues, he considered the Democrat 'a very strong advocate for the state' and someone who 'knows how the political system works and is a sharp-elbowed advocate for the things that he believes in.'

If Menendez's seat is filled by a Republican, the GOP will get another crack at repealing Obamacare; the last effort was stymied at the last minute by moderate Republican Sen. John McCain (pictured)

Menendez has hardly been a shrinking violet since his April 2015 indictment, and he has made a steady stream of public appearances to tout his legislative priorities and harshly criticize many of President Donald Trump's policies.

Fate in his hands: Federal Judge William Walls is presiding over the Menendez trial, which begins Wednesday in Newark, New Jersey

After U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday announced the Trump administration will wind down a program protecting young immigrants from deportation, Menendez released a statement saying Trump has 'chosen once again to cloak his presidency with a white nationalist flag instead of the diverse fabric of our multicultural American society.'

Menendez has also remained a leading voice against improved relations with Cuba and praised Trump's rollback of President Barack Obama's plan to re-establish diplomatic relations.

The indictment also hasn't stopped Menendez from receiving financial support. He has raised more than $6 million since his indictment, between his legal defense fund and campaign, according to a review of federal filings.

At a recent news conference to discuss flood insurance in a town heavily damaged by Superstorm Sandy, a middle-aged man in a T-shirt and jeans stood up and thanked Menendez for taking the time to speak directly to his constituents.

Later, Menendez spoke about the people he has represented and who have supported him since the indictment.

'They know who I am, and they know that I have for 43 years committed my entire adult life to public service and I've done it with honest and integrity,' he said. 'They know what I stand for and what I fight for.'
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A former Hasidic mother temporarily lost custody of her children after coming out as gay, according to a court ruling.

Chavie Weisberger, who lives in Brooklyn, New York, lost custody of her three children and was barred from telling her youngest child about her sexuality after she and her ex-husband divorced in 2009.

The back-and-forth began that year when she told her then husband, Naftali Weisberger, that she was attracted to women and did not want to stay married.

In court it was first decided that she could not have custody of her children because she was not complying with an agreed-upon religious upbringing clause.

That first-of-its-kind ruling was struck down in August after years of legal wrangling between the two parents.

Chavie Weisberger (pictured left) lost custody of her three children (pictured together on the right) and was barred from telling her youngest child about her sexuality after she and her ex-husband divorced in 2009

The case 'really shines a light on the tensions that exist between the secular world an an insular religious community,' top divorce lawyer Michael Stutman told the New York Post on Tuesday. He was not involved in the legal proceedings.

At the time of the divorce Chavie was given temporary custody of her three children, who were two, three and five.

But in 2012 Naftali sued her for sole custody of her children on the ground that she'd violated an agreement to raise them in a strictly religious household.

He said she 'radically changed her lifestyle' by coming out as gay and living with a transgender man, according to court papers.

Naftali also argued that his ex-wife allowed the children to watch a Christmas movie, let them do an Easter egg hunt, gave them a book about having gay parents, came out to the oldest daughter, and the cut the son's sidelocks, court documents show.

In 2015 a judge ruled that Chavie's husband would get full custody because the mother, pictured, had violated a religious upbringing clause

In 2015, after three years of back-and-forth, Brooklyn Judge Eric Prus ruled that the mother violated the ex-couple's 'religious upbringing clause' and gave the father sole legal and residential custody of their children.

The judge said the couple's divorce agreement made it so he had to 'consider the children's religious upbringing as a paramount factor in any custody agreement.'

Prus said in his ruling that Chavie would have visitation limited to only supervised face-to-faces with her children and that she had to keep her sexuality hidden from the two youngest children.

'During any period of visitation or during any appearance at the childrens' schools, the mother must practice full religious observance in accordance with the Hasidic practices of ultra Orthodoxy,' court papers say, according to the Post.

On August 16 Chavie, pictured right, appealed the ruling, and has now been granted full custody of her children again

On August 16 Chavie appealed the ruling, and has now been granted full custody of her children again.

The appeals court, which consisted of three judges, said Prus' decision violated the mother's rights and lacked any 'sound substantial basis'.

'A religious upbringing clause should not, and cannot, be enforced to the extent that it violates a parent's legitimate due-process right to express oneself freely,' court documents said.

But to keep with that clause Chavie must keep a Kosher home, and children with attend Hasidic schools and practice full religious observance wile with their father, according to the Post.

He is allowed weekend visitation and additional visits during Jewish holidays.
Tiffany Trump's team emailed the wrong Harper's magazine to get her a ticket to a New York Fashion Week party.

Reps for the First Daughter sent an email on Sunday asking if it was possible for Tiffany to score an invite to the magazine's fashion Icons event on Friday at the famed Plaza Hotel.

But instead of sending the email to the fashion magazine host Harper's Bazaar, the request was made to Harper's Magazine - the monthly publication that covers politics, culture and art.

Tiffany Trump's rep accidentally sent an email to Harper's Magazine instead of the Harper's Bazaar fashion mag asking for a party invite. She is pictured above at a NYFW event in February

'Hi, I wanted to email on behalf of the First Daughter Tiffany Trump. She is in town for NYFW and attending a few events. She would love to possibly attend the Bazaar Icons party. Please let me know if this could be accommodated,' the email read.

Giulia Melucci, the public relations rep at Harper's Magazine who received the email, simply tweeted on Tuesday night of the revelations: 'I'm perplexed.'

'I was emailed on Sunday and received a text 24 hours later,' Melucci told DailyMail.com. 'My email is hardly fashionable, it ends with .org.'

She added that the person who contacted her appeared to have ties to a fashion brand.

Kim Kardashian, Cindy Crawford and Karlie Kloss are among those expected to attend the event on Friday, which will feature The Weeknd as the special guest performer.

The First Daughter's team accidentally sent an email to Harper's Magazine (left) instead of the Harper's Bazaar (right) fashion mag who is hosting the party

Giulia Melucci, the public relations rep at Harper's Magazine who was sent the email, simply tweeted on Tuesday night of the revelations: 'I'm perplexed.'

Tiffany - President Trump's only child with his second wife Marla Maples - will be in New York fresh from starting at Georgetown Law School in Washington DC last week.

She shared a photo on Instagram of several law books, as well as a Georgetown hat and binder to announce that she had finished her first long day of school.

'1st day of Law School,' the 23-year-old wrote in the caption along with a check mark and the hashtag 'GeorgetownLaw'.

Tiffany had quite the last hurrah before heading back to school after filling her summer with trips to Europe and the Hamptons.
An Indigenous Spirit Walker's 5581km trek from Western Australia to Canberra to raise awareness for Aboriginal rights ended on a sour note with his claims Malcolm Turnbull didn't listen to him.

Clinton Pryor, 27, left Perth nearly a year ago with the intention of demanding a treaty between the Australian Government and Indigenous elders which would give them control over their communities.

He travelled from WA to the Northern Territory, before walking down to South Australia, across to Victoria, up to Sydney and then on to Canberra.

During his walk, Mr Pryor stayed in Aboriginal communities, and met with Elders across the country to discuss their issues with the intention of taking their concerns to the Prime Minister.

Pictured: Clinton Prior walks away from the Prime Minister looking disgruntled, while Malcolm Turnbull is seen smiling behind him

Mr Pryor spent nearly a year walking from Perth to Canberra, stopping in Aboriginal communities to listen to their concerns

The man and his supporters arrived at the Canberra Tent Embassy on Sunday, where they were visited by MPs and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.

On Wednesday, Mr Pryor and other Aboriginal Elders met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, where Mr Pryor intended to present the demands of the Indigenous community.

All did not go to plan though, with the 27-year-old walking away saying he felt 'disrespected' by the Prime Minister and Nigel Scullion, the Minister for Indigenous Affairs.

A picture shared to Mr Pryor's social media accounts shows him pushing his way past the media scrum, dressed in a possum-fur coat and a knitted beanie as Mr Turnbull smiles for the cameras.

Mr Pryor's first issue was about where they would meet with Mr Turnbull - with the Aboriginal group requesting a meeting at the Tent Embassy, and the Prime Minister preferring somewhere more secluded.

'Unlike other members of Parliament, Mr Turnbull not only refused to come and meet with Aboriginal Elders at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, but also refused to walk even a few steps outside of Parliament to meet in the Parliamentary Forecourt - despite Clinton having walked seven million steps to get here,' a statement from his spokesperson said.

'Instead, Mr Turnbull forced Clinton and the Elders to go through security checks and into his private Prime Minister's forecourt in order to have any meeting.'

Though Mr Pryor's spokesperson claims he 'turned his back and walked away,rather than continue listening to the Prime Minister', it is understood the PMs office believe the meeting ended amicably

Mr Pryor, 27, said he felt 'disrespected' by the Prime Minister and Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion

The group were then angered by Mr Turnbull and Mr Scullion's attempts to disagree with them, which they felt were disrespectful.

'At the meeting, a spokesperson for Clinton and the Elders attempted to read out a statement of demands as was shared with other MPs and subsequently tabled in Parliament yesterday,' the spokesperson said.

'During this process both the Prime Minister and the Minister for Indigenous Affairs were disrespectful - speaking over the top of Aboriginal Elders to defend unfair policies - rather than listening respectfully.'

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister says while Mr Turnbull was 'interested to hear their perspective, but respectfully disagreed with several of the matters raised'.

Pictured: The list of demands Mr Pryor presented to Mr Turnbull at their meeting on Wednesday

Mr Pryor and his supporters arrived at the Canberra Tent Embassy on Sunday, where they were visited by MPs and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten (pictured outside Parliament with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten on Tuesday).

Mr Pryor and his group were fighting the forced closure of Aboriginal communities, and the use of the cashless welfare card, and demanding a treaty between the Government and Aboriginal Elders

Mr Pryor and his group were fighting the forced closure of Aboriginal communities, but Mr Turnbull's spokesperson claimed one such community, the Swan Valley Noongar Settlement, was closed in 2003 due to 'disturbing reports of violence and sexual abuse'.

And while Mr Pryor chided the Prime Minister for the cashless welfare card, which disallows users to withdraw large amounts of cash or use the card for gambling or alcohol, Mr Turnbull's office referred to it as 'an exercise in practical love'.

Mr Pryor's spokesperson claimed: 'The Spirit Walker felt so disrespected by the Prime Minister and his entourage that he chose to turn his back and walk away, rather than continue listening to the PM attempting to defend the ongoing unfair and unjust treatment of Aboriginal people in this country'.

It is understood the Prime Ministers Office believe the meeting ended amicably and with both parties departing at the same time.

Aboriginal Elders are expected to meet with the Prime Minister again on November 4.
The defamation lawsuit that Richard Simmons just lost has left the longtime fitness guru with huge legal bills.

Simmons sued American Media Inc. in May after the National Enquirer published a front page story last year saying he was transitioning into a woman.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Gregory Keosian issued his ruling over the weekend dismissing the case, arguing that it was not defamatory to call someone transgender.

Simmons could now potentially have to pay the National Enquirer's legal expenses, according to the judge's order.

According to Page Six, those fees could run into 'hundreds of thousands of dollars.'

Simmons sued American Media Inc. in May after the National Enquirer published a front page story last year saying he was transitioning into a woman

In June of 2016 the National Enquirer published this cover which claimed Simmons was living out of the public eye because he was transitioning and that he is 'now a woman'

The judge said last Wednesday prior to his ruling that identifying an individual as transgender may not necessarily expose them to 'hatred, contempt or ridicule' and would not be considered defamatory in nature, according to a TMZ report.

'While, as a practical matter, the characteristic may be held in contempt by a portion of the population, the court will not validate those prejudices by legally recognizing them,' the judge added.

Simmons, 69, plans to appeal to the tentative ruling, his lawyer, Neville Johnson told TMZ, after the pair received the devastating news.

Simmons previously confirmed that he is not transgender and even created a pointed list of reasons why in an ongoing explosive lawsuit with the publishing company.

The comedian has been living as a recluse for years, and the June 2016 article claimed his transition was the reason why. The magazine also published claims that Simmons had a 'boob job' and 'castration surgery.'

Simmons filed legal documents on August 20 outlining why the story is wrong, starting with the straightforward statement: 'I am a male.'

Simmons filed his suit against the Enquirer and parent company American Media in May 2017. He is pictured in 2013 before he went into hiding

Simmons with his now former assistant Mauro Oliveira. Oliveira says he sold info and photos of his former boss to a story peddler, but says he never gave info saying Simmons is now a woman

In the filing, Simmons countered the June 2016 cover story with other reasons he says he is not transgender.

The filing reads: 'I am not transgender. I have never sought to obtain any medical treatment or procedure designed to transition from male to female.'

Simmons also said he has never had breast implant surgery, and he never 'consulted with any medical professional regarding sex reassignment surgery.'

The magazine's cover at issue exclaimed: 'Richard Simmons: He's now a woman!' The front page piece shows what appears to be Simmons lying down in make-up and a wig.

Simmons' legal team had filed a sworn statement by his former assistant who admits he sold photos of Simmons to the magazine and gave a two-hour interview, but never gave information that would have amounted to the cover's headline.

Mauro Oliveira confessed he sold photos of Simmons dressed as a woman and gave a two-hour interview to a story broker about his former boss in May 2016.

'Although I may have said that Richard Simmons's chest looks like the chest of someone who might be on hormones as well as stating that Richard Simmons told me that he sometimes feels like someone is trapped inside his body, I never stated that Richard Simmons is now a woman, had breast implants or had a sex-change surgery,' he said in his signed declaration, according to the Daily News.

Oliveira also said when he saw the Enquirer's cover, he was 'shocked and disturbed.'

Once a familiar face on TV, Simmons has been holed up inside his Los Angeles mansion for the last 42 months aside from going to the hospital for four days in April.

Richard Simmons is seen for the first time in years on April 20, as her returns to his home in the Hollywood,CA hills after a four day hospital stay. He remained hidden under a blanket

Simmons says he takes issue with the magazine's claims that he had a 'boob job' and 'castration surgery'

His admission to hospital for treatment of indigestion is thought to be the first time he has left home in three years.

The aerobics actor had spent four days inside Cedars Sinai hospital in Beverly Hills where he was being treated for indigestion.

Even when he was seen briefly out in April, Simmons kept hidden under a blanket in the backseat of a Mercedes car driven by his long-term housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, on the way back to his LA home.

When Simmons originally filed his suit against the Enquirer's parent company, American Media defended the cover story saying that it was not an insult to call someone transgender.

Simmons addressed his support of the transgender community, while still taking issue with the report published in the Enquirer.

'I fully support transgender individuals and their struggle to achieve acceptance and equality. Nonetheless, the false and fabricated claims that I was contemplating 'castration' and have had a 'boob job' have caused me extreme embarrassment.'
Career adviser and resources teacher David Croxon has had his sentence cut in half after a court found the original judge had erred

A career adviser who molested one of his students in the school staff room when she wanted help with her resume has had his jail term cut virtually in half.

David Reginald Croxon, a teacher at Shoalhaven High School on the New South Wales south coast, was sentenced to 11 years and five months imprisonment last September.

But after an appeal, a court on Wednesday found the original judge had erred in accumulating Croxon's sentence and hit him with a new jail term of five years and 11 months.

The new sentence was 52 per cent of his original term.

The court heard in December 2014 a teenage student asked Croxon for help compiling her resume for a summer holiday job.

The teacher was known for making his students toast as a 'special treat' and the 15-year-old asked him if she could have some.

The teacher brought her into the staff room when all the staff had left, popped the toaster on and shut the door.

'DAVE SXY': Croxon, pictured, later sent her an email saying: 'Hey it's Dave you did something naughty with last Friday'

As she buttered her bread, the court was told he came up behind her and groped her private parts.

After the young woman told him 'no' and went to leave, Croxon panicked and said: 'I swear to God if you tell anyone I'll kill myself, I'll lose my kids and stuff, my house'.

But his indecent behaviour didn't stop there.

The court heard during the school holidays Croxon sent her an email from an account titled 'DAVE SXY'.

He wrote: 'Hey it's Dave you did something naughty with last Friday'.

And months later, back at school, he molested her again.

'I know this is wrong but I just want a taste,' he said.

He asked her to return to him next period, but she claimed she had a test - and ran crying to a friend.

The court heard the two students went to the deputy principal sobbing - with the victim expressing her fear that 'no one will believe me'.

David Croxon's victim (not pictured) believed her teacher was 'well known and well liked'

Croxon was the career adviser and resources teacher at Shoalhaven High School

The victim had believed Croxon was 'well known and well liked, because he was more like a kid who would joke and talk'.

The teacher pleaded guilty to charges of performing an indecent act and sexual intercourse in circumstances of aggravation.

In a pre-sentence report, he admitted what he did was 'legally and morally wrong' but claimed the victim would 'come down and flirt with me' before the offences.

The Appeals Court re-sentenced Croxon to a minimum four-and-a-half years behind bars, with an additional term of one year and five months.

He will be eligible for release on August 25, 2019.
A motorist caught by police driving his car while sitting on a mattress admitted to an officer that he'd recently had his license disqualified.

The 30-year-old and his passenger were found sitting in the car stripped completely of chairs after being pulled over, leaving police astonished.

Video released by Queensland Police shows the man lighting up a cigarette minutes after being pulled over, before pointing out to officers that despite not having seats he did have a 'seat belt... that's the main thing isn't it?'.

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Queensland officers have released images of the vehicle belonging to a 30-year-old man who was stopped illegally driving

After earlier releasing photographs showing the chair-less car and makeshift rolled up foam mattresses, the video gives further insight into police's amazing discovery.

Pulled over by police on Wednesday in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane both the driver and his female passenger were initially asked: 'What's the go with the seat?'.

On top of having no seats installed, the car is almost completely hollowed out.

Side panels on the doors have been ripped out and most of the console has been removed exposing electrical wires.

It appears the man and his passenger may have been travelling or living in the car, with a plastic box and a large bag of clothing also visible.

Under Queensland law, removing seats must comply with safety regulations.

They found the car stripped of chairs, with the driver and his passenger sitting on rolled up foam mattresses

'Vehicles with the permanent removal of seating structures must be approved by an Approved Person and a Modification Plate must be fitted for the reduction in seating capacity,' QLD government legislation documents say.

'The vehicle modifier/operator is responsible for ensuring that the safety of the vehicle is maintained and that all seats, when being re-installed, are re-installed in accordance with relevant standards and recognised automotive practice.'

It is unlikely rolled up mattresses would fit under the approval of safety standards.

The man was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and driving of a vehicle without a licence. He will appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on October 16.
The heartbroken biological father of a toddler murdered by her mother who stamped on her chest until her heart ripped blames social services for not saving his 'beautiful' daughter.

Ricky Booth, 23, believes Ayeeshia-Jayne Smith was 'let down' by Derbyshire County Council and reported injuries she suffered to social workers but claimed they 'weren't interested'.

Her family say she should still be alive today after a serious case review examining her death laid bare how she was failed by the authorities.

Speaking for the first time Mr Booth, who also catalogued his daughter's cuts and bruises in a series of shocking photographs, said: 'Ill always remember her as the perfect little girl she was.

Ayeeshia's grandmother Tracey Bodell told Good Morning Britain: 'If they [social services] did the right things at the time she would still be with us now.

Ricky Booth, 23, believes his daughter Ayeeshia-Jayne Smith was 'let down' by Derbyshire social services and twice reported injuries she had suffered to social workers but claimed they 'weren't interested'

Ayeeshia's grandmother Tracey Bodell (left) told Good Morning Britain: 'If they [social services] did the right things at the time she would still be with us now

The 21-month-old was repeatedly let down by Derbyshire County Council social services before her violent death at the hands of Kathryn Smith in 2014.

Smith was jailed for a minimum of 19 years last year and her boyfriend Matthew Rigby was jailed for three years and six months for his 'failure to act' to stop her.

Kathryn Smith was jailed for a minimum of 19 years last year for murdering her daughter under the noses of social services

A serious case review examining her death was released today and said social workers 'missed danger signs' about Ayeeshia's safety - but the report also claims the murder could not have been predicted.

The emaciated toddler, who weighed just 20lbs when she died, was attacked with such force she suffered a fatal heart injury, three broken ribs and bit through her own tongue.

Derbyshire County Council knew of drug use, violence and child neglect at the home where the toddler lived but mother and daughter were kept together until she died in May 2014 because her needs 'overshadowed' Ayeeshia's.

'AJ', as her loved ones called her, had been taken into foster care where she put on weight, started using words and her hair grew back.

But she was then given back to her mother because care professionals believed her parenting skills were 'more than adequate', the report said.

In a shocking case with echoes of the Baby P tragedy, the child's biological father Ricky Booth twice reported injuries she had suffered to social workers but claimed they 'weren't interested'.

Derbyshire Council pledged to investigate after Ayeeshia's father Ricky Booth, 23, said she had been 'let down' by the system - but the publication of its serious case review was delayed by more than a year

The serious case review, which identified those involved by initials, said all agencies concerned with the family had been 'inclined to take what (Smith) said at face value'.

Ayeeshia (pictured with an injured chin by her father Ricky) collapsed at the flat in Britannia Drive, Burton-upon-Trent, after suffering a fatal heart laceration - a type of injury usually only found in crash victims

Catalogue: Ayeeshia's biological father Ricky took pictures of his child's injuries to her cheek, left, and chin, right, sustained while living with her cruel mother

A picture taken at Derby Hospital showing an injury to Ayeeshia's finger in January 2014 - doctors missed a string of non accidental injuries, the court heard

Missed chances to save Ayeeshia-Jayne Smith July 15, 2012 - Ayeeshia Jane Smith born to Kathryn Smith and biological father Ricky Booth but is allowed to go home despite fears the child would suffer 'neglect'. February 20, 2013 - Local authority keeps Ayeeshia on same safeguarding plan because of domestic violence at the family home. March/April 2013 - Further reports of domestic violence in Smith's relationship with Joshua Collier made to authorities. May 16, 2013 - Smith signs supervision order at court agreeing to move away with Ayeeshia to her mother's home in Buckinghamshire but within three weeks Smith breaches order by returning and Ayeeshia is taken into care. October 8, 2013 - Ayeeshia, who has said her first words and has put on weight, leaves foster care and returns to live with Smith. November 2013 - Smith begins relationship with Matthew Rigby January 7, 2014 - Ayeeshia taken to hospital with cut to bottom left lip and a bruise to the little finger. Doctors find a bald patch on the back of her head and diagnose child with alopecia. February 3, 2014 - Ayeeshia taken to hospital after suffering bleed on the brain caused by 'non-accidental' head injury. Doctors diagnosed her with a febrile convulsion, but an expert medical witness told the court this was unlikely and that medical tests for child abuse were not carried out. March 29, 2014 - Ayeeshia taken to hospital with laceration to inside of her lower lip. Social workers note Ayeeshia's weight falls 10kg in six weeks. April 1, 2014 - Social worker visits Smith at home where she claims she is not in a relationship with Rigby. Smith is warned that he poses a danger to her child. April 4, 2014 - Smith reports Rigby to police following domestic disturbance. He said he would burn down the house, the child's cot and plant cocaine to get Ayeeshia taken into care. April 24, 2014 - Doctors treat child for bruise to the nose, parents say she hurt herself falling from her potty. May 1, 2014 - Ambulance crews called to Britannia Way, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire, after Ayeeshia collapses. She dies later in hospital from a cardiac arrest. Medical experts say she was beaten and died. Advertisement

Social workers also saw drug use, violence and child neglect at the home where the toddler lived but mother and daughter were kept together until she died in May 2014.

Her cannabis addict mother kept drugs bought with her benefits in Ayeeshia's Tommee Tippee drinking cup, smoked the drug throughout her pregnancy and was high when she beat Ayeeshia, MailOnline revealed at the time.

The report into the youngster's death noted a number of medical incidents and minor injuries involving the toddler between January and April 2014, the most significant being hair loss and a suspected convulsion.

Smith and her daughter moved to a rented flat in Burton from an address in Derbyshire in February 2014, after an eviction notice was served for damage to the property.

The serious case review's executive summary said: 'Domestic arguments between (Smith and Rigby) led to police involvement and a growing sense of unease by professionals about once again the risks to (Ayeeshia-Jayne and Smith) of domestic violence.

'This led to a multi-agency risk assessment conference being held on 30th April 2014. The following day (Ayeeshia-Jayne) died.

'It must be acknowledged that, whilst some risk elements were recognised, in the months leading up to the (Ayeeshia-Jayne's) death, it would appear the violence between (Smith) and her then partner was escalating, yet being minimised by her.

'Professionals made much of the positive relationship observed between (Smith) and her child and this appeared to lead, at times, to a prevailing sense of optimism and a lack of professional curiosity about the current partner, violent incidents, drug use and his care history and background.'

The report said the decision to draw up a child protection plan at birth had been appropriate but professionals then became too focused on the needs of Smith as a potential victim of domestic abuse.

Experts said her injuries were so severe she resembled a high-speed car crash victim, and previous bruises, wounds and even a brain injury was missed by doctors who examined her before she died.

Social services had been supervising Ayeeshia and she was taken away from Smith for five months and placed with foster carers, during which time she gained weight and her health improved.

But she was given back to her mother seven months before her death following a 'positive risk assessment'.

It was one of a series of missed opportunities by social services to save the little girl.

Squallor: Smith and Rigby's bed with a drug filled Tommee Tippee cup and an ashtray lying on the floor next to it

Home: Ayeeshia's small bed photographed after her death with no mattress and toys piled next to it

Abuse: This is the Tommee Tippee cup belonging to Ayeeshia, used by her mother to store her cannabis (pictured), which she paid for using her benefits

Social workers discussed taking Ayeeshia into care again three weeks before she died, then held another meeting just 24 hours before she was killed  but did not remove the child.

Smith, 23, wept uncontrollably in the dock in April 2016 after a jury found her guilty of murdering Ayeeshia as she cried 'stop mummy, stop daddy'. Her ex-partner, Matthew Rigby, 22, was convicted of causing or allowing the child's death, but cleared of murder.

Sentencing the mother at Birmingham Crown Court in April last year, Mrs Justice Andrews told her: 'You are a devious, manipulative, selfish, young woman who would stop at nothing to get your own way.'

Ayeeshia, who was known as AJ, died from a tear to the heart which triggered a fatal heart attack on May 1, 2014.

Paramedics had been called to Smith and Rigby's maisonette, in Stretton, Burton-on-Trent, shortly after 4pm that day.

The couple were arrested when a post-mortem examination revealed her injuries.

Audio of Smith's 999 call revealed how the killer claimed Ayeeshia had a seizure and when the operator asked if she is breathing she said: 'No there's nothing, she's gone'.

In fact the mother had beaten her ribs shattered and she was missing tufts of hair when she died.

It also found she had suffered a number of previous injuries in the run up to her death, including bruises to her back and buttocks, head, neck, left eyelid and left leg, as well as a 'life-threatening bleed to the brain'.

Horrifying: A post mortem examination revealed how the toddler had injuries all over her body - and some were up to four months old

The prosecution said there was a 'consistent pattern of non-accidental bruising' which 'must have happened when one or both were looking after Ayeeshia and about which both must have known'.

Smith and Rigby, both violent drug addicts, had denied having anything to do with the child's death throughout their six-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

They initially tried to claim Ayeeshia had suffered a seizure and the child's horrific injuries were caused when they attempted CPR.

But experts said this simply was not possible.

The couple then turned on each other in the dock, with each saying the other must have been responsible for the toddler's death.

But a jury convicted Smith of murder after hearing Ayeeshia had been subjected to months of abuse before the final fatal attack. Smith was also convicted of child cruelty after the court heard she was more interested in buying cannabis than feeding her young daughter.

Ayeeshia had eaten just a yoghurt, a chocolate biscuit and a packet of Quavers on the day she died and was 'very thin', with her weight in the bottom 2 per cent for her age.

Her godmother Esta Barrett, 25, recalled visiting Ayeeshia three months before her death.

She told MailOnline: 'I had seen AJ picking food out of the rubbish bin and I told Kat who just told her off. But why would any child take food from the bin if they weren't hungry?'

Smith, who was adopted, fell pregnant in November 2011 when she was 18 but separated from Mr Booth before Ayeeshia was born.

Ayeeshia was taken into care in June 2013 amid concerns about Smith's relationship with another violent man.

The court heard that during this time in care, the little girl thrived and started to put on weight and saying a few words.

Social worker Stephen Crean told the court the decision to give Ayeeshia back to her mother was based on a 'positive risk assessment' and the fact she had attended five out of 12 sessions of a domestic abuse workshop and 'now understood what domestic abuse was'.
Tens of thousands of people would be instantly killed if North Korea targeted one of Australia's capital cities with a nuclear missile.

The rogue nation detonated a 100 kiloton bomb under a mountain over a weekend, their sixth nuclear test, just days after launching a missile over Japan's main islands.

North Korea has also threatened to send a salvo of missiles towards the US territory of Guam, escalating tensions between the regime and much of the Western world.

If North Korea were able to design a missile capable of carrying a nuclear bomb similar in power to the one detonated on Sunday, it would kill an estimated 126,000 people if dropped over Sydney

If North Korea were able to design a missile capable of carrying a nuclear bomb similar in power to the one detonated on Sunday, it would kill an estimated 126,000 people if dropped over Sydney.

North Korea has conventional missiles permanently trained on the South Korean capital Seoul, as well as what the regime says is a sophisticated hydrogen bomb that can be fitted to an intercontinental missile that can reach the US.

The hypothetical estimations predicted a large part of Sydney's city would be flattened if the bomb landed on Pitt Street Mall.

St Mary's Cathedral, Wynyard Station and Town Hall would all be destroyed, along with 126,000 lives, Nine News reported.

The publication said more people would be killed from radiation poisoning - which could affect up to 90 percent of people from Kirribilli to Balmain and the University of Sydney.

If dropped at Melbourne's Town Hall, the bomb would destroy everything from Flinders Street Station to Little Bourke Street

This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 3, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) looking at a metal casing with two bulges at an undisclosed location

North Korea has also threatened to send a salvo of missiles towards the US territory of Guam, escalating tensions between the regime and much of the Western world

Further north in Brisbane, more than 30,000 people would die, according to the predictions

People would suffer third degree burns as a result of thermal radiation radius.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, there would be a death toll of 81,000.

If dropped at Melbourne's Town Hall, the bomb would destroy everything from Flinders Street Station to Little Bourke Street.

Further north in Brisbane, more than 30,000 people would die, according to the predictions.

Adelaide: This map shows the radius of the bomb's reach if it were to hit Adelaide in Australia

Pictured: The bomb's reach if it were to hit in the centre of Darwin

Pictured: This map shows the radius of the bomb's reach if it were to hit Hobart in Australia

Australia is prioritising diplomatic and economic solutions over military alternatives when it comes to North Korea, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop insists.

At an Australia-Japan event at the Australian National University on Wednesday, Ms Bishop said a peaceful resolution to the crisis and the use of sanctions were critical.

'It would be catastrophic for there to be an outbreak of military intervention in response to a conflict on the Korean peninsula,' she told reporters.

'Sanctions will bite, and bite hard,' she said.

This April 15, 2017 picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 16, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un waving to people after the military parade in Pyongyang

This picture taken on September 3, 2017 and released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 4, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un

Responding to remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin that sanctions were counterproductive, Ms Bishop said she was 'not at all' disheartened.

'In fact, the tough comprehensive sanctions are yet to have an impact,' she said.

All five permanent members of the UN Security Council are considering additional sanctions across numerous sectors in response to North Korea's sixth illegal, and most powerful, nuclear test last Sunday.

Ms Bishop downplayed the notion that bombastic rhetoric from US President Donald Trump against the rogue regime was only fanning the flames.

'The president has adopted forthright and frank language but the policy remains the collective strategy of a number of nations,' she said.

This undated picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 2, 2017 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) looking at a metal casing with two bulges at an undisclosed location

Responsibility for the crisis lay unquestionably with North Korea.

Ms Bishop said Australian and Japanese voices in the region were especially important in maintaining the international rules based order in the face of regional challenges.

'The case for the international rules based order needs to be made and remade at a time when alternative approaches... are on the rise,' she said.

Japanese ambassador Sumio Kusaka said the current climate in the Asia-Pacific was serious and demanded close attention.

'Our strong relationship is more important than ever to maintaining a stable and prosperous region,' he said.

'It is absolutely necessary to exert maximum pressure and impose the strongest possible sanctions against North Korea to further prevent dangerous and reckless action.'

Japan is also one of Australia's largest trading partners, and its fourth largest source of foreign direct investment.
At least 1400 current and former Manus Island detainees will be paid their share of $70 million in compensation before the centre closes next month.

Some detainees believed the settlement was not enough but a Victorian Supreme Court judge concluded it was a fair and reasonable sum.

Justice Cameron Macaulay on Wednesday approved the $70 million class action settlement with the Australian government and operators of the Manus Island Regional Processing Centre.

More than 1000 Manus Island Asylum seekers (pictured) will receive a share in $70 million

At least 1400 current and former Manus Island detainees will be paid in compensation

Slater and Gordon lawyers (pictured) hope the compensation will be paid before centre closes

'I am comfortably satisfied that a figure of $70 million to be distributed without deduction of costs amongst participating group members is a fair and reasonable sum,' he said.

'My degree of satisfaction is not merely marginal but is reached with a strong degree of conviction.'

The judge said the settlement was a marked discount on the highest award the group members could have received if all had gone their way in a lengthy and complex trial.

But he said the collective weight of the risks involved justified securing a fair and reasonable compromise, thereby avoiding the prospect of loss or a significantly inferior outcome.

Legal firm Slater and Gordon hopes to get the compensation paid to the class action group members before the centre closes at the end of October.

Its practice group leader Rory Walsh said the settlement delivered a medium of justice for the detainees.

The taxpayer funded multi-million dollar figure has been described as fair and reasonable

The multi-million dollar class action will deliver 'medium level of justice' to the asylum seekers

'These detainees came to Australia seeking refuge and protection. This was denied by successive Commonwealth governments,' he told reporters.

Mr Walsh said the settlement put an end to the 'fiction' that the Australian government does not have a duty of care to the detainees held in the offshore immigration detention centre in Papua New Guinea.

'We think that fiction is now at an end and the Commonwealth has a duty to these people and ought discharge that duty by treating them fairly.'

The $70 million ends the 'fiction' that the Australian government does not have a duty of care to the detainees (pictured) held in the offshore immigration detention centre

Salter and Gordon lawyers said the settlement delivered a medium of justice for the detainees

Lawyer Rory Walsh said had the case been determined under Australian rather than PNG law, the amount of damages would have been two to three times higher

About 800 detainees remain in the centre, facing uncertain future once closed by October 31

So far 1383 of the 1923 group members in class action registered to get share of the money

Mr Walsh said more were expected to sign up before the October 13 registration deadline

Mr Walsh said had the case been determined under Australian rather than PNG law, the amount of damages would have been two to three times higher.

He said the settlement outcome was in the best interests of the class action group.

'The result that has been achieved in this case - against significant odds - will allow meaningful compensation to be paid to group members much more quickly than would otherwise have been the case.'

About 800 detainees remain in the centre, facing an uncertain future once it closes by October 31. Some are expected to be resettled as part of Australia's deal with the US.

So far 1383 of the 1923 group members in the class action have registered to get their share of the compensation.

Mr Walsh said many more were expected to sign up before the October 13 registration deadline.

Objections raised with the court included that the compensation was too low and the settlement did not resolve the ongoing plight of those who remain on Manus or whose claims for refugee status are still to be determined.

Most of the objectors also registered to participate in the settlement should it be approved.

No money can be paid until the end of a 28-day appeal period, which begins with the court approval.

The government and centre operators settled the class action for $70 million, plus $20 million in costs, without any admission of liability.
Longtime Pennsylvania death row inmate, who was convicted of killing a police officer and three other people in an eight-day span in 1979, has died of natural causes.

Michael Travaglia, 59, died on Monday at a Washington County hospital, according to the state's Department of Corrections.

Travaglia and John Lesko were both sentenced to death by a jury but have been appealing their convictions in federal and state courts for the past 30 years.

Pennsylvania death row inmate Michael Travaglia (L) who was convicted of killing a police officer and three other people in an eight-day span has died of natural causes. On the right is his accomplice John Lesko who is still on death row

Authorities say the duo killed Apollo police officer Leonard Miller and three other civilians during their so-called 'kill for thrill' eight-day spree.

They killed Apollo Miller on January 3, 1980, and civilians Peter Levato on December 27, 1979, Marlene Sue Newcomer on January 1, 1980, and William Nicholls on January 2, 1980.

Travaglia was being held at a prison in Greene County, while Lesko still remains on death row.

They picked up Levato at a strip club and tortured him during a drive out to the Loyalhanna Dam, where they eventually shot and killed him.

A few days later the men were hitchhiking and happened to be picked up by 26-year-old Newcomer - her body was later found in a Pittsburgh parking garage.

32-year-old church organist Nicholls was drowned by Lesko and Travaglia in an Indiana County lake.

After these three murders Travaglia and Lesko shot dead officer Miller after returning from an icy Indiana County lake in early January.

Officer Miller was a mere 21-years-old when he was shot dead, after being on the job for only three days.

One of the victims pictured here - Apollo police officer Leonard Miller was a mere 21-years-old when he was shot dead, after being on the job for only three days

Former Apollo Mayor William Kerr said in a statement Tuesday: 'Leonard Miller paid the ultimate sacrifice at the hands of Michael Travaglia, a stone-cold murderer,' according to TribLive.

'Michael Travaglia professed to be a born-again Christian, and it is my hope Michael Travaglia will ask Leonard Miller for forgiveness.'

Travaglia's defense attorney Jeff Miller said that Travaglia was a changed man and different to his killer reputation.

'I realize it is difficult for people to hear about all the crimes for which he had been convicted, but they don't have contact with him. It's easy for people to forget there are folks he loved and that he was loved by people,' Miller said.

'I hope (Travaglia's death) gives peace to everyone,' Miller said.

'Not only to the people who wanted to see him dead, but to those who loved him and gave him fulfillment in his life.'

After the tragic four murders committed by Travaglia and Lesko, they were caught in Downtown Pittsburgh by a group of detectives, including Allegheny County Sheriff William Mullen.

'These guys were, obviously, very violent, and they really were very cocky,' said Sheriff Mullen, according to KDKA-TV.

'I was with these veteran detectives, and I was fortunate to be with them,' Mullen said.

Travaglia died Monday of natural causes that were the result of an illness at a Washington County hospital (pictured here), according to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

'We were over by a car. He thought this guy had a gun on him. He did have a gun on him. He then told us that he got the gun from some people up in the Edison who had just killed a cop,' he concluded.

'We looked in the firearm and I remember there were a couple spent casings in the firearm, which indicated that he had some credibility,' Mullen revealed.

'We went through the door where they were staying. Lesko had a firearm. He could have shot us. He didnt shoot us. He threw the firearm down.

'I took the firearm from where he had pushed it down and tried to hide the firearm. They grabbed Travaglia. He was very cocky.'
Some day in the future they will guard airports from explosives and drugs, but for now the new litter of police pups are just having fun being adorable.

The 'tiny balls of cuteness' are the newest addition to the New Zealand police force and will soon begin their special training.

Some of the Labradors may end up working in Fiji, Tonga or Samoa.

Their mum Nova was gifted to the squad by the Melbourne Border Force.

A video of the excitable pups was uploaded to Facebook on Wednesday with a message of caution advising they may cause viewers' hearts to melt.

'WARNING: Content is of an extremely cute nature. Viewers may experience moments of 'Awwws' 'Oooohs' 'OMGs' and love heart Emojis,' the post read.

An excitable litter of adorable puppies are the newest addition to the New Zealand police force after their mum Nova was gifted by the Melbourne Border Force

The adorable pups featured in a cute video shared to the New Zealand Police Facebook page on Wednesday

The force also apologised in advance for any potential harm caused to digital devices as a result of excessive admiration.

'NZ Police take no responsibility for phones or computers damaged by drooling,' they said.

Bold text written across the video stated the pups were only five weeks old and they belonged to the 'I' litter.

The little labs' mum, Nova, was gifted to the squad by the Melbourne Border Force

The video included a message of caution advising they may cause viewers' hearts to melt

'NZ police don't just have German shepherds...we also have labradors,' they wrote.

Adding: 'say hello to the 'I' litter police labs!'.

They disclosed the pups would go on to become 'either explosive or drug detector dogs,' but it didn't take long before a follower added their own comical spin.

'Hope they're going to be explosives dogs, not explosive dogs,' they wrote.

'NZ Police take no responsibility for phones or computers damaged by drooling,' they wrote

The video stated the pups were only five weeks old and they belonged to the 'I' litter
Have you checked your lottery tickets? A mystery winner is yet to come forward to claim a massive $30million prize.

Last night's Oz Lotto jackpot has been won by someone who bought a ticket during the last five days and may be unaware of their huge windfall.

The winning ticket holder scooped the entire division one draw number 1229 but their identity remains unknown as the ticket was an unregistered purchase.

Have you checked your lottery tickets? A mystery winner is yet to come forward to claim a massive $30million prize (pictured is a stock image of store selling lottery tickets)

People are being urged to check their tickets for the winning numbers 16, 45, 4, 35, 8, 28 and 27 and supplementary numbers 22 and 34, The Courier Mail reported.

The ticket was bought somewhere on Queensland's Fraser Coast, and comes after a woman from Hervey Bay collected $1.6million in the Saturday Gold Lotto $20 Million Superdraw.

Golden Casket spokesperson Matt Hart says the prize claim process can get underway as soon as the lucky winner comes forward.

Last night's Oz Lotto jackpot has been won by someone who bought a ticket during the last five days and may be unaware of their huge windfall (stock image)

'It's hard to believe, but someone out there woke up this morning a multi-millionaire - but they may not know it yet!' he said.

The region where the ticket was sold has been lucky for lottery entrants, being home to Australia's biggest ever individual win.

A Hervey Bay couple walked away with $70million after winning the division one Powerball jackpot in January 2016.
Shocking CCTV footage shows a huge brawl kicking off on the street outside a trendy city centre nightclub after some of the men had been refused entry.

The video captures violence erupting outside Black Dog Ballroom in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

The fighting started when half of a group of men were refused entry to the venue on Church Street, according to Greater Manchester Police.

The clip shows scuffling and punches being exchanged before one man in a t-shirt aims a right hook at one of the others, sending him crashing to the ground.

A group of men started fighting outside a trendy nightclub in Manchester city centre

Some of the men had been refused entry to the nightclub and violent quickly erupted on the street

It prompts a brief stand-off before other men then throw punches as the man who had been felled slowly gets back to his feet.

At one point another man appears to use his belt as a weapon, whipping others.

A security officer can be seen trying in vain to keeping the warring groups apart during the spat, which happened after 1.20am on Saturday, July 1.

Detectives have interviewed a 24-year-old man under caution in connection with the incident but are still appealing for information and witnesses to come forward.

In a fresh appeal on Tuesday, police said a number of men had been assaulted.

Officers are particularly keen to speak to a man circled in the footage, who is seen punching his victim to the ground.

Officers want to speak to the man who has been circled and are appealing for witnesses to come forward

The clip shows scuffling and punches being exchanged before one man in a t-shirt aims a right hook at one of the others

Det Con Kate Grundy, of GMP 's City of Manchester Team, said: 'I'm particularly interested in speaking to the man circled in the footage but urge anyone else who is shown in that footage or anyone who knows them to get in contact with me.

'Violence is never the answer and should not be used as a reaction to any circumstances, particularly as it puts lives and the safety of others in danger.

'If you know the people in this footage, please call it in - you can even do this anonymously - but please, make sure you do it.'

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4275 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Two men have been found guilty over the death and violent sexual assault of Lynette Daley on a remote northern NSW beach nearly seven years ago.

Ms Daley, 33, died from injuries sustained in the 'wild sex session' with her 'on-again-off-again' boyfriend Adrian Attwater, 42, and his friend Paul Maris, 47, on a 2011 Australia Day camping trip to Ten Mile Beach.

Following a five-week trial at the Coffs Harbour Supreme Court, a jury on Wednesday found Attwater guilty of manslaughter and aggravated sexual assault, and Maris guilty of aggravated sexual assault and hindering the discovery of evidence.

Lynette Daley, 33, died following a violent sex session with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Adrian Attwater, 42, and friend Paul Maris, 47

Adrian Attwater, 42 (pictured left) and Paul Eric Maris, 47, were found guilty of playing a role in Ms Daley's death

The trial heard the trio had been drinking heavily and driving up and down the beach in Maris' troop carrier.

At one point Attwatter and a blind drunk Ms Daley got on a mattress in the back of the vehicle where he 'repeatedly and vigorously' sexually assaulted her, the trial heard.

Maris then joined in with a sex act at Attwater's invitation.

The court heard Attwater only stopped the assault when he noticed blood on his hand.

Maris later burnt Ms Daley's bra and the bloodstained mattress 'because it stank'.

An autopsy revealed the extensive injuries to Ms Daley (pictured left and right) caused significant blood loss

Attwater claimed Ms Daley had a fit or seizure in the ocean when she went for a swim while naked and he performed CPR after dragging her back to shore.

But the Crown said that was a lie and Ms Daley was likely dead or dying when she was dragged into the ocean so Attwater could wash blood off her before calling triple-zero.

An autopsy revealed the extensive injuries to Ms Daley caused significant blood loss.
Equal-rights activists have criticised an exclusive club made up of Sydney's elite after an image of a meeting was shared on social media.

GroupM Director Timothy Whitfield posted the photo with eight other influential media men at a drinks at the Glenmore Hotel in The Rocks.

The shot was titled 'Gentleman's Gin Club' and posted through Mr Whitfield's Facebook page, which has now been deleted.

In responding to angry comments accusing the group of excluding women, Mr Whitfield described himself as a 'HUGE feminist'.

Equal-rights activists have criticised an exclusive club made up of Sydney's elite after an image of a meeting was shared on social media

In responding to angry comments accusing the group of excluding women, Mr Whitfield described himself as a 'HUGE feminist'

The 'Gentleman's Gin Club' is made up of nine men, including Mr Whitfield.

Director at RadiumOne Adam Furness, PubMaric manager Peter Barry, SpotX manager Christopher Blok, Sizmek manager Imran Masood, Celtra director Peter Bray, former Amobee official Matt Hunt, ComScore sales boss Adam Natiq and Cadreon director Patrick Darcy were also in the group.

The post appeared on August 5 and attracted comments suggesting the group was excluding women.

'Yeah guys, does it have to be a gentleman's club? I love gin! Would be happy to join you guys next time.' a woman replied to the post.

Mr Whitfield responded to the woman, saying he was a 'HUGE feminist' and says he believes in diversity in 'all types.'

Mr Whitfield (pictured) responded to the woman, saying he was a 'HUGE feminist' and says he believes in diversity in 'all types.

'I hear your point but this was a Gent's club by design. I think that Gender diversity issues arise when an event is supposed to be 50/50 by design but ends up being skewed to just blokes or just women,' Mr Whitfield said.

'I'm a HUGE feminist as I have a 19 yo daughter and after living in Sweden for many years I TRUELY believe in diversity of all types.'

'But I would expect to see women in women's groups like (WID, Women in Media etc) and I would expect to see men in mens clubs. Nothing wrong with that. Make sense?'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Whitfield for comment.

Mr Furness told Mumbrella there were no plans for the group to meet again.

The woman commenting on Mr Whitfield's post also said her initial comment was tongue-in-cheek but that it was an important issue to discuss.

'It does raise the point of why men's only events are even necessary at a point in time where we are all so focused on diversity,' she told Mumbrella.


A Rohingya woman has had her leg blown off by a landmine while fleeing Myanmar as the country plants explosives at its border with Bangladesh to prevent the return of the stateless minority, government sources in Dhaka claimed.

As the news of the refugees being maimed filtered through to Indonesia, protesting Islamists in Jakarta chanted 'Allahu Akbar' and demanded punishment for Myanmar as rallies popped up across the globe.

Bangladesh will today formally lodge a protest against the laying of land mines so close to the border as the number of Rohingyas fleeing Myanmar amid clashes between insurgents and the army reached 146,000.

An injured elderly woman and her relatives rush to a hospital on an rickshaw, near the border town of Kutupalong, Bangladesh, on Monday, after her leg was blown off

The Rohingya woman encountered a landmine that blew off the right leg while trying to cross into Bangladesh

Indonesian demonstrators are seen through barbed wire during an anti-Myanmar rally nearby its embassy in Jakarta on September 6, 2017

Indonesian Muslims protest outside the Myanmar embassy in Jakarta with some shouting 'Allahu Akbar'

A source, who asked not to be named, said: 'They are putting the landmines in their territory along the barbed-wire fence.

'Our forces have also seen three to four groups working near the barbed wire fence, putting something into the ground.

'We then confirmed with our informers that they were laying land mines.'

The sources did not clarify if the groups were in uniform, but added that they were sure they were not Rohingya insurgents.

One of those who fell victim to the mines was a woman whose leg was mutilated as she tried to cross the border.

Myanmar army has not commented on the blasts near the border and the silence has added fuel to the fire.

Global protests in Chechnya, Indonesia, Pakistan, Germany and Australia have all condemned the latest developments.

Rohingya Muslims walk towards Bangladesh after crossing the border at night

Violence erupted in Myanmar's Rakhine state on August 25 when the country's security forces launched an operation against the Rohingya Muslim community

ndonesian Muslims stage a demonstration outside the Embassy of Myanmar in Jakarta condemning the Myanmar army's military operations and oppression towards Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State of Myanmar

Tens of thousands of demonstrators fill the streets and hold a giant Islamic flag aloft

Indonesian Muslims hold banners and shout slogans during a protest outside the Embassy of Myanmar in Jakarta. While some protesters chanted 'Allahu Akbar', meaning God is great, others shouted slogans such as 'Slaughter Myanmar' and 'Burn the embassy'

Thousands of Indonesians, led by Islamist groups, held the rally near the Myanmar embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday to protest against the treatment of Rohingya Muslims and demand the snapping of ties between the two countries.

While some protesters chanted 'Allahu Akbar', meaning God is great, others shouted slogans such as 'Slaughter Myanmar' and 'Burn the embassy'.

A woman holds a placard reading 'Stop Rohingya Genocide'

Indonesia has the world's largest population of Muslims and there have been several anti-Myanmar protests in Jakarta and the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur over the treatment of Buddhist-majority Myanmar's roughly 1.1million Rohingyas.

Roads were blocked and barbed wire barriers put up around the embassy, in a leafy district of the capital, which was patrolled by police in riot gear who set up water cannons.

Around 146,000 Rohingyas have been forced to flee clashes between Rohingya insurgents and the army in Myanmar's northwestern state of Rakhine.

Tens of thousands have crossed the border into neighbouring Bangladesh.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi met Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and top security officials this week to urge a halt to the bloodshed. Marsudi also visited Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh on Tuesday, to offer help in tackling the crisis.

Some protesters at the Jakarta rally called for the expulsion of the Myanmar ambassador over the issue, as well as for diplomatic ties between the two countries to be severed.

Myanmar embassy staff would be safe, however, said a foreign ministry spokesman, Armanatha Nasir.

'It is the responsibility of the host countries to ensure the safety of all diplomatic missions and their personnel,' the spokesman said. 'Indonesia takes this responsibility seriously.'

At the weekend, a petrol bomb was thrown at the embassy causing a small fire.

Indonesian police have also pledged to bar Islamist groups from staging a rally on Friday at the Borobudur Buddhist temple in central Java to protest against the treatment of Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims.
The food crisis in Venezuela has forced the population to butcher their pet dogs for meat, opposition party leaders claim.

Photos released this weekend show two men in the capital Caracas skinning and cutting up a dog in the street, allegedly in order to get something to eat.

Venezuela has been suffering severe food shortages for years, but the situation has worsened in the wake of the recent constitutional assembly elections, and now two thirds of families say they cannot afford meat, eggs or margarine.

Starving: Two men, allegedly photographed in Caracas this weekend, can be seen butchering a dog in the street

The images have been put out by opposition party Vente Venezuela as President Nicholas Maduro offered financial assistance to the victims of Hurricane Harvey in the U.S. to the tune of $5million (3.84million).

'While the dictatorship gives away $5 million to the United States and others are considering governorships, Venezuelans are eating dogs,' party representative Javier Chirinos tweeted.

The chaotic collapse of the country's socialist economic model has created chronic food shortages that have fuelled malnutrition and left millions seeking food anywhere they can find it, including bins or on the street.

In April this year, 11.4 per cent of of children in vulnerable areas of Venezuela were experiencing acute malnutrition, according to the Washington Post.

A third of families said they were resorting to emergency strategies such as eating from bins, having their children beg for food or selling essential items in their home.

Desperate: The graphic images were tweeted by a representative of the opposition party Vente Venezuela, claiming the men were going to eat the dog meat

No choice: The food crisis in Venezuela has forced thousands of families to eat pets, rummage through bins for food or send their children to starve in the streets

As of June, 62 per cent of families could not afford eggs, 66 per cent could not afford meat and just 34 per cent had the money to even buy margarine or cooking oil, the paper reports.

President Nicolas Maduro blames food shortages on opposition protests that have blocked streets and highways and a broader 'economic war' led by adversaries with the help of Washington.

Last month, a zoo in the city of Maracaibo near the Colombian border reported that animals were being stolen by the starving local population.

Several animals, including tapirs, a buffalo and two collared peccaries, similar in appearance to boars, were stolen in August alone.

The head of the Zulia Metropolitan Zoological Park in Maricabo said thefts in recent weeks had affected ten species.

'What we presume is that they (were taken) with the intention of eating them,' Luis Morales, an official for the Zulia division of the National Police said.
An oil embargo would do little or nothing to reduce Kim Jong-un's nuclear programme

Top of the list for new sanctions on North Korea after its sixth nuclear test is an oil embargo, which analysts say would have a crippling effect on the wider economy - but might do little to curb its weapons programmes.

And whether Pyongyang's key ally China would ever be willing to back such a move at the United Nations Security Council - where it is a veto-wielding permanent member - let alone enforce, it is also in doubt.

North Korea has little oil of its own and relies on fuel imports to keep its citizens and soldiers moving.

China is by far its biggest trading partner, responsible for around 90 percent of its commerce.

But Chinese Customs have not reported figures for crude oil exports to the North since 2014, shrouding the situation in secrecy.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says estimates suggest Pyongyang imports about 10,000 barrels of crude oil a day, almost all of it from China and going to its sole functioning refinery, the Ponghwa Chemical Factory.

At a world market price of $50 a barrel, that would be worth around $180 million a year.

In addition, according to figures from the International Trade Centre, a joint World Trade Organisation-United Nations agency, the North imported $115 million-worth of refined oil products - which could include petrol and aircraft fuel - from China last year. Another $1.7 million-worth came from Russia.

A ban on supplies would be devastating for ordinary North Koreans, the Nautilus Institute think tank said in a report.

'People will be forced to walk or not move at all, and to push buses instead of riding in them,' said the document by Peter Hayes and David von Hippel.

'There will be less light in households due to less kerosene.'

The ban will lead to 'more deforestation', they warned, as North Koreans will be forced to cut down trees to produce charcoal, leading to 'more erosion, floods and more famine' in the already impoverished country.

But Pyongyang, which embraces a 'Songun' or 'military-first' would immediately restrict supplies to private citizens, they said, and a ban would have 'little or no immediate impact' on the North's army or its missile and nuclear programmes.

The military, which uses about a third of North Korea's oil supplies, has stockpiles for at least 'a year of routine, non-wartime usage', they said, and could fight for about a month before running out of fuel.

Oh Joon, a former South Korean ambassador to the United Nations, said a suspension of oil imports would be 'fatal' to the North.

'But it won't be easy to get China to agree' to such a move, he added.

North Koreans watch a news report showing North Korea's Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile launch on electronic screen at Pyongyang station in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo taken by Kyodo August 30, 2017. They would be the ones hit by an oil embargo

At the United Nations, diplomats say the US wants to target oil, tourism and North Korean labourers sent abroad in a new set of Security Council sanctions - which would be the eighth imposed on the country.

South Korean President Moon Jae-In has called for an oil ban to be seriously considered, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has also backed stronger measures.

China is yet to be drawn, and Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed further measures as 'useless', while warning of the risk of 'global catastrophe'.

Beijing fears a collapse of the regime in Pyongyang that could send refugees fleeing over its border, and - worse - see US troops stationed on its frontier in a unified Korea.

'If oil is cut off, that risks the regime falling,' said Jean-Vincent Brisset, a researcher at the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs in Paris.

The relationship between Beijing and Pyongyang was forged in the blood of the Korean War, when Mao Zedong sent millions of 'volunteers' to fight US-led United Nations forces to a standstill.

Mao described them as close as 'lips and teeth', and China has long been accused of failing to enforce sanctions even after voting for them at the UN.

But Beijing has become increasingly exasperated with its neighbour.

Former South Korean vice foreign minister Kim Sung-han said: 'Regime collapse means China will lose all its strategic interests in having North Korea as a buffer state.'

The only way to persuade Beijing to embrace and enforce an oil ban would be if its own interests were threatened, such as by US secondary sanctions targeting its banks and businesses, he said.

'China will only consider it if it's pushed to a dead-end by the US.'

That would infuriate Pyongyang, said Wang Dong of the School of International Studies at Peking University.

'If China cuts the supplies, North Korea may show very fierce resistance,' he said. 'The situation on the peninsula would also deteriorate sharply.'
A Royal Navy rigid-hulled inflatable boat this morning chased off a Spanish Guardia Civil boat in UK waters off Gibraltar.

It did so after a Spanish patrol boat, Rio Belelle, cut across the transport vessel USNS Carson City as it entered Gibraltar.

Michael Sanchez, founder of Gibraltar Coast Watchers, said the incident had been a 'very irresponsible and reckless move by the Spanish vessel'.

He said: 'Nothing better to ruffle Spain's feathers than a visit of a US Navy ship to Gibraltar.'

A Spanish Guardia Civil boat cut across USNS Carson City as it entered Gibraltar this morning

Gibraltar Coast Watchers founder Michael J Sanchez took this picture of USNS Carson City this morning

A spokesman for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office told MailOnline: 'Earlier today, a Spanish Guardia Civil vessel conducted an innocent passage through British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. As is routine, the vessel was shadowed by the Royal Navy.

'All vessels have the right of innocent passage through another State's territorial waters, as provided by the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea. At no point was there a risk to safety.'

MailOnline have contacted the Government of Gibraltar for a comment.

USNS Carson City is the seventh Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport, currently in service with the Military Sealift Command. It was launched in June last year.

It was making its way to the Naval Base at Gibraltar at 8am this morning when the Spanish Guardia Civil launch travelling south to north cut across her path.

This required one of the Royal Navy's speedboats engaged in force protection duties to abandon the escort and chase out the Spanish vessel from Gibraltar waters.

Naval sources said the Spanish incursion appeared to have been a deliberate provocation.

One source said: 'The expectation is that the smaller boat would keep out of the bigger ships way in the approaches.

'There are rules about who gives way to what and it looks like this was done to provoke a reaction.'

There have been a number of other such incidents this year, amid rising tensions over the sovereignty of the Rock following the Brexit vote.

Last week the Royal Navy was in a 'standoff' with a Spanish police boat and a trawler in Gibraltar.

This map shows how a Royal Navy boat had to chase out a Spanish vessel that blocked the route of the USNS Carson City this morning

The Spanish trawler was fishing illegally in UK waters for third day in a row which led to several British vessels chasing off both Spanish boats after a warning.

In April this year, British vessels were forced to chase off Spanish navy ships on three separate occasions.

On April 29, the The P78 Cazadora, from the Spanish navy's Descubierta Class, deliberately entered the northern side of the Bay of Gibraltar.

Earlier that same month, on April 4 and April 1, the Royal Navy HMS Scimitar intercepted Spanish navy shop Infanta Cristina off the Gibraltar coast.

The rocky enclave at the tip of the Iberian peninsula has been a British territory - and cause of friction between the U.K. and Spain - since 1713

Last month Spain's foreign minister said his country would not block a post-Brexit agreement between the UK and European Union to push its sovereignty claim on Gibraltar.

Alfonso Dastis said Spain would not 'jeopardise' any future deal by making demands to alter the British overseas territory's status.

It comes after fears that Brussels negotiating guidelines may give Spain a veto over the Rock's inclusion in any UK-EU trade deal.

Prime Minister Theresa May reacted to those suggestions by insisting Gibraltar's status was not up for discussion during withdrawal negotiations.

Gibraltar was captured by Britain in 1704 and ceded to Britain in 1713 under the treaty.

In a 2002 referendum, Gibraltarians rejected by 98 percent a proposal for joint British-Spanish sovereignty.

Gibraltar's government claims Spanish warships regularly trespass in its waters.
Donald Trump sealed an audacious deal with the Democrats Wednesday - and celebrated with a public embrace of the party's most senior figure.

Over the objections of House Speaker Paul Ryan, congressional leaders came to an agreement today to fund the government for another three months, raise the debt limit for the same amount of time and fulfill the president's hurricane relief request.

After a group huddle with President Donald Trump at the White House, Democratic leaders announced in a joint statement that the president had ceded to their demand to couple a short-term extension of the debt ceiling with Harvey aid.

The legislation will keep government lights until Dec. 15, as well, they said.

Ryan had blasted the proposal as 'unworkable' and 'ridiculous' in a morning press conference. He accused Democrats of 'playing politics.'

But Trump said at a rally later that Ryan and other congressional leaders left the meeting 'happy.'

'Not too happy, because you can never be too happy, but they were happy enough,' he said, 'and it was nice to see that happen for a change.'

Scroll down for video

Deal us in: Chuck Schumer and the President embraced after their Oval Office deal-making - which was in the teeth of Paul Ryan's public opposition

After a group huddle with President Donald Trump at the White House, Democratic leaders announced in a joint statement that the president had ceded to their demand to couple a short-term extension of the debt ceiling with Harvey aid

The White House says Trump endorsed the opposing party's plan, despite Ryan's earlier complaints, because he wants to move on to other items with a short fuse on this legislative agenda, namely tax reform.

Trump told reporters riding Air Force One that the compromise bill would include money for Florida to use in the wake of Hurricane Irma, too. The total pot of funds for disaster relief is not something that has been decided, the president said.

'We had a very good meeting. We essentially came to a deal, and I think the deal will be very good. We had a very, very cordial and professional meeting,' he added.

With federal disaster reserves running out, the House swiftly moved to pass Trump's request for a $7.9 billion first installment of relief for victims of Harvey this afternoon.

The government's response to Harvey is draining existing disaster reserves, with Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster accounts hovering at $1 billion or less.

FEMA is warning lawmakers that disaster funds will run out on Friday, even as a much more powerful hurricane, Irma, is bearing down on the eastern U.S.

Far more money for disaster relief will be needed once more complete estimates are in this fall, and Harvey could end up exceeding the $110 billion government cost of Hurricane Katrina.

Ryan slapped down the proposed deal at a GOP leadership news conference that took place just before he was due to huddle with Schumer and Pelosi at the White House

The Harvey aid bill was the first major item on a packed fall agenda.

A House measure passed today handles immediate emergency needs and replenishes reserves in advance of Irma. It does not say anything about the debt ceiling.

The Trump administration had been looking to use the urgent Harvey aid bill to solve a far more vexing issue, however: Increasing the U.S. debt limit to permit the government to borrow freely again to cover its bills.

Ryan had hoped that lawmakers will quickly take on the more challenging job of increasing the government's $19.9 trillion borrowing cap now that Harvey funding has passed.

The administration wanted to pair the bill with the debt limit increase in the upper chamber, however.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said Sunday that it is the administration's preference that Congress combine disaster relief funding for Texas and a debt ceiling increase.

'Our first priority is to make sure that the state gets money. It is critical, and to do that, we need to make sure we raise the debt limit,' he said on Fox News.

White House officials have been pushing the idea behind the scenes, Politico reported. Democrats were also playing let's make a deal.

Democrats will make or break the Senate vote on Harvey aid, and they signaled this morning that they won't pass a bill that's decoupled from debt obligations.

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer and ranking House Democrat Nancy Pelosi said in a joint statement that their caucuses would vote for the Harvey relief - but only if the bill included a three-month extension of the debt ceiling.

In this Sept. 5, 2017, photo, a worker walks past a pile of debris outside a business damaged by floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Spring, Texas. With federal disaster reserves running out, lawmakers are trying to move Donald Trump's request for a $7.9 billion first installment of relief for victims of Harvey

Ryan slapped down the proposed deal at a GOP leadership news conference that took place just before he was due to huddle with Schumer and Pelosi at the White House.

The Republican congressman accused them of 'playing politics' with Harvey aid and the debt ceiling.

'I think that's ridiculous and disgraceful,' he said of the proposed three-month extension that would allow Democrats to demand extractions at the end of the year when the issue came back around.

Ryan said the offer is 'unworkable' and would put hurricane relief in 'jeopardy.'

'I think that's a ridiculous idea. I hope they don't mean that,' he said.

Asked about the debt ceiling proposal during the meeting with congressional leaders later in the morning, though, Trump told reporters, 'We'll see.'

Pelosi's office returned fire on Ryan just as the House leaders were sitting down with Trump to hammer out the details of a potential deal.

'It appears that Speaker Ryan is the one playing politics,' Pelosi's office said, noting that Ryan wouldn't oppose tying Harvey aid to the debt limit if the time frame was longer than three months.

The statement went on to say, 'The American people expect and deserve a plan from Republicans to avert a catastrophic default and ensure the full faith and credit of the United States.'

After the meeting Pelosi and Schumer said in a joint statement that a deal had been made.

'In the meeting, the President and Congressional leadership agreed to pass aid for Harvey, an extension of the debt limit, and a continuing resolution both to December 15, all together. Both sides have every intention of avoiding default in December and look forward to working together on the many issues before us,' they said.

'As Democratic leaders, we also made it clear that we strongly believe the DREAM Act must come to the floor and pass as soon as possible and we will not rest until we get this done.'

Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer and ranking House Democrat Nancy Pelosi, pictured, said in a joint statement that their caucuses would vote for the Harvey relief - but only if the bill included a three-month extension of the debt ceiling

A spokesman Schumer said Tuesday that the New Yorker is seeking assurances that minority party Democrats will be treated fairly as Congress advances through its lengthy to-do list, which includes extending a popular children's health program, federal flood insurance, and, perhaps, a small-bore budget outline that would ease tight budget 'caps' on both the Pentagon and domestic agencies.

Schumer was a key force in winning aid of more than $50 billion to help New York and New Jersey recover from Superstorm Sandy five years ago. And he supported former President Barack Obama's successful efforts in recent years to block Republicans from using debt limit increases as blackmail to win other GOP priorities.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday that increased Harvey costs show the importance of acting swiftly to increase the government's debt cap to make sure there's enough borrowed cash to pay out the surge in disaster aid.

'In the case of the debt limit, we need to act quickly given the new uncertainty from the large costs of storm recovery,' McConnell said.

Asked about the debt ceiling proposal during the meeting with congressional leaders this morning Trump told reporters, 'We'll see.' He ultimately approved the Democratic plan

Analysts at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington think tank, say Harvey aid wouldn't cause a cash crunch for weeks.

Conservatives inside and outside Congress are staunchly opposed to a debt ceiling increase in any case. Rather than raise the cap on borrowing, they believe in spending cuts.

Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse is one of the conservatives who may not give the measure his vote.

'The Pelosi-Schumer-Trump deal is bad,' the Republican said.

With Democrats lined up to support the compromise legislation that the White House and congressional leaders agreed on today, Ryan and McConnell don't need their votes, though.
The European Union's highest court has upheld Brussels' right to force member states to take in asylum seekers, dismissing complaints by Slovakia and Hungary about EU migration policy.

In the latest twist to a dispute that broke out two years ago when more than one million migrants poured across the Mediterranean, the European Court of Justice found the EU was entitled to order national governments to take in quotas of mainly Syrian refugees relocated from Italy and Greece.

The programme set up by the executive European Commission was approved by majority vote of member states in the face of opposition from formerly communist countries in the east who said their societies could not absorb mainly Muslim immigrants.

A migrant walks past the slogans which reads 'Refugees Welcome' written on a wall near the former Jungle in Calais, France

Scores of migrants wait to be registered to be taken to refugee centre in France last year in the aftermath of an influx of asylum seekers fleeing war in the Middle East and Africa in 2015

The Luxembourg-based court ruled: 'The court dismisses the actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary against the provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers,' adding it rejected the complaints 'in their entirety'.

'The mechanism actually contributes to enabling Greece and Italy to deal with the impact of the 2015 migration crisis and is proportionate.'

The immigration scheme provided relocation of up to 120,000 people, but only about 25,000 have so far been moved.

A further programme for resettling people directly from outside the EU has also struggled to hit targets for taking in asylum-seekers.

Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos tweeted: 'Time to work in unity and implement solidarity in full.'

The Commission's chief spokesman, however, denied a report that the executive would propose a new round of 40,000 relocations.

It is unclear how far Brussels many try to force eastern states to take refugees, many of whom themselves are reluctant to settle in the poorer, ex-Soviet bloc.

However, countries like Germany and Italy which are housing large numbers have said the easterners are jeopardising western-funded EU subsidies if they go on refusing, adding to deep strains in the bloc as it deals with Britain's imminent exit and a still limping economy.

Slovakias Economy Minister Peter Ziga told reporters: 'The quota system does not work, so the court decision is, perhaps, irrelevant at the moment.'

He said a new mechanism was needed though the problem was not as grave as arrivals had declined.

'I think the European Commission will find a way to solve this problem,' Ziga added.

Eastern leaders say the bloc should control its borders better to crack down on illegal immigration -- something Brussels says it has succeeded in doing in the past two years.

Some of the 125 Sub-Saharan migrants rescued by Spanish Maritime Rescue Services in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar while travelling aboard small boats, a surfboard and a kayak, arrive at the port of Tarifa in Cadiz, southern Spain on August 30, 2017

The EU has taken in more than 1.7million people from the Middle East and Africa since 2014.

But, after a mass influx in 2015, numbers have gone down steadily following actions last year that all but closed the route from Turkey to Greece and from Greece to the Balkans and northern Europe.

The EU has also increased support for Libya to curb arrivals in Italy.

The eastern EU states say they can send equipment and border guards to the bloc's external frontiers in solidarity.

Hungary and Poland have refused to host a single person under the 2015 sharing scheme, while Slovakia and the Czech Republic have each taken in only a dozen or so.

Western EU states, including Germany, which took in the vast majority of the people who made it into the bloc and which will holds a parliamentary election on September 24, say the easterners cannot be exempted from showing solidarity.

While the EU has sought in vain to come up with a compromise, the court ruling may just force Brussels' hand.

It is a delicate balancing act as putting such a thorny issue to a vote, and possibly passing a migration reform despite opposition from several states, would cause even more bad blood.

'If we push it through above their heads, they will use it in their anti-EU propaganda at home,' another EU diplomat said of Poland and Hungary, where the nationalist-minded governments are embroiled in disputes with Brussels over democratic rules.

'But the arrivals are low, we have it more or less under control, so we have to get back to the solidarity mechanism.'
Nisar Ali, 34, (pictured) was sentenced to 14 years in prison after attacking a two-year-old girl so viciously she was left with 30 injuries, including a brain bleed and a fractured skull

A babysitter who battered a two-year-old girl so 'ferociously' she looked as though she had been in a 70mph car crash has been jailed for 14 years.

Nisar Ali, 34, beat and shook the youngster in a fit of 'inhumane rage' after her mother asked him to watch her for just 10 minutes on January 11.

The father-of-two from Cheetham Hill, Manchester left her with 30 injuries, including a fractured skull and a brain bleed, which the judge said were tantamount to being in a motorway car crash or falling from a second-floor window.

Despite emergency surgery after the brutal attack, the little girl has been left permanently brain damaged and disabled for the rest of her life.

Unable to see out of one eye and with no movement in her left side, the judge added she 'looks like she has had a stroke'.

Sentencing him at Minshull Street Crown Court Judge Tina Landale said: 'This is a grave crime, the evidence which the jury heard provided a chilling insight into your character and sense of morality and humanity.

'Before this incident the child you injured was a very bright, delightful, happy child with all of her future ahead of her.

'It must have been a ferocious assault on a defenceless two-year-old child.

'You have a short temper, you don't tolerate independence of mind, you have strict ideas about how children should be brought up.'

A jury at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard how Ali lost his temper with the toddler after picking her up from her mother's house and taking her to a park.

He then took her to his parents' home nearby and carried out the vicious assault.

Realising she had been severely injured, he drove her back to her mother's house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, where she collapsed.

She was rushed to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital for an emergency operation to remove part of her skull to relieve pressure from her brain.

Ali, who will be released on licence in 2036, claimed to know nothing about how she came to be injured and pleaded ignorance when the youngster started groaning.

Ali was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester after a jury heard of how he inflicted the two-year-old with the horrific injuries

Judge Landale added: 'Your defence was that you had not caused any injury and had no knowledge how she came to be so gravely ill - but the evidence in the trial showed you to be a manipulative man.

'It may never be known what you did to her but something happened at the park when you took her there. You were away from the mother for a period of 10 minutes.

'The child suffered 30 deliberate injuries, three were life threatening head injuries, a fractured skull, the force required would be consistent with a fall from a second story building.

'She was also shaken so badly her injuries were equivalent to a car accident at 70mph.

'She became immediately unwell, in an act of cold calculation and self preservation you chose not to tell her mother, you drove her back and left her there.

'When the mother became aware that she was making groaning noises you pretended not to know why. You displayed no concern for the child in the aftermath.'

A victim impact statement from the girl's father revealed the devastating impact the attack has had on her family.

The businessman said: 'Words cannot describe what I've been put through by this one inhumane person.

'The January 11 is one date I will never forget. At 5.35pm when my ex-wife called me to say my little girl was not breathing.

'My daughter was lying there lifeless I couldn't believe my eyes. The nurse said she was very critical and by the time I came back she might not be here.

'Seeing her like that was heart-breaking. Her sister has been mentally traumatised and asks when she will be normal.

'My daughter will never be the same, the actions of this one inhumane person has caused my daughter her future.

'I will do my best to give to her what's been selfishly taken from her. Mr Ali will be out of prison one day but my daughter still needs a head operation.

'No sentence can justify what's happened regardless of the length.'

He added that although she 'has done better than expected' she still has to wear a helmet and has restricted sight and movement in her left side.

Judge Landale finished by saying: 'She will never achieve her potential she would have had without the head injury.

'You have deprived her and her family of the future they were hoping for her. It also harmed many others - her family are left to grieve for the child they knew.

'You have shown no remorse, this was a pattern that was going throughout the day.

'You have a vicious streak, and you have an explosive temper and you quickly lose control of yourself.

'You demonstrated extreme violence towards the child and you are a dangerous offender who poses a significant risk of causing serious harm to others.'

The girl's mother, 35, was acquitted of causing or allowing serious harm to a child at a previous court hearing.
There were nearly 15,000 more general election votes cast in Chicago than the number of voters, the Republican Party claims.

The head of the Chicago GOP Chris Cleveland has accused the Chicago Board of Elections of 'massive incompetence or massive fraud' over a discrepancy in voting figures.

He filed a Freedom of Information Act request in January for a list of voters who had cast ballots in November.

There were nearly 15,000 more general election votes cast in Chicago than voters to cast them, it has been claimed. Voters are seen casting their ballots at an early voting site in the Windy City on October 18, 2016

The board responded with a list of 1,101,178 individuals but its website says 1,115,664 votes were cast in the Democrat stronghold.

Chris Cleveland told the Chicago City Wire: 'There should never be more votes than voters. Every ballot cast should be recorded against a registered voter.'

The head of the Chicago Republican Party, Chris Cleveland (above), has accused the Chicago Board of Elections of 'massive incompetence or massive fraud'

He said he has been demanding an explanation since January but the board has only said 'there will be a final report.'

'I heard through a back channel that they are scrambling to put something together as a way of explanation,' he added. 'This is either a case of massive incompetency or massive fraud.'

But Chicago Board of Elections spokesman Jim Allen said the claims are 'patently false' because the data is not complete.

'Not all voters were entered electronically into the system at first,' he said. 'They have since been added.'

He continued: 'The Chicago Republicans are looking at a preliminary report from January, and in the last week they've filed a request for an updated report.

'They're looking at incomplete data.'
Some of the world's major fashion lables has pledged to ban ultra-thin models from their advertising campaigns and catwalk shows following criticism that the industry encourage eating disorders.

Brands from Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior to Gucci and Marc Jacobs will no longer hire female models smaller than a size 34 - a UK size 8.

French holding companies LVMH and Kering, which own dozens of top brands between them, unveiled a charter 'to ensure the well-being of models' on Wednesday.

Big step: Several major fashion labels, including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Gucci and Marc Jacobs will no longer use female models smaller than a UK size 8

Their new 'charter' will also outlaw the hiring of girls under the age of 16 for adult shoots or events.

LVMH is a luxury goods behemoth that owns classic French brands Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Givenchy as well as other high-end European names including Fendi and Marc Jacobs, while Kering owns Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent among others.

In May, a French law requiring models to present a doctor's certificate attesting to their good health was introduced to try to tackle the problem of the industry promoting thinness and unattainable beauty ideals.

The two French groups said they wanted to go beyond this requirement and would only use female models who were size 34 or over according to the French system, and men sized 44 or over.

Size 32 in France corresponds to the infamous U.S. size 0 - XXS or a UK size 6.

No more size 0: The fashion industry has long been accused of promoting eating disorders such as anorexia by showcasing very thin women

Charter for change: The change was announced by Kering's Francois-Henri Pinault, pictured here with his wife, actress Salma Hyek

'Respecting the dignity of all women has always been both a personal commitment for me and a priority for Kering as a group,' the company's billionaire chairman Francois-Henri Pinault said in a statement.

'We hope to inspire the entire industry to follow suit, thus making a real difference in the working conditions of fashion models industry-wide,' Pinault, who is married to actress Salma Hayek added.

Walk off: As well as UK size 6 models, no teenagers under 16 will be allowed to work for the brands' adult campaigns

As well as the age and size stipulations, the charter includes other measures such as banning the serving of alcohol to models under 18 and ensuring they have a guardian or chaperone present at all times.

'As the leader in the luxury sector, we believe it is our role to be at the forefront of this initiative,' said Antoine Arnault, a board member of LVMH and son of owner Bernard Arnault, in a statement.

'We have the responsibility of building new standards for fashion and we hope to be followed by other players in our sector,' he added.

Speaking to AFP, Arnault explained that some unnamed designers worked with UK size 6 models.

'That's finished now, the size will be 34 [UK size 8] and above, which is already quite small,' he said.

In 2015, Saint Laurent had to withdraw a magazine advertisement in Britain over its use of of an 'unhealthily thin model' and earlier this year, it caused outrage with a poster campaign around Paris.

In those pictures, a reclining woman in a fur coat and fishnet tights was pictured opening her legs, while another extremely thin model was photographed in a leotard and roller skate stilettos bending over a stool.

The head of the French advertising authority said they were part of a disturbing trend in fashion promoting 'porno-chic' and the label was ordered to remove them.
Sylvie Bermann said the UK should spend more time 'listening'

The outgoing French ambassador accused Britain of 'talking to itself' over Brexit today - insisting the EU is more interested in other issues.

Sylvie Bermann said the UK should spend more time 'listening' and recognise that the situation was extremely complex.

She also jibed that when she took on her job in 2014 Britain had been a 'secure and stable' country - but things were 'a bit different now'.

The comments are likely to ramp up tensions over Brexit, amid increasingly bad-tempered rhetoric between the two sides.

The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, sparked anger over the weekend when he suggested he was determined to 'teach the British people and others what leaving the EU means'.

Martin Selmayr, Jean-Claude Juncker's chief of staff, then derided the historic Brexit vote as a 'stupid decision'.

The vicious barbs have fuelled fears that the talks could stall altogether as Brussels insists on Britain agreeing to a divorce bill before addressing a future trade deal.

Downing Street yesterday made clear the government wants to 'intensify' negotiations - which are currently only happening for one week in every month.

But EU sources dismissed the prospect, saying that Britain was not providing enough detail to talk about.

Interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Bermann - who is ending her term as ambassador to London - said when she came here three years ago it had been a 'secure and stable' country. 'It's a bit different now,' she added.

The diplomat said Britain appeared to be 'talking to themselves' a lot.

'I think it is very important that they also listen to the 27.

'The situation is so complex... in this country you are talking from morning to night about Brexit.

'That is not the case in the EU.

'There is a discrepancy. I think it is important to have in mind others' position.'

Mr Davis told MPs no one had ever 'pretended this would be simple or easy' as he hailed 'concrete progress' on a series of issues in parliament last night
France's defence minister Florence Parly issued the chilling warning on Tuesday

Europe could be within reach of a nuclear missile attack from North Korea sooner than expected.

France's defence minister Florence Parly issued the stark warning on Tuesday during a speech to the French military, where she urged the potential threat to be taken seriously.

'The scenario of an escalation towards a major conflict can not be discarded,' said Ms Parly.

'Europe risks being within range of [North Korean President] Kim Jong-Un's missiles sooner than expected,' she said.

The statement follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's condemnation of the rogue state's detonation of a hydrogen bomb on Sunday. He warned the escalating crisis 'could lead to a global, planetary catastrophe'.

Putin urged all parties to avoid 'military hysteria', instead advising them to approach the situation with peaceful talks to avoid 'a great number of victims', during a BRICS summit in Xiamen.

His comments came after North Korea reportedly moved an intercontinental ballistic missile to its coast amid warnings from the US it is 'begging for war'.

However, a top North Korean diplomat dismissed the international outcry over his country's latest nuclear weapons test at UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament, according to Reuters.

Instead, Han Tae Song, ambassador of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations in Geneva, said North Korea is prepared to send 'more gift packages' to the US.

'The recent self-defence measures by my country DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US, said Han.

In a tweet posted last night, Donald Trump said: 'I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States.'

The US has continued to push for the 'strongest possible measures' on the rogue nation following its most powerful nuclear test yet, despite the likelihood China and Russia will oppose UN sanctions.

Questions remain over whether nuclear-armed Pyongyang has successfully miniaturised its weapons and whether it has a working H-bomb

South Korean media claimed Pyongyang had started moving a rocket towards the country's west coast on Monday, using the cover of darkness to avoid surveillance

According to South Korea's Asia Business Daily, Pyongyang had been spotted attempting to covertly re-locate what appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast on Monday, using the cover of darkness to avoid surveillance.

Meanwhile, major live-fire naval drills were launched by Seoul this morning as a warning to its isolated neighbour against any provocations at sea - adding to already heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea has said it was in talks with Washington regarding the deployment of aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean Peninsula. It also said redeploying US tactical nuclear weapons on its territory has not been ruled out.

A ranting editorial piece published in state newspaper Rodong Sinmun continued to slam South Korea's involvement with the US.

'The south Korean puppet forces are not free to fire even a single bullet as they are at the US beck and call. Such guys are crying out for 'punishment'. This would make even the stone Buddha in the temple laugh,' it said.

A separate statement from Kim Myong Gil, officer of the Korean People's Army, said North Korea's nuclear test had been 'heavy punishment and sledgehammer blows to the US imperialists'.

Trump tweeted: 'I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States.'

Defense Minister Song Young-moo said that he asked his US counterpart, Jim Mattis, to bolster defences in the South.

'I told him that it would be good for strategic assets to be sent regularly to the Korean Peninsula and that some South Korean lawmakers and media are strongly pushing for tactical nuclear weapons [to be redeployed],' Song is quoted as saying.

'The redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons is an alternative worth a full review,' Song added.

This morning, South Korean warships including a 2,500-ton frigate, a 1000-ton patrol ship and 400-ton guided-missile vessels participated in drills aimed at retaliating against potential North Korean threats.

US ambassador Nikki Haley vowed to implement stronger sanctions

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

'Only the strongest sanctions will enable us to resolve this problem through diplomacy,' Haley told the meeting Monday called by the United States, Britain, France, Japan and South Korea.

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

The underground blast had a yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons, or on average more than five times more powerful than the bomb detonated over Hiroshima, UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman told the council.

Declaring that 'enough is enough,' Haley said incremental sanctions imposed on Pyongyang since 2006 had failed.

Leader Kim Jong-Un's 'abusive use of missiles and his nuclear threats show that he is begging for war,' she said.

'War is never something the United States wants and we don't want it now, but our country's patience is not unlimited,' she said.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said they could target oil supplies to North Korea - potentially dealing a major blow to the economy.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country and ban North Korean laborers sent abroad.

The draft text was expected to be presented to the 14 other council members on Tuesday as the United States sought to respond quickly to reports that North Korea was preparing another missile launch.

Commercial satellite imagery obtained the day after North Korea conducted its largest test to date appears to show numerous landslides throughout the Punggye-ri Nuclear test site

The area of the surface disturbances is more widespread compared to the impact of any of the five tests North Korea previously conducted

This morning, South Korea's Asia Business Daily, citing an unidentified source, reported that North Korea had been spotted moving a rocket that appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards its west coast.

The rocket started moving on Monday and was spotted moving only at night to avoid surveillance, the report said.

South Korea's defence ministry, which warned on Monday that North Korea was ready to launch an ICBM at any time, said they were unable to confirm the contents of the report.

Pyongyang in July fired two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that apparently brought much of the US mainland into range and Seoul has said it could be planning another test.

North Korea has developed a hydrogen bomb which can be loaded into the country's new intercontinental ballistic missile, the official Korean Central News Agency claimed on September 3

Meanwhile Japan is planning for a possible mass evacuation of nearly 60,000 Japanese citizens living in or visiting South Korea amid heightened tensions with the North.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a meeting: 'We need to remain extremely vigilant and do everything we can to ensure the safety of our people.'

According to Nikkei Asian Review, a government source added: 'If the U.S. decided on a military strike against the North, the Japanese government would start moving toward an evacuation on its own accord regardless of whether the American plans are public.'

At the UN, China's ambassador Liu Jieyi warned that the crisis was worsening and emphasized the need for dialogue and a diplomatic solution.

'China will never allow chaos and war on the (Korean) peninsula,' he asserted.

Liu urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.

Haley rejected the proposal as 'insulting.'

'When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't,' she declared.

Russia said it would study the new US proposals for sanctions, but again stressed those measures alone would not resolve the crisis.

'This is not the way to get parties to the table to seek a political solution,' said Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia.

The council has imposed seven sets of sanctions on North Korea since it first tested a nuclear device in 2006, but Pyongyang has repeatedly found ways to circumvent the measures.

Vladimir Putin has condemned North Korea's hydrogen bomb blast on Sunday. He has urged all parties to approach the situation with peaceful talks to avoid 'a great number of victims'

The most recent resolutions, however, have zeroed in on the economy, targeting key exports sectors such as coal that are a source of hard currency for the regime.

Haley reiterated US threats to impose sanctions on countries that conduct trade with North Korea, saying these nations will be seen as 'giving aid to their reckless and dangerous nuclear intentions'.

That could have major reverberations: China is the largest trading partner of both the North and the United States.

South Korea's defense ministry said it was already strengthening its defenses, in part by deploying more US-made Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile launchers.

The South carried out an early-morning volley of ballistic missiles on Monday simulating an attack on the North's nuclear test site, followed on Tuesday by the naval drills.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean leader Moon Jae-In spoke on the phone Monday and agreed to remove limits on the payload of the South's missiles, fixed at 500 kilograms according to a 2001 bilateral agreement.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Vladimir Putin's meeting at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia. Jae-In is in talks with the US to remove limits on weapon sales.

Trump also approved in principle, the sale of 'many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea,' according to a White House readout of the call which did not mention any specific new deals.

Seoul was the fourth-biggest importer of US arms between 2010-2016, purchasing nearly $5 billion of weaponry in that period according to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

On Sunday US monitors measured a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake near the North's main testing site.

Hours before the test, the North released images of Kim inspecting a device it called a 'thermonuclear weapon with super explosive power' entirely made 'by our own efforts and technology'.

The South's defence minister said Seoul believed the North had succeeded in miniaturising a bomb to fit into a missile.

The North says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against the threat of invasion, and analysts say it is seeking to strengthen its hand for any future negotiations with Washington.
Appearing on ITV's GMB today, Jacob-Rees Mogg said his devout Catholic faith meant he could not support gay marriage

A potential candidate to replace Theresa May as Tory leader faced a furious backlash today after saying he 'morally' opposes abortion for women who have been raped.

Jacob-Rees Mogg also said his devout Catholic faith meant he could not support gay marriage.

The comments came after the MP - who has built up a cult following for his 'Young Fogey' style and traditionalist views - was installed as an unlikely favourite for next Tory leader.

But women's rights campaigners branded his views 'extreme' and 'out of touch'. Labour MP said they were 'shocking' and 'belonged in the 18th Century'.

Downing Street also made clear that the PM did not share his opinions.

Mr Rees-Mogg has been touted in some quarters as a right-wing antidote to the 'authenticity' of Jeremy Corbyn.

But the North East Somerset MP has repeatedly dismissed the prospect of making a bid for the Conservative leadership.

Appearing on ITV's GMB this morning, Mr Rees-Mogg was asked about his views on abortion.

'I'm completely opposed to abortion. Life begins at the point of conception,' he said.

Asked if that meant he opposed abortion in all circumstances, he said: 'Yes I am. I'm afraid so. Life is sacrosanct and begins at the point of conception and I think it is wrong.'

Pressed specifically on whether a woman who was raped should have a right to an abortion, he made clear that they would have a 'right under UK law' and the 'law is not going to change'.

But he added: 'My personal opinion is that life begins at the point of conception and abortion is morally indefensible.

'I wouldn't [stop her having an abortion] because that wouldn't be the law of the land.'

Mr Rees-Mogg was also grilled by hosts Piers Morgan and Susannah Reid about gay marriage.

Appearing on ITV's GMB this morning, Mr Rees-Mogg was asked about his views on abortion

Tory activists want Jacob Rees-Mogg to succeed Theresa May as party leader, according to a poll published yesterday

'I'm a Catholic and I take the teaching of the Catholic church seriously in matters of faith and morals. Marriage is a sacrament and the decision of what is a sacrament lies with the church not with Parliament,' he said.

'The teaching of the Catholic church is completely clear.

Doctrine that hasnt changed for 2,000 years By Steve Doughty for the Daily Mail The teaching of the Roman Catholic Church on abortion has been consistent for nearly 2,000 years. It has always maintained that abortion is a grave sin comparable to murder. Catholic doctrine says that a foetus has life and a soul from the moment of conception, and that no one has the right to take that life away. This applies even when the pregnancy is a result of rape. The Church regards rape as an evil crime inflicted on an innocent victim. However, in Catholic eyes, to follow rape with an abortion is to perpetrate a second crime against another innocent victim: the unborn child. Roman Catholic loathing of abortion has been the guiding force behind much of the pro-life movement which has resisted the spread of legalised abortion and euthanasia over the past 50 years. The Second Vatican Council in the mid-1960s declared: Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes. Those who undergo or procure abortion suffer excommunication  a ban from attending church and receiving sacraments. In 1996, the Catholic bishops of England and Wales reminded Catholic politicians of the importance of a firm line in an election letter to the faithful. The document, the Common Good, was particularly aimed at Tony Blair, a regular attender at Catholic worship who was shortly to sweep to power in the 1997 Labour landslide. While a majority of English Catholics leaned to Labour, Church leader Cardinal Hume was no admirer of Mr Blair and the verdict on the future prime ministers pro-abortion views was sharp. The election of Pope Francis in 2013 raised hopes among Catholic liberals that the Vatican might shift to a less restrictive position. Francis corrected this in 2014, calling abortion a horrific symptom of a throwaway culture. Advertisement

'I don't want to criticise people who lead lives that are different to mine but equally I don't want to divert from the historic teaching of the Catholic church.'

Catholic former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe said: I agree with Jacob  a child is a child.

A spokesman for the PM made clear that she did not agree with Mr Rees-Mogg on abortion, but stressed that it was an issue for individual MPs consciences.

Its a long-standing principle that abortion is for Parliament and, for individual MPs, it is a matter of conscience, said the spokesman. The Prime Minister doesnt happen to agree, but it is a matter of conscience.

Those are his views, and if hes asked about them he must answer honestly. If theres going to be a storm every time a politician gives their honest views, there shouldnt be criticism when they dodge questions.

A survey of Tory activists yesterday found nearly a quarter would like to see the MP take over as leader when Mrs May goes.

But the grassroots members seem dissatisfied with the talent on offer - with 19 per cent of the ConservativeHome readers who took part in the survey saying they did not support any of the potential candidates.

Boris Johnson was the choice of just 7 per cent, suggesting his star has waned significantly since the aftermath of the EU referendum last year.

In the wake of Mr Rees-Mogg's comments, Labour MP Neil Coyle tweeted: 'He and his views belong in the 18th century.'

Former minister Yvette Cooper said he was entitled to his religious convictions but it was 'shocking' he was being touted as a potential leader.

'The shocking thing is that so many people in the Conservative Party seem to think he should be the next leader,' she told Sky News.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (bpas) said Mr Rees-Mogg's 'extreme' opinions were 'wildly at odds' with public opinion.

It highlighted the decriminalisation earlier this year of abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, and MPs' support for extending abortion access for women resident in Northern Ireland.

A spokesman for the PM (pictured taking questions in the House today) said she did not agree with Mr Rees-Mogg on the issue of abortion, but it was a matter of conscience

Katherine O'Brien, head of policy research at bpas, said: 'We are a pro-choice country, we have a pro-choice Parliament. Rees-Mogg's stance on abortion is quite simply extreme, and extremely out-of-touch.

'Every politician is entitled to hold their own opinion on abortion. But what matters is whether they would let their own personal convictions stand in the way of women's ability to act on their own.'

A spokesman for abortion provider Marie Stopes International said: 'Mr Rees-Mogg is entitled to his opinion. It does nothing to change the fact that women in the UK have benefited from access to safe and legal abortion for 50 years, and will continue to do so.

'Restricting access to abortion only makes it more likely that women will risk their health and their lives through dangerous backstreet procedures.

'Our teams around the world deal with the terrible impact of this every day. No one should be seeking to replicate this situation in the UK.'

In July, Mr Rees-Mogg announced the birth of his sixth child, Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher, with an Instagram picture showing him dressed in a suit and tie cradling his new-born son.

The Eton and Oxford educated MP first started posting photos on Instagram during the general election campaign.

He now has 22,000 followers, 4,100 more than Mrs May, while his other children - Peter, Mary, Thomas, Anselm and Alfred - have all appeared in pictures on his feed.
A teenage girl enjoying her 17th birthday celebrations has been scarred for life after a thug glassed her - leaving her needing 46 stitches for a wound across her face.

Rachel German was waiting for friends outside Subway in Liverpool when one of her female friends was allegedly attacked by a grown man.

While trying to protect the girl, a scuffle ensued and Rachel and her friend were hit over the head with a bottle.

The brave teen said onlookers were horrified to see her doused in blood that poured 'like a tap' with a deep gouge down the length of her right cheek, from eyebrow to chin, which left her cheek 'hanging off'.

Rachel German, 17, was glassed while celebrating her birthday in Liverpool. She posted a picture of her face covered in blood on Snapchat (left). She was later treated in hospital (right)

The teenager has been scarred for life following the attack and was pictured holding up a photograph of her face after receiving 46 stitches

Merseyside Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which happened at around 3.25am on Aug 6, after the cowardly culprit ran off after injuring the two young girls.

A shocking CCTV clip shows Rachel in a white top being dragged about by the man, thought to be in his 20s, in the middle of the road before he flees and she staggers back over to her friends.

And now, 46 stitches later, Rachel and her mother Jill German, 48, are speaking out in the hope that someone can help track down her attacker.

Rachel, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, said: 'We were trying to find some of our friends to head home, when one of them came up to me and said that a man had smacked her.

'She just seemed so frightened. He looked like a normal man on a night out, and he was holding a bottle.

'We approached him and I asked him, 'Have you just hit my mate? Have you smacked a girl?'

'You wouldn't expect a man to hit a young girl. He raised his fist to my friend, and we just started fighting. He hit her.

'As soon as he raised his fist I saw red - I'm very protective of my friends.

'I think we were getting the better of him, and maybe that's what made him do it. He ran away from us and we ran after him. I shouldn't have run after him, I regret that now.

'He turned around and slowed down running. I thought he had hit me with his hand. Then he ran away.

'It wasn't until I saw the CCTV later that I saw I had fallen to the floor - I didn't think I had.

'I had this ringing through my head that must have lasted for about three minutes. It was horrible because I thought I was deafened.

The youngster had to receive 46 stitches after she was bottled while celebrating her 17th birthday

CCTV showed an altercation outside Subway in Liverpool and Rachel was later glassed by an attacker

'The first thing that was on my mind was my friend. She was on the floor and there was a lot of blood around her head.

'I was just worried about her, she was having seizures. It was just chaos.

'A man was looking at me and looked horrified and worried. I didn't think anything was wrong, but he told me I needed to go to the hospital. He said, 'Love, look at your face.'

'The blood was dripping down my face like a tap, and I had a white top on so it was covered in blood. It felt like my cheek was falling off.'

Both girls were taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, where the decision was made to transfer Rachel to Aintree University Hospital for specialist facial surgery.

Accompanied by her father in hospital, Rachel had to be kept in overnight before undergoing surgery, enduring a nerve-wracking experience as her face consistently gushed blood 'for hours'.

But the gutsy teen says the severity of the situation did not hit home until she was warned that her surgery could result in facial paralysis, meaning she could never smile again.

She added: 'It spurted blood for hours and hours, it was disgusting. The bleeding wouldn't stop, no matter how much pressure I put on it.

'When I saw it I didn't understand how bad it was because I couldn't feel it.

'I could see the little balls in my skin and all the tissue hanging out. I was just shocked.

'I was unsure of actually what had hit me. It looked like I had been slashed on my face with a knife.

'But I had a cut on my eyebrow and my head, they said it was definitely a bottle. They found a bit of paper from the bottle.

Rachel, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, (pictured before the attack, left) has now been left scarred for life (right)

She is now speaking out in a bid to try and track down her attacker and get justice for what happened

'Before surgery they were telling me about all the risks, and they told me I could be paralysed in one side of my face when I woke up, or wouldn't be able to smile, or wouldn't be able to raise one eyebrow.

'I think that's when it hit me.'

Rachel's mother, a community care assistant, says she is in awe of her daughter's bravery - but is fearful that the outcome could have been a different story.

Jill, who has four daughters, including Rachel, said: 'I think because it's Rachel it's just heart-breaking to see, but because she puts this brave face on, she doesn't want to let it beat her.

'I don't think my other daughters would ever go out again if it were them.

'She won't let him beat her. He won't stop her from doing what she wants.

'But she's going to have the scar for the rest of her life. And she's refusing to go into Liverpool again, and I'm glad.

'I'm too angry to even think about what I would say to the man if I saw him. He's not coming forward, so he doesn't have a conscience.

'I just wish they could catch him. He's a grown man attacking young girls. It's shocking. I know I'm over-protective but I think about what he could have done to her.

'I just want people to come forward. The streets were full of people - someone must know something.'

And now, facing life-long scarring and a series of plastic surgery treatments, Rachel says she wants the dangerous man responsible off the streets.

She said: 'To be honest I don't want a scar on my face for the rest of my life but I just have to deal with it. I'm going to see a plastic surgeon and they stitched it up really well.

'I want to say to him, look what you've done, I hope it was worth it. If I had been in his position I would have just not done it and walked away.

'If he could do that to two young girls, imagine how he would go for someone his own age. I don't want him to think he can do that. And I don't want this to happen to anyone else.'

Detective Inspector Martha Allbutt, from Merseyside Police, said: 'Even though it was nearly 3.30am in the morning the area around Newington and Bold Street, and in particular nearby food shops, was still very busy.

'We believe that a number of people may have seen the assault as it happened, and possibly even videoed it on their mobile phones.

'We would ask those people to come forward as they may have information which could assist with our investigation.

'I would also ask anyone who may have any information about the male offender to come forward.

'This young woman has been left with life changing injuries as a result of what happened and we are committed to finding the person responsible and bringing them to justice.'
Javaun Simpson sent the images in a bid to meet up with the teenager for sexual activity

A Five Guys burger waiter sent a picture of his genitals to a 13-year-old girl before searching on Google: 'Can I get in trouble for texting a minor?'.

Javaun Simpson, 21, of Stretford, Greater Manchester, has been jailed for 16 months after sending the images in a bid to meet up with the teenager for sexual activity.

Simpson, who worked as a supervisor for the fast food chain but lost his job when they found out about the criminal case.

Simpson sent two photos of his private parts with sexually graphic messages, Manchester Crown Court heard.

He also texted other messages, despite 'knowing full well' she was a child. The victim was 'affected' by the sexual content and it was reported to police.

Officers analysed an iPad belonging to Simpson and found a number of messages he sent the girl.

Brian Berlyne, prosecuting, said some of the messages suggested that Simpson had kissed the child, but no sexual activity had taken place.

Simpson sent two photos of his private parts with sexually graphic messages, a court heard

The court heard how Simpson later made a Google search, asking 'Can I get in trouble for texting a minor?'

He was later arrested and told police officers he believed the girl was over 16 at the time.

Simpson, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty at his first crown court appearance.

Nicola Hall, defending, said Simpson has genuine remorse and said that the messages were 'utterly inappropriate'.

He was initially attracted to the child, not knowing of her age, Ms Hall said.

But instead of stopping when he discovered she was a child, he continued to send the messages.

Ms Hall said that Simpson used to work as a supervisor for the fast food chain Five Guys, but that he lost his job when they found out about the criminal proceedings.

Simpson used to work as a supervisor for the fast food chain Five Guys (file picture), but that he lost his job when they found out about the criminal proceedings

Simpson moved to the UK from Jamaica aged five and has not seen his mother, who remains there, since he was seven, the court was told.

Ms Hall said that his father also served time in prison when Simpson was a teenager, leaving him without either of his parents.

Sending him down, Judge Martin Walsh said: 'You sent a series of sexualised text messages to facilitate a meeting in which sexual activity would take place.

'It's quite clear that she was affected by these messages. You knew full well her age and what in full knowledge that she was just 13 years of age.'

Simpson must also sign the sex offenders register for ten years and adhere to a sexual harm prevention order.

He earlier admitted one count of meeting a child following grooming and another count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Five Guys is a US-based chain that started out in Virginia in 1986 and prides itself on its 250,000 possible topping combinations. It had 59 sites in the UK as of last year.
Kati Ringer, seen outside court, targeted two strangers, copied and hijacked their Instagram accounts and claimed the women's infants were her own

A 21-year-old conwoman posted photos of other people's babies on social media and claimed they were ill or dead, magistrates heard.

Kati Ringer targeted two strangers, copied and hijacked their Instagram accounts and claimed the women's infants were her own, the court was told.

Ringer used the pictures of the babies - one who was premature and another newborn - on online sites she had set up begging for money.

The convicted fraudster even claimed one of the infants was dead, Norwich magistrates heard.

Ringer, who now faces being sent back to jail, was hauled back into court after she was caught by police.

She was jailed for two years and nine months at Basildon Crown Court in Essex in 2015 for 23 similar offences.

During the case two years ago, the court heard Ringer pretended to need cash for her dead baby's funeral and also begged for money to support a fictional sick child.

The online troll also abused victims over the internet, posting photos of their children accompanied by 'vile' comments, the court heard in 2015.

At yesterday's hearing Denise Holland, prosecuting, said one of Ringer's recent victims found a photo of her baby on a site to raise money in memory of a dead child.

She discovered Ringer had set up a site 'claiming the child was hers and that the child had died and, it seems, was trying to get money'.

When challenged, Ringer threatened that she was going to 'rape and harm' the youngster.

The repeat offender also made terrifying threats to the other devastated victim.

After finding out a picture of her premature daughter was being used, the victim contacted the site to ask not to use the picture or pretend the child was hers.

Ringer then threatened to kidnap and kill the child.

Mrs Holland said she hasn't pocketed any money from her latest disgusting swindle.

Ringer, from Norwich, admitted two offences of sending a communication conveying an indecent or offensive message on March 28 and between March 19 and April 3 this year.

Mrs Holland said 'each and every one' of the previous frauds were similar to the most recent offences.

Ringer used the pictures of the babies - one who was premature and another newborn - on online sites she had set up begging for money.

Ringer was warned that 'all options' were open, including being sentenced at crown court and locked up again.

The case was adjourned until October 3.

Gavin Cowe, defending, said Ringer was being treated for a personality disorder and suffered from PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Ringer previously swindled people she contacted on the internet out of thousands of pounds by making up sob stories about sick and dead children.

The 'troubled' young woman and serial liar pretended to need money for her dead baby's funeral.

She also pleaded for cash to support a fictional sick child - preying on the kindness of neighbours and strangers.

Ringer, previously of Essex, raked in more than 2,000 from donors worldwide, who fell for the cons posted on social networking websites between 2012 and 2014.

She was jailed at Basildon Crown Court in March 2015 after admitting 14 counts of fraud, eight of harassment and one of threatening to destroy or damage property.

But last year Ringer, who has since moved to Norwich, had her sentence cut on appeal to two years by judges.

They ruled not enough account had been taken of her emotional problems.

Her crimes devastated her victims across the UK.

Some were already living on the edge hoping against hope their premature babies would live healthy lives when Ringer cruelly exploited their grief.

Others were mourning the loss of their children.

And many were trying to enjoy new motherhood when their precious photos were defaced with sick messages.

Sentencing pathetic Ringer at Basildon Crown Court in 2015, Judge Samantha Leigh told her: 'You preyed on the generosity of the British public.

'What you did only has one word and that is wicked.'

She added: 'You spun a web of lies to draw these people in and played on their emotions to extort money they could ill-afford to donate.'
An Australian tourist could spend a decade in a Cambodian jail after being arrested on drugs charges.

Police in the coastal resort city of Sihanoukville allege Dino Rossetto tried to sell 40 grams of ice to an undercover officer on Tuesday.

The 50-year-old tourist, who is believed to be from Orange in western New South Wales, was photographed in handcuffs in front of white crystals on digital scales.

An Australian tourist could spend decade in a Cambodian jail after being arrested on drugs charges (pictured)

Police in the coastal resort city of Sihanoukville allege Dino Rossetto (pictured) tried to sell 40 grams of ice to an undercover officer on Tuesday

Provincial anti-drug police officer Chum Sokunthy said Mr Rossetto was suspected of dealing crystal methamphetamine (pictured)

Provincial anti-drug police officer Chum Sokunthy said Mr Rossetto was suspected of dealing crystal methamphetamine,The Khmer Times reported.

'The suspect was an active drug distributor who often brought drugs for sale to foreign tourists at nightclubs and beaches in Preah Sihanouk province,' claimed Mr Sokunthy.

'He was arrested when he brought a package of drugs to our undercover police officer code-named B4.'

The 50-year-old tourist, who is believed to be from Orange in western New South Wales, was photographed in handcuffs in front of white crystals on digital scales (pictured)

Mr Rossetto reportedly tested positive for drugs after a urine test, and police seized 40grams of ice along with paraphernalia used to smoke the drug (pictured)

The accused (pictured) has been sent to Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court where he will face questioning

Dino Rossetto's Australian passport (pictured) shows he was born in Orange and is 50 years old

Mr Rossetto reportedly tested positive for drugs after a urine test, and police seized 40grams of ice along with paraphernalia used to smoke the drug.

The accused has been sent to Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court where he will face questioning.

Mr Rossetto is the second Australian to be arrested in Cambodia on drugs charges in recent months.

Mark Robert Coutelas, 57, star of an iconic 1980s Solo ad campaign, was arrested in the same city for allegedly using and selling ice in July.

Mr Coutelas was previously jailed in Thailand for drugs and firearms offences.

Mr Rossetto is the second Australian to be arrested in Cambodia on drugs charges in recent months (pictured is the drugs allegedly seized from Mr Rossetto)
A mother-of-three has claimed she went into labour early due to stress after being refused access to staff toilets in Iceland, forcing her to wet herself in public.

Danielle Cull, 33, says she was not allowed to use the facilities at the supermarket's branch in Caerphilly, south Wales, despite being 38 weeks pregnant and telling them she was in excruciating pain and urgently needed it.

She alleges she was told to run to the nearest pub but was not able to make the full distance.

Danielle Cull has claimed she went into labour early due to stress after being refused access to staff toilets in Iceland, forcing her to wet herself in public (She is pictured with her son Joel)

Mrs Cull, 33, says she was not allowed to use the facilities at the supermarket's branch in Caerphilly, south Wales

Hours after the ordeal, she started having contractions and gave birth to her son Joel at 7am the next morning on May 12.

After she recovered from the birth, she logged a complaint with the company, however when she returned to the shop on August 23 she claims staff said the case had been closed as Iceland policy is to not let customers use the staff toilet.

A spokesperson for Iceland confirmed they had apologised to Danielle over the incident but confirmed store policy was not to let customers use staff toilets in any circumstances.

Nursery nurse Mrs Cull said: 'I went to do my shop with my eight-year-old son. I had paid and phoned a taxi to pick us up who said they would be with me in 15 minutes.

'All of sudden I just felt this excruciating pain through my back and my stomach and had this sudden urge to go to the toilet. I thought I was about to wet myself.

'I went over to the female manager and explained my situation.

Hours after the ordeal, she started having contractions and gave birth to her son Joel at 7am the next morning on May 12

She went to do a shop with her eight-year-old son Jack, pictured holding Joel, when the incident occurred

'I was huge so the manager couldn't really say she didn't know I was pregnant I was honestly ready to give birth.

'I was panicking as I had never felt a pain like it before so I also wanted to go and check myself out to make sure I wasn't in labour.

'She just said no, it wasn't their policy to let customers use the toilet. She told me I needed to run to the pub over the road and go in there.

STRESS-INDUCED LABOUR High levels of stress hormones are involved in triggering labour, scientists have long believed. They have even suggested it to be a cause of premature births, causing women to enter labour unexpectedly. The American Pregnancy Association identifies chronic stress as a potential trigger of labour. But in a piece for VeryWell, experts warn it only occurs from chronic stress, and short periods of stress are unlikely to have an effect. Chronic stress causes changes in the body's vascular system, hormone levels, and ability to fight infection - potentially triggering labour. The beginning of labour is a complex process that is not fully understood - despite years of medical research. Advertisement

'I just started crying I really needed to go and I was in pain. She had no empathy or sympathy for me.

'Their slogan is mums go to Iceland but they weren't very accommodating for mums at all.'

Mrs Cull said that she was left 'so embarrassed' after having the accident in public and her husband Stephen, 30, was 'furious' by the incident.

She added: 'I believe Joel came early because of what happened in Iceland and the stress and pressure it placed on my body.'

After having her baby Mrs Cull said she was too distracted with her new arrival to complain to Iceland, but logged a complaint two weeks later.

When she rang to follow up on her case, she found it had been closed.

Mrs Cull said: 'They didn't ring me to tell me this. I haven't even had a call or a generic letter to let me know.

'I just think it's awful how they treat their customers.

'At the end of the day I didn't want to do my hair, I didn't want to put any make up on. I simply wanted to use the toilet.

'I wasn't going to let my kid run around the toilets so that he wouldn't fall over and hurt himself and I would have been happy to let someone sit outside the door and wait for me.'

Since her second phone call Danielle received a 10 voucher for Iceland but she vows not to use it as the experience has put her off shopping at the chain.

Mrs Cull said that she was left 'so embarrassed' after having the accident in public and her husband Stephen, 30, was 'furious'

An Iceland spokesperson said: 'Iceland has sincerely apologised to Danielle Cull for her upsetting experience in Caerphilly on 11 May.

'We pride ourselves on being a caring business, but our store colleagues also have to be conscious of their responsibility to comply with our health and safety procedures at all times.

'These preclude us from offering members of the public access to staff toilet facilities in any of our stores because they are located in back areas where stock is also held, increasing the risks of an accident occurring.

'While naturally sympathetic to our customer, our female colleague in Caerphilly was also conscious of the importance of not exposing a heavily pregnant lady to any such danger.'
A shopper was left devastated when children stopped to point and laugh at her severely disabled daughter in Tesco - only for their mother to join in.

Bethan Germon, 30, was shopping in the supermarket in Fforest-fach, Swansea, when two young boys started to point and laugh at her one-year-old toddler Lydia.

But to the horror of mother-of-two Ms Germon - who has also had to regularly deal with online abuse from trolls - the boys' parent then started to join in.

Bethan Germon, 30, was shopping in a Tesco Extra supermarket in Fforest-fach, Swansea, when two young boys started to point and laugh at her toddler Lydia

Her daughter was born with a rare and incurable condition called Dandy Walker syndrome which causes an endless build-up of fluid to the brain.

She said: 'I was dreading going to Tesco as supermarkets are the worst place for horrible comments and behaviour.

'As we were leaving, there were a couple of kids there mocking Lydia, which isn't unusual. The mum asked them quite loudly what they were laughing at.

'When they pointed over at Lydia she laughed with them. They were pointing and giggling uncontrollably.

'Usually when this happens, they cling onto their mum or dads as they are not sure how to deal with a child like Lydia. Generally the behaviour of the parent is to get angry and tell them off.

Ms Germon's daughter Lydia was born with a rare and incurable condition called Dandy Walker syndrome which causes an endless build-up of fluid to the brain

'What is the world coming to? I was so shocked. In my head I thought that what I had heard was wrong, but my mum was here and she had heard it and she was glaring at the boy. The boy then put his two fingers up and stuck his tongue out at my mum.

'There's no point in saying anything as it would turn into an argument that I don't need. I didn't want to upset Lydia or my eldest daughter Caitlin.'

When Lydia was aged just two months old, Ms Germon was told she only hours to live. But now, the little girl is nearly two and still fighting.

The NHS eventually gave her the surgery she needed, although parents Bethan and David initially thought they would have to fly her to the US for special treatment.

Lydia has suffered from meningitis and sepsis during her short life  and the damage to her brain has left her with cerebral palsy.

The little girl's ventilator was turned off in January last year but miraculously she kept fighting and her condition improved.

Lydia has suffered from meningitis and sepsis during her short life  and the damage to her brain has left her with cerebral palsy

Ms Germon has also had to regularly deal with online abuse from trolls.

People have told her she should have had an abortion, and that 'if that was my child I would let her die'.

'Sometimes we respond; sometimes we don't,' Ms Germon said.

'Whenever we are in a supermarket people think it's okay to make rude comments, one woman looked into her pram before and said that Lydia was disgusting.'

Ms Germon is hoping to campaign and raise awareness of the lack of education around children with disabilities.

She said; 'I've had about ten mums contact me since Monday night saying how this happens to them regularly. I've had enough of the criticism and if people don't start educating others then the ignorance will continue.

A Tesco spokesman said 'abuse of any kind has no place in our stores'. The Tesco Extra in Fforest-fach, Swansea, is pictured

'I want all mums to feel proud of their babies and feel confident to go shopping with them, without fear. We don't want parents to grab their kids or be angry with them, kids are curious beings.

'They just want to know why someone is different. We don't want the parents joining in either.

'The perfect scenario will be for the parents to bring their kids over and ask us questions and speak to Lydia, provided they are well and free of coughs or colds.'

After the incident on Monday evening, a Tesco spokesman said: 'Everyone is welcome at Tesco and abuse of any kind has no place in our stores.

'We look forward to welcoming Ms Germon and her daughter back to our Swansea Cadle Extra and are pleased to hear that our colleagues have been very supportive.'

Ms Germon has set up a JustGiving page to help Lydia get all the support, treatments and therapies she needs for a better life.
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A renowned designer's modern home which hosted fashion shows in the Sixties for Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent is up for sale for 795,000.

Klein House in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders was built in 1957 by celebrated architect Peter Womersley, who was regarded as one of the UK's finest modernist architects.

It was commissioned by textile designer Bernat Klein, whose fabrics were used by brands such as Dior, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent in the 1960s.

Klein House in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders was built in 1957 by celebrated architect Peter Womersley, who was regarded as one of the UK's finest modernist architects

It was commissioned by textile designer Bernat Klein, whose fabrics were used by brands such as Dior, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent in the 1960s. All textiles in the house were specially designed, dyed and woven by Klein

The house is entered via the carport and the entrance hall leads into the main living area, which has a study area and library and a 'wall of plants' dividing it from the dining area (above)

Fashion editors from Vogue would attend casual fashion shows at the designer's house and Klein even had photo shoots for his catalogues there.

The single-storey house has kept its original form, divided into eight foot modules, a testament to Womersley's creativity, and the interior looks like it is still inspired by Klein's heyday of the 1960s.

The property is Category A listed, the highest grade given by Historic Environment Scotland in recognition of its exceptional and rare architecture.

Klein had seen some of Womersley's earlier work, Farnley Hey in Huddersfield, and commissioned him to build him a modern home.

Womersley designed the house in his classic geometric modular design, creating an expansive feel. Womersley used changing floor levels and cupboard blocks to define separate areas.

It also has a kitchen, which still features the original units, a family room, three bedrooms and a studio wing, which was added in 1982 with Womersley's approval

Womersley designed the house in his classic geometric modular design, creating an expansive feel. Womersley used changing floor levels and cupboard blocks to define separate areas

A broad mixture of materials were used, including travertine floor tiles and exotic hardwoods such as idigbo and obeche, as well as colourful tiling added by Klein

The house is entered via the carport and the entrance hall leads into the main living area, which has a study area and library and a 'wall of plants' dividing it from the dining area.

It also has a kitchen, which still features the original units, a family room, three bedrooms and a studio wing, which was added in 1982 with Womersley's approval.

The house sits in a beautiful rural plot of more than three acres with far-reaching views of the countryside. The area is renowned for its unspoilt beauty and salmon fishing in the River Tweed.

A broad mixture of materials were used throughout the property, including travertine floor tiles and exotic hardwoods such as idigbo and obeche, as well as colourful tiling added by Klein.

All textiles in the house were specially designed, dyed and woven by Klein.

Klein had seen some of Womersley's earlier work, Farnley Hey in Huddersfield, and commissioned him to build him a modern home

The house sits in a beautiful rural plot of more than three acres with far-reaching views of the countryside. The area is renowned for its unspoilt beauty and salmon fishing in the River Tweed

Klein, who died at the age of 91 in 2014, was renowned for his textiles, most notably his Tweed creations.

After studying textile technology at Leeds University and graduating in 1948, he began working for textile manufacturers Munrospun where he made fabrics for ladies coats and skirts.

Despite Tweed traditionally being in green or brown, he began creating more colourful fabrics in mohair, which were eventually noticed by Chanel and featured in Elle magazine.

Vogue said Klein 'revolutionised traditional English fabrics to win them new recognition abroad' and soon several other designers were proudly using his textiles.

Some of his fans included Princess Margaret and the Earl of Snowdon.

Peter Womersley: The modernist architect whose work was iconic Peter Womersley, above, was admitted to the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1952 Peter Womersley was born in 1923. Originally destined to study at Cambridge, he was called up for service in the Second World War before deciding to study architecture at the Architectural Association in London. His first commission was a house, Farnley Hey, which was built for his brother as wedding present in Huddersfield. It won the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) bronze medal in 1958. He later moved to the Scottish Borders from London where he built The Rig, his home and studio in Gattonside before he designed and built Klein House for Bernat Klein and later a studio. After building homes, he moved on to commercial properties including the Roxburgh County Offices (now the headquarters of Scottish Borders Council), a sports centre at the University of Hull and co-designed the The Nuffield Transplantation Surgery Unit at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital in 1963. Klein House, the Bernat Klein Studio and Gala Fairydean Stadium are now protected as Category A, the highest level of protection for a building in Scotland of 'special architectural or historic interest'. Advertisement

Albert Hill, founding director of The Modern House, said: 'My job involves travelling around Britain looking at some really exceptional houses.

'Even though I have been doing this for over 12 years, once in a while I still get completely bowled over by a property and the Klein House was certainly one of those places.

'In my opinion it is one of the very best Modern houses in the UK, with its winning combination of so many appealing elements.

'Peter Womersley is without doubt one of the most underrated Modern architects, not only in the UK but in the world, and this is one of his masterpieces.

'The richness and variety of the materials used, the elegant way that the architect plays with forms, and his lightness of touch are all evident here.'
All impacted passengers have been shifted to other areas of the ship

The ship was disembarking from Brisbane Port and bound for Airlie Beach

A pipe has burst on board a luxury cruise liner causing the locker deck to flood

A pipe has burst on board a luxury cruise liner causing water to spurt through ceilings and one of the decks to flood.

The Sun Princess was disembarking from the Brisbane Port and bound for Airlie Beach on Wednesday evening when the disaster struck.

A passenger has described the alarming situation and her desire to get off the ship, Seven News reports.

'In a few minutes the cabin's floor is absolutely saturated with about three, maybe two, inches of water,' Lorraine told 4BC.

'I wanted to get off but they said "you can't, we're already under sail".'

Footage shared to Facebook from another passenger shows a hallway becoming increasingly inundated with water while streams of liquid pour from the roof.

A burst pipe on Sun Princess bound for Airlie Beach caused water to spurt through ceilings and one of the decks to flood

Footage shared to Facebook shows a hallway becoming increasingly inundated with water while streams of liquid pour from the roof

Passengers can be heard exclaiming 'Oh my god, it's getting worse,' and 'The power's going to go out,' in the background.

The dramatic footage was captioned 'Wow - haven't left Port yet in Brisbane on Sun Princess and already Flooding on deck 11.'

The busted pipe is reportedly only affecting deck 11 and all impacted passengers have been shifted to other areas of the ship.

The drama occurred minutes after the ship left the Brisbane Port, prompting one passenger to ask to get off

The water left 10 of its cabins on the locker deck inhabitable.

Despite the drama, the ship is continuing on its journey to Queensland's Whitsunday Coast.

For one social media user, the incident was one too many, with them commenting: 'Typical sun princess, just one problem to another,' on the startling footage.

Another said it would take more than a flooded deck to stop them hopping aboard: 'It's amazing how quickly they can fix problems, doesn't stop me cruising.'

'In a few minutes the cabin's floor is absolutely saturated with about three, maybe two, inches of water,' passenger Lorraine told 4BC
EU negotiator Michel Barnier wants to strike a Brexit deal to boost his chances of winning a top job in Brussels, it was claimed today.

The veteran fixed is said to be chasing the presidency of the EU Commission, currently held by the controversial Jean-Claude Juncker.

But reports today said many in Brussels view landing the Brexit deal as crucial to his chances.

Mr Barnier has served twice on the European Commission and had a long ministerial career in France before shifting to Brussels.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier (pictured last week with David Davis) wants to strike a Brexit deal to boost his chances of winning a top job in Brussels, it was claimed today

Mr Juncker's current term ends in 2019 - months after the Brexit process is due to reach its culmination.

lain Lamassoure, a veteran French MEP and longtime colleague told Politico: 'His dream has always been to be president of the Commission, and that dream was broken in 2014.

'He doesn't have prime ministerial experience to be Council president, but if he succeeds in the Brexit negotiations, he can make his dream come true.

'The calendar coincides perfectly. He will have finished in two years.

'And if he has done these negotiations brilliantly, he will be a candidate.'

Mr Barnier has become a controversial figure in Britain as he sticks rigidly to his Brexit negotiating mandate, agreed by the 27 member states.

Brexit Secretary David Davis did little to hide his irritation at the Frenchman last week, urging him to be more flexible and imaginative.

The veteran fixed is said to be chasing the presidency of the EU Commission, currently held by the controversial Jean-Claude Juncker (pictured last week with Tony Blair)

But a UK government official told the website that Barnier was 'an often reasonable guy who had found himself in an unreasonable situation.'

Asked about Barnier's future, an EU source close to him said: 'Mr Barnier is fully engaged in the Brexit negotiations as the European Commission's chief negotiator and, as he has said himself before, he is conducting these negotiations in a calm and constructive spirit.

'His aim is to reach a deal with the United Kingdom.'

In a statement, Margaritis Schinas, the Commission's chief spokesperson, dismissed any talk about Barnier's future as 'gossip.'

'President Juncker appointed Mr Barnier to this important assignment for well-known reasons,' Schinas told Politico.

'For the rest, we have lots of work ahead and no time for gossip.'
China's military has been rehearsing fending off a 'surprise attack' near the Korean peninsula as tensions in the region continued to escalate.

An anti-aircraft defence battalion carried out the exercises early on Tuesday, near the Bohai Sea, the innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea that separates China from the peninsula, the official army website stated.

Troops travelled to the site from central China before immediately beginning drills to fend off the 'surprise attack' simulating real battle and soldiers used weapons that had never been trialled before.

Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers carrying packs marked with a radioactive symbol take part in a military parade in Pyongyang. The rehearsals in China would have been a test of how to deal with the KPA troops' aggression

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers the speech ahead of the signing ceremony of BRICS Business Council at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Fujian, on Monday. He authorised the military rehearsals near the Bohai Sea, the innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea that separates China from the peninsula

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, second from right, at an undisclosed location in North Korea as he inspects one of the country's weapons

The website issued a statement saying: 'The troops rapid response capabilities and actual combat levels have effectively been tested.'

It was the first time certain weapons, which it did not identify, had been used to shoot down low-altitude targets coming over the sea, www.81.cn said.

China's Defence Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The exercise came days after North Korea carried out its sixth and largest nuclear test of an advanced hydrogen bomb and there is mounting concern internationally that the country plans more weapons tests, possibly of a long-range missile.

After weeks of rising tension, South Korea and the United States have been discussing the deployment of aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula.

China is deeply suspicious of any US backed military build up in the region and has repeatedly expressed anger at the deployment of a US anti-missile defence system in South Korea.
California will name a stretch of highway in the Los Angeles area for former President Barack Obama after state lawmakers approved the plan.

A stretch of the 134 Freeway passing through the hipster Eagle Rock section of Los Angeles and the cities of Glendale and Pasadena will be known as the President Barack H. Obama Highway after the Legislature signed off on a resolution Tuesday.

The measure doesn't require the governor's signature.

Former President Barack Obama attended Occidental College in Los Angeles for two years from 1979-1981 before transferring to Columbia University. On the right Obama delivers a speech in Indonesia on July 1, 2017

Democratic state Senator Anthony Portantino, who authored the resolution, says Obama used that part of the freeway to travel to his classes at Occidental College in L.A. from 1979 to 1981.

Obama attended Occidental in Eagle Rock for two years before transferring to Columbia University in New York.

'I am so proud to have authored this proposal to forever appreciate and commemorate President Obama's tremendous legacy, statesmanship and direct connection to Southern California,' state Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-La Canada Flintridge, said in a statement posted on his website.

The resolution received bipartisan support.

Traffic moves east along the freeway as the sun sets over Eagle Rock, California

The approval came on the same day President Donald Trump announced a phase-out of one of Obama's key immigration programs.

Earlier this year, the LA City Council voted to rename a portion of Rodeo Road to Obama Boulevard.

Obama held his first Los Angeles presidential campaign rally on Rodeo Road when he was still a senator.
Uber Eats drivers are supposed to make deliveries  but one opportunistic driver extended his duties to pick-ups after allegedly stealing a $3000 bag and wallet from an apartment building.

Jiming Wang, 25, was returning to his apartment in Zetland, Sydney about 9.30 Tuesday night last week when he put a small bag containing his wallet and keys on a couch in the lobby and went to check his mail.

While his back was turned, an Uber Eats delivery driver who was leaving the building after dropping off a meal spotted the bag unattended on the couch.

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An Uber Eats delivery man was caught on CCTV allegedly stealing a wallet

The alleged thief was caught on CCTV creeping closer towards the bag, checking his surroundings and then swiping it before making a quick getaway.

Mr Wang returned to the couch to find his bag missing, and after a quick search realised it had been stolen.

He told Daily Mail Australia the bag and wallet have sentimental value for him as they were gifts from family members.

Theres basically no chance to actually get my stuff back. The more time that goes on the less likely it is that I will get my stuff back.

I dont want compensation, I just want my stuff.

He estimated the value of the bag and wallet to be about $3000.

The next day I went to the building management and found the CCTV footage.

The man spotted the wallet unattended on a couch in the lobby of an apartment building

We found the person who ordered the Uber Eats and hes willing to co-operate.

Despite the willingness of the recipient of the Uber Eats order to help out, Mr Wang said they have no direct contact number for the man who is alleged to have stolen his wallet.

He said after contacting Uber he was told they dont deal with the drivers directly, and that he would have to talk to the police.

After picking the wallet up the man made a quick getaway, and hasn't been tracked down

He claims six days after contacting Uber he received a voice mail message from them saying they will be dealing directly with the police in regards to the alleged theft.

Mr Wang said he admits some fault for leaving his wallet unattended, but says in the three years he has been living in the apartment building he has always found other tenants to be very trustworthy.

Its a really good community, I didnt think twice about putting it there.'

The man who lost the bag and wallet (not pictured) estimated it's worth to be about $3000

A spokesman for Uber told Daily Mail Australia the driver has since been banned from deliveries while the police investigation is ongoing.

'We treat allegations such as these seriously, and have been in touch with the customer to let them know we'll assist the police investigation.'
Police are searching for this man and a woman who tried to snatch a baby after knocking on a stranger's door and asking if they needed childcare

Police are searching for a man and a woman who tried to snatch a baby after knocking on a stranger's door and asking if they needed childcare.

The man and woman reportedly knocked on the door of a property in Hatfield around 5pm on August 22, before asking Zoe Whyman, 27, if she needed childcare.

They then tried to grab hold of her baby.

They didn't give their names but said they were asking people in the area if they needed childcare.

Ms Whyman said she felt uncomfortable when the man called her baby 'cute'. He tried to grab her baby as she shut the door.

She said: 'The man said to me "he looks like a cute baby, can I give him a cuddle?"

'It was a strange comment and my gut was telling me to shut my door so I stepped back and with my foot started to push my front door shut.

'The man then launched forward to try and grab my baby but luckily I managed to shut my door in time and then they ran away.

'I called the police straight away. I was so scared that they would come back and try again.

'I feel heartbroken that it's happened and am now worried that people have been watching me and that's how they knew I had kids and a baby.

'I don't want to be alone now, open my door, or let my children out of my sight. I feel really anxious.'

She said she wanted to warn other parents and urged them to take care.

'I just want to make other parents aware and warn them that this happened. Please, please be careful everyone.'

The man and woman reportedly knocked on the door of a property in Hatfield before asking Zoe Whyman, 27, if she needed childcare. They then tried to grab hold of her baby

Detective Sergeant Malcolm Dey, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: 'This image has been created using the description provided by the victim.

'I would ask for the public's help to identify the man pictured so we can ascertain his intentions that day.

'As a result of inquiries conducted so far, we have not received any other reports of incidents of this nature in Hatfield. However, I would like to hear from any residents in the area who may have had a knock on the door from this man offering childcare.

'He was in the company of a woman, who is described as being of Asian appearance and wearing a hijab.'

Police said it was an isolated incident and it 'wasn't a long exchange' on the doorstep.

Anyone who thinks they may know the identity of the person pictured is asked to contact Hatfield Local Crime Unit on the non-emergency number 101 quoting ISR 513 of August 22.

Alternatively, if you have any information about this incident you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
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A cheetah powerslammed an impala who had leapt straight into its arms during an ambush near a watering hole in South Africa.

Last month a herd of impala were drinking near the Rahlogo hide in Pilanesberg National Park with only zebras and some guinea fowl for company.

Out of nowhere a hungry cheetah appeared and launched an attack on the herd and while many of the graceful animals escaped, one ran straight into the arms of death.

The impala attempted to jump over her predator, who was poised to take her down amid the chaos.

As she leapt into the air, the cheetah followed her and reaching up on its hind legs, managed to grab the antelope, stop its momentum and slam her into the ground in a move more at home in a wrestling ring.

Once the dust has settled, two of the cheetah's cubs appear to drag the impala away from the site of the kill to enjoy their meal.

An incredible set of photographs by Deon Hoon, 62, captured the entire sequence, and he described it as the 'longest 58 seconds of my life'.

The impala attempts to leap over its hunter after the cheetah appeared from nowhere near a watering hole in South Africa

The cheetah followed its prey skywards and stopped the antelopes in mid air int he Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa

The impala tries to stretch forward in a last ditch attempt to escape from the clutches of its hunter in the bush

It's all over for the antelope as the cheetah starts bringing its dinner down to the ground in a wrestling-type move

As the dust is kicked from the ground, the cheetah drives the impala downwards having stopped it in its tracks
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A 'beautiful' five-year-old boy who was killed after being shot in the head with an air gun pellet has today been named as Alexander Moroz.

The tragic youngster, from Leicester, was rushed to hospital in the early hours of August 27 but died three days later.

His parents today said they are 'heartbroken' and added that 'one minute their son was here and the next he was gone'.

Police are desperately trying to track down a group of rock climbers who might have seen something near the address in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

They also want to speak to a driver of a car with a French number plate which was parked nearby at the time.

The youngster was taken to hospital after suffering a head injury in the early hours of Sunday just off Nanpantan Road in Loughborough (pictured)

His parents today said that they are 'heartbroken' as they paid tribute to their 'beautiful' son.

His father Genadij Moroz, 32, and mother Viktorija, 40, originally from Lithuania but now living in Leicester, have two other sons.

Mr Moroz said: 'Obviously it is a very hard time for us. The death is very recent, and as a family we are still trying to come to terms with what has happened.

'For my boys and for my wife, it is almost impossible. One minute he was here, and the next he was gone.

'He was on the organ donor list, and his organs could save six lives, so that is something for us to be proud of.

'I don't want to speak about how it happened, and I don't know a lot of the details about it.

'I would rather wait for the coroner to speak, and I know that the police are investigating too.

'Then we will know what has happened. He was a beautiful boy, he was like sunshine. We all loved him so much and will miss him very much.'

Mrs Moroz added: 'It is too difficult. I don't want to speak about what has happened. I am heartbroken.'

Paramedics dashed to the address after receiving a call about a boy being shot in the head with the air rifle.

The youngster was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham but died and the inquest into his death is set to open tomorrow at Loughborough Coroner's Court.

His death is being treated as unexplained but two adults had been arrested in connection with the incident and were released pending further inquiries.

Officers believe there was a group of rock climbers and people walking in the area in the afternoon and evening of August 26 who they are urging to come forward.

The boy was moved to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham (pictured) where he died on Wednesday evening

A Leicestershire police spokeswoman said: 'A post-mortem examination has taken place and our joint inquiries with Her Majesty's Coroner's Service are continuing.

'An investigation is underway into the circumstances surrounding the death of a five-year-old boy.

'The boy was taken to hospital in the early hours of Sunday August 27 with a head injury believed to have been sustained by an air pellet during an incident just off Nanpantan Road, Loughborough.

'As part of enquiries carried out, officers believe there was a group of rock climbers and people walking in the area of Nanpantan Road in the afternoon and evening of Saturday.

'A car with a French registered number plate was also parked nearby.

'Police would be interested in speaking with these people and would ask them to please get in touch.

'Anyone with information about the incident is asked to please call 101, quoting incident number 38 of 27 August.

'Two adults have been arrested in connection with the incident and released under investigation pending further enquiries.'
German leader Angela Merkel was hit by a tomato thrown by a protester attending a pre-election tally in Heidelberg on Tuesday.

The 63-year-old Chancellor came under literal and actual fire from hundreds of protesters voicing their upset over her 'open doors' policy during the 2015 migrant crisis.

Police said two tomatoes were thrown during different parts of the Chancellor's speech with one striking her left hip.

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At least she's wearing red! German Chancellor Angela Merkel looks at a stain on her jacket after being hit by a tomato during a campaign event at the University Square in Heidelberg

One of her aides was also hit by the flying fruit as the words 'liar' and 'hypocrite' rang in her ears.

The noisy demonstration was fresh evidence that not all votes are guaranteed at the general election on September 24 when she seeks a fourth term in power.

Some 3,000 people were at the rally and those who demonstrated against her were angry at her refugee policies which have seen over a million unvetted immigrants enter the country in the last two years.

'If we made a mistake, then it wasn't in taking in people, ' Mrs. Merkel said in defence of her decision to open the doors to migrants in 2015.

'But rather that we didn't pay attention to the fact that people in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Syria didn't have enough to eat, weren't getting an education and put themselves into the hands of people smugglers.'

Brushing it off: Mrs Merkel can be seen wiping off some of the tomato stains on her jacket

Under attack: One of the fruits thrown by a protester hidden in the crowd

Anger: The 63-year-old Chancellor came under fire from hundreds of protesters voicing their upset over her 'open doors' policy during the 2015 migrant crisis

Police spokesman David Faulhaber said today that they are now investigating against persons unknown on suspicion of attempted bodily harm and attempted property damage.

Mrs. Merkel appeared later in the day at a Stuttgart campaign event wearing the same red jacket.

Mrs. Merkel has been heckled during several campaign events, mostly by supporters of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party which has attracted many of her CDU party supporters into its ranks.

Although widely tipped to be returned to power, the AfD is expected to win big in the election and send MPs into the national parliament for the first time. It is already represented in state assemblies.
A man collapsed after taking just one drag of a Spice cigarette as the drug's devastating epidemic continues to plague Britain's cities.

Horrifying video footage shows the user convulsing on the streets of Nottingham as the substance takes hold and leaves him in a crumpled heap on the ground.

The incident comes just days after Nottingham City Council said it was 'overwhelmed' by the number of people collapsing from taking Spice or Black Mamba.

Horrifying video footage shows the man convulsing as he collapses on the streets of Nottingham

Paramedics are being called up to five times a day to drug users in the city and in August a 37-year-old man died after taking the similar substance, Black Mamba.

Councillor Toby Neal has urged the Home Office to help cities crackdown on the 'worrying increase' in the number of incidents of people using the drugs.

He said: 'It's a concern in terms of the health impacts for users as well as the impact on our communities, residents and visitors.

'There's a limit to what we can do within existing legislation  what's needed is some leadership from Government on a problem that is beginning to have a big impact on all cities.

'Cities need to be able to work together with the Home Office because we can't do it on our own.

'Criminal action is only one part of the solution, but the legislation which covers these drugs is ineffective and needs to be reviewed to take into account the impacts they are having.'

Spice users are slumped over a large plant pot as the drug takes hold of their mind and body in Manchester

A man is left collapsed in what appears to be his own vomit, after taking the drug in Lincoln

Cities across the country are battling widespread problems with Spice, with the drug often being used by the homeless.

Users slumped over benches or passed out on the pavement have become common sights in London, Manchester, Lincoln and Newcastle.

East Midlands Ambulance Service, which was called out to a record high 15 drug users in one weekend in July, has previously warned against the use of the drugs.

Wendy Hazard, ambulance operations manager for Nottinghamshire, said: 'These drugs are dangerous and often contain harmful chemicals which can put lives at risk.

'When high on synthetics, symptoms can include unconsciousness and slurred speech, all of which mimic someone who is in a life-threatening condition.

The Government has said it is clamping down on those who deal Spice and Black Mamba, with stricter sentences given to those prosecuted

'Users are risking their own lives due to the harmful chemicals but are also at risk of endangering the lives of others by taking a crew away from someone who really needs them.'

A Home Office spokesman said: 'We recognise how dangerous synthetic cannabinoids, such as those found in spice and black mamba, can be and the devastating impact that they can have on communities, families and the individuals taking them.

'That is why we acted to ban these so-called legal highs under the Misuse of Drugs Act and give the police the powers they need to take action, including making possession illegal and delivering longer sentences for dealers.

'Our new drug strategy has placed recovery and protecting the vulnerable at its heart  supporting people though treatment while tackling the supply of illegal drugs.'
Officials has called for the extradition o four gang-rape suspects accused of attacking a Polish woman as her boyfriend was forced to watch on an Italian beach.

The gang, of which at least one was an Congolese asylum seeker, are also accused of raping a transgender Peruvian woman on the same night and have all been arrested.

Poland's deputy justice minister Patryk Jaki said the four should face a severe punishment to act 'as an example' to potential future offenders, though it is not clear yet whether Italy will give the extradition the go-ahead.

A 26-year-old Polish woman was repeatedly raped by a group of men on Italy's popular Rimini beach, police say. Pictured above, Italian Scientific Police investigate the site of the incident

Police have arrested (pictured) a 20-year-old asylum seeker and three youths for gang-raping a Polish tourist on an Italian beach as her badly beaten husband was forced to watch

Police have arrested a 20-year-old asylum seeker and three youths for gang-raping the Polish tourist on an Italian beach as her badly beaten husband was forced to watch.

The Congolese national was arrested on a train between Milan and Pesaro a week after a woman was attacked by a group of men on Rimini beach in the country's north east.

Two brothers aged 15 and 17 and another 16-year-old have also been detained over the 'brutal and bestial' rape on the Adriatic coast.

The 26-year-old Polish woman was repeatedly raped in front of her husband who was beaten and robbed by the same group of men on the beach, police say.

Her partner, also 26, passed out after being beaten on the head and robbed, reports said.

The Poles were hospitalised with injuries after passersby saw the couple, bloodied and dazed, on the beach.

The 26-year-old Polish woman was repeatedly raped in front of her husband who was beaten and robbed by the same group of men on the beach, police say

According to police the same gang of men then raped a transgender woman in a park

According to police the same gang of men then raped a transgender woman in a park.

The Congolese suspect, who arrived in Italy in 2015, was arrested by two female police officers.

He had been granted permission to stay in Italy until 2018 on humanitarian grounds following the rejection of his bid for asylum, Italian media reported.

The arrested brothers are said to have handed themselves into police after their father recognised them on CCTV images shared by police and told them to report themselves, The Local reports.

The 16-year-old suspect was held in a town nearby.
This disturbing footage shows a colony of panicked seals flinging themselves off a cliff edge after being startled by tourists.

The frantic pups can be seen desperately throwing themselves off a 16ft cliff edge and bouncing off razor-sharp rocks onto the beach and water below.

Experts say the grey seals may often break or damage their flippers during the fall, leaving them unable to swim or hunt properly.

The grey seals were filmed leaping over a cliff edge to escape approaching tourists

Seals can suffer serious injury or even death after jumping off a cliff and hitting the rocks

Experts said they can break their flippers which makes it impossible to hunt effectively

The clip captured at St Mary's Island, north of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, reveals the alarming consequences of the disturbances caused by human activity.

A spokesperson for St. Mary's Seal Watch (SMSW) has issued a stark warning to visitors urging them to view the mammals quietly from within the lighthouse compound.

She said: 'Disturbance of all levels results in heightened vigilance and loss of energy.

'When it happens repeatedly it can reduce the animal's chances of remaining healthy or even their survival.

'When disturbance happens on a rocky site like St. Mary's Island the chances of injury is high.

'While many visitors, once aware are respectful of the animal's needs, there are those, whether through ignorance or intent, that are not.

'While we would always try to prevent occurrences such as these without much more robust management of the site these incidents will happen too often.

'Nature Reserves are places where wildlife should be protected and undisturbed. If wildlife is not safe on a nature reserve where will it be?

The tragic scenes were filmed at St Mary's Island, Whitley Bay by members of the seal watch

People engaging in water sports can also spook the seals forcing them to flee

'Disturbance is caused by the sight and sound of visitors.

'Some of these disturbances happened when people ignored the advice given and willfully encroached onto the wildlife sensitive areas, while others were caused by the site and sounds of people within the lighthouse compound.

'Many disturbances are caused by water activities. Audible and visual disturbance cues trigger a panic and this is what happens.

'Incidents like this can be prevented if people avoid the rocky area of the island, remain concealed, stay quiet and give the island a wide berth when carrying out activities in the water.'

The footage was shot at St Mary's Island, which is a land base spot where seals flock to carry out essential life functions such as breeding, digestion, restoration of energy.

Although the island is not primarily used as a breeding ground, juveniles from the Farne Islands and the Isle of May make regular use of the site while they learn to fend for themselves.

Rest is essential for young pups and the loss of an important 'pit stop' will have a serious impact on their well-being, say experts.

SMSW wardens are encouraging visitors to view the wildlife quietly from within the lighthouse compound.
Two women who were filmed brawling on the floor next to the baggage reclaim in Alicante after a Ryanair flight from Newcastle say they have now made up.

Nicola Artley, 42, was seen grappling with a fellow passenger, who MailOnline can name as 33-year-old Louise Dobbs, in front of shocked onlookers.

And now a close friend of Ms Dobbs has revealed to MailOnline: 'They spoke on the phone this morning. Everything is OK between them.'

Both women live just around the corner from each other in Middlesbrough's Park End district, but it is thought to be a coincidence they were both on the same flight.

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Nicola Artley, 42, was filmed grappling on the floor of the Spanish airport with a fellow passenger, who MailOnline can name as 33-year-old Louise Dobbs(right)

The friend added: 'They just want to put it behind them. It was just something which got out of hand.'

In the footage, the two women are seen yanking each other's hair as they wrestled in front of passengers waiting for their luggage.

Ms Artley, a mother-of-three, is wearing a yellow t-shirt and Ms Dobbs a navy green one.

Ms Artley is heard screaming with her legs flailing in the air as her opponent pins her down on the airport tiles.

The brawl gets so out of control that the two women eventually have to be prised apart by a bystander.

Footage also emerged last week of Ms Artley involved in another incident on the flight itself, where she was seen throwing punches at a fellow passenger.

Witnesses say she was due to be met by police after the attack, but was apparently allowed to wander through the airport where the second incident took place.

Nicola Artley, 42,(yellow shirt) was filmed grappling on the floor of the Spanish airport with a fellow passenger, who MailOnline can name as 33-year-old Louise Dobbs

In the footage, Ms Artley(yellow shirt) and Ms Dobbs(green) yanked each other's hair as they wrestled with one another in front of passengers waiting for their luggage

Referring to the in-flight incident, Ms Artley admitted she was 'loud' and had drunk beer and vodka before the flight.

But she claimed she did not instigate the trouble and that another passenger had thrown a drink over her first.

Ms Artley said she has also received a barrage of abuse online after the video was published but that it is unfair because the whole episode was not caught on camera.

Ms Artley (pictured) claimed she was acting in self-defence when she was filmed brawling in Alicante airport after a Ryanair flight

She said: 'I apologise to anyone on that plane if I was being loud. But I wasn't being abusive until I was attacked.

'The video on most websites only shows what happened after I was punched and had a drink thrown over me. I was defending myself.'

She added that she takes a lot of medication, including antidepressants and sleeping tablets, which may have affected her behaviour.

'I had been awake since 5am. I had had a drink, but all I'd had was two pints and two shots of vodka,' she said.

Ms Artley claimed that another passenger had thrown a drink over her and hit her and insisted the viral videos merely captures her reaction.

She claimed her finger was bitten during the incident - which carried on into the airport - and as a result she was now taking antibiotics.

She added: 'If you watch all the other videos, people are screaming and shouting at me. It was like a mob. People were cheering as I was attacked in the airport.

Fellow passenger Rachel Burns, 35, described Ms Artley as 'intoxicated' during the flight.

Both Ms Artley and Ms Dobbs, pictured, live just around the corner from each other in Middlesbrough

However, they were not thought to be friends and it was a coincidence they were on the flight together. Pictured: Ms Dobbs

The mother-of-three, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, said: 'It was unbelievable. At the airport the police had already seen her and let her go.

'When we got into the baggage collection area that's when the violence started.

'I was with my family, we'd got our bags and had been walking away and then they got stuck into it.

'I saw her just go up to a lady who had been one of the people telling her to sit down. Then they were going at it on the floor.

'It went on for a couple of minutes. She just seemed intoxicated. She was very, very drunk. Some man tried to pull her off, then she started again.'

Ms Burns added that the security was 'shocking'.

'It was an absolute shambles,' she said. 'She just left. She was with two friends, they seemed mortified and were crying.

In a video of the original brawl on board the flight, men and women aboard the Newcastle to Alicante Ryanair flight can be seen scrapping over the tops of seats

Arms can be seen flailing in both directions as fellow passengers attempt to stop the unseemly fracas

'Then we left, we just needed to get the children away from it.'

She added: 'It's shocking that she'd even been able to get on the plane in the first place, let alone get to that point in the airport.'

Ms Burns claims the woman was drunk while they were on the plane and had been aggressive towards her fellow passengers for around an hour-and-a-half.

She claims the woman even directed her slurs at her mother, who was travelling with her, calling her an 'old hag'.

Ms Burns, who was who was taking her flight one-way to move out to Spain with her family, said: 'On the flight she was leathered.

'The staff and other people on the plane kept telling her to sit down. The plane staff said they hadn't served her alcohol.

'She was sat two rows behind me, and she started getting really aggressive with people in front of her, f-ing and blinding and saying 'What you looking at?'

'Then she started fighting with the man in front, and started getting aggressive with the lady asking her to move. The plane staff couldn't control her.

'The people she was attacking got moved to the front of the plane.

Mother-of-three Ms Artley (left and right) claims she did not instigate the trouble and that another passenger had thrown a drink over her first

'She called my mum an 'old hag' so that's when I started shouting at her as well, saying 'Don't call my mum that'.'

'It was all going on for about an hour and a half.'

A spokesman for Ryanair said: 'The crew of this flight from Newcastle to Alicante (31 Aug) requested police assistance upon arrival after a passenger became disruptive inflight.

'The aircraft landed normally and the passenger was met by police. We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time and the safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority.

'This passenger has been banned from flying with Ryanair and this is now a matter for local police.

'This is exactly why we are calling for significant changes to prohibit the sale of alcohol at airports, such as a two-drink limit per passenger and no alcohol sales before 10am.

'It's incumbent on the airports to introduce these preventative measures to curb excessive drinking and the problems it creates, rather than allowing passengers to drink to excess before their flights.'

Aena, the airport network to which Alicante Airport belongs, declined to comment.

Airport police and Guardia Civil were contacted for comment but have yet to respond.
A snake catcher has filmed himself snatching a 1.7 metre eastern brown snake from its backyard hiding place and wrestling it into a bag.

After the aggressive reptile - the second most poisonous land snake species in the world - was spotted, the homeowners from Ormeau on the Gold Coast called Tony Harrison of Gold Coast and Brisbane Snake Catchers.

Mr Harrison soon identified the reptile and told the caller her husband was lucky not to be in hospital being treated for a nasty bite.

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A snake catcher (pictured) has filmed himself snatching a 1.7 metre eastern brown state out of a backyard and wrestling it into a bag

Mr Harrison (pictured) soon identified the reptile and told the caller her husband was lucky not to be in hospital being treated for a nasty bite

The professional snake wrangler says the serpent was 1.7 metres long and weighed about 3.5 kilograms.

'Bloody oath. It tried to eat me,' he wrote on Facebook but said it didn't come close to the largest eastern brown he has captured, a 2.2 metre four kilogram monster.

The harrowing footage shows Mr Harrison gripping the venomous reptile by the tail and swinging it into the air.

As the snake, sluggish from the morning cold, warmed up it began to whip around, trying to attack its captor.

Mr Harrison allowed the snake to lunge at him a couple of times before expertly catching it in his bag (pictured) and twisting it shut around the writhing reptile

'Bloody oath. It tried to eat me,' he wrote on Facebook (pictured) but said it didn't come close to the largest eastern brown he has captured, a 2.2 metre four kilogram monster

Mr Harrison allowed the snake to lunge at him a couple of times before expertly catching it in his bag and twisting it shut around the writhing reptile.

'It was ready to roll by the time I got home, 15 minutes at 7:30 this morning in a black car,' he said when asked how long a snake that size takes to warm up.

Depending on the weather and the time of day it could vary, however, and Mr Harrison recommends exercising extreme caution around eastern browns.

He said the warm weather coincides with the breeding season for snakes, and it is common for the reptiles to come out into the open at this time.

The snake has been sent to Gosford Reptile Park where it's venom will be extracted for use in antivenin.

'It was ready to roll by the time I got home, 15 minutes at 7:30 this morning in a black car,' Mr Harrison (pictured) said when asked how long a snake that size takes to warm up
Charlottesville City Council has voted to remove a second Confederate monument just weeks after violent white nationalist protests over a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee led to three deaths.

Tuesday's vote was unanimous to take down the statue of Gen. Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson. The statue will remain, however, while a lawsuit over it and the Lee monument plays out.

The city had draped both with black tarps as a symbol of mourning for Heather Heyer, a counter protester killed at the violent Unite the Right rally.

In February, the council was divided in its decision to remove the Lee statue, barely passing the measure on a 3-2 vote. Mayor Mike Signer and Kathy Galvin voted against it but have since changed their minds in the wake of the August 12 riots four weeks ago.

Charlottesville City Council has voted to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson (file picture) just weeks after violent white nationalist protests over a statue of Gen. Robert E. Lee led to three deaths

The statue of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson has been shrouded in black plastic since late August

Anger boiled over the last council meeting two weeks ago, where scores of people screamed and cursed at councilors over the city's response to the rally.

The mayor, vice mayor and three council members fled the room as protesters shouted out and held banners reading 'Blood on your Hands.'

Tuesday's more peaceful resolution calls for removal of the Jackson statue 'as soon as possible' pending a successful resolution of the Lee court case.

Charlottesville Mayor Mike Signer talks to reporters in front of the covered Stonewall statue on August 23

This is the second Confederate monument which the council have voted to remove. They also voted to take down the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee (pictured)

Charlottesville City Councilor Bob Fenwick toldNBC 29: 'They should be in a museum.'

'If people stop and think, we have no statues, that I know of, to George Washington in Charlottesville, and yet none of us have forgotten his history. So this argument that we have to keep it to preserve history, to me, is irrelevant.'

Tuesday night's vote is the latest action in the nationwide debate over Confederate street names, statues and other symbols that is being conducted.

Confederate memorials have been under increased scrutiny since the deadly violence in August.

Protesters have defaced several Confederate memorials in the South.

Protesters march in July in front of the Stonewall statue as they demonstrate against a KKK rally in Charlottesville

A photo of the woman who was killed in Charlottesville sits in front of a vandalized Confederate memorial in Atlanta, Georgia

The first discovered was a statue honoring Confederate officer John B. Castleman in Lexington, Kentucky. It was discovered splattered with orange paint around 8am on August 13.

That same morning, another Confederate memorial in Tampa, Florida, was discovered painted red as well.

The vandals wrote 'f*** fascists' on one of the marble slabs set up to honor Confederate soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War.

In Atlanta, Georgia, a statue commemorating the end of the Civil War was splattered with red paint.

A bust commemorating Confederate lieutenant general Nathan Bedford Forrest in Nashville, Tennessee, was covered with a black sweatshirt, while hand-drawn signs were set up at the base, calling Forrest a 'slaver,' 'traitor' and 'klansman'.
A mother who is heavily pregnant with twins was turned away from a Washington steakhouse by staff who said her crop top violated its health code.

Charisha Gobin, 35, is seven-and-a-half months pregnant with a opposite sex twins.

She went to the Buzz Inn Steakhouse in Maryville on Sunday with her mother and sister, wearing a black crop top and long white skirt with her bare bump hanging out.

The woman, who already has four children, was horrified when a waitress told her the outfit violated the restaurant's 'no shirt, no shoes' dress code, saying: 'I'm sorry, you can't be here in this shirt.'

Charisha Gobin was denied service at the Buzz Inn Steakhouse in Marysville, Washington, on Sunday night by staff who said this outfit violated its health code

After being denied service, Gobin took to social media to complain, sharing a photograph of her outfit with her outraged post.

'I was just denied service at the Buzz Inn on State Avenue in Marysville for my outfit. I'm violating the health code,' she wrote alongside the photograph.

Hundreds of people jumped to her defense and slammed the restaurant and its staff.

'Absolutely ridiculous! "You're violating the health code." But some chick can go in with booty shorts and be just fine. Bulls***!' said one friend.

'Do they know how hot it is outside and how pregnant u are?' another said. Temperatures soared to 86C in Marysville on Sunday.

Gobin later said she felt as though she was being punished for being pregnant.

'Just because my belly was bigger and sticking out. But had it been anyone else, I don't think there would've been any problem whatsoever.

The woman already has four children and is seven-and-a-half months pregnant with twins - a boy and a girl

Charisha (left with her daughter) said she felt as though she was being punished for being pregnant

'I was wearing a shirt, it had sleeves. I didn't even have any cleavage showing.

'It's pretty ridiculous I was shamed in the first place and had to drive across town to eat. I was livid,' she told Kiro 7 in Washington

But others sided with the waitress, claiming she was right to demand that Gobin cover her midriff whether she was pregnant or not.

'You were right to refuse this woman service!! Pregnancy is a beautiful thing but exposing yourself this way in public, especially in a restaurant is just so completely and totally inappropriate!' said one Facebook user.

Another said the restaurant had 'no reason to apologize'.

'I was pregnant and lived in an area where it was 120 on the daily. I still covered up and dressed appropriately when going out. She's gets no sympathy from me.'

The waitress has been working at the restaurant for 20 years. Its ban on customers dining there while wearing no shoes or shirt is part of its food safety policy

The restaurant apologized and described the incident as a 'misunderstanding'

Others said: 'While at a restaurant I don't want see anyone's belly, man or woman, pregnant or not. Just put it away, you aren't at home, you're in public.'

Buzz Inn Steakhouse apologized for the incident and said the waitress responsible, who has worked there for 20 years, was trying to use her best judgment.

'We sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and will cover with all staff as to how to not overly enforce a rule that is intended to make all guests feel comfortable.

'The server in question has been with our company and a great employee for almost 20 years and was trying to use her best judgement and by no means was trying to be demeaning to the guest.

'Again our sincere apology for misunderstanding,' the restaurant said in a statement.

Many leaped to the woman's defense on social media and slammed the restaurant and its rules
School students as young as 13 have been forced to make a vagina out of plasticine and listen to a teacher's masturbation class.

Melbourne mother Marijke Rancie says her son, in year seven, was upset after coming home from school one day.

However, the Victorian Education department hit back at the claims, saying sex education has been taught in schools for 'decades'.

'In the secondary years, sexuality education has more of a focus on puberty, safe sex and minimising risk, contraception, healthy relationships and help seeking,' a spokesman said.

'The Department of Education and Training provides evidence-based teaching and learning resources for teachers to use as they see fit to support delivery of comprehensive sexuality education.'

However, Ms Rancie, who is a critic of the controversial Safe Schools gender theory program, told former federal Labor leader Mark Latham about her son's bizarre sexuality class.

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Melbourne mother Marijke Rancie says her son in year seven was forced to make a vagina

'They were given things like plasticine and pipe cleaners and obviously I thought, 'This is health class',' she said.

'Are we talking reproductive system? What are we doing here?'

'It was very clear it was made as a sexual organ. So he had to sculpt it, as he knew it, and then he was redirected to make a clitoris and the labia.

'Really? Thirteen years old and he said to me, 'Mum, it was really creepy'.'

Victoria's Department of Education has previously disputed Ms Rancie's claims that students are being taught about dildos and how to masturbate.

Marijke Rancie (right) told media commentator Mark Latham her son was upset at the lesson

A Victorian mother claims her her seven son was 'upset' after a sex education class at school

However, she is sticking by her assertions.

'Why on earth was he making female genitalia at school?',' she asked.

The Mark Latham's Outsiders program also played an audio recording of a Victorian high school teacher encouraging year eight students to try masturbation.

'It's very easy for boys. There's a penis and I touch it,' a female adult voice says to giggles.

'For girls it's a little bit different. Do girls masturbate? Yes.

Mark Latham's Outsiders played an audio clip of a teacher telling students to masturbate

The latest controversy comes after another Melbourne school let boys wear girl's uniforms

'Are they more reluctant to? Probably. Should girls masturbate?

'Yeah, why not. It's just about exploring your body.'

The latest revelation about a Victorian sex education lesson comes only days after a school principal at Frankston, in Melbourne's southeast, denied hearing a mother's complaint about her son being told he could wear a dress to school.

Cella White - who appeared in the Coalition for Marriage ad opposing gay marriage - claimed her 14-year-old son was given that option.

But John Albiston, the principal of Frankston High claimed that incident 'never happened'.

However, the Department of Education said Ms White contacted them more than a year ago over the issue.
Russia explores the Arctic to guarantee its independence, Interfax quotes Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as saying.

"Arctic exploration is a guarantee of Russia's independence tomorrow," the minister said during a school assembly at the Ministry of Defense's boarding school for girls on September 1.

The ministry's boarding school was founded in 2008 as part of the Armed Forces' Social Development Strategy. It occupies the former premises of the military conductors' department at the Moscow Conservatory.

Daughters of officers stationed at remote military posts, single-parent families or large families and daughters of deceased servicemen and participants in combat actions who received state decorations for fulfilling their military duty study at the school.
A Texas woman put on a dazzling magic show in the back of a cop cruiser on Saturday, shortly after being arrested on suspicion of shoplifting.

Video released by the Lufkin Police Department shows Toscha Fay Sponsler, 33, being handcuffed on the ground and then put in the back of a squad car while officers examine evidence at the scene.

In that brief period of time however, the dash cam in the vehicle captured Sponsler easily wriggling out of her handcuffs and waiting until the arresting officers were out out of sight before hoping over the divide and driving off in the police cruiser.

Her second-act attempt at a disappearing act fell short however as she crashed the car after a 23-minute chase during which she hit speeds of up to 100mph.

Officers noted that during the chase she could also be seen grabbing for the gun inside the car, which was mechanically locked to the vehicle.

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Abracadabra: Toscha Fay Sponsler, 33, slipped out of handcuffs after being placed in the back of a police cruiser by officers on Saturday afternoon in Texas (left in cuffs and right after wriggling out)

Checking the scene: Sponsler made sure that officers were busy going through evidence (left) and then hopped over the car's divide (right)

Sponsler is now in jail on $18,000 bail and with a laundry list of additional charges, including five felony counts of escape with the threat of a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of methamphetamine and evading arrest.

Sponsler was picked up just before 5pm on Saturday in response to a call of a possible shoplifter at the beauty chain Ulta.

Officers had to run her down on foot before they were able to get her to the ground and cuff her near the scene.

She was then put in the back of the patrol unit, where officers placed a seat belt over the already handcuffed suspect.

Sponsler got to work wriggling out of her confines soon after while police were busy searching through bags of stolen goods.

The chase that followed however could have ended with a far different, and possibly fatal, outcome however according to the officers.

Sponsler (above in mug) is being held on $18k bail

'She then led officers on a 23-minute, 100 mph chase that began at Ulta and ended in Zavalla after a DPS Trooper used a PIT maneuver to make her lose control of the vehicle,' wrote the Lufkin Police Department on their Facebook account.

'Sponsler nearly went head on with two Lufkin officers and a Huntington constable during the pursuit.'

The post then stated: 'Throughout the chase, officers could see her reaching for the officer's shotgun which was mechanically locked to the vehicle.'

Sponsler even managed to avoid a spike strip that was thrown across the road in front of her vehicle.

After the cruiser had crashed into a tree on the side of the road, multiple officers surrounded Sponsler with guns drawn, with one breaking through the window and pulling her out of the unit.

She was then cuffed on the ground for the second time that day.

Guns drawn: Sponsler is facing felony counts of threat of a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, unauthorized use of a vehicle, possession of meth and evading arrest

Fatal turn: 'Sponsler nearly went head on with two Lufkin officers and a Huntington constable during the pursuit,' said officers

Reappearing act: She was eventually driven off the road by an officer and crashed into a tree (above), at which point she was again cuffed and taken to the local jail

Sponsler refused medical attention in the wake of the crash and was taken to Angelina County Jail.

She remains there four days later as she has yet to pay her bond, with varying amounts applied to five of her charges.

The Lufkin Police Department meanwhile said they have also learned a valuable lesson after the incident, posting a video of one cop drilling in a tactical window between the front and backseats of the cars so an incident like this will not happen again.
Brenda Williamon, 70, (pictured here) was found dead in her home in Jacksonville, Alabama, on Sunday night along with her two daughters in what police have described as a double murder suicide

An elderly mother shot and killed her two adult daughters in their sleep before turning the gun on herself in a horror murder suicide Sunday night.

Brenda Williamon, 70, was found dead in her home in Jacksonville, Alabama, on Monday along with her two daughters in what police have described as a double murder suicide.

Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown revealed that Brenda is believed to have killed her two daughters, Alicia Williamon, 44, and Jeannie Williamon, 43, before killing herself.

The bodies were discovered Monday inside their home in the 8100 block of Highway 204 after being notified by another family member, according to Al.com.

Police found the two daughters dead in their bed with a single gunshot wound each, as Jacksonville Police Chief Tommy Thompson revealed they had been killed while they were sleeping.

Brenda was found dead in a different part of the house.

According to Thompson, Brenda left a voicemail message for another family member Sunday confessing she had killed her two daughters and that she was now planning on killing herself.

The family member only listened to the voice message on Monday, which is when he notified the police.

Authorities say the killings happened between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m. Sunday evening.

The bodies of the three women were then taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville for an autopsy.

This isn't the first time the police had dealt with the family - Thompson revealed they had been summoned to the Williamon's home over the years, often on UFO sightings.

Jeannie (pictured here) was set to appear in court on Tuesday after being charged in city court with harassing communications

Brenda and Jeannie were both set to appear in court on Tuesday with Brenda being charged with first-degree stalking, whilst Jeannie was charged in city court with harassing communications.

Madison County Assistant District Attorney Maggie Wallace said the cases originated from when Jeannie was fired as a teacher from Huntsville High School years ago.

Jeannie and Brenda then became obsessed with another teacher who they believed was behind the firing, despite the teacher having nothing to do with it.

The duo began to torment the teacher through emails and voicemails.

They even went to her home to confront her but ended up at their neighbor's place where they unjustifiably assaulted the wrong a woman.

Alicia, Jeannie's sister, also suffered from mental illness.

Last week the lawyer for both women requested to withdraw as their counsel as they had been deemed mentally unfit to stand trial.

The bodies of Brenda, 70, and her two adult daughters, 44-year-old Alicia Williamon and 43-year-old Jeannie were discovered Monday inside their home in the 8100 block of Highway 204, pictured above

Attorney Bruce Gardner wrote: 'This has resulted in an ethical conundrum for counsel.

'The recent psychological report on the (defendants) stated the defendant is presently not competent to stand trial or make legal decisions. Yet the defendant disagrees with the findings in the psychological report.'

'The defendant does not want to assert the defense of incompetency. Nor does she want to assert the defense of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect,' he wrote.

'Yet, counsel's opinion is that each of these defenses must be asserted.'

Authorities have not revealed what the possible motive could be yet.
Police have arrested nine people from Afghanistan found packed into a lorry at a petrol station after someone heard a noise inside.

All nine of the would-be immigrants were arrested with the youngest aged just 14-years-old after a motorist heard a noise from inside the HGV and flagged down the driver.

He pulled into a petrol station and police officers climbed on top of his vehicle, which was carrying polystyrene crystal and had entered the UK from France, to find the Afghans inside

Police arrested nine people from Afghanistan who were found packed into the lorry at a petrol station after someone heard a noise inside

Pictures show police on the roof of the lorry as they searched it and the officers found nine males with the youngest just 14-years-old in Bracknell, Berkshire

The lorry driver, a middle-aged Latvian man wearing a red tee-shirt and brown shorts, was arrested on suspicion of assisting illegal entry by facilitation to the UK

The lorry driver, a middle-aged Latvian man wearing a red tee-shirt and brown shorts, was arrested on suspicion of assisting illegal entry by facilitation to the UK, at the Shell petrol station in Bagshot Road, Bracknell, Berks.

Sergeant Andy Fordyce, of Thames Valley Police, said the Afghans were 'totally cooperative' when they were caught as he and other officers waited for Border Force officials to arrive today.

'There's a week-long operation on catching clandestines at the moment,' he said.

'The operation is called Aident but this was just a coincidence. We got the call at 9.25am and officers got here shortly after that.

'A noise was heard by someone when the lorry was just up the road and they flagged him down. There were nine clandestines, they were from Afghanistan, the youngest was 14 and they were all males. They're in custody now.

'The lorry came from France but I don't know any more specific than that yet. I don't know where it was travelling to.'

A police officer speaks to the driver of the lorry after the nine migrants were arrested

An officer inspects the top of the container lorry after the migrants were found inside

The lorry driver was pulled over by a Shell petrol station in Bracknell, Berkshire

Police officers were climbing on the Broekema Bulk lorry with torches to try to find the people hidden inside.

Micheal Quaife, who worked at a KFC next door to the petrol station where they were found, said: 'They pulled men out, it looked like about 10 of them.

'I don't know where it came from, it was parked in the petrol station then they were up on the top shining torches in and looking around.

'I was just opening up the tills and saw police and then they pulled people out.'

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police added: 'We were called at 9.25am this morning to a report of noise coming from inside a lorry at a petrol station on Bagshot Road, Bracknell.

'Officers attended and found nine men inside suspected of illegally entering the country. They were seen by paramedics.

'They were then arrested and are currently in custody prior to being dealt with by the immigration service.'
Every year thousands of Australians buy used cars for themselves or their children, assuming they will be safe in a crash.

But as this NSW Government crash test shows, the results can be drastically different for each car even if they look similar and are of about the same age.

Both the silver 2009 Holden Cruze and red 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer were written off after colliding head-on at 60km/h in the test.

The NSW Government crash tested two similar used cars to show the stark difference in safety rating

Both the silver 2009 Holden Cruze and red 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer were written off after colliding head-on at 60km/h in the test

The driver of the Mitsubishi would almost certainly have died as the steering wheel and dashboard speared into their abdomen.

However, the Cruze driver would likely have survived without critical injuries as the damage to the front of the car was not so severe and the airbag deployed.

The government produced a buyer's guide for second-hand cars, many available for less than $10,000, that it hopes will save lives.

Driver in cars with the lowest one-star rating were 10 times more likely to die in a crash than those driving five-star vehicles.

The driver of the Mitsubishi would almost certainly have died as the steering wheel and dashboard speared into their abdomen

However, the Cruze driver would likely have survived without critical injuries as the damage to the front of the car was not so severe and the airbag deployed

The government produced a buyer's guide for second-hand cars, many available for less than $10,000, that it hopes will save lives

Driver in cars with the lowest one-star rating were 10 times more likely to die in a crash than those driving five-star vehicles

'These ratings provide important information about how well a vehicle protects a driver in a crash, but they also show that you don't have to compromise on safety,' NSW Roads Minister Melinda Pavey said.

Pricier European luxury brands like Audi, Mercedes, and BMW dominated the five-star ratings, but some cars by more popular brands also rated well.

The Honda City was easily the safest light car and the 2012-15 Subaru Imprezza, Ford Focus LV, and 2009-13 Kia Serato scored well for small cars.

The 2007-15 Ford Mondeo earned five stars as a medium car, the immensely popular 2006-11 Toyota Camry four stars, and the Ford Falcon FG and Volvo V70 were the top large cars.

The 2012-15 Subaru Imprezza scored five stars in the small cars category

The 2007-15 Ford Mondeo earned five stars as a medium car

The Volvo V70 was one of the the top large cars, earning a five-star rating

Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival were the top people movers, the Holden Colorado was named the safest ute and the Hyundai ix35 the best small SUV.

Ratings were determined by data from 7.5 million crashes and 1.7 million injured drivers and passengers in New Zealand and Australia between 1987 and 2015.

Cars were not rated until they were involved in at least 100 crashes with at least 20 drivers injured.

The Ford Falcon FG also performed very well with a four-star rating
Karl Waggoner, from Pinal County, Arizona

An elementary school Principal allegedly tried to lure teenage girls to a 'skinny dipping party' at his house.

Karl Waggoner, from Pinal County, Arizona, was arrested near his Four Peaks school after he was snared by an undercover sex crimes detective who posed as a 14-year-old girl to speak to him online.

Waggoner, 59, discussed engaging in sexual acts with the undercover detective and arranged to provide sexually explicit photos.

He is now facing charges of luring a minor for sexual exploitation and aggravated luring.

Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb said: 'Even up until this weekend, Waggoner was posting ads online soliciting young girls for sex.

'Waggoner held a position of trust, spending decades educating middle and high school students in Texas.

'We are working with those law enforcement agencies to see if there are any victims out there.

'Considering the evidence, we are grateful we were able to arrest Waggoner and keep him from victimizing children in our county.

Waggoner has made admissions to our investigators as to his involvement in this case. Waggoner is charged with luring and aggravated luring of a minor.'
The family of Corey Junior Davis (pictured), from East London, took the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life-support machine

The heartbroken grandfather of a 14-year-old boy fatally blasted in the head with a shotgun near a playground has relieved the last time he saw him.

The family of Corey Junior Davis - known to friends as CJ, from East London - took the heartbreaking decision to turn his life-support machine off today.

And as the Metropolitan Police hunted for a light coloured 4x4, his grandfather Neville McLeod - with whom he lived in Forest Gate - told Sky News: 'I never know of him getting into any trouble.

'I think he got into trouble once  but not anything major, that someone could want to kill him. He lives with me here.

'Every morning, he got up, have his breakfast, have his bath, have his breakfast, and he say: "Granddad, I'll see you later." He always come home - but he never come home the other day.'

It was claimed Corey was in the wrong place at the wrong time when a lone gunman targeted rival gang members.

His loved ones said his death was unfair as he had never had any involvement with gangs.

A 17-year-old boy was also shot and suffered 'life-changing injuries'.

CJ was the youngest of a small group of friends sat in an East London housing estate on Monday afternoon.

The boy's grandfather Neville McLeod told Sky News that he had only got into trouble 'once'

He is understood to have been part of a group targeted by a rival gang in retaliation for the stabbing of an 18-year-old during a mass brawl at the nearby Westfield shopping centre on Friday.

It is thought they singled out the youngster because he was an 'easy target'. Police confirmed a murder investigation had been launched after CJ died in hospital.

A close school friend who was taking flowers to CJ's mother claimed the family had chosen to turn off the teen's life support machine.

She said: 'He used to come to school, he was lively and hyperactive. He was always dancing and trying to make you laugh.

'CJ was in the wrong place at the wrong time, he was the youngest one there.

'There was a group of them and a guy came in a car and shot them in a revenge attack over the stabbing at Westfield in Stratford but CJ did not deserve to go.

It was claimed Corey (pictured as a younger boy) was in the wrong place at the wrong time

'They turned off his life support earlier, he's dead, I'm taking flowers to his mum. I was there I came after the second shot when his friend got shot in the leg.

'By then CJ had already been shot but we didn't realise, we walked into the alleyway and the other boy dropped and his friends were quite emotional about it, everyone was screaming and they were trying to find help.

'We went to the doctor's surgery and told them but we didn't know that CJ had been shot. People were running around and trying to find out who shot him.

'I don't think they were specifically aiming for CJ they were after anyone from that area, he was just with the boys they were after and saw him as an easy target.

'He was shot right in front of the gates, everyone usually chills there.

Police are searching for a suspect in an alleged double shooting in Newham, east London

'His family are annoyed because he was not part of it, they don't think it's fair that the boys targeted him because he is the youngest.

'The gunman was hiding behind a wall, his face was covered and he had red and black gloves on. There was only one gunman he was about 16 or 17 and very quiet.

'CJ was shot first and his friend begged his mates not to leave him and then he was shot in the leg.'

Extra police patrols have been put in place in Newham as the borough braces itself for a revenge attack after the double shooting in broad daylight yesterday.

The Metropolitan Police said there were 'serious concerns' of retaliation and have put extra officers on the streets as well as enhanced stop and search powers.

Police said it had taken the action after a spate of shootings in the area. Inquiries are continuing and no arrests have been made.

Police were called to Moore Walk in Forest Gate, east London, after a suspected double shooting left one man fighting for his life and another with potentially life-changing injuries

The pair were in an alleyway when the gunman approached them from behind and opened fire at 3.10pm in the Moore Walk area of Forest Gate, East London.

London Ambulance Service attended the scene and both boys were rushed to an East London hospital.

A witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'They were just sitting there talking, and then this guy just came from behind and shot him.

'Fourteen years old, what can you do to get shot in the head with a shotgun?'

A nearby resident told the London Evening Standard: 'The shooting was outside the playground. I heard the noise from my house  pow, pow, it was twice.

'I looked outside my window and I couldn't see anything, but then I heard people screaming and I went outside.

Officers say firearms incidents are blighting communities in the London borough of Newham

'The boy couldn't talk, he was just laying down breathing hard. I didn't want to look at him because I saw too much blood. They said he came up behind him and shot him.

'The other guy was talking, he had managed to run but got shot in his leg. They live here, they're local. They're always playing around here. They're very young, they're kids.'

Horrified staff from the nearby Lord Lister Surgery, which backs onto Moore Walk, ran outside to help the victims.

A receptionist said: 'I heard three shots and I thought nothing of it until I heard someone shout 'oh no, they got him in the head'.

'There was quite a lot of people outside and I saw one of my colleagues run outside to see what they could do to help, but there was a lot of people surrounding him.

'There was this old lady holding him like a baby, cradling him in her arms.

'I was phoning an ambulance with the other boy who had been shot in the leg. I was telling him not to worry, but it was as if he was not taking it in.'

A resident of the housing estate near Forest Gate railway station was watching TV when he heard several gunshots.

Imran Saddiq, 66, said: 'I was watching telly and all of a sudden I heard some gunshots.

'I looked out my window and I saw a boy trying to get away. He had a wound to his leg so I called the ambulance. There was a lady who was helping and comforting him.'

Locals claimed the shooting was the result of a tit-for-tat dispute between the E6 postcode gang and the rival Woodgrange gang.

It is claimed the E6 gang, based in Beckton, East London, arranged the attack on their rivals, who operate around Forest Gate's Woodgrange Road, following last week's brawl at Westfield.

Chief Superintendent Ade Adelekan, head of policing in the London Borough of Newham, said: 'Sadly two young men have been shot on our streets. We are only too well aware that this incident comes after a number of shootings that are blighting our communities and seriously injuring our young men.'

Police have put a cordon in place after one man was left in critical condition after being shot

He said extra officers would be on duty in the borough overnight due to fears there could be a revenge attack. He authorised them to use stop and search tactics.

'Proactive work will continue with our borough teams and specialist units such as Trident Area and Crime Command to investigate and catch the people responsible for these offences,' he added.

'Violence has no place on our streets, and we have already made four arrests in connection with recent firearms offences.

'I want the community of Newham to help us tackle this  if you have any information about people carrying or supplying firearms please let us know and we will take action.'

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams said: 'We are pursuing all lines of inquiry to catch the person responsible for Corey's murder and are keen to hear from anyone who believes they might have information.'

Met Police figures published in April revealed a 42 per cent spike in gun offences - up to 2,544 compared to 1,793 between April 2015 and 2016.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call Newham Police on 101.
President Donald Trump put a Democratic senator on the spot today in North Dakota after allowing her to tag along with him on Air Force One.

At an event this afternoon in Bismarck, Trump made North Dakota Democrat Heidi Heitkamp come on stage to stand alongside the state's other elected leaders, the rest of whom were Republicans, as he pushed for unprecedented federal tax overhaul

'Everyone's saying, "What's she doing up here?" But I'll tell you what, good woman, and I think we'll have your support. I hope we'll have your support,' Trump told the endangered Democrat from the podium.

He said later in the event, as he spoke about Members of Congress who won't offer their support to his tax plan, 'We're not gonna put her on the spot. I'm not putting her on the spot,' after asking Heitkamp directly, 'Are you listening, Heidi?'

Trump told her constituents in his next breath that any Democrat who doesn't vote for his plan should be booted from office.

At an event this afternoon in Bismarck, President Trump called Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp onto stage to stand along the state's other elected leaders, all of the rest of whom were Republicans

Heitkamp accompanied Trump on Air Force One today during the ride to her home state of North Dakota. Trump made her come on stage at his event

'Everyone's saying, "What's she doing up here?" But I'll tell you what, good woman, and I think we'll have your support. I hope we'll have your support,' Trump told the endangered Democrat (far right) from the podium

Heitkamp's reelection battle next year is expected to be rough. North Dakota is a state Trump won by a wide margin. The White House is hoping to take advantage of the political landscape to get Heitkamp's vote on tax reform.

Trump told attendees of his event in Bismarck this afternoon not once but twice that they should oust lawmakers who vote against his tax plan, mentioning Heitkamp directly the second time around.

'Anybody that's going to vote against tax cuts and tax reforms, whether it's in North Dakota or anybody else or anyplace else, you gotta vote against them and get them out of office, because it's so, it is so bad,' Trump said. 'This is not a close one.'

As he was closing out his remarks Trump came back to the subject during a section on a series of tax cuts that another Republican president, Ronald Reagan, managed to get through Congress when Democrats controlled the legislative branch.

That plan passed with the support of a North Dakota Democrat, Trump said.

'Are you listening, Heidi?' Trump asked. 'Yes, Heidis' listening,' he said.

The president then claimed that he was not trying to put Heitkamp on the spot, although that's exactly what he did.

Pushing his tax plan hard, Trump said, 'If Democrats don't want to vote for it, voters should deliver a clear message: Do your job to deliver for America, or find a new job.

'Do something else, just do something else,' Trump added.

Republicans are eight votes shy of the super-majority they'd need in the Senate to approve legislation with no support from Democrats. The hurdle is weighing on the White House as it begins its push for tax reform.

Congress returned from its summer recess on Tuesday. Trump brought congressional leaders in the House and Senate to the White House right away.

Yesterday, he sat down with 'The Big Six' tax reform group, which is comprised the House speaker, Senate majority leader, the heads of the legislative committees that oversee taxes, the Treasury secretary and the chairman of the National Economic Council.

Trump again hosted House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at the White House this morning alongside their Democratic counterparts, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, for a broader, legislative discussion.

Heitkamp's reelection battle next year is expected to be rough. North Dakota is a state Trump won by a wide margin. The White House is hoping to take advantage of the political landscape to get Heitkamp's vote on tax reform

In the afternoon he flew from Washington to North Dakota with Heitkamp in tow to make a public push for the tax proposal that's still under development by the Big Six and is due to be revealed later this month.

'Will be going to North Dakota today to discuss tax reform and tax cuts. We are the highest taxed nation in the world - that will change,' Trump tweeted this morning as he prepared to make the journey.

Trump told attendees of his Bismarck speech that the country's 'painful tax system has become a massive barrier to America's economic comeback.'

He promised that his administration, working with Congress, would help to deliver more jobs, higher pay, and lower taxes to Americans of all incomes and businesses of all sizes.

'This is a major, major tax cut, the biggest since Ronald Reagan,' Trump said.

He quipped later as he pledged once more to make filing taxes quicker and easier, 'H&R Block will not be supporting Donald Trump, that I can tell you.'

The president promised Wednesday to cut the corporate tax rate 'as much as possible,' too, claiming it would be down to 'around' 15 percent.

'That's a tremendous drop,' he noted. 'All told it will be the greatest tax reduction in the history of our country. Greater than ever before. So that's gonna be something. You'll see a rocketship. You will see something like you've never seen.'

Tax reform and other legislative promises he's made like Obamacare repeal will only happen, though, Trump said if the people demand.

Voters must tell their legislators to 'stop putting party first and start putting America first,' he said. 'Only then will it happen.'

Yesterday, Trump sat down with 'The Big Six' tax reform group, which is comprised the House speaker, Paul Ryan, left, the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, right, the heads of the legislative committees that oversee taxes, the Treasury secretary and the chairman of the National Economic Council (not pictured)

Heitkamp is one of the senators the White House is hoping to win over as it searches for votes for the president's tax reform package.

Trump won her home state of North Dakota by more than 35 points in his November race, which makes Heitkamp ripe for the poaching.

Heitkamp and Sens. Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Joe Manchin of West Virginia are at the top of the administration's pick-up list.

The three senators kept their names off of a letter their colleagues, led by Schumer, sent the president demanding that the GOP back away from tax cuts for the wealthy.

'So, there's a little bit of hope there that maybe those three and others will see the light and will be able to go back to their states and say to their constituents, "We know you needed tax reform and tax relief and we delivered it to you," ' a senior White House official said of their refusal to sign the letter.

Trump put the squeeze on Sen. Claire McCaskill, another Democrat who's vote he's counting on, during a speech last week in Springfield, Missouri.

'She must do this for you. And if she doesn't do it for you, you have to have to vote her out of office,' he told McCaskill's constituents. 'She's got to make that commitment. She's got to make that commitment.'

The president told his supporters, 'If she doesn't do it, you just can't do this anymore, with the obstruction and the obstructionists.'

Trump made a dire economic prediction as he mounted a full-court press for McCaskill's vote .

'If we don't get tax cuts and reform approved, potentially, the biggest ever -- we are looking for the biggest ever -- jobs and our country cannot take off the way they should, and it could be much worse than that. But, at a minimum, they won't take off the way they should.'

It's unclear who else the White House might turn to for support, aside from those four Democrats.

Trump won 10 states last year where Democratic senators are up for reelection, including Missouri, North Dakota, West Virginia and Indiana. The White House has intentionally started there.

The White House did not have four other Democratic senators in mind for tax reform - it needs a total of eight - when DailyMail.com pressed the subject last week.

'I would love to see all of them come on board. I cant imagine why anybody wouldnt want to support helping more Americans keep more of their hard-earned money,' Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.

Pushed to say whether the White House is eyeing anyone else, given that it takes 60 to overcome a filibuster in the Senate, Sanders admitted that no one came to mind.

'Not specifically,' she said. 'Again, Im hoping that the senators from all 50 states get on board to help Americans and do what, frankly, Americans are demanding.'

An email to the president's legislative affairs director after the exchange went unanswered.

Trump has pushed McConnell to end the filibuster, bringing the number of votes he'd need in the Senate down to 50 if the vice president acts as a tiebreaker. McConnell has said, though, that he will not abandon 100 years of precedent to force through the president's agenda.

The president is likely to keep trying in a two-prong approach to lower the standards and win over Democrats.

But first, the tax-writing committees and Trump's tax-focused aides must produce a bill.

Heitkamp is one of four Senate Democrats the White House is hoping to win over as it searches for votes for the president's tax reform package. The others are Joe Manchin, left, Claire McCaskill, center, and Joe Donnelly, right

Trump says he wants to lower the corporate tax rate to 15 percent from 35 percent. GOP leaders in the House believe in the same general principle, although they have a higher rate, 20 percent, in mind.

Ryan has also endorsed an overhaul of the income tax brackets that would see the number of rates go from seven to three. But he and the administration disagree on what those rates should be.

'We've already agreed on the outlines and now we're refining the micro-details,' Ryan said during an event in Milwaukee last week.

He and House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady came to the White House on Tuesday for a meeting with Trump that McConnell and Senate Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch also attended.

A readout of the meeting said the group 'reaffirmed their commitment to reducing the crushing burden of the Nations self-destructive tax code, which hurts our companies and our workers, and discussed their desire to make the tax code simple, fair, and easy to understand.

'They discussed House and Senate committee hearings on tax reform and agreed that committee activity should continue so that Congress can move to mark-ups on legislation as expeditiously as possible.'

The lawmakers had put out a joint statement at the end of July with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and National Economic Council Chairman Gary Cohn that said their mission, above all, 'is to protect American jobs and make taxes simpler, fairer, and lower for hard-working American families.'

'We're pushing forward. We're going to continue, again, focused on those four principles using that as the guide and the focal point moving forward,' Sanders affirmed on Friday, 'and sit down with a lot of members of Congress to make sure we get this deal done.'
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Florida Gov. Rick Scott says Hurricane Irma is already shaping up to be a stronger storm than Hurricane Andrew, the most destructive tropical storm to ever hit the state.

Scott appeared on Good Morning America on Wednesday to issue a stern warning to his citizens - prepare for the worst and evacuate if you're ordered to.

'Let's all remember, we can rebuild your home, but we can't rebuild your life,' Scott said.

Hurricane Irma set a record on Tuesday when it clocked sustained winds of 185 miles per hour - making it the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

By early Wednesday afternoon the center of the storm was 20 miles east-southeast of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and 90 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico and heading west-northwest at 16 mph.

Scott said that Floridians should be prepared for a hurricane like they haven't seen before.

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Florida Gov. Rick Scott says Hurricane Irma is already shaping up to be a stronger storm than Hurricane Andrew, the most destructive tropical storm to ever hit the state.

This satellite image obtained from NASA's GOES Project shows Hurricane Irma (C) at 7:45am ET on Wednesday

The storm pictured above around 3pm ET on Wednesday, off the east coast of Puerto Rico

Storm coming: The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean early Wednesday, churning along a path pointing to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading for Florida over the weekend into early next week

Eduardo Soriano of Miami, waits in a line since dawn to purchase plywood sheets at a Home Depot store in North Miami, Florida on Wednesday

Luis Lorenzo (left) and Jairo Ruiz (right) purchase plywood at The Home Depot as they prepare for Hurricane Irma on Wednesday in Miami, Florida

Motorists wait in line to fill their vehicles with gas as they prepare for Hurricane Irma on Wednesday in Key Largo, Florida. The Florida Keys are currently under mandatory evacuation

Motorists head north on US 1 on Wednesday in Key Largo, Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Irma

'We've got wind, we've got rain, and we've got storm surge. This is a massive storm. Water could cover your house. We want everybody to cover their house. This is bigger than Andrew, ' Scott said, referencing the 1992 storm that caused $26.5billion in damage to the state.

'And it sure looks like it's going to bare right down the middle of the state of Florida,' Scott added.

Irma struck its first targets Tuesday night passing almost directly over the island of Barbuda in the eastern Caribbean. The storm is almost certain to hit the United States by Sunday night, though it's still unclear which direction it will turn north of Cuba.

In a noon press conference, Scott said it was important that every Floridian prepare for the storm, since its course is still uncertain.

Here's the latest on evacuation orders from Gov. Rick Scott's office: Visitors must leave the Florida Keys now under a mandatory evacuation order. Residents must evacuate starting Wednesday evening under Monroe County's mandatory order.

Broward County has issued voluntary evacuations of mobile homes and low-lying areas. Collier County has issued voluntary evacuations of Marco Island. In Miami-Dade County, individuals with special needs began evacuating Wednesday morning.

Additional evacuations are expected throughout the state. All Floridians should pay close attention to local alerts and follow the directions of local officials. To find available shelters by county, visit floridadisaster.org/shelters. Advertisement

'It's important not to focus on the exact path of the storm. A storm of this size could have an effect state wide and everybody should be prepared. I know it shifted east in the last forecast but we all have to understand that this is serious and we can't take chances. It's is life-threatening. This is not a storm you can sit and wait through,' he said.

He added: 'Every Floridian should take this seriously and be aggressive to protect their families.'

National Weather Service Director Louis Uccellini says Hurricane Irma is so record-breaking strong it's impossible to hype.

Uccellini said Wednesday he's concerned about Florida up the east coast to North Carolina, starting with the Florida Keys.

He warns that 'all the hazards associated with this storm' are going to be dangerous.

Hurricane expert Kerry Emanuel of MIT calculates that Irma holds about 7 trillion watts - about twice the energy of all bombs used in World War II.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Brock Long says housing built after 2001 in Florida should by law have been built to withstand the winds of a Category 3 Hurricane. Irma is currently Category 5, much stronger than that, but Long says those building codes may at least help mitigate structural damage.

Long told "CBS This Morning" that is main concern right now is that people may have too much faith in the five-day forecast. He says he never puts a lot of confidence in these longer-term forecasts, because a hurricane can turn. He says "everybody needs to be monitoring this in the Gulf and up the East Coast and watching this very carefully."

"We can rebuild your home, we can't rebuild your life." - Gov. Rick Scott urges Floridians to be "aggressive" in responding to #Irma: pic.twitter.com/9oVG91veML  Good Morning America (@GMA) September 6, 2017

In preparation of Hurricane Irma, residents of Boca Raton line up for propane on Wednesday

Miami residents buy supplies to be prepared for Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida on Wednesday

Miami residents shopping on Wednesday made sure to load their carts with bottled water and other supplies to last through the storm

Shoppers at one Miami grocery store filled their carts to the brim with food to last them through the storm on Wednesday

Service stations throughout the state are dealing with a never-ending line of cars waiting to fill up on gas before the storm. Above, one gas station in Miami on Wednesday

Customers wait in line for a gasoline truck delivery at a service station in Miami on Wednesday

Gas station employee Albert Fernandez covers a pump after running out of gas on Wednesday in Key Largo, Florida as the demand for gas has increased due to Hurricane Irma

Anthony Mirto fills tanks as he prepares for Hurricane Irma on Wednesday in Key Largo, Florida

Floridians seem to be taking hurricane prep seriously. Stores throughout the state, which has been under a state of emergency since Monday, have already started running out of bottled water and other necessities and gas stations are struggling to keep up with the never ending lines of cars.

Scott advised his citizens to stock up on what they need but not to go overboard, so that everyone can get the supplies necessary to wait out the storm.

'I'm asking everybody as you get prepared: three days of water per person, three days of food. Take enough, but only take what you need. Don't take more, so we can make sure we take care of all our neighbors,' he said.

Scott has also activated an additional 900 members of the Florida National Guard to prepare for Hurricane Irma.

Scott called up the additional guard members on Wednesday, a day after he had activated an initial 100 members. During a stop in the Florida Keys, Scott said that he still plans to another 6,000 National Guard members report to duty on Friday.

Officials in the Florida Keys geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irma's path, and the mayor of Miami-Dade County said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most coastal areas.

Shelters were also be opened for those who have nowhere to go, but police say sex offenders will not be welcome.

Police will also be on hand at shelters to check IDs and make sure no one inside is a wanted criminal.

Social media pictures show how the hurricane ripped through coastal locations in Antigua overnight with cars submerged in water

Hotels were flooded and cars submerged as floods hit coastal areas during hurricane-force winds on St Martin overnight

This was the scene of devastation on St Martin after fierce winds and flooding destroyed buildings and swamped roads

Trees came crashing down on the tops of houses and roads were left under several feet of water after the storm passed

President Trump tweeted about the situation on Wednesday, saying he had a team in place in Florida monitoring the hurricane

Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the voluntary evacuations could begin as soon as Wednesday evening. He activated the emergency operation center and urged residents to have three days' worth of food and water.

At a press conference Wednesday morning, Scott said that they are going to start the evacuations starting with the Keys, and move north depending on where the storm turns.

He also said that gas and more supplies are on the way, after stores and service stations across the state started reporting shortages.

Scott announced in Miami that he's asked the governors of Alabama and Georgia to waive trucking regulations so tankers can get fuel into

He told residents of the Florida Keys that 'we're doing everything to get fuel to you as quickly as possible.' Tourists are under a mandatory evacuation order, which began Wednesday morning.

Residents will then be ordered to evacuate, but many gas stations across southern Florida are experiencing shortages. And residents won't get far in the bumper to bumper traffic with low tanks.

Scott said, 'we will get you out.' But he's urging people to move quickly if they plan on evacuating, calling Irma a 'life-threatening storm.'

Gov. Rick Scott says his administration 'is looking at all possible avenues to get as many people out as possible' ahead of Hurricane Irma.

He estimates that 25,000 people have already evacuated from the Florida Keys. He says that if local officials tell people to evacuate, that means it is not safe to stay.

'Do not sit and wait for this storm to come,' Scott said. 'Get out now.'

However, some Floridians have been confused by the evacuation orders.

Broward County has just ordered coastal evacuations, mandatory but with no enforcement, as is typical in Florida.

Miami Beach has advised evacuating, but not made it mandatory.

Miami-Dade County says it may start ordering evacuations today, but has not done so yet.

And with a storm track forecast up the middle of the state, it is unclear to many people where they should go.

The island chain are connected by a series of roads that traverse the Caribbean. Above, people evacuating the Florida Keys on Wednesday

Visitors and residents alike to the Florida Keys are under mandatory evacuation to leave the island chain before Irma hits. Above, traffic leaving the island on Wednesday

People put up shutters as they prepare the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre for Hurricane Irma on Wednesday in Miami, Florida

Matt Scally takes letters off the marquee at the Actor's Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre in Miami, Florida on Wednesday

Gilberto Mojena puts up shutters as he prepares his house for Hurricane Irma on Wednesday in Miami, Florida

Miami residents buying wat and supplies to be prepared for Hurricane Irma on Wednesday

Customers line up with large carts to buy plywood from a Home Depot in Miami, Florida on Wednesday

Other customers bought wet vacs, possibly yo deal with any flooding, and gas canisters to hold fuel that will on doubt be needed to get generators up and running

A worker installs shutter panels to protect the windows of the 'Versailles' restaurant as preparations for the advancing Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida on Wednesda

Several big box stores have activated emergency response protocols, sending truck loads of hurricane preparation items to areas with the greatest need.

Walmart said it had activated their Emergency Operations Center for Hurricane Irma to 'get those shelves stocked as soon as possible,' Ragan Dickens, director of national media relations told the Miami Herald.

'This is an all-hands-on-deck operation,' Dickens said.

About 800 truckloads of supples including water, flashlights, batteries, ready-to-eat foods and other supplies were dispatched from Walmart headquarters in Arkansas to Florida on Tuesday.

Home Depot's Rapid Response Team send truckloads of supplies from Atlanta to Florida Tuesday night.

'We will continue to do so all week. Many of those trucks come from a network of distribution centers where we've pre-staged loads of hurricane supplies ahead of the hurricane season, including our hurricane distribution center in Lakeland,' Matt Harrigan said.

Patrick Sutton, the assistant manager of the Altamonte Springs Home Deport, told Click Orlando that the store ran out of generators on Monday and water and flashlights by Tuesday afternoon.

'I think everyone is more aware of what's going on because of what happened with Harvey in Texas,' he said. 'I was here in 2004 for Charley and it was not taken so seriously back then. Now, everybody is taking it more seriously, which allows them to get the supplies they need and gives us time to get the supplies soon enough.'

A Target spokesman said Florida stores would be getting additional supplies ahead of the storm, expected to hit Florida as early as Sunday.

'We're providing stores with additional supplies that we know our guests need to stock up, including water, batteries, flashlights, toiletries, camping supplies, cleaning supplies and nonperishable food,'Target spokeswoman Jenna Reck said. 'We'll continue to push as many products to our stores as we safely can before the hurricane hits.'

On Wednesday, lines stretched at grocery stores, gas stations and home improvement stores as Floridians stocked up for the storm and readied their houses to face the gale-force winds.

Lines stretched around 50 cars deep at one gas station in Cooper City, which is southwest of Fort Lauderdale, by 5:30am Wednesday. The station had been out of fuel on Tuesday night, but received an overnight delivery.

Workers at a station in Doral, near Miami, put yellow caution tape around pumps Wednesday morning after running out of gasoline. Local news outlets reported both long lines and stations that had no gas across South Florida.

The Hurricane Center in Miami said hurricane-force winds extended 50 miles from Irma's center and tropical storm-force winds extended 175 miles.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Trump says his administration is closely watching Hurricane Irma.

On Twitter Wednesday morning, Trump says his 'team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida.' He adds: 'No rest for the weary!'

In a subsequent statement on Twitter, Trump says 'Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!'

Ahead of a meeting with Congressional leaders Wednesday, Trump said the group had a lot to discuss, including what 'seems to be record-breaking hurricane heading right toward Florida and Puerto Rico and other places.'

Trump says 'we'll see what happens.' He adds: 'it looks like it could be something that could be not good, believe me not good.'

The president's Homeland Security advisor also said Wednesday that the government can handle Hurricane Irma relief because the life-saving phase for Hurricane Harvey is over and has entered a longer term phase focused on individuals.

Tom Bossert said the victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas are not being forgotten as Irma hits the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and possibly Florida later this week. He says those in the path of the newest storm should heed evacuation orders.

For Harvey, he says the government is working on longer-term assistance, such as Small Business Administration loans, unemployment wages and reconstruction.

Help is already on its way to wherever Hurricane Irma does the most damage in Florida.

About 80 members of an elite search and rescue team from Virginia have been deployed to jump into the aftermath. Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue Team, also known as Virginia Task Force 1, left Wednesday for Mobile, Alabama, where they will stage until they know where they're needed. The team was activated by the Federal Emergency Management Administration and includes swift-water rescue specialists, canine units and other search-and-rescue resources.

Also preparing to respond are more than 100 Florida Forest Service personnel, using aircraft, off-road vehicles and mobile command posts to assist in any search and rescue missions, debris clearing, distribution of supplies and other aid. State Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam says help is ready but meanwhile, all Floridians should "complete their preparations and finalize their plans before it's too late."

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is taking precautions by drawing down water levels at Lake Okeechobee ahead of the storm, and they'll be watching closely once it passes. Engineers are inspecting the Herbert Hoover Dike, and will inspect again once the water levels approach 17 feet. The lake level is currently less than 14 feet.

The South Florida Water Management District also has begun lowering water levels in canals, trying to move as much water as possible through flood control structures in preparation for the storm.

Florida's senators are calling on Congress to include relief money for Hurricane Irma in the disaster aid package the House passed earlier Wednesday for Hurricane Harvey. That package includes $7.85 billion to help Texas and Louisiana recover.

Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson say with Irma could cause catastrophic destruction throughout the state, and they're concerned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency won't have the resources it needs to respond if Congress doesn't act soon.

Their joint, bipartisan letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell notes that FEMA is currently scheduled to run out of money by Friday.

It's still unclear which direction Irma will turn as it approaches Florida. But most models show it hitting at least somepart of the state

Irma is likely to bring extreme weather to much of the southeastern U.S. this weekend and early next week

Hurricane Irma roared into the Caribbean with record-setting force early Wednesday, shaking homes and flooding buildings on a chain of small islands along a path to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and eventually south Florida.

Irma, which was the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded north of the Caribbean and east of the Gulf of Mexico, passed almost directly over the island of Barbuda, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

France sent emergency food and water rations to the French islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, where Irma ripped off roofs and knocked out all electricity.

The regional authority for Guadeloupe and neighboring islands said the fire station in Saint Barthelemy was flooded by more than 3 feet (1 meter) of water and no rescue vehicles could move. The government headquarters on Saint Martin was partially destroyed.

There were no immediate reports of casualties but the minister for overseas territories, Annick Girardin, said 'We have a lot to fear for a certain number of our compatriots who unfortunately didn't want to listen to the protection measures and go to more secure sites ... We're preparing for the worst.'

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the twin-island nation appears to have weathered its brush with Hurricane Irma with no deaths, though he noted that the government had only done a preliminary assessment of Barbuda. There were widespread reports of property damage but he says the public and government had prepared well for the storm.

He says that preliminary reports also indicate there are no deaths in Barbuda despite widespread reports of damaged buildings and downed trees. He plans to visit as soon as possible.

The prime minister says the airport will reopen at 2pm.

'We in Antigua have weathered the most powerful hurricane ever to storm its way through the Caribbean,' the prime minister said. 'And we have done so with stunning results.'

Dutch authorities are trying to gauge the extent of damage in Sint Maarten from Hurricane Irma, but officials say it appears to be significant.

Sint Maarten is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and shares an island with the French territory of St. Martin. The island is east of Puerto Rico.

Dutch Interior Minister Ronald Plasterk says the damage wreaked on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten by Category 5 Hurricane Irma is 'enormous.'

Dutch Caribbean coast guard spokesman Roderick Gouverneur says coast guard officials in Curacao have lost communication with their base in Sint Maarten.

Plasterk told reporters in The Hague on Wednesday that the damage caused by Irma's direct hit on the island 'is so major that we don't yet have a full picture, also because contact is difficult at the moment.'

He says it remains unclear if Irma caused casualties.

About 100 troops are on the island helping local authorities assess damage and repair vital infrastructure in the storm's aftermath. Two navy ships are also steaming to the island to offer help.

Dutch Navy spokeswoman Karen Loos says that some troops were able to send images of destruction from St. Maarten and another island, St. Eustatius.

Loos says, 'You do see there is a lot of damage. Trees, houses, roofs that are blown out. A lot of water, high water.'

As the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 2 a.m., phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

The storm ripped the roof off the island's police station, forcing officers to seek refuge in the fire station and at the community center that served as an official shelter. The Category 5 storm also knocked out communication between islands.

Several counties in Florida are already putting out evacuation maps, showing which areas will need to be evacuated depending on storm surge levels. Above, an evacuation map for Miami-Dade County

The evacuation area is much smaller for Broward County, Florida, which includes the city of Fort Lauderdale

The above map shows shelters ready to take evacuees in Palm Beach, Florida when the storm hits

A Florida pet store released this graphic, explaining what pet owners need to do in the event of an hurricane

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Irma's winds would fluctuate but the storm would likely remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two. The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma was moving over water that was 1.8 degrees warmer than normal. The 79 degree water that hurricanes need went about 250 feet deep, said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private forecasting service Weather Underground.

Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region, but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which usually have warmer waters. Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Keys storm all had 185 mph winds.

The northern Leeward Islands were expected to see normal tide levels rise by as much as 11 feet, while the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas could see surge of 20 feet and higher waves later in the week, forecasters said.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating six islands in the south because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the 'potentially catastrophic' wind, flooding and storm surge. People there would be flown to Nassau in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

Vehicles line up to get fuel at a Tom Thumb gas station in Shalimar, Florida on Tuesday ahead of a possible strike by Hurricane Irma

Motorists head north on US Route 1 as Hurricane Irma moves its path in the northeast Caribbean on Tuesday in Key Largo, Florida. The Florida Keys are currently under a mandatory evacuation

An employee restocks bottled water on bare shelves as customers look on at a Publix grocery store on Tuesday in Surfside, Florida

Residents purchase water at BJ Wholesale in preparation for Hurricane Irma on Tuesday in Miami, Florida

Many stores are already reporting water shortages across the state, like this Costco in North Miami, Florida on Tuesday

'The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm,' Minnis said.

The U.S. National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irma's magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

'The dangerousness of this event is like nothing we've ever seen,' Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said. 'A lot of infrastructure won't be able to withstand this kind of force.'

The eye of the storm was expected to rip westward on a path taking it a little north of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba.

The northern parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti could see 10 inches of rain, with as much as 20 inches in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

Also Wednesday morning, a new tropical storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico off Mexico's coast. Tropical Storm Katia had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph with some strengthening forecast over the next two days. But the hurricane center said Katia was expected to stay offshore through Friday morning.

And another tropical storm farther east in the Atlantic was expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday night. Tropical Storm Jose's maximum sustained winds had increased to near 60 mph. The storm was centered about 1,255 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and was moving west near 13 mph.

Carla Perroni Aguilera of Miami Beach, Florida, holds a cart as her husband Ronald Aguilera and her father Joe Perroni load sheets of plywood at The Home Depot store in North Miami, Florida on Wednesday

Floridians have been waiting in long lines to fill up on gas before the storm hits. Above, a line for gas at a Costco in North Miami, Florida on tuesday

Kelby Schweickerrt, of Destin, Florida, grabs some gallon jugs of drinking water from the shelves at a Target store on Tuesday

Customers purchase groceries at a local supermarket as they prepare for Hurricane Irma on Tuesday, in Hialeah, Florida

People purchase plywood at The Home Depot as they prepare for Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017 in Miami, Florida

It's still too early to know where the direct impact of the hurricane will take place but the state of Florida is in the area of possible landfall. Above, people lining up to buy plywood for Hurricane Irma in Miami on Wednesday
A man who believed himself to be Jesus was found covered in blood after allegedly murdering his aunt and uncle.

Joseph Borowiak, of Warren, Michigan, was arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder after the bodies of Cindy and Steven Collins, aged 66 and 67, were found at their Panama Street home on Friday.

Borowiak, 37, was arrested later that day after he was seen a few miles away from the scene covered in blood.

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Joseph Borowiak, of Warren, Michigan, was arraigned on two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing Cindy and Steven Collins

'He had blood spatter on his sweatshirt, and a drop of blood on his eyeglasses,' Warren Police Detective Kevin Dailey said during the arraignment.

Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer told WJBK they were baffled as to why he would turn on his aunt and uncle, who had raised him.

'What is the explanation? Only the person who committed the homicides can answer why,' Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said. 'Why would you murder people that actually raised you cared about you, supported you, helped you?'

But neighbors say Borowiak is seriously mentally ill and believed he was Jesus.

Steven Collins appears to have bludgeoned to death in his sleep, while his wife Cindy (pictured with him) was found dead in another room

The bodies of the Collins were found at their Panama Street home (pictured) on Friday

'He would talk like he was God,' said neighbor Alisha Goolsby. 'He believed he was God.'

Borowiak's Facebook page is rambling mix of religious jargon, with numerous references to Jesus and Lucifer, and creepy threats against the Collins and other members of their family.

He repeatedly posted photos of their home, and a picture of the family with someone cut from the picture.

Borowiak also posted a picture of his 'hit-list' on social media.

'We were able to identify some of the relatives and they were in our custody at the time for their own protection,' police said.

If convicted, Borowiak (left and right in an undated, previous mugshot) faces life in prison without parole

Borowiak's Facebook page is rambling mix of religious jargon and creepy threats against the Collins and other members of their family. He repeatedly posted photos of their home, and a picture of the family with someone cut from the picture

Borowiak also posted a picture of his 'hit-list' on social media

Cops received a call on Friday by someone concerned for the welfare of the Collins.

When they arrived, they found the bodies of the elderly couple.

Steven Collins appears to have bludgeoned to death in his sleep, while his wife was found dead, face down, in the next room. Police believe she may have heard a noise and been killed when she went to investigate.

Borowiak, who has a drug problem, was ordered to remain in custody without bond for the brutal attack after detectives warned he was a threat to other members of his family and society at large.

He is due back in court on September 14 for a probable cause conference.

If convicted, he faces life in prison without parole.

He also has a history of drug and assault offences.
A top US commander in Afghanistan has apologized after a 'highly offensive' leaflet sparked outrage - and led to a bomb attack on a US airbase.

The leaflet, distributed in Parwan province, north of Kabul by US forces on Monday, showed what was seemingly intended to be the Taliban flag projected onto the side of a dog - an animal considered unclean in Islam.

Unfortunately it wasn't the flag, but the Shahada, a profession of faith to God and Mohammed that is one of the most common statements of worship in Islam.

The combination of dog and script was highly offensive to locals, and in response the Taliban sent a suicide bomber on a motorbike to attack a US airbase, injuring four people, CBS News reported.

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US forces have apologized for this leaflet, which shows the Shahada, a profession of faith in Allah and Muhammad, written on a dog. Dogs are considered unclean in Islam

The Taliban flag (pictured) writes the Shahada in a distinctive style to distinguish itself. Without copying this script, the leaflets simply printed the creed on a dog - offending many

The Shahada, which is formed from two verses in the Quran, reads: 'There is no god but God. Muhammad is the messenger of God.'

That same text is seen on the Taliban flag - but in a unique written style that distinguishes it from the verse.

Without that style, it's simply the Shahada, a common - but highly important - prayer at the center of much Muslim worship.

It is counted as the first of the five pillars of faith in Sunni Islam, and is whispered into the ear of newborn babies and dying people.

So putting that text written on a dog about to be eaten by a lion - as seen in the leaflet on this Twitter feed - was something of a faux pas.

Major General James Linder apologized for the leaflet and promised an investigation to find the culprit. But the Taliban responded violently in a suicide-bomb retaliation

On Wednesday Major General James Linder apologized in a statement, saying: 'The design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam.

'I sincerely apologize. We have the deepest respect for Islam and our Muslim partners worldwide.'

That came the same day a man on a motorbike detonated a bomb outside Bagram Air Base outside Kabul, injuring four - none of whom were US forces, according to Bagram district chief Abdul Shukor Qudos.

Quick to seize on the propaganda blunder, the Taliban also issued a statement saying the leaflet made clear 'that this war is a war between Islam and unbelief'.

And a Taliban Twitter account said the leaflet proved that 'American invaders are the enemies of our religion.'

'Now you must have realized that the Mujahideen [Taliban] are protecting our faith and the country,' it said.

Locals in Parwan Province were furious, said Shah Wali Shahid, the area's deputy governor.

'Local people are very upset with this incident, and they want the perpetrators brought to justice,' he said, adding that protests across the province were expected.

Parwan Governor Mohammad Hasem was more vociferous, condemning the leaflet as 'unforgivable'.

'Those who have committed this unforgivable mistake in the publicity, propaganda or media section of the coalition forces will be tried and punished,' he said.

Linder said an investigation would be held 'to determine the cause of this incident and to hold the responsible party accountable'.

On Wednesday evening, Bagram Air Force Base was attacked by a suicide bomber on a motorbike, who injured four. None of those injured were US forces. Protests are also expected

The incident highlights one of the challenges facing international forces in Afghanistan, most of which are from non-Muslim cultures, despite the efforts Western forces have generally taken to avoid stoking anti-foreigner sentiment.

In 2012, US commanders were forced to apologize after copies of the Quran and other religious texts were mistakenly burned at Bagram Air Base.

The incident sparked large demonstrations in Kabul and other provinces in which several people were killed.

On another occasion, a film of US Marines urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters caused widespread offence, prompting an investigation and criminal charges.

So-called information operations conducted by government and coalition forces have long been used to try to persuade local people to turn against the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

Above the picture of a lion and the dog, the leaflet urged people to report insurgents to the authorities.

'Take back your freedom from the terrorist dogs and cooperate with coalition forces so they can target your enemy and eliminate them,' it said.
Kimberley Paige Barnette, 53, is a longshot candidate for the Republican Party nomination in Charlotte's mayoral race

A woman running for mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina was harshly criticized this week for suggesting that her being white was a reason to support her candidacy.

Kimberley Paige Barnette, 53, is a longshot candidate for the Republican Party nomination in The Queen City's mayoral race.

On her Facebook page, Barnette cited a number of qualifications that she hoped voters would take into account.

'Vote for me! Kimberley Paige Barnette, Mayor of Charlotte 2017,' the Facebook profile reads.

Underneath that introduction is the line: 'REPUBLICAN & SMART, WHITE, TRADITIONAL.'

The fierce backlash led Barnette to delete the description from her social media, but screenshots of the profile continue to go viral.

Robin Hayes, who is the top Republican Party official in North Carolina, said that Barnette's social media profile was 'offensive to North Carolina Republicans.'

'This type of suggestion has no place in our public discourse,' Hayes said.

Barnette, a former magistrate in Mecklenburg County, apologized on Tuesday, according to WRAL.

The GOP mayoral primary is scheduled for September 12.

She is currently trailing two other GOP candidates who are leading the race  city council member Kenny Smith and businessman Gary Dunn, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Barnette has made controversial statements in the past.

During a televised debate last month, she criticized protests in Charlotte which were sparked by police-involved shootings, calling the demonstrations 'an expression of Democratic behavior.'

On her Facebook page, Barnette cited a number of qualifications. 'Vote for me! Kimberley Paige Barnette, Mayor of Charlotte 2017,' the Facebook profile reads. Underneath that introduction is the line: 'REPUBLICAN & SMART, WHITE, TRADITIONAL'

When she was asked how the city could help low-income residents, she said: 'I don't think we should encourage more lower-income people to [come to] Charlotte.'

'We should attract higher-income people.'

Barnette has also opposed legislation extending protection against discrimination to LGBT individuals, according to Q Notes.

She has stated her opposition to allowing transgender people to use restrooms that correspond to their preferred gender because of cases in the past where 'males that were in the bathroom' would 'scare children.'

Barnette responded to Q Notes with an email.

'I'm not prejudice,' she wrote. 'I do not judge other people.

'Other people judge me. What is the difference? I say I'm white. Others describe themselves as example transgenders. Are they labeling themselves? I'm also a divorced mother of two adult children. I accept others as who they are. I have traditional conservative views when it comes to family and friendships.'

The GOP will seek to field a candidate that can defeat the incumbent, Democratic Mayor Jennifer Roberts.
Joan Winsbury with her letter from Mohamed Al Fayed eight years after Diana's death, saying 'one day the truth will come out'

Mohamed Al Fayed once wrote to a member of the public saying 'one day the truth will come out' over Princess Diana's death, it was revealed today.

The former Harrods boss wrote to Joan Winsbury - who had sent him a message of support - marked with the exclusive store's letterhead about Diana's death.

The father of Diana's lover Dodi Al Fayed wrote that 'one day the truth will come out' in 2005, eight years after the couple died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

His message was in response to a letter which Ms Winsbury wrote to him about his fly on the wall documentary 'You're Fayed' on Channel 4 in March 2005.

He wrote: 'I will continue to fight the many injustices, which have been done to the ordinary people of this country, especially the murder of my son Dodi and Diana, Princess of Wales. One day the truth will come out.'

Egyptian businessman Mr Al Fayed, 88, has claimed his son and Diana were murdered in a series of documentaries and blames the royal family for their deaths.

The father of Diana's lover Dodi Al Fayed wrote that 'one day the truth will come out' in 2005

The letter comes as an explosive new book, Diana And Dodi: The Truth by Michael Cole was axed after Mr Al Fayed intervened.

Ms Winsbury's letter was re-discovered the week before the 20th anniversary of the tragedy when Joan was clearing out her house as it was being redecorated.

The 76-year-old, from Northampton, said she was touched the letter was written by him rather than a secretary.

She added: 'I wanted to give Mr Al Fayed my support and admiration for his speaking out so publicly.

'I was moved by his sad loss and respected his passionate determination to seek the truth, regarding the tragic loss of both his son Dodi and Princess Diana.

Diana, pictured with Mohamed Al Fayed outside Harrods in 1995, died in a car crash in 1997

Mourners gather outside Kensington Palace last week on the 20th anniversary of Diana's death

'I too have always shared his opinion that the truth is yet to be exposed and always will. I thought Princess Diana was a wonderful human being who was kind and could relate to the sorrow of "ordinary" people.

Diana and Dodi Fayed are seen in St Tropez in August 1997, just days before her death

'In retrospect, I believe that Princess Diana did a great deal for the Royal Family in terms of her charity work and compassionate character traits. It is fortunate for them, that her legacy continues within her two wonderful sons.'

Ms Winsbury was unable to go to Kensington and Buckingham Palaces when Diana died, but she was at the roadside when the funeral procession passed through Northamptonshire.

She added: 'It meant such a lot to me to get a response from Mr Al Fayed, being that I am one of the ordinary people. I hadn't really expected to get a reply, especially such a heart felt and honest one.

'His response was I felt, very personal and that was greatly appreciated. There is truth in his words and I felt that we had heard each other.'

Ms Winsbury has since sent a second letter to Mr Al Fayed on the anniversary of his son and Diana's deaths.

She added: 'I just wanted to let him know that I am still thinking of his loss 20 years on and to reiterate my ongoing support in his quest for truth.

'It would be lovely to get a response to my letter, however, I understand that this is a very difficult time for Mr Al Fayed - and it has also been 12 years since we last communicated. My main hope is that he feels my undying support.'
A young mother faces being torn away from her newborn baby boy and her British husband just weeks after giving birth.

Wanwan Kiff, 27, living in St Albans, Hertfordshire, was recently refused permission to stay in the UK when she was pregnant by Home Office officials earlier this year.

This week she gave birth to a son named Oliver - but she might have to leave him in four months' time and return to her native China.

The Home Office has given her deadline of December 17 after they rejected two spousal applications without clear or justifiable explanation.

Wanwan Kiff (pictured with her husband David and baby son Oliver) was refused permission to stay in the UK

The couple (pictured) were delighted to welcome their newborn son Oliver after Wanwan gave birth in St Albans

Yesterday her husband David Kiff, 32, told how she will be forced to leave her first born child behind because he does not have a visa to allow him to live in China.

Mr Kiff, who earns 180,000 a year in contracting as a software developer, said: 'I strongly believe that Oliver was born two weeks early because of the stress on Wanwan.

'He is healthy, but she is still very distressed. It's absolutely devastating, they aren't actually looking at anything we're sending them.

'I earn well over the threshold (18,000 per year) that they require, and UK's immigration rejected the first application on the grounds that we weren't financially stable enough.

'I've written to and emailed the Home Office 36 times now, but they haven't even acknowledged a single thing I've sent them.

'In the first application, we submitted more than enough evidence that I earn well over the amount we need, and my lawyer agrees that they haven't even looked at it.

'The second application was refused because they said they didn't see any reason we couldn't move to China.'

Wanwan is now estranged from her family in China but has been 'adopted' by David's family.

She has an MA in Computer Science and was stopped from working last year when her student visa, which allowed her to work 20 hours a week, expired.

So far the couple who met in April last year, have spent in excess of 7,500 on previous applications, legal costs and appeals.

Wanwan (pictured with her husband) is now estranged from her family in China but has been 'adopted' by David's family

The couple have forked out almost 8,000 for legal bills, previous applications and appeals

Her third application to stay in the UK is set her cost them another 4,000 and does not allow the couple to appeal if it is rejected.

Mr Kiff said from his wife's hospital bed in St Albans: 'After the wedding, which was on November 5, Wanwan's application to stay in the country was rejected on November 8.

'We went from the best night of our lives to what was absolutely the worst night of our lives.

'And that was after we waited for seven months for them to respond to the application, which should actually take only eight weeks to be processed.'

'We just want to start a family and get on our lives but there's all this admin and form filling in that we have to do.

'I really believe that they're just trying to meet targets and keep immigration down.

'In the five years I paid well in excess of 150,000 in National Insurance - it's ridiculous that they rejected my first application because they said I wasn't earning enough.'

Wanwan, who was born in the province of Zhenghua, will be deported without her newborn baby if her visa application is denied within the next four months.

Mr Kiff was considering taking legal action against the Home Office saying it was 'heart-breaking' to think of his family being broken apart.

He added: 'We fell for each other straight away and we met up everyday since our first date in a restaurant.

The family are concerned because Oliver (pictured) cannot get Chinese citizenship because he is fully British

Wanwan (pictured with her husband, left) has given her an extra four months after she gave birth to a son (right)

'Oliver can't get Chinese citizenship because he's fully British. My wife is breastfeeding him now, it's difficult to see them being split up.

'I don't know how I'm going to feed my baby if they are broken apart, it's heart breaking, that's the only way I can describe it.

'We also feel that we just can't settle down, we are supposed to be relaxing as a family but we feel we have to get our story out there.

'I've contacted my local MP 1,000s of times.

'Anne Main says she's forwarding on my complaints and says she's taking it up with Home Office but I don't see anything happening with that and I feel a little bit let down by her to be honest.

'I think I should put some form of legal action against the Home Office because it has absolutely killed us.'

Mr Kiff, said it was an 'absolute madness' for him to move to China.

He said: 'Because Oliver's British he would have to go to a private international school which are very expensive, even more than here.

'We've got no support there at all and I've got all my family and friends here.

'We've got to start from scratch and I don't even know what airport they would send us to.'

A spokesperson from the Home Office said: 'Ms Qiao's application was refused on this occasion as it did not meet the immigration rules.

'However, given Ms Qaio's circumstances we have granted her four months exceptional leave to remain so she can give birth in the UK.

'Any further visa application from Ms Qiao once she has given birth will be considered.'
A judge in Utah ordered polygamist Warren Jeffs to pay a former child bride $16 million after he forced her to marry her 19-year-old cousin when she was 14 years old.

Third District Judge Keith Kelly awarded Elissa Wall $12million in punitive damages and $4million in damages in the lawsuit she filed in 2005 against Jeffs, the former Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) president.

'The judgment handed down by the Court is a big step forward in the fight for a strong and unmovable statement to the world that no one, especially children, can be sexual[ly] exploited and abused in the name of religion,' Wall said in a news release said, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

'Today is a victory for many thousands of victims of abuse. Many of us have stood up in our own way to fight for justice and further the protection of children.'

When the events occurred, Wall filed the case under the pseudonym 'MJ'. Her attorney Alan Mortensen said on Tuesday that the ruling now allows for her to collect the money from either Jeffs, who is serving a life sentence in prison, or the church.

Third District Judge Keith Kelly awarded Elissa Wall (left) $12million in punitive damages and $4million in damages in the lawsuit she filed in 2005 against Warren Jeffs (right), the former Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) president

The lawsuit stems from the fact that Jeffs forced Wall to marry her 19-year-old cousin Allen Steed when she was just 14 years old (above together shortly after the wedding)

In the ruling, the judge noted that Jeffs controlled FLDS and key aspects of Wall's life when he arranged for her to marry Steed over her objections. Wall (center) said Steed was a violent man who raped her often

Mortensen added that they may pursue FLDS assets in several states along with Mexico and Canada.

'It's so the church feels the pain of what their doctrine has been as to the rape of young girls,' Mortensen told the Salt Lake Tribune.

Neither Jeffs nor the church defended himself or itself in the lawsuit.

In the ruling, the judge noted that Jeffs controlled FLDS and key aspects of Wall's life when he arranged for her to marry Allen Steed, then 19, over her objections.

Jeffs performed the marriage ceremony between the two and pressured Wall to have children with Steed.

As a result, Wall suffered several miscarriages and a stillbirth; she also said Steed was a violent man who raped her often.

Steed pleaded guilty to solemnization of a prohibited marriage and pleaded no contest to unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Jeffs has been behind bars since 2006 after he was sentenced to life plus 20 years in a Texas prison when he was convicted of several sexual abuse charges with two girls he married as plural wives. Above are dozens of Jeffs's brides

He received 30 days in jail and three years of probation.

Jeffs has been behind bars since 2006 after he was sentenced to life plus 20 years in a Texas prison when he was convicted of several sexual abuse charges with two girls he married as plural wives.

Wall testified during Jeffs' trial in St. George that she has trust issues and other problematic effects from the relationship.

During this trial he was charged with rape as an accomplice, and was convicted by a jury. But the Utah Supreme Court overturned the conviction.

In 2016, Wall was awarded $2.75million in cash and property from the United Effort Plan, which is the trust that holds much of the property in Hildale, Utah and Colorado City, Arizona for the traditional home of the FLDS.

Warren (above in an arrest photo from 2006) was the former President of the FLDS

Wall sued the trust now controlled by the state to hold leaders accountable for abuses such as underage marriage, her lawyer said.

The new governing board of the trust said in a statement they appreciated that she spoke out publicly against Jeffs.

Under that agreement, Wall received $1.5 million in cash, said property trust lawyer Jeffrey Shields.

She also received a house in Hildale and a 40-acre piece of property in Colorado City with a total value of $1.25 million.

'She's done enough for this community, I think she's entitled to a residence,' Shields said.

The trust holds nearly all the land, homes and businesses in the home base of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints along the Utah-Arizona border.

Estimated to be worth about $110 million, it was built to fulfill a belief in holding property communally.
This is the shocking moment a driver moments away from death managed to escape from a burning car which rammed into a signpost.

The footage shows the crumpled car completely engulfed by flames as a male driver is seen hobbling out the back window of the vehicle before collapsing in a heap following the crash in Kiev, Ukraine.

Witnesses who rushed over to help the man claim clothes and pieces of skins were peeling of the unnamed man after his narrow escape from the burning wreck and slumped onto the road.

The horrific footage, shot in Kiev, Ukraine, shows a car completely engulfed in flames after crashing into a signpost

With wreckage strewn across the road and the car ablaze, the man manages to force his way out the back window to safety

The exhausted man is then dragged away from what remains of the singed vehicle and is tended to by those near the wreckage.

The man's Opel car allegedly hit a Toyota before slamming into the pole, although it is unclear who was responsible for the crash.

Mobile phone footage captured the aftermath of the crash and the burning inferno of the car.

In the video, a person can be heard screaming in a foreign language: 'There is a man inside! He is alive!'

Then as a number of people tend to the burned driver, the car can be heard spluttering as though it could explode at any given moment.

Witnesses then move towards the vehicle as though they are trying to extinguish the fire, before a man shouts in the background: 'What are they doing, it is going to blow up any moment.'

According to witness accounts, the car was completely destroyed by the inferno less than two minutes after the video was shot.

The driver was taken to a nearby hospital with multiple bruises, concussion and fractures, but is expected to survive the ordeal.

Police are investigating the incident.

The man then crumples to a heap near the vehicle, where shouts can be heard from nearby urging people to get away from the vehicle
A Sydney Muslim sheikh has suggested a female Nobel Peace Prize winner is a bigger terrorist than ISIS.

Aung San Suu Kyi spent almost two decades under house arrest before becoming Myanmar's de facto leader last year.

However, Islamist groups worldwide are campaigning against the former political prisoner and democracy campaigner as ethnic Rohingyas, who are mainly Muslim, flee Myanmar for neighbouring Bangladesh.

One Sydney sheikh says Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi is worse than ISIS

Muslim sheikh Bilal Dannoun told his 626,000 Facebook followers Myanmar is worse than ISIS

Almost 125,000 of these stateless people have fled via western Myanmar since the military began a brutal crackdown on Rohinya militants almost two weeks ago.

Sydney Muslim sheikh Bilal Dannoun has described the violence against the Rohingyas as a bigger atrocity than ISIS.

'The massacres of ISIS are far less than that of the Myanmars towards the Muslims,' he told his 626,000 Facebook followers.

The 43-year-old Islamic lecturer and marriage celebrant even suggested Australia should be more concerned about Myanmar, also known as Burma, than Islamic State.

Muslim leaders around the world say violence against Rohingyas (pictured fleeing into Bangladesh) is worse than ISIS atrocities

This influential Sydney Muslim says ISIS is less of a threat than an Asian nation led by a woman

Bilal Dannoun says ISIS atrocities (fighter pictured at Mosul in northern Iraq) were less severe than Myanmar's violence against Rohingyas

'Should not governments campaigning against these terrorists be greater than the campaigns against ISIS?' he asked.

The Australian Defence Force has launched airstrikes on Syria and northern Iraq since 2014 when US-led forces started taking on ISIS.

When it comes to Myanmar, Australia began to relax trade restrictions with the south-east Asian nation in 2013 as the military junta took steps to improve its poor human rights record.

However, Ms Suu Kyi has become defensive when asked about state-sponsored violence against the Rohingyas.

Former political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi says she knows about going without human rights

She told Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday she knew what it was like to be under house arrest for almost two decades, after her National League for Democracy won a landslide election victory in 1990.

'We know very well, more than most, what it means to be deprived of human rights and democratic protection,' she said.

'So we make sure that all the people in our country are entitled to protection of their rights as well as the right to, and not just political, but social and humanitarian defence.'

However, she continues to deny the stateless Rohingyas citizenship in Myanmar.
Animal rights activists have been slammed for saying eating bacon is as bad as smoking and calling for a tax on the beloved breakfast meat.

Treasurer Scott Morrison was quick to respond to the call made by Ashley Fruno, the associate director of PETA Australia.

'First the PC brigade want to take our statues, now they want to take our bacon! Pigs might fly,' said the outraged politician.

Animal rights activists have been slammed for saying eating bacon (pictured, stock image) is as bad as smoking and calling for a tax on the beloved breakfast meat

Treasurer Scott Morrison was quick to respond to the call made by Ashley Fruno (pictured in Bangkok), the associate director of PETA Australia

'We are not going to let these political activists into your fridge or your pantry.'

Australian Pork Limited CEO Andrew Spencer was equally scathing, calling PETA's idea 'crazy' and 'not even worth considering', The Daily Telegraph reported.

'Any reasonable person knows comparing eating bacon to smoking is a ridiculous comparison,' he said.

Ms Fruno pointed to the World Health Organization's classification of processed meats as carcinogenic in a column in The Advertiser.

'First the PC brigade want to take our statues, now they want to take our bacon! Pigs might fly,' said Scott Morrison after Ashley Fruno (pictured, in Manila) called for a tax on bacon

'In an effort to become healthier - not to mention more sensible - shouldnt we raise taxes on the other cancer-causing substances we put in our mouths?' she asked.

She also cited United Nations studies which suggest our appetite for meat is harming the environment, and called for taxes to match those on tobacco.

'Adding an excise on processed meats to match the tobacco tax would at least tip the scales towards a healthier, cleaner and kinder future for Australia,' she said.

According to Meat and Livestock Australia, the average Australian aged two and above eats 4.7 grams of bacon a day.

Australia was named the world's biggest meat-eater in 2015, overtaking carnivorous countries such as the US and Argentina.
This overweight police officer might want to reconsider where he dines again after he was filmed struggling to get into his car after another customer parked too close to his vehicle.

The hilarious footage was filmed at a Chic-a-fil restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, and narrated by a customer inside the US food chain.

As the policeman lifts up his belt in a bid to fit between the police car and another vehicle, the man narrating the footage says 'you'll figure it out baby, write his a*** a ticket big man'.

One customer parked his car too close to the police officer's vehicle at a Chic-a-fil restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia

At first the officer tries to slide his way into the gap with his back against his car, but after taking a tactical time out, the male officer slides back and tries to enter again, this time facing his vehicle.

The unnamed narrator gives his own pep talk to the officer in the footage, telling him 'you can do it big man' and 'you gotta do it big man' throughout the video.

The policeman manages to wriggle his way down to the drivers door before tucks himself between the vehicles so he can reach into his pockets to fumble around for his keys.

People from inside the restaurant can be heard laughing near the cameraman, who repeats the phrase 'you can do it big man' and 'try it again big man'.

The policeman manages to wriggle his way down to the drivers door before tucks himself between the vehicles so he can reach into his pockets to fumble around for his keys

He adds: 'You're serving to protect big man, you gotta get in there big man. Squeeze big man, get in there big man! You can do it big man!'

The policeman then has to admit defeat on his second attempt, pulling himself out between the gap looking blustered following his repeated failed attempts.

He then drags himself to the passenger side of his car, where he manages barely open the door.

With a painstaking look on his face, the driver can be seen leaning right back as his tries to fit his legs into the car and slipping down into the vehicle before the sound of laughter is heard and the video pans away from the officer.
The Hollywood producer who was behind the hit romantic comedy Pretty Woman has been quizzed by police over allegations he bribed Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu with cigars and pink champagne.

Arnon Milchan, who was behind the smash 1990 comedy, has been questioned by Israeli detectives in London about the gifts.

Israeli police have several investigations underway concerning Netanyahu and allegations of corruption.

Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan, left, has been questioned by Israeli detectives in London over allegations he bribed Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu with cigars and pink champagne

Sara Netanyahu (pictured with her husband in July), was questioned by National fraud squad detectives on suspicion she claimed state payments for personal housekeeping expenses

The Guardian said Milchan, who strenuously denies any wrongdoing, had previously admitted giving Netanyahu and his wife Sara some gifts.

Milchan said he had given the couple boxes of cigars, pink champagne and jewellery.

He had previously supplied detectives investigating the case receipts of the various gifts offered to the Netanyahus.

A spokesman for the PM's office said: 'Any attempt to read anything improper into the deep and longstanding friendship between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Arnon Milchan is baseless and destined to fail. We reiterate: there will be nothing because there was nothing.

Earlier it was reported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife has taken a voluntary lie detector test in a bid to try and dispel claims she misused public funds.

Sara Netanyahu is reportedly expected to be indicted, pending a hearing, on charges of fraudulently receiving items worth some 400,000 shekels ($111,851).

The 58-year-old was questioned by National fraud squad detectives last month on suspicion she routinely claimed state payments for personal housekeeping expenses at the couple's official and private residences.

Netanyahu himself is also under investigation on suspicion of corruption, and allegedly unlawfully received gifts from wealthy supporters including Australian billionaire James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan.

President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, joined by their wives first lady Melania Trump, right, and Sara Netanyahu, left, in February

Attorney General Avichai Mendelblit is expected to inform Netanyahu of the charges against her in a few weeks, according to the Israeli news website Haaretz.

The Netanyahu's have now accused the former chief caretaker of the official residence, Meni Naftali, who is currently leading protests against the prime minister, of inflating the residence's expenses and stealing food.

Private broadcaster Channel Two reported at the weekend that the attorney general was expected to announce charges against her by September 10.

'She took the test,' Netanyahu family lawyer Yossi Cohen told Israeli public radio. 'It's a very tough test. It's humiliating and she did it wonderfully.'

He did not give details of the questions she was asked or the test results.

He said the decision to undergo the examination, at a privately operated polygraph facility, was taken 'following the horrible mudslinging against her and after we heard that she is going to be put on trial'.

Results of polygraph testing are not admissible as evidence in Israeli criminal trials.

Sara Netanyahu (left), Melania Trump (centre), and Nechama Rivlin, wife of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin

Benjamin Netanyahu's former chief of staff signed a deal last month to turn state's witness in probes involving the premier.

Also under investigation is a suspicion that Netanyahu sought a secret deal with the publisher of top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot.

The proposed deal, which is not believed to have been finalised, would have seen Netanyahu receive positive coverage in return for him helping to scale down the operations of Israel Hayom, Yediot's main competitor.

Netanyahu has been questioned about both cases.

The investigations have have stirred Israeli politics and led to speculation over whether Netanyahu will eventually be forced to step down, which he is not formally obliged to do unless convicted.

He denies any wrongdoing.
It's hard to imagine anyone who is better qualified to talk about online abuse than Zoe Quinn.

She is the victim of Gamergate, the scandal where an online mob from the darkest corners of the Internet carried out an unprecedented campaign of hate and harassment against several women.

For Quinn, 29, it began in 2014 when the computer game developer's ex-boyfriend posted a 9,000 word diatribe online about her when they broke up, which went viral.

For the next three years - the attacks carry on to this day - Quinn was abused on a scale that is beyond belief, including rape and death threats, and resulted in her PTSD diagnosis.

Speaking exclusively to the DailyMail.com, Quinn said writing her story was 'like doing [her] own autopsy' and thought everything for her 'was over'.

Quinn opened up about her ordeal in her book 'How Gamergate Nearly Destroyed My Life And How We Can Win The Fight Against Online Abuse', released this week.

Zoe Quinn, a 29-year-old West Coast computer game developer, was the target of Gamergate, an online abuse scandal in 2014. She was targeted by an online mob and received threats

Due to the online abuse, Quinn and everyone she ever knew or worked for faced the horrific abuse.

Quinn's phone would ring dozens of times a day with people threatening to rape her.

All of her social media accounts were hacked and used to post lurid and false information about her.

On message boards, people gleefully debated at length how they would torture and murder her.

Quinn's entire family was 'Doxxed', meaning all of their personal details and home addresses were posted on message boards.

At one point her father received photographs of her taken from the Internet covered in a stranger's semen.

Under the extreme stress Quinn stopped eating and drinking and was later diagnosed with complex PTSD.

Having been through all of this and survived, Quinn is facing down her abusers again in a new book about her experience.

Quinn's ex-boyfriend Eron Gjoni (right) posted a 9,000 word diatribe online about her when they broke up which went viral. He claimed Quinn slept with journalists to get better reviews of her games, sparking her online abuse

For the next three years - the attacks carry on to this day - Quinn was abused on a scale that is beyond belief, including torture, rape and death threats. Pictured: Threats made against Quinn

Speaking exclusively to the DailyMail.com, Quinn described writing her story as 'like doing my own autopsy'.

Quinn says that she felt torn between not wanting to be defined by her experience and a desire to speak out.

She said: 'If I had read this before what happened to me happened I would be a bit safer...I felt I had a duty to do it'.

In the book, which has been optioned by movie producer Amy Pascal with Scarlett Johansson possibly in the lead role, Quinn describes herself as a child of the Internet.

She says that it gave her a sense of community that she did not find growing up in upstate New York.

Her father repaired motorcycles and at the age of 12 he bought her a 3DO, a short-lived 90s console that gave her a first taste of gaming.

Quinn battled depression from a young age and after becoming a game developer she had her first hit in February 2014 with Depression Quest, an adventure game about the condition.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Quinn said writing her story was 'like doing my own autopsy' and said she thought everything for her 'was over'

In the book Quinn talks about the joy that came with connecting with others anonymously on the Internet.

She says that it saved her life - literally as she has tried to kill herself - numerous times and that it allowed her to speak about her insecurities in a way she couldn't in real life.

That very quality would be the thing that was turned against her later on.

Quinn's tormentor was her ex-boyfriend Eron Gjoni with whom she had an intense relationship, lasting a few months in 2014.

Quinn says that she ended it because he was abusive and, during the last time they had sex, violent towards her - although he denies this.

The first Quinn knew something was happening was when she was celebrating her 27th birthday in a bar with her new boyfriend, Alex Lifschitz.

A friend texted her saying: 'You just got hell-dumped something fierce'.

He was referring to the 9,000 word document published online by Gjoni.

Quinn describes it as the 'Manifesto', and it alleges she slept with gaming journalists for favorable reviews.

According to Quinn it was perfectly designed to go viral on dark corners of the web like messaging board 4chan.

Which it did - on a scale few could imagine.

Quinn said her phone would ring dozens of times a day with people threatening to rape her. All of her social media accounts were hacked and used to post lurid and false information about her. Message boards had posts about how people would torture and murder her

In the book Quinn says the 'Manifesto' was a 'rallying cry' for an entire community to carry out a 'communal witch hunt' in which they took her life apart as if it were a military campaign.

Her Wikipedia page was doctored to say she was dead, hackers repeatedly tried and then succeeded in breaking into her Twitter and Tumblr accounts and other social media.

Her online postings about depression and other struggles became cruel jokes and pictures from when she did stripping to pay her bills were turned into memes.

Anonymous posters on message boards said that the 'Zoe b**** is my next victim'.

One particularly detailed post read: 'Next time she shows up at a conference we give her a crippling injury that's never going to fully heal...a good solid injury to the knees.

'I'd say a brain damage, but we don't want to make it so she ends up too retarded to fear us'.

The death of Quinn's grandfather prompted the abusers to boast in online forums about how his obituary gave them more members of family to target.

Sometimes people would show up in person at bars that she was at when a friend made the mistake of saying they were out together.

In September 2014, Quinn tried to get an injunction through a court in Boston, where her ex was living, but a judge told her: 'If this is the way the Internet is, you really should get offline'

On the phone Quinn, who now lives on the West Coast of the US, speaks with a confidence and openness about what has been through, which belies the personal cost.

She says that those first days were a 'long haze of watching everything crash down around me'.

As somebody who grappled with depression, she says that her first thought was that her brain was agreeing with it.

She says: 'I was thinking it's true there's no way I have any talent, maybe they have a point, maybe I'm just some hack that people feel sorry for and want to sleep with.

'I thought everyone in my life was going to abandon me and would automatically believe all this s***. I'd always been suspicious of my own success and I always will be.

'I thought all of my friends are pretending to like me and just feel sorry for me. I thought it was over.

'I've alternated between just sheer completeness numbness and fog.

'I was just nothing in that moment. I don't know if I would still be here if Alex wasn't with me at that time. He didn't leave my side for the better part of a year and a half'.

During that time the abuse was relentless.

Quinn says that if she did not do or write anything for a few days people used to brag that she had killed herself and 'maybe we finally won'.

At some point she 'ran out of emotion' as she struggled to survive.

Quinn says that if she did not do or write anything for a few days people used to brag that she had killed herself and 'maybe we finally won'

Quinn says: 'I got so used to living in that mental fox hole that when the attacks lessened my mentality had adapted.

'The stuff that kept me safe turned out to actively impede moving onto the next thing and that's when I saw a therapist and got diagnosed with PTSD'.

In September 2014, Quinn tried to get an injunction through a court in Boston, where her ex, Gjoni, was living, but a judge told her: 'If this is the way the Internet is, you really should get offline'.

Quinn revealed the extent of her ordeal, in 'How Gamergate Nearly Destroyed My Life And How We Can Win The Fight Against Online Abuse', released this week

Gonji appealed and Quinn eventually dropped it the following year after realizing it would do nothing to stop the torrent of abusers.

Her best recourse was to tackle it head on, and very publicly.

Quinn channeled her expertise into a nonprofit called Crash Override which helps people who have been through similar ordeals.

So far they have helped hundreds of others and Quinn hopes that it will continue to help more.

Quinn has spoken at the United Nations - she jokes in the book that 'my breakup required the intervention of the United Nations' - and has appeared on dozens of panels about online abuse.

Her unique insight into what makes such people tick has made her an unlikely and unwilling authority on what makes such people operate.

While it's tempting to imagine an online mob as a group of angry young men - though many of them are - it is more complicated that that.

Quinn says: 'It's less like a person based thing so much as a behavioral thing. There's no switch that gets flipped, it's the behavior itself.

'I've talked to a lot of people who have reformed and the biggest commonalities, nearly universal, I've seen are that they had something f***** up in their life, real or imagined, it could be anything, they felt a sense of loss or like something was missing and they were deeply unhappy.

Quinn said: 'The stuff that kept me safe turned out to actively impede moving onto the next thing and that's when I saw a therapist and got diagnosed with PTSD'

Quinn channeled her expertise into a nonprofit called Crash Override which helps people who have been through similar ordeals. Pictured: Quinn speaking at an event on Wednesday

'They also lacked a support structure around them that would not be cool with this or had one that would actively encourage. Either people were doing this totally in private and nobody knew or, more commonly, their friends were doing stuff and they joined in, enabling that sort of behavior'.

Another common thread is that people feel they have very little power over their lives and that doing this to somebody else gives them a feeling of control - until they realize there are human consequences.

Quinn says that, incredibly, the people abusing her would often end up apologizing if they spoke with her in person.

She says: 'After I got Doxxed I used to answer the calls for a bit for anybody that wasn't immediately screaming or saying gross stuff out the gate.

'They would say: 'Is this Zoe Quinn? Your phone number is on the Internet. I said yeah, I'm aware of that.

'Then they'd usually apologize. Now they heard my voice they would say oh s***, this is a person. I get apologies from Gamergaters pretty regularly saying I didn't think you were a real person.

'It sounds ridiculous to think about it but it's easy to see somebody as a dehumanized mass of pixels on a screen or an abstract concept or an in-joke to share with your buddies, I think it's very easy to fall into this.

'You can do f***** up s*** to abstract concepts that you would never do to a human being'.

Quinn sees solving the problem of online abuse as an 'education issue' and says people have to learn about the massive ways the Internet is affecting our lives.

Quinn has a short dismissal for the likes of Google and Facebook and said that 'banning Nazis would be a good first step'.

She says: 'They have terms of service for a reason. To actually see them enforced would be great, to see them take a hard line on harassment and make the terms clear to the public'.

According to Quinn online abuse is really about what kind of product Google and others want to make.

She said: 'Did you intend to build a platform for Nazis to attack people?

'If not then tweak some f****** s***'.
A Taliban militant involved in the shooting of Malala Yousafzai has been shot dead during a Pakistan police shootout.

Counter-terrorism officers faced off with four gunmen in Karachi, one of which was a commander of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

All four were killed in the gunfight including the commander - identified as Khursheed - who played a part in the 2012 attack in Punjab on the child rights activist and Nobel Laureate.

Pakistani rights activist Malala Yousafzai gestures after addressing the media in Birmingham, central England on October 10, 2014. One of the men involved in her shooting was gunned down by police officers in Pakistan

Pakistani security personnel cordon off the area of an attack in Karachi, Pakistan, Saturday, Sept 2, 2017. Pakistani police said two gunmen targeting an ethnic party lawmaker after Eid prayers instead gunned down two others, including a child, in the southern port city of Karachi. It is not clear whether or not this is the same siege in which the terrorists were killed

Senior Superintendent of Police Rao Anwar told the New York Post: 'I am going to share good news with you that a cousin of TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah has been killed.

'Khursheed was involved in various incidents of terrorism, including attacks on education activist Malala Yousafzai as well as military and police in Karachi's Quaidabad area.

'All the militants were members of the TTP Swat and were planning to carry out terrorist activities in the city.'

The terrorist was identified by documents found in his possession and the names of the remaining militants have yet to be revealed.

Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize 2014 laureate Malala Yousafzai is pictured during a meeting with students of the Monterrey Institute of Technology in Mexico City on August 31, 2017

Nobel Peace Prize laureates Kailash Satyarthi (right) and Malala Yousafzai display their medals and diplomas during the Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony at the City Hall in Oslo, Norway, on December 10, 2014

Miss Yousafzai was barely 11 years old when she began championing girls' education, speaking out in TV interviews.

The Taliban had overrun her home town of Mingora, terrorizing residents, threatening to blow up girls' schools, ordering teachers and students into the all-encompassing burqas.

She was critically injured in October 2012, when a Taliban gunman boarded her school bus and shot her in the head.

A bullet narrowly missed her brain and she was later airlifted to Britain for specialist treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where she underwent numerous surgeries and made a strong recovery.

Malala currently lives with her father, mother and two brothers in Birmingham, and after excelling in her exams she is off to Oxford to study.

She has since written a book, I Am Malala, spoken to international audiences and on television and has been been showered with human rights prizes, including the European Parliament's Sakharov Award.
A Florida man whose escort wife plotted to kill him, has found love again.

Michael Dippolito's now ex-wife Dalia Dippolito, 34, a former Florida escort was denied bond in August as she appealed her conviction in the murder-for-hire plot to have her new husband killed in 2009.

Dalia may be facing down a 16-year sentence, but Michael is looking towards his happily ever after, now that he and his new fiance Gloria are moving forward with their lives together.

Michael says he met Gloria at a restaurant. Walking into someone's life who carries such a high profile past may be hard for some, and Gloria says, she was aware of what happened to her fiance in his last marriage.

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Michael Dippolito, whose ex-wife tried to have him killed when they were newlyweds, is now engaged to Gloria (right)

The 34-year-old woman was found guilty in her third trial and was sentenced to 16 years in prison in July. She was first convicted and sentenced to 20 years in 2011, before it was tossed out on an appeal. The retrial last year resulted in a 3-3 hung jury

Michael's new fiance, Gloria (left) says she understands what happened to her husband-to-be i his last relationship, but wants to move forward. Michael (right) in 2011, during his ex-wife's trial for plotting to have him killed

Michael gave Gloria this sparkler when he proposed

'I really felt bad for him but my thing is just moving on from there,' she told Inside Edition. 'I love him a lot.'

He's been through a lot which makes finding love again- complicated.

'It's nice,' he said of Gloria. 'Sometimes it's hard to accept something this good is happening to you.'

'He's very lucky to be alive to be with me' Gloria added.

Dalia Dippolito, a former Florida escort, was denied bond on Wednesday as she appeals her conviction in a murder-for-hire plot to have her new husband Michael Dippolito killed in 2009

Michael and Gloria are looking forward to their life as husband and wife

Michael and Dalia were granted a divorce in 2011, two years after she was arrested for trying to have him murdered in their Boyton Beach home.

Palm Beach County Judge Glenn Kelley denied Dalia Dippolito's request to go free on house arrest while she appealed her June conviction of solicitation of first-degree murder.

The 34-year-old woman was found guilty in her third trial to have her newlywed husband killed by a hit man in 2009. She was sentenced to 16 years in prison in July.

Palm Beach County Judge Glenn Kelley denied Dippolito's (pictured above in June) request to go free on house arrest while she appeals her June conviction of solicitation of first-degree murder

The former escort was recorded on camera telling an undercover police detective that she was '5,000 per cent sure' she wanted her newlywed husband Michael Dippolito dead.

Michael, himself a convicted conman who said he fell in love after he first hired Dalia for sex, took a dig at his ex-wife when he said he was '5,000 per cent happy' with her conviction back in June.

She was first convicted and sentenced to 20 years in 2011, before it was tossed out on an appeal. The retrial last year resulted in a 3-3 hung jury.

Dippolito was recorded on camera telling an undercover police detective that she was '5,000 per cent sure' she wanted her newlywed husband Michael Dippolito (above) dead

Prosecutors argued during her sentencing that she should be sentenced to 30 years while her attorneys pushed for two years and probation.

Her lawyers chalked it up to a one-time mistake and said it was important for the former escort to raise her son, who is only 14 months old.

Kelley said Dalia acted in a 'cold and calculated manner' and Michael said his life was ruined when his ex-wife plotted to have him killed.

Michael said Dalia and her attorneys falsely portrayed him as a wife beater and tried to make him look bad to somehow justify her actions.

Courtesy of WPLG

The prosecution presented a 23-minute video in which Dalia agreed to pay undercover officer Widy Jean $7,000 to have her husband killed

But Michael, who divorced another woman and married Dalia after four months, told the judge at the time of her sentencing, 'Listen, when I met her, it was very exciting,' ABC reported.

'We got along really well. Our sex life was amazing and that was part of the whole reason, you know, I was so into her and I thought she was into me.'

During her trial, the prosecution presented a 23-minute video in which Dippolito agreed to pay undercover officer Widy Jean $7,000 to have her husband killed.

She also discussed various plots before Jean said he would kill her husband at the couple's home, making it look like a botched burglary while she was at the gym.

During the trial, prosecutors also called Michael, who believes his wife twice planted drugs in his SUV before calling the police so he might land back in prison for violating his probation.

Prosecutors also read for the jury X-rated text messages Dalia exchanged with a now-deceased lover, Mike Stanley, in 2009 after she got married, according to the Palm Beach Post.

She had Stanley impersonate a doctor to help her hide the $100,000 she stole from her husband. He then pretended to be a lawyer to trick her husband into thinking he had completed probation, prosecutors said.

In one text message, she rejoiced after persuading her husband to put their town house in her name only; in another, she complained after learning she still couldn't sell it without his signature.

Prosecutors also showed video of her interview with detectives at the police station after being made to believe her husband had been killed.

She volunteered potential killers, including her husband's former crime partners, and denied knowing Jean when he was brought before her in handcuffs as the killer.
Islamic State leaders are reportedly asking its followers to carry out terror attacks by poisoning food in Western supermarkets.

ISIS fanatics could be targeting British and U.S. shops after the terror group perfected their methods using Iraqi prisoners as 'human guinea pigs'.

The details of the 'food poison tests' were uncovered in Mosul, Iraq, after the city was liberated from ISIS earlier this year.

Food terror: Islamic State terrorists could be looking to target supermarkets in the U.S. and the UK, poisoning fresh produce

It is now feared that the ways of contaminating food could be used on a larger scale in attacks on the West, according to the Italian news agency ANSA.

It would not be the first time ISIS followers have sought to spread terror and death by using everyday objects as weapons.

In recent years, several deadly terror attacks have been carried out using large vehicles and cars, driving into crowds of people in public spaces.

Just last month, 13 people died and some 130 were injured when Islamist terrorists drove a white van down Barcelona's popular shopping street Las Ramblas.

Attack plans: Details of how ISIS militants had used prisoners as guinea pigs for 'food poison tests' were uncovered in Mosul, Iraq (pictured during ISIS rule in 2014)

Earlier this week, a two-year-long investigation by a British journalist found that ISIS had been social media to find young, impressionable Muslims to carry out an attack in London.

A reporter working for BBC Inside Out posing as a 17-year-old living with his parents was told by ISIS recruiters as early as July last year to target London Bridge with a truck, axe, anything can work.

Eleven months later, three terrorists used a rented van to mowed down pedestrians on the famous bridge, before stabbing Saturday night revellers, killing eight people before being shot dead by police.
Politics makes strange Harvard fellows.

The Ivy League university has announced the bold-faced names who will be taking up visiting posts at the Institute of Politics this Fall, revealing that President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski is among those who has accepted an invitation.

He will join two of President Trump's most high profile and vocal detractors, affianced MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

It was be a homecoming of sorts for Lewandowski, who famously went head-to-head with members of Hillary Clinton's team in a January panel at the academic institution that devolved in a shouting match.

Harvard is the alma mater of President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and his Oval Office-predecessor Barack Obama, whose daughter Malia recently began her freshman year at the school.

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Employed: Corey Lewandowski (above with then-presidential hopeful Donald Triump in August 2015) will be a visiting fellow at Harvard University's Institute of Politics this Fall

From friendship to feud: The former campaign manager for President Trump will join previously announced fellows Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski (above in March)

There is no love lost between Lewandowski and Brzezinski, with the former Trump employee one of the few people who defended his boss back in June after he made a number of sexist comments about the popular television personality.

In an appearance on the Fox News show 'Hannity,' which was being guest hosted by Kimberly Guilfoyle on that night, Lewandowski said that he 'loved' President Trump's comments about Brzezinski.

President Trump, in denouncing Brzezinski's morning show for their criticism of his actions in office, wrote that she was 'bleeding badly from a facelift' when he saw her around the New Year.

'I dont blame the guy. If I had his vicious wit and his ability to tweet things out like that and destroy my enemies, I probably would do it too,' Lewandowski later added during his appearance.

A giddy Guilfoyle also jumped in, saying president Trump was a 'slayer' and a 'verbal jiu jitsu artist.'

The list of visiting fellows looks to be evenly split between conservatives and liberals this year up in Cambridge.

The IOP also announced on Wednesday that the conservative duo of Mary Katharine Ham and Guy Benson will join Lewandowski, with the pundits and authors recently releasing an updated version of their book 'End of Discussion' that includes a look at President Trump's historic campaign.

Scarborough meanwhile is the fourth conservative on the list, though he has stated his allegiance to the Republican party has been tested under President Trump.

His bride-to-be is on the opposing squad, where she will be joined by Cornell William Brooks, the former head of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

He will assume the post of Director of Campaigns and Advocacy Program in the wake of his landmark voter suppression victories during his time with the NAACP.

Door closed: Lewandowski had been friendly with Brzezinski (above in November after Trump's win) during the election, but in June he defended his former boss' sexist attack on the MSNBC host

Steven L. Beshear, who served two terms as the Democratic governor of Kentucky from 2007 to 2015 will also be visiting, as will strategist Joe Slade White.

'This diverse group of policymakers, journalists, political advisors and activists provides a robust platform for dynamic interaction with our students and the larger Harvard community,' said Bill Delahunt, Acting Director of the IOP.

'They represent a wide range of viewpoints, insights and perspectives on the most pressing challenges facing local, state and national leaders and society as a whole  from race and politics to the devastating opioid crisis affecting communities throughout America. They will stimulate discussion in the Institute of Politics tradition of encouraging civil discourse and respectful exchange of ideas.'
The devastated parents of a five-year-old boy who died in their arms hours after he was sent home from hospital are desperately seeking answers as to what happened to their son.

Nathan Ung an 'easygoing' and 'kind' five-year-old from Wahroonga in Sydney was taken to Hornsby Hospital with stomach pains last week.

He spent four hours at the hospital before going home. He later tragically died in his parents' arms.

This is one of the last photos ever taken of five-year-old Nathan Ung before he died

A Go Fund Me page has been started by friends of Nathan's parents Kavin and Ellen, raising more than $20,000 for his funeral.

On the page Nathan is described as 'the most energetic, kind, easy going and well mannered little boy'.

'He was only five when his life was cruelly cut short.

'Our dear friends Kavin and Ellen have been struck by the most unthinkable tragedy.

Family friend Aaron Poon said Nathan's mother and father were 'devastated', according to the Daily Telegraph.

Nathan Ung, pictured with his mother Ellen, died in his parents arms after leaving hospital

'We have our own kids who all used to play together. Now they're asking when their friend is coming back.

'I've had to break the news to them, I just broke down.'

Mr Poon said Nathan's parents are waiting for answers as to what has happened to their son.

A photo on the Go Fund Me page shows Nathan dressed in a Superman costume at a school book parade just days before he died.

Mr Poon's wife Vy said it is 'one of the last photos taken of sweet Nathan'.

'Kavin said today Nathan was always happy when he got to wear his favourite costume.'

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said doctors told him they still don't know what killed Nathan.

'I just want to say again to the family how sorry I am as the Health Minister and... if there is anything we can do we will do it to support them.'

Mr Hazzard said the Health Department, Ministry of Health and the Local Health District to investigate Nathan's death.

Five-year-old boy died on Friday hours after being sent home from Hornsby Hospital (pictured)

The five-year-old woke at 11pm Thursday from a 'considerable amount of pain' but was nursed back to sleep before waking again at 3am where his parents took him to Hornsby Hospital, North Shore Times reports.

A police spokesman said the boy was sent home at 7am because he was feeling better - with doctors asking his parents to monitor him.

Later that afternoon, at 2.15pm, the five-year-old was rushed to Sydney Adventist Hospital and he died there two hours later while being held by his parents.

A Sydney Adventist Hospital said they could not confirm any details about the boy's death.
Jurors watched an emotional police interview where Rosa said her mother was on 'a complete mission to destroy us'

The pair, who are now adults, ran away from home when they were teenagers

Susan Wynne-Wilson, 69, is accused of assaulting her children Rosa and Daniel

Susan Wynne-Wilson, 69, is accused of assaulting her children Rosa and Daniel

A wealthy grandmother was a monster who violently abused three of her children for 14 years, her adult daughter told a court yesterday.

Susan Wynne-Willson would stuff underwear into their mouths to stop them screaming as she kicked, punched, and bit them at their 700,000 mansion flat, the jury heard.

Wynne-Willson, 69, is charged with historic child cruelty after two of her children accused her of physical violence and bullying from 1979 to 1993.

Holding back tears in a police interview shown to jurors, her daughter Rosa Aguelo de Guero accused Wynne-Willson of being on a complete mission to destroy us.

The mother-of-one, whose father Peter Wynne-Willson, 71, is a renowned lighting engineer for Pink Floyd, said: She was a monster. She wasnt a mother. Who does that?

Miss Aguelo de Gueros adopted brother, Daniel Wynne-Willson, 40, is due to give evidence against their mother later in the trial.

To the outside world, they appeared to do everything an upper-middle-class family would do, she said  including horse riding, saxophone lessons, and visits to National Trust cottages at the weekend. But she said everything was hidden behind this facade, and she claimed her siblings were so traumatised that she found them trying to kill themselves by swallowing coloured beads.

Now aged 42, she told Blackfriars Crown Court in central London how the attacks started shortly before her parents split up and the family left what had been an idyllic life in their North Yorkshire mansion, where they owned two horses.

Miss Aguelo de Guero said her mother had become bored and isolated at the stately home in Barnby, near Whitby.

She added: She started to behave really strangely and I felt very unsafe.

It was during this period she was first attacked when her mother found out she planned to run away, she said.

She described how Wynne-Willson flung her around and slapped her face in a complete onslaught.

Miss Aguelo de Guero, Daniel, their sister Poppy, now 41, and their mother went to London, leaving their father and older sister Alice, now 45, who is managing editor at Greenpeace.

It was as they left Yorkshire in the removal van, she said, that something really strange came over her in which she realised her life would never be the same again.

They moved to a filthy squat owned by her father in Covent Garden, central London, where he had once lived with the late Pink Floyd singer Syd Barrett.

She said Wynne-Willson would lie on a mattress and force the three children to form a line so that she could hit them.

During a trial at Blackfriars Crown Court, prosecutor Scott Brady said Daniel would soil himself and would be scared as Wynne-Wilson would call him 'disgusting' before rubbing faeces into his mouth

Over the next decade, she claimed her mothers abuse worsened as things just got sicker and sicker, including daily beatings and being wrapped in soiled bedsheets.

Miss Aguelo de Guero said her mother once left her and Poppy needing hospital treatment after throwing a toy elephant at them.

They later moved to a 700,000 mansion flat in Gospel Oak, north west London, also owned by Mr Wynne-Willson, where their life was complete chaos and they were abused daily.

Miss Aguelo de Guero alleged that she was forced to clean the house constantly, leaving her hands raw from exposure to bleach, and Wynne- Willson would bash her head against the toilet bowl.

She claimed her mother would wrap her siblings in wet bed sheets and bite them so deeply it would draw blood.

The children tried to alert neighbours by screaming and banging on the walls, but Wynne-Willson stuffed their mouths. To stop them speaking out about the alleged abuse, she said her mother threatened to kill them in their sleep.

Under cross-examination, she told the court she would have rather have lived in a caravan in Skegness, eating white bread than have had all the privileges of her upper-middle-class childhood if it meant avoiding all the abuse she had suffered.

Miss Aguelo de Guero, who changed her name from Rosie Wynne-Willson by deed poll to her maternal grandfathers surname, along with her sister Poppy, admitted that she had maintained a relationship with her mother after she left home at 14, and didnt cut ties with her until three years ago.

She even returned to live with Wynne-Willson when she had her daughter Montana, now 19, and let her mother look after her alone.

Wynne-Willson denies five counts of child cruelty and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The trial continues.
Saudi Arabia doled out a plethora of gifts to President Trump when he visited the Middle Eastern country in May.

The list includes robes lined with white tiger and cheetah fur, swords and daggers, even artwork featuring the American president.

The State Department handed over documents detailing the gifts to the Daily Beast this week, as part of a Freedom of Information Act request.

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President Trump took his first trip abroad as president to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and according to the State Department returned home with 83 gifts

The trip, which happened in May, marked the first time President Trump traveled abroad in his position as president of the United States

President Trump spent his time in Saudi Arabia wearing traditional Western dress, though the Saudis gifted him dozens of items of their traditional clothes including fur lined robes

Melania Trump (left) visited the country without wearing a headscarf, though the Saudis included headscarfs and traditional female dress in their gift package to the Americans

The two pages include 83 list lines of gifts the Saudis handed over to the president of the United States, during Trump's maiden voyage abroad in which he visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, first, before moving on to Jerusalem and Rome.

American presidents tend to visit Canada or Mexico first, though Trump dismissed that tradition, focusing his first overseas trip on voyaging to the focal points of the world's three great religions.

In Saudi Arabia, the presents given to the president were mainly clothes, some of which included rare furs.

The State Department describes Trump receiving a purple wool robe with white tiger fur lining, an orange and gold robe lined with cheetah fur and a blue and silver robe lined with white tiger fur.

There was also a black rabbit fur and wool robe, emblazoned with a red pattern.

A lot of traditional Saudi Arabian dress was included, along with a book that described Saudi Arabian costume, to be used by the American president as a guide.

A number of weapons were also given to the American leader, including three swords, three daggers and various holsters.

There was artwork including one piece featuring President Trump and another depicting a Saudi women.

The clothing given to the president included at least one dress meant for a woman as well.

Both Melania and Ivanka Trump opted not to wear traditional headscarves while in Saudi Arabia, a notable decision because Trump had criticized first lady Michelle Obama for making the same move.

Cashmere headscarves were included as part of the gifts as well.

Additionally, Trump received a desk clock, an enamel briefcase and children's books, likely to be gifted to his grandchildren.
A woman in her 20s has been found naked and distressed in the street days after being allegedly kidnapped close to a Tube station.

The Metropolitan Police said the victim, in her early 20s, was approached by two men in a silver car close to Ealing Broadway station between 10am and 11am on August 18.

The woman was missing until August 22, when she was found around a mile away in West Ealing and helped by another woman.

The Metropolitan Police said the victim, in her early 20s, was approached by two men in a silver car close to Ealing Broadway station between 10am and 11am on August 18

Scotland Yard said she was 'in distressed state and required clothing' as well as medical treatment.

Police are trying to find the Good Samaritan, though to be in her late teens or early 20s, who has an Irish accent and purple hair.

A spokesman for the Met said: 'The driver was an Asian man, aged in his late 20s. In the passenger seat was a white male, described as being tanned, aged in his early 20s.

'The passenger - who was known to the woman - got out of the car and pulled the woman into the back seat before getting in with her. All three then drove away.'

A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with investigation and has been bailed until later this month as inquiries continue.

Inquiries continue and any witnesses are asked to contact cops on 101 or 07825 114 094.
Hillary Clinton got an election-eve assurance from President Barack that turned out to be historically fake news when he told her the election was in hand, the failed nominee writes in her new memoir.

The nation's first black president gave a hug to the woman he believed would break another historical barrier and carry on his legacy during their last night campaigning together at a packed outdoor evening rally in Philadelphia.

'You've got this. I'm so proud of you,' Obama told her, Clinton writes in her new memoir, 'What Happened.'

Just hours later, Obama was counseling Clinton to concede on election night, Clinton writes, in a portion of the book reported by CNN. He didn't want her to drag out the angry and prolonged campaign.

IN THE BAG: According to Hillary Clinton's new memoir, President Barack Obama told her on election ever, 'You've got this'

Clinton ended up holding off and sending out her campaign chair John Podesta to address her shell-shocked election night crowd.

When she finally made the concession call to Trump, Clinton says it was 'without a doubt one of the strangest moments of my life.'

'I congratulated Trump and offered to do anything I could to make sure the transition was smooth,' Clinton writes. 'It was all perfectly nice and weirdly ordinary, like calling a neighbor to say you can't make it to his barbecue. It was mercifully brief.'

Of her own emotional state at the time, she writes: 'I was numb. It was all so shocking.'

On Election Day, Clinton decided to take a nap even as her husband was 'chomping on an unlit cigar' as returns came in.

Clinton writes about the shock of her loss in her new memoir. Here she walks the stage greeting the crowd with by her side (l-r), President Barack Obama, Chelsea Clinton, and former President Bill Clinton, after speaking at a GOTV Rally on Independence Mall on November 7, 2016 in Philadelphia

She might have gotten better advice from her husband, who told her 'You might lose,' according to an excerpt reported by the National Enquirer.

Clinton owns up to some errors, but also takes a dig at former Vice President Joe Biden for putting out a critique of her campaign.

'Joe Biden said the Democratic Party in 2016 'did not talk about what it always stood for  and that was how to maintain a burgeoning middle class,'' Clinton wrote. 'I find this fairly remarkable, considering that Joe himself campaigned for me all over the Midwest and talked plenty about the middle class.'

Biden, 74, still gets mentioned on the long list of possible Democratic challengers in 2020.

THAT COULD'VE BEEN ME: Former US President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton on the platform before the swearing in ceremony for Donald Trump at the US Capitol January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC

'I drank my share of chardonnay,' Clinton writes in another passage in the book

Defeat threw Clinton into 'pain and shock,' according to the Enquirer excerpt. 'Friends advised on me the power of Xanax and raved about their amazing therapists,' she writes  without revealing whether she took the guidance.

She admits trying to drink away her troubles at times.

'I drank my share of chardonnay. Taking a page from the pre-heart attack version of her husband, Clinton says she was 'splurging on burgers and fries' and 'enjoying every bite.'

Clinton makes efforts to understand her loss, accepting some blame even while pointing the finger at others including rival Bernie Sanders and going after former FBI Director James Comey for 'shivving' her.

'What makes me such a lightning rod for fury? I'm really asking. I'm at a loss,' she wonders in one conversational passage: 'I think it's partly because I'm a woman.'

She also delves into her marriage to Bill Clinton  following a campaign where Trump brought a host of former accusers from his past to a presidential debate.

She said her marriage has 'many, many more happy days than sad or angry ones.'

'I heard it again on the 2016 campaign ... it's just a marriage on paper now,' Clinton writes. Then she cracks a joke in her multi-million memoir. '(He is reading this over my shoulder in our kitchen with our dogs underfoot and in a minute he will reorganize our bookshelves for the millionth time ... but I don't mind because he really loves to organize those bookshelves).'

Clinton also takes aim at Anthony Weiner in her new memoir, detailing how the disgraced politician's relationship with a minor female derailed her campaign and left his estranged wife emotionally shattered after a search of his computer led to a new investigation into her private email server.

Bill Clinton told his wife 'You might lose,' Clinton writes

In a section of 'What Happened' that was obtained by Radar Online, Clinton reportedly reveals that Huma Abedin sobbed on her shoulder after learning that the FBI would be launching a new probe into the presidential hopeful's emails less than two weeks before the election.

'This man is going to be the death of me!' a 'stricken' Abedin said to Clinton before 'bursting into tears' in front of her boss.

'Anthony had already caused so much heartache, and now this,' writes Clinton, who was cleared by the FBI two days before the election.

She goes on to reveal that she never once blamed Abedin for the incident, saying: 'She had done nothing wrong and was an invaluable member of my team. I stuck by her the same way she has always stuck by me.'

Clinton makes that claim despite the fact that Abedin was immediately taken off the campaign trail after news of the investigation broke and kept away from her boss until Election Day.

Difficult time: Hillary Clinton reportedly reveals in her memoir that Huma Abedin broke down after emails found on husband Anthony Weiner's computer led to FBI probe (Clinton and Abedin on October 28, 2016, the day they learned of the FBI probe)

Cursed: Anthony had already caused so much heartache, and now this,' writes Clinton in 'What Happened,' which will be released next week

'What Happened' will hit bookshelves on September 12, and is Clinton's seventh book.

It follows her 2014 release 'Hard Choices,' in which she detailed her time as Secretary of State under Barack Obama, who appointed her to the post just a few months after defeating her in the Democratic primary en route to his White House win.

That book debuted to underwhelming sales for published Simon & Schuster, who were reportedly unable to make back the $14 million advance they gave Clinton.

This latest memoir promises to be Clinton's most candid as she details her failed campaign against millionaire businessman Donald Trump.

Clinton already said earlier this year that the second FBI probe into her email server cost her the presidency, stating: 'If the election had been on October 27, I would be your president.'

Former FBI Director James Comey made the decision to reopen the bureau's investigation into Clinton's private server after agents discovered emails between the Democratic nominee for president and her top aide Abedin on Weiner's computer.

The new probe was opened by the FBI on October 28, and two days later a warrant was obtained to look at emails sent from Abedin's account that were found on her husband's laptop.

In their request for a warrant, an FBI agent wrote that thousands of emails between Clinton and Abedin had been discovered on the computer.

At the time, investigators had yet to look at the content of those emails, but based on previous work in the case the agent wrote they had reason to suspect they might contain classified material, possibly including top-secret information that could cause 'grave damage to national security' if disclosed to the any member of the public.

The FBI initially launched a probe in Clinton's email server after learning she had switched to a personal account for work correspondence soon after she was sworn in as Secretary of State back in 2009.

That domain was hosted on her own private email server and set up by her aide Bryan Pagliano, who asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when called testify about the server in front of a House committee one month after the FBI launched their probe in August of 2015.

Comey ultimately announced in July of 2016 that the FBI would not prosecute Clinton, a conclusion they again reached 10 days after the bureau launched its second probe and eight days after they were granted a warrant for Weiner's computer.

All good: Clinton also claims she never blamed Abedin for the emails discovered on Weiner's computer, despite immediately taking her off the campaign trail (Abedin above in 2013)

Weiner had his laptop and all other electronics seized as evidence by federal officials after DailyMail.com revealed in September of last year that he had been sexting a 15-year-old high school student from North Carolina for months.

Abedin officially filed for divorce from Weiner in May.

She submitted her papers on the same day he appeared in court to enter a plea of guilty to a single charge of transferring obscene material to a minor.

Weiner has agreed to accept any prison sentence of less than 27 months and register as a sex offender as part of his plea deal.

Prosecutors are recommending that Weiner serve a two-year sentence as part of the deal, with the charge carrying a maximum prison term of 10 years and maximum fine of $250,000.

He was released on bail and will be sentenced next month, four weeks after his 53rd birthday.

The high school student he corresponded with said the online relationship began in January of 2015 while she was a sophomore and lasted for several months.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders listen to singer Pharrell Williams during a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 3, 2016

At one point during a Skype chat Weiner asked her to undress and touch herself according to the girl.

In another message, Weiner told the teen: 'I would bust that tight p***y so hard and so often that you would leak and limp for a week.'

Weiner did not deny exchanging 'flirtatious' messages with the girl.

'I have repeatedly demonstrated terrible judgement about the people I have communicated with online and the things I have sent,' he told the DailyMail.com in a statement.

Clinton writes that she took a nap as the votes came in with the campaign over

'I am filled with regret and heartbroken for those I have hurt.

'While I have provided the Daily Mail with information showing that I have likely been the subject of a hoax, I have no one to blame but me for putting myself in this position. I am sorry.'

Weiner, a Democrat, resigned from Congress in 2011 amid a previous sexting scandal.

He then made an attempt to run for mayor of New York City in 2013, but that too was derailed by a sexting scandal.

Stronger together: Abedin, 41, filed for divorce from Weiner, 53, in May, the same day he pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor(Abedin and Clinton in March)

Abedin meanwhile remains one of a handful of Clinton employees still on the payroll according to the forms submitted by the campaign to the Federal Election Commission filings.

The check she is receiving however has been decreasing over time however, with the aide being paid on the first and fifteenth of every month.

She was receiving a check for $4,929.58 twice a month in November and December, but that decreased to $4,764.69 for January, February and March.

In April, her checks were for $3,927.85 and this past May and June she has received $1,094.68 from the campaign.

It is unclear if this is her only payment from Clinton or if the former Secretary of State is paying her out-of-pocket in the wake of the election.
Filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick's "The Vietnam War," an 18-hour documentary on the conflict and how deeply polarized Americans were over it, will premiere on PBS Sept. 17. Cayuga Community College and Syracuse TV station WCNY, however, are teaming up to show glimpses of the project a few days early.

The clips will be shown at the Auburn campus's Irene A. Bisgrove Community Theatre in Auburn Sept. 14. Debbie Stack, WCNY's director of interactive education and community engagement, will be introducing them throughout the event. Other speakers will include college President Brian Durant.

Vietnam veterans will be able to talk about their experiences in front of the audience if they wish. A psychologist will be on hand. Additionally, quilts from the Quilts of Valor Foundation  an organization that makes quilts for veterans  will be displayed. And a pinning ceremony, in which veterans will receive pins commemorating their service, will take place as well.

In order to give people time to talk, Stack said, the event will not have a strict schedule. She said for some veterans, talking about their experiences may help with their personal healing processes. Moreover, she continued, the documentary could allow the public to ask themselves what Americans as a whole learned from the conflict, and weigh how veterans were treated then versus now.

"I think having these preview screenings and the opportunity to share stories and have people process that time period is a part of the whole documentary series," Stack said.

WCNY will have other screenings in the days leading up to the TV premiere, like at the Skaneateles Library Wednesday, Sept. 13.

Guy Cosentino, executive director of the Cayuga County Community College Foundation, said the college jumped at the chance to recognize local veterans through the event. The screening is also a part of the college's efforts to hold programming for the community, including students and alumni, he said.

Cosentino believes the fact projects are still coming out about the conflict shows the nation is still grappling with its implications and larger effects, despite the war ending more than 40 years ago.

Lou Patti, president of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter No. 704, based in Auburn, said the group was asked to spread the word about the screening. While the organization will promote the event, Patti said he won't be there due to a previous commitment.

Patti, a veteran who was not in combat during the war, said he personally doesn't mind projects like Burns and Novick's being made about the conflict. How other veterans feel about Vietnam-focused content depends on their individual experiences in the war, Patti said.

While the organization president said he got out of the war fairly early, therefore avoiding harassment, soldiers who served in the war later were viewed harshly due to its unpopularity. For that reason, he continued, many veterans of the war did not mention their involvement in it upon returning home. Patti believes veterans began to be treated better after the Gulf War in the early '90s.

He said he hopes the documentary presents events as they happened, without adhering to one viewpoint or another.

"I realize anybody who's going to do something like that has got their own idea on things, but try to be balanced," Patti said.
McDonald's revealed on Wednesday that they will be selling bottled McCafe drinks at supermarkets and other stores early next year.

The fast-food giant signed a deal with Coca-Cola Co. that will bring three flavors of its McCafe Frappe drinks to stores including caramel, mocha and vanilla.

They are following in the footsteps of coffee rival Dunkin' Donuts who signed a similar deal with Coca-Cola in 2016.

The fast-food giant signed a deal with Coca-Cola Co. that will bring three flavors of its McCafe Frappe drinks to stores including caramel, mocha and vanilla

The chain launched a line of ready-to-drink coffee beverages to be available in grocery and other stores.

Additionally, Starbucks has sold bottled Frappuccinos with soda maker PepsiCo for years.

McCafe does already have a presence in grocery stores as its ground and whole coffee beans are sold there.

McDonald's Corp. also said Wednesday that it plans to remodel McCafes in its restaurants next year and is rolling out new espresso drinks, such as cappuccino and caramel macchiato.

The cappuccino will be available with French vanilla, caramel or hazelnut flavor, and the macchiato will be offered hot or iced.

They will be offered for $2, as part of a discount drink promotion McDonald's started earlier this year to encourage customers to visit more regularly.

McDonald's Corp. also said Wednesday that it plans to remodel McCafes in its restaurants next year and is rolling out new espresso drinks, such as cappuccino and caramel macchiato. McDonald's stock rose slightly after the announcement today

The company has said it believes that improved coffee options are key because 'coffee creates a habit,' according to the Chicago Tribune.

McDonald's also has made other changes to make bakery items more prominent in its restaurants.

They created customer-facing bakery display cases for muffin tops and other assorted morning goodies.

McDonald's stock rose slightly after the announcement today.
A teacher managed to escape two 'fearless' moped muggers who tried to steal her phone by waving down a passing van and jumping in.

Lynne Tanswell, 38, was texting a friend as she walked home from the gym in Walthamstow, north east London last Thursday when she was targeted by a pair of youths.

She tried to run away from them but they mounted the pavement on their mopeds, trapping her behind a row of safety barriers.

Mother-of-two Lynne Tanswell was targeted by two moped muggers who wanted to steal her mobile phone as she walked home from the gym in 'broad daylight' in north east London

Ms Tanswell, a teacher from north east London, said it was 'crazy' the muggers dared to approach her when it was still light outside

The 38-year-old took to Facebook to share what had happened with her friends and neighbours, warning people to be vigilant when carrying phones

As the muggers turned around in a bid to steal her phone, Ms Tanswell spotted a nearby van and banged on the window begging for help.

The mother-of-two was driven to safety by the two occupants of the van, who worked for a London engineering company.

She took to Facebook to share her shock at what happened, saying it was 'crazy' the muggers had targeted her in 'broad daylight' and warning people to be vigilant.

Police forces across London and the UK's other large cities have warned against the risk of moped-related crime (picture from another incident)

No arrests have been made over Ms Tanswell's attempted moped attack, but the Metropolitan Police said inquiries are still ongoing (picture from separate incident)

Moped crime on the rise Moped gangs are pocketing 2,000 an hour snatching phones from people on the street, police revealed in May as they warned it is no longer safe to walk and talk on your mobile. As officers battle an epidemic of moped muggings, police are now warning the public not to stand on a kerb or street corner with their phone in their hand or risk having it torn from their grasp by thugs who can sell on a single handset for 100. Up to 50,000 offences a year are being committed by thieves on scooters and mopeds in the capital, while some teenage thieves are being arrested up to 80 times but not sent to jail. Most of the muggings are committed by gangs on stolen vehicles and officers have seen a spike in moped thefts which has rocketed by 41 per cent in the last 12 months. Now police are warning it is dangerous to get your phone out in public and they are advising pedestrians to use hands free headsets instead to deter criminals. Scotland Yard superintendent Mark Payne claimed that moped muggers are snatching 20 phones an hour. The robbers, who usually operate with a pillion passenger, are capable of recognising a mobile phone in a target's pocket from 30 metres away. They even practise with friends to perfect their crime before going out on the streets to steal. By REBECCA CAMBER for the Daily Mail Advertisement

The 38-year-old told the Evening Standard: 'I sent a text to someone and looked up and they were coming towards me. I knew they were young drivers from their frame.

'I knew what was going to happen and kept looking behind me as they turned around.

'They drove all the way up the pavement coming straight for me and I was trapped by this barrier.

'I tried to flag down one car but it didn't stop and there weren't many people around at the time.

'I threw myself at the mercy of a van and I said the moped guys were after me.

'These two heroes just let me in and drove me away, they were so kind. It was scary... it's gone like the Wild West, those moped riders were fearless.'

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the attempted mugging took place at around 10.10am but said no arrests had been made.

Ms Tanswell thanked the pair who helped her escape, adding: 'They took me to a safe space and made sure I got home all right, as I didn't want to be followed.

'I don't want it to affect my life because this is my neighbourhood. The police have got to do something about it.'

Police forces across the UK are cracking down on moped-related crime after a spike in attacks across London and other large cities.

On July 15 this year 31-year-old Danny Pearce was stabbed to death by moped muggers who stole his Rolex watch in Deptford, south east London.
A 15-year-old boy has been locked up at least 14 years for stabbing a teenager to death outside his school gates in an act described as 'pure evil'.

The youth wore a mask and had lain in wait for Quamari Serunkuma-Barnes outside Capital City Academy in Willesden, west London, armed with a 6-inch blade.

The attack came shortly before 3.30pm on January 23, as children left the school.

Quamari Serunkuma-Barnes, 15, was stabbed outside the gates of his school in north London

When he saw 'happy and hardworking' GCSE student Quamari, the boy chased him armed with a large kitchen knife.

The 15-year-old victim ran for his life, shouting for help and saying he was going to be stabbed.

The defendant caught up with him by the school gates and stabbed Quamari three times.

Quamari was taken to hospital where he told a nurse who had attacked him before he died from his injuries.

Quamari told a nurse who had stabbed him and sang Bob Marley's 'Three Little Birds' as he lay dying in hospital

The victim held nurse Alice Burke's hand and sang Bob Marley's 'Three Little Birds' as he lay dying in St Mary's Hospital in Paddington after the fatal attack.

Ms Burke broke down in tears during the trial when she recalled singing 'don't worry about a thing' with the youngster before his condition deteriorated.

Despite him having worn mask, witnesses recognised the killer and he was arrested the next day.

The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was found guilty of murder following a trial at the Old Bailey.

There were groans from the public gallery as Ms Brimelow read from the statement, which said: 'I'm not a murderer, I'm not a waste man, I didn't want him to die.'

The trial heard the motive for the attack was unknown.

But since his conviction, the defendant has admitted for the first time he carried out the attack and he knew it was Quamari.

However, prosecutor Sally O'Neill QC said: 'It is not accepted that Quamari was anything to do with any sort of gang.

'Information from the school painted a picture of a happy, hardworking, well liked and sociable boy.'

Mourners outside the school in Willesden where Quamari was stabbed in January this year

Quamari's mother Lillian Serunkuma described the killer's actions as 'pure evil' in a statement read in court.

She wrote: 'You never gave Quamari a second chance to defend himself. You took his life in a cold and malicious way.'

She said her son had a 'fun loving spirit' and his life was stolen for 'no reason'.

Ms Serunkuma said Quamari loved school and what the youth did was 'indefensible'.

The court heard the defendant had a string of convictions, including for punching a girl.

In a statement expressing remorse, he said: 'I want to say that I'm sorry for what I did. I don't know why I did it. I was scared and confused.

'I'm telling the truth for Quamari's mum and dad. I'm sorry. I didn't mean Quamari to get so hurt.'

Police outside the school in January following the horrific knife attack by the 15-year-old

Judge John Bevan QC said it was 'infinitely depressing' to sentence a young person for such a serious crime.

The fact the defendant had finally admitted his guilty would be 'a comfort' to Quamari's parents.

He said: 'It is very unusual to admit a murder after conviction. It is a mature decision rather than taking your chances in the Court of Appeal.'

The judge sentenced the boy to be detained at Her Majesty's pleasure for at least 14 years.

He said: 'This is a bad case of its kind because Quamari can have done nothing to merit an attack of this severity.

'His death was a product of a total lack of self control combined with the cowardice of knifing an unarmed victim.'
My favorite question for hysterical Trump-hating liberals is this:

How many illegal immigrants did President Obama deport during his eight year tenure?

The vast majority have absolutely no idea because their blind loathing of Trump is so extreme they simply refuse to view Obama as anything less than a perfect, living Saint.

So when I ask the question, their brows instantly furrow with confusion, their cheekbones twitch uneasily, their breath sharpens with indignation, and then they launch into raging whataboutery.

WHAT ABOUT TRUMP? they scream, repeatedly and with increasing frenzy, until their voices are hoarse and my ears are fried.

Well, Ill come to Trump and his decision yesterday to axe Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, otherwise known as the DACA Dreamers program, in a moment.

Obama may have led the charge slamming Trump's DACA announcement on Tuesday - but it's still important to remember that the last president deported three MILLION illegal immigrants

But let me first focus on Obamas own record on illegal immigrants.

After all, it was Obama who led the charge yesterday to slam Trumps announcement as cruel and self-defeating because the young undocumented people concerned want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love.

Fine words, but then that, of course, is precisely why many illegal immigrants want to come to America in the first place.

The Trump-hating liberals who dont know how many illegal immigrants their hero Obama deported, tend to guess at anything from 50,000 to 500,000.

Some go a lot lower, believing that Saint Barack would have been incapable of deporting anyone, such is his inherent basic human decency.

Its at that point I reveal the shocking answer:

From 2009 to 2016, Obama deported more than 3 MILLION illegal immigrants.

Thats an average of 375,000 a year, 31,250 a month, 1,027 a day, or 42 every single hour.

The vast majority of these people were sent back to Mexico, prompting Janet Murguia, president of the National Council on La Raza, a Latino advocacy group, to label him, in 2014, the deporter-in-chief.

By contrast, Trump has deported far, far fewer illegal immigrants during his nine months in office.

So spare me the sanctimonious hypocritical outrage from the likes of Barack Obama over illegal immigrants.

He threw more of them out of America than any president in history. Fact.

However, to his credit, he did at least try to do the right thing for the children of illegal immigrants by signing an executive order introducing the DACA program.

Its an arguable point whether he had the legal authority to do so, which is why Attorney General Jeff Sessions was able to use legal argument to defend the announcement yesterday.

But from a moral standpoint, this is a no-brainer, surely?

It does indeed seem cruel and unfair to threaten to deport 800,000 children of illegal immigrants who are in America through no fault or choice of their own.

All those on the DACA program volunteered their personal information and immigration status to the government in the belief it would not then be used against them to effect their deportation.

But to Obama's credit, he signed the executive order of DACA - letting children raised here, brought through no fault of their own, if they have no criminal record, work and stay in the only country they know

These are not hardened criminals were talking about.

These people were required to have near unblemished records to even qualify for DACA and 9 out of 10 of them are working taxpayers.

Nor do they become legal citizens under this program. Instead, they receive a 2-year renewable referral of deportation along with a work permit and eligibility for other government benefits in time.

The DACA Dreamers would have been thrilled at finally acquiring some form of official status in the US.

This was their first real step to fulfilling their dream of becoming fully-fledged Americans, rather than simply the undocumented kids of illegals.

Now that dream lies in uncertain tatters and the Dreamers will all be filled with terrible fear about their future.

Imagine spending most of your life in a country, reaching adulthood as a decent, law-abiding, hard-working person, and then being thrown out?

That is what many of them now face.

For President Trump to say with a straight face, as he did yesterday, that he has a great heart and a great love for the Dreamers, and to brief that he has been at war with himself over this issue, is thoroughly disingenuous.

So was his statement that I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents.

Sorry, Mr President, but this is exactly what are you now threatening to do.

As with Trumps call to ban transgenders in the military, which came after he promised to do everything in my power to protect our LGBT citizens, this move smacks of shameless hypocrisy and the complete opposite of either heart or love.

Trump is being totally disingenuous. He claims to have a great heart, but Tuesday's announcement showed the opposite. If he wants to Make America Great Again, he should stop picking on the most vulnerable members of society like transgenders and Dreamers

Yet there is still hope.

In reality, neither of these decisions is yet final.

Trumps proposed transgender ban is still being mulled over by the military.

And, after furious reaction from fellow Republicans, he has now also kicked the DACA can down the line for six months, giving Congress the chance to show the compassion he refuses to show because hes keener on appeasing his base than appeasing those who wouldnt vote for him in 1000 years.

(Of course, by doing this, he is behaving just like a self-interested politician, which ironically is how he persistently assured his base he would not behave when he ran for president)

So how will this all wash up?

Nobody pretends this is an easy issue to resolve.

There are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in America and up to a million more come over the border every year.

Presidents from both parties have wrestled with this problem, badly, for decades.

Trump positioned himself during his campaign as the man who would be very tough on law and order. As he said yesterday: We are a nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

So what he is doing is entirely consistent with that narrative, however unpleasant it may seem.

But great leaders understand that to truly unite a nation, it is important to deploy a few carrots with a big stick.

If Donald Trump wants to Make America Great Again, then he should stop picking on the most vulnerable members of society like transgenders and Dreamers.

He has, contrary to popular opinion, got a heart. I saw it first hand many times during filming of Celebrity Apprentice.

And we all saw it last weekend when he hugged and kissed young victims of the Houston floods.

It is imagery like that which can define a US presidency, because America itself has a gigantic beating heart, as was displayed by all those extraordinary people who risked their lives to save Houston victims.

At the core of that heart is the American dream: the idea that if you work hard and care for your family, you will get the same opportunity as anyone else to succeed in life and achieve your goals.

This decision by President Trump threatens to kill that dream for people who have done nothing to warrant such treatment, and who in fact have done everything they can to warrant becoming bona fide American citizens that everyone should be proud to support.

Think again, Mr President.

And if you wont, then I hope Congress does the thinking for you and rights this wrong.
Authorities in Minnesota made a heartbreaking discovery after finding a woman and her five-year-old son dead from an apparent murder-suicide.

Gina Summers, 47, and her son, Jude, were found hanged in the basement inside of their home on Bayview Place in Orono after police were called to the home for a second time to conduct a welfare check around 8pm on Monday, WCCO reported.

Police say the child's father, Jeffry Sandberg, called 911 when he couldn't reach his son or Summers when he was supposed to pick the boy up as part of a scheduled custody arrangement around 4pm.

Authorities told Sandberg there was nothing they could do since no one answered the door at the home when they first went to check, but said to call again if the situation remained the same.

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Tragic: Gina Summers, 47, and her son, Jude (above together), were found hanged in the basement inside of their home in Orono, Minnesota on Monday

Police say the child's father, Jeffry Sandberg (above together, called 911 when he couldn't reach his son or the mother when he was supposed to pick the boy up as part of a scheduled custody arrangement around 4pm

Police were called to the home (above) for a second time to conduct a welfare check around 8pm and made the tragic discovery inside the basement

Sandberg then called again when he still couldn't get a hold of Summers and a relative who lived nearby came to the home with keys to give to police who then discovered the mother and son dead.

'It wouldn't have mattered if we would have [entered] at that 4 o'clock time or that 8 o'clock time,' Police Chief Correy Farniok said. '[The deaths] occurred prior to that time.'

Sandberg and Summers were never married, but began a romantic relationship in 2008.

The next year they discussed having a child together through in vitro fertilization. Their son was born in 2012 after several failed pregnancy attempts.

Sandberg and Summers were never married, but began a romantic relationship in 2008. The next year they discussed having a child together through in vitro fertilization. Their son was born in 2012 after several failed pregnancy attempts

In July 2015, the relationship soured and the woman filed an order for protection against Sandberg (above) after saying he had been physically abusing. She was suing him to fulfill an alleged agreement to cover 50 per cent of the fertility treatments she underwent

In July 2015, the relationship soured and the woman filed an order for protection against Sandberg after saying he had been physically abusing her since 2009.

Court records show Summers shared custody of the five-year-old boy with Sandberg and that she also had filed a civil case against him.

She was suing him to fulfill an alleged agreement to cover 50 per cent of their fertility treatments she underwent before having their son, WCCO reported.

Summers, who worked as a realtor for Fazendin Realty, claimed in one document that Sandberg refused to pay child support for nine months and that she and her son were living in poverty.

They both have previously accused each other of harming the boy.

They filed court motions against one another over which school district Jude should attend, and on Friday, Hennepin County District Judge Edward Wahl ruled in Sandberg's favor.
Denmark's Prince Consort Henrik is suffering from dementia, it has been confirmed by the palace.

The monarchy released the statement just weeks after he said he didn't want to be buried with his 'disrespectful' wife Queen Margrethe II.

The cruel disease is said to have advanced quicker than expected and the 83-year-old's royal engagements will be downgraded as a result of the diagnosis.

Title fight: Prince Henrik of Denmark gave an interview to expand on his decision not to be buried next to his wife when the day comes - accusing the Queen of 'making a fool of me'

Gruympy Frenchman: Last week, Prince Henrik has announced that he will not be buried next to Queen Margrethe when he dies in a long-standing row over his title

A palace statement read: 'Following a longer course of investigation, and most recently, a series of examinations conducted during late summer, a team of specialists at Rigshospitalet has now concluded that His Royal Highness Prince Henrik suffers from dementia.

'The extent of the cognitive failure is, according to Rigshospitalet, greater than expected considering the age of the prince.'

The French-born royal made headlines last month when he announced his refusal to be buried next to the queen when the time comes.

At the beginning of August, Prince Henrik of Denmark accused his wife Queen Margrethe of not showing him the respect 'a normal wife must give her spouse.' - because he was never made King.

In an interview with local weekly magazine Se og Hor he has accused the Queen of making a fool of him.

In a video on the magazine's website the prince tries to explain his earlier outburst when he refused to be buried with his wife at Roskilde Cathedral.

He says: 'It is her that is making a fool of me. I didn't marry the Queen to be buried at Roskilde.'

The prince adds: 'My wife has decided that she wants to be Queen, and I'm very happy about that.

'But as a human being she needs to know that if a man and wife are married, they are equal.'

Long vocal about his frustration over being relegated to a supporting role, Prince Henrik explained in a newspaper interview on August 3 that he was not on equal footing with his wife in life and therefore did not want to be so in death.

The palace said that his decision had been accepted by the queen.

In Wednesday's statement, the palace said the prince's cognitive failure 'can be accompanied by changes in behaviour, reaction patterns, judgement and emotional life and may therefore also affect the interaction with the outside world'.

As a consequence of the diagnosis, the prince, who retired from public service in January 2016, will 'further downgrade his future activities, just as patronages and honorary memberships will be considered'.

It was not known whether Henrik's remarks about his burial wishes were affected by the dementia.

A statement from the royal household said the Queen 'has for some time been familiar with the decision' and will not change her own burial plans

Disappointed that his royal title of prince consort was never changed to king when his wife became queen in 1972, Henrik has often spoken out about his discontent, which did little to endear him to his subjects.

Born Henri Marie Jean Andre Count de Laborde de Monpezat on June 11, 1934 in Talence, near Bordeaux, he met Margrethe, then the crown-princess, while he was stationed in London as a diplomat.

Upon marrying her, he changed his name to Henrik, converted from Catholicism to Protestantism and renounced his French citizenship to become a Dane.

By the time Margrethe acceded to the throne, the couple had two young children: Prince Frederik, born in 1968, and Joakim, born in 1969.
A murder-suicide has claimed the lives of a married Texas couple who were found shot to death inside their wrecked car early Tuesday.

Police say 32-year-old Marco Gaytan killed his wife, 34-year-old JoAnn Gaytan, then turned the gun on himself.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office has found that both spouses died of gunshot wounds to the head and officially ruled JoAnn's death a homicide and Marco's a suicide.

The couple lived in Midland, Texas, with Mrs Gaytan's three children from previous relationships.

Murder-suicide: Police in Texas say Marco Gaytan, 32 (pictured left) shot dead his wife, JoAnn Gaytan, 34 (right), and then turned the guin on himself

Mom-of-three: JoAnn Gaytan had two sons and a daughter (two of the kids seen above) from previous relationships

The investigation into the murder-suicide began unfolding at 1am Tuesday when the Burleson Police Department got a call about a car accident in the 1800 block of Farm Road 917 near Joshua, as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram first reported.

Officers responded to the scene and found the Gaytan couple shot inside their vehicle.

JoAnn was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband of less than two years was taken to Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, where he succumbed to his self-inflicted wound an hour later.

According to her social media posts, JoAnn worked as a medical assistant at The Vine Medical Center and was raising her two teenage sons and a younger daughter. She and Marco got married in November 2015.

Fresh start: JoAnn and Marco Gaytan got married in November 2015. The heavily tattooed 34-year-old woman worked as a medical assistant

Loving couple: In post after gushing post, JoAnn Gaytan referred to Marco as her 'amazing' and 'wonderful' husband

JoAnn had been posting effusive Facebook status updates professing her love for her husband and praising him as a loving spouse.

In late April, she shared a photo of Marco showing off a new tattoo on his neck, which spelled out her name. A caption accompanying the selfie read: 'The things he does to show his never ending love for me.'

In post after gushing post, JoAnn Gaytan referred to Marco as her 'amazing' and 'wonderful' husband. In late August 2016, she wrote on her page: 'I cherish my marriage. Nothing nor no one will break our bond. I'm here to stay!!'

As of Wednesday morning, there has been no word on a possible motive behind the murder-suicide.

Online records show that Marco Gaytan had been arrested twice, in 2012 and 2015, for minor traffic violations, including driving without a license, failure to wear a seat belt and speeding.
Hurricane Harvey has already displaced thousands of people, devastated cities, and taken at least 60 lives.

Now the storm is responsible for an explosion in Texas' mosquito population.

The stagnant flood water provides new breeding ground for potentially millions of mosquitoes, bringing new threats of disease with them.

Flooding may wash away some of the breeding pools, but the mosquito population is only expected to grow.

Tyler Bennett and a coworker captured cell phone footage of thousands of mosquitoes swarming them in Refugio, Texas.

Refugio, which has a population of about 3,000 people, is about 165 miles from Houston. No one in the town was injured by Harvey, but Refugio is currently without electricity and multiple people have lost their homes.

The men were wearing long sleeves and mosquito nets.

They can be heard saying they filmed the mosquitoes because photos 'didn't do it justice.'

'Mosquito populations usually increase greatly after flooding,' according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world and are responsible for the deaths of at least one million people a year, according to the World Health Organization. The majority of deaths come from malaria.

Mosquitoes swarm a worker in Refugio, Texas after Hurricane Harvey caused an explosion in the insect population

Bennett was also swarmed with mosquitoes while filming his coworker

Houston was already 'the mosquito capital of the United States,' Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor University in Waco, Texas told The Hill.

Texas' mosquito population was temporarily decimated by flooding, but due to the stagnant flood water and new breeding grounds it has bounced back in enormous numbers.

Mosquitoes can carry deadly diseases including West Nile virus, dengue fever and Zika.

Days of relentless downpour caused severe flooding in Houston and the surrounding areas

Pictured: Thousands of mosquitoes on a car in Texas

West Nile has been in Texas since 2002, and the state had 370 cases in 2016.

A study done one year after Hurricane Katrina in 2006 found that cases of West Nile virus had more than doubled in places that had been affected by the storm.

'Most of these mosquitoes are considered nuisance mosquitoes and will not spread viruses,' the CDC said. 'However, some types of mosquitoes could spread viruses like Zika, dengue, or West Nile.'

State officials said several dozen sewer overflows had been reported in areas affected by the hurricane. Above, flood waters in Spring, Texas on August 29

Mosquitoes can carry dangerous diseases including Zika, West Nile virus, and dengue

Texas had 370 cases of West Nile virus in 2016. It is likely there will be more this year due to the mosquito influx
The Prime Minister (pictured leaving No10 today) is facing a major battle to get the EU Withdrawal Bill through parliament

Theresa May insisted she will 'listen' to concerns about the crucial EU repeal bill amid mounting signs of a rebellion by Tory MPs.

Remainers including Dominic Grieve QC, Anna Soubry and Nicky Morgan have warned that they will not support the legislation being used as a 'power grab', with ministers permitted to amend laws 'by decree'.

The Prime Minister is facing a major battle to get the EU Withdrawal Bill through parliament.

As well as repealing the law that underpins our EU membership, it copies Brussels rules wholesale on to the domestic statute book to minimise disruption from Brexit.

But ministers will also be permitted to amend swathes of legislation as it is transposed using so-called 'Henry VIII' powers.

Jeremy Corbyn has been accused of betraying the referendum result by ordering his MPs to vote against the Bill at second reading on Monday.

Despite Mrs May's slim majority the government is still expected to win that vote comfortably, as potential Conservative rebels are keeping their powder dry for later in the process.

However, former minister Ms Soubry drew battle lines today by urging the PM to consider amendments so the legislation does not become 'an unprecedented and unnecessary government power grab'.

In an article for the Evening Standard, Mr Grieve said the current text would allow 'rule by decree' by ministers.

He warned that 'vast areas of law' could be altered by the Government 'without full parliamentary process'.

'Even more worryingly it seeks to confer powers on the Government to carry out Brexit in breach of our constitutional principles, in a manner that no sovereign parliament should allow,' he wrote.

Former minister Anna Soubry drew battle lines in the Commons today by urging the PM to consider amendments so the legislation does not become 'an unprecedented and unnecessary government power grab'. Tory MP Dominic Grieve QC said the current text would allow 'rule by decree' by ministers

Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in the Commons today) has been accused of betraying the referendum result by ordering his MPs to vote against the Bill at second reading on Monday

Nicky Morgan, the Tory chair of the Treasury Select Committee, said: 'When people voted to take back control, I believe they wanted control to come back to a sovereign Parliament at Westminster, not to an all-powerful government in Whitehall.'

Addressing Ms Soubry's concerns in the Commons today, Mrs May said she was happy to meet her to discuss the issues.

'She wants to see an orderly exit from the EU and will be supporting this bill,' Mrs May said.

'As we do that of course we will require certain powers to make corrections tot he statue book after the bill becomes law...

'As the bill goes through its scrutiny and the debate continues we will of course listen carefully to that debate and I will be very happy to meet to discuss this further.'
A death-defying daredevil has been filmed standing up on a fairground gravity wheel as it spins around at high speeds.

Thrillseekers usually lie completely flat against the wall as the ride spins around using centrifugal force, but a video from Scotland shows a man standing on the wall with his head facing the centre of the fast-moving ride.

The clip filmed at the Irvine Marymass festival in Scotland and has now gone viral.

The ride starts off spinning until the wheel picks up enough speed to push the riders against the wall, with the arm's ride lifting the wheel up to an almost vertical position.

A death-defying daredevil has been filmed standing up on a fairground wheel as it spins around at high speeds

Social media user @darren_mxffat posted the shocking video along with the caption: "Irvine's Finest Smackheads..."

Over caption over the clip reads: "am sorry WHIT"

Talking about the clip, he said: "I thought it was hilarious and I wanted to try it."

Social media users have also commented on the clip.

@claremacdonald_ wrote: "Omg I feel sick watching that"

@erinhawthornexx said: "absolute scenes"

@Mylo_ryanXyloto commented: "Wtf is he a magnet"
The Auburn Police Department has released the names of two drivers who were involved in two separate car crashes Friday night after running through a police sobriety checkpoint set up on Arterial West and Fulton Street.

Joseph E. Nichols, 3 Mundt Ave., Auburn, and Michael J. DeMarco Jr., 172 Genesee St., Skaneateles, were both arrested on multiple charges following the crashes, which occurred less than an hour apart.

First, at around 9:30 p.m., Nichols approached the checkpoint set up by police and drove over the median on the Arterial to avoid being stopped, police said. Police pursued the 24-year-old man, who disregarded numerous traffic laws, until he crashed into the side of Live It Fitness and Training gym, located at 321 Clark St., APD said.

Police: Auburn man crashes truck into gym after going through sobriety checkpoint An Auburn man ran through a sobriety checkpoint Friday and crashed his truck into a gym, the

Police initially reported that Nichols did not have a driver's license and no one was harmed, including Nichols.

Nichols was arrested Saturday and charged with third-degree fleeing a police officer, resisting arrest and fourth-degree criminal mischief, all misdemeanors. He was also issued around 30 tickets for traffic infractions, police said.

He was arraigned Saturday morning, with bail set at $1,500 cash or $3,000 bond. Nichols's next court date is Oct. 4.

About 30 minutes later, 39-year-old DeMarco approached the same sobriety checkpoint.

According to police, DeMarco initially stopped at the checkpoint. Following a brief conversation with an officer, DeMarco drove away, and officers followed him. Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but DeMarco refused to stop. Then DeMarco hit another car at the intersection of Grant Avenue and Seymour Street, police said.

Auburn police: Three hospitalized after driver runs through checkpoint and crashes A man crashed his vehicle into another car in Auburn Friday night, hospitalizing himself and

DeMarco was taken to Upstate University Hospital for treatment of a head injury. The passengers of the other car, a 26-year-old woman and a 6-year-old child, were transported to Auburn Community Hospital. Police did not know the extent of their injuries.

DeMarco was released from the hospital Tuesday, police said, and charged with second-degree fleeing a police officer, a felony, and driving while intoxicated first offense and reckless driving, both misdemeanors. He was also charged with several traffic infractions. Police said additional charges are pending based on a blood sample taken from DeMarco at the hospital.

DeMarco was arraigned Tuesday afternoon was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on Oct. 18.
The Duke of Cambridge and Kate had been expected to drop off their four-year-old son as he starts at Thomas's Battersea but is too unwell

The Duchess of Cambridge is still too unwell to take Prince George to school today.

The Duke of Cambridge and Kate had been expected to drop off their four-year-old son as he starts at Thomas's Battersea, a fee-paying independent school in south London today.

Royal sources told MailOnline last night that Kate, who is pregnant with her third child and suffering from the same acute morning sickness that plagued her previous two pregnancies, has been really poorly this week.

Today Kensington Palace confirmed the news Kate would have dreaded.

A spokesman said: 'Unfortunately The Duchess of Cambridge remains unwell, and will not be able to accompany Prince George on his first day of school. The Duke of Cambridge will drop off Prince George this morning as planned.'

On Monday, when news of the new baby was announced by Kensington Palace, she had been hopeful of joining her son, along with her husband, Prince William.

But the source said : 'The Duchess wanted more than anything to be there. It's a big day for her son. But she has been really very sick this week.'

Kate was forced to pull out of two public engagements on Monday and Tuesday after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, as she did in her previous pregnancies.

On Tuesday - a day after it was announced they are expecting their third child - William said Kate was well, but admitted: 'There's not much sleep going on at the moment.'

Kate, seen left in Kensington Gardens on August 30, was forced to pull out of two public engagements on Monday and Tuesday after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, as she did in her previous pregnancies

Kate, pictured with the Duke of Cambridge in Poland on July 17, is suffering from the same acute morning sickness that plagued her previous two pregnancies

He said: 'We need Catherine to get over this first bit and then we can start celebrating.

'It's always a bit anxious to start with, but she's well.'

Prince George and his parents are due to be greeted by Helen Haslem, head of lower school, on their arrival at the school gates. They will then be escorted to his reception classroom.

The young prince will be dressed in a smart new uniform, comprising a navy v-neck pullover, matching Bermuda-style shorts, long red socks and black shoes.

His new school, where fees cost from 17,604 a year, has been described by the Good Schools Guide as: 'A big, busy, slightly chaotic school for cosmopolitan parents who want their children to have the best English education money can buy.

The young prince will be dressed in a smart new uniform, comprising a navy v-neck pullover, matching Bermuda-style shorts, long red socks and black shoes. He is seen arriving at Montessori Nursery near Sandringham on December 28, 2016

'That is what they want and, to a large degree, that is what they get.'

George and his classmates will be taught a range of subjects and activities from ballet and art to drama, French, music and physical education.

Kate has already said she is not sure her son 'has any idea what's going to hit him' when he starts school.
On The View Wednesday, the country's two most famous Huckabees  White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and her father, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee  were peppered with questions on how they could defend President Trump.

During one of the talk show's lighter moments, co-host Sara Haines asked the political duo, 'What were you thinking when President Trump looked directly into the eclipse?'

'Maybe he has superpowers we don't know about,' Huckabee Sanders said jokingly, as her father simply laughed.

For most of the segment, the press secretary and her father, a former Fox News host, were asked how they could get behind Trump, characterized, at times, as a sexist, a racist, a liar and someone evangelicals shouldn't support.

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White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders (left) and her father, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (right) visited the set of The View on Wednesday

In defending President Trump against sexism charges, Sarah Huckabee Sanders pointed to the fact that he has a female press secretary and a female communications director, a history-making duo

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee explained to the group how evangelicals could get behind Trump, acknowledging that the president is no 'Sunday school teacher'

THE VIEW HEARTS HUCKABEES: While the father and daughter were asked a number of questions on how they could defend Trump, Joy Behar (third from left) named Sarah Huckabee Sanders (middle) and Mike Huckabee (third from right) among her favorite Republicans

Co-host Whoopi Goldberg (pictured) said that she's personally called out President Trump for being a racist, as she peppered the Huckabees with questions on how they can support him

Huckabee Sanders pointed to herself as the ultimate example that proved Trump wasn't sexist.

'You often hear the line personnel is policy, you pointed out yourself that I'm the first working mother to ever hold this job,' the press secretary said. 'To be empowered to be the spokesperson for the United States of America through the president, this is a big deal, that is a huge step forward and instead of liberals celebrating it, they attack me at every step.'

She also pointed to the ascension of Hope Hicks, who's currently in the role of White House communications after Anthony Scaramucci was fired after a brief tenure.

'He doesn't just put milquetoast women around him, he puts strong, very outspoken women in very powerful positions and in the first time in history we also have a female communications director,' Huckabee Sanders said pointing to Hicks.

You've never had a female press secretary and a female communications director, ever in the history of the White House and we do in this one,' she noted.

The former governor answered the sexism charge similarly.

'He's given my daughter an incredible opportunity,' Huckabee answered.

Huckabee, a former pastor, also explained how evangelicals got in line behind Trump.

'It's not that difficult. Nobody voted for him to be their Sunday school teacher,' Huckabee answered.

'He is a defender of religious liberty, which means he doesn't have to embrace everything that I personally embrace in order to believe that people of faith should be respected and that they should not be relegated to a portion of the culture,' Huckabee added.

As for the racism charge, Huckabee pointed out, 'He's been on this show many times.'

'And I said it to him to his face,' co-host Whoopi Goldberg retorted, receiving applause from the audience.

Huckabee Sanders earned her own applause from the studio audience when she defended Trump from co-host Joy Behar who claimed that 95 percent of what the president said was a lie.

'I think that is one of the dangers we have right now is that we are pushing so many false narratives every day, we are creating false perceptions about the president and, frankly, inhibiting his ability to succeed,' Huckabee Sanders said.

'I think American should want him to succeed,' she stated, gaining claps.

Her father bemoaned the fact that some Americans will criticize Trump no matter what he does.

'There's so much Trump hate out here that if he took a drinking straw and sucked out every drop of flood water from Houston and spit it into the Gulf of Mexico they would have said he should have spit it into the Indian Ocean,' the ex-governor said.

His daughter also suggested that people should aim their ire elsewhere, especially on the topic of DACA  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  which Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday would be rescinded, with President Trump encouraging Congress to act.

'A lot of people are protesting Trump Tower,' she stated. 'I think they should go protest the United States Capitol because those are the people who have the ability to actually make laws.'

In Washington on Tuesday, most protests took place on Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of the White House.

Despite the heavy criticism of Trump coming from co-hosts like Goldberg and Behar, the Huckabees were treated courteously by the group.

Behar told the audience that she had previously dubbed Mike Huckabee her 'favorite Republican.'

But with a younger Huckabee making political waves, Behar's preference had seemingly changed.

'She actually whispered to me that I'm now her favorite Republican,' Sarah Huckabee Sanders admitted with a laugh.
A viral photo supposedly showing a UPS package wedged under a door handle - trapping a customer in his apartment - was faked, sources claim.

Jessie Lawrence, a social media manager for Twitch Esports, took to Twitter on Sunday, claiming he had been accidentally imprisoned inside his own home and that he's been forced to call maintenance to let him and his unnamed companions out.

'Hey @UPS, your driver left this package under our door knob like this and trapped us in our apartment,' Lawrence tweeted on Sunday, along with a photo showing the incredibly unfortunate package placement, adding it could have been a serious safety issue.

His message quickly caught the attention of social media, racking up hundreds of thousands of retweets and likes. But not everyone was as on board with the story, and many on Twitter and Instagram began questioning the validity of the photo.

Many asked how Lawrence was able to take a photo of the package blocking his apartment door when he was supposedly trapped inside. Others pointed out that he could have simply turned the handle up to open the door and escape if he'd really been trapped.

Now a source has claimed the photo appears to be nothing more than a publicity stunt.

Dumb delivery: A man named Jessie Lawrence has revealed he was trapped inside his own apartment after a UPS driver blocked his door handle with a package

Can't escape: Thanks to a maintenance man, Jessie was able to leave his apartment, but he pointed out that things would have been more serious if he'd to get out in an emergency

They told the DailyMail.com that Lawrence never even received a UPS package on the weekend he claimed.

UPS said they are unable to comment on individual customer's cases.

But the firm's delivery policy for multi-occupancy buildings - such as apartment buildings - reveals that packages should be left with the building's manager, superintendent or dropped off by the main door.

Packages would never be left outside individual apartment entrances - particularly for an apartment on the third floor.

Interestingly, Lawrence, of Dublin, California, appears to have now deleted his original tweet and photo of the package 'blocking his doorknob.'

Revenge plot: One user joked that the package placement was actually an evil neighbor's trick

UPS upset: After the tweet gained tracked the delivery company reached out for assistance - although it appeared to be an automated tweet

He also refused to speak to the DailyMail.com when reached for comment.

But he did tweet about his post going viral, and wrote on Monday: 'My mentions are wrecked right now from this UPS tweet but they're going to be even worse a couple months from now.'

UPS had responded to his complaint on Twitter asking him to DM them with more information but it is unclear whether he ever did so.

His original tweet had gained instant traction on social media, with commenters theorizing how he opened the door and even took the photo.

Lawrence responded with a sarcastic, 'I'm still trying to figure out how I took this photo, to be honest.'

Viral fire: The Dublin, California, man took to Twitter to share the delivery gaffe, where it quickly gained traction

Jokes on you: Another wrote that the box might have held a door stopper

What if: Online jokers laughed that the a door stopper purchase was to blame for this entry jam

Gandalf gaffe: 'You shall not pass' was the message Twitter users and package sent to Jessie

Others theorized it could have been a friend or neighbor playing a prank, rather than a delivery man.

'No way the driver did that, your neighbor did that,' another user wrote.

While many others were simply happy to make light of the situation.

One man posted a meme featuring Gandalf of Lord of The Rings with his famed phrase 'You shall not pass.'

Then Twitter began to joke that the package might have been a door stopper itself, which left some social media users in stitches.

'That made me laugh so fricken hard!! Nice work.'
The self-proclaimed King and Queen of a notorious Sydney nightlife district have been denied bail for multiple charges of supplying heroin and ice.

Engaged couple Mathew Bieganski and Belinda Stoleski have been caught up in a police operation targeting the supply of drugs in Kings Cross.

Four people  Mr Bieganski, 33, Ms Stoleski, 35, Toni Leanne Bennet, 41, and Adam John Wright, 40  were arrested after police raids in Kings Cross, Surry Hills and Redfern.

Belinda Stoleski and her partner Mathew Bieganski have been denied bail on drug charges

The raids were part of Strike Force Pirrama, a police operation set up in June this year.

Mr Bieganski and Ms Stoleski posted photos to Facebook just days before the arrest, posing under cartoon crowns with the caption King and Queen [of] Darlinghurst.

Mr Wright was the only one granted bail, but not before he appeared in court with substantial injuries sustained during his arrest.

His face was scabbed and he lifted a patch to show his left eye was swollen shut when his lawyer referred to the injuries during his first mention at Central Local Court on Wednesday.

The court heard the 40-year-old violently threw his arms around, threw punches and tried to headbutt a police officer during his Tuesday arrest.

Mr Wrights lawyer noted his substantial injuries, saying his left eye-socket could be fractured and he didnt agree with necessarily everything in the police facts.

Ms Bennet used phones, the internet and ledgers to co-ordinate the distribution of heroin and ice from a home in a Redfern apartment block, police on Tuesday said.

The pair were two of four arrrested as part of a police operation dubbed 'Strike Force Pirrama'

Its alleged up to 30 drug runners would then sell the drugs along the Crosss main strip, Darlinghurst Road.

Ms Bennet is charged with 23 counts of supplying a small quantity of a prohibited drug, one count of knowingly directing the activities of a criminal group and one count of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis.

Ms Stoleski and her fiance Mr Bieganski are both charged with several counts of supplying a small quantity of a prohibited drug, one count of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis and one count of dealing with proceeds of crime.

The couple are both charged with supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis

Mr Wright is charged with several counts of supplying a small quantity of a prohibited drug, two counts of assaulting a police officer and one count each of resisting or hindering a police officer, possessing a prohibited drug and dealing with proceeds of crime.

The court heard during bail hearings for Mr Wright, Mr Bieganski and Ms Stoleski that the crown case was strong, with the three arrested as the result of a controlled police operation.

Theyre next scheduled to face court on November 9.
Russia's leading anti-corruption police chief showered jewellery, opulent property and elite cars on his wife and three 'unofficial' spouses, it is alleged.

Colonel Dmitry Zakharchenko, 39, kept his battalion of beauties in luxury while pocketing the kind of bribes he was supposed to root out to fund his excessive lifestyle, say state investigators.

The senior policeman -- officially earning less than 40,000 a year as he spearheaded Vladimir Putin's drive against endemic corruption -- was detained last year accused of grandiose criminality, which he denies, but now details have emerged of his alleged exotic private life amid claims from prosecutors that his blonde army were fully aware of his alleged illegal activities.

Russia's top anti-corruption police officer Colonel Dmitry Zakharchenko has been arrested on suspicion of taking bribes to pay for his several unofficial 'partners', prosecutors claim

Colonel Zakharchenko moved from the provinces along with his girlfriend Irina Petrushina to Moscow in 2005, but following their split, he gave her a Mercedes ML and a 1m apartment

Dubbed the Casenova Colonel, he arrived in Moscow from the provinces in 2005 bringing with him glamorous girlfriend Irina Petrushina, but the relationship foundered when his new Moscow mistress became pregnant, it was reported.

He left Petrushina a Mercedes ML along with a 1 million penthouse in a prime location, and the pair 'remained friends'.

In 2008 his 'second partner' Marina Semynina gave birth to their daughter but the relationship was unstable due to his 'philandering'.

He compensated Marina and the child with two apartments, including a 3 million penthouse in luxurious residential complex Imperial House in the very heart of Moscow.

The other, then valued at around 600,000, was in a 'pyramid-shaped' building on a street named after Soviet revolutionary Lenin's brother.

After ending his relationship with Petrushina he began a relationship with Marina Semynina in 2008 and the pair had a child - she received several apartments and some luxury cars

While dating Semynina, he met model Yana Saratovtesva, pictured, and later married her and moved into an 8.5 million apartment. Following their divorce, he handed her a 1.2 million apartment after she had threatened to report him to the police's own internal security force

Marina also became the owner of chic Porsche Cayenne and Mercedes CLS, gifted by Zakharchenko.

'Dmitry Zakharchenko was trying to satisfy her in everything,' reported pro-Kremlin news source Life.ru

Once she begged him to help a homeless man, and in an 'act of charity' he built him a house.

Meanwhile, the policeman was funding the expensive shopping tastes of his new love, model Yana Saratovtseva.

A family friend said:'Saratovtseva went to Semynina's home, turned her back and slipped down her trousers, showed Semynina her toned rear and told her: 'You will never have such an bum!'

The policeman was smitten by Yana, now 29, and married her.

Wedding gifts from her groom included a Porsche Cayenne and jewellery including 20 carat diamonds valued at $350,000.

As he was supposed to be countering graft in Russia as head of a special task force in Putin's Interior Ministry, he moved his new bride into a 250-square-metre apartment on Prechistenskaya Embankment with a view over Moscow River, Christ the Savior Cathedral and the Kremlin.

This property is now on the market at a value of 8.5 million.

The marriage did not last, and the couple headed for the divorce courts.

But, according to investigators, she began 'blackmailing' the alleged bent cop, threatening to report him to the ministry's powerful security service.

He responded by seeking to mollify her, gifting an apartment of her own worth 1.2 million.

By now, Zakharchenko's wondering eye had led him to 24 year old Anastasia Pestrikova who he met at a party in a Moscow night club.

Early last year she had given birth to his son.

Perhaps fearing the net was closing on him, he registered the boy in one of three smart apartments he had bought for his mother.

Anastasia was provided with a Range Rover, along with a sumptuous apartment worth 2.2 million on Efremova street in Moscow.

He also set her up with a bank account filled with some $16 million American dollars, cash that has been frozen pending investigations.

After his arrest, she gave birth to another son by the policeman.

'Perhaps Colonel Zakharchenko had a premonition that he could be arrested, and knowing about Anastasia Pestrikova's pregnancy decided to ensure the mother of his children was looked after,' said a Life.ru law enforcement source.

She is said to be living now in more modest surroundings with her parents in unfashionable suburb Khimki.

Anastasia Pestrikova met Zakharchenko at a Moscow party and they had a son together

Meanwhile in May this year Saratovtseva celebrated her birthday at restaurant La Maree at a cost of $52,000 dollars.

Zakharchenko was earlier accused of receiving a bribe of $800,000 dollars from this restaurant's owner Mekhdi Duss and a discount card and a 'discount card' worth $60,000.

Zakharchenko was detained during a special operation by the FSB on September 9 2016.

During searches in his car, office and apartments owned by his family, at least 113 million was seized, mostly in foreign currency.

In mid-September, Zakharchenko - head of T department dealing in major corruption cases - was charged with bribe-taking, abuse of power, and obstruction of justice.

The allegations are seen as a major embarrassment to the Russian police's anti-corruption campaign.

He denies wrongdoing and has claimed investigators are seeking to 'break him psychologically'.
A dodgy cafe that left mouldy pies and sandwiches out for sale and let disgusting food scraps built up on baking trays have been fined for the food safety breaches.

Health inspectors found horrific food safety breaches at Jam and Sugar (JAS) Bakehouse in Adelaide after customers complained last year.

Owners Monipiseth Norodom and Thi Huong Tran Le were together fined $22,680 after pleading guilty to 32 breaches of the Food Act.

Jam and Sugar (JAS) Bakehouse in Adelaide left mouldy pies and sandwiches out for sale and let disgusting food scraps build up on baking trays and was fined $22,680

Mouldy red gelatine, tomatoes, and apple pieces were discovered in an August 2016 inspection, along with a dead insect in a container of chocolate shards.

There was also an 'accumulation of food waste, dirt, grease and other visible matter' on baking trays, the dough roller, microwave and milkshake making equipment,' according to court documents seen by the Adelaide Advertiser.

JAS was issued with an improvement notice but three months later council inspectors were back again after more complaints.

Inspectors found an 'accumulation of food waste, dirt, grease and other visible matter' on baking trays, the dough roller, microwave and milkshake making equipment,'

Some 18 ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches were discovered with mould and smelly ham

Four pies were left on a shelf under the service counter next to tomato sauce, a stapler and a yellow sponge

Their report noted four pies were left on a shelf under the service counter next to tomato sauce, a stapler and a yellow sponge.

Another 12 pies were found in the display cabinet with with 'black, as well as green and white fluffy mould' on them, along with 10 mouldy cheesecake slices and 18 ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches.

'The ham appeared to be discoloured and had turned to a greyish brown. The officer also noted that a pungent odour was emanating from the sandwiches,' it read.

'The ham appeared to be discoloured and had turned to a greyish brown. The officer also noted that a pungent odour was emanating from the sandwiches,' inspectors said

Owners Monipiseth Norodom and Thi Huong Tran Le pleaded guilty to 32 breaches of the Food Act

JAS was issued with an improvement notice but three months later council inspectors were back again after more complaints

The disgusting discoveries didn't stop in the cooler room where there were mouldy caramel pies, and elsewhere a pot of tuna mornay.

'The officer noted that the top layer of the contents were hard and slightly discoloured  this food should have been clearly identified as food for disposal,' the report read.

Neither Mr Norodom nor Ms Le were willing to comment.
A Swiss town's population is on the brink of extinction as its 16 remaining residents creep towards their 90s.

The mountain village Corippo, located in Ticino, is fighting a battle to stay alive, after the young generation moved away in search of modern lives elsewhere, but its residents have a cunning plan.

The community has launched into action, unveiling a project to build a hotel in hopes of drawing in visitors in a bid to save the 300-year-old village and all its history.

The mountain village Corippo, located in Ticino, is fighting a battle to stay alive, after the young generation moved away in search of modern lives elsewhere, but its residents have a plan

Residents in Corippo have planned to turn its empty rooms and buildings into a 'scattered hotel' for tourists to visit

'Although the village being located just 30 minutes away from the nearest city, living up in there can be hard. But visiting the village for a week or two would be a welcome respite for many people,' said Ticino Tourism director Elia Frapolli.

Despite it lacking a shop, school or basic services typically attributed to modern life, the residents plan to turn the 60 empty stone houses into rooms suitable for tourists to stay overnight in. Many of which have not been touched since the 1950s.

The idea, according Mr Frapolli, is to transform the village into an authentic, widespread hotel.

'The idea is to keep every house as it is, of course making them comfortable for guests, but the village is proud of its heritage and it's important the buildings remain authentic,' he said.

The village has just 16 residents - 15 of which are pensioners with the only one working being the town's mayor, Claudio Scettrini.

Despite it lacking a shop, school or basic services typically attributed to modern life, the residents plan to turn the 60 empty stone houses into rooms suitable for tourists to stay overnight in. Many of which have not been touched since the 1950s

The village has just 16 residents - 15 of which are pensioners with the only one working being the town's mayor, Claudio Scettrini

The village is just half an hour's drive from the nearest city, Locarno, but with the narrow-access and bending road, many people opt of taking the trip

'I hope the rest of them live into their 90s,' he told BBC, 'otherwise there will be no-one left here at all. It's really quite tragic.'

The village is just half an hour's drive from the nearest city, Locarno, but with the narrow-access and bending road, many people opt of taking the trip.

But Frappolli insists that it's a 'special' village, like 'being in another century'.

'Time slows down, everybody knows each other in the village, and you feel the authenticity of living in a village that has existed for centuries,' he told the BBC.

His concept of the 'scattered hotel' among various buildings in town has been tried in Italy, but never Switzerland.

Plans for the scattered hotel in Corippo, however, will not come into fruition for another year

The entire village, which has more than 60 traditional stone houses with dry stone roofs, is a protected as a historic monument, which means the exterior of buildings cannot be altered.

He said he plans on painting the interiors, and putting in bathrooms where needed, but the original doors and exteriors will stay the same.

Guests will live side-by-side with villagers, with the local bar acting as an informal hotel reception.

'It's good for the village, for the future, because most of us are old,' says elderly resident Silvana. 'With this project people will come here.'

Plans for the scattered hotel, however, will not come into fruition for another year.
Nicola Sturgeon today accused the Government of 'betraying' Scottish ship builders after ministers split an order for new frigates around Britain.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said the first batch of five new Type 31e frigates could be built in blocks across several shipyards and then assembled at a central hub.

Ms Sturgeon claimed the announcement was a U-turn on earlier pledges to ensure the River Clyde would be a 'frigate factory' for the nation.

The new Type 31e frigates are due to be in service by 2023, and their cost will be capped at a maximum of 250 million each - with shipyards being encouraged to ensure the vessel is competitive on the global market.

Nicola Sturgeon (pictured in Glasgow promoting electric vehicles today) accused the Government of 'betraying' Scottish ship builders

Ms Sturgeon said shipyards on the Clyde (pictured during construction of HMS Queen Elizabeth) had been told to expect the orders for new frigates

The First Minster said: 'I think people should be looking to the UK Government and reflecting on the fact there has been lots of promises made to the Clyde but more often than not those promises are broken.'

In the run up to the 2014 independence referendum, unionist politicians stressed that staying in the UK was necessary to secure the future of Scotland's shipbuilding industry.

Ms Sturgeon said: 'Certainly for the Clyde it is only a couple of years ago that workers were being promised a frigate factory on the Clyde - there's no mention of that today.

'So this is about cost cutting and it is another demonstration of the damage that is being done to conventional defence infrastructure by the UK government's obsession with spending billions and billions of pounds on Trident.

Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said the first batch of five new Type 31e frigates could be built in blocks across several shipyards

'I think workers on the Clyde today have every right to feel let down and betrayed.'

She added: 'I have long argued the case for the shipyards on the Clyde and will continue to do so, so the assurance is that the Scottish Government will continue to argue their case and do everything we can to protect their futures, as we always have done.'

Sir Michael's plans for new frigates form part of a new national shipbuilding strategy which accepts the recommendations of an independent report into the industry by Sir John Parker, the chairman of mining giant Anglo American.

In November, Sir John said the Navy fleet was being depleted by a 'vicious cycle' of old ships retained beyond their sell-by date, and found that the procurement of naval ships took too long from concept to delivery compared with other industries.

Sir Michael said: 'This new approach will lead to more cutting-edge ships for the growing Royal Navy that will be designed to maximise exports and be attractive to navies around the world.

The fleet of new frigates will eventually be deployed to protect the HMS Queen Elizabeth, Britain's new aircraft carrier which is currently undergoing sea trials (pictured arriving at Portsmouth for the first time last month)

'Backed up by a commitment to spend billions on new ships, our plan will help boost jobs, skills and growth in shipyards and the supply chain across the UK.'

The Defence Secretary also stressed the BAE Systems yard at Govan would be able to bid for the new contract.

He told BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme: 'The Clyde are getting eight frigates, the anti-submarine frigates, without competition and that is 20 years of work for just one yard.

'There is a huge frigate building programme on the Clyde but the remaining five frigates in the programme we're opening up to competition.

'Govan can compete for that, so can Fergusons further down the Clyde, they could be built at Rosyth. Any of the yards in Britain will be free to compete.'
A TV reporter has become a laughing stock after she announced the Pope was arriving in town in the Batmobile and not his usual Popemobile.

Thousands had turned out to watch Pope Francis arrive in Colombia for an official visit.

But as she waited for his motorcade to sweep by, TV reporter Castalia Pascual F. told millions of viewers: 'They have all arrived in the city for the passing of the Pope in the Batmobile.'

Castalia Pascual told millions of viewers the Pope is arriving in a Batmobile

Then - realising her bizarre gaffe - she quickly corrected herself saying: '...err in the... in the... in the Popemobile.'

Castalina - who had been in the country broadcasting for Panama channel TVN - was the first to make fun of herself.

Blaming it on the cold local weather, she tweeted the blunder with the caption: 'When the cold attacks you and you imagine his Holiness in a batmobile. It's good to laugh at yourself.'

Others were quick to join in the fun with memes showing Pope Francis in said Batmobile.

And one social media user named 'Shyno' said: 'The Pope is more famous than Batman.'

Another identified as 'Sabrina Bacal' wrote: 'Laughing at yourself is the best medicine. It's also a sign of security and personality.'
US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull have put their shaky start behind them, putting on a united front over North Korea.

From the Oval Office in the White House, Mr Trump spoke with Mr Turnbull in Canberra, with the call lasting about 30 minutes on Wednesday AEST.

'The two leaders condemned North Korea's belligerent actions and confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearise North Korea,' the White House said in a readout of the call.

US President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured, stock image) have put their shaky start behind them, putting on a united front over North Korea

From the Oval Office in the White House, Mr Trump (pictured during his first phone call with Mr Turnbull) spoke with Mr Turnbull in Canberra, with the call lasting about 30 minutes on Wednesday AEST

'The two leaders condemned North Korea's belligerent actions and confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearise North Korea,' the White House said in a readout (pictured) of the call

'President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to defending the homeland, territories, and allies of the United States, using all available diplomatic and military capabilities.

'The two leaders also discussed a range of global issues of mutual concern.'

Mr Trump and Mr Turnbull had a volatile start to their relationship with a January 28 call - just a week after the president moved into the White House.

The call ended abruptly when the prime minister pushed the president on the asylum-seeker deal struck in 2016 when Barack Obama was president.

Mr Turnbull (pictured before the phone call) was the first to shed light on Wednesday's conversation, telling reporters in Canberra it was 'a very good call' and a 'warm discussion'

Mr Turnbull was the first to shed light on Wednesday's conversation, telling reporters in Canberra it was 'a very good call' and a 'warm discussion'.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's aggressive pursuit of a nuclear missile program, including the claim of a recent hydrogen bomb test, has been condemned by leaders across the world.

'We are absolutely one mind in condemning his reckless conduct,' Mr Turnbull said.

Mr Trump and Mr Turnbull had a volatile start to their relationship with a January 28 call - just a week after the president moved into the White House

The call ended abruptly when the prime minister pushed the president on the asylum-seeker deal struck in 2016 when Barack Obama was president

The leaders encouraged China to put pressure on North Korea to bring the 'regime to its senses'.

Mr Trump will hold a crucial call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday AEST.

Mr Trump in recent days has spoken to leaders including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South Korean President Moon Jae In and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

The leaders encouraged China to put pressure on North Korea (pictured is North Korea leader Kim Jong-un with a hydrogen bomb) to bring the 'regime to its senses'

'President Trump reiterated that now is not the time to talk to North Korea, and made clear that all options remain open to defend the United States and its allies against North Korean aggression,' the White House readout on the call with Ms May stated.

US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis also spoke with South Korean Defence Minister Song Young-moo to discuss North Korea's test of a nuclear device on September 2.

'Secretary Mattis assured Minister Song that the United States remains ironclad in its commitment to the defence of the ROK (Republic of Korea),' the Pentagon stated in a readout of the call.

'He further emphasised that any threat to the United States, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response.'
Gov. Doug Ducey:

"I have doubted the legality of President Obama's unilateral actions, which appear likely to be knocked down by the courts, and have taken the position that Congress needs to address our outdated immigration policies and put a more strategic focus on border enforcement. It's time for Congress to come together and bring closure to this issue for the children and young adults living in limbo, many of whom reside in Arizona. They should be held harmless from the decisions of their parents."

Sen. Jeff Flake:

"The ball is back in Congress' court where it belongs, and there are a lot of innocent kids counting on Congress to do its job. Congress must act immediately to pass permanent, stand-alone legislation to lawfully ensure that children who were brought here by their parents, through no fault of their own, are able to stay and finish their education and continue to contribute to society.''

Sen. John McCain:

"I strongly believe that children who were illegally brought into this country through no fault of their own should not be forced to return to a country they do not know. The 800,000 innocent young people granted deferred action under DACA over the last several years are pursuing degrees, starting careers, and contributing to our communities in important ways. While I disagreed with President Obama's cunilateral action on this issue, I believe that rescinding DACA at this time is an unacceptable reversal of the promises and opportunities that have been conferred to these individuals.''

Attorney General Mark Brnovich:

"It's about time Congress did something regarding this very serious issue. I think it's unfair to not only the folks who were brought into this country as kids. But it's also unfair to all of us as Americans that we have such uncertainty, whether you're in the business community, whether you're an employee, whether you're an immigrant. I don't think that's fair to anyone.''

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton:

"Terminating DACA is a cruel decision from a President who promised to treat the young people in the program 'with heart.' Dreamers make Phoenix and our country stronger. Their fight is our fight. They are being used as political pawns by Donald Trump. That's just wrong.''

Steve Farley, Democrat candidate for governor:

"Once again Governor Ducey has decided that it is more important for his personal political future to appease the president and national Republican donors rather than to stand up for basic, commonsense policy that helps the Arizona economy and Arizona residents. Hiding behind a false understanding of 'the rule of law' while pushing off the task of protecting Dreamers to a dysfunctional Congress isnt leadership at all.''

David Garcia, Democrat candidate for governor:

"President Obama, pushed by a courageous and dynamic group of immigrant youths and in the face of legislative intransigence, granted administration relief to these young people we call dreamers. DACA was literally the least we could do as a nation for these amazing leaders. The termination of DACA is heartbreaking and is an especially dark stain on an already failed and dangerous Trump administration."

Glenn Hamer, CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry:

"Does anyone believe our border is more secure now that immigrants brought to this country as children -- at an average age of six -- will bear the legal consequences of choices made far beyond their control? Does anyone believe our economy is made stronger by eliminating billions of dollars in economic activity from the US economy? Today's announcement was made without wisdom and without compassion. Congress needs to act with urgency and advance a policy for the DACA-eligible population that is consistent with American values.''

Congressman Tom O'Halleran:

"President Trump's decision to end DACA is troubling, and it will do real harm to countless families who will be torn apart. It is callous and detrimental to American's future. I am ready to work alongside my Republican and Democratic colleagues to protect Dreamers and pass bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform.''

Congressman Raul Grijalva:

"President Trump once claimed that under his administration, Dreamers would be treated 'with heart.' Yet nothing is more heartless and callous than taking away the sense of belonging and security for nearly one million young people in our country or using them as a bargaining chip for his obsession over a border wall. Congress needs to act urgently to pass legislation that permanently protects current and future Dreamers.''

Congressman Ruben Gallego:

"Trump's uncontrollable impulse to indulge the most hateful elements of our society knows no bounds. It wasn't enough to equivocate as Nazis marched in Charlottesville or to pardon a proudly racist Sheriff in Arizona; he felt compelled to go one enormous step further by exposing 800,000 Dreamers to deportation from the only country that most have ever known. The question now is whether Republicans in Congress will condemn this transgression or attempt to explain it away.''

Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema:

"Ending the DACA program is a bad decision that hurts Arizona. Arizona Dreamers have graduated from our schools, are contributing to our economy, and are enlisting in our military to serve our nation. They are contributing members of our community and deserve a chance to become citizens of the only country they have ever known.''

Gerald Kicanas, bishop of Tucson:

"The decision of the president to rescind DACA simply raises fears in the immigrant community and especially among these young people who are contributing significantly to our society. There is an urgency now to make clear to the Congress that people do support the right to stay in our country for these young people."

Thomas Olmstead, bishop of Phoenix diocese:

"The cancellation of the DACA program is reprehensible. It causes unnecessary fear for DACA youth and their families. These youth entered the U.S. as minors and often know America as their only home. The Catholic Church has long watched with pride and admiration as DACA youth live out their daily lives with hope and a determination to flourish and contribute to society: continuing to work and provide for their families, continuing to serve in the military, and continuing to receive an education. Now, after months of anxiety and fear about their futures, these brave young people face deportation. This decision is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as Americans.''

Eileen Klein, president, Arizona Board of Regents:

"The Arizona Board of Regents has consistently called upon President Trump and Congress to enact meaningful immigration reform that provides legal certainty for students who are DACA recipients. Today, through the Presidents action, Congress has a window of time to find a sensible and humane legislative solution to shield our DACA students from deportation and enable their future in our country. We encourage them to act swiftly and justly.''

Robert Robbins, president, University of Arizona:

"The University of Arizona is urging Congress to deliver an expedient legislative solution that provides all DACA students with certainty in fulfilling all of their educational potential. In concert with our governing board, the Arizona Board of Regents, we are providing all of the support possible to DACA students as permitted by law.''

Steve Yarbrough, president, Arizona Senate:

"Regardless of how one may feel about the substantial contribution to our society by individuals benefiting from inclusion in DACA, it seems very apparent that our former presidents Executive Order exceeded his Constitutional authority. It is clearly within the proper responsibility of Congress to consider the exercise of its legislative authority to address this issue if it chooses to do so.''

Joe Thomas, president, Arizona Education Association:

"Removing DACA protections for innocent children will harm our students and rip apart families in our communities. Public education is the cornerstone of opportunity in our nation. As a public school teacher, I have a responsibility to advocate for, as well as educate, every child in my classroom, regardless of their immigration status.''

Gonzalo A. de la Melena Jr., president Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:

"President Trump's decision to kill DACA is a cruel injustice that does nothing to address our nation's pressing need for comprehensive federal immigration reform. Despite lacking U.S. citizenship, Dreamers simply want a chance to work hard and live out their lives as citizens of our great nation. Ending DACA is also bad economic policy, as it seeks to expel a segment of our population that is a proven boon to our nation's economy.''
This is the dramatic moment sun worshipers on a California beach were hit by an 80mph microburst, leaving one teenage girl seriously injured.

The incident happened on Sunday afternoon as day trippers were enjoying the fine weather in Santa Barbara.

While residents in the Caribbean and Florida prepared for Hurricane Irma, those in California thought they were safe from the inclement conditions.

Alyssa Nuno, pictured, suffered a fractured skull after Sunday's microburst in California

This is the shocking moment a microburst struck a beach in Santa Barbara causing chaos

The winds are believed to have hit 80 miles per hour knocking over people

Revellers were enjoying a day at the beach when the wind struck without any warning

However, the microburst, which struck without warning, saw trees blown down and beach umbrellas destroyed while chairs shot across the sand.

Microbursts are incredibly powerful local weather systems, which can cause extensive damage. The powerful winds have even caused aircraft to crash when approaching the runway.

According to an appeal on GoFundMe, one girl was seriously injured by the freak storm.

Karina Arroyo-Nuno is raising the money for her cousin Alyssa.

According to the appeal: 'As some of you already know, my younger cousin, Alyssa Nuno was severely injured in the storm on Sunday afternoon causing her critical injuries.

'She has suffered multiple broken bones, a fractured skull and some head trauma.

'She is currently being treated at Children's hospital in LA, awaiting her following surgeries on Wednesday and Thursday.

'Please help my family & I raise money for her medical expenses and keep her in your prayers. For those who aren't familiar with our family, or do not know us personally, Sandra Alamillo-Nuno is Alyssa's mother and has been granted access to all the funds raised on here. Her alongside my uncle, Alyssa's dad, have not left her side.

'We know she will fight this and come out stronger with all of our support. Anything helps, thank you.'

So far the appeal has raised almost $15,000.

According to SFgate.com, David Sweet of the LA National Weather Service said they were attempting to verify the maximum speed of the wind during the freak event.

He said: 'Rumor has it that the wind speed was measured at 80 mph. If you look at the video of the event, you can say it's at least 60 mph and possibly stronger than that.'

Explaining what happened, he said Microbursts are incredibly rare but powerful.

He said: 'You have that air that was at one time climbing rapidly and then it suddenly descends and as it descends into the dry air, that air cools and the air gets heavier and it accelerates downward to the surface. By the time, it hits the surface, it spreads out and the wind is very strong. It can be greater than 60 mph, even 100 mph.'

During his 20-year career he has dealt with maybe a dozen microbursts.
A 'pastafarian' charged with hitting a ski resort manager with a snowboard faced court wearing a collander as a hat.

Keith Melvyn Wass, 51, allegedly attacked Jordan Rodgers, the general manager of Thredbo Alpine Village, during an argument last month.

Wass appeared in court wearing the collander, which is sacred headwear to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, likening it to a Muslim wearing a burqa.

'Pastafarian' Keith Melvyn Wass, 51, faced court wearing a collander as a hat, which he likened to a Muslim wearing a burqa

Wass (pictured in his Chewbacca costume) allegedly attacked Jordan Rodgers, the general manager of Thredbo Alpine Village, during an argument last month

'The colander is our most holy object in the religion,' he told Ten News outside Cooma Local Court on Wednesday.

'People come up and say nice hat and I can say "it's not a hat, it's a colander".'

Wass, who is the second person in NSW to win the right to wear a collander in his driver's licence photo, was booted off the ski slopes for wearing a Chewbacca costume.

The satirical religion follower admitted to the attack on Facebook  and claimed it was prompted by his alleged victim banning him from snowboarding.

Wass pictured smoking outside Cooma Local Court on Wednesday

Wass said the collander was sacred headwear to the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, which he follows

Wass claimed outside court that snowboarding helped with a medical condition

Wass is the second person in NSW to win the right to wear a collander in his driver's licence photo

Mr Rodgers, 55, who sustained facial and dental injuries, told him he couldn't dress as the Star Wars character because it 'threatened and intimidated' children.

'Been banned from Thredbo by the CEO Jordan Rogers for riding in the Chewbacca costume, so I dropped him, he lost consciousness and some teeth,' he wrote.

'Coped a head but [sic] to the bridge of the nose and have been having some difficulty with balance.'

He added: 'Been ordered not to have any contact with Thredbo staff (even if I know them) about what happened and must stay 15km away from Thredbo.'

Jordan Rodgers, the general manager of the ski resort, sustained facial and dental injuries

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Wass claimed the incident started because Mr Rodgers banned from from snowboarding in his costume

He has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, causing reckless grievous bodily harm and using an offensive weapon with the intention to commit an indictable offense

Wass claimed outside court that snowboarding helped with a medical condition.

'When they stopped me accessing the mountain they stopped me for getting medical treatment, so clearly my life has no value,' he said.

He has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, causing reckless grievous bodily harm and using an offensive weapon with the intention to commit an indictable offense.

In court on Wednesday adjourned the case until November and told Wass the find legal representation.

In court on Wednesday adjourned the case until November and told Wass the find legal representation
A full-grown tiger who ran loose in a Georgia neighborhood was fatally shot by police Wednesday morning had escaped from an entertainment company's truck as it was being transported from Florida to Tennessee.

Henry County police were forced to close a portion of Interstate 75 after receiving several 911 calls about the jungle cat wandering near the northbound lanes on the highway in the city that's roughly 30 minutes from Atlanta.

The striped feline apparently then made its way to a residential area near Jodeco Road where it jumped a fence around 6am.

The huge cat ended up in the backyard of a residence where it chased Brittany Speck's dog named Journey before attacking it, CBS 46 reported.

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A full-grown tiger (above) running loose in a Georgia neighborhood was fatally shot by police Wednesday morning

Police were forced to close a portion of Interstate 75 after receiving several 911 calls about the jungle cat wandering near the northbound lanes on the highway (above)

Authorities say they were forced to shoot the tiger because they did not want the homeowner or her children to come outside of the home and get hurt.

'With the tiger in close proximity to a school bus route in a densely populated area, officers made the decision to put the animal down with gunfire fearing that occupants of the home could be in danger as well as others in the area,' a statement from police reads.

In addition, officers did not have tranquilizer guns at the time and were also worried about children who would be traveling to school, WXIA reported.

Speck told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that she was inside the home when she heard Journey, who is a Dachshund, 'going crazy in the backyard.'

The concerned mother spotted the feline in her back yard as it jumped the fence and began attacking Journey.

The tiger eventually made its way into Brittany Speck's backyard and attacked her dog (above together). Officers then shot the tiger dead, as they did not have tranquilizer guns

Authorities say they were forced to shoot the tiger dead (above) because they did not want the homeowner or her children to come outside of the home and get hurt

'It was like a full-grown zoo tiger,' Speck told the newspaper. 'And the officers I guess just started firing rounds and took it down and then gave me my dog back.'

Journey survived and only suffered minor injuries, she added.

According to the New York Post, Feld Entertainment Inc., which produces Disney on Ice and Monster Jam, was taking the big cat to Tennessee when it escaped.

Georgia's Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division said that the company was not aware that the animal had got free.

'The truck had stopped in Georgia during the overnight hours and during that stop, the female Bengal tiger managed to escape unnoticed,' authorities said in a statement.

Feld Entertainment contacted cops after seeing media coverage about the tiger.

Zoo officials in Atlanta said that the tiger was not one of theirs. Officials with Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary said in a Facebook post (above) that the tiger did not come from their facilities either

Police had earlier launched an appeal to try and track who the tiger belonged to after zoo officials in Atlanta said it was not one of theirs.

'Our two Sumatran tigers are definitely accounted for,' zoo spokeswoman Rachel Davis said.

Officials with Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary also said in a Facebook post that the tiger did not come from their facilities either.

'Noah's Ark was contacted by Henry County Police with reports of a loose tiger on I-75,' the post reads.

'We responded immediately and were on the way to the scene with hopes of chemically immobilizing the tiger and bringing it to Noah's Ark. Unfortunately, human life became at risk and the tiger was shot by the authorities.

'All of our tigers are accounted for. Thank you to the officers for trying their best to bring this animal to safety.'

PETA also offered a reward of up to $2,500 for the identity of the tiger's former owner.

'Wild animals belong in the wild, and when dangerous apex predators are confined to private homes or for entertainment, the consequences can be fatal,' PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Brittany Peet said in a statement.
A woman was filmed launching a vile tirade of racist abuse against a number of taxi drivers.

In the shocking footage the woman, who was recorded by a driver in Horsefair Street, Leicester, says to the workers they are 'lucky' to be 'in our country' and they 'shouldn't be in here'.

She swears at the drivers before saying: 'Why are you here, causing all this trouble?'

In the shocking footage the woman, who was recorded by a driver in Horsefair Street, Leicester, says to the workers they are 'lucky' to be 'in our country' and they 'shouldn't be in here'

The cameraman responds: 'We're not causing any trouble', to which the woman screams: 'Yes you are!'

The driver responds again, asking what they're doing, to which she shouts: 'You're doing it now, you all do it. You're racists. Stay in your own countries.'

A man tells her that she could be arrested for her disgusting comments, and she tells him: 'F*** off, you fat Somali', but the passer by says: 'I'm Jamaican, I'm not even African.'

She shouts back: 'Go live there, get off our small island' before calling him a 'dirty piece'.

Manny Hayre, an actor from Coventry, received the clip from his cousin and posted it online.

Mr Hayre told the Leicester Mercury: 'My relative was very shocked and disgusted by this woman.

A driver responds asking what they're doing to cause trouble, to which she shouts: 'You're doing it now, you all do it. You're racists. Stay in your own countries'

A man tells her that she could be arrested for her disgusting comments, and she tells him: 'F*** off, you fat Somali', but the passer by says: 'I'm Jamaican, I'm not even African'

'He wanted me to upload it to show just what some taxi drivers have to put up with in Leicester.

'He said the woman just launched into the abuse at lunchtime on Monday.

'It is horrendous. No-one should have to put up with this.'

Mr Hayre said he is appalled by the actions of the woman.

He said: 'What were the taxi drivers doing?

'They were just trying to earn an honest living and they get subjected to this in broad daylight in the middle of the street.'

A spokeswoman for Leicestershire Police was unable to confirm if the incident had been reported to them at this stage.

She added: 'Racism, in any form, will not be tolerated by Leicestershire Police.

'We take these incidents extremely seriously and would encourage anyone who has either been a victim of racism or witnessed it to contact the police.

'We are making further enquiries into this alleged incident and would ask those who may have witnessed or been the victim of it come forward and speak to officers on 101.'
A man from southern China had to be rushed to a hospital after having a tumbler glass stuck in his rear, according to reports.

The container, measuring seven centimetre (2.8 inches) in diameter, had been trapped inside the body of the 33-year-old patient, known by an alias Xiao Zhang, for two days.

Doctor performed an abdominal operation on Xiao Zhang in order to remove the glassware, which had broken while being lodged inside the man's rectum.

An X-ray showed an inverted tumbler glass being stuck in the middle section of the rectum

Doctors in China had to perform a surgical operation to remove the glass cup from Xiao Zhang

According to Kan Kan News, Xiao Zhang arrived at the emergency department of Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat Sen University in Guangzhou at 2am on August 31.

Xiao Zhang told the doctors that he was unable to retrieve the glass.

'It has been stuck in there for two days and it is not coming out. It (the anus) is swelling so much and causing me pain,' said Xiao Zhang.

An X-ray showed a tumbler glass being stuck in Xiao Zhang's rectum. It measured eight centimetres (3.15 inch) tall and seven centimetres wide (2.8 inches).

Dr Cai Yonghua, a specialist in colorectal and anal surgery, told the reporter that the tumbler glass was located in the upper to middle section of the rectum.

The glass was stuck about seven centimetres (2.8 inches) into the rectum.

'After injecting spinal anaesthesia to Xiao Zhang, we can directly touch the glass but it's too slippery to take it out,' added Dr Cai.

The tumbler glass measured a 2.8 inches diameter and 3 inches height

Dr Cai and his team decided to perform an operation on Xiao Zhang's abdomen to remove the tumbler glass from the intestines.

The glass was also found to have broken on the edge.

Dr Ren Hongliang, the assistant surgeon, said the patient could have died of uremia, peritonitis or intestinal obstruction.

The patient, said to be married and have children, refused to tell the doctors how the tumbler glass ended up in his rear.

However, Dr Cai suggested that 'a very few number of cases were caused by intentional harm by others, most of them insert objects into the buttocks voluntarily'.

Xiao Zhang is recovering now.
A man charged with raping a partially paralyzed stroke victim at a Bronx hospital has admitted to having sex with the woman but insisted that the intercourse was consensual, even though she could not tell him so.

Keith Nembhard, 37, was arrested on Saturday evening at Bronx Lebanon Hospital after a nurse caught him having a sexual encounter with a 32-year-old patient who was incapacitated at the time, having suffered a stroke and multiple seizures.

When interviewed by detectives, Nembhard did not deny that he and the woman engaged in sexual activities in her hospital bed, but maintained that it was not a forced act that would merit criminal charges.

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Keith Nembhard, 37, accused of raping a 32-year-old female patient with a severe brain injury at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, said they knew each other and she consented by nodding and smiling at him

'Cmon, she could nod her head, she could say, No. She could say, Yes, he was quoted by the New York Daily News as telling police.

The rape suspect claimed that the woman is a prostitute and that he has been her long-time client and was in love with her.

Nembhard said he learned of her medical emergency from her father and went to visit her in the hospital at around 5.30pm on Saturday.

That is when Nembhard said she signaled to him her willingness to have sex with him, even though, according to court documents, the right side of her body was paralyzed as a result of the stroke and she had 'minimal ability to speak.

I blew kisses at her and she smiled at me, Nembhard told investigators. She knows what she is doing in her mind, she just didnt have the verbal ability to put it in a sentence. She wasnt crying. She wasnt complaining.

Nembhard sought to downplay the entire incident, stating that the encounter lasted no more than a minute or two before a nurse drew back the curtains around the patients bed and caught the pair in the act.

The 37-year-old suspect was then arrested and charged with rape in the second degree.

Nembhard was being held in jail on $50,000 bail.

It is the second serious incident at the hospital this year.

In June, a disgruntled former doctor killed one and injured six former co-workers at the Bronx-Lebanon hospital.

Dr Henry Bello, a family physician, opened fire at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital where he used to work at about 2.45pm on Friday June 30.

The 45-year-old gunman was hiding a high-powered assault rifle under his white medical coat and had his ID card on him when he started the shooting spree on the 16th and 17th floors of the hospital, police sources say.

Police Commissioner James O'Neill confirmed that the shooter died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the building.

The shooter had tried to set himself on fire prior to fatally shooting himself. He staggered, bleeding, into a hallway where he collapsed and died with the rifle at his side.

The body of the female victim, believed to be a doctor, was found next to the shooter on the 17th floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five of the victims were seriously injured in the shooting rampage and one victim is being treated for a gunshot wound to their leg.
The Washington National Cathedral has decided to remove two stained glass windows honoring Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson

The Washington National Cathedral will remove two stained glass windows honoring Confederate generals as they are acting as a 'barrier to our important work on racial justice and racial reconciliation'.

The windows being removed depict Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas 'Stonewall' Jackson commanding an army and looking through binoculars with a Confederate flag in one of the windows.

Removal of the windows has been in discussion since the racially charged shooting at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina, two years ago.

The shooting occurred when a white gunman, 21-year-old Dylann Roof, shot and killed nine people at Emanuel AME church during a bible study meeting.

But other events such as the clash between white supremacists and counter-protesters in Charlottesville over the removal of a statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee pushed their decision.

Other establishments and universities have been debating removing statues and memorials of Confederate figures since the protest as well.

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In the next few weeks, church leaders will have opportunities for parish members to express their views and feelings

In a news release signed by Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith and John Donoghue, the cathedral leaders acknowledged the 'people of goodwill who disagree with our decision' and others who 'have been hurt or confused by the amount of time it took us to reach it'.

But the cathedral chapter believed that the windows were inconsistent with their current mission to serve as a house of prayer for all people.

The recent violence in Charlottesville brought urgency to their decision, voted on Tuesday, but the cathedral does not think removing the windows will solve the problems of 'white supremacy, anti-Semitism and other forms of hate in our nation'.

Scaffolding surrounds a work area where stained glass windows depicting two iconic Confederate generals are being removed at the Washington National Cathedral

Discussion about removing the windows started two years ago following the tragic shooting at a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina

Those issues still remain important tasks for the cathedral and they will continue to 'combat intolerance and foster reconciliation with renewed urgency'.

The cathedral does not yet know what will replace the windows but the windows will be deconsecrated, removed, conserved and stored until the church leaders can determine a more appropriate future for them.

In the next few weeks, church leaders will have opportunities for parish members to express their views and feelings.

Cathedral leaders do not yet know what they are going to replace the windows with but they said the windows will be stored until they can determine a more appropriate future for them

They said: 'We promise to listen carefully to all who are willing to share to continue to hold the entire Cathedral community in prayer as we strive always to see each other as beloved children of God.'

A monument to Confederate veterans has been removed from Los Angeles's Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

In New Orleans, a statue of Robert E. Lee was removed along with three other monuments dedicated to Confederate figures.

A worker illuminates stained glass windows depicting two iconic Confederate generals that are being removed at the Washington National Cathedral

At the University of Texas, statues of General Robert E. Lee and other prominent Confederate figures were removed from a main area of campus.

Last month the mayor of Lexington, Kentucky, proposed removing two Confederate monuments from outside the courthouse.

And in Baltimore, four monuments including a Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson statue and one dedicated to the Confederate Women of Maryland were removed.

Stained glass windows inside the Washington National Cathedral where two other windows depicting Confederate generals are to be removed

Plaques honoring Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee were removed from outside St. Johns Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York last month as well.

And on Friday, Dean Gail Greenwell at Christ Church Cathedral in Cincinnati called for the removal of a plaque honoring Confederate general Leonidas Polk and a stained glass window of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

A parish council is going to take up the Dean Greenwell's request.

Cathedral leadership thought the Confederate windows were acting as 'a barrier to our important work on racial justice and racial reconciliation'

A work area is roped off around the stained glass windows that are going to be removed

One of the stained glass windows depicting two Confederate generals that has been scheduled to be removed
China is planning to build almost 300 eco-cities across the country in order to become the world's leading power in sustainability and green energy.

According to reports, around 80 percent of Chinese cities have ecologically friendly urban development plans.

The move marks China's new approach to its pollution problems.

Polluted cities: The move marks China's new approach to its pollution problems

It comes as China's southern Guangxi province reveals plans to build a forest city (File photo)

The country is planning to build 285 eco cities.

According to Forbes, around 80 percent of prefecutral-level cities in China have ecologically friendly urban development plans.

China Securities Regulatory Commission has been helping regions finance 'eco cities' and other projects since March.

It's hoped that these eco cities can help reduce pollution and help China become a powerful force in green energy.

It's thought that over 50 percent of China's new urban developments will have a low carbon or eco label.

According to the Forbes article, there is no criteria or seal of approval to say whether a city is eco friendly.

t's hoped that these eco cities can help reduce pollution and smog

China's southern Guangxi province has revealed plans to build a forest city

The move marks China's move to help improve its pollution issues with smog blanketing major cities and rivers drying up.

It comes as China's southern Guangxi province reveals plans to build a forest city which is set to be completed in 2020.

Once completed, it would be home to 30,000 people.

The community would include offices, hotels, hospitals and schools and would be entirely covered by a wide range of shrubs and floral plants along with 40,000 trees.

According to the company behind the design, the greenery could absorb 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year which is the equivalent emission of 1,961 cars every year.
Hillary Clinton has added another name her long list of grievances about those who cost her the election, this time singling out energized anti-Trump women marchers for failing to deliver before her historic loss.

Clinton referenced the throngs of protesters who took the streets of Washington and other cities in a Women's march shortly after his election. But her thoughts moved from the calls to resistance to the Trump agenda to why they hadn't summoned that same passion for her own campaign.

'I couldnt help but ask where those feelings of solidarity, outrage and passion had been during the election,' Clinton writes in her new memoir, 'What Happened.'

Hillary Clinton pointed the finger at passionate anti-Trump supporters who attended a women's march after her historic loss

While Clinton was able to attract considerable support at the polls  she beat Trump in the popular vote  there were signs of an enthusiasm gap throughout the campaign among base supporters. She also took swipes at primary rival Bernie Sanders, whose attacks on her finances, speeches, and fundraising helped feed Trump's attacks on her.

Clinton also goes after NBC's 'Today Show' host Matt Lauer for his handling of a presidential forum, conducted on the U.S.S. Intrepid in New York last September.

She writes that she was 'ticked off' and 'almost physically sick' by Lauer's persistent focus on her email scandal.

'Lauer had turned what should have been a serious discussion into a pointless ambush,' she vented.

Lauer took flack after the fact for failing to provide effective push-back against Trump's claims during his own, separate interview. Trump claimed 'I was totally against the war in Iraq,' and didn't have to answer for past statements providing grudging support for the invasion.

Clinton charges she got hit by an 'ambush' by NBC host Matt Lauer during a candidates' forum

Clinton also vented about 'Today Show' host Matt Lauer for conducting an 'ambush' at a televised forum with Trump

Clinton's swipe at Lauer and protesters was contained in excerpts reported by the National Enquirer, which bought a copy.

Clinton also reveals how she got an election-eve assurance from President Barack that turned out to be historically fake news when he told her the election was in hand.

The nation's first black president gave a hug to the woman he believed would break another historical barrier and carry on his legacy during their last night campaigning together at a packed outdoor evening rally in Philadelphia.

'You've got this. I'm so proud of you,' Obama told her, Clinton writes in her new memoir, 'What Happened.'

Just hours later, Obama was counseling Clinton to concede on election night, Clinton writes, in a portion of the book reported by CNN. He didn't want her to drag out the angry and prolonged campaign.

'I couldnt help but ask where those feelings of solidarity, outrage and passion had been during the election,' Clinton writes in reference to a post-election women's march

IN THE BAG: According to Hillary Clinton's new memoir, President Barack Obama told her on election ever, 'You've got this'

An estimated 500.000 have gathered in Washington DC, on Jan. 21, 2017, to participate in the Womens March on Washington, a day after the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States

EVERYONE CLINTON HAS BLAMED SINCE SHE LOST The Silicon Valley question and answer adds a whole new list of culprits to those who Hillary Clinton says prevented her from being in the White House. So far those include: The FBI

James Comey, then FBI director

The Russians

Vladimir Putin

'Anti-American forces'

Low information voters

Everyone who assumed she'd win

Bad polling numbers

Obama for winning two terms

People wanting change

Misogynists

Suburban women

The New York Times

Television executives

Cable news

Netflix

Democrats not making the right documentaries

Facebook

Twitter

Wikileaks

Fake news

'Content farms in Macedonia'

The Republican Party

The Democratic Party

Women post-election protesters

Matt Lauer

Joe Biden Advertisement

Clinton ended up holding off and sending out her campaign chair John Podesta to address her shell-shocked election night crowd.

When she finally made the concession call to Trump, Clinton says it was 'without a doubt one of the strangest moments of my life.'

'I congratulated Trump and offered to do anything I could to make sure the transition was smooth,' Clinton writes. 'It was all perfectly nice and weirdly ordinary, like calling a neighbor to say you can't make it to his barbecue. It was mercifully brief.'

Of her own emotional state at the time, she writes: 'I was numb. It was all so shocking.'

On Election Day, Clinton decided to take a nap even as her husband was 'chomping on an unlit cigar' as returns came in.

She might have gotten better advice from her husband, who told her 'You might lose,' according to an excerpt reported by the National Enquirer.

Clinton owns up to some errors, but also takes a dig at former Vice President Joe Biden for putting out a critique of her campaign.

'Joe Biden said the Democratic Party in 2016 'did not talk about what it always stood for  and that was how to maintain a burgeoning middle class,'' Clinton wrote. 'I find this fairly remarkable, considering that Joe himself campaigned for me all over the Midwest and talked plenty about the middle class.'

Biden, 74, still gets mentioned on the long list of possible Democratic challengers in 2020.

AND WHO CLINTON HASN'T BLAMED SINCE SHE LOST Hillary Clinton Bill and Chelsea Clinton * Note: Clinton wrote generally: 'I go back over my own shortcomings and the mistakes we made. I take responsibility for all of them.' Advertisement

Defeat threw Clinton into 'pain and shock,' according to the Enquirer excerpt. 'Friends advised on me the power of Xanax and raved about their amazing therapists,' she writes  without revealing whether she took the guidance.

She admits trying to drink away her troubles at times.

'I drank my share of chardonnay. Taking a page from the pre-heart attack version of her husband, Clinton says she was 'splurging on burgers and fries' and 'enjoying every bite.'

Clinton makes efforts to understand her loss, accepting some blame even while pointing the finger at others including rival Bernie Sanders and going after former FBI Director James Comey for 'shivving' her.

Clinton writes about the shock of her loss in her new memoir. Here she walks the stage greeting the crowd with by her side (l-r), President Barack Obama, Chelsea Clinton, and former President Bill Clinton, after speaking at a GOTV Rally on Independence Mall on November 7, 2016 in Philadelphia

'I drank my share of chardonnay,' Clinton writes in another passage in the book

'What makes me such a lightning rod for fury? I'm really asking. I'm at a loss,' she wonders in one conversational passage: 'I think it's partly because I'm a woman.'

She also delves into her marriage to Bill Clinton  following a campaign where Trump brought a host of former accusers from his past to a presidential debate.

She said her marriage has 'many, many more happy days than sad or angry ones.'

'I heard it again on the 2016 campaign ... it's just a marriage on paper now,' Clinton writes. Then she cracks a joke in her multi-million memoir. '(He is reading this over my shoulder in our kitchen with our dogs underfoot and in a minute he will reorganize our bookshelves for the millionth time ... but I don't mind because he really loves to organize those bookshelves).'

Clinton also takes aim at Anthony Weiner in her new memoir, detailing how the disgraced politician's relationship with a minor female derailed her campaign and left his estranged wife emotionally shattered after a search of his computer led to a new investigation into her private email server.

Bill Clinton told his wife 'You might lose,' Clinton writes

In a section of 'What Happened' that was obtained by Radar Online, Clinton reportedly reveals that Huma Abedin sobbed on her shoulder after learning that the FBI would be launching a new probe into the presidential hopeful's emails less than two weeks before the election.

'This man is going to be the death of me!' a 'stricken' Abedin said to Clinton before 'bursting into tears' in front of her boss.

'Anthony had already caused so much heartache, and now this,' writes Clinton, who was cleared by the FBI two days before the election.

She goes on to reveal that she never once blamed Abedin for the incident, saying: 'She had done nothing wrong and was an invaluable member of my team. I stuck by her the same way she has always stuck by me.'

Clinton makes that claim despite the fact that Abedin was immediately taken off the campaign trail after news of the investigation broke and kept away from her boss until Election Day.

Difficult time: Hillary Clinton reportedly reveals in her memoir that Huma Abedin broke down after emails found on husband Anthony Weiner's computer led to FBI probe (Clinton and Abedin on October 28, 2016, the day they learned of the FBI probe)

Cursed: Anthony had already caused so much heartache, and now this,' writes Clinton in 'What Happened,' which will be released next week

'What Happened' will hit bookshelves on September 12, and is Clinton's seventh book.

It follows her 2014 release 'Hard Choices,' in which she detailed her time as Secretary of State under Barack Obama, who appointed her to the post just a few months after defeating her in the Democratic primary en route to his White House win.

That book debuted to underwhelming sales for published Simon & Schuster, who were reportedly unable to make back the $14 million advance they gave Clinton.

This latest memoir promises to be Clinton's most candid as she details her failed campaign against millionaire businessman Donald Trump.

Clinton already said earlier this year that the second FBI probe into her email server cost her the presidency, stating: 'If the election had been on October 27, I would be your president.'

Former FBI Director James Comey made the decision to reopen the bureau's investigation into Clinton's private server after agents discovered emails between the Democratic nominee for president and her top aide Abedin on Weiner's computer.

The new probe was opened by the FBI on October 28, and two days later a warrant was obtained to look at emails sent from Abedin's account that were found on her husband's laptop.

In their request for a warrant, an FBI agent wrote that thousands of emails between Clinton and Abedin had been discovered on the computer.

At the time, investigators had yet to look at the content of those emails, but based on previous work in the case the agent wrote they had reason to suspect they might contain classified material, possibly including top-secret information that could cause 'grave damage to national security' if disclosed to the any member of the public.

The FBI initially launched a probe in Clinton's email server after learning she had switched to a personal account for work correspondence soon after she was sworn in as Secretary of State back in 2009.

That domain was hosted on her own private email server and set up by her aide Bryan Pagliano, who asserted his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination when called testify about the server in front of a House committee one month after the FBI launched their probe in August of 2015.

Comey ultimately announced in July of 2016 that the FBI would not prosecute Clinton, a conclusion they again reached 10 days after the bureau launched its second probe and eight days after they were granted a warrant for Weiner's computer.

All good: Clinton also claims she never blamed Abedin for the emails discovered on Weiner's computer, despite immediately taking her off the campaign trail (Abedin above in 2013)

Weiner had his laptop and all other electronics seized as evidence by federal officials after DailyMail.com revealed in September of last year that he had been sexting a 15-year-old high school student from North Carolina for months.

Abedin officially filed for divorce from Weiner in May.

She submitted her papers on the same day he appeared in court to enter a plea of guilty to a single charge of transferring obscene material to a minor.

Weiner has agreed to accept any prison sentence of less than 27 months and register as a sex offender as part of his plea deal.

Prosecutors are recommending that Weiner serve a two-year sentence as part of the deal, with the charge carrying a maximum prison term of 10 years and maximum fine of $250,000.

He was released on bail and will be sentenced next month, four weeks after his 53rd birthday.

The high school student he corresponded with said the online relationship began in January of 2015 while she was a sophomore and lasted for several months.

Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders listen to singer Pharrell Williams during a campaign rally in Raleigh, North Carolina, on November 3, 2016

At one point during a Skype chat Weiner asked her to undress and touch herself according to the girl.

In another message, Weiner told the teen: 'I would bust that tight p***y so hard and so often that you would leak and limp for a week.'

Weiner did not deny exchanging 'flirtatious' messages with the girl.

'I have repeatedly demonstrated terrible judgement about the people I have communicated with online and the things I have sent,' he told the DailyMail.com in a statement.

Clinton writes that she took a nap as the votes came in with the campaign over

'I am filled with regret and heartbroken for those I have hurt.

'While I have provided the Daily Mail with information showing that I have likely been the subject of a hoax, I have no one to blame but me for putting myself in this position. I am sorry.'

Weiner, a Democrat, resigned from Congress in 2011 amid a previous sexting scandal.

He then made an attempt to run for mayor of New York City in 2013, but that too was derailed by a sexting scandal.

Stronger together: Abedin, 41, filed for divorce from Weiner, 53, in May, the same day he pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor(Abedin and Clinton in March)

Abedin meanwhile remains one of a handful of Clinton employees still on the payroll according to the forms submitted by the campaign to the Federal Election Commission filings.

The check she is receiving however has been decreasing over time however, with the aide being paid on the first and fifteenth of every month.

She was receiving a check for $4,929.58 twice a month in November and December, but that decreased to $4,764.69 for January, February and March.

In April, her checks were for $3,927.85 and this past May and June she has received $1,094.68 from the campaign.

It is unclear if this is her only payment from Clinton or if the former Secretary of State is paying her out-of-pocket in the wake of the election.
Four members of a gang which plied vulnerable women and girls with drugs before forcing them to have sex, have been jailed for almost half a century.

A group of 17 men and one woman have been convicted of using mephedrone to turn abuse victims into addicts, and forcing them to have sex if they wanted more drugs.

At Newcastle Crown Court today Habibur Rahim, 34, was jailed for 29 years, Abdul Sabe, 40, was jailed for 12 years, Badrul Hussain, 37, was jailed for four years and Mohibur Rahman, 44, was jailed for four-and-a-half years.

The judge said the offences involved 'sustained and systematic psychological abuse' and was forced to tell the men in the dock to stop yawning, fidgeting and talking during the hearing.

Habibur Rahim, 34, (left) was jailed for 29 years and Mohibur Rahman, 44, (right) was jailed for four-and-a-half years

Abdul Sabe, 40, was jailed for 12 years (left) and Badrul Hussain, 37, was jailed for four years (right)

They were part of a network of nearly 40 men, including Pakistani, Indian, Iranian, Iraqi, Bangladeshi and Turkish nationals, who preyed on around 100 girls.

Harrowing evidence of 13-year-old victim raped by men 'like they were in a relay race' One girl who gave evidence claimed she was repeatedly raped by men acting as if they were in a 'relay race' at one of the sex parties. The vulnerable 13-year-old, who was in local authority care, told the court how she would regularly be supplied with cash, cigarettes and drugs in exchange for sex. She spoke of how she would be picked up in a Mercedes from the children's home where she was living and taken to flats in Newcastle to be used by anyone who wanted her. Prosecutor John Elvedge QC told the court how during one attack she was high on cocaine while men took turns to have sex with her. Mr Elvedge said: 'She said she felt wrecked. The man who brought the Mcat had sex with her when she was in no position to consent. 'The second man was followed by several others, all taking advantage of her. 'She said it was like a relay race, one man after another, each having sexual intercourse with her to which she did not consent.' On another occasion, the girl was taken to a party at a flat where there was a group of seven men in a room with a Kurdish flag on the wall and was given Mcat, the court heard. Mr Elvedge added: 'She attempted to resist the first man. She was given more Mcat then, one by one, they took their turn having sexual intercourse with her.' The court heard when she left she was driven back to the children's home and given 200 along with more Mcat. Advertisement

Prosecutor John Elvidge QC told the court the victims were given almost unlimited access to the drug MCAT and alcohol, initially for free, but then expected or forced to engage in sexual acts.

Mr Elvidge said: 'The young women being exploited sometimes consented to sexual activity, sometimes they did not consent and sometimes they were incapable of consenting.'

Mr Elvidge has told the court the victims were 'white, British and female' and the defendants were 'of Asian extraction, born in the UK but some born abroad'.

However, Mr Elvidge said there was no direct evidence that race played a part in the gang's selection process of victims.

He added that 'vulnerablilty and availability' were the most likely criteria.

The court heard after his arrest, one of the men told detectives: 'you can't control your white kids, that's what I see in this country'.

One victim of the gang's offending said in her impact statement: 'I am very wary of being in any situation where I will be alone with an Asian man.

'This is because it was all Asian men involved in the offending. This is not about race.

'I would he happy to be alone with an Asian female. I worry an Asian man could be linked to the offenders and what they are thinking when they look at me.'

The court heard other victims have described being treated 'like a piece of meat', being laughed at by their attackers and feeling suicidal because of their ordeals.

One woman now sleeps with a knife by her bed and wakes up screaming.

Another said she lives with a feeling of guilt that she did not speak out about what happened to her sooner

She said in her statement: 'I have a lot of guilt because I think I could have stopped this if I had spoken out earlier.'

The same woman also said: 'I hope our case makes people realise they can speak out and they can be helped.'

Abdul Sabe, 40 (pictured outside court in July), has been jailed for four years. Mr Elvidge said Sabe's role in the conspiracy was to 'source premises, provide drugs and girls'

Sex gang: (Top row left to right) Abdul Sabe, Habibur Rahim, Badrul Hussain, Abdulhamid Minoyee, Jahanger Zaman, Monjur Choudhury, (middle row left to right) Taherul Alam, Hassan Ali, Nadeem Aslam, Mohammed Azram, Yassar Hussain, Saiful Islam, (bottom row left to right) Eisa Mousavi, Prabhat Nelli, Mohibur Rahman, Nashir Uddin, Redwan Siddquee and Carolann Gallon

Another victim said the men displayed an attitude that they were 'superior to women' and that they acted as if the victims 'didn't have the same rights as the men'.

Judge Penny Moreland said she was satisfied the offending was not motivated by race.

The judge said the women were selected because they were 'young, impressionable, naive and vulnerable' members of society.

Judge Moreland said there was no evidence that the gang had shown hostility towards any of the victims based on their race or that their offending was motivated by race.

Married father-of-two Habibur Rahim, 34, has been convicted of two counts of supply of cannabis, conspiracy to traffic for sexual exploitation, two counts of trafficking for sexual exploitation, four counts of supply of Mcat, rape, human trafficking and conspiracy to incite prostitution for gain.

Mr Elvidge said Rahim's role in the sex plot was to 'provide girls, drugs and engage in sexual activity'.

He added that Rahim was a 'prolific offender' and warned: 'The evidence demonstrated he is a clear danger to young women.'

The court heard Rahim would transport girls across the city in his black Mitsubishi shogun.

He raped one woman while she was sleeping off the effects of MCat, who thought he was a 'friend' in a bedroom where he had pushed a wardrobe up against the door.

He exploited another young victim who he found walking around the streets in tears after losing her job and home.

The court heard his wife left him as a result of his behaviour.

Jailing him for 29 years, with lifelong sex offender registration and sexual harm prevention order, the judge said he had been a high profile and active member of the group and had engaged in 'sustained and systematic abuse'.

Teenagers were plied with drugs (pictured by police) and alcohol and then raped or persuaded into engaging in sexual activity with older men

Abdul Sabe, 40, has been convicted of two counts of supply of cannabis, conspiracy to commit sexual assault, conspiracy to traffic for sexual exploitation, two counts of offering to supply cannabis, possession of cannabis and conspiracy to incite prostitution for gain.

Mr Elvidge said Sabe's role in the conspiracy was to 'source premises, provide drugs and girls'.

The court heard Sabe was on the sex offenders register for five years from 2007 after being convicted of masturbating towards women in the street.

He was warned by police about having contact with vulnerable teen girls and even shown a picture by a detective of one of the youngsters in school uniform to reinforce how vulnerable she was.

Sabe lost both of his parents at a young age and the court heard he was 'living hand to mouth' at the time of the offences.

Judge Moreland sentenced him to a total of 12 years behind bars with lifelong registration as a sex offender and sexual harm prevention order.

Carolann Gallon, known to her friends as 'Chucky', is the only female member of the gang and was responsible for luring other girls into their clutches

Badrul Hussain, 37, was found guilty of supply of Mcat and three counts of permitting premises to be used for the supply of cocaine.

The court heard Hussain knew girls 'at risk of sexual harm' were being given drugs and abused in his home.

His reasons for offending may have been to gain 'popularity' and the court heard he made no financial gain from it.

The court heard he 'bitterly regrets' any involvement in what happened.

He was sentenced to four years behind bars.

Mohibur Rahman, 44, has been convicted of two counts of supply of Mcat, two counts of permitting premises to be used for the supply of Mcat and conspiracy to incite prostitution for gain.

Shafiq Aziz was earlier jailed for 15 years for drugs offences involving heroin and crack cocaine

The court heard he 'hosted' sessions where girls were given drugs and exploited.

His role was to provide 'premises and drugs'.

The court heard one visitor to his home, who has never been identified, was recorded in mobile phone by her own worried father, in an intoxicated state, saying 'why do they always want to hurt me, why do they rape?'

The woman also said 'loads of girls go there, they give b*** **bs for mcat'.

When Rahman was arrested he told police 'you can't control your white girls, that's what I see in this country'.

After a previous arrest, for unrelated offending, he called custody staff 'white b***ards' and said one officer was a 'white wh**e', a 'white s**g' and threatened to cut her throat.

He is currently serving a 12 year prison sentence for violence which involved him stabbing someone.

Kate Dodds, defending, said Rahman had made 'unhelpful observations' during interview while 'under pressure'

Miss Dodds said the previous abuse towards custody staff was also while he was under pressure.

She added: 'It does not ranslate to allow the court to say that, even his case, his involvement in the conspiracy, his motivation and attitude towards the complainants, was in any way driven by concerns of race. '

Judge Moreland sentenced him to four and a half years bars, to be served after he has completed the 12 year term.
One person was killed in a crash south of Gray Mountain on U.S. 89 Tuesday morning, Arizona Department of Public Safety officials said.

The crash, which occurred at 11:05 a.m., was a head on collision involving two SUVs, DPS spokesman Quentin Mehr said in an email.

One of the SUV drivers, John J. Clements, 83, of Salina, Utah, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two other people who were in the other vehicle were taken to the hospital for treatment, Mehr said.

The crash forced officials to close the road, but it reopened early Tuesday afternoon, Mehr said. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Lawyer Mark Greenburgh said 'there's simply little or anything that Rotherham Council can do' to take action against former senior staff

Critics have blasted the latest review into the Rotherham child exploitation scandal as it failed to name a single person to blame for 'failings' that left 1,400 victims at risk.

The review concluded that there was 'widespread systemic failure rather than anything for which individual practitioners can be held to account' at Rotherham Council.

A series of six new reports into various aspects of the scandal were published today.

The author of one review into the conduct of senior managers associated with Rotherham Council's failings told a meeting in the town he had found that it was 'more cock-up than conspiracy' at the local authority.

Lawyer Mark Greenburgh said 'there's simply little or anything that Rotherham Council can do' to take action against former senior staff.

The six reports were commissioned by the council in the wake of the Jay Report, which laid bare how at least 1,400 children were raped, trafficked and sexually exploited in the town between 1997 and 2013 by gangs of men of largely Pakistani heritage.

Mr Greenburgh said in relation to seven named senior officers that 'whilst there may have been errors of judgement or missed opportunities as detailed in this report; and a failure in some cases to tackle cultural issues effectively... we have found no culpable behaviour which could now justify any form of legal action or regulatory involvement of any kind.'

In relation to former council chief executive Ged Fitzgerald, who is now chief executive of Liverpool City Council, his report said 'we recommend that the council refers this report and its findings to the current employer of Mr Fitzgerald and (former head of children and families) Ms (Jacqueline) Wilson.'

It said: 'It is important to be clear that we have not found that either of these people were uniquely culpable for the council's response to emerging evidence of CSE.

'But there are points at which each missed opportunities to have changed the outcomes.'

Another of the new reports looked in detail at the 15 children identified as examples in Professor Alexis Jay's 2014 report and concluded 'there are insufficient grounds to proceed with any action against any individual practitioner or team manager' in 14 of the 15 cases.

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion was forced to quit her frontbench role last month

Independent consultant Jean Imray, who carried out the report, said: 'With the exception of one case (Child E), I have not found any examples of individual casework so poor or dangerous that disciplinary action against individual practitioners would be warranted.

'I believe the practice I have reviewed is indicative of widespread systemic failure rather than anything for which individual practitioners can be held to account.

'The failings evident in Child E were of such magnitude that a more detailed, forensic review of that case was warranted.

'There is, in my view, prima facie evidence of significant culpability by at least two social care professionals.'

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said in a statement: 'I had hoped that today's publication of the reports into Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) preventing child sexual exploitation would draw a line under the catalogue of errors that led to our children being let down so badly by those supposed to protect them.

'However, despite these huge failures, leading to at least 1,400 victims being let down, it appears that no individual at RMBC has yet been held to account for their role.'

The former shadow women and equalities secretary was forced to quit her frontbench role last month after a backlash for saying 'Britain has a problem with British Pakistani men raping and exploiting white girls'.

She said: 'How are the survivors meant to rebuild their lives without the closure these reports could have brought?

'How is Rotherham meant to have confidence that this will never happen again unless we know exactly what went wrong?

'This feels like a completely wasted opportunity to allow the town to move forward.'
President Donald Trump left war with North Korea on the table as an option if Pyongyang doesn't behave after a call with China's Xi Jinping on Wednesday that the the U.S. leader described as 'very, very frank.'

Trump told reporters as he was leaving the White House for a tax speech outside Washington, 'We will not be putting up with whats happening in North Korea.'

War is 'certainly not our first choice,' he said in response to a shouted question, 'but we will see what happens.'

President Donald Trump left war with North Korea on the table as option if Pyongyang doesn't behave after a call with China's Xi Jinping on Wednesday that the the U.S. leader described as 'very, very frank'

The administration has repeatedly said it is keeping every option on the table as it grapples with the threat from North Korea. The president's remark is likely to stir new worries, however, that Trump is actually mulling military action.

Defense Secretary James Mattis said Sunday after a briefing with Trump that the president wanted to know what his 'many military options' are to deal with Kim Jong-Un and his government.

Standing in front of the White House, the United States' top general warned Pyongyang that threats to America or its allies would be met with a 'massive military response.'

'We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea, but as I said, we have many options to do so,' Mattis stated.

Trump spoke to several world leaders yesterday and today about North Korea's illicit test on Sunday of what it claims was a hydrogen bomb.

Britain's Theresa May and Australia's Malcolm Turnbull were on Trump's call list yesterday. This morning, Trump spoke to Xi, according to his public schedule.

'We had a very good phone call. It lasted for a long time,' Trump told reporters waiting for him outside the White House ahead of his departure for North Dakota. 'President Xi would like to do something. Well see whether or not he can do it.'

Trump has toggled between praise for the Chinese leader, who he met for the first time this year shortly after taking office, and contempt for the Communist Party's posturing on North Korea.

Xi's government is in favor of a denuclearized North Korea, and it has agreed to the implementation some sanctions. It's said to have rejected harsher punishments on Kim because it is concerned about destabilization of the country's ruling government.

The U.S. says it does not want regime change in North Korea. It just wants the 33-year-old Kim, who ascended to supreme leader in 2011, to give up his quickly accelerating nuclear program.

China has further noted that it will take an economic hit if it commerce with North Korea, however.

Four-fifths of North Korea's economy comes from trade with China. The trade relationship was worth $5.2 billion to China in 2015, before more aggressive sanctions kicked in, data from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency shows.

Comparatively, China and the U.S. had a nearly $650 billion trade relationship in 2016, according to the U.S. government.

Trump threatened Sunday to sanction any country that does business with North Korea in a drastic move to cut off Kim's funds.

'The United States is considering, in addition to other options, stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea,' he tweeted.

Trump told reporters as he was leaving the White House for a tax speech outside Washington, 'We will not be putting up with whats happening in North Korea.' He's seen boarding Marine One just after

Trump is unlikely to move forward with the proposal that would affect not only China but Mexico, Brazil and Germany, according to the New York Times.

He could try to exact pressure on China through targeted sanctions, though, experts have said. State-run banks and large corporations with close ties to the government could show up next on the Treasury Department's list.

Trump did not say in brief comments to reporters outside the White House whether the topic came up.

'We will not be putting up with whats happening in North Korea,' the president declared after he was asked to comment on the conversation. 'I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent. He doesnt want to see whats happening there, either.'

Trump added, 'We had a very, very frank and very strong phone call.'

Before he turned to leave, a reporter asked Trump if he was considering military action in North Korea.

'Were going to see what happens. Well see what happens. Certainly, thats not our first choice, but we will see what happens. Thank you very much,' the president stated.

He told a second set of reporters later, as he was about to take off for North Dakota on Air Force One, 'We had a very good conversation with President Xi of China. It lasted for about 45 minutes.

'Hes very much in favor of the denuke of North Korea, and were talking about different things. We have some things -- were going to be talking again soon, and well see how that works out,' he said.

Trump and Xi are likely to sit down for a bilateral talk later this month at the United Nations. World leaders are scheduled to be in New York for the summit the third week in September.
The daughter of a foreign diplomat staffed at the German Embassy stabbed a schoolmate twice in the shoulder Tuesday with scissors at a preppy international school in Washington, DC  though authorities said she will avoid prosecution because of diplomatic immunity.

The victim, a 13-year-old student, was rushed to Children's National Medical Center on Tuesday with what was later described as non-life threatening injuries.

The incident reportedly took place just before 1pm at the British International School in the Georgetown section of Washington, according to NBC Washington.

Authorities briefly detained the 12-year-old girl, but as the daughter of a diplomat she is legally exempt from prosecution.

The incident was nonetheless serious enough for the Secret Service to dispatch its agents to the school to investigate.

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The daughter of a foreign diplomat stabbed a schoolmate twice Tuesday at the British International School (above) in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC

A spokesperson for the German mission told The Washington Post that the suspect in the stabbing is the daughter of an embassy staff member.

The spokesman, Matthias Wehler, said that the embassy would conduct its own review.

If it is discovered that the parents in any way encouraged the stabbing, they could be subject to disciplinary action, Wehler said.

'This will not be ignored,' he said.

Tuition at the school ranges from $24,000 for nursery students to $27,000 for elementary school kids to $33,000 for high school students.

Diplomats are given immunity from the host nations laws as prescribed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The victim was rushed to Childrens National Medical Center. He was said to be conscious and alert. The image above shows police officers outside the school after the stabbing Tuesday

According to the treaty, which has been ratified by 191 countries, including the United States, diplomats must not be liable to any form of arrest or detention.

Article 29 of the treaty states that diplomats are immune from civil or criminal prosecution.

The document also stipulates that family members of diplomats living in the host country are given the same protections as the diplomats themselves.

Host countries are legally permitted to declare diplomats persona non grata, which would give the foreign emissaries a window of time to prepare to leave their post and return home.

If a diplomat refuses to leave despite being declared persona non grata, the host country is entitled to strip him or her of diplomatic immunity.
Disney has come under fire for adding a new 'white prince' role in its new Aladdin remake.

White actor Billy Magnussen joins the likes of Will Smith, Naomi Scott and relative newcomer Mena Massoud in the live action remake of the beloved 1993 animation movie.

Magnussen, who played another prince in Disneys Into the Woods, will star as Prince Anders - a new character who appears as a love rival to Aladdin for Princess Jasmine's heart.

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Billy Magnussen (pictured) will play Prince Anders - a brand new character who appears as a love rival of Aladdin's for Princess Jasmine's heart in the live action Disney remake

But the studio has been hit with accusations of whitewashing on social media for its casting of the white actor, in the Arab-style folktale tale set in the Middle East.

Many were confused as to why a white character had been added in the story when there had never been one before.

'I'm sick of all this whitewashing,' one Twitter user wrote. 'First Death Note & now Aladdin? Ya'll they just don't seem to get it.'

'I'm not even excited to see Aladdin anymore smh #whitewashing @Disney,' another added.

One Twitter user wrote: 'I am so confused to why they add a new white character to a complete story that is set in the Middle East?'

'Why did they add a white prince to #Aladdin? This is going to be a disaster,' another said.

New York Times bestselling author, Jeetendr Sehdev, even asked whether Magnussen 'should step down as 'Prince Anders' the newly created white character in #Aladdin?' over the controversy.

This isn't the first time Aladdin remake had courted racial controversy.

Director Guy Ritchie was 'whitewashing' over the summer after a report from The Sun suggested he wanted to cast white British star Tom Hardy as the villain Jafar. In fact, Tunisian-Dutch actor Marwan Kenzari is in negotiations to play Aladdin's evil nemesis.

The movie was also criticized for casting Scott, an Indian British actress, rather than a Middle Eastern star as Jasmine.

Mena Massoud (right) will play Aladdin in the remake of the beloved 1992 animated movie (left)

This isn't the first time Aladdin remake had courted racial controversy. The movie was also criticized for casting Scott (pictured), an Indian British actress, rather than a Middle Eastern star as Jasmine.

Shooting is already underway and on Wednesday, Will Smith tweeted a smiling cast photo from the set

Magnussen too has faced criticism previously for his role in last year's The Birth of the Dragon, telling the story of how a young Bruce Lee challenged kung fu master Wong Jack Man in the Sixties.

Disney revealed their casting choices for Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie during the D23 Expo in July.

Scott, who is of British and Indian descent, will play Princess Jasmine while Mena Massoud was announced as Aladdin.

Mena was born in Cairo, Egypt but raised in Canada; he is set to star in the new series Jack Ryan as Tarek Kassar. Will Smith will bring the star power to the film as the beloved Genie.

Former Saturday Night Live star Nasim Pedrad has joined the cast of the movie; she will play Mara - Jasmine's friend and handmaiden, the website reports.

Shooting is already underway and on Wednesday, Will Smith tweeted a smiling cast photo from the set.

The film does not have a release date yet.
Donald Trump insisted Wednesday that he has sent no mixed signal' about his desire for the DACA program to survive past March 2018  and said he expects Congress to pass a 'permanent' fix.

DACA, the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, is a guaranteed shield against deportation for nearly 800,000 people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

Making the program a legally protected institution instead of a presidential executive order, subject to the whim of future Oval-Office-holders, would please Democrats and immigrants-rights groups.

The devil, however, is always in the White House's details.

Trump hinted Wednesday that he wants DACA made permanent as part of a broader immigration reform that includes funding for 'border security'  Washington's current euphemism for the wall the president has promised to erect between the U.S. and Mexico.

US President Donald Trump spoke to the press before departing for North Dakota, saying he wants the controversial DACA program written into law  along with 'border security' funding

Protesters were out in force at the White House and New York City's Trump Tower on Tuesday and Wednesday, screaming in defense of a program the president says he wants to preserve  as long as it's part of a more ambitious approach to immigration reform

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Deputy Commissioner Ronald Vitiello showed off a concept illustration of a U.S.-Mexico border enforcement zone  including Trump's wall  during a news conference last Thursday

'I'd like to see something where we have good border security, and we have a great DACA transaction where everybody is happy, and now they dont have to worry about it anymore,' he said.

'I'd like to see a permanent deal, and I think it's going to happen,' Trump added.

The administration announced Tuesday that it has rescinded the order that created DACA, with a six-month 'wind-down' period to give Congress a chance to write it into law.

'Congress, I really believe, wants to take care of this situation. I really believe it  even very conservative members of Congress. I've seen it firsthand,' Trump told reporters Wednesday aboard Air Force One as it taxied for takeoff.

The president was leaving for North Dakota, where he will deliver the second in a series of speeches about his plans for an overhaul of America's tax code.

Trump tweeted Tuesday night that he would 'revisit this issue' if Congress couldn't act

Democratic lawmakers reacted with fury to the announcement Tuesday by Attorney General Jeff Sessions that the administration was rescinding DACA

He said the subject of DACA came up during a Wednesday morning meeting at the White House that included Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate.

'Chuck and Nancy would like to see something happen, and so do I,' he said, referring to minority leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi.

Trump deflected a question about providing a pathway to citizenship for the so-called 'DREAMers,' saying he's focused first on finding a way for them to maintain 'legal' status.

The president inspired a Tuesday evening of head-scratching in Washington when, after a half-day of scathing news coverage, he tweeted that he was prepared to 'revisit' DACA on his own if Congress should fall short.

'Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!' he wrote on Twitter.

A day later, he was noncommittal.

'Well, we're going to see what happens. I want to see what happens in Congress,' Trump said. 'I have a feeling that's not going to be necessary. I think they're going to make a deal. I think Congress really wants to do this.'
A Texas firefighter was able to save his fiancee's wedding gown from the flooded waters in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Kyle Parry, 35, from Lumberton, Texas was able to retrieve the sacred item despite the heavy floods caused by the deadly hurricane.

After having to evacuate his home with his fiancee Stephanie Hoekstra, two dogs and their six puppies, Parry was devastated to see that when he returned everything was destroyed.

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Texas firefighter Kyle Parry was able to save his fiancee's, Stephanie Hoekstra, wedding gown in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, both pictured here

However, he was amazed to discover on Thursday that the wedding gown of his 33-year-old bride-to-be was still intact despite everything else being ruined.

'I got out of the boat and I am neck-deep in water, I open the door of my house and I know its a complete loss,' he told CNN.

In a Facebook Live video, Parry went from room to room examining the damage with a fellow relief worker.

When he opened the door to his closet where he tried to hide and store the wedding dress, he was relieved to see it hanging a few inches above the water, completely dry.

'I was a bit in shock, honestly,' Hoekstra, who lives in Ontario, Canada with her two kids, told HuffPost.

He discovered the wedding gown of his 33-year-old bride-to-be on Thursday and was amazed to find it was still intact despite everything else being ruined. He filmed the moment in a Facebook Live video

'I was thrilled. I loved the dress and looked for it for a while before choosing, but it was more of a sign of hope to me. I was a bit numb with everything that had been happening so it was hard to grab my emotions.'

She went on to say: 'You see the dress and youre thankful for it, but I'm just happy that Kyle is OK.'

'It's a silver lining, and obviously that means the wedding is supposed to happen,' she continued.

The admirable couple aren't focusing on their impending nuptials however: 'Right now we are focusing on finding housing, and getting life back to normal,' she said.

Since Harvey hit Parry has said that his main focus is to help his fire department and to help people get back into their houses and to their day-to-day life. Pictured here is his house submerged under the flooded waters

'Its going to be a long road for everyone in these coming months, maybe years, with trying to restore the communities.'

The couple got engaged in 2016, and planned to marry on September 10 in Galveston, Texas, however they canceled the wedding as soon as news broke over the hurricane.

'Stephanie and I love each other, and we will get married,' Parry told ABC.

'We both agreed that my biggest [focus] is to help my fire department, and help people get back into their houses and to their day-to-day life.'

He jumped on a boat to find that he was neck-deep in water

He has been working tirelessly for days rescuing people from their homes and helping with the aftermath of these epic floods.

Parry said he has no renters' insurance and his landlord has no flood insurance either.

'There's a lot of work to do here, helping neighbors and helping our community,' he told CNN.

'I need to find a place to live. I need to buy some clothes. All I have now is a pair of shorts, some underwear and my two fire department uniforms.'
A babysitter has been jailed for 15 years for the death of an eight-month-old boy who she gave Benadryl to to make him go to sleep.

Lori Conley, 45, was sentenced on Wednesday for killing Haddix Mulkey in May last year.

She was looking after the baby boy and seven other children at her home in Columbus, Ohio, when she gave him two of the antihistamine pills to make him go to sleep.

Lori Conley, 45, looked down on Wednesday as she was jailed for 15 years for the death of eight-month-old Haddix Mulkey who died last year after she gave him two Benadryl tablets

He passed out and was later taken to hospital where doctors failed to revive him.

Conley was originally arrested for murder but the charge was downgraded to involuntary manslaughter as part of a plea deal.

On May 13, 2016, Haddix's mother Katie left him in Conley's care with several other children.

When he refused to settle, she gave him two of the strong antihistamine pills to try to get him to go to sleep.

Later, Conley found him unresponsive in his bouncy seat in the back bedroom of her home where she had placed him and his older sister Zayla.

Haddix was one of eight children the woman was looking after at her home in Columbus, Ohio, at the time

Conley is seen in her mugshot last year and during one of her first court appearances

Haddix was found unresponsive in his bouncy chair shortly after being given the drug

Haddix's face had turned blue and he had stopped breathing.

Conley called 911 and paramedics arrived to rush the baby to hospital but he could not be saved.

A toxicology report later confirmed that the boy died as a result of an antihistamine overdose.

The boy's mother Katie said she hoped his death served as a lesson to others not to give babies medicine to get them to sleep

Conley admitted to police that she had been trying to 'calm him down' when she gave him the adult dosage.

She was not a licensed day care provider but had been running an unofficial babysitting business out of her home with the help of her own two teenagers.

Haddix's family has not yet spoken publicly of the woman's sentence.

Before she accepted the plea deal, the boy's grandmother told friends they were seeking the 'maximum' sentence for both murder and child endangerment - the two charges she initially faced.

Katie Mulkey has two other children.

After her son's death, she pleaded with other parents and childminders not to make the same mistake Conley did.

'This is a common practice that people think its OK to give your babies medicine to help them sleep. This didnt have to happen,' she told The Columbus Dispatch.
Rare aerial footage of North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, has revealed that while it's filled with skyscrapers, the vast city appears to be empty of people.

The footage was filmed by Singaporean Aram Pan as he rode in a Piper Matrix PA-46 circling Pyongyang.

Pan is part of the DPRK360, a project aiming to showcase North Korea through images and film. He was given permission to film by the country's government.

Footage shows colourful buildings and skyscrapers as well as modern highways, overpasses and bridges.

Footage of the North Korean capital was filmed by Singaporean Aram Pan as he rode in a Piper Matrix PA-46 circling Pyongyang. He was given permission to film by the country's government

Pan, who works with an organization working to showcase North Korea through film and images, was given permission to film by the country's government.

Another region of the city shows vast rolling hills with small houses in rows. The region sits just outside the metropolis city.

But one noteworthy aspect of the video, however, is that the roads and pavement are mostly empty of people and cars.

Pyongyang, the largest city in North Korea, is believed to have a population of 2.58million.

The country has been shut off from the rest of the world for nearly 70 years, after the Korean peninsula was cut into two countries.

Pan has been documenting life inside North Korea for several years, and is one of the rare foreigners allowed to do so.

North Korea allows foreign tourists to visit but their travel is strictly limited. Hundreds of Americans were among the roughly 4,000 to 5,000 Western tourists who visit North Korea each year before the the travel ban to the country was initiated at the beginning of September.

The travel ban was imposed following the death of student Otto Warmbier in June, a few days after the 22-year-old was sent home in a mysterious coma following more than a year in prison in the North.

Footage shows colourful buildings and skyscrapers as well as modern highways, overpasses and bridges

Another region of the city shows vast rolling hills with small houses in rows. The region sits just outside the metropolis city

He had been convicted of offenses against the state for trying to steal a propaganda poster from a Pyongyang hotel and sentenced to 15 years' hard labor, with President Donald Trump blaming Pyongyang's 'brutal regime' for his plight.

On its website the State Department said it took the decision due to 'the serious and mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention of US citizens'.

Three Americans accused of various crimes against the state are behind bars in the North, which is engaged in a tense standoff with the Trump administration over its banned missile and nuclear weapons programs.

The vast majority of tourists visiting the country are Chinese, and North Korean tourism development officials have said the ban will not affect the economy

Other curious foreigners still travel to the North, and an art symposium in Pyongyang this week saw foreign artists, most of them European, working together with North Koreans.

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that military action against North Korea was not the 'first choice' of his administration, edging away from his most bellicose threats against the Pyongyang regime.

After a phone call with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping about how to deal with Kim Jong-Un's threatening nuclear and ballistic missile programs, Trump did not rule out military strikes if necessary.

One noteworthy aspect of the video, however, is that the roads and pavement are mostly empty of people and cars

Pyongyang, the largest city in North Korea, is believed to have a population of 2.58million. North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un is pictured above

But, he indicated, other avenues for pressure would come before military action.

'Certainly that's not our first choice, but we will see what happens,' Trump said as he boarded Marine One at the White House.

Trump has previously warned of 'fire and fury' if North Korea continued tests and warned its few international partners that trade with the United States could come to an end.

So far those threats have gone unheeded in Pyongyang which recently detonated an apparent thermonuclear bomb.

That and a litany of other tests appear aimed at marrying missile and nuclear technology in a way that could put the United States within striking distance.

Trump has accused China in particular of not doing enough to tighten economic pressure on its smaller neighbor. But on Wednesday Trump sounded more conciliatory.

'I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent. He doesn't want to see what's happening there, either. We had a very, very frank and very strong phone call.'

After years of incrementally tougher sanctions against North Korea, the United Nations is currently weighing additional steps.

Those could include an squeezing oil supplies or restricting North Korea's ability to collect remittances from workers abroad.
Sharon Victoria Druitt's windscreen flew 30ft in the air and all four doors blew off

A shopper has told how her windscreen flew 30ft in the air and all four doors blew off when she lit a cigarette and her car's air freshener exploded.

Sharon Victoria Druitt, 51, went into her Ford Focus after shopping at the DIY store in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, where she bought the industrial air freshener.

Firefighters said a build up of gases from the freshener were ignited by the cigarette - and her car's doors, roof and windscreen were blown out in a 'very loud bang' on Wednesday.

Ms Druitt managed to scramble out of the car after the windscreen was hurled into the air, and is now being treated for burns to her arm at Southend Hospital.

Speaking after the explosion, she said: 'I put the air freshener in the backseat, lit a cigarette, turned the engine on then bang. I was on morphine from the moment I left the car park so I had no idea of the damage.

'The officer said to me 'do you know what you got out of?' and showed me the images of the car after the explosion.'

Shocking pictures show the doors, windscreen and roof of the charred Ford Focus completely blown out in a B&Q car park in Southend, Essex

Firefighters said a build-up of gases from an air freshener was accidentally ignited by a cigarette

Sharon Druitt, 51 in hospital recovering after an air freshener caused an explosion in her car

A man who saw the car blazing after the explosion said: 'I have never heard anything like it. At first we thought it was a terrorist attack because of the world we live in.

'Then I just heard screams and ran to the car and all the windows were smashed and the doors were buckled. The whole car park is covered in bits of car.'

He said Ms Druitt was in a deep state of shock as she tried to get back into the car to get her handbag out.

He added: 'I said 'no, no, no the roof is on fire'. I basically had to push her to the other end of the car park.'

Police and firefighters were seen at the B&Q car park inspecting the vehicle as the driver was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital with minor injuries

An Essex Fire Service spokesman added: 'I don't think this has ever happened before - it's not something we've even seen before'

Sharon's hair is said to have singed as she got out of the car and there was a very strong smell of burning.

Justin Benson-Ryal, divisional officer at Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Incidents like this are extremely rare, but it is important for everyone to be aware how flammable aerosol cans, such as air fresheners and deodorants, can be.

'We strongly advise that you not to use an aerosol in a confined space and also you should not smoking during or shortly after use.'

He said 'quantities of aerosols' should not be stored in confined spaces nor exposed to sunlight and high temperatures.

Sharon Victoria Druitt's injuries after she went into her car after shopping at the DIY store in Southend, Essex, where she bought the industrial air freshener

The explosion set fire to the 51-reg car which suffered 'significant damage'

Shocked bystander Albert Quixall said on Twitter: 'Just missed witnessing car explosion near Southend.

'Very loud bang. Ford Focus doors, windscreen, roof blown out.. B&Q staff rushing to help.'

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance said: 'An ambulance and ambulance officer were sent.

'They treated one patient for minor injuries. The patient was taken to Southend University Hospital.'

A B&Q spokesman said: 'We were sorry to hear of this incident and wish the customer a quick recovery. We understand the product was purchased at the B&Q Southend store.

'Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed their fire investigation found no evidence of a leakage.'
A woman who was hiking in Oregon's Eagle Creek Canyon over the weekend claims she witnessed a group of teens giggling as one of them threw 'a smoke bomb' that is suspected of causing the massive 10,000-acre fire to ignite.

Liz FitzGerald said that she's pretty certain she heard the teenager's friends laughing as the firework dropped down a cliff and into the trees below in the Columbia River Gorge, The Oregonian reported.

The 48-year-old woman said one of the boys was recording video on his cellphone of the encounter.

'I saw this shorter kid lob this smoke bomb down into the canyon,' FitzGerald told the newspaper.

'I was probably 4 feet away from him. I said, 'Do you realize how dangerous this is?... This place is so dry.''

She said the teens didn't respond to her warning about their behavior.

'They kept on walking down the trail,' FitzGerald said.

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Liz FitzGerald was hiking in Oregon's Eagle Creek Canyon over the weekend and claims she witnessed a group of teens giggling as one of them threw 'a smoke bomb' that is suspected of causing the massive 10,000-acre fire to ignite (above)

The horrific fire spread 13 miles in 16 hours, pushed by winds overnight that ranged from 30mph to 40mph in tinder-dry conditions (above)

FitzGerald said she saw one of the boys was recording video on his cellphone of his friend throwing the firework. Oregon State Police say that a 15-year-old boy from Vancouver is suspected of starting the fire, but they have not arrested anyone

Another hiker filmed video of the moment authorities stopped a van from leaving the area with a group of teens inside as they had detained one of the boys (circled above). It's unclear if this is the same teen who is suspected of starting the fire

FitzGerald said that she noticed the van above and saw a teen girl (circled left) who looked like one of the girls she saw on the trail along with the boy who she thinks threw the firework (circled right)

Oregon State Police say that a 15-year-old boy from Vancouver is suspected of starting the fire, but they have not arrested anyone.

They also have not released the boy's name since he is underage.

'It was a whole group of kids that was completely complicit,' FitzGerald said.

'They were all in on it. He (the 15-year-old boy) threw it. But they all shrugged it off. They had no discernible problem with what he was doing.'

Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 503-375-3555.

FitzGerald told police what she witnessed during her hike to Punch Bowl Falls.

She said that she encountered the group of teens nearly two miles up the trail that starts near Cascade Locks.

She added that she looked down into the canyon after the boy threw the firework.

FitzGerald said she saw some smoke but thought it was from the firework, as she hadn't seen any brush or trees on fire so she kept walking.

FitzGerald said: 'It was a whole group of kids that was completely complicit. They were all in on it. He (the 15-year-old boy) threw it. But they all shrugged it off. They had no discernible problem with what he was doing'

FitzGerald told police what she witnessed during her hike to Punch Bowl Falls in regards to the massive fire starting

Moments later, she ran into another group of two hikers who she told what she witnessed. The two hikers said they also saw the teens and said they were walking back down the trail to 'rat them out,' FitzGerald stated.

That's when she decided to also report what she saw, but didn't have her cellphone.

'I started to run,' FitzGerald said before adding that she passed the area where the she saw the teens.

'At that point, it was so obvious to me that it was a fire. I could see all of this smoke billowing up.'

She then said she saw the group of teens not too far away and addressed them again

'My adrenaline is through the roof,' FitzGerald said. 'I said, 'Do you realize you just started a forest fire?' And the kid who had been filming with his cellphone said, 'But what are we supposed to do about it now?' And I said, 'Call the fricking fire department!''

She explained that she didn't think the teens understood the gravity of the situation, as they were calm.

People living in about 700 homes in and around the Columbia River Gorge have been forced to evacuate due to the massive blaze that's 16-square miles

Others have been warned to get ready as flames burn trees and brush in one of the state's biggest tourist attractions

'There was complete indifference,' she noted. 'It was weird. I was just like, 'You're not getting this on any level. You're not getting this at all.'''

While making her way down the trail, she warned other hikers to turn around.

FitzGerlad ended up finding a U.S. Forest Service officer and reported what she saw.

She added that she told the officer she was concerned that the teen would drive off undetected.

But she then spotted a minivan drive by with a girl in the front seat who looked excited and she thought she was apart of the group she saw earlier.

FitzGerald then joined the officer in his SUV as they followed the van before giving chase.

'The kids tore through the parking lot,' FitzGerald said.

She said the officer stopped the van minutes later just as the driver tried to get on Interstate 84.

A video shared to YouTube from other hikers show police interviewing two teenagers near the Eagle Creek Trailhead, as they are next to a minivan.

Hiker Kevin Marnell told the newspaper that one of the boys was detained by police.

Gov. Kate Brown (above) visited the fire scene Tuesday as ash fell around her

She said: 'It looks like there has been a devastating impact on the Gorge.' Pictured above is the Columbia River Gorge prior to the fire

The growing blaze east of Portland is just one of dozens of wildfires in western U.S. that sent smoke into cities from Seattle to Denver - prompting health warnings and cancellations of outdoor activities for children by many school districts

People living in about 700 homes in and around the Columbia River Gorge have been forced to evacuate due to the massive blaze that's 16-square miles. Others have been warned to get ready as flames burn trees and brush in one of the state's biggest tourist attractions.

Gov. Kate Brown visited the fire scene Tuesday as ash fell around her.

The fire spread 13 miles in 16 hours, pushed by winds overnight that ranged from 30mph to 40mph in tinder-dry conditions, Brown said.

'It looks like there has been a devastating impact on the Gorge,' she said, speaking of the renowned Columbia River Gorge, famous for its hiking and spectacular vistas.

And embers from the fire drifted across the Columbia River - sparking blazes in neighboring Washington state. People shielded their faces and authorities in the Northwest urged drivers to use headlights during the day to increase visibility.

A total of 600 Oregon National Guard troops have been called up to fight more than a dozen blazes across Oregon, including a much larger blaze in southwest Oregon in a rural area along the California border.

The growing blaze east of Portland is just one of dozens of wildfires in western U.S. that sent smoke into cities from Seattle to Denver - prompting health warnings and cancellations of outdoor activities for children by many school districts.

'I haven't seen ash fall like this in the Portland metro area in my 18 years as a firefighter,' said Damon Simmons, with the fire incident management team for the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

Joanna Fisher walked to work Tuesday at a Troutdale, Oregon, naturopathic clinic with Calla Wanser, who was wearing a red bandana around her mouth.

'You can't really stand outside without getting rained on' by ash, Fisher said.

The only comparison people could come up with was the eruption of Mount St. Helens in nearby southwest Washington more than 35 years ago.

'In 1980, we had a couple of significant ash falls here in the Portland area and this is very reminiscent of what we saw in the ash fall in those days,' said Don Hamilton, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

'The particulate matter that shows up on the cars, it gets in your hair, it gets in your eyes, it?s all over the place like it was in those days.'

A closure of one section of Interstate 84 because of thick smoke and falling ash was extended 30 miles east of Portland while the U.S. Coast Guard closed about 20 miles of the Columbia River in the same area.

The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, a federal agency that coordinates wildfire-fighting, said 80 large fires were burning on 2,200 square miles in nine Western states.

A fast-moving wildfire in northern Utah swept down a canyon Tuesday morning - destroying structures, forcing evacuations and closing highways.
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Autumn Matacchiera has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of a five-year-old girl

A New Jersey woman who threw a stranger's five-year-old daughter in front of an oncoming train as a 'human sacrifice', claims insanity.

Autumn N. Matacchiera, 20, was charged with first-degree attempted murder after she threw the young girl on the tracks at the Burlington township light rail station on January 27.

She told the Courier-Post shortly after the incident she was trying to sacrifice the girl to win the love of a relative.

'I didn't think it was anything bad,' she said. 'Now, I kind of regret it. People tell me that sacrificing a human isn't the same as sacrificing the animal.'

On Tuesday, Matacchiera pleaded not guilty during her appearance at the Burlington County Superior Court.

Her attorney told the judge Matacchiera plans to plead not guilty by reason of insanity and will request a bench trial.

Matacchiera's mother Laura told NJ.com that her daughter 'has mental health issues' and has been in and out of mental health facilities for years.

In Matacchiera's blog linked on her Twitter page, she writes: 'I have Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar, and Anxiety.'

'I have been in the mental health system for many years and seen some things change things stay the same.'

Autumn Matacchiera (left) allegedly pushed an unrelated girl in front of Burlington train tracks (right)

Police moved the girl out of the way of the speeding train. She was taken to the hospital for bruises and a cut on her face

'I want to help other people who are in it. So, this is why I'm writing this.'

The 20-year-old was taken to Lourdes Medical Center for a psychiatric evaluation after the January incident. She was subdued and arrested.

Matacchiera, from Hainesport, had been acting strangely on High and Broad streets moments before she flung the little girl in front of the train ,according to police.

Officers walked up to her on the train platform and to their horror Matacchiera threw the five-year-old onto the rail as a train was approaching.

Thankfully, officers jumped on the tracks and were able to signal to to stop. The boyfriend of the mother pulled her to safety.

The scared little girl was taken to Memorial Hospital of Burlington with bruising and a cut on her face.

A trial date has been set for Nov. 8.
Half of the bodies that floated out of their graves during last year's Hurricane Matthew have not been identified.

The bodies were buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Goldsboro, North Carolina, but 18 of the 36 have not been returned to their graves since the flooding caused by the hurricane.

However, Goldsboro Public Works Director Rick Fletcher hopes to change that this month.

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A roadway is flooded by remnants of Hurricane Matthew on October 11, 2016 in North Carolina

Medical personnel is preparing to take DNA samples from the deceased, according to The Goldsboro News-Argus.

Fletcher said the task of identifying the bodies was a lot harder than expected and required the use of several different agencies.

'I just don't want people to think we haven't been actively pursuing a resolution and getting them re-interred, because we have,' Fletcher told The Goldsboro News-Argus.

'It's just taken longer than we expected.'

The process requires removing the bodies from their original caskets onto a gurney so an employee from the North Carolina Chief Medical Examiner's Office can take a DNA sample from the femur bone.

Residents paddle past a stranded semi-tractor trailer in North Carolina in October 2016

After that the body is returned to a new casket that is tagged and returned to their plot in the cemetery.

To make sure their are no errors a plaque will be placed in Elmwood with a list of the names of the people who came up from their graves during the flood.

Family members will then be able to see the name of their dead loved ones and provide a DNA sample for a cross-reference.

The next step for getting the process underway is assembling a Disaster Mortuary Operation Response Team, also known as a DMORT.

This team will be the one to help the staffer from the Chief Medical Examiner's office draw DNA samples by actually moving the bodies from a casket, to gurney and back to the casket, according to The Goldsboro News-Argus.

Officials are also trying to get a court order authorizing the extraction of DNA from the bodies.

Two men carry personal items through a flooded street caused by remnants of Hurricane Matthew in North Carolina

'Not that we have to have it, but we just want to make sure,' Mel Powers, Wayne County Emergency Services Director, said.

'It's just a court order giving us permission to obtain it.'

Fletcher said some caskets only floated part of the way out of the graves, which made it easier to know where to re-bury them.

But others came all the way out of the ground and officials decided to hold off on putting them in a grave until they could be properly identified.

The bodies that were floated from their graves have been stored in a refrigerated unit at the city's Public Works compound since they were displaced.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is projected to cover the cost of the identification process, according to The Goldsboro News-Argus.
Rush Limbaugh has come under fire for his comments suggesting the media coverage of Hurricane Irma is a ploy to drum up local business.

The outspoken radio host made his statements about the storm and the ensuing media coverage on his syndicated radio show, which tapes from Florida. Irma is expected to first touch down in the continental US in the Sunshine state.

His suggestion that the media stokes the public's frenzy in the face of a natural disaster to the benefit of local shopping areas, sparked outrage from arguably the most recognizable weatherman in the country, the Today Show's Al Roker.

Al Roker (seen here covering Irma Wednesday morning) slammed Rush Limbaugh for comments he made during his radio show that tapes in Florida, where the storm is expected to hit first in the continental US

Roker took to Twitter to denounce Limbaugh downplaying the coverage of Hurricane Irma

Roker caught wind of Limbaugh's statements Wednesday and fired back on Twitter: 'To have Rush Limbaugh suggest warnings about Irma are fake news or about profit and to ignore them borders on criminal.'

To drive home the point, Roker added the hashtag '#shameonrush.'

Limbaugh started his anti-media rant of the day by claiming 'These storms, once they actually hit, are never as strong as they're reported.'

He then suggested the weather maps of storms are created to only look terrifying. 'The graphics have been created to make it look like the ocean's having an exorcism, just getting rid of the devil here in the form of this hurricane, this bright red stuff.'

As has been broadly reported by various weather outlets, Irma's 185-mile-per-hour winds tied the record high for any Atlantic hurricane making landfall.

Yet, Limbaugh did not cease to try and dissuade his audience, from his Palm Beach studio, that he suspects a more devious force is at hand when it comes to the way storms are reported on.

Those devious forces: the all mighty dollars connected to the media, and climate change adherents.

Roker is arguably the most recognizable weatherman in the country and did not take kindly to Limbaugh suggesting the coverage of the storm is over hyped

Roker added the hashtag ShameOnRush to drive home his point

Limbaugh insisted that 'there is symbiotic relationship between retailers and local media, and it's related to money. It revolves around money. You have major, major industries and businesses which prosper during times of crisis and panic, such as a hurricane, which could destroy or greatly damage people's homes, and it could interrupt the flow of water and electricity.'

The money people spend when faced with a storm, is not to ease any issues they may face at the pump, or being trapped on their homes for days, as we've seen with Hurricane Harvey. Its the fault of the cash flow for the media.

'TV stations begin reporting this and the panic begins to increase. And then people end up going to various stores to stock up on water and whatever they might need for home repairs and batteries and all this that they're advised to get, and a vicious circle is created. You have these various retail outlets who spend a lot of advertising dollars with the local media.'

The local media, there to report on events that are affecting their communities are an issue for Limbaugh.

'The local media, in turn, reports in such a way as to create the panic way far out, which sends people into these stores to fill up with water and to fill up with batteries, and it becomes a never-ending repeated cycle.'

He also blames the way storms are covered on those who tout climate change.

'Hurricanes are always forecast to hit major population centers because, after all, major population centers is where the major damage will take place and where we can demonstrate that these things are getting bigger and they're getting more frequent and they're getting worse  all because of climate change.'

'You have people in all of these government areas who believe man is causing climate change, and they're hellbent on proving it, they're hellbent on demonstrating it, they're hellbent on persuading people of it.'
Amazon is being accused of price gouging by selling bottles of water at nearly four times its normal cost to Floridians eager to stock up in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, it was reported on Wednesday.

Locals in Florida have cleaned out grocery stores of key necessities and supplies just days before one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic is expected to make landfall.

Yet some of those who are looking to the e-commerce site were angered to see what they say is an attempt by Amazon to profit off an impending disaster.

I'm in Tampa trying to buy water online because stores are out of water and this is crazy price gouging! one Twitter user tweeted, attaching a photo of a 24-bottle case of Dasani water that sells online for $22.20.

Amazon was selling 24-packs of Aquafina water for $20, even though it usually sells for less than $6.

Amazon is being accused of price gouging by selling bottles of water at nearly ten times its normal cost to Floridians eager to stock up in anticipation of Hurricane Irma. Shoppers are seen above waiting for a shipment of water Wednesday in Altamonte Springs, Florida

One Twitter user wondered aloud whether charging $21.95 for a gallon of distilled water constituted price gouging

This Twitter user based in Tampa wanted to buy a case of water that sold on Amazon for $22.20

Diana Moskovitz posted this screenshot of an Amazon page which offered expedited shipping of a case of water for $179.25

Another Twitter user, Diana Moskovitz, said that she looked into using Amazon Prime to ship more water to her family in South Florida.

Check out the price they quoted me, Moskovitz tweeted.

The photo attached to her tweet shows a screenshot of Amazons page in which a 24-bottle case of Nestle water is sold for $18.48  which does not include an expedited shipping and handling charge of $179.25.

One possible explanation for the higher prices is an algorithm Amazon uses known as 'dynamic pricing.'

Floridians shopping for water on Amazon noticed that prices were higher than usual, leading to accusations of price gouging

Cases of water which usually sell for $6 were instead selling for nearly four times that amount

Similar to a practice employed by ride-sharing app Uber, Amazon uses an algorithm which automatically adjusts pricing based on demand.

Whenever demand for a certain product spikes, the price is bumped up as well, according to CBS Moneywatch.

Dynamic pricing is legal, though experts say that whenever it is noticed during times of crisis like a major storm or a terrorist attack, it inevitably leads to accusations of price gouging.

Amazon denied that it uses a 'surge pricing' or that its practices amount to gouging.

'We do not engage in surge pricing,' a spokesperson for the company said.

'Amazon prices do not fluctuate by region or delivery location. Prices on bottled water from Amazon, and third-party sellers that are doing their own fulfillment to customers, have not widely fluctuated in the last month.'

One possible explanation for the higher prices is an algorithm Amazon uses known as 'dynamic pricing.' Similar to a practice employed by ride-sharing app Uber, Amazon uses an algorithm which automatically adjusts pricing based on demand

The Florida Attorney Generals Office told the Miami Herald that even though Amazon is not based in Florida, it could be in danger of running afoul of state price gouging laws.

If a business is selling an essential commodity to persons who are using it in Florida as a result of the emergency, the business may be subject to Floridas price gouging law, the office said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Floridians seem to be taking hurricane prep seriously. Stores throughout the state, which has been under a state of emergency since Monday, have already started running out of bottled water and other necessities and gas stations are struggling to keep up with the never ending lines of cars.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said during a press conference Wednesday morning that gas and more supplies are on the way, after stores and service stations across the state started reporting shortages.

He also said that the state is going to start the evacuations starting with the Keys, and move north depending on where the storm turns.

Scott announced in Miami that he's asked the governors of Alabama and Georgia to waive trucking regulations so tankers can get fuel into communities in need.

Hurricane Irma is estimated to be one of the largest storms ever emanating from the Atlantic

Gas stations are empty has people prepare for Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017 in Sunny Isles, Florida

People make Hurricane Irma preparations at a Winn Dixie store in South Florida on September 6, 2017 in Hallandale, Florida

Drivers wait in line for gasoline in Altamonte Springs, Fla., ahead of the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Irma, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017

He told residents of the Florida Keys that 'we're doing everything to get fuel to you as quickly as possible.' Tourists are under a mandatory evacuation order, which began Wednesday morning.

Residents will then be ordered to evacuate, but many gas stations across southern Florida are experiencing shortages. And residents won't get far in the bumper to bumper traffic with low tanks.

Scott said, 'we will get you out.' But he's urging people to move quickly if they plan on evacuating, calling Irma a 'life-threatening storm.'

Scott says his administration 'is looking at all possible avenues to get as many people out as possible' ahead of Hurricane Irma.

He estimates that 25,000 people have already evacuated from the Florida Keys. He says that if local officials tell people to evacuate, that means it is not safe to stay.

Several big box stores have activated emergency response protocols, sending truck loads of hurricane preparation items to areas with the greatest need.

Walmart said it had activated their Emergency Operations Center for Hurricane Irma to 'get those shelves stocked as soon as possible,' Ragan Dickens, director of national media relations told the Miami Herald.

Water and supplies being shipped to stores in preparation Hurricane Irma are viewed on September 6, 2017 in Hallandale, Florida

Florida Governor Rick Scott speaks to the media about Hurricane Irma while flanked by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)

From left, Denise Cabrera, Veronica Vicente, Alejandra Sanchez and Carolina Rodriguez, prep for hurricane Irma and shop for non-perishable food in Gainesville, Fla

Miami residents are buying water and supplies to be prepared for Hurricane Irma in Miami, Florida, USA, 06 September 2017

Alex, left, and Cynthia Stone, of Maitland, Fla. load plywood on the roof of their vehicle as they prepare for Hurricane Irma

'This is an all-hands-on-deck operation,' Dickens said.

About 800 truckloads of supplies including water, flashlights, batteries, ready-to-eat foods and other supplies were dispatched from Walmart headquarters in Arkansas to Florida on Tuesday.

Home Depot's Rapid Response Team send truckloads of supplies from Atlanta to Florida Tuesday night.

A Target spokesman said Florida stores would be getting additional supplies ahead of the storm, expected to hit Florida as early as Sunday.

'We're providing stores with additional supplies that we know our guests need to stock up, including water, batteries, flashlights, toiletries, camping supplies, cleaning supplies and nonperishable food,'Target spokeswoman Jenna Reck said. 'We'll continue to push as many products to our stores as we safely can before the hurricane hits.'

On Wednesday, lines stretched at grocery stores, gas stations and home improvement stores as Floridians stocked up for the storm and readied their houses to face the gale-force winds.

Lines stretched around 50 cars deep at one gas station in Cooper City, which is southwest of Fort Lauderdale, by 5:30am Wednesday. The station had been out of fuel on Tuesday night, but received an overnight delivery.

Workers at a station in Doral, near Miami, put yellow caution tape around pumps Wednesday morning after running out of gasoline. Local news outlets reported both long lines and stations that had no gas across South Florida.

The Hurricane Center in Miami said hurricane-force winds extended 50 miles from Irma's center and tropical storm-force winds extended 175 miles.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Trump says his administration is closely watching Hurricane Irma.
A Texas realtor mom who vanished the day before Hurricane Harvey is still missing in mysterious and worrying circumstances.

Crystal McDowell, 38, was last heard from on August 25 when she left her boyfriend's home to go to collect her children from her ex-husband home in Houston.

She never showed up and later missed several business appointments, prompting her uncle to report her missing on August 26.

Four days after vanishing, the woman's Mercedez was found submerged in flood water in the parking lot of a Motel 6. It was recognized by someone who had seen her family's frantic social media appeals to find her.

Now, almost two weeks after she first disappeared, authorities fear she is the victim of foul play.

Crystal McDowell, 37, is still missing two weeks after going missing from Houston on August 25, a day before Hurricane Harvey hit

Chambers County Sheriff's Office beefed up its search effort on Wednesday by enlisting a local equestrian unit to help them search an area near the Cedar Bayou river.

In the days before her disappearance, Crystal made teasing reference to a happy new life on social media.

'I've never been happier in my whole life than I am right now. God is so good,' she wrote.

When friends begged for more information, she replied: 'Details soon.'

Crystal stayed overnight at her jeweler boyfriend Paul Hargrave's home on Thursday, August 24.

On the 25th, she left his home in the morning and was seen on surveillance cameras in his home leaving in a purple dress and black coat, carrying a black bag.

As she drove to Steve's house, she stopped during the journey to text her boyfriend a photograph of an advert featuring her real estate business.

Two days before she vanished, Crystal said cryptically that she was 'happier' than she had ever been and she told friends she would give them 'details soon'

Crystal stayed at her boyfriend Paul Hargrave's home on August 24 the night before she disappeared

She is seen leaving his house on surveillance cameras inside the home. Circled is the black bag she was carrying

A photograph from surveillance cameras on the day she vanished shows Crystal leaving the house with the bag on her arm, dressed in a purple outfit

After leaving her boyfriend's home, she text him to say the roads were clear. She also sent a photograph of a billboard advert of her realtor business which he had installed at his jewelry store and thanked him. It was their last exchange

The advert was at his jewelry business. At 7.27am, she texted Paul a photograph of the billboard and told him: 'You are so sweet'.

He replied: 'I love you and I'll always support you.'

Steve, her ex-husband, says she never showed up at his house to collect the children. He claims to have received a text message from her before she was due to arrive in which she described plans to take the children to Dallas to ride out the storm.

Her uncle Jeff Walters has cast doubt on the authenticity of that message.

'We arent sure she sent those messages to him. She never told me of plans to go to Dallas for the storm,' he told Dateline.

Sheriffs later found a black bag containing her business paperwork at Steve's house.

It is not clear how long the pair have been separated or how long she has been dating Paul.

Crystal said she was on her way to her ex-husband Steve McDowell's home to collect their children

After she failed to show up to collect their children, Steve revealed that he received a text message from her phone in which she claimed she was going to Dallas

On August 29, her car was found submerged in flood water at a Motel 6 in Houston but she was nowhere to be seen

Crystal's uncle Jeff Walters said he does not believe she sent the text claiming she was going to Dallas and suggested it may have been written by someone else

When her uncle spoke to Dateline, he said Crystal was still living at her ex-husband's house while works on her townhouse were ongoing.

Steve has not spoken publicly of his ex-wife's disappearance. On Wednesday, Paul declined to comment while the search for his girlfriend intensified.

'There's a lot going on today,' he told DailyMail.com in reference to the equestrian team's sudden announcement that it had been called in to the search for her.

Crystal's uncle Jeff did not respond to requests. He describes himself as a father-figure for the woman whose own parents died when she was 11.

Chamber County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the search for her, did not respond to requests either.

Crystal's boyfriend and uncle have pulled money together and are now offering a $15,000 reward to anyone who can help find her.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Chamber County Sheriff's Office on 409-267-2500.
Sean Spicer is no longer a top draw at the White House, but he's huge in Europe, the former press secretary says.

Spicer, who just signed on with a speakers agency to start getting paid for his occasionally-mangled sentences, became gained global notoriety through his sparring sessions with the press.

Now, as he prepares to make his first speech to a New York investment bank, Spicer says is talking up his trans-Atlantic appeal, saying he got mobbed on a trip to Europe.

'The U.S. press briefing had become part of their nightly viewing,' Spicer told Axios.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer calls on reporters during the daily press briefing at the White House May 15, 2017 in Washington, DC. Now he can earn thousands per appearance as a paid speaker

'It was a prime-time show from Europe to the Middle East. ... I'm one of the most popular guys in Ireland,' he told the publication.

An agent who courted Spicer told him that former White House press secretaries could command $20,000 to $30,000 per speech. Spicer believed he could get more.

'He thought he was a much bigger deal than the others,' the agent told the publication.

'His name I.D. is massive  he's obsessed with that. He kept talking about how everyone stops him for selfies  that's one of his go-to lines. It's true, by the way. It happened when I was talking to him.'

SAY CHEESE: 'I'm one of the most popular guys in Ireland,' Spicer said, saying people ask him to snap selfies wherever he goes. This shot is of Spicer and Irish politician Kevin O'Keeffe

NO SUCH THING AS BAD PUBLICITY: Worldwide Speakers Group touts Melissa McCarthy's brutal impression of Spicer on 'Saturday Night Live' in its online bio about him

Spicer has signed on with an agency to begin a career as a well-paid speaker  and the firm is touting comedian Melissa McCarthy's brutal impression of him on 'Saturday Night Live.'

The firm, Worldwide Speakers Group, mentions the impression in the third paragraph of its online bio touting Spicer as a paid talker  in a pitch that stresses Spicer's long Republican career and lists his role as President Donald Trump's mouthpiece as one of many gigs.

'Melissa McCarthy's depiction of his press briefing performances earned him a spot in Saturday Night Live lore, but it was his role as the architect of the Republican National Committee's PR strategy that earned him a reputation as one of the party's most effective and hardest-charging strategists and communicators,' according to the bio.

Spicer's daily press briefings drew millions of TV viewers, who tuned in to catch his attacks on the press, as well as his occasional mangling of words and phrases and contorted defenses of his boss.

'Everybody knows Sean Spicer. At least, polls show, they know his name and his trademark style behind the White House podium,' says the bio.

'But before the former White House Press Secretary made his mark as one of the most recognized staffers in the Trump administration, he built a decades-long career in Republican politics, witnessing and shaping the inner workings of Washington, DC, from every vantage point--as a House of Representatives communicator, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative, Republican National Committee chief strategist, top advisor to presidential campaigns, and, of course, White House spokesman,' it says.

Then comes the pitch: 'Few in Washington are as well-equipped as Sean to pull back the curtain and dissect what's really happening in the nation's capital.'

Then-White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, January 24, 2017 in Washington, DC. Spicer did not offer evidence to support President Trump's claim that millions of people voted illegally

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer conducts the daily press briefing at the White House March 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. Spicer fielded queiitons from reporters about Syria, allegations of Russia working with the Trump campaign and a variety of other subjects

Spicer walks into the West Wing of The White House on July 29, 2017 in Washington, DC

A press release touting Spicer produced by the agency touts Spicer's 'candor,' Politico reported.

'Audiences around the world will benefit from the same candor, wit and insight that Spicer brought to the White House briefing room,' says the release.

His first paid appearance will be before investment bank Rodman & Renshaw in New York on Sept. 11, according to the publication.

Spicer had a strained relationship from his first day on the job, when he inaccurately claimed President Trump's inauguration crowd size was bigger than that of President Barack Obama.

'This was the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration  period  both in person and around the globe,' he said.

Spicer's bio also also tries to pitch him as someone who can appeal to more than just the Trump base.

'Sean is a lifelong Republican operative who worked his way up through the ranks and whom colleagues know as relentless, quick-witted and good-humored,' it states.

'He helped the party successfully rebuild following losses in the 2012 election, and he then played a key role in the strategy behind the party's sweeping 2014 victories, the must-see 2016 primary debates and the party's improbable wins across the country that November.'
Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump announced on Wednesday that a dozen charities will share in $1 million of their personal fortune donated to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are the largest grantees, receiving 300,000 each.

Reach Out America, a Georgia-based children's charity, and Samaritan's Purse, a Christian group run by Rev. Franklin Graham, will each get $100,000.

CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS: As Hurricane Irma threatens to strike Florida and Puerto Rico, The first family is donating $1 million to a dozen charities working to clean up and restore Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey

Trump, shown last Saturday in Houston, took some suggestions about worthy charities from journalists who cover his administration, and used some of them

The remaining $200,000 will be divided equally, $25,000 apiece, between eight other nonprofits including two animal charities  the ASPCA and the Houston Humane Society.

TRUMP'S HARVEY $$ The president and first lady announced Wednesday that the following charities will get personal donations from them for Hurricane Harvey relief in Texas: $300,000 American Red Cross

Salvation Army $100,000 Reach Out America

Samaritan's Purse $25,000 ASPCA

Catholic Charities

Direct Relief

Habitat for Humanity

Houston Humane Society

Operation Blessing

Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies

Team Rubicon Advertisement

Houston Humane is a regional pet sheltering organization and, like most shelters, it is not affiliated with the larger Humane Society of the United States.

Other recipients of $25,000 from the first family's bank account include Catholic Charities, Direct Relief, Habitat for Humanity, Operation Blessing, Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies and Team Rubicon.

The president's decision to back the Red Cross will raise eyebrows: That organization came under fire following Superstorm Sandy, when it was revealed that it still hadn't spent two-thirds of what it raised seven months after the storm hit America's Atlantic Coast.

And a study released by Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley concluded that the Red Cross spent one-quarter of the money donors gave for earthquake relief in Haiti in 2010  more than $124 million  on its own internal expenses.

The multi-billionaire president made his $1 million pledge last week, and sent a request through his press secretary for ideas from reporters about which organizations should benefit.

Several of the organizations 'were recommended, at the invitation of the President, by members of the White House Press Corps,' the office of White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Wednesday in a statement, 'and he would like to thank those who made recommendations for their attention to this important cause.'

'The President and First Lady continue to pray for the people of Texas and Louisiana.'

The White House said President and Mrs. Trump 'witnessed the work of some of these groups first hand while visiting with hurricane survivors, first responders, volunteers, and Federal, State, and local officials, and are proud to further assist the recovery efforts in Texas.'

The White House released the list of charity recipients as Trump arrived in Bismarck, North Dakota, for a tax policy speech

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters Tuesday that the president pledged the $1 million from his personal wealth, but Sanders' deputy hedged on that Wednesday

Sanders said last week that the money would 'help the people of Texas and Louisiana,' but the statement referred only to relief efforts in the Lone Star State.

Sanders said Tuesday that the funds would come from the Trump's own pockets.

'I know there were a lot of questions over the weekend. That will be a personal donation of $1 million from the president to various organizations and charities, many of which came from this room,' she said.

White House correspondents speculated last week that the $1 million might come from the Trump Foundation, a nonprofit that the president himself stopped funding with his own money years ago.

Stars who have publicly pledged to donate to Hurricane Harvey victims A pair of Oscar winners, Sandra Bullock and Leonardo DiCaprio, are leading the way in stars' donations to relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, but they're not alone. Numerous other celebrities have pledged sizable amounts to charities: Sandra Bullock: $1 million to the American Red Cross Leonardo DiCaprio: $1 million to the new United Way Harvey Recovery Fund Miley Cyrus: $500,000 to the American Red Cross, Best Friends, the Greater Houston Community Fund and other charities The Kardashian family: $250,000 each to the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army Country singer Chris Young: $100,000 to the American Red Cross Kevin Hart: $50,000 to the American Red Cross Supernatural star Jensen Ackles: $50,000 to Random Acts The Chainsmokers: $30,000 to the American Red Cross Ellen DeGeneres: $25,000 to the American Red Cross and SPCA Texas D.J. Khaled: $25,000 to the American Red Cross Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson: $25,000 to the American Red Cross Jennifer Lopez: $25,000 to the American Red Cross Alex Rodriguez: $25,000 to the American Red Cross Wendy Williams: $25,000 to the American Red Cross Advertisement

Sanders' deputy, Lindsay Walters, told reporters on Wednesday that she couldn't be sure.

'The President and First Lady are making this donation. I believe it is from them,' she said.

'I will confirm that for you, but I believe it is their personal account.'

During the 2016 presidential campaign Trump came under fire for repeatedly announcing charitable donations but allegedly not following through.

Trump isn't the first famous person to donate as many have rallied to aid in the relief efforts for those effected by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and along the Gulf Coast.
The EU was accused of 'raping' its own values yesterday after its top court ruled that countries should be forced to accept refugees under a relocation scheme.

In an escalating row over its migration policy, Brussels threatened to sanction any member states who refuse to comply after the European Court of Justice dismissed a complaint about the rules.

But the warning was met with a furious response by Eastern European countries who have opposed the system, highlighting escalating splits over how to deal with the ongoing migration crisis.

The ruling came after Hungary and Slovakia asked the ECJ to quash an EU decision to share 120,000 refugees in Italy and Greece at the height of Europe's migrant influx in 2015.

The EU was accused of 'raping' its own values after its top court ruled countries should be forced to accept refugees under a relocation scheme. The ruling came after Hungary and Slovakia asked the ECJ to quash an EU decision to share 120,000 refugees in Italy and Greece at the height of Europe's migrant influx in 2015. (Above, refugees at the Hungarian border in 2015)

Hungary accused the Luxembourg court of making an 'outrageous and irresponsible' politically driven decision.

Foreign minister Peter Szijjarto said: 'Politics has raped European law and European values.

'This decision practically and openly legitimates the power of the EU above the member states.'

While Brussels expects previously non-compliant countries to accept refugees within weeks, Mr Szijjarto pre-empted a bitter stand-off by saying 'all legal means' would be used to oppose the decision. He added: 'The real battle is only just beginning.'

Hungary has refused to accept a single refugee as part of its hard-line response to the crisis that also saw an electronic fence being built along its border.

The argument comes after months of increasingly hostile political debate between Eastern European countries and Brussels over its handling of the crisis.

Hungary accused the Luxembourg court of making an 'outrageous and irresponsible' politically driven decision. Foreign minister Peter Szijjarto (above) said: 'Politics has raped European law and European values'

While Brussels has insisted the move is necessary to help deal with the 1.6 million people who arrived in Greece and Italy since 2014, the countries say it is not their responsibility.

They also say that opening their borders to refugees from migrants from war-torn countries such as Syria could leave them open to the threat of terrorism.

As the UK has an opt-out on EU rules regarding asylum, it decided not to take part in the scheme.

Beata Szydlo, the Polish prime minister, said: 'We expected this decision. However, this does not change the position of the Polish government on migration policy.'

Slovakia prime minister Robert Fico said his government 'fully respects the court's decision' but added that the quotas were 'politically wrong'.

The ECJ's ruling said: 'The court dismisses the actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary against the provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers.

'That mechanism actually contributes to enabling Greece and Italy to deal with the impact of the 2015 migration crisis and is proportionate.'

The EU's migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos said the court's decision was an opportunity to end in-fighting between member states.

However, he said those countries that refused to take part could be referred to the ECJ and potentially face sizeable fines for breaching EU law.

'It is time to be united and show full solidarity,' Mr Avramopoulos said.

'The door remains, it is still open, and we should convince all member states to fulfil their commitments.'
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German and Russian soldiers have been taking part in the reburial of the remains of more than 1,000 Second World War troops.

The reburial took place today at the German cemetery in Sologubovka, around 40miles from St. Petersburg in Russia.

A total of 1,386 remains of German soldiers were found in the Leningrad region and reburied at the cemetery this afternoon.

German and Russian soldiers have been taking part in the reburial of the remains of more than 1,000 Second World War troops

The reburial took place today at the German cemetery in Sologubovka, around 40miles from St. Petersburg in Russia

A total of 1,386 remains of German soldiers were collected at the Leningrad region and reburied at the cemetery this afternoon

The skeletons were discovered on the bank of the River Neva near the city, previously known as Leningrad, which was invaded by the Nazis in 1941. For 900 days the city fell siege to the Germans, costing the lives of around 200,000 Soviet soldiers and thousands of civilians.

Search groups have become increasingly popular in recent years, as volunteers try to identify soldiers and if possible, reunite the remains with families before giving them a proper burial.

In June 1941, Adolf Hitler launched what was to become one of the bloodiest campaigns in recent military history as he invaded Russia for Operation Barbarossa.

Targeting Leningrad, now known as St Petersburg, it took the German army just three months to encircle the city.

The German siege of Leningrad lasted 900 days from September, 1941 to January, 1944. During that time 800,000 people, nearly a third of the population at the sieges beginning, starved to death. Roughly one in three. Many of them in the streets.

Soviet soldiers fought hard to secure a stretch of the river bank, in a bid to break the blockade from the Nazis but hundreds of thousands of troops were slaughtered in the process.

In total, the USSR lost around 11million soldiers during the war and up to 20million of its civilians.

Of the estimated 70million people killed in World War II, 26million died on the Eastern front - and up to four million of them are still officially considered missing in action.

The skeletons were discovered on the bank of the River Neva near the city, previously known as Leningrad, which was invaded by the Nazis in 1941

For 900 days the city fell siege to the Germans, costing the lives of around 200,000 Soviet soldiers and thousands of civilians

Search groups have become increasingly popular in recent years, as volunteers try to identify soldiers and if possible, reunite the remains with families before giving them a proper burial

In June 1941, Adolf Hitler launched what was to become one of the bloodiest campaigns in recent military history as he invaded Russia for Operation Barbarossa

Targeting Leningrad, now known as St Petersburg, it took the German army just three months to encircle the city
A lawyer representing the parents of two first-graders killed in the tragic 2012 Newtown school massacre claims that emergency folders kept in two of the classrooms where victims were killed did not have keys that could have been used to lock the rooms' doors.

The parents of Jesse Lewis and Noah Pozner, two of the 20 first-graders killed along with six educators at Sandy Hook School, are suing the Connecticut town of having inadequate security measures as part of a wrongful death lawsuit.

School district officials have stated in court documents that every classroom at the school had an emergency folder with a key to lock the door against an intruder.

The parents' attorney, Donald Papcsy, said that he examined the emergency folders in state police custody on Friday as part of the lawsuit after receiving a judge's permission in mid-August to inspect the folders, the News Times reported.

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A lawyer representing the parents of Jesse Lewis (left) and Noah Pozner (right), two first-graders killed in the tragic 2012 Newtown school massacre, claims that emergency folders kept in two of the classrooms where victims were killed did not have keys that could have been used to lock the rooms' doors

The parents of Lewis (left) and Pozner (right), two of the 20 first-graders killed along with six educators at Sandy Hook School, are suing the Connecticut town of having inadequate security measures as part of a wrongful death lawsuit

'This has been a mission to find out the truth, because that is what the victims of this tragedy deserve,' Papcsy told the newspaper on Tuesday.

'We deserve to have a safe environment where our kids can go to school.'

He questions Newtown officials' assertions that the folders had keys and that all teachers had keys,when the folders he inspected did not.

'If you have a lock-down procedure and you are not provided the key, how are you supposed to lock down?' Papcsy told the News Times.

'This is going to be a big part of our case moving forward.'

School district officials have stated in court documents that every classroom at the school had an emergency folder with a key to lock the door against an intruder. Pictured above is the scene from 2012

The parents' attorney, Donald Papcsy, said that he examined the emergency folders in state police custody on Friday as part of the lawsuit after receiving a judge's permission in mid-August to inspect the folders. He said there were no keys. Pictured above is the scene

Back in July, the town had asked a state Superior Court judge to toss the lawsuit out of court arguing that the shooter, Adam Lanza, was responsible for the worst crime in the state's history.

The families part of the lawsuit are preparing a response.

At this moment, this case is scheduled for trial in March.

The town's lawyers would not comment on pending litigation.

The case involving the Lewis and Pozner families is separate from another lawsuit brought by 10 families against the maker of the rifle the 20-year-old used in the horrific attack.

That case was tossed out of court back in 2016, but is being appealed in state Supreme Court.
Warring gangs linked to the killing of a 14-year-old boy are glorifying violence and guns in videos watched by hundreds of thousands online.

Videos on YouTube show masked members of the Woodgrange E7 gang and the rival Beckton E6 crew rapping about gang rivalry and 'shooting to kill'.

A feud between the gangs, based in east London, is believed to have led to the shooting of schoolboy Corey Junior Davis next to a playground in Forest Gate on Monday.

His family made the heartbreaking decision to switch off his life support machine on Tuesday night after he suffered catastrophic injuries from a shotgun blast to the head.

Corey, who has been linked to the Woodgrange group, was shot from behind at close range by a masked gunman in what locals believe was a revenge attack arranged by the E6 gang after the stabbing of an 18-year-old during a mass brawl at the nearby Westfield shopping centre on Friday.

The family of Corey Junior Davis (pictured left and right), from East London, took the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life-support machine. The teen was shot in the head next to a playground in Forest Gate, east London, on Monday

It comes after Google, which owns YouTube, was accused last month of putting lives at stake and 'glamorising gang culture' for refusing more than half of police requests to remove gang videos inciting knife and gun crime in London from the video-sharing website.

Since 2015, YouTube has taken down only 38 per cent of videos reported to it by the Metropolitan Police.

Following Monday's murder, the Daily Mail found chilling YouTube videos produced by the two gangs in which members drink, smoke marijuana and rap about violence while making hand gestures resembling punching and shooting.

None of the videos found by the Mail appeared to have linked advertising. But if any other videos do, it could mean gangsters could earn an estimated 5,000 a month from the adverts, from which Google also benefits.

On Monday afternoon, Corey was targeted as he sat near a playground on an estate. Another 17-year-old was left with 'life-changing' injuries after being shot in the leg.

A shop worker said his friend had been with Corey when the gunman opened fire.

'They were just sitting there talking, and then this guy just came from behind and shot him,' he said. 'Fourteen years old, what can you do to get shot in the head with a shotgun?'

It comes after Google was accused last month of putting lives at stake and 'glamorising gang culture' for refusing more than half of police requests to remove gang videos inciting knife and gun crime in London. Pictured above, an E6 Beckton gang youtube music video

One clip, which seems to have been created by the rival Woodgrange gang has been viewed over 280,000 times

A resident said: 'The shooting was outside the playground. I heard the noise from my house  pow, pow, it was twice.

'The boy couldn't talk, he was just laying down breathing hard. I didn't want to look at him because I saw too much blood.'

Yesterday, Corey's mother Keisha McLeod, 39, a council tax officer, and his sister Roshane, 23, were too devastated to speak. Miss McLeod describes her two children as her 'pride and joy' on her Facebook page.

Her father Neville McLeod, 75, who lived with Corey, nicknamed CJ, at his terraced home in Forest Gate, described his grandson as a 'lovely boy' and urged youngsters to stop carrying weapons.

He told the London Evening Standard: 'There is nothing bad you could say about CJ. He was a lovely boy.

'He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He never kept bad company, so we just have no idea why this has happened.

'That day he left in the morning like he always did and said, 'Goodbye grandad, I will see you later.' He got up in the morning like he always did, had his breakfast, but didn't come home.'

Mr McLeod added: 'I'm feeling devastated, the whole family is. These people don't care, they go around with these weapons.

Police were called to Moore Walk in Forest Gate, east London, after a suspected double shooting left Corey fighting for his life and another with potentially life-changing injuries

Corey's grandfather, Neville McLeod, told Sky News earlier this week that the teen had only got into trouble 'once'

Extra police patrols have been put in place in Newham as the borough braces itself for a revenge attack after the double shooting in broad daylight

'I want to say to these people, stop it. Why do people have to go around carrying knives, guns, shooting and killing people?

'There's no reason for it. Why do they have to do it? They act like life is cheap. CJ did nothing to deserve this.'

There has been a surge in gun crime in the capital over the past year. The Metropolitan Police revealed there was a 42 per cent increase in gun offences in the year to April  up to 2,544 compared with 1,793 between April 2015 and 2016.

On Monday, a boy of 17 was charged with causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon in relation to the shopping centre brawl.

Regarding the shooting of Corey and his friend, police are trying to trace a vehicle seen leaving the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector David Whellams said: 'We are working tirelessly to work through the evidence and piece together the events which led to Corey's murder.

'I am specifically appealing for information about a large, light-coloured 4x4-type vehicle seen leaving the scene immediately after the shooting.'

A YouTube spokesman said they have specialists around the world removing content that breaks their rules, adding: 'While YouTube is a platform for free and creative expression, we strictly prohibit videos that are abusive or promote violence.

'We work closely with organisations like the Met Police to understand where artistic expression escalates into real threats. We're committed to improving our work on this issue to make sure YouTube is not a place for those who seek to do harm.'

So easy to find, videos with gun threats, crime and drugs... And their bitter rivals

Typing the names of the two gangs into YouTube opens up a sordid world of rap videos promoting gun crime, violence and drugs.

Woodgrange E7 and Beckton E6 have shared videos online that have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times and can be easily found by anyone with access to the internet. It is possible Corey Junior Davis's killer watched some of the clips.

In the videos gang members, who appear to be teenagers and men in their 20s, can be seen smoking cigarettes and marijuana and drinking alcohol in the streets. They also make vile hand gestures including ones resembling punching and shooting.

YouTube videos from the E6 Beckton gang promote gun crime, violence and drugs and have been viewed thousands of times

Chillingly, one video features a clip from a film showing a man with a bandage around his head who claims to have been shot in the head.

Another clip which appears to have been uploaded by the E6 group, includes the lyrics: 'Spent cold nights in a cell I've seen a couple youths get gunned.'

The lyrics 'I beg a young boy come try me' also feature, as well as a gang member posing as if shooting a gun.

Another video, thought to be by the same group, show men with their faces partially covered rapping the words: 'Boom, boom, boom like who now'.

Another video, understood to be uploaded by members of E6, show men with their faces partially covered rapping the words: 'Boom, boom, boom like who now'

One clip, seemingly created by the rival Woodgrange gang which jas been viewed over 280,000 times, begins with a shot from a helicopter of police on the street below, with the commentary: 'Four officers arrived with minutes of the shooting'.

The screen cuts to men wearing masks, dark jackets and gloves rapping to the camera. A gunshot hole then appears in the screen while they rap 'I'm shooting to kill' and 'We don't give a toss about law'. In a similar video, which has racked up 107,000 views, gang members boast about 'holding n***** to ransom'.

Some videos have attracted angry responses. On one, a rival wrote: 'F*** Woodgrange you p******. We will see who the real dons of the east are.'

Another wrote: 'You know you wouldn't say s*** to us in real lifegive me your address.'
A shocking video shows the moment a driver viciously hit out at a cyclist in a road rage attack in Sydney's Inner West.

The clip was recorded after the driver of a Toyota HiLux and the cyclist nearly collided on Grosvenor Street in Summer Hill on Wednesday morning.

Filmed from the point of view of the cyclist, who has ended up on the ground after the incident, it shows the 45-year-old man lash out at the 23-year-old cyclist and threaten him repeatedly.

The clip shows the moment the driver of a Toyota Hilux launched into a vicious rant at a cyclist

'I'm Lebanese mate, I'm going to f*** you,' the driver, wearing a blue shirt and sunglasses, is heard shouting at the cyclist.

'I'm going to f*** your life, you son of a b****. I'm going to follow you, I am going to f*** your life,' he adds, before he appears to hit the cyclist.

The clip, obtained by the Today show, ends with a shot of the cyclist's crumpled bike on the ground and the driver returning to his 4WD.

The driver (pictured) appeared on the Today show on Thursday to defend his actions

The driver is heard saying: 'I'm Lebanese mate, I'm going to f*** you,' before appearing to hit the cyclist

'I'm going to follow you. I am going to f*** your life,' the driver adds while the cyclist appears to remain on the ground

The driver appeared on the Today show on Thursday morning to defend his actions, claiming the cyclist had provoked him and that it was not his fault that his vehicle had knocked the man off his bike.

'He was sticking his finger up, carrying on, I didn't hit him,' he said.

'Then he got in front of me and started driving slowly, sticking his finger up and then he took off, braked, and I was rolling in traffic and I hit his back tyre.'

He added: 'I mean, it's not right, like I said, I dont provoke it. I'm not a violent person.'

The clip ends with a shot of the cyclist's crumpled bike while the driver returns to his vehicle

An NSW Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that officers attended the scene shortly after the altercation between the two men occurred at around 7.50am.

'We have been told the driver of the Toyota punched the cyclist,' the spokesman said.

'Police were called to the scene and spoke to both parties and investigations are continuing.'
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With scores of deer gathered in picturesque parkland at dawn as a September mist shrouds Windsor Castle in the distance, this striking image looks straight out of a fairytale.

Stags, hinds and fawns can be seen making the most of the early morning peace on the magnificent Long Walk at Windsor Great Park, which runs for more than two and a half miles.

Without the usual crowds of tourists, the normally shy creatures are free to roam across the dewy grass, emerging from low mist and the lines of horse chestnut and London plane trees into the morning light along the famous ascent to the castle.

Stags, hinds and fawns can be seen making the most of the early morning peace on the magnificent Long Walk at Windsor Great Park, which runs for more than two and a half miles

Without the usual crowds of tourists, the normally shy creatures are free to roam across the dewy grass, emerging from low mist and the lines of horse chestnut and London plane trees into the morning light along the famous ascent to the castle

The amateur photographer who captured the scene so perfectly is Colin Roberts, who has enjoyed walking in Windsor Great Park for more than three years and managed to get the shot after rising before daybreak at a time when no other humans are around to startle the red deer.

The animals, introduced to the 5,000-acre park south of Windsor by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1979, now form a 500-strong herd that ranges freely  and Mr Roberts, 37, says he always keeps an eye on the weather at this time of year, as a damp early autumn night is sure to produce an atmospheric mist the following morning, creating an ideal backdrop for the deer.

Mr Roberts, from Riseley, Berkshire, said: I checked the weather forecast so I knew there was going to be mist and got up very early.

But this is the best [photograph] I have got so far.
Myles Keller, 70, of Mantorville, Minnesota will serve two 15-day stints in jail  one starting on October 3 and the other beginning on May 24

The drunk driver behind the wheel of a car that struck and killed 5-year-old Lukas Wharton last year was sentenced to 30 days in jail, it was reported on Wednesday.

Myles Keller, 70, of Mantorville, Minnesota will serve two 15-day stints in jail  one starting on October 3 and the other beginning on May 24.

The first date is Lukas Whartons birthday. He would have been seven years old had he lived.

The second date is the anniversary of the accident that killed the young boy, according to the Post Bulletin.

On May 24 of last year, Lukas was playing with his siblings on an embankment. He rode down the embankment in a childs wagon.

Thats when a car driven by Keller not far from the childs home struck Lukas and the wagon.

A relative quickly came to Lukass aid and brought him back to the family home.

Keller went with them into the home and dialled 911.

Keller was the drunk driver behind the wheel of a car that struck and killed 5-year-old Lukas Wharton (above) last year was sentenced to 30 days in jail

Lukas was hospitalized for eight days before succumbing to his injuries.

Prosecutors said they had no way to prove Kellers guilt of the more serious charge of criminal vehicular homicide because the law requires that the government prove beyond a reasonable doubt that his driving conduct was a substantial factor in Lukass death.

Instead, prosecutors charged Keller with one count of reckless driving, a misdemeanour, and two misdemeanour counts of fourth-degree DWI.

Keller and prosecutors struck a plea deal whereby he agreed to plead guilty to one of the DWI charges.

The other charges were dismissed.

The head prosecutor in the case, Olmsted County Attorney Mark Ostrem, said that Keller knew he was over the legal alcohol limit that day.

Kellers driving conduct was very purposeful and deliberate in sneaking his way home, Ostrem said.

We believe he did that because he knew he was over the (alcohol) limit and was trying to avoid detection.

Lukass father told the judge that his son was a beautiful, caring boy whose death has left a hole in our family. He said that the family did not push for manslaughter charges against Keller in order to spare it from a long, drawn-out legal process

According to the Star Tribune, Kellers blood alcohol content an hour after the crash was between 0.081 and 0.101 percent.

The legal limit for driving in Minnesota is 0.08 percent.

Prosecutors asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence, which was 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Lukass father told the judge that his son was a beautiful, caring boy whose death has left a hole in our family.

He said that the family did not push for manslaughter charges against Keller in order to spare it from a long, drawn-out legal process.

But Wharton was angered when Keller sought a dismissal of all charge, which speaks to his character.

Hes sorry it happened to him, not that he killed his five-year-old son.

I wonder if I'll ever feel true happiness again, Wharton said.

Lukas was a great kid. He loved his life  I would do anything to hold my little boy again.

The judge in the case, Kathy Wallace, told Keller during sentencing on Friday that he erred in drinking alcohol just before getting behind the wheel.

'Clearly, you were impaired,' she said.

'You did the right thing, in that you stuck around afterward, but you were impaired.'

'Some jail time is appropriate,' Wallace told him. "This DUI is more egregious than the standard DUI that comes before this court every day.

'There is no right answer, so I'm going to do the best that I can.'
Comfort Momoh, a midwife, set up the countrys first FGM clinic and was awarded an MBE for services to womens healthcare

A renowned campaigner against female genital mutilation is under investigation after apparently exaggerating her qualifications.

Comfort Momoh, a midwife, set up the countrys first FGM clinic and was awarded an MBE for services to womens healthcare.

She has regularly offered advice to the Crown Prosecution Service and given talks to hundreds of British schoolgirls.

But a BBC report has found that Mrs Momoh has overstated her professional qualifications.

The 55-year-old has repeatedly described herself as Dr Momoh despite not being a qualified medical doctor.

She has an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University but this does not give her the right to use the title doctor.

Mrs Momoh, who grew up in Nigeria, is even called a doctor on the website of Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust in London where she ran the FGM clinic until recently.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council confirmed that she is under investigation but declined to comment on the details.

According to the BBC programme Newsnight, Mrs Momoh has also examined children for FGM at least five times despite not having the relevant qualifications. Official medical guidelines state that only a doctor with specialist training should examine child abuse victims.

In 2014, a judge described Mrs Momoh as not a reliable witness during a court case in Leeds in which a girl was alleged to have had undergone FGM.

The judge said that she merited harsh criticism and had difficulty in providing answers about even the simplest factual question.

Mrs Momoh, who grew up in Nigeria, is even called a doctor on the website of Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust in London where she ran the FGM clinic until recently

After examining the girl, Mrs Momoh originally said there was evidence to suggest that the child had been subjected to some form of FGM. But in oral evidence in court, she changed her findings.

Sir James Munby, president of the Family Division, described her report as a remarkably shoddy piece of work and worse than useless.

Judge Munby concluded there was not enough evidence to suggest that the child had undergone FGM, after Mrs Momohs examination was reviewed by an expert. Mrs Momoh was also due to be a key expert witness in a high-profile case in 2015 when a doctor was charged for the first time in the UK over FGM.

Sir James Munby described a report by Mrs Momoh into a suspected FGM victim as a remarkably shoddy piece of work and worse than useless

However, she was dropped before the trial for reasons which remain unclear. The accused was acquitted and so far no one has been successfully prosecuted over FGM.

Mrs Momoh, of Barnet, North London, has carried out a survey claiming that more than half the GPs in London have treated FGM victims in one year.

But some doctors said they do not believe it is taking place on the scale that has been suggested.

Dr Catherine White, clinical director at St Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, said: Were just not seeing the number that we would have thought we would see, given the demographics that we cover now. Perhaps newer generations, younger generations, arent perpetuating it in the same way.

I think if certain types of FGM were being done at the rates that we were perhaps led to expect, we would be seeing cases coming through with infection or bleeding  they would be ending up in front of healthcare professionals and then being referred to us.

That just hasnt happened  not here in Greater Manchester anyway.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council, which regulates midwives, said an investigation into Mrs Momoh was opened last month. It declined to comment on the details of the case.

Mrs Momoh has also declined to comment.
President Donald Trump told North Dakotans experiencing a drought they were 'better off' than Texans who got battered by Hurricane Harvey.

As he has at several speeches since Harvey caused massive flooding, Trump said his 'thoughts and prayers' were with those in Texas and Louisiana 'who have truly suffered through a catastrophic hurricane.'

He called it 'one of the worst hurricanes in our countrys history. And guess what, we have another one coming, you see that.'

Then, he referenced the drought conditions across the state, which he visited to tout tax reform.

President Donald Trump told North Dakotans experiencing a drought they were 'better off' than those experiencing floods from Hurricane Harvey

'I know you had a little bit of a drought. They had the opposite, believe me. Youre better off. You are better off. They had the absolute opposite,' Trump said.

Trump also hailed the 'courage of our first responders,' adding: 'I can tell you that I was deeply inspired by the faith and perseverance of those who I met.'

'They thought theyd get a night of sleep,' after Harvey, he said. 'One night. Just one night. Theyre not getting anything. Theyre right now going to Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands,' which were all set to get battered by Hurricane Irma.

BETTER OFF: Trump told North Dakotans suffering from flood they were better off than flood victims. Lois Rose pauses while salvaging items from her flood-damaged house on Thursday in Houston

BETTER OFF: Trump told North Dakotans suffering from flood they were better off than flood victims. John Rose pauses while salvaging items from his flood-damaged house on Thursday in Houston

'I was there twice,' Trump said, referencing his two Texas trips  including one to Austin and Corpus Christie, where critics faulted him for not meeting with flood victims.

Drought conditions are rated from moderate to exceptional across the state, the Bismark Tribune reported, affecting the fall harvest, pheasants, and a variety of crops.

President Donald Trump put himself back in hurricane mode as Hurricane Irma smashed through the Caribbean on a track that could take it to Florida.

President Donald Trump (L) kisses his daughter Ivanka Trump while speaking about the need for tax reform at Andeavor Refinery, September 6, 2017 in Mandan, North Dakota

President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the need for tax reform at Andeavor Refinery, September 6, 2017, in Mandan, North Dakota

Just days after making efforts to oversee preparations and response efforts for Hurricane Harvey, which wreaked destruction over southeast Texas, Trump tweeted about his storm team and spoke about it in a meeting with congressional leaders.

And as the nation braced for another hit, Trump faced the prospect of sustaining damage to his own holdings.

He owns a $28 million mansion on the French territory of St. Martin. Its price got slashed to $16.9 million when it didn't immediately sell. Trump owns it through a trust that he doesn't currently manage.

Mar-a-Lago in West Palm Beach also could sustain damage, with the storm likely to pass over the property on Sunday.

President Donald Trump tweeted there was 'No rest for the weary!' as Hurricane Irma made its way toward the U.S.

Mark Ocosta and his baby Aubrey Ocosta took shelter at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, where the evacuation center is over capacity with more than 9,000 evacuees

'We'll see what happens. We'll know in a very short period of time, but looks like it could be something that would be not good. Believe me, not good,' Trump said in the Oval Office.

'We had the congressional leaders with us today and we have a lot to discuss, including the fact that there is a new and seems to be record-breaking hurricane heading right toward Florida and Puerto Rico and other places,' Trump said Wednesday morning as he sat down with lawmakers.

Trump tweeted earlier Wednesday. 'Watching Hurricane closely. My team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida,' he wrote.

He added: 'No rest for the weary!'

In another tweet, he wrote, 'Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!'

Trump also relied on Twitter to show the nation that he was on top of Harvey as it barreled toward Texas.

'BELIEVE ME, NOT GOOD': Trump spoke about Hurricane Irma as it headed for the British Virgin Islands with a track that could take it to Cuba and the Florida coast

He tracked the storm from Camp David in August, met with his security team, and made a trip to Austin and Corpus Christie after it blasted Texas, leaving much of Houston underwater.

'After witnessing first hand the horror & devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey,my heart goes out even more so to the great people of Texas!' Trump wrote in a tweet last month following his initial visit, although he was criticized for not having actually met storm victims on his initial journey.

Vice President Mike Pence looks on as President Donald Trump speaks to, from left, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., during a meeting with Congressional leaders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017

As with Harvey, Trump remarked on the hurricane's historic dimensions

The president tweeted that his team was doing 'such a good job in Texas' and was 'already in Florida' in advance of the storm

As Major Hurricane Irma churns across the western Atlantic and towards the United States, residents along the Gulf and East coasts of the U.S. should prepare now for potential impacts.Category 5 Hurricane Irma will blast the northern Caribbean with flooding rain, damaging winds and rough surf through midweek, bringing life-threatening conditions to the islands

Trump owns a $28 million property on St. Martin that could be impacted

Trump owns a $28 million property on St. Martin that could be impacted

President Donald J Trump shakes hands with Col. Gary Jones, commander of the 147th Attack Wing, upon his arrival on Air Force One to Ellington Field Joint Reserve BaseUS President Donald Trump visits Hurricane Harvey victims, Houston, Texas

A man tears out Hurricane Harvey flood damage from a home in southwestern Houston, Texas, U.S. September 2, 2017

US President Donald Trump visits Hurricane Harvey victime at NRG Center in Houston on September 2, 2017

Trump approved emergency declarations for Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday.
Kane Robinson was accused of attacking a couple in London's Shoreditch House on September 16 last year

Mobo award-winning rapper and actor Kano has had assault charges against him dropped after the complainants failed to attend court, with one of them appearing to go on a climbing holiday.

The 32-year-old, real name Kane Robinson, was accused of attacking a couple in London's Shoreditch House on September 16 last year.

But after Suzzan Atala and Henry Kinman failed to turn up for the trial at Wood Green Crown Court, the case against the Top Boy star was dismissed on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Roger Smart told the court that Ms Atala had not been heard from since February this year, while Mr Kinman had not responded to any correspondence since emailing officers on August 17 stating that he had a family emergency in the south of France.

But overnight investigations by defence lawyers revealed that from September 1, this year, Mr Kinman had posted pictures on social media of himself mountain climbing in Grenoble.

Mr Smart said: 'In short, any concern that this was a gentleman who was apparently engaged in focusing on his sister's welfare over and above other activities, had by his own posts on Twitter been eradicated.'

Jeremy Dein QC, representing Robinson, added: 'The scenario appears that whilst Mr Kinman has been dangling from a rope and enjoying a scenic view in the south of France, having told the police he was the victim of a family emergency, Mr Robinson has been overcome with anxiety at the prospect of this trial and the devastation of his career.'

He asked the judge for a full investigation into the circumstances of the case, accusing Mr Kinman of 'toying with the criminal justice process'.

On Tuesday Mr Dein submitted that any delay in proceedings could impact on Robinson's plans to record a new album and film an upcoming series of Top Boy in the coming months.

Judge Gregory Perrins said everyone's time had been wasted, adding: 'From the information put before me, he has on the face of it deliberately misled the prosecution.

'It appears to be the case that Mr Kinman had no intention to attend.'

Robinson, of Buckhurst Hill, Essex, had faced one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of unlawful wounding and one count of affray

Addressing the dock, he added: 'I have formally directed not guilty verdicts in the case of both of you.

'You are now both formally acquitted and leave this court without a stain on your character.'

Mr Perrins also said that Mr Kinman's conduct needed to be properly looked into.

Robinson, of Buckhurst Hill, Essex, had faced one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of unlawful wounding and one count of affray.

The charges against Robinson's 30-year-old co-defendant Chris Brown of Hackney, east London, were also dropped.

He had faced one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
George Clooney and his wife Amal are allowing a Yazidi refugee from Iraq to live at their house in Augusta, Kentucky.

The actor and human rights lawyer have invited the refugee, who is now a student at the University of Chicago, to live at their property.

George hails from the blue glass state and many of his family members still live there.

The Ocean's 11 star told the Hollywood Reporter at his home in Lake Como, Italy: '[The refugee] was on this bus to Mosul, and ISIS shot the two bus drivers and said, "Anybody who wants to go to college, we will shoot them."

George Clooney and his wife Amal are allowing a Yazidi refugee from Iraq to live at their house in Kentucky.

'He survived and came to America. He got through all the checks, and once he got through those, it was like, "Listen, we got your back. You want to get an education? You want to move your life forward? This is something that we can do."'

George, 56, did not give the refugee's name or say how long he has been living at the property.

The Clooneys are famous for helping refugees from overseas. In July, the couple released a statement confirming that Google, HP and Unicef will work with the The Clooney Foundation for Justice, opening the schools for more than 3,000 refugee children in Lebanon.

The statement read in part: 'Our goal with this initiative is to help provide Syrian refugee children with an education and put them on a path to be the future leaders their generation desperately needs.'

George, 56, said the refugee was threatened by ISIS terrorists while he was on a bus in Mosul

This year Amal, 39, made headlines when she represented Yazidi human rights activist Nadia Murad who was kidnapped and forced into sex slavery by ISIS.

Amal has been pushing the UN to take more action against the terrorist group, saying: 'Not one ISIS militant has faced trial for international crimes anywhere in the world. Why is it that nothing has been done?'

George Clooney spoke to the Hollywood Reporter at him home in Lake Como

'I can not understand why you are letting ISIS get away with it. I ask the Iraqi government and the U.N. to establish an investigation and give all the victims of ISIS the justice they deserve.

'Don't let this be another Rwanda where you regret doing too little, too late,' she urged. 'Don't let ISIS get away with genocide.'

The cover story interview with the Hollywood Reporter touched on a variety of topics: including George's charity work in Sudan, his love for Amal and fatherhood.

George and Amal became first-time parents in June with the birth of their twins Alexander and Ella.

'[Fatherhood] had never been part of my DNA,' the two-time Oscar winner admitted in Wednesday's issue of the magazine.

'The first thing you think is, "I hope I don't screw this up"...But I'm a very good diaper guy, which I didn't know I would be.'

He also revealed how he popped the question to Amal in 2014. She is his second wife.

George said when he proposed: 'It was 20 minutes of me on my knee, waiting for her to say yes, because she was so shocked. She only said yes when Goody, Goody came on, which isn't very romantic - it's kind of mean: "So you met someone who set you back on your heels, goody, goody."'

George's also promoted his sixth feature directorial project Suburbicon - starring Julianne Moore and Matt Damon - which hits theaters October 27.
With Hurricane Irma expected to touch down in Florida this weekend, people traveling into and out of Florida are seeing sky high airfares.

People were shocked to see climbing prices on Delta and American Airlines as they tried to book tickets for themselves and family members to get out of the potential path of the storm, while Spirit outright canceled a flight leaving St. Thomas before the storm hit there.

Airline customers took to social media to vent their frustrations, after trying to handle their own evacuations as effectively as possible.

Airline customers saw increasing flights across several major US airlines (file photo)

Leigh Dow says she saw this dramatic jump, but later said Delta assisted her after she vented about the price jump on Twitter

John Lyons was shocked to see the price of a ticket jump after he booked his daughter's flight for $800 less the day before

One woman, Leigh Dow, tweeted a screengrab of a Delta ticket price changing from $547.50 to $3,258.50.

Two hours later she tweeted she had spoke to Delta and they were able to assist her.

She took to the social media network to say: 'Delta reached out & helped tremendously. Note to travelers, always call airline directly if something doesn't look right.'

John Lyons, whose daughter goes to school at the University of Miami bought his daughter a ticket home to Boston at a reasonable rate on Monday evening at around $160.00, according to Yahoo.

He went to see about a ticket for his daughter's roommate Tuesday was shocked to see how much it had jumped.

'American Airlines had the audacity to raise the rate to $1, I'm sorry. I posted it. You know, I'm angry. I think it's horrible what they are doing. I just think it's horrible. I'll leave it at that.'

'I logged in and expected to see $160, and frankly if I had seen $260 I wouldn't have reacted. And I logged in and saw, $1,020, and I about had a heart attack,' Lyons said.

Not all people trying to fly were lucky enough to get flights at any cost.

Vincent Magenti thought he was escaping the path of Hurricane Irma but found this notice on his hotel room door basically saying his party of nine was stranded

Yahoo spoke to people who say they were stranded in the Caribbean as the storm was about to barrel through after trying to buy tickets

Klaudia Harris she tried to book a flight but ended up having to stay at The Westin Resort with her family as Irma came toward the island chain.

'We were prepared to spend any amount to get off this island,' Harris told Yahoo. 'There were no plane tickets at all. We were prepared to fly to California to New York. We just wanted to get off the island but couldn't find tickets.'

Her mom found a flight that went through Puerto Rico costing aorund $5,000 but by the time she went to book, the itinerary was gone

'We went to the marketplace yesterday and bought necessities like water, sandwich meat, bread, milk, cereal. We cooked meat for meals yesterday because they turned off the gas this morning.'

'If you think the world is not nice anymore, you should come to the US Virgin Islands during a hurricane,' Harris said. She added 'you'll change your mind.'

Vincent Magenti told Yahoo he is stranded in St. Thomas with his girlfriend and eight family members after Spirit Airlines cancelled their flight out on Tuesday from Cyril E. King Airport heading back to Fort Lauderdale.

According to the notice at his hotel, Spirit was the only major airline to cancel flights in and out of St. Thomas on Tuesday.

On Wednesday many of the airlines decided it best to change their fee schedule for people trying to get out of the Hurricane's path.

Jet Blue and American Airlines both said they would cap their fares

JetBlue told Yahoo they will charge a maximum of $99 up to the last available seat for direct flights and a maximum of $159 for connecting flights.

American Airlines said they too would cap fares for those flying out of the storm.

'While there are limited seats remaining before the storm hits, we will cap our pre-tax fares at $99 for MainCabin seats on direct, single leg flights out of Florida for tickets sold through Sunday Sept. 10 for travel until Sept. 13,' a spokeswoman said in a statement to Yahoo.

Delta followed similar suit and said they would be reducing flight costs for last minute travels, and would also be adding flights.

'We also are adding flights and increasing the size of the aircraft we're using on flights to and from San Juan and south Florida, providing more opportunities for customers to leave. New flights are being added to and from San Juan, Miami, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Key West, all to Atlanta (where people can connect to destinations across the US)' a spokesman told Yahoo.
Philip Hammond has pledged help for young people in his autumn Budget  and asked Tory backbenchers for ideas for what he could do.

He told his partys MPs there was a need to address the financial situation of the young, and said the gulf between generations had to be tackled.

They were asked to submit suggestions for measures he could introduce in the Budget to his parliamentary aide, Kwasi Kwarteng.

Mr Hammond was speaking at a private meeting of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers yesterday

Mr Hammond was speaking at a private meeting of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers yesterday.

One MP who was present said: There was a lot of stuff about students.

He said look at us, no mortgage, everybody with a pension and never had more money in the current account.

You compare that to the younger generation, if they go to university they are hit with debt... and there was a need to address that. Kwasi is his point man and weve been asked to submit in writing thoughts before the budget.

It is understood that MPs have been asked to keep their contributions to 250 words, and were assured that their submissions would be taken into consideration.

Mr Hammonds move comes after reports that senior Tories have told an internal review of Junes snap election that the party was left vulnerable by a lack of policies for younger people, who strongly backed Labour in the poll.

Downing Street advisers have already been asking Westminster think-tanks for ideas to appeal to the young after Jeremy Corbyn won huge support for policies on affordable housing, scrapping student fees, and a softer Brexit.

Last week a YouGov poll found 66 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 supported Labour, with only 18 per cent backing the Conservatives.

MPs 'WILL NOT BE CUT' Ministers are poised to drop plans to cut the number of MPs by 50, it emerged last night. This years Conservative manifesto repeated a 2015 commitment to reduce the size of the Commons from 650 members to 600. But following the election result party figures do not believe Theresa May has a strong enough majority to make the changes. Labour and opposition parties oppose the plan, but crucially so does the Democratic Unionist Party, whose MPs Mrs May needs for her Commons majority. Government sources declined to say whether the plan would be axed, but pointed out that legislation would be needed to allow boundaries to be redrawn. Advertisement

They believed Labour policies were better on almost all issues, especially housing and education. The MP present at the meeting said Mr Hammond was incredibly barbed on the subject of the Tory election campaign, telling the gathering he had only been allowed out on rare occasions.

The Chancellor is believed to be angry at Theresa Mays election advisers for promoting the Prime Ministers strong and stable leadership mantra above his stewardship of the economy.

He talked about the fact that, in his opinion, in the election campaign not enough had been made of the economy, the MP said. But he basically sold how important the economy is going to be.

He said if you want to see what a Corbyn Britain would look like, well just get on the plane to Caracas [the capital of strife-torn Venezuela].

Last week George Freeman, the MP for Mid Norfolk and chair of the Conservative policy forum, said the Tories were not doing enough to appeal to the young.

He asked: Why would you support capitalism if you have no prospect of owning any capital?
Harry Macklowe said he's broke amid looming divorce from spouse of 58 years, Linda

New York City real estate tycoon Harry Macklowe revealed he's drowning in debt amid his looming divorce from spouse of 58 years, Linda.

Macklowe, 80, listed his net worth at 'negative $400 million' during the pair's first Supreme Court trial hearing Wednesday in Manhattan.

The debts are said to stem from decades-long of unpaid taxes and 'deferred capital gains related to the 2008 sale of the General Motors building in midtown Manhattan for $2.9 billion,' according to a Page Six report.

It seems the billionaire developer has been occupied financing his French fiance Patricia Landeau's lavish lifestyle by providing hundreds of thousands worth of gifts and funds for bills.

Linda's lawyer, John Teitler, said in an opening statement during Wednesday's hearing Macklowe's ill financial past and present on paper is 'a case study in divorce accounting 101.'

Macklowe listed his marital assets at $1.3 billion  which include the pair's homes, manifold of pricey artwork and their $100 million Plaza Hotel apartment.

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The messy divorce trial is expected to stretch into 2018 in what presiding Judge Laura Drager predicted is 'not going to be a pleasant experience'

Macklowe is worth a reported $2billion and said in April that he offered his estranged wife half his fortune to leave their marriage quietly

At the center of the divorce proceedings are Macklowe's iconic properties including the 1,396-foot-high 432 Park Avenue - the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere - and the Apple store on Fifth Avenue as well as Linda's museum-quality art collection.

Macklowe is worth a reported $2billion and said in April that he offered his estranged wife half his fortune to leave their marriage quietly; Linda contests she was offered any money.

Sources told Page Six Macklowe kept his ex-mistress in a secret Park Avenue apartment just blocks away from where he lived with Linda at The Plaza.

Landeau is reported to have lived there for as long as two years before Macklowe asked his wife for a divorce.

Linda contests she was offered any money from Harry for the divorce

The Macklowes and Landeau are all expected to testify in court

The blonde beauty, 62, said she resents her portrayal as solely his much-younger mistress, noting that she comes from a background of 'substantial' wealth and is still married, although separated from her second husband, a French-American banker.

Landeau is also the current president of the French Friends of Israel Museum in Jerusalem, where Macklowe and his wife were donors and where it's rumored he and Landeau met.

Macklowe and Landeau are reportedly planning to marry as soon as his divorce is finalized.

The trial is expected to stretch into 2018 in what presiding Judge Laura Drager predicted is 'not going to be a pleasant experience'.

The billionaire is now engaged to his ex-mistress Patricia Landeau (right)

The real estate tycoon has been financing her lavish lifestyle

Sources told Page Six Macklowe kept his ex-mistress in a secret Park Avenue apartment just blocks away from his apartment with Linda

The Macklowes and Landeau are all expected to testify. There is no prenuptial agreement.

At the time, Macklowe told reporters outside of the Manhattan courtroom a string of 'Take my wife - please'-style jokes.

He told Page Six that Landeau taught him how to smile.

'I have a lilt,' he said. 'I'm getting a divorce because my life with my ex-wife was not a happy one.'

And Landeau described the couple's romance as a real-life Claude Lelouch film.

'I'm living in your movie,' she said she told the legendary director at a screening of his love story 'Un homme et une femme' at New York's French Institute back in March.
Authenticity is a rare thing in a politician these days  or so we are constantly being told. So you might have thought that Jacob Rees-Moggs reckless decision to answer Piers Morgans questions straightforwardly and with total candour on GMTV would be met with near universal approval.

But as ever in modern Britain, honesty is only rewarded if the truth happens to match the approved dogma. In other words, you can say what you believe  so long as what you believe is politically correct.

On the issue in question  abortion  Mr Rees-Moggs crime is that he is not politically correct. Not even a bit. Not only does he think that abortion is at all times morally indefensible, he refuses even to condone it in cases of rape or incest.

In the same interview, broadcast yesterday morning, Rees-Mogg further compounded his crimes against liberalism by declaring himself unapologetically religious. He said things like I am a Catholic and I take the teachings of the Catholic Church seriously, and marriage is a sacrament.

Authenticity is a rare thing in a politician these days  or so we are constantly being told. So you might have thought that Jacob Rees-Moggs reckless decision to answer Piers Morgans questions straightforwardly and with total candour on GMTV would be met with near universal approval

He might as well have admitted to believing in fairies.

How the Twitter wags mocked and derided him, how their laughter reverberated around their echo chamber. Hell never be leader now, they chortled.

Meanwhile, the usual voices sounded their scorn. The British Pregnancy Advisory Service issued a statement saying that his views were extreme and wildly at odds with public opinion, adding: We are a pro-choice country, we have a pro-choice Parliament.

This is indeed the case  as Rees-Mogg himself pointed out, adding: It was not for him to judge others.

There is no suggestion that a womans right to a safe and legal abortion in the UK is about to be curtailed. Contraception remains free and widely available. Rees-Mogg was merely expressing a personal view. So what, pray, could possibly be the problem?

Plenty. First of all, Rees-Moggs moral judgment of the issue is not informed by whats most likely to make him popular with the general public, but by what he actually believes. And in the context of modern politics, thats a tactic that is dangerous almost to the point of suicide (something which, one presumes, he also doesnt believe in doing).

Because, as modern politics have taught us, its not so much what you actually think in politics that matters as making sure that what you say you think ticks the right boxes for all the right people.

That, in this case, is the pro-choice lobby, their army of fashionable feminist supporters and those who think faith is for fools (unless, of course, were talking about Islam, in which case its fine).

This photo was posted online by Mr Rees-Mogg, 48, and his wife Helena de Chair, 39, after the birth of child number six  Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher

My own view on abortion is that there are all kinds of reasons why a woman cannot or should not have a child, but accidents will and do happen. Assuming the individuals concerned can square it with their conscience, it is better that abortion be legal and above board than criminalised and dangerous.

Where I am uncomfortable is in allowing terminations beyond the 12-week stage for anything other than serious medical reasons. In the first three months of pregnancy, the natural rate of miscarriage is high. If a foetus makes it into the second trimester, the likelihood is that is will be born healthy.

Even if the mother doesnt want to raise the child, there are plenty who will  and with the right support and encouragement both mother and baby could survive. Adoption should be made easier to avoid these unnecessary terminations.

That is why I am so in favour of the morning-after pill: anything that reduces the chances of a later stage termination has to be a good thing.

I would also argue that the upper limit on abortion  currently 24 weeks  requires urgent review in the light of what medical science can now achieve in terms of survival rates for premature babies.

As with so many complex social issues of this sort, the choice is not between right and wrong, but between wrong and less wrong. And these are just my personal views on the issue. There are many who would disagree with me  and there is nothing wrong with that.

The point is that we all, according to individual experience, feel strongly in different ways about sensitive moral issues. But today we live in such a debate-averse society, where a healthy exchange of views is all too often squashed.

Forums for open-minded discussion  whether in Parliament, on university campuses, in the press, on TV, radio, the arts, social media  have become paralysed by an aggressive, intolerant political correctness which censors and crushes those who hold different beliefs.

The irony of all this is that where once rebellion meant rejecting a prevailing culture based on strict order and social boundaries, now the opposite is true. Excessive liberalism has become the norm, and woe betide anyone espousing more traditional views.

Assuming the individuals concerned can square it with their conscience, it is better that abortion be legal and above board than criminalised and dangerous

Hence both Rees-Moggs current cult status and his capacity to trigger fury among liberals.

His principle sin is his failure to apologise sufficiently for who and what he represents. That is to say, a very traditional  some might say old-fashioned  family man with a wife, six children, inherited wealth that he does not appear to be in any way ashamed of, a degree of social elitism (his father was an editor of the Times; he went to Eton and Oxford) and a clear penchant for reading books.

He is clever, eloquent and conservative with both a small and a capital C. He doesnt pretend to be anything he is not, he doesnt hang out with rappers or edgy artists, he dresses well and it is not inconceivable that he wears a tie to bed. Under normal circumstances, this would have confined him to a happy existence of backbench eccentricity, delivering long eulogies on charmingly archaic issues such as the preservation of hedgerows and obscure West Country dialects.

But in the current political climate, where voters and fellow politicians are heartily sick of spin and alive to every trick of the limelight, individuals such as Mogg hold a certain fascination. For he possesses something that too many politicians do not: authenticity. And as one former minister put it to me just the other day, authenticity is the one political trait you cannot manufacture.

For this reason he recently topped a poll of Conservative voters as their preferred choice to succeed Theresa May as leader. And for this reason he suddenly finds himself at the sharp end of the liberal hate-mob.

I dont think any of this will damage his chances of promotion. Far too many politicians in recent years have been revealed as paper tigers, incapable of delivering the standards of intellect or the level of competence they promised. Someone who presents themselves for what they are, warts and all, is so much more appealing a proposition.

Rees-Mogg represents a return to core family values, a sense of order and civilisation and above all a certain moral clarity that many people feel is distinctly lacking in modern life. Against a background of uncertainty, he offers a number of fixed points, a set of clear rules by which one can live a life, a moral simplicity that a liberal mind might find stifling, but which others, craving direction, find liberating.

I dont agree with Rees-Mogg, not on abortion, not on gay marriage. But I recognise in him a man of courage, principle and integrity  something which in this day and age is worth far more than the flaccid consensus of the commissars of political correctness.
More than 50 families fled their homes as fire raging at a building full of gas cylinders threatened to explode on Thursday morning.

Firefighters rushed to the area in Drysdale, near Geelong south of Melbourne, around 12.45am on Thursday where a shed was alight behind a petrol station, Nine News reported.

Shocked residents filmed LPG cylinders in the shed catching fire and causing multiple explosions.

Homes surrounding a huge fire have been evacuated after flames broke out near a building used to store gas cylinders

Firefighters were called to the corner of High and Bridge Streets around 12.45am Thursday morning where a shed was alight behind a petrol station

'The petrol tankers have pretty much melted,' CFA operations manager Wayne Aylmer told ABC.

Brendan Maconald from the Country Fire Authority said the fire had been contained later Thursday morning.

'This morning we had to evacuate 50 homes. We relocated them to a relief centre in town. We will reassess when we get to daylight,' he said.

Shocked residents took filmed as LPG cylinders kept in the shed caught fire, causing multiple explosions

'The petrol tankers have pretty much melted,' CFA operations manager Wayne Aylmer said
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A two-bedroom apartment with uninterrupted views of Sydney's Harbour Bridge has hit the property market for just $750,000.

The dilapidated Neutral Bay unit is described online as a 'diamond in the rough' ideal for 'bargain hunters, renovators, dealers and first home buyers'.

Since putting the dilapidated apartment on the market, Raine & Horne selling agent Todd Houghton says he has been swamped with inquiries from potential buyers.

A run-down two-bedroom apartment with views of Sydney's Harbour Bridge has hit the property market for just $750,000

he dilapidated Neutral Bay unit is described online as a 'diamond in the rough' ideal for 'bargain hunters'

He puts the overwhelming level of interest down to the realistic photographs, which clearly show the run-down apartment is in need of some serious work.

'This is the first time in 17 years I haven't had professional photography done,' Mr Houghton told news.com.au.

'We wanted to show it as it was ... so we wouldn't get buyers expecting something to just live in.

'But I haven't seen something as bad as this.'

The apartment is up for auction with a starting price of $700,000, but is expected to fetch up to $50,000 more.

Views: The apartment in Neutral Bay, a harbourside suburb on Sydney's north shore, has stunning views

In need of work: Raine & Horne selling agent Todd Houghton says he has been swamped with inquiries from potential buyers

The real estate agency has also been praised for not overselling the apartment online, providing a realistic description of exactly what potential buyers are in for.

'Bargain Hunters, Renovators, Dealers, First Home Buyers the pictures say it all,' the description reads.

'Here is your opportunity to grab a bargain and secure this rough diamond. The location is amazing, the outgoings are low and opportunity is high.'

Mr Houghton said it was the worst condition apartment he had seen since entering the real estate industry
Jerry Krause, pictured alongside his wife Gina, disappeared in April 2013

The family of a missing missionary pilot who vanished while flying his plane over Africa's West Coast four years ago now believe he was kidnapped.

Jerry Krause's plane vanished on April 7, 2013 while en route from South Africa to Mali, a trip his daughter says the aviator was very familiar with.

'Its a routine flight hes done multiple times,' his youngest daughter, Jessica Krause, told CBS affiliate WCCO in Minnesota on Friday.

'I thought, "Just give it some time and its all going to be OK." Now its been close to four-and-a-half years.'

After a two month search failed to recover his remains or debris from his Beechcraft 1900C, South African officials declared Krause dead.

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Krause's family still believe the missionary pilot is still alive and are asking the Trump administration for help

But Jessica Krause, who has exchanged emails with South African investigations chief Albert Phuti Morudi, says that in April 2016 officials from Pretoria reopened the case.

That's because, according to the family, new evidence has emerged suggesting that the 58-year-old has been taken hostage, and are reaching out to the Trump administration for help.

The family, however, has been stonewalled in their search for answers, specifically by the State Department, who they say are not allowed to act unless given presidential approval, WCCO reported.

Frustration has led Jessica Krause to start a social media campaign for her father, where she claims that South African officials have confirmed that Jerry Krause is still alive.

The family, however, has been stonewalled in their search for answers bu the US State Department

Writing on the 'Find Jerry' Facebook page, Jessica states: 'No concrete evidence of Jerry or his airplane were located during the first two months of investigations. In other words, no wreckage or body ever turned up.'

'The black box transponder has not been activated yet, making it unlikely that Jerry crashed and increasingly likely that he was forced to land in hostile territory.'

'To have Jerry Krause rescued,' she continues, 'Vice President (Mike) Pence or President (Donald) Trump need to give the authorization to the Department of Defense to liberate Jerry...Were ready. Were tired. Its just been a long time.'

Jerry Krause, who has flown to Africa on missionary flights since 1998, has three children with his wife, Gina.
Video footage shows the moment a pregnant woman in China kneels in front of her family, begging them to agree to a C-section.

Earlier reports claim that the family refused and following this, Ma committed suicide, jumping from the fifth floor of a hospital to her death on August 31.

However her husband has since responded, claiming that it was the hospital that refused to give her a C-section, reports the People's Daily Online.

Doctors had advised the 26-year-old undergo surgery as natural birth was too dangerous

The woman was seen several times walking around the hospital in distress

Original reports in Chinese media said that Ma was admitted to Yulin Number 1 Hospital on August 30.

Doctors had reportedly told Ma that the fetus' large head circumference meant that a natural birth would have been risky to the health of the mother.

Its claimed that she was told she should have a caesarean section.

Under Chinese law, family members have to give permission before medical staff conduct the surgery.

The hospital released a statement yesterday about the case on social media site Weibo. It claimed that the family had refused a C-section for Ma.

It said: 'She left the room many times due to irritability and asked for a C-section however the recommendations were rejected by their families.

The maternal pain became too unbearable leading to her becoming emotional and jumping.'

Video footage shows the woman kneeling in front of her family begging for a C-section

After telling staff she couldn't bear the pain, she jumped from the 20th floor of the hospital

The hospital also showed a contract that Ma and her husband had signed declaring to go ahead with a natural delivery despite knowing the risks.

They confirmed that the incident was being investigated.

Video footage shows posted online shows the woman looking in pain and wandering around the hospital before kneeling to her family.

Following reports, Ma's husband spoke with reporters and released a statement of his own claiming that doctors had denied her a C-section at the last minute.

The statement said: 'She was in such pain that I couldn't hold her up for much longer.'

'She said she needed a C-section.'

According to iFeng, the doctor involved in Ma's treatment has been suspended.

Many people have commented on the news story on Chinese site news163.com.

One user said: 'We should reflect on why mothers do not have the right to speak. Maternal views should be respected.'

While another commented: 'The in-laws and the husband must be completely desperate.'

And one user wrote: 'There are medical staff. How did the woman manage to commit suicide.'

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a local branch or go to www.samaritans.org.
The story of how our ancestors evolved to walk on land has remained largely unchanged for the last two decades, but the discovery of a new fossil could re-write our evolutionary history.

Scientists have found the remains of a new species of lobe-finned fish, known as Hongyu chowi, in a quarry in Ningxia, north China.

The bizarre fish shares characteristics with two other separate groups of lobe-finned fish - one of which evolved into early four-legged animals.

The fossil suggests that more species were evolving to live on land than scientists had previously thought.

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Scientists have found the remains of a new species of lobe-finned fish, known as Hongyu chowi, in a quarry in Ningxia, north China

HONGYU CHOWI Measuring about 1.5 metres (five feet) in length, the fish has features from two species groups that were previously thought to be distinct. Hongyu chowi's size and some of the shapes of the fossil's bones are similar to rhizodont fish, an extinct group of predatory lobe-finned fish. Rhizodont fish were thought to have evolved away from the tetrapod stem group before they formed limbs. But the fossil is also similar to another group of lobe-finned fish, the elpistostegids, which are a close relative to the early tetrapods. The shoulder girdle and gill skeleton of the Hongyu chowi are similar to those seen in early four-legged animals. Advertisement

Researchers from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing suggest that Hongyu chowi doesn't easily fit into the current understanding of the lobed-finned fish evolutionary tree.

The fossil comes from the late Devonian period of China, known as the Age of Fishes, and is between 360 and 370 million-years-old.

Scientists previously thought that lobe-finned fish evolved into four-limbed tetrapods around 360 million years ago.

Tetrapods include every extinct and living four-limbed animal, including amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

But hongyu chowi has changed this perception.

Measuring about 1.5 metres (five feet) in length, the fish has features from two species groups that were previously thought to be distinct.

Fish began to develop four limbs to walk on land around 360 million years ago, during the Devonian period, which is known as the Age of Fishes

Hongyu chowi's size and some of the shapes of the fossil's bones are similar to rhizodont fish, an extinct group of predatory lobe-finned fish.

Rhizodont fish were thought to have evolved away from the tetrapod stem group before they formed limbs.

But the fossil is also similar to another group of lobe-finned fish, the elpistostegids, which are a close relative to the early tetrapods.

HOW FISH WALKED ON LAND The lobe-finned fish had fins contained muscle and bone that eventually involved into the four-limbs that would allow animals to walk from water on to land Tetrapods evolved between 390 and 360 million years ago in the Devonian Period The word tetrapod means 'four feet', and the group includes amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. They evolved from a common finned animal, thought to be the lobe-finned fish. Early tetrapods used their limbs as paddles to move in the water. As they evolved, tetrapods developed a vertebral column and pelvic girdle that could support their bodies on land. Advertisement

The shoulder girdle and gill skeleton of the Hongyu chowi are similar to those seen in early four-legged animals.

In the new study, researchers said these similarities could mean that the Hongyu chowi is a form of rhizodont that independently evolved the shoulders and gill cover support of a four-legged animal.

But the findings could also indicate that rhizodonts are closer relations to tetrapods and elpistostegids than was previously thought.

Our ancient tetrapod ancestors used four limbs to drag themselves on to land (artist's impression pictured)

In both cases, the discovery reveals a significant increase in shared characteristics between separate groups on the evolutionary tree.

In their study, published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, the researchers, led by Dr Min Zhu, wrote: 'In either case, the overall result reveals a substantial increase in homoplasy in the tetrapod stem group.

'It also suggests that ecological diversity and biogeographical provinciality in the tetrapod stem group have been underestimated.'
A high-flying duck species reaches altitudes of up to 6,800 metres (22,000 feet) to cross the Himalayas, new research shows.

Ruddy shelducks need to fly over the Himalayas in the spring to get back to their breeding grounds at sea level south of the Tibetan Plateau.

Using satellite tracking, scientists found this challenge sees them cross terrain higher than 4,000 metres (13,000 feet), where oxygen levels are halved.

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Ruddy shelducks (pictured, stock) fly over the Himalayas in the spring to get to their breeding grounds, a huge challenge that sees them cross terrain higher than 4,000 metres (13,000 feet)

RUDDY SHELDUCKS Ruddy shelducks need to fly over the Himalayas in the spring to get back to their breeding grounds, a huge challenge that sees them cross terrain higher than 4,000 metres (13,000 feet), where oxygen levels are halved. Scientists from the University of Exeter used satellite data collected from 15 ruddy shelducks from two populations spending their winter south of the Tibetan Plateau. They found the birds, which take a 'circuitous route' to avoid mountain peaks, regularly fly above 5,000 metres (16,400 feet) and sometimes go as high as 6,800 metres (22,000 feet). The researchers suggested that ruddy shelducks wintering further east in India may fly even higher, given the higher terrain that lies north of India. Advertisement

Ruddy shelducks are a medium sized duck, similar to the mallard (900-1500g/ 2lbs - 3,3lbs).

Their breeding range stretches from south-eastern Europe through to Western China with some established populations in Africa.

'This is the first evidence of extreme high-altitude flight in a duck,' said lead researcher Nicole Parr, of Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

'This species has probably evolved a range of adaptations to be able to cope with flying so high, where oxygen levels are half those at sea level. We don't yet know the nature of these adaptations.

'Our research also shows that the ruddy shelduck has a faster climb rate than the bar-headed goose  the only waterfowl known to fly even higher.'

Dr Lucy Hawkes, the supervisor of the work at the University of Exeter, had previously tracked bar-headed geese to 24,000 feet (7,290 metres) altitude near Everest in 2014.

They were long thought to be the world's highest-flying bird based on flapping flight (some birds soar higher on thermals).

However, the new research suggests that the bar-headed geese may not be the only species flying at these high altitudes.

Scientists used satellite tracking to follow their route north of the Himalayan mountain range for breeding to their winters at sea level south of the Tibetan Plateau. This graphic shows their height relative to Mount Everest and a passenger jet

Experts say more research is needed to find out whether ruddy shelducks reach similar heights to bar-headed geese.

Scientists from the University of Exeter used satellite data collected from 15 ruddy shelducks from two populations spending their winter south of the Tibetan Plateau.

They found the birds, which take a 'circuitous route' to avoid mountain peaks, regularly fly above 5,000 metres (16,400 feet) and sometimes go as high as 6,800 metres (22,000 feet).

The researchers suggested that ruddy shelducks wintering further east in India may fly even higher, given the higher terrain that lies north of India.

The paper, published in the Journal of Avian Biology, is entitled: 'High altitude flights by ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) during Trans-Himalayan migrations.'
People from around the world travel to Scandinavia each year in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

But while the auroras on Earth are impressive, stunning new images taken by Nasa's Juno probe show that they're nothing in comparison to auroras on Jupiter.

Scientists have analysed the data collected by Juno, and suggest that Jupiter's aurora behave in a very different way to those on Earth.

For the first time ever, Juno has spotted electrons being fired down into Jupiters atmosphere at up to 400,000 volts.

On Earth, the solar wind is the power source for auroras, firing electrons at up to 30,000 volts.

The findings provide key insights into how different planets interact electromagnetically with their space environments.

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Scientists have analysed the data collected by Juno, and suggest that Jupiter's auroras (pictured) behave in a different way to those on Earth

THE FORMATION OF AURORAS Earth's auroras are produced by interactions between charged particles from the sun as they enter the atmosphere. Two processes are involved, depending on the type of aurora. Intense auroras are generated by the acceleration of electrons, while weaker auroras arise from the scattering of magnetically trapped electrons. Until now, it was though that auroras on Jupiter were produced in the same way as intense auroras on Earth. But during a recent flyover of Jupiter, Nasa's Juno probe detected accelerating electrons, although this didn't seem to produce intense auroras. Instead, the observations indicate that Jupiter's auroras are generated in the same way as weaker auroras on Earth. Advertisement

Auroras on Jupiter are much more powerful than those on Earth, and were previously thought to be generated by similar processes to those on our planet.

But a study led by scientists from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland suggests that this may not be the case.

Earth's auroras are produced by interactions between charged particles from the sun as they enter the atmosphere.

Two processes are involved, depending on the type of aurora.

Intense auroras are generated by the acceleration of electrons, while weaker auroras arise from the scattering of magnetically trapped electrons.

Until now, it was thought that auroras on Jupiter were produced in the same way as intense auroras on Earth.

But during a recent flyover of Jupiter, Nasa's Juno probe detected accelerating electrons, although this didn't seem to produce intense auroras.

A reconstruction shows what the northern and southern auroras looked like to Juno as it approached Jupiter, passed over the north pole, travelled to the southern hemisphere to pass over the southern pole, and finally receded from Jupiter

Auroras on Jupiter are much more powerful than those on Earth, and were previously thought to be generated by similar processes to those on our planet

Instead, the observations indicate that Jupiter's auroras are generated in the same way as weaker auroras on Earth.

In their study, published in Nature, the researchers, led by Dr Barry Mauk, wrote: 'Jupiter's relatively steady main aurora has a power density that is so much larger than Earth's that it has been taken for granted that it must be generated primarily by the discrete auroral process.

The observations indicate that Jupiter's auroras are generated in the same way as weaker auroras on Earth

'However, preliminary measurements of Jupiter's auroral regions yielded no evidence of such a process.

'Here we report observations of distinct, high-energy, downward, discrete electron acceleration in Jupiter's auroral polar regions.'

The researchers hope their findings will provide insights into how different planets interact electromagnetically with their space environments.

A video shows a series of images of Jupiters northern aurora, taken by Juno in the northern hemisphere on 2 February 2017
A Canadian startup has developed a device that allows children with disabilities to walk.

A new exoskeleton from Trexo Robotics consists of robotic legs that can attach to any walker and give kids with Cerebral Palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other immobilizing conditions the chance to escape the bounds of a wheel chair and move on their own.

While similar devices exist for adults, creating an exoskeleton for children came with unique challenges, and this is the first time it's been done.

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A new exoskeleton from Trexo Robotics consists of robotic legs that can attach to any walker and give kids with Cerebral Palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other immobilizing conditions the chance to escape the bounds of a wheel chair and move on their own

TREXO EXOSKELETON A Canadian startup has developed a futuristic exoskeleton that allows children with immobilizing disabilities like Cerebral Palsy and spinal cord injuries to escape the bounds of a wheel chair and move on their own. While these have existed for adults, this is the first one to meet the specific needs of children. The two Trexo legs easily attach to any walker, transforming it from a passive support system to a fully-powered exoskeleton device. Attached to the walker and strapped onto the child's own legs, the robo legs assist the child's knees and hip joints by using battery power to help the child propel themselves forward. It comes with a tablet that allows a physiotherapist or parent to adjust the parameters of the walking gait and adjust the various settings such as the assistive force on each joint. Advertisement

'We are the first ever commercial exoskeleton for children with disabilities in the world,' cofounder and CEO Manmeet Maggu told DailyMail.com.

'Today, in order to walk, a child relies on a walker or gait-trainer (a walker for people with even less mobility), which allows a child to take a few steps everyday for exercise, but it is not a mobility solution.'

'Our robotic legs attach onto the walker, ensuring support along with powered walking, so that a child can take the device outdoors and walk longer periods.'

The two Trexo legs easily attach to any walker, transforming it from a passive support system to a fully-powered exoskeleton device.

Attached to the walker and strapped onto the child's own legs, the robo legs assist the child's knees and hip joints by using battery power to help the child propel themselves forward.

It can be used for a full day on a single charge.

Trexo can be used indoors and outdoors on any surface you would use a wheelchair, but it isn't currently suited for navigating stairs.

There's a software approach as well - it comes with a tablet that allows a physiotherapist or parent to track progress and adjust the parameters (such as the assistive force on each joint) as the child gains strength.

All together, Maggu and his cofounder Rahul Udasi - both robotics engineers - had to develop hardware, software, firmware, and electrical systems to make Trexo a reality.

While similar exoskeleton technology exists for adults, designing a system for children came with a new set of challenges.

'One of the challenges was building a system that is compact enough to work with small children, at the same time providing the right amount of forces when needed to support the child,' Maggu said.

Children with disabilities often have really weak bone structure, which makes it difficult for them to take their own body weight for more than a few minutes.

With these differences, it wasn't as easy as simply shrinking down the current devices.

'Most exoskeletons are heavy machines that put their weight on the back of the user, which meant that we had to design from the ground up,' Maggu said.

'Our device allows a child to reduce the effect of gravity on their legs, by suspending them in the device.'

The two Trexo legs easily attach to any walker, transforming it from a passive support system to a fully-powered exoskeleton device. The robo legs assist the child's knees and hip joints by using battery power to help the child propel themselves forward

DISABILITIES TREXO CAN HELP KIDS OVERCOME - Cerebral Palsy - Traumatic / Non-traumatic brain injury - Paraplegia - Spinal Cord Injury - Rett Syndrome - Neuromuscular Disease - Stroke - Hemiplegia - Degenerative Lower Extremity Joint Disease Advertisement

He said this is akin to moon-walking, adding that the system can be adjusted so the child is fully suspended (walking in the air) or fully weight-bearing (taking all of his/her weight on their legs).

'Our vision is that this device can provide not only therapeutic benefits, which have been documented via other robotic platforms, but also provide mobility, allowing a child to walk around rather than using a wheelchair,' Maggu.

Being constrained to a wheelchair can lead to even more health complications, including blood clots, muscle degradation, and kidney failure.

Maggu came up with the idea for Trexo while studying Mechatronics engineering at the University of Waterloo in Canada after discovering his newphew Praneit has Cerebral Palsy and may never be able to walk.

After researching and learning about the devastating affects of a lifetime in a wheelchair, his family was looking for a device to help him walk.

'We quickly realized that there is no such device out there for him or any other children in fact,' he said.

Maggu and his cofounder Rahul Udasi had to develop hardware, software, firmware and electrical systems to make Trexo a reality. While similar exoskeleton technology exists for adults, designing a system for children came with a new set of challenges

'That led us down the path of building something for my nephew.'

While gearing up to finish graduate school at the University of Toronto in 2015 (where Maggu got his MBA and Rahul got his Masters in Robotics), the duo realized they could make their side hustle a full time business.

They joined the Hatchery LaunchLab at the university and found capital for their startup when they took home the $20,000 Lacavera Prize at the program's annual Demo Day competition.

The company later took home another award for $50,000 from The Ontario Brain Institute.

In summer of 2016, they conducted an emotional first test of Trexo at Maggu's brother's house in Delhi, India.

'Over the years, we went through multiple prototypes until we finally tried one with my nephew and watched him take his first steps using our device,' Maggu said.

'It was a proof of concept showing that it can work, and we havent looked back since then.'

In the US and Canada alone, 510,000 kids live with Cerebral Palsy, 564,000 have traumatic brain injuries, and 5.3 million have some form of paralysis.

In the US and Canada alone, 510,000 kids live with Cerebral Palsy, 564,000 have traumatic brain injuries, and 5.3 million have some form of paralysis

Now the team is preparing to launch Trexo in October in as part of a partnership with Able Bionics, a Toronto-based distributor providing exoskeletons direct to physiotherapy clinics.

The first version will be for clinics and hospitals and allow them to use the exoskeleton as a device for physiotherapy treatment.

'This helps us collect more data and fine-tune our next product, which will be intended for the families to use in their homes,' Maggu said.

The launch coincides with the company's completion of the Techstars program, a tech accelerator that helps early-stage startups boost their business with mentoring and funding.

Other Techstars graduates who went through the program in NYC include ClassPass, Plated, and Bluecore.

'The program has helped us build a better business model for the long-term growth and sustainability of the business,' Maggu said, calling the accelerator 'a surreal experience.'

'The mentor adviser network we build at Techstars will help us not just today, but for many years to come.'

While the company is focusing on kids right now, it does hope to expand and develop and advanced exoskeleton for adults as well.

'We want to build devices that can serve children from a young age through to adulthood, a lifestyle companion,' Maggu said.

'Our vision is to replace the wheelchair for everyone eventually.'
As southeast Texas and Louisiana cope with the devastation left behind by hurricane Harvey, scientists now say the event was so extreme, it caused Houston to drop by nearly an inch.

According to earthquake scientist Chris Milliner, of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the natural disaster pushed the ground beneath Houston down 2 centimeters as Earths crust flexed under the inordinate weight of the floodwater.

The expert notes that the phenomenon is likely the result of both subsidence and soil compaction  and, while the region could bounce back to normal, he says only time will tell.

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According to earthquake scientist Chris Milliner, of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the natural disaster pushed the ground beneath Houston down 2 centimeters as Earths crust flexed under the inordinate weight of the floodwater

Milliner tweeted the findings this week, writing that the GPS data show the flood was so large it flexed Earths crust, pushing Houston down by ~2 cm [.78 inch]!

Some of the measurements were collected by stations situated on the bedrock, which showed signs of subsidence.

The effect is much like what happens if you jump on and off your mattress, he explains in replies to the original post.

Water acts as a load that depress crust, it may uplift again soon, he notes.

As of Monday, the researchers havent noted any rebound in the area.

But, Milliner says it is possible that the ground will return to normal.

Its most likely elastic loading, so temporary deformation that will restored [sic] once flood waters have receded, Milliner wrote.

So possible uplift soon.

By Saturday, when the rains had mostly died down, scientists estimated Harvey had dumped 33 trillion gallons of water on the southeast US

WHY HURRICANE HARVEY WAS WORSE THAN OTHERS Hurricane Harvey's biggest effect is through its intense and prolonged rainfall. A low pressure system to the north is keeping Harvey over southern Texas, resulting in greater rainfall totals. We know that climate change is enhancing extreme rainfall . As the atmosphere is getting warmer, it can hold more moisture (roughly 7 per cent for every 1 rise in temperature). This means that when we get the right circumstances for very extreme rainfall to occur, climate change is likely to make these events even worse than they would have been otherwise. Without a full analysis it is hard to put exact numbers on this effect, but on a basic level, wetter skies mean more intense rain. But there are also other factors that are making this story worse than others in terms of its impact. Houston is the second-fastest growing city in the US, and the fourth most populous overall. As the region's population grows, more and more of southern Texas is being paved with impermeable surfaces . This means that when there is extreme rainfall, the water takes longer to drain away, prolonging and intensifying the floods. Advertisement

By Saturday, when the rains had mostly died down, scientists estimated Harvey had dumped 33 trillion gallons of water on the southeast US, according to the Washington Post.

The resulting floods put massive amounts of pressure on Earths crust, causing it to flex under the weight, according to Milliner.

The rain itself cant, but the floodwaters can, Milliner explained in a reply.

1 cubit meter of water = 1 ton, you could fit that in your car, and would double its weight.

By the time the rain stopped, scientists estimated Harvey to have dumped about 1 million gallons of water for every man, woman and child in southeastern Texas.

A rescue boat enters a flooded subdivision as floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey rise. There's a lot of debate among climate scientists over what role, if any, global warming may have played in causing Harvey to stall over Texas

This, they say, is- a soggy, record-breaking glimpse of the wet and wild future that global warming could bring.

Some have even gone as far as to say such extreme storms are 'the new normal'.

While researchers are quick to say that climate change didn't cause Harvey, they do note that warmer air and water mean wetter and possibly more intense hurricanes in the future.

'This is the kind of thing we are going to get more of,' said Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer.

'This storm should serve as warning.'
The iPhone 8 is supposed to be a massive step forward in design and honor the device's 10th anniversary, but it's looking like Apple's new phone may be a flop.

A new survey from investment firm Piper Jaffray shows iPhone users aren't any more excited for this release than they were for the iPhone 7.

Only 16 percent of those surveyed said they are planning to upgrade to the new device.

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A new survey from Piper Jaffray shows iPhone users aren't any more excited for this release than they were for the iPhone 7. Only 16 percent of those surveyed said they are planning to upgrade to the new device. Pictured: the iPhone 8, according to Apple leaker Benjamin Geskin

IPHONE RUMORS Several rumors have been circulating about the new device and suggest it 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 Advertisement

'We believe the survey suggests that awareness of potential for this year's iPhone to be a more robust upgrade is relatively low,' the investment bank's analysts wrote in a research note for clients on Tuesday.

He said that in a survey of more than 400 US iPhone users, only 16 percent expect to upgrade to a new iPhone this Fall, compared to 15 percent last year.

Additionally, only 24 percent said they will 'maybe' upgrade, versus 29 percent last year.

'We also found that the percent of iPhone users on a version two years or older (at time of upgrade) is almost identical (66 percent versus 67 percent) compared to our 2016 survey.'

Overall, it seems users aren't upgrading as quickly as Apple is launching new phones.

While the number for those who say they'll upgrade is one percent higher than it was last year, that still isn't good news for Apple.

This is Apple's first major redesign since the iPhone 6 in 2014.

While the iPhone 7 featured incremental changes, the new device is completely overhauled in its design and technology - It's expected to boast features including facial recognition, a dual-lens 3D camera, augmented reality capabilities, facial recognition, and a full edge-to-edge OLED display.

In a note to investors, Olson said the the hype around the new launch may be underwhelming because consumers aren't aware 'of potential for a more robust feature set with this year's iPhone.'

But despite this, Piper Jaffray is still expecting bigger sales growth with the iPhone 8 launch than other devices other than the iPhone 6.

They're predicting 12 percent year-on-year sales growth (it was a record 36 percent for the iPhone 6).

Sales could come from non-iPhone users, who typically make up 65 percent of the firm's annual phone sales.

'Our model assumes Apple sells ~242M iPhones in the 12 months following iPhone X launch,' the investment bank's analysts said, referring to the phone by one of its rumored names. Pictured: a mock up of the case posted by Senior Editor of The iPhone Insider Aaron Mason

'Specifically, our analysis suggests that at the time of iPhone X launch there will be an installed base of ~330M users on an iPhone that's at least 2 years old (see details in table below),' he said, referring to the device by one if its rumored names

'We believe a sizable portion of these users, in addition to users with newer devices, will look to upgrade due to the age of their device and the more significant changes to the device.'

'Our model assumes Apple sells ~242M iPhones in the 12 months following iPhone X launch.'

He recommends the firm spend time addressing why users need the new features during the launch event, which will take place next week on September 12 at the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple's new Cupertino, California campus.

In May, Tim Cook said he believes leaks sway consumers' buying habits and can deter some from upgrading, or saying they will ahead of the actual launch.

'In general, we're seeing what we believe to be a pause in purchases on iPhone, which we believe are due to the earlier and much more frequent reports about future iPhones,' he told analysts, referring to iPhone 7 sales.

'And so that part is clearly going on, and it could be what's behind the data.'

'I don't know, but we are seeing that in full transparency.'

One reason for the low interest could be the price - Apple's new handset will be the most expensive the firm has ever made.

The idea that the new device will cost upwards of $1,000 has been a widely-reported rumor that could be deterring some users from feeling they need to make the switch.

Yesterday, prolific Apple leaker Benjamin Geskin shared what he claims are the final iPhone 8 prices on Twitter, continuing rumors that some versions of the new phone will cost over $1,000.

He claims the 64GB version will cost $999, the 246GB version will be $1,099, and the 512GB version will be $1,199.

Prolific Apple leaker Benjamin Geskin shared iPhone 8 prices on Twitter, continuing rumors that some versions of the new phone will cost over $1,000. He claims the 64GB version will cost $999, the 246GB version will be $1,099, and the 512GB version will be $1,199

According to a direct conversion, this would price the new devices at 767, 843, and 920 respectively in the UK, but the British version has typically cost more than the those sold in the US, so these may not be accurate.

Shortly after leaking the prices, Geskin shared images of parts that allegedly reveal the colors the devices will come in.

The photos - which he captioned 'blush gold, silver, black' - depict iPhone SIM card trays in gold and silver supposedly designed for the iPhone 8.

Geskin has previously reported 'blush gold' would be a color option.

Shortly after leaking the prices, Geskin shared images of parts that allegedly reveal the colors the devices will come in

The photos - which he captioned 'blush gold, silver, black' - depict iPhone SIM card trays in gold and silver supposedly designed for the iPhone 8. Geskin has previously reported 'blush gold' would be a color option

This echos previous rumors of the three colors shared earlier in August by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is known as the most accurate Apple analyst.

Over the last few days, Geskin has also posted several photos he claims show the new device on Instagram and Twitter.

Rumors circulating yesterday suggest Apple's next flagship iPhone will be called the iPhone X.

It was said the company is embracing Roman numerals to mark its 10th anniversary milestone.

Geskin posted what he claims is the new iPhone 8 (left) next to an older version of the device that still has the home button (right)

The source suggests it will be launched alongside two phones, which will be called the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus - and, this could mean Apple is skipping an 's' generation for the first time since it was introduced.

The Dutch technology site iCulture has cited a 'reliable source' as giving them the information about the anniversary handset.

'This source has previously informed us correctly about the existence of the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and is working with a worldwide operating telecom company,' explained the site.

Senior Editor of The iPhone Insider Aaron Mason released leaked images of the new release yesterday and called it the 'Apple iPhone X Edition'.

However, previous sources have said the iPhone X will be called the iPhone Edition.

9to5Mac said on Friday that case manufacturers it spoke to at the IFA trade show in Germany have been advised that the top of the range handset will instead be known as the iPhone Edition.

The firm sent invites to key media for the event on 1 September, which is also expected to see the launch of an iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, a new version of the Apple Watch and a new 4K Apple TV.

Senior Editor of The iPhone Insider has released leaked mock-ups of the new release and called it the 'Apple iPhone X Edition'

They say 'Let's meet at our place'.

It is believed the new iPhone X along with the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus will go on sale on September 22nd.

The latest claims from the Wall Street Journal are that 'The company is expected to unveil three iPhones, according to other people familiar with its plans.'

The launch will be the first event at the Steve Jobs theater at Apple Park, the official name for the firm's giant 'Spaceship' HQ.

Aaron Mason posted pictures of the iPhone X on his Twitter. Last week it was revealed the company is unveiling the next iPhone at a special event at its campus in California

The firm sent invites to key media for the event on 1 September, which is also expected to see the launch of an iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, a new version of the Apple Watch and a new 4K Apple TV. Pictured is a leaked image of the iPhone X handset

The firm sent invites to key media for the event, which is also expected to see the launch of three phones, a new version of the Apple Watch and a new 4K Apple TV

The Steve Jobs Theater is situated on top of a hill  one of the highest points within Apple Park  overlooking meadows and the main building. Opening on September 12th, the entrance to the 1,000-seat auditorium is a 20-foot-tall glass cylinder, 165 feet in diameter, supporting a metallic carbon-fibre roof

This graphic shows some of the new features rumoured for Apple's iPhone 8/ iPhone X, which is due for release in mid-September

Even though the theater will be complete, many of the surround areas of 'the ring' remain under final construction it is believed.

It comes as leaked images appear to show parts taken from the upcoming iPhone 8/ iPhone X in unprecedented detail.

The images, posted to Twitter by leaker Benjamin Geskin on 20 August, claim to show the iPhone X's OLED display cover and a variety of cables, including for the Lightning port.

One of the photos, originally found on Chinese social media site Weibo, shows the iPhone Xs' display compared to that of the iPhone 7.

This confirms rumours about the two handsets' similar overall size.

Leaked images from 20 August appear to show parts taken from the upcoming iPhone 8/ iPhone X in unprecedented detail

One of the photos, originally found on Chinese social media site Weibo, appears to show the iPhone 8/ iPhone X's display (left) compared to that of the iPhone 7 (right)

Last week, new leaks suggested the smartphone's classic home button will be replaced with gesture controls.

Users may simply swipe their hands above the device for tasks such as going to the main app grid and opening multitasking.

Apple also plans to introduce a stainless steel band around the phone which the glass curves into, much like the casing used for the iPhone 4 and 4S.

In place of a home button on the iPhone 8/ iPhone X, a thin, software bar will stretch across the bottom of the screen.

Apple's iPhone 8/iPhone X will see the replacement of the smartphone's classic home button with gesture controls, new leaks suggest. Pictured is a concept drawing

This bar can be dragged to the top of the screen to open the iPhone, while users can initiate multitasking using a similar gesture while an app is open.

The iPhone 8/ iPhone X will have an OLED screen that is slightly larger than that of the iPhone 7 Plus (5.5'), but the device itself will be similar to the iPhone 7, people familiar with the phone told Bloomberg.

The firm is not moving to curved screens like the latest Samsung models, instead favoring a flat screen like current and past iPhones, the report says.

Images show that the iPhone 8/ iPhone X's dock has been redesigned to match the interface of the one on the iPad version of iOS 11 (pictured)

HOW WILL THE NEW GESTURES WORK? Apple has tested the removal of the home button in favour of new gesture controls in the iPhone 8/ iPhone X. In its place, a thin, software bar will stretch across the bottom of the screen. This bar can be dragged to the top of the screen to open the iPhone. Users can initiate multitasking using a similar gesture while an app is open. To close the app and go back to the home screen, users can continue flicking the bar upwards. Advertisement

Symmetrical, slim bezels will cover the entirety of the device's front, cutting off the areas where the home button and ear piece sit on current iPhone models.

The front-facing camera, earpiece and facial-recognition sensor are instead housed in a small notch at the top of the screen, the image show.

Images of recent test devices reveal that the left side of the notch displays the time while the right side shows battery life, WiFi and mobile network connectivity.

Apple has opted to remove the square corners seen on current iPhones in favour of rounded ones, possibly as an homage to the shape of the very first iPhone model, which came out a decade ago in November.

The iPhone 8/ iPhone X's power button will be longer to make it easier to press while holding the phone in one hand, the images and people suggest.

A taller screen means that the phone will fit six vertical rows of apps, showing 24 icons on each page excluding the dock, a grey bar at the bottom of the screen containing frequently used apps.

The images show that the dock has been redesigned to match the interface of the one on the iPad version of iOS 11.

Alongside the new high-end device, Apple plans to release two new additional iPhone models.

These will use faster processors but will include the same screens as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

They will debut alongside an update Apple TV set-top box and Apple Watch models.
But lucky viewers as far south as Yorkshire could also be in for a glimpse of them

High latitudes, like Washington, Iowa, Canada and Scotland are likely to see it

The solar radiation might spark colourful displays of the Northern lights

This could have minor effects on the power grid or spacecraft operations

Geomagnetic storm activity this evening could send a dazzling display of lights rippling across the night sky.

Space-weather forecasters have issued a G3 (Strong) Watch today, which is the middle classification on the geomagnetic storm scale, just one below 'severe'.

While effects on power grids or spacecraft operation will likely be minor, sky-gazers in high latitudes could be treated to a view of the colourful auroras.

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Geomagnetic storm activity today could send the Northern Lights rippling across the sky. People in Canada and a number of America's northern States (left) may see the lights early in the day, with lucky viewers in Scotland and Yorkshire (right) in for a glimpse this evening

WHAT ARE AURORAS? There are two types of auroras - Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights), which means 'dawn of the north', and Aurora Australis, 'dawn of the south.' The lights are created when charged particles from the sun enter Earth's atmosphere. Usually the particles are deflected by the Earth's magnetic field, but some enter the atmosphere and collide with gas particles. These collisions emit light in many colours, although pale green and pink are common. Advertisement

People living in Scotland, Canada, and a number of America's northern states may see the lights, with viewers as far south of Yorkshire also in for a glimpse.

In Europe, aurora-watchers in the north of Scandinavia will be in for some exciting displays.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Tuesday that it had issued a G3 Watch warning.

During this time, there may be weak power grid fluctuations or slight impacts to satellite operations, along with effects on migratory animals.

The storm could pose an 'elevated radiation risk to passengers and crew in high-flying aircraft at far north or south latitudes,' a NOAA warning says.

It may also intermittently impact high-frequency RF communications, which may cause some transpolar flight routes to divert to lower geomagnetic latitudes.

The storm will not, however, impact with flights or any other human activity, the agency says.

Auroras could also be seen as low as Illinois and Oregon, the NOAA added.

The warning is in response to a huge coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun on Monday, which sent a stream of radiation hurtling towards the Earth.

This radiation will likely continue to bombard the planet through to September 7, the NOAA said.

The agency said its Planetary K-index, a measure of the magnitude of geomagnetic storms, was expected to be greater than 4 today - a value which means a geomagnetic storms warning will be issued.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Tuesday that it had issued a G3 Watch warning. The warning means that nations and states above the yellow line pictured above could be treated to a view of the Northern Lights this evening

The warning is in response to a huge coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun on Monday (pictured), which sent a stream of radiation hurtling towards the Earth

HOW THE SOLAR WIND IS FORMED The sun and its atmosphere are made of plasma  a mix of positively and negatively charged particles which have separated at extremely high temperatures, that both carries and travels along magnetic field lines. Material from the corona streams out into space, filling the solar system with the solar wind. But scientists found that as the plasma travels further away from the sun, things change. The sun begins to lose magnetic control, forming the boundary that defines the outer corona  the very edge of the sun. The breakup of the rays is similar to the way water shoots out from a squirt gun. First, the water is a smooth and unified stream, but it eventually breaks up into droplets, then smaller drops and eventually a fine, misty spray. The images in a Nasa study capture the plasma at the same stage where a stream of water gradually disintegrates into droplets. If charged particles from solar winds hit Earth's magnetic field, this can cause problems for satellite and communication equipment. Advertisement

'The geomagnetic storm watch for the 6 and 7 September, 2017 UTC-days has been upgraded to G3 (Strong),' the NOAA wrote in a post on its website.

'The G3 Watch is in anticipation of likely overall geomagnetic planetary response to the expected arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME) that took place in association with an M5 flare (R2-Moderate radio blackout) observed on 4 September at 2033 UTC (1633 ET).'

'Current analysis and forecasts reflect CME arrival late on 6 September, 2017; with CME effects continuing into 7 September.'

The NOAA said its Planetary K-index, a measure of the magnitude of geomagnetic storms, was expected to be greater than 4 today - a value which means a geomagnetic storms warning will be issued

Solar flares are common, but larger ones can cause disruptions to communication systems on Earth. Material from the corona streams out into space, filling the solar system with the solar wind. Pictured is imagery from the NOAA of the sun's activity yesterday (Credit: NOAA)

People in high latitudes could be graced with the appearance of colourful auroras today and tomorrow. The Northern Lights over Kirkjufell Mountain on the north coast of Iceland are pictured

HOW IT COULD IMPACT EARTH Solar flares can damage satellites and have an enormous financial cost. Astronauts are not in immediate danger because of the relatively low orbit of this manned mission. They do have to be concerned about cumulative exposure during space walks. The charged particles can also threaten airlines by disturbing the Earth's magnetic field. Very large flares can even create currents within electricity grids and knock out energy supplies. Advertisement

The British Geological Survey, Aurorawatch UK and US body Space Weather Prediction Centre have all reported heightened opportunities of spotting the aurora, because of the solar storm.

The storm is caused by a hole in the outermost layer of the sun, opening the magnetic field up to stretch further than usual, which resulted in a gradual increase in the solar wind.

Last year, Nasa released an incredible video showing solar wind as it leaves the sun's surface - in stark contrast to the gusty and turbulent wind as it approaches Earth.

Ever since the 1950s discovery of the solar wind  the constant flow of charged particles from the sun  there's been a stark disconnect between this outpouring and the sun itself.
Flying robots could soon take to the skies, thanks to a new Iron Man-style jet propulsion system designed by Italian engineers.

The plans would see thrusters attached to the hands and feet of an iCub humanoid robot, which previously hit headlines for its baby-faced appearance.

This would allow the droids, which stand at a diminutive 3.4 feet (104 cm) tall, to adjust their flight path at superhuman speeds.

The jet packs could allow repair bots to reach hard to access areas, as well as providing a test-bed for exoskeletons designed to allow human flight.

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Flying robots could soon take to the skies, thanks to a new Iron Man style jet propulsion system being designed by Italian engineers. Researchers from the Italian Institute of Technology have outlined the initial phases of their scheme (pictured)

THE ICUB ROBOT iCub, has been under development for more than a decade. It is motivated by goals and can express six emotions on its face, including raising its eyebrows and generating a light-up smile. It was originally created by the IIT as part of the eFAA Project. Over the years, its been refined to be able to crawl, walk and dance to music, manipulate objects in its hands, speak and express emotions. In November 2016, researchers announced a 3million ($3.7m) project to develop robots which can learn like a child. The team, based at the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies of the Italian National Research Council (ISTC-CNR) in Rome are using the iCub robot as there hardware. They hope to equip the robots with AI software that will will generate an artificial sense of curiosity which will help them to teach themselves about the world. Advertisement

Researchers from the Italian Institute of Technology in Genoa outlined the initial phase of their scheme in a paper published on the online e-print repository Arxiv.org.

A similar design was successfully demonstrated by British inventor Richard Browning back in April.

But a robot could take the technology to the next level, using its processing power to calculate the adjustments necessary to realise the full potential of the jet thrusters.

The Italian team are still working at the theoretical stage, but they hope to put their findings into practice in the near future.

Speaking to IEEE Spectrum, lead author Daniele Pucci said: 'I came up with the idea four years ago, when I first arrived at IIT.

'I truly believe that aerial humanoid robotics can be used as a test-bed for actuated flying exoskeletons for human beings.

'The recent successful story of Richard Browning shows the engineering feasibility of these futuristic actuated exoskeletons.

'We have invited Browning to IIT to discuss actuated flying exoskeletons, and hes excited about our work on flying humanoid robots.

'However, the journey in front of us is still long, and we can use flying humanoid robots to boost this journey and avoid lots of tests on humans.'

Mr Browning's suit combines body mounted miniaturised jet-engines, with a specially designed exo-skeletal suit, allowing the pilot to vertically take off and fly using the human body to control the flight.

Four arm-mounted gas turbine engines and two hip-mounted gas turbine engines provide enough lift to enable a person capable of holding their body weight for long periods of time to fly.

The plans would see thrusters attached to the hands and feet of an iCub humanoid robot, which previously hit headlines for its baby-faced appearance

This would allow the droids, which stand at a diminutive 3.4 feet (104 cm) tall, to adjust their flight path at superhuman speeds.

In demonstrations, the suit has hovered just above the ground at low speed.

But Mr Browning says it is capable of propelling users even higher and at greater speeds, potentially flying at several hundred miles per hour and reaching thousands of feet above the ground.

The robot itself, iCub, is around the size of a five year old child and has been under development for more than a decade.

The robot itself, iCub, has been under development for more than a decade. It is motivated by goals and can express six emotions on its face, including raising its eyebrows and generating a light-up smile

British inventor Richard Browning's flight suit has been compared to 'Iron Man' armour (left) worn by Marvel Comics character Tony Stark. The suit (right) allows the pilot to vertically take off and fly using the human body to control the flight

RICHARD BROWNING'S IRON MAN SUIT The technology combines body mounted miniaturised jet-engines, with a specially designed exo-skeletal suit, allowing the pilot to vertically take off and fly using the human body to control the flight. Four arm-mounted gas turbine engines and two hip-mounted gas turbine engines provide enough lift to enable a person capable of holding their body weight for long periods of time to fly. In demonstrations, the suit has hovered just above the ground at low speed. But Mr Browning says it is capable of propelling users even higher and at greater speeds, potentially flying at several hundred miles per hour and reaching thousands of feet above the ground. Advertisement

It is motivated by goals and can express six emotions on its face, including raising its eyebrows and generating a light-up smile.

It was originally created by the IIT as part of the eFAA Project.

Over the years, its been refined to be able to crawl, walk and dance to music, manipulate objects in its hands, speak and express emotions.

In November 2016, researchers announced a 3million ($3.7m) project to develop robots which can learn like a child.

The team, based at the Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies of the Italian National Research Council (ISTC-CNR) in Rome are using the iCub robot as there hardware.

They hope to equip the robots with AI software that will will generate an artificial sense of curiosity which will help them to teach themselves about the world.
From learning how to kiss to how to lose weight, Google's most searched questions give us an insight into humanity's daily trials and tribulations.

Top searches also include queries about how to do the most mundane things such as make pancakes, tie a tie and make money.

Results showed North Americans and East Asians needed most help fixing their toilets while people in former Soviet countries were more likely to be googling how to fix their washing machines.

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The most googled 'how to' question was how to tie a tie followed by how to kiss. There were also lots of 'coming-of-age question' such as how to tell if a girl likes you, how to get a girl to like you and how to ask a girl out (stock image)

THE TOP 'HOW TO' LIST 1. How to tie a tie 2. How to kiss 3. How to get pregnant 4. How to lose weight 5. How to draw 6. How to make money 7. How to make pancakes 8. How to write a cover letter 9. How to make French toast 10. How to lose belly fat Advertisement

According to researchers at Google's News Lab, 'how to' searchers have increased by more than 140 per cent since 2004.

They note that most of that interest is in how to 'fix' things - often mundane household items such as fridges and toilets.

Included in the top ten 'how to' questions are how to make money, how to make pancakes, how to write a cover letter and how to lose belly flat.

The most googled 'how to' question was how to tie a tie followed by how to kiss.

Working with data journalist Xaquin Gonzalez Veira, researchers created a visual essay about things people around the world need help fixing.

'We looked at what things we need the most help with around the house, from the simplest how-to-fit-a-bulb kind of fixes, to those fixes for which we know we need a professional, but our ego makes us take upon ourselves to at least try', Mr Veira said.

Researchers found questions about walls, doors and windows were the most searched items in almost every country.

Top searches included tips about how to do the most mundane things such as make pancakes, tie a tie (pictured, stock image) and lose weight

The third most googled question was 'how to get pregnant'. The data visualization is the latest by Google News Labs to re-examine how news designers can tell stories using new types of data (stock image)

North Americans and East Asians needed most help fixing their toilets while people in former Soviet countries were more likely to be googling how to fix their washing machines

TOP LOVE QUESTIONS 1. How to kiss 2. How to get pregnant 3. How to love 4. How to get a girl to like you 5. How to impress a girl 6. How to kiss a girl 7. How to tell if a boy likes you 8. How to ask a girl out 9. How to French kiss 10. How to get a girlfriend Advertisement

'North Americans and East Asians need their toilets, people in former Soviet countries are fearless enough to attempt fixing their own washing machines, warmer climates can't live without a fridge', he said.

'We have become so dependent on offloading, on relieving our brains from keeping certain basic, human information in storage, that we've forgotten how to do some fairly basic grown up tasks.'

In the top 100 'how to' questions worldwide, people had asked how to boil an egg, cook rise, poach and egg and make a cake.

There were also lots of 'coming-of-age question' such as how to tell if a girl likes you, how to get a girl to like you and how to ask a girl out.

Some of the questions were more practical such as how to tune a guitar and jump a car.

Included in the top ten 'how to' questions are how to make money, how to make pancakes, how to write a cover letter and how to lose belly flat (stock image)

How to make money was one of the most googled questions. Researchers note there were many questions about how to 'fix' household items such as fridges and toilets (stock image)

TOP TRENDING 'HOW-TOS' 1. How to do the cup song 2. How to draw a minion 3. How to contour 4. How to make loom bands 5. How to get a thigh gap 6. How to clean white converse 7. How to make fluffy slime 8. How to twerk 9. How to lose weight fast for women 10. How to become an uber driver Advertisement

TOP 'COMING-OF-AGE' SEARCHES 1. How to make money 2. How to write a cover letter 3. How to write a resume 4. How to save money 5. How to write a check 6. How to get a passport 7. How to start a business 8. How to write a letter 9. How to write an essay 10. How to change your name Advertisement

'Some of those questions are recurring themes of our search behaviour, here are some of the most interesting seasonal 'how to' questions', researchers found.

For example questions about 'how to ask someone to the prom' peaks around March and 'how to lose weight' peaks in January and then slumps for the rest of the year.

The data visualization is the latest by Google News Labs to re-examine how news designers can tell stories using new types of data.

According to researchers at Google's News Lab, 'how to' searchers have increased by more than 140 per cent since 2004 - with more and more people wanting to know 'how to draw' (stock image)

The most googled 'how to' question was how to tie a tie followed by how to kiss. Some of the questions were more practical such as how to tune a guitar and jump a car

TOP SEARCHES IN LONDON 1. How to make slime 2. How to make pancakes 3. How to lose weight 4. How to screenshot 5. How to tie a tie 6. How to make money 7. How to lose belly fat 8. How to boil an egg 9. How to delete instagram account 10. How to work out percentages Advertisement

TOP SEARCHES IN NEW YORK 1. How to make slime 2. How to tie a tie 3. How to screenshot 4. How to change language in Google Chrome 5. How to lose weight 6. How to write a check 7. How to lose weight fast 8. How to lose belly fat 9. How to make slime without borax 10. How to make french toast Advertisement

'Some of those questions are recurring themes of our search behaviour, here are some of the most interesting seasonal 'how to' questions', researchers found.

For example questions about 'how to ask someone to the prom' peaks around March and 'how to lose weight' peaks in January and then slumps for the rest of the year.

The data visualisation is the latest by Google News Labs to re-examine how news designers can tell stories using new types of data.
Google Street View imagery is about to get much sharper.

The firm is revamping its cameras for the first time in eight years to provide detailed HD images of the world.

These images will be used alongside AI algorithms to answer questions such as the names of buildings and what time stores open.

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With new HD cameras, Google algorithms can understand millions of storefronts and signs to make sense of the real-world. Pictured is a current Google Street View of Trafalgar Square

HOW DOES IT WORK? With new HD cameras, Google algorithms can understand millions of storefronts and signs to make sense of the real-world. When a Street View car captures images of road, algorithms can now automatically create addresses, transcribe street names and numbers. The rigs have two cameras that capture HD images on either side of the vehicle that will capture almost every publicly accessible space. The system is so smart it can work out abbreviations, such as 'Av' for avenue and 'St' for street. Researchers hope the technology will soon be able to recognize different types of businesses and information such as opening times. Advertisement

Since its launch in 2007, Google Street View has captured some of the world's most far-flung and scenic destinations, including the Amazon rainforest, Antarctica and Canada's Arctic tundra.

It has put panoramas of more than 10 million miles of roads in its quest to index the world.

This upgrade, which is the first in eight years, began rolling out last month and will give Google lots more data that will make footage much clearer.

'People are coming to us every day with harder and deeper questions', Jen Fitzpatrick, the vice president of the maps division told Wired.

She wants Google to be able to answer tougher questions such as 'What's the name of the pink store next to the church on the corner?' or 'What's a Thai place open now that does delivery to my address?'

'These are questions we can only answer if we have richer and deeper information,' she said.

Google algorithms are trained to understand millions of signs.

The rigs have two cameras that capture HD images on either side of the vehicle that will capture almost every publicly accessible space.

When a Street View car captures images, algorithms will automatically create addresses, transcribe street names and numbers. Pictured is standard Street View footage of New York

Experts believe that tourist boards and potentially governments will start driving cars with cameras on in order to ensure their local area has the most up to date information on Google. Pictured is a Google street-mapping car in Bristol

The system is so smart it can work out abbreviations, such as 'Av' for avenue and 'St' for street.

This summer Google launched Street View Ready, which allowed users to upload panoramas through the mobile app.

Experts believe that tourist boards and potentially governments will start driving cars with cameras on in order to ensure their local area has the most up to date information on Google.

Google will continue to blur faces and licence plates on Street View images.

However, it will be up to individual users if they blur footage uploaded themselves.
From building cities aligned with stars to purposefully crossing their babies' eyes, the Mayan civilisation was known for its strange rituals.

And a new study has shed light on perhaps one of the weirdest rituals undertaken by the ancient civilisation  child sacrifices.

Researchers have discovered 42 obsidian ritual stones in the ancient Mayan city of Ceibal, Guatemala, some of which were found in the graves of child sacrifices.

The findings suggest that the precious rocks were thought to hold spiritual or 'supernatural' powers for Mayan people.

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During their excavation, the researchers discovered obsidian stones in a grave containing two children aged two to four, who had been buried face-to-face, suggesting they had been sacrificed

THE OBSIDIAN STONES During their excavation, the researchers discovered obsidian stones in a grave containing two children aged two to four, who had been buried face-to-face, suggesting they had been sacrificed. They also found the precious stones placed at the points of a compass in the burial of a further five child sacrifices, who ranged in age from one to four. Aside from graves, obsidian artefacts were also found in cross-shaped holes in the ground (caches), along the east-west axis of the main square in Ceibal. The findings suggest that the precious rocks were thought to hold spiritual or 'supernatural' powers for Mayan people. Advertisement

Researchers from Ibaraki University in Japan discovered the stones while excavating the site in the north of Guatemala.

Ceibal was first investigated in the 1960s by archaeologists from Harvard University, but researchers have now returned to the site, equipped with more modern technologies.

During their excavation, the researchers discovered obsidian stones in a grave containing two children aged two to four, who had been buried face-to-face, suggesting they had been sacrificed.

They also found the precious stones placed at the points of a compass in the burial of a further five child sacrifices, who ranged in age from one to four.

Human sacrifice was a key part of Mayan culture.

The civilisation saw blood as a potent source of nourishment for Mayan gods, and sacrificing a human was seen as the ultimate offering to the deities.

Aside from graves, obsidian artefacts were also found in cross-shaped holes in the ground (caches), along the east-west axis of the main square in Ceibal

MAYAN HUMAN SACRIFICE The Mayan people believed underworld of caves were home to gods that controlled rainfall and crops. They would give gifts of corn, maize and animals to these gods, typically in ceramic bowls, in the hope the gods would return the favour. However, there are also reports of human sacrifices in the Mayan culture. Many Mayan people believed humans were made from corn or maize, for example, so thought they were feeding the gods by killing the humans. Mayan artwork, for example, shows signs of such sacrifices dating back to the Classic period of 250AD. It is also referenced in hieroglyphic and colonial texts. Elsewhere many archaeologists have found evidence and human remains in caves across Belize. Young children and women were seen as the purest members of society and were often sacrificed to please the gods in the hope the deities would improve the health of a certain member of the group, or improve the overall fortune of the community. In many instances the hearts of the sacrificed people were extracted and presented to the gods separately, as was blood. Sacrificial humans were often painted blue to symbolise that they were being killed for the gods and not killed for another purpose. This paint was said to have stayed on the bodies as they were accepted by the gods to make sacrificial bodies instantly recognisable. Advertisement

These were meant to 'aid in the rebirth and renewal of the harvest and life cycles', according to ThoughtCo.

Children were sometimes used as sacrificial victims.

Incas used children because they were seen as the purest beings, but that it's unclear if this was the same for the Mayans.

The Mayans used a range of ways to kill the human sacrifice, but the most common method was decapitation and heart extraction.

Aside from graves, obsidian artefacts were also found in cross-shaped holes in the ground (caches), along the east-west axis of the main square in Ceibal.

In their study, published in the Journal of Field Archaeology, the researchers, led by Dr Kazuo Aoyama, wrote: 'The inhabitants of Ceibal engaged in various kinds of craft production, including the manufacture of obsidian prismatic blades.

'They also conducted public rituals in the Central Plaza, depositing exhausted polyhedral obsidian cores and other artefacts with symbolic significance in caches and as offerings in incipient elite burials and interments of sacrificed individuals.'

The researchers believe that these public rituals were important for creating collective identities and for processes of political negotiation within the community.

The researchers found the precious stones placed at the points of a compass in the burial of a further five child sacrifices, who ranged in age from one to four

Researchers have discovered 42 obsidian ritual stones in the ancient Mayan city of Ceibal, Guatemala, some of which were found in the graves of child sacrifices

The researchers believe that public rituals involving obsidian were important for creating collective identities and for processes of political negotiation within the community

They added: 'Emerging elites likely came to play an increasingly important role in public rituals as principal performers and organisers, setting the stage for later public events centred on rulers.'

In May, the researchers discovered a treasure trove of jade artefacts in 18 cross-shaped holes in Ceibal.

The findings represent the largest single haul of the precious artefacts ever found dating back to the early Mayan era.

In May, the researchers discovered a treasure trove of jade artefacts in 18 cross-shaped holes in Ceibal. The findings represent the largest single haul of the precious artefacts ever found dating back to the early Mayan era

Researchers from Ibaraki University in Japan discovered the stones while excavating the ancient Mayan city of Ceibal in the north of Guatemala

The celts were found next to a large ceremonial structure in the central plaza in Ceibal, suggesting that they may have been used in ceremonies or rituals.

Using microscopes to look at the celts in further detail, the researchers found that the surface of the artefacts did not seem to have been worn down by fabrics, indicating that they weren't worn as jewellery or ornaments.

The findings reinforce the idea that the sun was of extreme importance to the Mayans, as many of the celts were buried aligned with the points of the compass.
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Airbus' Perlan 2 aircraft has made history this week, setting a new world altitude record for gliding.

The aircraft soared to an incredible 52,000 feet over the Patagonia region of Argentina, without the support of an engine.

The flight takes Airbus one step closer to its ultimate goal of sending an engine-less aircraft to the edge of space.

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Airbus' Perlan 2 aircraft has made history this week, setting a new world altitude record for gliding. The aircraft soared to an incredible 52,000 feet over the Patagonia region of Argentina, without the support of an engine

HOW COULD THE PLANE BE USED? Because it lacks an engine, Perlan 2 can explore the edge of space without polluting the atmosphere. Uses include: Understanding weather: Perlan II plans to see what happens at the highest levels of the stratosphere impacts weather globally. Predicting climate change: Perlan II will collect and share data with atmospheric scientists worldwide, to improve climate models and more accurately predict climate change. Diagnosing the ozone layer: Perlan II can take untainted air samples from the stratosphere to measure the levels of ozone-damaging chemicals and assess whether the ozone layer is replenishing or still depleting. Future of space travel: The glider will operate in atmospheric conditions roughly similar to those on Mars, providing insight into how wingborne aircraft could operate above the Martian surface. Advertisement

The flight took place on Sunday, with the Perlan 2 setting off from El Calafate in Argentina.

Ed Warnock, CEO of the Perlan Project, said: 'We are celebrating an amazing victory for aerospace innovation and scientific discovery today, and we're so thankful to all the volunteers and sponsors whose years of tireless dedication have made this achievement possible.

'We will continue to strive for even higher altitudes, and to continue our scientific experiments to explore the mysteries of the stratosphere.

'We've made history, but the learning has just begun.'

The Perlan 2 glider is a pressurised sailplane designed to ride updrafts called 'mountain waves' that, in certain regions near the north and south poles, can reach into the stratosphere.

For a brief period in August and September every year, the weather in the Andes mountains near El Calafate is often just right to generate these elusive stratospheric mountain waves.

Perlan 2 is designed to ride these waves up to 90,000 feet without requiring the two-person crew to wear pressure suits.

And while the Perlan 2 didn't quite reach those heights, it smashed the previous world gliding altitude record of 50,671 feet, set in 2006 by Steve Fossett and Perlan Project founder Einar Enevoldson in the unpressurised Perlan 1 glider.

Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, said: 'With every Airbus Perlan Mission II milestone, we continue to learn more about how we can fly higher, faster and cleaner.

The Perlan 2 was piloted by Jim Payne (pictured left) and Morgan Sandercock (pictured right) during the record-breaking flight

The record-breaking flight took place on Sunday, with Airbus' Perlan 2 setting off from El Calafate in Argentina, and flying over the stunning region

Ed Warnock, CEO of the Perlan Project, said: 'We are celebrating an amazing victory for aerospace innovation and scientific discovery today, and we're so thankful to all the volunteers and sponsors whose years of tireless dedication have made this achievement possible. We've made history, but the learning has just begun'

'But we also learn that aviation still has the power to surprise us, thrill us, and motivate us to find new frontiers of endeavour.

'Perlan's outstanding aviation success is the result of bold thinking. It's this kind of thinking that is the cornerstone of our vision for the future of Airbus, which we hope will inspire a new generation of aerospace explorers and innovators.'

The Perlan 2 was piloted by Jim Payne and Morgan Sandercock during the record-breaking flight.

Following the completion of the mountain-wave gliding season in Argentina, the Perlan 2 will return to Minden, Nevada, where the all-volunteer team will modify and enhance the glider based on information acquired in this year's test flights

Tom Enders, CEO of Airbus, said: 'Perlan's outstanding aviation success is the result of bold thinking. It's this kind of thinking that is the cornerstone of our vision for the future of Airbus, which we hope will inspire a new generation of aerospace explorers and innovators'

Ultimately, the Perlan Project will attempt to reach 90,000 feet, a world altitude record for any wing-supported flight, with or without an engine

Airbus' long term goal is to fly the engineless glider to the edge of space.

Following the completion of the mountain-wave gliding season in Argentina, the Perlan 2 will return to Minden, Nevada, where the all-volunteer team will modify and enhance the glider based on information acquired in this year's test flights.

Ultimately, the Perlan Project will attempt to reach 90,000 feet, a world altitude record for any wing-supported flight, with or without an engine.

The Perlan 2 glider is a pressurised sailplane designed to ride updrafts called 'mountain waves' that, in certain regions near the north and south poles, can reach into the stratosphere

Airbus' standard A380 plane can fly at altitudes of 43,000 feet. But the glider was able to surpass this altitude, reaching 52,172 feet
Aileen, Iona and Larry could be blowing into the UK and Ireland over coming months.

They are among the monikers which will be given to storms over the coming year, under a scheme to give names to the strongest weather systems by the Met Office and Met Eireann.

The scheme aims to raise awareness of severe weather, and prompt people to take action to prevent harm to themselves and their property.

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A fallen tree in Regent's Park, London, after Storm Doris reached nearly 90mph (145 km/h) in February of this year. The naming scheme aims to raise awareness of severe weather

UK STORMS Last year was relatively quiet, with just five storms named, from Angus in late November 2016 to Ewan at the end of February. In comparison, 11 storms were named in the 2015/16 season, the first year of naming UK and Irish storms, beginning with Abigail in mid-November to Katie at the end of March. The forecasters said this year's storm season looked to be getting off to an unsettled start. This year's names are: Aileen, Brian, Caroline, Dylan, Eleanor, Fionn, Georgina, Hector, Iona, James, Karen, Larry, Maeve, Niall, Octavia, Paul, Rebecca, Simon, Tali, Victor, Winifred. Advertisement

This year's names are: Aileen, Brian, Caroline, Dylan, Eleanor, Fionn, Georgina, Hector, Iona, James, Karen, Larry, Maeve, Niall, Octavia, Paul, Rebecca, Simon, Tali, Victor, Winifred.

Storms are not named using the letters Q, U, X, Y or Z in line with international naming conventions.

A storm is named when it is deemed to have the potential to cause medium or high impacts on the UK and/or Ireland.

Surveys conducted after named storms show increases in awareness and action, the forecasters said.

Eighty-nine per cent of people polled after last year's Storm Doris aware of the severe weather.

Ninety-four per cent of those aware of the storm had found the severe weather warnings useful, and 82 per cent of those who had taken action felt they were right to do so.

Last year was relatively quiet, with just five storms named, from Angus in late November 2016 to Ewan at the end of February.

In comparison, 11 storms were named in the 2015/16 season, the first year of naming UK and Irish storms, beginning with Abigail in mid-November to Katie at the end of March.

Once again this year, the names have been compiled using suggestions from the public to the Met Office and Met Eireann.

The forecasters said this year's storm season looked to be getting off to an unsettled start.

This year's names are: Aileen, Brian, Caroline, Dylan, Eleanor, Fionn, Georgina, Hector, Iona, James, Karen, Larry, Maeve, Niall, Octavia, Paul, Rebecca, Simon, Tali, Victor, Winifred

In the UK there is low pressure moving in from the west towards the end of the week, delivering a wet and windy weekend.

Derrick Ryall, head of public weather services at the Met Office, said: 'Last year was another successful pilot of the storm-naming project and it's great to be now making it operational.

'Naming storms has been proved to raise awareness of severe weather in the UK, crucially prompting people to take action to prevent harm to themselves or their property.'

Two cars and a damaged house in Park Road, Chiswick, London, after a tree was felled in storm Doris in February. In the UK there is low pressure moving in from the west towards the end of the week, delivering a wet and windy weekend

Gerald Fleming, head of forecasting at Met Eireann, said: 'Last winter was a very quiet one weather-wise and we only worked our way through five named storms, from Angus to Ewan.

'While we have no idea yet as to whether the coming winter will be a stormy one or a quiet one, we are prepared with a whole new set of 21 names for whatever nature may throw at us.

'As before, Met Eireann forecasters will work in close co-operation with our colleagues from the UK Met Office to keep all the peoples of these islands warned of impending severe weather.'
Humans aren't the only species to have best friends - sharks, like humans, have them too.

For the first time, researchers have shown that sharks show very strong preferences for particular individuals in their social networks over years, and prefer to hang out with others of the same sex and size.

They found that both male and female Port Jackson sharks travel to the same rocky reef in Australia to breed ever year, meaning that they form long-term relationships over many years.

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A Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni) in Jervis Bay, Australia. Researchers have shown that these sharks show very strong preferences for particular individuals in their social networks over years, and prefer to hang out with others of the same sex and size

The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, used social network analysis to examine the social interactions of Port Jackson shark, which are arguably the most common sharks in southern Australia.

'One of the exciting things about this research is that we found the large aggregations that these sharks form in the breeding season is not a random collection of individuals,' said Associate Professor Culum Brown, a researcher at Macquarie University in Australia.

'These sharks prefer to hang out with other individuals who are similar to them.'

Dr Johann Mourier, a researcher at Macquarie University and the lead author of the study, said that many animals form social groups to varying degrees, but studying the social lives of large aquatic animals is inherently difficult, mostly because it's hard to observe their behavior.

HOW THEY DID THE STUDY For the first time, researchers have shown that sharks show very strong preferences for particular individuals in their social networks over years, and prefer to hang out with others of the same sex and size. The study, which involved tagging Port Jackson sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni), was conducted in Jervis Bay in New South Wales, Australia. The bay was chosen because it hosts large seasonal mating aggregations of Port Jackson sharks, a bottom-dwelling species endemic to Australia, where both males and females migrate yearly from their foraging ground in southern Australia to return to the same reef in Jervis Bay to breed. Locations of acoustic receivers deployed in Jervis Bay (NSW, Australia); each circle represents a receiver Proximity loggers were attached to seven individual sharks in 2012, and acoustic receivers, fixed either to the seafloor or to mooring lines in mid-water, allowing for the remote tracking of marine life in three dimensions, were deployed in 2012 and 2013. The researchers found that when the sharks return to their breeding reefs, they do so with incredible accuracy. The Fish Lab at Macquarie University studies these shark social interactions by using acoustic tags that identify individual animals when they are within range of a receiver. By analyzing the time-stamps of these receivers, the researchers can tell who hangs out with who and for how long. Advertisement

'You have to get up close and personal to really understand how these animals interact with one another,' said Dr Mourier.

'Meaningful social interactions are only detected if you look at relatively small spatial scales, and we cannot generate an accurate picture of social interactions if data is collected at a large spatial scale,' said Dr Mourier.

The study, which involved tagging Port Jackson sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni), was conducted in Jervis Bay in New South Wales, Australia.

A group of individual Port Jackson sharks resting together at their mating aggregation. Both male and female Port Jackson sharks travel to the same rocky reef in Australia to breed ever year, meaning that they form long-term relationships over many years

The bay was chosen because it hosts large seasonal mating aggregations of Port Jackson sharks, a bottom-dwelling species endemic to Australia, where both males and females migrate yearly from their foraging ground in southern Australia to return to the same reef in Jervis Bay to breed.

Proximity loggers were attached to seven individual sharks in 2012, and acoustic receivers, fixed either to the seafloor or to mooring lines in mid-water, allowing for the remote tracking of marine life in three dimensions, were deployed in 2012 and 2013.

The study, which involved tagging Port Jackson sharks, was conducted in Jervis Bay in New South Wales, Australia. The bay was chosen because it hosts large seasonal mating aggregations of Port Jackson sharks, a bottom-dwelling species endemic to Australia

The researchers found that when the sharks return to their breeding reefs, they do so with incredible accuracy.

'Both males and females return to the same rocky reef to breed year after year, which is unusual for sharks, but it means that these sharks establish long term relationships over many years,' said Dr Jo Day from Taronga Zoo, a co-author of the paper.

The Fish Lab at Macquarie University studies these shark social interactions by using acoustic tags that identify individual animals when they are within range of a receiver.

Both male and female Port Jackson sharks migrate yearly from their foraging ground in southern Australia to return to the same reef in Jervis Bay to breed

By analyzing the time-stamps of these receivers, the researchers can tell who hangs out with who and for how long.

'Accurately estimating contacts between animals is critical in ecological studies such as examining social structures, predatorprey interactions or transmission of information and disease,' said Associate Professor Brown.

'This research sheds light on the social behavior and movement patterns of sharks generally and will help dispel the "mindless killer" label these fascinating creatures are all too often lumped with.'
After spending $5bn on its new 'spaceship' HQ, it may come as no surprise that the Steve Jobs theater hidden underground inside 'the ring' has a few tricks up its sleeve.

The Theater will be used for the first time next week to unveil the next generation iPhone, in a special event on 12th September.

According to Bloomberg, the underground auditorium has everything from leather seats to a revolving elevator and even a secret demo area hidden behind a revolving wall.

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The entrance of the Steve Jobs Theater: Attendees to Apple events will use this circular building inside the 'Spaceship' to access the theater hidden below.

The Steve Jobs Theater has four underground levels, and according to Apple's blueprints, journalists and other visitors get to it by descending a staircase spiraling down alongside the walls after entering the circular entrance - the only part visible from above.

The theater also has two specially made rotating elevators, which turn as they ascend and descend so that passengers enter and exit by the same door - even though they go in and out from different directions.

However, the lower level attendees see before entering the auditorium also has a hidden surprise.

Once the event is over, a giant interior wall will retract to reveal a demo area where journalists will be able to try out the new products, Bloomberg claims.

Given the theater's 1,000-person capacity, one engineer said back in March that the building's budget meant each leather seat had cost Apple the equivalent of $14,000 apiece.

New photos shared online earlier this week show the underground portion of Apple's new 1,000-seat Steve Jobs Theater for the first time.

While the upper part has been seen in other photos, this is the first look at the main part of the theater where the firm will unveil the new iPhone next week.

The photos show lower and upper sections that appear to have bleacher seating, natural wood finishes, and a large stage in the front.

New photos shared online show the underground portion of Apple's new 1,000-seat Steve Jobs Theater for the first time. This image appears to have been taken from an upper level of seats and shows the large stage

NEW LOOK AT THE STEVE JOBS THEATER While the upper part has been seen in other photos, this is the first look at the main part of the theater where the firm will unveil the new iPhone next week. The photos show lower and upper sections that appear to have bleacher seating, natural wood finishes, and a large stage in the front. Advertisement

While the photos were just discovered and shared by MacMagazine, a user originally uploaded them to Google Maps at the end of June.

It's probable construction on the theater has come along a great deal since they photos were taken and that these aren't the current conditions.

But while the final aesthetics aren't shown, the images give a good idea of what the buzzed-about theater will look like spatially and set the scene for the launch even next Tuesday.

It is, however, possible to spot what appears to be natural wood finished that contrast the minimal design and 20-foot glass walls of the above ground lobby.

Additionally, Above Avalon founder Neil Cybart has shared diagrams of the new theater's layout, noting it's almost entirely underground.

He also inquired as to how Apple will handle the exhibit space, which it appears attendees may have to pass by to get to the auditorium.

The photos show lower and upper sections that appear to have bleacher seating, natural wood finishes, and a large stage in the front

.While the upper part has been seen in other photos, this is the first look at the main part of the theater where the firm will unveil the new iPhone next week. Multiple pictures show the seats, which appear to be bleacher-style

Apple usually keeps the exhibit space - where attendees can try out the new devices - off limits until after the presentation.

Last week, a behind-the-scenes look at Apple's nearly-finished headquarters in Cupertino was revealed thanks to Snapchat.

The Steve Jobs Theater is situated on top of a hill  one of the highest points within Apple Park  overlooking meadows and the main building. Opening on September 12th, the entrance to the 1,000-seat auditorium is a 20-foot-tall glass cylinder, 165 feet in diameter, supporting a metallic carbon-fibre roof

Apple will unveil the new iPhone on this stage next week on September 12. While the buzzed-about Steve Jobs Theater is expected to be ready for the event, the rest of Apple's $5 'spaceship' campus in Cupertino, California is still under construction

Construction workers building the Apple Park have been posting photos and videos of the firm's new $5 billion headquarters, including the Steve Jobs Theater where Apple will unveil the new iPhone during a special event on September 12.

They show the exterior of the spaceship, the sleek walls of the new theater, the 'Apple Campus tunnel,' and several areas still under heavy construction.

Above Avalon founder Neil Cybart has shared diagrams of the new theater's layout, noting it's almost entirely underground

He also inquired as to how Apple will handle the exhibit space, which it appears attendees may have to pass by to get to the auditorium. Apple usually keeps the exhibit space - where attendees can try out the new devices - off limits until after the presentation

While the videos are not showing up on the Snapchat map, they can be found by typing 'Apple Park' into the Stories search feature.

The stories all appear to be coming from construction workers, who are pictured in some of the videos taking breaks and using construction equipment.

A behind-the-scenes look at Apple's nearly-finished headquarters in Cupertino has been revealed thanks to Snapchat. Construction workers have posted photos and videos of sleek walls on the interior as well as the exterior of the 2.8 million-square-foot office

The first video offers a look at the new 1,000-seat glass auditorium honoring Apple founder Steve Jobs, which measures 20 feet tall and 165 feet in diameter.

The theater is expected to open for the first time on September 12th for the launch of the iPhone 8 as well as the iPhone 7s and 7s Plus, a new version of the Apple Watch and a new 4K Apple TV.

In subsequent videos, both interior and exterior walls of the 360-degree curved glass office building, which has been nicknamed 'spaceship, can be seen.

Trees and foliage can also be seen in the background of some of the videos, lending to the idea that the landscaping is almost complete.

It's expected the final tree count will be around 9,000 and will include apple, apricot, and cherry trees.

Other shots show Apple signs, stairs, parking lots, and a modern-looking tunnel captioned 'Apple Campus tunnel' by one of the construction workers.

Several of the videos show heavy machinery and the construction workers operating various types of equipment.

KEY FEATURES OF THE SPACESHIP-LIKE CAMPUS Appearing as a giant saucer, the Silicon Valley site near the 280 Highway will be home to 13,000 Apple employees. There will be jogging and cycling trails, with more than a thousand bikes kept on site at all times, which staff can use to make their way around. The Spaceship will have 360-degree curved glass fronted walls and central courtyard as well as a 1,000-seater auditorium, a gym and 300,000 square feet of 'research' space. Apple Campus 2 will additionally have underground parking hidden from view, meaning 80 per cent of the site can be covered in trees. The site was previously owned by Hewlett Packard and the majority of the area is currently covered in asphalt. Elsewhere underground, the auditorium will be where Apple's CEO Tim Cook will present the companies keynotes ahead of product launches, for example. This auditorium will be covered with a circular glass pavilion that will also be an access point for employees and guests. Natural gas will, primarily, provide the building's power and the local energy grid will only be accessed in emergencies. The glass structure will also be fitted with solar panels. The circular, four-storey building will be around a mile in circumference and a third of a mile wide and was recently described by the San Fransisco Weekly as a 'massive glass doughnut' . The building stays eco-friendly with natural ventilation that works instead of air-conditioning for 70 per cent of the year, low energy LED lighting where natural light doesn't reach, and on-site recycling. Advertisement

The 2.8 million-square-foot Apple Park campus was originally commissioned by the late Steve Jobs in 2009.

Jobs called it 'the best office building in the world' and the current Apple CEO, Tim Cook, now refers to it as a 'gift' to the future of Apple employees.

Estimated to cost a staggering $5 billion, the campus was built on a massive 175 acres.

The finished product will span 2.8 million square feet and house 13,000 Apple techies.

Inside the circular building, each floor will be lined with fins called 'canopies,' which will be equipped with specially designed vents on the underside that will allow the Ring to 'inhale' air and breathe.

The footage includes a look at the Steve Jobs Theater - where Apple will unveil the new iPhone at during a special event on September 12 - and the signs on the campus.

It is a stunning scene  the sun setting over what Steve Jobs had called the best office building in the world. The video shows parts of the spaceship lighting up as the sun starts to go down and although the main building looks near complete, the landscape suggests otherwise

Shafts placed elsewhere will allow it to exhale warm air to the outside.

It will be mostly self-sufficient with a 'mini forest' of thousands of drought-resistant trees planted in the surrounding area as well as a new micro-grid capable of delivering 17 megawatts of solar power and handling about 75 percent of the facility's power requirements.

In total, it will have 805,000-square-feet of solar paneling.

The campus will also have a 100,000 square-foot Fitness and Wellness Center  and, this will contain a two-story yoga room built from distressed stone from 'the right quarry in Kansas,' to mimic the stone at Jobs' favorite Yosemite hotel.

The building will have a massive four-story atrium as its cafe, with four-story glass doors that will open up on nice days so employees can eat outside.

The building will be home to scores of glass-encased 'pods' designed for the many different activities that will take place within its walls, from work and collaboration to socializing, according to Wired.

Apple began developing the project in 2014 and has since been working around the clock to finish the campus, which opened to employees in April - although the entire space is not yet complete.

THE OBSESSION WITH DETAIL INSIDE 'APPLE PARK' Construction on Apple's futuristic campus has been estimated to cost roughly $5 billion. Apple has specified every part of the project with rules for contractors, and features include: 'Breathing building' that uses soffits beneath the canopies to inhale, and shafts to exhale warm air - as Steve Jobs hated air conditioning and fans

Artificial hills and a mini-forest of 9,000 native trees, all drought-resistant with hopes they can 'survive a climate crisis' with some hand picked by Jobs

100,000-square-foot Fitness and Wellness Center (including a two-story yoga room made of distressed stone to look like Steve Jobs favourite Yosemite hotel)

Canopies (fins along the glass) on every floor to help the building 'breathe'

A cafe with four-story glass doors that will open up on nice days so employees can eat outside 'Pods' designed for the many different activities that will take place within its walls, from work and collaboration to socializing

1,000-seat Steve Jobs Theater

805,000 square-feet of solar panelling

755-foot tunnel adorned with thousands of tiny white tiles

Shock absorbers to withstand earthquakes

Offices panelled with 'custom timber veneer' from recycled wood - and guidelines for the special wood used frequently throughout the building ran to some 30 pages

Patented pizza boxes to keep food from getting soggy

Contractors were told no vents or pipes could be reflected in the glass Advertisement

Timelapse videos have shown a birds' eye view of the construction of the site from 2015 to 2017.

The video begins with the spaceship in the center of Apple Park standing as gray, lifeless pieces.

As time goes by, it begins the take shape  the gaps are filled in to make the iconic circle.

The surrounding area also progresses during the timelapse, as viewers can see the Steve Jobs Theater and wellness center rise from the dirt.

And surrounding artificial hills and mini-forests also begin to sprout up.

Although the campus is not yet fully completed, Apple has not shied away from boasting about the wonders that it will soon be home to.

A drone video released in May also shows stunning footage of the developing headquarters as well.

Duncan Sinfield, a YouTuber and independent drone pilot, shared the 4 minute and 41 second video of the progress.

The video shows parts of the spaceship lighting up as the sun starts to go down and although the main building looks near complete, the landscape suggests otherwise.

Parts of the campus still looks very much like a construction zone- there are mounds of dirt and empty space that should be filled with lush vegetation.

This image is an artist's impression of what the Apple Campus will look like from above when its complete. The site will be surrounded by a man-made forest featuring 9,000 trees

Not all of the parking spaces will be hidden. The parts of the multi-storey car park that will be on show, according to this image from Apple, will be covered in plants and greenery to help the concrete structure blend in

During his initial proposals,Jobs said he wanted the building to be covered in 40ft floor-to-ceiling panes of curved glass so that all of the building's four storeys would be visible from the outside and offer a large amount of natural light

More than $1 billion was allocated for the interior of the main building alone, according to a former construction manager.

The campus is something of an exception to the trend of radically open offices aimed at fostering collaboration, said Louise Mozingo, a professor and chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at University of California, Berkeley.

Its central office building - a massive ring of glass frequently likened to a spaceship - could be a challenge just to navigate, she noted.

'It's not about maximizing the productivity of the office space, it's about creating a symbolic center for this global company,' she said. 'They are creating an icon.'
It's fair to say NASA astronaut Scott Kelly - who is tied for the longest stay in the International Space Station (ISS) - knows more about what it's like to actually be inside the orbiting headquarters than anyone else.

Now Kelly - who has since retired - has revealed the ISS smells like jail, citing the similarities in their 'combinations of antiseptic, garbage, and body odor.'

While touring Harris County Jail in Texas, Kelly said he got a whiff in one room that transported him right back to his days on the ISS.

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Astronaut Scott Kelly - who is tied for the longest stay in ISS - knows more about what it's like to actually be inside the galactic headquarters than anyone else. He's revealed the ISS smells like jail, citing the similarities in their 'combinations of antiseptic, garbage, and body odor'

THE STENCH OF SPACE NASA astronaut Scott Kelly has revealed the ISS smells like jail, citing the similarities in their 'combinations of antiseptic, garbage, and body odor.' While touring Harris County Jail in Texas, Kelly said he got a whiff in one room that transported him right back to his days on the ISS. He explained that people in the ISS use deodorant, rinse off, shower, and that the smell isn't that bad, 'but there's a little body odor going on for sure.' 'Mostly its just exercise clothes people wear for a couple weeks without washing.' NASA says residents of the ISS only change their socks and underwear every other day, and shirts and pants every 10 days. It might sound unsanitary to earthlings but, according to the agency, these garments do not get as dirty in space as they do on earth. Advertisement

In an interview about the experiences detailed in his upcoming space memoir Endurance, Wired asked Kelly if he ever finds himself in a place where the smells trigger a memory of being in space.

'I was touring the Harris County Jail, and theres this room that smells like space station - combination of antiseptic, garbage, and body odor,' he said.

'You know how on Earth, with gravity, stuff tends to rise or fall depending on its weight compared to air?'

'On the ISS, that doesnt happen, so smells can kind of linger.'

He explained that people in the ISS use deodorant, rinse off, shower, and that the smell isn't that bad, 'but there's a little body odor going on for sure.'

'Mostly its just exercise clothes people wear for a couple weeks without washing.'

NASA says residents of the ISS only change their socks and underwear every other day, and shirts and pants every 10 days.

While touring Harris County Jail in Texas (right), Kelly said he got a whiff in one room that transported him right back to his days on the ISS (left)

It might sound unsanitary to earthlings but, according to the agency, these garments do not get as dirty in space as they do on earth.

In the interview, Kelly also spoke to what being in space does to your body and how that will affect human's ability to get to Mars.

Explaining that it would take 200 days to get there and 200 days to get back, he said he thinks we can send humans for year-long stays.

In the interview, Kelly also spoke to what being in space does to your body and how that will affect human's ability to get to Mars. Explaining that it would take 200 days to get there and 200 days to get back, he said he thinks we can send humans for year-long stays

Without artificial gravity, however, he thinks we'd run into problems with keeping humans on the red planet for two years or more.

'Based on my experience of ever-increasing durations of spaceflights - from eight days to 13 days to 159 to 340 - I think going into the two-year mark would be a big challenge, especially without artificial gravity,' he said.

'Returning to gravity would be profoundly difficult, physiologically.'

HOW DID SCOTT KELLY'S DNA CHANGE IN SPACE? Kelly has provided more insight onto what space does to the human body thanks to the famous year-long 'Twin Study' conducted with his twin brother. While Scott Kelly lived aboard the ISS for 340 days from March 2015 to March 2016, his identical twin, Mark, remained on Earth. The Kelly brothers have nearly identical genomes and similar life experiences, allowing for an unprecedented look at the physical effects of long-term spaceflight. By comparing their DNA upon Scott Kelly's return to Earth, NASA discovered he suffered mysterious mutations after the continuous year in space: - Scotts telomeres  the caps at the end of each chromosome  lengthened while in space Kelly gave insight into what space does to the body with the 'Twin Study' conducted with his brother, Mark. The duo have nearly-identical genomes and similar life experiences, giving NASA a way to see how Scott's DNA changed after a year on the ISS - Telomeres are key to protecting DNA from damage and tend to shorten with age - Interestingly, Scotts telomeres shortened again once he was back on Earth - The ratio of two groups of gut bacteria shifted while Scott was in space, likely due to his change in diet - His gut bacteria levels returned to normal once he was back on Earth. - NASA research has spotted hundreds of diverging genetic mutations in Scott and Marks genomes. - The research team speculate that a space gene could have been activated while Scott was in orbit Advertisement

Kelly has spoken openly about the conditions in space.

In a Reddit AMA last year, he told fans that living in the ISS did something very strange to his feet - it made the bottoms as soft as baby feet and the tops rough like alligator skin.

This is because the astronauts rarely wear shoes (only to exercise), so the calluses on the bottoms of their feet fall off while the the constant need to hook onto the foot rails set up to help navigate the zero-gravity station makes the tops rough.

Kelly has provided more insight into what space does to the human body thanks to the famous year-long 'Twin Study' conducted with his brother.

While Scott Kelly lived aboard the ISS for 340 days from March 2015 to March 2016, his identical twin, Mark, remained on Earth.

By comparing Scott Kelly' DNA to his twin brother's upon his return to Earth, NASA discovered he suffered mysterious mutations after the continuous year in space

The Kelly brothers have nearly identical genomes and similar life experiences, allowing for an unprecedented look at the physical effects of long-term spaceflight.

By comparing their DNA upon Scott Kelly's return to Earth, NASA discovered he suffered mysterious mutations after the continuous year in space.

To their surprise, the researchers found that Scott Kellys telomeres  the caps on the ends of chromosomes  grew to be longer than Marks.

Telomeres are involved in the repair of damaged DNA and key to preventing ageing.

His telomeres soon returned to their normal, pre-flight lengths after he returned to the ground, and the team is working to determine what this means.

They also noted changes in DNA methylation  the reversible addition of a chemical marker to DNA that can affect gene expression, according to Nature.

With all that space does to your body, Kelly (pictured) isn't sure he could've stayed up there much longer. 'There was one point where I aggravated a hernia and had to take Ativan, which is a muscle relaxer,' he told Wired

HOW MICROGRAVITY TAKES ITS TOLL ON THE HUMAN BODY There is a loss of body weight and calcium. Bodily fluids are redistributed, with less in the lower extremities, and more in the upper body. Without the pulls of normal gravity, blood doesn't flow downhill, but pools in the extremities including the face, hands and feet, causing a puffy appearance. And without that downward pressure, height increases. Body mass often decreases with a loss of muscular tissue from nitrogen depletion; the veins and arteries of the legs become weaker, anaemia occurs, accompanied by a reduction in blood count. The calcium loss from bones subjected to extended microgravity takes place at 10 times the rate of an elderly person suffering from osteoporosis. Advertisement

While DNA methylation decreased in Scott while he was in orbit, it simultaneously increased in Mark.

And, the levels returned close to normal for both men soon after Scott returned.

In addition, the researchers also found differences in gene-expression signatures.

While these changes are common on Earth, they appeared to be much larger than normal in Scott.

Scientists aren't yet sure why the changes occur or what any of it means, but they speculate that a space gene could have been activated while Scott was in orbit.

With all that space does to your body, he isn't sure he could've stayed up there much longer.

'There was one point where I aggravated a hernia and had to take Ativan, which is a muscle relaxer,' Kelly told Wired.

'But its also used as an antianxiety medication, and I definitely noticed that effect.'

'I didnt really care anymore - I think I told my flight surgeon that I could stay up there another year, but I doubt the feeling wouldve lasted.'

But even though he isn't confident he could've lasted much longer, he says he has a special 'attachment to the space station.' He, however, doesn't think it's a jumping-off point to Mars and says that idea is 'kind of science-fiction-y.'

But even though he isn't confident he could've lasted much longer, he says he has a special 'attachment to the space station.'

When Wired asked if the ISS should be sold to a private company when its funding runs out in 2024, he said 'Id rather do that than let it fall into the Pacific Ocean,' pointing to his memories there.

But he added he doesn't think it's a viable business option.

'A multibillion-dollar investment in the ISS is not going to have a multibillion-dollar return anytime soon.'

He doesn't see it as a jumping-off point to Mars, either, and says that idea is 'kind of science-fiction-y.'

'I dont know the orbital mechanics of Mars very well, but the space station could just be in the wrong orbit,' he said.

'Just visualizing that against the plane of our solar system, I dont think it would work well to to Mars.'
There are an estimated 8.5m dogs in Britain, and demand means that unscrupulous people are happy to breed and sell dogs at a profit with scant thought for their welfare.

The RSPCA estimate that up to 1.9m puppies are sold each year in the UK, yet according to the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home report only 12% are from licensed breeders.

The large illegal trade in puppies exposed by a recent Panorama documentary costs millions in undeclared taxable income (three-quarters of buyers pay in cash  one dealing gang from Manchester was making 35,000 a week), while evidence shows puppies from puppy farms suffer poor health and early death.

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Research using surveys of dog owners suggests that less responsibly bred dogs  including puppy-farmed dogs and those from pet shops are more likely to be aggressive towards their owners and strangers, suffer from separation anxiety and poor trainability and house soiling

HOW PUPPY FARMS CAN HARM DOGS Research from the US, Italy and from our own team at Newcastle University using surveys of dog owners, suggests that less responsibly bred dogs  including puppy-farmed dogs and those from pet shops are more likely to: Be aggressive towards their owners and strangers.

Be more fearful of other dogs

Suffer from separation anxiety

Suffer from poor trainability and house soiling. There is also growing evidence to suggest that puppies may also be affected at earlier stages of development, akin to research in humans. For example, stress on the mother during pregnancy and deficiencies in maternal care (which can be brought on by stress) have long-term effects on offspring stress response, learning and memory. While the effects of early life adversity are well established in humans, research is now showing similar effects in other species, for example, dogs and pigs. Conditions in many puppy farms are harmful to the mental health and welfare of the breeding dogs  so it's quite plausible that stressed bitches are producing anxious, fear-prone puppies. There may be other mechanisms at work which we don't fully understand, but this strengthens the case for ensuring that breeding bitches are placed in good home environments which promote the best welfare for them and our future canine companions. Advertisement

It is tragic that there are around 40,000 dogs unclaimed in rescue shelters every year.

Although research evidence varies, our research on Staffordshire bull terriers, an over represented breed in rescue shelters, presented at the British Society of Animal Science last year showed that there is no difference in the behaviour of rescue dogs compared to dogs bought as puppies from breeders.

Given the frequently high cost of buying a puppy and the number of animals in shelters awaiting the chance of a new home, it's clear dog lovers should consider adopting, not shopping.

Research from the US, Italy and from our own team at Newcastle University using surveys of dog owners, suggests that less responsibly bred dogs  including puppy-farmed dogs and those from pet shops  are more likely to be aggressive towards their owners and strangers.

They were also more fearful of strangers and other dogs  and more likely to suffer separation anxiety as adults than dogs from reputable breeders that follow standards.

Other behaviour include poorer trainability and house soiling.

While these differences are less than ideal, the welfare of a dog that is frightened or in a position where it has learned to show aggression will suffer.

If it attacks people it may even be put down.

However, it seems would-be dog-owners are listening to the advice pushed by the RSPCA and television vet Marc Abraham, who advocate that all prospective owners should see the puppies interacting with the mother, preferably more than once.

If you don't see mother and pups together it's a warning sign of an irresponsible breeder.

Our most recent, forthcoming, research focused on border collies, cocker spaniels and labradors reveals that almost 90% of survey respondents say they saw the mother of their puppy.

This either reflects that the 'where's mum?' message is getting through, that our respondents were clued-up, or that irresponsible breeders and dealers are getting craftier in duping the public to safeguard their profits.

Do your research

What's worrying from our surveys is that puppy buyers are still not doing their research.

Around 13% of our respondents had made no effort to research buying their puppy and only 23% had checked the reputation of the breeder, such as by making several visits to see for themselves.

How puppy farm breeders fool others into buying their products. Dogs bought by owners from breeders who they had taken the time to check out reported their dogs were better behaved, less likely to be aggressive towards other dogs, strangers, or exhibit general fear

Dogs bought by owners from breeders who they had taken the time to check out reported their dogs were better behaved, less likely to be aggressive towards other dogs, strangers, or exhibit general fear.

And while it is used only around one-third of cases, it's become apparent that where the RSPCA and Animal Welfare Fund's 'puppy contract' is used, these pups grew into dogs that showed the least of all the above aggressive and fear-related behaviours.

Newcastle University research on Staffordshire bull terriers, an over represented breed in rescue shelters showed that there is no difference in the behaviour of rescue dogs compared to dogs bought as puppies from breeders

Among our respondents, 73% thought their breeder was responsible  but we rated only 10% of them as responsible, judged on factors such as whether the puppy was reared in the owner's home, the mother was seen and they used the RSPCA and AWF puppy contract.

The contract isn't legally bamboozling  it's an easy-to-read checklist for the breeder to complete and it has guidance for buyers as to what they should expect to hear  so buyers should ask for it.

Conditions in many puppy farms are harmful to the mental health and welfare of the breeding dogs

Changes in licensing are coming which will require anyone breeding and selling dogs as a business or anyone producing three or more litters in a 12-month period will require a licence.

While 80% of our respondents supported this, 92% thought that all litters should be licensed  and existing breeders were even more strongly in favour.

It's interesting that in France it is now compulsory for breeders to display tax details with all adverts for dogs and cats for sale.

Socialisation vital in early life

Traditionally the sensitive 'socialisation' period in a dog's life is considered to be between around three to 12 weeks.

This is when puppies should be gradually, safely and positively introduced to a range of people, animals, environments and sounds to ensure well-balanced responses to the world in future.

But researchers in the US found that it is during this period that puppies bred at puppy farms spend the most time confined without social interaction or appropriate sensory input.

Responsible breeders will care for the dogs in a home environment and interact positively with them during this time.

Responsible breeders will also breed for good temperament.

This may in part account for some of the behavioural differences between dogs from responsible and less responsible breeders in the research.

But there is growing evidence to suggest that puppies may also be affected at earlier stages of development, akin to research in humans.

For example, stress on the mother during pregnancy and deficiencies in maternal care (which can be brought on by stress) have long-term effects on offspring stress response, learning and memory.

While the effects of early life adversity are well established in humans, research is now showing similar effects in other species, for example, dogs and pigs.

The RSPCA estimate that up to 1.9m puppies are sold each year in the UK, yet according to the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home report only 12% are from licensed breeders. Meanwhile, there are around 40,000 dogs unclaimed in rescue shelters every year

Conditions in many puppy farms are harmful to the mental health and welfare of the breeding dogs  so it's quite plausible that stressed bitches are producing anxious, fear-prone puppies.

There may be other mechanisms at work which we don't fully understand, but this strengthens the case for ensuring that breeding bitches are placed in good home environments which promote the best welfare for them and our future canine companions.

Research or rescue

If you are ready to give a dog a home, the most cunning plan is to do your research

Tony Robinson, renowned as Baldrick in the Blackadder comedy series for his 'cunning plans', is judging at Pup Aid, a charity event campaigning to stop puppy farming.

If you are ready to give a dog a home, the most cunning plan is to do your research.

If you are sure that it must be a puppy from a breeder rather than a rescue dog, then research your breed and the health issues that affect it  then research your breeder and ask for a puppy contract to be filled out.

And if you feel there is something wrong, for the sake of the puppy and its parents' sake, report it.




With global temperatures continuing to rise and Arctic sea ice extent shrinking, the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly visible.

But one of the most significant threats posed by climate changes is the melting of permafrost.

Permafrost - ground that has been frozen for at least two years - covers 25 per cent of the Northern Hemisphere, keeping ancient bacteria, viruses and carbon preserved and locked away, much like a freezer does.

But a new report by the Arctic Council suggests that 20 per cent of permafrost near the surface near the surface could melt by 2040, releasing CO2 and other gases, resulting in range of other associated threats such as the release of ancient infections and the warping of roads and landscapes.

Permafrost, mostly found in high-latitude regions like the Arctic, stores large quantities of carbon dioxide and methane, which are released into the atmosphere if the soil melts and decomposes. Pictured is permafrost melting in Norway

WHAT IS PERMAFROST? Permafrost - soil that has been frozen for at least two years - is sensitive and susceptible to global warming. It is mostly found in high-latitude regions like the Arctic, and stores large quantities of carbon dioxide and methane, which are released into the atmosphere if the soil melts and decomposes. An estimated 35 million people currently live in cities or towns on top of permafrost, and thawed soil could cause the ground to become unstable, the scientists said. This would put buildings, roads and other infrastructure at risk of collapsing. Advertisement

Permafrost, mostly found in high-latitude regions like the Arctic, stores large quantities of carbon dioxide and methane, which are released into the atmosphere if the soil melts and decomposes.

A 2010 Russian study found that during the past 20 to 30 years, permafrost has been warming in a range between 0.5C to 2C.

And another study from 2010 found that the top layer of permafrost called the active layer, which normally thaws in the summer, is becoming deeper in the Arctic.

As permafrost melts and releases gases into the atmosphere which cause warming, permafrost melts even more, releasing more of these gases such as methane and CO2, leading a positive feedback loop that worsens climate change.

A study published in April in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that for every degree the world warms, four million sq km (1.5 million sq miles) of permafrost would be lost.

Dr Sarah Chadburn, lead author of the study, said: 'The amount of permafrost that thaws under global warming is going to be very large, and this is the first time we've really put numbers on it.'

They looked at frozen waste areas in Siberia and Canada.

An increase in global warming by 2C would thaw more than 40 per cent of the Earth's permafrost, according to the study.

But what are some of the impacts that thawing permafrost could result in?

A study published in April in the journal Nature Climate Change, found that for every degree the world warms, four million sq km (1.5 million sq miles) of permafrost would be lost

Permafrost has acted like a freezer for tens of thousand of years, keeping 1,400 gigatons of ancient plant matter carbon trapped in the soil - more than double the 850 gigatons of carbon currently present in the atmosphere.

According to a 2014 study, melting permafrost could release 120 gigatons of carbon in the atmosphere by 2100, leading to a 0.29C of extra warming - thus further exacerbating climate change.

But beyond this, the thawing of ancient permafrost could awaken ancient disease-causing microbes.

THREATS POSED BY THAWING PERMAFROST Permafrost, mostly found in high-latitude regions like the Arctic, stores large quantities of carbon dioxide and methane, which are released into the atmosphere if the soil melts and decomposes. As permafrost melts and releases gases into the atmosphere which cause warming, permafrost melts even more, releasing more of these gases such as methane and CO2, leading a positive feedback loop that worsens climate change. But other threats posed by melting permafrost include: Release of ancient microbes : In late August, an anthrax outbreak in Siberia caused 72 people to become sick, and killed a 12-year-old boy. This was because an anthrax-infected reindeer had thawed, releasing the bacteria.

: In late August, an anthrax outbreak in Siberia caused 72 people to become sick, and killed a 12-year-old boy. This was because an anthrax-infected reindeer had thawed, releasing the bacteria. Damaged landscapes and roads : When the ice in the permafrost thaws, the water runs off and the ground above can slump, deform, or fall apart. The Alaska Dispatch News has reported that thawing permafrost is warping roads in Bethel, Alaska.

: When the ice in the permafrost thaws, the water runs off and the ground above can slump, deform, or fall apart. The Alaska Dispatch News has reported that thawing permafrost is warping roads in Bethel, Alaska. Loss of historical records : Thawing permaforst could also threaten natural historical records. For example, 'Otzi', a 5-300 year-old dead man found in the Alps, would not have been so well preserved if he had thawed. As permafrost melts and releases gases into the atmosphere which cause warming, permafrost melts even more, releasing more of these gases such as methane and CO2, leading a positive feedback loop that worsens climate change Advertisement

For example, in late August, an anthrax outbreak in Siberia caused 72 people to become sick, and killed a 12-year-old boy.

According to Wired, this was because an anthrax-infected reindeer had thawed, releasing the bacteria.

As permafrost continues to thaw, more ancient bacteria could be released.

Dr Jean-Michel Claverie, a genomics researchers who studies ancient viruses and bacteria, told Vox permafrost is able to preserve for hundreds of thousands of years - possibly even a million.

Permafrost - ground that has been frozen for at least two years - covers 25 per cent of the Northern Hemisphere, keeping ancient bacteria, viruses and carbon preserved and locked away, much like a freezer does. Pictured is a map of permafrost extent across Arctic regions

'It is dark, it is cold, and it is also without oxygen.  There is no [ultraviolet] light,' Dr Claverie said.

'All the bacteria need is a thaw to wake back up.

'If you take a yogurt and put it in permafrost [that remains frozen], Im sure in 10,000 years from now it still will be good to eat,' he said.

Not only could the thawing of permafrost unleash ancient infections, it could also encourage mining and other excavation projects - putting worked at risk of contracting ancient diseases.

As permafrost continues to thaw, more ancient bacteria could be released. Permafrost is able to preserve for hundreds of thousands of years - possibly even a million

Aside from health risks, melting permafrost can also have an impact on landscapes and roads.

When the ice in the permafrost thaws, the water runs off and the ground above can slump, deform, or fall apart.

'You see buildings that are kind of slumping into the ground; you see that a lot in the Russian Arctic,' Robert Max Holmes, an earth systems scientist with the Woods Hole Research Center, told Vox.

Aside from health risks, melting permafrost can also have an impact on landscapes and roads. When the ice in the permafrost thaws, the water runs off and the ground above can slump, deform, or fall apart. Pictured is a deformed railway line built on permafrost in Russia

And the Alaska Dispatch News has reported that thawing permafrost is warping roads in Bethel, Alaska.

Thawing permaforst could also threaten natural historical records.

For example, 'Otzi', a 5-300 year-old dead man found in the Alps, would not have been so well preserved if he had thawed.

The same is true of DNA from ancient mammals, such as the woolly mammoth, which could be revived in two years using DNA from frozen carcasses.

The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change aims to limit warming, by using the cooperation of almost 200 countries to attempt to keep the global temperature increase 'well below' 2C above pre-industrial levels.

But at the current level of warming, Dr Chadburn said, 'you could lose almost all of the permafrost.'

An estimated 35 million people currently live in cities or towns on top of permafrost, and thawed soil could cause the ground to become unstable, researchers behind the 2017 Nature Climate Change study said.

Thawing permaforst could threaten natural historical records. For example, 'Otzi' , a 5-300 year-old dead man found in the Alps (pictured), would not have been so well preserved if he had thawed

The researchers said this would put buildings, roads and other infrastructure at risk of collapsing.

While there are some benefits to thawing permafrost, Dr Holmes told Vox that the negatives outweigh the negatives.
With just one week to go before Apple finally unveils its highly anticipated iPhone 8, Apple fever has hit a new level with the posting of pictures of unidentified pallets loaded with what it is claimed are the firms latest handset.

The images, posted by MyDrivers, show air pallets for expedited delivery.

It is claimed the snaps were taken at Foxconn's Zhengzhou Technology Park  one of the company's manufacturing 'cities' in the Henan province, where over 100,000 staff work on assembling devices like the iPhone.

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It is believed the snaps were taken at Foxconn's Zhengzhou Technology Park  one of the company's manufacturing 'cities' in the Henan province, where over 100,000 staff work on assembling devices like the iPhone

According to AppleInsider, it could be evidence employees at the Foxconn facility have begun to package and ship 'iPhone 8' units to the United States, and that the images were discreetly taken despite strict confidentiality at the site.

It claims the units could be earmarked for Apple's launch event scheduled for next week, where journalists are usually given their first chance to try out Apple's new products.

Earlier this week a video emerged on Reddit that claims to show the device in operation.

While the pictures are not high enough quality to reveal any information, the fact they are being shipped through California-based company Morrison Express, a firm used by many Silicon Valley firms t ship prototypes and devices has led observers to claim they are actually Apple#'s iPhone 8 handsets.

It comes after months of rumours about Apple's next smartphone, ranging from an all-screen display to a 3D facial recognition sensor.

The short clip appears to confirm several rumours, including a near-edgeless display and virtual home button.

RUMOURED FEATURES BY DATE FEATURE DATE REVEALED Name 'iPhoneX' 04 September Name 'iPhone Edition' 01 September Name 'iPhone Pro' 19 July Invisible fingerprint sensor 29 August Facial recognition 03 July Gesture controls 30 August Cost of $999 24 August 4K video recording 04 August SmartCam feature 02 August 3D vertical dual-lens camera 21 June Edgeless display 31 July Tap to wake' feature 31 July Four colour options 10 July Wireless charging 10 July

The video of the alleged device was posted on Reddit this week by a user called horryshiet, along with the caption 'Alleged working iPhone 8.'

It shows small bezels and a cutout space at the top that will feature the front-facing camera and speaker.

Techradar notes the cutout at the top of the display doesn't look to be symmetrical suggesting it may be a fake

Several people in the Reddit thread have also questioned the video.

Randolm replied: 'I don't know, I just don't trust a video that is...1. Filmed in the dark...2. Where you can't see anything but the screen. Half of the screen shots are blurred... if you're 'leaking' it why blur.'

And DreadnaughtHamster suggested the clip could be CGI, commenting: 'Blurring a CG composite makes it easier to hide mistakes.

'That's why so many large wide shot battle scenes in movies have all this CG dust everywhere. Blurring does something similar.'

Apple finally confirmed that the new iPhone will be revealed at the new Steve Jobs theatre inside the 'Spaceship' HQ on September 12  at which point the various rumours that have been swirling will finally be confirmed or put to rest.

Here are the rumours so far.

Apple has finally confirmed that the new iPhone will be revealed at the new Steve Jobs theatre inside the 'Spaceship' HQ on September 12  at which point the various rumours that have been swirling will finally be confirmed or put to rest

What will the device be called?

There have been several rumours about what Apple will name its 10th anniversary device.

Yesterday, sources speaking to iCulture claimed that Apple will be naming the device 'iPhone X' to mark its 10th anniversary milestone.

Apple's tenth anniversary iPhone will be called the iPhone X according to Dutch tech site iCulture. Pictured is a mock up of the case posted on Twitter by Senior Editor of The iPhone Insider Aaron Mason

FEATURES REVEALED IN THE HOMEPOD CODE Because the HomePod speaker will have to work with Apple's new phone, it contains references to some of the upcoming features in its code. These include: - Removal of the home button - A 'tap to wake' feature - Facial expression detection, which may be used for Apple Pay - An edgeless display - An infrared camera - A 'SmartCam' - 4K video at 60 fps Advertisement

The source also suggested it will be launched alongside two phones, which will be called the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus - and, this could mean Apple is skipping an 's' generation for the first time since it was introduced.

But at the end of last week, 9to5Mac said that case manufacturers it spoke to at the IFA trade show in Germany has been advised that the top of the range handset will instead be known as the iPhone Edition.

'One casemaker has updated their internal SKUs based on the information and is actively printing packaging which I was able to see in the form of preliminary artwork,' 9to5mac's Seth Weintraub claims.

'The other had made sticker labels which they were showing to their retail partners behind closed doors. Both makers requested anonymity for obvious reasons.'

But J.P. Morgan Apple analyst Rod Hall believes the new handset will be called the 'iPhone Pro', according to 9to5Mac.

New pictures revealing what Apple's next iPhone could look like have been posted to Twitter by a usually trusted source

How will it be unlocked?

The next iPhone could have an 'invisible' fingerprint sensor, according to a new patent.

At the end of August, Apple was granted a patent for acoustic fingerprint imaging technology that would be invisible and live under the device's screen.

It would recognise a fingerprint by acoustic output and be accurate enough to replace the current Touch ID system.

Apple has patented acoustic fingerprint imaging technology that would be invisible and live under a phone's screen. It would be accurate enough to replace the current Touch ID system. Pictured, an example of an iPhone that can include the acoustic fingerprint imaging technology

Other reports have said Apple is scrapping the fingerprint-sensing technology all together in favour of facial recognition; however, it's possible both could be included.

Another leak from Bloomberg has also suggested Apple's next iPhone will see the replacement of the smartphone's classic home button with gesture controls.

Users will simply swipe their hands above the device for tasks such as going to the main app grid and opening multitasking.

How much will it cost?

Apple's next iPhone will cost $999 when it goes on sale in September, a report has claimed.

The New York Times says Apple will keep the iPhone under $1,000 at its launch.

It says the launch will see 'a premium model priced at around $999, according to people briefed on the product, who asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorised to speak publicly.'

'For $999, expect to get an iPhone 8 with 64 GB storage  the new base storage capacity for the 2017 iPhone lineup.

According to 9to5Mac, the $999 will be for the base model.

'Apple will then offer a 256 GB upgrade (and maybe a 512 GB model) if you want to spend more; the company typically charges $100 more for every storage increment,' it says.

Which photo and video features will it have?

Several details about the next iPhone were spotted in the source code for Apple's HomePod speaker - including video and photo features.

Brazilian website iHelp BR revealed that the next iPhone will record 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps) - twice the speed of the rear camera on the iPhone 7.

Flags for 'isBack4k60VideoSupported' and 'isFront4k60VideoSupported' were found under CAMCaptureCapabilities.

The iPhone 8 camera may introduce support for a new 'SmartCam' scene selection feature that would be used to intelligently capture the best photos when shooting specific scenes like fireworks and sunsets, according to one engineer

A 3D vertical dual-lens camera is also expected for the next iPhone, as shown in images leaked in June (pictured is an idea of what the device could look like)

If this leak is correct, a faster frame rate could help augmented reality applications on the iOS 11.

Another leak in August suggested a new 'SmartCam' scene selection feature would be used to intelligently capture the best photos when shooting specific scenes like fireworks and sunsets, according to one engineer.

Guilherme Rambo, an engineer, found code suggesting the new photography feature in the leaked HomePod software.

Flags for 'isBack4k60VideoSupported' and 'isFront4k60VideoSupported' were found under CAMCaptureCapabilities. This suggests the device will record 4K video at 60 fps

The code for the SmartCam suggests an array of scenes including Fireworks, Baby, Bright Stage, Document, Foliage.

It's assumed the camera would detect objects in the scene to automatically apply the best setting - Apple already uses this type of image recognition to automatically sort photos in Memories and locate photos in Search.

A 3D vertical dual-lens camera is also expected for the next iPhone, as shown in images leaked in June.

What will the display look like?

The source code for the HomePod also revealed that the iPhone is likely to have an edgeless display.

Steve Troughton-Smith, a developer based in County Limerick, revealed that the iPhone 8 could have an edgeless display, having been tipped off about another section of the code by a developer called Guilherme Rambo.

Leaked images appear to show parts taken from the upcoming iPhone 8 in unprecedented detail. This image seems to show the display of the upcoming handset

Mr Troughton-Smith tweeted an image of the outline of the new iPhone, saying: 'But wait, there's more: images of the new iPhone form-factor are also present. A lot of people at Apple are going to have a nasty Monday.'

Leaked images posted to Twitter by leaker Benjamin Geskin, also claim to show the iPhone's OLED display cover.

Mr Troughton-Smith also discovered a 'tap to wake' feature, that would allow users to double-tap their screen to wake their device.

Steve Troughton-Smith, a developer based in County Limerick, revealed that the iPhone 8 could have an edgeless display, having been tipped off about another section of the code by a developer called Guilherme Rambo

He tweeted: 'It looks like the new iPhones might support 'tap to wake', much like Windows Phones/Lumias.'

What colours will it come in?

Rumours suggest that there will be a choice of four colours for the next iPhone.

A photo of what the device could look like was revealed by a respected Apple leaker, who says that a source inside the company tipped him off.

Rumours suggest that there will be a choice of four colours for the next iPhone. A photo of what the device could look like was revealed by a respected Apple leaker, who says that a source inside the company tipped him off

HOW WIRELESS CHARGING WORKS Apple's new system would use electromagnetic frequencies at the higher range, which are usually reserved for data transmission. By directing a 'beam' of energy over such frequencies, for example those used by Wi-Fi connections, a strong and stable signal could extend the range of existing wireless charging capabilities. Apple's new patent suggest a number of techniques to extend that range, according to reports in Apple Insider. But it doesn't delve into the specifics of how this might be achieved in practice. Advertisement

Benjamin Geskin from Latvia, tweeted the rumours, saying: '2017 OLED iPhone - four colours. New one - mirror like.'

According to Mr Geskin, the iPhone will be available in four colours, with the other three expected to be white, black and rose gold.

Other rumours have suggested that the iPhone 8 could come in six colours, with red, gold and grey options.

How will it be charged?

Several rumours suggest the device will feature wireless charging - but blogger John Gruber, an Apple information analyst, says that the feature might not be available when the phone is launched.

Mr Gruber also suggests that the inductive charging technology will be sold separately, and not included with the purchase of the new iPhone.
Deutsche Bank - one of the world's largest financial institutions - is gearing up to replace a large chunk of its workforce with robots.

CEO John Cryan warned today that a 'big number' of people will lose their jobs at the firm as it automates to embrace its 'revolutionary spirit.'

The Frankfurt, Germany-based company employs 100,000 people globally, but it's unknown how many will be laid off and replaced by machines or when the overhaul will occur.

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Deutsche Bank - one of the world's largest financial institutions - is gearing up to replace a large chunk of its workforce with robots. A 'big number' of the company's 100,000 employees will be replaced by machines

DEUTSCHE BANK ROBOTS Deutsche Bank - one of the world's largest financial institutions - is gearing up to replace a 'big number' of its 100,000 employees with robots. 'The truthful answer is we wont need as many people,' CEO John Cryan said. He said many workers are doing mechanical things, pointing to how an accountant is 'basically being an abacus.' While many of the workers will be laid off completely, he said there is room for some jobs to be 'upskilled.' He said in some cases, robots will take over whatever tasks can be automated, leaving the human employees to do more interesting work. Advertisement

During the Banking in Transition conference today in Frankfurt, Cryan announced the firm's plan, citing that accountants are acting like 'abacuses.'

'The truthful answer is we wont need as many people,' he said bluntly, according to the Financial Times.

'In our banks we have people behaving like robots doing mechanical things.'

'Tomorrow were going to have robots behaving like people.'

Cryan - who became the company's chief executive in June 2015 - is in the midst of leading the firm through a five-year restructuring plan that has been giving employees the run-around, affecting their structure and bonuses.

He would not reveal how many employees will be replaced with robots but said it would be a 'big number.'

'We have to find new ways of employing people and maybe people need to find new ways of spending their time,' he said.

CEO John Cryan (pictured) said, 'The truthful answer is we wont need as many people. In our banks we have people behaving like robots doing mechanical things. Tomorrow were going to have robots behaving like people'

Cryan pointed to accountants as an example, saying they 'spend a lot of the time basically being an abacus.'

While many of the workers will be laid off completely, he said there is room for some jobs to be 'upskilled.'

He said in some cases, robots will take over whatever tasks can be automated, leaving the human employees to do more interesting work.

'If you take an accountant at the bank, a large part of their job is to produce number,' he said.

'It takes them three to four weeks to produce an account and then they move to the next one.'

'Wouldnt it be great if machines could produce those numbers in just a few hours?'

'Then accountants could analyze the numbers, form valid opinions what those numbers mean and not just produce them,' Cryan said.

He also said the directly employed staff may not be so affected, for the firm has many outside contractors it can let 'roll off.'

But he echoed that changes are coming.

'We need to admit that what we had is nice but its not necessarily for the future,' he said.

'We need more revolutionary spirit.'

Cryan pointed to accountants as an example, saying they 'spend a lot of the time basically being an abacus'

The move by Deutsche is part of a recent trend of banks turning to technology.

Earlier this summer, one of Sweden's biggest banks, tapped a robot to be 'always at work, 24/7, 365 days a year.'

Now those who bank at SEB can bring their financial questions to Aida, an artificially intelligent customer service representative.

'There are some frequent, simple tasks that we need to deal with manually today, and in that effort we're looking into AI to see how we can deploy it, and Aida is one,' Johan Torgeby, the chief executive officer of SEB, told Bloomberg.

While Deutsche bank was clear that employing robots over humans is about efficiency, SEB is framing the development of Aida as a way to better serve customers.

Aida is a chatbot with vast amounts of individual client data, meaning she - Aida was designed to sound like a woman because of research suggesting customers feel more comfortable with female voices - can quickly handle straightforward customer needs.

The move by Deutsche is part of a recent trend of banks turning to technology. Earlier this summer, one of Sweden 's biggest banks, tapped a robot to be 'always at work, 24/7, 365 days a year'

BANK BOTS SEB just rolled out Aida, a customer service virtual assistant meant to handle easy tasks and free up time for real human employees. Last year, the bank debuted Amelia to work with internal IT support. Swedbank has Nina, a female-voiced assistant that allows customers to simply message her with their questions in order to find answers and identify the financial services best suited for their needs. Nordea Bank has introduced a virtual assistant named Nova - also meant to sounds like a woman - to its life and pensions unit. In the future, Nordea plans to task Nova help customers invest, open accounts and cancel lost credit cards. Advertisement

More complex tasks - like coming up with a mortgage or loan plan to best suit a customer's needs - will still require a human banking assistant, but Aida's presence is meant to help with the easy tasks to help free up time of the human employees.

Last year, SEB rolled out a different virtual assistant named Amelia.

Rather than helping customers with traditional banking needs, she's tasked with working with employees and assisting internal IT support.

'Digital employees will change the way in which banks manage their business and provide a platform for new services,' Chetan Dube, CEO of IPsoft, which made Amelia.

In Amelia's first three weeks, over 4,000 conversations were held with 700 employees, and she solved the majority of issues without delay.

Together, IPsoft and SEB bank are are working to train and develop Amelia together.

Specifically, they're looking into how she can directly enhance the customer service experience as well.

Virtual assistants have actually become commonplace in Sweden as branch closures have caused customer satisfaction scores to drop 20 percent.

Last year, SEB rolled out a different virtual assistant named Amelia. Rather than helping customers with traditional banking needs, she's tasked with working with employees and assisting internal IT support

Swedbank has Nina, a female-voiced assistant that allows customers to simply message her with their questions in order to find answers and identify the financial services best suited for their needs.

Nordea Bank has introduced a virtual assistant named Nova - also meant to sounds like a woman - to its life and pensions unit.

In the future, Nordea plans to task Nova help customers invest, open accounts and cancel lost credit cards.

AI might be part of the cure to the Swedish banking customer service issue - a recent study by market researcher GfK said these chatbots could help close the gap between what bank customers hope to receive from their financial institutions and what they actually get.

The industry overall is experiencing a technological shift.

Former Barclays boss Anthony Jenkins called this an 'Uber moment.'

Andy Haldane, chief economist at the Bank of England, has also warned that robots will be able to take on more work and endanger the banking jobs of 15 million Britians.

And it's not just the low-skilled jobs - he also warned more skilled roles such as administrative clerical jobs are at risk too.
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It was nearly twice the length of the Titanic - and its lesser-known history is no less epic.

The Seawise Giant, a Japanese-built supertanker completed in 1979, changed hands - and was renamed - six times during its 30-year service before finally being sold for scrap in India in 2009.

Weighing more than 564,000 tonnes and measuring 1,500ft in length, it was far too large to navigate the English Channel, and so mighty that even after being sunk by Saddam Hussain's missiles during the Iran-Iraq war of 1988 and declared a total write-off, she served 21 more years, her massive hulk dragged from the seabed and renovated.

The Seawise Giant (pictured), a Japanese-built supertanker completed in 1979, changed hands - and was renamed - six times during its 30-year service before finally being sold for scrap in India in 2009

The Seawise Giant was completed in 1979 by a shipyard in Kanagawa, Japan.

The Greek shipping magnate who originally ordered it refused to take delivery by the time it was finished, and it was subsequently sold to the Chinese founder of Hong Kong Orient Overseas Container Line, C.Y. Tung - with the purpose of transporting oil across the ocean.

Not quite satisfied with its already massive size, Tung had it extended by several feet and added more than 100,000 tonnes to its capacity before it went into service.

By this stage, the rudder alone weighed 230 tonnes - the equivalent of 46 elephants - the propeller 50 tonnes, and the ship itself weighed more than 657,000 tonnes when fully-loaded - making it the largest ship of its kind ever made.

Weighing more than 564,000 tonnes and measuring 1,500ft in length, it was far too large to navigate the English Channel. Pictured here is the ship after she was renamed the 'Jahre Viking'

She was so mighty that even after being sunk by Saddam Hussain's missiles during the Iraq war of 1988 (pictured) and declared a write-off, she was dragged from the seabed and resurrected to serve 21 more years

The rudder alone weighed 230 tonnes - the equivalent of 46 elephants - the propeller 50 tonnes, and the ship itself weighed more than 657,000 tonnes when fully-loaded - making it the largest ship of its kind ever made

The Seawise Giant spent the next years ferrying huge quantities of crude oil between the Middle East and the US.

But in May 1988, disaster struck during the Iran-Iraq War.

While anchored off Iran's Larak Island in shallow waters, carrying Iranian oil, the Seawise Giant was targeted and hit by Iraqi parachute bombs. She lit up like a match as fire tore across her, and she ultimately sank. Her owners declared her a write-off.

But that's not where the story ends.

After the war ended in 1989, the Seawise Giant was heaved from the seabed after a year of decay by Norwegian conglomerate Norman International.

The wreck was transported to Singapore for extensive repairs and her owners re-named her the Happy Giant.

With a length of 1,500ft and at 225ft wide, her two-mile turning circle was vast, and it took her more than five miles to grind to a halt from her full speed of 16.5 knots

in 2004, the ship was purchased by Norway's First Olsen Tankers, renamed Knock Nevis, and converted into a stationary storage unit for oil tankers and moored in the Persian Gulf's Qatar Al Shaheen oil field

Norweigan mogul Jorgen Jahre then purchased the patched-up ship for $39million (30million), renamed it the Jahre Viking, and re-entered her into service in October 1991.

Over time, however, her gargantuan size became more and more of a burden in terms of practicality. She was too long and wide to navigate waters that weren't deep enough - among them the English Channel, Egypt's Suez Canal and the Panama Canal.

With a length of 1,500ft and at 225-ft wide, her two-mile turning circle was vast, and it took her more than five miles to grind to a halt from her full speed of 16.5 knots.

Captain Surrinder Kumar Mohan, who commanded the ship while it was the Jahre Viking, told Turbine Tanker at the time: 'To my great regret, I do not think another vessel of the size of Jahre Viking will ever be built. It's not financially viable.'

Over time, however, her gargantuan size became more and more of a burden in terms of practicality. She was too long and wide to navigate waters that weren't deep enough - among them Egypt's Suez Canal and the Panama Canal

The ship, pictured here as the Jahre Viking, was finally sold for scrap in 2010, and renamed (once again) as the Mont for her final journey to an Indian ship-breaking yard. It took tens of thousands of laborers to complete the task of stripping it apart

So in 2004, the ship was purchased by Norway's First Olsen Tankers, renamed Knock Nevis, converted into a stationary storage unit for oil tankers and moored in the Persian Gulf's Qatar Al Shaheen oil field.

There she lived out the rest of her days before finally being sold for scrap in 2010, and renamed (once again) as the Mont for her final journey to an Indian ship-breaking yard.

It took tens of thousands of laborers to complete the task of stripping it apart.

Only its 36-tonne anchor was saved, where it now resides at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum - the last remaining relic of a truly legendary ocean beast.
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Most people can only dream of escaping the rat race.

But, for one brave man, that wasn't enough - and, to prove it, he swapped his entire life in Europe for a remote existence in the Caribbean.

Christian Gusenbauer, 41, was a respected pharmaceutical company manager in his native Austria, where he enjoyed a lucrative salary and enviable lifestyle.

Remote: An aerial view of Christian Gusenbauer's Private Heaven, a self-contained off-grid dream spot on Lark Caye, in Belize

But he said stress and red tape pushed him to make a dramatic life change in 2016.

Selling all of his possessions and leaving his loved ones behind, he made the leap of faith alone - with nothing more than a backpack.

But now, 12 months on, he owns Private Heaven, a self-contained off-grid retreat on Lark Caye - his very only private island in Belize - where he's ready to host holidaymakers from around the world.

The newly built home, now available to reserve on Airbnb, comes complete with panoramic views of the Caribbean, a pristine lagoon and access to a breathtaking coral reef.

Dream realised: Christian Gusenbauer, 41, has never looked back since ditching his former life in Europe (left) for the Caribbean

Wow-factor: The Caribbean beauty spot is still considered something of a hidden gem for holidaymakers wanting respite

Stunning surrounds: The newly built home, now available to reserve on Airbnb, comes complete with panoramic views of the Caribbean, a pristine lagoon and access to a breathtaking coral reef

Not a bad view: The enviable property boasts an incredible, hard-to-match vista

Accommodating six people across two bedrooms and six beds, it boasts wireless, air conditioning and a kitchen for just 1,152 per month.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, he says he couldn't he happier with his decision. 'I was the national sales manager of a major pharmaceutical company. Id been doing this for almost 12 years but was getting more and more frustrated with all the red tape,' he told MailOnline Travel.

'When a venture I was going to be involved with collapsed, it took three minutes to decide what would make me really happy. I immediately started looking at islands for sale all over the world.

'In 2016 I sold all my stuff in Europe, my home, my car, every single DVD, all my beloved technical equipment, my Dolby Surround System, my 60-inch Full HD Flatscreen and my X-Box. And I purchased a completely undeveloped island in Belize, Central America.

'In January 2017 I left everything behind and travelled without one single key to Belize, just one bag with my most important things. That was a very strange feeling, when you realize that everything you own is an undeveloped island. No cozy home to live in, no car, no friends. Nothing was left.'

Make yourself at home: Accommodating six people across two bedrooms and six beds, it boasts Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a kitchen for just 1,152 per month

Cosy and stylish: The property is fully furnished. Mr Gusenbauer said that life here is beyond his wildest dreams

Self-catering: A spacious kitchen allows guests to cook for themselves, helping them to live like a local on the private island

Fortunately, the gamble was worth it as he says his surroundings are beyond beautiful. 'Life's better than I could imagine in my wildest dreams,' he added.

'Pelicans around me, Spotted Eagle Rays and an unbelievable Coral Reef right in front of me. I have new friends, I live in a beautiful apartment on the mainland - whenever Im not on the island - I love my GMC truck and all the people here in Belize are so warm-hearted and friendly.'

However, he hasn't completely surrendered his business-minded approach to life.

'Ive registered a boat tour company and bought three vessels. With this set-up, my guests will be able to enjoy the whole beauty of the Belizean waters - and the second largest reef in the World - the Belize Barrier Reef.

'My dream is reality now and I still cant believe that I am here. But, if you trust your ideas and strength 100 per cent, give 100 per cent and dream 100 per cent, then everything is possible. From a life behind the office desktop to a life in the middle of the Caribbean. It is just un-Belize-able.'

And relax: Guests can gaze upon the paradise and its clear waters from this hammock on the terrace

Sunset: The night falls in Belize and the sea takes on a beautiful orange hue beneath a bewitching sky

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Mr Gusenbauer doesn't have any regrets.

He said: 'Its unbelievable how many people from Europe are writing to me every day. So many good hearts struggling with their lives and trapped in the same golden cage that I was in.

'Some of them made little changes to their life, but right now I dont know one single person who really had the energy to escape. Leaving your comfort zone is the hardest thing you can do, we all know that.

'Reducing your life to a minimum gives you so much more happiness. All of a sudden you are able to enjoy what this universe and our planet has to give. No hustle to make big money just to feed the system of never-ending spendings and still being out of money all the time.

'No pressure when to wake up to get into the next traffic jam and to apologize when you are late for work. No useless time in the office to explain the whole day to your work headquarters, instead of being able to do your work. It is so unbelievably satisfying to live the way I want to live and to be my own boss. And to use our natural resources in the most sustainable way possible.'

He added: 'I am collecting the water from our clouds - rainwater collection. Im not taking it away from anybody and it stays clean via a self-composting septic tank system and goes clean back to our planet. Two thousand gallons of rainwater collected in three tanks and this is more than enough to serve four people in the eco lodge.

'All year long, it never gets empty. The energy is provided by our sun. Just six solar panels are powering everything: fans, 20 LED lights, a toaster, a hairdryer, the water pump, a 300-watt music player, my internet, charging the phones, drone, laptop, and even running an AC. Imagine that. All that you need and even more can be easily covered without any pollution. Although this was my main idea, I was surprised that everything can be covered without fossil energy. It makes me happier than anything else.'
They endured a bitter and public falling out over a man three years ago.

But luckily soap stars Kym Marsh and Stephanie Waring managed to patch up their differences before catching the same train from Manchester to London ahead of Monday night's TV Choice Awards.

The two women were seen make-up free and dressed down as they made their way to the capital for the annual glitzy awards ceremony.

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Mane attraction: Looking casual ahead of tonight's glamour, make-up free Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, 41, debuted a new ombre hairdo

Excited: Hollyoaks star Stephanie Waring, 38, also went make-up free for the trip to London, and looked lovely in black ripped jeans and a cosy red and grey jumper

Coronation Street actress Kym, 41, debuted a new ombre hairdo and rocked an all-black look that consisted of a leather jacket, skinny jeans and a slogan T-shirt.

Hollyoaks favourite Stephanie, 38, wore ripped black jeans, a cosy red and grey jumper, and a smart black blazer for her journey down south.

The two women were pictured smiling at the train station, perhaps happy there was to be no awkwardness or stilted conversation on the journey.

Off they go! Stephanie and Kym are just two of the famous faces expected at Monday night's TV Choice Awards in London

Heartbreak: Stephanie was devastated when her ex Dan Hooper went on to date Kym Marsh in 2014 following their split. She and Dan share a six-year-old daughter called Lexi

'Heartless': Stephanie publicly lashed out at Kym on Twitter after the brunette struck up a romance with personal trainer Dan. Pictured with Dan at a charity event in May 2015

They famously feuded back in 2014 when Stephanie's ex Dan Hooper, the father of her six-year-old daughter Lexi Grace, began dating Kym following his split from Stephanie.

At the time, a heartbroken Stephanie admitted it was 'killing her' to watch her former love moving on with Kym, tweeting: 'There is an unwritten rule that if you are friends with somebody you dont go near their ex partners.'

Stephanie also branded Kym 'heartless', saying: 'Any woman who has had their heart broken and who is going through a break up can sympathise with this.

'He could have gone out with some 20-year-old hairdresser. Hes a free and single man who can do as he pleases. But Kym I actually considered a friend who Ive known for years. Its left me in bits. Shes heartless.'

Kym's romance with Dan wasn't to last, however, and they split in 2015.

Moving on: Kym split from Dan in 2015 and has now found love with Matt Baker. Pictured together at the Pride of Britain Awards 2016

New love: Stephanie went on to date ex EastEnders star Michael Greco, but it was claimed in April they had parted ways

The actress, best known these days for playing Michelle Connor in Corrie, is now living with partner Matt Baker, while Stephanie - most known as Cindy in Hollyoaks - went on to briefly romance ex-EastEnders actor Michael Greco.

Last year, both Kym and Stephanie confirmed their bitter feud had come to an end, cementing their newfound friendship by posing together for a picture at the GEM Appeal Annual Winter Ball in Manchester in November.

Kym later wrote in her OK! magazine column: 'It was nice to see Stephanie Waring at the ball and I posted this picture of us on Twitter afterwards.

'I saw Michael and he was with Steph so she and I ended up catching up properly, which was nice. Steph and I have obviously had our differences in the past, but Im a big believer in letting things go and moving on.

'There was no awkwardness, it was good to talk. Steph and Michael seem happy and loved up. I wish them lots of luck together!'

Feud over: the women confirmed they had patched up their differences with a photo taken in November 2016 and posted to social media. Kym said: 'I'm a big believer in letting things go and moving on'

'Drawing a line under it all': Stephanie said last year she was 'sorry' for lashing out at Kym and the girls have now swapped numbers and followed each other on Twitter

Stephanie, meanwhile, told The Mirror she was ready to 'draw a line' under the feud, and said she was sorry she ever spoke out publicly about it all.

'This is about closure, forgiveness and me moving forward into next year. My biggest regret is talking about what happened with Kym in the first place,' she said.

'Kym's a mum and Im a mum. I'm so sorry for putting her and her family through that. I shouldn't have lashed out.

'Our reconciliation has happened at the right time as I think Kym and I both needed time to realise there are better things in the world than having feuds with some girl off another soap. We've swapped numbers and followed each other on Twitter.'

While the women's love triangle is well and truly over, they will be going up against each other tonight in a different way, as their two shows battle it out at the TV Choice Awards on Monday night.

A slew of telly favourites have been making their way to London ahead of the star-studded bash, including Kym's Corrie co-star Catherine Tyldesley, 33, who rocked a chic pink coat as she grabbed the train from Manchester.

Exciting: Catherine Tyldesley looked eager to get the TV Choice Awards festivities underway, as she boarded a train from Manchester to London for the bash

Mum-of-one Catherine complemented her statement outerwear with simple black jeans and a pair of white trainers with a star print.

Styling her caramel-hued locks in a sleek side-parting, she framed her features with a simple sweep of mascara.

Kym is up for Best Soap Actress, alongside her co-star Lucy Fallon and EastEnders' Jasmine Armfield and Charlotte Bellamy.

Think pink: Mum-of-one Catherine complemented her statement outerwear with simple black jeans and a pair of white trainers with a star print

Turning heads: Styling her caramel-hued locks in a sleek side-parting, she framed her features with a simple sweep of mascara

Nervous? She was no doubt anxious to get to tonight's annual soap bash in London, which will be hosted by Pointless star Richard Osman

Adding to the excitement, Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks are all up for Best Soap this year.

When it comes to Best Soap Actor, EastEnders' Danny Dyer goes head to head with three Emmerdale stars: Ryan Hawley, Danny Miller and John Middleton.

Elsewhere, Michelle Keegan is up for Best Actress for her turn as Georgie Lane in BBC One's Our Girl - going up against Broadchurch's Olivia Colman, Casualty's Amanda Mealing and Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson.

TV Choice Awards main nominees Best Actress Michelle Keegan  Our Girl Olivia Colman  Broadchurch Amanda Mealing  Casualty Eleanor Tomlinson  Poldark Best Actor David Tennant  Broadchurch Aidan Turner  Poldark Benedict Cumberbatch  Sherlock George Rainsford - Casualty Best Drama Our Girl Broadchurch Line of Duty Poldark Best Entertainment Show Ant & Decs Saturday Night Takeaway Celebrity Juice Graham Norton Show All Round to Mrs Browns Best Reality Show Big Brother and Celebrity Big Brother Im A Celebrity The Island with Bear Grylls TOWIE Best Talent Show Britains Got Talent Great British Bake Off MasterChef Strictly Come Dancing Best New Drama Victoria The Crown Good Karma Hospital Little Boy Blue Best Soap Emmerdale EastEnders Coronation Street Hollyoaks Best Soap Actor Danny Dyer  EastEnders Ryan Hawley  Emmerdale Danny Miller  Emmerdale John Middleton  Emmerdale Best Soap Actress Lucy Fallon  Coronation Street Kym Marsh  Coronation Street Jasmine Armfield  EastEnders Charlotte Bellamy - EastEnders Advertisement

Monochrome maven: Kym looked similarly lowkey, rocking an all-black look that consisted of a leather jacket, skinny jeans and a slogan T-shirt

Looking good: Showing off her newly-dyed lighter locks, the former Hear'Say singer seemed to be in great spirits as she strode along the platform with a suitcase in tow

Comfort: Steph looked snug in her cosy jumper and comfortable boots as she arrived to catch her train, clutching a mobile phone in one hand

Our Girl has also scooped a nomination for Best Drama, alongside Line Of Duty, Broadchurch and Poldark.

Meanwhile Kym has been ensconced in an explosive storyline around her character Michelle Connor on Corrie over the last month.

The mum-of-four's character was kidnapped by her ex boyfriend Will and woke up bound and gagged in a parked car in the midst of a horrific stalking ordeal.

Three's company: Kym was joined by her Corrie co-stars Bhavna Limbachia and Julia Goulding for the train ride
Rumours are rife that The Bachelorette's Lee Elliott and Georgia Love are about to get engaged, as they holiday in the idyllic Italy.

And on Tuesday, plumber Lee did little to dispel rumours when he teased fans with a cryptic Instagram post.

Showing off his buff physique going shirtless as he took a dip in a pool on the Amalfi Coast, Lee used the hashtag: 'It's a nice day for an Amalfi wedding.'

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'It's a nice day for an Amalfi wedding': The Bachelorette's Lee Elliott poses shirtless as he teases fans with a cryptic post...as engagement rumours with Georgia Love persist

His post read: 'A pizza heaven! #ontopoftheworld #ladolcevita #itsanicedayforanamalfiwedding #walkingonwater #GlobaLee.'

In the shot, Lee wears a pair of white board shorts and stares off into the distance.

One fan commented: 'Nice place to put a ring on it!'

Smitten: Rumours are rife that The Bachelorette's Lee Elliott and Georgia Love are about to get engaged

Going to the chapel? Just two days ago, he and Georgia enjoyed a visit to a stunning old church in Amalfi and took to Instagram to share a photograph of themselves soaking up the view

The pair are believed to be in Italy as they celebrate the wedding of one of Lee's friends, with Georgia recently posing with some gal pals on an Italian beach, during a hens day.

Just two days ago, he and Georgia enjoyed a visit to a stunning old church in Amalfi and took to Instagram to share a photograph of themselves soaking up the view.

It's speculated that Lee will pop the question while overseas to the 29-year-old journalist, following a number of incidents in recent months that got rumours circulating.

Perfect spot! It's speculated that Lee will pop the question while overseas to the 29-year-old journalist

While Lee played down talk earlier in the year that the pair were moving in together, he did admit that they were already planning their wedding despite not being engaged.

In an interview with Now To Love in August, he claimed that the couple were ready to make the next big move in their relationship.

'I've already started saving for a ring,' he told the publication.

'I'm old fashioned, I'll want to do it privately.'

The pair have been inseparable since Lee won Georgia over in last year's season of The Bachelorette, and only last week celebrated their one year anniversary together.
She is the self-described 'Tahitian goddess' who has shared several steamy moments with The Bachelor's Matty Johnson.

But an insider has revealed that Elora Murger is destined to be unceremoniously eliminated from the competition - leading her to suffer a 'full meltdown'.

'She got the boot had a full meltdown. She even demanded Simone (Ormesher) fly up and keep her company for four days,' the source exclusively told Daily Mail Australia.

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'She got the boot had a full meltdown': Elora Murger is destined to be unceremoniously eliminated from the competition - leading her to suffer a 'full meltdown', an insider has claimed

'Cobie had also just been booted during a single date but Elora made it all about her.'

They added: 'She called Warner Bros, demanding that she had better get something out of this other then a broken heart.'

The insider also alleged that Elora sent out a Snapchat video filming herself burning the memorabilia she collected during her time in the mansion.

Breaking point? 'Cobie had also just been booted during a single date but Elora made it all about her,' they claimed

She sent the video with the caption: 'F*ck you Matty J'': The insider also alleged that Elora sent out a Snapchat video filming herself burning the memorabilia she collected during her time in the mansion

'Then she put all the roses she dried out, her date cards she saved and the selfies from their first date in a bin and set it on fire. She sent the video with the caption: 'F**k you Matty J'.

Since making a fiery entrance on the first episode, the brunette has taken a no-holds barred approach to winning over Matty.

But her spontaneous nature backfired on Thursday night's episode when Elora tried to kiss Matty, only for him to reject her.

Flirty: Since making a fiery entrance on the first episode, the brunette has taken a no-holds barred approach to winning over Matty

Awkward! On Thursday night's episode of The Bachelor, Elora suffered a cringe-worthy moment when she tried to kiss Matty but was rejected

The awkward moment took place at the cocktail party when, Elora grabbed Matty and attempted to lead him behind a curtain to sneak a smooch.

'I just thought it would be fun to pull him aside and give him a kiss and it would be our little secret,' she explained.

The muscular marketing manager didn't see it that way however and rebuffed her advances, telling her: 'I'm not going to do that here. I'm not, sorry.'

He continued: 'I just think it's a little bit disrespectful.'
She's the feisty entrepreneur known for her shrewd business sense and straight-talking nature.

And Naomi Simson left one contestant shaking in his boots after he dared to make an incredibly low offer on Tuesday night's edition of Shark Tank.

During the episode, contestant Annas 'Ace Ahsan attempted to lure the sharks with a 10 per cent share in his $800,000 spice business.

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Taking no prisoners! Naomi Simson left one contestant shaking in his boots after he dared to make an incredibly low offer on Tuesday night's edition of Shark Tank

While four sharks quickly tapped out, Naomi was quick to counter offer for 50 per cent of the business.

Steve Baxter was visibly concerned for Annas, advising him to 'run scared'.

Instead, Annas hit back with his own counter offer, asking to reduce Naomi's stake by half with the guarantee that Naomi would earn back her money within two years.

Tempting the sharks: During the episode, contestant Annas 'Ace Ahsan attempted to lure the sharks with a 10 % share in his $800,000 spice business

If the business failed to earn enough for Naomi to recoup this amount, her stake would increase by 35 per cent.

Clearly insulted by the low offer, Naomi shot back: 'You've actually offered me a disincentive to grow your business. So I'm going to pretend you didn't say it. Because that's the way a partnership starts  by looking after each other.'

Simon swiftly interjected by taking a jab at Naomi's online gift-giving business RedBalloon.

Big chunk: While four sharks quickly tapped out, Naomi was quick to counter offer for 50 per cent of the business

Stressful: Steve Baxter was visibly concerned for Annas, advising him to 'run scared'

'Let's face it, what you're being offered is an opportunity to get on RedBalloon.'

'It's actually not! Excuse me, I would never put this on RedBalloon! That is not what this is about! That's irrelevant,' Naomi snapped.

Meanwhile, Annas was busy mulling Naomi's offer over while trying to hold back tears.

He eventually offered a final counter offer of 40 per cent share.

Big decision: Meanwhile, Annas was busy mulling Naomi's offer over while trying to hold back tears

'I really think you can bring a lot to the table and I believe together we can work as a team, 40 per cent is a reasonable chunk,' he said.

After a painful silence, Naomi finally agreed to the offer, sending Annas into a joyful tizzy.

'Good luck, you're going to need it,' Steve told Annas while shaking his hand.
She reportedly dated Bachelorette star Jake Ellis before her stint on The Bachelor with Matty J.

And this week, things could have been a little awkward for Jen Hawke.

The villain helped choose the 30 finalists in the Cosmo Bachelor of the Year contest, and according to The Daily Telegraph, had two exes in the running.

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Awkward! The Bachelor villain Jen Hawke helps choose the finalists in the Cosmo Bachelor of the Year contest and has dated TWO entrants...including ex Jake Ellis

The publication reports Jake Ellis and her ex Jace Brown were in the bid to become finalists.

Jen stepped out in Sydney on Tuesday for voting, stunning in a white lace mini dress, and shared to Instagram videos of herself with former Bachelor rival, Simone Ormesher.

She revealed in her story that she had dated two entrants.

Did she vote for him? The publication reports Jake Ellis (seen) and her ex Jace Brown were in the bid to become finalists

Case of the ex! The beauty is pictured with her former flame

'Just trying to have a nice wine and then this chick follows me in... It's Simone from The Bachelor!' she said, pointing to Simone Ormesher.

'Voting on Bachelor Of The Year. I've dated two of the bachelors!' she joked, as the girls broke out in fits of laughter after Simone called out: 'Sl*t!'

New Idea previously reported that Jen and Jake dated for five months before she went on The Bachelor with Matty J.

'They met at an event but things had always been a bit on and off between them, which is why she signed up for the show,' an insider told the publication.

Rumours: New Idea previously reported that Jen and Jake dated for five months before she went on The Bachelor with Matty J (pictured)

While she was in the Bachelor mansion, Jen reportedly learned of Jake's mother's worsening condition - battling cancer - and 'had a complete breakdown' before deciding to leave the series.

Despite insisting she enjoyed her time on the show, Jen recently took aim at Matty 'J' Johnson, calling him a 'douche' on KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O show.

During her explosive interview, the brunette firecracker stood by her decision to leave the Bachelor, saying: 'I just wasn't really into Matty, he's just a bit of a douche'.

The feisty TV villain didn't mince words during her interview with Nova's Fitzy And Wippa either, telling the radio duo: 'I wasn't really into Matty if I'm completely honest.

When asked whether she would ever date Matty long-term, Jen candidly said: 'God no. I find him a little bit vanilla. I mean, he's a lovely lovely guy, but yeah, no he's definitely not someone I'd date long-term. I think I'd get bored of him very quickly.'
She's made a career of parading her enviable pins down the catwalk for some of the world's most coveted designers.

And Stella Maxwell, 27, was back to her old style tricks as she flashed her trademark limbs in two sizzling looks on Tuesday night, first proving her style chops while walking the red carpet for the Mother! premiere at the 74th Venice International Film Festival.

Despite her glamorous arrival, the Victoria's Secret model narrowly missed an awkward wardrobe malfunction as her dangerously high thigh-slit chartered into risky territory while she navigated her way to the venue.

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Tickled pink: Stella Maxwell, 27, was back to her old style tricks as she flashed her trademark limbs in a sizzling blush coloured look, walking the red carpet for the Mother! premiere at the 74th Venice International Film Festival on Tuesday

The blonde beauty no doubt thanked her lucky stars for diamond clad hand catching the near-miss as her slinky full-length skirt caught the wind and nearly blew upwards to showcase her underwear.

Overcoming the near fashion fail, the Belgian-born beauty - who's parents hail from Belfast - oozed glamour in her silky one-shouldered dress by Twinset which skimmed her model frame with ease.

The dramatic gown highlighted her narrow waist as it flared out to display her incredible lean legs and pert posterior.

Stella upped the fashion ante as she added to her towering frame with a pair of statement black heels with a gold frame, while she accessorised her look with a striking diamond-encrusted choker for the evening.

Edgy: Following the premiere, Stella switched her pink number for a edgy black dress while attending the Twinset Party at Excelsior Hotel

Near-miss: Despite her glamorous arrival, the Victoria's Secret model narrowly missed an awkward wardrobe malfunction as her dangerously high thigh-slit chartered into risky territory while she navigated her way to the venue

Uh oh: The blonde beauty no doubt thanked her lucky stars for diamond clad hand catching the near-miss as her slinky full-length skirt caught the wind and nearly blew upwards to showcase her underwear

Glam gal: Overcoming the near fashion fail, the Belgian-born beauty - who's parents hail from Belfast - oozed glamour in her silky one-shouldered dress by Twinset which skimmed her model frame with ease

Making an entrance: The dramatic gown highlighted her narrow waist as it flared out to display her incredible lean legs and pert posterior

And her sparkling display didn't end there as she complemented her statement piece with a pair of drop-earrings and a number of rings across her manicured mitts.

The supermodel opted to incorporate some old Hollywood glamour into her beauty look as she worked her blonde tresses into a deep side-parting and vintage curl.

Her jaw-dropping display comes after Stella and her actress girlfriend Kristen Stewart threatened legal action earier this week against pornography sites that have published illegally obtained nude photos of the couple.

Their attorney Scott Whithead of the Los Angeles-based firm McKuin Frankel Whitehead LLP sent a letter to multiple sites accusing their operators of committing a flagrant violation of copyright laws, according to TMZ.

Upping the ante: Stella upped the fashion ante as she added to her towering frame with a pair of statement black heels with a gold frame, while she accessorised her look with a striking diamond-encrusted choker for the evening

Dazzling: And her sparkling display didn't end there as she complemented her statement piece with a pair of drop-earrings and a number of rings across her manicured mitts

Vintage: The supermodel opted to incorporate some old Hollywood glamour into her beauty look as she worked her blonde tresses into a deep side-parting and vintage curl

The letter noted the fact that his clients have not given anyone permission to display their private images.

Photos at the center of the hacking scandal showed Stella taking selfies in the bathroom while Kristen stood naked behind her.

Meanwhile, Stella attended the premiere for Jennifer Lawrence's new horror film Mother! which follows a couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.

It stars Oscar winner Javier Bardem as well as Ed Harris, Kristen Wiig, Michelle Pfeiffer, Irish brothers Domhnall Gleeson and Brian Gleeson in the horror flick that is set to hit theaters on September 15.

Show-stopping: Her jaw-dropping display comes after Stella and her actress girlfriend Kristen Stewart threatened legal action earier this week against pornography sites that have published illegally obtained nude photos of the couple

Personal woes: Their attorney Scott Whithead of the Los Angeles-based firm McKuin Frankel Whitehead LLP sent a letter to multiple sites accusing their operators of committing a flagrant violation of copyright laws, according to TMZ

Private matte: The letter noted the fact that his clients have not given anyone permission to display their private images

The highly-anticipated movie is directed by Darren Aronofsky, who is best known for his work directing dark psychological dramas including Requiem for a Dream and Black Swan.

Venice Film Festival has brought tons of Hollywood's favorites to the canal-filled city.

Among the films screening are Mother!, a thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence and directed by her beau Darren Aronofsky.

Party people: Stella appeared ready to party as she attended her second soiree for the night

Camera ready: Having worn the brand on the red carpet earlier in the evening, she joined fellow ambassador Tina Kunakey, Sita Abellan and Annabelle Belmondo for the evening, dressed in a striking look which she teamed with an enviable leather jacket (Pictured L-R)

George Clooney's crime comedy Suburbicon is also one of the fest's early stand-outs. The Cohen Brothers written flick marks the dapper actor's sixth directorial endeavor.

Following her appearance at the premiere, Stella switched her pink number for a edgy black dress while attending the Twinset Party at Excelsior Hotel.

Having worn the brand on the red carpet earlier in the evening, she joined fellow ambassador Tina Kunakey, Sita Abellan and Annabelle Belmondo for the evening, dressed in a striking look which she teamed with an enviable leather jacket.
Lil Wayne is moving forward.

The 34-year-old rapper has been released from a local hospital under doctor's orders to rest, two days after he was found unconscious in a Chicago hotel room following a seizure, TMZ reported Tuesday.

The rapper's seizures were not the result of taking sizzurp (a codeine-based cough syrup also referred to as 'lean'), sources close to the artist told the outlet, but rather a breakneck work schedule with next to no sleep.

Peace: Lil Wayne, 34, has been released from a local hospital under doctor's orders to rest, two days after he was found unconscious in a Chicago hotel room following a seizure, TMZ reported Tuesday. The rapper was snapped in LA in June 2017

'My dad is doing fine': Reginae Carter, the daughter of rapper Lil Wayne, has given fans a positive update on her father following his recent hospitalization (pictured 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia)

Health scare: The rapper, 34, was sent to the hospital on Sunday after he was found unconscious in his Chicago hotel room, where he suffered a seizure (pictured June 2017)

Lil Wayne will be taking off at least two weeks to recuperate from his latest health battle as ordered by his physicians, sources told the outlet, with plans on appearing at his next gig slated for September 23 at Stage AE in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The rap artist was advised by doctors not to overexert himself on his upcoming schedule, sources told the outlet, adding that his typical regimen is a nonstop flurry of concerts, nightlife and studio time.

News of rapper's release came a day after his 18-year-old daughter Reginae Carter took to Twitter to update fans on her father's health woes.

'My dad is doing fine everyone! Thanks for the concerns. you guys are amazing,' she tweeted, adding, 'Oh yeah .. & don't believe everything you hear.'

'Thanks for the concerns': Carter gave the positive update a day after her father's hospitalization on Monday

Words of caution: She tweeted this following her update

The Sucker for Pain artist, who's become one of the biggest names in rap music over a two-decade career, suffered a second seizure at the hospital, the website reported.

The incident comes more than a year after the rap star, whose Grammy wins include the best rap album award in 2008 for Tha Carter III, was treated after suffering what his representatives called two minor seizures.

Four years ago, Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., spent several days at a Los Angeles hospital, after which he told radio station Power 106 he was epileptic and prone to seizures.

Recuperating: A representative for the rapper told TMZ he's since cancelled his show in Las Vegas and is now resting (pictured 2014)

Young veteran: The rapper has more than two decades of experience after beginning his career at the age of nine. He was snapped in LA in June

Lil Wayne had been set to perform in Las Vegas late on Sunday night. The New Orleans-born rapper began his professional career at age nine, when he became the youngest artist to be signed by Cash Money Records.

A representative for the rapper told TMZ he's since cancelled his show in Las Vegas and is now resting.

Drai's nightclub, the venue Lil Wayne was set to perform at on Sunday, released a statement onto their Facebook page regarding his cancellation on Sunday.

Next up: After a two-week respite, the artist is aiming toward returning to the stage September 23 in Pittsburgh. He was snapped in France last month

Busy summer: The rapper was snapped performing in New Orleans last month

'Due to unforeseen circumstances Lil Wayne will be canceling his previously scheduled performance tonight at Drai's Nightclub located at the Cromwell Hotel. In lieu of his absence T.I. will be performing in his place alongside DJ Franzen for another installment of Sundrais.

'Lil Wayne and the entire Young Money / Maverick team are valued partners and members of the Drai's LIVE family. Our priority is the health and well-being of our artists. Everyone at Drai's wishes Lil Wayne a speedy recovery during this time.'
Alan Jones has mocked Samantha Armytage's personal affairs once again.

During Sunrise's 'Hot Topic' section on Wednesday, the 2GB star stopped the 41-year-old as she began to discuss her romantic interests.

'I don't think you should be discussing your personal life on a television segment like this in the morning,' the 76-year-old interrupted.

'I don't want to comment on these personal affairs': 2GB star Alan Jones (L) has mocked Samantha Armytage's (middle) personal affairs once again

Having previously taking jabs at the journalists drinking habits and reported $500,000 salary, Alan's latest jab targeted her love life.

It came after the 2GB star seemed to be uninterested in discussing Sam's excitement over rumours that James Bond will get married in an upcoming film.

'If you want to make a public announcement that James Bond has proposed to you, then that's your business,' he interjected.

'But I don't want to comment on these personal affairs.'

'I don't think you should be discussing your personal life': During Sunrise's 'Hot Topic' section on Wednesday, he stopped the 41-year-old as she began to discuss her romantic interests

'Alan! Don't you start that,' Sam replied out of embarrassment, as the pair began laughing.

Also appearing on the segment was 3AW host Justin Smith, who revealed: 'Fans would actually know that Bond has been married before.'

Noticing that the blonde presenter's notable drop in excitement following Justin's revelation, Alan claimed: 'Sam's lost interest (now).'

'He's proposed to you?': It came after Alan star seemed disinterested, discussing Sam's excitement over rumours that James Bond (star Daniel Craig, L) will get married in the next film

'He hasn't got a track record of being faithful': Having been the victim of the lighthearted dressing down, Sam appeared to re-assess her position on the action movie star

Having been the victim of the lighthearted dressing down, Sam appeared to re-assess her position on the action movie star.

'You have to wonder what kind of girl would say yes to him, because he hasn't got a great track record of being that faithful... so good luck to her,' she offered.

Last month, Alan mocked the Sunrise co-host about her large salary, after she complained about an energy bill during a segment on low-income earners.

Not the first time! Last month, Alan mocked the Sunrise co-host about her large salary, after she complained about an energy bill during a segment on low-income earners

'Low incomes like you and I': 'When youre on low incomes like you and I Sam, these things are really stressful,' he quipped, referencing Sam's reported $500,000 salary

'When youre on low incomes like you and I Sam, these things are really stressful,' he quipped, referencing Sam's reported $500,000 salary.

A week before that, it was her drinking habits up for scrutiny, when Alan revealed her alcohol intake during a recent night out together.

'You started with the gin and it was very straight with not much tonic water at all, you had the white and the red and you topped it up with some champagne,' he said.

Laughing at the lighthearted teasing, she told him to 'shush.'

'You started with the gin': A week before that, it was her drinking habits up for scrutiny, when Alan revealed her alcohol intake during a recent night out together
She was pictured disappearing on a secret weekend trip away at the same time as Matty Johnson.

And it looks like love might be giving Bachelor frontrunner Laura Byrne a spring her step, the 30-year-old looking happy and carefree as she went for a walk with her friends on Tuesday.

It comes as Laura and Matty appear to be trying to cover their tracks after Daily Mail Australia revealed they were both absent from their homes over the weekend.

Is love putting a spring in her step? The Bachelor's Laura Byrne looks happy and carefree after her and Matty J are pictured disappearing on a secret weekend away

Laura showcased her slim figure in activewear, tying a jacket around her waist as she enjoyed the warm sunshine.

Walking her three-legged rescue dog Buster, the reality TV star appeared not to have a care in the world and was all smiles.

She joined her friends for a giggle as they enjoyed each other's company on the group walk.

What's so funny? She joined her friends for a giggle as they enjoyed each other's company on their walk

Interesting: Laura has offered up a bizarre explanation for her mystery weekend trip

Meanwhile, Laura has offered up a bizarre explanation for her mystery weekend trip, telling Popsugar on Tuesday she had 'just been spending time down in Wollongong', located on the coast, south of Sydney.

It's possible Laura's vague answer was referring to her trip to Wollongong on Monday, when she travelled from Sydney to the southern coastal city to visit her grandparents.

But Daily Mail Australia previously confirmed Laura had been travelling through Richmond on Friday, located inland north-west of Sydney, with her transport running several red lights and making a U-turn on a main road to avoid being followed.

Matty, who was absent from his Bondi home before returning home on Sunday night just before Laura arrived back at her Rushcutters Bay residence, also appeared to try and cover his tracks.

First kiss: Laura was the first to get a smooch with Matty and has enjoyed two single dates so far

Popular: Laura has been a frontrunner since before the series began with fan theories and betting agency odds all pointing towards her being the winner

Matty posted a photo of himself on the slopes at Thredbo and appeared to allude that he had spent the weekend at the snow.

However his alibi seemingly fell through when Thredbo confirmed it had no snowfall that weekend - unlike the snow-filled ski shown in Matty's photo.

Laura has been a frontrunner since before the series began with fan theories and betting agency odds all pointing towards her being the winner.
Rumours have been rife that The Bachelorette's Lee Elliott and Georgia Love are about to get engaged, as they holidayed in the idyllic Italy.

And on Wednesday, the pair were certainly in a romantic mood as they attended the glamourous nuptials of their friends Elle and Marcel Madalin.

Lee, 36, and Georgia, 29, shared a series of images from the event, including one where they were posed upon a cliff top, and another alongside the happy couple, perhaps getting ideas for their own wedding.

Ready to wed? Rumours have been rife that The Bachelorette 's Lee Elliott and Georgia Love are about to get engaged, as they holidayed in the idyllic Italy

In one image, a beaming Georgia looked utterly delighted as her man shot her a very amorous look.

Dressed in a long, black, formal gown with a high, rolled neckline, the former journalist chose bright blue shoes to add some punch to her outfit.

She wore her hair pulled back and her makeup was kept natural, while accessories were minimal.

Lee looked dapper in a well-fitted tuxedo, and seemed more than happy to be in the company of his girlfriend.

Getting ideas? And on Wednesday, the pair were certainly in a romantic mood as they attended the glamourous nuptials of their friends Elle and Marcel Madalin

In another image, the couple posed with glasses of champagne in hand next to the happy bride and groom.

Talk of an impending engagement between the Bachelorette and her beau have been rife for weeks.

On Tuesday, plumber Lee did little to dispel rumours when he teased fans with a cryptic Instagram post.

Going to the chapel? Just two days ago, he and Georgia enjoyed a visit to a stunning old church in Amalfi

Nice day for a wedding! On Tuesday, plumber Lee did little to dispel rumours when he teased fans with a cryptic Instagram post

One fan commented: 'Nice place to put a ring on it!'

Showing off his buff physique going shirtless as he took a dip in a pool on the Amalfi Coast, Lee used the hashtag: 'It's a nice day for an Amalfi wedding.'

In the shot, Lee wears a pair of white board shorts and stares off into the distance.

One fan commented: 'Nice place to put a ring on it!'

The pair have been inseparable since Lee won Georgia over in last year's season of The Bachelorette, and only last week celebrated their one year anniversary together.
She is an acclaimed star of stage and screen with a career spanning more than six decades.

And Joan Collins looked like Hollywood royalty as she stepped out with husband Percy Gibson at the Apple Music Clive Davis: Soundtrack of Our Lives special screening in London on Tuesday.

The age defying star, 84, looked impossibly elegant in a chic ivory beaded jacket and matching slip as she posed with her 52-year-old husband of 15 years.

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Fabulous at 84: Joan Collins looked like Hollywood royalty as she stepped out with husband Percy Gibson at the Clive Davis: Soundtrack of Our Lives premiere with Apple Music in London on Tuesday

Close: The age defying star looked impossibly elegant in a chic ivory beaded jacket and matching slip as she posed with her 52-year-old husband of 15 years

She teamed the jacket with stylish silk trousers which showed off her toned legs and added a funky twist by wearing white gloves.

Adding a further sparkle, she slipped on black stilettos and glittering gold chandelier earrings.

Her sparkling peepers were enhanced with lashings of liner and mascara and she added a pop of colour with scarlet lipstick.

Romance: She teamed the jacket with stylish silk trousers which showed off her toned legs and added a funky twist by wearing white gloves

Her chocolate perfectly coiffed locks were styled in tousled waves.

Her theatre manager husband looked dapper in a navy fitted suit paired with a powder blue shirt as he lovingly posed up with his love.

She previously told Hello! magazine: 'It is my fifth marriage, and my happiest, and last.

'Percy is wonderful, he's my soulmate. That doesn't mean we don't bicker but we are very understanding of each other.'

Black and white night: Her sparkling peepers were enhanced with lashings of liner and mascara and she added a pop of colour with scarlet lipstick

Musical moment: Legendary record producer Clive Davis posed up with Kinks star Ray Davies

Percy, who shares several homes around the world with the actress including houses in Los Angeles and London, said he enjoyed proving people 'wrong' who thought the couple would not last.

He said: 'I've certainly never been happier and I hope that I make Joan happy because she definitely deserves that.'

Joan, who first headed to Hollywood at the age of just 22, has forged quite the career during her six decades in the industry.

Dapper: Ray looked casually cool in a navy jacket, jeans and a chic yellow scarf

After a string of small roles, she hit the big time in the highly acclaimed Aaron Spelling soap, Dynasty, in which she played the role of Alexis Carrington Colby, the vicious, vengeful ex-wife of patriarch Blake Carrington.

The Golden Globe winner also starred in two adaptations from her sister Jackie Collins' highly successful novels.

Jackie passed away in September 2015 due to breast cancer.
Dancing biscuits, a fortune cookie predicting today you will poo candy floss, and the idea of the board game Operation but without a buzzer were among the highlights on week two of The Great British Bake Off.

Well it was the Channel 4 version: so zany it hurt.

Pooing candy floss?! No wonder Mary Berry didnt defect.

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Bake off boffin: Dancing biscuits, a fortune cookie predicting today you will poo candy floss, and the idea of the board game Operation but without a buzzer were among the highlights on week two of The Great British Bake Off

With C4s debut show out of the way, we could move on from the novelty of the fact that there were no novelties  nothing new, apart from the enforced changes of personnel.

We could just concentrate on what we enjoyed about the BBCs format in the first place.

Principally this meant the Showstopper Challenge  a demented exercise in British eccentricity more surreal than Noel Fielding could ever be.

Week two: With C4s debut show out of the way, we could move on from the novelty of the fact that there were no novelties  nothing new, apart from the enforced changes of personnel

Vibrant: Principally this meant the Showstopper Challenge  a demented exercise in British eccentricity more surreal than Noel Fielding could ever be

Up to scratch: Steve was looking to take his star baker title for a second week

We are so excited ! he announced, giving one of his creepy Childcatcher grins. This is some Willy Wonka stuff right now ! This weeks Showstopper Challenge is biscuit board games !

Rock n roll eh? Wild and crazy times for the man who used to be in The Mighty Boosh

Fielding was still the weakest link of the C4 format. (As one viewer tweeted he looked as uncomfortable as the anarchic 6th Form jester who now found himself working in a bank and was half-heartedly acting as if it was OK.)

It presence would be alright if he were funny.

Noel's view: We are so excited ! he announced, giving one of his creepy Childcatcher grins. This is some Willy Wonka stuff right now ! This weeks Showstopper Challenge is biscuit board games !

Check you out: Fielding was still the weakest link of the C4 format. (As one viewer tweeted he looked as uncomfortable as the anarchic 6th Form jester who now found himself working in a bank and was half-heartedly acting as if it was OK)

Biscuits: What you doing? co-presenter Sandi Toksvig asked as he put biscuits into a sandwich. Making a Sandwich Biscuit ! he grinned weakly, referring to the Signature Challenge

Colourful: It was Biscuit Week. Most of the Bakers were fine with the Sandwich Biscuits  less so with the others

Tasty: Few things could be as unappealing as making your own Fortune Cookies (the Technical round). Even in a Chinese restaurant they usually taste of chipboard

What you doing? co-presenter Sandi Toksvig asked as he put biscuits into a sandwich.

Making a Sandwich Biscuit ! he grinned weakly, referring to the Signature Challenge.

See what he did there?

It was Biscuit Week. Most of the Bakers were fine with the Sandwich Biscuits  less so with the others.

Few things could be as unappealing as making your own Fortune Cookies (the Technical round). Even in a Chinese restaurant they usually taste of chipboard.

As ever the Showstopper Challenge meanwhile was another entertainingly futile exercise  not just cakes we couldnt begin to attempt but over-complicated constructions even the Bakers couldnt manage.

Wow: As ever the Showstopper Challenge meanwhile was another entertainingly futile exercise  not just cakes we couldnt begin to attempt but over-complicated constructions even the Bakers couldnt manage

Chris informed the judges his game involved a spinning a compass made of biscuit on a biscuit board the shape of Great Britain - with landmarks he stressed, but not it turned out with Cornwall which he lopped off when he was preparing it.

Have you made this before? Paul Hollywood wondered.

Not in only three and a half hours, Chris acknowledged. I need nearly six.

Er

It didnt seem to bother him (or occur to him) that he had been utterly defeated by baking basic Fortune Cookies in the previous round.

I dont think they ever got to the oven ! Raw batters not much fun, Prue Leith tutted.

Laugh out loud: Chris informed the judges his game involved a spinning a compass made of biscuit on a biscuit board the shape of Great Britain - with landmarks he stressed, but not it turned out with Cornwall which he lopped off when he was preparing it

Banter: Flo laughed out loud as Prue and Paul inspected her work station

Their comments were probably fair, Chris commented. However it did hurt when they spat them out.

You didnt need a Fortune Cookie to predict that Chris would be sent back to the kitchen  his own  as this weeks loser.

The spectacular Showstopper Challenges tend to get the headlines but at least half of the Bake Offs appeal is watching the contestants not making what theyre asked to.

Paul and Prue are expecting twelve perfectly shaped fortune cookies, explained Noel Fielding in his voice-over, proving he can speak normally when he wants to (like a grown-up).

Theyll be lucky ! veteran viewers scoffed.

The judges commented that some were underdone and others a bit rubbery.

End of the dream: You didnt need a Fortune Cookie to predict that Chris would be sent back to the kitchen  his own  as this weeks loser

Game on: James created this Coppit game out of biscuits

Their verdicts on the Biscuits in the Technical Challenge werent much better: a bit squishy, a bit scruffy, too hard, not set, with dodgy icing, and very different. This is never a good thing. Sure enough, Prue Leith continued, that Julias Middle Eastern Delight Sandwich Biscuits have this mix of rose water and cardamom which isnt particularly pleasant.

Designs for the Showstopper included biscuit versions of Snakes & Ladders, Drains & Ladders (Tom the architects typical variation), Coppitt, and Operation, although Flos creation didnt have a current (not even any currants). Operation without a buzzer?! Who would want to play that?! Whether you could even call it Operation was debatable. (Yes I know it was a biscuit but that was surely the minimum requirement.)

Flos almond biscuit patient will lie on a vanilla biscuit operating table Fielding informed us, sounding like an ominous warning about NHS cutbacks.

The pieces came in almond and vanilla flavour but Leith said she could not tell a lot of difference between the two.

Tough: Their verdicts on the Biscuits in the Technical Challenge werent much better: a bit squishy, a bit scruffy, too hard, not set, with dodgy icing, and very different'

Get To School was a board game made up by bossy mum Stacey. Christmas Day must be a barrel of laughs at her house.

Some of the Showstoppers tasted good but looked a mess and others vice versa. Sadly, Get To School wasnt really either.

Im not getting much flavour, Hollywood said bluntly. The chocolates dry as a bone and the textures all wrong. It just crumbles into nothing.

But apart from that you loved it?

Still it was still better than the efforts by Julia, Yan, Kate, and Liam, which wasnt even finished and was only ever going to be Noughts & Crosses anyway.

Of course ultimately the Bake Off is another Reality TV programme and its main appeal consists of getting to know the contestants and seeing who wins.

Channel 4s series at least has a strong mix.

Like a lot of youngsters on the show Liams age was a clear disadvantage. He had never made Fortune Cookies before, for instance, but only seen them in films.

Anticipation: Some of the Showstoppers tasted good but looked a mess and others vice versa. Sadly, Get To School wasnt really either

Checkmate: Steven's chessboard featured cake topped chess pieces

Oh dear: Chris crumbled like a short biscuit as he realised he was going home

Kates Jumanji Jungle Showstopper included the ingredient grains of paradise which she described as an ancient spice thats been long forgotten  as if shed discovered it herself.

When Paul Hollywood sampled the finished result, ironically he said he couldnt taste it anyway.

Julia, a Russian, had moved from Siberia to Crawley (which was arguably even worse). Her dancing biscuits were not as much fun as they sounded.

Sophie meanwhile had left the army and was studying to become a stuntman (or stuntgirl).

It was she who came up with the message in a Fortune Cookie predicting: today you will mostly poo candy floss.

And she still didnt win.

In fact Yan won the Signature Challenge, presumably more for the taste of her cookies than the wisdom of philosophies such as: look after your feet and the rest will follow.

See ya pal: Steven consoled Chris as he was given his marching orde

Either Yan or Sophie would have made a more imaginative, risky, choice as the winner overall but predictably, the judges declared Steven this weeks Star Baker, as they had in the previous episode.

Steven is doing a Check Bake Showstopper that will see him attempt to make more playing pieces than anyone else ! cooed Noel Fielding. A hundred individual biscuits if youre interested, although a chess set only has 32 pieces so God knows why.

Actually of course we knew the answer and werent in the least astonished to learn that he was attempting to make so many.

It was only the second week and we had already recognised his pathological desire to win the competition  and (hopefully) that he will the contest that wins all the early rounds, then fail.

Still Steven has been Star Baker for two weeks out of two. Hes going to become so bigheaded theyre going to need a bigger tent
The Beatrice City Council passed a budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 on Tuesday night for $44,873,855 and $42,166,768, respectively.

The budget was approved unanimously by the council, and had gone through several stages of the approval process over the past few weeks, including being approved by the Board of Public Works.

The budget projected that rates on sewage and water would not increase, and despite the shift from Nebraska Public Power District to AEP in 2019, electric rates would not increase, either. The city also plans to leave the property tax levy unchanged.

A Beatrice Area Solid Waste Agency budget, also passed on Tuesday night, did increase residential garbage rates by $2 a month. The rates will increase the monthly landfill fee from $5.50 to $7.50 beginning on Oct. 1, 2017.

City Administrator Tobias Tempelmeyer discussed some of the highlights of the budget and said that a grant for improvements to the Hannibal Park ballfields came through this week. The grant will fund the construction of a parking lot, several trails through the complex and a new playground. The grant is being split 50-50 with Nebraska Game and Parks, he said.

Also in 2018, a trail running from Dempsters to Trailhead Park should be completed and, after some final decisions are made, there will be improvements to Big Blue Water Park.

We have money set aside for either splash pad or water park improvements, Tempelmeyer said. We're trying to decide exactly what happens at the water park, what doesn't happen and then decide if we're going to move forward with the splash pad or not.

Tempelmeyer said the city hopes to complete a trail that would connect the water park to Hannibal Park in 2019, as a part of a Transportation Enhancement grant.

Council member Ted Fairbanks said that the approved budget amount is what it costs to run the city every year.

When I started here in the early '90s, I think this was around $24 or $25 million and we actually have less employees today than we did then, Fairbanks said. I just think it's important that the community understands exactly how much money we spend and you guys manage.

Council member Rick Clabaugh said hed have like to see more residents of Beatrice take an interest when so much money is on the table.

I've said this before, but it kind of always amazed me, that $44 million in our budget, and looking out over the audience here, and there's maybe one person that doesn't work for the city in one way or another, Clabaugh said. I would hope that our community would get more involved in our $44 million budget.

There are a lot of people watching at home, Fairbanks replied. It's well-watched. I don't know what the Nielsen ratings would be, but they're watching.

Clabuagh also congratulated Tempelmeyer and Finance Director Linda Koch on completing the budget and Mayor Stan Wirth added that the department heads deserved recognition as well.

The budget passed unanimously with seven votes, with council member Rich Kerr absent.
Victoria and Abdul (PG)

Rating:

We have passed the stage where it was fair to say that Dame Judi Dench was born to play Queen Victoria. I think we might now venture that Queen Victoria was born to be played by Judi Dench.

At any rate, the 82-year-old great dame is on truly glorious form in Victoria and Abdul, which is a pleasing companion piece for Mrs Brown, John Maddens delightful 1997 film starring Dench and Billy Connolly  about the relationship between the Queen and her Scottish manservant John Brown.

Victoria and Abdul chronicles another, later relationship between Victoria and a devoted servant. But whereas many of us had at least some hazy awareness of John Brown even before Connolly played him to such memorable effect, this picture tells (albeit with plenty of artistic licence) a true story that is much less well known.

We have passed the stage where it was fair to say that Dame Judi Dench was born to play Queen Victoria

Directed by Stephen Frears, it begins in the Indian city of Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, in 1887. Abdul Karim (the Bollywood star Ali Fazal) is a lowly clerk, selected for no better reason than that hes tall and handsome, to travel to England to present a ceremonial coin to the Queen, as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Also chosen to make the trip is his friend Muhammed (played mainly for laughs by Adeel Akhtar), who in a subversion of racist attitudes in Victorian times, tells Abdul that England is completely barbaric.

Hes even heard the English eat pigs blood. At Osborne House, the Queens beloved home on the Isle of Wight, Abdul is instructed to process, turn, bow, present  absolutely no eye contact whatsoever.

The presentation of the coin has brought him all the way from India, but it is to last only seconds, and receiving it is but one of dozens of duties the Queen has to perform that day.

I think we might now venture that Queen Victoria was born to be played by Judi Dench

Besides, she is far more interested in stuffing herself with food. Dench, Frears and screenwriter Lee Hall have huge, uproarious fun with Victorias notorious gluttony. The film is worth seeing for one dinner scene alone, and for the solemn interest in the Queens digestive system.

It is imperative the royal colon receives a little roughage, says her physician.

Against all the odds, however, Abdul and Victoria do lock eyes, and there is an instant connection. Paradoxically, the woman who gave her name to the age is not prey to Victorian prejudices. Moreover, she has deeply romantic notions about the sub-continent, which she rules but has never visited, and here is dishy Abdul, embodying them.

Soon, he has been made her munshi, or teacher, to the increasing exasperation of most of those around her, led by her son, the Prince of Wales (Eddie Izzard, oyster-eyed and over the top).

As Abdul teaches the Queen Hindi and charms her with his rather strained aphorisms  life is like a carpet, we weave in and out to make a pattern  a thinly-disguised racism grips the Royal Household.

Directed by Stephen Frears, it begins in the Indian city of Agra, home of the Taj Mahal, in 1887

A word is coined: Munshimania. But Munshiphobia is closer to the truth. A Scottish ghillie was one thing, but at least Brown knew his place. Abdul, it seems, does not. When the Queen declares that shes planning to give him a knighthood, there is uproar.

Even her loyal private secretary Sir Henry Ponsonby (one of the last screen roles for the late Tim Pigott-Smith) supports a rebellion by the Household, while the Prince of Wales threatens to have her declared insane.

This is the cue for an epic speech by Victoria, in which she admits to all her foibles but thunders that she also has all her marbles.

Dench, in unflinching close-up, delivers it spectacularly.

Abdul Karim (the Bollywood star Ali Fazal) is a lowly clerk, selected for no better reason than that hes tall and handsome, to travel to England to present a ceremonial coin to the Queen, as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations

And she gets sterling support throughout, with a top-notch British cast also graced by Sir Michael Gambon (as the Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury), Simon Callow (playing the composer, Puccini) and Olivia Williams (Baroness Churchill).

But the film is almost as manipulative as, by all reliable accounts, Abdul was himself.

It one-dimensionally depicts the Queens advisers as a bunch of blithering snobs and fools, and her Munshi as a gentle sweetheart. It alludes to, but largely swerves, the fact that he was arrogant, deceitful, and intensely ambitious.

Still, its clear that he genuinely adored the Queen and she him. That part of the story is beautifully told, and Dench manifestly loves telling it.
They are used to the sunny climates of Sydney's Palm Beach on Home And Away.

But co-stars Rohan Nichol, 41, and Kestie Morassi, 39, got the fright of their lives, thanks to producers at Adelaide's Mix 102.3 radio program.

Holed up in a haunted house, the actors were seen screaming and frantically running for the exit.

Far from scripted! Home And Away stars Rohan Nichol, 41, and Kestie Morassi, 39, got the fright of their lives on a haunted house tour for Adelaide's Mix 102.3 radio program

Dressed casually, Rohan and Kestie who play a couple on the Channel Seven drama, ducked for cover and clutched onto one another.

Clearly not prepared for the surprises on the haunted house tour, Rohan was heard yelling out: 'Let's just go! I've had enough!'

Meanwhile Kestie could hardly utter a word, screaming from beginning to end of the clip.

Vocal: Clearly not prepared for the surprises on the haunted house tour, Rohan, who plays Ben Astoni on the Channel Seven soap, was heard yelling out: 'Let's just go! I've had enough!'

Shock of her life: Meanwhile Kestie could hardly utter a word, screaming from beginning to end of the clip

This is not the first time a media personality has found themselves running for cover inside a haunted house.

In April this year, I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! winner Casey Donovan lost all control during Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson's own Haunted House.

Sporting a plaid ensemble and her trademark curls, the 29-year-old screamed her way through the radio station's haunted house.

Not the first time! This is not the first time a media personality has found themselves running for cover inside a haunted house. Casey Donovan, 29, lost all control, during Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson's own Haunted House

Not impressed: Coming across what looked to be bags of raw meat, the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! winner waved her arms frantically

Coming across what looked to be bags of raw meat, Casey waved her arms frantically.

Jumping back in terror, the reality star began to scream even louder as a man brandishing a fake chainsaw suddenly appeared.

At the end of the haunted mansion excursion, Casey could not contain her laughter.

She then revealed to a crew member: 'I think I just weed my pants.'
She finalized her divorce to Romain Zago just a few weeks ago.

But Joanna Krupa, 38, looked nothing like a scorned divorcee as she made her way down the red carpet in her native Poland on Tuesday.

The Real Housewives of Miami alum showed off her incredibly toned body in a gorgeous white and silver striped gown that featured a sweetheart neckline.

Sparkling in silver! Joanna Krupa, 38, showed off her incredibly toned body in a gorgeous white and silver striped gown that featured a sweetheart neckline

She was joined on the carpet by Polish fashion model Anna Jagodzinska who also looked incredible in a sparkling silver pant suit.

The duo were attending the Flesz Fashion Night party in Warsaw where they both opted for high glamour for the evening.

Anna wore her long blonde hair in loose waves parted to the side and minimal makeup on her pretty face.

She paired the futuristic pant suit that featured a low-cut neck with black stilettos and wore very little jewelry.

Fashion elite: She was joined on the carpet by Polish fashion model Anna Jagodzinska who also looked incredible in a sparkling silver pant suit

Anna wore her long blonde hair in loose waves around her shoulders as she walked the runway at the fashion event

For her part, Joanna paired her gorgeous glittering dress that showed off her cleavage with gold pointy heels, which accentuated her fabulous pins.

She opted to wear her light blonde hair in loose waves and parted it to the side for an ultra glamorous look.

She made her eyes pop with long lashes and dark makeup, but kept her lipstick light to ensure her eyes were the focal point on her face.

Pretty! For her part, Joanna paired her gorgeous glittering dress that showed off her cleavage with gold pointy heels, which accentuated her fabulous pins

She has been living it up and enjoying life since finalizing her divorce from Romain.

But she recently revealed she is thankful that she froze her eggs since starting a family is farther off for the model.

'Thank goodness I froze my eggs,' the Playboy vet told told Life & Style Magazine: 'I would honestly be freaking out right now if I didnt.'

The former Dancing With The Star contestant continued: 'You dont want to wake up one day and be like, "My god, what was I thinking?"

'You never know what life will bring. What if that moment comes when you cant have kids?'

Blonde glamour: She opted to wear her light blonde hair in loose waves and parted it to the side for an ultra glamorous look

The model's ideal family is to one day have a baby boy and girl of her own.

Joanna and Romain announced their separation last December but finalized their divorce August 17.

The Poland-native said she was caught off guard when Romain decided to call it quits of their marriage of four years.

After the divorce she told DailyMail.com: 'You gotta keep going, you can't hide under a blanket or underneath your bed and just be like, "I give up on everything." You just gotta keep going.'

Amicable? Joanna and Romain Zago announced their separation last December but finalized their divorce August 17

The leggy blonde tries to stay positive, saying: 'I'm a hard worker, I'm very independent, so I think the fact that I have always had my own career, that really helped me as well.

'And thank goodness I never gave up my career for a man because you know what, maybe right now I would not be in the situation that I am.

'I still believe in love and finding the man I will still have kids with. You never know what life can bring.'

Putting a family on hold: She recently revealed that she's thankful she froze her eggs as she doesn't see a family in the near future after her divorce
She grew up in Calabasas, Los Angeles, with best friend Kim Kardashian.

And Nikki Lund took the morning to soak up some mother-son time in the exclusive community, on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old fashion designer showcased her stunning post-baby figure, as she spent the morning with 6-month-old Hendrix at Calabasas Lake.

Leggy display: Nikki Lund took the morning to soak up some mother-son time in the exclusive community, on Tuesday

The star looks back in fantastic shape after welcoming her precious bouncing baby boy.

She stood out in a bright yellow print maxi dress, which flaunted plenty of leg and cleavage.

The outfit appears to be one of her own designs from her Destiny Collection, and features a romper to protect her modesty.

Looking good: The 35-year-old fashion designer showcased her stunning post-baby figure, as she spent the morning with 6-month-old Hendrix at Calabasas Lake

She kept it edgy with terracotta suede boots and sexy bra top.

Nikki - who previously dated rocker Richie Sambora - had her long blonde hair down and accessorized with gold necklaces.

She looked to be a natural at motherhood as she effortlessly juggled Hendrix in one arm.

Leggy display: She kept it edgy with terracotta suede boots and sexy bra top

Hot momma: The star looks back in fantastic shape after welcoming her precious bouncing baby boy

Kisses! Hendrix wore khaki dungarees that emphasised his bright blue eyes

Stunning: Nikki - who previously dated rocker Richie Sambora - had her long blonde hair down and accessorized with gold necklaces

Happy: She looked to be a natural at motherhood

Cali girl: She grew up in Calabasas, Los Angeles, with best friend Kim Kardashian

Cute: Already proving fashion forward, Hendrix kept it bright like his momma, in an orange T-shirt

Sexy: The outfit appears to be one of her own designs from her Destiny Collection, and features a romper to protect her modesty

Stepping out: She stood out in a bright yellow print maxi dress, which flaunted plenty of leg and cleavage

Hendrix wore khaki dungarees that emphasised his bright blue eyes.

Already proving fashion forward, he kept it bright like his momma, in an orange T-shirt.

The boy is Nikki's first child with musician and producer Jeff Phillips.

The multihyphenate has been busy promoting her new fashion line Nikki Lund Clothing and its online presence shop.nikkilund.com.

Nikki to advance her fashion line has partnered with entrepreneur consultant Greg Writer; Bernt Ullman, who co-founded Star Branding with fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and Joe Simpson, the father of pop star Jessica Simpson.

Joe previously helped establish the The Jessica Simpson Collection fashion line that has roughly $1 billion in annual sales.

The father of two in a YouTube video recently said he used to be neighbors with Nikki, later became friends with her and photographed her fashion line.

The close childhood friend of Kim Kardashian previously was in a business and personal relationship with Bon Jovi lead guitarist Richie Sambora, 58.
She's one of the most acclaimed actresses in the country, and always in style.

Maggie Gyllenhaal was snapped as she made her way to film The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday, promoting her new series, The Deuce.

The New York City native, 39, adhered to post-Labor Day fashion rules, as she wore a black dress with zippers along the shoulders and a flounced hem as she smiled making her way into the Ed Sullivan Theater.

Scroll below for video

Grand entrance: Maggie Gyllenhaal, 39, was snapped as she made her way to film The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday to promote her new series, The Deuce

The Dark Knight actress rounded things out with a dark brown bob hairdo, earrings and burnt orange crushed velvet heels as she made her way into the famed Gotham landmark.

Also snapped making his way into the venue was comic/TV host Graham Norton, 54, who was outfitted in a light grey suit with black sneakers as he prepared to appear on the program.

The older sister of actor Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie plays a prostitute named Eileen 'Candy' Merrell on the new HBO show, which analyzes the sex industry of New York City amid the 70s and 80s, namely pornography and prostitution.

The show, which is created by The Wire's David Simon and George Pelecanos, co-stars James Franco as twin brothers Vincent and Frankie Martino.

Change of pace: Gyllenhaal commandeers the role of a 70s sex worker named Eileen 'Candy' Merrell on the highly-anticipated HBO program

Standout: The talented actress walked with flair as she made her way into the iconic building

Speaking with Esquire in a co-interview with Simon on Tuesday, Maggie said that the new program 'is a story about misogyny, but it's also a celebration of sexuality.'

She said of her character: 'I like that the first time Candy gets involved in porn, we see the awakening of an artist. She's not thinking, "Oh, this is so terrible, this is so dirty." She's like, "S---, this is interesting!"'

Asked about the juxtaposition of the show's setting some four decades back - in particular, women's issues - Gyllenhaal and Simon concurred that the current political landscape with President Donald Trump in the oval office breathes new life into the cultural discussion.

Quick change! The star swapped out her dress for another equally demure frock by Bottega Veneta

Stylish: Maggie's black dress was adorned with multiple zippers as she made her way into the building

Give her a hand: Maggie's career accomplishments include an Academy Award nomination for 2009's Crazy Heart

'For all the talk in the world about how much we've changed, there's still a latent misogynistic anger that's just right there under the surface,' Simon said, while Gyllenhaal added, 'It's not even latent! I mean, you have the Republican presidential candidate saying when you have a lot of power, women let you grab their p----.'

Gyllenhaal conceded that while 'some things have changed ... it's kind of an exciting moment to be looking at misogyny in America, and power, and sex, and art, and commerce.

'All that is on the table now in a way that maybe it wasn't a year ago.'

On the scene: Comic-talk show host Graham Norton was seen exiting a car ahead of his appearance on the late night chat show

Stylish: The dapper TV personality wore a sharp grey suit as he made his way into the facility

Research: Maggie, seen here in a shot from the show, chat with former NYC sex workers of the 1970s in preparation for her part

Speaking with the New York Post last week, Gyllenhaal said that in her research for the role, she 'needed to talk to someone whos done this,' and found that person in a one-time sex worker named Annie Sprinkle, who helped her understand the era.

'She hooked me up with a bunch of her friends,' she said. 'Annie was really the key into that world. The women I spoke with were in their 60s. I was so grateful.'

Gyllenhaal said her character's full life is on display, a rarity when sex workers are depicted in cinema. She said, 'When you see sex workers in relation to their work, you dont get to see the rest of their existence. And with Candy, you get to see her as a mother, as a sister, lover and a businesswoman.'

The Deuce debuts on HBO Sunday at 10/9c.
She married the love of her life in a secret ceremony last year.

And Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell) took to Instagram on Tuesday to gush about her romantic existence, encouraging fans to share their own experiences with love online.

'Most things I do in life come from a place of love,' the 26-year-old explained in the video.

'Most things I do in life come from a place of love': Jesinta Campbell gushes about loved-up existence as she encourages fans to share their romantic experiences online

Jesinta appeared in a Dior perfume promotional video alongside her husband, Sydney Swans player Lance 'Buddy' Franklin.

Giggling and savouring a kiss on the cheek from Buddy, Jesinta tells the camera she can't live without love.

'Most things I do in life come from a place of love, and I hope that my friends and family and husband all approve of that,' the former Miss Universe Australia said.

'I hope that my friends and family and husband all approve of that': Jesinta revealed the emphasis she put on doing things for her loved ones

Spreading the love: In the accompanying caption, Jesinta encouraged her fans to share their love story online with the hashtag #diorlovechain

In the accompanying caption, Jesinta encouraged her fans to share their love story online with the hashtag #diorlovechain.

For each hashtag used, the French fashion house would donate $1.25 to WE charity, a not-for-profit which funds and promotes the education of women, the model explained.

Jesinta makes no secret of the emphasis she puts on time with her family and loved ones.

What a pair: Jesinta and Buddy married last November in a top secret ceremony in the Blue Mountains, just outside Sydney

She told The Morning Show on Tuesday she wasn't interested in pursuing a modelling career overseas because 'it would be starting from the bottom' and 'no-one knows who I am' outside of Australia.

'A lot of people put a lot of focus on their career, but at the end of the day, Bud's going to be keeping me warm when I'm 80 and not my career,' Jesinta said.

Jesinta and Buddy married last November in a top secret ceremony in the Blue Mountains, just outside Sydney.
It's the Tony award-winning stage musical that sold-out shows at Melbournes Princess Theatre earlier this year.

And now The Book of Mormon has smashed all records for it's Sydney debut, moving $5 million worth of tickets on it's first day on sale.

The show has earned the largest opening sales of any musical theatre production ever to open in Sydney.

Killing it: The Book of Mormon has smashed all records for it's Sydney debut, moving $5 million worth of tickets on it's first day on sale

The Daily Telegraph reports the religious comedy sold 45,000 tickets on Tuesday alone.

The show kicks off at the Sydney Lyric Theatre at The Star on February 28 next year.

Posters for the musical began appearing on bus shelters around the city late last month.

The official Book of Mormon Facebook page had earlier shared a poster photo alongside the caption: 'Good things come to those who waitlist' - followed by a link to a waitlist for tickets.

The Daily Telegraph reports the religious musical sold 45,000 tickets on Tuesday alone

The Broadway hit, from South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker, tells the story of two Mormon missionaries and their attempts to preach in Uganda.

It has won nine Tony awards, a Grammy award and more accolades since its 2011 Broadway release.

The controversial musical explores various topics from poverty to female genital mutilation and Matt said Uganda perfectly fit the narrative.

Coming! Posters for the musical comedy began appearing on bus shelters around the city late last month

Hit musical: The Broadway hit, from the South Park Matt Stone (L) and Trey Parker (3-L), tells the story of two Mormon missionaries and their attempts to preach in Uganda

We chose northern Uganda because its one of those places that has every bad thing that you could read about in the paper: it has warlords, famine, Aids,' he told Time Out in 2013.

'We send two Mormon boys to a place where none of their lessons that they learned growing up in Provo, Utah, apply.

He continued: 'But Africa in 'The Book of Mormon' is really a kind of a fable, not a particular place. Its supposed to be somewhere where all these bad things are happening to people and its not their fault.
He left his heavily pregnant wife at home to compete alongside his mate 'Wombat' on The Block.

But on Wednesday night, reality TV contestant Sticks was forced to flee the construction site as his partner Terri prepared to give birth.

With the baby on its way, the 31-year-old rushed to be by her side - but not before making a quick pit stop at McDonald's.

Priorities! On Wednesday's episode of The Block, Sticks (right) fled to be by his wife's side as she gave birth, but made Wombat (left) stop at McDonald's on the way

Early on in the episode, the likeable larrikin received a phone call from Terri, informing him the new bundle of joy could arrive at any moment.

'I'm feeling close. Little things are happening,' Terri told him. 'I think I need to go to the hospital.'

Sticks replied: 'You're going in now? Try to hold on as long as you can.'

'I think I need to go to the hospital': Early in the episode, Sticks gets an important call from his pregnant wife Terri

Pedal to the medal: Wombat rushed to help Sticks make it the birth of his new baby

Helping out his friend, Wombat put the pedal to the medal to drive Sticks to the airport so he can fly home to Sussex Inlet for his baby's birth.

'As soon as I pick up Sticks I hit the road, flat out as usual, thinking I've got to get him to the airport, he's going to have to get home, he's going to need to get there fast, Wombat explained to camera. 'But what's he want to do?'

The answer was quickly revealed as the camera showed the boys pulling up into a McDonald's drive through, delaying their travels as they picked up a feed on the way.

Sticks joked the stop could have made him late, laughing: 'We lost three or four minutes in the drive through - a bit of weight on me nuggets!'

Get to the chopper! Sticks caught a helicopter to his home in Sussex Inlet

Luckily, with the help of a helicopter provided by The Block sponsor Mitre 10, Sticks made it home with plenty of time to spare.

And while the arrival of the 'first Block baby' hasn't yet been shown on-screen, Sticks previously announced to 9Honey that his wife gave birth to a daughter named Lani.



'Terri's an absolute trooper. Not only has she been so cool about me and Wombat taking off to do The Block, she's home from hospital already, not more than 12 hours after Lani arrived, ' he told the website in June.

The couple also share an older daughter called Kanoa.
Nicole Kidman cut a very slender and somewhat gaunt figure as she strolled through Sydney airport on Wednesday.

Seen sporting a low-key, all-black ensemble, the 50-year-old smiled for fans before making way for the departures gate.

The blonde beauty has been hard at work filming scenes for DC's Aquaman movie, impressively managing to fit the blockbuster into her already crammed schedule.

Is that you, Nicole? Nicole Kidman cut a very slender figure as she strolled through Sydney airport's departures terminal on Wednesday

Having a ball! During her time in Australia, she looked stunning at events such as the Dior Gala Ball at the National Gallery Of Victoria in late August (R)

Nicole sported an understated ensemble comprising of a black blazer, button-up shirt and cropped pants.

She covered her face with a fringe and a pair of tinted sunglasses, walking past other airport guests.

It appeared the beauty may have had help with her luggage, seen carrying nothing more than a small black handbag.

In addition to a demanding filming schedule, Nicole found time during her trip to attend events such as the Dior Gala Ball at the National Gallery Of Victoria.

Busiest year yet? Nicole has been hard at work filming scenes for DC's Aquaman movie, impressively managing to fit the blockbuster into her already crammed schedule

All smiles! Nicole was all smiles, sporting an understated ensemble comprising of a black blazer, button-up shirt and cropped pants

She put on a stunning display on the occasion, opting for a grey and pink gown featuring a multitude of sheer layers and dainty, super-sheer straps.

The Stepford Wives actress kept her makeup palette warm, with a glossy pink lip and peachy blush and her blonde hair in a half-up do flowing over her shoulders.

The Aquaman and Big Little Lies star was traveling solo on Wednesday, with musician hubby Keith Urban currently in the midst of a hectic touring schedule in America.

Solo! The Aquaman and Big Little Lies star was traveling solo, with musician hubby Keith Urban currently in the midst of a hectic touring schedule in America

2017 has been one of the busiest of Nicole's career, which now spans over 34-years.

And she's showing no signs of slowing down, spending the past few weeks on the Gold Coast filming scenes DC Comics' forthcoming Aquaman movie.

The actress has certainly made the most of her idyllic filming location, sharing snaps of the beach and a helicopter on social media.

'This is why I love Australia': The 50-year-old has certainly made the most of her idyllic filming location, sharing snaps of the beach and a helicopter on social media

Last week, Nicole shared a snap of the ocean, captioning the photo: 'This is why I love Australia! #aussiebeaches #aquaman.'

During her time in Queensland the statuesque beauty spent quality time with daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, including trips to the craft market.

Having wrapped filming on Aquaman, Nicole will now head to the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, and the Emmy Awards on September 17.
He recently moved from his hometown of London to New York City, where he's currently studying photography at the Parsons School Of Design.

And Brooklyn Beckham looked every bit the New Yorker on Tuesday, as he stepped out onto the streets of the bustling metropolis to catch a famous yellow cab.

But the 18-year-old son of David and Victoria Beckham showed that he's changed more than his address of late, as he flaunted a new buzz cut during his excursion.

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In the Big Apple: Brooklyn Beckham was spotted out and about in New York City on Tuesday

Wearing faded blue skinny jeans and a baggy beige T-shirt, the handsome teen carried a denim jacket as he darted through the streets sporting his new low trim.

With his trusty camera resting at his side, Brooklyn looked a world away from the moppy-haired look he'd become known for up until just days ago.

And his new, less hirsute look quite possibly made it easier for him to go incognito on his outing, as nobody nearby appeared to be aware that they were in the presence of a celebrity offspring.

Hair we go! He was seen sporting a new buzz cut, contrasting his recent floppy mop, left

Double denim: Wearing faded blue skinny jeans and a baggy beige T-shirt, the handsome teen carried a denim jacket as he darted through the streets sporting his new low trim

It has recently been rumoured that Brooklyn and his ex Chloe Grace Moretz have rekindled their romance, as she left a heart emoji as a comment on an Instagram shot of him standing in front of a bank of lockers.

The Kick Ass beauty and Brooklyn been 'hanging out' again, People recently reported, after she began following his Instagram account again.

Around that time, the twosome were seen together at a bash in Los Angeles, with the actress reportedly informing other partygoers that they had reunited, nearly a year after they parted ways late last summer.

'Brooklyn and Chloe arrived together and she was chatting with other guests about how they had got back together,' an eyewitness told The Sun, noting that while 'it was quite a wild party... they were both being quite chill and low-key'.

Student: He recently moved from his hometown of London to New York City, where he's currently studying photography at the Parsons School Of Design

Cuffed: He cuffed his jeans, which he teamed with a pair of white socks and yellow plimsolls

Voyage: He was seen boarding a yellow cab as he prepared to be whisked off into the city

Chloe 'was much more open about their relationship than him', the eyewitness told the publication, adding that 'they seemed very comfortable together'.

With Brooklyn based in New York and Chloe in Los Angeles, the physical distance between the pair has been reduced considerably - although Brooklyn has said that he plans to be focused on his artistic studies during his time on the East Coast.

'Everywhere in New York is cool to see and cool to photograph,' he told People last month, noting that he was committed to pursuing his studies of 'art and photography, like film and digital  a mix of both.

'Im really excited to start and I feel like itll be a really cool thing for me to focus on for a few years.'

Published: Brooklyn kicks off his studies as a photographer who has already been published
A Gage County District Court judge handed down a prison sentence Wednesday to a man who failed to properly register as required for sex offenders.

Dusty G. Mayhew, 51, was sentenced to two years in prison followed by 48 months of post-release supervision. He was sentenced to three months in prison on a separate charge of driving under suspension, with the sentences being served concurrently.

Defense attorney Lee Timan said the arrest stemmed from a traffic stop, where he was cited and released for driving under suspension.

He said it was later discovered that the vehicle Mayhew was driving wasnt listed in his registration as a sex offender, prompting the arrest.

Timan argued that the vehicle Mayhew was driving was his wifes and indicated there was confusion as to registering two vehicles.

Judge Rick Schreiner said the driving factor in the prison sentence was that Mayhew has an extensive criminal history.

Youve got a 40-year criminal history that dates back to 1977, he said. I dont know if I can send a message to you Mr. Mayhew, I really dont Its the definition of insanity doing something over and over again and expecting different results. You violate the law over a period of 40 years and I know you expect to be slapped on the wrist this time. Its just insanity and I wish you would stop.
He was named the face of the designer's womenswear campaign last January.

And Jaden Smith, 19, continued to represent the brand, rocking a statement Louis Vuitton Supreme bag as he attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards on Wednesday.

This came on the same day his close friend Hailey Baldwin, 20, wore the almost identical satchel as she stepped out in New York.

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Suave: Jaden Smith, 19, continued to represent the brand, rocking a statement Louis Vuitton Supreme bag as he attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards on Wednesday

And while his pal enjoyed a rather more sunny day across the pond, Jaden put on a dapper appearance as he attended the star-studded event.

Showing off his newly shaven hair, the young actor slipped into an immaculately cut navy suit with black trimming.

Teaming it with a crisp white shirt and bow tie, the The Karate Kid star posed up a storm on the red carpet, even seen mingling with British chef Gordon Ramsey.

Hailey was spotted with the Danube PM bag, worth an estimated $2,500, while Jaden's Danube PPM bag retails at around $1,800.

Raiding her wardrobe? This came on the same day his close friend Hailey Baldwin, 20, wore the almost identical satchel as she stepped out in New York

Turning heads: Jaden put on a dapper appearance as he attended the star-studded event

Jaden and Hailey are longtime friends, and come from a close-knit circle of nepotistically privileged Hollywood children, including Kylie and Kendall Jenner.

Jaden Smith has often spoken out about gender fluid dressing, giving an impressive interview to Nylon magazine recently.

Explaining his frequent appearance in skirts, he said: 'You just have to believe in yourself, you know. The world is going to keep bashing me for whatever I do and I'm going to keep not caring.

Breaking boundaries: Jaden appeared in a skirt in January's 2016 Louis Vuitton womenswear campaign

New pals: Teaming it with a crisp white shirt and bow tie, the The Karate Kid star posed up a storm on the red carpet, even seen mingling with British chef Gordon Ramsey

'In five years when a kid goes to school wearing a skirt, he won't get beat up and kids won't get mad at him' Jaden stated, speaking about wearing both skirts and trousers in the past

'You just have to believe in yourself, you know. The world is going to keep bashing me for whatever I do and I'm going to keep not caring', he said about gender fluidity

'I'm going to take most of the blows for my fellow MSFTS [his brand]. So you know, in five years when a kid goes to school wearing a skirt, he won't get beat up and kids won't get mad at him.

'It just doesn't matter. I'm taking the brunt of it so that later on, my kids and the next generations of kids will all think that certain things are normal that weren't expected before my time.'

And last year his actor father Will Smith, 47, has spoken proudly about his son taking a stand, appearing in a skirt in January's Louis Vuitton womenswear campaign.

'I'm taking the brunt of it so that later on, my kids and the next generations of kids will all think that certain things are normal that weren't expected before my time.'

Suave: He expertly posed up a storm on the red carpet

'He's fearless': After the young actor was named the new face of Louis Vuitton's womenswear campaign in January - proud father Will revealed the youngster is '100 per cent fearless'

After the young actor was named the new face of Louis Vuitton's womenswear campaign in January - Will revealed the youngster is '100 per cent fearless'.

Speaking on Radio 1Xtra, the actor explained: 'There's a really powerful internal quality as an artist that as parents we encourage.

'You've got to get out on the edge. You have to try things, you have to be comfortable doing things people don't agree with and you have to be comfortable with doing things that you could fail.

'And Jaden is 100 per cent fearless. He will do anything. As a parent, it's scary, it's really terrifying but he is completely willing to live and die by his own artistic decisions and he just doesn't concern himself with what people think.'

Turning heads: Meanwhile across the pond Jaden's model pal Hailey Baldwin rocked a similar bag, worth an estimated $2,500

Effortless: She worked understated glamour in an oversized sweater and cut off denim shorts, putting on a very leggy display

Sky high: Despite her model stature she rocked a pair of chunky platform ankle boots
Laura Tobin has given birth to her first child with husband Dean Brown.

The Good Morning Britain weather girl's new arrival was announced by her co-host Susanna Reid on Wednesday's show: 'You may have noticed that Laura hasn't been here over the summer. We are pleased to say she has given birth to a little baby girl. She has called her Charlotte.'

Laura later confirmed the news on Twitter: 'I'm proud to announce i'm a mummy-My beautiful baby arrived over the summer (much earlier than planned) a gorgeous girl called Charlotte. (sic)'

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Bundle of joy: Good Morning Britain's Laura Tobin, 35, has given birth to her first child with husband Dean Brown

'I'm proud to announce I'm a mummy!' Laura later confirmed the news on Twitter

Clearly a proud friend, Susanna continued about the new arrival on GMB: 'Little Charlotte came a little earlier than planned and she is being looked after in hospital.

'Laura and Dean with her every day and she is growing every day,' she continued.

Piers Morgan was also thrilled as he added: 'All our best to Laura and Dean and little baby Charlotte. It's been a tricky few months but good luck to all of you.'

In May, Laura brought Susanna Reid to tears after announcing her pregnancy live on air.

'We are pleased to say she has given birth': The Good Morning Britain weathergirl's new arrival was announced by her co-host Susanna Reid on Wednesday's show

New mum: Laura has welcomed her baby girl prematurely and she is currently being cared for in the hospital

Susanna Reid was left in tears during Good Morning Britain as the show's weather presenter announced her pregnancy live on air on May 2.

Laura shocked Susanna and her co-host Piers with the news before her first weather segment of the morning.

Susanna told viewers that Laura had the 'best' kind announcement to make, to which she replied: 'I am having my own little ray of sunshine; yes, Im having a baby.'

Sharing the news: Piers tweeted a photo of Susanna Reid congratulating Laura shortly after she made her pregnancy announcement in May

The mother-to-be explained how only close family members knew about the pregnancy, and was now revealing the news to others on TV.

An obviously excited Susanna then confesses to having 'a tear in her eye', while her co-presenter suggests: 'Piers is a great name, you know.'

Piers then proposed that Susanna should have another child herself given her emotional state, a suggestion shot down by the presenter.

Laura is one of Britain's leading weather girls - having started her career at the Met Office in 2002 after graduating from Reading University with a degree in Physics and Meteorology.

Viewers took to Twitter to congratulate Laura on the announcement, with some suggesting baby names

Exciting! The then mother-to-be explained how only close family members knew about the pregnancy, and was now revealing the news to others on TV

Laura first appeared on BBC News and Daybreak before joining Good Morning Britain in 2014.

She married her husband Dean Brown back in 2010 and have now become parents for the first time.

Viewers took to social media to congratulate the pair, with some even suggesting baby names.

One person wrote: 'Will Laura choose weather-related names? Maybe Sonny for a boy and Gayle for a girl?'
They met at a fashion show at London's Natural History Museum in 1997 and tied the knot two years later.

And Nick Cave and his wife Susie Bick looked as strong as ever on Tuesday night, as they attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards at the Tate Modern in London.

The acclaimed 59-year-old Australian musician, who scooped a prize on the night, looked dapper in a black suit as he wrapped an arm around his model partner.

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Staying strong: Nick Cave and his wife Susie Bick found solace in each other on Tuesday night, as they attended the GQ Men Of The Year Awards at the Tate Modern in London

The Bad Seeds frontman's return saw him sporting his signature slicked raven hair and sharp black suit, which he paired with a simple white shirt.

Meanwhile, Susie looked glamorous in a decadent purple satin gown, which featured a Victoriana-inspired high collar and romantic pleats.

It was a triumphant night for his band Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds as they were handed the band of the year gong by Courtney Love.

Close: The acclaimed 59-year-old Australian musician, who scooped a prize on the night, looked dapper in a black suit as he wrapped an arm around his partner

Dapper: The Bad Seeds frontman's return saw him sporting his signature slicked raven hair and sharp black suit, which he paired with a simple white shirt

Their outing comes two years after the tragic passing of their 15-year-old son Arthur, who died from an LSD-fuelled clifftop fall in July 2015.

In May, Nick moved with Earl and model wife from Brighton to the self-described 'blank-slate' of Los Angeles.

'When I go out in Brighton these days, there's a sort of feeling that we're all in this together. And it's just a little bit too intense for me,' he told GQ of the move recently.

'It's too many memories, really. We've really tried. But it's just beyond us, in a way, to remain.'

Chic: Meanwhile, Susie looked glamorous in a decadent purple satin gown, which featured a Victoriana-inspired high collar and romantic pleats

Hard times: They vowed to quit the UK after being consumed by grief following their 15-year-old son Arthur's fatal LSD-fuelled clifftop fall in July 2015

The whole gang: George Vjestica, Thomas Wydler, Jim Sclavunos, Warren Ellis with his wife Delphine Ciampi Ellis and Nick and Susie beamed as they posed together

In 2015 Arthur died after taking hallucinogenic drugs and stumbling off a cliff top near his home, plummeting 60ft to the ground.

He had taken around three LSD tablets with a friend but had become disorientated and confused.

Last year, Nick spoke about his grief over the tragic loss of his son.

Huzzah: It was a triumphant night for his band Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds as they were handed the band of the year gong by Courtney Love

Double trouble: Nick seemed to be in high spirits as he larked around with comedian David Walliams

Social butterfly: Nick later posed alongside rapper Skepta at the awards bash

In a haunting trailer for a film that launched band's last album, called One More Time With Feeling, he said:

'What happens when an event occurs that is so catastrophic you just change. You change from the known person, to an unknown person.

'So that when you look at yourself in the mirror, do you recognise the person that you were but the person inside the skin is a different person.'
The Made in Chelsea girls have never been ones to shy away from a glamorous night out.

And it seems Tiffany Watson is no exception to the rule, as she enjoyed a wild evening at the Sure Black and White Party in London on Tuesday.

The busty 23-year-old certainly turned heads as she made an upbeat exit from the bash with co-star Olivia Bentley - almost threatening to spill out of her plunging black leotard, which gave a flash of her cleavage for all to see.

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Keeping it together: Made in Chelsea star Tiffany Watson struggled to contain her assets after exiting the Sure Black and White party on Tuesday

Taxi!: Tiffany, and her MIC co-star Olivia Bentley, bareley maintained their modesty as they helped each other home

The two girls appeared to be in good spirits as they helped each other home, despite both almost slipping out of their revealing outfits.

Tiff opted for a saucy black bustier during the night out, while Olivia went for all black with a suit and bralet combo.

However, Tiffany appeared to struggle with her top after their evening out, and was forced to hold it up to conceal her ample bust as she headed home.

Hitting the town: The two girls appeared to be in good spirits as they helped each other home, though both almost slipped out of their revealing outfits

Biting back: Known for her glamorous sense of style however, the star still looked stunning as she paired the top with slinky white trousers - which skimmed her long legs all the way down

Close call! However the blonde appeared to struggle with her top after their evening out, and was forced to hold it up to prevent her ample bust from falling out as she headed home

Finishing touches: Effortlessly tying her look together, she accessorised with fringe drop earrings and a chic suede clutch bag of pale peach

Leggy lady: She added height to her slender frame with white sandal heels

Known for her glamorous sense of style however, the star still looked stunning as she paired the top with slinky white trousers - which cinched in at her petite waist and skimmed her long legs all the way down.

Effortlessly tying her look together, she accessorised with fringe drop earrings and a chic suede clutch bag of pale peach.

Meanwhile Olivia proved her sophisticated sense of style in a two-piece suit - but made the look saucier by leaving her jacket undone, to display her bra underneath.

Tiff appeared more than happy to hit the town after recently splitting with her long-term beau Sam Thompson.

Suits you! Meanwhile Olivia (R) proved her sophisticated sense of style in a two-piece suit

Saucy: However Olivia made the look saucier by leaving her jacket undone, to display her bra underneath

Feeling good: Tiff appeared more than happy to hit the town after recently splitting with her log-term beau and CBB 2017 star Sam Thompson

The pair are thought to have split 'for the summer' - but Sam was recently seen flirting with Amelia Lily during their stint on CBB.

Tiffany and Olivia were not the only Made in Chelsea stars who attended the London bash.

Millie Mackintosh was showing off her sartorial know-how when she attended the party, where she was joined by an equally glamorous Lucy Mecklenburgh.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 27, showed off her long legs in a thigh-skimming miniskirt and caged heels as she arrived at the bash.

Glamorous: Millie Mackintosh was showing off her sartorial know-how when she attended the Sure Black and White party in central London on Tuesday night

Millie pulled her look together with a ruffled white blouse, sticking to the monochrome colour theme.

Meanwhile, fitness fan Lucy opted for chic coords, pairing an off-the-shoulder blouse with cropped trousers.

The brunette beauty completed her attire with a bright yellow handbag and a pair of barely-there heels.

Dotty for fashion: She was joined by an equally glamorous Lucy Mecklenburgh at the bash

Leggy: The former Made In Chelsea star, 27, showed off her long legs in a thigh-skimming miniskirt and caged heels as she arrived at the bash

Ruffled: Millie pulled her look together with a ruffled white blouse, sticking to the monochrome colour theme

Top of the crops: Fitness fan Lucy opted for chic coords, pairing an off-the-shoulder blouse with cropped trousers

Glossy: Millie looked chic as she smiled and flashed her glittering engagement ring

Preened: Millie and Lucy looked suitably stylish in their black and white outfits

Leggy lady: Millie showed off her toned pins in her tiny miniskirt

Busty: MIC star Tiffany Watson flashed some cleavage as she posed with Lucy

Tanned trio: Tiff and Lucy joined former MIC star Olivia Bentley for a snap

Millie was attending solo without her fiance Hugo Taylor, who popped the question to his former co-star while they were on a romantic holiday in Greece.

The couple went public with their romance in May 2016 when they travelled to the Monaco Grand Prix for Hugo's 30th birthday - the same week that Millie's divorce from rapper ex Professor Green, 33, was finalised.

Hugo and Millie first dated in 2011 when they first appeared on Made In Chelsea, but the romance came to an abrupt end when it emerged Hugo had cheated on Millie with her friend, Rosie Fortescue.

Bronzed beauty: Lucy's polka dot number perfectly complemented her deep tan

Neon touches: The brunette beauty completed her attire with a bright yellow handbag and a pair of barely-there heels

Fancy seeing you here! Tiffany Watson was also in attendance at the bash

Twinning: The blonde joined forces with ex-MIC star Olivia Bentley

Admiring glances: The reality star was flanked by a crowd of dapper chaps

At the time, Millie claimed she would always love Hugo, confessing in an interview: 'I loved him - those feelings dont disappear  but I just always have to remind myself why were not together.'

'I do think that, for the rest of my life, every time I see him, Ill get that feeling in my stomach. I dont think I could ever not get that butterfly feeling.'

Millie previously walked down the aisle with ex Professor Green in lavish ceremony at Babington House in Somerset in 2013. But they got a divorce after just two years of marriage.

Top of the crops: Olivia flaunted her slender frame in a low-cut bralet

Perky: Tiff couldn't stop adjusting her top as she threatened to spill out

Leggy: The star flashed her slender legs in ivory high-waisted trousers

Blonde bombshells: Tiff and Olivia had their camera looks ready as they struck a pose

Heading home: The girls flashed big grins as they left the Sure event in style

Tanned: Millie showed off her long, toned legs in the thigh-skimming garment

Pins out: Millie looked slightly dishevelled as she made her way home at the end of the night

Time for bed: Millie flashed her toned pins as she strutted down the street

Cool and quirky: Lucy ensured she stood out from the crowd thanks to her bold accessories

Vibrant: Lucy was the epitome of glamour as she sashayed out of the event
She was one of the front-runners for Matty 'J' Johnson's heart on The Bachelor.

But on Wednesday, Cobie Frost was sent packing in the most unceremonious way after Matty said that they had 'no spark' in the middle of their date.

'You can have all the perfect ingredients to fall in love with somebody...' he told the clingy coal plant operator.

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See ya! On Wednesday's The Bachelor, Cobie Frost was sent packing in the most unceremonious way after Matty said that they had 'no spark' in the middle of their date

'...and it just doesn't happen,' he added.

Matty continued: 'For me, it hasn't happened. That spark's not there.'

Cobie was left predictably heartbroken after receiving the harsh news, and it didn't take long for her the tears to start flowing.

'You can have all the perfect ingredients to fall in love with somebody... and it just doesn't happen,' said Matty

'That spark's not there,' he told poor Cobie as she started to cry

'I think I just may have held back,' she said, trying to find a reason behind the rejection.

'But I understand, and I do want you to be happy.'

She later made her way to the limousine, where she sobbed in the backseat.

'I think I just may have held back,' she said, trying to find a reason behind the rejection

'I'm pretty shocked at the moment,' she cried. I'm feeling pretty sad.'

'Generally today was a day to see if there was something more there. Um... For me there was 'cause I fell really hard for Matty when I first met him...'

She continued: 'And then I know I pulled back 'cause I was so terrified of losing him.'
She's raising four young children while juggling her career.

And on Wednesday, WAG Rebecca Judd enjoyed some downtime with her two youngest children, twin sons Tom and Darcy, 11 months.

The 34-year-old went makeup free and wore leopard-print pyjamas as she enjoyed 'pyjama cuddles' with her boys.

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'Lucky me!' Makeup free Rebecca Judd enjoys 'pyjama cuddles' with 11-month-old twin sons Tom and Darcy

'Pyjama cuddles with the babes. #identicaltwins #luckyme,' Rebecca captioned the shot, which got thousands of likes online.

In the image, her sons relax on pillows as they drink some milk.

Rebecca can be seen with her hair tied up off her face and laying next to her babies, kissing one of her boys on the cheek.

Family: Rebecca has four children with retired AFL star Chris Judd (pictured are daughter Billie and son Oscar)

Rebecca shares her sons with former AFL star, Chris Judd, 33.

The pair also have two older children, Oscar Dylan, six, and Billie Kate, three.

She and Chris have been married since 2010.

In July, Rebecca shocked fans when she revealed that Billie is struggling with body image.

Opening up: In July, Rebecca shocked fans when she revealed that Billie is struggling with body image

'Billie all of a sudden has started caring about her appearance so much. It's actually scary, and I don't know where it's come from,' she said on KIIS' The 3pm Pick Up.

'At home I wear activewear, pretty much, sneakers, chuck my hair up, barely put on any make up.

She continued: 'She's got this brush, and she stands in front of the mirror and brushes and brushes her hair. She's got this curly hair. She brushes it and it springs back up. And she screams at the mirror, she's like, "arrrrgh!" She's just furious.'

The WAG revealed that her daughter complained, 'Mummy, I don't like my hair. I want straight hair like you,' to which Bec replied to her toddler, 'Babe when I go to work I tong my hair so I've got curly hair like you.'

'You look far more beautiful than me': Bec said the issues arose during a family dinner outing

Bec said the issues arose during a family dinner outing.

'We were going out in Port Douglas, we were going out for dinner. And I had these cool studded flats on and she had little flats with a pussy cat on them.

'We were just about to walk out the door, she goes, 'Mum, I can't go out for dinner; you look far more beautiful than me.' She's three!'

The star, who signed up the youngster to be the face of Mattel's Barbie campaign earlier this year, at first told Today Extra she had 'no idea' why Billie has insecurities before blaming the fictional character, Elsa.

'I have no idea ... Do you know what, it might be Elsa from Frozen,' she said.
She famously toned down her look in recent years, opting for a more natural appearance.

But Chloe Sims appeared to be reverting to her former look as she attended castmate Jon Clark's birthday party at London's Radio Rooftop Bar in London on Wednesday night.

The TOWIE star, 34, put on a very bright appearance, arriving in a red faux fur bomber and patent leather leggings.

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Red hot: Chloe Sims appeared to be reverting to her former look as she attended castmate Jon Clark's birthday party at London's Radio Rooftop Bar in London on Wednesday night

Putting on an eye-popping display, Chloe teased a glimpse of her generous bust spilling out of a semi-sheer corset top beneath the plush jacket.

Making the most of long lean legs, she slipped into the dominatrix-inspired trousers, adding height to her stature with a pair of transparent sandals.

Continuing her red theme, Chloe- who recently confirmed her new romance with Abz Love, coordinated a pair of statement earrings and a bold lip with the look, opting for lashings of mascara and scraping her blonde hair into a high ponytail.

Turning heads! The TOWIE star, 34, put on a very bright appearance, arriving in a red faux fur bomber and patent leather leggings with castmembers Yazmin Oukhellou and Amber Dowding

(Pictured in 2009 during her more flamboyant days): Chloe famously toned down her look in recent years, opting for a more natural appearance

She was joined by castmembers Yazmin Oukhellou and Amber Dowding, who turned heads in a range of head-turning ensembles.

Yazmin, who recently had a nose job, put on an amorous display with her beau James Lock, with their relationship going from strength to strength of late.

Meanwhile birthday boy of the night Jon put on a low-key appearance, reportedly leaving the venue with rumoured new flame Lauren Pope.

Head turning: Putting on an eye-popping display, Chloe teased a glimpse of her generous bust spilling out of a semi-sheer corset top beneath the plush jacket

Loved up: Yazmin, who recently had a nose job, put on an amorous display with her beau James Lock, with their relationship going from strength to strength of late

Chloe has had quite the social calendar, putting on a head-turning display as she went braless in a sheer lace dress at the TV Choice Awards on Monday night.

This comes after Chloe and former Five star Abz Love, 38, flaunted their new relationship as they enjoyed a romantic dinner at Ours Restaurant in Knightsbridge,on Thursday.

Chloe and Abz were first romantically linked back in July when they shared a selfie in bed together.

New couple alert? Meanwhile birthday boy of the night Jon put on a low-key appearance, reportedly leaving the venue with rumoured new flame Lauren Pope

Ignoring claims the coupling is a romance, they put on a loved up display after confirming their romance a month earlier in the revealing snap.

Mother-of one Chloe is said to be blissfully happy with heavily tattooed Abz, 38, after suffering a string of ill-fated romances.

A source told The Sun: This is Chloes first serious relationship in years. Wed never have put the two of them together but they couldnt be more perfect.

Shes just started telling her friends about it and shes the happiest weve seen her in ages.

Racy! Chloe has had quite the social calendar, putting on a head-turning display as she went braless in a sheer lace dress at the TV Choice Awards on Monday night
He is preparing to play ex-Vice President Dick Cheney in the upcoming biopic Backseat.

And Christian Bale's preparations are proving his levels of dedication as he has been gaining weight for the part, as illustrated when he stepped out on Tuesday, showing his fuller frame and also his bleached eyebrows.

This comes 13 years after the 43-year-old Batman star lost nearly 60lbs for his cult hit movie The Machinist.

Fuller frame: Christian Bale's preparations are proving his levels of dedication as he has been gaining weight for the part, as illustrated when he stepped out on Tuesday, showing his fuller frame and also his bleached eyebrows

Slender man: This comes 13 years after the 43-year-old Batman star lost nearly 60lbs for his cult hit movie The Machinist

He has both gained and lost weight several times over his career for his film roles.

The former child actor had a chiseled body for the 2000 film American Psycho. Bale put on muscle to play Bruce Wayne and the Caped Crusader in the 2005 film Batman Begins. But the star was out-of-shape with a pot belly for the 2013 movie American Hustle.

In 2013 he told People that gaining weight for American Hustle was not difficult: 'It's easy to start with ... you're just sitting on your butt and you're eating lots of doughnuts and eating bread and everything like that.

'But you do it for two months and your body starts to rebel against you, it's just saying, "No, please," and your back is aching and there's also some problems with that. And then you've got to lose the weight at the end of it, you know? I wish it was simple.'

Dramatic change: The Oscar-winning actor displayed a fuller physique after piling on the pounds to play former Vice President

The role: Here Cheney is seen with President Bush in 2002 in Washington DC

He kept things casual following a workout on Tuesday when he showed off his fuller frame.

The star sported a loose-fitting T-shirt and shorts while grabbing a coffee, all while displaying his thicker frame ahead of the role as the politician.

Shortly before his workout, he appeared at the Telluride Film Festival with his new film, Hostiles, and to receive a special award on Saturday.

All eyes were on his new look as he arrived at the event in the Rocky Mountain resort in Colorado.

The Oscar-winning actor displayed a fuller physique after piling on the pounds to play former Vice President in Backseat, written and directed by Adam McKay.

The actor also appeared to have dyed his normally dark eyebrows blond for the role.

Appearance: Shortly before his workout was at the Telluride Film Festival with his new film, Hostiles, and to receive a special award on Saturday. All eyes were on his new look as he arrived at the event in the Rocky Mountain resort in Colorado

Cheney, now 76, served under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009 and is widely-regarded as the most powerful VP in US political history.

Christian certainly has the former politician's more portly build, with the actor wearing a baggy black shirt and pants.

Meanwhile, the actor's new movie, Hostiles, screened during the festival.

Ripped: The former child actor with a chiseled body for the 2000 film American Psycho

More bulked up: Bale put on muscle to play Bruce Wayne and the Caped Crusader in the 2005 film Batman Begins

Pot bellied criminal: The star with an out-of-shape physique with a co-star in the 2013 movie American Hustle

He plays a 19th-century Army captain, near retirement, taking a terminally ill Cheyenne Indian back to his homeland to die after being pardoned for murder.

Christian was joined in Telluride by co-star Wes Studi, who plays the Cheyenne Indian. He is already gaining Oscar buzz for the bloody Western, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it 'a gut punch of a performance.'

Variety described Christian's performance as 'among the greatest he's given, one that could become an instant Oscar contender.'

Is this the real Bale? When Christian is not getting into a character for a movie he is fairly slender. Here he is seen with his wife Sibi in February 2016

Of course, all this is moot if the film isn't released before the cut-off date for the Oscars, which is usually sometime in December.

However, the movie is hotly tipped to pick up a distribution deal at Telluride. The 90th Oscars will be held on March 4 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and will be televised live on ABC.
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She's been busy promoting her latest flick Loving Pablo, which portrays the controversial real life romance between a journalist and married drug lord Pablo Escobar, played by her real life husband.

And Penelope Cruz looked in good spirits as she was seen leaving her hotel during the 74th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday.

The Spanish actress, 43, cosied up to husband of seven years Javier Bardem, 48, as they boarded a glamorous water taxi to explore the picturesque city.

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Senorita! Penelope Cruz looked in good spirits as she was seen leaving her hotel during the 74th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Wednesday

The couple, who have already played on-screen lovers twice before in 1992 hit Jamon Jamon and 2008 Woody Allen classic Vicky Cristina Barcelona, looked as loved up as ever as they embarked on a sightseeing tour.

Penelope looked every inch the Spanish beauty, slipping her enviable curves into a baby blue floor skimming frock embellished with pretty red flower detail.

The layered piece boasted a plunging neckline, offering a glimpse of her tanned decolletage, adorned with a simple diamond necklace.

With flared bell sleeves and a matching hemline, she coordinated the piece with a pair of red court shoes and a matching scarlet-coloured bag.

Going strong: The Spanish actress, 43, cosied up to husband of seven years Javier Bardem, 48, as they prepared to board a glamorous water taxi

On and off screen lovers: The couple play drug lord Pablo Escobar and journalist Virginia Vallejo in Narcos spin-off Loving Pablo

Wearing her raven-dyed hair in a glossy loose waves, Penelope accessorised with a pair of large diamond studs, opting for bold brows and accentuating her dark eyes with dusky eyeshadow.

Adding a touch of pink lipgloss to her look, the stunning actress smiled widely as she posed for photographers alongside her adoring husband, who she shares children Luna and Leo with.

Javier looked every inch the dapper accomplice, putting on a smart casual display in a pale pink shirt and jeans, completing his ensemble with a blazer.

Holding his wife proudly, the Pirates Of The Caribbean star posed for snaps before helping Penelope onto the boat, making a glamorous getaway.

Hot duo: The couple, who have already played on-screen lovers twice before, in 1992 hit Jamon Jamon and 2008 Woody Allen classic Vicky Cristina Barcelona, looked as loved up as ever as they embarked on a sightseeing tour

Feeling blue! Penelope looked every inch the Spanish beauty, slipping her enviable curves into a baby blue floor skimming frock embellished with pretty red flower detail

Ruffled: The layered piece boasted a plunging neckline, offering a glimpse of her tanned decolletage, adorned with a simple diamond necklace

The couple play drug lord Pablo Escobar and journalist Virginia Vallejo in Narcos spin-off Loving Pablo, and Javier recently revealed they were careful not to bring the dark subject material home with them after a day on set.

Speaking to E! News, Javier said: 'One of the joys, and the fun of what we do, is to create. We were very careful [during shooting] to make sure we kept that joy and that we keep being able to create and use our imagination.'

And opening up about his new role, he added: 'Thanks to all the documentaries and films, we know more about Pablo now than we ever have before. When I started to dig into this character almost 10 years ago, he wasn't as much in the public eye. I was attracted to this movie because it's about what's in his mind, how he could have that greed when he basically had it all.'

Whipping through the waves! Wearing her raven-dyed hair in a glossy loose waves, Penelope accessorised with a pair of large diamond studs, opting for bold brows and accentuating her dark eyes with dusky eyeshadow

Yummy mummy! Adding a touch of pink lipgloss to her look, the stunning actress smiled widely as she posed for photographers alongside her adoring husband, who she shares children Luna and Leo with

What an exit! She kept her glamorous appearance as she made a speedy getaway, her raven hair blowing dramatically in the wind

Well put together: With flared bell sleeves and a matching hemline, she coordinated the piece with a pair of red court shoes and a matching scarlet-coloured bag

And Bardem has delved deep into Pablo's character, during his extensive research for the much-coveted role.

Speaking during the Film Festival, he said: 'I think one of the themes that we are working with is what the word 'enough' means. Enough of wanting to get some place, wanting to have more, wanting to be better, bigger, stronger, and what kind of effect it has on a person's mind when there is never enough. For Pablo, nothing was ever enough, he always wanted more and he had all of the resources and the tools to become stronger and more powerful. That will eventually destroy a person's mind.'

Explaining his role further, he added: 'That's why it's called Loving Pablo...because this movie is through Virginia's eyes but also it's through all the eyes of all of those who loved Pablo Escobar on a personal level and envied and admired him also as a savior. Our movie is about what happened when they ultimately discover what kind of a person he really is and the world that will leave behind.'

What a way to travel: She set about exploring the beautiful city by water taxi

Helping hand: She was guided onto the boat by a willing suited and booted helper

Suave: Javier looked every inch the dapper accomplice, putting on a smart casual display in a pale pink shirt and jeans, completing his ensemble with a blazer

Also spotted during the star-studded festival on Wednesday was Sir Michael Caine, who has been promoting My Generation, a new documentary which tackles drug use and the class system.

The new film looks at the huge social shift London and the UK saw in the 1960s and features other stars who made the decade iconic, including Twiggy, Roger Daltrey, Paul McCartney, Marianne Faithful and David Bailey.

Talking about how he managed to bag so many big names, he explains: 'It was a case of waiting until they were available. Theyre extraordinarily busy and important people.'

In the documentary, Michael talks about how he had no working class role models to look up to on the big screen.

Royal wave! Also spotted during the star-studded festival on Wednesday was Sir Michael Caine, who has been promoting My Generation, a new documentary which tackles drug use and the class system

Tackling issues: His new film looks at the huge social shift London and the UK saw in the 1960s and features other stars who made the decade iconic, including Twiggy, Roger Daltrey, Paul McCartney, Marianne Faithful and David Bailey

The night before: French actor and filmmaker Gerard Depardieu and Antonio Onorato enjoyed a night out during the star studded festival on Tuesday

He says: 'The problem was, that was it  there werent films about us. When I was a young actor, I understudied Peter OToole in The Long And The Short And The Tall in which he became a star that was funnily enough the first play I think ever written about English privates.'

Caine also reveals all about his drug use during the hedonistic decade - and reveals he quit weed after he failed to flag down a London taxi because he was in an hysterical high.

'It was midnight. I was trying to get a cab hime from Grosvenor Square to Notting Hill Gate and I was standing on the corner, laughing maniacally.

'No cab would stop for me. I had to walk all the way home to Notting Hill. It also affects the memory and as an actor, Ive to remember lines.'

Tuesday night's festivities also saw French filmmaker and actor Gerard Depardieu and Angela Simon attend the glamorous A Royal Affair reception.

Glamorous: Gerard Depardieu was seen and Angela Simon attend the glamorous A Royal Affair reception
As a first-time father at 56, George Clooney was surprised he was so adept at diapering his three-month-old twins Ella and Alexander with second wife Amal.

'[Fatherhood] had never been part of my DNA,' the two-time Oscar winner admitted in Wednesday's issue of THR Magazine.

'The first thing you think is, "I hope I don't screw this up"...But I'm a very good diaper guy, which I didn't know I would be.'

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'[Fatherhood] had never been part of my DNA': As a first-time father at 56, George Clooney was surprised he was so adept at diapering his three-month-old twins Ella and Alexander with second wife Amal (pictured Sunday)

The two-time Oscar winner admitted in Wednesday's issue of THR Magazine: 'The first thing you think is, "I hope I don't screw this up"...But I'm a very good diaper guy, which I didn't know I would be'

The Money Monster actor continued: 'My house is filled with the warm sounds of babies crying. You should see when my friends show up and see me change a diaper, the laughter that comes from them. I go, "I know, I know." I've given them so much s*** for so many years, I deserve every bit of it.'

George and the 39-year-old human rights lawyer never discussed having children until after they were married and she quickly got pregnant without fertility drugs.

'There was an assumption that we didn't want them,' Clooney explained.

'And then, after the wedding, Amal and I were talking and we just felt we'd gotten very lucky, both of us, and we should share whatever good luck we've got. It would seem self-centered to just have that belong to us.'

'There was an assumption that we didn't want them': The Money Monster actor and the 39-year-old human rights lawyer never discussed having children until after they were married and she quickly got pregnant without fertility drugs (pictured Saturday)

The British-Lebanese barrister, who gushed that her silver fox is a 'great father,' admitted: 'I'm 39. I already had them quite late'

'I've put on 10 pounds. She looks great': The brunette beauty (born Alamuddin) apparently had no trouble shedding her baby weight as she wowed last weekend's Venice Film Festival in a lavender chiffon Versace gown

The British-Lebanese barrister, who gushed that her silver fox is a 'great father,' admitted: 'I'm 39. I already had them quite late.'

The brunette beauty (born Alamuddin) apparently had no trouble shedding her baby weight as she wowed last weekend's Venice Film Festival in a lavender chiffon Versace gown.

The five-time Golden Globe winner - admitting they're both 'unrested' these days -quipped: 'I've put on 10 pounds. She looks great.'

George called Amal the 'perfect partner' and the May-December couple will officially celebrate their third wedding anniversary on September 27.

'Every single day of my life, I just feel lucky': George called Amal the 'perfect partner' and the couple will officially celebrate their third wedding anniversary on September 27

Clooney said of their first date at London's Abbey Road Studios in 2013: 'She probably thought I was old'

'It was 20 minutes of me on my knee, waiting for her to say yes': Six months later, the Kentucky-born college drop-out proposed to the Beirut-born NYU grad over home-cooked pasta and champagne in Los Angeles

'She probably thought I was old,' Clooney said of their first date at London's Abbey Road Studios in 2013.

Six months later, the Kentucky-born college drop-out proposed to the Beirut-born NYU grad over home-cooked pasta and champagne in Los Angeles.

'I told her there was a lighter to light the candle in the drawer, and she reached back and pulled out a ring,' George recalled.

'And I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you're supposed to do. I had a playlist with my [late Aunt Rosemary Clooney] songs on it, and I was waiting for this song, Why Shouldn't I?'

George's sixth feature directorial effort Suburbicon - starring Julianne Moore and Matt Damon - hits US theaters October 27 and UK theaters November 24

He said: 'I wanted it to be violent, I wanted it to be angry, and I think it's a very angry film. We're at a time when we need to address these issues, and unfortunately they're issues that we have never completely exorcised' (pictured on October 17)

Clooney continued: 'It was 20 minutes of me on my knee, waiting for her to say yes, because she was so shocked. She only said yes when Goody, Goody came on, which isn't very romantic - it's kind of mean: "So you met someone who set you back on your heels, goody, goody."'

The Tomorrowland actor worried it might have been 'too soon,' but he had no doubt they were the right couple and the right team.

'Every single day of my life, I just feel lucky,' the Very Murray Christmas star said.

'Lucky in my career. Lucky enough to have found the perfect partner. Sometimes in life it doesn't happen on your schedule, but you find the person that you were always supposed to be with. That's how I feel, and I know that's how Amal feels.'

Hail, Caesar set in 2016: Clooney also co-wrote the 1957-set crime mystery with the Coen Brothers (L) - who previously directed him in four films

George's sixth feature directorial effort Suburbicon - starring Julianne Moore and Matt Damon - hits US theaters October 27 and UK theaters November 24.

'I wanted it to be violent, I wanted it to be angry, and I think it's a very angry film,' Clooney said.

'We're at a time when we need to address these issues, and unfortunately they're issues that we have never completely exorcised.'

He also co-wrote the 1957-set racially-charged mystery with the Coen Brothers - who previously directed him in Hail, Caesar!, Burn After Reading, Intolerable Cruelty, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?

'I haven't acted in almost two years,' George said.

'As you get older, the parts aren't as interesting. I'm not a leading man anymore. Nobody wants to see me kiss the girl.'
In its 31 st year, the Fellowship is a national literary award offering published New Zealand writers, both here and overseas, the opportunity to focus on their craft full-time by providing an annual stipend of $20,000 and tenure at the Sargeson Centre in Auckland.
Mel B's estranged husband Stephen Belafonte is fighting to block the star's attempt to keep their divorce hearings private, accusing her of 'unimaginable havoc and damage' to his reputation.

The former Spice Girl was granted a temporary restraining order against Belafonte after accusing him physically and emotional abuse throughout their 10 year marriage, as well as claiming he got their nanny pregnant.

In court papers filed in LA on Monday, the 42-year-old claims Mel's attempt to ban the press from covering the upcoming trial is to prevent the full extent of his claims against her - including allegations that she was addicted to cocaine and booze - from being made public.

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Fighting back: Mel B's estranged husband Stephen Belafonte is fighting to block the star's attempt to keep their divorce hearings private, accusing her of 'unimaginable havoc and damage' to his reputation

In documents his legal time write that Mel had 'free reign to make all manner of false allegations and besmirch Respondent [Belafonte] to her hearts content and now seeks to seal the record all BEFORE Respondent presents his evidence and his defense at the time of the upcoming trial'.

'If Petitioner [Mel B] was so worried about the well-being of the children and her public image, Petitioner could have made the instant request months earlier,' the documents add.

The papers add: 'Interestingly, at that time, Petitioner [Mel B] did not consider the best interests of the children' and deliberately chose to allege false and damaging information regarding the parties and their children all of which was fully accessed by the media and has wreaked unimaginable havoc and damage not only to the minor children but also to the Respondents [Belafontes] name, reputation, ability to work.

'If it is that the truth will come out and Petitioner will be found to have lied and misrepresented facts to the court, then Petitioner cannot now hide behind a request to seal the records.'

The latest filing comes after Belafonte claimed in explosive legal declaration that she had battled a cocaine and alcohol addiction which impacted their marriage and Mel's ability to care for her three children.

Nasty: In court papers filed in LA on Tuesday, the 42-year-old claims Mel's attempt to ban the press from covering the upcoming trial is to prevent the full extent of his claims against her - including allegations that she was addicted to cocaine and booze - from being made public

Fight back: The latest filing comes after Belafonte claimed in explosive legal declaration that she had battled a cocaine and alcohol addiction which impacted their marriage and Mel's ability to care for her three children

The declaration, said to be backed up by text messages between Beverly Hills marriage therapist Dr Charles Sophy, the former Spice Girl and Belafonte, details the bitter fall out between the ex couple after they separated and how Belafonte feared for the 'safety' of Mel's three children.

Reports claim Mel had failed in an attempt to have the explosive documents sealed at a recent court hearing - she had filed for divorce from the film producer in March earlier this year.

According to Belafonte's declaration, included in a shocking court filing obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, the America's Got Talent judge was said to have a 'habitual and consistent' addiction to cocaine and alcohol.

MailOnline have contacted a representative for Mel.

Belafonte, details the bitter fall out between the couple after they separated and how he feared for the 'safety' of Mel's daughters; Phoenix, 18, Angel, 10, and six-year-old Madison (whom she shares with Belafonte).

A source told DailyMail.com that Mel's drug and alcohol abuse were the real reason for the separation and that Belafonte was blind-sided by the star's subsequent allegations of domestic abuse - something which he had denied and referred to as a 'smear campaign'.

In the declaration, Belafonte, 42, says: 'The biggest reason for my concern with respect to the safety of the children was due to the Petitioners habitual and consistent addiction to and abuse of cocaine and alcohol.

'To make matters worse, my fear for the childrens safety was amplified due to the fact that Petitioner had fired the childrens nanny, who had been in the childrens lives sine 2010 and I did not want Petitioner using drugs and drinking around the children especially without anyone else present to care for the children.

'Petitioners drinking and drug abuse had been a major issue throughout our marriage and was witnessed by the nanny, the children, and her own therapist, Dr Sophy.'

The former Spice Girl fired nanny Lorraine Gilles and later accused her of sleeping with her husband behind her back and even falling pregnant with his baby, claims Belafonte and the nanny have denied.

The revealing three-way text message exchanges between Mel, Belafonte and their marriage counsellor came at the height of their troubles shortly after they had separated in March 2017.

In the text messages seen here, Dr Sophy is seen on the messages as 'Dr Sofey', Belafonte is 'baby' and Mel B is 'Mother 2014'

Explosive: She had filed for divorce from the film producer in March earlier this year and her appearance in Hollywood comes after Belafonte has claimed he fears for the 'safety' of her children

Drama: According to Belafonte's declaration, included in a shocking court filing obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com, the America's Got Talent judge was said to have a 'habitual and consistent' addiction to cocaine and alcohol

The texts reveal how mother-of-three Mel agreed to take a daily dose of prescription drug Antabuse to tackle her alcoholism, which according to Dr Sophy, would prove she would be 'safe' around her children, the paperwork states.

Belafonte states in the document: 'During the text exchange...in order to try to ease my concerns, Dr. Sophy, a mandated reporter, informed me that he would try to control Petitioner's alcohol and drug abuse and that he and Petitioner made an agreement regarding Petitioner's "substance abuse", as well as "child safety".

In a follow up text, Belafonte expressed concern about his chidren, adding: 'What about my kids she took them for (sic) me yesterday and I do not have any idea where they are or who they're with.'

Mel responded: 'We are in a gated community called the summit they are very excited and happy.'

The text messages have been released as part of a filing at LA Superior Court on Friday.

In his declaration Belafonte hits out at his ex for her 'unilateral and calculated' decision to try to restrict his relationship with Angel - whom she shares with actor Eddie Murphy.

Split: The declaration, said to be backed up by text messages between Beverly Hills marriage therapist Dr Charles Sophy, the former Spice Girl and Belafonte, details the bitter fall out between the ex couple after they separated

The movie producer says a prior agreement that he could see his step-daughter Angel as well as Madison wasn't maintained.

Stephen shares daughter Madison with Mel, and it has recently been reported that he is seeking visitation of Mel's daughter Angel, 10, with ex Murphy, 54.

While Mel's lawyer had asked for Angel's involvement to be kept 'private, Belafonte's lawyer Michael Hanasa argued his client has raised the girl from a young age and said she already lacks privacy because she is "paraded around" on TMZ.

Los Angeles Superior Court's Judge Lawrence Riff granted the film producer's request to submit papers allowing him to apply for visitation in the future.

Of the decision, he said: 'The request is granted. Let me just observe that of paramount concern is the best interests of this minor, Angel. Right now before the court are the contentions by the two litigants as to what is in that childs best interests.'

More claims: Belafonte also hits out at Mel for trying to restrict his relationship with Angel, her daughter with actor Eddie Murphy - he is currently seeking visitation rights to Angel, who he claims he has raised shortly after she was born

'Mr Belafonte asserts and alleges that it is in that childs best interests for him to have frequent and continued contact with a child he is saying he raised from infancy. The petitioner says it is not in Angels best interest for that to occur.

'Whether Mr Belafonte has the rights of a stepparent are not in front of the court today so I take no position on that.'

He said: 'Mr Murphy is entitled to be joined as a party as soon as Mr Belafonte seeks any visitation with Angel'

MailOnline previously contacted representatives for both Mel and Eddie.

Stephen had previously failed to win temporary rights over Angel, who was born three months before he married Mel back in 2007.

Back in April, he had regained visitation rights to daughter Madison - but was told he will only be allowed to see her with heavy supervision.

Order: Stephen had previously failed to win temporary rights over Angel, who was born three months before he married Mel back in 2007 - he had regained visitation rights to daughter Madison in April under heavy supervision

Belafonte was granted heavily monitored visitation rights - which state he can see Madison, but in a pre-determined centre in LA with the presence of a court supervisor.

The judge ruled for visits to occur twice a week for four hours, but he must attend alone.

Throughout the messy divorce proceedings, Mel had opposed Stephen's request for unsupervised visits, after claiming he is a danger to her children, due to his 'criminal connections' and 'links to the porn industry'.

The hearings that have taken place so far have been damaging for both sides, with the court being told Mel has "wiped out" her 39 million ($50million) Spice Girls fortune after leading an extremely "extravagant" lifestyle.

A full divorce hearing is scheduled to begin on September 25.
Sanaa Lathan is giving her all to her current role.

The 45-year-old actress has shaved her head for a new project and showed off the look to her Instagram followers on Tuesday.

The Best Man star is set to play Violet Jones in Nappily Ever After, based on a 2001 novel of the same name that's the first of Trisha R. Thomas' now nine-book series.

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'I'm just doing my reveal': Sanaa Lathan has shaved her head for her new film project Nappily Ever After and showed off the look on Instagram

'I'm just doing my reveal,' said Sanaa on the Instagram video showing off her new look. 'It's all off. I feel, like, so light I could fly away,' she said with a kiss and a smile.

A glistening bracelet and pair of earrings accessorized the New York City native's outfit, which included a thin beige cardigan flung over a sleeveless black top.

'#NappilyEverAfter,' she wrote in the caption to her Instagram video, in which a couple of people could be heard chattering away in the background.

'It's all off': 'I feel, like, so light I could fly away,' she said with a kiss and a smile

Previous Instagram photos with the '#NappilyEverAfter' hashtag have seen Sanaa showcase multiple different hairdos before this new shaven look came.

She'd also vaunted hairstylist Larry Sims 'for going on this journey with me!' on Instagram, and this Tuesday he posted the same shaved-head video she did.

'And There It Is!!!!!! I'm soooo beyond proud of you friend,' he wrote in his caption.'Your even more gorgeous with your DOPE cut. YOU ARE FEARLESS!!!!'

Simply chic: A glistening bracelet and pair of earrings accessorized the New York City native's outfit, which included a thin beige cardigan flung over a sleeveless black top

He's gone on: 'I'm so honored to be apart of this project. The message is bigger than the reveal. I can't wait for you guys to take part in Violets journey. Thank You for trusting me. Thank you @michaelwrayii 4 holding me down. @sanaalathan #NappilyEverAfter,' he closed out the effusive Instagram message.

The novel follows Venus Johnston as she dumps her waffling beau Clint and debuts a new close-cropped hairdo that startles many in her acquaintance, according to the official summary posted on the book's Amazon page.

Trisha's literary debut, this novel kicked off a series that's featured such titles as Would I Lie To You?, Nappily Married, Nappily About Us and Postcards From Venus.

Source material: She's starring as Violet Jones in Nappily Ever After, based on a 2001 novel of the same name that's the first of Trisha R. Thomas' now nine-book series

The Nappily Ever After movie's being directed by groundbreaking Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour, who's also the director of the upcoming biopic of Mary Shelley starring Elle Fanning as the titular famed 19th century author.

Per Variety, Nappily Ever After's being made for Netflix, and from Variety's synopsis Violet does appear to be a renamed version of Venus, the novel's leading lady.

That report also indicated the movie's being shot in Atlanta, a process that began sometime over the course of last month, and that Sanaa's one of the producers.

Other cast members listed on the film's IMDb page include Oz actor Ernie Hudson, as well as Lynn Whitfield, who won an Emmy for The Josephine Baker Story on HBO.
The stars of Foxtel's much-loved reality show Gogglebox Australia is set to return for a sixth season.

The two-time TV Week Logie Award-winning show will welcome the return of Anastasia and Faye, Wayne and Tom, Lee and Keith, Angie and Yvie, Mick and Di as well as the Delpechitra, Jackson, Dalton and Silbery families.

Leaving the franchise are friends Zina and Vivian, but Foxtel has teased the arrival of a brand new replacement household.

They're back! The stars of Foxtel's much-loved reality show Gogglebox Australia is set to return for a sixth season

The show is set to return on Foxtel's Lifestyle channel and stream on Foxtel Now on October 4 before featuring on Network 10 a day later.

The hit series sees everyday Australian weighing in on popular television shows from the comfort of their own lounge rooms.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Gogglebox executive producer David McDonald revealed that rival TV bosses are hungry to get their programs featured on the popular show.

Farewell: Leaving the franchise are friends Zina and Vivian, but Foxtel has teased the arrival of a brand new replacement household

'I have heard from many editors and producers who enjoy watching the candid reactions,' he told the publication.

'So many of them, they can see the ratings or reactions on Twitter, but the show allows them to get a sense of how different plot lines or segments are received,' David explained.

But while the show has earned wide-spread popularity, it was not always smooth sailing.

Don't miss it! The show is set to return on Foxtel's Lifestyle channel and stream on Foxtel Now on October 4 before featuring on Network 10 a day later

Controversial: The series has certainly become a conversation starter, no doubt due to both the diverse and outspoken characters

'It was hard to sell the concept of the show early on. It was tough explaining it,' David said.

The series has certainly become a conversation starter, no doubt due to both the diverse and outspoken characters.

Not afraid to speak their minds, there is often a lot of hilarious banter, as well as a few catty remarks.
Scott Disick has reportedly been keeping some health issues a secret this summer.

According to a Wednesday report from The Blast, the star was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold and sent to the West Hills Hospital near Los Angeles in mid August.

A source told RadarOnline the Keeping Up With The Kardashians standout was 'involuntarily hospitalized for being a danger to himself or others.'

Struggling: Scott Disick, seen here on August 4 at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, was rushed to a hospital near Los Angeles on August 18, according several news sites

His ex partner Kourtney Kardashian, with whom he has three children, rushed to the hospital to be by his side, it was also claimed.

RadarOnline and UsWeekly received a confirmation from the LA Fire Department: 'On August 18, LAFD responded to a call from the home of Scott Disick.

'He was transported to a local hospital shortly after the Lost Hills Sheriff arrived to the scene. No other information is available.'

His representative has not returned calls to DailyMail.com.

Later The Blast shared another report after listening to the 911 call. The person who called 911 was Scott's very own security guard who said that the TV star was 'drunk and needed to go to the hospital.'

Supportive: Scott's ex, Kourtney Kardashian (pictured earlier this week) is said to have rushed to his side in the wake of the incident

The guard said: 'He got drunk and they told me to call.' He also made it clear, 'someone needs to take him to the hospital.'

'Scott was removed from his home on a stretcher before being transported to the hospital on a 5150 psychiatric hold,' a source told The Blast after reading the incident report.

Scott was last seen on Monday in Calabasas with his son Mason and daughter Penelope. He looked to be in good health, but was drawn and did not smile.

Back to normal: The party boy has been seen since. Here he was spotted with a mystery woman on Sunday in Malibu

The day before that he was seen with a mystery brunette in Malibu and appeared more cheerful.

On August 28 he looked fine as he went to Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills for lunch.

The Blast claimed that the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a call from Disicks Hidden Hills home at 4:54 PM on August 18.

The site added that a member of the fire department told them that the Los Angeles County Sheriffs also 'responded to assist.'

And law enforcement sources told the site that the sheriffs were called because 'at the time Disick was being uncooperative.'

Rock on: In late July he appeared gaunt but exited when he hosted a night out at 1 OAK Nightclub at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

But the reality TV star - who has three children with Kourtney - had 'calmed down' by the time the sheriffs have arrived and was 'complying with officials.'

But the officials still felt the need to take him to the hospital on a 5150 hold. Kanye West and Britney Spears have also been placed on 5150 holds.

West Hills is near Calabasas where Kourtney resides with their three children.

His ex: Koutney, seen here with Scott and their three kids in 2016, rushed to his side

The hold usually lasts 72 hours and several tests are performed. Scott was 'transported to the ER at West Hills Hospital,' it was claimed.

The reality TV star was 'given a private room with his own security guard posted outside,' according to a source for The Blast.

Kourtney 'showed up to support the father of her children and wanted to be there because he has no other family.'

The star was 'allowed to take smoke breaks periodically, but was accompanied by hospital staff at all times,' it was noted.

Though doctors recommend a 72 hour hold for a 5150 patient, the source claimed that Scott was released earlier.

He has since been seen partying in New York City and Las Vegas.

Too wild for her: Earlier this year Bella Thorne, who briefly dated Scott, said that she had a hard time hanging out with him because he drank too much alcohol. Seen in May

Scott has a reputation for being a hard party boy. He often hosts clubs for payment and can be seen drinking at the events.

On August 4 he looked bleary eyed as he hosted The Pool After Dark at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

In late July he appeared gaunt but exited when he hosted a night out at 1 OAK Nightclub at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Earlier this year Bella Thorne, who briefly dated Scott, said that she had a hard time hanging out with him because he drank too much alcohol.

They seemed to take a break from each other but were seen going out side by side over the summer.

Checked out: The Lord is renting out his Hidden Hills home for $60k a month

Scott had entered rehab in 2015 after his split from longtime partner Kourtney. He later said the rehab was for pills and not for alcohol.

It marked the fourth time Disick had entered rehab. He previously sought treatment in Costa Rica in March 2015, although he checked out of the facility later that month.

In November 2014, his attempt at recovery for alcohol and drug-related health issues was also documented on Kourtney & Khloe Take The Hamptons.

'This behavior has been going on for years,' Kourtney said on the show. Scott added, 'I've pretty much become a broken record and I'm sick of hearing myself.'

Disick entered a Connecticut facility following a night of hard partying that left him thinking he was going to die, although he left early.
She recently revealed plans to come off her birth control pills and start trying for a baby with fiance Alex Bowen.

And Olivia Buckland seemed to be in great spirits in the wake of the happy news, as she stepped out in Dublin on Tuesday night.

The former Love Island star, 23, showcased her envy-inducing abs in a Nineties-inspired pink sequin crop top and skintight blue jeans.

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Loving life: Olivia Buckland seemed to be in great spirits as she stepped out in Dublin on Tuesday night

The blonde beauty showcased her lithe physique perfectly in the blue jeans, which featured chic two-tone panels.

Letting her statement top do all the talking, the reality star finished off her look with a simple pair of white trainers.

Boasting a deep glow from her recent trip to Croatia with Alex, Olivia framed her eyes with lashings of mascara and plumped her pout with nude lipstick.

Looking good: The former Love Island star, 23, showcased her envy-inducing abs in a Nineties-inspired pink sequin crop top and skintight blue jeans

Radiant: Boasting a deep glow from her recent trip to Croatia with Alex, Olivia framed her eyes with lashings of mascara and plumped her pout with nude lipstick

Her outing comes after she sensationally revealed plans to come off her birth control pills and start trying to get pregnant with Alex - who she met on Love Island last summer and got engaged to in December.

Perhaps thoughts of impending motherhood was why the blonde beauty looked so happy as she put on a busty display while enjoying a night out with Alex at the TV Choice Awards on Monday night.

She couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she posed for the cameras while leaving the Dorchester Hotel on Monday night, looking incredible in a curve-skimming little black dress.

Date night: The blonde beauty was joined at the glitzy awards bash by fiance Alex Bowen, 24, who looked dapper in black trousers and a grey jacket at the TV Choice Awards on Monday

She flaunted her gym-honed body in the figure-hugging frock - featuring racy, flesh-baring cut out strips across the bodice - which highlighted her slender figure and toned bum.

Olivia wore her blonde tresses in a loose, poker straight style with a centre parting, and went for all out glam when it came to the beauty front, favouring fluttering dark lashes, defined brows and a smokey eye.

Olivia revealed in her latest new! magazine column that she and Alex, 24, are more than ready to be parents and will start trying for baby as soon as they tie the knot next year.

Tum-thing to smile about? Olivia and Alex looked blissfully happy as they posed for pictures inside the Dorchester Hotel... as Olivia revealed plans to come off her birth control pill following their wedding and start trying for a family

The smitten star gushed: 'Alex really wants to be a dad and loves spending time with my little sister, Ayla.

'We've decided I'll come off the pill after we get married next September.

'Hopefully I'll get pregnant within a year after that. We're all grown up!'

One dress is never enough! The fashion loving star wore a skintight red frock for pre-drinks ahead of the TV Choice Awards on Monday, featuring a plunging neckline that flaunted her ample assets

New friend? The smitten couple were seen leaving the Dorchester Hotel later in the night with Love Island star Mike Thalassitis in tow

Olivia's bombshell revelation she's ready to stop taking her birth control pills comes a month after she exclusively told MailOnline she was excited about starting a family with Alex.

In an interview in July, she admitted: 'If I got pregnant now, Alex said he would want me to keep it. He's ready to be a dad.

'Alex has always said he doesn't want to be an old dad, so I'm like "What do you mean by that, how long?".

'We spoke about it the other dad and my tummy is tingling. I think two years after we get married and he doesn't want to be over 30, so it's pretty soon.'

Flawless: the star looked sensational on the beauty front, opting for dark, fluttering eye lashes, a smokey eye and pretty pink pout. She also displayed an olive green manicure - and ensured her dazzling diamond engagement ring took centre stage

Olivia and Alex met on the second series of ITV2 dating show Love Island in 2016, finishing in second place behind winning couple Cara de la Hoyde and Nathan Massey.

Alex popped the question to the blonde beauty on a romantic holiday to New York in December 2016, after just five months of dating.

Wedding planning is now fully under way with a September date booked, and Olivia admitted recently to MailOnline that while everything is going smoothly so far, she is waiting for the moment she turns into a 'bridezilla'.

'Ive got one of my best friends, who is a wedding planner on the case,' she told us in August.

'Shes helping me, weve started to get into it now,' added Olivia. 'We are ordering different invitation templates, we might look at the venue next week so weve started to get the ball rolling but I think its going to be one of those ones where Ill need all hands on deck.

Still going strong: Olivia and Alex left the Dorchester Hotel holding hands, proving they are still going strong after celebrating their first anniversary over the summer

'I think I might turn into Bridezella at some point, just waiting for it to happen.'

Meanwhile, if Olivia does fall pregnant, she would be the third islander from her series of Love Island to have a baby.

Cara is expecting a child with her now-ex boyfriend and co-star Nathan, while Emma-Jane Woodhams is pregnant with her childhood sweetheart Jordan.

'[Emma is] really pleased and happy, so its good to know shes happy about it. Theyre childhood sweethearts so it's quite a sweet little tale really,' Olivia told MailOnline.

'We've a girl Islanders Whatsapp group where we all chat about it, Cara is in there as well so two babies on the way.'
She began her rise to fame with her MTV Europe hosting gig in 2008.

Skip forward eight years and Laura Whitmore managed to steal some of the spotlight from eternally in-demand supermodel Kate Moss when she graced London's Oxford Street on Wednesday.

The petite blonde made an appearance at the opening of the flagship store for Polish fashion chain Reserved, a company for which Moss is currently the face of.

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Stylish: Laura Whitmore wowed the crowd at the opening of clothing store Reserved in London's West End on Wednesday

Whitmore wowed the crowd in a head-turning hounds tooth print mini dress. Short and showy, the outfit helped showcase the Irish beautys perfect pins.

Her ensemble was accentuated by a simple black Chanel handbag featuring golden thread detailing on the strap.

Whitmore finished off the outfit with a sexy pair of high-heeled chic black courts, which even further highlighted her slender and enviable legs.

Photographers and pedestrians alike flocked to get a look at the diminutive Irish lass.

Strike a pose: Photographers surrounded Whitmore as the large crowd tried to sneak a peek

Legs for days: Laura displayed a stunning shape with perfect legs in sexy high heels

Irish eyes: Whitmore flashed her baby blues ahead of the opening of new clothing store Reserved

Sneaky snaps: Onlookers battled for the best spot to snap a pic of the popular Irish TV host and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant

Whitmore is no stranger to fashion, having launched a self-branded clothing range called A Wear in 2009.

The star also acts as a spokesman for the charity clothing campaign Because I Am A Girl, a movement established by the Plan aid organisation with the intention of promoting female rights around the world by addressing gender discrimination and assisting females living in poverty.

Kate favoured a more toned-down outfit for the launch, classily dressed in a conservative but stylish pair of black and white striped trousers and a simple black top, capped off by a matching black jacket.

However, stepping out of a cab emblazoned with Moss own face made more of a statement that most any outfit likely would have.

All about Kate: The veteran supermodel arrived at the big event in her own branded black cab

Whitmore made a similarly fashionable splash at the BAFTAs in February, where she stunned the crowd in a figure-hugging white dress that clung to her small and shapely frame.

After making heads spin on Londons Oxford Street, Whitmore ducked inside and turned her attention to spinning some tunes on the DJ decks.

The former MTV host seemed perfectly at home spinning records, a glittery pair of sparkly gold headphones perched upon her head.

Whitmore was was a regular host on MTV Europe from 2008 to 2015. she also hosted MTV special events all over Europe before moving on to some reality TV and event hosting including I'm a Celebrity and The BRITs.

DJ Laura: Whitmore spun some tracks for the attendees at the store launch
He's landed a plum role in the highly-anticipated remake of the Stephen King horror classic It.

But instead of being scared of Pennywise the killer clown, Nicholas Hamilton is feeling the pressure from King's loyal fans.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, the 17-year-old described the buzz from fans as 'an extra layer of pressure, almost.'

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Nervous? Nicholas Hamilton is feeling the pressure from Stephen King's loyal fans ahead of his role in the It remake

Young Australian actor Nicholas Hamilton isn't foreign to playing a terrifying character.

The rising star opened up to the Herald Sun on Sunday about his starring role in the terrifying remake of Stephen King big screen adaptation of IT, where he plays town bully Henry Bowers.

'He's a really interesting character,' he told the publication.

'You see a lot of characters in movies who are just bullies and just there to be the antagonist and mess with the main character.'

'He's a really interesting character': Nicholas isn't afraid of playing a terrifying character

'So that's cool to play with. I have always found it easier to unleash a psychotic or an angsty side to me more than I like to release a comedic or charming side.'

The film has become one of the most hotly anticipated of 2017, mainly due to the fact that Bill Skarsgard's portrayal of the demonic Pennywise has been frightening audiences well before the film's release on September 8.

Director Andy Mushcietti employed method acting for the flick, intentionally keeping Bill away from the teenagers he terrorizes on screen.

That way, their fear would be very real when they came face to face on set with the wicked clown.

Bully! The 17 year old plays town bully Henry Bowers in the terrifying remake of Stephen King big screen adaptation IT

Scary! Director Andy Mushcietti employed method acting for the flick, intentionally keeping Bill away from the teenagers he terrorizes on screen

Nicholas, who was born in Alstonville on the New South Wales north coast, spoke of the first time he met the famed Swedish actor on set without his makeup.

Nicholas admits actor Bill looks much more terrifying in the white face paint and raggedy robes in the film.

However the teenager was nervous meeting the Atomic Blonde star and found 'the two-hour process of putting him in the whole Pennywise get-up' rather 'strange' and found it 'scary'.

Town bullies: A remake of the 1990 tele-movie starring Tim Curry, the film has been in the works since 2009

A remake of the 1990 tele-movie starring Tim Curry, the new film as been in the works since 2009, after former director of the film Cary Fukunaga dropped out early on in the movie's production.

IT tells the story of a group of children who live in the small fictional American town of Derry, who fight against an immortal shape-shifting clown, who disguises himself as the children's worst fears.
She has won huge acclaim for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II.

But Claire Foy admits she 'hates the idea' of the monarch sitting down to watch The Crown.

The 33-year-old tells Town & County magazine that she would be mortified to make the role 'ghoulish'.

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'I would hate it': Claire Foy admits she 'hates the idea' of Queen Elizabeth II sitting down to watch The Crown, she tells Town and Country

She explains: 'I would hate the idea of her watching it. When youre playing a real person, you never want to be ghoulish. I dont want to pick apart a person. I want to invent someone.

'So I would hate for her to watch it and think I overdramatized anything.'

Claire will play the young version of Elizabeth II in another series - but she hands over the baton to another actress.

Something, she admits, that is already making her anxious.

'Im in massive denial. I dont feel like its over,' she continued. 'Im waiting for it to hit me at some point that this stage of my life is finished, but it hasnt happened yet.'

Awkward: The 33-year-old tells Town & County magazine that she would be mortified to make the role 'ghoulish'

Moving on: Claire will play the young version of Elizabeth II in another series - but she hands over the baton to another actress, something she admits she's 'in denial' about

New stage: The role has sent her status into the stratosphere - but Stockport-born Claire is adamant she never dreamed of hitting the heavy heights of superstardom

The role has sent her status into the stratosphere - but Stockport-born Claire is adamant she never dreamed of hitting the heavy heights of superstardom.

She quips: 'Ive never been a particularly ambitious actor. I was eager to do great things, but I never was like, "What I have to do is become massive."

The October issue is out on September 12

'I just thought, maybe Ill do a job here and there, and that Ill be nice and Ill move on to a different stage of my life.'

She has become so bigtime that she was one of the main TV contenders at the Golden Globes for the Netflix smash - and was stunned to go home with the award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama.

But it was there that her new stardom really hit home - and the shock left her knocking back a martini in her hotel afterwards.

The actress reveals: 'The Golden Globes were really weird - absolutely amazing, but strange, because suddenly, without me knowing, while Ive been busy working, people felt like belonged in that room.

And Id be like, "No, you dont understand. I havent changed, its still just me." There was definitely a moment after the awards where I needed to be alone in a dark room to try to understand whats happening. I never got that moment. I got a martini and cracked on.'

CLAIRE FOY COVERS TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE ON NEWSSTANDS SEPTEMBER 12
She's suffered heartbreak already on this year's instalment of E4's Celebs Go Dating.

But putting her romance woes to the back of her mind, Charlotte Dawson, 23, set pulses racing while she luxuriated by the pool in a sizzling swimsuit in Majorca on Monday.

The flame-haired beauty - who gained prominence while on MTV's Ex On The Beach - left little to the imagination as she slipped on a metallic pink-hued swimsuit for her sunbathing session.

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Sizzling: Charlotte Dawson, 23, set pulses racing while she luxuriated by the pool in a sizzling swimsuit in Majorca on Monday

Her eighties-inspired poolside attire accentuated her gym-honed figure with its extreme high-cut silhouette that showcased her lean limbs to the fullest.

The skintight look cinched in her narrow waist while she sipped on a glass of bubbles while she teetered to her sun lounger in a pair of sky-high nude platform heeled stilettos which elongated her lean limbs.

Reality star Charlotte teased at her ample cleavage with her swimsuit's scooped neckline while she seductively posed across her double sun-bed.

Mimicking her saucy scooped neckline, Charlotte - who is daughter of the Late Les Dawson - continued to showcase her flawless figure with her one-piece's low-back which drew attention to her pert posterior.

Sun-soaked: The flame-haired beauty - who gained prominence while on MTV's Ex On The Beach - left little to the imagination as she slipped on a metallic pink-hued swimsuit for her sunbathing session

Retro: Her eighties-inspired poolside attire accentuated her gym-honed figure with its extreme high-cut silhouette that showcased her lean limbs to the fullest

Flashing the flesh: The skintight look cinched in her narrow waist while she sipped on a glass of bubbles

Oozing glamour, she worked her glossy red locks into a sleek straight style while she shielded her eyes from the Spanish rays with a pair of oversized iridescent shades.

While she accentuated her plump with a slick of nude gloss and a heavy dusting of bronzer across her cheekbones.

Charlotte has been making waves on E4 in one of the most hotly-anticipated shows of the year, Celebs Go Dating, didn't as fans watched her get dumped by a Pete Wicks lookalike.

New heights: She teetered to her sun lounger in a pair of sky-high nude platform heeled stilettos which elongated her lean limbs

Cheeky: Mimicking her saucy scooped neckline, Charlotte - who is daughter of the Late Les Dawson - continued to showcase her flawless figure with her one-piece's low-back which drew attention to her pert posterior

Ex On the Beach star Charlotte showed she was getting in the flirty mood by downing Prosecco from a bottle in a taxi en-route to the mixer.

She quickly got talking to pirate Pete doppelganger Jordan from Wolverhampton and gushed 'He is fit as f*** I just want to eat him' before passionately kissing him.

She confessed: 'I fancy the f*** out of him'.

Glam: Oozing glamour, she worked her glossy red locks into a sleek straight style while she shielded her eyes from the Spanish rays with a pair of oversized iridescent shades

Cooling down: While she accentuated her plump with a slick of nude gloss and a heavy dusting of bronzer across her cheekbones

Looking for love: Charlotte has been making waves on E4 in one of the most hotly-anticipated shows of the year, promising to deliver drama and romance in equal measure

But Lady Nadia Essex who match-makes the celebs on the E4 show was fuming, saying 'Charlotte has ignored everything we've said to her and if she carries on like this it's going to be impossible to find her a date.'

Charlotte then asked Jordan to meet for a drink and checked out his body before asking him to flash his derriere .

But it wasn't to be a fairytale ending for the pair, with the long-haired hunk saying 'I don't know how to tell you this but I recently split up with someone and I'm trying to get her back'.

A furious Charlotte then said 'He's blown it now.'
She's about to reprise an iconic Disney role as Jane Banks in the 2018 Mary Poppins sequel.

And Emily Mortimer, 45, looked every bit an icon of fashion when she attended the Rachel Comey presentation dinner in New York on Tuesday during Fashion Week.

The Shutter Island star looked relaxed as she chatted with the woman of the hour, fashion designer Rachel Comey.

White on: Emily Mortimer looked elegant in her sleeveless dress as she attended the Rachel Comey fashion dinner in New York City on Tuesday evening

Funny talk: The 45-year-old actress looked engaged as Comey chatted away

The English actress was classically beautiful in her white dress and red mules with peek-a-boo toes.

Keeping it simple, her only accessories were a single gold bracelet on her left wrist and a black handbag.

Emily wore her shoulder length brunette tresses flowing and parted in the middle.

Nice kicks: The English actress looked classically beautiful in her white dress and red mules with peek-a-boo toes

The Newsroom actress chatted comfortably with Comey, the dinners guest of honor, who herself wore the unisex clothing for which her brand has become renowned.

The designer wore a loose-fitting blue shirt, tan trousers and white heels. Her brunette locks were held back in a simple pony tail.

Mortimer is set to play a grown-up version of Jane Banks in the upcoming Mary Poppins Returns, alongside Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep.

Fashion maven: Comey wore a loose-fitting blue shirt, tan trousers and white heels. Her brunette locks were held back in a simple pony tail

The sequel to the 1964 Disney classic sees Jane and Michael Banks (played by Ben Wishaw) from the original musical visited by the titular nanny following a personal loss.

But while the children are much older now, it seems the enigmatic Mary Poppins has hardly aged at all.

Originally played by Julie Andrews in her first film role at 29, the role of the flying babysitter will be reprised in the new movie by Blunt, 34.

New: She's about to reprise an iconic Disney role as Jane Banks in the 2018 Mary Poppins sequel. Here Emily Blunt is pictured with co-star Lin-Manuel Miranda

Mary Poppins Returns hits US screens on December 25, 2018.

Emily Mortimer has been married to American actor Alessandro Nivola since 2003.

The pair met on the set of the 2000 film Love's Labour's Lost. The couple have two children - Samuel, 13, and May, seven, and live in Brooklyn.
Its possible  even likely  that thousands of Billings residents and business owners will, beginning Dec. 1, be paying less for their fire insurance.

Acting Fire Chief Bill Rash told the Billings City Council during a work session Tuesday that the Insurance Services Office (ISO), which among other services evaluates the fire protection capabilities in more than 46,000 communities around the country, has upped Billings classification from a 4 to a 3. That puts Billings in the top 7 percent of fire departments that ISO evaluates.

That Class 3 rating applies only to homes and businesses in Billings city limits and properties within five miles of a Billings fire station, an area referred to as BUFSA, for Billings Urban Fire Service Area.

It excludes, Rash said, most of the Rehberg Ranch Estates as well as Briarwood.

Rash said that whether a discount will be offered with the higher classification depends on each individual insurance company.

The ISO report indicates two main factors were involved in the improved rating: improvements in firefighter training and the addition of a new, third aerial truck.

The report also indicated possible areas of improvement needed to improve the rating even more:

Additional fire stations and firefighters

The addition of a fire education program

Automatic aid agreements.

Those suggested improvements are being reviewed by a consulting firm hired by the city as part of the development of a long range master plan for the Billings Fire Department.

Bozeman and Missoula both have Classification 3 ratings. Great Falls enjoys a Classification 2 rating.

One is the best score a fire department can receive; 10 is the worst. More than 1,500 communities have received the lowest possible rating; 241 received the top rating.

One Big Sky Center update

Representatives of Hammes Company of Madison, Wis., which is partnering with MontDevCo LLC and is currently studying the project, plan to be in Billings Sept. 25-26 and will probably meet with the City Council before its Sept. 25 business meeting.

That meeting will be open to the public.

According to a Hammes Company update, company officials plan to meet with prospective tenants this month and have a draft concept development plan ready in October. They anticipate presenting that plan to the City Council in November ahead of a December deadline for completing a development agreement agreeable to both the developers and the City Council.

Hammes Company principals have also been meeting with City Administrator Tina Volek and Assistant City Administrator Bruce McCandless. As part of their due diligence, company officials worked during the month of August to:

Begin a macro-level market analysis

Review site constraints and opportunities

Review user and facility needs

Evaluate urban design and planning concepts

Meet with project stakeholders.

Downtown safety study

Planning and public works departments, the Montana Department of Transportation and a number of groups, including Billings TrailNet and the Downtown Billings Alliance, plan a $200,000 study to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles in the downtown corridor bounded by Division, Main Street, Sixth Avenue North and First Avenue South.

A request for proposals will go out in October. The study should be completed by spring 2018, Public Works Director Dave Mumford told the council.

This is a much broader project than originally conceived, he said. We need to look at it comprehensively, using a lot of groups. We think with all these organizations coming together, we will bring you something that is useful, something you can make decisions on.
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Jennifer Lawrence put on a display befitting her undeniable status as one of Hollywoods most glamorous actresses as she attended the UK premiere of new film Mother! on Wednesday evening.

The American star commanded attention in a sophisticated sheer gown ahead of the launch on London's Leicester Square, just days after its first official screening in competition at the 74th annual Venice Film Festival.

With an intricate cobweb detail, the revealing dress ensured Jennifer, 27, claimed the lions share of the spotlight as she made her way onto the red carpet.

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Striking: Jennifer Lawrence put on a display befitting her undeniable status as one of Hollywoods most glamorous actresses as she attended the UK premiere of new film Mother! on Wednesday evening

Its form fitting design drew further attention to the actress's slender physique, while a bold, plunging back gave the overall look a dramatic flourish.

Allowing her dress to dominate, Jennifer wisely opted for no accessories, while her generously applied make-up was selected from a rich, smoky palette.

The actress's striking features were all the more prominent by virtue of her decision to pin her tousled blonde locks in a tasteful bun.

All eyes on me: The American star commanded attention in a sophisticated sheer gown ahead of the launch on London's Leicester Square, just days after its first official screening in competition at the 74th annual Venice Film Festival

Hard to miss: With an intricate cobweb detail, the revealing dress ensured Jennifer, 27, claimed the lions share of the spotlight as she made her way onto the red carpet

Looking good: Its form fitting design drew further attention to the actress's slender physique as she posed for photos

A touch of class: A bold, plunging back gave the overall look a dramatic flourish during Jennifer's latest red carpet appearance on behalf of the new film

Tasteful: Allowing her dress to dominate, Jennifer wisely opted for no accessories, while her generously applied make-up was selected from a rich, smoky palette

Evidently in high spirits, the Academy Award winning star greeted onlookers with a characteristically warm smile before indulging fans with autographs and selfies.

Completing her look with a pair of strappy heels, Jennifer offered photographers a smouldering look before making her way inside Leicester Square's Odeon cinema.

The actress was joined by a host of stars on the night, amongst them director boyfriend Darren Aronofsky - with whom she embarked on a relationship while shooting the new film.

She's pleased: Evidently in high spirits, the Academy Award winning star greeted onlookers with a characteristically warm smile before indulging fans with autographs and selfies

Smouldering: Jennifer looked incredible as she prepared to launch her latest film, directed by Darren Aronofsky, in London on Wednesday evening

Oh, Mother! The actress dominated proceedings outside Leicester Square Odeon as fans gathered for a glimpse of the film's star-studded cast

Despite the film's billing as an edge of the seat psychological thriller, The Hollywood Reporter claim it was met with a chorus of 'large boos' after launching in Venice.

Taking its frosty reception within their stride however, Aronofsky hit back at the negative response, suggesting he knew it wouldn't suit to everyone's tastes.

Speaking of the film, he explained: 'I think its a very, very strong cocktail. Of course there are going to be people who are not going to want that type of experience. And thats fine.

Centre of attention: The actress struck an obligatory pose for photographers outside the London venue

Dubious reception: Despite her latest film's billing as an edge of the seat psychological thriller, The Hollywood Reporter claim it was met with a chorus of 'large boos' after launching in Venice

Ravishing: Jennifer was at her flawless best during the latest promotional pit-stop on behalf of her latest film

In good company: (L-R) Dierector Darren Aronofsky, Domhnall Gleeson and Jennifer Lawrence united at the Mother! premiere

Banter: Mother! director Aronofsky and Irish star Gleeson shared a light-hearted joke on the red carpet

Complex: Jennifer's gown featured sheer detail and a delicate, multi-layered cobweb design

'Ive been very clear that this is a roller coaster, and only come on it if youre prepared to loop the loop a few times.'

The film was written and directed by Aronofsky, who is now dating Jennifer, with the glamorous couple embarking on a relationship privately in September 2016 after filming had wrapped.

While she is famously tight-lipped about her romantic life, Jennifer recently opened up about her romance with the director in an interview with US Vogue.

Finishing touches: The actress completed hr latest red carpet look with a pair of strappy silver heels

Over here Jennifer! The Hollywood star ensured her fans got what they wanted as she made her way across the red carpet

Familiar features: The actress's striking features were all the more prominent by virtue of her decision to pin her tousled blonde locks in a tasteful bun

Speaking about their new horror film to the magazine, the actress admitted she could not believe his 'brilliance' on set, before referring to him as a boyfriend.

She said: 'When I saw the movie, I was reminded all over again how brilliant he is. For the past year, Ive been dealing with him as just a human.

Ive been in relationships before where I am just confused. And Im never confused with him. We had energy. I had energy for him. I dont know how he felt about me.'

Say cheese: (L-R) Darren Aronofsky, Domhnall Gleeson, Jennifer Lawrence and Scott Franklin posed for photos inside Odeon Leicester Square on Wednesday evening

Special appearance: Salma Hayek sported a sophisticated black trouser suit for her appearance at the UK premiere

Happy couple: The Mexican actress was joined by her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault

Other guests to attend the UK premiere on Wednesday evening included Salma Hayek, who arrived on the arm of businessman husband Francois-Henri Pinault.

The Mexican actress, 51, looked typically elegant in a stylish black two-piece trouser suit teamed with a vivid floral print blouse.

Elsewhere Maya Jama, the girlfriend of grime star Stormzy, made her presence felt in a thigh-skimming maroon evening dress.

Posing for photographers, the sultry 22-year old Bristolian showed off her toned legs before making her way inside, where she was joined by the likes of British violinist Linzi Stoppard, First Dates stars Cici Coleman and Laura Tott and former X Factor contestant Luke Friend.

Blooming lovely: Salma added to her subdued look with a bold floral blouse and tasteful black leather handbag

In attendance: Maya Jama, the girlfriend of grime star Stormzy, ensured her presence was felt at the event on Wednesday evening

Ravishing in red: The sultry presenter caught the eye in a thigh-skimming maroon evening dress

Date night: Cici Coleman and Laura Tott, best known for their appearances on TV show First Dates, joined guests at the lavish event

Hitting all the right notes: British violinist Linzi Stoppard made an appearance at the premiere in a stylish ice blue dress

You've got a Friend in me: Singer Luke Friend, formerly of talent show The X Factor, was also in attendance on Wednesday evening

Hat's off: Hollywood star Jennifer looked low-key in an off-duty ensemble as she arrived in London on Wednesday afternoon, sporting a grey cardigan, a pair of skinny jeans and a raffish wide-brimmed hat
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Jamie Foxx refused to comment on his relationship with actress Katie Holmes as he was spotted out in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

However, the 49-year-old Ray actor - who finally went public with the actress on Monday - was all smiles and flashed a thumbs up when he was asked about the romance.

In a video obtained by Dailymail.com Jamie was asked if he and Katie were an item but chose to keep quiet on the matter.

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The smile that says everything? Jamie Foxx refused to comment on his relationship with actress Katie Holmes as he was spotted out in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Instead the star, grinning from ear to ear, greeted a fan who excitedly approached him to shake his hand.

Wearing a white sweater and jeans the actor looked relaxed as he headed back to his car in the parking lot of his children's school.

'Dropping the kids off at school man' the Collateral star told reporters in the clip.

Jamie and Katie, 38, who are believed to have been dating since 2013, finally appeared in public together as they enjoyed a day at the beach on Monday.

Running errands: Wearing a white sweater and jeans the actor looked relaxed as he headed back to his car in the parking lot of his children's school

He's in great spirits: Foxx was all smiles and flashed a thumbs up when he was asked about the romance

The two have taken extraordinary measures to keep their relationship secret amid claims Katie's ex-husband included a clause in her 2012 divorce settlement banning her from publicly dating for five years.

But there was no hiding their feelings for one another as they held hands and laughed together while walking along the sand in Malibu on Monday.

The former Dawson's Creek star looked lovely in a summery blue patterned frock, while the Oscar-winning actor sported sweatpants and a T-shirt.

For years, the pair have dodged rumors that they were an item.

Cool guy: The Django Unchained star sported a grey beanie and stylish sunglasses as he ran errands

'Dropping the kids off at school man' the Collateral star told reporters in the clip

It's confirmed: Foxx and Holmes, who are believed to have been dating since 2013, finally appeared in public together as they enjoyed a day at the beach on Monday

It's thought that Katie had agreed with former husband Tom Cruise not to publicly date anyone for five years as part of their 2012 divorce settlement.

They were first linked romantically in August 2013, a little over a year after Katie divorced the Hollywood star after almost six years of marriage.

The actress split from the Top Gun superstar in 2012 after six years. Their romance was one the Hollywood's biggest headline makers after they got engaged in 2005 after just seven weeks of dating.

Together: The two had been rumored to have been dating since 2013 but have never publicly confirmed their relationship

Just happy: Jamie sported sweatpants and a T-shirt for the beach day while Katie was lovely in a summery blue patterned frock

Au natural: Katie wore her brunette hair loose under her hat and sported shades but no make-up

A year after the split, Katie and Jamie were photographed flirting and dancing together at a charity bash in The Hamptons.

However, the Django Unchained actor denied the rumors at the time, calling them 'hilarious' and 'one hundred percent not true' during an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

Jamie is also connected to Cruise; the pair appeared alongside each other in 2004 thriller Collateral.

But the speculation didn't die down; if anything it persisted and grew stronger despite the fact that Foxx and Holmes were never spotted together.

It was claimed the two met at each other's homes and that Katie sometimes disguised herself with wigs and hats to meet up with her man without being noticed.

Then in March 2015, a photo surfaced showing the two stars sitting in a recording studio holding hands.

Out in the open: But the two did nothing to hide their feelings on Monday as they shared a joke on the sand

Having fun: Katie, who has a daughter Suri, 11, from her marriage to Cruise, showed off her playful side with some seaweed

Watch out: Jamie appeared to take a photo of Katie with his smart phone as she waved the seaweed around

Carefree day: Both Jamie and Katie are parents. Jamie has two daughters, Corinne, 23, and Annalise, eight. Katie's daughter Suri is now 11

Again, Foxx denied any romance.

In June 2016, there seemed to be the first public confirmation that Foxx and Holmes were, indeed, in a relationship when former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Claudia Jordan, a friend of the actor and singer, said they were dating.

'He is very happy with her. I like that he seems very happy,' Claudia said during an interview for the Allegedly podcast.

Had an agreement: It's thought that Katie had agreed as part of her divorce settlement with Cruise that she wouldn't publicly date anyone for five years after the end of her marriage

Relief: The five-year waiting period, if it existed, ended this summer leaving Holmes and Foxx free to go public

However, Jordan quickly walked back her comments, stating she misspoke and telling Entertainment Tonight the day after the podcast reveal that she had 'no knowledge of Jamie with Katie at all.'

'I've never seen them together. He's never told me he's dating her,' she said.

Just earlier this year on the Graham Norton chatshow, Jamie tried to re-iterate he wasn't attached, insisting that dating at his age is hard.

He said: 'It's tough out there. I'm getting older but people think I'm younger. All the young girls out there... it's terrible.

Bi-coastal: The former Mrs. Tom Cruise divides her time between New York and a home in Calabasas, not far from Foxx's country mansion in the upscale Lake Sherwood enclave

Paddling: The actor enjoyed himself as he ran into the surf and looked blissfully happy

Hat's off to them: Katie and Jamie managed to pull off one of the most secret romances in Hollywood history

'I hate going to clubs in LA.... I was the club and these girls pulled up like, 'Oh my God, it's Jamie Foxx... we know your daughter.... when I told them how old I was, you would have thought I had a terminal disease. They were like, "Oh my god!"

But the evidence of a relationship continued to stack up.

In August 2016, Katie was in the audience to cheer on Foxx as he performed on stage with Barbra Streisand at her concert in the Big Apple. A few months later, the two were reported to have enjoyed a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico to celebrate Holmes's 38th birthday.

This past April, a fellow diner did manage to snap a photo of the celebrity couple out to dinner together in New York which was then shared to social media.

Sandy stroll: The pair checked out Jamie's phone as they stopped for a moment during their walk

All alone: The celebrity couple only had eyes for each other

Content: The couple looked completely relaxed and at ease with each other as they also spent time together on their beachfront patio

Relaxed: They spent time taking in the ocean view not caring who saw them

Committed: The couple have found a way to make their romance work despite the obstacles

In May, Holmes and Foxx were snapped separately boarding the same private jet at Le Bourget Airport in Paris after enjoying time together in the French capital where they were photographed leaving the Park Hyatt Vendome hotel, again separately.

But the two were growing tired of the subterfuge, it was claimed earlier this year.

'To make it impossible to get photo evidence that they are together, they traveled in cars with tinted windows and took secret back elevators. They had it down to a science,' a source told UsWeekly in April.

But, the source added, the first source, 'Katie is tired of playing the hiding game.'

So why go public now? It could be to do with the date.

Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx romance: A timeline June 29, 2012: Katie Holmes files for divorce from Tom Cruise after five-and-a-half years of marriage and seeks sole custody of daughter Suri August 2013: The actress is seen flirting and dancing with Jamie Foxx at a charity bash in The Hamptons October 2013: Foxx, who won an Oscar for the film Ray, called dating rumors 'hilarious' and 'one hundred percent not true' in an interview with ET March 2015: A photo surfaced showing Holmes and Fox sitting in a recording studio holding hands with the actor's legs intertwined with hers December 2015: Katie was a guest at Jamie's surprise birthday party at a New York restaurant June 2016: Foxx's friend Claudia Jordan told the Allegedly podcast that he was happily dating Holmes. One day later, the former Real Housewives Of Atlanta star walked back her comments, saying she misspoke August 2016: Katie was in the audience to cheer on Foxx as he performed on stage with Barbra Streisand at her concert in the Big Apple December 2016: The two were reported to have enjoyed a romantic getaway to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico to celebrate the actress's 38th birthday April 2017: A fellow diner snapped a photo of Jamie and Katie having dinner together in New York and the snap was circulate don social media May 2017: The pair were seen separately leaving the same hotel in Paris and boarding, separately, the same private jet at Le Bourget airport September 4, 2017: Jamie and Katie walk hand-in-hand on the beach at Malibu publicly declaring their love for each other Advertisement

Ready to go public: Both were growing weary of the subterfuge, it's been reported

Fed and watered: The couple had help for their romantic beach getaway with refreshments served for them on the patio

Treated: The couple had nothing to do but kickback

Besotted: They enjoyed some quiet time at an outdoor dining table

A good day: Katie was spotted running her hands through her long loose brunette locks as she relaxed

The look of love: Katie couldn't stop smiling and gazing adoringly at her beau

Had a little company: The two paused for a chat with a gentleman who seemed to be pointing something out to them on the beach

Exclusive venue: The exotic location looked lush with its palm trees while the pair seemed happy enough to talk to other residents

In September last year, RadarOnline claimed that as part of her quickie divorce settlement from Top Gun star Cruise, Holmes had agreed not to publicly date anyone until five years had passed following the end of her marriage.

That five year period ended this past June leaving the way open for the couple to publicly declare their love for each other.

DailyMail.com previously contacted reps for both Holmes and Cruise regarding the alleged divorce agreement.

'My sweetie': Katie, 38, shared this cute snap of her with daughter Suri on Wednesday

Hollywood marriage: The actress split from the Top Gun superstar in 2012 after six years. Their romance was one the Hollywood's biggest headline makers after they got engaged in 2005 after just seven weeks of dating
He reportedly was placed in a 5150 psychiatric hold and sent to the West Hills Hospital near Los Angeles in mid August.

But Scott Disick looked to have brushed off his woes as he was seen looking flirty with a pretty brunette on Tuesday night in NYC.

The 34-year-old reality television star paid a lot of attention to Instagram model Audreyana Michelle, who looks remarkably similar to his ex-girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian.

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Night out: Scott Disick looked to have brushed off his woes as he was seen looking flirty with a pretty brunette on Tuesday night in NYC

The pair were seen together at Bar Pitti in the West Village, as Fashion Week kicks off in the Big Apple.

They appeared to leave together in the same vehicle.

Audreyana put on an eye-catching leggy display in a thigh-skimming mini skirt.

Back to old tricks? The 34-year-old reality television star paid a lot of attention to Instagram model Audreyana Michelle, who looks remarkably similar to his ex-girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian

Audreyana was also recently linked to Justin Bieber, who - in turn - has also been linked to Scott's ex Kourtney.

Kourtney, 38, is now dating 23-year-old Younes Bendjima.

Self-appointed Lord Disick reportedly kept some health issues a secret this summer.

Date? The pair were seen together at Bar Pitti in the West Village, as Fashion Week kicks off in the Big Apple

Pretty brunette: Audreyana was also recently linked to Justin Bieber, who - in turn - has also been linked to Scott's ex Kourtney

Something on your mind? Scott looked serious and the pair headed from the venue

Sexy: Audreyana put on an eye-catching leggy display in a thigh-skimming mini skirt

Difficult times: Scott was reportedly was placed in a 5150 psychiatric hold and sent to the West Hills Hospital near Los Angeles in mid August

heading off: They appeared to leave together in the same vehicle

According to a Wednesday report from The Blast, the star was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold last month.

A source told RadarOnline the Keeping Up With The Kardashians standout was 'involuntarily hospitalized for being a danger to himself or others.'

Kourtney, with whom he has three children, rushed to the hospital to be by his side, it was also claimed.

Supportive: Scott's ex, Kourtney Kardashian (pictured earlier this week) is said to have rushed to his side in the wake of the incident

RadarOnline and UsWeekly received a confirmation from the LA Fire Department: 'On August 18, LAFD responded to a call from the home of Scott Disick.

'He was transported to a local hospital shortly after the Lost Hills Sheriff arrived to the scene. No other information is available.'

His representative has not returned calls to DailyMail.com.

Scott had referred to himself as a 'f***ed up, horrible sex addict' on a Keeping Up With The Kardashians episode that aired this May, as Us Weekly had reported.

Yet by late July, he was telling E! News: 'I would say I think it's a little rude that everybody keeps addressing me as a sex addict. I just like sex, but I'm not a sex addict,' clarifying: 'I said that in a humorous, joking fashion on the show and now I'm getting billed as one, and it's not the case. I do like sex, but I am not an addict.'

Back to normal: The party boy has been seen since. Here he was spotted with a mystery woman on Sunday in Malibu

He was seen on Sunday with a mystery brunette in Malibu and appeared cheerful.

On August 28, he looked fine as he went to Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills for lunch.

The Blast claimed that the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a call from Disicks Hidden Hills home at 4:54 PM on August 18.

The site added that a member of the fire department told them that the Los Angeles County Sheriffs also 'responded to assist.'

And law enforcement sources told the site that the sheriffs were called because 'at the time Disick was being uncooperative.'

But the reality TV star - who has three children with Kourtney - had 'calmed down' by the time the sheriffs have arrived and was 'complying with officials.'

But the officials still felt the need to take him to the hospital on a 5150 hold. Kanye West and Britney Spears have also been placed on 5150 holds.

West Hills is near Calabasas where Kourtney resides with their three children.

His ex: Koutney, seen here with Scott and their three kids in 2016, rushed to his side

The hold usually lasts 72 hours and several tests are performed. Scott was 'transported to the ER at West Hills Hospital,' it was claimed.

The reality TV star was 'given a private room with his own security guard posted outside,' according to a source for The Blast.

Kourtney 'showed up to support the father of her children and wanted to be there because he has no other family.'

The star was 'allowed to take smoke breaks periodically, but was accompanied by hospital staff at all times,' it was noted.

Though doctors recommend a 72 hour hold for a 5150 patient, the source claimed that Scott was released earlier.

He has since been seen partying in New York City and Las Vegas.

Too wild for her: Earlier this year Bella Thorne, who briefly dated Scott, said that she had a hard time hanging out with him because he drank too much alcohol. Seen in May

Scott has a reputation for being a hard party boy. He often hosts clubs for payment and can be seen drinking at the events.

On August 4 he looked bleary eyed as he hosted The Pool After Dark at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

In late July he appeared gaunt but exited when he hosted a night out at 1 OAK Nightclub at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Earlier this year Bella Thorne, who briefly dated Scott, said that she had a hard time hanging out with him because he drank too much alcohol.

They seemed to take a break from each other but were seen going out side by side over the summer.

Checked out: The Lord is renting out his Hidden Hills home for $60k a month

Scott had entered rehab in 2015 after his split from longtime partner Kourtney. He later said the rehab was for pills and not for alcohol.

It marked the fourth time Disick had entered rehab. He previously sought treatment in Costa Rica in March 2015, although he checked out of the facility later that month.

In November 2014, his attempt at recovery for alcohol and drug-related health issues was also documented on Kourtney & Khloe Take The Hamptons.

'This behavior has been going on for years,' Kourtney said on the show. Scott added, 'I've pretty much become a broken record and I'm sick of hearing myself.'

Disick entered a Connecticut facility following a night of hard partying that left him thinking he was going to die, although he left early.
She's among four finalists who are vying to win Matty 'J' Johnson's heart.

And there's no denying that Tara Pavlovic has developed strong chemistry with The Bachelor hunk.

The 27-year-old nanny, who has enjoyed a number of passionate kisses with Matty, told OK! magazine on Thursday that they secretly exchanged X-rated messages behind-the-scenes.

X-rated confessions: Tara Pavlovic told OK! magazine on Thursday that she and Matty 'J' Johnson secretly exchanged X-rated messages behind-the-scenes

'I don't think he's vanilla at all,' she said.

'He may come across like that, but he's actually a lot naughtier than you might think.

She continued: 'We had little secret jokes when the cameras were off... [They were] X-rated jokes we'd have a good laugh about.'

The X-rated confession comes after Tara, who is a second favourite behind Laura Byrne to win the series, openly questioned her feelings for Matty, 30.

Steamy: 'We had little secret jokes when the cameras were off... [They were] X-rated jokes we'd have a good laugh about,' Tara said

She recently told NW that while she's sure she will find love some day, it may or may not be with Matty.

'I think I could fall in love eventually, yeah,' she said.

'But am I falling in love? I don't think so...'

The Gold Coast beauty went on to make some explosive allegations about the Sydney marketing director, claiming that all of the contestants have similar feelings.

'I don't think he's vanilla at all': Tara said Matty is 'a lot naughtier than you might think'

It's been a rollercoaster of emotion for Tara during the series.

Her revelations come after she shared a full date with Matty in August, ending in a steamy makeout session.

And it seemed as if the blonde bombshell didn't stop there to win the hunk's heart.

'Everyone feels the same': Despite her questioning her love for the hunky Bachelor star, her actions tended to display something very different last week

Tara revealed an artwork she had done for Matty on Tuesday, an impressive Bachelor-themed painting that showed her and her fellow contestants surrounding him.

She in turn received a rose, keeping her alive in the competition for another week.

As the reality TV series draws to a close, it's becoming increasingly apparent that it's really anyone's game.

Jewellery designer Laura Byrne is tipped to be the favourite to win the series, with Tara to come runner up.
Katie Holmes and her daughter Suri looked to be having a cute mommy and me lunch on Wednesday.

The Ray Donovan actress and the child, aged 11, she had with ex-husband Tom Cruise laughed as they sat at an outdoor table in a restaurant. The Dawson's Creek vet captioned her image: 'My sweetie.'

There appeared to be another person at the table who stepped away, leaving their glass of white wine and cell phone. That person could be Jamie Foxx, the actor Katie was seen holding hands with over the weekend. It is believed the two have been quietly dating for four years.

'My sweetie': Katie Holmes shared a photo with daughter Suri on Wednesday after images of the star with Jamie Foxx emerged

So close: Katie and her little one together on Sunday at the Malibu Chili Cook-Off

Foxx refused to comment on his relationship with actress Katie Holmes as he was spotted out in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

However, the 49-year-old Ray actor was all smiles and flashed a thumbs up when he was asked about the romance.

In a video obtained by Dailymail.com Jamie was asked if he and Katie were an item but chose to keep quiet on the matter.

It has now been suggested that the pair have been keeping a lid on things as a clause in her Tom Cruise divorce settlement sees her receive 7million.

Radar Online reported that Katie 'agreed not to publicly date another man for five years in exchange for 3.8million in child support and a 3.8million payment for herself' [writes The Sun].

The smile that says everything? Foxx refused to comment on his relationship with Holmes as he was spotted out in Los Angeles on Wednesday

An insider claimed: 'Katie signed a clause in her quickie divorce settlement that prevents her from embarrassing Tom in various ways, like talking about him or Scientology, or publicly dating another man for five years after the divorce.

'Shes allowed to date, but she cannot do so in a public fashion, and shes not supposed to let any boyfriend near their daughter, Suri.

'[She] got $4.8 million in child support, plus another $5 million for herself.'

Grinning from ear to ear, Jamie greeted a fan who excitedly approached him to shake his hand in the video of him crossing the parking lot.

Running errands: Wearing a white sweater and jeans the actor looked relaxed as he headed back to his car in the parking lot of his children's school

Wearing a white sweater and jeans the actor looked relaxed as he headed back to his car in the parking lot of his children's school.

'Dropping the kids off at school man' the Collateral star told reporters in the clip.

Jamie and Katie, 38, who are believed to have been dating since 2013, finally appeared in public together as they enjoyed a day at the beach on Monday.

Normal dad: 'Dropping the kids off at school man' the Collateral star told reporters in the clip

He didn't want to say too much: Jamie is known for being private about his private life

The two have taken extraordinary measures to keep their relationship secret amid claims Katie's ex-husband included a clause in her 2012 divorce settlement banning her from publicly dating for five years.

But there was no hiding their feelings for one another as they held hands and laughed together while walking along the sand in Malibu on Monday.

The former Dawson's Creek star looked lovely in a summery blue patterned frock, while the Oscar-winning actor sported sweatpants and a T-shirt.

For years, the pair have dodged rumors that they were an item.

It's confirmed: Foxx and Holmes, who are believed to have been dating since 2013, finally appeared in public together as they enjoyed a day at the beach on Monday

Sweet and easy: The stars looked relaxed as they got their feet wet in Malibu

He makes her laugh: The Ohio native chuckled as she stood next to the comedic dynamo

Walk on the wild side: It's been claimed that Katie did not admit she was dating Jamie because her ex Tom asked her not to

Side by side with my boo: The Batman Begins star smiled as her love enjoyed a drink

It's thought that Katie had agreed with former husband Cruise not to publicly date anyone for five years as part of their 2012 divorce settlement.

They were first linked romantically in August 2013, a little over a year after Katie divorced the Hollywood star after almost six years of marriage.

The actress split from the Top Gun superstar in 2012 after six years. Their romance was one the Hollywood's biggest headline makers after they got engaged in 2005 after just seven weeks of dating.

A year after the split, Katie and Jamie were photographed flirting and dancing together at a charity bash in The Hamptons.
Jesse Williams and estranged wife Aryn Drake-Lee have agreed on sharing joint-custody of their two children.

Interestingly, the agreement forbids the kids from meeting either's 'romantic' partners others 'until the relationship has endured at least 6 months,' according to TMZ.

It's thought that the curious clause could be directed at the Grey's Anatomy star's rumored romantic interest Minka Kelly, who has been linked to the star since early summer.

Coming to terms: Jesse Williams and estranged wife Aryn Drake-Lee have agreed on sharing joint-custody of their two children, according to a TMZ report on Wednesday

No meet and greets here! The contract specifically forbids both parents to 'introduce a person with whom he or she has a romantic relationship' to their kids. It's very possible the clause could be directed at the Grey's Anatomy star's new flame Minka Kelly (above in July)

The contract also states that 'neither parent can make derogatory remarks about the other in front of the children.'

The five-years married couple share son Maceo, nearly two, and daughter Sadie, three.

It doesn't not break down the terms of the kids' physical custody arrangement, however.

The custody contract specifically forbids both Jesse and Aryn to 'introduce a person with whom he or she has a romantic relationship' to their kids 'until the relationship has endured at least 6 months.'

Kinds words: The contract also states that 'neither parent can make derogatory remarks about the other in front of the children.' Above Jesse is seen in 2016

This comes on the heels of William's rumored relationship with Minka Kelly, who have been linked since seen enjoying an incognito movie date together in July.

Back on August 15 the maybe-couple made a much more bold appearance as they dined together at Largo at the Coronet in LA.

Before the Grey's Anatomy star and his estranged wife reached their agreement, New York real estate agent Drake-Lee made an attempt to keep the star from posting photos of their children on social media.

Her concern hinged upon the fact unstable fans may attempt to engage Williams through Sadie and Maceo, potentially hurting the toddlers in the process.

Throwback to 2010: Williams and Drake-Lee have finally come to an agreement after waging a bitted custody battled against one another since their split in April

Williams at present has roughly 2.25 million followers on Twitter and approximately 2.4 million on Instagram - and Drake-Lee has, indeed, noted in her court documents that her estranged husband has a massive online audience.

The website has pointed out that several photos of the children have vanished from Williams' social media pages.

TMZ had reported on August 15 that Drake-Lee had, around that time, accused Williams of posting social media photos of the children so that they'd become a 'buffer for the negative talk about him in the media.'

As TMZ have since revealed, her counter to Williams' argument about his First Amendment rights was to refer to the children's own rights, and to the fact that they aren't public figures.

Put down the phone: Last month Drake-Lee accused Williams of posting social media photos of the children so that they'd become a 'buffer for the negative talk about him in the media'

According to explosive court documents, Williams accused his estranged wife of repeatedly slamming the front door on his leg while yelling at him in front of their two young children.

He claims Drake-Lee has stopped him from spending time with the kids, rarely answers the phone when he tries to FaceTime them and bars him from making any decisions regarding their lives, according to legal papers.

The actor flatly denies Drake-Lee's claims that he is an unfit parent - filed in court papers earlier this month - as completely false.

Grey's Anatomy star Williams (pictured together in 2016) filed for divorce from Aryn Drake-Lee in April and has since been linked to actress Minka Kelly

In the papers, filed at Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, Williams says: 'I can certainly care for Sadie and Maceo without assistance and did so on many occasions during our marriage.

'Like Aryn I should have sufficient time with Sadie and Maceo each week, including overnights, to continue to strengthen the very special bond I share with them and share equally int he parenting role.

'Aryn's clear intent, as shown throughout her testimony is to marginalize and dismiss me as a parent, micromanage my time with the children and to exclude me from all decision regarding out children, no matter how important.'

The couple (pictured in 2013) have been embroiled in a nasty custody battle over their children

He added that he has always paid a 'constant and significant role in their lives' attending medical appointments, school events and other activities.

Williams said that working full time on Grey's Anatomy does not stop him from being a 'doting parent' and claims he does all he can to 'free up as much time as possible' to spend with the kids.

The actor accuses Drake-Lee of 'severely restricting' his time with the kids over the past five months and routinely leaving him out of decisions regarding them.

She also refuses to let her children enjoy overnight stays with their father, according to the court documents.

'I have never been, and all never be an absentee parent as Aryn implies,' he said.

It takes two: Williams (above in 2016) accused his ex of keeping the actor from seeing his kids, saying 'Aryn is unilaterally parenting our children without any inout from me'

'Aryn has severely restricted my custodial time with the children these past five months and has routinely denied me the joint legal custodial right to make decisions that affect the children.

'It is hard enough for young children like ours to go one month without having meaningful contact with me, going five months has been completely devastating to them and me.'

The TV star slammed his ex for refusing to communicate with him about the children or share any information about their well-being.

The star explained: 'Aryn is unilaterally parenting our children without any inout from me; her marginalizing of me as their father is deeply disconcerting.'

In previous court documents Williams' estranged wife slammed the actor over his parenting skills, claiming he suffers violent rages and worries he exposes their two children to a 'revolving door' of women.

Williams (pictured in Grey's Anatomy) claims Drake-Lee, 34, has stopped him from spending time with the kids

Drake-Lee claims the actor's multiple girlfriends and fits of rage are affecting the emotional well-being of their offspring.

She listed a slew of reasons why she believes she should have sole custody of the children after their 14-year relationship broke down.

Drake-Lee's terms require the actor to keep his romantic partners away from the children until he hits the six-month dating mark.

In the previous filing Drake-Lee says the Los Angeles based star regularly jets away on trips to Paris, New York, Florida and within California, adding: 'I am concerned about what Jesse defines as 'business' or 'work', what is real, speculation, or lies.

Since the split, Williams has been romantically linked to Minka Kelly

'Jesse had provided me little, if anything, upon which to establish trust in his representations.'

Williams and Drake-Lee had a 14-year relationship, and were married for five.

Drake-Lee - who has worked in real estate and the art world as well as managing her husband's career  was Williams' rock and the main breadwinner until the actor scored a role on Grey's Anatomy in 2009.

She previously told the court that Williams is not 'putting our children's needs first', adding: 'His actions demonstrate disrespect to our children and me, and put me in a tough spot as a parent.'
She recently celebrated her sweet 16th birthday with friends and family at home in Malibu, California.

Kaia Gerber continued the celebrations on the East Coast with a shopping trip at Alexander Wang in New York City on Wednesday.

The young stunner also made a subtle tribute to her supermodel mother Cindy Crawford by wearing a large Pepsi racing jacket as she exited the fashion house.

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Birthday week! Kaia Gerber continued the birthday celebrations on the East Coast with a shopping trip at Alexander Wang in New York City on Wednesday

The birthday girl showed off her slender form and exposed her toned tummy in a short and sweet white crop top.

Kaia slipped into a tiny pair of tight black leather pants for her shopping adventure in New York.

She covered up her arms in an over-sized racing jacket with the Pepsi logo emblazoned across the front, a possible shoutout to her mother's infamous Super Bowl commercial in 1992

Model behavior! The 16-year-old stunner also made a subtle tribute to her supermodel mother Cindy Crawford by wearing a large Pepsi racing jacket as she exited the fashion house.

Mini me: Kaia covered up her arms in an over-sized racing jacket with the Pepsi logo emblazoned across the front

The young model carried two white Alexander Wang bags carefully while walking to a waiting car.

Her makeup seemed to be fresh and natural, with her chocolate brown hair parted down the middle and hanging loosely near her shoulders.

Clearly born with great genes, Kaia looked like a spitting image of her famous mother Cindy.

Young model: Her makeup seemed to be fresh and natural, with her chocolate brown hair parted down the middle and hanging loosely near her shoulders.

Supermodel: Cindy Crawford starred in the now iconic 1992 Pepsi Super Bowl commercial

Cindy has been careful about getting her daughter into modeling. Kaia did not start working until she was 14-years-old and she has to still attend high school as she fits in jobs.

She told Vogue in July that juggling school and work is not easy: 'Its really difficult, because you have a lot of different things going on.

'I go to school everyday, and that does come first. I use my free time for work, but because I love it so much, it doesnt feel like work and I still have fun with it. I dont really have days where I can sit and do nothing!'

Her father Rande Gerber, who is a former male model turned Casamigos Tequila co-owner and mother will celebrate their 20 year wedding anniversary in May, and also have 18-year-old model son Presley.

Both of the Crawford-Gerber children followed in their mother's footsteps and have signed with IMG Models.
She was accused of having a 'full meltdown' after being unceremoniously dumped by hunk Matthew 'Matty J' Johnson.

But The Bachelor's Elora Murger has now hit back at claims she sent a rude Snapchat following her rejection, which aired on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old said in an interview with Now To Love: 'Theres no vengeance or bad feelings about anything that happened.'

'I honestly dont remember': The Bachelors Elora Murger responds to claims she sent Matty J a f*** you Snapchat

However, when asked about whether she actually sent the potentially scandalous 'F**k you Matty J' Snapchat, she was remained elusive.

'I dont think I did! If I did, it was probably I honestly dont remember. But if I sent a Snapchat first of all, I would have gotten in trouble because were not allowed to Snapchat,' she said.

'I dont think I did!' Elora couldn't be certain whether she did send a Snapchat video to Matty J which read: 'F*** you Matty J'

'She got the boot had a full meltdown': An insider told Daily Mail Australia this week that she was destined to be unceremoniously eliminated from the competition - leading her to suffer a 'full meltdown'

An insider told Daily Mail Australia this week Elora was destined to be unceremoniously eliminated from the competition - leading her to suffer a 'full meltdown'.

'She got the boot had a full meltdown. She even demanded Simone (Ormesher) fly up and keep her company for four days,' the source exclusively told Daily Mail.

The insider also alleged that Elora sent out a Snapchat video filming herself burning the memorabilia she collected during her time in the mansion.

'Then she put all the roses she dried out, her date cards she saved and the selfies from their first date in a bin and set it on fire. She sent the video with the caption: 'F**k you Matty J'.

Since making a fiery entrance on the first episode, she also caused controversy for asking the muscular marketing manager if he wanted to come inside in her private cabin during an overnight date.

She told the publication: 'Theres no way I would have said: lets have sex! Theres the other girls at home. I didnt kiss him on the first date because I wanted the build-up so why would I sleep with him on the second night?'

Matty J now has four ladies left vying for his affection: Tara Pavlovic, Laura Byrne, Elise Stacy and Florence Alexandria Sophia.

The Bachelor airs on Channel Ten from 7.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday nights
She was spotted at a Kate Moss-hosted store launch earlier in the day.

And Laura Whitmore was doing the rounds of the fashion parties since the Irish presenter later showed up at the F Is Fendi pop-up store opening in Harrods, London on Wednesday evening.

The blonde beauty looked impossibly stylish in a rainbow-hued, floral print dress as she mingled with a fashionable crowd at the event.

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Fashionista: Laura Whitmore was doing the rounds of the fashion parties on Wednesday, attending the F Is Fendi pop-up store opening in Harrods, London

Laura turned heads in her statement midi dress, which boasted a low-cut neckline and a pyjama style collar.

The star set off her attire with a pair of bright red heels, matching her scarlet lipstick to her look.

The MTV presenter completed her ensemble with a kitsch bag complete with funny face detailing.

Glamorous: The blonde beauty looked impossibly stylish in a rainbow-hued, floral print dress as she mingled with a fashionable crowd at the event

Stylish|: Laura turned heads in her statement midi dress, which boasted a low-cut neckline and a pyjama style collar

Cute and quirky: The MTV presenter completed her ensemble with a kitsch bag complete with funny face detailing

Taking to the decks: Zara Martin was in attendance at the bash, doing her DJ duties

The star was joined by style-savvy stars including Zara Martin and Tigerlily Taylor at the event.

Laura stole some of the spotlight from supermodel Kate when she graced London's Oxford Street earlier in the day.

The petite blonde made an appearance at the opening of the flagship store for Polish fashion chain Reserved, a company for which Moss is currently the face of.

Silver sensation: Model and presenter Zara donned a flower embellished prom dress

VIP arrivals: Raye (left) and Leah Wood (right) partied in style at the fashion pop-up

Chic: Chef and social media sensation Tess Ward teamed a white shirt with cool cords

Red hot: Tigerlily Taylor dared to be different in a funky scarlet jumpsuit and quirky heels

Whitmore wowed the crowd in a head-turning hounds tooth print mini dress. Short and showy, the outfit helped showcase the Irish beautys perfect pins.

Her ensemble was accentuated by a simple black Chanel handbag featuring golden thread detailing on the strap.

Whitmore finished off the outfit with a sexy pair of high-heeled chic black courts, which even further highlighted her slender and enviable legs.

Photographers and pedestrians alike flocked to get a look at the diminutive Irish lass.

Thigh's the limit: Zara topped off her look with a pair of over-the-knee suede boots

Working it: Tigerlily's halterneck number boasted white leaf embellishment

Get on your bike! Tess posed on a bicycle on the pop-up shop's floor

Whitmore is no stranger to fashion, having launched a self-branded clothing range called A Wear in 2009.

The star also acts as a spokesman for the charity clothing campaign Because I Am A Girl, a movement established by the Plan aid organisation with the intention of promoting female rights around the world by addressing gender discrimination and assisting females living in poverty.

Kate favoured a more toned-down outfit for the launch, classily dressed in a conservative but stylish pair of black and white striped trousers and a simple black top, capped off by a matching black jacket.

However, stepping out of a cab emblazoned with Moss own face made more of a statement that most any outfit likely would have.

Stylish: Laura wowed the crowd at the opening of clothing store Reserved in London's West End on Wednesday

Strike a pose: Photographers surrounded Whitmore as the large crowd tried to sneak a peek

Legs for days: Laura displayed a stunning shape with perfect legs in sexy high heels

Irish eyes: Whitmore flashed her baby blues ahead of the opening of new clothing store Reserved

Sneaky snaps: Onlookers battled for the best spot to snap a pic of the popular Irish TV host and former Strictly Come Dancing contestant

All about Kate: The veteran supermodel arrived at the big event in her own branded black cab

Whitmore made a similarly fashionable splash at the BAFTAs in February, where she stunned the crowd in a figure-hugging white dress that clung to her small and shapely frame.

After making heads spin on Londons Oxford Street, Whitmore ducked inside and turned her attention to spinning some tunes on the DJ decks.

The former MTV host seemed perfectly at home spinning records, a glittery pair of sparkly gold headphones perched upon her head.

Whitmore was was a regular host on MTV Europe from 2008 to 2015. she also hosted MTV special events all over Europe before moving on to some reality TV and event hosting including I'm a Celebrity and The BRITs.

DJ Laura: Whitmore spun some tracks for the attendees at the store launch
She is set to walk in this year's Victoria's Secret show on November 28 in Shanghai, China.

And on Wednesday, Gigi Hadid dressed up in a chic white jumpsuit that showed off her slim waist.

The 22-year-old flashed a hint of her nude bra in the one-piece while out and about in New York City.

Fancy: Gigi Hadid dressed up in a chic white jumpsuit that showed off her slim waist in Wednesday in New York City

The model chose a loose fitting jumpsuit, which featured a silver detailed fabric belt and long sleeves.

Gigi paired the elegant look with black and silver Sanayi 313 flats and a structured patent purse.

Gigi, who gave a glimpse of her nude lacy bra, added a nineties twist with retro Linda Farrow sunglasses.

The older sister of Bella Hadid styled her blonde locks pulled back into a half ponytail.

Looking good: The 22-year-old flashed a hint of her nude bra in the one-piece while out and about in New York City

Elegant: The model chose a loose fitting jumpsuit, which featured a silver detailed fabric belt and long sleeves

Oops: Gigi low-cut look gave a glimpse of her nude lacy bra beneath

Gigi opted to forgo all makeup, revealing her natural fresh faced beauty.

The runway beauty was spotted one day earlier in a much more casual ensemble.

The blonde beauty sported low rise denim with a simple tank top, adding a cashmere cardigan and fluffy mules.

Walking tall: Gigi paired the elegant look with black and silver Sanayi 313 flats and a structured patent purse, as well as retro Linda Farrow shades

Good jeans: The runway beauty was spotted one day earlier in a much more casual ensemble

She revealed she is walking in this year's Victoria's Secret show on an Instagram post last week.

Gigi has previously walked in for the lingerie company's annual show in 2015 and 2016.

The cover girl has been facing backlash from Chinese web users after she was announced to be part of Victoria's Secret's show this year in Shanghai.

The backlash stemmed from a video posted and later deleted by sister Bella Hadid in February.

Happy: She revealed she is walking in this year's Victoria's Secret show on an Instagram post last week

In the clip, Gigi is seen holding up a cookie that appears to be in the shape of Buddha during a birthday party - before smiling and squinting her eyes.

She apparently issued a bilingual apology statement on Weibo from what appears to be her account.

It said: 'It hurts me to hurt anyone, and I want you all to know that it was never my intent to offend anyone through my actions and I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt or felt let down by me.

'I have the utmost respect and love for the people of China and cherish the incredible memories I have made while visiting in the past. I have learned to be very careful of how my actions can come off or be portrayed, and Im hopeful youll accept my apology. '

Then it continued: 'I hope to meet many of you and let you get to know me for me. I do not condone hurtful behavior and want people and fans of all backgrounds to know they are welcomed, loved, and respected around me and by me.'
MANDAN, N.D.  President Donald Trump said Wednesday he's with farmers and ranchers in North Dakota "100 percent" as they cope with a deep drought, but said nothing about the state's request for a presidential disaster declaration.

Trump told several hundred supporters gathered at a Mandan refinery that he understood the devastation the drought has brought.

"We are with you 100 percent," Trump said, then noted the widespread flooding from Hurricane Harvey in Texas, adding: "They have the opposite. You are better off."

Trump's appearance at the Andeavor refinery in Mandan, near the state's capital of Bismarck, was primarily to make the case for tax changes in Congress. But some in North Dakota had hoped Trump would use the occasion to announce a presidential disaster declaration due to the state's worst drought in decades.

Such a declaration could unlock direct disaster payments to farmers and ranchers hit by the drought. The federal government has already provided some aid such as emergency loans. Nearly one-fourth of the state is in extreme or exceptional drought, the two worst categories, and two-thirds is in some stage of drought.

Gov. Doug Burgum made the request nearly a month ago. Burgum said Wednesday he made the case for a declaration to Trump as they shared a ride from the airport to the refinery, and planned to travel again to Washington on Thursday to lobby for it.

Trump also found time during his remarks to tout his support of the Dakota Access pipeline. He pushed through final approval of the $3.8 billion project to move North Dakota oil to Illinois shortly after taking office. The project had been stalled due to a lawsuit and protests by American Indian tribes and environmental groups.

Trump during his speech noted the opposition but also said opponents "didn't know" why they were against the project.

Opponents worry about the pipeline's impact on the environment and cultural sites. Greenpeace issued a statement before Trump's speech saying the pipeline battle "was and is about indigenous sovereignty and the protection of Native land and water supply."

Trump said pushing through the pipeline's completion was "the right thing to do."

He is the first president to visit North Dakota since Barack Obama visited Cannon Ball, on the Standing Rock Reservation, in 2014.
Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has come under fire over her perceived unwillingness to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or chastise the military

Turkey will send 1,000 tonnes of aid to Myanmar to help Rohingya Muslims after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with the Asian country's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, a spokesman said.

Erdogan had condemned escalating human rights violations against the Rohingya minority during the phone call earlier in the day, Turkish presidential sources said.

"After the president's conversation with his Myanmar counterpart... permission was given for 1,000 tonnes of aid to be sent initially," Erdogan spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said in a statement.

The United Nations said 123,600 Rohingya had crossed into neighbouring Bangladesh in the past 11 days following a spike in fighting between militants and Myanmar's military in strife-torn western Rakhine state, which raised fears of a humanitarian disaster.

The latest violence, which began last October when a small Rohingya militant group ambushed border posts, is the worst Rakhine has witnessed in years, with Erdogan last week accusing Myanmar of "genocide" against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Unverifiable testimony from those who have fled Myanmar has alleged tit-for-tat mass killings and villages being torched by the army, Buddhist mobs and Rohingya militants.

The Rohingya are reviled in Myanmar, where the roughly one million-strong community are accused of being illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

Kalin said Turkey's international aid body known as the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) would provide rice, dried fish and clothing working with the Rakhine administration, as well as medicine and health products..

The spokesman said TIKA would be the first foreign aid agency to access the region since the violence began.

"At the first stage, 100,000 (Rohingya) families on both sides of the (Myanmar-Bangladesh) border will receive aid," Kalin said, adding military helicopters would be used because of concerns over safety.

- 'Deeply concerned' -

Erdogan has stepped up diplomacy and spoken on the phone with Muslim leaders and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres seeking ways to solve the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

In his phone call with Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner of Myanmar's junta, Erdogan said growing human rights violations against the Rohingya "deeply concerned" the entire world, sources from his office said.

Suu Kyi has come under fire over her perceived unwillingness to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or chastise the military.

Erdogan said Turkey "condemns terror and operations against innocent civilians", adding that the developments in Myanmar had turned into a "serious humanitarian crisis which caused worry and resentment."

The Turkish leader had previously said he would bring up the issue at the next UN General Assembly in New York later this month.

A delegation led by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu with the head of TIKA is expected to visit on Thursday the Bangladeshi border town of Cox's Bazar to visit camps and surrounding areas where Rohingya Muslims have fled, the spokesman said.
The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer (L), shakes hands with Hamas chief in Gaza Yahya Sinwar following a meeting in Gaza City on September 5, 2017

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross met with Hamas's hardline Gaza Strip chief Tuesday as he began a three-day trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Peter Maurer met with Yahya Sinwar, whose Islamist movement runs the strip, as well as civil society groups in the Palestinian enclave.

Maurer told journalists afterwards that he and Sinwar had a "good conversation" about a range of issues including the humanitarian situation in Gaza and international humanitarian law.

Gazans are suffering through severe electricity shortages and a lack of clean water, among other humanitarian concerns.

"I want to assure the Gazan population and authorities here the ICRC will continue to do its best to support those who are suffering most from the situation," Maurer said.

Later in the evening, Maurer met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas at his headquarters in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah.

On Wednesday, he is due to have talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

International Committee of the Red Cross head Peter Maurer (2-L) visits one of the beneficiaries of ICRC projects in Gaza City on September 5, 2017

Hamas has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, and the Jewish state maintains a crippling blockade on the enclave.

Gaza's border with Egypt has also been largely closed in recent years.

Visiting UN chief Antonio Guterres last week called for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted, saying the enclave was enduring "one of the most dramatic humanitarian crises" he had seen.

Much of the international community considers Hamas a terrorist organisation and will not meet with it, but the ICRC meets with all parties in conflicts as part of its mandate.
South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has survived several parliamentary attempts to oust him from office, most recently last month when a vote of no-confidence against him was defeated

South African opposition parties petitioned the country's highest court on Tuesday in a fresh bid to impeach President Jacob Zuma, who is battling multiple legal cases and corruption allegations.

The opposition asked the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg to order parliament to set up an investigation into Zuma's conduct over publicly-funded upgrades to his private residence.

The court last year ruled that Zuma failed to "uphold, defend and respect" the constitution by refusing to comply with an anti-corruption watchdog that recommended he repay money spent on the residence.

At Tuesday's hearing, lawyers argued that parliamentary Speaker Baleka Mbete should launch a process to determine if Zuma was guilty of an offence that could warrant impeachment.

Zuma has survived several parliamentary attempts to oust him from office, most recently last month when a vote of no-confidence against him was defeated.

In April last year Zuma easily withstood an impeachment vote after a stormy session of parliament when ANC lawmakers rallied to his defence

The 75-year-old is due to step down as head of the ruling ANC party in December, and as national president before the 2019 general election.

"What we are asking the court to do is to direct parliament to consider whether or not the conduct of the president is... impeachable," opposition lawyer Tembeka Ngcukaitobi told the court.

"There should be an inquiry into the conduct of the president."

Zuma fought for two years against demands that he should repay the money spent on his sprawling Nkandla homestead, until he was finally censured by the Constitutional Court.

He paid back some of the public funds spent on upgrades that included a chicken coop and a swimming pool.

In 2014, the Public Protector watchdog found that Zuma had "unduly benefited" from the multi-million dollar refurbishment.

Zuma faces many legal challenges even after leaving office, with the looming threat of almost 800 corruption charges against him being reinstated over a multi-billion dollar arms deal in the 1990s.

Opposition parties, lead by the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters, hope to benefit from Zuma's scandals at 2019 elections when the ANC risks losing power for the first time since coming to office in 1994.
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US backed Kurdish-Arab alliance, holds a position inside a damaged building in Raqa on September 4, 2017, as they battle to retake the northern Syrian city from the Islamic State group

Syria's army broke a years-long Islamic State group siege on the government enclave of Deir Ezzor city on Tuesday as it battles to expel the jihadists from a key stronghold.

The jihadist group has already lost more than half of its nearby bastion of Raqa to US-backed forces, and its expulsion from Deir Ezzor city and the surrounding oil-rich province of the same name would leave it with only a handful of isolated outposts.

Syria's army and allied fighters, backed by Russian air support, have been advancing towards Deir Ezzor on several fronts in recent weeks, and on Tuesday entered the Brigade 137 base on its western edge, in what Moscow hailed as a key "strategic victory".

"The Syrian Arab Army this afternoon broke the siege on Deir Ezzor city after its advancing forces arrived from the western province to Brigade 137," state news agency SANA said.

Syrian regime breaks IS siege of Deir Ezzor

"This great achievement is a strategic shift in the war on terror," the army command said.

A local journalist contributing to AFP on the ground said a minesweeper moved ahead of troops as they arrived at the base.

As they reached soldiers who had been besieged inside the base and adjacent parts of the city, the troops embraced and shouted patriotic slogans.

Others fired in the air and flashed victory signs, as Syrian and Russian warplanes flew overhead.

"We promised that we would not let Deir Ezzor fall, and it did not fall," General Issam Zahreddine, commander of the 7,000 soldiers in the city, shouted jubilantly to journalists.

Civilians gathered on either side of the road connecting the base to neighbourhoods of the city to welcome the arriving troops.

President Bashar al-Assad congratulated troops in a call to commanders at the base, his office said.

"Today you stood side-by-side with your comrades who came to your rescue and fought the hardest battles to break the siege on the city," he said.

And Russia hailed the breaking of the siege as a "very important strategic victory", with President Vladimir Putin congratulating his country's troops in Syria and the government forces.

A source in the Deir Ezzor governorate said trucks loaded with food and medicine were expected to arrive inside the besieged city from Aleppo within hours.

Government forces and tens of thousands of civilians in the city have been trapped under IS siege for over two years, facing food and medical shortages.

Early this year, the government-held parts of the city were cut in two by an IS offensive.

The army's advance Tuesday broke the siege on the northern part of the city, but a southern section, which includes a key military airport, remains surrounded, with the army now 35 kilometres (20 miles) away.

Around 100,000 people are believed to be inside government-held areas of Deir Ezzor, with perhaps 10,000 more in parts of the city held by IS.

Around 100,000 people are believed to be inside Syrian government-held areas of Deir Ezzor, where they have faced shortages of food and medicine under an IS seige

Earlier Tuesday, the national flag was raised throughout government-held areas of the city in anticipation of celebrations upon the arrival of government soldiers.

Some residents had begun greeting each other with the words: "Good morning of victory."

The army still faces a potentially difficult battle to break the siege on the south of the city and free its remaining neighbourhoods, and the surrounding province, from IS.

But for the government, its success would be "one of the most symbolic victories in its six-year war," wrote Syria analyst Aron Lund in a recent analysis.

- 'Spiral of defeats' -

A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US backed Kurdish-Arab alliance, takes position inside a building in Raqa on September 4, 2017

"The reopening of the Deir Ezzor road is a strategic disaster for IS, which is now at its weakest since 2014 and seems unable to break out of an accelerating spiral of defeats," he added.

IS has lost over half its other Syrian stronghold, the city of Raqa, to an offensive by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters.

And in neighbouring Iraq, it has lost 90 percent of the territory it once held, including the city of Mosul.

Inside Deir Ezzor, residents have faced years of privation, with food becoming scare or unaffordable, and medicine and healthcare unavailable.

The government has continued to fly in limited supplies by helicopter, and the UN last year began airdropping humanitarian aid to the city.

Syria's army began its offensive to reach the city in earnest last month, and has advanced on multiple fronts, including from the neighbouring Raqa province to the west and central Homs province to the south.

It has been supported by Russia's military, which began an intervention in support of the government in 2015.

More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests before spiralling into a vicious and complex civil war.

Tentative ceasefire zones have brought quiet to much of the country, but fighting rumbles on in pockets, including parts of rebel-held Eastern Ghouta outside the capital Damascus.

The Observatory said government shelling on the town of Mesraba in the region killed six people on Tuesday.
Lieutenant General Paul Funk at the change of command ceremony for the Operation Inherent Resolve, on September 5 2017

The US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria swore in a new commanding general Tuesday, with the fight against the jihadists now in its fourth year.

Lieutenant General Paul Funk assumed command of the Operation Inherent Resolve joint task force at a ceremony on a military base in the region, officials said in a statement.

As part of a regular rotation, he took over from Lieutenant General Stephen Townsend, who had been deployed a year ago.

"The very existence of ISIS poses a threat to the civilized world and our way of life. We must defeat them, and our collective effort will defeat them," Funk said, according to the statement.

IS seized large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014 as it sought to establish its self-declared "caliphate," but has faced a series of major defeats in recent months.

Forces backed by the coalition, which was founded in June 2014, have ousted the jihadists from Iraqi bastions such as Mosul and the extremists also have lost control of more than half of their de facto Syrian capital, Raqa.

Funk heads up the Army's III Corps, which had previously led the anti-IS coalition from September 2015 to August 2016.
Immigrants and their supporters demonstrated in Los Angeles and other cities following President Donald Trump's move to rescind the amnesty protecting 800,000 young immigrants from deportation

President Donald Trump on Tuesday ended an amnesty for 800,000 people brought illegally to the United States as minors, throwing their future in serious doubt and triggering fierce condemnation from across the political spectrum.

Business leaders, unions, religious groups, opposition Democrats and many within Trump's own Republican party joined forces to criticize the phased end of protections for people who arrived in the United States under the age of 16.

So-called "Dreamers" -- many Hispanic, now in their twenties -- will have somewhere between six and around 24 months before they become illegal and subject to potential deportation.

"This is the only country I know," said Ivan Ceja, a 26-year-old computer science student and immigrant rights advocate who arrived in the country as a baby.

"My future is here. I'm not going to go without a fight."

Trump later insisted he had "great heart for the folks we are talking about, a great love for them" and called on Congress to pass wide-ranging immigration reform -- something lawmakers have tried and failed to do for decades.

The president vowed to "revisit" the issue if Congress fails.

"I look forward to working w/ D's + R's in Congress to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country 1st," he tweeted.

Trump said last week "we love the Dreamers" but ended the symbolically important DACA program after a six-month delay intended to give Congress time to find a solution for the approximately 800,000 "Dreamers," mostly from Latin America

Trump had argued that the amnesty introduced by Barack Obama in 2012 was an unconstitutional overreach of presidential powers and would likely be struck down by the courts eventually.

The announcement prompted ex-president Obama to make a rare re-entry onto the political stage to decry the decision as "wrong," "self-defeating" and "cruel."

"Let's be clear: the action taken today isn't required legally. It's a political decision, and a moral question," Obama said.

Republican Senator John McCain, who lost the 2008 presidential election to Obama, said that while he disagreed with his ex-rival's use of an executive order to set the policy, reversing it now would be "unacceptable."

He vowed to work with both Democrats and Republicans to craft and pass comprehensive immigration reform.

- 'Fair to American families' -

Around 800,000 people took up the offer to get two-year renewable permits under the DACA scheme, but a similar number opted to stay in the shadows largely because of uncertainty over policy once Obama left office.

Immigrants and their supporters rallied outside the White House in protest at the repeal of the DACA amnesty program

Trump, who ran for office on a hard-right immigration and law and order platform, painted his decision as an effort to put natural-born Americans first.

Senior Department of Homeland Security officials admitted that the addresses and other sensitive information provided by current permit holders would be kept on record indefinitely.

But, one official said, there was "no plan at this time" to specifically target recipients for deportation.

In New York, thousands of protesters marched in Lower Manhattan before walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

"We've always been responsible here, paying our taxes; we haven't taken anyone's job, we pay for everything out of pocket, not even getting government help or scholarships for school," said student Adriana Perez, 33, who arrived in the city from Guerrero, Mexico, when she was 6.

- We will fight -

Texas, which led a coalition of 10 conservative states threatening court action against the federal government unless DACA was rescinded, said it was dropping a 2015 lawsuit that provided the basis for its legal challenge -- with Attorney General Ken Paxton claiming "victory."

But elsewhere, Trump's decision was met with broad opprobrium.

The Mexican government, mayors from across the US and the Service Employees International Union were among those who issued statements of condemnation.

The US Conference of Catholic Bishops called the decision "reprehensible" and said "today, our nation has done the opposite of how Scripture calls us to respond."

US immigration: the "Dreamers"

Opponents hinted that they may challenge Trump's decision in the courts.

"We warned you not to threaten our neighbors, @realDonaldTrump. New York City will fight to defend our Dreamers," said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Even Trump allies in business and the Republican Party voiced concern, arguing the policy would damage the economy and was not in keeping with US values.

"To reverse course now and deport these individuals is contrary to fundamental American principles and the best interests of our country," the American Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.

Much of the business world, especially the high-tech firms of California's Silicon Valley, stood firmly against a DACA repeal. The program offers the equivalent of a renewable residence permit to young people who were under the age of 16 when they arrived and have no criminal record.

Protesters block traffic at the Brooklyn Bridge at a rally to defend DACA

Top congressional Republican Paul Ryan called on lawmakers to step in -- although the chances of a badly divided Congress reaching a long-elusive agreement on immigration reform in months appear dim.

"It is my hope that the House and Senate, with the president's leadership, will be able to find consensus on a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country," Ryan said.

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Colin Trevorrow has left as director of the third installment of the "Star Wars" sequels trilogy

Colin Trevorrow has left as director of the third installment of the "Star Wars" sequels trilogy, Lucasfilm announced on Tuesday, citing differing visions between the filmmaker and studio executives.

Trade press and websites had been speculating that Trevorrow, 40, was going to leave the blockbuster since the opening of his critically-panned commercial flop "The Book of Henry."

"Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on 'Star Wars: Episode IX,'" Lucasfilm said in a statement.

"Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process, but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon."

The Hollywood Reporter, citing unnamed sources, said the main point of contention was ongoing "script issues," with Trevorrow being forced into several rewrites.

The weekly trade paper reported that the relationship between Trevorrow and Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy had become "unmanageable," although it added that she had tried to avoid losing another director.

In June, Lucasfilm sacked directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller ("21 Jump Street," "The Lego Movie"), who were just weeks away from wrapping principal photography on the hotly-anticipated Han Solo spinoff.

The pair were replaced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard after clashing with Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan, according to reports.

Although not strictly a parting of the ways over creative differences, "Fantastic Four" director Josh Trank dropped out of developing a "Star Wars" spinoff in 2015, citing the enormous pressures of being involved with the franchise.

- 'Smart guy' -

The project, reportedly an origin story centered on the bounty hunter character Boba Fett, has yet to get a new director or a release date.

Trevorrow's departure will be seen as a significant upheaval as he is considered hot property after scoring big with Universal's creature feature "Jurassic World" (2015), the fourth-highest grossing movie of all time.

News of the decision sparked a frenzy of speculation on social media over who might be handed Trevorrow's job, as well as plenty of pithy barbs on the high turnover of Lucasfilm directors.

Among the suggested replacements were British filmmaker Christopher Nolan ("Inception," "Dunkirk"), "Batman vs. Superman" helmer Zack Snyder and enigmatic "Twin Peaks" director David Lynch, who turned down "Return of the Jedi" (1983).

"At this point, the children of House Stark have a better survival rate than Star Wars directors," tweeted Angie Han, former editor of the SlashFilm blog in an oblique nod to the high death rate on HBO's "Game of Thrones."

"Hollywood Pro Tip: young directors, don't take that STAR WARS gig," tweeted movie industry financial analyst Exhibitor Relations.

"Saddened by this news. Colin T is a smart guy and a good dude. He was clearly over the moon about doing the film," added Nick de Semlyen, the features editor at British film magazine Empire.

The untitled Han Solo movie is due out on May 25 next year, while production has yet to start on "Star Wars: Episode IX," slated for release 12 months later.

"The Last Jedi," the next film in the "Star Wars" franchise, directed by Rian Johnson, opens on December 15.
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, Mexican Economy Minister Idelfonso Guajardo and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, left to right, promised results by the end of the month on overhauling the North American Free Trade Agreement

Negotiators overhauling the North American Free Trade Agreement said Tuesday they would have "results" by the end of the month, but left some of the stickiest issues hanging as they wrapped up their latest talks.

After five days of negotiations in Mexico City -- their second round -- the United States, Mexico and Canada still had no concrete details to report on their revamp of the 23-year-old trade deal.

But they promised progress by the end of the next round, scheduled for September 23 to 27 in Ottawa, Canada.

"We have instructed our chief negotiators to commit to defining the chapters that are closest to completion so we can start seeing the first results at the third round of talks," Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo told a press conference.

US President Donald Trump, who demanded the renegotiation, renewed his scathing attacks on NAFTA in the buildup to the second round, blaming the deal for US job losses -- a regular theme during his campaign -- and saying the US would "end up probably terminating" it.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer was more conciliatory in Mexico City, reporting that "we have found mutual agreement on many important issues."

But he also echoed some of Trump's rhetoric on Mexico's impact on the US manufacturing sector.

"We also must address the needs of those harmed by the current NAFTA, especially our manufacturing workers. We must have a trade agreement that benefits all Americans, and not just some at the expense of others," he said.

"I am hopeful we can arrive at an agreement that helps American workers, farmers and ranchers while also raising the living standards of workers in Mexico and Canada."

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland for her part said negotiators were working toward a "win-win-win" deal.

Thorny issues were left unsettled, however, including the $64 billion US trade deficit with Mexico and the "rules of origin."

The United States is pushing to change these rules, including those governing the hotly debated auto sector. It has floated the idea of requiring a certain percentage of cars' components to be built in the US in order to remain duty-free.

Guajardo told journalists no official US proposal had yet been tabled on either issue.
Christian refugees from Arab and African countries attend a Sunday mass at All Saints Church in the Jaramana suburb of the Syrian capital Damascus

Millions of Syrians have fled their country's war as refugees, but for tens of thousands of people escaping conflict elsewhere, Syria is also a place of refuge.

Among them is Zahraa Abdi, who fled her native Somalia in 2012 and lives in a small room with her three children in northern Damascus.

"In Syria, death is organised, you can escape it. But in Somalia, it strikes randomly, at any time or place, there's no escape," she told AFP, her hair wrapped in a turquoise headscarf.

The UN's refugee agency UNHCR estimates some 55,000 refugees from war-torn countries in the Middle East and beyond are currently living in Syria, which has been ravaged by conflict since March 2011.

It provides them with various forms of assistance, though many also work to supplement the aid.

The largest refugee contingent, numbering around 31,000, are Iraqis who crossed the border into Syria to flee their country's many years of violence.

But the UN also counts some 1,500 Afghan refugees, and 1,500 more from Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia.

Abdi, 47, chose to come to Syria because she could enter without a visa, and she was desperate to find safety for her family.

She fled her home in a suburb of the Somali capital Mogadishu after her 10-year-old daughter was raped and murdered.

"In Syria, there is bombing, but there are also regions were you can take refuge. In Somalia, the armed men enter homes and kill the inhabitants," said Abdi, dressed in a black robe embellished with rhinestones.

"I don't want anything for myself, I just want safety for my children."

Somalia has been engulfed in violence for most of the past 25 years, and waves of Somalis have fled abroad searching for safety.

But conflict also caught up with Abdi in Syria.

In 2012, she was living in the town of Al-Tal, held then by opposition forces and subject to sporadic government blockade and regular clashes.

She spent two years there before escaping to the relative safety of nearby Damascus.

- 'Syria is part of me' -

Zahraa Abdi (R), 47, who fled her native Somalia in 2012 with her three children, sits with her children inside a shared apartment in the Barzeh district of the Syrian capital Damascus

While Abdi moved to Syria in the early part of the conflict, most refugees sought safety in the country long before it was consumed by war.

In a modest church packed to capacity in a Damascus suburb, 45-year-old Faten sings hymns in Arabic and English.

A Chaldean Christian from Iraq, she and her family fled to Syria in 2007 after receiving death threats related to her sister's job at a cafeteria serving US forces.

Graffiti was scrawled on the walls of their home accusing them of "treason," and shots were fired at the house.

"When they set fire to the house, we knew it was the end, that we had to go," she said, her curly hair pulled up in a pony tail above her lightly made-up face.

"My brother and sister and I left without anything. We were barefoot so we wouldn't make any noise when we were running away," she said.

She sought refuge at All Saints Church in the Jaramana suburb of Damascus, where she met Alex Amazia, a refugee from Sudan who would become her husband.

Amazia arrived in Syria in 1999, fleeing Sudan's civil war.

Twelve years later, South Sudan announced its independence and he found himself the citizen of a new country, but one Syria's government does not recognise.

He is unable to renew his Sudanese papers, or to obtain South Sudanese ones in Syria, and so lives without documentation.

But he said the violence that has surged in South Sudan makes life in Syria a better option regardless.

"Despite all the difficult circumstances we have lived through in Syria, the situation in South Sudan remains appalling, and doesn't compare to here," he insisted.

He has spent 18 years in Syria now, missing the funerals of his father and brother.

"Syria has become part of me, I am Syrian," he said.

Alex and Faten married in 2014 and he looks after the church, which is attended by a flock that includes dozens of refugees, mostly from South Sudan and Iraq.

Faten feels the conflict she fled in Iraq has caught up with her across the border in Syria.

"We feel that we are stuck with the curse of war," she said.

- 'Weary of war' -

Roqaya Omar, 60, also found herself caught up in the Syrian conflict, after fleeing Somalia a decade ago.

In 2012, she was living in the town of Harna near Damascus, which was a frontline in the fighting.

"We lived all the experiences of war like any Syrian," she said.

"We were besieged and we heard the sound of battle and shelling," she added.

"But I didn't feel the same fear as I did in Somalia, where anyone can be killed with knives and slaughtered."

She was able to flee Harna and move with her 26-year-old son Mohamed into Damascus.

"I'm weary of war," she said, stroking her son's face tenderly.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with my son in any country in the world... any country where there is no war."
Hours before the blast, the North released pictures of leader Kim Jong-Un at the Nuclear Weapons Institute inspecting an hourglass-shaped silver device that looked around a metre long

North Korea conducted a sixth nuclear test at the weekend, saying it was a hydrogen bomb that could be fitted onto a missile, prompting global condemnation and calls for further sanctions.

The North says it needs nuclear arms to protect itself, but the US has accused the isolated nation of "begging for war".

Pyongyang carried out its first nuclear test in 2006. It also has a rocketry programme and in July tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that appeared to bring much of the mainland US into range.

Here are some key questions around the latest explosion.

How big was the blast?

Calculating the yield from the blast involves taking into account several different factors, many of which are unknown.

As well as the magnitude of the earthquake -- given as 6.3 by the US Geological Survey, although some monitors give lower figures -- the depth at which the device was detonated is crucial, as is the type of rock surrounding it.

South Korea's defence minister put the yield at 50 kilotons. The US-based 38 North website says 100 kilotons or more. Japan on Wednesday upgraded its estimate to around 160 kilotons.

The numbers are likely to continue to change as more information emerges before a consensus is reached.

But all the estimates far exceed the 15 kilotons of the US device that devastated Hiroshima in 1945.

The bigger a bomb is, the less accurately an ICBM carrying it needs to be aimed to ensure a given target is destroyed.

What kind of bomb was detonated?

Atomic or "A-bombs" work on the principle of nuclear fission, where energy is released by splitting atoms of enriched uranium or plutonium encased in the warhead.

Hydrogen or H-bombs, also known as thermonuclear weapons, work on fusion and are far more powerful, with a nuclear blast taking place first to create the intense temperatures required.

Many experts say Sunday's blast had the hallmarks of a two-stage hydrogen bomb. But an enhanced fission device, in which fusion fuel is used to boost the yield from an atomic bomb, is also a possibility.

No foreign government has so far confirmed the North's assertion that it was an H-bomb.

Chinese, South Korean and Japanese monitors have not detected elevated radiation levels or chemical isotopes that could give clues as to what it was, even though a second tremor after the explosion led to suggestions the rock at the test site had collapsed.

Satellite pictures released Wednesday showed small landslides at the Punggye-ri test site, but no crater from a cave-in, which could have allowed radioactive substances to enter the atmosphere.

The 'Peanut' and the 'Disco Ball'

Hours before the blast, the North released pictures of leader Kim Jong-Un at the Nuclear Weapons Institute inspecting an hourglass-shaped silver device that looked around a metre long.

The North's official KCNA news agency said that it was an H-bomb with an "explosive power that can be adjusted from tens to hundreds of kilotons depending on the target".

All its components were domestically produced, it added.

The device, quickly dubbed the "Peanut" by analysts, was larger than the "Disco Ball", said to be a miniaturised atomic bomb, that Kim was pictured with in March last year.

Pyongyang previously claimed to have successfully tested an H-bomb after its fourth blast in January last year, but experts doubted the claim at the time due to the relatively weak yield.

Analysts say that the Peanut could be a model, rather than the actual device that was detonated on Sunday.

But South Korea's defence minister said Seoul believed the North had succeeded in building a bomb that could fit into an ICBM.
As Washington state regulators assess early plans to shutter half of Colstrip Power Plant, third-party witnesses are attempting to influence the outcome.

Hearings have been held in Olympia, Washington, where Puget Sound Energy is laying out its multi-year plan for future customer rates and the shutdown of Colstrip Units 1 and 2, among other things.

Much is at stake for southeast Montana and Colstrip. It's estimated that shuttering Units 1 and 2 will create a $500 million loss in income during the first three years.

These are some of the recommendations being made by third parties concerning Colstrip. Traces of these recommendations could show up in a ruling by the Washington Utility and Transportation Commission later this year, or in a settlement put forth by Puget and the intervening groups, of which there are several:

Natural Resources Defense Council: Expert witness Thomas Power is calling on Puget Sound Energy to develop a community and worker transition program to get Colstrip through the negative economic consequences of shutting down Colstrip Units 1 and 2 within the next six years.

NRDC, Renewable Northwest and NW Energy Coalition are partnering in an effort to address Pugets future plans for Colstrip power plant, where the owners of Units 1 and 2, Puget Sound Energy and Talen Energy, have agreed to shut down the units within six years in order to settle an air pollution lawsuit. The units slated for closure are the oldest of the power plants four units. Retirement dates for Colstrip Units 3 and 4 are also being discussed in Pugets rate case.

Power, a University of Montana economist emeritus, told The Gazette earlier that Puget needs to be making plans with the Colstrip community and workers to minimize the economic outcome of shutting down 1 and 2.

The taxes on which the Colstrip municipality and Colstrip public schools depend are going to decrease. The property values of local homes and businesses will also take a hit. There wont be as many mining or power plant jobs after Units 1 and 2 shut down, Power estimates.

Rosebud County, where Colstrip is located, is the fifth most dependent county in the nation on federal coal for employment, with 13.6 percent of its jobs in mining or power generation, Power testified.

There will be millions spent in Colstrip on the shutdown and cleanup of the Colstrip Units 1 and 2, by Pugets own estimates. Power said there needs to be a plan to make sure Colstrip residents are doing the work.

What is needed is a thoughtful collaborative effort of the owners and representatives of the community to integrate all the expected changes in economic activity, not just the negative ones, with a community and worker assistance program, Power told the UTC. The owners contribution to such a transition program should not be limited to only those remediation efforts they are legally required to carry out.

Power points to three power plant closures in other states where companies spend millions to make up for lost property taxes to local schools and city governments. The Diablo Canyon nuclear plant's closure plan of 2016 was an example of a company agreeing to spend $75 million to offset property tax losses spread over nine years.

One would hope, Power said, that Montana will also be willing to spend its coal tax trust funding, created by taxes on the coal revenue, to help out Rosebud County.

Renewable Northwest: When Colstrip Units 1 and 2 go dark, there will be space on the enormous power lines connecting Colstrip to the Pacific Northwest.

Renewable Energy Northwest is asking the WUTC to require Puget Sound Energy to make sure that transmission line capacity freed up by closing the older units be put to use. Puget would have to start planning now to get power on the line quickly when Colstrips oldest units shut down.

That new power would likely be wind. Clearwater Energy is laying the groundwork for a wind farm near Forsyth with enough energy to power 300,000 homes. The Clearwater Energy project is a 300 megawatt development, which would be slightly less than the energy freed up by the Colstrip units.

Outside of the rate case discussion, Renewable Northwest has been advocating for transmission changes that would benefit Clearwater. It argues that Montana wind works well for Pacific Northwest utilities because the power generation peaks in the winter, when energy from Columbia River dams loses its punch.

Within the rate case discussions, regulators have said talk of replacement power sources is premature.

Theres an incentive for Puget to fill the energy void created by the Colstrip units shutting down. That incentive is cost share with Puget Sound Energy customers, who the utility can expect to shoulder some of the transmission lines cost only to the extent customers are benefiting from the power line.

The Sierra Club is speaking to Puget Sound Energys plans to pay for the decommissioning and remediation of Units 1 and 2 with treasury grants and tax credit revenue. But Puget Sound Energy and the four other utilities with ownership in Units 3 and 4 should be planning now for the costs related to shuttering those units.

Theres a fairness issue related to collecting shutdown costs from customers after a power plant has closed. Not all of those customers will have benefited from the power plant when it was operating. Billing customers for costs unrelated to their service is considered inappropriate.

Puget Sound Energy is proposing an end-of-life date of 2035 for Units 3 and 4. The company had previously put the life expectancy of the units into the 2040s.

Avista Corp., of Spokane, Wash., Portland-based utilities Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp, also have ownership shares of Units 3 and 4. Those utilities also indicate they will be cutting off Colstrip coal power to Pacific Northwest customers no later than 2035.

NorthWestern Energy, which powers half of Montana and has a partial share in Colstrip Unit 4, expects that unit to run until 2046.

Sierra Club witness Ezra Hausman is recommending Units 3 and 4 shut down in 2024, just two years after the no-later-than closure date of 2022 for Units 1 and 2. Units 3 and 4 are under pressure to close by customers of utilities in Oregon and Washington that have ownership shares in the younger units.

In the Colstrip community of 2,300 theres not much awareness of the discussions surrounding Puget Sound Energys rate case.

Colstrip Mayor John Williams told The Gazette the community had hoped the 2017 Montana Legislature would pass a bill demanding concessions from Puget or any power plant owner attempting the exit. Senate Bill 338 required an exit plan as well as compensation for lost taxes, but it also asked for property owner compensation for declining land values related to closing the power plant. The bill died after opponents warned that attracting future industries to the state would be difficult if SB 338 passed.

Montana was granted a seat at the bargaining table in the Puget Sound Energy rate case, but made no recommendations about Pugets proposal by a June 30 deadline. Attorney General Tim Fox said he chose not to file anything because he didnt want to limit the states future options by revealing its legal strategy.

Later attempts by the attorney general to submit testimony in the case were objected to by other parties and later not allowed into evidence by the administrative law judge overseeing the proceedings.
Pyongyang's Sunday test of what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile triggered global alarm and has divided the international community as it scrambles for a response

Japan Wednesday again upgraded its estimated size of North Korea's latest nuclear test to a yield of around 160 kilotons -- more than ten times the size of the Hiroshima bomb.

This marked Tokyo's second revision higher after previously giving estimates of 70 and 120 kilotons.

Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters that his ministry's upward revision to 160 kilotons was based on a revised magnitude by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).

"This is far more powerful than their nuclear tests in the past," Onodera told reporters.

The US bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945 carried a yield of 15 kilotons.

Japan's latest estimate far exceeded the yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons indicated by UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman at the UN Security Council.

Early Wednesday, Onodera held telephone talks with US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and both agreed to step up "visible pressure" on North Korea, the ministry in Tokyo said.

"North Korea's nuclear and missile development is at a new stage of grave and imminent threats," Onodera told Mattis, the ministry said, adding that his US counterpart shared the view.

Pyongyang's Sunday test of what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile triggered global alarm and has divided the international community as it scrambles for a response.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council that Washington would present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, but Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday rejected US calls for more sanctions as "useless".

Putin's comments appeared to have widened a split among major powers over how to rein in Pyongyang, pitting Moscow and Beijing against Washington and its allies.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to press Putin for his support over the North Korea's provocation, when the two leaders hold talks in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok on Thursday.

"We have to make North Korea change its current policy and understand that there is no bright future if North Korea continues the present policy," Abe told reporters ahead of his departure.

Abe, who will separately hold talks with South Korea's leader Moon Jae-In in Vladivostok, said he wants to send a message to the North from his two talks with Putin and Moon.

US President Donald Trump tweeted on Tuesday that he would allow Japan and South Korea to buy more "highly sophisticated" US military equipment.

Pressed on this during a regular news conference, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declined to comment on the specific proposal, saying only that Tokyo would continue to purchase necessary equipment from the US and other countries.
Dressed in Trump's trademark blue suit and red tie and topped with a blond wig, Gajurel struts on stage where his Trump clashes with a prominent Nepali journalist known for asking outlandish questions

Nepali comedian Manoj Gajurel received threats for impersonating the king when the small Himalayan country was still ruled by a Hindu monarchy. Today he is taking aim at another powerful figure, US President Donald Trump.

Dressed in Trump's trademark blue suit and red tie and topped with a blond wig, Gajurel struts on stage where his Trump clashes with a prominent Nepali journalist known for asking outlandish questions.

"This is the fake media," Gajurel shouts in an American drawl that still has a hint of his native Nepali, to applause and laughter from the audience.

Washington may be a long way away, but the bombastic real estate mogul turned politician still resonates with audiences in the small Himalayan nation.

"World politics is now very narrow. If something happens in America, in Nepal it is also connected. That's why I chose Donald Trump," Gajurel said in his cramped dressing room after the show.

Gajurel takes aim at a different political figure, now Nepal has become more open

Gajurel has been studying Trump's mannerisms for over two years, watching YouTube videos to perfect his swagger and voice.

But in order to truly embody Trump, Gajurel had to change his teeth.

"You can see my teeth are not very beautiful, but Trump's teeth are very good. To be Donald Trump I had to make very beautiful teeth," he said, pulling a wide grin to show off a pair of pearly white dentures.

Shortly after Nepal's King Gyanendra seized absolute power in 2006 at the height of the country's civil war, dismissing the government, Gajurel took aim at the monarch.

Under Gyanendra's short-lived rule, political dissent was severely punished and censorship was rife, leaving satirists to fill the void.

No news was allowed on television or the radio, only music, which led one radio station to come up with a humorous workaround -- it sang all news broadcasts to the tunes of popular folk music.

Gajurel received threats over the phone and from supporters of the monarchy who would come up to him after his shows. He took to travelling with at least one friend for protection.

"I enjoyed the threats because if someone threatens me, it means I am on the right track," Gajurel said.

The environment is more open in Nepal today and each year Gajurel takes aim at a different political figure.

Two years ago Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the target of his jokes, at a time when Nepal's relations with its bigger neighbours had reached a nadir.

After the show, Gajurel had some advice for the US president: should he ever find himself out of a job, he could set himself up as a one man act.

"He is not a professional comedian but he has a sense of humour about him," Gajurel said with a wink.
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The rescue this summer of dozens of Afghan youths destined to be trained as Taliban fighters has spotlighted how entrenched poverty is fuelling a renewable supply of child soldiers to endlessly replenish the insurgents' ranks.

Afghan forces freed almost 40 children during multiple raids near the Pakistani border. Officials said traffickers working with the Taliban had recruited the boys, some as young as four, from poor families by promising to provide them with a religious education.

In reality they were set to be indoctrinated by hardline mullahs in Pakistan and receive military training to carry out attacks inside war-torn Afghanistan, authorities said.

"Our parents always wanted us to learn Islamic studies but we didn't know that we would be fooled and brainwashed to become suicide bombers," nine-year-old Shafiullah told AFP after being rescued by police.

The use of child soldiers by all sides in the Afghan conflict is well documented, including in pro-government security forces, where the practice of "bacha bazi", or child sex slavery, is said to be institutionalised.

But the incidents this summer in southeastern Ghazni province illustrated a practice the Afghan government and rights groups have long accused the Taliban of: kidnapping children to indoctrinate as fighters at madrassas in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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In a recent speech charting US strategy in Afghanistan, President Donald Trump vowed, among other things, to "dry up" militant recruitment.

But experts say poverty is a significant driving factor, with parents unable to provide for their children delivering them, often unknowingly, into the hands of abusers and extremists.

AFP spoke recently with several of the children rescued at an orphanage in southeastern Ghazni province, where they had been placed as officials tried to track down their parents.

"They talked to my father and he had no objection," said nine-year-old Nabiullah, sobbing as he recalled being taken from his home by recruiters.

- Indoctrination, step by step -

Another child, who told AFP he was eight, said: "Two Taliban came saying they wanted to take us to a madrassa in Quetta. I didn't know more until the men were arrested."

Officials said they had saved the children, most aged between four and 14, from what Mohammad Aref Wahidi, deputy governor of Ghazni, described as "kidnapping gangs" taking them to Pakistan.

The children were "given drugs by their abductors that made them dizzy and confused", provincial police chief Mohammad Mustafa Mayar told AFP, adding that among those freed were 13 youngsters allegedly trained as suicide bombers.

The rescued children said the recruiters had promised their families they would be taken to Pakistan to be educated

They were later paraded in front of media, with many crying as they stood beside the traffickers.

Afghan elders have denied they intentionally send youngsters to join the Taliban's nearly 16-year insurgency.

"I admit that children are being sent for religious studies in Pakistani madrassas, but I don't think they are trained to become suicide bombers," Haji Mohammad Sharif, a tribal elder from Paktika province which borders Ghazni, told AFP.

The insurgents also deny the claims.

But Afghan authorities routinely report intercepting child soldiers, and Human Rights Watch issued an extensive report on the issue last year, stating that indoctrination begins as young as six.

"According to relatives of boys recruited by the Taliban, by the time they are 13, Taliban-educated children have learned military skills including use of firearms, and the production and deployment of IEDs," the report said.

For Ahmad Shaheer, an expert on Pakistani madrassas at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, poverty is the tinder.

"Many poor families hand over their children to strangers to be trained in Pakistani madrassas because they can't afford to pay for their education," he told AFP.

Afghan forces have freed almost 40 children during multiple raids near the Pakistani border

The HRW report noted the poverty-driven trend has also been increasing at madrassas in Afghanistan, particularly in Kunduz province, and said the Taliban refuses to return children once the parents figure out what is going on.

In June this year officials in Kunduz said they had detained an 11-year-old boy who intended to attack police after being taught at a local madrassa that government forces were a legitimate target as they were either "infidels or serving the infidels".

In his speech last month, Trump said the US was "not nation-building again. We are killing terrorists", and placed responsibility for Afghan society squarely on Afghans.

But absolute poverty in the country is increasing, according to a report issued by the World Bank and the Afghan government in May this year, which said that 39 percent of Afghans are unable to meet their basic needs.

That suggests the trend noted by Shaheer and HRW could continue.

Shaheer estimates that 10,000-20,000 Afghan children have passed through Pakistani religious schools. Once they are cut off from their families the indoctrination begins.

"Life is very hard for them there. They are not given anything to eat and the madrassa becomes like a jail," said Shaheer.

"Step by step they start hating their family... Hatred is fuelled and they feel they have no future in life."
Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State, with over 6,0000 homes torched and an exodus of the minority group across the border

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday alleged a "huge iceberg of misinformation" was distorting the picture of the Rohingya crisis, which has forced 125,000 of the Muslim minority to flee to Bangladesh.

In her first comments since Rohingya militant attacks sparked unrest on August 25, Suu Kyi said fake news was "calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities" and to promote "the interest of the terrorists".

Her intervention, quoted on the Facebook page of her State Counsellor's office, followed a phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has led the global chorus of condemnation of a Myanmar army crackdown on the Rohingya.

Suu Kyi decried the "fake information" spread on Twitter last week by the Turkish deputy prime minister who shared photos purporting to be dead Rohingya that were later proven not to relate to the current crisis.

"Terrorism is new (for Myanmar) but the Government will do its best to make sure that this does not expand and spread all over Rakhine," she was quoted as saying.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

Over 6,0000 homes have been torched and there has been an exodus of Rohingya -- who are reviled in Myanmar and denied citizenship -- across the border into Bangladesh.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has come under intense pressure over her refusal to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or chastise the military.

Analysts say her obduracy despite the years of pressure from rights groups is a sop to the still powerful army and surging Buddhist nationalism in the Southeast Asian country.

burs-apj/klm
Scores of people have already been killed attempting to cross the Naf border river since a fresh upsurge in violence in Rakhine on August 25, many using small fishing boats unsuited to the rough coastal waters

At least five children drowned when boats carrying Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar sank early on Wednesday, Bangladesh border guards told AFP.

Authorities said three to four boats had sunk at the mouth of the Naf river, which divides Bangladesh and Myanmar's violence-wracked Rakhine state, raising fears there could be many more casualties.

Scores of people have already been killed attempting to cross the Naf border river since a fresh upsurge in violence in Rakhine on August 25, many using small fishing boats unsuited to the rough coastal waters.

Border Guard Bangladesh officer Aloysius Sangma said three to four boats packed with Rohingya refugees had gone down early Wednesday.

"So far, the bodies of five male and female children have been found at different locations," he told AFP.

Local police chief Main Uddin said authorities were travelling to the spot to investigate.

More than 125,000 refugees have flooded across the border into Bangladesh.

Most are Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority that the government of Buddhist-majority Myanmar largely does not recognise as citizens.
Abu Dhabi's Louvre museum, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, is the first Louvre-branded museum outside of Paris

The Louvre Abu Dhabi will finally open its doors to the public in November, bringing to the Gulf Mesopotamian artifacts and post-impressionist masterpieces in the first Louvre-branded museum outside of Paris.

Housing 600 works of art, including 300 loaned by 13 French museums for the inaugural year, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is described as the "first universal museum" in the Arab world.

It will open to the public on November 11, French Culture Minister Francoise Nyssen said at a news conference Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

The museum has been a decade in the making and is opening five years behind schedule.

Among the works on loan are Leonardo da Vinci's La Belle Ferronniere from the Louvre -- which houses the world's largest collection of art -- and Vincent van Gogh's self-portrait from the Musee d'Orsay.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel of France, the "museum city" is reminiscent of an Arab medina, enveloped by a part arabesque, part futuristic silvery dome that lets in the light in patterns mimicking leaves of the palm trees of the Gulf.

While the Louvre Abu Dhabi will not lack its Rodins and Gaugins, for some, the real heart of the museum is in its narration of ancient civilisations through artifacts acquired by the United Arab Emirates.

- 'Complex, ambitious' -

Architect Jean Nouvel, Louvre president Jean-Luc Martinez, UAE culture minister Nahyan Mubarak al-Nahyan, French culture minister Francoise Nyssen and Abu Dhabi tourism official Mohamed Khalifa Al-Mubarak on stage in Abu Dhabi on September 6, 2017

The highly publicised architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi pays homage to the surrounding culture.

"I turned to the geometry of the Arab city because I am of the idea that a museum is much more a neighbourhood than a building," Nouvel told AFP.

"I also wanted to play on this idea of openness, that of a desert open to the sea."

The planned opening comes a decade after France and the UAE agreed a 30-year partnership initially reported to be worth $1.1 billion under which many top French museums will loan art to Abu Dhabi for 10 to 15 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend the inauguration of the museum, which had originally been scheduled to open in 2012 but was pushed back after delays in funding and construction.

The decision to grant Abu Dhabi the rights to the Louvre name sparked debate in France, with critics accusing the museum of "selling its soul" and questioning the emirate's record on labour rights.

In an interview with AFP, Nyssen said granting Abu Dhabi rights to the name was not a "mercantile transaction" but a "means of mutual enrichment".

There have also been concerns about the transportation of the art and the conditions in which it will be stored, in a country where temperatures soar well above 40 degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer.

"Their protection is vital to us," Mohamed Khalifa al-Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, told AFP.

"The museum's galleries are operated by sophisticated climate controls for humidity, temperature and light and during installation, the works are in environmentally protected crates and cases to make sure they are not affected by outside conditions."

Workers are seen placing the final piece of the outer cladding of the dome structure of the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum

The art is guarded by Emirati forces, in coordination with French experts, including civil defence and terrorism security forces, and "state of the art security systems and procedures," said Mubarak.

- 'Message of tolerance' -

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is part of "a major cultural strategy" to promote the city as a patron of the arts in a region increasingly focused on soft power.

About five percent of the overall museum will be dedicated to contemporary and modern art. The rest focuses on telling the story of world histories and religions.

In the gallery of world religions, a sixth century Koran, a gothic Bible and a Yemeni Torah face each other, open to verses that give similar accounts.

"To send that message of tolerance is really important for our time," said Mubarak.

A branch of the Guggenheim, still under development, and the Zayed Museum, the national museum named after the country's founder, are located on the same island.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi's opening comes as the UAE, which in April announced the establishment of a Soft Power Council, is locked in a diplomatic and public relations battle with neighbouring Qatar, accused by its Gulf neighbours of supporting Islamist extremism.

President of the Louvre Jean-Luc Martinez speaks during a press conference in Abu Dhabi on September 6, 2017 as officials announce that the Louvre Abu Dhabi will open to the public on November 11, 2017

The UAE will also host the global trade fair Expo 2020.

"We're definitely not this closed-off society that's putting a massive wall up," said Mubarak.

"We (the UAE and France) have a goal that is exactly identical: we both want to tell the world how our history is connected. Through culture, the world can become a better place."
If the UN were to successfully impose an oil embargo, analaysts say the fuel North Korea already has would be diverted away from taxis like this one and directed towards the military instead

Top of the list for new sanctions on North Korea after its sixth nuclear test is an oil embargo, which analysts say would have a crippling effect on the wider economy -- but might do little to curb its weapons programmes.

And whether Pyongyang's key ally China would ever be willing to back such a move at the United Nations Security Council -- where it is a veto-wielding permanent member -- let alone enforce it, is also in doubt.

North Korea has little oil of its own and relies on fuel imports to keep its citizens and soldiers moving.

China is by far its biggest trading partner, responsible for around 90 percent of its commerce.

But Chinese Customs have not reported figures for crude oil exports to the North since 2014, shrouding the situation in secrecy.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says estimates suggest Pyongyang imports about 10,000 barrels of crude oil a day, almost all of it from China and going to its sole functioning refinery, the Ponghwa Chemical Factory.

At a world market price of $50 a barrel, that would be worth around $180 million a year.

In addition, according to figures from the International Trade Centre, a joint World Trade Organisation-United Nations agency, the North imported $115 million-worth of refined oil products -- which could include petrol and aircraft fuel -- from China last year. Another $1.7 million-worth came from Russia.

A ban on supplies would be devastating for ordinary North Koreans, the Nautilus Institute think tank said in a report.

"People will be forced to walk or not move at all, and to push buses instead of riding in them," said the document by Peter Hayes and David von Hippel. "There will be less light in households due to less kerosene."

The ban will lead to "more deforestation", they warned, as North Koreans will be forced to cut down trees to produce charcoal, leading to "more erosion, floods and more famine" in the already impoverished country.

North Korea refined oil imports

But Pyongyang, which embraces a "Songun" or "military-first" would immediately restrict supplies to private citizens, they said, and a ban would have "little or no immediate impact" on the North's army or its missile and nuclear programmes.

The military, which uses about a third of North Korea's oil supplies, has stockpiles for at least "a year of routine, non-wartime usage", they said, and could fight for about a month before running out of fuel.

Oh Joon, a former South Korean ambassador to the United Nations, told AFP that a suspension of oil imports would be "fatal" to the North.

"But it won't be easy to get China to agree" to such a move, he added.

- Lips and teeth -

At the United Nations, diplomats say the US wants to target oil, tourism and North Korean labourers sent abroad in a new set of Security Council sanctions -- which would be the eighth imposed on the country.

South Korean President Moon Jae-In has called for an oil ban to be seriously considered, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has also backed stronger measures.

Most ordinary North Koreans don't drive cars, but a fuel embargo might see even the buses stop

China is yet to be drawn, and Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed further measures as "useless", while warning of the risk of "global catastrophe".

Beijing fears a collapse of the regime in Pyongyang that could send refugees fleeing over its border, and -- worse -- see US troops stationed on its frontier in a unified Korea.

"If oil is cut off, that risks the regime falling," said Jean-Vincent Brisset, a researcher at the Institute for International and Strategic Affairs in Paris.

The relationship between Beijing and Pyongyang was forged in the blood of the Korean War, when Mao Zedong sent millions of "volunteers" to fight US-led United Nations forces to a standstill.

Mao described them as close as "lips and teeth", and China has long been accused of failing to enforce sanctions even after voting for them at the UN.

But Beijing has become increasingly exasperated with its neighbour.

Former South Korean vice foreign minister Kim Sung-han said: "Regime collapse means China will lose all its strategic interests in having North Korea as a buffer state."

The only way to persuade Beijing to embrace and enforce an oil ban would be if its own interests were threatened, such as by US secondary sanctions targeting its banks and businesses, he said.

"China will only consider it if it's pushed to a dead-end by the US."

That would infuriate Pyongyang, said Wang Dong of the School of International Studies at Peking University.

"If China cuts the supplies, North Korea may show very fierce resistance," he said. "The situation on the peninsula would also deteriorate sharply."
Hun Sen, 65, has held power for 32 years, making him one of the world's longest-serving leaders

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen vowed on Wednesday to stay in office for another decade following the dramatic arrest of the country's main opposition leader for treason.

Hun Sen, 65, has held power for 32 years, making him one of the world's longest-serving leaders.

But he faces a key test at national polls in 2018 with the main opposition party gaining in popularity as anger mounts over corruption, inequality and rights abuses.

His opponents, as well as NGOs and the critical press, have increasingly been smothered by court cases and threats in recent months while Hun Sen has vowed violence if he loses power.

On Tuesday the country's most prominent opposition leader Kem Sokha was charged with treason for allegedly conspiring with unnamed foreigners to topple the government.

Hun Sen has accused the United States of being behind the plot.

In a characteristically bombastic speech on Wednesday, he spoke at length about the alleged treason plot and said he had no intention of leaving politics any time soon.

"After seeing the painful event of treason committed by Khmer nationals who have been arrested -- and there may be more arrests -- I have decided to continue my work for at least 10 years more," he said during a speech to more than 10,000 garment workers in Phnom Penh.

"Please foreigners, don't be jealous with me, I am the longest serving prime minister in the world," he added.

That latter boast is incorrect. Seven leaders, mostly in Africa, have been in power longer than Hun Sen.

The Cambodian strongman has dramatically escalated his rhetoric against Washington in recent years, accusing the US of trying to instigate "colour revolutions" to end his rule.

Washington has a complex relationship with Cambodia, secretly bombing it during the Vietnam War and then becoming one of its biggest donors as it rebuilt from the ashes of the brutal Khmer Rouge era.

Kem Sokha's arrest was sparked by a speech he gave to Cambodians in Australia in 2013 in which he claimed to have support from academics in the US and Canada to defeat Hun Sen.

His Cambodia National Rescue Party had been widely tipped to perform strongly in the 2018 polls, buoyed by the youth vote in a country where many are tired of Hun Sen's rule.

But the strongman retains significant support through his party and a government bureacracy that has known no other leader for three decades.

Supporters say Hun Sen has brought stability and economic growth to a desperately poor country battered by civil war and a genocide that killed up to a quarter of the population.

Crackdowns on opposition politicians by the premier are routine before elections but the recent series of charges is unprecedented.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of South Korea Moon Jae-in said it was "urgent" to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula

South Korean President Moon Jae-In urged Russia on Wednesday to cooperate over cutting oil supplies to North Korea but President Vladimir Putin appeared to pour cold water on the idea.

Putin and Moon met on the sidelines of an economic forum in Vladivostok on Russia's Pacific coast.

Speaking after the talks, the two men said that resolving the North Korea crisis as soon as possible was their top priority but they appeared to have diverging views on the problem.

"In order to compel North Korea to come to the dialogue table, UN sanctions must be strengthened. Now it is inevitable to cut off oil supplies to the North, we hope Russia will cooperate as well," Moon was quoted as telling Putin by presidential spokesman Yoon Young-Chan, Yonhap news agency reported.

Putin however reiterated that pressure on the Stalinist regime in Pyongyang would not work.

The South Korean presidential spokesman quoted Putin as saying that Russia was concerned that the blockage of oil supplies would hurt civilians including hospitals.

Putin said Russia exported a negligible amount of oil to North Korea -- about 40,000 tonnes a year, according to Yoon.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov was not immediately available for comment.

Putin stressed the need for a political solution, saying further sanctions and pressure would not solve the problem.

"Today, as never before, everyone needs to show composure and avoid steps that lead to an escalation of tensions," he said.

"It would be extremely difficult to advance the situation at hand without political and diplomatic instruments," he said.

"It is not worth giving in to emotions and driving North Korea into a corner."

Moon said after the talks: "It is more important than anything else to resolve the North's nuclear and missile issues, which are the most urgent and gravest challenges facing this region, at an earliest date."

"I and President Putin also agreed that the missile development pursued by North Korea is a wrong path and it is an urgent task to ease tension on the Korean peninsula," he told reporters.

World powers are scrambling to respond to the latest advance in North Korea's rogue nuclear weapons programme, which has sent global tensions soaring.

Russia has rebuffed US calls for new UN sanctions while Washington has promised its allies advanced weaponry.

On Tuesday, Putin warned of a global catastrophe unless a diplomatic solution was reached over North Korea, rejecting US calls for more sanctions as "useless", widening the split between major powers over how to rein in Pyongyang.
A man cleans the tomb of the late dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, the self-styled "King of Zaire", on September 3, 2017

Twenty years on from his death in exile in Morocco, only the initials MSS mark the grave in Rabat as the resting place of Mobutu Sese Seko, the self-styled "King of Zaire".

The late dictator of the vast African country, renamed Democratic Republic of Congo after his overthrow, is buried in the European cemetery of the Moroccan capital without the fanfare associated with Mobutu during his rule.

"A lot of people come to visit the tomb. There are at least a dozen every day," many of them from Congo, said Abu Fida, the cemetery's caretaker.

"Mobutu is the star of the cemetery!" he said with a smile.

Behind tall white walls, the cemetery is a mix of half-finished tombs and rows of military graves dating back to Morocco under European colonial rule.

Palm trees stand guard before Mobutu's black-and-white marble grave with its iron grill door and cross on top. No name, photo or epitaph can be seen.

Mobutu Sese Seko, seen here in 1997, was known for his signature leopard-skin hats

Two Congolese nuns were seen quietly praying in front of the tomb of the former military ruler. "He was our president after all," one of them confided.

Abu Fida said two of Mobutu's sons were buried alongside him, while three spaces remained in the family grave, which is kept in immaculate condition by cemetery cleaners.

A small chapel inside is locked, containing "personal things... taken care of by mama", said the caretaker, referring to Mobutu's wife who visits twice a week and is "very nice".

Bobi Ladawa was the legitimate wife of Mobutu, who took her twin sister, Kosia, as his concubine.

The two remained his final companions, following him into exile. Today, as heads of the Mobutu clan, they reportedly divide their time between Rabat, Paris, Brussels and Portugal.

- 'Multi-billion dollar fortune' -

General Joseph-Desire Mobutu staged a coup in the former Belgian colony in 1965. He renamed the country Zaire and himself Mobutu Sese Seko.

Mobutu Sese Seko, then Congolese army chief, talks to reporters in the capital in November 1965 after seizing power

He set up a dictatorial kleptocracy that lasted 32 years, during which the strongman with signature leopard-skin hats allegedly amassed a multi-billion dollar fortune.

The end came in May 1997 when he was toppled by rebel leader Laurent Kabila with the support of Rwanda and Uganda.

Abandoned by allies, deserted by his generals and despised by his people, he fled first to Togo before taking refuge in Morocco with his old friend King Hassan II.

After being hospitalised with prostate cancer, Mobutu died on September 7, 1997 at the age of 66.

Exactly two decades on and Mobutu's bones remain buried far from the land of his ancestors.

"For the Congolese authorities, the body of president Mobutu should not remain in Morocco. It should be repatriated," the Kinshasa government's spokesman, Lambert Mende, told AFP.

"But there's an internal row within the family. The government cannot undertake anything in this matter without the family."

As for the Mobutu family, which shuns the media, there has been no word on any reburial plan or of any 20th anniversary memorial.
As U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a major shift in immigration policy Tuesday morning, a small group of people gathered in downtown Billings to protest the federal governments decision last month to deport a Mexican national they say is being arbitrarily detained by immigration authorities.

Audemio Orozco-Ramirez is being held in a Denver-area facility after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, charged him with living in the country illegally in 2013. A group of Billings residents have questioned the timing of his arrest last month, pointing to his history as a non-violent undocumented immigrant to the U.S., who until recently was the sole income provider for his wife and seven children. His family still lives in the Billings area.

During a brief demonstration organized by Billings First Congregational Church pastor Mike Mulberry and several others, a dozen people joined hands in prayer at the intersection of Fourth Avenue North and North 29th Street, where the local ICE office is located.

The group is seeking Orozco-Ramirezs release from a detention facility in the Denver area and hoped their protest would elicit a response from the federal agency, which has remained silent on the reasons for the undocumented immigrants sudden arrest on Aug. 2.

Orozco-Ramirez also made headlines last December when he won a $125,000 settlement from Jefferson County, which he claimed was responsible for his alleged rape in the county jail by several other inmates after his 2013 arrest as a passenger during a traffic stop.

He was later released under an order of supervision, which allowed him to continue working and living in the community as long as he completed monthly check-ins with ICE agents in Billings. During those check-ins, Mulberry said he and other members of the group would frequently accompany him to act as interpreters and advocates for Orozco-Ramirez. But his August check-in was rescheduled at the last minute, said Mulberry, who believes it was part of the agencys plan to shake Orozco-Ramirezs supporters and avoid a messy arrest.

Here we thought we were acting in good faith with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement was acting with deceit and dishonesty, Mulberry said Tuesday. He added, Its a scary time. Right now, were just picking off the most vulnerable people.

Agency spokesman Carl Rusnok declined to specify why Orozco-Ramirezs order of supervision was revoked during his most recent check-in, but provided an emailed statement Tuesday in response to questions from the Gazette.

Audemio Orozco-Ramirez is an illegal alien who ignored immigration laws for years, the statement read, noting that an order of supervision gives the alien time to prepare for their departure from the United States.

He also noted that Orozco-Ramirez had been deported to Mexico repeatedly in the years preceding his most recent arrest, and added that those convicted of illegally re-entering the U.S. can face up to 20 years in federal prison, depending on their criminal history.

Orozco-Ramirezs lawyer, Shahid Haque, is challenging the governments argument that his client should be tried in the federal appeals court that covers Denver, rather than the 9th District Court of Appeals, where his arrest took place. He said a ruling on the venue could come in the next two months, but a final determination on his clients immigration status could drag on for at least another year.

During that time, we still think that it makes the most sense for ICE to just release him from custody and to his family, Haque said Tuesday. We just cant see how it makes any sense to have him detained and keep him in federal custody for years as this process works itself out.

While he hasnt received any indication that the federal agency would consider releasing his client, Haque said he hopes public pressure could prompt ICE to consider releasing Orozco-Ramirez.

Peggy Contreraz, a Billings resident who had previously accompanied Orozco-Ramirez to the agencys local office, attended the Tuesday morning protest to offer her support for the detained immigrant. She hadnt known about the Aug. 2 arrest until she showed up later that morning, she said, but upon finding out had felt horror, and extreme anger, and a tremendous amount of guilt that I wasnt there.

Contreraz was a long-time friend of the Mexican national, and said she previously allowed him to stay at her place in Billings and brought him to Spanish-language services at her church. Her daughter, Amy Aguirre, added that shes kept in contact with Orozco-Ramirezs family.

For the last month, the ranch at which he was employed has continued to house his wife and children on the property, she said. But his employer has said that arrangement cant continue indefinitely.

If Audemio is released, life will go on as normal, but if not, the family will have to move, Aguirre said. Orozco-Ramirezs eldest son just moved away to start college, she noted, while the other six children are enrolled in public school and cant work enough to maintain their living situation.

The family is living on borrowed time over there, she said.
US ambassador to Israel David Friedman (L) speaks while his wife Tammy (2L), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2R) and his wife Sarah sit on stage during a Fourth of July Independence Day celebration

The Palestinians have attacked "unacceptable" comments made by the US ambassador to Israel after he referred to the "alleged occupation" of the Palestinian territories.

In a letter sent to diplomats, a copy of which was seen by AFP, Saeb Erakat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, said Israel had accelerated settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories.

"Such actions and practices could not have taken place without the complicity of the international community," the letter added.

It said comments by US ambassador David Friedman to the Jerusalem Post last week in which he referred to the "alleged occupation" amounted to tacit endorsement.

"We consider the statement of the US ambassador to Tel Aviv, Mr David Friedman, referring to the above mentioned situation as 'alleged occupation' as unacceptable," the letter added.

A US official told AFP that the comment "does not represent a shift in US policy".

President Donald Trump is currently seeking to restart frozen peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, and the official said the president remained committed to a lasting peace agreement.

The Palestinians have grown increasingly concerned by Trump's team, including Friedman, who have yet to publicly commit to the idea of an independent Palestinian state.

Friedman, who was Trump's personal lawyer before becoming ambassador, has been criticised by the Palestinians for his support for settlements in the occupied West Bank.

In May, he visited a settlement for a wedding, the US embassy confirmed, breaking with years of State Department policy that ambassadors only visit them in exceptional circumstances.

Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War, in a move never recognised by the international community, and more than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in the areas.

In December, the United Nations Security Council declared all such settlements illegal, and they are seen as one of the largest obstacles to peace.

Israel rejects this and blames Palestinian incitement and intransigence for the deadlock.

The United States has long considered settlements "illegitimate" but it has restrained its criticism since Trump came to power promising to lead the most pro-Israel government in history the administration.
Tensions between Vietnam and China over the South China Sea came to a head in 2014 when Beijing moved an oil rig into waters claims by Hanoi

Vietnam has delivered a sharp rebuke to China over military drills in the South China Sea, the second such warning in a week as tensions rise between the countries over the disputed waterway.

China and Vietnam have long traded barbs over the strategic and resource-rich South China Sea, which Beijing claims most of.

Tensions have flared in recent months, with Vietnam suspending an oil exploration project operated by Spain's Repsol in an area off its coast claimed by Beijing.

In June, a meeting between top Vietnamese and Chinese generals over border issues was abruptly cancelled, with both sides citing a sudden scheduling conflict.

Hanoi condemned Beijing's latest military drills in the Paracel Islands, a contentious archipelago claimed by both sides.

"Vietnam strongly rejects China's move and seriously requests China to respect Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa archipelago," foreign ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said late Tuesday, using the Vietnamese name for the Paracels.

China said last week it was conducting "regular military training in the relevant maritime area located in the northwest of the South China Sea", where the Paracels are located, claiming jurisdiction over the zone.

Beijing reiterated its claim Wednesday, with a foreign ministry spokesman saying the islands are "China's territory without dispute".

"Conducting drills is within our sovereignty. We hope relevant parties can see this rationally," Geng Shuang told reporters when asked about Vietnam's latest rebuke.

The two countries fought a brief but bloody skirmish over the Paracels in 1974. More than 70 Vietnamese soldiers were killed and China has had de facto control over the islands since then.

Last week, Vietnam repeated calls for Beijing to halt its activity in the area, and foreign affairs officials in Hanoi met with Chinese embassy staff "to clarify Vietnam's position".

Some $5 trillion in annual shipping trade passes through the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits.

Tensions between Vietnam and China over the sea came to a head in 2014 when Beijing moved an oil rig into waters claims by Hanoi.

The move sparked weeks of deadly anti-China protests across Vietnam.

Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia also have competing claims in the sea.
India's Supreme Court said state governments should appoint senior police officers to counter growing violence by vigilantes who claim to be protecting cows

India's top court proposed measures Wednesday to stem what it called growing violence by vigilantes who claim to be protecting cows, revered as holy by Hindus.

India is reeling from a spate of horrific lynchings by Hindu extremists mostly targeting the country's Muslim minority, who have historically eaten beef.

Critics say that extremists emboldened by the current Hindu nationalist government's tough stance on cow slaughter are using beef as a pretext to target the community.

The Supreme Court was responding to a private petition from Tushar Gandhi, the great grandson of India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi.

It said state governments should appoint senior police officers tasked specifically with curbing such attacks.

"There should be a planned strategy to stop growing violence in this sphere," said the judges, headed by India's Chief Justice Dipak Misra.

The slaughter of cows and the possession or consumption of beef is banned in most Indian states, with some imposing life sentences for breaking the law.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party has promised to completely outlaw cow slaughter across India, and has been accused of turning a blind eye to attacks carried out in the name of protecting the animals.

The latest was just last month when villagers in eastern India beat two Muslims to death as they transported cattle.

Police said the villagers in the eastern state of West Bengal, one of the few to permit cow slaughter, blocked the road, forcing the men to stop before dragging them out of their vehicle and killing them.

Modi broke his long silence on the issue to condemn such killings in June this year after a Muslim teenager was stabbed to death on a train. The victim's attackers had accused him and his relatives of carrying beef.

But rights groups say there is a culture of impunity for crimes committed against Muslims and have urged the nationalist government to do more to protect the secular fabric of the world's largest democracy.
The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria said at least 83 people, a third of them children, were killed in the April 4 sarin attack on the town of Khan Sheikhun

United Nations war crimes investigators on Wednesday said they had evidence that Syrian government forces were behind the chemical attack that killed dozens of people in Khan Sheikhun in April.

In the first UN report to officially blame Damascus, the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria said it had gathered an "extensive body of information" showing the Syrian airforce was behind the horrific sarin gas attack on April 4.

"All evidence available leads the Commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhun," the report said.

At least 83 people, a third of them children, were killed and nearly 300 wounded in the attack on Khan Sheikhun, a town in the opposition-held northern province of Idlib, it said.

Other sources have given a death toll of at least 87.

Syria's government has denied involvement and claims it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender its chemical arsenal.

A fact-finding mission by the UN's chemical watchdog, the OPCW, concluded earlier this year that sarin gas was used in the attack, but did not assign blame.

A joint UN-OPCW panel is currently working to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack.

- Significant evidence -

But Wednesday's report is the first from the UN to officially lay blame for the attack on Damascus.

The report also found that the Syrian government was responsible for at least 23 other chemical attacks in the war-ravaged country since March 2013.

The investigators, who have never been granted access to Syria, said they had based their findings on photographs of bomb remnants, satellite imagery and eyewitness testimony.

They determined that a Su-22 fighter bomber, which is only operated by the Syrian air force, conducted four airstrikes in Khan Sheikhun at around 6:45 am on April 4.

"The Commission identified three of the bombs as likely OFAB-100-120 and one as a chemical bomb," the report said, adding that "photographs of weapon remnants depict a chemical aerial bomb of a type manufactured in the former Soviet Union."

The investigators said they had found no evidence supporting Syrian and Russian claims that the chemicals had been released when an air strike hit an opposition weapons depot in the area producing chemical munitions.

Their report, which covers the period from March 1 to July 7, also found that Syrian government forces had carried out chemical attacks on at least three other occasions since March -- in Idlib, Hamah and eastern Ghouta -- using weaponised chlorine.

The report is the 14th from the COI, which has been tasked with detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed more than 330,000 people since 2011.
Located on the grounds of Munich's Olympic Park, the memorial features black-and-white photographs of the 11 Israeli victims and the West German police officer killed in a botched raid

Widows and children of 11 Israeli Olympic team members murdered during the 1972 Games in Munich unveiled a memorial to the victims at an emotional ceremony on Wednesday.

The presidents of Germany and Israel, Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Reuven Rivlin, joined the inauguration of what they called an "overdue" tribute to the team 45 years after their brutal massacre by the radical Palestinian Black September group.

The 2.3 million euro ($2.7-million) memorial entitled Einschnitt (Incision) on the grounds of Munich's Olympic Park features black-and-white photographs of the 11 Israeli victims and a West German police officer killed in a botched raid.

Family members, many fighting back tears, gently lowered a black drape from each of the pictures showing the men in their prime. A Bavarian orchestra played the Israeli national anthem.

Ilana Romano, widow of murdered weightlifter Yossef Romano, told a ceremony including current IOC President Thomas Bach that the team had been "happy and full of pride" to represent Israel at the Munich Games and had "returned home in coffins".

Romano said a decades-long drive by family members to see a memorial built in Munich had long been met with "anti-Semitism and a lack of compassion". She called it "very moving" to see it finally completed.

- Open wound -

The 1972 Munich Games had been meant to showcase the new face of Germany nearly three decades after World War II.

Ilana Romano, widow of one of the murdered Israeli athletes, said the team had been "happy and full of pride" to represent Israel at the 1972 Munich Games but had "returned home in coffins"

Black September gunmen took advantage of light security to break into the Israeli team's flat at the Olympic village, immediately killing two of the athletes and taking nine others hostage to demand the release of 232 Palestinian prisoners.

A bungled rescue operation resulted in all the hostages being killed along with a West German policeman and five of the eight hostage-takers.

The news sent shock waves through Germany just 27 years after the Holocaust and opened a deep rift with Israel.

Rivlin noted that many of the victims had themselves been the children of Holocaust survivors and had come to Munich in a spirit of reconciliation.

He said the international community owed it to their memory to demonstrate resolve against terrorism.

"Forty-five years after the massacre, international terror still threatens innocent victims," he said.

- Healing an open wound -

"The memorial we are inaugurating today must send a message to the whole world: we must not yield to terror... whether in Barcelona, in London, in Paris, in Berlin, in Jerusalem or in any other place."

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said many of the victims of the Munich massacre were children of Holocaust survivors and had come to the Games in a spirit of reconciliation

Steinmeier said the bloodshed against Jews on German soil had filled the country with shame. He expressed hope the memorial would help heal what was long an open wound.

"For a long time, far too long, the memory of the victims was overshadowed by the perpetrators in the public consciousness," he said.

"We also fight terror by standing by its victims."

Following the ceremony, Rivlin and Steinmeier were to pay a visit to the memorial of the former Nazi concentration camp Dachau.
Palestinian activist Issa Amro arrives for an Israeli military hearing near the West Bank city of Ramallah

The Palestinian Authority has extended the detention of a prominent rights activist who criticised president Mahmud Abbas's administration, an NGO said Wednesday.

Issa Amro was detained on Monday by Palestinian security forces in the southern West Bank city of Hebron.

On Wednesday, his detention was extended for another 24 hours, while the prosecution called for him to be charged for "causing strife", Farid al-Atrash from the Independent Commission for Human Rights said.

Palestinian officials have not commented on the arrest.

Amro is the founder of Youth Against Settlements, a campaign group in the tense city of Hebron where Jewish settlers live in heavily guarded enclaves in the centre.

At the weekend, he criticised the Palestinian Authority's arrest of a journalist from Hebron on social media, leading to his arrest.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch both criticised the arrest.

"It is outrageous that a prominent human rights defender has been arrested simply for voicing his opinion online. Criticising the authorities should not be a criminal offence," said Magdalena Mughrabi, Amnesty's deputy director for the Middle East.

She said Amro's detention was the "latest evidence that the Palestinian authorities are determined to continue with their repressive campaign against free speech."

Separate to the Palestinian arrest, Amro is currently on trial by Israel on a range of charges dating back to 2010.

He has rejected all the charges, saying they are politically motivated to prevent his peaceful resistance to Israel's occupation.
Rohingya refugees from Myanmar's Rakhine state arrive near the Khanchon border crossing near the Bangladeshi town of Teknaf

Bangladesh summoned the Myanmar ambassador on Wednesday to protest the planting of landmines along the border, after a series of explosions maimed Rohingya fleeing violence in the Southeast Asian country.

It is the second time Dhaka has summoned the ambassador since an upsurge in violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state triggered a refugee crisis, with nearly 150,000 people flooding across the border in the last 12 days.

Refugees from Myanmar's Rohingya Muslim minority have lost limbs as they fled the country after apparently triggering landmines on the Myanmar side of the border.

During the meeting, Bangladesh officials "expressed concern at the reported laying down of anti-personnel land mine(s) close to the... border by Myanmar security forces", a statement from the foreign ministry in Dhaka said.

Bangladeshi border guards have said they heard large explosions this week and seen refugees with injuries they say were caused by landmines.

One woman lost both her legs and had to be carried into Bangladesh, where she is receiving treatment.

Myanmar has not commented on the reports of explosions. On Wednesday its de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi said there was "a huge iceberg of misinformation" in her first public comments since the violence broke out on August 25.

One senior official in Bangladesh said Dhaka believed Myanmar government forces were planting the landmines to stop the Rohingya returning to their villages.

The Rohingya are denied citizenship in Myanmar, which regards them as illegal immigrants even though many have been there for many generations.

"We have information that they have planted landmines or explosives in the close vicinity of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border," the official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We have a video which shows what looks like a mine."

Bangladesh also used the meeting with the ambassador to protest the massive influx of Rohingya, after the United Nations said 146,000 refugees had arrived in the country since August 25.

There were already some 400,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, most living in squalid camps near the border that aid agencies say are now overflowing.

The latest violence has also hit Rakhine's Buddhist and Hindu populations with nearly 27,000 people displaced and fleeing in the opposite direction. Some say Rohingya militants murdered their kin.

Dhaka has repeatedly asked Myanmar to take back the Rohingya refugees and address the root causes of problem.
Ariana Grande - here at the One Love Manchester benefit concert - will perform in a Charlottesville unity concert along with other stars following a violent white supremacist rally in August in the Virginia city

Top pop stars including Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell Williams on Wednesday announced a unity concert in Charlottesville in the wake of a violent white supremacist rally.

Promoters said that the September 24 concert at the University of Virginia's Scott Stadium would be free, although they encouraged donations.

The funds will support people affected by the violence as well as "organizations devoted to the promotion of healing, unity and justice locally and nationwide," a concert announcement said.

The Dave Matthews Band -- the Charlottesville-rooted jam rock band known for its left-leaning activism despite its broad-based fan base -- will serve as the concert's host and headliner.

Other acts include hip-hop ensemble The Roots, country star Chris Stapleton, garage rockers Cage the Elephant and Brittany Howard, the powerful voice of bluesy rockers Alabama Shakes.

The usually idyllic Virginia college town became the center of an international outcry on August 12 when neo-Nazis, Ku Klux Klan supporters and other white supremacists openly marched in town.

Heather Heyer, who was taking part in the large counter-demonstration, was killed when a far-right supporter ran his car into the crowd.

President Donald Trump, who has championed a hard line on immigration, stunned even some of his political allies when he insisted there were "very fine people" on both sides in Charlottesville.

The concert is the latest star-studded show this year in response to a tragedy.

Pop superstar Beyonce and Hollywood A-listers including George Clooney will take part in a televised special on September 12 for victims of massive storm Harvey.

On June 4, Grande led a who's who of pop stars in the One Love Manchester benefit concert after 22 people were killed and 250 injured at one of her concerts in the English city in a suicide bombing by a supporter of the Islamic State group.
US Defense Secretary James Mattis (L) addressed the media Sunday regarding the situation in North Korea

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has reaffirmed Washington's commitment to defend its South Korean ally, warning once more that any North Korean threat would trigger an "overwhelming" response, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

In a conversation with South Korea's Defense Minister Song Young-Moo Tuesday to address North Korea's latest and most powerful nuclear test to date, Mattis said the United States "remains ironclad in its commitment to the defense of" South Korea.

"He further emphasized that any threat to the United States, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response," Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the White House said President Donald Trump had spoken Tuesday with British Prime Minister Theresa May and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to discuss North Korea's latest nuclear test.

Trump and May agreed "that this latest reckless act only strengthens the world's determination to confront the growing North Korean threat," a White House read-out stated.

"President Trump reiterated that now is not the time to talk to North Korea, and made clear that all options remain open to defend the United States and its allies against North Korean aggression," the statement added.

The White House said it was working to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea.

Washington's tough-talking ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, is expected to unveil yet another new UN sanctions package targeting Kim Jong-Un's regime this week.

In the call to Turnbull, Trump "reaffirmed his commitment to defending the homeland, territories, and allies of the United States, using all available diplomatic and military capabilities."

Mattis's warning echoed comments he made Sunday, in which he stressed the United States was not "looking to the total annihilation of a country, namely North Korea," before warning: "We have many options to do so."
UNICEF has said 80 percent of the Rohingya refugees coming into Bangladesh are women and children, placing a huge burden on the country's overstretched refugee camps

The World Food Programme is distributing food to thousands of people in Bangladesh who have fled violence in Myanmar, the UN agency said Wednesday.

A surge in violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state has seen an estimated 146,000 people stream across the border since August 25, including malnourished pregnant women, children and elderly people.

"So far WFP has provided more than 28,800 new arrivals with a three-day supply of high-energy biscuits, while 28,000 people have received a hot meal of khichuri, a kind of rice and lentil dish," the agency said.

It said it had set up communal kitchens alongside other aid agencies including Action Contre la Faim (Action Against Hunger), the Red Crescent Society and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The agency appealed for $11.3 million (9.5 million euros) in donor funds to support new refugees along with those already in camps.

UNICEF has said 80 percent of the refugees coming into Bangladesh are women and children, placing a huge burden on the country's overstretched refugee camps.

Aid agencies have also had to end food distribution in northern Rakhine because of the fighting. UNICEF said it was currently unable to reach some 4,000 children in the Rakhine towns of Maungdaw and Buthidaung it was previously treating for malnutrition.

The Rohingya are denied citizenship in Myanmar, which regards them as illegal immigrants even though many have been there for many generations.

There were already some 400,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, most living in squalid camps near the border that aid agencies say are now overflowing.
In discussions of prison reform, one group is nearly always overlooked: women. Women are the fastest growing segment of America's prison population, but because they are typically not the first image that comes to mind when someone thinks of an incarcerated person, they are often afterthoughts in policy discussions about ways to fix our broken system.

In July, we introduced the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act, a bill that would help address the unjust conditions incarcerated women face. The bill would institute a number of reforms that strengthen family ties and support rehabilitation, including requiring the Federal Bureau of Prisons to consider the location of children when placing mothers behind bars, expanding visitation policies for primary caretakers, banning shackling and solitary confinement for pregnant women, and prohibiting prisons from charging for essential health care items, such as tampons and pads.

By treating incarcerated women with dignity and giving them basic support, we not only improve public safety and reduce recidivism, we live out our values, making our criminal justice system more just.

The mass incarceration wave that began in the 1980s had a devastating impact on women. Since 1980, the number of women serving time in prison has skyrocketed by over 700%, much faster than the rate of incarcerated men. The United States has less than 5% of the world's women, but it is now home to one-third of the world's incarcerated women. The vast majority of those women are black and brown, usually serving time for low-level, nonviolent offenses.

A woman's incarceration often hits a family hard. More than two-thirds of female prisoners are moms, a large majority with kids under age 18. When these moms are incarcerated, they are often forced to rely on family members or friends to care for their children. And because the federal prison system doesn't consider the location of family members when determining where women will serve time, incarcerated women can be shipped hundreds of miles away from their children, seeing their kids sporadically if at all during the months or years they are behind bars. The damage this separation inflicts on children, grandparents, extended families and communities is enormous. And the impact echoes through the years, as incarceration splinters the family ties that help women rebuild their lives when they return to their communities.

Because women are so often overlooked in the national discourse over prison reform, our existing system has failed to meet their needs. In today's prisons, it's not uncommon for pregnant women to be shackled, or for moms to be forced to choose between using the little money they have to call home to talk to their kids and buying sanitary products.

In addition, US prisons have become warehouses for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, people suffering from mental illness, and individuals struggling with drug addiction. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, 86% of women in jail are victims of past sexual violence and 77% are victims of partner violence. Too many women who end up in prison have been shuttled through the abuse-to-prison pipeline. One Justice Department study found that a quarter of women in state prison were sexually abused as children, while another study found that 43% of women in jail -- nearly half -- suffer from serious mental health problems.

In prison, many women find themselves without the tools and support necessary to deal with their traumas or recover from addiction. Prison staff are not sufficiently trained to interact with women who have suffered trauma, and many prisons lack the programs and resources to help women successfully address these issues.

It's time to change that picture.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons recently decided to provide sanitary products to female inmates free of charge  implementing one of the reforms called for in the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act  but much more needs to be done. There is a growing consensus among Americans that our criminal justice system is deeply broken and in need of real, drastic change. State governments in red, blue and purple states have led the way in the reform effort, showing that it's possible to reduce crime and prison rates simultaneously. It's time for the federal government to do the same. Basic dignity for incarcerated women is a good place to start.
Protesters carry flags and placards while they march shouting slogans as they call for reforms during an anti-government rally in Lome on September 6, 2017

Hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters protested across Togo on Wednesday calling for constitutional reform, despite an apparent government concession to their demands.

Amnesty International country head Aime Adi told AFP "at least 100,000" were in the capital, Lome, with similar demonstrations taking place in some 10 other cities.

Opposition party leader Jean-Pierre Fabre for his part called the demonstration "unprecedented" and estimated that "more than one million people" were on the streets of Lome.

Neither figure was independently verified but AFP journalists on the ground said a tide of people had converged on the coastal capital, dwarfing previous protests.

Many brandished placards denouncing the regime of President Faure Gnassingbe, whose family has been in power for the last 50 years.

"The reforms are lies, we don't believe them. If the people's minds are made up, nothing can stop them, not even the army," said one protester, Armand Jarre, 26.

Gnassingbe chaired a cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening, which saw ministers approve plans for a bill about restrictions on terms in office and changes to the voting system.

The opposition has been calling for both since 2005, when Gnassingbe succeeded his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled for nearly 40 years.

Civil service minister Gilbert Bawara told AFP the government had taken note of the public's "strong expectation" and that a committee was looking into the proposals.

He invited opposition figures to enter into "dialogue and debate" on the issue.

But he said calls to limit the presidential mandate to a maximum two, five-year terms would not be implemented retroactively.

"There is no legislative reason to do so. But we need a consensus so the reform is accepted," he added.

A consensus would mean the approval of four-fifths of parliament, said Bawara.

Parliament only returns from its summer break in October and exact details of the proposals are vague.

- Previous protests -

Most of Togo's opposition parties decided to come together Lome and some 10 provincial cities on Wednesday, despite the government's apparent olive branch.

They are calling for an acceleration of constitutional reforms, including the limit on how many terms a president can serve and the introduction of a two-round voting system.

"Unir (Unite, the president's ruling party) calls for talks as soon as it is cornered," said Tikpi Atchadam, the head of the Panafrican National Party.

"I think the people have made up their mind because they're fed up," he added, calling on Gnassingbe to "leave by the front door".

"I don't believe in dialogue with the regime anymore," he said.

One man taking part in the protests said on condition of anonymity that after 50 years ruled by the same family, Togo's problems were "too deep".

Hundreds of people were killed in 2005 during violent protests following the death of Gnassingbe Eyadema and the succession of his 38-year-old son.

The president was re-elected in 2010 and 2015, although the opposition rejected the results.

Last month, at least two people were killed in anti-Gnassingbe protests in the city of Sokode, some 300 kilometres (185 miles) north of the capital.

On Tuesday, he appealed for "calm and restraint", adding that the deaths were regrettable.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing several graft investigations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing after reports Wednesday that a Hollywood producer was questioned over whether he received help in exchange for expensive gifts to the premier.

The investigation is one of several involving Netanyahu and his wife, leading to speculation over whether he will eventually be forced to resign.

According to Israeli media reports, Israeli authorities in recent days questioned Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan under caution in London over whether he sought Netanyahu's help in business deals in exchange for gifts.

Milchan allegedly gave Netanyahu and his wife Sara gifts including expensive cigars, jewelry and pink champagne.

The Hollywood producer has previously been questioned, but not under caution.

"Any attempt to describe as inappropriate the deep and long-standing friendship between Prime Minister Netanyahu and Arnon Milchan is baseless and in any case doomed to failure," a Netanyahu family spokesman said in a statement.

The statement repeated what Netanyahu has often said regarding the investigations: "There will be nothing because there was nothing."

Milchan, who is Israeli, has produced a long list of big-budget Hollywood films.

Last month, Netanyahu's former chief of staff signed a deal to turn state's witness in probes involving the premier.

In addition to the investigation involving Milchan, another is probing suspicions that Netanyahu sought a secret deal with the publisher of top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot.

Sara Netanyahu has faced an investigation into whether she routinely claimed state payments for personal housekeeping expenses at the couple's official and private residences.

Private broadcaster Channel Two recently reported that the attorney general was expected to announce charges against her by September 10.

Separately, police have been probing suspected corruption in the purchase of submarines from Germany's ThyssenKrupp.

David Shimron, a relative of Netanyahu and his family lawyer who also represented ThyssenKrupp in Israel, has been among those questioned.

David Sharan, a former chief of Netanyahu's office, has also been detained.

Netanyahu himself, however, has not been named as a suspect in the submarine case.

The 67-year-old right-wing leader has been prime minister for a total of more than 11 years, from 1996-99 and beginning again in 2009.
Kevin Willmott, a professor of film and media studies at the University of Kansas, is wearing a bulletproof vest to class this year to protest a law that allows students to carry concealed handguns on campus

Kevin Willmott, a professor of film and media studies at the University of Kansas, is sporting a bulletproof vest in class this year.

Willmott's unusual attire is not a fashion statement, however, but a protest against a law allowing for concealed handguns to be carried on the college campus.

"When I wear the vest in class it reminds everybody that someone could have a gun here in class," Willmott said.

"I thought wearing a vest was a way to really, in a sense, make them as uncomfortable as I am with the possibility of them having a gun," he told AFP in a telephone interview.

"It's heavy and it's a burden, but I decided to wear it for a year as a protest," the 59-year-old professor said. "I needed to respond in some kind of way."

The Kansas state legislature passed a "concealed carry" law in 2013 allowing handguns to be brought into public buildings but colleges and universities were given until July 1 of this year to work out how they would address the situation.

The policy adopted by the University of Kansas allows lawful gun owners over the age of 21 to have a handgun on campus provided it is concealed and secured in a holster, kept in a backpack or purse or locked in a vehicle.

Nine other US states besides Kansas also allow personal firearms on campus: Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

- 'Foolish' -

Willmott believes allowing guns in school is "foolish" and dismisses the argument by concealed carry advocates such as the National Rifle Association that it makes schools safer.

"My response is that president Ronald Reagan was surrounded by the best good guys with guns in the world, the American Secret Service," he said.

"They were the best trained people in the world probably in terms of protecting a president," he said. "And the most unqualified person in the world passed by with a gun, shot him and almost killed him."

Reagan was wounded on March 30, 1981 by John Hinckley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent more than three decades in a mental institution.

Willmott, who collaborated with Spike Lee on a 2015 movie about Chicago gang violence, "Chi-Raq," said some of his students were taken aback when they saw him wearing the bulletproof vest for the first time.

"The first day I walked into class with the vest on there was kind of a hush and I think they were really surprised," he said.

"I said 'Well, just try to ignore that I'm wearing a vest, and I'll try to ignore that you could be packing a .44 Magnum,'" he said.

"I had a handout that I made available to them on a voluntary basis explaining why I would be teaching in a bulletproof vest," he said.

Willmott also said the presence of guns in the classroom -- even if unseen -- can stifle intellectual debate.

"People will be afraid to talk about the controversial things: race, gender, sexual orientation," he said.

"People tend to self-censor themselves when they think about the possibility of someone having a gun in class," he said.

"It is the opposite of free speech. It is the opposite of what university life was created for."
Members of the Russian Military police walk past a Syrian regime soldier in March 2017

Russia's military on Wednesday said it had set up a zone north of the Syrian city of Aleppo to stop clashes between Kurdish fighters and opposition rebels.

"To prevent provocations and possible clashes between the Free Syrian Army in northern Syria and Kurdish militia, a de-confliction zone was created in Tal Rifaat district," senior Russian military officer Sergei Rudskoi told a briefing.

"Contingents of Syrian government forces have replaced Kurdish armed groups which have left this district" and "a contingent of Russian military police has been brought in to the area" and set up checkpoints, Rudskoi said.

The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) last month said that under an agreement with Moscow, "Russian military observers" would "deploy along multiple points" in the area to monitor and provide security.

Rudskoi said about 400 people have returned to their homes in Tal Rifaat since the de-confliction zone was established.

Speaking the day after Syrian government forces broke the blockade of the Islamic State group of their stronghold Deir Ezzor, Rudskoi further said that the Syrian army had "achieved serious success" in east and central Syria over the past two weeks.

He said it had freed 59 towns and villages from "terrorists."

It was not clear whether he was referring to the so-called Islamic State (IS) group or other organisations that the Syrian government has been fighting in the complex, years-long conflict.

"The average speed of the advance by the government troops over the last three days was 15-20 kilometres (nine to 12 miles) a day," the commander of Russian forces in Syria, Sergei Surovikin, said at the briefing.

"The operation to liquidate the last major base of the terrorists in Syria is being completed," he said.

Russian warplanes carried out 2,687 strikes in support of the offensive over the past two weeks, he said.
US oil company ExxonMobil has signed an agreement to start drilling off the southern coast of Cyprus, pictured in 2015, as Cyprus looks to exploit more of its oil and natural gas resources

US giant ExxonMobil said Wednesday it plans to start drilling at two sites in the second half of 2018 to explore for energy reserves off the south coast of Cyprus.

Preparations to support the drilling operations are already underway, the companys vice president Tristan Aspray said at a presentation in Nicosia.

He said the operations would take place back-to-back and begin in the second half of 2018.

ExxonMobil with Qatar Petroleum has signed a licence agreement with the Cyprus government to explore block 10 for oil and gas as part of a third licensing round to exploit new offshore plots.

Block 10 is close to where ENI made a huge find in Egypts offshore "Zohr" field, raising hopes in Cyprus of more untapped wealth.

US firm Noble Energy made the first find off southeast Cyprus in 2011 in the Aphrodite field (Block 12), estimated to contain 127.4 billion cubic metres (4.54 trillion cubic feet) of gas.

Israeli firms Delek and Avner have a 30-percent stake in the venture. Noble has handed over a 35 percent share to the UK's BG International.

Italian-South Korean venture ENI-Kogas has so far failed to discover any exploitable gas reserves in deep-sea drilling off the island.

Block 12 has been declared commercially viable but an action plan on the next steps has yet to be finalised.

Italys ENI and Frances Total, which have equal shares in block 11, have been conducting exploratory drilling off the south coast since July.

Cyprus needs to find more gas reserves to make a planned onshore terminal financially viable as it seeks to become a regional energy player.

It had planned to build a liquefied natural gas plant that would allow exports by ship to Asia and Europe, but the reserves confirmed so far are insufficient to make that feasible.

Cyprus and energy-starved Egypt are looking into the possibility of transferring gas from the Aphrodite field to Egypt via an undersea pipeline. The island hopes to begin exporting gas, and maybe oil, by 2022.
Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured in August 2017, met with president of the International Committee of the Red Cross Peter Maurer to request help repatriating the remains of Israeli soldiers from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Wednesday for the International Committee of the Red Cross to help return civilians and the bodies of soldiers held in Gaza as he met the organisation's head.

"We are concerned about this unbelievable cruelty," Netanyahu said after talks with ICRC president Peter Maurer, who is on a three-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Two Israeli soldiers, Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, are believed to have been killed in the 2014 war in the Gaza Strip and their remains held by the Islamic movement Hamas which runs the Palestinian territory.

Three Israeli civilians, all said to be mentally unstable, are also believed to have entered Gaza and to be held by Hamas.

The ICRC can help in "retrieving the bodies of our fallen soldiers but also in bringing back to Israel these defenceless, helpless civilians who are held by Hamas against the contravention of all international norms", said Netanyahu.

Maurer, who met with Hamas's hardline Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar on Tuesday, said: "We have a mandate on international law but also on helping people and finding practical ways."

Hamas has fought three wars against Israel since 2008, with the latest in 2014 leaving more than 2,200 Palestinians dead and 73 killed on the Israeli side.
US President Donald Trump made the comments on North Korea as he left the White House on a trip to North Dakota

President Donald Trump said military action against North Korea was not the "first choice" of his administration Wednesday, edging away from his most bellicose threats against the Pyongyang regime.

After a phone call with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping about how to deal with Kim Jong-Un's threatening nuclear and ballistic missile programs, Trump did not rule out military strikes if necessary.

But, he indicated, other avenues for pressure would come before military action.

"Certainly that's not our first choice, but we will see what happens," Trump said as he boarded Marine One at the White House.

Trump has previously warned of "fire and fury" if North Korea continued tests and warned its few international partners that trade with the United States could come to an end.

So far those threats have gone unheeded in Pyongyang which recently detonated an apparent thermonuclear bomb.

That and a litany of other tests appear aimed at marrying missile and nuclear technology in a way that could put the United States within striking distance.

Trump has accused China in particular of not doing enough to tighten economic pressure on its smaller neighbor. But on Wednesday Trump sounded more conciliatory.

"I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent. He doesn't want to see what's happening there, either. We had a very, very frank and very strong phone call."

After years of incrementally tougher sanctions against North Korea, the United Nations is currently weighing additional steps.

Those could include an squeezing oil supplies or restricting North Korea's ability to collect remittances from workers abroad.
As many as 500,000 cars were washed away or irreparably damaged by the flood waters from Hurricane Harvey, which means car-dependent Houstons will need to replace their cars while repairing other storm damage

As Houston residents contend with flooded homes and lost belongings in the upheaval left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, many face another urgent priority: getting a new car.

Having a vehicle is a necessity in the sprawling Texas metropolis with few public transportation options.

But as many as a half million cars were washed away or irreparably deluged after the storm dumped a year's worth of water on the city in a matter of days.

Local auto dealerships that survived the storm are reporting brisk business as Harvey's victims seek an essential tool for traversing a city that was built for the automobile and features two massive highway loops that surround the downtown.

"There is a high demand going on now," said Ezequiel Zepeda, a salesman at Houston Direct Auto, a used car company.

Zepeda these days is juggling a torrent of incoming calls and a perpetually full voice mail from residents as well as from workers with non-governmental groups and rescue organizations such as the Red Cross.

"I had a couple come in earlier and both of them bought a vehicle, which doesn't happen often," he told AFP. "I have customers even before I get to work."

Prices of cars have held steady for those already in Zepeda's lot prior to Harvey because many became wet, but did not suffer damage. But Zepeda has boosted prices on many vehicles acquired after the storm due to spiking demand.

- More car casualties than Katrina -

Major hurricanes like Harvey usually result in numerous car losses, but the toll is expected to be even bigger than other catastrophic storms in recent years.

Appraisal firm Black Book estimates about 500,000 cars will need to be replaced due to Harvey, double the more than the 250,000 hit by Hurricane Sandy in the New York region in 2012, and the 200,000 pummeled by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf coast in 2005, according to Cox Automotive.

That could give Detroit a boost at a time when the American car industry is feeling the effects of a cooling North American auto boom. But analysts do not expect to see the impact immediately in car industry financials.

"When it does occur, (it) is likely to be greater than was the case with Sandy, because more vehicles are estimated to have been damaged this time around," said Ryan Brinkman, an auto industry analyst at JPMorgan Chase.

Around 150,000 people already have notified insurers of losses, but far more filings are expected, according to the Insurance Council of Texas.

"It might take weeks for victims to be compensated because of the inability to reach or even locate some vehicles," said Mark Hanna, a spokesman for the Insurance Council of Texas, who estimates the total economic impact at $2 billion.

Typical insurance policies allow holders to purchase a small car if their vehicle is damaged in a storm, or receive reimbursement for a rental, Hanna said.

Rental car giant Avis has waived late and extension fees in the hurricane-ravaged area.

"We are moving vehicles into the affected areas as quickly as possible to increase inventory to meet our customers' needs," said Katie McCall, a spokeswoman at Avis Budget Group.

Ford is offering $1,000 rebates for the purchase of new cars.

- Some will go without -

Unsurprisingly, car purchases are easiest for those buyers who don't need to line up financing, or await an insurance payout.

"If there's a cash deal, I show them the vehicle, they sign the contract and 45 minutes later they walk out the door with the vehicle," said Zepeda.

But some Houstonians will no doubt go carless as they await insurance payouts while putting any available cash into vital home repairs.

"There will be thousands that will be unable to replace their cars immediately," said Andrea French, executive director of TAG Houston, a non-governmental organization that advocates for more public transit solutions.

That could boost the odds that more consumers opt to go into the "black market" of used cars that are not insured, which already accounts for about 15 percent of the Texas market, she said.
US lawmakers passed a bill aimed at speeding deployment of self-driving vehicles such as this Kia Niro Triathlete Inspired autonomous concept car shown last year at the Los Angeles auto show

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved legislation aimed at clearing the path for deployment of self-driving vehicles by requiring consistent regulations across the 50 states.

The "Self Drive Act" approved by voice vote "will help pave the way for self-driving cars nationwide and ensures America stays a global leader in innovation," said a tweet from Representative Greg Walden, who chairs the House panel that drafted the bill.

The bill, which needs Senate approval before being sent to the White House, would prevent states from imposing regulations on autonomous vehicles that would make it more difficult for manufacturers to deploy self-driving cars nationwide.

The Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, an association that includes automakers Ford and Volvo as well as tech firms seeking to deploy autonomous vehicles such as former Google car unit Waymo, Uber and Lyft, welcomed the passage.

"Self-driving vehicles offer an opportunity to significantly increase safety, improve transportation access for underserved communities, and transform how people, goods and services get from point A to B," the group's general counsel David Strickland said in a statement.

"We look forward to working with members of the House and Senate to enact autonomous vehicle legislation that enhances safety, creates new mobility opportunities, and facilitates innovation."

Another association, the Coalition for Future Mobility, said it "supports legislative measures that will optimize the safe testing and deployment of automated vehicles in a technology-neutral manner while continuing to let innovation thrive."

Backers of autonomous vehicles say the technology can avoid the vast majority of road accidents and save lives, and reduce congestion and energy use.

But some activists argue the dangers of robot-controlled vehicles remain unclear.

A statement by Consumers Union said the bill approved Wednesday "could lead to a regulatory vacuum that would put consumers at risk."

The consumer watchdog group said that while autonomous vehicles may improve road safety, the bill's provisions on data privacy and security "should be significantly stronger."

"Despite requiring companies to develop a cybersecurity plan, the bill does not require automakers to notify consumers of system breaches or of updates to a car's security protections," the consumer group said.
Journalists walk near artwork by late French-American artist Louise Bourgeois titled "Together" as part of an exhibition this month in Israel's Tel Aviv

An exhibition of works by Louise Bourgeois, a contemporary art icon known for her giant sculptures, is to open this week in Tel Aviv, a first in Israel.

The exposition of the late French-American artist's work titled "Twosome" opens Friday at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and runs until January 20.

The exhibition, which takes its name from the large and rarely exhibited installation at its centre, includes some 50 works.

The "Twosome" installation includes two large steel cylinders illuminated with red light, the smallest cylinder emerging from the biggest at a regular and mechanical rhythm.

A journalist looks at artwork by late French-American artist Louise Bourgeois titled "Umbilical Cord", which is on display as part of an exhibition in Tel Aviv to open on Friday

"I think it's a very powerful piece because it sort of has multiple meanings, altogether in that one form," said Jerry Gorovoy, exhibition curator who was an assistant to Bourgeois.

"Could be the mother and child -- it's about inside and outside, it's about sexuality. I think it's the heart of the show, and the show was really organised around that one work, because I think it has this idea of duality."

Others of her well-known works are included, such as two giant steel spiders called "Spider Couple" and the phallus sculpture "Fillette".

Bourgeois was born in Paris in 1911 and married American art historian Robert Goldwater in 1938. She moved to the United States and became an American citizen.

She however did not gain wide notoriety until the 1970s with the appearance of striking work such as "The Destruction of the Father" and "Confrontation".

An exhibition of artwork by late French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, including a piece titled "Spider Couple", opens on Friday in Israel

"Louise Bourgeois was torn by wounds linked to childhood trauma, then exile... then to the difficulties of being both a good mother -- she had three children -- the wife of a historian and known conservative, and artist," Marie-Laure Bernadac, a specialist on Bourgeois's work, told AFP.

A first retrospective of her work was organised by the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1982.

The artist was recognised by her native country with a retrospective at the City of Paris Museum of Modern Art in 1995.

She died in 2010 in New York at the age of 98.
The right to an abortion is one of the most divisive social issues in the United States

A US judge will decide the fate of Kentucky's only abortion clinic in a case that opened Wednesday and has nationwide implications for how America regulates the socially-divisive procedure.

The EMW Women's Surgical Center, located in the state's largest city Louisville, is suing the southern state for placing what it claims are unreasonably onerous safety requirements that threaten its ability to operate.

If the clinic fails in its lawsuit and is forced to close, it would make Kentucky the only state in the nation without a single dedicated abortion clinic.

"In that regard, that would be somewhat historic," Rusty Thomas, a religious leader and head of the anti-abortion group Operation Save America, told AFP.

The lawsuit is the first to test a US Supreme Court ruling that last year gave abortion clinics added protections -- prohibiting regulations that subject them to an "undue burden." The high court struck down a Texas law similar to Kentucky's.

The judge hearing EMW's case issued a temporary restraining order earlier this year to prevent the shutdown of the clinic.

"Plaintiffs have shown a strong likelihood of success on the merits (of their case)," US District Judge Greg Stivers said in his written order.

- 'Under assault' -

The lawsuit centers around the question of whether it is reasonable for the government of Kentucky to demand an abortion provider be connected to a hospital in case of emergency.

EMW says it already has emergency plans in place to transport patients to a hospital in case of a rare complication, and the state's hospital requirement is an attempt to shut it down.

"We are under assault," said Ernest Marshall, the doctor who operates the clinic, in prepared remarks to the news media. "The very right to access legal abortion in the state of Kentucky is on the line."

Marshall's suspicions are rooted in the hostility to abortion displayed at the highest levels of Kentucky's government. As the three-day trial commenced, the state's governor Matt Bevin defended the regulations, telling radio station WKYX that he was "not a proponent of killing unborn children."

Still, the state maintains the clinic's claims are overblown, that regulators are seeking to safeguard patient safety -- not shutter the clinic -- and that even if it were to close, women would still have access to abortions.

"Kentucky law permits licensed hospitals to perform abortions without being separately licensed as an abortion facility. Kentucky women would also have access to abortions at nearby facilities in contiguous states," the state's lawyers argued in a written filing.

The legal tussle comes as states across the country increasingly try to broaden abortion restrictions -- with hundreds of new laws enacted in just the last six years, according to the pro-abortion research group Guttmacher Institute.

"We are in the midst of a real political hostility towards abortion at the state level," the institute's Elizabeth Nash told AFP.

As conservative Republicans have won more seats in state legislatures across the US, efforts to restrict abortions have accelerated.

"There has been a real polarization on abortion," Nash said.

Meanwhile, the number of abortion clinics has diminished to the point that seven states -- including Kentucky -- have only one each, according to the institute's tally.

"In 37 years providing abortion, I've seen more than a dozen clinics close down in our state," Marshall said.
Missile Defense Agency photo shows a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor of the kind recently deployed to South Korea

With global tensions spiraling over the North Korean nuclear crisis, President Donald Trump wants to pile extra pressure on Pyongyang by urging regional allies to dramatically boost spending on high-tech US military gear.

Though existing regulations preclude any sudden changes, Trump's remarks this week open the door to what could amount to a regional military buildup -- a move sure to anger China.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump said Tuesday on Twitter.

A day earlier, he told his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in that Washington is willing to approve arms sales worth "many billions of dollars" to Seoul following Pyongyang's most powerful nuclear test to date.

Tensions are soaring after Pyongyang's test Sunday of what it said was a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile.

Declaring that "enough is enough," America's ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said existing measures had not worked and accused North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un of "begging for war."

And South Korea's defense minister has said it's time to reconsider whether the US should redeploy "tactical" nuclear weapons to South Korea -- the reduced-yield warheads were withdrawn in the 1990s.

Experts worry such a move would heighten the risk of a mishap or goad North Korea into conducting a first strike.

Meanwhile, the United States is lifting restrictions on South Korean missile payload capabilities, previously restricted to a maximum warhead weight of 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds).

Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said the limit had been raised to 1,000 kilograms.

- 'Not his call' -

Both South Korea and Japan already spend billions of dollars annually on US military technology. Owing to how the US approves arms sales, it is impossible to increase spending overnight.

The State Department's Foreign Military Sales program is a lengthy process in which bureaucrats vet a request before passing a prospective deal to Congress for approval.

Jim Schoff, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Trump cannot circumvent these rules.

"It's not his call to do that," Schoff told AFP. "It's Congress's call in many cases to waive the restrictions and limitations that they themselves have put on the sale of US technology."

Even after Congress approves a sale, it can take the Pentagon months or even years to flow the equipment to the purchasing country.

While Trump's words will have little immediate effect on military sales, his messages may help pressure China into taking a more assertive role in addressing North Korea's weapons program.

Beijing does not want sophisticated US radars and weapons systems on its doorstep and reacted furiously when the United States deployed the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to South Korea.

- Missile defenses -

The United States sold arms worth nearly $5 billion to South Korea between 2010 and 2016, according to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

South Korea was the fourth biggest buyer of US arms in that period, behind Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

And Japan spends roughly $3 billion per year on US defense equipment and weapons systems, Schoff said.

Much of that is for high-end US weapons systems such as the F-35 stealth fighter and Global Hawk drones.

Japan could significantly boost its spending on additional F-35s or Aegis Ashore, a land-based adaptation of the maritime Aegis missile-defense system.

Japan already has Patriot batteries, which can stop lower altitude missiles, and SM-3 missiles that can take out short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles flying at higher altitudes.

Some experts are calling for the United States and its allies to shoot down future North Korean missiles.

The technology is not perfect but the Pentagon has demonstrated it can hit ICBM and intermediate-range missile targets.

An attempted shoot-down would "put the burden of risk on North Korea in challenging the United States and its allies and of escalating any potential crisis," wrote Evans Revere and Jonathan Pollack of the Brookings Institution.

Schoff said any attempt to redeploy tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea was pointless, as it would amount to exposing bombs that are currently well hidden in submarines or elsewhere.

"Why would you want to take the nukes off those hard-to-find platforms, put them in a bunker with a big 'hit me here' sign on it?" he said.

Klingner, of the Heritage Foundation, said Trump's messages may have been more aimed at reassuring South Korea rather than any meaningful shift in how weapons are sold.

"In a lot cases with (South) Korea, it's: 'We want you to do something to reassure us,' and sometimes the specifics don't matter," he told AFP.
South Korean naval vessels, seen here on September 5, and the Chinese air force are conducting drills amid high tension surrounding the North Korea nuclear standoff

The United States on Wednesday asked the United Nations to slap an oil embargo on North Korea and freeze the assets of leader Kim Jong-Un, setting up a potential clash with Russia and China over how to respond to Pyongyang's sixth and biggest nuclear test.

A draft Security Council resolution obtained by AFP demands not only a ban on oil and gas supplies to North Korea, but also an end to textile exports and to payments made to North Korean guest workers, cutting off revenue to Kim's regime.

China has long been reluctant to take measures that could trigger instability or a refugee exodus on its border, and Russia has resisted tough economic sanctions that could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

In a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday insisted that military action against North Korea was not his "first choice" and pushed for a diplomatic option.

After Kim's pariah regime claimed it carried out a hydrogen bomb test over the weekend, US Ambassador Nikki Haley said the United States would be seeking a vote at the council on new sanctions on September 11.

The proposed package of measures would be the strongest yet against North Korea, which is barred under UN resolutions from developing nuclear or missile technology.

The draft resolution takes aim directly at North Korea's leadership, proposing a freeze on Kim's assets as well as those of the ruling Worker's Party of Korea and the government.

Kim would be added to a UN sanctions blacklist, subjecting him to a global travel ban, along with four other North Korean officials.

The state-owned airline, Air Koryo, would also be hit by an assets freeze along with the Korean People's Army and eight other groups linked to the government, the military and the ruling party.

Countries would be authorized to "use all necessary means" to seize and inspect North Korean cargo vessels on the UN sanctions list, according to the 13-page draft resolution. Nine North Korean ships would be added the blacklist.

The measure would also scrap all joint ventures with North Korea.

- Russia balks at oil embargo -

In Vladivostok, South Korean President Moon Jae-In tried with little apparent success to convince Russian Vladimir Putin to cut off Pyongyang's key supplies of fuel oil.

Before-and-after images courtesy of Planet show the Punggye-ri test site where North Korea on Sunday conducted an underground explosion

"In order to compel North Korea to come to the dialogue table, UN sanctions must be strengthened," Moon told Putin, a South Korean spokesman told the Yonhap news agency.

"Now it is inevitable to cut off oil supplies to the North, we hope Russia will cooperate as well," he continued.

The South Korean presidential spokesman quoted Putin as saying that Russia was concerned a block of fuel oil supplies would hurt civilians -- including hospitals.

Putin reportedly argued that Russia exports a negligible amount of oil to North Korea -- about 40,000 tonnes a year.

Experts say a ban on oil supplies would be devastating for ordinary North Koreans.

"People will be forced to walk or not move at all, and to push buses instead of riding in them," said a report by the Nautilus Institute think tank. "There will be less light in households due to less kerosene."

The ban will lead to more deforestation, the report said, as North Koreans will be forced to cut down trees to produce charcoal, leading to "more erosion, floods and more famine" in the already impoverished country.

Kim's regime would immediately restrict supplies to private citizens, it added, and a ban would have "little or no immediate impact" on the North's army or its missile and nuclear programs.

- Frank call -

Diplomats at the United Nations in New York and, here, at disarmament talks in Geneva are battling to maintain international unity in the face of the North Korean threat

The diplomatic push could not disguise mounting tension, underscored by China conducting air force drills to defend its east coast "against nuclear and biological weapons."

Trump spoke with Xi of China, the country seen as having the most influence on its unruly neighbor and key to getting any sanctions regime to stick.

"I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent. He doesn't want to see what's happening there, either. We had a very, very frank and very strong phone call," Trump said.

According to the White House, Trump and Xi "committed to strengthen coordination and take further action with the goal of achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."
Hurricane Irma has laid waste to a string of islands in the Caribbean and is now heading northwest towards Florida

After laying waste to several Caribbean islands, Hurricane Irma was barreling Saturday towards Florida, where some 5.6 million people faced orders to evacuate as the monster storm made landfall in Cuba.

Irma -- which has killed at least 19 people and devastated thousands of homes in the Caribbean -- made landfall late Friday on the Camaguey Archipelago of Cuba as a maximum-strength Category 5 storm.

The hurricane weakened slightly to a Category 4 hours later, swirling some 245 miles (395 kilometers) away from Miami and packing still powerful maximum sustained winds of 155 miles per hour, according to the US National Hurricane Center.

In Cuba officials reported "significant damage" in parts of the island's center without providing further details, but said there were not yet casualties.

More than a million people on the Caribbean's largest island have evacuated as a precaution, authorities said.

Irma is expected to strike the Florida Keys late Saturday and Sunday before moving inland, and many residents have joined a mass exodus amid increasingly dire alerts to leave.

"Irma remains an extremely dangerous hurricane!" tweeted the National Weather Service early Saturday.

"It's not too late to get off the Keys!!!" the agency said. "You still have time, this morning, to get out! Please, the Keys are not safe."

According to Florida's Division of Emergency Management some 5.6 million residents have been ordered to evacuate -- nearly a quarter of the state population.

Warning that Irma would be worse than Hurricane Andrew -- which killed 65 people in 1992 -- Florida's governor said all 20.6 million Floridians should prepare to flee.

"If you're in an evacuation zone, you should be very cautious, you should get out now," Governor Rick Scott told CNN. "This is a powerful storm bigger than our state."

Bumper-to-bumper traffic was snaking north out of the peninsula, with mattresses, gas cans and kayaks strapped to car roofs.

North of the Keys, in Miami Beach, 82-year-old Cuban-American Orlando Reyes had suddenly to flee his assisted living facility.

Tourists wait in front of boarded-up storefronts as they prepare to leave Miami Beach ahead of Hurricane Irma

"It is frightening," he told AFP at a shelter in Miami. "We had to leave without a cent, without taking a bath, or bringing anything."

The storm ravaged a series of tiny islands before slamming into the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

French state-owned reinsurer CCR estimated Irma had caused 1.2 billion euros ($1.4 billion) worth of damage to homes, vehicles and businesses in the territories of Saint Martin and Saint Barts.

"Houses are smashed, the airport is out of action," Saint Barts resident Olivier Toussaint told AFP.

"Upside-down cars are in the cemeteries. Boats are sunk in the marina, shops are destroyed."

Meteorologists meanwhile were closely monitoring two other Atlantic storms.

Jose, another powerful Category 4 storm, was heading towards the same string of Caribbean islands Irma has pummeled in recent days.

Florida's Miami Beach was nearly deserted following a mandatory evacuation order

Katia made landfall in eastern Mexico late Friday -- just as the country was grappling with its worst earthquake in a century -- as a Category 1 hurricane.

It was later downgraded to a tropical storm but was still bringing rains that could bring "life-threatening flash floods and mudslides."

- Caribbean relief disrupted -

Hurricane Jose was wreaking havoc with emergency operations in the Caribbean, as the deteriorating weather prevented boats from leaving with relief supplies and grounded aircraft.

In Cuba, some 10,000 foreign tourists were evacuated from beach resorts

Cuba had already evacuated 10,000 foreign tourists from beach resorts ahead of Irma's arrival.

The hurricane "seriously affects" the central provinces of Camaguey and Ciego de Avila, Cuban meteorologist Elier Pila said on state television.

But because of Irma's massive size, its effects were felt from central-west regions to the island's east, he said. Communications are down in many municipalities there.

The neighboring Bahamas escaped the hurricane's wrath mostly unscathed, with no reports of casualties or major damage.

In Florida, where forecasters warned of storm surges of up to 12 feet (nearly four meters), normally bustling Miami Beach was deserted.

"Nobody can be prepared for a storm surge. They can destroy everything," said David Wallack, a 67-year-old salsa club owner attempting to secure his property on the city's Ocean Drive.

"We just can pray for the best. You put what you can in a suitcase and hope."

- Destruction and rebuilding -

The US military was mobilizing thousands of troops and deploying several large ships to aid with evacuations and humanitarian relief, as the Air Force removed scores of planes from the southern United States.

The hurricane, which made landfall on September 6, laid waste to Caribbean islands like St Martin which is shared between the Netherlands and France

In the Caribbean, violent winds ripped roofs and facades off buildings, hurling lumps of concrete, cars and even shipping containers aside.

At least two people were killed in Puerto Rico, and more than half of its three million residents were without power after rivers broke their banks in the center and north of the island.

Another four people were killed on the US Virgin Islands, with a number of badly injured people airlifted to Puerto Rico.

One person died in tiny Barbuda, where 30 percent of properties were demolished and the entire island has been evacuated.

France said at least 10 had been killed across its Caribbean territories with seven more missing. There were 112 people injured, two seriously.

On the Dutch side of Saint Martin island, two people died.

In northwest Haiti, a motorcyclist was missing after trying to cross a flooded river and a number of roads were washed out.

European nations quickly mobilized to help their citizens in the Caribbean, with France and the Netherlands ordering hundreds of police to Saint Martin -- where most of the 80,000 inhabitants have lost their homes -- to tackle an outbreak of looting amid major shortages of food, water and petrol.

burs-oh-mdo/kjl
Angola's outgoing president Jose Eduardo dos Santos casts his vote during last month's election

Angola's Electoral Commission declared Wednesday that the ruling MPLA party had won last month's election, in a victory that allows outgoing President Jose Eduardo dos Santos to install a party loyalist in his place after 38 years in power.

The Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) garnered 61.7 percent of the vote, and 150 of the 220 seats in parliament, the head of the CNE electoral commission, Andre da Silva Neto, said in announcing the final results.

Dos Santos, 75, who has ruled since 1979 and is reportedly in poor health, will hand over to former defence minister Joao Lourenco at the presidential inauguration on September 25.

The opposition National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita) won 26.6 percent of the vote and 51 parliamentary seats, while Casa-CE managed 9.5 percent with 16 seats.

Along with two smaller groups, the opposition parties said they would challenge the results of what they have called an "unconstitutional and illegal" vote in court.

On Sunday, the four defeated opposition parties had called for a recount of the August 23 vote, alleging that ballot boxes and voter forms had disappeared.

The electoral commission rejected the demand.

"The country is at a crossroads because the conduct, transparency and validity of the electoral process is being called into question," said Claudio Silva, a spokesman for the opposition.

"We consider that the practices of the CNE are a violation of democracy and the rule of law," he added.

A Unita delegate to the CNE confirmed it would file a challenge with Angola's constitutional court.

If the electoral commission upholds the results, "we will turn to other measures prescribed by the constitution," said Estevao Tachiungo, indicating that protests could be held.

- 'Spoiling the party' -

But the claims of violations were dismissed by Lourenco late Wednesday, who accused the opposition of "spoiling the people's party".

"These political groups, by protesting in their sole interests against these so-called procedural irregularities, have violated electoral laws," he said.

"Their attempts at inciting civil disobedience show that they do no respect the popular will as expressed at the ballot boxes."

Human Rights Watch Southern Africa has urged the incoming president to "urgently implement much-needed human rights reforms" in the oil-producing country, which suffered years of civil war that ended in 2002.

"He should support free press and association, and ensure that all Angolans are able to express their political views without fear of reprisal or intimidation," said regional director Dewa Mavhinga.

"Opposition parties' claims that elections were marred by irregularities, such as the disappearance of ballot boxes, should be promptly investigated by a competent and impartial body," he added.

The MPLA had predicted it would win easily, but the result showed a decline in support from the 2012 election.

The country of 28.8 million population is battling high poverty levels and has suffered from a slump in crude prices in recent years.
US President Donald Trump before a meeting with congressional leadership in the Oval Office at the White House

President Donald Trump infuriated Republicans on Wednesday by agreeing to ease US borrowing limits, forestalling a government shutdown and siding with opposition Democrats in a high-stakes Washington policy fight.

Trump hailed a "very good" deal with Democratic lawmakers that will see the government funded and able to borrow all it needs until at least December 15, avoiding a disruptive shutdown.

The deal will also provide billions in dollars of funding to help with the recovery from Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana.

"We essentially came to a deal, and I think the deal will be very good," said a buoyant Trump after meeting leaders from both parties in the Oval Office.

During that sitdown Treasury Secretary Steve Mnunchin was among the Republicans arguing for a long-term extension to the so-called "debt ceiling," before Trump shocked the room by jumping in to support Democrats' short-term fix.

Afterward the president -- who based his political brand on being a consummate dealmaker -- was notably warm toward Democrats Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, who he repeatedly refered to as "Chuck and Nancy."

"We're very glad the president accepted, it's for the good of the country," Schumer said with barely contained glee, describing the decision as "a really positive step forward."

Republicans however were livid, believing that come December, Democrats -- a minority in both houses of Congress -- will be able to demand concessions to keep the government open ahead of key 2018 mid-term elections.

That is likely to include extending protection against deportation to around 800,000 people brought to the United States illegally as children, without providing funding for Trump's "border wall" with Mexico.

Just hours earlier, House speaker Paul Ryan had described a deal linking the debt ceiling and hurricane funding as a "ridiculous idea."

"The Pelosi-Schumer-Trump deal is bad," said Republican Senator Ben Sasse, in a terse and censorious response to news of the agreement.

Republican Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell distanced himself from the decision, referring to it as a deal between Trump and Democrats.

"His feeling was that we needed to come together and not create a picture of divisiveness at a time of genuine national crisis," McConnell said.

Top Trump legislative advisor Marc Short said the move helped Congress and the White House "clear the decks" of thorny political problems and "enables us to focus on tax reform."

Relations between Trump and Republican leaders have long been strained by policy disputes and the president's jabs on Twitter.

In August, Trump publicly berated McConnell who he said "screamed" to replace Obama-era health care reforms for seven years and "couldn't get it done."

Another senior administration official denied that Trump had sided with Democrats. "He didn't go with the Democrats, he went with the country's needs," the official said.

"The country's needs, as he sees them right now, are to get many big legislative items tackled in short order by the end of this year," the official added.
The latest measures target information minister Michael Makuei, seen in 2014, who is in particular accused of having "engaged in or been complicit in" attacks on the UN mission in South Sudan

The United States slapped sanctions Wednesday of three senior South Sudan officials accused of fomenting and profiting from the four-year civil war in Africa's youngest country.

Washington was South Sudan's key foreign sponsor as it won its independence from Sudan in 2011, but US officials have become frustrated by its descent into chaos and infighting.

The latest measures target information minister Michael Makuei, who is in particular accused of having "engaged in or been complicit in" attacks on the UN mission in South Sudan.

The feared former head of the army, Paul Malong, is also placed on the sanctions list, updated periodically by the US Treasury.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir sacked Malong in May, but before that he was accused of being behind the deadly clashes that erupted in the capital Juba in July last year.

Finally, senior military figure, Malek Reuben, the former head of logistics for the Sudanese Peoples' Liberation Army, is placed on the list, along with three private firms he controls.

US citizens are barred from doing business with individuals on the sanctions list, and any assets they might hold under in areas under US jurisdiction can be frozen.

Treasury also warned US banks "that certain South Sudanese senior political figures may try to use the US financial system to move or hide proceeds of public corruption."

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert warned that other measures might follow if South Sudanese leaders do not seriously engage in a peace process.

"Six million people in South Sudan -- half of the population -- face life-threatening hunger while more than four million people have been displaced from their homes, including two million refugees," she said.

"This is a man-made crisis, and one the Government of South Sudan can stop."
BEIRUT (AP) - Syrian government forces and their allies are on the verge of breaking a nearly three-year siege imposed by the Islamic State group on parts of the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, opposition activists and state media said Monday.

Breaking the siege on Deir el-Zour would mark another victory for President Bashar Assad, whose forces have been advancing on several fronts against IS and other insurgent groups.

Syrian troops and allied militiamen have for months been advancing toward Deir el-Zour, the provincial capital of the oil-rich province of the same name. Government forces are besieged in a handful of neighborhoods as well as a nearby airport.

This photo released on Sunday, Sept 3, 2017 by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen standing next to a placard in Arabic which reads, "Deir el-Zour welcomes you," in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, Syria. Syrian opposition activists and state media say government forces are close to breaking a nearly three-year siege imposed by the Islamic State group on parts of the provincial capital of the oil-rich province of the same name. (SANA via AP)

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Monday that the advancing forces are less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from a besieged, government-held air base known as Brigade 137. If they reach the base, they will be able to lift the siege.

State TV reported that government forces are only three kilometers (2 miles) away from breaking the siege. State news agency SANA reported the "collapse" of IS defenses in the area.

"The morale is very high," Deir el-Zour's governor Mohammed Ibrahim al-Samra told state TV, speaking from inside the besieged area.

"Assad's forces are few kilometers (miles) from breaking the siege," said opposition activist Omar Abu Laila, who currently lives in Europe but is from Deir el-Zour. He is with DeirEzzor 24, an activist group that has reporters throughout the eastern province.

Al-Manar TV, the media arm of Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, aired footage of people celebrating in the streets of besieged parts of Deir el-Zour. Some 70,000 people live in government-held areas, which have been relying on air drops for food and basic goods.

Hezbollah is fighting alongside Assad's forces, and Russia is providing crucial air support. The Russian Defense Ministry said its aircraft have carried out 80 airstrikes, destroying two tanks and killing and wounding 70 people in the Deir el-Zour area.

Thousands of people have been fleeing Deir el-Zour province because of the offensive, many of them heading toward the northeastern province of Hassakeh. Last week dozens of people were killed or wounded by mines laid by the militants.

IS has suffered a series of major setbacks in both Syria and Iraq in recent months. The group is now forcibly conscripting all men between the ages of 20 and 30 to replace lost fighters.

This photo released on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017 by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen standing near military vehicles in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, Syria. Syrian government forces and their allies are on the verge of breaking a nearly three-year siege imposed by the Islamic State group on parts of the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, advancing to within few kilometers from besieged areas, opposition activists and state media said Monday Sept. 4, 2017. (SANA via AP)

This photo released on Saturday, Sept 2, 2017, by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen standing guard at one of the frontline hills where they are fighting Islamic State militants in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, Syria. Syrian opposition activists and state media say government forces are close to breaking a nearly three-year siege imposed by the Islamic State group on parts of the provincial capital of the oil-rich province of the same name. (SANA via AP)

This photo released on Saturday, Sept 2, 2017 by the Syrian official news agency SANA, shows Syrian troops and pro-government gunmen advancing up a hill in the eastern city of Deir el-Zour, Syria. Opposition activists and Syrian state media say government forces are close to breaking a nearly three-year siege imposed by the Islamic State group on parts of the provincial capital of the oil-rich province of the same name. (SANA via AP)
BERLIN (AP) - Chancellor Angela Merkel highlighted her government's economic achievements in a speech to parliament Tuesday, positioning herself as the leader who can cope with rapidly changing technology as she seeks election to a fourth term later this month.

Merkel, whose conservative Christian Democratic Party is currently leading in polls ahead of the national election on Sept. 24, listed a strong economy, low unemployment, and the introduction of a mandatory minimum wage as some of her administration's achievements.

But she stressed that Germany is "at a crossroads now" especially in digital development and technological progress.

Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, rear, holds files as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, front, gestures during her speech as part of a meeting of the German Federal Parliament, Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

"We don't want Germany to end in the museum of technology," she told lawmakers, referring to the Berlin museum housing historical artifacts. The rest of the world "doesn't sleep" when it comes to digitalization, she warned.

Pitching herself as the one who can deal with future challenges, she promised that if re-elected as chancellor, she would invest more money into research so that Germany won't fall behind on technological development.

Turning her attention to international affairs, Merkel condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test as a "flagrant violation" of international conventions, but also said there can only be a "diplomatic and peaceful solution" of the crisis.

Merkel spoke by telephone Monday night with U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, expressing Germany's support for tougher sanctions on North Korea, according to her office.

In parliament, Merkel also condemned the arrest of more than a dozen German citizens in Turkey for political reasons and said the European Union needs to reconsiders its relations with Ankara.

"Turkey is increasingly leaving the path of the rule of law, sometimes at a very fast pace," she told lawmakers.

She added she plans to propose a European Council meeting for October to discuss whether to end long-running but currently stalled talks on Turkey joining the EU.

Turning to the issue of migration, Merkel said a summit between Europe and several African nations will be held later in the year, aimed at finding solutions to stem the flow of refugees by better addressing the causes that force people to flee.

Her speech came two days after the only televised live debate between Merkel and main challenger Martin Schulz of the center-left Social Democrats.

Merkel has been governing Germany in a coalition with the Social Democrats for the last four years. Both candidates have run lackluster campaigns, and Sunday's debate was widely criticized because the two were seen as not being aggressive enough.

During the debate, both candidates refused to rule out continuing their current coalition at the national level after the election.

Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, front left, looks at his smartphone as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, front right, attends a meeting of the German Federal Parliament, Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, rear, locks at his smartphone as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, front, gestures during her speech as part of a meeting of the German Federal Parliament, Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel holds files prior to a meeting of the German government and mayors of various German cities in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 on air quality protection. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, talks to lawmakers as she arrives for a meeting of the German Federal Parliament, Bundestag, at the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn)
HOUSTON (AP) - Texas cities are getting some help to keep focusing on reconstruction after Harvey brought floods and damaged homes across the region.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved loans to help keep struggling cities operating after the storms.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the approval on Twitter, saying the loans are critical to providing services in some communities.

Melisa Vasquez cries in a stroller as her father Ervin Vasquez passes while the family digs out from the destruction left when floodwaters from Harvey swept through their mobile homes Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in Crosby, Texas. Thousands of people have been displaced by torrential rains and catastrophic flooding since Harvey slammed into Southeast Texas last week. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

It's an early step in a massive cleanup effort that's beginning with people leaving emergency shelters.

More than 50,000 people are in government-paid hotels. FEMA officials also are weighing other options, like mobile homes.

The storm is now blamed for at least 60 deaths in 11 counties. Harris County, which is home to Houston and saw the worst flooding during the storm, reports 30 confirmed deaths as of Monday evening.

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Here's a look at fire news as of Wednesday morning and how you can help.

How you can help: Here is information on how to help firefighters and those affected by Montanas fires.

Stay up to date: Follow Montana Wildfires on Facebook or Twitter for fire updates.

Alice Creek fire: A mandatory evacuation order was issued Wednesday morning for all residents of Elk Meadows, northeast of Lincoln. The area includes 16 homes in the subdivision and 10 along the highway.

"Still dangerous": The wildfire that ran roughshod through West Kootenai west of Eureka on Saturday evening wreaked havoc on Montanas oldest Amish community. The concern is that the fire, which struck from the southwest, is circling around the West Kootenai community.

Evacuation order lifted: Seeley Lake businesses, schools and residents got long-awaited good news early Tuesday evening  a mandatory evacuation order for roughly 429 homes was downgraded to an evacuation warning.

Open for boating: Effective at noon Wednesday, the waters of Seeley Lake are again open to boating and other recreation. The lake had been under temporary emergency closure while aircraft used most of the lake to draw water to fight the Rice Ridge fire.

Taking its toll: Smoke from the Sprague fire is crowding out visitors who would otherwise visit Apgar Village. The visitors who did stop didnt stay long near Lake McDonald beach, covered with ash and charred pine needles.

Rice Ridge fire: Firefighters worked on establishing a line east of Seeley Lake, in an attempt to seal off the fire from making a run toward town and Montana Highway 83.

'Smoke spiral': Air quality graphs for most of western Montana showed straight lines all day Wednesday, hanging steady in the Unhealthy-Hazardous zones.

Lolo Peak fire: Crews worked on establishing a line south of Kootenai Creek, to try and turn the fire away from houses if it kept moving south.

Quiet on the eastern front: While western Montana is overwhelmed by fires, Yellowstone County  Montana's biggest  has kept its fires small. But it's not without fire; the county has had the most incidents reported for any county in the state this season.

Montana wildfires on the Senate floor: Both Sen. Steve Daines and Sen. Jon Tester took to the Senate floor bringing attention to the wildfires currently burning across the state.

Gazette opinion: The Billings Gazette editorial board notes that climate change needs addressing. "We haven't just burned through the money here in Montana as we've fought fires, we have also burned through the question of whether something is happening to our environment. Clearly, the best science  and the best scientists  agree that humankind's impact is contributing to these changes."

Contaminated hay donations: Some of the hay donations from across the country that have provided much-needed relief to central and Eastern Montana ranchers affected by the Lodgepole Complex fire and severe drought have been contaminated with noxious and invasive weeds.

Fire photos: It's been a long fire season. Here are photos from this summer's wildfires in Montana.

Montana ablaze: Here's a video explaining fire season in Montana:
MONTREAL (AP) - Lady Gaga postponed her Montreal concert Monday night, citing laryngitis and a respiratory infection.

Gaga apologized to fans Monday on her Twitter account, writing that she got sick after singing in the rain at New York's Citi Field last week and has been pushing through since then. Gaga performed two shows at Boston's Fenway Park over the weekend. She says she sings the entire show live and prides herself "in giving it all."

She added that she would be sending pizza to fans who had gathered outside her hotel in the Canadian city.

FILE - In this Feb. 12, 2017 file photo, Lady Gaga performs "Moth Into Flame" at the 59th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Gaga postponed her concert in Montreal scheduled for Sept. 4, 2017, citing laryngitis and a respiratory infection. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP, File)

Her tour promoters explained her illness in a statement. They say the Montreal show will be rescheduled. Gaga is slated to open a two-night stand in Toronto on Wednesday.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - A European Union official says 40 countries now have been affected by a Europe-wide contaminated egg scandal, including 24 EU members and 16 non-members.

Vytenis Andriukaitis, the official in charge of health and food safety for the European Commission, said Tuesday in Estonia that only four countries in the 28-nation EU haven't had eggs tainted by the pesticide Fipronil, considered a health hazard if consumed in large quantities. The unaffected EU nations are Lithuania, Portugal, Cyprus and Croatia.

Millions of eggs across Europe have been destroyed after they were found to contain traces of Fipronil.

FILE- In this Friday, Aug. 11, 2017 file photo, a man transports eggs at a processing plant in Gaesti, southern Romania. A European Union official said Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, 40 countries now have been affected by a Europe-wide contaminated egg scandal, including 24 EU members and 16 non-members. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda, File)

No one has fallen ill in the scandal in which Fipronil was found to have been illegally mixed in an insect spray for chickens. At least two people in the Netherlands have been detained.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - The Norwegian Refugee Council says nearly 800,000 children under the age of 5 are severely malnourished in Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad because of lack of sufficient humanitarian funding.

The group's head, Jan Egeland, says that six months after countries pledged financial support to the Lake Chad region, "57 percent of the $2.2 billion needed to meet the most basic humanitarian needs in 2017 are still lacking."

Egeland said Tuesday that a conference in Berlin on Wednesday with representatives from Germany, Norway and the United Nations, plus the four countries surrounding Lake Chad, must have humanitarian funding and access at the top of the agenda.

The region is suffering from several years of Boko Haram's Islamic extremist insurgency.
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's prime minister says she and three other Baltic Sea state officials have discussed an urgent need for greater security for their countries, including cybersecurity.

Beata Szydlo on Tuesday hosted talks with her counterparts from Lithuania and Latvia and with Estonia's ambassador.

All four nations border Russia and are concerned for their security amid Russia's increased military and cyberspace activity. Thousands of Russian troops are to participate in major war games that open in Belarus next week.

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, center, gestures on her way for talks with counterparts from Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis, right, and Latvia Maris Kucinskis, left in Warsaw, Poland, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis said that "aggressive propaganda, fake news" and cyberattacks are coming from Russia, aimed at "changing our citizens' views."

Szydlo said there is a need for closer cooperation on cybersecurity among the European Union's 28 members, within NATO and among the countries in the region.

Estonian ambassador to Poland Harri Tiido, left, and Prime Ministers from Latvia Maris Kucinskis, second left , Poland Beata Szydlo and Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis, right, pose for a photo prior to talks in Warsaw, Poland, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, right, and her counterpart from Latvia Maris Kucinskis, left ,on their way for talks in Warsaw, Poland, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The International Committee of the Red Cross says two of its staff members have been released after being detained for seven months in Afghanistan's northern Jawzjan province.

A statement by ICRC Tuesday said the two staff members were abducted by an armed group on Feb. 8 while on their way to deliver assistance in Jawzan with six other colleagues who were shot and killed in the same attack.

Monica Zanarelli, head of the Red Cross's delegation in Afghanistan, says: "It has taken a lot of effort, and we are thankful to the communities and the authorities who have mobilized and played a role in facilitating our colleagues' release."

No group had claimed responsibility for the attack and Taliban insurgents in the region denied their involvement at the time.
NEW YORK (AP) - Boy wonder, tyrant, genius: Zac Posen has been called that and more.

The fashion designer, at 36, has experienced more ups and downs than his years might indicate and all are laid bare in a new documentary, "House of Z," available on demand Wednesday at Vogue.com.

Without a theatrical release, after debuting at the Tribeca Film Festival in April, the film traces Posen's creative-fueled childhood in the heart of Soho, his young and beautiful muses, some of whom he met in high school, his best and worst moments on the runway and a painful falling out with loved ones who helped make his dreams come true during lean times indeed.

This July 31, 2017 photo shows Zac Posen posing for a photo to promote his new documentary, "House of Z" in New York. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision/AP)

In some ways, the intensely personal film, the directorial debut of Toronto's Sandy Chronopoulos, feels more like a retrospective than the comeback tale it tells. So why now?

"I was at a place in my career, in my company and in myself, to be open to tell a story. I've had time to reflect. I knew I wouldn't want to be part of a puff piece but I didn't know what kind of story she was going to tell. It was terrifying," Posen told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

Soon after his first independent runway show in 2002, when he was 21, key fashion critics hailed Posen as a star. The "Vogue baby" got a boost when he put his luscious creations on the backs of Naomi Campbell, Claire Danes and Natalie Portman, this after he hosted buyers for Henri Bendel in his parents' living room, when his company was more "air and interns" than financially secure.

With his mother, corporate attorney and Wall Streeter Susan Posen, and his sister, Alexandra, by his side on the job, Posen received help in 2004 from rap mogul Sean "Puffy" Combs, who pumped money, prestige and really great runway soundtracks into their company.

But Posen, a gay, dyslexic kid who attended his high school graduation dressed as the pope, went on to experience a darker side of fashion. He became known more as the ultimate "song and dance kid" rather than the master draper, the craftsman of luxury gowns, that he is.

His mother and his sister, who sit on his board and own a piece of the company today, departed in a contentious falling out. The 2008 recession hit, and the cutthroat fashion world in New York turned on Posen, especially after he decamped to Paris Fashion Week and showed a collection roundly torn apart by American critics.

Posen, depressed, not speaking to his family, returned to New York to double down on craft and regain the respect he had lost in his hometown. That moment is framed in the film by a stunning model walking in a stunning green gown during a February 2014 runway show that sealed his comeback.

Before that?

"We were a wreck. There were lots of ferocious rumors about us. It was very isolating. I was very physically sick from it. I think mind over body, it's real. It was hugely humbling, hugely reflective. It was scary," Posen recalled.

Regrets? Posen said he has some, particularly over the shabby way he treated his sister at his most frustrated, angry and lost moments. The family reunited several years ago, learning once again how to be with each other.

"I don't live with regret any more," he said. "My family and I have certainly evolved and come to terms and grew from that experience, because it makes everything very real. I just don't think I was very understanding at certain moments, understanding of her needs, of her desires, of where she wanted to be in her life. I think that in some ways it came out as selfish."

Chronopoulos told The Associated Press by phone from Toronto that digging through Posen family business was perhaps the most difficult for the designer. She spent three and a half years on the film.

"When I first started, Zac didn't really want to talk about it, not even off camera. He would talk about his family but not the separation from the company. That came with time and trust," she said. "The film really was part of the healing process for his family because they had never talked about it before."

Today, Posen is a presence on TV as a judge on "Project Runway," which began its 16th season in August. He's the creative director for womenswear at Brooks Brothers and maintains an atelier in New York, turning out ready-to-wear and red carpet couture that continues to wow. Come October, he's putting out his first cookbook, "Cooking with Zac," based on his popular home meals with a following of their own on Instagram.

What would he like viewers to take away from the film?

"Hopefully what it does is inspire people to follow their dreams. I want people to follow their creative passion. I believe that creativity is an important human experience and element, in the same way as sleeping, eating, having sex," Posen said. "I also want people to realize what it takes to build anything, that there's sacrifice, there's struggle, and it's important to be resilient."

Does he feel like the genius he was made out to be?

"No, not yet. I don't," Posen said. "I'm just me."

This July 31, 2017 photo shows Zac Posen posing for a photo to promote his new documentary, "House of Z" in New York. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision/AP)
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - The Roman Catholic cathedral in Kosovo's capital has been consecrated to the saint formerly known as Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and religious leaders from Kosovo and Albania were among the hundreds of people in Pristina who attended a consecration ceremony on Tuesday for the now-named St. Teresa Cathedral.

The Italian-style cathedral with two 70-meter (230-foot) -tall towers opened in 2010. Local Catholics long had hoped it would bear the name of the nun who dedicated her life to society's outcasts.

It will now house a new office for the Catholic Church's most senior cleric in Kosovo, which has a population that is more than 90 percent Muslim and a small Catholic community.

Tuesday was the 20th anniversary of Mother Teresa's death. Pope Francis canonized her last year.
BERLIN (AP) - An Afghan migrant went on trial in southwestern Germany on Tuesday on charges he raped and murdered a 19-year-old medical student, a highly publicized case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's immigration policies.

About a dozen supporters of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, and about 50 counter-protesters, demonstrated outside the Freiburg state court as the trial of Hussein K. began, the dpa news agency reported.

K., whose last name hasn't been released in line with German privacy laws, was one of 890,000 migrants who entered Germany in 2015. His true age remains unclear and is a question being addressed during the trial.

The defendant Hussein K. is brought back into the court room wearing shackles after a break during his trial in Freiburg, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. A district court has opened a trial against the young migrant accused of raping and killing a 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP)

He told the court as the proceedings began that he had informed authorities when he entered Germany he was 16, but was actually 18, and is now 19. Prosecutors maintain he was 22 at the time of the October 2016 crime, which could significantly affect his sentence if he's found guilty.

The victim, Maria L., vanished almost 11 months ago on her way home from a party in Freiburg.

According to the indictment, K. allegedly ambushed her just before 3 a.m., pulling her from her bicycle, strangling her, biting her and raping her. Prosecutors allege he then put the unconscious young woman into a river and she drowned.

The body was later found in the river. Authorities said K. was linked to the crime through DNA evidence and video footage from near the scene.

No pleas are entered in the German trial system, but K.'s attorney said as the proceedings opened that he planned to make a statement about the crime itself.

In addition to fueling anti-migrant anger, the case highlighted communication failures among European countries after it was revealed that Greece didn't inform other countries that K. was in violation of his probation there following his early release for attempted murder.

The trial is scheduled to continue through Sept. 11.

Visitors, journalists and police stand in front of the Freiburg, Germany district court, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. The district court has opened a trial against a young migrant accused of raping and killing a 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. The trial started Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 for asylum seeker Hussein K. in Freiburg. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP)

Defendant Hussein K. is led into the court room in Freiburg, Germany, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. The district court has opened a trial against the young migrant accused of raping and killing a 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP)

FILE - In this Dec. 5, 2016 file photo flowers and mourning ornaments have been attached to a tree along the Dreisam river in Freiburg, Germany, where a 19-year-old university student was killed. A district court has opened a trial against a young migrant accused of raping and killing the 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. The trial started Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 for asylum seeker Hussein K. in Freiburg. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP, file)

File - In this Sept. 4, 2017 file photo, a paper heart reading "Dear Maria, we will never forget you" is hanging near the site of crime at the river Dreisam in Freiburg, Germany. A district court has opened a trial against a young migrant accused of raping and killing the 19-year-old female medicine student in the southwestern German city of Freiburg last year, in a case that fueled a nationwide debate about the country's migration policy. The trial started Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 for asylum seeker Hussein K. in Freiburg. (Patrick Seeger/dpa via AP,file)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iranian media are reporting that protesters have demonstrated in a western town where border guards earlier shot dead two Kurdish men.

The unrest happened Tuesday in Baneh, which is near the Iraqi border and its semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

A report by yjc.ir, which is affiliated with state television, said five border guards were arrested after the protests with the aim of calming tensions.

Baneh is some 670 kilometers (400 miles) west of the capital, Tehran.

Iran's Kurdish region has seen recent attacks by separatists emboldened by Kurds seizing ground in Iraq and Syria amid the war on the Islamic State group.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Scientists assessing long-term efforts to eradicate invasive ants on the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast have enlisted a four-legged expert to make sure a project to kill off the destructive pests has succeeded.

A yellow Labrador named Tobias has lived for three months with a handler on Santa Cruz Island. The specially trained dog keeps its snout to the ground, rooting through more than 1.6 square miles (4.1 square kilometers) of underbrush, searching for nests of Argentine ants that threatened the ecosystem after they were introduced decades ago.

Christina Boser, an ecologist with the Nature Conservancy group, said Tuesday that Tobias has not yet discovered any new ant populations - a sign that a project started in 2009 to wipe out the unwanted insects has probably worked.

In this Aug. 10, 2017, provided by The Nature Conservancy photo shows Ky Zimmerman and his labrador Tobias search for nests of Argentine ants on Santa Cruz Island off the coast of Southern California. The dog is wearing a mask is to protect from foxtails, a grass seed that can get into his eyes, nose or mouth. Tobias searches for nests of the invasive species of ants that threatened the ecosystem after being introduced decades ago. (Gary Andrew/The Nature Conservancy via AP)

"The ants are very hard to find," said Boser, adding that researchers decided to try a detection dog after first using lures made with a synthetic ant pheromone. "He's good at his job, and he enjoys it a lot."

Researchers speculate the ants arrived in the Channel Islands more than 30 years ago when boats used by contractors did work there.

Boser researchers have not destroyed several old nests to make sure Tobias has something to sniff out so he can get his work reward: A favorite ball.

Argentine ants found in the country and in other South American nations have crossed borders and bedeviled homeowners and farmers along the U.S. West Coast for decades.

In a protected environment like Santa Cruz Island, part of Channel Islands National Park, the tiny pests aggressively compete with local ants for nectar, Boser said. Ultimately they can prevent bees from pollinating flowers - stopping seed production and killing off plant species, she said.

Starting seven years ago, teams began using helicopters to distribute beads containing a low dose of pesticide mixed with sugar water across infested areas of the islands northwest of Los Angeles. Seduced by the sweetness, foraging worker ants gobbled up the bait and headed back to their nests, where they poisoned ant queens. Without queens, the colonies eventually died off.

"We're now at the point that we're going back in there to see if it worked," Boser said.

The fact that Tobias' searches are coming up empty gives scientists hope, she said, but it will take further study of long-term data for them to declare the ants "functionally eradicated."

Tobias, owned by the Working Dogs For Conservation group, previously sniffed out invasive quagga mussels at a lake in Montana.

When the stint on Santa Cruz Island ends, the dog will eventually be dispatched for the same ant-sniffing job on San Clemente Island, the southernmost link in the Channel Islands chain.

"We're happy to keep him working, and he's happy to do it," Boser said.

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Follow Christopher Weber at http://twitter.com/webercm.

In this June 21, 2017, provided by The Nature Conservancy photo shows Ky Zimmerman and his labrador Tobias search for nests of Argentine ants on Santa Cruz Island off the coast of Southern California. Tobias searches for nests of the invasive species of ants that threatened the ecosystem after being introduced decades ago. (Gary Andrew/The Nature Conservancy via AP)
City Attorney Bill Lubens long tenure at Casper City Hall appeared to be at an end Tuesday as City Council planned to consider terminating his contract at its meeting this evening. The decision to part ways was mutual, according to City Manager Carter Napier.

But while City Council cannot end Lubens contract until after working hours Tuesday, the agenda resolution showed the termination as effective last week.

Bill is no longer here, Assistant City Attorney Wallace Trembath said Tuesday morning. Another assistant attorney, Will Chambers, who Council will consider appointing as acting city attorney, did not return a message.

Napier said that both Luben and Council had requested Lubens contract be terminated, though he did not know why. Barring any last-minute change of heart, Lubens departure will mark the end of an era at the city attorneys office.

Role in police scandal

Luben was praised by city employees for his earnest style, though over the last six months some Council members began to chafe under his stringent interpretation of the law.

City Council directly supervises only a handful of positions -- the city manager, city attorney and municipal judges -- while the manager oversees all other personnel concerns. Following controversy over the leadership of then-Casper Police Chief Jim Wetzel last April, Luben held the position because Wetzel was an employee of the city manager, and the Council was barred from offering advice or being consulted about how to handle the situation.

The city manager cannot report back to the City Council on what he does or doesnt do with a certain employee, Luben said at the time. We cannot share with City Council whether we discipline someone or dont discipline someone -- they are outside the scope of their duties for me to take them into that area.

Luben stopped speaking with the Star-Tribune in April, citing the hectic nature of events at City Hall. But his advice on what was inside and outside the scope of Council members authority provoked questions from some of the elected officials.

He was not immediately reachable through the City of Casper on Tuesday.

Prior to Wetzels ouster as chief in May, Councilwoman Amanda Huckabay said that while she supported Luben, she and several other Council members had sought outside legal opinions.

His position kind of just inherently is conflicted because not only does Bill represent Council, he also represents the city manager and he also represents all city staff, Huckabay said in April. When you have a fluid working city government thats fine, but when a situation such as whats currently evolving comes into play that puts him in a very difficult position.

In the months since, city officials have largely followed Lubens opinion that personnel decisions regarding department heads, like police chief, are strictly confidential. Interim City Manager Liz Becher who dismissed Wetzel in May, declined to explain her reasoning behind that decision.

Distinct style

In addition to handling litigation and issuing official legal advice on city matters, Luben also settled technical questions at Council meetings and offered legal opinions on the fly. Typically wearing suits in various shades of beige, he was known for a dour demeanor at public meetings.

After an attorney presenting at a City Council work session last spring praised Luben for his assistance, Mayor Kenyne Humphrey gently teased him.

No smile, Bill? she asked.

I appreciate those comments, Luben replied curtly. Very appreciated. Thank you.

But there had also been less good-natured exchanges in recent months, especially since Councilman Dallas Laird was appointed in June. Laird has said that Council needed an attorney like himself as a member to offer legal advice.

During the same meeting where he joked with Humphrey, Laird repeatedly cut Luben off.

I really think we understand this, Laird interjected at one point.

Im answering, Luben replied.

Well I think we understand, Laird said.

Controversial advice

Luben made of point of being meticulous when it came to legal questions. For example, an update to the citys liquor laws meant to align them with state law was stalled over the question of what over 18 meant in Wyoming statute. Luben thought it might mean 19-years-old, despite every other government agency interpreting it as, simply, at least 18-years-old.

Im not sure how to interpret it, Luben said. I dont know what the Legislature intended.

But experts in Wyoming liquor law were befuddled as to why Luben would hold up what they saw as simple language that had been adopted in an identical manner by every other municipality in the state.

When everyone else reads it the other way, I think I side on the side of everyone else, Wyoming State Liquor Associated executive director Mike Moser said at the time.

When it came to a discussion of opening Council meetings with a prayer earlier this year, Luben warned members that it was almost certain to draw both Satanists and a lawsuit. The issue died.

Luben has also issued stringent and sometimes controversial opinions in previous years. One such opinion continues to bar community organizations from using City Council chambers for events, based on the idea that doing so would open the body up to legal challenges and erode the citys control of meetings.

Former Councilman Keith Goodenough has harshly criticized Lubens support for an amendment to Council regulations passed in 2015 that allowed for members to be removed from office for bringing embarrassment to the body.

To me thats totally unconstitutional and would never hold up, Goodenough said. But Bill Luben supported that.

Goodenough said he believed Lubens support in that case was political.

On some things he perhaps bends to the will of the manager and the Council and then in other ways he doesnt, Goodenough said.

Perhaps Lubens most famous legal wrangling came in the dispute over whether Casper could display a statue of the Ten Commandments in a city park. The Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas demanded permission to erect its own monument in the park, declaring that murdered Wyoming college student Matthew Shepherd went to hell because he was gay.

Luben filed a brief in a U.S. Supreme Court case dealing with religious monuments on public property, arguing that it should not be required to display the WBC monument.

The city dreads that prospect for reasons any person who values civility can easily understand, Luben wrote.

The city now displays the Ten Commandments along with other historical documents in the park as a way of removing the religious overtones of the statute.

3 Years in Nebraska

Luben began his law practice in Nebraska, working as a prosecutor and then in private practice in North Platte before relocating to Cheyenne County in that state where he worked as a Deputy County Attorney for six years. Luben came to Casper as an Assistant City Attorney in the mid-1990s.

My family and I, we really like Casper, Luben said when was hired as city attorney in 2001. Council was good enough to give me a chance to head the reins of the office. So Im really looking forward to it.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The Miss Navajo Nation pageant is parting ways with fry bread, the fluffy, golden brown delicacy that's become a symbol of Native American culture but is rooted in oppression.

Women vying for the crown this week in Window Rock will prepare traditional Navajo foods instead, like blue corn mush or a cake made at puberty ceremonies.

Outgoing Miss Navajo Ronda Joe said the tribe's new ambassador must know the history of those foods and speak about them in Navajo.

CORRECTS TO ARIZONA - In this undated photo Miss Navajo Pageant hopeful Lailauni Moore prepares fry bread after the sheep butchering competition at the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Window Rock, Ariz. The Miss Navajo Nation pageant is parting ways with fry bread, the fluffy, golden brown delicacy that's become a symbol of Native American culture but is rooted in oppression. Women vying for the crown this week in Window Rock will prepare traditional Navajo foods instead, like blue corn mush or a cake made at puberty ceremonies. (Adron Gardner/Gallup Independent via AP)

"We need to educate our people to utilize plants as food that are tied to our land, culture and beliefs," she wrote in an email.

The change aligns with a movement in Indian Country to refocus on traditional foods and reinforce native languages.

Fry bread was born out of government rations given to Navajos on a forced relocation to eastern New Mexico in the 1860s. Traditional Navajo breads or cakes would be made of corn and cooked on hot stones or in the ground, not in a cast-iron pan filled with oil.

Fry bread can be found across the Southwest in Indian tacos, slathered in honey or powdered sugar, or broken off in pieces and used as a spoon for stews. The exact ingredients vary and everyone claims "mom" makes it best.

Despite being removed from the tribal pageant, fry bread offers lessons in survival, being a contributor and creating something out of nothing, said Jocelyn Billy-Upshaw, Miss Navajo 2006-07. She remembers her mom saying she'd never get married unless she knew how to make bread.

"For a married household, where there's a man and a wife and the man is traditional, yeah, you have hot bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner," she said. "In my time of growing up, you were honored for that."

Fry bread was judged for its color, texture and taste, but Miss Navajo contestants also were critiqued on their ability to build a fire and keep the grease warm. Navajo grandmothers would comment on the technique, down to the strike of the match, said Jennifer Wheeler, Miss Navajo 1990-91.

"If your bread comes out sticky and doughy, or it comes out the opposite and you burnt it, then you're probably not a good fit for their grandson," she said. "That's what escalates the outcome, that's what makes it exciting to watch."

Brian Yazzie, a Navajo chef who focuses on precolonial foods in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was drawn to the Miss Navajo contest while growing up because of the endurance and style displayed in the sheep butchering contest. He praised the switch from fry bread to a traditional food presentation.

"It encourages and inspires youth to step up and take a challenge of ancestral knowledge and ancestral roots," he said. "It makes my heart happy to see that."

Wheeler recalled the fry bread competition being added to the pageant about 20 years ago, when some contestants found speaking Navajo difficult.

Fairgoers won't be deprived of chances to see fry bread makers in action. Dozens of people from Navajo Nation, other tribes and non-Natives compete for cash prizes in a separate contest. Coordinator Yolanda Ellis said she's trying to make the bread healthier by eliminating salt, using vegetable oil and setting out wheat flour.

Former Miss Navajo Sunny Dooley said Navajos socialize around food and might be a bit disgruntled not to see pageant contestants fashioning dough and watching it sizzle in hot oil.

"Like if you took Spam, corned beef, tortillas, people are going to say, what are we going to eat, what's left," she said. "They don't realize what's left is what our ancestors ate."
MINDEN, La. (AP) - A small Louisiana city banded together to hold a wedding for a couple whose plans to be married in Houston were ruined by Hurricane Harvey.

The Press-Herald reports Erin Smith and Jason Doyle of Shreveport, Louisiana, were married Saturday in Minden, about 270 miles (434 kilometers) north-northeast of Houston.

Smith says the Houston hotel where she'd planned to stay is housing evacuees. The hotel offered to move hurricane victims out of her reserved rooms, but Smith said she couldn't do that.

When Smith called a Minden bridal shop to replace the gown already in Houston, the owner asked to arrange a ceremony.

Smith bought the gown, but Alicia Adams of Hers Bridal arranged for Minden businesses to donate everything else, from makeup to catering.

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This story has been corrected to show Minden is about 270 miles from Houston, not 240.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Authorities said Tuesday that 22 survivors of a semitrailer found outside a San Antonio Walmart packed with immigrants are no longer needed to testify and being turned over to immigration authorities.

Ten people died in the alleged human smuggling operation discovered in July, and the driver of the truck faces a five-count indictment and the possibility of the death penalty.

The U.S. attorney's office in San Antonio announced Tuesday that it was dismissing the 22 survivors as witnesses and canceling depositions it had scheduled for them in the case against James Matthew Bradley Jr. Daryl Fields, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney, declined to comment on whether the survivors will face deportation.

FILE- In this July 24, 2017, file photo, James Matthew Bradley Jr., left, arrives at the federal courthouse for a hearing in San Antonio. Authorities say 22 survivors of a semitrailer that was loaded with people in Texas including 10 who died are no longer needed to testify and are being turned over to immigration authorities. The U.S. attorney's office said Tuesday, Sept. 5, that it was canceling depositions that were scheduled for the 22 people in the case against semitrailer driver Bradley. He was arrested after San Antonio officers found the semitrailer in July outside a Walmart. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Attorneys who have been representing the survivors either did not respond to messages for comment or said they don't yet know what will happen to them.

Nuria Olascoaga Rosas, a spokeswoman for the Mexican consulate in San Antonio, said the consulate was only informed that each person's case will be examined individually by an immigration court.

At least 39 people had been packed inside the semitrailer, most of them Mexicans who had crossed the United States' southern border. The trailer's cooling system was broken, and witnesses told authorities and The Associated Press that they fought to breathe and tried in vain to get the trailer to stop as it headed north.

Eight people were found dead inside, and another two died after being hospitalized.

According to a criminal complaint released in July, Bradley denied knowing anyone was inside the trailer. He told investigators that the trailer had been sold and he was transporting it for his boss from Iowa to Brownsville, Texas. But he said he had driven to Laredo, Texas, and stopped twice there before driving back to San Antonio, in the opposite direction from Brownsville.

The five-count indictment against Bradley includes one count of illegally transporting immigrants for financial gain, resulting in death, and a separate count of conspiracy to transport immigrants illegally, resulting in death. Both counts are punishable by the death penalty.

Authorities have said they are investigating Bradley's case as part of a broader operation to organize and fund the movement of people illegally across the United States' southern border.

Attorneys for Bradley declined to comment Tuesday.
PHOENIX (AP) - Immigrants are vowing to fight to stay in the U.S. and advocates are launching campaigns including fundraisers and registration drives after the Trump administration announced it would dismantle a program that protected hundreds of thousands of young people from deportation.

Immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children or whose families overstayed visas said they are veterans of setbacks in the political arena. They added that they are also accustomed to being persistent, and they pledge to do the same in this situation.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday it was ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that former President Barack Obama started in 2012. Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If their permits expire before March, 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5. But the program isn't accepting new applications.

DACA supporters march to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office to protest shortly after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), will be suspended with a six-month delay, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Phoenix. President Donald Trump on Tuesday began dismantling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, the government program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Opponents of the program said they are pleased the Trump administration's decision. They called DACA an unconstitutional abuse of executive power.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who made Tuesday's announcement, said DACA was an overreach that could not be defended by the Justice Department. The Trump administration and other DACA opponents argue that it is up to Congress to decide how to deal with such immigrants.

Immigrants and activists have already launched efforts to fight the decision.

A group that supports the program in Arizona is using a community summit this weekend to hold a session on DACA and reapplying. Another is holding an information session on Wednesday on the program.

Maxima Guerrero, a leadership development coordinator for the Phoenix-based advocacy group Aliento, said her organization is considering creating a fundraising campaign to help DACA recipients renew before the October deadline.

"A lot of it right now is just kind of like first, taking the time to reflect on what the decision means, and what is happening. Making sure that people who are able to renew will have the support to do so," Guerrero said.

Guerrero, who is also enrolled in the program, said advocates will also focus on providing emotional support during what many consider an emotionally taxing time.

"It's kind of tough because when something like this happens, it's like, what am I working for? I think a lot of it so far that has worked is just making sure we're providing the space and the opportunity to have those spaces to talk about how they're feeling to be able to reflect and to acknowledge and push the message that DACA does not define who we are as individuals and who we are as people overall," she said.

Supporters of the program demonstrated in New York City, where police handcuffed and removed over a dozen immigration activists who briefly blocked Trump Tower, and in other cities, including Salt Lake City, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Portland, Oregon. At some demonstrations, counter-protesters showed their support for Trump's decision.

John Willis, an Ontario, California resident and handyman demonstrated in Los Angeles and carried a sign that read, "American lives matter."

"I'm here to support our president and our Attorney General Jeff Sessions to rescind this unlawful tyrannical executive order that our previous president thrust upon us," Willis said. "I'm not a hater, I don't wish these kids to be sent back to Mexico or anything like that but I don't believe we should have two sets of laws. We have one set of laws, we should follow them."

Karen Marin, of New York, said that while she was disappointed that DACA is ending, she has survived without it before and can again now. Marin, 26, was brought to the United States from Mexico as a baby. She's used her deferred action status to get a job that helps pay for college, where she is studying biotechnology.

She says the end of DACA doesn't mean the end of her dreams.

"It's just temporary status. It's not anything that is a permanent fix, and that's what we need, is something permanent. Something to help us continue moving forward as citizens of the United States because that's what we are," Marin said.

Zaida Mendez, a 19-year-old community college student who juggles jobs at a grocery store and a shoe store in the Omaha area, said she plans to work with advocacy groups to try to pressure the state's all-Republican congressional delegation to protect immigrant youths.

Mendez's parents brought her to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 1, and she didn't realize she was in the country illegally for years. She was among about 200 people who protested Trump's decision outside the Nebraska Capitol in Lincoln on Tuesday.

"I'm mad and I'm sad, but I'm not going to let that get to me," she said through tears.

Diana Platas, a DACA recipient in Texas whose family lost their home in Hurricane Harvey, said the end of the program wasn't going to stop her.

"We're gonna continue to fight and we're gonna continue to push forward because we're not cowards. We know that we are doing and contributing the best that we can to this economy to this country because we call this our home. This is our home," Platas said.

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Associated Press writers Grant Schulte in Lincoln, Nebraska; Amanda Myers in Los Angeles and John Mone in Houston contributed to this report.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) supporters protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office shortly after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), will be suspended with a six-month delay, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) supporters march to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office to protest shortly after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), will be suspended with a six-month delay, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Phoenix. President Donald Trump on Tuesday began dismantling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, the government program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) supporters protest outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office shortly after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), will be suspended with a six-month delay, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Phoenix. President Donald Trump on Tuesday began dismantling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, the government program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.(AP Photo/Matt York)

Carlos Esteban, 31, of Woodbridge, Va., a nursing student and recipient of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, rallies with others in support of DACA outside of the White House, in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. President Donald Trump began dismantling the government program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

In a Sunday Sept. 3, 2017 photo, Michele Kessler holds a sign of support at a Defered Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA rally on Public Square in Wilkes Barre Pa. President Donald Trump on Tuesday began dismantling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, the government program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children.(Dave Scherbenco/The Citizens' Voice via AP)

Diego Rios, 23, of Rockville, Md., rallies in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, outside of the White House, in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. President Donald Trump will end a program that has protected hundreds of thousands of young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children and call for Congress to find a legislative solution. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the changes Tuesday. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
BANGALORE, India (AP) - An Indian journalist was fatally shot outside her home the southern city of Bangalore, the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics.

The assailants fled on a motorcycle after spraying bullets at Gauri Lankesh on Tuesday night as she was leaving her car outside her home in the Karnataka state capital.

Police said they were searching for leads, but that it was too early to say who killed her. Top police officer R.K. Dutta said he had met Lankesh recently, but that she did not mention any threat to her life.

A participant holds a placard with a photograph of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh at a protest demonstration against her killing in Bangalore, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. The Indian journalist was gunned down outside her home the southern city of Bangalore - the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Members of Indian journalism associations expressed outrage and said they would protest Wednesday afternoon in New Delhi.

"The silencing of a journalist in this manner has dangerous portents for democracy," the Indian Women's Press Corps said in a statement.

Lankesh, 55, was the editor of the independent Kannada-language magazine "Lankesh Patrike." In November, she was found guilty of defaming lawmakers from the governing Bharatiya Janata Party in a 2008 story. She said the case was politically motivated and vowed to challenge her conviction in a higher court.

India has seen a string of killings in recent years targeting independent journalists and critics of religious superstition, stoking worries about the rise of extremism and intolerance in the secular South Asian democracy.

In 2015, scholar Malleshappa M. Kalburgi was shot dead at his Bangalore home, following death threats from right-wing Hindu groups after he criticized idol worship and superstitious beliefs by Hindus.

Earlier that year, Indian writer and anti-superstition crusader Govind Pansare was fatally shot while taking a walk with his wife near their home in western Maharashtra state. And in another daytime attack in 2013, two assailants killed anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar while he was out for a walk in the Maharashtra city of Pune.

Within hours of Lankesh's killing Tuesday night, Indian politicians from all parties condemned the attack.

Karnataka Chief Minister Minister Siddaramaiah, the state's highest elected official, called the death "shocking" and said three police teams were investigating.

Unidentified relatives of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh cry at her residence in Bangalore, India, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. Police say a senior Indian journalist was fatally shot by unidentified attackers in the southern Indian city of Bangalore. Police say the assailants pumped bullets into Gauri Lankesh on Tuesday as she left her car after reaching her home in Bangalore, the Karnataka state capital. The attackers fled the scene. (AP Photo)

Participants hold placards as they listen to a speaker at a protest demonstration against the killing of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bangalore, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. The Indian journalist was gunned down outside her home the southern city of Bangalore - the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Journalists shout slogans at a protest demonstration against the killing of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 207. The Indian journalist was gunned down outside her home the southern city of Bangalore - the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal)

A mourner shouts slogans next to the casket of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh placed for public viewing in Bangalore, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. The Indian journalist was gunned down outside her home the southern city of Bangalore - the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
KUTUPALONG, Bangladesh (AP) - The Latest on violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state and the flood of ethnic Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh (all times local):

5:30 a.m.

The United Nations says some 146,000 people have fled Myanmar into Bangladesh since violence erupted there Aug. 25.

A Hindu man sits outside of the public where he is taking shelter after fleeing from the violence that broke out on Aug. 25 in Maungdaw town, northern Rakhine state of Myanmar, on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's top security adviser sought to counter the storm of criticism the government is facing from around the world over alleged army abuses against ethnic minority Rohingya, asserting that security forces were acting with restraint in pursuing "terrorists." (AP Photo)

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Wednesday from the U.N. that the World Food Program is appealing for $11.3 million to support the influx of people and those already living in camps. The U.N. agency has provided food to tens of thousands of people, with Dujarric describing women and children arriving there as "hungry and malnourished."

Rohingya Muslims have been fleeing since insurgent attacks against border police and other government troops on Aug. 25 sparked retaliation by Myanmar soldiers. The army and police have been accused of firing indiscriminately, but the government says its forces are making every effort to avoid harming innocent civilians.

Dujarric also said U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres "is continuing his diplomatic contacts regarding the situation in Myanmar."

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6 p.m.

The Myanmar government's top security adviser says an insurgent group that attacked 30 police posts two weeks ago is trying to carve out a separate Muslim state from the Buddhist-majority nation, and the armed forces are using maximum restraint in their operations against them.

National Security Adviser Thaung Tun said at a news conference Wednesday in the capital, Naypyitaw, that security forces are making every effort to avoid harming innocent civilians. He was responding to accusations that the army and police fired indiscriminately on civilians and razed Muslim Rohingya villages after the attacks on the police posts in Rakhine state.

A group calling itself the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The military says hundreds of people died in clashes following the attacks. About 125,000 ethnic minority Rohingya Muslims have fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape the violence.

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5 p.m.

Norway's foreign minister says Myanmar's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and her government must allow humanitarian groups to distribute aid in violence-wracked Rakhine state, calling limits on their work "extremely serious."

About 125,000 ethnic minority Rohingya Muslims have fled to neighboring Bangladesh after a military crackdown in Rakhine. Myanmar says the crackdown is in response to attacks against police and paramilitary posts.

Foreign Minister Borge Brende said Wednesday that the Norwegian government is deeply concerned about escalating violence and the deteriorating humanitarian situation of the Rohingya.

He said "all groups must show restraint," but stressed that "authorities, under the leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi, have a particular responsibility to protect civilians from abuses, to stop the violence and to ensure humanitarian access."

In a separate statement, Norway's Refugee Council said "full and unimpeded access to affected communities" is needed.

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4 p.m.

Officials say Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's wife is heading to Bangladesh to oversee the distribution of aid to Muslim Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and to highlight the crisis.

Officials from Erdogan's office said Wednesday that Emine Erdogan will be accompanied by her son, Bilal Erdogan, the family and social affairs minister, and senior Turkish aid officials during her visit to Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu is also scheduled to depart for Bangladesh and is expected to visit a refugee camp and oversee the delivery of aid. He said Wednesday that Turkey wants a lasting solution to the plight of the Rohingya.

About 125,000 ethnic minority Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh after a military crackdown in Rakhine state that Myanmar says is a response to attacks against police and paramilitary posts.

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3:40 p.m.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says his country wants a lasting solution for the plight of Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar.

Cavusoglu spoke Wednesday in Baku, Azerbaijan, before travelling to Bangladesh where he's expected to visit a refugee camp for Rohingya and oversee the delivery of humanitarian aid.

He says Turkey will also deliver ambulances to Bangladesh to help it cope with the refugee flows, Cavusoglu said.

About 125,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh after a military crackdown in Rakhine state that Myanmar says is a response to attacks against police and paramilitary posts.

Cavusoglu said Turkey was determined not to "abandon" Rohingya and said his visit would help determine steps that can be taken to improve their conditions.

He says: "God willing, together with the international community, a lasting solution can be found."

On Tuesday, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman said authorities in Myanmar agreed to let Turkish officials into Rakhine to provide food and clothing.

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1:45 p.m.

Bangladeshi police say a trawler carrying Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar has capsized in the Bay of Bengal, and at least five people have drowned.

Police official Yakub Ali said residents of Shah Porir Island had recovered five bodies from the water on Wednesday morning, hours after the boat capsized around midnight.

Ali said he believed the boat had been carrying about 35 people when it overturned, but could not say how many were missing or had made it to shore.

Islander Mujibur Rahman said he had helped recover some of the found bodies and "many more are feared dead."

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1:30 p.m.

A Bangladeshi disaster management official says the country will set up a new camp to accommodate Rohingya Muslims who have arrived from Myanmar since Aug. 25.

But Shah Kamal of the Ministry of Disaster Management did not say when the new camp would be ready.

He said Wednesday that the camp would be established in Tyingkhali, south of Cox's Bazar district and near the established camp in Balukhali where more than 50,000 Rohingya have been sheltering since October.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked officials to prepare a database with fingerprints for the new arrivals.

Cox's Bazar official Ali Hossain said the plans were still under discussion, and the government was coordinating with international agencies to handle the "very complicated" situation.

He said officials were visiting the area and, "if necessary, we will take 400 acres or more land for the new establishment. The Bangladesh government will take responsibility."

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12:40 p.m.

At least a thousand protesters led by the hard-line Islamic Defenders Front and other Muslim groups are demonstrating against Myanmar's persecution of its Muslim Rohingya minority in the Indonesian capital Jakarta.

The crowd, mostly men dressed in white and holding a giant banner and flag, has converged on an area of central Jakarta near Myanmar's Embassy.

Police have put on a show of force, blocking streets around the embassy with vehicles and barriers. Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono says up to 6,000 personnel are deployed to ensure security.

About 125,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh after a military crackdown in Rakhine state that Myanmar says is a response to attacks against police and paramilitary posts.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Several thousand people marched in Indonesia's capital on Wednesday, calling on the government of the world's most populous Muslim nation to put more pressure on Myanmar to halt the persecution of its Rohingya Muslim minority.

The demonstration was the largest in a series of protests this week by Indonesians against Myanmar's government and its leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. It was organized by the Islamic Defenders Front, a vigilante group, but also joined by mainstream Muslim groups.

The U.N. says about 125,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh after a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state. The government of the predominantly Buddhist country says the crackdown is in response to attacks on police and paramilitary posts.

Indonesia Muslim hold poster during a rally outside the Myanmar's Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Indonesian Muslims staged the angry protest against Myanmar's persecution of its Rohingya Muslim minority and calling for the government to take a tougher stance against it. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

The Indonesian government risks a backlash from Muslim voters if its response to the crisis is perceived as insufficiently robust. But its room for maneuver is limited by a consensus among Southeast Asian nations of avoiding open criticism of each other.

Indonesia's foreign minister met with Suu Kyi and the head of Myanmar's armed forces on Monday. She said she pressed them to immediately end all violence in Rakhine and promised Indonesia would respond to the crisis with humanitarian aid.

Sobri Lubis, a protest organizer from the Islamic Defenders Front, called for Indonesia to expel Myanmar's ambassador, the United Nations to impose sanctions on Myanmar and for Sui Kyi's Nobel Prize to be revoked.

"The world does not care so we are gathering here to show the world that the Rohingya are not alone. Indonesian Muslims will stand and fight to defend them from injustice and brutality," he said.

Demonstrators were met with a show of force by police, who blocked streets around Myanmar's already cordoned-off embassy in Jakarta with vehicles and barriers. Jakarta police spokesman Argo Yuwono estimated about 5,000 people had joined the protest.

Elsewhere in Indonesia, schoolchildren in Bandung and civil servants in Ambon held mass prayers while hundreds protested in Medan, Indonesia's third-largest city.

Indonesia Muslim hold posters during a rally outside the Myanmar's Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Indonesian Muslims staged the angry protest against Myanmar's persecution of its Rohingya Muslim minority and calling for the government to take a tougher stance against it. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Indonesia Muslim shout slogan during a rally outside the Myanmar's Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Indonesian Muslims staged the angry protest against Myanmar's persecution of its Rohingya Muslim minority and calling for the government to take a tougher stance against it. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Thousands of Muslims gather in a main traffic circle during a rally in Jakarta, Indonesia, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Indonesian Muslims staged the angry protest against Myanmar's persecution of its Rohingya Muslim minority and calling for the government to take a tougher stance against it. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
HONG KONG (AP) - Banners supporting independence for Chinese-controlled Hong Kong have appeared on a university campus at the start of classes, rekindling tensions over free speech in the semiautonomous city.

The black banners declaring "Hong Kong Independence" in English and Chinese were put up around the Chinese University of Hong Kong's campus on Monday.

The school quickly took them down but more were put up a day later, according to local media reports.

Students walk beneath a black banner reading "Hong Kong Independence" in Chinese which is put up at the Chinese University of Hong Kong campus in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Banners supporting independence for Chinese-controlled Hong Kong have appeared on the campus at the start of classes, rekindling tensions over free speech in the semiautonomous city. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

One remained strung up over a busy central square on Wednesday. Posters on a nearby wall said, "Fight for our homeland. Fight for Hong Kong independence."

It's unclear who was responsible but student leaders have been wrangling with the university administration to keep them up.

University officials say the banners are illegal while the student union says they should be allowed to discuss current issues.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, maintains civil liberties unseen on mainland China including freedom of speech following its 1997 handover, but many residents fear Beijing is tightening its grip.

Some young activists start promoting the once-unthinkable notion of independence from mainland China after massive pro-democracy protests ended without resolution in 2014. There's almost no chance of success but their ideas have alarmed China's Communist leaders in Beijing.

Hong Kong's Beijing-backed government has clamped down on such sentiment, including using the courts to get two newly elected pro-independence lawmakers disqualified from office last year for making improper oaths of office.

A security guard takes a picture of a black banner reading "Hong Kong Independence" in Chinese which is put up at the Chinese University of Hong Kong campus in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Banners supporting independence for Chinese-controlled Hong Kong have appeared on the campus at the start of classes, rekindling tensions over free speech in the semiautonomous city. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
LEICESTER, England (AP) - Leicester has not received international clearance from FIFA to complete the signing of Adrien Silva from Portuguese club Sporting.

The clubs reached an agreement for the Portugal midfielder for 22 million pounds ($28.7 million) late on the final day of Europe's transfer window but didn't input the player's contract details on FIFA's Transfer Matching System in time.

The Premier League club says it is "working with Adrien and Sporting to overcome some issues relating to the player's registration and exploring all options to find a resolution."

That would require FIFA to make an exception to its transfer rules.

Silva would be a replacement for Danny Drinkwater, who left Leicester for Chelsea in the final hours of the transfer window.
President Donald Trump's opening remarks, which began at about 3:25 p.m., addressed natural disasters, including the drought in North Dakota and the impending Hurricane Irma.

He quickly moved into the main topic, tax reform, saying that tax cuts and reform are needed to "make America grow and create more jobs for Americans." Once the speech was underway, the gates to the refinery were closed and traffic was reopened. Many of those lined up outside of the refinery, watched the speech on their smart phones.

Trump referred to the state as a "North Dakota energy miracle."

"This state is a reminder of what happens when we promote American jobs," said Trump, later adding: "Washington policies have pushed American industries offshore."

He also spoke to simplifying the tax code.

"Our tax code has gotten ridiculously complex," he said. "Our plan will provide tax relief to businesses of all sizes."

The speech lasted 39 minutes. He was en route to the Bismarck Municipal Airport by 4:20 p.m.

A short timeline

Trump and his entourage, including the North Dakota delegation, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, arrived at the Mandan Refinery at about 3:10 p.m., after crossing the Bismarck Expressway Bridge at about 3:05 p.m.

Police, citing safety concerns, asked protesters to stay off the bridge, and they dispersed to either side of it. Traffic remains congested along Bismarck Expressway.

The president landed at Bismarck Municipal Airport at about 2:35 p.m. today  about 15 minutes behind schedule.

Trump was slated to talk at Mandan Refinery, where about 700 guests awaited, on tax reform. As a helicopter was flying overhead, many notable attendees awaited the president's arrival. Among those invited were University of Mary administrators Jerome Richter and Brenda Nagel. Scott Meske, president of the Bismarck Mandan Chamber of Commerce, was also on hand. Mandan businessman Shane Hafner was there to hear Trump's speech. State Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread was in attendance, and Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak brought her daughter, Elizabeth.

By 3 p.m., the crowd outside the refinery provided a mix of supporters, whose signs spoke to coal, immigration and shared anti-Hillary sentiments. Protesters' signs offered up DAPL, tax law and Red Fawn Fallis commentary. Verbal clashes erupted over such topics as Trump's treatment of women and DACA, an immigration policy known as Deferred for Childhood Arrivals. A large sign, "Without diversity, we'd only have lutefisk," stood out along the street.

At 2:30 p.m., Craig Cobb, a noted white supremacist, was spotted among the crowd gathered outside the refinery. "Mr. Trump has done a lot for the country," he said.

At 2:20 p.m., Gov. Doug Burgum, North Dakota's first lady and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford arrived at the Bismarck airport.

At 1:50 p.m., Trump's motorcade, ready to take him to Mandan, arrived at the airport.

Supporters and protesters gathered hours earlier to stake out spots outside the refinery, at the airport and along the anticipated route of the presidential motorcade. A secure area for supporters, including military families and members of Sen. John Hoeven's family, was created on the airport's tarmac. By 1:30 p.m., hundreds of invited guests, including oil billionaire Harold Hamm, had gathered at Mandan Refinery.
Irma lashes at Puerto Rico, leaves tiny Barbuda devastated

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Hurricane Irma lashed Puerto Rico with heavy rain and powerful winds Wednesday night, leaving nearly 900,000 people without power as authorities struggled to get aid to small Caribbean islands already devastated by the historic storm.

Florida rushed to prepare for a possible direct hit on the Miami area by the Category 5 storm with potentially catastrophic 185 mph winds.

Nearly every building on the island of Barbuda was damaged when the eye of the storm passed almost directly overhead early Wednesday and about 60 percent of the island's roughly 1,400 people were left homeless, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne told The Associated Press.

"Either they were totally demolished or they would have lost their roof," Browne said after returning to Antigua from a plane trip to the neighboring island. "It is just really a horrendous situation."

He said roads and telecommunications systems were destroyed and recovery will take months, if not years. A 2-year-old child was killed as a family tried to escape a damaged home during the storm, Browne told the AP.

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'This is a buzz saw': Florida braces for Hurricane Irma

MIAMI (AP) - Florida residents picked store shelves clean and long lines formed at gas pumps Wednesday as Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 monster with potentially catastrophic winds of 185 mph, steamed toward the Sunshine State and a possible direct hit on the Miami metropolitan area of nearly 6 million people.

The most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic destroyed homes and flooded streets as it roared through a chain of small islands in the northern Caribbean some 1,000 miles from Florida. Forecasters said Irma could strike the Miami area by early Sunday, then rake the entire length of the state's east coast and push into Georgia and the Carolinas.

"This thing is a buzz saw," warned Colorado State University meteorology professor Phil Klotzbach. "I don't see any way out of it."

An estimated 25,000 people or more left the Florida Keys after all visitors were ordered to clear out, causing bumper-to-bumper traffic on the single highway that links the chain of low-lying islands to the mainland.

But because of the uncertainty in any forecast this far out, state and local authorities in Miami and Fort Lauderdale held off for the time being on ordering any widespread evacuations there.

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10 Things to Know for Thursday

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Thursday:

1. IRMA ROARS THROUGH CARIBBEAN

Heavy rain and powerful winds lash Puerto Rico as the hurricane, packing 185-mph winds, stays on course for a possible direct hit on south Florida.

2. WHO'S REACHING ACROSS THE AISLE

Trump blithely overrules his party's congressional leaders to cut a deal with Democrats to fund the government and raise the federal borrowing limit.

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15 states, DC seek court relief over DACA, but will it work?

NEW YORK (AP) - Fifteen states and the District of Columbia sued the U.S. government Wednesday to block President Donald Trump's plan to end protection against deportation for young immigrants, saying it was motivated by prejudice against Mexicans.

Legal experts, however, say the evidence of bias is not strong in the case involving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA.

"It might be able to muck up the works, maybe push off the effective date of the repeal, but I don't see litigation being successful in the same way as the travel ban," Kari Hong, an immigration expert at Boston College Law School, said, referring to the lawsuit earlier this year that limited the Trump ban involving predominantly Muslim nations.

As indications of Trump's bias, the suit cited his previous statement referring to some Mexican immigrants as rapists and his decision to pardon former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who was convicted of contempt for ignoring a federal court order to stop traffic patrols that targeted immigrants.

"Ending DACA, whose participants are mostly of Mexican origin, is a culmination of President's Trump's oft-stated commitments - whether personally held, stated to appease some portion of his constituency, or some combination thereof - to punish and disparage people with Mexican roots," the lawsuit filed in federal court in Brooklyn said.

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Facebook: Accounts from Russia bought ads during US campaign

WASHINGTON (AP) - Hundreds of fake Facebook accounts, probably run from Russia, spent about $100,000 on ads aimed at stirring up divisive issues such as gun control and race relations during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the social network said Wednesday.

Although the number of ads is relatively small, the disclosure provides a more detailed peek into what investigators believe was a targeted effort by Russians to influence U.S. politics during the campaign, this time through social media.

The 470 accounts appeared to come from a notorious "troll farm," a St. Petersburg-based organization known for promoting pro-Russian government positions via fake accounts, according to two people familiar with the investigation. The people were granted anonymity because they weren't authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation.

In all, the accounts purchased some 3,000 ads between June 2015 and May 2017. While they ads didn't specifically reference the election, a candidate or voting, they nevertheless allowed "divisive messages" to be amplified via the social media platform, the company's chief security officer, Alex Stamos, said in a statement.

Facebook has turned over its findings to federal authorities investigating Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election. Robert Mueller, the special counsel, is charged with overseeing Russian meddling in the U.S. election and any potential coordination with associates of President Donald Trump.

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Trump overrules GOP with deal on spending, debt, Harvey aid

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump briskly overruled congressional Republicans and his own treasury secretary Wednesday to cut a deal with Democrats to keep the government operating and raise America's debt limit. The immediate goal was ensuring money for hurricane relief, but in the process the president brazenly rolled his own party's leaders.

In deal-making mode, Trump sided with the Democratic leaders - "Chuck and Nancy," as he amiably referred later to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi - as they pushed for the three-month deal, brushing aside the urgings of GOP leaders and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for a much longer extension to the debt limit. Republicans want that longer allowance to avoid having to take another vote on the politically toxic issue before the 2018 congressional elections.

The session painted a vivid portrait of discord at the highest ranks of the Republican Party. After an angry August that Trump spent lobbing attacks at fellow Republicans, specifically targeting Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the failure of health care legislation, the president wasted little time once Congress came back this week in demonstrating his disdain for the GOP House and Senate leaders charged with shepherding his agenda into law.

At first, in Wednesday's Oval Office meeting, the Republicans lobbied for an 18-month debt ceiling extension, then 12 months and then six, but Trump waved them off. As Mnuchin continued to press an economic argument in favor of a longer-term deal, Trump tired of it and cut him off mid-sentence.

At another point, the meeting totally lost focus when Ivanka Trump entered to raise an unrelated issue on child care tax credits. Details of the meeting were disclosed by several people briefed on the proceedings who spoke only on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly.

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Boat with Rohingya refugees capsizes, killing 5 as more flee

KUTUPALONG, Bangladesh (AP) - A trawler carrying Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Myanmar capsized, killing at least five people, as the country's leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, blamed a misinformation campaign for fueling a crisis the U.N. says has pushed some 146,000 refugees into Bangladesh.

Suu Kyi's top security adviser also sought to counter the storm of international criticism over alleged army abuses against the Rohingya ethnic minority, asserting that security forces were acting with restraint in pursuing "terrorists."

On the Bangladesh side of the border with Buddhist-majority Myanmar, residents of Shah Porir Dwip fishing village recovered five bodies from the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday, hours after the boat capsized around midnight, police official Yakub Ali said.

It was not immediately clear where the boat began its journey, or if the passengers had been among some 450 detained by Bangladeshi border guards and ordered Tuesday to return to Myanmar.

While some border guards were letting refugees cross into Bangladesh, others were sending them back.

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Seeking home's comforts, Rohingya couple make deadly choice

BANDARBAN, Bangladesh (AP) - The young Rohingya couple fleeing violence in Myanmar had escaped with their family to nearby Bangladesh, where they spent days living in a hastily built shelter on a muddy hill. For the sake of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, they decided to return home briefly, for a quick bath and clean clothes.

The man's brother soon followed them - to retrieve their bodies.

"Kefayet Ullah's brother has been slaughtered near the fence!" a man shouts in a cellphone video as a cousin carries Jarullah's body, blood from the corpse pouring down his back. "They cut his hands and legs and belly also."

Kefayet Ullah carried his dead sister-in-law. Wailing and moans - "Oh, Allah!" - can be heard in the video as the group encounters villagers along the wooded path.

Ullah said he couldn't bear the thought of leaving his loved ones behind, and so risked his life to bring back their bodies so they could be buried in peace. There was also one life left to save: the couple's 2-year-old son, who was found near his parents' bodies.

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Pope Francis says he brings message of hope to Colombia

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - Pope Francis received a spirited and symbolic welcome as he arrived in Colombia on Wednesday, saying he wants to bring a message of hope for Colombians as they work to heal the wounds and divisions left by Latin America's longest-running armed conflict.

Francis' white popemobile was nearly mobbed by jubilant crowds who flooded the 15-kilometer (9-mile) road into Bogota from the airport, and his security detail struggled to keep them at bay without a police barricade in sight. Francis relishes diving into crowds and didn't seem at all fazed by the flower-tossing masses, even giving a few high-fives to some young people who got a little too close.

The first pope from Latin America looked thrilled to be back in Colombia, the first country he visited after he was ordained a priest and where he exerted a good deal of effort encouraging peace negotiations that spanned his papacy.

One of the gifts he received on the tarmac had particular symbolic significance: a sculpted peace dove offered to him by the young son of a rebel father and politician mother who was taken captive by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, in 2002. The boy was taken from his mother, Clara Rojas, now a congresswoman, and didn't see her again until he was 3 years old.

In his only public remarks on his first day in Colombia, Francis begged young Colombians who gathered outside the Vatican embassy to serenade him: "Don't ever lose happiness and hope."

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Keys, Vandeweghe complete US sweep of women's SFs at US Open

NEW YORK (AP) - Madison Keys completed the clean sweep for American women, giving the host country all four U.S. Open semifinal spots for the first time in 36 years.

The 15th-seeded Keys served impeccably, controlled groundstroke exchanges from the baseline and was never in trouble during a 6-3, 6-3 victory over 418th-ranked qualifier Kaia Kanepi of Estonia that lasted only 69 minutes Wednesday night.

That came several hours after 20th-seeded CoCo Vandeweghe's 7-6 (4), 6-3 elimination of 2016 runner-up and top-seeded Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic. Pliskova's loss means she will be replaced at No. 1 in the rankings by Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza.

On Thursday, Keys faces Vandeweghe - with the winner reaching her first Grand Slam final - and No. 9 seed Venus Williams meets 83rd-ranked Sloane Stephens.

"Oh, my God, it feels so good. We have so many Americans to talk about in the last days of the U.S. Open," Keys said. "I can't tell you how many times I have sat in this chair and had to hear, you know, how horrible tennis is in America."
An Illinois police officer has delivered his son in a hotel parking lot on Sunday.

Rockford officer James Nachampassack was on duty at 5am when his girlfriend called and said: 'I think I'm going to give birth today.'

James rushed home to find Phenh Thammavong screaming because her water had broken.

He packed up the car and the couple started the 20-minute drive to the hospital, but they didn't quite make it.

James says Phenh told him the baby wouldn't wait. He pulled into a hotel parking lot ran to the passenger side.

'I put my hands out to catch him and as soon as I did that, she did all the work, and pushed him right on out,' he told the Rockford Register Star.

James Nachampassack delivered his newborn son with girlfriend Phenh Thammavong in Rockford, Illinois, on Sunday

James said that Phenh called him while he was on duty and said: 'I think I'm going to give birth today' so he rushed home

They didn't make it to the hospital 20 minutes away so Phenh gave birth in a hotel parking lot

He held the baby up to his face because he was still in uniform but wanted skin-to-skin contact.

James was thrilled when he heard sirens that he assumed to be an ambulance.

He was surprised when instead five or six police cars showed up.

'It's everybody I work with, he said. 'I mean I was happy they were there, but I was really hoping for the EMTs. They were great though.'

While he wasn't trained to deliver babies, James says police have to perform under pressure.

The ambulance finally showed up to take the family to the hospital, where all are doing well.

The couple named the healthy seven-pound, 12-ounce boy Leo. They have another son who is two years old named Wyatt.
NEW DELHI (AP) - The killing of an Indian journalist provoked outrage and anguish across the country on Wednesday, with thousands protesting what they saw as an effort to silence a critic of India's ruling Hindu nationalist party.

Even as police promise to hunt down the assailants who gunned down Gauri Lankesh outside her Bangalore home Tuesday night, many said they feared the perpetrators of the attack - like so many others - would get away with impunity.

Spontaneous rallies erupted in cities and towns across India on Wednesday. Protesters demanded the government do more to protect free speech in the secular, South Asian democracy.

Mourners stand next to a portrait of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh during the public viewing of her body in Bangalore, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. The Indian journalist was gunned down outside her home the southern city of Bangalore - the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics. Kannada reads, "Heartfelt Condolences".(AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

In the southern city of Bangalore, thousands gathered for a public vigil and viewing of Lankesh's body at Town Hall.

Weeping, they filed slowly past her glass-covered coffin. Some carried placards that read "I am also Gauri."

Others held banners that said: "You can kill the person; but not her ideas," and "Voices of dissent cannot be stifled by the barrel of the gun."

Lankesh, 55, was the editor of the independent Kannada-language magazine "Lankesh Patrike." In November, she was found guilty of defaming lawmakers from the governing Bharatiya Janata Party in a 2008 story. She said the case was politically motivated and vowed to challenge her conviction in a higher court.

Her killing was the latest in a string of similar attacks in recent years targeting writers, artists and scholars who faced a backlash for criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government or the BJP.

"The silencing of a journalist in this manner has dangerous portents for Indian democracy," said Shobhana Jain, the president of Indian Women's Press Corps.

In 2015, scholar Malleshappa M. Kalburgi was shot dead at his Bangalore home, following death threats from right-wing Hindu groups after he criticized idol worship and superstitious beliefs by Hindus.

Earlier that year, Indian writer and anti-superstition crusader Govind Pansare was shot dead while taking a walk with his wife near their home in western Maharashtra state. And in another daytime attack in 2013, two assailants shot anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar dead while he was out for a walk in the Maharashtra city of Pune.

On Wednesday, the Indian Writer's Forum called Lankesh's murder "a chilling continuation" of the killings of Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi and pledged to continue Lankesh's fight against the "haters of free speech."

Police have arrested a suspect in Pansare's murder who has been released on bail. Another suspect is in custody in the Dabholkar case. But no one has yet been prosecuted in any of the three cases.

"We will continue to speak on her behalf and ours. They cannot silence us all," the Forum said in a statement.

Some said they feared the killing was evidence that the space for democratic opinion was shrinking in India.

The message is, "if you do not fall in line, you will be executed," said Ananya Vajpeyi of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. "Gauri Lankesh's murder last night was more than the killing of an individual; it was an assault on the freedom of the press, on the right to dissent and on democratic citizenship."

The Committee to Protect Journalists has often rebuked India for its poor record in safeguarding journalists, particularly those covering small-town corruption.

Out of 27 cases of journalists who were killed for their work in India since 1992, none have led to any convictions, the group said.

"India needs to address the problem of impunity in journalist murders and ensure the press can work freely," said the group's Asia coordinator Steven Butler in Washington D.C.

The recent growth of social media has made threats even more common, opening new arenas for people to verbally attack and threaten journalists with relative anonymity.

Writers who criticize the government have become the target of troll armies. Women journalists, in particular, are frequently threatened with rape and acid attacks.

Broadcast journalist Barkha Dutt said Lankesh's killing should be "a wake-up call."

"All of us have had experiences, especially as women, of receiving threats and abuse, from rape to murder," Dutt said. "I have personally gone in the past to the police, testified in court, and no one was ever able to find the people who threatened me."

The use of the denigrating term, "pressitutes," by a federal minister two years ago had also worked to undermine media credibility and encouraged trolling, journalists said.

Lankesh's brother, Indrajit, has demanded that her murder be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation - India's equivalent of the FBI - without political interference.

"We have seen what happened with police investigations into the killing of Kalburgi" - a case that remains unsolved, he said.

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Follow Nirmala George at www.twitter.com/NirmalaGeorge1.

Mourners stand next to the casket of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh placed for public viewing in Bangalore, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. The Indian journalist was gunned down outside her home the southern city of Bangalore - the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Mourners and others place the casket of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh for public viewing in Bangalore, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. The Indian journalist was gunned down outside her home the southern city of Bangalore - the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

Activists of Socialist Unity Center of India- Communist (SUCI-C) march with a banner showing a portrait of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh at a protest demonstration against her killing in Kolkata, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. The killing of the Indian journalist has provoked outrage and anguish across the country, with thousands protesting what they see as part of an ongoing campaign to silence critics of India's ruling Hindu nationalist party. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

People line up to pay their respects to Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh after her body was placed for public viewing in Bangalore, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. The Indian journalist was gunned down outside her home the southern city of Bangalore - the latest in a string of deadly attacks targeting journalists or outspoken critics of religious superstition and extreme Hindu politics. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

An unidentified journalist takes photographs with her iPad of a protest meeting against the killing of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh by journalists and members of civil society at Press Club of India in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 207. Even as police promise to hunt down the assailants who gunned down Lankesh outside her Bangalore home Tuesday night, many said they feared the perpetrators of this attack, like so many others, would get away with impunity. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

Journalists and others attend a protest meeting against the killing of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh at Press Club of India in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 207. Even as police promise to hunt down the assailants who gunned down Lankesh outside her Bangalore home Tuesday night, many said they feared the perpetrators of this attack, like so many others, would get away with impunity. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - A Dutch judge has called fowl play on a man who abducted and damaged a giant rubber duck.

Prosecutors say in a statement that the 45-year-old was sentenced Wednesday to eight weeks in prison for stealing the one-meter (three-foot) high bright yellow plaster duck from outside the Goudse Eend (Gouda Duck) cafe on June 23.

The prosecution statement says the man will only have to serve two weeks if he undergoes "lifestyle training." A judge also ordered him to pay 740 euros ($880) compensation to the owner of the cafe in the central Dutch city of Gouda.
BANDARBAN, Bangladesh (AP) - The young Rohingya couple fleeing violence in Myanmar had escaped with their family to nearby Bangladesh, where they spent days living in a hastily built shelter on a muddy hill. For the sake of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, they decided to return home briefly, for a quick bath and clean clothes.

The man's brother soon followed them - to retrieve their bodies.

"Kefayet Ullah's brother has been slaughtered near the fence!" a man shouts in a cellphone video as a cousin carries Jarullah's body, blood from the corpse pouring down his back. "They cut his hands and legs and belly also."

In this Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 photo, a Rohingya man Kefayet Ullah stands next to the graves of his 25-year-old brother Jarullah and 21-year-old sister-in-law Ayesha Bibi at a makeshift cemetery near Cox's Bazar's Tumbru area, Bangladesh. The family had already been in their hasty shelter on the mud bank near Naf River for days before Jarullah and Bibi decided to go slip back across the border to their village in Myanmar briefly for a quick bath and clean clothes before Eid, only to be killed by Myanmar soldiers and Buddhist monks in an attack witnessed by their cousin. Ullah said he couldn't bear the thought of leaving his loved ones behind, and so risked his life to return and carry their bodies back so they could bury them in peace. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Kefayet Ullah carried his dead sister-in-law. Wailing and moans - "Oh, Allah!" - can be heard in the video as the group encounters villagers along the wooded path.

Ullah said he couldn't bear the thought of leaving his loved ones behind, and so risked his life to bring back their bodies so they could be buried in peace. There was also one life left to save: the couple's 2-year-old son, who was found near his parents' bodies.

Like untold numbers of people, Ullah and his family have been caught up in the latest violence to ravage Rohingya villages in northern Rakhine state, in the northwest corner of majority-Buddhist Myanmar. Many have seen their homes burned to the ground. More than 120,000 have fled for safety in neighboring Bangladesh in less than two weeks since the violence began.

The Myanmar government said it conducted security "clearance operations" to root out Rohingya insurgents who attacked at least two dozen police posts with machetes and rifles.

Rohingya see the violence that followed the insurgent attacks as something more: a campaign to rid the country of a minority seen by Myanmar's authorities as unwanted outsiders. They were denied citizenship and rights by the country's former military rulers. And life has only gotten worse for many since an elected government headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi took over.

On Aug. 28, three days after the violence began, Ullah and his family fled, leaving behind their ancestral home, a shop and 10 acres of farmland.

"The government ordered the military to come to our villages and to shoot the people who were older than 8," Ullah said in a small forest clearing near the refugee-packed seaside city of Bandarban where he buried his brother and sister-in-law.

Two simple mounds of earth marked the spot. He brushed fallen leaves from the unmarked graves.

In some areas, he said, "they started attacking people and raping the girls and women. They were burning down the houses."

He paused to fill in holes left in the earth by the hooves of cattle that had wandered through the makeshift cemetery. Across the road, his parents, pregnant wife and three sons huddled under a sheet of plastic propped haphazardly up on bamboo poles.

For the moment, they are safe - one of many families occupying a muddy patch sticking out of the Naf River in what is essentially a no-man's-land between the borders of Myanmar and Bangladesh. But Ullah said he wasn't sure how long they could manage in their squalid shelter. There is no clean water, and no access to toilets.

Refugee camps in Bangladesh have filled beyond capacity, and tens of thousands are squatting in the open. Meanwhile, Rohingya continue to pour in through several open areas along the barbed-wire border fence, or aboard smugglers' rickety wooden boats.

Even now, the family yearns to go back to their village near the border, the only home Ullah has known.

"Even my grandfather's father was born there," he said. But said he has realized they may never return. Ultra-nationalist Buddhist monks call his people "Bengali" - meant as a derogatory term implying they were illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh.

"The monks say that we came from Bangladesh and India. They say you are not the people of this land. 'You go from this place,'" he said.

"They think, 'If we burn down Rohingya houses and kill the Rohingya people and slit their throats, then the number of Rohingya people will decrease,'" he said, his voice breaking. "That's why they say there's no need to give us citizenship."

Ullah's home in Maungdaw township is fairly close to the barbed-wire fence that marks much of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border. In other places, the Naf River separates the countries.

The home was close enough that Jarullah, 25, and his 21-year-old wife, Ayesha Bibi, decided to return Saturday morning.

Kefayet Ullah said Jarullah called within minutes of their return and told him soldiers and monks had surrounded their home.

Then, the phone went silent.

Ullah said a terrified cousin managed to escape behind some bushes and watched. He told Ullah the mob first looted the house of its valuables, then killed the couple after demanding money and gold from them.

Ullah said he felt he had no choice but to bring the bodies back. He and his cousin snuck across the border once again to do it.

They buried them later Saturday, the main day of Eid al-Adha.

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Follow Muneeza Naqvi on Twitter at twitter.com/mnaqvi10

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This story has been corrected to show that the brother's name is Jarullah instead of Jarullah Ullah.

In this Monday, Sept. 4, 2017 photo, a man holds up a cell phone displaying an image of 25-year-old Rohingya Muslim man Jarullah and his 21-year-old wife Ayesha Bibi near Cox's Bazar's Tumbru area, Bangladesh. The family had already been in their hasty shelter on the mud bank near Naf River for days before Jarullah and Bibi decided to go slip back across the border to their village in Myanmar briefly for a quick bath and clean clothes before Eid, only to be killed by Myanmar soldiers and Buddhist monks in an attack witnessed by their cousin. Jarullah's brother Kefayet Ullah said he couldn't bear the thought of leaving his loved ones behind, and so risked his life to return and carry their bodies back so they could bury them in peace. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

In this image made from Sept. 2, 2017, video, the body of Jarullah Ullah is carried through a field in Maungdaw, Myanmar, after he and his wife were killed in violence ravaging Rohingya villages in northern Rakhine state, in the northwest corner of majority-Buddhist Myanmar. Like untold numbers of people, this family has been caught up in the latest violence in Rohingya villages in Myanmar. (AP Photo)

In this image made from Sept. 4, 2017, video, Kefayet Ullah speaks about how his brother and sister-in-law were killed in violence ravaging Rohingya villages in northern Rakhine state, in the northwest corner of majority-Buddhist Myanmar. Like untold numbers of people, this family has been caught up in the latest violence in Rohingya villages in Myanmar. (AP Photo)
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - The U.S. military says it has killed three members of the al-Shabab extremist group with a "precision airstrike" in Somalia.

A statement from the U.S. Africa Command says the airstrike was carried out Tuesday morning local time in the Bay region, about 75 kilometers (45 miles) west of the capital, Mogadishu.

The statement says the strike was carried out in support of Somali army forces and African Union forces that were operating in the area.

The U.S. military has carried out several airstrikes against fighters with the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab in the Horn of Africa nation since President Donald Trump approved expanded military operations against the group.

That includes more aggressive airstrikes and considering parts of southern Somalia areas of active hostilities.
CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (AP) - Australia opener David Warner hit his 20th century as his team took a 72-run lead Wednesday by reaching 377-9 against Bangladesh on the rain-affected third day of the second test.

Warner scored 123 runs off 234 balls, including seven fours. He scored 112 in the second innings of the test in Dhaka in a losing cause. It was Warner's second longest innings after his 286-ball knock against New Zealand in 2015 in a match in which he made his career best 253.

The start of the day was delayed by heavy rain, after which Warner and Peter Handscomb resumed on 225-2.

Australia's David Warner looks back as he walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal by Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman during the third day of their second test cricket match in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. (AP Photo/A.M. Ahad)

With Warner reaching 99 without hassle, Handscomb was run out as Shakib Al Hasan made a direct throw from square leg, ending the 152-run partnership. Handscomb hit six boundaries in his 144-ball 82.

Warner waited for 16 balls before he cleared the boundary with a cover drive to reach the three-digit figure.

Pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who turned 22 on Wednesday, dismissed Warner as Imrul Kayes completed the catch at leg gully on the third attempt.

Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright surpassed Bangladesh's first innings total 305 before the latter was dismissed by offspinner Mehidy Hasan just before tea.

Maxwell, reprieved on 10, kept the side on course until Hasan dismissed him with a delivery that spun to touch his glove before wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim dived forward to take it.

Maxwell faced 98 deliveries and scored 38, with three boundaries.

However, his dismissal effectively blocked Australia's way to a big lead as Rahman and Hasan made Australia nine down before bad light brought a pre-mature end to the day.

Steve O'Keefe was batting on 8 with Nathan Lyon yet to score.

Rahman (3-84) and Hasan (3-93) picked up three wickets apiece, while Al Hasan and Taijul Islam took one each.

Australia's David Warner reacts after scoring hundred runs on the third day of their second test cricket match against Bangladesh in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. (AP Photo/ A.M. Ahad)
NEW YORK (AP) - Tim Ferriss' latest self-help book will offer secrets to success from the likes of Jimmy Fallon, Arianna Huffington and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced Wednesday that Ferriss' "Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World" will be released Nov. 21. The publisher says the book will share wisdom through profiles of more than 100 people, including entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities.

"Tribe of Mentors" will hit bookshelves less than a year after Ferriss' last book, "Tools of Titans."

FILE - In this June 20, 2008, file photo, self-help author Tim Ferriss relaxes in downtown Portland, Ore. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced Sept. 6, 2017, that Ferriss' latest book, "Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in the World," will be released Nov. 21. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Ferriss is the author of "The 4-Hour Workweek" and "The 4-Hour Body." He also hosts a popular podcast.
SAFFORD, Ariz. (AP) - An Iraqi student jet fighter pilot was killed when an F-16 jet crashed during a training mission in southeastern Arizona, authorities said Wednesday.

The Iraqi air force identified the pilot as Capt. Noor Faleh Rassan Al-Khazali, but it didn't list an age or hometown.

Al-Khazali was killed Tuesday when his Fighting Falcon jet went down in the southern Arizona desert during what an Arizona Air National Guard official called a routine training mission. The U.S. Air Force has activated a team to investigate the crash about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Tucson, the Air Guard's 1st Lt. Lacey Roberts of the 162nd Wing said.

The Iraqi defense ministry said it will join in the investigation.

Roberts could not immediately say what type of training was being conducted. The F-16 is used in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

Al-Khazali's death was the second involving an Iraqi pilot flying an F-16 in Arizona in recent years.

Roberts said the plane belonged to the Iraqi air force and that the training mission was being conducted in conjunction with the 162nd Wing, which is based at Tucson International Airport.

The jet crashed in desert terrain, leaving a crater and scattered debris, Graham County Undersheriff Carl "Jeff" McCormies said.

The U.S. military is training Iraqi pilots to fly F-16s at the request of Iraq's government, Roberts said.

In July 2015, an Iraqi brigadier general flying from the 162nd died when his F-16, a newer model recently delivered to the Iraqi air force, crashed during night training near Douglas.

In January 2016, a Taiwanese pilot on a training flight from Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix was killed when his F-16 went down in Yavapai County.

The 162nd Wing is the Air Guard's biggest F-16 training operation and conducts training missions across southern and central Arizona military ranges.

The wing, which has hosted training since 1990, has trained pilots from Iraq, Singapore, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Oman, Belgium and the Netherlands.
The Mandan Refinery will be the backdrop Wednesday as President Donald Trump discusses the need for tax reform, a message several area business leaders are eagerly awaiting.

We pay too much tax in this country, and I believe it restricts the free enterprise system, said Steve Herman, owner of AAction Movers in Bismarck.

Herman and his wife, Marcia, are among the small business owners Rep. Kevin Cramer invited to hear Trump speak. About 700 people are expected to attend the invite-only event, according to a senior White House official.

Herman, a Bismarck native whose moving company has been in business for 42 years, said hes honored to attend and interested to hear what Trump has to say.

Any tax relief would be a benefit to everyone, I believe, Herman said.

Trump is expected to highlight personal stories from North Dakotans about the need for tax reform, including talking about Julie Ellingson, executive vice president of the North Dakota Stockmens Association and a fourth-generation cattle rancher in Morton County.

Ellingson said a repeal of whats known as the death tax is important to the agriculture industry.

It really creates an obstacle in keeping family-owned ranches and farms intact following the death of a loved one, Ellingson said.

Scott Meske, president of the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce, said hes particularly interested to hear how Trumps tax reform plan would affect small businesses, which represent 85 percent of the chambers members.

Our small businesses are the ones that continue to get hammered, said Meske, who plans to attend the speech. We need to see if we can do better.

Kathy Neset, a geologist and owner of Neset Consulting in Tioga, said she was asked to be part of a small group to greet Trump at the refinery on behalf of the North Dakota Petroleum Council.

Im absolutely thrilled, impressed and am looking forward to meeting him, Neset said. Im happy to see hes putting North Dakota so high on his list of places to go as president.

Neset said shes in favor of a simplified tax plan.

I would love to see some lower corporate tax rates and a simplified plan for all Americans, Neset said.

Gov. Doug Burgum, who will greet Trump at the Bismarck airport, said hes looking forward to discussing how tax reform can benefit workers, farmers, ranchers, businesses and families.

The U.S. tax code is bloated, cumbersome and long overdue for reform, Burgum said in a statement. Fortunately, President Trump recognizes that he and this Congress have a once-in-a-generation chance to simplify the tax code and cut taxes in a way that allows American workers and families to keep more of their hard-earned income.

Cramer said the refinery will be a good backdrop for Trump to highlight why tax reform is needed and how it will affect Middle America.

People want to get a sense of whats in it for the average worker, Cramer said.

Kylie Oversen, chairwoman of North Dakotas Democratic-NPL Party, said in a statement the tax code is broken and does not work for businesses or families.

Fixing it requires ideas from both sides of the aisle and a genuine commitment to working together, Oversen said. Were eager to hear the presidents ideas, but North Dakotans dont just want to hear a political stump speech, either.

Attendees were invited through federal and state elected officials and organizations from the state that have been focused on tax reform and tax relief, according to a senior White House official.

Carson Klosterman, president of the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, was invited to attend by Sen. John Hoeven and said he hopes to get a chance to bring up issues affecting farmers.

Hopefully, he remembers the biofuels and the heartland and all that agriculture has to offer, Klosterman said.

Trump is expected to acknowledge the drought affecting much of North Dakota, according to the White House official.

It was unknown whether Burgum would have the opportunity to talk to Trump about the governors request for a presidential drought declaration, Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - This year, CMT will use its annual Artists of the Year event to highlight Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts while also recognizing the biggest artists in country music.

CMT announced Wednesday that Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan will be honored Oct. 18 in Nashville, Tennessee, with special performances from other artists that will be announced later.

The live television special will also honor those impacted by the hurricane that hit Texas, and artists will be encouraging fans to support relief efforts.

FILE - In this Tuesday, July 18, 2017, file photo, Chris Stapleton performs on NBC's "Today" show at Rockefeller Plaza in New York. This year, CMT will use its annual Artists of the Year event to highlight Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts while also recognizing the biggest artists in country music. CMT announced Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, that Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan will be honored on Oct. 18 in Nashville, Tenn., with special performances from other artists that will be announced later. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

Aldean and Bryan have both been selected six times by CMT for the honor, while Florida Georgia Line has been honored five consecutive times by CMT.
URBANA, Ill. (AP) - Three attorneys have asked to withdraw from defending a man charged with kidnapping a University of Illinois scholar from China who is missing and presumed dead.

The (Champaign) News-Gazette reports that Tom Bruno and his sons, Anthony and Evan Bruno, say in a federal court filing that 27-year-old Brendt Christensen can't afford to pay them for what could become a death penalty case if there are additional charges, and that they and Christensen have agreed that he should have a court-appointed defense lawyer.

A hearing on the motion is scheduled for Friday. Christensen is being held in the Macon County jail in Decatur. His trial is set for February.

Yingying Zhang disappeared June 9, weeks after arriving at the central Illinois campus. Investigators believe the 26-year-old is dead, but her body hasn't been found.

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Information from: The News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump's oldest son was expected to meet privately on Thursday with a Senate committee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, several senators said.

Donald Trump Jr.'s appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee would probably focus on a meeting he had with a Russian lawyer and others during the final stretches of last year's campaign. Emails released in July show that Trump Jr. was told the session at Trump Tower in New York was part of a Russian government effort to aid his father, the Republican nominee.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating that meeting, also attended by Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort. A grand jury has heard testimony about it.

In this April 17, 2017 file photo, Donald Trump Jr., the son of President Donald Trump, speaks to media on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. President Trump's oldest son is expected to meet privately Thursday with a Senate committee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Donald Trump Jr.'s closed-door appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee is likely to focus on a meeting he convened with a Russian lawyer during the campaign. Emails released in July show Trump Jr. was told the meeting at Trump Tower was part of a Russian government effort to aid his father during the election. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Trump Jr. has also agreed to appear in the coming weeks before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting its own investigation.

Separately, former President Barack Obama's national security adviser, Susan Rice, was meeting on Wednesday with the House Intelligence Committee, according to a person familiar with the interview. This person wasn't authorized to discuss the committee's confidential work and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

That committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department and the FBI for documents related to a dossier of salacious allegations involving Trump and possible ties to Russia.

As for Donald Trump Jr., some Democratic senators said they planned to attend his session though tradition dictates that senators cannot ask questions at such interviews conducted by committee staff.

Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said they would be there. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., was considering it.

"I go in with an open mind," Durbin said. "I want to hear his answers to questions - there are plenty of questions - about the involvement of the Trump corporation as well as the Trump campaign with the Russians and other foreigners, and I just want to hear what Mr. Trump has to say."

Durbin said he would be "shocked" if questions weren't asked about whether the elder Trump knew about the Trump Tower meeting.

"The critical part of his testimony will be following the financial dealing," Blumenthal said. He said he also wants to find out what Trump Jr. may know about potential obstruction of justice, adding there may have been conversations between the two about the firing of FBI Director James Comey and other matters.

Blumenthal and Coons said the private interview is no substitute for a public hearing, which the committee chairman, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has promised will happen.

"This meeting is far less important than his public testimony, under oath, before the American people," Blumenthal said.

Grassley would not say on Wednesday whether he would issue a subpoena for Trump Jr. if he refuses to testify publicly.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department is reviewing subpoenas from the House intelligence committee.

In a letter Friday that was obtained by the AP, the committee wrote that it had served subpoenas on Aug. 24 to the department and the FBI for documents related to the committee's investigation of Russian meddling. The Justice Department and FBI had missed the original Sept. 1 deadline, so the committee extended the deadline to Sept. 14.

The letter was signed by the committee chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., who stepped back from the Russia investigation this year after he was criticized for being too close to the White House. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, took over the leading role, but his name does not appear on the letter.

As chairman, Nunes retains subpoena power in the committee.

According to the letter, the original subpoenas requested any documents related to the dossier and sought information about whether the department was involved in its production.

If the documents are not produced, the committee is seeking to compel Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who has withdrawn from investigations examining connections between Trump and Russia, and newly installed FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify in an open hearing. The committee issued two additional subpoenas to Sessions and Wray on late Tuesday.

"Resort to compulsory process was necessary because of DOJ's and FBI's insufficient responsiveness to the committee's numerous Russia-investigation related requests over the past several months," the letter said.

If the committee is unable to obtain documents or testimony, Nunes wrote, the committee "expressly reserves its right to proceed with any and all available legal options," including a House vote to hold Sessions and Wray in contempt.

The Justice Department confirmed it was reviewing the subpoenas but declined further comment.

The dossier attracted public attention in January when it was revealed that then-FBI Director James Comey had briefed Trump, soon before he was inaugurated as president, about claims from the documents that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations about him.

It's unclear to what extent the allegations in the dossier have been corroborated or verified by the FBI because the bureau has not publicly discussed it.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said Tuesday evening on MSNBC that the subpoenas were issued over the objections of Democrats. Schiff said Republicans are working harder to discredit those who compiled the dossier than to find out if the allegations in it are true. He said Republicans should be more focused on getting documents from the White House.

The subpoenas were first reported by the Washington Examiner.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump discussed North Korea's strongest nuclear test yet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, as the U.S. proposed crippling new sanctions and world leaders tussled over whether pressure or dialogue was the best way to rein in the rogue nation.

The White House stressed the U.S. and Chinese leaders' joint commitment to ridding the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons. But differences were clear on how best to reach that remote goal as fears escalate over Pyongyang's emerging capability to strike America with a nuclear-tipped missile.

China's state news agency said Xi expressed China's adamant position about "resolving the nuclear issue through talks." Trump noted China's "essential role" and pledged more communication with China "to find a solution as early as possible," Xinhua reported.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Congressional leaders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

But Trump projected an entirely different message on dialogue in a phone call a day earlier with British Prime Minister Theresa May. The American leader declared "now is not the time to talk to North Korea," according to a White House readout, released shortly before Trump's call with Xi.

The conversations were part of a flurry of calls Trump has made to world leaders after North Korea's test explosion this weekend of what it called a hydrogen bomb. Trump said the U.S. is considering all options to defend itself and allies.

While Washington needs backing from allies, cooperation with traditional adversaries China and Russia is more significant. The U.S. needs both to put the squeeze on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Both are economic partners of North Korea and veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.

On Wednesday, the U.S. circulated a draft Security Council resolution that would ban all oil and natural gas exports to North Korea, potentially devastating its economy. The measure also would freeze all of the North's and Kim's foreign financial assets, and outlaw North Korean textiles exports. Countries also would be prevented from hiring and paying North Korean workers.

But Beijing and Moscow's support for such tough action was doubtful.

"President Xi would like to do something," Trump told reporters after a 45-minute call with the Chinese leader. "We'll see whether or not he can do it. But we will not be putting up with what's happening in North Korea. I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent. He doesn't want to see what's happening there, either."

Asked if he was considering military action against North Korea, Trump told reporters: "Certainly that's not our first choice, but we will see what happens."

As Trump looked to increase the pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin pushed in the opposite direction, warning against cornering Pyongyang.

The North's nuclear test "flagrantly violates" international law, Putin said, but he urged talks and not more sanctions.

"We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner," Putin said after meeting the president of close U.S. ally, South Korea, in Russia on Wednesday. "As never before, everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions."

Meanwhile, Trump's military, diplomacy and intelligence chiefs briefed Congress on the North Korean threat and U.S. strategy to address it. Democrats accused the administration of sending confusing signals to adversaries and allies.

"The message changes from day to day and for myself, I'm not quite sure what the policy is," Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts said. He said he learned nothing from the closed-doors briefing by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats that he hadn't already read in newspapers.

"There is an unbelievable disconnect between the people in that room and their boss," Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, another Democrat, said. "And that freaks the hell out of me."

Trump traded threats with Pyongyang last month after it conducted two long-range missile tests. At one point, he warned of "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if North Korea continued its threats. At another, he credited Kim for a brief pause in missile tests that ended days later.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, backed Trump and said he may be employing a "good cop, bad cop" approach. Pressuring China and North Korea could force negotiations for a peaceful solution.

Otherwise, he said, "war is the next inevitable option."

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Associated Press writers Catherine Lucey and Darlene Superville in Washington, and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Angola's election commission has dismissed complaints by opposition parties that questioned provisional results declaring the ruling party to be the winner of the Aug. 23 vote.

The Portuguese news agency Lusa reported Wednesday that the election commission concluded that opposition complaints of alleged irregularities were aimed at disrupting the "stability of the electoral process."

The commission last month said the ruling MPLA party won the national election but lost ground to the opposition in the oil-rich but impoverished southern African nation.

The results set the stage for Defense Minister Joao Lourenco to replace President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has ruled for 38 years and is expected to remain head of the ruling party.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski is headed to Harvard University as a visiting fellow.

Lewandowski is among a list of political figures coming to the Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics through a program that's meant to spark discussion on campus.

Lewandowski led Trump's Republican primary campaign but left after clashing with Trump's family. He now runs the consulting firm Lewandowski Strategic Advisors.

Harvard's announcement says he "oversaw all aspects of the historic presidential campaign."

Visiting fellows come to Harvard for select events for students. Others this fall include Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, co-hosts of MSNBC's "Morning Joe."

Fellows who are coming for a full semester include Republican former congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah and former Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Investigators are looking into the mental health and medical records of a Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot an Australian native in July.

A search warrant filed publicly Tuesday shows an investigator with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was seeking investigative background records, including pre-employment psychological exams and unredacted personnel files, of Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor.

Court documents show the city provided investigators with the requested information.

FILE - In this May 2016 image provided by the City of Minneapolis, police officer Mohamed Noor poses for a photo at a community event welcoming him to the Minneapolis police force. Investigators have asked for medical and background records of Noor who fatally shot an Australian native in July. A search warrant filed Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, shows Minnesota investigators are seeking records, including pre-employment psychological exams, of officer Noor. (City of Minneapolis via AP, File)

Noor fatally shot 40-year-old Justine Damond on July 15 after she called police to report a possible sexual assault near her house. Damond, who was engaged to be married, was shot as she approached the squad car that Noor and his partner were in. Damond's death drew international attention and led to the forced resignation of the city's police chief.

The search-warrant application, dated Aug. 31, seeks similar information for Noor's partner, Matthew Harrity.

Harrity, who was driving the police vehicle at the time, told investigators that he was startled by a loud sound near the cruiser and, immediately afterward, Damond approached the driver's side window. Harrity told agents that Noor fired his weapon from the passenger seat, hitting Damond.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to prosecutors, who have said they expect to make a decision on whether to charge the officers by the end of the year.

Harrity and Noor are on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
PRAGUE (AP) - Czech lawmakers agreed Wednesday to lift the immunity from prosecution of a former finance minister, billionaire Andrej Babis, over an alleged fraud involving EU subsidies.

The 123-4 vote in the lower house of parliament allows police to investigate Babis' possible involvement in the $2 million fraud and charge him if necessary. Lawmakers also lifted immunity for Babis' deputy in his political group, Jaroslav Faltynek.

The move comes ahead of the Oct. 20-21 parliamentary election in which Babis' centrist ANO movement is widely expected to win, paving the way for him to become the country's next prime minister.

FILE- In this Wednesday, March 23, 2016 file photo, Czech Republic's Finance Minister Andrej Babis walks to address lawmakers at an extraordinary session of Parliament's lower house in Prague, Czech Republic. The lower house of Czech Parliament has agreed to lift the immunity from prosecution of former finance minister Andrej Babis over an alleged fraud involving EU subsidies. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

Neither man has been charged. Both deny wrongdoing, saying the case is politically motivated to hurt ANO in the ballot.

"It's a political case whose goal is to influence the elections," Babis said during a heated debate in the house. "I didn't commit any crime."

EU authorities have been also investigating.

Earlier this year, Babis was fired as finance minister over unexplained business dealings.

This case involves a farm known as the Stork Nest that received an EU subsidy after its ownership was transferred from the Agrofert conglomerate of some 250 companies that belonged to Babis to Babis' family members. The EU farm subsidy was meant for medium and small businesses and Agrofert would not have been eligible for it.

Agrofert later took over ownership of the farm again.

Babis is sometimes dubbed the "Czech Berlusconi," a comparison to Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian media tycoon who until recent years dominated his nation's politics. He used to own two major newspapers and a radio station but was forced to transfer his ownership to a fund due to a recently approved law.

Babis' movement came in a surprise second in the Czech Republic's 2013 parliamentary election with an anti-corruption message.

Recent polls suggest the subsidy scandal is unlikely to harm Babis' public support.
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) - A former federal officer convicted in a two-day shooting rampage in Maryland has been sentenced to two life terms for killing his estranged wife and shooting a man who tried to help her.

The Washington Post reports Prince George's County Judge Leo Green handed down the sentences Wednesday to 64-year-old Eulalio Tordil. He had already received four consecutive life terms for other shootings.

He pleaded guilty in June to fatally shooting Gladys Tordil as she waited to pick up her daughters from school and wounding the good Samaritan.

FILE - In this Friday, May 6, 2016, file photo, police take Eulalio Tordil a suspect in three fatal shootings in the Washington, D.C., area into custody in Bethesda, Md. Tordil pleaded guilty in June 2017 to fatally shooting Gladys Tordil. He will also be sentenced Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, for shooting a good Samaritan who attempted to come to her aid and faces the possibility of life without parole. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Prosecutors say he then went on a rampage in Montgomery County, killing two people and wounding two others.

The judge told Tordil he shouldn't "see or breathe a free bit of air" the rest of his life.
A Massachusetts man allegedly stabbed his older brother to death during an argument over internet bandwidth.

Twenty-year-old Timothy Record, of Leominster, Massachusetts is being held without bail following his arraignment Wednesday on a murder charge in the killing of 23-year-old Nathan Record.

Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. says police responded to the family home Tuesday at 7.30pm in response to a 911 call from their mother.

Timothy Record reportedly stabbed his brother following a fight about the number of devices using the internet

Police found Nathan Record bloodied at the top of his stairs. His brother is accused of stabbing him in the chest following an argument

Court documents show the brothers were arguing about the number of devices hogging the internet.

The police report read: 'A verbal argument escalated into a physical confrontation over the use of digital devices which overwhelmed the internet bandwidth.'

Then, Nathan started punching Timothy in the face and head before going to this room. Timothy went to the kitchen, grabbed multiple knives then stabbed his brother in the chest.

Police found Nathan at the top of the stairs covered in blood. He was taken by ambulance to HealthAlliance Hospital where he died.

Leominster interim Police Chief Michael Goldman tells The Sentinel & Enterprise there was a history of violence between the brothers.

Timothy Record's attorney said his client is upset about the brother's death. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder.

The stabbing is still under investigation.
As President Donald Trump stepped off Air Force One at the Bismarck Municipal Airport, he was greeted by loud whoops and cheers.

A crowd of about 75 people awaited the arrival of the president, who was due to give a speech on tax reform Wednesday afternoon at an oil refinery in Mandan.

These guests were invited by the White House to welcome the president to North Dakota. This is the first visit to the state by a sitting president since Barack Obama went to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in 2014.

In the throng of people were Trevor and Kelsey Kronberg, of Watford City. Both said they jumped at the opportunity to take their two children, Hardy, 3, and Cottyn, 5, to see the president.

"We had a great time. We didnt really think wed be able to shake his hand, but he took a lot of time and shook everybodys hand," said Trevor Kronberg, an oilfield worker whose cousin works for the Secret Service.

Those invited included military families and family members of U.S Secret Service agents.

Trump descended the steps of the plane and was greeted by Gov. Doug Burgum, first lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford. Trump then went over and shook hands and took photos with the guests. Ivanka Trump also posed for a few pictures.

That was crazy. I did not think in a million years he was going to walk over here and shake our hands," said Jade Hepper, 19, a North Dakota State University student, who came with the Kronbergs.

Hepper, who is a "100 percent" Trump supporter, said this was his second time seeing Trump, the first time when Trump was campaigning in Bismarck last year.

Logan Kilde, 20, who came with his father, wore a red hat with a familiar Trump slogan, one which his father believes the president will follow.

I really believe that he is going to hold true with his slogan on making America great again, I really do. I think he is trying to take politics out of the White House and get back to the roots that this country was founded on," said Steve Kilde, a retired Bismarck Police lieutenant. "And, of course, hes doing a lot of great things for the oil and gas industry."

Logan Kilde said he was glad Trump was in Mandan to discuss tax reform, as he and his brother own a concrete and curbing business in Bismarck. They are the only two employees, but he said "tax reform will be huge for us.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States cautiously welcomed a Russian proposal to send U.N. peacekeepers into eastern Ukraine, but insisted Wednesday the force should be deployed throughout embattled eastern Ukraine and not just on the line of conflict.

A U.N. force is "worth exploring," the State Department said, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country would ask the U.N. Security Council to send peacekeepers to patrol the front line separating Ukrainian troops and Russia-backed separatists. The U.S. said such a force could protect Ukrainians of all ethnicities and help restore Ukraine's sovereignty.

"Any such force should have a broad mandate for peace and security throughout the occupied territory in Ukraine," said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

Putin's unexpected embrace of a U.N. force has been greeted with tentative optimism from countries that have worked to solve the crisis, given that Ukraine, too, has long called for U.N. peacekeepers. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said it showed "Russia has effected a change in its policies that we should not gamble away."

Yet a fault line immediately emerged that could scuttle prospects for an agreement: Disagreement over the scope of the peacekeepers' mandate.

Putin has insisted the peacekeepers be deployed only along the line separating the rebel-controlled territories and the area under Ukrainian government control where clashes occur. Putin told reporters Tuesday that peacekeepers could help ensure safety for international observers who are monitoring a cease-fire that Germany and France brokered in 2015.

The U.S. and Ukraine are concerned that deploying peacekeepers only along the contact line would actually solidify the line's status as the new de facto border between Ukrainian-controlled territory and separatist-controlled territory in the country's east. The U.S. and Ukraine want peacekeepers deployed throughout the separatist-controlled regions stretching to the Ukraine-Russia border. The U.S. has long accused Moscow of sending military equipment and even Russian troops across that border and into eastern Ukraine to bolster the separatists.

In the past, the separatists have opposed Ukraine's suggestion to deploy peacekeepers in the war zone.

Russia has circulated a proposed text for the peacekeeping mandate to the U.N. Security Council for members to review, a Security Council diplomat said Wednesday. The diplomat wasn't authorized to comment publicly and requested anonymity.

In a bid to give new momentum to peace efforts, the Trump administration recently named a new special envoy for Ukraine negotiations. But rather than try to broker a peacekeepers agreement itself, the U.S. emphasized it was supporting the so-called Normandy countries in their efforts.

The "Normandy Format" peace talks between Ukraine, Russia, Germany and France have largely stalled of late, with a truce timed to the start of the new school year breaking down almost immediately after it was agreed upon in late August. Fighting between Ukrainian troops and Russia-backed separatists in the region has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014.

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Associated Press writer Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow contributed to this report.

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Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump headed to North Dakota to discuss his tax overhaul plans Wednesday, tweeting before he left that "we are the highest taxed nation in the world - that will change."

Here is a look at Trump's claim and the facts:

Trump has complained before about tax burdens in the United States. But the overall U.S. tax burden is actually one of the lowest among the 32 developed and large emerging-market economies tracked by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Taxes made up 26.4 percent of the total U.S. economy in 2015, according to the OECD. That's far below Denmark's tax burden of 46.6 percent, Britain's 32.5 percent or Germany's 36.9 percent. Just four OECD countries had a lower tax bite than the U.S.: South Korea, Ireland, Chile and Mexico.

Asked about the tweet Wednesday, White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said: "The president is probably referring to the fact that in the developed world we have the highest corporate tax rate."

The United States does have one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world, but, due to tax breaks, many companies don't pay the full rate.

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Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump are donating a total of $1 million to a dozen organizations involved in Harvey relief work, including the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, the White House announced Wednesday.

The American Red Cross and Salvation Army will each receive $300,000; Samaritan's Purse and Reachout America will collect $100,000 each.

The Trumps are giving $25,000 each to eight other organizations: the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Catholic Charities, Direct Relief, Habitat for Humanity, Houston Humane Society, Operation Blessing, Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies and Team Rubicon.

President Donald Trump waves during his arrival at Bismarck Municipal Airport, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017 in Bismarck, N.D. Trump is in North Dakota to promote his tax overhaul plan. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

The White House said the donations are coming from the president's personal funds.

Harvey slammed into the Gulf Coast of Texas on Aug. 25 as a Category 4 hurricane. It was soon downgraded to a tropical storm but lingered for days, dropping up to 50 inches of rain on Houston and the surrounding area before moving eastward to Louisiana. Homes and roads spent days under feet of water.

The Trumps visited Corpus Christi, Texas, and Austin on Aug. 29. They returned to the region Saturday, visiting Houston and Lake Charles, Louisiana, which also was battered by Harvey. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, also visited Texas.

"Our hearts are heavy with sadness for those who lost everything," Trump said Wednesday at an event in North Dakota to pitch his plan for overhauling the tax code.

"They've also filled us with hope," he said, speaking of having witnessed the "unyielding strength and resilience of the American spirit."

White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said the Trumps saw some of these groups in action while visiting with hurricane survivors, first responders, volunteers and government officials during their visits to the region. She said Trump and Mrs. Trump continue to pray for all who have been affected.

The American Red Cross said it is "grateful to the Trumps for their generous support of our mission."

The White House first said last week that Trump wanted to make a donation, and sought suggestions from journalists on where he should contribute.

"He would like to join in the efforts that a lot of the people that we've seen across this country do," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters last week, two days after Trump first visited post-Harvey Texas.

"And he's pledging a million dollars of personal money to the fund," Sanders said "And he's actually asked that I check with the folks in this room, since you are very good at research and have been doing a lot of reporting into the groups and organizations that are best and most effective in helping and providing aid, and he'd love some suggestions from the folks here."

Trump met with three relief groups - the American Red Cross, Southern Baptist Relief and Salvation Army - in the Oval Office last Friday.

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Airlines are preparing to cancel Florida flights that are in the path of Hurricane Irma.

The hurricane is expected to reach Florida by the weekend. American Airlines says it will begin shutting down operations in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Sarasota and West Palm Beach by Friday afternoon and cancel flights through the weekend.

JetBlue Airways said Wednesday afternoon that it had canceled about 130 flights.

American, JetBlue, United and Delta offered waivers letting customers change travel plans to Florida and the Caribbean without the usual charges for changing a ticket. Dates and covered locations varied.

JetBlue said it reduced fares to $99 to $159 one-way for remaining seats on flights leaving the hurricane's path including Florida and locations in the Caribbean.

FlightAware.com reported that about 170 flights, roughly two-thirds of those scheduled, were canceled by late Wednesday afternoon at Luis Munoz Marin Airport International Airport near San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Cancellations at Miami International Airport were minimal on Wednesday but already topped 300 flights for Friday, according to the tracking service.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Backers of a proposed ballot measure that would cap the amount state agencies could pay for prescription drugs hope to start building support soon to put the initiative before voters in 2018, a key proponent said Wednesday.

The plan is meant to save taxpayer dollars and drive down the cost of prescriptions, supporter Rick Weiland told The Associated Press. It would impose a price limit on state drug purchases at the lowest price paid for the same drug by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"This is going to be a very interesting campaign with Big Pharma loaded to bear because they don't want this to become a stepping stone to other state efforts to do the same thing," said Weiland, a former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate who is involved in several initiative campaigns.

The plan - adapted from an Ohio initiative that's on the ballot this year - has already attracted the pharmaceutical industry's attention. South Dakota Biotech and Washington-based Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America last week filed a court challenge to the state attorney general's ballot question explanation.

The industry groups are asking a judge to direct Attorney General Marty Jackley to modify his explanation. The groups said in a statement that the explanation falls short because it doesn't mention language giving supporters legal standing if the initiative is challenged in court.

Jackley said that his team works "very diligently" to ensure ballot question explanations are fair. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

Weiland said the organizations missed the deadline in state law to file such a challenge, contending that the move is an attempt to tie up the initiative in court so supporters don't have enough time to collect enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

Backers must submit nearly 14,000 valid signatures to the secretary of state by November 2017 to get on the ballot in 2018. Weiland said the goal is to collect 20,000 names.

Measures have been placed on California and Ohio ballots to cap what those states pay for all prescription drugs at the lowest price the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pays. California's was voted down last year after the pharmaceutical industry spent more than $100 million to oppose it. Ohio's measure will go before voters this November.

South Dakota initiative supporters have tapped Sioux Falls City Council candidate Clara Hart to serve as chairwoman of pro-initiative group South Dakotans for Lower Drug Prices.

Hart said that pharmaceutical companies need to "wake up and learn" that people are hurting. "They need to have a heart instead of money, money all the time," she said.
LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Oakland Raiders are one step closer to being able to start building their proposed stadium in Las Vegas after local officials on Wednesday approved the use of the land the team purchased near the city's world-famous casino-resorts.

Commissioners in Nevada's Clark County voted unanimously to approve use permits required for the proposed 65,000-seat stadium. They also waived a requirement for thousands of on-site parking spots. But they gave the team a year to figure out a solution for a problem that has dogged the project.

Grading and other site-preparation work can take place at the site west of the Las Vegas Strip, near the Mandalay Bay casino-resort. But the county and the Raiders still have to enter into a development agreement, which among other things would detail infrastructure requirements for the team, before major construction begins.

"Thirty-one months is what we have available," John Wood, senior vice president at Mortenson Construction, said of the project's construction timeline. "... That is exactly the schedule that we had in Minnesota to build U.S. Bank Stadium, and there we went through three harsh Minnesota weekends. So, we'll have two-and-a-half Nevada summers to go through. But we still have great confidence in our ability to complete on time."

The Raiders want to play in Las Vegas starting in 2020. Their ambitious construction timeline for the partly tax-funded $1.9 billion project calls for site work to begin later this year and work on the concrete structure to start in the spring.

The proposed domed stadium will feature a retractable wall that will give fans a view of the Luxor, Excalibur and other Strip casino-resorts, whose guests and those of other hotels in the Las Vegas area are contributing $750 million to the project through a room tax increase.

Commissioners gave the team a year to solve the project's parking problem. Per county regulations, the stadium is required to have 16,250 parking spots on site, but the land the team bought can only fit about 2,400.

Raiders adviser Don Webb told commissioners the team is exploring a variety of solutions for the "very obvious parking challenge." He wouldn't add details, saying that plans are still under development and some of the options will require negotiations.

Commission chairman Steve Sisolak after the meeting said he wants the solution to allow fans to have a good game-day experience, but preferably that it all not be in a single location to avoid straining roadways. He said the Raiders are looking for the right mix of public transit.

"They're looking at the recipe, the mix, between what's going to come through the monorail, what's going to come through rideshare, what's going to come through walkers coming from the various casino properties," Sisolak said. "They are going to have to figure out a way to make this work for everybody (and) at the same time maintain the tailgating experience."

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Follow Regina Garcia Cano on Twitter at https://twitter.com/reginagarciakNO
NORTON, Kan. (AP) - The Latest on a disturbance at a state prison in northwestern Kansas (all times local):

5:20 p.m.

Figures from the Kansas Department of Corrections show that the inmate population at a northwestern Kansas prison rose steadily for three months before a disturbance there.

Department spokesman Samir Arif said Wednesday that the state began double-bunking inmates in some parts of the low-security Norton Correctional Facility this summer.

A disturbance Tuesday night left part of one building at the prison not livable for inmates. Windows were smashed and inmates broke into a tool shed. The department reported two minor injuries to staff.

The department's figures show that the prison housed 707 inmates at the end of May. The population was 21 percent higher Tuesday at 856 inmates.

Democratic state Sen. Laura Kelly of Topeka said the relocation of inmates has created what she called a "self-inflicted" crisis.

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3:40 p.m.

A Kansas Department of Corrections spokesman is confirming that part of a building for housing inmates at a prison in the state's northwest is not livable following a disturbance.

Spokesman Samir Arif also said the department increased the number of inmates it transferred out of the Norton Correctional Facility on Wednesday to 100, up from 90 earlier.

But Arif said the inmates were transferred for security reasons, not because part of the housing building was damaged.

The disturbance occurred Tuesday night. Arif said it began when an inmate or inmates set fire to a mattress and about 250 spilled into the yard. Windows were smashed in several buildings and inmates broke into a tool shed.

The low-security prison is about 320 miles (515 kilometers) west of Kansas City.

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10:45 a.m.

A Kansas Department of Corrections spokesman says it has transferred 90 inmates from a prison in the state's northwest following a disturbance there.

Spokesman Samir Arif said Wednesday that the inmates were moved from the Norton Correctional Facility to other Kansas prisons.

Arif says the disturbance at Norton began Tuesday night when an inmate or inmates set fire to a mattress in a housing unit and as many as 250 inmates spilled into the yard. He said inmates broke into a tool shed and smashed several prison windows.

Arif says two staff members suffered minor injuries that required no medical attention.

The disturbance drew law enforcement officers and firefighters to the prison just south of the Nebraska state line and about 320 miles west (515 kilometers) west of Kansas City.

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12:25 a.m.

The Kansas Department of Corrections has confirmed that an inmate disturbance occurred at a state prison in western Kansas and that local law enforcement officers are on the scene.

Department spokesman Samir Arif provided no other details about the disturbance Tuesday night at the Norton Correctional Facility.

Norton City Administrator Chad Buckley says all of the town's firetrucks and his entire police department responded to the scene to assist corrections officials.

The Norton prison housed 848 inmates as of Friday, with another 125 at a satellite unit in Stockton, to the east. Most of the inmates are either "low" medium-security inmates or minimum-security inmates. The prison is about 320 miles west of Kansas City.

The state saw multiple inmate disturbances in recent months at its maximum-security prison in El Dorado in southern Kansas.
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A federal indictment unsealed Wednesday accuses a former Oklahoma state senator who already faces state child prostitution charges of also engaging in child pornography and child sex trafficking.

A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against two-term former Republican state Sen. Ralph Shortey, who resigned in March after he was arrested on state charges of engaging in child prostitution, transporting a minor for prostitution and engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of church. He is alleged to have hired a 17-year-old boy for sex.

Police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore arrested Shortey in March after they found him with the boy in a motel room. The FBI and U.S. Secret Service said shortly after Shortey's arrest that they had joined the investigation. The FBI conducted a search of Shortey's Oklahoma City home in March, and the Secret Service said it was assisting in the investigation at the request of the Moore Police Department.

FILE - In this Feb. 22, 2017, file photo, state Sen. Ralph Shortey, R-Oklahoma City, speaks during a Senate committee meeting on a Real ID bill in Oklahoma City. Shortey, who faces state child prostitution charges for allegedly hiring a 17-year-old boy for sex, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on child pornography and child sex trafficking charges. The four-count federal indictment that was unsealed Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Shortey resigned in March after he was arrested on state charges. He faces up to life in prison if convicted on the federal charges. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)

Among other things, the federal indictment accuses Shortey of producing child pornography in 2016 and 2017 and allegedly using his smartphone to send videos involving young boys and a young girl in 2013.

In addition, the indictment accuses Shortey of child sex trafficking for allegedly soliciting a minor to engage in a commercial sex act on March 8 and 9, 2017, the same incident that led to Shortey's arrest and the filing of state charges against Shortey in Cleveland County. Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn said Wednesday that those charges will be dismissed following the federal indictment.

Shortey's defense attorney, Ed Blau, did not immediately respond to telephone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Shortey faces up to life in prison if he is convicted of the child sex trafficking charge and maximum sentences of between 20 and 30 years on the other charges. He could also face fines of up to $250,000 on each count.
MSPs have agreed to keep open a petition for an independent inquiry into the conviction of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi.

Holyroods Justice Committee has been considering the long-running bid from Justice for Megrahi campaigners over Megrahis conviction in 2001 for the 1988 bombing which killed 270 people.

The committee has decided to keep the petition open pending the completion of Police Scotlands Operation Sandwood.

Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi

Officers are investigating nine allegations of criminality levelled by Justice for Megrahi at the Crown Office, police, and forensic officials involved in the investigation and legal processes relating to Megrahis conviction.

MSPs on the committee were told that the operation was in its final stages but certain aspects were not fully concluded. They heard that Police Scotland were as yet not in a position to suggest when the report will be made public.

The wrecked nose section of the plane in Lockerbie (PA)

Justice for Megrahi had requested that the petition remain open until Crown Office consideration of the police report is complete.

Megrahi was jailed for 27 years but was released home to Libya on compassionate grounds in 2009 and died of prostate cancer aged 60 three years later. He lost an appeal against his conviction in 2002, with the SCCRC recommending in 2007 that he should be granted a second appeal.

He dropped the second attempt to overturn his conviction in 2009, ahead of his return to Libya, but his widow Aisha and son Ali have lodged a new bid to appeal against his conviction five years after his death.
Colourful backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg has insisted he is not a candidate for Theresa Mays job despite topping a poll of Conservative supporters who named him the favourite to be next party leader.

Some 23% of ConservativeHome readers backed the Tory, often known as the MP for the 18th century over his old-fashioned ways, to replace Mrs May.

Brexit Secretary David Davis was supported by 15% of those who voted, 7% went to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, and 19% ticked the other box in the 1,309-strong survey.

Asked if he would put himself forward for party leader, Mr Rees-Mogg said: I know about Jim Hackers answer from Yes, Minister just before he became Prime Minister.

It was that I have no ambitions in that direction, but if my friends and colleagues advise me that in some humble capacity I can serve my country and, of course, that meant yes.

Let me be absolutely clear: Im not a candidate. There is not a vacancy. I fully support Theresa May and want her to continue.

And Im a backbench MP.

In the whole history of the Prime Ministership, the party in office has never felt so desperate that it has dragged somebody from the obscurity of the backbenches to thrust them into the highest office.

So the answer to your question is that it is simply not something that is going to happen.

Jacob Rees-Mogg

The MP joked that as a Catholic male he is eligible to become Pope, and that if the holy ghost called upon him to do so I will do my duty.

Mr Rees-Mogg has enjoyed a growing media profile in recent months and has been touted as a right-wing antidote to the increasing popularity of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The young fogey emerged as second favourite in a ConservativeHome survey in August after supporters wrote him into the other candidate section.

The Prime Minister last week insisted she is not a quitter and vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election.

Theresa May has said she will lead the Tories into the next election (Carl Court/PA)

But the decision sparked warnings that she would fuel moves to oust her before 2022.

When asked if he believes the PM will fight the next election, Damian Green, Mrs Mays de facto deputy, replied: Yes.

In an interview with the Politico website, he said: Theresa is doing what is a very difficult job extremely well, and I would like to see her continue to do this for many years.

International Trade minister Greg Hands said there was all to play for, including the Tory leadership, between Brexit and the general election.

He told the Herald: A lot can happen in five years, and well see what the situation is in 2022. But at the moment Ive got complete confidence in the Prime Minister.
President Donald Trump will speak outdoors this afternoon from the Mandan Refinery, with a large American flag as the backdrop while the oil refinery continues operating.

Media began setting up Wednesday morning before a security sweep of the facility.

Secret Service and law enforcement have a large presence at the oil refinery, with metal detectors set up at the gate.

Attendees for the invite-only event are expected to begin arriving at the refinery early this afternoon, with the speech scheduled to begin at 3:05 p.m.

Police have designated areas on opposite sides of the street leading up to the refinery for Trump supporters and protesters.

Shortly after 10 a.m. today, two Trump supporters were setting up flags and signs while the protester side was empty.

Trump supporter Marty Beard, who lives south of Bismarck in Stewartsdale, said hes hoping to protest against any protesters who arrive.

A group of Trump opponents plan a peaceful demonstration on the Expressway Bridge this afternoon and later outside the refinery.

Check www.bismarcktribune.com throughout the day for updates.
More than a third of parents lack the basic knowledge to make their children a healthy packed lunch for school, a survey suggests.

Some 36% of UK parents are unaware of NHS guidelines on what constitutes a healthy lunchbox, the poll of 5,000 adults for BBC Good Food found.

The guidance says a childs lunchbox should be based on starchy carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, rice or pasta and include fresh fruit and vegetables, a source of protein, a sugar-free drink and a side dish such as a low-fat, lower-sugar yogurt.

(Gareth Fuller/PA)

Just 26% of parents from the North East and Cumbria said they followed the guidance, compared with 58% in London.

More than half of parents who are aware of the guidelines (54%) admit to only following them occasionally, with almost 10% admitting to packing leftovers  including last nights takeaway  for their childrens lunch.

The top five most popular items regularly packed by parents for childrens lunch boxes are sandwiches (88%), drink (71%), an apple (56%), crisps (51%), and a chocolate bar (25%).

(Chris Radburn/PA)

The survey also found fewer Britons are cooking from scratch than ever, with almost one in five (19%) creating meals from two or more ingredients only once a week or even less frequently.

BBC Good Food editor-in-chief Christine Hayes said: Its worrying to see from the report how many parents across the UK are unaware what a healthy lunchbox should contain.

A balanced lunch provides the sustenance needed for the day and by keeping choices varied children are more likely to embrace eating healthily.

Lets ditch soggy sandwiches and find exciting and nutritious alternatives that children will enjoy.
The leaders of Russia and South Korea have condemned North Korea over its latest nuclear test, but still appear far apart on the issue of stepping up sanctions against Pyongyang.

After meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Russian leader Vladimir Putin called for talks with North Korea, saying sanctions are not a solution to the countrys nuclear and missile development.

Mr Moon had called for Moscow to support stronger sanctions against Pyongyang, which conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday in what it claimed was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.

The Russian leader said that Moscow views sanctions on North Korea as useless and ineffective

We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner, Mr Putin said at a press conference after a meeting on the sidelines of a conference on economic development of Russias Far East, in the port city of Vladivostok.

As never before everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions, the Russian president added.

Mr Moon said the leaders agreed that reducing regional tension and quickly solving the security challenges posed by North Koreas nuclear and missile programme were critical.

Ahead of the meeting with Mr Putin, he said the situation could get out of hand if North Koreas missile and nuclear tests are not stopped.

Mr Moon had called for Moscow to support stronger sanctions against Pyongyang

Myself and President Putin share a view that North Korea has gone the wrong way with its nuclear and missile programme and that easing tension on the Korean peninsula is an urgent issue, Mr Moon said.

He complimented Mr Putin and the Russian government over what he said were diverse efforts to find diplomatic solutions to the problem.

Mr Moon, a liberal who took office in May, had initially showed a preference for a diplomatic approach on North Korea, but his government has since taken a harder stance as the North continued its pace in weapons tests.

In an interview with the Russian news agency Tass on Tuesday, Mr Moon said he believes now is not the time for talks and it is important for the international community to strengthen pressure against Pyongyang.

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe will meet Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday

In a telephone conversation with Mr Putin on Monday, he urged Russias support for stronger sanctions against North Korea, such as cutting off oil supplies and banning the use of exported North Korean workers who are seen as a key foreign currency source for Pyongyang.

Mr Putin told him the North Korean problem should be solved diplomatically, according to Seouls presidential office.

The Russian leader, speaking in China on Tuesday, condemned the latest nuclear test as provocative, but said Russia views sanctions on North Korea as useless and ineffective.

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who will meet Mr Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday, said before his departure from Japan: We must make North Korea understand there is no bright future for the country if it pursues the current path.

Mr Moon and Mr Abe are expected to hold a summit in Vladivostok on Thursday.
Tata Steel has announced a near 2 million investment programme to build a new generation of offshore products.

The company said the move emphasises its commitment to supporting North Sea oil and gas production. The investment will be made in its Hartlepool and Port Talbot plants.

The company said the move emphasises its commitment to supporting North Sea oil and gas production

Barry Rust, energy and sustainability manager at Tata Steel, said: These important investments demonstrate Tata Steels continued commitment to health and safety and improving and increasing our product range to the North Sea and the oil and gas industry around the world, to help it meet ever- increasing challenges.

Weve been involved in some of the largest projects in the UK Continental Shelf over the last 20 years and look forward to supporting the North Sea and the international industry for many years to come.
The United States defence secretary Jim Mattis wants to absolutely exhaust every possible avenue to find a non-military solution to the crisis over North Koreas nuclear tests, Sir Michael Fallon has said.

The British Defence Secretary said global powers would leave no stone unturned in the coming days to find a diplomatic resolution to tensions which have intensified since the rogue states sixth nuclear test, in which it claimed it had detonated a massive hydrogen bomb.

Sir Michael spoke as Russian president Vladimir Putin called for talks with Kim Jong-Uns North Korean regime, stressing that sanctions were not a solution.

Sir Michael Fallon

'We're pressing Security Council for a new Resolution swiftly as possible.' @BorisJohnson North Korea statement



 https://t.co/WwOwL6eu7U pic.twitter.com/q8GxP8ATe1  Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 5, 2017

US president Donald Trumps threat to unleash fire and fury on North Korea and accusation that South Korea was guilty of appeasement for wanting to reach out to its neighbours have been viewed as unhelpful in some quarters.

Asked if Mr Trump was planning for conflict, Sir Michael told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The United States is perfectly entitled to make all the preparations it needs to protect its people, its bases, its own homeland, and they are clearly doing that at the moment to make sure the president has all the options that he needs.

But equally, Secretary Mattis and I and others across the administration are very clear that we have to absolutely exhaust every possible diplomatic avenue to get this situation under control now.

We condemn North Korea in the strongest terms possible for this reckless act.  PM and @AbeShinzo #PMinJapan pic.twitter.com/fIZGriuijn  UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) August 31, 2017

That means working intensively in New York (at the UN) over the next few days to get a new resolution, it means looking at the existing sanctions and making sure they are properly enforced, it means looking at the European Union level at what sanctions can be applied there, and above all it means putting more pressure on China to deal with its neighbour.

Prime Minister Theresa May and Mr Trump discussed the crisis on the telephone on Tuesday and urged China to use its influence to ensure North Korea ends its illegal acts. The pair also agreed to put extra economic pressure on Mr Kims regime, although Moscow views sanctions as useless and ineffective.

South Korea has meanwhile conducted live-fire exercises and displays of military capability amid the tensions.
A trawler carrying Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Burma has capsized, drowning at least five people, as the UN said the crisis has pushed more than 125,000 refugees into Bangladesh.

Residents of Shah Porir Dwip fishing village recovered five bodies from the Bay of Bengal, hours after the boat capsized at around midnight, said police official Yakub Ali.

It is not clear where the boat began its journey, or if the passengers had been among 450 detained by Bangladeshi border guards and ordered on Tuesday to return to Burma.

Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi has blamed the crisis on a misinformation campaign (Chris Ison/PA)

While some border guards were letting refugees across the borders, others were sending them back.

Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi has blamed a misinformation campaign for fuelling the crisis.

Faced with mounting numbers and a lack of space and basic supplies, Bangladesh said it will set up a new camp to accommodate Rohingya refugees who have arrived from Burma since August 25, many walking for days and crossing jungles and rivers to reach safety.

Shah Kamal of the Ministry of Disaster Management did not say when the new camp would be ready. He said it will be established in Tyingkhali, south of Coxs Bazar district and near the established camp in Balukhali where more than 50,000 Rohingya have been sheltering since October.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked officials to prepare a database with fingerprints for the new arrivals (Oli Scarff/PA)

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has asked officials to prepare a database with fingerprints for the new arrivals.

The number of Rohingya fleeing western Rakhine state has reached more than 125,000, 80% of whom are women and children, said Unicef executive director Anthony Lake.

Many more children in need of support and protection remain in the areas of northern Rakhine state that have been wracked by violence, he said in a statement, adding that the UN refugee agency has no access to Rakhine trouble spots.

We are unable to reach the 28,000 children to whom we were previously providing psycho-social care or the more than 4,000 children who were treated for malnutrition in Buthidaung and Maungdaw in Rakhine, he said.

Rohingya Muslims have long faced discrimination in the majority-Buddhist south-east Asian country (Bernat Armangue/AP)

Our clean water and sanitation work has been suspended, as have school repairs that were under way.

The violence and civilian suffering have prompted international condemnation and resonated particularly in many Muslim countries.

The military has said nearly 400 people, most of them insurgents, have died in clashes. Security forces responded to the attacks with days of clearance operations the government says were aimed at rooting out insurgents it accuses of setting fire to Rohingya villages.

Many displaced Rohingya, however, say it was Burmese soldiers who set their homes on fire and fired indiscriminately around villages in Rakhine state.
A British woman suspected of being one of the ringleaders of a criminal network involved in trafficking young women for sexual exploitation has been charged under the Modern Slavery Act.

Joesphine Iyamu, 50, was arrested by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers after she landed at Heathrow Airport on a flight from Lagos, Nigeria, on August 24.

The criminal network is thought to be involved in trafficking young women from Nigeria to Europe for sexual exploitation.

The National Crime Agency arrested Joesphine Iyamu after she landed at Heathrow Airport on a flight from Lagos (Nick Ansell/PA)

Iyamu, of Wilson Grove, Bermondsey, south east London, was charged with arranging to facilitate travel of another person with a view to exploitation - an offence under the Modern Slavery Act.

She has been remanded in custody and will appear at Birmingham Crown Court on September 22.

A 59-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering and has since been released under investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer Kay Mellor said: Criminals involved in modern slavery see their victims as a commodity that can generate income over and over again.

They are adept at hiding their activity and often exploit individuals who are vulnerable and may not be missed.

The NCA, with our partners, is turning over stones, seeking out the individuals who are profiting from this trade, prosecuting them and safeguarding the vulnerable people they exploit.
Swansea defender Kyle Bartley has been ruled out for three months after undergoing knee surgery.

Bartley was injured in the Swans Carabao Cup game at MK Dons on August 22 and was initially expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

But scans revealed the problem was more serious than first feared and the 26-year-old had an operation this week.

Kyle Bartley playing for Swansea City

An injury update on Kyle Bartley... 



 Full story: https://t.co/HJZdIAgq5S pic.twitter.com/59xa7msvOu  Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) September 6, 2017

Swans boss Paul Clement told his clubs official website: We were disappointed to lose Kyle. He has now had surgery and we expect him to be out for around 12 weeks.

The period of 12 weeks is an estimate, and we will have to see how Kyle responds to his rehabilitation.
The chief executive of Deutsche Bank has said Frankfurt is now battling New York and Singapore for UK banking jobs in the run-up to Brexit, having already emerged as a clear winner among its European peers.

John Cryan said that while financial hubs like Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin would undoubtedly benefit from the UKs post-Brexit exodus, none have the infrastructure to take a large portion of business from London.

For months there have been discussions regarding which location is set to profit the most once London is no longer within the European Union.

Deutsche Bank boss John Cryan says Frankfurt is a clear winner from Brexit (PA)

I cannot fully understand this debate because as I see it, the race had already been won before it even began, the Yorkshire-born CEO said during a banking conference in Frankfurt.

But some banks may be looking at whether to strip down their EU operations and shift jobs further afield.

It is always an option for an international bank to retain only the absolute minimum and to carry out practically all tasks that are not connected to direct client contact in America or Asia.

For this reason, its not about a choice between Dublin, Paris or Frankfurt  its about a choice between New York, Singapore or Frankfurt.

Deutsche Bank is already preparing to settle more of its transactions in the German financial hub, and told staff earlier this summer that roles may be shifted to Frankfurt as it prepares for a Brexit outcome that is worse than people can imagine.

But Frankfurt will have to catch up with London and upgrade its infrastructure if it plans to compete with international peers, Mr Cryan explained.

He said the German city needs to build more attractive urban housing, ramp up its culture and leisure offerings by slotting in a dozen additional theatres and few hundred restaurants, and create a dense network of service providers to help support major banks, insurers and asset managers.

He added: None of this can be achieved within the space of a few months, but it doesnt have to be either.

The shifts in Europes financial industry will not have been completed by the time the United Kingdom officially leaves the EU.

However, the decision whether Frankfurt really wants to become the number one financial hub in the European Union must be made now.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have attended a recital celebrating 25 years of Classic FM broadcast live from the stately home he saved for the nation.

It was a double celebration as Dumfries House is celebrating ten years since the prince helped secure its future.

The radio recital, broadcast on the eve of the radio stations 25th birthday, began with a special performance from Aled Jones, who performed a track duetting with the voice of his younger self.

TRH attend a special concert at @Dumfries_House with @ClassicFM - and it's a great chance to take some photos in the stunning grounds too! pic.twitter.com/aBm6gps64i  Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) September 6, 2017

He was then joined by fellow Classic FM presenter Myleene Klass on the harp for a traditional Welsh folk song.

Folksinger Josie Duncan performed two melodies while the evening included performances of Bachs Cello Suite No 1 and Mendelssohns Piano Trio No 1 featuring student musicians from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, of which Charles is patron.

Pianist Ji Liu played music by Chopin and Liszt while the final performance was the world premiere of Twilight Falls on Temple View by Welsh composer Paul Mealor, written about Dumfries House especially for the celebration.

The Prince of Wales meets Myleene Klass as he attends Classic FM's 25th anniversary recital at Dumfries House in Cumnock (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Earlier, the President of Ireland joined the prince in celebrating the tenth anniversary at the property.

Michael D Higgins and the First Lady were greeted by the prince on the steps of the stately home in Cumnock, East Ayrshire on Wednesday.

On entering the venue, the president and Mrs Sabina Higgins were shown the Grand Orrery, a mechanical model of the solar system built around 1758. It does not include Neptune, Uranus or Pluto, as they had not yet been discovered.

The Prince of Wales, President of Ireland and his wife Sabina view the Grand Orrery, an 18th century mechanical model of the solar system (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Mrs Higgins spoke with Charles about how she and the president had seen a similar model in Florence, Italy.

During their visit, the guests heard about the significance of building on the talents of young people from under-privileged backgrounds as part of the Dumfries House project.

The prince made the invitation to the president in May, when Mr Higgins hosted the royal couple for meetings at his official residence in Dublin.

The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, with the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina in the Yellow Room at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Charles, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, helped arrange a 45 million deal to buy the house and its collection of Chippendale furniture to secure its future.

He led a consortium of charities and the Scottish Government to make the purchase in 2007, with his own Princes Charities Foundation contributing 20 million.

It had previously been in private hands, becoming rundown as owners struggled with upkeep costs.

In 2007, HRH saved @Dumfries_House after it was threatened with sale and dispersal.



Here's what it looks like now: https://t.co/x0tqCbF8dJ pic.twitter.com/7RpHjmxjUk  Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) September 6, 2017

The house opened to the public in the summer of 2008 following intensive restoration work.

Each year about 24,000 people visit the 2000-acre estate, which employs about 150 staff and provides a series of amenities to the local community.

These include skills training, educational programmes, woodland walkways, a playground and an outdoor swimming pool.
Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez is hoping to be in the dugout at the weekend after undergoing surgery during the international break.

The 57-year-old Spaniard went into hospital for a procedure to address an infection resulting from a hernia operation he had two years ago.

As a result, he has been absent from the training pitch this week and there has been no official comment as to when he is likely to return.

Rafael Benitez went into hospital for a procedure to address an infection

However, it is understood Benitez is keen to resume ahead of Sundays Premier League trip to Swansea, where the promoted Magpies will look to build upon their 3-0 victory over West Ham on August 26.

It has been an eventful few weeks for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager, whose hopes of strengthening his squad during the final few days of the summer transfer window were dashed as the club failed to push through any of the deals it had on the table.

Benitez is due to hold his usual pre-match press conference at Newcastles training headquarters on Friday afternoon.
Garrison Dam releases will be reduced from the current release rate of 30,000 cubic feet per second to the fall rate of 20,000 cfs beginning Sunday, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Rafael Nadal completed his end of the bargain and must now wait to see whether Roger Federer can join him in the semi-finals of the US Open.

The pair have famously never met in New York but, after Nadals 6-1 6-2 6-2 demolition of teenager Andrey Rublev, the only man standing in the way is Juan Martin del Potro, who plays Federer on Wednesday night.

Five times they have come within a single match only for one to lose but, with Del Potro struggling with illness and having needed an epic comeback to beat Dominic Thiem on Monday, surely this is the year.

Rafael Nadal, pictured, could face Roger Federer in the semis

"I am very happy to be back in the semifinals in New York. That means a lot to me." @RafaelNadal #usopen pic.twitter.com/QJz5IUJ3x8  US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2017

Asked whether he will be watching, Nadal said: Im going to have dinner. In Spain we have later dinner. But of course its a match I want to see. Two great players and I will be waiting for that semi-finals match.

Its something a little bit strange that we never played here because we played a lot of times in all the important events around the world. I think it will be much more special if that can happen in a final but thats not possible this year so were going to come back and try to make that happen.

Nadal was Rublevs childhood idol but the 19-year-old may be slightly less fond of the Spaniard after this baptism of fire on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

It was a good match, Nadal said. For Andrey it was his first quarter-final and probably he played with more mistakes than usual. For me its an important victory, last two matches winning in straight sets is very good news for me. To be once again in the semi-finals in New York means a lot to me.

Rublev was the youngest man to reach the last eight here in 16 years and he had his moments, mostly on the forehand, which is shaping up to be a weapon of real substance. But this son of a boxer was punching above his weight category and failed to hold serve in an opening set that lasted just 23 minutes.

There was no doubt what this meant to the young Russian, who beat his thigh in frustration when he gave up a break point early in the second set. He saved that one but he had run into Nadal at the peak of his powers, memories of the Spaniards shaky early performances long since faded.

Nadal sent returns fizzing at Rublevs feet and tormented the teenager with his unerring backhand in particular.

Tougher challenges undoubtedly lie ahead if Nadal is to lift the US Open trophy for a third time  remarkably he has yet to face an opponent ranked in the top 50. But in this form he will take some stopping.
Sir Richard Branson has described the atmosphere in the British Virgin Islands as eerie but beautiful as locals wait for the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane to hit.

The billionaire businessman is camped out on Necker, his own private island, with his staff as Hurricane Irma nears.

I haven't had a sleepover quite like this since I was a kid. Wonderful team here on Necker all well https://t.co/tF84SPx7aB #Irma pic.twitter.com/DnnfUaeXhd  Richard Branson (@richardbranson) September 6, 2017

Writing on his blog, he said: We have just experienced a night of howling wind and rain as Hurricane Irma edges ever closer towards us on Necker and the British Virgin Islands.

Sir Richard Branson camped out on Necker, his own private island

The atmosphere is eerie but beautiful. Everyone is willing the eye of the storm to veer away from the (BVIs) in these last few hours.

He said all those left on Necker were planning on camping out in the wine cellar of the great house when the storm hits.

Knowing our wonderful team as I do, I suspect there will be little wine left in the cellar when we all emerge, he said.

Expecting full force of Hurricane #Irma in about 4 hours, well retreat to a concrete wine cellar under the house https://t.co/tF84SPx7aB pic.twitter.com/wMUDoX3O4v  Richard Branson (@richardbranson) September 6, 2017

The category five hurricane is expected to hit the Leeward Islands of Antigua and Barbuda late on Wednesday before following a path along the Greater Antilles toward the US.

Experts at the National Hurricane Centre in the US have predicted 185mph winds and gusts of up to 200mph.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised Britons to follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

A British naval ship has also been deployed to help deal with the aftermath of the storm.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: The thoughts of the British people are with all those affected by Hurricane Irma and Britain has already taken swift action to respond.

We have deployed three UK aid humanitarian experts to the region to help co-ordinate the response and positioned a British naval ship with 40 Royal Marines, Army Engineers and vehicles, tents and facilities to purify water on board.

Our staff are on stand-by, both in the UK and at post, to support any British people affected.

We urge British nationals in the affected area to closely monitor and follow Foreign Office and local travel advice.

Just experienced a night of howling wind and rain as Hurricane #Irma edges ever closer  everyone calm & upbeat https://t.co/tF84SPx7aB pic.twitter.com/lbM0bdHxCv  Richard Branson (@richardbranson) September 6, 2017

A spokesman for the Department for International Development said the first task of the ship would be to support British Overseas Territories in need.

Six islands in the Bahamas were being evacuated on Wednesday while officials in the Leeward Islands have reportedly cut power and urged residents to seek shelter in a statement that ended with May God protect us all.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was flying residents out of the six islands in the south in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the countrys history.

The hurricane, which is now at the the highest classification possible, could reach the Florida Keys over the weekend, leading authorities to declare a state of emergency.
TOKYO, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average tumbled to a four-month low in early trade on Wednesday as risk appetite was sapped by a stronger yen on concerns about tensions between the United States and North Korea.

The Nikkei fell 0.7 percent to 19,254.67, the lowest level since May 1.

The broader Topix dropped 0.6 percent to 1,581.96.

A top North Korean diplomat warned that his country was ready to send "more gift packages" to the U.S. as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyang's latest nuclear weapons test. (Reporting by Ayai Tomisawa; Editing by Chris Gallagher)
By Prak Chan Thul and Matthew Tostevin

PHNOM PENH, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Cambodias government has raised the possibility that the main opposition party could be ruled out of elections if it does not replace its leader, Kem Sokha, who has been charged with treason.

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has said it will not replace its leader and the comments reinforced its fears that Prime Minister Hun Sen plans to cripple it before next year's elections.

The arrest of Kem Sokha on Sunday drew Western condemnation and marked an escalation in a crackdown on critics of Hun Sen, who has ruled for 30 years and could face possibly his toughest electoral challenge from the CNRP next year.

"They have to appoint an acting president," government spokesman Phay Siphan told Reuters on Tuesday.

"If they don't comply with the law, they will not exist and have no right to political activity... It's their choice, not my choice."

Kem Sokha's daughter, Kem Monovithya, who is also a party official, said the party would not appoint a new leader. Kem Sokha was only named in February after his predecessor resigned in fear the party would be banned if he stayed on.

"The ruling party can drop their divide-and-conquer plan now," she said.

Opposition officials accuse Hun Sen of trying to weaken or destroy the party ahead of the election, after it did well in June local elections, in which it nonetheless came well behind Hun Sens Cambodia Peoples Party.

MORE ARRESTS POSSIBLE

Hun Sen, one of Asia's longest serving rulers, said on Wednesday there could be more arrests after "the act of treason" and it had reinforced the need for him to stay in office.

"I've decided to continue my work - not less than 10 years more," he told garment factory workers, jabbing his finger in the air for emphasis.

Kem Sokha became leader after opposition veteran Sam Rainsy resigned because of a new law that forbids any party having a leader who is found guilty of a crime. Sam Rainsy fled into exile to avoid a defamation conviction he says was political.

Cambodian law says a political party has 90 days to replace a president if he or she dies, resigns or is convicted of an offence.

Western countries have condemned the arrest of Kem Sokha and a crackdown on critics of Hun Sen, including independent media.

"We don't care about people outside," Phay Siphan said. "We care about our national security. We dont belong to anyone."

China, Hun Sen's close ally, has voiced support for Cambodia on steps to ensure its security.

Kem Sokha was formally charged with treason on Tuesday. His lawyers have dismissed the evidence presented against him so far - a video publicly available since 2013 - in which he tells supporters he is getting support and advice from Americans for the campaign to win elections.

"The government and the ruling CPP have manufactured these treason charges against Kem Sokha for political purposes, aiming to try and knock the political opposition out of the ring before the 2018 electoral contest even begins," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of New York-based Human Rights Watch. (Reporting by Prak Chan Thul and Matthew Tostevin; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Clarence Fernandez)
BERLIN, Sept 6 (Reuters) - German industrial orders fell unexpectedly in July on weak domestic demand while bookings from abroad remained flat, data showed on Wednesday, suggesting that this sector of Europe's largest economy could shift into a lower gear in coming months.

Factories registered a 0.7 percent drop in orders after contracts for 'Made in Germany' goods rose by a downwardly revised 0.9 percent in June, data from the Economy Ministry showed.

The reading for July undershot the Reuters forecast for a 0.3 percent rise.

A data breakdown showed domestic demand fell by 1.6 percent while foreign orders were unchanged. Excluding volatile bulk orders, orders rose by 0.6 percent in July, the ministry said.

"Order activity remains on a very high level," it said. "In the past three months, German companies have registered nearly as many orders as they did before the outbreak of the economic and financial crisis in 2008."

Orders and sentiment indicators were pointing to a continuation of the solid upswing in the sector, the ministry added. (Reporting by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Madeline Chambers)
By Amindeh Blaise Atabong

YAOUNDE, Sept 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - When frequent flooding became too much for the residents of Nkolbikok, a neighbourhood in Cameroons capital, they decided to take matters into their own hands - with gloves and wheelbarrows.

Some of the 6,000 inhabitants now carry out daily trash pickups and monthly cleanups of the swampy areas once trash-choked wetlands and blocked drains, a measure they decided on themselves after failing to get outside help to solve the problem.

The push has been particularly important as climate change leads to more extreme downpours, some of which last five hours at a time in the capitals rainy season, from March to September.

"Residents no longer feel the need to throw their trash into the areas drainage ditches," said Yves Balla, a Nkolbikok resident, as he pointed out a rubbish collector at work in a neighbours compound.

Across much of the world, drains and water courses blocked by household trash are struggling to carry away enough water, particularly at times of heavy rainfall, leading to worsening flooding and water-borne disease problems.

The problem can be particularly severe in poor areas, which often sit in low-lying areas and where services such as trash pickup can be weak or nonexistent.

In Yaounde, part of the problem is that HYSACAM, the citys waste management company, is already struggling to deal with the quantity of garbage the capital produces daily, Balla said.

HYSACAM officials declined to comment, though one of their workers on the streets said the huge volume of trash produced each day in the city is a challenge.

In addition, haphazard construction in neighbourhoods like Nkolbikok makes the area largely inaccessible to HYSACAMs dustcarts and rubbish collectors.

In response to the problem, residents started a daily rubbish collection system of their own, known as "Tam Tam Mobile".

DO-IT-YOURSELF TRASH REMOVAL

Each day, collectors go door-to-door gathering household waste to dispose of at HYSACAM-approved points.

Each household is expected to pay a monthly fee of $2 to sustain the initiative. Those who find themselves temporarily unable to afford the sum still get their rubbish collected so as to keep the community as clean as possible.

Simon Pierre Etoga, coordinator of the scheme, said that with an 11-person team of three administrators and eight collectors, they are able to collect 21 tonnes of waste per month.

They have succeeded in reducing the rate of improper garbage disposal in Nkolbikok by 35 percent since the start of the programme, he said.

According to Etoga, this - combined with monthly clean-up expeditions to corral trash that does accumulate in drains and wetlands - has reduced the amount of flooding in the neighbourhood.

Since the effort began, occupants of 12 houses that had been abandoned entirely as a result of repeated flooding have returned, he said.

Jean Jules Nkengne, a risk prevention officer for the local district council, said the council supports the initiative by providing rain boots, gloves, wheelbarrows and small excavation tools.

"We have limited financial resources. The council is simply fighting to support the local community in avoiding danger," he said.

EDUCATION KEY

In addition to collecting waste, Tam Tam Mobile also works to educate residents about the environmental hazards posed by waste that is improperly disposed of, he said.

The programme teaches people not to burn trash and shows them how to sell or re-use items like plastic bottles. Used plastic bottles and cans account for 60 percent of the waste that clogs up drainage systems in the community, Etoga said.

The community project, which began in 2014, received a commendation last year from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Experts say that Cameroons greatest challenge in implementing strategies to reduce the risk of environmental disasters is a lack of funding.

The country is faced with economic shocks - including falls in the prices of important commodities it produces, from oil to cocoa, as well as insecurity as a result of rebel activity in central Africa, including by Boko Haram and Central African Republic rebels.

The government secured funding in 2015 from the African Development Fund, French Development Agency and Global Environment Facility to extend the Mfuoundi canal in Yaounde by 2.6km (1.5 miles) in order to reduce flooding risks.

But the project is limited to the city centre and residents of Nkolbikok will not benefit from it.

Aboa Chantal, head of the Nkolbikok community, said that two local children died due to flooding in 2016.

A resident, Atangana Atangana Olivier, pointed to a pit toilet whose contents were emptying into a nearby stream, and said that there was a cholera outbreak around the area last year.

According to Olivier, one person died and at least five others were infected.

However, Etoga said that since Tam Tam Mobile began, the risk of water-related or mosquito-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and malaria has been lowered.

Pascaline Eloundou, an elderly resident of Nkolbikok, said that when her thatched house was built 20 years ago it was on dry land - but in the past few years it had become more vulnerable to worsening floods.

Now water no longer floods her home during the rainy season, she said.

"These days, when rain falls, no matter how heavy, I still sleep with both eyes closed," she said. "I no longer fear floodwaters can meet me on my bed."

(Reporting by Amindeh Blaise Atabong; editing by Laurie Goering :; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, resilience, women's rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit http://news.trust.org/climate)
Sept 6 (Reuters) - About 146,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh since violence erupted in Myanmar in late August, U.N. workers said on Wednesday.

This has brought to 233,000 the number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since October 2016.

The exodus has put pressure on aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous violence in Myanmar.

Following are some details on the crisis gathered from U.N. sources working in the Cox's Bazar district of Bangladesh, on the Myanmar border.

* Landmine injuries occurred on Sept. 5 with two children brought in for treatment at the Gundum border area.

* The influx of refugees via marine routes has increased, with a sharp increase noted in Shamlapur from 1,090 individuals on Sept. 4 to 12,500 on Sept. 5.

* Around 33,000 refugees have gathered at three new spontaneous settlements that have sprung up at Unchiprang, Moinar Ghona and Thangkhali. There are acute humanitarian needs in these rapidly expanding settlements, especially for emergency health, safe water, food and shelter support.

* Four mobile medical teams are being deployed to different locations, and two more are planned.

* No deliveries were performed by the midwives in the last two days for new arrivals, indicating that many may have delivered outside of available health facilities.

* Strengthened family tracing mechanisms are needed for unaccompanied children and other separated families. Most children have arrived with their mothers as their fathers are missing or arrested.

* A total of 177 incidents of gender-based violence have been reported in the refugee camps since Aug. 27. Eighteen survivors of this violence have been referred for life-saving medical care. About 240 women and 60 men, including survivors of gender-based violence, attended stress management sessions.

* The community clinic in Kutupalong is overwhelmed with patients, resulting in long lines for waiting and inefficient service provision for survivors of gender-based violence seeking emergency health services. The cost of transport prohibits beneficiaries from travelling to health facilities where emergency sexual and reproductive health services are available, including clinical management of rape. (Reporting by Karishma Singh; Editing by Richard Borsuk)
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Thursday he hopes his forthcoming visit to Colombia will help a fledgling peace process in the country, and urged a return to stability in neighbouring Venezuela.

Speaking to reporters on his plane as it headed towards Bogota, Francis said the trip was "a bit special because it is being made to help Colombia to go forward on its path to peace".

The Colombian government last year signed a peace accord with the guerrilla group FARC, ending half a century of war in the South American nation, but the country remains deeply divided over the terms of the deal.

Francis, making his 20th foreign trip as pontiff and his fifth to his native Latin America, will spend five days there, visiting the capital Bogota and the cities of Villavicencio, Medellin and Cartagena.

The route to Colombia will take the pope's plane over neighbouring Venezuela, which has been racked by months of protests against President Nicolas Maduro, who has tightened his hold on power amid an escalating economic crisis.

Francis said he hoped "the country might find good stability with dialogue for all". (Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Crispian Balmer)
By Mica Rosenberg

NEW YORK, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Fifteen states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit on Wednesday challenging President Donald Trump's decision to end protections and benefits for young people who were brought into the United States illegally as children.

The multistate lawsuit filed by a group of Democratic attorneys general on Wednesday to protect beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program argues their state economies will be hurt if residents lose their status.

The lawsuit seeks to block Trump's decision and maintain DACA.

The lawsuit claims Trump's decision was "motivated, at least in part, by a discriminatory motive" against Mexicans, who are the largest beneficiary of the program. It points to his statements from the 2016 presidential campaign.

The attorneys general also argue the government has not guaranteed DACA recipients that their application information will not be used "for purposes of immigration enforcement, including identifying, apprehending, detaining, or deporting non-citizens."

New York's Attorney General Eric Schneiderman took the lead filing the case in the Eastern District of New York. He said that 42,000 New Yorkers participate in DACA, and the end of the program will be "devastating" for them and would cause "huge economic harm" to the state.

In commenting on the suit, the U.S. Department of Justice noted that DACA was implemented under an executive order by former President Barack Obama, not through congressional action.

"While the plaintiffs in today's lawsuits may believe that an arbitrary circumvention of Congress is lawful, the Department of Justice looks forward to defending this Administration's position," spokesman Devin M. OMalley said.

Trump's decision on Tuesday to end the five-year-old program instituted by former President Barack Obama plunged almost 800,000 young people, known as "Dreamers," into uncertainty. The move drew criticism from business and religious leaders, mayors, governors, Democratic lawmakers, unions and civil liberties advocates.

Trump, who delayed the end of the program until March 5, shifted responsibility to a Congress controlled by his fellow Republicans, saying it was now up to lawmakers to pass immigration legislation that could address the fate of those protected by DACA.

But the governor of Washington, whose state joined the lawsuit, criticized Trump for distancing himself from a final decision on the program.

Trump said Tuesday he still has "great heart" for the dreamers.

"The president has tried to shirk responsibility for this, but let's be clear, it is his hand on the knife in these people's backs," said Washington Governor Jay Inslee at a press conference announcing the suit. "He cant just put it on Congress. It is his responsibility to fix this."

Other claims in the lawsuit are based on the Administrative Procedure Act, arguing the White House did not follow the correct process in changing the policy.

Legal experts have said that court challenges to Trump's actions could face an uphill battle, since the president typically has wide authority when it comes to implementing immigration policy.

(Reporting by Mica Rosenberg in New York; Additional reporting by Lawrence Hurley and Doina Chiacu in Washington and Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
President Donald Trump is expected to tout North Dakotas energy and agriculture economy Wednesday as he speaks on tax reform from the Mandan Refinery with several members of his Cabinet in tow.

I want all of America to be inspired by the North Dakota example, Trump is expected to say, according to an advance excerpt from his speech. This state is a reminder of what can happen when we promote American jobs instead of obstructing them.

Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also will travel to North Dakota for the speech, scheduled to begin shortly after 3 p.m.

North Dakotas Congressional delegation is expected to attend the speech and travel with Trump on Air Force One, scheduled to arrive at about 2:40 p.m. at the Bismarck Airport.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., confirmed hes attending, and Rep. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., said they will attend unless there are critical votes that require them to be in Washington, D.C.

Gov. Doug Burgum, first lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford plan to greet Trump at the airport and then attend the speech with other state officials, said governor spokesman Mike Nowatzki. About 700 are expected to be at the invite-only event.

Workers were changing a sign at the Mandan Refinery late Tuesday, reflecting the recent name change from Tesoro to Andeavor. The company changed names on Aug. 1 after acquiring Western Refining.

The Mandan Refinery employs about 250 full-time workers and processes 74,000 barrels of oil per day, according to the companys website. The company did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment.

Mandan Police Lt. Pat Haug said he anticipates some protesters outside of the event but he doesnt know how large of a presence to expect. Police have designated areas near the refinery entrance to separate Trump protesters and supporters, Haug said.

Some of the opponents who were organizing Tuesday plan to protest against Trumps approval of the Dakota Access Pipeline, said local activist Andrea Denault.

Clean water and clean air are human rights, Denault said.

Kylie Oversen, chairwoman of North Dakotas Democratic-NPL Party, said North Dakotans are deeply worried about significant aspects of Trumps agenda.

On trade, agriculture, crop insurance, health care and many other issues, the president has put forth policies that would hurt North Dakotas economy, said Oversen, adding she hopes Trump will listen to residents concerns.

Mandan and Bismarck police have been working with the Secret Service and plan to have an increased law enforcement presence on Wednesday. Mandan Public Schools cautioned parents that the presidents visit could cause traffic congestion and delay school buses.

Trump visited North Dakota as a candidate in May 2016, speaking on energy to the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck. This will be the first time hes visited North Dakota as president.

Mandan Mayor Tim Helbling said the community is honored to host Trump.

Its probably a once-in-a-lifetime thing for many people, Helbling said.
By Luiza Ilie

BUCHAREST, Sept 6 (Reuters) - One of Europe's biggest classical music festivals, held in Romania's capital city Bucharest, will increasingly showcase contemporary composers and performers from central and eastern Europe in the years ahead.

For three weeks in September, Bucharest forgets some of Europe's worst traffic jams and its crumbling infrastructure as locals and visitors alike pack concert halls and flock to outdoor performances.

A pastry chain sells musical notation-shaped pretzels and fans tour the old city haunts of Romania's most famous composer, George Enescu, after whom the biennial festival is named.

This year's event will see pianist Martha Argerich, violonists Joshua Bell, David Garrett and Maxim Vengerov, conductors Antonio Pappano and Zubin Mehta as well as orchestras from Milan's La Scala and Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw.

But nearly 60 years on from the festival's founding in 1958, it will also debut a section dedicated to 21st century composers, at the urging of Vladimir Jurowski, principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and Enescu's new artistic director.

Thirty contemporary composers will hold workshops and talks in Bucharest including Eliot Goldenthal, who won an Oscar for his score for the 2002 film drama Frida.

"There are generally more contemporary works performed in this festival than in any of the previous ones," Jurowski told Reuters. "Without the music of the present there is no future."

Jurowski got standing ovations as he opened the festival on Saturday conducting the LPO and the Choir of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and Romanian Radio Children's Choir for the composer's four-act opera Oedipe.

Growing up in communist Moscow, Jurowski remembers his family had a set of records including Oedipe, which he had always wanted to conduct and regarded as a pinnacle of 20th century opera alongside Igor Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex, Claude Debussy's Pelleas and Melisande or Alban Berg's Wozzeck.

Jurowski also said future editions will strive to include more Romanian, Russian, Ukraininan, Czech, Serbian or Croatian musicians to promote the region's cultural heritage.

"After the collapse of communist Romania and the eastern bloc in general there was a general perception that anything coming from the west has to be top quality," he said.

"It's certainly true but we should not forget that there is a whole layer of very, very deep-rooted culture in eastern Europe without which Enescu would not have happened as a composer and musician."

"Hopefully, in the future the George Enescu festival will indeed become the centre of Central and Eastern European music culture which ... embraces other cultures but does not forget its own heritage."

One problem plaguing festival organisers is the lack of a proper concert hall. Orchestras perform in the 4,000-seat Sala Palatului hall which was built in 1960 for Communist Party meetings and has poor acoustics.

Successive governments, which provide the bulk of the festival's budget through the culture ministry, have so far not made good on promises to replace it.

Culture Minister Lucian Romascanu said his ministry was working on plans to upgrade Sala Palatului and build a new multi-purpose hall.

"We're talking about one of the most important music festivals in the world," Jurowski said. "You need to build a big concert hall, also because it will propel forward Romania's cultural life outside the festival."

Until then, the festival's enthusiastic public will have to make do.

"I come to the festival because I love Enescu, he is a representative for Romania, an international music force and he is beginning to be appreciated in the world," said 68-year-old pensioner Sanda Nicolae.

"When our soul hurts, we find ourselves in his music." (Additional reporting by Sinisa Dragin; Editing by Toby Chopra)
BEIRUT, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Lebanon has identified the bodies of 10 of its soldiers found along the Syrian border in a zone taken back from Islamic State last week, state news agency NNA said on Wednesday.

An offensive against the enclave ended with the evacuation of Islamic State militants and their families to eastern Syria under a Hezbollah-brokered deal.

Syria's government and Lebanon's Hezbollah allowed a convoy of about 300 lightly armed fighters and 300 relatives to evacuate, surrendering their border enclave.

As part of the agreement, IS militants identified where they had buried the soldiers, Lebanon's army chief said.

DNA tests confirmed that all 10 bodies found in the mountainous border region were Lebanese soldiers, security sources and local media said on Wednesday.

Islamic State had held territory along the border for years, and took Lebanese troops captive in 2014 when they briefly overran the town of Arsal with other militants, one of the worst spillovers of the Syrian conflict into Lebanon.

Lebanese Justice Minister Salim Jrayssati said a military court would look into whether any civil or military authorities played a role in their capture. President Michel Aoun called for an investigation last week.

At a conference on Wednesday, the families of the soldiers demanded an inquiry to punish anyone who led to the deaths during the fighting and negotiations since 2014.

For three years, they had protested in the streets and met with many government officials to find out the fate of their relatives.

"There is immense and deep sadness in our hearts. But in our minds, there is pride and dignity," Hussein Youssef, the father of a soldier, said at the government headquarters in Beirut.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri declared Friday a national day of mourning after meeting with the families.

"They were martyred defending this country," said Nizam Mougheit, whose brother died in Islamic State captivity. "Anyone who had a hand in their martyrdom should be held accountable, whoever it is." (Reporting by Sarah Dadouch and Reuters TV; Editing by Jon Boyle and and Robin Pomeroy)
BISHKEK, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Centerra Gold Inc and the government of Kyrgyzstan have agreed to settle mutual lawsuits over environmental matters related to the Canadian company's Kumtor gold mine, the Central Asian state said in a statement on Tuesday.

Under the agreement, Toronto-based Centerra will contribute $50 million to an environmental fund and increase a so-called 'environmental payout' to $3 million annually, from $310,000, said the statement published on the government's website. (Reporting by Olga Dzyubenko; Writing by Olzhas Auyezov; Editing by Andrey Ostroukh)
By Alexis Akwagyiram

LAGOS, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari told members of his party before he was first elected that he would only seek one term, implying he did not intend at that time to run in 2019, the minister of women's affairs told Reuters on Wednesday.

The comments by Aisha Alhassan could heighten uncertainty over whether Buhari plans to contest the next election. Buhari took power in 2015 but has been absent for much of this year due to illness. He is yet to say if he will seek a second term.

"In 2014/2015 he said he was going to run for only one time to clean up the mess that the (previous) PDP government did in Nigeria. And I took him for his word that he is not contesting in 2019," Minister of Women Affairs Alhassan said.

Alhassan said in the interview she would resign if Buhari seeks re-election and would support former vice president Atiku Abubakar if he decides to run. Alhassan's portfolio ranks relatively low down in Nigeria's cabinet.

Abubakar was vice president from 1999 to 2007 as part of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari's party, in 2014. She said Buhari made the comments in 2015 to APC members but gave no further details.

The president's two spokesmen declined to comment on the minister's remarks.

Buhari, 74, returned on Aug. 19 from three months of medical leave in Britain for an unspecified ailment. It was his second stint of sick leave this year following a break between January and March.

Many people say they doubt whether Buhari is well enough to serve another term in Nigeria, which is Africa's most populous country and has the continent's biggest economy.

"If today Mr. President says he is running in 2019 I will go to him respectfully and thank him for giving me an opportunity to serve and then tell him that I have to resign because my political father may be running," said Alhassan. (Additional reporting by Felix Onuah, in Abuja, and Garba Muhammad in Kaduna; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
LOME, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Togo's opposition leader on Wednesday called for the immediate departure of long-ruling President Faure Gnassingbe, saying that a government draft law to reintroduce presidential term limits came too late.

Speaking before a crowd of thousands of protesters in central Lome, Jean-Pierre Fabre, the head of the main ANC opposition party, said: "We will march again tomorrow. Faure should talk to us about the conditions for his departure. The (draft) law on mandates comes too late." (Reporting by John Zodzi; Writing by Emma Farge; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
PARIS, Sept 6 (Reuters) - France's foreign minister said on Wednesday he was worried that U.S. President Donald Trump could put into doubt a nuclear deal between Iran and a group of major world powers.

"The agreement which was passed two years ago enables Iran to give up on a nuclear weapon and so avoid proliferation. We have to guarantee this stance," Jean-Yves Le Drian said during a visit to Science-Po university in Paris.

"I am worried at this moment in time by the position of President Trump, who could put into question this accord. And if this accord is put into question then voices in Iran will speak up to say: 'Let's also have a nuclear weapon.' We are in an extremely dangerous spiral for the world." (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
By Heba Kanso

BEIRUT, Sept 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - With child labour soaring in Lebanon following the outbreak of war in Syria, the United Nations published on Wednesday the first guide in Arabic to help farmers and officials seeking to protect them from risks like sexual abuse and injury.

Children as young as five, largely Syrian refugees and poor Lebanese, are missing out on school and harming their health by working on farms, especially in remote, rural regions like the Beqaa, it said.

"Abuse and exploitation is widespread," Frank Hagemann, ILO's deputy director for Arab States told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone.

More than 9 million, or almost one in 10 children in the Middle East and North Africa are child labourers, mostly working in agriculture, International Labour Organization (ILO) data shows.

"It has been fueled by the refugee influx, by the need of refugee families to earn a livelihood, by their economic misery," Hagemann said.

Lebanon has more than one million Syrian refugees, including nearly 500,000 children, after a government crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 2011 led to civil war, and Islamic State militants used the chaos to seize territory in Syria and Iraq.

The guide, co-written with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), includes information on the risks child labourers face, for example sexual abuse, contamination from pesticides and missing out on their right to education. (Reporting by Heba Kanso @hebakanso, Editing by Katy Migiro. Please credit Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, trafficking, property rights, and climate change. Visit www.trust.org)
By Lesley Wroughton

WASHINGTON, Sept 6 (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Wednesday imposed sanctions against two senior South Sudanese officials and the country's former army chief in a warning to the government of President Salva Kiir over increasing attacks on civilians in the country's four-year civil war.

The U.S. Treasury Department in a statement on its website said it had blacklisted Malek Reuben Riak Rengu, deputy chief of defense for logistics in South Sudan's army; Paul Malong, former army chief sacked by Kiir in May; and Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth for their roles in destabilizing South Sudan.

The measures freeze any assets in the United States or tied to the U.S. financial system belonging to the three men.

Mawien Makol, spokesman at South Sudan's foreign affairs ministry, called Washington's announcement unfortunate.

"Such sanctions can undermine the efforts rather than help the efforts," Makol said, referring to a 2015 peace deal.

Nathaniel Oyet, a senior official in the opposition SPLA-IO group, welcomed the move although added: "It has come a bit late. We wanted it yesterday."

"This now gives us the confidence that the Donald Trump administration will fix the crisis in South Sudan," said Oyet.

The U.S. crackdown comes days after Trump's new aid administrator, Mark Green, visited South Sudan to deliver a blunt message to Kiir that Washington was reviewing its policy toward his government. He called on Kiir to end the violence and implement a "real" ceasefire.

The meeting signaled that the Trump administration was reconsidering its backing for Kiir, who came to power with the support of Washington when oil-rich South Sudan won independence from neighboring Sudan in 2011 following decades of conflict.

But the world's youngest country dissolved into civil war in 2013 after Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, fired his deputy Riek Machar, a Nuer. Nearly one-third of the country's population - or 4 million people - have fled their homes, creating the continent's largest refugee crisis since the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

In its statement, the U.S. Treasury said Malek Reuben was central to weapons procurement during the first few years of the conflict and helped plan an offensive in Unity State in April 2015, which targeted civilians and led to "numerous rights abuses."

It also accused him of issuing military contracts at inflated prices "in order to receive extensive kickbacks."

The U.S. Treasury blacklisted All Energy Investments, A+ Engineering, Electronics & Media Printing and Mak International Services which it said was owned or controlled by Malek Reuben.

Malong was sacked by Kiir in May as army chief and put under house arrest in the capital Juba, the country's defense minister told Reuters last week.

The U.S. Treasury said he was being sanctioned for obstructing peace talks, international peacekeeping efforts and humanitarian missions in South Sudan.

The Treasury statement said Malong was reportedly responsible for efforts to kill Machar in 2016 and "did not discourage" the killing of civilians around the town of Wau last year. It said Malong was found with "currency worth millions of U.S. dollars in his possession" belonging to the military's treasury as he tried to flee Juba in early May.

Reached by phone in Nairobi, Malong's wife, Ayak Lucy, told Reuters her husband did not have financial assets in the United States. She was unaware of the sanctions announcement.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury accused Makuei of attacks against the U.N. mission in South Sudan and obstructing of peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in the country.

"What do they call it? Economic sanctions? What property do I have in America and all over the world?" he told Reuters in response to the sanctions. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton in Washington; Editing by James Dalgleish and Cynthia Osterman)
By Anastasia Moloney

BOGOTA, Sept 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Haitian authorities and aid agencies were scrambling on Wednesday to prepare for Hurricane Irma, the strongest Atlantic storm on record, warning it could devastate the country still reeling from drought and last year's Hurricane Matthew.

Barreling through the Caribbean, the "extremely dangerous" core of Irma was predicted to strike northern Haiti and the Dominican Republic as well as the Turks and Caicos and Bahamas on Thursday with winds of 185 miles per hour (295 km per hour), the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

The eye of Irma, a Category 5 storm, passed over the northern Virgin Islands on Wednesday after crossing the half-French, half-Dutch island of St. Martin and the Dutch islands of Saba and Sint Eustasius. Category 5 is the highest hurricane ranking used by U.S. forecasters.

Haitian authorities put the nation on alert, closing schools, moving people to shelters and mobilising 18,000 civil and Red Cross volunteers backed by police and the military.

"Irma is expected to sweep across the northern part of the country, so besides the strong winds and rain that could cause damage to houses, it is likely that many areas will be affected by flooding, landslides, and loss of livestock," said Jessica Pearl, Haiti country director for aid agency Mercy Corps.

More than half of the population depends on agriculture, "so any damage to their farms or livestock could make the difference of eating or not for the next few months," she said.

Farming communities in Haiti, one of the world's poorest nations, are struggling to recover from Category 4 Matthew last October.

Matthew killed about 1,000 people and left 1.4 million others in need of food aid.

Irma will also bring "major consequences" to northern Haiti, which also has suffered three years of drought, said Ronald Tran Ba Huy, Haiti country director for the U.N World Food Programme (WFP).

But systems to handle health, water and housing put in place for Matthew remain and can be utilized for Irma, he said.

"Lessons learnt and mechanisms are fresh," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

The WFP said it has food supplies across Haiti, a nation of 10.8 million people, for 150,000 people for one month, and trucks carrying emergency food aid to northern Haiti would be able to reach 40,000 people immediately.

Poor infrastructure and a lack of flood prevention measures such as coastal embankments and drainage systems, along with widespread deforestation, are likely to magnify damage from Irma as they did with Matthew, aid agencies say.

The international aid community has been criticised for a slow response and poor coordination to disasters in Haiti, including a 2010 earthquake.

"There is an effort on the part of the international community to address the lessons learned from Matthew and have a more efficient response this time," Pearl said.

"That said, the government consists of new people on a steep learning curve," she added. Haiti's new government took power in March. (Reporting by Anastasia Moloney @anastasiabogota, Editing by Ellen Wulfhorst. 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)
By Lisandra Paraguassu

BRASILIA, Sept 6 (Reuters) - The former finance minister under Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Wednesday accused the ex-president of receiving bribes from contractor Odebrecht , adding to a list of corruption accusations that threaten Lula's ability to run in 2018.

Lawyers for former Finance Minister Antonio Palocci said he told prosecutors that Lula accepted Odebrecht's purchase of land for an institute in his name, a country house in Sao Paulo state and 300 million reais ($97 million) to be used after he left office.

A representative for Lula said in a statement that Palocci, who was arrested a year ago in a corruption investigation, was lying and making accusations without evidence to secure a favorable deal with prosecutors to reduce his sentence.

Such testimony from a close confidant could be damning for Lula, who intends to run for president again next year if he can successfully appeal a conviction that would bar him from standing. Lula faces four additional trials.

Palocci testified for two hours as part of a probe into allegations Lula accepted the land for the institute.

"It was a blood pact and a package of bribes that included payment for a property, an estate ranch and 300 million reais that gradually were made available according to a spreadsheet delivered by the contractor," said Adriano Bretas, one of Palocci's lawyers.

Tracy Reinaldet, another of Palocci's lawyers, said the agreement was made during the transition from Lula into former President Dilma Rousseff's first term. Palocci also served as Rousseff's chief of staff initially but was forced to resign due to corruption allegations. (Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu and Ricardo Brito; Writing by Jake Spring; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
By  Faye Flam

(c) 2017, Bloomberg View 

North Koreas advancing nuclear weapons program isnt the only news to unnerve arms-control experts this summer. A new survey has revealed that Americans are surprisingly willing to make a first nuclear strike -- and kill millions of civilians abroad.



The survey casts doubt on the power of what experts call the nuclear taboo, said Stanford University historian David Holloway, author of Stalin and the Bomb. The idea, or hope, behind the concept is that its not just luck that humans havent dropped any nuclear weapons for 70 years -- that theres a stigma that makes the use of nuclear weapons unthinkable.



But many Americans say its quite thinkable. The taboo may be eroding, or it may never have been the protective barrier people thought it was.



The surveys designers sketched out a hypothetical conflict with Iran -- a country without nuclear weapons. Around 60 percent of those polled said that if Iran provoked the U.S. with some non-nuclear aggression, theyd approve of blowing up 2 million Iranian civilians using nuclear weapons rather than sacrificing 20,000 American lives in a ground attack.



That just means they havent thought about it, said Brian Toon, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Colorado. They think nuclear weapons are just big bombs that blow up lots of people, he said, without considering the way a nuclear conflict -- even a small one involving some 10 percent of the U.S. arsenal -- might poison millions of men, women and children. and change the climate enough to starve hundreds of millions.

Today, its not Iran but North Korea thats the focus of concern -- with its continued testing of nuclear missiles despite Trumps threat of fire and fury. Serious people are starting to consider the possibility of nuclear conflict. While the North is unlikely to be capable of sending nuclear missiles all the way to the U.S., at least for now, there are plenty of ways casualties could escalate. There are nuclear reactors all over North Korea, Toon said. So you might have Fukushima-type contamination all over the country.



Perhaps if people more clearly understood the destruction of human life that would result, the taboo would regain its power. In the early years of the Cold War, the power of nuclear weapons apparently surprised Daniel Ellsberg, a RAND Corp. analyst on loan to the Pentagon for the purpose of nuclear war planning.



One day in the spring of 1961, soon after my 30th birthday, I was shown how our world would end, he wrote in 2009. Ellsberg, who is famous for leaking the Pentagon Papers in 1971, has spent recent decades examining the potential for nuclear catastrophe. His latest book, The Doomsday Machine: Confessions of a Nuclear War Planner, will be released in December.



The end of the world was described in a highly classified document, Ellsberg recalled. While it didnt necessarily spell extinction of the human race, it estimated a nuclear war would kill at least 600 million people -- or as Ellsberg put it, a hundred Holocausts.



Is there some logic to accepting 2 million deaths but not 600 million? Is there some number of holocausts that would be acceptable? Historian Holloway said that such mass killing would be considered unacceptable under the philosophical framework called just war theory - a set of criteria that political and military leaders have used to determine if a war is justifiable. Still, mass bombings during World War II made people familiar with the idea of targeting civilians. And the advent of nuclear weapons made it seem unavoidable.



To Americans, apparently, the morality of using nuclear weapons to kill civilians depends on time and place. In a paper describing this new survey, Revisiting Hiroshima in Iran, the authors write that most Americans approved of dropping nuclear weapons on Japan in 1945. But by 2015, most said the U.S. should not have used nuclear weapons or should have dropped them on unpopulated areas. The authors attribute this change of heart to Americans changing attitudes toward the Japanese.



It might be worth considering why experts have such a strong sense of the nuclear taboo -- one that goes beyond horror at sheer numbers of deaths an attack would cause.



A nuclear exchange might remain limited -- but then, it might not. Physicists chart the probability of nuclear war with what they call the Doomsday Clock, which has recently been edging toward midnight. If the U.S. launched a first strike against North Korea, experts say theres no guarantee that China or Russia wouldnt join in, either on purpose or by mistake. The actions of other countries are hard to predict in a state of confusion and fear. During the Cold War, several false alarms brought the U.S. and the Soviet Union within a heartbeat of launching massive attacks. Even as late as 1995, a science experiment sent off a false alarm and almost triggered an attack from Russia.
In what appears to be part of a group restructuring exercise, Ceylon Biscuits Limited, widely known as CBL, sold its direct holding in Convenience Foods Lanka PLC, one of its subsidiaries, and listed it under the CBL groups investment holding company.



Convenience Foods Lanka PLC, the manufacturers of popular soya meat brand Lanka Soy, told the Colombo Stock Exchange that CBL Investments Limited purchased all shares held by CBL.

Until Monday, CBL held 1,962,977 shares or a 71.381 percent stake in Convenience Foods before the former sold its entire stake to CBL Investments Limited in a deal valued at Rs.618.3 million.



The deal valued Convenience Foods share at Rs.315a discount of about 15 percent to the trading price. The share was trading yesterday around Rs.368.10.

The transaction does not trigger a mandatory offer for the balance stake in the company because the deal was only a transfer of shares between the companies in the same group. In fact, CBL is also a subsidiary of CBL Investments Limited.



The other large shareholders of Convenience Foods include Dawi Investment Trust (Pvt.) Ltd with 6.37 percent, C.D. Kohombanwickrama with 6.19 percent and H.W.M. Woodward with a 2.57 percent stake.



Convenience Foods is the only listed subsidiary under the privately held CBL group, famed for its Munchee biscuits.



The CBL group is the largest confectionary exporter in Sri Lanka, exporting its products to over 60 markets.



CBL bought Convenience Foods from Vanik Incorporation about 15 years ago when Lanka Soy was one of the most popular brands in the country.



For the quarter ended on June 30, 2017, Convenience Foods posted a net profit of Rs.22.8 million or Rs.8.30 a share, up from Rs.7.9 million or Rs.2.85 a share during the corresponding period last year.

Revenue for the period was Rs.388.3 million compared to Rs.365.4 million a year ago.
Traffic police officers countrywide are to intensify raids against drunken drivers in the coming days after they were provided with a consignment of 90, 000 blood alcohol sensing breathalyzers today yet fulfilling a dire need felt for months.

The Police Department today distributed a batch of 90, 000 brand new state-of-the-art blood alcohol sensing breathalyzers amongst its 42 Senior Superintendent Divisions around the country including that of the Colombo Traffic Police Headquarters, the Police Spokesman stated.

The dispatch of breathalyzer units were made following a severe shortage of such equipment for months making arrests related to drunk driving significantly minimal.

Police Spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara in a communique disclosing the media yesterday that each and every police station will be provided with these units stated that the raids against drunken drivers will also be intensified in the coming days.

By intensifying such raids the police will also request from the judiciary to suspend the drivers license for a considerable period of those who get penalized over driving under the influence of liquor.

Speaking to Daily Mirror Deputy Inspector General in charge of Traffic Kamal Silva said the stock of modern handheld electronic breathalyzer units were imported from the UK on special tender board criteria.

He said the samples of the units were first referred to the Government Analyst Department from where the testing was done and the approval was granted for the procurement with the particular model.

According to the DIG, the police file 30,000 to 40,000 drunken driving cases in courts annually and testing a suspect through the breathalyzer is mandatory to determine whether he is under the influence or not for legal action.

However, a scarcity of these units in the recent months had crippled the duty of traffic police officers in performing their duty of apprehending a drunken driver, as in certain cases the culprits were daring to challenge the police officer demanding a scientific checkup prior to their arrest.

He said with the arrival of these new units the raids on drunken driving, which is a grave threat to the road safety, could be escalated in the near future and bring all those who disregard the law to book.

DIG Silva said a single unit of blood alcohol sensing breathalyzer unit is approximately cost around Rs.3,000 and that they could be used only once.

If the driver is under the influence beyond the registered measurement of consumption of alcohol, the green indictor will turn into red. Although the indication doesnt turn red or the driver was not found drunk, the unit cannot be used again, he said.

He warned all motorists to be aware the breathalyzers have been issued countrywide and policemen are compelled to take action if the driver is intoxicated while driving. (Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana)
After playing several deleted phone recordings of Perpetual Treasuries Ltd (PTL) before the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) today, Additional Solicitor General Yasantha Kodagoda said that now it was evident that PTL owner Arjun Aloysius had received price sensitive inside information before the March 29, 2016 bond auction.

Additional Solicitor General Kodagoda today played three phone recordings before the Commission. These recording were earlier deleted from the PTL voice logger system but Chief Dealer Nuwan Salgado had kept the recording in four backup DVDs.

One conversation was between PTL CEO Kasun Palisena and its Chief Dealer Nuwan Salgado and the other two conversations were between Palisena and PTL owner Arjun Aloysius.

These recordings were played while PTL Chief Dealer Nuwan Salgado was testifying before the Commission clarifying certain matters that came to light from the phone conversations.

The first phone recording between Palisena and Salgado originated from Palisena, who was in the United Kingdom at that point of time (12.58 p.m. on August 8, 2016).

Playing the recording, ASG Kodagoda said that he was not fully confident about the date of the call as reflected in the voice recordings backup.

In this conversation, Kasun Palisena was asking Nuwan Salgado to get some documents from PTL owner Arjun Aloysius. Palisena tells Salgado that Arjun Aloysius had received documents -- a copy of the statement -- relating to what Palisena testified before the Parliamentary oversight committee COPE, from Rosys son.

At this moment Justice Prasanna Jayawardena asked ASG Kodagoda that he be cautious about the mandate given to the PCoI since those matters are relating to Parliament. However, ASG Kodagoda was of the view that he would draw the necessary line in relation to the relevancy of that conversation to the mandate of the PCoI.

ASG Kodagoda: Who is Palisena Referring to as Rosy?

Witness Salgado: Rosy Senanayake (Former member of the D.E.W. Gunasekaras COPE in the seventh Parliament)

ASG: Who is referred to as Rosys son?

W: Kanishka Senanayake

When questioned as to what sort of relationship Aloysius had with Kanishka Senanayake, the witness said that he had heard that Aloysius and Kanishka were friends.

ASG: Why did Kasun Palisena wanted you to get the documents from Aloysius?

W: Palisena wanted those copies of the statements to be sent to the Governor.

ASG: You are referring to which governor?

W: I understood it as Arjun Mahendran.

At this point, Justice Jayawardena in a convinced manner told ASG Kodagoda that Now it is related to our mandate because now the witness said that he was asked to send those statements to Arjun Mahendran

ASG Kodagoda adding amusement to the query said that Now I am relieved.

On being questioned by Justice Jayawardena, the witness also said that he had thereafter conveyed Palisenas request to Arjun Aloysius. Later Aloysius had taken over the matter.

Then the remaining part of that first phone recording (between Palisena and Salgado) was played.

In this part, Mr Salgado was informing Palisena about one Sanjeewa Fernando. Salgado says that Sanjeewa Fernando had asked him to give details relating to PTL and the general market. Salgado also tells that Sanjeewa was about go to Ela Madde Gedara (Parliament). Salgado and Palisena both seem alarmed that Sanjeewa is going to Parliament without being properly prepared. They exchange words in Sinhala as:

Salgado: Machan Naai (bath) Peralagena Naai (He will get properly fixed)

Palisena: Pissekne (mad fellow)

This Sanjeewa Fernando is known to be a director of PTL and however, he had not gone for any of the COPE meetings to give evidence. Therefore Justice Jayawardena told AGs Department officials to check on Sanjeewa Fernandos visit to Parliament.

ASG Kodagoda then played another two phone recordings relating to the conversations that took place between Palisena and Aloyius on March 29, 2016 at 9.18 a.m.

The first of these two phone calls had originated from Kasun Palisena and taken to the mobile phone of Nuwan Salgado.

At that point of time, Nuwan Salgado and Aloysius were in Singapore attending the Finance Asia Summit 2016, which was sponsored by PTL.

Salgado said when he received the call from Palisena, he was with Aloysius in his hotel room and thereafter he gave his mobile phone to Aloysius to talk with Palisena. The witness said thereafter he had left the room.

ASG Kodagoda: Why did you leave the room?

Witness Salgado: I did not want to discuss that part of that conversation. I understood that it was illegal things or information that are talked and passed between them.

Justice Jayawardena: What made you to think of leaving the room considering that there will be a discussion of inside information with Palisena by Aloysius?

Witness: When the phone was ringing, Aloysius said that there was a decision that had been taken after a meeting and he was about to convey the information to Palisena.

Justice: Did Aloysius have such information received in the past as well?

W: He would know about meetings, like bankers.

Justice: What else?

W: I cant recall them.

At this moment ASG Kodagoda explained to the Commission that this conversation had taken place when the March 29, 2016 auction was about to commence.

In this conversation, Arjun Aloysius informs Palisena that there were a few major decisions that had been taken from a recently finished meeting (high level meeting).

Aloysius specifically advises PTL CEO Palisena that there would not be a rate hike as the market expected. Aloysius refers to one source from where he received information as Our friend in the Department. Aloysius also advises Palisena as how to bid in the upcoming auction (March 29, 2016) based on the inside information he received from a source.

Additional Solicitor General Kodagoda thereafter played the third phone recording which was between Arjun Aloysius and Palisena (20 minutes) in the same morning at 9.34 a.m. (March 29, 2016).

In this Conversation too Aloysius instructs Palisena how to place bids in the March 29, 2016 auction.

Aloysius explains to Palisena on the volumes of the bids and the rates at which those bids should be placed in the auctions.

Aloysius also tells Palisena of the importance of bidding at the auction by referring Our person wants us to bid

Aloysius tells his CEO Palisena the exact volume and rate digits at which the EPF and NSB would bid at the auction. Aloysius also says in the conversation that he was fully confident about the amount that would be accepted at the auction as well.

It was quite evident in those two recordings that Aloysius was instructing Palisena (CEO of PTL) while having inside information regarding the bond auctions in his possession.

ASG Yasantha Kodagoda was of the view that it was very evident that Arjun Aloysius had received price sensitive inside information prior to the March 29 auction from certain sources.

ASG Kodagoda: Aloysius was referring to an individual who wanted PTL to bid at the Auction, who was he?

Witness: That I dont know.

ASG: Cut off point of an auction is decided by whom? (How much will be accepted at the auction)

W: Public Debt Department (PDD)

ASG: PDD recommends it and then it goes to the Tender Board (TB), right?

W: Yes

ASG: After the TB approval, who ultimately approves it?

W: The CBSL governor

ASG: At that time who was the Governor?

W: Arjuna Mahendran

ASG: And Arjuna Mahendran is the father-in-law of Arjun Aloysius, right?

W: Yes

On being questioned by Justice Prasanna Jayawardena, the witness also said it was a familiar scenario where Arjun Aloysius instructs Palisena in the business.

Justice Jayawardena: Prior to this conversation, Aloysius was in the habit of giving instructions, right?

Witness seemed avoiding the question and Justice Jayawardena in a strict manner asked him not to do so and speak loudly and answers the questions.

Justice Jayawardena: Aloysius knew about the bids of EPF before the auction, how could it be?

W: He may have got information from certain persons from the EPF.

J: Who decides on bids at EPF?

W: The primarily dealer

J: Who was the dealer at that time?

W: Saman Kumara

It was also revealed that one Naveen Anuradha was the then dealer at NSB during the March 29, 2016 auction.

Justice Jayawardena also questioned Salgado on the inside information received by Aloysius about the amounts of bids that would be accepted. Justice Jayawardena observed that the ultimate decision with regard to accepting bids at an auction is taken by former Governor Arjun Mahendran.

ASG Kodagoda also revealed that PTL had gained a phenomenal profit aggregating Rs. 11 Billion during the time period 2015 to 2016. The ASG said PTL managed to gain such huge profits in the backdrop where the second highest profit maker in Bond trading had only about Rs. 500 million during this time.

ASG Kodagoda was of the view that throughout these transactions, PTL had received critical price sensitive information from sources and that made them earn massive profits in a short period of time in the business as a primary dealer.

(Shehan Chamika Silva)
Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC (PABC) now operates with a single mission of meeting its minimum regulatory capital base of Rs.10 billion by January 1, 2018 to make good on the promise it made to the regulator a couple of years ago since it pledged its commitment to a capital augmentation plan comprising of both fresh equity and retained earnings.



Other players who failed to meet the original deadline on January 1, 2016 bought more time from the regulator to meet this requirement but have now met the requirement well before the 2018 deadline.

The promoters of Cargills Bank Limited infused fresh equity last year while Amana Bank PLC recently concluded a rights issue subscribed by one of its major shareholders in the Middle East, which helped them to surpass the Rs.10.0 billion milestone in core capital put forth by the regulator in the latter part of 2014.



Hence, Pan Asia Bank should now be doing all it could to avoid becoming the black sheep in the industry in terms of capital, said a banking sector analyst. Even after Pan Asia Bank raised Rs.2.1 billion through a rights issue this March, Fitch Ratings this week cast doubts over the ability of the bank to hit the threshold by the regulatory deadline from retained earnings alone.



By June 30, 2017, Pan Asia Bank had a Tier I (Core) capital of Rs.8.7 billion, requiring a minimum of another Rs.1.3 billion after tax profit to meet the regulatory requirement in capital.



For the 1H17, the bank with an asset base of little under Rs.130 billion, posted a net profit of Rs.616.8 million. This means, the bank needs to make a minimum of another Rs.683 million after-tax profit for the 2H17.



PABC is required to increase this further to Rs.10 billion by January 1, 2018. Fitch believes that the banks earnings retention alone is not likely to be sufficient to achieve the capital standards, despite improved profitability, the rating agency said in a rating update on the banks outstanding Rs.3.0 billion subordinate debt set to mature in 2019. Fitch rated the banks debentures at BB+, one notch below the issuers rating of BBB- with a Stable outlook due to the instruments quality of subordination to senior unsecured creditors. In Sri Lanka regulatory forbearance is commonplace whenever an industry player fails to meet a regulatory requirement on time.

But in this case, it is less likely that the regulator be lenient as Pan Asia Bank remains the only exception.



But the recent developments might prompt the Monetary Board to consider a plea for a very short deferment on the deadline.



But the bank remains confident it could meet the requirement by the stipulated date as its growth prospects remain strong.
The 71 Anniversary of United National Party falls on September 6, 2017. However, the occasion will be celebrated only on September 10 (Sunday), in Ratnapura.

The founder of the United National Party was Prime Minister Don Stephen Senanayake. The party was formed on September 6, 1946. During his tenure, Senanayake commenced various projects in the country. Especially, they were commenced under the colonization schemes. Many landless people were provided with fertile lands for agricultural purposes in Galoya and Udawalawa areas. Despite protests from the opposition he didnt abandon his mission. Udawalawa Tank, Senanayaka Tank and several other multipurpose projects were launched during this period. He also played a major role in forming the Colombo Plan. He was called the father of the nation

The television was introduced to the nation during JRJs regime

A huge development project like Mahaweli was successfully concluded during his regime

President Premadasa was called the Leader of the Poor

After Sirisena won the Presidential Elections, there were huge concerns regarding the taking over of power from the former ruler

Ranil intervened in the matter and communicated with America informing them of the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka

After the demise of D.S. Senanayake, in 1952, his son Dudley Senanayake became the Prime Minister. He launched several projects for the betterment of the people. We can highlight two of them. One is the forming the Farmers Force and selecting the outstanding farmers. He also established three research centers to help the paddy (Bathalagoda), tea (Talawakele) and coconut (Lunuwila) industries. He opened the University of Moratuwa, Hardy Advanced Technical Institute in Ampara and the Bikku University in Anuradhapura. These are dowries given to the nation by him. Once he gave free rice and he was called Bathdun Piya. He tendered his resignation when there were strikes (Hartal) in 1953. The people who initiated the strikes were protesting against a reduction in their rice ration.

After that Sir John Kotelawala assumed duties as Prime Minister. During his period, Kotelawala launched major hydro power projects such as Lakshapana and initiated the construction of the Kelaniya Bridge.

Dudley Senanayake again returned to power in 1965 with the help of the MEP and the Federal Party, in the North.

During the 1970 elections, The National Government of Dudley Senanayake lost and the United Front assumed power.

After the demise of Dudley Senanayake the Leadership of the party was taken over by J.R. Jayewardene (JRJ) in 1973. JRJ organized the party from the grassroots level and ensured future victories. In the elections held in 1977, JRJ could record an unprecedented victory obtaining five-sixths in the history of Sri Lanka.

In 1978 JRJ introduced a new constitution and became the first Executive President of Sri Lanka. As the first Executive President, he initiated many things to develop the country. He established the free trade zones, opened up the economy, paved the way for Foreign Investors to invest in Sri Lanka and started other promising projects. Reservoirs such as Lunugamwehera, Inginimitiya, Maduru Oya, Rantambe, Kotmale, Randenigala and Victoriya were reconstructed.

Huge administrative centers such as Sethsiripaya and Isurupaya were constructed during his regime. He was able to provide the new Parliamentary Complex to the country, thanks to Japanese aid. Its the Japanese who also constructed Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital. In the meantime, Kotte was converted in to a new Administrative Capital and renamed as Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The television was introduced to the nation during JRJs regime.

JRJ introduced information technology as a subject to the schools. Lands were distributed to landless people under the Swarnaboormi Programme. The University of Ruhuna, Eastern University, the Medical Faculty of Jaffna, Air Lanka and the Special Task Force are creations of J.R. Jayewardene. A huge development project like Mahaweli was successfully concluded during his regime.

It has to be specially pointed out that he created a job bank for the benefit of his supporters at the grassroots level. As a result of this programme many party supporters, who were less influential, could obtain good employment opportunities in the Government Sector. That is the way he protected the party supporters at the grassroots level. He created the Jathika Seveka Sangamaya and Rajya Seva National Trade Union Federation. The Indo-Lanka accord was signed in 1987. The Provincial Councils were established under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

After the retirement of JRJ in 1988, R. Premadasa was elected as the Executive President of Sri Lanka. He launched many development projects. President Premadasa was called the Leader of the Poor. He spread Gam Udawa (The Village re-awakening Movement) across the country. As a result he was able to provide houses to homeless people under the Million Houses Project. He established the Urban Development Authority, National Housing Authority, Central Environmental Authority and Janasaviya, for low income families. President Premadasa also established large scale Garment Factories and decentralized administration to Divisional Secretaries.

He launched a programme to recruit people for the Government and Semi Government Institutions. He did this by conducting competitive exams. Candidates were shortlisted for interviews after considering their performances at these exams. The physical fitness of selected candidates was also checked. Therefore many could enter the Government Service sans political differences. This impartial way in which people were recruited must be commended. But there was a drawback in this system of recruitment. Many party supporters in the grassroots level as a result couldnt enter Government Service that easily. Due to this programme only a few party supporters were seen in the Government Service.

After the assassination of President Premadasa, D.B. Wijetunga assumed duties as the President. Ranil Wickremesinghe was appointed as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 1993. Wickremesinghe entered Parliament at the 1977 General Elections. He was appointed as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs by JRJ. Later he was appointed as the Minister of Youth Affairs. He is a nephew of JRJ. In 1994 Wickremesinghe took over the party Leadership. He had another stint in power in 2001. During this period, he created an economic resurgence in the country. Large scale investments were made and the country experienced a rapid economic growth. In 2003, President Chandrika Kumaratunga took over three ministries: Mass Communications, Defense, and Ministry of Home Affairs. This happened when Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was visiting George W. Bush in Washington DC.

In 2010 and 2015 he didnt contest elections for the post of president and supported common candidates. The Common Candidate Mathripala Sirisena won the Presidential Election held on 8 of January, 2015. This Sirisena did with the support of the UNP headed by Wickremesinghe and Civil Organizations. The main role during this election was played by Ranil. Critics wouldnt debate it if one forms the opinion that hadnt Wickremesinghe offered the fullest support of the UNP, it would have been difficult for Sirisena to have won the Presidential Elections in 2015.

After Sirisena won the Presidential Elections, there were huge concerns regarding the taking over of power from the former ruler. There is a secret. Wickremesinghe intervened in the matter and communicated with the USA Government informing them of the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka. This is undoubtedly an occasion when the country was benefited by Wickremesinghes healthy relationships with this powerful Western Country. Early in the morning on the following day of the elections, we heard on national television Wickremesinghe informing the USA Government about the situation in Sri Lanka. If somebody wants to know the veracity of this, a recorded version of this clip can be obtained from the National TV. This is possible only if the record hasnt been erased!

After that the matter was settled. It is crystal clear that if Wickremesinghe wasnt present on that day there wouldnt be a Yahapalana Government today. Some people have penned books regarding the Yahapalanaya victory. However they havent included a single word about the role Wickremesinghe played, which paved the way for the smooth exchange of power from the former ruler to President Sirisena. I wrote to one of these authors who wrote a book on the much talked about presidential elections. It is sad to say that so far I havent received a response.

There wouldnt have been a Yahapalana Government if Wickremesinghe wasnt there. That is the truth. Therefore it is the duty of all UNP supporters and to pay homage to Prime Minister Wickremesinghe because we have been presented with a peaceful country.
Japan has initiated talks with Sri Lanka and India on the development of the strategically-located Trincomalee Port, Ambassador Kenichi Suganuma said.

He told a group of journalists that Trincomalee was an important, strategically located deep sea port and had a lot of potential for development.

The Ambassador said Japan had agreed to supply navigation buoys with electronically communicable devises for the facilitation of naval movements in the harbour in the night. "We have begun discussions with India on how best to develop the port in the future. There are no concrete plans yet, he said.

The Ambassador said trilateral discussions were being held among Sri Lanka, Japan and India for the generation of energy using environmentally-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

Sri Lankas demand for power is on the rise. We have started talks with India for trilateral cooperation, he said.

Commenting on Japanese-funded projects in Sri Lanka, he said his countrys investment amounted to Rs.1.8 trillion.

The overall assessment is that these projects are good. They contributed to the development of the country. We have a system of evaluating the results by a third-party committee. The recommendations are favourable. I am very glad that wherever I go and speak to people, they sound happy. We have many other projects such as cultural exchanges. These are also well received by the Sri Lankan people, the Ambassador said.

He said his country needed to be selective and focus on certain areas as it could not do everything.

In the case of Sri Lanka, we have three sectors. One is high quality infrastructure to boost Sri Lanka's growth, particularly in the area of exports. Secondly, the reduction of income disparities is there, particularly in regard to the vulnerable segments of society. We have to remedy this. Then, the reduction of social vulnerabilities such as floods and landslides are there. This is about official development. We also promote Japanese private investment, the Ambassador said. (Kelum Bandara)
At a time when even the century-old indigenous industries are failing to build the local brands competing with global giants, a Sri Lankan brushwear maker is slowly making inroads into the global market with its own branded products.



BPPL Holdings PLC, Sri Lankas leading brush manufacturer, which sells over 70 percent of its products in the US market, is now pushing for its own branded brushes and other cleaning products into the Southeast Asian region.



The company has recently set up a sales office in Malaysia, which might act as a central point for the Southeast Asian window. BPPL ranks among the top three brushwear manufacturers in Asia.



The company also continued to roll out its own brand of products in Southeast Asia with a sales office being opened in Malaysia during the quarter. This office will also support Brunei, BPPL CEO Dr. Anush Amarasinghe said.



BPPL this April sold slightly under 31 million shares or a 10 percent stake to the public on the Colombo Stock Exchange at Rs.12 a share, raising a total of Rs.372 million.

For the first quarter ended June 30, 2017 (1Q18), the company made a profit after tax of Rs.78.5 million, largely unchanged from the profit earned during the same period last year.



The margins were squeezed by the higher costs as the irregular timber supplies increased overtime payments, Dr. Amarasinghe said in an earnings release.



Costs were also higher due to temporary worker hiring in order to process orders as and when timber was received. The gross profit margin fell to 37 percent from 40 percent during the three-month period ended June 2017. Approximately 2 percent of this 3 percent drop was due to the higher temporary wages. The balance one percent was due to the short-term increase in timber prices, he explained.

Sales were recorded at Rs.552 million for the quarter compared to Rs.513 million reported for the corresponding period last year with the bulk of the revenue coming from the US.



The North American region accounts for 83 percent of sales of BPPL and sales in the region grew by 10 percent.



Meanwhile, the sales growth had been impacted by the floods in May, affecting the timber supplies.

The situation, however, has normalized now. As a result, we expect higher levels of sales growth in the July 2017 to September 2017 quarter, he added.



Two years ago, Dr. Amarasinghe hinted at his ambitions to foray into the Southeast Asian market under its own brands and products customized to the requirements of those markets, targeting their affluent and growing middle-income classes.



So, there is an opportunity there for us to grab. We will come up with a new range mainly targeting those markets, Dr. Amarasinghe then said.



The companys products are already sold in India, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

In the meantime, coverage continued to grow in Indonesia with three national hypermarket chains and seven local stores in the Jakarta region carrying our products. The total active store count was 180 at the end of June 2017, he said.



BPPL is also poised to set up its synthetic yarn extrusion facility and the machinery is expected towards December this year.



Yarn production is set to commence in the January to March quarter of 2018 and contribute to revenue from April 2018, Dr. Amarasinghe confided.



As at June 31, 2017, Infinity Capital (Pvt.) Ltd held 50.31 percent of the company, while LOLC Investments Limited held a 26.25 percent stake. A 13.44 percent stake was held by Hirdaramani Investment Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd.
Director of the Philatelic Bureau, Mr. H.V.D.I Abeywickrama hands over the first stamp and cover to Mrs. Indrani Sugathadasa,the Chairperson of the IBSL and to the Director General of the IBSL, Mrs. Damayanthi Fernando

The 1st of September 2017 saw the entire Insurance industry of Sri Lanka celebrate a day dedicated solely to their profession. The launch of Sri Lankas first National Insurance Day took place at the Independence Arcade in a ceremony attended by leading members and related dignitaries of the industry. The objective of such an event is to provide national recognition and significance to the task of raising awareness among the general public of the importance and value of Insurance. Two years in the planning the event was organized by the Marketing and Sales Forum (MSF) of the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka (IASL) with the support of the Insurance Board of Sri Lanka (IBSL) and the approval of the Government.

Gracing the event as chief guest was Mrs. Indrani Sugathadasa, the Chairperson of the IBSL, while other dignitaries present included the Director General of the IBSL, Mrs. Damayanthi Fernando, the Country Director of the Asian Development Bank, Ms, Sri Widowati, the Director of the Philatelic Bureau, Mr. H.V.D.I Abeywickrama, Mr. Jeremy Bolling of the IBSL, the President of the IASL, Mr. Deepthi Lokuarachchi and the Chairman of the MSF, Mr. Hashra Weerawardena. Also present at the ceremony were members of the ADB, the IASL, CEOs and other senior members of Sri Lankas Insurance companies.

Mrs. Indrani Sugathadasa,the Chairperson of the IBSL, addressing the gathering

Following the lighting of the oil lamp in a new and inspiring manner, Mr. Hashra Weerawardena stepped up on stage to welcome the gathering. This journey began with a dream to get the entire Insurance industry together under one umbrella with the shared goal of spreading the message of Insurance to all Sri Lankans, explained Mr. Weerawardena.

In honor of the historic event, a commemorative stamp and cover has been issued by the Postal Department of Sri Lanka. The first stamp and cover had been presented to His Excellency, President Maithripala Sirisena, on the 31st of August. At the ceremony, the stamp and cover was presented to the chief guest and other dignitaries by the Director of the Philatelic Bureau.

In her address, the chief guest, Mrs. Sugathadasa thanked the IASL and the IBSL for the tireless work put in by both organizations to make the event a success. Mrs. Sugathadasa also expressed her gratitude to the Sri Lankan Government and the ADB for their support. According to Mrs. Sugathadasa, the declaration of the 1st of September as National Insurance Day serves two purposes; the first being to spread awareness of the value of Insurance among the general public whilst the second purpose is to ensure the development of the industry itself. Ms. Widowatis speech followed that of Mrs. Sugathdasa. In it the Country Director of the ADB stated that her organization has and will continue to support Sri Lankas development in as many ways as possible.

A dance routine  Ratna Deepa Janma Boomi included members of all the Insurance companies of Sri Lanka. Representatives of each of Sri Lankas Insurance companies joined the dancers on stage with their respective company flags. The patriotic performance earned a standing ovation from all those gathered at the event.

President of the IASL, Mr. Deepthi Lokuarachchi

Mr. Deepthi Lokuarachchi delivered the final speech of the ceremony, in which he described his pride and honor at being able to witness such a remarkable milestone in the history of the countrys Insurance industry. Mr. Lokuarachchi stressed upon the need for innovation in order to promote Insurance awareness throughout the island. He expressed his belief that the declaration of a National Insurance Day will serve as a means of promoting the industry and its services among the general public of Sri Lanka. For as long as Insurance exists in Sri Lanka this day will always be commemorated.

National Insurance Day commemorative stamp
AFP: Nigeria has exited its worst economic recession in more than two decades, notching up growth of 0.55 percent in the second quarter of 2017, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

Data showed that the economic recovery was driven by improved performance of oil, agriculture, manufacturing and trade sectors of the economy. Since the first quarter of 2016, the Nigerian economy had contracted for five consecutive quarters, NBS said. The West African powerhouse slipped into recession for the first time in more than two decades in August 2016.



In the second quarter of 2017, the nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 0.55 percent (year-on-year) in real terms, indicating the emergence of the economy from recession after five consecutive quarters of contraction since 1Q 2016, it said.

Nigeria, which depends on oil sector for 70 per cent of state revenues and 90 per cent of export earnings, has been battered by lower oil prices since mid-2014, which have slashed government revenues, weakened the currency and caused dollar shortages, frustrating business and households.

The nations economic woes were exacerbated by militant attacks on key oil infrastructure in the restive Niger delta, slashing output.



The crisis is heaping pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari, who took office in May 2015 on an anti-corruption platform.



His government is also grappling with separatist agitation in the countrys southeast, farmer-herders clashes in the central, Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast and kidnappings and militancy in the south.



Analysts said the outlook for more growth looks positive for Nigeria.



You can see that there have been improved performances in non-oil sectors in the second quarter, said Bismark Rewane of the Lagos-based Financial Derivatives Company.



The prospects for more robust growth are bright. I hope the current economic diversification efforts which see efforts being given to agriculture and mining will be sustained, he said.



He said the nations economy would also bouy if ongoing truce with Niger delta militants was intensified.



If there are no attacks on oil facilities and production is increased and Nigeria earns more money, then the economy will stabilise.



Nigerias oil output has ramped up to an average of two million barrels per day from a low of 1.3 million in 2016 following government peace talks with the oil rebels.
REUTERS: Norways US $990 billion sovereign wealth fund, the worlds largest, this week proposed to streamline its fixed-income portfolio by shortening maturities and cutting corporate bonds and some 20 currencies from the benchmark it tracks.



If approved by Norways Finance Ministry, the changes would leave only government bonds in U.S. dollars, euros and British pounds as part of the index, which already represents more than 80 percent of the funds fixed-income investments.



The switch would reduce transaction costs and volatility, while having little impact on overall risk, the Central Bank, which manages the fund, wrote in a letter to the ministry.

The change would not trigger immediate asset sales, but could lead to a gradual move away from the currencies that are cut from the benchmark, including bonds denominated in Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, Swedish crowns and Swiss francs, it said.



The funds focus has gradually shifted away from government bonds, which represented 100 percent of its holdings in the 1990s and now stand at 32 percent. The plan is to shrink this further in the years to come to give the equities portfolio room to grow.
Law is a pledge that citizens of a state will do justice to one another Aristotle (384 - 322 BC)

The great Greek Philosopher, Scientist and Physician

Where is there any book of the Law so clear to each man as that written in his heart?

Leo Tolstoy (1828 - 1910), the Great Russian Writer and Sage.

I am fully convinced that, at the outset, a brief introductory word is invariably called for.

When the State, graciously asked me to take over as Inspector General of Police (IGP), I accepted the order, with due humility and deference, as in my mind, this assignment assumed the stature of a sacred trust.

From the initial moment itself, I was totally aware that this was a tremendous responsibility, that I had to fulfil, both for my own sake, and for the sake of the country and the nation.

I was officially placed in this prestigious position, at a time, when the whole of the Police Force of Sri Lanka, was entering an era that was of high historical significance. The Police Force completed its 150th year of existence on September 3, 2016. Exactly a year has passed since that celebration.

As things are, I was assigned the office of the IGP around that time. Against the backdrop of those celebrations, I was destined to become the 34th IGP of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Many instances of victimization of Police personnel were recorded in the past. The rest of the members and I are not at all concerned with the ideologies, the rabble rousers espouse. We are deeply interested in saving lives and public property

From my early childhood on, I was keenly sensitive to the history of our great Island, by birth itself. I had the privilege of being raised in a social background, that was intimately close to the throbbing and pulsating realities of folk-life. At times, I would perform some minor farming chores to assist in my own little way - my elders who were toiling in the fields.

I say all. this merely to record that, the cumulative effect of all this was the reason for my being fully aware of the joys and sorrows, the ups and downs of our masses.

From the time I joined the Police Force, I witnessed the inter-relations between the Police and the community. Under the Colonial Rule, the Police Force was considered by the people at large, as an alien presence, that was antagonistic to the masses. Historical records bear testimony to the suffering the people had to endure, at the hands of the Imperially Deployed Police Force.

Even in the post-Independent era, the fear engendered by the colonial police force, continued to mar meaningful relations between the Police and the Public at least vestigially. I tend to believe, that even in some advanced countries, this trepidation at the presence of a member of the Police Force, was at times, evident-even though, those countries had never known what colonial rule was.

I came upon an intriguing instance, of this kind of built-in trepidation at the presence of the Police. This episode is linked to a globally reputed personality. This individual, the widely known film Director Alfred Hitchcock, was British by birth. His father was a village Green Grocer. When little Alfred was about eight he behaved mischievously. His father thought that this had to be corrected. He called his son and gave him a little note. My son please give this note to Constable Uncle the father said. The innocent little fellow took the note to his fathers friend, the village constable.

The father said in the note: My little fellow is a bit mischievous. Please give him some mild advice. After reading the note the Constable Uncle showed the child a ferocious face and said I know what to do with naughty-little fellows. Little Alfred was locked up for a few minutes and released. The Lingering outcome was, Alfred Hitchcock, as Film Director, making a whole series of suspense films to frighten the audiences.

From that, I could come closer to home, in our own country. There have been several important initiatives to bring about the Police-public relations closer to the benefit to society on the whole. Although, these efforts have tended to usher in - at least to some extent - more positive and wholesome relations between the Police and the public, I must frankly admit, we still have miles to go.

Police-public amity will ensure - both mental and physical well-being of our people who could lead unperturbed lives under the protective shelter provided by the Police to all members of society

As a totally committed Police Officer, my formal outlook is total impartiality. My people and I do not want even marginally to get involved in squabbles and conflicts between opposing groups or get entangled in clashes brought on by unscrupulous individuals and groups. The fellow members and I belonging to the police force, are truly troubled by the heartless victimizations of persons on the outcome of confrontations, disputes, arguments and mere verbal exchanges.

I profoundly believe that it is high time we should say, enough is enough to the plethora of mass disturbances that are brought about by unruly hooligans and rabble-rousers, making life utterly unpleasant at times in this sacred righteous land.

My concerned effort is to make the people see, how we mar such a beautiful land and make innocents the piteous victims of diabolical groups. My considered view of the matter is that the initial move towards the establishment of a wholesome relationship between the Police and the public should undoubtedly come from enlightened individuals and organized community groups.

At the outset, the generality of the people - from children to the senior citizens - must be made to appreciate fully the wholesome and life-enhancing role played by even the most minor member of the Police Force.

May I ask a question? When some untoward occurrence takes place in the remotest corner of the island, and at the most ungodly hours, who is the first person who would make his presence at that site in question? Invariably, it would be a Police Officer.

Let us take a look at other scenario where policemen had risked their lives.

You may have seen an umpteenth number of times that those of our officers who direct traffic movements in the blazing sun, in the pouring rain, in the misty and dusty weather conditions, they are still at work; moving their hands almost incessantly to make the road safe for man and vehicle.

Instances have been reported to me of some traffic cops who were in waist-deep in flooded streets, doing their duty, although they have had ample reason to leave the spot and to get to safety.

At violent public rallies, at ferocious demonstrations, at turbulent and fiery upheavals, the people are uncontrollably vulnerable. The Police Force is not interested in their causes or motivations or their reasons for this destructive behaviour. The members of our Police Force wade into the thick human confusion to quell violence. Unfortunately in the course of their efforts to save lives, they often fall victim.

Many moving instances of victimization of Police personnel were recorded in the recent past. The rest of the members and I of the Force, are not at all concerned with the ideologies, the rabble rousers espouse. We are deeply interested in saving lives and public property.

Our humane commitment is to a well-established, fully functional public-police relations system. In the recent past, our streets have turned into highly explosive barriers, manned by men and women, who obstruct public paths. It is not exactly up on our streets to explore the disastrous obstruction to workers, the massive wastage of working hours, in a land struggling to achieve development. But, as custodians of Law and Order, ensuring peace and harmony, protecting lives, my members and I are deeply troubled by the highly threatening violence on our roads, that led to untold tensions and agony.

I believe that it is high time we should say, enough is enough to the plethora of mass disturbances that are brought about by unruly hooligans and rabble-rousers, making life unpleasant in this sacred and righteous land

The Police Force has no Non-Police motivation to probe why thousands of youth throng the roads, making the Police Force anxious about life and property in the path of these people-haters. We have to use this expression, though reluctantly, as they so obviously, openly, carelessly and diabolically mar the beauty and harmony of the of natures gift - human life.

If they have causes, there are others who would focus on them, but our deepest commitment is to garner peace and harmony and proper enactment of laws.

Behind the formidable and formal uniform our Police personnel present to the world. Human beings made of flesh and blood; fathers, mothers, uncles, aunts, sons and daughters, sisters, brothers... the loved ones are awaiting their return home. But some of them do not return to the bosom of their family.

The members of the good public would have watched - times without count - when these marginalized groups threaten our officers. I am quite certain that many people would have seen the widely-displayed photograph of a highly trained police officer leaning back to avoid the fist of a religiously-clad marauder. That sensible officer was expertly trained for combat. But, he did not, even for a moment, raise his hand in defence - highly legitimate defence - at that juncture.

All these lead to one vital question. Where do we begin building a stable public-police relations system? My own view on the matter is that we must initiate this system at school-level. Children are exceptionally sensitive to peace and harmony. Some young ones burst in tears at the sight of an animal being hurt.

The other important citadel is the place of religion; monasteries, temples, churches, mosques and congregations.

Thirdly, the movement must reach the parents. They have to safeguard their beloved children. As a man, familiar from the earliest days with the rural-folk, I could fully visualize how the fond parents of victimized youth must be weeping both inside and out.

The rural, urban and national leaders must feel duty-bound to restore peace, harmony and friendly co-existence of this great and noble land by strengthening ties among communities and Police - perpetually committed to promote such links.

I have my cherished personal credo: People, with destructive agendas may want to aim barbs at me. But, I would like to say, Let them. I will be undaunted, tread on the path towards the creation of Sri Lanka, where Police-public amity will ensure - both mental and physical well-being of our people who could lead unperturbed lives under the protective shelter provided by the Police to all members of society. I am fully aware that all sensible people would support this noble humane course.

I would always uphold the gracious trust the state had placed on me by presenting to the state a land where law and order and untrammelled humanity could co-exist with the masses focused on the pursuit of happiness, unobstructed and uninterrupted.


The SAARC Investment Forum was launched by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo today. Over 250 investors and influential figures such as entrepreneurs, fund managers, chairmen and CEOs are scheduled to attend the Forum. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The current female labour force participation in Sri Lanka is around 36 percent. This means that a disproportionate majority of women still remain outside the labour market, with limited or no access to wages, pensions and other benefits tied to gainful employment.



Evidence largely points to several constraints that effectively limit womens participation in the labour force  ranging from outdated legislation to the lack of access to vocational training and also due to cultural barriers. It is increasingly evident that social and cultural factors play a defining role in determining womens inclusion in the labour market.



Given that Sri Lanka is short of blue collar workers, increasing womens access to employment is necessary to increase the female participation in the labour force. A multiple stakeholder group recently set up at national level to look at providing greater access for women to the labour market recommended that the government set itself a goal of increasing the female labour force participation to 40 percent by 2020.



Therefore, getting more women into the workforce is not just a human rights issue but it is a necessity to sustain our economic growth. Many Sri Lankan women seeking to enter the workplace in Sri Lanka today face a multitude of challenges, including gender discrimination, greater household responsibilities and gender-based disparities in income.



Therefore, attitudes both at the office and at home, need to change for more and more women to take their place in the workforce. One of the most effective ways for Sri Lanka to expand its workforce is simply to get more women to join the labour force. The workforce diversity can also enrich businesses at every level.



Reluctance

The Sri Lankan women might be reluctant to enter the workforce mainly due to family commitments. Traditional responsibilities as a woman can affect their choice of employment.



Furthermore, educated women even give up on their career to focus on motherhood and their families. Some companies are hesitant to provide career opportunities to pregnant women and mothers. This can contribute for educated married women not to engage in paid employment.

Women may be also discriminated in Sri Lanka at the point of the job adverts that ask only for male candidates. Some companies still continue to look for only male applicants to fill certain vacancies, especially certain top level management positions. This can discourage women to enter the workforce or to limit the opportunities to climb up the organisational ladder. The expectation that men are more capable than women in certain roles still prevails in society.



Another reason is lack of safety. If women are asked to work late hours without providing transportation facilities they might be discouraged to engage in jobs. Also women may face difficulties like violence and sexual harassment at the workplace.



Options

Therefore, it is important to provide flexible working hours and assure safe transport and a safe working environment for women by introducing more policies against harassment. Provision of safe child care and day care for mothers can also encourage women having children to enter the workforce.



Because for women, being married and having children reduce the opportunity of entering the workforce, whereas being married encourages men to enter paid employment. Because sometimes companies believe that mothers are less committed to work since they have other commitments and that fathers are more committed to their workplace.



Attitudes of people and companies can also affect the rate of women participation in the workforce. For instance, women are believed to be less capable in certain specific roles even though they are equally capable and proficient as men. Also, the attitude of their families towards certain jobs can hinder them from entering the workforce.



Differences in the way that the labour market values skills of men and women can make educated women reluctant to enter the workforce. Therefore, offering young females access to career counselling and designing courses of study that create candidates for available jobs while the policymakers work on addressing institutional and legal issues that hamper womens participation, is a good option in the short term.

(Dinesh Weerakkody is a HR Thought leader)
The Syrian army has reached an eastern city that has been besieged by Islamic State militants for nearly three years.



The Syrian army breaks the siege imposed on Deir al-Zour, Syrian television said.



The army reached the besieged Brigade 137 base, located at the south-western edge of the city.

After 32 months of siege, the army managed to dismantle mines and open a corridor to reach its besieged forces, in the first move to lift the siege on the area, Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told dpa. Deir al-Zour, the main city in the Syrian province of the same name, has been almost entirely controlled by Islamic State since 2014.



Syrian troops, backed by ally Russia, have been advancing towards Deir al-Zour city on several fronts for several weeks, according to the London-based Observatory.



A Syrian military source requesting anonymity said the move is a step towards reaching the Deir al-Zour military airport, south-east of the city, adding that priority now to dismantle the mines.

Liberating Deir al-Zour completely will not be achieved before the opening of the international road from Sukhna, in the province of Homs, the source said.



Syrian President Bashar al-Assad described the operation as a resounding victory against the most dangerous terrorist organization on the face of earth, according to the countrys official SANA news agency.



Mohammed Ibrahim al-Samara, the governor of Deir al-Zour, told dpa by phone that there are 70,000 civilians besieged in the Deir al-zour as well as 6,800 Syrian government troops.



A resident from Deir al-Zour who refused to give his name said people under siege started to celebrate what he described as the initial victory.



But the governor warned civilians against holding any celebratory gatherings out of fear that the Islamic State jihadists would shell the area.



Most of the province of Deir al-Zour is under the control of the Islamic State.



There are 32 neighbourhoods inside the city, which are under the control of Islamic State and only four are under the regime control, the resident added.

DPA, 05th SEPTEMBER, 2017
Dilma founder Merrill J Fernando has asked the government to avoid meddling with plantations and allow an independent authority led by ex-planters to run the industry, as the golden shareholder model introduced three decades ago has failed to find answers to the key issues plaguing Sri Lankas plantation industry.



At the 150 years celebration of Ceylon Tea held last month, Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe told the industry that all Regional Plantation Companies (RPCs) would come under increased Parliamentary scrutiny using more active golden shareholder.



Government should shed its control of the plantation industry and entrust it to a Plantations Authority for progressive administration and management, under a clear mandate, Fernando told shareholders of Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, of which he is the Chairman, perhaps in response to the PMs intentions for more State control over the plantations.



It is impractical for the government to control the largest industry in the country, while talking of handing corporations over to the private sector, Fernando added.



Under the 1992 privatization programme of the United National Party government, RPCs were given total management control over tea, rubber and coconut plantations owned by the government while the state retaining the golden shareholder ownership.



However, following the introduction of this model, the plantations ran into a plethora of issues relating to mismanagement, exploitation and certain RPCs neglecting the well being of the estates.

Hence, Fernando advocates for the taking away of estates from the RPCs who have ruthlessly exploited them and entrusting them with companies which have a genuine commitment to the industry.



In doing so, clear guidelines and directions on management and development should be in place. Monitoring of their performance should be entrusted to ex-planters who still have love and passion for plantations, to which they devoted the better part of their lives, Fernando added.



Meanwhile, he hinted at the forthcoming fiscal reforms which will effectively take away the incentives thus far offered to the exporters of value added tea.

The revisions to the fiscal regime that are currently being considered by Parliament propose to roll back those incentives, failing to recognize the substantial direct and indirect benefits to the national economy from genuine value addition, Fernando said probably taking aim at the new Inland Revenue Bill to be presented in the Parliament soon.



Value added tea exporters such as Dilmah has been receiving incentives from as early as 1980s to discourage the export of tea in bulk form.



Too many exporters supply Ceylon Tea at prices close or below the cost of production, and need incentives to recognize and reward genuine value addition, Fernando said.



Meanwhile, the tea sector veteran who was instrumental in placing Ceylon Tea brand in the global map said that, supplying value added tea, under importers brand names is far worse than supplying tea in bulk since such brands become our competitors, sooner or later.



Although data shows that 40 percent of tea exports leave Sri Lanka in value added form, a bulk of it is supplied under foreign-owned brand names, a practice that is detrimental for building the Ceylon Tea brand.



In previous statements I expressed that same prediction in connection with the opportunity we had to build a vibrant and high quality Ceylon Tea market in Russia. Regrettably, in the rush to supply own label tea to Russian importers, that potential was lost, Fernando lamented.



He further called on the authorities to return the cess collected from the industry, without these funds being absorbed by the Treasury depriving the much needed support for the industry in building the quality infrastructure that will help it compete globally and promoting its product.



That will generate greater revenue and benefit to the Treasury in the long-term than the cess alone could offer in the short- term, Fernando pointed out.
Golu Hadawatha, the first of three films that Lester James Peries directed for Ceylon Theatres, was also the greatest love story ever conceived onscreen here. The countrys largest and oldest importer, distributor, and exhibitor of films, Ceylon Theatres (established on September 29, 1928) had extended an offer that would not be equalled by any other producer or financier: he would be given unconditional control over the story, the script, the music, and the editing, while much of the crew had to be taken from the studio.

For the first time, Lester had got the best of both worlds: artistic freedom and financial security. That he would opt for an unconventional love story, which in his own words went against the grain of his previous work, was only to be expected: he needed a source material that was safe. Not for nothing, after all, had his producer given him everything a filmmaker of his calibre needed at that point. By giving him everything, they were expecting something in return. Something big.

Karunasena Jayalaths prose sweeps off his pages, often at once. Much of his emotional tenor, his romanticised outlook, came out from his dialogues. Thats where his package was and thats where he got the success he clamoured after. Regi Siriwardena once said somewhere that the man bridged the gap between Martin Wickramasinghe and pulp fiction. The pulpy, populist immediacy you sense in his conversations comes out from his stints as a journalist, though he also owed that to his schoolboy experiences. The two part structure in Golu Hadawatha was born out of this quality: it was there to ensure that you never felt the anger you usually felt towards an unrequited love, since, in the words of Jean Renoir, Everyone has their reasons.

Siriwardena wrote the script for Golu Hadawatha overnight, retaining the dialogues as they were and playing around with that two part structure, which had become a must-have in movies that delved into the unknowability of anothers perspective. That sense of unknowability pervades the first part, where Sugath (and us, the audience) is put off by Dammis rebuffs which are mysteriously followed by suggestively gentler overtures. Formally this structure was innovative, but our cinema, even then, never fell back on into nonlinear, lopsided narratives that the directors of the eighties would indulge in. Lester was still a classicist, and would remain so until his very last movie.

Behind the success of Golu Hadawatha, Siriwardena wrote in his foreword to Philip Coorays The Lonely Artist, lay perhaps many social forces  notably, free education. With his sixth film Lester had intruded into new territory: the children of 1956, who had aspired to be the heroes and the villains of an art form which had depicted them as set pieces or bit players. They had been either the jesters or the maids and servants until then, belying which was another relevant point.

Golu Hadawatha was and is discernibly different from the love stories that adorn our television screens and theatres today, for the simple reason that now the tension between love and the inability to fulfil it comes from an easy source: the rift between the rich and the poor. But the lovers in a movie like Golu Hadawatha, or even Dahasak Sithuvili and Hanthane Kathawa (both of which were released around the same time, in 1968 and 1969), were spurred on by a different kind of conflict, which was more or less an offshoot of their social conditioning. These lovers were the sort who wasted away knowing they had the luxury of a (largely) bourgeois life and the option of returning to it, once they decided that wasting away was no longer feasible.

While he did move away from the milieu of Delovak Athara and Ran Salu, Lester James Peries overwhelming sympathy for the elite nevertheless tempered Golu Hadawathas central conflict. Both Dammi and Sugath were the next generation of the children of 1956. Their parents would have even brought to power S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike. They were of a different time, different certainly to Lesters own background, and Regis assertion about those many social forces was true considering their way of life in the film. Coeducation and mixed schools, love letters (the literary equivalent of todays text message), and the twilight-ness of their homes, between the rusticity of the village and the sophistication of the city, reflected it amply, and in turn reflected their distinct personality. Over time they would become the single biggest audience in the Sinhala cinema. Golu Hadawatha acknowledged that, and in acknowledging that, it no longer shrugged them off as set pieces and props: they had finally become the heroes of their own stories, their own films.

Douglas Ranasinghe once told me in an interview that in his day the likes of Sugath were considered as parajithayo, the defeated, whom we identified with through their sense of hopelessness. Back then we were content in seeing them accept that defeat and return to their families, their benefactors, because they had both: as much as they were torn down and wasted away by their harsh experiences, they had the money and the power to sustain their anguish. Today, with all the murders and suicides and with the democratisation of correspondence through the mobile phone, love has become more common, more proletarian if you may, amply echoed in the choice of milieus our scriptwriters and directors continue to go for in love story after love story.

Golu Hadawatha was and is discernibly different from the love stories that adorn our television screens and theatres today, for the simple reason that now the tension between love and the inability to fulfil it comes from an easy source: the rift between the rich and the poor

The lovers of the past in our movies could endure their torment because they came from backgrounds that, as with Sugath, subsisted on plantations and estates (and occasionally, caste). The lovers of today are poor and frugal on the one hand and rich and depraved on the other, with the tension between the two being exacerbated by the refusal of the rich lovers (usually the woman) family to acknowledge the poor lover when he tries to convince them that hes educated or at least on his way to being an educated man. Sugath could deteriorate and still cling to a comfortable lifestyle. Not these lovers. I believe thats what came out most discernibly in Golu Hadawatha, and the string of imitative films (both popular and serious) which briefly followed it.

Lesters three films for Ceylon Theatre continue to fascinate me because of the vastly different social backgrounds of their characters. In his first film he had opted for the rural bourgeoisie, while in the third, Nidhanaya, he returned to the fading feudal aristocracy. (As with Renoir, Lester was most sincere at portraying this aristocracy, right down to Kaliyugaya, Yuganthaya, and Wekanda Walawwa.)

In Akkara Paha he moves into a setting which he would not, at least until Baddegama, return to: the fading village peasantry, cut off from their own roots and homes. In Lesters films, the fear of being uprooted is very much pervasive. Its a fear that is both externalised (the threat of homelessness) and internalised (the threat of being denied the fulfilment of ones desires and hopes).

Akkara Paha depicts both these: in the first instance, through Senas family moving into a government scheme in Minipe once they sell their property, and in the second instance, through his ambivalent reactions to his lover, Sandawathi, and the girl who ends up as his destroyer, Theresa.

Lester was at his best, as I said before, when depicting the lives of the decaying elite. Most critics and commentators today would argue that he was at his weakest at the other end of the spectrum: when he was depicting the poor

Lester was at his best, as I said before, when depicting the lives of the decaying elite. Most critics and commentators today would argue that he was at his weakest at the other end of the spectrum: when he was depicting the poor, the landless. Part of the reason for this, I think, was that even in a film like Akkara Paha that overwhelming sense of poverty comes out from expectation, from ellipsis, never fully realised.

Once he rejects his family and Theresa, once he rejects his scholarship and goes for menial employment, the film cuts to Sena fainting at the lumber yard he runs away to and then waking up at the hospital. In probably the most bittersweet ending Lester James Peries ever conceived in any film, we see Sena writing in English the invitation to his sisters wedding. I dont think anyone in our family will understand this, he tells the sister, to which she replies, Father was adamant. He wanted you to write in English. The scene cuts to the wedding, the two newlyweds ride away in their car, and Sanda and Sena, now reconciled, run away to catch sight of and wave to them. They slowly walk away, Amaradevas dirge on separation and reconciliation plays out, and the camera pans out until these two are no more than faint spots.

Its rather elliptical, in a way incomplete, which is probably why those commentators were quick to castigate him when he returned to that milieu in whatever form later on. To some he was a humanist; to his detractors, that humanism was a sign of noncommittal complacency. The final reconciliation between Sena and Sanda is obviously a prelude to a life of misfortune and discomfort we will never see: the futility and pathos of it is derived from its sense of incompleteness and expectation. We dont see them any agency at work, because they are subservient to their fates, and are ready to yield to it. The politically committed cinema of the seventies would have denigrated this as inadequate, unsatisfying, and evasive.

Compared with Golu Hadawatha, Akkara Paha was not surprisingly given a more lukewarm reception here. Partly because of its political undertones (its allusion to the governments resettlement policy was misconceived as propagandist), it was more widely acclaimed abroad, receiving a world premiere at the Museum of Modern Art (where all his other five films were also screened) courtesy of Donald Richie.

Compared with Golu Hadawatha, Akkara Paha was not surprisingly given a more lukewarm reception here. Partly because of its political undertones, it was more widely acclaimed abroad, receiving a world premiere at the Museum of Modern Art

And as with all his work, he had shown with it that he preferred the microcosm of the world to the world itself; that the minutest changes in sensibility were more engrossing to him than either the plot or overt action. He had engaged in a different social setting, and the result, which wasnt to everyones liking, obviously, was the most searing, bittersweet, and elegiac tribute to the inevitability of accepting misfortune he could come up with. Ironically, what was so real and heartfelt about this was also what was alienating and repugnant, at least for the politically committed, symbol hunting critic. In depicting the landed and the landless in quick succession, he had hence proven to his audiences just how divisive the lonely artist could be.
Four Betel leaf purohitas who are to quit yahapalanaya at an auspicious hour this month had a heart to heart chat with Number One following the last weekly meeting of the top team.



Number One walking up to the four dissidents waiting for him greeted them with a friendly remonstrance about their putting spokes in the yahapalanaya wheel. Oyala baaldi peralena eka honda nehe neda?



A senior one among the foursome hailing from Sabaragamuwa was quick to give an appropriate answer to Number One and a loving one from the Colombo district immediately backed the colleagues answer, they say.



The dissident foursome told Number One to come to terms with the ground realities ahead of the upcoming polls. Some dont tell you the bitter truth fearing that you would take offence. Is it wrong to tell the truth without lulling you into a false sense of complacency? they asked.



They also warned that if the party remained fractured, the Blues may have to trail far behind others at the upcoming polls. Number One, however, did not want to get involved in an argument. He had called it a day after saying: Let us wait for the developments after the 3rd.
By Liz Sly 

(c) 2017, The Washington Post  Sep 04, 2017 -

BEIRUT - U.S.-backed forces in Syria have captured the Old City of Raqqa, the latest milestone in their ongoing assault against the self-proclaimed capital of the Islamic States rapidly shrinking territories, according to a U.S. military statement on Monday.



Kurdish and Arab fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces secured the neighbourhood over the weekend after vanquishing a last pocket of resistance in the citys historic Grand Mosque, the statement said.



The capture followed a grinding two-month battle for the neighbourhood that has proved the toughest challenge yet of a three month old offensive for Raqqa, launched in June and still far from over.



Unlike the Old City in Mosul, the one in Raqqa does not lie at the heart of the city and its seizure does not signify an imminent end to the fighting, said U.S. military spokesman Col. Ryan Dillon.



The SDF now controls roughly 60 percent of Raqqa, said Dillon, who would not put a timeline on how long it would take to claim the rest but predicted that weeks of fighting lie ahead.



He said it does however represent a significant step in the overall battle for the city, which has turned into a block-by-block advance against a largely unseen enemy.



This is still not over, its still going to be very difficult but were making progress, he said.

The Kurdish and Arab forces have been advancing simultaneously on multiple fronts, backed by U.S.-led airstrikes and accompanied by U.S. special operations forces, in an effort to stretch the resources of the defending militants.



They are being met by barrages of improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers, many of them emerging behind SDF-lines from an extensive network of tunnels dug by the militants to defend the city.



The United Nations says there are around 20,000 civilians trapped in the city, and as was the case in the battle for Mosul, they are bearing the brunt of the relentless airstrikes. Amnesty International said last month that hundreds of civilians had died in airstrikes since the offensive began, and said it had documented 176 deaths in June and July.



The toughest battle is expected to be for a cluster of government buildings in the city center, known as the security block, where the Islamic State has prepared its heaviest defences.



The advance in Raqqa coincides with significant gains by Syrian government forces further south on the outskirts of the city of Deir al-Zour, now the only major city in either Iraq or Syria that still is mostly under Islamic State control. Syrian army units backed by loyalist militias advanced to within six miles of a garrison of Syrian soldiers that has been besieged on the edge of the city for the past three years.

The simultaneous advances by U.S.-backed and Syrian government forces on the two major cities of eastern Syria set up a potential scramble to control the rest of Deir al-Zour province, which is still mostly under Islamic State control.



The commander of the U.S. led-coalition, Lt Gen Steven Townsend, said last week that the U.S. is preparing a force of Kurdish and Arab fighters to seize towns along the Euphrates River Valley in Deir al-Zour province where the Islamic State has been concentrating most of its manpower and resources.
By Fred Barbash

(c) 2017, The Washington Post  Sep 05, 2017 -

The University of Utah hospital where a nurse was manhandled and arrested by police as she protected the legal rights of a patient has imposed new restrictions on law enforcement, including barring officers from patient care areas and from direct contact with nurses.



Gordon Crabtree, interim chief executive of the hospital, said at a Monday news conference that he was deeply troubled by the arrest and manhandling of burn unit nurse Alex Wubbels on July 26. In accord with hospital policy as well as the law, she had refused to allow a Salt Lake City police officer to take a blood sample from an unconscious patient. Wubbels obtained a copy of the body cam video of the confrontation and after consulting her lawyer, the hospital and police officials, released it last week.



This will not happen again, Crabtree said, praising Wubbels for putting her own safety at risk to protect the rights of patients.



Margaret Pierce, chief nursing officer for the University of Utah hospital system, said she was appalled by the officers actions and has already implemented changes in hospital protocol to avoid any repetition.



She said police will no longer be permitted in patient care areas, such as the burn unit where Wubbels was the charge nurse on the day of the incident.



In addition, officers will have to deal with house supervisors instead of nurses when they have a request.



This will guarantee that nurses devote themselves entirely to patient care without interruptions, she said, while other officials deal with police requests.



The incident, which has attracted nationwide attention in part thanks to the dramatic video, involved Detective Jeff Payne, who persisted in demanding a blood sample from an unconscious truck driver at the hospital who had earlier been involved in an accident stemming from police pursuit of a suspect.

Hospital policy, as well as the law in Utah and nationwide, requires police to have a warrant or permission from the patient to draw a blood sample in such circumstances. Payne had neither.



After Wubbels politely and repeatedly read hospital policy to him and had a supervisor back her up on a speakerphone connection, Payne snapped. He seized hold of the nurse, shoved her out of the building and cuffed her hands behind her back. A bewildered Wubbels screamed help me and youre assaulting me as the detective forced her into an unmarked car and accused her of interfering with an investigation.



On Friday, the department said two of its employees had been placed on administrative leave, pending the results of an investigation, but did not give details. A criminal investigation is underway, according to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill, and the citys mayor and its police chief apologized to Wubbels in a statement.
A captain of a Vietnamese ship had been arrested by Customs officers attached to the Port Control Unit last evening with cigarettes worth Rs. 6.6 million, Customs Deputy Director and Media Spokesman Sunil Jayarathne said.

During the investigation the Customs officers found 133, 980 sticks of foreign cigarettes branded LUFFMAN.

When a ship comes to a port, the captain should declare its goods to the port. In regard to this incident, the captain had not declare the cigarettes, Mr. Jayarathne said.

However, the Customs intelligence had received a message saying the ship had cigarettes which had not been declared and they are selling them underhand. Later the Customs used a decoy to apprehend the captain, he said.

The officers found the contraband hidden in the freezer room of the ship.

The Vietnamese Ship named MV THAI BINH 039 was arrived at the Colombo port from Vietnam with a load of cement, he said

The case was detected by the Assistant Customs Superintendent Indula Mahesh, Nissan Wanigasekara and Pulasthi Lakshan.

Investigations are carried out under the supervision of Deputy Customs Director K.B.A.Jayasooriya, A.R.Senadheera and Chief Preventive Officer.

After the Customs inquiry the cigarettes were forfeited and captain was fined Rs. 1,000,000 by the Customs. (Chaturanga Pradeep)
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Taking a break from my nazaria-e-Pakistan analysis routine to focus on the important part of my life, I had decided to not tweet or blog for few months. And while my life continues to demand my full attention, I couldnt help but pick up my pen for silence at this hour would be tantamount to condoning injustice.

Again, I have spoken on numerous wrongs within Pakistan; today I have a more important plea to make and I hope my readers listen, as theyve done in the past.

There is nothing Indian about denying rohingyas refuge

The discrimination and persecution of Rohingyas has existed since the 1962 coup by the Burmese Army, which went on to legally strip Rohingyas of their Burmese nationality in 1982. The current round of oppression is therefore only a continuation of the ethno-communal identity politics played by Buddhist majority Burma (Myanmar).

Truth is, before the coup, Rohingyas' did not hide their affinity for the erstwhile East Pakistan based on commonality in language, culture and religion  and even attempted a failed rebellion against Burma, planting seeds of segregation that have come to haunt them more than once.

The Buddhist Burmese havent necessarily been accommodative of their differences with the minorities  before Independence, they saw Rohingyas' through the lens of British agents and after Independence as occupiers.

British Indias reign extended in the East until Burma and the policy of migrating labourers led to a Rohingya settlement in Burma. This is akin to people from India being taken as labourers to Africa, Singapore, East Timor, et al.

While media reports have followed after each wave of Rohingyas' persecution and subsequent migration, one thread binds them all  zilch action and resolution of the crisis by co-religionists, immediate and extended neighbours and the international community and humanity in general.

I expect no solution from the Rohingyas' co-religionists because they themselves are embroiled in apartheid against their minorities and citizens in the name of Arab versus non-Arab or the more common Muslim versus Infidel, and I am piqued by a bucket of tears any Pakistani would weep at this ethno-religion discrimination by the Buddhist Burmese while they, themselves, proudly celebrate the birth of Pakistan  which, ironically, was based on the same premise.

And it could be that Pakistan would accept few Rohingyas in the short term, only to eventually discriminate and strip them of their identity, culture and language as they have done with Sindhis and Kashmiris.

The ideal solution would be for Rohingyas to be equal and free citizens in their own land  Burma (Myanmar), but that would require the US, India and China to align and speak in one voice against Burmese Military Junta, instead of the present trend of placating Burma for its strategic-economic importance.

My analysis does not see this happening, as Burmese Generals are too smart not to sense the global sentiment against Islam and too cunning not to play one country against another.

Well, frankly, most Generals across the world have won medals for strategy rather than bravery.

Should India shelter Rohingyas?

Lets understand its implications and Indias tryst with Islam.

The fact is that Hindu Raja Dahir (Sindh) gave refuge to family members of Imam Hussain, who were sought by the Umayyad in their deadly hunt to eliminate the last of the Ahl-e-Bait (Prophet Muhammads immediate family); certain historians claim Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was hunted by the Umayyad was on his way to Sindh when he was seized at Karbala in Iraq and killed.

The barbarity of the Arabs that followed has the natives of Sindh in tears even today  they mourn equally for Hussian and Raja Dahir.

Another fact is that Islam is an exclusivist religion. It has institutionalised segregation and apartheid as norm for non-Muslims. Its history is littered with disrespect for civilisation, culture, laws and humans that are in any manner different to its worldview.

India has sheltered persecuted Jews, Zoroastrians, Muslims of Prophet's family and Syrian Christians. Photo: Reuters

Further, when in minority, instead of integrating within the local culture and community, Islam  if followed  would require special privileges and perpetuate ghettos.

Partition of India on the basis of the two-nation theory is a fact. Accession in Kashmir in the name of Islam is also a fact. And that the seemingly never-ending Hindu-Muslim divide has become even more acute with a Hindu nationalist government in India is also a fact.

With these concerns laid bare, should India still give refuge to the predominantly Muslim Rohingyas?

My answer is yes.

Because, Rohingyas are truly the sons and daughters of India.

Because Indias national fabric is not divisiveness, it is universal acceptance and tolerance. Indias idea was and should remain every religion is true, every path leads to the same destination.

India has sheltered persecuted Jews, Zoroastrians, Muslims of Prophet's family and Syrian Christians.

Because the very argument of the Hindu Right  that in order to preserve India it is imperative to deny refuge to Muslim Rohingyas  is incongruous with India and its civilisational ethos.

India stands today, despite millennia of invasion, not merely because of unceasing resistance but primarily because of blessings of millions that were once given refuge and chance to live as brothers and sisters.

The idea of Rome, Persia or Egypt could be dead, but India stands only because someone has to guide the world towards universal brotherhood and love  who better than India?

What better opportunity than now?

Fear begets hatred, fearlessness is love.

Do the right thing India.
Nirmala Sitharaman, hitherto minister of state, ministry of commerce and industry is the new defence minister. She has been elevated to cabinet rank and is the second woman to hold this critical portfolio after madam Indira Gandhi.

Even as Prime Minister Nardendra Modi left for China to attend the BRICS summit, news platforms were filled with reports on the recent Union ministry rejig and induction of the "New Nine" with just one-third of the government's tenure remaining. The Opposition is convinced that the Cabinet reshuffle was nothing but a "tamasha" played out to deflect the nation's attention from the Reserve Bank of India's Annual Report that revealed 99% of the demonetised notes were back with the banks.

Led by former finance minister P Chidambaram, a fusillade of tirade has been launched seeking an apology from Modi over the move that failed in achieving all of its stated objectives including assault on black money, blow to terrorist/insurgency financing, greater tax compliance and revenue collection. The Opposition is furious that the ruling dispensation kept altering the goalposts on the question of "Why demonetisation" and now that the claims stand "exposed", Modi was nonchalantly avoiding blame and indulging in window dressing vis- a -vis the Cabinet expansion.

Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan in his recently launched book, I Do What I Do suggests, "Even if the intention was laudable, the demonetisation route was not advisable. A cost-benefit analysis may be necessary to obtain a mid-term/long-term impact." The aam admi, however, is not buying the accusation that Modi has goofed up. They cite the huge victory in UP elections, where on the hustings, demonetisation was presented as a move made "in the interest of the masses". Modi answered his critics with silence. Taking a moral high ground, he said: "We the People must endure the 50-day agony for a larger purpose."

Even as the growth figures headed south, the aam aadmi gave a thumbs up to the Modi-Shah-Yogi combine.

The Modi government is seen as politically strong and has consolidated its hold on the masses.

During the Doklam standoff, Modi stood his ground and remained quiet even as the Opposition blamed him for indulging in bravado. The Opposition was concerned that given the fact that the border with Pakistan was porous, India cannot afford to open a channel of confrontation on the Bhutan front.

Meanwhile, diplomacy was at work and Modi's silence was eloquent even as China went unusually bellicose aping its immature North Korean ally. Just as Modi was leaving for the BRICS summit, lo and behold, both China and India disengaged from their positions simultaneously underlining Chinese' acquiescence to India's high moral ground.

The Opposition's charges did not stick. There was no chest thumping from Modi & Co.

During the monsoon session of Parliament, the Opposition raised the issue of mob lynching and gau rakshaks. Modi refused to fall into the trap. Instead of getting into a war of words and emotively escalating the issue, his administration took a stand that violence in the name of "gau mata" would be an anathema to Mahatma Gandhi and was despicable. Modi silence was deliberate and broken only on two occasions to send home the message that the barbaric acts and would be dealt with severely. The opposition's charges fell flat again.

Be it the Gorakhpur tragedy or the targeting of Lalu clan et al, the opposition charges are just not sticking.

The Modi government is seen as politically strong and has consolidated its hold on the masses. With the Opposition apparently reconciled to a government change only in 2024 and Modi saying that by then "I would dust myself, pack my bag (not bags) and leave for the Himalayas", he has taken a moral high ground here too.

Ordinary Indians don't expect miracles from political leaders. All they seek in their leader is honesty, sincerity of purpose and hard work. The Modi administration has functioned without any charge of corruption so far and the prime minister is seen to be working round-the-clock.

People reposed faith in Modi as a diligent worker who would do his best. Modi has kept his promise. Even his detractors have to grudgingly concede that is "seen to be trying". The economy may not be booming and job creation burgeoning as he promised. Yet, we are not disillusioned.
GRAND FORKS  Grand Forks Police apprehended a man late Tuesday morning with a very similar appearance to a suspect description in Mondays double stabbing after he allegedly broke into the apartment where the stabbings occurred.

Police Lt. Bill Macki said patrol officers received a call that someone was breaking into the residence west of the University of North Dakota campus near University Avenue and North 42nd Street. Before police arrived, the subject had left the area on a route that took him several blocks to the east.

Officers eventually converged on an apartment building across the street from the Ralph Engelstad Arena near the intersection of Sixth Avenue North and Harvard Street. They detained the man outside of the building shortly after.

We have located that subject. He is consistent in description with the person of interest from yesterday, Macki said. At this point, it is still an open and active investigation. We have not formally charged anyone regarding the incident from yesterday.

The man detained on Tuesday was taken into police custody and brought in for interviewing.

By the end of the day, Jordan Michael Parisien, 29, was the only person booked on burglary charges at the Grand Forks County Correctional facility. Parisien was brought to the facility shortly after noon Tuesday and, though he had not yet been charged in court, was being held on suspicion of the Class C felony of burglary.

The possible development in the stabbing investigation came almost 24 hours after a man and a woman were attacked in their westside apartment and suffered injuries that were not life-threatening. Police couldnt pinpoint a motive for the attack at the onset of the investigation and noted that it appeared the suspect did not know the victims.

Police had yet to file charges by late Tuesday for either the break-in or the stabbings, but Lt. Brett Johnson anticipated police might forward charges of burglary to the states attorneys office at some point before the end of the day, all while investigating any possible ties the subject had to the Monday stabbings.

Thats something were still trying to work out, to see if we can tie this person to the stabbing also, he said. That investigation and those efforts are very much underway.

Johnson said the man was still a person of interest in that earlier event but declined to call him a suspect yet.
The North Dakota Army National Guard's top soldiers forged through an exhausting four days of military challenges to test their Army skills and aptitudes, spirit and durability. Seventeen Guardsmen from across the state fought through adversity to try to outscore their fellow competitors during this year's Best Warrior Competition Aug. 17-20 at Camp Grafton Training Center, near Devils Lake.

When the winners were announced during the final day's awards ceremony, two Army Guardsmen earned the opportunity to advance and represent North Dakota in future competitions. Sgt. Timothy Sybrant, of Lincoln, a member of the Jamestown-based 817th Engineer Company, was the winner of the Best Warrior Competition in the noncommissioned officer category. In the enlisted-level competition, Spc. Brandon Wendland, of Fargo, a member of the Bismarck-based 957th Engineer Company, took top honors.

"You all have exhibited strong leadership skills just by volunteering to participate in this competition. You are all winners," Brig. Gen. Robert Fode, North Dakota National Guard Army Component commander, said to the competitors during the awards ceremony. "You are the future of this organization. You are the next leaders; you are the ones to set the standard for those who are next to come into the North Dakota National Guard. Remember to continue to do the best you can, every time you go out and do it, no matter what it is."

"The Best Warrior Competition is an event we, as senior enlisted leaders, look forward to every year. We had 17 highly qualified and strong competitors who represented their units this year. They performed well and stayed motivated through some very tough events," said Command Sgt. Maj. Brad Heim, state command sergeant major.

The winners now will prepare for the regional competition, which will be held at Fort Richardson, Alaska, in May 2018. While there, they will compete against Guardsmen from seven other states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. Regional winners advance to compete in the All-Guard Competition and, if they win there, have the opportunity to compete in the All-Army Competition.
Next week's ballot offers some intrigue for North Dakotans  from late congressional entries by independent candidates to term limits and marijuana legalization. Voters will decide whether to endorse changing the state constitution to limit the terms of the governor and state legislators. Another citizen-led initiative also will put the question of marijuana legalization before voters, who rejected the idea four years ago. Ninety-eight of the Legislatures 141 seats are on the ballot. All but one Democrat is up for reelection this year. Contests for secretary of state, attorney general and other state offices Also will appear on the ballot.
GRAND FORKS  The smoky haze thats been hanging over the region the past several days has cleared, but theres no guarantee it wont be back.

Dan Riddle, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, said forest fires in the Pacific Northwest  specifically in western Montana, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia  have been to blame for the hazy skies.

(How long the haze will last) all depends on the upper-level wind-flow pattern. Its transporting those fine particles up in the atmosphere, Riddle said. And, of course, the closer you are to the fires, the thicker the smoke and the haze.

Riddle said he expects upper-level winds to be a bit more northerly but also said its difficult to predict with the smoke so high in the atmosphere.

We might continue to have a little bit of high-level haze, but I dont think it will be very thick, he said.

Either way, Riddle said the haze hasnt affected the weather other than to block out a little sunshine. It has, however, created beautiful conditions for sunrise and sunset photography.

The moonlight and sunlight is filtered, so there have been a lot of red moons and sunrises and sunsets, Riddle said.

The fires have been burning off and on since about June in British Columbia, he said.

I think last year we had it even worse with the forest fires up in northern Canada, he said. Until fairly recently, we have not had a whole lot of smoke in the sky this year.

The possibility of hazy skies likely will continue into the fall.

Well have to wait until the fires lessen in number, but thats not going to happen anytime soon because the fires are still raging, Riddle said.
North Dakotans should be excited about President Donald Trumps visit to Bismarck-Mandan today. Presidents dont visit the state very often.

Trump will be visiting friendly territory. He won 63 percent of the vote here during the 2016 election and a recent Gallup poll showed he had a 59 percent approval rating in the state, second only to West Virginia. Theres no doubt hell receive a warm greeting when his plane touches down. Hell give an address on his tax reform plans at the Andeavor refinery (formerly Tesoro). Its a topic of major interest here and around the country.

It will be interesting to see if he sticks to the basics or goes into detail about his proposals. The Tribune Editorial Board would like to see him get into specifics about his plan. The more the public knows, the easier it will be to judge the merits of the presidents plan. Its too early and too easy to write off his plan as tax breaks for the wealthy. Its time to hear him out, but he has to share the details. However, indications are he plans to focus on the broad outlines of the plan and how it will help North Dakotans.

Trump will be the 15th sitting president to visit the state. There have been some notable trips to North Dakota. President Dwight Eisenhower came for the dedication of the Garrison Dam, a major development for North Dakota. President George H.W. Bush planted a tree on the Capitol grounds. President Bill Clinton spoke at Grand Forks in 1997 after the devastating flood. President Barack Obama traveled in 2014 to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation, where a powwow was held and he met with youth.

Whether North Dakotans had supported the president at the time or not, they were interested in seeing the leader of the nation. The office gets respect, so all presidents receive warm welcomes in North Dakota.

Its likely to be a short visit and well orchestrated when Trump stops. Its still a meaningful event for the community. Trump drew a large and enthusiastic crowd when he spoke at the Bismarck Event Center in May 2016. Theres no reason to expect anything different this time, except this is a different type of event.

Instead of a campaign rally like in 2016, this is a policy speech being delivered to a selected audience. Hell be talking to state and business leaders, trying to get their approval of his tax plan. The public will get to see him when he lands at the airport and during his motorcade to the refinery. His departure from the airport is closed to the public and the media.

Welcome back to North Dakota, President Trump.
The meeting was relatively subdued this time, but constituents and activists continued on Tuesday night to excoriate the Charlottesville City Council and call for the resignation of Mayor Mike Signer.

Two weeks following a council meeting that was taken over by attendees angry at city officials for failing to prevent a white nationalist rally that resulted in three deaths, the council started the meeting by holding a special public hearing about the events of Aug. 12 that made national headlines.

The council was scheduled to vote on removing the citys statue of Thomas Stonewall Jackson, more than six months after voting to remove the statue of another Confederate general, Robert E. Lee.

Most of Tuesdays speakers, however, focused on city officials, particularly Signer and Councilor Kathy Galvin, directing criticism at them for how theyve handled the fallout from the Unite the Right rally.

About a dozen people in the crowd held signs that called for the removal of the statues from the parks  and the removal of Signer and Galvin from the council.

One of the people holding a sign was Danyelle Honore, a University of Virginia student and president of UVas NAACP chapter. She said she was in the city on the day of the rally and was rebuffed by a police officer when she attempted to report that five men were assaulting a victim nearby.

He giggled. He just laughed. It was a joke to him, Honore said, echoing countless other stories people have reported about the police response to the violence that day.

Its a shame, Honore said. My ancestors built this city and the university  I have to convince black students to continue to come to UVa and tell them that Charlottesville isnt that bad of a place.

Gloria Beard said city officials have refuted claims that police were told to stand down that day, but said what shes seen in videos and other media reports from that day failed to show officers ever responding to the myriad acts of violence.

I watched everything I can find  no one was helping people, Beard said. She also asked the council why the Fourth Street crossing on the Downtown Mall, where a car rammed into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing one person and injuring dozens more, was open to traffic. City traffic plans for the day called for the street to remain closed until 7 p.m. The vehicular attack took place shortly before 2 p.m.

In the weeks following the rally, city and state law enforcement officers, local and state officials and city administrators, including Police Chief Al Thomas and City Manager Maurice Jones, have faced a proverbial firing squad at various community meetings.

But at Tuesdays meeting, some speakers criticized Signer for what they said was his placing blame at the feet of Jones and Thomas.

Last week, Signer apologized publicly after he impugned the reputation of the two African-American men in a Facebook post that led some to believe that the council was preparing to fire one or both of them.

Why is that Al Thomas and Maurice Jones are being made the scapegoats, said M. Rick Turner, former president of the Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP. Turner said he was speaking on behalf of the group.

Noting that Virginia State Police and federal agents either warned the city or were involved in police operations that day, Turner said blame has been directed at mid-level officials.

This sets a horrible example for children to see these men, their careers and families destroyed, he said.

In the council-manager form of government, which Charlottesville follows, the city manager is in charge of all public operations. Every two years, the City Council selects which one on the council will serve as mayor, whose primary responsibility is overseeing council meetings.

After making his apology last week, Signer said he would be ceding some of his autonomy and sharing leadership responsibility with other officials. Councilor Kristin Szakos was put in charge of running Tuesdays public hearing, which lasted for approximately two hours.

Toward the end of the hearing, as people in the crowd became more agitated with city officials, Szakos struggled to maintain order and said she felt out of her element.

Several of the councilors then apologized for the recent events. Councilor Wes Bellamy questioned whether elected officials can, in reality, effect the changes that constituents have been demanding, whether that be preventing white nationalist rallies or promoting certain causes, such as the development of affordable housing or the prevention of gentrification.

We need to be cognizant of how individuals mask their hate. Theyll always pretend to be polite and say they know whats best for us. But they dont really know a damn thing about us, Bellamy said, adding that the city will never be the same.

The ways in which people for years have tried to either silence us or say were not going about it the right way  whenever that comes up, we need to resist.

Galvin repeatedly apologized for the citys failures, and called for a now-underway independent investigation into how the city prepared for and handled the rally, as well as other events in recent months, to be expedited.

Im pushing for getting the answers sooner rather than later. And Im deeply, deeply sorry, she said.

Im pledging that Im going to try what I can to get this right, Signer said before being met by jeers from the crowd. You may not believe this  but, please, help me to get better.
Updated at 7:40 p.m.

A Georgia man accused of felony assault in the Aug. 12 beating of a local man was ordered held in jail until he can meet with his court-appointed attorney.

Alex Michael Ramos, 33, is being held without bond at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail until he can meet with local attorney Michael Hallahan, who was appointed on Tuesday to represent Ramos by Judge Robert Downer Jr.

Ramos is scheduled for an Oct. 12 hearing unless his attorney asks for a bond hearing prior to that date.

Ramos is charged with malicious wounding of DeAndre Harris after the Aug. 12 Unite the Right rally erupted into violence and was broken up by police. Harris assault was caught on video that has been shared widely on social media. The video shows 20-year-old Harris cornered in the Market Street Parking Garage, being beaten by six men.

Harris suffered a broken wrist and a head injury that required 10 staples, according to his attorney.

Ramos surrendered to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, where FBI agents and U.S. marshals also were present, according to Monroe officials.

Ramos agreed to be extradited to Virginia.

In an interview with Atlanta TV station WGCL, Ramos said he hit Harris once and that others beat Harris with sticks and shields. He said he went into the incident in defensive mode.

Ramos also denies being part of a white nationalist group. He said he went to the event as a conservative in the interest of free speech.

Harris, a special-education instructional assistant at Venable Elementary in Charlottesville, attended the rally with friends to show his opposition to the white nationalist groups, his attorney said. When a member of Harris group got into an argument with a white supremacist, Harris stepped in to help, and thats when the assault occurred, the attorney has said.

Daniel P. Borden, 18, also is charged with malicious wounding in the Harris assault. He is being held in Cincinnati, where he is fighting extradition to Charlottesville.
Lidl, a German grocery store chain that is expanding to the United States, has been granted a certificate of appropriateness by Albemarle Countys Architectural Review Board for its proposed Richmond Road site on Pantops Mountain.

In January, the board voted to forward recommendations on the initial site development plan to the countys site review committee.

Margaret Maliszewski, principal county planner, said at Tuesdays ARB meeting that there had been two primary issues with the proposal.

One has been the issue of meeting the landscape guidelines along the Route 250 entrance corridor and avoiding the utilities and easements that are already located there, and the second primary issues is basically the appearance of the building as it relates to the historic architecture of the county, she said.

The design of the building hasnt changed since the December reviews, but other changes were made to the travelway, landscaping, parking islands, parking spaces and retaining walls.

The board on Tuesday also discussed the trees Lidl has planned for the sites U.S. 250 frontage, and whether Dominion Energy Virginia, which holds an easement on the land, will allow them.

Cody Pennetti, a project manager at the Timmons Group, the contractor on the project, said they are working with Dominion on the size of the trees and might adjust the species of the trees.

The full site was moved about 15 feet farther away from U.S. 250 to accommodate the larger trees. Additional landscaping will be done along Route 20 where an existing wooded area is being removed to allow for adequate sight distance for drivers turning out of the stores lot.

ARB members Stan Binstead and Dade Van Der Werf voted to approve the motion. Member Frank Stoner and Chairman Bruce Wardell were absent.

New ARB member Frank Hancock recused himself from the discussion because he is currently working on the landscape plan. Binstead said the ARB got the OK from the county attorney to review the project even with just two non-recusing members, out of five total members, present for the vote.

I do think that the modifications that have been made to the site are an improvement, Binstead said. Youve got a limited space that you can work with there, but I think you made that work by the landscaping that was necessary.

County staff will approve the additional requirements when its conditions are met, and the proposal will not have to go back to the ARB.

Cody Pennetti, a project manager at the Timmons Group, said the approval comes on the heels of good coordination with county staff.

Its a challenging site to work with, just because of the grade difference across the site, and we understand its an entrance corridor so we worked closely to meet the requirement that Lidl has for what they want to see for functionality of their site with the entrance corridor requirements and the landscaping that we were making some adjustments on, he said. Im happy with the approval and moving forward.

The Timmons Group had submitted another initial site plan to the county for a store at 405 Premier Circle on the west side of U.S. 29. Currently, a motel is on the site.

It is unclear if Lidl is moving forward with the second location. Since meeting with the ARB in March, nothing additional has been submitted, Maliszewski said.

Questions to a Lidl spokesperson went unanswered as of press time.
Robin Bryant spent her Labor Day weekend caressing a photograph of her son and crying.

I spent all of Sept. 3 and the rest of my holiday touching my sons check and crying and crying because I couldnt touch him and I couldnt see him because my son was murdered two years ago, Bryant said Tuesday afternoon as she sat on the seat of her walker outside of the Charlottesville Police Department.

Bryants son Jason Lee Jay Shifflett, 31, was found shot to death in his home in the early hours of Sept. 3, 2015. Police said three masked men knocked on the door of his home in the 1500 block of Carlton Avenue, burst in, demanded money and then shot him without taking a thing.

Bryant has since made several public appeals for information in her sons shooting and has turned whatever information she could find over to police. She took the opportunity Tuesday, after the second anniversary of Shifflett death, to ask again.

So did Charlottesville police.

[The police department] is still currently investigating this case and is once again asking for the publics assistance in bringing the person or persons responsible for his murder to justice, police officials said in a statement released by the department after Bryants news conference.

Jays family and friends have not forgotten his memory, and the Charlottesville Police Department would like to remind the public that this case is still an active investigation and one that we do not want to fade from anyones memory, the statement said.

But Bryant criticized the police department for not making an arrest in the two years since her sons death.

I dont understand it. Ive given them the suspects they need. I dont understand why they havent made an arrest, she said. I want them to arrest a suspect. The only satisfaction Im going to get out of this is if they get off their butts and make an arrest.

Police said they couldnt talk specifically about the case, but said that before they make an arrest they must have enough evidence to move beyond suspicion to probable cause that someone committed the crime.

The test the court of appeals employs to determine whether probable cause existed for purposes of arrest is whether facts and circumstances within the officers knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent person to believe a suspect has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime, officials said.

Police ask anyone who has information on Shiffletts slaying to call investigators at (434) 970-3985 or Crime Stoppers at (434) 977-4000.

Bryant said she has been dissatisfied with the investigation and responses from Police Chief Al Thomas. She said she contacted the FBI and asked them to join the investigation but was told they could not without the local police asking for their help. She said she questions whether the city police can adequately investigate Shiffletts death.

I dont think they know how to handle my sons case. When I got my sons possessions back, [police] gave me a counterfeit $100 bill, she said, displaying a faux bill with for motion picture use only printed on it. I almost got arrested when I tried to put in it in the bank. They gave this back to me and I could have gone to jail.

Similar fake bills have circulated through Central Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland since winter 2015.

Bryant noted that three other similar, unsolved cases have been reported in Charlottesville in the past few years. Those are Pherbia Tinsley, who was shot July 14, 2012, while sitting in her car on Prospect Avenue; Dashad Sage Smith, a 19-year-old transgender woman who was last seen in November 2012 near the Amtrak station on West Main Street; and Otis Scott, 27, who was shot July 5, 2014, in his Prospect Avenue home.

Bryant said the families of missing persons and those whose deaths remained unsolved should join forces.

Lets all band together to support each other, to protect each other together, she said. We can help each other.

In the meantime, Bryant said she will come back time and again to bring attention to her sons death until an arrest is made.

Im going to be on this corner until they find my sons killer and give me satisfaction, and then they wont see me no more, she said.
RICHMOND  Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie called Wednesday for loosening Virginia's marijuana laws, raising the state's grand larceny threshold and ending driver's license suspensions for unpaid court costs as part of a broad effort to reform the state's criminal justice system.

Gillespie made his first post-Labor Day policy announcement at a black-owned barber shop in Richmond, cutting against the perception that his campaign has recently taken a hard turn to the right. Gillespie's plan puts him in agreement with Democratic rival Ralph Northam on several thorny policy issues, but sets up possible friction with tough-on-crime lawmakers in his own party.

Unveiling a proposal he called "three strikes and you're in," Gillespie proposed ending criminal charges for simple marijuana possession for a person's first two offenses.

"The third time, you need to know better and at that point you're subjecting yourself to the criminal justice system," Gillespie said to a largely African-American crowd of community leaders and ex-offenders gathered at RonnCutts barbershop on Broad Street. "I think that aligns the offense with the penalty much more fairly and gives people not only a first chance, but a second chance as well."

Gillespie said he also supports "tightly regulated" medical marijuana. The former Republican National Committee chairman and political consultant said he'll look to the results of a pending state study on marijuana decriminalization, but added that he does not favor "straight decriminalization across the board."

"We don't want to send a signal that smoking pot's OK," Gillespie said.

Virginia's $200 grand larceny threshold, one of the lowest in the country and a regular topic of debate in the General Assembly, should be raised to $500, Gillespie said, so that relatively minor thefts don't bring a felony charge. Democrats and some Republicans have supported similar raises in past years, but the legislation is routinely blocked in the GOP-controlled House of Delegates.

In a statement, the Northam campaign highlighted the discrepancies between Gillespie's proposals and the past actions of his Republican colleagues.

"Ed Gillespie is an expert in talking out of both sides of his mouth, and he's proving it once again," said Northam spokesman David Turner. "When he stands with Republicans who have stymied criminal justice reform efforts simply because they were proposed by a Democratic administration, that's politics at its worst. However, we're glad he's come to see the wisdom the initiatives Governor McAuliffe and Lt. Governor Northam have fought for during the last four years. I guess showing up late is better than never."

Northam has already called for decriminalizing marijuana possession, raising the felony larceny threshold and a lenient approach to restoring felons' civil rights.

On felons rights restoration, a highlight of Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe's administration, Gillespie said he would ask former Govs. L. Douglas Wilder, a Democrat, and Bob McDonnell, a Republican, to help him craft legislation to create a more stable process that's less dependent on the views of any one particular governor.

Under the state constitution, Virginia governors have broad leeway to restore voting rights and other civic powers to ex-offenders who lost them after a felony conviction. McAuliffe tested the limits of that authority by signing an executive order last year that restored the rights of more than 200,000 people at once. The Virginia Supreme Court later overruled that order, but McAuliffe has continued to take an expansive approach, restoring the rights of more than 160,000 people during his term.

A Republican-sponsored measure to soften the constitutional ban on felon voting died in a House subcommittee earlier this year.

Retiring House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford, who successfully sued McAuliffe over the rights restoration order, attended the Gillespie event Wednesday, praising Gillespie's plan as a "thoughtful" effort to find balance on criminal justice issues.

Gillespie didn't outline specific rights restoration policies he'd like to see, but his plan notes that ex-offenders should have to pay off restitution owed to victims before being eligible to have their rights restored. Gillespie said he'd continue the McAuliffe-era "ban the box" policy that makes it harder for felons to be weeded out early on state government job applications.

To further smooth offender re-entry, Gillespie proposed government-funded drug testing to encourage employers to take a chance on hiring an ex-offender. The annual costs of Gillespie's quarterly testing proposal, roughly $500 per person, pale in comparison to the costs of keeping someone incarcerated, Gillespie said.

The General Assembly has already taken several steps to limit the practice of suspending Virginians' driver's license for unpaid court fines or legal fees, a policy widely seen as making it harder for people to get to work to pay off their debts. Gillespie said he would work with the legislature and the judicial system to end the practice.

After his opening speech at the barber shop, Gillespie and Republican attorney general candidate John Adams heard from a number of Richmond-area residents who voiced their frustrations about the stigma that follows ex-offenders as they try to transition back to productive lives.

Jerry Lee, a 47-year-old who runs a barber shop outreach program in collaboration with community activist and radio personality Clovia Lawrence, said officials should carve out a larger role for ex-offenders in anti-crime outreach programs.

"If it's an epidemic in the city of Richmond, why wouldn't you go to the survivors?," Lee said.

John Goode, a 50-year-old peer recovery specialist, pointed to a more specific barrier: a rule banning felons from the city's public housing sites.

"I pay taxes. I've got a job," Goode said. "But I can't go into a public housing project. And I'm not talking about being a liability over there. I'm talking about being an asset."

Northam and Gillespie are scheduled to appear at Virginia Union University Thursday night for an NAACP forum focused on issues of importance to African-American communities.
 Palestinian Terrorist Group Runs for German Parliament | Main | Haaretz English Edition Conjures Palestinian 'Political Prisoners' 

September 06, 2017

After UCI Sanctions for SJP, LA Times Gives Voice Only to Those Who Drowned Out Other Voices

On May 10, Students for Justice in Palestine disrupted a pro-Israel event at UC Irvine with hateful shouting and vitriolic chants, preventing IDF reservists from continuing with the panel until the group left. As a result, the campus administration slapped SJP with a two-year probation and affirmed the university's commitment to "protect everyones right to express themselves without disruption."

Meanwhile, a Los Angeles Times article about the university's decision to sanction the group for its attempts to drown out others' voices in violation of university policy gave voice to only one side: Students for Justice in Palestine.

The one-sided Sept. 4 article (online only) entitled "Pro-Palestinian UCI students appeal sanctions after Israeli event protest" dedicated three out of seven paragraphs to statements provided by SJP. It reported:





In a statement, representatives for the group said that their clapping and chanting at the event -- sponsored by Students Supporting Israel -- was in response to aggressive behavior by a member of the soldiers' group.



"It's outrageous that the university is punishing us, students, instead of protecting us from aggressive foreign military agents on campus," Daniel Carnie, a Jewish UCI students, said in a statement. "We're a diverse group of Palestinian, black, Latino and Jewish students who attended the soldiers' speaking event and asked critical questions." . . .



Students for Justice in Palestine said its members have been harassed and cyber-bullied since the event; the group said it has filed a discrimination complaint.

In contrast, Los Angeles Times reporter Hillary Davis devoted not one sentence to panelists representing Reservists on Duty, or to representatives from Students Supporting Israel, which hosted the event. Nor did she convey the views of pro-Israel students who attended. Had she done so, she might have spoken with panelist Jonathan Elkhoury, an Israeli Arab from Reservists on Duty, who reported to CAMERA:





We were yelled and cursed at, and one of our female delegation participants was spat on by an SJP member. They came to our event to shut it down, an SJP representative said it herself while yelling into a microphone the next day. We had to have them escort us off campus because the SJP students made it impossible for us to leave the class safely.

[Full disclosure: CAMERA has brought Elkhoury on campus tours in the past. Also, CAMERA joined up with other several other organizations to urge the university to take action against SJP.]

Moreover, Davis failed to give readers any information about the nature of the vitriolic chanting by SJP members. Plenty of video documentation of the disruption is available exposing the ugliness of the SJP's chants ("These colonizers and occupiers! You should not be on our f****** campus"; . . . "F*** you!" . . . "Israel, Israel you can't hide, we charge you with genocide!" . . . "Long live the intifada!" . . . "Israel, Israel what you say? How many people did you kill today?")

CAMERA has contacted The Times, urging editors to add comment from representatives from Reservists on Duty, from Students Supporting Israel and/or pro-Israel students who were subjected to the hateful SJP demonstration. CAMERA also called on The Los Angeles Times to add video of the demonstration, enabling readers to decide for themselves who exactly engaged in "aggressive behavior."

Sept. 10: LA Times Runs One-Sided Article in Print Publication

As of this writing, The Los Angeles Times has failed to add in any comment or information from the pro-Israel side and has not added video of the disruption to the Web article. Moreover, on Friday, The Los Angeles Times ran the one-sided article in the print paper, once again completely omitting any comment from the pro-Israel groups or students. The incredibly misleading print headline was: "UCI group fights discipline; University punished students who spoke out at event featuring Israeli veterans."

Posted by TS at September 6, 2017 01:50 AM

The LA Times may have a new EIC, but they have maintained their old EIC's hatred for Israel.

Posted by: Asher Garber at September 6, 2017 07:42 AM

It isn't only that they are demonstrating racist bigotry but they haven't a clue it is wrong. A reason being American regressive liberal socialists voting DNC, to include radical Rabbis, have no shame and why should they when they are receiving open support from the DNC? The most fascinating aspect as these volatile bigots shout hate and take selfies of themselves doing it. In less than a single generation the DNC has gone from being the party of the KKK and white supremacy to being the party of minority racist bigotry.

And they are providing the nails for the coffin of any right of return. There are no moderate Palestinians, revolutionary, secularists compatible with lefty atheists and agnostics, the radical strain of Islam has shed its sheep's clothing and the radical left continues to believe they are not merely donkeys carrying water for the Islamists.

Posted by: jeb at September 10, 2017 07:32 AM

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Mumbai: Eva, the chatbot built for the second largest private sector lender HDFC Bank, has addressed 2.7 million customer queries in the last six months, its makers said on Wednesday.

Claiming that this makes it the largest banking chatbot, Senseforth AI Research said over 5.3 lakh unique visitors on the bank website have had 1.2 million

conversations.

"The endeavour is to leverage on new technologies like AI to serve customers better through our chatbot," the bank's group head for digital banking Nitin Chugh said.
Mumbai: Budget carrier IndiGo wants to go global is no more a hidden secret at least for the industry watchers, and to turn that dream into a reality the airline is trying each and every option on the table.

IndiGo's parent InterGlobe Aviation has already revealed that it wants to buy Air India's international operations, as it does not want to fly in rough weather by bidding for the entire stake. Air India is still to get a buyer for its divestment.

However, the idea has still not seen the light of the day as the government is moving forward in smaller steps as far as the divestment of Air India is concerned. Air India is among the many ailing public sector undertakings with an estimated debt of Rs 50,000 crore. The erstwhile UPA government had extended a bailout package of Rs 30,000 crore to keep the airline afloat.

On Wednesday, Mint reported that IndiGo may go in for a stake buy in Jet Airways and can also pump in money into Jet if it fails to bid in Air India divestment, according to a person briefed on the airlines strategy. The airline has indicated it will not hesitate from buying new planes to realise its international goals.

Billionaires Rahul Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal, two well-known aviation entrepreneurs, run the low-cost carrier. The duo was first to dispatch a request to the government which showed their keen interest in buying an Air India share.

Going forward, IndiGo may effect a reshuffle of its top management and bring in new faces with standard skills to steer the bigger ship, Mint cited a person familiar with the development. It may be noted that new Foreign Direct Investment rules for aviation make room for a 49 per cent stake for a foreign carrier. However, this rule does not apply to Air India.
Infosys spokesperson said the delay was on account of non-availability of dates of some board members and holidays.

New Delhi: Infosys, which witnessed months of acrimony between founders and former board members, has delayed announcement of its July-September quarter earnings by almost two weeks to October 24.

Large Indian IT firms like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services usually announce their results in the first fortnight after the closure of the quarter under review. Infosys on Tuesday notified stock exchanges that its board will meet on October 23-24 to consider the financial results and payment of interim dividend for the September 2017 quarter.

Also, Infosys will hold investor/analyst calls on October 24 to discuss the financial results and business outlook, the notice said. This will be first earnings announcement after Vishal Sikka and R Seshsayee quit Infosys, making way for co-founder Nandan Nilekani to return as non-Executive Chairman on August 24.

When contacted, an Infosys spokesperson said the delay was on account of non-availability of dates of some board members and holidays in the following week for Diwali. Infosys' larger rival, TCS is slated to announce its September quarter results on October 12 while Wipro numbers are due on October 17.

Once considered a bellwether, Infosys went through a crisis in the past few months involving founders and former board members clashing over issues, including allegations of poor governance, ex-CFO being paid large severance as "hush money" and alleged irregularities in Panaya acquisition.

Sikka, who was brought into Infosys by co-founder N R Narayana Murthy, quit on August 18 citing slander. The Infosys board -- which was headed by Seshasayee at that point -- then accused Murthy of running a "misguided" campaign and held him responsible for Sikka's resignation.

However, a week later on August 24, Seshasayee as well as three other directors quit the board, giving in to Murthy's demand for Seshasayee and other board members to resign.
Some of the outlets of McDonald's run by CPRL, franchisee of the US fast food chain for north and east India, continued to function on Wednesday despite termination of license.

New Delhi: Some of the outlets of McDonald's run by CPRL, franchisee of the US fast food chain for north and east India, continued to function on Wednesday amid uncertainty over the future of 169 such restaurants following the cancellation of licence.

On August 21, McDonald's India had terminated franchise agreement for 169 outlets run by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd (CPRL) alleging breach of contract terms and payment default.

It had given a 15-days notice to CPRL -- a 50:50 joint venture between the company and its estranged partner Vikram Bakshi, -- to stop using its brand and associated intellectual property following termination of license. The notice expired on Tuesday.

However, PTI correspondent found the outlet of the chain at the international airport here operating in full swing. It has also been confirmed that outlets of the fast food chain in parts of South Delhi and Gurugram operated during the day.

As many as 43 outlets of the fast food chain have been closed already in the Capital since June, following the expiry of eating house licence.

Meanwhile, during the day the board of CPRL met with NCLT-appointed administrator Justice G S Singhvi presiding the meeting to decide future course of action.

When contacted, Bakhsi said: "Our appeal in front of NCLAT is to be heard tomorrow. The administrator on the board of CPRL in the board meeting today has asked both sides to await NCLAT's decision tomorrow."

A McDonald's India spokesperson said: "We are looking to take steps to exercise our legal and contractual rights to enforce the termination."

The spokesperson had stated yesterday that CPRL was no longer authorised to use the McDonald's system and its intellectual property after the expiry of the termination

notice.

In another development, Bakshi claimed he has been elected again as Managing Director of CPRL by Justice GS Singhvi. "Whilst the NCLT had restored my position as MD from August 6 2013, in the board meeting today I have been elected as MD again for further period," Bakshi said.

However, appellate tribunal (NCLAT) on Wednesday denied any interim relief to Bakshi on his plea seeking a stay on the termination of franchise agreement.

The tribunal has listed the matter for hearing on Thursday.

The National Company Law tribunal (NCLT) on Tuesday dismissed a plea by Bakshi challenging termination of the franchise licence asking him to seek relief from the appellate tribunal where the matter is already pending.

McDonald's and Bakshi have been fighting over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of managing director of the joint venture company in 2013.

The US food giant has another franchise agreement with Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, which operates 261 McDonald's outlets in western and southern India.
Infosys will be delaying its Q2 results in October after Vishal Sikka's exit as CEO and MD. Photo: PTI

Mumbai: After the high-profile exit of its CEO Vishal Sikka, Infosys on Tuesday said it will announce the financial results for second quarter ending September 30, 2017 on October 24.

This is a departure from its tradition of announcing the results in first week of October. According to a report in the Financial Express, Infosys said A meeting of the board of directors of the company will be held on October 23 and October 24 to consider the audited consolidated financial results of the company and its subsidiaries.

Moreover, this will be the first quarter results announcement after Sikkas controversial exit and the return of co-founder Nandan Nilekani to the companys helm.

Nilekani, who was roped in by the board to steer the company out of crisis, had earlier said that the board is likely to brainstorm and announce its strategy in the October announcement. The board has also tasked its committee of directors to work with the CEO and management to review and refresh the companys strategy by October, he had said.

Vishal Sikka stepped down from his position as CEO and MD, citing malicious, personal attacks and the Infosys board rushed to his defense by blaming co-founder Narayana Murthy for his continuous assaults against Sikka.

Murthy had been criticising the companys management in the event of a global IT job crunch. Among other issues, he had spoken out against Sikkas pay package, severance packages of various top bosses and the Panaya investigation.

Sikkas resignation led to a corporate crisis in Infosys and a good deal of blame game ensued till Nilekani joined and stressed on the need for maintaining a good relationship with co-founder Narayana Murthy.

Meanwhile, Nilekani, along with the company board, is also hunting for a new CEO to lead the tech giant.
Hoteliers in Mumbai, who passed on the new GST rates to consumers, have experienced an 80 per cent drop in home delivery orders.

Mumbai: Hoteliers in Mumbai, who passed on the new GST rates to consumers, have experienced an 80 per cent drop in home delivery orders.

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, some hotel owners have been passing on the increase in tax after GST to consumers, despite the state government warning them not to.

Under the new Goods and Services Tax regime, eating out in AC restaurants attracts 18 per cent tax, while eating out in non-AC hotels attracts 12 per cent tax. Customers have been placing fewer orders as they now have to pay the same tax, irrespective of where they eat the food.

When questioned about the state government advisory asking them not to pass on the increase in tax to customers, hoteliers said it was their only option, given the rise in input cost.

Kamlesh Barot, director, Vie Hospitality, which runs the Revival Group of Hotels, said, From 15-20 orders a day, we are now down to 5. In most cases, customers cancel the order on delivery seeing the GST. The whole preparation is wasted when that happens.

Hoteliers are urging the government to bring down the rate for delivery of food to 12 per cent.
The government has given smartphone companies time till September 12 to furnish full details of procedures adopted by them to ensure data security, a senior IT Ministry official said on Wednesday. (Representational Image)

New Delhi: The government has given smartphone companies time till September 12 to furnish full details of procedures adopted by them to ensure data security, a senior IT Ministry official said on Wednesday.

Nearly 24 of the total 36 smartphone companies that were approached for the information have sent their responses to the government, and the same is being examined, the official said.

The extension has been granted to the rest to ensure that they have adequate time to furnish detailed responses. "The idea is to ensure that companies are following the requisite security practices and, if they need a few more days to provide the responses then there is no harm (in giving a few days to them)," said the IT Ministry official who did not wish to be named.

Standardisation, Testing and Quality Certification (STQC), a body under the Ministry of IT and Electronics, is being asked to "look into" the responses that have come in so far.

More information could be sought in those cases where the responses are not adequate, the official added.

Last month, the IT Ministry wrote to various smartphone companies asking them to outline the framework and procedures adopted by them to safeguard the data of consumers.

Leading phone makers including leading Chinese brands like Vivo, Oppo, Xiaomi and Gionee were asked to give "detailed, structured written responses" on how they secure data and ensure its safety and security.

Other companies that were asked to furnish data security related information were Apple, Samsung, as well as Indian players.

The IT ministry had cited international and domestic reports about data leaks from mobile phones, and had said devices and preloaded software and apps will be under scrutiny in the first phase.

Based on the response of the companies, the Ministry will initiate verification and audit of devices where required. It has also warned of penalties under provisions of IT Act 43 (A) in case stipulated processes were not being followed.

The objective of the entire exercise is to ensure that required data security measures are being taken with regard to hardware and software in mobile phones.
Mumbai: The value of shares pledged by the promoters of BSE-listed companies in the country marginally declined to Rs 2.61 lakh crore at the end of August compared to the preceding month.

The value of pledged shares stood at Rs 2.64 lakh crore at the end of July 2017. According to data provided by BSE, till August this year, pledging of shares was seen in as many as 3,062 of the 5,100 BSE-listed companies.

Share pledging is typically done by promoters to raise funds either in the same company or for financing other projects. High pledging levels are typically not considered a good sign by the investors as a downturn in the market price can

lead to invocation and change in management.

Promoters of as many as 466 companies pledged upto 30 per cent of their respective holdings, while 143 firms saw 30-50 per cent of the promoter's holding being pledged, in August. Further, there were some 86 companies in which 50-75 per cent of the promoter's holding was under pledged.
Mumbai: Kangana Ranaut is in every essence of the term, a self-made woman. The actress, who made a sensational debut in Anurag Basus unconventional 2005 directorial Gangster, has had a mercurial rise in the industry, much courtesy to her impeccable script sense, choice of characters, and most importantly, her incredible talent.

Three National awards down the line, films sell on her name alone. And her upcoming film, the Hansal Mehta helmed Simran, is no different, with its trailer already sending fans and admirers into a frenzy.

Here are five reasons why you should watch the very exciting project on September 15:

1. Hansal Mehta, largely acknowledged tobe one of Bollywoods better directors, last helmed the immensely appreciated Aligarh, which had starred Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao in the lead roles. This film marks his maiden collaboration with Kangana, a very enticing prospect for the average cinephile.

2. Kangana Ranaut plays a divorcee based out of the country. Kangana Ranaut plays a quirky Gujarati divorcee based out of the country. Kangana Ranaut plays a kleptomaniac quirky Gujarati divorcee based out of the country. Could there a better written character for this maverick actress! The actress reportedly plays a character based on Sandeep Kaur, whod been convicted for a few robberies in the US.

3. Kangana, whos done a screenwriting course in the US, has co-written the script alongside Apurva Asrani, had come under the scanner when the latter accused her of stealing his limelight and credits. However, Kangana and Hansal had stood their ground reiterating that the script had been a collaborative attempt between the two. Kangana, who has been quite vocal about her intentions to turn director, will be foraying into an alternate aspect of filmmaking with this project, adding another feather in her cap.

4. The biggest turning point in Kanganas career had been her turn as the achingly affable bride, who ventures on a solo honeymoon trip after her groom dumps her at the eleventh hour. Her turn had been so appreciated that it fetched her her second national award, and her first for Best Actress. While parallels have been drawn between the two films courtesy the two characters perceived innocuousness, the films couldnt have been more diametrically dissimilar. However, thats all the more reason to go for Simran, since who wouldnt want to adore an amiably naive Kangana!

5. Kangana Ranaut had a grand release this year in Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Rangoon,' which had her co-starring Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. However, the film failed to make a mark at the box-office. Fans are earnestly waiting for her next outing, well aware of her potential to bounce right back in the most grandiose of fashion!
Mumbai: Salman Khan will fly off to Dubai on September 7 to inaugurate Belhasa Driving Centres latest branch in AL Quoz, reports Gulf News. The ceremony is a private invite-only and will take place in the evening.

Apart from Salman, UAE based social media personality, Rashid Belhasa, son of managing director Saif Ahmad Belhasa, will also be present at the ceremony.

The Belhasa Driving Centre will be the companys fifth branch and also the biggest one in the Middle East, according to reports. The facility will include in-house eye testing, a cafeteria, VIP training facilities in Range Rover and Mercedes vehicles, as well as a training department dedicated to women.
New York: Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Murray Lerner, who captured Bob Dylan going electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival and preserved legendary music acts like Jimi Hendrix and Leonard Cohen forever on film, has died, said his son, Noah. He was 90.

Lerner died Sunday in New York City, his son said.

The filmmaker earned an Oscar nomination in 1967 for "Festival," his examination of the Newport Folk Festival, and won the best documentary statuette in 1981 for "From Mao to Mozart," which followed violinist Isaac Stern in China. In 2009, he received a Grammy nomination for "Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who."

Lerner also was the filmmaker behind the 3D film "Magic Journeys" at Walt Disney's EPCOT center in Florida as well as the 1978 influential 3D film "Sea Dream," considered a classic of stereoscopic cinema.

Lerner graduated from Harvard University in 1948, and one of his first films was "Secrets of the Reef" in 1956, voted one of the year's 10 best films by Time magazine. He made documentaries about the Moody Blues, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Jethro Tull and others, often returning to the same festival footage to craft new films.

"Festival" was his second film, capturing Dylan as he cemented his reputation within the folk music community with his first appearance at the prestigious Newport Folk Festival in 1963 and then dividing his audience when he appeared with an electric rock band at the same festival in 1965. Lerner revisited some of that footage years later with "The Other Side of the Mirror: Live at the Newport Folk Festival 1963-1965."

"I tried to make music with the camera, to have the camera be a participant of the action," he told the Boston Herald in 2002. "The camera isn't just a fly on the wall. My theory is that the only valid truth is the interaction between object and subject."

His other films include "Jimi Hendrix at the Isle of Wight" in 1991 and "Message to Love: The Isle of Wight Festival" in 1996. Lerner's last film was "Taste: What's Going On" in 2015, and he was working on a new film about Joni Mitchell at the Isle of Wight festival.
Bangkok: Thailand is offering a free course to help Thai women cope with the highs and lows of interracial marriage and avoid potential scams or falling victim to human trafficking when moving abroad.

As Thai society becomes more accepting of interracial marriages, some women view them as a way to better their economic status, the social development ministry says. Our course will teach women how to conduct themselves, about the laws of their destination country, and how to prepare before going, said senior ministry official Patcharee Arayakul.

This is to reduce the risks of women being scammed or being a victim of human trafficking, added Patcharee, who is the director of the ministrys division of gender equality.

Although there is no recent data on such marriages, a 2004 government study showed more than 15,000 women from one of the poorest regions, northeastern Isan, had married foreign men, and sent a monthly total of 122 million baht to their families.

The course covers legal rights, how to seek help through relevant Thai authorities, as well as exploring issues of culture shock, said Dusadee Ayuwat, an associate professor at Khon Kaen University who helped to design it.

The practical advice was very useful, said one woman who attended the day-long course, paid for by the ministry. I was more interested in the legal aspects rather than the culture shock, said the woman, who declined to be named.

The course could be useful for some Thai women, said Ploynisa Duangdararungrueng, a former spa manager who is married to German national Ralf Wacker. Thai women, especially those from the northeast region, are soft-spoken and submissive, she said. They must learn to respect themselves and their culture.

Her husband said the course could prepare women for the reality of life in the West. For a lot of women, life in the West is like a fairy tale, but in reality it can feel extremely isolating moving to a small town, said Wacker who urged Thailand to offer a similar course for Western spouses. If the Western man does not understand the family dynamics, this can cause a lot of problems.
Rocky Yadav at Gaya court after being convicted in the Aditya Sachdeva murder case on Thursday. (Photo: PTI)

Patna: The Gaya district court on Thursday found suspended JD(U) MLC Manorama Devis son, Rocky Yadav, guilty of murdering a teenaged student Aditya Sachdeva. Three others have also been found guilty in the case.

Additional district Judge Sachchidanad Singh passed the order holding Rakesh Kumar Ranjan alias Rocky, his father Bindi Yadav, cousin Teni Yadav and his mothers security guard Rajesh Kumar as guilty under various Sections of the IPC.

The quantum of the punishment will be pronounced by the court on September 6.

Rocky Yadav had shot and killed Aditya Sachdeva for overtaking his SUV on the outskirts of Gaya on May 7 last year. According to police reports Aditya and four of his friends were returning home from Bodh Gaya when the incident occurred.

Sources said the autopsy report of Aditya confirmed that his vertebrae were found fractured and he died due to brain injury.

Police investigating the case later found that the bullet which killed Aditya was fired from Rockys pistol.

The entire family is now eagerly waiting for the court to announce the quantum of punishment in the case. We are satisfied that the court has convicted Rocky Yadav of murdering my son, Adityas mother Chand Sachdeva told reporters in Gaya.

Rocky Yadav had surrendered in the court on October 29 last year, a day after the Supreme Court stayed the bail granted to him by the Patna HC.

His mother Manorama Devi was suspended from the JD(U) for misleading police during the investigation.
The advertisements promise to end marital discord or girl/boyfriend problems, recoup business losses, improve health and solve education related problems etc. All these wonders will be effected by the babas spiritual powers, claim the advertisements. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: Advertisements of miracle cures performed by phony babas have once again surfaced in trains and buses even though the police says that they are regularly cracking down on these fraudsters.

The advertisements promise to end marital discord or girl/boyfriend problems, recoup business losses, improve health and solve education related problems etc. All these wonders will be effected by the babas spiritual powers, claim the advertisements.

In the last three years, the south zone police have arrested at least 30 such fraudsters for cheating women by promising to help them get rid of their problems.

Some were arrested on the even more serious charge of sexually assaulting women.

Still, the problem has not come to an end. The minute the police launches a crackdown, the fake babas stop their activities and resume them later. A special team should be formed to monitor these social issues in south zone, says S.Q. Masood, a social activist.

There is no end to the number of fake spiritual leaders cheating and duping people into believing they have supernatural powers.

They place advertisements on local cable channels and in public places. These are the new set of babas who settle down in a particular locality with an eye on the money they can make, says Asma Parveen, a womens rights activist.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) V Satyanarayana says that following repeated crackdowns, the menace has come down substantially.

We arrested several fake babas for cheating people and registered cases against them. In some instances, where the public did not approach us, we collected information on our own and raided the places, says Mr Satyanarayana.

The police invoke Section 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code and also the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954.

But crime lawyer M.A. Azeem says that suo motu cases (where a government agency acts on its own cognisance) do not stand scrutiny in a court of law.

Moreover, under these sections, the respondent easily obtains bail, he said.

Another social activist points out that though a number of fake babas have been caught, there have been hardly any convictions.
Mysuru BJP MP Pratap Simha being arrested during the Mangaluru Chalo rally organised by the BJP in the city on Tuesday. (below) Former Deputy CM R. Ashok was also arrested during the protest against the ban on the bike rally

Bengaluru/Hubballi: A "Chalo Mangaluru" motorbike rally by members of BJP Yuva Morcha to press for a ban on PFI was foiled by local police officers triggering violence in many places in the state on Tuesday.

In all, 4547 people were detained by police officers as members of the Yuva Morcha attempted to participate in the rally despite denial of permission by the local administration. Sensing a law and order problem, the state government denied permission to BJP workers to participate in the rally.

R. Ashok

In Bengaluru, members of the Yuva Morcha turned violent when police officers were about to arrest leaders, resulting in a fist fight with police. The rally was headed by BJP leader and former deputy chief minister R.Ashok, and MPs, Shobha Karandlaje and Pratap Simha. All the leaders and party workers were forcibly evicted from the spot and driven away to CAR grounds in Adugodi, Koramangala.

Udupi-Chikamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje expressed her anger against the state government in general and police personal in particular. It was alleged that while arresting her, police forcibly took her into the bus, resulting in an injury to her hand.

Aravind Reddy, secretary of the state unit of BJP Yuva Morcha, sustained a fracture in the melee which occurred when policemen attempted to evict him from Freedom Park. He was subsequently admitted to a local hospital.

Meanwhile police officers blamed a few BJP leaders, including Mr Pratap Simha, who manhandled policemen in plain clothes.

Following the arrest of party top leaders at Freedom Park in the city, party workers were confused whether to move forward or call off the rally. At the same time police have towed more than 100 bikes parked at Freedom park, party cadre left behind their bikes fearing that police would slap false cases against them. Workers rushed to nearby traffic police stations to collect their bikes.

Across the state, 2543 bikes entered the streets for "Chalo Mangaluru" rally. In Hubballi, police arrested former chief minister Jagadish Shettar and Hubballi-Dharwad MP Prahlad Joshi.

Hubballi: Bid to torch buses

Despite security being beefed up in the city in the wake of the motorbike rally by BJP workers, some miscreants tried to torch two KSRTC buses in different localities here on Tuesday.

Four people arrived on two bikes, barged into a local bus at Ravi Nagar and threw petrol on the bus after forcing the passengers to get down. They fled from the scene immediately after setting the bus on fire. However, the passengers and residents managed to extinguish the fire before the entire bus was in flames.

Police officials said that the miscreants, who were wearing masks, fled the spot after sensing that CCTV cameras were installed at the venue. They also damaged the window panes of the bus by pelting stone before setting it on fire.

Gokul road police inspector M G Matapathi said that a team has launched a search operation for the miscreants after studying CCTV camera footage. In another incident, miscreants tried to burn a local bus in Nekar Nagar. But, they escaped from the venue without causing

Mysuru BJP firm on rally despite Sec 144

As many as 1000 BJP members are planning to go on a mangaluru Chalo bike rally condemning the death of pro -Hindutva activists, from the North gate of Mysuru Palace near Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple via Hunsur, Periyapatna and Kushalnagar to Mangaluru on Wednesday.

But Mysuru city police commissioner Dr A Subramanyeswara Rao has passed prohibitory orders under section 144 for 48 hours from Wednesday morning, restricting the rally in Mysuru city. "The decision is to maintain law and order and in the interest of the general public, tourists and school children. Those who violate it will be arrested," he said. Mysuru incharge minister Dr H.C. Mahadevappa said, "every citizen has the right under the Constitution to protest, but it should be within the legal framework. The decision on the bike rally is left to the discretion of the police."

But BJP MP Mr Pratap Simha said that they would drop the rally only if the state government bans KFD and PFI.
It was by far the largest size presented to us or reported literature. It was 10 cm, extending from neck to base of skull completely encircling the blood vessels that supply blood to neck and brain. Its positioning was such that a wrong surgery could lead to a permanent damage or stroke, explained Dr Vishal. (Representational image)

Bengaluru: The Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology has an interesting submission made in the field of carotid body tumour surgery. City based oncologist Dr U.S. Vishal Rao, a head and neck surgeon at HCG, recently operated a 38-year-old patient from Tumakuru district who was suffering from a rare carotid body tumour.

Apart from its peculiarity, the tumour was also the largest size ever presented to the oncologist.

It was by far the largest size presented to us or reported literature. It was 10 cm, extending from neck to base of skull completely encircling the blood vessels that supply blood to neck and brain. Its positioning was such that a wrong surgery could lead to a permanent damage or stroke, explained Dr Vishal. A case which is more commonly seen among mountaineers for lack of oxygen, however, affected the patient for unknown reasons. The patient had, however, walked in for surgery, not at the onset but had waited for some 2-3 years assuming it to settle down.

In his case though the tumour had rapidly increased in size and touched the base of the skull. That's when he got alarmed," the doctor added. Since the patient was covered under the ESI scheme, the doctors from ESI hospital had also come to observe the surgery. The doctors had various techniques to perform the surgery and, among them, the common technique is to dissect the carotid body tumour to address the external carotid artery at the initial steps of the surgery.

The dissection is usually initiated from the common carotid artery, and then, the tumour is dissected off the external carotid artery. The internal carotid artery is dissected towards the final step after the external carotid artery is freed of a tumour.

However, we went ahead with the technique which is considered difficult but is more fruitful. We started with internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection. It saves time and the surgery gets faster, added Dr Vishal.
Bengaluru: BJP state President B.S.Yeddyurappa has welcomed the Apex Court verdict ordering a CBI probe into DySP M.K. Ganapathys suicide case.

The former CM also demanded the resignation of Bengaluru Development minister K.J. George, who was accused of driving the police officer to commit suicide.

" I welcome the decision of the Supreme Court. For conducting an impartial inquiry, minister K.J. George should resign, if he is not willing to step down, Chief Minister Siddaramiah must dismiss him immediately. Also the chief minister must suspend senior police officials, A.M. Prasad and Pronab Mohanty, who allegedly harassed Ganapathy", Mr Yeddyurappa said.

"The BJP stand has been vindicated following the order of the Supreme Court. Since his mysterious death, we have been demanding a CBI inquiry and dismissal of Mr George. We strongly suspect that Ganapathy committed suicide due to pressure from Mr George and senior police officials", Mr. Yeddyurappa remarked.

"Ganapathy has named Mr George and additional DGP, A.M. Prasad and Lokayukta IGP Pronab Mohanty, in the death note. However, the CID had given a clean chit to the minister and the concerned police officials. We had also given proof that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has been tampered with by the CID to give a clean chit to Mr George", said Mr. Yeddyurappa.

The former CM also announced that the BJP will wait for two days for a positive reaction from the state government .

"If our demands are not met, we will launch a state-wide agitation and a protest against the Congress government", Mr Yeddyurappa warned.

Family: Finally, we will get justice

Family members of former DySP M.K. Ganapathy were a relieved lot after the top court ordered a CBI probe 14 months after his body was found hanging at a lodge in Madikeri, Kodagu.

Maachaiah, brother of Ganapathy said, "We do not have enmity with anybody, neither the government nor anyone else. Ganapathy was honest throughout his career. He would not have taken a decision to kill himself. If at all he had committed suicide, what was the reason, who were behind it? And we wanted to know what kind of harassment he faced and from whom, to take such a decision to end his life. I am sure we will get all answers with the CBI probe ordered. This is not a victory yet, but the Supreme Court's order has brought us new hope. The CID investigation lost its direction at the very beginning. Initially, though CID officers opined that there was a conspiracy, later they submitted a B Report. So our father, 76-year-old Kushalappa filed a case in the Supreme Court. Jayanth Bhushan brother of Prashanth Bhushan fought the case in the top court.

The body of Ganapathy was found hanging at Vinayaka lodge in Madikeri on 7th July 2016. Prior to his death, he gave an interview to the electronic media in which he accused former minister K.J. George and two senior police officers Pranab Mohanthy and A.M. Prasad.
Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said that India should be prepared for a two-front war against China on the North and Pakistan on the West. (Photo: PTI/File)

New Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said that India should be prepared for a two-front war against China on the North and Pakistan on the West.

Speaking about China, India's Northern adversary, Rawat said that flexing of muscles has started, according to a report in NDTV.

Salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, testing our limits or threshold is something we have to be wary about. Remain prepared for situations that are emerging gradually into conflict," he said.

Rawat said that a war with China could expand along the borders with the Western adversary, i.e. Pakistan.

"Whether these conflicts will be limited and confined in space and time, or whether these can expand into an all-out war along the entire front with the Western adversary (Pakistan) taking advantage of the situation developing on the Northern border is very much likely," he said.

Rawats statement comes days after the standoff between India and China in Doklam in Bhutanese territory ended.

After tensions between the two countries ceased along the border, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a visit to China for a BRICS Summit, held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders had underlined the necessity of peace and tranquility at border areas.

Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control seem nowhere close to an end. It has been running high since the terrorist attack in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district in September last year.
New Delhi: The BJPs spin doctors are in a dilemma over the Gujarat special SIT court summons for BJP chief Amit Shah to appear as a defence witness for Maya Kodnani, former BJP leader and minister convicted of organising the biggest massacre in the 2002 Gujarat riots.

While the court has given Kodnani time till Friday to get Mr Shah to testify in her favour, she told the media in Gujarat that she cannot reach the BJP president.

Saffron strategists are against Mr Shah getting involved in the issue. They feel that Mr Shah appearing as a witness in favour of Kodnani could give rise to a major controversy and theres a possibility of the ghost of the 2002 riots returning to haunt the party before the crucial Assembly polls.

The issue of Gujarat communal carnage, they say, has died down and must not be touched.

In 2012, Maya Kodnani was convicted of murder and sentenced to 28 years in prison for her role in the riots in Naroda Patiya, a suburb of Ahmedabad, where 100 Muslims were killed.

BJP feels Talaq advantage may be dented

She has also been accused of murder in the riots that took place on the same day, February 28, 2002, next door in Naroda Gram, where 11 Muslims were killed.

It is in this case that she wants Mr Shah to testify on her behalf.

While Mr Shahs testimony is apparently crucial for Kodnani, BJP strategists say that the party chiefs involvement in the issue before the Gujarat polls would not send the right signal.

The party believes that the top courts order banning triple talaq has gone in its favour and it is all set to get the support of Muslim women.

The advantage we gained on the triple talaq issue might be dented if we get involved in Gujarat riot cases, a senior party functionary said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns on the tap at the launch of Phase-1 of Mission Bhagiratha to supply drinking water to villages in Gajwel. (Photo: File)

Hyderabad: Officials are worried about the repayment of loans for the largest drinking water project in the state, Mission Bhagiratha. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 43,791 crore.

In a period of nine months, the government has taken loans to the tune of Rs 36,000 crore from 16 commercial banks, in addition to Hudco and Nabard.

After commencement of the project, the government will have to shell out about Rs 400 crore per month as repayment of the loans and interest.

The officials, however, doubt this can be done given the poor collection of taxes in urban local bodies  including the GHMC  which will be the principal source of revenue to repay the loan.

To aim of the project is to provide safe, adequate, sustainable and treated surface drinking water by drawing it from the rivers Krishna and Godavari and major reservoirs.





The Central government, under the National water quality submission programme, sanctioned Rs 1595.14 crore, of which its share is Rs 797.57 crore and the state governments share is Rs 797.57 crore.

By the time the project is completed, the total loan amount will likely be about Rs 40,000 crore. Loan repayment starts after the project is completed.

The officials have estimated that the state government has to pay around `4,800 crore per year towards interest and principal amount. That means the state government has to pay `400 crore per month.

The state government expects to get the revenue from supply of water to urban local bodies, gram panchayats and industries. However, officials have expressed doubts about whether the Rs 400 crore per month can be met through these water charges.

They have estimated that Rs 1,000 crore will be required per year for the operation of this project. At present, the urban local bodies are not able to collect 100 per cent taxes and the arrears run into thousands of crores of rupees in urban local bodies.

Given this experience, officials say it may just not be possible to generate adequate revenue from this source and the government will have to pay from its own resources.

A senior IAS officer said that in the long run the project will become a burden on the state exchequer.

Some 235 MW of power is required to run the project. The government is planning to generate solar power at headwork sites to ensure that the power requirement is met.
Mumbai: Activists, politicians and journalists all over India united in grief on Wednesday over the murder of editor and outspoken critic of Hindutva politics Gauri Lankesh, demanding a full investigation into her horrible murder on Tuesday evening.

The 55-year-old was shot dead by three unknown gunmen as she was entering her home in Bengaluru late Tuesday. Police found Gauri dead on her front porch. No arrests have been made yet.

State funeral was given to Lankesh.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pays last tributes to the mortal ramains of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

The Editors Guild of India said her death was "an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on the freedom of the press", calling for a swift and thorough investigation.

Lankesh was a target of right-wing trolling on social media and had complained of facing "rabid hate" that made her fear for free speech in India.

Protests erupted across Bengaluru city, condemning the "cold blooded murder" of journalist and activist Lankesh.

Freedom fighter H S Doreswamy, 99, led a protest at the Town Hall, where hundreds of people turned up to condole the death and express their anger at the murder. (Photo: PTI)

Journalists took out a march from the Press Club to the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking immediate action to bring the culprits to book.

"We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media," the memorandum said.

Condemning the killing, Press Club of Bengaluru president Sadashiva Shenoy said he was closely associated with Gauri Lankesh and was at loss of words to condole her death.

"Divisive forces cannot muzzle the liberal voices by resorting to killing," Shenoy said.

He said the Press Club of Bengaluru will form a committee to mount pressure on the government for speedy investigation.

"We demand that a judicial committee be constituted, headed by a sitting High Court judge, to probe the brutal killing," Shenoy said.

Freedom fighter HS Doreswamy, 99, led a protest at the Town Hall, where hundreds of people turned up to condole the death and express their anger at the murder.

The body of Gauri Lankesh was kept at the Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru where mourners paid their last respects.

Mourners stand next to a portrait of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh during the public viewing of her body in Bangalore. (Photo: AP)

In Delhi, prominent journalists gathered at the Press Club and demanded justice amid a call for standing up to "forces" trying to the "muzzle" the voices of dissent.

Author and senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta termed Tuesday's killing of Lankesh in Bengaluru as "a defining moment" in the history of Indian media.

"We are seeing the space for free-thinking shrinking. They want to silence the people who want to hold truth to power. We cannot remain silent, because that is what they want. Don't keep quiet. That would be their success," he said.

The Press Club of India (PCI) had on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing, saying, A fearless and independent journalist who gave voice to many causes and always stood up for justice has been shot dead in the most brutal manner in order to silence her voice."

Senior journalist Manini Chatterjee said, "Regardless of legislative majority, certain rights should be inviolable."

The Club has demanded the attackers be identified and brought to book in a swift manner.

"What is wrong in being a journalist and also an activist or vice-versa," Thakurta asked.

"There was a criminal defamation case against Lankesh. Why was Gauri targeted for the same story that was published by several others? At this defining moment in the right to free speech, we cannot forget Gauri, if we do, their objective would be served," he said.

Meanwhile, the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) also staged a protest at the Jantar Mantar.

The Delhi unit of the forum said the killing of senior Kannada journalist was an example of "politics of intolerance".

The KUWJ also said it is an "attempt" to muzzle the voices of criticisms. "She was not only a journalist but a social activist who shared the concerns of the society. This murder is similar to the killings of M M Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare," KUWJ said in a statement.

The media in Hyderabad demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. Under the aegis of Press Club Hyderabad, a group of journalists raised slogans condemning Lankesh's killing.

Holding placards that read: 'I AM ALSO GAURI', 'You cannot curtail freedom of expression through murder', the journalists also participated in a march from the Press Club to Khairtabad Circle.

In Thiruvananthapuram, journalists took out a march and raised slogans condemning the murder. Holding placards, the journalists took out a march stating that the killing of Lankesh was an attack on press freedom.

Journalists demonstrate at a protest condemning the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

The media also demanded the guilty be arrested as early as possible.

At the Thiruvananthapuram Press club, journalists paid floral tributes in front of the portrait of the veteran journalist and lit candles. Later, a condolence meeting was also organised.

In Chennai, journalists and political parties condemned the brutal murder.

Political leaders, including AIADMK (Amma) deputy chief T T V Dhinakaran, expressed "shock" and concern over Gauris death.

"This incident has shocked the entire country and has once against raised questions on safety of journalists in India," the Chennai Press Club said.

"The manner in which Gauri Lankesh was killed shows it was a planned execution. Chennai Press Club urges the Government of Karnataka to arrest those who are responsible for this murder," the statement said.

Madras Union of Journalists also strongly condemned the killing and wanted the assailants to be arrested at the earliest.

Journalists also held a protest. They held placards that read: "Murder of democracy" and "Tomorrow it could be one of us".

Journalists carry out a protest march against the killing of Gauri Lankesh, near Chennai Press Club on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

CPI state unit secretary R Mutharasan and TNCC president Su Thirunavukkarasar also expressed concern over the killing.

Amnesty International India said the killing of Gauri Lankesh "raises alarm" about the state of freedom of expression in the country.

Gauri, who was known for her strident anti-establishment views and writings against Hindu fundamentalists, was never afraid of speaking truth to power, the rights body said.

"Her assassination must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. The police must investigate whether she was killed because of her journalism," Asmita Basu, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India, said.

Gauri was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly. She was widely regarded as an independent and outspoken journalist and activist, and a fierce critic of hardline Hindu groups in Karnataka.

"Critical journalists and activists have increasingly faced threats and attacks across India in recent years. State governments must act to protect those whose voices of dissent are being silenced," Basu said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has said there have been no convictions in any of the 27 cases of journalists "murdered for their work" in India since 1992, the statement said.

Condemning the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, the Indian Writers' Forum on Wednesday pledged to continue her fight against the "haters of free speech and a plural India".

A statement from the forum described Lankesh, who was killed at her home in Bengaluru on Tuesday, as a "voice of dissent, a voice of reason" who was "silenced with guns".

"The forum condemns the continued unmaking of India in which writers, artists, scholars, rationalists -- and indeed any citizen who exercises her right to speak freely -- is no longer safe.

"We will continue to speak on her behalf and ours. They cannot silence us all," the statement read.

It termed the murder of the 55-year-old journalist "a chilling continuation" of the series of killings of rationalists, writers, scholars and activists like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M M Kalburgi.

Journalist Gauri Lankesh 's mother Indira, brother Indrajit Lankesh and sister Kavitha Lankesh grieve near the mortal ramains of her, in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

"None of the murderers has been punished, though much points to the extended right wing family. Instead, the punishment of critic voices continues, as do attacks on Muslims, dalits, adivasis and women -- Indian citizens all."

The Forum remembered Lankesh as a person who performed her duties as journalist and a citizen with "uncompromising honesty".

"She was guided by democratic, secular values, that insist on an India in which speaking up against division and hatred is every citizen's right," it said.

In April, Reporters Without Borders ranked India 136th of 180 countries in its world press freedom ratings, blaming "Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of 'anti-national' thought from the national debate".

Last year, Gauri Lankesh was found guilty of defaming a BJP lawmaker in a 2008 article about alleged corruption. She was appealing against the conviction.

"The murder must be investigated effectively and with urgency," the All India Democratic Women's Association said in a statement.

Lankesh's murder was a "grim indicator of the intolerance and violence that have been let loose by the increasing influence of right wing forces in the country", it added.

Human Rights Watch's South Asia director, Meenakshi Ganguly, called on politicians to "condemn violence over beliefs".

"Dissent, engaging with criticism, are strengths of a democracy, but in India, they are being drowned by allegations of causing offence to faith or nation," she told AFP.

Colleagues, activists and friends gathered in cities around the country on Wednesday to protest Lankesh's death and demand justice.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a CBI investigation into the death of M K Ganapathy, a deputy superintendent of Karnataka police, saying there were "startling facts" in the case which needed to be probed in a fair manner.

DySP Ganapathy had died at Madikeri in Karnataka under mysterious circumstances on July 7 last year.

A bench, comprising Justices A K Goel and U U Lalit, allowed the appeal of M K Kushalapp, father of the deceased police officer, filed against the order of the Karnataka High Court rejecting his plea for CBI probe into the death case.

There are certain startling facts in the case. Whether it is murder or suicide, it is required to be investigated in a fair manner, the bench said.

It asked the CBI to file a status report on the probe before it within 3 months. The top court said it was neither determining the nature of the offence, nor the fact as to who are guilty.

But public confidence and societal requirement demand that the guilty persons must be reached," the bench said while ordering the CBI probe into the matter.

The Karnataka government had opposed the plea in the apex court saying that a thorough and in-depth probe had been conducted in the case. It was claimed in the appeal that before the death, the police officer had accused Bengaluru city development minister K J George and senior officers A M Prasad and Pranab Mohanty of harassing him.

The bench considered the allegations and said under these circumstances, the probe should be carried out by an independent agency. Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing the state government, opposed the plea and said the relevant materials could be submitted in the court to establish that the probe has been conducted fairly.
Medical students held candle light vigil to condemn the death of Anitha in Chennai on Tuesday. (Photo: DC)

Chennai: The protests against Neet spread to the campuses of city colleges on Tuesday following the suicide of Ariyalur student Anitha.

The colleges were opened after three days on Tuesday. Hundreds of students from Loyola College boycotted their classes and protested against the common entrance exam in front of their college.

Police were deployed at the college following the protest. Students raised slogans against Neet and demanded justice for Anitha.

Students from Pachaiyappa's College, Presidency College, and Government Arts College for Men in Nandanam also boycotted their classes and held demon-

strations against Neet.

Some of the students who tried to block trains at Central Station were arrested by the police.

A section of students from the University of Madras held a sit-in protest in front of the Centenary building on Tuesday.

We want to condemn the death of Anitha. The central government should give exemption from the Neet exam and the politically unstable state government should quit, protesting students demanded.

Students from over 20 colleges in Chennai participated in the protests against Neet. Protests were held in all districts and lakhs of students have participated in the demonstrations, said V.Mariappan, state president, Students Federation of India.

Around 400 students who tried to picket the secretariat were arrested by the police at Broad-way. The student protests are likely to continue for next few days.
People enjoy themselves during the Ganesh immersion procession at Charminar on Tuesday.

Hyderabad: The Ganesh immersion has finally come to end on Tuesday, without any untoward incident. The number of idols immersed increased to 30 per hour compared to 12 in 2016.

Police personnel kept a watch over all key procession routes through Close Circuit (CC) cameras, while geotagging of all Ganesh idols helped traffic police track them individually.

Jubilee Hills based businessman Nagam Tirupati Reddy won the auction of the famous Balapur Laddu by bidding Rs 15.6 lakh. The auction lasted for 15 minutes and the second highest bidder was Mahendra Reddy of Nagarjuna Steels, who bid Rs 15.55 lakh.

The credit for success goes to all state government agencies, who for a change worked in tandem for over two months to ensure that the Ganesh immersion was conducted smoothly.

A family from Begum Bazaar built a shiva linga out of currency coins, which include those dating back a hundred years and also ones from over 30 countries.

The agencies, who involved in this were law and order police, traffic cops, GHMC, electricity and metro water board.

Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samiti had put up banners urging people to boycott Chinese products, and asking them to protect cows.

Speaking to this newspaper, Hyderabads commissioner of police M. Mahender Reddy said, This is a result of team work. For a month, all government agencies worked in tandem with pandal organisers. We used technology to keep a constant eye on all Nimajjanam routes. The massive CCTV coverage helped us plug every nook and corner. This year we could bring out idols from all sensitive localities, and hasten the immersion process.

A few Ganesh idols were made to wear helmets to educate people about the importance of safe driving.

The chief of police said the immersion was likely to go on till the late hours and end in the early Wednesday. More than one lakh immersions took place as late at 9 pm on Tuesday.

The police had installed ten Avigilon make HD cameras which they had procured from Canada. Seven cameras were installed on Tank Bund and one each at Basheerbagh junction, Charminar and Madina. The cameras with PTZ (Pan-Tilt- Zoom) facility, can cover up to a maximum distance of 800 metres and are equipped with facial recognition technology. A senior police officer said that over 32,000 cameras were installed at shops and residences, giving the cops real time information.

We had been working on this plan for the past two months. Creating awareness among organisers regarding the use of the new tanks paid off. All idols less than six feet in height were immersed in the tanks, said a GHMC official posted at the Command Control Centre.

The city polices initiative of geotagging idols helped the cops monitor the locations of individual idols in real time. Based on the data collected, officials posted at the CCCs informed officers on the ground about route congestions and issued the necessary directions.

Police heaved a sigh of relief with the completion of the entire procession, that was peaceful except for the delays in the procession routes.
All are in festive mood and there are no signs of ill feeling. In fact, when Azaan from the nearby mosque was being read over the loud speaker, the bands fell silent, said the salesman. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: Eateries on the procession route in the Old City have reported brisk business during the 10th day visarjan; the fear of trouble during immersion processions is visibly gone.

Since morning, several juice centers, food joints, soft beverage shops and pan shops have opened their establishments.

Things are so different now. People are busy with their day-to-day life and no one wants trouble. Noticing the peaceful atmosphere, I opened my shops and have done good business, said Mr Mohd Yousuf, a cold drink shop owner in front of Macca Masjid. A little away from the place, Mr Muqtar, a 55-year-old fruit vendor sells apples.

The fruit is priced cheaply now and devotees in the procession are buying it. At the end of the day, I will earn about Rs 400 to Rs 500, he said. When asked whether this was possible a few years ago, Mr Muqtar replied, The situation is changing rapidly now. Where is the time for people to think about Hindu and Muslim? If there was any feeling about religious identity, why would so many Hindus visit my cart and purchase apples? People want peace.

At Shahalibanda crossroads, the scene was no different. A dairy products store of a noted company was also doing brisk business. Many from Ganesh processions dropped in to have a glass of lassi, butter milk or flavoured milk at the store. The glass facade store is closed on almost all communally sensitive occasions owing to its location. This time though it was greatly different.

A salesman at the shop said that they had come and stood first for half an hour to watch the mood of the participants. All are in festive mood and there are no signs of ill feeling. In fact, when Azaan from the nearby mosque was being read over the loud speaker, the bands fell silent, said the salesman.

ACP Charminar, Mr Mohd Tajuddin said people today are least worried about communal tensions unlike a few years back.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari said levelling untrue allegations against BJP and the PM is injustice to his party and detrimental to democracy. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The BJP on Wednesday accused Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi of trying to make "political capital" out of journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder and rejected as "irresponsible and baseless" the allegations linking the killing to the people following its ideology.

The saffron party also asked the Karnataka government to arrest the murderers swiftly and wondered if the SIT constituted by it will meet the same fate as the one probing the August 2016 murder of rationalist MM Kalburgi, whose killers remain untraced.

Read: Anybody who speaks against BJP-RSS ideology is silenced, says Rahul Gandhi

Union minister Nitin Gadkari termed as "irresponsible, baseless and false" the allegations linking the killing of journalist Lankesh to the BJP or people following its ideology.

Slamming the statements of Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul, he said levelling "untrue" allegations against the BJP and the prime minister is injustice to his party and detrimental to democracy.

"The government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh," he told reporters.

Another Union minister Ananth Kumar asked the Congress government in Karnataka to swiftly probe the journalist's murder in Bengaluru and arrest the guilty.

Attacking the Siddaramaiah government for the state's "poor" law and order situation, he said there had been 18-19 political killings besides Kalburgi's murder in the last last two and a half years and it had "failed" in taking probes to their logical conclusion.

Hitting out at the Congress vice president, BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said he was trying to make political capital out of Lankesh's murder, which he termed as an act of mindless violence.

Taking a dig, he said, "Rahul Gandhi must realise that the track record of his party's government in Karnataka on law and order is as dismal and pathetic as his political record.

He will do well to concentrate on these shortcomings rather than making frivolous comments."

Rao noted that the Karnataka police has not made any arrest in Kalburgi's murder so far.

In his comments, Rahul Gandhi had said anybody who spoke against the ideology of the BJP and RSS was "pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed".

Lankesh was an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics. She was shot dead yesterday by unidentified gunmen outside her residence in Bengaluru.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a 13-year-old rape victim, a Class VII student from Mumbai to terminate her 31-week-old pregnancy, preferably on September 8 at the JJ hospital.

A three-judge bench of the Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitav Roy and A.M. Khanwilkar passed the order. The bench took note of the medical report filed by a board of JJ hospital doctors which stated that the foetus could be medically terminated. In August, the Supreme Court had set up a panel of doctors to look into the matter.

Experts welcome SC abortion order

The bench said, Keeping in view the age of the victim, the trauma she faced, we allow her to terminate her pregnancy preferably on September 8. The apex court added that she should get herself admitted to the hospital on Thursday.

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing on behalf of the Centre, referred to the medical report and said that both termination and continuation of the pregnancy was not safe, but efforts could be made to terminate the pregnancy. Section 3(2)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act prohibits abortion of a foetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The petitioner told the court that the pregnancy was detected only in late August when her parents took her to a doctor to check whether her sudden obesity was caused by thyroid. A sonography showed that she was 27 weeks pregnant at that time. The child had not informed her parents that she was raped.

Meanwhile, the teenage girls lawyer has welcomed the SC order. The girls lawyer, advocate Sneha Mukherjee, who had filed the abortion petition on behalf of the girl and her family, felt that a change in the law is required to deal with such cases as time is a major constraint for the health and well-being of such adolescent victims. Speaking about the order, Ms Mukherjee said that the order has brought into focus many cases, which do not get timely intervention.

Dr Nikhil Datar, a gynaecologist who helped the girls family decide to go for the abortion petition, welcomed the Supreme Courts order and gave credit to the scientific and thorough report submitted by the J.J. Hospital doctors. It is a path breaking judgment and revolutionary order for the protection of women and child welfare activists, said Dr Datar.
Gauri Lankeshs mother Indra Lankesh, sister Kavitha, brother Indrajit and other family members pay their last respect to the late senior journalist at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru on Wednesday. CM Siddaramaiah, HM Ramalinga Reddy, JD(S) MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, actor Prakash Raj, playwrights, theatre personalities, journalists and social activists attended the funeral. (Photo: Shashidhar B.)

BENGALURU: As chants of Amar Rahe Amar Rahe, Gauri Lankesh Amar Rahe (Long Live Long Live, Gauri Lankesh Long Live), rang out and the mortal remains of the slain journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh (55) were lowered into the grave with police honours at the T.R. Mill Lingayat burial ground in Chamarajpet in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the case began to reconstruct the entire incident to get more clarity about the murder.

The journalist and editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, was shot and killed at point blank range by unidentified men on Tuesday evening at her residence in Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru west.

The examination of the scene of crime, where the journalist and activist died, has revealed that the assailant shot 14 bullets at her and not seven or four as originally reported. In her last moments, as her killer came up to the gate that she had just unlocked and shot at her, Gauri ran screaming and ducked for cover behind a four feet wall as she attempted to run into her home. Of the 14 bullets that were fired at her, three hit their target.

The forensic and ballistic experts, who examined the crime scene through Tuesday and Wednesday have collected the shell casings from the 14 bullets that were fired from the country-made pistol by the killer. Ms. Lankesh stops the car, enters through the gate and will head towards the main door to open it. Meanwhile, the killer wearing jacket and helmet enters through the gate. Noticing him, Ms. Lankesh turn towards him and while she is about to enquire from him what he wnats, the killer takes out a pistol from his bag and opens fire at her. In her bid to escape, she falls down. The killer moves a few steps further and gets close to her. As she tries to get up, he shoots two more rounds at her and she collapses. As he leaves the compound, he turns back and again fires one more bullet at her, an official told this newspaper, basing his startling revelations on Gauri Lankesh's sad death as seen on the CCTV footage.

"The first 11 bullets missed the target and hit the wall and pots," he said, "but the last three did not."

As part of the probe, the police have reportedly taken into custody, 36 Digital Video Recorders ( DVRs) from various establishments that are linked to CCTV, all along the route Ms. Lankesh took on Tuesday.
Suspended Bihar JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi's son Rocky Yadav had shot and killed Aditya Sachdeva for overtaking his SUV on the outskirts of Gaya on May 7 last year. (Photo: PTI/File)

Patna: The Gaya District court on Wednesday sentenced Rocky Yadav and two others to life imprisonment for murdering a teenaged student Aditya Sachdeva in the infamous road rage case.

Manorama Devis husband Bindeshwari Prasad alias Bindi Yadav, an RJD leader known for money and muscle power, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for sheltering their son who was on the run after the killing.

All three have been convicted under section 302 (murder) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the IPC for the fatal murder of Aditya Sachdeva. Rockys father Bindi Yadav was convicted concealment of facts and misleading the court.

The entire family is satisfied. We are thankful to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar who had assured us justice in the case, Adityas mother Chand Sachdeva told reporters in Gaya on Wednesday.
Thiruvananthapuram: With the Supreme Court on Wednesday cancelling the admissions to the DM Institute of Medical Sciences, Wayanad, and Mount Zion Medical College, Pathanamthitta, the future of 400 students admitted to MBBS courses was hanging in the balance.

The SC cancelled the admissions on a petition of Medical Council of India (MCI). The admissions were made based on a high court verdict against the MCI's denial.

Earlier on Monday, the admissions made to seats in Al-Azhar Medical College and Super speciality Hospital, Thodupuzha, was also cancelled.

DM Wayanad and Mount Zion has 150 seats each and Al-Azhar 100 seats. They have, however, been allowed to submit a petition challenging the decision considering the future of students, which is likely to be taken up on Friday.

The colleges were earlier given instructions by the MCI to resolve the inadequacies pointed out by the Lodha Commission appointed by the Supreme Court.

They were also asked to pay a fine of Rs 2 crore, which would be paid back to the college upon resolving all the inadequacies. The MCI argued that the colleges did not take steps for rectifying the deficiencies.
Shrine of Our lady of Health at Khairatabad has been decked up for the birthday of Mother Mary on September 8.

Hyderabad: Asias biggest octagonal church Shrine of Our lady of Health at Khairatabad has been decked up for the birthday of Mother Mary on September 8. While the novena and daily prayers are going on, a pontifical high mass will be celebrated by ArchBishop Thumma Bala on September 8. The church that was originally built during Nizams rule stands tall in a locality that has a fair mix of Hindus and Muslims as well.

The shrines parish priest, Father Sunder Reddy Gopu said, In 1898, Captian Fallon, the then Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry of the Nizams army, permitted the construction of a chapel to serve the personnel in AC Guards. In 1903 the 3rd Infantry returned from Sholapur and was quartered here permanently.

The construction of the little chapel began in 1898 and was built with a cost Rs 3,500. It was rebuilt in May 1903 for the spiritual benefit of the Catholics belonging to the African Cavalier Guards (AC Guards) and to the 3rd Infantry. Though the rebuilt chapel was ready by December 1903, it was inaugurated on January 10, 1904 by Bishop Vigano to commemorate the golden jubilee of the declaration of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception. The chapel was originally known as the "Church of Our Lady of Divine Grace"

The annual feast of "Our Lady of Health" has been celebrated from the year 1904 at Khairatabad Church. The church has been extended several times since then."

Speaking of Father Roch's contribution, he said, "Fr. Roch's devotion to our Blessed Mother is legendary. He sold off his family property in Malaysia and after giving away proportionate shares to his brother and sister, planned a unique Octagonal Church in honour our Blessed Mother. Its' foundation stone was laid on December 27, 1954 by the then Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan Fateh Jung. It took five years to complete it and was inaugurated by the same Nizam after being blessed by Archbishop Mark Gopu, on September 15, 1959 in the presence of five other bishops." The church was rebuilt again during the regime of Archbishop Samineni Arulappa.
New Delhi/Nay Pyi Taw: India said on Wednesday that it shares Myanmars concerns over extremist violence in the Rakhine state from where 1,25,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the countrys unity.

Mr Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, asserted that it was important to maintain the security and stability of the land and maritime boundaries of the two countries.

The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation. Mr Modis first bilateral visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is facing international pressure over the 1,25,000 Rohingya Muslims that have poured into Bangladesh after Myanmars military launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state.

India and Myanmar agreed that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region and the fight against the menace should also include strong measures against countries and entities who finance and provide sanctuary to terrorists.

In a joint statement by both leaders, the two sides called on the international community to end selective and partial approaches to combating terrorism. In the statement, he said India shares Myanmars concerns over extremist violence in the Rakhine state, especially the loss of innocent lives.

When it comes to finding a solution to a special issue, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a peaceful solution which while respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar, he said. Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and will be deported.

After the talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and IT.
TPCC chief N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, former MP V. Hanumatha Rao and party activists stage a protest the state governments proposal to construct a new Secretariat complex in the Bison Polo Grounds, on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: Top Congress leaders, including TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, former chief V. Hanumantha Rao and Leaders of the Opposition in the Legislature on Wednesday staged a dharna at Bison Polo Ground opposing Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raos proposal to construct the Secretariat on the land.

Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy said that the Congress would not allow shifting of the existing Secretariat, Assembly and Council to the Bison Polo and Gymkhana grounds under any circumstance.

He told the media that the decision to shift Secretariat and Assembly buildings was not only anti-people, but against the environment. The CM appears to hate open spaces in the Twin Cities. He has come up with several proposals to turn the lung spaces into concrete jungles. The Congress will never allow this any circumstances, he said.

Threatening to launch a mass agitation on the issue, Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged that the CM was behaving like Tughlaq who caused economic upheaval by shifting his capital from Delhi to Daultabad and then back to Delhi. He said that the existing Secretariat complex has more than sufficient space after the AP government moved its employees and infrastructure to Velagapudi near Vijayawada.

Leader of the Opposition in the Council, Mohd. Ali Shabbir said Chief Minister should shake out of the mindset of being a king. Citing vastu defects, he has built a new palatial house for his accommodation and it is virtually the new Secretariat as KCR is holding Cabinet and review meetings there, he said.

Mr Hanumantha Rao said many of the buildings in the existing Secretariat were not more than 10 years old and were in good condition.

Leader of the Opposition K. Jana Reddy said the Congress was not against the taking over the land from the Government of India, but it should not be used to build a new Secretariat.
Bengaluru/New Delhi: The cold-blooded murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru unleashed outrage across the country on Wednesday even as the Karnataka government quickly set up an IGP-headed Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing.

As the media fraternity and members of civil society reacted with horror and staged protests in Bengaluru, Delhi and several other cities, leaders cutting across party lines condemned the murder.

However, top leaders of the Congress and the BJP were locked in a spat over the killing.

In an audacious attack, unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants pumped bullets into 55-year-old Gauri, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, as she left her car after reaching her home. The body of Gauri was buried with full state honours in the evening.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to furnish details of the action taken against MLAs and members of Parliament whose assets had grown manifold during the intervening period between two elections.

A bench of Justices J. Chelameswar and S.A. Abdul Nazeer passed this order while hearing a petition filed by Lok Prahari, an NGO, that the present practice of candidates filing an affidavit disclosing their income must also give information about the source of income of the candidate and his/her spouse and dependents.

Senior advocate K. Radhakrishan, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the government believes in action and is not averse to reforms. The Central Board of Direct Taxes had been taking action whenever it found there were unexplained known sources of income.

He said while an investigation into the affairs of those contesting polls as a class was not undertaken, specific cases where there was reason to undertake verification were enquired into.

It was pointed out that 113 MPs had shown themselves as social activists or housewives or those without any adequate source of income. However, their assets seemed to have gone up by 5-10 times, the petitioner said.

Source of income of politicos questioned

Justice Chelameswar told the counsel that the Association of Democratic Rights had filed an affidavit indicating the number of legislators whose income had grown hugely in the past five years when they filed the first affidavit of assets and the subsequent affidavit.

The judge said: If you say you (government) believe in action, you show your bona fides by filing an affidavit showing the action taken against those legislators whose income had grown manifold against known sources of income.

It also pleaded that candidates should declare whether they or their spouses/dependants have any contracts with the government or a public company, or any share or interest in a private company.

It was pointed out that 113 MPs had shown themselves as social activists or those without any adequate source of income. However, their assets seemed to have gone up by 5-10 times, the petitioner said. The source must be declared to enable voters to decide whether the wealth acquired by the candidate is legitimate or not.
"She was living in the house all alone for more than 10 years. She never felt the need for a security guard or the installation of CCTV cameras." the source said.

Bengaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by the IGP, Intelligence, Bengaluru, BK Singh that has been set up by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to probe the brutal killing of firebrand journalist and activist Ms. Gauri Lankesh is going over the CCTV footage from the cameras installed at the Gauri Lankesh Patrike editor's home in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

Sources told this newspaper that as reported on Tuesday, after Ms. Gauri had told her mother Indramma that she had noticed two men on a bike following her from her office in Gandhi Bazaar to her home in Rajarajeshwari Nagar a fortnight ago, she had installed CCTV cameras at the entrance to her home.

The SIT, which has a 31-member team, with DCP (West) MN Anucheth as its Investigative Officer (IO), has already collected every minute detail from the crime scene through Tuesday night. But its the footage from the two CCTV cameras at Gauri's residence which could prove conclusive. Although grainy and dark, it has reportedly captured the entire incident in which an assassin can be seen pumping three bullets into Ms. Gauri, killing her on the spot

Police however said that neither Ms. Gauri nor her mother alerted the police that she had been followed several days ago. However, she was scheduled to meet the Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday for a talk but did not turn up. Sources close to Ms.Gauri now believed that she may have wanted to meet the HM and discuss the incident and demand security for herself.

She was living in the house all alone for more than 10 years. She never felt the need for a security guard or the installation of CCTV cameras. It was just 15 days ago she ordered for the installation two CCTV cameras after a strong suspicion that she was being followed, the source said.

The special team is working on examining the CCTV footages from the cameras at her house as well as the surrounding areas and also obtaining footage from all the CCTV cameras from the route she travelled on Tuesday to identify the assassins.

A police source who is familiar with developments told Deccan Chronicle that the team was examining the last 15 days CCTV footage from Gauri's house and 20 days footage from cameras installed in surrounding areas as they have a strong suspicion that the two assassins had done a total recce of the area and were aware of all the routes and the exact location of the cameras installed in Gauri's house.

The murder, undoubtedly, was meticulously planned before its execution. We suspect that the assassins had closely followed the movements of Ms. Gauri for 15-20 days. A few reports also claim she had spoken to her mother 15 days ago about two men following her on a bike in Gandhi Bazaar while she was returning home, the source said.

On Tuesday too, the assassins, according to the police sources, had followed Ms. Gauris car in a bike from her office, until her home. As she parked her car, stepped out and walked towards the gate to open it, two helmet-wearing men came towards her, with one of them opening fire at her, at point blank range, killing her.
According to the contract the suppliers should get payments every week. But the corporation is delaying payments to liquor suppliers. The government released Rs 410 crore in August for July 3rd & 4th week payments. The present due are about Rs 850 crore for the month of August. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: The delay in payments by the TS Beverages Corporation to liquor suppliers has led to a shortage of some medium and premium brands in retail liquor outlets. The corporation owes about Rs 850 crore to liquor companies.

As per contract the corporation has to pay every week the companies supplying liquor. But the corporation is delaying payments by almost 45 days. Due to financial problems some companies have reduced supplying some brands including premium brands.

Excise revenue is the second major revenue of the government. The excise department is contributing 17 per cent of the taxes. In Telangana there are 16 IMFL manufacturing units and six breweries. The liquor manufacturers are supplying several medium and premium brands to the TS Beverages Corporation. In turn the corporation is supplying them to retail outlets.

According to the contract the suppliers should get payments every week. But the corporation is delaying payments to liquor suppliers. The government released Rs 410 crore in August for July 3rd & 4th week payments. The present due are about Rs 850 crore for the month of August. In July IML depots raised Rs 828 crore and by the third week of August Rs 732 crore (excluding VAT), but the government released only Rs 828 crore out of the Rs 1,560 crore. By the end of August the outstanding dues touched Rs 850 crore.

The Association of Liquor and Beer Suppliers' representatives said the government is delaying weekly payments by 15 to 20 days and sometimes by even 45 days. They said they are operating with the lowest margins in Telangana compared to any other state in the country and no business house will pump extra funds if the margins are thin. They said the delay in releasing payments will lead to trouble in future.

Liquor suppliers are facing this problem trouble since the last one and half years and have written several letters in vain to the government requesting payments in time.

Meanwhile, some wine shops said some companies have reduced the supply of medium and premium brands.

They said they are facing a shortage of medium priced brands like Rayal Stag and Royal Challenge and premium brands like Blenders Pride, Signature, Imperial Blue, Officers Choice and others.

However, officials said that there was no shortage of medium and premium brands in the state.
The advice comes following the recent Supreme Court ruling on triple talaaq and its subsequent fallout. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: Qazis in the state have been asked to provide counselling for couples when they approach them for talaaq or khula. The advice comes following the recent Supreme Court ruling on triple talaaq and its subsequent fallout.

A meeting of all 'Sadr Qazis' (head qazis) of the State was convened at the Telangana State Wakf Board on Wednesday. The qazis explained that they are following the due process of 'Shariat' (Islamic law) whenever any person approaches them for a divorce.

The issue relating to the collection of fee was also discussed at the meeting. The Mir Quadir Ali, president Anjuman-e-Qazath (council of qazis) informed the board that the fee was revised to Rs 2000 in November 2015 following a High Court direction. He informed that the board can advise them but cannot enforce the collection of fee and explained that there are also instances when the qazis do not collect fees from poor families.

Mohammed Saleem, Chairman, TS Wakf Board asked them to maintain the records properly and asked them not to forcefully collect money to make corrections in the records and marriage booklet.
September rains have been a game changer to the region comprising Udumalaipet, Sulur, Coimbatore and Dharapuram, which have been receiving minimal southwest rains till the start of September.

Chennai: The South West Monsoon is setting new records in Tamil Nadu. While the August rains in the state were the highest in the past 50 years, there was another record for Coimbatore. The Manchester of South India noted 254mm in just the first four days of the month, thus breaking the all-time-record set in September 1972.

In 1972, Coimbatore received 218mm rain while this time around the city witnessed 254mm in just four days of the month. The station at the airport recoded 88mm (in 24 hours) till 5.30am on Tuesday, statistics from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated.

September rains have been a game changer to the region comprising Udumalaipet, Sulur, Coimbatore and Dharapuram, which have been receiving minimal southwest rains till the start of September.

The recorded rainfall is more than 4.8 times higher than the average Septem-ber rainfall noted at 52.8mm for Coimbatore. Thunderstorms due to the upper air circulation are the root cause. Also the North South trough from Rayalaseema is passing through South Tamil Nadu, resulting in intense rainfall in Tamil Nadu, weather blogger K Srikanth told Deccan Chronicle.

Parts of South Tamil Nadu are also witnessing highest their 24-hour rainfall. Uttamapalayam in Theni district noted 24cm on 8.30am on Tuesday, which is the highest rainfall noted in 24 hours for this years south west monsoon in state.

It is higher than the rains received in Devala and Valparai, where 24-hour rainfall statistics are usually high, said Srikanth, adding that the rains would continue for the next two-to-three days.

Could be best monsoon in seven years

According to statistics from IMD, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry noted an average mean rainfall of 305.4mm (excess of 41 per cent) during the southwest monsoon till date, thus inching closer to the 2010's overall record of 376.2mm. If the current pace of the rains continues, weather experts state that the state would break the previous record. As the monsoon pattern is predicted to extend till at least first week of October, there is a possibility of widespread rains throughout the state.
DMK legislators on Tuesday met assembly speaker P Dhanapal and sought 15 days time to give explanation for the notice on Gutka issue (Photo: DC)

Chennai: The DMK working president M.K. Stalin on Tuesday said a government which had lost majority in the Assembly did not have the right to convene the Assembly Privileges Committee.

Talking to the media at the DMK headquarters here, Stalin said though the government did not have locus standi to convene the privileges committee,

DMK's 21 MLAs who had received notices from privileges committee on the issue of displaying gutka sachets in the Assembly, had given their reply to the Assembly secretariat on Tuesday.

The MLAs had replied that the charge made by the privileges committee did not come under violation of Assembly privileges, Stalin said. But they also sought 15 days' time for a proper reply since the MLAs had to consult legal experts and collect more information.

He also said the meeting held by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami had proved that he did not enjoy the support of majority MLAs in the Assembly. A total of 19 MLAs had met Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao and given a petition that they did not have trust in the Chief Minister.

He also added that all opposition leaders too had met the Governor and President Ram Nath Kovind explained the situation of Palaniswami's government. Stalin demanded that the Governor should direct Palaniswami to convene the Assembly and prove his majority in a fair, honest and democratic manner.
BJP supporters were stopped by the police during the Mangaluru Chalo rally at the Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Tuesday. (Photo: DC)

BENGALURU: The order of the state government to ban the Mangaluru Chalo bike rally and the persistence of the opposition party BJP made the lives of over 1,000 police personnel deployed at the Freedom Park miserable for some time on Tuesday.

While the government directed the police to detain anyone who defied the order banning the bike rallies, BJP leaders allegedly threatened the police personnel of dire consequences once they came back to power in the state in the next election.

MP and BJP Yuva Morcha president Pratap Simha also manhandled a policeman in mufti, who went to detain him.

The fuming Simha and former deputy chief minister R. Ashok were sitting on a dharna, raising slogans against the state government.

As the dharna led to a huge traffic jam on the busy Sheshadri Road, the policemen tried to forcibly detain Ashok.

When another policeman came to detain Simha, he first warned and then manhandled the cop.

Dare you to touch me. Things will not be fine if you touch me. Do you think only you know the law, he warned.

Meanwhile, MP Shobha Karandlaje sustained minor injuries when the woman police tried to detain her and drag her to a waiting bus.
Dialog with My College Classmate about Preparation for a Medical School Enrollment

>>>Question from My Classmate

My college classmate's son is a student at the University of John Hopkin. His major is bio-physical and minor is computer science. He is going to take MCAT next January. My classmate knew my son is studying at a medical school and asked me if I can provide some information about applying for a medical school. Also she wanted to learn which tutoring class of MCAT is the best

>>>Answer from Me

The first college my son attended is the Washington University in Saint Louis. His major is the electronic engineering (EE) and minor is Premed. Actually, it is not good idea to choose the electronic engineering as major, if he is going to enroll to a medical school after graduating.

At the beginning of his sophomore year, I have suggested him to transfer the major to the biological science or chemistry. These two majors are very close to medical major and many courses are same as ones in the further medicine field. But, he did not do it because he liked EE and enjoyed the tons of mathematics involved in EE. You know the medical school usually is no more related to EE and mathematics. That was a big challenge for him to jump from engineering to medicine in his further journey.

Fortunately, his school's Premed program ranked as the second in all National Universities at that time. For the first two years, he only followed the school's Premed program and did not have attend any other tutoring class, because he had to spend more time in EE.

My suggestion for you is it is necessary to enroll the Premed program. If your son has time, he may also attend a good tutoring class. That is very helpful to obtain higher scores in coming MCAT examination. If he does not have enough time to be class, you may buy some tutoring books and let him practice following the books. Remember it is necessary to take several self-examinations before taking the form examination.

This is about my son's experience. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to let me know. Good luck for your son's examination.
Rajiv Kumar, the new vice-chairman of the Niti Aayog, has made development of an organic, Bharatiya model of development as his mission. He is likely to encounter three problems in this endeavour.

First, in a post-ideology world, marked by rapid technological transformations, economic models become outdated even before they can be tested. In these uncertain times, feeling the rocky river bed with ones feet carefully, while crossing turbulent economic and social currents, seems the wisest option.

Second, isnt this what Bharat has always done. We have been obsessive about the uniqueness of India, which seemingly requires all international experience to be adapted for use locally. This is not necessarily a bad thing, though it has its downsides.

Consider that in the five decades after Independence we have stuck, like leeches, to the Nehruvian development model of ersatz socialism based on a massive industrial public sector accompanied by the outrageous neglect of agriculture, private enterprise or international quality education and health facilities. This, when most other emerging countries, in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America, switched over to a modified Anglo-Saxon, neo-liberal strategy from the 1970s and reaped the benefits of rapid growth.

To be sure, even after 1991, the reform model we followed was Bharatiya. Its core ingredients were incremental rather than big-bang reform  a strategy Russia followed with disastrous results  and careful sequencing of sector reform to minimise the pain from reforms.

It is unclear, however, whether Bharatiya incrementalism helped the poor. Chancel and Picketty (July 2017) estimate that over the period 1980 to 2014 the share of growth accruing to the bottom 50 per cent of adults was 11 per cent in India; 13 per cent in China and only one per cent in the United States. Meanwhile, the top one per cent of adults garnered 29 per cent of the growth in India. China did better by containing the share of this segment at 15 per cent, while the US did worse at 34 per cent. More worryingly, the next nine per cent of adults, from the top, garnered 37 per cent of growth in India, significantly more than in China (29 per cent) and the US (32 per cent). Where we failed spectacularly was in protecting the middle 40 per cent of adults, who got only 23 per cent of the growth versus 43 per cent in China and 33 per cent in the US.

One Bharatiya innovation which succeeded spectacularly was the phased introduction of currency and capital convertibility. This modified-market approach was validated by India escaping the ill-effects of the 1997 Asian currency crisis. It is significant that Malaysia followed our innovative approach, endorsed by Jagdish Bhagwati, by reimposing capital controls after 1997, and Iceland did similarly in 2008.

Similarly, our choice of shying away from big bang privatisation of the public sector, unlike Latin America in the 1980s and Eastern Europe in the 1990s, worked well. We chose instead to liberalise controls over private investment, thereby enabling private companies to grow and compete with the public sector. This strategy has paid dividends in civil aviation, telecom, minerals and electricity generation. Incremental private sector investment now dominates these sectors and a competitive market-based economy has emerged.

Simultaneously, we contained the social cost of reforms. But a similar policy has not worked in banking. We were too hesitant to give up the political power which comes with the government owning public sector banks. Private banks today account for just one-third of banking assets. The massive economic problem of stressed loan accounts, amounting to around 14 per cent of publicly owned bank assets, is a consequence of our not following through by liberalising the financial sector. Bharatiyata has, unfortunately, become synonymous with crony capitalism in banking.

The GST is operational today due to a strategy of incrementalism, driven by the need for building inter-government consensus. Early indications are positive both on the increase in revenue collected and the enhanced compliance by taxpayers. But the jury is out till the final results come in by April 2018.

In a nutshell, Bharats economic policies have always been unique and contextual. Some observers would even say we obsessively reinvent the wheel. It will thus be a tall order for the Niti Aayog to evolve a new Bharatiya model of development, which is completely unknown to us, or the world.

Third, do we need a new model of development? The existing model has served us well. The areas for deeper reform are well known and agreed. Indeed, many are already on their way. Hopefully the 15th Finance Commission will continue the task of decentralising fiscal resources, by increasing the share of devolved resources from the 42 per cent existing today towards 50 per cent. This would push the Union government to be more selective in its interventions based on the time-tested principle of subsidiarity  not doing anything that can be efficiently done at a lower level of government. The government is already allocating more resources to agriculture, education and healthcare, which had fallen through the gaps earlier, while also stepping up allocations for defence and infrastructure.

At the helicopter level of grand plans and policies, there is no gap which the Niti Aayog can address. In fact, it would do well to exercise forbearance in areas where individual ministries are better equipped to take the lead. Where Niti can add value is in addressing the root causes of poor implementation. Tony Blairs Service Delivery Unit did this to marvellous effect in the UK. Malaysia and Tanzania thereafter copied the template.

Niti should focus on the nittygritty of getting the plethora of good intentions, embedded in policies, implemented on the ground. This goes beyond close monitoring of targets or punishing laggards. The devil lies in clogged delivery chains, poor metrics to measure results and misaligned incentives, all of which need to be painstakingly mapped and then innovatively declogged. Its a plumbers job that needs to be done. Is the Niti Aayog willing to get its hands dirty?
How many children must die in places some of us may never visit before we realise that too many have died? At last count, 290 babies, mostly newborns, had died at the Baba Raghav Das (BRD) Medical College in Gorakhpur in the month of August alone. Even in a war zone, these numbers would spark outrage and action, says a friend, a medical doctor, who has traversed the world on humanitarian work. Anger and outrage, there have been plenty. Action? Of sorts. Investigations are on; a few people have been suspended.

What systemic changes are being put in place to ensure that there is no repeat? Ah, that is the tricky one and that is where we run into the default template of alibi searching and scapegoating, which comes into play, and not just in Gorakhpur.

Everywhere, every time, faced with a catastrophe, the standard response from those elected to govern us is the same  it has happened before; it has happened elsewhere; it has happened when another chief minister, another Prime Minister, another political party was at the helm of affairs. The circular arguments begin and end with this formula.

Even if you have not been personally affected, it can be utterly exhausting and disempowering to read about and watch heartrending images from the sites of these catastrophes. Baby deaths in Gorakhpur year after year, baby deaths in Jharkhand, Banswara, the list goes on and on. Devastating floods in Mumbai bring back memories of the similar inundation in 2005 and the deaths and disease outbreaks that followed, even as floods drown Gujarat, Bihar, Assam, Tripura, West Bengal. Buildings collapse in Delhi, Mumbai, and elsewhere. A waste mountain 10 storeys tall collapses in Delhi, killing two and injuring several.

When deaths, devastation and disease happen with a monotonous regularity, they lose their sting. We all know, we have all read about what needs to be done, but little has changed. We rage, we rationalise, we gloss over or criticise the acts of omission and commission of the guilty, according to our ideological moorings.

As the catalogue of catastrophes grow longer and the suffering is beamed into our living rooms through television and the Internet, you can expect a more vigorous display of the politics of compensations and a search for scapegoats  a word which aptly has its origins in the Book of Leviticus. In the story it tells, all the sins of Israel are put on the head of a goat, which is then ritualistically driven out. Here too, those who are driven out are almost as innocent as the goat.

This is how you normalise a catastrophe. Preventable deaths, preventable building collapses, preventable devastation and train derailments are the new normal. We show our spirit of jugaad and survive. But survival is not living.

What will it take to change the scenario? Many things. But in each of the disasters that I have listed, the possible mitigating mechanisms and solutions have been known and discussed endlessly. Everyone who waded through knee-deep dirty water in Mumbai, for example, knows what has to be done  the capacity of the megacitys drainage system has to be expanded, drains have to be kept clean, Mumbai has to stop killing its rivers and mangrove forests. Climate change has made disasters much more severe and likely, and there is really no option but to take preventive measures.

But though we all know what needs to be done in each case, it does not happen because the communities that are the most affected and most vulnerable are not organised, do not demand to have their say and make accountability a political issue.

Every time, there is a catastrophe or a massacre, as is happening in the case of newborn deaths in many parts of the country, platitudes and promises are trotted out. Compensation is announced and it is back to normal.

But communities can have a say and make things happen. During a recent visit to neighbouring Thailand, I happened to be speaking to Dr Carl Middleton, who teaches development studies at Bangkoks Chulalongkorn University. Dr Middleton spoke about how Thailand was trying to operationalise accountability.

One important way is health impact assessment (HIA), which has gained traction. Dr Middleton  who has co-authored a chapter on this in a forthcoming book, Water Governance and Collective Action: Multi-scale Challenges  says that since the late 1980s, Thai community movements and civil society groups have managed to resist new large power plants, with high-profile protests against projects like the Pak Mun hydropower dam and the Mae Moh coal-fired power station. The civil society groups talk not only about the environmental impact of development projects but also the health consequences of changes in the physical and biological environment. It helps a lot that in Thailand, since 2000, HIA has been legislated into the Constitution and there is a National Health Act (2007). While it is not compulsory, a community-led HIA can be requested under this law.

That is something to think about in India. We have mandatory environmental impact assessments (EIA) but consequent critiques showing how badly they are done, how public consultation about a new project is often turned into a farce. A mandatory community-led EIA and HIA would act as checks and balances on the official monitoring mechanisms, not just for new projects but also for proper maintenance of everyday things like health centres, hospitals, drains and garbage dumps as well as railway lines. Living in a building that is about to collapse is injurious to health. For whatever reason, why should anybody have to do that?

Those living in a Gorakhpur slum know that they or their children are likely to get a host of infectious diseases because they live in filthy surroundings that breed mosquitoes, nobody removes garbage or keeps the hospital premises clean. Hospitals are ill-equipped and ill-managed. Their babies die like flies. Who do they complain to? The municipal authorities say they dont have money; and the state government is too distant.

Community-led monitoring and impact assessments on health and environment would be empowering tools.

But nothing will work unless, we, as individuals, make common cause on issues that affect us, our children, demand such tools, use them, and settle for nothing else but accountability.
With the increasing demand for online retail, a large number of small-scale sellers and homepreneurs are joining B2C or C2C e-commerce platforms to sell their unique creations.

India is the fastest growing market for e-commerce in the world. With the increasing demand for online retail, a large number of small-scale sellers and homepreneurs are joining B2C or C2C e-commerce platforms to sell their unique creations.

These five applications can enunciate homopreneurs to set up a successful online business:

Kraftly- A C2C e-commerce platform helps the small sellers, homepreneurs, etc to set up a shop online. They also offer the seller with an option to do the social selling. The seller profile on Kraftly is provided with a tool to share their product detail on various social media platforms from which their buyers can buy the product.

To avoid hassle free payments, MobiKwik an Indian company founded in 2009, provides a mobile phone based payment system and digital wallet. In 2013 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorized the company's use of the MobiKwik wallet, and in May 2016 the company began providing small loans to consumers as part of its service

Ship Rocket is a first-of-its-kind seller logistics aggregation platform designed to cater to all kinds of shipping requirements for sellers/merchants in India. The complete solution brand is designed to create a shipping experience like no other.

Marketing on Google Ad, facebook ads are supporting the small sellers to push their marketing and reach out to potential sellers. In addition to these, various start ups such as Kraftly and Meesho helps the sellers on their platform with right kind of tools to push the sales on social media platforms.

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The global scale Huawei has been able to achieve can be attributed to its consistent investment in R&D and manufacturing, says analyst.

Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has surpassed Apple for the first time in global smartphone sales consistently for June and July. And August sales looking strong for the Chinese vendor, a hat-trick for Huawei could be on the cards, according to market research analyst Counterpoint.

This is a significant milestone for Huawei, the largest Chinese smartphone brand with a growing global presence. It speaks volumes for this primarily network infrastructure vendor on how far it has grown in the consumer mobile handset space in the last three to four years. The global scale Huawei has been able to achieve can be attributed to its consistent investment in R&D and manufacturing, coupled with aggressive marketing and sales channel expansion, Counterpoints Research Director Peter Richardson said.

The launch date of Apples next iPhone is approaching and this (Huaweis) streak is considered temporary, however, it nevertheless underscores the rate at which Huawei has been growing.

A weak presence in the South Asian, Indian and North American markets limits Huaweis potential in the near-to mid-term to take a sustainable second place position behind Samsung. Huawei is over-dependent on its home market China where it enjoys the leadership position and operator-centric markets in Europe, Latin America and Middle East, he added.

According to Tarun Pathak, Counterpoints Associate Director, the growth of Chinese brands is an important trend which no player in the mobile ecosystem can ignore.

Chinese brands are growing swiftly thanks not only to smartphone design, manufacturing capability and rich feature sets, but also by out-smarting and out-spending rivals in sales channels, go-to-market and marketing promotion strategies, Pathak said.

Huawei, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi have successfully gained access to key supply chain partners, which has allowed them to launch designs with bezel-free, full displays, Augmented Reality, in-house chipsets and advanced camera features.

Chinese vendors have become as equally important as Samsung or Apple to the global supply chain, application developers and distribution channels, as they continue to grow in scale more rapidly than the incumbent market share leaders, Pathak added.

Apple continues to drive its flagship momentum with iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Counterpoints research highlighted.

OPPO has been one of the fastest growing brands globally thanks to the popularity of models including the flagship OPPO R11 and the mid-tier OPPO A57.

These were followed by Samsungs flagship Galaxy S8, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X and Samsung Galaxy S8+.

Apples 32GB refresh of the venerable iPhone 6 enabled it to regain momentum during the month, with popularity across prepaid markets to edge out Samsungs Galaxy J7.

While Huawei has trimmed its portfolio, it likely needs to further streamline its product range like Oppo and Xiaomi  putting more muscle behind fewer products, Senior Analyst Pavel Naiya noted.

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S. Korea-based tech giant Samsung is likely to introduce the Galaxy Note 8 smartphone on September 12, on the day when Apple is slated to globally announce three new iPhone models, in India.

According to reports, Samsung has begun sending out press invites for a launch event, without specifying what product will be launched. However, speculations suggest it could possibly be the Galaxy Note 8, which was globally unveiled on August 23.

On the other hand, Apple  Samsungs biggest rival in the market  is gearing up to announce two upgraded iPhone 7 models and a complete revamped iPhone on the same day.

Interestingly, Samsung has already opened pre-registrations for Galaxy Note 8 in India.

Although, Samsung never officially disclosed Note 8s price, the model is expected to cost more than its predecessor Note 7, which was priced at Rs 59,990 in India.

The Galaxy Note 8 features a 6.3-inch AMOLED quad HD display with 2960 x 1440 pixel resolution, will be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835/ Exynos octa core SoC, backed by 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage with support for microSD card. It comes with a dual camera setup sporting two 12MP sensors  one wide angle lens and one telephoto lens and an 8MP selfie shooter. The phablet runs on Android 7.1.1 with companys UI on the top.

It has a dedicated button for Samsungs virtual voice assistant Bixby. The Galaxy Note 8 draws power from a 3300mAh battery and is IP68 certified water and dust resistant.

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Washington: A gurdwara in the US state of California has been vandalised with hate messages scrawled on its walls, including one calling for nuking Sikhs.

The incident took place at the Vermont Gurdwara in Los Angeles, also known as the Hollywood Sikh Temple.

A witness confronted the vandal and caught him on cell phone footage walking away from the gurdwaras wall without any explanation, NBC Los Angeles reported.

I said I was going to call the police on him at which point he said he felt threatened, said Karna Ray, the witness who filmed the vandalism. He said, I will slit your throat.

Hollywood police were investigating the hate messages.

Ray, who is from New York, was visiting a friend on Thursday when he saw the man writing long incoherent messages with a black maker on the pristine white wall of the gurdwara and started recording him with his cell phone.

He then uploaded the video on Facebook and received thousands of comments.

Ray was particularly disturbed by one of three separate passages calling for the nuking of Sikhs, according to Fox 11.

According to a Facebook post by Ray, the vandal flashed a razor at him as he made his threat.

Ray said the hateful message left on the walls of the gurdwara counters everything the Sikh community stands for.

A member of the gurdwara hoped to invite the vandal to a service so he could experience what the community believes in.

I would love to invite the person in the temple, make him, show him what he is missing, Sarab Gil was quoted as saying.

Nirinjan Singh Khalsa of Californias Sikh Council is in close contact with the Los Angeles Police Department about the case.

This particular incident isnt a matter of swastikas and go home, ragheads, which we get sometimes, Khalsa said. This seems to be a diatribe by someone who may or may not be mentally imbalanced, he said.
US President Donald Trump has said he has great love for young immigrants who came to America as children and hoped that the Congress would bring in a legislation to help them. (Photo: File)

Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he has great love for young immigrants who came to America as children and hoped that the Congress would bring in a legislation to help them, hours after he scrapped an amnesty programme for eight lakh undocumented workers.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday Tuesday announced the rescinding of the Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA), an Obama-era amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children.

The move likely to impact eight lakh undocumented workers including more than seven thousand Indian-Americans.

"I have a great heart for the folks we're talking about - a great love for them. And people think in terms of children, but they're really young adults. I have a love for these people, and hopefully now the Congress will be able to help them and do it properly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday.

The decision has evoked widespread criticism with former President Barack Obama calling it calling it "wrong," "self-defeating" and "cruel."

The announcement, which was anticipated for the past few days, was greeted with protests from across the country.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House on Tuesday demonstrating against Trump.

The White House has defended the decision to rescind DACA.

"There is a misconception that DACA primarily serves as a shield from deportation. This is misleading. DACA grants work authorisation to nearly 800,000 individuals who are not legally authorised to work. DACA recipients, whose average age is in their 20s, were not an enforcement priority before, and they certainly won't become a priority now," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday.

"The priorities remain the same - criminals, security threats, and those who repeatedly violate our immigration laws," she said.

Sanders said the main effect of the announcement is that work permits and other government benefits are being gradually phased out.

"No permits will be expiring for another six months, and permits will remain active for up to two full years. The president was elected partly on his promise to deliver meaningful immigration reform that puts the jobs, wages, and security of the American people first. He is delivering on that promise every day, and he has put forward serious proposals to Congress that would responsibly end illegal immigration, prevent visa overstays, remove dangerous criminals, protect American jobs and wages," she said.

Responding to questions, Sanders exuded confidence that that the Congress is going to step up and do their job.

"This is something that needs to be fixed legislatively, and we have confidence that they (Congress) are going to do that. And we stand ready and willing to work with them in order to accomplish responsible immigration reform, and DACA is certainly part of that process," she said.

Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said the president is right to want this issue to be resolved legislatively.

"Hopefully, while addressing it, we also will deal with a myriad of other issues that need to be corrected with our broken immigration system, including enhancing enforcement and security measures," he said.

Senator Chuck Schumer said most Americans know how heartless this DACA decision is, ripping apart families and telling people who worked so hard to become Americans for years that they now have to leave the country.

"These are folks who were brought here as children, through no fault of their own. They may have known no other country but ours and have voluntarily registered themselves with the government in order to live, work and give back to our great country," he said.

Schumer said 91 per cent of DACA recipients are employed, paying taxes and paying into Social Security.

A study by the Center for American Progress earlier this year found that ending DACA would drain USD 433 billion from national GDP over 10 years, he said.

"The human and economic toll of rescinding DACA will be far reaching. The Trump administration's action to end DACA is senseless and cruel. California has its eyes on Congress to do what it should have done years ago, but we cannot bank on that. So, the governor stands with Attorney General Becerra as he takes our fight to court to defend the Dreamers," California Governor Edmund G Brown said.
Seven bullets were fired at senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh around 8 pm Tuesday, when she was about to enter her house. Three of those bullets hit her, killing her instantly. (Photo: Facebook)

Washington/New Delhi: The United States Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday condemned the murder of noted senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening.

In an official statement, the US embassy said, The US Mission in India joins advocates of press freedom in India and world-wide in condemning the murder of respected journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms Lankesh.

At least seven bullets were fired at Lankesh, 55, around 8 pm, when she was about to enter her house. Three of those bullets hit her  two in the chest and one in the forehead  killing her instantly.

Bengaluru police hope to get a lead from the footage of CCTV camera installed at her residence. They said Lankesh could have been killed by hired professionals and the murder was well planned.

It was reported that two bike-borne men followed Gauri's car till her house, while one was waiting at her residence.

The location was an advantage for the assailants as the road was poorly lit and has many cross roads.
During his meeting with Myanmar's state Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries. (Photo: Twiter| @MEAIndia)

Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

"Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi pic.twitter.com/TJfIahUvMk  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 6, 2017

The Prime Minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Read: Myanmar's Suu Kyi under pressure as 125,000 Rohingya flee to Bangladesh

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

Read: Rohingyas are illegal immigrants, will be deported, don't preach India: Rijiju

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Read: Centre mum on Rohingya deportation; SC seeks government stand

Modi arrived Myanmar on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India in 2016.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, marking a major step in its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that puts the US mainland within range. (Photo: AFP)

Geneva/Seoul: A top North Korean diplomat on Tuesday warned that his country is ready to send more gift packages to the United States as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyangs latest nuclear weapons test.

Han Tae Song, ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday.

"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US, Han told a disarmament conference, using the acronym for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the countrys formal name.

The US will receive more gift packages ... as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK, he added without elaborating.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of begging for war with a series of nuclear bomb and missile tests, and urged the 15-member Security Council to impose the strongest possible sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

But Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday a US bid for the Security Council to vote on September 11 on new sanctions is a little premature. Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and wields veto power.

I dont think well be able to rush it so fast, Nebenzia told reporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Tuesday said imposing more sanctions was a road to nowhere.

US stocks sank, with the S&P 500 stumbling to its biggest single-day loss in about three weeks, as investors weighed the increasing tensions with North Korea.

Sanctions have done little to stop North Korea boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with US President Donald Trump who has vowed to stop Pyongyang from being able to hit the mainland United States with a nuclear weapon.

Haley acknowledged on Tuesday that further sanctions on North Korea are unlikely to change its behavior but would cut off funding for its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea? Not necessarily, she told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington. But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles.

More sanctions?

North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, marking a major step in its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that puts the US mainland within range.

Satellite imagery appears to show the blast caused numerous landslides at North Koreas Punggye-ri test site, according to 38 North, a Washington-based North Korean monitoring project.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday Trump continues to see denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as the priority in how it responds to the latest nuclear weapons test.

Sanders said all options are on the table, including diplomatic and economic measures, but said talks with Pyongyang were not the current focus for the White House.

Diplomats have said the Security Council could consider banning North Korean textile exports, barring its airline and stopping supplies of oil to the government and military.

Other measures could include preventing North Koreans from working abroad and adding top officials to a blacklist aiming at imposing asset freezes and travel bans.

China accounted for 92 percent of North Koreas trade in 2016, according to South Korea. Chinas foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take part in Security Council discussions in a responsible and constructive manner.

Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May agreed in a telephone call on Tuesday that China must do more to persuade North Korea to cease its missile tests, a spokesman for May said.

South Korea said an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on Seouls warheads would help it respond to North Koreas nuclear and missile threat.

US lawmakers and Americas biggest business lobby urged Trump not to scrap a free trade agreement with longstanding ally South Korea, especially at a time of heightened tensions.

Analysts and South Korean policymakers believe North Korea may test another weapon on or around September 9, its founding day.

North Korea says it needs to develop its weapons to defend itself against what it sees as US aggression.

South Korea, after weeks of rising tension, is talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defenses.

Trump and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, agreed on Monday to scrap the warhead weight limit on South Koreas missiles, South Koreas presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of war.

South Korea and the United States are technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty.

Each side has thousands of rockets and artillery pieces aimed at the other across the worlds most heavily armed border.
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos joined President Donald Trump and other cabinet officials in a visit to hurricane-ravaged Texas and Louisiana over the weekend.

Joining the duo on the trip: First Lady Melania Trump; Ben Carson, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, David Shulkin, the secretary of Veterans Affairs; Elaine Duke, the acting secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, and Brock Long, the administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, better known as FEMA.

The group toured the Hurricane Harvey Relief Center in Houston and met with members of the Texas and Louisiana congressional delegations, according to an education department press release.

Texas and Louisiana have a long road to recovery ahead, but the resilience of those in areas affected by Hurricane Harvey was evident today, said DeVos in a statement of her Sept. 2 visit. The Department of Education will continue to work side-by-side with the people of both states as they begin to piece their lives back together, and get their communities and schools up and running again.

It doesnt appear that the group went to any schools, but Trump spoke with some children who had been affected by the storm. And during a stop at the First Church of Pearland, in a Houston suburb, Trump praised DeVos, noting that she had a full page story in the Wall Street Journal that day.

The department also highlighted a few steps the secretary and her team have already taken to help schools hit by the storm. The department has given Texas extra time to submit its plan to implement the Every Student Succeeds Act. (Most states are expected to submit by Sept. 18.) The agency has also given districts hit by the storm more time to get their Promise Neighborhood applications in. (The official deadline is today, Sept. 5.)

The department is also conducting a webinar Sept. 7 for districts in Texas on the ins-and-outs of the McKinney-Vento program for homeless students. The webinar will also direct districts to disaster-related resources available from other agencies. The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Office of Innovation have also reached out to districts, charter, and private schools to see what sorts of resources or flexibility are needed.

The news release , though, doesnt mention any new money for the school districts impacted by the storm. That funding could be included in a relief package likely to be under consideration in Congress this fall.

How have the feds helped storm-ravaged schools in the past? Back in 2005, when Hurricane Katrina demolished schools through out the city of New Orleans. Congress provided $1.4 billion in aid to help schools and students hit by the storm. The package included $645 million to help nearby states and districts cover the cost of educating nearly 160,000 displaced students, which translated to about $4,000 for the entire school year per student, or less than districts were banking on. The Bush administration also pushed a new voucher program tied to these displaced students, creating political turmoil on Capitol Hill that some districts worried would delay the funding to needy districts and students.

The feds also gave districts in four hurricane-hit states $750 million in restart aid , which could be used for everything from paying teachers salaries, to replacing textbooks and other equipment damaged by the storm. At the time, districts expressed serious frustration with FEMA, which was widely criticized for its response to the storm.

The Education Department, though, won praise for its Katrina relief efforts, which included a website alerting potential donors to schools and students in need.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump meet people impacted by Hurricane Harvey during a visit to the NRG Center in Houston on Sept. 2.

--Susan Walsh/AP

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
Another group the BRICS named was the Haqqani network. (Photo: AP)

Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday rejected a statement by the five emerging-market BRICS powers that militant groups in Pakistan pose a regional security concern, with its defence minister saying no group operates freely inside Pakistan.

The ministers response follows a statement on Monday by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa that also called for patrons of the Pakistan-based militant groups to be held to account.

These organizations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which were cleaning, Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told the Geo TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to.

But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organization has any complete safe havens.

The groups named by the BRICS include anti-India militant factions such as Jaish-e-Mohammad, which was blamed for a 2001 attack on Indias parliament, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which India blames for cross-border attacks including a 2008 assault in its financial capital Mumbai in which 166 people were killed.

Another group the BRICS named was the Haqqani network, which is allied with the Afghan Taliban militants waging war on the US-backed government in Kabul and foreign forces there.

The United States has been calling on Pakistan to do more to tackle alleged Haqqani network sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the Afghan border, or it might cut military aid.

China is also concerned about Islamist influence spilling over from Pakistan and Afghanistan into its far-western Xinjiang region, where some members of a Muslim minority chafe at Chinese Communist Party rule.

Countries attending a December conference aimed at stabilising Afghanistan made a similar statement, naming several Pakistan-based groups as a source of concern.

Pakistan has always strongly denied offering safe havens to militants groups.
Beijing: China said on Wednesday it has invited Pakistans Foreign Minister for talks, in an apparent move to assuage Islamabads concerns after the BRICS countries for the first time named Pakistan-based terrorist groups like LeT and JeM in the groupings declaration.

Foreign Minister Mohammed Asif will pay an official visit to China on September 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, he said.

China and Pakistan are all weather strategic partners. The two sides have seen their relationship growing with a sound momentum, frequent high level exchanges and fruitful outcomes of political cooperation, he said.

Asif was supposed to travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this week to drum up support for Islamabad after US President Donald Trump warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues to support terror groups.

Asifs visit will be another important event between the two sides which will further the cooperation consensus reached between the two leaders, deepen political cooperation centered on the China Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) and promote coordination and communication on international and regional affairs, he said.

India has protested to China over the USD 50 billion CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, he said without mentioning the concerns in Pakistan over BRICS, (Brazil Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries naming Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Haqqani networks in their declaration.

The declaration of BRICS, of which China is a prominent member, had expressed concern over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) active in Chinas Xinjiang and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, LeT, JeM, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

At the just concluded ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen the BRICS leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever. They stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.

The naming of the JeM outfit in the declaration also sparked speculation whether China would continue to resist efforts by India to bring about a UN ban on its leader Masood Azhar.

China has blocked the resolutions tabled by India and later by the US, backed by the UK and France, in the UN by putting repeated technical holds.

Pakistan on Tuesday rejected the BRICS declaration, saying there was no safe haven for terrorists on its soil.

Chinas endorsement of BRICS declaration, which is also seen as a significant diplomatic victory for India, was sharply criticised by a Chinese think tank, saying that it would strain close relations between China and Pakistan.

It is beyond my understanding how China agreed to this. I dont think it is good idea, Hu Shisheng, Director of the official China Institute of Contemporary International Relations told PTI.

This will irritate Pakistan. I dont think when the BRICS declaration is made, Pakistan is consulted. In the coming days Chinese diplomats have to explain to Pakistan. This is too costly to China. Pakistan will be very upset. After Trump denouncement of Pakistan, it is already feeling pressure. I feel little strange, he said.

Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told state-run Global Times today that stressing counter-terrorism shows that the BRICS summit, which started from business cooperation, has expanded its cooperation to a more comprehensive level.

China is also a victim of terrorism and is firmly against any kind of terrorism, and thats the main reason that the organisations are named in the declaration, Hu said.

Song Zhongping, an expert on international relations, said that terrorism could impact the BRICS mechanism.

The organisations are already defined as terrorists by global society, and have threatened the security of the world and BRICS countries, Song said.

The BRICS nations have named the organisations as the first step, and the next steps are to share information and build a security mechanism, Song added.

In the future, sharing intelligence, building a drill mechanism and normalising these actions are the methods that the BRICS should refer to on counter-terrorism cooperation, Hu said.
Myanmars state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi offers a toast to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a dinner at the Presidential palace in Myanmar on Tuesday. (Photo: AP)

Xiamen: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched for an organised and coordinated action on counter terrorism, as he suggested 10 commitments through which Brics could drive global transformation.

Speaking at the Brics Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue, organised by China on sidelines of Brics Summit as an outreach exercise, Modi also assured Indias partnership with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world  brick by brick, or, through Brics..., Modi said. I had spoken about the Brics driving the global transformation in the next ten years for it to be a golden decade. I suggest that this can be brought about with our proactive approach, policies and action, he said.

Apart from Mr Modi, leaders of Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and five guest countries  Egypt, Tajikistan, Thailand, Mexico and Kenya  attended the dialogue.

Describing these countries as close and valued partners of India, Mr Modi said he was pleased to exchange perspectives with them on the shared priority of achieving comprehensive sustainable development and thanked President Xi Jinping for bringing the countries together.

He said that Brics, which represents almost half of the humanity, can achieve global transformation with a proactive approach, policies and action based on ten Noble Commitments. The commitments include creating a safer world by organised and coordinated action on at least three issues  counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management.

The commitments suggested by Mr Modi also included creating a greener world by taking concerted action on countering climate change through green initiatives.

Other noble commitments were  creating an enabled world, creating an inclusive world, creating a digital world, creating a skilled world, creating a healthier world, creating an equitable world, creating a connected world and creating a harmonious world.

Talking about Indias review of sustainable development goals as per the UNs 2030 Agenda, the PM said the bedrock of the development agenda lies in the notion of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas.
The Bengaluru Police is on the hunt to nab the killers of journalist Gauri Lankesh.



Sources said that one of the 2 CCTV cameras in her house held crucial evidence pertaining to the crime.



The Police sources said that they have recovered 2 DVRs from her house which were password protected.



Experts were roped in to access them and recovered images . Both the assailant and victim could be captured in one frame as the shooter has shot her from a close range.



As the incident took place at night, the footage is also being sent to a Forensics lab to be digitally enhanced.



Sources said one of the men wore a black jacket and a full masked helmet waiting on the bike, while the other walked into her verandah and shot her.



Another investigating team is working on the route that Gauri Lankesh took to return to her house from her office in Gandhi Bazaar in Basavangudi. They will also collect CCTV footage along the route to find if she was followed. The team is trying to reconstruct the crime. Other teams are working on collecting technical evidence.



Police have concluded that the killers were professionals who had conducted a recce of her house and studied her movements.



They are also collection CCTV footage from nearby junctions and houses to see if any suspicious movement was recorded.



Chief Minister is holding an emergency meeting with the DG-IGP at Vidhan Soudha after which he will address media.


A day after the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, Congress on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying his idea of 'New India' was all about silencing dissent.



Congress President Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and asked him to swiftly bring the culprits to book.



Anybody who speaks against the RSS/BJP is attacked and even killed. They want to impose only one ideology which is against the nature of India, Rahul told reporters here.



He said sometimes the Prime Minister spoke under pressure but the entire idea was to crush dissent and this was resulting in a very serious problem in India.



Rahul said the prime minister's words have a dual meaning  one for his support base and the other for the rest of the world.



The chief minister has told me that those responsible for this would be arrested and punished, the Congress vice president said.



Congress President Sonia Gandhi said the murder of Lankesh was an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry are raising its ugly head in our society.



Seeking to shield the Siddaramaiah government from criticism on law and order, the Congress made it clear that the best investigative officers have been put on the job to crack the case and that the culprits would be nabbed swiftly.



He said three police teams have been formed by the state government and more officers would be pressed on the job if required.



An unprecedented atmosphere of hate and intolerance is being created in order to take on those who have ideologically divergent views. 'If you do not agree with us, we shall kill you' is the new slogan of 'New India', AICC spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said here.



Muzzling the voice of ordinary citizens and the lynch mob mentality has become a regular habit of this 'New India-Achhe Din' government, Singhvi said adding that such murders have been taking place regularly since the BJP government came to power at the Centre in 2014.



We must ask ourselves, why did this atmosphere of bigotry and hate not cultivated before 2014, he said.



Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said he was shocked to see that the prime minister was following some persons on Twitter who were spreading hatred and venom which encourages such people to commit violence and crime.






The Supreme Court on Tuesday said any violence in name of cow vigilantism must stop in the country.



It asked all the states to appoint a nodal officer in each district within a week to check such violence and incidents.



"If the law is in place, why can't the violence stop. Who will do it? This must stop. It is not permissible. There must be quick action. Some kind of planned action is required, " a three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said.



Hearing a petition filed by Tushar Gandhi, the court asked Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan as to why they can't nominate a single police officer in each district to ensure that vigilante groups do not take the law into their hands.



The court posed a similar query to D K Singh, Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh, who claimed only one incident took place after "this (present) government came into power".



After Mehta and Singh agreed to the suggestion, the court directed all states to appoint a nodal officer in each district for the purpose. It also asked states to nominate a police officer for highway patrol to check such violence.



"If any deviance takes place, he (officer) shall take strong action in accordance with law," the bench, also comprising Justices Amitava Roy and A M Khanwilkar, said.



Arguing for the petitioner, senior Advocate Indira Raising cited a statement made by Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar before the court on July 21 that the Union Government do not support any kind of vigilantism. She said the Centre cannot wash its hands off by saying law and order was a state subject.



She sought directions from the court to the Centre to exercise its obligation under Article 256 of the Constitution.



Jaising also submitted despite the statement by the law officer, incidents relating to violence under the garb of cow vigilantism continued to happen.
The Karnataka government today decided to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh.





Briefing reporters after a meeting with top police officials and state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the SIT would be headed by an Inspector General level officer.





He said that the team exclusively investigate the murder of Lankesh and will be given a free hand to take as many police personnel as required. He was confident that the killers will be nabbed soon.





He also said that if Lankesh's family insist then the government was also open to CBI probe.





"Have instructed the police to provide protection to progressive thinkers in the state" Siddaramaiah added.





Lankesh was shot outside her home in Bengaluru yesterday.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday sought a report from Karnataka government on the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru.





This came after Home Minister Rajnath Singh directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to get a report from the state government.



A senior official told DH that the state government has been asked to provide details of the incident and the steps taken to arrest those involved in the killing.



Gauri, daughter of late journalist P Lankesh, was known for her critical views of Hindutva politics and several have now drawn a parallel with the murders of rationalists Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi.



The murder has triggered widespread protests in many parts of the country. The national capital witnessed a number of protests during the day. Social media was also abuzz with condemnation of the incident.
CORRECTED

Her cars were half-submerged in the driveway. The rising floodwaters had breached her front door. Betty Maynard, her husband, her disabled brother, her 85-year old mother, and the two family dogs had been forced to the second floor of their suburban Houston home. Emergency rescue crews werent responding to requests for help.

So Maynard, a Pre-K teacher at Duryea Elementary in the Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District, did the only thing she could think of.

She reached out to her principal.

I told him we are flooded and cant get out, Maynard said. He said, Im going to rescue you.

It would be several harrowing hours before Kenneth Henry aided by his son, two strangers with a boat, and another teacher at Duryeaeventually made it to Maynards home. The dramatic scene that ensued was just one of countless examples of educators coming together as Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath devastated wide swaths of Texas and Louisiana. And like many other such moments, the rescue of Betty Maynard was aided by the apps and digital communications tools that have become commonplace in American schools.

Before Harvey hit, Henry had begun checking in on dozens of his staff members via an app called Remind 101.

During the storm, school districts throughout the region relied on social media to keep parents and the public informed.

And in the wake of the widespread flooding and damage that Harvey left behind, a Dallas-area principal used Facebook, Google, and a popular school-newsletter software to connect principals from as far away as Connecticut and New Jersey to Houston-area schools in dire need of supplies.

These tools have allowed people to communicate and help each other as best they could in an incredibly stressful situation, said Charlene Blohm, the founder of a public-relations and marketing firm that works with districts on technology and social media policy. Theyve helped direct the groundswell of support for everyone in the affected areas.

A dramatic rescue

Henry, the Duryea Elementary principal, says hes not particularly tech-savvy.

Im not a big Facebooker, he said. My staff teases me about it.

But some digital tools are increasingly essential to being a principal. Among them: apps such as Remind 101, which allows school leaders to send group-text messages directly to every staff members phone, rather than hoping theyll see an email message or social-media post.

Typically, Henry said, hell use it to send reminders about meetings or notices about events.

That was the case just a few days earlier, when the Duryea team was going through a week of professional development and preparing for the opening of school.

But as Harvey gathered strength, Henry began transitioning into crisis-response mode. He used Remind 101 to request that all Duryea staff let him know if they were evacuating, where they were heading, and if they needed help.

By the second day of heavy rain and wind, a lot of people were saying, Weve waited as long as we can, but we have to leave, Henry said.

He heard that one of his 5th grade teachers was getting ready to flee rising waters, but didnt have a clear destination lined up. Henry drove his truck as close as he could, helped Robert Bugg and his wife carry their two toddlers and a few bags of clothing away from danger, and brought the entire family into his own home for several days.

Shortly afterwards, Maynard sounded her alarm.

Henry first tried to coordinate with a Duryea teacher who was out doing rescue operations in his kayak. But flooding on Highway 290 proved an insurmountable barrier.

So again, Henry got in his truck.

He got within three blocks of Maynards house. Then he had to leave his vehicle behind. The principal began slogging through knee-deep water. He tried to calm his fears about possible snakes.

By the grace of God, Henry said, he ran into two men from the Dallas-Fort Worth area who had brought their boat to Houston to assist with the rescue effort.

I said, Ive got a family that needs help, the principal recalled. They said, Lets go.

In Maynards yard, the strangers sought something they could moor their boat to. Maynard and her family were waving from a second story window. Henry jumped back into the water, now nearly to his chest.

Inside the homes first floor, he said, it seemed everything but the sofa was floating.

Henry carried Maynards infirm mother out to the boat first, then the dogs, then what belongings Maynards family had been able to gather.

Her fathers ashes had to stay in the attic. She forgot to bring shoes. She remembered her Michael Kors handbag, stuffed with the familys important papers. And her phone, which she used to shoot a video as the boat made it to safety.

Maynard later posted the video on Facebook, and a snapshot of the successful rescue taken by Henry made it on to Twitter.

My hero, Maynard said of her principals efforts on her behalf.

I asked God to help me somehow, and He did.

Principals helping principals, via Facebook

Theres a cliche that ed tech isnt about the technology itself, but how and why you use it.

Thats certainly been the case in example after example of how educators have responded to Harvey.

Beyond helping to coordinate rescues, dozens of districts used Twitter and Facebook for crisis communications, sharing information and directing people to resources and offering guidance for those who wanted to help.

In any kind of crisis situation, you want people to know you are a resource for the best, up-to-date information, said Blohm, the educational public-relations expert. There were people around the world trying to figure out what was happening in these parts of Texas and Louisiana, and districts did a great job sharing what they could in the moment.

And now, as Harveys floodwaters slowly recede and the full extent of the damage caused by the storm becomes apparent, digital tools and social media are being used coordinate all manner of relief and recovery efforts.

One of the most powerful examples was started by Kristen Eriksen, the principal of Sunset Valley Elementary in the Keller school district, just north of Dallas-Fort Worth.

The same day that Principal Henry was rescuing Betty Maynard, Eriksen was sitting on her couch at home, multi-tasking.

As she drafted a weekly newsletter to her staff, she scrolled through Facebook and watched the increasingly frightening news coverage of what was happening 275 miles to the south.

My mind just got set on what teachers and kids would have when they came back from the storm, Eriksen said. I thought, What can I do?

She logged into a Facebook group she belongs to, called the Principals Leadership Group. Usually, its for sharing team-building ideas, instructional strategies, and tips on technology tools.

Eriksen posted a different kind of question:

What if we created an adopt-a-school program to help colleagues affected by Harvey?

Within an hour, she said, there were nearly 100 positive responses.

Eriksen knew what to do.

I use Google for everything, she said. So I said, lets just make a Google Sheet with a public link so anyone can see and update it.

Almost immediately, schools from around the country began offering help.

Facebook and Twitter can sometimes be damaging, but this project gave us something that could unite us in helping one another, said Sue Iwanicki, the principal and head of school at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London, Conn.

Within a day, Iwanicki and Andrea Simmons, the head of the nearby Friendship School, another Connecticut magnet school, had been connected with the Houston Academy in Texass Aldine school district.

Principal Yvette Shelby-King outlined her schools needs in the Google Sheet that Eriksen had created:

We have families/faculty who lost everything. Target & Wal-Mart gift cards are needed. We could use: toiletries: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, combs/brushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, razors Non-perishable food items, individually bagged snacks, bottled water, etc.  NEW (still in original packaging) undergarments, socks, t-shirts, shorts, jeans/pants, pajamas, shoes, school uniforms  air mattresses, pillows, blankets, sheets, towels  School supplies

The two Connecticut schools are now gathering those materials from the communities they serve, with the expectation that they will send supplies to Houston Academy early next week.

By Labor Day, Eriksen said, about 270 Harvey-impacted schools had been adopted. On top of her busy day job, Eriksen was spending hours each day serving as a one-woman distribution hub-and school-adoption-agency.

None of it would have been possible without the powerful-but-simple tools that allowed her to reach out directly and quickly to a national audience of like-minded educators, Eriksen said.

But what has been truly remarkable, Eriksen said, is how many school leaders around the country have been so eager to help.

Education is a tough business, she said. But were there for one another.

Photo: Betty Maynards flooded street from the boat used to rescue her family, provided courtesy of Kenneth Henry Jr.

An earlier version of this story used the incorrect last name for Andrea Simmons.

See also:
India said today that it shares Myanmar's concerns over "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state from where 125,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the country's unity.



Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, asserted that it was important to maintain the security and stability of the land and maritime boundaries of the two countries.



The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation.



Modi's first bilateral visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya Muslims that have poured into Bangladesh in just two weeks after Myanmar's military launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state.

Modi, in his joint press statement with Suu Kyi after the talks, said India understands the problems being faced by Myanmar.



He said India shares Myanmar's concerns over "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state, especially the loss of innocent lives of the people and the security personnel.



"When it comes to a big peace process or finding a solution to a special issue, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution which while respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar ensures peace, justice and dignity for all," Modi said.



His remarks came a day after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and will be deported from India.



Rijiju had asserted that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.



After Modi-Suu Kyi talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.

Modi, in his statement, stressed on scaling up security cooperation, saying that being neighbours, the two countries have similar security concerns.



Taking a strong stance on terror, Suu Kyi said, "Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take root on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries."



Suu Kyi also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine state last month, killing 12 security personnel.



The meeting between Modi and Suu Kyi came on a day she was quoted as telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that global outrage over Myanmar's treatment of its Rohingya Muslims was being fuelled by "a huge iceberg of misinformation".



Sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by "a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists", Suu Kyi was quoted by an official statement as telling Erdogan in a call.



Suu Kyi has come under fire in recent days for failing to speak out against violence targeting Rohingyas, particularly given her previous image as a champion of human rights.



Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State.



UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.



Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

He said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit the country.



Modi highlighted the development initiatives India was undertaking in Mynamar especially in capacity building, which Suu Kyi said her country needed the most.



"I believe the democratic experience of India is relevant for Myanmar and that is why we are proud of our massive support in the capacity building of the executive, legislature, election commission and press council and other institutions in Myanmar," Modi said.



Talking about India's assistance to Myanmar, he said the work on the Paletwa Inland Waterways Terminal and Sittwe port under the Kaladan project has been completed.



Modi also noted that the high-speed diesel from India has started coming through trucks to meet the needs of Upper Myanmar.



Under the development partnership, Modi highlighted India's assistance in the development of high quality education and healthcare and research facilities in Myanmar.



He said in future also India would take up projects that will be according to the needs and priorities of Myanmar.



"Today's agreements will strengthen our all-round bilateral cooperation," the prime minister said.

He also lauded Suu Kyi's leadership in Myanmar's peace process.



Earlier, during the delegation-level talks, Modi said, "We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka saath sabka vikaas' initiative."



He said deepening the relationship with Myanmar was a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of the 'Act East Policy'.



Later in the day, Modi flew to Bagan and paid respects at the Ananda Temple there.



Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS Summit.



Yesterday, Modi called on Myanmarese President Htin Kyaw, describing it as a "wonderful meeting".

They had discussed steps to deepen the "historical relationship" between the two neighbours.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.



The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.



Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Protests erupted across the city today condemning the "cold blooded murder" of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh here.



She was shot dead outside her house last night, sparking outrage from people of all walks of life.



Journalists took out a march from the Press Club to the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking immediate action to bring the culprits to book.



"We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media," the memorandum said.



Condemning the killing, Press Club of Bengaluru president Sadashiva Shenoy said he was closely associated with Gauri Lankesh and was at loss of words to condole her death.



"Divisive forces cannot muzzle the liberal voices by resorting to killing," Shenoy said.



He said the Press Club of Bengaluru will form a committee to mount pressure on the government for a speedy investigation of the case.



"We demand that a judicial committee should be constituted headed by a sitting High Court judge to probe the brutal killing," Shenoy said.



Freedom fighter 99-year-old H S Doreswamy led a protest at the Town Hall, where hundreds of people turned up to condole the death and express their anger against the killing of Gauri Lankesh.



The body of Gauri Lankesh was kept at the Ravindra Kalakshetra here where mourners paid their last respects.
Canadas leading business schools are set to visit Bengaluru on November 25 to show case their MBA programmes and attract Indian students.



The MBA showcase tour will provide an excellent opportunity for young professionals, entrepreneurs and students aspiring for a foreign management degree. It will enable them to meet with representatives of Canadian institutions and learn about Canadian MBA programs, the Canada High Commission said, announcing the date of the tour.



The delegates representing Canadas elite MBA programs as well as representatives from the High Commission of Canada in India will be available to interact with the MBA aspirants.



It will enable them to meet with representatives of Canadian institutions and learn about Canadian MBA programs. Over the course of this event, attendees can take part in interactive sessions on a range of subjects such as admissions, visa procedures, and career opportunities, the High Commission added.



To participate in the event, candidates are required to register at http://icbc.org.in/edu-canada-canadian-mba-showcase-tour-2016/ or send an email to mba@icbc.org.in.



Participation is free but registration is mandatory, the High Commission said. The visit of the Canadian B-schools is part of their multi-city MBA Showcase Tour which began in from Delhi and has already covered Kolkata, Chandigarh and Mumbai.



This is the third edition of the only Canadian MBA fair organised by the High Commission of Canada in India in association with the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC), the High Commission said.



The institutions to be participating in MBA showcase programme include University of Alberta (Alberta School of Business), York University (Schulich School Of Business), Carleton University (Sprott School Of Business), Concordia University (John Molson School Of Business), Lakehead University, Saint Mary's University (Sobey School Of Business), Ryerson University (Ted Rogers School Of Management), McMaster University (DeGroote School Of Business), University of Manitoba (Asper School Of Business) and Thompson Rivers University



Canada has been one of the most favourite destination for Indian students aspiring to get a foreign degree in various higher education programmes.



Indian students are increasingly seeing Canada as a destination for a high-quality education at an affordable cost, in a safe, welcoming and multicultural environment, the High Commission said.



Over 25,000 study permits were issued to young Indians in 2014. This is a six-fold increase from 2005 and represents the attractiveness of Canada as a study destination for young Indians. Canada has been receiving record numbers of study permit applications in 2016, it added.








The leader of opposition in Assembly Jagadish Shettar demanded a probe by Central Bureau of Investigation into the murder of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh.



Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, he said it has been two years since the murder of researcher M M Kalburgi took place in Dharwad, yet the State government has not been able to crack the case. If the government does not want this case (Gauri killing) too to go in that direction, they should hand over the case to CBI.



He said the State government should take strict action against anyone found guilty in the case, irrespective of how mighty he may be.



Shettar said there is a complete collapse in law and order situation in Karnataka, as in the last one year alone the State has seen 18 political/ideological murders taking place, including those belonging to right-wing ideology.



As a responsible opposition party, we will question the government on the political murders, including that of M M Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh, he said and added that the political murder cases will be discussed in our Mangaluru meet which is scheduled to be held on September 7, he said.



Dharwad MP Prahlad Joshi, demanding a CBI inquiry, asked people not pre-judge on the case and wait till the emergence of complete details in the case. State government is completely clueless about the political and ideological killings taking place in Karnataka, he said.




As thousands gather at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bangalore to pay their final respects to murdered activist and journalist Gauri Lankesh, countless more condolences and tributes are continuously pouring in online through Twitter.



Several politicians have already taken to Twitter to express their grief and condemn Lankesh's murder.







Shocked to learn abt murder of tall progressive force & senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Such cold blooded acts deserve highest condemnation  CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 5, 2017





I have spoken with the DGP, and instructed him to ensure prompt and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.  CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) September 5, 2017

Saddened at the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. Most unfortunate. Very alarming. We want justice  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 5, 2017

I urge the chief minister to nab the culprits asap she was old associate during my journalism days  Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) September 5, 2017

Some celebrities also reacted to the news of Gauri Lankesh's murder.





Dhabolkar , Pansare, Kalburgi , and now Gauri Lankesh . If one kind of people are getting killed which kind of people are the killers .  Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) September 5, 2017

#Gauri Lankesh shot dead outside her home.Shocking Devastating. Dabholkar Pansare Kalburgi Culprits must be punished  Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) September 5, 2017

Academics, activists and journalists also took to twitter to express their grief and condemn Lankesh's murder.





Killing of #GauriLankesh is not only tragic but terribly scary as well. Mere dissent or disagreement as a brave journalist cost her life.  S lrfan Habib (@irfhabib) September 5, 2017

As a friend, colleague & admirer for decades shocked & shattered to hear of the murder of Gauri Lankesh,one of India's gutsiest journalists  vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) September 5, 2017

As a rookie journo, I discovered Bangalore riding pillion on Gauri Lankesh's mobike. She was truly one of a kind. Hard to believe she's gone  Seema Goswami (@seemagoswami) September 5, 2017

#GauriLankesh taught me to speak truth to power. She was fearless in her fight against hate. We resolve to carry on her struggle. pic.twitter.com/SnbZ0RnFkS  Kanhaiya Kumar (@kanhaiyajnusu) September 5, 2017

Subsequently many also tried to highlight the hateful posts written by online trolls. Many of the hateful comments were inciting hate and were proclaiming to "justify" Lankesh's murder. Others were attempting to use puns with her name in very poor taste.





So we're officially a country where one journalist can say "amen" to the murder of another journalist and make it her pinned tweet. https://t.co/QoyY57lDxD  G Sampath (@samzsays) September 5, 2017

Remember this Sanghi "journo" calling to 'Wipe Out' journalists like Gauri Lankesh... https://t.co/hJtudrtLb6  Suryanarayan Ganesh (@gsurya) September 5, 2017

A report by AltNews also highlighted several hateful posts that were posted online.




UPDATED

School districts in South Florida are closing ahead of Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that is still in the Caribbean but could affect Florida later this week.

The Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach county school districts announced Tuesday that they will close schools on Thursday and Friday. Miami-Dade county will start evacuations on Wednesday.

Monroe County, which includes Key West, will close schools and government offices as early as Wednesday. Mandatory evacuations for visitors is expected to start at sunrise on Wednesday, the county said .

[UPDATE (Sept. 6): Hillsborough County schools in Tampa also announced Wednesday that it will close on Thursday and Friday. Its schools will be used as shelters for evacuees, the district said. ]

In anticipation of the storm, Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency on Monday.

Hurricane Irma threatens the coast a little more than a week after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, causing widespread damage on the Gulf Coast and devastating flooding in the Houston area.

More than 1 million students were affected by Hurricane Harvey and many districts are still closed, according to the Texas Education Agency. Houston, the states largest school district, is expected to reopen on Sept. 11.

With wind speeds of up to 185 miles per hour, Hurricane Irma is one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, according to the Washington Post.

Photo caption: In this geocolor image captured by the GOES-16 satellite, and released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hurricane Irma approaches Anguilla on Sept. 6. The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history has roared into the Caribbean, its winds ripping off roofs and knocking out phones. Its on a path toward Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly hitting Florida.

--NOAA via AP
Senior BJP leader and housing minister Prakash Mehta seems to be in serious trouble after Maharashtra governor CH Vidyasagar Rao asked the Lokayukta to investigate into the permissions him with regard to the slum rehabilitation scheme at M.P. Mill Compound in Mumbai.



Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had requested the governor to issue a direction to the Lokayukta to investigate into the matter.



In a letter to the Governor, the chief minister had stated that he had made a statement before both the Houses of Legislature saying that in regard to the allegations against Mehta pertaining to grant of permission in the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme at the MP Mill Compound at Tardeo locality in Mumbai, an inquiry would be entrusted to the Lokayukta of Maharashtra.



The Governor ordered investigation under Sub Section (3) of Section 17 of the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act, 1971, a Raj Bhavan spokesperson said.



Mehta had allegedly permitted the transfer of building rights (TDR) due to slumdwellers to a building for project affected people in violation of development control (DC) norms. The move facilitated generation of additional building rights in favour of a builder to the tune of Rs 700 to Rs 800 crore.



During the monsoon session of the legislature, the opposition Congress and NCP demanded the resignation of Mehta or his sacking and a judicial probe against him.



Mehta had wrongly mentioned on the file of the project that he had kept the chief minister in loop about the transfer, which was denied by Fadnavis. In fact, the chief minister also wants his name cleared from the controversy.



The noting - I have apprised the CM has caused troube for Fadnavis. The government has said the CM was never apprised about the project; Mehta too later admitted that the file had not been brought before the CM.






Unnerved by the raids by the NIA across the state, senior Kashmiri separatist leaders Wednesday announced that they will court arrest at the probe agency's headquarters on Saturday.



Addressing a hurriedly called press conference at historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, they said, "We have decided to fly to Delhi on September 9, Saturday and hold a demonstration there. We will court arrest at the NIA headquarters because we are their main targets."



The separatist leaders alleged that the central probe agency had terrorised the whole Kashmir. "Keep doors of Tihar jail open, we are coming," pro-independence JKLF chief Yasin Malik, who was accompanied by moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said. Hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani could not attend the joint press conference because of poor health.



"Government of India is following a policy of coercion defamation and intimidation in Kashmir as it does not want to address the actual issue. It wants to change the whole narrative so diversionary tactics and propaganda is being used its a multi pronged approach," they alleged.



The separatists announcement came on the day when the NIA raided 11 locations in Kashmir valley and searched the premises of six known businessmen. Seven separatist leaders have already been booked by the premier agency for waging war against the country in an alleged case of terror funding. A renowned businessman Zahoor Watali has also been arrested in the case.



Two youth, including a photojournalist, has also been arrested for their alleged role in stone-pelting protests. The three separatist leaders are already on the NIA's radar, sources said.






United Nations war crimes investigators said today they had evidence that Syrian government forces were behind the chemical attack that killed dozens of people in Khan Sheikhun in April.



In the first UN report to officially blame Damascus, the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria said it had gathered an "extensive body of information" showing the Syrian airforce was behind the horrific sarin gas attack on April 4.



"All evidence available leads the Commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhun," the report said.



At least 83 people, a third of them children, were killed and nearly 300 wounded in the attack on Khan Sheikhun, a town in the opposition-held northern province of Idlib, it said.



Other sources have given a death toll of at least 87.



Syria's government has denied involvement and claims it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender its chemical arsenal.



A fact-finding mission by the UN's chemical watchdog, the OPCW, concluded earlier this year that sarin gas was used in the attack, but did not assign blame.



A joint UN-OPCW panel is currently working to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack.



But today's report is the first from the UN to officially lay blame for the attack on Damascus.

The report also found that the Syrian government was responsible for at least 23 other chemical attacks in the war-ravaged country since March 2013.



The investigators, who have never been granted access to Syria, said they had based their findings on photographs of bomb remnants, satellite imagery and eyewitness testimony.



They determined that a Su-22 fighter bomber, which is only operated by the Syrian air force, conducted four airstrikes in Khan Sheikhun at around 6:45 am on April 4.



"The Commission identified three of the bombs as likely OFAB-100-120 and one as a chemical bomb," the report said, adding that "photographs of weapon remnants depict a chemical aerial bomb of a type manufactured in the former Soviet Union."



The investigators said they had found no evidence supporting Syrian and Russian claims that the chemicals had been released when an air strike hit an opposition weapons depot in the area producing chemical munitions.



Their report, which covers the period from March 1 to July 7, also found that Syrian government forces had carried out chemical attacks on at least three other occasions since March - in Idlib, Hamah and eastern Ghouta - using weaponised chlorine.



The report is the 14th from the COI, which has been tasked with detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed more than 330,000 people since 2011.
The leader of Opposition in Assembly Jagadish Shettar charged that State Medium & Heavy Industries Minister R V Deshpande is fudging figures to present a rosy picture of employment and industries in Karnataka.



Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Shettar said, Deshpande, has been claiming that in the last four years of their governance Karnataka has received Rs 3.34 lakh crore as industrial investments, where as per the departments record the State received only Rs 2.41 lakh crore. The senior minister has also been claiming that through single window system Karnataka gave a permit to 1823 industries, where as documents show that only 980 got permission through single window clearance, while only 125 projects got implemented.



Even in terms of creation of jobs, the minister is lying by stating that it had generated 14.19 lakh jobs in four years, where as reality is it had set a target of generating 6.55 lakh jobs of which they could provide job to only 2.60 lakh, he said.



One investor meet



He charged that in the four years of governance, the Congress government could hold only one investor meet --Invest Karnataka-2016-- in which the State received a proposal of Rs 2,45,584 crores of which projects worth only Rs 11,158 crore got materialised. Of the 1080 projects proposed only 62 got executed and of the proposed 122 Memorandum of Understandings signed, only five projects were executed, he said.



How can Karnataka be number one in industries if this is its performance, he said.



Mangaluru Chalo



The former chief minister said State government is trying to curb the democratic rights of political parties by banning their protest. There seems to be an undeclared emergency imposed in Karnataka by the Congress government, he said and added that defying all odds, more than one lakh BJP workers and leaders will converge in Mangaluru on September 7 to hold a protest.



Shettar also demanded the Bengaluru Development and Town Planning Minister K J George to tender his resignation till the completion of CBI probe into the suicide of DySP Ganapathi. Shettar said Supreme Court has rejected all the requests made by noted advocates Kapil Sibal, Manu Singhvi and others who were trying hard to protect George, the ATM of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress high command, he said.



This is also a slap on State government controlled CID, which had given clean chit to George. He said BJP will intensify its protest if George does not resign or if CM fails to boot him out.



Dharwad MP Prahlad Joshi, Revu Naik Belamgi, Mayor D K Chavan, Nagesh Kalburgi and others were present.










The body of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was laid to rest with state honours a day after she was gunned down by unidentified assailants, as the damp weather condition in the city matched the sombre mood.



Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, JD (S) MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, multi-lingual actor Prakash Raj, playwrights, theatre personalities, journalists and social activists were in attendance.



Besides, a large number of people thronged the TR Mill crematorium to pay their last respect to Gauri. Rains washing away their tears.



As the body was laid to rest in the Lingayat burial ground in the crematorium, slogans like 'Gauri Lankesh Amar Rahe' and 'Gauri Lankesh Zindabad' filled the air.



Rains could not dampen people's respect for 55-year-old Gauri, known for her Left-leaning and anti-right wing stand.



She was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants from close range at her residence here last evening.



The killing has drawn widespread condemnation.
Rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Singh could be in for more serious trouble in case the police is able to establish the veracity of the charges of human skeletons buried inside the sects sprawling complex in Sirsa.



The police and para-military forces are ready to swoop down on the sprawling 750-acres of Dera property which is also the sects headquarters. The operation could begin anytime.



If charges turn out to be true, this could uncork a can of worms. Allegations are that followers who would not toe the line of the Sect head or would object to many of the unsavoury activities inside the complex would go missing. This has fueled talks of human skeletons buried inside the sect premises. Excavation is likely to be carried out to unravel the truth.



The government expects that the exercise to sanitize the main Dera complex will be a smooth operation. But its geared up to meet any eventuality that may arise even as the Dera staff have assured cooperation. Bomb disposal teams, dog squads, revenue officials and thousands of policemen and para-military personnel have reached Sirsa.



The search operation will be carried out under the monitoring of a retired Judge appointed by the Punjab and Haryana High court. The Court on Tuesday accorded its consent to an application by the government that urged the court to monitor the search operation. The Haryana police which today conducted raids in Mumbai and areas near Nepal to nab Honeypreet, the adopted daughter of the sect head, and the sect chief spokesperson Aditya Insan, maintains that their arrest may lead to more skeletons tumbling out of the cupboard.



The police are also investigating the input that a whopping Rs 5 crore was brought to Panchkula ahead of the verdict of Gurmeet Singh on August 25. The fund may have been used for various purposes, including for violence. As many as 32 persons were killed in the violence that broke out in Panchkula post the conviction of the Dera chief. Haryana DGP BS Sandhu today said the police were in touch with security forces in other states and are hopeful the two key functionaries of the Dera will be arrested soon.




The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused a plea for early hearing of a PIL for judiciary inquiry into the death of NEET aspirant S Anitha in Tamil Nadu.



Petitioner-Advocate G S Mani mentioned his PIL before a three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice for an urgent listing of the matter. The court, however, said the petition would come up for consideration in due course.



The petitioner sought direction from the court to the Tamil Nadu government to improve the state syllabus of class XI and XII to the CBSE standard so that the students do not suffer.



He also sought restraint order to the political parties from resorting to agitation against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) or the Supreme Court judgement that had approved one examination for admission to the MBBS and BDS courses in medical colleges across the country.



17-year-old Anitha, a Dalit girl, scored 1176 out of 1200 marks in her class XII board examinations but was unable to join the MBBS course due to her poor marks in NEET. She ended her life in Ariyalur district on September 1. It was contended that she was one of the respondents in the petition filed in the apex court challenging the validity of the NEET.



The innocent girl has ended her life due to instigation by the political parties, their leaders and inaction by the state and the central governments, Mani claimed.




02:27 PM: Gauri used to support the poor and take up their cause



02:10 PM : Protests against Gauri Lankesh murder and for the right to dissent are



reportedly taking place in 16 cities and 29 venues across India.















02:04 PM: Around 10,000 people are at the funeral of Gauri Lankesh







Dabholkar, Kalburgi, Pansare and Gauri won't die in our memories. They'll be our inspiration to fight against injustice. @DeccanHerald pic.twitter.com/Sivb17KKBY  Ajmal (@ajsazadi) September 6, 2017

01:57 PM: Officials are collecting evidence; will have to wait for sometime: Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on murder of Gauri Lankesh



01:53 PM: Many mourners still in the queue, get drenched in rain to pay tributes to Gauri Lankesh.



01:44 PM: Gauri was worried about her tabloid's finances and was considering shutting it down, a source tells DH.



01:53 PM: Actor Prakash Raj among celebrity mourners.



02:44 PM : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pays last respect to the mortal remains of Gauri Lankesh at Ravindra Kalakshethra.



01:34 PM : Some mourners shout 'Gauri Lankesh Amar Rahen'.



01:56 PM : Gauri was running tabloid against difficult odds. Activists had advised her not to close it when elections are due in about seven months.



01:26 PM : Vivek Shanbhag, novelist (Ghachar Ghochar among his more recent works) arrives to pay respects.



01:25 PM : Theatre doyenne B Jayashree and actress Padmavathi Rao among artistes among mourners



01:24 PM : WATCH: Ministers Umashree, DK Shivakumar and UT Khader place wreaths



01:23 PM : Home Secretary to seek a report from Karnataka Government on Gauri Lankesh murder



01:20 PM : WATCH: Mortal remains of Gauri Lankesh arrive at Ravindra Kalakshetra in Bengaluru.



01:19 PM : Gauri's mother, relatives and friends at Ravindra Kalakshetra to pay tributes.



01:13 PM : Farmer leaders among the first to pay tributes to Gauri Lankesh.



01:14 PM : Ministers Umashree, DK Shivakumar and UT Khader place wreaths



01:10 PM : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the team exclusively investigate the murder of Lankesh and will be given a free hand to take as many police personnel as required.



01:08 PM : Former minister A K Subbaiah and anti corruption crusader S R Hiremath praise Gauri's courage. Subbaiah says Fascist forces behind the murder.



01:05 PM : Mortal remains of Gauri Lankesh arrive at Ravindra Kala Kshetra in Bengaluru.



01:02 PM : JDS workers protest against the government.



12:57 PM : Mortal remains of Gauri Lankesh being taken to Ravindra Kala Kshethra



12:55 PM : Protest by Delhi unit of Kerala Union of Working Journalists at Jantar Mantar Delhi.





12:46 PM : We have instructed police to give protections of free speech activists and rationalists in Karnataka, says Chief Minister Siddaramaiah



12:44 PM : Rahul condemned the Tuesday night murder of Lankesh that has shocked people across the country.



12:41 PM : Protest in Bengaluru against the murder of Gauri Lankesh.



12:36 PM : Karnataka government decides to form Special Investigation Team to probe killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh.



12:22 PM : Karnataka government should launch a serious investigation into the Gauri Lankesh murder case, says Union Minister Ananth Kumar



12:11 PM : Gauri a rationalist silenced by gunshots. Her murder is an attempt to stifle reason, to silence those holding contrarian views. Tragic, Kapil Sibal



12:10 PM : Gauri Lankesh: Another anti-establishment voice silenced. Freedom is in peril. Liberty will survive only where contrarian views are freely spoken and written, says Chidambaram



12:05 PM : Media vans have gathered as mourners await Gauri's body.



12:03 PM : Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh



12:02 PM : CPM leader Sitaram Yechury reacted to Gauri Lankesh's murder



12:01 PM : The Police sources said that they have recovered 2 DVRs from her house which were password protected.



12:01 PM : Bengaluru Police have concluded that the killers were professionals who had conducted a recce of her house and studied her movements.



11:58 AM : WATCH: Protest at Town Hall in Bengaluru against the murder of Journalist Gauri Lankesh



11:55 AM : Freedom fighter H S Doreswamy arrives at the protest.



12:00 PM : Gauri Lankesh with progressive thinker and Dalit writer Devanooru Mahadeva and JNU students'union leader Kanhaiya Kumar.



11:49 AM : Congress President, Sonia Gandhi, has expressed shock and distress at the heinous and cowardly murder of Gauri Lankesh.



11:48 AM : Karnataka Home Minister to address a press conference at 12 pm on the Gauri Lankesh murder case.



11:48 AM : Protest against Gauri Lankesh murder at Town Hall in Bengaluru.



11:40 AM : Gauri Lankesh's home in Rajarajeswari Nagar in Bengaluru.



11:38 AM : Hundreds of college students among mourners.



11:37 AM : We live in an era when our voices are stifled and our tongues are cut. Now bullets are being pumped into our chests. We are living in an undeclared Emergency. Baragur Ramachandrappa, Kannada writer



11:36 AM : Chief Minister is holding an emergency meeting with the DG-IGP at Vidhan Soudha after which he will address media.



11:36 AM : Gauri's murder triggers stir, Home Minister heckled, neighbours mistook gunshots for firecrackers



11:35 AM : Gauri Lankesh murder case: Bengaluru on high alert










In the final weeks before 34 states are to give the U.S. Department of Education their accountability plans under the Every Student Succeeds Act, governors are weighing in on what they think about their states proposed education agendas.

Already, in states such as Missouri , North Carolina , and Pennsylvania , governors have given detailed responses to plans and requested that their education departments either move forward with testing, accountability, and teacher quality initiatives as outlined, or make changes before submitting those plans to the feds.

Governors, under the new federal K-12 law, have 30 days to review state accountability plans before theyre submitted to the federal Education Department. Though theres a box for governors to sign off on the ESSA templates, their signatures arent required. Policy experts, though, say the presence of a governors signature signals to the Education Department that theres widespread political support of a states plan.

In the prior round of submissions, this stakeholder provision led to some disputes between legislatures, governors, departments of education, and boards that oversee the departments of education.

In the most extreme case, Louisianas Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, then new to office, unsuccessfully attempted to block the submission of that states plan after principals and local superintendents complained about several portions of the states proposed new acccountability system.

After ESSA devolved federal powers to state lawmakers, theres been an attempt in recent years by governors and legislatures to consolidate power over especially controversial policy decisions. Indianas legislature, for example, passed a bill this year which makes the state education secretary a position appointed by the governor, rather than elected.

The Alabama, Delaware and Hawaii governors have personally handled their states entire ESSA-creation process.

No state, it seems, has had as difficult a time getting its ESSA plan to Betsy DeVos desk in recent weeks as North Carolina.

That states lawmakers have been in legal limbo over the powers of the state superintendent after the legislature in a special session last winter slashed the powers of the states board of education. The board sued, and a district judge blocked the law from going into effect until a higher court rules on its constitutionality.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, the states legislature overrode a veto of a bill that dictated several provisions of the states ESSA plan, including what the states accountability system would look like.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, now in his first year, wrote a detailed response to the plan late last month taking issue with several areas of the plan, arguing that it focuses too much on testing.

The state board so far has taken issue with several versions of the plan and will again vote this Thursday on another draft, according to the Durham Herald-Sun .

Elected Superintendent Mark Johnson dismissed the controversy, calling the states ESSA plan a working document.

A lot of the ESSA plan is just a way to report data to the federal government, Johnson told the Herald-Sun. The intended audience is the bureaucrats at the Department of Education.

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked its schools to frame the service rules for teachers and ensure that they are recruited as per the provisions of Right to Education (RTE) Act.



In a circular, the board has noted that the appointment of teachers with prescribed procedures and qualifications and service condition is not adhered to by some CBSE affiliated schools despite statutory provisions made for it under the RTE Act.

Many of these schools have also failed to take prescribed measures for professional development of the teachers. They have also not brought in a mechanism for redressal of the teacher's grievance, it underlined.



A number of complaints have been received against affiliated schools claiming payment of partial salary, delay in disbursement of salary and allowances, promotion and non-availability of welfare measures for teachers, retaining the teachers after schools hours, engaging them in the non-education activities etc, it said.



As a result, the teachers in such schools feel demotivated in pursuing their career in the teaching profession and taking interest in the classroom teaching, it underlined.



This adversely affects the overall quality of education and learning outcomes. It is, therefore, reiterated that all CBSE affiliated schools shall frame the service rules and shall ensure the appointment of the teachers, their service conditions etc. as per the provisions of RTE Act 2009, respective State Act and CBSE affiliation bye-Law in its entirety, the board sought.



The RTE Rules, 2010, makes it mandatory for the schools to appropriately prescribe and notify the salary, allowances and service conditions of the teachers. The affiliation bye-laws of the CBSE also prescribes the same for the teachers of the affiliated schools.



It has been noted that many of the private schools have managed to bypass the rules, official sources said.



In view of such reports, the board asked all schools to define and publish the terms and conditions of service of the teachers. It also directed them to ensure that teachers get timely promotion and the benefit of Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme at par with teachers working in the similar grade in the central or state government schools.



Referring to the existing rules, the board said in its circular that all schools must ensure that the vacancy of a teacher does not exceed 10% of the total sanctioned strength of the teachers as required under Section 28 of the RTE Act.




Two people were killed in different wall collapse incidents after heavy rain lashed Mysuru district on Tuesday night.



The deceased have been identified as Channamma (55) of K R Nagar taluk and Sandesh Gowda (7) of H D Kote taluk. Rainwater entered several houses and inundated agricultural fields.



Paddy and sugarcane crops on 10 acres of land got washed away due to a breach in the Chamaraja old canal near Gandanahalli in K R Nagar taluk on Tuesday night. Farmers complained that though they had informed the engineers about the breach in the canal, they did not visit the spot till Wednesday evening. The loss has been pegged at Rs 7 lakh.



Kollegal

More than 15 houses collapsed while hundreds of them were inundated in Kollegal due to heavy rain that battered the region on Tuesday night.



Rainwater entered houses and temples at Anjaneyapura in the town. The walls of several houses collapsed damaging household articles and destroying foodgrain.



Residents of Anjaneyapura complained that even after informing the authorities concerned about the situation, neither officials nor elected representatives took action.



As the canal at G V Gowda Layout overflowed, the roads were inundated near Doddaranganathakere. However, ZP president Ramachandra, vice president Basavaraju and officials visited the spot on Wednesday. They promised to take necessary measures.



A channel breached at Kannur village near Hanur and water entered the fields damaging jowar crops.
The overflowing Virija Canal, due to heavy rains that pounded the taluk and Mysuru district on Tuesday night, left agricultural lands in the taluk inundated, destroying the crops.



The water entered the fields at the 35th KM of the canal, destroying the crops on more than 25 acres of lands. Paddy and sugar cane crops have been washed away.



It is said that there was heavy flow of water into the canal due to heavy rains in Mysuru, which resulted in the water overflowing into the nearby fields.



Huge silt deposits at Ullani, where water is allowed to seep into the Cauvery River, is also said to be the reason for the water to enter the fields. Farmers Lakshman, Nagaraju and others said, they had been requesting the officials concerned to desilt the canals to prevent such incidents.



Moreover, the upgradation of Virija Canal, that was taken up a year ago, had been suspended. The requests by the farmers to upgrade the canal from 550 cusecs capacity to 800 cusecs has not been considered, they complained.



Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Assistant Executive Engineer Thammegowda visited the spot. He explained that the officials have stopped releasing water to canals from August 30. The heavy inflow to the canal was due to rains that battered Mysuru on Tuesday night, he said.




The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday continued to raid the houses of traders and separatists sympathisers in Kashmir as part of its probe into the terror funding in Kashmir.



Sources told DH that the NIA team, which is camping in Srinagar for the past several days, swooped down on the traders at various parts of Srinagar and north Kashmir early Wednesday morning and carried out an extensive search operation at the suspected locations.



The tentacles of the terror funding network are deep rooted with high profile politicians, businessmen, journalists, lawyers and some government officials being directly or indirectly involved in it, the agency said adding that it has identified more than 100 people to be questioned in the coming days.



The NIA has so far arrested 10 people, including seven separatist leaders, a high profile businessman and a photojournalist in connection with its probe into the terror funding from Pakistan and militant groups based there.



The raids and arrests are part of NIA investigation in a case registered on May 30 in which the leader of the Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa and banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba, Hafiz Saeed, was named as an accused.



The NIA had alleged that money was being raised to fund separatist and terror activities in J&K.



According to sources, a majority of the accounts were being operated from Pakistan and Gulf countries.



The NIA has also summoned Kashmir Bar Association president Mian Qayoom to appear before it at its New Delhi headquarters in connection with the case.



The agency has also launched a crackdown on misuse of social media.



Sources said 6,386 mobile phone users, handling the social media accounts to spread hatred against security forces among the people to fan extremism and unrest in the Valley, have been identified.



The blockade of accounts had a massive impact especially in south Kashmir, where unrest in the form of street protests and incidents of stone-pelting have come down considerably, the agency said.



Separatists react

Alleging that the NIA has terrorised Kashmir, separatist leaders on Wednesday announced that they will court arrest at the NIA headquarters. At a hurriedly called press conference at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, they said, We have decided to fly to Delhi on September 9, and hold a demonstration there. We will court arrest at the NIA headquarters because we are their targets.
The Mizoram police arrested two BSF constables for reportedly raping a woman and throwing acid on her face and killing her friend in Mamit district, a senior police officer said.



They were arrested on Tuesday from their place of posting at Silsury village in the district bordering Tripura and Bangladesh, Mamit superintendent of police Narayan Thapa said on Wednesday.



Thapa said over the phone that authorities of the 181st battalion of the BSF had earlier not allowed the arrest of the two constables.



They were later handed over to the police after a district court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against them, the SP said.



While on July 16, the two BSF constables had reportedly raped a woman belonging to the Chakma community, her friend had escaped from the spot. The two women had gone to the forest to collect bamboo shoots. However, the friends body was found in a highly decomposed state from a nearby jungle on July 22, the SP said.



The rape survivor had recently identified the two accused during an identification parade in Mamit police station, Thapa said.



The identification exercise could not be conducted earlier as the rapists had thrown acid on her face which had affected her vision for over a month, he said.
India and Myanmar on Wednesday agreed that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region and the fight against the menace should also include strong measures against countries and entities who finance and provide sanctuary to terrorists.



In a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modis talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, the two sides called on the international community to end selective and partial approaches to combating terrorism.



The two leaders discussed the security situation prevailing along their borders and expressed concern at various incidents of terrorism and extremist-inspired violence that have taken place in their countries.



They agreed that the fight against terrorism should target not only terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states and entities that encourage, support or finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, the statement said.



Myanmar condemned the recent terror attacks during the Amarnath Yatra in India as also various acts of terror perpetrated by terrorists from across the borders.



On its part, India condemned the recent terrorist attacks in northern Rakhine State, wherein several members of the Myanmar security forces lost their lives.



Both sides agreed that terrorism violates human rights and there should, therefore, be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs, the joint statement said.



They jointly called for the expeditious finalisation and adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the United Nations General Assembly, it added.



Prime Minister Modi noted that peace and stability in Myanmar are of the highest priority to India and reiterated Indias continued support to Myanmar in consolidating democratic institutions in the country and for the emergence of a democratic Federal Republic, the statement said.




The Editors Guild of India has condemned the murder of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, saying that her killing was an ominous portent for dissent in democracy.



It described the woman journalists murder as a brutal assault on the freedom of the press, demanding a judicial probe into the incident.



The Karnataka government must act with alacrity to bring the culprits to justice apart from instituting a judicial probe into the killing, the EGI said in a statement.



The Editors Guild of India is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the murder of Gauri Lankesh, it added.



The Press Council of India (PCI) has taken suomotu cognizance of the killing of Gauri Lankesh.



In a statement, the council on Wednesday said it was in process of issuing a notice to the state government, calling for a detailed report.



The onus lies on the governments to take due note of the PCIs recommendations for safety of journalists and ensure timely preventive and remedial actions, it said.



The PCI has noted with great concern the murder of Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru by unknown assailants, it added.



The Broadcast Editors Association said it was very unfortunate that a journalist met such a fate.



Journalists and activists from across the national capital on Wednesday organised a series of protests against the murder of Gauri Lankesh.



At the protest organised near the Press Club of India, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury and CPIs D Raja said its time to stand up to forces trying to muzzle voices of dissent.



In a separate message, the United States condemned Gauris killing.



The US Mission in India joins advocates of press freedom in India and worldwide in condemning the murder of respected journalist Gauri Lankesh..., the US Embassy stated.






Add New York to the growing list of states that will ask U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos for waiver relief from portions of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

The state plans to ask for three waivers invovling how it tests its special education, immigrant, and middle school students, according to a press release posted on its website .

States have had an exceedingly difficult time aligning their state policies with federal policies in coming up with plans to implement ESSA. While many states in the first round of those submitting plans to the federal government attempted to write around , ignore , or postpone addressing several portions of the law, others, such as New Jersey and Florida , have sought waivers from the new K-12 law.

Under ESSA, any state seeking a waiver must prove to the federal government that what its proposing to do is just as effective, or more so, than what the federal law requires.

The New York education departments testing policies are some of the most politically volatile in the country, and a raucous opt-out movement has forced Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo to flip-flop on his stance on education and sparked a top-down review of its standards, teacher evaluations , and testing vendors.

In its waiver requests, New York plans to ask the following:



That it be allowed to count in its school accountability system 7th graders results on math and science high school exams and 8th graders results on high school science exams, instead of the students grade-level assessments. This waiver is necessary to reduce this burden upon NYS high-achieveing students and schools, the department said in its request.

to count in its school accountability system 7th graders results on math and science high school exams and 8th graders results on high school science exams, instead of the students grade-level assessments. This waiver is necessary to reduce this burden upon NYS high-achieveing students and schools, the department said in its request. That it be allowed to exempt newly arrived English-language learners for one year from the states English/Language Arts exam and then use the students second-year ELA scores as a baseline before using the scores for school accountability purposes in year three and beyond. The New York State E/LA test can serve as a source of extreme anxiety for students who are already carrying a high testing burden when compared with other students in New York State, the department said.

for one year from the states English/Language Arts exam and then use the students second-year ELA scores as a baseline before using the scores for school accountability purposes in year three and beyond. The New York State E/LA test can serve as a source of extreme anxiety for students who are already carrying a high testing burden when compared with other students in New York State, the department said. That the state be allowed to give students with significant cognitive disabilities a test that matches the instructional level of the students, instead of the age of the student. This waiver will allow NYSED to more accurately measure these students achievement levels for the use of school districts in making future instructional decisions, the state said.

Neither New Jerseys or New Yorks waivers are as extensive as Floridas. The Sunshine State will attempt mostly to keep intact its A-F accountability system which does not, among other things, factor in achievement gaps between racial and socioeconomic student groups or how well English-learners perform on language-proficiency exams.

Civil rights groups have aggressively pushed back against Floridas plan, arguing that its devoid of research-based practices and will disproportionately harm the states large Hispanic and black populations. The draft plan now sits on the governors desk.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said in a visit to the state last week,"We will take each states plan and consider it as they are submitted to us. Im looking forward to Floridas innovations in their plans.

Its not clear how DeVos will handle waiver requests.

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The Border Security Force on Wednesday seized three Pakistani fishing boats from Harami Nallah area of Kutch district on India-Pakistan international border.



According to the information available, while the paramilitary force was able to nab two Pakistani fishermen, another five-six of them were able to give them a slip.



The BSF has seized these three boats and has taken in two arrested persons for further interrogation. A BSF team is said to have encountered the Pakistani boats while on patrol near Border Pillar 1166.



Though the BSF has found only fishing equipment from the boats, it is carrying out the interrogation of the nabbed persons to verify if they were mere fishermen or had any other mission in the country.
Startups are no longer limited to creating Apps or software-hacking solutions. One startup

has come up with a solution to prevent suicide by hanging.



SafeHalo, a startup, has created a device that is fixed to the ceiling fan. It was among the participating startups at the Elevate 100 event.



The device is fixed inside the ceiling fan. The device can handle anything less than 20 kg. Once the weight crosses 20 kg, the device ensures that the fan collapses, said Sumant Nashik, director, software development, SafeHalo.



He said the device had undergone enough tests and was a hit in Kota, Rajasthan, where it was launched. The

Rajasthan government has issued instructions to all hostels to instal this device in their fans.



We have sold 2,000 devices. It is seen that most of the time, it is students who end lives by hanging themselves. We wanted to address this issue. This device ensures that the person lands safely on the ground and does not injure the spine or neck with the jerk. After breaking, an alarm rings to alert people, Nashik said.



The company, a team of 11, comprising freshers and some with hands-on experienc, is now working towards launching the device in Karnataka. The team is also working on creating a finer model of a child-safety device. The company is also in talks with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to test the driver safety device, which warns drivers when they feel sleepy.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to consider on Friday a plea seeking contempt action against Karnatakas top officers for wilful disobedience of the courts direction pertaining to reservation in the promotion of SC/ST employees.



Over a hundred state government employees sought contempt action against chief secretary Subhash Chandra Khuntia and principal secretary PWD Lakshminarayan and others. They claimed the government did not comply with the courts direction passed on February 9.



Advocates Rajeev Dhawan and Kiran Suri, appearing for the petitioners, mentioned the matter before a three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice Dipak Misra.



They sought early listing of the petition, saying the three months granted to the government had already elapsed and it did not take any action over the courts directions.



The apex court had, in February, directed for revision of the seniority list of employees within three months. It also declared as unconstitutional the provisions of the Karnataka Determination of Seniority of the Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation (To the Posts in the Civil Services of the State) Act, 2002. It had said the consequential promotions to serving employees, based on seniority benefit, will be treated as ad hoc and liable to be reviewed.



The petitioners claimed the government neither published the final seniority lists of all cadres in the PWD within the stipulated period of three months nor took any action within the period.



Outer time limit granted to implement the judgment expired. Thus, a clear-cut case of wilful disobedience of the judgment and order of this court dated February 2, 2017 is made out, the petition said.



They said, defiance is apparent as the state did not revert the illegal promotees within three months. It has not even published the complete provisional seniority lists of all cadres such as chief engineer and engineer-in-chief. The government filed a review petition against the judgement. It decided to pass an ordinance apparently to avoid complying with the judgement.




Demanding the chief ministers immediate attention to the woes of teachers and students of government, aided and unaided institutions, 14 legislators have resolved to stage an all-night indefinite protest in front of the Gandhi statue in Vidhana Soudha from Wednesday.



MLCs representing the teachers and graduates constituencies, decided to intensify their protest after the government failed to pay heed to their repeated appeals.



The MLCs gathered in front of the Gandhi statue on Wednesday at around 11.30 am.



When their protests went unnoticed, they announced stage an all-night protest, catching the attention of both Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy and Primary and Secondary Education Minister Tanveer Sait.



Though both ministers tried to coax the legislators to drop their protest by giving assurances, the MLCs stuck to their resolve.



As many as six MLCs from the JD(S)  Basavaraj Horatti, Ramesh Babu, Maritibbegowda, Puttanna, K T Srikantegowda and Chowda Reddy Thupalli; five MLCs from the BJP  Ganesh Karnik, Amarnath Patil, S V Sankanur, Hanumanthappa Nirani and Arun Shahpur; and one Congress MLC, Sharanappa Mattur, are participating in the protest.



Two more BJP MLCs have extended their support to the protest, despite their absence.



Horatti told DH that the protesting legislators had put forward around 15 major demands before the government, including non-payment of salaries/pensions to teachers, discrimination between government students and students of aided institutions, non-implementation of the three-tier system, lack of basic amenities to government schools

and closure of Kannada schools.



The MLCs said that the protesters did not mind braving the rain as long as their demands are met.



A temporary shelter and bedding arrangements have been made.




A day after the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, Congress on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his idea of New India was all about silencing dissent.



Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president Rahul Gandhi asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to swiftly bring the culprits to book.



Anybody who speaks against the RSS/BJP is attacked and even killed. They want to impose only one ideology which is against the nature of India, Rahul told reporters. He said the prime ministers words have a dual meaning  one for his support base and the other for the rest of the world. The chief minister has told me that those responsible for this will be arrested and punished, the Congress vice president said.



Sonia said the murder of Gauri was an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society.



Seeking to shield the Siddaramaiah government from criticism on law and order, the Congress made it clear that the best investigative officers have been put on the job to crack the case and that the culprits will be nabbed swiftly.




Four out of eight MLCs, including Excise Minister R B Timmapur, who are accused of falsifying information in last years city mayoral election, do not figure in the electoral college that will vote in the upcoming Bengaluru mayoral poll.



According to the fresh list of voters prepared by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Council secretariat, which DH has accessed, the names of Timmapur, Allum Veerabhadrappa, N S Boseraju and M D Lakshminarayana are not included. They are no longer enrolled as voters in the city limits, a BBMP Council secretariat official said.



They, along with Raghu Achar, S Ravi, C R Manohar and Appaji Gowda were found to have submitted false information to vote in the 2016 mayoral election while also claiming travel allowance from addresses outside the city, a BBMP probe had found.



The new voters list has been submitted to Bengaluru Regional Commissioner M V Jayanti, who is also the election officer for the mayoral poll. The term of the incumbent Mayor G Padmavathi ends this month end.



The total strength of the electoral college for the mayoral poll is 266, according to the list. This includes 198 councillors, five Lok Sabha MPs, 10 Rajya Sabha MPs, 25 MLCs and 28 MLAs who are voters in the city municipal area.



The BJP and Congress have started working out the numbers, with 134 being the magic figure to form a simple majority. Wresting control of the BBMP is key ahead of the Assembly elections next year. The BJP has 126 voters, the Congress has 117 and JDS has 23, as per the list submitted by the BBMP Council secretariat.



Now, the Congress controls the civic body through an alliance with the JD(S). The alliance, however, is on a shaky ground with the JD(S) top brass not keen on continuing its support to the Congress.



The alliance is intact right now and we hope it will remain so going forward, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president Dinesh Gundu Rao, who is also MLA from Ganadhinagar, said.



Closer to the poll, the Congress is expected to reach out to JD(S) leaders and convince them on continuing the alliance. The regional party, however, wants the mayors post this time.






Twelve youths from the district and one from Vijayapura district have been stranded in Kuwait after their travel visas expired. The youths - promised jobs as building construction workers - are now left without employment and are unable to return home because of this.



The matter came to light after Gautham Chandrappa of Mangalagi village called up the DH reporter to inform him about their plight. The agents had taken Rs 55,000 from each of the youths apart from flight charges, promising them well-paying jobs.



The youths have not called home to inform them about the matter, fearing that their family members will panic. They are housed in a private building in the Gulf country for the past 10 days. They are making do with whatever little money, brought from home, is left with them.



They were taken to Kuwait through Mumbai from Bidar in batches on July 27 and 31 by Anand, Jagmohan, Goutham and Rajendra, agents based in Basavakalyan in the district. They send workers on contract basis through another agent in Mumbai. They came to know that they had been cheated without being provided jobs on August 27. The youths have not studied beyond class 7, 8, 10 and 12. They have been threatened not to inform anyone about their predicament.



None of them can speak English, which has only compounded their woes. They are also at sea on whom to contact for hep. The youths have appealed to the authorities concerned to help them come out of the crisis.



District Superintendent of Police D Devaraj said police will take action if any of the victims mails them or their family members inform them. Bidar MP Bhagwant Khuba said he will take steps to help the youths through diplomatic channels, if they or their kin contact him with details.
Hundreds of students from various departments of Bangalore University protested at the Jnana Bharathi campus on Wednesday against the the Union governments education policies, which they said were depriving rural students of opportunities.



The postgraduate students and research scholars protested against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for entrance to medical and dental courses. They expressed grief over the suicide of 17-year-old student Anitha from Tamil Nadu who killed herself as she could not secure a medical seat as NEET was made compulsory.



Anitha was a labourers daughter and despite being a meritorious student, she was deprived of the opportunity because of NEET. The test should be scrapped, the protesters said.



The students also expressed anger against the National Eligibility Test (NET) conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).



Earlier, the test was conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Now, since it is being conducted by CBSE, the test has become much tougher. Students from rural and vulnerable backgrounds, especially girls, are affected because of this, they said. Moreover, the percentage of candidates who will be declared eligible has been reduced from 15% to 6%, students said.



They also condemned the murder of progressive thinker and senior journalist Gauri Lankesh on Tuesday.



The students submitted a memorandum to the vice chancellor and requested him to pass on their plea to the chief minister.


Heavy rain lashed Hubballi-Dharwad cities and surrounding places for more than an hour on Wednesday. However, light drizzle continued for more than two hours.



Bailhongal, Chikkodi, and Ghataprabha and surrounding villages in Gokak taluk, Belagavi district, received mild showers on Wednesday. Cloudy weather prevailed from morning hours as the day progressed, mild showers lashed for a while.



Laksheshwar and Shigli received rain for about half an hour on Wednesday. Gojanur, Batturu and Putagaon Badni villages also received rain.



Two persons were killed in separate incidents near Dharwad and Laksheshwar on Wednesday.



Malakappa Suryavanshi (40) was killed when lightning struck him at his farm in Navalur near Dharwad on Wednesday evening.



Pandappa Koogappa Lamani (42), a farmer, was killed when lightning struck him at Haradakatti village near Laksheshmar.



Chikkaballapur district also received rain.



Meanwhile, two people were killed in different wall collapse incidents after heavy rain lashed Mysuru district on Tuesday night.



DH News Service




A major charter school authorizer is pushing for new rules that would allow teachers at its charters to teach without earning a masters degree or passing certification exams, requirements that other public school teachers must meet.



The teachers instead would have to complete the charter schools own training programs, according to the proposal from the State University of New York Charter Schools Institute, which currently authorizes 167 charter schools.



Currently, most New York public school teachers hold education degrees, pass licensing exams, and get masters degrees, all of which could be bypassed if in-house certifications of charter school teachers are approved.

Michael Mulgrew, the president of the United Federation of Teachers, which represents New York City teachers, called the proposal a watered-down instant license that any public school in the state would consider worthless.

He goes on to argue in a statement that training for charter school teachers working toward the special license (30 hours of instruction and 100 hours of classroom training) wouldnt even equal that of a cosmetologist (1,000 hours of instruction), or a real estate broker (120 hours of instruction and two years of on-the-job experience.)

If adopted, these changes will send a cynical message to charter parents: Your children do not deserve a fully qualified teacher, Mulgrew said.

Not every state requires charter school teachers to be certified. Alabama, Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and the District of Columbia do not require certification, according to a 2016 report by the Education Commission of the States . New York does require certification, with some exceptions that you can read about in the report. (A new report is due out in 2018.)

State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia and Board of Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa have also denounced SUNYs proposal to reduce teacher certification requirements.

No other profession, not the lawyers who are sitting in that SUNY Institute, would accept that in their own field, Rosa said of the clipped teaching requirements at a panel discussion at the Museum of Jewish Heritage earlier this month. So if you dont accept it for your very own child, and you dont accept it for your very own profession, then you know what? Dont compromise my profession. I think its insulting.

Joseph W. Belluck, the head of the SUNY committee thats reviewing the proposed rules, said the committee will likely suggest revisions that address the publics concerns, which have so far focused on increasing the hours for training and instruction of teachers, the portability of teacher certification from charter to public schools, and oversight of the training program itself. The public has until September 9 to weigh in .

Anyone who operates any sort of business wants to be self sufficient, Belluck told Education Week. You want to set your own policies, but thats not the regulatory framework that schools operate under. We are their regulator. We enforce the rules and hold them accountable. We are not doing this because charter schools want to be self-sufficient. We are doing this because there are a lot of kids who benefit from the work thats going on with our charter schools, and we want to make that education available to people on our waiting lists who want their kids to go to these schools.

Some charter schools in the SUNY network, the ones that show strong student achievement, said Belluck, have earned the right to certify their own teachers. Charter schools, he pointed out, already train and evaluate their teachers extensively in course work and methodology that the charter itself has developed.

That doesnt mean the rules will give charter schools free reign. If student performance were to decline after we allow charter schools to do this obviously that would be a red flag and we would have to look closer at the particular school, Belluck said.

Critics point out that making the path to certification easier doesnt address other problems in the charter teacher pipeline. Mulgrew, for instance, argues that the bigger problem facing charter schools is how to convince teachers to stay. He said charters rely on inexperienced teachers who dont stick around long enough to develop their skills, and that charter operators arent doing enough to cultivate a stable, experienced teacher force.

Belluck says charter schools are working on teacher turnover , by finding ways to improve the work environment and providing opportunities for professional development and growth. But he says that the problem doesnt have an easy fix. Teachers face long hours and the challenge of working with students who may have little academic support outside of school.

None of this is an excuse, said Belluck. Charter schools need to figure out a better way to retain people who work in these challenging environments, but I think no matter what they do, there will be turnover because of the difficulties of the situation.

Read veteran teacher Walt Gardners take on this in his blog Reality Check here .

Image by Ilmicrofono Oggiono on Flickr , licensed under Creative Commons

See also:
The Nobel Peace laureate Kailash Satyarthis Bharat Yatra against child sexual abuse will reach the city on September 15.



The Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) will welcome the rally, which will come from Salem via Begur.



On September 16, KSCPCR and child rights NGOs along with Satyarthi will hold a public awareness march starting from Hombegowdanagar government school playground to Christ University.



KSCPCR will also conduct a state-level logo-designing competition for their campaign Tobacco Free State, to protect children from tobacco addiction.



The contest is for children and it will be conducted first at the district-level and then state. First, second and third places at the district level will receive Rs 500 as prize. In the state-level competition, the first prize winner will receive Rs 10,000, second prize will receive Rs 8,000 and third prize Rs 5,000. Two participants will be given consolation prizes of Rs 2,500.
The High Court of Karnataka on Wednesday refused to suspend the sentencing of Fakih Ahmed, a resident of Udupi district having links with the members of SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) and IM (Indian Mujahideen).



A division bench comprising Justice Ravi Malimath and Justice John Michael Cunha refused to suspend the sentencing and grant him bail. He is accused of sheltering other members of SIMI and IM who were possessing arms and explosives and books containing inflammatory literature. These members had allegedly conspired against India.


Some posts by a man in Kannada, on Facebook page, expressing cheer over the assassination of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh has gone viral.



In a post, a man by name Tudukur Manju, has termed the incident a sweet news, the death of a Lankayini. Some people have liked and have made comments.



In another post, he has said, Let anyone file a case against me, I will celebrate the death of Gauri Lankesh. Some people have liked this post.



DH News Service
San Dieguito Union High School District and Canyon Crest Academy continue to climb in the school ratings, recently being named the number one district and high school in San Diego County, according to a news release. Niches 2018 Best Public High Schools ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with test scores, college data, and ratings collected from millions of Niche users.

CCA also ranked as number two in the state of California, and is ranked #19 of 17,867 public high schools in America. The district also placed two other schools in the countys top 10, Torrey Pines High School at number two and San Dieguito Academy at number six, the news release stated. The San Dieguito Union High School District is ranked number five in the state of California and Torrey Pines High School is ranked number 10 in the state of California, according to Niches 2018 Best Public High School ranking. Visit niche.com/k12/search/best-public-high-schools/

We are very proud of our district and our school and also proud of our partner down the street, Torrey Pines High School. We are happy to be ranked number one in the county, but how great is it that Torrey is number two and SDA is number six? We have great educators in this district,and it is a district that has learned to do more with less, since we are the lowest funded high school district in the state of California, says CCA Foundation Executive Director, Joanne Couvrette. The Canyon Crest Academy Foundations theme for this year is Grit and Gratitude and we are very grateful for our teachers, our students, and our parents who keep the focus on education and enrichment.

The top-ranked San Dieguito Union High School District is number 77 out of 77 high school districts in state funding, receiving just $8,319 per student in Local Control Funding Formula monies. The state average is $9,750 per student. There are currently 12,799 students enrolled in the district, so if the district were to receive just the average funding it would be $18,315,369 more for these top-ranked high schools and their talented teachers and students, the news release stated. The school foundations, through the generosity of its donors, contribute approximately $6 million to the school district programs each year, to fulfill their unified missions of enriching the experiences of district students.

The gap in funding for the top-ranked district in the county is much higher when compared to a district with comparable demographics, the Los Gatos-Saratoga District, which receives $4,934 more in per student funding, according to the news release. With the districts current enrollment of 12,799, an additional $4,934 per student would amount to a total of $63,150,266 if the district were funded at an equivalent per student rate as Los Gatos, the news release said. Many parents credit the school district administrators for maintaining such a high level of performance on such a comparatively low amount of funding. Said one district parent in the news release, I think we need to sing the praises of this school districts management team, who are obviously proving that you can do a lot with a little. The number one district on the smallest budget is a very impressive accomplishment!

Canyon Crest Academy recently hosted a parent panel for the schools new student orientation, which included former and current CCA parents answering questions and giving tips to parents of the entering freshman class. According to Kelley Vacheron, former CCA Grad Nite chair, and parent of three CCA graduates, This is a private school education at a public school price, free! Of course, we all pay our taxes, but there are a lot of families out there paying a $35,000 tuition who cannot boast this level of education. We are so lucky. This is a great community of parents, who are involved in the school in so many ways.

She also mentioned that Canyon Crest Academy is also one of the few schools in the county to offer a Grad Nite at the school site, when many other schools have moved it to an offsite location due to lack of volunteer support, the news release said.

Couvrette encouraged parents at the orientation to sign up to volunteer, saying, I know a lot of the kids will tell their parents that they shouldnt volunteer anymore, once they are in high school, but we have plenty of volunteer opportunities at the school and your student wont even know you are here. Every year, the schools depend on the PTSAs and foundations to help them find volunteers to staff registration, Back-to-SchoolNight, Wellness Days, and much more.

Most of us in this district take it for granted that we have great schools, staffed by hard-working, dedicated teachers and administrators, so we never even think to attend a school board meeting unless we have a complaint to voice. But wouldnt it be great if every parent took the time to attend just one meeting this year to let our district officials know we support their hard work, and encourage them to continue to put students first and focus on the mission in a positive, productive way to keep our district at the top of the educational landscape, says Vacheron in the news release.

Parents are invited to attend the next SDUHSD school board meeting, and all school board meetings, to express their gratitude and voice opinions on all educational concerns. The next meeting is on Sept. 14 at 6:30 pm at the school district offices, 710 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas. A complete list of school district board meetings can be found at bit.ly/2gzhSAj

 News release information submitted by the Canyon Crest Academy, Torrey Pines High School and San Dieguito Academy Foundations.
Torrey Pines High School senior Sanil Gandhi is leading a Krav Maga Teen Self Defense Seminar on Saturday, Sept. 16 at MMA Academy in Sorrento Valley. The seminar, with members of the Torrey Pines Krav Klub, is $10 and all proceeds will be donated to Pissed Off Chicks, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting assault victims founded by Anne Marie Mihalkanin and Michael Mihalkanin, lead instructor at MMA Academy.

Sanil, a longtime MMA Academy student, was moved into action after volunteering at one of Pissed Off Chicks self defense seminars for victims of assault.

It was very emotional and thats when I realized how traumatic it was to be assaulted. Growing up in Carmel Valley, I never realized what other people were going through. It was really eye-opening for me, said Sanil. It struck me that maybe I could do something in my own community to make a difference.

Sanil said self defense is an important tool for teenagers to learn as statistics show that 14- to 25-year-olds are at the highest risk for sexual assault. One in three females will be sexually assaulted at some point in their life and one in eight males will be sexually assaulted at some point in their life. More than 27 percent of female college seniors reported having experienced some form of unwanted of sexual contact since entering college.

The whole purpose of the seminar is to spread awareness about self-defense and boost the confidence of teenagers so that they feel like they can protect themselves, said Sanil.

Sanil has taken Taekwondo for 11 years and is a first degree black belt. After earning his black belt, he switched to Krav Maga training, where he is currently in level 3. Krav Maga is the official defensive tactics system of the Israeli Defense Forces and is considered to be one of the most practical systems of self defense in the world, emphasizing defensives against real attacks. In his training, Sanil has learned how to take on threats of choking, knife and gun attacks or multiple attackers at the same time.

At MMA Academy, Sanil is also a teacher himself  he is a Taekwondo instructor for the junior black belt classes and is training to be a Krav Maga level 1 instructor.

Sanil started the Krav Klub at Torrey Pines last year and they meet every other week. Sanil led the club through basic combative punches and kicks and incorporated different self defense techniques as the year progressed.

Seeing the club members improve inspired me to plan the seminar because I felt like even if only a few people show up, it can expose them to self defense and it could really be helpful, Sanil said.

In addition to starting the club at Torrey Pines, he also would like to start his own YouTube channel with instructional self defense videos to help reach even more people.

Its good to have the self esteem to know that you can protect yourself if it ever came to that, Sanil said.

MMA Academy is located at 3962 Sorrento Valley Boulevard, suite 900, San Diego, 92121. To sign up, contact Sanil at kravklubtphs@gmail.com
What Are the Penalties for Looting?

In the wake of a natural disaster, or large protest or assembly gone wrong, looters and other opportunistic thieves can make matters much worse. Looting is stealing, which is never legal (though in matters of life or death, it might be excusable).

Generally, the penalties for looting in any given state will be the same or similar to the penalties for stealing. The various details of how the theft or looting occurs will matter. For instance, if a looter must break a window or door, they may also be facing charges for breaking and entering in addition to theft. However, if the door was open, or window already broken, the charges may simply be theft charges, but those too can vary based on what is taken.

Looting During a Crisis

Some states, including Texas, have laws making the penalties much harsher for looting during a crisis such as a natural disaster. For instance, in Texas, the maximum penalty for burglary may only be 15 years, but if it occurred during an official state of emergency, the maximum sentence is life in prison. Also, if you're caught looting by police in Texas, consider yourself lucky, as residents there appear to be ready to shoot those who loot.

Other states, such as California or Louisiana may not add on additional years for looting during a crisis, but rather raise the minimum penalty to ensure that looters are guaranteed time behind bars. In California, a looter is looking at a minimum of 6 months, while in Louisiana (likely thanks to the aftermath of Katrina) the minimum penalty for looting during an emergency is three years.

Beware of Looters Posing as Authorities

One of the more shocking phenomena involves looters impersonating local, state, or federal officials during emergencies in order to loot. The common disaster looting scam works like this:

Looters show up to a home dressed like federal, state or local agents or disaster relief personnel;

The fake agents advise the occupants that their home must be evacuated immediately;

Once the home is evacuated, the fake agents (but real looters) begin looting.

Unfortunately, this scam is very difficult to detect during an emergency, however, be logical. Demand to see badges and official documentation. Try calling the department that the alleged agents are from.

Related Resources:
(The Conversation)  ExxonMobils deliberate attempts to sow doubt on the reality and urgency of climate change and their donations to front groups to disseminate false information about climate change have been public knowledge for a long time, now.Investigative reports in 2015 revealed that Exxon had its own scientists doing its own climate modeling as far back as the 1970s: science and modeling that was not only accurate, but that was being used to plan for the companys future.Now, a peer-reviewed study published August 23 has confirmed that what Exxon was saying internally about climate change was quantitatively very different from their public statements. Specifically, researchers Geoffrey Supran and Naomi Oreskes found that at least 80 percent of the internal documents and peer-reviewed publications they studied from between 1977 and 2014 were consistent with the state of the science  acknowledging that climate change is real and caused by humans, and identifying reasonable uncertainties that any climate scientist would agree with at the time. Yet over 80 percent of Exxons editorial-style paid advertisements over the same period specifically focused on uncertainty and doubt, the study found.The stark contrast between internally discussing cutting-edge climate research while externally conducting a climate disinformation campaign is enough to blow many minds. What was going on at Exxon?I have a unique perspective  because I was there. [more]
By Christine Clarridge

3 September 2017

(The Seattle Times)  With the hottest and driest time of the year upon us, fires are continuing to rage in the Pacific Northwest, threatening homes and forcing evacuations in Oregon, Eastern Washington, and British Columbia.

The fires are consuming hundreds of thousands of acres, trapping hikers and causing air quality to plummet throughout the region as the wind alternately blows from the north, east and south.

A wildfire in Central Washington has crossed the border into Canada. The Diamond Creek fire, near the Canadian border in the Okanogan/Wenatchee National Forest, has burned more than more than 68,000 acres and is affecting air quality in the Methow Valley. Crystal Mountain Resort closed Monday due to smoke from the Norse Peak fire, burning about 125 miles southeast of Seattle.The Jolly Mountain fire, near Cle Elum, is smaller but is posing a bigger threat to public safety, according to fire officials. More than 1,000 people have been evacuated due to the blaze which is threatening more than 380 homes and has prompted Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a state of emergency.In Oregon, the Eagle Creek fire had consumed more than 3,000 acres of steep, dry land by Sunday, and about 140 hikers were stranded Saturday night on a popular hiking trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. As those hikers were being safely reunited Sunday with family, residents of about 130 homes in Cascade Locks were under evacuation orders because of the smoke and flames. []Mike Stearly, a public-information officer for Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, said Saturday the Chetco Bar fire was being fought by 1,700 people and had displaced 5,000 residents. Another group of Josephine County residents were being told to prepare to leave their homes if necessary. []Stearly said the most active fires this weekend in Washington  the Jolly Mountain and Eagle Creek fires  grew because they were whipped up by wind due to their higher elevation, which kept them above the dampening effects of a smoke inversion. [more]
Instagram was recently hacked and some of its high profile users such as celebrity accounts were targeted. No details of the hack were revealed by Instagram, however, Kaspersky has provided a brief technical analysis of the hack.

In a recent hack, an Instagram bug was exploited to gain unauthorised access to about 6 million users accounts and their credentials. The hackers made use of a bug in Instagrams API and gained access to high-profile users contact numbers and email addresses. Instagram has not given provided any info regarding who the affected users are or how the hackers gained access to users Insta, however, this news came two days after hackers gained access to Instagrams most-followed users account, Selena Gomez, and posted private pictures of her ex-boyfriend Justin Bieber.

Kaspersky has conducted an in-depth analysis on the latest Instagram hack. They have provided us with the technical details and a brief analysis of how the perpetrators gained access to such a popular and supposedly secure platform such as Instagram.

Kaspersky researchers discovered that the vulnerability which allowed hackers to gain unauthorized access to Instagram exists in its mobile app version 8.5.1 which was released back in 2016. The current version of the Instagram mobile app is 12.0. Researchers point out that the attack method was relatively simple. Using the outdated application, the attacker selects the reset password option and captures the request using a web proxy. Then they target a victim and send a request to Instagrams server carrying the targets username. The server returns a JSON response with the victims personal information including sensitive data such as email and phone number.



Even if the attack is simple, it is quite a labor intensive task as each attack has to be done manually since Instagram uses mathematical calculations to prevent attackers from automating the request form. Kaspersky also reveals that the hackers were spotted on an underground forum, trading the personal credentials for celebrity accounts.

Altaf Halde, MD- South Asia, Kaspersky Lab advises users who are still running older versions of the Instagram software to immediately update to the latest available version. Kaspersky also advises users to stay safe on social media by using different email addresses for different social platforms, reporting any concerns or irregularities to the network and, most of all if users receive emails about a password restore that they have not initiated, alert the corresponding service immediately. Kaspersky has already shared this brief technical analysis with Instagram.
Stock Android is slowly becoming the flavour that most smartphone makers go for. Lenovo adopted it recently, and the newest entrant is Xiaomi. Of course, the latter is only using stock Android for one of its devices, but that gives us an opportunity to compare two smartphones that are evenly matched in some ways and have stock Android Nougat running on them.

The Lenovo K8 Plus has just been launched in India, but weve had the device just long enough to whip out a comparison. The Xiaomi Mi A1 is an Android One device, and comes with the promise of two Android updates, with Oreo scheduled for later this year. While for Xiaomi, stock Android is a one off here, Lenovo has only recently committed to providing Android as Google intended itwell, almost. The two phones do belong to the budget range as well, although the Mi A1 costs you a few thousand bucks more than Lenovos budget offering. How do they stack up against each other? Read on to find out.

Build and Design

Design is usually a subjective element, but we would be really surprised if anyone ranked the Lenovo K8 Plus over the Mi A1 in terms of looks. Both devices sport dual-cameras, although Xiaomi used Apples horizontal placement, while Lenovo went for the vertical placement on the back. The K8 Plus is heavier than the Mi A1, which some might find unsavoury, although it gives Lenovos phone a reassuring heft to it. That is not to say Xiaomis phone isnt built well enough, the light and slim body on that phone feels sleek, but not as sturdy as Lenovos phone.

Look and feel aside, theres not much to choose from in terms of build quality. They should be able to take a few bumps, although the display remains the vulnerable elements, as is usual with smartphones. Overall, it will come down to look and feel, where Xiaomi trumps Lenovo in our opinion.

Display

Here again, the two phones are almost evenly matched, not just in terms of specifications offered, but actual user experience as well. The distinction comes in the touch experience, where Xiaomis display feels somewhat sticky against Lenovos smooth touch response. The K8 Plus oleophobic coating comes in handy here, making it the nicer display in terms of end user experience. But otherwise, colour tones and saturation are fine on both displays. Neither is particularly vibrant, but they do not present issues in terms of viewing angles or other aspects of usability.

Performance

For theoretical purposes, the MediaTek Helio P20 is at the same level as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. So, given that both phones are running stock Android ROMs, their performance shouldnt differ much. However, this isnt true in practical terms. While benchmarks rank the devices as equals, the Mi A1 does feel faster on practical terms. We cant quite pinpoint why that is, but the Lenovo K8 Plus does feel somewhat slower during UI transitions and app launches. To be clear, the difference will only be visible on side-by-side comparison, and the Mi A1 being the more pricey of the two phones, it doesnt really rule things against Lenovo.

Stock Android

Both Lenovo and Xiaomi agree that a large part of the customer base today makes its buying decision based on what kind of Android ROM runs on a device. So, the stock Android interface on both of these smartphones probably figures into your decision.

Whats surprising here is that not only does Xiaomi take the stock route here, the companys software is much closer to pure Android Nougat than Lenovos. For instance, Xiaomi has added three of its own apps and made changes to the camera app (since Android doesnt support dual-cameras natively), but theres literally no other change to the interface. Lenovo on the other hand has changed quite a few icons on the device, and of course changed the camera app for its dual-camera setup as well.

There are also some pre-loaded apps on Lenovos phone, although they can all be uninstalled if needed. You get some background apps from Motorola, while the Faasos app is pre-installed, as is Google Duo.

Both Xiaomi and Lenovo have confirmed updates to Android Oreo on these devices, although the Mi A1 is also going to be amongst the first to get the Android P update, according to Google.

Camera

Both phones sport dual-cameras here, although Xiaomi uses two 12MP sensors against Lenovos 13+5MP combination. Both camera use depth sensors, although Xiaomis phone has a telephoto and wide angle lens combination, which gives it a better chance at shooting bokehs.

Bokehs (Xiaomi Mi A1 vs Lenovo K8 Plus)

Image clicked in indoor conditions

100% crop

Lenovo K8 Plus (Left) vs Xiaomi Mi A1 (Right)

Lenovo K8 Plus (Left) vs Xiaomi Mi A1 (Right)

2x zoom using Xiaomi Mi A1 (Left) and Lenovo K8 Plus (Right)

While spec sheets do not always reflect real world performance, in this case the difference is quite clear. If bokehs is what you want, neither camera will give you DSLR quality photos, but the Xiaomi Mi A1 will produce better bokehs. The background blur looks better when shot with the Mi A1 and is much easier to do as well. On the Lenovo K8 Plus, you get a focus toggle, that requires the user to manually choose where to focus, leading to wrong results often. Simply put, the Mi A1 is a more functional camera, that produces better bokehs effortlessly.

On the other hand, when both cameras are firing, the Mi A1 tends to produce more details in photos. Colours are better when shooting indoors, although the difference is slight. The Lenovo K8 Plus produced better details in some indoor shots, but overall image quality is better on the Mi A1. The latter also produces brighter photos under low light.

Image Samples from Xiaomi Mi A1

Image Samples from Lenovo K8 Plus

Conclusion

The Lenovo K8 Plus and Xiaomi Mi A1 are quite evenly matched, and for those who want to save Rs. 4000, the K8 Plus does seem like a dependable device. While we havent yet run our battery tests on the K8 Plus, the overall distinction seems quite simple. The Lenovo K8 Plus is for the budget buyers, while the Xiaomi Mi A1 is better for those who want a more premium device and dont mind spending more for it.
The Xiaomi Mi A1 is a jack of all trades, but master of none. As far as budget smartphones are concerned, this is one of the most dependable phones out there.

Xiaomi Mi A1 detailed review

A tie up with Google has usually been seen as a stepping stone for budding smartphone makers. But, Chinese Xiaomi is neither a budding smartphone maker, nor a stranger to Google tie-ups. Ive personally asked the company, on multiple occasions, whether the Mi Box would ever make it to India, but that device has little relevance to India at the moment. What is relevant to the country though is Googles Android One program. And joining this program puts Xiaomi in the unique position of leading the pack.





The Android One program seemed to have fizzled out since its announcement a couple of years ago. However, many would argue that Google chose the wrong partners to kick off the project. If that was indeed the case, the Xiaomis entry into the fray, with the Mi A1, should probably be enough to revive Android One. The company brings with it a viral quality, enthusiast support, growing reach and brand trust that Lava, Micromax and Karbonn probably never had.

On the other hand, the Mi A1 is a big deal for Xiaomi as well. It is the first time the company ditches its trusty MiUI platform, and also its first dual-camera phone in India. The Mi branding tells you that Xiaomi considers this amongst its premium devices, and the company says Android Oreo will be rolled out to this phone before 2017 is through. It is also the most powerful Android One phone ever, which is easy enough to do, but the Mi A1 review, presents us with a phone that is indeed tough to argue against. Xiaomi will sell this phone on its retail channels and Mi Homes, along with e-commerce websites.

Note: At the time of writing this review, weve had this device for about a week before launch, but the pricing details havent been revealed yet. Considering Xiaomis history, the inclusion of the Android One program, and the dual-camera, were operating under the assumption that the phone will be priced at Rs. 13,999. The Mi A1 is priced at Rs 14,999 and is available on Flipkart.

Stock Android on a Mi phone

While Xiaomi doesnt actively promote MiUI anymore, the interface is a major part of the companys ecosystem. Xiaomis fans often swear by it, despite the fact that Xiaomi chooses MiUI updates over Android updates, and that the UI is certainly heavier than a vanilla Android experience.

On the Mi A1, Xiaomi has kept only three apps from MiUI: the uber useful Mi remote app, the Mi Store and the Feedback app. Otherwise, with Android 7.1.2 out-of-the-box, this is Xiaomis most advanced (in terms of Android version) phone yet. The only other change is in the camera app and algorithm, which was necessary since Android doesnt natively support dual-cameras just yet. Xiaomi says this wont hamper the Oreo timeline mentioned above.

Running on stock Android eliminates some of the overheads on the processor and the phone presents a smooth and lag free experience on general day-to-day things. Apps load as expected and without many hiccups. However, in the past week or so, I have often felt that MiUI on a Redmi Note 4 felt smoother and better tuned. The Mi A1 is not all that different from the Note 4 in terms of specifications, so we will try to gain deeper insights into this via a comparison later.

As a standalone device though, the Mi A1 is as smooth as you expect a stock Android device to be and even faster than some. Its not absolutely lag free, but then no budget device is that way either. The Mi A1 gets by with minimum lags and its UI performance is certainly above average.

Camera

Stock Android is not the only USP for this device. Its also the only Android One phone to sport a dual-camera. There are two 12MP sensors on the back of this device, and Xiaomi refused to reveal the sensor details since it will be sourcing them from multiple sources. That means final camera quality on the device you buy may differ from our review sample.

Nevertheless, two cameras follow the iPhones telephoto and wide angle formula, offering 2x zoom and bokeh mode. Theres a Stereo Mode within the camera app for shooting bokeh shots, while youll find the family 1x/2x button for zooming seamlessly. The camera app is custom designed by Xiaomi and works seamlessly enough.

That said, we did slight details in auto-focus, which increases with deteriorating light conditions. As a result, low light photos can sometimes be blurry and they take considerable time to process. In fact, even with dual-cameras, the Mi A1 doesnt really set a benchmark as far as camera prowess is concerned. Its a good camera to work with, and will take good enough shots for sharing on social media, but dont go expecting much more.

Stereo Mode

Xiaomis stereo mode is its take on Apples portrait mode, and its task is to blue the background. While this is done via a combination of hardware and software, the final effects are commendable most of the times. The problem is that the stereo mode only works when theres ample light, meaning most night time shots will have to be taken using the auto mode only. While detail level and colours are quite good in this mode, this limits its usability severely.

Bokeh shot using the Stereo Mode on the Mi A1

Zoom

Xiaomi is promising you 2x optical zoom with this device, and the 1x/2x button is quite useful. It switches from the wide angle to the telephoto lens (56mm) seamlessly and the results are quite good. You see some noise when shooting indoors, but not enough to hamper image quality or lead to major loss of details. Again, social media sharing shouldnt be an issue here.

Regular (Left) and 2x zoom (Right) from the Mi A1

Regular Shooting

When shooting in auto mode, the Mi A1 produces really sharp and well detailed photos in daylight conditions. However, it suffers from considerable noise and loss of detail in low light. It is also best used when shooting close up shots, with noticeable aberrations in longer range photos. Overall, the camera is decent, but nothing that would offset the status quo in the budget range.

Daylight photo taken using the Mi A1

100% crop of photo above

Click to see full sized image samples for the Mi A1

Performance

With the Snapdragon 625 inside, this is the fastest Android One phone weve seen to date. As explained in the UI section above, the Mi A1 is lag free and sufficiently fast. It isnt a powerhouse by any length of imagination, but its dependable to say the least. Gaming performance is good, with minor lags from time to time. The only real issue is that the phone heats up just enough for you to be uncomfortable while gaming for long periods. It would seem that Xiaomis thermal control algorithms on MiUI are better than Androids native versions.

Either way, if youre not a heavy gamer, this phone should cause you no troubles. Temperatures reached a maximum of 42 degrees celsius on the body, which is acceptable and not abnormal. Its just not ideal.

Much like the camera, the Xiaomi Mi A1 produces functional performance levels and is dependable through and through. It just wont qualify as snappy, which many budget buyers will perhaps not mind. Using shortcuts hotkeys is fast enough, while app load times and app performance are easily acceptable.

Display

A major difference between this phone and Xiaomis other phones is in the display quality. Colour tones are balanced, but lack the punch that weve come to expect from the companys devices. Its not a colourful display and feels somewhat sticky to touch. Thats not a deal breaker at all, but weve come to expect a little more from Xiaomis displays. Overall, youre getting a balanced display that doesnt miss touches, responds to commands fast and is just bright enough to be used under direct sunlight.

Battery

Xiaomi wants this device to be as cheap as it can be, so its not pushing the boundaries with battery capacity here. Alternatively, MiUIs usual overheads arent present here, so the company probably thought that a 3050 mAh battery should be enough. In practical terms, that translates to just over 11 hours run times on PC Marks Work 2.0 battery test. That, ranks the Mi A1 amongst the better battery performers amongst budget devices.

In regular usage, like many other aspects of this phone, its a dependable performer with respect to battery life. Youll need to charge it every night, but it should get by without much more, unless youre playing games for hours and hours every day.

Build and Design

Last but not the least, we get to the most Xiaomi-like elements of this phone. From the back, the Mi A1 looks iPhone-like. The antenna lines run along the top and bottom edges, while the device is rounded at the corners. There are also thick plastic strips on all four sides of the display, with noticeable but not overtly large bezels below them.

The strip below the display holds backlit capacitive buttons, while the overall form factor and weight remain quite ergonomic. Its not perfectly suited to single handed usage, but it wont particularly fail you when you absolutely need to use it with one hand. The power button respects comfortably below your thumb (if youre right handed), while the volume rocker can be reached easily. Theres a fingerprint sensor on the back and the phones entire construction is metallic.

As far as Android One phones are concerned, this is the most premium weve got so far. As far as budget phones are concerned, this is what we expect from budget devices today. Once again, the Mi A1 gives you just what you need, without pushing the boundaries in any way, something weve come to expect from Xiaomi over time. Its not a rehashed design, but its not an entirely new one either.

Bottomline

Xiaomis Mi A1 is an Android One phone first and Xiaomi phone later. The promise of updated Android is something Xiaomi phones never give you, while the dual-camera keeps it in with the times. Its not an underpowered and compromised device that the Android One program has produced so far. Instead, its a very dependable smartphone that you should certainly consider. Its what Android One phones should have been from the very beginning.

How it compares

The Xiaomi Mi A1 is a jack of all trade, but master of none. It has a decent camera, but it is easily outperformed by the Moto G5 Plus or Samsung Galaxy J7 Max. It is a fluid performer and offers dependable battery life, but can be outperformed by the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4. The emphasis here seems to be on keeping prices as low as possible, and if Xiaomi can his something below Rs. 13,999, this phone is a no brainer.

Youre not buying the best budget phone today, but youre buying a phone that can stand the test of time and wont let you down easily.
Nokia 5 is a mid-range smartphone from HMD Global available exclusively via offline retail channels. Earlier, Nokia 6 was the first device to receive July security update.

Nokia 5, the offline exclusive mid-range Android smartphone from HMD Global has started receiving the September security patch ahead of Google's own Pixel and Nexus devices. HMD Global has been pitching software as one of the key selling points of its smartphones and with this security update, the Finnish startup is living up to the pure Android promise.

According to Nokiapoweruser, the Nokia 5 is receiving an over-the-air update weighing in at 140MB that only brings the September security patch. Earlier, HMD Global had patched the Nokia 6 with the July security update ahead of Google Pixel and Nexus lineup. HMD Global, the new home of Nokia, has been consistent with monthly security updates and it is promising minimum two years of major software updates for its devices.

The company recently updated its entry-level Nokia 3 to Android 7.1.1 Nougat and it is anticipated to become the first OEM to offer Android 8.0 Oreo update to all of its smartphones available in the market. At the time of writing this article, Google has started pushing the September security update to supported Pixel and Nexus devices. The search giant is also making factory images available for those planning to manually install the update.

Google announced Android 8.0 Oreo update for select Pixel and Nexus devices last month and the September security update is expected to patch bugs detected after the rollout. Nokia 5 getting the update ahead of Google's own devices can be seen a good sign, but it will eventually have to roll out Android 8.0 Oreo to really stand apart from other OEMs on the software front.
Program: Architects as advocates Sept. 18

The American Institute of Architects Seattle chapter will present a free program Sept. 18 that encourages architects to advocate for more people-oriented development and vibrant urban communities.

Enter the Fray: How Architects & Designers Can Be Powerful Advocates is being presented by AIA Seattle's public policy board from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 1010 Western Ave. in Seattle.

The board says architects and designers are uniquely positioned to advocate for design that contributes to healthy, livable communities, and to work towards finding consensus on controversial issues, but too often they step back from getting involved in public policy. The panel is Rico Quirindongo of DLR Group, Barbara Swift of Swift Co., Grace Kim of Schemata Workshop, and Sara Maxana of the city of Seattle. The moderator is Rick Mohler of the University of Washington.

The event is part of the 2017 Seattle Design Festival. The schedule is at http://designinpublic.org/.




IA Interior Architects

McCabe

Wood

Truhan

Holt

Katsoolis





Carroll

In Seattle, IA Interior Architects hired Shane Katsoolis and David Holt as design directors, Jim Truhan as senior workplace strategist, Jonathan Wood as technical director, Lisa McCabe as director of client services and John Carroll as director of operations. Katsoolis has experience on workplace and hospitality projects in China and Singapore. Holt relocated from IA's Dallas office and will continue to focus on workplace design. Truhan has experience in the real estate life-cycle, with over 35 years in the public and private sectors. Wood was a senior vice president and director of firm-wide quality assurance/quality control at CallisonRTKL. McCabe has 20 years of experience as a commercial real estate broker at Kinzer Partners and Washington Partners. Her clients include Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Starbucks and the Port of Seattle. Carroll has over a decade of experience directing operations for creative agencies. He was managing operations at firms that include Digital Kitchen and Methodologie.




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NORTH RANDALL, Ohio (AP)  An Ohio board has approved an estimated $7.8 million tax credit for Amazon as the e-commerce giant plans a new fulfillment center outside Cleveland that could employ 2,000 people.

The Plain Dealer reports the Ohio Tax Credit Authority signed off on a 1.35 percent, 10-year tax credit last week in Columbus. The credit would go toward an 855,000-square-foot (79,000-square-meter) building in North Randall, where workers will pack and ship Amazon products.





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TONGANOXIE, Kan. (AP)  Tyson Foods Inc. will invest $320 million in a new chicken-processing plant in northeastern Kansas employing 1,600 people so that it can keep up with a growing consumer demand for fresh poultry, the company and state officials announced Tuesday.

The Springdale, Arkansas-based meat-producer unveiled its plans during a news conference in Tonganoxie with Gov. Sam Brownback and other state and local officials. The company plans to build the plant outside the town of about 5,300 residents about 30 miles west of Kansas City and expects it to be open in mid-2019.





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Business / Companies

by Agencies

Finding the money to pay school fees is a problem that most parents face as school holidays draw towards a close. The more school-going children there are in the family the greater the challenge the parents face.NMB Bank has established a school fees loan facility to address this problem. Provided the loan applicant is employed, has no existing fees arrears with the school and is capable of repaying the loan, NMB Bank will pay the school fees directly to the school, allowing the parent to repay the bank over a period of between one and three months.Parents who are not NMB account holders can access this facility provided their employers are able to effect source deduction for monthly repayments.NMB chief banking officer Lionel Chinyamutangira said the loan facility is intended to help parents ensure that their children do not have any difficulties related to school fees payments when starting a new term."NMB is dedicated to providing banking services that are second to none. We appreciate that it is sometimes difficult to raise the full school fees amount required at one go."The school fees loan facility is designed to give parents some breathing space, so that they can satisfy the school's requirement for fees to be paid in full on or before the first day of term, while at the same time being able to spread the expense over a period of up to three months," he said.The documents required when applying for the loan are a completed application form, a current payslip, proof of residence and an invoice from the school, which must be submitted at any NMB branch nationwide.
Inspired by author and activist Peadar ODonnells passion for social activism, Arranmore Island is hosting a conference this weekend to discuss Islands on the Edge, Oileain ar an Imeall.

The event will also mark the close and longstanding connection Peadar forged with Arranmore islanders while serving as headmaster of the island national school.

Peadar ODonnells Islanders, Oileain ar an Imeall, Islands on the Edge, takes place from September 8th to 10th on Arranmore.

We explored different ways of commemorating Peadar and his work, and we wanted to keep close to Peadars ideals, Nora Flanagan of Arranmore. Nora and trade union activist Seamus Rodgers, members of the conference committee, announced details of the event recently, in Siptu offices in Letterkenny.

Social activist and writer Peadar O'Donnell.

Born in Meenmore, outside Dungloe, in 1893, Peadar ODonnell was a prominent social activist, a human rights campaigner and a prolific writer. He was headmaster of the No. 1 National School on Arranmore Island from 1916 to 1918. He died in May of 1986.

Peadar was a social activist who fought on behalf of working class people everywhere  anywhere there was social injustice, Peadar was there, Nora said. And it is a social injustice that we as islanders are forced to emigrate and are not able to come back to the islands, because we are losing such an awful lot.

Arranmores population has dropped 45 per cent over the past 50 years, between 1966 and 2016. Thats a huge decline, Nora said. The conference will explore how that trend can be reversed on Arranmore and other islands.

Nora and Seamus said Arranmore is well-serviced for families, with two national schools and a secondary school that draws students from the mainland; regular ferry from two ferries; two co-operatives that promote economic, social and cultural development on the island; and sport and recreation facilities as well as sandy beaches, scenic cliffs and mapped walks.

However, if people do not have employment they cannot take advantage of the enjoyable island lifestyle, they said. In the past, island emigration was cyclical, with people travelling to Scotland for tattie hoking, or for work in the tunnels and mines. But they always came back, Nora said.

That has changed.

Now, with people going on to higher education, to third level, there arent the same opportunities for coming back, Nora said. She pointed to the lack of reliable broadband service on Arranmore as an obstacle to peoples ability to work on the island.

The conference weekend will also mark the launch of a campaign to provide the island with high-speed broadband, in the hope of opening up more avenues for employment there.

While Peadar ODonnell was on Arranmore he developed his appetite for socialism, and became heavily involved in the trade union movement. He also developed strong ties with the Donegal islands of Inish Fraoch and Inish Caorach  he set his 1927 novel, Islanders, on Inish Caorach.

Peadar also advocated on behalf of Arranmore islanders forced to emigrate to Scotland to work as tattie hokers and with islanders established the Arranmore Migratory Labourers Union.

Peadar was also a union organiser for the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and the Irish Transport General Workers Union. Seamus said Peadar ODonnell was an international figure as well, recruiting for the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War and making his voice heard on such issues as the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa.

Peadar also worked with Father James McDyer in Glencolmcille, Seamus said.

Maybe Peadar and Father McDyer didnt achieve all their goals, but at least they made their mark there as well and brought life back into a dying area, he said. They are to be commended for that.

Speakers on Saturday at the island conference include John Boyle of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO); historian Emer Singleton; Colm Cavanagh of the Alliance Party; Kate Burns of Rathlin Island Kelp; Linda Ervine, Irish language coordinator in Belfast; and Micheal O hEanaigh, chief executive of Udaras na Gaeltachta. The conference will be chaired by trade union activist Des Geraghty, author and activist Donal Donnelly and Dr Eilis Flanagan of NUI Galway.

An invitation has also been extended to all Irish and Scottish islands to attend.

The weekend will also include a screening at 8pm on Friday evening of the documentary film Atlantic, which follows fishing communities on Arranmore and in Newfoundland and Norway, and the challenges they face in light of oil exploration and industrial fishing in their waters.

Jerry Early of Arranmore is featured in the documentary film and will introduce the screening, to be held at the Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh on Arranmore.

Music will also feature on the weekend: Recalling Peadar ODonnells father, who was an avid fiddle player, renowned fiddle player Martin McGinley will lead fiddle workshops on Saturday. There will be a concert at 2pm on Sunday with the Donegal Youth Orchestra, Arainn Mhor Pipe Band and local musicians.

Pictured in Siptu offices in Letterkenny, Seamus Rodgers and Nora Flanagan announced the conference Peadar O'Donnell's Islanders, Islands on the Edge, set for Arranmore Island this weekend.

The fishing tradition highlighted in the film Atlantic and the challenges that tradition has faced in recent years speak to the heart of the island community. Nora said back in the early 1980s there were 10 or more trawlers fishing out of Arranmore, each with a crew of five or six.

That was 50 or 60 people employed, she said. Now, because of the rise in EU restrictions, there are only a couple of trawlers fishing from the island.

They go right down to Waterford to fish  its from one end of the country to the other, she said. And when they fish their quotas there they have to make the journey back again.

And while the fishing industry has declined locally, we have the huge, big super-trawlers coming a few miles off our coast, she said.

Seamus Rodgers wrote a tribute to Peadar that included these lines: A courageous and compassionate man, he lived humanly and respected human values. / He knew the dignity of men and women. / He hated with a deep hatred whatever robbed them of that dignity. / He was a man of patriotism and history.

For the peoples struggle that could never be contained in narrow pages or narrow creeds. / It was this that made him a republican and a socialist of deep conviction, Seamus wrote.

A large crowd gathered on Arranmore on a September afternoon last year, when the island hosted an event to mark the 30th anniversary of Peadar ODonnells death. Nora and Seamus said there has already been great interest in this years event.

The conference has been sponsored by both ferries to the island, by Siptu, the Labour Party in Glenties, Comharchumann Oilean Arainn Mhor, Divers Hyundai and Seamus Rodgers.

Its a big event and only for the generosity of people we would not be able to do this, Nora said. She said the committee would like to see the conference become an annual event, bringing together more islands, but said they would need to secure funding to do that.

It would be absolutely great to have all the Irish islands, all of the Scottish islands, but for that you need money, she said.

For more, visit the Peadar O'Donnell's Islanders page on Facebook.
Things will really be cooking at the Coffee County Training Center  literally  with the completion of the facilitys kitchen renovations.

On Monday, the workers who brought those renovations to life were honored for their work. Representatives of the Lowes Heroes team as well as Goolsby Bros. Plumbing and Electrical were recognized by the Center with plaques for their work in remaking the kitchen, which will be used by people throughout the county.

You have no idea how much this means to us, to have this kitchen remodeled the way it is now, to make our training classes so much better, Center Director Vickie Florence said during the recognition ceremony.

The Training Center is one of the locations for the Southeast Central Alabama Mental Health offices. Two programs are served at the Enterprise office, Louise Ezell, a member of the SCAMHs fundraising committee, said: A program for those in the county with intellectual disabilities and the residential day program for the mentally ill who live at home and use the Center for training in kitchen tasks like cooking and cleaning.

Ezell was asked by Maintenance Coordinator Art Gilbert to see if there was some help for projects at the Center. Ezell chose the kitchen to get attention first because it was built in the early 1980s and she knows how long it has been since anything has been done for it.

After the ceremony, Florence told the Ledger that she has been at the Center since 1985. Since then, she said, the kitchen sink had been glued back into the place a couple of times and the cabinet doors were nearly falling off, with nails exposed as a result.

Ezell said she was trying to think of businesses that could help. She approached Cindy Bean at Lowes, who got the project going. According to its website, the Lowes Heroes program contributes materials and services toward volunteer projects.

Ezell then called Charlene Goolsby with Goolsby Bros. about the business handling the plumbing and electrical as well as other tasks for the kitchen.

Florence said the renovation began about Aug. 1, with crew members working on weekends as well as during the week.

They tore cabinets out, took plumbing, removed everything, she said. There was nothing but bare walls once they did that.

The only original items that remained were the stove and refrigerator. Otherwise, the kitchens cabinets, plumbing and sink are all new, Florence said.

Better venting in the kitchen now means those who use it can cook there, Florence said. Also, the kitchen now has more cabinet and counter space. And the new sink will be used for tasks such as cleaning containers that are used for daily lunches brought in from Pinedale Elementary School.

SCAMH Executive Director Tommy Wright presented the plaques on Monday.
American producer and director Adam McKay once said nothing is funnier than confidently doing the wrong thing. That means Ive been an absolute riot for the past 30 years.

Allow me to explain.

While doing research for a cookbook, I learned that I have been seasoning pasta incorrectly. Imagine the mortification! I felt like a paralegal who finally realized that John Doe is a placeholder name and not an eerily large grouping of men with the same name.

The best way to season pasta does not involve cooking it until pleasantly chewy, draining it, and combining it with sauce. This approach, as it turns out, adversely affects the texture of pasta and dampens our enjoyment of the finished dish.

No one was more surprised than I to learn of this seasoning technique because its not used by anyone I know in Italy. It is a mystery to me how something as important as a technique for preparing optimal pasta could have escaped my cooking radar  but, here we are.

As you might imagine, I immediately tried it out and found that it produces plates of pasta that are practically perfect in every way. In Italy, it is called pasta saltata in padella, or sauteed pasta.

Pasta, especially dry pasta, is very porous by nature. Once added to boiling water, its unquenchable thirst begins (which is why it plumps up as it cooks). This absorptive quality doesnt stop once the pasta is drained; in fact, pasta remains as parched as ever. The worst thing we could do at this point is to drain it and let it sit while we futz with the sauce. Lacking any liquid to absorb, the pasta quickly becomes pasty and excessively chewy instead of tender and pleasantly chewy.

The seasoning step prevents this small disaster from happening by keeping pasta nice and hydrated until it is plated and served. It does so by combining almost fully cooked pasta with a little bit of fat and some reserved pasta water and then by cooking it the rest of the way in the sauce. In the process, the technique accomplishes two additional things. First, the pasta and sauce meld more effectively, thanks to the starch in the reserved pasta water. Second, the pasta absorbs some of the flavoring from the sauce, resulting in an even tastier finished dish.

And if that were not enough, the technique itself is quite easy, doesnt require dirtying additional pots, and only takes about 3 minutes. To execute:

1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions and drain it 2 minutes short of its directed cooking time (it would be considered slightly too firm to eat).

2. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water (for 4 servings) right before draining it.

3. Drain the pasta and return the pot to the burner. Immediately turn the heat to high, add a  tablespoon of oil (for oil-based sauces) or  tablespoon of butter (for butter-based sauces) and the reserved pasta water, making sure to have both items measured out and by the stove before draining the pasta.

4. Quickly add the drained pasta and toss until the oil/butter and pasta water have been absorbed. This usually takes about 30 seconds or so, which goes to show you just how thirsty the pasta is.

5. Immediately add all or part of the sauce, depending on what the recipe directs. Continue cooking the pasta on high heat, tossing continuously, for another 1  minutes or so. Done!

If you want to prepare pasta with a fresh, uncooked sauce like pesto, make sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Simply cook the pasta in salted water until it is perfectly firm for eating  or al dente  drain it, and then transfer it back to the pot. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, toss and then immediately add the sauce and toss again. If the pasta seems a little dry, add a little more reserved pasta water until you reach a nice sauce consistency.

Now that Im using this seasoning technique, I guess I will need to find some other way to be a hoot when I cook.

___________________

Garganelli with Fava Beans, Pancetta and Roasted Tomatoes

Fresh fava beans mean springtime and lend a beautiful light green color to this tasty and nourishing sauce. Also known as broad beans, fava beans are smoother, sweeter, and creamier than most other beans and would probably be more popular if they didnt need to be peeled twice before using. If you purchase them still in their pods, you will need to first shell them as you would peas. Secondly, you will need to remove the thick, whitish skin that envelops each bean. Ive found the easiest way to do this is to blanch them in a large pot of salted boiling water for 1 minute, drain, and cool under cold running water, then squeeze each bean out of its skin with your fingers. To add a splash of vibrant color and aromatic, savory flavor, I roast the cherry tomatoes with thyme.

1 pint cherry tomatoes

Leaves from 2 sprigs fresh thyme

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 cups shelled (not peeled) fava beans, 2  pounds fava bean pods, or 1 cup peeled, frozen fava beans

4 to 5 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced

4 ounces pancetta (or bacon), finely diced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 cup chicken broth

3/4 pound pasta

6 tablespoons freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese

Preheat the oven to 450 F. Toss the tomatoes with the thyme, 2 tablespoons of the oil, a couple pinches of salt, and a good crack of black pepper on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet on the center rack, and roast, turning once, until the tomatoes are blistered and beginning to burst, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.

Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Once its boiling, add salt (1 tablespoon for every 4 cups water) and stir. Add the fresh fava beans, bring the water back to a boil, and cook for 3 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, then pop the beans out of their skins by squeezing them at one end. (If using frozen peeled beans, skip this step.)

Heat a large, deep skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil and turn the heat up to medium. Once the oil begins to swirl on the surface but is not yet smoking, add the scallions, pancetta, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring every few minutes, until the scallion whites are golden brown and the pancetta has rendered its fat, about 12 minutes. Add the fava beans, broth, and a couple pinches of salt. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once gently boiling, reduce the heat to low and cook until the broth reduces by half and the fava beans are tender, about 20 minutes. Transfer two ladlefuls of fava beans to a blender or food processor and reduce them to a puree. Stir the puree back into the skillet and taste for seasoning, adding salt if needed. Keep warm over very low heat.

While the beans are cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once its boiling, add salt (1 tablespoon for every 4 cups water) and stir. Right before removing the favas to the blender, add the pasta to the water and stir for the first minute to prevent any sticking. Cook following the package instructions, though you will drain the pasta 2 minutes prior to the directed cooking time. The pasta will be soft but still very firm. Right before draining the pasta, reserve  cup of the pasta water. Return the empty pot to the stove. Immediately turn the heat to high, add the remaining tablespoon oil and reserved pasta water, and stir. Add the pasta and toss until the water is absorbed. Add the fava bean and pancetta mixture and cook, tossing continuously, for 2 minutes, then gently stir in the tomatoes.

Divide the pasta among four warmed bowls and serve piping hot. Makes 4 servings.

___________________

Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe and Ham

This recipe is a somewhat gussied up twist on an old classic, pasta e broccoletti, from southern Italy and the region of Puglia in particular. The original version, made with pasta, garlic, and red chilies, celebrates Italys beloved winter vegetable, broccoli rabe. This version goes a step further by adding onion for a touch of sweetness, capers for pungency, and ham for, well  for the love of it. Make sure to aggressively trim the broccoli rabe to just the florets, the smaller (and more tender) leaves, and the thinnest stems. Only then can you eliminate the bitterness for which broccoli rabe is known.

Salt

1  pounds broccoli rabe, trimmed as described above

6 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon nonpareil capers, rinsed

4 ounces sliced ham, julienned

3/4 pound pasta

Freshly ground black pepper

1/3 cup freshly grated pecorino Sardo or pecorino Romano cheese for serving

Recommended pasta shapes or dumplings: orecchiette, maccherroni, garganelli, ziti

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once its boiling, add salt (1 tablespoon salt for every 4 cups) and stir. Add the broccoli rabe and boil for 6 minutes. Remove using a fine-meshed strainer and rinse under cold water. You will use the same pot of water to cook the pasta; keep the water at a low simmer until the sauce is almost done, then ratchet up the heat. Drain the broccoli rabe well, squeeze to remove excess water, then chop.

Heat a large skillet over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add 4 tablespoons of the olive oil and turn the heat to medium. Once it begins swirling but is not yet smoking, add the onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt and stir. Cook, stirring a few times, until the onion turns translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the capers and ham and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes very soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the broccoli rabe and a couple pinches of salt, stir well to combine, and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and keep warm.

Add the pasta to the boiling water, stirring for the first minute to prevent any sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, draining the pasta 2 minutes short of the directed cooking time. The pasta will be soft but still very firm. Right before draining the pasta, reserve  cup of the pasta water. Return the pot to the stove. Immediately turn the heat to high, add 1 teaspoon of the oil and the reserved pasta water. Quickly add the drained pasta and toss. Add the sauce, a few good cracks of pepper, and the remaining 2 tablespoons oil and cook, tossing continuously, for 2 minutes.

Divide the pasta among four warmed bowls. Serve piping hot topped with the pecorino (or pass the grated cheese at the table). Makes 4 servings.

Serena Cosmo is a cookbook author, food columnist and blogger. You can find her on www.rusticplate.com and on Instagram at Rustic Plate. A native of the Piedmont region of northwest Italy, she lives in Auburn with her husband, two daughters, a doggie spirit named Jake, 3 cats, 2 goldfish, 1 fresh water snail, and 27 wooden cooking spoons.
Faith Deliverance Ministry of Berachah Inc., 1310 W. Carroll St., Dothan, will hold a revival Sept. 6-8 with services at 7:30 p.m. nightly. The speaker will be Prophet Jordan Sherman.

All Tribes Assembly of God, 1566 Alpha St., Midland City, will be hosting a benefit spaghetti luncheon on Sept. 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Plates will include spaghetti with meat sauce, coleslaw, garlic bread and cake. The price is $7. Plates can be picked up at the church or deliveries will be available for orders of more than 10 plates. Tickets on sale now. For more information or directions, contact Loretta Turner at 334-405-1500.

Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 4850 County Road 73, Newville, will host a luncheon honoring pastors and ministers wives on Saturday, Sept. 9, at noon. For more information, call Annie Morris at 334-693-3048; Doris Lewis at 334-441-5601; or Mary Kincey at 334-632-0184.

Daleville Christian Fellowship Worship Center will host the 2017 Rainbow Tea on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 3 p.m. in the Archbishop Carl McComb Community Center. The event is held by the churchs Christian Women Ministry. Call 334-598-6279 for more information.

Grimes Gospel Lighthouse, 1512 County Road 25, Grimes, will host: The Countrymen from Dothan on Sept. 9; Bapticostal Express from Union Springs on Sept. 16; local artists on Sept. 23; and the Byrd Family from Newville on Sept. 30. Music starts at 7 p.m. A love offering will be taken. Call 334-983-4654 or 334-714-4658 for more information.

Klondyke Gospel Music Center, located between Newton and Ozark at 3885 Highway 123 S., will host: From the Heart of Dothan, Sept. 9; Sound & Spirit of Milton, Florida, Sept. 16; Dennis Family of Montgomery, Sept. 23; Crimson City Quartet of Pensacola, Florida, Sept. 30. Music starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, contact Ron Jeffers, president and concert coordinator, at 334-797-9862.

New Maranda Baptist Church, 1221 WAGF Road, Dothan, will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a service on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Leroy McLeroy, pastor of St. Peter Community Church in Bay Springs.

Shiloh Free Will Baptist Church, 9376 County Road 22, Columbia, will host Biker Sunday on Sept. 10. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. Several biker ministries and groups will attend. Brother Richard Burke, president of Hell Fighters from Chipley, Florida, will bring the morning message. There will be singing, testimonies, preaching, fellowship and a Blessing of the Bikes. You dont have to be a biker to attend. Lunch will be served after the service. For more information, call 850-258-3046; 334-797-1051; 334-200-5916; or 334-790-5205.

A Pastors Appreciation for the Rev. Melissa Mixon Smith will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, at 3 p.m. at St. Michael AME Church, 7736 County Road 54 W. in Clopton. Guest preacher will be the Rev. Paul Horn, pastor of Hines Chapel AME Church in Dothan.

Cherry Street AME Church, 308 N. Cherry St., Dothan, will hold a Pastors Appreciation service on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 2:30 p.m. Guest preacher will be the Rev. Charles Beasley, pastor of Star Missionary Baptist Church in Eufaula.

A Living Proof Live Simulcast will be held Sept. 16 at Memphis Baptist Church, 4595 Eddins Road, in Dothan. A light breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. and the simulcast will begin at 8:30 a.m. The simulcast will feature worship led by Travis Cottrell and teachings from Beth Moore. Cost for the event is $20 and includes conference materials, breakfast, snacks and lunch. To buy tickets online, visit www.eventbrite.com and search for the Living Proof simulcast in Dothan or visit the Columbia Baptist Associations website, www.cbadothan.com for a link. Child care will be available by request only for children ages 6 and younger. Contact Becky Abraham at rambec@aol.com or 334-796-8806 for more information and to register your child.

Aglow Community Lighthouse of Enterprise will meet Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. at Po Folks restaurant in Enterprise. Guest speaker will be Cleola Cintron of Enterprise. For more information, call 334-406-9683.

Holmes Baptist Church, located 3 miles north of Ariton, will hold revival services from Sunday, Sept. 17, through Wednesday, Sept. 20. On Sunday, the church will hold Sunday school at 9:30 a.m., a revival kickoff at 10:30 a.m. and an evening service at 6 p.m. Dinner will be served following the Sunday morning service. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday. The evangelist will be the Rev Jim Hill, Dale County Baptist Association missionary. There will be special music during each service. The church is on Highway 51, just inside the Barbour County line.

Daleville Christian Fellowship Worship Center presents the 2017 Women Retreat on Oct. 20-22 at Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida. Speakers include Dr. Yvonne Capehart, Apostle Julia Berry, Evangelist Deborah Dumas, Missionary Robin McKinney, Evangelist Vanessa Cody, Minister Angeline Green and Missy Darlene Pena. Registration is $200 per person and is needed by Sept. 19. Call 334-598-6279 for more information.

Daleville Christian Fellowship Worship Center will hold a Pastor and First Family Appreciation service for Archbishop Carl and Christine McComb on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. Guest minister will be the Rev. Isaac Williams of Greater True Vine Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. Call 334-598-6279 for more information.

Liberty United Methodist Church in the Screamer community near Abbeville is holding a revival Sept. 24-27. Guest speaker is the Rev. Steve Irwin, executive and preaching pastor at Woodlawn UMC in Panama City Beach, Florida. A supper will be served on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Revival services Sunday-Wednesday will begin at 6:30 p.m. Liberty Choir will sing. Finger foods will be served in the fellowship hall on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. followed by music from the Judson Choir. Liberty UMC is located on Henry County Road 92 about a quarter of a mile off Highway 95 North.
NSW police is set to test drivers for cocaine, adding to its mobile drug testing powers.

Sewage examinations conducted by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) found significant levels of cocaine in public plumbing beneath Sydneys Eastern Suburbs.

In other words, the affluent have been dobbed in by their effluent.

Its no secret that Australia has a drug problem surrounding both recreational and prescription medication.

Often portrayed as a problem for people from a lower socio-economic background, testing of sewage treatment plants across Australia shows thats not necessarily the case.

Cannabis, Methamphetamine (found in speed and ice) and MDMA (found in ecstasy) are currently the three illicit drugs drivers can be tested for in NSW. But police will be able to test drivers for cocaine use in Sydneys Eastern Suburbs by the end of the year.

The affect that cocaine, or its active ingredient, BenzMax Mason-Hubersoylmethylecgonine, has on a persons ability to perform certain tasks differs depending on the amount ingested and how it was taken. But in general, cocaine tends to decrease awareness and increase feelings of euphoria.

A drug monitoring program conducted by the ACIC found that capital cities had high levels of cocaine use but that use of MDMA was decreasing, while abuse of powerful opiates such as Fentanyl continues to increase.

Some synthetic painkillers are significantly more powerful than morphine, with abuse of prescription opiates resulting in thousands of deaths in the United States. The report also explains that tobacco and alcohol are still the most consumed substances in all states and territories.

What might surprise you is that testing will kick off in Bondi, one of the wealthiest areas of Sydney.

Why the Eastern Suburbs? The ACIC estimates that Sydneys average cocaine consumption doubles that of any other capital city, weighing in around three times more than Melbournes use of the drug. The report suggests that around 300,000 Eastern Suburbs residents collectively consume just short of one kilogram of cocaine each weekend.

Previous drug-driving campaigns have been slammed as unfair to less-wealthy areas, so the change in approach may be welcomed by some communities as more meaningful than police simply adding another drug to their screening program.

The Northern Rivers and Tweed regions of NSW currently have reputations as drug-driving hot spots, and that could change with cocaine testing on the horizon for Sydneys Eastern Suburbs.

What does this mean for drivers? While everyone is affected differently by both depressants and stimulants, cocaine is known to be detectable for a much shorter window than cannabis  approximately 12 hours as opposed to one week. Though saliva swabs may struggle to accurately test a drivers impairment, a positive result may mean that they are driving while high.
News / Africa

by Staff reporter`

The question on whether it was legal to grant Zimbabwean First Lady, Grace Mugabe, diplomatic immunity after she allegedly viciously assaulted a young model with an electrical cord should be left to the courts, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.Answering questions in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa would not be drawn on what his personal thoughts were, but said the courts would rule on the matter and Parliament was also looking into the matter."This is a difficult case in terms of balancing diplomatic imperatives against the imperatives of natural justice," Ramaphosa said."In the end it is the courts of our country who will make a determination."He added that Parliament's portfolio committee on international relations was also looking into the matter, while the court application was brought by the Democratic Alliance (DA) and civil rights group Afriforum.Ramaphosa said International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane indicated she made the decision to grant Mugabe immunity in terms of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act.Nkoana-Mashabane was in the firing line earlier today when DA MPs objected to her failure to appear before the portfolio committee on international relations on the Mugabe matter.The minister sent a letter to the committee saying she could not appear because the DA's high court application made the matter sub judice."This is blatant misuse of the sub judice rule which does not apply in this case," the opposition party had responded.Nkoana-Mashabane extend diplomatic immunity to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's wife Grace after she allegedly assaulted a South African woman in August.The decision is being challenged in court by the young model who claims Mugabe savagely beat her with an extension court, Gabriella Engels, and Afriforum.
Atlassian co-founder and co-CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes has thrown his support behind Brighte, leading the home energy fintechs $4 million Series A round through his venture capital business Grok Ventures.

Based in Sydney, Brighte is a digital credit platform that provides on-the-spot finance for home energy improvements, allowing homeowners to access solar panels, insulation and batteries without incurring the upfront cost of installation, which is typically between $9,000 and $15,000.

Founded by ex-Macquarie manager Katherine McConnell in 2015, Brighte has achieved average growth of 49% month-on-month is its first 10 months of operation. In addition to severing investment from Grok Ventures, the Series A round saw Brighte receive further capital from its seed investors.

McConnell told Dynamic Business that securing investment from Cannon-Brookes, validates Brighte in three different ways.

Firstly, the fact that Mike setup [Atlassian] from scratch and turned it into a multi-billion-dollar tech business says to me that he believes we are capable, potentially, of doing the same thing, she said.

Secondly, given Mikes tech background and expertise, the investment was also a real endorsement of the tech platform we have built. Finally, Mikes a very strong clean energy advocate, so having him endorse us in the energy sector, propelling is with his passion and his brand, is a huge opportunity.

McConnell said she is meeting Cannon-Brookes on a monthly basis, moving forward, with a view to harnessing his support and mentorship to further develop Brightes platform. She added, Having been through this before hes able to help me fast-track some of the mistakes Im potentially going to make.

Asked how Brighte will be using the Series A capital raise to grow, McConnell replied, Brighte started off with just myself and it grew to eight people in the first year. Within a month, well have our 34th staff member. Well be using the funding for talent acquisition, to develop the origination channels in Australia and to further accelerate the development of our tech platform.
Wednesday, 6 September 2017

Source: ATO

Following a five-year rollout, superannuation members are now receiving an estimated $2.4 billion per year in savings thanks to SuperStream. SuperStream is one of the largest ever changes to Australias financial system, with an estimated investment across the industry of $1.5 billion.

More than one million businesses have been involved in the rollout, with over 800,000 employers, over 200 APRA funds and approximately 350,000 self-managed superfunds now experiencing the benefits of SuperStream reforms.

The Australian Taxation Office has released a benefits report that shows 95 per cent of superannuation payments are now digital. This enables faster rollover of members monies from fund to fund and greater consolidation of accounts, which has led to a sustained drop in the number of lost accounts.

Deputy Commissioner James OHalloran said: SuperStream has fundamentally moved the previously manual process between funds and fund members to standardised electronic processing, across industry, with inbuilt security and efficiency savings for fund members. SuperStream now provides a modern platform for further efficiencies in the superannuation industry and the sharing of services from the ATO.

The report identifies an improved employer experience due to simplified electronic processes resulting in super contributions from employers sent through a single channel. This reduces the average time employers spend processing superannuation contributions by 70 per cent.

There are estimated savings of $2.4 billion per year for fund members, with an estimated $800 million in realised efficiencies for employers and Australian Prudential Regulation Authority funds, OHalloran said.

Association of Superannuation Funds Australia (ASFA) chief executive Martin Fahy said it was pleasing to see that the substantial investment made by the superannuation industry has resulted in profound and sustained benefits for employers and members.

Through the introduction of universal payment and data standards coupled with a better use of Tax File Numbers, superannuation fund members are now receiving their superannuation entitlements into their account faster. SuperStream also facilitates efficient consolidation of multiple superannuation accounts and provides greater transparency to members.

Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees chief executive Eva Scheerlinck said the contribution of SuperStream to a better superannuation system was enormous.

The stronger protection of members savings through account consolidation and faster allocation of funds is real, sustained and substantial. SuperStream has built a base that we are continuing to work with the ATO on building a more efficient system, Ms Scheerlinck said.

A key achievement has also been the formation of an industry governance body, the Gateway Network Governance Board, which oversees the performance of the digital gateway operators.

Related: How small businesses can assist their employees to get the most of their super
News / Local

by Staff Reporter

MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has intimated that the reason why Gukurahundi had to be meted out on the people of Matabeleland was because they 'promoted ethnicity'. He labeled as 'dangerous' people who are promoting ethnicity and ethnic affiliations'.Stung by the snubbing of the launch of the MDC Alliance at White City stadium on Saturday by top opposition political executives, Tsvangirai launched an attack on the 'divisionists' in Bulawayo, saying Gukurahundi came because of such people.Tsvangirai's Bulawayo based executives who include Thokozani Khuphe, Abednicho Bhebhe and Lovemore Moyo, alongside those of People's Democratic Party snubbed the MDC Alliance launch and had been campaigning against it due to a litany of issues chief among them, recognition of their contribution as a region in the opposition political sphere."Coming here to Bulawayo, as we launched this alliance, I am very concerned about one issue. Ever since we formed opposition political parties, we have never talked about ethnicity."It's surprising, but the reason is very simple, it's because Mugabe and the nationalists have failed to build a nation that makes everybody feel part of."I am very concerned, that we are now creating small groupings, Zezuru unconquerable, Karanga invincible, Ndebele hegemony, Manyika with their eastern grouping."Now this is a very dangerous development. This country must not be divided on ethnicity. If we want to build a nation that is proud of its identity and integrity, then we must destroy the culture of ethnicity," he said.As evidenced by his seething anger at those opposed to the MDC Alliance, Tsvangirai's sentiments are confirmation of his 'big bully' mentality where divergent views are treated as 'dissidents', in a similar fashion to those of the instigators of Gukurahundi who viciously eradicated diverging political views with the aim of creating a one party state."I will give you an example. The reason why YOU had Gukurahundi, was because you promoted ethnicity at the expense of defending all Zimbabweans. WE would never had anything to do with ethnicity. And I want to emphasize here, those who are promoting ethnicity and ethnic affiliations are dangerous for this country," he said.Tsvangirai's sentiments, which seemingly justify Gukurahundi on Matabeleland people, have invited scorn from the people that were affected by Gukurahundi, where more than twenty thousand people were estimated to have been killed by the Zimbabwean army in the 80s."Does he mean that the late Joshua Nkomo, Dumiso Dabengwa killed their own? When PDP leadership and Thokozani Khuphe disagree and refuse to be part of the alliance, are they inviting another Gukurahundi?"We know those who were behind it and Tsvangirai is defending them through ethnicity," said one of the people that attended the rally.The former leader of Zapu Dr Nkomo was known as Father Zimbabwe for the efforts he made to unite the whole of Zimbabwe. He was endeared throughout the country and in the process, was viewed as a threat to Mugabe's Zanu rule which ostensibly meted out Gukurahundi to weaken his Matabeleland support-base into submission, leading to the 1987 Unity Accord.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A ROMAN Catholic church priest based at the Murewa Centre parish is facing a rebellion from worshippers after he refused to wash their feet when they wanted to have holy communion.The incident has left parishioners disgruntled after Father Farai Ruwona told them he could not wash their "smelly feet with cracked heels".The parishioners from the rural areas have lodged a catalogue of complaints against their church leader with the senior bishops but nothing has been done to address their concerns.They say the man of cloth is making financial demands that are unbearable on the worshippers.Ruwona is also under fire for abruptly dismissing one Dominic Makunde from work as a janitor last month in a bid to replace him with a person of his choice.Makunde had worked as a janitor for five years and was dismissed by Ruwona without notice, going home with a $54 package."We have been with Makunde for five years and he has been doing his work perfectly. Makunde is slow to learn but when you give him an instruction, he does everything according to book."There is no way we can say we are a church entity and have a priest behaving like he has no religious calling," said the source, who is also a member at the Murewa parish.Another source said Ruwona is demanding money from church members to preside over burials of the dead church members.Said the source: "When we had prepared to have holy communion sometime at Easter holiday, the priest came and delivered his service, telling congregants that he could not conduct the communion."Vakati kwatiri imi vanhu vekumamisha tsoka dzenyu dzinonhuwa uye mune man'a saka zvimwe zvacho zvinopedzisira zvakusemesa kuti tiite."The priest is not doing what he should be doing. He is always after money from the congregants. Even presiding over the burial of a church member, he demands money. At one-point vakaramba kuviga imwe nhengo yesangano mushure mekunge mudzimai wacho ati anga aine $50, priest vakati dai yaita $100. The burial was however presided by another Christian denomination. We have informed senior bishops of these issues, but they are not addressing them."The sources further referred this publication to one Father Mutiro who co-administers the parish with Ruwona as the one also aware of the developments.Contacted for comment, Father Mutiro expressed ignorance and he distanced himself."I am just an assistant. What you are saying is news to me," said Father Mutiro.When the H-Metro contacted Father Ruwona, the man of cloth threatened unspecified action and demanded to know the sources whom he labelled "his lying enemies."He also confirmed that he made a unilateral decision to dismiss Makunde before saying it was "the consensus of the parish council"."Give me their names or else!" fumed Ruwona."These people are telling you lies and you must listen to me. They are my enemies. Why are you not telling me their names so that I deal with them? I am going to find out who approached you and will interrogate them."Pane hangu vanhu vandiri kufungidzira. Manje inini handina kana basa nazvo. Buritsai chinyaya chacho," said Ruwona.The under-fire priest said he dismissed Makunde because he was no longer of use to him."Ehe! I dismissed him. He was just someone I could not help anymore. He was doing me a disservice and I cannot be forced to help someone I do not want to help," he added.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The outspoken Zanu PF activist aligned to Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Energy Mutodi was reportedly assaulted recently at a Harare hotel by some Children of War veterans.This was revealed by Zimbabwe Peace Project said it is alleged that on 25 August Zanu PF activist Energy Mutodi was assaulted at a city hotel by Munyaradzi Shoko, Jeppy Jaboon and Charles Mungoshi Jnr who are members of a group called CoZWA (Children of Zimbabwe War Veterans Association)."Reports claim that the assailants saw Mutodi drinking at the hotel and tried to entice him to respond to a conversation about the First Lady Grace Mugabe. When Mutodi ignored the assailants he was assaulted. He left the hotel in a torn black suit following the assault," said ZPP."In a telephone interview ZLWVA secretary general Victor Matemadanda said that their children do not participate in violent activities and speculated that those involved in Mutodi's assault were maybe G40 rivals linked to Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere."The case was reported to Borrowdale police (RRB3210042)
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 38-YEAR-OLD man has been nabbed for allegedly attacking a Mt Hampden man after he enquired from him why he destroyed the precast security wall before entering the ladies' toilet.Lawrence Kadzimu reportedly lost his front tooth after John Svosve attacked him using a stone while Teddy Kazura was holding him.Kazura was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Josephine Sande charged with assault.He was granted US$20 bail and the matter was remanded to September 27.Circumstances are that on September 2 at around at around 11 pm, Kadzimu saw John Svosve allegedly breaking the bar security wall before entering the ladies toilet and the bar.Kadzimu approached Svosve and asked him why he damaged the security wall and entered the ladies toilet.This did not go down well with Svosve who picked up a stone and hit him on the mouth. He lost one front tooth.Teddy Kazura came as if he wanted to stop the assault but instead he held Kadzimu by the neck whilst Svosve continued assaulting him, it is alleged.
I was invited to Electrolux 15th Anniversary Gala held at the Shangri-la at the Fort and one of the revelations that struck me was finding out that there is finally a washing machine that can actually was dry clean only specific clothes . I know right!

This was exposed during the discussion at the grand launch of Electorlux FashionCare Campaign that coincided with their 15th Anniversary Celebration. It was members of the FashionCare Council, composed of FashionCare ambassador Rajo Laurel, and Council Members Amina Aranaz-Alunan, founder, executive director and teacher of SoFA Design Institute, and Creative Director of fashion accessories and bag label ARANAZ, and Janice Villanueva, successful mompreneur and founder of Mommy Mundo, who actually made the expose. They will also be the ones to help educate consumers on how to care for their clothes especially especially with the use of Electrolux.

Even though we now have advanced technologies in washing machines and tumble dryers that can take care and prolong the life of our clothes, theres still a notion that the best way to take care of delicate and fashionable clothes are through hand washing and dry cleaning, said Andrea Pionilla, Country Marketing Manager of Electrolux Philippines. This is why we initiated the FashionCare Campaign to introduce a whole new way of washing with Electrolux that is designed to fit perfectly into your lifestyle, and is suitable for all kinds of garments. Laurel uses Electroluxs products, showing that Electrolux can care for the most delicate fabrics in a satisfactory way.

My passion for clothes extends to how I take care of them. You can actually take care of delicate fabrics and designer clothes without dry cleaning or handwashing. All you need is the right washing machine, Laurel said. My Electrolux UltimateCare Washing Machine does exactly that. It has smart features that actually take care of color and fabric, and you dont actually have to dry clean anymore.

The Electrolux FashionCare Council stresses that with the innovative UltraMix technology in Electrolux washing machines , clothes from everyday items to delicate designer pieces, will retain their softness, shape and color assuring that your that your favorites clothes are looking newer for longer.

Keep Favourites looking newer for longer with the Electrolux UltimateCare Front Load Washing Machines

The Electrolux range of UltimateCare washing machines comes with innovations that prevent fading of colors, shrinkage and misshaping. The UltraMix technology gives you the results of a hot wash for better stain and dirt removal, yet uses a lower, gentler temperature. Detergent and water are pre-mixed in a special chamber before the beginning of the cycle to maximize cleaning power at a lower temperature. It delivers deeper clean and 31% better colour care, to ensure your favorites look newer for longer.

Besides the powerful yet gentle cleaning of UltraMix, Electrolux UltimateCare washing machines extend the life of your clothes with the innovative Vapour Action, which is designed to soften fabric while reducing allergens by up to 99.9%. It means your clothes get better care, stay bright and feel fresh for years to come. The Woolmark certified cycle approved by the Woolmark Company, the global authority on wool, will safely launder your precious garments.

Electrolux UltimateCare utilizes the Eco Inverter technology that offers high energy efficiency and quality performance with minimal vibration. It reduces energy consumption by 75% and save time by 44%. You can also enjoy the flexibility and convenience to toss in forgotten items during the washing cycle with add clothes.

Better Care, Longer Wear with the Electrolux Cyclonic Care Top Load Series

Electrolux also unveiled its newest line of Top Load Washing Machines, also designed to give more care and result in less wear & tear of clothes in the wash.

The Electrolux Cyclonic Care Top Load series not only offers efficient clean through its Cyclonic Tub Clean feature, where the tub and pulsator rotate simultaneously to create a scrubbing action, but also delivers gentle care for your clothes through the Cyclonic Care Pulsator and the Prism Drum.

The Cyclonic Care Pulsator works by generating an upward water flow to help clothes circulate properly and reduce friction. Meanwhile the unique Prism-shaped Drum gently splits the dirt from the clothes the way a prism splits light, leading to a tangle-free wash that is gentler on clothes. For your woolens, the Cyclonic Care series also a Wool function, a cycle that dries this kind of garment with care.

The Cyclonic Care washing machines come with inverter technology that leads to energy savings and lower noise.

Discover how you can ensure your favourites look newer for longer, go to bit.ly/ElectroluxFashionCare and follow @ElectroluxPhilippines on Facebook and Instagram or @ElectroluxPH on Twitter.

Electrolux Philippines elegant evening gala Pamana (heritage) truly lived up to its name as the company celebrated 15 years of thoughtfully designed appliances in Filipino homes with the promise of shaping living for the better.

Since its entry into the Philippine market in 2002, Electrolux has been supporting Filipino families with innovative appliances that are both insightful and progressive, displaying true empathy for the challenges facing mothers and delivering ingenious solutions and delightful experiences for them and their family.

From the Electrolux man who would knock on your door, ring on your bell, knock on your window too, this inventive company with Swedish roots has come a long way. It now offers a complete range of appliances that includes washing machines and dryers, refrigerators and ovens, vacuum cleaners and air conditioners, with Electrolux enjoying market leadership in vacuum cleaners and strong positions in No Frost Refrigerators and Washing Machines. Electrolux is also proud of being able to achieve significant growth year on year, a sign that the company has truly come home.

When it comes to marketing, Electrolux has been equally innovative. The company has also won accolades for its best-in-class marketing campaigns such as the Discover-E kitchen campaign, which invited Filipinos to re-discover their appreciation of Filipino food, culture, and heritage, and the Clothes & Hugs Wash-a-Thon, an advocacy campaign and clothes donation drive to help typhoon victims.

As it celebrates its 15th anniversary, Electrolux shared that its aim is to shape living for the better and improve the everyday lives of Filipinos. It means a renewed focus on what their products and solutions can help people achieve, to create experiences that will elevate everyday life and to be a driving force in sustainable living. In the coming years, Electrolux promises to continue to deliver solutions on three fronts  Taste, Care and Well-being.

So honored to be a part of their milestone.
Zoho has launched Zoho One, an all-in-one business suite comprised of more than 35 integrated Web applications and an equal number of mobile apps.

The suite offers single sign-on with centralized administration and provisioning. Each user has one secure account and access to the entire suite. An admin panel enables and controls access, which simplifies provisioning, access and audit.

Companies can define policies company-wide; control can be enforced centrally or delegated through service admins for individual departments and groups.

Zoho One costs US$1 a day per employee.

Zoho Ones Features

Zoho One offers the following:

Sales, marketing and support apps;

Finance, recruiting and related HR apps;

An office suite;

Mail; and

Personal productivity and collaboration apps.

Users can build custom apps for unique business needs and include them in Zoho One.

Zoho One has integration points across its applications that connect sales, marketing, customer support, accounting, HR and other activities, and enable communication and collaboration among colleagues, customers and vendors.

It has contextual integrations that bring in relevant information from other apps to improve an apps effectiveness. Zoho One applications integrate with hundreds of leading third-party software applications.

Theres no other vendor who puts together all the software needed to run a business, said Vijay Sundaram, Zohos chief strategy officer.

Zoho One eliminates the need to purchase multiple technologies to run a business from front-office to back-office  all for one affordable price, noted Cindy Zhou, principal analyst at Constellation Research.

The pricing can be five times lower than some competitors cost for one application, she told CRM Buyer.

Zoho Ones other benefits include integrated admin capabilities and business process workflows, and a reduced learning curve, Zhou said.

Playing Well With Others

Zohos office suite interoperates well with Microsoft Office, Zohos Sundaram told CRM Buyer, but customers arent compelled to use [it]. They could use Microsoft Office and still work with Zoho One for everything else.

Another option for customers would be to use a CRM application from another company, such as Salesforce, and use Zoho One for areas such as finance, human resources, recruiting or marketing, he said. The choice is the customers to make.

Zoho Ones pricing is still attractive if customers only use a few of its applications, Constellations Zhou pointed out.

Zohos Target Market

Zoho One targets small and mid-sized businesses worldwide with annual revenues of up to $1 billion, Sundaram said. It works across industries and segments and fits almost any type of business.

Zoho itself runs on Zoho One, so we know it scales to large and complex organizations, he pointed out. Zoho has 4,500 employees located in several countries and serves customers in more than 200 countries.

Zoho One may make sense for smaller businesses, or large ones that have a large population of mobile-only workers who only need limited desktop application functionality, suggested Rebecca Wettemann, vice president of research at Nucleus Research.

Part of Zohos pitch is the mobile or tablet as primary or only device, she told CRM Buyer. There is a sweet spot for Zoho here, but also a need to educate the market beyond just providing a very cost-effective solution.

Push for Partners

Innovations in Zoho One include simple procurement, a single point of administration, and pricing simplicity with absolutely no hidden costs or gotchas, Sundaram said. The suite comes with two-factor and multifactor authentication built in, and its passwords are encrypted using some of the latest algorithms.

Zoho One will draw comparisons to what Microsofts doing with Office 365, especially given Microsofts recent focus on SMBs, observed Alan Lepofsky, principal analyst at Constellation Research.

However, Zoho currently lacks the partner system of Microsoft Office 365 and Google GSuite, he told CRM Buyer. In order to grow awareness and their customer base, Zoho now needs to focus on customer success stories and enticing partners.
Vivaldi CEO Jon von Tetzchner, the brains behind both the new Vivaldi browser and the early Opera browser, on Monday accused Google of retaliating against his company after he questioned its customer privacy practices.

Vivaldis Google Adwords campaigns mysteriously were suspended just two days after von Tetzchners criticisms of Googles handling of customer data appeared in a Wired article this spring, he said.

Von Tetzchner had raised questions about both Googles and Facebooks data collection practices, lamenting the fact that too much personal information was being collected on ordinary consumers for use in targeted advertising based on individual browsing habits.

That was the second time that Google suspended Vivaldis AdWords campaign in 12 months, von Tetzchner told the E-Commerce Times.

After Vivaldi complained about the actions, the responses from Google were less than satisfying, he added.

In both cases, when contacting Google, there has been no clarity why it happened or at least it seemed really hard for Google to explain, von Tetzchner said. The second time it happened two days after a series of interviews where I questioned the tracking practices of Google and Facebook and their use of the collected data.

Friendship Cooled

The relationship between the two dates back many years to when von Tetzchner was CEO of Opera, which once enjoyed a close relationship with Google.

Opera was the first browser to have Google search integrated into its browser, according to von Tetzchner.

However, that relationship frayed over time, as Google moved closer to the Mozilla Foundation; launched Google Docs, which was incompatible with Opera; and eventually introduced its own Chrome browser.

The Vivaldi browser is based on Chromium, an open source project led by Google and built on WebKit and KHTML. However, users still have to hide their identity when visiting services like Google Docs, according to von Tetzchner.

Google denied that the AdWords suspension had anything to do with the critique, but it took the opportunity to launch a few counterpunches.

We certainly dont suspend anyone from AdWords because they criticize us, Google said in a statement provided to the E-Commerce Times by spokesperson Elisa Greene.

We do take action against sites that contravene our guidelines and policies about software downloads, which are there to ensure that our users know exactly what they are downloading and that the installation process is safe and easy to understand, the statement says. And we follow those same guidelines and policies for our own products.

Facebook did not respond to our request to comment for this story.

Browser Wars

Although theres no indication that any formal complaints have been filed with the European Commission or other regulators, Von Tetzchner is fighting on familiar territory. Back in 2007, when he was CEO of Opera Software, his company filed a complaint against Microsoft, alleging that the way it bundled Internet Explorer with its Windows operating system constituted an abuse of its dominant position.

In 2009, Opera Software won that case, which led to key changes in access to Windows computers for browser developers. Users of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 were offered a choice of browsers.

Ironically, prior to the European Commissions ruling against Microsoft, both Mozilla and Google had Operas side in the case.

Asked about Vivaldis conflict with Google, the FTC does not comment on the activities of a particular business unless 1) we have investigated, and 2) we are issuing a complaint, said spokesperson Betsy Lordan.

We have not issued a complaint in the Google-Vivaldi matter, she told the E-Commerce Times.

Privacy History

Google recently has faced other allegations regarding its privacy issues and competitive practices.

The EU earlier this summer slapped the company with a record US$2.7 billion fine for biasing search results to favor its own shopping comparison site over smaller competitors.

Also this summer, the Electronic Privacy Information Center filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, asking the agency to block Google from tracking in-store purchases.

The power and influence Google wields is virtually unmatched among its Silicon Valley peers, cautioned Marc Rotenberg, executive director of EPIC.

Google has an almost unique ability to silence critics, he told the E-Commerce Times, although he noted that he has no idea of what transpired between Google and Vivaldi.

Between its political influence and its control of the worlds dominate gateway for news and information, Rotenberg said, Googles power is unmatched even among the tech titans.
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(Photo:  Sean Hawkey)Visitors at the monuments to North Korea's founding father Kim Il Sung and and his son Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea.

Following North Korea's latest nuclear weapon test, the World Council of Churches has redoubled its calls to reduce tensions on the Korean peninsula through negotiation rather than spiraling confrontation.

The day after its sixth such test, Sept 4, South Korean officials reported that there are indications that the North is preparing more missile launches, possibly an intercontinental ballistic missile.

South Korea carried out live-fire exercises in response to Sunday's test at a time that virtually all doves and hawks on North Korea seem to agree that sanctions against Pyongyang have not worked.

"North Korea has done enough to demonstrate its capability as a nuclear-armed state," said Director of the WCC's Commission of the Churches on International Affairs Peter Prove.

"The WCC strongly advocates for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons everywhere, including on the Korean peninsula where the risk of nuclear conflict is currently by far the greatest."

Swiss President Doris Leuthard, also speaking Sept. 4, said Switzerland is ready to act a mediator and use the special role it has carved out in international diplomacy to host talks to help solve the current crisis over North Korea.

This was contrary to the view of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley who said the same day that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was "begging for war."

She urged the U.N. Security Council to adopt the strongest sanctions measures possible to stop Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Addressing a Security Council emergency meeting, Haley said North Korea's sixth nuclear test was a clear sign that "the time for half measures" from the UN had to end.

"Enough is enough," Haley said. "We have taken an incremental approach, and despite the best of intentions, it has not worked."

She did not elaborate on what next step the United States has in mind, but the Swiss president agreed that past measures had not worked, but she suggested something that President Donald Trump is not going along with.

Leuthard, who spoke at a press conference in the Swiss capital hosted by the Foreign Press Association of Switzerland and Lichtenstein was asked if more sanctions are the answer to a missile crisis involving North Korea.

TIME FOR DIALOGUE

"We live now for many years with sanctions. It did not change many things. The population suffers for all these sanctions, but they stay with their government, with their president. So, I think, it is really time for dialogue.

"We are ready to offer our good services now as a mediator," she said noting that Switzerland has hosted peace talks on Syria and other conflicts.

Leuthard said that in the upcoming weeks a lot would depend on how the United States and China can influence the crisis while she cautioned that it would be dangerous to have overactions.

(Photo:  Peter Kenny) Swiss President Doris Leuthard addresses foreign journalists covering Switzerland in the Swiss capital Bern on Sept. 4, 2017.

"It is really time now to sit at a table. The big powers have a reputation and a responsibility. Switzerland and Sweden can have a role behind the curtain" she observed saying they have done so before.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had spent some time as a high school student in the Swiss capital Bern, but Leuthard could not say how this might influence any talks.

"I think we all have an interest in a peaceful region there. It is not only a negotiation with the U.S. and North Korea. It is really an international issue," said Leuthard.

Switzerland also has an interest in having nuclear arms and a reliable system,

"You have to find an international, political and reliable solution. That is in the interests of the whole planet. Nobody can risk having nuclear attacks, and therefore there must be a common understanding among those who have nuclear weapons and those who do not."

It cannot be just be reduced to an American and a North Korean issue, said the Swiss president.

Leuthard noted that some newspapers had speculated that North Korea's Kim might be carrying on with his present antics to get the relevant powers to the negotiating table.

In his statement the WCC's Prove said that the reality of North Korea's nuclear capability must be recognized and addressed through negotiation, not through escalating confrontation.

INEFFECTIVENESS OF SANCTIONS

Prove like Leuthard also expressed misgivings about the effects of further sanctions against North Korea, saying that they "would only be likely to harm the most vulnerable people in North Korea while adding to the political tensions."

"The WCC calls on all parties to refrain from further escalation, to step back from this dangerous precipice, to take the path of dialogue and engagement, and to develop new initiatives for crisis management and tension reduction," Prove said.

"The risk of conflict  whether by design or by mishap  and the magnitude of the consequences are too great to allow the present course to continue, and cannot serve the interests of any party in this situation."

Now is the time for diplomacy, not for brinksmanship, he said.

"We call on all WCC member churches to hold the people and churches of the Korean peninsula and of the northeast Asian region in their prayers, and to accompany and support them in their witness for peace and reconciliation."
Last spring, in a weathered trailer in Bar Elias, Lebanon within walking distance from the nearby refugee camps, Syrian teenagers were hard at work at Arabic, math, science, and English lessons.

For many of the students in the makeshift schoolhouse, refugees who have fled war and violence in their home country, it was the first time they had sat in a classroom in years.

From October through June, following the schedule of the Lebanese public school system, the teenagers gather in an unofficial school for Syrian youth in the Bekaa Valley, one of a group of enrichment centers run by a local nonprofit in a region crowded with refugee settlements. The organization is leading one of many efforts to provide education to Syrian refugees, through a mix of in-person instruction and low-lift technology.

The Syrian civil war has upended the education of hundreds of thousands of students since 2011. UNICEF estimates that in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, over half a million Syrian youth are out of school. That amounts to over 30 percent of the Syrian school-age population in those countries.

Though countries in the region have made changes to their formal education systems to accommodate refugee students, barriers to enrollment and participation persist. Entrance exams and documentation requirements for registration keep Syrian students out, and schools are facing teacher shortages with the influx of new pupils.

This is an unprecedented number of children that were trying to reach in enormous complexity, said Katy Barnett, the UNICEF advisor to No Lost Generation, a partnership among NGOs, the United Nations, and national agencies to support children affected by the Syrian conflict.

The Promise of Tech

Technology and education companiesincluding Coursera, Google, Microsoft, and Pearsonhave also stepped in to help, providing digital and online instruction to students who have limited or no access to the formal education system.

The stakes are high for students, said Doha Adi, the programs and media officer for Sawa for Development and Aid, the organization that runs schools out of trailers in the Bekaa Valley. Sawa aims to academically prepare refugee students to enter the Lebanese school system.

We realize how important it is to educate this upcoming generation, because at some point, hopefully soon, theyre going to return to Syria, and theyre going to build this new Syria, Adi said.

United Nations agencies have facilitated ed-tech access for students in refugee camps around the world over the past decade, but the Syrian conflict has drawn an especially high level of involvement from private organizations and companies.

Recent research from the University of Massachusetts Boston documented this surge in private sector education aid for the Syrian crisis, and noted its tech bent: The researchers found that 49 percent of all projects focused on developing or distributing technology.

Part of the surge in involvement by tech companies can be attributed to the availability of reliable communication devices. Most Syrian refugee families have cellphones, which they have used to stay in touch with family and friends, navigate migration routes, and appeal for asylum. Access to phones makes the possibility of mobile education and e-learning a lot broader than in other recent refugee situations, said Barnett. It means tech is a lot more relevant.

There are also efforts to wire hard-to-reach areasNetHope, a company that implements network connectivity projects in developing countries, worked with aid organizations and IT companies to install WiFi hotspots in refugee camps in Greece and along migration routes.

Initiatives like these dont yet have universal reach, and WiFi and mobile data can be hard to come by in refugee settlements, including in the Bekaa Valley.

Sawa has a technology class, where students have built and flown model helicopters. But basic education servicesnot access to online learningis Sawas most pressing priority, said Adi. The Bekaa Valley is home to thousands more refugees than schools and nonprofits can support, she said, and Sawa often has to convince families to send their kids to school, rather than to work.

When all of these children are receiving education, said Adi, then we can think about technology.

But a mobile app or online learning tool isnt meant to replace a teacher, said Helen Crompton, an assistant professor of instructional technology at Old Dominion University who conducted research on educational options for out-of-school Syrian students in Jordan. An app provides something, where they might have nothing, she said.

Some apps are designed with connectivity limitations in mind.

EduApp4Syria, an app design competition run by a partnership between the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, UNICEF, mobile provider Orange, and other national agencies, supported the creation of the two winning learning apps earlier this year. Feed the Monster and Antura and the Letters aim to teach Arabic literacy, providing an educational foundation for young students.

The apps have low data requirements and are compatible with the older, Android devices refugees are likely to have, said Alf-Inge Wang, a professor in game-based learning at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and head of the jury for the EduApp4Syria competition.

A Teachers Responsibility

One educator at Sawa encourages students to turn to these kinds of resources. Nidal Alsaadi, an education officer for the organization, wants his students to exploit every avenue possible for educationincluding enlisting their smartphones. Theres a wealth of material available across all subjects, he said. In math, physics, everything.

Alsaadi, like his students, is a Syrian refugee. He worked as a teacher for 17 years before he fled his home country with his family in 2014, he said. He felt it was his responsibility to help teach refugee students in Lebanon. Its my duty to do something for the people of Syria, my people, he said.

Like American kids their age, Alsaadis students at Sawa are pros at downloading games and navigating apps. Alsaadi collects recommendations from studentseducational YouTube videos, or a program that teaches English prepositionsand introduces good finds to the rest of the class.

For older students, some tech initiatives focus beyond foundational academic skills to job training, attempting to prepare youth for the workforce.

Microsoft Philanthropies, one of the major players in Syrian education relief, has focused most of its efforts on digital skills and employability programming, said Jane Meseck, the senior director of global programs for the organization.

Historically, out-of-school time youth programming has been a focus for Microsofts philanthropic work, said Meseck. So when it comes to the refugee situation, we applied some of that same approach and learning.

Microsoft has donated $30 million in software to local community organizations and international NGOs and developed a free, downloadable digital skills curriculum for refugee children. Theyve also helped develop and build train-the-trainer programs.

For tech and education companies making large philanthropic contributions, education aid poses not only an opportunity to contribute to an area of great need, but also, a chance to demonstrate the global relevance of their products and programming. Coursera has offered free access to courses for refugees, while Google has funded the donation of 25,000 Chromebooks to refugee students in Germany.

Even with this groundswell in donations of software and services, many refugee students in Lebanon dont have access to programs like Microsofts or the hardware to use them.

We need to meet students where they are: on the phones. Where they already are playing and communicating, said Kathy Benemann, the CEO and founder of Kiyo Inc., an education consulting company. Benemann serves as the education growth manager for Project Amal ou Salam, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting displaced Syrian children.

Apps with strong academic content and low data requirements are the ideal, said Benemann. But even when they exist, she said, it can be hard to connect students with them.

The problem, said Benemann, is not so much quality of ed tech. Its uptake; its adoption.

Building the Human Being

Trying to find helpful resources can be like trying to quench thirst with drinking through a fire hydrant, said Crompton. In her research, no one platform emerged as a favorite among the students. People just use what there is, what they find, she said. And though mobile technology is sustainable and accessible for refugees, theres limited information about how tech access will affect educational outcomes, if at all, said Mary Mendenhall, an assistant professor of practice in the International and Comparative Education Program at Teachers College.

Theres some evidence that game-based programs could be helpful tools. A recent New York University study found that digital games can effectively teach Syrian refugee youth cognitive skills, coding, and new languages, while also improving their mental health.

But overall, the field is so new that there really just hasnt been enough time to digest what everybodys learning and to share that more broadly, said Mendenhall.

For now, the students at Sawa complete most of their work with pencil and paper, said Alsaadi. Sometimes, in academic classes like math or science, teachers use a laptop or projector to show videos. In general, the school is short on hardware.

And not all lessons have an academic focus. Students play sports, draw and make artwork, and take music class, where they sing traditional Syrian songs.

Sawa faces a steep challengemaking refugee students feel supported and comfortable, while preparing them to enter a school system and a culture that is foreign to them. Technology use, said Alsaadi, can only have a limited role. You are working on building the human being.
Opinion / Columnist

How are Zimbabweans proud of their Education system when it produces poor people who never march against the poverty they are drowning in, but for the same reasons they are poor. An Education system which produces poor people who march in support of a very few disgustingly rich people who "eat" without them.When these poor people starve, can't pay rent and cannot get jobs they never think of marching and the few filthy rich never think of them. But when the few ungodly rich face a few problems, the poor rise to march and assure the rich that they are there for them in their time of problems.I don't get it. I really don't get it. Is it ignorance? Is it stupidity? Are they educated zombies? Are they under some kind of spell? What is it?They are very happy to see a few ungodly men living a life of endless plenty and are at the same time very happy and satisfied with their lives of very little to nothing.No Zimbabwe, you cannot be proud of an education system that produces mental and material poverty. How can we be educated when we are mentally poor?South Africa hosts millions of Zimbabweans with our children freely learning and getting educated there. Then we thank them by beating up the very same South Africans who have taken us in, in our time of trouble.Then we gather in our thousands to celebrate beating up our hosts who opened up their home to us! You go next door to South Africa and freely live there for 10 years, but when your South African neighbor asks to visit you just for a few days to entertain you, you shake your head and close the door on them!Zimbabweans, who bewitched you that you have lost all your senses? You cannot return a good deed with another. And if South Africa should decide enough of you in your millions and says go back home? How many South Africans live in Zimbabwe and how many Zimbabweans live in South Africa? Who needs who?Munonyadzisa. There is madness in Zimbabwe because you are mad.This is how you repay South Africa after all they have done for you? Movarova, mova rambidza kuuya ikoko asi venyu vana vari KuSouth Africa ikoko.Pedzezvo you insult the most loved man in South Africa, the father of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.You deserve hell.Stanley Goreraza
When the new federal education law passed in 2015 with language allowing states to set aside money for programs that target principals, teacher-leaders, principal-supervisors, and leadership development, many in the education-leadership community were ecstatic.

It was the first time that federal law had been so explicit about school leadershipcoming after mounting research in the last two decades on how high-quality leaders affect students academic growth.

But some of the programs that states have signaled they intend to set up or expand as a result of this new flexibility may never see the light of dayor may have to be scaled back significantlyif Congress and the Trump administration eliminate nearly $2 billion dollars in Title II, Part A funds that go toward educator effectiveness. Thats the pot of money that many states were hoping to tap into to pay for the leadership programs.

We are ... a little bit in a pickle, waiting to see what happens with the budget, said Amy Fowler, deputy secretary at the Vermont Agency of Education, which still intends to proceed with a leadership academy to help network principals and teacher-leaders who often work in small districts and have few opportunities to collaborate and share best practices with peers. Were really hopeful that that commitment will stay, and if it doesnt well be making that amendment in our plan and working to figure out an alternative.

States in a Bind

Vermont is not the only state in a bind. Several have indicated in their education plans required under the Every Student Succeeds Act that they plan to use a new provision that allows states to keep an additional 3 percent of their Title II allocations for school leaders.

Tennessee, with an ESSA plan approved by Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos last week, is moving ahead with efforts on a program to funnel effective principals to all districts. Missouri has revamped its education department support system for school leaders, which was generally provided to new and early-career principals. The department now wants to make sure that all of its 2,200 principals have access to those resources.

Title II has had its share of critics. While district and state officials rely on the funds to hire new teachers and pay for professional-development opportunities for classroom teachers and principals, researchers and even education secretaries have questioned whether the money is used effectively. The Trump administration has said that it wants to end the program because it has not been shown to be effective. Arne Duncan, the first education secretary in the Obama administration, also questioned whether Title II, Part A dollars were getting the best bang for the buck. Studies have yielded mixed results.

But professional organizationssuch as the ones that represent elementary school principals and organizations that train principalshave pushed back. Jay Nichols, the executive director of the Vermont Principals Association, said that in recent years Title II, Part A funds have gone toward helping educators address the states opioid crisis.

We have a great deal of disappointment with the way things are moving, said Michelle Young, the executive director of the University Council for Educational Administration. The organization was hoping that with Title IIs added emphasis on leadership, states and districts would work more closely with universities to design training and mentoring programs that are tailored to specific district needs.

This is the first time that weve had a significant focus on educational leadership, she continued. Its like [getting] the toe in the door, if you will. There are so many reasons for doing this, and so many reasons not to back away from it. Yet, here we are. Its just really unfortunate.

The question for many states is what happens now?

The options are limited, said Jason Leahy, the executive director of the Illinois Principals Association.

Possibilities include relying on public-private partnerships, and dipping into other federal funding sources, such as Title I, which provides aid to high-poverty schools. Some state education departments may be able to lobby their legislatures for more money, but in some cases education funding has not returned to pre-Recession levels, and districts in Illinois are waiting on state aid thats owed to them, Leahy said.

In education funding ... if you lose a bucket of money, there is not another bucket that you are just going to be able [to use] to pour money into that now empty bucket to make ends meet, he said. Its just not there.

Moving Forward

Tennessees Principal Pipeline Partnership program will proceed this year, regardless of whether the federal government continues to fund Title II, said Sara Gast, a spokeswoman for the education department. The program is using Title II funds from the previous year, and it is structured in such a way that the states portion will be reduced to 50 percent of the overall cost in the third and fourth years, she said.

If future federal funding does not come through, we would most likely have to consider seeking additional philanthropic support to support this work, she said. However, our strongest preference is to support our teachers through Title II, which has provided us with a stable and consistent funding source in the past.

The program will distribute about $1 million in matching funds to organizations and universities to work with school districts in nine regions to train and support 160 future school leaders. Part of the goal is to provide high-quality school leaders to fill the 260 to 270 principal vacancies that pop up annually.

Our ESSA plan shows how we will use Title II to address teacher and leader supports across the full continuumfrom educator preparation, to the classroom, and throughout their careersand without that funding source, much of that work is jeopardized, Tennessees Education Commissioner Candice McQueen said after the education department approved the states ESSA plan.

We are pleased to see that the U.S. Department of Education actually highlighted this work in their press release about Tennessees ESSA plan, and we have continued to urge USED to maintain this critical funding.

Missouri, which has not yet submitted its ESSA plan, is among the states thinking about alternative funding sources.

But Paul Katnik, who oversees educator quality at the states education department, said Missouri had no plans to change course or remove the programs from its ESSA plan before its submitted this month.

This is too important for us not to do absolutely everything we can, he said. Its not like we are not sure that this is a good idea. We are sure about it, and I think its incumbent upon us to exhaust every option we can to make it happen.

Missouri Committed

The state plans to use the full 3 percent set-aside to improve and expand its leadership development and one-to-one mentoring programs, which it has had for more than 30 years. Both programs previously had cohorts of about 100 principals annually; the idea is to increase the number of early-career principals in the mentoring program and restructure the leadership development program so that eventually every principal in the state will be affected.

Katnik said the state potentially could use Title I funds for high-poverty schools to pay for a portion of the program, seek assistance from the business community, or from the legislature when elected officials return to the state capital in September. In the meantime, the program is funded for the full year, and Katnik is hoping that it will generate enough positive results to attract funding for future years if the federal Title II money disappears.

Until some definitive word comes down from Washington, Vermont is polishing its request for proposal to solicit bids from organizations that might be interested in running the leadership academy in the first year.

Officials are considering posting the request for proposals with a note saying that there might not be money to pay for the program.

We are weighing the pros and cons, Fowler said. We dont want to give up on the idea because we have such strong support from our stakeholders.
Lowell, Mass.

Teachers sit at square tables in a college classroom here poring over primary and secondary sources about the civil rights icon Bayard Rustin.

Theres his 1987 obituary in The New York Times, which avoids any mention of his sexual orientation. There are copies of FBI documents from the mid-20th century, which, in coded language, talk about his male companions. Theres a piece about an interview with Rustins longtime partner, Walter Naegle, detailing how, in the absence of any other way to secure legal protection for their relationship in the 1970s, Rustin adopted him.

Leading the teacher training are Debra Fowler and Miriam Morgenstern, asking probing questions like good history teachers: How might his sexual orientation have helped Rustins civil rights work? How might it have complicated it? Would an obituary today mention his partner?

Fowler and Morgenstern are the co-executive directors of History UnErased, or HUE. Its a small group with a huge aim: to chip away at the nearly total absence of LGBT individuals from the K-12 liberal arts curriculumand teachers hesitation to teach about themwhich the group does in part by having teachers from coast to coast and many different grades engage with a rich array of historical resources.

See Also: LGBT Lessons Spread Slowly, Despite Mandate

There is a rock-and-a-hard-place element of their work: LGBT issues remain sandwiched between a culture war on one side and the tendency to treat them as an add on in the manner of womens history or black history on the other. But ultimately, Fowler and Morgenstern argue, gay history is a misnomer. Its simply history, and that is the best argument of all for teaching it.

The argument is really that this is not a value judgment. It is objective, Morgenstern said. It is part of our collective, shared historical narrative, whether or not that makes one uncomfortable. It needs to be included and explored.

A New Approach

Perhaps no other civil rights advance has proceeded as swiftly as LGBT rights, most recently in the U.S. Supreme Courts 2015 decision affirming a constitutional right for gay men and lesbians to wed.

But when it comes to their place in that most American of American institutionspublic schoolsLGBT issues remain fiercely contested. Just last month, the Fresno, Calif., school board president created controversy by saying that students are moldable and implying that the states sex education curriculum might encourage them to become gay.

'Unerasing' Content The nonprofit History UnErased is drafting examples of how teachers can infuse LGBT issues into their lessons. Each includes background information, suggested primary and secondary sources, and crossdisciplinary connections.  If you teach about how to delineate and evaluate an argument, infuse Huey Newtons speech from Aug. 15, 1970, A Letter to the Revolutionary Brothers and Sisters About the Womens Liberation and Gay Liberation Movements. The topic intersects with U.S. history, including the Black Panthers and the civil rights movement.  If you teach President Richard M. Nixon and the Watergate scandal, infuse U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordans address to the House Judiciary Committee on the articles of impeachment during the Nixon impeachment hearings. Background information includes the fact that Jordans domestic partner of 20 years, Nancy Earl, was an occasional speechwriter for Jordan. The topic intersects with standards for analyzing how rhetoric contributes to an authors point of view or purpose in a text.  If you teach the Japanese internment camps, infuse actor George Takeis TED Talk and transcript, Why I Love a Country That Once Betrayed Me. Included in the background information is a reference to George Takeis husband, Brad Takei. The topic intersects with literaturefor example, David Gutersons novel Snow Falling on Cedars. Source: History UnErased

HUEs approach marks a subtle turning point in the debate about LGBT students in schools. Most K-12 policy on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students focuses on safety and bullyingimportant work that nevertheless contains a subtext of victimization.

Fowler and Morgenstern agree that discrimination remains a reality, but equally insidious are schools that purportedly embrace LGBT students and then fail to include their history or experiences in the curriculum. Sometimes the perception is that everyone is all set, all fine about LGBT students, Fowler said. But diversity clubs are not enough. Gay-straight alliances are not enough. Its still siloing LGBT students.

Nationally, LGBT inclusion in the curriculum rivals climate change as a topic that varies geographically in how its taught, if at all. California alone requires schools to discuss the contributions of LGBT Americans, while states such as Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas limit what teachers can say about LGBT people. Nor is there an abundance of scholarship on how to integrate LGBT topics into K-12 education, said Stacie Brensilver, a doctoral student at New York Universitys Steinhardt School of Education, who is writing her dissertation on that challenge.

For the most part, teachers have been largely left on their own to determine whether to discuss LGBT issues in their lessonsand, potentially, to deal with any fallout from parents and administrators.

Pushback is not uncommon even in presumably progressive areas. Educator Justin Smith detailed an uncomfortable interaction with an administrator at a previous teaching job in Californias Bay Area after parents objected to some news articles about LGBT students that he used in an English class.

It was genuinely a please dont cause me more headaches kind of thing, said Smith, now the director of curriculum and instruction at Forte Preparatory Academy, a charter school in New York City. Its often nested in this idea that this isnt that important and it just ruffles feathers, so lets not worry about it.

From a curriculum-development perspective, most teachers themselves were never taught about inclusive history, nor do commercial materials address it in a substantive way.

They went by the textbook and made the Powerpoint by the textbook, and there was barely anything that touched on it, said Katie Ly, a recent high school graduate of the Alameda, Calif., district, about her world and U.S. history teachers. I think our primary issue is a lot of teachers are not informed about LGBT historyor its out of their convenience to learn more.

It was that challenge that gave birth to HUE in 2014. Fowler and Morgenstern were colleagues at Lowell High School, wrestling with how to respond to students demand via petition for more LGBT topics in their classes. Morgenstern hesitated at first: I just knew teachers werent ready to do it. They didnt have the materials or the background knowledge, she said.

Within a year, the two teachers had set up the organization to supply those resources. Both now work for it full time.

The group has been supported mostly through grants, and it partners with historical archives and a well-respected podcast to locate the primary-source documents and oral histories that form the basis of lesson plans and trainings like this one.

The bulk of the training is devoted to working with historical sources. After all, the HUE leaders reason, if you want to understand the importance of this history, then you must be engaged in practicing historical inquiry. Everything we do is grounded in primary and secondary sources, so teachers can feel confident that this is real history, Morgenstern said. Its not something were making up.

Engaging students in inquiry is key, they say, but teachers play an important role in helping students separate fact from fiction, navigate a crowded media landscape, and demonstrate the validity of their historical arguments. As to content, HUE has developed resources addressing a range of topics, including the firing of LGBT employees during the Cold War; the Harlem Renaissance, which birthed poets such as Countee Cullen and gave rise to performance and art forms that broke gender norms; and the myths surrounding the 1969 riot at New York Citys Stonewall Inn.

Its natural to wonder how such curricula can be appropriate at the grade school level, where LGBT issues tend to be more controversial. But as the HUE leaders point out, the curriculum is not about sex, but rather how gender relations and identity have been shaped over time by historical circumstance. In the 19th century, for example, some women assumed male garb to fight in the U.S. Civil War; others joined together in Boston marriages that supplied financial and emotional support rather than marry; and here in Lowell, girls who came to work in the citys own textile mills lived together in close-knit dormitories.

Understanding Context

The HUE educators caution that modern conceptions of homosexuality and gender identity didnt develop until the 20th century, and so teachers need to be careful when they discuss such examples with students. We are not assigning todays language to the past. That would be ahistorical and irresponsible, Morgenstern said.

Historians agree that thats a good practice, to help dispel teachers concerns about being accused of promoting ideology or an activist agenda, said Beth Slutsky, a University of California, Davis, associate professor of history, who has helped craft LGBT-inclusive lesson plans for California teachers.

We have been telling them, be really upfront with students. Its OK to say that people have described race and theyve described gender in different terms over time, and the way we talk about it now is different than in the past, but that doesnt mean that families and relationships didnt happen, she said.

Although theyre history teachers first, Fowler and Morgenstern are also expanding HUEs teaching resources to other subjects and grade levels.

Often, that means thinking through how to analyze those topics through an LGBT lens. It neednt be expansive, they point outjust one more critical perspective in a larger discussion.

Take literature, for example. The protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, a coming-of-age novel often taught in high school, seems discomforted by a friends discussion of gay people and at one point confides: I kept waiting to turn into a flit or something. As students wrestle with Holden Caulfields struggle to understand himself, why not ask how their perspective changes if they assume, for a moment, that Holden is gay?

So far, theres a groundswell of interest in their work even beyond K-12; attendees at this summers session included a community college activities coordinator and a staffer at a local youth center. But the leaders recognize that their training will take time to bear fruit.

Its a long game, Fowler said. We will probably not live to see this normalized in curriculum in our lifetime.

And supporters say persistence matters for the underlying lessons in inclusive curricula to take root.

Smith, the New York City curriculum developer, recalled teaching Shyan Selvadurais novel, Funny Boy, a book about a Sri Lankan youth coming to terms with being gay on the eve of that countrys civil war. A year after, he watched as the same teenagers who lovingly dog-eared their copies relentlessly teased a gay teacher at the school.

These kids really cared about these issues intellectually, but when they had a queer teacher in front of them, that didnt translate, he said. Its not just intellectual history about queer people, but about how that creates empathy.
Jack Schneider, an assistant professor of education at the College of the Holy Cross in Worchester, Mass., (and a former high school teacher and edweek.org blogger) had long studied research around school quality. When he was ready to send his own child to class in Somerville, Mass., and discovered the districts low rating in an online tool created by The Boston Globe, he called out what he believed was a narrow methodology. How could you classify schools as good or bad based on SAT scores and teacher-student ratios alone? The creator of the tool responded: Think you can do better? Schneider accepted the challenge.

For decades, testing outcomes have been a significant factor in the evaluation of a schools success. That results, as Schneider wrote in a 2013 Education Week Commentary, in a small number of winners and a large number of losers, and has led to poor reputations for many schools . Such stark divisions increase economic segregation, he said, as schools with strong scores push up property values, price out the working class, and leave low-income children isolated. While the Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to incorporate nontraditional indicators into their accountability systems in an effort to rethink school success, Schneider is urging a shift in mindset at every level of education.

In his new book, Beyond Test Scores: A Better Way to Measure School Quality, released in August by Harvard University Press, Schneider argues that more comprehensive data can undo harmful accountability systems, help parents and teachers make better decisions for students, and help school leaders more accurately recognize which schools need the most assistanceall of which will improve the way we educate students. Schneider has seen improvements on the ground after creating a school quality framework for his own district that uses multiple measures of student engagement, achievement, and school culture.

The Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment, which Schneider co-founded in 2016, is now working at redefining accountability on a larger scalein six school districts in his home state and counting.

Commentary Associate Kate Stoltzfus spoke to Schneider recently by phone about how other districts can find expansive ways to define success, thereby creating classrooms that put studentsnot test scoresfirst.

Standardized-test scores have been used to measure K-12 public schools quality for more than a half century, but accountability as measured by testing has grown increasingly important in recent decades. Why do you think this testing mindset has become so ingrained in U.S. schools?

The numbers produced by standardized tests fit the kind of seemingly objective, quantifiable metrics that have triumphed across American society. By now, many generations of people have come of age with testing simply being a part of life. ESSA and NCLB are merely the latest of these kinds of policy structures. You can go back to the middle of the 20th century and find policymakers describing how dependent they are on test scores for some kind of information about what is going on in local schools. The argument traditionally made for the past 15 years against standardized-test scores is that they are inaccurate and end up being harmful, but theres something missing from that: We have a better way to do this.

After finding out that your childs school district was ranked only by SAT scores and student-teacher ratios, you set out to create a new set of tools for measuring school quality. Three years into this work, what changes have you seen at the classroom and district levels?

Educators tend to trust data more when they see that those data align with all the things they are trying to do in the classroom."

We engaged stakeholders in the community in six districts [across Massachusetts]. We talked to students, families, teachers, principals, district administratorsseveral hundred of them, in fact, to find out what it is they value and what they think good schools do. And then we organized all this into a school quality framework with five major categories: teachers and the teaching environment; school culture; resources; academic learning; and citizenship and well-being. Weve found that public perceptions of the public school actually improved when people had a wide array of performance data rather than just standardized-test scores, which tend to correlate strongly with family income. Weve also found that educators tend to trust data more when they see that those data align with all the things they are trying to do in the classroom.

How can more expansive ways of measuring schools be helpful to educators specifically?

They wont be put in this position where they are being asked to do a job that is different from the job they believe in. Even just to shift from standardized testing to performance assessment (a broader and more comprehensive way of measuring student learning), what we see is teachers feel more empowered. They feel like they have a bit more autonomy to act as professionals.

Some of the data were producing are enabling teachers to do some experiments in their classroom, where they want to figure out how to engage students better, how to build stronger relationships with students and [greater] trust in the classroom. These are ultimately the kinds of data points that improve instruction and give educators information they didnt already have, as opposed to standardized-test reports that will tell educators students are performing below a level of proficiency. An educator who spent 180 days in the classroom with that child probably knew that already.

Its both about the spirit of a school and helping to restore the full purpose of education, and its about actionable information. For students and parents and citizens who are interested in public education, its about getting better at all of the things that we want to get better at, not just in this one narrow areathe acquisition of the academic content in math and Englishthat often produces unintended consequences like undermining the rest of the curriculum.

You argue that testing results are often more indicative of students socioeconomic status than a schools quality, and that a testing culture creates stigmas harmful to student successparticularly for low-income students. How so?

Students who start with all kinds of early advantagesnot just material advantages, but the academic advantage of having two parents who are college-educated and are emphasizing education in the household and setting a tone and examplethose carry into school. And students who have those parents will do better on standardized tests than their peers who dont grow up in such households. When we look at proficiency scores, we are often seeing the effect not of the school, but of the household on that individual child. Quality-conscious parents with the resources to move, to choose a good school or school district, begin to move to particular districts and choose particular schools and bring with them their high-scoring students. And the opposite is true when the school is branded as low-performing. One way to break this cycle is to begin to measure things that do not align so closely with demographic variables.

You say that you want to create better ways to measure schools, not just to better evaluate them individually, but to rethink as a nation how we conceptualize what a good school is. How has your definition of a good school been altered?

Most of us in our hearts know what a good school is and does, but we dont have the language ready and we havent conceptualized it as a broader community. The way I tend to think about school quality these days is shaped by the future. Who are the kids I want to meet 10 years from now? That is not a world that is going to be made by drill-and-kill instruction in math and English. Its a world that is going to be shaped by children discovering their interests and passions and talents in the classroom. Its shaped by children going to school with people who are not always exactly like them and learning how to work together and who are given opportunities to play and create together. We are limited right now by our policies, tools, and language, but those things can change. We are not limited by our vision or by our shared sense of community.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Imagine the following scenario: As a new teacher, you meet with your schools English-as-a-second-language teacher, who informs you that you have students on your class list who are English-language learners.

Your heart sinks. What will you do with them? How will you manage to get high scores when you have ELLs in your class? How will you be able to teach them?

Lets shift that narrative.

You have language learners in your classes? Congratulations! Imagine all the new angles and perspectives you can include in your teaching this year, the different ways you can tap into students critical thinking abilities, and how you can design impactful learning experiences for all the children in your classroom.

For teachers who have ELLs in their classrooms for the first time, or for the first time in a while, Ive created a quick guide to help jump-start your instruction.

Be Aware of These Facts

 ELLsand their languagesare assets to your classroom community . Just because students may not be able to express themselves eloquently in English (yet!), it does not mean they dont understand concepts.

 More than 1 in 10 school-age students in the United States are ELLs. ELLs are the fastest-growing student population in the country, and the majority of these students are natural-born citizens of the United States, including American Indian students and students whose parents immigrated to the United States.

 The average length of time required for ELLs to attain native-speaker levels on norm-referenced tests is between seven and 10 years , depending on the level of formal education students received in their native language.

 Many students need help setting goals. Sharing and co-creating a visual template like this goal-setting poster with students and their parents is a great way to make action steps tangible and connect with your students personally.

Ask Questions

Seek out ESL teachers within your school and ask some basic starter questions:

 Who are the ELLs in my class(es)? This includes both current ELLs and those who have exited the ESL program.

 What are their strengths? In which areas do they need more guidance?

 What are their language proficiency scores?

 Tell me what you know about their story. Chances are ESL teachers have worked with these students previously; any connections they can share will make your job much easier.

 What kind of testing accommodations and/or classroom modifications do they receive?

If your school doesnt have an ESL teacher, reach out to ESL teachers in your district, at the state level, or on social media like Twitterstart with #ellchat or #Ellchat_BkClub to find experts who can help.

Remember that most ESL teachers have their own classes to teach, and teamwork is essential when time is at such a premium. It will be up to you to actually apply the lessons you learn from veteran ESL teachers.

Set Learning Goals

 Monitor the students in your classes. You will observe different strengths and challenges than other teachers because your content, approach, and relationship with the student(s) will differ.

 When considering how to modify an assignment for an ELL, the first question to answer is, What is the most essential information I need my students to know by the time they leave class today?

Research and Reflect on Student Learning

 Think of your classroom as a hub for action research. If an activity or lesson doesnt work out, dont give uprevamp and try something different. Brainstorming with colleagues is key to getting out of ruts. Dont be afraid to use your schools ESL teachers and other colleagues as a resource.

 Be humble and courageous enough to stop in the middle of class and say, This isnt working, is it? Dont push through when evidence indicates a lesson or teaching strategy isnt resonating with studentsjust make sure to have a backup plan.

 Reflect by asking questions like: What went well? What do I wish would have happened differently? How and what did my students learn today?

Revisit Learning Goals

 Determine clear criteria for gauging student success that are aligned with content and language needs, and then share the criteria with students.

 Ensure students are analyzing and evaluating their own progress. As the school year progresses, entrust students with more responsibility for tracking their learning.

 Consider new goals for you and your student to work toward, as well as new ways to measure progress.

Expect More

 Many make false assumptions that ELLs lack the context and experiences necessary to succeed in class. In reality, they are equipped with just as much relevant knowledge, experience, and language acumen as their peers who are native English speakers. Set reasonable, yet high, expectations for your students success, and help them rise to the challenge.

 Place the onus of learning on students as much as possible. Teach them to self-assess by using grading policies and competency charts like the many listed here or this student-friendly chart . These tools highlight what learners in each proficiency level can do rather than what they cant, and specify what students need in order to achieve greater success.

 Set routines and protocols and stick to them; consistency is an important scaffold. Consider establishing routines for requesting help, participating in productive partner and group work, and building a supportive classroom community.

 Speaking, writing, reading, and listening should happen every day. The more frequently students generate and use the language rather than just hear it, the more proficient and adept they become in broader academic and social contexts.

Remember the Non-Academic Skills

 As a teacher, your body language, tone, facial expressions, reassurance, and efforts to monitor other students actions and reactions to ELLs all play a tremendous role in helping students feel comfortable and safe in their learning environments.

Granted, there is a lot to think about and accomplish when you have ELLs in your classroom, but I can attest that taking these extra measures will be worthwhile. As a longtime ESL teacher, I remain inspired by and excited to witness my students growth. Challenges are what help us grow beyond our perceived abilities as teachers, and when we grow, its inevitable that our students will, too.

It can be daunting to consider all the elements that comprise best practices for ELLs. Still, try to be actively open to the possibilities of each student you see. Rest assured that since we work with human beings, there will never be one right way to teach an ELL student.

I like to encourage myself by remembering this quote from author Erin Hanson: "...What if they fall? Oh, but my darling, what if they fly?

Infographic provided by the author, see the full version here.
Tyson to build chicken-processing plant in northeastern Kansas, US



Tyson Foods Inc. will build a new chicken-processing facility in northeastern Kansas, US, with a US$320 million investment injected into the plant which would require a staff of 1,600 people, Associated Press reported.

The facility will help Tyson cope with increased demand for fresh poultry and is expected to be operational by the middle of 2019. This new site will be located outside Tonganoxie, which is about 48km west of Kansas City.

Plans for the plant was unveiled at a recent news conference with Governor Sam Brownback and other local officials. The former commented that the development has a "far-reaching impact... that will be felt by farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and communities throughout eastern Kansas."

Tyson intends to acquire a 300-acre site, where it will also establish a hatchery and feed mill. The company expects to break ground for the project this fall.

The future plant incorporates "the latest production technology" which will facilitate "sustained growth in consumer demand for fresh chicken," Tyson president and CEO Tom Hayes said.

Capable of processing 1.25 million birds weekly, the facility may have part of its operations contracted to local farmers. According to local officials, payments to farmers and purchases of feed and utilities will amount to US$150 million each year.

- Associated Press




Tainted eggs now in 40 countries, says EU

Eggs contaminated with the insecticide fipronil have now found their way into 40 countries including 24 of the 28 member states of the European Union, an EU official said, according to a report by the Associated Press.

EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis was quoted as saying Tuesday (Sept. 5) in Estonia that the four unaffected EU countries in the EU were Lithuania, Portugal, Cyprus and Croatia.

Earlier, Belgium had been accused of keeping the tainted-egg scandal under wraps despite originally learning as early as June about the problem involving fipronil, a substance used to treat red lice afflicting chickens and which is potentially dangerous to humans. Fipronil is banned from being used to treat food animals such as chickens into whose skin or feathers the substance is absorbed and then passed into the eggs.

The scandal broke out after Britain and France confirmed on Aug. 7 that some insecticide-tainted eggs might have entered their countries. The Netherlands initially culled some 300,000 chickens.

EU agriculture ministers meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, were to discuss Tuesday the egg scandal, Reuters said, citing a report from the German news agency DPA.

The DPA reported that contaminated eggs have also been discovered in non-EU states including the US, Russia, South Africa and Turkey.

The toxic substance is believed to have been introduced to poultry farms by Dutch firm Chickfriend to treat red lice. A Belgian company allegedly supplied the substance containing the insecticide.

Two Dutch men who ran the cleaning company Chickfriend were arrested in August.
Hypor increases genetic progress with new testing station in France

Hypor is investing in a new facility in Sichamps, France, which will feature 72 Nedap Pig Performance testing (PPT) stations to track the daily growth and feed intake of Hypor Maxter and Magnus boars.

The state-of-the-art facility will begin operations in October 2017.

"The new facility and additional feeding stations will increase the number of pigs we test with feeding stations by 3,000 pigs annually and increase the total number that we test by around 6,400 head," said Hypor's France general manager of swine, Julien Briant. Each station will have the capacity to measure the daily feed intake and weight gain of 14 pigs.

"With this technology, we can make very accurate improvements in weight gain and feed intake," Briant added. "This will helps us to improve the Residual Feed Intake (RFI) trait, a key point on economic efficiency."

Feed accounts for 60-70% of the total cost of production globally.

The feeding stations will bolster support of the Hypor Maxter and Magnus programme, which has improved significantly in leanness and meat percentage over the past years.

"This investment will provide pork producers with a product that is capable of optimising profitability," Briant explained.

Specifically, the feeding stations will increase genetic improvement by providing better accuracy and a higher selection intensity. Genetic progress that can be achieved is influenced by a limited number of parameters including accuracy of selection; intensity of selection; genetic variation; and generation interval.

The number of animals that are tested within the breeding programme contribute to accuracy of selection and intensity of selection.

In the aspect of accuracy, the feeding stations house animals in a standardised environment so that geneticists can observe the true genetic potential, such as feed intake of animals when they are housed in a group setting, Hypor said.

For selection intensity, more feeding stations will increase the number of pigs that can be tested and ultimately results in a tighter selection of animals that are used for the next generation.

Lastly, for variation, Hypor geneticists are able to make a better judgment of the genetic difference that exists between animals by testing them in a standardised environment. If all the animals are tested under same conditions, more of the variation can be attributed to genetic differences between animals.

"With this investment, we will now be able to test most of the boars that come through the facility before they are sold to AI studs," said Hypor's director of research and development, Abe Huisman. "This gives us more genetic precision and will greatly benefit our customers."

Hypor currently utilises feeding stations to measure the individual feed intake and growth of more than 15,000 purebred boars each year.

"At the end of the day, this investment is just part of our job," Briant said. "We are investing for our customers to ensure that we are supplying them with the best possible animal for today - and for the future."
Opinion / Columnist

THE ruling African National Congress (ANC) is going for its elective congress in December to choose who is going to replace President Jacob Zuma as his term at the helm of the revolutionary party expires  and things are getting interesting here.Nay, they are getting messier and dirtier. Which is the nature of politics, anyway. The inimitable cartoonist, Zapiro, has just called it the "Smear Season": you should have seen yesterday's cartoon!The front runners in the presidential succession race such as Cyril Ramaphosa, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Baleka Mbete, Jeff Radebe, Lindiwe Sisulu and Mathews Phosa are depicted in a "Freedom Park" holding their dogs that are all dropping poo and are amid a field of smelly, fly-infested dung.An inscription on the gate of the park reads, "REMEMBER A LESS SMELLY ANC". That is supposed to tell us about how the wars for Lithuli House, ANC Headquarters, are being fought.Just as well, at the weekend, a newspaper reported a scandal concerning Vice President Ramaphosa alleging that he was having extra-marital relationships with up to seven women, some of whom he was paying school fees for under his charity work. The Sunday Independent newspaper obtained emails and other private communications exposing the alleged affairs.It immediately set the tongues wagging. Ramaphosa is a married man, and also the chair of the South African National Aids Council. He was forced to defend himself. He admitted that he had had an affair but had resolved it with his wife, Tsepo Motsepe, sister to mogul businessman, Patrice.He said he was not a "blesser", a term used to describe rich older men who date young females for pleasure, adding that his charity work involved him supporting 30 females and 24 males. He immediately pointed an accusing political finger.Said he in statement: "This latest episode extends far beyond an attempt at political smear. It represents an escalation of a dirty war against those who are working to restore the values, principles and integrity of the African National Congress and society."Resembling in many ways the 'stratkom' techniques of the apartheid-era, we have seen in recent weeks a number of attempts at disinformation directed at me and people with whom I am associated. These activities need to be seen within a broader campaign that has targeted several political leaders, trade unionists, journalists and civil society activists."Nearly all the people that have been targeted in this way have taken a public stand against the capture of our state institutions by outside interests and the looting of public resources."It is evident that there is a well-resourced, coordinated covert operation underway to prevent those responsible for wrongdoing from being held to account and for the integrity of our law enforcement agencies and other state institutions to be restored. "This operation appears to have access to resources within intelligence circles with the capability to intercept communications and hack private emails."In an interview with The Sunday Times he emphasised that he was being smeared and alleged that he was being "prevented at all costs from ascending to the position of president of the ANC". According to him, some people had even said it will happen over their dead bodies."I have not committed any crimes, I have not stolen any money, I have not looted state resources," he protested.His wife is standing by him and has said: "It is very sad what is happening. It's disappointing that people have to go to such lengths to discredit a person. I am very, very upset about it. We have been together for a very long time and are happily married. I support and respect him and I love him."Allies and friendsAnd to demonstrate that the whole game has become more political than just a matter of a man and his indiscretions, if any, his political allies have come to his defence. The Congress of South African Trade Unions, which has been supporting his presidential bid, is behind him.Spokesperson of the labour body Sizwe Pamla was quoted in the media as saying while the federation agreed that the conduct of those who hold public positions should always be exemplary, people must not impose their principles on the deputy president."We don't believe that any of us are qualified to be moral police. We've no reason to peek into the bedrooms of our public representatives," said Pamla. ANC Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu was even more emphatic  and dramatic. Mthembu has within the ANC polarised rumpus been so vocal in support of Ramaphosa and at a point in recent months urged Zuma to resign.Mthembu said: "We are talking about the political agenda behind these revelations. Not the merits or demerits of these revelations. But there is a political agenda, and that political agenda is to damage the reputation of Ramaphosa so that he doesn't become ANC president in December."Mthembu proclaimed Ramaphosa as "incorruptible" and added his support: "He is a person that I am rooting for, and he is the person that I would even advise my own branch to nominate him as president. He has a quality. We believe SA would be on a better trajectory if Ramaphosa would (be president)"Somewhere we read Mthembu calling this expose political cannibalism and in yet another instance he said he did not expect Ramaphosa to be a saint  or the ANC would be electing the Pope at the Vatican. Or something like that.Smear season? Started long ago!It may be interesting to note that Zapiro may be realising that it is "Smear season" right now that Ramaphosa has been stung. And, generally, the response to this scandal in the mainstream papers has been one of sympathy.The corporate media establishment and business are generally in support of Ramaphosa  for reasons that are two fold: they appear to generally believe that he will make a good, business-friendly president who is not corruptible; and the same interests do not like the other front runner, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to take over.She is Zuma's ex-wife.Zuma is openly backing her to succeed him in what is not only seen as some kind of nepotism but also the possibility that she may prevent him from getting arrested for alleged corruption and other issues.Last time we checked he had over 700 criminal charges hanging over him. Nkosazana is a good diplomat and bureaucrat having served South Africa at home and at the African Union Commission. She would equally make a fantastic president. But then this is politics.If you have been following South African issues closely, all the dirt that was being poured on President Zuma  including leaked emails, which are certainly not good in Cyril's case  has been meant to rub off onto Nkosa- zana. She is herself not seen as scandalous and may actually be a saint when the skeletons of Marikana are dug up and tumbled before Ramaphosa.But this is politics. Dirty politics.
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Opinion / Columnist

A Mthwakazi activist Philani Cele has accused the self imposed Ndebele king Stanley Raphael Khumalo of being a mercenary to cause disunity and disturb the process of the revival of the kingdom. September 2 at 10:37am He said Stanley Raphael and Greater Sibanda are responsible for this new level of mayhem and disunity in Mthwakazi."Lately we were only trying to explain what Mthwakazi is to the Thwakazi who did not understand, but right now even those who were speaking with one voice," he said."In their will to have a king they have rebelled against each other"He said Stanley interrupted an already moving process of finding the king thereby causing confusion and disunity."If he was really chosen by the almighty he should've waited, God would reveal him to the Khumalos as an heir they are looking for!," he said."Greater's assertions about how king Mzilikazi the original got himself into power could be justifiable and applicable if there wasn't any efforts being done to find the king! So the Almighty Jesus reveals the king for us amakhumalo esesemaphethelweni okudinga inkosi? What a coincidence.""You gotta wonder, is he (Stanley) not a mercenary??"
Manx Gas insists standing charges don't lead to higher bills

The Island's gas supplier insists its standing charges aren't affecting customers' bills.

Manx Gas believes the banded standing charges which came in last year are having little to no impact on the cost of gas for Manx residents.

The statement comes after multiple groups were set up on social media to express concern over higher bills.

The supplier insists the standing charges are to help customers spread the cost of gas over the course of the year, resulting in higher bills in the summer and lower charges in winter.

However, Manx Gas is urging anyone who thinks they are in the wrong consumption band or has other concerns about their bill to get in touch.

Some customers are planning to hold a peaceful protest outside the House of Keys on September 19th.
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. PATRICK DARRELL WILLIAMS, Defendant-Appellant. No. 16-16977 Decided: September 05, 2017

Before TJOFLAT, WILLIAM PRYOR, and ANDERSON, Circuit Judges.

Patrick Darrell Williams appeals his conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  922(g)(1). On appeal, Williams argues that the evidence was insufficient to sustain his conviction. He also argues that the district court abused its discretion by refusing to issue a requested jury instruction regarding the credibility of law enforcement witnesses. We address each issue in turn.

I.

We review the sufficiency of the evidence de novo, viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the government and drawing all reasonable inferences in favor of the jury's verdict. United States v. Martin, 803 F.3d 581, 587 (11th Cir. 2015). It is not enough for a defendant to put forth a reasonable hypothesis of innocence, because the issue is not whether a jury reasonably could have acquitted, but whether it reasonably could have found guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Id. Credibility determinations are the exclusive province of the jury, and will not be disturbed unless the testimony the jury relied on was incredible as a matter of law. See United States v. Thompson, 422 F.3d 1285, 1291-92 (11th Cir. 2005). In order to be incredible as a matter of law, testimony must be unbelievable on its face, i.e., testimony as to facts that the witness could not have possibly observed or events that could not have occurred under the laws of nature. Id. at 1291.

To sustain a conviction for felon in possession of a firearm, 18 U.S.C.  922(g)(1), the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly possessed a firearm which had traveled in interstate commerce, and that defendant had been previously convicted of a felony. 18 U.S.C.  922(g); United States v. Gunn, 369 F.3d 1229, 1235 (11th Cir. 2004). The possession prong may be satisfied by either showing actual or constructive possession. Gunn, 369 F.3d 1235. Constructive possession exists when a defendant has ownership, dominion, or control over an object itself or dominion or control over the premises or the vehicle in which the object is concealed. United States v. Hernandez, 433 F.3d 1328, 1333 (11th Cir. 2005) (quotations omitted).

The evidence is sufficient to sustain Williams's conviction because the jury reasonably could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that he knowingly possessed the firearm. Martin, 803 F.3d at 587. The officers' testimony was not incredible as a matter of law because all of the facts they describedWilliam's statements inside the house, his actions at the car, and his statements after being taken into custodyare believable on their face and could have occurred under the laws of nature. Thompson, 422 F.3d 1291-92.

Furthermore, sufficient evidence was presented to support the conviction of knowing possession of a firearm. Based on Williams's inculpatory statements after being taken into custody, the jury could have reasonably inferred that he had control and dominion over the car, and thus possession of the firearm. Hernandez, 433 F.3d at 1333. The jury could also have concluded that his statement referring to the firearm as his gun indicated he had constructively possessed the weapon because he owned it. Id. at 1333.

II.

We review the failure to give a requested jury instruction for abuse of discretion. United States v. House, 684 F.3d 1173, 1196 (11th Cir. 2012). A district court has only abused its discretion where the requested instruction (1) was correct, (2) was not substantially covered by a charge actually given, and (3) dealt with some point in the trial so important that failure to give the requested instruction seriously impaired the defendant's ability to conduct his defense. Id. (quotation omitted).

The district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the requested jury instruction because it was substantially covered by other instructions. House, 684 F.3d at 1196. Williams had the opportunity, both through cross-examination and by presenting his own witness, to bring into doubt the credibility of the officers' testimony. Furthermore, the jury instruction that was given regarding credibility sufficiently covers the issues of bias, forcing jurors to decide whether [they] believe[d] what each witness had to say and noting that they could believe or disbelieve any witness in whole or in part. Because the requested jury instruction was substantially covered by other instructions, the district court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to grant it. Accordingly, we affirm.

AFFIRMED.

PER CURIAM:
Samsung Electronics reportedly will launch its own voice-activated AI speaker in the year 2018 in collaboration with Harman. This latest news and development from the Korean-based company was confirmed by its co-CEO and head of the consumer electronics business.

According to GSM Arena, the company just announced that its consumer electronics division is working to combine technologies of Samsung's mobile division and audio component Harman to make the AI speaker. The launching of the said speaker is reportedly taking some time to happen but the consumers can have high expectations for this upcoming device.

Reports also added that DJ Koh, Samsung mobile boss is the one heading the project. Further, the company's virtual voice assistant Bixby will also be synced with its home appliances with the help of Samsung Connect. After the launching of its Galaxy Note 8 last month, Samsung confirmed that the company is preparing and working on a service in China in order to sync Bixby to televisions.

Just last month too, the executives of the company already hinted of this latest project as they confirmed that Samsung is preparing and developing an AI speaker. This news came after Samsung just finalized the $8 billion acquisition of Harman earlier this year.

After Samsung completed its acquisition of Harman, ZDNET reported that the two companies are already working actively. The first project of their collaboration was the LED screen for cinemas that uses Harman audio systems which Samsung also launched last July.

Reports were rife that the AI speaker business is escalating particularly in South Korea. Apart from Samsung, the SK Telecom has already introduced a portable version of its AI speaker NUGU Mini just last month too. In addition, Kakao, South Korea's chat giant is also said to be developing its own which will be called Kakao Mini.

Before Samsung will launch its AI speaker next year, Apple already revealed its Siri-powered HomePod smart speaker last June and it is said to be released December this year. Based on a research, because there is an increasing demand for virtual digital assistants at the present time, there is a possibility that they will overtake the world population by the year 2021.
Anna Faris is said to be a little bit scared on her next plan which is to release a special memoir that also consists of her sweet memories with Chris Pratt before they announced their split. The actress further said that although she is getting ready for this, there is still this feeling of anxiousness considering their separation.

Latest reports from PEOPLE claimed that Faris revealed a bit using her latest episode of her "Unqualified" podcast regarding the possible release of the book. As expected, this book will also feature some of the intimate details of the life of the 40-year-old actress and these will be made available to the public.

Then Faris shared that what makes her nervous about releasing the book is the feeling that this is really intimate. She even mentioned that this book "Unqualified" is set for release this October and she is also excited.

Anna further revealed that when she got the book deal, she thought that it would be a great adventure. But now that it is getting closer as it will be set to hit the shelves soon, she feels a little bit scared as she is not used to exposing her real self and that she is used to always hide behind the roles she is portraying in movies.

She even added that the book contains all her experiences which start on how she felt as a quiet kid with headgear and who suddenly became an actress in Los Angeles. Anna Faris suddenly felt how she became getting uncomfortable in her own skin with the release of her book.

Moreover, according to E!News, Faris compared her feeling for the upcoming release of "Unqualified" to her feeling of leaving the country. As she talked to the listeners, she mentioned that she would love if they would choose her book but she also feels like leaving the country for a while.

Apart from her life transitioning from a typical kid to a well-known personality in Hollywood, the book also features how Faris and Pratt fell in love on the set of their film, "Take Me Home, Tonight". Also, this includes their marriage in Bali as well as the birth of their only son, Jack who is already 5. Reports added that Pratt even wrote the foreword of the said book.
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. JEREMY L. ADDISON, Defendant-Appellant. No. 16-16807 Decided: September 05, 2017

Before ED CARNES, Chief Judge, HULL, and WILSON, Circuit Judges.

Jeremy Lorenzo Addison pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting a federal officer, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  111(a)(1) and (b), and was sentenced to 204 months imprisonment. He appeals his sentence, contending that it is procedurally and substantively unreasonable.

Addison's base offense level under the United States Sentencing Guidelines was 14. U.S.S.G.  2A2.2(a) (2015). He received a 3-level enhancement because the victim sustained bodily injury, id.  2A2.2(b)(3)(A), a two-level enhancement because he was convicted under 18 U.S.C.  111(b), id.  2A2.2(b)(7), and a 6-level enhancement because he knew that the victim was a prison official and assaulted him while in custody, id.  3A1.2(c)(2). Those enhancements yielded a total offense level of 25. Addison also had an extensive criminal history, including seven batteries against law enforcement officers, which resulted in a criminal history category of VI. Based on an offense level of 25 and criminal history category of VI, Addison's guidelines range was 110 to 137 months imprisonment.

The government moved for an upward variance based on Addison's criminal record, history of violence, and multiple death threats to federal officials, one of which he made to an Assistant United States Attorney while awaiting sentencing in this case. At sentencing, Addison contended that a guidelines sentence was appropriate in light of his troubled childhood and history of mental illness. The district court found that the seriousness of the offense, the need to protect the public, and Addison's history and characteristics warranted a 204 month sentence  a variance of 67 months over the high end of Addison's guidelines range.

We review only for an abuse of discretion the reasonableness of a sentence. United States v. Irey, 612 F.3d 1160, 118889 (11th Cir. 2010) (en banc). The party challenging the sentence bears the burden to show it is unreasonable in light of the record and the [18 U.S.C.]  3553(a) factors. United States v. Tome, 611 F.3d 1371, 1378 (11th Cir. 2010).

Addison first contends that his sentence is procedurally unreasonable because the district court failed to sufficiently justify the upward variance. We disagree. When a district court imposes a sentence outside the guidelines range, its justification must be sufficiently compelling to support the degree of the variance. Gall v. United States, 552 U.S. 38, 50, 128 S. Ct. 586, 597 (2007). We have held that a major variance outside the guidelines range require[s] a more significant justification than a minor one. Irey, 612 F.3d at 1196. Such a sentence is procedurally reasonable, however, as long as the record shows that the district court listened to the evidence and arguments and was aware of the various factors the defendant put forward for a lesser sentence. Id. at 1195.

The record shows that the district court not only listened to the evidence and arguments, but also discussed at length the reasons supporting an upward variance. It described, among other things, the nature of the offense and Addison's specific history and characteristics. Its reasoning comprised ten pages of the sentence hearing transcript. That was more than enough. See id. Although Addison asserts that the district court merely recited the  3553(a) factors, the district court is not required  to discuss each of the  3553(a) factors. United States v. Sanchez, 586 F.3d 918, 936 (11th Cir. 2009). Addison's sentence is procedurally reasonable.

Addison next contends that his sentence is substantively unreasonable. He argues that the district court gave short shrift to his specific history and characteristics. Under the abuse of discretion standard, we will affirm a sentence unless the district court committed a clear error of judgment in weighing the  3553(a) factors by arriving at a sentence that lies outside the range of reasonable sentences. Irey, 612 F.3d at 1190.

The record shows that the district court considered Addison's troubled childhood and history of mental illness among other factors, including the need to protect the public and his extensive criminal history, which included seven convictions for battery on a detention officer, a conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and a conviction for threatening to kill the President and a Secret Service agent. Our task is not to reweigh the  3553(a) factors but to determine whether the district court abused its discretion. See id. at 118889. It did not.

Finally, Addison argues that the district court should not have considered the facts supporting his several guidelines enhancements when deciding whether to vary upwards from the guidelines range. But our precedent permitted the district court to do precisely that. United States v. Rodriguez, 628 F.3d 1258, 1264 (11th Cir. 2010) ([A] district court can rely on factors in imposing a variance that it ha[s] already considered in imposing an enhancement.). Addison's sentence is substantively reasonable.

AFFIRMED.

PER CURIAM:
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Get the latest on all the biggest court and crime news in Essex direct from our expert court reporter

A narcotics dealer who police found with 42 wraps of class A drugs in his pants, has been jailed for three years.

Specialist police arrested 19-year-old Jeff Pindi-Camera, of Blackshaw Road, London, after searching a house in The Dashes, Harlow, on Sunday, June 25.

Essex Police Operation Raptor officers found Pindi-Camera asleep on a sofa.

They searched him and found the large amount of narcotics in his boxer shorts. He was also found with cannabis and cash.

Pindi-Camara was charged with two counts of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply and possessing a class B drug.

He admitted both charges at Chelmsford Crown Court and has been jailed for three years.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of his cash and destruction of the drugs.
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Get the latest on all the biggest court and crime news in Essex direct from our expert court reporter

A new campaign designed to tackle fly-tipping in Essex has seen a tonne of waste dumped in Chelmsford's Central Park.

On Monday (September 4), Love Essex, a partnership of councils, businesses and environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, launched its #CrimeNotToCare campaign by placing a one-tonne rubbish from a fly-tipping haul in the middle of the park to highlight to the passing public how big the epidemic is.

New figures have revealed that more than 1 million of taxpayers money each year is spent on dealing with fly-tipping across the county.

With that in mind, Love Essex hopes that their campaign will remind residents they could unwittingly end up with a criminal record and face an unlimited fine if a rogue trader dumps their waste illegally.

Councillor Simon Walsh, Essex County Councils Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: There were 17,547 separate incidents of fly-tipping countywide last year, costing taxpayers 1,093,907 to clear up  money that could have been better spent on vital services.

Almost 50 per cent of people dont know theyre responsible by law if their rubbish is fly-tipped by a third party.

"We hope # CrimeNotToCare will educate people on how to dispose of their waste correctly to ensure they dont end up with a criminal record and a hefty fine.

A similar exhibition of trash is set to be exhibited in Brentwood High Street between 10am and 1pm on Friday (September 8).

There were 17,547 incidents of fly-tipping in Essex in 2016 to 2017, a 16 per cent increase on the year before.

The number of prosecutions of residents where fly-tipped waste has been traced back to them is also on the rise.

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: #CrimeNotToCare is an important campaign for our country and we are delighted that Essex County Council as part of Love Essex, is partnering with us.

There are almost a million fly-tipping incidents in England every year and cleaning it all up costs us 50 million a year.

"It blights communities and our countryside and is a menace.

To make sure you don't fall foul of the law visit http://www.recycleforessex.com/crimenottocare for advice.

Fly-tipping incidents across Essex

Local authority Fly-tips in 2016/17 Fly-tips 2015/16 Basildon 5,762 4,239 Braintree 724 775 Brentwood 613 665 Castle Point 878 1,033 Chelmsford 503 376 Colchester 2,170 1,502 Epping 2,384 1,944 Harlow 2,191 2,571 Maldon 309 183 Rochford 688 635 Tendring 1,132 991 Uttlesford 193 189 Total 17,547 15,103

Top tips to dispose of waste correctly




English PDF JOINT PUBLIC STATEMENT

6 September 2017



Indonesia: Government must make public the 2005 fact-finding report on Munirs case In commemorating the thirteen years after the killing of human rights defender Munir Said Thalib, 7th of September 2017, the undersigned regional and international human rights organizations call on the Indonesian President Joko Widodo to take decisive and concrete action to ensure those responsible  including those at the highest levels  are brought to justice. As a first key step towards establishing the truth, President Widodo must release the 2005 report prepared by an official fact-finding team into Munirs killing. Munir was a prominent Indonesian human rights campaigner who took up the cause of dozens of activists who had been subjected to enforced disappearances during the last months of the Suhartos regime in 1998. As a human rights defender, Munir played a significant role in uncovering evidence of security forces responsibility for human rights violations in Aceh, Papua and Timor-Leste. He received numerous threats as a result of his human rights work. In August 2003, a bomb exploded outside his home in Jakarta. In 2002 and 2003, the KontraS (the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence) office where he worked was attacked by a mob, who destroyed office equipment and forcibly took files containing information about ongoing human rights investigations. Our organizations believe that Munirs case cannot be seen in isolation, but is indicative of the wider culture of impunity surrounding attacks and harassment of human rights defenders in the country. The lack of full accountability in Munir's case contributes to an ongoing climate of fear among human rights defenders. Munir was found dead on a Garuda Airlines flight from Jakarta to Amsterdam on 7 September 2004. An autopsy carried out by the Dutch authorities showed that he died as a result of arsenic poisoning. In December 2004 the Indonesian authorities formed an official fact-finding team to investigate the murder. Although three Garuda Airlines staff were convicted of the killing, there are credible allegations that those responsible at the highest levels of government have not yet been brought to justice. In 2008, Muchdi Purwoprandjono, a former deputy director of the state intelligence agency, was acquitted of soliciting and assisting in the killing of Munir. Indonesian law scholars and human rights groups found that the trial was fundamentally flawed. Key prosecution witnesses retracted their sworn testimonies and failed to testify in court. In February 2010, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) also identified flaws in the police investigation, prosecution and trial of Muchdi Purwoprandjono and recommended a new police investigation. In September 2016, President Widodo made a public pledge to resolve the case of Munir. But the Indonesian authorities have still not published the 2005 report of the independent fact-finding team on Munirs killing, whose finding reportedly implicated senior intelligence officers. This violates the Presidential Decree No. 111/2004 on the establishment of the fact finding team on Munirs killing which obliged the government to make the report public. In October 2016, the Public Information Commission ruled that the 2005 report should be made public after Suciwati, Munirs wife, filed a public information request to the Commission. However, in February 2017, the Administrative Court repealed the Commissions decision on the grounds that the current government under the administration of President Widodo had not received the report from the previous government and therefore did not possess the document. Subsequently, in August 2017, the Supreme Court upheld the Administrative Courts decision and the report has yet to be made public. Our organizations believe that Munirs case cannot be seen in isolation, but is indicative of the wider culture of impunity surrounding attacks and harassment of human rights defenders in the country. The lack of full accountability in Munir's case contributes to an ongoing climate of fear among human rights defenders. A s a human rights defender, Munir played a significant role in uncovering evidence of security forces responsibility for human rights violations in Aceh, Papua and Timor-Leste. He received numerous threats as a result of his human rights work.  Publish the 2005 report of the fact-finding team into Munirs killing as a key step towards establishing the truth;  Establish a new, independent investigation into the murder of Munir to ensure that all those suspected of being responsible, at all levels, are brought to justice in proceedings that adhere to international human rights standards;  Review the past criminal proceedings conducted by the Attorney General into Munirs killing, including alleged violations of international human rights law; in particular, investigate reports of witness intimidation and bring those suspected of committing them to justice;  Take effective steps to ensure that human rights violations committed against all human rights defenders are promptly, effectively and impartially investigated and that those responsible are brought to justice in fair trials; and  Create a safe and enabling legal environment for human rights defenders by enacting laws on the protection of human rights defenders. This joint statement is endorsed by: Amnesty International Indonesia AHRC (Asian Human Rights Commission) AFAD (Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances) AJAR (Asia Justice and Rights) ETAN (East Timor & Indonesia Action Network) OBS (The Observatory for Protections of Human Rights Defender OBS) FORUM-ASIA (Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development) Human Rights First Human Rights Watch Protection International TAPOL UK Watch Indonesia!



For more information on Munir, please see: https://hrdmemorial.org/hrdrecord/munir-said-thalib/ Indonesian version see also ETAN Urges Justice for Munir on 12th Anniversary of Assassination (September 7, 2016) ETAN Backgrounder: The Investigation of the Murder of Munir: Timeline and Recommendations SUPPORT ETAN! ETAN is "A voice of reason, criticizing the administration's reluctance to address ongoing human rights violations and escalating oppression in West Papua and against religious minorities throughout Indonesia." Noam Chomsky Donate Today!
Since Moscows meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, the EU and the US have increased their attention when it comes to the Russian hybrid warfare and information campaigns. These activities are not limited to the US domestic issues though  as US Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr pointed out, the French and German pre-election campaigns have been marred by both overt and covert interference in elections in their countries. Germany, being the leader of the EU, has been particularly hit by this phenomenon, and due to its specific relationship with Moscow, Berlin is prone to being weakened by the Russian strategy.

Because of this preeminent status, Germany needs to stand up to the Kremlins wars both at home but also abroad. On top of this strong Russian influence on the German domestic scene, there is an emerging clash of narratives between Berlin and Moscow. Angela Merkel has been called by the New York Times the liberal Wests last defender amidst the rise of nationalism elsewhere in Europe but also in the United States. Her insistence on promoting the European project and its ideals stands in stark contrast to the Kremlins illiberal democratic model that it is trying to spread to the West. Moscows support for Europes nationalist parties like the National Front in France, the Freedom Party in Austria or the Northern League in Italy has helped trigger a wave of anti-liberalism and anti-globalization cross Europe. Russia and Germany represent a battle of ideas with the former trying to denigrate the credibility of the latter.

At the same time, Russia is an important economic partner for Germany. Berlin has every interest in maintaining healthy commercial relations, which have grown in intensity over the years. Therefore, it did not come as a surprise that some German lobbying groups and companies were against continuing the EU sanctions imposed on Russia over the Crimea conflict. Even bigger vulnerability than in trade relations lies in the energy sector. Just like other EU countries, Germany depends on Russian for oil and gas. In 2014, Germanys oil and gas imports from Russia amounted to more than a third of its total imports.

To address these vulnerabilities, Germany needs to focus on further diversification of its energy sector away from the Russian gas. Most importantly though, Berlin needs to adopt a mentality of vigilance because the Russian strategy is permanently evolving as it progresses. Even if Russia does not succeed every time, strategic foresight is highly desirable. Moreover, Berlin can leverage its special position within the European Union to raise awareness among its allies about the importance of the Russian information wars. It can lead the way in formulating a comprehensive approach to address this challenge. Berlin already took the first steps in this direction in 2015 when it tabled a food-for-thought paper in NATO and the EU to achieve a common understanding of these threats. Importantly, Germany can articulate very clearly how important it is to stand together in facing this hybrid  both military and nonmilitary  tactics from Moscow.

Germany Confronts Russian Hybrid Warfare  Analysis by Kaan Sahin  Carnegie Europe.

(The Analysis can be downloaded here)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that European Union leaders should decide what to do about Turkeys EU membership application  whether or not to suspend or end membership talks with Ankara at its summit next month. Speaking in the final debate ahead of the 24 September general election, Ms. Merkel said the EU leaders should talk about the issue at the EU summit next month, as any open disagreement would only bolster Turkish President Recep Erdogan.

Relations with Turkey are of great importance. I will therefore advocate for us to adopt decisive actions but that we act jointly and talk with our European partners. Nothing would be more astonishing than if we in Europe publicly fall out over how to deal with Turkey in plain sight of President Erdogan. This would dramatically weaken the European position and I can only advise against this, Mrs. Merkel said.

Martin Schulz, who is Mrs. Merkels main opponent, said in a television debate that he would end accession talks with Ankara if he became Chancellor. Chancellor Merkel was at first more careful in her response but towards the end of the debate she said she was also supportive of ending the membership talks. Her comments, however, prompted EU Commission spokesperson Margaritis Schinas to emphasize that such a decision was not for Germany alone to make.

Mr. Erdogans spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin reacted to the comments made in the debate by saying that it is not a coincidence that our President Erdogan and Turkey were central to yesterdays debate between Merkel and Schulz. Attacking Erdogan-Turkey, in a fashion disregarding Germany and Europes main and immediate problems, is a reflection of the narrowing horizons in Europe.
Oil and CAD rally

As Crude and Brent move strongly higher on Tuesday, a weak Dollar and risk off is the prevailing theme with a number of commodities higher. Oil has faced a volatile time in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey as gasoline prices have gone berserk, yesterday saw Crude rally 3% at its peak and Brent continue the push above $50 to the $53 handle.

Matching the volatile day in Oil markets, USD/CAD was making some significant moves as it pushed on deeper into the bearish trend, breaking out below 1.2350 to 1.2336 at its lows before correcting higher. With the Bank of Canada meeting later on this week, it is an exciting time for CAD bulls who have seen their outlook strongly confirmed by a stunning GDP figure in the most recent release which has appeared to fully condone the decision of the BoC to move towards a more hawkish policy.

BoC rate meeting awaited on Wednesday

There appears to be a good deal of investors who are hopeful that this upcoming meeting will provide some further confirmation that the hawkish bias is real and the central bank is intending to tighten policy beyond more than just removing the insurance cuts put in place at the height of the oil crash. FX strategists at Scotiabank are still bullish the Canadian Dollar, seeing some upside risk in rates and preferring to stick with the recent trend by selling the rallies,

We have advanced our call for an additional 25bps tightening in the Overnight Rate to this week as a result but it would be fair to say that some (quite significant) doubts about the timing of a rate tightening remainfor many of the uncertainties noted above. Markets are only pricing in a 50-55%% risk of a 25bps tightening this week... Crude oil is firmer on the day after a strong bounce on Friday but the rate/ spread story is the key driver for the CAD at the moment. Overall, we think USDCAD rallies are a sell.

It is true that rates and not Oil are dictating the direction of the CAD, but the two have to be linked to some extent and so it pays to always pay attention to the outlook for Oil. CAD gains cannot be unlimited if Oil does not to some extent support the bullish sentiment as the Bank of Canada is still very sensitive to the broader picture for Crude Oil.
I'm wondering which would be a better idea in terms of submitting bank statement.



I'm planning to get 10 years worth of statement online, print them and highlight the salary line items and get all the printouts stamped by the concerned bank.



Or should I ask the bank to do all these?



[this is required, as I do not have all the salary slips]



Which option would work better, as per your experience? Is there any other way?
Good day everyone,please my wife will like to know the list of document required from the employer (she is the sponsor)

1. I know she will need a letter of employment stating the details work hours and all overtime

2.Will she require the P60 form?.she has only been working for 8 month now (permanent employment) and she as since been meeting the 1550 monthly financial requirement
United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit. United States of America Plaintiff - Appellee v. Jack E. Grubb, III Defendant - Appellant No. 16-3673 Decided: September 05, 2017

Before LOKEN, MURPHY, and MELLOY, Circuit Judges.

Jack E. Grubb, III, pled guilty to receipt of child pornography and attempted distribution of child pornography over the internet, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  2252(a)(2), and possession of child pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  2252(a)(4). The district court sentenced Grubb to 220 months' imprisonment and Grubb appeals, arguing his sentence is substantively unreasonable.

In November 2013, a Federal Bureau of Investigation officer downloaded child pornography from an IP address later determined to be associated with Grubb. After obtaining a search warrant, officers searched Grubb's house and recovered various electronic media. On the same day, Grubb admitted that he had used Ares software to search, view, and download child pornography. Grubb also told officers that he molested his younger brother and sister when he was a teenager and that he had been accused of sexual misconduct with a minor child in 2012 but the case was dismissed. A subsequent search of the electronic media recovered from Grubb's house revealed multiple images and four videos depicting child pornography.

The initial Presentence Investigation Report (PSR) calculated a base offense level of 22. Pursuant to United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G)  2G2.2, the PSR recommended a number of enhancements and concluded Grubb's total offense level was 41 and his criminal history category was I. However, because the statutory maximum penalty is 20 years under 18 U.S.C.  2252(a)(2) and 10 years under 18 U.S.C.  2252(a)(4), the PSR calculated Grubb's advisory Guidelines range as 240 months for Counts One and Two and 120 months for Count Three.

Grubb objected to four of the sentence enhancements and argued that his total offense level should be 25. Based on this lower offense level, Grubb's criminal history category of I, and the statutory minimum sentence of five years, Grubb argued that his advisory Guidelines range was 6071 months. The district court overruled Grubb's objections and sentenced Grubb to concurrent sentences of 220 months for Counts One and Two and 120 months for Count Three.

On appeal, Grubb does not renew his challenges to the application of the sentence enhancements. Rather, he argues his sentence is substantively unreasonable because the district court failed to adequately consider mitigating factors. We review the substantive unreasonableness of a sentence for abuse of discretion. United States v. Feemster, 572 F.3d 455, 461 (8th Cir. 2009) (en banc). A district court abuses its discretion when it (1) fails to consider a relevant factor that should have received significant weight; (2) gives significant weight to an improper or irrelevant factor; or (3) considers only the appropriate factors but in weighing those factors commits a clear error of judgment. Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). A defendant challenging his sentence must show more than the fact that the district court disagreed with his view of what weight ought to be accorded certain sentencing factors. United States v. Townsend, 617 F.3d 991, 995 (8th Cir. 2010) (per curiam).

Here, the bottom of Grubb's advisory sentencing range is above the 240-month statutory maximum so the statutory maximum sentence is presumed reasonable. United States v. Lazarski, 560 F.3d 731, 733 (8th Cir. 2009) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The district court varied downward, sentencing Grubb to 220 months. In these circumstances, it is nearly inconceivable that the court abused its discretion in not varying downward still further. Id. The district court considered the entire sentencing record and the 18 U.S.C.  3553(a) factors, discussing the nature and circumstances of the instant offense, Grubb's history of sexual misconduct, and the need to protect children. The court acknowledged that Grubb did not have any prior convictions, but explained that Grubb's prior conduct is the kind that keeps judges up at night. And while the court noted that Grubb was sexually abused as a child, the court concluded that this fact did not outweigh the danger to the children of the community.

The sentence imposed was not unreasonable and the judgment of the district court is affirmed.

FOOTNOTES

. The Honorable Greg Kays, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

PER CURIAM.
Dear Members,



One of the questions in the spouse settlement online application asks "Have you been refused a visa for any country including the UK in the last 10 years?"



The previous Vaf4a form used to ask "Have you ever been refused a visa/EEA Family permit for any country?"



So you can see the application now asks about any refusals only in the last 10 years. I was once refused a visa for USA more than 10 years ago in 2006, so do I need to include this? Or should I answer 'No' since the question asks only about the last 10 years?



Joppa, Nyclon or can anyone help please?
Hi, I submitted my application few months back while in India. Last week I got a mail asking me to submit mine and my family's passports at VFS office within 30 days. However I am in London,UK right now. Is there any way we can submit our passports for stamping in the VFS office in London,UK? My wife and son are in India right now, and planning to join me here soon. They have to land in UK before the 20th of this month, else their Visa will become invalid.
Unfortunately this is common practice, and moving banks won't solve it as they ALL do it. For future reference, when leaving a position, request that the company only put your last salary in your account and give you your gratuity as a separate cheque. Also open another account elsewhere and keep that for rental use - I do this. as it prevents these issues.



All you can do is please your case, but in my experience unless they see that visa actually stamped in your passport, they won't budge. When my bank did this, I was still able to withdraw cash, I just couldn't do any other transactions and my last salary amount was frozen and held against my loan.



But explain to them that you need to pay your rent, they really can't stop you doing that, and you can raise a complaint with Central Bank if they do - threaten them with that.
van_suso said: Thanks for your answer! I believe I've a really good CV in English (I did get calls from some companies before and interviewed with them, so I don't think the language isn't exactly a barrier?). I don't get my Master's in France, but got a US Ph.D., and worked in both US and France.



I'll send you a pm, and would ask you how you help people to find a job tailored for them, and how much you charge. Thanks again! Click to expand...

HelloWe've discussed CVs in English and French before in this forum. There are cultural differences between the two. A good CV in English will not necessarily produce a good CV in French. (The only test of a good CV is whether it gets you an interview or not!)Also there is the lettre de motivation which does not really exist in English.I have ( or at least did have) expertise in English CVs - I was a business consultant in the UK and consultants live or die by the quality of their CV. However, I know enough about French CVs to ensure that I make no comment at all. I taught English CV writing to French students at a French business school. Sometimes the students asked me to comment on their French CV - and were disappointed when I refused. The cultural differences are subtle and it's dangerous for me to go outside my area of competence.Other posters here may know more about Fr CVs.DejW
Hi All,



I am preparing to move my 4 children, sister and mother to the Philippines in December this year. My country does not have a paediatric neurologist so my youngest daughter has been seeing a paed neuro at the Philippine Children's Medical Centre in QC. My partner daughter and I were in Manila earlier this year for her first consultation. My daughters second check up is in December and she will need to do so every so often going forward - an expensive exercise in itself. I have therefore decided to move my everyone over while I visit every month or two.



Initially I decided that they would stay somewhere in Manila but after months of research I am leaning more towards Cavite. I would like some help with information on a nice place to stay in the province. I have looked at Baguio and Ismus but everytime I ready about a place, another place is mentioned and I end up feeling like I am not doing enough research. My criteria are basically around my children (who will then be 11, 4, 3 and 1):



a. not prone to earthquakes

b. not prone to flooding

c. easily able to take cab or bus to Manila for check-up

d. generally safe

e. fresh market vegetable

f. place with history and culture

g. good basic education school

h. easy access to mall and children's parks

I. I am from the Highlands of my country and so cool weather is all good with me.

j. place where I can find some good and affordable (PHP20,000 per month) accommodation



I don't want to sound picky, I just want to ensure that my children are in a place where they can "enjoy life" unlike being holed up in our house here in our home country.



TIA


For the first time ever two British universities have been named as the two best, heading up the prestigious Times Higher Education world university rankings for 2018.It is the only time in the 14 years that the ranking has been compiled that this has happened with Oxford University taking the top spot for the second year in a row and Cambridge in second place. Both universities are world renowned and are popular with students from all around the globe.In third place is the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) which had held the number one spot from 2012 to 2016 and was second in 2017. In joint third place is Stanford University in the United States.In fifth place is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, followed by Harvard University, Princeton University, Imperial College London and the University of Chicago. ETH Zurich and the University of Pennsylvania are in joint tenth place.The rankings report says that one reason for the movement is that Cambridges research income and research quality improved, while Caltech and Stanford were hurt by drops to their PhD to bachelors ratios. Caltech also received a much more modest rise in its research income per academic staff member compared with the other three institutions.The US universities institutional income also dropped by 23% and 24% respectively, while Cambridge and Oxford each received a boost in revenue by 11% and 24% respectively.Louise Richardson, Oxfords vice chancellor, said that she was delighted that Oxford has held its position at the top of the global rankings. To be judged the best university in the world for the second successive year, against a backdrop in which Britains role in the world is uncertain and the place of universities in society open to question, will be a great source of pride for everyone at Oxford, and, I hope, for the whole country, she said.Success in our field is never an accident, it is achieved by a relentless pursuit of excellence, creative brilliance and a deep commitment to our enduring values, she added.However, there is concern that Brexit may pose to the global position of the UKs leading universities. Almost a quarter of Cambridges research funding from competitive grants comes from the European Union, while the proportion at the University of Oxford is about a fifth.The latest table suggests that the United States and Australias standing in the table in future years could also be threatened. Nearly all of the US top 200 representatives, 59 out of 62, faced drops in their research income per academic staff member and future levels of federal research income under the Trump administration are in doubt. Two fifths of the universities in this elite group have dropped ranks.Meanwhile, although Australia has maintained a relatively steady performance, its position in future years may suffer if the Government goes ahead with plans to cut funding by 2.5% which would result in an A$2.8 billion loss in income across the sector. Both countries, as well as nations in Europe, face competition from rapidly rising institutions in Asia.Peking University, for example, has risen two places to joint 27th, which puts it on a par with New York University and the University of Edinburgh, while Tsinghua University has climbed five places to 30th, overtaking the University of Melbourne, LMU Munich and the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in France. Asias top university is the National University of Singapore, up two places to joint 22nd, meaning that it is level with the University of Toronto.There are some other notable swings in the top 50. The University of California, San Diego climbed 10 spots to 31 and in Europe the Karolinska Institute fell 10 places to joint 38th.
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Hurricane Harveys record flooding and wind has drowned out about 100,000 acres of rice, stranded 2,500 livestock in emergency shelters and left soggy tufts of cotton stretched across Southeast Texas as ranchers and farmers try to salvage whats left of their harvest.

It will take weeks for Texas farmers and ranchers to fully assess their losses from Hurricane Harvey. They cant even begin to tally the damage until the flood waters recede, stray animals are located and their lands dry out enough to survey the extent of the destruction.

According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, about 100,000 acres of East Texas rice farms will not get a second harvest because of flooding and wind and water affected storage bins. Three affected counties  Colorado, Wharton and Matagorda  generate 60 percent of the states rice crop.

The issue I see is more on the quality of the crops once it is harvested, given the amount of rain they got, Texas A&M University agricultural economist Luis Ribera said in an email.

The most dramatic damage seen so far is to Texas cotton, which promised to be a bumper crop before Harvey hit, said Texas Farm Bureau spokesman Gary Joiner. Much of what wasnt still in the fields had been packed into modules that were either blown apart or left soggy tangles of stained lint and broken seed. Cotton for December rose 3 cents over the last week to 74.88 cents a pound, which was the biggest increase since July of 2016.

This was the crop that was going to keep many of those farmers in that area in business, he said. And the great heartbreaking element to this story is that they were so close to capturing that crop that they had waited and hoped for many years  Im being told that we cant quantify loss until we determine whats salvageable.

In the Refugio County town of Woodsboro, it was the gin itself that was destroyed.

Hes going to be  without electricity for four weeks, Joiner said of the co-op manager. He cant even begin to describe what is not working and what equipment is going to need to be repaired.

Joiner spent the weekend surveying damage in a region stretching roughly 140 miles from Taft to Bay City and west to Refugio. He was struck by the scale of the infrastructure damage, with caravans of utility trucks coming from places like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Abilene.

We saw utility poles snapped in half, just lying next to the roadway, Joiner said.

At an emergency livestock holding facility in Wharton County, people were bringing hay, food and animal feed. Ranchers accepted what they needed with a thank you and a handshake. Displaced animals waited to be reunited with their owners. Some horses and cattle had been found wandering on country roads.

Emergency funding requests to Congress and the amount of crop insurance payments farmers and ranchers could expect remained unknowns. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway in an emailed statement said he was hopeful existing programs and not emergency funding measures would provide the needed support.

One of the goals of the farm bill is to provide reliable support for producers through natural disasters, ultimately preventing the need for ad hoc disaster assistance, Conaway said. Programs like federal crop insurance; the Livestock Indemnity Program; the Emergency Conservation Program; and the Tree Assistance Program  just to name a few  are designed to help producers quickly recover from devastating losses.

I am closely monitoring the extent of the damage in farm country, Conaway added. Im also hoping to visit the area as soon as possible to get a feel for the longer-term economic impacts and to closely monitor whether the programs we have in place are adequately meeting the needs of those impacted.

Joiner said farmers were waiting to see what their policies would cover.

Crop insurance is historically one of the tools thats used to manage risk to farms and ranches, Joiner said. Can you foresee a storm of this size or magnitude when you consider those crop insurance options? Probably not, but its hoped that its part of the recovery piece.

Harveys blasts downed hundreds of windmills used to pump irrigation water for livestock producers. The quality of what water was available for livestock was questionable, whether due to high salinity from storm surge or contamination from roadways or sewage from nearby communities. Roofs had blown off bins storing corn and grain.

Its day to day, he said. You can imagine some are still awaiting electricity. Some are waiting for some of that infrastructure to be completed so they can begin the process of making repairs to equipment.

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

He said he was impressed by the relief efforts of farmers and ranchers helping their own.

There on the side of the road were people with food, people with clothing, handing out relief materials, he said. Some lady just walked up to our truck in Woodsboro, saying, Do you all need food?

The good news was cattle losses were expected to be minimal compared with some previous storms, as most ranchers had had time to move their livestock to higher ground.

Hurricane Ike for example made landfall on Sept. 13, 2008 with Category 2 winds, but it was the surge of salty sea water that caused the most damage. At least 4,000 head of cattle were lost during the storm, and due to ruined soils and 17,000 miles of destroyed fencing the number of cattle in Southeast Texas went from more than 30,000 head to 7,000.

According to the Texas Animal Health Commission, which has been assisting with roundups of stray pets and livestock, there were 97 emergency animal shelters and holding facilities still active around the state.

The commission reported 1,085 horses, 472 cattle, and 879 other livestock (sheep, goats, swine, poultry, and other) in the shelters, on top of 810 dogs, 275 cats, and 78 other pets, such as rabbits and birds.

The commission had eight animal assessment teams deployed around the state. Assessments had been completed in Calhoun, Dewitt, Fayette, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Jackson, Jasper, Lavaca, Montgomery, Newton, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Tyler, Victoria, and Walker counties. Assessments were continuing in Aransas, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Waller, and Wharton counties.

lbrezosky@express-news.net
Almost before the rain started in Houston, economic prognosticators started trying to figure out how much Hurricane Harvey was going to cost.

The numbers kept mounting as the rainfall totals piled up. In the first few days of the storm, investment research firms estimated the total property damage at between $30 and $40 billion  not even approaching the toll of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

By Wednesday, Enki Research had pegged it at between $48 and $75 billion. Towards the end of the week, as the flood receded and its carnage became clear, many analysts were hailing Harvey as the nation's most destructive storm ever.

"Katrina cost, if I recalled, more than $120 billion," said Governor Greg Abbott on Fox News Sunday. "Now, when you look at the number of homes and businesses affected by this, I think this will cost well over $120 billion, probably $150 billion to $180 billion."

RELATED: What kind of economic punch will Harvey pack?

But what does it really mean for what the future looks like in Houston, and how much it will impede the city's growth, in contrast to other hard-hit places like New Orleans and the New Jersey Coastline?

Absolute damages only tell you one side of the story, after all. The other side is the local economy's underlying dynamism and resilience, with resources in the form of prosperous companies and robust non-profit institutions, as well as personal bank accounts that can be tapped for a full recovery.

When those factors are taken into account, Houston's prospects for rapid regeneration appear much better than other cities that have recently shared its fate.

Breaking down the estimates

With so many numbers flying around, it helps to break down what they actually include.

The largest estimate to be thrown out so far, Accuweather's $190 billion over nine months, is also the most comprehensive  encompassing not only insured losses, or even total damage to property, but the total impact to the economy. The weather forecasting company raised its damage estimate from $160 billion last Thursday, as the scope of Harvey's impact expanded.

"We were seeing other estimates of six to eight billion dollars," says the company's founder, Joel Myers. "We were very concerned that this would underplay the magnitude of the disaster, and that it would not cause people to take it seriously enough."

RELATED: Harvey's floods will sink Houston's home values

Necessarily, there are a lot of rough calculations involved. If 140,000 homes were damaged, and the average home were worth $300,000, Myers arrived at $30 billion. For drowned cars, Myers added $10 billion. For supply chain interruptions, including lost crops, another $25 to $30 billion. Jobs? He guesstimated about 200,000 would be lost at least temporarily, reducing potential earnings by another $5 billion.

Then there's the increased cost of gasoline due to refinery shutdowns, health impacts due to disease that breeds in warm standing water, damage to highways, losses to businesses that saw their operations interrupted, repairs to bridges and sewer systems. "The total impact is greater than Katrina and Sandy together," Myers says.

Concentrated vs. diffuse impact

That may be true of the whole swath that Harvey cut through the Gulf Coast, from Galveston and Rockport out to Beaumont and Port Arthur. But the economic engine of this region is Houston, and the highest concentration of residences and jobs. So it's worth examining the differences in how Houston fared and the damage to the city most hurt by Hurricane Katrina  New Orleans.

Already, the contrast is stark. About four months after Katrina hit, personal income in Louisiana dropped by 25 percent. The Houston metropolitan area has a substantially larger population than the entire state of Louisiana, and income losses likely won't be anywhere near that. Only about one in three retail food establishments in New Orleans were operating  in Houston, most grocery stores had re-opened within days.

Education and healthcare remained significantly impaired in Orleans Parish, with only five percent of schools open and 32 percent of the city's hospitals. In the Houston area, most school districts will be open by next week, and only a few hospitals had to be partially evacuated. In New Orleans, the number of displaced households had risen to 750,000. Last week, FEMA administrator Brock Long said he expected 450,000 claims for assistance due to Harvey.

All of that suggests that Houston has been less intensively impacted than New Orleans was, and there are therefore more healthy parts of the city to aid those that were submerged  a stronger tax base, more family members to take in homeless relatives, more functioning churches and other non-profits to organize meals and volunteers.

Also, Houston already had several powerhouse industries that can get up and running again fairly quickly, while New Orleans depended largely on its tourist economy, which needed to be rebuilt from scratch.

"If only portions of Houston's economic and household activity is impacted, it's probably more resilient," says Amy Liu, who heads the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Washington D.C.-based Brookings Institution, and monitored New Orleans' progress for years after Katrina. "Median incomes are higher than in New Orleans  that's more capacity for self-help, to invest in clean up and repair."

Voter Guide: What to know for the midterm election Your guide to the Texas and San Antonio races and candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Eyes on D.C.

Of course, despite Houston's capacity for self-help, much will depend on the generosity and speed of the federal response.

In many disasters, the money that pours in for rebuilding from agencies like FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and the department of Housing and Urban Development  as well as insurance payouts for property and business damage  can end up creating more jobs than the hurricane destroyed. Houston has surplus construction workers already, since the petrochemical refinery boom on the east side of town had been winding down when Harvey hit.

"The negative impact tends to be large at first, but as conditions normalize, economic activity is positively affected as long as insurance and assistance funds are made available," wrote economists from BBVA Compass Bank in a research note last week. "Therefore, the net economic cost will end up being significantly lower after reconstruction activity compensates lost value-added."

Additionally, a recent study found that non-disaster safety net spending  such as unemployment insurance, Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare  increases in the wake of hurricanes as well, decreasing per capita losses substantially.

It's still quite possible, however, that such a response could be delayed or mishandled. Only ten days after Katrina hit, Congress had appropriated more than $62 billion for relief and recovery  a number that would grow to $116 billion within the year. So far, the Trump administration has only requested about $8 billion, which itself will be a challenge in a jam-packed and contentious legislative season ahead.

RELATED: Trump budget would hit Texas hard

Additionally, it took years for all that money to be dispensed for the reconstruction of homes and essential infrastructure after Katrina hit, and corruption wasted millions. Red tape  aimed at preventing the fraud that afflicted Katrina relief  slowed the distribution of aid following Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey.

Now, Liu worries about the consequences of the Trump administration's proposed cuts to agencies, like HUD and FEMA, which play essential roles in disaster recovery. In particular, Trump's budget proposed zero-ing out Community Development Block Grants, a flexible source of funding for local priorities that are typically replenished every year. Cuts to Medicaid and Social Security Disability Insurance would negatively impact people whose incomes have suffered in the wake of the storm.

But regardless of the degree of largesse, there seems to be little doubt that Houston will continue as a going concern for a long time in the future  the question is not whether to rebuild, but how to do it better.

"Gas prices going up 25 cents just because of a Hurricane in the gulf is enough to say that we're too big to fail, just like the banks," says Ed Wolff, who heads the government affairs committee for the Houston Association of Realtors. "People are going to have to find a way to live within our natural environment, which in Houston includes flooding."
Over the course of 40 years, Chris Madrid transformed the restaurant that bears his name from a startup burger and taco shop with a few tables in its Beacon Hill neighborhood into a bona fide San Antonio institution.

The gooey macho-sized Cheddar Cheezy and tostada burgers, cold beer, nachos and hand-cut fries have a loyal following, and for years, the staff at Chris Madrids has greeted the many regulars by their first names.

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The food and the atmosphere isnt going to change anytime soon, but the ownership has. The Madrid family announced last week that it has sold the business at 1900 Blanco Road to Richard Peacock, owner of Paloma Blanca, the popular Alamo Heights Mexican restaurant.

It is not without sadness that we, as a family, exit the restaurant business and this chapter in our lives, the Madrid family said on the restaurants website. But, it is also with deep vigor and excitement that we pass this torch on to another family who is committed to the same legacy that Chris started 40 years ago.

Chris Madrid died unexpectedly in March 2012 of a heart attack, and family members took the reins of the restaurant.

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When Peacock closed on the deal last Thursday, he made a point to let the veteran staff of 40 know that he had no interest in making major changes to personnel, menu or the name of the restaurant.

What I absolutely know now after just a few days, its not so much an ownership thing as it is stewardship, Peacock said. My main job now is to reassure not only the staff, but also the public ... that is so emotionally invested, that I intend to do no harm to the legacy of the Madrid family.

Ownership does have its privileges, though. Peacock was able to get a first-hand look into the kitchen secrets that make those tasty burgers.

I didnt realize what a big deal it was to see the process, Peacock said. Chris was very sensitive to not allowing people back there to see how he did it.

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There are plans to renovate the property, specifically the bathrooms, kitchen and patio areas.

We do have a desire to give the guys in the kitchen a better working environment, Peacock said. But step one is to get in and get a feel for how the restaurant flows. We want to make sure the staff is a part of the decisions we make, and whatever we do has to feel like a natural evolution.

Peacock said hes so trusting of the current staff and operations, he doesnt even have his own set of keys to the property.

At some point, Ill probably have to get keys to the door, but its not something Im worried about, Peacock said.

Business hours currently remain 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, go to chrismadrids.com.

cblount@express-news.net

Twitter: @chuck_blount
Upper School students at Girls Preparatory School posted top scores for 2017 Advanced Placement (AP) tests. The school celebrates 59 current seniors and recent graduates from the Class of 2017 who have earned AP Scholar designations for 2017. These students were recognized for achieving scores of 3 or higher on at least three or more AP exams.



As part of its preparatory curriculum, GPS offers 24 Advanced Placement courses to sophomores, juniors, and seniors across a range of subjects.

*Some GPS students won multiple awards.

AP courses are rigorous, college-level classes that give students an opportunity to gain the skills and experience colleges recognize, according to the College Board. Tests are scored on a 5-point scale, with 5 as the highest and 3 considered passing.The mean score achieved by GPS students in 2017 was 3.71 across all AP exams, which is significantly higher than both the state and national rates of 2.87 and 2.84 respectively. In the humanities and in STEM courses, GPS students earned mean scores much higher than those of their peers. For example, 29 GPS students earned a mean score of 4.34 in English language composition while the national mean was 2.77. In physics, all four GPS students scored 5s when the national mean was 3.69.GPS is incredibly proud of these young women for this outstanding academic achievement, and we celebrate the faculty who work diligently to promote excellence in their classrooms for all GPS students on a daily basis, says Jenise Gordon, head of Upper School. We would like to also acknowledge the contributions each student makes to this institution that go well beyond the classroom.The 59 GPS students 67 awards included*:23 AP Scholars received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams18 AP Scholars with Honors received an average of 3.25 or higher on all AP exams taken, and 3 or higher on four or more of these exams18 AP Scholars with Distinction received an average of 3.5 or higher on all AP exams taken, and 3 or higher on five or more tests7 National AP Scholars received an average of 4 on all AP exams taken, and 4 or higher on eight or more tests1 AP International Diploma received scores of 3 or higher on five or more AP exams in three or more subject areasAnna Shaw, class of 2017, received the highest recognition, an AP International Diploma, scoring 3 or higher on nine exams. Because of her stellar AP exam scores, Anna was able to start her college career significantly ahead of her peers. We just took her to Northeastern University (Boston, Massachusetts) where shes enrolled in the international business program, says Susan Shaw, Annas mother. Because of her AP scores, shes starting as a second-semester sophomore. She studied really hard for the exams, but her teachers at GPS have well-prepared her for college.From the class of 2017, Leah Baxter, Lori Baxter, Isabella Cornea, Kara Swann, Rebecca Torrence, and Phoebe Warren received National AP Scholar status.AP Scholars with Distinction: Emily Ballentine 17, Anna Brandao 17, Mary Brown 18, McKaylyn Fults 17, Samantha Jackson 17, Margaret Marshall 18, Sarah McDougal 17, Katherine McVay 17, Ritika Modi 18, Tatiana Poggi 18, and Kathryn Thel 18.AP Scholars with Honor: Mary Arrowsmith 18, Khadija Aslam 18, Jennifer Brockman 17, Hannah Brotton 17, Sarah Goodrich 17, Elisabeth Hale 17, Annsleigh Jones 18, Lyla Jones 18, Tia Kemp 17, Emily Large 17, Margaret Lim 18, Ashley-Rose Lynn 18, Margaret Martin 17, Jessica Melton 17, Lea Mulligan 17, Lucy Newbold 17, Kathrine Schlegel 18, and Sophie Veys 18.AP Scholars: Noor Azhar 17, Leonora Browne 17, Gabrielle Cox 17, Lilyanna Everett 17, Hannah Goldbach 17, Clare Hamn 18, Jai-La Hansford 17, Julie Kim 17, Silvey McGregor 17, Kendall McKoon 18, Ella Melton 17, Meher Memon 18, Phoebe-Agnes Mills 18, Anna Oglesby 18, Emma Rowell 17, Reagan Sanborn 18, Katherine Stamey 18, Daphne Thomas 18, Kathryn Thomas 18, Victoria Tomokane-Vervil 18, Agnes Towns 18 Mary Vance 17, and Anna Ward 17.These are notable achievements, not only for our students, but also for our faculty, who lead these courses, says Dr. Autumn Graves, head of school. As a school, we strive to best prepare our girls for college and life beyond graduation. Our commitment to AP courses is just one component of building a foundation for well-rounded leaders.
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A group of flooded-out Harris County homeowners and businesses sued the federal government on Tuesday, accusing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of knowingly condemning their properties by releasing water from the Barker and Addicks reservoirs after Hurricane Harvey.

Bryant Banes, a civil attorney whose Heathwood home and his wife's home business were deluged after the rains had subsided, is seeking compensation that could reach into the billions of dollars in what he hopes will become a massive class-action lawsuit that would include compensation for homeowners, building managers and business owners within the area flooded by the controlled releases.

Now Playing: West Houston continues to fill with water as the Addicks and Barker reservoirs back up and slowly release into the Buffalo Bayou. Houston mayor Sylvester Turner ordered an additional mandatory evacuation for areas effected by the flooding along the bayou. Video: Houston Chronicle

"When they opened up the dams full blast, several hundred homes that were dry and not yet directly impacted by the storm  including mine got flooded by the Corps' action," Banes said.

Banes doesn't contend that the Corps did the wrong thing, only that the government must pay for the damages it caused.

"When they make a choice to flood one area to save another, it's their responsibility to pay for the consequences," he said.

Banes' is one of three lawsuits filed Tuesday in state and federal court seeking to hold government agencies liable for flooding from the controlled releases.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps deferred questions about two federal lawsuits Tuesday to the Justice Department. Mark Abueg, a Justice Department spokesman in Washington, D.C., said Wednesday, "We will review the complaint and respond in a timely manner."

The third lawsuit, filed in state court, targets the City of Houston and Harris County Flood Control District for compensation for property losses downstream of the reservoirs.

Alan Bernstein, a spokesman for Mayor Sylvester Turner, said he could not comment on a pending lawsuit. Robert Soard, at the Harris County Attorney's Office, said he had seen a copy of the state lawsuit and would be filing a response in court on behalf of the Flood Control District in District Court.

A 'taking' claim

In one of the two federal cases, Banes and his eight-person civil law firm, Neel, Hooper & Banes, filed a so-called "takings" claim in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., on the grounds that the Army Corps made a willing choice to save some areas after the storm subsided.

Justin Hodge, an expert in eminent domain at Johns Marrs Ellis & Hodge LLP, said such cases boil down to knowledge and intent  whether the government knew what it was doing and intended to cause flooding that essentially amounted to "taking" of people's properties.

"The government can't accidentally take your property," Hodge said. "If they accidentally opened the lever to the dam or the gates, that would not be a taking  that would be negligence.

"But if the government intentionally floods someone's property there would be real merit," he said.

Individuals can't sue the government for an accident. But if the flooding was intentional and knowing, a person can file a claim. He said historically class actions have occurred in condemnation lawsuits but they're very difficult to pull off.

"A lot of folks may be directly damaged by the dam releases but an investigation has to be made into each person's claim," he said. "I would caution property owners ... not to try to jump in and file something without doing an appropriate investigation."

He added, "I'd caution them to hire a lawyer that's knowledgable in this area of the law."

Hodge said in the press conferences in the wake of Hurricane Harvey the Army Corps of Engineers was straightforward about the fact that they knew homes were going to flood from the releases from the reservoirs. He saw statements on the Corps website indicating federal officials had knowledge that flooding would happen.

The government could make such a decision if it was acting in the public interest, he said.

"It's a public use decision," Hodge said. "They decided to use your property for public use. They decided the general public needs to use your property."

He said the "takings" law stems from the Fifth Amendment, which says that private property cannot be taken without just compensation. The Texas Constitution guarantees the same right.

State and federal law would similarly protect people with homes or businesses upstream of the reservoirs, Hodge said.

Lining up to sue

Banes' lawsuit in federal claims court includes the areas of Dairy Ashford to Interstate 610, Rummels Creek and Piney Point to Interstate 10 and to Briar Forest and the Beltway.

A second federal claims lawsuit Tuesday was filed on behalf of a couple on Vanderpool who say they suffered deliberate and substantial property damage at their townhome after it was inundated from the reservoir release.

Two of the lawyers who filed the suit, Avram Blair and Jeff Meyer, have gotten so much interest from potential clients they're planning to take out a newspaper ad and rent a hotel conference room to meet with them.

"We're getting inundated," he said.

Meyer said he believes the property owners have a strong case.

"The government doesn't do anything wrong when it decides that putting in a new highway is needed for public use," he said. "Similarly when the Army Corps of Engineers decides it needs to release water from these two reservoirs in the public interest it still needs to compensate the downstream landowner in the same way it would it if was laying a highway down."

Derrick Potts, one of the attorneys in the state lawsuit, represents one commercial property and three homeowners along Buffalo Bayou east of the Barker Reservoir. Potts said the city and county share joint control and responsibility for the release of the water.

"They've known about the potential for many years and they've done nothing about it," he said, "and now the citizens are paying the price."

Gabrielle Banks covers federal courts for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter or send tips to gabrielle.banks@chron.com
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OLMITO  As if on cue, an incoming call interrupted Omar Lucio midsentence as the sheriff of Cameron County extolled the virtues of the latest biometric recognition technology.

Using the recently acquired Inmate Recognition and Identification System, or IRIS, the county jail had just exposed the true identity of a man wanted by the FBI for a list of offenses.

We got one, Lucio beamed. Our first.

Lucio celebrated the addition of IRIS, with its fingerprint and facial-recognition capabilities, describing it as an indispensable tool for detecting criminals. During an annual meeting in early April, the Southwestern Border Sheriffs Coalition unanimously voted to partner with Biometric Intelligence and Identification Technologies and to adopt the companys biometric program.

The Cameron County Sheriffs Office and the El Paso County Sheriffs Office have since deployed the technology. Eventually, all 31 sheriffs offices along the U.S.-Mexico border will implement the BI2 Technologies system, free of charge for three years. To help cover the rollout cost of $2,500 per device per year across all border jurisdictions, the coalition is seeking additional federal funds.

We arrest a lot of people with names and features similar to others in the community, Lucio said. The beauty of IRIS is there is nothing that person can do to lie about their identity.

Not everyone shares Lucios enthusiasm for a technology that intends to catalog and compare iris data. Since its rollout in July, the technology has been touted for its potential to fight illegal immigration and drug trafficking organizations, sparking concerns that counties might use the IRIS recognition program to determine legal status.

Under the Fourth Amendment, it is understood that law enforcement can fingerprint people in custody and that DNA can be collected and analyzed in a federal database. But the IRIS program is not part of a federal database, nor is it being used by all U.S. law enforcement agencies, leaving gaps in the system and raising questions about oversight.

It also is unclear how the company might respond to the threat of hacks or leaks of sensitive information and whether the accuracy of BI2 Technologies data will be subject to scrutiny.

The fact that something might pass Fourth Amendment muster doesnt mean there arent concerns about whether it is the right approach, said Jennifer Laurin, a law professor at the University of Texas whose research focuses on the intersection of criminal and constitutional litigation and on regulation of criminal justice institutions. Its not paranoid. Its empirically borne out that the use of these law enforcement tools is an expansive one.

Sean Mullin, president and CEO of BI2 Technologies, argues that IRIS technology has been up and running for about 10 years and is being used in law enforcement agencies across 47 states. Its growing appeal is its ease of use, accuracy and speedy results. Over the past year, officials say, the IRIS program has detected more than 16,100 people who provided law enforcement with a false identity.

The technology is set up for an individual to look into a device roughly the size of a smartphone while a law enforcement official snaps a digital photo. An image appears on a monitor before it is sent into the BI2 system to be compared against the companys data archive. If the person has been scanned before, a match will be made within seconds.

By comparison, it can take days for results from fingerprints to return from the Texas Department of Public Safety in Austin or the Automated Fingerprint Identification System used by the FBI. The AFIS uses digital imaging technology to store and analyze fingerprint data, but wear and tear can alter a fingerprint over time, Mullin explained, offering the example of a bricklayers hands.

For its part, the FBI launched an Iris Pilot program in September 2013, a component of the agencys Next Generation Identification system, a federal database of biometric information, including voice patterns and facial patterns. Participation is voluntary and limited in scope. Additionally, the FBI requires state controlling agencies to sign a memorandum of understanding before local agencies can participate.

Everything the BI2 iris system does is certified according to the FBIs Criminal Justice Information Services standards, Mullin said, adding that his company is in discussions with the DPS and many other state agencies to adopt the BI2 Technologies program. However, the FBI has no relationship with BI2 and its IRIS technology, the agency said.

My guess, over the next five to 10 years, this technology is just going to take off, Mullin said.

The company says its technology cannot be gathered covertly, nor can law enforcement coerce an individual to give an iris scan. The biometric data is run against all other data on the companys privately run Tier 3 Defense Department encrypted database in an undisclosed location in Texas.

It behaves like a government system, Mullin said. And its very, very secure.

Some have questioned what, other than identity, the IRIS recognition data might reveal about a person. Others worry that the technology will disproportionately affect immigrant communities and could lead to racial profiling, especially of Spanish-speaking Latinos.

Technology frequently outpaces the Fourth Amendment, according to legal experts. Once in place, surveillance technology might easily be expanded to include field-based collection, raising privacy and civil rights concerns.

The most important step right now is for the sheriffs office to be transparent with their communities, said Matt Cagle, technology and civil liberties policy attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union in Northern California. There should be public debate about what they are doing, and where this data is going.

The ACLU has requested public records from every sheriff along the border with Mexico, inquiring about their plans to use iris recognition technology.

Lawrence Larry Guerra, executive director of the border sheriffs coalition, said concerns are unfounded. While IRIS technology cannot be used to gather biometric information covertly, he said, for sheriffs on the border, where people sometimes use aliases to avoid being identified, the program could prove essential.

Border sheriffs are on the front line of transnational criminal activity, Guerra said. This is another tool to help keep communities safe.

For now, the sheriffs office in Cameron County only enters data into the BI2 system after a person has been arrested and booked into jail. Lucio offered up his county to be the first to pilot the technology.

In late August, jailers in Cameron County caught an impostor. The man, who claimed to be from Puerto Rico, was taken into custody on state charges of tampering with government evidence and filing a false application for a drivers license. A photo of his eyes were entered into the iris system, and a match was made under a different name.

It turns out he is from the Dominican Republic, sheriffs Lt. Joe Elizardi said. Hes going into federal custody, and theyre going to be working a case on him which involves kidnapping, human smuggling and drugs.

As long as the program keeps generating significant hits in his jurisdiction, Sheriff Lucio sees no reason why a continued partnership with BI2 Technologies should be cause for concern.

What do we have to lose? Lucio said.

anelsen@express-news.net

Twitter: @amnelsen
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WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump turned over the fate of nearly 800,000 so-called Dreamers to a Congress plagued by dysfunction and a staggering must-do list complicated by the sudden need to craft a Texas relief package in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Trump admonished Congress via Twitter to do your job, even though the GOP-run body largely has failed since he took office, even when tackling matters on which most conservatives agree  such as replacing the Affordable Care Act.

Protecting recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, which Trump rescinded Tuesday, poses a monumental challenge for Congress, which has wrestled with immigration policy for nearly two decades.

The only thing that stands before you and certainty in your life is the Congress, and that cannot be that reassuring, said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., addressing his comments to DACA participants.

But Graham, a chief sponsor of the so-called Dream Act  legislation that would be grant permanent legal status to those who qualified for DACA  predicted that Congress will succeed within the six months Trump has allowed before DACA protections expire.

Graham called the DACA crisis a defining moment for the Republican Party.

Were going to do two things: Were going to take care of the hurricane victims of Texas, and were going to take care of these kids, Graham said.

Graham and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., his partner in the Dream Act, said they intend to press the Senate to pass their legislation this month.

But Congress, not known for speedy action, already has a daunting fall schedule.

On top of the multibillion-dollar Texas relief package, it faces deadlines to raise the debt limit and fund government operations by months end to avert a partial shutdown of government services.

Key legislation up for Senate votes includes authorizing the defense budget and a revamped Federal Aviation Administration bill.

Meanwhile, Republicans are racing to consider what they call a once-in-a-generation tax plan in hopes of securing the first significant success since the GOP achieved control of both the White House and Congress.

Both the Senate and House have passed versions of the Dream Act in the past, but never in the same year.

Beyond the crowded calendar, the legislation will be complicated by efforts to include funding for the border wall and other border security measures in a single package.

Texans in Congress joined immigration advocacy groups and business organizations calling on the House and Senate to take up immigration swiftly.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, the Senates No. 2 Republican, observed that the well intentioned DACA program came about without the approval of Congress by a president who exceeded his authority under the Constitution.

Cornyn added in a statement: These children who were brought here illegally through no fault of their own continue to make positive contributions to Texas and the nation, and its important for us to achieve a long-term resolution.

Rep. Will Hurd, R-San Antonio, called for a permanent legislative solution that allows people who have only known America as their home to stay and continue contributing to our nations culture, economy and history.

Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, labeled the end of DACA a tragedy, adding: Now its up to Congress to do the right thing and pass legislation that will protect DACA recipients. Republicans must make a choice. Will they stand with President Trump and help carry out his mass deportation plan or will they act on behalf of the majority of Americans who support DACA?

He observed, The timetable is a quick one, and what makes it tougher is that we go into the holidays in November, December, and the congressional schedule is typically lighter during that time.

Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-San Antonio, remarked that the president sought to shift responsibility to Congress, which has failed over the years to address immigration problems.

This is an attempt to make Dreamers bargaining chips to achieve other Trump anti-immigrant objectives. Protecting Dreamers must be nonnegotiable, Doggett said in a statement.

Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, a noted immigration hawk, praised Trump for delivering on a campaign promise.

President Trump is right not to continue the DACA program and to force Congress to address immigration policies, including those securing the border, he said in a statement.

Republicans in Congress have signaled they may be amenable to a DACA fix if accompanied by other provisions, such as mandatory participation by many employers and government contractors in the so-called e-verify program to determine employment eligibility.

Sen Tom Cotton, R-Ark., has suggested he could support giving DACA recipients permanent legal residence if the legislation includes his proposed RAISE Act, which would slash legal immigration by half and judge applicants on the basis of how they could help the United States.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders pointed to the likelihood of broader legislation when she said at a briefing with reporters Tuesday, We cant take just a one-piece fix.

She added in general terms that controlling the border, improving vetting and enforcing laws could be part of a comprehensive package.

Durbin, who has sponsored the Dream Act for 16 years, said he might allow border security provisions in a DACA replacement bill. But he referred to wall funding as a nonstarter because of the controversy it generates.

Ive been open to border security issues, I will continue to be open to them. The wall, though, is a wall too far, he said.

Graham observed that he, too, sees little appetite for funding the border wall that Trump has promised.

He added: I dont know how this movie ends, but heres what Ill predict. Were not going to allow these kids to be a victim of a broken political process. As a matter of fact, this may be what we need in Congress to get our act together  real people, something we can put our hands around and the public can understand.

blambrecht@express-news.net
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Most of the survivors of a deadly human smuggling incident that killed 10 people in a sweltering truck trailer could soon face deportation proceedings by U.S. immigration officials.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Chestney signed a court order Tuesday sought by the U.S. Attorneys Office declaring that 22 immigrants no longer need to be detained in San Antonio as material witnesses in the criminal case against James Matthew Bradley Jr., the trucker accused of smuggling immigrants in a locked trailer with no air conditioning

Legal advocates said a handful of the immigrants will likely stay in the country to testify at any upcoming criminal trials, but most would face deportation.

I definitely think this is the prime example of how the immigration system is broken, said Griselda Barrera, director of the San Antonio office for American Gateways, an organization that is representing some of the immigrants.

The survivors suffered unbelievable trauma, Barrera said, and later helped federal investigators. They got everything they needed from them, she said.

On July 23, authorities found 39 immigrants in or near the trailer Bradley was hauling, which had been parked at a San Antonio Walmart. Eight people had died inside the trailer; two died later at the hospital. It was one of the deadliest incidents of human smuggling in U.S. history.

The U.S. Marshals Service had detained 22 of the immigrants in San Antonio as material witnesses. The immigrants cooperated with federal investigators and were protected from deportation proceedings  until now.

After Chestneys order was issued, authorities planned to transfer them to immigration officials for processing, said Daryl Fields, spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas.

Adelina Pruneda, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, declined to answer questions about whats in store for the 22 immigrants. Barrera said theyll face deportation proceedings, although a handful might be allowed to remain in the U.S. in case theyre still needed to testify.

Theyre just being picked up to be taken to ICE without any explanation of whats happening in their lives, said defense lawyer Michael McCrum, who represented the immigrants in the criminal case and was surprised by the decision. Ill let you evaluate whether that sounds fair.

I dont think its the way our government should do business, McCrum added. Im not proud of that.

Barrera said American Gateways was notified of Chestneys order Tuesday morning. They were told that a handful of the 22 immigrants  its unclear exactly how many  could still be called as witnesses in the case.

For the others, immigration officials could detain them while their deportation proceedings play out, she said.

Bradley is still in custody. A federal grand jury issued criminal indictments against him last month alleging he was involved in a human smuggling operation.

The charges include conspiracy to transport and harbor undocumented aliens for financial gain resulting in death and transportation of undocumented aliens resulting in death; conspiracy to transport and harbor undocumented aliens for financial gain resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy; and transporting undocumented aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy.

Senior U.S. District Judge David Ezra is presiding over the case. No trial date has been scheduled.

jtedesco@express-news.net
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Pete Gallego recently convinced himself to stay out of the 2018 Democratic primary for U.S. District 23. By the time Gallego made that decision, he inadvertently had convinced Rick Trevino to enter that very same race.

Trevino, a Bernie Sanders delegate to last years Democratic National Convention and a third-place finisher in this years District 6 City Council election, crossed paths a few weeks ago with Gallego, a former District 23 representative from the West Texas town of Alpine.

There was a memorial Mass organized by me and (former Council member) Maria Berriozabal for the migrants that passed away (after being smuggled in a trailer) and he happened to be there, Trevino said.

I was in the back, doing my own thing, and he walks in and sits down next to me. Right after the Mass, I asked him, Are we going to fight for single-payer health care as a right, Medicare for all?

Trevino said Gallego told him the country would eventually get there but is too politically polarized for such a dramatic expansion of government-funded health care to happen now.

He talked about incremental steps, Trevino said. It wasnt the answer I was looking for, because I think right now is a perfect opportunity to argue and fight for these ideas.

Trevino, 32, entered the Mass as a politically engaged public school teacher. He left as an undeclared candidate for Congress.

Running into Pete Gallego was the shove that I needed, Trevino said.

When Trevino announced his candidacy nearly three weeks ago, he had every reason to believe that Gallego would be one of his opponents.

The former congressman had spent much of this year making the rounds of his former district  a sprawling piece of political real estate that includes 800 miles of border territory and stretches from South San Antonio to El Paso.

Gallego had lost the last two District 23 general election races to Republican Will Hurd, and said he emerged from last Novembers defeat ready to bow out of electoral politics. But within a few months, he started flirting with another campaign, saying hed been inspired by the Democratic grass-roots energy mobilizing against the presidency of Donald Trump.

As recently as Aug. 18, Gallego sounded very much like a candidate, sending out a fundraising email that castigated congressional Republicans and asked supporters to chip in so we can raise another $7,500 this week.

In fact, however, Gallegos fate had been sealed three days before that email, when a three-judge federal panel invalidated the maps of two other congressional districts but left District 23 unscathed.

Gallego, who had been drubbed by Hurd last year in North San Antonio, had banked on the courts throwing out some of those GOP-friendly precincts and replacing them with South San Antonio or El Paso precincts.

The courts decision prompted Jay Hulings, a former congressional staffer and law school classmate of Joaquin and Julian Castro, to give up his job as an assistant U.S. Attorney and enter the Democratic race for District 23. (Hulings lives on the North Side and would have stayed out if District 23s map had been altered.)

Hulings, 42, not only has the support of the Castros, he has their political team handling his campaign. Gallego, with his superior name recognition, might have presented Hulings with some challenges in the Democratic primary. But last years general election, in which Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton carried District 23 and Gallego still fell short, suggested that there was no viable path to a November victory for Gallego under the existing map.

Gallegos decision sets up an all-San Antonio matchup between Hulings, Trevino and Gina Ortiz Jones, a graduate of John Jay High School and a former Air Force intelligence officer.

Jones, 36, said, My focus has always been on beating Will Hurd; so Petes decision doesnt affect my approach at all.

Jones is pushing hard on the issue of health care, arguing that our concept of national security needs to be broad enough to include keeping our population healthy and providing a quality education.

Like Trevino, Jones backs the concept of a single-payer, government-funded insurance system.

There is no other industrial country that has figured out how to make it work any other way than single-payer, Jones said. With our countrys health, there can be only one incentive: a healthy population.

ggarcia@express-news.net

Twitter: @gilgamesh470
Rahm Pushes For IL 'Dreamers Bill Of Rights' After DACA Rescission's 'Affront To Basic Human Decency'

By Stephen Gossett in News on Sep 6, 2017 8:33PM



Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks at a naturalization ceremony on May 5, a day before the city's climate change announcement. Getty Images / Photo: Scott Olson

A day after the Trump administration announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) would be phased out, Mayor Rahm Emanuel officially called upon Gov. Bruce Rauner and the state legislature to set up an Illinois Dreamers Bill of Rights and offer further protections to the thousands of immigrants in the state who have registered through DACA.

While we wait to see if and how any Congressional action advances to shore up protections for so-called Dreamers, Rahm, as expected, introduced a resolution at Wednesday's City Council that turned focus on state lawmakers.

The resolution calls for a Bill of Rights that would ensure that state "is doing all it can" to protect the roughly 40,000 DACA recipients in the state. It also calls on the General Assembly to change state law so that DACA recipients can get professional licenses and certifications "to remain in those professions after their DACA work permit expires."

The resolution also urges the creation of a statewide legal protection fund that would offer assistance to immigrants in need. The city likened the proposed fund to the $1.3 million that Chicago operates locally. Rahm in the measure also calls on the state to toughen the so-called "sanctuary state" Illinois Trust Act, and to make it illegal for local governments to opt out of any potential new Dreamer rights.

"President Trumps decision to end DACA is not only harmful to these young people; it strikes a blow against our core American values and is an affront to basic human decency, Emanuel said in a statement. "The United States is a nation of immigrants, not a country that tears families apart or deports children who have placed their faith in the promise of America. Not only will Chicago continue to welcome dreamers, we are calling on the State to do all it can to remain a welcoming place for the more than 40,000 DACA youth that live, work, and study in Illinois."

Today I introduced a resolution calling for an Illinois #Dreamers Bill of Rights to strengthen protections. https://t.co/3WSnx6In4R pic.twitter.com/W9Kce3r7h5  Mayor Rahm Emanuel (@ChicagosMayor) September 6, 2017



The resolution is co-sponsored by Ald. Ed Burke (14th), City Clerk Anna Valencia and City Council's Latino Caucus. It was reportedly met with widespread support among aldermen at the Council on Wednesday.

Proud to join my colleagues on the #ChiCouncil to support #DACA resolution to protect local dreamers during these unsettling times. pic.twitter.com/dnj2GkBpE7  Ald. Michele Smith (@AldermanSmith43) September 6, 2017



Bruce Rauner was noticeably mum on the announcement of the DACA rescission throughout Tuesday, but when he did eventually address the issue, on Wednesday, he turned it squarely away from Springfield and back on Washington. He said in a statement this morning:



"I don't want children to be caught in the middle of an issue that the adults in Congress need to resolve. I have been advocating for Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform for years. I believe the current system makes illegal immigration too easy and legal immigration too difficult. Congress must now act with a sense of urgency to address this issue."

Under the DACA order, which was started in 2012 during the Obama administration, immigrants who were brought to the country as undocumented minors are eligible to receive two-year deferrals that protect them from deportation and allow them to work and a pathway to study in the U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on Tuesday afternoon that the program would be rescinded. No new applications will be considered, while Dreamers with permits set to expire before March could apply for their renewal before October 5.

Back in December, Rahm met with then-president-elect Trump and offered a letter urging him to protect DACA.

At the same time that Emanuel has pushed against the Trump administration on the national stage over immigration policies, some Chicago activist have criticized the mayor for not protecting the city's own Welcoming City Ordinance.
More than six years after Texas won independence from Mexico, Texans and Tejanos would have to fend off another invasion that was thwarted in the Battle of Salado Creek, a carefully planned attack 6 miles northeast of the Alamo.

By 1842, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna had suffered a severed leg in a battle against the French, but emerged again as the president of Mexico following his failed 1836 Texas campaign. He sent Brig. Gen. Adrian Woll, a French mercenary, with more than 1,500 infantry and cavalry troops and two cannons back into Texas.

Wolls invasion of Texas was Mexicos third, and easily the most ambitious one, in 1842. Raids on San Antonio in March and the coastal plains in June did little damage, despite Santa Annas desire to reclaim Texas. Woll, leading a well-equipped, well-trained army, crossed the Rio Grande on Aug. 31 and took a long, roundabout route, going north of Laredo and approaching San Antonio from the west, to avoid being seen by Texan scouts. At 5:30 a.m. on a foggy Sunday morning, Sept. 11, his troops encircled the town and nearby Alamo Plaza, according to historian Paul N. Spellman.

Wolls orders were explicit: Take control of San Antonio and the surrounding area, await reinforcements who would maintain that control for an indefinite period, and to withdraw the army no later than mid-October, Spellman wrote in a 1992 article in the Express-News.

In response, some 200 volunteers from Gonzales, Seguin and other settlements joined Capt. Mathew Caldwell and marched first to Cibolo Creek, then moved 13 miles closer to San Antonio, camping on Salado Creek on Saturday, Sept. 17. Sam Houston, president of the Texas republic, had ordered the Texas Rangers, including Maj. John Coffee Jack Hays, to guard the frontier. Caldwell was elected commander and Hays the head of a scouting party.

Knowing he was outnumbered, and employing techniques of using river or creek terrain that had helped the Texans win the 1835 Battle of Concepcion, Caldwell decided to draw Wolls forces out from fortifications in the town and onto open prairie on either side of the Texan camp, Spellman wrote.

Plans were set during several strategy sessions Saturday night. Hays and three dozen of his scouts would ride into the city, provoke the Mexican army and lead Woll out onto the Salado prairie and into the trap set by the remaining Texas forces, situated along the high creek bank and near a ravine that ran into the Salado, he wrote.

Of more than 200 horses in the camp, only 38 seemed to have the strength to ride to town and then gallop back to camp as decoys for the ambush, author James Kimmins Greer wrote in Colonel Jack Hays: Texas Frontier Leader and California Builder.

The next morning, on Sept. 18, Hays and seven other men approached the Alamo from the east and began to whistle, shout and gesture to challenge the enemy to come out and fight, Greer wrote. Instead of forty of fifty cavalrymen coming out, six hundred poured from the gates of the Alamo.

In the ensuing chase, Hays and his men held a half-mile lead for the first 4 miles. But the Mexican cavalry horses were more rested, and managed to close in. The horse of one captain, A.J. Jones, fell behind.

From there to camp the skirmish was brisk, our men being compelled repeatedly to wheel and fire, to save Jones, a man highly esteemed by all his comrades, the Rev. Z.N. Morrell, a frontiersman and Baptist preacher, would later recall in his memoirs, Flowers and Fruits in the Wilderness.

When the scouting party returned to the camp, Caldwells men were still cooking and eating, not expecting Hays and his group to be back so soon. By early afternoon, there were 1,100 Mexican forces, including about 40 Cherokees, engaged in the battle, with the fighting escalating. The Texans and Tejanos often retreated into the creek bed, evading cannon fire and putting themselves out of direct line of sight.

Although accounts of the number of casualties have varied, most place them at 60 dead and about 200 wounded on the Mexican side. Up to 12 on the Texan side were wounded. According to Spellman, Stephen Jett, a San Antonian who had arrived late to the camp from town, was the only Texan killed, while trying to retrieve his horse.

According to Greers account, Woll reassembled his forces at sundown, marched into San Antonio, conducted funerals, and prepared to retreat. Spellman noted that Wolls reinforcements, some 500 troops, got bogged down in swampy terrain south of the Rio Grande and never made it to San Antonio.

But not all went well for the Texas cause that afternoon. About 1 miles northeast, Nicholas Mosby Dawson and 52 other men from La Grange came to fight, but had not reached the camp. They engaged Wolls rear guard, the formidable Santa Anna Regiment, 500 cavalry troops led by Capt. Jose Maria Carrasco.

Dawson ordered his men to take cover in a one-acre clump of mesquite and brush standing like an oasis on the prairie, according to Spellman. After a first assault was stopped by the Texan sharpshooters, Wolls forces fired cannons, then followed up with muskets, lances and bayonets.

Cannon ball and grapeshot rang through the mesquite and elm oasis, maiming and killing, Spellman wrote. Hacking their way among the wounded and dying, the bloodlust was halted only by the strong command of Carrasco, who knew that the battle had become a massacre.

Today, the incident is known as the Dawson Massacre. Of the 53 Texans and Tejanos, 36 were killed and 15 taken prisoner. Among the dead was a man named Griffin, a slave of Samuel Maverick who fought bravely, swinging the limb of a mesquite tree after casting aside a shattered rifle. Maverick himself would be released from Perote Prison in Mexico six months later, through U.S. intervention, and would be an advocate for Texas U.S. statehood.

Alsey Miller, Dawsons scout, put on a sombrero and fled on horseback. Henry Gonzalvo Woods, whose father was killed and brother wounded, also escaped. Mexican losses were about 30 dead and 60 wounded.

Today, the Battle of Salado Creek is memorialized with a granite state historical marker just west of the entry gate of Victorias Black Swan Inn, a historic mansion and venue for social events at 1006 Holbrook Road on the near Northeast Side. Side-by-side granite markers placed by the state and Daughters of the Republic of Texas on the west side of Austin Highway, just south of Ira Lee Road, commemorate the Dawson Massacre.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA

COMING THURSDAY: The militarys camel experiment in Texas.
Thousands Protested The Trump Administration's DACA Decision In The Loop

By aaroncynic in News on Sep 6, 2017 5:00AM

Thousands rallied in the Loop Tuesday evening in the wake of the Trump administrations decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday afternoon that the administration would no longer consider new applications, but would allow recipients with permits set to expire before March of 2018 the opportunity to apply for a 2-year renewal before Oc. 5. The DACA program, initiated by former President Barack Obama five years ago, protects some 800,000 undocumented people who were brought to the United States as children from deportation and allows them the right to work.

Illinois has been my home since I was 8 years old, said Angelica Magana, who is now 32. Most of my life I have lived in the shadows, afraid but maintaining. When Obama signed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, I was given an iota of relief. Today I stand before you back where I started.

After rallying at Federal Plaza, demonstrators marched to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's field office on Congress and Clark, with chants of protection for all, no deportations, no border walls, no fascist USA, and whos Chicago? Our Chicago.



The president said the administration would resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion, while Sessions said there was nothing compassionate about the failure to enforce immigration law, saying the program yielded terrible humanitarian consequences. But for the hundreds of thousands of recipients, many of whom have decades long roots in their communities along with families, the consequences could be dire.

The loss of DACA is not just the loss of a policy, its the loss of our livelihoods, and threat to our mental health. Im extremely worried about what will happen next, said Giselle, who said she teaches kindergarten. Id like politicians to remember that an attack on DACA is also an attack on the larger communities we are a part of, and those include children and families.


ACTFA, in partnership with the National Centre of Engineering in Agriculture at the University of Southern Queensland, has led a $1.4 million Action on the Ground project to investigate the emissions impact of CTF.
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There are no two ways about it. Indirect offset transactions are burdensome.

First, theyre hard to find. Ive heard just about every idiom in the book used to describe their rarity. A needle in a haystack. Scarce as hens teeth. Rare as a four-leaf clover.

To make matters worse, defense contractors face significant pressure to find suitable projects. Companies can face stiff financial penalties and even blacklisting if they fail to discharge their obligations on time. And while were piling on woes, the Department of Commerce reports that indirect offset obligations account for roughly 60 percent of all offset requirements worldwide.

Readers will recall from my prior posts that indirect offset obligations do not relate directly to the contractors products or services. Rather, they require the provision of support to businesses that often have no connection to the defense industry.

In most cases, the government imposing the indirect offset obligation does not provide assistance to the contractors seeking out projects to support. That means defense contractors face millions of dollars in indirect offset obligations that they must satisfy in a fixed period of time, but with little to no guidance on how to go about it. To offer yet another idiom  theyre tossed into the deep end without swimming lessons.

Defense contractors therefore dedicate significant time, effort and treasure to find and execute suitable indirect offset transactions. But contractors must also be wary of corruption risks when satisfying their indirect offset obligations. Lets delve into some anecdotes to illustrate these risks.

In one recent example, a client with a hefty indirect offset obligation in an African country agreed to provide financial support for the construction of a new tourist hotel along a beautiful stretch of beach. Because the host government sought to boost the tourism industry, every dollar my client spent would result in five dollars worth of offset credit. There was only one catch. The local company building the hotel was owned by the spouse of the countrys sitting chief executive.

While a potentially ugly compliance situation, at least the hotel was actually under construction, with or without my clients support. The same cannot be said for a similar transaction I encountered a few years earlier.

In that situation, another client considered providing funds to a conservation group establishing a wildlife refuge in Eastern Europe. Not only was the nonprofit spearheading the effort managed by a senior government official, there were no plans to actually develop the refuge. Instead, the official planned to line her pockets with every single dollar.

One should never underestimate the creative lengths that corrupt officials will go when trying to take advantage of indirect offset obligations. One of my clients identified an opportunity to provide funding for a scholarship program in a Gulf state for high school students who excelled in science, technology, engineering and math. After a little digging, we discovered that the program had been manipulated so that only the children of senior defense officials could participate.

Simply put, because indirect offset transactions generally feature providing money to strangers, they are fertile ground for corruption. That means that before defense contractors open up their proverbial checkbooks in the quest for offset credit, they should  you guessed it  conduct some basic due diligence on the recipients of offset support.

At a minimum, I recommend identifying an indirect offset partners ultimate beneficial owners, confirming that it is a legitimate going concern, and ensuring that it will receive payments to an account held in its own name at a legitimate financial institution in its home jurisdiction.

A written agreement documenting the offset support and containing robust compliance provisions is also advisable. For larger transactions, defense contractors should consider implementing steps to verify that the financial support has been spent as intended. This could take the form of an audit of the recipients books and records or a site visit, as appropriate.

A modicum of due diligence on an indirect offset partner can also avoid reputational risks. I recently assisted a client to review an indirect offset transaction involving the construction of a cooling tower in a Gulf state. While our review uncovered no indication of potential corruption risks, a simple media search revealed that the construction contractor was under investigation for mistreating guest workers.

Our client wisely concluded that earning offset credits was not worth the potential damage to its reputation  not to mention its moral compass  by supporting the project.

In the end, we come back to due diligence as the primary source of protection in offset.

Indirect offset is challenging enough without stumbling over corruption risks. Most defense contractors wouldnt dream of paying a sales agent without delving into its background; the same should be true for the recipients of offset support.

_____

Bill Steinman is a Contributing Editor of the FCPA Blog. Hes the senior partner at Steinman & Rodgers LLP, a boutique law firm in Washington, D.C. specializing in international anti-corruption compliance and investigations.
Im an American, but I was born in Germany and lived there twice when I was growing up. My father was a master sergeant in the U.S. Army, so my family was stationed in a pretty spa town, Bad Nauheim, just outside of Frankfurt am Main. My formative years were spent in Germany, and travelling to the Netherlands and France every summer on vacation. I secretly dream of moving back to Europe.

Jenn Bennett

Ive lived and traveled all over the world. Apart from Europe, Ive lived in nine U.S. states (and traveled to 32 out of 50 of them). Ive also traveled to Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan.

All my published books (so far) take place in Northern California. Most of them take place with a couple of hours from San Francisco, which is one of my favorite cities. I lived in California for several years when I was in my twenties.

Currently, Im known for my contemporary teen books, but I started off writing fantasy romance for adults. Demons, magic, cursed objects, ghostsand passionate love affairs. The book Im still proudest of writing is Bitter Spirits, which takes place in 1920s San Francisco.

I believe writing romance is one of the most feminist things I can do. Its a field dominated by women. It allows me to write nuanced, strong female characters who have goals and dreams outside of their love interests. Who have agency to choose positive sex partners, talk openly about their desires, and remain independent while falling in love. In a world dominated by Hollywoods male gaze, I get to write from the female gaze, which is especially important for teens to read.

Family is an ongoing theme throughout my fiction. Broken families. Found families. Diverse families. Families with one parent, or familial units being led by older siblings. Divorce. Second marriages. LGBTQ parents. I never set out with the intention of writing about this subject, but thematically, it always finds a way to emerge in my work.

I need silence to write. No music. No busy cafes. No distractions. Just me and my laptop.

I didnt write my first book until I was in my thirties. A few weeks before I was laid off from a corporate, high-paying job that I absolutely hated, my boss asked our group what wed be doing if we werent working there. I blurted out, Id be a writer. Id never even thought of this before, so Im not sure why it popped into my head. But it stuck there, and a year and a half later, I had written three books, signed with a literary agent, and was contracted for my first deal with a major publishing house.

In college, my degrees were in Fine Arts and painting. I originally wanted to teach studio art at a university level. I never ended up doing that, but instead managed several bookstores (never realizing Id be writing my own books one day).

I read as much as write. And I try to read outside of the genres that I writeeven outside of what I normally enjoy. Books are my life, and I think the world would be a better place if everyone read more.
George and Amal Clooney have welcomed a Yazidi refugee from Iraq into their home.

George Clooney in the new issue of The Hollywood Reporter

The couple offered their help and support to the unnamed young man and he is now living in one of the 'Suburbicon' director's houses in Augusta, Kentucky, and is studying at the University of Chicago.

George said: "He was on this bus to Mosul, and ISIS shot the two bus drivers and said, 'Anybody who wants to go to college, we will shoot them.'

"He survived and came to America. He got through all the checks, and once he got through those, it was like, 'Listen, we got your back. You want to get an education? You want to move your life forward? This is something that we can do.' "

The 56-year-old actor - who is known for his humanitarian endeavours, particularly in Sudan - and his human rights lawyer wife have made a pact not to let their work put them in risky situations now they are parents to twins Alexander and Ella, who were born in June.

The couple had a frank chat following a scary time when Amal was in the Maldives, working to get former President Mohamed Nasheed out of prison.

George recalled: "When she finally got out of there, she had another client in jail in Azerbaijan, and I said, 'I'll tell you what, let's make a deal: I won't go to South Sudan and you don't go to Azerbaijan. How is that?' And she said, 'For now, fine.'

"I don't know that she'll stick it out."

Before meeting Amal, the 'Money Monster' star - who was previously married to actress Talia Balsam from 1989 to 1993 - famously led a bachelor lifestyle, but he insists he doesn't miss the past, though his friends find it hilarious seeing him as a hands-on father.

Asked if he misses the old days, he told the Hollywood Reporter: "I sure don't. That seems like a lifetime ago. Now my house is filled with the warm sounds of babies crying.

"You should see when my friends show up and see me change a diaper, the laughter that comes from them. I go, 'I know, I know.' I've given them so much s**t for so many years, I deserve every bit of it."

George and Amal never discussed the prospect of having children until after they tied the knot in September 2014, but felt it would be "self-centred" not to have a family together.

He said: "It had never been part of my DNA. We didn't plan on it. We never talked about it until after we were married, which is funny. There was an assumption that we didn't want them.

"And then, after the wedding, Amal and I were talking and we just felt we'd gotten very lucky, both of us, and we should share whatever good luck we've got. It would seem self-centered to just have that belong to us."

While he's delighted to be a father, the 'Up in the Air' actor initially thought it was a "mistake" when he was told his wife was expecting twins.

He recalled: "[The doctor] goes, 'Well, there's one.' And I said, 'Great.' And then he goes, 'And there's the second one.' And I was like, 'What?' We just sat there, staring at that piece of paper they give you, and I kept thinking there was a mistake."

Read the full interview with George at www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/at-home-george-clooney-italy-amal-twins-politics-an-incendiary-new-movie-1035363
People of Miao ethnic group gather to perform their traditional dance "Copper Drum Dance" to celebrate the annual "Chixin Festival" in Shiqiao Village of Nangao Township of Danzhai County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Sept. 5, 2017. Thousands of Miao people wearing their traditional costumes celebrated the festival here. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaohai)
Stormzy blasted Theresa May at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.

Stormzy at the GQ Men of the Year Awards

The 24-year-old grime artist hit out at the British Prime Minister in his acceptance speech after he was presented with the Best Solo Artist prize by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at London's Tate Modern.

He told the crowd: "It's so incredible to be here with everyone. We got Jeremy Corbyn. I do wanna use this to say Theresa May is a paigon.

"Yeah, trust me. It's awkward, innit, when I say that, innit. Trust. (sic)"

Some fans speculated he said "pig" or "pagan", but others insisted he said "paigon", which is slang to mean someone who lies.

Stormzy also thanked his mother and whole team for helping him throughout his career.

He added: "I'm so blessed to be here. Thank my mum. Thank my whole team.

"I cannot believe this, your boy is on the cover of GQ. South London boy. This is incredible. Thank you so much, man. (sic)"

Stormzy has made no secret of his support of Corbyn, praising him on several occasions.

He once said: "My man, Jeremy! Young Jeremy, my guy. I dig what he says. I saw some sick picture of him from back in the day when he was campaigning about anti-apartheid and I thought: yeah, I like your energy. Have you seen that footage of House of Commons?

"They're all neeky dons! The way they all laugh and cheer. Is this f***ing Game Of Thrones?

"You lot have got real issues to talk about and deal with. That's why I like Jeremy: I feel like he gets what the ethnic minorities are going through and the homeless and the working class. That Zac guy, he just seems like a f***ing a******e."

by Charlotte Hough for www.femalefirst.co.uk


Christian Dior and Gucci have announced they will no longer cast underweight models in their fashion shows.

Gucci's Alessandro Michele

The French fashion house, which has recently appointed Maria Grazia Chiuri as the brand's creative director, has announced they are putting the initiative into place in a bid to prevent criticism around their casting and to try and prevent eating disorders, BBC News has reported.

And Dior are not the only brand to push the plan as Gucci, which is helmed by Alessandro Michele, have also followed suit.

This project was put in place by the two major fashion firms LVMH and Kering, which look after a string of prestigious label, including Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Stella McCartney.

And Kering's chairman, Francois-Henri Pinault, hopes their plan will encourage even more companies in the business to take on the same ethical practice.

He said: "[Kering hope to] inspire the entire industry to follow suit ... [Kering want to make] a real difference in the working conditions of fashion models".

And LVMH's director, Antoine Arnault, added: "I am deeply committed to ensuring that the working relationship between LVMH Group brands, agencies and models goes beyond simply complying with the legal requirements."

And models who have secured a place on the runway and will represent fashion brands now have to be larger than the French clothing size 32, which is the equivalent to a size six in the UK, and a size zero in America.

The brands have also agreed they will no longer use catwalk icons who are younger than 16 year old to exhibit their adult ranges.

The changes will be actioned before Paris Fashion Week this month, and the companies that do not adhere to the strategy could be fined up to 70,000, whilst the brand's bosses could risk facing jail for up to six months.
Sweden's Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia have shared the first photograph of their baby son Gabriel.

Prince Gabriel (c) Instagram

The royal couple welcomed their little bundle of joy into the world on August 31, and just five days after they took to Instagram to share the cute image of their son taking a nap in a white-knitted cardigan.

The shot was taken by Carl himself and shared on the royal family's official Instagram page.

The picture was captioned: "First picture of Prince Gabriel! The Prince has been photographed at villa solbacken, five days old. Photo: Prince Carl Philip #kungahuset (sic)"

In keeping with tradition, the 38-year-old prince's father King Carl XVI Gustaf announced his grandson's name and title at a cabinet meeting on Monday morning (04.09.17).

King Carl confirmed at the Swedish Royal Court that the baby prince is called Gabriel Carl Walther and will be known as the Duke of Dalarna.

The palace confirmed on the royal family's Instagram that they had welcomed a new addition to their brood.

The statement read: "On Thursday, 31 August at 11.24 am, Princess Sofia welcomed a healthy and prosperous child at Danderyd Hospital.

"Both mother and child are doing well. (sic)"

Carl and Sofia already have 16-month-old son Prince Alexander and said they couldn't be happier to become parents for a second time when they announced the exciting news in March.

At the time, they said: "We are happy to announce that we are expecting a child, a sibling to Prince Alexander. We are looking forward to welcoming a new little member to our family."

Sofia, 32, previously admitted becoming a parent had changed her "whole life".

Speaking soon after giving birth of Alexander, she said: "Being a mother is amazing. It changes your whole life."

And Carl added: "The first time does take some adjustment. But it's still absolutely amazing and wonderful."

The prince married the former reality star in Stockholm in June 2015, and after a lavish honeymoon in Fiji, the brunette beauty fell pregnant with the couple's first child.

During his wedding speech, the prince recalled to guests how he had driven to see Sofia's father, who works in a job centre, to ask permission to propose and thanked her family for their support.

He also hailed the former model as his "role model" and praised the citizens of Sweden for accepting their union.

He said: "We never chose the tough way - it chose us.

"You fill my life with love and happiness. Today we prove that love conquers all.

"Sofia - you've enriched our family. Your family has received me with equally open arms. I've got another family."
Prince William has encouraged survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy to speak about their losses.

Prince William and Prince Harry

The 35-year-old royal and his brother Prince Harry, 32, paid a visit to the Support4Grenfell Community Hub in Kensington on Tuesday (06.08.17), which they help set up after the blaze tore through the block of flats in west London killing over 70 people.

Both William and Harry have spoken in recent months about how they struggled to talk about the death of their mother Princess Diana for years after she was killed in car crash in Paris in August 1997.

William met Andreia Gomes, who escaped the burning building with her husband Marcio, but tragically lost her son to a stillbirth after the fire, at the centre and told her two daughters how important it is not to keep their grief to themselves.

He told them: "Talk about your loss, promise me."

The girl's father has praised William and Harry for their support and the invaluable advice he gave his children.

According to E! News, Marcio said: "The princes were amazing. They really knew what they were talking about. You could see that they meant what they were saying.

"They have seen so many families impacted by the tragedy, and they know what they are going through.

"Everyone grieves in different ways. It is important that when someone is in pain that they have someone to talk to - not just next month, but next year or the year after."

The royal siblings day wasn't finished there, they then headed to Al-Manaar, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre, which was one of the first to respond to the incident, to see the work they are doing still to provide counselling and care to those who lived in the flats.
Vas J Morgan was rushed to hospital last night (05.09.17) after he was "attacked" in New York City.

Vas J Morgan (c) Twitter

The 'Only Way is Essex' star was strapped up to a drip and forced to have treatment on his left eye at a medical centre in the US after he was allegedly beaten by three men from Newcastle and subjected to homophobic slurs while he was out and about in the Big Apple on Tuesday.

Taking to his Twitter account on Wednesday (06.09.17), the reality TV star uploaded three photographs of his drip, his eye patch and his bloodshot eye and accompanied it with the caption: "Literally got attacked by 3 guys from Newcastle in nyc tonight cus "he's the towie queer" (sic)"

Vas - who is based in Essex - was in the US for a clothing launch but regularly jets across the pond because he's close friends with some major music stars, fashion icons and screen legends.

And his friend Lauren Pope - who is also a major character on 'TOWIE' - has hinted that Vas has a lot coming up in the near future as he's been working hard on a clothing project Stateside.

Speaking to BANG Showbiz a few months ago, she said: "He's in LA at the moment. He's working on some clothing projects so yeah I think that's what we'll see from him next year."

Meanwhile, Vas shut down his website VasJMorgan.com, which he's ran since 2010, in March in order to focus on other ventures because he no longer wanted to write about stars who are now his pals.

He wrote on Twitter at the time: "A Sex Tape, A court Case and a whole lot of gossip. It's time to say goodbye to VasJMorgan.com and move on to someTING positive. (sic)"

It's not known whether Vas has reported the alleged attack to the police.
For the fiscal 2017 ending June 30, 2017, Australia based Billabong International Limited has recorded decline of 4.7 per cent in its sales to Au$974.7 million on a constant currency (cc) basis. However, comparable retail revenue (comparable Bricks & Mortar stores and e-commerce) was up 0.1 per cent, and e-commerce sales overall grew 22.0 per cent cc.

For the reported period, the company's EBITDA of Au$51.1 million was up 2.8 per cent cc and 0.3 per cent as reported. In the second half, EBITDA of Au$27.2 million was up 50.1 per cent cc and 41.1 per cent as reported.

"At the annual general meeting we said we were confident that our strategy would produce a strong second half and drive overall EBITDA growth for the year, despite a first half that was behind the prior period. We have achieved those ambitious goals. This result marks a turning point for the company, and one on which we can build," Billabong chief executive officer Neil Fiske said.

For the fiscal 2017 ending June 30, 2017, Australia based Billabong International Limited has recorded decline of 4.7 per cent in its sales to Au$974.7 million on a constant currency (cc) basis. However, comparable retail revenue (comparable Bricks & Mortar stores and e-commerce) was up 0.1 per cent, and e-commerce sales overall grew 22.0 per cent cc. #

The Americas returned 46.9 per cent EBITDA growth cc. Europe rebounded from a soft first half to post full year EBITDA growth of 8.9 per cent cc, comparable gross margins improved in every region in the second half year-on-year, and operating cash flow improved substantially. In the second half, EBITDA on a constant currency basis was up 50 per cent. This is by far the best growth the company has reported for any period since the recapitalisation in 2013.

The company reported a Net Loss Before Tax of Au$8.4 million, excluding significant items and discontinued businesses. After a predominately non-cash impairment charge of Au$106.5 million the Net Loss After Tax was recorded at Au$77.1 million.

"The key to our ongoing success is the relevance of our brands. We continue to strengthen the connection with our customers, with global social media followership up 42 per cent year-on-year," said Fiske.

"Looking ahead, market conditions remain challenging, particularly in Australia, but we see opportunities for sustained earnings growth driven by further expansion in gross margins, acceleration of our direct to customer channels, strength in the Americas, growth in our RVCA brand, expanded global distribution, cost efficiencies and the ongoing benefits of our global platforms," concluded Fiske. (RR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing solutions, has made Vebotech the exclusive distributor for SDL Atlas in Germany and Switzerland. They will provide expert support for all SDL Atlas customers in their territory for instruments, equipment, calibrations, and test materials. Vebotech has over 40 years of experience in textile industry in Europe.Vebotech, with headquarters in Monchengladbach, Germany, was founded by the father and son team of Walter and Stefan Veldboer. Between them, they have over 40 years of experience with textile testing equipment and textile industry in Europe and will be bringing that expertise to their partnership with SDL Atlas.

SDL Atlas, a global leader in textile testing solutions, has made Vebotech the exclusive distributor for SDL Atlas in Germany and Switzerland. They will provide expert support for all SDL Atlas customers in their territory for instruments, equipment, calibrations, and test materials. Vebotech has over 40 years of experience in textile industry in Europe.#

We are pleased that Vebotech will be joining with us, said Rick Stanford, SDL Atlas general manager. We have every confidence that they will provide our current and new customers outstanding support and look forward to our future together.SDL Atlas provides confidence in standard based testing. With offices and experts in the United States, United Kingdom, Hong Kong and China, plus agents serving over 100 countries, SDL Atlas supports its customers with instruments, equipment, test materials, and services anywhere in the world. (SV)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The European Union (EU) recently appealed to the appellate body of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) highlighting some serious errors of law and legal interpretation in the report of the WTO dispute settlement panel that gave its verdict on a complaint filed by Pakistan against the EU in 2014. The panel had circulated its report on July 6.On October 28, 2014, Pakistan had complained against the imposition of provisional and definitive countervailing measures by the EU on imports of certain polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and with respect to certain aspects of the investigation underlying these measures.

The European Union (EU) recently appealed to the appellate body of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) highlighting 'some serious errors of law and legal interpretation' in the report of the WTO dispute settlement panel that gave its verdict on a complaint filed by Pakistan against the EU in 2014. The panel had circulated its report on July 6.#

The EU appeal, filed on August 30, requests the appellate body to fully reverse the panel's findings and conclusions in its report and declare moot and with no legal effect any of the findings and legal interpretations contained therein. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Botswana has finalised its national response strategy for the US Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by identifying potential sectors for export to the United States. The strategy includes a detailed implementation schedule with actions and activities for specific sectors to be undertaken by various stakeholders. The launch date is yet to be announced.This was conveyed recently by Botswanas assistant minister of trade and industry Biggie Butale to a womens leadership forum in Gaborone, according to a report in a regional weekly newspaper for southern Africa. Butale urged manufacturers to produce commodities of high standards for the US market.

Botswana has finalised its national response strategy for the US Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by identifying potential sectors for export to the United States. The strategy includes a detailed implementation schedule with actions and activities for specific sectors to be undertaken by various stakeholders. The launch date is yet to be announced.#

In August, USAID opened an office of its Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub in Gaborone. At its inaugural ceremony, permanent secretary in Botswanas ministry of trade Peggy Serame said the strategy would focus on beef, textile, arts and craft, and jewellery and help improve productivity by facilitating robust regional trade and global market access.USIAD will help local businesses with the utilisation of financial institutions, identify gaps and assist small and medium enterprises in building capacity. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Monforts, a leading manufacturer and exporter of textile machines in Germany, has now emerged as a top supplier of sustainable finishing applications. Monforts vice president Klaus Heinrichs has released an article on new solutions which are now leading the race with sustainable energy savings for finishing applications used in making fabrics.Monforts has a number of advanced technologies that can help mills who are finishing a diverse range of fabrics to achieve higher productivity and significant savings in both energy and raw materials.

Monforts, a leading manufacturer and exporter of textile machines in Germany, has now emerged as a top supplier of sustainable finishing applications. Monforts vice president Klaus Heinrichs has released an article on new solutions which are now leading the race with sustainable energy savings for finishing applications used in making fabrics.#

The Eco Applicator soft coating unit, as a replacement to conventional padder systems, allows the very efficient application of finish coatings to fabrics via a highly sophisticated plc-controlled, so called kiss roller system. The Eco Applicator is being made available for knitted fabrics, following the development of a guidance system specially-adapted to the needs of delicate knit treatments.The MonfortsThermo Stretch unit for the stretching and skewing of denim fabric under steam results in a much gentler treatment than was previously achievable. This results in much less steam having to be applied. The larger fabric content of the Thermo Stretch unit in combination with the double rubber twin compressive shrinking unit in minimum residual shrinkage values and highest production speeds which could not be achieved before.The recent acquisition of Austria-based Timatec and the integration of its range into the Monforts portfolio has further strengthened the companys position in respect of coating technology.The company can offer completely integrated coating lines from a single source and the coating machine is tailored to the subsequent Monforts drying technology by offering a complete coating line from a single source  with all the benefits resulting from a fully integrated plc control.The Eco Booster heat recovery unit was initially offered as a machine which had to be cleaned manually, but is now fully automatic, putting an end to maintenance downtime. Monforts was the first to offer heat recovery as a standard system, while all other manufacturers offered it as an option. The self-cleaning function is a significant advantage. The Eco Booster is equipped with an electric drive which makes computer-controlled optimisation of the heat exchangers performance to the prevailing exhaust air streams possible and the automated cleaning system eliminates down times for uninterrupted production. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
The United States consumed about 23.11 per cent of non-woven textile products exported by Indonesias Bali province in July, according to the countrys Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The products were worth $5.240 million. However, exports from Bali, primarily in textiles, declined by 15.87 per cent, or worth $988,739, in July compared to June.In July 2016, the province exported textiles worth $5.146 million,an Indonesian news agency reported quoting Bali BPS chairman Adi Nugroho. Textile products contributed to 13.75 percent of the overall $38.126 million exports in the province, he said.

The United States consumed about 23.11 per cent of non-woven textile products exported by Indonesia's Bali province in July, according to the country's Central Statistics Agency (BPS). The products were worth $5.240 million. However, exports from Bali, primarily in textiles, declined by 15.87 per cent, or worth $988,739, in July compared to June.#

The US market was the highest consumer of manually-produced Balinese textile products, followed by Singapore, with 14.29 per cent, Australia, with 9.30 per cent, and Hong Kong, with 6.29 percent.The provinces industry and trade agency has launched a training program for small and mid-sized businesses to improve the design of textile products and other derivative commodities. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Oracle NetSuite, a leading provider of cloud-based financials / ERP, HR, Professional Services Automation (PSA), and omnichannel commerce software suites, has announced that Lfplaza Group, a wholesale distributor of luxury and designer fashion clothing, bags, shoes and accessories, has scaled its Hong Kong business since deploying NetSuite OneWorld in 2012.NetSuites unified cloud business management platform has given Lfplaza scalability and agility as its business has soared from the start-up phase to $300 million HKD (about $38.4 million USD) in revenue in just five years.

Oracle NetSuite, a leading provider of cloud-based financials / ERP, HR, Professional Services Automation (PSA), and omnichannel commerce software suites, has announced that Lfplaza Group, a wholesale distributor of luxury and designer fashion clothing, bags, shoes and accessories, has scaled its Hong Kong business since deploying NetSuite OneWorld in 2012.#

Oracle NetSuite OneWorld powers end-to-end processes for Lfplazas sales of goods from more than 100 brands to a network of over 600 wholesale clients and about 40 regional multi-brand boutiques across Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.As a cloud-based system, NetSuite enables Lfplaza to avoid the high capital expenditures of servers and software needed with traditional on premise business systems. Ease of use, efficient workflows, and high visibility into mission-critical data have allowed the company to minimise administrative and operational costs and instead focus new hires on revenue-driving sales and marketing activities.Implementation and optimisation by NetSuite Solution Provider Fern Limited, in Hong Kong, has helped Lfplaza make the most of its NetSuite OneWorld solution as usage evolved from inventory to accounting and CRM.NetSuite gives Lfplaza real-time visibility into tens of thousands of SKUs, particularly important as new products are constantly added. It also helps Lfplaza account for subtle variations in products, such as shiny vs. matte leather for the same handbag.Lfplaza makes extensive use of NetSuites reporting and analytics capabilities to track revenue and product sales by brand, type of goods, gender, regions, and other dimensions. Insights derived are vital to Lfplazas ability to adapt the business and product line-up as needed.NetSuite has helped Lfplaza achieve business agility, better manage brand and customer partnerships, and optimise inventory and pricing in the fast-paced and rapidly changing luxury fashion market.NetSuite OneWorld lets Lfplaza easily transact in currencies including Hong Kong, Australian and US dollars, Chinese renminbi, British pound, Japanese yen, New Taiwan dollar and the Euro, and manage three subsidiaries with efficient financial consolidation. NetSuite CRM gives Lfplaza sales staff a unified record of all customer account, interaction and order history information to help drive sales and provide a superior customer experience. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Spanning over 2.4 million square feet, split across two 40-storey residential towers, and above a huge shopping mall

In a world-first, apartments will be priced and sold in the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin - the currency of the future, direct from the website https://www.astonplazacrypto.com/

Aston Plaza and Residences is the first public joint venture between Baroness Michelle Mone OBE and businessman Doug Barrowman

Communal areas will be designed by Michelle Mone Interiors. Apartments benefit from an interior design and furniture services-alsopriced in Bitcoin

Today, Baroness Michelle Mone OBE launches her biggest business venture yet -a $330 million development of two luxury apartment towers and shopping mall in the heart of Dubai. This is the first joint business venture between the two business icons, Baroness Michelle Mone OBE and businessman and philanthropist Doug Barrowman, the Chairman of theKnox group of companies. The initial tranche of 150 apartments is, for the first time, available to the cryptocurrency community to buy directly from the property developer in Bitcoin.

Baroness Michelle Mone of Mayfair OBE, commented: "I am thrilled to be launching a project of this scale as a step in the property development business. This is also a natural progression from the launch ofMichelle Mone Interiors- bringing together my two passions in business for the first time; design and property.

I have ensured, along with my business and life partner Doug, that our new development in Dubai offers exceptional homes to professionals and young families. The towers have been designed with community at its core and cater to the those looking for style, lifestyle and convenience, in a beautiful location.

Doug and I are both trailblazers in our own business sectors, so of course we wanted this to be different, unique and exciting - not just in the world of property, but also tech. This is why it is the first-ever development to be priced in Bitcoin. This is a launch of many 'firsts' in business and I look forward to an exciting project ahead for myself, Doug and the team."

Doug Barrowman, Chairman of the Knox group of companies, said: "This is a project I have worked very hard on for some time and the Dubai development is the pinnacle of design, architecture and commerciality. That said, I didn't feel this was enough. I wanted to offer the property, tech and blockchain community a unique and exclusive opportunity by merging the property and tech sectors together in a true first for the industry.

"Bitcoin's meteoric rise in a few short years means it's now the world's leading cryptocurrency. This is exactly why we are the first property development ever to be priced in Bitcoin. I believe, as it gains mainstream adoption, many will follow our lead on this. I would, as I have done throughout my career in business, like to be the one who starts the trend, a very exciting one at that."

The highly-anticipated selection of 1,133 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, is due for completion in September 2019. Apartments offer floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of the Dubai Hills and the iconic city skyline. Renowned architects, John R Harris & Partners, have used bold architecture contrasted with relaxing, open and sociable communal areas designed by Michelle Mone Interiors. The development also boasts the Plaza - three floors dedicated to retail which will include boutiques, cafes, restaurants and a supermarket.

Studio apartments will start in price from approximately 30 BTC and packages for interior design services and furniture will also be offered to purchase in bitcoins. Investors can expect to receive generous nine percent rental returns on their investment after completion.

Industry-leading bitcoin payments platformBitPaywill be processing the bitcoin transactions. The company already provides bitcoin payment tools to companies such as Microsoft and even Richard Branson's space venture Virgin Galactic.

"Bitcoin payments offer a significant leap forward for high-value international payments," said Stephen Pair, CEO and co-founder of BitPay. "These property purchases can now happen in minutes from anywhere in the world with the speed of sending an email. We are pleased to partner with Lady Michelle Mone OBE, Doug Barrowman, and the Knox Group of companies on this exciting opportunity for Bitcoin and for property payments."

For further information, please visit the website:http://www.astonplazacrypto.com/

Pricing for the properties:

Studio - Average Price 133,000 USD , approximately 30 BTC

, approximately 30 BTC 1 Bedroom - Average Price: 239,000 USD , approximately 54 BTC

, approximately 54 BTC 2 Bedroom - Average Price: 379,000 USD , approximately 86 BTC

Media Contact

Tom Fry

Bright Bee for Knox Group of Companies

knox@brightbee.co.uk

+44 0208 819-3170


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced that 49 states and the District of Columbia have reached a $120 million settlement with General Motors Company (GM) over allegations that GM concealed safety issues related to ignition-switch-related defects in GM vehicles. GM agreed to pay the participating attorneys general a total of $120 million, including $4.33 million to New York State.



The settlement concluded a multistate investigation into the auto manufacturer's failure to disclose in a timely manner known safety defects associated with unintended key rotation-related and/or ignition switch-related issues in several models and model years of GM vehicles.



'Instead of prioritizing customers, General Motors turned a blind eye for years and chose to conceal the safety defects associated with several models of their vehicles,' Attorney General Schneiderman said.



In 2014, GM issued seven vehicle recalls in response to unintended key rotation-related and/or ignition switch-related issues, which have affected over 9 million vehicles in the U.S.



The recalls involved a defective ignition switch which, under certain conditions, could move out of the 'Run' position to the 'Accessory' or 'Off' position. If this occurs, the driver experiences a loss of electrical systems, including power steering and power brakes. If a collision occurs while the ignition switch is in the 'Accessory' or 'Off' position, the vehicle's safety airbags may also fail to deploy, increasing the risk of serious injury or death in certain types of crashes in which the airbag was otherwise designed to deploy.



The seven vehicle recalls impacted 25 different makes and models, which are listed in the complaint.



As the states alleged, certain employees of GM and General Motors Corporation knew as early as 2004 that the ignition switch posed a safety defect because it could cause airbag non-deployment. However, despite this knowledge, GM personnel decided it wasn't a safety concern and delayed making recalls. GM continued to market the reliability and safety of its motor vehicles, which were equipped with this defective ignition switch.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Chinese ride-hailing juggernaut Didi Chuxing has invested in the world's top seven ride-hailing platforms in the past two years, according to a report by ifeng.com.

Didi founder and chief executive officer Cheng Wei said China was leading the world in online transportation service so internationalization was the most important strategic next step.

Didi has invested in Brazilia's 99, India's Ola, Estonia-based Taxify that operates in Europe and Africa, Careem in Middle East, Southeast Asia's Grab and Uber, as well as Uber's US rival Lyft.

Cheng, who attended the Business Forum of the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Monday said Didi aims at a future-oriented win-win cooperation rather than a zero-sum game.

He said the internationalization Didi desires is not competitive-oriented but cooperation-oriented.

"Instead of competing with local companies or overturning local traditional industries, what we look forward to is exporting the innovative models and technologies in solving traffic problems that we have learned in China in the past years, as well as capital cities," Cheng explained.

As an example, he said Didi's 100 engineers have worked in Brazil for half a year and advanced the local online transport service by three or four years.

In January, the company signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Brazil's leading ride-sharing firm 99, becoming a strategic investor and taking a seat on its board of directors.

Besides capital, Didi promised it will provide strategic support to 99 such as technology, products, operational experience and business planning, helping the company expand markets in Brazil and Latin America, according to a report by National Business Daily.

Since investing in Indian ride-sharing leader Ola in September 2015, Didi has partnered with Ola in exploring products and technologies, as well as sharing experiences in big data algorithms and business operations, tech.163.com reported.

Back in August 2015, Didi invested in Grab, the taxi-hailing app that rivals Uber in Southeast Asia. That was its first investment in the ride-hailing sector and the first step of the Beijing-based company's global expansion.

Grab co-founder and CEO Anthony Tan said Didi and Grab respect each other like brothers and this kind of partnership ensures the company serves the local market better, the Wall Street Journal reported, National Business Daily cited.

The past two years experience has made Cheng realize the speed of the Chinese new economy's global expansion is faster than other traditional industries.

"China will lead the world in the sharing economy and become the center of transportation reform in the following 10 years," Cheng expected.
LONDON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --An already strong hearables market is getting a boost from vendors rolling out new multi-functional products. Evolving from just wireless music players with the ability to take calls, many hearables devices now provide the user with the ability to control the level of ambient noise, with others offering fitness tracking capabilities, information about scheduling, and even real-time language translation. ABI Research forecasts hearable shipments will top 11 million in 2022, increasing from just 0.6 million in 2017, at a CAGR of more than 75%.

"Hearables are beneficial for both consumer and enterprise users, as they can access hands-free calls, music, and even information, without wires attaching them to a separate device, such as a smartphone," says Stephanie Lawrence, Research Analyst at ABI Research. "Old devices are being updated and new devices are being developed, which is helping to ensure that the hearables market continues to grow."

In recent months, many companies have updated their offerings. Many new consumer products have been announced, such as Bragi's Dash Pro, which offers an extended battery life, language translation, and support by IBM's Watson. Other consumer products have begun shipping, such as Doppler Labs' Here One, Nuheara's IQbuds, and Sony's Xperia Ear. Some existing consumer products have also seen updates, such as Alpha Audiotronics' Skybuds, which now provide alerts if they are out of Bluetooth range and a Find My Skybuds feature which identifies the last known location.

Many of these products also have uses within an enterprise setting and a number of vendors have updated their enterprise specific devices. Jabra has released a headset for office workers with active noise cancellation, the ability to simultaneously connect to two devices, and an extended range. Maven Machines released a new driver headset that measures head position to ensure the driver is focused and driving safely. Plantronics released a new device for mobile workers with audio management, voice activated mute alert, and information on caller names and call statuses. Theatro's retail worker communicator device has also been updated to allow workers to upsell or recommend alternate products, due to a partnership with CloudTags.

"These new releases and updates are causing the enterprise and consumer hearables markets to grow substantially," concludes Lawrence. "The additional functionalities are expanding the number of use cases in which hearable devices are an advantageous addition."

These findings are from ABI Research's Consumer and Enterprise Hearables Update report. This report is part of the company'sEnterprise Digitization & Workplace Automation research service, which includes research, data, and analyst insights.

About ABI Research

ABI Research stands at the forefront of technology market intelligence, providing business leaders with comprehensive research and consulting services to help them implement informed, transformative technology decisions. Founded more than 25 years ago, the company's global team of senior and long-tenured analysts delivers deep market data forecasts, analyses, and teardown services. ABI Research is an industry pioneer, proactively uncovering ground-breaking business cycles and publishing research 18 to 36 months in advance of other organizations. For more information, visit www.abiresearch.com.

Contact Info:





Americas EMEA/APAC Deborah Petrara Denise Duffy Tel: +1.516.624.2558 Tel: +44.203.326.0142 pr@abiresearch.com duffy@abiresearch.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/276887/abi_research_logo.jpg
Osborne Clarke chooses DocsCorp as its preferred document comparison and metadata management solutions for its integration with iManage and support for Windows 10

DocsCorp (www.docscorp.com), a leading provider of document productivity tools, today announced that Osborne Clarke, a leading multinational law firm headquartered in London, UK, has replaced Workshare metadata management and document comparison software in all its offices globally with cleanDocs and compareDocs.

Osborne Clarke selected DocsCorp as a Workshare replacement specifically because it integrates with iManage Worksite 9; supports Windows 10 and MS Office 2016; complies with data security and compliance standards; and is simple and intuitive to use, minimizing training requirements.

Commenting on the switch, Stuart Chapman, Osborne Clarke IT Applications Manager said, "The response from DocsCorp was exemplary, resulting in a successful trial with very positive feedback from users. By switching to a perpetual license, the cost savings over three years with DocsCorp were very attractive. Integration, compatibility, compliance, pricing and ease of use-DocsCorp ticked all the boxes."

Ben Mitchell, DocsCorp VP EMEA Sales said, "We are delighted to have worked with Osborne Clarke on this successful implementation and will continue to develop our products to meet their future needs and requirements."

About DocsCorp

DocsCorp designs easy-to-use software and services for document professionals who use enterprise content management systems. We provide solutions for metadata removal, document processing, PDF manipulation, and document comparison. The DocsCorp product suite is built to drive business efficiency and increase the value of existing technology investment. DocsCorp is a global brand with customers located in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and beyond. More than 3,500 organizations rely on DocsCorp software every day. Find out more at docscorp.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Blog.

About Osborne Clarke

Osborne Clarke provides insightful and effective legal services to meet clients' advisory, litigation and transactional needs. The firm has offices in all major European economies: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Our offices in Silicon Valley, San Francisco and New York advise US companies targeting Europe, before they leave home. They also have a high level of experience and expertise working with companies from and targeting Australia, Brazil, India, The Middle East, Russia, the CIS countries and elsewhere. For more information, visit the website.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005619/en/

Contacts:

DocsCorp Media Contacts

North America and EMEA

Christy Burke

President Burke Company

(00 1) 917-261-2845

cburke@burke-company.com

or

Asia Pacific

Anna Biala, +61 (0) 2 8270 8500

DocsCorp Marketing Manager

anna.biala@docscorp.com
HONG KONG, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Leading German jewellery brand THOMAS SABO was delighted to host its opening of the Hong Kong Ocean Terminal flagship store and special preview of the latest Dragon Nights Edition on 5 September 2017. To celebrate this special occasion, founder and designer Mr. Thomas Sabo came to Hong Kong to officiate the ribbon cutting ceremony with guest of honour Korean pop star CL.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/551713/THOMAS_SABO_Grand_Opening.jpg )

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/551714/Hong_Kong_Ocean_Terminal.jpg )



THOMAS SABO Ocean Terminal Flagship Store introduces new design concepts, incorporating mid-century elements with simplistic decorations. The boutique utilises a fresh colour palette of warmer and lighter colours and marks a new era of shop-fitting for THOMAS SABO stores in Asia.

A special preview of the exclusive Dragon Nights Edition, available from October, was held inside the store on the same day. The Dragon as a sign of happiness and the "Shou" sign of the great blessing as a symbol of long life are the highly symbolic key pieces of the collection. Decorated with feathered dragon heads and intertwined ornaments, the handcrafted collection makes Far Eastern mythology tangible and shines with its glamour. The collection pre-launched at selected THOMAS SABO shops in Hong Kong on 5 September 2017.

Image material for editorial purposes: https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/Y3ZKJbhdwp

About THOMASSABO

THOMASSABO is one of the globally-leading jewellery and watches companies, designing, selling and distributing lifestyle products for women and men. The company, established in 1984 in Germany, operates around 300 of its own shops across all five continents. THOMASSABO also collaborates globally with approximately 2,800 trade partners as well as leading airlines and cruise operators.

Press contact:



THOMASSABOGmbH&Co.KG

FeliziaKindermann

HeadofInternational&CorporatePR

+49912397150

press@thomassabo.com
Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, and Rigontec today announced that Merck will acquire Rigontec. Rigontec is a pioneer in accessing the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) pathway, part of the innate immune system, as a novel and distinct approach in cancer immunotherapy to induce both immediate and long-term anti-tumor immunity. Rigontec's lead candidate, RGT100, is currently in Phase I development evaluating treatment in patients with various tumors. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck, through a subsidiary, will make an upfront cash payment of 115 million to Rigontec's shareholders; based on the attainment of certain clinical, development, regulatory and commercial milestones, Merck may make additional contingent payments of up to 349 million. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions.

"Rigontec's immuno-oncology approach of engaging the innate immune system to safely eliminate cancer cells complements our strategy and our current pipeline," said Dr. Eric Rubin, vice president of early-stage development, clinical oncology, Merck Research Laboratories. "We are eager to build upon Rigontec's science as we continue our efforts in bringing forward meaningful advances for patients with cancer."

"Merck is a true pioneer in the immuno-oncology space and we are thrilled that our technology will benefit from their experience and leadership position," said Christian Schetter, Ph.D., CEO of Rigontec. "We are confident that our programs will be in the best hands and that the team at Merck will continue the work we established with our scientific founders and brought into the clinic within three years since our foundation as a company."

About Rigontec

Rigontec is the leader in RIG-I targeting therapeutics. Utilizing the proprietary RIG-I agonist approach, the company harnesses one of the most essential pathways in the innate immune system to pioneer a novel immuno-oncology treatment approach. Rigontec's proprietary agonists specifically activate RIG-I, inducing both immediate and long-term anti-tumor immunity and have proven substantial local and systemic tumor regression in several relevant in vivo models. In addition to malignant diseases, proprietary RNA molecules can be developed for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Rigontec was founded in 2014 as a spin-out of the University Bonn, Germany, and has to date raised close to 30 million from experienced life science investors including Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, Forbion Capital Partners, High-Tech Grunderfonds, MP Healthcare Venture Management, NRW.BANK, Sunstone Capital and Wellington Partners Life Sciences.

Merck's Focus on Cancer

Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, helping people fight cancer is our passion and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. Our focus is on pursuing research in immuno-oncology and we are accelerating every step in the journey from lab to clinic to potentially bring new hope to people with cancer.

As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the fastest-growing development programs in the industry. We are currently executing an expansive research program that includes more than 550 clinical trials evaluating our anti-PD-1 therapy across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our immuno-oncology portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising immunotherapeutic candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers.

For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials.

About Merck

For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and communities around the world including cancer, cardio-metabolic diseases, emerging animal diseases, Alzheimer's disease and infectious diseases including HIV and Ebola. For more information, visit www.merck.comand connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

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Contacts:

Media:

Pamela Eisele, Merck

267-305-3558

or

Kim Hamilton, Merck

908-740-1863

or

Dr. Stephanie May, Rigontec

MacDougall Biomedical Communications

+49 175 5711562

or

Investors:

Teri Loxam, Merck

908-740-1986

or

Amy Klug, Merck

908-740-1898

or

Dr. Christian Schetter, Rigontec

+49 151 466 75 978
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - U.K. shares extended losses from the previous session on Wednesday as a sharp drop in Treasury yields and Brexit fears weighed on banking and housebuilding stocks. The benchmark FTSE 100 was down 44 points or 0.59 percent at 7,329 in late opening deals after losing half a percent the previous day. Barclays and HSBC Holdings fell around 1 percent after the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield fell to a 10-month low of 2.054 percent amid dovish discussion from two Fed officials. Troubled sub-prime lender Provident Financial fell almost 3 percent, Prudential dropped 1.3 percent and Old Mutual declined 1.1 percent. Barratt Developments shares tumbled 3.2 percent after the housebuilder provided a cautious outlook, saying it would 'carefully' monitor Brexit's impact on the housing market. Similarly, Berkeley Group Holdings lost 2.8 percent after warning over the impact of Brexit uncertainty on London's property market. Royal Mail lost 1 percent after reports that the Communications Workers Union will vote on industrial action. On the positive side, software group Micro Focus soared almost 8 percent after posting improved third-quarter results for the newly-acquired software business of Hewlett Packard Enterprises. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In accordance with a resolution taken at the Annual General Meeting of AB SKF on 29 March 2017, this is to announce the representatives of the four largest shareholders by number of votes, who, together with the Chairman of the Board, constitute the Nomination Committee in preparation of the Annual General Meeting 2018.

Representatives:

Marcus Wallenberg, FAM

Ramsay Brufer, Alecta

Anders Jonsson, Skandia

Johan Strandberg, SEB Investment Management

The Annual General Meeting of AB SKF will be held in Gothenburg on Tuesday, 27 March, 2018.

Shareholders who wish to submit proposals on members of the AB SKF Board, Board Chairman, Board fees, Chairman of the Annual General Meeting, or Nomination Committee in preparation of the Annual General Meeting 2019, can, at the latest two months before the Annual General Meeting 2018, contact the Chairman of the Board of AB SKF on e-mail: chairman@skf.com

Aktiebolaget SKF

(publ)

For further information, please contact:

PRESS: Theo Kjellberg, Director, Press Relations

tel: 46-31-337-6576, mobile: 46-725-776576, e-mail: theo.kjellberg@skf.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS: Patrik Stenberg, Head of Investor Relations

Patrik Stenberg, 46-31-337-2104; 46-705-472-104; patrik.stenberg@skf.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/skf/r/nomination-committee-of-ab-skf-for-the-annual-general-meeting-2018,c2346530

The following files are available for download:
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- Serengeti Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SIR)(FRANKFURT: 34S) and partner Fjordland Exploration Inc. (TSX VENTURE: FEX) announce the completion of a drill access road and mobilization of a drill rig to the partners Milligan West Property. Drilling will include testing a very strong induced polarization (IP) geophysical anomaly identified on the Milligan West property, located four kilometers west of the currently producing Mt. Milligan Mine owned by Centerra Gold Inc. The partners view this target as having the size and intensity to host a potentially significant sulphide system at a moderate depth. The anomaly remains open to the west for expansion and is a high priority for drill testing. Three holes, totalling 1200 meters are planned as an initial test and the program may be expanded dependent on drilling progress and results.

Please see the Milligan West property section of Company's website to view images of the location maps and IP profiles of the target area (https://www.serengetiresources.com/projects/milligan-west/).

The Milligan West property is owned 56.3% by Serengeti and 43.7% by Fjordland Exploration Inc. and is part of Serengeti's prospective pipeline of properties that the Company believes has the potential to add significant value for its shareholders. The Milligan West drill program is one of three planned by Serengeti this year, the others being the first ever drill program on a high priority target on the UDS property and Pre-Feasibility drilling on the Company's flagship Kwanika Copper Gold Project.

2017 Annual General Meeting

In addition, the Company announces the results of its Annual General held Thursday August 31st, 2017 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

A total of 32,633,615 common shares of the 85,240,821 common shares outstanding were voted, representing 38.28% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Serengeti. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the meeting including the election of all the directors as follows:

Votes in Votes Nominee Favour % Withheld % David W. Moore 32,631,615 99.99 2000 0.01 Ian D. Brown 32,631,615 99.99 2000 0.01 Lewis V. Lawrick 32,631,615 99.99 2000 0.01 George D. Tikkanen 32,631,615 99.99 2000 0.01

Other resolutions passed unanimous at the meeting were the re-appointment of DeVisser Gray, LLP, Chartered Accountants as Auditors of the Company for the ensuing and authorizing the Directors to fix their remuneration.

About Serengeti Resources Inc.

Serengeti is a mineral exploration company managed by an experienced team of professionals with a solid track record of exploration success. The Company is currently advancing its Kwanika copper-gold project in partnership with Daewoo Minerals Canada and exploring its extensive portfolio of properties in the highly prospective Quesnel Trough of British Columbia. A number of these other projects are available for option or joint venture and additional information can be found on the Company's website at www.serengetiresources.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

David W. Moore, P. Geo., President, CEO and Director

Cautionary Statement

This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. All statements other than statements of historical fact herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding exploration plans and other future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and future events and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations as well as a comprehensive list of risk factors are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time via SEDAR with the Canadian regulatory agencies to whose policies we are bound. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should conditions or our estimates change, other than as required by law and readers are further advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The information in this News Release related to the Kwanika Copper/Gold Project was derived from the PEA. Statements pertaining to projected revenues and cash flows, quantity and grade of mineralized materials, estimated mineral prices are forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that this PEA is preliminary in nature, and is based on technical and economic assumptions which will be evaluated in further studies. The PEA is based on the current (as at January 2017) Kwanika estimated resource model, which consists of material in both the indicated and inferred classifications. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have technical and economic considerations applied to them. The current basis of project information is not sufficient to convert the mineral resources to mineral reserves, and mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Accordingly, there can be no certainty that the results estimated in the PEA will be realized.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Investor Relations:

Paradox Public Relations

514-341-0408

Toll free (in North America) 1-866-460-0408

info@paradox-pr.ca



Serengeti Resources Inc.

604-605-1300

info@serengetiresources.com

www.serengetiresources.com




Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 1, 2018) - Royal Road Minerals Limited (TSXV: RYR) ("Royal Road" or the "Company") reports on drilling results from its recently completed 9-hole reverse-circulation drilling program at its Piedra Iman copper-gold project in northeastern Nicaragua (see Table 1).

The Piedra Iman concession area is located in Chinandega District, 200km northwest of Managua via the Pan American Highway. The project forms part of the Company's 50-50 strategic alliance with local partner Hemco, a subsidiary of Grupo Mineros S.A. Colombia's largest gold producer (see press release September 6, 2017).

Piedra Iman is a copper and gold project which shares many geological similarities with "cordilleran-style" Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) systems such as those which occur in Chile and Peru. The Piedra Iman project was initially explored in the early 1970's by Noranda Inc ("Noranda"). Noranda's work included the drilling of 17 shallow diamond drill holes and the development of one exploration adit. Noranda's drilling and underground sampling intersected significant widths of copper mineralization including DDH-851 (36.6 meters at 1.13% Copper), DDH-876 (14.8 meters at 1.65% Copper), DDH-846 (14.3 meters at 1.42% Copper) and DDH-818 (9.1 meters at 1.50% Copper). Samples were only sporadically assayed for gold, but drilling results included one interval of 3.6 meters at 6.3 grams per tonne gold. Channel results from underground sampling are reported to have returned best results of 52 meters at 6.2 and 50 meters at 6.4 grams per tonne gold. These results were provided in analogue format, compiled by Royal Road, are historic in nature and have not been verified by a qualified person. Noranda abandoned the project due to the onset of hostilities related with the Sandinista revolution in 1974.

Results from this drilling program include best intersections of PI-006; 8 meters at 9.3 grams per tonne gold and 31 meters at 0.5% copper, PI-008; 103 meters at 0.36% copper and PI-007, 40 meters at 0.38% copper (see Table 1). Gold and copper mineralization are hosted in the same magmatic breccia but are spatially distinct, with gold generally occurring structurally below the copper mineralization (see Figure 1). Gold mineralization is commonly related with molybdenum and accompanied by albite, actinolite, tourmaline and magnetite. Gold mineralization appears to be superposed on the overlying copper-mineralization which is generally accompanied by potassium feldspar. The occasionally high-grade (up to 70.5 grams per tonne) and irregular distribution of gold in duplicate sample results suggests that it is coarse in nature.

"These drilling results failed to confirm the copper intersections reported by Noranda in the early 1970's and have revealed that higher grade gold is not spatially related to copper mineralization," said Dr Tim Coughlin, Royal Road's President and CEO. "The Royal Road-Hemco strategic-alliance is focused on discovering and developing significant resources in excess of two million gold or gold-equivalent ounces. Whilst the geological style of mineralization at Piedra Iman is promising, these new drilling results suggest that the project would only meet our target criteria should the system we have been testing reside above and/or adjacent to a more coherent and higher-grade gold or copper-gold mineralized body. We intend to test this hypothesis quickly and cheaply by seeking permission to reopen Noranda's historic underground exploration development and resample the underground channels where Noranda have reported significant gold grades over long intervals. In terms of further drilling, the strategic alliance will now focus its attention on the porphyry copper-gold target at Los Andes."

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.

The information in this news release was compiled, reviewed and verified by Dr. Tim Coughlin, BSc (Geology), MSc (Exploration and Mining), PhD (Structural Geology), FAusIMM, President and CEO of Royal Road Minerals Ltd and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Royal Road Minerals employees are instructed to follow standard operating and quality assurance procedures intended to ensure that all sampling techniques and sample results meet international reporting standards. More information can be found on Royal Road Minerals web site at www.royalroadminerals.com

Cautionary statement:

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") including e statements relating to the Alliance and those describing the Company's future plans and the expectations of its management that a stated result or condition will occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company's business or in the mineral resources industry, or with respect to the Alliance, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that is based on assumptions about, among other things, future economic conditions and courses of action, and assumptions related to government approvals, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The words "plans", "prospective", "expect", "intend", "intends to" and similar expressions identify forward looking statements, which may also include, without limitation, any statement relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. Forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, those related to the Alliance, Hemco, and the Company's plans exploration plans.

The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. There is no guarantee that the anticipated benefits of the Alliance and the Company's business plans or operations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: economic market conditions, anticipated costs and expenditures, government approvals, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian provincial securities regulators or other applicable regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements included herein are based on the current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions of the Company management and, in part, on information provided to the Company by Hemco, and, except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change.

For further information please contact:

Dr. Timothy Coughlin

President and Chief Executive Officer

USA-Canada toll free 1800 6389205

+44 (0)1534 887166

+44 (0)7797 742800

info@royalroadminerals.com







Figure 1



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4008/33224_figure1_enhanced.jpg







Table 1



To view an enhanced version of Table 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4008/33224_table1_enhanced.jpg




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: 14 September 2017 Number of Shares purchased: 22,500 Shares Highest price paid per Share: 1,001 pence 13.41 USD Lowest price paid per Share: 991 pence 13.27 USD Average price paid per Share: 996.29 pence 13.35 USD

PSH intends to cancel these Shares. The net asset value per Share related to this Share buyback is USD 16.82 GBP 12.66 which was calculated as of 12 September 2017. After giving effect to the above Share buyback, PSH has outstanding 237,885,771 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/20170914006376/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Maitland

James Devas, +44 20 7379 5151

Media-pershingsquareholdings1@maitland.co.uk
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), speaks to China.org.cn in Xiamen, Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. [Photo/ China.org.cn]

The top executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) told China.org.cn on Tuesday in Xiamen, Fujian Province, during the BRICS Summit that intra-BRICS investments are not enough and the current focus is on greater use of the bloc's collective potential and cooperation.

"Unlike other economic blocs and organizations, BRICS economies are not yet closely entwined," said Kirill Dmitriev, chief executive officer of the RDIF. "As individual countries, we are more likely, and willing, to invest in non-BRICS countries rather than in each other's economies. Intra-BRICS investments currently accounts for only about 10 percent of the bloc economies' total foreign direct investment. Therefore, it is very important to continue developing intra-group economic ties."

Prior to becoming CEO of RDIF in 2011, the legendary Kirill Dmitriev headed a number of large private equity funds and completed a series of landmark transactions, including the sale of Delta Bank to General Electric and STS Media to Fidelity Investments among others.

In 2011 he was the only Russian representative on the list of the "100 most influential private equity professionals of the decade" by the Private Equity International magazine.

He is certain that BRICS will be more influential in the future outside the United States bloc realm.

"Any original effort aimed at removing or reducing obstacles, and creating opportunities for joint development, will certainly have a positive effect. The task for us is not to oppose efforts, but to unite them," he said.

Dmitriev revealed to China.org.cn that this time they have also discussed the possibility of introducing cryptocurrency for settlements between the BRICS countries, as they believe that at some point in the future they may substitute traditional currencies. Another key topic discussed during the summit is the need to create an environment conducive of promoting mutual trust and global macroeconomic growth.

"It is extremely important for us that Russia continues to grow its investment appeal for international investors, and to play a key role in the development of international economic relations," he added.

China is already Russia's largest foreign trade partner, and this naturally has a positive impact on the investment cooperation between the two countries. Last year, total foreign direct investment from China to Russian increased by 12 percent.

The executive believed that the interactions of Russia and China within the BRICS summit will be fundamental to developing Russian-Chinese trade and economic relations.

"We need to continue promoting settlements in our national currencies and eliminate the remaining barriers to the free flow of capital between us. It is important that both the Russian and Chinese leadership understand that our current cooperation is mutually beneficial, and promotes further progress and development," he said.

RDIF was founded in June 2011 under the leadership of both then-President Dmitry Medvedev and then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as part of a broader initiative to improve the investment climate of Russia and establish Moscow as an international financial center. RDIF and China Investment Corporation (CIC) are co-heading the Entrepreneurship Committee under the Russian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission for Investment Cooperation, which is currently considering more than 60 projects totaling around US$100 billion. RCIF has already co-invested US$5 billion with its partners and at least an equal amount of investment available for projects currently under development.

The fund has many investment projects in China, such as a hi-tech zone in Xi'an, and a robot center, an online steel trade platform and more, many of which are technology-oriented. The pool of RDIF's Chinese partners is expanding. In addition to CIC, partners include Inventis Investment Holdings, China Development Bank, Silk Road Fund, China-Eurasian Economic Cooperation Fund, Sinomec and others. Dmitriev revealed they are currently considering the construction of a wind power station in Karelia jointly with Chinas Fujian Province.

"We note the positive investment dynamic in our projects in China and the high interest in several sectors, especially in technology. This is one of the reasons why the capital of Russia-China Investment Fund (RCIF), established jointly by RDIF and China Investment Corporation, has doubled to US$2 billion," he continued. "We are also considering new opportunities. One such opportunity is establishing a mechanism allowing investments to be settled in national currencies.

During the visit of President Xi Jinping to Moscow this summer, RDIF signed an agreement with China Development Bank to establish the China-Russia RMB Investment Cooperation Fund, which would enable the implementation of direct investments with settlements in national currencies totaling 68 billion yuan (US$10 billion).

As for the possibility of the BRICS free trade zone in the future, Dmitriev said they support initiatives that are designed to have a positive economic impact. "But at the same time, it is important that these initiatives do not hamper development. This year we expect to surpass the US$80 billion mark and the value of trade between Russia and China will soon be US$100 billion. The export of Russian agricultural products to China, a sector gaining in momentum, will play a crucial role in reaching this figure."

He expected that the amicable relationship between Russia and China can be successfully replicated with other BRICS countries. "These partnerships will only grow and strengthen. As such, out of 50 RDIF portfolio companies, more than half are developing business with partners from BRICS countries. Having analyzed RDIF's transactions, we have come to a conclusion that investments in Russia with partners from BRICS will double in value over the next three years," he stated.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- Magna Terra Minerals Inc. ("Magna Terra" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: MTT) is pleased to announce the initiation of a geophysical program which covers five projects. The projects being advanced are Piedra Negra, Covadonga, El Meridiano, La Rosita and Gertrudis.

The Piedra Negra Project is located approximately 25 km N-NE of the Cerro Vanguardia gold mine (AngloGold Ashanti) and is accessible by a good unpaved road, from the Tres Cerros Hotel, 30 km to the east, (see Figure 1). The Cerro Covadonga Project, approximately 25 km north of Cerro Vanguardia, is adjacent to Piedra Negra and is accessed by the same road from Tres Cerros, approximately 40 km to the east. The EL Meridiano project is approximately 40 km NW of Cerro Vanguardia and 70 km west of Tres Cerros. These three projects constitute the first phase of the geophysical program and are to be followed immediately by the La Rosita and Gertrudis Projects. La Rosita project is located 15 km NE of Mina Martha silver mine and 21 km north of the Manantial Espejo silver mine and is approached by 80 km of unpaved roads and farm tracks from Gobernador Gregores. The Gertrudis Project is reached by 110 km of unpaved road and farm tracks from the town of Pico Truncado.

The program, covering the five projects, is comprised of 138 line km of Ground Magnetometry, 44.5 line km of Induced Polarization and 7.5 line km of CSAMT. The distribution of the work is outlined in the table below.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Project Technique Mag Line km (IP) Line km CSAMT Line km ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Piedra Negra Ground Magnetic 60 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Induced Polarization - 15 - (IP) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Covadonga Ground Magnetic 57 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Induced Polarization - 17.5 - (IP) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- El Meridiano CSAMT - - 7.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- La Rosita Induced Polarization - 9 - (IP) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gertrudis Ground Magnetic 21 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Induced Polarization - 3 - (IP) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our preference in this environment, which is dominated by low sulphidation veins, is to develop shallow targets with a combination of ground magnetic and IP surveys in conjunction with surface sampling and mapping. The Piedra Negra, Covadonga and Gertrudis campaigns have been planned according to this strategy.

The Piedra Negra campaign includes 12 lines of IP which are orientated east west across mostly north south striking vein outcrops and float trains. We expect the IP and magnetic surveys to confirm multiple shallow drill targets on each IP line. The types of targets identified include veins cutting andesite, veins and vein breccias cutting rhyolite domes, stockworks in rhyolite domes, and low angle veins flanking rhyolite domes.

The Covadonga campaign includes 14 lines of IP with a north easterly orientation. The IP and magnetic lines cross NNW, NW, WNW and NE striking veins and breccias which together form a dilatational jog of over a 3 km extension.

The Gertrudis campaign is comprised of 3 ENE lines of IP with an accompanying magnetic survey and are orientated perpendicular to the Gertrudis and David Veins.

In the case of El Meridiano we are using CSAMT because it is a diatreme complex rather than the more typical vein system. By using the historical geophysical data, which includes ground magnetic and gradient array data, and then adding the CSAMT, we can model the project at depth to reveal resistive targets in the diatreme flanks.

La Rosita is also atypical in the region, with gold mineralization occurring in sinters in an otherwise recessive environment. La Rosita represents a structural and stratigraphic problem which we believe can be solved by combing the historical ground magnetic and gradient array survey data with carefully placed IP lines.

The Company owns 100 % of the Gertrudis project and controls the other projects through an option agreement with a private individual.

Mr. Lew Lawrick, President & CEO of Magna Terra commented: "We are very pleased to be moving forward with this phase of our exploration program, which will bring these five projects up to a drill ready status on a level with our EL Monte project, where drill planning and budgeting is already complete. By the end of 2017 we will have six projects with drill planning and budgeting in place and we will be ready to offer these as turnkey JV projects under our management."

Qualified Person

All technical data, as disclosed in this press release, has been verified by Richard L. Bedell Jr. who is a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and Registered Member as defined by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Mr. Bedell has reviewed and approved the content of this release.

About Magna Terra

Magna Terra Minerals Inc. is a Canada based, precious metals focused exploration company, with a portfolio of exploration properties in Quebec and a strategic interest in the Horn of South America. Magna Terra has recently announced the acquisition of a significant exploration portfolio in the prolific yet underexplored Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina and has assembled an experienced team to advance this highly prospective exploration portfolio in the near term. A number of these projects are available for option or joint venture, and additional information can be found on the company's website at: www.magnaterraminerals.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information:

Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "may", "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, failure by the parties to complete the Transaction, failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, changes in world gold markets or markets for other commodities, and other risks disclosed in the Company's public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

To view Figure 1, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/magnaterra%20map.jpg

Contacts:

Magna Terra Minerals Inc.

Lewis Lawrick

President & CEO

647-478-5307

info@magnaterraminerals.com

www.magnaterraminerals.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- Corvus Gold Inc. ("Corvus" or the "Company") - (TSX: KOR) (OTCQX: CORVF) announces it has started its Phase I, Mother Lode drill program which will utilize three drill rigs (two reverse circulation and one core). The initial program is scheduled for approximately 13,000 metres and is focused on confirmation of the existing 172-hole database and addressing priority I resource expansion exploration targets in four main zones of historic mineralization. The Phase I program is anticipated for completion in December with the Phase II drilling program scheduled to begin in January 2018.

Primary Objectives of the Phase 1 program:

-- Confirm and expand the existing 433,000-ounce, 1.6 g/t gold non-National Instrument 43-101 ("NI-43-101") estimate(i). -- Acquire representative material for metallurgical testing -- Define the key ore controls on the high-grade mineralization in the system

(i)The historic estimates for the Mother Lode property contained in this news release should not be relied upon. These estimates are not National Instrument 43-101 ("NI-43-101") compliant. While the Company considers these historical estimates to be relevant to investors as it may indicate the presence of mineralization, a qualified person for the Company has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources as defined by NI 43-101 and the Company is not treating these historical estimates as a current mineral resource.

Jeff Pontius, President and CEO of Corvus said, "This is an exciting time for Corvus as we conduct the first modern drill program in over 30 years at our newly acquired Mother Lode property. Our analysis of the extensive historic database acquired with the property and its new geologic mapping and sampling results, has defined a large structural zone which has been intruded by mineralized dikes forming several excellent targets for high-grade gold mineralization. The Mother Lode gold system has potential for both high-grade epithermal deposits like Bullfrog type deposits as well as Carlin style sediment hosted gold deposits. We believe that Mother Lode system holds the potential for the discovery of a new gold system in Nevada."

Image 1. View of Mother Lode Target Areas looking Northwest towards North Bullfrog Project.

To view Image 1, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/110180_image1.jpg

Initial Target Areas to be Tested

The Mother Lode Phase I program will test four main target areas over the course of the next four months with a follow-up resource infill and expansion program planned to begin in January, 2018. The key Phase I program target areas are described below:

-- Main Zone - The Main Zone target focused on the core area of the historic estimate which is centered around a large NNW structural zone which has been intruded by a mineralized porphyry dike system. This area has a series of gently, north dipping, tabular bodies immediately below and to the north of the historic open pit. The mineralization in this area is hosted by volcanic sediments and porphyry intrusives with many of the holes ending in +1 g/t gold mineralization. In addition, due to the shallow drilling, the main Fluorspar Canyon Fault was never drill tested in the Main Zone which is projected to have Roberts Mountain limestone below the fault. The Roberts Mountain limestone is an important ore host in north central Nevada where several million ounces of production has come from this unit.

Historic Main Zone Drill Hole Highlights(i)

Drill Hole # from (m) to (m) Interval (m) Gold Grade (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-85 48.8 134.1 85.3 1.52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-86 68.6 117.3 48.8 2.96 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-115 86.9 140.2 53.3 2.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- D-442 129.8 184.4 54.6 2.91 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- D-445 80.9 123.4 42.5 3.92 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- D-447 123.4 159.8 36.4 1.92 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i)Historical non-Corvus drill intercepts

-- Western Extension - The Western Extension target area is characterized by a series of wide spaced drill intercepts, which suggests the tabular mineralized bodies of the Main Zone extend to the west. The Western target offers immediate resource expansion potential for the system. It is also possible that this area may have a parallel, N-S trending, structurally controlled high-grade, feeder zone in association with porphyry dikes.

Historic Western Extension Drill Hole Highlights(i):

Drill Hole # from (m) to (m) Interval (m) Gold Grade (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-120 112.8 178.3 65.5 1.31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-180 150.9 182.9 32.0 1.82 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-182 123.4 173.7 50.3 1.89 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-183 137.2 198.1 61.0 1.65 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i)Historical non-Corvus drill intercepts

-- Northern Extension - The Northern Extension target is defined by a few scattered historic holes which drilled deep enough to intersect the northern projection of the Main Zone. A key hole in this area is hole ML-338 which is approximately 200 metres north of the main historic resource area and intersected 73 metres of 2 g/t gold at the bottom of the hole. This vertical hole is on the projection of the key mineralizing porphyry dike trend and suggests the high-grade Main Zone gold system could expand to the north.

Historic Northern Extension Drill Hole Highlights(i)

Drill Hole # from (m) to (m) Interval (m) Gold Grade (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-171 118.9 146.3 27.4 2.25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- D-466 164.4 182.6 18.2 1.55 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-306 242.9 293.2 50.3 1.71 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-338 261.2 334.4 73.2 2.05 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i)Historical non-Corvus drill intercepts

-- FCF Zone - The FCF (Fluorspar Canyon Fault) Zone target is focused on the main regional E-W trending, north dipping, detachment related, structural zone. This structural feature extends for over 50 km and appears to be an important feature in localizing a number of gold deposits including the historic Bullfrog mine to the west (several million ounces of production and resource). The FCF Zone has been drill tested with a few wide spaced holes at Mother Lode and retuned broad zones of +1 g/t gold mineralization. This large structural zone hosts broad areas of gold mineralization within the fault and in the underlying limestone units. The FCF Zone is displaced or rotated in the area of the Mother Lode deposit where it is intersected by the major N-S trending, Mother Lode structural zone. This complex structural intersection has localized a series of porphyry intrusives which are mineralized and thought to be genetically connected to the mineralization along the FCF trend.

Historic FCF Zone Drill Hole Highlights(i)

Drill Hole # from (m) to (m) Interval (m) Gold Grade (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ML-234 141.7 182.9 41.1 1.61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- D-467 182.9 225.4 42.5 1.05 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i)Historical non-Corvus drill intercepts

About the North Bullfrog & Mother Lode Projects, Nevada

Corvus controls 100% of its North Bullfrog Project, which covers approximately 72 km2 in southern Nevada. The property package is made up of a number of private mineral leases of patented federal mining claims and 865 federal unpatented mining claims. The project has excellent infrastructure, being adjacent to a major highway and power corridor as well as a large water right. The Company also controls 65 federal unpatented mining claims on the Mother Lode project which totals 522 hectares and is 100% owned by the Company.

Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Jeffrey A. Pontius (CPG 11044), a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Pontius is not independent of Corvus, as he is the CEO & President and holds common shares and incentive stock options.

Carl E. Brechtel, (Nevada PE 008744 and Registered Member 353000 of SME), a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, has coordinated execution of the work outlined in this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Brechtel is not independent of Corvus, as he is the COO and holds common shares and incentive stock options.

The work program at North Bullfrog was designed and supervised by Mark Reischman, Corvus Gold's Nevada Exploration Manager, who is responsible for all aspects of the work, including the quality control/quality assurance program. On-site personnel at the project log and track all samples prior to sealing and shipping. Quality control is monitored by the insertion of blind certified standard reference materials and blanks into each sample shipment. All resource sample shipments are sealed and shipped to ALS Chemex in Reno, Nevada, for preparation and then on to ALS Chemex in Reno, Nevada, or Vancouver, B.C., for assaying. ALS Chemex's quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 17025:1999. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the analysis of reagent blanks, reference material and replicate samples. Finally, representative blind duplicate samples are forwarded to ALS Chemex and an ISO compliant third party laboratory for additional quality control.

For additional information on the North Bullfrog project, including information relating to exploration, data verification and the mineral resource estimates, see "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for Combined Mill and Heap Leach Processing at the North Bullfrog Project, Bullfrog Mining District, NYE County, Nevada" dated June 16, 2015 as amended and restated May 18, 2016 which is available under Corvus' SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

About Corvus Gold Inc.

Corvus Gold Inc. is a North American gold exploration and development company, focused on its near-term gold-silver mining project at the North Bullfrog and Mother Lode Districts in Nevada. In addition, the Company controls a number of royalties on other North American exploration properties representing a spectrum of gold, silver and copper projects. Corvus is committed to building shareholder value through new discoveries and the expansion of its projects to maximize share price leverage in an advancing gold and silver market.

On behalf of

Corvus Gold Inc.

Jeffrey A. Pontius, President & Chief Executive Officer

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the rapid and effective capture of the potential of our new Mother Lode project and the advancement of a higher grade combined YellowJacket-Mother Lode initial mining phase, the potential for new deposits and expected increases in a system's potential; anticipated content, commencement and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration program results, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, the potential to develop multiple YellowJacket style high-grade zones, the Company's belief that the parameters used in the Whittle pit optimization process are realistic and reasonable, the potential to discover additional high grade veins or additional deposits, the potential to expand the existing estimated resource at the North Bullfrog project, the potential for any mining or production at North Bullfrog, are forward-looking statements. Information concerning mineral resource estimates may be deemed to be forward-looking statements in that it reflects a prediction of the mineralization that would be encountered if a mineral deposit were developed and mined. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities, the Company's inability to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's 2017 Annual Information Form and latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis filed with certain securities commissions in Canada and the Company's most recent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings in Canada may be accessed via www.sedar.com and filings with the SEC may be accessed via www.sec.gov and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

Contacts:

Ryan Ko

Investor Relations

Email: info@corvusgold.com

Phone: 1-844-638-3246 (toll free) or (604) 638-3246




AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap") (NYSE:AER) will host an investor day on Monday, November 13, 2017, to review the company's strategy and operations. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel (Grand Ballroom), 111 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017. Presentations will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.

For further details and to register for this event please email aercap@instinctif.com.

A live webcast of the presentation and slides will be available to the public on the Investors section of the company's website at www.aercap.com. A replay of the presentation will also be available on this website.

About AerCap

AerCap is the global leader in aircraft leasing with, as of June 30, 2017, 1,539 owned, managed or on order aircraft in its portfolio. AerCap has one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 200 customers in approximately 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and has its headquarters in Dublin with offices in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Shannon, Fort Lauderdale, Singapore, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements, estimates and forecasts with respect to future performance and events. These statements, estimates and forecasts are "forward-looking statements". In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate or correct. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future performance or events described in the forward-looking statements in this press release might not occur. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information regarding AerCap and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.aercap.com and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/aercapnv.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005970/en/

Contacts:

AerCap Holdings N.V.

Investor Relations:

Brian Canniffe, +353 1 418 0461

Head of Investor Relations

bcanniffe@aercap.com

or

Media Relations:

Gillian Culhane, +353 1 636 0945

Vice President Corporate Communications

gculhane@aercap.com
DALLAS, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- Zen Technologies, Inc. (Zen), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Chron Organization, Inc. (OTCQB: CHRO) announced today that it has officially completed initial Zero Cost installation projects at three (3) different locations. This small, but highly critical project encompassed the replacement of 171 different light settings, with newer, efficient light emitting diode (LED) bulbs; furthermore, the project also included HVAC upgrades in the way of motor controllers at each location, all at no out of pocket cost to the customer.

In most circumstances, such installations will never take longer than 5 to 30 working days duration. However, in this case, we wanted to test every aspect of the onboarding process, including but not limited to, equipment sourcing, ordering of materials, shipping and receiving, site preparation, installation, documentation, tracking and receipt of all materials, exception handling, quality control, installation and onsite testing, customer walk through, and final hand-off process to the customer.

CHRO CEO Alex Rodriguez, said, "This is truly a monumental milestone that legitimizes our Zero Cost Program. This small deal is worth 7 years (84 months) of revenue for us at an approximate 50% gross margin. To help put this in perspective, CHRO has just under 70 additional site locations wherein we have completed their audit and are also ready for installation. Keep in mind that not included in this pipeline is the slew of commercial, industrial, and municipal prospects who have already started the engagement process with us."

Zen's executive leadership is (at the time of this press release) engaged with and/or in early discussions with the City of Lewisville, the City of Houston, the City of Frisco, Okumogee County, Hotel and Grocery chains, and some of the largest restaurant franchisees in the nation.

Zen's VP of Business Development, Jeff Bay-Andersen, said, "As exciting as this news is, it is important to note that the above results stem from very early, pre-launch marketing efforts. We have access to thousands of sales associates with whom we can release this program through our sister company, NAUP Brokerage. Our biggest challenge remains having a steady and scalable project-financing partner for our Zero Cost contracts, but we are very close to figuring that out. Once that happens, then it really gets interesting. I can't imagine how fun it will be to be able to scale this program unhindered."

Rodriguez added, "It's just a win-win-win situation all the way around--the customer sees great savings and receives a great service without incurring any new out-of-pocket expenses while we, of course, get a happy customer and a long-term revenue stream for seven (7) years. To make matters even better, we get to give back in a powerful and meaningful manner. Not only does our energy conservation project realize immediate savings for our commercial customers, it also helps to decrease air pollution and environmental damage by removing significant amounts of carbon emission each year. In this specific case, our solutions will significantly reduce the customer's average amount of harmful carbon emissions per year from a staggering 1,042,221 lbs. all the way down to 278,560 lbs., which is a whopping 73% reduction in carbon emissions. Of course, this is in alignment with the Zen mission."

To put those numbers in perspective, that decrease is equivalent to not using 14,218 gallons of gasoline or not burning 134,830 pounds of coal. Moreover, in terms of the amount of carbon sequestered by this deal, it represents 3,275 tree seedlings grown for 10 years and 119.6 acres of forest in one (1) year.

The Company expects to have more announcements on completed Zero Cost projects in the near future.

ABOUT THE CHRON ORGANIZATION, INC.

The Chron Organization, Inc. (OTCPK: CHRO), is an entrepreneurial-minded company founded and envisioned by Mr. Byron Young and Mr. Alex Rodriguez. The Company's purpose is to develop a portfolio of highly successful and unique wholly owned businesses by providing incubation, advisory, and capital services to the same. CHRON's interests include the smart home services, Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, deregulated energy & energy efficiency offerings. To learn more about CHRON, visit the company's corporate website at www.chronorganization.com.

ABOUT ZEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Zen Technologies, Inc. (Zen) is a next-generation technology firm committed to bringing all the benefits of smart controls to millions of homeowners, apartment dwellers, and business owners across the US. Zen provides consumers a custom suite of products and services to enrich their lifestyle, however they want. Zen offers home automation, security monitoring, retail energy, and energy conservation solutions so families and business owners can connect to their home and business respectively to manage everyday operations from the comfort and convenience of their smartphones or Internet-connected smart devices. To learn more, visit www.livewithzen.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future business or financial results) and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan" and other similar expressions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors not within the control of the Company. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

INVESTORS & MEDIA CONTACT:



Email: investors@chronorganization.com

Phone: (469) 626-5275

Fax: (469) 626-5101




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 22, 2017) - Grande Portage Resources Ltd. (TSXV: GPG) ("Grande Portage" or "the Company") announces further assay results from its 2017 drill program. This part of the program consisted of 4 holes from two platforms, U and Y pads, for a total length of 1757 meters. Additional geological mapping and sampling was conducted to the east and north of the vein system. Drill hole 17Y-2 intersected the Deep Trench Vein over 500 meters below the surface exposure of the vein, which is 250 meters deeper than any prior drilling and hit 0.95 m showing 12.35ppm Au. The Main Vein system was also intersected about 120 meters deeper than any earlier testing. Drilling to date has discovered no depth limitations to the mineralized structures of the Deep Trench, Main, or the Goat Veins.

The drilling results further validate the continuity of the Main Vein System and Deep Trench Vein structures. Both of these drill pads were situated south of the Goat Vein structure but north of the Main Vein system and the Deep Trench vein, with the four drill holes aimed to the south to intersect those veins at greater depths than any previous drilling. The primary veins were intersected in the predicted locations, but perhaps more importantly the drilling intersected numerous subsidiary veins and splits off the main structures which locally showed very strong values. The significance of these intersections of well-mineralized satellite structures is that with further delineation drilling focused on these structures, many more minable ounces of gold could be developed. The Goat Vein also has similar associated satellite structures with strong Au values (30ppm Au in 17K-1, 57.61-57.91m).

To date, drilling has shown that the chief vein structures, mainly the Deep Trench, Main, and Goat are in general very predictable and will almost always have values above 2 gpt Au (our lower minable resource cutoff grade) but will locally develop extremely high grade regions of significant size. A summary of mineralized intervals of the drilling on the Main and Deep Trench Veins is shown in the table below.









Weighted

Hole From To Intrvl. Average

Name (m) (m) (m) Au,gpt Description 17U-1 169.16 172.32 3.16 2.85 Main Vein 17U-1 438.73 439.62 0.89 2.23 Deep Trench Vein 17U-2 128.47 129.54 1.07 2.47 Ridge Vein, F.W. satellite 17Y-1 48.25 50.15 1.90 10.50 North Split, Main Vein 17Y-1 90.83 94.90 4.07 1.03 Main Vein 17Y-1 268.93 270.28 1.35 5.94 D. T., H.W. satellite 17Y-1 384.33 387.75 3.42 2.22 D.T., F.W. satellite 17Y-1 397.00 397.76 0.76 3.58 Metasediments 17Y-2 60.83 61.95 1.12 3.35 North Split, Main Vein 17Y-2 115.00 120.06 5.06 2.83 Main Vein 17Y-2 126.52 127.75 1.23 3.00 Main Vein 17Y-2 324.61 325.43 0.82 3.35 D. T., H.W. satellite 17Y-2 494.41 497.20 2.79 5.71 Deep Trench

Ian Klassen, President of the Company remarked, "This season's drilling and field mapping has considerably expanded the known extents of the Goat Vein system and deepened our testing of the Main and Deep Trench veins and demonstrated the need for exploration drilling for similar parallel structures to the north and south of the existing drilling. Limited drilling designed to subsidiary structures will also be beneficial."

Carl Hale, CPG, a geologist with more than 40 years of experience is the Q.P. for this release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical content of this release and has approved its content.

About Grande Portage Resources Ltd.

Grande Portage Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded mineral exploration company principally focused on the Herbert Gold discovery situated approximately 25 km north of Juneau, Alaska. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Herbert property. The Herbert Gold property has a NI 43-101 technical report completed with indicated resources of 821,100 tonnes containing 182,400 oz of gold at 6.91 g/t. Inferred resources of 51,600 tonnes containing 12,800 oz of gold at 7.73 g/t. The system is open to length and depth and is host to at least six main composite vein-fault structures that contain ribbon structure quartz-sulfide veins. The project lies prominently within the 160km long Juneau Gold Belt, which has produced nearly seven million ounces of gold. Grande Portage conducted an initial drill program in the fall of 2010. The results from the drilling program confirm the identification of major elements of a complex mesothermal gold-quartz system with numerous targets. Subsequently, the Company has conducted follow up drill programs of with a total of 108 diamond drill holes from ten different platform locations.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

____________________________________

Ian Klassen, President

For further information please contact:

Mr. Ian Klassen

Phone: (604) 899-0106

Email: ian@grandeportage.com

Website: www.grandeportage.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED UNDER THE POLICIES OF THE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE
TULSA, OK -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- RJD Green (OTC PINK: RJDG), announced the Silex Holdings division has been awarded a Preferred Vendor Contract.

RJD Green Inc. announced Silex Holdings was recently awarded a Preferred Vendor contract for eastern Oklahoma for countertop manufacturing and installation from the Affiliated Builders Group.

Silex Holdings management stated, "The Preferred Vendor contract with ABG could create annual revenues greater than $1,000,000 based on 25% of the ABG purchases of countertops in the eastern Oklahoma market. Silex Holdings management feels this additional reoccurring revenue will create sustainable annual growth that creates significant revenue growth and continues to broaden customer base and increase their markets."

About RJD Green, Inc.

The Company operates as a holding company with a focus of acquiring and managing assets and companies. RJD Green operates in three divisions: RJD Green Healthcare Services Division, which holds interest in IoSoft Inc, a company that provides discrete payment technologies, services and software that can be integrated into targeted offerings for healthcare provider networks, hospitals, healthcare payers and individual providers: Earthlinc Environmental Services Division, which provides green environmental services and technologies; Silex Holdings Division, which is engaged in specialty construction and industrial manufacturing and fills a market niche between the Home Depots and local contractors. Silex offers installed granite/other counter tops, cabinets and related products to the residential builder, commercial contractor, remodel contractor and retail customer. Visit http://www.rjdgreen.com

Forward-looking Statement:

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events of future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluation such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

For additional information contact

Ron Brewer

CEO

ronb@rjdgreen.com

(918) 551-7883



Douglass Baker

OTC PR Group

corp@otcprgroup.com

(561) 807-6350




NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- For renowned musician Emi Ferguson, the lines between classical and pop music have long been blurred. As a vocalist and Juilliard trained flute player, one of her primary goals is to show that the lines we draw between genres are entirely of our own creation and largely 20th and 21st Century concepts. This was Ferguson's approach when she wrote and recorded Amour Cruel, an 11-song album in French and English, inspired by French compositions dating back to the 16th Century. The album is set for release on September 14th through Arezzo Music.

Ms. Ferguson imagined how these compositions would sound if they were produced as pop, R&B, jazz, folk, new age and world music. She envisioned modern versions of these French songs with artists such as Andrew Bird, Adele, Kanye West, or Arcade Fire performing at Versailles in the 17th Century.

"There is a thirst for an album of this nature," said Ms. Ferguson of her first vocal album. "Amour Cruel will resonate with people who might not necessarily listen to classical music, let alone early French Baroque songs. It pays homage to Early Music while combining it with contemporary Baroque Pop."

The songs on Amour Cruel are a mixture of English translations and original and pre-18th Century French poetry, each telling stories of tragic, unrequited, and lost love, often drawing reference to antiquity. Many of the lyrics speak to the influence of the Renaissance striving for the artistic ideals that were thought to be present in the golden age of antiquity. With Amour Cruel, Ms. Ferguson deconstructed and rebuilt songs of the past, turning them into works that resonate with today's audience.

"I assembled a team of musicians, who are virtuosi in several genres, and we fused the sounds of old instruments and new," Ms. Ferguson added. "We created a unique sound with a depth of diversity that I feel audiences are craving today - theorbos and electric guitars, baroque flutes and drum sets."

CD Release Party: Thursday, September 14 at 7:00 PM

Esther & Carol Studio Lounge

@estherandcarolnyc

146 Bowery, NYC

Website: www.EmiFerguson.com

To preview Amour Cruel for review before 9/14/17, contact Brian Kaplan

All About Jazz Album Review: http://tinyurl.com/ybtrmyhk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emifergusonmusic

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/emiflutes

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/emiferguson

Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/arezzomusic

Track Listing (55 minutes)

1. Amour cruel

2. Mignonne

3. Laissez durer la nuit

4. Toutes les nuits

5. La blanche biche

6. Cessez mortels de soupirer

7. Ombre de mon amant

8. J'avais cru qu'en vous aimant

9. Pourquoi doux rossignol?

10. Enfin la beaute que j'adore

11. Quand le flambeau

Lyrics and Translation: https://www.emiferguson.com/text

ABOUT EMI FERGUSON:

English-American performer and composer Emi Ferguson stretches the boundaries of what is expected of modern-day musicians. Emi's unique approach to the flute can be heard in performances that alternate between the Silver Flute, Historical Flutes, and Auxiliary Flutes, playing repertoire that stretches from the Renaissance to today. Her debut album, Amour Cruel, an indie-pop song cycle inspired by the music of the 17th century French courts is set to be released in September 2017.

Emi won First Prize in the National Flute Association's Young Artist Competition, the New York Flute Club Young Artist competition, the Mid-Atlantic Flute Competition, the Juilliard Concerto Competition, the J.C. Arriaga Chamber Music Competition, and was a recipient of the 2014 Salon de Virtuosi grant. She has spoken and performed at several TEDX events and has been featured on media outlets including The Discovery Channel and Juilliard Digital's TouchPress apps talking about how music relates to our world today.

Emi was a featured performer alongside Yo-Yo Ma, Paul Simon, and James Taylor at the 10th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony of 9/11 at Ground Zero, where her performance of Amazing Grace was televised worldwide. Her performance that day is now part of the permanent collection at the 911 Museum.

Having passions for both "new" and "old" music, Emi is the only flutist to have worked simultaneously with conductors James Levine, Pierre Boulez, and William Christie on modern and baroque flutes in Lucerne, New York, and France.

Emi is currently on the faculty of the Juilliard School. She was the first person to graduate from Juilliard with Undergraduate and Graduate degrees with Scholastic Distinction in flute performance, as well as a second Graduate degree in Historical Performance as a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow. While pursuing her Undergraduate degree, Emi cross-registered at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health studying Epidemiology.

Born in Japan and raised in London and Boston, she now resides in New York City.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3166931

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3166934



For information and to schedule an interview with Emi Ferguson

Contact

Brian Kaplan

BrainKap Communications

bk@brainkap.com

917-523-9507




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- Niobay Metals Inc. ("NioBay" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: NBY) is pleased to announce it has entered into an option agreement with Midland Exploration Inc. ("Midland") to acquire up to a 65% interest in its La Peltrie gold property.

This project with strong gold potential is wholly owned by Midland and is located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Zone 58N, a high-grade gold zone in the Lower Detour area held by Detour Gold Corp. ("Detour Gold"). Best results obtained so far in drilling in Zone 58N in the Lower Detour area include values of 11.82 g/t Au over 32.40 meters, 12.74 g/t Au over 28.0 meters (source: press release by Detour Gold dated June 2, 2014). Phase II drilling results includes 14.22 g/t Au over 13.0 meters and 28.14 g/t Au over 9.0 meters (source: Detour Gold website). (Note that assays are reported as core lengths and that true thicknesses cannot be determined at this time with the information currently available).

The La Peltrie project is also located about 25 kilometers northwest of the former Selbaie mine, which historically produced 56.5 million tonnes grading 1.9% Zn, 0.9% Cu, 38.0 g/t Ag and 0.6 g/t Au and next to the B26 deposit currently held by SOQUEM. Recent drilling by SOQUEM on this deposit returned new Zn-Ag and Cu-Au zones yielding up to 21.2% Zn, 526.6 g/t Ag, 3.8% Pb and 0.7% Cu over 3.4 metres (drill hole 1274-16-228) and 12.2% Cu, 1.3 g/t Au and 14.0 g/t Ag over 2.0 metres (drill hole 1274-16-236) (source: SOQUEM website). (Niobay cautions that the mineralization at the Selbaie Mine may not be indicative of the mineralization that may be identified on the La Peltrie property.)

The La Peltrie project consists of 511 claims totaling approximately 285 square kilometers and covers, over 25 kilometers, a series of interpreted NW-SE-trending subsidiary faults to the south of the regional Lower Detour Fault.

Under the terms of the option agreement, NioBay can earn up to 65% of Midland's interest in the project over a period of six (6) years, by fulfilling the following conditions:

First, to earn a 50% interest, Niobay has to:

-- Pay in cash or in common shares: -- $30,000 promptly after Niobay receives the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and $30,000 on or before August 31, 2018; -- $50,000, $70,000 and $70,000 on or before respectively August 31, 2019, 2020 & 2021; and -- Incur exploration expenditures totaling $3,000,000 by August 31, 2021, including a firm commitment of $500,000 to be invested by December 31, 2017.

Following the initial earn-in of its 50% interest, Niobay will be entitled to earn an additional 15% interest in the project by completing a preliminary economic assessment by August 31, 2023.

Midland and NioBay intends to begin shortly a diamond drilling campaign totaling more than 1,500 meters aiming to test the best geophysical targets identified by the OreVision IP ("OreVision") surveys completed in 2016 and 2017 (see Midland's press release dated April 19 2017). Midland will be project operator during the initial option period.

Maps showing the location of the La Peltrie property may be consulted using the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/La_Peltrie_Sep_2017V4.pdf

Claude Dufresne, President, and CEO commented that "NioBay is very pleased to have the opportunity to acquire an interest in the La Peltrie gold project. The project is located in a highly prospective geological area with known gold mineralized trend. Excellent drilling results have been reported recently by companies exploring in the area. We are looking forward to partner with Midland's team in advancing the exploration of the project". Mr. Dufresne added "The James Bay Niobium project remains our core project and we continue to hold discussions with the local community members, government officials and will maintain ours efforts to engage with the MCFN leadership."

This press release was prepared by Claude Dufresne, P. Eng., mining engineer and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. The transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

About NioBay Metals Inc.

NioBay Metals Inc. is a mining exploration company holding a 100% interest in the James Bay Niobium property in Ontario, Canada and a 72.5% interest in the Crevier niobium/tantalum resource in Quebec, Canada. The Company is also actively reviewing the potential of other mineral properties, including the La Peltrie property, and properties in Quebec jointly held with SOQUEM.

Cautionary Statement

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward looking information under the provisions of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Forward looking information contained in this press release includes statements with respect to the acquisition of an interest in the La Peltrie project and the potential mineralization and geological merits of the La Peltrie project. These statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties including, without limitation: risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of geological data; the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations or with the results obtained by Detour Gold; risks related to the ability to obtain financing needed to fund the exercise of the option and the exploration and development of the project; market conditions and volatility and global economic conditions; and several risks related to the nature of mineral exploration and development. Such statements reflect the Company's views as at the date of this press release. The Company does not intend and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements and information, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Follow us on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/NiobayMetals

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/niobay-metals-inc.?trk=biz-companies-cym

Contacts:

NioBay Metals Inc.

Claude Dufresne, P.Eng.

President & CEO

514 866-6500, Ext. 2221

cdufresne@niobaymetals.com

www.niobaymetals.com




QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- Nutaq Innovation, a wholly owned subsidiary of NuRAN Wireless (CSE: NUR)(CSE: NUR.CN)(CNSX: NUR)(OTC PINK: NRRWF) is pleased to announce a collaboration with u-blox (SIX: UBXN), a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets, on a joint NB-IoT demonstration to be presented at Mobile World Congress Americas, held in San Francisco, on September 12 to 14, 2017.

The joint demonstration will consist of u-blox's C030-N211 application board, which transmits data through a NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) network realized with the Nutaq PicoLTE network-in-a-box. This demonstration will be presented at the u-blox booth N352 located in the M2M zone at the Moscone Center, the Mobile World Congress Americas venue.

"Nutaq's PicoLTE network-in-a-box is a great addition to the NB-IoT version of our C030 application board, the C030-N211, because it allows IoT developers to test and validate applications in regions of the world where NB-IoT is not yet available, or to conduct pre-testing on a private network," said Rado Sustersic, Product Manager Cellular at u-blox.

Unlike traditional cellular applications, IoT applications require devices to transmit small bursts of data infrequently. As a lot of IoT devices operate in remote, temporary, or mobile locations, they often rely on off-grid power and because they are generally unattended, they have to be able to rely on backup battery power for some time if grid power stops working. These conditions make the optimization of the IoT devices' power consumption a must. From PHY to end-applications, the power consumption has to be optimized to increase the device's autonomy to a minimum of ten years. The economic aspect also has to be considered in IoT, as most applications require the deployment of a large number of nodes, thus making the cost of the modem significant. The ideal modems used for IoT applications should be much less expensive than traditional cellular modems. Both LTE Cat M1 and NB1 technologies were designed and standardized by the 3GPP in Release 13 to address and meet those specific and challenging requirements.

The Nutaq PicoLTE is a software-defined radio that can be used as a network-in-a-box (eNodeB + EPC) to implement small scale private networks for customers wishing to use the PicoLTE with NB-IoT and Cat-M1 devices for development, test and validations purposes. NB-IoT and Cat-M1 are two radio technology standards designed to provide connectivity with low power wide area (LPWA) networks through the cellular telecommunication bands. As these technologies are not yet deployed on most networks, device validation as well as end-to-end system validation is difficult, and even when NB-Iot and Cat-M1 are deployed on the public networks, testing on them is far from ideal due to very little control over the Radio Access Network (RAN) and EPC parts. By using the PicoLTE, a customer is able to test many features without using an operator's network, thus providing a flexibility and level of customization that would otherwise be impossible to achieve and at a fraction of the cost of the other alternatives like traditional test equipment or creating from A to Z a private network using original equipment manufacturers (OEM) components.

"The Internet of Things represents the 30 billion vehicles, appliances, sensors and other objects that are expected to be connected by 2020. By comparison, there are 7.22 billion active mobile devices now worldwide according to GSMA so we're talking about a market that is 4 times larger. With over 30 years of experience in radio hardware design and a high level of expertise in Software-Defined Radio, we're confident that Nutaq will benefit from this tremendous business opportunity that is IoT by filling a gap in the test & measurement market of IoT with its PicoLTE," explained Martin Bedard, Co-CEO and Co-President of NuRAN Wireless.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the inter-networking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as "connected devices" and "smart devices"), buildings, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these objects to collect and exchange data. The IoT allows objects to be sensed or controlled remotely across existing network infrastructure, creating opportunities for more direct integration of the physical world into computer-based systems, and resulting in improved efficiency, accuracy and economic benefit in addition to reduced human intervention.

About u-blox

u-blox (SIX: UBXN) is a Swiss based company trading at an approximate 1.2 Billion CHF market capitalization. u-blox is a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. u-blox solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to empower OEMs to develop innovative solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u-blox is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA. (www.u-blox.com)

About NuRAN Wireless

NuRAN Wireless, with its wholly owned subsidiary Nutaq Innovation, is a leading supplier of mobile and broadband wireless solutions. Its innovative GSM, LTE, and White Space radio access network (RAN) and backhaul products dramatically drop the total cost of ownership, thereby creating new opportunities for mobile network operators and internet service providers.

The Company provides a variety of specialist systems for indoor coverage, rural and urban connectivity in emerging markets, connectivity to offshore platforms and ships, and for emergency and crisis communications.

Nutaq Innovations is a wholly owned subsidiary of NuRAN Wireless. Nutaq is a leading provider of advanced digital signal processing ("DSP") solutions and wireless technologies, including software defined radios ("SDR"). The Company operates three complementary lines of business; Wireless Network Products, Advanced Development Platforms ("ADP") and Engineering Services.

No regulatory authority has approved or reviewed the contents of the information contained in this news release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of NuRAN Wireless to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include: the Company's quest to connect the next billion; that this strategic acquisition allows Nuran to offer a complete mobile and broadband solution and the ability to secure the Nuran solution as the leader in rural and remote mobile connectivity, that the acquisition reinforces NuRAN's strategic positioning towards new and small operators by offering an end-to-end mobile small-cell network solution with the lowest Total-Cost-of-Ownership (TCO) on the market and that the acquisition will allow NuRAN the opportunity to bring cellular coverage to emerging market where the return on investment (ROI) was previously simply too low. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to: the ability of NurRAN Wireless to obtain necessary financing; general economic conditions in Canada and globally; competition for, among other things, capital and skilled personnel; our ability to hire and retain qualified employees and key management personnel; possibility that government policies or laws may change; possible disruptive effects of organizational or personnel changes; technological change, new products and standards; risks related to acquisitions and international expansion; reliance on large customers; reliance on a limited number of suppliers; risks related to the Company's competition; failure to integrate the technology and assets acquired from the Vendors and the Company's failure to adequately protect its intellectual property; interruption or failure of information technology systems and other risk factors described in the Company's reports filed on SEDAR), including its financial statements for the year ended October 31, 2015, and those referred to under the heading "Risk Factors". These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing NuRAN Wireless' views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Contacts:

For further Information about

NuRAN Wireless or Nutaq Innovations:

www.nuranwireless.com or www.nutaq.com



Martin Bedard and Patrice Rainville

Co-Presidents and Co-CEOs

(418) 914-7484 or Toll Free: 1-855-914-7484

(418) 914-9477 (FAX)

info@nuranwireless.com; info@nutaq.com



Direct Financial Strategies and Communication

Frank Candido

(514)-969-5530

directmtl@gmail.com




TORONTO, 2017-09-06 14:30 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ThreeD Capital Inc. ("ThreeD" or the "Company") (CSE:IDK) an emerging Merchant Bank, led by Sheldon Inwentash, that focuses on investments in best of breed, early stage disruptive companies, is pleased to announce the achievement of a major milestone by its' artificial intelligence holding, Goldspot Discoveries Inc. ("Goldspot"). ThreeD owns a 22% equity interest (on a non-diluted basis) in Goldspot.



GOLDSPOT BRINGS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO MINERAL EXPLORATION



Goldspot has developed a machine-learning algorithm capable of significantly improving mineral exploration targeting. The Goldspot Algorithm is proven to mitigate investment risk and increase the efficiency and success rate of exploration in data-rich environments. Goldspot was a finalist in the 2017 DisruptMining Competition and took 2nd place at the 2016 Integra Gold Rush Challenge.



JERRITT CANYON PROJECT - USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO IDENTIFY THE MOST PROSPECTIVE TARGETS



The Jerritt Canyon project, majority owned by Sprott Mining Inc., through Jerritt Canyon Gold LLC ("Jerritt"), a private mid-tier gold producer in Northern Nevada, has hosted a historical resource of 12Moz Au with over 9Moz of past production. Jerritt asked Goldspot to assess a significant amount of data in order to assist with continued exploration.



Goldspot consolidated over 30 years of historical remote sensing, mining, and exploration data into one comprehensive and functional geological model. Goldspot Artificial Intelligence was then able to use this geological model to identify correlations in the data layers of existing and historically mined deposits.



As a result, Goldspot was able to identify target zones with the highest prospectivity potential. The caliber of the newly identified target zones resulted in Goldspot being asked to layout a preliminary drill testing program on the best targets.



Jamie Lavigne, VP Exploration from the Jerritt Canyon mine-site stated "Goldspot has produced a very high-quality 3D geological model of the Jerritt Canyon district which provides an excellent foundation for continued exploration. We look forward to drilling the priority targets derived by Goldspot through their detailed assessment (AI techniques) of the data. The management of Jerritt Canyon Gold looks forward to future collaboration with Goldspot in the continued exploration and development of the Jerritt Canyon district."



ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE CREATES 5,000 METER DRILL PROGRAM



Denis Laviolette, CEO of Goldspot stated, "We are confident that our targets will unveil new, untapped zones to add to Jerritt's rich history. It is with great anticipation that we now move to the last phase of proof-of-concept, whereby Jerritt has agreed to commence the first 1,000-meters of a 5,000-meter drill program as soon as logistically possible."



Sheldon Inwentash, Chairman and CEO of ThreeD stated, "I want to thank Denis and the Goldspot team. They have been working deeply to attain this level of acceptance of their analysis. We at ThreeD feel this new and disruptive area of Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize the approach toward mineral discovery."



About ThreeD



ThreeD Capital, led by Sheldon Inwentash, primarily invests in best of breed, disruptive companies and leading technologies. We are industry agnostic, though the nature of our focus tends to attract companies in the high tech and bio tech space. We have not abandoned our resources roots but have evolved them through the use of artificial intelligence to better identify, by several magnitudes, the exploration decision making process.



For further information: Gerry Feldman, CPA, CA Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary feldman@threedcap.com telephone: 416 606 7655

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After 25 years of operating in Fuchengmen, Tianyi Market, the largest small goods wholesale market in Beijing, will close on Sept. 16, 2017.

Tianyi Market, the largest small goods wholesale market in Beijing, will close on Sept.16, 2017. [Photo by Gong Jie/China.org.cn]

It is part of a citywide crackdown on Beijing's wholesale markets as part of efforts to decrease the population in the city. The low-end businesses and wholesale markets will be transferred to neighboring Hebei Province.

The Beijing government is planning to remove all of the wholesale markets within its Fourth Ring Road by 2020 in order to keep Beijing's population under control.

Vendors will be compensated by Tianyi Market and relocated to Hebei.

"I have not found a new market to continue my business, but I think I will take a rest and then find a new market to do business in the future," said Mrs. Li, a vendor in Tianyi Market.

Some vendors in Tianyi Market have already begun to move to online retailing. "We can use WeChat to inform customers of our new address, any other news as well as conduct sales," said Mrs. Wang, who has been in Tianyi Market for more than ten years.

With the deadline approaching, many customers including foreign residents have come to find bargains as the vendors begin to clear their stock.

"Tianyi Market has always been my first choice because the quality of products are good and the price is cheap, and I can buy almost everything here," said an old customer, who brought his foreign son-in-law and two grandsons to the market.

According to the Xicheng government, Tianyi's closure will make space for technology, finance, and other high-end services.
Dr. Kristine Swiderek Appointed to the Board of Directors of Sitka Biopharma Inc.



NEW YORK, 2017-09-06 14:30 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LifeSci Advisors, an investor relations and corporate communications firm focused on the life sciences sector, announced today the 10th placement of a female executive to a life sciences company board as part of its Board Placement Initiative (BPI). LifeSci Advisors launched BPI last year with the goal of connecting female executives in the life sciences industry with companies looking for board candidates. The company is pleased to share that Dr. Kristine Swiderek, Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of OncoResponse, has joined the Board of Directors of Sitka Biopharma Inc., a Canadian biotechnology company focused on developing its breakthrough nanoparticle platform technology to increase absorption of drugs in difficult-to-penetrate tissues. Dr. Swiderek's placement marks a milestone for BPI as the 10th successful appointment made by the program in just one year. LifeSci Advisors will continue to make connections and look to match more candidates in the coming months.



"I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of Sitka Biopharma," said Dr. Swiderek. "I look forward to helping the company as it works to advance products in the industry and improve the lives of patients. I would like to thank LifeSci Advisors for facilitating this introduction and the work the Board Placement Initiative is doing to place talented, qualified women on the boards of companies in the life sciences industry."



Dr. Swiderek is the Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of venture backed OncoResponse, a company focusing in immuno-oncology, discovering and developing novel cancer Immunotherapies. She brings deep expertise in clinical, R&D, partnering and alliance management to Sitka's Board. Previously as CSO at Theraclone Sciences, she formed multiple R&D partnerships with Pfizer, Gilead, non-profit organizations and academia and helped advance therapeutic candidates into the clinic. She also served as Vice President, Protein Science at ZymoGenetics, a public company, where she managed extensive internal and external partner portfolios. As Senior Director in Protein Biochemistry, she helped develop the PEG-Interferon lambda program, which ultimately was a cornerstone for a $1.1B partnership with Bristol-Myers Squibb. Dr. Swiderek did her post-doctoral training at the City of Hope, CA, and Indiana University following a Ph.D. at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, Germany. Dr. Swiderek is currently based in Seattle, WA.



"Dr. Swiderek's experience will be an incredible asset to the Sitka Board of Directors," said Michael Rice, President and Co-Founder, LifeSci Advisors. "We are thrilled that LifeSci Advisors' Board Placement Initiative has been able to play a role in facilitating this appointment and excited to mark this milestone of our 10th board placement in just one year. Our program is designed to support women in our industry and make the life sciences a more diverse and inclusive space. We look forward to continuing to successfully match candidates with companies across the industry and hope to see more placements in the coming months."



"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Swiderek to the Sitka Biopharma Board," said Dr. Michael Parr, President and Chief Scientific Officer, Sitka Biopharma. "Her energy and expertise in clinical development will prove invaluable as we continue to advance our leading product toward the clinic, and ultimately improve the lives of patients living with bladder cancer. I'd like to thank LifeSci Advisors for making an introduction to such a great board director."



LifeSci Advisors' Board Placement Initiative (BPI) was launched in the summer of 2016 with the goal of helping companies in the life sciences industry diversify and strengthen their company boards. Connections between companies and eligible board candidates are made after LifeSci has met with a company's management team or board regarding the skills and expertise they are looking for in a candidate, and after the LifeSci team has properly vetted the board candidates. BPI has now helped to place ten women on corporate boards, and is looking to continue to expand upon this success. With a proprietary online network of hundreds of resumes of board-ready women, LifeSci Advisors hopes that BPI can become a resource for both women executives and life sciences companies to network and grow.



BPI is accepting resumes from interested candidates and referrals on an ongoing basis. To find out how you can use the BPI network for your next board candidate search, visit www.lifesciadvisors.com/board-diversity-initiatives. Inquiries, resume submissions, and open board seat referrals can be sent to boarddiversity@lifesciadvisors.com.



LifeSci Advisors, LLC (www.lifesciadvisors.com) is a unique investor relations consultancy founded to provide companies in the life sciences a comprehensive solution to investor communications and outreach. With a local presence in New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, London, Geneva and Tel Aviv, the firm provides the highest quality service for its clients through its deep sector specialization. Our roster of PhDs enables us to better understand our clients' R&D, regulatory, and commercial strategies, and our team of financial services, investor relations, and public relations specialists help our clients effectively communicate to the marketplace. This combination of life sciences, financial services, and investor relations competencies allows us to provide a valuable and unique service offering to our clients.



LifeSci Partners (www.lifescipartners.com) is the leading provider of comprehensive consulting services in the areas of investor relations, corporate communications, public relations and capital markets advisory. Combining deep domain expertise in the life sciences with decades of experience in capital markets and public relations, we deliver unparalleled services to life sciences companies globally. LifeSci Partners has a physical presence in New York, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, London, Geneva and Tel Aviv.



For further information, please contact: Ann Kaiser The TASC Group 212-337-8870 ann@thetascgroup.com

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BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Commerce Department's International Trade for July will be released at 8.30 am ET Wednesday. The economists were looking for consensus of a deficit of $44.6 billion, compared to a deficit of $43.6 billion a month ago. Ahead of the data, the greenback traded mixed against its major rivals. While the greenback rose against the franc and the yen, it held steady against the euro and the pound. The greenback was worth 1.1934 against the euro, 108.91 against the yen, 0.9554 against the franc and 1.3048 against the pound as of 8:25 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2017) - Alset Minerals Corp. (TSXV: ION) ("Alset" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that Gilberto Zapata Castaneda, a Mexican mining entrepreneur based in Zacatecas, Mexico, is joining the Alset board to lead business development efforts in Mexico. Gilberto Zapata Castaneda has an accounting degree, MBA, and has been active in the mining industry in Mexico throughout his career.

Gilberto built up a network of government contacts that helped Alset quickly obtain the necessary drilling permits and he will continue to play a key role in this area. He also has an excellent network of mining and business contacts throughout Mexico which helps our exploration and development efforts run smoothly.

Allan Barry Laboucan, President and CEO of Alset said; "Gilberto, has been an important part of our exploration and drilling activities, his assistance has enabled Alset to complete its exploration work very rapidly on a small budget. So far, our work has presented us with results that suggest we have a dual track going forward. First, we have promising grades of lithium in the soils of the La Salada salar; second, we have high-grade potassium in the near surface brines and the soils.

It is our goal to continue to move forward to assess the economic viability of our various salars. To do this Gilberto will continue to play a key role in permitting. He will also be leading our efforts to open doors to Mexican investors and business partners for potential lithium production and in the agricultural sector. Gilberto has been an integral part of our efforts in Mexico, he is also a significant shareholder in Alset and I'm very pleased he has decided to join our board to help us move Alset forward."

Other News

Alset has accepted the resignation of board member Brian Robertson, who will step down to make room for Gilberto Zapata Castaneda. The board would like to thank Brian for his past contributions as he helped Alset make the transition into lithium-potassium exploration in Mexico. The board would also like to wish Brian all the best and look forward to contributions he will make in the future as he will continue to be a consultant to the company.

About Alset Minerals (TSXV: ION)

Alset Minerals Corp. is a TSX-V listed junior exploration company focused on exploring and development of a group of high-grade lithium and potassium projects in the Central Mexican Plateau. The Company is actively exploring in Mexico.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Alset Minerals Corp.,

"Allan Barry Laboucan"

Allan Barry Laboucan, President and CEO

THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements."

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to gold price and other commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections

For further information contact Allan Barry Laboucan @:

Phone (604) 505-4753

www.alsetminerals.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 02/13/18 -- Goodfood Market Corp. ("Goodfood" or the "Company") (TSX: FOOD) announced today that Philippe Adam will be joining the Goodfood team as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer effective March 23, 2018. Going forward, as President and Chief Operating Officer, Neil Cuggy will focus on executing the Company's operational, strategic and growth plan.

"We are thrilled to welcome Philippe as our new CFO", said Jonathan Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer of Goodfood. "He brings with him corporate finance and accounting experience in addition to business acumen. He is a strong addition to the Goodfood management team".

Philippe has over 15 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting and operations. He has been a principal at Champlain Financial Corporation, a Canadian private equity firm, since 2013 where he led many buyout transactions and acted as a board member of several portfolio companies. From 2013 to 2016, he was the CFO of Garda Background Screening Solutions, a leading pre-employment screening services company that was sold to a strategic buyer in 2016. Phillipe was an investment banker with National Bank Financial and was as a director in their corporate financing group, covering both public and private companies. Prior to that, he worked for several years at Deloitte LLP and at a Canadian investment fund. He has been involved in a wide variety of strategic matters over the years including mergers and acquisitions, cross border transactions and debt and equity financings.

Philippe earned a Bachelor of commerce degree from Laval University and a Graduate Diploma in Accountancy from HEC. He is a member of the Canadian institute of Chartered Accountants (CA) and has the Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation, for which he was the Canadian gold medallist in 2009.

About Goodfood

Goodfood is Canada's leading meal kit company, delivering fresh ingredients that make it easy for subscribers to prepare delicious meals at home every week. Goodfood's objective is to take the hassle out of cooking, leaving subscribers with the fun part - cooking, sharing with family and eating. Subscribers select their favorite recipes from a variety of original dishes online. The Company prepares a personalized box of fresh ingredients and delivers it to the subscriber's doorstep with easy step-by-step instructions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Goodfood had 45,000 active subscribers as of November 30, 2017. www.makegoodfood.ca

Forward-Looking Information

This release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to our objectives and the strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. This forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as "may", "would", "should", "could", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "plan", "foresee", "believe", or "continue", the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. Forward-looking information is provided for the purposes of assisting the reader in understanding the Company and its business, operations, prospects and risks at a point in time in the context of historical and possible future developments and therefore the reader is cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following risk factors which are discussed in greater detail under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended August 31, 2017 available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com: limited operating history, negative operating cash flow, food industry, quality control and health concerns, regulatory compliance, regulation of the industry, public safety issues, product recalls, damage to Goodfood's reputation, transportation disruptions, product liability, ownership and protection of intellectual property, evolving industry, reliance on a single facility, unionization activities, reliance on management, factors which may prevent realization of growth targets, competition, availability and quality of raw materials, limited number of products, environmental and employee health and safety regulations, online security breaches and disruption, reliance on data centers, open source license compliance, future capital requirements, operating risk and insurance coverage, management of growth, conflicts of interest, litigation, and catastrophic events. Although the forward-looking information contained herein is based upon what we believe are reasonable assumptions, readers are cautioned against placing undue reliance on this information since actual results may vary from the forward-looking information.

Certain assumptions were made in preparing the forward-looking information concerning availability of capital resources, business performance, market conditions, and customer demand. Consequently, all of the forward-looking information contained herein is qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that we anticipate will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on our business, financial condition or results of operation. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake to update or amend such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

Contacts:

Jonathan Ferrari

Chief Executive Officer

1(855) 515-5191

IR@makegoodfood.ca




CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Serinus Energy Inc. ("Serinus", "SEN" or the "Company") (TSX:SEN, WSE:SEN) is pleased to provide an update on its operations in Romania and Tunisia.

Romania

On 06 January 2018 the Company announced that the Moftinu-1001 well had been safely brought back under control. Immediately following the capping operation, the Company performed a flow-kill operation using weighted mud in order to conduct a post-incident detailed evaluation of the well, particularly with regard to the integrity of the surface well head assembly and casing after the exposure to intense heat. Following a period of evaluation, the Company has determined that the casing bowl assembly had been exposed to sufficient heat that its integrity was questionable. As such the Company has decided to plug and abandon the Moftinu-1001 well. The Company has initiated well cementing operations to permanently kill the well flow and has initiated procedures to formally abandon the well according to the norms and procedures of the National Agency of Mineral Resources ("NAMR"). The Company is in the process of completing its coverage claim with its insurance broker.

Following the decision to permanently plug and abandon the Moftinu-1001 well the Company has initiated planning and tendering for the immediate drilling of a replacement well. The Company's insurance policy includes coverage for the costs of a replacement well. The Company has identified a new well location approximately 300 metres from the Moftinu-1001 well site. The re-drill will form part of the Company's insurance claim, which would be submitted post-drilling of the Moftinu-1007 well.

The Company has applied for emergency approval, as allowed under Romanian petroleum legislation governing approvals and operations, in order to expedite the drilling and completion of the Moftinu-1007 well. It is currently anticipated by the Company that after receiving emergency approval authorization, that it will be able to commence drilling in March, with drilling, completion and testing taking up to one month.

The Company has engaged a Romanian consultancy firm that is recognised by the Romanian authorities to conduct a root cause analysis of the Moftinu-1001 incident. In addition, the Company is in the process of engaging an international company to also conduct a root cause investigation on behalf of the Board and shareholders. The results of these investigations will be communicated to the relevant authorities in Romania as well as to the shareholders of the Company. It is anticipated that these investigations will be available to the Company prior to the drilling of Moftinu-1007.

In regards the Moftinu Gas Development Project (the "Project") following the recent incident with the Moftinu-1001 well, the Company is continuing with remediation operations at the site. Once the site remediation is complete, the Company anticipates resuming construction on the project in early February.

As previously announced, it was the Company's expectation that the Project would be onstream with first gas in Q1 2018. The Project is now expected to be onstream in late Q2 2018 due to the following reasons:

the required ongoing remediation of the Project site; and

the requirement to drill, complete and test the replacement Moftinu-1007 to replace the expected gas production the Moftinu-1001 well was expected to have contributed to the initial Project capacity.

The Company also re-entered, worked-over and tested the Moftinu-1000 well in operations preceding the Moftinu-1001 incident. The workover consisted of a cement squeeze and re-perforation of the producing zones. The Moftinu-1000 well flow test in 2013 was 1.24 million cubic feet per day ("mmcf/d') and the Company had reason to believe that the existing perforations were of poor quality and restricted the wells production capability. The workover resulted in a new test flow rate of 1.96 mmcf/d, a 57% increase over the 2013 test flowrate.

The Project is now slated to bring on gas production from the Moftinu-1000 and, once drilled, completed and tested, the Moftinu-1007 well. None of the Project specifications have changed as a result of the incident other than timing of first gas, as the Company is still constructing the gas plant at a capacity of 15 mmcf/d, with connecting well flowlines, and a sales gas pipeline connecting to the nearby Transgaz national gas transmission system. As mentioned above, the Project is now expected to achieve first gas in the late second quarter of 2018. The Company will keep the markets apprised of any change to this expected timeline that may occur as the Project construction progresses.

Beyond the work on the Project, the Company is also progressing with the planning and approvals for the future commitment wells. The Company has received approvals from NAMR to drill two exploration commitment wells into the Moftinu Structure: Moftinu-1003 and Moftinu-1004. As well, the Moftinu-1007 well is expected to qualify as a commitment well. The land permitting stage for the Moftinu-1003 and Moftinu-1004 wells have also been completed and it is anticipated that these will be drilled following the drilling of Moftinu-1007. It is planned that all these wells will be drilled by Q3 2018, thereby fulfilling the work commitments for the Addendum. With commercial success, production from Moftinu-1003 and Moftinu-1004 will be added to the experimental production phase of the Moftinu Gas Development Project. The Company is also considering conducting a 3D seismic program in the near future to further identify potential exploration targets within the Satu Mare concession area in order to accelerate production growth in Romania.

Tunisia

Since restarting production at the Sabria field on 06 September 2017 after being shut-in due to social protests, the production at Sabria has been slowly ramping up. Currently three of the four Sabria producing wells have returned to normal production levels, with only the Win12bis well having not yet achieved prior production levels.

The Company is still looking at the timing of bringing the Chouech Es Saida field back on production. However, the recent well incident in Romania and the Company's need to focus its financial resources on the completion of the Moftinu Gas Development Project, it is expected that the Chouech Es Saida field will not be brought onto production until the latter half of 2018.

Given the recent recovery in oil prices, the Company and its partner, ETAP, are considering the timing and execution of additional capital projects that may boost the Company's Tunisian production.

Corporate

The Company is progressing its plan for the continuance of the Company from Alberta to Jersey, Channel Islands, and to also list its shares for trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange ("AIM"). The Company will be holding a special meeting of shareholders for 07 March 2018 to approve the continuation to Jersey as well as other matters requiring shareholder approval.

About Serinus

Serinus is an international upstream oil and gas exploration and production company that owns and operates projects in Tunisia and Romania.

For further information, please refer to the Serinus website ( www.serinusenergy.com ) or contact the following:

Serinus Energy Inc.

Calvin Brackman

Vice President, External Relations & Strategy

Tel.: +1-403-264-8877 cbrackman@serinusenergy.com Serinus Energy Inc.

Jeffrey Auld

Chief Executive Officer

Tel.: +1-403-264-8877

jauld@serinusenergy.com

Translation : This news release has been translated into Polish from the English original.

Forward-looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements made as of the date of this announcement with respect to future activities that either are not or may not be historical facts. Although the Company believes that its expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date hereof, any potential results suggested by such statements involve risk and uncertainties and no assurance can be given that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Various factors that could impair or prevent the Company from completing the expected activities on its projects include that the Company's projects experience technical and mechanical problems, there are changes in product prices, failure to obtain regulatory approvals, the state of the national or international monetary, oil and gas, financial , political and economic markets in the jurisdictions where the Company operates and other risks not anticipated by the Company or disclosed in the Company's published material. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties and actual results may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statement. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in this announcement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement, unless required by law.

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: Serinus Energy Inc. via Globenewswire


Combining loyalty and payments on a single card is a boon for consumers and airlines

REDWOOD CITY, California, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With 23.8 trillion air miles going unredeemed globally and 80% of US airline rewards program members inactive, an innovative solution combining airline loyalty with sophisticated payments features on a single multi-function card is set to significantly elevate airline frequent flyer programs. The integrated frequent flyer payment card solution, powered by i2c, gives travelers a convenient way to make payments and budget spending while concurrently earning loyalty points. At the same time, it provides airlines with powerful tools to expand their loyalty programs to engage their entire customer base and turn a marketing expense into a revenue-generator.

Experience the interactiveMultichannelNews Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/81698241-i2c-frequent-flyer-rewards-program/

Unlike traditional co-branded airline credit cards available only to credit-worthy consumers who qualify, the integrated frequent flyer payment card is open to all airline customers, who simply need to load funds on the card and use it to make purchases anywhere in the world and accumulate loyalty points and air miles rewards.

Multi-Currency Convenience and Spend Management for Consumers

The frequent flyer payment card has sophisticated features many traditional airline credit cards lack:

Multiple currencies and unlimited purses : Travelers have the freedom to carry unlimited currencies on a single co-branded rewards card, saving time and expense of foreign transaction fees.

: Travelers have the freedom to carry unlimited currencies on a single co-branded rewards card, saving time and expense of foreign transaction fees. Security of card controls and real-time alerts: Consumers get added security and visibility over spending, conveniently managed through a Web or mobile interface.

Consumers get added security and visibility over spending, conveniently managed through a Web or mobile interface. Integrated mobile and Web administration: Account and budget management features like setting a spending limits or transferring funds can be handled via the Web or mobile app.

Account and budget management features like setting a spending limits or transferring funds can be handled via the Web or mobile app. Valuable real-time offers : Airline customers can receive relevant digital coupons and offers based on their location.

: Airline customers can receive relevant digital coupons and offers based on their location. Companion cards: Additional account privileges can be easily extended to family members or companions via companion cards.

Airlines Can Finally Move Loyalty Cards Out of the Drawer

Most airline loyalty cards lay dormant in a drawer or unused in a wallet, and less than 5% of airline customers are enrolled in co-branded credit card programs. The i2c-powered frequent flyer payment card offers airlines a novel way to reinvigorate their frequent flyer programs by engaging 100% of their customer base with innovative payments solutions, helping turn the marketing expense of maintaining loyalty programs into a revenue-generating vehicle. Increased frequent flyer payment card usage keeps the airline brand top of mind and boosts loyalty. As airline customers establish credit-worthiness, they become prime candidates for co-branded credit card and other products.

Infographic: Six Alternatives to Travel Card Rewards Programs

About i2c Inc.

From its Silicon Valley headquarters, i2c provides smarter payments and integrated commerce solutions that financial institutions, corporations, brands, and governments around the world rely on to deliver high impact, personalized experiences today's consumers expect. i2c's single, global cloud-based platform supports virtually any card payment program in plastic, virtual, or mobile form. Our customers use the i2c Agile Processing platform to deliver profitable credit, debit, and prepaid solutions that meet the highly-differentiated needs of cardholders in 216 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.i2cinc.com.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151020/278944LOGO
Setting the Trend to Steer the Infrastructure Resource Pool Revolution

SHANGHAI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Huawei released the new-generation intelligent cloud hardware platform - Atlas. Positioned for scenarios such as public cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC), Atlas rides on the advantages of key technologies including heterogeneous resource pooling and intelligent orchestration to deliver new levels of hardware resource utilization and adapt more flexibly to service demands. As the result of Huawei's Boundless Computing strategy, the Atlas platform makes Huawei well positioned to steer the infrastructure resource pool revolution.

With the rise of AI research and application, AI and cloud computing technologies will be integral to people's daily lives. From applications such as safe city and smart manufacturing to autonomous driving, AI and cloud technologies are spreading. Meanwhile, pivotal to intelligence is having capabilities that allow numerous systems to process in real time the massive volumes of data generated from a world of full connectivity. For example, a city with 100,000 cameras installed can produce 100 billion car plate records and 1 trillion facial recognition records a year. It has become a tremendous challenge for traditional computing systems to deliver the required capabilities in order to process, query, and analyze data of such a high order of magnitude.

Built for the public cloud, AI, and HPC scenarios, the Atlas platform released by Huawei addresses the data processing challenges in the AI era. The Atlas platform is based on Huawei's FusionServer G series heterogeneous servers. The FusionServer G series leverages technologies such as heterogeneous resource pooling and intelligent orchestration to pool resources like GPUs, HDDs, and SSDs, and provides hardware resources on demand to suit the needs of specific service models.

Atlas drives an over 50% higher resource utilization efficiency, and boosts performance by over 10x compared with the traditional x86 architecture, meanwhile slashing the hardware device types for customers. Additionally, Atlas can provision logical servers in different resource configuration ratios, and deploy the servers within seconds, significantly shortening the service rollout cycle while empowering customers with the flexibility to adapt to service changes.

"As the AI era is approaching, traditional hardware cannot meet the requirements on development of AI and cloud technologies." said Qiu Long, President, IT Server Product Line, Huawei. "Positioned as a new-generation intelligent cloud hardware platform, Huawei's Atlas pioneers heterogeneous resource pooling and intelligent orchestration technologies to bring resource utilization and performance to new high levels. Atlas is also the fruit of Huawei's Boundless Computing strategy. Huawei has been inspired by the idea of making computing simple through continuous innovation, and keeps customers' requirements in mind to build servers that are stable, reliable, and high-performing, to help customers better cope with the challenges for successful transformation in the AI and cloud era."

Huawei has strategized Boundless Computing as a major step to building a better connected world. The Boundless Computing strategy advocates innovations around computing and leverages innovative chips, heterogeneous computing, and edge computing in order to push the traditional computing boundaries that used to be confined to CPUs, servers, and data centers. At HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Huawei has released multiple brand new public cloud services based on the Atlas hardware platform, including GPU and FPGA cloud services, empowering AI applications with cloud capabilities and enabling customers to access heterogeneous computing services with more ease and speed.

Huawei servers and the entire IT product line have emerged to the global IT mainstream. Huawei delivers leading performance, and simplified and efficient IT infrastructure to help enterprises accomplish their digital transformation. So far, 197 companies on the Fortune Global 500 list and 45 companies in the Fortune Global 100 have chosen Huawei as their digital transformation partner.

HUAWEI CONNECT, Huawei's flagship event for the global ICT industry, is taking place at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from September 5-7, 2017 under the theme of "Grow with the Cloud". At this global platform for open collaboration, Huawei together with its customers and partners will explore new growth opportunities through digital transformation. For more information, please visit http://www.huawei.com/en/events/huaweiconnect2017/
Hong Kong exhibitor Innee-Sedona International Ltd will showcase handbags, luggage and small leather accessories from the brand Celine Dion's 2018 SS collection.



HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department Agnes Wat Tel: +852 2584 4554 Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org

HONG KONG, Jan 4, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 49th edition of Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter kicks off on 15-18 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Featuring some 1,400 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions, the fair will showcase the latest fashion designs, global brand collections, garments, fashion accessories, fabrics and clothing accessories.Under the theme "New-World Explorers," this year's Hong Kong Fashion Week features more than 20 exciting events, including fashion parades and presentations, seminars, as well as a buyer forum and networking reception.New "Corporate Fashion and Uniforms" zoneResponding to growing demand for workplace uniforms, the fair this year will introduce the new "Corporate Fashion and Uniforms" zone. A fashion parade and a related seminar will also be organised, with representatives from the garment, construction and fashion design industry invited to offer a multifaceted view on new growth opportunities in the uniform market.Another new zone, the World of Fashion Accessories, features the latest designs in bags, footwear, legging & socks, gloves, scarves and shawls. Other thematic zones include the Fashionable Sportswear and Urban Clothing zones, which return after their successful debut last year; and the International Fashion Designers' Showcase, which features fashion design talents from around the globe. The fair also welcomes new exhibitors from Malaysia, while group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, India, Indonesia, Japan and Pakistan will also be featured at the event.Celine Dion 2018 SS Accessory Collection makes its Asia-Pacific debutHong Kong exhibitor Innee-Sedona International Ltd will showcase a range of fashion accessory collections from the Celine Dion brand. Last year, the company was appointed the sole Asia-Pacific distributor of products from the brand curated by the singer and celebrity. In 2017, Celine Dion partnered with the Canadian The Bugatti Group to launch her eponymous label, which includes handbags, luggage and other fashion accessories. Each piece reflects Celine Dion's preferences, lifestyle and attention to detail combined with quality and craftsmanship. The brand's 2018 SS collection will make its Asia-Pacific debut at Hong Kong Fashion Week, showcasing a range of products including handbags, luggage and small leather accessories.Other featured products at the fair include: the Japanese company Avenir International Co, Ltd's children's wear, featuring tweed fabric made by well-known British brand Linton; the Hong Kong exhibitor Antonhill Co Ltd's chef's uniform, which is 80 per cent stain-resistant and breathable; Hong Kong exhibitor Heltex Ltd's eco cashmere collection, made from undyed and unbleached cashmere; as well as a new textile product featuring temperature-control functions, jointly developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) and the Institute of Textiles and Clothing of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, suitable for both general apparel and specialised medical applications.Unique fashion show "FASHIONALLY Presentation"More than 10 fashion parades and presentations will be staged during the four-day fair, including "FASHIONALLY Presentation," launched for the first time by the Hong Kong fashion website FASHIONALLY.com. Unlike conventional runway shows, the unique presentation will showcase the design concepts and 2018 FW works of local fashion designers Derek Chan, Aries Sin and Mim Mak, in the form of storytelling set in a theatre-like stage. The stage design, props and story sequence of the FASHIONALLY Presentations are all orchestrated by the designers themselves.On the first day of the fair, FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #11 will present the 2018 FW Women's Wear collections of YEUNG CHIN, phenotypsetter (designer: Jane Ng), 112 mountainyam (designer: Mountain Yam), FromClothingOf (designer: Shirley Wong) and KEVIN HO. Two local creative units, The Spring is Here and Start from Zero, will hold workshops on making Japanese moss balls, otherwise known as kokedama, brooches and wooden tool boxes. The DIY workshops aim to promote the message of nurturing young fashion talents through the use of raw materials. For enrolment details, please refer to FASHIONALLY Facebook page: (https://www.facebook.com/fashionally/)Seminars on market trends and industry developmentsA series of seminars and forums will be held during the four-day fair, where industry professionals will offer insights and share the latest market information. Leading international fashion forecaster Fashion Snoops will present its latest forecast and analysis on men's and women's wear for SS2019. Other seminars will discuss issues such as cleaner production, footwear design and innovation. A networking reception will be held on the first day of the fair, providing the industry with networking opportunities.YDC 2018 opens for applicationApart from FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #11 and the FASHIONALLY Presentation, FASHIONALLY Street (Hall 1C) will also showcase the latest works of local designers participating in this year's Fashion Week. The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC), a springboard for unearthing local design talent, will be held during CENTRESTAGE in September. Applications will open on 15 January (http://fashionally.com/ydc_application).New measures to enhance buyers' sourcing experiencesWith the growing prevalence of mobile communication, the HKTDC will launch the e-Badge initiative at this year's Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter. Buyers can download the environmentally friendly e-Badge from the mobile app HKTDC Marketplace, to access exhibitors and fair information and enjoy a more convenient and comprehensive fair experience.Fair Websites:Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter: hkfashionweekfw.hktdc.comHong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC): http://www.fashionally.com/en/YDC/aboutOther Downloads:FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #11 Fashion Parade and FASHIONALLY PRESENTATION http://bit.ly/2CDKtCiPhoto Download Link: http://bit.ly/2E5xVj4About HKTDCEstablished in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.- Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdc- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdc- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-councilSource: HKTDCContact:Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
NEW DELHI, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Launches India ' s first Hydrostatic & Electric Tractor Concept

Expands its Global Agricultural Products and Solutions portfolio

Escorts Ltd, India's leading engineering conglomerate today launched India's first Electric & Hydrostatic concept tractor and an expanded global portfolio of tractors for the export and domestic market in 22 HP to 90 HP range under flagship brands Farmtrac and Powertrac, compliant with tier 4 emission norms of Europe and America amidst 43 International distributors.

(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/552512/Escorts_Electric_Hydrostatic_Tractor.jpg )



This includes the flagship New Escorts Tractor Series (NETS) with higher horse power (70 to 90 HP), Compact tractors in 22 to 30 HP range, Crossover tractors for both paddy and haulage applications, tractors with cabin options for driving comfort, along with tier 4 emission norms compliant CRDi engines which will cater to customer demands from the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa and ASEAN countries apart from new generation farmers in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajan Nanda, Chairman, Escorts Ltd, said, "Escorts is on a transformational journey of developing products for global markets and offers products of quality with specifications that would be competitive and attractive to buyers. Today's product showcase is a preview of the technical and qualitative development keeping the dynamics and demand of today's progressive farmers. We are spreading our operations to reach countries globally and will develop products mapped to the requirements of the customers and market."

Mr. Nikhil Nanda, Managing Director, Escorts Ltd, added saying, "Escorts is extremely proud to launch Electric tractor concept displaying our frugal engineering to offer India's best to the world. Continuing with our massive transformative purpose of contributing to global food requirement we will enable farmers globally to produce more with mechanized farming products and solutions. New Escorts Tractor Series (NETS) launched today will create all together a new user experience in comfort and precision farming globally. Escorts will continue to showcase innovations through Esclusive, Escorts Exclusive Disruptive Innovation Platform year on year on 6th September, synonymous to 'The Launch Day'.

For further information, please contact:

Escorts Limited

Sharad Gupta

Group Head, Corporate Brand Communications

Sharad.gupta@escorts.co.in

Torque Communications Pvt Ltd.

Rajat Gupta

Account Group Manager

+91-9953500503

rajat@torquemail.com


TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/20/17 -- Sage Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SGX) ("Sage" or the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a treasury offering of flow-through common share units (the "Units") at the price $0.22 per Unit for the gross proceeds of up to or $1,012,000 on a best-efforts private placement basis (the "Offering"), subject to regulatory approval. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Corporation (a "Common Share"), issued on a flow-through basis ("Flow-Through Share"), plus one-half (1/2) of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles its holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.32 for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Offering.

Securities issued pursuant to the Offering shall be subject to a four-month plus one day hold period commencing on the day of the closing of the Offering under applicable Canadian securities laws. Eligible finders may receive in cash of up to 8% and compensation share purchase warrants ("Finder Warrants") of up to 5% of the Offering. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to incur Canadian Exploration Expenses (CEE) on its properties.

About Sage Gold

The Company is a mineral exploration and development company which has primary interests in near-term production and exploration properties in Ontario. Its main properties are the Clavos Gold property, 100% owned, in Timmins and the 100% owned Onaman property and other exploration properties in the Beardmore-Geraldton Gold Camp. Technical reports and information relating to the properties can be obtained from the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) website at www.sedar.com and www.sagegoldinc.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward looking information and the Company cautions readers that forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations of the Company included in this news release. This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements", which often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "may", "could", "would", "will", or "plan". These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements with respect to the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, metallurgical processing, project development, reclamation and capital costs of the Company's mineral properties, and the Company's financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as, but are not limited to: failure to identify mineral resources; failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves; the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; political risks; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. 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, other than as required by law.

Contacts:

Sage Gold Inc.

Nigel Lees

President and CEO

416-204-3170

nlees@sagegoldinc.com

www.sagegoldinc.com




 Flash

Dozens of people were handcuffed and removed by police during a rally Tuesday outside Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, to protest U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to scrap a program shielding from deportation immigrants who came to the country illegally as children.

People attend a rally protesting against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in front of the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Sept. 5, 2017. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been rescinded. The move potentially puts 800,000 illegal immigrants in danger of deportation. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of Trump Tower at about 11 a.m. on Tuesday, chanting "undocumented, unafraid," "We are human beings, our dreams are all equal, protect dignity and all of our people!"

At least 34 of the protesters who sat down in the middle of Fifth Avenue and briefly blocked traffic were taken away in handcuffs by the police.

Images and videos of the rally were widely circulated on social media. Many of the netizens expressed their support and sympathy for the protesters.

"... #DACA recipients risk arrest outside Trump Tower. @NationalNurses stands with Dreamers! #TuesdayThoughts," tweeted RoseAnn DeMoro with a short video showing protesters held hands and sat down on the Fifth Avenue.

The protests came shortly after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the administration would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with a six-month delay.

The DACA beneficiaries were known as Dreamers in the United States.

The DACA, which was passed under the Obama administration in 2012, grants temporary residency and work privileges to those who entered the country before their 16th birthday.

Under the program, Dreamers can apply to defer deportation and legally reside in the U.S. for two years. After that, they can apply for renewal.

By March 31, 240,700 people had applied for renewal in the 2017 fiscal year and nearly 800,000 renewals have been approved over the life of the program.

"We warned you not to threaten our neighbors, @realDonaldTrump," New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted Tuesday minutes after Sessions made the announcement.

"New York City will fight to defend our Dreamers," de Blasio added, using a term commonly used to refer to recipients of DACA.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Monday also threatened to sue if Trump moved to end the DACA program.

Yet there are voices expressing concern that the DACA has amounted to an amnesty for illegal immigrants.

"I support immigrants and immigration standards focused on national security only because it is clear to me that immigrants have always been and remain a huge net positive to America," Lee Cheng, co-founder and director of the Asian American Legal Foundation, told Xinhua Tuesday.

"However, I have to say that as with everything Trump related, there is a lot of misinformation being promulgated by the media and immigration activists," Cheng said.

The problem and challenge with "broad amnesty of almost any kind" can be seen in the aftermath of the amnesty granted to illegal immigrants under President Reagan, he said, "No one can dispute that the amnesty absolutely encouraged even more illegal immigration in the following 2 decades and is the driver of many of the immigration issues facing America today."

The Trump administration is simply asking Congress to take appropriate action on immigration law rather than extending DACA -- Congress has the power and also the authority, as well as the duty, to do so, he said.

"They get 6 months to get something done they should have done years ago but never had the guts or principle to do -- pass comprehensive immigration reform," Cheng said. "It needs to be done. Congress has been punting on it for years because no one wanted to catch the political fallout from one side or another."
PUNE, India, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The report"Over the Air (OTA) Updates Market for Automotiveby Technology (SOTA and FOTA), Application (ECU, TCU, Infotainment, and Safety & Security), Vehicle Type (PC and CV), Electric Vehicle Type (BEV, HEV, and PHEV), and Region - Global Forecast to 2022", published by MarketsandMarkets', the market for automotive is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.2% during the forecast period, to reach USD 3.89 Billion by 2022. Increasing demand for vehicle connectivity for real-time traffic information, government regulations about safety, demand for vehicle performance data for predictive analysis, and improved operational efficiency and profitability are the key drivers for the OTA updates market for automotive.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )



Browse73 Market Data Tables and37 Figures spread through149Pages and in-depth TOC on"Over the Air (OTA) Updates Market - Global Forecast to 2022"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/automotive-over-the-air-updates-market-114117650.html

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North America: Largest market for OTA updates for automotive

North America is projected to be the largest market for automotive OTA updates from 2017 to 2022. The market growth in the region can be attributed to various factors such as increasing number of connected car devices in vehicles, ramping up of electric vehicle production, and frequent infotainment & telematics services updates. Also, strategic alliances between OEMs and non-automotive companies, exceptional communication infrastructure, and government regulations for vehicle data security are expected to fuel the demand for OTA updates market in the region.

Download PDF Brochure: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=114117650

Passenger cars are estimated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period

The passenger car segment accounts for the largest share of the OTA updates market for automotive. The growth of OTA updates market for passenger cars can be attributed to the increased production of passenger cars across the globe. According to the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA) statistics, the global passenger vehicle production has increased from 59.9 million units (2011) to 72.1 million units (2016), at a CAGR of 3.77% over the period of five years. Also, developing countries such as China and India have witnessed significant economic growth, which in turn has increased the demand for premium and luxury segment cars that have a number of connected car devices. The substantial increase in connected cars and growing infrastructure of vehicle to everything (V2X) communication are fueling the demand for connected car devices, which in turn is increasing the deployment of OTA updates.

Make an Inquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=114117650

OTA updates for Telematics is estimated to be the largest application segment from 2017 to 2022

The growth of OTA updates market for TCU is anticipated to be driven by the increasing number of telematics applications. Various automotive OEMs, especially in North America and Europe, are offering telematics control unit as a standard device in their vehicles. OEMs such as General Motors (U.S.), Mercedes-Benz (Germany), BMW (Germany), and Volkswagen AG (Germany) provide the telematics control unit in their passenger car models. Furthermore, the TCU will help the automotive companies to analyze the frequently occurring problems within the vehicle, which will then be rectified in the new products. The updates in TCU applications and real-time data analytics are expected to drive the OTA updates market for TCU application.

The OTA updates market for automotive is dominated by a few globally established players such as Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Continental AG (Germany), and Harman International (U.S).

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Electric Vehicle Market by EV battery Cost, EV Components (Battery, On-Board Charger), Propulsion (BEV, PHEV, HEV, FCEV), Recharging Station (Normal & Super Charging), Govt. Regulation (EV Subsidies, EV Tax Rebates) and Region - Global Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/ev-component-and-infrastructure-market-209371461.html

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market by Charging Station (AC Charging Station, DC Charging Station, Inductive Charging Station), Connector Type (Chademo, CCS, Others), Location (Public, Private), and Geography - Global Trend and Forecast to 2022

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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While President Donald Trump has decided to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the results of a Morning Consult/Politico poll found that a majority of voters think the undocumented immigrants protected by the Obama-era policy should be allowed to remain in the country.



Fifty-eight percent of voters said the undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers should be allowed to stay and become citizens if they meet certain requirements.



Another 18 percent of voters said the Dreamers should be allowed to stay and become legal residents but not citizens, while just 15 percent favor deportation.



Allowing the Dreamers to stay and become citizens is supported by 71 percent of Democrats and 56 percent of independents, as well as a 46 percent plurality of Republicans.



The poll was conducted before Trump officially announced the decision to rescind the DACA program, which provides certain illegal immigrants who were brought to the country as children protection from deportation and eligibility to apply for work permits.



The administration revealed that it will be phasing out the program over six months, giving Congress time to act to address the approximately 800,000 undocumented immigrants granted protection.



Trump said in a post on Twitter on Tuesday that he will 'revisit the issue' if Congress is unable to legalize DACA in the next six months.



The poll found that voters are split over which party they trust more to handle immigration, with 40 percent saying Democrats and a matching 40 percent saying Republicans.



Voters are also divided over the larger question of how to handle the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants residing in the country.



Forty-nine percent said the illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay and become citizens, 21 percent said they should be allowed to stay and become legal residents but not citizens, and 22 percent said they should be deported.



The Morning Consult/Politico survey of 1,993 registered voters was conducted August 31st through September 3rd and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.



(Photo: Fibonacci Blue)



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 5, 2017) - RosCan Minerals Corporation (TSXV: ROS) ("RosCan" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following progress update:

DORMAA GOLD PROJECT (GHANA)

Drill Program - Gold anomalous areas have been identified with the completion of a prospecting program and gold-in-soil geochemical survey. A 3,000 metre reverse circulation and air core rotary blast drill program has been designed to test these anomalies and had been delayed due to obtaining the necessary approvals. This drilling is expected to begin in January 2018.

Option and Joint Venture Agreement - Certain provisions in the agreement made with Pelangio Exploration Inc. are being renegotiated for RosCan to assume operatorship. The necessary amendments are expected to be finalized by year end.

In addition, RosCan's remaining payments pursuant to the agreement have been extended and are now as follows:

(a) fund $1,700,000 in exploration expenditures, as follows: Amount Due Date $700,000 By June 5, 2018; and, $1,000,000 By June 5, 2019. (b) pay to Pelangio an aggregate of $150,000, as follows: Amount Due Date $50,000 On June 5, 2018; and, $100,000 On June 5, 2019

WEST AFRICA LAND ACQUISITION STRATEGY

RosCan is making excellent progress in advancing its strategy to acquire additional gold prospective properties in West African countries. RosCan is currently assembling a sizeable land package in Mali and expects to provide further details in the coming weeks.

COMMENTARY

Greg Isenor, President and CEO of RosCan, stated, "We are excited that the first phase of drilling on the Dormaa Project is expected to begin in January and appreciate the efforts of the traditional authorities and government officials in the approval process. In addition, we are fairly advanced on assembling a land package in the prolific Birimian rocks of Mali, West Africa, using an approach that has proven to be successful for me in past".

ABOUT ROSCAN

RosCan Minerals Corporation is a Canadian gold exploration company focussed on the acquisition of gold properties in West Africa. The Company is currently exploring the promising gold potential of the early exploration stage Dormaa Project in Ghana. RosCan is earning a 50% interest in the Dormaa Project from Pelangio Exploration Inc. ('Pelangio').

For further information, please contact:

Greg Isenor

President and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (902) 832-5555 or (416) 293-8437

Email: info@roscan.ca

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation that relate to the Dormaa Project. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the option to earn an interest in the Dormaa Project, the Company's proposed financing activities and its ability to satisfy its project financing and working capital needs, planned use of any proceeds or available funds, objectives, goals or future exploration plans at the Dormaa Project, the business and operations of the Company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: failure of Pelangio to obtain the authorizations for the assignment to it of the Prospecting License; the Company's inability to obtain financing to satisfy the payments necessary for it to earn an interest in the Dormaa Project when due; political and economic risks related to Ghana, title risks, liquidity risks related to the Company and Pelangio, general business, economic and social uncertainties; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; those additional risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com; and other matters discussed in this news release. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except where required by law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, 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.
Sales 911 million (+8.5% vs H1 2016)

EBITDA 60.7 million (6.7% of sales)

Net income (Group share)27.7 million

Regulatory News:

Jacquet Metal Service (Paris:JCQ):

On September 6, 2017 the Board of Directors chaired by Eric Jacquet examined the consolidated financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2017, which were subject to a limited review by the Statutory Auditors.

m Q2 2017 Q2 2016 H1 2017 H1 2016 Sales 445.7 417.0 910.7 839.5 Gross margin 114.2 101.5 236.0 195.6 % of sales 25.6% 24.3% 25.9% 23.3% EBITDA (1) 29.5 15.4 60.7 24.2 % of sales 6.6% 3.7% 6.7% 2.9% Operating income before non-recurring items (1) 23.2 10.0 50.1 14.1 % of sales 5.2% 2.4% 5.5% 1.7% Operating income 22.1 10.1 49.2 14.5 Net income (Group share) 12.4 3.4 27.7 2.3

(1) Adjusted for non-recurring items. The activity report includes a definition of non-IFRS financial indicators and explains the methods used to calculate them.

First half 2017 sales and earnings

Group sales amounted to 911 million, +8.5% compared to first half 2016, including the following effects:

> Volumes sold: -1.8% (Q2: -5.2%);

> Price: +10.3% (Q2: +12.1%).

Gross margin amounted to 236 million or 25.9% of sales (Q2: 25.6%) versus 23.3% in H1 2016.

EBITDA came to 60.7 million (Q2: 29.5 million), amounting to 6.7% of sales versus 2.9% in H1 2016.

Operating income before non-recurring items amounted to 50.1 million (5.5% of sales) compared to 14.1 million (1.7% of sales) in H1 2016.

Net income (Group share) amounted to 27.7 million (3% of sales) versus 2.3 million (0.3% of sales) in H1 2016.

Financial position

The Group generated operating cash flow of 48 million during H1 2017. As of June 30, 2017, operating working capital amounted to 389 million, including inventories of 387 million, and represented 23.4% of sales, stable compared to year end of 2016.

As of June 30, 2017, Group net debt stood at 172 million, compared with shareholders' equity of 313 million, resulting in a net debt to equity ratio of 55% (69% as of December 31, 2016).

First half 2017 earnings by division

Jacquet Abraservice Stappert IMS Stainless steel and wear-

resistant quarto plates Long stainless

steel products Engineering

steels m Q2 2017 H1 2017 Q2 2017 H1 2017 Q2 2017 H1 2017 Sales 97.8 195.9 114.4 240.6 232.1 472.7 Change vs 2016 16.2% 15.9% 7.5% 11.0% 3.2% 4.2% Price effect 13.3% 13.3% 18.2% 16.3% 8.8% 6.4% Volume effect 2.8% 2.6% -10.7% -5.3% -5.6% -2.3% EBITDA (1) (2) 6.4 13.5 7.0 16.7 12.6 26.5 % of sales 6.6% 6.9% 6.1% 6.9% 5.4% 5.6% Operating income before non-recurring items (2) 3.9 8.9 6.3 15.8 10.1 22.6 % of sales 4.0% 4.5% 5.5% 6.6% 4.4% 4.8%

(1) Non-division operations contributed 3.4 million to Q2 2017 EBITDA and 4.0 million to H1 2017 EBITDA.

(2)Adjusted for non-recurring items. The activity report includes a definition of non-IFRS financial indicators and explains the methods used to calculate them.

Jacquet Abraservice

This division comprises the Jacquet and Abraservice brands, respectively specialized in the distribution of stainless steel and wear-resistant quarto plates. Jacquet and Abraservice have separate sales networks. The division generated 72% of its business in Europe and 18% in North America.

Sales amounted to 195.9 million, +15.9% from 169.1 million in H1 2016: volumes sold +2.6% (Q2: 2.8%), price +13.3% (Q2: 13.3%).

The gross margin rate rose 1.4 percentage points to 30.9% of sales, while gross margin came to 60.5 million compared to 49.9 million in H1 2016.

EBITDA amounted to 13.5 million (Q2: 6.4 million), representing 6.9% of sales, compared to 4.6 million (2.7% of sales) in H1 2016.

Stappert

This division specializes in the distribution of long stainless steel products in Europe. It generated 41% of its sales in Germany, the largest European market.

Sales amounted to 240.6 million, +11% from 216.7 million in H1 2016: volumes sold -5.3% (Q2: -10.7%), prices +16.3% (Q2: +18.2%).

The gross margin rate rose 3 percentage points to 23.3% of sales, while the gross margin came to 56.1 million versus 44.1 million in H1 2016.

EBITDA amounted to 16.7 million (Q2: 7 million), representing 6.9% of sales, compared to 6.7 million (3.1% of sales) in H1 2016.

IMS group

IMS group specializes in the distribution of engineering steels, mostly in the form of long products. The division generated 47% of its sales in Germany, the largest European market.

Sales amounted to 472.7 million, +4.2% from 453.8 million in H1 2016: volumes -2.3% (Q2: -5.6%), prices +6.4% (Q2: +8.8%).

The gross margin rate rose 2.8 percentage points to 24.7% of sales, while the gross margin came to 116.7 million versus 99.3 million in H1 2016.

EBITDA amounted to 26.5 million (Q2: 12.6 million), representing 5.6% of sales, compared to 9.4 million (2.1% of sales) in H1 2016. S+B Distribution contributed 10.2 million (3.8% of sales) to EBITDA, compared to 1 million in H1 2016.

Key financial information

Results

m H1 2017 H1 2016 Sales 910.7 839.5 Gross margin 236.0 195.6 % of sales 25.9% 23.3% EBITDA (1) 60.7 24.2 % of sales 6.7% 2.9% Operating income before non-recurring items (1) 50.1 14.1 % of sales 5.5% 1.7% Operating income 49.2 14.5 Net income (Group share) 27.7 2.3

(1) Adjusted for non-recurring items. The activity report includes a definition of non-IFRS financial indicators and explains the methods used to calculate them.

Balance sheet

m June 30, 2017 Dec. 31, 2016 Goodwill 68.4 68.5 Net non-current assets 144.8 147.6 Net inventory 387.2 376.2 Net trade receivables 230.6 171.3 Other assets 92.4 91.7 Cash 66.4 73.0 Total assets 989.9 928.3 Shareholders' equity 312.7 296.5 Provisions (including provisions for employee benefit obligations) 105.6 112.3 Trade payables 229.1 176.4 Borrowings 242.2 281.2 Other liabilities 100.3 61.8 Total equity and liabilities 989.9 928.3

Cash flow

m H1 2017 2016 Operating cash flow before change in working capital 49.2 45.3 Change in working capital (1.5) (2.2) Cash flow from operating activities 47.7 43.1 Capital expenditure (8.0) (18.3) Asset disposals 0.6 1.2 Dividends paid to shareholders of Jacquet Metal Service S.A. (9.5) Interest paid (5.4) (9.6) Other movements (2.2) 1.3 Change in net debt 32.8 8.3 Net debt brought forward 205.3 213.5 Net debt carried forward 172.5 205.3

The half-year report may be downloaded from: www.jacquetmetalservice.com.

Q3 2017 results: Wednesday, November 15, 2017 after close of trading

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006407/en/

Contacts:

Jacquet Metal Service
DUBLIN, September 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Military Aircraft Flight Control System Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The global military aircraft flight control system market to grow at a CAGR of 5.33% during the period 2017-2021.

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global military aircraft flight control system market for 2017-2021. The report also highlights the various factors contributing to the growth of the market, upcoming trends, and key challenges. In addition, it provides a detailed overview of the top vendors in the market. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

The latest trend gaining momentum in the market is FBW control systems. Conventionally, aircraft controls were mechanic and hydraulic. Advancements in technology have led to the development of a new kind of control, called FBW. FBW enables control of movable components on the wing and tail through an electronic interface. The flight control movements are converted into electric signals, which are transmitted through wires. The flight control computers receive these signals and, in turn, control the actuators.

According to the report, one of the major drivers for this market is Increased inclination toward automation. Automatic flight control system (AFCS) or autopilot is a part of an aircraft's avionics system, which controls the aircraft trajectory, without the pilot's constant intervention. AFCS was initially developed to reduce the workload of the pilot during critical phases of flight (like high-altitude cruising). It is basically classified based on the number of surfaces it controls. It can be single-axis, two-axis, or three-axis. A three-axis autopilot controls ailerons, elevators, and rudder.

Further, the report states that one of the major factors hindering the growth of this market is Stringent regulatory norms. The vendors who offer FCS must abide by regulatory norms laid down by defense organizations. These norms can exist at the federal, state, and local levels. The process of validation of a control system design is highly elaborate. It includes a series of authentication checks and certification processes. In general, the validation activities can be categorized as inspection, test, demonstration and analysis. Validation is to ensure that the control system is on par with the various standards of functionality, quality, and safety. For instance, MIL-STD (United States Military Standard) or MIL-SPEC is a defense standard of the US DoD.

Key vendors

BAE Systems

Lockheed Martin

Rockwell Collins

Saab

Safran

Other prominent vendors

Genesys Aerosystems

Honeywell International

Moog

Parker Hannifin



Key Topics Covered:



PART 01: Executive summary



PART 02: Scope of the report



PART 03: Research Methodology



PART 04: Introduction



PART 05: Market landscape



PART 06: Segmentation by platform

Segmentation of control systems by platform type

Global military fixed-wing aircraft FCS market

Global military rotorcraft FCS market

Global military UAV FCS market

PART 07: Geographical segmentation



PART 08: Decision framework



PART 09: Drivers and challenges



PART 10: Market trends

Fly-by-wire control systems

Intelligent BEL algorithm for flight control

Development of Electronic Flight Bag

PART 11: Key vendor analysis



PART 12: Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2r8d58/global_military

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



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Ceylon Graphite Corp. / Ceylon Graphite's Assays 98.89% Carbon Content . Processed and transmitted by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ceylon Graphite Corp. ("Ceylon Graphite") (TSX-V:CYL) (OTC:CYLYF) (FSE:CCY) announces it has received assay results of laboratory testing of graphite samples taken from the overburden of its exploration GRIDs in the Malsiripura and Katuwana areas in Sri Lanka. These results indicate carbon content ranging from 98.89% to 78.43% (w/w). The laboratory testing was done by Kahatagaha Graphite Lanka Ltd. (Government owned mining company) and SGS India Pvt Ltd.

These tests were conducted in the normal course of exploration work and the quality of results are significant as the samples were taken from the overburden - subsurface but not from the bedrock. Graphite from the bedrock is almost always of better quality as the mineral has less exposure to the weathering processes. The results are only valid for the samples tested.

As a consequence of these results, Ceylon Graphite intends to accelerate its exploration and rehabilitation work at these two sites with the intent to develop mine plans.

Bharat Parashar, Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are delighted with these results which indicate that Ceylon Graphite has some of the world's purest graphite available in its GRIDs. We expect the unweathered mineral mined from the bedrock at these sites will yield an even higher grade graphite. We now intend to ramp up work on these two sites to quickly bring them to pre-commercial production stage."

Qualified Person

Robert Marvin, P.Geo (ONT) is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the geological information provided in this news release.

About Ceylon Graphite Corp.

Ceylon Graphite is a public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange that is in the business of exploring for and development of graphite in Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka has granted the company exploration rights in a land package of over 100km. These exploration grids (each a square kilometre in area) cover areas of historic graphite production from the early twentieth century, and represent a majority of the known graphite occurrences in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan graphite is known to be some of the purest in the world, and currently accounts for less than 2% of the world graphite production.

"Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release."

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:This news release contains forward-looking information as such term is defined in applicable securities laws, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. The forward-looking information includes statements about Ceylon Graphite'sgrids, Ceylon Graphite's plans to undertake additional drilling and to develop a mine plan, Ceylon Graphite's intention to apply for a Mining License and to commence establishing mining operations. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to Ceylon Graphite, including the assumption that, the drilling exercises will confirm the presence of high quality graphite, sufficient financial resources will be available, the records from the drilling exercises prove to be accurate, there will be no unanticipated delays or costs materially affecting Ceylon Graphite's exploration, development and production, there will be no material adverse change in metal prices, all necessary consents, licenses, permits and approvals will be obtained and the market. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking information include, among other things, an inability to reach a final acquisition agreement, inaccurate results from the drilling exercises, a failure to obtain or delays in obtaining the required regulatory licenses, permits, approvals and consents, an inability to access financing as needed, a general economic downturn, a volatile stock price, labour strikes, political unrest, changes in the mining regulatory regime governing Ceylon Graphite, a failure to comply with environmental regulations and a weakening of market and industry reliance on high quality graphite. Ceylon Graphite cautions the reader that the above list of risk factors is not exhaustive.

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, Ceylon Graphite does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com (http://www.sedar.com/))

Further information regarding the Company is available at www.ceylongraphite.com (http://www.ceylongraphite.com)

Bharat Parashar, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

info@ceylongraphite.com (mailto:info@ceylongraphite.com)

Corporate Communications

(604) 559-8051
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- The British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) today announced the first registration of an investment fund manager in Canada solely dedicated to cryptocurrency investments. The BCSC has granted First Block Capital Inc. registration as an investment fund manager and an exempt market dealer in order to operate a bitcoin investment fund.

"Cryptocurrency investments are a new and novel form of investing in Canada. We have seen from the market and from investors that there is a strong appetite for access to these kinds of investments," said Zach Masum, Manager, Legal Services, Capital Markets Regulation, and leader of the BCSC's Tech Team. "This first registration allows access to bitcoin investments, while providing the BCSC with unique mechanisms to monitor operations in a rapidly developing area."

Cryptocurrency investments raise risks that are different from traditional asset classes, including the cybersecurity risks inherent in dealing with digital currencies. These risks relate not only to the registrant, but also to the bitcoin fund's custodian, a third party chosen to facilitate the safekeeping and exchange of bitcoins.

The conditions of registration imposed on First Block Capital were crafted to give flexibility to allow them to operate under the present regulatory framework, and give tools to the BCSC to evaluate the identified risks of this innovative fund type. First Block Capital is also now registered as an investment fund manager and exempt market dealer in Ontario; the BCSC is its principal regulator.

"We strongly encourage other companies in British Columbia, whether they are potential new registrants or existing investment fund managers, to contact the BCSC's Tech Team if they are considering pursuing cryptocurrency investments in their funds," said Masum. "The Tech Team can help ensure compliance with securities regulation, which can help save time and potential costs later on."

The BCSC launched the Tech Team in January 2017 as part of its fintech outreach initiative to help B.C.-based fintech and technology companies understand their securities regulatory requirements. The Tech Team is also actively involved with the Canadian Securities Administrators' Regulatory Sandbox Initiative, which supports fintech businesses seeking to offer innovative products, services and applications in Canada.

The Tech Team will continue engaging with key stakeholders, and anticipates issuing a publication later this year summarizing results of its outreach and proposing next steps to meet the needs of B.C. financial technology industry participants.

More information on the BCSC's fintech outreach can be found on the BCSC's technology webpage. The BCSC's Tech Team can be reached by email at TechTeam@bcsc.bc.ca.

About the British Columbia Securities Commission (www.bcsc.bc.ca)

The British Columbia Securities Commission is the independent provincial government agency responsible for regulating capital markets in British Columbia through the administration of the Securities Act. Our mission is to protect and promote the public interest by fostering:

-- A securities market that is fair and warrants public confidence -- A dynamic and competitive securities industry that provides investment opportunities and access to capital

Learn how to protect yourself and become a more informed investor at www.investright.org.

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Alison Walker

604-899-6713



Public inquiries:

604-899-6854 or 1-800-373-6393 (toll free)

inquiries@bcsc.bc.ca




BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss stock market ended Wednesday's session with a small loss, giving back the slight gains of the previous session. The market got off to a weak start, but recovered some ground ahead of the positive open on Wall Street. Investors continued to exercise caution mid-week, as concerns over the tensions between North Korea and the United States lingered. Traders are also concerned over the potential impact that Hurricane Irma could have on the U.S., following closely on the heels of the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Investors are also looking forward to Thursday's policy decision from the European Central Bank. The Swiss Market Index decreased by 0.11 percent Wednesday and finished at 8,859.47. The Swiss Leader Index dropped 0.13 percent and the Swiss Performance Index lost 0.16 percent. Clariant was among the biggest losers of the session, falling 1.8 percent. Partners Group weakened by 1.3 percent, while LafargeHolcim and Dufry surrendered 1.0 percent each. Swiss Re dropped 0.9 percent and Zurich declined 0.7 percent on U.S. hurricane concerns. Baloise also slid 0.5 percent. Richemont gained 0.1 percent after Barclays raised its price target on the stock, but maintained its 'Equal-weight' rating. Meanwhile, rival luxury goods company Swatch fell 0.5 percent. The index heavyweights ended the day with mixed results. Nestle decreased 0.5 percent, Roche rose 0.1 percent, while Novartis ended the day unchanged. Vifor was among the best performing stocks of the day, with an increase of 2.2 percent. Shares of ABB advanced 0.5 percent. Bank stocks recovered in afternoon trading. Credit Suisse climbed 0.7 percent, UBS rose 0.3 percent and Julius Baer gained 0.6 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- Fasken Martineau is pleased to announce that Brent Clark today joins its Vancouver office as Partner in the Banking & Finance group.

Brent acts primarily for banks, credit unions, pension funds and other borrowers and lenders in secured and unsecured financing transactions. He has recently been named by Best Lawyers in Canada for his expertise in asset-based lending and banking and finance law.

"We are pleased to welcome Brent to the legal team in Vancouver. He is an established practitioner in his field and well-known in the region for his solution-based approach to working with both clients and colleagues," said William Westeringh, Q.C., Regional Managing Partner for the Vancouver office.

"We look forward to having Brent play a key role in further strengthening and expanding the Firm's highly regarded lending practice in the Vancouver marketplace," added Jon J. Holmstrom, Leader of the Banking & Finance group.

Fasken Martineau's Banking & Finance group has been quick to respond to the constantly changing financing environment. Acting for both lenders and borrowers in transactions ranging from simple credit agreements to complex multi-facility, multicurrency financings with multiple syndicates, clients benefit from the firm's exceptional bench strength.

About Fasken Martineau

Fasken Martineau is a leading international business law and litigation firm. With more than 700 lawyers, the firm has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, London and Johannesburg. For additional information, please visit the firm's website at fasken.com.

Contacts:

Stephanie Berthiaume

+1 514 397 5212

sberthiaume@fasken.com



Genevieve Chalifour

+1 514 871 5987

gchalifour@fasken.com




 Flash

The just-concluded 9th BRICS Summit was a show of Chinese wisdom on South-South cooperation and global governance, leaving behind "BRICS Plus" as one of its most important legacies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (5th L), Brazilian President Michel Temer (3rd L), Russian President Vladimir Putin (4th L), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2nd L), South African President Jacob Zuma (1st L), Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (5th R), Guinean President Alpha Conde (4th R), Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (3rd R), President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon (2nd R) and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha pose for a photo before the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Sept. 5, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The annual summit has gathered leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to discuss pressing development issues from emerging economies. This year, China has proposed "BRICS Plus" by inviting leaders from Egypt, Mexico, Thailand, Tajikistan and Guinea for a dialogue on the sidelines of the summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks on BRICS Plus have drawn a lot attention from many overseas experts, who have generally endorsed the idea, and look forward to the "second golden decade" of BRICS cooperation.

A bigger cake

During the Xiamen Summit, China held the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing countries, where leaders of the five BRICS Plus countries were invited to join the BRICS leaders.

Iqbal Surve, Chairman of South Africa BRICS Business Council told Xinhua on the sidelines of the summit that he personally welcomes the BRICS Plus initiative.

"That can only benefit the people of those countries," he said.

For Thailand businessman Dhanin Chearavanont, BRICS Plus certainly sounds promising. "It's certainly the more (countries) the better," the senior chairman of CP Group told Xinhua.

Chearavanont's company has already invested heavily in China, Russia and India, with more than 10 billion U.S. dollars' investment in China alone. There is massive potential in agricultural products consumption in the BRICS market, he added.

BRICS has a very positive theme and can lead to the development of Africa, Latin America and other countries, Atul Dalakoti, executive director of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, told Xinhua after attending the opening ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum on Sunday.

"From that point of view I think a growing BRICS is a welcome thing," said the Indian businessman.

A stronger voice

Despite some saying the bloc losing its luster, many believe otherwise. "I think the bloc will still have relevance because this is a coming together of the developing world," K.V. Kamath, president of BRICS New Development Bank, told Xinhua ahead of the summit.

"This is only a beginning," said Kamath, adding that the influence that the BRICS countries will have in an economic context will only grow.

"BRICS continues to be and promises to emerge as a major influence in presenting a new model of financial governance as also in transforming conventional Bretton Woods financial institutions," said Swaran Singh, a professor of Center for International Politics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, in an email interview.

As President Xi put it in a Chinese saying, "It's easy to break one arrow but hard to break ten arrows bundled together." BRICS Plus is expected to expand the coverage of BRICS cooperation and enhance the strengths of the bloc in the international community.

Xi is now proposing a grand vision of global governance - stressing stability and mutual prosperity, Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation and a longtime China expert and observer, told Xinhua via email during the summit.

"Properly positioned, BRICS can facilitate the continuing emergence of the largest developing countries to participate fully in a new kind of global governance, which humanity so badly needs in the 21st Century," said Kuhn.

The more, the merrier?

According to the BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration released on Monday, the bloc shall strive towards broad partnerships with emerging markets and developing countries, noting that the dialogue and cooperation with non-BRICS countries will be "equal-footed."

In that regard, Kuhn said China is "going out of its way" not to flaunt its power in the governance of BRICS. "For example, even though China's GDP is more than double the other four BRICS countries' GDP combined, each of the five countries has equal voting shares in the BRICS New Development Bank."

There are certainly differences among the BRICS countries, but "what unites them is stronger than what divides them," said Kuhn.

The expert noted that the continuing common interests among BRICS members have only grown greater over the past decade: a great need to increase international trade and a deep sense that the current international system does not properly represent the interest of the developing world.

Despite an overall optimistic view on the bloc's future, Kuhn suggested the bloc's members take into consideration the downside of potential expansion. "The larger the group becomes, it will be a larger challenge to maintain a unified focus that has substance," he said.

Chearavanont from Thailand's CP Group doesn't share Kuhn's caution. He believes the more, the merrier. "I hope more and more countries can join this bloc, not to move anyone's cheese, just to make a bigger cake."
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2017) - Commander Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CMD) ("Commander") and project partner Fjordland Exploration Inc. ("Fjordland") (TSXV: FEX) are pleased to announce that they have recently expanded the land position at their South Voisey's Bay Project (the "SVB Property") located in Labrador, Canada, to a total of 29,400 Ha (294 km 2) covering the majority of the of the Pants Lake Gabbro Complex. Furthermore the companies have initiated preparations to conduct an initial 1000m drill test of the Sandy Target beginning in mid-September.

Fjordland currently owns a 15% interest in the property earned during an earlier agreement from 2014. Both companies have recently entered into a letter agreement (see press release dated June 5, 2017) allowing for Fjordland to acquire up to a 100% interest by paying Commander aggregate cash payments of $290,000 completing $8.0 million in exploration expenditures and issuing to Commander an aggregate of 4.5 million post consolidation shares as follows:

- Filed by newsfilecorp.com



Date for Completion

Option Payment

Fjordland Shares Exploration and Development

Expenditures Approval Date (complete) $ - 200,000 $ - October 31, 2017 (FEX Vests at 35%) - - $600,000 1st anniversary of Approval Date $ 10,000 250,000 - 2nd anniversary of Approval Date $ 15,000 300,000 - 3rd anniversary of Approval Date $ 25,000 350,000 - October 31, 2021 (FEX vests at 75%) $ 40,000 400,000 $ 2,400,000 October 31, 2024 (FEX vests at 100%) $200,000 3,000,000 $5,000,000 TOTAL $ 290,000 4,500,000 $ 8,000,000

Upon Fjordland acquiring a 100% interest in the project, Commander will retain a 2% NSR and Fjordland will have the right to buy down 50% of the Royalty for a payment of $5,000,000 as a cash payment, or a cash payment equal $2,500,000 plus the issuance of shares having a fair market value of 50% of the buy down amount. Commander will receive a $10,000,000 advance royalty payment at the commencement of commercial production.

On August 28, 2017, Fjordland announced a non-binding agreement with High Power Exploration Inc. ("HPX") through which an affiliate of HPX would fund $1.4 million in project expenditures by means of a private placement in Fjordland and a further agreement by HPX to fund, on behalf of Fjordland, up to $7.4 million in additional exploration expenditures and $290,000 in property payments, following which Fjordland has agreed to assign a 65% project interest to HPX (see FEX news release dated August 28, 2017). A definitive Investment Agreement and Subscription Agreement were executed by HPX and Fjordland on September 5, 2017 as scheduled. Completion of the investment is conditional on HPX's final due diligence review, to be completed on or before September 20, 2017, as well as shareholder and TSX Venture Exchange approval.

HPX is a privately owned, metals-focused exploration company deploying proprietary in-house geophysical technologies to rapidly evaluate mineral prospects. The HPX technology cluster comprises systems for targeting, modelling, survey optimization, acquisition, processing and interpretation. HPX has a highly experienced board and management team led by Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer Robert Friedland.

The SVB property is located in central Labrador some 80 kilometres south of Vale's Voisey's Bay Nickel mine and covers parts of the Pants Lake Gabbro Complex. The Pants Lake Complex contains host rocks with alteration and nickel mineralization styles consistent with high nickel prospectivity. In November 2014 Commander and Fjordland completed a UTEM and ground magnetic survey over a portion of the claims, referred to as the Sandy Target, where historical work has indicated the presence of a strong conductor. Results of this more recent survey outlined a strong horizontal conductor and 4 strong sub-vertical conductors near the Worm Gabbro, a possible feeder dyke to the larger gabbro bodies. (see News Release dated March 2, 2015). The Sandy Target forms will be the focus of the initial drill program announced herein.

Robert Cameron, P. Geo. is a qualified person within the context of National Instrument 43-101, and has read and takes responsibility for the technical aspects of this release.



About Commander Resources:

Commander Resources is a Canadian focused exploration company that has leveraged its success in exploration through partnerships and sale of properties, while retaining equity and royalty interests. Commander has a portfolio of base and precious metal projects across Canada and significant equity positions in Maritime Resources Corp. and Aston Bay Holdings. Commander also retains royalties from properties that have been partnered, optioned or sold.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Robert Cameron, P. Geo.

President and CEO

For further information, please call:

Robert Cameron, President and CEO

Toll Free: 1-800-667-7866

info@commanderresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.
Definitive Agreement Executed with High Power Exploration

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 6, 2017) - Fjordland Exploration Inc. (TSXV: FEX) wishes to provide a status report regarding the initial drill test for Ni-Cu-Co mineralization of the Sandy target located on claims comprising the South Voisey's Bay project, Labrador. A minimum of 1000 meters of drilling is designed to test five shallow UTEM geophysical conductors.

Innu Cartwright Drilling L.P. of Goose Bay, NL have been granted the camp construction and drill contract. The project will be managed by Dawn Evans-Lamswood, P.Geo. of Paradise, NL (refer to https://www.fjordlandex.com/news/2017/fjordland-announces-appointments for Ms. Evans-Lamswood's professional qualifications and experience).

Fjordland also announces that it has recently completed the acquisition of an additional 21,800 ha of mineral tenure contiguous to existing claims. This staking increases the size of the claim group to a total of 29,450 ha.

The South Voisey's Bay project, located 80 kilometers south of Vale's Voisey's Bay mine, is owned by Commander Resources Ltd. ("Commander") 85% and Fjordland 15%. As announced on June 5, 2017, Fjordland has been granted an option by Commander to earn up to a 100% interest subject to a 2% NSR in favor of Commander https://www.fjordlandex.com/news/2017/fjordland-announces-recpaitalization-voiseys-bay-option-agreement-2017-exploration-programs-and-financing.

Fjordland has now also entered into definitive agreements with an affiliate of High Power Exploration Inc. ("HPX") under which it is subscribing for common shares and warrants from Fjordland for an aggregate consideration of $1.4 million by means of a private placement. In addition, HPX has also agreed to fund, on behalf of Fjordland, $7.4 million in exploration expenditures and to make $290,000 of property payments required to be made to Commander. If completed, and Fjordland acquires a 100% interest in the South Voisey's Bay project, Fjordland has agreed to assign a 65% project interest to HPX. The terms of the transaction were originally announced on August 28, 2017. https://www.fjordlandex.com/news/2017/high-power-exploration-and-fjordland-execute-a-non-binding-term-sheet-for-a-proposed-private-placement-and-concurrent-funding-for-the-south-voiseys-bay-nickel-copper-cobalt-project-in-labrador.

The definitive HPX Investment Agreement and definitive Subscription Agreement were executed on September 5, 2017 as scheduled. Completion of the investment is conditional on HPX's final due diligence review, to be completed on or before September 20, 2017, as well as shareholder and TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About Fjordland Exploration Inc.

Fjordland Exploration Inc. is a mineral exploration company that is focused on the discovery of large scale potentially economic deposits located in Canada. For further information visit Fjordland's website at www.fjordlandex.com

About High Power Exploration

HPX is a privately owned, metals-focused exploration company deploying proprietary in-house geophysical technologies to rapidly evaluate mineral prospects. The HPX technology cluster comprises systems for targeting, modelling, survey optimization, acquisition, processing and interpretation. HPX has a highly experienced board and management team led by Co-Chair and Chief Executive Officer Robert Friedland, President Eric Finlayson, a former head of exploration at Rio Tinto, and co-chaired by Ian Cockerill, a former Chief Executive Officer of Gold Fields Ltd. For further information, please visit www.hpxploration.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Richard C. Atkinson"

Richard C. Atkinson, P.Eng.

President & CEO

For further information, please call:

FJORDLAND EXPLORATION INC.

Richard C. Atkinson, President and CEO

1-604-805-3232

info@fjordlandex.com

www.fjordlandex.com

Some statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include without limitation the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule and the success of exploration programs.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Mercialys received two EPRA Awards at the annual EPRA* conference in London on September 6.

Regulatory News:

Mercialys (Paris:MERY):

The Group confirmed the quality and consistency of its financial reporting, winning an EPRA Gold Award for the third consecutive year, recognizing the transparency of its reporting performances.

Alongside this, it won the EPRA Gold Most Improved sBPR Award for 2017, rewarding its application of international best practices for sustainability reporting. Mercialys, which is implementing an ambitious and determined CSR strategy, is one of this year's winners to have made the most progress in this category.

More than ever before, Mercialys is firmly positioned as a European leader for reporting transparency, confirming its commitment to the financial community to maintain international best practices.

* The European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) works to promote, develop and represent listed European real estate companies. The EPRA publishes Best Practices Recommendations (BPRs) that define financial and sustainability reporting guidelines for listed real estate companies.

This press release is available on www.mercialys.com

About Mercialys

Mercialys is one of France's leading real estate companies, focused exclusively on retail property. At June 30, 2017, Mercialys had a portfolio of 2,108 leases, representing a rental value of Euro 174.6 million on an annualized basis. At June 30, 2017, it owned properties with an estimated value of Euro 3.7 billion (including transfer taxes). Mercialys has had "SIIC" real estate investment trust (REIT) tax status since November 1, 2005 and has been listed on Euronext Paris Compartment A (ticker: MERY) since its initial public offering on October 12, 2005. At December 31, 2016, there were 92,049,169 shares outstanding.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding future events, trends, projects or targets. These forward-looking statements are subject to identified and unidentified risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the Mercialys shelf registration document available at www.mercialys.com for the year ended December 31, 2016 for more details regarding certain factors, risks and uncertainties that could affect Mercialys' business. Mercialys makes no undertaking in any form to publish updates or adjustments to these forward-looking statements, nor to report new information, new future events or any other circumstances that might cause these statements to be revised.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006610/en/

Contacts:

Mercialys

Analysts investors:

Alexandre Leroy, +33(0)1 53 65 24 39

or

Press contact:

Gwenaelle Allaire, +33(0)1 53 70 23 34


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has purportedly agreed to support a measure that would raise the debt ceiling and fund the government for three months.



The short-term debt limit and government funding measure would be attached to a bill providing aid for victims of Hurricane Harvey.



House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., released a statement announcing the agreement on the combined bill after meeting with Trump.



'In the meeting, the President and Congressional leadership agreed to pass aid for Harvey, an extension of the debt limit, and a continuing resolution both to December 15, all together,' Pelosi and Schumer said.



They added, 'Both sides have every intention of avoiding default in December and look forward to working together on the many issues before us.'



The statement by Pelosi and Schumer comes even though House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., attacked the idea of a short-term debt limit increase just hours earlier.



Speaking to reporters, Ryan described a Democratic plan to combine a Hurricane Harvey aid package with a short-term debt limit increase as 'ridiculous and disgraceful' as well as 'unworkable.'



Ryan accused the Democratic leaders of playing politics with the debt ceiling and jeopardizing the federal response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.



'They want to play politics with the debt ceiling?' Ryan said. 'That will strand the aid that we need to bring to the victims of these storms that have occurred or are about to occur.'



The House subsequently voted 419 to 3 in favor of a standalone bill providing $7.85 billion in disaster relief for Harvey.



Previous reports indicated the strategy called for the Senate to subsequently add a debt ceiling increase to the aid package and send the bill back to the House.



The combined legislation outlined by Pelosi and Schumer would set up a potentially dangerous fiscal cliff near the end of the year.



The short-term bill will likely allow Democrats to maintain some leverage in negotiations over a longer-term solution, as Republican leaders are expected to need their support to raise the debt ceiling due to opposition from conservatives.



(Photo: Marc Nozell)



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/06/17 -- The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is raising serious concerns over the staying of charges in the deadly stage collapse at the Downsview Radiohead concert.

"We are shocked and saddened with the decision to stay the charges," said Chris Buckley, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour.

"Our judicial system failed the family of Scott Johnson, the worker who was killed and the three workers who were injured," added Buckley.

A total of 13 charges were laid in 2013 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act following the collapse of the outdoor structure which came crashing down in 2012 killing one worker and injuring three others.

A mistrial was declared earlier this summer when the presiding judge was appointed to the Ontario Superior Court and no longer had jurisdiction to hear the case.

"This is a serious flaw in our judicial system and one that the government needs to address quickly," Buckley said. "How many cases get declared a mistrial when a judge gets a new appointment?"

It's been just over four years since the original charges were laid, long past the 18-month time limit for provincial cases to go to trial which was set by the Supreme Court of Canada. This resulted in the stay of charges in this case.

"Justice delayed is justice denied, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those workers killed and injured. Those workers that survived, their families, and the family of Scott Johnson are today no closer to knowing why this tragedy occurred. That's an injustice that must be righted," said Buckley.

The OFL represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For more information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow @OFLabour on Facebook and Twitter.

Contacts:

Rob Halpin

Executive Director

Ontario Federation of Labour

rhalpin@ofl.ca

416 707 9014




NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2017 / The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP:

To: All persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired securities of Sequans Communications S.A. ("Sequans") (NYSE: SQNS) between April 29, 2016 and July 31, 2017 . You are hereby notified that a securities class action lawsuit has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. To get more information go to:

http://www.zlk.com/pslra-sba/sequans-communications-s-a?wire=1

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at jlevi@levikorsinsky.com or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972. There is no cost or obligation to you.

The complaint alleges that throughout the class period Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company was improperly recognizing revenue; and (2) as a result, certain public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On August 1, 2017, Sequans revealed that its revenue in the second quarter was negatively affected by a product return from an early 2016 sale related to the tablet business. When this news was announced, shares of Sequans declined in value materially, which caused investors harm.

If you suffered a loss in Sequans you have until October 10, 2017 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise and experience representing investors in securities litigation, and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

30 Broad Street - 24th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Tel: (212) 363-7500

Toll Free: (877) 363-5972

Fax: (212) 363-7171

www.zlk.com

SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2017) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the agenda for the December 7 meeting of its Investor Advisory Committee. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room at SEC headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. and is open to the public. The meeting will be webcast live and archived on the committee's website for later viewing.

The committee will hold two panel discussions with outside speakers: a morning session on retail investor protections and transparency in municipal and corporate bond markets, and an afternoon session on retail investor disclosures and best practices. In addition, the committee will discuss three other topics: cybersecurity risk disclosures, dual-class share structures, and an IAC subcommittee recommendation regarding electronic delivery of information to retail investors and development of a summary disclosure document of investment company shareholder reports.

The Investor Advisory Committee was established under Section 911 of the Dodd-Frank Act to advise the SEC on regulatory priorities, the regulation of securities products, trading strategies, fee structures, the effectiveness of disclosure, and on initiatives to protect investor interests and to promote investor confidence and the integrity of the securities marketplace. The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the committee to submit findings and recommendations to the Commission.
MCLEAN, VA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2017 / Dr. Amir Bajoghli and the Skin & Laser Surgery Center, with offices in McLean and Woodbridge, Virginia now offer FDA-approved Kybella - Double Chin treatment.

Whether caused by genetics, age, or weight gain, a double chin can make you self-conscious. According to Derek H. Jones, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, over 80% of people with double chins are concerned about the condition.

Dr. Bajoghli is pleased to be able to offer his patients the Kybella treatment - a simple shot that dissolves under-chin fat and offers patients a way to get rid of it without surgery or liposuction.

Kybella is identical to deoxycholic acid, a chemical made by the body, which helps absorb fat. Injections of Kybella work by destroying fat cells in that second chin area, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness. Once these fat cells are destroyed they can no longer accumulate and store excess fat.

The number of injections and number of treatments vary from patient to patient, depending on their current facial contours. However, once the aesthetic goal has been reached, treatments are considered complete and do not need to be redone or updated in the future.

Amir Bajoghli, MD has been active in the practice of dermatology since the completion of his residency at Boston City Hospital in 1997. He is double board certified in dermatology and internal medicine.

Dr. Amir Bajoghli was named Top Dermatologist and MOHS Surgeon in the Washingtonian magazine for every year starting in 2005 - 2017, and in the Northern VA magazine.

Dr. Bajoghli is board certified in dermatology and has a flourishing private practice with offices in Mclean and Woodbridge. When not providing care to his patients, Dr. Bajoghli teaches at Georgetown University in the Department of Dermatology and Inova Fairfax hospital.

Contact Information:

Dr. Amir A. Bajoghli can be reached at either of his Virginia offices:

Woodbridge

2200 Opitz Blvd.

Suite 100

Woodbridge, VA 22191

(703) 492-4140



McLean

1359 Beverly Rd.

2nd Floor

McLean, VA 22101

(703) 893-1114

SOURCE: Dr. Bajoghli
LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 6, 2017 / Lundin Law PC, a shareholder rights firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit against Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. ("Rayonier" or the "Company") (NYSE: RYAM) regarding possible violations of federal securities laws between October 29, 2014 and August 19, 2015, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares during the Class Period should contact the firm prior to the October 16, 2017 lead plaintiff motion deadline.

To participate in this class action lawsuit, click here.

You can also call Brian Lundin, Esq., of Lundin Law PC, at 888-713-1033, or you can e-mail him at brian@lundinlawpc.com.

No class has been certified in the above action yet. Until a class is certified, you are not considered represented by an attorney. You may also choose to do nothing and be an absent class member.

According to the Complaint, throughout the Class Period, Rayonier issued materially false and misleading statements, and/or failed to disclose adverse information, about its business and outlook. Specifically, despite the Company's claims during the Class Period that in 2015 Rayonier "will be able to maintain or increase [its] share of volume at each of [its] top 10 customers," since 2013, one of its top three customers, Eastman Chemical Company ("Eastman"), had been informing Rayonier of its competitors' pricing and had requested that Rayonier respond to declines in market pricing. This led to a protracted dispute between Rayonier and Eastman over the "meet and release" provision of their agreement.

On August 18, 2015, the Company filed a form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, informing investors that the Company filed an action against Eastman regarding its "chemical cellulose specialty products contract with Eastman." On August 19, 2015, Rayonier issued a press release further explaining the dispute with Eastman, stating that the language in the contract at issue involved the "meet or release" provisions of the agreement, which allowed Eastman to obtain "third party offers that meet the requirements of the Supply Agreement for similar cellulose specialties products, and would require [Rayonier] to either meet such price or release the volume, thereby allowing Eastman to purchase the volume from the third party." The release also revealed that on August 12, 2017, Eastman filed an action against the Company regarding the same "meet or release" provisions in their contract. Upon release of this information, shares of Rayonier fell in value materially, which caused investors harm according to the Complaint.

Lundin Law PC was founded by Brian Lundin, Esq., a securities litigator based in Los Angeles dedicated to upholding shareholders' rights.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethics rules.

Contact:

Lundin Law PC

Brian Lundin, Esq.

Telephone: 888-713-1033

Facsimile: 888-713-1125

brian@lundinlawpc.com

http://lundinlawpc.com/

SOURCE: Lundin Law PC
Dominion Diamond Corporation (TSX: DDC, NYSE: DDC) (the "Company" or "Dominion") is pleased to report the results of a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") on the development of an underground operation below the mined out Fox open pit at the Ekati Diamond Mine ("Ekati mine") in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The Fox kimberlite pipe is located in the Core Zone Joint Venture in which the Company has an 88.9% participating interest. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are presented on a 100% basis, and all financial information is presented in US dollars.

Highlights

Preliminary economic assessment on Fox Deep project based on underground incline caving mining method, with incremental post-tax net present value at 7% discount rate of $187 million (Dominion's share) and internal rate of return of 23%

PEA based on processing of 31.3 million tonnes and recovery of 11.0 million carats from Fox Deep

Fox Deep would extend the mine life at Ekati to fiscal 2042 from fiscal 2035, which reflects inclusion of the recently-approved Misery Deep project

Initial capital development of $628 million, sustaining capital of $192 million, and total operating expenses of $1.4 billion or $51 per dry metric tonne processed

Base case diamond price of $232 per carat based on the Company's July 2017 Price Book, increased at 2.5% per annum during the life of the mine

Pre-feasibility study ("PFS") on Fox Deep underway and on track for completion in late fiscal 2018

Fox Deep Project Preliminary Economic Assessment

The Fox pipe was in production as an open pit operation from 2005 to 2014, and produced more than 8.7 million carats. The Fox Deep PEA evaluated the underground development of the Fox pipe, using an incline cave mining method, as an incremental development opportunity to the existing mine plan. The net present value (NPV) calculation for Fox Deep represents the Company's share of the incremental NPV. This analysis assumes production at Fox Deep from fiscal 2033 to fiscal 2042, which would extend the Ekati life of mine plan by seven years.

On February 22, 2017, the Company announced the results from a reverse circulation ("RC") drilling campaign at Fox Deep in the winter/spring of 2016. The resource model, updated with new data from the 2016 drilling campaign, confirmed the continuity of the resource at depth and identified a deep higher-grade zone. As disclosed on April 12, 2017, the indicated mineral resource increased substantially to 45.6 million tonnes and 16.5 million carats as at January 31, 2017, from the previous estimates of 35.2 million tonnes and 11.6 million carats, respectively.

A PEA and PFS on the project were initiated in spring 2017, based on an incline caving method. Incline caving has been used successfully at the Koala underground operation at the Ekati mine. This method has been identified as the most appropriate one to achieve increased height of draw, a lower extraction level, and access to the higher-grade zone identified at depth in the 2016 drill program. The incline cave design is expected to have improved geotechnical stability compared to block caving, and a potentially higher production rate due to a larger number of drawpoints. A trade-off study between shaft and ramp access to Fox Deep was completed during the PEA and concluded that ramp access is preferable both economically and technically.

The PEA is based on the mining of Fox Deep from calendar 2032 to calendar 2041. This would defer the reclamation and closure of the main Ekati site by 7 years, to calendar 2042. The mine plan includes the extraction of 31.3 million tonnes of kimberlite on five underground production levels, using an incline caving method similar to that currently employed at the Koala pipe. A total of 11.0 million carats are expected to be recovered from Fox Deep.

The area surrounding the Fox pipe is currently under a surface lease, which provides tenure for operational infrastructure. Development of an underground mine below the existing open pit would likely require an amendment of the Ekati Water Licence to include the project scope, and a new Land Use Permit, but will largely rely on existing regulatory instruments. The permitting process for the Fox Deep project is expected to be similar to that of the Misery Deep project, which was initiated in August 2017.

The PEA was conducted by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. which designed the conceptual mine development layout, prepared schedules for development and production, and developed capital and operating cost estimates. The Company contributed sections of the report in alignment with the authors of the study. The chart below summarizes the incremental production, and capital and operating costs as estimated in the PEA:

Fox Deep Preliminary Economic Assessment Key Operating and Financial Highlights

Mining Method Incline block caving (underground) Mined Kimberlite 31.3 million tonnes Recovered Carats 11.0 million carats Recovered Grade 0.4 carats per tonne1 Diamond Recovery 99%2 Initial Development Capital $628 million3 Sustaining Capital $192 million3 Total Unit Operating Cost $51 per tonne processed3 Base Case Diamond Price $232 per carat4 First Production Date Fiscal 2033 Mine Operational Life 10 years Post-tax NPV (incremental) $187 million5 Real Discount Rate 7%6 Post-tax IRR (incremental) 23%5

Note: All dollar figures refer to real 2017 dollars and, except for NPV and IRR, are on a 100% basis. Tonnes refer to dry metric tonnes.

(1) The recovered grade is at 1.0 mm cut-off and includes contribution of additional carats from the fines dense media separation ("Fines DMS") unit in the Ekati processing plant. (2) Recovery relative to mineral resource reported at +0.5 mm cut-off (based upon diamonds that would be recovered by the Ekati bulk sample plant using 0.5 mm width slot de-grit screens). (3) Assumes an exchange rate of 1.33 CAD/USD in calendar 2017 and thereafter. An exchange rate of 1.25 CAD/USD and 1.41 CAD/USD would result in a post-tax NPV of $169 million and $205 million, respectively (Dominion's share). Initial development capital includes a $126 million or 25% contingency. Total unit operating cost refers to average unit cost per dry metric tonne processed, including direct and indirect mining costs, processing costs, general and administrative costs, and marketing costs. (4) Based on the Company's July 2017 Price Book. The rough diamond price forecasts for the Fox Deep PEA include 2.5% per annum real price growth during the life of the mine; real price growth of nil and 3.5% would result in a post-tax NPV of ($37) million and $307 million, respectively (Dominion's share). (5) Company's share of unlevered NPV and project IRR are after taxes and royalties. The PEA is based on indicated mineral resources, and mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. (6) A discount rate of 5% and 10% would result in a post-tax NPV of $299 million and $91 million, respectively (Dominion's share).

Diamond Price Assumptions

The base case diamond price is approximately $232 per carat (in 2017 dollars) in the Fox Deep PEA. Pricing is based on the July 2017 Price Book and 99% recovery relative to the mineral resource. The rough diamond price forecasts include 2.5% per annum real price growth during the life of the mine; real price growth of nil and 3.5% would result in a post-tax NPV of ($37) million and $307 million, respectively (Dominion's share). The Fox Deep PEA includes additional diamond recovery in the lower value smaller size categories as a result of the Company's Fines DMS unit in the Ekati processing plant, which lowers the average recovered price, but increases total project revenue. The PEA assumes the Fines DMS is fully operational for the life of the project.

Capital Expenditure Assumptions

The Fox Deep project will require the addition of incremental site infrastructure such as ramp portals, fan installations, dewatering lines, 28 kilometres of new underground development, construction of underground infrastructure, an ore conveyor, purchase of new underground mining equipment, and owner's costs to support project development and execution. The PEA assumes that project development would be timed such that the start of production at Fox Deep would coincide with the end of operations at the Jay open pit. The following chart sets out the estimated initial development capital expenditures by fiscal year for the Fox Deep project:

Fiscal Year 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Total Initial Development Capital ($ Millions) 11 23 92 73 79 196 155 628

Incremental sustaining capital is estimated to total $192 million during the operational life of the project. This comprises $55 million from fiscal year 2035 to 2042, for mine development, rebuilds and other project-specific capital expenditures, and $137 million during the same period, to extend the life of the Ekati process plant, power plant and other existing infrastructure.

Production Assumptions

The Fox Deep PEA indicates that the incline caving method can support a peak production rate of 4.35 million dry metric tonnes per year from 104 drawpoints on five levels; this rate matches the projected capacity of the Ekati process plant after completion of the upgrades described in the most recent technical report for the Ekati mine entitled "Ekati Diamond Mine, Northwest Territories, Canada, NI 43-101 Technical Report" which has an effective date of July 31, 2016. The PEA is based on the following production assumptions:

Fiscal Year 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042 Tonnes Processed (Millions) 0.1 1.9 4.2 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.3 4.1 2.3 1.3 Grade (Carats per Tonne) 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.3 Carats Recovered (Millions) 0.1 0.7 1.7 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.5 1.2 0.7 0.4

Note: Totals may not add up due to rounding.

Mineral Resource Estimates

The following table summarizes the mineral resources at the Fox Deep project, expressed in millions of tonnes (Mt), carats per tonne (cpt) and millions of carats (Mct). No mineral reserve has been reported for the Fox Deep project. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Fox Deep Mineral Resources as of January 31, 2017 (100% basis)

Zone Type Measured Mineral Resource Indicated Mineral Resource Inferred Mineral Resource Mt cpt Mct Mt cpt Mct Mt cpt Mct Core UG 45.6 0.4 16.5 5.4 0.4 2.2

Notes:

(1) Mineral resources are reported in accordance with CIM Definition Standards. (2) Dominion is operator and has an 88.9% participating interest in the Core Zone Joint Venture area. (3) Mineral resources are reported at +0.5 mm (diamonds recovered using a 0.5 mm width slot de-grit screen and retained on a 1.0 mm circular aperture screen).

Next Steps

The Company is currently advancing a PFS on Fox Deep. The PFS will provide more detail on the economic and technical viability of the project, and will also consider additional production scenarios, including the development of Fox Deep earlier in the mine plan than is assumed in the PEA. The PFS is on track for completion by the end of the current fiscal year.

Subject to the results of the PFS, the Company is considering a supplementary drilling program on the Fox kimberlite in winter/spring 2018, including additional delineation of the pipe at the proposed extraction level, additional hydrogeological and geotechnical investigation, and collection of additional RC grade samples.

Qualified Person

The mineral resource estimate for the Fox Deep project was prepared and verified under the supervision of Mr. Peter Ravenscroft, FAusIMM, of Burgundy Mining Advisors Ltd., an independent mining consultancy, and a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. The other scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared and verified by Dominion, operator of the Ekati mine, under the supervision of Chantal Lavoie, P. Eng., Chief Operating Officer of Dominion, and President of Dominion Diamond Ekati Corporation (DDEC), and a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. Dominion was assisted by Jaroslav Jakubec, C.Eng, MIMMM, of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., who supervised the mine engineering, geological engineering, underground mine infrastructure, relevant content in the capital and operating cost estimates, the surface infrastructure, and the mineable inventory. Jaroslav Jakubec is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Each person has reviewed and approved the information in this news release relevant to the portion of the Fox Deep PEA for which they are responsible.

Forward-Looking Information

The information included herein that is not current or historical factual information, including information about estimated mine life and other development plans at the Ekati mine, estimated economics of the Fox Deep project, estimated resources, projected capital costs, and future diamond prices, constitutes forward-looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions including, among other things, the current mine plan for the Ekati mine; mining, production, construction and exploration activities at the Ekati mine; currency exchange rates; world and US economic conditions; future diamond prices; and the level of worldwide diamond production. Forward-looking information is subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from what the Company currently expects. These factors include, among other things, the uncertain nature of mining activities, including risks associated with underground construction and mining operations, risks associated with joint venture operations, risks associated with the remote location of and harsh climate at the Company's mining properties, variations in mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, grade estimates and expected recovery rates, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, risks associated with regulatory requirements and the ability to obtain all required permits, the risk of fluctuations in diamond prices and changes in US and world economic conditions, the risk of fluctuations in the Canadian/US dollar exchange rate and cash flow and liquidity risks. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue importance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date of this disclosure, and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it is under no obligation and does not undertake to, update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, further events or otherwise at any particular time, except as required by law. Additional information concerning factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those in such forward-looking statements is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian and United States securities regulatory authorities and can be found at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively.

About Dominion Diamond Corporation

Dominion Diamond Corporation is a Canadian mining company and one of the world's largest producers and suppliers of premium rough diamond assortments to the global market. The Company operates the Ekati Diamond Mine, in which it owns a controlling interest, and owns 40% of the Diavik Diamond Mine, both of which are located in the low political risk environment of the Northwest Territories in Canada. It also has world-class sorting and selling operations in Canada, Belgium and India.

For more information, please visit www.ddcorp.ca

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006792/en/

Contacts:

Investors:

Dominion Diamond Corporation

Jacqueline Allison, 416-205-4371

Vice-President, Investor Relations

jacqueline.allison@ddcorp.ca

or

Canadian Media Contact:

DFH Public Affairs

Ian Hamilton, 416-206-0118 x222

or

US Media Contact:

Gagnier Communications

Dan Gagnier, 646-569-5897
 Flash

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was letting Japan and South Korea buy "a substantially increased amount" of military equipment from the United States.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump tweeted.

According to a previous statement by the White House, Trump spoke by phone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday and gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities.

Trump also provided his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, the statement added.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced.

DPRK's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology violate UN Security Council resolutions.

China's representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi on Monday condemned the latest nuclear test by the DPRK and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Liu said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue, asking the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both de-nuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale war games.
Devicare, a Cerdanyola del Valles, Barcelona-based company specialized in the development and remote management of innovative medical devices for the home care of chronic patients, received a 133K participation loan.

The Catalan Finance Institute (ICF), in collaboration with ACCIO (Agency for business competitiveness of the Generalitat of Catalonia), granted the loan as part of the Corporate Entrepreneurship Programme in order to join Peroxfarma in its investment in Devicare.

The company will use the investment to consolidate sales of its medical products for the in-home self-management of chronic patients under the future concept of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM).

Devicare currently has two products on the market:

 Lit-Control, a product to prevent and control recurrent urological diseases through urinary pH, and

 Tao-Control, a product to help control INR levels in patients who take oral anticoagulants (Sintrom and the like).

These solutions are developed under the concept of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) in order to enable the patient to actively participate in the monitoring of their disease with the use of the devices. These products are placed on the market through agreements with pharmaceutical companies.

FinSMEs

06/09/2017
With 200 travel tech businesses attracting 2.5 billion of funding in 2016 and more than three quarters (76%) of UK holidaymakers booking a holiday online during 2016, the travel tech industry is booming.

While many bookings are still made offline, travellers still frequently use digital tools to inform their purchases. In fact, according to Statista, digital travel sales are forecast to reach $818bn by 2020 with Travel Technology Europe claiming that 58% of travel industry businesses will raise their spend on tech in 2017.

Travel tech is evolving rapidly, with entrepreneurs narrowly targeting in on each sector within the industry: from logistics, medical care, business travel and mass market consumer tourism to search and book as well as hotel management.

Valued at $2.1 billion in 2012, Airbnbs most recent $475 million funding round (April 2014) saw the companys valuation soar to $10 billion. A valuation of this magnitude makes the company worth more than leading hotel groups such as InterContinental Hotels and Hyatt  and inspires other travel tech companies to see their true potential.

With startup communities buzzing all over Europe, heres a list of seven of the most promising travel tech startups to watch:

1) Amsterdam, The Netherlands  Hotelchamp

Founded in 2015 by Kasper Middelkoop and Kristian Valk, Hotelchamp offers smart technology for hoteliers to boost direct revenue and build guest relations.

Focused on enhancing guest engagement and delivering a personalised booking experience, Hotelchamp offers a suite of conversion tools (powered by AI and machine learning technologies) to incentivise online customers, while promoting a more sustainable future in which hotels have more control and are less dependent on third parties.

Hotelchamp has grown in two years to a team of 50+ employees and boasts a portfolio of clients including The Mandeville Hotel in London, De LEurope in Amsterdam and Hotel Palazzo Versace in Dubai among others.

2) Barcelona, Spain TravelPerk

TravelPerk is a free travel booking and management platform specifically designed for business travel. It delivers tools such as centralised invoicing, simplified itinerary emails and expenses integration to deliver a seamless service to users.

The company launched in 2015 by founders Avi Meir (who sold his previous startup Hotel Ninjas to Booking.com), Javier Suarez and Ron Levin. Holding the title as the number one travel management tool for small and medium sized businesses, TravelPerk has raised $8.5 million to date and May 2017 saw them win the Scale Startup Competition at the TNW Conference in Amsterdam.

3) Paris, France VizEat

VizEat is the largest social eating platform, which connects travellers and local hosts around authentic immersive food experiences at their home setting: dinners, cooking classes, food tours and much more! It is a unique way to engage with locals from all around the world and to discover new cultures around food.

Launched in Paris by Jean-Michel Petit and Camille Rumani in 2014, the platform now has more than 25,000 hosts across 130 countries. To date the company has raised $5.55 million, closing their most recent funding round at the end of last year. Additionally, in this year Apple selected VizEat in the TOP 3 Apps of 2016 and CEO Tim Cook came for a VizEat lunch in Paris!

Its website and apps are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Chinese.

4) London, UK Stratajet

Stratajet was founded in 2011 by Jonathan Nicol, a pilot-turned computer scientist-turned commercial pilot-turned entrepreneur, who, frustrated by the inefficiency of the private jet travel industry, decided to do something about it. Stratajet was created to change the way people travel, by making the worlds supply of private jets more accessible. The model of the company works to help operators achieve maximum efficiency, whilst driving down the price of private jet travel through adapting existing empty legs to suit customers.

Stratajet has raised $16.84 million to date, with their most recent Series A of $8million in May last year.

5) Rennes, France Gopili

Gopili began life in 2009 under the name KelBillet, which started out as a site for buying and selling unused train tickets, enabling people to travel more for less money. Over time the company morphed into a multi-modal travel search engine, presenting data on domestic and international travel (including rail, bus, car-share and plane), launching wide across Europe under the name Gopili in December 2014. In 2015 it launched its three apps KelBillet KelBus and Gopili.

In 2016, the combined brands processed more than 70 million euros of business volume  impressive for a profitable company that has only raised about 2.2 million euro. Gopilis platform also boasts 100 million users and is today available in UK, Spain, Germany, Italy and Russia.

6) Berlin, Germany MEDIGO

Medigo was founded in 2014 providing an online search and engagement platform helping consumers book healthcare abroad, connecting patients and doctors globally. Founded by Pawel Cebula, Ieva Soblickaite and Ugur Samut the platform offers over 900 high-quality, internationally accredited hospitals and clinics and 1000s of expert doctors in more than 30 countries. MEDIGO has raised $11.83 million to date and aims to disrupt the entire healthcare industry by helping patients who desire access to high-quality clinics, hospitals or doctors, or who want to shorter waiting times alongside affordable treatment.

The platform is completely free-to-use and is currently available in 5 languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French.

7) Vienna, Austria Zizoo

Zizoo is the leading global boat rental platform and community; providing a global digital booking platform and website connecting suppliers (charter companies) to travellers worldwide.

Founded in 2013 by Benito Gonzalez del Valle, Anna Banicevic, Sinan Masovic and Ivan Miletic Zizoo the company is disrupting the boat rental industry and building a global digital booking platform and community. The platform boasts 11,000 customer-reviewed boats in over 30 countries around the world and provides a community model, enabling reviews, communication, location based apps and services. Zizoo aims to make boat holidays affordable and accessible to everyone. The platform also provides charter companies with a photo and editorial service and a powerful inventory management tool. In total, the Austrian startup secured $2.75 million to date.
Now that the government has set a new deadline of 31 December for linking Aadhaar and PAN, the new extension date will be a relief to many of those who are yet to complete the exercise. If you haven't been able to link the two number so far due to mismatch in both the data cards, its necessary to make the changes as early as possible, especially if your PAN data is an issue. Unlike Aadhaar where making changes/correction is easy and quick, the same is not the case with your PAN data.

On Monday, a Firstpost article explained ways through which one can make changes to his/her Aadhaar details. Today, we bring you seven easy steps to make changes/corrections in your PAN.

Step 1: First and the foremost is you need to visit the NSDL website.

Step 2: Now, click on Online Application for Changes Or Correction in PAN Data (PAN Change Request Form).

Step 3: You will be directed to another page. which will give you details regarding online application, payments etc. Scroll down on the page and select the suitable category of applicant. Then click on the Select option. The category shows various options such as individuals, partnership firm, the body of individuals, HUF, trust etc.

Step 4: You will see a form with heading Request For New PAN Card Or/And Changes Or Correction in PAN Data. Fill in the details in the form along with necessary changes. Make sure that you dont commit any mistake.

Step 5: Once you complete filing the necessary details/changes/corrections, click on the submit button.

Step 6: You get an acknowledgement slip. Next, select the payment option, either online or offline mode, to pay the amount of Rs 110 (for an address in India) and Rs 1,020 (for other addresses). Payment can be made only by way of credit card/debit card and demand draft, payable at Mumbai, in favour of 'NSDL - PAN'.

However, making an online payment by using credit card/debit card will attract additional charge of up to 2 percent (plus applicable taxes) of application fee by the bank for providing gateway facility. Also, any payment made using net banking facility will lead to an additional surcharge of 4 percent + Goods & Services Tax for payment gateway facility.

If you chose the offline payment mode option, send the DD to NSDL. Dont forget to mention your name and acknowledgment number on the reverse side of the demand draft.

Step 7: Last step is the most important one as you are required to take a print-out of acknowledgment slip, which needs to be signed. Also, attach photograph, proof of existing PAN, proof of identity, address & date of birth. Send these documents with acknowledgment slip to 'NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited, 5th floor, Mantri Sterling, Plot No. 341, Survey No. 997/8, Model Colony, Near Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune - 411016'.

Applications will be processed only when NSDL gets the fee, acknowledgment, and required documents.
New Delhi: A union of Air India pilots on Wednesday asked the government to clear their salary arrears before the airline is privatised.

The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) wrote a letter to Civil Aviation Minister A Gajapati Raju demanding the release of their "illegally withheld 25 per cent flying allowances and related allowances before disinvestment and/or privatisation".

The national carrier had resorted to salary cuts in 2012 for its employees as part of its turnaround plan. Since then, arrears have been accumulating even as certain section of employees accepted revised pay scales.

The letter by the pilots' union comes in the backdrop of the Union Cabinet approving disinvestment of Air India and appointing a group of ministers to chalk out the future course of action for the airline, which is saddled with a debt of Rs 48,876.81 crore as on 31 March.

"We make a humble appeal to the government to issue orders for release of our illegally withheld 25 percent flying allowances and related allowances before disinvestment and/or privatisation so that the new management can start with clean financial statements," says the ICPA letter.

The ICPA, which claims to have more than 1,000 members, represents the pilots of narrow-bodied planes of Air India.

The arrears to be paid to the 27,000-odd staff of Air India that includes pilots and cabin crew are estimated to be around Rs 1,200 crore. Out of the total amount, about Rs 400 crore is due for pilots, according to a senior pilot.

The union, however, said that they were not against the decision of privatisation per se.

"We are not averse to the decision of the government as we are confident that the government will act keeping in mind the best interest of the airline which has served the nation for decades," the letter said.

Fearing the loss of jobs, other employees' unions of Air India have warned of large scale protests if the government went ahead with privatisation of the airline.

Raju, in a recent interview to PTI, had said that he thinks employees would still continue even after privatisation because of their technical know-how.
Infosys, the Bengaluru-headquartered software major, has said it will be delaying its forthcoming second quarter (July-September) results by nearly two weeks to 24 October. By announcing this, India's second-largest software exporter is breaking away from its tradition of announcing the result in the first two weeks of the beginning of the next quarter, and also much ahead of its IT peers.

In a statement communicated to exchanges, the company said the delay in declaring the results is due to logistics issues.

This time certain logistics issues during the early second week (12th or 13th of the month) and the festivities the week after have resulted in a deferment, Business Standard report said quoting an Infosys spokesperson.

The board of directors will meet on 23-24 October to also consider payment of an interim dividend.

Investor community and brokerage analysts keep a close watch on the company's earnings in order to get a sense of the sector's growth.

This will be the first earnings after Nandan Nilekani's return to the company as the non-executive chairman, after Vishal Sikka resigned as CEO following an extended spat with founder NR Narayana Murthy.

The delay in earnings announcement is also because of Nilekani's engagements which were earlier scheduled before he rejoined the company, the BS report said.

Earlier this year, Murthy had criticised the board for not maintaining corporate governance standards at the company and also expressed concerns regarding severance packages to some former executives. Specifically pointing at the acquisition of Israeli firm Panaya, Murthy asked the board to make the report by legal firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, public, Moneycontrol report said.

In a letter to the board last month, Murthy had asked the board why Ritika Suri, a member of the team that was involved in the controversial buyout of Israeli firm Panaya, resigned soon after the law firm gave a clean chit to the company.
New Delhi: International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has invested $10 million as equity in e-commerce firm Power2SME that helps small and medium companies buy raw materials at bulk prices and get working capital without collateral.

"In addition to the investment, IFC will also advise Power2SME to help it expand beyond its current 14 states, improve its ability to provide working capital to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by adding more banks as partners and increase the number of users on its platforms by up to 10 times in five years," a joint statement from IFC and Power2SME said on Tuesday.

Power2SME is backed by venture capital firms such as Kalaari Capital, Accel Partners and Inventus Capital. Nandan Nilekani joined it as a strategic advisor through his investment in late 2015.

"IFC's extensive experience in supporting the SME sector through financing and deep networks with banks and financial institutions will help us in our vision to make SMEs bankable," said R. Narayan, Founder and CEO, Power2SME.

"Indian SMEs are critical to making India a manufacturing hub and we must foster the sector if we are to meet the national imperative of inclusive growth. We aim to continue strengthening the SME ecosystem by addressing key challenges that are roadblocks to SME growth," he said.

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form a large part of the Indian economy, accounting for 45 per cent of the country's industrial output and 40 per cent of its exports. There are 48.8 million MSMEs in India, which employ 111 million people. There is critical shortage of long-term funding for the sector.

Some estimates put the gap at $320 billion against a total of demand of $500 billion. India has the largest base of SMEs in the world after China. However, Indian SMEs contribute only 8-10 per cent to the GDP, compared to 60 per cent in China.

"Our investment in Power2SME will spur greater venture capital interest in the SME sector in the country and support India's vision to become a global manufacturing hub," Ruchira Shukla, Venture Capital and Private Equity Lead, IFC South Asia, said.

"By working with SME-focused companies and partner financial institutions, we aim to improve access to finance for over one million SMEs in the next five years," she said.

IFC makes direct equity investments in start-ups and as a limited partner in venture capital funds. Its sectors of focus include consumer internet, edutech, healthtech, cleantech, and business-to-business e-commerce.

It is one of the early institutional investors in India's SME finance space and an early supporter of companies that develop digital platforms to transform traditional sectors. It has invested close to $1 billion in financial intermediaries in India to enable credit financing for SMEs.

Since 1956, IFC has invested in over 400 companies in India, providing $17 billion in financing to the private sector.
On 4 September, a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Khanwilkar and Chandrachud granted an interim stay on the order of National Company Law Tribunals (NCLT) bench at Allahabad in the insolvency case against Jaypee Infratech, an infrastructure and real estate company. The NCLT had ordered the proceeding under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code to be initiated against Jaypee Infra. It is pertinent to highlight that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had asked the banks to initiate insolvency proceedings against top 12 defaulters, who account for a combined 25 percent of all the bad loans of the banking sector. Jaypee Infratech was one among the 12.

The order of NCLT has put many who have bought homes in the company's projects in jeopardy. Any order of insolvency resolution is usually seen as a welcome step for anyone who is interested in the distressed company. Once the insolvency proceedings are initiated under the code, the companys position may either be recovered as a profit-making enterprise by substantial restructuring or it may be liquidated. The probability of liquidation is often high if the company is in a really bad financial shape. Liquidation results in selling off the assets of that company, also known as neelami in local parlance. The money realised is then distributed among the creditors and others.

Under the scheme of Section 53 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), there is an order of priority in which the money realised by such selling of assets is redistributed. In that list of priority, secured creditors figure two ranks above unsecured creditors. Banks or financial lending institutions are usually secured creditors, because they offer loan to anyone on the basis of some security. On the other hand, home-buyers in case of a real estate company are treated as unsecured creditors because they have paid the company in return of a promise of delivery of some real estate, therefore they have no security as such. Hence, they are unsecured creditors.

The above is a bone of contention for obvious reasons. If, for instance, Jaypee Infra undergoes liquidation in furtherance to the result of an insolvency proceeding, then its wealth will be redistributed as per the priority envisaged under Section 53. The banks, as secured creditors, have obviously lent a lot more amount to such a real estate company than the amount given to it by the home buyers. Therefore, there is little possibility for home buyers to receive any substantial amount of money in case of liquidation.

The home buyers have given their hard-earned money to Jaypee Infra which in certain cases is their entire life savings. Their priority, however, falls below banks, who technically also deserve their money back. It is sometimes the banks money with the help of which a company might have started its business in the first place. In this case, however, the loan was taken by the company after it became distressed and after it had taken the money from the home buyers. This results in a complex scenario, which probably the framers of the code wouldnt have imagined for the simple reason that the Code doesnt serve only real estate sector and is relevant for companies in all sectors. This problem is only specific to companies operating in the real estate sector.

The home buyers also claim the aid of another legislation which comes to their rescue in such a situation which is the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA). This legislation protects their rights. It even has provisions for return of money with interest, if the flat is not delivered on the promised date. However, this legislation too doesnt envisage a situation where the court is dealing with the rights and entitlements of home buyers dealing with a distressed company which is facing liquidation.

The situation now becomes even more complicated in light of the decision of the Supreme Court in Innoventive Industries vs ICICI Bank. In this case, the apex court has held that the code will prevail whenever there is a conflict between the code and any other legislation. The decision was with respect to a state law. So, there can be an argument of its applicability when there is a conflict with another central legislation, being RERA in this case. However, the Supreme Court has declared the code to be an exhaustive law in the case of Innoventive. This means that it should overrule any other law which might not even be in direct conflict with it, and can include another Central Law too. The order on Innoventive is a very comprehensive one and it is difficult to find an exemption to the same.

Given that the Jaypee case is still sub-judice and the apex court has come out with only an interim order, there is still scope for bringing in more clarity on this point. Ideally, real estate companies should be treated as an exemption to Section 53 of the code and home buyers should be given some higher priority in repayments. Still, such an argument rests more on an emotional point of view rather than a legal one. The argument is that home buyers have invested their hard-earned money. For that matter, people with limited sources of income often invest their hard earned money in stock markets too. As per the scheme under Section 53, the priority of equity shareholders is last, which makes sense because they are part-owners of the company and their company failed. But going by the above logic, the same argument can be applied to such a situation of stockholders too.

Anyone investing in a company makes a conscious choice and ideally should be aware of the financial position of the company. Of course, there are cases when people are duped and defrauded of their hard-earned money. Therefore, in such a setting, it is desirable that the apex court takes a pragmatic view of the problem and resolves the issue on a case-to-case basis rather than laying down comprehensive law, making an exception to Section 53 itself. Such an exception, if created, might even render the whole scheme of Insolvency under the Code pointless, because banks wouldnt be able to recover their due amount.
As 169 McDonald's outlets in north and east India face closure from today, uncertainty looms large over 10,000 staff directly and indirectly employed at these outlets.

McDonald's India, which operates in the country through two franchisees, had terminated the agreement with Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd (CPRL), in which the fast food chain's estranged franchise partner Vikram Bakshi holds 50 percent stake. The termination notice period ended on 5 September, according to a report in The Economic Times.

McDonald's has alleged breach of contract terms and payment default by the operator of the franchise in north and east India.

The termination notice has barred CPRL from using McDonald's brand at any of the 169 outlets.

The ET report says, citing a McDonald's spokesperson, that the termination notice period ended on 5 September and CPRL cannot use its system and intellectual property anymore. "We are proceeding with exercising our legal and contractual rights," the spokesperson told the newspaper in an email.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) dismissed a plea by Bakshi challenging the termination of franchise agreement, while at the same time issuing a show-cause notice to Mcdonald's Corporation over contempt petition by its estranged partner. Bakshi has told the ET newspaper that he would approach the National Company Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Wednesday.

However, the report says, store owners such as DLF have served notice to CRPL to vacate their stores. If the brand name can no longer be used in those stores, we will obviously be looking for new tenants. We cant have a situation where stores in plum locations lie vacant, said a senior official at DLF quoted in the report. The report also says suppliers are yet to hear from CRPL regarding the signed contracts.

While terminating the agreement with CPRL about two weeks back, McDonald's had said a priority will be given to mitigate the impact on affected parties such as employees, suppliers and landlords. It is also open to working with CPRL to achieve this.

NCLT had given time until 30 August for both Bakshi and McDonald's to sort out the matter amicably. Clearly, there was no progress on this front.

Bakshi had filed a contempt plea before the NCLT against termination of franchise license of 169 outlets in the north and east India last month by McDonald's.

He had also filed another plea against McDonald's Corporation alleging interference into the affairs of their 50:50 joint venture -- Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL).

Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fastfood chain over the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of Managing Director of the McDonald's franchisee in August 2013.

The decision to terminate the franchisee agreement comes weeks after 43 outlets run by CPRL in the national capital were shut due to a non-renewal of eating house licences in June.

"The termination is essentially because of CPRL's violation of certain obligations as part of the agreement, including a default of payment of royalty to MIPL," McDonald's Corporation Global Head of Corporate Relations, Foundational Markets, Ron Christianson had said explaining the reason behind the decision.

He said it has been two years since the royalty had not been paid and CPRL has been provided with an opportunity to remedy those breaches but they have failed to do so.

Meanwhile, Bakshi has maintained that the allegations were "completely contemptuous, malafide and yet another oppressive act indulged in by the McDonalds".

The popular fast food chain, which is known for graduating people from vada pao to a range of burgers, has seen its fortunes declining since the past few years over a tussle with Bakshi for the management of CPRL after he was ousted from the post of managing director of the joint venture company in 2013.

The US food giant has another franchise agreement with Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, which operates 261 McDonalds outlets in western and southern India.

(With inputs from PTI)
Chennai, Sep 5 (PTI) In a veiled dig at the government, former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan on Tuesday said it is always better to under-promise and over-achieve than to face awkward questions when it comes to growth comparisons with China.

Rajan, the only central bank governor in two decades who did not get a second term, also seemed to defend his controversial remark of India being a 'one-eyed king in the land of blind', saying GDP expansion slipped in every quarter since that remark in April of last year.

Breaking his silence after completion of the unwritten one-year moratorium for not commenting on India-specific issues since his exit from RBI on 4 September, 2016, Rajan said India has a lot of potential and is capable of doing significantly more but should not get complacent. "This notion that, we at every corner, we have to say we are the best and there is no body else like us. Well that is not true, first. There is lot of potential in India, we are capable of doing significantly more over the years to come. Let us be confident, we can do it. Let us do it. But let us boast only after we have achieved it. Let us not be overly complacent before that," he said at an event here to launch his book.

Rajan said he faced awkward questions in Beijing recently on India lagging behind China in terms of GDP growth rate for the second quarter in a row. "I was in Beijing and reporters there were asking me... India was doing so well...of course we had a certain tiff with them recently which keeps them a little antagonist, but they all (said) India was doing so well (but tell us) which is the fastest growing country in the world (now)," he said.

India's GDP growth slowed to 5.7 percent in April-June quarter, down from 6.1 percent in the preceding three-month period. China clocked 6.5 percent growth rate in both the quarters. Replying to a question on demonetisation, Rajan said "the jury in terms of data is still out".

"We still have to wait for the full evolution of data to understand what exactly the cost and benefits have been. It may be that we never know because we do not measure some of the areas where demonetisation had impact because those were part of informal economy," said Rajan, currently professor of finance at the University of Chicago. He, however, said the cost of demonetisation has been quite substantial.

"What (the impact) is because of demonetisation, what is because of banking sector stress, what is because of anticipation of GST...all three are happening at the same time. So I don't think you can pinpoint and say exactly this much but analysts have made an estimate -- 1 percent and 2 percent of GDP in terms of the growth cost," said the former RBI Governor.

Rajan also said that he worked under two governments and there was absolutely no interference. "I had very cordial relations with both the governments, kept them informed and essentially had government support all along the way," he added.
Wisconsin forest history, and the early development of the state will be the theme of the annual meeting of The Forest History Association of Wisconsin in partnership with the Dunn County Historical Society. The meeting will be held at the Rassbach Heritage Museum (1820 Wakanda St., Menomonie), on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and 16.

The public is invited to attend the lecture portions of the conference. Topics include:

The Treaties and the Trees: Ojibwe, Dakota and Ho Chunk interaction with the lumbermen

A White Pine Railroad: The Chippewa Valley line

Recent research findings about The Knapp, Stout Co & Company

Delights in the UW-Stout archives

How Glaciers formed the Forests of Yesterday and Today

Hemlock and the Tanning industry

The Tainter Gate

Wildlife and Forest Ecology.

As a plus, tours of the magnificent Mabel Tainter Theater and Wilson Place are part of the Friday agenda.

Menomonie was chosen for the conference because of its unique involvement with the white pine lumbering industry. The Knapp, Stout Co. & Company, of Menomonie, was arguably the worlds largest producer of lumber in the late 1800s. The companies 12 sawmills produced much of the lumber used in the creation of farms, villages and cities from the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains.

In this, it played a significant role in settling the middle portion of the America. Registration for both days is $20 for members of the Dunn County Historical Society, as well as the Dunn County Genealogical Society; for non-members, the cost is $30.

Included in the registration are a Friday luncheon brat feed, all coffee break items, a year-long membership in the Forest History Association with four newsletters, plus the Mabel Tainter and Wilson House tours.

Registration is required by Sept. 10. For more information or to register contact Ed Forrester at ed@theforresters.net or 715-822-4940.
I left because there was no offer on the table, said Raghuram Rajan, former governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in an interview to the Times of India in the backdrop of the release of his book, I Do What I Do: On Reforms, Rhetoric and Resolve. I left when the government and I could not agree on terms for me to stay on, said Rajan in the interview.

Its obvious that there will never be an offer on the table if there is no agreement on terms between the boss and employee. So, this means Rajan left because he couldnt agree on certain issues with the government. The absence of offer on the table is only a logical consequence of the disagreement on terms. Now, what were those terms where Rajan could not agree with the government for his continuation? Was Narendra Modi governments wish to go for demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes a subject of disagreement?

Rajan hasnt offered the specifics of these reasons and it would, perhaps, never come to light. All that we know is that Rajan didnt approve of the idea of demonetisation till the time he was in office (3 September, 2016). Instead, he has warned about its consequences citing that short-term costs could very well outweigh long-term benefits. In hindsight, the demonetisation pain has far exceeded its gains. But, Rajan was never a fitting candidate in Modi governments scheme of things. Both were right in deciding to part ways. No government can tolerate an RBI governor who continues to go on a critical mode against all its actions, including issues that didnt fall in the purview of RBI.

In a June, 2016 Firstpost article, this author had discussed the possible reasons that could have made Rajan a thorn in the flesh of the Modi-government. Among them, one of his big mistakes was his outspoken nature on a range of issues that didnt necessarily fall in the ambit of the RBI governor.

As noted in the above cited article, he failed to fathom the tolerance level of ruling political dispensation to criticism, especially on political matters. Rajan was still in the mindset of a Chicago professor or IMF chief economist when he went on discussing, debating and pointing out the issues in Indias social-political landscape while wearing the hat of RBI governor since September 2013 after a brief stint in the North Block. In a country, where all government bureaucrats are supposed to toe the line of their employer, no government servant, even if he is the RBI governor, is supposed to speak his mind on sensitive political issues. Thats a taboo.

Clearly, Subramanian Swamy, the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) was a man on a mission who spearheaded the campaign against Rajan, but it would be naive to imagine that Swamys tirade was without the backing of someone powerful in the government and its ideological parent, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). It is just not possible otherwise. At best, Swamy could have been merely a warhead.

Logically, Rajan would have been much more acceptable to the government for a second term at the RBI if he confined his talks to defending the economy, explaining RBI policies and general economics during his lectures. But, thats not what happened. His convocation lectures often took the shape of heavy, covert criticism on government policies and claims on a range of issues including intolerance, governments flagship schemes such as 'Make in India' and the pace of rollout of Jan Dhan Yojana. This was unacceptable to many in the Modi government. As the RBI governor Rajan often presented himself as an academic, who speaks out on public issues, rather than as a central banker.

Particularly, in the context of demonetisation, Modi government was right in letting Rajan go. Demonetisation was a political decision executed by the Modi government. It would have gone ahead with the plan even if the RBI didnt agree to it. In hindsight, it appears that Rajan was never in favour of the decision and he highlighted the negatives outweighing positives. Probably, he would not have approved of it even in his second term in the RBI, and would have chosen to speak publicly against the government's decision. But, the fact is that there wasnt much Rajan could have done continuing in his position as governor of RBI to stop the government from launching demonetisation. The RBI Act allows the central bank to advice the government but cannot overrule it. So, both Rajan and the Modi government saved each other from embarrassment by parting ways prior to demonetisation.
The anonymity conferred by incorporation especially for non-listed companies is often a godsend for the crooks and the devious. And if such companies could have wheels within wheels, the more perplexed and stymied were the authorities. The Modi government at the center has all along been suspicious of the enormous number of companies borne on the registers of registrars of companies across India. The total number of companies registered in the country rose to more than 15.27 lakh in January while only 10.76 lakh of them were active ones.

Small wonder the government has been uneasy at the mushrooming existence and growth of non-functional companies and suspecting something fishy in their very existence. That bulk of them must be mere conduits for illegal and clandestine operations is not an unwarranted surmise. Section 248 of the Companies Act permits the ministry of Corporate Affairs to strike the names off of the defunct companies and freeze their bank accounts that breaks the back of the crooks. It is for them to later on prove why they were defunct and if the reasons are genuine, the ROC can restore their names. Critics say this is like first slapping and then apologising but then abnormal usage of incorporation calls for extraordinary remedies. It is a precautionary or preemptory measure.

There are sometimes extenuating circumstances or reasons for not carrying on any activity. To wit, a company may be registered just to hold intellectual property rights. This may be done to keep such valuable rights outside the reach of public shareholders if the rights have been a hard won prize of the promoters of such shell companies. But on the other side of the spectrum, such shell companies may be a safe harbor for the promoters to park their loot away from the gaze of public shareholders.

India launched its biggest fight yet against the use of shell companies to evade tax or to launder money by targeting around 30,000 firms and their directors in 2016-17, compared to 1,150 investigations launched against such companies in the previous three years. Now, on 5 September, 2017 the government has made its biggest strike ever against shell companies by deregistering in one stroke as many as 2.09 lakh firms for failing to comply with regulatory requirements and action has been initiated to restrict operations of their bank accounts.

A large section of these firms may have failed to comply with the requirement of submitting annual reports and other filings as their businesses had failed to take off. Some of them have come under the scanner of the income-tax department for suspected money laundering and stock price manipulation.

Passivity or dormant status for a sustained is a prima facie an indication of clandestine activity going on especially if it bank accounts witness activity at a frenetic pace. The government has done well to strike where it hurts---freezing the bank accounts. The promoters and directors would now have to explain the source of the funds pouring into the bank accounts thus frozen. They will be able to access the bank accounts only after they get legally restored by an order of the National Company Law Tribunal.

The Modi government is indeed going hammer and tongs at black money. It has realised the futility of successive amnesty schemes which amount to tame surrender and supplication before crooks. Instead launching a frontal attack against the founts of black money is what the doctor has ordered. Striking off names of defunct companies and freezing their bank accounts is a logical follow-up step with demonetisation, another aggressive step that sent crooks running for cover read banks. Their deposits are under scrutiny.

Interestingly, sleuths would be doing a lot of work at banks---scrutinising deposits during the demonetisation period and scrutinising the accounts of 2.09 lakh defunct companies. A rich haul is expected.
New Delhi: A 1,300-km undersea pipeline from Iran, avoiding Pakistani waters, can bring natural gas from the Persian Gulf to India at rates less than the price of Liquefied Natural Gas available in the spot market, proponents of the pipeline said on Tuesday.

Releasing a study on the Iran-India gas pipeline, former oil secretary T.N.R. Rao said natural gas imported through the over $4 billion line would cost $5-5.50 per million British thermal unit at the Indian coast, cheaper than the rate at which some of the domestic fields supply gas.

LNG imported through ships costs about $7.50 per mmBtu. Rao, who is the chairman of the advisory board of South Asia Gas Enterprise Pvt Ltd (SAGE)the firm wanting to lay the undersea linesaid the pipeline can first travel to Oman, and then onwards to Porbandar in Gujarat. The cost of landed gas through an undersea pipeline will be at least $2 cheaper than importing LNG, saving about $1 billion annually, the study said.

SAGE wants the government to support the pipeline and help buyers enter into contract. The pipeline is planned to carry 31.5 million standard cubic metres gas per day and will be built in two years from the date of necessary approvals and a gas sale and purchase agreement (GSPA) being signed.

The subsea pipeline is being seen as an alternative to the onland Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline. New Delhi has not been participating in talks on the 1,036-km Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline since 2007 citing security and commercial concerns but has never officially pulled out of the $7.6 billion project.

Under the proposal being discussed, SAGE will lay the 1,300-km pipeline bypassing the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Pakistan. Any company wanting to buy gas from Iran can use the pipeline for rent, its director Subhodh Kumar Jain said. SAGE will not be buying gas from Iran. It will lead an international consortium for building the pipeline, he said.

Chabahar port or Kuh-e-Mubarak could serve as the origin of the pipeline that may terminate near Porbandar in Gujarat. It can then be connected to Indias national gas grid. Rao said gas from other nations can also be sourced through the pipeline. Turkmenistan has a pipeline supplying gas to Iran in the north. Iran can use the Turkmen gas for its own use and supply and equivalent volumes to India from its offshore fields, he said.

Also, gas from Qatar can be pumped into the proposed pipeline. Jain said fertiliser and power sector can be main users of the Iranian gas. Landed price of gas in India would be competitive to spot LNG price, he said.
Akshay Kumar's impromptu speech at a recent event, wherein he urged people to donate money to the next of kin of martyred soldiers, led to a windfall for www.bharatkeveer.gov.in. The website was launched on the actor's suggestion and connects donors with the affected families, directly. According to Hindustan Times, an appeal by the actor got some of the country's top executives to pledge Rs 6.5 crore for the families of slain defence personnel.

The website was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs after the actor proposed the idea last year. Speaking to Hindustan Times, the actor said, "I just felt like talking about the 'bharatkeveer' initiative because the entire audience comprised high profile individuals with influence and resources. If they wont come forward for the cause of our armed forces, who will?"

The event, which eventually turned into a massive fundraiser, was organised by Motilal Oswal. As per a report by The Quint, the stock giant also pledged to make donations for all the families of martyrs located in Jammu and Kashmir.

Leaving no stone unturned in his crusade, Kumar further elaborated on the policies that the site follows. Apparently, the details of a soldier's family remain on the site till an amount of Rs 15 lakhs is raised.

As soon as his speech ended, help started coming in from all sides. It is heartening to see the Toilet: Ek Prem Katha actor take it upon himself to promote the initiative. Recently, he has also been doing films which are palpably coloured with a patriotic fervour, too.
Ahead of his first major Hollywood release, Stephen Frears' period drama Victoria & Abdul, Bollywood actor Ali Fazal talked about his transition from a cameo in James Wan's 2015 action film Furious 7 to this breakthrough.

In an interview with Rajeev Masand, Fazal said it was his first visit to London when the makers invited him for an advanced level of audition for the film. "I have traveled but it was my first visit to London. Then, during the shoot, to be in a palace and meet the royalty, in this case Judi Dench (veteran British actress and his co-star in the film), was just surreal."

Recalling his shooting days with Dench, he revealed that the thespian is in fact a 16 year old at heart. "She is just the sweetest person, the most loved person in England. There was a time when she cornered me and whispered, 'How well do you know your Shakespeare?'. I blurted out names of the three plays I knew and said, 'I do not but I will.' And she responded by saying, 'You must know your Shakespeare.'"

Victoria and Abdul is set in India's colonial era and revolves around the relationship shared by then-British monarch, Queen Victoria (played by Dench), and her Indian attendant Abdul (played by Fazal). While Fazal is of the opinion that the film does not gloss over a painful chapter in India's history, he is more concerned about how the Indian audience will perceive the nuances in the relationship shared by Victoria and Fazal, a part of history that had been conveniently brushed away by both sides.

"I think more than romantic, the relationship shared between Abdul and Victoria was spiritual. They intellectually stimulated each other which I find is the most fascinating aspect of their relationship, and also of the film. There is a beautiful scene in which they teach each other English and Urdu. That just sealed the deal for me," said Fazal.

Victoria & Abdul also stars Eddie Izzard, Tim Pigott-Smith, Adeel Akhtar, Simon Callow, Michael Gambon, Julian Wadham, Olivia Williams, Fenella Woolgar and Jonathan Harden. It is co-produced by BBC Films, Perfect World Pictures, Working Title Films and Cross Street Films. It is slated to release in India on 22 September.
Lonavala: The film Dear Maya was a first for a lot of people including its director Sunaina Bhatnagar and producers as well as actress Manish Koirala's comeback project, but even after being promised 400-500 screens for its release by the studio involved, Bhatnagar says that she still has not understood on what basis was the film given just 180 screens.

Present at the first edition of the Literature, Information, Film, Frame, TV and Theatre (LIFFT) India Filmotsav 2017 World Cine Fest, Bhatnagar was speaking in a conversation with Riju Bajaj, an actor and director himself as well as the founder of the five-day-long festival which ended on Tuesday.

Shedding light on the obstacles she and her film faced while shooting and during the release, Bhatnager said, "It was a script with Manisha Koirala and two young girls, so getting a producer ... three girls, with two being around 15-year-old and one being a 40-year-old woman was not the most ideal combination commercially, so these factors were there.

"I went to producers and I think I met everyone probably. They all liked the film, the story but all wanted to change a few things about it like 'can you bring an element of romance, can the character be 35 in age and not 40, if you could get somebody more sellable', this film was made independently by a first time producer so that process itself took about a year."

Bhatnagar wasn't happy with the kind of release the film had. "Although we did get a studio on board to release the film... for whatever reasons, I am not clear on what basis the executives decide about the potential of a film, we ended up with very less number of screens," she said

"We were promised much more... but actually what happened was very different. We were promised around 400-500 screens but ended up with just 180. It was hugely disappointing. I am from Jaipur, it did not even release there, in Lucknow.. places from where it would have got some audience," she added.

The story of Dear Maya revolves around an old woman who starts living her life all over again in search of love after getting some love letters from a stranger.
Malayalam superstar Dileep recently got a two hour parole from Aluva sub-jail (close to Kochi) to perform his father's remembrance day prayers. But a resident of Aluva has lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police (DGP) on grounds that Dileep is getting undue favours in the jail.

Manorama Online reports that TJ Girish has alleged that Dileep gets to stay in the jail superintendent's air-conditioned room from the morning till late in the night, instead of the lock-up. He also alleges that a number of visitors, including those who have direct links to the Malayalam actress assault case, have been allowed to visit Dileep within a single day recently, most notably on the festival of Onam.

However, the same report states that jail superintendent PP Baburaj has refuted Girish's grave allegations. He says that while not more than one or two visitors are allowed in a day, Dileep's case is "an exception" and the importance of the visitors meeting him has to be taken into account.

Last month, The News Minute reported that Sanoop, a prisoner who spent two days near Dileep's cell, claimed that the superstar gets privileged treatment in the form of food prepared for the officers, and not for the prisoners.
Amid speculation of a split in Bihar Congress, Rahul Gandhi summoned all Member of Legislative Assembly and Member of Legislative Council to Delhi on Wednesday for one-on-one chats.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad arrived in Bihar on Tuesday, which underscored the seriousness of the matter.

Party sources said that the state unit, led by former education minister Ashok Chaudhary, who is considered close to Nitish Kumar, finds himself unsure as to how to proceed after Nitish broke off the Grand Alliance.

Many Congress leaders are opposing continuing the alliance with the RJD.

Out of 27 Congress MLAs, 14 have reportedly signed a letter to break away and form a new group. But support would be required from at least 18 MLAs to meet conditions laid down in the anti-defection law.

A few days ago, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, hoping to avoid a Gujarat-like scenario, met top leaders Ashok Chaudhary and Sadanand Singh.

After the meeting, Chaudhary insisted that rumours of a split, being spread by a few party leaders, were untrue.

But sources said that a few Muslim MLAs, after their return from Bihar, contacted JD(U) leaders.

This prompted RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav to allege that Nitish was engineering a split in the Congress, a charge Nitish vehemently contested.

However, on Monday, Nitish indicated that all was not well within the Congress.

"Lalu ji wants to keep some of the Congress MLAs in his pocket," Nitish said.
Chennai: Giving a slip to the police who had placed restrictions at the Marina beach, students on Wednesday staged a flash protest at the mausoleum of J Jayalalithaa against NEET.

Protests were held across Tamil Nadu for the fifth consecutive day by students of private and government colleges and some pro-Tamil outfits against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test.

They raised slogans against the central and state governments and demanded the scrapping of the national entrance test for admission to medical colleges.

Protests were held in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Dindigul and Karur. While a large number of law students participated in the protests at several places, lawyers also took part in demonstrations at some places, including Tiruvotriyur.

Students, who gathered at the mausoleum of Jayalalithaa, squatted there, raised slogans against NEET and demanded justice for Anitha, a Dalit medical aspirant and anti-NEET court petitioner who committed suicide on Friday.

After a tough time handling protesters, the police removed them from the premises and tightened security. Anticipating such protests, the police had placed tough restrictions at the Marina beach to maintain law and order. The beach had earlier this year become the epicentre of protests against the ban on Jallikattu.

Protests had erupted in Tamil Nadu soon after Anitha, daughter of a daily wage earner, allegedly hanged herself at her house in Ariyalur district on 1 September.

She was reportedly upset after reports emerged that Tamil Nadu would not be exempted from the ambit of NEET.

The Supreme Court had last month asked the Tamil Nadu government to start counselling for admissions to MBBS and BDS courses in the state, based on the NEET merit list.
The recently concluded BRICS Summit 2017 marked a sea-change from previous meets and spelled a positive result for India. This year's meet was significant in two ways. One, for the first time, five other countries were invited as part of 'BRICS Plus' and the Xiamen declaration condemned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad as terror outfits.

China has invited Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand as guest countries for the BRICS Summit.

The BRICS also presented an opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping to meet on the sidelines for the first time since the Doka La standoff.

While Xi called on member nations to make the international order more just, Modi called for coordinated action on counter terrorism. Speaking at the opening of the plenary session at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Xi called on the five nation grouping to forge unity to jointly advance solutions for international peace and development.

"We need to make the international order more just and equitable. Our ever closer ties require that we five countries play more active in global governance. Without our participation, many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved," Xi told the gathering.

Modi pitched for a coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management. He said, India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

He also suggested ten noble commitments through which BRICS leadership in global transformation can be achieved. The ten noble commitments suggested by Modi included creating a safer world by "organised and coordinated action on at least three issues: Counter Terrorism, Cyber Security and Disaster Management".

Other commitments suggested by the prime minister were  creating a greener world, creating an enabled world, creating an inclusive world, creating a digital world, creating a skilled world, creating a healthier world, creating an equitable world, creating a connected world and creating a harmonious world.

Modi-Xi meet

The highlight of BRICS however, was the Modi-Xi meet on the sidelines of the Summit. Their first substantive bilateral meet following the Doka La standoff focused on furthering peace at border areas and better ties. Foreign secretary S Jaishankar announced that after a "constructive and forward-looking" bilateral meet between Modi and Xi.

The two leaders emphasised on the need to make efforts to enhance and strengthen the mutual trust between the two sides, he said, adding it was agreed that "the security and defence personnel must maintain strong contacts and cooperation and ensure that the situation which happened recently do not recur."

The two leaders met for an hour and talked about inter-governmental mechanism such as joint economic group, security group and strategic group which can help both countries move forward.

Joint declaration

For the first time, Pakistan-based terrorist outfits like JeM, LeT and the Haqqani network were included in the BRICS joint declaration condemning terrorism, despite host China's friendly relations with India's neighbour.

Defending the move to include these terror groups for the first time in the BRICS joint declaration, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said BRICS countries have "shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations".

"These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact for Afghanistan issue," Geng said.

The 43-page 'Xiamen Declaration', adopted at the end of the five-nation BRICS plenary, expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, Islamic State, al-Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb-ut-Tahrir.

In the last two years, China has stonewalled efforts by India and then later by the US, the UK and France to declare Masood Azhar as a terrorist, stating that there is no consensus on the issue.

Pakistan rejected the statement by saying, no group operated freely inside the country. "These organisations (terror groups), they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which we're cleaning," defence minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told the Geo TV channel, without specifying which groups he was referring to.

But Pakistan, we reject this thing categorically, no terrorist organisation has any complete safe havens.

Four documents signed

Four documents, including on economic and trade cooperation, were signed by the BRICS countries on Monday with an aim to deepen commercial ties among the grouping's members.

Apart from the action agenda on economic and trade cooperation, the three other documents signed in the presence of leaders of Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) were action plan for innovation cooperation (2017-2020), strategic framework of BRICS customs cooperation and Memorandum of Understanding between the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation.

All these instruments were aimed at giving boost to trade ties within the five-nation grouping, officials said.

With inputs from agencies
Ron Bauer happily picked out his plaque from the tables full of plaques Tuesday morning at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls.

It means a lot, said Bauer, who served in the U.S. Air Force. He picked out a plaque that will look good in his living quarters at the veterans home.

The plaques were made by the Western Wisconsin Wood Carvers Guild, which meets every Thursday at the Masonic Hall at 650 Bridgewater Ave. in Chippewa Falls and the second and fourth Wednesday at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger St., Eau Claire.

The guild previously made walking sticks and canes for the veterans, but decided this year to broaden the program by making plaques.

John Allen, the former public utilities manager for the city of Chippewa Falls, made two of the many plaques the veterans could choose from. Allen said he has seven uncles who survived serving in World War II.

Allen said the plaques are nice because they are something the veterans can look at and enjoy each day. Its fun for us to see what we can create, he said, noting the plaques combined carving, using woodburning tools and painting.

Sue Erickson of Eau Claire made 15 of the plaques. She said she completed the work in a couple weeks.

She said guild went out of its way so it could honor the veterans at the home at 2175 E. Park Ave., in Chippewa Falls.

Theres a lot of great stuff here, Erickson said of the selection of plaques.
New Delhi: Sounding the bugle for the coming Assembly polls in three north-eastern states, BJP chief Amit Shah on Tuesday said he was confident its alliance North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) would soon rule the entire region, building on the development work done by the Narendra Modi government.

Shah chaired a strategic meeting of the six-party NEDA, which was attended by the chief ministers of five states  Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland  from the region.

"The BJP-led NEDA is in power in five states but I am confident that in the coming days, the alliance will be in power in all the eight states in the north-eastern region," he said at the inaugural session of the NEDA conclave.

At present, the BJP is in power in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, while its allies rule Nagaland and Sikkim.

Assembly elections are due in three non-NEDA states  Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram. Elections in Tripura, where the Left is in power, will be held later in 2017. Congress-ruled Mizoram and Meghalaya will go to polls early in 2018.

He said the region was top priority for Prime Minister Modi. Development in the eight states was essential for the overall growth of the country, he added. "The development work done by the Modi government in the last three years for the long-neglected north-eastern region is several times more than the work done by Congress-led governments in the last 65 years," Shah said.

The work had not finished but just started, he added. Citing numerous initiatives of the Modi government for the region, Shah said a Union minister visited one of the eight states in the region every 15 days. He termed the land boundary agreement with Bangladesh a milestone in the history of the north-east and said the government was committed to the overall development of the area.

The BJP president expressed the confidence that all eight chief ministers would be from the alliance at the next NEDA meeting. Emphasising the importance of NEDA, he said, "It is not only a political platform but a platform to culturally unite all eight north-eastern states and increase their involvement in national affairs".

Talking to reporters, NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma later said it was confident of seeing a "Congress mukt" (Congress-free) north-east by November 2018. Sarma, a minister in the BJP government in Assam, has been a key figure in expanding the party's footprints in the region.

Safe borders, inclusive development and national integration were on the agenda of the day-long NEDA meeting. North-east states have used the NEDA platform to sort out boundary, law and and other disputes, Sarma said at the meeting.

The BJP-led NEDA consists of the Naga People's Front, Sikkim Democratic Front, People's Party of Arunachal, Asom Gana Parishad and Bodoland People's Front.
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Reports suggest unidentified men shot her three times from close range and she collapsed on the spot. Lankesh ran the weekly Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada tabloid, and had been under attack from people with ideological differences.- NDTV

Congress members say it is too early to comment on the incident

According to eye witnesses, the 55-year-old journalist was standing near the gate of her house when three men on a motor bike sprayed her with bullets. The veteran journalist sustained injuries in neck which killed her on the spot. - Times of India

Three men on bike killed Gauri near the gate of her house

Karnataka DGP RK Dutta tells CNN-News 18, "Met her recently. She never talked about any threat."

The first visuals of Gauri Lankesh at her home after she was attacked.

Not murder of an individual or journalist but murder of progressive thinking, says JDS' Danish Ali

Bengaluru deputy commissioner of police MN Anucheth who confirmed her dead said: It is too early to comment on the issue, we cannot reveal any further details at the moment.- Hindustan Times

In November 2016, Lankesh was convicted by a court of defaming two BJP leaders for articles published in her periodical in 2008 following which she was sentenced to six months in jail and asked to pay Rs 10,000 penalty. The senior journalist had been granted bail.

Lankesh had described the defamation case that she lost to BJP MP Prahlad Joshi, as an attempt to silence her political views.

Gauri, who ran a weekly magazine named Gauri Lankesh Patrike was a staunch critic of Hindutva politics and the BJP. Her anti-establishment articles have appeared in several newspapers and magazines.

Another image of Gauri Lankesh' body shows her body lying on her verandah. The local police had earlier confirmed that gunshots were heard near her house in the evening. Firstpost, however, was not able to independently verify the authenticity of the image.

The official also added that like Pansare, Dabholkar, and Kalburgi, Gauri was also not very influential. 'She was not someone who could bring down a government. So, why these kinds of killings are taking place also warrants investigation," he added.

A senior police official said that the modus operandi in the Gauri Lankesh murder seems very close to what was witnessed in the murder of Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar, and MM Kalburgi. "Bullets were fired on chest and heads, and the three assailants came on a bike. It's very similar to what was witnessed in the murder of Pansare, Dabholkar, and Kalburgi," the police official said.

CNN-News18 reported that Gauri Lankesh had just reached home, and was trying to open the door when she was shot dead by the assailants. According to police, no one witnessed the shooting, however, neighbours heard gunshots around 8 pm.

Gauri Lankesh was shot before she could enter her house | CNN-News18

Kumar said that he is not aware of any complaints from Gauri towards any threats to her life. "If she anywhere expressed about threats, it will be thoroughly investigated," he added.

"People in front of her house heard gunshots, they saw Gauri Lankesh collapse in the verandah before entering the house," Kumar said while speaking to press reporters outside Lankesh's residence.

Though some reports claim that three bikers shot Gauri Lankesh, Bengaluru police commisioner, T Suneel commissioner said that the police has not been able to ascertain the exact number of assailants as yet.

Gauri never spoke of threat to her life, says T Suneel Kumar, Bengaluru police commissioner

"I would like to tell all those who are behind this, you can kill us but you can't kill our guts. You can kill Gauri, but not her task," Kavita said.

KS Vimala of Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane warned those behind her murder that Gauri's work will never stop.

'You can kill Gauri, but not her task'

The state government needs to find out what went wrong. It's not just about punishing the culprits, there needs to be an enquiry into finding out how these murders managed to do the deed in the first place.

There needs to be an immediate impartial investigation into Gauri Lankesh's death. Not just because of who she was, but because of the manner she was killed. If someone can be shot at point blank range, while outside their house, in city like Bengaluru, then there is clearly a failure in the law and order machinery in the state.

Its journalists risk their lives to tell you what your own Government and rich people are doing to you without your knowledge, be it extra judicial killings, massive corruption scams or straight talk from civilians caught up in war zones.

It doesn't take long for the word "presstitute" to turn into three bullets at point blank range, we need to introspect how this culture of media demonisation has crept into our vibrant democracy. The press we love to hate today, is the same institution that convinced British citizens to support the cause of Indian Independence, exposed scams that took down governments, fought a dictatorship while also giving you the dish about which famous people are sleeping with each other.

How did the culture of media demonisation creep into our democracy?

There is no such thing as unbiased media, that's why it has to be kept free. There are many voices that speak giving people the information that they need to make their own "unbiased assessments". An unbiased media is actually the single most dangerous thing for a democratic society because if all the news channels and newspapers are saying the same thing, it's as good as having only one broadcaster and only North Korea has that.

This link was further bolstered by a senior police official who said that the modus operandi in the Gauri Lankesh murder seems very close to what had been witnessed earlier. "Bullets were fired on chest and heads, and the three assailants came on a bike. It's very similar to what was witnessed in the murder of Pansare, Dabholkar, and Kalburgi," the police official said.

Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy drew parallels between the deaths of Lankesh and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi, allegedly by fringe Hindu groups. Historian Ramachandra Guha too felt that Lankeshs murder was part of a pattern that links the deaths of Dabholkar, Kalburgi and (Govind) Pansare.

Dabholkar was also the editor of Sadhana magazine which was devoted to the propagation of progressive thought. According to a DNA report, the two attackers who killed Dabholkar fired four rounds at him from point-blank range and then fled on a motorcycle parked nearby.

Activist Narendra Dabholkar, who was at the forefront of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill, was shot dead by unknown assailants in August 2013. He was found dead in a pool of blood at Omkareshwar bridge in Pune.

Lankesh had also raised apprehensions about how people are targeted because of their ideology.

Gauri Lankesh, who had been a strong advocate of freedom of press, in an interaction with The Wire had said that she was concerned about the state of freedom of expression in the country.

Gauri was concerned about the state of freedom of expression in India

Critics of Gauri had said that her taking over her dad's publication was a lucky break she desperately needed. When asked whether it was true, Gauri said, "I would be the first person to admit that my career was stagnating like nobody's business. Perhaps it was because I did not want to take risks. Maybe it was because my personal life has not exactly been terrific. I was concentrating more on finding personal happiness than on chasing a career. Today, I am happy with myself, and don't mind whatever price I have had to pay for it."

In an interview with rediff.com in 2000, soon after her father P Lankesh's demise, Gauri Lankesh spoke extensively on 'Lankesh Patrike', her dissenting views and how unafraid she is despite being a "woman".

I would be the first person to admit that my career was stagnating like nobody's business: Gauri said in 2000

Gauri Lankesh: I am not afraid of physical attacks at all. I used to come home at 3 am alone many nights until a fortnight ago. I only stopped when I saw a man wrapped in a saree lying in the middle of the road on one such occasion. Now I keep my driver with me until I reach home. Apart from that, I have not even got any blank calls. I have received a couple of calls trying to blackmail me about my personal life in taluk level `blackmail' newspapers. Those too stopped when I said, go ahead, write whatever you want about me. I have done nothing wrong to fear exposure.

Rediff: Well, people may not badmouth you, but your being a woman may not dissuade them from attacking you physically, as they have tried to attack your father from time to time. They will know you are particularly vulnerable as you are single and living alone.

Our lives reconnected again as full-fledged journalists working for different organisations in the early 1980s. Here was a grownup Gauri, enthusiastic about everything and ready to face the challenges of real journalism. We instantly connected. She and a few other journalist friends would land up at my little one-room 'house' almost every night after work. I still remember the conversations, fights, and discussions we had on just about anything that was making news all the way into the wee hours of the night.

We grew up in our own little worlds of school and college work, occasionally meeting at the homes of relatives. While I joined Bangalore University for postgraduate studies in Mass Communications, Gauri joined IIMC in Delhi.

I knew Gauri, her sister Kavitha and their mother Indira since we were children. Whenever I visited my uncles house in the then Journalist Colony in Bengaluru, we would meet. I remember her as a sweet shy child running around and playing with my little cousins, while I  older by five years  watched the antics of the little ones. She was a very pretty child, who never stood any nonsense from anyone.

"Last year I decided that I finally had no problems about being alone, had resolved all my personal confusions, and was ready to concentrate on my career. At the time my father took this decision for me, and I had to come back, my career was really taking off. As for this editorship, I don't think at all that I have earned it. I am just doing my best to make sure that I do earn it now!"

In a rare interview to rediff in 2000, Gauri had said that her 'personal confusions" were finally resolved and she was ready to concentrate on her career. Not much is known about her personal life, however, reports have claimed that around 2000 was when she divorced her husband. This was also when her father told her to come and run his publication Lankesh Patrike.

On becoming editor of Lankesh Patrike, Gauri had said she'd ensure she earns the editorship

Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar said that Gauri Lankesh did not complain of any threats, adding that if there was any, then that will be thoroughly investigated. "She didn't complain of anything. If she anywhere expressed about threats, it will be thoroughly investigated," Kumar said.

If Gauri recieved any threats, it will be investigated: Bengaluru police

Several protests planned in Bengaluru, even in Mumbai, against Gauri Lankesh's murder

"Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted and justice delivered. Condolences to the family," the minister said on Twitter.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru and hoped that there would be a speedy investigation and justice delivered.

"I have spoken to the chief minister and the general secretary of the AICC. The chief minister has said that those responsible would be caught and punished."

"The prime minister is a skilled Hindutva politician. Whatever he says has two meanings," said the Congress vice-president. "It is very sad that a journalist against fanaticism was killed. The entire country is with her. Truth cannot be suppressed," he added.

"Non-violence is the history of this nation....Murder cannot be justified," he further said.

"People say that the prime minister is quiet. The point is the entire ideology is to silence voices," Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi told reporters. "Sometimes, under pressure, the prime minister makes statements. But the entire ideology is this."

"The probe conducted by the state (Karnataka) is not reliable," BJP leader Ananth Kumar said in a press conference. He also said that the BJP wanted a CBI probe of this murder.

"These forces that take strength from those boasting of a 56-inch chest are the ones that have poured bullets into Gauri's heart," Neela said.

"If it weren't for the Constitution that Babasaheb Ambedkar gave us, we'd be trampled underfoot by these manuvadi forces," she further said.

"Siddaramiah, we'd told you back then to bring these killers to book. If you'd heeded us, Gauri would have continued in her efforts to bring those oppressed voices of Karnataka together," she said.

"Siddaramiah, where are you? Two years ago folloiwing the deaths of Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi, your police force said these were killings that had to do with differences in ideology. What were these differences? They stemmed from Kalburgi's position that the Lingayat community did not belong to the Hindu order. That they rejected the so-called tenets of Manu," she said.

"We will not be angered by this moment of death; instead, we will hail it as a day of sacrifice," said social activist K Neela at the protest at Townhall in Bengaluru.

Watch: Forces supported by those boasting of 56-inch chest poured bullets into Gauri's heart, says activist

"We will coordinate with the CBI and Maharashtra police for the probe," he further said.

Talking about how the crime took place, Siddaramaiah said, "Someone jumped over the compound wall and shot her at close range...She (Lankesh) walked a few steps and collapsed."

"We'll set up an SIT headed by an IG-level officer. The investigating officer will be an SP," said the chief minister.

"We have some intel (on this case)...There are four lines of inquiry being pursued by the police," he further said.

"We will find her killers. The police has set up roadblocks at various places. Checkpoints around Bengaluru are being monitored," said the Karnataka chief minister.

The channel claimed one of the attacker was waiting in the courtyard and three followed Lankeshs car on a bike.

The first attempt, claimed PublicTV, was made on 2 September, Lankesh - claimed the channel - had been receiving constant blank calls. The channel quoted cops saying a white coloured Activa car was seen pacing up and down in front of her house.

In a sensational disclosure, a Kannadiga television channel said Lankesh was being followed by the killers for a few days before they killed her.

Gauri Lankesh was being followed by her killers a few days before her murder: Kannada channel

"Even when she had to face imprisonment for her views, face isolation among activists due to her distinct way of thinking, face intimidation due to controversies arising out of her actions, she remained committed to her cause. And what was that cause? That of every self-respecting media person in the world  of placing reality as it is in public view."

Noted writer and scholar based in Karnataka's Dharwad, Ganesh Devy, in an obit on Gauri in The Wire , wrote:

'Gauri faced isolation among activists due to her distinct way of thinking'

In November 2016, BJP MP Prahlad Joshi and Umesh Dhusi had raised objections against a piece Gauri Lankesh had written. Gauri subsequently faced a criminal defamation suit for which she was asked to pay a fine and was handed a six month sentence. She managed to get bail the same day.

In 2016, two BJP MPs filed criminal defamation suit against Gauri for an anti-Hindutva piece

Politicians and journalists expressed their shock and anger over the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Tuesday. BJP state chief BS Yeddyurappa tweeted saying that the law and order in the state had completely collapsed.

In a series of tweets on Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi attacked the RSS and said that anybody who speaks against the RSS or the BJP is attacked and sometimes even gets killed. "They want to impose only one ideology which is against the nature of India."

'Sometimes the PM speaks under pressure but the entire idea is to crush dissent...', tweets Rahul Gandhi

Gauri Lankesh Patrike, known for its anti-establishment stance never took any advertisements from either the government or corporations. Reports have said that the magazine is run by 50 employees and over two dozen regular columnists and contributors. GLP is financially supported by Lankeshs other publication firms -- Lankesh Prakashana that publishes literature and Guide Prakashana, which concentrates on providing study material for competitive exams.

Family members and friends were gathered at Ravindra Kala Kshethra as mortal remains of the journalist were brought at the venue.

Soon after addressing the media where the chief minister announced that an SIT, headed by the IG, will probe into the brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh, Siddaramaiah went to pay last respects to the forthright journalist.

Speaking to the media at the funeral ceremony of Gauri Lankesh, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said that the feisty journalist was a staunch supporter of reformation of Naxalites. "Gauri brokered deal with Naxalites in Karnataka. She helped those Naxals enter mainstream and played a vital trole of a negotiator between the State and the Naxalites (sic)."

"Unfortunately, today anybody talking in support of human rights and against fake encounters is branded a Maoist supporter. Along with that, my criticism of Hindutva politics and the caste system, which is part and parcel of what is considered Hindu dharma, makes my critics brand me as a Hindu hater. But I consider it my constitutional duty to continue - in my own little way - the struggle of Basavanna and Dr Ambedkar towards establishing an egalitarian society."

In an interview with News Laundry after Gauri was released on bail in 2006, the 55-year-old journalist said that her criticism of Hindutva politics and the caste system makes her critics brand her as a "Hindu hater."

Modi bhakts and the Hindutva brigade want me in jail: Gauri had said in 2016

Elizabeth Mani from 101.reporters is in Bengaluru doing a live coverage of Gauri Lankesh's funeral

The Karnataka government has been asked to provide details of the incident and the steps taken to nab those involved in the killing, the official said. The Karnataka government today decided to form a Special Investigation Team to probe the killing.

The Union Home Ministry today sought a report from the Karnataka government on the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru, an official said. The move came after Home Minister Rajnath Singh directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to get a report from the state government, the home ministry official said.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated. It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement

In condemning this debilitating attack, the Congress party stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity, Sonia Gandhi said. The Congress president described Lankesh as one with fearless and independent views, who had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system.

Sources quoting Bengaluru Police officials told Firstpost that a youth named Sandeep from Chikmagalur district has been taken into custody for interrogation. Police told sources that Sandeep was arrested as he had made some derogatory comments on Gauri's Facebook page.

It is instructive to note, however, that the article was published over 12 years ago,

BJB MP Subramanian Swamy hinted that tfamily feud could have been the reason behind journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder. Taking to Twitter, he shared an article published in Times of India, and captioned it Is it getting murkier? The article in question, mentioned Gauri complaining that her brother Indrajit had threatened her with a revolver during a family brawl.

Gauri Lankesh was never afraid of speaking truth to power. Her assassination must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice, said Asmita Basu, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India

" The killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh by gunmen outside her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday night raises alarms about the state of freedom of expression in the country," said Amnesty International India today.

In an earlier interview given to NewsLaundry, Gauri spoke about the propaganda against the few dissenting voices against the ruling dispensation. Referring to the killings of MM Kalburgi and Govind Pansare, she said "the Hindutva brigade welcome the killings and celebrate the deaths of those who oppose their ideology, their political party and their supreme leader Narendra Modi... they are keen to somehow shut me up too. A jail stint for me would have warmed the cockles of their hearts!"

'A jail stint for me would have warmed the cockles of their (Hindutva brigades') hearts!'

Crucial CCTV footage recovered in Lankesh's murer; killers will be brought to the books: Karnataka CM

"She was guided by democratic, secular values, that insist on an India in which speaking up against division and hatred is every citizen's right," it said.

The forum remembered Lankesh as a person who performed her duties as a journalist and a citizen with "uncompromising honesty".

The Indian Writers' Forum termed the murder of the 55-year-old journalist, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, "a chilling continuation" of the series of killings of rationalists, writers, scholars and activists like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi.

"The US Mission in India joins advocates of press freedom in India and worldwide in condemning the murder of respected journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Lankesh"

Last rites of Gauri Lankesh to be performed at Chamarajpet

Sources at Gujarat Directorate of Forensic Sciences said that the three high-profile murders, had used similar modi operandi and firearm, an earlier report by The Times of India stated.

CID sources said that a 7.65mm pistol was used to kill Gauri Lankesh is similar to the weapon used in the killing of other rationalists, whose murders remain unsolved to the day.

Ballistic reports suggest weapon used in Lankesh's murder similar to those in Pansare's, Dabholkar's killings

The Police is now tallying the footage gathered from the CCTV outside Gauri's home to that of murder of Kalburgi. The CCTV footage needs to be sent for image enhancement, claim cops. Only then a clearer picture would emerge and help the cops come to the conclusion if the killers were the same, a senior police officer told Firstpost.

Sources have said that the CCTV footage recovered from the cameras outside Lankesh's residence offered some clues leading to the killers in the case.

However, the BJP has condemned his "nonsensical' comments as the party threatened to take Gandhi to the court for levelling unverified allegations.

In the aftermath of the murder of staunch Right-wing critic Gauri Lankesh, politics has started picking up. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi suggested that the journalist was killed for her anti-BJP/ RSS views.

Twitter is taken over by condolence messages for Gauri lankesh, a strong writer who never shied aay from criticising the Right-wing ideology. However, several twitter users were seen trolling the murdered journalist. The hateful messages not only raised eyebrows in the civil society, but several people pointed out that a few of the the troll twitter handles were followed by PM Modi

"The present government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh," the road transport, highways, shipping and water resources minister told reporters.

Slamming the statements of Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and her deputy Rahul, Nitin Gadkari said levelling "untrue" allegations against the BJP and the prime minister is injustice to his party and detrimental to democracy.

A firebrand journalist and a fearless writer, Gauri Lankesh's views on Right-wing politics are well documented. Be it her scathing criticism of pro-BJP activists threatening Left-wing rationalists, or her views on Centre's move to deport Rohingya Muslims , or her inhibitions on freedom of press, Lankesh managed to remain on the wrong side of the Right.

The CCTV footage recovered from near her home revealed that the killers were apparently wearing helmets and black jackets and escaped after the murder.

The investigation so far has revealed that one of the killers was waiting for Gauri near her house and two others are suspected to have followed her home from her office. "The miscreant who was at the house initially opened fire and was joined by the other two. A Honda Dio two-wheeler is said to have been used in the murder operation," Bangalore Mirror reported.

The nature of the crime suggests that the killers were aware of Gauri's routine and whereabouts. India Today TV reported that Gauri would frequently come back late at night and there was no fixed pattern as to when she would come back home.

Friends and family of Gauri Lankesh confirm, no religeous rituals were performed; Gauri Lankesh given a state burial

Trolls spewing hate on Gauri Lankesh should be probed for links with BJP/RSS: Teesta Setalvad

Shabana Azmi, along with several other prominent faces came out in protest agains the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. She said that she would appeal to all political parties to stop trying to earn browny points against each other. She said they should rather come together in condemning the incident.

Political parties should come together and condemn this heinous act: Shabana Azmi

Five Indian journalists were murdered in 2016, but it doesn't seem as though anyone is listening.

Even as many are comparing the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Tuesday with the killing of Kannada writer, scholar and rationalist MM Kalburgi two years ago, her death throws sharply into focus, yet again, the ever increasing perils of being a journalist in India.

Gauri Lankesh's murder adds to the long list of slain journalists: Is India unsafe for scribes?

The chief ministers of Punjab, West Bengal and several other states also condemned the killing.

The CPM also expressed shock over the killing, alleging that it fit into the "familiar pattern of eliminating voices that dare to speak against the climate of intolerance by the RSS and BJP".

Condemning the attack, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said the party stood with rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity.

Political parties of all hues today came out strongly against the killing of outspoken journalist Gauri Lankesh, with the Congress calling it a chilling reminder of rising intolerance and bigotry and the BJP demanding a swift probe to punish the guilty. A number of chief ministers as well as Union ministers also expressed outrage at the killing of the 55-year-old senior journalist, known for her strong views against right-wing forces.

At the protest meeting for #GauriLankeshMurder in Delhi. let us stand as one. Silence is complicty. pic.twitter.com/LwRaxE1xWj

Trolls spewing hate on Gauri Lankesh should be probed for links with BJP/RSS: Teesta Setalvad

Shabana Azmi, along with several other prominent faces came out in protest agains the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. She said that she would appeal to all political parties to stop trying to earn browny points against each other. She said they should rather come together in condemning the incident.

Political parties should come together and condemn this heinous act: Shabana Azmi

Five Indian journalists were murdered in 2016, but it doesn't seem as though anyone is listening.

Even as many are comparing the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Tuesday with the killing of Kannada writer, scholar and rationalist MM Kalburgi two years ago, her death throws sharply into focus, yet again, the ever increasing perils of being a journalist in India.

Gauri Lankesh's murder adds to the long list of slain journalists: Is India unsafe for scribes?

The chief ministers of Punjab, West Bengal and several other states also condemned the killing.

The CPM also expressed shock over the killing, alleging that it fit into the "familiar pattern of eliminating voices that dare to speak against the climate of intolerance by the RSS and BJP".

Condemning the attack, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said the party stood with rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity.

Political parties of all hues today came out strongly against the killing of outspoken journalist Gauri Lankesh, with the Congress calling it a chilling reminder of rising intolerance and bigotry and the BJP demanding a swift probe to punish the guilty. A number of chief ministers as well as Union ministers also expressed outrage at the killing of the 55-year-old senior journalist, known for her strong views against right-wing forces.

Participated in a candle vigil from #Kolkata Press Club till Gandhi statue to condemn the murder of journalist GauriLankesh

Senior Kannada journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday, police said. Gauri, aged 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said.

She died instantaneously.

Four bullets hit the compound wall of her building in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, the officials said.

Gauri edited Kannada tabloid 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike' besides owning some other publications, and was known for her forthright views against hardline Hindutva politics.

Bengaluru police commissioner T Sunil Kumar, along with senior police officers, rushed to the spot and officials said it was not immediately known who carried out the attack and the motive behind it.

Police suspected that she was under surveillance of the assailants who must have trailed her closely.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed her death shocking.

The chief minister said three police teams have been constituted to probe the killing. Instructions have been issued to crack the case and bring the culprits to book at the earliest, he said.

He said recently Gauri had been instrumental in bringing Naxalites into the mainstream and they had surrendered.

"It's shocking news for me. No one who has faith in humanity will ever kill anyone. Gauri Lankesh was secular and helped government bring the Naxals back to the mainstream," said Siddaramaiah.

He wondered why Gauri didn't tell the government about the threat to her life though she had met him many times.

Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy drew parallels between the gunning down of Gauri and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and M M Kalburgi, allegedly by fringe Hindu groups. Dabholkar was shot dead in August 2013, while Kalburgi was gunned down in August 2015.

"Who is behind the incident, is it the Naxals or any other ideological fringe parties were behind the incident will be known only after investigation. It is very premature to hold anybody responsible for the incident," Reddy said.

Siddaramaiah also said he has asked police to get in touch with their Maharashtra counterparts probing the murder of Dabholkar.

Police have cordoned off the area around her house. Senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M N Anucheth, rushed to the spot to supervise investigation. Karnataka police chief R K Dutta said Gauri had not voiced apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her.

Asked about who could be the possible suspects in the killing, the officer refused to hazard any guess, saying "let the investigation proceed first." "I do not know how to react. The assailants should be brought to the book. The case should be handed over to CBI," Gauri's brother Indrajit Lankesh said.

In a statement, RSS state unit expressed deep sorrow over the "heinous" murder of Gauri. "RSS appeals to the state government to act soon on the criminals responsible and bring them to the book," it said.

Veteran BJP Leader K S Eshwarappa rapped the Siddaramaiah government for "failing" to protect the lives of people, including those of noted writers like Kalburgi and Gauri. Gauri was last year convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in her tabloid against some saffron party leaders.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore took to Twitter to denounce the incident. "Terrible news from Bengaluru about the heinous murder of Gauri Lankesh. I condemn all acts of violence against journalists," he said.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said "truth cannot be silenced" and demanded that the culprits be tracked down and punished. "The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished," his office said in a twitter post.

BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said, "The murder of #GauriLankesh is condemnable outright. Onus is on Sh.Siddaramaiah to ensure proper investigation."

"If it is BJP ruled state, Liberals would have cried for emergency, Intolerance, Fascism," tweeted National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: "Shocking & tragic! Brave journalist Gauri Lankesh who exposed the BJP has been shot dead in her home in Bangalore!"

Gauri was a journalist-activist, known for her anti-establishment, pro-poor and pro-Dalit stand.

Among very few woman editors in Kannada journalism, she was a fierce activist, who openly expressed her pro-Naxal and Leftist views.

Born in 1962, Gauri was the daughter of legendary Kannada journalist and founding editor of Kannada weekly tabloid 'Lankesh Patrike'.

Her siblings -- Kavitha and Indrajit Lankesh -- are film and theatre personalities.

With inputs from agencies
Many of us are troubled by the things happening in India, but we lack clarity. That is because, on such a gigantic scale as India offers, it is not easy to spot cause and effect.

Are things on decline? Are constitutional values in jeopardy? If so, who is responsible? Is it right to blame a group or party if it occasionally says the right thing? These questions are difficult to answer with certainty for the most of us.

Gauri Lankesh, who was shot in Bengaluru on Tuesday night, did not suffer from a lack of clarity. She knew what was going on, and she knew what was causing it. Most importantly, she knew what to do about it and we'll take a look at that in a moment.

As her surname suggests, this was an unusual woman. The name Lankesh is synonym of Ravana. Gauri's father was named, or called himself Lankesh. He was an editor of the sort only South India produces. Interested in politics and culture, highly educated, bilingual, and relevant despite editing an organ with a limited circulation.

Lankesh Patrike, meaning the letter of Ravana, was a biting, vicious and highly-politicised publication that regularly got its editor into trouble. After the passing of Lankesh, this school of journalism passed on to his children, who set up similar publications. His daughter's was called Gauri Lankesh Patrike, and it added one element which Gauri believed the times required: a crystal clear response to majoritarianism (also called Hindutva).

This clarity made Gauri attractive, and she was able to pull in towards her those figures who had been demonised for having the same views as her. In Bengaluru, she was the point of contact for such people and she offered herself to them, with whatever limited resources she had, as their host.

She would telephone in the middle of the day to say: "Kanhaiyya is in town. Are you free?" The protagonist of Jawaharlal Nehru University's sedition episode would stay with her when in town and she would manage his gatherings. A few weeks ago, she called to say that Jignesh Mewani, who led the Dalit agitation in Gujarat after the atrocity in Una, was with her. Before that it was Umar Khalid.

When she brought these individuals home, it was always for a purpose: we are facing trouble in our country, what can be done? She gravitated towards action and she was relentless. This is why she was dangerous.

The Karnataka government said she had expressed no indication that she was under threat. This is not surprising, because she rarely spoke about herself, even when she expressed herself strongly. But it is unquestionable that, operating in the local language, and clearly and unequivocally, she would have known that there were many who hated her.

She was thin and appeared physically frail. Her body was birdlike, and quite unlike a middle-aged Indian woman. Her convictions were pure steel and those who murdered her must have assessed and realised that the only way to get her to stop saying and stop thinking the things that they so feared was with a gun.

The author is Executive Director, Amnesty International India
New Delhi: The CPM on Wednesday condemned the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh and called on democratic forces to lodge a strong protest against what it said was "growing intolerance and hatred" in the country.

In a statement, it said Lankesh's murder "fits into a by now familiar pattern of eliminating voices that dare to speak out against the current climate of hate and intolerance by the RSS and BJP".

It said the killings of  Govind Pansare, Dabholkar, Kalburgi and now Gauri Lankesh  "are all interconnected".

"All of them were vociferous in their opposition to superstition, obscurantism and the perpetuation of the communal agenda by the rightwing Hindutva forces," the statement said.

The party called upon the Left and democratic forces to "lodge a strong protest against this heinous murder and against the growing intolerance and hatred in the country".

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her when she returned home from her office in Bengaluru. Two hit her in the chest and one in the forehead.

She was the editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Lankesh Patrike".

The CPM Polit Bureau demanded that the Karnataka government immediately identify and arrest the culprits.

The party's trade union wing, Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), strongly condemned the murder of Gauri Lankesh by "communal divisive forces".

"This murder is the latest in the series of murders of rationalists like Govind Pansare, Narendra Dhabolkar and MM Kalburgi by these communal divisive forces to create terror against criticism of the Hindutva communal forces and among minorities," it said in a statement.

CITU also called upon its members and the working class of the country to protest against "this heinous crime and attack on secularism".
Even as many are comparing the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Tuesday with the killing of Kannada writer, scholar and rationalist MM Kalburgi two years ago, her death throws sharply into focus, yet again, the ever increasing perils of being a journalist in India.

According to a report in The Indian Express, five Indian journalists were murdered in 2016.

Sandesh Times Bureau chief Tarun Mishra was killed in broad daylight on 13 February, 2016 in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh The Tribune reported.

Mishra was travelling in his car when he was assailed by two gunmen on a motorcycle. Then chief minister Akhilesh Yadav ordered an inquiry and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for Mishra's family, according to the report.

In May 2016, TV journalist Indradev Yadav was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his home while he was on his motorcycle, Indian Federation of Journalists reported. The 35-year-old was a local correspondent for Taaza TV, a Kolkata-based Hindi news outlet.

That very month, 42-year-old Rajdeo Ranjan, the bureau chief of Dainik Hindustan, was killed by a gang of criminals on motorcycles while he was on his way home from office, according to a report in Hindustan Times. Ranjan worked for Dainik Hindustan, one of Bihar's largest selling newspapers, for two decades, according to the report.

In August 2016, senior journalist Kishore Dave, the bureau chief of a Gujarati newspaper called Jai Hind was murdered while he was reportedly working on a story, NDTV reported. Senior police officials, who did not wish to be named, told NDTV "personal enmity" could be the reason behind the murder.

In November 2016, 35-year-old Dainik Bhaskar reporter Dharmendra Singh was shot dead at a roadside tea stall during his morning walk, The New Indian Express reported. The police said three men on a motorcycle shot Singh and sped away. They speculated that his killing was motivated by his reporting on the local stone chips mafia, according to the report.

'Government unwilling to act'

"With Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of anti-national thought from the national debate, self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media. Journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals," media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders has warned.

The data seems to bear this out: According to IndiaSpend and media watchdog The Hoot, since March 2015, 11 journalists have been killed across India, five of them in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. Only war-torn Iraq and Syria recorded the deaths of more journalists than India.

According to The Hoot, 24 journalists were killed in India from 2010 to 2014: Three in 2011, five in 2012, eight in 2013 (six from Uttar Pradesh and two from Chhattisgarh) and eight in 2014 ( six from UP and two from Bihar).

The Committee to Protect Journalists claims that at least 27 journalists have been murdered in direct retaliation for their work in India since 1992. India ranks 13th on their Impunity Index  after Russia, Bangladesh and Nigeria  a measure of countries worldwide where journalist are killed and the murderers go free. According to their previous index, 96 percent of victims were local reporters and the same percentage of cases go unsolved.

Since 1992, only three percent of journalists in India have died covering wars, according to CPJ data, and as many as 46 percent of journalists who were killed while working were covering politics; 35 percent of them were covering corruption.

Thats because the concerned governments are not willing to really protect journalists performing their duties, Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, media commentator and former editor, Economic and Political Weekly, told IndiaSpend.

India deadlier than Pakistan, Afghanistan

According to their 2017 index, India ranks a pathetic 136 out of 180 countries when it comes to freedom of the press, behind luminaries such as Ghana (26), The Dominican Republic (59), Sierra Leone (85), Nicaragua (92) and Chad (121).

Reporters Without Borders previously called India Asias deadliest country for media personnel, ahead of both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Committee For The Protection Of Journalists (CPJ) affirmed this statement. Their 2015 data showed there were only two deaths of journalists in Pakistan and no deaths in Afghanistan.

"We urge police in Karnataka to thoroughly investigate the murder of Gauri Lankesh, including whether journalism was a motive," said CPJ Asia programme coordinator Steven Butler, from Washington, DC. "India needs to address the problem of impunity in journalist murders and ensure the press can work freely."

'Does not portray a proper picture of press freedom'

But it doesn't seem as though anyone is listening.

According to a report in The New Indian Express, in July, the government rejected the Reporters Without Borders index.

"Press Council of India in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken note of the report and found out that their sources in India are ambiguous," Hansraj Ahir, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs said. "The sampling is quite random in nature and does not portray a proper and comprehensive picture of freedom of the press in India."
Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has briefed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, which has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.

Officials at the Chief Minister's Office said that Siddaramaiah spoke to Gandhi over the phone.

Confirming his talks with Siddaramaiah, Gandhi said in a tweet, "Spoke to the chief minister of Karnataka and mentioned that it's very important that people who have murdered Gauri Lankesh are caught and punished."

On his official Twitter account, the Congress vice-president said that anybody who speaks against RSS/BJP is attacked and even killed. "They want to impose only one ideology which is against the nature of India," he said.

"Sometimes the prime minister speaks under pressure but the entire idea is to crush dissent and this is resulting in a very serious problem in India," he said in a series of tweet.

Siddaramaiah on Wednesday also announced a SIT probe, to be headed by Inspector General-level officer in the matter, saying his government had an "open mind" to an investigation by the CBI, which the slain journalist's family has demanded.

The BJP, however, accused the Congress vice-president of trying to make "political capital" out of Lankesh's murder while Union minister Nitin Gadkari rejected the allegations linking the killing to the people following its ideology, terming them as "irresponsible, baseless and false".

The saffron party also asked the Karnataka government to arrest the murderers swiftly and wondered if the SIT constituted by it will meet the same fate as the one probing the August 2016 murder of rationalist MM Kalburgi, whose killers remain untraced.

"The government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh," Gadkari told reporters.

Another Union minister Ananth Kumar asked the Congress government in Karnataka to swiftly probe the journalist's murder in Bengaluru and arrest the guilty.

Attacking the Siddaramaiah government for the state's "poor" law and order situation, he said there had been 18-19 political killings besides Kalburgi's murder in the last two and a half years and it had "failed" in taking probes to their logical conclusion.

Hitting out at the Congress vice-president, BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao said he was trying to make political capital out of Lankesh's murder, which he termed as an act of mindless violence.

Taking a dig, he said, "Rahul Gandhi must realise that the track record of his party's government in Karnataka on law and order is as dismal and pathetic as his political record. He will do well to concentrate on these shortcomings rather than making frivolous comments."

Rao also noted that the Karnataka police has not made any arrest in Kalburgi's murder so far.

In his comments, Rahul Gandhi had said anybody who spoke against the ideology of the BJP and RSS was "pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed".

Lankesh was an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics. She was shot dead on Tuesday by unidentified gunmen outside her residence in Bengaluru.
New Delhi: Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru and hoped that there would be a speedy investigation and justice delivered.

The Kannada journalist-activist, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence last night.

"Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted and justice delivered. Condolences to the family," the minister said on Twitter.

Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted & justice delivered. Condolences to the family.  Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) September 6, 2017

Lankesh, 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately, with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said.

She died instantaneously.

For updates on the story, follow live blog.
Noted journalist and publisher Gauri Lankesh was killed in a hail of gunfire at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening. Lankesh, a well-known critic of the right wing, took three bullets to her chest after four unknown assailants fired seven rounds at her in her home in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

Even as Karanataka chief minister Siddaramaiah termed her death shocking, home minister Ramalinga Reddy drew parallels between the deaths of Lankesh and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi, allegedly by fringe Hindu groups. Historian Ramachandra Guha too felt that Lankeshs murder was part of a pattern that links the deaths of Dabholkar, Kalburgi and (Govind) Pansare.

This link was further bolstered by a senior police official who said that the modus operandi in the Gauri Lankesh murder seems very close to what had been witnessed earlier. "Bullets were fired on chest and heads, and the three assailants came on a bike. It's very similar to what was witnessed in the murder of Pansare, Dabholkar, and Kalburgi," the police official said.

The official also added that like Pansare, Dabholkar, and Kalburgi, Gauri was also not very influential. "She was not someone who could bring down a government. So, why such killings continue to take place also warrants investigation," he added.

Let's take a look at the incidents being linked with Lankesh's murder.

Narendra Dabholkar

Activist Narendra Dabholkar, who was at the forefront of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill, was shot dead by unknown assailants in August 2013. He was found dead in a pool of blood at Omkareshwar bridge in Pune.

Dabholkar was also the editor of Sadhana magazine which was devoted to the propagation of progressive thought.

According to a DNA report, the two attackers who killed Dabholkar fired four rounds at him from point-blank range and then fled on a motorcycle parked nearby.

Govind Pansare

Senior Communist leader Govind Pansare was shot and killed in February 2015. Two men on a motorcycle shot five times at Pansare and his wife at close range outside their house, reported Outlook. His wife survived but Pansare succumbed to his injuries.

Pansare was associated with various social movements that involved the unorganised sector including farm labourers, domestic help, auto-rickshaw unions and others. Around the time of his death, he was leading an anti-toll agitation in Kolhapur. He was also a known critic of right-wing forces and had written many books on the ills in Indian society. In his book 'Who Was Shivaji', he portrayed Shivaji as a secular leader as against the portrayal by right wing outfits.

Pansare was a close associate of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. Following Dabholkar's death, Pansare had stepped up pressure on the government for the passage of the Anti-Superstition Bill which was finally passed in December 2015.

MM Kalburgi

Former vice-chancellor of Hampi University MM Kalburgi was shot dead at his residence by unidentified gunmen in August 2015. He was shot in the head and chest by two unidentified men who had come on a two-wheeler, as per the Outlook report.

Kalburgi was a renowned Kannada writer, research scholar and rationalist. In 2014, a case had been filed against him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Hindus after he criticised idol worship. Kalburgi had not cowed down but had continued his campaign against idol worship and Brahminical rituals. His home had been a target for miscreants, who would pelt stones and bottles. In another instance, activists had disturbed his public speech when he had raised the issue of idol worship.

Similar modus operandi for the murders

Like the others, Lankesh too was shot at point-blank range by unknown assailant near her residence. She too had a reputation of speaking out against entrenched religious practices. In light of these facts, it is impossible to ignore the possibility that these murders are related.

The link between the murders of rationalists has not gone unnoticed. In August 2017, the Bombay High Court had observed that the murders of Dabholkar and Pansare were similar and were 'well-planned' acts. The court had noted, "The reports reveal that these were clearly not one or two stray incidents. Certain organisations must be backing them, helping them financially. These incidents were well-planned."

The court had many facts to base its observation on. Investigators had found that all three murders had been committed with the same weapon, according to The Times of India. The forensic analysis of the bullet cartridges recovered at the crime scenes had revealed that the same 7.65-mm country-made pistol was used. A senior police official had said that the three cases had earlier been linked on the basis of the victims' profiles, probable motives and the modus operandi.

Further, documents were seized from Samir Gaikwad  an accused under arrest in Pansare's murder  which indicated a link to the murders of Dabholkar and Kalburgi, The Hindu had reported.

The investigators had also found that in two of the three cities where the murders took place, a common mobile phone device has been found to be active with different SIM cards around the time of the murders, as per The Indian Express.

Dabholkar and Pansare's murders have been linked to the right-wing group Sanatan Sanstha as investigators in the murder cases have looked into their call record details, locations of sadhaks etc.

The pattern is frightening

The fact that one journalist was murdered is worrying in itself. However the idea there could be a pattern and an organised effort to eliminate those with thoughts different from the mainstream is downright frightening.

The Caravan while writing about the murders quoted an editorial titled 'A "Tolerant" State'in the Economic and Political Weekly which had observed, While Dabholkar, Pansare and MM Kalburgis murders (as well as the harassment meted out to others like them) are deplorable, what is even more despicable is the silence of large sections of the population and the continuing support of political interests to their tormentors. This absence of a proper government response is a clear indication that citizens feel they are not safe if they speak out against entrenched religious vested interests and that the state will not take their complaints seriously.

The chilling effect of these murders cannot be overstated. It is up to the government and the law enforcement agencies to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice. However it is also important that the people must remember and agitate against these crimes. Otherwise, these incidents could lose their shock value and merely become the norm.

With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: Condemning the ghastly murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, the AAP on Wednesday expressed fears that its key leader and former scribe Ashish Khetan could meet a similar fate for taking on extremist elements.

The AAP also criticised prime minister Narendra Modi stating that he "follows" those on social media who "spew venom", thus emboldening right-wing extremists.

AAP leader Ashutosh said that Lankesh was "silenced" the way rationalist thinkers Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare, and Kannada writer MM Kalburgi were killed.

Lankesh, a journalist-activist, known for her Left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said Khetan faces a similar threat for his reportage on right-wing extremists, but fell short of asking for security for the AAP leader.

Khetan had claimed to have received similar threats with the latest one on 13 May this year. Following this the scribe-turned-politician also approached the Supreme Court, seeking protection for his life.

In July, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition filed by Khetan alleging death threat from right-wing organisations and asked him to approach the Delhi High Court.

"Are the probe agencies waiting for Khetan to be killed? The Delhi Police and other agencies are not so naive to not know the people behind those sending death threats to Khetan," Singh said.

When asked whether the party was demanding security for Khetan, Singh said the probe agencies are well aware of what is to be done.

Referring to a tweet by one Twitter user who used inappropriate words against Lankesh after she was murdered, Singh said the person is followed by the prime minister on the social media website.

"Such things embolden right-wing extremists because when the PM follows them they get a message that they have the backing of the most powerful person of the country," Singh said.
New Delhi: The killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh by gunmen outside her residence in Bengaluru "raises alarm" about the state of freedom of expression in the country, Amnesty International India said on Wednesday.

Gauri, who was known for her strident anti-establishment views and writings against Hindu fundamentalists, was never afraid of speaking truth to power, the rights body said.

"Her assassination must be thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. The police must investigate whether she was killed because of her journalism," Asmita Basu, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India, said.

Gauri, 55, was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly. She was widely regarded as an independent and outspoken journalist and activist, and a fierce critic of hardline Hindu groups in Karnataka.

"Critical journalists and activists have increasingly faced threats and attacks across India in recent years. State governments must act to protect those whose voices of dissent are being silenced," Basu said.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has said that there has been no conviction in any of 27 cases of journalists "murdered for their work" in India since 1992, the statement said.
Upgrading the security cameras at the Chippewa Falls Police Department will be a little trickier than first thought.

The City Council on Tuesday on a 7-0 vote approved the recommendation of the citys Revenues Committee to spend an additional $5,599 to upgrade six existing cameras at the police department and to put in a 180 degree camera in the lobby to replace the three cameras there currently.

The city is working with Chippewa County to install the Milestone camera operating system at city hall and the citys public library. But Chippewa Countys dispatch center is installing Windows 10 on its computers next year.

The current police department camera operating system will not be compatible with Windows 10; currently the county PCs are monitoring the lobby cameras at the police department, the committee was told.

The committee opted for the most expensive of three options given to it to upgrade the police departments security cameras. Other options would installing one camera in the lobby at a cost of $655, and another was to upgrade, for $3,200, its current camera operating system to handle Windows 10.

Also, the committee at its Aug. 24 meeting gave its OK to spending $6,168 from its cable TV franchise fee to complete transferring the citys phone controllers to Chippewa County.

The initial quote for the project underestimated the cost of labor and did not include all of the needed hardware, the city said.

The committee also approved spending up to $5,000 from the citys general fund reserves to pay for special legal counsel fees. The panel said due to police and fire department negotiations, along with it termed routine issues, there is $1,500 left of the original $18,000 set aside for the lawyer fees.

Last year $7,287 was used for the fees, and a surplus in the fund was sent to the citys general fund reserves.

The committee was also told the first city meeting on the 2018 budget will take place Tuesday, Sept. 12.

All departments have been advised to come back with a 0 percent increase and submit requests for any omitted budget items. It is anticipated that the public hearing on the budget will be held Tuesday, Nov. 21, or Tuesday, Dec. 5, depending on timing, the committee was told.

All seven council members attended Tuesdays meeting.
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday urged the Karnataka government to probe the murder of senior Kannada journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh "seriously, arrest her killers and punish them".

"We urge the Karnataka government to probe the murder of well-known journalist Gauri Lankesh with full seriousness, take the case to its conclusion, arrest the killers and punish them," senior BJP leader and Union minister Ananth Kumar said at the party headquarters.

Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday. In her 50s, she was the editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Lankesh Patrike" besides owning some other publications.

In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against BJP leaders.

The minister also blamed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his government for not taking previous sensitive criminal cases seriously.

"Siddaramaiah government failed in expediting the investigation of previous sensitive criminal cases as well as reaching the conclusion during inquiry as expected."

Citing the Supreme Court's Tuesday order, Kumar said the court ordered the Karnataka government to hand over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the death of Deputy Superintendent of Police MK Ganapathy, who was found dead in a lodge at Madikeri in Bengaluru last year.

"Apart from handing over Ganapathy's case to CBI, the court commented on the investigation process of state government. It also said that Karnataka government's investigation was not reliable," Kumar said, citing the apex court order.

Ganapathy was found dead hours after he gave an interview to a television channel accusing Bengaluru Development Minister KJ George and senior officers AM Prasad and Pranab Mohanty of harassment.
New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India on Wednesday "strongly condemned" the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh and called for a judicial probe into the incident.

Gauri, an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, had "fearlessly" expressed her views on key issues in the Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike edited by her, as well as in other fora.

"The Editors Guild of India is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the murder of Gauri Lankesh. Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on freedom of press," it said in a statement.

The body also demanded that the Karnataka government act with alacrity to bring the culprits to book, apart from instituting a judicial probe into the killing.

The 55-year-old Kannada journalist was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead by unidentified men on Tuesday night, had predicted that dire days lie ahead and her interviews show that she was evidently concerned about "Modi bhakts" wanting to shut her up. While most are mourning the death of the vocal critic of Hindutva politics, some are saying that because of her sympathy for Naxals, she had it coming.

In an interview with The Wire, Lankesh had expressed concerns over how a defamation case against her was being used by the IT cell of the BJP to threaten other journalists. "The fact that people who contradict the ruling ideology are being targeted and made an example of is especially worrying," she had said.

Prahlad Joshi, BJP MP from Dharwad, gets Gouri Lankesh convicted in a defamation case. https://t.co/6DQTYDY1rO Hope other journos take note.  Amit Malviya (@malviyamit) November 29, 2016

Following on her fears, some prominent leaders and journalists tried to connect the links and question who her killers might be.

Lankesh had also said that critics brand her as a 'Hindu hater' and told Newslaundry that "we are living in such times that Modi Bhakts and the Hindutva brigade welcome the killings (as in the case of Dr MM Kalburgi) and celebrate the deaths (as in the case of Dr UR Ananthamurthy) of those who oppose their ideology."

She further said that such people are keen to shut her up as well. She has been the subject of hate from the Hindutva brigade and Modi bhakts previously when she was named in a defamation case. Most of the tweets, she had said, were targeted against liberal/Left journalists/journalism. A very similar scenario seems to be developing after her death. She and the people questioning the killers are being trolled.

So, Commy Gauri Lankesh has been murdered mercilessly. Your deeds always come back to haunt you, they say. Amen.#Bengaluru#GauriLankesh  Jagrati Shukla (@JagratiShukla29) September 5, 2017

Some of the handles followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spewed hate and later deleted their tweets after facing a backlash. Nikhil Dadhich, who is honoured to be followed by Modi, was rebuked by Yogendra Yadav for his hate tweet. He later deleted the tweet and defended himself by saying that it wasn't meant for Lankesh.

Another gem from a great author of Surat "Honoured to be followed by PM" https://t.co/vkIH1AgaPQ  Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) September 5, 2017

Yadav's claims are not wrongly formed. Modi indeed follows Dadhich.

          tweet ,  PM  follow  , TV           pic.twitter.com/5ZgiRJrncC  Sanjay Singh AAP (@SanjayAzadSln) September 6, 2017

Another Hindu fanatic, who is followed by Modi and Union minister Vijay Goel, tweeted about the nuances of Lankesh's defamation cases. Vishweshwar Bhat, editor-in-chief of Vishwavani Daily, called her a Naxal symphatiser.

Naxal sympathiser and Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar.  Vishweshwar Bhat (@VishweshwarBhat) September 5, 2017

1 For those who don't know #GauriLankesh A brief introduction- Leftist, naxal sympathizer, anti establishment, Anti Hindus.  Rita (@RitaG74) September 5, 2017

Another Twitter handle, followed by Modi, demanded an investigation into Lankesh's connection with Kanhaiya Kumar.

God had different plan for group of "Bharat tere tukde honge", .....Anti Nationals always remain close to terrorist, need investigation. pic.twitter.com/RYZ7gp0Nk1  Oxomiya Jiyori (@SouleFacts) September 6, 2017

Note: Firstpost erroneously added a tweet (by Raksha Kumar) to this article. The intent of her tweet mentioned in this copy was misinterpreted by the newsdesk. Firstpost acknowledges her assertion that the post was made in all good intention. The incorrect tweet has been removed from the piece and we apologise for the error.
Senior Kannada journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence on Tuesday. Lankesh was known for her anti-establishment, pro-poor and pro-Dalit stand.

Lankesh's death was met with outrage and grief across the country as politicians and journalists condemned the attack on her.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah termed her death shocking. He said that Lankesh had been instrumental in bringing Naxals into the mainstream and they had surrendered. "It's shocking news for me. No one who has faith in humanity will ever kill anyone. Gauri Lankesh was secular and helped government bring the Naxals back to the mainstream," said Siddaramaiah.

On Wednesday, Siddaramaiah said, "We will find her killers. The police has set up roadblocks at various places. Checkpoints around Bengaluru are being monitored. We have some intel (on this case)... There are four lines of inquiry being pursued by the police."

"We'll set up an SIT headed by an IG-level officer. The investigating officer will be an SP," said the chief minister.

Talking about how the crime took place, Siddaramaiah said, "Someone jumped over the compound wall and shot her at close range... She (Lankesh) walked a few steps and collapsed."

Information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing and hoped that there would be a speedy investigation and justice delivered.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi offered his condolences to the family.

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 5, 2017

In a statement, RSS state unit expressed deep sorrow over the "heinous" murder of Gauri. "RSS appeals to the state government to act soon on the criminals responsible and bring them to the book," it said.

Lankesh's fellow journalists too expressed their sorrow at her death.

Numbed by news of Gauri Lankesh's murder. She was gutsy, level-headed, defianteverything we need in a journalist in these troubled times.  Siddharth (@svaradarajan) September 5, 2017

In India we bow to frauds like Ram Rahim and kill men and women of reason & inquiry like Pansare, Dabholkar, Kalburgi & now #gaurilankesh  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 5, 2017

As a friend, colleague & admirer for decades shocked & shattered to hear of the murder of Gauri Lankesh,one of India's gutsiest journalists  vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) September 5, 2017

Activists also observed the link between Lankesh's murder and those of other rationalists.

Pansare, Kalburgi and now Gauri Lankesh! Same pattern: shot by masked men Same motive: Silence voices of dissent? Same forces? https://t.co/CYrOMeuTgX  Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) September 5, 2017

Shocked & angry - after Dabholkar, Pansare, Kalburgi, journalist @gaurilankesh bravely writing against Sangh, shot dead in Bengaluru  Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) September 5, 2017

The Indian Express quoted historian Ramachandra Guha as saying that Lankeshs murder was part of a pattern that links the deaths of (Narendra) Dabholkar, (MM) Kalburgi and (Govind) Pansare. The climate of hate and intolerance that has been promoted by this current (BJP) government, aided by television channels and freelance goondas, is complicit in this murder. It is chilling."

The report also reported Tamil writer Perumal Murugan  who was hounded into silence in 2015 by protests against his work  as saying, One thought that this sort of sentiment had died down. This incident proves that the climate of hatred and intolerance seems to be alive. Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore also condemned the killing.

Terrible news from Bengaluru about the heinous murder of Gauri Lankesh. I condemn all acts of violence against journalists.  Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) September 5, 2017

The case is reminiscent of the murders of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi. Fingers have been raised on radical Hindu outfits in those cases.

Protests broke out in Delhi, Chennai and bfrom the protest at Townhall in Bengaluru.

In Mumbai, various media organisations led by the Mumbai Press Club and Bombay Union of Journalists on Wednesday condemned the killing and sought a speedy probe in the case. A candlelight vigil will be held at the press club on Wednesday evening. Apart from the Mumbai Press Club, TV Journalists Association, Photographers Association and Network of Women in Media will join the protests.

A protest has also been planned at amphitheatre on Carter Road in Bandra at 6pm on Wednesday.

With inputs from PTI

Click here to follow LIVE updates on the aftermath of Gauri Lankesh's murder.
New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (CPI) on Wednesday questioned the "astonishing silence" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the killing of Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh.

The party alleged that "right-wing and fanatic forces" were behind the attack.

"I strongly condemn her killing. The right-wing fascist forces have become so aggressive that they are taking the law into their hands. This attack is part of their sinister design," CPI national secretary D Raja said.

He urged the people to unite and resist the "fascist onslaught" on dissenting voices.

CPI leader Atul Kumar Anjan said the killing was also an attack on freedom of the press.

"Many political parties and leaders have condemned the gruesome attack by the fanatics. But the silence of the prime minister and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is an astonishing one," he said.

Gauri (55), an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at the entrance of her residence in Raj Rajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

She ran Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike.
New Delhi: Condemning the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, the Indian Writers' Forum on Wednesday pledged to continue her fight against the "haters of free speech and a plural India".

A statement from the forum described Lankesh, who was killed at her home in Bengaluru Tuesday, as a "voice of dissent, a voice of reason" who was "silenced with guns".

"The forum condemns the continued unmaking of India in which writers, artists, scholars, rationalists  and indeed any citizen who exercises her right to speak freely  is no longer safe.

"We will continue to speak on her behalf and ours. They cannot silence us all," the statement read.

It termed the murder of the 55-year-old journalist, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, "a chilling continuation" of the series of killings of rationalists, writers, scholars and activists like Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and MM Kalburgi.

"None of the murderers has been punished, though much points to the extended right wing family. Instead, the punishment of critic voices continues, as do attacks on Muslims, dalits, adivasis and women - Indian citizens all."

The forum remembered Lankesh as a person who performed her duties as a journalist and a citizen with "uncompromising honesty".

"She was guided by democratic, secular values, that insist on an India in which speaking up against division and hatred is every citizen's right," it said.

Signatories of the statement include Githa Hariharan, K Satchidanandan, Ashok Vajpeyi, Ganesh Devy, Nayantara Sahgal, Keki Daruwalla, Kiran Nagarkar, Shashi Deshpande, Romila Thapar, Anuradha Kapur, Indira Jaisingh, Shyam B Menon, Chandrakant Patilk and Adil Jussawalla.
Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, shot dead on Tuesday night at her residence on the outskirts of Bengaluru, was reportedly contemplating a series of exposes on corrupt industrialists and politicians in Karnataka.

Sources close to the firebrand journalist said she had hinted about a series of such articles to some friends during a recent Delhi trip where she attended a seminar.

She was obviously silenced, her friend said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

This individual, a classmate from the 1983-84 Class of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), said Lankesh repeatedly told friends repeatedly that she would continue to publish exposes because thats what a journalist is meant to do.

But friends of Lankesh in Delhi said she, the editor of Lankesh Patrike, was aware of possible danger she could face if she went ahead with those investigative pieces, which she planned to coincide with the forthcoming Karnataka state elections.

Lankesh was also reportedly disturbed by the conflicting views held by some of her friends in Bengaluru and other parts of India. She allegedly told friends she would spend many sleepless nights wondering about the divisive forces tearing apart India's secular fabric."

On 5 September, Lankesh tweeted:

why do i feel that some of `us' are fighting between ourselves? we all know our ``biggest enemy''. can we all please concentrate on that?  Gauri Lankesh (@gaurilankesh) September 4, 2017

Police claim this indicates Lankesh's uneasy state of mind.

A Kannadiga television channel has claimed that Lankesh was being followed by the killers for a few days before they killed her.

PublicTV claimed that the first attempt on Lankesh's life was made on 2 September.

Lankesh  the channel claimed  had been receiving blank calls.

The channel reportedly quoted police officers as stating that a white car was seen idling near Lankesh's home.

The channel claimed one of the attackers was waiting for Lankesh in the courtyard as three assailants followed her car on a motorcycle.

The police have asked two hackers to retrieve details of Lankesh's cellphones, which have been seized as evidence.

Even as Bengaluru police continue to remain mum about the case, a senior official from the office of police commissioner T Suneel Kumar told Firstpost that two senior officers were tasked with investigating the case.

Follow live updates here
Senior journalist and publisher Gauri Lankesh died in a hail of gunfire at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, police investigating the case said. Lankesh, a well-known critic of the right wing, took three bullets to her chest after four unknown assailants fired seven rounds at her in her home in Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

"We are checking CCTV footages. We can't comment on anything. We are looking at a number of options as to who could have committed the crime," Bengaluru police commissioner T Suneel Kumar said in a brief, telephonic conversation.

Sources in Bengaluru said that the CCTV footage of the entire Rajarajeshwari nagar and roads leading into it were acquired by the police to find the culprits.

Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy said three investigation teams have been formed to look into the murder of Lankesh, who was known for her opposition to the right wing groups, especially the RSS and the Bajrang Dal. Lankesh had been a bitter critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bellary brothers, blamed for large scale illegal mining across the state.

In November 2016, she was sentenced to six months in jail after a defamation case was filed against her for a report against Bharatiya Janata Party leaders. Time and again, she would protest what he felt were divisive moves of the right wing, she had, among her supporters, the venerated actor Girish Karnad.

"The investigations have just begun. We can't say anything right now," a senior police official said in a telephonic interview. Gauri Lankesh was the editor of weekly tabloid magazine Lankesh Patrike, columnist in newspapers, a panelist on TV channels besides being an activist.

Lankesh was critical of the Hindutva brigade and was last year convicted in a defamation case filed by MP Pralhad Joshi who had objected to a report against BJP leaders. Lankesh's brother Indrajit told India Today that the case should be handed over to CBI as she had several defamation cases against her.

The case is reminiscent of murder cases of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare. Dabholkar was shot on 20 August, 2013, in Pune, while Pansare was shot on 16 February in Kolhapur and died on 20 February, 2015. Fingers have been raised on radical Hindu outfits.
Chandigarh: Two key followers of jailed cult leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh continued to evade the police, which on Wednesday said it was conducting raids in Mumbai and areas near Nepal in search of the fugitives.

The Haryana police said it was in touch with forces in other states and was hopeful the two Dera Sacha Sauda functionaries, Honeypreet Insan and Aditya Insan, would soon be arrested.

"We are hopeful of nabbing them soon," Haryana Director General of Police BS Sandhu said.

The police had sent a team to Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh bordering Nepal in search of Honeypreet, a confidante of the self-styled godman serving a 20-year-old jail term for two rape cases.

It suspected that she may have left for Nepal through the porous India-Nepal border.

Haryana Police on 1 September had issued a lookout notice for the two, fearing that they could leave the country.

"We are conducting raids at various places and our teams have gone to different areas including Mumbai and the Nepal side. We are also in touch with the local police of other states," Sandhu said.

The DGP said the Dera Sacha Sauda had also appealed to the two to cooperate with the police.

Sirsa-headquartered Dera chairperson Vipassana Insan had earlier said Honeypreet and Dera spokesperson Aditya Insan should help the investigations.

She had also claimed the Dera had no contact with them.

To a query on the whereabouts of the two, the DGP said the police was working on some leads.

"We are making efforts to nab them. We have some leads," he said.

The police initiated efforts to trace Honeypreet, the adopted daughter of Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who describes herself as "Papa's angel", after it arrested and questioned another sect functionary, Surinder Dhiman Insan, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to help Ram Rahim escape after his conviction by a special CBI court in Panchkula on 25 August.

"We will also question both (Honeypreet and Aditya) after arresting them in order to verify what Surinder Dhiman Insan has told the police and find out what actually happened in the whole matter," the DGP said.

A FIR was earlier lodged in the Panchkula police station following a statement by a newspaper reporter against Aditya and Surinder Dhiman. The duo have been booked for sedition.

Police had also said they needed to question Honeypreet on the basis of certain other disclosures made by Surinder, which turned the spotlight on her role in the chain of events connected to the issue.

Violence broke out at Panchkula after Ram Rahim's conviction, leaving 35 dead, while six others were killed in violent incidents in Sirsa.

Honeypreet said to be in her mid-30s, is considered among Ram Rahim's possible successors as the head of the sect.

However, Vipassana had earlier said there was no move to immediately name a successor.

The 50-year-old Dera chief, who is lodged in the Sunaria Jail in Rohtak, had been sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment by the CBI court for the 2002 rapes of two of his disciples.

Earlier, five Haryana policemen, who were part of Ram Rahim's security when he travelled from Sirsa to the CBI court on 25 August, were charged with sedition and dismissed from service over the alleged conspiracy to help him escape.

Honeypreet had accompanied Ram Rahim when he was brought to the special court for the pronouncement of the verdict in the 15-year-old rape cases.

She also travelled with him in a chopper which ferried them to Rohtak from Panchkula after the conviction.

Honeypreet acted in the film 'MSG 2 - The Messenger' and had a cameo role in 'MSG - The Warrior Lion Heart', in which the Dera chief played the lead roles.
Just hours after the National Investigation Agency conducted raids at 16 places in Delhi and Srinagar, Hurriyat leaders have voluntarily decided to go to the agency's headquarters on 9 September.

#BREAKING - Hurriyat leaders to voluntarily go to NIA headquarters on September 9. pic.twitter.com/J6bRj9h2dw  News18 (@CNNnews18) September 6, 2017

News18 reported that Yasin Malik, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Syed Ali Shah Geelani are among the leaders who have dared the NIA. Malik sent a warning to the agency, saying "keep the doors of Tihar Jail open. We are coming."

In a press conference, they said that they have already arranged for their tickets and will volunteer their arrest before NIA.

"We are going to hold a protest outside NIA headquarters in New Delhi against the harassment of pro-freedom leadership. We are ready to get arrested and be lodged in Tihar," they said.

While talking to the news channel, Mirwaiz said that what the NIA has done is not an investigation. He added that all the information was presented to the media and instead of an investigation, it is like a media trial. He added that the entire NIA drama is a propaganda because the leadership is scared and Hurriyat's stand will not change now.

He had previously said that the "Delhi-based media" was carrying out a smear campaign against the Hurriyat leadership at the behest of the government through "falsehoods and distortion of facts", attempting to vitiate the atmosphere in India against the leadership.

The NIA has been carrying out raids at the houses of separatist leaders in connection with terror funding. Since the raids started, seven top leaders have been detained by the NIA after several rounds of interrogation in Srinagar and New Delhi. The agency has also summoned both of Geelani's sons.

NIA has been hoping to question Geelani, Mirwaiz and Malik and is hopeful that they will collect sufficient evidence against them. The three separatist leaders are already on the NIA's radar, sources told The New Indian Express.

The NIA had registered a case on 30 May against separatist leaders for acting in connivance with militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other groups for raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means including hawala for funding separatist and militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Laura Minero was skeptical about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program before she applied for it in 2012.

We essentially (were) handing over all of our information, said Minero, who was brought to California from Mexico when she was 5. That could expose our families and whoever we live with.

But Minero, then a graduate student, needed a way to drive lawfully, and didnt want to keep turning down opportunities to present her research at conferences because she didnt have a valid ID and couldnt get on a flight.

I thought it was worth the risk, she said.

So Minero enrolled in DACA  the Obama administrations executive action that provided work permits and protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced plans to shut down the program on Tuesday.

With protection from DACA, Minero took flights and drove legally. After finishing her masters, she enrolled in a Ph.D. program at UW-Madison, where her work permit has allowed her to hold jobs as a mentor and teaching assistant.

The fear of deportation ebbed with her DACA status, she said, though it never disappeared.

Now Minero  one of nearly 7,500 DACA recipients in Wisconsin and 800,000 across the country  faces a mountain of uncertainty.

Under the Trump administrations plans for winding down the program, immigrants whose protections expire before March 5 can apply for a two-year renewal. Mineros dont expire until August, so she wont be eligible to renew them.

The delay in ending the program gives Congress an opportunity to pass immigration legislation, which could include writing DACAs protections into law.

If that doesnt happen, though, Minero would lose the ability to work at her campus jobs; her research, which examines the experiences of undocumented transgender immigrants in federal detention facilities, could be too risky for her to undertake if she is herself at risk of deportation. Minero is three years into her six-year counseling psychology doctoral program.

In a year, if something doesnt change, she said, then everything Ive worked for for the past 10 years  would be halted.

The Trump administration, which characterized DACA as an overreach by Barack Obama that harmed American workers, has said its beneficiaries would not be high priorities for deportation.

But Erin Barbato, an immigration attorney and clinical professor in the UW-Madison law school, said that is little comfort to DACA enrollees who fear being deported from the only country they knew.

They have to live with the fear that they can be removed any time, Barbato said.

Ryan backs decision

House Speaker Paul Ryan on Tuesday called for Congress to pass legislation to ensure that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country.

Still, the Janesville Republican applauded the decision to end DACA.

Ending this program fulfills a promise that President Trump made to restore the proper role of the executive and legislative branches, Ryan said.

Several local organizations Tuesday opposed the Trump administrations actions, and pledged to support DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants.

Repealing DACA puts at risk a group of promising students at UW-Madison and at higher education institutions across the country, UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank wrote in a statement.

Speakers in tears

On Tuesday night, the Madison City Council designated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 of this year as Hispanic Heritage Month, and the timing was especially painful for those speaking on the topic. Several speakers held back tears or openly cried about the prospects of themselves or their loved ones being deported following DACAs demise.

The Community Immigration Law Center, which provides legal aid to immigrants, announced Tuesday that it will hold extra hours at a free legal clinic later this week. The DACA-focused clinic hours will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday at Christ Presbyterian Church, 944 E. Gorham St., in addition to the centers regular clinic hours of 1:30-5 p.m.

Minero, who co-founded the campus organization Dreamers of UW-Madison to support other DACA recipients, said she plans to spend the coming year lobbying Congress to pass a comprehensive overhaul of the American immigration system.

She wants to see legislation providing childhood arrivals, their parents and others with a path to citizenship.

We need to stop using these Band-Aid fixes, she said. Were a part of this country, and were just looking for a fair opportunity  not one where were constantly hanging on to see what happens next.
New Delhi: The BJP got Rs 461 crore as donations from 'unknown sources' in 2015-16, accounting for nearly 81 percent of its total income, while the same for the Congress was 71 percent or Rs 186 crore, a report said on Wednesday.

Citing their tax returns, the report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said the two parties together got Rs 646.82 crore, or over 77 per cent, of their total income from "unknown sources" during the year.

Voluntary contributions and coupon sales were the key income sources for the ruling BJP and the Congress (INC) while the two parties' cumulative total income amounted to Rs 832.42 crore in fiscal 2016, according to ADR, a non-government organisation that works for electoral reforms. ADR said the total declared income of the BJP and the Congress stood at Rs 570.86 crore and Rs 61.56 crore, respectively, in 2015-16.

The findings are based on an analysis of the two parties' income and expenditure data submitted to the Election Commission of India. In 2015-16, the BJP's income from unknown sources was Rs

460.78 crore while that of the INC was Rs 186.04 crore.

Income from "unknown sources" refers to those where the source is not declared for donations below Rs 20,000. Such income includes those from sale of coupons, relief fund, miscellaneous income, voluntary contributions and contribution from meetings or morchas, stated the report. The details of donors of such voluntary contributions are not available in the public domain, it said. The contribution statements, submitted by the political parties declaring names and other details of donors who contribute above Rs 20,000, are the only known sources of income parties, ADR said.

Among the unknown sources of funding, maximum funds were collected under "voluntary contributions" by the BJP, which amounted to Rs 459.56 crore in fiscal 2016, it said. The total amount of voluntary contributions, including donations of over Rs 20,000, received by the BJP was Rs 536.41 crore in 2015-16. As for the Congress, the report said the party collected Rs 167.96 crore from "sale of coupons" during the same period.

"Total income of seven national parties for 2015-16 was Rs 1,033.18 crore, of which the parties spent Rs 754.45 crore and declared an unspent amount of Rs 278.73 crore (26.98 percent unspent of the total income)," the report added.

Among the seven national parties, the report said the BJP had the highest total income at Rs 570.86 crore in 2015-16, followed by the Congress at Rs 261.56 crore, the CPM (Rs 107.48 crore), the BSP (Rs 47.39 crore), the Trinamool Congress (Rs 34.58 crore), the NCP (Rs 9.14 crore) and the CPI (Rs 2.18 crore).

According to the analysis for 2015-16, 23 per cent of BJP's total income remained unspent whereas it was 26 per cent in the case of the Congress. The BJP's total income fell 41 percent to Rs 570.86 crore in 2015-16, from Rs 970.43 crore in 2014-15. For the Congress, it dropped 56 percent to Rs 261.56 crore in 2015-16, from Rs 593.31 crore in the year-ago period.

The report further said the contribution statements submitted by the political parties declaring names and other details of donors who contribute above Rs 20,000 are the only known sources of income parties.

Funds from "known sources (donations above Rs 20,000)" accounted for Rs 97.27 crore of the two parties' total income in 2015-16 put together. Of the BJP's total income, Rs 76.85 crore came from such sources whereas the same stood at Rs 20.42 crore in the case of the Congress. Apart from known and unknown sources, the total income includes "other known income"  which includes sale of moveable and immoveable assets, old newspapers, membership fees, delegate fee, bank interest, sale of publications and levy. In 2015-16, the BJP and the Congress received Rs 33.23 crore and Rs 55.10 crore, respectively, by way of "other known income".

Income from bank interest accounted for Rs 19.61 crore and Rs 44.67 crore for the BJP and the Congress, respectively. "The BJP declared a total income from donations above Rs 20,000 of Rs 76.85 crore, a mere 14.33 per cent of total donations, from donors whose details are available," the report said.
In the upcoming student body elections in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), all eyes would be on the fate of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) candidates, and for a special reason.

It was in the year 2000 that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated students' body ABVP had first breached the walls of the Left bastion that JNU politics has largely been, getting Sandeep Mahapatra elected as the JNU Students Union (JNUSU) president. Things had gone in ABVP's favour partly also because the BJP-led NDA government was ruling the Centre at that time under the popular prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

However, ABVP could never repeat that feat in JNU again.

But with a strong NDA government at the Centre again this time round, will ABVP strike gold in the upcoming elections? Especially, when all the three Left unions  CPM-backed Students Federation of India (SFI), CPI (ML)-backed All India Students Association (AISA) and Democratic Students Federation (DSF)  have formed an alliance called 'Left Unity' to take ABVP head on.

"There's every possibility of ABVP repeating the feat of 2000. For the last five years, ABVP has done considerable work at the ground level on JNU campus, and today, in comparison to the past, it has a larger acceptance among students. Moreover, there has been an increase in ABVP members," Mahapatra told Firstpost.

ABVP's strengths and strategy to counter the Left:

ABVPs increase in membership base

ABVP's consistent work at ground-level over the last five years, especially after its member Saurabh Sharma got elected as a JNUSU joint secretary in 2015

Split in the Left may prove to be an advantageous factor

Split in the Left may prove to be an advantageous factor Giving a new twist to JNU debate. ABVP wants to change the Left narrative by focussing on developmental issues and on those issues close to the heart of students.

Fielding candidates who are known faces and are prominently associated with students issues

BJP-led NDA government at the Centre

Inclusion of more women members and candidates

Bigger and aggressive rallies

In 2000, for the first time, we (ABVP) came up with a slogan: 'What kind of JNU I want to see'. It was a shift from Left unions' traditional focus on Marx, Hegel, etc. I took up several student related issues from setting up of railway reservation counter, SBI ATM, etc, to the shortage of hostels, scholarships and upliftment of students from vernacular medium. Through the Ministry of Tribal affairs, I got a proposal passed for a new hostel, which is today known as Koyna hostel. We exposed the Lefts hypocrisy as these people who raise anti-imperialist, anti-US slogans, have no qualms about accepting scholarships from US-based organisations and even go and settle in the US after passing out from JNU. It was a tough fight in those days. Now, JNU students are aware of the Left agenda, said Mahapatra, who's now a Supreme Court counsel.

Despite the fact that Left parties have formed an alliance in the upcoming JNUSU election, the split in Left parties has come as a silver lining for ABVP. CPI-backed All India Students Federation (AISF) has decided not to be a part of the Left Unity and contest separately. CPI leader D Rajas daughter Aparajita is the nominee from AISF for the president's post. Earlier too, she wanted to contest for the post, but couldnt.

The Left Unity is campaigning on the anti-ABVP plank, projecting the negative sides of ABVP before the freshers.

"If the ABVP comes to power, the liberal, democratic and free-thinking atmosphere of the JNU campus will end. There will be censorship in everything including students rights," an AISA member said.

Though the Left has justified its decision on an alliance as Left Unity is the need of the hour' to counter Right-wing Hindutva forces in the campus, ABVP sees it as a sign of 'fear amongst the Left unions'.

"Right from the beginning, SFI and AISA have been staunch opponents of each other. Now they are together, which says a lot about their fear and apprehension to counter us. They have formed the coalition to combat ABVP," Saket Bahuguna, national media convener of ABVP told Firstpost.

Optimistic about ABVPs victory, he said, Were optimistic about our performance and expect to sweep JNUSU election this time. Our mashal rally on Tuesday, in which more than 500 students participated, was a big hit. Besides, during debates, our focus is on pro-development agendas like up gradation of facilities on the campus and addressing students issues. Through Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region and Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh, weve got a proposal passed for the North East on the campus.

The 'presidential debate' at Jhelum Lawn inside the JNU campus on Wednesday, which is similar to the US Presidential Debate, will be the last attempt for the contesting candidates to woo the voters.

The catchment area for all the Left unions is same, so votes will get divided between Left Unity and AISF candidates. This can be advantageous for ABVP. However, todays presidential debate will give candidates the last chance to pitch for themselves. This matters a lot as floating voters get swayed by it, added Mahapatra.
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday gave the CBI two weeks to conclude the probe in the Kotkhai rape and murder case of a teenager, and the custodial death of an accused, while voicing concern over the slow pace of investigation.

A division bench of the high court comprising acting Chief justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Sandeep Sharma passed the order after the CBI submitted the status report in respect of both the cases in a sealed envelope.

When the bench asked why the investigation was taking so long, CBI lawyer Anshul Bansal told the court that the probe in the rape-cum-murder of the minor girl and the custodial death of an accused  Suraj  was almost complete and the challan would be filed soon.

He also urged the court not to make the status report public.

The CBI counsel said the investigation in the case of custodial death of Suraj would also help solve the rape-murder case of the class 10 student.

He also said the CBI wanted to conduct polygraphy test on the accused in Ahmedabad and more time would be required for it.

The CBI has already sought the court's permission for the test. It also requires permission of the accused for polygraphy, popularly known as lie detector test.

The twin cases were ordered to be handed over to the CBI by the High Court on 19 July. The central probe agency registered FIRs in the two cases on 22 July.

The CBI has so far submitted three status reports to the high court.

Eight police officers including ZH Zaidi, an IG rank officer, and Manoj Joshi, DSP, were arrested by the CBI on 29 July in the custodial death case.

The court will resume hearing on 21 September.

The school girl was raped and killed at Halaila village in Kotkhai area of Shimla district on 4 July.

The girl had gone missing while on her way back from school and her body was found in a forest two days later, triggering massive protests.
Mumbai: Maharashtra governor CV Rao on Wednesday asked the Lokayukta to investigate charges of corruption against housing minister Prakash Mehta pertaining to a slum rehabilitation scheme.

The Lokayukta will probe the permissions granted by Mehta to the project in MP Mill Compound, Mumbai, under Section 17(3) of the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act, 1971, said a Raja Bhavan official.

The development comes almost a month after chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a probe by Lokayukta against his cabinet colleague.

In a letter to the Governor, Fadnavis said he had made a statement in both Houses of the state legislature on 11 August that with regard to the allegations against Mehta, the enquiry would be entrusted to the Lokayukta.

The opposition parties, including the Congress and Nationalist Congress Party, disrupted the proceedings of the legislature in August demanding a detailed probe against Mehta by a high court judge and his sacking from the Ministry.
Mumbai: Delay in declaring results seems to be eternal for Mumbai University as the institution once again failed to adhere to its self-imposed deadline of 6 September as students wait in infinite patience to check how they fared and forward their career prospects accordingly.

Not the least remorseful for the inordinate delay that has kept so many careers hanging in balance, the university has now postponed its deadline to 19 September while informing the Bombay High Court that the examiners checking the online answer sheets are human beings and not robots. The violation of the deadline now for the unforgivable fifth time has been attributed to Ganesh Utsav and Bakrid, both of which concluded recently. Mumbai University informed the court in response to a PIL filed by the aggrieved students.

Out of 477 subjects, results of 14 are still to be out. Even after 100 days of examinations, the university is still struggling to announce the results. The institution has so far announced the results for 463 subjects.

Although Maharashtra Governor and Chancellor C Vidyasagar Rao issued a show cause notice to Vice Chancellor Sanjay Deshmukh for not declaring the results before 31 July and even sent him on leave from 9 August, matters have little got better. Shivaji University Vice Chancellor Devanand B Shinde was roped in as acting vice chancellor of Mumbai University but this has not expedited the answer paper checking process. Soon after assuming charge, Shinde had set up a task force to quicken the process but it has clearly proven to be ineffective.

Informed sources told Firstpost that Deshmukh has little chance of returning but he did write to Rao expressing his desire to join back as his leaves have exhausted. The chancellor has not taken any decision on this matter so far.

"How can Deshmukh still continue as the vice chancellor of Mumbai University? There is no question of him making a comeback. But his fate will be decided by the chancellor. Due to his illogical decision, the government has been embarrassed so much. I personally feel he should be relieved immediately," Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education Ravindra Waikar told Firstpost.

Deshmukh has not responded to phone calls and text messages sent by Firstpost seeking his views on the developments.

Fingers are being pointed at Deshmukh for imposing the online assessment system for paper checking at a time when the university was little prepared for it with a lack of trained personnel and necessary infrastructure plunging the whole process into complete disarray and uncertainty.

According to the Maharashtra Universities Act, a university has to declare results within 30 days of the last paper of exam, extendable up to 45 days.

The law demands that if the delay exceeds 45 days, the university has to submit an explanation to the chancellor explaining the cause for the same through the vice chancellor. Deshmukh made no such explanation and addressed a letter to the governor only after being given a show cause notice, sources said.

Prior to Wednesday's deadline, the Mumbai University had missed the deadlines on 31 July, 5 August, 15 August and 31 August.
The recent arrest of a 54-year-old British national for sodomising visually challenged children at a Delhi-based institution, with which he had been associated for nine years, left the entire nation in a state of shock.

Murray Denis Ward, the accused, was booked under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on Monday after the police received a call from the school on Sunday afternoon, reported News18. He was produced before a court and was sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

A frequent visitor of the institute, Ward allegedly targetted blind children at National Association for the Blind (NAB) in Delhi's RK Puram. He used to donate study material to the home for visually challenged children and taught communication skills to the children in the institute.

The case was brought up after Ward was spotted harassing three visually-challenged persons on 2 September. A caretaker of the institute handed over a short video of the incident to the police.

During their preliminary investigation, police discovered objectionable video clips in Ward's laptop.

According to The Hindu, Murray had reportedly claimed during interrogation that he was educating the children about "sex". Police sources viewed this as an attempt by the accused to save himself, but they have video evidence against him.

Further probe is on to see whether he was a part of a larger paedophilia network.

Wards chat history revealed that he was in touch with more than two dozen teenagers, to whom he had sent explicit messages, Times Now reported. He saved the names of the victims in coded language, which the foreign national admitted to the cops.

Ward, a native of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, suffered a paralytic attack in February and has been undergoing treatment since then.

According to BBC News, Ward is married with a family in the UK and held a senior managerial position at Sterlite Technology Limited in Gurgaon until April 2017. He has been in India since October 2016.

Ward's arrest from his Vasant Kunj Enclave flat, where he lived with a young Indian man whom he referred to as his son, came as a surprise to the residents of the locality. According to Hindustan Times, they described him as a "calm and peaceful man", who was mostly immersed in his laptop and mobile phone.

With inputs from PTI
Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday presented Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi with a special copy of the original research proposal she submitted for her fellowship in 1986.

"Presented Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a special reproduction of original research proposal she submitted for fellowship at IIAS (Indian Institute of Advanced Study), Shimla in May 1986," Modi said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Modi is on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar where he held wide-ranging talks with Suu Kyi. After the meeting, Modi gifted the 72-year-old Nobel laureate a copy of her original research proposal.

Suu Kyi has a strong connection with India. She studied political science at the Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and graduated in 1964.

She was also a fellow in Shimla at the prestigious Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Suu Kyi had also spent time with her husband Michael Aris and two sons Kim and Alexander in the former summer capital of the British India.

Modi arrived on Tuesday on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping, Russian president Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.
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After the bilateral meeting with the host, Modi will be travelling to Myanmar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in China to attend the 9th annual BRICS Summit in Xiamen, China. The summit is taking place just days after India and China decided to defuse Doka La standoff. Last year, India hosted the summit at Goa.

Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi to hold bilateral talks Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, nearly a week after India and China announced resolution of the 73-day-long Dokalam standoff.

North Korea stole the spotlight on Sunday by announcing it had detonated a powerful hydrogen bomb and claiming it could fit the device on a long-range missile, dramatically raising the stakes in its standoff with the world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday opened the annual summit of BRICS leaders but that already has been upstaged by North Korea's latest nuclear weapons provocation.

Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with other leaders including Russian president Vladimir Putin and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, which is among the five counties  Mexico, Guinea, Thailand and Tajikistan  invited by China as part of 'BRICS Plus' outreach exercise.

The nuclear test on Sunday, which also led to a 6.3 magnitiude earthquake, came just before Xi took the stage for a pre-BRICS address in Xiamen. The timing of the test seemed deliberate and will no doubt anger Beijing, which swiftly condemned the explosion.

After the BRICS Summit at Xiamen is over on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Myanmar. The prime minister will be in Myanmar between 6 and 7 September 2017. This will be his first trip to India's eastern neighbour since taking office in 2014.

"The export of terror from Pakistan is a fundamental concern of India. After its oldest ally, the US has clearly named and shamed Pakistan as being not only a promoter of terrorists but also a protector of terrorists, it would be remiss of the Prime Minister if he does not raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan at the BRICS summit," IANS quoted Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari as saying.

The Congress on Sunday said it would be "remiss" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi if he does not raise the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan at the BRICS summit in China.

China had already said that India's concerns over terrorism emanating from Pakistan will not be discussed at the BRICS Summit which started in Xiamen City on Sunday. However, India had rejected China's suggestion, IANS reported.

The correlation (if any) between the Doka La resolution and BRICS Summit has been well explored. India should have no beef with Chinese position. It certainly doesn't stand to gain by walking out of BRICS. But it must equally consider how best to align BRICS with its core interests. And there needs to be at least a working relationship between New Delhi and Beijing. Short of these conditions, BRICS may rapidly dwindle into a propaganda platform for a China-led global order where India will appear a misfit.

India has been seeking deepening ties with Myanmar, which is considered a key pillar in India's Act East policy. Bilateral trade between India and Myanmar has been growing steadily but, it lags behind China and Thailand in terms of presence in the Myanmarese market. India has committed $2 billion for development assistance to Myanmar, but projects have been slow in getting implemented. The Kaladan multi-modal transport project was the first major project undertaken by the Indian government in Myanmar. Modi's visit is expected to give a boost to these projects. 

For India, more worrying signs emerged on Friday when Russian president Vladimir Putin, writing for The Times of India newspaper, touched on a range of issues to be discussed during BRICS Summit including terrorism but made no mention of Pakistan. In calling for a "broad counterterrorism front" on terrorism, Putin's words were suitably vague, indicating the growing distance between the two nations. It is quite clear that bilateral trade is failing to bridge the geopolitical gap. Putin invoked Syria, tension on Korean Peninsula but had nothing to say about India's long struggle with cross-border terror.

China's assistant foreign minister Kong Xuanyu and Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui were there to receive Modi, who reached Xiamen on a rainy evening. Modi arrived at the Wyndham Grand hotel where some 50 locals were present to welcome him.

Narendra Modi to attend plenary session, take part in business council meeting

"We the BRICS countries should show our responsibilities to uphold global peace and stability," he said.

Xi also appeared to take a reconciliatory tone when he, without directly referring to the recent Doka La standoff with India, underlined that "peace and development" should be the underpin to resolve issues as the world does not want "conflict and confrontation."

Xi on Sunday underscored that the BRICS must uphold the value of diplomacy to resolve "hotspot issues" as the leaders of the grouping, arrived for the Summit, which is starting on Monday.

China has invited Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand as guest countries for the upcoming BRICS summit but clarified that the invitation is not an attempt to expand the group under its 'BRICS Plus' approach.

Explaining the 'BRICS Plus' approach, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said the member countries have been inviting different countries during the annual summits of the group and referred to India's decision to invite leaders of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic) for last year's Goa summit in which Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal are members.

According to Zaka Jacob of CNN News18, Xi Jinping has served in Fujian province, of which Xiamen is the capital city, between 1985 and 2002. Xi served as the governor of the state between 1999 and 2002. According to him, the Summit is also a show of strength for the president ahead of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China on 18 October.

The $76 million loan with a maturity length of 17 years was granted to Shanghai Lingang Distributed Solar Power Project, under an agreement signed in December 2016.

The first project funded by The New Development Bank, set up by India and other members of the BRICS grouping of emerging economies, has started operation in Shanghai, reported PTI.

"I am convinced that as long as we take a holistic approach to fighting terrorism in all its forms, and address both its symptoms and root causes, terrorists will have no place to hide," he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping today called on BRICS countries to adopt a holistic approach to fight terrorism in all its forms and address both its "symptoms and root causes" so that terrorists will have no place to hide.

On Thursday, China stopped just short of warning India against raising the issue of terrorism, specifically Pakistan's role in it. "China is willing to work with Pakistan and other countries to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and protect regional security and stability. We have taken note of the concerns of the Indian side on counter-terrorism issues of Pakistan, but I don't believe that it should feature prominently during the Xiamen Summit," China's foreign ministry said at a media briefing in Beijing.

India may find itself sidelined again if it seeks to deliver a strong message against Pakistan's role as the 'mother ship of terrorism', as it did during last year's edition in Goa.

This is a transformational design because so far the government in Kabul, Afghan security forces, the US and NATO forces have targeted the Taliban as the enemy.

Since April 2016, a group of countries under the auspices of what came to be known as the Moscow initiative began to analyse the Taliban as an Afghan, nationalist category which was not fired by transnational aspirations like the IS and Al Qaeda. The Taliban, in other words, should be brought into the tent, to borrow Lyndon Johnson's colourful expression.

Moscow and Beijing view Afghanistan as the centre where terrorist groups like the Islamic State can breed and threaten countries in the neighbourhood and beyond.

Xi Jinping stresses on structural reforms and sustainable development to boost economic development. He said that it is important to strike balance between fast growth and quality of growth. Xi added that it is important to bring inclusive development as part of 20130 sustainable development goals.

Sustainable development is essential for the world, says Xi

World should unite for world peace, says Xi Jinping

News18 reported that despite the apprehensions of China and Russia to include cross-border terrorism in the joint declaration, India has succeeded in including the major issue into the joint declaration which is expected to come out in the afternoon. The report added that terror outfits like Jaish-e-Muhammad have also been named in the declaration.

Kamath, who was earlier with ICICI bank, added that the recent events have had 'no impact on the economic front and that relationships have grown on the economic front'.

Speaking to CNN News18, KV Kamath, the cheif executive of the New Development Bank, said that there is an 'enormous need for all the countries to get the work done'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to meet Russian president Vladimir Putin at 11 am, say TV reports

"In 10 years of existence, we contributed in establishing growth for world which is drifting towards instability. Our endeavors touch diverse areas of technology, energy, environment ,ICT, culture. NDB is dispersing loans for infrastructure and sustainable development. Our central banks are making arrangements to make reserve funds operational. I am happy to know China has taken steps to improve people-to-people contact with India. National progress of Ganga cleaning, Digital India, housing for all. Skill India are laying the base of inclusive development," says Modi

Modi pitches for more innovation in BRICS nations

Modi spoke at the plenary after Xi, Zuma and Putin

"We want to bury the ghost of the D-word (Doklam) for the engagement in future," a source told IANS.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen, India has hinted that it wants to move on from the tense Doklam dispute, which had plunged bilateral ties to a new low.

Xinhua reported that Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to work together to tackle the growing crisis over North Korea's nuclear programme.

Russia, China to stand together over North Korea's nuclear test

Modi was the third leader to reach the convention centre, venue of the 9th BRICS Summit in this port city of China and was followed by Russian president Vladimir Putin. Modi is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Xi on Tuesday.

The BRICS Summit began on Monday in Xiamen with a group photograph of leaders of the five countries and was preceded by a warm handshake between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping, who received the leaders of Brazil, Russia and South Africa ahead of the restricted meeting of the grouping.

Apart from the restricted, the leaders will participate in the plenary during which they will explore ways to enhance cooperation within the members of the grouping in key areas. They will also deliberate on international issues of significance, including global economy and challenges. The Summit will end with the adoption of a Xiamen declaration, which will capture the essence of the deliberations and future road map.

What will happen over the course of the summit?

"I wish to announce here that China will launch the economic and technical cooperation plan for BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries with 500 million yuan for the first term to facilitate policy exchange and practical cooperation and in the economic and trade field," Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the opening ceremony of the bloc's 9th summit.

China on Monday announced 500 million yuan (about $76 million) for economic and technological cooperation and exchanges among BRICS countries. Beijing also said it will allocate $4 million to the New Development Bank(NDB), IANS reported.

Modi also called for the creation of a BRICS rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing countries.

Addressing the plenary session of the BRICS Summit in China's Xiamen city, PTI quoted Modi as saying that trade and economy were the foundations of the cooperation among BRICS -- Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.

The prime minister said a strong partnership among member nations on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the sustainable development goals.- PTI

ORF's Samir Saran's take on Xi message of co-operation

The prime minister stressed for accelerating track of cooperation in smart cities, urbanisation and disaster management - continuing dialogue at Goa in India and said that "we are in mission-mode to eradicate poverty, to ensure health, sanitation, skills, food security, gender equality, energy, education". - IANS.

The prime minister welcomed cooperation for capacity building between BRICS and African countries in area of skills, health, infra, manufacturing and connectivity. He also asked to grab the youths in m.ainstream in the joint initiatives, scaled up cooperation in skill development and exchange of best practices. - IANS

News18 reports that Narendra Modi raises the issue of money laundering for financing terrorism at BRICS plenary. The prime minister asked for joint action action against terrorism and also ideated on a de-radicalisation drive against terrorism.

News18 reports that the BRICS joint declaration has condemned Pakistan-backed terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in the joint declaration at Xiamen. This is being considered a big diplomatic win for India as it could not include terrorism in the joint declaration at Goa last year.

BRICS voices concern on security situation in the region and violence by terror groups like the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Pakistan-based LeT and JeM.  PTI

Touched upon several aspect of bilateral ties. Recalled Modi's visit. Putin thanked Modi for participation in Eastern Economic Forum. Both deliberated on economic ties and co-operation on oil and gas sector.

Leaders have adopted Xiamen Declaration. This has picked up on the positive impetus from Goa. Prime Minister gave a very future looking blueprint for BRICS next decade. "Our leaders of our countries have contributed to emergence of BRICS. It has spurt world growth and also driven transformation," Modi said. Modi spoke of taking affirmative action in global governance. Modi also spoke on reforms in United Nations Security Council. He also proposed an idea of counter radicalisation conference in India.

The leaders are holding their annual summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen through Tuesday.

He also called on his BRICS partners to oppose a growing tide of protectionism across the world.

"We need to make the international order more just and equitable," he told the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa in his opening address. Xi said they should "speak with one voice" to jointly present their solutions to global problems and safeguard their common interests.

Five major emerging economies opened BRICS summit on Monday to map out their future course, with host Chinese president Xi Jinping calling on them to play a bigger role in world affairs.

MEA says that for the first time, a specific list has been issued by the BRICS pointing out various terror outfits affecting security in member states. MEA also said that the BRICS leaders have also have agreed to implement UNSC resolution for combating terrorism. Preeti Saran, Secretary, East, said that Modi also discussed counter-terrorism at the Summit. The BRICS leaders also said that there is a need for joint action against terrorism, Saran said.

MEA says BRICS leaders call for joint action against terror

"We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH, Al-Qaida and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP and Hizb ut-Tahrir," the fourty-eighth point of the Xiamen declaration said.

"We stress that the fight against terrorism must be conducted in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, international refugee and humanitarian law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The BRICS also called upon the international community to establish a "genuinely broad" international counter-terrorism coalition and support the UN's central coordinating role in this regard.

"We call for expeditious finalisation and adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by the United Nations General Assembly," the BRICS said.

The declaration also mentioned terror groups like the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Tehrik-i-Taliban and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

In a declaration, the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) also called upon all nations to adopt a comprehensive approach in combating terrorism including countering radicalisation and blocking terror financing sources.

"We call for expeditious finalization and adoption of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) by UNGA," BRICS Declaration states.

"We deplore all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. We reaffirm that those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable," the Xiamen Declaration says.

A Reuters report notes that the future of the BRICS looks toxic. it adds that China and India stepped back from a border dispute just in time for a summit of the bloc of large emerging market countries, which helps Xi Jinping to keep up appearances ahead of a crucial political reshuffle. But the unusual tensions between the two Asian giants suggests the three-day gathering underway could be a last hurrah.

The BRICS, which accounts for nearly 29 percent of global GDP at purchasing power parity, shares less in common than other blocs. The Group of Seven (G7) are all rich, industrialised nations with broadly similar democratic politics. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council are composed of countries that at least live shoulder-to-shoulder. In everything from history to demographics, politics, and resource dependence, the BRICS vary enormously. The huge differences have rightly seen the acronym panned as a bloody ridiculous investment concept.

We strongly deplore the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK (official name of North Korea). We express deep concern over the ongoing tension and prolonged nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, and emphasize that it should only be settled through peaceful means and direct dialogue of all the parties concerned.

India-China bilateral meeting at 10 am on Tuesday: TV reports

"The two sides basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship. President Putin recalled prime minister's visit to Russia earlier this year. And, he thanked the prime minister for high-level participation from India at the Eastern Economic Forum," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin and discussed ways for boosting bilateral trade and investment, especially in the oil and natural gas sector.

Recap: What the MEA said about terrorism

"We recall the 2005 World Summit Outcome document and reaffirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of the developing countries so that it can adequately respond to global challenges. China and Russia reiterate the importance they attach to the status and role of Brazil, India and South Africa in international affairs and support their aspiration to play a greater role in the UN," the BRICS Declaration said.

Apart from the five members of the BRICS, this summit will also include five other nations as part of China's outreach efforts. The five invitees to the BRICS Summit this time are: Egypt, Kenya, Tajikistan, Mexico and Thailand. India is also expect to hold talks with the leaders of each invitee nations on the sidelines of the summit.

The declaration said the leaders acknowledge that illegal flow of the proceeds of corruption impairs economic development and financial stability and support enhanced cooperation in asset recovery.

The leaders said that they were keenly aware of the negative impact of corruption on sustainable development and declared their support to efforts to enhance BRICS and anti-corruption cooperation.

The BRICS Summit of five emerging economies on Monday pledged itself to creating a fair and modern global tax system that will address issues like tax evasion by shifting of profits to safe havens and to promote exchange of tax information that will seek to curb the practice.

He also urged central banks of the member nations to further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement of the grouping and the International Monetary Fund. The prime minister said BRICS countries can work closely with International Solar Alliance (ISA) launched by Indian and France in November 2015.

The prime minister said a strong partnership among member nations on innovation and digital economy can help spur growth, promote transparency and support the sustainable development goals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought a strong partnership among BRICS nations to spur economic growth, saying that the bloc of emerging countries has contributed to the stability in a world "drifting towards uncertainty".

Our Central Banks must further strengthen their capabilities and promote cooperation between the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the IMF (International Monetary Fund), the prime minister said, urging early creation of the BRICS rating agency.

Prime Minister Narendra Moday, today called for the creation of a BRICS rating agency to cater to financing needs of sovereign and corporate entities of developing countries.

It was India, which had first mooted the idea of an independent CRA for the BRICS grouping at last years BRICS Summit in Goa, pinpointing the problems the current CRA market posed for the emerging market economies.

A BRICS CRA will be a counter to the western credit rating agency, which enjoy unchallanged market dominance. Entreprenuers in East and South East Asia often face impediments because of the hegimony enjoyed by CRA's like Moody's Fitch and S&P. These three western rating agencies hold over 90% of the sovereign ratings market now.

Why is it a good idea for BRICS nations to have a their own Credit Rating Agencies?

"I believe there are three important practices that should be carried forward," Xi said in the Summit's opening address.

Both leaders discussed several aspects of bilateral issues in sectors like cooperation in the natural gas and oil sector, Kumar added. Both sides also discussed how to promote bilateral trade and investment.

The two leaders, who met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit here, "basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship", Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, briefing reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting here on Monday with trade and investment, natural gas, tourism and youth exchanges featuring in their discussions.

Second, by getting a variety of countries at international summits (including Monday's summit in Xiamen) to express concern about Pakistan-based terror outfits, India appears to have put the all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China under pressure. China, which is already facing an increasingly hostile international community because of its continued support to the North Korean regime, will now be under immense pressure to step back from providing any moral or diplomatic support to Pakistan's terror groups.

This is also of vital strategic importance in two ways; first, Pakistans strategy of 'death by a thousand cuts' is now under an international spotlight, with its civilian and military government facing intense pressure to rein in militant groups.

At the BRICS Summit on Monday, India was able to secure a major diplomatic victory for itself after the member countries backed the UN resolution on terrorism, specifically naming Pakistan-based terror groups.

Xiamen Declaration will go some way in dismantling terror, Pakistan-China friendship

PM Modi met Brazilian President Michel Temer on the sidelines of BRICS summit

Earlier, addressing the plenary session of the BRICS Summit, Modi said trade and economy were the foundations of the cooperation among BRICS - Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa.

The two leaders met in this southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen on the sidelines of the ninth BRICS Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Brazilian president Michel Temer and discussed a partnership based on a "common global vision".

The BRICS also called upon all states to prevent financing of terrorist networks and terrorist actions from their territories.

At a restricted session of the BRICS leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also articulated India's position on the issue and offered to host a conference on de-radicalisation.

In the BRICS declaration, the grouping deplored all terrorist attacks worldwide, including attacks in BRICS countries, and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever.

PM Modi offers to host summit on de-radicalisation and combating terror

Xi said the grouping should endeavour to promote practical economic cooperation.

China will provide $76 million for a BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan and another $4 million to support the projects of the bloc's New Development Bank, President Xi Jinping announced on Monday. Calling on the five nation grouping to forge unity to jointly advance solutions for international peace and development, Xi said the BRICS countries should make economic globalisation open and inclusive, and beneficial to all.

He also said that during the Modi-Putin meeting several bilateral issues were discussed like the cooperation in the oil and natural gas sector.

"The two sides basically touched upon several aspects of the bilateral relationship. President Putin recalled prime minister's visit to Russia earlier this year. And, he thanked the prime minister for high-level participation from India at the Eastern Economic Forum," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters at a briefing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed ways for boosting bilateral trade and investment along with the security situation in Afghanistan.

NDB is a multilateral development bank set up by BRICS.

The four documents are: BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Action Agenda on Economic and Trade Cooperation; BRICS Action Plan for Innovation Cooperation (2017-20); Strategic Framework of BRICS Customs Cooperation; and Memorandum of Understanding between the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank on Strategic Cooperation (NDB).

To boost cooperation in different areas, including economy and trade, BRICS member states on Monday signed four agreements at the 9th Summit of the five-nation bloc here.

"Renewable energy is particularly important on multiple counts. BRICS countries can work closely with International Solar Alliance (ISA) to strengthen the solar energy agenda. Our five countries have complementary skills and strengths to promote use of renewable and solar energy," Modi said. The ISA was launched by India and France in November 2015 and aims to bring together a coalition of 121 countries for mutual gains through enhanced solar energy utilisation.

Asserting that affordable and sustainable access to energy is crucial for the growth of the BRICS nations, Prime Minister Narendra today called on the member countries to work closely with the International Solar Alliance to strengthen the solar energy agenda.

Modi calls on BRICS to work closely with international solar alliance

"These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact for Afghanistan issue," Geng told PTI in a written response to a strong reference in the BRICS countries about these terror groups.

Defending the move to include these terror groups for the first time in the BRICS joint declaration, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said BRICS countries have "shown their concerns to the violent activities raised by these organisations".

China on Monday said that Pakistan-based terrorist outfits like JeM, LeT and the Haqqani network have been included in the BRICS joint declaration due to concerns about their violent activities in the region .

JeM, LeT included in joint declaration due to violent activities, says China

Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping to hold bilateral meeting at 10 am tomorrow

According to external affairs ministry officials, Modi will meet Xi at 12.30 pm (10 am IST), the prime minister's last official engagement before flying off to Myanmar on a bilateral visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping will hold their first substantive bilateral meeting on Tuesday after the Doka La standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

The Business Council comprising business organisations from all the five countries has done a lot in the fields of e-commerce, technical development, standard setting, and the experience sharing in the digital economy, PTI quoted XI as saying.

In his remarks during talks between the BRICS Business Council and BRICS leaders attending the ninth BRICS summit, Xi praised the achievements of the council and the NDB.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the BRICS Business Council and the New Development Bank (NDB) to ensure greater cooperation among BRICS countries.

The leaders also attended the opening ceremony of the BRICS Cultural Festival and Photo Exhibition and watched the trailer of "Where Has Time Gone", the first film co-produced by the five countries.

IANS reported that the party also said China did not have a moral or legal right now to stand in the way or to prevent the United Nations from declaring Azhar an international terrorist.

The Congress on Monday said it hopes Prime Minister Narendra Modi will now take up the issue of declaration of Maulana Masood Azhar as an international terrorist as his outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed has already been declared a terrorist organisation by BRICS nations.

Modi must raise Masood Azhar issue at BRICS, says Congress

"Foreign direct investment inflows are at an all-time high, rising by 40 percent," he said.

"India is changing fast into one of the most open economies in the world today," Modi said while addressing the BRICS Business Council meet in Xiamen as part of the 9th BRICS Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) introduced in July this year is the biggest economic reform ever in India.

India and four other BRICS nations today pledged to abide by the principle of utilising outer space for peaceful purposes, PTI reported.The Xiamen Declaration, issued at the end of the BRICS Summit's plenary session, said the member countries will also work together to promote the most effective use of fossil fuels and wider use of gas, hydro and nuclear power.

What is the New Development Bank?

Xi and Putin arrive at the venue

" China faced the same problem in Xiamen that India faced in Goa last year  pressure of being the host. As host, the onus is on China to find a consensual joint declaration that can be adopted. The host has to walk the extra mile. Therefore the host's scope for taking extreme positions in these negotiations is crippled. Part of the reason why India couldn't push through similar language in the Goa declaration was precisely because of this."

According to Zaka Jacob of CNN News18, China was under pressure due to its position as a host to come to a consensus on a joint declaration. According to his report, this helped India to push to add LeT and JeM as foreign terror outfits in the declaration.

News18 reported that a gamut of issues may be taken into consideration during the meetign with Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping. Some of the issues that may be discussed during the meeting are India's concerns over CPEC transgressing Jammu and Kashmir, India's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese reluctance to ban Masood Azhar and its backing of Pakistan despite terror concerns.

Several issues may be discussed during the bilateral meeting

Just like on Monday, Modi also spoke of diigtisation and sustainable development for emerging economies.

Talking about India's long-standing partnership with Africa, Modi noted that India is a major partner of the countries in the continent and added that the African Development Bank chose India for its first meeting outside Africa.

Pitching India's strong support for development of the South Asia region, Modi said that the South Asia satellite is an example of India's commitment to the development of India and its neighbourhood.

While talking about a three-pronged approach to development , Modi spoke of India's aim to bring banking to those whoa re unbanked through various mobile technology.

Narendra Modi, while talking about co-operation with developing economies, hardselled India's economic approach. Modi said that development is a key focus for India. He said his government is focussing on "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

It is important not to draw all the wrong inferences from Monday's turn of events. As the news broke out, some Indian TV channels enthusiastically interpreted it as a case of 'China dumping Pakistan', some said it was a 'resounding win' after Doka La. Let's be clear. The breakthrough that India achieved on Monday at BRICS is significant. It represents a softening of China's stance on Pakistan-sponsored terror. But neither is it an unqualified 'victory' nor does it signal a dramatic change in Beijing's Pakistan policy.

Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi asked BRICS to team up with the International Solar Alliance for mutual gains through solar energy and utilisation of solar power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that changes can be brought about by BRICS' proactive approach and co-ordination.

Proactive approach is needed for development, says Modi

Watch: Modi speak at the emerging economies dialogue at BRICS

"We need to make the international order more just and equitable. Our ever closer ties require that we five countries play more active in global governance. Without our participation, many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved," Xi told the gathering.

Speaking at the opening of the plenary session at the BRICS Summit in Xiamen, Xi was quoted by PTI as saying the five-nation grouping need to forge unity to jointly advance solutions for international peace and development.

Chinese president Xi Jinping on Monday called on the BRICS countries to make the international order more just and equitable, asserting that many pressing global challenges cannot be effectively resolved without their participation.

Make international order more just and equitable: Xi

Here is what prime minister said at the meeting

An Indian government functionary told The Indian Express on Tuesday that they would try to bury the D-word. The D-word stands for Doka La. The Indian Express quoted sources as saying that after a bitter experience, it is time to move on."

Doka La unlikely to feature in talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping will also also look at the trade and commerce aspect of the India-China relationship, News18 reported. The report also noted that Doka La may also feature in the discussions between the two leaders.

Trade, an important part of Indo-Sino ties, likely to be discussed

Our 'no strings attached' cooperation model is driven purely by requirements of partner countries, PTI quoted the prime minister as saying at BRICS developing nations dialogue. Modi also suggested 10 noble commitments to be taken up by BRICS leadership for global transformation.

Narendra Modi has pitched for organised and coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management at the summit, PTI reported.

"Multilateral trade negotiations are having a difficult time. The implementation of the Paris agreement on climate change is encountering resistance," Xi told leaders of emerging economies and developing countries.

Xi didn't refer to the United States by name, although Trump has said trade pacts are a threat to American jobs and had decided to pull the United States out of the Paris agreement on climate change.

Chinese president Xi Jinping on Tuesday warned that the world economy faces growing risks and uncertainties from countries turning inward on trade and resisting combating climate change, delivering an implicit rebuke to his American counterpart, Donald Trump.

The declaration will come as a major setback for Pakistan that will now find itself further isolated in the global community on the issue of terrorism. It happens to be the second time in a week that Pakistan has been rapped on its knuckles for its support to terrorists operating in the region. US president Donald Trumps recently-announced policy on Afghanistan also sought to shame Pakistan on the issue. Now, the expression of concern over Pakistan-based terror groups at the BRICS Summit will work to double the diplomatic pressure on Pakistan.

News18 reports that Narendra Modi is being accompanied by Foreign SecretaryS Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval.

Who are with Modi in the meeting?

Watch: Video of bilateral talks between Xi and Modi

Speaking at the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present, Xi said: "Four years ago, I put forward the idea of building a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st century Maritime Silk Road. The initiative received a warm response from the international community. In May this year, China hosted a successful Belt and Road forum for international cooperation."

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed the Belt and Road project at a BRICS forum in Xiamen, saying that the initiative has received a good response.

The prime minister, accompanied by senior officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, met the Chinese leader just before his travel to Myanmar from this port city.

Modi, who attended the BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue earlier in the day, met Xi on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today held their first substantive bilateral meeting after the Doka La standoff, which had put ties between the two countries under strain.

Xi Jinping is reported to have said, "India is a valuable partner. We seek guidance from India on the five principles of Panchasheel. India and China are world's two largest economies in the world." - News18

Need guidance on Panchasheel, says Xi

While there were speculation over a possible media briefing after the bilateral meeing, reports now suggest there will be no such thing. There will only be a few sound bytes by Foreign Secretary Jaishankar before he leaves. This is the last event before Modi leaves for Myanmar.

No briefing, only a few sound bytes

On counter-terrorism issue, which dominated the BRICS summit on Monday, Jaishankar said that they were not separately discussed during the bilateral meeting.

Urging better communication between the military personnel of India and China, Jaishankar said, "The two leaders felt that there should be closer communication between the defence and security personnel of India and China."

"Peace and tranquility at the border areas is a prerequisite for fruitful relations between India and China," Jaishankar said on the border issue between the countries.

Jaishankar said that while there are differences, they should not become disputes. "The two leaders also reaffirmed the understanding reached at Astana between Modi and Xi to not allow differences to become disputes," Jaishankar added.

"There was a forward-looking and constructive approach taken by both sides during the Modi-Xi meeting. The two leaders reaffirmed that it is in the interest of both India and China to have good relations," Jaishankar said on the overall outcome of the meeting.

Forward looking and constructive meeting, says Jaishankar

Narendra Modi says BRICS is for peace and development

"Whatever we do, will impact the world substantially. So, it is our solemn duty to make a better world  brick by brick, or, through BRICS....," Modi said.

Modi, while speaking at the 'BRICS Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue' organised by China on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit as an outreach exercise, said India has a long tradition of partnerships with fellow developing countries, while pursuing its own aspirations for growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday pitched for coordinated action on counter terrorism, cyber security and disaster management, as he suggested 10 'noble commitments' through which BRICS leadership in global transformation can be achieved.

Xi told Modi that the two countries should pursue "healthy, stable bilateral ties", China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel), which were put forward by both the countries, to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-India ties along the right track, Xi was quoted as saying.

Ways to deepen security and defence cooperation, implementation of India-assisted development projects and the issue of cross border activities by certain insurgent groups along the India-Myanmar are likely to figure during Modi's talks with leadership of the country during the three-day visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Myanmar on Tuesday on his first bilateral state visit during which both sides are expected to ink a number of agreements and deliberate on key issues including exodus of Rohingya community.

Modi is scheduled to call on Myanmar President Htin Kyaw who is also hosting a banquet for him later in the day. The Prime Minister will hold wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow.

The ASI will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in an earthquake last year, he said.

Modi said he was looking forward to paying a visit to the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done a "stellar work" in renovating the Ananda Temple.

Modi will visit a famous Hindu temple and shrine of Bahadur Shah Zafar.

In Yagon, the prime minister will visit the Shwedagon pagoda and will go to martyr's mausoleum to pay tribute to General Aung San, the Burmese nationalist leader who was assassinated. General Aung is father of Suu Kyi.

Modi will travel to Yangon where he will have a series of engagements including interaction with the Indian community.

"I do not think there is any misunderstanding between us and the Myanmar government on what we sought to do," she said. Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-kilometre-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

"I think it is very well known that actions were carried out along the border. It is a difficult border. It is a border on which the exact location of the boundary sometimes may be difficult to make out.

Asked about the Indian Army's action last year along the India-Myanmar border, Ranganathan said there was no misunderstanding between the two countries over the issue.

"Myanmar is a very very important partner in our Act East policy and neighbourhood first policy," said MEA.

India has an overall commitment of $1.75 billion for developmental programmes in Myanmar.

India would also convey to Myanmar about the kind of project it has on its priority list and whether it would like to partner with India in their execution. "We will be guided by Myanmar government in its choice of projects," the MEA said.

She said the Kaladan project and the trilateral high-way project will be discussed during the prime minister's visit.

On the exodus of Rohingya community, the MEA said, "The issue of the Rakhine state is a matter of great concern. There has been a prominent attack recently and a large no of people have lost their lives. We have reached out to Myanmar government after the attacks on what can be done."

Myanmar is the only ASEAN country which shares a border with India. Therefore, it is the only country which can act as a land link between India and an entity which would be the sixth-largesteconomy in the world if it were a single nation.

Should India manage to upgrade the Kalewa-Yargyi road segment to highway standard, while Myanmar develops the Yargyi-Monywa portion, it will greatly improve Indias connectivity and relationship with both Myanmar and Thailand.

In economic terms, the bilateral trade between the two countries is a little over $2 billion. There is significant scope of improvement to this number according to The Economic Times. Further, the official statistics don't take into account the informal trade which takes place at the border. Once greater transparency comes in, the economic engagement will get a boost.

There is also the 1,600 kilometre long border the two countries share. Myanmar is cheek by jowl with India's Northeast states and is critical for maintaining stability and peace in Northeast India according to the Livemint report. Indeed, some Indian insurgent groups operate from Myanmar. Therefore Myanmar's cooperation would go a long way in helping India deal with these insurgent groups.

China has been steadily increasing its influence (both economic and political) in the country. It is Myanmar's largest trade partner, has investments in the country and has played a proactive role in bringing various armed groups to the negotiating table. This cooperation on ethnic issues has reaped economic dividends as Myanmar has shown interest in China's One Belt One Road initiative.

"We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture," he said.

The burning issue of the Rohingyas and India's capacity building measures and infrastructure projects are expected to figure during Modi's visit to Myanmar. "During the visit, we will review developments in our bilateral relations, especially the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar, and explore new areas in which we can work together," Modi said in a pre-departure statement.

There is also the 1,600 kilometre long border the two countries share. Myanmar is cheek by jowl with India's Northeast states and is critical for maintaining stability and peace in North East India.

Myanmar is the only country which can act as a land link between India and an entity which would be the sixth-largest economy in the world if it were a single nation. It can be India's gateway to Southeast Asia and give an impetus to India's Look East Policy.

Strategic importance: Myanmar only ASEAN country to share border with India

In economic terms, the bilateral trade between the two countries is a little over $2 billion. There is significant scope of improvement to this number. Further, the official statistics don't take into account the informal trade which takes place at the border. Once greater transparency comes in, the economic engagement will get a boost.

On Wednesday, Modi will hold bilateral discussions with Aung San Suu Kyi, following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed. During the course of the visit, Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in the restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon, where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

Modi arrives in Myanmar: Here is his itinerary for Wednesday

India is also attempting to counter China's influence in other ways. India is developing a road which runs through Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM), a 2,800 km-long corridor that starts from Kolkata and passes through Bangladesh and Myanmar before ending at Kunming in China.

Experts say that when it comes to Myanmar, China has repeatedly beaten India to punch repeatedly and continues to do so. China regards Myanmar as a land bridge to the Indian Ocean China has also shielded Myanmar from western criticism in the UN, on the issue of Rohingya Muslims.

As India seeks to deepen ties, experts fear China may have already beaten her to punch

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the 1105 AD Ananda Temple which is another prominent Buddhist shrine in Myanmar. He will also visit the Martyrs Mausoleum which contains remains of Aung Sang after his assassination in 1947.

Modi also hopes to convince Myanmar about its seriousness in strengthening ties as China keeps a close watch.

Here is the list of agreements expected to be signed between India and Myanmar

Myanmar troupes and artistes have participated in South Asian and ASEAN cultural events in India. India has also responded to Myanmar's interest in restoring and renovating two historic temples in Bodh Gaya built by Myanmar rulers King Mindon and King Baygyidaw.

India and Myanmar share close cultural ties and a sense of deep kinship given India's Buddhist heritage. Building on this shared heritage India is undertaking some key initiatives: Restoration of the Ananda Temple in Bagan and GOI donation of a 16 foot replica of the Sarnath Buddha Statue which has been installed at the premises of Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon.

A look at shared cultural ties between India and Myanmar

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said the government was very clear that the Rohingyas should go back. - IANS

Rijiju said no force will however be used. "We are not going to use force to throw out anybody. Such image may be painted that we are very inhuman; we are not. In fact, no other country has accepted as much refugees as India," he said.

The Centre and the Assam government on Tuesday made it clear that Rohingya immigrants from Myanmar have to return to their native country. Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting of the North-East Democratic Alliance in the national capital, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said, "They (Rohingyas) are illegal immigrants in India. Deportation has to be through legal process."

Modi's visit is certainly a step in the right direction to mend Indo-Myanmar ties. He is scheduled to hold discussions with the holders of high office as he will call on State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Htin Kyaw. The bilateral visit should serve to give a boost to political and economic ties with a strategic eastern neighbour.

Myanmar, for its part has tried to follow a policy of preserving its independence from India and China. There has been a tendency in Myanmar to fear China while trying to cultivate friendship with India. This has changed with the actions of China as well as those of General Ne Win who imposed martial law in the country in 1962.

Narendra Modi's visit seen as a step towards mending India-Myanmar ties

"You need to play it very smartly. You need to make it clear that Rakhine violence has regional implications... but India will not get into saying, This is how you should resolve it.'" - Reuters

The violence in Myanmar could hit development of a transport corridor that begins in Rakhine, with the Indian-built port of Sittwe and includes road links to Indias remote North East, analysts said. "Its going to be a very vexed and complex issue," said Tridivesh Singh Maini, a New Delhi-based expert on ties with Myanmar.

"If there is active economic activity in the state, many of the problems will be at least reduced," said Joint Secretary, Bangladesh and Myanmar in Ministry of External Affairs, Sripriya Ranganathan at a press briefing before Narendra Modi's Myanmar visit. She said India was working in that direction.

Ahead of Modi's visit to Myanmar, India, which has maintained that there is no change in policy on illegal immigrants, has said that New Delhi would encourage the Myanmar government to "find ways of stimulating socio-economic development" in Rakhine, reported India Today .

Apart from his engagements in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, he will visit Yangon and Bagan. His visit will end on 7 September.

This is Prime Minister Narendra Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. During the visit, according to Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will hold discussions with State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on matters of mutual interest and also call on President U Htin Kyaw.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state. He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

"We hope that all stakeholders can together find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected," Modi said. "At the same time, we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all." - IANS

"We share your concerns about the extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been lost," Narendra Modi said in a joint address to the media along with Aung San Suu Kyi following delegation-level talks.

India shared its concerns with Myanmar over the situation in the country's Rakhine state, where the army has launched a crackdown on the Rohingyas, triggering a mass exodus.

In the bigger picture context it is hugely indiscreet and tactless but if a display of Indian confidence is the yardstick well, China would certainly be miffed that this visit does not bode well for the present plastic cordiality.

What Modi probably has to lose is the wobbly friendship with the military regime and the hawkish General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces. By stopping over en route from the BRICS Summit in China where he and Xi Jinping played genteel footsies and little else in the thaw after the Doka La impasse Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by big brother.

By visiting Myanmar, Modi sent a message that he is not intimidated by 'big brother'

- Cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and the Press Council of India

- In field of elections (between Election Commission of India and The Union Election Commission of Myanmar).

- Extension on MoU on establishment of India-Myanmar Center for Enhancement of IT-Skill

- Extension on MoU on establishment of MIIT

- Cooperation in the field of Health and medicine

- Cooperation in Medical Products Regulation (Between Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare of the Republic of India and Food and Drugs (FDA), Ministry of Health and Sports of Myanmar on Cooperation in Medical Products Regulation)

- Sharing White Shipping Information between the Indian Navy and Myanmar Navy

- Enhancing the Cooperation of the Upgradation of the Women's Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar.

India and Myanmar on Wednesday signed eleven agreements in a range of sectors, including one to strengthen democratic institutions in this country, to further build their multifaceted partnership. The following are the MoUs signed:

The prime minister, at a joint press statement with Suu Kyi, asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing. Modi and Suu Kyi held talks and discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations. - PTI

Modi's first bilateral visit comes at a time when the Myanmarese government is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya refugees that have poured across the Bangladeshi border in just two weeks after Myanmar's military crackdown in the Rakhine state.

India said today that it shares Myanmar's concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state and asked all stakeholders to preserve the country's unity and territorial integrity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Modi held bilateral discussions with Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's foreign minister and Minister of President's Office on Wednesday. Following the discussions, Modi gave a speech at the joint press statement with Suu Kyi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday on a three-day visit to Myanmar amid a raging crisis involving Rohingyas in the country's Rakhine state.

Modi to address Indian diaspora in Myanmar soon

Here are key points where India will cooperate with Myanmar on defence

More images coming in from Modi's visit to Anand Temple in Bagan

India is collaborating with Myanmar for the conservation and restoration of Anand Temple

The temple was first damaged in an earthquake in 1975, and then last year when a 6.8 magnitude quake shook Myanmar. India and Myanmar signed an agreement in 2010 to restore the Ananda Temple and New Delhi allocated $3 million to the project being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).- PTI (Read more here )

The temple, one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture, is believed to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.The temple's architecture shows Mon and Indian influence.

New Delhi allocates $3 million for restoration of Anand Temple

PM Narendra Modi arrives at Yangon where he will be meeting Indian diaspora

Foreign secretary S Jaishankar says discussion in Myanmar focussed on development

Along with physical connectivity, we have negotiated a land border crossing agreement, says Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar

The modalities of India-Myanmar bus service has been worked out, says S Jaishankar

PM Modi says India is proud to be a part of Myanmar temple's restoration work

India to aid in building hospitals and industrial training centres in Myanmar

Narendra Modi will be addressing Indian community at Yangon shortly

This is where Subhas Chandra Bose had said 'Tum Mujhe khoon do, mai tumhe azaadi doonga', says Modi.

Modi begins his address to the Indian community by greeting people in Burmese, Tamil. The prime minister also recalls all the festivals Indians have been celebrating recently. "You represent thousands of years of shared culture, geography, aspirations. We don't just share borders but also emotions," says Modi.

We are not merely reforming our country, we are transforming India, says PM Modi

Modi says India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created

Our government has taken decisions on demonetisation and GST fearlessly, says Modi

Modi says he has decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen lodged in Indian jails

For us nation is bigger than politics, says PM Modi

Modi begins his address to the Indian community by greeting people in Burmese, Tamil. The prime minister also recalls all the festivals Indians have been celebrating recently. "You represent thousands of years of shared culture, geography, aspirations. We don't just share borders but also emotions," says Modi.

We are not merely reforming our country, we are transforming India, says PM Modi

We are not merely changing India, we are building a new India: PM Modi addresses the Indian community in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/i74d6zhna9

An India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created: PM Modi in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/HDtSQNAqgC

Modi says India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created

Our government has taken decisions on demonetisation and GST fearlessly, says Modi

EAM Sushma Swaraj is very active. She is sensitive to the concerns of every Indian in any part of the world and is always ready to help: PM pic.twitter.com/fvfL1Vwpn6

Have decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen presently lodged in Indian jails: PM Modi in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/Hv7X9kL3Fl

Modi says he has decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen lodged in Indian jails

For us nation is bigger than politics, says PM Modi

Infraculture is important. By infraculture I mean quality infrastructure that benefits our farmers: PM @narendramodi

I read somewhere five Bs are base of India-Myanmar relations - Buddhism, Business, Bollywood, Bharatnatyam and Burma teak...: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he had a "wonderful meeting" with Myanmar president Htin Kyaw during which they discussed steps to deepen the "historical relationship" between the two neighbours.

Modi called on President Kyaw soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit.

"Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw," Modi tweeted along with some pictures of the meeting.

He also presented the Myanmar president a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween (that flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Andaman Sea) and a sculpture of the Bodhi tree.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two-nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi.

"'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' Policy. PM @narendramodi calls on President U Htin Kyaw, discusses steps to deepen historical relationship," he said in a tweet.

The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday. He is expected to raise the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

Ahead of his visit, Modi had said India and Myanmar were looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

Modi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen, where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

With inputs from agencies
Nay Pyi Taw: India and Myanmar signed eight agreements in a range of sectors, including one to strengthen democratic institutions in this country, to further build their multifaceted partnership.

The MoUs were signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The eight MoUs include one between the Election Commission and Union Election of Myanmar, the national level electoral commission of Myanmar.

An MoU was also signed to organise cultural exchange programme for the period 2017-2020, according to a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs.

India and Myanmar also signed agreements on cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and Press Council of India, extension of agreement on the establishment of India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT skill.

The two countries also signed agreement to cooperate in 'Medical Products Regulation' and in the field of health and medicine. They also signed MoU on enhancing the cooperation on upgradation of the women's police training centre at Yamethin in Myanmar.

Modi arrived on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping, Russian president Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar.

He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of Northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Yangon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday justified demonetisation which has come in for criticism, asserting that his government was not afraid of taking "big" and "tough" decisions in the interest of the country.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Myanmar, he said his government could take such decisions because it considers the country above politics.

Along with demonetisation announced on 8 November last year, he named the surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir last year and the GST which was rolled out on 1 July as the "big" and "tough" decisions taken by his government.

"In the national interest, we are not afraid of taking big and tough decisions because for us, the country is above politics. Whether it be the surgical strikes, demonetisation or GST, all decisions were taken without any fear or hesitation," Modi told the gathering.

Referring to the noteban, the prime minister said the step was taken to curb black money and that it had helped identify lakhs of people who had crores of rupees in bank accounts but never paid income tax.

He also said that registration of over two lakh companies had been cancelled in last three months as those had been found to be indulging in laundering of black money.

"To deal with corruption, we banned currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination. A handful of corrupt people were making 125 crore people pay for their misdeeds. This was not acceptable to us," Modi said in 35-minute address.

"There used to be no clue as to from where black money was coming and where it was going," he said.

His justification of demonetisation came against the backdrop of criticism of the decision by the Opposition.

The Congress has dubbed the noteban as a "disaster" and said it had "utterly failed" while the "corrupt made windfall gains".

The prime minister also talked about GST, saying an "atmosphere of doing business with honesty" had been created in the country within a span of two months after its launch.

Modi said over the last three years, his government had initiated massive changes and rules were being eased to unshackle the potential of the country.

"Now, the people of the country have begun believing that India can move forward. The shackles can be broken," he said.

"We are not merely reforming India but transforming India. We are not changing India, but we are building a new India," he said, adding 2022 was the target year to achieve this as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the country's independence.

In the context of building a new India, he talked about the pledge to rid the country of problems like terrorism, communalism and corruption.

The prime minister also said that India believes in sharing the benefits of its development with its neighbours and also help them in the times of need.

He referred to the launch of South Asian satellite a few months back and said its benefits were being availed of by all the neighbouring countries which had joined it. Pakistan had refused to associate with the project announced by Modi soon after he became the prime minister in 2014.

Talking about helping the neighbours, he said India was the "first responder" in the times of need and in this context, mentioned earthquake in Nepal, water crisis in Maldives and cyclone in Myanmar. "We fulfilled the responsibility of a good neighbour," he said.

He also mentioned the evacuation undertaken by India in West Asian nations, including those of other countries, and said, "while doing so, we do not check the colour of their passports".

Underlining the need for enhanced cooperation with Myanmar and other East Asian nations, Modi, who is on a three-day visit here, said the Kaladan multi-modal transport project should become a "development corridor".

He told the gathering that the Indian government had already taken decisions to merge Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) cards and do away with police reporting for those having long-term visas among various measures for their benefit.

He also showered praise on External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, saying she was always there, ready to help any Indian in trouble anywhere in the world.

"People facing problems anywhere in the world contact Sushmaji through tweets without any hesitation... I do not think there will be any foreign minister like Sushmaji anywhere in the world who actively helps the countrymen in trouble just on the basis of a tweet," Modi said.

The prime minister, who is on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar, talked about the historical importance of Myanmar in the context of India's freedom struggle.

Naming Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore and Bahadur Shah Zafar, he said Myanmar had become the "second home" for those who had to leave their own homes during the freedom struggle.

He said communication infrastructure between India and Myanmar was being upgraded to facilitate increased trade and people-to-people contacts.

He said a road between Imphal and Moreh, the border point with Myanmar, is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 1600 crore, as part of enabling greater trade and travel between the two countries.
Nancy Zieman, the host and co-producer of Sewing With Nancy, is retiring from the long-running television program due to serious health complications.

Since 1982, Zieman has been a constant TV presence with her nationally broadcast Wisconsin Public Television show aimed at quilting and sewing enthusiasts. But in July, the 64-year-old Zieman found out that cancer she had been previously diagnosed with had spread to other parts of her body and could not be treated.

It was a devastating day, realizing that my life and my career, as I had known it, would end, Zieman said in a blog Saturday.

Zieman, who lives in Beaver Dam, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone cancer, and breast cancer in 2015. She continued to work on her show while going through surgical, chemical and radiation treatment.

But additional treatment would not be helpful now, she said.

It is not easy to say goodbye, especially since the terms were totally unexpected. I have learned during these past weeks to concentrate on my faith, she said. I am finding great peace today, knowing that I can thank you for your many years of dedication, viewership, and friendship.

Sewing With Nancy, which airs Saturday mornings, is in its 36th season. Zieman recorded 15 new episodes for the current season before her diagnosis in July. A total of 910 shows have been recorded throughout its run.

Over the past few weeks, Zieman said she has been working on how to wrap up the show. She is also looking to continue the annual Quilt Expo she sponsors with Wisconsin Public Television. This years expo will be held Thursday through Saturday at the Alliant Energy Center.

The television personality got her start after founding the mail-order business Nancys Notions for sewing supplies.

So, with a heavy, yet humble heart, I thank you and say goodbye, Zieman said.
Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday visited the famous 11th-century Ananda Temple in Myanmar's ancient city Bagan which was damaged in a tremor last year and is being renovated with India's assistance.

Keeping heritage alive@dgasi_delhi is collaborating with Ministry of Culture,Myanmar for conservation & restoration of Ananda Temple, Bagan pic.twitter.com/o2tSS3smCN  Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) September 6, 2017

The temple, one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture, is believed to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.

The temple's architecture shows Mon and Indian influence.

"Connecting with history. PM @narendramodi pays respects at Ananda Temple, the most historical and venerated temple in Bagan, Myanmar," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The temple was first damaged in an earthquake in 1975, and then last year when a 6.8 magnitude quake shook Myanmar.

India and Myanmar signed an agreement in 2010 to restore the Ananda Temple and New Delhi allocated $3 million to the project being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The ASI will also restore a number of pagodas and murals damaged in the earthquake last year.

Modi, in his address with Myanmar State State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, said he was excited to visit the temple and pay tributes to the monuments of religious and historical importance.

According to a legend, King Kyanzittha built the temple after eight monks from India visited him and told him about a cave temple in the Himalayas. The vision of a snowy landscape so impressed the king that he decided to replicate the temple in Bagan.
Nay Pyi Taw: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

"Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi pic.twitter.com/TJfIahUvMk  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 6, 2017

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

For live updates, click here.
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday issued a notice against the SSP of Kapurthala district, asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for failing to act on a complaint against self-styled 'godwoman' Sukhwinder Kaur alias Radhe Maa.

The single bench of Justice Daya Chaudhary passed the directions against the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) on the complaint filed by Phagwara resident Surinder Mittal.

The matter will now be heard on 13 October.

"The high court issued show cause notice to Kapurthala SSP as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for the intentional disobedience of the (earlier) court order," counsel for the complainant Krishan Singh Dadwal said on Tuesday.

Phagwara-based Surinder Mittal had lodged a complaint against Radhe Maa, seeking registration of a case against her in 2015 for allegedly hurting religious sentiments, threatening and other offences under the IPC.

Dadwal claimed that when no action was taken by police, complainant Mittal approached the high court, seeking appropriate directions in the matter.

The then single bench of the high court had directed the Kapurthala SSP to look into the allegations levelled by the complainant, determine if any cognisable offence was made out and then act accordingly, Dadwal said.

Hel claimed that despite reminding the police about the court order, no action was taken on the complaint by the police.

"But the SSP took no action in the matter," he claimed, adding the complainant approached the high court again in this matter and filed a contempt petition.
Gaya District Court on Wednesday sentenced Rocky Yadav and two others to life imprisonment while his father Bindeshwar Prasad Yadav alias Bindi Yadav was given five years in jail for the murder of 19-year old Aditya Sachdeva.

Aditya Sachdeva murder case: Gaya District Court sentences Rocky Yadav and two others to life imprisonment, Bindi Yadav to 5 year jail pic.twitter.com/wwd6ToOubR  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

As Firspost had reported earlier, additional district judge Sachhidanand Singh had held him guilty under Section 302 of CRPC in August this year for shooting Class XII student Aditya.

He surrendered in a local court on 29 October last year, a day after the Supreme Court stayed the Patna High Court order granting him bail in the case. The Supreme Court had directed that the trial be completed by 11 September this year.

He was granted bail by the high court on 19 October, 2016, but the state government moved the apex court which turned down the high court's order.

Rocky shot at and killed 19-year-old Class XII student Aditya on the night of 7 May last year after the latter overtook his Land Rover SUV near Gaya. He is due to be sentenced on 6 September.

After receiving his Class XII examination results, Aditya and his friends went to Bodhgaya for a picnic.

While returning from there, he overtook Rocky's SUV near police line. Rocky fired from behind hitting Aditya, who was sitting in the rear seat of the Swift Dzire, the car in which they were travelling.

His friend Nasir was behind the wheel and drove him to Anugrah Narain Hospital where the doctors declared Aditya brought dead.

Rocky and his associates fled the scene soon after the shooting.

The police arrested Rocky, his cousin Teni Yadav and Rajesh Kumar, the bodyguard of his mother Manorama Devi.

His father Bindi and mother Manorama are believed to have strong political influence. Manorama, a former Janata Dal (United) MLC was suspended from the party after the incident.

However, she was absconding when the incident was reported. She was booked under the Bihar Excise (Amendment) Act, 2016 for allegedly storing liquor bottles in her house despite a prohibition in the state.

With inputs from Alok Kumar
Nay Pyi Taw: India said on Wednesday that it shares Myanmar's concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state and asked all stakeholders to preserve the country's unity and territorial integrity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

Modi's first bilateral visit in the country comes at a time when the Myanmarese government is facing international pressure

over the 125,000 Rohingya refugees that have poured across the Bangladeshi border in just two weeks after Myanmar's military crackdown in the Rakhine state.

The prime minister, at a joint press statement with Suu Kyi, also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

Modi and Suu Kyi held talks and discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.

After the talks, Modi said India shares concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state where there has been a loss of innocent lives of people and military personnel.

He said that when it comes to the peace process or solving a problem, "We want all stake holders to work towards preserving Myanmar's unity and territorial integrity."

Suu Kyi, in her remarks, thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

She said together India and Myanmar can ensure that terrorism is not allowed to take root on their soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State last month.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a 13-year-old alleged rape survivor to terminate her 32-week-old pregnancy after taking note of a medical report.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar perused the medical report filed by a board of doctors of JJ hospital Mumbai, set up by the court, and granted the nod for termination of pregnancy.

Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre, referred to the medical report and an earlier order passed by the apex court on a plea by another rape survivor whose pregnancy was at an advanced stage.

The apex court asked the hospital authorities to conduct the termination of pregnancy preferably on 8 September. "The girl would be admitted a day before," it said.

The Mumbai-based rape survivor, a student of class seven had sought permission to abort the foetus.

Section 3(2)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act prohibits abortion of a foetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday expressed shock and distress over the murder of senior Kannada journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, saying "this can't and should not be tolerated".

"Known for her fearless and independent views, Gauri Lankesh had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system," an All India Congress Committee (AICC) statement said quoting Gandhi.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This can not be and should not be tolerated."

"It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society."

Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Condemning the debilitating attack, the Congress stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity, Gandhi said.

The AICC statement said that Gandhi had spoken to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the culprits to book.

"Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state," she added.

Expressing her deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lankesh, Gandhi offered her prayers.

Follow live updates here
A Special Protection Group (SPG) commando who was a part of Congress president Sonia Gandhi's security cover, has gone missing under suspicious circumstances since 3 September, media reports said. A Tughlak Road police team has started a huge search operation for the commando.

The issue is a matter of grave concern for the Delhi Police as such armed personnel often have important information regarding the people they protect.

According to The Times of India, Commando Rakesh Kumar, had reported for duty at Gandhi's official residence 10, Janpath on 1 September even though he had an off the very same day. Delhi Police officials are now trying to probe why he had come in his uniform if it was his holiday. On 2 September, Kumar's family had thought that he was unreachable as his duty was extended but later when they realised he was traceless, Kumar's father had lodged a missing person complaint.

During the investigation, police found that the 31-year-old commando had left the Gandhi residence at around 11 am on 1 September after meeting his friends there. However, Quint reported that Kumar had left his service revolver and mobile phone behind and hence was unreachable.

SPG is an elite armed force which provides security to the VVIPs of the country including the Prime Minister of India and members of their immediate families. It was formed in 1988 by an act of the Parliament of India.

According to India.com, Kumar's family members have ruled out any enmity or personal feud with any one. Kumar lives with his wife and two children in a rented accommodation in Dwarka.
Look around everywhere. The number of gurus in India is increasing each year. Many of these gurus are later found to have indulged in cheating, dacoity, rape, violence and/or even murder.

The disclosures behind self-styled gurus like Dhirendra Swami, Chandraswami, Rampal, Assemanand, Asaram Bapu, Sadachari, Nirmal Baba and now Gurmeet Ram Raheem Singh have become part of the folklore. And this does not include smaller would-be gurus like Radhe Maa, Premanand, Bhimanand and Nithyananda.

Each of these gurus had a fan following. Some of them were ardent believers looking for someone who could grant them salvation. Some were seekers of solutions that the government had failed to provide. For instance, there is an amazing centre run by the Nirankaris in a suburb of Mumbai. It offers blood tests at Rs 4 and X-rays at Rs 25. And it has a devoted base of around 10 lakhs in Mumbai alone.

Reasonable-priced medicare without overcrowding was something that the government ought to have provided. But by abdicating its responsibilities, the state allowed entrepreneur groups (like these) to move in offering services and winning loyalties. Then there are believers who look at guru-darshans (meet the guru sessions) more like cocktail get-togethers where you rub shoulders with the mighty and get more business, and are thankful to the guru for playing a matchmaker. The guru gets his cut, of course, as dakshina (offering).

Observe a bit more closely, and you will notice that almost all the gurus work in the twilight areas of Hinduism. A majority of their followers comes from the sect loosely described as Hindus. Of course, the followers may include Christians, Muslims and an assortment of people from other faiths as well. But the mass base comprises Hindus. And it appears as if Hindus have abetted the emergence of most of the entrepreneur-gurus.

Does this mean that Hindus are stupid to follow such charlatans? Does it  by implication  mean that other religious groups do not have as many gullible or stupid followers as the Hindu community appears to harbour? Has there been a general degradation in the gene-pool of Hindus that they are foolish enough to believe in  and contribute to the wealth of  these entrepreneur-gurus?

The answer is obviously no. But it begs the question Why?. Prod the surface a bit more, and you will realise that this is the direct consequence of the government actually nationalising  through the back door  the biggest religious trusts in the country. The government has used the legal provisions of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Act of 1951 to take over the biggest temples in Tamil Nadu. Then the malaise was allowed to spread to other states as well. NT Rama Rao brought in a similar act for Andhra Pradesh and nationalised the Tirumala Trusts that run the Tirupati clutch of temples, and also run (what used to be the finest) schools and colleges in that region. One by one, each state government found excuses to label the religious keepers of temple trustees as being guilty of mismanagement.

Each state government then went on to create a clone of the HR&CE Act and took over the major religious trusts in that state. Each of these trusts now has a government-appointed administrator. Each of these trusts is now allowed to spend only on those schemes that are approved by the administrator. That is how the trusts which manage Vaishno Devi, Siddhi Vinayak, Shirdi and Tirupati have come under government control. That is how even most of the mutts (centres) were brought under government control (Udupi and the Chidambaram trusts were notable exceptions).

And thus began the story of the emasculation of the spiritual leaders of the Hindus. The head of the Kanchi Mutt was told that he was a spiritual leader. But the use of his trust's funds would be determined by the administrator. His influence thus stood diminished. Funds for propagating his views were restricted. As his voice was allowed to peter out and get feeble, the government allowed entrepreneur-gurus to increase their decibel levels and gain the mindshare of the Hindu populace which could not benefit from the wisdom of the actual seers of their own religion.

The emasculation of the spiritual leaders took three stages. First, they were denied (through curbs on admissible expenditure) to become national voices. But, more importantly, the entrepreneur-gurus were provided two other big benefits without which they could not have become as large as they did. These benefits included large tracts of land. Without that land, they could not have had the place to assemble their audiences. They could not impress the common folk. With land came buildings, and facilities that the buildings offered by way of jobs, services (such as medicare, dispute resolution and financial help) and shelter.

Second, the entrepreneur-gurus were granted the benefit of tax-exemptions. Like political parties, their funds could not be taxed. And while the mainstream temple trusts donations were accounted for each day, the money collected by these entrepreneurs were not audited, supervised, or even tabulated. They became sinkholes of cash collection, which could then be used to display naked power, win over affection, and command allegiance  through forced sex, castrations or murders. If they needed politicians initially, now the politicians needed them  for their vote banks, for fixing deals and for an assortment of jobs that could not be done by the government-appointed machinery.

True, mainstream temple trusts also had tax exemptions, but the moneys were accounted for and their use was decided by the administrators. And when it came to land, anecdotal evidence suggests that more free land was given away to entrepreneur-gurus than to mainstream temple trusts.

But why were religious leaders of other faiths not 'emasculated' in the same manner? The answer is simple. The government would have done this as well. But all minority religions are guaranteed constitutional protection. Their trusts could not be nationalised the way Hindu trusts could be. Thank God for that!

As a result, Hinduism was shorn of its moorings  its fountainhead of religious sagacity and thought. The community was increasingly swayed by the talks and actions of entrepreneur-gurus. This led to further lumpenisation of the majority community and further protection of the assets of the entrepreneur-gurus. Watch how the assets of Gurmeet have not been taken over by the government even in the face of strong irrefutable evidence that the entire administration abetted in rapes, murders and even storing illegal arms.

This raises the inevitable question: Is it the business of the government to manage religion? Arent governments supposed to stay away from religion? Well, that is the question that the Supreme Court tried to answer in 2014 (more of that later). And it's sad to see that the RSS, which seeks to promote Hinduism and Hindu values, has not used this judgement to liberate Indian temple trusts from the government.
PHOENIX  We know that Donald Trump is a virtuoso at the politics of resentment. But does he lead a movement?

That is the question to be tested in next years Republican Senate primary in Arizona. Pro-Trump forces are wiping the drool off their ties while contemplating a humiliating primary defeat for Trump critic Jeff Flake  the Republican incumbent whom Trump reportedly calls the flake. (I suspect that Flake has heard that taunt before, but not since third-grade recess.) Professional Trump sycophants Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham have endorsed a Republican challenger to Flake named Kelli Ward. Trump moneyman Robert Mercer has already donated $300,000 to Wards campaign. And Trump himself implicitly endorsed Ward on Twitter last month, while labeling Flake as toxic.

Recent polling seems to justify a belief in Flakes vulnerability. Among likely Republican voters, Ward wins a head-to-head with Flake by double digits.

All this would be deeply disturbing for establishment Republicans  if it were not mostly rubbish.

Polling a year away from a primary has as much predictive power as a tarot pack. The most important factors determining the outcome are entirely contingent. A year hence, Trump could be a vengeful political colossus or headed toward impeachment; America could be at war or at peace; the economy could be in depression or riding a boom.

So far, Flake has reason to be pleased with outside interventions in the race. Trump forces in Arizona have not yet settled on Ward  highly inexperienced and gaffe-prone  as their candidate. (She is not a buffoon, one close observer of Arizona politics told me, but she says buffoonish things.) Outside endorsements of Ward have come as state Treasurer Jeff DeWit and former party chair Robert Graham are discussing which of them might enter the race as a Ward alternative. And Trump himself has since backed off his apparent endorsement of Ward. When Trump visited Phoenix a few weeks ago, he had a backstage meeting with DeWit and Graham. Ward was not invited.

Graham would probably be a stronger candidate than DeWit, who has even less political experience than Ward. Graham gained Trumps confidence by defending him during the Access Hollywood scandal. (True-blue, bona fide Trump loyalists are apparently defined by their willingness to ignore boasting about sexual assault.) But for a Trump challenge to Flake to run smoothly, Graham or DeWit would need to persuade the independent-minded Ward to leave the race. (Recently pardoned octogenarian Joe Arpaio  who lost his last election decisively  likes to talk about running but is not a serious possibility.)

Even if Arizona Trumpites settle on a single candidate, it is not clear what support from Trump forces really means. Does a Trump endorsement bring buckets of money? Does it bring organizational help? Trump organizers were thin on the ground even during his own campaign. And the power of presidential tweets to help people other than Trump is untested. Can Trump actually follow through on his political threats without the normal architecture of a political movement?

The answer depends on a different question, posed to me by the much-respected Arizona Republic political columnist Robert Robb: Is Trump a singularity, or does he represent the beginning of the redefining of the Republican Party along Trump lines? Robb, who walked me through the Arizona political basics, is skeptical of the latter. He is doubtful that tea party activists  who rose in reaction (in part) to Barack Obamas stimulus package  will be enthused about Trumps trillion-dollar infrastructure package. He is doubtful that Arizonas generally libertarian and tea-party primary voters will be generally attracted to Trumps ethno-nationalism.

But who knows? The Flake primary race will be a good test, one way or the other. Flake has been a tough and consistent critic of Trump, based less on ideology than on the presidents preference for vitriolic, tribal politics. But Flake is no moderate. He once ran an Arizona think tank dedicated to conservative and libertarian ideas. He supports Trump on regulatory policy and other issues. To defeat Flake, Arizona voters would need to choose a right-wing populist in the tradition of Pat Buchanan over a libertarian in the tradition of Barry Goldwater. This would involve, not just an electoral choice, but a rethinking of Republican orthodoxy, with far reaching implications.

If Republicans like Flake are ousted in primaries, the Republican Party as we know it will be unrecognizable and unsupportable.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a 13-year-old rape survivor from Mumbai to terminate her 31-week-old pregnancy, reports said.

"Keeping in view the age of the petitioner (victim), the trauma she faced, we allow her to terminate her pregnancy," Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said in its order, according to ANI.

The decision has come just six weeks after the apex court rejected a similar application by a 10-year-old rape survivor on medical grounds. The apex court's decision had come under severe criticism from several human rights groups.

In its previous hearings, a bench comprising Justices SA Bobde and L Nageswara Rao had directed the constitution of a medical board at Mumbai-based Sir JJ Group of Hospitals to examine the minor girl and ascertain the condition and advisability of permitting abortion, BBC had reported.

"Section 3(2)(b) of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act prohibits abortion of a foetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy," it said.

The medical board at JJ Hospital, which had examined the teenager, however, had given a go-ahead to the termination of pregnancy, Economic Times had reported, however, the board had put the onus on the apex court stating that terminating the pregnancy as well as a full-term delivery would carry an equal amount of risk for the teenager.

The order, however, is likely to be more of a victory of the teenager's right to terminate a pregnancy, and not actually a termination of the foetus. As a source from the hospital told Economic Times, by terminating the pregnancy, the doctors will actually be "delivering the child and not technically carrying out an abortion" as a Cesarean section would most likely be carried out.

The question of ethics, the doctor had said will appear if the child is born alive during the procedure, it said.

The verdict is one of the first cases which could be said to have been influenced (and come after) the Supreme Court's path-breaking judgment on Right to Privacy, which also had also discussed the debate surrounding abortions.

In the 547-page verdict on Right to Privacy, a nine-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by former chief justice JS Khehar, had said that the right to terminate life also falls in the zone of Right to Privacy.
Death is a silent, sombre affair. When it comes by the taking of ones life, however, the silence is speculation. What is it, it is asked, that makes life so unliveable that to live is to take it away? The tragic suicide of S Anitha, a young girl who came to represent the discontent and anguish of Tamil Nadu against the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET), makes the silence of death too rarefied to gauge the profound meaning of the tragedy. The death of a promising Dalit woman, sired by a marginalisation that compelled her to kill herself, speaks most unkindly of a world where voice needs death to carry meaning.

In quiet death, Anitha has left us with a deafening indictment of caste, education, and what it means to be a nation. One now awaits being told, as after the death of Rohith Vemula, that it is grief that took Anitha, that activism has, as Manu Joseph has ventured to suggest in a recent essay, become a Blue Whale Challenge. But Anithas grief is political sorrow, created not by biology but structural inequality, an education policy whose exclusion is purposeful, and corrosive ideas of excellence. A republic that treats this death as silence does it the greatest injustice. It is, as Anitha would testify, a broken republic.

The daughter of a labourer, a coolie, from Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu, Anitha, all of 17, wanted to study medicine. In an impassioned interview, she says, "It ismy ambition. I want to work for the society as a doctor. () My dear friends, could you please help me for studying medicine?" With four other siblings and one earning member, her father, in the family, Anitha conquered her fatal accident of birth to secure 1,176 marks out of 1,200, including perfect scores in physics and mathematics, and thence a remarkable cut-off score of 196.75 out of 200. She mentions this with exultant pride -- "I am the only student scoring (such) marks in the district."

However warranted the pride, it was to be ominously short-lived. In the tussle between Tamil Nadu and the Central government on the NEET, the Centre emerged triumphantly. In May, 2013, the NEET was conducted for the first time, dislodging the All India Pre Medical Test (AIPMT) and threatening the state educational boards of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, where it consequently met virulent opposition. In July, 2013, the Supreme Court declared the NEET unconstitutional. As recently as February, 2016, former chief minister (Late) J Jayalalithaa wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi forewarning the Centre of Tamil Nadus opposition to purported attempts to reintroduce the NEET in the state, dubbing it an infringement of federalism and an inegalitarian measure towards the students of Tamil Nadu who could not, given their academic training in the state, fare as well as students of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on a national eligibility examination.

The objection was ignored as the Supreme Court approved the NEET for admission to MBBS and BDS courses, now dislodging the prevalence of Plus Two marks awarded by the state educational boards. On 24 May, 2017, the Madras High Court passed a restraining order against the CBSE, stalling the declaration of results  an order that the Supreme Court subsequently stayed. The issue of the NEET became a linchpin in the politics of the state, marked by a scrimmage for power in the political vacuum created by Jayalalithaas passing in December, 2016.

Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy approached the Centre requesting an exemption for Tamil Nadu students and an ordinance was delivered to that effect but eventually failed to secure clearance by the unwieldy intervention of the Attorney General of India, KK Venugopal. On 22 August, 2017, the Supreme Court ordered that medical admissions be initiated in Tamil Nadu through the NEET. Anitha, who had represented this plight by taking her petition for exemption to New Delhi, was defeated in the triumph of the NEET, her dismal score of 86 out of 700 devastating her dreams of studying medicine. Unwilling to study aeronautical engineering or veterinary sciences, Anitha found refuge in death.

While Anithas suicide has inspired an outpouring of mournful protest in and around her village, Ariyalur, it has, in certain quarters, evoked the rhetoric of merit and excellence, a trenchant burden placed on students of Tamil Nadu, particularly marginalised and backward Dalit students like Anitha. Designed by the CBSE, however, the NEET is a skewed measure of scientific knowledge, let alone a genuine examination of merit, excellence, and other axioms that determine who deserves access to education in a country that has consistently failed to ensure equitable access and made universal access a distant, lofty dream.

The NEETs design is starkly favourable to the CBSE syllabi  in fact, it is tailored to the advantage of students of the CBSE, creating an educational imbalance unfavourable to students from state educational systems. It was devised in English, extended tardily to Hindi, and disadvantages students educated in the vernacular. From the moment Anitha and students like her  poor and unable to afford the exorbitant training required to engage with national examinations with mechanical expertise, lower-caste, vernacular-medium  were coerced into writing the examination, their failure was premeditated. Far from being a measure of excellence, the NEET is an unpalatable index of privilege. Yet, in India, this is unexceptional.

Ever since affirmative caste discrimination reluctantly made its way into educational institutions, excellence became their gospel. As upper-caste parents and their children have painstakingly attempted the dissipation of caste as identity in the orotundity of being meritorious individuals, excellence has become a regime, even a new untouchability, to marginalise lower-caste students in an insidious structural inequality. Such representations, when normalised, capture the spirit of students from marginalised backgrounds, persuading them of their inadequacy. "They describe us," writes Salman Rushdie in The Satanic Verses, "that is all. They have the power of description, and we succumb to the pictures they construct." It would be myopic to premise Anithas suicide on the NEET  her death invokes an ancient history of power, oppression, violence, and its everlasting descriptions.

How are we, then, to remember Anitha? Her reification in the laundry lists of poor, Dalit, village-girl would be too incomplete, too dishonest. She cannot, as Rohith Vemula reminded us, be reduced to the immediacy of identity and its nearest possibility. Anitha was a lover of science, a formidable student who fought both hardship and a national regime, and a political being who ended her interview with Jai Bhim! Her tragic death threatens not only the basis of a federal polity but the foundations of the national. The Central government, in its unrelenting insistence on forcing a draconian examination on students ill-equipped to engage with it created the theatre.

The Tamil Nadu government, in its uncertain assurances to students like Anitha and expressed its inability to prepare them for the stage. Anithas indefatigable crusade against the NEET is her own idea of India, a damnation of the hollowness of unity in diversity that government after government has unswervingly failed to address. Remembering Anitha must begin with interrogating our inimical fears of diversity and our pasts and presents of excluding the diverse and the different. A nation that refuses to do this abdicates critical responsibility, its grief-stricken prayers and transient smatterings of mourning notwithstanding.
2017 is the 125th year of the state's biggest public festival, started in a modest way by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1894 to rally the masses during the Independence movement and bypass restrictions imposed by the British rulers on public meetings.

Devotees thronged the streets of the city for visarjan, as idols were brought onto the roads to the accompaniment of 'dhols' (drums), cymbals, with thousands dancing and chanting "Ganpati Bappa Moraya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya" (Lord Ganesha bless us, come soon next year), in clouds of auspicious red 'gulaal'.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his family members immersed their idol in an artificial pond outside his home, while several ministers and lawmakers joined the festivities by dancing, playing 'lezim' and beating drums with the public.

Tight security by multiple agencies was in place in Mumbai since the Ganesh Chaturthi on August 25 with over 40,000 personnel of the Mumbai Police, teams of Fire Brigade, the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, disaster management units deployed. Besides, helicopters, high-speed patrol boats and hovercrafts watched over the coastline, and over 5,000 CCTVs closely monitored the western megapolis.

Drones too kept an eye in Mumbai and other cities both for aerial surveillance and for beaming real-time images to the monitoring agencies during the immersion ceremonies.

The main immersion site in Mumbai was the the historic Girgaum Chowpatty which attacted several lakh people, including domestic and foreign tourists.

Top officials like Police Commissioner Datta Padsalgikar and BrihanMumbai Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ajoy Mehta personally kept a tab on all the developments.

Thousands of domestic idols also joined the giants for immersions at the Dadar Chowpatty, Mahim seaface, beaches of Juhu, Versova, Gorai, Madh, Marve, Manori, Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Aarey Milk Colony, natural ponds and artificial water bodies created for an eco-friendly immersion all over Mumbai.

This year, Mumbai hosted around 11,550 big Ganeshotsav celebrations with budgets running into several crores of rupees; 190,000 medium or small groups with budgets of around Rs 500,000 to Rs 5 million, and millions of individual households in Mumbai and rest of Maharashtra.

Naresh Dahibhavkar, the President of BrihanMumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti, said this year there were around 300 gigantic idols in public marquees within the prescribed height limit of 18-feet.

This year, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation made special arrangements for domestic and international tourists from the US, Europe, Japan, Thailand and other countries to view the immersion ceremonies at Girguam and other places as part of its new intiative -- the Ganeshotsav Tourism.

As usual, some of the biggest idols were seen in Mumbai at the famed Lalbaug-cha Raja, Ganesh Gully, Borivali's Kastur Park, Sewri-cha Raja, Andheri-cha Raja, Fort-cha Raja, Khetwadi, Bandra and Shivaji Park which are due for immersions later in the night, with the ceremonies likely to continue till Wednesday dawn.

Post-immersions, several NGOs, celebs, students and volunteers have announced elaborate beach cleaning programmes in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and other parts of the state.
New Delhi: BJP chief Amit Shah will begin a three-day visit to Odisha from Wednesday as part of his 110-day nationwide tour to strengthen the party in the states.

The BJP president is scheduled to meet party legislators and MPs during his visit.

He will hold a separate meeting with state office bearers, district presidents and district prabharis (in-charge), the BJP said in a statement.

Shah will also address a karyakarta maha-adhiveshan or a workers mega conclave.

The BJP has been making significant inroads into the state and is being seen as the primary opposition party to Naveen Patnaiks BJD, which has been ruling Odisha for almost 17 years now.

Earlier this year, the BJP notched an impressive tally in local elections, winning 306 of the 853 zilla parishad seats, up from the 36 seats it had in 2012.
New Delhi: AAP councillors, volunteers and leaders of Opposition in the city's three civic bodies on Wednesday staged a protest against Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, demanding a concrete solution to the national capital's garbage woes.

AAP's Kirari MLA Rituraj torched Tiwari's effigy at the former's constituency to protest the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) decision to dump the city's garbage at Rani Khera, claiming that over five lakh people would be affected by the move.

"People in the area can die (because of this). We will not allow the garbage to be dumped in Rani Khera," he said. The decision to use Rani Khera as an alternative site was taken after a tower of garbage at the Ghazipur landfill site in east Delhi collapsed on September 1, killing two persons.

The AAP blamed the BJP-controlled civic bodies and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the accident. The Kejriwal-led party contended that the corporations could not arrange for an alternative site for years, and that they lacked a long-term solid waste management plan.

"Manoj Tiwari, during the MCD elections this year, had promised the people of Delhi that if the BJP would win the elections, it would, in the first 100 days, completely eradicate any problem related to garbage," the party said in a statement.

It added that the the "MCD's reality has come out in the open after the Ghazipur accident". Tiwari, meanwhile, said that action should be taken against the civic officers responsible for the Ghazipur incident.

He, however, added that the incident could have been avoided if the Delhi government had taken cognisance of it. "The intentions of the Delhi government are not to solve problems but to create a bigger problem by creating a landfill in Yamuna Khadar," Tiwari claimed.

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday came down heavily on the AAP-led Delhi government and the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) over the Ghazipur landfill collapse, saying "nothing can be more humiliating than people being killed under garbage hill".
The gruesome murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh has sent shockwaves through India's body politic. Assailants who pumped bullets into the body of the veteran scribe on Tuesday evening in Bengaluru have escaped. The Congress government in Karanataka has launched a probe by a Special Investigation Team, which will be headed by an IG-level officer.

The assassination has triggered an explosion of outrage. Bike-riding killers fled the scene before they could be identified but a magnitude of voices in media and civil society believe that the murderers were members of right-wing forces. Lankesh was an activist and a vocal critic of right-wing politics. She was recently sentenced to six months in jail for defaming two BJP leaders and was out on bail.

Police have refused to speculate on the cause of murder but her fraternity is convinced that Lankesh, the editor of a Kannada tabloid, paid the price for dissent. According to the Press Club of India, "a fearless and independent journalist who gave voice to many causes and always stood up for justice has been shot dead in the most brutal manner in order to silence her voice," The Guardian reported. The Editor's Guild has called it an assault on freedom of press.

Assuming, however, that Lankesh was indeed killed by right-wing forces, the underlying motive behind the murder seems to be intolerance that aims to crush dissent. Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has held prime minister Narendra Modi responsible for creating "an atmosphere of intolerance" in India which, he claims, is causing a "serious problem".

Sometimes the PM speaks under pressure but the entire idea is to crush dissent and this is resulting in a very serious problem in India  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 6, 2017

The Gandhi scion is right about the fact that intolerance against dissent is a very big problem. But it is disingenuous to suggest that only one political party is responsible for it. Intolerance is a party-agnostic condition in Indian body politic and every political outfit is uncomfortable with dissent. Part of the problem lies in the fact that in India, protest against suppression of dissent is held on the basis of ideology, not principle.

While the civil society and media rightfully erupts in anger against Lankesh's killing, the same degree of outrage and anger is missing when the perpetrators of the crime are not right-wing forces. The Editor's Guild should be applauded for condemning the murder of Lankesh and taking a stand against killing of journalists. India is a particularly bad place for scribes.

One wonders, though, why such prompt condemnation was missing in the case of journalist Rajdev Ranjan, who was shot dead in May 2016 in Siwan, or Shahjahanpur-based fearless journalist Jagendra Singh, who was burnt alive in June 2015 for daring to take on the establishment. In Ranjan's case, the CBI has named RJD strongman and ex-MP Mohammad Shahabuddin as an accused while former UP minister in Samajwadi Party government Ram Murti Verma was charged with the murder of Singh, according to The Times of India.

The Editor's Guild releases statements when CBI raids are conducted against promoters of a TV channel for alleged financial fraud but remains silent when scribes such as 35-year-old Dainik Bhaskar reporter Dharmendra Singh are shot dead in Bihar for taking on the stone-chips mafia, as reported in The New Indian Express.

These double standards take away from the edge of the protest against suppression of dissent and destroys the moral fibre of the fight. The movement for free speech and expression, in absence of fairness, degenerate into a political exercise.

To press the point, let us look at what's happening in West Bengal where the state government is trying all tricks in the book to deny its Opposition legitimate political space. The Indian Constitution guarantees its citizens the freedom to assemble, to criticize the politics and policies of the government and express dissent. These are fundamental to life and liberty. To note, therefore, that the Trinamool Congress government has blocked the BJP and RSS's attempts to hold meetings in Kolkata on flimsiest of grounds is unfortunate. It reeks of Mamata Banerjee regime's blatant intolerance.

In denying permission to BJP president Amit Shah and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's events in the city  scheduled on different days at different venues  and then justifying the action with laughable excuses, the Mamata government has revealed its paranoia. Curiously, there has been little expression of outrage (political or civil) against such heavy-handed tactics.

The local media is largely subservient to the ruling party and instead of speaking truth to power, goes out of its way to endorse TMC's brand of intolerant politics. Some even actively try to broker an anti-BJP coalition with Mamata as the centrifugal force.

The events therefore have gone largely under the radar. According to a report in The Indian Express, Bengal BJP tried to book the state-run Netaji Indoor Stadium for a program featuring Shah scheduled to be held on either 10 or 12 September.

"We had submitted two applications to Netaji Indoor Stadium to book the hall for September 10 or 12. The authorities asked us to collect the confirmation letter on 30 August. However, on that day, they said the stadium was unavailable for booking till Durga Puja, state BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu told the newspaper.

Mahajati Sadan, another state-run venue, first allowed and then denied permission for an 3 October event to be attended by RSS chief Bhagwat. An RSS functionary told The Times of India:"The organisers received a call from the Mahajati Sadan authorities who claimed they need to seek permission from the police to hold the seminar. When they met officers at Lalbazar, they were told the permission is cancelled for maintenance work."

In January this year, the RSS had to obtain a court order to hold a rally in the city after the Mamata regime had similarly blocked Bhagwat from attending a public meeting. This was a repetition of 2014 when the state police had denied VHP the permission to hold a rally and also tried to block Amit Shah from holding one. The BJP president too, had to move the court.

This comes even as the Mamata government has denied permission to Durga Puja organizers to immerse the idol on 1 October, the day of Muharram. "We will request all puja organizers not to hold immersions after 6pm on Dashami, 30 September. No immersions will be allowed on 1 October. As a concession, we will allow immersions till October 4," she was quoted as saying.

It is instructive that Mamata went ahead with her announcement even though she was rapped on the knuckles last year by the Calcutta High Court for doing exactly this. A single judge bench of the high court ruled on 6 October 2016 that the curbs on immersion on account of Muharram were "arbitrary" and a "clear endeavour" by the state to "appease the minority section of the public". The court added that no decision should be taken that could pit one community against another, and that intolerance would rise in the event of such arbitrary decision of the government, according to The Indian Express report.

The point is not just Mamata government's intolerance, but also the failure of the media to uphold the principles of a liberal democracy. TMC MLA Siddiqullah Chowdhury calls Supreme Court verdict on triple talaq unconstitutional, while the media chooses to replicate Mamata's silence over it. This is where the discourse in India on press freedom and right to dissent sounds exceedingly hollow.
This year's student body elections in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), while marked by a lot of hype and news coverage, betray a stark lack of policy ideas and substantive debate among students and student groups. The idea of what a union is has also undergone a sea change. The hegemony of the Left in JNU is based more on rhetoric and social pressure than ideology. The campus is mostly liberal but lacking a liberal party. And with the ABVP far from being one, the communist groups are the sole option for liberal students.

As compared to the two-party Left Unity (AISA [All India Students Association] and SFI [Students Federation of India]) in which DSF (Democratic Students Federation) came a strong second at the Joint Secretary spot last year, the latter has been included in the Left Unity panel this year (AISA, SFI, DSF).

The largest party of the three, AISA, had only agreed to Left Unity last year once the Anmol Ratan rape case damaged its reputation extremely close to election time. In short, the Left Unity project implies a defence mechanism by AISA which can no longer win every seat with its own panel, and to fudge criticism on the issue of gender, offered to share power with other left parties.

Fear of an ABVP victory was not the occasion that led to Left Unity. Most importantly, none of the Left parties were concerned with ABVP victory in the JNUSU elections since Narendra Modi became the prime minister of India  in 2013, 2014, and 2015 JNUSU elections, the main issues were still campus based (with the exception of Kanhaiya Kumar).

A JNUSU presidential candidate needs at least one of two qualities to win on their own terms (and outside a simple partisan vote)  either they need to be articulate and charismatic, or they need to be well-known faces that have been known to be hard workers on student issues. Last year's winner and AISA candidate Mohit Pandey was neither of the two.

The clear favourite for the presidential post in the run up to the final nominations was Geeta Kumari from AISA, representing the United Left panel  the most qualified candidates on paper (whether from AISA or any other party, in ages). She is a twice-elected councillor from two different schools (once from the School of Languages, and once from the School of Social Sciences), and served in the GSCASH for nearly three years  and has a support base beyond her party.

Her frontrunner status was confirmed when the nominations were finalised, by the fact that once Geeta was nominated, every other party fielded a female presidential candidate to cut into her potential vote share  Aparajitha Raja from AISF, Nidhi Tripathi from ABVP, Shabana Ali from BAPSA and Vrinshnika Singh from NSUI.

It would be interesting to see how the new dynamics play out in this scenario. The presidential debate is another factor that could shake up the debate though, over the years, hooting, sectarian disruption and mudslinging by rival camps have led to the desertion of the general body meetings and debates by ordinary.

BAPSA (Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students Association), the Ambedkarite party, is campaigning hard on the slogan "laal-bhagwa ek hai", accusing the Left parties and the ABVP, along with the JNU administration of casteism. The United OBC Forum has extended its support publicly to BAPSA. A small section of Muslim students affiliated with SIO (Students Islamic Organisation) and YFDA (Youth Forum for Discussion and Welfare Activities) claim that the Indian and JNU Left is inherently Islamophobic and that Left candidates coming from the Muslim community are simply "token Muslims".

While in 2016, the Left Unity panel had slandered BAPSA, this year it is BAPSA on the offensive, entering into a dispute with the primarily non-Hindi-speaking SFI on the lines of "English elitism"  a far more emotional appeal than ideological or substantive.

Umar Khalid's party Bhagat Singh Ambedkar Students Organisation is fielding councillor level candidates for the first time, despite being a self-proclaimed anti-Lyngdoh Commission party.

Councillor candidates from most parties are campaigning on central panel and national-level issues, rather than the school and department-level issues they will have jurisdiction over. For example, most Left Unity panel councillor candidates campaigned on taking credit for the #StandWithJNU movement and defeating the ABVP. A BASO candidate campaigned on issues of "national self-determination".

One often is made to wonder whether any of these candidates is even running for a student-level post or for the post of chief minister of a state. Campus-level issues are on the backburner for all parties  the Left is busy decrying the BJP government at the Centre and fear-mongering about an ABVP victory in JNU, while not bothering to unite in Delhi University where the urgency of the unity mission is stronger, and where everyday violence of the ABVP is a major issue.

The Right is busy decrying anti-nationalism on campus, the Ambedkarites are creating a narrative of a casteism and victimisation. However, the highest most amount of mudslinging is coming from parties that are running none or next to few candidates  SIO, YFDA and BASO. Surprisingly, at the councillor level, only ABVP seems to be campaigning on a concrete policy platform, rather than on calls of "Bharat Mata ki jai".

Back in 2013, AISA and SFI had competed against each other, solely on the basis of student issues on campus and by comparing the achievements of their past tenures. Today, even a united Left finds itself unwilling or ideologically incapable of clubbing its achievements and argue on policy.

The main conclusion one comes to is that the divide between public opinion and expectations and the political discourse of parties in JNU is only widening.

The public in JNU and the ordinary students are mostly dissatisfied with what they see as self-righteous but hollow rhetoric from parties that cannot fail to expose their own hypocrisy in the struggle for political power.

Since 2015, campus-level issues have stopped mattering to most parties. Since February 2016, the safety of ordinary students has ceased to be a priority for most student leaders, while TV stunts and self-promotion on the national stage has defined the political culture in JNU for the past few years.

The author is a PhD research scholar in Modern and Contemporary History at Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Coimbatore: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Wednesday claimed his government enjoyed the support of "all the AIADMK MLAs" in the Assembly even as the legislators loyal to sidelined party deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran continued to stay put at a Puducherry resort.

"There are 135 MLAs in the party, including the Speaker, and the government has the support of all of them," he told reporters at the airport in Coimbatore, before leaving for Erode by road.

Stating that 109 MLAs had attended the meeting convened by him in Chennai on Tuesday, Palaniswami said the other party legislators could not be there due to various reasons.

But he asserted that his government had the support of all of them.

His comments come a day after state fisheries minister D Jayakumar claimed that 111 MLAs had attended the meet convened by the chief minister.

According to reports, as many as 17 rebel AIADMK MLAs are currently lodged at a resort in neighbouring Puducherry.

A group of 19 MLAs, loyal to Dhinakaran, had met governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on 22 August, expressed lack of confidence in the chief minister and demanded his ouster.

This was a day after the merger of the AIADMK factions, led by Palaniswami and current deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam respectively.

The strife in the ruling party prompted the Opposition parties to allege that the Palaniswami government had lost the majority in the Assembly. They have been pressing for a floor test in the House.

In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, which has one seat vacant (RK Nagar, represented by late J Jayalalithaa), the AIADMK has 134 MLAs, excluding the Speaker, while the DMK-led Opposition has 98 legislators.

Replying to a question on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), Palaniswami said the state government had exerted "maximum pressure" on the Centre, seeking an exemption to Tamil Nadu from the ambit of the exam.

However, he added that the state had to comply with the Supreme Court directive in this regard.

The recent suicide of a 17-year-old medical aspirant, Anitha, who was believed to be upset over her poor NEET score and the state not getting an exemption from the common eligibility test, had triggered an outrage in Tamil Nadu.

The daughter of a daily wage earner, Anitha was found hanging at her house in Ariyalur district on 1 September.

On DMK working president MK Stalin's criticism about his government, Palaniswami said the Opposition leader had been levelling allegations from day one and added that whatever he said was "incorrect".
tech2 News Staff

In a move that could risk the company's efforts to spread out into one of the world's biggest and fastest growing smartphone markets, Apple has so far refused to give into the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's demand. That demand according to a Bloomberg report, is basically getting the TRAI DND app for iOS devices onto the Apple App Store.

TRAI's DND app for iOS users is basically an anti-spam app which lets users share spam call and text message logs with the agency. TRAI gathers the data and will then send it to mobile operators, helping them block the spammers on the list.

While TRAIs intentions may be clean here; the app clearly violates Apple's privacy policy. And it is the same reason why Apple has refused to add the said app to its App Store despite several meetings with the government.

TRAI chairman Ram Sewak Sharma told Bloomberg, "Nobody's asking Apple to violate its privacy policy,". Oddly, Sharma also made another statement, "It is a ridiculous situation, no company can be allowed to be the guardian of a user's data."

"The problem of who controls user data is getting acute and we have to plug the loose ends," Sharma said. "This is not the regulator versus Apple, but Apple versus its own users."

While Apple's talks with the government never seem to end, last we heard, the company had already begun manufacturing its iPhone SE model locally in Bengaluru. Apple is currently seeking plenty of tax breaks before it can set up local manufacturing in the country. From what we know, the Cupertino technology giant is currently testing the waters with a limited run of the iPhone SE model.

Refusal to accept TRAI's app could mean more problems for Apple as it tries to increase its market share. The company has plans to set up its own Apple Stores in major cities as well.
tech2 News Staff

The Donald Trump administration in the US has ordered an end to the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Meant to protect young undocumented immigrants from deportation, the DACA program gave a lot of young adults the right to work legally in the US.

But the Trump administration, using the anti-immigrant spiel and the justification that DACA results in job losses for native Americans, said that the decision was driven by a concern for 'millions of Americans victimised by this unfair system'.

As is the case with most of Trump administrations policies on immigrations, the tech industry has come out vocally against this decision.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called the decision to end DACA as 'not just wrong, but particularly cruel to young people'.

"The young people covered by DACA are our friends and neighbors. They contribute to our communities and to the economy. I've gotten to know some Dreamers over the past few years, and I've always been impressed by their strength and sense of purpose. They don't deserve to live in fear," said Zuckerberg.

Here is the complete statement put out by Zuckerberg on the matter.

This comes close on the heels of Apple CEO Tim Cook's statement on the matter. "250 of my Apple co-workers are #Dreamers. I stand with them. They deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values," Cook had tweeted on Sunday.

On Friday, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith had criticised the presidential stance.

"We are deeply concerned by news reports about changes to DACA that are under consideration. These changes would not only negatively impact thousands of hardworking people across the US, but will be a step backwards for our entire nation," Smith said in a blog post. "Ending DACA will drastically disrupt the lives of these individuals who willingly came forward to register with the federal government. They could lose their jobs and risk deportation," Smith added.
In an age where major public policies are announced and debated through platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, the courts are increasingly barring public officials from limiting peoples access to social media.

In late July, a Virginia judge ruled that public officials do not have the right to block people who disagree with their views from an official Facebook page. A legal challenge also has been brought by people blocked from the presidents @realDonaldTrump Twitter feed.

And in August, the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine sued on behalf of two residents who claim the governor violated their First Amendment rights by blocking them from posting on his Paul LePage, Maines Governor Facebook page.

In the Virginia case, resident Brian Davison sued Loudoun County Board Chairwoman Phyllis Randall for blocking access to her Facebook page after he posted allegations that school board members and their families had possible conflicts of interest. The block lasted only a few hours, before Randall reconsidered, but even that was deemed unacceptable.

Defendants actions, while relatively inconsequential as a practical matter, did in fact violate plaintiffs right of free speech under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and  the Constitution of Virginia, wrote Judge James Cacheris for the U.S. District Court in Alexandria.

The judge noted that Randalls Facebook page listed her official county contact information and that she had asked constituents to use the page to convey their thoughts about county business. It was not, he concluded, merely a personal website that she may do with as she pleases.

In the Trump Twitter case filed July 11, eight plaintiffs including the Knight First Amendment Institute alleged that the president violated the Constitution by excluding people who disagree with him from his Twitter feed.

President Trumps Twitter account, @realDonaldTrump, has become an important source of news and information about the government, and an important public forum for speech by, to, and about the President, the suit states.

Tom Kamenick, deputy counsel for the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty, a nonprofit that promotes individual freedom, said experts disagree about whether the @realDonaldTrump Twitter account would fall under the First Amendment.

Simply because a public official maintains a social media account does not make it an official government account, said Kamenick, who serves on the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council.

Whether it is an official account could depend on the accounts name, the types of messages posted on it and whether government resources are used to maintain it, Kamenick said. But if its an official account, he said, the government cannot engage in viewpoint discrimination by blocking users or deleting comments for expressing a particular opinion.

Scot Ross, executive director of the liberal advocacy group One Wisconsin Now, said that is exactly what is happening with his organization. The group is blocked from the official accounts of Republican state Reps. Jesse Kremer (@repjessekremer), Robin Vos (@repvos) and John Nygren (@rep89) as well as the account of Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke (who recently announced his resignation), he said.

They oppose our views and have all blocked us in what we believe is a violation of both the First Amendment and the states open record laws, Ross said.

Facebook and Twitter are fast becoming the new town squares. Officials should not be allowed to wall them off.
AFP

Europe's anti-trust chief Margrethe Vestager on 4 September said Google's proposals to comply with an EU order to modify its shopping service pointed in the "right direction".

"It is less than a week since we got the letter so we have to go a bit more in depth before we can say anything," Vestager told AFP just months after slapping Google with a record 2.4 bn Euro ($2.8-billion) fine over the issue.

"But so far from the look of it... there are things that point in the very right direction," she said. Hard-charging Vestager, former Danish finance minister, hit Google with the mega fine in June for illegally favouring its shopping service in search results.

Google, which was given 90 days to comply or face further fines, submitted details of its offer to the EU last week, which Vestager said her teams were carefully evaluating. "We are in the process to see if they are sort of on the right track, but we do not approve it before they go ahead," Vestager told AFP during an interview at her office at EU headquarters.

"It is for Google to take their responsibility to comply," she said. The fine over Google Shopping broke the previous European Union record for a monopoly case against US chipmaker Intel of 1.06 billion euros in 2009 and made the EU the global leader in regulating Silicon Valley giants.

Brussels accuses Google of giving its own service too much priority in search results to the detriment of other price comparison services, such as TripAdvisor and Expedia. The verdict came less than a year after Vestager shocked Washington and the world with an order that iPhone manufacturer Apple repay 13 bn Euros in back taxes in Ireland  against Dublin's wishes.

Vestager insisted that the issue "will not delay anything" in a separate case over Google's Android mobile operating system.
Reuters

European Union banks facing increasing competition from financial technology firms could find it easier to invest in software under rule changes being discussed with regulators.

EU banking rules treat software as a cost rather than an investment, forcing lenders to cover expenditure on digital applications with an equal amount of capital.

But with banks threatened by a growing number of cyber attacks and under pressure from nimble new entrants to the sector, regulators are now considering changes.

"The Commission services are in a dialogue with stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the interaction between accounting and prudential treatment of software," a European Commission spokeswoman told Reuters.

"We will envisage appropriate action if needed."

The Commission, which proposes laws at the EU level, shied away from the issue in an overhaul of banking rules last year, despite lobbying from banks in the region.

If expenditure on software, which amounts to roughly half of banks' total digital investment, were treated in the EU as it is in the US it could free up more than 20 billion Euros ($24 billion) in capital this year alone, one banking lobbyist said.

"It would help immensely if the Commission recognised the importance of this issue," Wim Mijs, head of the European Banking Federation, said.

Digital Divide

Many European banks have been slow to invest in adapting to rapid changes in the way consumers use technology for finance, with so-called fintech firms starting to steal market share in a variety of sectors from payments to lending.

Fintech companies have also attracted the money needed to develop new technologies, with global investment worldwide in the sector more than $100 bn dollars at the end of 2016, data cited by the Bank for International Settlements shows.

Although fintech is still relatively small, the BIS warned of the "increasing challenge" it poses to banks, which have in many cases reacted by buying startups and their technologies.

They are also investing in upgrading their digital infrastructure, with a recent report from Celent, a financial services consulting firm, forecasting European banks would spend more than 60 billion Euros ($71 billion) in software and information technology this year.

Banks argue software is a key component of their business, as customers demand more digital products such as mobile payments or online services.

As software becomes more bank-specific, it increases in value and should, therefore, be incorporated in capital, as is the case for tangible assets like buildings, banks say. This would reduce the amount of cash they have to hold to cover digital expenses under EU rules.

However, the European Banking Authority (EBA) said changes to existing rules should be treated "with the highest caution".

If banks were free to set aside less capital to cover software expenses, they could end up with a lower capital ratio, which may increase risks.

Bonus Block

Banks are also seeking clearer exemptions for digital experts to EU rules which were introduced after the financial crisis to limiting bonuses to 100 percent of bankers' salaries.

Banks say this hinders acquisitions of fintech firms, as high-ranking digital staff are used to big bonuses which they may have to relinquish if they become bank employees.

The Commission says the rules already provide exemptions for digital experts, but banks want the EU to clarify them to avoid "unintended consequences," Mijs said.
Reuters

Facebook Inc is gearing up to make money from WhatsApp, the messaging service used by more than a billion people every day, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday.

WhatsApp will be testing new features to make it easier for people to communicate with businesses they want to reach on WhatsApp, the messaging service said in a blog post.

Were building and testing new tools via a free WhatsApp Business app for small companies and an enterprise solution for bigger companies operating at a large scale with a global base of customers, like airlines, e-commerce sites, and banks, according to the blog post.

WhatsApp has already started a pilot program that would feature a green badge next to a business contact, indicating that the business was verified by the messaging service.

"We do intend on charging businesses in the future," Chief Operating Officer Matt Idema told the Journal in an interview.

Reuters had reported in March that a potential revenue source for WhatsApp was to charge businesses that want to contact customers, citing company documents.

Started in 2009, WhatsApp was acquired by Facebook for an eye-popping $22 billion in 2014. While WhatsApp had little revenue at the time of the deal, the purchase price was slightly more than the market value of Sony Corp.

Facebook has not focused on WhatsApp so far. The social network had started showing ads inside its Messenger app in July to further monetise the chat service.

Idema declined to describe the paid features or say when they would make their debut, according to the report. We dont have the details of monetisation figured out, he told the Journal.
tech2 News Staff

Google Pixel 2 launch is about a month away and there have been rumours flying around that it would be the first smartphone series to house the Qualcomm Snapdragon 836 chipset. Tipster Evan Blass had tweeted that the phones would launch on 5 October and would house Snapdragon 836. But according to a report in Android Police, that is not the case as the Snapdragon 836 does not exist.

Android Police spoke to sources familiar with Qualcomm plans, who have confirmed that there hasn't been a Snapdragon 836 in the works. XDA Developers has also confirmed with sources that the next premium SoC from Qualcomm will not be the Snapdragon 836.

The Google Pixel 2 (to be made by HTC) and the Pixel 2 XL (to be made by LG) will be housing the same chipset that is being seen on current flagship smartphones  Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. According to an FCC filing for Pixel 2, it has been confirmed that the chipset housed inside it would be the Snapdragon 835.

In the past, Qualcomm has released slightly improved versions of its flagship chipsets  as we had seen with the Snapdragon 800 / 801 and last year with the Snapdragon 820 / 821. In fact, Google Pixel had launched last year with the Snapdragon 821 SoC.

Recent rumours have placed the size of the Google Pixel 2 XL at 5.99-inch. According to PhoneArena, apart from the size differences between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, the Pixel 2 XL is also expected to sport bezel-less display whereas the Pixel 2 will retain the design language of the first generation Pixel.

Unlike last year, when both the Pixel and Pixel XL were made by HTC, this time around, Google has employed two phone makers. While HTC will continue to make the Pixel 2, the large display Pixel 2 XL will be made by LG.

The Pixel 2 XL is expected to sport a 5.99-inch QHD OLED display and will have a taller bezel-less display. The HTC-made Pixel 2, on the other hand, is expected to sport a 4.97-inch FullHD OLED display with larger bezels. The site also states that audio jack will not be present on the Pixel 2 as well as the Pixel 2 XL.
IANS

As Apple prepares to launch its next flagship device  probably iPhone 8  on 12 September, Chinese smartphone maker Huawei has surpassed Apple for the first time in global smartphone sales consistently for June and July.

With August sales looking strong for the Chinese vendor, a hat-trick for Huawei, which is now at second spot after South Korean giant Samsung, could be on the cards, said Counterpoint Research's 'Market Pulse for July 2017' on Tuesday.

"This is a significant milestone for Huawei. The global scale Huawei has been able to achieve can be attributed to its consistent investment in R&D and manufacturing, coupled with aggressive marketing and sales channel expansion," Counterpoint's Research Director Peter Richardson said in a statement.

While this streak could be temporary, considering the annual iPhone refresh is just around the corner, it nevertheless underscores the rate at which Huawei has been growing.

"However, a weak presence in the South Asian, Indian and North American markets limits Huawei's potential in the near-to mid-term to take a sustainable second place position behind Samsung," Richardson added.

According to Tarun Pathak, Counterpoint's Associate Director, the growth of Chinese brands is an important trend which no player in the mobile ecosystem can ignore.

"Chinese brands are growing swiftly thanks not only to smartphone design, manufacturing capability and rich feature sets, but also by out-smarting and out-spending rivals in sales channels, go-to-market and marketing promotion strategies," Pathak said.

Huawei, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi have successfully gained access to key supply chain partners, which has allowed them to launch designs with bezel-free, full displays, Augmented Reality, in-house chipsets and advanced camera features.

"Chinese vendors have become as equally important as Samsung or Apple to the global supply chain, application developers and distribution channels, as they continue to grow in scale more rapidly than the incumbent market share leaders," Pathak noted.

Apple continues to drive its flagship momentum with iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

Oppo has been one of the fastest growing brands globally thanks to the popularity of models including the flagship OPPO R11 and the mid-tier OPPO A57.

These were followed by Samsung's flagship Galaxy S8, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X and Samsung Galaxy S8+.

Apple's 32GB refresh of the venerable iPhone 6 enabled it to regain momentum during the month, with popularity across prepaid markets to edge out Samsung's Galaxy J7.

"While Huawei has trimmed its portfolio, it likely needs to further streamline its product range like Oppo and Xiaomi  putting more muscle behind fewer products.," said senior analyst Pavel Naiya.
Asheeta Regidi

The highest court of appeal of the European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday restricted an employers right to monitor its employees workplace communications. The ruling given in Barbulescu v. Romania overturned the ruling of a lower Court that the monitoring was reasonable in the context of disciplinary proceedings. The case involved the dismissal of an employee based on a weeks chat transcripts with his brother and fiancee on personal matters.

The recognition of a fundamental right to privacy, and the expected data protection law in India has private companies worried about the implications for them. While this decision of a European Court can hardly be expected to have a direct impact on workplaces in India, it draws the attention to practices such as employee monitoring and surveillance. Employers and employees alike need to be aware of surveillance which is and isnt valid.

Privacy protections to employees under current laws

Under current privacy laws in India, employers are required to adopt reasonable security practices to protect sensitive personal data of employees, which is in their possession. This applies to a limited category of data like medical records, financial records, biometric information, etc. If a loss results to an employee due to lack of these security practices, the employee will be entitled to compensation under Section 43A of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

The forthcoming data protection law can be expected to have further implications for the collection, use and storage of employee data, including their communications.

Impact of the fundamental right to privacy on the workplace

In the meanwhile, the recognition of a fundamental right to privacy by the Supreme Court can have implications for the privacy practices of employers. As discussed in a previous article, a fundamental right may be enforceable against private persons under certain circumstances. These include the enforcement of a fundamental right against private persons, issued in a matter of public interest. The Vishakha guidelines on sexual harassment are evidence of a fundamental right being enforced against workplaces in general.

It is thus very much possible for an employee to take an employer to court for practices which violate his fundamental right to privacy.

Workplace surveillance is legal

Employees must remember that it is unlikely that workplace monitoring and surveillance will in itself be prohibited. Globally, such practices, whether for the enforcement of discipline or for the protection of business interests, are generally considered to be valid. It is crucial, however, that the surveillance be reasonable, and that the employees be aware of the surveillance.

The European Court, for instance, describes the need to strike a balance between the employees right to respect for his private life, and the employers right to ensure the smooth running of the company. The general idea is to establish where employees can reasonably expect to have privacy, such as on their personal devices, and where they cannot, such as on work devices.

Suggestions for safeguarding privacy in the workplace

In the absence of specific guidelines, it is advisable for employers to safeguard privacy in the workplace. At the same time, employees need to be aware of what practices are reasonable and what are not.

With a focus on employee surveillance and monitoring of communications, some precautions which employers can take can be derived from the European Courts judgment on the issue, as well as the general privacy principles outlined in Justice A.P. Shahs report on privacy:

Notice: Notice is the most important factor when conducting employee surveillance and monitoring. Employees need to be adequately informed of the fact or possibility of the surveillance, the nature and extent of the surveillance, and the use the information collected can be put to.

This includes but is not limited to notice at the time of hiring and privacy policies displayed prominently in the workplace. One of the reasons behind the European Courts decision in Barbulescu v. Romania was that the employee had not received adequate prior notice of the fact of the surveillance.

Consent: Taking employee consent in writing is important for employers to protect themselves. However, notice being the most important factor, consent without proper notice to the employee may not be adequate. Despite contractual consent, the employee must be adequately informed of factors like the nature and extent of the monitoring. For example, if the employee uses his personal device for work, to what extent is the personal device monitored?

Degree of intrusion: The extent of monitoring and degree of intrusion are important factors. It is crucial to establish a difference between monitoring the flow of communications, such as whether the mail was sent to a professional or personal contact, and accessing the actual content of the communications, i.e., actually reading the message. An employer may be justified in actually reading the content of a business email, but not a personal mail. If a less invasive form of surveillance is possible, it is to be preferred.

For example, the European Court considered the reading of the employees personal chat transcripts as violative, even if the chatting was done on a work device.

Justify the intrusion: The employer must have legitimate reasons to justify the need for and extent of workplace surveillance. A greater degree of intrusion, such as the need to access the content of the communication will need weightier justification.

Consequences: The employee must be informed of the consequences for him, such as the possibility of termination of employment on finding private communications in work hours.

Use of collected data: Employees must be informed of the use the data collected can be put to, for example, will the data be archived, will the data be erased after the employee leaves employment, etc.

Employee safeguards: Employees must be provided with adequate safeguards against employer monitoring, such as preventing access to actual content.

BYOD: In the era of BYOD, it is a good practice to require separate devices for work and private purposes. This will also establish where the employee can reasonably expect an intrusion of his privacy and where he cannot.

Note: The suggestions outlined here are of a general nature and are not to be construed as legal advice.

Asheeta Regidi is a lawyer and author specializing in cyber law, and a certified information privacy professional.
tech2 News Staff

Xiaomi has said that it is open to moving its servers to India, a report by Economic Times (ET) claims. However, the company has said that the move is dependent on Xiaomi's Cloud service providing partner setting up base in India.

Xiaomi's comments on moving its servers to India makes it the first overseas company to openly admit of doing so according to ET.

Xiaomi VP and MD for operations in India Manu Kumar Jain told ET, All our servers are sitting on AWS (Amazon Web Services) in Singapore and US. If AWS moves to India, we would be happy to work with them."

Cloud service providers like AWS or Microsoft Azure already have servers in India, however, ET did not get a comment from Jain on whether Xiaomi was in talks with Amazon for bringing its servers to India. He did mention to them that connectivity between India and Singapore was best in terms of internet speeds.

This comes after Xiaomi released its first Google powered Android One smartphone called the Mi A1 in India at a price of Rs 14,999. The phone will be available exclusively on Flipkart and Xiaomi's online mobile store and also be available offline in Mi Home stores across India. It will start selling from 12 September at 12 pm.
After international condemnation at 2017 BRICS Summit of terror groups in Islamabad posing threat to regional security, Pakistan's foreign minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday acknowledged the need to restrict the activities of terror groups so that the country can tell the world that it has put its house in order.

During an appearance at Geo News channel, he admitted that outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad are operating from their soil. According to an India Today report, Asif said, "we should impose some restrictions on the activities of the elements like LeT and JeM, so that we can show the global community that we have put our house in order."

He also indicated that Pakistan can no longer test its friends such as China on the issue of terrorism. China had opposed India's efforts to include Pakistan-based terror groups in the declaration issued after the last BRICS Summit in Goa. However in the current dynamic scenario, he said that Islamabad can no longer test Beijing.

He attempted to dilute China's role in the BRICS declaration by saying that other countries are also a part of the group.

"As long as we turn a blind eye to these organisations in our country we will continue to face such embarrassments," Asif said, according to a Hindustan Times report. He was referring to the joint declaration by BRICS nations, which included JeM, LeT and Haqqani network for the first time.

The Pakistan-based terror outfits have been included in the declaration due to concerns about their violent activities in the region, China said. "These organisations are all sanctioned by the UN Security Council and have a significant impact for Afghanistan issue," foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said. Notably, this is for the first time China has agreed to include Pakistan-based terror groups in BRICS declaration.

Asif further said that Pakistan needs to ask itself if it had fully implemented the National Action Plan on terrorism that was framed after the terrorist attack on a Peshawar school in 2014. Did we take the measures we had decided (to take), besides Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Raddul Fassad and Khyber 4, during the last three years? Did we show the world that we acted according to the resolve we made in 2014? India Today report quoted him as saying.

While saying that the Pakistan Army has done its part, he said, "As long as they (terror groups) are out in the public, others wont believe us."

Pakistan has, however rejected the BRICS declaration with the defense minister saying no group operates freely inside the country. These organizations, they have some of their remnants in Pakistan, which were cleaning," defence minister Khurram Dastagir Khan told the Geo TV channel.
Dhaka: Six bodies have been recovered after a boat carrying dozens of Rohingyas capsised in the Bay of Bengal close to Bangladesh's border with Myanmar, an official said.

It also left an unknown number of people missing, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lieutenant Colonel SM Ariful Islam of the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) told Xinhua on Wednesday that "six bodies were recovered this morning".

He could not tell when the boat capsised but guessed that it may have capsized "sometime yesterday (Tuesday)".

On receipt of information, he said the BGB, Bangladesh's Navy and Coast Guard rushed to the spot for rescue operations and to recover the bodies which were floating in the waters near Shah Porir Island, some 292 km from Dhaka.

Islam said there was no information about how many passengers of the sunken boat managed to swim ashore. He said usually Rohingya refugees come in small boats which can carry only 25-30 people.
Editor's Note: De facto leader of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the nation in a live TV address on 19 September, 2017 where the Nobel laureate, first time in several months, broke her silence in the ongoing Rohingya exodus. This article, originally published on 6 September, 2017. is being republished in the view of the address.

Myanmar's state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1991 for her "non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights" is facing mounting criticism for her handling of the Rohingya crisis in the country and for human rights violations. She vowed to create a world free from the homeless in her Nobel text and bringing peace to her troubled nation was her priority. However, the very characteristics that she embodied are being questioned now. With Myanmar facing increasing criticism from world over for its treatment of Rohingya Muslims and human rights violations, demands to take back Suu Kyi's Nobel prize have also been rising.

A leader who once represented great hope and exemplified courage is today being condemned by fellow Nobel winners and other world leaders. Malala Yousafzai, the youngest recipient of the Nobel peace prize called on Suu Kyi to condemn the tragic and shameful treatment of the Rohingya population.

United for human rights calls her a living expression of people's determination to gain political and economic freedom. Yet, under her leadership, the freedom of Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar is not just under threat but is lost. They are fleeing persecution and migrating to either Bangladesh or India. At least 1,23,000 Rohingyas have crossed the border into Bangaldesh to flee violence in Rakhine state.

Many started calling her 'Myanmar's Mandela' for her role in trying to bring democracy in Myanmar. With remarkable similarities between Suu Kyi and Mandela's life, she was seen as this decade's answer to Mother Teresa and Mandela. The Guardian writes that she was like a saintly figure whom every politician and celebrity wanted to touch in the hope that some of the sanctity rubbed off.

Suu Kyi was lauded on the global stage and praised for her refusal to incite violence while under house arrest after winning the presidential election, which Myanmar's ruling military did not accept. She took over a disturbed nation and her task was cut out from the very beginning. She had to put the balm on numerous wounds left behind by a military dictatorship. She was expected to re-unite the country and bring peace to conflicted areas.

After just over a year of accolades and praises, the picture seems bleak and dark. As CNN reports, protesters in Myanmar are burning effigies of Suu Kyi because they are furious at her failure to act while Myanmar's military lays waste to land held by the Rohingyas. It has sparked public anger after a mass exodus of the minority community fleeing persecution.

The latest exodus began on 25 August, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

Suu Kyi broke her deafening silence for the first time on the violence on Rohingyas on Wednesday, alleging a "huge iceberg of misinformation" was distorting the picture of the Rohingya crisis.

In her first comments since Rohingya militant attacks sparked unrest, Suu Kyi said fake news was "calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities" and to promote "the interest of the terrorists."

She further said that terrorism is new for Myanmar but the government will do its best to make sure that this does not expand and spread all over Rakhine.

Suu Kyi, however, did not condemn the violence or proclaimed support for the Rohingyas. Rather, she insinuated that the reports of the Rohingya crisis only promote "the interests of the terrorists."

CNN quoted founder of human rights groups Fortify Rights Matthew Smith as saying, "These are mass killings and they're taking place right now and Aung San Suu Kyi's office is not only doing nothing to stop it  in some ways they're throwing fuel on the fire."

Suu Kyi, who was seen as an example of the "power of the powerless" has been under criticism since 2013 for not standing up to the Rohingyas. In an interview, she had said, "This is what the world needs to understand, that the fear is not just on the side of the Muslims, but on the side of the Buddhists as well."

She has also been censured for her unwillingness to criticise the military, against whom she initially fought. The Washington Post Editorial Board wanted to point her towards her Nobel text. The text summoned an aim "to create a world free from the displaced, the homeless and the hopeless ... a world of which each and every corner is a true sanctuary where the inhabitants will have the freedom and the capacity to live in peace."

However, as the board concluded, "This is not the world of the Rohingya in today's Burma."

Apart from the Rohingyas, public anger has also been rising because of a spur in online defamation cases and a legal framework that still allows generals to jail people. Myanmar Now reported that online defamation cases have skyrocketed since Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy came to power in 2016, raising concerns about the freedom of expression in Myanmar. Civilian critics, journalists and media professionals have been targeted.

Even as the pressure builds up, Suu Kyi seems in no hurry to amend this law. "In the last year, we've seen an alarming increase in the number of people being arrested and charged for their peaceful online activities  in some cases, simply sharing images or articles which mock the military or the government," James Gomez, Amnesty International Director for South East Asia and the Pacific, said.

People who remember her "electric" speeches during 15-years of her house arrest lament her questionable leadership style now. The Guardian quoted a researcher with Human Rights Watch as saying, "She was funny. She was informative. She was principled And I think it's lamentable that she's not doing the equivalent of that now."

Critics claim that she is legitimising genocide by not speaking out against the persecution that the Rohingyas face and she has often been accused of abandoning the principles for which she was awarded the peace prize.

Interesting, when she went to Norway to collect the peace prize, she was asked if she considers Rohingyas as citizens of Myanmar and she replied, "I dont know."

Her conspicuous silence on the Rohingyas despite global outrage and her inability to lift some of the draconian restrictions has slowly but evidently led to a fall in popularity. As the military continues to wage war against ethnic groups in Myanmar, some label Suu Kyi as a "democratic dictator" and Japan Times notes that she is a one-person show who surrounds herself with close friends and loyalists without nurturing a new generation of leaders.
Nearly 8,00,000 young immigrants  including 7,000 Indian-Americans  who were brought to the US illegally as children or overstayed their visas may have their lives disrupted after the Donald Trump administration in the US announced on Tuesday it is ending the Barack Obama-era program that protected them from deportation.

The programme  Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA)  was a key immigration reform of the former US president Barack Obama.

Trump's announcement led to a negative reaction from many leaders and media organisations across the world.

Obama himself decried Trump's decision, calling it "wrong," "self-defeating" and "cruel."

"To target these young people is wrong, because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel," he said.

"What if our kid's science teacher, or our friendly neighbour, turns out to be a Dreamer? Where are we supposed to send her? To a country she doesn't know or remember, with a language she may not even speak?" Obama questioned.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg also criticised the decision.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also joined 300 tech leaders who had signed a letter last week, urging President Trump to uphold DACA.

Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto also expressed regret over the decision, reported AFP.

"Mexico deeply regrets the cancellation" of the program known as DACA, Pena Nieto said in a tweet.

"The Mexican government will urge US authorities to find a swift, permanent solution that gives legal certainty to the young people of DACA," he wrote.

Some 625,000 Mexicans are protected under DACA, according to the Mexican foreign ministry.

Pena Nieto said they would be welcomed "with open arms" in Mexico if they ended up being deported to the country of their birth, where many have barely ever lived.

Mexico has a "moral imperative" to lobby the Trump administration and Congress to quickly resolve the legal gray area, Mexico's deputy foreign minister Carlos Sada told a press conference.

"There is no question that setting immigration policy in the United States is the exclusive role of the American people and their institutions," the foreign ministry said.

"However, our country cannot ignore the fact that thousands of young people born in Mexico will likely be affected by today's decision."

The issue of Mexican immigration to the United States has strained relations between the two neighbors since Trump took office.

El Salvador also said it will defend the mooted law protecting migrants in the US Congress.

Between 30,000 and 60,000 Salvadorans have benefited from the amnesty program.

"In the coming months, the decision on the future of the DACA program will be before the United States Congress, and it is there we are going to direct all our energies," Salvadoran foreign minister Hugo Martinez told a news conference.

He said he would travel to Washington next week to lobby for the diplomatic initiative.

Guatemala, another Central American country that has been a source for undocumented migrants to the US, also decried the announced end of the DACA amnesty.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz in an article called Trump's decision a "cruel and unusual punishment". Saying that it was unusual for any government to drive away "an unparalleled pool of potential citizens", the article further said, "But cruelty is the trademark of Donald Trump and, by extension, of his presidency. He was cruel to the point of sadism during his election campaign, when no insult and no abuse were beyond the pale in his annihilation of his opponents. And he was cruel during the campaign and throughout his still-fledgling presidency in his branding of Mexicans as rapists, of Muslims as potential terrorists and of transgender people as unfit for military service."

Even though Trump had earlier claimed that he had compassion for young immigrants, political analyst Rick Tyler called it "baloney". "Baloney. I would think so, but I dont think Trump is capable of empathy. He makes decisions based on how he believes hes perceived. Its unadulterated populism," The Guardian quoted him as saying.

With inputs from agencies
Moscow: Russian president Vladimir Putin refrained from criticizing US president Donald Trump at a news conference in China on Tuesday, but said a decision to shutter Russian diplomatic outposts in the US was poorly handled.

Speaking at a news conference during a summit in China on Tuesday, Putin dismissed as "naive" a question about whether he was disappointed in Trump.

In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is "not my bride, and I'm not his groom."

Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be "absolutely wrong" for Russia to discuss domestic US politics.

Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected in 2016, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further US sanctions on Russia and the US decision to close Russian diplomatic outposts have raised concerns that the two countries remain far apart.

The Trump administration last week ordered the closure of three Russian facilities in the US. The San Francisco consulate and trade missions in New York and Washington. It was the latest in a series of escalating retaliatory measures between the former Cold War foes.

Putin said the US had a right to close consulates but "it was done in such a rude way."

"It is hard to hold a dialogue with people who mix Austria with Australia," he continued, an apparent reference to a decade-old gaffe by George W Bush, who during a 2007 visit to Sydney referred to Austrian troops when he meant Australian troops.

"The American nation, America is truly a great country and a great people if they can tolerate such a big number of people with such a low level of political culture," Putin said.
The calls began in the hours before Donald Trump took the oath of office. The president-elect was attending a morning prayer service and many in the party were celebrating a long-awaited return to power. But the incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus was in a van, parked outside St John's Episcopal Church, fielding phone calls from anxious Republicans all asking the same question: What was the new president going to do about DACA?

The Inauguration Day worries about Trump's campaign promise to "immediately terminate" the programme that protects some young immigrants from deportation would soon turn into a quiet lobbying push from powerful Trump advisers, public pressure from business groups, a deadline from Republican state officials and a tug-of-war within the West Wing. After months of wrestling with a decision, Trump on Tuesday declared he would slowly unwind the programme  while he hoped Congress would do "something".

He declared on Tuesday that he loves the "Dreamers" who could face deportation but insisted it's up to Congress, not him, to address their plight.

Trump didn't specify what he wanted to be done, essentially sending a six-month time bomb to his fellow Republicans in Congress who have no consensus on how to defuse it.

On Twitter Tuesday night, he wrote:

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

The president tried to have it both ways with his compromise plan: fulfilling his campaign promise to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme, or DACA, while at the same time showing compassion for those who would lose deportation protection and the ability to work legally in the US. New applications will be rejected and the programme will be formally rescinded, but the administration will continue to renew existing two-year work permits for the next six months, giving Congress time to act.

"I have a love for these people and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly," Trump told reporters. Yet at the same time, the White House distributed talking points to members of Congress that included a dark warning: "The Department of Homeland Security urges DACA recipients to use the time remaining on their work authorizations to prepare for and arrange their departure from the United States."

Although Trump's announcement had been anticipated in recent days, it still left young people covered by the DACA programme reeling. "You just feel like you are empty," said a sobbing Paola Martinez, 23, who came to the US from Colombia and recently graduated with a civil engineering degree from Florida International University Their predicament now shifts to Congress, which has repeatedly tried  and failed  to pass immigration legislation.

What is the 'Dreamers' programme?

In a presidential order in June 2012, President Barack Obama launched DACA that aimed to provide a stable future for people who arrived in the country illegally as children and stayed. Dubbed "Dreamers", they were granted under the presidential order the right to remain and study or work legally, renewing their status regularly.

The programme was devised after Congress failed to pass legislation to address the status of millions of illegal immigrants who had lived in the country for decades, many with families, permanent homes and businesses.

DACA applied to people who were under the age of 31 as of 15 June, 2012, and had been continually present in the United States since 2007. It covered anyone in school or who had a graduate certificate, who was serving in the armed forces, and who had never been convicted of a serious crime.

Why end DACA?

But Trump argued that DACA protected people who broke US laws and was unfair to legal immigrants. He said that it encroached on Congress's power to make immigration laws.

The government also argued that legal challenges by a number of states made DACA and a 2014 sister programme, DAPA, untenable.

DAPA was a proposed Obama programme to open the way for other illegal immigrants, those who came as adults, to gain legal status, but was blocked from implementation by legal challenges. Recently Texas led other states in a threatened action to similarly seek to block DACA.

Faced with legal challenges, the Trump administration said it falls to Congress to fix the problem, not the executive branch.

But legal experts say Obama's DACA order was constitutionally sound and would survive court challenges. "The least disruptive alternative would have been to let the DACA programme continue," said Stephen Yale-Loehr of Cornell University.

What happens to the Dreamers?

Encouraged by Obama's move, about 800,000 people registered under DACA, confident that they would be safe from expulsion. Now the government has access to all their personal data, making it hard for most to hide.

About 200,000 of them will see their resident permits expire by the end of 2017. Another 275,000 expire in 2018, and the rest between January and August 2019.

Under Trump's order, those with permits are safe until their expiry. People with permits that expire within the next six months  before 5 March, 2018  can apply to renew them before 5 October. But new applications will not be accepted.

Once their DACA permits expire, individuals will not have the legal right to work, and theoretically, could be deported any time  though the current policy only threatens illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes.

The White House has indicated that the six month grace period gives Congress an opportunity, if it wants, to come up with legislation that could replace DACA and strengthen its legal foundations.

Nearly 8,000 Indians to face deportation

According to a Hindustan Times report, out of an estimated 7,87,000 people granted protection from deportation under DACA, 7,881 came from India, according to the latest data published by the regulating agency, the US Customs and Immigration Services.

Also, an additional 14,000 undocumented immigrants from India were among the 1.9 million people eligible for DACA, according to the Migration Policy Institute, which tracks and studies immigration in the US. India has also emerged as a top country of origin for legal immigrants.

Whereas, Times of India claims that the number of such people from India, could be more than 20,000, according to an estimate carried out by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).

"Over 27,000 Asian Americans, including 5,500 Indians and Pakistanis, have already received DACA. An additional estimated 17,000 individuals from India and 6,000 Pakistan respectively are eligible for DACA, placing India in the top ten countries for DACA eligibility," SAALT said.

With inputs from AP and AFP
St John's (Antigua): The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean early on Wednesday, churning along a path pointing to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba before possibly heading for Florida over the weekend.

The eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 1:47 am (local time), the National Weather Service said. Residents said over the local radio that phone lines went down. Heavy rain and howling winds raked the neighboring island of Antigua, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

Officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's "onslaught" in a statement that closed with: "May God protect us all."

In Barbuda, the storm ripped off the roof of the island's police station forcing officers to seek refuge in the nearby fire station and at the community center that served as an official shelter.

The Category 5 storm also knocked out communication between islands. Midcie Francis of the National Office of Disaster Services confirmed there was damage to several homes, but said it was too early to do tally or assess the extent of the damage.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Fernandez, who has temporary oversight for disaster management told The Associated Press via text that the northern end of the island was hit hard by the storm. He did not elaborate on the extent of the damage.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph), according to the US National Hurricane Center. It's forecast early on Wednesday was for the winds to fluctuate slightly but for the storm to remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two.

The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico through the day on Wednesday.

"I hear it's a Category 5 now and I'm terrified," Antigua resident Carol Joseph said on Wednesday as she finished her last trip to the supermarket before seeking shelter.

"I had to come back for more batteries because I don't know how long the current will be off."

On the 108-square-mile island, people who live in low-lying areas were staying with friends and relatives on higher ground or sleeping in churches, schools and community facilities built to withstand hurricanes. None of the shelters have yet been tested by Category 5 winds, however.

Many homes in Antigua and Barbuda are not built on concrete foundations or have poorly constructed wooden roofs that are susceptible to wind damage. Other islands in the path of the storm included the Virgin Islands and Anguilla, a small, low-lying territory of about 15,000 people.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma is moving over water that is 1.8 degrees (1 degree Celsius) warmer than normal. The 79 degree (26 Celsius) water that hurricanes need goes about 250 feet deep (80 meters), said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private forecasting service Weather Underground.

Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which is usually home to warmer waters that fuel cyclones. Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Keys storm all had 185 mph winds.

"This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane," US Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp warned. "It's not the time to get on a surfboard."

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating the six islands in the south because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the "potentially catastrophic" wind, flooding and storm surge.
North Korea has sent the world into a tailspin by conducting its most powerful nuclear test to date on Sunday. Reports are that Pyongyang is preparing for testing another intercontinental ballistic missile which could target the US military base of Guam in the south Pacific.

The unpredictable and secretive Kim Jong-uns recent actions had brought the Korean peninsula to a tipping point. Fears of war are mounting as nothing seems to deter the North Korean leader from going ahead with his reckless challenge to the US. A war at this juncture will affect Asia directly and reverberate across the world, slowing

down the gradual recovery of the global economy.

How is it that one of the world's most isolated and secretive regimes is daring to provoke the US with impunity? After all, the US firepower can devastate and destroy North Korea within hours. America has gone to war for much less. Iraq was destroyed on the lie that Saddam Hussain was about to develop a nuclear programme. Libyas former leader Muammar Gaddafi did away with his ambitions to possess nuclear weapons and made peace with the West. But his country was invaded and destroyed. Iran had been targeted by the US time and time again till an agreement was reached by which Tehran promised to wind down its nuclear programme. (That is gradually unravelling under Donald Trump). So why is North Korea the exception?

North Korea had survived an attempt to target its nuclear programme mainly because it already has the bomb in its basement. It had taken several decades for North Korea to reach this stage, started by Kim Jong-uns grandfather and carried forward by his father and now accelerated by the new leader. Along the way, Pakistans nuclear

scientist AQ Khan also helped to develop Pyongyangs nuclear potential. In fact, in a recent interview the father of Pakistans nuclear programme, who knows the North Korean nuclear establishment, has praised that country's scientists. He said they were trained in Russian schools and have a well-developed missile technology. Khan

is not off target: North Koreas latest underground blast is reported to have yielded up to 100 kilotons. Experts say that it was five times more than the A-bomb over Hiroshima which brought the World War II to a close in 1945.

The North Korean dictator knows very well that Washington will think several times before taking the military option precisely because of his country's nuclear capability. Kim Jong-un began testing his nuclear ware since 2016. At that time Skand Dayal, Indias former ambassador to Seoul had told Firstpost: "They (North Korea) believe that nuclear weapons are an insurance against punitive action by the US and its allies. They have seen what has happened to unfriendly regimes like Saddam Hussain in Iraq, Muammar Gaddafi in Libya and believe that the West will hesitate before attacking a nuclear-armed nation. Today's test is just another step in that direction." He said, "North Koreas actions have to be understood in the context of their own calculations." Ambassador Dayals words are as applicable now as it was in 2016.

Considering his reckless disposition, there is no guarantee that Kim Jong-un may not use the nuclear option if driven to a corner. Barak Obama's "strategic patience" with North Korea, was mainly because there was little else to do to restrain Pyongyang.

The crisis in the Korean peninsula is happening at a time when the US too has an unpredictable man at the helm. President Trump's initial reaction after last months missile test by Pyongyang which seemed to target the Japanese island of Hokkaido was a straight warning: "North Korea best not make any more threats to the United States," and added, "They will be met with fire, fury and frankly power the likes of which this world has never seen before." But he soon got to understand the actual situation and that American fire power can certainly wipe out North Korea, but could result in North Korea detonating its own nuclear bomb. This is what makes Donald Trump hit the pause button.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is now saying that the US would opt for peaceful pressure on Pyongyang. The emphasis is on more sanctions. Trump is tweeting about not just more stringent sanctions but punishing countries that do business with North Korea. This option served well in the case of Iran. But with Pyongyang which does 90

percent of its trade with China, it could mean a trade war between the number one and number two economy of the world. This could have deadly repercussions for the US as well.

While China says that it follows all the UNSC directed sanctions, Americans believe that Beijing is not stringent about implementation. While China buys coal from Kim Jong-un, it provides oil and food to North Korea. China says sanctions which could affect oil and food would hit the common man and not the ruling elite. China while certainly not in favour of North Koreas nuclear ambitions is also concerned about a full-scale war in the region. A war could lead to instability across Asia and affect every country.

What it is also worried about is an increase of US troops and US ships in the Korean peninsula. Already China has been unhappy over South Korea deploying the American supplied, Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile defence system to deter North Korea. China is against the militarisation of the Korean peninsula and believes that the US is using the missile shield to spy on China. Russias Vladimir Putin supports the Chinese position. With both a part of the UNSC, a veto against sanctions which affect their interests will be used.

China's fear is that a change of regime in Korea, leading to the eventual unification of the north and south beholden to the US, is a dangerous proposition. For the moment Kim Jong-un is calling the shots, but his brinkmanship could well boomerang.
Geneva/Seoul: A top North Korean diplomat on Tuesday warned that his country is ready to send more gift packages to the United States as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyangs latest nuclear weapons test.

Han Tae Song, ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday. The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US, Han told a disarmament conference, using the acronym for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the countrys formal name.

The US will receive more gift packages... as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK, he added without elaborating.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday accused North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un of begging for war with a series of nuclear bomb and missile tests, and urged the 15-member Security Council to impose the strongest possible sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

But Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday a US bid for the Security Council to vote on 11 September on new sanctions is a little premature. Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and wields veto power. I dont think well be able to rush it so fast, Nebenzia told reporters. Russian president Vladimir Putin earlier on Tuesday said imposing more sanctions was a road to nowhere.

US stocks sank, with the S&P 500 stumbling to its biggest single-day loss in about three weeks, as investors weighed the increasing tensions with North Korea.

Sanctions have done little to stop North Korea boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with US president Donald Trump who has vowed to stop Pyongyang from being able to hit the mainland United States with a nuclear weapon.

Haley acknowledged on Tuesday that further sanctions on North Korea are unlikely to change its behaviour but would cut off funding for its ballistic missile and nuclear programs. Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea? Not necessarily, she told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington. But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles.

More sanctions?

North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, marking a major step in its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that puts the US mainland within range. Satellite imagery appears to show the blast caused numerous landslides at North Koreas Punggye-ri test site, according to 38 North, a Washington-based North Korean monitoring project.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday Trump continues to see denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as the priority in how it responds to the latest nuclear weapons test. Sanders said all options are on the table, including diplomatic and economic measures, but said talks with Pyongyang were not the current focus for the White House.

Diplomats have said the Security Council could consider banning North Korean textile exports, barring its airline and stopping supplies of oil to the government and military. Other measures could include preventing North Koreans from working abroad and adding top officials to a blacklist aiming at imposing asset freezes and travel bans.

China accounted for 92 percent of North Koreas trade in 2016, according to South Korea. Chinas foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take part in Security Council discussions in a responsible and constructive manner.

Trump and British prime minister Theresa May agreed in a telephone call on Tuesday that China must do more to persuade North Korea to cease its missile tests, a spokesman for May said.

South Korea said an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on Seouls warheads would help it respond to North Koreas nuclear and missile threat. US lawmakers and Americas biggest business lobby urged Trump not to scrap a free trade agreement with longstanding ally South Korea, especially at a time of heightened tensions.

Analysts and South Korean policymakers believe North Korea may test another weapon on or around 9 September, its founding day. North Korea says it needs to develop its weapons to defend itself against what it sees as US aggression.

South Korea, after weeks of rising tension, is talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defences. Trump and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, agreed on Monday to scrap the warhead weight limit on South Koreas missiles, South Koreas presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of war.

South Korea and the United States are technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. Each side has thousands of rockets and artillery pieces aimed at the other across the worlds most heavily armed border.
Salt Lake City: A Utah police officer seen on video roughly arresting a nurse who refused to draw blood from a patient has been fired from his part-time paramedic job.

Salt Lake City Detective Jeff Payne's termination came Tuesday after he said on the video that he'd bring transient patients to the hospital and take the "good patients" elsewhere to retaliate against nurse Alex Wubbels.

Those remarks were concerning for Gold Cross Ambulance president Mike Moffitt, who said he'd heard them for the first time when the video was released last week. "That's not the way we conduct our business, that's not the way we treat people in our city," Moffitt said.

Wubbels was following hospital policy when she refused on 26 July to let Payne take blood without a warrant or formal consent from the patient who was unconscious in the hospital burn unit. He had been in a car accident that started with a police chase.

Payne maintained in his report that he wanted the blood sample to protect the man rather than prosecute him. There were no answers Tuesday at publicly listed phone numbers for Payne. The Salt Lake police union didn't immediately return messages seeking comment.

Police body-camera video shows Wubbels calmly explaining that she could not allow a blood draw from a patient who hadn't been arrested or consented, unless police had a warrant. They did not, but Payne insisted and put her on the phone with his lieutenant who said she would be arrested if she didn't agree.

The dispute ended with Payne handcuffing the nurse and dragging her outside while she screamed and said, "I've done nothing wrong!"

Nurse arrested after refusing to draw blood: 'Somebody help me!' https://t.co/7BdjgBiYrl pic.twitter.com/tE06ymSjfw  TIME (@TIME) September 2, 2017

Payne was put on paid leave by Salt Lake City police after the video emerged. A second officer was also put on leave after authorities opened a criminal investigation into the arrest. The other officer has not been identified. Police have said the lieutenant's actions are also under review.

Payne joined Salt Lake City police more than 20 years ago and worked for Gold Cross as an EMT and paramedic since 1983. He was generally a hardworking, conscientious employee who followed the rules, so his behavior on the video was shocking, Moffitt said.

Gold Cross is a private company that contracts with Salt Lake City to respond to medical calls in the city.
Fifteen states and the District of Columbia sued Wednesday to bring to a screeching halt US President Donald Trump's plan to end a program protecting young immigrants who came in illegally but who have had temporary reprieve from deportation in the Obama years and until now. About 6,000 people from India and Pakistan are in the crosshairs of the legal limbo unleashed by Trump's latest blowout.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit are New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

This is a very interesting lawsuit. It says you cant arbitrarily rescind, youll have to go through a far more complex process, says top immigration attorney Cyrus Mehta who spoke to us on the India angle and next steps in this potboiler.

What happens next? The courts will ask the Government to respond and then the plaintiffs are going to ask for a preliminary injunction. If the courts grant it, then DACA may be reinstated! There is a good chance that this lawsuit may not be dismissed as frivolous and we may see an interesting outcome, says Mehta.

Mehta spoke to us even as news broke of the 15 states suing the Trump administration. Excerpts from the interview, lightly edited for brevity, highlighted for emphasis, are below.

Where do DACA recipeints stand as of today, subject to multiple ifs?

Cyrus Mehta: The DACA announcement has been met with complete shock. As of now theres going to be a 6 month wind down period. Its been rescinded but not completely. Thats important to know. Those who are authorised remain authorised. If permits expire before March, 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5 ( and applications are in by September 5, 2017). If permits expire beyond March 2018, youre out of luck. They could be subject to deportation when their permits expire. Those who were never in the system are cut off. The October deadline is only applicable to those who have applied by September 5 and this is on a limited basis - for renewal.

What happens if DACA recipients overstay (now)?

Cyrus Mehta: If youre a DACA recipient and youre in the country unlawfully after your permit expires and you try to leave the country, you may trigger the 10 year bar. The only time youre not triggering the 10 year bar is when youre adjusting your status and youve been allowed (inspected) into the US.

What does Trump mean when he says he is waiting on Congress to act?

Cyrus Mehta: This (DACA) was an executive action taken by Obama. What Trump is trying to say is that Obamas actions were unconstitutional and not ratified by the Immigration Act. People may disagree but that is Trumps position. Hes saying that Congress needs to pass a new law that allows these people a path to legal citizenship. Theoretically, it is possible. If you try to pass a clean bill helping only DACA beneficiaries, I can imagine many other people trying to throw in what we call 'poison pills'. They may want to bring in the border wall, more enforcements and in the process the intial bill will fall apart. The Dream Bill has had a chequered past, it did not pass in the Obama years either. Now this President may not be willing to sign on a clean bill which does not have the border wall.

What does The White House mean when it says DACA was on shaky legal ground?

Cyrus Mehta: 12 state attorney generals had threatened to sue if Trump did not rescind DACA. If they had threatened during Obamas time, his Justice Department would have said bring it on and we will fight you. But Jeff Sessions does not want to fight this thing. For all you know, in his heart, maybe he does not like DACA and agrees with the 12 states who threatened to sue. It is wrong to say that DACA is on shaky constitutional ground.
Syria's army broke a years-long Islamic State group siege on the government enclave of Deir Ezzor city on Tuesday as it battles to expel the jihadists from a key stronghold. The jihadist group has already lost more than half of its nearby bastion of Raqa to US-backed forces, and the loss of Deir Ezzor city and the surrounding oil-rich province of the same name would leave it with only a handful of isolated outposts.

Syria's army and allied fighters, backed by Russian air support, have been advancing towards Deir Ezzor on several fronts in recent weeks, and on Tuesday arrived inside the Brigade 137 base on its western edge.

"The Syrian Arab Army this afternoon broke the siege on Deir Ezzor city after its advancing forces arrived from the western province to Brigade 137," state news agency SANA said. "This great achievement is a strategic shift in the war on terror and confirms the ability of the Syrian Arab Army and its allies," the army command said.

A local journalist contributing to AFP on the ground said a minesweeper moved ahead of troops as they arrived at the base. As they reached the soldiers who have been besieged inside the base and adjacent parts of the city, the troops embraced and shouted patriotic slogans. Others fired in the air and flashed victory signs, as Syrian and Russian warplanes flew overhead. Civilians gathered on either side of the road connecting the base to neighbourhoods of the city to welcome the arriving troops.

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad congratulated troops in a call to commanders at the base, his office said. "Today you stood side-by-side with your comrades who came to your rescue and fought the hardest battles to break the siege on the city," he said.

A source in the Deir Ezzor governorate said trucks loaded with food and medicine were expected to arrive inside the besieged city from Aleppo by this evening. Government forces and tens of thousands of civilians in the city have been trapped under IS siege for over two years, facing food and medical shortages. Early this year, the government-held parts of the city were cut in two by an IS offensive. The army's advance Tuesday breaks the siege on the northern part of the city, but a southern section, which includes a key military airport, remains surrounded, with the army now 15 kilometres (nine miles) away.

Around 100,000 people are believed to be inside government-held areas of Deir Ezzor, with perhaps 10,000 more in parts of the city held by IS. Earlier Tuesday, the national flag was raised throughout government-held areas of the city in anticipation of celebrations upon the arrival of government soldiers. Some residents had begun greeting each other with "Good morning of victory." The army still faces a potentially difficult battle to break the siege on the south of the city and free its remaining neighbourhoods, and the surrounding province, from IS. But for the government, its success would be "one of the most symbolic victories in its six-year war," wrote Syria analyst Aron Lund in a recent analysis.

'Spiral of defeats'

"The reopening of the Deir Ezzor road is a strategic disaster for IS, which is now at its weakest since 2014 and seems unable to break out of an accelerating spiral of defeats," he added. IS has lost over half its other Syrian stronghold, the city of Raqa, to an offensive by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters. And in neighbouring Iraq, it has lost 90 percent of the territory it once held, including the city of Mosul.

Inside Deir Ezzor, residents have faced years of privation, with food becoming scare or unaffordable, and medicine and healthcare unavailable. The government has continued to fly in limited supplies by helicopter, and the UN last year began airdropping humanitarian aid to the city.

Syria's army began its offensive to reach the city in earnest last month, and has advanced on multiple fronts, including from the neighbouring Raqa province to the west and central Homs province to the south. It has been supported by Russia's military, which began an intervention in support of the government in 2015.

On Tuesday, Moscow said a Russian warship fired cruise missiles from the Mediterranean in support of the government's Deir Ezzor offensive. More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests before spiralling into a vicious and complex civil war.
North Korea says it successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb in its latest nuclear test Sunday. Outside experts haven't been able to verify that claim, but say it's plausible. If true, it would represent a major step forward in North Korea's effort to develop a nuclear weapon capable of reaching the United States.

MORE POWERFUL THAN AN A-BOMB

A hydrogen bomb can be far more powerful than the atomic bombs the U.S. dropped on Japan in World War II. The U.S. conducted the first successful tests of hydrogen bombs in the 1950s. Their yields of 10,000 kilotons and more were several hundred times larger than the bombs that leveled Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Experts believe the yield of North Korea's latest test was at least 140 kilotons, which would make it some seven to eight times as powerful as Hiroshima (15 kilotons) and Nagasaki (about 20).

___

USES THE POWER OF THE SUN

Atomic bombs rely on fission, or the splitting of the nucleus of an atom, just as nuclear power plants do. The hydrogen bomb uses both fission and fusion  the fusing together of atomic nuclei  to produce more explosive energy. It's the same process that keeps the sun and other stars burning. H-bombs are also known as thermonuclear bombs, because of the extremely high temperature needed to induce fusion. A typical hydrogen bomb is two-stage: First, an atomic fission bomb detonates, and that in turn starts the fusion of a hydrogen isotope in a second section.

___

SMALL ENOUGH TO FIT ON A MISSILE

The atomic bombs that hit Japan were huge and had to be dropped from planes flying overhead. With its higher power, a hydrogen bomb can be made small enough to fit on the head of an intercontinental missile. The hydrogen bomb is the standard for the five nations with the greatest nuclear weapons capability: Russia, the U.S., France, China and the U.K. Other nations may either have it or be working on it, despite a worldwide effort to contain such proliferation.
As wedding season starts to wind down, many young families are looking for the best place to put down roots and raise a family. And according to a new survey, one Kansas city in particular outranks them all.

Personal finance website WalletHub.com compared 150 of the most populated U.S. cities based on 41 key metrics and found that Overland Park, Kan. was the best place to raise a family.

Overland Park, which is the second most populous city in Kansas, scored high because it has the lowest share of families living below the poverty line at 3.4%, which is 10.4 times lower than in Detroit, Mich.athe city with the highest at 35.5%. The Kansas city also scored high when it came to health and safety, as well as socioeconomics.

Other cities with top rankings including Madison, Wis., Plano, Texas, Seattle, Wash. and Fremont, Calif.

Birmingham, Ala., however, was the worst-ranked city due to the health and safety category, ranking 148th, and its overall socioeconomics, ranking 145th in the category.

aThe city has the ninth-highest infant mortality rate, at 9.37 deaths per 1,000 births, and the sixth-highest pedestrian fatality rate, at six per 100,000 residents. Birmingham also has the 10th-highest violent crime rate at 17.46 incidents per 1,000 residents,a WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez told FOX Business.

Additionally, Birmingham had the third-highest divorce rate at 40% and the sixth-highest percentage of families living below the poverty level at 27%.

aNearly a third of all families in Birmingham are receiving food stamps,a Gonzalez added.

But WalletHub said the most surprising data it found was that the average American is estimated to move more than 11 times during his or her lifetimeamaking relocation more important than ever before.

Here are the best and worst places to raise a family in 2017.
Some start-up companies are using initial coin offerings, also called ICOs or token sales, to raise capital. In an ICO, a company creates a new virtual coin or token that they offer for sale and disseminate to purchasers using blockchain technology, also called distributed ledger technology. Investors should be aware that ICOs differ significantly from initial public offerings (IPOs). Unlike stocks, ICOs typically confer no ownership rights in the company; and unlike bonds, ICOs do not involve investors lending money to the issuer. Instead, ICOs involve new technologies and products that are highly technical and complex, and investors can lose some or all of the money they invest in an ICO.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of each individual ICO, the virtual coins or tokens that are offered or sold may be securities. As a new Investor Bulletin from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) notes, if the tokens in an ICO are securities, the offer and sale of these virtual coins or tokens are subject to the federal securities laws.

FINRA is issuing this alert to inform investors about the potential risks of participating in ICOs.

What is an ICO?

An ICO involves the creation of a new virtual coin or token by a company looking to raise money. In general, the company announces a specified amount of funds that it wants to raise, and the fundraising continues until that amount is reached. ICOs are conducted online, and purchasers use fiat currency, like the U.S. dollar, or virtual currencies, like bitcoin and etherium, to pay for the new tokens.

To date, companies using ICOs as a capital-raising method have generally been start-ups that use blockchain technology as part of their business model to provide a particular service or product. These companies disseminate the new ICO tokens to buyers via blockchain. Blockchain technology involves a distributed database maintained over a network of computers connected on a peer-to-peer basis. The network participants can share and retain identical, cryptographically secured records in a decentralized manner -- meaning there is no centralized server or intermediary. The blockchain technology used for the tokens in ICOs is similar to the bitcoin network, which creates and tracks transactions made using bitcoin.

Companies that issue ICOs typically promote the offering through their own websites and through various online blockchain and virtual currency forums. Potential purchasers in an ICO may not receive a prospectus; instead, companies often publish a white paper describing the ICO.

According to the SEC's Bulletin, some sellers of ICOs might lead buyers to believe that they can expect a return on their investment or otherwise be able to participate in a share of the returns provided by the project. Buyers also might be told that there will be an opportunity to sell the tokens on a secondary market or an online virtual currency exchange, although such secondary market liquidation venues are not guaranteed.

Before you invest in an ICO

Here are six questions to ask before you invest in an ICO.

1. Is the ICO a securities offering?This is important. As the SEC notes in its Investor Bulletin, if the offer and sale of tokens or coins in an ICO constitutes a securities offering, then the federal securities laws apply. This means the ICO (the offer and sale of the tokens) must be registered with the SEC or meet an exemption from registration. Offerings that are performed under an exemption from registration typically require investors to meet certain income or net worth thresholds to be eligible to invest. For example, exempted offerings often are limited to accredited investors -- those who have a net worth in excess of $1 million or who maintain certain levels of income. Here are a few tips:

Verify whether a company has registered an ICO (or any offering of securities) with the SEC by searching the SEC's Edgar system.

If the ICO is not registered, it is likely only available to accredited investors, and most retail investors do not meet this standard.

If the ICO is described as a crowdfunding investment opportunity, be aware, as the SEC notes, that the offering might not be operating in compliance with the requirements of Regulation Crowdfunding or with the federal securities laws generally.

2. Are the persons selling the investment registered financial professionals?Be sure to check the professional background of the individuals involved in the offering using BrokerCheck. If the tokens offered in an ICO are securities, then any investment professional offering to sell the tokens must maintain certain licenses and registrations under state and federal securities laws and FINRA rules.

3. What rights and benefits come with your ICO purchase?The rights and benefits of ICO tokens will vary depending on the offering. Thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of an ICO, as well as any white paper and the business plans offered by the company issuing tokens. It is important to know what you are receiving in exchange for your investment, including what rights and benefits the tokens may confer upon you. Tokens in an ICO might not represent an ownership stake in a company, so token holders may not have any voting rights or influence on a company, its governance, and how funds are used. In addition, ICO purchases may be subject to liquidity issues, as it is possible there will not be a market to sell or exchange your ICO tokens.

4. How can you get your money back?Information provided to investors about ICOs should clearly state how you can get your money back. Ask the company if you can cash in tokens for a refund, whether you are permitted to resell your tokens in a secondary market, and what if any restrictions apply to any resale. Secondary markets for ICOs offering tokens that are securities must generally register as a national securities exchange or operate pursuant to an exemption from such registration. Also, as noted above, be aware that a secondary market may not exist for tokens purchased in an ICO.

5. What does the company do, and what is it offering?ICOs involve highly technical and complex concepts. You should be able to read and understand any information provided to you by an ICO issuer or those promoting the offering, including how the company plans to use the funds raised in an ICO, plain-English explanations of the technical details of the proposal, and a development roadmap with specific goals and timelines for the proposal. To date, most ICOs are being offered by start-up businesses that have not rolled out a final product or platform to the market. This means that the information available to you at the time of an ICO may be incomplete, subject to change and, in any event, difficult to verify. The limited information that is shared may make it difficult to conduct adequate due diligence needed to make an informed investment decision prior to investing.

6. Are there protections in place to guard against hacking and other cybersecurity threats?As noted by the SEC in its Bulletin, virtual currency exchanges, virtual currency wallets, and the platforms used by companies issuing ICOs may be susceptible to possible protocol breakdowns, hacking, malware, and fraud. Be sure to inquire about the steps these companies have taken to protect their platform and products from these threats.

Be alert to the warning signs of fraud

Investing in an ICO may seem like an exciting way to be a part of the virtual currency and blockchain start-up markets, but use caution when you consider these investments. New technologies and topics that are the subject of media buzz are often used by fraudsters as an opportunity to dupe investors.

To stay on guard and avoid becoming drawn into a scam, look for the warning signs of investment fraud. For example, be suspect of anyone who makes guarantees that an investment will perform a certain way or makes pushy sales pitches that encourage you to "act now" or miss out. All investments have risks, and no reputable investment professional should push you to make an immediate decision about an investment. Legitimate professionals should be able to explain the investment, including what it is, what the risks are, and how the investment can make or lose money.

In addition, as noted by the SEC in its Investor Bulletin, be aware that if the tokens you purchase in an ICO are stolen or otherwise compromised, you may not be able to easily recover your investment. Other vendors helping to facilitate the ICO, such as third-party digital wallet providers (services that store digital tokens for customers online), payment processors, and virtual currency exchanges, also may have access to the tokens, virtual currencies, and fiat currencies involved in the ICO, and may be fraudulent, located overseas, or operating unlawfully.

If you have concerns about ICOs, or suspect a scam related to ICOs or virtual currencies, you can contact the SEC, file a complaint using FINRA's online Complaint Center or send a tip to FINRA's Office of the Whistleblower.

Subscribe to FINRA's Alert Investor newsletter for more information about saving and investing.

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What happened

Shares of SuperValu (NYSE: SVU) shed 20% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

The slump added to significant losses for many long-term shareholders, as the grocery retailer and wholesaler has declined nearly 40% since the start of 2017.

So what

August's slump had more to do with increasing pessimism in the broader industry than with SuperValu's latest operating trends. After all, the company posted surprisingly strong sales gains at the end of July as its wholesale segment outperformed expectations.

Growth in that division completely offset weakness in the retailing segment. SuperValu's retailing shops posted a brutal 5% decline in comparable-store sales and generated a loss in the most recent quarter.

Now what

CEO Mark Gross and his executive team aim to continue bulking up their wholesale segment as the retail side of the industry stagnates under price-based competition. The latest business trends, along with the recent acquisition of Unified Grocers, suggest SuperValu has a good shot at achieving that goal.

Investors aren't bracing for booming growth, given that most industry participants are struggling with declining comps as well. In any case, SuperValu appears likely to lose earning power over time since the wholesale segment carries far lower profitability. Gross profit last quarter fell to 13.8% of sales from 14.6% a year ago, and that trend should continue as the sales mix shifts away from retailing and toward the wholesale segment.

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British billionaire and adventurer Sir Richard Branson will stay on his private Caribbean island, Necker, for the potentially devastating arrival of Hurricane Irma, the founder of the Virgin group of companies said on Tuesday.

Packing 185 mph (295 kph) winds, Hurricane Irma is due to reach the British Virgin Islands on Wednesday before grinding west across Haiti and Cuba then heading for the southern United States.

The storm is classified as a Category 5 hurricane, the highest level on the scale used by the National Hurricane Center to measure strength.

"We had some lovely guests staying on Necker Island who have cut their trip short for safety reasons, and another group of guests have also postponed," Branson said in a statement on the Virgin Group website. "I will be on Necker alongside our team, as I have been on the three times we have had hurricanes over the past 30 years."

Necker, which has a large main house and several small Balinese-style houses that can accommodate about 34 people in total, is rented to private groups for $80,000 a night, according to its website. The island has more than 100 staff and two infinity pools.

Branson said Necker boasts "really strong" buildings with hurricane blinds "that should be able to handle extreme weather pretty well." He said their main concern was for British Virgin Islanders, who should make themselves as prepared as possible.

"Whatever happens, keep inside, away from the ocean and away from flying debris," Branson wrote.

Recalling seeing two powerful hurricanes, Earl and Otto, strike the British Virgin Islands in 2010, Branson said he had beheld nature "at its most ferocious."

And he noted the damage done in Texas and Louisiana by Hurricane Harvey, which came ashore as the second-strongest Category 4 storm and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, killed an estimated 60 people and displaced more than 1 million more.

Harvey was a "tragic and costly reminder" that society is not doing enough to tackle climate change, Branson wrote. "If Irma is any indication, we must brace ourselves for more of these catastrophic weather events."

(Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
CSX Corp cut its full-year 2017 earnings per share growth forecast on Wednesday and said its operating ratio, a closely watched performance metric, had worsened, in light of service problems this summer that sparked fierce customer blowback.

Shares in the No. 3 U.S. railroad were up more than 3 percent in a sign investors had braced for worse news following painful disruptions like rail cars sitting idle or being re-routed circuitously, late shipments, and train derailments.

"The positive stock reaction this morning suggests that expectations had already been reset lower, and that the buy-side was looking for something worse than implied by the slight guidance cut this morning," Credit Suisse analyst Allison Landry wrote in a client note.

After various operating problems in July and August, CSX Chief Financial Officer Frank Lonegro told a conference on Wednesday the company now expects its operating ratio, which measures operating costs as a percentage of revenue - so a decline marks an improvement - to be "around the high end of the mid-60s" versus firmly in the mid-60s.

Lonegro also said it trimmed its full-year earnings per share profit growth forecast from around 25 percent to a range of 20-25 percent.

That new range implies an earnings per share of $2.17 to $2.26, which at the mid-point implies a 4 percent cut versus the current 2017 consensus estimate of $2.30, Landry said.

"The railroad is now returning to a normal operating rhythm, and our performance metrics are improving," Chief Executive Hunter Harrison said in a statement.

Harrison, a railroading legend known for turnarounds of two Canadian railroads, took over as CEO in March to great investor fanfare as he vowed to make improvements at CSX using his "precision scheduled railroading" approach.

He ushered in rapid-fire operations changes - like cutting rail yards, doubling train size, storing equipment - and slashed hundreds of jobs that some workers in turn blamed for service disruptions. Harrison blamed employee resistance to his changes.

In mid-August, 44 trade groups asked federal regulators to investigate "chronic service failures" at CSX which they said had rippled out across North America's rail network.

(Reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)
France's government has unveiled a law to ban all production and exploration of oil and natural gas by 2040 on the country's mainland and overseas territories.

The move is largely symbolic, however, as France's oil and gas production represents just 1 percent of national consumption  the rest is imported.

Current drilling permits will not be renewed, according to the bill formally presented in a Cabinet meeting Wednesday. France currently has 63 oil and gas drilling projects on its territory.

The ban, which the government claims is a world first, is part of a larger plan to wean the country's economy from fossil fuels, encourage clean energy and fulfill France's commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement to curb global warming.

French President Emmanuel Macron praised it as "an important step to fulfill our international commitments."

The bill, which was described by Environment Minister Nicolas Hulot, also includes a definitive ban on all shale gas exploration and extraction. Until now, only hydraulic fracturing, a process known as fracking, was banned. All other potential methods are now to be prohibited as well.

Hulot had announced in July that France will stop producing power from coal  now 5 percent of its total output  by 2022.

France also wants to reduce the proportion of the power it gets from nuclear energy to 50 percent by 2025 from the current 75 percent.

Hulot said it's important for France to maintain its leadership on climate-related issues following the Paris Agreement signed in 2015.

"I have absolute faith in the capacity of renewable energies to become progressively a very important source to fulfill our energy needs," he said in a news conference.

Greenpeace France said the bill sets a "good goal" but doesn't go far enough. The environmental organization notes that the extension of an offshore exploration permit in French Guiana was maintained. In this case, Hulot said existing permits "will be maintained to avoid legal conflicts."

Francis Duseux, president of the French oil lobby UFIP, said it would have been better to keep producing oil and gas in France rather than rely exclusively on imports, because he says France's economy will still rely on fossil fuels in 2040.

"Energy transition will take time," he said on Europe 1 radio.

Duseux estimated that oil drilling on French territory supports 4,500 to 5,000 jobs.

Vermilion Energy France is the main oil producer in France. Jean-Pascal Simard, director of public relations for the group, told The Associated Press he thinks the 2040 deadline is too soon.

"We would like to have a longer period of time to properly manage, properly get the return on investment that we have been investing here in France," he said.

Simard also said producing oil in France would be better from the environmental point of view.

"By not producing it here, we will have to increase the oil coming from countries like Saudi Arabia or even South America," he said.
Home improvement retailers Home Depot Inc and Lowe's Inc said on Wednesday they have started shipping emergency material to Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, even as they continue recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

Irma, which hit the Caribbean island of St. Martin on Wednesday, is expected to make landfall in Florida during the weekend but its precise trajectory remained uncertain.

Irma could become the second powerful storm to thrash the U.S. mainland after Hurricane Harvey killed more than 60 people and caused as much as $180 billion in damage after hitting Texas late last month.

"This is unusual because we are now juggling two different storms in two different phases. One is approaching while the other market is in the recovery phase," Home Depot spokesman Matthew Harrigan told Reuters.

Home Depot is following the "same script" preparing for Irma as it did for Harvey. The retailer's merchandising and supply chain teams have previously dealt with different weather-related disasters at once, Harrigan said without giving specific examples.

Before Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, the world's largest hardware and home improvement chain activated its disaster-response plan, asked managers to freeze prices in stores around the region and move storm related merchandise to the front of the store. It followed a plan honed over many hurricane seasons to minimize disruptions, deliver essential material to affected areas and capitalize on a surge in demand for products once repairs begin.

Home Depot said it takes up to two months to open stores that are hit hard by a hurricane.

Both Home Depot and Lowe's had activated a hurricane command center during Hurricane Harvey that is now continuing to monitor the path of Hurricane Irma and mobilizing resources such as supplies.

Rival Lowe's Inc said it has sent 400 truckloads of hurricane prep material including flashlights, batteries and weather radios to Florida.

Analysts have said investments in logistics and supply chain by home improvement chains during a weather-related disaster typically brings about 10 to 15 times more in sales.

Shares of both Home Depot and Lowe's traded up nearly 2 percent on Wednesday morning.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose in Chicago, Additional reporting by Sruthi Ramakrishnan in Bengaluru; Editing by Bill Trott)
The Latest on Congress and health care (all times local):

10:15 a.m.

The chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee says both parties must be willing to compromise to achieve a deal that would strengthening the country's individual health insurance markets.

Sen. Lamar Alexander says if lawmakers can't do that, "the blame will be on every one of us, and rightfully so."

The Tennessee Republican says GOP lawmakers must agree to provide federal subsidies to insurers lowering out-of-pocket costs for millions of people. President Donald Trump has threatened to halt those payments.

Alexander says in return, Democrats must agree to make it easier for insurers to sell policies with slimmer coverage. Democrats don't want to reduce coverage requirements in former President Barack Obama's health law.

Alexander said he wants a consensus on a package by next week's end.

He spoke as his committee began a hearing on the effort.

___

3:50 a.m.

Senators want are looking to seal a modest bipartisan deal for shoring up the country's individual health insurance markets.

But raw feelings over the Senate's failed attempt to repeal former President Barack Obama's health law won't make the task any easier.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee plans four health care hearings  with the first one Wednesday. Set to testify are insurance commissioners from five states.

Committee leaders hope to write legislation providing subsidies to insurers that lower costs for customers. The committee chairman, Sen. Lamar Alexander, also wants to make it easier for states to let companies sell policies with less coverage.

Analysts expect 2018 premium increases to rise again next year. And nearly half the nation's counties are expected to have just one insurer selling policies on government marketplaces.
Oil prices rose more than 1 percent on Wednesday as strong global refining margins and the reopening of U.S. Gulf Coast refineries provided a more bullish outlook after sharp drops due to Hurricane Harvey.

But traders remained wary of Hurricane Irma, ranked as one of the five most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in the last 80 years, which was passing over the northernmost Virgin Islands on Wednesday afternoon and headed toward Florida at the weekend, raising concerns that it could knock out a major demand center and cause more fuel shortages.

There is also another tropical storm on Irma's heels. Jose, heading for the Caribbean, strengthened to a hurricane on Wednesday and could become a major Category 3 storm by Friday.

Brent had gained 82 cents to settle at $54.20 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 50 cents at $49.16 a barrel. Prices were little-changed after industry data showed U.S. crude stockpiles increased last the week.

"Everyone is just grappling with the spate of storms that are populating the Gulf," said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital.

Many refineries, pipelines and ports that were shut due to Harvey 10 days ago are restarting.

On Tuesday, about 3.8 million barrels per day (bpd) of refining capacity, or 20 percent of the U.S. total, was shut. This compares with 4.2 million bpd at the height of the storm.

Phillips 66 began restarting its Sweeny, Texas refinery on Tuesday, and expects the plant to be at full production by mid-September.

"Refineries coming back online is putting a squeeze on supplies in the Gulf," Kilduff said. Crack spreads, a measure of refining profitability, have been constrained as crude prices have risen and gasoline futures have begun to be pared back.

Gulf Coast and Caribbean energy infrastructure began to brace for Irma. BP Plc said it would evacuate non-essential personnel from its Thunder Horse platform in the Gulf of Mexico, while Buckeye Partners has shut its Yabucoa oil terminal in Puerto Rico and was preparing for the storm at two other marine terminals in Florida and the Bahamas.

Oil terminals and distributors in Florida are tracking the storm, which could curtail fuel shipments to the state, which is largely dependent upon waterborne deliveries of gasoline and diesel.

Around 250,000 bpd of refining capacity in the Dominican Republic and Cuba lies in the immediate path of Irma, Thomson Reuters Eikon data showed.

Weekly storage data was expected to give a better view of the extent of Harvey's impact on U.S. fuel inventories although some analysts say it will take a few weeks more to get a complete picture.

U.S. crude stocks rose last week, while gasoline and distillate inventories drew as refinery utilization rates plunged 11.1 percentage points to 83.9 percent of capacity, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed.

Government data on Thursday is expected to confirm that crude stockpiles rose after nine straight weekly drawdowns, with analysts forecasting a build of 4 million barrels.

Longer-term, the oil industry outlook is for ample supplies and low prices as crude output remains high in the three biggest producing regions: Russia, the Middle East and North America.

Adding to the longer term bearishness, some Libyan production returned. The 280,000 bpd Sharara oilfield, the country's largest, was gradually restarting on Wednesday after the lifting of a pipeline blockade, Libyan oil sources said.

(Additional reporting by Mark Tay and Henning Gloystein in Singapore and Julia Payne in London; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Louise Heavens)
Toys"R"Us Inc has hired law firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP to help weigh restructuring options ranging from a bankruptcy filing to raising financing as bricks and mortar retail goes through a major downturn, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The privately held toy retailer had previously said it was working with investment bank Lazard Ltd to help address its approximately $5 billion in debt, of which roughly $400 million comes due next year.

The person could not be identified because the law firm's hiring is not yet public.

In a statement, the company said it would provide an update on how it planned to deal with its debt when it announced second quarter earnings on Sept 26.

"As we previously discussed on our first quarter earnings call, Toys"R"Us is evaluating a range of alternatives to address our 2018 debt maturities, which may include the possibility of obtaining additional financing," it said.

CNBC first reported that Toys"R"Us had tapped Kirkland & Ellis for help addressing its maturities. A spokesman for Kirkland & Ellis declined to comment.

More than a dozen retailers including children's clothier The Gymboree Corporation and teen apparel seller Rue21 Inc have filed for bankruptcy this year as consumers shift their spending habits to e-commerce competitors.

Toys"R"Us refinanced some of its debt last year, giving it a few more years to turn its business around before facing billions in debt repayments. In addition to e-commerce,Toys"R"Us has seen steep competition from discounters Wal-Mart Stores Inc<WMT.N> and Target Corp<TGT.N>.

A large portion of Toys"R"Us's debt is secured by real estate, which could help the company's refinancing prospects, according to Fitch. The ratings agency said that real estate valuations have largely remained the same or improved since Toy"R"Us's properties were appraised but cautioned that retail's recent financial weakness could hurt those figures.

Toys"R"Us is owned by buyout firms Bain Capital Private Equity L.P., KKR & Co L.P. and Vornado Realty Trust.

(Reporting by Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Cynthia Osterman)
U.S. Federal Reserve Vice Chair Stanley Fischer, a veteran central banker who helped set the course for modern monetary policy, said on Wednesday he will step down from his position in the middle of October.

In a letter to President Donald Trump, Fischer, 73, said he was resigning for personal reasons and that the effective date would be on or around Oct. 13.

"It's been a privilege to serve on the Federal Reserve board and most especially to work alongside Chair Yellen," Fischer said, citing the improvements in the economy and financial system in recent years.

Fischer's term as vice chair was set to expire next year but his early departure gives Trump an opportunity to further shape the central bank sooner than expected.

(Reporting by Lindsay Dunsmuir and Howard Schneider; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
President Trump moved Tuesday to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)  an immigration policy implemented by the Obama administration  but gave Congress six months to come up with potential replacement legislation to protect those illegal immigrants who entered America as minors, also known as Dreamers.

The CEOs of many tech companies including Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google parent Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) spoke out against the decision. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) president Brad Smith went even further, saying the company would offer legal counsel to Dreamer employees if needed.

Carlos Gutierrez, former Commerce secretary under President George W. Bush, told the FOX Business Networks Maria Bartiromo, I agree with Microsoft and Google.

Gutierrez sees the Dreamers as a positive for the U.S. economy.

Ninety-one percent of all Dreamers, DACA recipients, are either working or studying or boththere are DACA employees in Microsoft, there are DACA employees in Google, you know, these are top notch students who have stayed away from any problems. They have a clean record, not even, you know, major misdemeanors, he said on Mornings with Maria.

The former Commerce secretary hopes Congress will act to help protect Dreamers.

I think this would be one of the most, you know, dramatic immigration decisions weve made in our history. I just hope, the president did the second next best thing, which is to let the Congress decide and I think thats good. Weve got six months, [Senator] Lindsey Graham is on top of it and I hope we get it done.
U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday blasted a proposal from the top two Democrats in Congress for a three-month increase in the nation's debt limit.

"I think that's a ridiculous idea," Ryan told reporters when asked about the proposal floated earlier on Wednesday by Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi.

"We've got all this devastation in Texas. We've got another unprecedented hurricane about to hit Florida. And they want to play politics with the debt ceiling?" he said.

(Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Writing by Tim Ahmann; Editing by Doina Chiacu)
President Donald Trump is set to make the next stop on his tax reform tour on Wednesday, visiting the Andeavor refinery in North Dakota.

Trump said on Twitter Wednesday morning that he planned to address not only a comprehensive overhaul, but tax cuts more specifically.

Will be going to North Dakota today to discuss tax reform and tax cuts. We are the highest taxed nation in the world - that will change.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

The Andeavor refinery, which produces gas, diesel and jet fuel, processes 74,000 barrels per day. The facility employs 250 people and is located about 10 miles west of Bismarck, North Dakota.

Trump will be joined by North Dakotas Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp, which some believe is a plea for bipartisanship on the tax reform effort.

On Tuesday, Trump met with the Big Six  the group of Republican administration officials and lawmakers responsible for crafting tax reform legislation  and said he intended to reduce taxes for both individuals and businesses, which he hopes will spur job creation.

However, Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) told FOX Business on Wednesday that the window for passing a comprehensive tax reform bill was closing.

Theres a sense of urgency now and the sense of urgency is weve got this collapsing window of time. This has to happen, in my opinion, in 2017. If it doesnt happen in 2017, this will be the big fish that got away, he said.

Roskam also said lawmakers are waiting on the Big Six to lay out the parameters regarding exactly what they expect to be included in the tax bill, like what the rates should be and whether the legislation should be revenue neutral.

So far, the GOP has been mum on tax reform details. During a rally stop in Springfield, Missouri last week, Trump said he hopes to slash the corporate tax rate to 15% and aims to cut the tax rate for middle-income Americans.

In addition to tax reform, lawmakers were working on a relief bill for Hurricane Harvey victims on Wednesday. They must also increase the United States borrowing authority by Sept. 29 and pass a new spending bill before the onset of the new fiscal year in October.
The future of transportation isn't known, but Jaguar envisions one in which consumers don't own a car but simply a sliver of one: the steering wheel. The British luxury marque has revealed its futuristic steering wheel concept, which it calls "Sayer."

Sayer is a personal companion and resides with you at all times. It is a voice-activated artificial intelligence (AI) steering wheel that can carry out hundreds of tasks such as calling upon the owner's vehicle of choice and ensuring it's ready for the passenger at an exact time. It can even work out your schedule for you, telling you when you need to get up and when a car needs to arrive for a specific meeting.

Jaguar says technology like Sayer could signal membership to an on-demand club of Jaguar vehicles. It envisions sole ownership of a vehicle or car sharing with others in the club's community. Sayer grants access to either option.

Not only could Sayer call a self-driving vehicle and have it ready at a specific time, but during the drive Sayer could provide a notification for when the passenger may like to take control of the car manually.

Additional details surrounding Sayer, which is named after Jaguar's former and iconic designer Malcolm Sayer, haven't been revealed, but the brand will debut the technology alongside a new concept car called Future-Type at Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest on September 7. The Future-Type concept promises to explore what mobility in 2040 could look like.

Jaguar Land Rover Tech Fest takes place at Central St Martins, University of the Arts in London, and is open to the public September 8-10. It will have interactive displays that demonstrate how technology is being used in the automotive world and how technology will shape the future of the automobile.
Billy Magnussen, a white actor, has been cast to play a prince in Disneys upcoming Aladdin live action remake but many social media users criticized the move, accusing the studio giant of "whitewashing" the film's plot.

Magnussen, who played a prince in Disneys Into the Woods, was slated to play Prince Anders, who was not a character in the 1992 animated version. The Telegraph reported that Magnussens character would be Aladdins rival to winning over Princess Jasmines heart.

Social media critics slammed the casting decision Tuesday and accused Disney of whitewashing the plot of the film.

STAR WARS 9 DIRECTOR COLIN TREVORROW ALSO FIRED BY LUCASFILM

One social media user tweeted: Should #actor Billy Magnussen step down as Prince Anders the newly created white character in #Aladdin?

Why did they add a white prince to #Aladdin? This is going to be a disaster, another Twitter user wrote.

The original animated Disney film was based on an Arab-style folktale and depicted the characters as being of Middle Eastern descent.

BILL NYE SUES DISNEY CLAIMING THE COMPANY UNDERPAID HIM BY $9M

The upcoming live-action film has already been criticized for its casting. Disney was slammed for casting British actress Naomi Scott, who has Indian heritage, to play Jasmine, a Middle Eastern princess, according to the Independent.

The film, which was set to be directed by Madonnas former husband, Guy Ritchie, does not have a release date yet.
Could a new documentary about a convicted murderer lead to evidence about an unsolved disappearance?

Thats what one grieving relative is hoping for.

Stacy Ann Peterson, a 23-year-old mother of four, vanished without a trace on October 28, 2007 from her suburban Illinois home. All eyes were on her seemingly upstanding husband, former police sergeant Drew Peterson, who insisted his fourth wife had left him for another man.

But Stacys unsolved disappearance convinced authorities to reopen the investigation surrounding the sudden death of Drews third wife, Kathleen Savio, for which a jury eventually found Drew guilty of first-degree murder.

Still, Drew was never charged in connection with Stacys disappearance, and continues to deny he had any involvement.

Now Stacys aunt Candace Aikin is hoping someone with knowledge of Stacy's disappearance will come forward after Investigation Discoverys (ID) two-part special, Drew Peterson: An American Murder Mystery, aired over the Labor Day weekend.

I hope that the viewers will understand who Stacy was, how much we love her and celebrate her life and the time we had with her, we cherish those moments, a tearful Candace told Fox News. And if anyone has any information, if they can come forward to let us know. Its just difficult not knowing theres so many unanswered questions It just seems like yesterday that we saw her.

Candace recalled how despite the couples 30-year age gap, Drew appeared the doting husband.

At the beginning, when I met him, he was very charming, said Candace. He seemed very respectful of me. And Stacy loved him so therefore I was happy for her to be happy.

However, their age difference wasnt the only red flag spotted by a concerned Candace. Over their four-year marriage, Drew grew increasingly controlling and wouldnt allow his wife to have friends.

The last few months before she disappeared she was talking about a divorce, explained Candace. She was saying that she wasnt happy anymore. She didnt want to be with Drew anymore. So I knew she was unhappy.

Stacy also told Candace of her friendship with Scott Rosetto, an Army emergency room nurse.

I didnt think it was good [at the time] because she was married, admitted Candace. Stacy did tell me she had told Drew she was talking with Scott and so, I just let it be. You know, she was making her own decisions. It just seemed awkward that she would be talking to another man during her marriage.

And on the day of Stacys disappearance, Candace feared the worst.

When I first talked with my brother, in my heart, I felt right away we were not going to see her again, she said. I was not going to see her again. I felt like I knew in my heart right at that moment. Right away.

And even when Drew was convicted of Kathleens murder, Candace wondered if there would ever be justice for Stacy.

I was happy that there was some justice for Kathleens family, she explained. That part felt good. I dont get excited about people going to jail. My heart was happy in one way, but sad in another because the reality of everything with Kathleen was sinking in, that this was real.

"It was not looking good for Drew and that made it hard. It was very difficult to hear that Drew had been involved with Kathleens [death] because that pretty much sealed the deal that things were not looking good for Stacy.

Despite the heart-wrenching circumstances, Stacys children are being watched over by their older brother, Stephen Peterson, from Drew's first marriage. Earlier this year, Stephen told the Chicago Tribune hes come to believe his father also killed Stacy.

Stacys children are doing really well, said Candace. Theyre excelling in school and I feel like theyre doing really well, given the situation that theyre in. Theyre so much like her. Ive spent time with them, here and there. Just trying to learn about them and getting to know them. And be there for them and support them because I know Stacy would want me to do that. Theyre with their older brother Steve. Hes taking really great care of them.

Stacys case still remains an active investigation and Candace believes ID is helping to keep her story alive. It also helps her to relive some of her fondest memories.

She always gave the biggest, most heartfelt hugs, said Candace. If you werent careful, she would probably pull you over. She just gave big hugs. I remember my last hug from her. I can still feel it. Its just amazing to me that she can be so close even though shes been gone for 10 years.

"Drew Peterson: An American Murder Mystery" is available for streaming on IDGo.
Dwayne The Rock Johnson met a Michigan boy who is being hailed as a hero for saving his toddler brother from drowning by using skills he learned from watching one of the actors films.

Last month, 10-year-old Jacob OConnor rescued his 2-year-old brother Gavin from the family swimming pool at their home in Roseville, according to MLive Michigan. After spotting him face down in the water, Jacob jumped into action, pulling him out and doing CPR and chest compressions -- like hed seen Johnsons character do on his daughter in the 2015 movie San Andreas.

In an August 25 Instagram post, Johnson shared Jacobs story. Im so amazed and impressed by this little 10-year-old boys heroic actions and calm instincts in the middle of that kind of emergency distress, he wrote. I now need to shake young Jacobs hand.

DWAYNE 'THE ROCK' JOHNSON 'FLATTERED'BY FAN SUPPORT FOR HIS PRESIDENCY

And Tuesday, Jacob and his family met Johnson on the Vancouver set of his new movie Skyscraper. Johnson shared a video to Instagram Tuesday of the encounter.

Hes such a smart kid, Johnson said in the clip. I just want to say so proud of you, such an honor meeting this kid.

In the posts caption, he pointed out Jacobs shirt, which had a photo of Johnson holding his two puppies after saving them from drowning in a pool.

Seeing that picture on this boys shirt got me in the gut, he wrote. This 10 year old kid had a heart big enough to put our puppies on his shirt after he saved his little 2-year-old brothers life.

I appreciate you buddy -- thank you, Johnson said. And I speak on behalf of the world: Were so proud of you.
FOX News Channel's new series "OBJECTIFIED," hosted by TMZ's Harvey Levin, will kick off off with an inside look at Judge Judy Sheindlin's life. The series will debut its first episode September 17 at 8 PM.

"OBJECTIFIED" features Levin's in-depth interviews with high-profile newsmakers and celebrities telling their life stories through their personal items.

FNC aired a successful special "The OBJECTified: Donald Trump" in 2016. According to Nielsen, "OBJECTified" boasted over 4 million total viewers.

The 10-episode series will continue in primetime on Sundays and will feature Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Martha Stewart, Tyler Perry, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and other notable guests.
Stephen Colbert took a swipe at President Trump for failing to visit with victims of Hurricane Harvey. The only problem? Trump did meet with several storm victims.

Colbert's CBS late night show returned Tuesday night after a two week break and the star didn't miss a beat when it came to complaining about Trump.

"It was a presidential trip to a deluged state where the president didn't meet a single storm victim, see an inch of rain or get near a flooded street," Colbert said during his opening monologue.

He added a vulgar joke telling a laughing audience, "He's been closer to a flood in a Russian hotel room."

Colbert was referring to Trump's August 29 visit to Corpus Christi, Texas which is more than three hours away from Houston. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump kept his distance from the devastation to avoid disrupting recovery efforts.

"The president wants to be very cautious about making sure that any activity doesn't disrupt the recovery efforts that are still ongoing," she said at the time.

Colbert did bring up Trump's second visit four days later, but failed to mention the president met with many victims.

A rep for Colbert did not return Fox News' request for comment.

Several people took to Twitter to blast Colbert for his monologue.

"Stephen Colbert is a stupid p---k and should not be on television," one person tweeted.

@Stephen_Colbert You are an absolutely lie about Trump and as a spreader of false news mandated by Feds to be off the air. Trump met victims  Joe White (@TCity_Joe) September 6, 2017 He is a liar like the rest. Sad.  Rev_Mark (@RevMarkF) September 6, 2017 Blinded by hate, stupidity, and willingness to flat out lie  deplorable me (@allaboutme4545) September 6, 2017 I refuse to watch Colbert because of his smug demeanor fueled by the fact his network stands totally behind him. Go away CBS.  Gilbert T Wilson Sr (@GilWil77) September 6, 2017

This is hardly the first time Colbert has gotten into trouble for remarks he's made about Trump. In May, a social media campaign for CBS to fire Colbert began after the 53-year-old made a joke about Trump that many fans called "homophobic."
A new study shows that college students who consume a lot of energy drinks are more likely to become addicted to certain drugs or alcohol later. Is it the energy drink?

Or is it the person?

Or is it both?

Those are some of the questions surrounding a new study that found that college students who consume a lot of energy drinks are more likely to become addicted to other substances as they get older.

WIDOWER SHARES PHOTO OF LATE WIFE IN WEDDING DRESS SHE NEVER WORE

Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Public Health surveyed nearly 1,100 college students for five years.

They tracked the students from the age of 21 until the age of 25.

About 51 percent of the students were heavy consumers of energy drinks. Another 17 percent were somewhat moderate users, while 20 percent didnt consume the caffeine-laden drinks. The rest were students whose use declined over that time period.

The researchers said the students who drank a lot of energy drinks over a long period of time had a significantly higher risk of using cocaine or nonmedical prescription stimulants after they turned 25.

Those students also had a higher risk of alcohol abuse.

However, they did not have a higher risk of tobacco or marijuana use.

Amelia Arria, PhD, an associate professor of behavioral and community health, told Healthline more study is needed to determine the exact causes of this connection.

However, she said the results do raise some red flags.

I think this is a reason to be conscious of energy drink consumption, said Arria, who is also director of the Center on Young Adult Health and Development at the university.

So, whats up with these energy drinks?

Arria points to the energy drinks themselves as perhaps the main culprits.

She said her research took into account things such as past substance abuse to avoid skewing the results.

She also noted that students who either decreased their energy drink use or stopped it altogether had a lower risk of future substance abuse.

Arria said researchers arent yet sure how energy drinks might lead to addictions, but she noted the high caffeine levels in these popular liquids.

POLICE OFFICER DELIVERS BABY ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY

She said its possible the caffeine or other ingredients in energy drinks might in essence mimic the effects of certain drugs.

It might intensify the feelings to want those substances, she said.

Arria added this might also explain why the energy drinks didnt lead to marijuana use or alcohol abuse. The person and the environment

Theres also the argument that the type of person who pounds down energy drinks is the type of person who is likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.

Alexis Tindall, RD, LD, the lead clinician at the Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Ohio, told Healthline a persons family history or other issues can be a factor.

She said its similar to other health-related problems such as eating disorders.

Its all about an addiction to something, Tindall said.

She also noted a college campus environment can fuel an indulgence such as energy drinks.

The product is readily available and lots of other folks are using it.

The environmental component is huge, she said.

Tindall added that energy drinks might also seem harmless, even healthy, to these college students.

They perhaps arent aware of the ingredients or the side effects of things such as excessive caffeine.

College students sleep schedules, she added, might also play a part in energy drink consumption. Students may need a jolt after an all-night study session and crave the caffeine.

The immediate health problems can include heart issues and high blood pressure.

Then, when a student leaves that college environment, they may want to trade their energy drink addiction for something else.

Sometimes, something as dangerous as cocaine.

Theres an alarming and scary component to all this, said Tindall.

Arria hopes the study helps get the word out.

The public should be aware of the risks, she said.

This article first appeared on HealthLine.com.
On Sept. 6, 1987, Dr. Ben Carson completed a 22-hour pioneering operation that separated 7-month-old West German Siamese twins, who were joined at the back of the head.

Carson led a 70-person team as director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and used a first-of-its-kind strategy that involved dropping the twins temperatures down to 68 degrees to stop their hearts and bloodflow.

WIDOWER SHARES PHOTO OF LATE WIFE IN WEDDING DRESS SHE NEVER WORE

The twins, named Patrick and Benjamin Binder, were considered critical but stable after the surgery, and given a 50-50 chance of survival, according to a United Press International article from 1987.

We will prefer to say that the operation was a success if the twins can return home healthy, Dr. Mark Rogers, then-director of pediatric intensive care at Johns Hopkins Hospital, had said.

The boys returned home to Germany several months later, but suffered from neurological issues. While Patrick died later years, Benjamin never learned to speak.

POLICE OFFICER DELIVERS BABY ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY

In a technological Star Wars sort of way, the operation was a fantastic success, Carson told the Associated Press in 1989. But as far as having normal children, I dont think it was all that successful.

Carson went on to participate in four similar surgeries, including one involving a set of conjoined Zambian twins who left the hospital with no neurological issues.

He later detailed the Binders surgery in two chapters of his book, Gifted Hands.
A police officer in Maryland is being credited with the safe delivery of a baby boy after the newborns father flagged him down while en route to the hospital. Sgt. Nick Cicale, of Prince Georges County Police Department, found the distressed couple along the East-West Highway in University Park, Fox 5 DC reported.

The father, who was not identified, said he was trying to get his wife to the hospital but that her labor was too far progressed. Less than five minutes after Cicale radioed to dispatch that a female was in labor, he radioed again to say baby is out.

5 NURSES SUSPENDED AFTER OPENING BODY BAG TO VIEW DECEASED PATIENT'S GENITALS

The baby, who was named Carlos, and his unidentified mother were then taken to a nearby hospital. Cicale later visited with the family, Fox 5 DC reported.

I am so happy I was able to help this family on this incredible night and to be the first to hold little Carols, Cicale said in a statement, according to the news outlet. I am glad he is healthy. I will never forget that night.
Health officials in Texas are on alert for an expected surge in the mosquito population in the wake of devastation left by Hurricane Harvey. Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday that mosquito control measures are already being implemented across Houston, where standing water and debris could provide ideal breeding grounds for the insects.

In Harris County, officials are testing and monitoring an area of 1,800 square miles and have already started spraying repellent in some areas. Sandy Kachur, the Harris County Public Health Department spokeswoman told Fox News that some areas are still under water, preventing officials from setting up mosquito traps.

HURRICANE IRMA MAY BRING 'SIGNIFICANT STORM SURGE' TO FLORIDA, GOVERNOR SAYS

Elsewhere in Harris County, experts are performing "landing rate tests" to determine how many mosquitos land on them in a minute, Kachur said. The experts have recorded 30 or more insect landings per minute, which is the baseline for the test.

Mosquitoes typically found in the Houston area can carry West Nile virus, Kachur said. Officials are urging residents to wear insect repellent and to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to avoid potential infection.

Abbott said the Department of Defense is also set to begin wide-area spraying, with the hopes of controlling what we think will be a meaningful mosquito outbreak.

Fox News' Matt Finn contributed to this report.
Christine Bray was 30 years old in 2010 when she was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

I was stage 1Cmeaning the cancer had not yet spread outside of her ovariesso my prognosis at the time was very hopeful, she said.

But despite rounds of surgery and radiation and chemotherapy, the cancer kept coming back. Eventually, her prognosis shifted from very hopeful to very dim, Christine said.

5 NURSES SUSPENDED AFTER OPENING BODY BAG TO VIEW DECEASED PATIENT'S GENITALS

I had two young children and I was being told, basically, to get my affairs in order, she said. I was not given much hope. In fact, Christine was told she had around a month of "good-quality life" left to live.

It was around this time, early 2014, that her doctor at Cancer Treatment Centers of America proposed genomic testing.

I had never heard of this form of testing before, she said. It was completely new to me.

Considering the bleakness of her prognosis, she was excited to hear she had a hopeful new option.

Considering where I was, to be able to live a normal life and look forward to watching my kids grow up is amazing.

Her doctors sent her tumor cells to the labs of Foundation Medicine. Their tests identified mutations within the DNA of Christines tumor cells that indicated she might respond well to a targeted drug therapy called everolimus (trade name Afinitor), which is normally used to treat renal (or kidney) cancer. She started on everolimus in 2014.

It was a drug interventionI take a pill every day with a glass of water, she said.

After three years on the drug, her cancer has retreated: Ive had completely clear scans and my cancer is in remission."

I never would have thought this was possible, she adds of the seemingly miraculous outcome. Considering where I was, to be able to live a normal life and look forward to watching my kids grow up is amazing.

What Is Genomic Testing?

Every cell in your body contains 20,000 to 30,000 genes. By examining those genes for abnormalities or mutations, genetic testing can determine if the makeup of your DNA puts you at greater risk for certain types of cancer.

The test offered by Foundation Medicine and other genomic testing companies is slightly different in that it also examines the genetic makeup of tumor cells.

By sequencing the genes within a persons tumor cells, the test can in some cases identify mutations that may respond to new and more-targeted treatment options, said Kojo Elenitoba-Johnson, MD, a professor of pathology and laboratory medicine and director of the Center for Personalized Diagnostics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Genomic testing can also eliminate treatment optionsan outcome Elenitoba-Johnson said is also useful.

This can prevent wasteful and counterproductive treatment courses, and it saves critical time that may be wasted in applying the wrong therapy, he explained.

It's important to note that, while drug companies are developing new treatments all the time, drugs do not exist for every genetic mutation, he added. There are many more mutations than there are therapies at this point.

Whether insurance will pay for the test or treatments also depends on the specifics of your situation and coverage.

Another Success Story

Like Christine Bray, Colleen Farrell was youngjust 33when she was first diagnosed with cancer.

In the summer of 2014, Id started feeling run down, she recalled. I started napping every day, which was totally unlike me, and I had discomfort in my lower back.

Doctors initially pegged her discomfort as a pulled muscle. But by that fall, they had identified a tumor. Colleen had advanced colorectal cancer.

I was Stage 4, so it was bad, she recalled. It wasnt quite, Go home and plan your funeral, but it was, Be aware that you might have to soon. 

Despite radiation and chemo, the cancer soon spread to her liver and both her lungs.

I was blown awayjust devastated, she said. Things were very grim.

The images came back showing that not only had the tumors not grown, but theyd started to recede.

Her doctors told her about genomic testing, and that it could open doors to new treatment options.

They told me some people were having success, but there were a lot of unknowns, she recalled. I asked what my odds were without it, and they told me a couple of months, so I obviously wanted to try it.

The results her doctors got back from Foundation Medicine indicated her cancer might respond to immunotherapy.

I started it in March of 2016, she said. Eight weeks later, I had my first scan, and the images came back showing that not only had the tumors not grown, but theyd started to recede.

She said her doctor was floored. Back when her rectal tumor had first been discovered, it had measured 12 centimeters. After just one course of the new treatment, it had shrunk to 7 cm.

My doctor couldnt believe how well it was working, she said.

In fact, the new medication almost worked too well.

I ended up having three massive hemorrhages and almost died because my tumor shrank so quickly that all the blood vessels and organs that were smushed up suddenly started pumping blood again, she said. So that tells you how quickly it worked.

ZIKA VIRUS MAY BE EFFECTIVE AGAINST BRAIN CANCER, RESEARCHERS CLAIM

Colleen said shes not completely out of the woods.

But I never thought Id be where I am today, she added. I think all the time how lucky I was to have benefited from thisthat I could try itbecause not everybody can.

Whos A Candidate For Genomic Testing?

As recently as a few years ago, the type of gene sequencing performed during this test would have cost millions of dollars and taken years, not days, to complete, Elenitoba-Johnson said.

Because the genomic testing platform is so newand many of the associated treatment options are still in clinical trialsgenomic testing may only be appropriate when conventional approaches like chemotherapy have failed, he said. It really depends on the type of cancer a person has.

For some forms of leukemia, the knowledge of the disease response is pretty mature, and so the first-line management is receiving this test and one of these new targeted therapies, he explained. In other cases, drugs [targeting the mutations] have only recently become available, and knowledge of their effectiveness and side effects is not as well-understood.

He mentioned lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and melanoma as other forms of cancer for which genomic testing may be appropriate. But again, it depends on the individual patient and the specifics of their cancer.

Needless to say, the science of cancer diagnostics and treatment has entered a new and exciting phase. Genomic testing, coupled with newer, more-targeted therapies, is already saving lives.

The future is here, and it is bright. But theres a lot more work to be done.

This article first appeared on Prevention Magazine.
A pregnant woman in Washington State says she was refused entry to a restaurant because her stomach was exposed.

Charisha Gobin told KIRO she was wearing a maxi skirt and crop top when she wasnt allowed at the Buzz Inn Steakhouse in Marysville, Wash.

The waitress/bartender stopped us and said, Im sorry, you cant be here in that shirt. I said, Are you being serious with me right now? And she said, Yep, you cant be here.

SUSPECT IN PREGNANT WOMAN'S MURDER TOLD BOYFRIEND: 'THIS IS OUR BABY,' OFFICIALS SAY

Gobin said the restaurant employee cited their no shoes, no shirt, no service policy and claimed they would have refused any person wearing that type of shirt.

But Gobin told KIRO that she felt like she was singled out because her belly was bigger and sticking out and no one else would have had an issue.

I was wearing a shirt, it had sleeves. I didnt even have any cleavage showing, she said.

Buzz Inn Steakhouse did not immediately respond to Fox News request for comment.

The restaurant did send the following statement to KIRO:

We sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and will cover with our staff as to how not overly enforce a rule that is intended to make all guests feel comfortable. Our apologies for the misunderstanding. The server in question has been with our company and a great employee for almost 20 years and was trying to use her best judgement (sic) and by no means was trying to be demeaning to the guest again our sincere apology for misunderstanding.
Newlywed couple Joe Keith and Stephanie Hughes apparently have a really hard time skipping leg day.

Keith and Hughes, who were married on Sept. 3 in Cincinnati, Ohio, decided to eschew the hundreds of other wedding venues in the greater Cincinnati area and get married at the Planet Fitness gym where they first met.

"It was perfect and went way beyond our expectations," Hughes told Fox News of their unconventional ceremony. "Our guests loved it, and said it was unique and totally fitting for us!"

And yes, Keith and Hughes took pictures of their fitness-forward nuptials.

BRIDE LOANS WEDDING DRESS TO 12 DIFFERENT BRIDES IN 12 MONTHS

According to the couples wedding website, Keith originally spotted Hughes across the PF360 room at Planet Fitness Western Hills location some years ago, and approached to ask if she was using a specific piece of equipment. The two struck up a friendship and later began coordinating their workouts, sometimes even staying late after sessions to just hang out and chat in the gyms parking lot. In fact, it was right there in that Planet Fitness parking lot that Keith first told Hughes he loved her  by scribbling I love you in her cars dirty windshield  and where they pretty much solidified that Planet Fitness needed to play a huge part in their big day.

Our love story started at Planet Fitness so we decided that there was no better place to get married than the place where it all started, they explained on their site.

FIREFIGHTER FINDS FIANCEE'S UNHARMED WEDDING DRESS IN HOUSE RAVAGED BY HARVEY

After Keith officially proposed  he outfitted their newborn daughter with a bib that read, Will you marry daddy?  Hughes reached out to their local gym to get the (medicine) ball rolling on their wedding plans.

To her surprise, Planet Fitness was more than happy to accommodate the couples request: According to Brides.com, the gym shut down for two hours, decorated the venue for them, and allowed the bridesmaids and groomsmen to pose on the exercise equipment. In the couples wedding video, Keith and Hughes also explained that they asked Kristen Stanger, a staff member at the gym who knew them since before they were a couple, to serve as their officiant.

"I literally thought that we were gonna stand on a treadmill and say 'I do' and it be done, because, I mean, I just wanted to get married there," Hughes remarked in the video.

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Keith and Hughes are currently on their honeymoon in Hawaii.
Two of Frances largest luxury conglomerates announced Wednesday that they would stop working with fashion models who are unhealthily thin.

The pact adopted by LVMH and Kering, which owns brands such as Dior, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, incorporated a new French law that requires models to provide medical certificates proving they are healthy before they can work.

The French law, which is slated to take effect on Oct. 1, requires both male and female models to present a health certificate obtained within the previous two years. LVMH and Kering both said they would decrease that time frame to six months.

PRINCE GEORGE INSPIRES BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHION FRENZY WITH SHORTS, IS DIRECTLY INFLUENCING SHOPPERS

The pact also bans the conglomerates labels from using female models below a U.S. size 0-2 and a U.K. size 6.

The fashion companies said their agreement would take effect this month, in time for the spring-summer ready-to-wear runway collections.

Unlike the French law, the charter also will apply to the international Kering and LVMH brands with runway collections presented in Milan, London and New York. The two groups said they hoped to set a new global standard for the fashion industry.

TOPSHOP NOW SELLING SUSPENDER JEANS AND THE INTERNET IS NOT IMPRESSED

"We hope to inspire the entire industry to follow suit, thus making a real difference in the working conditions of fashion models industry-wide," Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault said in a statement.

The charter also demands each brand have a psychologist available to the models by either phone or in the workplace during work hours.

The two giants' fashion houses include Dior, Kenzo, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and others.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
First Lady Melania Trump said ciao to American designers, sporting an Italian-made dress in the presidents tweet celebrating American labor.

We are building our future with American hands, American labor, American iron, aluminum and steel. Happy #LaborDay! President Trump tweeted Monday, along with an image of himself holding hands with his wife at the congressional picnic in June.

While Trumps tweet seems to be reiterating his campaign promise to bring back American jobs, the first lady committed a messaging faux pas  donning a dress manufactured in Italy, the Daily Mail reported.

The vibrant striped frock is by Greek designer Mary Katrantzou and its listing on the Saks Fifth Avenue website says it is made in Italy.

It originally sold for $2,255 and is now sold out.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post
For most of us, our phones have become extensions of ourselves. We use them to connect with the people we care about, to eat (thanks, Seamless!), and to track our every footstep.

So it makes sense, as comedian Aziz Ansari writes in his bestselling book Modern Romance, that because our phones are integral to even the most mundane of tasks, of course, they are also a big part of where we live our romantic lives.

What does this look like in practice? For people who are in relationships, it can look like texting your partner to ask how their presentation at work went.

In a new survey from the Clue period tracking app and the Kinsey Institute, 67 percent of respondents (all of whom were over the age of 18) said they had sexted. For comparison, in a Kinsey Institute survey conducted in 2012, only 21 percent said the same.

The increasing comfort and increasing normalcy of having tech intertwined with our lives [has likely contributed] to this rise in sexting, Amanda Gesselman, PhD, a research scientist at the Kinsey Institute, explains to Health in an email. It doesnt seem quite as risky or new and scary as it might have years ago.

Despite this shift, sexting still gets a bad rap, thanks to notorious sexters like Anthony Weiner and horror stories of sexts gone viral. I think a misconception about sexting is that its either a fun, sexy thing to do or an incredibly dangerous thing to do, with no shades of gray in between, says Gesselman. Our research and that of other scientists shows that its much more nuanced . . . depending on the people involved and their situation.

So far, research into sexting hasnt shown any clear evidence that it can flat-out improve relationship satisfaction. (Perhaps this is why Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban only exchange precisely one sext a year?) But sex therapists say anecdotally that when couples in healthy relationships follow a few rules and approach sexting as a tool for enhancing their connection, it can actually be valuable.

Theres a whole spectrum of ways to use sextingand get benefits out of it, Kat Van Kirk, PhD, a California- and Hawaii-based marriage and sex therapist, tells Health. Ive seen people open themselves up more sexually overall because they started sexting with their partner.

Danielle Harel, PhD, a San Francisco-based sex therapist, agrees. Sex doesnt happen like a switch that you turn on and off, she explains to Health. Many long-term couples struggle to keep themselves simmered in a sexual buzz, and sexting can light a fire. Here's how to get started steaming things up on screenand then IRL.

Establish ground rules

Before you hit send on that naked selfie or text an eggplant emoji to your partner, establish consent by having a conversation during which you both enthusiastically agree youre into it. As with everything sexual, consent is key, and it's good to decide on some ground rules you're comfortable with.

If your partner only wants sexy text messages then send them those," Joe Currin, a doctoral candidate in psychology at Oklahoma State University whos spent the past few years studying sexting, tells Health in an email. "If a partner is not comfortable sending nude self images, don't pressure them to send them. Then, negotiate rules of access. Is it okay to save messages? Is it okay to save photos/videos? Is is not okay? Set those guidelines and stick to them, he says.

RELATED: 10 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR RELATIONSHIP INSTANTLY

Start sloooow

For many couples, the key to making sexting feel natural is to start with messages that are subtle. The first few sexts you exchange dont even need to be sexy, says Harel, who is also the co-author with Celeste Hirschman of Making Love Real: The Intelligent Couple's Guide to Lasting Intimacy and Passion. Start by sending your partner words of appreciation, the pair advises. Then, depending on how its going, escalate from there.

Enjoy the tease

Sexting can be a potent form of foreplaythink of it as a way to gradually build sexual tension. You can have long foreplay throughout the day, says Harel. For example, someone says, Im thinking about you. And then you start to be more explicit: Remember last night when you kissed me on my neck? I really liked that. So you build it the way you would build a sexy conversation. You dont jump straight to the action. Many times you dont even get to the action. You just get home and get it on.

Push boundaries

It depends on your comfort level of course, but consider using sexting as a way to suggest something that you haven't experienced yet would love to try. Or use it as a tactic to tap into what really turns you on. With women, in particular, it helps you find what you find arousing, says Van Kirk. It helps you get to know this whole other aspect of yourself. And then you can share it with a partner. Youre actually kind of educating them on what you find hot.

Be playful

Sexting with your partner should be fun and relaxed, not something rigid and formal. People put a lot of pressure on themselves [with sex], and it becomes this really serious thing, says Van Kirk. Ive found that people who are able to roll with things and laugh at themselves and their partner and their situation really fare much better with sex and relationships.

Sexting can be as playful as you want it to be. Be creative; there are tons of emojis and GIFs that can be used as innuendos, says Currin. Invent your own secret sexting language. It really is just another way to flirt.

RELATED: The Relationship Mistake Happy Couples Are More Likely to Make

If it's not working for you, say so

In the beginning, it might take a while to get into a good sexting rhythmit might even feel uncomfortable at first. And thats okay, says Van Kirk. A little discomfort is actually good because it means youre doing something new.

But if you or your partner arent enjoying the exchanges, agree to give it a rest. Test the waters a little bit, Harel and Hirschman advise. Dont be pushy. Its important to say to your partner, I really want you to tell me if something doesnt work for youI dont want you to suck it up.

Sexting, at its best, is about paying attention, they say. Its a conversation. Even when you're conversing in erotic produce emojis.

This article originally appeared on Health
By executive fiat, President Obama granted amnesty to immigrants living illegally in the United States.

It was an unconstitutional act, to be sure. Obama had previously admitted he had no authority to end deportations of illegal aliens when he said, The notion that somehow I can just change the laws unilaterally is just not true. Then he went about doing it anyway, conjuring a new breadth of hypocrisy.

His successor, President Trump, is now taking the first step toward restoring sanity to the rule of law as it applies to the Constitution and immigration.

By rescinding the Obama-created Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that gave a deportation reprieve to illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children, Trump is returning legislative authority to the legislature. He is reinstating the separation of powers that are fundamental to our democracy.

Usurping Legislative Authority

Under the Constitution, congress is vested with writing laws and the president is charged with executing those laws. This is especially true when it comes to immigration.

At the end of the 19th century, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that congress has plenary power (meaning full and complete) to regulate immigration. Derived from Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, the doctrine is based on the concept that immigration is a question of national sovereignty, relating to a nations right to define its own borders and restrict entrance therein.

As the high court observed,Over no conceivable subject is the legislative power of Congress more complete. (Oceanic Stem Navigation Co. v. Stranahan, 214, U.S. 320)

Nevertheless, Obama decided to usurp this power by unilateral directive, unconstrained by established checks and balances. In so doing, he granted himself extra-constitutional authority and upset the carefully balanced separation of powers. He also subverted the nucleus of our constitutional design: the rule of law.

The only exception to the power of congress in dictating immigration is the 1952 statute in which the legislative branch transferred its authority to the president in cases involving national security. The president is specifically empowered to restrict foreigners from entering the country to protect the safety and security of Americans. This law formed the basis for President Trumps travel ban.

In all other immigration matters, only congress is authorized to make laws which the president must enforce.

Distorting Prosecutorial Discretion

Those who supported Obamas actions not to enforce the law argued that he was merely engaging in prosecutorial discretion. It is one of those wonderfully fungible phrases in the law. Elastic because it is vague and ambiguous. Useful because it can be easily abused.

Obama appropriated this doctrine to justify his near boundless discretion to amend, revise, waive or suspend the execution of immigration laws. As chief executive, he empowered himself to decide what laws may be enforced or ignored and what persons may come or go across our southern border irrespective of what the law actually states.

In past decisions, the Supreme Court cautioned the executive branch that its prosecutorial discretion, while broad, is not unfettered. (U.S. v. Batchelder, 442 U.S. 114) It is subject to restrictions. The doctrine may not be used to adopt a sweeping policy of non-enforcement of the law. It applies only to decisions not to prosecute or expel specific individuals or small groups of people, typically for exigent reasons like war, civil unrest or political persecution.

By contrast, Obama bestowed a wholesale, blanket amnesty for an entire class of people. He did so not for the reasons allowed by law, but for purposes that were purely political. It was a flagrant abuse of prosecutorial discretion.

The centerpiece of Obamas 2014 amnesty program was the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents, widely known as DAPA. But this law never went into effect because a federal judge blocked it, declaring that the program was a likely abuse of executive powers. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit agreed, and that decision was left intact by the Supreme Court.

With several states vowing a similar challenge to DACA, it was destined for the same judicial fate. That is, an unconstitutional order.

Breaching His Sworn Duty

Obama insisted he was forced to act because congress failed to act. It was an appealing political argument, but utterly untrue. Congress did act by passing a law in 1996 requiring federal agents to deport illegal immigrants, with few exceptions. The statutory language is mandatory. That law remains in effect today. Yet, Obama breached his sworn duty by failing to enforce the law. Instead, he ordered immigration agents, in effect, to break the law.

Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution requires that the President shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed. Nowhere is it written that the chief executive is granted the latitude to pick and choose which laws he wants to enforce. He cannot ignore or nullify laws he does not like because the Constitution gives him no power not to execute laws.

To infer such latitude would invite an authoritarian rule anathema to our Founding Fathers vision. Obama admitted as much when he said, The fact of the matter is, there are laws on the books that I have to enforce. He was specifically referring to immigration laws. The Constitution does not permit a president to engage in a de facto repeal of an existing law. To do so is, quite simply, lawlessness and a dereliction of duty.

If a president can refuse to enforce a valid federal law, are there any limits to his powers? What is to stop a president from rewriting other laws with which he disagrees? Or to act where congress has declined or refused to act? Why even have a legislative branch of government at all? What is the point of a Constitution which enumerates and circumscribes powers and duties?

President Trump will be criticized for revoking his predecessors immigration program. But his decision bears fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law.

Only congress is empowered to alter immigration laws that affect those who are here in the U.S. illegally. It can either pass a new law or decline to do so. A determination not to act is, by itself, a deliberate act. This is how the Framers constructed our system of government.

Congress considers and debates a great many bills. Not all of them pass. This is not a failure in a conventional sense, but a decision by declination. It constitutes a prudent and calculated process.

Obama twisted the law, ignored the Constitution, and abdicated his primary responsibility as chief executive.

President Trump is moving in a different direction.
What happened?! Hillary Clinton obviously left off the question and exclamation marks from her book title, but no worries. If anyone has been confused about what happened last November, things were just cleared up by a simple meme on Twitter.

The photo shows a copy of Hillarys upcoming campaign memoir, What Happened, next to another book  titled I Happened. The second book cover shows a picture of a grinning President Donald Trump.

Simple, funny and most of all, true.

But if that answer isnt enough for Hillary supporters, they have a chance to have Hillary personally tell them a fairy tale, but only if they cough up $150 to nearly $2,400 for tickets and the privilege of seeing her in the flesh.

Hillary abandoned her supporters on election night, but hey, why go down to speak for free when you can wait until your book is finished and then charge everyone an arm and leg to hear your excuses for losing?

The promotional material for the book tour wants to make sure you know how much of a victim Hillary really is: She speaks about the challenges of being a strong woman in the public eye, the criticism over her voice, age, and appearance, and the double standard confronting women in politics.

The book tour promo material goes on to talk about the Russians. She lays out how the 2016 election was marked by an unprecedented assault on our democracy by a foreign adversary. By analyzing the evidence and connecting the dots, Hillary shows just how dangerous the forces were that shaped the outcome.

Oh, so the Russians told Hillary to call half the electorate deplorable and irredeemable? Got it.

The truth is, in fact, boring and predictable. Hillary lost because of Hillary, including the conspiracy nonsense she peddles promoting dangerous forces as an excuse for her desperate inability to be honest and face reality.

During the election, Hillary took supporters  and the American people in general  for granted. And now shes taking them for a ride. Just ask Democrats in Wisconsin, a state she couldnt be bothered to visit during the campaign because, as the Borg know full well, resistance is futile.

Until its not.

So dont fret Milwaukee! You are now on the list as Hillary is deigning to pay you a visit on the book tour. Yes, a year late, but shes confident in her contempt, and shes sure youll pay her to lecture you.

On this day, as Houston is only really beginning to assess the damage of Hurricane Harvey, one wonders who could really use that $150 to nearly $2,400 that Hillary is pocketing for the pleasure of her company. People, their pets, and other animals who need rescuing from a hurricanes bacteria-laden flood waters? Families who need shelter and food to survive the aftermath? Or a twice-failed multimillionaire politician looking to cash in on her latest fiasco?
Congress needs to act to reform Americas immigration laws, following President Trumps announcement Tuesday that he is phasing out a program called DACA that allows 800,000 immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children to remain here temporarily.

The president was right to say it is up to Congress to determine whether these immigrants, known as Dreamers, should be allowed to stay in our country. He explained that the Constitution does not allow the president the power to unilaterally change immigration law by executive order.

Under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), which was created by an executive order signed by President Obama in 2012, the federal government allowed children brought to the U.S. in violation of the law to get permits so they could stay here legally for two years at a time, with the ability to renew their permits.

President Obama said he issued the executive order because Congress was deadlocked and couldnt reach agreement to pass legislation to fix our badly broken immigration system.

Conservatives rightly assailed President Obama for assuming lawmaking jurisdiction, clearly usurping the constitutional authority of the Congress to pass laws.

Even more egregiously, Obama achieved nothing but talk regarding immigration reform when he entered office in 2009 with a solidly Democratic Congress. He instead waited for a politically opportune time before the 2012 election to waive his scepter like a king and pronounced DACA as an edict.

On the other side, many Hispanics and immigration advocates now correctly decry the threat of deportation facing Dreamers, who were brought to America by their parents and had no say in breaking our immigration laws.

Congress should show heart and smarts through a three-part law that would help the Dreamers and at the same give America a sound immigration policy that serves our nations best interests.

First, Congress must accede to the presidents insistence on a fully funded wall along our border with Mexico, which was clearly a foundational pillar of his 2016 victory. Our government has an obligation to secure our border.

Second, DACA should be turned from an unconstitutional executive order into a law. But is should also be phased out, so that no more immigrants can sign up for the program. It is one thing to allow people already protected by DACA to stay here. It is quite another to make this a permanent program that would incentivize never-ending violations of our immigration laws.

And third, the RAISE Act  supported by President Trump and sponsored by Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Sonny Perdue of Georgia  should be approved by Congress. The legislation would transform our present chain-migration system based on relatives already in this country to one based on skills, so that we welcome the best and brightest of the world who also love our values.

Paradoxically, it is President Trump  so roundly and unjustly maligned by the mainstream media as anti-Hispanic  who stands uniquely positioned now to achieve this substantive immigration reform, and on America First terms.

President Trump has, amazingly, largely secured our border only months into office and empowered U.S. Immigration and Customers Enforcement to accelerate the deportation of dangerous criminal illegal aliens.

At the same time, the president clearly aches for the predicament of the Dreamers themselves. So he is in the best position to achieve a long-awaited solution to their uncertain immigration status.

Many DACA residents know no other country, speak English as their primary language, work legally and raise children who are American-born.

I disagree with some of my Team Trump brethren who believe these 800,000 residents should be returned to sender to their birthplaces. In my view, they comprise a totally different category than adults who willfully broke our immigration laws.

So Congress, I hope you enjoyed the August break that you didnt deserve. Now get to work!
When Sen. Paul Coverdell went to the hospital in 2000, nobody expected a stroke would end his life just days later. He hadnt previously suffered serious health problems, and his death at the age of 61 shocked loved ones and friends.

Many knew Sen. Coverdell by reputation as a soft-spoken and hard-working U.S. senator  and I witnessed his love for public service firsthand while serving as his health policy adviser and a founding board member for his leadership institute. But I also had the great honor to call him a friend. Although he died too young and too soon, his family may take comfort in the positive impact his death had on the quality of stroke care across the nation.

Every 40 seconds in the U.S., someone has a stroke, and more than 140,000 die each year. As a leading cause of death nationwide, many Americans have personally been impacted by stroke  which is sometimes called a brain attack and occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain or when a blood vessel bursts in the brain.

As CDCs latest Vital Signs report reveals, after decades of decline, progress in preventing stroke deaths has stalled across the nationnot only in the stroke belt of the South, but in three out of every four states. In addition, were seeing higher rates of death due to stroke among certain populations including Hispanics, blacks, and in people living in the South. While the reasons for the change in trend are unclear, we believe its partly due to a rise in chronic risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.

We need to focus on those populations and regions at greatest risk. CDC research shows that blacks continue to be the hardest hit by stroke deaths, while Hispanics experienced a six percent increase in the stroke death rate each year between 2013 and 2015.

These findings are a wakeup call. We know about 80 percent of the strokes we see today are avoidable. For example, high blood pressure is the most important treatable risk factor for stroke. Around 75 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure  and only around half have their condition under control. So when it comes to addressing stroke risk factors, we can do better.

We also need to focus on those populations and regions at greatest risk. CDC research shows that blacks continue to be the hardest hit by stroke deaths, while Hispanics experienced a six percent increase in the stroke death rate each year between 2013 and 2015. And despite popular belief, stroke isnt something that only happens to older people. Our data show an increasing number of younger adults are having strokes, which can cause lifelong disability.

Hippocrates  known as the father of medicine  first recognized stroke more than 2,400 years ago. He called it apoplexy, which means "struck down by violence" in Greek, to describe the sudden paralysis that often occurred. Today, we know much more about what causes stroke, and how to prevent and treat it. But just like in Hippocrates time, a stroke happens fast  and the response has to be equally as fast. That means knowing the signs and symptoms and thinking F.A.S.T: F stands for facial drooping; A represents arm weakness; S signifies speech difficulties; and T stands for time, which means call 9-1-1 immediately.

Although Sen. Coverdell died more than 17 years ago, his legacy lives on  particularly when it comes to raising the bar on stroke care.

Through the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program, CDC provides funding to state health departments to develop and improve the stroke system of care  which aims to ensure stroke patients get integrated care from beginning to end; from the first symptoms, to emergency medical services transport and hospital care, to rehabilitation and medicines to prevent another stroke, and return to their own doctor.

Im proud to say my home state of Georgia has been involved in these efforts, with a stroke registry praised for its collaboration between emergency medical services, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and primary care providers. More than 60 hospitals participate in the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry, from local hospitals in rural areas to certified primary and comprehensive stroke centers. And there are benefits to participation. Evidence indicates that, in the years following the programs implementation, the improvements in Georgias stroke care resulted in fewer stroke deaths among participating hospitals providing the highest levels of care.

Weve made tremendous progress over the past few decades throughout the country. However, this progress in many areas has stalled, and in some cases, reversed. We cannot afford to become complacent about this health threat. Its time to increase our efforts. We owe it to Sen. Coverdells memory, his loved ones, and the countless others affected by stroke.
I just got new glasses -- without going to an optometrist.

It's another innovation made possible by the internet.

Going to an optometrist can be a pain. You have to leave work, get to an optometrist's office, sit in a waiting room and then pay an average of $95 (in my town). But I got a prescription for just $50 -- without leaving my computer.

This is possible thanks to a company called Opternative ("optometry alternative"). The company claims its online test is just as good as an in-person eye exam.

I was skeptical. It's over the internet! How can a computer replicate what optometrists do in their offices with impressive-looking machines?

"This is the beauty of technology," answered Dick Carpenter, director of strategic research for the libertarian law firm the Institute for Justice.

Carpenter researched Opternative's test and concludes that it is just as good as an in-person exam. "Sometimes better, some research has indicated."

Here's how it works: First, you answer some medical questions.

Then, while holding your cellphone, you follow prompts on the phone while looking at your computer screen, selecting which lines look sharper, or which numbers you see.

One day later, they send you a prescription. Mine exactly matched the prescription I got from my ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who charges much more.

Fast, cheap, and easy.

So naturally, optometrists want this alternative banned. "This is really foolhardy and really dangerous," said former American Optometric Association president Andrea Thau on "Good Morning America."

She wouldn't do an interview with me. Nor would anyone else from her Association -- despite our sending them emails for a month.

I assume they knew I'd mock them for trying to ban the competition. Which they are trying to do. They wrote the FDA that the at-home test "should be taken off the market."

What they're really saying is that patients should not have the right to make any choices in their own vision care.

The optometrists are bottleneckers. "Bottleneckers: Gaming the Government for Power and Private Profit" is the title of Dick Carpenter's new book. He studies how established professionals use government to limit competition.

Cosmetologists get laws passed that force hair-braiders to spend $5,000 on useless courses and tests. Restaurants limit food trucks. Established florists ban newcomers. Optometrists want to ban Opternative's test.

Bottleneckers like them have clout in legislatures because their lobbyists give politicians money. They persuaded 13 states to draft bills that would ban at-home tests.

In South Carolina, then-Governor Nikki Haley vetoed the ban, correctly calling it anti-competitive. But the legislators were beholden to the optometrists' lobby; they overrode her veto.

The optometrists say that a home test is too risky because no doctor is there to look for diseases. I confronted Opternative's spokesman about that. He said the test's questionnaire filters out sick people by asking questions like: "Any health conditions? ... pregnancy, nursing, diabetes ... Any medication that affects your vision? ... Sertraline, Amitriptyline...?"

Obviously, a questionnaire is not as good as a doctor. But it does screen out some people. Opternative rejected me the first time I tried. I then lied about my age to test their service.

I don't recommend lying on medical forms. But a cheap internet prescription is not much of a threat to public health.

Barbers claim an unlicensed barber might give you a bad haircut or cut you.

Florists say an unlicensed flower arranger might spoil your wedding.

The optometrists at least have a better argument: The at-home eye test might miss a disease.

But I say we consumers should get to choose what risks we take.

I choose to go to an ophthalmologist because I can afford it, and at my age, I want a glaucoma test.

But many young people don't want to spend that money. And many people just don't have time. That's probably why lots of Americans never go to any eye doctor, ever. Opternative at least gives them an alternative -- a way to get a prescription without going to a doctor.

It's good to have a choice.
Unlike some world leaders, Russias Vladimir Putin is a man of relatively few words. Lately, however, he has aimed some explicit warnings at the United States. President Trump, when he has a tweet-free minute, might want to take heed.

While attending an economic summit this week, Putin growled that imposing more sanctions on North Korea, such as the U.S. announced, would not tame that countrys maniacal leader, Kim Jong Un. Do not succumb to emotions and drive North Korea into a corner, Putin said, in stark language certainly directed at the unpredictable Trump. Now, more than ever, everyone needs to be calm and avoid steps that lead to an escalation of tension.

A day earlier, Putin issued another near-ultimatum to the U.S. against providing defensive weapons to Ukraine. Of course, Putin is responsible for the 2014 seizure and annexation of the Crimea, in eastern Ukraine.

While claiming that no regular Russian troops crossed the border, Putin certainly authorized the use of irregular, pro-Moscow forces to seize the territory. Since then, much of eastern Ukraine has been under Russian control, while diplomats try to unravel the impasse.

Its worth noting that Putin has a history of making silky threats before taking decisive action. He calmly presided over the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, just before special forces in unmarked uniforms began the Crimea land grab.

Its worth noting that Putin has a history of making silky threats before taking decisive action. He calmly presided over the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, just before special forces in unmarked uniforms began the Crimea land grab.

American Defense Secretary James Mattis said last month the U.S. is actively reviewing whether to provide weapons to Ukraine. Naturally, Putin will see any armament deliveries to Kiev as a threat, and could use it as an excuse to ratchet up the Russian military posture.

On North Korea, Putin is in a no-lose situation. While no doubt enjoying the spectacle of Trump trying to be tough without starting a nuclear war, Putin also wants to see Chinas Xi Jinping wiggle with discomfort. China, North Koreas main patron, is supposed to be able to influence Kim. Xi was badly embarrassed when North Korea exploded what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb just as the Chinese leader was opening a high-profile conference on expanding world trade.

Trump, occupied as he is with Houstons hurricane recovery, another impending weather event in Florida, and assorted domestic issues, may not consider the Russian leaders ominous language worth weighing. He would be wrong.

Putins measured tone on both North Korea and Ukraine suggest hes not looking for a confrontation with Trump. So far, the two countries have confined their conflict to tossing out each others diplomats. But unlike Trump, Putin does not shovel word salad. Its not necessary for the U.S. to obey him, but it should listen carefully to what he is saying before it makes fateful decisions that will affect the world.
Though North Koreas Kim Jong Un is grabbing headlines, the nuclear weapons evil facing the United States has multiple horns  and available responses. Undoing the harm done by the Iran nuclear deal needs to share the top of the agenda.

In mid-October President Trump will bump up against a certification deadline imposed by the Iran Nuclear Agreements Review Act. The prompt was intended to ensure a much closer look at Iranian behavior and the Iran nuclear deal known as the JCPOA.

Instead of sloughing off a threat that makes Hurricane Harvey look like an overflowing bathtub, this oversight duty must be taken far more seriously.

Obamas JCPOA is trumpeted primarily for one alleged achievement: it bought us time. In reality, it did precisely the opposite. It bought Iran time. Instead of ratcheting up the pressure on Tehran on our terms and our timetable, Americans paid to give Iran time to hone missile delivery systems (Obama omitted from the deal) and get itself to the brink of acquiring a nuclear weapon before the JCPOAs terrifying hourglass runs out.

On August 3, 2017 Iranian President Rouhani said Iran will be able to start enriching uranium to 20% in the Fordo facility in only five days, and reactivate the reactor in Arak because cement was never poured into its core. His remarks were repeated on August 22, 2017 by the head of Irans Atomic Energy Organization, Ali Akbar Salehi.

The Iran deal was exceptional for one other characteristic: it claims to put vital aspects of U.S. national security in the hands of non-Americans, the UN Security Council, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and our negotiation partners China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Iran.

After all, President Obama went to the Security Council to adopt the Iran deal formally, and purportedly bind the United States in international law, before he took the deal to Congress. The complex regime for reinstating the sanctions that Obama tore up is intended to put American foreign relations in serious jeopardy should we calculate the necessities of our well-being deviate from the calculations of others.

President Trump and Congress need to exercise their constitutional responsibility to move the center of gravity back where it belongs.

In August, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton (and Fox News contributor) publicly provided the administration with options.

In July Senators Cotton, Cruz, Perdue and Rubio called for a sober accounting of Iran's JCPOA violations as well as the regime's aggressive and destabilizing behavior.

So where is it?

A third rubber stamp of what candidate Trump called the worst deal ever is indefensible. Outsourcing our national security to the U.N. is not a plan.

The IAEA has so far produced six reports on Irans implementation of the JCPOA. The agency has been careful to indicate, however, its reports are limited by the modalities set out in the JCPOA.

Moreover, in late August U.N. Ambassador Haley pointed to military sites and undeclared sites which the IAEA had not asked to inspect  and to which, therefore, it had not been denied access.

Even IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said in March that he has no idea how many years it will take to conclude that Iran has no undeclared nuclear material and activities  because it depends very much on the level of cooperation from Iran. As recently as August 29, 2017, Irans government spokesman Mohammad Bagher Nobakht unilaterally declared military sites off limits.

Step back and recall where Obama left off with certifying Irans good behavior. In November and December 2015 the IAEA issued its final pre-JCPOA reports and found: "...the Agency is not in a position to provide credible assurance about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran, and therefore to conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities." Obama responded by simply shutting down any further investigation of Irans pre-JCPOA activities.

So now, as then, we still dont know what we dont know.

What we do know is that the IAEA had already specifically itemized, in 2011 and 2015, Iranian activities that are relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device and specific to nuclear weapons.

And we also know that the pre-JCPOA certification scam consisted of Iran self-reporting. It reads, for instance: Iran will provide to the Agency [IAEA] photosIran will provide to the Agency videosIran will provide to the Agency seven environmental samples

Moreover, the JCPOA continues to give Iran far more than it does the United States and its allies, since it granted  for the first time  an Iranian right to enrich uranium, and legitimized a regime that had correctly been an international pariah.

The windfall that Obama gave the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism, and close North Korean collaborator, via the JCPOA is a sunk cost. This Congress and this president have no excuses to continue sailing the American people into a storm from which they will never recover.
The House Intelligence Committee has issued subpoenas requesting records related to the FBI's relationship with a former British spy who compiled a dossier of unverified allegations about President Donald Trump's connections with Russia.

The committee subpoenaed the FBI and the Justice Department on Aug. 24, giving them until Sept. 1 to turn over information about the nature of the bureau's relationship with Christopher Steele. The panel also wants to know how much Steele was paid and to what extent the dossier was relied upon to obtain FISA warrants and launch the FBI's investigation into Russian activities during the 2016 election campaign.

The subpoenas were first reported by the Washington Examiner.

The FBI and Justice Department did not respond to the initial request for records and the committee has now given them until Sept. 14 to comply. If the records are not provided, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Jeff Sessions will be directed to appear before the committee to answer questions.

Steele compiled the 35-page dossier while working for U.S.-based Fusion GPS, an investigative firm headed by former Wall Street Journal reporter Glenn Simpson. The document was initially created as opposition research on behalf of Trump's political rivals and contained a number of salacious allegations involving Russian prostitutes. None of the allegations in the dossier have been corroborated.

However, the dossier was part of the evidence the FBI used to obtain a FISA warrant to monitor communications of Carter Page, a peripheral adviser in the Trump campaign. Former FBI Director James Comey considered the dossier so important that he insisted it be included in January's final Intelligence Community Report on Russian meddling in the election and reportedly offered Steele $50,000 to corroborate the dossier---something the bureau denies paying.

Last month, Simpson was interviewed for 10 hours by Congressional investigators assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Fusion GPS turned over 40,000 documents to the committee, a number that included 7,500 blank pages.

Fox News' Catherine Herridge contributed to this report.
New Yorks Democratic attorney general led a coalition of 15 states and the District of Columbia on Wednesday in suing the Trump administration to block the planned reversal of the Obama-era program shielding young illegal immigrants from deportation.

The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of New York.

New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, who is often at odds with President Trump, issued a statement calling the presidents plan to end the program known as DACA cruel, inhumane, and devastating to those who have been able to come out of the shadows and live a full life as a result of the program.

The Obama administration, via executive action, had launched the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in 2012, giving work permits and a deportation reprieve to some illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. when they were young. Facing the threat of legal action from Republican attorneys general opposed to the program, the Trump administration announced Tuesday it would end DACA  while giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative alternative.

Since that announcement, Trump has given mixed signals.

He tweeted overnight that he would revisit the issue if Congress fails to act. Meeting with congressional leaders from both parties, Trump then said Wednesday he has no regrets about his decision to end the program.

No second thoughts, he said.

The administration argues then-President Barack Obama didnt have the authority to enact the DACA policy in 2012.

The plaintiffs in Wednesdays suit were New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If their permits expire before March, 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5. But the program isn't accepting new applications.

Opponents of the program said they are pleased with the Trump administration's decision. They called DACA an unconstitutional abuse of executive power but proponents of the program said the move by Trump was cruel.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said the action violates the due process rights of the immigrants. He said he fears the information the immigrants provided the government to participate in DACA could be used against them.

"It's outrageous, it's not right," Ferguson said at a news conference in Seattle. "As attorney general for the state of Washington, I have a hammer, it's the law."

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee joined Ferguson at the news conference and said "this is one more of a long train of abuses that this president has attempted to foist on this great nation."

Earlier this year, Ferguson sued Trump over his travel ban, which resulted in a federal judge blocking nationwide enforcement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Donald Trump Jr. will meet behind closed doors with lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday morning, Fox News confirmed.

Lawmakers have wanted to hear from the presidents eldest son ever since word of his June 2016 meeting with Russian attorney Natalia Veselnitskaya over possible damaging information about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton emerged.

Democrats have pointed to that meeting to argue collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government during the 2016 presidential election. The Trump campaign has denied the accusation.

In July, the Judiciary Committee called on Trump Jr. to testify about Russias attempted meddling in the election, but Trump Jr., along with former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, made a deal with the committee to avoid a public hearing, paving the way for a transcribed interview in private.

In late July, Donald Trump Jr. agreed to provide the Judiciary Committee with documents and a transcribed interview prior to a public hearing. Shortly thereafter, a date for that interview was set and agreed to by both the committee and Trump Jr. This meeting will be conducted under the same terms as previously announced, Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said.

The committee also sought a private interview with the head of the firm behind the infamous anti-Trump dossier. Founder of Fusion GPS, Glenn Simpson, met with committee staff on August 22.

It is unclear when Manaforts private hearing will take place.
New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez entered the first day of his corruption trial Wednesday on the verge of tears, as he proclaimed his innocence outside federal court in Newark.

"I appreciate my family, my son and daughter being here today and appreciate all my supporters," he said.

Emotions ran high, but the stakes are even higher, with Menendez facing a dozen criminal charges.

It's the first time a sitting senator has faced a federal bribery trial in 36 years  not only is his career and reputation on the line, but the trial could affect the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, where Republicans are eager to pad their slim majority.

The opening day featured dramatic allegations, including that Menendez "sold his office for a lifestyle he couldn't afford, and testy exchanges  with District Court Judge William H. Walls at one point telling Menendezs lawyer to shut up.

Menendez is accused of accepting more than $700,000 in campaign-related cash and thousands of dollars in free hotel rooms and air travel from a longtime friend, Dr. Salomon Melgen. Melgen is charged with 11 counts.

During opening statements on Wednesday, prosecutors told the jury that as part of the bribery scheme, Menendez sent the doctor an email asking him to provide a $1,500-dollar-a-night Paris hotel room with a limestone bath and a view of the courtyard.

Federal prosecutors say "the evidence will show Menendez went to bat for Melgen at the highest levels of government because he gave him access to a lifestyle that reads like a travel brochure for the rich and famous."

Prosecutors say Menendez, in exchange, helped the doctor with multimillion-dollar business deals and allegedly tried to get visas for the doctors foreign girlfriends.

Both Melgen, who has a previous conviction for Medicare fraud, and Menendez are on trial.

Aside from the implications for the balance of power in the Senate, the trial also poses complications for upcoming Senate votes.

The judge earlier rejected a motion from Menendez to change the trial schedule to allow him to attend crucial votes on issues such as health care. In a testy exchange Wednesday, Menendez's attorney accused the judge of disparaging the defense in his written opinion. At one point, the judge told Menendez's lawyer, "Shut up for a moment, if you don't mind."

Menendez says he will exercise his constitutional right to attend his trial but acknowledged the conflict he faces if Democrats need his vote in the Senate. "When a conflict exists, the clash between those constitutional rights, I will make a decision based upon the gravity of the situation and the difference that my vote would make, he said.

The defense contends this is not about corruption or bribery but about a long-term friendship.

During his opening statement, Menendez's lawyer told jurors "a single word can cut through a mountain of evidence"  that word being friendship.

The trial is expected to last six weeks.
A former IT staffer for House Democrats who's been in Pakistan for months has struck a deal with federal prosecutors, agreeing to return to the U.S. and face charges.

Hina Alvi, who along with her husband Imran Awan worked for House Democrats and now faces bank fraud and conspiracy charges, had left with her children for her native Pakistan while under federal investigation.

Both defendants reportedly worked at one time for Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y. Awan separately worked for Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., until he was arrested in July at Dulles airport in Virginia trying to board a plane to Pakistan, where his wife already was.

But court documents show Alvi has agreed to return to the U.S. and face an arraignment as early as Oct. 6, when her husband is scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing.

Documents filed in federal court Wednesday outline the terms of her return.

Counsel represented that defendant Alvi will turn in her passport(s) when she returns to the United States, and that she will not seek to book any international travel following her appearance in the United States, the documents said.

Imran Awan, who remains in the U.S., entered a not guilty plea last week.

That was after a grand jury returned an indictment last month in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia charging the couple with a total of four charges.

Awan and other IT aides for House Democrats have been on investigators radar for months over concerns of possible double-billing, alleged equipment theft, and access to sensitive computer systems. Most lawmakers fired Awan in February, but Schultz had kept him on until his arrest in July.

The indictment itself addresses separate allegations that Awan and his wife engaged in a conspiracy to obtain home equity lines of credit from the Congressional Federal Credit Union by giving false information about two properties  and then sending the proceeds to individuals in Pakistan.

After Awan was arrested at Dulles airport in Virginia, attorney Christopher Gowen told Fox News that federal authorities have no evidence of misconduct by Awan relating to his IT duties.
The former journalist who commissioned the unverified anti-Trump dossier repeatedly refused to answer basic questions about his client  including how much his firm Fusion GPS was paid and whether he knew the sources behind the dossiers sensational allegations  according to a source familiar with Glenn Simpsons closed-door interview last month with Senate Judiciary Committee staffers.

The source, on the condition of anonymity, said Fusion co-founder Simpson and his lawyer Josh Levy provided thousands of records to the committee, but most were blank or press clippings.

The documents were described to Fox News as useless and disrespectful of congressional investigators.

The source said Simpsons team also wanted an assurance the transcript would be kept confidential, and only made public after they reviewed it for accuracy and redactions were made. This appears to conflict with a statement from Simpsons team to MSNBC on the evening of Aug. 23, after the questioning was complete, saying, The committee can release the transcript, if it so chooses.

A separate statement to Fox News on Aug. 22 from Fusion representative Tracy Schmaler  who ran the Obama Justice Department media office and was a special adviser to then-Attorney General Eric Holder  also claimed Simpson was transparent: "Mr. Simpson told Congress the truth and cleared the record on many matters of interest to congressional investigators. He also kept the identities of Fusion GPS clients confidentialFusion GPS honors that commitment without exception - just as law firms and businesses do all over the country.

Simpsons legal and media team did not respond to Fox News questions about the meeting, or acknowledge receipt of the questions.

HOUSE PANEL SUBPOENAS FOR RECORDS ON ANTI-TRUMP DOSSIER

Complicating efforts to learn more about the dossier are lawsuits in both the U.S. and the U.K. concerning the allegations and how the material was released.

Newly public British court records state that material passed from former British spy Christopher Steele to Simpson used encrypted communications given the sensitivity. Intelligence provided by the Defendants to Fusion was provided securely and where provided electronically it was provided in enciphered form, the documents state.

In March, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, wrote to Simpson asking if Steele  who compiled the raw, unverified intelligence  was simultaneously paid by Simpsons firm Fusion GPS for his work and the FBI for the investigation of then-candidate Trump and his associates.

Separately, the House Intelligence Committee has issued subpoenas to the FBI for records on the FBIs relationship with Steele, Fox News is told.

Adding another layer of complexity to the dossier work is the recent allegation that Simpsons Fusion GPS was at the same time allegedly supporting Russian efforts to repeal the Magnitsky Act, U.S. legislation that leveled sanctions on senior Russian officials blamed for the death of Russian whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky.

Bill Browder, who testified publicly before the Senate Judiciary Committee in July, filed a complaint in July 2016 with the Justice Department against Simpson and Fusion GPS for its work with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskya, who famously met in June 2016 with Donald Trump Jr. and other campaign figures at Trump Tower. A Justice Department spokesman would not comment on the status of the Browder complaint, or whether an inquiry was opened.

The Senate interview with Simpson was not under oath because the witness appeared voluntarily, but the same rules apply.

In the Aug. 22 statement, Schmaler blasted the investigation as it pertains to Simpson as a desperate attempt by the Trump campaign and its allies to smear Fusion GPS because of its reported connection to the Trump dossier.

She noted that a special counsel and three congressional committees are investigating ties between the Russian government and the Trump campaign today in defending the firms work. Fusion GPS is proud of the work it has conducted and stands by it, she said.

She also said, The Committee has a transcript of the interview. We are not permitted to have a copy. The Committee has the right to disclose the transcript, if it wishes to do so.
An Illinois congressman blasted White House Chief of Staff John Kelly  a retired Marine Corps general and Gold Star father  as a disgrace to the uniform Tuesday after the Trump administration announced the dismantling of the DACA program.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) was created by former President Barack Obama by executive action in 2012.The program gives hundreds of thousands of young people brought to the country as children protection from deportation and allows them to work in the U.S.

The Washington Examiner reported that U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a Democrat, took personal aim at Kelly because Kelly once reportedly spoke favorably about the program. House members reported in July that Kelly told Latino lawmakers in a closed-door meeting that he was supportive of the program, but pointed out that it was probably illegal.

He's personally for it. He thinks it will not hold up, according to the attorneys he's spoken with, Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, told the Associated Press at the time. He was challenged by those of us in the room, by lawmakers, to publicly announce his own position and to be a leader and to stand up and defend DACA. He said he would consider it.

Gutierrez also said, after the July meeting, that Kelly, who previously headed the Department of Homeland Security, took credit for keeping the program alive for so long since Trump took office.

Gutierrez changed his tune after the Trump administration's Tuesday announcement.

General Kelly is a hypocrite who is a disgrace to the uniform he used to wear, the congressman said in a statement.

"General Kelly, when he was the head of Homeland Security, lied straight to the faces of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus about preventing the mass deportation of DREAMers," Gutierrez also said. "He has no honor and should be drummed out of the White House along with the white supremacists and those enabling the president's actions by just following orders.'"

The Examiner reported that Kelly is a retired four-star general and Gold Star father. One of his sons died in Afghanistan.
President Trump struck a deal Wednesday with Democratic leaders to raise the federal debt ceiling and fund the government for the next three months while also providing Hurricane Harvey relief money -- hours after House Speaker Paul Ryan blasted such a plan as unworkable and disgraceful.

The president, meeting with congressional leaders from both parties, effectively brushed off calls from GOP leaders for a longer-term plan.

Those lawmakers had pushed first for an 18-month debt-limit hike and then floated a six-month plan, Fox News is told  but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., held firm on calls for a three-month deal.

Trump agreed.

We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelois and Chuck Schumer, he told reporters aboard Air Force One. We agreed to a three-month extension on the debt ceiling, which they consider to be sacred, very important.

The announcement was striking considering just hours earlier, Ryan warned such an arrangement could put Harvey relief funds at risk.

To play politics with the debt ceiling like Schumer and Pelosi apparently are doing, I dont think is a good idea, said Ryan.

The House on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved an initial $8 billion in funding for Harvey relief, on a 419-3 vote.

The plan all along was for the Senate to attach a debt-ceiling hike to the bill and then send it back. But Ryan and other top Republicans objected to Democrats push to only raise the debt ceiling for a three-month period.

Yet following the Trump meeting, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged they had all agreed to a three-month deal  saying he would be adding that to the Harvey bill.

Ill be supporting it, McConnell said.

Schumer called the arrangement a really good moment of bipartisanship."

Not everyone thinks so.

Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., issued a brief statement saying only: "The Pelosi-Schumer-Trump deal is bad."

Its unclear whether the deal has the votes to pass. But under the terms, government funding and the debt limit would be extended through Dec. 15, in turn avoiding a government shutdown Sept. 30.

Trump said they also agreed on emergency hurricane funding, which will likely increase with Hurricane Irma heading toward Florida.

We had a very good meeting, Trump continued. I think the deal will be very good.

The bipartisan support Wednesday for the initial House vote on Harvey aid was no surprise considering how Harvey essentially put Houston and the rest of southeast Texas underwater before striking Louisiana, causing a projected $160 billion in damage.

The Harvey package now goes to the GOP-controlled Senate. If the combo version passes, it will then return to the House for final approval.

While GOP leaders had hoped for a longer-term deal on the debt ceiling, some conservatives were also agitated over the move to have the Senate attach the hike after the House votes.

A senior House member, who asked to not be identified, called the tactic a charade and asked, Why not attach the debt ceiling in the first place?

Any votes to increase federal borrowing also are problematic for fiscal conservatives principally opposed to increasing debt and spending.

The Trump administration originally had asked Congress to raise the debt limit by Sept. 29 to keep the federal government from defaulting on its bills.

Then Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin made a plea on Fox News Sunday this past weekend for Congress to increase the borrowing authority along with a Harvey aid package, amid fears the government wont have enough cash to help Harvey victims in immediate need of assistance.

The red flags that the White House waved are real, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said Tuesday.

The Houses two big, fiscally conservative groups -- the House Freedom Caucus and the Republican Study Committee -- have already expressed reservations about a combo vote.

However, members also dont want to be vilified for stiffing Harvey flood victims -- particularly with Hurricane Irma now taking aim at Florida and after Congress took months after 2012s Superstorm Sandy to approve emergency funding.

Fox News' Joseph Weber and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
Sen. Bob Menendez will not face a new bribery and corruption trial after all, federal prosecutors said last month.

The Department of Justice had announced earlier this year that it intended to retry the New Jersey Democrat after a federal judge declared a mistrial in the case in November, but ultimately walked away from the pursuit.

Menendez was accused of accepting a plethora of donations and gifts from a wealthy friend in exchange for political influence. Both Menendez and the doctor, Salomon Melgen, maintained their innocence.

From the very beginning, I never wavered in my innocence and my belief that justice would prevail. I am grateful that the Department of Justice has taken the time to reevaluate its case and come to the appropriate conclusion, Menendez said on social media following the announcement.

Menendez is up for re-election this year. He was selected to replace former Gov. Jon Corzine, D-N.J., in the Senate in 2005. He rejoined the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee as its ranking member on Feb. 6, after stepping down from the post when he was indicted in 2015.

Read on for a look at what Menendez was accused of and what happened in the trial.

What was Menendez accused of?

Menendez, 64, accepted an abundance of campaign donations, gifts and vacations from Salomon Melgen, a Florida ophthalmologist, prosecutors alleged when Menendez faced trial in 2017. In return, prosecutors claimed, he used his position to lobby on behalf of Melgens business interests.

Melgen allegedly directed more than $750,000 in campaign contributions to entities that supported Menendez, according to the indictment, which prosecutors said were inducements to get Menendez to use his influence on Melgen's behalf. Prosecutors have also accused Menendez of trying to hide the gifts.

Melgen paid for Menendez and his girlfriend to stay for three nights at a Parisian hotel where rooms typically cost about $1,500 per night and allowed the senator the use of his private jet, according to prosecutors.

Federal prosecutors said that Menendez sold his office for a lifestyle that he couldnt afford.

The indictment also alleged that Menendez pressured State Department officials to give visas to three young women described as Melgen's girlfriends.

What was the senators defense?

Both Menendez and Melgen pleaded not guilty  and Menendez has vehemently denied the accusations against him.

Throughout the original trial, defense attorneys sought to prove that Menendez and Melgen have been friends since before the former became a senator, and the trips were nothing more than friends traveling together.

Is there anything else to know about Salomon Melgen?

Melgen, 63, was convicted of 67 counts of health care fraud in April 2017 in what the Palm Beach Post called one of the biggest Medicare fraud cases in the U.S.

Melgen was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Feb. 22 for Medicare fraud, as he persuaded patients to undergo treatments they did not necessarily need.

Aside from Menendez, Melgen has given significant amounts of money to a variety of Democratic lawmakers, according to public records.

How did the trial end?

After the jury again informed the judge they could not reach a decision, U.S. District Court Judge William H. Walls declared a mistrial, saying he found no alternative.

The mistrial was declared on Nov. 16.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
State officials sounded the alarm Wednesday on Capitol Hill about skyrocketing ObamaCare premiums as insurers across the country propose double-digit rate hikes  renewing pressure on Congress to act.

Insurance commissioners and officials from Alaska, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and Washington state all testified before a Senate committee on the 2018 premium hikes, which are being finalized over the next few weeks.

In Alaska, premiums have increased 203 percent since 2013, according to Lori Wing-Heier, the states director of the Division of Insurance.

On average, the increase means that an Alaskan in the individual market who was paying a monthly premium of $344 per month in 2013 is paying $1,041 per month in 2017, Wing-Heier told the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions committee.

Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak told the panel he has been warning about spiking rates for too long and those warnings have been ignored at the federal level.

Oklahoma is facing the collapse of our individual health insurance market, Doak said, adding that the state has seen a rise in premiums of 130 percent over the last four years.

It is time for serious leaders to make serious decisions to help out the people of every state as we move into 2018.

Doak said that Oklahomans have seen a drastic decrease in competition, leaving them with fewer choices each yearin 2014, Oklahoma could choose plans from five carriers, but in 2017, Oklahomans have only one.

HEALTH CARE COSTS COULD RISE FOR MILLIONS AS INSURANCE COMPANIES SET RATES FOR OBAMACARE MARKETS

And in Tennessee, proposed 2018 premium increases are between 21 and 42 percent, according to Julie Mix McPeak, the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Tennessee consumers will have at least one option for coverage, but only one, McPeak said, noting that a single choice did not represent the states ideal marketplace competition.

Our consumers have seen premium prices skyrocket while their choices dropped substantially.

McPeak added: The current Affordable Care Act trajectory is not sustainable.

The testimony from insurance commissioners prods lawmakers once again to try and overhaul the Affordable Care Act, after repeated efforts over the summer failed.

Insurance companies faced an initial deadline of Tuesday to submit policy rates for 2018, with a final deadline of Sept. 20. Those rates are expected to be posted on HealthCare.gov by Sept. 27.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the committee holding Wednesday's hearing, wants to see Congress do something to curb premium hikes and preserve marketplace competition -- even if it falls short of completely re-writing ObamaCare.

Insurance officials from Pennsylvania and Washington stressed Wednesday that the Affordable Care Act was successful in their respective states. Both noted a decrease in uninsured consumers, with Pennsylvania's uninsured rate the lowest its ever been. But both states expect a spike in premiums for 2018.

The Affordable Care Act is working for most people, Pennsylvania Acting Secretary of the Department of Human Services Teresa Miller said.

Officials like Miller want Washington to ease premium hikes by making so-called cost-sharing payments to insurers. Absent that, she said, Pennsylvania consumers would see a statewide average increase of 20.3 percent. If the individual mandate is not enforced, Miller said, the state would see a 23.3 percent increase.

The average increase for 2018 is 23 percent, Washington state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said Wednesday, noting health care failures for the state in past decades. Im nervous about what is going to happen next year because of the growing uncertaintyYou must take bold action.

Alexander acknowledged that "timing is a challenge" for lawmakers. He called for colleagues to reach a "consensus" by the end of next week "so that Congress can act on it before the end of September.

Otherwise, he warned, we will not be able to affect insurance rates, and the availability of insurance, for next year.

Republicans in the Senate failed to pass their so-called 'skinny repeal' health care plan ahead of the August recess, nudging some lawmakers to try for a bipartisan package.

Alexander said the committee would hold three more hearingsone more this week, and two nextto come up with a plan.

I believe we can do it because we are plowing familiar ground here, our goal is a small step, and so many Americans will be hurt if we fail, Alexander said. If we do not do thisit will not be possible for Republicans to make political hay blaming Democrats, or Democrats to make hay blaming Republicans. The blame will be on every one of us, and deservedly so.
Former national security adviser Susan Rice is meeting privately Wednesday with the House Intelligence Committee, Fox News has learned, in the latest Capitol Hill session involving an Obama administration official.

Rice was expected to face questions in closed session about Russia and the unmasking controversy. The sit-down comes after she attended a similar private session in July with staffers on the Senate Intelligence Committee.

Some lawmakers have made clear they want to hear more from Obama administration officials, especially Rice, over their potential role in "unmasking" the identities of Trump associates from intelligence reports last year.

Rice has come under fire for her alleged role. Congressional investigators have issued subpoenas to the NSA, CIA and FBI seeking "unmasking" information related to three individuals: Rice, former CIA Director John Brennan and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power.

Rice initially told PBS' Judy Woodruff in March that she knew nothing about the unmasking of Trump associates. But weeks later on MSNBC, she admitted she sometimes sought out the identities of Trump associates who communicated with foreigners, a request known as unmasking in the intelligence community.

But I leaked nothing to nobody, Rice told MSNBC.

Power, too, has agreed to testify before the House Intelligence Committee as part of its Russia probe, Fox News has learned.

Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper already appeared before both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees in July.

Fox News Catherine Herridge contributed to this report.
Texas Republicans won a minor victory Tuesday in their battle to implement a voter identification law.

By a 2-1 vote, a federal appeals court panel in New Orleans stayed a permanent injunction to throw out the law, which requires voters to present an accepted photo ID card.

A previous order by U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos allowed those without an accepted ID to vote by signing a sworn declaration stating they have a reasonable impediment to obtaining one.

The injunction will allow Texas to use a revised voter ID measure known as Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) for this Novembers elections.

In the six-page majority opinion, Circuit Judges Jerry Smith and Jennifer Walker Elrod suggested that the state made a strong case.

"The State has made a strong showing that it is likely to succeed on the merits, reads a joint order from Smith and Elrod. SB 5 allows voters without qualifying photo ID to cast regular ballots by executing a declaration that they face a reasonable impediment to obtaining qualifying photo ID. This declaration is made under the penalty of perjury.

"The State has made a strong showing that this reasonable-impediment procedure remedies plaintiffs alleged harm and thus forecloses plaintiffs injunctive relief."

In his dissenting opinion, Circuit Judge James Graves Jr. argued that any stay "should be comprehensive. In other words, the correct approach would be to stay both the district court's order and the new (voter ID) legislation."

Gonzales Ramos had issued the permanent injunction against a subsequent voter ID law on Aug. 23, calling it a "poll tax" on minority voters. The stay suspends that order until the appeals court can hear the merits for and against the state's appeal. She also rejected a watered-down version of the voter ID law that was signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this year.

The new version of the law didn't expand the list of acceptable photo identifications -- meaning gun licenses remained sufficient proof to vote, but not college student IDs.

But the changes would allow people who lack a required ID to cast a ballot if they signed an affidavit and brought paperwork that showed their name and address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.

The new version was supported by the U.S. Justice Department, which once opposed the law but has reversed its position since President Donald Trump took office.

"We are pleased that the Fifth Circuit has stayed the injunction and allowed Texas to proceed with its duly enacted voter identification laws," the Justice Department said in a statement provided to Politico by spokeswoman Lauren Ehrsam. "Preserving the integrity of the ballot is vital to our democracy, and the Fifth Circuits order allows Texas to continue to fulfill that duty as this case moves forward."

Texas has spent years fighting to preserve both the voter ID law -- which was among the strictest in the U.S. -- and voting maps that were both passed by GOP-controlled Legislature in 2011.

Earlier this month, a separate federal court earlier found racial gerrymandering in Texas' congressional maps and ordered two of the state's 36 voting districts to be partially redrawn before the 2018 elections.

The Associated Press contributed to this story
President Trump on Wednesday spoke with President Xi Jinping of China about the denuke of North Korea as lawmakers in Washington received classified briefings on the threat.

We had a very good conversation with President Xi of China, Trump told reporters on Air Force One. It lasted for about 45 minutes. Hes very much in favor of the denuke of North Korea.

The White House said Trump and Xi discussed North Koreas Sept. 2 test of a powerful nuclear device.

The two leaders condemned North Koreas latest provocative and destabilizing action and noted North Koreas current path is dangerous to the world and not in its own interest, Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, said. President Trump and President Xi committed to strengthen coordination and take further action with the goal of achieving the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

China's state news agency said Xi expressed China's adamant position about "resolving the nuclear issue through talks."

PUTIN WARNS OF 'GLOBAL CATASTROPHE' OVER NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR CRISIS



While Washington needs backing from allies, cooperation with traditional adversaries China and Russia is more significant. The U.S. needs both to put the squeeze on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Both are economic partners of North Korea and veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.

Asked if he was considering military action against North Korea, Trump told reporters: "Certainly that's not our first choice, but we will see what happens."

Meanwhile, members of the House and Senate were briefed on Capitol Hill on Wednesday about the threat from North Korea, as well as the situation in Afghanistan.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford and Director of National Intellience Dan Coats participated in the briefing.

What we're discussing is diplomacy but it would be diplomacy backed up by these types of financial sanctions which are now being deployed, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Ed Royce said outside the meeting.

Trump traded threats with Pyongyang last month after it conducted two long-range missile tests. At one point, he warned of "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if North Korea continued its threats. At another, he credited Kim for a brief pause in missile tests that ended days later.



Fox News Alex Pappas, Chad Pergram, Bree Tracey and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Meeting with congressional leaders from both parties, President Trump said Wednesday he has no regrets about his decision to end the program giving illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. at a young age a reprieve from deportation.

Asked by a reporter before the meeting about his Tuesday announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, Trump replied: No second thoughts.

The administration argues then-President Obama didnt have the authority to enact the DACA policy in 2012. Trump is now asking Congress to take up the issue.

The president on Wednesday welcomed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi to the Oval Office for a meeting as lawmakers returned to Washington this week after their August recess.

We have many, many things that are on the plate, the president told reporters before the meeting. Hopefully we can solve them in a rational way. And maybe we wont be able to. Well probably know pretty much at the end of this meeting, or the meetings that well be having over a short period of time.

Trump listed Hurricane Irma and the issue of Congress voting to raise the debt limit as two topics he planned to discuss with lawmakers.

Theres a new, and seems to be, record-breaking hurricane heading right toward Florida and Puerto Rico and other places, Trump said. Well see what happens. Well know in a very short period of time. But it looks like it could be something that will be not good, believe me, not good.

TRUMP CALLS FOR REDUCING CRUSHING TAX BURDEN AS HE MEETS WITH KEY REPUBLICANS ON TAXES

Speaking of the debt limit, which needs to be raised by Congress by October to avoid a default, the president said: Our country has a lot of great assets and we have some liabilities that we have to work out, so well see if we can do that.

When a reporter asked Trump if hes willing to support a three-month debt ceiling increase tied to funding for Hurricane Harvey relief, the president responded: Well see.

While Congress was on its August recess, the president suggested he might be willing to shut down the government in order to get funding in a spending bill to build a wall on the border with Mexico.

Vice President Mike Pence, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin were also in attendance at the meeting.

In his remarks before the meeting, the president didnt specifically mention tax reform, an issue his administration is working with Republicans on Capitol Hill in crafting a legislative package that lowers taxes.

Later Wednesday, the president is traveling to Bismarck, North Dakota, where he will participate in an event with workers from the energy sector to draw attention to his push for tax reform.


President Trumps decision to end the Dreamers program in six months was a compromise that largely satisfied no one.

I cant think of another issue this year on which the mainstream media have been so fully and unapologetically aligned against Trump and in favor of preserving an Obama program. The climate change agreement is a close second, but that is more abstract when compared to 800,000 young immigrants who were brought here illegally by their parents and have become integrated into American society.

If some journalists thought Trump might leave the program alone, they were dreaming. He promised to end it during the campaign.

At the same time, the initiative enjoys wide public support, given that the kids in question had no say about being brought to America, and such leading Republicans as Paul Ryan and Orrin Hatch are asking that it be preserved, along with major business and tech leaders.

The press has been playing up the plight of individual dreamers: those with stellar jobs, those with their own kids, those who aided in the Houston flooding rescues (including one who died).

Thats a legitimate part of the story, but also a sure-fire way of creating sympathy for those who would be sent home.

The president, in having Jeff Sessions make yesterdays announcement, clearly wanted to limit what he knew would be a backlash against him.

And Trump seems to have been genuinely conflicted. After all, he told Fox News in 2011: "You have people in this country for 20 years: Theyve done a great job, theyve done wonderfully, theyve gone to school, theyve gotten good marks, theyre productive. Now were supposed to send them out of the country? I dont believe in that." As recently as Friday, the president said that "we think the dreamers are terrific."

This ambivalence was also reflected in a New York Times report: "Mr. Trump, exasperated, asked his aides for a way out of a dilemma he created by promising to roll back the program as a presidential candidate, according to two people familiar with the exchange."

Sessions, a leading anti-illegal immigration voice since he was an Alabama senator, said the so-called DACA program is being "rescinded" on constitutional grounds. He took no questions from reporters. The administration was responding to a lawsuit filed by numerous state attorneys general.

What most of the media have minimized and what Sessions stressed yesterday--is that the uproar over what Barack Obama did during the 2012 campaign was largely rooted in the unilateral nature of his decision. Obama shielded the dreamers from deportation by executive order because he couldnt get a bill through Congress, and even he said it was temporary. That made the program vulnerable to being reversed by his successor.

Many pundits portray the six-month delay as Trump punting the decision to the Hill. And yet the administration is immediately halting any new applications.

Politico, which broke news of the decision over the weekend, cited a "senior White House aide' as saying that if Republican lawmakers fail to act, "he doesnt expect Trump to follow through on terminating DACA." Politico casts this as setting up a potential battle between the president and Steve Bannon, who is now back at Breitbart and remains an influential voice.

In this view, Trump pleases his base with the Sessions announcement but nothing actually ends up happening.



While Republicans are divided, the Democrats are ratcheting up the pressure, with Nancy Pelosi saying Trump was ready to "break the hearts and offend the morals of all who believe in justice and human dignity."

The notion that Congress, which hasnt been able to agree on much of anything, will rescue the program over the next six months may be wishful thinking.

In a rational system, the president and Congress would be able to tie the debate over people brought here illegally as kids to a broader approach on stemming the overall tide and Trumps proposed border wall. But Washington hasn't worked that way for a very long time.
President Trump on Wednesday heads to North Dakota, where he is expected to again push for a bipartisan effort for tax reform.

While in Bismarck, N.D., Trump will participate in a tax reform event with energy workers, according to the White House.

Trump handedly won the state during the 2016 election.

Heres what to know about the presidents trip and speech.

What can we expect from Trumps address?

Trump's address will be given at an oil refinery in Mandan, N.D., across the river from Bismarck.

We are the highest taxed nation in the world -- that will change, Trump said Wednesday morning.

While there, Trump plans to emphasize that the last time Congress passed a major tax overhaul  which was under Republican President Ronald Reagan  Democrats signed on.

"Both of the Reagan tax cuts were passed by a Democratic majority in the House, a Democratic speaker, and the vast majority of Democrats in the Senate, including a Democratic senator from the great state of North Dakota," Trump said in prepared remarks released ahead of the speech. "If Democrats continue their obstruction  if they don't want to bring back your jobs, raise your pay and help America win  voters should deliver a clear message: Do your job to deliver for America, or find a new job."

As he continues his effort to put a populist spin on a tax overhaul that could include substantial benefits for corporate America, Trump also was expected to raise the story of a North Dakota cattle ranching family. The White House said Trump planned to mention Julie Ellingson, a fourth-generation rancher who is concerned about how the estate tax may affect her children when they inherit the operation.

What do we know about Trumps tax plan so far?

Trump was in Missouri last week and delivered his first tax speech. The states Democratic senator, Claire McCaskill, did not attend that speech.

Trump also met with GOP lawmakers on Tuesday to discuss the tax effort, which aims to simply the tax code, lower the rate for corporations and reduce the tax burden for middle-class families.

The White House tax goals released in April include repealing the estate tax. Under current tax rules, heirs must pay 40 percent in taxes on any assets they inherit in excess of $5.49 million ($10.98 million for married couples).

Who will be in attendance?

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., is set to travel with Trump aboard Air Force One to the oil refinery.

White House officials have pointed to her presence as a sign of potential bipartisan support for tax reform.

However, Heitkamp has not actually said that she supports Trumps plan yet. But in a statement earlier this week, she stressed the importance of the White House, Republicans and Democrats working together to come up with a tax reform plan.

Any time a president comes to North Dakota, its a great opportunity to lay the groundwork for a better future for our businesses and our families, Heitkamp said.

Republican Sen. John Hoeven and Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer, weighing a bid to challenge Heitkamp, also will be in attendance.

How can Trumps event be watched?

Trump is expected to deliver remarks at the Andeavor-owned oil refinery around 4:00 p.m.

It can be viewed on the Fox News Channel and online via FoxNews.coms live blog.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Trump administration announced last year its plan to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA)  which provides a level of amnesty to certain undocumented immigrants, many of whom came to the U.S. as children  with a six-month delay for recipients. But a federal appeals court ruled against the proposal in early November, declaring the government couldn't immediately end the program.

The Executive wields awesome power in the enforcement of our nations immigration laws, the ruling said. Our decision today does not curb that power, but rather enables its exercise in a manner that is free from legal misconceptions and is democratically accountable to the public.

Trump had initially set a March 5 deadline for the program and called on Congress to pass legislation pertaining to the young immigrants. But the deadline came and went, with no congressional action but several lawsuits challenging the administration's decision to end the program.

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT RULES AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ON DACA

Federal judges in New York and Washington also have ruled against President Trump on DACA.

President Trump has repeatedly blamed Democrats for inaction.

Heres a look at the DACA program and why the Trump administration wants to dismantle it.

What is the DACA program?

The DACA program was formed through executive action by former President Barack Obama in 2012 and allowed certain people who came to the U.S. illegally as minors to be protected from immediate deportation. Recipients, called Dreamers, were able to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, which was subject to renewal.

Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

Individuals were able to request DACA status if they were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, came to the U.S. before turning 16 and continuously lived in the country since June 15, 2007.

Individuals also had to have a high school diploma, GED certification, been honorably discharged from the military or still be in school. Recipients could not have a criminal record.

It did not provide legal status.

How many people are affected by DACA?

Nearly 800,000 youth, called Dreamers, are under the program's umbrella.

Daniel Garza, president of the conservative immigration nonprofit Libre Initiative, told Fox News that DACA offers a reprieve from a life of uncertainty for innocent kids who didnt break the law.

Its rather disappointing to think they could return to a state of anxiety and fear, he said.

What did the Trump administration do?

The Trump administration announced in September 2017 that it planned to phase out DACA for current recipients, and no new requests would be granted. But a lower court order required the administration to continue accepting renewal applications for those under the DACA program, and the Supreme Court rejected the Trump administration's request to intervene.

Since the announcement, Trump had offered to work with lawmakers on a solution for the hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. who fell under DACAs umbrella of protections. But at the same time, he has repeatedly blamed Democrats on social media for lack of a solution.

Earlier this year, Trump released his four pillars of immigration reform, which included a provision for legal status for DACA recipients and others who would be eligible for DACA status. The White House estimated that total to be 1.8 million people. The Senate rejected the plan.

Republicans  and some Democrats  opposed Obamas directive establishing DACA from the start as a perceived overreach of executive power.

Obama spoke out on social media after the Trump administration announced a plan to dismantle the program, stating that it's "self-defeating ... and it is cruel" to end DACA and questioned the motive behind the decision.

Do any DACA recipients serve in the military?

Despite some rumors circulating online to the contrary, Dreamers were eligible to serve in the U.S. military since 2014 when the Pentagon adopted a policy to allow a certain amount of illegal immigrants to join.

In fiscal year 2016, 359 DACA recipients had enlisted in the Army  which is the only branch to accept immigrants of this category.

Fox News' John Roberts and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Eric Dreiband, President Trumps pick to lead the Department of Justices civil rights division, is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday  and it has not been smooth sailing for the lawyer.

Dreiband is a Washington attorney used to defending corporations from discrimination claims  and its his legal work that has civil rights advocates staunchly opposing him.

Read on for a look at Dreibands work and why he is a volatile nominee.

Background

Trump officially picked Dreiband as an assistant attorney general for the DOJ's civil rights division in June.

As a labor attorney for the Washington, D.C.-based firm Jones Day, Dreiband represents companies in all aspects of civil rights, employment discrimination, whistleblower and wage and hour investigations, litigation and counseling, according to his bio.

At least 14 attorneys from Jones Day have joined the Trump administration, the Washington Post reported.

Aside from his work defending corporations, Dreiband is a former top lawyer at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under President George W. Bush. There, he entered into class-action lawsuits on behalf of women and minorities, sometimes yielding major settlements  a point sure to be made by his supporters.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ENDS DACA WITH 6-MONTH DELAY

Prior to working with the EEOC, Dreiband served as a deputy administrator of the U.S. Department of Labors Wage and Hour Division, according to his Jones Day bio. He received degrees from Northwestern, Harvard and Princeton.

At the Justice Department, Dreiband would be responsible for overseeing the civil rights division at a time of sweeping change. Under Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the division has been responsible for overseeing quick changes, according to officials in the department.

Dreiband is walking into an administration that has been incredibly hostile to civil rights, David Lopez, the EEOCs general counsel during the Obama administration, told the Associated Press. The only question is whether he will dedicate his enormous capacity as a lawyer and intelligence to either rubber-stamping those efforts or to, in some way, mitigate those efforts.

Notable cases

Dreiband has defended a number of companies in notable lawsuits, including Abercrombie & Fitch when it was sued by a Muslim woman who claimed she was not hired because of her head scarf. That case eventually ended up before the Supreme Court in 2015, when the top court ruled 8-to-1 in favor of the woman.

He was also involved in successfully defending Bloomberg from a pregnancy discrimination case in 2015 and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company from an age discrimination case in 2017.

DOJ REVERSES OBAMA RESTRICTIONS ON MILITARY GEAR FOR POLICE

Additionally, Dreiband and Jones Day represented the Roman Catholic archbishop of Washington, D.C., and Catholic groups who rejected the ObamaCare provision which required contraceptive coverage.

Critics response

Dreiband may face scrutiny during his confirmation hearing regarding his past cases and his commitment to advocate on behalf of minorities in the position for which he is nominated.

In a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committees Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and ranking member Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Tuesday, 46 LGBT groups opposed Dreibands nomination.

Experienced and principled leadership is needed to ensure that the civil rights of our most vulnerable populations are protected and enforced, the letter said. Mr. Dreibands record of opposing civil rights renders him ill-suited to provide that kind of leadership to the Civil Rights Division.

Vanita Gupta, a former ACLU attorney who oversaw the division under former President Barack Obama, said Dreiband is woefully unqualified to take over the division.

"Eric Dreiband has devoted the vast majority of his career to undermining the rights of workers subjected to employment discrimination."  Alliance For Justice

JEFF SESSIONS SLAMS RUSSIA COLLUSION ALLEGATIONS

Second to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Dreiband will be the most influential figure in enforcing some of our nations most critical laws, the progressive judiciary advocacy group Alliance For Justice said in a statement. Unfortunately, Eric Dreiband has devoted the vast majority of his career to undermining the rights of workers subjected to employment discrimination.

In a June statement, the NAACP strongly opposed the nomination of Dreiband and promised to use every resource at our disposal to keep the United States on a path toward greater justice.

[O]ur country needs a true advocate for civil rights in the Department of Justice. And that is not Eric Dreiband, the NAACP said.

Supporters message

Some conservatives have heralded Dreiband as a refreshing change to the office as they think the Obama administration went too far.

He is as open-minded as possible for a principled person to be, Richard Seymour, a fellow employment attorney who has known Dreiband for years, told the Associated Press. He is the steadiest imaginable hand at the tiller that I can think of.

David B. Grinberg, a former EEOC spokesman, credited Dreiband with fighting very hard for women and minorities in his work at the EEOC.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Georgia cops went big game hunting on Wednesday  when they shot and killed a Bengal tiger after it almost made a homeowners dog lunch, authorities said.

The wild ordeal unfolded after at least two people called 911 to report the big cat lurking near a ramp on I-75 North and a home near the Atlanta suburb of Stockbridge about 6 a.m., Henry County Police Department Capt. Joey Smith told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Cops alerted animal control officers after spotting the beast, but there wasnt any time to wait for those authorities to arrive when it suddenly went for a dog in someones back yard.

Unfortunately, it jumped a fence and went after a dog back behind one of the residences there, Smith said. And the officers had to use some force to put the tiger down.

The tiger was shot and killed. It was not immediately known how the tiger made it to the area.

The dogs owner, Brittney Speck, said her pet, Journey, was going crazy in her back yard when she was awakened by the flashing lights of emergency vehicles.

Speck got a glimpse of the tiger  a full-grown zoo tiger, she said  in her neighbors yard just before it jumped on her dog, she said.

And the officers I guess just started firing rounds and took it down and then gave me my dog back, Speck told the Journal-Constitution.

Specks dog survived unscathed. She said she was lucky her three children were inside her home at the time.

Smith, a 24-year law enforcement veteran, said it was the first time he can remember encountering such an animal while on the job.

That I can remember, yes, Smith told The Post early Wednesday. Weve had some various weird calls over the years, but this one was definitely unusual.

There were no reported injuries during the incident, authorities said.

They could not wait any longer and had to act, Smith told The Post. We take every call seriously and the officers did confirm the tiger themselves, and that does increase the seriousness of the matter. It was a very serious situation.

This story originally appeared in the New York Post.
NASA has unveiled incredible images and video of Hurricane Irma as it strengthens into a Category 5 hurricane, wreaking havoc across the Caribbean.

The government agency is using a number of tools to track the storm, similar to what it did with Hurricane Harvey, which battered the state of Texas, dropping more than 50 inches of rain.

NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core satellite was able to capture "an exceptional view" of the hurricane's eye, finding "extreme rainfall" within the eye wall. On Sept. 5 at 12:52 p.m. EST, NASA found that precipitation was falling at a rate of more than 10.8 inches per hour within the eye wall.

HOW NASA IS TRACKING TROPICAL STORM HARVEY

NASA used data from the GPM, as well as its Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) to come up with the calculations.

As the storm slams into the Caribbean and potentially makes its way towards Florida, NASA was able to capture night-time images of the storm.

The GPM's radar found that the storms rotating around the eye reached altitudes greater than 7.75 miles, with some thunderstorms reaching heights of over 10 miles.

HURRICANE IRMA: AIRCRAFT CAPTURE STUNNING SHOTS OF MOON SHINING IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

NASA has also put together a satellite animation of Irma. This video shows imagery from the NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental (GOES) East satellite. The images were taken from the morning of Sept. 3 until the morning of Sept. 6., showing Irma move west and slam into St. Martin.

There is a hurricane warning in effect for essentially most of the Caribbean. Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and a host of other countries are under watch.

Also included in the list are Haiti, which was slammed by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, as well as Guadeloupe, the Southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The hurricane is moving west-northwest at around 16 miles per hour, which NASA said "is expected to continue for the next couple of days."

It is expected to pass just north of Puerto Rico Wednesday and maximum sustained winds have continued to remain near 185 miles per hour, with gusts even higher.

Follow Chris Ciaccia on Twitter @Chris_Ciaccia
The U.S. Air Force's enigmatic space drone  the X-37B space plane  is heading for a Sept. 7 liftoff, according to military officials.

In an Air Force Space Command statement, officials with the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office said they are undergoing final launch preparations for the fifth mission of the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV) program. The Air Force has two robotic and reusable X-37B space planes, and has flown both twice.

"The many firsts on this mission make the upcoming OTV launch a milestone for the program," said Randy Walden, director of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, said in the statement. "It is our goal to continue advancing the X-37B OTV so it can more fully support the growing space community." [The X-37B Space Plane: 6 Surprising Facts]

For the first time in the program's history, the unpiloted space plane will launch on a privately built SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket . Four previous X-37B missions were all lofted by United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rockets. ULA is a joint venture by Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Late last week, the Falcon 9 booster that will launch the X-37B space plane was test-fired, according to SpaceX.

Also, the fifth mission, dubbed OTV-5, will be launched into, and landed from, a higher-inclination orbit than in prior missions "to further expand the X-37B's orbital envelope," according to the Air Force statement.

Mystery manifest

What this X-37B space-plane mission will carry is largely classified.

However, it is known that the OTV missions are dedicated to advancing the X-37B's performance and flexibility as a space technology demonstrator and host platform for experimental payloads.

"This mission carries small satellite ride shares and will demonstrate greater opportunities for rapid space access and on-orbit testing of emerging space technologies," the Air Force statement added.

"Building upon the fourth mission and previous collaboration with experiment partners, this mission will host the Air Force Research Laboratory Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader [known as ASETS-11] payload to test experimental electronics and oscillating heat pipe technologies in the long duration space environment," the statement explained.

Long-duration record

Flights of the craft have repeatedly broken its own long-duration record.

The first OTV mission began April 22, 2010, and concluded Dec. 3, 2010, after 224 days in orbit.

The second OTV mission began March 5, 2011, and concluded June 16, 2012, after 468 days in orbit.

The OTV-3 mission chalked up nearly 675 days in orbit when it landed Oct. 17, 2014. That mission also was the first to reuse an X-37B space plane.

On May 7, 2017, OTV-4 landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility  a first for the program, as all previous OTV missions ended with a tarmac touchdown at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The OTV-4 mission conducted in-orbit experiments for 718 days during its mission, extending the total time spent in orbit for the OTV program to 2,085 days.

Built by Boeing

Built by Boeing, the robotic X-37B space plane is one of two known reusable OTV vehicles that constitute the space plane "fleet." [How the X-37B Space Plane Works (Infographic)]

The reusable military space plane, which looks like a miniature version of NASA's now-retired space shuttle orbiter, is 29 feet (8.8 meters) long and 9.6 feet (2.9 m) tall, and has a wing span of nearly 15 feet (4.6 m).

The space drone has a payload bay about the size of a pickup-truck bed that can be outfitted with a robotic arm. It has a launch weight of 11,000 lbs. (5,000 kilograms) and is powered on orbit by gallium arsenide solar cells with lithium-ion batteries.

Leonard David is author of "Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet," published by National Geographic. The book is a companion to the National Geographic Channel series "Mars." A longtime writer for Space.com, David has been reporting on the space industry for more than five decades. Follow us @Spacedotcom , Facebook or Google+ . This version of this story was posted on Space.com.
If you ever find yourself traveling alone and feel in need of a companion, one hotel has you covered for the low price of 3.50 ($4.17).

The Hotel Charleroi in Belgium has goldfish available for rent for those who would like a little extra company during their stay.

TERRIFYING TOURIST ATTRACTION IN BRAZIL 'SWALLOWS' TRAVELERS WHOLE

The rent-a-fish business started at the hotel in 2013, the hotel manager, David Dillen, confirmed to Mashable. He says the gimmick, as he called it, gets a lot of attention on social media.

Though the fish are big attention grabbers, the hotel makes sure they get their rest as well.

They also have a big fish-tank in the housekeeping department, with a shelter in it, oxygen and plants, he said to Mashable. When we think its necessary, we put them there for a few days.

WARNING: Tweet contains graphic language.

However, some Twitter users did have concerns over the small size of the bowl the fish were kept in when they were rented out.

Dillen explained to Mashable that the fish had been part of the hotel for four years and they receive very good care.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

If they were not taken care of they would have died a long time ago, Dillen said.

I think its a pity people nowadays tend to look at the glass being half-empty instead of half-full, he added about those who worry about the comfort of the fish.

Overall, the offer has received positive reviews  one person wrote on TripAdvisor that next time I will rent the fish, and at least one person has said they cant wait to visit just to rent a fish for themselves.
Chelsea Handler has thrown her weight behind a tweet that went viral shaming Delta Airlines for jacking up ticket prices while people are trying to flee Florida.

The controversy comes as Hurricane Irma fast approaches the nations southeast coast. The threat of a Category 5 storm following Category 4 Hurricane Harveys widespread devastation has many Florida residents leaving the state in search of safer ground.

FLIGHT ATTENDANTS BLAST PITTSBURGH AIRPORTS NEW TSA RULES: ITS A BAD IDEA

One traveler, Leigh Dow, was trying to purchase a ticket from Miami, FL to Phoenix, AZ when she stumbled upon a 600 percent increase in ticket price for the dates she was looking for.

In a tweet, Dow shares a screenshot of her booking which shows the original price of the ticket, $547.50, and the increased price, $3,258.50.

The public relations executive was rightfully angered by the seemingly cruel attempt of Delta Airline to capitalize on the impending disaster.

Shame on you @delta, Dow captioned. Jacking from $547 to over $3200 for people trying to evacute(sic) responsibly? #IrmaHurricane

Her post went viral, receiving more than 35,000 likes and nearly 30,000 retweets  and a host of people joining in her anger at the apparent airline money grab, including talk show host, Chelsea Handler.

The outspoken writer and comedian took to Twitter to call out Delta Airlines, tweeting, Boycott DELTA AIRLINES. These are peoples lives."

However, her anger  and tweet  came way after Delta Airlines had already reportedly fixed the technical error they say was to blame for the outrageous price tag.

Within a half an hour of Dows initial tweet the airline responded with, Leigh, can you please message me more details regarding this! I would love to try and help.

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After it was all cleared up, Dow tweeted out a follow-up stating, @Delta reached out & helped tremendously. Note to travelers, always call airline directly if something doesnt look right.

However, the second tweet didn't do as well and the fact that the problem has been dealt with has done little to assuage Handler  and the thousands of others attacking the airline  as she keeps her tweet calling for a boycott up on her page.

One Twitter user pointed out the discrepancy, saying to Dow, "Your original tweet had over 4000 retweets, and is continuing to get retweeted. Your followup has 77 retweets. See a problem at all?"

[UPDATE]: Like Delta, who has claimed they are not responsible for the ticket price, United was also part of the price gouge controversy  making headlines with a supposed $6,500 ticket.

Fox News reached out to United, and they released a statement:

That $6500 flight that has been making some of the rounds on social mediawas an internationally configured airplane (one that we never fly on that route) that we added as extra capacity to get additional customers out of FL. It was also a first class Polaris seat that was displayed incorrectly as coach and it had been fixed immediately once we saw the error on our website. That flight is now sold out.

United has since added flights and has said they are taking steps to reduce fares even lower than what is normal for those flights.
A union of flight attendants has come out against Pittsburgh International Airports decision to allow non-ticketed passengers through TSA checkpoints, calling it a bad idea that sets a terrible precedent.

Allowing the non-flying public to go through security at the Pittsburgh International Airport for the sole purpose of shopping is a terrible precedent and an ill-conceived decision, wrote Bob Ross, the president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), in a statement released shortly before the airports new guidelines were instituted earlier this week.

PITTSBURGH ALLOWS NON-FLYERS THROUGH SECURITY FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 9/11

Flight attendants are the last line of defense on an aircraft and as first responders, we know this move by TSA is a bad idea that needs to be reversed, claimed the president of the APFA, which represents more than 26,000 American Airlines flight attendants. Aviation security relies on a layered approach where if terrorists breach a layer, second and third layers come into play to protect us. Letting our guard down in Pittsburgh or any other airport for the benefit of retailers is not the right approach to airline safety and security.

Officials from the Pittsburgh International Airport originally announced their decision to allow non-flying passengers through security last Monday, but stressed that the new program  dubbed myPITpass  wouldnt affect passenger or aircraft safety.

We do not believe that this poses any additional safety threats, said Christina Cassotis, the CEO of Allegheny County Airport Authority, to Fox News. Its like just having more airline passengers going through because they go through the same vetting process."

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T SLEEP DURING TAKEOFF OR LANDING

According to Cassotis, the changes were instituted to allow companions of passengers to dine or shop in the terminals, or to escort their family and friends to their gates. In doing so, the program has become the first of its kind since the events of 9/11  a fact thats isnt lost on the APFA.

Days prior to the anniversary of 9-11 is when we should be reminding the public of the need to remain vigilant  not sending the message that the airport is no different than their local mall, added Ross.

Ross, too, believes that the new myPITpass program will clog [the] already frustratingly long TSA security lines, although its too early to tell if the airport has seen any difference in wait times.

Just prior to launching the program, however, Cassotis told Fox News theres a plan in place if the security lines become too crowded.

If the line gets too long, were going to pull the non-ticketed passengers, she said.

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A representative for the APFA was not immediately available to comment.
You know what really burns Michelle Lavins buns? JetBlues super-hot tea.

Lavin, a resident of New York City, has recently filed a lawsuit against the airline over a 2014 incident in which she suffered second- and third-degree burns on her buttocks after a flight attendant allegedly handed her a hot tea with an unsecure lid, reports the New York Post.

Furthermore, Lavins lawyer claims the airline treated her like dirt after she complained, forcing her to sit in the literal hot-seat for part of her flight from New York to Las Vegas.

FAMILY OF FIVE KICKED OFF JETBLUE FLIGHT AFTER CONFRONTATION WITH MANAGER

I screamed at the top of my lungs. The pain was unreal, Lavin told the Post. Every time I tried to stand, they said, We need you to go sit down. I felt like I was being treated like a child.

According to Lavins lawsuit, a JetBlue flight attendant gave her the tea that was too hot for human consumption, and was capable of causing disfiguring burns. Lavin (below, right) says she could feel the very hot heat of the beverage through the cup, and placed it on the tray table.

A commotion at the back of the plane soon caused Lavin to whip around, knocking the tea off the table and into her seat.

I was in excruciating pain and had tears running down my eyes and asked them to get me anything, Lavin told the Post. She claims the flight attendants thought she was insane for complaining, but eventually offered aspirin and ice. It was only after she pulled down her pants to show the crew that they took her complaints seriously and offered to meet her at the gate with a stretcher.

COFFEE LEADS TO LONGER LIFE AND BETTER HEALTH, SAYS STUDY

Lavins lawyer, who also happens to be her uncle, claims Lavin didnt even want to sue the airline, but only changed her mind after JetBlue treated her like dirt.

Lavins lawsuit isnt nearly the first of its kind, either. In 2017, a woman from Florida was awarded over $100,000 after a Starbucks employee spilled coffee in her lap at a drive-thru. And in 1992, an elderly woman was initially awarded $3 million after suffering third-degree burns from a McDonalds hot coffee.

A representative for JetBlue declined to comment for Fox News.
A report released two decades ago on the Harris County reservoir system predicted with alarming accuracy the catastrophic flooding that would besiege the Houston area if changes weren't made in the face of rapid development.

The report released in 1996 by engineers with the Harris County Flood Control District said the Addicks and Barker reservoirs were adequate when built in the 1940s. But it noted that as entire neighborhoods sprouted over the years around the reservoirs in western Harris County, as many as 25,000 homes and businesses at the time were exposed to the kind of flooding Harvey has now brought.

In the report obtained by The Dallas Morning News , engineers proposed a $400 million solution that involved building a massive underground conduit that would more quickly carry water out of the reservoirs and into the Houston Ship Channel. The conceptual plan envisioned a conduit consisting of eight channels to carry water out of the reservoirs and safely past developed areas downstream.

"The primary flood threat facing the citizens of west Harris County and west Houston comes from the inability to drain the Addicks and Barker reservoirs in an efficient manner," the report said.

When asked about the report, Harris County flood control officials said they could not immediately locate a copy and were unfamiliar with the details.

"What I recall is, and I haven't read the report since back then, was that it was going to be very difficult to do physically," said Steve Fitzgerald, the flood control district's longtime chief engineer.

But the timing in 1996 was right, the engineers noted. The Texas Department of Transportation was launching a reconstruction of the Katy Freeway, a portion of Interstate 10 west of downtown Houston that leads directly from the two reservoirs to the downtown section, and it would have been a suitable route for the drainage channel, they said

Other solutions were offered, such as digging the reservoirs deeper, buying out properties at risk of flooding and imposing new regulations on development.

"Do nothing and accept risk of flooding," the report warned.

The report was filed away without action, then last week Harvey struck. The usually dry Addicks and Barker reservoirs quickly filled until, on Aug. 28, they were nearly full and water had spread to their surrounding neighborhoods. The Army Corps of Engineers opened the floodgates to let a controlled amount escape. But instead of the normal 4,000 cubic feet per second, Corps officials opened the gates wide enough to release more than 13,000 cubic feet per second to keep the rising reservoir levels from overtopping the dams. They did so knowing it would flood neighborhoods downstream.

And just as the 1996 report predicted, water in many of the flooded homes would not drain for days or even weeks.

Who gets the blame? The Corps said with no federal money appropriated, there was no federal project, although Harris County is "welcome to do that if they can work with whatever partners they need to do that, and we would encourage it to happen," said Richard Long, supervisory natural resources manager for the Houston Project Office of the Corps' Galveston District.

Harris County Commissioner Steve Radack, whose precinct includes the reservoirs, blames Congress, which never allocated the money and credited the Corps with "an outstanding job of managing this reservoir, outstanding."

The issue is moot for Aaron Voges, whose family home is in a neighborhood located inside a flooded reservoir.

"For some stupid reason I thought that levee that I see on my way home, I thought that protected me," he said. "I had no idea that there were plans in place to flood me to protect other people, which blows my mind."

On Tuesday, a Houston lawyer whose home was among those flooded filed a federal lawsuit against the Corps. Bryant Banes said the class-action suit seeks compensation from the federal government for what was effectively condemnation of their west Houston properties when water released from the reservoirs flooded Buffalo Bayou.

___

Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com
An F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed in Arizona on Tuesday, the United States Air Force said.

The military aircraft crashed during a training mission approximately 20 miles northwest of Safford at 3 p.m.

Rescue efforts were launched, but the status of the fighter's pilot, only known to be male, is unknown.

The Fighting Falcon is based out of Tucson Airport, where the Arizona Air National Guards 162nd Wing is located. The crashed aircraft serves as the Air National Guard's lead F-16 pilot training unit.

According to the Air National Guard, the 162nd Wing is a training group that works with U.S. and international allies to train pilots. This pilot may be international, so identifying the pilot and his condition may be delayed due to time differences.

The Air Force has created a safety board to investigate the crash.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Florida man has been convicted of killing his wife and five children.

The Naples Daily News reports that 41-year-old Mesac Damas pleaded guilty to six counts of first-degree murder on Tuesday, which would have been the first day of jury selection. He faces a possible death sentence, which he has previously claimed to want, at a Sept. 29 hearing.

Authorities say Damas cut the throats of his wife and children, ranging from 1 to 9 years old, at their North Naples apartment in 2009. He fled to Haiti but was arrested and returned to the U.S.

Damas' trial had been delayed by mental competency issues. His attorneys had argued that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury and had a long history of mental illness that began during his childhood in Haiti.

___

Information from: Naples (Fla.) Daily News, http://www.naplesnews.com
Donations from across the country are pouring in to the Houston Police Officers Union for members of the force whose lives were changed by Hurricane Harvey.

More than 500 Houston Police officers have been affected by flooding and more than 100 of them have completely lost their homes, according to the union.

In addition to helping police officers whose homes flooded, donations are also going to the family of Sgt. Steve Perez, who died in floodwaters on his way to work. He was on his way to help the department with water rescues.

Just a class guy, very happy-go-lucky guy, said Douglas Griffith, vice president of the union. He will be missed within our department. I know several officers who worked for him and said he was a great supervisor.

Many people are donating food, water, clothing and other everyday items in person, but money can be sent as well to AssistTheOfficer.com. One hundred percent of the proceeds goes to officers and their families in critical need of help.

I cant say enough about the people who have come out and helped us. Weve had people delivering food to our officers every single day, said Griffith. I cant tell you how blessed weve been with all the donations.

Trinity Lutheran Church down the street from the police station is holding donations for officers and allowing officers to take showers. The churchs gym is set up like a store for officers to shop around and pick up what they need.

Weve been encouraging people to look after their neighbor. Jesus says help your neighbor, Said Michael Dorn, senior pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Dorn said he received a truck full of donations from men who drove 16 hours from Florida and a van full of donations from a group of women from North Carolina.

This is our way of saying thanks, and were willing to share our space to help and be good neighbors too, said Dorn.

The police department and church have received so many donations of essential items they cant keep them all.

Weve been blessed to send this out to other agencies as well, said Griffith.

Donations are now being sent to police departments near Corpus Christi and Rockport. Griffith said the storm destroyed the homes of all five police officers in the Port Aransas department.

Its been really phenomenal for us, said Griffith.

Hurricane Harvey has been very difficult for Houston police, along with many other agencies. Some officers have still not gone home, they work mandatory 12-hour shifts and many have to clean up their flooded home in between. Theyve also dealt emotionally with the death of Sgt. Perez. But theyre hanging in there with support from the community.

Our guys have stepped up and done a wonderful job. And Im proud of every single one of them, said Griffith.
Police in Louisville say a nine-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital Tuesday night after catching fire while playing with gasoline.

Investigators said the incident happened just after 8 p.m. in the Okolona neighborhood of the city. Police said the boy and a friend were playing with gasoline when he suffered burns to the neck and shoulder.

The boy was taken to University of Louisville Hospital and was expected to survive.

WDRB reported that police determined the fire to be an accident and are not expected to file charges.

Click for more from WDRB.com.
The son of former Honduran President Porfirio Lobo has been sentenced in New York to 24 years in prison after admitting his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

Fabio Lobo pleaded guilty in May 2016, admitting he worked with drug traffickers and Honduran police to ship cocaine into the United States. He was fined $50,000 and ordered to forfeit $267,000 at Tuesday's sentencing.

The 46-year-old confessed to a conspiracy that stretched from 2009 to 2014, nearly matching the 2010 to 2014 span when his father was president.

The charge carried a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Lobo was brought to the U.S. in May 2015 to face charges he conspired to smuggle more than 5 kilograms of cocaine into the country.
As Hurricane Irma barreled toward the Caribbean on Tuesday -- on a path that could send the Category 5 megastorm toward Florida -- people up and down the state were starting to prepare for the worst.

President Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which allows for the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts there.

"If there is an evacuation order in your area, please follow it," Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Tuesday. "We can rebuild your home but we cannot rebuild your life."

The hurricane packed maximum sustained winds of 185 mph late Tuesday afternoon and was traveling west at 15 mph, the U.S. National Hurricane Center reported in its 8 p.m. ET advisory. The storm was roaring toward the Leeward Islands. Irmas center was about 85 miles east of Antigua and approximately 90 miles east-southeast of Barbuda, the advisory said.

Forecasters warned the Florida Keys are especially at risk for possible damage. People who are living (in the Florida Keys) or have property there are very scared, and they should be, MIT meteorology professor Kerry Emanuel said.

Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, a record for modern-day storms, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 storm hitting the Florida Keys all had 185 mph winds.

Florida was in a state of emergency on Tuesday. At immediate risk were the small islands of the northern Leewards, along with the British and U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

"Some fluctuations in intensity are likely during the next day or two, but Irma is forecast to remain a powerful category 4 or 5 hurricane during the next couple of days," the National Hurricane Center warned.

FLORIDA GOV. RICK SCOTT DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY

Forecasters said there's a growing chance that Irmas effects may be felt in Florida later this week and during the weekend.

Officials in the Florida Keys geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irmas path, and the mayor of Miami-Dade county said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most of the county's coastal areas. People across the state also stocked up on drinking water and other supplies.

Were just evacuating, getting out-of-town before everybody else does, Luann Huff of Key West told CBS Miami, which reported that she was traveling to the central part of the state.

Miami's Deputy Director of the Building Department Maurice Pons advised against anyone staying near any of the city's 20 to 25 construction cranes. The cranes can "withstand winds up to 145 miles per hour, not a Category 4 Hurricane."

For the Florida Keys, if you were to create the worst case scenario that is what we are looking at, Monroe County Emergency Operations Center Director Martin Senterfitt was quoted as saying by the station.

Scott activated 100 members of the Florida National Guard to be deployed across the state, and 7,000 National Guard members were to report to duty Friday when the storm could be approaching the area.

On Monday, Scott declared a state of emergency in all of Florida's 67 counties. He said, In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared.

Scott ordered the suspension of road tolls across the state on Tuesday, saying in a statement, "They will be suspended for the duration of the storms impacts to Florida."

He told media at a Tuesday briefing that there will be a mandatory evacuation for Monroe County on Wednesday morning, and that Miami-Dade county has been advising people in "low-lying areas" to begin evacuation on Wednesday.

If Irma hits the Florida Straits, the water there is warm enough that the already intense storm could become much worse with wind speeds potentially reaching 225 mph, Emanuel warned.

The storms eye was expected to pass about 50 miles from Puerto Rico late Wednesday.

TRACK HURRICANE IRMA

"Puerto Rico has not seen a hurricane of this magnitude in almost 100 years," Carlos Anselmi, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Juan, told The Associated Press.

Both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands expected 4 inches to 10 inches of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center advisory.

TROPICAL STORM JOSE FORMS IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the voluntary evacuations could begin as soon as Wednesday evening. He activated the emergency operation center and urged residents to have three days' worth of food and water.

A new tropical storm also formed in the Atlantic on Tuesday, to the east of Irma.

The hurricane center said that Tropical Storm Jose was about 1,505 miles east of the Lesser Antilles with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. It was moving west-northwest at 13 mph and was expected to become a hurricane by Friday.

Fox News' Travis Fedschun and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Change is coming. Yes, I know that has always been true but I would submit that the pace of change continues to accelerate and, in fact, will be the defining characteristic of the next couple decades.

With that level of change comes challenge and opportunity. Your chamber of commerce is trying to play a role in preparing our members for a different future that faces virtually every industry today.

Clearly the retail landscape is changing as much as any industry. The Chamber Entrepreneurship Committee has been working down two parallel paths to prepare our members. This week they will begin working with a member business as a test case in using Amazon to sell to a global audience. They see this as a way to investigate how to make local businesses more successful using online sales.

At the same time, they recognize that local businesses will need to successfully compete against online sales, as well. So they are partnering with Great Plains State Bank, Loup Public Power District and Central Community College-Columbus to bring Jon Schallert to Columbus. Jon is a marketing expert and small business strategist who will present a workshop on Creating A Destination Business on Sept. 19.

Ive seen Jons presentation and I can vouch that businesses will learn some powerful, easy, low-cost methods to make themselves stand out from the crowd. He has examples from small-market businesses that have been successful in making themselves a destination for shoppers, creating a place that people want to visit in person even in todays digital world.

Jons workshop will be 8-11:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at CCC-C. Cost is $20. You have to register by Sept. 13, so contact Sue Mahlin at 402-562-1409 or email her at smahlin@cccneb.edu.

Retail is just one of the industries facing fundamental change. The chamber has been having roundtable discussions with members in a variety of industries over the past several months. These allow members to step outside their day-to-day work and think about how to succeed if the rules of their industry really change. While we clearly are not experts in any of those fields, I do think its been valuable to bring those businesses together with their peers and give them a forum to think about the future.

Its fair to say this lightning pace of change will be a challenge to government, education and other institutions. For example, consider the difficulties for state senators to understand the changing reality for all the industries they regulate in Nebraska: banking, manufacturing, retail, etc.

In that environment, its critical for the business community to be in contact with our legislators and members have another good opportunity to connect later this month. The Columbus Area Chamber will host the Nebraska Chamber Fall Legislative Forum on Sept. 27 at 7 a.m.

The forum includes discussion on the issues that are likely to arise in the upcoming legislative session. The state chamber staff gives us a great deal of insight every year into what issues will be debated in the next session in Lincoln. Sen. Paul Schumacher is also scheduled to address the forum.

All chamber members are invited and Id suggest its worth your time to come, not only to listen but also to proactively share the issues that matter in your industry and, yes, how things are changing.
A former Navy sailor whose conviction and imprisonment for taking photos inside his nuclear submarine were criticized by candidate Donald Trump has been released - and the one-time mariner is now hoping President Trump will follow through with a pardon.

Kristian Saucier, 30, was convicted in 2016 of unauthorized retention of national defense information, which is a felony, and received an "other-than-honorable" discharge from the Navy. He had faced up to 10 years in jail.

In his first interview since leaving a Massachusetts jail Wednesday morning, Saucier told Fox News that his decision to take pictures 10 years ago was immature and showed poor judgment, but that he meant nothing more than to preserve memories of a job he was deeply proud to have.

It was a mistake, Saucier said. Everyone I know in the military takes pictures, not for some nefarious purpose, but so they can have them so they can one day look back and be proud.

Saucier believes he was an easy target for federal authorities who felt pressure to punish breaches involving classified information. He hopes that President Trump will follow through on indications he gave during his campaign -- and earlier this year  that he might give Saucier a pardon.

In June, however, he got a letter denying him permission to file a pardon request.

The White House declined Wednesday to comment on the matter.

They made me out to be this villain, and felon. I feel like I was a sacrificial lamb. I never leaked anything, they used me to make an example. They prosecuted me to the full extent of the law.  Former Navy sailor Kristian Saucier

Hindsight is 20-20, so I wouldnt take the pictures if had to do it all over again, the former sailor said. But I dont feel guilty. I know I didnt do it for the wrong reasons.

Saucier is home now, where he plans to celebrate his daughters second birthday on Thursday, and is looking forward to embarking on a normal family life.

But he has to wear an ankle monitor for several months and stick to a curfew. Then for an additional six months, he will be allowed to venture out to work -- under strict supervision.

Saucier said he has not lost hope that Trump will grant him a pardon, although he is bewildered by the June letter indicating otherwise.

"I was hopeful at the beginning, after that I went on an emotional roller coaster," he said. "He was very vocal, his campaign invited my mother to Trump Tower about it last year. But then nothing happened. We were never contacted by anyone at the White House" after Trump's election.

Many political leaders and conservatives criticized the prosecution and punishment of Saucier, calling it overzealous and hypocritical when compared to how former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton allegedly mishandled classified emails without penalties. Many also drew comparisons between the judicial pursuit against Saucier and President Obamas sentence commutation and pardon of former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning, who served some six years of a 35-year sentence for intentionally leaking classified government and military documents to the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks.

Manning accepted responsibility for leaking the material to WikiLeaks to raise public awareness about the effects of war on civilians.

They made me out to be this villain, and felon, Saucier said of prosecutors. I feel like I was a sacrificial lamb. I never leaked anything. They used me to make an example. They prosecuted me to the full extent of the law.

I know in my heart that I served this country with pride. I gave 11 years of my life in the Navy defending this great country. No matter what they put on paper, nothing will change that.  Kristian Saucier

Perhaps if my spouse had met with [then-U.S. Attorney General] Loretta Lynch on the tarmac, Id never have gone to prison, Saucier said, referring to former President Bill Clintons controversial meeting with Lynch on a plane in Phoenix last year that drew criticism because the Justice Department was in the midst of investigating Clintons private email server.

During Trumps campaign, he balked at how Sauciers actions on the nuclear submarine were handled by prosecutors.

They took the kid who wanted some pictures of the submarine, Trump said in a campaign stop. Thats an old submarine; theyve got plenty of pictures. If the enemy wants them, theyve got plenty of them.

Then, earlier this year, Trump said in a televised interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity that he was examining Sauciers case for a possible pardon. He contrasted his punishment with the FBIs decision not to charge Clinton for using her personal email server while she was secretary of state.

I think its very unfair in light of whats happened with other people, Trump said.
An ax-wielding man was arrested Tuesday after a 7-Eleven surveillance video captured him slinging his double-sided weapon at another man while attempting to shoplift at the West Hollywood store, police said.

Kisu Brady Brown, 41, allegedly went into the 7-Eleven in West Hollywood just after 4 a.m. Saturday and attempted to shoplift several items, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Sgt. Jeff Bishop told FOX11.

It was shocking to everybody here at our station when we did receive the video, Bishop said, describing it as a very gruesome attack.

Brown allegedly became agitated when an unidentified man approached him and offered to pay for the items. Brown got upset and a struggle ensued between them inside the store. It escalated when they went outside.

'YOU SHOT ME, DUDE': NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER TELLS OF BEING HIT BY DEPUTY'S BULLET

Brown is seen on surveillance video lurking around the store entrance and waiting for the man, police said. He then appears to pull out a hatchet-type weapon and begins slashing the mans face. Another person walked out of the 7-Eleven and saw Brown chopping at the mans face.

"We have a citizen who is trying to help a transient or a homeless person, help another fellow citizen out, and to be assaulted like this, it could be anybody's family member," Bishop said. "And for somebody to just take the liberty and do that it's very shocking, it was shocking to everybody, to everybody here at our station when we did receive the video."

WHITE NATIONALIST CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL DENIED BOND ON FELONY CHARGES IN CHARLOTTESVILLE RALLY

The man was rushed to the hospital with severe head injuries and slashes to his hand, Bishop said. The man is also suffering from multiple hatchet marks in his skull, but he is expected to survive.

Police confirmed Tuesday Brown was arrested after the video of the attack was released. Brown is a local transient and convicted felon who is often seen in West Hollywood, officials said.
Florida is bracing as Hurricane Irma, the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded, is feared to hit Florida on Sunday.

The hurricane "remains a dangerous and life-threatening Category 5" storm, Florida Gov. Rick Scott warned Wednesday night at a briefing. Forecast models have put the storm on a track to hit Florida over the weekend, but meteorologists have warned its path could change.

Scott said Florida is "at least 48 hours away from feeling the effects of this massive system." The Florida Keys, he said, could feel the effects of the storm Friday night and early Saturday.

Irma continues to pack 185-mph winds and is located about 75 miles north/northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the National Hurricane Center said in a 2 a.m. Thursday ET advisory. It was heading west-northwest at 16 mph.

Irma "is much worse and more devastating on its current path" than Hurricane Andrew, a Category 5 storm which hit the state in 1992, he said.

TRACK IRMA AT MYFOXHURRICANE.COM

The governor also addressed evacuation orders, saying, "If you're told to evacuate, get out quickly." 25,000 people have been evacuated from the Florida Keys, he said.

Officials in the Florida Keys have geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irma's potential path, with mandatory evacuations going into effect Wednesday morning.

A mandatory evacuation was in effect Wednesday in Monroe County for all visitors to the Florida Keys. A mandatory evacuation for residents began at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

"Do not focus on the exact path of this storm," Scott said at an earlier Wednesday briefing. "A storm of this size could have effects statewide and everyone must be prepared."

Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said Wednesday that mandatory evacuations have been issued starting at noon Thursday for all residents east of U.S. Route 1, known as Federal Highway, including all barrier islands.

Sharief said 14 emergency shelters will open Thursday at noon, which are "a refuge of last resort." The county does have pet-friendly shelters, with a full list available on the county's website.

Further south, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said about 2,200 special needs residents have been evacuated, and the evacuations will continue until theyre complete.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for the entirety of zone A, along with zone B barrier islands, in Miami-Dade County, WSVN reported Wednesday night.

A Navy spokesman told Fox News 5,000 non-essential personnel and family members based at Naval Air Station Key West are evacuating, adding that 50 to 60 "mission essential personnel" will stay to continue essential functions.

All Florida Navy installations are working through checklists to prepare their installations for the storm, Bill Dougherty said.

In addition to the evacuation, Navy officials told Fox News warships meant for Hurricane Harvey relief are now being staged to deal with Irma.

HURRICANE IRMA SLAMS CARIBBEAN ISLANDS AS CATEGORY 5 STORM

The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge and smaller USS Oak Hill will remain off the coast of Florida to be ready to support any work related to Irma-relief instead of heading to Texas as previously scheduled.

Additional warships have left port in Florida to evade the storm, according to officials.

Elsewhere in South Florida, Miami-Dade officials have said that residents should indeed be getting ready, with some schools being canceled for the rest of the week, WSVN reported.

This is a powerful storm which poses a serious threat, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said.

Area residents have filled stores to stock up on supplies, with some locations reporting shortages of water.

Nicole Chery, who was shopping at a Publix in Miami Shores, told WSVN she tried and failed to find water as she prepares for the approaching storm.

They say that they cant give me any pack, Chery said. They say that the truck is on the way, but they dont have no time frame.

The National Weather Service director said Wednesday his staff is "very worried about the impact of winds and surge on the Keys" as Irma approaches.

Director Louis Uccellini says all the hazards will be dangerous with Irma -- that means the storm surge, high winds and heavy rain, and that "very strong winds can do a lot of damage" in an urban environment like South Florida.

The key for Florida and the U.S. east coast is when and where Irma makes a "right turn" and heads north. He says where that happens "depends on a low-pressure system over the Great Lakes region."

To figure all this out, the weather service is using its newest satellite and launching 49 new balloons to gather information for computer models.

The Department of Homeland Security stated in a news release that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as Customs and Border Protection, "will not conduct non-criminal immigration enforcement operations in the affected area," but will be working with local and state authorities "to conduct search and rescue, air traffic de-confliction and public safety missions."

Irma's unknown track has officials north of Florida getting ready for the worst.

Gov. Roy Cooper, of North Carolina, declared a state of emergency early Wednesday evening, effective 8 a.m. Thursday morning.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also declared a state of emergency Wednesday, since Irma's path could take the powerful storm through the state.

The declaration allows state officials to set up an operations center at the Emergency Management Division headquarters in West Columbia.

Click for more from WSVN.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
"It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of (Hurricane) Harvey."  Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather

A weakened but still dangerous Irma pushed inland Monday as it hammered Florida with winds and floodwaters.

Irma was downgraded Monday morning to a tropical storm. On Sunday, it made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm hurricane after leaving a deadly path of destruction in the Caribbean, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm has already knocked out power to more than 6.5 million homes and businesses across Florida. More than 100,000 customers in Georgia and more than 80,000 in South Carolina were without power.

The storm killed at least 35 people in the Caribbean.



Nearly 7 million people in the Southeast were warned to leave in one of the largest U.S. evacuations, including 6.4 million in Florida alone. Officials estimated that about 25 percent of Key Wests residents stayed through the storm despite evacuation orders.

More than 120 homes were being evacuated early Monday in Orange County, the region where the city of Orlando is located, as floodwaters started to rise. Firefighters and the National Guard were going door-to-door and using boats to ferry families to safety.

Heres what you should know about Tropical Storm Irma and its trajectory.

Where is Tropical Storm Irma now?

By Monday evening, the tropical storm was continuing to push its way into Georgia.



FLORIDA KEYS AND HURRICANES, A LONG HISTORY

The tropical storm was about 55 miles southeast of Columbus, Ga., as of the National Hurricane Center's 8 p.m. ET advisory. It has maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and is moving in a north-northwest direction at 16 mph.

Over the next two days, Irma is expected to move into Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

What else should I know about the storm?

"This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the East Coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain FEMA and other governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of (Hurricane) Harvey," Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said in a statement.

AS IRMA ARRIVES, ANIMALS ARE HAULED OFF TO JAIL  FOR PROTECTION

Georgia officials declared a state of emergency in all 159 counties on Sunday in preparation for Tropical Storm Irma after the National Weather Service issued a tropical storm warning in Atlanta  for the first time in the citys history.

South Carolina and North Carolina also declared states of emergency ahead of the storm.

Fox News' Jake Ingrassia, Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Zoe Szathmary, Nicole Darrah and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An Iraqi student jet fighter pilot was killed when an F-16 jet crashed during a training mission in southeastern Arizona, authorities said Wednesday.

The Iraqi air force identified the pilot as Capt. Noor Faleh Rassan Al-Khazali, but it didn't list an age or hometown.

Al-Khazali was killed Tuesday when his Fighting Falcon jet went down in the southern Arizona desert during what an Arizona Air National Guard official called a routine training mission. The U.S. Air Force has activated a team to investigate the crash about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Tucson, the Air Guard's 1st Lt. Lacey Roberts of the 162nd Wing said.

The Iraqi defense ministry said it will join in the investigation.

Roberts could not immediately say what type of training was being conducted. The F-16 is used in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

Al-Khazali's death was the second involving an Iraqi pilot flying an F-16 in Arizona in recent years.

Roberts said the plane belonged to the Iraqi air force and that the training mission was being conducted in conjunction with the 162nd Wing, which is based at Tucson International Airport.

The jet crashed in desert terrain, leaving a crater and scattered debris, Graham County Undersheriff Carl "Jeff" McCormies said.

The U.S. military is training Iraqi pilots to fly F-16s at the request of Iraq's government, Roberts said.

In July 2015, an Iraqi brigadier general flying from the 162nd died when his F-16, a newer model recently delivered to the Iraqi air force, crashed during night training near Douglas.

In January 2016, a Taiwanese pilot on a training flight from Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix was killed when his F-16 went down in Yavapai County.

The 162nd Wing is the Air Guard's biggest F-16 training operation and conducts training missions across southern and central Arizona military ranges.

The wing, which has hosted training since 1990, has trained pilots from Iraq, Singapore, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Oman, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Investigators are looking into the mental health and medical records of a Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot an Australian native in July.

A search warrant filed publicly Tuesday shows an investigator with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was seeking investigative background records, including pre-employment psychological exams and unredacted personnel files, of Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor.

Court documents show the city provided investigators with the requested information.

Noor fatally shot 40-year-old Justine Damond on July 15 after she called police to report a possible sexual assault near her house. Damond, who was engaged to be married, was shot as she approached the squad car that Noor and his partner were in. Damond's death drew international attention and led to the forced resignation of the city's police chief.

The search-warrant application, dated Aug. 31, seeks similar information for Noor's partner, Matthew Harrity.

Harrity, who was driving the police vehicle at the time, told investigators that he was startled by a loud sound near the cruiser and, immediately afterward, Damond approached the driver's side window. Harrity told agents that Noor fired his weapon from the passenger seat, hitting Damond.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to prosecutors, who have said they expect to make a decision on whether to charge the officers by the end of the year.

Harrity and Noor are on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
Firefighters preparing to battle the Chetco Bar wildfire on the coast of Oregon were robbed of thousands of dollars of equipment while they slept early Saturday morning.

Fire crews drove more than 230 miles to Brookings from Lane County Friday night and parked at the Brookings-Harbor High School to rest ahead of the 5:30 a.m. fire briefing the next morning, according to The Register-Guard. When they awoke at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, they discovered thieves had ransacked two of their trucks, stealing an oxygen tank, a firefighters bag, a flat-headed axe and a firefighter jacket.

Chad Minter, chief of the Lane County Fire Defense Board, said the equipment was worth thousands of dollars. He said no arrests have been made in the case.

Despite the missing equipment, crews were able to deploy to the fire line quickly after filing a police report, Minter said.

Lane Fire Authority Chief Terry Ney said the state is experiencing an unusually difficult fire season.

This is the worst season Oregon has experienced for wildland fires in anybodys memory, and its not over yet, Ney said. Please, dont even consider having a fire, or using any sort of engine powered tool or machine out of doors.

The Chetco Bar Fire has ravaged more than 176,000 acres in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, according to the incident information site. The fire, which was first reported in July, was only 5 percent contained as of Wednesday. Officials expect dont expect to have it fully contained until mid-October.
A sheriff's deputy who mistook a news photographer's camera for a gun shot the photographer without any warning, according to video footage released Wednesday.

Clark County deputy Jake Shaw was sitting in his cruiser waiting for information on a vehicle he had pulled over, then opened his cruiser door and fired two shots a second later Monday night, according to footage from Shaw's body camera.

Shaw realized his mistake immediately as he rushed to the aid of the photographer, Andy Grimm, whom he knew, according to the video.

"Andy, I'm sorry, brother," Shaw said. "Listen, dude, you pulled that out like a gun out of the back of the Jeep."

"I thought it was a freaking gun, Andy," Shaw said a minute later.

Grimm is heard trying to explain that he waved at Shaw and flashed his car lights, but he also takes responsibility, saying "it's my fault." Later, he tells the deputy he doesn't want him to lose his job.

As Shaw reports over the radio that he fired two shots, Grimm says, "Thank God you missed one."

Later, Shaw is heard crying and praying that Grimm, who was shot in his side, will be all right. The deputy keeps pressure on Grimm's wound as he urges first responders to hurry.

Grimm, 37, was on his way to photograph a lightning storm when he saw the traffic stop and decided to take a picture, according to a statement released Tuesday by the New Carlisle News, a family-owned weekly newspaper.

WDTN-TV reports Grimm underwent surgery at a hospital after the shooting and was released Tuesday. Grimm slept well overnight but was very sore Wednesday, said his father, Dale Grimm, the newspaper's publisher.

The sheriff's office didn't comment on the video.

Shaw, 25, joined the sheriff's department in 2012 and became a full-time deputy in 2015, according to his personnel file. He worked in the jail before going on the road.

Shaw has average or above average performance comments in his file, but he was reprimanded last year for failing to electronically record his hourly checks on inmates.

He's on administrative leave following the shooting, which is under investigation by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The attorney general's office will prosecute the case at the request of the Clark County prosecutor.

___

Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/andrew-welsh-huggins
A temporary restraining order Wednesday spared a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from being taken down  just hours after the Dallas City Council signed off on the removal.

The vote to remove the Lee statue from its namesake park in the Dallas neighborhood of Oak Lawn passed 13-1 at midday Wednesday, with one council member abstaining.

Work began an hour later to remove the statue. A crane was moved into place and workers put straps over the sculpture to be removed. But their work was halted at 4:30 p.m. when a district court judge granted a temporary restraining order to the Texas division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Wednesdy's vote came after a renewed push to remove Confederate monuments in Dallas, Texas' third most-populous city. Mayor Mike Rawlings created a task force last month to examine what to do with the Confederacy's symbols, but councilmembers wanted more immediate action on the Lee statue.

"We do not need a task force to tell us right from wrong," councilmember Philip Kingston told Fox 4 News. "These monuments represent a false telling of history."

A court hearing on the issue is set for Thursday afternoon.

Click for more from Fox4News.com.
Over the month of August, I enjoyed visiting with Nebraskans in many communities across our state. A vital part of my job as your U.S. senator is listening to your concerns and suggestions about solving the problems facing our country. Families, community leaders, ag producers, businesses owners and more all took time out of their busy lives to share their input with me. Now, I bring this feedback back to the U.S. Senate with me as we begin the fall legislative work period.

I traveled over 2,600 miles in our state during August making stops from Nebraska City to Chadron, Ainsworth to Red Cloud, and many towns in between. So far this year, Ive held 16 listening sessions in metropolitan and rural communities, from Lincoln and Omaha to Kimball, Ord and Geneva. These events give Nebraskans the opportunity to share their concerns with me directly and in person. I always start out with a short update on my work in the Senate and then turn it over to local residents for their questions.

Nebraskans are engaged on a number of issues, including the growing North Korean missile threat, our over-complicated, outdated tax code and burdensome regulations from the federal government. They care deeply about our country, and they want to help make America a better place for our children and grandchildren.

In addition to my listening sessions, I hosted several roundtable discussions with Nebraskans. At these meetings, local business representatives and community leaders told me about the different projects they are working on. I spoke to service clubs in different communities, toured businesses, shared meals and heard from Nebraskans all across our state. All of these were productive discussions about how we can work together at the federal, state and local levels to pursue smart economic policies that will build and grow a stronger Nebraska.

Another highlight of the month was celebrating our states cherished past and its bright future. I toured the new National Willa Cather Center in Red Cloud. It is such a treasure for our state to have national recognition for this brilliant 20th century Nebraska author and her impressive works. I also had the great opportunity to celebrate the dedication of the Heartland Expressway in Alliance. This expressway will provide a new pathway for our states producers to bring their excellent products to market.

On the topic of transportation, I welcomed U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to Omaha on Aug. 22. We met with Nebraskans to discuss ways to turn infrastructure plans into reality. Secretary Chao and I spoke with representatives from the Nebraska Department of Transportation, leaders from the trucking, rail and aviation industries, city and regional transportation entities and a number of construction companies that will build these projects about the barriers standing in the way of transportation improvements.

As the month wrapped up, I joined the other members of Nebraskas congressional delegation at the State Fair for an agriculture listening session hosted by the Nebraska Farm Bureau. Every day, our farm and ranch families roll up their sleeves and work hard to produce the food and energy that fuels our state, our nation and people around the world. This session was a good opportunity to hear from these folks about what they are looking for as Congress develops the next farm bill. After the session ended, I enjoyed walking around the fair and stopped by the Beef Pit for a delicious beef sandwich.

It was a wonderful and productive month in Nebraska. Thank you to all those who shared their feedback with me. I return to the Senate inspired by new ideas and full of energy to take on the wide array of challenges ahead.
Photographer Andy Grimm of the New Carlisle (Ohio) News said he harbors no anger toward the sheriffs deputy who shot him Monday evening while he was setting up his camera equipment.

"There's so much animosity toward police officers," Grimm said. "He was just doing his job. I think he made a bad decision.

Clark County sheriffs deputy Jake Shaw was placed on administrative leave Tuesday. The sheriff's office said Shaw will attend a "critical incident debriefing" after Mondays shooting in New Carlisle, north of Dayton.

He shot somebody, an unarmed civilian, Grimm said. Realistically there's going to be consequences."

Grimm said he got out of his Jeep to take photos of a traffic stop and started setting up a tripod and camera when he was shot in the side.

It was late Monday evening and a lightning storm was rolling in.

"My camera was already on the tripod and I grabbed it and turned and I just hear pop, pop," Grimm told Dayton TV station Fox 45. I did not hear a single warning. Did not hear the deputy identify himself. I said, 'What the ---- Jake Shaw? You shot me, dude."

Grimm said Shaw ran over to him after quickly realizing what happened.

"He said, 'Oh my God, Andy,' then he made the call, 'Shots fired, got a man down.' He definitely told me, he said, 'I thought it was a gun, I thought it was a gun,'" Grimm said.

Grimm said he and Shaw know each other and that hes not upset with the officer and hopes that nothing bad happens to him as a result of the shooting.

Grimm checked out of the hospital Tuesday.

The sheriff's office said it planned to release records and body camera footage of the shooting on Wednesday.

"Our hearts and prayers are with Mr. Grimm as he recovers, and with Deputy Jake Shaw, and we ask the community to keep both of them in your hearts and prayers as well," Maj. Andy Reynolds of the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Also Tuesday, the Ohio Attorney Generals office said an investigation into the shooting has been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, a division of the Attorney General's office.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
As worrying as North Korea's nuclear advance is for America, the increasingly realistic threat of an atomic warhead striking a U.S. city might be even more unnerving for South Korea and Japan. So much so that the United States is considering new ways to flex its nuclear muscle to defend its vulnerable allies as they ponder if they'll one day need atomic arsenals of their own.

For decades, the United States has defended South Korea and Japan, the nations most directly threatened by the North's missiles and massive conventional forces, through an extended "nuclear umbrella." The basic premise is that an attack on either ally risked a devastating American response. It's a U.S. commitment that has guided the actions of American friends and foes alike.

Pyongyang's emerging capabilities are upsetting all calculations. The North this weekend exploded its strongest-ever nuclear weapon and in July tested a pair of intercontinental ballistic missiles that might soon be able to threaten the entire American mainland.

Now that the United States faces its own threat of North Korean retaliation, the most pressing security question of the next years could be: Would Washington risk San Francisco for Seoul?

"It's the core dilemma of extended deterrence for allies in the nuclear era: Will the U.S. actually risk one of their population centers for our defense?" Sheila Smith at the Council on Foreign Relations said. "It's hard to believe the answer is 'yes.'"

Speaking to The Associated Press on Tuesday, former South Korean Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan acknowledged that North Korea's more powerful bombs and further-reaching missiles are sparking debate about his country's long-term security strategy.

"Worries have begun to appear," he declared of the U.S. commitments, and said a growing minority of South Koreans want Washington to redeploy short-range nuclear weapons that were withdrawn from the country in the early 1990s. Others question if South Korea should have nukes of its own.

Song Young-moo, defense minister of Seoul's currently dovish government, on Monday suggested bringing back the U.S. nuclear weapons was worth consideration. He reportedly discussed the matter with Defense Minister Jim Mattis last week.

The Pentagon declined to outline its position.

"We work closely with our allies but it is always inappropriate to discuss the locations of our nuclear arsenal, or the topics of closed-door discussions," Col. Rob Manning, a spokesman, said.

Japan, the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, is more strongly opposed to having atomic weapons. Its defense planners are weighing if they need an offensive, conventional missile strike capability to respond to a North Korean attack. A nuclear leap isn't unimaginable. From its nuclear energy program, Japan sits on a stockpile of reprocessed plutonium that could be turned into the material for thousands of bombs.

For as long as North Korea couldn't strike the U.S. with nuclear weapons, both allies felt assured that the promise of an overwhelming American military response would deter the communist country. Now, the North's technological progress is adding to insecurities compounded by President Donald Trump's sometimes lukewarm support for defending U.S. allies under his "America First" agenda.

No one knows how North Korea will use its newfound nuclear capabilities.

It could adopt a policy of deterrence, similar to that of the world's established nuclear powers, keeping its arsenal as a defense against what it believes are American designs to overthrow leader Kim Jong Un. It could use the weapons offensively, although that would risk devastating nuclear retaliation.

More likely is a policy somewhere in between.

As it assesses the rest of the world's reluctance to engage in nuclear crossfire, the North could act more aggressively with its conventional forces against South Korea. Or it could simply leverage its atomic arsenal to win international concessions in negotiations.

Under any approach, Trump and future U.S. commanders in chief will have a very persuasive argument for why the North shouldn't directly attack the United States: American military superiority. Trump last month warned of "fire and fury" if the North threatened the U.S.; Mattis this weekend raised the specter of the "total annihilation of a country."

South Korea and Japan can present no picture of apocalyptic retaliation by themselves  which adds to their current vulnerability. Despite Mattis' declaration that such American promises are "ironclad," Pyongyang's potential ability to strike an American city with nuclear weapons will naturally affect U.S. strategic thinking.

Would Washington come to South Korea's aid and take on such a risk if the North shells a southern island with artillery as it did in 2010? What if North Korea, with the world's largest standing army, crosses into the South?

"South Korea may face the most complex strategic environment in Asia," write Sung Chull Kim and Michael D. Cohen, editors of a new collection of scholarly essays titled "North Korea and Nuclear Weapons: Entering the New Era of Deterrence." ''A very weak but heavily armed North Korea, despite being no match for the South Korean military, threatens Seoul with imminent destruction."

Kim and Cohen write of the North's enhanced threat creating a "perceived commitment deficit from Washington."

Such assessments are driving the Trump administration to reassure its allies.

On Tuesday, Trump said he would allow Japan and South Korea to "buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States." The tweet followed Trump giving South Korean President Moon Jae-in an "in-principle approval" for weapons with less restrictions and more powerful warheads.

But sending U.S. nuclear weapons back to South Korea would be a more drastic step, contradicting the efforts of multiple administrations to "denuclearize" the Korean Peninsula.

Twenty-six years ago this month, in the hopeful aftermath of the Cold War, President George H.W. Bush announced the unilateral withdrawal of all land-based and sea-based tactical nuclear weapons, including from South Korea. He then pulled all air-delivered nuclear bombs from the South in part because officials believed they were no longer needed for an effective defense. That was years before the North demonstrated its nuclear prowess with a first explosion in 2006.

Redeploying the weapons to South Korea wouldn't dramatically change the strategic balance, as the U.S. has nuclear assets on submarines that can operate off North Korea's coast. However, doing so could provide the South with a renewed sense that the U.S. would use its nukes in a crisis.

Such action would provoke extreme objections from key regional powers, China and Russia, who would likely accuse the U.S. of fueling an arms race. And it's hardly universally supported among U.S. policy makers or South Koreans.

"It is a bad idea," said James Acton, co-director of the nuclear policy program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He said it wouldn't significantly strengthen nuclear deterrence and might spark protests in South Korea that weaken its U.S. alliance.

If the Trump administration were to return U.S. nuclear weapons to the peninsula, they probably would be bombs for delivery by what the Pentagon calls "dual capable" aircraft. These include F-16 and F-15 fighter jets configured to perform either nuclear or conventional attack missions. Security requirements to safely store and maintain the weapons also would require upgrades or additions to U.S. military facilities in South Korea.
A teenage boy is suspected of using fireworks that started a massive fire in Oregon, which ravaged 10,000 acres as of Tuesday, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate as flames tore through the region, police said.

Oregon State Police said they identified the 15-year-old boy, of Vancouver, Wash., and believe he and several others were playing with fireworks when the forest fire started along the popular Columbia River Gorge Trail. Witnesses told KGW they heard a group of teenagers near the trail throwing possible firecrackers into Eagle Creek Canyon.

"I just looked at that and thought, 'well, that's crazy,' but I didn't think it'll light the whole forest on fire," Liz Fitzgerald told KGW. "Massive amounts of smoke was billowing up, and I could smell that something was on fire. It was very clear I wasn't smelling a firecracker.

Fitzgerald recalled running to authorities to alert them about the teens, then encountering the group again.

"I said, 'do you realize you just started a forest fire?' and the kid said, 'what are we supposed to do about it now?'" Fitzgerald said.

The fire doubled in size within three days, forcing residents in the area to be prepared to flee their homes at a moments notice. More than 700 homes were evacuated. Dozens of hikers were rescued by Sunday after the fire sealed off hiking trails in the area. A portion of the Eagle Creek trail had been closed for weeks because of another fire that erupted July 4.

"It's horribly smoky," Mountain Wave president Russ Gubele said. "Ash is coming down. It's like a Mount Saint Helens eruption all over again."

"You can't really stand outside without getting rained on" by ash, said Joanna Fisher, as she walked to work at a Troutdale Onaturopathic clinic with Calla Wanser, who was wearing a red bandanna around her mouth to keep the ash out of her lungs.

Extremely dry conditions and "hot, dry and gusty" winds have allowed the flames to run rampant throughout the region.

The Oregon wildfire is one of dozens ravaging western U.S. states. A wildfire in California threatened to destroy a 2,700-year-old grove of giant sequoia near Yosemite National Park. School districts canceled outdoor activities due to health concerns.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A tiger was shot dead Wednesday morning after several residents reported the animal running loose on a Georgia highway and attacking a neighborhood dog, police said.

Several people, including a police officer, reported seeing the massive tiger on Interstate 75 in Henry County, FOX5 Atlanta reported. Police urged residents to stay inside as they attempted to corral the animal safely.

An employee at a nearby Hardees told FOX5 she received a call saying, Hey, just wanted to let you know theres a tiger on the loosedont try to come outside 'cause Ive seen the tiger.

About 10 minutes laterpolice just came out of everywhere, about 10 of them just pull up into the parking lot, the employee said.

Officers were forced to fire at the tiger after it jumped over a fence and attacked a dog in a backyard, Henry County Police Capt. Joey Smith said.

"Due to the occupants of the home, officers made the decision to shoot the tiger," Smith said.

At least a dozen gunshots were heard being fired just after 6 a.m., killing the tiger. Police said the threat had been eliminated.

The dog, Journey, survived the attack. Brittney Speck, the owner, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the animal was like a full-grown zoo tiger.

And the officers I guess just started firing rounds and took it down and then gave me my dog back, Speck said.

Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that houses exotic animals, confirmed on Facebook police had contacted organizers hoping to bring the tiger to its shelter.

We responded immediately and were on the way to the scene with hopes of chemically immobilizing the tiger and bringing it to Noah's Ark, the organization wrote on Facebook. Unfortunately, human life became at risk and the tiger was shot by the authorities.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources later confirmed that the tiger belonged to Feld Entertainment Inc., a live show production company that owned the now-closed Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Click here for more from FOX5 Atlanta.
The National Park Service staff in Washington, D.C., is bracing for a busy day Sept. 16. Thats when supporters of President Trump will be sharing space on the National Mall with fans of the hip hop act Insane Clown Posse.

The Trump supporters plan to hold what theyre calling the Mother of All Rallies, while the music fans  known as Juggalos  plan a Juggalo March on Washington in response to the FBI labeling them a loosely organized hybrid gang.

This is the day that we are asking every single Juggalo to join us in our nations capital, Washington, D.C., to make a collective statement from the Juggalo Family to the world about what we are and what we are not, reads the website for the Juggalos event.

The fans gained the gang designation following multiple arrests at a concert in Utah. An FBI agents memo listing the crimes of the Juggalos included drug sales, drug possession, child endangerment, as well [as] many other crimes typically seen by gangs and gang members, the Washington Post reported.

One Juggalo told Reason magazine that he didn't have a problem with this country, but then all of sudden, they technically made it illegal to be a Juggalo.

Jason Webber, organizer of the Juggalo march, said his group isnt planning to interact with the Republicans, the Washington Post reported.

We are all there to get the point across that we are speaking out against this foolish notion that Juggalos are a gang, he said. We plan on staying within our march route and we could really not give a damn what the other groups on the National Mall are doing that day. As Patrick Swayze said in Dirty Dancing, This is my dance space. This is your dance space.

Mother of all rallies

As for the pro-Trump rally, its website says the event is aimed at showing support for the president and celebrating the country.

The event is being designed as a day of unity, and will be open to everyone of any political persuasion.

The only flag that unifies us all is the American red, white and blue flag, the website reads, adding, No Confederate flags allowed.

"The only flag that unifies us all is the American red, white and blue flag."  Website for planned pro-Trump rally

Speakers are scheduled to include Omar Navarro, a Republican whos challenging Democratic incumbent Maxine Waters in Californias 43rd Congressional District, and Latinos for Trump founder Marco Guiterrez.

Prepared to ensure safety

Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst said the agency is prepared to ensure public safety despite multiple events on the same day  a liberal march and a wedding are also planned -- and to protect free-speech rights on the federal property.

Dealing with a lot of events is, fortunately, an area that D.C. has more experience in dealing with than many other areas, he told the Post.

Anna Rose, a police agency spokeswoman, told the Post that police are consistently analyz[ing] information to detect and deter threats to public safety, adding that police officers make no distinction regarding a groups message or political standpoint.

Our intent is to protect our treasured icons and the people who visit them.
The Pentagon plans to send 200 active-duty soldiers to help fight wildfires raging across some 1.4 million acres in nine states, officials said this week.

Nearly 28,000 firefighters and support personnel are battling more than 80 large wildfires in California, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Washington and Nevada, according to PopularMilitary.com. The Armys soldiers, from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, will fight fires in Oregons Umpqua National Forest.

Weather and fuel conditions are predicted to continue to be conducive to wildfire ignitions and spread in most of the western U.S. through September  and in parts of the Northern Rockies and California through October, said Jennifer Jones, spokeswoman for the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, a federal agency that coordinates wildfire fighting.

The soldiers will be organized into ten crews of twenty persons each, Jones said, all of which will be sent to the Umpqua North Complex, which is burning on approximately 30,000 acres on the Umpqua National Forest.

Jones said some 28,000 firefighters and support staff are involved in fighting the blazes that have raged much of the summer.

The fires have sent smoke into cities from Seattle to Denver  prompting health warnings and cancellations of outdoor activities for children by many school districts.

In Oregon, about 600 National Guard troops have been assigned to fight the most devastating fires that the state has seen in more than a decade.

At times people in Oregon have had to cover their faces to shield themselves from the smoke and the ashes falling on them.

"You can't really stand outside without getting rained on" by ash, said Joanna Fisher as she walked to work at a Troutdale, Ore., naturopathic clinic wearing a red bandanna around her mouth to keep the ash out of her lungs.

A 16-square-mile fire east of Portland forced hundreds of home evacuations. Embers from the fire drifted across the Columbia River sparking blazes in neighboring Washington state.

The wildfire grew rapidly late Monday and overnight, giving authorities just minutes to warn residents on the Oregon side of the river to leave their homes. Authorities say they believe the blaze, which started Saturday, was caused by a 15-year-old boy and friends using fireworks. They've identified a suspect but have made no arrests.

Outside California's Yosemite National Park, a wind-fueled fire made its way deeper into a grove of 2,700-year-old giant sequoia trees on Labor Day. Officials said the fire had gone through about half the grove but had not killed any trees.

Giant sequoias are resilient and can withstand low-intensity fires. The blaze burned brush and left scorch marks on some big trees that survived, said Cheryl Chipman, a fire information officer.

Elsewhere in northern California, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses.
Warren Jeffs must pay $16 million to a woman he pressured to marry her cousin when she was just 14. Elissa Wall, a child bride within the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, was awarded $4 million in damages and $12 million in punitive damages Tuesday, some 12 years after filing an initial lawsuit, reports the Salt Lake Tribune.

It accused Jeffs of arranging the 2001 marriage of Wall to her 19-year-old cousin, Allen Steed, and pressuring the pair to have children. Wall went on to have miscarriages and a stillbirth.

Utah judge Keith Kelly said the conduct of Jeffswho didn't defend himself"was so extreme that it went beyond all possible bounds of decency and is regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in a civilized society," per Fox 13.

Jeffsserving life in prison for child sex assault following a trial in which Wall testified against himwas previously convicted as an accomplice to rape for presiding over Wall's marriage.

However, that conviction was overturned in 2010 over improper instructions given to the jury, per the Deseret News. Steed pleaded guilty to solemnization of a prohibited marriage and pleaded no contest to unlawful sexual activity with a minor in 2011; he received 30 days in jail, three years of probation, and was ordered to pay $10,000, the Deseret News previously reported.

Following Tuesday's decision, Wall's lawyer suggested the $16 million come from FLDS assets across North America "so the church feels the pain of what their doctrine has been as to the rape of young girls." (A year after a slippery escape, Jeffs' brother was caught in June.)

This article originally appeared on Newser: Warren Jeffs Ordered to Pay $16M to a Former Child Bride
A Philadelphia mother who investigators say planned to abandon her two children and travel to Syria to join an ISIS fighter she met online was sentenced to eight years in prison Wednesday.

Authorities said Keonna Thomas, 33, used the online moniker "Young Lioness" to spread the terror group's message and violent propaganda over the Internet.

"I'm not a evil or malicious person," Thomas, 33, said before she was sentenced. "I'm just someone who, I guess, at one point, was impressionable."

Thomas was arrested in 2015 and pleaded guilty last year to attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group.

Prosecutors compiled Thomas' social media postings and her correspondence with the ISIS fighter, a radical Islamic cleric and a Somalia-based jihadi fighter to establish evidence of her willingness to support and join the terrorist organization.

In 2015, she said it "would be amazing" to participate in a martyrdom operation around the same time she bought an electronic visa and conducted online research regarding indirect routes into Turkey, a frequented point of entry for people seeking to slip into Syria and join ISIS , according to an affidavit that cited an ISIS manual.

Thomas also sought to raise money for the terrorist organization, re-posting a statement from a Twitter user that read, "Did you know... For as little as $100 you can provide a #Mujahid with his basic necessities for 1 month?" A mujahid is person who engages in jihad.

But as prosecutors lined up examples of her descent into racialization, Thomas' attorneys depicted her as woman with a troubled soul. They said she fell prey to promises of an Islamic utopia in Syria that could give her the kind of pious life she couldn't get in the local Muslim community.

"She lost her way, in a very, very real way," her attorney, Kathleen Gaughan, said Wednesday.

Thomas spent countless hours between 2013 and 2015 absorbing ISIS propaganda and became enthralled with the idea of marrying a faithful Muslim man, according to her attorneys. And when she found what she was looking for through her communications with the ISIS member, Thomas made arrangements to join him in the Middle East.

"Trust me u haven't seens anything yet," the ISIS member wrote to her in December 2014 after she congratulated him for starting to train with the terrorist group in Raqqa, Syria, according to an affidavit. "U need to be here to see it."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Brazil's top prosecutor is accusing former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, former President Dilma Rousseff and several other senior members of their Workers' Party of forming a criminal organization.

Attorney General Rodrigo Janot filed the charges late Tuesday with the Supreme Federal Tribunal.

The charges are part of a huge investigation into a scheme to inflate state contracts in order to pay kickbacks and bribes to politicians. The corruption probe has already netted dozens of executives and senior politicians.

Silva alone is facing several charges and has already been sentenced to 9 years in prison in one case. He is appealing.

The indictment accuses Silva, his successor Rousseff and several allies of orchestrating the receipt of around $480 million in bribes through their control of state organs.
North Korea may very well have the ability to kill millions of Americans, without directly firing on U.S. soil. For the first time, the pariah countrys state news agency warned it could hit the U.S. with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) onslaught, a threat that experts contend is both very real and comes with catastrophic consequences.

The biggest danger would be shorting out of the power grid, especially on the East Coast. Imagine a situation where large sections of the U.S. had no power. Imagine New York or Washington D.C. with no power for just a week. The implications would be hard to fathom, Harry Kazianis, Director of Defense Studies at the Center for the National Interest, told Fox News. The casualty rates would be off the charts.

According to Kazianis, an EMP delivered by a nuclear weapon would not just fry power grids but also carry the destructive power of an atomic device.

That in it of itself is going to kill thousands if not millions depending on the size of it and where it is dropped. Also, nuclear weapons carry radioactive fallout that would be spread thousands of miles through the atmosphere and oceans, he continued. We would be adding to such a casualty count sadly for decades thanks to cancer cases that would arise many years later.

So how could North Korea pull off an EMP attack? A hydrogen bomb detonated at a high altitude would create an electromagnetic pulse that would knock out key infrastructure  namely prominent parts of the U.S. electrical grid.

The higher the bombs detonation, the wider the range of destruction. An altitude of just under 250 miles  around the orbit of the International Space Station  would annihilate electronics in majority of the mainland, including parts of neighboring Canada and Mexico, analysts have said. North Korea exhibited its capacity to reach such altitudes in satellite launches in both 2012 and 2016.

KAZIANIS: TRUMP HAS OPTIONS BUT MUST ACT QUICKLY

An EMP attack, experts warn, doesnt require definitive guidance systems as the area affected is so widespread.

An EMP is similar to a lightning strike in some respects, but it acts over a wide area  hundreds of miles, explained John Gilbert, retired Air Force colonel and senior science fellow with the Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation in Washington, D.C. There would be widespread and probably long-lasting power outages and wire-line telecommunications systems such as telephone and TV/internet cable would suffer serious damage. Individual items such as cars and trucks could also be damaged or disabled and damage could occur to electronic devices in homes and businesses.

An attack could cut power to health care facilities and cripple municipal facilities and utilities.

North Korea consistently exceeds our estimates of what we think they can do, so prudence might indicate we take them at their word, noted Lieutenant General Wallace Gregson (USMC, Ret.), the former assistant defense secretary, now Senior Director of China and the Pacific at the Center for the National Interest. The aim is to shut down our electrical grid and all the distribution networks  water, waste, financial, traffic management, air control, radio, computer, others  we depend upon.

Scientists first discovered the EMP fallout of a hydrogen bomb during a test in 1962, in which lights were burned out in Honolulu  some 1,000 miles from the test location.

Experts have long warned of the plausibility of an EMP attack from the likes of North Korea or Iran. A special task force appointed by Congress and known as the EMP Commission cautioned in 2008 that the largely digitized U.S. could be left black for up to a year as a result of an EMP disruption. They say that even the sensors and monitors that function to re-start electronics after a power outage would be wiped out.

KAZIANIS: NORTH KOREA SHOWED THE WORLD HOW IT COULD START A WAR

Yet apparently little was done to address the potential crisis.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported last year that the federal government had failed to implement an array of recommendations they had made eight years earlier to prevent calamitous outages triggered by an EMP incursion, noting that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) had not established a coordinated approach to identifying and implementing key risk management activities to address EMP risks and that securing the grid was far from the top priority.

NORTH KOREA WARNS MORE 'GIFT PACKAGES' TO U.S. AS EUROPE WORRIES ABOUT MISSILE STRIKE

Richard Schoeberl, a terrorism analyst and former unit chief at the CIAs National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), asserted that while North Koreas own proclamations of having the capability to strike the U.S. with an EMP attack may be well be over-exaggerated, it is a threat that requires serious mitigations.

The United States can provide better protection of the nations infrastructure, he told Fox News. The threat of EMP is completely plausible.

Most of our East Coast grid has a lot of older equipment that could be vulnerable. We should work quickly to make the necessary upgrades to ensure North Korea cant catch us by surprise, Kazianis added. We are highly vulnerable to such an attack. Considering that if North Koreans are able to pack enough destructive power into such a nuclear device they could fry countless electrical grids and equipment. If they use a big enough device the damage could be beyond belief.

The State Department and Department of Energy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.




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.
Pakistani police counter-terrorism officers on Monday killed four terrorists including a commander of the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who was involved in the 2012 attack on the child rights activist and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai.

All four militants were killed in a police shootout, conducted at the Southern port of city of Karachi, police officials confirmed.

A man identified as Khursheed  a cousin of the current TTP chief Mullah Fazalullah  was identified among the dead. He was linked to various terrorist attacks on security personnel as well as the attack on Malala.

I am going to share good news with you that a cousin of TTP chief Mullah Fazlullah has been killed, Senior Superintendent of Police Rao Anwar told reporters at the site of the shootout.

Khursheed was involved in various incidents of terrorism, including attacks on education activist Malala Yousafzai as well as military and police in Karachis Quaidabad area, Anwar said. All the militants were members of the TTP Swat and were planning to carry out terrorist activities in the city.

Malala was 15 when the brutal group attacked her in the militant-stricken Swat Valley where the group has launched its own illegal FM radio station, urged a jihad and motivated women to remain inside their homes. But, Malala stood against the Taliban and challanged them to continue her education in home despite bombing down of all the girls schools in the valley.

Swat residents during the brief rule of the Mullah Fazalullah complained of public hangings and beatings.

Shakir Ali, a station house officer in the Sachal area of Karachi, said on Monday the police identified Khursheed with the help of the documents recovered from his possession. The police are also trying to identify the remaining terrorists killed in the encounter, he added.

Malala was attacked and shot at close range by the gunmen in October 2012, as she left school in the Swat Valley.

MALALA TO STUDY AT OXFORD

Days after the attack, Pakistans Taliban described Malala as a spy of the West. For this espionage, infidels gave her awards and rewards. And Islam orders killing of those who are spying for enemies, the group said in a statement.

In June 2015, a Pakistani court in the northwestern province of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa freed eight out of the 10 militants charged with the shooting of Malala. That move however, raised serious questions about the countrys criticized judicial system.

Various global leaders condemned the attack on Malala. Hillary Clinton, who was then the U.S. secretary of state, said the girl had been very brave in standing up for the rights of other girls.

The American people are shocked by this deplorable shooting of a girl who was targeted because she dared to attend school, the White House said in 2012.

Last month, Malala announced on Twitter that she had been accepted to study politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford University.

MALALA SPEAKS OUT AGAINST BOKO HARAM

Malala became a global symbol of defiance and won 2014 Nobel Peace prize. She now lives in the U.K.

Fazalullah's presence was so strong in the Swat that then-President Asif Ali Zardari in 2009, under pressure from conservatives, signed a regulation imposing Islamic Sharia law in the Swat Valley as part of a deal to end Taliban violence.

Khursheed was killed in Karachi, Pakistans most populous and violent metropolis port city, where various wanted militants have hidden in the past. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the 9/11 mastermind, was arrested in Karachi in 2002. The American journalist Daniel Pearl had been kidnapped and beheaded there earlier in the same year.

Karachi has been rife with political, sectarian and ethnic tensions. A strategic operation by security forces in recent years has brought a lull in violence, but scattered attacks still unfold.

Haroon Janjua is an investigative journalist reporting on security issues, militancy, economy and human rights from Islamabad, Pakistan. Follow him on Twitter @JanjuaHaroon.
A British law student died on the Mediterranean island of Ibiza after up to five bags of ecstasy exploded in her stomach, investigators heard Monday.

Rebecca Brock, 18, was discovered lying in a pool of blood at the Marco Polo hotel on Sept. 28, 2015. She had traveled to the island six days earlier from the Netherlands for a friend's birthday celebration.

Authorities in Brock's home city of Nottingham, England had opened an investigation into her death after Spanish authorities revealed that the level of ecstasy in her body was more than twice the level required for a fatal dose.

Toxicologist Stephen Morley told the inquest at Nottingham Coroners Court that Rebecca's death was just the second death linked to ecstasy in 36,000 cases he had handled.

Brock's mother, Margo, told the court she did not believe Rebecca would have willingly ingested the bags of drugs.

"I can't imagine her getting it into her body at all," Margo Brock said. "I can't see it happening without someone making it happen."

Margo Brock added that her daughter had admitted to her that she had tried cocaine, but "she said she didn't get anything out of it and would not try it again."

But Coroner Mairin Casey concluded that there was no evidence Brock had been "encouraged or coerced" into trying the drug.

"How exactly those bags were in her stomach we will never know," she said, before telling Rebecca's family, "I am terribly sorry I can't give you much more."

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A small-town mayor in Germany is resigning following outrage over comments he made suggesting that the Nazi period wasn't all bad.

Roland Becker, the mayor of Herxheim am Berg, said in a statement Wednesday that he considered himself the victim in a dispute over a so-called 'Hitler bell' hanging in the town church.

The bell carries the inscription "Everything for the Fatherland - Adolf Hitler" above a Nazi swastika. Such bells were widespread during the Nazi era but most were removed after the war. It's unclear why Herxheim's bell remained in the Protestant church to this day.

Becker sparked outrage in recent weeks by saying he was proud of the bell and quoting a 95-year-old resident who felt the period of Nazi rule had included "good things."
Hurricane Irma roared into the Caribbean Wednesday, passing over the islands of Saint Martin and Barbuda with 185 mph winds as the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history which Florida's governor warned was "stronger" than the last Category 5 storm to hit the U.S.

The center of the storm was about 20 miles east of St. Thomas and 90 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico about 2 p.m. Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said. It was heading west-northwest at 16 mph, passing over the northernmost Virgin Islands.

As the eye of Irma passed over Barbuda around 2 a.m., phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

TRACK THE STORM AT MYFOXHURRICANE.COM.

The storm tore off rooftops and knocked out all electricity on the French islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, and France has requisitioned planes and sent in emergency food and water rations.

The regional authority for Guadeloupe and neighboring islands said in a statement Wednesday the fire station in Saint Barthelemy was under more than three feet of water and no rescue vehicles could move. Electricity was also partially down on the larger island of Guadeloupe, where the threat receded despite danger of heavy flooding.

French minister for overseas territories Annick Girardin expressed fear "for a certain number of our compatriots who unfortunately didn't want to listen to the protection measures and go to more secure sites," the Associated Press reported.

On Saint Martin, video posted to Twitter Radio Caraibes International Guadeloupe showed damage to the Beach Plaza hotel, with debris strewn throughout the area.

Another video showed Saint Martin as Irma's eye passed, with streets flooded and boats piled up on each other in a harbor area.

A subsequent video posted to Facebook by someone in nearby St. Barts with the caption "disaster" shows massive flooding, with some cars floating in city streets.

As Hurricane Irma continued its track west, the storm's most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

Hurricane Irma even forced Pope Francis to change his flight plan late Wednesday morning in order to avoid the storm, as he heads to Colombia to help solidify the South American nation's peace process. He was originally scheduled to fly over Puerto Rico and Venezuela before arriving in Colombia.

The National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irma's magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

"The dangerousness of this event is like nothing we've ever seen," Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said. "A lot of infrastructure won't be able to withstand this kind of force."

Since Tuesday, the island has opened 456 shelters for people living in vulnerable areas, El Nuevo Dia newspaper reported.

Rossello said as of Wednesday morning there were about 700 people in shelters, mostly on the island's northeast coast and in Ponce.

"We must prepare ourselves for the worst," he said at a news conference. "The result of not doing so would be devastating."

While the impacts of Irma on the U.S. mainland are still to be determined, Florida Gov. Rick Scott activated 1,000 members of the Florida National Guard to be deployed across the state, and 7,000 National Guard members were to report for duty Friday when the storm could be approaching the area.

"The storm is bigger, faster, and stronger than Hurricane Andrew," Scott said Wednesday, referring to the last Category 5 storm to hit the U.S in 1992. He warned Irma may bring "significant storm surge" to the state not seen during Andrew.

On Monday, Scott declared a state of emergency in all of Florida's 67 counties.

Officials in the Florida Keys geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irma's path, and the mayor of Miami-Dade county said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most of the county's coastal areas.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the voluntary evacuations could begin as soon as Wednesday evening. He activated the emergency operation center and urged residents to have three days' worth of food and water.

President Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which are usually home to warmer waters that fuel cyclones.

Hurricane Allen hit with 190 mph winds in 1980, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Key storm all had 185 mph winds.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating the six islands in the south because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the "potentially catastrophic" wind, flooding and storm surge. People there would be flown to Nassau starting Wednesday in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

"The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm," Minnis said.

A new tropical storm also formed in the Atlantic on Tuesday, to the east of Irma. The hurricane center said Tropical Storm Jose was about 1,255 miles east of the Lesser Antilles late Tuesday and its maximum sustained winds had risen to 60 mph. It was moving west at 13 mph and is expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Katia formed early Wednesday in the Gulf of Mexico off Mexicos coast. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and is expected to strengthen in the next few days, according to the hurricane center. However, the storm is thought to stay offshore through Friday morning.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Banners supporting independence for Chinese-controlled Hong Kong have appeared on a university campus at the start of classes, rekindling tensions over free speech in the semiautonomous city.

The black banners declaring "Hong Kong Independence" in English and Chinese were put up around the Chinese University of Hong Kong's campus on Monday.

Media reports said the school quickly took them down but more were put up a day later.

One remained strung up over a busy central square on Wednesday. Posters on a nearby wall said, "Fight for our homeland. Fight for Hong Kong independence."

It's unclear who was responsible but student leaders have been wrangling with the university administration to keep them up, saying students should be allowed to discuss current issues.

University officials say the banners are illegal.
Hurricane Irma left unprecedented destruction in its wake Wednesday on the Caribbean island of Barbuda, and has killed at least one person, the prime minister told reporters, calling it "absolute devastation, and this is no hyperbole."

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said during a Facebook Live briefing that about 95 percent of the properties in Barbuda suffered damage from Irma. "Barbuda is barely habitable."

"A significant number of the houses have been totally destroyed," said Lionel Hurst, chief of staff to Browne.

Browne said he expected the costs to repair the damaged infrastructure in Barbuda to "be no less than $150 million, and that is no exaggeration."

HURRICANE IRMA'S STORM PATH: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The prime minister confirmed that one infant died as Irma slammed Barbuda when the baby's mother was trying to escape a destroyed property. He also said, "at least 60 percent of the population of Barbuda is actually homeless" now.

All communications with Antigua and Barbuda reportedly were lost after Irma hit the islands around 2 a.m. Wednesday.

"We have not been able to make any contact with Barbuda since about midnight U.K. time," High Commissioner for Antigua and Barbuda Karen Mae-Hill said. "The last report we had from our sister island was the police station was destroyed, the roof came off completely. Houses all around Codrington, the main settlement on Barbuda, have lost their roofs."

HURRICANES JOSE AND KATIA FORM AS IRMA ROARS

Browne asked residents of Barbuda to be patient, support one another and to be vigilant post-Hurricane Irma.

"I want to ensure the Barbudan people that we are giving this our urgent attention, and will deliver relief as soon as possible," Browne said, before adding that the people of Barbuda are "in relatively good spirits."

"It's pointless doing otherwise in the sense that you have no control over" the circumstances, Browne said.

Browne earlier said there were no deaths in Antigua.

Hurricane Irma rammed Barbuda early Wednesday with 185-mph winds as the most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The rocket scientist who could help launch World War III was "plucked from obscurity" by North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and has risen in the rogue regime due to his efficiency at achieving Pyongyang's deadly aims.

Kim Jong Sik caught Kims attention after he helped successfully launch an Unha-3 rocket in December 2012, Michael Madden, director of North Korea Leadership Watch and contributor for 38 North told Fox News on Wednesday. The scientist, whos now often pictured with the dictator and donning the military uniform of a general, got credit for the launch after identifying mistakes in the failed April 2012 attempt. It's unclear if Kim Jong Sik spent any time in the military before his rapid rise.

He moved from being a mid-level at a space [operations center] who floated up the North Korean authority ladder after the 2012 launch, Madden said, adding that he's "more than a name on a list of officials."

Few details are known about Kim Jong Sik, but Madden described the shadowy scientist as a "key figure" behind North Koreas missile successes -- including its two intercontinental ballistic missile launches in July.

MILLIONS OF AMERICAN LIVES COULD BE AT STAKE AS NORTH KOREA THREATENS TO ATTACK POWER GRID

He is a guy who has his current job and rose to prominence by fixing and identifying mistakes while developing missiles, Madden told Fox News.

Madden added the rocket scientist was already on Kims radar because theres a small population of aeronautics in North Korea.

The addition of Kim Jong Sik, who was plucked from obscurity, could explain the huge strides the volatile regime has made in its nuclear and missile programs since Kim Jong Un rose to power following his fathers death in 2011. North Korea claimed it detonated a hydrogen bomb on Sunday, but experts have not independently confirmed the device.

NORTH KOREA MOUNTAIN USED AS NUCLEAR TEST SITE AT RISK OF COLLAPSING, CHINESE SCIENTIST SAYS

Madden said Kim Jong Sik is believed to be in his 50s and is one of several people who holds the deputy director title  a position that holds more power than some senior officials. He added the scientist has a lot of power in personnel and policy making.

Kim Jong Sik is someone that might end up serving higher office in North Korea -- at some point -- based on his trajectory of his career, Madden said.

The North Korean leader has promoted the rocket scientist based on his achievements  not because of family ties. Madden described Kim Jong Un more of a micromanager than his father who knows when to bring outside people to investigate problems.

[Kim Jong Un] is aware of certain deficiencies and strength. He knows problems and knows ways to solve them by introducing people to help, Madden said, adding that this is natural for any political system.

Kim Jong Un also reportedly handpicked two other men -- Ri Pyong Chol and Jong Chang Ha -- to lead the missile program with Kim Jong Sik, Reuters reported.

"Kim Jong Un is raising a new generation of people separate from his fathers key aides," a South Korean official told Reuters.

KIM JONG UNS NORTH KOREA: BRINGING THE WORLD TO THE BRINK

North Korea, known for their "gift packages" threats, often claims it is just steps away from achieving nuclear and missile capabilities, including shrinking down warheads to fit into ICBMs -- a task it has spent decades to perfect. Madden said the rogue regime is basically in the final process and could conclude and finalize this development in a year or two.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Latest on Pope Francis' visit to Colombia (all times local):

5:45 a.m.

Pope Francis says his pilgrimage to Colombia is aimed at helping the country along its "path of peace."

Speaking to reporters aboard the flight that left Rome Wednesday morning for Bogota, Francis also asked for prayers for another South American nation, Venezuela, hoping it finds "good stability and dialogue with everyone."

Promoting reconciliation is a key goal of Francis' papacy.

Francis' hopes for peace for Colombia were bolstered this week with the signing of a new cease-fire with a holdout rebel group.
A British University student who supports President Donald Trump has been subjected to an investigation for putting minority students at risk and in a state of panic and fear after he mocked the Islamic State group on social media.

Edinburgh University officials have launched an inquiry into comments made by Robbie Travers, 21, who allegedly committed a hate crime when he mocked jihadists in Iraq and Syria, the Times of London reported.

In April, Travers celebrated the U.S. military bombing of an ISIS center in Afghanistan using the so-called mother of all bombs  a strike that killed at least 36 ISIS militants, Fox News reported.

Excellent news that the US administration and Trump ordered an accurate strike on an IS network of tunnels in Afghanistan, Travers wrote on Facebook, adding, Im glad we could bring these barbarians a step closer to collecting their 72 virgins.

In another opinionated post, the student wrote: I wont give elements of Islam or Muslims who hold regressive beliefs a free pass for their assorted poisonous bigotries and regressive values because they face bigotry.

If you have terrible, oppressive views that seek to attack the rights of others, expect to be called out for those views, regardless of being oppressed yourself ... 

In a complaint filed by Esme Allman, a second-year history student and a former leader of an ethnic minority student group, Travers was accused of targeting minority students and student spaces, the Times reported.

Not only do I believe this behaviour to be in breach of the student code of conduct, but his decision to target the BME Liberation Group at the University of Edinburgh, and how he has chosen to do so, puts minority students at risk and in a state of panic and fear while attending the University of Edinburgh, said Allman in the complaint.

The former student leader, who describes herself as feminist, also accused Travers of Islamophobia, adding in her complaint that she takes issue with this clear and persistent denigration and disparagement of protected characteristics and blatant Islamophobia.

Travers denied the accusations of bigotry or incitement to violence, but acknowledged his remarks were opinionated. He said he was reported to the university officials out of spite by Allman after he once criticized her comments on social media.

An Edinburgh University spokesman confirmed the investigation of Travers to the Times and added that the university was committed to providing an environment in which all members of the university community treat each other with dignity and respect and our code of student conduct sets out clear expectations of behaviour.
Yorktel Unveils All-Inclusive Telemedicine Services via Univago Healthcare Edition

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By Mandi Nowitz

Web Editor By Mandi NowitzWeb Editor

Telemedicine is one of the greatest innovations as it allows patients to competently see all of their doctors without having to leave the comforts of their homes. The biggest challenge has been ensuring that the patients are receiving the exact same treatment both in-office as well as via videoconferencing. That is where Yorktel comes in as today, they unveiled their all-inclusive telemedicine service, Univago Healthcare Edition (Univago HE). HE is designed specifically for the healthcare industry and allows for patients to connect directly with not only specialists but family members, remote clinicians, and healthcare experts.





Univago HE represents an important breakthrough in the challenge to make Telemedicine a routine component of the provider workflow. It creates the foundation to build out a growing array of Telemedicine services that will serve the needs of providers to improve the outcomes for patients regardless of the current staffing levels and in-house capabilities, Victor Camlek, Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert) Principal Analyst for Transformational Health, said.

Added Peter McLain, Yorktels SVP of Healthcare: The demands for telemedicine are growing, but the industry has not yet delivered at the rate we all expected a few years ago. Clinician adoption and widespread utilization are held back by video conference room technology that is neither stable nor reliable enough for the clinical setting. The video technology at the core of telemedicine needs to just work 24/7, 365 days a year; it should fade into the background as clinicians focus on delivering patient care.

Univago HE is HIPAA-compliant, which means that all of the patients information will be kept under lock and key while the touch-of-a-button appeal is what makes telemedicine so desirable, no matter what your ailment. This is not the end for HE as they have bigger plans to help those who need long-term and stay-at-home assistance, which would really be the ultimate game changer.

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Edited by Maurice Nagle
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that sanctions are not enough to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis, urging that dialogue is need to achieve progress.

Putin made the comments after meeting with his South Korean counterpart, President Moon Jae-in, on the sidelines of an economic summit in the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok, Reuters reported.

The Russian leader also denounced Sunday's nuclear test by North Korea, its the largest to date, and said his country did not recognize the Hermit Kingdoms nuclear status.

Pyongyangs missile and nuclear program is a crude violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, undermines the non-proliferation regime and creates a threat to the security of northeastern Asia, Putin said at a joint news conference. At the same time, it is clear that it is impossible to resolve the problem of the Korean Peninsula only by sanctions and pressure.

Moon didn't provide details of his conversations with Putin. He said the leaders agreed that reducing regional tension and "quickly solving" the security challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile program were critical. Ahead of his meeting with Putin, Moon said that the situation could get out of hand if North Korea's missile and nuclear tests aren't stopped.

"Myself and President Putin share a view that North Korea has gone the wrong way with its nuclear and missile program and that easing tension on the Korean Peninsula is an urgent issue," Moon said at the news conference.

Moon, who took office in May, had initially showed a preference for a diplomatic approach on North Korea, but his government has since taken a harder stance as the North has continued its torrid pace in weapons tests.

In an interview with the Russian news agency Tass on Tuesday, Moon said he believes now is not the time for talks and that it was important for the international community to strengthen pressure against Pyongyang.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says supporting a Russian-Chinese road map would help resolve the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula.

Speaking after the talks with the visiting South Korean president, Putin in televised remarks urged North Korea's neighbors to support the Russian-Chinese roadmap. He said it "offers a genuine way to defuse the tensions and a step-by-step settlement."

"We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner," Putin said in a news conference after the meeting, held on the sidelines of a conference on economic development of Russia's Far East. "As never before everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions."

Russia and China both share a border with North Korea.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley has dismissed the Russian-Chinese roadmap, saying the United States is "done talking about North Korea."

The Russian president also slammed the useless sanctions imposed on North Korea, and called the U.S. ridiculous for asking for Moscows help while sanctioning Russian companies.

"Sanctions of any kind would now be useless and ineffective, Putin said, adding it leads to a road to nowhere.

Its ridiculous to put us on the same [sanctions] list as North Korea and then ask for our help in imposing sanctions on North Korea, he said. This is being done by people who mix up Australia with Austria.

Putin refrained from outwardly criticizing President Trump, but said the U.S. leader was not my bride, and Im not his groom.

While Putin reiterated Moscow's opposition to new sanctions against North Korea, he told reporters he had assured South Korean President Moon Jae-in that Moscow condemns North Korea's nuclear test and thinks it "flagrantly violates" international law.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will meet Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday, said before his departure from Japan that "we must make North Korea understand there is no bright future for the country if it pursues the current path.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
Colombia's top drug fugitive has shown his face for the first time on occasion of the pope's visit to the country, publishing a video Wednesday in which he asks for prayers that his group be allowed to lay down its weapons as part of the country's peace process.

In the 90-second video published on social media, Dairo Usuga, for whose capture the U.S. has offered a $5 million bounty, describes himself as a peace-loving, God-fearing peasant who was "forced for 30 years to carry weapons in his defense."

"I'm convinced that the only way out of the conflict is dialogue," said Usuga, dressed in camouflaged fatigues and sitting on a stool in a dirt-floored, jungle hideout.

Reading a statement he said was penned from the "mountains of Colombia" in August, Usuaga said "the Catholic Church is a moral reference and we believe that with its prayers we can move forward in our goal of abandoning our weapons."

Usuga, better known by his alias Otoniel, is the alleged head of the much-feared Gulf Clan, whose army of assassins has terrorized much of northern Colombia to gain control of major cocaine smuggling routes through thick jungles north to Central America and onto the U.S.

Usuga himself and many of his gunmen cycled through the ranks of leftist rebel groups and right-wing paramilitaries during decades of armed conflict in Colombia. But authorities consider the group devoid of any political ideology and have rejected its attempts to latch onto the peace process with leftist rebels as a self-serving ploy similar to Pablo Esobar's offer of a peace treaty for his Medellin drug cartel during the height of Colombia's drug-fueled violence three decades ago.

In a second short video, Usuga says his group, which he calls the Gaitanist Self Defense Forces of Colombia, after a mid-20th century Colombian leftist firebrand, said he and his men are willing to lay down their weapons in exchange for legal protection and a "dignified" demobilization.

On Tuesday, President Juan Manuel Santos shocked Colombians with news that Usuga had reached out with an offer to surrender. The offer came a few days after security forces killed a man believed to be his top lieutenant  one of hundreds of Gulf Clan members killed or taken captive in more than two years of concerted military pressure on the group.

Santos said any individual from the Gulf Clan surrendering would be given the same guarantees and benefits in terms of reduced sentences as any other criminal, but that the group as a whole would not be afforded any special negotiating status.

While photos of Usuga have circulated for years, and his reputation for ruthless killings and abuse of women well-known in the Gulf Clan's area of influence, he's never taken on such a high profile before.

He and his brother, who was killed in a raid in 2012, got their start as gunmen for the now-defunct leftist guerrilla group known as the Popular Liberation Army and then later switched sides and joined the rebels' battlefield enemies, a right-wing paramilitary group. He refused to disarm when that militia signed a peace treaty with the government in 2006, instead delving deeper into Colombia's criminal underworld and setting up operations in the strategic Gulf of Uraba region in northern Colombia, a major drug corridor surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean sea on either side.

The campaign against the Gulf Clan comes at a time of flux in Colombia's drug war.

Coca production in the country surged 18 percent last year to levels unseen in nearly two decades of U.S. eradication efforts, according to a White House report.

Authorities have stepped up their pursuit of drug traffickers even as they chase a goal of destroying 100,000 hectares (245,000 acres) of coca crops this year through a combination of manual eradication and voluntary crop-substitution agreements with farmers.
An official says police have shot and killed a suspected suicide bomber near a police station in southern Turkey.

Mustafa Ercan, the chief prosecutor for Mersin province, told state-run Anadolu Agency Wednesday that the suspect was wearing a suicide vest and is believed to have been preparing to attack the police station.

Ercan said authorities suspect that the man was a militant of the Islamic State group. There was no immediate information on his identity or nationality.

He told Anadolu: "Our police teams have averted an important attack."

Turkey has been rocked by a wave of deadly attacks since 2015 carried out by IS or Kurdish militants.
A U.S. official has apologized for leaflets dropped in Afghanistan that were deemed offensive to Islam.

Shah Wali Shahid, the deputy governor of Parwan province, says the leaflets dropped Monday night, which encouraged Afghans to cooperate with security forces, included an image of a dog carrying the Taliban flag. The flag has Islamic verses inscribed on it, and dogs are seen as unclean in much of the Muslim world.

Maj. Gen. James Linder apologized, saying the leaflets mistakenly contained an image that was offensive to Muslims.

Throughout the 16-year Afghan war, U.S. forces have struggled to convince ordinary Afghans to help them defeat the Taliban. Afghanistan is a deeply conservative country, and alleged blasphemy has sparked riots.
A court battle over Salvador Dalis paternity came to a surreal end Wednesday, when the claim of a Spanish tarot card reader that she was Dali's daughter was disproved by a DNA test, the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation announced.

Pilar Abel, 61, alleged her mother, Antonia, had an affair with Dali  regarded as one of the fathers of surrealist art  while she was working as a domestic helper in the northeastern Spanish town of Figueres. The artist was born in Figueres and moved back to the town with his Russian wife, Gala. Abel, who first made the claim in 2015, said her mother told her several times Dali was her father.

"The only thing I'm missing is a mustache," Abel once said to Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

A judicial spokesman told The Associated Press the court has not made the test results public but has informed the parties in the lawsuit. He spoke on condition of anonymity in accordance with court rules.

The foundation said it was happy the decades-long lawsuit was resolved.

SALVADOR DALI'S MUSTACHE STILL INTACT, EXHUMATION REVEALS

The claim launched Abels bid to inherit part of Dalis estate, though the foundation insisted it was an absurd claim. A Madrid court finally granted the tarot card reader a paternity test.

"I am amazed and very happy because justice may be delivered," Abel told The Associated Press when she was awarded the DNA test.

The foundation protested the exhumation, calling it an invasive act. It agreed to the courts ruling and had officials to unearth the remains outside visiting hours.

Dalis remains, buried under Dali Museum Theater in Figueres, were exhumed in July and forensic experts removed hair, nails and two long bones for DNA testing.

The remains will be returned to his coffin, the foundation said.

Dali and his wife had no children of their own. Gala did have a daughter from a previous marriage to French poet Paul Eluard. The artist died in 1989 at the age 84 and bestowed his estate to the Spanish state.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
New U.K. Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt has reversed most of an economic package announced by the government just weeks ago, including a planned cut in income taxes. Hunt said Monday he was scrapping almost all the tax cuts announced last month by the Conservative government of Prime Minister Liz Truss, and also signaled that public spending cuts are on the way. It was a bid to soothe turbulent financial markets spooked by fears of excessive government borrowing. The move raises questions about how long the beleaguered prime minister can stay in office, though Truss insisted she has no plans to quit. She vowed to lead the Conservatives into the next general election, but many in the party want her gone.
Veteran banker John Stallings Jr. has been named president of Richmond-based Union Bank & Trust, the bank announced Tuesday.

Stallings, who resigned last week as Virginia division president of SunTrust Banks Inc., will oversee the day-to-day operations of Union Bank & Trust.

In that role, effective Sept. 29, he will be in charge of the banks 111 branch offices in Virginia as well as commercial and retail banking, wealth management, mortgage, marketing and digital strategy.

The opportunity to lead all four business segments aligns perfectly with my background, Stallings said. I am confident we can move even faster on a path toward greater growth and success.

Stallings, 50, will assume the presidency from John C. Asbury, who will retain his title as CEO of Union Bank & Trust as well as his position as president and CEO of Union Bankshares Corp., the Richmond-based holding company that owns the bank.

With Stallings focus on the operational side, Asbury, 52, will focus more on strategy as the bank positions itself to become the first Virginia-based regional powerhouse in decades.

By industry standards, Union has a young and energetic leadership team, Asbury said. We have the leadership to execute that growth  and John completes that picture.

He has a deep connection to the region, operational expertise and a proven record of success leading a multi-business strategy at banks in Virginia, Tennessee and the Carolinas, Asbury said.

Unions pending Jan. 1 acquisition of Richmond-based Xenith Bankshares Inc. will push it over the $10 billion asset threshold, subjecting it to more regulations, but also allowing for a growth trajectory.

We certainly have a lot of room to run in Virginia, but we also have opportunity for entry points in North Carolina, Asbury said.

Asbury said he expects to see continuing consolidation in the banking industry, which will allow for even more potential growth. The bank will look for what he called infill acquisitions, where Union can buy small banks and expand its presence.

Adding Stallings to the executive team is part of the overall strategy, he said.

Stallings had been in Richmond for the past seven years, spending the last four years leading the Virginia team for Atlanta-based SunTrust. During his first three years here, he headed SunTrusts Mid-Atlantic division, which included Virginia and parts of North Carolina.

Before that, he was president of the central Carolina region for SunTrust in Durham, N.C. He was head of retail banking for Memphis, Tenn.-based National Commerce Financial Corp. prior to its acquisition in 2004 by SunTrust.

While at National Commerce, Stallings helped start Richmond-based First Market Bank, which was affiliated with Ukrops Super Markets Inc. National Commerce owned part of First Market Bank, which was merged with Union Bankshares in 2010.

Stallings has been in banking for 27 years, starting at National Commerce directly out of college. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1988 and took a two-year break in his career to earn a masters in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis in 1993.
Love conquers hate and Hate has no home here were just two among many slogans on signs held by a group of about 20 protesters who gathered outside the Stafford County administration building on Tuesday evening.

The protesters heard that a group from the Virginia Flaggers, a Southern heritage group, would be attending the Stafford County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday evening in support of the large Confederate battle flag waving over Interstate 95.

Stafford resident Bill Johnson-Miles said they wanted to welcome the flaggers group with love.

We want them to know that we dont appreciate their message, Miles said. We are denouncing hatred, which is what this flag represents.

Although only a few people attended the meeting to voice support of the flag, well over a dozen residents spoke against the flag, which is located on private property near the Falmouth exit and does not violate any local laws.

The Stafford Sheriffs Office maintained a strong presence both inside and outside of the building during the meeting.

Several of those who spoke during public comment attended the board meeting on Aug. 15 to speak out against the flag. Stafford resident Jennifer Coolidge said they will attend every meeting until the supervisors take action.

Lets examine how that flag got here, Coolidge said. Why arent we examining limitations on flag pole height?

Coolidge was not the only person asking the board to re-examine flag height. Jennifer Carroll Foy, the Democratic candidate for the 2nd District seat in the House of Delegates, said the board has the power to make a local ordinance to say flags must be flown at certain height.

We cannot say we are open for business with symbols of slavery flying over I 95, Foy said. People drive through the county thinking this is what we stand for.

R.C. Stephens said calls to take down the flag amount to throwing away history and that the owners are not in violation of any laws.

Who are we as a county to tell people what they can or cannot do on their private property? Stevens questioned.

Paul Milde, chairman of the board, said he recognizes that the flag is a concern among some residents, but the board has consulted with legal counsel and determined that they do not have authority to remove the flag.

In the past, and again recently, the board engaged legal counsel and county staff in a careful review of the boards regulatory authority, Milde said. Based on that review, the county does not have the legal authority to remove the flag.

Milde explained that local government efforts to regulate or restrict the flag in some manner would violate the principle of free speech protected by the First Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly struck down local laws attempting to regulate free speech on private property. Even burning the American flag in protest is protected by the Constitution.
The meeting was relatively subdued this time, but constituents and activists continued on Tuesday night to excoriate the Charlottesville City Council and call for the resignation of Mayor Mike Signer.

Two weeks following a council meeting that was taken over by attendees angry at city officials for failing to prevent a white nationalist rally that resulted in three deaths, the council started the meeting by holding a special public hearing about the events of Aug. 12 that made national headlines.

The council was scheduled to vote on removing the citys statue of Thomas Stonewall Jackson, more than six months after voting to remove the statue of another Confederate general, Robert E. Lee.

Most of Tuesdays speakers, however, focused on city officials, particularly Signer and Councilor Kathy Galvin, directing criticism at them for how theyve handled the fallout from the Unite the Right rally.

About a dozen people in the crowd held signs that called for the removal of the statues from the parksand the removal of Signer and Galvin from the council.

One of the people holding a sign was Danyelle Honore, a University of Virginia student and president of U.Va.s NAACP chapter. She said she was in the city on the day of the rally and was rebuffed by a police officer when she attempted to report that five men were assaulting a victim nearby.

He giggled. He just laughed. It was a joke to him, Honore said, echoing countless other stories people have reported about the police response to the violence that day.

Its a shame, Honore said. My ancestors built this city and the university  I have to convince black students to continue to come to U.Va. and tell them that Charlottesville isnt that bad of a place.

Gloria Beard said city officials have refuted claims that police were told to stand down that day, but said what shes seen in videos and other media reports from that day failed to show officers ever responding to the myriad acts of violence.

I watched everything I can find  no one was helping people, Beard said. She also asked the council why the Fourth Street crossing on the Downtown Mall, where a car rammed into a crowd of counterprotesters, killing one person and injuring dozens more, was open to traffic. City traffic plans for the day called for the street to remain closed until 7 p.m. The vehicular attack took place shortly before 2 p.m.

In the weeks following the rally, city and state law enforcement officers, local and state officials and city administrators, including Police Chief Al Thomas and City Manager Maurice Jones, have faced a proverbial firing squad at various community meetings.

But at Tuesdays meeting, some speakers criticized Signer for what they said was his placing blame at the feet of Jones and Thomas.

Last week, Signer apologized publicly after he impugned the reputation of the two African-American men in a Facebook post that led some to believe that the council was preparing to fire one or both of them.

Why is that Al Thomas and Maurice Jones are being made the scapegoats, said M. Rick Turner, former president of the Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP. Turner said he was speaking on behalf of the group.

Noting that Virginia State Police and federal agents either warned the city or were involved in police operations that day, Turner said blame has been directed at mid-level officials.

This sets a horrible example for children to see these men, their careers and families destroyed, he said.

In the council-manager form of government, which Charlottesville follows, the city manager is in charge of all public operations. Every two years, the City Council selects which one on the council will serve as mayor, whose primary responsibility is overseeing council meetings.

After making his apology last week, Signer said he would be ceding some of his autonomy and sharing leadership responsibility with other officials. Councilor Kristin Szakos was put in charge of running Tuesdays public hearing, which lasted for approximately two hours.

Toward the end of the hearing, as people in the crowd became more agitated with city officials, Szakos struggled to maintain order and said she felt out of her element.

Several of the councilors then apologized for the recent events. Councilor Wes Bellamy questioned whether elected officials can, in reality, effect the changes that constituents have been demanding, whether that be preventing white nationalist rallies or promoting certain causes, such as the development of affordable housing or the prevention of gentrification.

We need to be cognizant of how individuals mask their hate. Theyll always pretend to be polite and say they know whats best for us. But they dont really know a damn thing about us, Bellamy said, adding that the city will never be the same.

The ways in which people for years have tried to either silence us or say were not going about it the right way  whenever that comes up, we need to resist.

Galvin repeatedly apologized for the citys failures, and called for a now-underway independent investigation into how the city prepared for and handled the rally, as well as other events in recent months, to be expedited.

Im pushing for getting the answers sooner rather than later. And Im deeply, deeply sorry, she said.

Im pledging that Im going to try what I can to get this right, Signer said before being met by jeers from the crowd. You may not believe this  but, please, help me to get better.
Leaders at Washington National Cathedral, the closest thing in the country's capital to an official church, have decided after two years of study and debate to remove two stained-glass windows honoring Confederate figures Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

Saying the stories told in the two 4-by-6-foot windows were painful, distracting and one-sided, a majority of the Cathedral's governing body voted to remove the windows Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning, stone masons were at work putting up scaffolding to begin taking out the art that was installed 64 years ago.

"This isn't simply a conversation about the history of the windows, but a very real conversation in the wider culture about how the Confederate flag and the Old South narrative have been lively symbols today for white supremacists. We'd be made of stone ourselves if we weren't paying attention to that," said Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, which includes the cathedral.

The cathedral is the official seat of the Episcopal Church, a small Protestant denomination that historically has counted many of America's elite as members, including presidents from George Washington and James Madison to George H.W. Bush. It is the second largest church building in the country and is typically host to official events like presidential funerals and official interfaith ceremonies on presidential swearing-in days, including that of President Donald Trump.

The removal of the windows, which will take a couple days, reflects a flurry of national debate over whether to take down monuments, statues or art that honor Confederates in both public and private spaces across the country. The issue gained prominence after a mass killing at a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015, and then again last month after a deadly white supremacist march in Charlottesville. Several dozen monuments have been either removed or a debate to remove them is on the table, in places from New Orleans and Baltimore to Helena, Montana, and Los Angeles.

Budde and Cathedral Dean Randy Hollerith said the governing board voted "overwhelmingly" Tuesday to remove the windows, but acknowledged there were opponents who felt the windows are part of the cathedral and U.S. history and could be contextualized rather than removed.

A call to the United Daughters of the Confederacy, which raised money for the initial windows along with a private donor, was not immediately returned Wednesday.

On Wednesday as the scaffolding was put up, some visitors began gathering, including a few who seemed concerned by the idea that the windows were being taken out.

The windows are among some 200 in the soaring Gothic building, in addition to hundreds of other carvings and fabric and other kinds of art. They are located in a bay in the middle of the nave, or sanctuary space. They each have four panels, one honoring the life of Jackson and the other of Lee.

They show the men at points in their academic, military and spiritual lives. Kevin Eckstrom, a cathedral spokesman, noted that they are praised in wording alongside the windows as pious Christians. "The problem is that they are shown as saints," he said Wednesday.

The cathedral plans to keep the windows and find a way to display them in historical context, he said.

"People ask: 'Are we whitewashing history and trying to forget reality?' But the truth is that slavery is as old as the Bible. But we believe in a God that liberates slaves," he said.

They were put up in 1953, after years of fundraising. Eckstrom said there was discussion at the time about featuring other U.S. figures, including former President Ulysses S. Grant, who commanded the Union armies at the end of the Civil War, but that donors insisted that the windows honor Southerners. The engraved stone under the Jackson window notes his admirers "from South to North."

Both stones praise the men's religious character. Jackson's says he "walked humbly before his creator." Lee's says he was "a Christian soldier without fear and without reproach."

They were uncontroversial at the time of their installation, Eckstrom said.

After the Charleston killings, a national conversation became louder about Confederate symbols and white supremacy. The cathedral's dean Gary Hall at the time said that the windows had no place in a place of worship meant for all Americans.

The windows were installed in 1953 to "foster reconciliation between parts of the nation that had been divided by the Civil War," Hall said in 2015. "While the impetus behind the windows' installation was a good and noble one at the time, the Cathedral has changed, and so has the America it seeks to represent. There is no place for the Confederate battle flag in the iconography of the nation's most visible faith community. We cannot in good conscience justify the presence of the Confederate flag in this house of prayer for all people, nor can we honor the systematic oppression of African-Americans for which these two men fought."

The cathedral then created a task force to discuss the windows and how to best foster a conversation around racial reconciliation. Last year it removed from the windows two small pieces of glass depicting Confederate flags in the art. One was replaced with plain red and the other with plain blue.

Public lectures were held about white supremacy, reconciliation and African American spirituals. Standing beside the windows for months has been a poster about the window discussion, and Eckstrom said the cathedral has received email and visitors every day for two years with different views about how to deal with controversial history in a sacred, public space.

Hall left the cathedral in 2015 and a couple days after the Charlottesville violence shared on Facebook his earlier push for the windows to come out, with the comment: "Just sayin'."

Asked whether the cathedral was told its audience or donations could be impacted by the windows coming out - or staying in - Hollerith said it didn't come up as a major part of the decision process.

"If I honor Jesus' command to love thy neighbor as thy self, and take seriously the experience of African Americans in this country, the question is: What is the right thing to do? Not to look at it in terms of funding or participation," he said.

The cathedral's decision comes as the country is divided by debate about its history and the place of race and religion in American identity. Also Wednesday a huge poll by the Public Religion Research Institute was released, showing white Christians continuing to shrink as a percentage of the country.

In 2017, the Episcopal Church is perhaps the most prominent face of progressive Christianity - with its leaders on the forefront of liberalizing changes on race, gender and sexuality. However its cathedral is also perhaps the most prominent example of a blending of patriotism and religion. Art all around the cathedral weaves the story of the Bible with America's story - including that of the Civil War.

One massive window juxtaposes George Washington with King David on one side, nearby Paul Revere and D-Day paratroopers. The highest window panels soaring over the sanctuary show the Supreme Court, the White House and the U.S. Capitol.

Near the entrance is a huge vivid window called "the Agony of War," which Eckstrom said is about the Civil War. It shows flames mixed with glass fragments of blue and gray. Engraved beneath are the words "with malice towards none."
Ferris M. Belman Sr., 90, of Stafford County passed away Sunday, September 3, 2017 at VCU Health Systems/ MCV Hospital in Richmond. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 8 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, September 9 at Fredericksburg United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, The Salvation Army or to the American Cancer Society. Online guestbook available at covenantfuneralservice.com
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WREN RYAN CLARY Free Access Zach and Erica Clary of Gaffney announce the birth of their daughter, Wren Ryan Clary, born August 17, 2022. Wren has a sister, Reese. Grandparents are Eric and Teresa Bennett...

Fresh fruit and veggies for Thanksgiving Free Access Families can receive a box of fresh fruits and vegetables just in time for the Thanksgiving holidays. FoodShare Cherokee provides opportunities for all residents to order fresh food boxes every...

Museum, Limestone collaborating on textile history program Free Access The Cherokee County Museum is partnering with Limestone Universitys communications class and local educator Tim Lipsey to conduct a history program on textiles. If you or your family has worked...
Story Highlights Migrant Acceptance Index scores range from 7.92 to 1.69

Biggest divides between Central, Eastern Europe and West

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- While France, Germany, Italy and Spain agreed last week on a plan to stem migration across the Mediterranean, the European Union as a whole still lacks a common migration policy. Finding a policy that everyone -- particularly the public -- can accept will likely continue to prove elusive in the near term: No other region of the world is more divided on Gallup's new Migrant Acceptance Index than the EU, where scores range from a high of 7.92 in Sweden to a low of 1.69 in Hungary.

Migrant Acceptance Index Scores Vary Across European Union Sweden 7.92 Cyprus 5.41 Ireland 7.74 Malta 4.95 Luxembourg 7.54 Slovenia 4.42 Netherlands 7.46 Greece 3.34 Spain 7.44 Poland 3.31 Denmark 7.09 Romania 2.93 Germany 7.09 Lithuania 2.72 Portugal 6.65 Bulgaria 2.42 United Kingdom 6.61 Croatia 2.39 Finland 6.58 Estonia 2.37 Italy 6.49 Czech Republic 2.26 France 6.46 Latvia 2.04 Belgium 6.16 Slovakia 1.83 Austria 6.06 Hungary 1.69 Maximum possible score on the index is 9. Gallup World Poll, 2016

Gallup created the Migrant Acceptance Index to gauge people's acceptance of migrants based on increasing degrees of personal proximity. The index is based on three questions that Gallup asked in 139 countries. The questions ask whether people think immigrants living in their country, becoming their neighbor and marrying into their families are good things or bad things. The higher the score, the more accepting the population is of migrants.

With a Migrant Acceptance Index score of 5.92 (out of a possible 9), the European Union as a whole scores just slightly higher than the global average (5.29). But within the region, the scores largely follow an East-West divide. Along with Hungary, other Eastern European countries such as Slovakia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Estonia and Croatia are among the 10 least-accepting countries in the world. Sweden and Ireland are the two EU member countries among the 10 most-accepting countries.

Expanding this list to include the 20 most-accepting and 20 least-accepting countries, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain join Sweden and Ireland, and Bulgaria, Lithuania and Romania join their counterparts in Central and Eastern Europe. Top EU countries of destination for migrants, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Italy fall lower in the rankings, but all of them score above the EU average.

The divide between EU countries in Central and Eastern Europe and those in Western Europe illustrates the chasm that exists in public attitudes toward migrants within the EU and the struggle it faces to create a cohesive policy: The index score for EU countries in Western Europe is 6.73, compared with 2.77 for EU countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

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Youngest, Most Educated in EU Most Accepting

Although Migrant Acceptance Index scores vary widely across the European Union, there are common threads among those who are solidly more accepting of migrants -- in line with what Gallup finds in most regions of the world. Acceptance generally rises with education, and those in the highest 20% income group -- who are also more likely to have higher education -- are more likely to be accepting of migrants than those in lower income groups.

Migration Acceptance Divides EU Western European EU Central/Eastern European EU Index score Index score Generation Gen Z (1997 and later) 7.16 3.13 Millennials (1980-1996) 6.98 2.94 Gen X (1965-1979) 6.87 2.85 Baby boomers (1946-1964) 6.63 2.72 Traditionalists (pre-1946) 5.91 2.09 Income group Poorest 20% 6.22 2.56 Second 20% 6.54 2.65 Middle 20% 6.93 2.75 Fourth 20% 6.83 2.76 Richest 20% 7.12 3.12 Education Primary education or less 6.10 2.48 Secondary 6.76 2.70 Four-year college degree 7.39 3.38 Maximum possible score on index is 9. Gallup World Poll, 2016

Younger generations in the EU are most accepting of migrants, while older people are the least accepting. Those in the postmillennial generation are the most accepting of all. Traditionalists -- the oldest generation -- are the least accepting of all.

Despite the huge gap in index scores between EU countries in Western Europe and those in Central and Eastern Europe, within these regions, migrant acceptance tends to be higher among these same demographic groups -- the youngest generation, those with more education and those with the highest income. However, scores among even the most-accepting EU populations in Eastern Europe are about half as high as scores among the least-accepting EU populations in Western Europe.

Implications

If the European Union hopes to make progress toward achieving a common migration policy, then it will require more unity and cohesion on the issue among member states -- two items that the data would suggest are not in abundant supply across the bloc. Finding common ground will be difficult, not only because of the wide range of views on how to manage migration flows, but also because of the wide range in public acceptance of migrants -- and the lack of acceptance in Central and Eastern Europe in particular.

John Fleming contributed to this analysis.
Since 2014, Sprocket Mural Works has commissioned more than 50 pieces of public art throughout the city of Harrisburg.

Visitors to Midtown may be familiar with the mural along the wall of the Midtown Cinema on Reily Street. Taking a cue from the Hollywood sign, a design by Jeff Copus, which was painted by Jacintha Clark and Sharnee Burnett, incorporates the citys name in a decorative font with the phases of the sun and a nod to the flowering trees familiar to the neighborhood.

Further downtown, Carlisle artist Aron Rook has created an exotic portrait of a woman with wild, brightly colored locks, which peaks out along Third Street in the heart of the city. It is the unexpected bursts of color and designs that seek to beautify the city through original public art.

To intensify their mission to increase community pride and civic engagement in Harrisburg through united creative action, Sprocket Mural Works kicked off its inaugural Harrisburg Mural Festival on Sept. 1. The festival is two weeks of focused city beautification through the creation of 10 murals by local, national and even international artists. In addition to the painting of murals, the festival will feature community events and conclude with a Festival Closing Block Party on Sept. 10.

Visiting Harrisburg over the coming days, one can follow the progress of the murals slated for completion by the festivals closing.

Belarusian artists, Julia Yu-Baba and Key Detail, were seen adding colors to the seemingly free-handed sketch that spanned from the ground to the buildings apex on North Third Street at Underground Bicycle. Flowers in pink, purple and green emerged at one corner, as swirling lines denote the design to follow.

A much more regimented technique seemed to be the basis for the work of Ralphie Seguinot, also known as SR81, a well-known Harrisburg street artist. Working on the south wall of Sayford Market on Third Street, a numbered grid pattern was followed as the artist used stencils and aerosol paints. A childs soulful gaze was emerging from the process, layered upon a rich background of purple and blue.

Lancaster-based artist GoWelsh! also used the purple palette with a solid base color adorned with a simple, yet eye-catching symbol: an oversized ampersand extending almost 20 feet in height. This is sure to be the destination for pictures on a visit to Midtown.

Moving downtown, as one travels up Market Street, be sure to look up to catch Texas native Daniel Blacks mural. Painting on the upper floor of 313 Market St., Black uses a white background and light, bright colors for the outstretched hands, which appear to be reaching for one another. Surrounded by bright blue skies, as well as the rising floors of nearby office buildings, the work in progress is a contrast to both.

The historic Shipoke portion of the city will have an exciting addition to its park as local landscape artist, Jonathan Frazier, contributes his first exterior mural. As he lay down a neutral base of a pastoral scene, Frazier joked that working large is liberating for an artist, and it doesnt get any larger than this!

He will be adding the colors in the coming days to reflect the details of the original painting from which Frazier was working.

Walk along the upper stretches of Riverfront Park to find the work of Harrisburg native James Dunn upon five sections near the Susquehanna River. Reflecting the natural beauty of the area, his murals represent the waterways, mountains and local wildlife. Using tools ranging from paint rollers on long poles to fine-tipped brushes, broad strokes and small details are both present within his work.

For Dunn, he sees the purpose of his murals as promoting a community dialogue, and in this project that dialogue includes the recognition and celebration of the natural beauty of the region.

The Harrisburg Mural Festival should inspire viewers to engage in an artistic and civic dialogue through the exploration of the city and its diverse communities, as well as share with others the art that enhances the beauty of the city of Harrisburg.

Sprocket Mural Works 2017 Harrisburg Mural Festival runs through Sept. 10. Community Paint Day will be held Sept. 9 from 2-6 p.m. in the parking lot of Zeroday Brewing Company and the Midtown Cinema at 250 Reily Street, Harrisburg. The Festival Closing Block Party will be held on State Street, between 2nd and 3rd streets, from noon to 5 p.m. on Sept. 10.

For a full list of mural festival events, visit www.sprocketmuralworks.com/festival-events.
A Pinch of Salt: The election is over, I think, so what now?
    :             ,     
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.
Believe it or not, shit gets worse.



Rather than walking away from the poo stuck in his window, leaving his house immediately and never speaking to him again, the unnamed woman gathered up her lady balls and told Smyth what had happened.



And this is when shit REALLY hit the fan... or window.



Smyth helped lower his date out the window into the gap between the houses where she then got stuck upside-down and had to be rescued by fire fighters.



Smyth explained: "She climbed in head first after her own turd, reached deeper into the window, bagged it up, and passed it out, over the top and back into the toilet from whence it came.
bayonel3 at 6-09-2017 09:30 AM (5 years ago) (m)

Health authorities in Italy are investigating a case of death caused by malaria infection in a four-year-old girl, Sofia Zago in Brescia. Doctors said that Zago suffered cerebral malaria, the deadliest form of the disease and died 24 hours after she was rushed to the hospital on Saturday. Malaria, a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, causes at least 300 million cases of acute illness each year. According to the World Health Organisation, it is the leading cause of death among young children.

Health authorities in Italy are investigating a case of death caused by malaria infection in a four-year-old girl, Sofia Zago in Brescia. Doctors said that Zago suffered cerebral malaria, the deadliest form of the disease and died 24 hours after she was rushed to the hospital on Saturday. Malaria, a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium, causes at least 300 million cases of acute illness each year. According to the World Health Organisation, it is the leading cause of death among young children. While it is a common disease in many parts of Africa, it is considered a rare illness in Italy as the Anopheles mosquito that bears cerebral malaria had been eradicated in the region and other parts of Europe.

An infectious diseases specialist at Trentos Santa Chiara Hospital, Dr Claudio Paternoster, said it was the first case he had seen locally in the past three decades.

Paternoster said, Its the first time in my 30-year career that I have seen a case of malaria originating in Trentino,

Since the 1950s, Italy has not had a malaria problem because mosquito-infested marshes were drained. Health authorities have two theories: the mosquito might have travelled with Vago as she recently vacationed with her parents at Bibione, an Adriatic resort near Venice or she caught malaria from one of the two children that were being treated for the disease at the Trento hospital in August. The two children were infected when they travelled to some countries in Africa. Interestingly, they recovered. The second suggestion is however unlikely says Trentino health official, Paolo Bordon, as Zago had not be admitted into the same ward as the two children.

Anopheles mosquitoes are found in large areas of Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the South Pacific and some parts of Eastern Europe, but not in the rest of Europe.

It was the first region in the world to record zero cases of locally-acquired malaria in 2015.The number of indigenous cases dropped from 90, 712 in 1995 to zero in 2015. Doctors are puzzled by the latest case as it is not clear how the girl caught it, but her case is not odd. The European Centre for Disease Prevention Control found a few cases of locally acquired malaria in the EU  two in France and three in Spain in 2014. But there were explanations for how some of these might have occurred. One was a patient who had received a kidney from a donor with malaria; another was a newborn whose mother had recently returned from Equatorial Guinea. One of the Spanish patients had no history of travel but lived a few kilometres from a town where a suitcase malaria person lived. No infected local mosquitoes were found, but laboratory tests showed two people had an identical strain of the disease. While it is a common disease in many parts of Africa, it is considered a rare illness in Italy as the Anopheles mosquito that bears cerebral malaria had been eradicated in the region and other parts of Europe.An infectious diseases specialist at Trentos Santa Chiara Hospital, Dr Claudio Paternoster, said it was the first case he had seen locally in the past three decades.Paternoster said,Since the 1950s, Italy has not had a malaria problem because mosquito-infested marshes were drained. Health authorities have two theories: the mosquito might have travelled with Vago as she recently vacationed with her parents at Bibione, an Adriatic resort near Venice or she caught malaria from one of the two children that were being treated for the disease at the Trento hospital in August. The two children were infected when they travelled to some countries in Africa. Interestingly, they recovered. The second suggestion is however unlikely says Trentino health official, Paolo Bordon, as Zago had not be admitted into the same ward as the two children.Anopheles mosquitoes are found in large areas of Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the South Pacific and some parts of Eastern Europe, but not in the rest of Europe.It was the first region in the world to record zero cases of locally-acquired malaria in 2015.The number of indigenous cases dropped from 90, 712 in 1995 to zero in 2015. Doctors are puzzled by the latest case as it is not clear how the girl caught it, but her case is not odd. The European Centre for Disease Prevention Control found a few cases of locally acquired malaria in the EU  two in France and three in Spain in 2014. But there were explanations for how some of these might have occurred. One was a patient who had received a kidney from a donor with malaria; another was a newborn whose mother had recently returned from Equatorial Guinea. One of the Spanish patients had no history of travel but lived a few kilometres from a town where a suitcase malaria person lived. No infected local mosquitoes were found, but laboratory tests showed two people had an identical strain of the disease.

Post Reply I scour the world wide web to bring you interesting stories from around the globe. [email protected] Posted: at 6-09-2017 09:30 AM (5 years ago) | Hero
felicilin at 6-09-2017 09:34 AM (5 years ago) (f)

While speaking in commemoration of the first anniversary of his father, the late Chief Thomas Ekpumupolo, the embattled ex militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, on Tuesday, asked President Buhari to tell Nigerians the economic importance of his hometown, Daura, to warrant his approval of construction of railway lines from Kano and Helipad with the revenue derived from oil and gas in the Niger Delta region.

He said, In this context, it will not be out of place to juxtaposing question of what economic significance is your hometown, Daura, which you approved construction of a railway line to and the construction of a helipad with revenue derived from oil and gas in the Niger Delta region?

The Niger Delta militant who has been on exile since the emergence of Buhari-led administration, alleged that security agents looted building materials worth over N10 billion at his Jetty and Waterfront, in Edjeba, near Warri, Delta State, seized by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He said: Let me use this medium to also inform the world that the Nigerian Navy under the behest of President Buhari administration had looted my Waterfront and Jetty facilities maliciously and unlawfully seized by the EFCC.

While speaking in commemoration of the first anniversary of his father, the late Chief Thomas Ekpumupolo, the embattled ex militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, on Tuesday, asked President Buhari to tell Nigerians the economic importance of his hometown, Daura, to warrant his approval of construction of railway lines from Kano and Helipad with the revenue derived from oil and gas in the Niger Delta region.He said,The Niger Delta militant who has been on exile since the emergence of Buhari-led administration, alleged that security agents looted building materials worth over N10 billion at his Jetty and Waterfront, in Edjeba, near Warri, Delta State, seized by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.He said: Let me use this medium to also inform the world that the Nigerian Navy under the behest of President Buhari administration had looted my Waterfront and Jetty facilities maliciously and unlawfully seized by the EFCC. In the last inventory of my facility, there was over N10 billion worth of building and other materials at the jetty, but information reaching me now has it that the jetty had been stripped bare by service personnel of the Joint Task Force, JTF.

Some of the materials presumably have been taken to northern Nigeria. How could this happen under your watch? As rightly observed by other well-meaning Nigerians, let me echo their thoughts by asking, where is the much-touted anti-corruption crusade?

Contacted on the alleged looting of N10 billion building materials, Commander, Nigerian Navy Service, NNS Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu said: I am not aware of this allegation. Its strange to me.

Tompolo, who fingered President Buhari for his predicament, said: I will like to remind Mr. President that my bank accounts remain frozen on his orders, thereby financially incapacitating me from performing my natural obligations as a father in paying my daughter and other dependents tuition fees and sundry expenses in Nigeria, while it is known that your children have schooled or may still be in the process of schooling in highly rated universities in the United Kingdom, surely with funds derived from proceeds of the oil and gas resources in the Niger Delta.

Contacted on the alleged looting of N10 billion building materials, Commander, Nigerian Navy Service, NNS Delta, Commodore Ibrahim Dewu said:Tompolo, who fingered President Buhari for his predicament, said: I will like to remind Mr. President that my bank accounts remain frozen on his orders, thereby financially incapacitating me from performing my natural obligations as a father in paying my daughter and other dependents tuition fees and sundry expenses in Nigeria, while it is known that your children have schooled or may still be in the process of schooling in highly rated universities in the United Kingdom, surely with funds derived from proceeds of the oil and gas resources in the Niger Delta. Quote Your public asset declaration puts you way beyond the near capacity to have funded the education of your children in world- class universities in the UK and also provide the affluence and luxury that they enjoy in the UK. I make this observation because it demonstrates your personal insincerity and the injustices meted out to Nigerians by your policies, he said.

Also recalling that President Buharis health bills while in the United Kingdom were paid with proceeds ultimately derived from crude oil and gas revenue from his backyard, while the people of Niger Delta and Nigerians continue to be denied access to basic health facilities, Tompolo urged the President to turn a new leaf and seek the true face of God, who has given him a new lease of life.

Post Reply Posted: at 6-09-2017 09:34 AM (5 years ago) | Hero
My Govt Will Not Relent Until All Nigerians Feel The Impact Of Nigeria's Exit From Recession- Buhari

bayonel3 at 6-09-2017 01:46 PM (5 years ago) (m)

Nigerias president Muhammadu Buhari is upbeat about the latest development of the countrys economy after the National Bureau of Statistics posted on Tuesday figures which showed that the Nigerian economy grew at 0.55 per cent in the second quarter of 2017. President Buhari has said that his administration will not rest until the impact of the current economic status is felt by all Nigerians. President Buhari, however, said in a series of tweets on Tuesday that he was pleased with the news of the nations emergence from recession and promised to ensure that the impact was felt by all. Im glad were starting to see the fruit of our work but theres still a lot to be done. We will not rest until all Nigerians feel the impact, he said.

Nigerias president Muhammadu Buhari is upbeat about the latest development of the countrys economy after the National Bureau of Statistics posted on Tuesday figures which showed that the Nigerian economy grew at 0.55 per cent in the second quarter of 2017. President Buhari has said that his administration will not rest until the impact of the current economic status is felt by all Nigerians. President Buhari, however, said in a series of tweets on Tuesday that he was pleased with the news of the nations emergence from recession and promised to ensure that the impact was felt by all. Im glad were starting to see the fruit of our work but theres still a lot to be done. We will not rest until all Nigerians feel the impact, he said. The real change for Nigerians is an impact that is felt in their lives and their pockets. We are on the right path, and our work continues. Until coming out of recession translates into a meaningful improvement in peoples lives, our work cannot be said to be done.

Post Reply I scour the world wide web to bring you interesting stories from around the globe. [email protected] Posted: at 6-09-2017 01:46 PM (5 years ago) | Hero

Spatacuss at 6-09-2017 01:55 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Amen to that... Posted: at 6-09-2017 01:55 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Amen to that... Reply

Patrioti at 6-09-2017 01:56 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Thanks to Osibanjo NOT Buhari for delivering the Country from recession. Bet me, if Buhari spend 60 interrupted days in Aso Rock, he will plunge the country in another Recession and fled to London for another 100 days. Posted: at 6-09-2017 01:56 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Thanks to Osibanjo NOT Buhari for delivering the Country from recession. Bet me, if Buhari spend 60 interrupted days in Aso Rock, he will plunge the country in another Recession and fled to London for another 100 days. Reply

ejikeiyo at 6-09-2017 02:01 PM (5 years ago)

(m) WASTED GENERATION Posted: at 6-09-2017 02:01 PM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac WASTED GENERATION Reply

HUMANresurce at 6-09-2017 03:19 PM (5 years ago)

(m) NA SO DEM DON DEY TALK AM FOR THE PAST 56 YEARS NOW.. AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. NA ONLY MOUTH NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT TAKE DEY SERVE THIER PEOPLE. SHAME! Posted: at 6-09-2017 03:19 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming NA SO DEM DON DEY TALK AM FOR THE PAST 56 YEARS NOW.. AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. NA ONLY MOUTH NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT TAKE DEY SERVE THIER PEOPLE. SHAME! Reply

ruthie at 6-09-2017 04:08 PM (5 years ago)

(f) good talk..lets not be carried by mere talk Posted: at 6-09-2017 04:08 PM (5 years ago) | Hero good talk..lets not be carried by mere talk Reply

gogoman at 6-09-2017 04:32 PM (5 years ago)

(m) yes Buhari Posted: at 6-09-2017 04:32 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero yes Buhari Reply

kacylee at 6-09-2017 07:16 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Excuse me sir pls stop talking and start acting, people are dying 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 6-09-2017 07:16 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Excuse me sir pls stop talking and start acting, people are dying Reply

schmit at 6-09-2017 07:18 PM (5 years ago)

(f) Old man u need rest Posted: at 6-09-2017 07:18 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Old man u need rest Reply

chizzyG at 6-09-2017 11:07 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Story...Story.........Story.is it when you people are busy stealing all the money?small time now your Tenure will finish and you people will phyuk out while another set of Thieves will come and start from where you people stopped.you people really take Nigerians as irreparable Fools Posted: at 6-09-2017 11:07 PM (5 years ago) | Upcoming Story...Story.........Story.is it when you people are busy stealing all the money?small time now your Tenure will finish and you people will phyuk out while another set of Thieves will come and start from where you people stopped.you people really take Nigerians as irreparable Fools Reply

kayveetee at 7-09-2017 07:45 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Another big lie Posted: at 7-09-2017 07:45 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Another big lie Reply

james987 at 7-09-2017 08:38 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Tales by moonlight Posted: at 7-09-2017 08:38 AM (5 years ago) | Hero Tales by moonlight Reply

Oworen25 at 8-09-2017 07:47 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Another very big lie from baba Posted: at 8-09-2017 07:47 AM (5 years ago) | Hero Another very big lie from baba Reply

Floyd29 at 10-09-2017 05:10 AM (5 years ago)

(f) Baba has memory problem always reaping the same thing Posted: at 10-09-2017 05:10 AM (5 years ago) | Gistmaniac Baba has memory problem always reaping the same thing Reply

yawa_don_gas at 16-09-2017 03:16 AM (5 years ago)

(m) Please please hold on, why e be say everywhere I take even when I wan hide yawa dey there?

Why why?

Na yawa life, yawa goes on Posted: at 16-09-2017 03:16 AM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Please please hold on, why e be say everywhere I take even when I wan hide yawa dey there?Why why?Na yawa life, yawa goes on Reply

BournIdentity at 22-09-2017 01:56 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Posted: at 22-09-2017 01:56 PM (5 years ago) | Addicted Hero Reply

Novic at 25-09-2017 12:51 PM (5 years ago)

(m) This is serious ooooo..... make I just dey waka pass..... abeg I dey waka pass, I will come and comment later.

This one weak me ooooo, well life must goes on.

I dey waka come bare Posted: at 25-09-2017 12:51 PM (5 years ago) | Hero This is serious ooooo..... make I just dey waka pass..... abeg I dey waka pass, I will come and comment later.This one weak me ooooo, well life must goes on.I dey waka come bare Reply

Oworen25 at 25-09-2017 08:47 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Whatever it is, our prayer will work things out. Posted: at 25-09-2017 08:47 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Whatever it is, our prayer will work things out. Reply

Oworen25 at 25-09-2017 08:48 PM (5 years ago)

(m) Whatever it is, our prayer will work things out. Posted: at 25-09-2017 08:48 PM (5 years ago) | Hero Whatever it is, our prayer will work things out. Reply
clarajancita at 6-09-2017 02:22 PM (5 years ago) (f)

A new report has shown how the Nigerian embassy in Israel squandered as much as N332 million and $493,111 in just two years. The Nigerian embassy in Israel mismanaged funds totalling $493, 111 and another N331 million (N331,461,392) of the total revenue generated and received between 2013 and 2015.

A new report has shown how the Nigerian embassy in Israel squandered as much as N332 million and $493,111 in just two years. The Nigerian embassy in Israel mismanaged funds totalling $493, 111 and another N331 million (N331,461,392) of the total revenue generated and received between 2013 and 2015.

The annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation for the year ended 2015, said the embassy could not account for the funds in its records submitted for review. A total sum of $858,704 (3,091,337 Shekels) was reportedly generated as revenue in respect of visas and administrative charges in the period under review, but only $365, 593 was remitted into the designated account, the report, the latest from the Auditor General revealed.



During the same period, the embassy was granted Authority to Incur Expenditure, AIE, in the sum of N517,247,500.

However, only N185, 786, 171 was accounted for by the embassy. The report noted that this development has left the embassy with a deficit of $493, 111 and N331, 461, 392 which the permanent secretary was unable to explain.



DEFICITS AND IRREGULARITIES

The report gave further details of its findings. Between 2013 and 2015, $187, 554 (675,196 shekels) was transferred from revenue to overhead accounts as revealed in the revenue cashbooks. The amount was said to have been borrowed from the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, account for the period but was never paid back. The audit revealed further that out of 1,860,544 Shekels generated by the embassy, 760,466 Shekels was remitted to J.P. Morgan between 2014 and 2015. This created a deficit of about $305,577 (1, 100, 078 Shekels). J.P Morgan is a U.S. multinational banking and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City.





It was observed in the audit report that the embassy fell short in keeping account of revenue, disbursement of funds and record keeping thereby aiding corruption within its ranks.

The following specific irregularities were also reported: Treasury Book 6A and Treasury Book 6 revenue booklets were not kept, and consequently not made available; revenue Collectors Registers with details of TR 6A and relevant amount were not maintained; Revenue Cashbooks were not updated with relevant entries throughout 2014 and 2015. An ordinary register maintained by the Consular Section had no details of TR 6A and the amount generated for each booklet. Monthly figures were just recorded without details.

The annual report of the Auditor-General of the Federation for the year ended 2015, said the embassy could not account for the funds in its records submitted for review. A total sum of $858,704 (3,091,337 Shekels) was reportedly generated as revenue in respect of visas and administrative charges in the period under review, but only $365, 593 was remitted into the designated account, the report, the latest from the Auditor General revealed.During the same period, the embassy was granted Authority to Incur Expenditure, AIE, in the sum of N517,247,500.However, only N185, 786, 171 was accounted for by the embassy. The report noted that this development has left the embassy with a deficit of $493, 111 and N331, 461, 392 which the permanent secretaryThe report gave further details of its findings. Between 2013 and 2015, $187, 554 (675,196 shekels) was transferred from revenue to overhead accounts as revealed in the revenue cashbooks. The amount was said to have been borrowed from the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, account for the period but was never paid back. The audit revealed further that out of 1,860,544 Shekels generated by the embassy, 760,466 Shekels was remitted to J.P. Morgan between 2014 and 2015. This created a deficit of about $305,577 (1, 100, 078 Shekels). J.P Morgan is a U.S. multinational banking and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City.It was observed in the audit report that the embassy fell short in keeping account of revenue, disbursement of funds and record keeping thereby aiding corruption within its ranks.The following specific irregularities were also reported: Treasury Book 6A and Treasury Book 6 revenue booklets were not kept, and consequently not made available; revenue Collectors Registers with details of TR 6A and relevant amount were not maintained; Revenue Cashbooks were not updated with relevant entries throughout 2014 and 2015. An ordinary register maintained by the Consular Section had no details of TR 6A and the amount generated for each booklet. Monthly figures were just recorded without details. Quote All these irregularities violated Financial Regulations 208, 209, 210 and 236 and question the accountability and transparency of the revenue collection.



MISMANAGEMENT OF FUNDS

Between 2013 and 2015, about 64 per cent of N517,247,500 total grants remitted as AIE by the Nigerian government to the embassy was unaccounted for.

According to records, the sum was for capital, personnel and overhead costs and was reportedly remitted into one account for the period as follows: 2013: A/C No.218648/91 located at Gordon Street and 2014/2015: A/C 223701/15 located at Allenby Street.

However, only N185, 786, 171 was accounted for in the verification of AIEs extracted from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while the remaining N331,461,392 was neither found in the account of the embassy nor recorded. No explanation was also offered.

A further breakdown shows that N80 million (N80,028,810) was unaccounted for in 2013; N137 million (N137,491,054) in 2014 and N113 million (N113, 941,465) in 2015.



Between 2013 and 2015, about 64 per cent of N517,247,500 total grants remitted as AIE by the Nigerian government to the embassy was unaccounted for.According to records, the sum was for capital, personnel and overhead costs and was reportedly remitted into one account for the period as follows: 2013: A/C No.218648/91 located at Gordon Street and 2014/2015: A/C 223701/15 located at Allenby Street.However, only N185, 786, 171 was accounted for in the verification of AIEs extracted from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while the remaining N331,461,392 was neither found in the account of the embassy nor recorded. No explanation was also offered.A further breakdown shows that N80 million (N80,028,810) was unaccounted for in 2013; N137 million (N137,491,054) in 2014 and N113 million (N113, 941,465) in 2015. Quote This is a violation of Financial Regulation 701 which requires separate Bank accounts to be maintained for Capital and Overhead to enable transparent rendition of expenditure returns in accordance with budgetary provisions, the audit report noted.

The expenditure returns rendered by the Embassy cannot be admissible as a true reflection of transactions because of the lumping of expenditure remittances (Personnel, Overhead and Capital) into one bank account.



DIRECT PAYMENT TO AMBASSADOR

Between 2013 and 2015, $134,400 was reportedly paid directly to an ambassador during his tenure for domestic servants. This direct payment of domestic staff salary to the ambassador is contrary to the terms of engagement as spelt out in official appointment letters which say that domestic staff salary be included on the Missions payroll, the auditor general said. The report noted that the sum paid directly to the ambassador was Between 2013 and 2015, $134,400 was reportedly paid directly to an ambassador during his tenure for domestic servants. This direct payment of domestic staff salary to the ambassador is contrary to the terms of engagement as spelt out in official appointment letters which say that domestic staff salary be included on the Missions payroll, the auditor general said. The report noted that the sum paid directly to the ambassador was Quote not a legitimate charge on Public Funds and has to be refunded.



NON-COMPLIANCE WITH TSA

In a violation of the law, the embassy also failed to comply with the directive of remitting due sums into the Treasury Single Account, TSA, of the Federal Government. This action, the report noted, negates a federal government circular: No. HC SF/428/S.1/.20 dated August 7th, 2015 which gave a specific directive to all Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs that collect revenue to close their respective revenue accounts and pay the proceeds into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by 15th August 2015.



PILGRIMS ACCOMPANYING SCAM

The report also noted that over the years, the embassy had reportedly developed a means of collecting money illegally from the Nigerian government in what it called Estacode allowance for accompanying pilgrims to religious sites.

During the audit examination of payment vouchers, it was observed that the total sum of $158,928.00 was paid as Estacode allowance to home-based staff to accompany Christian pilgrims from Nigeria to various religious sites.



It was revealed while going through supporting documents attached to the payment vouchers that these pilgrims were usually accompanied by officials from the Nigeria Pilgrims Commission, hence there was no need for embassy staff to escort them.

Following these variations, the Permanent Secretary of the embassy was requested to explain these irregularities in revenue collection, account for the sums in deficit and ensure a surcharge on officers involved.

Efforts made by Reporters to reach the embassy for comments on the report, or get the details of the ambassador in 2013, David Obasa, were unsuccessful as messages sent to the embassys official e-mail address were not replied, days after they were sent. In a violation of the law, the embassy also failed to comply with the directive of remitting due sums into the Treasury Single Account, TSA, of the Federal Government. This action, the report noted, negates a federal government circular: No. HC SF/428/S.1/.20 dated August 7th, 2015 which gave a specific directive to all Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs that collect revenue to close their respective revenue accounts and pay the proceeds into the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by 15th August 2015.The report also noted that over the years, the embassy had reportedly developed a means of collecting money illegally from the Nigerian government in what it called Estacode allowance for accompanying pilgrims to religious sites.During the audit examination of payment vouchers, it was observed that the total sum of $158,928.00 was paid as Estacode allowance to home-based staff to accompany Christian pilgrims from Nigeria to various religious sites.It was revealed while going through supporting documents attached to the payment vouchers that these pilgrims were usually accompanied by officials from the Nigeria Pilgrims Commission, hence there was no need for embassy staff to escort them.Following these variations, the Permanent Secretary of the embassy was requested to explain these irregularities in revenue collection, account for the sums in deficit and ensure a surcharge on officers involved.Efforts made by Reporters to reach the embassy for comments on the report, or get the details of the ambassador in 2013, David Obasa, were unsuccessful as messages sent to the embassys official e-mail address were not replied, days after they were sent.

Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 6-09-2017 02:22 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
clarajancita at 6-09-2017 04:46 PM (5 years ago) (f)

A Kenyan schoolgirl named Hilda Gacheri, who broke the internet a few days ago after their government banned the use of plastic bags in Kenya, has been appointed an Environment Ambassador by Kenyas National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

A Kenyan schoolgirl named Hilda Gacheri, who broke the internet a few days ago after their government banned the use of plastic bags in Kenya, has been appointed an Environment Ambassador by Kenyas National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Hilda couldnt afford a proper school bag after the ban was made. So as she reported back to school, she was spotted carrying her things in a bag made from banana fritters. Hilda was going about her business unaware that someone had taken pictures of her, uploaded them on the internet and she quickly became an internet sensation among Kenyans.

Her bold move in carrying what some would consider outdated caught the attention of many Kenyans who praised her. One said: Hilda couldnt afford a proper school bag after the ban was made. So as she reported back to school, she was spotted carrying her things in a bag made from banana fritters. Hilda was going about her business unaware that someone had taken pictures of her, uploaded them on the internet and she quickly became an internet sensation among Kenyans.Her bold move in carrying what some would consider outdated caught the attention of many Kenyans who praised her. One said: Quote To me I see a very confident girl bearing in mind the ridicule she would get from her peers being a digital generation. She must be commended for being bold.



Some people lauded for her courage and creativity, offering to pay her school fees because she fought the odds. Another offered to buy her a backpack while many more started a campaign to get her recognized by NEMA.

NEMA finally heard the cries and visited Hilda at her school Materi Girls with good news yesterday. She was officially Kenyas environment ambassador. See the photos from the moment below:

Some people lauded for her courage and creativity, offering to pay her school fees because she fought the odds. Another offered to buy her a backpack while many more started a campaign to get her recognized by NEMA.NEMA finally heard the cries and visited Hilda at her school Materi Girls with good news yesterday. She was officially Kenyas environment ambassador. See the photos from the moment below:

Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 6-09-2017 04:46 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
Deborah Black of Farmington can start dreaming about her trip for two next fall to the world-renowned iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas in September 2018, after her name was drawn in the Missouri Lotterys second of five Powerball iHeartRadio Music Festival second-chance promotion drawings.

Five other entrants were drawn to win a $500 cash prize. They are Ravi Gandla of Cape Girardeau; James Gant of Florissant; Nicholas Pappageorge of Chesterfield; Michael Schmitt of Joplin; and Michelle Standridge of Sparta.

From now through Oct. 10, players can enter $3 Powerball with Power Play tickets ($2 Powerball + $1 Power Play) into their My Lottery account at MOLottery.com or through the new free Missouri Lottery app. Each $3 Powerball ticket with Power Play equals one entry into the next drawing.

Three more drawings remain in which one entrant will be drawn to win a trip for two to the festival, and another five entrants will win $500 cash. The trip packages include two tickets to the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Festival for a Friday and Saturday night with an artist meet-and-greet; two tickets to the Daytime Village at the Festival, including food and beverages; roundtrip airfare for two to Las Vegas; deluxe hotel accommodations; ground transportation; $250 hotel food and beverage credit; and $500 spending money.

Entry deadline is at 11:59 p.m. on the following dates - Sept. 12, with a draw date of Sept. 14; Sept. 26, with a draw date of Sept. 28; and Oct. 10, with a draw date of Oct. 12.

Complete details can be found at MOLottery.com.
One local filmmaker is hoping to prove the road to stardom is not only paved in Hollywood.

Filmmaker, screen writer and movie producer Dan Steadman is showing the world that southeast Missouri has the essentials for making great movies. Talented actors and beautiful scenery are two reasons why Steadman found the transition from Los Angeles to Farmington conducive to his craft.

I like that people in the area are actually excited about film making, Steadman said. I also like that it is much easier to find cool locations. I have shot scenes in a cave last year in Crystal City. I have shot on trains at Union Station, and Durso Hills Winery and Bistro will sub for a Hollywood studio in my next movie.

"There are such wonderful old buildings. You cant do this in Los Angeles. You cant even shoot in your own yard without a police officer asking for your permit. You're actually not allowed to shoot on private property  your own home  without a permit.

Steadman also commented on the treasure trove of acting talent he has been able to tap into since moving to Missouri.

There is a ton of acting talent in this area. Steadman said. In our film, 'Belleville,' Cooper Shaw is from St. Louis. She won the American Movie Award for our film, and that kind of changed peoples perception of what I am doing here.

Steadmans journey to southeast Missouri began a few hundred miles north in Grand Rapids, Michigan at just 14 years old.

I started on public access TV in 1987, so I have the taxpayers of Michigan (to thank) for my education, Steadman said. I was 14 and not old enough to drive to the set of my own show. I had to get a ride to executive produce my own TV series.

Although Steadman laughs about the angst of being a 14-year-old producer, he pays tribute to his first break with the name of his production company  Circa87.

Many can remember having that one student in class completely focused on what they wanted to do in life. Steadman says he was that kid. He remembers how hard it was to go back to school in the fall after working on his own show.

The show became my main focus, Steadman said. It was tough for me to go back to school in the fall. I was right in the middle of a production schedule. I couldnt believe I had to halt production to go back to school.

For the next three summers, Steadman spent his time devoted to his work. He would eventually become more adventurous and develop a three-camera sitcom with a living room and kitchen set.

When talking about his first sitcom, Steadman cant help but laugh at his early work and the things he did.

It was terrible. Steadman said. "... it was pretty clear I was stealing jokes from the 'Facts of Life' and 'Roseanne.' I dont think I knew what plagiarism was at the time.

According the local filmmaker, most of the things he was creating at the time were childrens series heavily influenced by the Childrens Television Work Shop  Sesame Street and Jim Henson.

The shows were for a pre-school age because I owned puppets that were really well-made by a woman in my church, Steadman said. So, I was already in the producer mindset when you look at what you have  what resources  and say, How can I make the best professional looking show with what I already have?'

Using what was available or close at hand didnt mean Steadman was lazy. Even as a teenager, he took his work very seriously by spending hours researching his craft.

I went to the library and studied Jim Henson, The Childrens Television Network and the like, Steadman said. Remember in those days it was microfiche reading from the New York Times in darkened library resource rooms.

After high school, Steadman kept doing what he was doing. He knew he was ready to move on, but not yet ready for Los Angeles. He admits he needed a transition city to polish his skills and ready himself.

I knew I was going to go to L.A. but I knew I wasnt ready to go from Michigan, Steadman said. I needed some growing up, a transitional city, so I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida for six years and made a music video series, and then finally Los Angeles.

Like most artists who hit Los Angeles with a dream, Steadman found the citys streets were not paved in gold ... but he remained focused. He took multiple temp jobs and slept on a lot of couches - whatever it took.

I did a little bit of everything, Steadman said. I became more serious when I met my writing partner Rajeev Sigamoney and we started working together.

For the next 10 years, the creative team produced more material than most. The chemistry between the two just clicked and they were becoming a writing force.

I worked on 'That 70s Show,' a really terrible Whoopi Goldberg series for NBC, called 'Whoopi,' 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' and stuff like that, Steadman said. But once we realized we were getting too old for that sitcoms ... we moved to features.

One of the first feature projects the writing duo created was a movie starring Octavia Spencer before she won her Oscar.

'Little Jesus' is a sweet movie, Steadman said. It just finished its run on Netflix and is about to ready to begin on Amazon Prime.

While in California, Steadman and Sigamoney were prolific writers. They shot a pilot with Melissa McCarthy and Jennifer Coolidge, which seemed like it was going to be the big break-away hit. But the writers strike happened and the pilot never made the cut.

Steadman thought he caught the comet by the tail once again, but it didnt pan out either.

We shot a pilot on CBS lot called 'The Room.' It was about a writers room of a bad network sitcom called 'Momma Knows Best' starring Octavia Spencer again, Steadman said. It had an amazing cast and we got signed by an agency. We had studio head quoting our pilot, but we got passed on by 30 networks. They said middle-America doesnt like shows about Hollywood.

Steadman will admit rejection still hurts even after all the years he has been in the business. But, like any artist and storyteller, he moved to the next project.

For a short time it was Montana, then his critically acclaimed film Belleville, brought him to St. Louis and eventually to the Parkland, where scenes for that movie were shot.

In addition to making successful movies such as Belleville, Love Chronicles (of the Cape), and Proximity, Steadman also teaches the craft of acting. He is presently teaching classes in both St. Louis - at St. Paul United Church in Belleville on Saturdays and at the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater Saint Louis on Sundays .

I teach my own classes, and I teach them consecutively but with two different groups of people, Steadman said. Sometimes I mix them up if we have a large group shot, but mostly I just shoot the same scene on both Saturday and Sunday.

As an educator, Steadman doesnt follow standard teaching procedures of just lecturing. His students take an active part in their learning.

Everyone who takes my class gets a speaking part in my film, Steadman said. In my movie, 'The Shoe,' since it is an anthology, they get to film in every genre. It is a little more work, but each one will get a speaking part. At the end, I will only use one cast, but the rest of the actors will get the footage for their reels, whether it made it in the film or not. Its a little more work for me, but I dont (mind to) work harder if means more opportunity for people.

Like most artist, Steadman is already contemplating his next project, and will undoubtedly find a place in the Parkland to gather writers, actors and interesting sets.

For information where to view Steadmans films visit his website at www.circa87.com and for more information on the on taking acting classes email Ethan McDaniels at ethan@circa87.com.
Replacing florescent lighting as well as updating heating and air control units could save Danville Public Schools more than $2 million over a period of several years.

We felt like it was a win-win for us to look at these two systems, said Chief Operations Officer Kathy Osborne.

Danville Public Schools is considering funding a $4.3 million energy performance contract with the Trane energy company, with a projected savings of $6.6 million over 15 years. The contract would replace all florescent lights with L.E.D. bulbs, as well as upgrade the heating, ventilation and air conditioning control system.

A few months ago, with the school boards approval, the school district entered a memorandum of understanding with Trane to perform a survey of the districts systems. Trane looked at plumbing, lighting, heating, air conditioning and several other utility systems in the district.

They look at all of your systems, Osborne said.

After the survey, Trane said the lighting and air conditioning control software were the two biggest areas of improvement for the district.

Osborne said the heating and air software system acts as a centralized way of controlling the temperature at each of the school buildings, which would come in handy when employees werent in those buildings.

You dont have to be on the system to check it, she said.

Additionally, the light replacements would save the school district labor and parts costs, in addition to using less energy. Osborne said the district currently stocks 19 different kinds of fluorescent bulbs, each with different life spans. All of the L.E.D. bulbs are guaranteed for 10 years.

We wouldnt have to have as big an inventory, and if one goes out, we just let them know and they send us another one free of charge, Osborne said.

Trane and other energy companies have expressed interest in a project with Danville schools before, but Osborne said plans were always scrapped due to budgetary concerns.

It has never been quite right for the school division to move forward, Osborne said.

Pittsylvania County also took advantage of the energy contract program in 2004 and most recently in 2016, School Superintendent Mark Jones said.

This last project that we did has a guaranteed annual energy savings of $220,158 from 2015 to 2032, Jones said.

During the 2016 project, county schools installed L.E.D. bulbs, updated heating and air controls in eight schools and replaced a boiler at Twin Springs Elementary School.

County school board chairman Calvin Doss said the contract allows the district to pay for improvements up front or in deferred payments.

It allows you to update a lot of things and not impact the budget, Doss said.

Danville school board members have expressed interest in a similar financing contract at recent school board meetings. During a meeting last month, the board approved the Davenport & Company financial group to send out a request for proposals on how to fund the project. Osborne said she would present the groups finding during the Sept. 21 meeting.
After the city of Petersburg filed for bankruptcy last year, state officials realized they needed a way to tell if localities might be heading down the road of financial distress. So they called together a group of experts to come up a system to grade a city or county from zero  the bottom of the fiscal barrel  to 100, the best shape possible.

Ever since the Southwest Virginia city of Bristol learned weeks ago that its low score landed it among a handful of localities on the edge of a fiscal cliff, city and county leaders across the state have nervously wondered if their locality also teetered on the brink.

But not here.

As it turns out, Danville and surrounding Pittsylvania County seem to be passing the grade, according to the resulting fiscal fitness model, called the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and based on 2016 data.

Danville, with a score of 76.8, was one of just 20 localities  out of 133  in the state to score above 75, said Finance Director Michael Adkins.

Pittsylvania County had the lowest score of the adjoining localities at 58.8, which was a drop of 8.3 from 2015, and 13.3 from 2014. However, it is nowhere near being labeled as being in financial distress.

The states Auditor of Public Accounts uses the score to evaluate and make a preliminary determination for need to follow-up, according to a Virginia Association of Counties online webinar that explains the process. The auditor will also use the information to select localities to watch, based on their trends over time.

Based on the scores, Danville and Pittsylvania County would not seem to be on the list calling for a follow-up call to discuss the possibility of dire straits.

According to the state auditors office, Petersburg and Bristol  scored below 5 on a financial assessment model that uses 16 as the minimum threshold for indicating financial stress, with Bristol scoring lower than Petersburg.

One other city and two counties scored below 16, the Bristol Herald-Courier has reported. But state officials so far have refused to publicly cite those localities, instead preferring to contact local officials with the news.

Pittsylvania County officials learned their score through its membership with the Virginia Association of Counties.

City Manager Ken Larking learned of Danville's score through membership with the group Virginia Municipal League..

Pittsylvania County Finance Director Kim Van Der Hyde suspects that next years county numbers will also trend down, due to the out-of-pocket spending that the county has done to pay down debt on the school bonds and paying for the new Pittsylvania Pet Center. She also said that the removal of the solid waste fee has definitely hurt the budget.

Our board needs to take a strong look at what were doing with our revenues, Van der Hyde said. Theyve got to come up with some ways to raise some revenue. Weve cut everything there is to cut operationally.

Information for the statewide report is culled from each localitys annual audit  local officials are required to submit an audit to the state by each Nov. 30, and to present it to the localitys city councils and boards of supervisors each Dec. 31.

The audits are used to compare such financial scenarios as a localitys ability to make up revenue shortfalls, to pay off its debt without the need to generate additional revenue, and how much it finances its assets with debt.

Nottoway County had the highest score for counties in 2015 and 2016, at 97.5 and 98.1 respectively. Richmond County had the lowest score from 2014 to 2016, with scores ranging from 5.9 to 8.3. Its 2016 score was 7.3.

Page County and Northumberland County both scored under 16, which means they will be hearing from the auditors office.

Of adjoining counties, Henry had the highest score of 79.7, though its score had also dropped from earlier years. Their scores were highest of the adjoining counties in all three years.

Franklin County had a score of 61.4 in 2016, a drop of 10.9 from the previous year.

Campbell County had the steadiest scores, starting at 67.3 in 2014, dipping to 62 in 2015, and coming back up to 65.2 in 2016.

Halifax County had its score raised from being at the bottom of the list of adjoining counties at 54.9 in 2014 to being in the middle of the list in 2016 at 62.4, though they also experienced a drop from 2015 to 2016 of 1.3 points.

The county wants to be the best in the state, Van der Hyde said. In order to be the best in the state, that sometimes costs money. Were going to be looking at ways to do that and get them informed before the budget season starts.

State auditor Martha S. Mavredes said her office is still notifying localities of the results. Among the localities not yet officially notified is Danville.

As we have not yet sent communication to Danville officials, I believe it is premature for me to answer any questions about whether or not our model indicates the need for us to do any follow-up [with Danville], Mavredes said via email Tuesday. We hope to complete notification by the end of next week.
VANCOUVER, September 6th, 2017 - Berkwood Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: BKR, FSE: BK2, WKN: A110N3 USA: CZSVF) ("Berkwood" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has substantially expanded its Lac Gueret Extensions project (South & East blocks). Owing to the success of its Phase 1 drill program since commencement, the Company decided to immediately acquire more claims adjacent to and on-trend with Mason Graphite.

Berkwood has acquired a further two hundred and ninety five (295) claims in its Lac Gueret Extensions project (South & East blocks) region, to extend the previously held 3,942Ha (hectares) covered by 73 claims to a new total of 19,884Ha covered by 368 claims. The newly controlled claims were acquired by direct staking (95 claims, 5,122Ha) and by purchase of additional claims from Mr. Francois Marcotte, an experienced area prospector (200 claims, 10,820Ha). Shareholders can view the Company's entire land position in relation to Mason Graphite and other landholders at the Company's website, http://berkwoodresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2017-Berkwood-Location-and-Neighbours-Map-Topo.pdf The newly acquired land parcels will be more fully described on the Company's web site in due course.

Since the News Release of August 31st the Company has completed three further drill holes at its Lac Gueret South Graphite Project located in Quebec. To date ten drill holes, through BK1-17 to BK10-17, have been completed for a total of 1,360m drilled. Visual graphite has been intersected and confirmed in all ten to date. Drilling has now commenced on Section 3300E with BK1-11-17 established at Site #9, and is the first of six further planned holes.

Hole BK1-07-17, co-located at Site #4 (section 3200E) with BK1-08-17 and drilled -45? to north with BK1-08-17 at -50? towards the south, allowed the Company to test the concept of the host structure being antiformal, as opposed to a synformal structure as initially inferred. The 142.34m BK1-07-17 returned graphite schist intercepts, notably over 18.5 - 19.58 (1.08m), 47.85 - 56.17 (8.82m) and 104.38 - 129.03 (24.65 m). Hole BK1-08-17 (187.75m to End of Hole, "EOH") returned graphitic intercepts from 1.94 - 14.78 (12.84m), 69.76 - 71.49 (2.23m), 90.15 - 97.10 (6.95 m), 139.42 - 177.04 (37.62m). Site #5, about 71 m south of Site #4, is the location of hole BK1-09-17 ((163.68m to EOH) drilled at -45? to the north, and returning variably graphitic intercepts at 11.1 - 18.21 (7.11m), 36.97 - 37.64 (0.67m), 66.81 - 68.75 (1.94m), 117.26 - 142.71 (25.45m) and 142.71 - 163.68 (20.97m & open).

Site #5A lies between Site #5 and planned Site #6 and is 64m south of Site #5. BK1-10-17 (154.53m to EOH) was drilled at -45? to the north and has returned graphitic intercepts over 23.25 - 24.83 (1.58m), 42.85 - 47.25 (4.4m), 60.38 - 65.25 (4.87m), 95.39 - 108.06 (9.67m) and 128.07 - 148.75 (20.68m).

Lac Gueret South is located in Cote Nord, Quebec, a three hour drive from Baie-Comeau in an area of very good infrastructure. The Project directly borders, and now surrounds, Mason Graphite's (TSX-LLG) advanced Lac Gueret Project. Berkwood is currently drilling airborne and ground conductive anomalies at the Lac Gueret South's Zone 1 location as part of this initial program, where two distinct electromagnetic conductors appear to occur over a two kilometer strike length. The extent of the conductors and certain historic grab samples that returned visible graphite corroborated by laboratory assays motivated the present drilling program. The Company also has well developed targets at Lac Gueret South's Zone 2, which is located immediately south of the Mason Graphite claim boundary and along strike from the graphite zones of Mason Graphite.

To view details, maps and photos of Berkwood's properties please click the following link: http://www.berkwoodresources.com/properties.html. The program is being undertaken subject to two current drilling permits issued by regulators in Quebec.

Edward Lyons PGeo (BC, QC, NL) is a Qualified Person under the definition of Canadian National Instrument 43-101, and has approved the technical information in this news release.

Tom Yingling, President and CEO states, "I would like to expand upon information available to shareholders regarding the Berkwood technical team: Ed Lyons (our project lead and Qualified Person) has been involved in numerous projects evolving from exploration to development stage since 1971. His strength is collaborating with mine development teams to ensure tight resource integration with development plans. Since 2000, Ed has worked extensively in industrial minerals, including graphite and iron oxide deposits in the Grenville Metamorphic Province in Quebec and Labrador. In 2000, Quinto Mining asked him to assess a potential graphite deposit near Lac Gueret. After the initial visit with another consultant, Ed spent several days prospecting areas away from the initial graphite showing located by Mr. Phil Boudrais of Sept-Isles, and located two significant graphite zones, the GR (Graphite Road) and GC (Graphite Cliff) that included numerous showings of significant crystalline graphite. Quinto then optioned the property and expanded it to cover the geology of an iron formation and associated geology with graphite. Mr. Lyons supervised field exploration between 2001 and 2005 during which period substantial graphite outcrop was exposed and sampled. Quinto's work included multiple drill campaigns that validated the deposits at depth, after which the company turned its attention to iron deposits in the region. Ed wrote all of the NI 43-101 and Assessment Reports on the Lac Gueret Property. The property subsequently became available, and Mason Graphite Inc. acquired it and initiated a mine development drilling campaign to delineate mineral resources and reserves for mine planning. Ed acted as the independent Qualified Person for the geology and resource parts of the Pre-feasibility and Feasibility NI 43-101 reports for Mason Graphite. In addition Ed was part of the mineral resources estimate team with Roche Ltd. (Montreal, QC) for Focus Graphite's Lac Knife Graphite Deposit south of Mont-Wright, QC, and consulted for a private investment group on Nouveau Monde Graphite's Matawinnie Deposit near Mont-Tremblant, QC. I believe Ed's experience in these graphite occurrences and their associated iron oxide deposits have helped Ed developed a broader understanding of what makes a successful graphite deposit. His expertise and experience within the space are unparalleled and are pivotal for the success of the company. In addition, we benefit greatly from the advisory experience of Mr. Michel Robert, Ed's erstwhile collaborator at Quinto. Michel has 45 years of experience in mining operations with major companies, including Quebec Cartier Mining Ltd., Teck Corp., SNC, Lac Minerals (now Goldcorp), AMEC, MineroPeru, Fluor Daniel and Pan American Silver Corp., where Michel's roles have ranged from foreman to president. He has practical experience in operation, commissioning, design, construction, finance and due diligence, and graphite experience from due diligence and start-up of the ND-du-Laus graphite mine of Asbury Graphite Ltd. (now closed), and as VP of Quinto Mining Corp. responsible for the formation of the team and management of the Lac Gueret project until the sale of the company. Michel's 15 years of experience in Quebec for Teck Corporation, Quinto Mining Corp., Commerce Resources Ltd, and Critical Elements Corp. and his familiarity with regulations, social and physical infrastructure, government agencies and service providers at all stages of mine-life makes Michel a key contributor on our team."

About the Company: Berkwood is engaged in exploration for the commodities that enable the modern revolution in essential technologies. These technologies are dependent upon materials that enhance the performance of energy storage systems and permit the development and miniaturization of new electronics and structural components in the new suite of innovative tools. The Company is led by a team with collectively over 100 years experience and have been involved with numerous discoveries of producing mines.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Berkwood Resources Ltd.

'Thomas Yingling'

President, CEO & Director

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Investor Relations:

info@berkwoodresources.com or 1-778-945-2935 www.berkwoodresources.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this News Release.

DisclaiSeptmer for Forward-Looking Information:

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect.



Copyright (c) 2017 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.


TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - September 06, 2017) -

Preliminary Economic Assessment expected for October 2017 - Based on production rate of 35,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate

Surface easement for mine construction granted by mining authorities

Environmental Impact Assessment required for final mining permit expected for Q1 2018 - Baseline data completed for summer, fall and winter

Winter season program successfully completed

Weather monitoring station and pilot pond evaporation successfully implemented and data is currently being analyzed for production scale pond design

Neo Lithium Corp. ("Neo Lithium" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: NLC) (OTCQX: NTTHF) is pleased to announce its progress on the development of its wholly owned Tres Quebradas lithium brine project ("3Q Project") in Catamarca Province, Argentina. As the winter season in the southern hemisphere comes to an end, Neo Lithium is pleased to report that the camp, roads, weather station and the pilot evaporation ponds operated as expected throughout the winter season, demonstrating that its operational team and planning activities have been very successful, with no disruption due to seasonal factors.

Preliminary Economic Assessment

The Company previously announced that it had engaged GHD Chile SA ("GHD"), a leading full-service engineering firm with offices throughout Latin America, to complete a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") for the 3Q Project. GHD is a very well recognized firm with a solid track record in the analysis for the design and construction requirements for some of the world's largest and lowest cost lithium-potash brine processing facilities situated in Chile and Argentina. The designated Qualified Person (QP) for GHD is Randy Pitts of Norwest Corp. The PEA is expected to be released in October 2017 and will be based on an estimated production rate of 35,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year. The PEA will include process flow diagram of major units, process description to define the concentration and purification, equipment list, general arrangement of production ponds, plant block diagram and conceptual report for electrical generation. The study will also include capital and operational expenditures and after-tax cash flow forecasts and cash flow sensitivity to key inputs.

Grant of the Easement Over the Surface Property for Mine Construction

The Company has obtained from the applicable mining authority an order granting an easement over surface lands for mine construction and road access to the mine. Although the Company has rights over the surface property for exploration and development of the project by virtue of the original project acquisition agreement, the granting of a formal easement by the mining authority is an important step towards development of the project.

Permitting - Environmental Impact Assessment

The Company is now focused on baseline studies and has completed the analysis for flora, fauna, limnology and microbiology for the summer, fall and winter. Social and archeology studies have also been completed. Soil, air, landscape and paleontology studies are expected to be completed before the end of the year. These environmental studies are required to support the full environmental impact assessment report that is required, along with an economic study, to obtain a mine construction permit. This environmental impact assessment report is expected to be completed and delivered to the mining authorities in the first half of 2018. This assessment is the final permit before mine construction.

Evaporation Ponds

Fall and winter evaporation has been completed at the on-site pilot ponds. The ponds are fed by a solar powered pump that extracts brine from a well in the salar at 35 metres depth. The Company is aiming at a close-to-zero emission target for the extraction process. The system automatically works during the daylight and has proven effective at a pilot scale. On a daily basis, the on-site lab analyses the concentration of critical elements in the brine as evaporation occurs. In general, winter evaporation has been faster than expected. Also, calcium has precipitated as CaCl during the cold weather, further increasing the lithium concentration in the ponds. CaCl is a valuable by-product that is expected to enhance the project's economics.

Weather Data

The Company has completed 10 months of weather data collected with a Vaisala weather station, class "A" evaporimeters and pond operation. The average evaporation rate measured is 2,600 mm/year measured in evaporimeter class "A". This rate is comparable to other producing salars in the Lithium Triangle including Cauchari, Olaroz, Hombre Muerto and Atacama. The data collected is now being modelled over longer periods of time to design the pond field size and estimate production timing.

Corporate Event

The Company will be holding a corporate event in Toronto's financial district on September 14, 2017 commencing at 3:00PM EST. Please contact events@neolithium.ca for further details if interested in attending, limited spaces are available.

About Neo Lithium Corp.

Neo Lithium Corp. is an established lithium brine exploration and development company focused on its wholly-owned, high quality 3Q Project located in Latin America's Lithium Triangle in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina. The Company is quickly advancing the 3Q Project given the rapidly growing lithium battery market that is driven largely by the growth of the electric vehicle market, and other consumer electronic products as the world moves towards cleaner and more efficient sources of energy.

Neo Lithium is well capitalized to continue the rapid development of its 3Q Project, a unique high-grade and low impurity lithium brine lake and salar complex, which encompasses approximately 35,000 hectares.

The recently announced maiden resource calculation resulted in a Measured and Indicated resource of 714,242 tonnes of lithium carbonate at an average grade of 716 mg/L Lithium and an Inferred resource estimate of 1,339,546 tonnes of lithium carbonate at an average grade of 713 mg/L Lithium, at a conservative 520 mg/L cut-off (the highest in the industry). Results so far include only one season of drilling and pump tests and additional targets remain untested, indicating the possibility of additional resources at the 3Q Project. The average combined impurities for Magnesium/Lithium and Sulphate/Lithium are among the lowest in the industry.

The technical team that discovered this unique salar complex is one of the most experienced in the industry, having discovered and led the technical work, including resource definition and full feasibility study that established the Cauchari lithium salar as the third largest lithium brine resource in the world.

Additional information regarding Neo Lithium Corp. is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company's profile and at its website at www.neolithium.ca, including various pictures of ongoing work at the project. Additional information with respect to the 3Q Project can be found in the Company's technical report filed on SEDAR and entitled "Mineral Resource Estimate Technical Report on the Tres Quebradas Lithium Project, Catamarca Province, Argentina", with an effective date of May 23, 2017.

Waldo Perez, Ph.D, P.Geo., the CEO and President of Neo Lithium Corp. is the Qualified Person who approved the scientific and technical disclosure in the news release.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements -- Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates" "intends", "anticipates", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "can", "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will", occur or be achieved, or the negative connotations thereof. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, which could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. These risks include, without limitation, risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms, political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration activities, including environmental regulation, risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill and sample results and relating to resource estimations, risks related to the uncertainty of cost and time estimation and the potential for unexpected delays, costs and expenses, risks related to lithium and potash price fluctuations, the market for lithium products, and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company's disclosure record. Although the Company believes its expectations are based upon reasonable assumptions and has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended and undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
A French Village man is charged with three felonies following an Aug. 17 incident, according to a probable cause statement obtained from the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorneys office.

Shiloh Morris, 30, of French Village is charged with second-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

According to the statement, a St. Francois County Sheriffs deputy was dispatched to a residence on Koester Spring Road about 6:30 p.m. regarding a disturbance. Upon arriving, the deputy observed a male, later identified as Morris, who was holding two kitchen knives in his right hand, a third in his left hand and seemed agitated.

According to witnesses, Morris had come home stumbling around and cursing. The situation had escalated as additional individuals were called to help control Morris as he became increasingly upset.

The situation came to a head when Morris allegedly pushed a female to the ground, prompting a friend to step in and wrestle him away. Witnesses said Morris then went into the house and came back with the knives, swinging them and grazing one males hand.

Morris is being held on a $50,000 bond, cash or surety.
When chaos broke out during protests in Charlottesville, Va., on Aug. 12, many Americans wondered why police seemed to be standing back. Despite intelligence that neo-Nazis and other white-nationalist extremists planned to come to Charlottesville heavily armed and expecting violence, the city's law-enforcement response was widely seen as inadequate.Before the day was over, one Charlottesville resident had been killed and more than 20 people had been injured when an extremist drove a car into a crowd of counter-protesters. How, many wondered, could that have happened with almost a thousand city and state police deployed to maintain public order?Stunned by the events that had unfolded in a usually quiet university town, local law-enforcement and political leaders across the country began serious efforts to "avoid another Charlottesville" should demonstrators bent on violence come to their communities. How can localities prepare for demonstrations that pose a clear threat to safety? Fortunately, there is a wealth of emergency management expertise to draw on: Gather intelligence on the demonstrators and their leaders. Tom Martin, a retired Virginia State Police captain and the state's point person for several emergencies, puts it this way: "You have to learn who are these people are. What's their track record? How reliable are they?" Communicate with the groups' leaders, clarifying expectations. "One of the most significant things you can do when you have two kinds of volatile groups is to meet with them beforehand and establish strong lines of communications. You want to establish the rules of engagement," says Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum. Seek assistance from the state's fusion center (an information-sharing entity staffed by intelligence and law-enforcement professionals). Fusion center staff can monitor the protest groups and tell local and state officials about their plans and their expected numbers. Based on the information gathered, develop a plan. It must include clear goals, a set of contingencies and a variety of possible law-enforcement responses. "It might be to contain and arrest, to prevent violence or to disperse crowds," says Martin. Determine what streets will be closed, where counter-demonstrations can take place, and what areas residents should avoid. Keep local elected leaders in the communications loop with public-safety officials. Bill Leighty, a nationally recognized crisis-management expert, emphasizes the importance of forming relationships prior to the event: "You don't want to be handing out business cards in the emergency operations center!" And invite crisis-management experts to advise law enforcement and political leaders. When things don't go according to plan, it's wise to have experienced people on hand. Create a unified command structure, with one person in charge. Typically, this will be the local police or fire chief. That person should maintain continual communications with law enforcement and political leaders. Engage state and local police in joint training. When violence is possible, the training must include the methods for dealing with it, from de-escalation to dispersing crowds and making arrests. Joint training builds trust among the agencies. Create extra response capacity. The governor can place the National Guard on standby. Local hospitals can postpone elective surgeries.There is no one formula for responding to events that become chaotic. But a few principles are clear: Establish one command post, where all information is integrated, viewed, discussed and disseminated to local and state leaders. Vet the information before acting on it. Initial information is often inaccurate. That's what happened prior to riots in Virginia Beach in 1989. "The governor was told that a bunch of drunkards and drug addicts were coming," Leighty recalls. "And that's what law enforcement was expecting. Turned out it was a group of college kids looking for a good time." Things nearly came to bloodshed at Virginia Beach because law-enforcement leaders were prepared to act on false information. Leighty concludes, "I always say, 'if you're planning for a riot, you'll get a riot.'" Designate who will communicate to the community and media. That may be an elected official, a city manager or other top-level administrator, or the police chief. If the task is shared, there must be one consistent message, telling residents what's known, dispelling false rumors and giving people the information they need to remain safe. Station significant numbers of police between hostile groups. Otherwise you're asking for just the kind of trouble that Charlottesville experienced; there, city officials reported, demonstrators didn't enter the park they had agreed to use, preventing police from creating a barrier between the two groups. And organize for maximum flexibility. For instance, if police don't want to increase tensions by stationing officers in riot gear at a demonstration, ensure that those who are in riot gear can get to the site very quickly.When hostile groups collide, mistakes are likely. Blame doesn't help, but a thorough and objective after-action review does. It's essential to take a clear-eyed look at what happened: Did we follow the plan? Did we change tactics as events required? How well did we maintain communications? What are the key lessons learned?There are no perfect examples of emergency management when hostile groups threaten violence. But when government leaders use these principles, most people will forgive them when the inevitable mistakes occur.
Iowa has revoked overtime eligibility for about 2,800 state workers, a move critics say could cripple government services if employees leave for the private sector and better jobs.In all,167 job classifications, including nurses, public defenders and social workers, can now be required to work more than 40 hours a week without additional pay or comp time.And for 12,800 state workers who remain eligible for overtime, the state has altered how it calculates overtime in ways that reduce their pay and the circumstances when employees qualify for it. For example, the hours that count toward overtime must be those actually worked in a week. Before, sick or vacation days counted toward the calculation.The state estimates the changes will save $5 million a year.But critics say the moves unfairly change the rules for state workers and threaten the state's ability to recruit and retain employees. Some state workers say some of their peers have already decided they have had enough.
Many big cities in America are so-called sanctuary cities that have policies to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation and allow them to participate in everyday life. Houston, the nation's fourth-largest city and home to the country's third-largest undocumented immigrant population, isn't one of them.But last week, when Hurricane Harvey caused devastating flooding that left hundreds of thousands of Houstonians in need of rescue and shelter, Mayor Sylvester Turner sounded very much like the leader of a sanctuary city.I dont care who you are, I dont care what your status is. I do not want you to run the risk of losing your life [in the hurricane], he said at a press conference last Monday. If someone comes and they require help and then for some reason [someone] tries to deport them, I will represent them myself, said the mayor, who is also an attorney.The dire circumstances also spurred federal immigration agents to halt their normal activities. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol assured the public that they would not conduct routine non-criminal immigration enforcement operations at evacuation sites, shelters or food banks. Since the storm hit, there have been no reports of federal immigration agents detaining anyone, says Kate Vickery, executive director of the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative.This all was undoubtedly welcome news to the 600,000 undocumented immigrants who live in Houston. While the city has never provided them sanctuary, it appears to be living up to its self-assigned moniker as a " welcoming city ."But statements of goodwill haven't fixed everything: Many undocumented residents remain fearful of interacting with local authorities to seek flood relief, and they wonder when the immigration enforcement leniency will end. As the city faces the daunting task of rebuilding after the disaster, it may struggle to reach out effectively to its undocumented population -- especially in the wake of the official termination of the DACA program for young immigrants. Compounding the issue is the fact that undocumented people will likely need additional assitance, given that they wont qualify for any federal aid.(With Hurricane Irma making its way toward Florida's Miami-Dade County, which also cooperates with ICE, these same issues are likely to arise there.)Officials in Houston have always cooperated fully with ICE in jails, according to Vickery. Since President Donald Trumps election, federal agents have arrested 6,200 undocumented immigrants in Houston, the largest number in the country behind only Dallas and Atlanta. For years, Harris County, where Houston is located, was one of the last large urban counties still participating in 287(g), a government program that deputized certain police officers to act as federal immigration agents in local jails. From the time 287(g) started in 2008, Harris County deported more people than any other area in the country . That program ended this past February -- but detentions out of Houston and Harris County have held steady anyway And last Friday, a longstanding Houston Police Department (HPD) policy preventing officers from asking about immigration status was officially rescinded to comply with SB 4, Texas' controversial anti-sanctuary cities law. A federal district judge last week temporarily blocked a majority of the law but left intact a portion requiring localities to allow officers to inquire about suspects' immigration status.Now, even in the midst of flooding and relief efforts, any Houston police officer can ask about status during regular field operations.The policy change has not yet been announced publicly because of the departments preoccupation with Harvey recovery, says Rafael Pantoja, a spokesperson for HPD. To ensure no one is being racially profiled, Pantoja says the policy will require officers to write up detailed reports about why they asked the question. In addition, no one can be arrested by HPD based on information about status -- all officers can do is hand off the information to ICE.We dont care about status if youre a victim or a witness [to a crime]. We have to stress that to the public, says Pantoja.Houston has never had policies in place meant to shield immigrants from federal authorities. But HPD is not directly responsible for the majority of detentions and deportations in the metropolitan area, says Vickery, because most are processed through the Harris County Jail, which the city does not control.Because the county has taken charge of [immigration issues], the city and police department dont feel like they have a huge role to play. They kind of think, talk to the county, Vickery says.Both Pantoja and Vickery say that Houston officials have succeeded in building bridges with its immigrant communities even while the department fully cooperates with ICE. But under increasing pressure from federal and state forces that are hostile to undocumented immigrants, the bridge is beginning to crumble.According to HPD data, the number of Spanish speakers reporting sexual assault dropped 43 percent in the first three months of this year compared to last, likely as a result of Trumps victory and hardline immigration stance. Last week, even as flooding reached deadly levels, some immigrants refused to call for help for fear of being deported, despite all assurances to the contrary.Vickery stresses that while some immigrants may feel comfortable calling Houston a welcoming city, many others would take issue with the term.Many undocumented folks would take issue with a blanket statement implying Houston is doing all it can [for immigrants], she says. Theres so much more that we could do. Houston has not set itself up as a strong leader in this space.
Photo via Pixabay

The Lone Peak Public Safety District in Utah is updating its financial policy regarding the purchase and sale of fleet vehicles after an audit by the State of Utah found the Lone Peak Fire Department (LPFD) failed to follow proper transactional procedures.

The audit reported that LPFD didnt strictly adhere to policies or retain proper documentation for the sale and purchase of vehicles. Adding to the questionability of these transactions is the fact that they occurred between the department and its employees.

In August 2013, LPFD sold a surplus vehicle to an employee, reportedly after advertising it online and accepting bids from both the public and the employee. However, LPFD did not keep documentation of the competing bids as required by both the Lone Peak Public Safety District and the state.

LPFD purchased a vehicle from the fire chief in March 2014, which the fire chief had personally bought at an auction in 2013, the same time the department also bought a vehicle.

Reportedly, LPFD determined that the vehicle it had purchased didnt meet the departments needs, and sold it to an outside party for a profit. The department then used part of the profit to buy the fire chiefs vehicle for the original price of $5,280.

The audit found that not only did LPFD not obtain authorization for the purchase, but there was no evidence of comparison shopping or verification that the price paid for the vehicle was competitive.

Additionally, the vehicle LPFD sold was paid for in cash, resulting in only the difference between the vehicles being recorded. Proper cash receipting procedures require that LPFD should have deposited the full cash amount, then paid for the fire chief's vehicle with a check.

State auditors recommended that the district follow proper procedures for the sale and purchase of fleet vehicles and exercise extreme caution with employee transactions. The audit concluded that failure to adhere to best practices will increase the perception that employees of the district may be unfairly benefiting from their positions.
Description

GIS  06 September 2017 : The Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit, and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, received today at the Treasury Building in Port Louis the Special Envoy from the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr Mohamed Abdel-hay El-Orabi, who handed over a personal message from Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to support the Land of the Nile candidate for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) top job.

The Special Envoy, Mr Mohamed Abdel-hay El-Orabi, said that Egypt is seeking the support of Mauritius to back its nominee, Ambassador Moushira Khattab, to UNESCO's Director-General post. Ms Khattab, former Minister of State for Family and Population of Egypt and a career diplomat, is one of the nine contenders for the position.

According to Mr El-Orabi, the African Union fully supports Ms Khattabs nomination as the African candidate to the post of Director-General of UNESCO to succeed Ms Irina Bokova. The new Director-General will be chosen at the conclusion of the 39th session of UNESCOs General Conference scheduled for November 2017.

Egypt-Mauritius Bilateral Relations

The bilateral relations between Egypt and Mauritius were also discussed and reviewed during the meeting. Speaking on the way to further promote those relations, Mr El-Orabi underlined the necessity for more bilateral visits of officials from both sides. On that account, he extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Egypt at a convenient time.
A local race family is calling out to the community to help fill a 50-foot race car trailer with much needed items.

They plan to meet up with New Orleans Street Outlaws Bobby Ducote and Scott Taylor to deliver the items to the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey.

Chad Larkin and his wife Genny Larkin have set up their trailer on the Auto Zone parking lot in Desloge in hopes of filling the trailer with various items for flood victims.

We decided to collect for the victims of Hurricane Harvey and we are going to distribute to some of the smaller communities around Houston, Genny said. We are collecting anything right now: food, clothes, a lot of baby items, diapers, formula, bottles, senior items and pet items. People may not be thinking about the dogs and cats that dont have food right now.

She said they will be on the parking lot from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. now through Friday. They will leave Friday evening sometime after 7 p.m. to head down to Houston.

We decided to do this because we are always willing to help anybody and we are friends with Bobby Ducote and everybody, Genny said. I think today was their third trip to the Houston area to deliver items and we figured our community is a good community and always willing to help people. So we thought we could get everybody together and fill our trailer to take down to them.

She added for the first day they have collected a good amount of items. They have received a lot of baby clothes. One lady dropped off six bags of shoes. They also received diapers, water and a queen-sized mattress.

One girl, Bailey Waller, as a project for her college class, she had to do something to help someone else, Genny said. She got a lot of items together, personal care items, Band-Aids and first aid items and dropped them off to us.

She said people just started showing up by the droves. She recalled one young Central student spent $30 of his own money to help.

Someone brought five cases of diapers, she said. Its nice to see everybody in the community coming together to help people, especially people who arent even in our area.

She said her husband will have the race car out there today for everyone to look at it as they come by to donate.

Item needed most are any and all baby items, diapers, wipes, clothes, bottles, baby food, baby formula, senior items, school supplies, blankets, clothes and shoes. Any monetary donations can be made by PayPal to Calautocenters@gmail.com.
Description

GIS - 06 September, 2017: A meeting to discuss the various financial schemes put to the avail of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by different banks was held yesterday between the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives, Mr Soomilduth Bholah, and the representatives of SME banking at the seat of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in Port Louis. A meeting to discuss the various financial schemes put to the avail of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by different banks was held yesterday between the Minister of Business, Enterprise and Cooperatives,

One of the objectives of the meet was also to offer a platform to SMEs to voice out the difficulties they face to access these schemes, in particular proper business plans, the issue of self-funding, submission of incomplete information and the time frame of loans.

In a statement after the meeting, Minister Bholah highlighted that the meeting will help address the various constraints faced by SMEs, in particular the lack of finance, and come forward with measures and a strategic plan that will infuse resilience and productivity to the sector.

Access to finance is a major factor that affects the performance of SMEs and entrepreneurs encounter major difficulties in raising finance at the start-up stage and during the development of their businesses, underlined the Minister. Government's vision in making SME one of the main engines of the economy will be hindered if SMEs cannot find the financing mechanisms they need for their projects, he added.

Hence, Government is committed to providing the conducive environment for the sustainable development of this sector and respond to the changing needs of SMEs in a proactive manner, he stated.
(TNS)- AUGUSTA  As unmanned aerial vehicles become the future of aviation, University of Maine at Augusta officials say the colleges fledgling course for remote pilot operators is making inroads with practical uses in the business world.The school offered Maines first university-level unmanned aerial vehicles course last October with 35 students and another in the spring with about 50 participants. Eleven people are enrolled for this years course, which prepares students to pass the Federal Aviation Administrations test for remote pilot operators.The seven-week drone course in funded by a $250,000 grant from the University of Maine System Research Investment Fund.Patrick Egan, who hosts a podcast on unmanned aircraft systems and has spent the last several years as a proponent of their business use, said in an email interview that there is a challenge facing educators and trainers as the industry continues to grow.The greatest challenge is (developing) a curriculum that is relevant to the real world, he said via email. Drones have always held promise for those that can use them as a tool to augment existing professional business models.In Maine, unmanned aerial vehicles are being deployed in real estate, precision agriculture, search-and-rescue, land management and construction, said Daniel Leclair, one of the UMA programs coordinators and a colonel in the Civil Air Patrol.To survey a 15-mile stretch of road costs about $15,000, Leclair said, but someone can do it with a drone for about one-seventh of that.Our students will be able to show they have a competency and concentration in unmanned aircraft systems with an aviation degree, and thats highly desirable, Leclair said.To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation with an unmanned aircraft systems concentration, students will take a design, building and maintenance course, an internship and numerous flight instruction classes. Leclair said the skill set acquired is just the kind companies that use unmanned aerial vehicles are looking for  training that teaches a clear understanding of whats inside these things, how they work and how they fly.Our students will actually learn to fly these systems, and there are no other programs in the United States doing that right now, he said. Its really neat to be on the forefront of this stuff and on the leading edge.In general, people might think of unmanned aerial vehicles  also called by the acronym UAV  providing surveillance for the military or law enforcement or dropping bombs on remote locations during a war.But the aerial vehicles are also useful in the civilian world. Real estate agencies are using them to do flyovers of properties, and newspapers and TV stations are using them to take pictures of accident scenes or for other stories.Nathaniel Leonard completed the seven-week course last year and has begun using UAVs in his marine consulting business, conducting beach surveys of potential beaching sites for landing aircraft in the Alaskan Arctic and doing aerial surveys of grounded vessels prior to salvage operations.Leonard said he wants to expand that use to include filming of vessels underway to study the interaction between the water and a vessel underway and different speeds to allow the most efficient speed and trim for reduced fuel consumption. He also wants to conduct aerial surveys of cracks through sea ice so vessels can transit the Arctic ice cap speedily and safely.Thomas Abbott, another program coordinator at UMA, said package delivery company UPS is testing the use of drones to reduce the cost of last-mile delivery. He envisions a standard UPS truck with a hole in the roof that houses a large, multi-rotor drone that has a mesh basket underneath. From a main road between two towns, a driver can send a package or two to a farm at the end of a long dirt road.The drone lands in the farmhouse yard, drops the packages and then catches up with the UPS vehicle in the next town, ready for another remote package delivery, he said. Its autonomous flying programmed by GPS.Last August, the FAA released new comprehensive regulations for nonrecreational use of unmanned aerial vehicles to minimize the risk to other aircraft and people and property on the ground. The UMA courses will teach how to operate the aircraft safely while following all federal guidelines.Theyll learn about flight computers, motors, speed controllers, propellers and how to deal with and control cameras, Leclair said. We teach the basics, so once you understand how these aircraft work, you can get in there.The UMA program has had students ranging in age from 16 to 86, and Leclair said anybody with a good understanding of mathematics and physics can learn these systems. Leclair, an Air Force veteran, has been an electrical engineer most of his life and has been involved in aviation since he was a child.All the principles are the same, so translating the electronics and technology of flying manned aircrafts into unmanned aircrafts is the same, he said. It doesnt matter if youre flying a quad-copter or an airliner.UMAs aviation program costs around $110,000, but graduates can earn six figures working for large corporations fairly soon after graduation. Abbott said students are immediately in demand upon graduation and licensure.UMA President Rebecca Wyke said the Augusta campuss Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations Center is emerging as a new state resource within the industry. I am impressed with the progress being made by our aviation program, she said via email.
(TNS) - Hurricane Irma  with its ferocious 185 mph winds  made landfall in the Caribbean early Wednesday, slamming into Barbuda and Antigua as it headed for Puerto Rico, with Florida now directly in the center of the projected path by the weekend.The catastrophic Category 5 storm, the most powerful Atlantic storm on record, is expected to bring strong storm surges and up to 20 inches of rain in some places.Irma is moving west-northwest at 16 mph, according to the National Hurricane Centers advisory at 5 a.m. Wednesday, with the track shifting slightly to the east. The Bahamas government has issued a hurricane warning for the southwestern stretch of islands and the Turks and Caicos, as well as a hurricane watch for Central Bahamas.The National Weather Service said the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 1:47 a.m. Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. Residents said over local radio that phone lines went down as the eye passed.The forecast had the dangerous core of Irma pummeling the island chain into Wednesday morning, then moving over the U.S. and British Virgin Islands Wednesday. By late Wednesday, Irma is expected to pass the northern coast of Puerto Rico. From there, its expected to hit the northern coast of Haiti and the Dominican Republic before heading to Cuba.In the last few hours, the storm got a little smaller, with winds extending outward of 50 miles from the center.Hurricane warnings, which means that the storm is imminent, were in effect for much of the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and parts of the Dominican Republic.Watches, typically issued 48 hours before a storm is expected to hit, were in effect for the provinces of Matanzas eastward to Guantanamo in Cuba.The latest advisory showed Irma had made a turn and was heading a bit north instead of just west.The storm is expected to produce a storm surge as high as 15 to 20 feet, including the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas, the advisory said. Rainfall could reach up to 20 inches in some spots.The combination of a life-threatening storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline, the advisory said.It was still not clear Tuesday night whether a collision between a high-pressure system and a low-pressure trough moving across the United States will change Irmas direction.The current trajectory still shows much of Florida in the storms path with the storm expected to hit South Florida by Sunday.The Atlantics most powerful hurricane ever outside the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean is expected to pound Florida with damaging winds, but where, and just how bad the state gets hit, remains unclear.Irma has been churning west, on a path that began slamming the Leeward Islands on Tuesday night, as it rolls toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Its being steered by a high pressure ridge that in the coming days is expected to collide with a low pressure trough moving across the U.S. When they meet, the ridge should weaken and allow Irma to sneak north, determining where the hurricanes fiercest winds land. But so far, models have not been able to agree on where that critical turn happens.Put Floridas skinny peninsula in the path of such a monster storm  hurricane winds stretch 120 miles, Florida is just 160 miles wide  and it means storm conditions could be widespread.Forecasters said Tuesday evening that models generally agree over the next 72 hours, but after that they begin to spread, raising uncertainty. Due to track errors ranging from 175 to 225 miles, they warned that more attention should be paid to the forecast cone.In Puerto Rico, the electric company warned the island could be without power for four to six months while the government prepared to open 456 shelters capable of housing more than 62,000 people. The Turks and Caicos has ordered Salt Cay, its southernmost inhabited island, evacuated beginning Wednesday. In Cuba, where Matthew razed some neighborhoods last year, officials urged caution, but took a more notable low-key approach.Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will come under dangerous conditions Wednesday. Next in line: the Dominican Republic on Thursday.2017 Miami HeraldVisit Miami Herald at www.miamiherald.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency
(TNS) -- Independent air monitors have detected a plume of cancer-causing benzene near homes and businesses outside a Valero Energy oil refinery in east Houston, raising concerns among environmentalists and city officials who say the compound is nearly twice the state limits for short-term exposure.The highest concentration was detected in an area near Manchester Street and 96th Street close to the refinery, which voluntarily reported an oil spill at the plant earlier this week in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, which worked with California-based Entanglement Technologies to measure the benzene levels.Benzene is a carcinogenic component of crude oil and gasoline. Breathing it in can cause dizziness, headaches and even unconsciousness."It is alarming to see high levels of a dangerous pollutant go unnoticed by the Houston region's existing network of air quality monitors," Elena Craft, senior health scientist for Environmental Defense Fund, said Tuesday.The reports come amid growing environmental concerns over the San Jacinto River Waste Pits, one of 13 Superfund sites in Texas that flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Environmentalists called Tuesday for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide additional information about whether dioxin escaped from the pits into the floodwaters.Questions remain, as well, about chemical fires at the Arkema plant in Crosby east of Houston and last week's emergency shelter-in-place warning in La Porte following a chemical pipeline leak.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott temporarily suspended requirements that certain spills and emissions be reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality during the storm and its aftermath, allowing energy and chemical companies to file reports voluntarily.In the Houston area, companies have reported releasing more than 2 million pounds of carbon monoxide and other chemicals into the region's atmosphere during facility shutdowns, according to TCEQ filings.Voluntary reportsOn Aug. 27, San Antonio-based Valero reported a temporary leak from a partially collapsed roof of a storage tank caused by "heavy rainfall complications with Hurricane Harvey" by its Houston refinery. Valero estimated 6.7 pounds of benzene were released, as well as more than 3,350 pounds of unspecified volatile compounds.Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said Tuesday that Valero crew members quickly contained the oil after it leaked from the roof drain at the refinery. She said the U.S. Coast Guard inspected the clean-up, and that Valero is working with TCEQ and the EPA "on monitoring for any potential emissions from the oil."EPA spokesman David Gray said Tuesday the agency is conducting air monitoring and "focusing on an area of potential concern associated with reported air emissions from a Valero facility in Houston," but that none of the EPA readings rose above emergency screening levels. The EPA was conducting more monitoring in the area Tuesday, but had not yet released those results.Just this week, however, the city of Houston and environmental groups began conducting independent air monitoring separate from the state and federal government. Although data is still being collected, the Environmental Defense Fund said the amount of benzene detected on Monday  324 parts per billion  is nearly double the state's allowable amount of 180 parts per billion.Luke Metzger, director of the advocacy group Environment Texas, is concerned the state and EPA are relying too much on companies to self-report."It's likely the first of many to come," Metzger said of the detections near the Valero refinery. "Now we also have independent air monitoring, but it's hard to trace to individual companies."Metzger noted problems with "unbearable smells" in Pasadena after Houston-based Kinder Morgan reported a Harvey-related spill of petroleum products on Aug. 27 at its terminal. Kinder Morgan acknowledged the release of benzene and other potentially toxic compounds.But the company took issue with Metzger's description."That assertion is difficult to believe because we set up an exclusion zone to keep the public safely away, covered the small release with a foam blanket to control emissions, and employed constant air monitoring to ensure that the blanket was effective," Kinder Morgan spokesman Dave Conover said Tuesday.Waste pits worriesAt the San Jacinto waste pits, meanwhile, advocates continue to push for information about the potential release of dioxin and other cancer-causing industrial waste that was stored in there in the 1960s.The current owners of the site paid to cap the waste pits, but the caps have leaked and been repaired and replaced several times.Scott Jones, of the Galveston Bay Foundation, said dioxin has already leached from the site in older flood events, creating hot spots in sediments in the river and in Galveston Bay.He said the state has failed to properly monitor the site because of inadequate resources. The EPA and TCEQ officials have said the cap appears to be holding, based on preliminary inspections of the waste pits by boat and land.Separate reviews were conducted Friday by a contractor and Monday by federal and state officials, who said they would inspect the cap more thoroughly when river conditions allow.The cancer-causing dioxin and other wastes were byproducts from a nearby paper mill.The EPA has said the waste pits were one of 13 Superfund sites in Texas that flooded during Hurricane Harvey and could be damaged. About half of those sites so far have been visited by inspectors who performed preliminary checks for damage, according to the TCEQ and the EPA. They promise to do more checks when the floodwater recedes.Abbott said Tuesday at a news conference in Austin that officials "are unaware of any damage or danger that has occurred."Several homes in the Channelview river bottom nearest the pits were blown off their foundations when the river rose over its banks. Four houses floated away and several others sunk into enormous sinkholes that formed in the floods.Channelview resident Jennifer Harpster said she and her neighbors were continuing to clean up Tuesday despite their fears of tainted water."When you go down there, it looks like a bomb went off." she said. "The smell of chemicals is inside my house."Harpster is the lead plaintiff in a civil lawsuit in which 600 people claim their lives and livelihood have been damaged by the waste pits. She believes dioxins have already affected her family's health  her granddaughter died of a rare form of cancer at age 6.A plan to remove the wastes from the river entirely remains under consideration by the EPA.Activist Jackie Young, who grew up in nearby Highlands and is the founder of the grassroots Texas Health and Environment Alliance, wants to see the pits removed as soon as possible."Harvey was not a routine event. Let's stop kicking this can to future generations," Young said. "We need the waste pits removed in a controlled, engineered environment, not in a hurricane."Pam Bonta, with the nonprofit Texas Quality Water, said she's worried about 6,000 households that depend on well water and are located in the flood plain around the pits in the Harris County communities of Channelview, Highlands and on the Lynchburg peninsula.TCEQ and county officials say they'll continue to provide updates."TCEQ and EPA toxicologists and technical experts are on the ground and in the air collecting real-time air monitoring and water quality data," EPA officials said Monday. "That information is being analyzed by experts now and will be provided to the public as soon as it is available. We encourage the community to continue to follow the expert safety advice of local officials."
The Colorado Governors Office of Information Technology (OIT) is on the hunt for its next digital transformation officer (DTO) to replace Brandon Williams, who is departing for a new position in local government.

As of early October, Williams will assume new duties as the operations and process improvement manager for the Eagle County Department of Public Health. His own interests in public health and recreation, not to mention family ties to the county, make the move one that he is excited about on both a personal and professional level.

Sometimes you get lucky where your background just falls into place, and my personal interests are in health and public health, he said of the change.

Williams has been with the state for several years, but was named the states first digital transformation officer in November 2016. Prior to that, he spent four years leading the state's Google Services team. Though he does not describe himself as a traditional technologist, Williams immediately took to reconciling the data the state had digitized and putting it to better use across state platforms as DTO.

I came to this as liberal arts coming into technology and I think that has been a really cool aspect of it because working with agencies and understanding their challenges from a policy perspective, from a process perspective and then being able to seek technical answers and solutions has been great, he said.

Though he said he has enjoyed his time with the state, Williams is clearly looking forward to being more directly involved with the community, especially as it relates to public health issues. As both an Ironman competitor and ultrarunner, William said he cares deeply about public health and wellness and where technology folds into the mix.

The work at the community level, that close to the people and in the place that I care about and still being able to bring that kind of knowledge about Google and transformation, and really be on that kind of bleeding edge where local government is trying to improve ... I think that is super exciting, Williams explained.

When asked what he was most proud of in his time at OIT, Williams said the attitude shift toward user-focused programs on the part of state agencies was top of mind.

Id say by far, the biggest, coolest thing weve done is in user experience, bringing on a UX [user experience] manager and being able to up-end the way weve done traditional development, where we are getting user experience as being the determining factor in how we choose platforms, how we design; actually creating wireframes and user experience stories when we are looking at how to solve technical challenges with agencies has been incredible, he said.

Chief Technology Officer David McCurdy said in a statement that Williams has been instrumental in the effort to transform IT in the public sector.

Williams' last official day with OIT will be Sept. 14, after which he said he will embark on a several hundred-mile [bike] rides across eastern Colorado before starting with the county in early October.
In the Fourth Congressional District, the August district work period has been a busy time for me traveling up and down Central Washington to meet with constituents and hear their concerns firsthand.

Many communities in our area are dealing with dry weather and wildfires, which are a constant reminder of the vital need for federal land management reform. I held a Forest Service Advisory Panel in Omak with community members, and the feedback I received is that the U.S. Forest Service needs to improve forest health through active thinning and burning. Local residents also stressed that the Forest Service budget should be prioritized to address forest health needs. I could not agree more, and these improvements have been a focus of my work in Congress. I was also encouraged that the U.S. Forest Service Northwest Regional Office finalized and adopted a recommendation, which I requested, to maintain the North Cascade Smokejumper Base in Winthrop. I will continue to work on these priorities on behalf of our rural areas across Central Washington that are prone to wildfire threats.

Agriculture and water issues were front and center in Ritzville, where I sat down with Adams County community members to receive local input on the upcoming Farm Bill. As a farmer myself, I know just how critical federal policy changes are for farming communities nationwide and in Central Washington. I also heard concerns about improving water infrastructure, which is an important local issue for agriculture.

In Yakima, I held a senior symposium to bring together support organizations and resources for our local seniors. My event focused on assisting seniors navigate Social Security and Medicare, as well as steps to take to protect personal information from identity theft.

I am working hard in Congress to improve the economic climate for Washington families, and that means hearing from local businesses on challenges they face. I met with entrepreneurs and community leaders in Prosser and the Tri-Cities to discuss ways to help employers and small businesses through simplifying the tax code. I was honored to receive the Spirit of Enterprise Award at the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce for supporting pro-growth policies. Another community highlight was getting the chance to attend the ribbon-cutting for a new transportation hub in Moses Lake, which shows the excting local improvements in Grant County as it grows and prospers.

Now it is as important as ever that we ensure our veterans are receiving the care they deserve, which was the reason I hosted a veterans resource and benefits fair in Tonasket. I spoke with veterans about their concerns with navigating the Veterans Choice program, which has a new importance in light of the closure of the local veterans clinic.

The input I have received from veterans, seniors, farmers, entrepreneurs, and from all constituents I met with during August will be important for me to represent Central Washington as Congress comes back into session.
Toto Wolff has indicated he is not happy with F1's official weather service.

This year, Meteo France took over from UbiMet as the supplier of detailed weather information and forecasts to all F1 teams.

But at Monza, the forecasters evidently got their weather predictions completely wrong.

"On Friday, it was supposed to rain all day -- but it was sunny all day," Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told the German broadcaster Sky.

"And on Saturday, it was supposed to be dry," he added, referring to the absolutely washed-out qualifying session.

Wolff hinted that F1 should be rethinking its reliance on a central weather service, compared to the past when teams engaged their own suppliers separately.

"Maybe we have to think about whether this is the right approach," he said.

(GMM)
Scheduled for volume production in 2019, the Transit Custom PHEV has an advanced series hybrid system that targets a zero-emission range exceeding 50 kilometers (31 miles), and features the multi-award winning Ford EcoBoost 1.0-liter gasoline engine as a range extender. The EcoBoost engine charges the on-board batteries when longer trips are required between charging stops, providing operators with efficiency and flexibility.

Fords new plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) Transit Custom van ( earlier post ) made its debut at the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle 2017 event in Millbrook, UK. The vehicle makes its first appearance as Ford prepares 20 PHEV Transits for the 12-month fleet customer trial in London that begins in late 2017.





The battery pack is a compact liquid-cooled lithium-ion design located under the load floor, preserving the full cargo volume offered by the standard Transit Custom van.

The PHEV approach provides city-based commercial vehicle operators with a range of benefits. In addition to the zero-emission capability exceeding 50 kilometers, the Transit Custom PHEV uses gasoline for a target total range of more than 500 kilometers (310 miles). The PHEV also has an increased payload capacity compared to battery-only electric vehicles, and the ability to offer quick and easy recharging from a standard electricity supply.

Commercial vehicles in London make 280,000 journeys on a typical weekday, traveling a total distance of 8 million miles (13 million kilometers). Vans represent 75% of peak freight traffic, with more than 7,000 vehicles per hour driving at peak times in Central London alone.

The London fleet trial project is supported by Transport for London, and features a cross-section of city-based businesses, including Metropolitan Police, that will integrate the vans into their day-to-day operations. To help understand how the benefits of electrified vehicles could be maximised, the 20 PHEV Transits will use an advanced telematics system to collect real-time data on the vans performance.

In addition, the vehicles will feature geofencing technology, which is capable of automatically modifying vehicle settings based on each vans current location. This could be used, for example, to ensure the hybrid system is switched to electric-only mode when a vehicle enters a low-emission zone within an inner-city area.

Cleaner vans, like those being used in this trial, will be vital in helping the freight and fleet sector to reduce the emissions and play its part in tackling the Capitals air quality crisis. We are also using the data from the trial, which will be an invaluable resource for our LoCITY program that encourages commercial businesses to use greener vehicles. Lilli Matson, Transport for Londons Director of Transport Strategy

Development of the 20 Transit Custom fleet trial vehicles has been supported by a 4.7-million (US$6.1-million) grant from the UK Government-funded Advanced Propulsion Centre. The vans are being designed and engineered at Fords Dunton, U.K., technical centre, and at Prodrive Advanced Technology in Banbury, U.K., with program support from Revolve Technologies.
DEAR ABBY: I am a mother of three and happily married to my kids' father. I am now seven months pregnant with my fourth baby, but this child is not my husband's. My husband is a loving man and a good father. My problem is, I don't know how to tell him I'm not carrying his baby. The man I slept with is married and always saying he wants to marry me. He has one son with his wife. I love my kids, and I still love my husband. How can I tell him the truth without tearing my family apart? -- BIG MISTAKE

DEAR BIG MISTAKE: Not knowing your husband, I can't guess at how he will react when you break the news. I'm sure he won't be pleased to hear it. Regardless, he must be told, so do it at a time when it's calm and quiet and you can discuss it without your children running in and out. I am sure he will have many questions -- among them, whether you plan to continue a relationship with the child's father. (Does the man plan to be part of the baby's life in years to come?)

Because this may have legal ramifications, discuss this with an attorney, who can guide you in case there may be visitation issues, custody problems, etc. lurking just beyond the horizon.

DEAR ABBY: I talked with one of my siblings about having a joint vacation. He suggested all of us get together with our spouses and go on one together. We discussed locations and had a family meeting to discuss the possibility. We're all in our 50s or older, and some of us have health issues.

There has always been a lot of bickering between some of us because of control issues. I explained to everyone that we can make our requests for locations, activities, etc., but we all need to be willing to give a little. The bickering is continuing, and some unkind things were said about others.

I just want to plan a fun vacation and have a good time, but I'm worried the negativity will carry over to the vacation. We are all we have left in this world. Our parents died years ago, and since then, one of our siblings has passed away, too. I worry that this may be a last chance for all of us to be together. All but one live within 10 miles of each other, and I'm sad to say we get together only a few times a year. Any suggestions on how to handle this sticky situation? -- IN VACATION MODE

DEAR VACATION MODE: Taking into consideration the family dynamics you have described, it's wishful thinking to believe you can control the way your siblings relate to each other. The reason they see each other so infrequently may have something to do with the fact that some of them are petty, immature and nasty. My suggestion would be to invite only those siblings who can get along with each other and see the other ones separately.

DEAR ABBY: I moved to the Philippines five years ago. While I was there I met "Emma." After a few months, I realized I was in love with her, and last year we became engaged. I took her to meet my family. They loved her and supported our engagement.

I'm now living in the States and she's still in the Philippines waiting for her visa. Emma is transgender and I don't know how to tell my family. I love her and know I want to spend the rest of my life with her, but my dad is homophobic, and I know he won't support my decision to marry a transgender woman. My mother will also be disappointed because we won't be able to have children together. I need your advice. What should I do? -- FORBIDDEN LOVE IN MINNESOTA

DEAR FORBIDDEN LOVE: You say that when you introduced Emma to your family they liked and accepted her. Because you did not tell them then that your fiancee was transgender, expect them to be surprised. That news will bring your father face to face with his homophobia. As to your mother, even if Emma were not transgender, there's no guarantee that Emma would be able to bear children. In cases of infertility, couples sometimes decide to adopt or employ the help of a surrogate and an egg donor.

As a mature adult, the decision about whom you marry should be yours. Your parents' disapproval should have nothing to do with it. If and when you do give them the news, be prepared for a negative reaction. However, I see no reason why you feel you must tell them since they didn't question her gender before.

DEAR ABBY: A longtime friend of mine, "Mia," married a little over a year ago and moved a few hours away. They have been having trouble in their marriage, but have been trying hard to make it work. Mia is now pregnant, and her baby is due next month.

Over the past few months her husband has been messaging me on Facebook. He hasn't said anything overtly sexual, but it is clearly flirtatious. I don't know him well, so I either don't respond or give one-word answers.

I feel what he's doing is inappropriate, but I'm unsure how to proceed. He's extremely sensitive and reactive to rejection. I'm afraid if I confront him, I will no longer be welcome in their home. I'm also worried that if I tell Mia, she'll be devastated and our friendship will be ruined. Any advice would be appreciated. -- ANONYMOUS READER

DEAR ANONYMOUS: If you deal with this directly, your friend's husband will likely deny it and become defensive and punitive. Unless his flirtation becomes overtly sexual, continue to ignore it. Do not respond immediately to his messages. If he asks you why, say you are busy. If you feel you must comment, keep it casual, remote and brief. And always ask him to relay regards to his wife. It may remind him that he's married.

DEAR ABBY: Under what circumstances do you ask your adult offspring (still living at home, working, doing their own laundry, somewhat feeding themselves) to contribute money toward household expenses? -- JUST WONDERING IN PENNSYLVANIA

DEAR JUST WONDERING: At what point? I recommend you do it tonight!

DEAR ABBY: I have a friend, "Charlene," whom I met through a local charity organization. We have many things in common, including the fact that we're both retired, and we enjoy each other's company. Charlene is slim (not skinny), very energetic and fit for her age.

The problem is, it's impossible to share a meal with her. As soon as the food is served, Charlene starts a constant commentary about "how big the portions are" and how she "couldn't possibly eat" what is before her (it doesn't matter how little is on the plate). Often, she DOES actually eat most of her meal. Then the ongoing comments start about how she was such a pig, she won't be able to eat another thing all day.

I don't know if she thinks she's setting a good example (I am not slim), or if she has some psychological issues surrounding food. I am tired of this routine. Is there any way I can ask her to stop without hurting her feelings? -- SICK OF HEARING IT IN IDAHO

DEAR SICK: I can see how sitting through repeat performances of those refrains would get old fast. Of course there's a way to get her to stop. All you have to say is, "You know, when you say that, it prevents me from enjoying MY meal, so please don't do it when you're with me."

DEAR ABBY: I have been selected to attend a symposium in New York that will be attended by one or more members of the British royal family. While I feel no animosity toward the royal family, some of my ancestors died fighting for freedom from English rule during the American Revolution.

I think it would be a grave dishonor to my ancestors to address the royals as "Your Highness" or any other term that suggests they are above me, especially since this gathering will take place on U.S. soil. How can I address them in a way that would be respectful, but would not demean the sacrifices of my ancestors? -- KEN IN OHIO

DEAR KEN: Be polite and gracious. Do not raise the subject of the American Revolution, because I am quite sure they are already well aware of it. To smile and say, "It's nice to meet you," would not dishonor your ancestors or embarrass the sponsors of the symposium, and that's what I recommend you do.

DEAR ABBY: I am the mother of a large family. On Sundays, some of them come over to visit me. Sometimes they'll get into arguments and get really angry.

Because this is happening in my home, what position am I to take? I was told by one of my daughters that I should not allow them to come here anymore. Because I am not involved in the argument, I don't feel I should do that.

I enjoy my daughters visiting me. I don't want to tell them they cannot come to their mother's house. What do you advise? -- MOM OF MANY IN THE WEST

DEAR MOM OF MANY: You're the mother. If your family's heated arguments make you uncomfortable -- and a pitched battle would qualify -- you are within your rights to tell them you prefer they argue elsewhere because it upsets you. I do NOT advise you to exercise the "nuclear option" by banishing them from the premises, because to do so would be an overreaction.

DEAR ABBY: I have been in two relationships. The first was with a girl a couple of years older than I am. We were together for several years before she cheated on me and dumped me. I was crushed. The next girl was a few years younger. She did the same thing after we were together a year.

What am I doing wrong? Fidelity is important to me, and they both knew it from the start. How can I avoid this in the future?

I have never been a controlling person. I was always fine with my girlfriends going out with their friends without me if I couldn't go for some reason. (That's how they ended up meeting the other guys.)

The people in lasting relationships I've seen watch each other like hawks, and never allow their significant other to be in the company of the opposite sex without them. Is this normal? Should I be like them? That seems controlling, but clearly, my "no boundaries" relationship style has backfired on me. -- CHEATED ON IN NEW YORK CITY

DEAR CHEATED ON: Few things can ruin a relationship or a marriage like obsessive jealousy can. Watching one's partner "like a hawk" is stifling. It will eventually drive the person away, as you will see as you continue to observe the couples you have mentioned. Please don't try to change the person you are because YOU are just fine.

I believe that in relationships there has to be a certain amount of responsibility. If someone is mature enough to be involved romantically, that person should be willing to admit if things aren't working out. Being cheated on is painful, and being dumped is equally so. Not every relationship leads to marriage, but rather than sneak around to avoid a frank conversation, it's better to practice the Golden Rule.

DEAR ABBY: I am in a predicament. My therapist is great, but sometimes I think she shares too much. Last time I went, she was running late. When I finally got into her office, she told me the previous patient was nonverbal and had painted her nails during the session. Later in the session, she confided that years ago she had been date raped.

Abby, I am in counseling because my father raped me when I was 15 (I am now 24). Her sharing has me worried because I don't want her telling others what I say or do during counseling. Further, her story of the date rape scared me. She described a situation that is not uncommon for me to be in, and it caused something almost like a flashback in me. I think what she did was insensitive, to say the least.

I have nobody else to ask, so what should I do? I'm getting counseling for free now due to my income, and it took months to get set up with a counselor. Should I report her or accept that this was a mistake and say nothing? If I need to report her, how would I go about doing that? -- CONFLICTED ABOUT IT

DEAR CONFLICTED: You should change therapists because it appears this one has more problems than you do. As to what agency you should report her breach of professional ethics to, contact the state organization that has licensed her to practice.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069
North Carolina Emergency Management is juggling a hurricane that could directly strike the coast or could come inland well south and bring heavy rain and wind to the mountains.
Country

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An undocumented immigrant mother and her two young sons are still biding their time and hoping against hope that the Trump administration will soften its heart and let them be.

Minerva Cisneros Garcia was provided sanctuary at Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro two months ago. The mother of three, who goes by the last name Cisneros, attracted broad attention when the church took in her and her two youngest boys, ages 3 and 6, on June 28.

Most of the lights and cameras are gone now. But Cisneros remains there with her boys for who knows how long and with no idea of what the future holds.

They are doing remarkably well  far better than I would be doing, the churchs pastor, the Rev. Julie Peeples, said last week. On good days, we are all a family, celebrating birthdays, dancing and laughing together, sharing stories. On the tougher days, it feels for her like a minimum-security prison, and we feel like benevolent jailers.

Cisneros, a soft-spoken woman with an easy smile, says she misses the outdoors, being able to shop for her own groceries, and attending school open houses.

As for the world beyond the walls of the church, they are out of sight and, in at least some corners of our community, out of mind. I thought that was over, someone told Peeples recently.

If only it were. Cisneros came to the U.S. from Mexico 17 years ago, to escape violence and to seek a better education for her third and eldest son. Eduardo, 21, who is blind and lives and works in Winston-Salem. If Cisneros leaves the safe haven the church has provided, odds are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will arrest and deport her. She has no criminal record and had been checking in with ICE annually after being granted a stay from deportation by the government in 2013. Then suddenly she was told shed have to leave.

So will a second woman, Juana Luz Tobar Ortega, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala who has been living in Greensboros St. Barnabas Episcopal Church since May 31. The two talk by phone once a week, Cisneros said. She is a very sweet lady, Cisneros said while sitting at the table in her makeshift bedroom where she creates homemade bracelets and necklaces. Ortega is the one person in Greensboro, she said, who knows what its like to be her.

And neither is one of the bad hombres President Trump pledged to target in his crackdown on illegal immigrants. But no matter. The president said the sweep would focus on criminals, but it has been much colder and more indiscriminate than that. Under previous administrations, ICE has been reluctant to enter churches and schools, but under this one, who knows? Ive had an ICE agent to say to me that We can do anything we want since January,  Peeples said.

That may include deporting Eduardo, if President Trump overturns on Tuesday the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act, which has allowed Eduardo to remain in the U.S.

In both cases families and supporters have appealed to U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis for help ... to no effect. Peeples just mailed a letter to Congressman Mark Walker, who served as a pastor before being elected, to seek his support, minister to minister.

As for the president, he apparently does have a soft spot. For Joe Arpaio. On Aug. 25, Trump pardoned the former Arizona sheriff, a crass, law-defying showboat who racially profiled immigrants and neglected his duties to prove the ridiculous myth that Barack Obama is not a U.S. citizen.

Meanwhile, housing Cisneros and her sons at the church requires on-site volunteers 24 hours a day. The community response was mixed at first, Peeples said. Some callers wondered how Christians could do what her church was doing. Peeples wondered how Christian people could not do it. But lately the calls and Facebook comments have been more supportive. Peeples even said she has heard from members of more conservative churches who have offered to help on their own. They really wish their churches would have a conversation about this but they wont, Peeples said.

As for how long the church will make room for Cisneros and her family, Peeples doesnt hesitate: For as long as it takes.

We are committed to them as long as they choose to be here or until the case is solved, she said. We are setting no deadline.
Charlotte-born evangelist Billy Graham will be portrayed by his own grandson, Will, in an upcoming movie. Its focus: How Louie Zamperini  the Olympian and POW whose life story was told in the best-selling book, Unbroken  embraced Christianity after returning from World War II.

Filming on Unbroken: Path to Redemption began Tuesday at Universal City in southern California.

Director Angelina Jolie made the first half or so of Unbroken into a movie in 2014. But, to the chagrin of many evangelical Christians, her film did not dramatize the post-war religious conversion that helped Zamperini conquer bouts with alcoholism and post-traumatic stress and forgive the Japanese captors who had brutalized him during the war.

In Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrands enormously popular book, she tells how, at the urging of his wife, Zamperini agreed to attend a 1949 crusade in Los Angeles that featured an up-and-coming preacher named Billy Graham. The encounter proved to be a turning point for Zamperini, who credited the crusade with saving his sanity and his marriage.

Jolies film makes no mention of Graham, or even Jesus.

Audiences have long wanted to see the second part of Louie Zamperinis story brought to life, the upcoming films executive producer, Bill Reeves, said in a news release Tuesday. How he found redemption, overcame deep personal struggles and ultimately forgave his captors makes for an inspiring, beautiful film.

Will Graham, who is an evangelist for the Charlotte-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, will be making his film debut in the role of his famous grandfather, whos now 98 and living in Montreat.

Like my father and grandfather before me, Im blessed to have been able to answer a call to evanglism, said the younger Graham, whose father is evangelist Franklin Graham, in a news release. But knowing how God used Billy Graham in Louie Zamperinis life, I couldnt pass the opportunity to portray him in this inspiring story.

Unlike Jolies film, Unbroken: Path to Redemption will be part of a growing genre of faith-based films designed to promote Christianity. Its director, Harold Cronk, helmed two other films in that genre, Gods Not Dead and Gods Not Dead 2.

Still, the plans to film a sort-of sequel got a thumbs up from author Hillenbrand, whose other giant bestseller was Seabiscuit: An American Legend.

The life of American Olympian, castaway and POW Louie Zamperini is a story so extraordinary it staggers the imagination, she said in the news release. It is a life rich in lessons for all of us  lessons in resilience and ingenuity, grace and humanity, forgiveness and the power of faith. I am so pleased to see his story brought back to the screen.

Zamperini stayed in touch with Graham and even spoke at some Graham crusades over the years. In 2011, the then-94-year-old Zamperini came to the Billy Graham Library to sign copies of Hillenbrands bestseller.

Recalling that 1949 crusade, Zamperini told the Observer in 2011 that Billy Grahams message hit me between the eyes. Instead of leaving, I went back to the prayer room. And man, when I made a confession of my faith in Christ, I knew my whole life had changed. ... That was the first night in three years that I didnt have a nightmare. I havent had one since.

Zamperini died in 2014, at age 97.

Unbroken Path to Redemption will star actors Samuel Hunt (Chicago P.D.) as Louie Zamperini and Merritt Patterson (The Royals) as his wife Cynthia.
ASHEBORO  An Asheboro man accused of shooting at a police officer Monday is in jail.

Daniel Schexnider, 25, had been in Moses Cone Hospital after he was shot by a police officer he shot at on Monday, police stated in a news release. He was released from the hospital today and taken to the Randolph County jail where he is being held on $2.5 million bail, police said.

Schexnider is charged with three counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a government official and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury.

Police said Schexnider drove his vehicle into another vehicle on purpose. The victim and a passenger in the vehicle were injured when they crashed into an unknown object on the side of the road.

About 11 p.m. Monday, police responded to the 2000 block of North Fayetteville Street for another matter and found the wreck. Police said Schexnider shot at the officer who returned fire.

Schexnider was struck by the officer's gunfire. He is also charged with felony hit and run with injury, aggressive driving, possession of a firearm by a felon and discharging a firearm inside the city.

Police are still investigating and have not released a motive for the wreck or the shooting.
GREENSBORO  A Greensboro woman charged with killing her boyfriend during an argument by running over him with her car made a last-minute plea deal with prosecutors Tuesday afternoon.

Liana Marie Aman, 28, was scheduled for trial this week on a first-degree murder charge in the March 29, 2015, death of 20-year-old William Michael Auzins.

Instead, Aman took an Alford plea to second-degree murder and was sentenced to a minimum of seven years and eight months in prison. An Alford plea means Aman did not admit guilt in Auzins death but felt it was in her best interest to take a plea deal instead of going to trial.

Aman spoke only to answer direct questions from the judge. Her mother and two family friends attended the hearing.

Eleven of Auzins family members and friends attended.

Dona Auzins told Superior Court Judge Michael Duncan that her son was tall and handsome with a sweet smile and big heart. She also said that despite Amans claims, her son was not dating the woman who took his life.

This act of murder devastated me and ruined my family, Dona Auzins said.

Guilford County Assistant District Attorney Veronica Edmisten told Duncan that Guilford County sheriffs deputies and Highway Patrol troopers found Aman standing over Auzins body on Coquina Lane near Halbrook Road in Greensboro.

Amans white Honda was parked nearby with damage to the car and deployed airbags.

Edmisten said that Aman told deputies she and Auzins got into a fight while buying alcohol. She decided to drive him to his trailer on Coquina Lane, but told investigators he got out of her Honda on Halbrook Road.

Aman told investigators she decided to let her boyfriend walk the rest of the way home and she would drive to her own house, Edmisten said.

Aman told deputies when she turned on Coquina Lane she suddenly saw Auzins in the road in front of her and he shouted, What are you going to do? Run me over?

Aman told deputies she tried to brake but it was too late, Edmisten said.

Dona Auzins told Duncan that Aman caused problems for her son other than his death. She showed the judge the last text she received from her son, which said he felt like he was losing everything. She said her son was evicted because neighbors had complained that Aman would show up in the middle of the night and continually honk her horn. She said he was fired from his job because Aman would visit and cause scenes.

Dona Auzins found out about her sons death from Moses Cone Hospital workers who called to tell her that the right side of his brain was crushed and he was brain dead. They told her to hurry to the hospital.

To lose my son just because someone was mad at him, Dona Auzins said. How can I make sense of that? He got out of the car to get away from her and she just mowed him over like an animal instead.

Defense attorney Ames Chamberlin told Duncan that Aman suffers from an opiod addiction and asked the judge to order her into any available drug treatment programs at the prison. Chamberlin said Amans addiction began when she dated the father of her oldest child, who is 5. She gave birth to a second child two months ago.

Drug and alcohol testing revealed that Aman had a blood-alcohol content of 0.06, below the legal limit of 0.08, but she had an antihistamine, two types of antidepressants and a pain reliever in her system the night of Auzins death.

Dona Auzins said Aman has shown her family no remorse.

I believe in karma, Dona Auzins said. The universe will make sure justice is served in this life or the next. I hope that when she is in prison, the people she is surrounded with who have short tempers like hers, makes her life as miserable as she has made ours.
Updated at 1:27 p.m.

WASHINGTON  Democratic leaders say President Donald Trump has agreed to a plan to fund the government and increase the nation's debt limit for three months as part of a deal to rush disaster aid to Hurricane Harvey victims.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced the agreement Wednesday after meeting with Trump at the White House.

The deal promises to speed a $7.9 billion Harvey aid bill, which passed the House Wednesday, to Trump's desk before disaster accounts run out later this week.

The move buys almost three months for Washington to try to solve myriad issues, including more funding for defense, immigration, health care, and a longer-term increase in the government's borrowing authority.

Updated at 1:11 p.m.

WASHINGTON  Congressional Dems say Trump agrees to raise the debt ceiling, fund government for 3 months as part of Harvey aid deal.

WASHINGTON  The House has passed a $7.9 billion Harvey aid package. Republicans and Democrats united behind help for victims of that storm even as while an ever more powerful new hurricane bore down on Florida.

The 419 to 3 vote Wednesday sent the aid package  likely the first of several  to the Senate in hopes of sending the bill to President Donald Trump before dwindling disaster reserves run out at the end of this week.

Texas Rep. John Culberson, whose Houston district was slammed by Harvey, promised that "help is on the way."

Senate Republicans hope to add an increase to the government's borrowing limit, but Democrats announced Wednesday that they only support a short-term increase.

Some New York Democrats reminded Texas Republicans of their votes opposing Superstorm Sandy aid five years ago.

__

11:40 a.m.

President Donald Trump is meeting with congressional leaders at the White House, and he's noting they have a full plate of issues, and he's hoping "we can solve them in a rational way."

One immediate matter is Harvey aid, and the House is expected to vote on an initial $7.9 billion package.

Trump says the country has "a lot of great assets and we have some liabilities that we have to work out so we'll see if we can do that."

__

10:35 a.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan is rejecting a Democratic idea to tie Harvey aid to a three-month increase in the debt limit.

The Wisconsin Republican told reporters it was a "ridiculous idea" and said this was no time to play politics with the debt ceiling as Texas recovers from the devastation of Harvey and Hurricane Irma bears down on Florida.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday said they would back the Harvey aid if it is linked to a three-month debt increase, not the longer term debt hike that Republicans are seeking. Senate Republicans want to link Harvey aid to debt limit increase into 2019 after the midterm elections.

The House is expected to move swiftly on the $7.9 billion package.

__

9:55 a.m.

Capitol Hill's top Democrats say they're willing to pair a short-term increase in the government's borrowing cap with the Harvey aid bill.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California and Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York say a three-month increase in the debt limit would help ensure that Congress would tackle health care, immigration and looming budget cuts.

GOP leaders have indicated they want to link a $7.9 billion initial installment of disaster aid with a debt limit increase  allowing the government to borrow freely again to cover its bills.

The move by Pelosi and Schumer appears aimed at preserving Democratic leverage as Congress confronts a weighty fall agenda.

___

4 a.m.

The House is trying to act quickly to pass President Donald Trump's request for a $7.9 billion first installment of Harvey relief.

GOP leaders also hope to use the aid bill to increase the U.S. debt limit to permit the government to borrow freely again to cover its bills.

The government's response to Harvey is draining existing disaster reserves, with Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster accounts hovering at $1 billion or less. FEMA is warning lawmakers that disaster funds run out on Friday, even as a Hurricane Irma is bearing down.

This week's measure is to handle the immediate emergency needs and replenish reserves in advance of Irma. Much more will be needed.
RALEIGH  North Carolina attorney general Josh Stein has joined a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trumps plans to rescind the executive order that protected young immigrants from deportation even if they did not have documentation authorizing them to live in the United States.
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Updated at 11 a.m.

GREENSBORO - As Irma's path continues to shift eastward, its similarities to Hurricane Hugo mount.

The latest model from the National Hurricane Center shows Irma crossing over Florida  and making landfall somewhere between the central Florida coast and South Carolina.

If that scenario holds, Irma (metaphorically speaking) could hop on Interstate 85 North and tear through Charlotte and Greensboro.

Two words: Not. Good.

GREENSBORO  Another hurricane, and a Category 5 at that.

Unpredictable. Treacherous. Churning in the Atlantic, menacing the Southeast coast, threatening to ram ... some city yet to be determined.

Sound familiar? Bring back bad memories? Maybe of power outages and toppled oaks?

This week, all eyes are on Hurricane Irma, a monstrous windmaker that most likely will strike Florida on Sunday or Monday.

But 28 years ago this month, Greensboro, along with the rest of central North Carolina, was fixated on an eerily similar beast:

Hurricane Hugo.

The two storms have much in common  at least at this point in their long, slow marches to landfall.

Hugo in 1989, like Irma in 2017, spent some time at Category 5.

Both storms took a similar path from the coast of Africa toward the Dominican Republic.

But thats where Hugo took a decidedly northwestern turn, making landfall Friday, Sept. 22, as a Category 4 near Charleston, S.C. The storm killed 29 people in the state, making it one of the worst disasters of the 20th century.

As bad as that was, it could have been worse. Early warnings allowed 350,000 people to evacuate the South Carolina coast safely.

The storm headed for Charlotte, then sped into the Triad as a mere tropical storm.

Greensboro was spared the worst of Hugo, which, as Staff Writer Taft Wireback wrote for the Sept. 23 edition of the News & Record, could have been shortened to Hu because most of its go went somewhere else.

About 51,000 residences lost electricity in Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem, where tree after tree downed power lines. The wind gusted to 51 mph just before 7 a.m. at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

UNC-Greensboro canceled classes since many of the buildings were without power. The building that housed the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles testing center on Patterson Street, one of only two in the city, collapsed under the weight of the wind.

A transformer exploded in High Point, where City Hall and the police station reported temporary power outages.

Otherwise, Hugos damage locally was not that much more than there would be in a big thunderstorm, C.C. Richards, of the Greensboro-Guilford Emergency Management Office, reported that evening.

That was not the case in Charlotte and parts of the western Piedmont, where wind rather than rain did the bulk of the damage.

Then-Charlotte Mayor Sue Myrick declared a state of emergency, with about one-quarter of Mecklenburg County residents losing power.

Damage from Hugo cost roughly $10 billion in South Carolina and $725 million in North Carolina.

Irma could still follow in Hugos path, closing in on the Carolinas instead of barreling due west toward Miami, as forecasters expect.

If not, then maybe Tropical Storm Jose will.

Its following right behind Irma, bound for ... somewhere.
WESTERN ROCKINGHAM  Bridgestone Aircraft Tire USA is asking the community for donations to support those affected in the Houston area by Hurricane Harvey.

Bridgestone, with the help of other community businesses and leaders, will be collecting much needed supplies, such as water, blankets and non-perishable food items throughout Madison, Mayodan and Stoneville this week.

The collection is co-sponsored by the American Red Cross and the Barry L. Joyce Local Cancer Support Fund.

"Every single day we do everything we can to help cancer patients in our area and assure that fewer are fighting alone," said Executive Director Jennifer Joyce on the local cancer fund's Facebook page.

"We pride ourselves in helping local people. When one of the largest natural disasters hit the thousands of innocent in Texas, we knew we had a unique opportunity to make a difference. The things you can do without giving monetarily are amazing," Joyce said.

Event organizers say that clothes have already been collected for the delivery and there are are focusing on the desperate need of water and non perishables.

The group is particularly looking for the donation of snacks that can be distributed to local shelters in areas of need throughout the lone star state.

Drop-off sites include:

Bridgestone Aircraft Tire on Ayersville Road in Mayodan

Food Lion of Mayodan

MR Promotions in downtown Madison

The Barry L. Joyce Cancer Resource Center on Ayersville Road in Madison

The Western Rockingham Chamber of Commerce in downtown Madison

The Mayodan, Madison and Stoneville Police Departments

Items will be picked up from those collection points on Monday. The tire company will be delivering the tractor trailer to Texas during the week of Sept. 11.

Additionally, Mayodan United Methodist Church is collection items for cleaning and hygiene kits on behalf of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The church is shipping out the kits to Texas on Sept. 7.

"Please help us to help our friends in Texas. [This is] another group that didn't plan or ask for this hand they have been dealt, but are taking it in stride and are most grateful for all folks are doing for them," Joyce said.

"Much like the group we deal with every single day."
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GREENWICH  Merchants in Byram are appealing to the town administration to address what they say are worsening problems with parking, pedestrian access, safety and signage in the west-end business district.

An open-air dialogue was held Wednesday morning between town officials and local business owners, aiming to begin a process that could yield a more attractive and orderly place to shop along the Mill Street corridor in Byram.

Local merchants aired a number of grievances with First Selectman Peter Tesei, along with representatives from the police, engineering, parking and public-works departments in attendance taking notes.

A top concern among the dozen or so business people who met with local officials was the loss of local parking to workers from Port Chester, N.Y. Those workers will park in the municipal lot off Mill Street, which is where Byram business workers are allowed to park with a permit, then head to work in Port Chester by foot or van, the merchants said. They skip on the parking fees charged in Port Chester by taking up free space in the Byram lot  sometimes lingering in the area until they see that the parking enforcement officer has left, then taking a space.

Theres a specific population, a small population of people, who take advantage of that, said Geoff Lazlo of Mill Street Bar and Table. He said his business was happy to serve clientele from New York, but parking cheats from across the state line were causing problems for the business district.

Kevin Allamashy of Executive Corner Deli and Catering asked whether the town could provide more enforcement and a dedicated parking officer  you have to get somebody down here to enforce, he said.

Parking director Rita Azrelyant responded, We give out tickets all the time. She said an enforcement officer made the rounds every morning, and there were additional visits by parking staff throughout the day. Town officials said hiring personnel was a complicated proposition.

Tesei said it may be time to consider installing parking meters in the district to curtail scofflaws, an issue he said he would pursue with the business community in future.

The difficulty in crossing Mill Street at the pedestrian cross-walk was another problem raised by the merchants, who say drivers ignore the law. Its impossible  no one stops at the cross walk, said Allamashy.

Town engineer James Michel said the town administration was beginning to roll out a new, advanced crosswalk design with signals at busy intersections  with a flashing yellow light activated by a pedestrian  and the Mill Street site might be a good candidate for one. They cost about $50,000 to install.

Police representatives said there are two police officers patrolling in Byram at any given time, and there are two other officers working on accident-prevention who regularly work in the district. The patrol officers are typically responding to calls for service in the neighborhood.

Outdated signage in the business district was also a topic  the signage hasnt been done in 20 years, Allamashy noted.

Unruly gatherings that occasionally take place in the nighttime hours was another point raised by the business leaders.

Town officials said they would work with the business community to find answers in coming weeks.

State Rep. Mike Bocchino (R-150), who lives in the neighborhood and attended the meeting, said, This is a great first step. There are solutions out there.

Tesei reminded the business leaders that a new town software application, called Access Greenwich, is available on the town website. Users can take pictures and send them to specific town departments to document problems. Its specific, its documented, and we have a record, he said.

Azrelyant, the parking director, said her department was open to input from the business community.

Theres a lot of different options. Sitting down at the table, working it out, is the best way to go, she said.

rmarchant@greenwichtime.com
GREENWICH  In a country where adults of different political persuasions cant seem to agree on anything, students at Greenwich High School Wednesday sought to show they can do better.

Leaders of student Democratic and Republican clubs led a show of solidarity, vowing to put politics aside to fight bigotry and racism.

Close to 25 students stepped out of school during the noon lunch period for the rally, which had the backing of GHS administration. Participants signed their names to a sign reading GHS Hates Hate with messages including silence is complacency and love not hate.

We want to send a message, said GHS student Sara Stober. A lot of time young people are told that when things happen you cant do anything about it, and we wanted to show that wasnt true. Even though we cant vote and cant drink and cant even legally drive with more than one person in the car, we can stand up to hate. You can be a Republican or a Democrat. You can be young or old. It doesnt matter. No matter where you are or who you are, hate is unacceptable.

The rally was organized by Stober and Sophie Lindh, co-presidents of the GHS Young Democrats Club, and Jack Baund and Luca Barcelo, co-presidents of the GHS Young Republicans Club, in response to the white supremacist rally that turned fatal last month in Charlottesville, Va.

All of us were just disgusted by what happened in Charlottesville, and when really horrible acts of hate happen, theres a call for people, especially of privilege, to speak out, Stober said. We felt that no matter how old you are and no matter what your politics are hate is unacceptable and we wanted to show is not tolerated here.

Lindh said it can be a scary time to grow up, given the rise of hate and frequent acts of terror occurring around the world.

When we have the privilege to be able to speak, we have to use it to try and inspire change, Lindh said.

Baund said he was approached by Stober and Lindh with the idea for the rally and he signed on without hesitation.

I thought it was really important for us, especially as Republicans, to say that what happened was atrocious, especially because some in the leadership had been slow to denounce what happened, Baund said, referring to the reaction of President Donald Trump and some others to the violence. We wanted to step forward and say we denounced it and come together with everyone as a community.

Student leaders said it was inspiring to see classmates from different political outlooks coming together without judgment.

Theres a certain unity that you see over here at Greenwich High School, Barcelo said. I feel like this needs to be exemplified in the United States as well. Thats why we wanted to work together and bring this to fruition.

Barcelo said the work ahead is to spread the spirit of the rally beyond the school community.

Felipe Sanchez, president of the schools Diversity Awareness Club, spoke at the brief rally and called Charlottesville an eye opener.

(It) served to show us that our fight towards equality and civil rights and to celebrate diversity is now more important than ever, Sanchez said. It served to show us that we are pioneers of change and the ones who are responsible to make a difference. We must embrace that responsibility with open arms and a great big smile on our face.

Sanchez said they were showing white supremacists, neo-Nazis, the KKK and other hate groups the love and compassion they would never understand.

Another speaker at the rally was Sandy Litvack, a town resident and the Democratic candidate for first selectman in Novembers election. He cited remarks by Trump in which the president blamed counter-protersters as well as the white supremesists for the violence in Charlottesville and said there were fine people in both groups.

You have to recognize hate when you see it, Litvack said. Some kinds of hate is easy to recognize. When you see people marching with torches shouting neo-Nazi slogans, thats hate and we all know it. But there are other kinds of hate that are no less insidious but more difficult to observe. Theres discrimination. Theres the look. Theres exclusion. Theres the failure to include. Theres the discourse with the disrespect we show each other at times. Those are all forms of hate and we have to recognize them all.

First Selectman Peter Tesei, a Republican who is running for a new term, was not invited to the event. Stober and Lindh said that was an unintended oversight on their part, and that they invited Litvack because they had friends working on his campaign.

But Tesei was at GHS at the time of the rally for an unrelated matter, and afterward said his administration has a strong record of commitment to diversity and tolerance, noting the existence of the Community Diversity Advisory Committee.

I believe that we as a town and in my administration celebrate diversity and promote tolerance and acceptance every day of the year, not just when its politically fashionable to do so, Tesei said.

kborsuk@greenwichtime.com
While not the kind of snow you'd want to eat, as pure white as it might seem, the snowy dunes of Mars provide a brief season of delight on the planet's scoured red face. Below is a zoomable version of the photo taken by NASA's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

The snow is dry ice or carbon dioxide that has covered the dunes during winter in the northern hemisphere. When the spring-time sun hits the dunes, the space agency writes, "the ice on the smooth surface of the dune cracks and escaping gas carries dark sand out from the dune below, often creating beautiful patterns. On the rough surface between the dunes, frost is trapped behind small sheltered ridges."
Cant really hoard a reserve supply. Photo: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

Yeah, youre tired of hearing it, but avocado prices have gone up yet again. A heat wave in California devastated that states supplies, and this in turn overlapped with farmers strikes and a drought down in Mexico. Between these two regions, youre looking at nearly 90 percent of Americas avocados  Mexico produces roughly 80 percent, 10 percent is imported from other markets (Chile, Peru, the Dominican Republic), then California basically accounts for the remainder. This double whammy has driven wholesale prices up by 75 percent since mid-July. Its now $80 for a case of 48 Hass avocados, meaning that if a supermarkets selling them for $2 each, it probably isnt breaking even. This is also a record high, around four times what they cost at the beginning of 2016, and suppliers in California have warned that prices could climb more  as high as $3 per fruit.

Avocados are persnickety little fruits. Trees can over- or under-produce from year to year, and robust years are often followed by a disappointing one. Add to the ups and downs of nature the fact that Americans consumption of avocados has quadrupled since 2000, and you have yourself a supply-and-demand problem. Theres just not enough supply out there, the American Restaurant Associations president David Maloni tells The Wall Street Journal today.

Botanist wizards in California have bred avocados that grow year-round, and consumers might find relief in Whole Foods Amazon-subsidized supplies if prices industrywide creep toward something truly insane, like $5 a pop. But nobodys fooling themselves into thinking that this is enough  even Vice-President Pence, in an unusually welcoming move for something from Latin America, has promised that the Trump administration will lift a ban on Hass avocados from Colombia to increase supply. Maybe nervous Dreamers should just go take all the jobs making avocado toast?
Chez Ma Tantes pancakes. Photo: Bobby Doherty

Once a month or so, the Underground Gourmet takes stock of all the excellent (and not so excellent) grub weve shoveled down our gullets to bring you this  our slightly random, completely subjective, 100 percent delicious top-ten new things to eat and drink.

1. Pancakes at Chez Ma Tante

92 Calyer St., at Franklin St., Greenpoint; 718-389-3606

Truth be told, our policy regarding pancakes is that we can take them or leave them. But Chez Ma Tantes pancakes are exceptional: hot and fluffy little Frisbees of salty-sweet flavor and melting richness that could convert the staunchest flapjack skeptic ($11). Extra yolks in the batter add richness, and so do good Normandy butter and pure Vermont maple syrup. But the key is how theyre cooked: super-crisp around the edges and practically blackened on one side like a Paul Prudhomme fish fillet. Co-chef Jake Leiber was inspired by the ones he had at a Mexican diner in Oceanside, California, that he says came out of the kitchen looking almost burnt.

2. Chimek at Fuku Wall Street

110 Wall St., entrance on Front St.; eatfuku.com

Dave Changs latest fried-chicken feast: a whole bird fried two ways (habanero-buttermilk-battered and spicy-sweet Korean style), plus a slew of inspired sides including cottage fries, batter-fried pickle chips, and the parathalike flatbread called msmen for DIY sandwich-making ($42). Wash it all down with a six-pack of Miller High Life ponies. Lots of chefs make great fried chicken, but no one lays out a fried-chicken spread like Colonel Chang.

3. Gazpacho Salad at The Pool

99 E. 52nd St., nr. Park Ave.; 212-375-9001

A funny thing happened to Rich Torrisi on the way to making gazpacho the other day. Halfway through the procedure, while sampling the bounty of his Union Square Greenmarket haul, he asked himself, Why blend it? So what was to become a soup became a salad: raw and marinated Sun Gold tomatoes, Tristar strawberries, sea beans, and Mexican sour gherkins, everything brightened by sunny splashes of tomato water. Like the intended gazpacho, its the essence of late-summer produce in a bowl, but you eat it with a fork ($23).

4. Beans, Pistou, Mussel Broth at Gloria

401 W. 53rd St., nr. Ninth Ave.; 212-956-0709

A striking mix of Rancho Gordo beans so rich and creamy and perfectly cooked you may never open another can of Goya. A tip: Although they list the legumes under the menu heading mains, you can order them as a shareable side, avoiding the embarrassment of having to speak these words in front of your date: and for my main course, Ill have the beans ($19).

5. Chicken Chops at aRoqa

206 Ninth Ave., nr. 23rd St.; 646-678-5471

Three nipped and tucked hunks of thigh meat, deftly charred and profoundly spiced, arranged leg bones up like a miniature chorus line of Rockettes. Bonus wacky presentation points: The chicken chops are served on a toy-size pushcart and set ablaze by a waiter with a pot of flaming rum ($14).

6. Boiled Fish With Pickled Cabbage and Chile at Guan Fu Sichuan

39-16 Prince St., nr. 39th Ave., Flushing; 347-610-6999

Though inarguably fresh, the featured ingredient in this classic Sichuan dish ($30) is upstaged by a slightly viscous curry-yellow sauce with an undercurrent of spice and a smack of sour. When your server warns you that its too oily and salty to drink like soup, hes only trying to save you from yourself, so plumb the depths to excavate the pickled greens and enoki mushrooms.

7. Corn Dog at Empellon al Pastor

132 St. Marks Pl., at Ave. A; 646-833-7039

Why doesnt this corn dog taste like the one you ate that time at the street fair? Probably because Alex Stupak makes his with fresh corn masa and serves it with housemade huitlacoche mustard funneled into what looks like a repurposed Frenchs-mustard squeeze bottle, because what goes better with corn than more corn ($7)?

8. Breakfast Burritos at Saltie

378 Metropolitan Ave., nr. Havemeyer St., Williamsburg; 718-387-4777

Little-known fact: 9 to 11 a.m. weekdays, Saltie serves killer breakfast burritos ($8)  an egg-fried-rice number with green salsa, and a saucier, sloppier, smokier hot red mess stuffed with shredded hash browns.

9. Kurdish Siske Kubeh at Kubeh NYC

464 Sixth Ave., nr. 11th St.; 646-448-6688

Of the endless pairings of mix-and-match Iraqi-Jewish dumplings and broths, the one to get is the semolina-dough-wrapped pucks of slow-cooked shredded beef sunk in a lemony Persian chicken soup fortified with chickpeas and carrots ($15). Tart it up even more with pinches of dried-lime powder.

10. Knekkebrd from Norwegian Baked

NorwegianBaked.com

Somehow, this Brooklyn-made take on Wasa crispbread overcomes its categorys blandness to become deeply addictive, rendering all rival crackers deficient and sad (must be the olive oil). The crunchy squares are packed with rye, oats, and enough seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame) to give bird food a good name ($7.69 at LifeThyme Natural Market).

*A version of this article appears in the September 4, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
Still around, now in an easier-to-drink format. Photo: From Bulletproof

If you thought selling half-price Amazon Echos on the produce aisle was an oily move, wait until you see what Whole Foods has in the pipeline next: ready-to-drink Bulletproof butter coffee. Entrepreneurial biohacker and amateur mycologist Dave Asprey has sold ever-growing quantities of this concoction  100 million cups to date  since encountering it ten years ago on a self-discovery quest in Tibet. Its made by stirring grass-fed butter (ideally a yaks) and a few tablespoons of proprietary Brain Octane Oil into a cup of coffee, but the version arriving at Whole Foods is a cold brew. Its packaged in Vita Cocoesque cartons that retail for $4.99 each. They arrive this fall, and come in a plain variety as well as three flavors  mocha, vanilla, and another thats just labeled Collagen Protein.

Aspreys mission has always been evangelistic: He wants Bulletproof cafes all over America (hes got one so far in Santa Monica, but New York is supposedly up next). Back premerger, Whole Foods was actually hearing him out about putting these inside its new spinoff grocery chain, 365. He maintains that Bulletproof burns fat, energizes the body, and defogs the brain. One way the brand achieves this is by stripping coffee beans of 27 different toxins. As the website explains, non-Bulletproof coffees contain a particularly foul mycotoxin, a chemical left by fungus on moldy crops, that hits your kidneys, causes cancer, and messes up your immune system. Theres no scientific proof this is true. But that hasnt stopped the company from making the health claim. Or many others  although to get their full effect, some do require supplementing the coffee with 30 avocados, or standing on one of Bulletproofs $1,500 Whole Body Vibration platforms.

Assuming you see buttery coffee as a plus, Bulletproofs biggest downside is having to DIY a cup every time you start crashing. Ready-to-drink cartons solve this conundrum, but the company mustve realized the cruelty of screwing nonWhole Foods shoppers out of this useful biohack, so starting today a four-pack of bottles can also be purchased directly from the website.
Microsoft's next Surface-branded device will become official on October 31 in London. On that day the company's Panos Panay will hold a keynote speech, as part of the annual Future Decoded event in London. Note that Panos Panay is usually the guy in charge of introducing new Surface devices to the world, and Microsoft likes to launch new Surface products in October.

That a new Surface is coming on that occasion has been confirmed to The Verge by "sources familiar with the company's plans". This could be the already promised Surface Pro with LTE, but that tablet may be joined by a possible successor to the Surface Book - or even a new Surface Hub.

Details are light at the moment, but with the unveiling date set perhaps it's a good time for the leaking to start.

Source
Now that some pre-ordered Galaxy Note8 units have already started shipping, you may be wondering about the state of Daydream VR support on the new phablet. And you'd be right to wonder, for despite having all the necessary hardware for use with Google's VR platform, Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ weren't actually compatible at launch. Instead, their owners had to wait a pretty long time for Daydream support to finally land on the S8 and S8+, and this only happened last month.

The good news is that Samsung has apparently learned from that debacle, and is in fact shipping the Note8 with Daydream VR support from day one. So no software updates necessary - if you want to use Google's VR platform, you'll be able to do so from the moment you take your Galaxy Note8 out of the box.

This has been confirmed to Dutch publication NieuweMobiel by a company spokesman, so it's as official as it can be. As usual with Samsung devices, you get two options for everything. In the case of VR, you can choose between using the company's own Gear VR, or any Google Daydream compatible headset.

Source (in Dutch) | Via
T-Mobile has announced its latest 'Un-carrier' move today, following many such unveilings of new perks and features for its customers - some of which have changed the mobile space in the US. This time around it's nothing earth-shattering, but something that will surely be considered a welcome addition by many T-Mobile subscribers.

Starting on September 12, if you have two or more lines on the magenta carrier's One plan, you will receive a free subscription to Netflix. Not for a limited time, mind you, but for as long as you have those TMo lines of service. This will be available for new and existing customers alike.

What you'll be getting is the Netflix Standard tier, which normally costs $9.99 per month and lets you stream on two screens at the same time in HD resolution. Since two lines on the One plan at T-Mobile currently cost $120 per month, this is essentially saving you under 10% of that cost (and less if you have more lines). But it's a nice gesture nevertheless.

If you already subscribe to Netflix Standard, T-Mobile will cover your cost from September 12 onwards. And if you want a higher Netflix tier, you'll only pay the difference - which will be added to your TMo bill each month. You'll be able to enroll in the carrier's promo on its website, in stores, as well as through customer support.

Via
A Linn County Task Force firefighting team from Linn County has been deployed to the Chetco Bar Fire in southern Oregon, and two teams from Linn and Benton counties are battling the Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia River Gorge, according to John Bradner, Linn County Fire Defense Board chief.

Bradner, who also serves as the Albany fire chief, called current statewide fire conditions epic and historic, adding: Our folks are seeing things they havent seen before and there is no measurable rain in sight. Ultimately, we need some significant rain to calm things down.

The first Linn County Fire Defense Task Force was deployed Saturday to the 167,000-acre Chetco Bar Fire near Brookings.

Team members are from the Lebanon, Albany, Scio, Brownsville and Halsey fire departments and are working with the State Incident Management Team.

Tuesday morning, two Task Force teams from Linn and Benton counties headed to the Eagle Creek Fire that was spotted Saturday, exploded to 3,000 acres Sunday and to 10,000 acres Tuesday. It jumped the Columbia River and is now burning in Washington state.

Bradner said that Linn and Benton county fire departments have provided 12 fire engines, three water tenders and eight command/staff vehicles to the fires.

Deployed are 51 firefighters from nine fire departments including Albany Fire Department, Sweet Home Fire & Ambulance District, Lebanon Fire District, Halsey-Shedd Rural Fire Protection Agency, Tangent Rural Fire District, Scio Rural Fire District, Corvallis Fire Department and the Philomath Fire Department.

Bradner said further deployments are unlikely due to the sheer number of staff and equipment that has already been sent.

Weve tapped our resources from both counties, he said. I dont imagine we can send more resources. We have to maintain enough personnel and equipment to respond to our daily calls.

Bradner said off-duty staff members filling in for their deployed colleagues.

We have 14 people from Albany alone, he said. Our off-duty folks are backfilling those positions, stepping up and doing everything we can to cover our home district.

Bradner also reminded Linn and Benton county residents that the summer burn ban is still in fill effect.

The ban means that all fires are strictly prohibited, including all recreational fires in backyard fire pits," Bradner said. "Also, consider all fireworks as potential fire starters. Please do not use any type of fireworks. If you smoke, please use a metal can with sand to extinguish your cigarettes and never throw cigarette butts outside, including from moving vehicles.

The Oregon Department of Forestrys Sweet Home Unit is braced for possible lightning storms this week, according to Unit Forester Craig Pettinger.

The good news is that early on, the forecasters didnt think there would be any moisture with the lightning, but we may get some rain with it, Pettinger said.

Pettinger said a handful of summer wildland firefighters are away from the compound helping at other fires around the state.

But we expect to get them back soon, he said. We are still under a red flag warning and they are talking about extending that. We are holding steady, but if the weather doesnt change soon, we could be in a bad spot.

Pettinger said that locally, dense smoke held the weekend temperatures down a bit and also provided cover over potential fire areas, reducing further drying of woody materials.

But his crews did have to contend with a couple of escaped debris burns. Linn County has not received any significant rainfall in more than 80 days.

All logging operations have been curtailed at this time.

Pettinger said private landowners were meeting with the incident command team leaders at Hoodoo Tuesday morning. Fires along the McKenzie River have grown dangerously close to private lands within the Linn Forest Protective Association boundaries.

Locally, the Whitewater Fire near Detroit is holding at about 10,054 acres and nearby fires include the Scorpion Fire, 360 acres and the Little Devil Fire, 1,068 acres. Others include the Milli Fire near Sisters, 22,527 acres; the Potato Hill Fire, Santiam Pass, 200 acres; Jones Fire, Lowell, 8,500 acres; and Rebel Fire, east of Springfield, 7,400 acres..




Haiti - FLASH : IRMA in category 5, Haiti under RED ALERT





This Wednesday morning the center of Hurricane IRMA Category 5 on the hurricane Saffir-Simpson wind scale with sustained winds near the center of 185 mp/h (295 km/h) and higher gusts was located at 17.9 North latitude and 62.6 West Longitude, to 327km east of Puerto Rico and 615km south-east of the island of Hispaniola. IRMA is moving west-northwest at 16 mph (26 km/h) and this general situation is expected to continue over the next few days according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).



Some intensity fluctuations are likely over the next two days, but IRMA should remain a strong Category 4 or 5 hurricane over the next two days.



Hurricane force winds extend outwardly up to 50 miles (85 km) from the Center and tropical storm force winds up to 175 miles (280 km).



Hurricane and tropical storm conditions are possible in Haiti at the beginning of Thursday as IRMA moves closer to the north coast of Haiti.



Taking into account the analyzes of the projected trajectory, Haiti should be exposed to the threat of hurricane winds in its northern part and storm force winds elsewhere. According to the UN specialized satellite service, nearly 2.2 million people in Haiti will be in the 90 km / h wind zone and 6.6 million in the 60 km / h wind zone with both stronger gusts.



In addition, heavy stormy rains and a stormy sea with waves that can exceed 4 m, are likely to gradually overwhelm much of the north coast of Haiti to the IRMA crossing.



Accordingly, the Permanent Secretariat of Risk Management (SPGRD) together with the Hydrometeorological Unit Haiti (UHM) triggered on Tuesday 11.30 am the level of pre-alert of vigilance orange (ie moderate to severe impact) \ and announced the activation of the National Risk Management Plan in the face of threats of heavy rain and strong winds with the risk of landslides, strong swells, landslides and floods throughout the country, particularly in the northern regions.



The SPGRD, in conjunction with UHM, formally requests the Haitian population to prepare and stay tuned to the weather reports that will be broadcast throughout the passage of this dangerous system.



Update September 6:

"[...] Irma is likely to hit 5 departments in the Great North , Center, Artibonite, Northeast, North and Northwest, but the whole country is concerned because we can have rain, the risk of flooding, there are many risks of flooding and of major damage as I told you on all the departments of the country. For this reason, the Government of the Republic has decided to trigger the biggest alert level the Red Alert from Wednesday 8 am on the entire territory," declared Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant.



Guidelines:



Stay tuned for weather forecasts ;



Stay tuned for instructions from local authorities ;



Place important papers in a safe place ;



Prepare food kits ;



Prepare to evacuate, areas exposed to floods and landslides: (seashores, gullies, rivers, mountainsides, etc...) ;



Do not cross flooded rivers under any pretext ;



in case of thunderstorms and strong winds, do not shelter near the windows and in wooded area ;



Secure everything that can be carried away by the wind and which is outside the house: garbage, tools, posters, lamps, decorative, bulbs;



Descend any heavy object placed high: antennas, signs...



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22011-haiti-flash-irma-in-category-4-haiti-in-yellow-pre-alert.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21993-haiti-flash-irma-returns-to-category-3.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21983-haiti-flash-hurricane-irma-uncertain-trajectory-the-dpc-is-ready.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Closure of all schools





In anticipation of the passage of Hurricane IRMA of Category 5 on the Saffir-Simpson scale https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22021-haiti-flash-irma-in-category-5-haiti-in-orange-alert.html , the Ministry of National Education informs the general public and educational agents in particular that it has been decided to declare 3 days of leave in public and non-public schools from Wednesday 6 to Friday 8 September 2017.



The Ministry invites departmental directors to make all arrangements for the full application of this provision.



Directors of schools are also invited to make all arrangements for the security of materials and especially the archives of their respective institutions.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22021-haiti-flash-irma-in-category-5-haiti-in-orange-alert.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















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Four people have been arrested in connection to a string of burglaries and other crimes over the past two months in the Lyons area, according to the Linn County Sheriffs Office.

The quartet was responsible for burglaries at three separate properties, one of which was targeted twice. About $35,000 worth of property was stolen, as well as a fully restored 1996 Ford Mustang, valued at $25,000, a news release states.

On Aug. 29, detectives arrested Bradley Lewis Bethell, 22, and Kendallyn Quin Jones, 21, both of Lyons, during a traffic stop. Detectives searched the vehicle and seized dealer amount of methamphetamine, heroin, packaging materials, digital scales, drug paraphernalia and a suspected stolen pistol, according to the news release.

On Tuesday, detectives arrested Kyle Jonathan Stout, 20, and Jeremy Mitchell Crowell, 21, both of Mill City, at a residence in the 600 block of Douglas Street in Mill City.

Stout was arrested on charges of two counts of aggravated first-degree theft, six counts of first-degree theft, first-degree theft by receiving, second-degree theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, first-degree burglary, three counts of second-degree burglary, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and two counts of first-degree trespass.

Crowell was arrested on charges of first-degree aggravated theft, six counts of first-degree theft, first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and first-degree criminal trespass.

Stout and Crowell have not been arraigned.

Bethell was charged in Linn County Circuit Court on Aug. 30 with aggravated first-degree theft, first-degree theft, second-degree theft, first-degree burglary and three counts of third-degree burglary. His bail was set at $50,000 in the case by Judge Philip Nelson, according to Oregons online court database.

In a separate case, Bethell was charged with delivery of methamphetamine and three counts of possession of methamphetamine. His bail was set at $50,000 in that case, as well, according to court paperwork.

Bethell also had his bail set at $15,000 on Aug. 30 in a possession of meth case in which he failed to appear twice.

Jones was charged with first-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, first-degree theft and second-degree theft. Nelson also set her security at $50,000.

Both Bethell and Jones are scheduled for status check hearings on Sept. 11.
Crus Bourgeois du Medoc to unveil official 2015 selection

By Jo Gilbert

Producers from eight Medoc AOCs are gearing up to debut 200 wines from the 2015 vintage at a trade tasting later this month.

The 2015 vintage, which is believed to be one of the best in Bordeaux since the sought-after 2010 vintage, will take centre stage at Crus Bourgeois du Medocs tasting event, scheduled for September 21 at The British Academy.

The tasting is being held just after the official selection of approved wines is announced in France.

Producers from across eight Medoc AOCs Haut-Medoc, Listrac-Medoc, Moulis, Margaux, Saint Julien, Pauillac and Saint Estephe, will attend the event to show their wines, which are priced on average between 15-30 in the UK.

While much of France has been beleaguered by weather troubles this year, President of the Crus Bourgeois du Medoc, Olivier Cuvelier, pointed to ideal weather conditions in 2015.

Weather conditions in 2015 were ideal for ripening the grapes. After a hot, dry July, August was more temperate, with a little rain, enabling the grapes to ripen slowly while also retaining their freshness, he said.

Vice-president Armelle Cruse will be at the London tasting to present the 2015 official selection on September 21, and update visitors on on-going efforts to develop the Cru Bourgeois quality procedure to a five-year classification with hierarchical levels.








Early vintage arrives in the Loire

By Jo Gilbert

The Loire valley is heading full swing into an early harvest, with picking commencing on August 28 in Anjou - around 15 days earlier than in 2016.

Following a nail-biting spring when Europe's flagship wine regions reported extreme weather wreaking havoc on their crops, European producers are now preparing to separate grape from vine.

One such region is the Loire, where the regions official body has reported an earlier than expected harvest for 2017.

Frost did affect vines back in April when much of France, Spain and Italy suffered widespread bud damage.

Yields in France are expected to be especially reduced, in some places up to 20% with authorities warning that the harvest could be the smallest in seven decades.

However, InterLoire estimates that volumes in the region in 2017 will exceed those of 2016 and reach the five-year average of 2 million hl.

Sunny days and fresh nights at the end of August were exactly what was needed to offset the regions weather woes said Claire Duchene, the association's director, and have helped to produce high quality fruit.

Harvesting began in Anjou-Saumur on August 28 for the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes which will be used in the production of Cremant de Loire, Anjou and sparkling Saumur.

On September 1, harvest followed in Muscadet and in Touraine for Cremant.

The first Sauvignon grapes were harvested in Touraine on September 5.

Chenin and Cabernet franc harvests are expected to begin between 10-15 September.












An Albany man was killed in a near-head-on crash on Old Salem Road in Millersburg at about 11:11 a.m. Tuesday.

Grant Thomas Hromas was 50.

Hromas was driving a 1978 Chevrolet El Camino that left the southbound lane of travel and crossed completely into the northbound lane near Kathryn Avenue. The El Camino and a 2013 Hyundia Elantra crashed nearly head-on, according to a Linn County Sheriffs Office news release.

The driver of the Hyundai, Gayle Dean Hess, 83, sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to Samaritan Albany General Hospital by the Albany Fire Department.

Authorities are unsure what caused Hromas to leave his lane of travel. There are no indications of drug or alcohol use at this time.

Hromas, however, was not wearing his seatbelt.

This was the second fatal crash in less than 24 hours in the Millersburg area for the Linn County Sheriff's Office, and in both instances, the driver that died was not wearing a seatbelt.

On Monday afternoon, a Jefferson man was killed in a single vehicle rollover crash on Century Drive, just across Interstate 5 from Millersburg.

The Albany Police Department, the Linn County Road Department and the Oregon Department of Transportation also assisted in the response to Tuesdays crash.

The wreck remains under investigation by authorities.
expressly prohibiting employers from unreasonably requiring employees to make payments (ie cash-back arrangements)

strengthening the evidence gathering powers of the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) to ensure that the exploitation of vulnerable workers can be properly investigated and

Introducing stronger provisions to make franchisors and holding companies responsible for breaches of the Fair Work Act in certain circumstances where they are culpable for the breaches.

The strengthened penalties contained in this Bill will act as a significant deterrent to unlawful practices. They will also ensure that the small minority of unscrupulous operators think twice before ripping off workers, said Cash.



The FWOs new powers and the franchising provisions will be vital in tackling worker exploitation, in important cases like that of 7-Eleven.



The legislation also means the onus of proof has shifted - employers will be forced to prove they pay their staff correctly if they are investigated for underpayments.



Senior Employment Relations Adviser for Employsure Harry Hilliar said if an employer does not keep or provide correct payslips or accurate employee records and an employee makes an underpayment claim, the onus is on the employer to prove they have paid the employee correctly.



Failure to keep compliant records may incur newly increased fines in addition to exposing a business to significant back payments, said Hilliar.



Moreover, the legislation means that franchisors will be held responsible for underpayments by their franchisees where they knew or should have reasonably known of the contraventions and failed to act to prevent the practices.



This will apply where a franchisor has a degree of influence or control over their business networks.



The Bill was passed with amendments from Labour but still gives the Fair Work Ombudsman questioning powers specifically for investigations into underpayments and exploitation with proper oversight, said Hilliar.



We are interested to see how this plays out for employers and what is defined as proper oversight.



This Bill emphasises the importance that all employers take responsibility for their obligations under the Fair Work Act and for the impact of the economic decisions that they make.


Jan. 12, 1944  Aug. 30, 2017

Grace Mary Miller, 73, of Lebanon passed away surrounded by family members on Aug. 30, 2017 in Lebanon from multiple health issues including adenocarcinoma (a type of cancer).

Grace was born in Lebanon on Jan. 12, 1944, to Ray and Era Cooper. She was the youngest sister to Loretta Dixon and Ray Cooper, Jr. both of Sweet Home.

She resided in Sweet Home until she married David James Miller, Sr. on Jan. 4, 1961, who was enlisted in the United States Air Force in England. While residing in England, they welcomed their first two children, Kathy Perkins of Albany and David Miller, Jr. of Depoe Bay. After his service in England, they moved back to the states where he received an honorable discharge. After returning to Oregon, they welcomed three more children, Kay Anderson of Lebanon, Kim Burbach of Lebanon and Karen Tallman of Milwaukie.

Grace worked as a school bus driver, grocery clerk and store manager in the Astoria area. She received her GED and later her CNA certificate from LBCC. Over the years, she was a home caregiver.

In 1981, her husband was ordained as a Minister of Christ. She supported her husband in his ordination while she herself worked in the ministry as a Christian School Aide, volunteering, womens ministry, childrens ministry as well as many other ministries. While in ministry, they moved to various churches. In Oregon, they ministered in Sweet Home, Albany, Siletz and filled in at many other cities. From 1984 to 1988, they lived in the Reno, Nevada area. They spent one year in Yakima, Washington before returning to Albany where David passed away in 1989 at the age of 48. She was later married to Harold Westbrook from 1993 to 2016.

Over the years, she had a great love for her family and countless others that she considered to be family. Her and her husband Dave enjoyed opening their home to friends, family and church members. She enjoyed playing games, embroidering, sewing, knitting sweaters for family, latch-hook, Trichem painting, baking, talking on the phone, writing letters, taking yearly coast trips with her family and garage sales. She was a collector of all things. She showed her love of the Lord through fellowship, prayers, meals, cards and words of encouragement. She was a servant to all and loved to help others.

Grace is survived by her brother and sister; five children; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; as well as many stepchildren and step grandchildren. She was also referred to as grandma by many other people as she had a great love for everyone. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Highway 20 Church of Christ in Sweet Home.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. (www.sweethomefuneral.com)
TWENTY years after Princess Dianas death, a woman from Shiplake has fulfilled her desire to travel to London and pay her respects.

Sharon Irons, of Crowsley Road, couldnt visit the capital when the tragic news broke on August 31, 1997 as she was on holiday in America.

She returned to the UK with her family on September 6, the day of Dianas funeral at Westminster Abbey, but didnt go as she was recovering from jet lag.

However, on Thursday last week she was one of thousands of admirers who flocked to the gates of Kensington Palace, the princesss former residence, to lay flowers in her memory and mark the anniversary.

Mrs Irons, a mother-of-two who lives with her husband Christopher, travelled by train to London, where she bought a bouquet of white lilies as they were one of the princesss favourite flowers.

After laying down the bouquet, she spent some time reflecting and talking to other visitors.

Mrs Irons said: Im a big fan of Princess Diana, having been brought up in South Africa, where we dont have any royals. She was quite a phenomenon and someone a lot of people could really relate to.

I wanted to take a short trip up to London as I wasnt able to when it happened. There were only a couple of hundred people when I arrived but I understand it became a lot busier later in the day.

There were people from around the world who were crying and images of Diana were everywhere. Some had been there since the early hours of the morning and theyd brought flags, posters and even a cake with her face on it. I didnt stay too long as I didnt want to take up space for other people.

On the day she died we were at Walt Disney World in Florida and whenever people heard our accents they told us they were sorry for our loss, as if wed known her personally.

Shes still incredibly popular  whenever a magazine features her, it always sells out. In the 20 years since her death, I dont think theres been anyone as warm or sincere in the public eye. Although she was a member of the royal family, she always expressed herself openly and I admired her enormously for that.

One person who did attend the vigil outside Westminster Abbey on the day of the funeral was Henley town councillor David Eggleton, who walked all the way there.

He set off at dawn and followed a 39-mile route to Beaconsfield, then along the A40 into the capital via Gerrards Cross and Uxbridge before finally arriving in the early evening. Mr Eggleton, of Gainsborough Road, had printed 15 posters in the style of the queen of hearts playing card which bore a message of condolence from the people of Henley.

He attached them to trees and railings around the abbey.

He stayed up all night chatting with fellow mourners, many of whom he remains in touch with, then caught a train home the following morning.

Mr Eggleton said: I walked for the challenge and as a sign of my respect because anyone could take the train.

I was pretty tired by the end of it but I met a lovely group of people and it was an uplifting event.

I was watching the coverage of the 20th anniversatry tributes last week and it brought back a lot of fond memories.

The crowds were unbelievably big but there was a respectful atmosphere. Its remarkable that so many people turned up and there wasnt any trouble at all.

People were won over by the way Diana helped so many people. She didnt need to in her position but she chose to get involved in important causes and I think people really respected that.
FORMER Olympic skier Graham Bell is taking part in the first leg of a round the world sailing race.

The TV presenter, who lives in New Street, Henley, is part of a British crew that is competing in the 11th annual Clipper Round the World event, which set off from Liverpool on August 20.

Bell is on board a 70ft ocean racing yacht for the longest stage of the voyage, which should arrive in Punta del Este, Uruguay, by September 22.

He and his crewmates aim to sail 6,400 nautical miles across the Atlantic, competing against 11 identical yachts.

Earlier this week, the crews were passing the west coast of Africa and Bells boat was in second place behind the Chinese crew Qingdao.

In a diary entry on Sunday, as his crew prepared to enter the doldrums off the African coast, Bell said: Its still a long way to Punta del Este but we are going strong.

Yes, the doldrums are going to be frustrating and we will all start to suffer from the lack of fresh food, but spirits are high and we are all up for the challenge.

The 51-year-old, who skied for Britain in five Winter Olympics between 1984 and 1998, underwent training to prepare for the challenge.

He said: The training was a big learning curve. You have a lot of information to take on but when we reached the fourth level with the introduction of competition it really changed things around for me.

It has been a very long time since I represented my country and I feel very proud to have the opportunity again.

Bell said he had looked forward to departing from Liverpool as his parents and grandparents lived there while his great-grandfather was captain of a tea clipper that was harboured in the city.

Updates will be posted at clipperroundtheworld.com
A court in Rio de Janeiro has set a date in November for the trial of former Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) president Pat Hickey.

The trial will begin on November 29, nearly a full year after he left Brazil.

He faces a series of charges, including ticket-touting.

Mr Hickey had been forced to remain in Brazil on his release from prison after his arrest during last year's Olympic Games.

Mr Hickey was given permission to return to Ireland last Christmas, citing medical grounds, and on payment of a bond of R$1.5m (400,000) to the courts.

Prosecutor Marcos Kac said last week that if Mr Hickey did not return to Brazil for the trial, his bond would be retained locally.

Mr Hickey's legal team had suggested he may testify by video-link, at the discretion of the judge. Judge Guilherme Schilling Duarte published a statement on the Rio de Janeiro courts systems in recent days to set the date.

Innocent

He stated that only Mr Hickey and a co-accused, Kevin Mallon, have responded to criminal accusations relating to the ticket-touting controversy so far.

Both have declared they are innocent of charges against them.

A Brazilian woman, Barbara Carnieri, arrested alongside Mr Mallon, has not responded to the charges. Other defendants listed in the Hickey case have been summoned "por edital" (by publication), in a separ- ate and ongoing criminal process.

In his written statement, the judge said the respective defence teams of Mr Hickey and Mr Mallon had "confused themselves" with the material substance of the case.

Both defence teams argued that no crime was committed by their clients, and cited a lack of evidence to the contrary.

The judge said that, while the arguments of legal teams "will be resolved during the course of the instruction", there is just cause to proceed with the criminal trial.

A hearing of "instruction and judgment" was set for November 29.
A man has been accused of repeatedly snatching cash from shop tills after pretending to be a customer.

Derek Shevlin (24) got staff to open tills after asking to pay for bottles of Lucozade and other items five times in the space of a week, it is alleged.

A court was told he then grabbed money while they were "distracted" and ran off.

Plea

Judge Brian O'Shea adjourned the case at Dublin District Court.

Mr Shevlin, of Castletimon Road, Coolock, is charged with five counts of theft.

He has not yet entered a plea to any of the charges.

The court heard it was all- eged that he went to Star Buys in Coolock on June 3 and reached into a cash register while a bottle was being scanned, stealing 160.

On June 4, he allegedly stole 65 from the till at Iceland in Coolock, after handing the shop assistant a bottle of Lucozade.

At Eurospar on Malahide Road, he is accused of taking 160 from the till on June 5 after handing over an item to scan.

On June 7, he took 150 from the cash register at Spar, Applewood, Swords, after asking for change, it is alleged.

He also allegedly went to Spar, Kinsealy, the next day and took 360 while the till was open after he handed over a bottle of Lucozade.

Judge O'Shea said the alleged thefts all involved "a similar MO, going to the till area, causing a distraction and taking money".

The court heard it was not alleged that any force or viol- ence was used.

Judge O'Shea accepted jurisdiction to deal with the case at district court level.

CCTV

Defence solicitor Colleen Gildernew asked for any CCTV evidence to be disclosed.

Judge O'Shea said he would make a general disclosure order and adjourned the case to a date next month.

He also granted free legal aid after Ms Gildernew handed a statement of Mr Shevlin's financial means in to court.

There was no garda objection to legal aid.

The defendant was remanded on continuing bail.
'In her statement, the victim said she was being treated for anxiety and depression and had to leave her old job.' (stock photo)

A man "rained blows" on his girlfriend and tried to strangle her when she returned home after a night out with friends.

Patrick Apitz (38) subjected her to such a "savage attack" that she was unable to sleep properly for six months, a court was told.

After the attack, the couple - who worked together - split up, but Apitz repeatedly tried to contact the woman.

German-born Apitz, who at the time of the attack lived in Rafter's Road, Drimnagh, admitted assaulting the woman, causing her harm, on August 13 last year.

Dublin District Court heard that when the victim returned home, Apitz pushed her to the floor a number of times.

He also attempted to strangle her.

She suffered visible bruising and a black eye. Judge Anthony Halpin, who was shown photos of the injuries, said they were "very nasty".

Depression

In her statement, the victim said she was being treated for anxiety and depression and had to leave her old job.

She also had to change her phone number because the accused continued to try to contact her, she said.

Apitz, who had no previous convictions, came to Ireland to work in customer services with a delivery firm, which is where he met the victim.

On the night of the attack, they had an argument and went out separately.

Tensions were running high when the victim returned, and Apitz had been taking unprescribed medication, said his lawyer.

He had "no real intention of causing her harm".

However, Judge Halpin said: "There was a rain of blows here. This young lady was savagely attacked by this person."

Judge Halpin ordered Apitz to pay 5,000 and said he would consider leaving him without a criminal record.

The case was adjourned.
Riders pub antics were no more than horseplay, one listener told Adrian Kennedy on Dublin Talks

This is the moment a horse walks into a Dublin bar - and doesn't order a drink.

These unbelievable images show a man riding the horse through a north Dublin bar, much to the delight of the punters.

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The video - which has gone viral since appearing online yesterday - shows the horse being ridden through the Cabra House Pub in Dublin.

Cheering

Filmed on Saturday night, it shows locals cheering as the man and his mount make their way through the bar.

On yesterday morning's Dublin Talks on 98FM, John Carmody, of the Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN), voiced his anger.

He told host Adrian Kennedy: "This is no laughing matter. It was mortifying, embarrassing and downright disrespectful to that poor creature.

"For the most part, anyone that has a horse in those communities says they love their horse. This has gone beyond a joke."

However, many callers were quick to say they had no issue with the video.

One man said he knew the owner and claimed the horse had won a race earlier that day in Co Meath.

"He is always looking after that horse. There is no cruelty there," he said.

If you are the jockey riding the horse in the Cabra House Pub, please contact the Herald news desk on (01)755720.
Depaul Ireland is calling for increased support for single men and women who find themselves without a home.

The homeless charity said a growing number of singletons are coming through its doors looking for help.

It comes as Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy declined for the second time in two days to appear at an event to discuss the housing and homeless crisis.

Depaul Ireland boss Kerry Anthony said she would have liked the minister to have attended the launch yesterday of the charity's annual report at its emergency hostel in Little Britain Street

Dummit

She said he had been invited two weeks ago. "We would very much have loved minister Murphy to have attended," she said.

"We would have liked him to have seen Little Britain Street and to hear what we have to say."

She said the minister has a busy week ahead, with the housing summit planned for Friday.

Mr Murphy angered members of Dublin City Council on Monday, when he did not turn up to discuss the housing crisis at the council's monthly meeting, despite an invitation to do so.

Cllr Christy Burke said the minister was showing "contempt" for the council.

Responding to the anger, a statement from the minister said an invitation was extended through Fine Gael councillor Paddy McCartan.

It said the minister had no problem with meeting the council and was prepared to do so. However, it also said the actions at the council were "using a crisis for political purposes".

The Depaul report said the charity supported 3,620 people at risk of homelessness last year and opened the 65-bed hostel in Little Britain Street.

It said that single men and women were the largest cohort of homeless people using the organisation's services.

Ms Anthony said single people coming into homelessness were not getting enough support.

Dead

"The largest cohort of people we work with are single people. We know that there is an increasing number of emergency beds, we know that people are rough sleeping and we know that they are primarily single people," she said.

"We have to do more for single people."

Addressing the launch, Ms Anthony spoke abut the homeless people who died in recent days, including Danielle Carroll (27), Jack Watson, who was in his 50s, and Jennifer Dennehy, who was in her 30s.
Did you hear the one about Jeff Sessions?

I'd like to tell you, but I can't. You see, it's illegal to laugh at the attorney general, the man who on Tuesday morning announced that the 800,000 "dreamers"  immigrants brought here illegally as children  could soon be deported. If you were to find my Sessions jest funny, I would be an accessory to mirth.

This is no joke, because liberal activist Desiree Fairooz is now being put on trial a second time by the Justice Department  Jeff Sessions's Justice Department  because she laughed at Sessions during his confirmation hearing. Specifically, she laughed at a line about Sessions "treating all Americans equally under the law" (which is, objectively, kind of funny).

Police asked her to leave the hearing because of her laugh. She protested and was charged. In May, a jury of her peers found her guilty of disorderly conduct and another offense ("first-degree chuckling with intent to titter" was Stephen Colbert's verdict at the time). The judge threw out the verdict, objecting to prosecutors' closing argument claiming that laughter alone was enough to convict her.

But at a hearing Friday, the Justice Department said it would continue to prosecute her. A new trial is scheduled for November. Maybe Sessions, repeatedly and publicly criticized by Trump, thinks Justice's anti-laughing crackdown will protect whatever dignity he has left.

If Justice Department prosecutors are determined to go after those who laugh at Sessions, they are going to need an awfully big dragnet. Sessions' mannerisms, the things he says and the way he says them dare you to laugh. It's practically entrapment!

Sessions is a wiry man whose eyebrows soar and eyes bug out when he speaks. He often pecks his head forward, like a pigeon. His Alabama twang causes snobbish elites from outside the Deep South to snigger (thereby risking 30 days in prison). And some of what he says is so absurd the comedy must be deliberate.

At Tuesday's announcement about the DACA program, Sessions explained that the protections would be rescinded after a delay (of six months) "to create a time period for Congress to act" on the dreamers. Congress acting on immigration in six months? Hilarious! You could give Congress six months to affirm that there are 13 stripes in the American flag, and Ted Cruz and the Freedom Caucus would insist on an amendment reducing the stripes to 11 to reduce the size of government. Nothing would pass.

Likewise, how do Trump and Sessions suppose they are going to deport 800,000 dreamers, many of whom have no memory of the lands they were brought from as children? Cull them in a big game of DACA, DACA, goose? Sorry, that wasn't funny. Please don't laugh, for your own protection.

I went to the Justice Department on Tuesday to watch the Sessions announcement, and it took strength not to commit misdemeanor mirth. Sessions had no fewer than five bodyguards  earpieces, lapel pins and menacing looks  to protect him from the credentialed press corps, more than the president uses in similar settings. He put his reading glasses on the tip of his nose, pecked his way through his written statement, mispronouncing various words, and turned to go.

NBC's Kristen Welker and Politico's Josh Gerstein shouted questions. Sessions didn't answer, instead giving an awkward wave to the cameras and hastily deporting himself from the room.

It was darkly funny that Sessions thought he could banish 800,000 people, Americans in all ways but on paper, and then refuse to answer questions  just as it's funny that he thinks people who laugh at him should be prosecuted.

If the attorney general is going to continue doing laughable things and the Justice Department is going to keep making laughing at him a crime, we are going to need some new guidelines about which laughter is illegal (Fairooz claims her offense was "involuntary," "reflexive" and at most a "chortle of disdain," while others have described it as "two snorts" and a "giggle") and a schedule of penalties.

A misdemeanor chuckle at the attorney general's expense, for example, could be punished with up to 30 days in prison for first-time offenders. An aggravated guffaw would get you a year, and if you were to confront Sessions with a premeditated ROFLMAO, you'd be looking at 10 years, some of that in solitary listening to Sessions's old Senate speeches.

Of course, Sessions, as the victim of the crime, must recuse himself, and a special prosecutor for laughter must be appointed. I suggest James Comey, just for giggles.
Assuming the charges are true, a certain 15-year-old from Vancouver, Washington, is about to get a crash course in how much it costs to fight a wildfire.

Oregon State Police say the boy, who was not identified, is a suspect in starting a fire by the Eagle Creek Trail along the Columbia River Gorge. Authorities said the boy and his friends were using fireworks. We're heard reports that there's video of the incident; but seeing how it supposedly involves teenage boys doing something stupid, we'd be astonished if there wasn't video.

So this Eagle Creek fire blew up virtually overnight into a blaze that forced hundreds of home evacuations and scattered ashes throughout the region. The fire closed a 30-mile stretch of Interstate 84 because of thick smoke and falling ash and because the fire was burning next to the freeway in some spots.

You might think that, well, the interstate probably would make for a pretty solid fire break, but think again: This is a fire that jumped the Columbia River and started wildfires burning on the Washington state side of the gorge. (Well, to be perfectly accurate, embers from the fire drifted across the river and started fires on the other side, but that's still impressive.)

In short, this juvenile may have an interesting response when the school assignment comes to write an essay about what he did this summer.

We assume that you are not planning to head into our bone-dry forests anytime soon to set off Roman candles. But as we head into the last few weeks of what has been yet another brutal season for wildfires in Oregon and the West, this reminder is still worth keeping in mind: The condition of our forests is such that there is no margin for error whatsoever with fire.

Most of the biggest fires in Oregon this year have been sparked by lightning strikes, with a pair of notable exceptions. So forecasts this week that include the possibility of lightning storms have firefighters hoping that the storms bring rain as well.

But if you dig a little deeper into the numbers so that they include some of the smaller fires that have been burning this year on land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, a different story emerges.

Thus far this year, the department has tracked 819 such fires. Of that total, 610 of them  roughly three-quarters  have been caused by humans.

Now, these fires tracked by the state tend to be smaller. In fact, the average size of these state fires is just under 6 acres. The state's largest fires are considerably bigger: The Eagle Creek fire along the gorge is about 10,000 acres (and officials say it won't be contained until the end of the month). The state's biggest blaze, the massive Chetco Bar fire, clocks in at more than 167,000 acres. (For purposes of comparison, the city of Albany covers a bit more than 11,000 acres inside its city limits; the city of Corvallis has about 9,000 acres.)

The point here is that each of those massive fires started as a tiny spark. And the majority of all of Oregon's fires started from some sort of careless human action. It doesn't have to be something as blatant and foolish as tossing fireworks into tinder-dry brush. It can be something as simple as sparks being created when a lawnmower blade hits a rock or allowing your vehicle to idle in a field of dry grass.

And being extra careful when outdoors isn't just the right thing to do; it's fiscally prudent as well. If you're responsible for starting a fire, you may be held liable for the costs of fighting that fire. And that's not cheap, as a certain teenager from Washington may be just about to find out. (mm)
GREENEVILLE, Tenn.  Pauline Petsel sees things in pictures.

And its not just what shes looking for, necessarily, through her camera lens.

Stuff just seems to show up in her images.

Like a ghostly image or an Indian dancer or the face of Jesus Christ.

Down in Greeneville, Tennessee, where Petsel lives, this artists minister once asked, Did you ever have your camera checked?

And, to that, Petsel chuckled.

It doesnt make any difference, she said, because I can use different cameras.

Same thing: weird stuff.

They are all little, tiny things.

Like lights in the sky.

While at a craft show, Petsel pointed to one of her shots, dubbed Night Lights over Greeneville.

And just what are those night lights?

UFOs up in the sky, Petsel said, matter-of-factly.

And not only do I get stuff showing up in the camera, Petsel said, showing off her photographs while on the campus of Tusculum College in Tennessee.

Sometimes, she said, she just seems to notice things.

Petsel, 75, pointed to her blown-up photo of Viking Mountain in Greene County, Tennessee. The snow falls in the same place all the time  every time it snows, she said. Weve been watching it for 11 years.

Then, one day, Petsel shot that snow on Viking Mountain with her Nikon 35mm camera.

And she came home with a rather inspiring image.

Theres Jesus and His disciples, Petsel said with a smile.

Whoa!

Look hard enough, and, yes. That just might be the image of Jesus Christs face.

In the snow.

Petsels husband of 55 years, Carl Petsel, says his wife has always had strange figures show up in her photos  even years ago.

Born in Iowa, Pauline Petsel moved to Greeneville after living in St. Petersburg, Florida.

In 2016, Petsel released FOILED, a book about some pieces of foil that she photographed in either late 2001 or early 2002. When developed, those photos, appeared to give clues to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, she said  with representations of 9/11 images.

In addition to FOLIED, Petsel has also written a book called Sparks: My Childhood Memories. Her first book was 1970s Teach Your Tot to Swim, a nationally distributed project.

More recently, Petsel worked with editor Victoria Fletcher of Damascus, Virginia, to put together a new book on ghosts.

The spiritual world clearly inspires Petsel as she shares her art and asks readers and viewers to make up their own minds  just like she did after once taking a photo of a tree at Sinking Spring Cemetery in Abingdon, Virginia.

For that, Petsel used her telephoto lens.

Initially, Petsel feared she would get too close to the tree, saying she thought she had seen a snake.

Well, there wasnt.

But what showed up in her photograph?

Look at all the faces  in the tree, Persel said, smiling.

Thats Halloween itself.
Separating a newborn from a mother is no small matter, but when it comes to babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome, state agencies sometimes make that choice for the childs safety.

Tennessees Department of Childrens Services and Virginias Department of Social Services must determine whether drug-exposed babies should go home with their mother or a relative  or if they should be taken into state custody. In most cases, both agencies prefer that the babies stay with their mothers, and the agencies work closely to try and make that happen.

Bristol Virginia Department of Social Services Supervisor Jeff Justice said even when DSS works with a mother, some situations warrant taking the baby straight from the hospital into state custody.

We will remove a baby from the hospital if necessary, Justice said. If the babys withdrawals are bad, its medical needs are high and [the symptoms] are going to require care that the mom cant give them because of her drug use, [then] the baby cant go home with her. It all comes down to protecting the baby.

Both states operate under similar guidelines regarding whether children are removed from a home and how the agencies get involved.

DCS and DSS are contacted by a hospital when a drug-exposed infant is born. After the initial call, the agencies have 24 hours to make contact with the mother, speak with family members about her drug use and make referrals to drug treatment providers.

Amy Coble, state director of investigations with the Tennessee Office of Child Safety in Nashville, said some people mistakenly believe DCS doesnt get involved when a mother is on pain medication or opiods prescribed through a pain clinic.

As with any case that comes in through the child abuse hotline that is considered appropriate for assignment to a DCS worker, one of the first things we do is a safety assessment, she said. We assess families [and] the childrens level of safety, and [we do] a risk assessment to determine ongoing risk to a child. So just because someone is on prescription medication does not mean we automatically step away. We still have to be in a position to make an assessment concerning safety and ongoing risks for the baby.

Virginia also requires that all reports of a drug-exposed infant be investigated, according to Justice.

The bottom line is, whether or not someone is using a prescription or illicit drugs, if their drug use incapacitates them to the point of not being able to care for their child, we become involved, he said. That might be a surprise to some, but thats the way it is.

In both states, investigations must be completed before any decision can be made about custody.

According to Justice, DSS makes sure the baby has its own bed.

Where the baby sleeps is important, he said. If a baby shares a bed with a mother who is using drugs, she could roll over on her baby and not be aware that shes done so  which increases the incidence of the baby suffocating. Because there is likelihood that the baby will be injured, the baby can be removed.

If its determined that a parent is not able to provide care, the agencies try to place the baby with a relative.

Travis Bishop, DCS Knox Region supervisor for drug-exposed infants, said they have had cases where the baby was placed with the father who was unaware of the mothers drug addiction.

In those cases, the fathers have stepped up, and we were able to use them as a support to assist the mothers in their drug treatment, Bishop said. In those types of situations, we put restraining orders in place [against the mother] to keep the baby safe and hopefully reunite the family when and if it is appropriate.

Justice said his agency also tries to place the child with a family member before turning to foster care.

Neither of those scenarios is taken lightly, he added.

Once a baby is removed from a home in Virginia, the state has three days to go before a judge to have the removal upheld.

We have to go to the clerks office and get before a judge within 72 hours with an affidavit of why the child was removed, Justice said. If the judge agrees with the removal, DSS is issued a court order of custody. If we dont get that court order within the allotted time, the baby goes back to their mother.

Kim Garland, regional investigations director for the Grand East Region with the Office of Child Safety, said the decision to remove an infant is made by a team of people and not in a vacuum.

Placing a drug-exposed infant is different than finding a home for a child with no medical issues, she said. The people who care for the infant have to work with the hospital about the babys specific medical needs. So we consult DCS attorneys and oftentimes child investigators before the decision is made.

Once the court order to remove a child from a Virginia home is obtained, the mother has 10 months in which to get her child back. If she doesnt take the necessary steps to regain custody, the courts can terminate her rights and place the child up for adoption, according to Justice.

The plan for her to regain custody can include that the mom will get into a treatment program, have random drug tests, take parenting classes and report to the court system, Justice said. Moms have a lot of help and oversight from DSS to help them through the process. But if they dont begin working on what they need to do immediately, its difficult for them to regain custody.

In a lot of cases, Justice said the mother appeals the decision to terminate her parental rights, which can stall the adoption process by a year or more.

If the mother regains custody, DSS inspects the home and makes sure that the mother has the skills to take care of her baby.

Garland said DCS can be involved with a family for quite some time.

We have the option to transfer the case over for long-term case management and follow the family if needed, she said. So the amount of time we are involved depends on the type of treatment the family needs. We also would not close the case unless we knew there was strong evidence that the child would continue to be safe through a home study.

DCS also recognizes the need to have a better understanding of cases involving NAS babies, so the agency established a pilot program to help its employees.

The program involves a doctor talking to the staff about the addiction cycle, how the cycle affects the brains of our clients, how it affects the quality of family life, how relapse occurs and how to prepare for that and handle that as an agency, Coble said. Some of our staff have never been affected by addiction issues and some have  our new training gives them all a better understanding of what to expect when dealing with addiction and how they can better engage that family.

The agency is also working with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and local hospitals.

In most cases involving a drug-exposed infant, the mothers drug use is just a symptom of other issues, according to Coble.

There can be mental health problems or domestic abuse going on in a home, she said. So we are trying to make sure our staff has everything they need to deal with NAS. Were just rolling this out, and it looks a little different than what we had before. But when its in place, our hope is [that] we can better meet the needs of the families and the treatment that they need.
ABINGDON, Va.  Washington County Independent Neighbors [WIN] voted to endorse three newcomer candidates in the Washington County Board of Supervisors election in November.

The citizens group voted Aug. 31 to endorse Dwayne Ball, who is seeking the Wilson District seat, Joel Harte, Jefferson District, and Mike Rush, Taylor District, for the upcoming election. Those three seats are up for grabs.

Were really excited with the quality of candidates, Ernie Braganza, steering committee chairman, said Tuesday.

Approximately 85 WIN members met at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center to hear the results of the candidate interviews conducted by the citizen group. Four of the six candidates agreed to be interviewed.

Randy Pennington, current Board of Supervisors chairman, was the fourth candidate to agree to be interviewed by WIN members.

WIN formed in the spring of 2015 when the group endorsed three candidates for the Board of Supervisors and all three won. The group endorsed Allison Mays, Saul Hernandez and Philip McCall.

Its up to each newly endorsed candidate on how they want to use WINs resources, which isnt money, Braganza said. WIN members will make phone calls and knock on doors on behalf of the endorsed candidates, he added.

The WIN membership is energized and ready to get out there and to help the county move forward with great leadership on the Board of Supervisors, Braganza said.
ABINGDON, Va.  Virginias judicial review commission must comply with a federal subpoena and provide documents to U.S. Attorneys prosecuting the case against Judge Kurt Pomrenke, a judge ordered Tuesday.

U.S. District Judge James P. Jones denied a motion by the Virginia Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission for a stay and rejected the commissions effort to overturn an Aug. 31 decision by Magistrate Judge Pamela Meade Sargent regarding those documents.

Last week, Sargent rejected motions to quash the subpoenas and directed the commission to provide all documents submitted by Pomrenke to determine what, if any, evidence from his wifes 2016 trial was included. Prosecutors allege that would violate a 2015 court order about not sharing that evidence.

The state commission is fighting to keep secret documents it received from Pomrenke as part of its investigation into his conduct.

Pomrenke, a district juvenile and domestic relations court judge from Bristol, is scheduled for a federal bench trial next week on a contempt charge.

In Jones order, he reaffirmed Judge Sargents decision not to quash subpoenas for records in the Pomrenke case and that a custodian of the commissions records must appear at Pomrenkes trial to verify the veracity of any documents.

The facts before the magistrate judge were uncontested and the objections filed on behalf of Judge Pomrenke and the JIRC dispute only her interpretation of the applicable law, Jones wrote. After careful consideration of the matter, I find that her decision was not contrary to law. Accordingly, the objections to the magistrate judges order filed by the defendant and the JIRC are denied.

Jones further ordered the commission must forthwith produce the subject documents to the clerk of this court, where they will be filed under seal, to be available for review by counsel in this case.

Assistant Attorney General Sheri Kelly argued both in court and in objections filed with the court that the commission is only trying to protect the confidentiality and privilege of the records of its judicial misconduct investigation.

The JIRC launched an investigation into Pomrenke in March 2016 after information surfaced that he sent a note to a potential witness months before his wife Stacey Pomrenkes criminal trial and left a phone message with another potential witness, days before that trial started.

In July, the commission filed a formal complaint against Judge Pomrenke based on those actions, which it says violated state canons of judicial conduct. Included in the commissions documentation is a letter from Pomrenke that describes an email that was evidence from his wifes trial and a copy of that email.

Judge Pomrenkes trial is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 13 in U.S. District Court in Abingdon. The Virginia Supreme Court is expected to review the JIRC complaint against him in late October or early November.
Oh, those pesky North Koreans! They just don't understand who the military rulers of the world really are! They had the mistaken notion that when the Japanese occupation was ended by the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II, they would return to being an independent nation as before. What with China just coming to power in Asia, and the North American empire having no other military base on the mainline of Asia in that neighborhood, well, what was the empire to do? Hold on to Korea. And that's what the Korean War was and is about.
Dont let a pregnancy ruin your drug habit, one slogan boldly reads on a flyer created by Barbara Harris. Another states, She has her daddys eyes and her mommys heroin addiction.

Harris, who lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, founded Project Prevention in hopes of stopping unplanned pregnancies and neonatal abstinence syndrome  by paying women to take birth control pills.

Project Prevention is a nonprofit organization founded 20 years ago by Harris and her husband. She gives women and men $300 if they agree to use a long-term form of birth control.

Many people have told me over the years that these drug addicts are just going to spend the money on more drugs. Thats their own choice, but they wont get pregnant, Harris said. These newborn babies dont have a choice when theyre born addicted to drugs.

Harris said she made it her mission to get women on birth control after she and her husband fostered and adopted four children who were born addicted.

I had never given a thought to the fact that female addicts are having babies and subjecting babies to drugs, Harris said. That never entered my mind until we became foster parents.

Motivated by the struggles of those four children, Harris contacted a law professor to find out whether she could legally offer cash to addicts, and she never looked back.

In the very beginning, I had $400 that was donated to me by a childrens court attorney, Harris said. Whos not motivated by money? You dont have to be an addict to be motivated.

After contacting the organization, prospective participants are required to submit official letters confirming they have a drug problem or arrest records. Women who opt for a surgical implant receive $100 when the device is inserted, another $100 after six months, and again after one year if the device is still in use. Others opt for birth control pills.

Harris said a lot has changed since she launched the effort more than two decades ago. To date, she has paid more than 7,000 people, mostly women, to get on a form of birth control.

She depends on donations, but Harris also advertises by driving a 30-foot motor home across the country, plastered with photos of an infant, a razor blade, a line of crack and a pacifier, along with the message, Some things just dont belong together.

I have traveled to Virginia and Tennessee but have also gone to bigger cities in Oregon and California, Harris said. NAS and drug addiction is affecting everyone, not just drug addicts.

Prevention is one of the best ways to stop NAS, she said.

If a drug-addicted woman doesnt conceive a child, then you dont have to have all these programs and costs of worrying about withdrawing a baby, Harris said. I feel like what Im doing is the answer to neonatal abstinence syndrome. Everyone always complains that women have these babies and [about] the damages that are done. Complaining doesnt solve anything.

Complaining isnt solving the problem in the Mountain Empire either  instead, health departments like the one in Sullivan County are becoming proactive.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome is a preventable condition with contraception, said Dr. Stephen May, the departments medical director. This is a major strategic objective for our state health department, but also here locally in Sullivan County.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, five to nine women out of every 100 who use birth control each year become pregnant.

If a woman comes to us and says that she is on opioids or in a pain clinic, we consider that a medical emergency, and we will work to get them into our office that day and on birth control, May said.

More than 90 percent of women in Tennessees county jails are there because of drug use, according to Tennessees drug recovery court, which works to help addicted offenders.

Northeast Tennessee has become the epicenter of NAS, according to the state health department, which started a pilot program three years ago in the jails in Cocke and Sevier counties that offers female inmates the option of long-acting, reversible birth control or an intrauterine device [IUD]. The program has since expanded to 41 jails across the state, with the closest to the Mountain Empire being Sevier County, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.

The Sullivan County Health Department now has a neonatal abstinence nurse educator who works with the judicial system and pain clinics to ensure these women and men have long, active contraception, May said.

In Virginia, under a new law that went into effect July 1, women can now get a full years supply of birth control covered by their insurance. Previously, Virginians could only receive a three-month supply at one time.

Even though people are divided on the issue of birth control, Project Prevention receives plenty of support. Its Facebook page, where Harris posts updates, has nearly 2,000 likes.

Facebook user Daniel McCaffery applauded the organizations ongoing efforts.

I respect the pragmatism of this organizations approach, McCaffery wrote. I want these addicts to recover, hopefully to the point where they can even become good parents, but I also realize that convincing them to use birth control can enable more resources for drug addicts. May said that solving a problem like NAS is going to take time.

It doesnt matter what kind of problem you have, we want women to have the choice of having a baby when theyre healthy and financially stable and [when] the baby is wanted, he said. Having a baby is something that you dont do on a whim.
BRISTOL, Va.  Jessica Henard struggled with addictions to alcohol and opioids for seven years, quitting cold turkey while behind bars only to return to using as soon as she got out.

In the past three years, the 27-year-old has given birth to two healthy sons.

She believes that Roman Henard, born July 8, and 3-year-old Gabriel Henard, would have been born with neonatal abstinence syndrome had it not been for the time she spent in prison and the help shes received since last year from Highlands Community Services and Bristol Virginia Veritas Adult Drug Treatment Court  a drug recovery program for felons.

Prison is easier, but being out here and actually doing it  knowing that I could easily turn back to drugs, having that challenge every day  thats what makes it the hardest, Henard said.

Shortly before she was sentenced to 13 months in prison for theft, larceny and grand larceny convictions, she married William Henard, who was also using drugs. Three months before she arrived at the prison, she found out she was pregnant with Gabriel. For the first month of her pregnancy, she abused prescription pain pills but quit as soon as she found out she was to be a mother.

The day after she gave birth, she went back to prison. She described it as one of the hardest things shes ever gone through. Her mother, Sherrie Houser, and her husband took care of Gabriel.

Two weeks after she got out of prison, Henard began using again. In October 2015, she lost custody of her baby to her mother. He was 18 months old.

There wasnt really much I could do besides pray for her, her mother said. It broke my heart that she was [going to] jail and [had been in] prison. ... That was hard, too, to take the baby from its mama and knowing it would break her heart, but he needed it.

In November 2015, Henards husband committed suicide. The couple had separated.

Soon after losing custody, Henard began serving her six-month jail sentence. When she was released in July 2016, she was sent straight to drug court, which doesnt allow treatment of drug abuse with Suboxone, and began treatment at Highlands Community Services. Henard regained custody of Gabriel in November.

The first step is, honestly, reaching out, she said. If you dont reach out, youre not going to get any help. They [mothers] can all go down the same exact path I did.

Henard, now a single mother, said if she hadnt made the decision to turn her life around, she believes she would now be in prison. And once she was released, she said she would most likely have gone straight to a clinic to get Suboxone or Subutex. The drugs are commonly used to treat those withdrawing from drugs, but they also carry a risk of dependence.

Teresa Viers, Highlands Community Services program director of substance use, has worked with Henard since she began treatment there.

Jessicas done phenomenal, she said. Were all very proud of her progress. ... Thats the piece that makes this job worthwhile.

Henard has about three months left of drug court before she graduates.

She has a family, Houser said. Shes stable. She just makes me proud. She really does. Shes an awesome mama.
I applaud Franz Schneider (Mailbag, Sept. 3) for having the courage to expose modern parallels to Nazism. I expect that Schneiders letter will elicit the usual invective from local right-wing minions, who start screaming whenever such comparisons are made. Some apologists (like Robert Gilbert, Mailbag, Feb. 14) even deny that fascism and Nazism were right-wing movements. Republicans are now in charge of all branches of our federal government, and creeping ever-closer towards a totalitarian regime.

It is worth noting Trumps recent steps to militarize our police will and should evoke memories of the Brownshirts and Nazi SS. Our current president doesnt seem to comprehend that encouraging or condoning police brutality will not make us safer. And, his pardon of racist Sheriff Joe Arpaio is yet another implied encouragement for white supremacists.

As for George Will, it saddens me that he uses his obvious intelligence not to enlighten, but to provide cover and camouflage for right-wing power mongers.

Mitch Scheele

Albany (Sept. 3)
Rachel Carson's expose shocked the world. And we're better for it

columns
NEWTON  The Catawba County Board of Commissioners discussed topics at its Tuesday meeting ranging from residents served by disability to combating drug overdoses to the Self-Sufficiency Standard, a measure of poverty in the county.

Blessful pot of money

Partners Behavioral Health Management (PBHM) Regional Director of Community Operations Tara Conrad discussed the cost of 7,229 people being served by disability  $34,184,398.

The services included intellectual development disabilities, mental health and substance abuse with a child and adult category.

Commissioner Kitty Barnes was concerned about the child categorys age range being age 3 to 21.

Medicaid covers children up to the age of 21, so that is why the category is so large, Conrad explained. That is a large age group, and we do not have it broken down, but Im sure we could track that data.

Conrad continued by looking at county expenditures.

County dollars for us are our most blessful pot of money, so we really appreciate your giving us those dollars, she said.

A few of the services the county helps fund are consumer housing, psychiatric support, Newton Apartments Subsidy and the Lifeskills program for adults.

Conrad added that one of the most important aspects of the county funding is in regards to jail services.

We contract with Catawba Valley Behavioral Healthcare to provide services in the jail, and if we did not have county dollars, we would not be able to put someone in the jails to do that treatment, Conrad said.

Fighting overdoses

Along with jail services, PBHM has been actively engaging with multiple organizations in the county to fight overdoses.

Other projects specific to Catawba we are working on is distributing naloxone kits to high risk individuals, Conrad said. These would be individuals coming out of the jails or have an opioid abuse disorder.

Aside from working with law enforcement agencies, PBHM has been supplying other organizations with the naloxone kits to hand out to substance users.

A lot of times, individuals who are given the overdose reversal are more likely to engage in treatment, Conrad said.

Conrad said by giving naloxone kits out, organizations are empowering users  a few commissioners had differing opinions.

From my understanding, some of the folks that are having trouble with opioids are getting their hands on (naloxone) and using it as a safety net for when they are taking a large amount of drugs, Commissioner Sherry Butler said.

Conrad acknowledged the controversy surrounding naloxone, but assured the commissioners it is beneficial.

It is a double-edged sword  the user can still be using the drug and if they did go into an overdose, there is no way to connect them with treatment if the overdose is successful, Conrad said.

One way PBHM is connecting these individuals to treatment is the implementation of an Opioid Response Team.

We are trying to develop response teams so they can go out and try to engage that individual within 48-72 hours (after an overdose) to get them linked to the necessary substance abuse treatment, Conrad said.

Vice Chair Barbara Beatty brought up the fact that responses to overdose situations by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has become an issue in the county.

Our EMS workers have nowhere else to take them except the hospitals and our hospitals are full in the (Emergency Room), Beatty said.

Beatty said the county needs an alternative to a hospital emergency department to transport individuals for proper care.

We have a problem here in this county, and its a problem that ties up our EMS and they have to be taken to the hospital, because there is nowhere else to take them, Beatty said. It gets very expensive and this is something that we are dealing with on a daily, hourly basis.

Although PBHM does not have plans for a physical facility, they do plan to implement a virtual Integrated Care Center.

With that, EMS (would) have the ability to transport individuals to one of the providers in the Hickory area, like Cognitive Connections, which is our largest substance use provider, or having the ability to transport them to one of our facility based crisis (outside of the county), Conrad said.

Beatty responded that without a facility that mirrors an emergency department, there may not be any improvements to the issue.

We need a physical place they can go. If we do not have that, then (overdose patients) are going to end up at the hospital, Beatty said.

In closing, Chairman Randall Isenhower commented on individuals support systems.

It seems the solution is really the support system that the person gets  not necessarily the initial treatment and coming out of that, Isenhower said.

Conrad added that PBHM is actively engaging with faith-based community organizations to help provide individuals with a support system.

We do recognize the environment the individual goes home to is very important, Conrad said. We are constantly looking at ways for individuals to have a stable environment and a stable environment.

PBHM plans to continue to work with various organizations in the county to better serve individuals in dire need of help in regards to mental health, substance abuse and behavioral health.

Self-Sufficiency Standard

United Way Director of Resource Development Pamela Pope presented the new Self-Sufficiency Standard, which was defined as a measurement of how much income a family of a certain composition in a specific county needs to adequately meet their basic needs without public or private assistance.

Historically, the Federal Poverty Level would be used to measure the same thing.

The Federal Poverty Level has not changed since the late 1960s, early 70s, Pope said. While it takes into account the cost of food, it is not specific to geographical areas and other influences in the community.

The Self-Sufficiency Standard is not only county specific, but it also takes into consideration a multitude of costs including housing, child care groceries, transportation, health care, taxes and a miscellaneous section.

Throughout Popes presentation, she referred to the single parent with one preschool-aged child and one school-aged child family model  one out of 500 other types, Pope said.

We have talked to many agencies in the area and they are seeing more of the single parent, preschooler and school-aged child, Pope said. (Almost $4,200) is what it would take today, based on the data we have, to be self sufficient in Catawba County for this family model.

In regards to this family model, the parent would have to make $21.66 per hour to achieve the Self-Sufficiency Standard.

Pope continued with the presentation with discussion on minimum wage jobs, which was the largest employment category in North Carolina as of May 2015.

There is a lot of growth in the area where I live and it seems to be mostly food service and a little retail and thats great, Pope said. Unfortunately, those wages tend to be lower than what we consider to be self sufficiency in Catawba County.

To put it in perspective, Pope added that the single parent would have to work 120 hours at a minimum wage job to achieve the standard.

There is not a minimum wage job in any county that I am aware of that you can work 120 hours a week, Pope said.

Also, Pope said even if the parent were able to work that many hours at various minimum wage jobs, the issue of child care and quality of life come into play.

Working that many hours to survive  what kind of quality of life is left? Pope said.

Pope said the next steps should include creating focus groups, providing credit counseling and identifying gaps in postsecondary education, housing and retirement savings.

Other Business

County Manager Mick Berry recommended approval of a grant application in the amount of $12,618 with no local match.

The application is for the JAG  the Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant  which would enhance safety for officers and inmates.

The JAG funding will implement an upgraded classification system to better track inmates.

The grant will fund 47 percent of the cost of the new software and the sheriffs office plans to reallocate budgeted funds to cover the remaining 53 percent to implement the program.

Commissioners approved the grant unanimously.
NEWTON  David B. Dave Clarke recalls being asked as a 28-year-old graduate student in the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota what he expected from a career in health care administration.

I remember telling the woman who asked that Id love for my last job in my career to be as close as possible to patient care, said Clarke, the 72-year-old president and CEO of Catawba Regional Hospice. Its what I had in my heart, and for whatever reason, its what came true for me. Im very grateful for that.

Clarke, who celebrated his 20th year with Catawba Regional Hospice earlier this year, plans to retire from the CEO position at the end of 2017, but will continue his work with the organization in a consulting role.

And while he acknowledges that it may be time to slow down, Clarke is far from eager to finish the final chapters on a career that has been long, varied and highly rewarding.

Ive been very fortunate, he said.

Born in Asheville, Clarke grew up in Chapel Hill. Intending to become a certified public accountant, he earned a bachelors degree in business administration/accounting at Elon College. While serving in the Army Medical Service Corps at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., during the Vietnam War era, he became interested in health care administration. He earned a masters degree in health care administration from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Before joining Catawba Regional Hospice in March 1997, Clarke was director of provider reimbursement at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, then executive vice president of business development at Coastal Healthcare Group in Durham.

A few years prior to joining Catawba Regional Hospice, Clarke became familiar with hospice care when one of his best friends was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

I got to see hospice in action, and it made a big impression on me, Clarke said.

It is a pretty unique aspect of the health care environment, one that I hadnt seen before. The care and compassion shown to families as well as to patients is really special.

When Clarke came here in 1997, Catawba Regional Hospice was based in an old house near downtown Hickory. Since then, the nonprofit health care agency has grown into a two-campus organization with locations in Newton and at Lake Norman. The 32-acre Newton campus includes administrative offices and an in-patient facility.

Employing nearly 200 people, Catawba Regional Hospice serves patients and families in 10 counties. From October 2015 through September 2016, the organization served 1,458 patients, with staff logging in approximately 120,000 patient days.

According to state figures, Catawba Regional Hospice serves approximately 60 percent of the deaths in Catawba County, not counting accidental deaths, sudden deaths or infant deaths.

Clarke has played a key role in Catawba Regional Hospices impressive growth, said the Rev. Wallace Johnson, president of the organizations board of directors.

Dave is a visionary, Johnson said.

He is always looking ahead, and has therefore made some very wise decisions.

Johnson stressed that while Clarke commands respect, he is also a compassionate man who really cares about his staff and the patients.

Dave really cares, and that can be a challenge for a strong administrator, Johnson said.

In addition to his leadership at hospice, Clarke has been instrumental in developing programs to serve seniors and people challenged by advanced illnesses. Those programs include Life Transitions, a palliative medicine practice with clinics in Hickory, Newton and Morganton; and PACE@Home, a program of all-inclusive care that helps seniors remain independent at home and that was created with the support of Lutheran Services of the Carolinas and Catawba Valley Medical Center.

The vast majority of PACE@Home clients are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, meaning they are elderly and needy.

For many, they are now getting the best health care theyve ever had access to, Clarke said.

Its near and dear to my heart to be able to provide for that segment of our world.

Clarke chairs the board of directors for PACE@Home, and is a member of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover. He has been recognized by the Rotary Foundation as a Paul Harris Fellow.

A member of First Presbyterian Church in Newton, Clarke has been a prominent figure in health care-related state and national committees. He served on the board of directors for the Carolinas Center for Hospice and End of Life Care (2001-06 and 2008-13) and as its treasurer (2003-05). In 2001, he was honored with the Peter G. Keese Award for outstanding leadership achievements from The Carolinas Center.

A scholarship fund that offers financial assistance to the employees of Catawba Regional Hospice is named for Clarkes former wife, Lincolnton native Linda Clarke. The longtime hospice advocate lost her own battle to cancer in 2011. The Linda Clarke Scholarship Fund allows Catawba Regional Hospice employees to maintain and improve their work-related skills through higher education.

For the last five years, Clarke has been married to Jan Clarke, a retired hospice CNA. The couple are patrons of The Green Room Community Theatre in Newton, and enjoy traveling and spending time with Jans adult son.

Clarke said public awareness and appreciation of services offered by hospice has grown in recent years, especially as the organizations scope has expanded beyond a primary focus on cancer patients to one that includes patients with COPD, congestive heart failure, dementia and other illnesses.

One thing that hasnt changed is the staffs level of commitment, Clarke said.

What gives me the most pleasure about my job is the people I work with, he said.

They are dedicated to serving patients and are phenomenal. Im the fortunate one, being out in the community a lot and getting to hear wonderful things about our staff. They are the ones who do the real work. Im a recipient of the good vibes.
CONNELLY SPRINGS  Burke County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to a shooting on Deer Creek Drive near Baptist Camp Road at approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday, according to a press release.

After a preliminary investigation, deputies discovered the victim was shot in the abdomen by an acquaintance after a domestic dispute in the suspects trailer, according to the release.

Because deputies were unaware of the location of the suspect, the victim was transported to emergency medical services and airlifted to receive further medical attention.

A warrant was issued for Paul Alan Hyler, 55, of Connelly Springs, on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill for the shooting of Andrew Jackson, 43.

Hyler is formerly of Brannock Smitherman Drive in Hickory, according to the release.

During the incident, Burke County SWAT team members and other deputies were forced to pull away from the trailer on two occasions to investigate a sighting of the possible suspect on a power line overlooking the trailer.

The person was located and turned out to be a local resident with an AR-15 assault rifle, who was observing the scene from a distance, according to the release.

Deputies were unsure if the suspect was in the trailer or hiding somewhere in the mountainous woods. Probably unknown to the young neighbor hiding in the woods with his AR-15 assault rifle, he was in the magnified optics of SWAT, according to the release.

Anyone with any information regarding the whereabouts of Hyler is asked to call the Burke County Sheriffs Office at 828-438-5500 or Morganton-Burke Crime Stoppers at 828-437-3333.
LINCOLNTON  As of last week, 105 Lincoln County Sheriffs Office deputies are trained on how to administer naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication commonly referred to by its brand name, Narcan, according to a Partners Behavioral Health Management press release.

Thursdays training was conducted by Tonya Blair of Lincoln County Emergency Medical Services at the sheriffs office in Lincolnton.

Blair reviewed with deputies signs of overdose to look for, how to administer the Narcan and what to expect after it is administered, among other topics.

The sheriffs office is the largest agency in the county, covering its entirety. Blair said several fire departments in the county have already undergone the training for the overdose kits, with others scheduled to receive it by the end of the year.

I think it will benefit (the sheriffs office) because theyre usually on the scene much quicker than we are, Blair said before the training. Because of our policies, we have to wait in a secure location on certain calls, and (deputies) are the ones that go in and make sure everything is safe for us.

The Narcan kits were donated by Partners BHM to the sheriffs office, made possible by support from North Carolinas 21st Century Cures Act grant provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, according to the release.

In setting up the training, I got to looking at where we would buy the Narcan from, and what I found was we were looking at about $75 an officer, Lincoln County Sheriff David Carpenter said. Partners agreed to work with us to furnish our officers with the Narcan, which was probably around an $8,000 savings for the taxpayers.

The grant is being used to increase access to prevention, treatment and recovery supports, reducing unmet treatment need, and reducing opioid-related overdoses and deaths, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.

Carpenter said the sheriffs office has seen an increase in overdoses when arriving on the scene of incidents in the last few years.

Blair and Carpenter were in agreement the training was paramount for deputies, who often arrive on scene before other emergency personnel.

If they recognize an overdose, they can administer the Narcan and give the patient a better chance of survival, or a better outcome later instead of waiting for (EMS) to get there, Blair said.

With the Narcan, we can administer a dosage and save the persons life, Carpenter said. Its not all about putting people in jail; its about saving peoples lives.

Thats the point that weve come to now. Lets look at saving these people and get them the help that they need. We are in an epidemic; its awful.
NEWTON  The Catawba County Branch NAACP will hold its September meeting, which includes a program, on Sunday, Sept. 10, at 4 p.m. at Mount Olin AME Zion Church, 2583 Smyre Farm Road, Newton.

The NAACP is the nations oldest and largest civil rights organization. The North Carolina Conference of NAACP Branches is 70 years old and includes more than 100 units across the state. The Catawba County Branch meets the second Sunday of each month.
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An explosion rocked a house in Bundelkhands Damoh district leading to its collapse and killing of a two-year-old boy playing nearby.

The incident occurred on Tuesday morning in Madiadoh village of Damoh district.

Local sources said around 10.30 am the house of one Haricharan Kadera located in Madiadohs Indira Colony collapsed due to an explosion, which allegedly happened due to storage of explosive material meant for making crackers in the house.

The house walls were torn tore apart to pieces. Haricharans grandson Rupesh who was playing near the house was killed in this incident. The other family members were not present in the house at time of the incident.

Local sources said Haricharan had a licence for manufacturing fire crackers and had two more buildings other than the one in which the explosion took place. One of these buildings is located away from the residential area and that was mentioned on official record as the place for manufacturing fire crackers.

Madiadoh police station officer Ashok Nimama said family members of the deceased boy told them that electricity was shut off since early morning and around 10.30 am when it resumed, there was an explosion.

Nimama said prima facie however given the presence of the fire cracker threads and traces of explosive material found in the area, the incident was caused due to an explosion in the fire cracker making material.

This is not the first such incident in the state during last two years. In June 25 people, including 19 women, died in an explosion in Balaghat, about 440 km south east of Bhopal, caused by an explosion at a fire cracker factory in Khari village.

Earlier, at least six people of a family were killed and several injured in an explosion at an illegal firecracker factory inside a house in Seonda area of Datia district in April this year.

At least seven people were killed after a major fire broke out at a firecracker factory in Indores Ranipura in April this year.

In September last year one person was killed and fourteen injured after fire and explosions at a fire cracker factory in Chhatarpur district.
Amit Masurkars second film, Newton, puts the spotlight on the election process in the Indian heartland, a subject rarely tackled by film-makers in the worlds largest democracy.

Starring Rajkummar Rao, Newtons eponymous protagonist faces the threat of Maoist rebels and indifferent officials as he helps conduct elections in a remote jungle in Chhattisgarh. The film, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February, opens in Indian cinemas this month.

Masurkar, who made his debut with the 2014 indie comedy Sulemani Keeda, spoke to Reuters about the difficulties of filming in the jungle and what he learnt about Indian democracy.

Where did the idea for Newton come from?

I have always been interested in conflicts and history and I was thinking of doing something around democracy. I was brainstorming and generally typing words - constitution, electronic voting machines, etc. and I realised there was a story there. I kept exploring it and a story kept forming. Once the film got greenlit, I got a writer, Mayank Tewari, to help me out. We went to Chhattisgarh, did some research and kept writing.

Handout photo of film-maker Amit Masurkar

Any reason why you wanted to base this film in Chhattisgarh?

Chhattisgarh is situated in the heart of the country and yet we dont know too much about it. Also, this film is about elections and Naxalites (Maoist rebels) are opposed to elections. So that leads to a natural conflict in the story. You have this team of volunteers going into the jungle to conduct elections and the voters are Gondi locals who are already disenfranchised. The opposing force is dead against elections and they want to overthrow the government. All this meant that this was the best place to set the film.

Was it difficult to build a film around concepts like democracy and franchise?

There is a lot of drama that plays out at the ground level and the way an election is conducted in these areas. Like election officials are sent by helicopters, they are protected by forest officers and there is always the danger of an attack. A lot of times, elections are not conducted or there are malpractices. I used to watch this on the news and thought this would be quite an adventure. Especially for someone who has spent his life at a desk job, this would be the highlight of his career, to conduct elections in places like this.

Can you talk about the actual filming? Were there any difficulties shooting in a remote village in Chhattisgarh?

Our shooting budget was quite tight - it was only 5 crore rupees (50 million rupees or $780,000). We shot it in 37 days and shooting in the jungle was a new experience for all of us. We didnt have the luxury of shooting on set, with lights and all that. We had a decent-sized crew and lots of actors, but everyone had to be very efficient because shooting time was limited to daylight.

We shot near this town called Dalli Rajhara. We were initially supposed to shoot in a different location near Raipur, but at the last moment the forest officer who was supposed to give us permission got arrested on a corruption charge. There was nobody to sign the papers. We were forced to change our location to Dalli Rajhara, which was actually closer to the Naxalite-controlled jungles. We spoke to people and realised that police and Maoists dont really bother filmmakers. They dont take Bollywood that seriously.

Any learnings about Indian democracy or the election system during the making of this film?

I am a Mumbai guy and I knew nothing about Chhattisgarh and I got to learn about a whole new culture. You realise you live in such a cocoon in Mumbai. We arent really exposed to how things work in the interiors.

But does democracy work out there?

Its difficult to answer. We all know we are not all treated equally. It works sometimes and sometimes it doesnt. Also, the film isnt really getting into the democracy and whether it works or not. It is about human nature. We might talk about lofty ideals but at the end of the day, the people who are supposed to guard those ideals and enforce them, it is also about them. It is about how power and authority changes you.

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Is something going on between Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez? Reportedly, the actors became quite close to each other while filming and promoting their latest movie. The chemistry between the two was electric when they appeared in Koffee with Karan earlier this year. When Karan Johar asked them about their relationship status, both denied it. And at that time, Sidharth was dating Alia Bhatt.

Last month Sidharth went on record about his single status in Neha Dhupias podcast #NoFilterNeha saying, I am very much single. As per sources, the reason behind Sidharths much-talked about break up with Alia Bhatt, is Jacqueline. Recently, Jacqueline unfollowed Alia on Instagram and that apparently added fuel to the fire that Sidharth maybe dating Jacqueline.

Only 7 days to go @s1dofficial (swipe left to see the ) #agentleman #25thaugust #miamimemories A post shared by Jacqueline Fernandez (@jacquelinef143) on Aug 18, 2017 at 9:32am PDT

Pinkvilla also recently quoted a source, This was a result of a major fight, which apparently took place between Alia and Sidharth due to his closeness to Jacqueline. Few know that Jackie has been a constant factor in the actors life ever since they started shooting for A Gentleman in Miami last year. At that time, during the shoot in Miami, Sid and Alia had just broken up, and Jacqueline and he hit off really well. Post shoot they would often go on long drives and cozy dinners. But then shooting got over and both returned to India. Soon Sid and Alia patched up but Jacqueline still remained a good friend of the actor. Whenever there was time, the two would often catch up over a quiet chat or dinner, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. It was a friendship that both enjoyed as both are not from Bollywood.

From #twitterblueroom ! #AGentleman @jacquelinef143 A post shared by Sidharth Malhotra (@s1dofficial) on Aug 18, 2017 at 2:56am PDT

Last week, Sidharth and Jacqueline were spotted at a restaurant in Mumbai and Jacqueline even introduced Sidharth to her close friend. It seems they have been spending a lot of time together of late. Over the weekend, as per a report on Spotboye.com, Jacqueline visited Sidharths bachelor pad and left around 3 am. Her car was parked where earlier Alias car used to be.

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Almost a year after raking up a controversy over her alleged relationship with Krrish 3 co-star Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut revisited the public spat last weekend when she gave three explosive interviews talking about, among others, Hrithik Roshan, Aditya Pancholi and Adhyayan Suman. Kangana claims she has been in a relationship with all three.

While Aditya Pancholi has threatened legal action against her, Hrithik simply walked away when asked about Kangana. Adhyayan Suman, on the other hand, has claimed he does not know about the interviews!

In her interview with Rajat Sharma, Kangana said, He (Hrithik) sent me a notice seeking an apology and asked me to organise a press conference to clear his name. He said he will date the pope but not me. He also threatened me to leak mails and do other things if I dont apologise.

In her interview with Rajeev Masand, she further said, He runs away when he sees me. In fact, when we broke up in 2014 and after that one year when he was harassing me and stalking me, I complained to his father. I told him that his son is harassing me, stalking me, has hacked my account and hes not letting me get into any other relationship. So his father said Im going to arrange a meeting for you. Since then, Im hoping to get a meeting with him to have a two-word conversation with him and ask him that hes telling the world he doesnt know me.

When asked about Kangana, Hrithik walked away from the reporters in a recently uploaded video on YouTube.

Talking about Aditya, she told Rajat Sharma, He got an apartment for me but didnt allow my friend to come there. It was a kind of house arrest. Then I went to meet his wife. His daughter is a year older than me. My film Gangster was about to release then. I met his wife and asked for her help. She said to me that they are happy whenever he is not at home otherwise he raises his hands on domestic helps and others around. Its actually good for us if he is not around, so I cant help you.

Reacting to the allegations, Aditya told Bollywoodlife, She is a mad girl, what to do, did you see the interview? Didnt you feel like some mad person was talking? Who talks like that? We have been in the industry for so long, nobody has ever spoken anything so evil about anyone. What should I say, shes a mad girl. If you throw stones in mud, it will only spoil your clothes.

I am going to take a legal action against her. She is lying thats why I am taking legal action against her. I dont know about other people, but as far as my story goes and what she has spoken about me, she has said all lies. She has to prove that I have done that. My family is very much affected by it. My wife and I will take legal action against her, he added.

Adhyayan Suman had earlier accused Kangana of practising black magic and had even physically hit him. Kangana told Sharma that beating him up wouldnt have been a bad idea. He was 95 kgs and I was of 49 kgs. How could I ever hit him? I wouldnt be able to? However, now that I look at it I should have hit him, she said.

When Indian Express contacted Adhyayan, he told them, Sorry havent heard about the interview been too caught up with the more important things in life and I am not interested in knowing about it either. After being told what the Queen star has said in her interviews, he added, Its ok for people to have opinions and at this time I dont have one. Will talk soon. Need to get back for my shot.

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While theyre not celebrating successful hydrogen bomb tests, North Koreans are apparently watching Bollywood hits like Bajirao Mastani and Krrish.

The Pyongyang International Film Festival, which celebrated its first year of existence in 1987, has had a long history of screening Indian films. Their website - which compiles a list of films screened at biannual event - mentions Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Hrithik Roshans Krrish as having been screened at the 2014 edition (in the Informative Screening category), while Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukones Ram Leela, and Sunny Deols Singh Saab the Great were screened in competition the same year.

It is a very positive way of cultural engagement and showing North Korean citizens another view on the world, Nicholas Bonner, a China-based filmmaker who helps coordinate foreign films shown at the festival told us through email. The audiences love them, he said.

The audience seems happy. (Pyongyang International Film Festival)

The 2016 edition included an even bigger slate of Indian films. The Tamil film, Kanavu Variyam; Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Ram Leela follow-up, Bajirao Mastani; Akshay Kumars Gabbar is Back; SS Rajamoulis Baahubali: The Beginning and Kangana Ranauts Many Weds Manu Return (Google translate flummoxed, perhaps) were screened in the Informative Screening category. However, the obscure film, Ramsingh Charlie was the only Indian addition to the competition lineup.

The festival would like to screen more Bollywood and Malayalum films, Bonner said, however it has been very difficult in finding a sales company interesting in supporting a small cinema (sic).

Its still unclear how these films are sourced.

Bonner identified himself as one of the co-directors of a film called Comrade Kim goes Flying, a film the Toronto International Film Festival declares the first Western-financed fiction feature made entirely in North Korea.

According to a New York Times article published in 2012, Bonner steered (the North Korean writers) toward comedy and away from the more predictable propaganda line of triumph through hard work.

For the longest time, though, the Pyongyang International Film Festival showed mostly propaganda films. The few international titles that passed the thorough screening process - films like Gurinder Chadhas Bend it Like Beckham - were heavily censored to suit the insular North Korean tastes.

Like most outside media, films too are restricted in North Korea. And foreign films about North Korea are even less welcome. It was rumoured that the portrayal of their leader, Kim Jong-un, in the 2014 Seth Rogen comedy, The Interview (he died in a scene scored to a Katy Perry song), prompted hackers to steal thousands of confidential documents from Sony Pictures, the films home studio. Threats of a terror attack followed, which resulted in the films theatrical release being pulled. It was finally released via home video and on streaming.

There is no official data available on how many indigenous films are produced in North Korea. Some figures peg it to be around 80 films per year, but this was refuted by a BBC report, which noted that the 2000 edition of the festival screened just one home-made feature and one documentary.

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David Vetter was a much-anticipated and much-loved baby. He came into the world crying and screaming like any other newborn, and for 20 whole seconds he lived in it like the rest of us. Sadly, thats where the normal bit of the story ends. David was carefully enclosed in a specially built plastic bubble where he would spend the rest of his days. The exceptional nature of his existence would lead to incredible scientific discoveries during his 12 years on Earth, but also long after his death. However, perhaps the most important facts to remember are that Davids favourite colour was purple, he adored Star Wars and he used to hide pencils in an attempt to play hooky from school. He was an ordinary kid thrown into an extraordinary way of life because he had no immune system.

David was born with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID, pronounced skid ). This genetic condition meant David was unable to make his own T cells or Natural Killer cells, and the B cells he made were completely non-functional. He was therefore immunodeficient and unable to fend off the most minor of infections, transforming even the common cold into a potential killer. David s parents were all too aware of the dangers of SCID, having already lost another son, also by the name of David, to SCID when he was just seven months old. After the death of their first son, doctors warned the Vetters that if they conceived another boy there would be a 50 per cent chance he would suffer from SCID. On finding out their next child was a boy the devoutly Catholic couple declined the option of a termination and instead did everything humanly possible to ensure a germ-free birth for their baby. They placed their faith in the ideas of an Experimental Biology professor by the name of Raphael Wilson. He suggested that if a child with SCID could be preserved in a germ-free environment long enough for a matching bone marrow donor to be found, it might be possible to cure them.

Preparations for the birth were almost as involved as trying to plan a military campaign on the moon. Three connecting operating rooms were closed for three consecutive days of intense deep-cleaning. The afternoon before the procedure, signs were erected to divert the normal surge of human traffic away from the corridors nearest the theatres, to minimise the number of germs hitchhiking to the area. The members of staff carefully hand-picked to perform the caesarean section were swabbed and sampled to within an inch of their lives. Any found to be carrying infection were told to stand down and were replaced with a contagion-free colleague. The super-clean team had to work together as one well-oiled machine, with the ability to operate in complete silence while barely moving. This part of the plan was to minimise the movement of air in the room to reduce the risk of microbes parachuting from the air to land on David. The bizarre nature of this requirement shouldnt be underestimated. Operating rooms are normally alive with the sound of communication as surgeons, nurses and anaesthetists exchange instruments, information and ideas. In this case, the team were forced to replace this rich rhythm of conversation with a blanket of silence punctuated by a complex mime of nods and eye movements devised purely for this operation.

The medical team werent the only ones entering into the unknown. The prospect of giving birth is often stressful, but surely never more so than for anxious mum Carol Vetter in the days leading up to 21 September 1971. She was not exempt from the germ eradication precautions, and had to sleep on sterile sheets, eat sterile food and scrub her entire body with an anti-bacterial soap. Unlike any other expecting mum, surrounded by excited friends and family, she was isolated and only allowed to speak to people on the telephone. When the predefined morning of Davids birth arrived, Carol was wrapped in sterile sheets (a feeling she later likened to being mummified) and her tummy was scrubbed for a solid 10 minutes to wipe out any microbes and make it as pristine as skin could ever be.

Finally, preparations for the germ-free sanctum were complete. There was one more unusual step before scalpel could touch skin: 15 minutes of complete stillness and silence. This was to ensure the air would be as motionless as possible to minimise the number of microbes that might be carried on the breeze of a whisper or the gesture of a hand. The time had come. The operation began and, moving slowly but precisely, the surgeons cut David out of his blissfully clean cocoon and hauled his vulnerable little body into the real world.

Newborns are normally swiftly handed to their mum to begin the bonding process through skin-to-skin contact, but David was delivered into the waiting arms of his bubble. The bubble had been prepared as carefully as the operating theatre, with filtered air flowing past a pile of sterile diapers, sterile medical equipment and even sterile holy water. A blood test was taken and for two long weeks the Vetter family waited and prayed, hoping that this David was in the safe 50 per cent. Unfortunately it was not to be and the test results revealed that David had indeed inherited SCID. Devastating as this was for them at the time, the extreme precautions taken by Carol and the medical team had at least given David a chance at life.

Publisher: Bloomsbury, pages: 304, price: Rs 499

Nobody predicted just how unique a life it would be, because nobody anticipated David would wait so long for a matching donor. The team had always seen the bubble as a short-term stopgap, but without a bone marrow match they were faced with an almighty list of unanticipated everyday problems to solve. For instance, how do you make sterile toothpaste? They tried autoclaving it (heating it) to kill any microbes in it, but it turns out super-heated toothpaste has more in common with concrete than a dental hygiene product ever should. They considered bubbling gases through the toothpaste but concluded the most likely outcome was one giant exploding toothpaste bubble. So they didnt do that. The ultimate solution came not from cutting-edge technology, but from the past: salt and baking soda. In the years before commercial toothpaste, this combination was used to keep our pearly whites in tip-top condition and it worked for David too.

David s teeth were also aided by the fact that without an immune system this little boy lived his life having to be shielded from ice cream, cake and Coca-Cola. Up until the age of five his mum would bake a cake and blow out the candles, but the birthday boy himself couldn t eat the unsterilised sugary goodness because there was a very real risk it would kill him. On his fifth birthday a cake was found which could be safely sterilised, and David enjoyed his first mouthful of birthday cake (albeit a vacuum-packed version in a can). Another of Davids long-standing ambitions was to drink Coca-Cola. Having watched people on TV enjoying the fizzy drink he asked if he could have some. Staff tried experiments to make his wish come true but the heating process ruined the bubbles and the taste. When David was finally taken from his bubble in the last few days of his life one of his first requests was to finally drink Coca-Cola. Sadly he was deemed too sick to risk it and died never having tried it.
Whenever someone asks Reena Jha, 16, what she'd like to do after graduating from class 12 next summer, she tells them she'd like to be a company secretary.

During an accounts class last year at Reena's school, the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Sangam Vihar, her teacher told her that passing a Company Secretary (CS) course could get her around Rs 50,000 to 75,000 a month in adulthood.

Reena, whose father earns only Rs 9,000 a month, is excited to make money. She's not really sure, however, what company secretaries do.

The teacher who gave Reena the idea had to rush away after class ended. "Whatever little information I have is from the internet," Reena said. She doesn't even know where, when, or how to apply for a CS course.

Her situation is typical in Delhi government schools. Each is supposed to have an Educational and Vocational Guidance Counsellor (EVGC), whose job it is to counsel students from classes 6 to 12 about personal issues as well as higher studies and careers.

In fact, there are only 222 EVGCs for over one lakh students in 1,029 schools entering class 11, the crucial year when kids select their streams and determine their career options for the future. Of those 222 EVGCs, only 50 have permanent positions. There is no EVGC at Reena's school.

"If you look at the system, everything exists on paper but nothing really happens on the ground," said a senior official in the Delhi department of education on the condition of anonymity. "Agreed there are not enough EVGCs, but are the existing ones doing their jobs?"

In the absence of good career counselling, Delhi students such as Reena must plan their futures on their own.

The predicament of 'real-life situations'

The pahadi school, as Reena's school is known locally, had a guest EVGC, Monica, from August 2016 until June this year, when Reena was already mid-way through class 11. Reena has had no guidance at all since entering class 12.

Monica left the pahadi school for a permanent position as a primary school teacher in Haryana. In an interview, she described the challenges of being an EVGC.

Before joining the school, Monica and other EVGCs were given training at the EVGC bureau of the department of education (DoE). In hindsight, she feels that the training was inadequate.

"They need to train us better so that we can deal with real-life situations," she said. "What we were told in training is very different than what we dealt with in schools." In March, for example, when a student threatened to commit suicide after test results were announced, Monica felt woefully unprepared.

The training given to Educational and Vocational Guidance Counsellors, who are brought on board to advise students, is inadequate to meet real-life situations.

Training is not the only problem she faced. "There is no infrastructure in most schools," she said. "Many EVGCs don't even get a room where they can meet students to counsel them privately. We are not provided with test modules such as intelligence tests and vocational interest inventories. These tests can be very useful in finding the real interest and talent of students."

Without detailed information, Monica found it difficult to give students specific advice about their future prospects.
DEHRADUN: The Dehradun Municipal Corporation has passed the buck to the district administration when it comes to demolishing 34 old buildings declared girasu (dilapidated) in the state capital.

The casualties following a Mumbai building collapse on August 31 has brought back the fear of a similar tragedy in Dehradun. Tilak Road, Moti Bazar, Khurbura, Darshani Gate, Gandhi Road, Chukkhuwala, Chandar Nagar, Kaulagarh, Raja Road, Dispensary Road and Basant Vihar are among the areas where these unfit houses are located in Dehradun.

Civic body officials said they had served several notices under the Municipal Corporation Act to the owners of the dilapidated buildings - which had been declared vulnerable after various surveys - for voluntarily vacating and demolishing the structures, but no action was taken so far.

The notices were issued at different points of time - the oldest dating back to 2007 while the latest was served in August. Of the 34 buildings, around 90 houses/shops are lodged in a single building on the Chakrata Road. Five of the total 34 cases are under litigation or legal purview.

Municipal commissioner Ravneet Cheema said the civic bodys powers were limited to declaring a building dilapidated or dangerous for habitation and to issuing notices. In most cases, disputes are going on between the building owners and their tenants, while some cases are pending in the court. We have requested the district administration to take action in the matter, Cheema told Hindustan Times.

Dehradun district magistrate S A Murugesan said he was un aware if it was the district administrations mandate. But well surely get the matter checked and take appropriate action (regarding eviction of residents or demolition of old buildings) once the DMC communicates with us.

Locals said the government agencies should work in coordination to ensure public safety. Except for cases which are under litigation, the civic body and the district administration should jointly intervene and see that demolition of old, rickety buildings is done at the earliest. Why wait for a tragedy? Rajendra Nagar Residents Welfare Society ex-president SP Mehta said.

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DEHRADUN: The opposition Congress has lashed out at the BJP government for failing to improve services at the Government Doon Medical College Hospital.

Previously a district hospital, the facility was turned into a medical college hospital in January last year. The hospital receives more than 2,000 outpatient department (OPD) patients every day. The hospital was transferred from the control of health department to its medical education counterpart. Since the change, several problems - including shortage of beds and medicines for patients and dearth of doctors have been reported.

Alleging how the facility at the Doon Hospital was sandwiched between being a district hospital and a teaching hospital of a medical college, the Congress demanded a separate district hospital be established immediately. Lack of a district hospital in the state capital - where patients from across the Garhwal region arrive - was affecting public healthcare significantly, it alleged.

Patients not just from Dehradun, but also from hill districts of Garhwal and adjoining towns of Uttar Pradesh arrive at the Doon Hospital with the hope of getting good treatment. But, even getting a bed becomes a major struggle for them, former Congress legislator Rajkumar said.

Citing his personal experience, even former chief minister Harish Rawat has written an open letter highlighting how many people are forced to seek treatment at private hospitals due to absence of advanced medical treatment at government hospitals in Dehradun. I believe in the doctors of Doon Hospital, but I had to take the help of private hospitals in order to save my life, Rawat, who is suffering from a medical condition and undergoing treatment at a Delhi hospital, wrote in a social media post.

Wed been waiting here since early morning for a doctor...and now weve been told that hed not come, Jagdish Kumar, a resident of Shimla Bypass Road, who had brought in his son for an OPD visit on Wednesday, told HT. Another patient Jivan Ram, who had come from Tehri district, said hed been coming since two days for a lab test but to no avail.

Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat holds the health portfolio in Uttarakhand. Rawats health advisor Navin Baluni asserted that the state government would certainly set up a full-fledged district hospital in the long run. The long term plan is certainly therebut since right now the requisite funds are unavailable, we are going in for temporary measures to provide the best of facilities possible (at Doon Hospital), Baluni told HT. The CM has already asked officials to identify a plot for setting up a district hospital.

Underlining how one of the main hurdles in the hospital functioning was slow movement of funds, Baluni said he had held a meeting with health and medical education officials to ensure proper coordination. Within 10 days, were going to put in place a system wherein financial powers for running the hospital will be allotted to the chief medical superintendent of the hospital after which 90% of the problems will be sorted out.

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Two days after a 54-year-old Briton was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting three visually impaired children at a home run by the National Association for the Blind (NAB), police said a search of his laptop and mobile phone has thrown up 34 objectionable photographs of children who appeared to be Indians.

Investigators said that Murray Dennis Ward allegedly had objectionable conversations through WhatsApp messages and online chats with 27 children from India.

Police suspect that some of the photographs could be that of some NAB inmates, though it will be difficult to establish their identity as most of the photographs did show face.

We are refraining from interacting directly with the children. We will take help from child psychologists to get information related to our probe. This will help us find out if more children at the centre were assaulted by Ward, said RP Upadhyay, joint commissioner of police (south-eastern range).

Upadhyay said Ward has refuted the allegations. However, the objectionable material found in his Macbook and mobile phones show that he is allegedly a paedophile, said the joint CP.

The police are now trying to find if all the 27 children he chatted with belonged to Delhi or other places. We are collecting details about Wards trips to other Indian cities since 2016, the time when he returned to India for the fourth time since 2000, said a senior investigator.

A native of Gloucestershire in the UK, Ward was arrested on Sunday after a staffer at the NAB centre caught him red-handed abusing the boys in a dormitory the previous evening, police said.

Meanwhile, the staffers at the NAB centre in RK Puram fielded a volley of questions from anxious parents of visually impaired children amid Teachers Day celebrations on Tuesday.

I woke up to read the news about the sexual assault. I couldnt believe it and read it again and again before speaking to my daughter to ensure she was never touched by the man, said a mother of an eight-year-old day scholar at the centre. Other parents took to WhatsApp groups to discuss if any of their children had reported similar abuse.

The teachers assured us abuse has never been reported and an incident like this will never be hushed, said a man whose six-year-old son joined the centre two months ago.

Most children are day scholars and hence safer than those who live in the hostels. Some of us stay at the school the entire time that our children study. Our children usually report bad touch, but they are vulnerable, said another parent.

The NAB officials have promised to address the concerns of the children and counsel them along with their parents. The trust the parents put in us is shaken. We will have to work hard to rebuild that trust, said an official.
They could tell good touch from bad touch and knew that the man they considered a respectable figure was allegedly sexually assaulting them.

But the minors, inmates of National Association for the Blind, did not tell anybody about it because they were in awe of the accused, NAB general secretary Prashant Ranjan Verma told Hindustan Times on Tuesday. They called him uncle who often got them books and study material.

Murray Dennis Ward, a British man, taught communication skills to the children on Saturday. His crimes would have gone unreported if an NAB staffer had not caught him in the act. The staffer first recorded the act for a few seconds, as evidence, and then alerted the authorities.

Ward was arrested on Sunday from his flat in Vasant Kunj Enclave.

All his three victims belong to poor families and have come from remote corners of the country. The parents of these boys are yet to reach Delhi since they had to raise money to buy train tickets, said a senior NAB staff member.

Throughout Tuesday, the children remained with the police and counsellors, who tried to ascertain if the victims had been abused in the past too. Ward had been visiting the NAB centre in RK Puram for the last eight years, raising suspicions that he may have been abusing children for long.

After the row emerged on Sunday, NAB barred the entry of volunteers and parents into the hostels. We will set up special gates near dormitories to restrict entry. We will also have to rethink if even well-meaning volunteers should be allowed into the classrooms, said Verma.

While the NAB officials are in shock, a few kilometres away in Vasant Kunj Enclave residents are in disbelief on learning about the allegations against Ward. They saw Ward as a calm and peaceful man who was mostly immersed in his laptop and mobile phone.

He (Ward) lived with a young Indian man whom he would refer to as his son. We could not interact much with him because of the language barrier, but we still cannot believe he abused children, said Amarnath, caretaker of the apartment building where Ward lived since February.

Having suffered a paralytic attack earlier this year, Ward is still receiving treatment for an affected hand. He could not even more around on his own. Two policemen had to help him get into the van on Sunday afternoon, said Gul Mohammad, a resident.

Belonging to Gloucestershire in the United Kingdom, Ward had been working with a multinational company in Gurgaon at an annual salary of Rs 1.5 crore until paralysis forced him to quit the job in April. His wife and children live in the UK.
A 43-year-old man allegedly murdered his wife and son before killing himself by hanging from a ceiling fan hook at their Nihal Vihar home in west Delhi on Tuesday morning, police said.

The man, Vinod Puniya, had written a one-page suicide note. He said he was under depression because of persistent loss in his business. He has also mentioned that he was killing his wife, Sujata alias Sudha and 12-year-old son, Prince, because they would not be able to take care of themselves after his death.

Puniya, however, did not harm his elder son Nitin,22, who was sleeping in a room on the first floor of the three-storey building. Nitin works with a private telecom service provider.

Pankaj Singh, additional deputy commissioner of police (outer), said Nitin found his father hanging around 11.30 am, and his mother and brother dead on a bed in the other room. Nitin called the police control room and informed the neighbours and relatives, said the additional DCP.

A baton and a knife with blood stains were found on the floor, near to the bed on which Sujata and Prince were found murdered. Injuries suggest that Sujata and Prince might have been stabbed, their throats slit with a knife and hit with the baton repeatedly.

The police also found wire marks around Sujata and Princes necks, indicating Puniya tried to strangle them too. We are waiting for the post mortem reports, said an investigator, adding that the suicide note was found on Puniyas person.

Puniyas relatives told the police that apart from being a private financer, Puniya was also into the business and sale and purchase of aluminium items. However, he suffered losses in both the businesses for the last six months he was struggling to make ends meet.

Nitins salary and the rent from the ground floor tenants was sustaining the family for the past six months. Nitin confirmed that his father was on anti-depressants for some time.

Nitin told the police that his parents and brother were alive when he left home the previous night. However, he did not check on them after returning home. Around 11 am, when Nitin woke up and went to the second floor, he found his parents and brother dead, said police.

We have registered a case of murder, said the additional DCP. Police said Puniyas relatives were watching him, apprehending he might do something extreme.
A biker bit a traffic police constables thumb and hit him on his head with his helmet when the cop challaned him for jumping the red light in east Delhis Seemapuri on Tuesday evening.

The 25-year-old constable, Anuj Nagar, needed stitches in his head, but is out of danger, said Nupur Prasad, DCP (Shahdara). The accused, 40-year-old Dilawar Chaudhary, has been arrested.

Nagar and two other traffic policemen were deployed at the Chintamani traffic signal in Jhilmil Industrial Area on Tuesday evening. As they challaned traffic violators, they noticed a motorcyclist jump the red light at the traffic junction.

Nagar immediately alerted his colleague ahead and the biker was stopped before he could speed away. As the rider was being fined for the offences and his motorcycle being impounded for lack of necessary documents, he allegedly turned aggressive.

When I asked him to produce his documents, he mocked my status in the police force and threatened to get my uniform removed. He said that policemen like me get sold for as little as Rs10, alleged Nagar.

When the police insisted with the rider to reveal his name, the rider allegedly refused before turning violent. He tore my uniform and rained punches at me. When my colleagues tried to intervene and save me, he attacked me with his helmet, alleged Nagar.

As the other policemen separated the rider from the constable, the attacker allegedly began chewing Nagars thumb, leaving him bleeding. But he was pulled away by the other policemen before he could do further damage. All this while, the pillion rider tried driving sense into him, but the attacker refused to pay heed.

Amidst all this, a PCR call was made and the injured policeman was taken to GTB Hospital. Chaudhary too was taken for a medical examination before being arrested.

Chaudhary is a resident of Ghaziabad and has been booked for assault and obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty, said the DCP.
This Durga Puja in Chittaranjan Park, a Bengali colony in south Delhi, residents will do their bit for river Yamuna.

After Delhi government proposed that the idols of goddess Durga be immersed in a pond created in the colony instead of the dying river, at least six Puja Samitis have come on board. The government has now decided to dig a pond in the playground of a government-aided school in the area for immersions on the last day of the Puja.

Area MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj said he has had a meeting with organisers of 12 pujas in CR Park - often referred to as mini-Kolkata - and neighbouring areas such as, Greater Kailash I and II and Alaknanda. Since the school will be closed from September 26, digging for the pond can start from the next day. Durga Puja this year will be celebrated from September 26-30. Revellers from across Delhi and NCR visit CR Park for the Puja - a Bengali Hindu festival celebrated in honour of goddess Durga.

We have found a site at Raisina Bengali School opposite the office of East Pakistan Displaced Person (EPDP) Association, AAP spokesperson and Greater Kailash MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj told Hindustan Times. As per the initial proposal, artificial ponds were to be built on Delhi Jal Board land in GK II and CR Park.

Bhardwaj said that a steering committee has already been formed for immersion site at the school and a representative of every puja committee in the area is a part of it. The steering committee will decide on time slots for immersion for different organisers so that any congestion because of immersion processions can be avoided.

The temporary pond will be dismantled after the immersions on September 30.

Organisers such as Milan Samiti, E Block, D Block, Cooperative and GK II are already on board with the idea. B Block and Pocket 52 have already been doing this in their own compounds. Organisers in Alaknanda and Kalkaji may also come on board, the MLA said.

A few organisers such as the Mela Ground Puja Samiti and Nabapally, however, havent agreed to the proposal. One of the Mela Ground puja organisers said it was not logistically possible for them to immersion the idol at a site in CR Park. Our idols are 15-16 feet in height. You need an enclosure for immersion that is over 20-feet wide. How do we get that here? We cant dig up our grounds. We will go to the Yamuna for immersion, Shekhar Guha of the Mela Ground committee had earlier said.

Idols from nearly 200 Durga Pujas from across Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad are immersed at different Yamuna ghats every year.

The National Green Tribunal in 2015 had banned immersion of idols made from non-biodegradable material such as quick-setting gypsum plaster, also known as Plaster of Paris, or plastic in the Yamuna.

It had said that idol immersion should be done from a designated place so that the river doesnt get polluted. The bench said it cannot allow the river to get polluted and hence, in an earlier order, prohibited throwing of puja material from anywhere but designated ghats.

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When the Delhi Universitys Chief Election Officers (CEO) office released their list of candidates after withdrawals on Wednesday, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) was in for a rude shock, as their presidential candidate had not made it to the list.

The CEO had released a list of six candidates in the running for the post of the president, including the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)s Rajat Choudhary and All India Students Association (AISA)s Parul Chauhan. NSUIs Rocky Tuseed, however, did not appear in the list.

We have been told it was some disciplinary action based on something minor that had happened during his time at Shivaji College. But he had never been suspended, and the same college had issued him a good moral conduct certificate too, said Ruchi Gupta, the national in-charge of NSUI.

The NSUI has now allegedly submitted a complaint to the office of the chief election officer claiming that Rocky Tuseeds candidature must be accepted, as he had contested elections in the previous years.

In fact this arbitrariness has happened with the same candidate when the Election Commission of DU cleared this candidate to contest his Dept election (also under DUSU) last year. Candidate was president of Dept of Buddhist Studies, DU. EC as an institution cannot apply differential standards year on year, reads the letter.

The principal of Shivaji college, however, denied that they had issued a good conduct certificate to him, while also refusing to comment on the actual details of the incident.

There was an incident of indiscipline in 2014, and we had not allowed Rocky Tuseed to even enter the college premises after that. He was only allowed to appear for the exams, as we did not want to spoil his future. He did not come to the college the entire year, said Shashi Nijhawan, the principal of the college.

The Chief returning officer, Rajeev Gupta, refused to comment on the matter, and the chief election officer, SB Babbar did not respond to HTs multiple attempts to contact him.

The other panellists of Congress backed NSUI, including , Kunal Sehrawat, Minakshi Meena, and Avinash Yadav of Law faculty for vice president, secretary and joint secretary respectively have made it to the list. However, if Tuseeds candidature is not accepted it might hurt the student outfit which has only won two seats since 2014, and had hoped to rewrite history this year.

Alka, of shaheed Bhagat singh College (evening), had also appeared in the NSUIs initial list of candidates and has been allotted a ballot number. However, Gupta maintained that Tuseed would be NSUIs candidate.

The question of Alka does even arise right now. NSUIs presidential candidate will be Rocky Tuseed, she said.

The RSS-backed ABVP hope to continue their winning streak with Parth Rana of Buddhist Studies department for vice president, Mahamedha Nagar of the law faculty for secretary, and Umashanker also from Moti Lal Nehru College for joint secretary.

The left wing All India Students Association (AISA) had already finalised its panel by Monday, with Satyawati College (Evening) student Parul Chauhan for the post of president, Aditya Baibhav of the department of Buddhist Studies for the post of Vice President, Jaishree of Kirorimal College for the post of secretary and Akash Gupta of the law faculty for the post of Joint Secretary.

Wednesday was the last date for withdrawals of nominations for the Delhi Students Union elections, and there are now five candidates each in the running for the post of vice president and secretary and four candidates for the post of Joint secretary.

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A selfie with an aeroplane landed an alleged robber on the run from Mumbai in the police net. Sonkar, who worked as a salesman, wanted to make his maiden air travel experience memorable. So, he captured his picture with the plane in the background at Mumbai airport and posted it on Facebook.

He was allegedly fleeing the city in an attempt to evade the arrest after robbing a woman in Khar of cash and jewellery worth Rs 32 lakh.

However, the police traced him using the aircraft number, which helped them to track him down to Delhi. Sonkar had deboarded at Delhis IGI airport and was staying in Daryaganj area with one of his relatives. A tipoff on Monday led to his arrest from Kashmere Gate bus terminal in north Delhi.

The accused worked as salesman in a ration shop in Mumbai and his cousin was a domestic help at the house in Mumbais Khar neighbourhood where the robbery was committed.

The duo along with their two associates allegedly entered the house on August 30 when the male members were away at work. They then tied the only woman present there before making away with Rs 25 lakh cash and jewellery worth Rs 7 lakh, said Jatin Narwal, DCP (north).

The robbers then parted ways from them to avoid getting arrested. Sonkar had caught a flight to reach Delhi and was allegedly waiting for an opportunity to further get away.

After he was arrested, Delhi Police recovered Rs 7 lakh cash and some jewellery.
Immigration is the four-letter world of contemporary politics around the world. It resulted in Brexit, roils central Europe today, will be a subtext of Prime Minister Narendra Modis present visit to Myanmar and is being seen by United States President Donald Trump as the means to resuscitate his drooping poll ratings. Mr Trump has suspended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)programme which saves 800,000 migrants who arrived in the US as undocumented children from, effectively, being deported. This has been a particularly poignant issue because many of these migrants came to the US so young  the average age of arrival is six  that they know no other country. The vast majority of them are Latinos though about 7000 are believed to be of Indian origin.

Mr Trump was elected on a platform that called for the deportation of illegal migrants and restrictions on immigration as a whole. Implementation of this platform has not been easy. The US has a deeply embedded culture of migration and its laws, judicial precedents and much of its political establishment  Republican and Democrats  are biased in favour of an open door policy. Various Trump-backed anti-immigration actions such as the select ban on Muslim migrants and restrictions on H-1B visas have run into legislative and judicial resistance. But they resonate with his white working class base so he has persisted.

Shutting down DACA is different from the earlier actions. Barack Obama initiated the programme but was never able to make it law. Trump claims he is not opposed to DACA, he just wants the US Congress to convert it into a piece of legislation. Strict constitutionalists would argue the president is right to demand an ad hoc policy be made into law. It is obvious the legal argument is little more than a fig leaf for the US president. So far, it seems unlikely Republican and Democrat legislators would join hands to reverse Mr Trumps action. But if they did so, it would be a small but symbolic step towards reversing the present global scepticism about what are the otherwise self-evident benefits of human mobility.
New Delhi A Delhi Court on Tuesday warned an advocate, who sought lodging of an FIR alleging anti-national sloganeering at Delhi Universitys Ramjas College, against mixing this incident with the Jawaharlal Nehru University case in which sedition charges were slapped against some students.

These are two different cases. Do not mix JNU matter with the DU case, the court said.

The courts remarks were aimed at advocate Vivek Garg, who sought a direction to the police to supply him a copy of the charge sheet filed in the JNU matter.

Garg submitted before the court that he needed the JNU charge sheet as it is not available on internet. We need a copy of the FIR also to argue in this case.

The present case going on in the court is related to a complaint filed by Garg seeking lodging of an FIR against those who allegedly raised anti-national slogans at Ramjas College on February 21 and 22. Garg has alleged in his plea that the slogans were raised at the college by members of students groups  All India Students Association (AISA) and Students Federation of India (SFI).

The court has posted the matter for September 14.

The court had on August 29 observed that sedition charges cannot be pressed on the basis of an unauthenticated and unreliable video, after it was shown a footage of alleged anti-national sloganeering held on February 21 this year at the Ramjas College.

It had said that the authenticity of the video was to be ascertained by the police.

Teachers, students and journalists were wounded on the Delhi University campus on February 22 as group clashes broke out over the disruption of a literary festival in Ramjas College a day ago, allegedly by members of the ABVP. Violence erupted after students from Delhi University colleges and JNU congregated outside Ramjas with the intention to hold a protest march against the RSS-backed ABVP student group.
With Delhi University students set to go to the polls on September 12, to elect their next student representatives, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and All India Students Association (AISA) released their election manifesto on Tuesday.

Congress student wing, the National Students Union of India (NSUI), had released their manifesto ahead of the others earlier last month.

With all three manifestos in, the run-up to the elections has gained momentum. Here is a look at how the three manifestoes address different campus issues:

BEYOND ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT

All three seem to have a few common demands, which figure every year  transportation and accommodation for students.

The next big ticket item, seems to be womens safety on campus. AISA has called for a sexual harassment committee. ABVP have added that they would train female students in self-defence. NSUI has said they would ensure there is no moral policing or curbs on womens freedom.

In addition to this, ABVPs main demands include more effective central placement cell at the DU, instruction in Hindi medium, a full-fledged 24-hour health centre on campus and compact campuses in the south and north.

The ABVP is also asking for better implementation of choice-based credit system, evening classes in every college to increase seats, clean toilets in colleges and water coolers on Chhatra Marg. They have echoed NSUIs stance on fee structures and have said they would make it more equitable and logical.

AISA has asked for protection of students from north-east, more participation of students in decision making and reforms in the DUSU election system.

NSUI has also spoken of students from north-east, however, their USP this time is greater transparency in the DUSU budget expenditures, and promise to upload the entire budget and bills online.

AISA candidates releasing their manifesto. (Ravi Choudhary/HT PHOTO)

IS ABVP THE ONE TO BEAT?:

The Left-wing AISA seems to be mainly fighting on the issues of violence on campus, especially targeting the ABVP. The first line in their manifesto urges students to vote against reign of terror unleashed by ABVP in DU.

Kawalpreet Kaur, the DU head of AISA, said the election would be a referendum on violence, and that it was mainly a battle between the ABVP and AISA.

The NSUI hardly ever featured in the AISAs agenda, and they conceded to as much. NSUI as such does not have a presence in colleges (anymore), said Kaur.

She also added, in light of the recent events at Ramjas College and the raging debate over nationalism, NSUIs silence on the matter may also hurt them.

With the central theme of Take Back DU, the NSUI, however, seems to be planning to reclaim their glory days and have been dismissive of AISA in the past. The manifesto is not the place to attack ABVP. In the campaign we have taken up ABVP, their ideologies, the way they propagate violence in the name of nationalism fairly and squarely, said Ruchi Gupta, the national incharge of NSUI.
Indias apex pollution regulator, the Central Pollution Control Board, issued notices to 225 electrical and electronics manufacturers for failing to meet provisions under the new e- waste management rules. Companies served notices included major electronics manufacturers like Nokia, Cisco, Intel and Panasonic.

The environment ministry is considering amending the rules notified in 2016, under pressure from the industry especially mobile manufacturers.

The e-waste management rules 2016 superseded the e-waste management rules of 2011, and one of the key features was the introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR). The new rules require electronic manufacturers be responsible for the e-waste they produce.

For producers to meet their e-waste recovery targets they have to obtain authorisation from the CPCB. The notices were issued for failing to even apply for the Extended Producer Responsibility- Authorization. Only 143 have received authorisation so far.

Bhupesh Raseen, member of the Communication Mobile Association of India, termed the new rules as impractical, given the current state of Indias waste management which relies heavily on the informal sector.

The rules lay down progressive targets for waste collection and responsible disposal for manufacturers. In the first two years after their enforcement producers are mandated to retrieve and safely dispose 30% of their estimated waste generation, with the target increasing to 40% in the 3rd and 4th year and 70% from the seventh year onwards.

All over the world it is the producers that are responsible for safe disposal under EPR, it is not something we have invented, Manoj Kumar Gangeya, director at the Hazardous Substances Management Division of the ministry said, the industry is in the best position to do this.

He added that the ministry had not reached a decision about revisions to the rules but that they will take the concerns of all stakeholders into consideration.

The e-waste recovery target is likely to be reduced from 30% to 15%, according to ministry sources. The deadline for meeting the first year target is October 1, 2017, which is likely to be relaxed as well.

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The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday constituted a sub-committee for scrutinising the candidates for Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) elections scheduled to be held on September 24.

The party received 800 applicants from aspirants till Monday, of which 400 have been rejected and the rest of the candidates will be scrutinised by the sub-committee, said a senior party leader.

The committee will be headed by BJPs Haryana president Subhash Barala and comprises six other leaders, including agriculture minister OP Dhankar, transport minister Krishan Pal Gurjar, and district president Bhupender Chauhan.

The decision was taken after a meeting of senior party leaders, headed by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, at Haryana Bhawan on Tuesday.

Party will give preference to candidates associated with the organisation and having clean image, said Brala after the meeting.

Party has announced that it will contest the civic elections on party symbol and asked aspirants to submit their applications.

Sources in the party said that the leaders are already flooded with a large number of applications, as aspirants are making all efforts to secure tickets.

Aspirants are approaching senior party leaders in the state as well as the central leadership for securing ticket. Civic elections in Gurgaon are high profile and keeping in mind the strong BJP wave in the state currently, no one wants to miss out on a chance to get a ticket, said a senior party leader active in Gurgaon.

In the 2011 MCG elections, BJP bagged only four seats, while six went to Indian National Lok Dal and the rest 25 were won by independent candidates. Most of the independent candidates were supported by Union minister of state (independent charge) for planning Rao Inderjit Singh, who was with the Congress back then.

Read I Gurgaon: AAP likely to give MCG polls a miss

Later, Rao Inderjit Singh joined BJP and and a band of councillors loyal to him, too, joined the BJP.

This time the party set sights on bagging more than 30 seats out of the total 35.

We will aim to increase our representation in the civic body. A number of people have already applied (for tickets), but the candidates will be scrutinised and finalised by senior leaders, said Rama Malik, party spokesperson.

The elections are to be held on September 24 and the results will be declared on the same day.

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ELKO  Children at Grammar No. 2 Elementary School started the school year Tuesday, more than a week after the discovery of a rabid bat in a classroom prevented the school from opening.

The first day of school was delayed until the Nevada Department of Agriculture declared the building safe for the return of faculty and students after a bat discovered in the ceiling of a classroom tested positive for rabies.

A parent meeting was scheduled the first day and included Joe Doucette and Mickinzie Jeffers of the Nevada Department of Wildlife; J.J. Goicoechea, state veterinarian with the Department of Agriculture; and Dr. Jocelyn Deguzman, said Superintendent Jeff Zander.

Zander said about three people showed up to the meeting, which was to provide bat education for concerned parents.

Nets are also being installed in the school, Zander said.

Migratory bats nesting around the school and in the tile of the roof around the schools gym are prompting the school district to plan roof replacement next summer.

Anabell Holts son attends first grade at Grammar No. 2 and she said she was pleased with the response from school officials in handling the matter.

I think that they handled it nicely, Holt said. They did everything they should have done to make sure all the students were safe to come back to school.

Despite the delay in starting the school year, Zander said Grammar No. 2 students would not have to make up the days later in the year.

If you had a majority of kids miss those days, you could make those up, Zander said. Were not going to worry about it this time  its just the one school.
The Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) sealed two electricity meters at the Civil Hospital staff quarters on Wednesday over alleged tampering.

The DHBVN was informed by its vigilance team that a few employees of the hospital were tampering with meters.

A team of officials reached the spot early morning and found two electricity meters shut even though the owners were using power. The team immediately sealed both meters and lodged police complaints.

Two grade four employees of the hospital were allegedly indulged in meter tampering for the past few months.

Anil Goel, superintending engineer (SE) DHBVN, said, Complaints have been filed against the persons. For desealing the meters, they will have to deposit penalty at the earliest. Action against people indulging in electricity theft is a routine process.

Power theft and recovery of penalty have been major challenges for the power distributor.

In a city like Gurgaon, there are areas where electricity theft continues to happen as reflected in police complaints in the past six months. More than 3,000 police complaints had been registered for power theft this year. We continue to crack down on areas and localities on vigilance information. Our aim is to stop thefts and improve electricity distribution, said Amarjeet Kataria, deputy superintendent of police (DSP), vigilance, DHBVN.

The DHBVN appealed to residents to help improve distribution by informing the vigilance about electricity theft.

One can call the DHBVN toll free number for this purpose or for other complaints, said the DHBVN official, adding that a major cause of power outages in the city is electricity theft in many areas.

Recently, the DHBVN surveyed feeder wise loss in the city and found 74 feeders running at a loss of 50%.

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The police arrested an NRI and sent him to jail on Monday on charges of threatening officials at the Gurgaon divisional commissioner office by claiming to be principal secretary to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

The accused has been identified as Atul Kalsi who lives in USA. According to the police complaint lodged by Kulbhushan, an employee at divisional commissioner office, the accused has been calling the office for last one week.

Police said he impersonated as principal secretary to Prime Minister and also cabinet secretary. Divisional commissioner D Suresh said the principal secretary to Prime Minister has been informed about the incident.

The accused has a property in DLF Phase 1 and he was asking the official to convert that property from commercial category to the residential one. He was putting pressure that his property, where a paying guest facility is operated, was converted from residential to commercial and the decision should be reverted.

Since a PG was operated from the property as a result the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has converted the property into commercial category. Since the last one week, he was allegedly threatening the officers at divisional commissioner office to follow his orders and claimed to be calling from the PMO.

The MCG had carried out survey of PGs in the city last month and converted categories of several facilities that were found flouting norms.

Kulbhushan told the police that after repeated calls from the accused, he called him to the divisional commissioner office on Monday. The accused reached there. The staff asked him to show is ID card at which he lost temper and started abusing them.

The staff called the police who took the accused in custody. A case was filed in Civil Lines police station under section 170 (impersonating a public servant), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of duties) and 419 (cheating by impersonation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

We have arrested the accused and produced him in a local court after which he was sent to jail, said Assistant sub-inspector, Madan Singh of Civil Lines police station. Singh said the accused deals in software in USA and he had called the DC office four times from landline and his mobile phone.

The accused also has a voter card which he could not have since he is American citizen of Indian origin. The voter card is being investigated, the police said.
The poll bandwagon has rolled into Gurgaon, with parties vying for the reins of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) going out of their way to woo voters.

Members of Congress Seva Dal, a think tank of the Congress, will hold a protest on September 8 against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in the state and at the Centre. They accused the BJP of fooling the people with false promises over the last three years.

The workers have decided to gather at the Congress head office at Kaman Sarai, near the main bus stand and march to Sohna Chowk at 11am. Once there, they will set fire to an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Petrol price has shot up from 57 to 74 per litre. The common man is unable to cope with the increasing petrol price. It is also affecting the prices of several other commodities. The government has kept petrol out of the ambit of the Goods and Service tax (GST) and this clearly a ploy to favour big businessmen. The government is fooling the voters who reposed their trust in the BJP both at the Centre and the state. Last three years have seen the prices of essential goods going through the roof. Residents dont deserve better than a government that only makes false promises, Inder Singh Saini, district president of the Seva Dal, said.

The BJP led government in Haryana failed to stop killing of innocent people by Dera (Sacha Sauda) followers. In Bengaluru, a senior journalist (Gauri Lankesh) was killed as she was about to expose some corrupt ministers. The law and order situation in the state and country is at stake. The government at the Centre and state are turning a blind eye to deep- rooted corruption, Saini said.

Read I Gurgaon: BJP appoints ward convenors in the run-up to MCG polls

Former minister and senior Congress leader Captain (retd) Ajay Singh Yadav, Khazan Singh, Pradeep Jeldar and others will be present at the protest. They will be joined by hundreds of workers.

Although local leaders of the Congress had been keen to contest the MCG elections on the party symbol, the high command shot down the proposal citing lack of precedent. State Congress leaders have decided to meet party high ups in New Delhi and impress upon them the benefits of contesting civic polls on the party symbol.
After the tell-all by a minor who alleged to have faced sexual abuse at child care institute Ujjwal Niketan and isolation by fellow inmates for raising her voice against the caretaker, Sister Lily Baretto, a group of boys at the home run by the charitable trust at Hayatpur have now come out with a disclosure of how they had been forced into child labour and were even taken to different cities for work.

During their counselling session with members of the Child Welfare Committee on Tuesday, six inmates, including four boys narrated their ordeal. They said they were brutally assaulted when they tried to raise their voice against such misdeeds and some said that the scars from the beatings do not let them shake off the trauma of the abuse.

Sister Lily, the 65-year-old caretaker of the centre, was arrested on Sunday night from a church in Sukhdev Vihar, Delhi, on charges of handing over children under her custody for adoption against the norms. She is also accused of child trafficking and was booked under relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Indian Penal Code.

The CCI in Hayatpur was founded in 2005 at a farmhouse and there were 14 inmates, including nine girls. While five boys were subsequently shifted to Udyan CCI in Narsinghpur, Gurgaon, the girls moved to Aarushi Home CCI in July. They were moved out after the department of women and child development (WCD) ordered the Hayatpur CCI to shut down on July 7.

Fifteen-year-old Varun (name changed) along with his sister was left at a construction site by his parents and later they were handed over to the police and sent to the CCI.

Living in the CCI was as bad as staying in jail. At least, in jail, the inmates get freshly cooked food. Here, we were given stale food. I wanted to study, but was forced into the tilling the village fields instead. I was also assigned to cut trees, construct the boundary wall of the CCI and even clean utensils, the 15-year-old told Hindustan Times.

The inmates said they were often assaulted when they refused to work or asked to be provided proper food.

Once, I was asked to bring a hot iron from the first floor and it accidentally came into contact with another inmate, which the Sister (Lily) got angry and asked one of the staffers to scald my hand for inflicting a burn injury on my fellow boarder. No medicine or ointment was given to me to heal the wound. I had to apply toothpaste on the wound for a week for it to heal, another inmate recounted.

The inmates recorded their statements in the presence of Chief Judicial Magistrate Suruchi Atreja, the chairperson of the three-member observation committee formed to probe allegations of abuse and violations at the CCI in February. The panel was set up following a directive by the Punjab and Haryana high court.

I was taken to Mangalore by train several times. Seats werent reserved for me and the other boys and we were made to sit near the gate throughout the journey. We were not even given food and water. I felt like running away from the CCI several times, but was told by fellow inmates that if the police tracks me down and brings me back to the home the Sister will lock me up, another inmate said.

I was taken to Goa, Madgaon, and Mangalore thrice in the last two years. I was asked to clean a house and whitewash it. I was treated like a servant. Sister Lily never liked anyone smiling and always instructed her aides to be strict with us. When we were given stale food and objected, we were beaten with sticks, iron rods and kitchen roller, an inmate said showing a scar on his head.

Read I Rape victim of Gurgaon child care centre reveals ordeal during counselling

Medical tests will be conducted on all inmates alleging abuse and torture at the CCI, a CWC member said.

Their statements have been recorded under Section 164 of CrPC. We have to ensure their safety and security. Sister Lilys aides are still trying to create pressure on these children, Shakuntala Dhull, chairperson, CWC, said.

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Colin Trevorrow has left as director of the third installment of the Star Wars sequels trilogy, Lucasfilm announced on Tuesday, citing differing visions between the filmmaker and studio executives.

Trade press and websites had been speculating that Trevorrow, 40, was going to leave the blockbuster since the opening of his critically-panned commercial flop The Book of Henry.

Lucasfilm and Colin Trevorrow have mutually chosen to part ways on Star Wars: Episode IX, Lucasfilm said in a statement.

Colin has been a wonderful collaborator throughout the development process, but we have all come to the conclusion that our visions for the project differ. We wish Colin the best and will be sharing more information about the film soon.

The Hollywood Reporter, citing unnamed sources, said the main point of contention was ongoing script issues, with Trevorrow being forced into several rewrites.

The weekly trade paper reported that the relationship between Trevorrow and Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy had become unmanageable, although it added that she had tried to avoid losing another director.

In June, Lucasfilm sacked directing duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller (21 Jump Street, The Lego Movie), who were just weeks away from wrapping principal photography on the hotly-anticipated Han Solo spinoff.

The pair were replaced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard after clashing with Kennedy and writer Lawrence Kasdan, according to reports.

Although not strictly a parting of the ways over creative differences, Fantastic Four director Josh Trank dropped out of developing a Star Wars spinoff in 2015, citing the enormous pressures of being involved with the franchise.

The project, reportedly an origin story centred on the bounty hunter character Boba Fett, has yet to get a new director or a release date.

Trevorrows departure will be seen as a significant upheaval as he is considered hot property after scoring big with Universals creature feature Jurassic World (2015), the fourth-highest grossing movie of all time.

The saga continues as Jurassic Worlds @ColinTrevorrow is set to direct #StarWars Episode IX. Learn more at http://t.co/Ok6l0uYbfc #D23EXPO  Star Wars (@starwars) August 15, 2015

News of the decision sparked a frenzy of speculation on social media over who might be handed Trevorrows job, as well as plenty of pithy barbs on the high turnover of Lucasfilm directors.

Among the suggested replacements were British filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Inception, Dunkirk), Batman v Superman helmer Zack Snyder and enigmatic Twin Peaks director David Lynch, who turned down Return of the Jedi (1983).

At this point, the children of House Stark have a better survival rate than Star Wars directors, tweeted Angie Han, former editor of the SlashFilm blog in an oblique nod to the high death rate on HBOs Game of Thrones.

at this point the children of House Stark have a better survival rate than Star Wars directors  Angie J. Han (@ajhan) September 5, 2017

Saddened by this news. Colin T is a smart guy and a good dude. He was clearly over the moon about doing the film, added Nick de Semlyen, the features editor at British film magazine Empire.

Saddened by this news. Colin T is a smart guy and a good dude. He was clearly over the moon about doing the film.  Nick de Semlyen (@NickdeSemlyen) September 5, 2017

Since Disney bought Lucasfilm there are now more "former Star Wars directors" than Star Wars directors.  Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) September 5, 2017

The untitled Han Solo movie is due out on May 25 next year, while production has yet to start on Star Wars: Episode IX, slated for release 12 months later.

The Last Jedi, the next film in the Star Wars franchise, directed by Rian Johnson, opens on December 15.

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Review embargos for the new Stephen King adaptation, It, were lifted on Wednesday - two days before the films release - and theyre nothing short of spectacular.

The film stands at 100% on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, with 24 reviews counted so far. And in what is a more accurate representation of the kind of reviews its getting, the films average rating is an 8/10.

Initial reactions were positive, and this score backs that up.

When a film of this magnitude has so many young characters front and centre in the lead roles, so much depends on the casting -- and in this case, theres not a single misstep, writes Chicago Sun Times Richard Roeper.

It is scary, yes -- but its heartbreaking, too. And that, even more than the clowns nasty tricks, might be what lingers with you, writes Mashables Angie Han.

Writing for The Wrap, Dan Callahan says, Once the characters have been set up, (director Andy) Muschietti is free to linger as much as he wants over certain set pieces, and the results are as scary as they should be.

It may not be the best Stephen King movie (even though it comes impressively close), but its probably the MOST Stephen King movie, writes William Bibbiani of Crave Online.

#ItMovie was sooooo good. Best Stephen King movie adaptation in almost 2 decades. Now bummed we're going to have to wait to see Chapter 2  Peter Sciretta (@slashfilm) September 6, 2017

#ItMovie was spooktacular. Great cast, surprisingly funny, and genuinely unnerving scares. You'll still be freaked out when you get home.  pic.twitter.com/n5EQpbk53N  Dan Casey (@DanCasey) August 26, 2017

#ITMovie is everything I hoped for & more. Has heart, laughs & TONS of incredible scares. Fell in love w/ The Losers. Didn't want it to end.  Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) August 26, 2017

IT is creepy, bloody, super funny, adorably romantic and hands down among my favorite movies of the year pic.twitter.com/tYpaNFHOsu  ErikDavis (@ErikDavis) August 26, 2017

I've seen IT. 

I think it's one of the finest Stephen King adaptations ever made. pic.twitter.com/mwZ0Tsm2SX  Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) August 26, 2017

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BJP President Amit Shah on Wednesday began his three-day visit to Odisha to galvanise party workers and leaders for its goal to win 120 of 147 seats in the 2019 assembly poll.

A host of senior BJP leaders including Union ministers Prakash Javadekar and Dharmendra Pradhan have also arrived here to join Shah, who is on 110-day nationwide tour to strengthen the party.

During his visit, Shah is likely to hold several rounds of discussions with BJP MLAs, leaders and workers for chalking out strategies to achieve Mission 120, which he had envisaged during his last Odisha tour in July.

The BJP, which has just 10 MLAs in the current Assembly, has been in an upbeat mood since its impressive performance in the last rural polls in the state earlier this year. The party believes it is on track to take on the ruling BJD, which has been in power since 2000 under Naveen Patnaik, and could win 120 of the 147 Assembly seats.

In the rural polls, the BJP notched up an impressive tally winning 306 of the 853 zilla parishad seats, up from merely 36 seats it had bagged in 2012, sources said.

Shah was accorded a warm welcome by senior leaders of BJP on his arrival at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here after which proceeded to the state party headquarters in a procession.

He will hold a separate meeting with state office bearers, district presidents and district prabharis (in-charge).

The BJP president is also slated to address booth level workers at a mega conclave of the workers at the Janta Maidan on Friday.

Javdekar said the BJP mission for the next general election would be highly successful in Odisha.

Enough is enough, he said adding that the people of Odisha are now disillusioned with BJD rule for the last 17 years and are keen to bring about a change in order to be a part of the development process.

He said the BJPs impressive performance in over seven backward and poor districts in the last rural polls earlier this year in the state showed the peoples growing support for the party.

Shahs three-day visit would provide new energy to the party for the next polls, he said.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said the people of the state are fed up with backwardness, misrule and corruption during the BJD-rule and are eagerly waiting to have a taste of good governance of the BJP whose popularity is growing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice president Rahul Gandhi expressed shock and distress on Wednesday over the killing of Kannada journalist activist Gauri Lankesh, saying anybody who speaks against the ideology of the BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

Known for her fearless and independent views, Gauri Lankesh had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system, an IANS report quoted Sonia Gandhi as saying in a statement from the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated.

It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society.

Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Rahul Gandhi said he spoke to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and told him that the people who did this must be caught and punished, ANI reported.

Criticising the BJP government, he said, anybody who speaks against the ideology of the BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

The ANI report said the Congress vice president also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the PM was a skilled Hindutva politician.

People say that the Prime Minister is quiet and Prime Minister has not said anything. The point is the entire ideology is to silence voices, he told reporters.

Sometimes, under pressure, the Prime Minister makes some statements. But the entire idea is to crush dissent, adding that non-violence is the history of this nation... murder cannot be justified, he added.

Condemning the attack, Sonia Gandhi said the Congress stands as one with rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity.

The AICC statement said Sonia Gandhi had also spoken to Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the culprits to book.

Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state, she said, and expressed her deepest condolences to Lankeshs family and friends.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked states to appoint in every district a senior police officer whose job will be to stop violence in the name of cow protection.

Proposing measures to stem what it called growing violence by so-called cow protection groups, the court said the nodal officers would have to ensure that vigilantes did not become a law unto themselves. States have a week to comply with the courts order.

Focus on cow protection, especially by vigilante groups, has risen since the BJP-led government took power three years ago, and several states ruled by the party made laws to punish cow slaughter.

So-called cow protectors have targeted cattle and meat traders, transporters and even farmers walking their animals -- violence that has killed several people, mostly in BJP-ruled states. Critics accuse the vigilantes of using cows as a pretext to target Muslim and Dalits.

The court said states must stop this.

The senior police officer shall take prompt action and will ensure vigilante groups and such people are prosecuted with promptitude, a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Deepak Mishra said.

It said states would have to list steps they will take to step up security on highways, where cow vigilantes have stopped vehicles carrying cattle and attacked people. It also asked the central government to explore what actions it can take against the states that fail to prevent such attacks.

Advocate Tushar Mehta, appearing for four BJP-ruled states, tried to persuade the court not to issue the order but was overruled.

The top court was responding to a private petition from Tushar Gandhi, the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, which sought action by states to curb cow-related attacks.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for Gandhi, cited 66 alleged incidents of mob lynching and assaults since July. The latest was just last month when villagers in West Bengal, one of the few to permit cow slaughter, stopped a cattle-carrying truck, dragged out its two Muslims occupants and beat them to death.

Responding to Jaising, the court said, Steps have to be taken to stop this. Some kind of planned action is required so that vigilantism does not grow.

Efforts have to be made to stop such vigilantism. How they (states) will do it, is their business but this must stop.

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An arrest warrant on Wednesday issued against absconding GJM chief Bimal Gurung and seven others for their alleged involvement in the arson and violence reported from Darjeeling on June 8.

The arrest warrant was issued by the chief judicial magistrate (CJM), Darjeeling on a prayer by the CID. The warrant has been issued against Bimal Gurung and seven others for their involvement in the arson and violence that took place outside the Bhanu Bhawan in Darjeeling on June 8, Ajoy Prasad, Special Superintendent, CID, told PTI.

The others against whom the warrant was issued were GJM general secretary Roshan Giri, GJM Yuva Morcha president Prakash Gurung, Amrit Yonzon, Ashok Chhetri, D K Pradhan, Tilak Roka and Asha Gurung, the GJM Mahila Morcha chief and wife of Bimal Gurung.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is spearheading the agitation, which has been going on for over two-and-a-half months in the Darjeeling hills over the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Last week, the West Bengal police had issued a lookout notice against Gurung for his alleged involvement in various cases, including a bomb blast at the Kalimpong police station, in which a civic volunteer was killed.

On June 8, GJM supporters had indulged in violence and arson while attempting to march to the Raj Bhavan in Darjeeling town, which was hosting a cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the first time.

The Army was deployed after the protesters damaged police vehicles and set some of them ablaze, prompting the men in uniform to fire teargas shells and lathicharge the violent GJM supporters, who were opposing the imposition of Bengali in the schools of the hills.
Officer who arrested nurse fired as paramedic

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A Utah police officer seen on video roughly arresting a nurse who refused to draw blood from a patient was fired Tuesday from his part-time paramedic job.

Salt Lake City Detective Jeff Paynes termination came after he said on the video that hed bring transient patients to the hospital and take the good patients elsewhere to retaliate against nurse Alex Wubbels.

Those remarks were concerning for Gold Cross Ambulance President Mike Moffitt, who said hed heard them for the first time when the video was released last week.

Thats not the way we conduct our business, thats not the way we treat people in our city, Moffitt said.

Wubbels was following hospital policy when she refused on July 26 to let Payne take blood without a warrant or formal consent from the patient who was unconscious in the hospital burn unit.

He had been in a car accident that started with a police chase. Payne maintained in his report that he wanted the blood sample to protect the man rather than prosecute him.

Man pleads not guilty in one-punch murder case

LAS VEGAS (AP)  A 28-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to killing a California man with a single punch outside a downtown Las Vegas bar.

James Michael Beach remained jailed on $350,000 bail following his arraignment Tuesday on murder and intimidating a witness charges.

Beachs lawyer, Greg Knapp, says he wants to check medical records to see whether other conditions contributed to 45-year-old Luis Campos death.

Prosecutors say surveillance video appears to show the April 30 punch was unprovoked.

Campos, a father of five from La Puente, California, was in Las Vegas for a bachelor party.

He never regained consciousness after falling to the sidewalk. He died at a hospital four days later.

The judge set trial to start Oct. 2.

Thousands of chickens killed in egg-farm fire

ERDA, Utah (AP)  More than 100,000 chickens are dead after an egg farm caught fire in Utah.

The Deseret News reports that officials say an electrical or mechanical problem with manure-handling equipment sparked the Tuesday-morning blaze at Fassio Egg Farms in Erda.

North Tooele Fire Marshal John Stout says water tanks at the farm didnt have enough water to quench the blaze and a generator powering the water pumps was dangerously close to the fire.

Fassio official Corby Larsen says between 120,000 and 150,000 chickens died in the fire at two of the farms largest chicken coops.

No workers were hurt. Erda is about 30 miles west of Salt Lake City.

Nevada pays millions in credit card fees

CARSON CITY (AP)  Nevada pays more than $10 million each year for allowing people to use credit cards to pay state fees, prompting officials to question who should pick up the tab.

The Nevada Appeal reported on Monday that of the two dozen state agencies that accept credit card payments, the majority of the fees come from the Department of Motor Vehicles that is budgeted to pay more than $7.2 million.

Senior Deputy State Treasurer Buddy Milazzo says credit card companies wont negotiate the interchange fee the state pays, which can cost up to 2 percent of each transaction.

Should the state consider passing the tab to the individual, it would require adding a surcharge the cardholder would pay for each transaction.
In a fresh expose, deputy chief minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Wednesday alleged that RJD president Lalu Prasad had forced former MLC Kumar Rakesh Ranjan to write his will bestowing two plots of land, worth over Rs 2 crore, in Patnas prime locations, upon his sons Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav.

Talking to newsmen at the BJP office here, Modi alleged that in return of the largesse, the RJD chief made Ranjan a member of the Bihar legislative council twice in 1999 and 2006.

Modi, who has been going hammer and tongs at Prasad and his family for over 150 days, accusing them of acquiring benami property worth more than Rs 1,000 crore, claimed that with the addition of these two plots of land, Tejashwi had virtually become the owner of 30 precious properties.

Modi said the RJD president also prevailed upon Ranjan and his wife Seema Verma to write the power of attorney for the said plots in the name of his wife Rabri Devi, who is a former chief minister.

Modi had earlier alleged that Mohammad Shamim had also written his will bestowing two plots of land upon Lalus sons for becoming an MLC.

The modus operandi was the same. First, Mohammad Shamim and his wife wrote the power of attorney for the said plots in favour of Rabri Devi and then wrote a will bestowing the ownership of the properties upon the RJD presidents sons, said Modi.

Similarly,Prasad first prevailed upon Ranjan and his wife to give the power of attorney to Rabri Devi and then write the will, he added.

Incidently, in both the cases the documents related to power of attorney and deed of the will were signed on the same date, that is May 12, 2005, said Modi.

The deputy CM claimed that Ranjan and his wife wrote a will on May 12, 2005 in favour of Prasads sons, expressing their wish to bestow upon two plots in Vijay Vihar Co-operative, near Saguna Mor in West Patna, after their death.

Modi quoted the deed of will as saying that In case the legatees died earlier, the properties would go and devolve upon the legatees heirs only, which would be Tej Pratap and Tejashwis children.

He said it was quite strange that though the Ranjan couple had one child, they preferred to make the will in favour of Prasads sons.

Modi said while Mohammad Shamim was a witness in Ranjans documents, Ranjan was a witness in Shamims documents. Interestingly, both were made MLCs, he said.

Modi said it was also equally interesting that all the four plots had purchased from one family in 1994.

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Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Wednesday the BJP, or any organisation linked to the party, was not involved in the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

Gadkari criticised Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and termed the allegations by the opposition leader baseless.

The Karnataka government should maintain law and order in their state and the Congress government must investigate this matter and book the culprits soon, said Gadkari.

Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh, 55, was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men outside her residence, police said. Lankesh, who was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, often wrote against Sangh organisations and communal violence in the country.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi said anybody who speaks against the ideology of the BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

News agency ANI reported the Congress vice president as saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a skilled Hindutva politician.

People say that the Prime Minister is quiet and Prime Minister has not said anything. The point is the entire ideology is to silence voices, said Gandhi.

Gadkari defended Modi and said the Prime Minister could not react on everything.

Law and order of Karnataka is the responsibility of the state government, under Congress. Holding the Prime Minister responsible for it is wrong, he said.

There should be a proper probe of the murder. The guilty should be brought to book. Government of India, BJP or any of our organisations are not linked to this murder, Gadkari said.

The president of one political party has reacted irresponsibly on this incident. The allegation is baseless and a lie. It is unfortunate and not good for the democracy, he said.

On Wednesday Congress president Sonia Gandhi condemning the murder said it was a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in the society.
A 17-year-old girl, who was rescued after she tried to commit suicide by jumping into a lake on Wednesday as part of the Blue Whale Challenge, made another attempt to kill herself, the police said on Wednesday.

The Class X student, who told her parents that she was going to meet her friends, on Monday night carved the shape of a whale on her arm and threw away her mobile phone before jumping into the Kailana lake, they said.

The girl on Tuesday allegedly again attempted suicide by consuming some tablets kept in her house. She was rushed to a private hospital and admitted to its ICU.

Owner of the hospital, Dr KR Daukiya said she was out of danger but has been kept in the ICU for examination of her vital organs.

According to the doctor, she is depressed.

He said soon counselling of the girl would be started.

When the girl was brought here last morning, she was quite stressed. But after treatment, she spoke about how she got into it (the blue whale challenge), the doctor sid. PTI CORR DIP
The Centre is likely to lift a ban on the sale of cattle for slaughter at animal markets, following legal opinion that its role is limited in livestock trade which is a domain of state governments.

The government imposed the restriction in May, triggering outrage as the decision was viewed as a hardline Hindu move to foist a nationwide ban on slaughtering cows for beef and influence peoples choice of food.

Senior officials in New Delhi said the government realised it cannot put additional curbs on cattle trade through the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules 2017.

Environment minister Harsh Vardhan dropped hints on Monday about plans to tweak animal trade rules.

We will remove all misunderstandings as the government does not intend to directly or indirectly affect the slaughterhouses or harm farmers or even influence the food habits of the people, he said.

According to a source, officials of the Animal Welfare Board of India overstepped their brief while framing the rule and had not taken the environment ministrys approval.

They went beyond the jurisdiction of the board, he said.

The rules stipulated ending the role of intermediaries in livestock trade and a series of approvals for transporting cattle. The rules also said an animal could be sold only to a farmer.

Governments in West Bengal, Kerala and Meghalaya objected, saying the matter was a state subject. As the row raged, the Madras high court stayed the implementation of the central order in Tamil Nadu and the Supreme Court stayed it across the country, despite the governments argument that the rule was meant to create a regulatory regime for preventing cruelty and not aimed at banning the sale of cows.

Sources said the about-turn stemmed from a growing feeling within the government that the livestock rules went beyond the ruling BJPs cow-protection agenda and that these could be misconstrued as an assault on the poor engaged in the trade.

Animal markets are mostly concentrated in small towns and the countryside.

Besides, the government has been facing criticism over Hindu hardliners and self-proclaimed cow vigilante groups increasingly asserting themselves.

Such groups have been accused of assaulting and lynching men they accuse, often without proof, of killing cows or carrying the animals to abattoirs.

The Centres restrictions fuelled criticism as these were seen as a ploy to alienate Muslims who dominate the Rs 100,000-crore meat business in India.

The slaughter of cows, considered sacred by many Hindus, was banned in most states but seldom implemented strictly until the BJP won power at the Centre in 2014 and won several assembly elections thereafter.

The partys ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has long pushed for a nationwide ban on cattle slaughter and trade.

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China is gradually taking over territory and testing Indias threshold, army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Wednesday, a little over a week after the countries ended one of their worst military face-offs.

Referring to China, Rawat said it had started flexing muscles and Pakistan was likely to take advantage of the situation developing along the northern border. He referred to China and Pakistan as Indias northern and western adversaries, and said the country needs to be prepared for a two-front war.

As far as the northern adversary is concerned, flexing of muscles has startedsalami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, testing our limits of threshold is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations which could gradually emerge into conflict, Rawat said at a seminar organised by defence think-tank Centre for Land Warfare Studies.

Salami slicing refers to a string of small, clandestine operations meant to achieve a larger goal that would be difficult to accomplish in one go.

The chiefs comments come more than a week after India and China ended a 73-day border face-off in Doklam plateau near Sikkim. Troops were locked in a tense stand-off during which officials in Beijing hinted at drastic consequences such as a wider conflict. Soldiers from the two country also traded blows and threw stones at each other in a more northern region  in Ladakh  while the Doklam problem went on.

Whether these conflicts will be confined or limited in space and time or whether these can expand into an all-out war along the entire front (remains to be seen)with the western adversary taking advantage of the situation developing along the northern border is very much likely, Rawat said.

The army chief said on Wednesday that there was no denying that India has to stay prepared for conflict on its northern and western borders.

This is not the first time military leaders have warned of Pakistan possibly taking advantage of hostilities between India and China.

Three years ago, the Indian Air Force told a parliamentary panel that Pakistan would certainly fish in troubled waters if China were to launch offensive operations against India. The IAF, however, said that China may not pose a collusive threat if hostilities were to break out between India and Pakistan.

Threats on two fronts, the IAF said in 2014, would be difficult to tackle but the force was prepared.

But two years later, in March 2016, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (then vice chief) said the air force did not have sufficient number of warplanes to fight a two-front war, setting off alarm bells in the government.
Indrajit Lankesh, the brother of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh who was shot dead in Bengaluru, expressed confidence on Wednesday that the culprits will be traced soon with the help of concrete evidence from CCTV footage and the journalists mobile phone.

The CCTV camera (in the premises) has captured the whole incident. I am very confident that the culprits will be caught soon, Indrajit Lankesh, who is a filmmaker, said.

In fact, her mobile phone also contains a lot of evidence and clues... Investigation is underway... I will provide details later in the day, he said.

Gauri Lankesh, known for her progressive and fearless writing, was shot dead at close range by unknown assailants at her home in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening.

The 55-year-old journalist had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately, with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said.

Noting that police have secured the CCTV hard disk, Indrajit said, I am requesting them to open it in front of me or my mother.

The two CCTV cameras (near the gate and door) even without lights has captured the whole incident and in fact from the footage we can make out what has actually happened there... planning and execution everything is recorded there, he added.

The place where she was living was calm and there were no street lights there. She was living alone as well, he added.

He also said there is nothing that Gauri told her mother, sister or Indrajit himself. She never told us if there were any threats given to her, Indrajit said. He further said she was an aggressive journalist, and was doing her job.

Shes not just my sister; shes an activist, a journalist. It is disgraceful and painful for me as a brother, Indrajit said and added that he is requesting a CBI probe, as they have seen in earlier cases as well the police has done nothing about issues like this.
A well-known and vocal critic of hardline Hindutva and growing communalism in India, journalist Gauri Lankesh was no stranger to death threats: like many journalists, a quick scan of her social media accounts shows repeated threats from many trolls.

Let me assure you, they are keen to somehow shut me up too, Lankesh had said in an interview with Newslaundry soon after she was convicted in two defamation cases in November 2016 for a story she had published in her magazine (Gauri Lankesh Patrike) in 2008. One defamation case had been filed by Prahlad Joshi, a Dharwad member of Parliament and former president of the Karnataka state unit of the BJP, and the other by Umesh Dushi, also from the BJP. Lankesh had tried to get a stay order after the case was filed but her plea had been dismissed by the Karnataka High Court.

The judicial magistrates court in Hubballi, Karnataka, convicted and sentenced Lankesh to six months in jail, along with a fine of Rs 10,000. They stated that the piece was published without any basis, even though Lankesh maintained that she had the right not to reveal the names of her sources in the BJP. The court reportedly ruled that the duty of the law was to protect personal reputation, since The persons reputation is a property and if possible more valuable than other property.

According to reports, the story called Darodege Illida BJPgaru (roughly translating to BJP men involved in criminal activities), accused BJPs Shivnath Bhat, Venkatesh Mestri, and Umesh Dushi (one of the complainants) of swindling Rs 1 lakh from a jeweller. It alleged that the jeweller had first approached Joshi to complain about the ministers, and that Joshi (whose photo was carried along with the article), subsequently covered up for his party members. While Lankesh was the first accused in Joshis complaint, she was the second accused in Dushis complaint. The latter reportedly named Devanand Jagapur, a reporter, as the first accused, claiming that Jagapur had written the article in question. Jagapur was acquitted after they failed to prove this, and Lankesh maintained that he was not associated with her publication.

Lankesh had told The Wire that she believed Joshis objection to her article was unfounded, because the piece had only referred to how Joshi seemed to have covered up for the party members the jeweller had blamed. How have I defamed him? He won the elections after that, Lankesh told The Wire and was reported as saying that there were several pending cases against Dushi, and her publication could do little to tarnish his reputation.

She was granted bail, and appealed against the verdict in a higher sessions court. The jewellers story had actually been covered by many local dailies, even though hers was the only publication that the politicians chose to attack, making it seem less about the story and more about Lankeshs political opinions.

Unsurprisingly, Lankeshs murder has reminded everybody of other similarly horrific murder cases, especially the murders of rationalist and author Narendra Dhabolkar in 2013, Communist Party of India leader Govind Pansare in 2015, and the 2015 shooting of MM Kalburgi, author and the former vice-chancellor of Hampi University. Kalburgis case remains unsolved two years later, but it has been reported in the media that the gun used to kill all these men was the same.

Even Karnataka home minister Ramalinga Reddy has drawn parallels between Lankeshs murder and that of Dabholkar and Kalburgi. Who is behind the incident, is it the Naxals or any other ideological fringe parties were behind the incident, will be known only after investigation, he said.

Over the last few months, the Karnataka media has faced several blatant infringements on press freedom. On June 21, a committee formed by the Karnataka legislative assembly unanimously sentenced two journalists, Ravi Belagere of Hi Bangalore and Anil Raju of Yelahanka Voice, to a years jail sentence for allegedly publishing defamatory articles.

In an essay for The Wire in June this year, Lankesh traced Karnatakas murky relationship with a free press because of the Assembly Privileges Committee  from her father P Lankeshs time when Lankesh Patrike was constantly hauled up for defaming legislators, to when Kiran Thakur of Tarun Bharat had been made to stand in a make-shift dock and apologize to the House, much like in neighboring Tamil Nadu.

In 2009, Lankesh herself had been forced to appear in front of a privileges committee and publish a front-page apology for a piece she had written. In an article published in the Hindustan Times following the Belagere and Raju cases, Lankesh said she had settled on running an apology inside her weekly (however insincere, she had said), since there were bigger battles to be fought. With Lankeshs murder, the battles still remain.

(Published in arrangement with GRIST Media.)
The ugly spat between two senior doctors inside the operation theatre of a government hospital in Jodhpur was due to a personal rivalry and did not cause the death of a newborn, a government panel constituted to probe the incident has told the Rajasthan high court.

The panel submitted its nine-page report in the Rajasthan high court on Tuesday.

There was a rivalry between the two doctors, which led to the bickering on the operation table, said Rajasthans additional advocate general SK Garg.

The probe panel did not recommend any action against the resident doctor, who shot the video of the argument between gynaecologist Dr Ashok Nanival and anaesthetist Dr Mathura Lal Tak, but the court warned her against using a mobile phone inside operation theatres.

The spat triggered an allegation that a woman, who was inside the operation theatre for a surgery, lost her newborn because of the verbal duel.

The court took cognizance of the video on August 30 purportedly shot inside the operation theatre of Umaid Hospital on August 29 that showed the two doctors arguing and using filthy language, and sought a report.

The government panel comprised additional district collector Manaram Patel, additional principal of Dr SN Medical College Dr Reeta Meena, Umaid Hospital superintendent Dr Ranjana Desai, and Jodhpur metropolitans chief judicial magistrate Amar Verma.

After the court took the report on record, amicus curie MS Singhvi requested the court to take ground realities of all the three government hospitals in Jodhpur  Umaid Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi Hospital and Mathura Das Mathur Hospital  into account before taking any action on the report.

A division bench of justice Gopal Krishna Vyas and justice Manoj Kumar Garg formed two committees, one for Umaid Hospital and the other for MG Hospital and MDM Hospital, to look into the issue and submit a comprehensive report on the infrastructural and medical facilities at these hospitals.

Both the committees will be headed by additional district collector Seema Kaviya and comprise retired professors of the medical colleges.

The court has sought these two reports by September 8.

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More than a hundred private hospitals and nursing homes stand cheek by jowl along a stretch less than a kilometer long in western Uttar Pradeshs Farrukhabad city.

Sitting in the centre of this medical melange is the government-run Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, currently in the news for the death of 49 children in a month  30 of them at its sick newborn care unit.

The private healthcare units surrounding this big hospital are mostly bare-bones hole-in-the-wall establishments. They depend on the government hospital for business.

You can say Lohia hospital is merely an extension of these private hospitals, social activist Dinesh Dass said.

Private hospitals fleece patients and send them to RML hospital when their condition deteriorates. The hospitals and doctors have developed a well-oiled mechanism to let the medical business boom, he alleged.

They have grown exponentially and unchecked over the years and the health department doesnt have accurate figures to show how many of them are registered or have a licence. An old list says there are 55 registered hospitals. Most of these dont have incubators or paediatricians.

The focus veered toward the private units after 118 infants died in six months at RML hospitals unit for ailing newborns. More than 950 children were admitted during that period for treatment.

About 90% of these children were born at private hospitals and later brought to RML. Most of them suffered from perinatal asphyxia and other complications.

According to official records, of the 30 children who lost their lives, 24 were born outside.

Why the high number of deaths of children born at private hospitals is not ringing alarm bells in the government? asked a senior health official, as he and his colleagues are under pressure over the latest tragedy.

Pregnant women or children are first referred to ill-equipped private hospitals that, after draining the family financially, send the patients to RML hospital to escape culpability, he said.

A report on the child deaths submitted by city magistrate Jainendra Kumar Jain underscores the role of private and unathorised hospitals.

Sources said the report mentions government doctors working for these hospitals.

The mechanism works this way: a leading doctor at RML refers patients to her husbands private hospital and she treats only those sent back in a critical condition.

Another senior government doctor works at operating theatres of private units. He is one of the three anaesthetics in the district drawing a salary from taxpayers money.

The nexus runs deep into rural areas as well. The government-funded 102 and 108 ambulance services dont take patients to RML hospital. Poorly paid drivers of private ambulances are given a bonus for each patient they bring to a non-government medical unit.

Anganwadi and Asha community workers as well as auxiliary nurse midwives work as agents of private hospitals in the countryside, where they are the first line of healthcare for pregnant women.

A midwife and an Asha worker were charged two months ago with conducting an abortion with a quack at a private hospital.

These hospitals have become so aggressive and dominant that their agents get inside (government hospital) and force patients to get treatment at the private units, a source in RML said.

The staff, mostly on contract, helps agents transfer patients under government care for money. And brazenly ask patients to pay up.

Touts focus on pregnant women as private hospitals earn between Rs 25,000 and Rs50,000 for each delivery through the cesarean section, which is rampant.

Khalid Ali, whose baby died at RML in August, said he took his wife to a private hospital after she was denied admission at the government facility. The baby was born through the C-section.

In many cases of forced C-sections, babies are born premature and with serious complications.

When things go out of hand, the private units send the babies to RML keeping the mother with them to make sure the family doesnt default on the bill.

According to sources, 70% of private facilities are run by quacks.

Parents of the dead infants blame doctors at private clinics and RML in equal measure.

The hospital employees were cruel. My child died due to negligence. There were ants on my childs body and no one came to remove them even after we complained. We were not allowed inside the room. My child had a painful death, alleged Akhilesh Kumar, who lost his son on August 25.

State health director Hukum Dev had directed the Farrukhabad chief medical officer to initiate action against private hospitals and touts.

The racket hasnt gone unnoticed, but people said it wont have thrived in the first place if authorities hadnt turned a blind eye.
After news broke late on Tuesday evening that senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her home in Bengaluru, the journalism fraternity reeled in shock.

As former colleagues and friends of the slain journalist came to terms with Lankeshs murder, tributes poured in on Twitter.

Read: Reporting under duress: Journalists in India work amid increasing danger

Amid the grief, shock and anger, those on Twitter chose to focus on Lankeshs courage and tenacity.

Fellow journalists remembered her as spunky, feisty with courage in her convictions. Others praised her for not backing down despite defamation suits slapped against her or facing backlash for dissent.

Journalism is nothing without courage. Democracy is nothing without dissent. You had plenty of both #GauriLankesh You live on as inspiration  Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) September 5, 2017

In India we bow to frauds like Ram Rahim and kill men and women of reason & inquiry like Pansare, Dabholkar, Kalburgi & now #gaurilankesh  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) September 5, 2017

Numbed by news of Gauri Lankesh's murder. She was gutsy, level-headed, defianteverything we need in a journalist in these troubled times.  Siddharth (@svaradarajan) September 5, 2017

Gauri Lankesh was a voice that spoke for all of us. A voice that was silenced. #FreedomOfSpeech #justice #heartbreaker #gaurilankesh  Faye DSouza (@fayedsouza) September 5, 2017

The force that killed Gauri Lankesh & Dabholkar & Pansare & Kalburgi will kill again & again. What it wants to kill is dissent.  Tony Joseph (@tjoseph0010) September 5, 2017

Dhabolkar , Pansare, Kalburgi , and now Gauri Lankesh . If one kind of people are getting killed which kind of people are the killers .  Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) September 5, 2017

You are not dead. We are not afraid. This strengthens our resolve to fight. #GauriLankesh was a strong supporter of students' movement.  Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) September 5, 2017

Another liberal, rational voice snuffed out by "unidentified assailants". Gauri Lankesh RIP. Dabholkar, Kalburgi, Pansare. Who killed them?  Renuka Shahane (@renukash) September 5, 2017

Terrible news from Bengaluru about the heinous murder of Gauri Lankesh. I condemn all acts of violence against journalists.  Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) September 5, 2017

Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime.  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 5, 2017

The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences &love to her family. The culprits have to be punished  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 5, 2017
What a difference a single word makes.

Though the Nevada Constitution clearly states that any person serving in one branch of government may not perform any function of another branch, the Legislatures lawyers, the Legislative Counsel Bureau (LCB), in 2002 penned a non-binding opinion that stated a person may serve in the Legislature if they do not exercise any sovereign functions in another branch.

The definition of the adjective sovereign is: possessing supreme or ultimate power, thus the LCB adulteration of the Constitution emasculates the plain language of the Separation of Powers Clause.

The Nevada Supreme Court will have the opportunity to clear up this matter.

The Nevada Policy Research Institutes (NPRI) legal arm, the Center for Justice and Constitutional Litigation (CJCL), this past week filed notice with the state high court that it is appealing the decision of a Carson City judge dismissing its lawsuit against a state senator for violating the Separation of Powers Clause.

Defying the clear language of the Nevada constitution, Nevada Supreme Court precedent, and a 2004 Attorney General Advisory Opinion by then-attorney-general Governor Brian Sandoval, Judge (James) Russell relied upon a non-binding opinion from the Legislative Counsel Bureau in his ruling from the bench  but we believe the actual words of the state constitution should matter more, declared CJCL Director Joseph Becker in an email press release.

In that 2004 opinion, Sandoval noted that in the 1957 Supreme Court case cited by the LCB as the basis for its opinion, the court never got to the point of ruling on the Separation of Powers Clause and dismissed it on other grounds.

CJCL sued state Sen. Heidi Gansert because she also is an employee of the University of Nevada, Reno.

We believe the plain language of the constitution should take precedent over a non-binding LCB opinion, or the preferences of the ruling class, commented Becker. And we look forward to the appeals process finally giving further legal clarity on the issue.

This fight has been going on for years.

There have been years in which nearly half the lawmakers in Carson City were either government employees or the spouses of government employees. In some years every Senate and Assembly leadership post was held by a public employee.

Currently 10 lawmakers hold down state or local government jobs. As such, despite clear conflicts of interest, the lawmakers can vote themselves raises and hand out largesse to their employers  as Gansert did in this past session by voting for 2 percent raises for state employees and a capital expenditure budget that included more than $40 million for a new engineering building at UNR.

In 2004 then-Secretary of State Dean Heller asked the Supreme Court to remedy this skirting of the Constitution, but the court ruled that the Constitution gives lawmakers the power to determine the qualifications of their members. Thus, the judicial branch telling the legislative branch who its members may be violates the Separation of Powers Clause.

But the court did allow that declaratory relief could be sought by someone with a legally protectible interest, such as a person seeking the executive branch position held by the legislator.

Under that guidance, the CJCL first sued state Sen. Mo Denis on behalf of a person who wanted Denis $56,000-a-year job at the Public Utilities Commission. A judge declared the case moot when Denis resigned his PUC job.

NPRIs lawyers came back with a similar suit against Gansert on behalf of a person who wants her public relations job at UNR  a job that yields $210,000 a year in pay and benefits.

Now that the district court judge has ruled that the Separation of Powers Clause is meaningless, it is back to the Supreme Court.

The court should heed the words of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis in a dissenting opinion from 1926, The doctrine of the separation of powers was adopted by the Convention of 1787, not to promote efficiency but to preclude the exercise of arbitrary power. The purpose was, not to avoid friction, but, by means of the inevitable friction incident to the distribution of the governmental powers among three departments, to save the people from autocracy.

Or they could turn to a 1967 Nevada Supreme Court opinion that flatly stated, The division of powers is probably the most important single principle of government declaring and guaranteeing the liberties of the people.

The words of the state Constitution should not be made meaningless by adding a word plucked out of thin air.
The Indian government seems firm on sending back Rohingya Muslims who have fled the violence they are facing in Myanmar.

A day after the Supreme Court asked the Centre to explain why it wanted the deportation, minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday, Rohingya are illegal immigrants and they need to be deported as per law.

On a two-day visit to Myanmar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday came out in support of Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under intense international pressure over 125,000 Rohingya who have fled the military crackdown in the north-western Rakhine state.

Your leadership in Myanmars peace process is commendable, we understand your challenges, Modi said after talks with Suu Kyi in the capital Nay Pyi Daw, adding the two countries would jointly fight terror.

A look at the knotty Rohingya refugee issue:

1. Is India bound to take in Rohingya refugees?

There are 40,000 Rohingya Muslims in India. Of them, 16,500 carry United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards. These cards should ideally prevent them from being arbitrarily arrested, detained or deported.

Whether countries are bound to take in refugees is a complex question with moral, legal and political dimensions.

To begin with, the principle of non-refoulement, or not forcing refugees or asylum seekers to return to the country they fled, is part of a customary international law that is binding on all states.

Legally, the government can argue against it, as India is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol.

The convention has 140 signatories and India is the only exception among liberal democracies in the world. Despite not signing the pact, India hosts a diverse community of refugees -- Tibetans, the Chakmas from Bangladesh, Sri Lankan Tamils and Afghans among others.

2. Why is India wary of UNHCR

The UN body did play an important role during the refugee crisis of 1971, when around nine million people came to India to escape the violence in the then East Pakistan, which was liberated the same year as independent nation of Bangladesh.

But the UNHCR s insisted on repatriation of refugees in June of the same year even as New Delhi pointed to the violence unleashed against them by Pakistani forces.

India was also miffed when chief of the refugee agency Sadruddin Agha Khan visited East Pakistan on the invitation of Pakistani president Yahya Khan, a visit ostensibly aimed at showing that everything was normal.

3. Balancing act

Ethnic groups account for 35% of Myanmars population and are seeking greater political representation, which is a point of friction between the powerful army, which ruled the country from 1962 to 2011, and Suu Kyis government.

The ethnic groups are also pushing for a federal structure to give them a bigger play in parliament but the army, which has 25% seats reserved in the House, worries it could be at its cost.

For tactical reasons, India has to strike a balance between the army and the government.

4. The security angle

Myanmars constitution recognises 135 ethnic groups but not the Rohingya, described as the most persecuted people in the world.

They are regarded as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, even when their families have lived in Myanmar for generations. They often live in camps and are denied access to healthcare and education.

The Rohingya are demanding they be recognised as an ethnic group but it will be tough because other groups dont agree.

The Indian government has little incentive to get involved as Myanmar denies them citizenship.

There are protests against their presence in India that have the backing of the groups that support the government. They are illegal immigrants in India and as per law, they stand to be deported, Rijiju told media after a briefing of the North East Democratic Alliance, a grouping of the BJP and its allies in Northeast.

India shares 1,600km boundary with Myanmar. Many of the insurgents group operating in the Northeast are in hiding in Myanmar, where they have set up training camps.

New Delhi is unlikely to give into pressure from the West considering its security concerns.

5. The refugee question

South Asian countries are wary of refugees on two counts -- security concerns and demographic balance. For instance, the presence of a large number of Rohingya Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir is a concern for the Indian security establishment.

The BJP has for years raised the issue of Bangladeshi migrants in Assam, accusing the Congress of changing the demography of the northeastern state for political gains. Sending back illegal migrants was one of its main poll promises in the 2016 election that saw the party sweep to power in the state for the first time.

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On a warm summer evening in March, about 200 people gathered outside the Bengaluru Town Hall to protest against the smearing of Kannada writer Yogesh masters face with black ink. At the centre of the crowd was journalist Gauri Lankesh, refusing as ever to mince words against those she believed were behind the attack.

Lankesh, who was shot dead at her residence on Tuesday, was a vocal opponent of right-wing excess and was present at the forefront of most such protests in the state. Almost exactly two years ago, Lankesh was again sitting on the steps leading to the Town Hall protesting the murder of rationalist thinker MM Kalburgi, who was shot dead at his residence .

The 55-year-old edited a tabloid newspaper and was an outspoken critic of right-wing Hindutva politics. She was also known for her pro-poor and pro-Dalit stand and was one of the few women editors in Kannada journalism.

Lankesh, born in 1962, was the daughter of journalist and founding editor of Kannada weekly tabloid Lankesh Patrike.

Her aides remember her as a fearless and tireless activist who condemned all forms of violence. She was part of the chief ministers panel that brought some leaders of Karnatakas Naxal movement above ground.

Writer BT Lalitha Naik, a long time friend of Lankesh, said she was extremely fearless. There was never a time when you could say that adversity had got the better of her. She used to casually mention the constant death threats she received, and her fearlessness reassured us, Naik said.

In 2016, she was convicted in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Pralhad Joshi and party office bearer Umesh Doshi over a report published in 2008.

In an article published in Hindustan Times, Lankesh said she was once called by the Privileges Committee, and asked to carry a front-page apology in 2009 for a story she had written. I argued that I hadnt written about what the MLA had said inside the House, but outside, she said, and settled on running an apology inside the weekly (however insincere, she added), because there were bigger battles to be fought.

In March this year, an author who was to attend a book launch organised by Lankesh was attacked by a group of men who smeared black ink on his face. The author was warned of dire consequences for writing against Hindu gods by the men who, according to police, shouted Jai Sri Ram before fleeing.

Her siblings Indrajit Lankesh and Kavitha Lankesh are filmmakers in the Kannada film industry.

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In 2005, Lankesh and her brother Indrajit -- the papers proprietor and publisher  were involved in a spat as they levelled allegations against each other to protect the publications ideology. Lankeshs brother said her pro-Naxal stand affected the paper, while she said he had a problem with her activism.

After the incident, Lankesh began publishing her own Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike.

Lankesh had in the past worked for the rehabilitation of Naxals who wanted to return to the social mainstream and was one among those involved in the founding of Citizens Initiative for Peace (CiP) in the state.

K Neela, secretary of the state unit of the All India Democratic Womens Association, said Lankesh believed in peaceful, constitutional means to achieve change in society. It was this belief in peaceful means that led her to join the panel to bring Maoist leaders above ground, she said of Lankesh. She was very closely involved with us, Neela added.

Lankesh was also a supporter of former Jawaharlal Nehru Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar and Gujarat Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani. Kumar tweeted that #GauriLankesh taught me to speak truth to power. She was fearless in her fight against hate. We resolve to carry on her struggle.

The latest issue of her weekly, Gauri lankesh Patrike, showed her concerns as a journalist. The cover was a report about the case of corruption lodged against former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa with the Anti-Corruption Bureau against the alleged illegal denotification of land earmarked for a housing colony.

In what is Lankeshs last editorial, she wrote about the alleged contradiction in the orders of the Supreme Court. She writes that although the apex court is rightly hailed for its judgment holding instant triple talak as unconstitutional, she criticised the court of undermining womens rights by ordering a CBI probe into the case of alleged Love Jihad in Kerala.

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Critics have raised questions on the safety of writers and journalists against after the killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Lankesh called herself an activist-journalist and was an outspoken critic of right-wing Hindutva politics.

Lankeshs death is being counted as the latest in a string of murders of rationalist writers, including MM Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar.

Heres a list of some of the writers and journalists killed in recent years:

MM Kalburgi

The 77-year-old outspoken rationalist was killed in a manner similar to Lankesh. He fell to the bullets of two unidentified men at his residence in Dharwad, Karnataka in September 2015. The incident sent shock waves across the Kannada literary world and elsewhere in Karnataka.

Govind Pansare

Leftist leader and a prominent activist and rationalist, Govind Pansare was shot dead by two unidentified persons in February 2014 when he was returning home from his morning walk in Kolhapur. He died in Mumbai on February 20. Sanatan Sanstha activist Samir Gaikwad was arrested in connection with the murder, and later granted bail.

Narendra Dabholkar

On August 20, 2013, Dabholkar, a prominent anti-superstition crusader, was allegedly gunned down by two bike-borne men during his morning walk in Pune.

According to a CBI charge sheet filed in September last year, Akolkar and Pawar, two members of the right-wing organisation Sanatan Sanstha, gunned down the rationalist. In June 2014, the case was handed over to the CBI after the Pune police failed to make any headway.

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Ranjan Rajdeo

Ranjan, a journalist with Hindi daily Hindustan, was shot from close range by assailants on a motorcycle in May last year. He headed the papers bureau in Siwan, Bihar and had written extensively on the case involving Shrikant Bharti  an aide of BJP MP Om Prakash Yadav  who was shot dead in 2014.

Fingers were pointed towards incarcerated Shahabuddin. In jail since 2005, the two-time MLA and four-time MP from Siwan, Shahabuddin fought on Rashtriya Janata Dal and Janata Dal tickets until he was barred from contesting elections.

The crime came a day after a Hindi television journalist was shot dead in Jharkhand. Akhilesh Pratap worked for Taza TV, a local Hindi news channel.

Sai Reddy

In December 2013, assailants stabbed Sai Reddy (51), a reporter for the Hindi newspaper Deshbandhu, as he left a market in Basaguda village in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh. He died as he was being transported to the hospital.

He was arrested and charged for his alleged connection with Maoists, but was released on bail in 2008. Police said they suspected Maoists were behind the fatal attack.

Jagendra Singh

A freelance journalist died in June 2015 from burn injuries after a police raid at his residence in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Before his death, Singh alleged cops had barged into his house and set him on fire. He also accused Samajwadi Party leader Rammurti Singh Verma of unleashing terror for writing against him. Singh published investigative reports and comments against the minister on social media, an NDTV report said.

However, a month after the incident, Singhs son gave a clean chit to Verma and said his father had immolated himself.
The murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was organised crime, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday morning as he set up a special investigation team to probe the murder that triggered nationwide outrage.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru a day after the 55-year-old editor was murdered in her residence, the chief minister announced police protection for activists propagating progressive thoughts.

It is true it is an organised crime, let police look into it I cannot say yet if it was a part of a conspiracy, he was quoted as saying by ANI.

Seven bullets were pumped into Lankeshs body shortly after 8pm at her residence in Bengalurus busy Rajarajeshwari Nagar by an unidentified number of suspects. Lankesh, a known activist and editor, was a fierce critic of the Hindu right-wing and her friends said she received several death threats but didnt take them seriously. She met me recently but never spoke about any threats, the Congress leader was quoted as saying by ANI.

The murder also brought the spotlight back on similar killings of writer MM Kalburgi in Karnataka and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare in Maharashta. All of them were killed by suspected right-wing activists but probes have largely been ineffective in tracking down suspects.

Home minister Rajnath Singh has told the home secretary to seek a report on Lankeshs murder from the Karnataka government.

Similar weapons used in Kalburgi, Pansare & Dabholkar killings, in this case we dont know yet so cant draw link, the chief minister said, according to ANI.

He also said the police was questioning two people who posted against Lankesh on Facebook but refused to accede to demands by the BJP for a CBI probe into the murder. Left it to DGP who will speak to home minister and decide on it, he said.

(With ANI inputs)
Condemning the murder of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, the Congress on Wednesday said muzzling the voice of ordinary citizens and silencing dissent is the slogan of New India under the Modi government.

The party said India is in the throes of a violent clash between advocates of freedom of speech and the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to silence dissent and throttle democracy.

It also said gagging media and often subjecting them through torture is often a sign of dictatorial regimes.

The shocking murder of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh is a grim reminder of the times we live in. This mindless and cowardly assassination has not only shaken our conscience but is also an extremely sad moment for our democracy, said Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

The party said it stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi have spoken to the Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the culprits to the book.

Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state, he added.

He also said the state has put its best investigative officers to work and the Chief Minister has promised that the assailants will be swiftly nabbed.

The CM further has said that three police teams have been formed to investigate and nab the culprits. There was no intelligence input prior to the attack. Even Gauri Lankesh hadnt sought police protection, the CM has said.

We urge the Karnataka government to take prompt action and bring these criminals to book, Singhvi added.

The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives.

There is a definite pattern in the murder of rationalists and free thinkers and those who question the government - Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi and now Lankesh, said Singhvi.

Singhvi said: An unprecedented atmosphere of hate and intolerance is being created in order to take on those who have ideologically divergent views. If you do not agree with us, we shall kill you is the new slogan of New India.

Muzzling the voice of ordinary citizens and the lynch mob mentality has become a regular habit of this New India-Achhe Din government, he added.

Why is Narendra Modi following such accounts who are involved in these illegal and unlawful activities? asked Singhvi.
New Delhi: The murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Tuesday night has brought the spotlight back on three other high-profile killings, investigations into which have made little headway.

Narendra Dabholkar of Maharashtra and MM Kalburgi from Karnataka were both rationalists while Govind Pansare, who lived in Kolhapur, was a vocal critic of the Hindutva agenda. Like Lankesh, they had roiled many with their strong views and were silenced by assassins bullets.

Dabholkar was shot dead near his home in Shaniwar Peth in 2013, Pansare died of wounds after being shot in 2015, and Kalburgi was killed by a hail of bullets in Dharwad in 2015.

Though the three murders made headlines and triggered nationwide outrage, little progress has been made in bringing the culprits to book. No arrests have been made so far in connection with Kalburgis killing despite the case being investigated by the criminal investigation department (CID) of the Karnataka police.

Dabholkars murder is being investigated by the CBI and a member of the secretive Hindu outfit Sanathan Sanstha, headquartered in Goa, has been arrested. One person was arrested in connection with Pansares murder but the suspect is currently out on bail. Two others suspected to be involved in both the murders are still absconding, prompting the Bombay high court to urge the investigating agencies to use modern methods to track them down.

These are not acts committed by a person or two, a bench of the court observed. The reports indicate that this is a completely organised set up, the judges said.

Police suspect the killings of Dabholkar and Pansare were linked and were carried out by the Sanathan Sanstha. Dabholkar campaigned tirelessly against superstitious practices while Pansare took on Hindu right-wing groups during his lifetime. Police suspect the duo had earned the wrath of the Sanathan Sanstha and were therefore killed.

Narendra Dabholkar:

Two years after Kalburgis killing, Karnataka police claim they are on the verge of a breakthrough in the case. They have, however, refused to explain their inability to arrest anyone till date.

Last year, the Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara said that there was evidence to suggest that the rationalist writers killing too was linked to the murders of Dabholkar and Pansare. It will take time to establish the truth though, since investigations into all three cases are progressing at a snails pace.

(With inputs from Yogesh Joshi in Pune and Vikram Gopal in Bengaluru)
The murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru on Tuesday night has brought the spotlight back on three other high-profile killings, investigations into which have made little headway.

Narendra Dabholkar of Maharashtra and MM Kalburgi from Karnataka were both rationalists while Govind Pansare, who lived in Kolhapur, was a vocal critic of the Hindutva agenda. Like Lankesh, they had roiled many with their strong views and were silenced by assassins bullets.

Dabholkar was shot dead near his home in Shaniwar Peth in 2013, Pansare died of wounds after being shot in 2015, and Kalburgi was killed by a hail of bullets in Dharwad in 2015.

Though the three murders made headlines and triggered nationwide outrage, little progress has been made in bringing the culprits to book. No arrests have been made so far in connection with Kalburgis killing despite the case being investigated by the criminal investigation department (CID) of the Karnataka police.

Dabholkars murder is being investigated by the CBI and a member of the secretive Hindu outfit Sanathan Sanstha, headquartered in Goa, has been arrested. One person was arrested in connection with Pansares murder but the suspect is currently out on bail. Two others suspected to be involved in both the murders are still absconding, prompting the Bombay high court to urge the investigating agencies to use modern methods to track them down.

Narendra Dabholkar:

These are not acts committed by a person or two, a bench of the court observed. The reports indicate that this is a completely organised set up, the judges said.

Police suspect the killings of Dabholkar and Pansare were linked and were carried out by the Sanathan Sanstha. Dabholkar campaigned tirelessly against superstitious practices while Pansare took on Hindu right-wing groups during his lifetime. Police suspect the duo had earned the wrath of the Sanathan Sanstha and were therefore killed.

Two years after Kalburgis killing, Karnataka police claim they are on the verge of a breakthrough in the case. They have, however, refused to explain their inability to arrest anyone till date.

Last year, the Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara said that there was evidence to suggest that the rationalist writers killing too was linked to the murders of Dabholkar and Pansare. It will take time to establish the truth though, since investigations into all three cases are progressing at a snails pace.

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The government will wait for the Supreme Courts ruling on Aadhaar to decide if the 12-digit biometric authentication can be made mandatory for flying in India.

The top courts recent ruling making privacy a guaranteed fundamental right is likely to test the validity of Aadhaar, which the government has been pushing for wide use but opposed by critics and activists over fears of possible data breach and privacy concerns.

Officials said a pilot project is already under way in two airports to assess the viability and convenience of the project.

The pilot projects are going on for sometime. Given that a Supreme Court bench will start hearing the challenges against Aadhaar from November, there is no point in notifying the rule immediately, said a government official, who did not wish to be named.

Officials said mandating Aadhaar and biometric authentication will make it easier for airlines in resolving several security issues. Airlines will also be able to easily detect passengers in the no-fly list.

Some private airlines said Aadhaar could take care of several problems.

Otherwise, scanning through millions of air travellers everyday makes it a tedious process for airlines. There could be so many people with the same name leading to confusion, said a source in a private airline.

Availability of Aadhaar will also help airlines in curbing human trafficking.

All identity proofs are allowed at airports from driving license to passport. Biometric authentication with the Aadhaar number will streamline the process of security checks, the added.

But those who have legally challenged the governments move to make Aadhaar a primary identity proof for Indians, are against the linking of number with air travel.

This is a way for the government and tax authorities to track air travel by Indians. This a breach of privacy and if notified we will challenge it, said an activist who is part of the group of petitioners against Aadhaar. He did not wish to be named.

Seeding Aadhaar with air travel will lead to disruption and exclusion. We have seen this happen wherever biometric authentication has been made mandatory. Apart from the concerns of surveillance, it has also hampered the delivery of the service, said Anjali Bhardwaj, co-Convenor of National Campaign for Peoples Right to Information.

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The murder case of Class 12 student Aditya Sachdeva, 19, saw some twists and turns before a Gaya district court, after 15 months, on Wednesday sentenced Rakesh Ranjan Yadav alias Rocky Yadav, son of suspended JD(U) MLC Manorama Devi, and two others to life imprisonment. His father Bindeshwar Prasad Yadav alias Bindi Yadav was also handed a five-year jail term for shielding the accused in the teenagers murder.

Hindustan Times brings to you five things you need to know about the case:

WHAT IS THE ADITYA SACHDEVA MURDER CASE:

May 7, 2016: Aditya Sachdeva, a class 12 student of Nazareth Academy, Gaya, and four other friends  Mohammed Naseer, Ankit Agrawal, Ayush Kumar and Mohammed Kaif  had gone to Bodh Gaya from Gaya, a distance of about 14 kms, to attend a birthday celebration. On return, Aditya and his friends, travelling in a Maruti Swift Dzire vehicle, allegedly ignored signals to let Rockys Range Rover overtake on a narrow road. This infuriated the MLCs son, who chased down the vehicle and  despite pleas for mercy  roughed up the driver (Md Naseer) of the Dzire. It was when the five tried to escape that Rocky sprayed the car with bullets, one of which killed Aditya  son of a prominent Gaya businessman. Naseer drove the car straight to the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College, where doctors declared Aditya dead.

POLICE ACTION:

May 8, 2016: The Rampur police station in Gaya lodged an FIR in which Bindi Yadav, his son Rocky Yadav nephew Tenny Yadav, besides MLC wife Manorama Devis bodyguard Rajesh Kumar were made accused. Tenny and Rajesh were travelling with Rocky in his Land Rover. The same evening, Bindi Yadav and bodyguard Rajesh were arrested. During raid on the MLCs residence in Gaya, police recovered Baretta pistol (the weapon used in the crime) and six bottles of liquor, prohibited in Bihar after it was declared a dry state on April 5, 2016.

May 10, 2016: Police raided Bindi Yadavs construction unit in Gaya and arrested prime accused Rocky Yadav in the wee hours.

June 6, 2016: Gaya police submitted chargesheet in district court.

POLITICAL ACTION:

May 10, 2016: As the BJP-led opposition raised a sting over deteriorating law and order situation in the state, the JD(U) suspended its MLC Manorama Devi after liquor bottles were found in her house and the government moved to arrest the legislative council member. Devi subsequently surrendered in a Gaya court on May 17 for violating the prohibition law. She was released on bail on June 16.

LEGAL ACTION:

During the trial, three judges in the lower court got transferred. The prosecution lawyer was also changed once. The six eyewitnesses  Adityas friends Naseer, Ankit, Ayush and Kaif; Manorama Devis bodyguard Rajesh and Bindi Yadavs house guard  all turned hostile.

The court of additional district judge 1 Sachidanand Singh relied on circumstantial evidence, based on mobile tower locations and call detail record (CDR) of the accused persons, and forensic science laboratory (FSL) findings, which proved the bullets that killed Aditya were fired from the Baretta pistol, recovered from MLC Manorama Devis residence.

The defence engaged Supreme Court lawyer Surendra Singh to defend the accused in the trial court during the last leg of arguments. The defence remained in denial mode and refuted all charges levelled against the accused. The defence told the court that the FSL and CDR evidence was not sufficient to prove the charges levelled against the accused. It said the police and the prosecution had produced in court CDRs of 18 mobile phones of which none was registered in the name of any of the accused. While disputing the FSL reports, the defence counsel said the FSL report had no specific date of shots being fired from the same pistol. Whether it was fired on May 7, 2016 (date of the murder) or on some other day, was not clear in the FSL report, it pointed out.

Chronology of how the case went: June 30, 2016:Court takes cognizance of the chargesheet Oct 19, 2016: The Patna high court grants bail to Rocky Oct 28, 2016: The Supreme court overturns Patna HC order, cancels bail Oct 29, 2016: Rocky surrenders in Gaya court, sent to jail Nov 21, 2016:Charges framed against all the accused Dec 19, 2016: One of the bodyguards of Manorama Devi deposes Jan 6, 2017: Another bodyguard TN Singh deposes in court Jan 16, 2017: Adityas father Shyam Sundar Sachdeva deposes Jan 30, 2017: Adityas mother Chanda Sachdeva deposes July 12, 2017:Adityas brother and informant in the case deposes Aug 17, 2017:ADJ Sachchidanand Singh records the statement of the accused Aug 23, 2017: Supreme Court lawyer Surendra Prasad defends the accused in the trial court Aug 25, 2017:Hearing closes and trial court seeks opinion from both the defence and the prosecution Aug 31, 2017:Trial court convicts Rocky, Bindi, Tenny and Rajesh Kumar Sept 6, 2017:Trial court awards life term to Rocky, Tenny and Rajesh Kumar and five-year jail to Bindi.

REACTIONS:

I am satisfied by the court verdict. Having suffered the loss of our son, my wife and I did not want that another mother (Manorama Devi) should lose her son (Rocky Yadav) and be hanged. The pain and sorrow of losing our son is incomprehensible, said Shyam Sachdeva, Adityas father.

Rockys lawyer Kaesar Sarfuddin said they would challenge the verdict in the Patna high court.

(With inputs from Anil Ojha in Gaya)
Protests swept India on Wednesday against the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru as Karnataka set up a special investigation team and police pored over surveillance footage to solve the sensational murder.

Lankesh was laid to rest with full state honours in Bengaluru where thousands of people poured in to pay their respects to the 55-year-old editor and outspoken critic of Hindu right-wing elements. Unidentified assailants pumped three bullets into her head and chest on Tuesday night while she was entering her residence in the citys busy Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

It was a dastardly attack by organised criminals I have ordered the constitution of a SIT, which will be headed by an inspector general of police, chief minister Siddaramaiah told reporters.

She had met me just a week ago but she had not informed me about any threat to her life, he added. The Union home ministry also sought a report from the state government.

Siddaramaiah said he personally examined CCTV videos and that said in the footage, a person wearing a helmet is seen approaching Lankesh, who was opening the gate to her house to park her car. This person is seen firing at her, and because of the impact of the shots that were fired at close range she falls back inside her compound, the chief minister added.

Lankeshs murder prompted spontaneous events across 10-odd cities to protest against what the Editors Guild of India called a brutal assault on the freedom of the press. In Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Patna and many other cities, ordinary citizens joined writers and journalists in demonstrating against the killing and demanding strict action. The silencing of a journalist in this manner has dangerous portents for Indian democracy, said the Indian Women Press Corps.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah pays tribute to journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh at Town hall in Bengaluru on Wednesday. (Arijit Sen/HT Photo)

Lankeshs brother, Indrajit, also expressed confidence that the culprits would be traced with the help of CCTV footage and the journalists mobile phone. Her mobile phone also contains a lot of evidence and clues... Investigation is underway, he added.

Her death brought the spotlight back on three similar killings of rationalists and left-leaning thinkers since 2013 -- Maharashtras Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, and Karnatakas MM Kalburgi. In all cases, probes have seen little progress though chief minister Siddaramaiah ruled out an immediate connection between these incidents and Lankeshs murder.

Politicians sparred over her death, with Congress president Sonia Gandhi saying she asked Siddaramaiah to ensure swift justice. Anybody who speaks against the RSS/BJP is attacked & even killed. They want to impose only one ideology which is against the nature of India, said party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.

But the BJP attacked the state government, blaming it for delay in the investigations into Kalburgis murder and demanding a CBI probe into Lankeshs death. Law and order of Karnataka is the responsibility of the state government, under Congress. Holding the prime minister responsible for it is wrong, said Union minister Nitin Gadkari.

Many journalists and intellectuals in Bengaluru also appeared angry with the state government. When we asked Siddaramaiah to ensure justice for Kalburgi, he only gave us assurances Maybe if that murder had been cracked we might not have seen this day, said K Neela, a close associate of Lankesh.

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External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday told her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov that the rock solid friendship between the two countries cannot be weakened by anyone.

Swaraj met Lavrov on the sidelines of Eastern Economic Forum being held in Vladivostok.

She said the ties between the two nations were solid like a rock, according to a tweet by the Indian embassy in Russia.

Details of their discussion were not immediately available.

Earlier in the day, Swaraj attended the India-Russia Business Dialogue at the forum.

She said India was keen to expand its economic ties with Russias resource-rich Far East and sought Russian governments assistance in facilitating Indian investors in the region.

Swaraj said under the Make in India and Start-up India programmes the Indian government has made concerted efforts to attract technology, investments and best practices from around the world.
Indians are increasingly hitting the bottle at a young age or shooting narcotics up their nostrils and blood vessels, replacing the puffs of cigarette smoke that gave them a high about a decade ago.

Nationwide data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2 shows young Indians moving away from tobacco since 2009-2010.

Tobacco abuse among teenagers and young adults has dropped by a third among people aged 15 to 24 and halved in the age group of 15 to 17 years, according to the survey.

But the number of people abusing alcohol and drug is increasing, with children as young as 12 seeking a liquor or heroin fix, say experts.

According to the UN, India has 10 million of the worlds estimated 247 million drug abusers. There is no latest national-level data to bring out the magnitude of the problem, but doctors are registering a considerable rise in number of drug abusers.

There is a risk of a child starting with inhalants and later moving to harder forms such as injectable drugs that can have much serious implication on their health, Dr Nimesh G Desai.

In clinical practice, there has been over a five-fold increase in adolescents coming for problems related to substance use in under a decade, said

Dr Samir Parikh, the director of mental health and behavioural sciences at Fortis hospitals.

According to New Delhi-based de-addiction expert Keshav Palita, five to 10 new adolescent patients crop up each day and more than half of them

were introduced to drug when theyre below 15. Cannabis, alcohol, cocaine, mephedrone and other pharmaceutical and party drugs are the most common among children, he said during a session on de-glamourisation of drugs in society last year.

Besides, easy access to substances such as whiteners, nail polish removers, paint thinners, petrol, and shoe polish are quick and cheap fixes for children  inhaled to get an instant high.

These are not banned items and children sniffing glue and petroleum fumes seldom realise how harmful these things are to their health.

There is a risk of a child starting with inhalants and later moving to harder forms such as injectable drugs that can have much serious implication on their health, said Dr Nimesh G Desai, the director of the Delhi government-run Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences.

From smoking a ganja joint and sniffing a handkerchief dunked in petrol to popping a psychedelic pill, children learn the fixes from peer groups and pass on the knowledge to vulnerable kids.

Exposure to various views on the internet has only increased the tendency to experiment, as a lot of literature, especially around cannabis, creates ambiguity around the harms of the substance which unfortunately leads to more experimentation, Parikh said.

How to tell your child is a drug abuser Sudden change in behaviour such as frequent mood swings, cranky, irritable Disturbed sleep and eating habits; loss of appetite Lost in his own world Change of friend circle Falling ill frequently Spending more money Drop in academic performance

The Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights found during a study in 2015 that the mean age of street children abusing drug was about 13 years in the national capital. There were reports of kids below 10 taking drug and the age of initiation could be as low as five.

The social justice ministry last year assigned a fresh national-level survey on the extent and pattern of drug use to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

Quality data on the extent of substance abuse among the youth is lacking, at present, said Dr Rajesh Sagar, a professor of psychiatry at AIIMS.

One of the national surveys that experts rely on was published in 2004 by the Union ministry of social justice and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). It showed about 20% of the drug addicts in India were below 21 years.

The survey, on the trends and pattern of drug abuse in India, was conducted on a sample size of 40,697 abusers between 12 and 60 years. It found 21% were consuming alcohol every month and more than 0.7% took an opioid a month.

Alcohol and drug often lead to suicide. Data released by the National Crime Records Bureau show a jump of more than 100% in cases of suicides linked to substance abuse in 20 years. But these numbers dont tell the full story as many deaths go unreported.

The scourge of drug abuse, especially the high prevalence in Punjab, has found resonance in politics and Bollywood alike.

In 2016, a row erupted over Udta Punjab, a movie that allegedly defamed the states people by wrongly depicting 70% of them consume drugs. The controversy pitch-forked the states drug problem back into focus before this years assembly elections.

The drug issue dominated the campaign much like in 2012 when the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) declared a war on drugs. Five years on, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress promised to weed out the menace.

Captain Amarinder Singh of the Congress took an oath on the Sikh holy book that he will finish the problem in four weeks. As chief minister, after his party won the polls, he launched a crackdown on peddlers.

From March to August, more than 7,000 people were arrested and around 98 kilos of heroin, 53kg of charas, 289kg of opium and 20,340kg of poppy husk were seized along with other drugs.

An alleged nexus between drug peddlers and police has been busted after the government formed a special task force to deal solely with crimes linked to narcotics.

The crackdown is having some effect, though. It has reduced supply, thereby making drug huge expensive and out-of-reach than before. A gram of heroin, which was sold for 2,000 in Punjab, now costs 5,000. In Jalandhars drug de-addiction centre, the number of people seeking rehab increased from 1,600 in March to 2,300 in May. It treats less than 800 now.

Curbing supply is part of the solution as drug abuse is a psycho-socio-medical problem.

It is important to intervene at the school level. Also, at any given time not more than 2,000 addicts will be getting treated. We are churning out more addicts than our rehabs can handle, Palita said.

The government runs a 24X7 national toll-free helpline, 1800-11-0031, for people willing to quit. We receive around 20 calls a day that last 20 minutes to an hour. We counsel families as well. We refer them to de-addiction centres, said Khushi, a counselor.
Two stray dogs with their feet and mouth tied up with a rope, were found dead at the Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, a day after three dog bite incidents were reported on the campus.

The incident allegations from animal lovers that the institute authorities got the canines killed, a charge denied by the MNIT. The dogs died on Sunday, but the incident was not reported.

Mahesh Swami, technical assistant at MNIT, claimed that Sunday evening his children saw three sacks lying in the campus with some movement inside them. By the time I reached the spot, somebody had opened two sacks. A dog was lying dead near an open sack, while another sack was empty. I opened the third sack only to find a dead dog inside. The limbs and the muzzle of the dogs were tied with ropes, Swami said.

He claimed the institutes officials had been carrying out a crackdown on canines for few months and a suspected 40-50 dogs may have been killed and buried during the period. The dog bite incident , it seems, gave the administration a license to kill them, he claimed.

The dog that attacked three people on Saturday was allegedly rabid and was impounded by the municipal corporation staff the same day. An MNIT employee claimed that said soon after, the institute administration directed the sweepers to kill the other strays on the campus.

The MNIT administration, however, claimed that it only ordered to shoo away the dogs. A student was bitten and had to be admitted to the ICU. Another student and a guard were also bitten the same day. We are concerned about those on the campus and instructed the security cell to take requisite steps as per law, said MNIT registrar AK Solanki.
The murder of senior journalist and editor Gauri Lankesh in her home in Bengaluru has brought the focus back on the perilous conditions journalists in India work in.

India was ranked a lowly 136 among 180 countries in the latest world press freedom rankings released in April with the dismal performance blamed on Modis nationalism and growing self-censorship in the mainstream media. India slipped three places as compared to the year before. India was ranked just three places above Pakistan and was one notch below violence-torn Palestine. Indias neighbours Bhutan and Nepal were placed at 84th and 100th rank, respectively.

Read: Reporting under duress: Journalists in India work amid increasing danger

This came after a string of journalist deaths and murders, especially in small-town India, including Hindustan reporter Rajdeo Ranjan in Bihar last year. Two years ago, a similar study by Reporters Without Borders termed India as among the three most dangerous countries for journalists in 2015.

With Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of anti-national thought from the national debate, self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media, the report from media watchdog Reporters without Borders said. India was ranked 133 last year.

The report mentioned that journalists were increasingly targets of online smear campaigns and threats.

Prosecutions are also used to gag journalists who are overly critical of the government, with some prosecutors invoking Section 124a of the penal code, under which sedition is punishable by life imprisonment.

No journalist has so far been convicted of sedition but the threat encourages self-censorship.

The watchdog was also critical of a social media and internet gag in Kashmir and said that in the absence of any protective mechanism, coverage of sensitive regions continued to be very difficult.

Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark took the first four positions in the rankings. The United States was at the 43rd position. Large swathes of sub-Saharan Africa, including dictator-ruled Zimbabwe, performed better than India.

China was 176th among 180 countries and was described as the worlds leading prison for citizen journalists. North Korea was at the bottom of the index.

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Newspapers across the country extensively covered senior journalist Gauri Lankeshs murder on Wednesday. Nearly all of them cited a string of incidents in which the press has been targeted and journalists killed in the recent years.

Lankesh (55), the editor of Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike, was shot dead by three mean outside her house in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

She was a staunch critic of Hindu right-wing and supported bringing Maoists to the mainstream.

Heres how the newspapers covered Lankeshs death:

The Times of India

The Times front page called Lankeshs death a cold-blooded killing and said the incident reminded of the murders of writer MM Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar.

Her outspokenness put her in the limelight and in conflict with the authorities and rightwing conservative forces. Aligned with the Komu Sohar da Vedike, Lankesh was in the forefront of efforts to bring Naxals into the mainstream and at loggerheads with Hindutva forces, including RSS, the article said.

The Indian Express

The Indian Express ran with a banner headline: Journalist who spoke her mind is shot dead.

In another article, titled Gauri Lankesh on last day: Rohingya tragedy, gay rights, Gorakhpur deaths, the Express listed the issues Lankesh spoke about on the day she was killed. It also cited Lankeshs tribute to her late father on Teachers Day.

In her Kannada weekly, Gauri Lankesh carried at least eight stories critical of the central government and its leaders over the last three months. In her last weekly column, the journalist wrote on the Gorakhpur Hospital tragedy.

Hours before she was shot dead, Lankesh posted a photograph of herself with her father, the late journalist P Lankesh. An absentee father most times but a wonderful teacher of life  My Appa!! Happy teachers day, she wrote.

The Hindu

The Hindu led with a strongly worded tribute to the journalist. The articles headline described her as -- Gauri Lankesh: A firebrand journalist who never minced words.

In recent years, 55-year-old Gauri Lankesh was among the strongest critics of Hindutva politics in Karnataka... There were threats, defamation cases and controversies galore, but she fought them with courage. Gauri called herself an activist-journalist without hesitation and took up issues that went beyond her calling as a journalist and hard-hitting stories she published.

The Telegraph

The front page of Kolkata-based The Tribute ran with a crisp headline: Hindutva baiter shot dead.

The report said Lankesh was a journalist known for anti-establishment views and some activists had blamed her murder on the same forces that had killed rationalists such as Kalburgi and Narendra Dabholkar.

Deccan Herald

The English daily in Karnataka dedicated nearly an entire page to cover Lankeshs murder.

Yet another free voice silenced in Gauris murder -- was the headline of one of the article, some of which focused on her achievements and her life.

Two years after the killing of rationalist and writer Prof M M Kalburgi, the state received a shock on Tuesday as Gauri Lankesh, a journalist who was a vocal against Hindutva brigades, was shot dead at her house.

Within two months after she stepped into the shoes of P Lankesh, her father, Gauri had transformed from a regular reporter into an editor who was not afraid of continuing the legacy of her father who left behind Lankesh Patrike, a hard-hitting tabloid.

Kannada newspapers

Kannada Prabha dedicated more than half of its First Page to cover the Lankesh murder. Its lead report was headlined, Kalburgi style murder of Gauri Lankesh, and it said she was a progressive thinker murdered at her Bengaluru house. There was a pictorial representation of how the assailants shot dead Lankesh.

Kannada daily Vijaya Karnataka dedicated a three column space for the main report of Lankeshs murder. The article, Gauri Lankesh murdered, featured images of a crowd outside the journalists residence as an ambulance takes carries body.

Another daily, Prajavani, ran with a straight headline while the sub-head said Lankesh died on the spot after two scooter-borne assailants shot her.

An obituary of Gauri Lankesh written by KS Dakshina Murthy for Hindustan Times said: She was attacked, roughed up but never gave in. Murthys tribute spoke of Lankeshs spunky nature and her bravery in standing up to the right wing.

When one referred to Gauri as spunky, there was good reason. She took on right-wing activists belonging to the RSS, BJP and their various fringe organisations. There was no doubt she had made a considerable number of enemies. There were times when she became the target of verbal attacks from her political opponents. She was roughed up a few times. But she never seemed to give up.

One thing one can say with certainty  in recent years there has been no other journalist in Karnataka with the courage to speak her mind openly, publicly without mincing words.
Journalist Gauri Lankesh, known critic of Hindu right-wing extremism, shot dead in Bengaluru

Gauri Lankesh, a senior Kannada journalist known for her criticism of Hindu extremism, was shot dead at her home on Tuesday evening. According to police, at least three suspects were involved and Lankesh was found dead on her verandah around 8pm with bullet wounds to her head and chest. Lankesh, 55, was the daughter of famous poet-turned-journalist P Lankesh. She was the editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, writing often against Sangh organisations and communal violence in the country. This is not the death of a journalist, but the death of democracy and constitutional values. She had raised her voice against communal violence with us and we know that all our lives are in danger. But we did not expect this, said KL Ashok of the Karnataka-based Komu Souharda Vedike (Communal Harmony Forum), who worked closely with Lankesh. Read the story here.

RIP Gauri Lankesh, the journalist-activist who had the courage to speak her mind openly

You hear of journalists being killed in Mexico city, Turkey, Ukraine and all the other far away cities and countries. You sigh, and move on with life. But, when the killers turn up a few kilometres from your house and shoot dead someone you have known for years and admired for her spunk, the shock is paralysing. That is the feeling uppermost in me on hearing the news of the murder of a dear colleague Gauri Lankesh.Gauri returned to Bangalore in the 90s... That was the turning point for her....she metamorphosed into a political activist-journalist. Gauri emerged in a different form from what one had known of her earlier. Post the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, she made it to the newspapers as a strong votary against communalism. Read the story here.

PM Modi, Xi Jinping move on from Doklam, vow to build trust and ensure border peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping agreed on Tuesday that more must be done to improve mutual trust and avoid future border standoffs, as they sought to mend ties damaged by a two-month-long tense military faceoff on an icy Himalayan plateau. The two spoke for more than an hour after the Brics nations summit, a meeting described by Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar as a forward looking conversation that recognised that peace along the border was a prerequisite for better ties. Read the story here.

Nearly 8,000 Indians in US face deportation as Trump admin rescinds DACA

Close to 8,000 Indian Americans are among an estimated 800,000 people facing deportation after the Trump administration announced on Tuesday it was rescinding an Obama-era regulation that temporarily protected undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children. I am here today to announce that the programme known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama Administration is being rescinded, said attorney general Jeff Sessions, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme. An estimated 787,000 people had been granted protection from deportation under DACA, a regulation ordered by President Barack Obama in 2012. They are mostly from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Peru. But 7,881 came from India. Also, an additional 14,000 undocumented immigrants from India were among the 1.9 million people eligible for DACA. Read the story here.

Govt freezes bank accounts of more than 2L firms in crackdown on shell companies

The finance ministry on Tuesday restricted directors of around 200,000 dormant companies from accessing their firms bank accounts. The move is a precautionary measure aimed at preventing misuse of the bank accounts, said a government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. A large section of these companies may have failed to comply with the requirement of submitting annual reports and other filings as their businesses had failed to take off. Some of them have come under the scanner of the income-tax department for suspected money laundering and stock price manipulation. Read the story here.

Indian universities slip further in global rankings

No Indian university or institution of higher education figures in the global top 100, but the latest rankings released on Tuesday show that the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), which was in the 201-250 band last year, has slipped into the 251-300 band. IISc has fallen largely due to drops in its research influence score and research income. The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and Indian Institute of Technology Madras have also dropped by at least one band, the Times Higher Educations 14th annual edition of its World University Rankings said. Read the story here.

Experts say mention of Pak, Afghan terror groups in Brics declaration is a mistake by China

China has made a mistake by including terrorist groups based in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Xiamen declaration as the move could prove costly for its ties with countries in the region, experts said. Also, they said the agenda of Brics, which is an economic forum, was hijacked. Experts questioned what they said selective inclusion of groups in the list. The China-Pakistan relationship will face its biggest, biggest challenge since the 1960s, Hu Shisheng, director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told Hindustan Times. I think this is too costly, Hu said. It is really a big mistake, which the Chinese government will feel in the coming years. Read the story here.

India issues demarche to Pak over terror attack in Pulwama that killed 8 jawans

India on Tuesday summoned the acting high commissioner of Pakistan and issued a demarche over the infiltration by a group of JeM terrorists who killed eight security personnel in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama last month. The ministry of external affairs lodged a strong protest with acting high commissioner Haider Shah over the infiltration by the group hailing from Pakistan who staged a terror attack on August 26. In a statement, the MEA said Pakistan was asked to investigate the incident and bring to justice the individuals and entities responsible for orchestrating the heinous attack. Read the story here.

130 Air India pilots, 430 crew members may be grounded for evading alcohol test

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is likely to ground over 130 pilots and 430 cabin crew members of national carrier Air India for allegedly skipping the mandatory pre and post-flight alcohol test. These crew members had regularly been evading the breath analyser test over a period of time for flights to and from certain destinations such as Singapore, Kuwait, Bangkok, Ahmedabad and Goa, sources close to the development said. Aviation regulator DGCA has already served an ultimatum to the Air India management over the alleged safety violations by the airlines crew members ahead of its enforcement action, they said. Read the story here.

Let us be confident, but let us boast only after achieving: Raghuram Rajan at book launch

In a veiled dig at the government, former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan said on Tuesday it is always better to under-promise and over-achieve than to face awkward questions when it comes to growth comparisons with China. Rajan, the only central bank governor in two decades who did not get a second term, also seemed to defend his controversial remark of India being a one-eyed king in the land of blind, saying GDP expansion slipped in every quarter since that remark in April of last year. Read the story here.

Putin says Donald Trump not my bride, and Im not his groom

Russian President Vladimir Putin has refrained from making any criticism of US President Donald Trump. Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Putin dismissed a question whether he was disappointed in Trump as naive. In comments carried by Russian news agencies, Putin said Trump is not my bride, and Im not his groom. Asked how Russia would feel if Trump were impeached, Putin said it would be absolutely wrong for Russia to discuss domestic US politics. Russian officials cheered Trump when he was elected last year, and Putin praised him as someone who wanted to improve ties with Russia. However, further US sanctions on Russia and the US decision to close a Russian consulate have indicated that the two countries remain far apart. Read the story here.

North Korea warns more gift packages on way to US amid soaring tension

North Korea said on Tuesday it had addressed a recent gift package to the United States and that more would follow. Han Tae Song, the ambassador of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the UN in Geneva, was addressing the UN-sponsored Conference on Disarmament two days after his country detonated its sixth and largest nuclear test. The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US, Han told the Geneva forum. The US will receive more gift packages from my country as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK, he said. Read the story here.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah personally examined CCTV footage of journalist Gauri Lankeshs murder on Wednesday, and identified a helmeted man as the culprit in the case.

He later visited the Ravindra Kalakshetra, where Lankeshs body was being kept, to pay his respects to the deceased scribe. Condemning the incident as a dastardly attack by organised criminals, the chief minister said: We had met just a week ago, but she did not inform me about any threat to her life.

Lankesh was shot dead by unknown assailants while she was entering her house on Tuesday. A special investigation team will be formed to investigate her murder.

Siddaramaiah said he examined CCTV footage acquired from four cameras in the area, of which two were unclear. The footage from one of the cameras showed a helmeted person approaching Gauri, who was opening her house gate to park her car. This person was seen firing at her. The impact of the shots, fired from a close range, was such that she fell back into her compound, he added.

The chief minister said that though footage from the second CCTV camera showed another helmeted person at the scene, his involvement is yet to be established. I have ordered the constitution of a special investigation team headed by an inspector general of police, Siddaramaiah said. The team will primarily look into Gauris murder. If it establishes any link between this and the murder of MM Kalburgi, we will ask the SIT to probe that as well.

The probe into the murder of Kalburgi  a progressive Kannada scholar  has been moving at a snails pace. It was handed to the Crime Investigation Department two years ago.

The chief minister said he held an emergency meeting with senior police officers, and asked them to assess the threat perception to progressive thinkers in the state. Such people would be given security even if they do not ask for it, he added.

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The Karnataka Police is on the hunt to trace and nab the killers of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead last night at her residence here, police said on Wednesday.

The three special teams set up to crack the case are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are taking the movements of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders, deputy commissioner of police (West) M N Anucheth told IANS here.

We have alerted our counterparts in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu as well, said Anucheth.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who had fired a total of seven bullets towards her when she returned home from her office in the city.

Of the seven fired, four missed the target and hit the wall of the house. Three bullets had hit her -- two in her chest area and one in the forehead, Bengaluru police commissioner T Suneel Kumar had told reporters on Tuesday night.
Comparing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to popular Bollywood villain Gabbar Singh, three Kashmiri separatist leaders on Wednesday announced that they would court arrest at its headquarters in New Delhi on September 9.

The leaders  Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik  decided on this course of action following NIA raids at 16 locations across Kashmir and Delhi earlier in the day. The people targeted were mostly traders accused of involvement in hawala transactions meant for funding terror and separatist activities.

Malik, chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, said the NIA was not a probe agency but Indias Gabbar Singh thats being used to intimidate the Kashmiri people. He also dared investigating officers to present evidence, if any, against them.

On September 9, we three will fly down to Delhi. We will go to the NIA headquarters straight from Delhi airport and tell this Gabbar Singh to show the people whatever evidence it has (against us), Malik told a gathering at Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar in Urdu, evoking loud cheers.

Gabbar Singh is the antagonist from the 1975 Bollywood film Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. Amjad Khan played the role of the unconscientious dacoit in the movie.

Mirwaiz Farooq  chief of the Hurriyat Conferences moderate faction  told the gathering that even as the spate of killings, oppression and harassment continues, India is taking the judicial route to launch another offensive against the Kashmiri people by trying to abrogate Articles 35A and 370.

The move is aimed at bringing outsiders into J&K, thereby changing the demography of the state. This would render Kashmiris powerless and irrelevant, thereby diluting its disputed nature. These actions have a direct bearing on our right to self-determination, as guaranteed by the Indian state at the United Nations, and ratified by the world body itself, Farooq claimed.

Geelani, chief of the hardline Hurriyat faction, addressed the gathering through the telephone. He has been under house arrest for months now.

The raids conducted by the NIA are part of its investigation into a case registered on May 30. The probe agency has named Mumbai blasts mastermind Hafiz Sayeed and Pakistan-based groups Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Lashkar-e-Taiba as the accused in this regard.

The investigating agency has arrested seven people  including Geelanis son-in-law Altaf Shah and photojournalist Kamran Yusuf  for allegedly funding terrorist activities in the state. They are also being probed in connection with the 2016 unrest, which resulted in as many as 100 deaths.

Farooq accused the Indian government of trying to skirt the actual issue by pursuing a three-pronged policy of coercion, defamation and intimidation in Kashmir. Diversionary tactics and propaganda are being used by the government because it wants to change the entire narrative. It wants to defame and malign the (separatist) leadership by launching personal attacks on their integrity, spreading vicious lies about them, and distorting facts to create disillusionment among the masses, he said.

The separatist also charged the government with conducting media trials on prime time television with the intention of undermining the Kashmiri freedom struggle. The people of India are being fed lies and propaganda. Our family members, friends and associates are being harassed through these so-called NIA notices. Fear is being used as a tool of intimidation against Kashmiris, and they are being psychologically tormented in order to put pressure on us, he added.

Interestingly, their decision follows reports that the Centre is exploring ways to launch a back-channel dialogue with the separatist leadership. According to sources, a former Information Bureau director has been nominated to bring separatists  especially Geelani  to the negotiating table. Though the official had been in the Valley last month, he did not meet the Hurriyat hardliner.

According to sources, the Centre believes that a separatist camp weakened by the arrests and raids would be easy to negotiate with.
The Mizoram police arrested two BSF constables for allegedly raping a woman and throwing acid on her face and killing her friend in Mamit district, a senior police officer said.

The two BSF personnel were arrested on Tuesday from their place of posting at Silsury village in the district bordering Tripura and Bangladesh, Mamit superintendent of police Narayan Thapa said Wednesday.

Thapa told PTI over phone that authorities of the 181st battalion of the BSF had earlier not allowed the arrest of the two constables.

They were later handed over to the police after a district court issued non-bailable arrest warrant against them, the SP said.

While a woman belonging to the Chakma community was allegedly raped by the two BSF constables on July 16 last, her friend had escaped from the spot on that day.

The two women had gone to the forest to collect bamboo shoots.

However, the friends body was found in a highly decomposed state from a nearby jungle on July 22, the SP said.

The rape survivor had recently identified the two accused during an identification parade in Mamit police station, Thapa said.

The identification exercise could not be conducted earlier as the rapist had thrown acid on her face which had affected her vision for over a month, he said.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi fast-tracked on Wednesday India-led development initiatives in Myanmar and offered projects in the restive Rakhine province, where a guerrilla fight between Rohingya rebels and government forces has triggered a refugee crisis.

He expressed concern over extremist violence in Rakhine, but didnt mention the alleged persecution of the minority Rohingya Muslim community, which the United Nations says could turn into a humanitarian catastrophe.

We hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected, he said in a joint statement with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw, the Myanmarese capital.

Modi praised Nobel Peace laureate Suu Kyis leadership in his first bilateral visit to this Southeast Asian country, which is facing international pressure over 125,000 Rohingyas fleeing to Bangladesh in a fortnight after a military offensive against rebels in Rakhine.

We have discussed committing Indian assistance to the Rakhine state development programme because we really believe that the medium-term way of addressing problems in the Rakhine area is really to look at development aspects, foreign secretary S Jaishankar briefed the media.

Though India extended assistance for Rakhine, Modis government has taken a strong stand on an influx of about 40,000 Rohingyas over the years, vowing last month to deport them all.

Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Buddhist-majority Myanmar, thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat faced by her country.

She said India and Myanmar jointly can ensure that terrorism is not allowed to take root on their soil or in neighbouring countries.

Indias stand is viewed a strategy not to scupper its ties with Myanmar when Suu Kyi is increasingly under pressure over the Rohingya crisis, which UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warned could lead to ethnic cleansing and regional destabilisation.

India shares a 1600km boundary with Myanmar along four northeastern states. Militants from the Northeast are known to have bases in the neighbouring country that the government there doesnt approve, much to the relief of New Delhi.

Besides, a friendly Myanmar is important for Indias maritime security amid growing Chinese ambitions in the seas of the region.

Modis three-day visit is expected to build on the age-old ties with Myanmar, formerly Burma, home to a large population of Indian immigrants, especially in Rangoon that has been renamed Yangon.

During an interaction in Yangon with people of Indian origin, he said his government had taken big and tough decisions such as demonetisation of two high-value banknotes last November to fight corruption.

A handful of corrupt people were making 125-crore people pay for their misdeeds. This was not acceptable for us, he said in his 35-minute address.

The big takeaways of his first bilateral  after having visited Myanmar in 2014 for an Asean-India Summit  were the fast-tracking of a host of long-pending projects.

New Delhi will upgrade the Yagyi-Kalewa road for Rs 177 crore, which is part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway. A new border crossing will be opened in Manipurs Moreh, which is a flourishing trade post for people of both countries.

India will also assist building an airport in the country.

We are looking at fuel, we are looking at power transmission, we are looking at solar, we are looking at LED, foreign secretary Jaishankar said, explaining possible Indian cooperation on energy.

In the health care sector, he said India has upgraded three hospitals in Myanmar.

We are committed to building a hospital in Nay Pyi Taw. That is a new commitment, he added.
With the issue of Rohingya Muslims stalking both the countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India shared Myanmars concerns over the situation in Rakhine state and the loss of lives of security personnel and innocent people in the violence blamed on insurgents from the minority community.

After talks with Myanmars state Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Modi hoped that whether in the peace process or resolving a specific problem, all the stakeholders can work together to find a solution that will ensure peace, justice and dignity for all by respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar.

Narendra Modi addressed the Indian community in Yangon.

Highlights:

7.46pm: People to people ties are the strength of India-Myanmar relation, says Narendra Modi.

7.40pm: Our government has taken decisions on demonetisation and GST fearlessly: PM Modi.

7.36pm: We have not shied away from taking decisions that are tough. For us, the nation is bigger than politics, says Modi.

7.33pm: We are not merely reforming India but are transforming India. A new India is being built: PM Modi.

An India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created, says Modi.

7.30pm: From the first day of my office welfare of Indian expats has been my governments priority: PM Modi in Myanmar.

7.25pm:

I am happy to know that many expats are contributing to developmental activities in India: PM Modi in Myanmar  Hindustan Times (@htTweets) September 6, 2017

7.20pm: This is the same land where Subhas Chandra Bose roared and said Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhen azadi doonga: PM Modi.

7.15pm: I am very happy to be here with you today. I am getting to witness a mini India in front of me, says Modi.

7.12pm: We share not only a border but also a lot of sentiments, says Modi.

7.10pm: PM Modi begins his address.

7pm: Indians cheering before PM Modis address at Thunwunna Stadium. Modi will begin his address shortly.

Myanmar: #Visuals from Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, PM Narendra Modi will address Indian community shortly. pic.twitter.com/W71OKK72bO  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi pic.twitter.com/TJfIahUvMk  Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 6, 2017

The prime ministers visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

Why is PM Modis visit important The trip comes at time when Myanmar is facing intense scrutiny over exodus of Rohingya Muslims from Rakhine state. Rakhine state is the starting point of $484-million Kaladan multi-modal transport projects that aim to connect Myanmar to India. Ties between China and Myanmar have strengthened after Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party swept to power. Indias ties with Myanmar could prove strategically important as China steps up activity in the Indian Ocean. Geographically, Myanmar is the first stop for Indias Act East policy. Several insurgent groups have set up bases and training camps in Myanmar, a constant headache for India

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter- terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday and met Myanmar President Htin Kyaw.

The Prime Minister is on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi held delegation level talks in Nay Pyi Taw, #Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/gXSj5bksZn  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Gauri Lankeshs Twitter account has a photograph of her sitting with Kanhaiya Kumar, the Leftist JNU student accused of sedition. If she had an opinion to give or a side to take, she said it out loudly and clearly.

A senior Kannada journalist and editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike, the 55-year-old was shot dead at her Bengaluru home on Tuesday night. She was a critic of Hindutva groups and a defender of secular and liberal values. The fate of Rohingya Muslims, the death of children in a Gorakhpur hospital, Karnatakas drift toward communalism and the struggle for an egalitarian society  Lankesh commented on public affairs through Twitter, speeches and debates.

Hours before her death, she retweeted several articles and senior journalists Rajdeep Sardesai and Shekhar Gupta on why India was throwing out the Rohingyas.

She retweeted posts criticising the RSS, BJP and Hindutva groups, warned against the mistake of sharing fake posts and liked a tweet on how to survive the Blue Whale game that challenges people to commit suicide.

#WebQoof | Are Rohingya terrorists killing Hindus and burning their homes & temples? Read verified, not fake news.https://t.co/JGEpNNQACJ  The Quint (@TheQuint) September 5, 2017

Ok some of us commit mistakes like sharing fake posts. let us warn each other then. and not try to expose each other. peace... comrades  Gauri Lankesh (@gaurilankesh) September 4, 2017

On September 3, Lankesh retweeted a post which pictured a Hindu and a Muslim woman eating together from the same banana leaf in Kerala on Onam, the states main festival often called a symbol of secularism.

A Hindu and a Muslim eating Onam Sadya from the same Banana leaf....



This photo shows why RSS hates Kerala.... @sanjayuvacha pic.twitter.com/7j87gwpobf  PunalurSpeak (@Punalurspeak3) September 3, 2017

Lankeshs activism focused on defending secularism. In a YouTube video, she is seen talking about growing communalism in Karnataka and the threat of violence because of it.

Karnatakas trajectory from progressive, secular state to [a] communal state has been very interesting and a crippling one. In 12th century we had Basvanna who spoke much before Marx about the dignity of labour, equality and rationality  and specially against Brahmin hegemony. But today, all who claim to be Basvanna followers are BJP followers  totally against what Basvanna stood for, she said, referring to the 12th-century Kannada poet and philosopher.

We had UR Ananthamurthy, Kalburgi, my own father P Lankesh, Purna Chandra Tejaswi, all these people. They were all trenchant critics of Jawaharlal Nehru, of Indira Gandhi, of Rajiv Gandhi. But none of them were ever physically attacked, let alone [receiving] death threats.

Whether its attacks in the name of culture or protecting women, or attacks on Dalits attacks in the name of crow protection or attacks on liberals in the name of Hindutva  abnormality has become the new normal in Karnataka, she said at a conference on human rights in Delhi in March, reportedly one of her last public speeches.

Lankeshs speech is critical of the Congress government in Karnataka, too, calling the party stupid for missing opportunities to score politically against the BJP.

Last year, Lankesh was convicted in a defamation case filed by two BJP leaders in Karnataka for a story she published in 2008. After getting bail, she called her case against her a struggle in an interview with newslaundry.com.

Unfortunately, today anybody talking in support of human rights and against fake encounters is branded a Maoist supporter. Along with that, my criticism of Hindutva politics and the caste system, which is part and parcel of what is considered Hindu dharma, makes my critics brand me as a Hindu hater. But I consider it my constitutional duty to continue  in my own little way  the struggle of Basavanna and Dr Ambedkar towards establishing an egalitarian society.

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Allowing Rohingya refugees to stay in India would lead to social unrest in the country, the government has said about about the Muslim people who are fleeing Myanmar to escape what the United Nations has branded ethnic cleansing.

A Reuters report said the latest spasm of violence in western Myanmars Rakhine State began on August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts and an army camp, killing about 12 people.

Rights monitors and fleeing Rohingya say Myanmar security forces and Rakhine Buddhist vigilantes responded with what they describe as a campaign of violence and arson aimed at driving out the Muslim population.

Buddhist-majority Myanmar rejects that, saying its forces are carrying out clearance operations against the insurgents of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, which claimed responsibility for the August attacks and similar, smaller, raids in October.

The Rohingyas are counted among the worlds most persecuted communities. Human rights organizations describe their systematic targeting by the Myanmar government and Buddhist nationalists as ethnic cleansing, which the country denies.

As the international community once again confronts a looming Rohingya refugee crisis, an explainer on the historical and political reasons that have left the community stateless:

Who are the Rohingya?

The Rohingya are Burmas Muslim minority who reside in the northern parts of the Rakhine region(historically known as Arakan), a geographically isolated area in western Burma, bordering Bangladesh.

The Rohingya are ethnically, linguistically, and religiously different from Myanmars dominant Buddhist community. The Rakhine region is Myanmars least developed region, with more than 78 per cent of households living below the poverty line.

About 1.1 million Rohingyas are said to live in Myanmars Rakhine region.

Updated map of northern Rakhine state in Myanmar showing areas where fires were detected from satellite imagery. Nearly 125,000 refugees, mostly Rohingya Muslims, have entered Bangladesh since August 25, the United Nations said Tuesday. (AFP)

Why does Myanmar not recognise the Rohingya?

According to the International Observatory of the Stateless, after the British annexed the Rakhine region in 1824-26, they encouraged migration from India. Successive Burmese governments have maintained that the Rohingyas are illegal migrants from India and Bangladesh and have refused to recognize them as one of the countrys 135 ethnic groups.

The Myanmar governments refusal to grant Rohingya citizenship status or any legal documentation has effectively made them stateless, reports Council for Foreign Relations.

In 1962, after General Ne Wins Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP) seized power, the military government dissolved Rohingya social and political organisations.

In 1982, a citizenship law by the military junta effectively stripped Rohingyas of their Burmese nationality and basic rights, rendering them stateless. Along with the Rohingyas, an unknown number of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who reside in Burma are also stateless, though they have lived in the country for generations. According to the Indian governments estimates, as many as 2.5 million PIOs could be living in Burma.

In the 1990s, the Rohingya Muslims were issued identity cards, known as white cards, categorizing them as temporary citizens.

In 2014, the government held its first census in 30 years, backed by the United Nations. It initially permitted the Muslim minority group to identify as Rohingya, but backtracked in the face of opposition by Buddhist nationalists.

Why are the Rohingya fleeing Myanmar?

The Rohingyas have been the targets of violence perpetrated by both the state as well as Buddist nationalist groups. They are denied basic rights, restrictions are placed on marriage, employment, religious choice. Coupled with this, the abysmal poverty and lack of development in the Rakhine region had fuelled Rohingya migration.

But an unparalleled refugee crisis has been brewing since 2012, when Buddhist nationalists burned Rohingya homes and killed more than 280 people and displaced tens of thousands in retaliation for the alleged rape and killing of a Buddhist woman.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than eighty-eight thousand migrants took to sea from the Bay of Bengal between January 2014 and May 2015. The Rohingya often pay people smugglers to find them a way outside the country. The resulting boat journeys are dangerous, and have claimed hundreds of lives.

After attacks on border posts in October 2016, the ruling government, helmed by Nobel Laureate Aung Sang Suu Kyi, intensified its crackdown on Rohingyas. The government forces were accused of arson, rape, extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses that they denied.

Human Rights Watch has periodically released satellite imagery showing wide-spread fire-related destruction in Rohingya villages. The latest release on September 2, 2017 estimates that 700 buildings were burned down.

Where are they migrating to?

According to the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 123,000 Rohingya refugees have fled western Myanmar since August 25.

Bangladesh hosts the maximum number of Rohingya refugees in the world. The country was already hosting nearly 34,000 registered Rohingya refugees in Kutupalong and Nayapara camps, as well as several hundred thousand undocumented Rohingya living in makeshift sites and local villages. Bangladesh, however, considers Rohingyas illegal infiltrators and plans to relocate them and refuses to take in any more refugees.

Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia also host Rohingya refugees. In 2015, Rohingyas fleeing bouts of violence were stranded on their boats as country after country refused to take them in, earning them the title of boat people.

What is Indias stance on the Rohingyas?

India is home to approximately 40,000 Rohingyas, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. About 16,500 Rohingya living in India are registered with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), but their actual numbers are much higher. The UNHCR says Rohingya refugees are spread across six locations in India  Jammu, Nuh in Haryanas Mewat district, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Chennai.

The Indian government has issued Long Term Visas to 500 Rohingyas, which will help them open bank accounts and secure admission in schools.

While New Delhi had accepted Rohingya refugees, it has been wary of taking a strong stance on the issue, fearing Chinas influence on Myanmar. K Yhome of the Observer Research Foundation who has studied India-Myanmar relations closely says, Indias position is that this is an internal affair of Myanmar.

On August 9, 2017, the minister of state for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju, told parliament that the government has issued detailed instructions for deportation of illegal foreign nationals including Rohingyas.

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The Union home ministry on Tuesday issued orders cancelling the Indian citizenship of Telangana Rashtra Samithi MLA Chennamaneni Ramesh on the grounds that he had held citizenship of Germany and had not fulfilled the stipulated norms while obtaining the Indian citizenship in 2009.

I had forfeited my German citizenship while obtaining the Indian citizenship, as there is no dual citizenship system either in Germany or in India. If my Indian citizenship is cancelled, where shall I go? the MLA asked.

Ramesh, who represents Vemulawada assembly constituency in newly-formed Rajanna Siricilla district (part of erstwhile Karimnagar), is the nephew of Maharashtra governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao. Rameshs father Ch Rajeshwar Rao was a veteran Communist leader and five-time-MLA who defected to the Telugu Desam Party.

Confirming the communication from the ministry of home affairs cancelling his Indian citizenship, Ramesh told HT that he had been given 30 days to appeal before the ministrys secretary for a review of the order so he can continue as an Indian citizenship. I had forfeited my German citizenship while obtaining the Indian citizenship, as there is no dual citizenship system either in Germany or in India. If my Indian citizenship is cancelled, where shall I go? he asked.

If the MHA sets aside his appeal, Ramesh would be disqualified as a member of the legislative assembly. The MHA conducted an inquiry following a Supreme Court direction last year. The apex court was hearing his petition challenging an earlier Hyderabad high court order which set aside his election as an MLA, acting on a complaint lodged by his nearest rival Adi Srinivas of Congress.

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The killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh provoked outrage and anguish across the country on Wednesday, with thousands protesting what they saw as an effort to silence a critic of Hindutva groups.

Even as police promise to hunt down the assailants who gunned down Lankesh outside her Bengaluru home on Tuesday night, many said they feared the perpetrators of the attack  like so many others  would get away with impunity.

Spontaneous rallies erupted in cities and towns across India on Wednesday. Protesters demanded the government do more to protect free speech in the secular democracy.

In Bengaluru, thousands gathered for a public vigil and the viewing of Lankeshs body at Town Hall.

Weeping, they filed slowly past her glass-covered coffin. Some carried placards that read I am also Gauri.

Others held banners that said: You can kill the person; but not her ideas and Voices of dissent cannot be stifled by the barrel of the gun.

Lankesh, 55, was the editor of the independent Kannada-language magazine Lankesh Patrike. In November, she was found guilty of defaming lawmakers from the Centres ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in a 2008 story. She said the case was politically motivated and vowed to challenge her conviction in a higher court.

Journalists at the Press Club of India condemn the killing of Gauri Lankesh, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (PTI)

Wave of protests

Print and electronic journalists in Chennai took out rallies, shouted slogans and demanded the arrest of heLankeshs killers. They said the killing was an affront on the freedom of expression.

Journalists organisations Maharashtra, including those in Mumbai, strongly condemned the killing. The Mumbai Press Club (MPC), the Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh (MMPS), the Mantralaya Ani Vidhimandal Vartahar Sangh (MVVS), the TV Journalists Association (TVJA) and others, in separate statements, expressed outrage.

If this is how the Fourth Estate is going to be treated by the powers that be, while the government looks the other way, it is indeed a black hour for Indian democracy, said the MPC.

Outraged, prominent journalists from across Delhi gathered at the Press Club of India, and demanded justice amid call for standing up to forces trying to the muzzle the voices of dissent.

Similar protests were held in Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Kolkata, among other cities.

The US embassy in New Delhi also condemned the killing.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said it was a chilling reminder that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society.

Her son and party vice president Rahul Gandhi, senior leader P Chidambaram, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh and party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi also expressed shock at the killing.

The BJP, for its part, accused Rahul Gandhi of trying to make political capital out of Lankeshs murder and rejected as irresponsible and baseless the allegations linking the killing to the people following its ideology.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah also announced a SIT probe, to be headed by inspector general-level officer in the matter, saying his government had an open mind to an investigation by the CBI.

A security guard walks past a placard installed at the Press Club of Kolkata in solidarity with Gauri Lankesh. (REUTERS)

String of attacks

Her killing was the latest in a string of similar attacks in recent years targeting writers, artists and scholars who faced a backlash for criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modis government or the BJP.

The silencing of a journalist in this manner has dangerous portents for Indian democracy, said Shobhana Jain, the president of Indian Womens Press Corps.

In 2015, scholar Malleshappa M Kalburgi was shot dead at his Bengaluru home, following death threats from right-wing Hindu groups after he criticised idol worship and superstitious beliefs by Hindus.

Earlier that year, writer and anti-superstition crusader Govind Pansare was shot dead while taking a walk with his wife near their home in Maharashtra. And in another daytime attack in 2013, two assailants shot anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar dead while he was out for a walk in the Maharashtra city of Pune.

On Wednesday, the Indian Writers Forum called Lankeshs murder a chilling continuation of the killings of Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi and pledged to continue Lankeshs fight against the haters of free speech.

Police have arrested a suspect in Pansares murder who has been released on bail. Another suspect is in custody in the Dabholkar case. But no one has yet been prosecuted in any of the three cases.

We will continue to speak on her behalf and ours. They cannot silence us all, the Forum said in a statement.

Thane journalists pay tributes to Gauri Lankesh on Wednesday. (Praful Gangurde/HT Photo)

In the line of fire

Some said they feared the killing was evidence that the space for democratic opinion was shrinking in India.

The message is, if you do not fall in line, you will be executed, said Ananya Vajpeyi of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. Gauri Lankeshs murder last night was more than the killing of an individual; it was an assault on the freedom of the press, on the right to dissent and on democratic citizenship.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has often rebuked India for its poor record in safeguarding journalists, particularly those covering small-town corruption.

Out of 27 cases of journalists who were killed for their work in India since 1992, none have led to any convictions, the group said.

India needs to address the problem of impunity in journalist murders and ensure the press can work freely, said the groups Asia coordinator Steven Butler in Washington DC.

The recent growth of social media has made threats even more common, opening new arenas for people to verbally attack and threaten journalists with relative anonymity.

Writers who criticise the government have become the target of troll armies. Women journalists, in particular, are frequently threatened with rape and acid attacks.

Lankeshs brother, Indrajit, has demanded that her murder be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation without political interference.

We have seen what happened with police investigations into the killing of Kalburgi  a case that remains unsolved, he said.
Till the night of her murder, Gauri Lankesh, the feisty journalist and editor of weekly Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike, remained involved in public interest journalism.

Her work in Karnataka began when she took over as editor of Lankesh Patrike in January 2000, after her father P Lankeshs sudden death. The black and white weekly tabloid, named after its founding editor in 1980, was synonymous in Karnataka with truth and integrity.

The team of reporters were reputed to be uncompromising in their values over any enticements. Apart from salaries, P Lankesh also paid what he called an alcohol allowance (extra money) to his reporters, and provisioned for them to drink at work so that they wouldnt get swayed by promises of alcohol from a politician.

At its peak from 1982 to 1995, Lankesh Patrike touched 4.5 lakh in circulation and was seen as having the capacity to make or break social movements and governments.

In 1984, the tabloid stuck its neck out predicting a big victory for incumbent chief minister Ramakrishna Hegdes Janata Party  but soon after, Lankesh Patrike became a scathing critic of the same leader it supported.

Lankesh Patrike broke the story of phone-tapping allegations against Hegde and, as a result, the government suffered a huge loss of face. Lankesh Patrike also broke the story of the same governments alleged irregularities in awarding arrack-bottling contracts.

The matter was taken to the Karnataka high court, which ordered an inquiry and found Hegde guilty, and this resulted in his resignation as well as strictures passed against the government.

P Lankesh hailed from a small village called Konagavalli in Shimoga district and when he started the weekly with his savings, nobody had quite imagined how long it would last.

P Lankesh was in his 40s when he quit his job and started his publication, modelling it after Harijan, the weekly tabloid paper founded by Mahatma Gandhi. However, with his insightful writing and sharp political analysis, Lankesh Patrike soon became a household name. People looked forward to his weekly editorials and the writers he groomed  such as Ravindra Reshme and SN Shankar  still stand tall in Kannada literary circles.

When her father died, the family sat down together and decided that closing Lankesh Patrike with his last write-up was the best tribute. But when they went to the publisher, he explained how Lankesh had strived to keep the paper alive. Shutting it down would be an insult, and encouraged the oldest of the siblings to give it a go.

Gauri, however, was an alien in Karnataka. Not only was she a journalist from the English media who barely wrote in Kannada, she had also been away from the states politics for a long time  having worked in Delhi and Mumbai as an English language journalist. Yet, she persisted. Her brother, filmmaker Indrajit Lankesh, also objected to what he saw as excessive support of Naxalism in the paper.

In 2005, Gauri left the tabloid to her brother to start her own new one called Gauri Lankesh Patrike, and soon had a finger on the pulse of the people. With her work and activism, she was successful in resurrecting her own image, from being the legendary Lankeshs daughter toGauri Lankesh, a successful journalist and editor in her own right.

Though the paper didnt match the popularity of her fathers publication, Gauri became synonymous with pro-Dalit, pro-minority, anti-casteist and anti-superstition movements. She successfully helped in rehabilitating Naxals and Maoists by negotiating with the government to drop charges against them if they gave up weapons, and she worked as a facilitator between the two.

(Published in arrangement with GRIST Media)
Known across the world for heritage tourism, the Rajasthan agriculture department will develop agricultural centres of excellence into agro-tourism destinations for tourists visiting the desert state, said state agriculture minister Prabhulal Saini.

Rajasthan has a number of centres of excellence where diverse varieties of agriculture produce are cultivated, and the centres which will soon be offering tourism facilities for tourists visiting the state, Saini told Hindustan Times.

The Rajasthan government has signed a memorandum of understanding with a private company for developing agro-tourism at the Sagra-Bhojka centre of excellence in Jaisalmer district under a public private partnership model, he said.

Officials have been instructed to prepare a detailed project report for agro-tourism development at the centre of excellence in Mount Abu, he said.

The centre of excellence at Sagra-Bhojka of is known for its date palm, where the private company will set up tent s in the desert for tourists to stay as part of the agro-tourism and in return the firm will bear the cost of cultivating the date palm grove and also pay 20 lakh every year to the Rajasthan government.

Similarly, the construction of a centre of excellence for floriculture is also underway in the hill resort of Mount Abu where tents and restaurants will be run for tourists, he said.

Tourists will be able to visit the farms at the centre of excellence get information on farming.

On the objective of promoting agro-tourism in the state, he said, Tourists interested in spending quality time in natural surroundings, will be able to stay at the centres of excellence.

It is in keeping with PM Narendra Modis vision of linking tourism with agriculture that the Rajasthan government is focusing on agro-tourism development in the state, he said.

He further said that tourism infrastructure like three star hotels or circuit houses will be developed at the centre of excellence for agro-tourism.

More than10 crore each has been sanctioned for setting up four new centre of excellence with office building, training centre and resident quarters, he said.
The BJP has called off a major rally it planned for president Amit Shah at Kolkata later this month as authorities of the venue, the Netaji Indoor Stadium, refused reservation citing bookings, further fuelling a feud between ruling Trinamool Congress and saffron forces.

The cancellation comes after authorities denied permission to a programme involving RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for October and another Shah rally in 2014, which, however, was held after the Calcutta high court intervened.

The BJP president is visiting West Bengal between September 11 and 13. Party leaders had sought to book the stadium, which can hold 12,000 people, on September 10 or 13. On August 28, they were given a booking, and asked to come back with an NOC from Kolkata police.

But on August 30, we were told that the stadium was booked for the entire month except the Durga Puja days on September 27-30, said Sayantan Basu, general secretary of BJP in the state.

We have decided to cancel the meeting as we are not getting such a big venue anywhere else, Basu said. Shah will hold the rest of the meetings as scheduled.

Though Netaji Indoor Stadium officials remained incommunicado, Trinamool Congress leaders told the media that the booking of the stadium is not decided by any minister or party leader, and they have nothing to do with it.

BJP sniffs political conspiracy at every step. Those who dont have the capacity to fill Netaji Indoor Stadium can only come up with such allegations. The stadium is not controlled by the government, or the party. It is run by a committee, said Partha Chatterjee, education minister and Trinamool secretary general.

In November 2014, the Mamata Banerjee administration was directly accused for not issuing permission to Shahs meeting at the heart of the city at Esplanade. Eventually, Calcutta high court intervened and gave the nod for the meeting.

The war of words between the two groups intensified after the cancellation of allotment of Mahajati Sadan for a programme on October 3 where Bhagwat would have been the key speaker. Though the Sadan is directly administered by the government, the authorities said the hall will be closed for maintenance work between September 26 and October 6.

Sangh Parivar leaders apart from Tripura governor Tathatgata Roy have alleged that the Mamata Banerjee government is putting up lame excuses to thwart the meeting of the RSS chief.

There is no question of deliberately preventing someone from holding a meeting, said food minister Jyotipriyo Mullick.
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The land agitators at Bhangar in Bengal have proposed a plebiscite in the area as a first step to resolve the impasse arising out of the movement over the past 10 months in about a dozen villages over a power grid project.

It is the most prominent land agitation in the state after Mamata Banerjee came in power in May 2011. Initially spearheaded by a committee, the reins of the movement passed on to a little known Naxalite outfit CPI(ML)(Red Star). Later the agitators got support from CPI(M), Naxalite party CPI(ML)(Liberation), Majdoor Kranti Parishad and Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR).

Read: Bhangar farmers prepare for fresh land movement as leaders get bail

Trinamool Congress leader Kaiser Ahmed, who has been entrusted by the party to hold talks with the agitators, told HT that on September 12 there will be a meeting between him, the district police superintendent and agitating leaders. I have assured them that they wont be arrested, added Ahmed.

File picture of agitators erecting roadblocks in Bhangar earlier this year. (Samir Jana)

He also said the meeting will also decide on a date this month to debate whether the project is harmful at all.

Right now there is an impasse arising out of the state governments stand that they can hold discussions only with local residents and the agitating leaders insisting that the villagers reserve the right to nominate who will represent them in the negotiation.

If the state government wants to feel the pulse of the villagers, the administration can go for a plebiscite. But the government is not moving in that direction. Therefore, we have decided to hold a referendum in the area to understand the mind of the locals properly, said Alik Chakraborty in a statement. A leader of CPI(ML)(Red Star), Chakraborty is the spokesperson of Jomi, Jibika, Poribesh O Bastutantra Raksha Committee (JJPOBRC), a body formed to protect land, livelihood, environment and ecosystem.

Read: Bhangar children guard villages after sundown, cant attend school

We request for cooperation from all so that before the plebiscite, the villagers can participate in discussion and debates for and against the power grid project, and the common people can participate in the referendum in a free and fair manner, Chakraborty further said in the statement.

Roadblocks like this one dotted the highway in the area in January. (Samir Jana)

They are free to demand referendum. But already we are in a dialogue with them, where we have given assurance that if the project causes any harm, it wont come up, Kaiser Ahmed, the most prominent Trinamool Congress leader of the area, told HT.

On August 31, a meeting was held between the agitators and Kaiser Ahmed to explore ways of restoring peace and paving the way for a few ruling party supporters to return to their homes.

Bhangar presents a headache as well as an embarrassment for the ruling party since some of its leaders still cannot enter the area comprising more than a dozen villages that are about 30 km of Kolkata.

The land agitation at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district received a shot in the arm in the last week of July when Calcutta high court granted bail to Pradip Singh Thakur and Sharmistha Chowdhury, two leaders of the movement. They were booked under different sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act which was brought into force by the Centre to curb disruptive activities and terror.

The movement continued even after the leaders were arrested. With all of them out on bail, the agitation will surely intensify, Alik Chakraborty, the only leader who managed to evade arrest, told HT earlier over phone.

Villagers stalled completion of the Power Grid Corporation India Ltd project citing suspected environmental and health hazard. They have alleged that the government concealed information about the project while acquiring land in 2013-14.

Work at the power grid stopped in January this year after two villagers fell to bullets fired by unidentified people.

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Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh may have been spreading the message of love but his followers - thanks to the 67 firearm licences the Haryana government issued to Dera Sacha Sauda - were armed with semi-automatic weapons American soldiers used in World War II, Vietnam and even the Gulf.

Dera followers also carried semi-automatic shotguns and at least one Mauser C96 carbine which, unlike the weapons short-barrel pistol version, is a rare collectors item even in Europe because few of these were made.

Out of the 33 licensed firearms the Sirsa sadar police recovered on Monday, some are military surplus rifles of US origin.

Read: Dera followers admit they were told to target public buildings in Malwa in case of adverse verdict

Arms experts who studied photographs of the seized weapons said quite a few are the famous M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle that US soldiers have used for more than half a century. The 30-06 caliber Garand is still used in training and competitions in America.

Experts also spotted at least one US-made M1 Carbine (not to be confused with the M1 Garand rifle) that are shorter and lighter and fire the 7.62 x 33 mm ammunition.

This type of semi-automatic firearms are rarely seen in the possession of licensed gun owners in India. Such weapons have been used in the past in gang wars, said Ravi Ahuja, general secretary of Chandigarh Arms Dealers Association.

Read: Dera followers start crowd-funding for legal support to accused in Mansa

Sirsa sadar station house officer (SHO) Dinesh Kumar, said: There are some automatic pistols, but we are not sure about the semi automatic rifles. We have not been able to check all the weapons. It is possible that M1 Garand semi -automatic rifles are there. We will able to give the details after the weapons have been checked.

Experts said the star of the cache recovered on Monday was a German Mauser carbine with an extremely rare 14-inch barrel. The Mauser carbine fires the same 7.63x25 mm cartridge as the Mauser pistol but delivers a more accurate shot at long distance like a rifle. Mauser pistols are very popular in Punjab and the ones with full-automatic firing capability fetch fancy price running up to Rs 10 lakh.

Experts have spotted a semi-automatic shotgun, M1 carbine and M1 Garand rifle among the weapons (in photo) recovered by police. (HT Photo)

Garand rifles, Mausers and M1 carbines are found in the possession of civilians in Punjab and Haryana because a sizeable section of the population in these states serve in the Indian army. In the past, officers and junior commissioned officers could buy military surplus weapons from the ordnance depot at Jabalpur for personal use. Many of them retained these weapons after retirement and subsequently many such weapons ended up in the market, said an expert on Indians arms laws.

Read: Police rule out link between Maur blast and Dera Sacha Sauda

Indian civilians are not allowed to possess semi-automatic rifles of any caliber (only the .22 caliber was exempted in 2016) unless they have special permit.

To avoid legal problem, owners of many Garand rifles have drilled holes in the gas tubes. This makes the rifle incapable of firing in semi-automatic mode. However there are still many Garands in original condition. Whether the ones recovered from Dera followers were altered or not can be established only after close examination, said an arms expert.

Sirsa police said on Monday that Dera Sacha Sauda administration collected 33 licensed weapons and informed them. There were Indian ordnance factory-made .315 rifles as well. Some of these rifles were fitted with folding butt-stocks for easy carry. Revolvers and pistols were also recovered.

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People of Lucknow can enjoy Metro rail services from Wednesday. Yeh koi shagufa (gimmick) nahin hai, said chief minister Yogi Adityanath at the flag-off ceremony of Lucknow Metro on Tuesday.

His comment was an apparent attack on former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav who had skipped the function, stating that he had already inaugurated Lucknow Metro.

Yadav had flagged off the trial run of Lucknow Metro on December 1, 2016, from Transport Nagar depot.

BJP leaders dubbed the then trial run of Metro as a shagufa (gimmick), as no commercial run followed after that.

Yogi Adityanath also announced that future metro projects in PM Narendra Modis constituency, Varanasi, Kanpur, Agra, Meerut, Jhansi, Moradabad and Gorakhpur would be spearheaded by the UP Metro Corporation, whose chief advisor would be E Sreedharan.

Adityanath also congratulated team members of the LMRC for completing the first phase of the Lucknow Metro before time.

The first phase of the Lucknow Metro has been completed before the stipulated period of three years. This is a big achievement, said the CM.

Now, the Ghaziabad and Noida Metro projects would be expedited, he added.

The chief minister was all praise for Metroman E Sreedharan.

He is an example for the countrys bureaucracy when it comes to execution of work on time, said Adityanath.

The LMRC team did a good job and by 2019 the Metro project of Lucknow will be completed, assured the CM.

Commenting on the proposed Metro projects in other cities of UP, the CM stated that Metro rail would improve traffic scenario there.

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The two women pilots turn heads during the inaugural ride of the Lucknow Metro on Tuesday by successfully steering the task perceived to be tough for fairer sex.

In the process, Mirzapur-girl Priyanka Chaurasia, 22, and Agra-born Pooja, 21, also inspired women from small towns to dream big.

The duo, who gatecrashed into the traditional male bastion of driving trains, looked unnerved while helming the metro train with home minister Rajnath Singh, chief minister Yogi Adityanath and several other VVIPs on board.

I am happy that years of hard work have paid off, said Priyanka.

I was flamboyant from the beginning. I had this knack of doing things that were considered exclusive to males, she said while ruing over a missed opportunity of meeting chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

When I became an electronics and communication engineer and applied for a job at Lucknow Metro I never thought of becoming one of the best women pilots, she said.

Grateful to family for supporting her in choosing an unusual career for a woman, she said; I am from Mirzapur where no one could have thought of me becoming a metro train pilot. I thank my family and the staff of Lucknow metro for boosting my morale during the training, she added.

Her co-driver Pooja said she always aspired to be different from others. I wanted to do things that girls usually dont dare or care to do. I am happy that I was selected for this job. Piloting the train is a matter of pride, she said.

Pooja holds a diploma in electrical engineering and joined Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation last year.

Both the women underwent rigorous training at LMRCs centre of excellence.

They also received hands-on training from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in the national capital.

Managing director, LMRC, Kumar Keshav said, I am proud to see women power ready to drive the train during its launch. Both the pilots are professionals and the best in the business. LMRC has proved that it treats men and women equally.

As the head of Lucknow Metro project, I have always tried my best to motivate my staff towards giving their best. I know they have been working hard, without a break. Enjoying ones work is important and both these women do that.

Keshav said the real challenge was coming from Wednesday when the pilots would be driving trains full of passengers. They would be tested daily under stressful conditions.

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Can you think of a womens hospital functioning without a gynaecologist or a pathology without pathologist?

Normally, the answer would be in the negative but when it comes to poor health services at government hospitals in Uttar Pradesh, even abnormal looks normal.

In what may only be symptomatic of a larger disease affecting most of the government hospitals and medical colleges in UP, the combined (male and female) district hospital of Amroha  150 km from the national capital  is crying for attention.

The 100-bed female unit in this highly malnutrition-affected district does not have even a single gynaecologist to address the poor womens reproductive and other health issues.

But this is not the only ailment affecting the decade-old combined hospital catering to a population of 20 lakh. This hospital, in fact, does not have a pathologist either, though it has a proper pathology.

The hospital is also doing without a surgeon or a burn unit.

These disclosures have been made by principal secretary, national integration, Anita Singh in a report submitted to chief secretary Rajive Kumar a few days ago.

She had recently visited Amroha, the district allotted to her for the monitoring of government schemes.

Sources said she had also drawn the governments attention to the problem of widespread malnutrition among women and children in the Muslim-dominated district.

Talking to the HT over phone, district magistrate, Amroha, Navneet Singh Chahal admitted that the female unit of the hospital did not have a gynaecologist.

We are arranging for a gynaecologist on call, he said and added that steps were being taken to fill the vacant posts.

According to medical superintendent Ram Niwas, there was an OPD of around 500-600 patients every day but the hospital was extremely understaffed.

In male unit, 12 out of 24 posts are vacant while only two doctors are working in the female unit against the sanctioned strength of 7. Similarly, there are only two staff nurses against 15 posts, he said.

The DM said malnutrition was a reality in Amroha like in many other districts.

District programme implementation officer Rajesh Kumar said the posting of a gynaecologist in the district hospital could help authorities deal with the problem.

Institutional deliveries under the guidance of a gynaecologist can help women take care of their health as well as of the newborn babies in a better way to avoid malnutrition, he said.

Around 40% children were found malnourished in a survey in 2015 in the district though the percentage has now come down, he said.

Kumar said out of 5,000 villages identified by the state government for the purpose of declaring them malnutrition-free, 90 were in Amroha.

According to sources, the report not only recommended filling of at least some vacancies in the hospital but also pressed the need for a proper study to find out the reasons for malnutrition in the district and act accordingly.

The report has also recommended introduction of an e-referral system at the combined district hospital to help critical patients get easy admission in bigger hospitals, sources disclosed.

Carved out of Moradabad, Amroha came into existence as a new district during the Mayawati government in 1997 and was named after social reformer Jyotiba Phule.

In 2012, the then chief minister Akhilesh Yadav renamed the district as Amroha.

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Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University vice chancellor prof Gurdeep Singh on Tuesday ordered a judicial probe into charges of harassment and corruption levelled by girl students against university officials.

Justice Bhagwan Deen, a retired judge of the Allahabad high court, will head the probe and Bapu Ram, a retired IAS officer, will be its member-secretary, said Singh.

The agitating girls, however, want the university to first suspend two officials before the judicial probe begins.

The students started recording their statements before the internal probe committee of the university on Tuesday. But they were unhappy that the internal committee had no student representation and one member was an assistant of a university official.

Sexual harassment is just one part of our complaint. The other ones are funds misappropriation, corruption, exceeding powers and functions defined in the Act, not giving adequate academic environment in a national law university, said one of the students.

The agitation at the university entered the second day on Tuesday with the aspiring lawyers seeking an appointment with chief minister Yogi Adityanath, deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma and senior officials of the higher education department. They raised doubts about the findings of the internal committee.

The universitys alumni body has extended support to the protesting students.

In a letter to the vice chancellor, the alumni said they were aware of the ongoing protest demanding accountability from the university. They said will extend unwavering support to the student community in their fight for fairness and justice.

Having read the representations made by the students to the vice chancellor and the chief minister, we understand that the allegations are grave in nature and range from widespread incidents of sexual harassment to corruption in the affairs of the university, the alumni association letter read.

Protesting students (HT Photo)

Several students have expressed their views on gross violation of privacy on the campus, the alumni association said.

We also understand that despite several protests in the past by the student community demanding accountability and safety inside the campus, effective steps have not been taken to address these issues, it said.

Read more| Lucknow: RML National Law University student allege sexual harassment, stalking by officials

The alumni alleged the university was using strong-arm tactics to intimidate students into withdrawing the agitation. We would like to remind the university that there is no student who is a leader and we will all collectively protect the interests of our university and its students, the alumni body said.

The alumni have assured their full support in case any alumnus, faculty member or any other person wished to come forward and report similar instances of harassment.

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With an eye on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Samajwadi Party is all set to organise its national convention in the Taj city next month. The meet would begin on October 4 and end on October6.

It is said both party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh consider this city as lucky.

The city is considered lucky as good results have been seen whenever the meet is held here. This time, the party leaders have again selected Agra as the venue and we are beginning preparations, said city SP chief Raisuddin.

The SP national executive meet in Agra in 1993 was followed by formation of SP government in the state. The partys convention was held in GIC ground here in 2003 and brought Mulayam Singh Yadav to power again.

The party held its national convention at Kothi Meena Bazaar ground in 2009 and got good results in the parliamentary elections that year.

The then party president Mulayam Singh Yadav again organised the national meet at Targhar (Central Telegraph Office ground) in 2011 and the party tasted grand success during the 2012 state assembly elections which brought Akhilesh Yadav to power as chief minister of state.

Now, with eyes on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Samajwadi Party leadership has yet again reposed faith in Agra and the city unit of the party has begun preparations for the three-day meet.

The venue is yet to be finalised. It would be either GIC ground or CTO ground and process of seeking permission has begun, said Raisuddin. Sources revealed that before this national convention, a state level meet would be held in Lucknow on September 23.

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Deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma are both crorepatis, according to the affidavits they submitted with their nomination papers for the Legislative Council by-elections on Tuesday.

Both own weapons too. Maurya has a revolver and a rifle. Sharma has a revolver and a gun.

Maurya has mentioned movable and immovable property worth Rs 7,57, 94, 419 (Rs 7.58 crore) which includes the assets of his wife Rajkumari Devi. He has deposited money in bank, invested in a private company and national savings scheme. He owns a tanker and a motorcycle. His wife has a SUV( Mahindra Scorpio). He wears three gold rings and two gold chains worth Rs 2 lakh.

Read more| Ascetics worldly worth: Yogi Adityanath owns firearms, SUV, Rs 95.98 lakh in movable assets

A graduate from Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, Prayag (Allahabad), Maurya owns non-agricultural land in Kaushambi and Allahabad districts. He owns a petrol pump and runs two companies Kamdhenu Suppliers and Kamdhenu Agriculture Trading Private Limited. His wife runs Kamdhenu Logistic Private Limited and is a partner in Jeevan Jyoti Clinic and Hospital. His son Yogesh Kumar Maurya runs Kamdhenu Construction Company and is director of Pravtech Business Solutions Private Limited.

Maurya has seven cases against him.

Dinesh Sharma has declared movable and immovable property worth Rs 2,92,95,066 (Rs 2.93 crore) which includes his wifes assets. He owns a Maruti 800 car (1987 model) and LML Vespa scooter (1983 model). He has a house and non-agricultural land in Lucknow.

He is a professor in the commerce department of Lucknow University. His wife is an assistant professor in the economics department at Lucknow University.

Read more:Yogi, four ministers file nominations for Vidhan Parishad seats

Transport minister Swatantra Dev Singh, who also filed his nomination papers, has declared assets worth Rs 1,32,48,601 (Rs 1.32 crore) which includes the assets owned by his wife Kamala.

A science graduate from DAV College, Orai, Singh does not own a vehicle. In the affidavit, he has mentioned that he earns his livelihood from agriculture. He has two cases against him.

Minister of state for Haj and Waqf Mohsin Raza and his wife have movable and immovable assets worth Rs 64 lakh. He owns a revolver, a Toyota Fortunner, a scooter and a gold chain. His wife owns a Toyota Innova, jewellery and a double barrel gun. He has two cases against him.
The Ganesh idol immersion processions in Maharashtra on Tuesday were marred by the death of at least eleven people in parts of the state, even as devotees in the state thronged in large numbers to bid adieu to the popular elephant-headed God.

Three persons drowned during Ganesh idol immersion in the Shivnai lake near Bidkin in Aurangabad district, police said. Officials from state police headquarters here said that apart from the three deaths in Aurangabad, four people lost their lives in Pune, two in Jalgaon and one each in Nashik and Beed districts.

However, exact details about their deaths are not immediately known.

To get a 360 view of Mumbai Ganesh immersions, zoom in

In Mumbai, the idol at the official residence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was immersed in an artificial pond.

In Nashik, minister Girish Mahajan joined the lezim players during the immersion procession, while Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire tapped a foot in the Ganesh visarjan procession in Aurangabad city. Lezim is a folk dance from the state, named after a musical instrument with jingling cymbals.

In Aurangabad, the Sansthan Ganpati idol was showered with petals from a drone. In Mumbai, among the early starters for the immersion were the Ganesh Galli Mandal and Lalbaughcha Raja, which attracted lakhs of devotees during the Ganesh festival, that began on August 25 and concludes on Anant Chaturdashi today.

Lalbaugcha Raja being immersed at 7.35am on Wednesday. (Pratik Chorge/HT)

Several devotees performed Koli dance, a traditional dance of the fishermen, at the Lalbaughcha Raja pandal in central Mumbai before the visarjan (immersion) procession began. The immersion marks the end of the Ganesh festival, which was popularised by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak to bring the people together to create a feeling of patriotism and fight the British Raj.

Over 7,600 Ganesh idols installed at public places and more than one lakh idols in homes were immersed. By 3 pm, around 80 public idols and 3,600 gharguti (home) idols were immersed, an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.
A day after the University of Mumbai announced results of Masters of Arts-Sociology (Part 1) degree, which is part of its Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL), statistics provided by the varsity show almost 78% of the students have failed the exam, with some scoring zero in one or more subjects. Another 10% students have scored below 50% in their exams.

After receiving several complaints from students, a primary check by the university shows an error in the results of 72 students who have been marked zero in one or more subjects. We will rectify the error and re-release their results in a couple of days. Those who have failed will also get updated results soon, said a university official. He said the university will reopen the process of re-evaluation for students soon.

Whats the use of waiting for more than three months for our results? Almost all of us have to wait another few weeks to find out if there were errors in our results, which Im sure there are because no student can score zero in a subject, said Shaheena Usmani, one of the students. She said more than 50% of her classmates have failed in one or more subjects.

Even the topper of our class has been marked zero in one subject, which is clearly an error on the part of the university, she said.

Officials at the help desk in MUs Kalina campus asked students to apply for re-evaluation in case they feel they have not scored well.

In case of students who appeared for MA Sociology (Part 2), another 20% students have failed. However, the wait for new results will prove costly for students. Some of us want to pursue teaching and in order to be eligible for the National Teacher Eligibility (NET) test, one has to score minimum 55% in their masters degree. With this score, my application will not be accepted by the governing body and the deadline for the same is in a couple of weeks, said Apurva Sathe, another student. Sathe scored 47% this year and is planning to apply for re-evaluation with the hope that her scores will increase and the new result will be announced within two weeks. Otherwise Im left with no option but to appear for the second-year examination all over again, which is unfair, she said.

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While Kaala Saboon, the new variant of charas, is in demand in Mumbai, the 18% GST at AC hotels has ensured a dip in home delivery orders at Mumbai hotels, claim owners. At least 11 people died in Ganeshotsav celebrations across the state. The immersion processions in the city got noisier than last year.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra governor ordered a Lokayukta to look into the allegations against BJPs Prakash Mehta.

The top five stories from Mumbai:

1. Kala Saboon eats into rabdis business in Mumbai. Neither soap, nor sweet, these 2 are drugs

Kala Saboon, a black soap like charas made in Jammu and Kashmir, is in demand in the city, leaving behind another semi-liquid variant of charas  rabdi  from Himachal Pradesh, said sources from the anti-narcotics cell (ANC).

2. 11 killed during Ganpati immersions across Maharashtra

The Ganesh idol immersion processions in Maharashtra on Tuesday were marred by the death of at least eleven people in parts of the state, even as devotees in the state thronged in large numbers to bid adieu to the popular elephant-headed God.

3. Mumbai hotels claim dip in home delivery orders because of GST

The introduction of goods and services tax (GST) has led to an 80% drop in home delivery orders, claim hotel owners in Mumbai, who have passed on the increase in tax to the consumers despite a state government advisory not to do so.

The procession at Girgaum chowpatty. (HT)

4. Ganeshotsav 2017 ends with a big bang in Mumbai

The noise level during celebrations on the last day of Ganeshotsav on Tuesday was the second highest in four years, with Santacruz recording 119.8 decibels (dB) -- as loud as a thunderclap.

5. Maharashtra governor orders Lokayukta to look into allegations against BJPs Prakash Mehta

Maharashtra governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on Wednesday ordered an investigation by state Lokayukta into the allegations against state housing minister Prakash Mehta. In the order, the governor has asked the Lokayukta to look into the permissions granted by Mehta for the slum rehabilitation scheme at MP mill compound, Tardeo.
The noise level during celebrations on the last day of Ganeshotsav on Tuesday was the second highest in four years, with Santacruz recording 119.8 decibels (dB) -- as loud as a thunderclap.

At 123.7dB, the celebrations were the noisiest in 2015. The noise level was 116.4dB in 2016 and 114dB in 2014.

This year, the noisiest immersion procession was opposite Santacruz police station, near Juhu beach, where drums, metal cylinders and metal hammers were used. The procession at Badam Wadi in Kalbadevi came a close second at 116.7dB. Immersions at Gokhale Road in Dadar were the quietest in the city at 87dB.

According to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, residential areas should have a maximum noise level of 55dB in the day and 45dB at night.

On Tuesday, 40,572 idols were immersed across 119 immersion sites in the city.

Anti-noise campaigners, who measured noise levels on Tuesday evening, reported extensive use of firecrackers at all immersion routes in Bandra, Santacruz, Vile Parle, Mahim, Dadar, Cuffe Parade and along Girgaum Chowpatty.

The city witnessed a quieter Ganesh festival last year. It was quite the opposite this year, said Sumaira Abdulali, convener, Awaaz Foundation. Although the use of DJs was reduced, the confusion on restrictions, especially in silence zones, resulted in increased use of metal cylinders.

The procession at Lalbaug. (Satyabrata Tripathy/HT Photo)

The courts are hearing petitions on silence zones -- areas around hospitals, educational institutions and religious shrines where loudspeakers cannot be used at all. On Monday, the Supreme Court (SC) stayed an interim order by the Bombay high court (HC) banning the use of loudspeakers in silence zones in the state.

The HC on September 1 granted interim stay to an August 10 amendment to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules that led to the elimination of over 1,500 notified silence zones in Mumbai ahead of festive season.

Abdulali said metal cylinders beaten with metal hammers, which were used extensively in the suburbs and sporadically in south Mumbai, were the loudest.

The police stopped all processions from using noisy instruments and loudspeakers by around 12.05am at Girgaum Chowpatty. However, the speeches from booths of political parties continued till 12.25am, which were later stopped by the police.

The campaigners spotted a team of policemen with decibel meters near the Opera House Junction between 10pm and midnight. We will submit noise data for the entire festival to the Bombay high court, said Mumbai police spokesperson Rashmi Karandikar, deputy commissioner of police (operations).

A procession at Lalbaug. (Satyabrata Tripathy/HT)

The umbrella body of Ganesh mandals in the city, Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS), said while 35,000 loudspeakers were used on Tuesday, the use of DJ systems dropped by 90%. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded our awareness drives over the past six months that ensured minimal use of DJ system and Bollywood music in the city. However, we are aware there is a need for sensitisation among mandals to bring down the use of loudspeakers as much as possible, said Naresh Dahibhavkar, president, BSGSS. From October onwards, we will begin the next round of awareness drive to control noise pollution next year.

Girgaum resident Anuj Mahadey said a few mandals played Bollywood music till 4am on Wednesday. We were aware that noise levels would be high, but this was unbearable. The group would reduce their volume to minimal levels when police vans would pass by but increase it well beyond 100 dB once there was no one to check them, he said, adding, It was a painful experience for my family this year.

At Thane, the processions were loudest (105dB) at Siddhivinayak Chowk, Thane (East).

Decibel levels were much higher than permissible, said Dr Mahesh Bedekar, anti-noise activist from Thane. Even after the CMs appeal, none of the mandals followed the directions. The police too didnt stop any mandal from violating noise rules.

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Various groups across the city held protests, silent marches and prayers for Gauri Lankesh, a senior journalist, who was shot dead outside her house in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

A silent march condemning her killing was organised by Press Club of Mumbai on Wednesday and supported by other organisations such as TV journalist Association, Mantralaya Journalist Association and Crime Journalist Association, among others. Around 300 people participated in the candle light vigil.

We want an impartial investigation based on circumstantial evidences. We want the forces who were allegedly troubling her to be probed, said Dharmendra Jore, secretary, Press Club of Mumbai.

Activists in the city too prayed for Lankesh saying that they could relate to her ordeal, as they were of the opinion that there is no safety for people who raise their voice against any issue.

We, as activists, know that we live in constant fear while we are on streets as there is no safety provided to us. There is need for someone to take cognisance of this, which is why we are agitating in a silent way, said Nicholas Almeida, trustee, Watchdog Foundation.

Social media was abuzz about the incident too. While #GauriLankeshMurder was trending on Twitter, a lot of people gathered for a protest at Carter Road, Bandra after they came to know of it through a Facebook post. The same group intends to continue their movement against anti-fascist forces again on Thursday at Hutatma Chowk.
Kala Saboon, a black soap like charas made in Jammu and Kashmir, is in demand in the city, leaving behind another semi-liquid variant of charas  rabdi  from Himachal Pradesh, said sources from the anti-narcotics cell (ANC).

The high-potent Kala Saboon has completely eaten into Rabdis clientele base, said a senior ANC official, requesting anonymity.

Kala Saboon was gangsters code word for RDXthe explosive that caused mayhem during the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

Recently, the ANC sleuths intercepted a call from a J&K number which mentioned the drug. The sleuths were keeping track of a narcotics smuggler from the valley, 67-year-old Haji Rehman Sheikh alias Haji Baba. A resident of Ananag district, Haji had been handed out 20 years of rigorous imprisonment by a NDPS court in Mumbai for a drug offence in 2011. He came out on bail in 2014 and went underground.

However, a series of drug busts by the ANC earlier this year gave the sleuths specific leads that Hajis activities had resumed.

We started tracking him by stimulating our channels, said ANC chief Shivdeep Lande.

Haji was found in a rundown lodge at Dongri in July, unearthing the 20-kg black soap consignment kept in J&K apple cartons. Haji then revealed that Kala Saboon was a code name used for charas by smugglers in the Valley owing to the texture and form of the sticky narcotic before it is given the shape of a soap, said ANC officials.

Haji was a major catch for us as he was the main carrier of contraband consignments of a J&K-based syndicate, headed by one Chhota Johar, a resident of Sambhal, the senior ANC official said, adding the crackdown on synthetic drugs in the city, including Mephedrone (MD), pushed the demand for charas. The price has shot up to Rs4 lakh a kg from Rs1.25 lakh a kg in January.

Hajis interrogation revealed how contraband was transported in trucks carrying apples from J&K to fruit godowns in Mumbai and Vashi.

The cartel used to hide small quantities of charas (15-20kg) inside boxes containing apples. The transporter was told the boxes were meant for friends in Mumbai who would claim it at the Mandi (market) where the consignment was offloaded, the official said. Before the truck left Srinagar, Haji would take a train [or flight] to Mumbai. Once in Mumbai, he used to inform local peddlers about the consignment and fix the date of delivery. He used to go to the offloading point, claim the boxes and take a taxi to the hotel in Dongri, sources said, adding that he has been using the same taxi for the past two years.

At the hotel room, he would split the consignment into smaller packs. The same taxi would be used to distribute the packets across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai in one day, sources said. The taxi driver would be paid a premium of Rs10,000-Rs12,000 a day. The driver is likely to be arrested soon.

The business runs on cash-on-delivery mode and Haji used to spend the next week in the city purchasing cloth and dress material for his shop in Srinagar. He is otherwise known as a businessman in the J&K capital city, Lande said.

Hajis arrest led to the interception of another conduit of a different cartel, Ishfaq Ahmed Reshi, a second-year BSc student from Srinagar, from near Oberoi mall in Goregaon on Sunday. He was arrested with a consignment of 15kg of charas worth around Rs60 lakh. From his interrogation, it has been revealed that he worked for another cartel headed by one Hakim for a commission. The modus operandi used by the cartel to smuggle the contraband into the city is similar to Hajis groups.

There are several J&K drug cartels operating in the city. We are on their trail, Lande said.

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The forest department on Wednesday set up camera traps in villages of Palghar district after a leopard killed a pet dog and a calf on Sunday night, while another leopard attacked a pani-puri vendor on Tuesday afternoon. The officials said trap cages will be set up once they zero in on the animals location.

Panic spread among residents of Khatali, Bhavangadh, Virathan, Vedi, Chatale, Mathane, and other villages Saphale after they found that a leopard had killed a pet dog owned by Pravin Patil in the veranda of his bungalow on Sunday night. Later, the animal killed a calf owned by Pandarinath Patil.

The leopard did not eat either of the animals, said Nanasaheb Ladkat, deputy conservator of forests, Dahanu division. We have installed four camera traps to identify the animals movements and will capture him soon. Iron cages have been kept at the Saphale office.

Officials said Pandarinath is eligible for a compensation from the government and will get anywhere between Rs3,000 to Rs15,000 once they receive autopsy report of the calf from a government doctor.

In the second incident, Vishal Satam, forest guard, Boisar forest department, a leopard was spotted in the vicinity of the Yeshwant Shristi building in Boisar. When the local residents tried to scare the leopard away after it hid in a Jain temple adjacent to the building, the scared animal attacked Chandrakant Gawde, who runs a pani-puri stall near the temple.

The leopard is hiding somewhere in Rawtepada. Night patrolling has been intensified from Dandipada to Rawtepada. The animal will be captured soon, said Satam.

He said residents have been warned not to leave their homes after 7pm.

With the monsoon receding, leopards will now leave their natural habitat in search of fowl and domestic animals to prey on. Hence, they can now be spotted near residential buildings and hiding in tall grass, he added.
Maharashtra governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on Wednesday ordered an investigation by state Lokayukta into the allegations against state housing minister Prakash Mehta.

In the order, the governor has asked the Lokayukta to look into the permissions granted by Mehta for the slum rehabilitation scheme at MP mill compound, Tardeo.

The orders were issued on chief minister Devendra Fadnavis request to issue a direction to the Lokayukta to investigate the matter.

In a letter to the governor, the CM said he had made a statement before both the Houses of state legislature that an inquiry would be entrusted to the Lokayukta over allegations against Mehta pertaining to granting permission in the slum rehabilitation scheme. The governor ordered an investigation under sub-section (3) of section 17 of the Maharashtra Lokayukta and Upa-Lokayukta Act, 1971.

On August 11 this year, Fadnavis ordered a probe by Lokayukta against Mehta, who is facing a series of allegations, including that of favouring builders. However, the governors order is related to the Tardeo slum rehabilitation scheme.

Mehta had issued orders in June this year allegedly allowing a developer to use building rights originally sanctioned for rehabilitation of a slum rehabilitation project. The developer reportedly would have got the windfall of Rs800 crore out of the additional sale component.

The CM stayed the order after controversy over the approval came to the fore.

As Mehta had remarked on the file of approval that the CM has been informed about the proposal, the latter also becomes subject to the probe.

Mehta was also accused of attempting to re-allot redevelopment work of a Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) owned transit camp at Pant Nagar, Ghatkopar to a builder even though the Mhada had cancelled an earlier allotment.

Governors secretary Venugopal Reddy refused to comment on the matter.

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The Bombay high court on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra government to clear its stand over shifting of Matoshree Kashiben Vrajlal Valia International School at Borivli (West). The secondary division of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) school has remained shut since August 25.

The division bench of Justice Anoop Mohta and Justice Bharati Dangre said the state authorities should take a proactive stand for resolving the issue and posted the petition filed by Borivli residents Tushar Shah and Pragnesh Gopani, whose children are studying in the school, for further hearing on Thursday.

The duo approached the high court challenging August 17 circular issued by the school principal for shifting the secondary division from Factory Lane in Borivli (West) to GH School in Borivli (East).

They challenged the school managements decision to shift the secondary division and contended that under the prevailing policy of the state, a secondary school cannot be shifted beyond 3km from its current location.

The duo contended that most students took admission in the school as it lies within the vicinity of their homes and shifting it will compel students to travel for more than an hour to reach the school from home and back, thus subjecting the students to unnecessary hardship.

While the school management claimed that the secondary division needs to be shifted as the building it is being operated from has become dilapidated. However, the petitioners claimed that no such notice was issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to the school management. They alleged the management wanted to exploit the school property for commercial purpose.

Their counsel, senior advocate Mihir Desai, pointed out that under the Maharashtra Secondary School Code, for shifting a school, its management is required to follow the procedure required to be followed at the time of setting up of the new school, but no such procedure is followed by the management of MKVV International School and no permission from the authorities concerned has been obtained for shifting the school from Borivli west to east.
The Nanded Waghala Municipal Corporation,which has been ruled by the Congress for years, will go to polls on October 11. Retaining the party bastion would be a challenge for the Congress and its state chief Ashok Chavan, particularly after losing the adjoining Latur Municipal Corporation, which was held by the party for years, in April this year.

The municipal corporation is ruled by Congress, which had won 41 corporators in the 81-member strong body in 2012. The party is facing competition from the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which has won 12 of the 17 municipal corporations which went to the polls this year. BJP, which has vowed to continue the winning streak in Nanded, had poached five sitting corporators from Congress a few weeks ago. Another five and three corporators from Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party, too, had joined BJP ahead of the elections.

"Though the Congress is likely to emerge as the largest party in Nanded, retaining power in the civic body will be a tough task for the party. Chavan would not leave any stone unturned to retain his home turf and reiterate his hold on the constituency. The rally by party's vice president Rahul Gandhi on Friday is part of the attempt to ensure their victory," said a Congress leader.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen had made to headlines by winning whopping 11 seats in its first attempt in contesting any elections in civic body in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena had stood second by winning 14 seats, while BJP had scored just two seats.
Five people from Mumbai and one from Surat got a new lease of life on Tuesday after the families of a 15-month-old Surat boy and 45-year-old Mumbai woman decided to donate their organs. The two heart transplants that were performed at an interval of 90 minutes, also involved the youngest organ donor from western India  Somnath Shah [15 months].

Counsellors said convincing the Shahs was difficult, as Somnath was their only son. The toddler was declared brain dead two days after an accident he met with at his residence. Somnath sustained a head injury after he slipped off the stairs.

We approached his father Sunil and told him that finding a cadaver for children is extremely difficult. When he realised that his son could save multiple lives, the Shahs agreed to donate Somnaths organs, said Nilesh Mandlewala, president of Donate Life, a Gujarat-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) which promotes organ donation.

Somnaths kidneys were sent to the Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Center (IKRDC), Ahmedabad, and were used to save the life of a 15-year-old boy diagnosed with kidney failure since a decade. His heart was transported to Fortis Hospital, Mulund, via commercial flight covering 331.7kms in 95 minutes.

The recipient of his heart, a three-and-a-half-year-old girl from Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai, was suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy and was on the waiting list since August 2016,said officials from the Fortis hospital.

In the second case, organs were harvested from a 45-year-old woman who was admitted to JJ Hospital. The mother of two from Karjat was rushed to the hospital after she fell unconscious owing to poor blood supply to her brain. The doctors harvested liver, kidneys and heart after seeking her husbands consent.

A team of surgeons from Fortis Hospital, Mulund, implanted her heart into a 38-year-old woman from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The organ was transported from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai in 23 minutes. The recipient was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy in June 2016 and was put on the waiting list sine March. While the kidneys were implanted in two separate recipients, the womans liver saved another life.

Dr Anvay Mulay, head of cardiac transplant team, Fortis Hospital, who conducted both the transplants said, We would not have been able to reach this far without the consent of the donors families, who have forever changed the lives of the recipients and their families. The patients are now stable.
The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation has received the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) that would be used to drill twin tunnels for the 33.5km Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 line. Sixteen more highly-mechanised TBMs will arrive in the city in the period of next two years to drill 51km of tunnels.

Procured from German major Herrenknecht AG, from its manufacturing facility in Guangzhou, China, the TBM will be lowered from launching shaft in Naya Nagar, Mahim using cranes with heavy gantry of capacity of 135 tonnes.

According to MMRC, the TBM will be assembled in the next 45 days and then deployed for construction of 6.08-km twin tunnels between Siddhivinayak and Dharavi. The tunnelling is expected to start in October. The Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) device will be used to construct tunnels in circular cross section some 20 meters to 25 meters below the surface.

With the arrival of our first TBM, we have kicked off our tunnelling activity, which is another most critical part of this project. In a period of next two years total of 17 TBMs will be deployed for constructing the 33.5 km twin tunnels said Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director, MMRC.

The TBM operator will sit in an air-conditioned cubicle within the machine. The TBMs are reportedly self-sufficient with a toilet and has its own sanitation system.

According to S K Gupta, Director (projects), MMRC, the TBMs that will come to Mumbai are similar machines that are used worldwide for boring. Barring a few technical changes that are done based on the geology of the areas, these machines are same or similar to what we see around the world, Gupta said.

He added that the tunnelling will start by October-end at the Naya Nagar shaft. The TBM will drive through Shitaladevi Metro Station and will be retrieved at the proposed Dadar Metro station. Similarly, a second TBM will be launched from the same shaft for second twin tunnel by November-end. The total length of this tunnel drive is 2.5 km for each tunnel. The TBM will take about 1 year to complete this drive.

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The police arrested a leader of Sansi gang and his four accompanies after an encounter in the district late Tuesday night.

The Ghaziabad crime branch and cops from the Muradnagar police station nabbed Das alias Chuchal, who had a bounty of Rs 12, 000 on his arrest. The other four arrested persons are Sunil, Krishna, Monu and Ballu alias Bablu.

Police recovered one Alto car, five live cartridges, two empty cartridges, two knives, one gas cylinder, gas cutter and a regulator.

The accused were going to break open cupboards and lockers of a property dealer whom they had planned to target.

Police got a tip-off that five men in a Maruti Alto were going towards Duhai village. They laid a trap near Salemabad and hid two vehicles with police teams behind the bushes.

After a while, the police and the informer noticed a red Alto car coming from Rawali Road. When the police tried to stop the vehicle, the suspects allegedly opened fire.

We managed to overpower the accused and arrested them. When we stopped the vehicle, one of the accused tried to alert Das that he should start firing because he understood that we were from the police department, said Arvind Maurya, SP, Rural.

The suspects were on their way to commit a dacoity at a property dealers house in Duhai, said the officer.

During interrogation, Das had no qualms about getting arrested. He said that if a man does not have criminal cases of loot, dacoity and robbery against them then no woman would marry them, said Maurya.

Das told the cops that people from their community commit various crimes along with the help of their family members and it was a matter of pride for them.

He told the cops that their gang members steal huge bundles of wires and other construction material from closed shops and factories.

The accused have been booked under various sections of Indian Penal Code and Arms Act for dacoity, robbery, theft and rioting.
The standoff between the parents and management of Presidium School Indirapuram continued for the second day on Wednesday. Parents claimed that the school authority appointed bouncers to stop parents from protesting.

The school management claimed that they did not appoint any bouncers and these persons were their personal security guards, besides the police.

Parents have complained that the school issued transfer certificates to selected students despite payment of all legitimate fees till September 2017 but the management claims that they have not done anything illegal.

Parents have been claiming that Presidium School in Ahinsa Khand-1 has issued TCs in mid-session, which is causing them agony. They alleged that students are being harassed and not allowing them school transport and access to classes is against the Supreme Court order of May 2, 2016, Article 21A of the Constitution and Section 16 & 17 of the RTE Act.

GS Matharoo, CEO of the school, said that the school has not flouted any of the courts orders. TC has been given to students who have not paid fees for years. Some of them have only paid a part of the total fee. We have been asking them to show us a court order or document to prove that we are at fault. We also have to pay our teachers and other staff. How do they expect us to manage the school without taking fees? he said.

The school management is not complying with the orders issued by the joint director of education to school, instructing it not to charge under Annual & Development heads. The management is violating terms of schools NOC for CBSE affiliation, which prohibits the school from charging a fee under the head of development, said Sonali Puri, a parent.

Parents are seeking that the school immediately revoke TCs. We want that school to stop harassing our kids and allow them unhindered entry to their respective classes. They should allow status quo, that is, allowing parents to pay as they are paying till a legislation/bill comes on fee regulation, said Seema Trivedi, a parent.

Around 50 students were given their TCs. We do not want to harass any student but how can we keep allowing students who are not paying full fee? We did give enough time to parents of such students but they refused to pay the fee. There are thousands of students studying in the school and their parents are complaining of disturbance because of this unnecessary agitation, said Matharoo.

Additional district magistrate, Ghaziabad Rajesh Kumar Yadav said the district administration has no power to regulate fees with respect to CBSE affiliated schools. Two schools in Ghaziabad had challenged our interference and the high court stayed it. We cannot do anything in the matter, he said.
The just-concluded ninth Brics summit in Xiamen, China, had attracted more than the usual attention because of the preceding month-and-a-half tense standoff between India and China at Doklam, and the sixth nuclear test conducted by North Korea coinciding with its start.

Questions were also raised about continued relevance of Brics since two of its members (India and China) had serious differences, geopolitical rivalries and intensifying competition in the Indian Ocean, South Asia and Southeast Asia; two other members (India and Russia) were seen as somewhat drifting apart with India building closer relations with the United States and Europe, and Russia getting more linked to China and exploring new opportunities, including military, in Pakistan; and two (South Africa and Brazil) bedevilled by political and economic instability. This was a far cry from the beginning of this century when the concept was promoted as an investment marketing strategy by western financial firms, and taken forward by the five countries also as a check on post-1990 western unipolar dominance.

Despite its detractors, the summit and its outcomes showed that the Brics process remains relevant. The five countries--Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa--account for 42% of the worlds population, 23% of global GDP, 17% of international trade, and nearly 50% of growth in recent past.

Despite the shifts in relative global economic and political standing, especially with increase in China and Indias GDP since 2000, there is still a need to work for a more just, equitable, fair, democratic and representative international political and economic order as the Xiamen declaration reiterates. Multi-polarity is essential for India to exercise its strategic autonomy, a declared goal of Indias foreign policy.

Support was also expressed for an open world economy since both India and China grew in framework of global growth and rising exports, and both are concerned about the protectionist sentiments in the West, particularly US. Commitment was reiterated to work for enhancement of the voice and representation of BRICS countries in global economic governance, including shares and voting rights in the World Bank and IMF, where progress has been made, but much remains to be done. A call was made to fully implement the 2015 Paris agreement on climate change, threatened by the US disavowal, and importance of green development and low carbon economy recognised. Common positions were articulated inter alia on Syria and Afghanistan, the North Korean test deplored with call for peaceful means and direct dialogue.

Issues that these summits have deliberated on remain important in the global context. The first Bric summit (South Africa joined from 2011) was held in 2009, in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis. Brics nations usually met and coordinated positions also in the framework of discussions in G20 (grouping of major world economies, set up at initiative of US and France in 2008, stimulated by the financial crisis) and the UN. The common positions they adopted on international trade and finance, global financial architecture and governance, quotas and voting shares in the World Bank and IMF, were important to balance Western perspectives and interests.

Starting with the 2013 summit in South Africa, the group expressed common positions on regional and global political issues, and began outreach to regional partners of the host country. African and Latin American countries, those from the Eurasian Economic Union and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BIMSTEC were, in turn, invited to post-summit outreach. This time, China somewhat changed the pattern and broadened the outreach by inviting Thailand, Tajikistan, Egypt, Guinea, and Mexico, stretching across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The process, aside from developing an infrastructure of institutional and political links, has concrete outcomes such as operationalising the New Development Bank and Contingency Reserve Arrangement.

From Indias perspective, the summit declaration has strong language on terrorism and specifically names some Pakistan-based terrorist groups. Pakistans reaction, at such references from a meeting hosted in China, following the strong language used by US President Donald Trump on August 21, revealed its anxiety. The summit also provided an opportunity for a post-Doklam bilateral between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both sides subsequently described the encounter as forward looking, aimed at strengthening mechanisms and interactions to try and prevent or manage better recurrence of such incidents.

Each of the five Brics nations now have a different relationship with the US and Europe. Russia is under sanctions, following developments in Ukraine and Crimea. With China, the West has deep economic, trade and financial integration, but differences related to South China Sea and Chinese trade and currency practices. India is developing closer relations, but has continued strong political and defence partnership with Russia, and a relationship marked by both cooperation and competition with China.

It is still important for countries with such different parameters in their relations with the major world powers, and difference in their relations with each other, to articulate common positions in areas of convergence to balance the norms emerging from the West based solely on trans-Atlantic interests. Strong groupings such as Nato, EU and Eurozone also have serious differences among members, but work to build on areas of common interest and challenge perception.

Arun K Singh is a former Indian Ambassador to the United States

The views expressed are personal
Most pundits agree that the least bad way to deal with North Koreas nuclear sabre rattling is a continued combination of tight containment and aggressive diplomacy. Fewer, however, have recognised that the least bad military option  the one implied by US President Donald Trumps insistence that China take responsibility for its dangerous neighbour  is a Chinese invasion, or regime change forced through Chinas threat to launch one.

This outcome, which would sharply shift East Asias strategic balance in Chinas favour, is not as unlikely as most people think. In fact, its very plausibility is one reason why it needs to be taken seriously, including by Chinese military planners. In Trumpian terms, this is a China First option that could help Make China Great Again.

Any military intervention, Chinese or otherwise, would carry huge risks. But before dwelling on them, consider what a successful Chinese intervention would achieve. For starters, it would put North Korea right where the countrys post-Korean War history suggests it belongs: Under a Chinese nuclear umbrella, benefiting from a credible security guarantee.

Mao Zedong used to say that his country and North Korea were as close as lips and teeth  a fitting description, given Chinese troops role in averting an American victory in the Korean War. But while Japan and South Korea have remained close allies of the United States during the six decades since then, hosting US bases and sheltering under US nuclear protection, China and North Korea have drifted ever further apart.

As a result, China has little control over its neighbour and purported ally, and probably scant knowledge of what is going on there. It could, it is true, tighten the existing siege on North Korea by cutting trade further and blocking energy supplies. But this might achieve little beyond pushing Kim Jong-uns cloistered regime to look for support from its other neighbour, Russia.

If, as is commonly assumed, North Korea wants some sort of credible security guarantee in exchange for curtailing its nuclear programme, the only country capable of providing it is China. No American promise would remain credible beyond the term of the president who gave it, if even that long.

So if China were to combine threats of invasion with a promise of security and nuclear protection, in exchange for cooperation and possible regime change, its chances of winning over large parts of the Korean Peoples Army would be high. Whereas a nuclear exchange with the US would mean devastation, submission to China would promise survival, and presumably a degree of continued autonomy. For all except those closest to Kim, the choice would not be a difficult one.

Chinas strategic gains from a successful military intervention would include not only control of what happens on the Korean Peninsula, where it presumably would be able to establish military bases, but also regional gratitude for having prevented a catastrophic war.

No other action holds as much potential to make Chinese leadership within Asia seem both credible, and desirable, especially if the alternative is a reckless, poorly planned US-led war. What China needs, above all, is legitimacy, and intervention in North Korea would provide it. Successful use of hard power would bring China, to borrow the distinction coined by Harvards Joseph S. Nye, huge reserves of soft power.

But now to the 64 billion renminbi question: Could it work? We cant know the answer for sure, and any military intervention carries great risks. The Chinese armed forces are now well equipped, but lack comparable battlefield experience. Their inferior opponents have leaders who might be prepared to use nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction, if they did not simply accept Chinese terms and surrender.

What we can say with near certainty is that a Chinese land and sea invasion, rather than an American one, would stand a better chance of avoiding Kims likely response: An artillery attack on the South Korean capital, Seoul, which lies just a few dozen miles south of the demilitarised zone. Why would North Korea slaughter its southern brothers and sisters in retaliation for a Chinese invasion that came with a promise of continued security, if not autonomy?

Moreover, while the Kim regimes nuclear restraint could hardly be taken for granted, China would be a less likely target than the US for North Korean missiles. Were a Chinese military option to be contemplated seriously, some intelligence and missile-defense collaboration with the US might be worth exploring. Given the risks, it would be hard for the US to refuse.

This scenario may well never happen. But it is so logical that the possibility of it should be taken seriously. It is, after all, Chinas best opportunity to achieve greater strategic parity with the US in the region, while removing a source of instability that threatens them both.

Bill Emmott, a former editor-in-chief of The Economist, is the author of The Fate of the West

Copyright Project Syndicate, 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known to spring surprises and he has done it again in the Cabinet reshuffle.

As surprising as the widely-hailed elevation of Nirmala Sitharaman as the defence minister was the non-inclusion of the Janata Dal(U), or for that matter any other existing or new ally.

The other surprise was that the four former career bureaucrats who were inducted into the ministry were not given departments related to their specialisation. Hardeep S Puri, with his immense experience in the foreign policy domain, has been given urban affairs; and KJ Alphons with his expertise in urban matters got tourism.

As for allies, it is possible that Modi may still induct them, particularly the JD(U), in another expansion exercise, though he has given no such indication. Unless done soon, the exercise would be meaningless for the countdown to the general elections would begin in 15 months.

The media had written about two JD(U) leaders being included in the ministry. But Nitish Kumar disclosed that his party had neither been asked, nor was any offer discussed.

It stood to reason that the JD(U), which has formed a government with the BJP in Bihar, would enter a government led by the BJP at the Centre. That this did not happen has given a handle to Kumars detractors, including rival Lalu Prasad, to make snide remarks against the Bihar chief minister.

That Kumar, who once enjoyed a near-parity status with Modi, someone who could take him on in the future, cannot get his partys entry into the Cabinet today, must add to his discomfiture. But then, Kumar consciously chose a limited role for himself, confined to Bihar, when he quit the grand alliance.

The BJP brass may calculate that Kumar  and for that matter Shiv Senas Uddhav Thackeray  has few options today. Kumar cannot go back to Prasad, just as it would be difficult for Thackeray to shake hands with the Congress. It is not just the JD(U) which is chafing against a perceived humiliation, Thackeray has also expressed his unhappiness at not being consulted or informed about the reshuffle.

The Shiv Senas angst against the BJP is nothing new, and the possibility of the BJP breaking with its oldest ally before the 2019 elections cannot be ruled out.

There were also strong rumours at one stage about the NCP  playing footsie with the BJP and remaining with the Opposition  joining the Cabinet. This would make sense only if the Sena were to pull out of the Maharashtra government and the NCP was needed to prop it up. Otherwise, the NCP joining the NDA would give strength to the Congress, for some of its base would gravitate towards the grand old party. The best case scenario for an ascendant BJP in Maharashtra is to keep the Congress and the NCP apart and have a four-cornered contest next time.

The continuing political flux in Tamil Nadu may explain why the AIADMK was not taken into the Cabinet, as once reported.

Given the BJPs majority in the Lok Sabha, Modi is in a comfortable position vis-a-vis the allies. Unlike in the past, when the Congress yielded to regional parties ambitions in the states in order to get their support at the Centre, the BJP is acting tough, not giving up on its plans to widen its base in states. It has given enough indications that it will not be pushed around by allies.

And yet, politics is never static, and even though Modis popularity continues undimmed, the growing restiveness in sections today  Dalits, farmers, jobless youth  cannot be denied.

The allies unhappiness can have a bearing on the partys Mission 2019. A happy Kumar, for instance, can add value to the BJP not just in Bihar but also in eastern UP where there is a concentration of Kurmis. An unhappy Kumar may not put his best foot forward in 2019 or 2020, and the stakes are higher for the BJP today than for Kumar.

The BJPs Mission 350 may need allies. The treatment meted out to the present allies  summed up in the words of a JD(U) leader as a partnership with izzat or beizzat  could influence the decision-making of potential allies, who are neither in the NDA or UPA today.

Neerja Chowdhury is a senior journalist

The views expressed are personal
How can suicide help you fund your dreams to go abroad? Manpreet Singh, 23, of Punjabs Faridkot district had it all worked out, right until Tuesday, the day of his bhog or memorial prayers for the departed soul. But, well, it proved to be the bhog of his plan too, because his soul hasnt yet departed, and he has been arrested alive, police revealed.

In an alleged conspiracy, Rashpal Singh, the father of this man from Chehal village of Kotkapura subdivision, told the police that he had jumped into a canal on July 3, five days after hed been physically and mentally tortured by three villagers.

The three men were duly booked under section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The body, since it was in a canal, could not be recovered.

The family then offered a deal to the three accused  Mandeep Singh, Gursewak Singh and Harjit Singh  that they would take back the case in lieu of money, police said. The money was meant to fund Manpreets plans to shift to Kuwait for work. The accused, sources said, had paid Rs 2 lakh to the family, who demanded Rs 4 lakh more.

In what now appears to be part of the plan, on June 28, when the three men allegedly thrashed Manpreet, urinated on him and used cuss words, he and his father informed the police about it. And then came the suicide, because the police took no action, the father had said.

On Tuesday, said station house officer KC Prashar, We got a tip off that Manpreet is alive and hiding at a relatives place in Moga. We conducted a raid and found him. He was planning to escape abroad. The family fooled everyone by conducting his death ceremonies!

The police now plan get the suicide-abetment case quashed from a local court. Police cant quash the FIR, legally, so we will request the court to give a clean chit to all the three accused, as they were booked on the basis of a staged drama. A case of criminal conspiracy will be registered against Manpreet and his family after legal opinion, said SHO Prashar.

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To check the rising number of drink driving cases, the UT excise and taxation department on Wednesday directed all bar owners in the city to install breath analysers within seven days.

A breath analyser, also known as alcometer, costs anywhere between Rs 35,000 and Rs 1 lakh, depending on the features, according to the police. On shopping websites, they are listed at a price of as low as Rs 699.

The decision has been taken on the directions of UT administrator VP Singh Badnore, who in a high-level meeting last month asked the police to see if alcometers  meant to measure the alcohol content in a breath sample  could be installed outside pubs and bars by the owners on voluntary basis.

Around 100 bars on Madhya Marg and Himalayan Marg were reopened after five months on August 30, as the Supreme Court relaxed its ban on sale of liquor within 500 metres of highways, clarifying that it did not apply on establishments within municipal limits.

Will check drink driving

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the excise department said the installation of alcometers will make people aware of ill-effects of consumption of alcohol in excess of the legally prescribed limit.

Alcometers will give those leaving the bars an opportunity to check the alcohol level in their blood in the interest of their own safety and others before they drive, said authorities.

The bar owners have been directed to submit the compliance report to the department by September 13.

Welcoming the move, Ankit Gupta, president, Chandigarh Hospitality Association, said: We have always promoted the do not drink and drive campaign. But we request the UT administration to give us some more time for procuring alcometers as bars have just reopened.

Whats the permissible limit

The permissible limit of alcohol in blood is 30mg per 100 ml.

However, alcohol absorption in the blood stream is dependent on two major factors: the body mass of the person and the amount of hydration or water content in the body.

The speed with which the liquor is consumed and the time before the person starts driving also affects the results of the breath analyser.

In layman terms, just one pint (330ml) of beer or a small peg (30 ml) of hard liquor will keep you safe.
The student councils of the varsity and its affiliated colleges in the city go to the polls on Thursday. There are 15,690 voters on the campus and 8,000 in colleges.

The annual extravaganza normally sees campaigning peaking in August-end, but this year the tricity was under virtual lockdown with Dera Sacha Sauda followers converging on Panchkula and later resorting to violence as their sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted in two rape cases on August 25.

Students making a final pitch ahead of the elections at SD College, Sector 32, on Tuesday. (Anil Dayal/HT)

With the varsity closing down, student outfits got only a week for campaigning. Many students hailing from other parts of the region, in fact, left for home ahead of the verdict. Even after PU opened, the usual pomp and show, marked by swanky cars and rallies, was missing.

Even on Tuesday, rallies taken out by the Students for Society (SFS) and National Students Union of India (NSUI) had only a few hundred students participating in it. The Students Organisation of India (SOI), which had won the presidential elections in 2015 and stood second last year, had to cancel the rally as it could not register enough footfall.

Police crackdown

Among other factors that contributed to the elections remaining a dull affair this year was the police crackdown on outsiders residing in hostels and strict checking at all entry points to the varsity. Police arrested 22 outsiders, including a gangster convicted of murder, who were trying to enter the campus on the day of nominations. Eleven students residing illegally in hostels were also arrested.

Earlier, Vijay Kumar, an All India Students Association (AISA) leader, was arrested and sent to Burail jail and 23 others were also detained from the Post Graduate Government College, Sector 11.

Throughout the campaign period, there was heavy presence of police on the campuses. What added to the fears of a crackdown by the authorities was the presence of paramilitary forces. They were seen manning the university gates and carrying out a flag march outside the DAV College, Sector 10.

One of the main reasons the authorities were extra cautious this time has been the emergence of the SFS as a major player on the campus after the fee hike protests of April 2017, which saw unprecedented violence and arrests of nearly 60 activists

No political funding

Political interference, too, was missing this time. Every year, major parties pump in money to attract voters to their student outfits.

Freshers parties, movie shows, trips to hill stations and distribution of phones and food vouchers take place  in violation of Lyngdoh Commission recommendations  around this time of the election season.

This year, however, all these events were missing as mainstream political parties, including Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party, deprived the outfits of funds. Even political leaders didnt visit the campus.

Student leaders said they did not get the kind of political funding they got on other occasions, which led them to managing the campaign from their own resources.
Speaking at the launch of the state governments Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobaar Mission, technical education minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Tuesday said there was a need to bridge the gap between skill training imparted by the educational institutes and needs of the industry.

The state government will set up a University of Vocational Education to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and vocational education, Channi said.

Corroborating Channi, Trident Group chairman Rajinder Gupta said, Education institutes should come forward to take suggestion from the industry on the type of skill set industry requires and formulate curriculum accordingly.

Finance minister Manpreet Badal said, The government would not let the youth of Punjab shift to foreign countries in the search of employment. I urge employers to join hands with the state governments Ghar Ghar Rozgar Mission. At the meeting, leading industry experts, including India Council for Research on International Economics chairperson Isher Judge Ahluwalia; Walmart India CEO Krish Iyer; Vardhman Textiles Ltd chairman Shri Paul Oswal; International Tractors Limited (Sonalika Group) vice-chairman AS Mittal and Capital Small Finance Bank founder and managing director Sarvjit Samra were present.

Local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu and irrigation and power minister Rana Gurjit Singh were also present on the occasion.

Its a mega fraud, says Akali Dal

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday described the mega job fair as a mega fraud on the youth of Punjab who had been denied government jobs and instead been handed over offer letters of private companies. The party claimed that the youth of the state were already getting such jobs under regular placement drives that these technical institutes held on a regular basis.

Former minister and SAD general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia said it was unfortunate that a bogus programme which was being touted as fulfilment of the Ghar Ghar Rozgar programme that the Congress had promised before the assembly elections.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has opposed the Pakistan-based Evacuee Trust Property Boards decision to scrap its original plan of establishing Baba Guru Nanak University (BGNU) at Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of first Sikh master, Guru Nanak. The board has now decided to establish the main campus of the university in Islamabad and sub-campuses in other provinces.

A Pakistani daily International The News quotes sources in the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) as saying: The main hurdle in setting up the university in Nankana Sahib has come from the legal fraternity, besides local tenants who have been occupying the ETPB land. The ETPB even offered them alternative land for agriculture and other purposes, but they rejected the offer.

Taking note of the development, SGPC chief Kirpal Singh Badungar said the university should be established at the birthplace of Guru Nanak. If it is set up at any other place, it will lose its relevance and will be heartbreaking for the Sikhs worldwide, he said.

The Pakistan government should ensure that the main campus of the university be set up at Nankana Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in 2018, said Badungar.

The SGPC will send a delegation to Pakistan that will meet the government representatives and members of the ETPB to make sure that the campus is not shifted to Islamabad, said Badungar, adding that they will also approach the Centre to take up the matter with the Pakistani government.

Pakistan should ensure that the main campus of the university be set up at Nankana Sahib to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in 2018.

Speaking to HT over phone, Ramesh Singh Arora, the first Sikh member of Pakistani Punjab assembly, said: Being a Sikh, I also want the university to be established in Nankana Sahib, but its main campus has been shifted to prevent any land dispute. However, a section of people belonging to the Muslim community, who earlier opposed setting up of the campus in Nankana Sahib, have started realising that it would be big economical loss for them too.

He said sub-campuses of the university would be established at Choorkana, where Gurdwara Sacha Sauda, a historical shrine associated to Guru Nanak, is situated. He also made it clear that the plan of setting up the campus at Nankana Sahib has not been rejected yet.

The Pakistan government earmarked Rs 100 crore in its last budget for the university. A big campus is also proposed to be set at Murid Ke in Sheikhupura district.
Armenian community will remain the focus of Syrian authorities attention - Ambassador

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Republic of Armenia Mohammad Ahmad Haj Ibrahim presented today his credentials to Serzh Sargsyan. Congratulating the Ambassador on assuming the office, the President of Armenia wished him every success in his diplomatic mission. As they discussed the agenda of the Armenian-Syrian relations, the interlocutors touched upon the possibilities of developing and strengthening bilateral cooperation in different spheres of activity. The of Armenia and the Syrian Ambassador exchanged views on the situation in Syria and in the Middle East, the problems and challenges faced in the region. With reference to the Syrian crisis, Serzh Sargsyan expressed the hope that the Syrian authorities and the friendly Syrian people will be able to withstand that most serious test under the leadership of the President of their country, and will restore peace and stability in Syria, in which Armenia is so much interested. Any people may come to face trials in different periods of history: only those who succeed in defying them continue their course. Armenia is deeply concerned about the fate of the friendly Syrian people. It was a great pain to follow the developments and the humanitarian situation all the way through this process. We have been trying to support both the suffering Syrian-Armenian community and the whole Syrian people, Serzh Sargsyan noted. Thankful for the reception and kind remarks, Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Haj Ibrahim stressed that the Syrian authorities highly appreciate friendly Armenias position and support in the reinstatement of peace and stability in the country. The Ambassador praised the Syrian-Armenian community, which is an integral part of the Syrian people and has made a valuable contribution to the countrys development for many decades. The Syrian diplomat assured that the Armenian community, which enjoys a great respect in his country, has always been and will remain the focus of Syrian authorities attention.
Debutant director Srikantan says characters from actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan starrer Mumbai Express had a huge impact on his forthcoming Tamil crime comedy Thappu Thanda.

The comedy in Mumbai Express is very different. You find the characters are doing something serious on screen but their actions make audiences laugh. The best example is of Pasupathys character in the film. This is the same template I have used for my film, Srikantan said.

Kamal sir popularised this style of comedy. He has done it in films such as Michael Madana Kamarajan, he said.

A dark comedy, the film will be on the lines of Soodhu Kavvum.

But it wont be exactly like Soodhu Kavvum. The crime angle and its comic treatment will be the common elements. The story is set against the backdrop of election campaign and how the money exchanged during that period gets robbed, he said.

Slated for release on Friday, the film stars Sathya, Shweta Gai, Mime Gopi, Ajay Ghosh and John Vijay.

An erstwhile assistant of legendary filmmaker Balu Mahendra, Srikantan wants to make a mark with his own brand of cinema.

Im aware a lot of people would expect me to do his kind of cinema. But he had told me once do whats important for survival. He said if I have to do certain type of cinema to sustain, then I should do it. Moreover, he said why two people should make similar kind of movies, he added.

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Malayalam actor Dileep was released for two hours to perform his fathers death anniversary rites on Wednesday, reports The News Minute. He was released at 8 am on condition that he will not use a mobile phone, will follow the investigating officers instructions and will not misuse courts order.

Angamalys judicial court granted him a two-hour break from jail on humanitarian ground to perform the rites. Earlier reports had suggested that the shraddh ceremony would take place at Manapuram. It was later reported that the rites would be performed at his residence at Aluva, barely 2 kilometres from the jail, The News Minute added.

While the actors lawyer said that Dileep has been performing the ritual since 2008, the prosecution said that he did not attend the ceremony last year. Rejecting the prosecutions stand, the court went ahead and granted him the permission on humanitarian grounds.

Authorities had made elaborate security arrangement prior to the actors release.

Since his arrest on July 10, Dileep has applied for bail twice but it has been rejected by the court on both the occasions.

On Saturday, his wife Kavya Madhavan and his daughter (from his previous marriage to Manju Warrier) Meenakshi visited him in the jail. This was the first time the two met since his arrest. Trusted friend Nadirshah was also present.

Dileep was arrested in July in connection to abduction and sexual assault on Malayalam actress in February this year.

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Scientists are wondering if about 15 radio signals picked up by Stephen Hawkings Breakthrough Listen project are from spy satellites, aliens transmitting messages or just energy released from celestial objects.

The Breakthrough Listen project, a $100 million initiative, was set up by physicist Stephen Hawking and Russian billionaire Yuri Milner to search for intelligent life in the universe. It detected fast radio bursts (FRBs) last week but scientists said they dont know where the signals came from.

We really have no idea about where they come from, Vishal Gajjar, one of the scientists from the University of California Berkeley Research Centre, told The Daily Telegraph.

FRBs last a few milliseconds and erupt with about as much energy as the sun releases in a month, according to the website New Scientist.

About two dozen radio signals have been recorded before, reported The Guardian, adding that 15 more signals have been observed from the same source and at a higher frequency than the previous signals.

The projects initial 10-year programme will survey the 1,000,000 closest stars to Earth, scanning the entire galactic plane of the Milky Way. Beyond our galaxy it will listen for messages from the 100 closest galaxies at 10 billion different frequencies.

Signals detected earlier have originated from rotating neutron stars with extreme magnetic fields. Other explanations offered for such radio bursts include energy sources used by extraterrestrial civilisations to power spacecraft.

A 2015 article on the website New Scientist said it is also possible the telescopes are picking up signals from unmapped human technology such as spy satellites.

If some form of life would like to produce a signal that is detectable to another civilisation, this could be a way to do it but I dont think they are coming from intelligent civilisations, said Gujjar.

There are more theories than the number of sources. We have opened more questions than answers. As we do more study we find more weird things.

The Breakthrough project does not beam signals onto space because it believes theres more to learn from simply listening.

The projects findings were first published in The Astronomers Telegram.

(With PTI inputs)
Travelling to Abu Dhabi? If youre there post November, youll be able to visit Louvre Abu Dhabi and soak up on world culture.

Housing 600 works of art, including 300 loaned by 13 French museums for the inaugural year, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is described as the first universal museum in the Arab world. At a time when culture is under attack... this is our joint response, French Culture Minister Francoise Nyssen said at a news conference Wednesday in Abu Dhabi to announce the November 11 opening date.

The museum has been a decade in the making and is opening five years behind schedule. Among the works on loan to Abu Dhabi are Leonardo da Vincis La Belle Ferronniere from the Louvre -- which houses the worlds largest collection of art -- and Vincent van Goghs self-portrait from the Musee dOrsay.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel of France, the museum city is reminiscent of an Arab medina, enveloped by a part arabesque, part futuristic silvery dome that lets in the light in patterns mimicking leaves of the palm trees of the Gulf.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is part of a major cultural strategy to promote the city as a patron of the arts in a region increasingly focused on soft power. About five percent of the overall museum will be dedicated to contemporary and modern art. The rest focuses on telling the story of world histories and religions.

In the gallery of world religions, a sixth century Koran, a gothic Bible and a Yemeni Torah face each other, open to verses that give similar accounts. To send that message of tolerance is really important for our time, said Mubarak.

A branch of the Guggenheim, still under development, and the Zayed Museum, the national museum named after the countrys founder, are located on the same island. The Louvre Abu Dhabis opening comes as the UAE, which in April announced the establishment of a Soft Power Council, is locked in a diplomatic battle with neighbouring Qatar, accused by its Gulf neighbours of supporting Islamist extremism.

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It may not be top of mind, but this small country in the Persian Gulf managed to leapfrog its way from 19th place in 2016 to the top spot this year, due mostly to the ease of settling in and high career satisfaction, as reported by its expat citizens.

For the survey, conducted by networking site InterNations, 13,000 expats representing 166 nationalities, living in 188 countries or territories, were asked to rate 43 different aspects of life in their host country, which were then pooled into six categories: quality of life; ease of settling in; working abroad; family life; personal finance; and the cost of living index.

Expats in Bahrain described the country as a beautiful melting pot of many different cultures, and local Bahrainis as friendly and welcoming to foreigners. Because most speak English, respondents said it was easy to settle in, with a quarter of respondents saying they felt at home right away -- particularly noteworthy given that a third of these expats had never lived abroad before.

Bahrain also ranked highly in subcategories like job and career, work life balance, along with family life. Meanwhile, expats in Costa Rica and Mexico reported high levels of satisfaction with their new homes as well, putting their host countries in second and third places respectively.

If making new friends is a high priority in your second life, Costa Rica is the place for you, as it ranks first in the Finding friends subcategory. The sun-soaked country also ranked highly in indices for quality of life, ease of settling and family life.

Of note, nearly a third of respondents in Costa Rica described themselves as retirees. In third place, perennial favorite Mexico rounds out the podium, with expats giving the country high marks for ease of settling in, personal finance and cost of living. The climate is almost perfect, the people are friendly, and the food is to die for, said one Filipino respondent.

Where the country performs poorly, however, is safety and healthcare. In the all-important quality of life metric, Portugal, Taiwan and Spain took the top three spots. Overall, the top 10 list of best expat destinations is mostly made up of countries in sun-soaked, warmer climes, that are rich in culture.

With the exception of New Zealand, conspicuously absent from the top spots are Western, English-speaking countries like the US (43), Canada (16), and the UK (54).

Here are the top 10 expat destinations of 2017, according to InterNations:

1. Bahrain

2. Costa Rica

3. Mexico

4. Taiwan

5. Portugal

6. New Zealand

7. Malta

8. Colombia

9. Singapore

10. Spain

At the bottom of the list are Greece, Kuwait and Nigeria.

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Are you a young, commitment-less traveller, a childless couple or an empty nester? National Geographic Travel has rounded up a list of the best fall destinations for 2017 for you. Heres a selection of travel ideas whether it be for a weeklong getaway or a weekend escapade for the whole family:

The Day of the Dead is a colourful and festive holiday in Mexico that honours the memory of fallen friends, family members and ancestors. (AFP)

Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico

Despite its macabre moniker, Day of the Dead is a colourful and festive holiday that honours the memory of fallen friends, family members and ancestors, and sends well wishes to the dead on their spiritual journey. The tradition is inscribed on UNESCOs Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The city of Oaxaca offers one of the biggest and liveliest editions in Mexico, with processions, marching bands, fireworks and lots of Mezcal. The Day of the Dead takes place between October 31 to November 2.

Grape harvest in wine country, France

Wine lovers and Francophiles will want to consider delaying that long overdue holiday to France for mid-September when the crowds have thinned, the temperatures have cooled slightly, and the grape harvest begins in Burgundy. If youre more about drinking the grapes and not picking it, Paris throws its annual Fete des Vendanges harvest festival in October, when the Montmartre area transforms into a street festival lined with winemakers from across the country and food stalls that sell everything from fresh oysters to sizzling sausages and homemade nougat.

Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Canada. (Shutterstock)

Olive harvest, Greece

Its not just wine that can be described as liquid gold or divine nectar. If youre not afraid to get your hands dirty for the chance to sample freshly pressed olive oil and snack on plump, rich olives, consider an olive harvesting trip in Crete or Kalamata. Visitors can help out with the harvest for one day or one week.

National parks, US and Canada

For the best display of natures mood-shifting ways, bookmark a weekend away to a local national park, where the trees are singing their last swan song in hues of burnt orange, red and yellow. All national parks in Canada are free until the remainder of the year to mark the countrys 150th birthday, while the crowds have thinned at major national parks in the US following the summer rush.

For the full list, visit www.nationalgeographic.com

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Like most stars, Gautam Rode enjoys fan encounters. However, unlike earlier, when he used to get excited every time they cheered or mobbed him, the actor, over the years, has realised that such things are common in the life of an artist and one should not let fame go to their head.

Fan experiences are special. They make me feel that I must have done something good enough to receive so much love from so many people. In the beginning, I used to get very excited meeting fans and seeing them cheer for me. But now, I have realised how to handle it. I feel happy about the love I get from them, but I make sure that I should just take such things to my heart and not my head, says Gautam, known for his shows such as Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, Parichay, Saraswatichandra and Suryaputra Karn.

The actor adds that he has had his share of crazy fan encounters too, and knows how to deal with them. Fans come up to me to talk, shake hands, hug and click photos I usually oblige because I can see how much they admire me, shares Gautam.

The actor, who has also worked in three Bollywood films, is looking forward to his fourth release  Aksar 2  which is a thriller.

Thanku for all ur lovely wishes friends Keep supporting #AKSAR2 @aksar2film A post shared by Gautam Rode (@rodegautam) on Aug 29, 2017 at 12:08am PDT

His last film Agyaat released in 2009. About what took him so long, he says, Nothing exciting came my way during this period. On the other hand, I was getting good offers from TV and it kept me busy for six years. I did shows such as Saraswatichandra, Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasaya, Ek Kahani, Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasaya, Ek Kahani, Suryaputra Karn and also I was hosting Nach Baliye and Indias Got Talent (Season 3). For an actor, its important to choose the right kind of project. I cant remain stuck to any one medium. And at the same time whatever happens I cant forget that TV has made me what I am today.

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Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia meet in Baku

Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia - Elmar Mammadyarov, Mevlut Cavusoglu and Mikhail Janelidze  met in Baku on September 6, Azatutyun.am reports. This was the sixth meeting of the three diplomats in this format. During the press conference following the talks, Elmar Mammadyarov did not exclude that the leaders of the three countries (Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia) might meet next year. The foreign ministers agreed to deepen trilateral cooperation in the political and economic spheres. This was announced by Elmar Mammadyarov after the meeting with his Turkish and Georgian counterparts. He added that the meeting was effective, with the parties discussing joint programs in the region, including the construction of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. The BakuTbilisiKars (BTK), the largest project in the South Caucasus, is a regional rail link project to directly connect Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. The project was originally to be completed by 2010,[1] but it has been delayed to a later time. Following a fifth trilateral meeting in February 2016, the three countries' foreign ministers announced that the railway will finally be completed in 2017. The supporters of the project believe that the BTK will boost economic development and contribute to strengthening of peace and stability in the region. Following the meeting of the three FMs, Mikhail Janelidze said the three countries in question cooperate very effectively neighbors in the international arena, supporting each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Fifteen states and the District of Columbia on sued Wednesday to block President Donald Trumps plan to end a programme protecting young immigrants from deportation  an act Washington states attorney general called a dark time for our country.

The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs were New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

On Tuesday, attorney general Jeff Sessions said a programme, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, will end in six months to give Congress time to find a legislative solution for the immigrants.

The participants were brought to the US illegally as children or came with families who overstayed visas.

Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If their permits expire before March 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by October 5. But the program isnt accepting new applications.

Opponents of the program said they are pleased with the Trump administrations decision. They called DACA an unconstitutional abuse of executive power but proponents of the program said the move by Trump was cruel.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said the action violates the due process rights of the immigrants. He said he fears the information the immigrants provided the government to participate in DACA could be used against them.

Its outrageous, its not right, an emotional Ferguson said at a news conference in Seattle. As attorney general for the state of Washington, I have a hammer, its the law.

Washington governor Jay Inslee joined Ferguson at the news conference and said this is one more of a long train of abuses that this president has attempted to foist on this great nation.

Earlier this year, Ferguson sued Trump over the initial travel ban, which resulted in a federal judge blocking nationwide enforcement.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his entourage of Indias top diplomats took off from a sunny Xiamen on Tuesday afternoon a fairly satisfied lot after the BRICS summit.

The Doklam impasse was over, with New Delhi managing to emerge from it, if not a winner, at least on equal terms despite withdrawing troops; Pakistan-based terror groups were mentioned in the BRICS statement under Chinas current chair and on Chinese soil, proving to be vindication on Indias stand against terrorism and Indias pitch for FDI and global governance reforms at the summit was heard.

Earlier in the day, foreign secretary S Jaishankar made it a point not to mention Doklam  called Donglang by the China -- during his 10-minute interaction with international media on the bilateral meeting between Modi and President Xi Jinping.

The closest he went was to mention situation  twice.

Neither did the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) spokesperson, Geng Shuang, mention it when he took questions on the military impasse at the regular press briefing in Beijing.

Both mentioned the need to have a peaceful and tranquil border.

The responses from the two governments were clearly coordinated to send a message out  New Delhi and Beijing were trying hard to move forward, leaving behind the military impasse which had threatened to hijack diplomatic ties.

But differences remain.

One needs to simply scratch the surface of the BRICS bonhomie to find that Chinas indignation over Doklam is quite raw.

Official news agency Xinhuas report on the Modi-Xi meeting  their 9th one-on-one  made it a point to mention the impasse.

Xi and Modis meeting came following a military stand-off lasting more than two months after more than 270 armed Indian troops with two bulldozers crossed the boundary in mid-June into the Donglang (Doklam) area in the Chinese territory to obstruct infrastructure construction, the Xinhua report said.

On August 28, China confirmed that India had withdrawn personnel and equipment from Donglang, and said its armed forces would strengthen patrolling and defence of the area to resolutely safeguard the countrys sovereign security, the report added.

If the Chinese government had so wanted  and had it been indifferent to the fact that Doklam resolution is being projected as Indias diplomatic success -- it would have instructed Xinhua not to bring it up at all.

Indignation over Doklam aside, China also surprised many with endorsing the BRICS statement with names of terror groups based on the soil of its all-weather strategic ally, Pakistan.

Islamabad was possibly informed in advance about the development by Beijing but would still be worried.

It doesnt of course mean theres a guarantee that Beijing will let through Indias UN application to ban JeM chief, Masood Azhar. But it will also put China in a bit of spot if it does block the move next time.

The decision didnt please everyone; Chinese experts, who rarely criticise government decisions, told HT that it was a costly mistake.

Interestingly, Modi flew out of Xiamen to Myanmar where India and China are elbowing each other for influence. Thats another story.
China said on Wednesday it has invited Pakistans Foreign Minister for talks, in an apparent move to assuage Islamabads concerns after the BRICS countries for the first time named Pakistan-based terrorist groups like LeT and JeM in the groupings declaration.

Foreign Minister Mohammed Asif will pay an official visit to China on September 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, he said.

China and Pakistan are all weather strategic partners. The two sides have seen their relationship growing with a sound momentum, frequent high level exchanges and fruitful outcomes of political cooperation, he said.

Asif was supposed to travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this week to drum up support for Islamabad after US President Donald Trump warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues to support terror groups.

Asifs visit will be another important event between the two sides which will further the cooperation consensus reached between the two leaders, deepen political cooperation centered on the China Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) and promote coordination and communication on international and regional affairs, he said.

India has protested to China over the USD 50 billion CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, he said without mentioning the concerns in Pakistan over BRICS, (Brazil Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries naming Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Haqqani networks in their declaration.

The declaration of BRICS, of which China is a prominent member, had expressed concern over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) active in Chinas Xinjiang and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, LeT, JeM, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

At the just concluded ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen the BRICS leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever. They stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.

The naming of the JeM outfit in the declaration also sparked speculation whether China would continue to resist efforts by India to bring about a UN ban on its leader Masood Azhar.

China has blocked the resolutions tabled by India and later by the US, backed by the UK and France, in the UN by putting repeated technical holds.

Pakistan yesterday rejected the BRICS declaration, saying there was no safe haven for terrorists on its soil.

Chinas endorsement of BRICS declaration, which is also seen as a significant diplomatic victory for India, was sharply criticised by a Chinese think tank, saying that it would strain close relations between China and Pakistan.

It is beyond my understanding how China agreed to this. I dont think it is good idea, Hu Shisheng, Director of the official China Institute of Contemporary International Relations told PTI.

This will irritate Pakistan. I dont think when the BRICS declaration is made, Pakistan is consulted. In the coming days Chinese diplomats have to explain to Pakistan. This is too costly to China. Pakistan will be very upset. After Trump denouncement of Pakistan, it is already feeling pressure. I feel little strange, he said.

Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told state-run Global Times today that stressing counter-terrorism shows that the BRICS summit, which started from business cooperation, has expanded its cooperation to a more comprehensive level.

China is also a victim of terrorism and is firmly against any kind of terrorism, and thats the main reason that the organisations are named in the declaration, Hu said.

Song Zhongping, an expert on international relations, said that terrorism could impact the BRICS mechanism.

The organisations are already defined as terrorists by global society, and have threatened the security of the world and BRICS countries, Song said.

The BRICS nations have named the organisations as the first step, and the next steps are to share information and build a security mechanism, Song added.

In the future, sharing intelligence, building a drill mechanism and normalising these actions are the methods that the BRICS should refer to on counter-terrorism cooperation, Hu said.
Turkey will provide 10,000 tonnes of aid to help Rohingya Muslims who have fled violence in Myanmar, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday.

I spoke with (Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi) yesterday. They opened the doors after our call, Erdogan told a meeting of his ruling AK Party in Ankara.

He said Turkish aid agency TIKA was already delivering 1,000 tonnes of aid to camps for the displaced. The second stage is 10,000 tonnes. Aid will be distributed, Erdogan said.

Around 150,000 Rohingyas have fled northwest Myanmar to Bangladesh since violence broke out on August 25, when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people.
At least five children drowned when boats carrying Rohingya refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar sank early on Wednesday, Bangladesh border guards told AFP.

Authorities said three to four boats had sunk at the mouth of the Naf river, which divides Bangladesh and Myanmars violence-wracked Rakhine state, raising fears there could be many more casualties.

Scores of people have already been killed attempting to cross the Naf border river since a fresh upsurge in violence in Rakhine on August 25, many using small fishing boats unsuited to the rough coastal waters.

Border Guard Bangladesh officer Aloysius Sangma said three to four boats packed with Rohingya refugees had gone down early Wednesday.

So far, the bodies of five male and female children have been found at different locations, he told AFP.

Local police chief Main Uddin said authorities were travelling to the spot to investigate.

More than 125,000 refugees have flooded across the border into Bangladesh.

Most are Rohingya, a Muslim ethnic minority that the government of Buddhist-majority Myanmar largely does not recognise as citizens.
A gurdwara in the US state of California has been vandalised with hate messages scrawled on its walls, including one calling for nuking Sikhs.

The incident took place at the Vermont Gurdwara in Los Angeles, also known as the Hollywood Sikh Temple.

A witness confronted the vandal and caught him on cell phone footage walking away from the gurdwaras wall without any explanation, NBC Los Angeles reported.

I said I was going to call the police on him at which point he said he felt threatened, said Karna Ray, the witness who filmed the vandalism. He said, I will slit your throat.

Hollywood police were investigating the hate messages.

Ray, who is from New York, was visiting a friend on Thursday when he saw the man writing long incoherent messages with a black maker on the pristine white wall of the gurdwara and started recording him with his cell phone.

He then uploaded the video on Facebook and received thousands of comments.

Ray was particularly disturbed by one of three separate passages calling for the nuking of Sikhs, according to Fox 11.

According to a Facebook post by Ray, the vandal flashed a razor at him as he made his threat.

Ray said the hateful message left on the walls of the gurdwara counters everything the Sikh community stands for.

A member of the gurdwara hoped to invite the vandal to a service so he could experience what the community believes in.

I would love to invite the person in the temple, make him, show him what he is missing, Sarab Gil was quoted as saying.

Nirinjan Singh Khalsa of Californias Sikh Council is in close contact with the Los Angeles Police Department about the case.

This particular incident isnt a matter of swastikas and go home, ragheads, which we get sometimes, Khalsa said. This seems to be a diatribe by someone who may or may not be mentally imbalanced, he said.
They grew up in America and are working or going to school here. Some are building businesses or raising families of their own. Many have no memory of the country where they were born.

Now, almost 800,000 young immigrants who were brought to the US illegally as children or overstayed their visas could see their lives upended after the Trump administration announced Tuesday it is ending the Obama-era program that protected them from deportation.

We are Americans in heart, mind and soul. We just dont have the correct documentation that states were American, said Jose Rivas, 27, who is studying for a masters in counselling at the University of Wyoming.

The news that the government is phasing out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, was met with shock, anger and a sense of betrayal by its beneficiaries, often called Dreamers. For opponents, many said they were pleased the Trump administration had put an end to President Barack Obamas DACA program, calling it an unconstitutional abuse of executive power.

Protesters hold signs at a rally to defend DACA on September 5 in New York. (AFP Photo)

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who made Tuesdays announcement, said DACA was an overreach that could not be defended by the Justice Department. The Trump administration and other DACA opponents argue that it is up to Congress to decide how to deal with such immigrants.

Late Tuesday night, Trump tweeted, however, that he might get involved in the issue if Congress does not come up with legislation. The president tweeted: Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they cant, I will revisit this issue!

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

Demonstrations broke out Tuesday in New York City, where police handcuffed and removed over a dozen immigration activists who briefly blocked Trump Tower, and in other cities, including Salt Lake City, Denver, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon. Students walked out of class in protest in several cities, including Phoenix and Albuquerque.

Attorneys general for several states threatened to sue to protect the DACA beneficiaries. We stand ready to take all appropriate legal action to protect Oregons Dreamers, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum tweeted.

Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, a Republican and an early Trump supporter, said the president has every right to end DACA, which was started by Obama in 2012. But he added that it would be unconscionable to deport those who benefited from the program.

These children grew up believing they are American, and so many of them have lived lives of which America can be proud, Reyes said.

At a Los Angeles rally, handyman John Willis carried a sign saying American lives matter and criticized the DACA program as an unlawful tyrannical executive order that our previous president thrust upon us.

Alliance San Diego and other Pro-DACA supporters hold a protest rally, following U.S. President Donald Trump's DACA announcement, in front of San Diego County Administration Center in San Diego, California, U.S., September 5, 2017. REUTERS/John Gastaldo (REUTERS)

I dont wish these kids to be sent back to Mexico or anything like that. But I dont believe we should have two sets of laws, he said. We have one set of laws, we should follow them. Congress needs to get up off the pot and enact some legislation to take care of this mess.

Trumps action received harsh reviews among those in Houston who have been helping immigrants navigate disaster relief amid fears of ramped-up deportations in the new administration. The city is home to more than a half-million immigrants in the country illegally, and one DACA recipient described at a news conference how her family lost everything in the storm.

Another Houston DACA beneficiary, Ricardo Ortiz, who was brought to the U.S. from Monterrey, Mexico, at age 3, has been volunteering at the downtown convention center that sheltered thousands of storm victims.

Its crazy that people really think that we dont belong here when weve been here all of our lives, said Ortiz, a 21-year-old student at the University of Houston.

In Miami, Paola Martinez, 23, who is from Bogota, Colombia, sobbed as she attended a rally of about 100 immigrants. She said she will feel helpless without DACA. She recently graduated with a civil engineering degree from Florida International University.

Instead of going a step forward, we are going a step backwards. We are hiding in the shadows again after my work (permit) expires. Its just sadness, she said. You just feel like you are empty. There is no support anymore.

Martinez said she is not able to renew her permit because it expires in 2019, so she is hoping her employer or another company sponsors her so she can stay and help support her parents, who depend on her for rides and household expenses. In Florida, immigrants who are illegally in the country cannot get drivers licenses.

Karen Marin, a 26-year-old from New York whose parents brought her to the U.S. from Mexico before she was a year old, was in physics class at Bronx Community College when Sessions made the announcement.

I honestly I cant even process it right now. Im still trying to get myself together, Marin said. I just hope that they do change their mind and they realize what theyre doing is wrong.

Carla Chavarria, 24, is a Phoenix entrepreneur who owns a digital marketing firm and a fitness apparel line. She came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 7.

Her permit expires in November, and she is waiting for her renewal to be processed. She is set to close on the purchase of a home later this month.

Its hard being a business owner as it is, especially with being young and being a woman and someone whos an immigrant. Its already hard as it is. Now having DACA being taken away, she said.

Im sort of like in limbo right now.
A 32-year-old Indian woman in Australia has been sentenced to over two years in jail after a court found her guilty of wanton disregard of the law which led to a car crash with a pregnant woman whose baby died.

Dimple Grace Thomas, a former nurse and personal carer, will have to serve 15 months before she is eligible for parole and also faces deportation to India after her release, Herald Sun reported.

The court heard that Thomas should have turned left onto the South Gippsland highway when leaving a car park after a gym workout, but instead drove across three lanes in an attempt to enter a gap in the central median strip and turn right,the report said.

She collided with a vehicle driven by a 28-week-pregnant woman, Ashlea Allen, on the highway at about 60 km per hour last August.

Allen suffered severe abdominal pain and underwent an emergency caesarean in hospital but her daughter, Melarniah, died two days later.

Thomass lawyer described her as an inexperienced and nervous driver and told the court she was confused about the intersection and had thought a car at the median strip was making space for her to turn right.

Judge James Parrish found the design of the intersection was unambiguous and made it clear that cars leaving the car park had to turn left.

The court heard that Thomas had been at the intersection many times previously and had always obeyed the law and turned left but last years attempt would have meant a quicker trip home.

Im satisfied beyond reasonable doubt you were acting in wanton disregard to the law, he said.

The consequences of your driving have caused the death of a young baby girl. Such offending is serious.

Thomas wrote letters to Allen but prosecutors submitted they were sent in an attempt to minimise her culpability rather than a sign of remorse.

Parrish accepted there were signs of remorse, and that her physical and mental well-being had deteriorated since the crash.
Farmhand-turned-fighter Ala Uddin abandoned the Rohingya Muslim militants battling Myanmars army once he realised they were armed with little more than clubs and machetes - a mismatch that has nonetheless drawn scores to the nascent cause.

Armed with social media savvy and believed to be backed by overseas emigres, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) appears to have significantly grown in the last year despite remaining hopelessly outgunned against one of Asias largest militaries.

I didnt want my children to become orphans, the 27-year-old told AFP this week from a refugee camp in Bangladesh as he explained why he deserted the group two weeks ago.

They had some sticks, machetes and two guns for nearly 100 recruits. I realised I would simply die if I went to war with just a piece of wood, he said, giving his nom de guerre.

Better-known locally as Harakah al-Yaqin (Faith Movement), ARSA is locked in a David-and-Goliath battle.

It announced its arrival last October with deadly ambushes on Myanmar border posts in Rakhine state, which has long been the seat of religious tensions between Muslims and Buddhists.

Notorious for its scorched earth counter-insurgency tactics, Myanmars army - the Tatmadaw - responded with predictable ferocity.

More than 200,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since October, bringing with them accounts of murder, rape and burned villages at the hands of the military.

A fresh refugee exodus was sparked by another series of coordinated night-time raids by ARSA militants on August 25.

Analysts say those ambushes, which struck more than 30 places, were a tactical failure - the militants appeared to suffer heavy casualties and did not capture a significant number of guns.

But they showed ARSAs ranks had swelled, helped by the brutal response of Myanmars military.

The group has displayed a significantly improved capacity for coordinating operations over a wide area and is now able to mobilise far larger numbers of fighters, Anthony Davis, a regional security expert at Janes IHS Markit, told AFP.

All the Tatmadaw abuses heaped on the population since October appears essentially to have fanned a popular revolt.

A Myanmar security officer walks past burned Rohingya houses in Ka Nyin Tan village of suburb Maungdaw, northern Rakhine state of western Myanmar, on September 6, 2017. (AP)

Clubs and swords

Statements by Myanmar authorities in the past two weeks describe ARSA fielding upwards of 150 fighters during dozens of skirmishes.

But even if they have the numbers to be taken seriously, they lack the modern weapons to back it up.

According to statements and photos released by Myanmars army, the militants use primitive weapons, including gunpowder rifles, home-made guns and bombs as well as clubs and swords.

In contrast, Myanmars army is one of the best funded in Asia. Some 4.5% of the GDP is devoted to the army budget, three times what the military gets even in junta-run Thailand.

Myanmar says it has killed around 400 Rohingya fighters and lost just 15 personnel since August 25 - although the army often plays down its casualties.

Interviews with refugees and former fighters in Bangladesh suggest the uneven fight is taking its toll on ARSA, with a noticeable increase in men of fighting age among refugee arrivals over the last few days.

Ala Uddin secretly left his family in Myanmars Rathedaung township five months ago to join ARSA.

We were trained to fight with bravery in our hearts, he said, adding he received instruction in how to plant explosives and fire rifles.

But he soon realised that the assaults they ended up carrying out were pointless attacks with ancient weapons, so he deserted.

Mohammed Akbar, an 18-year-old refugee who arrived in Bangladesh this week, said school friends had died fighting alongside ARSA. They barely have any proper weapons. So I chose to escape, he said.

A Myanmar police officer stands watch as journalists arrive in Shwe Zar village in the suburb of Maungdaw town, northern Rakhine state of Myanmar, on September 6, 2017. (AP)

Not jihad...yet

The Rohingya had largely eschewed violence until ARSA appeared. Little is known about who runs or finances the group.

A report by the International Crisis Group based on interviews with members said the militants answered to a leadership committee of wealthy Rohingya emigres in Saudi Arabia. They set up the group in 2012 after anti-Muslim riots swept through Rakhine.

Its most visible face is on-the-ground commander Ata Ullah. He was reportedly born to a Rohingya family in Karachi, Pakistan, before moving to Saudi Arabia - a theory backed up by the confident Rohingya and Peninsular Arabic he speaks in ARSAs videos.

In recent months they have ramped up their social media presence, including a Twitter account (@ARSA_Official) that is often the first to publish ARSA statements or direct readers to videos.

Ata Ullah starts his statements with Islamic greetings. But the group has not made any public pledges of fealty to major jihadi groups.

Instead ARSA portrays itself as one of Myanmars many ethnic rebel insurgencies fighting an abusive central military.

In a statement published on Wednesday, ARSA accused the military of committing heinous crimes against Rohingya civilians and criticised Myanmars refusal to grant visas to UN investigators.

There has been an attempt to reach out to the wider international community, an effort to stress the fact that they are not jihadists, but an ethno-nationalist movement with a cause, said Davis.

In interviews, Ata Ullah has rejected the terrorist label and said his group do not target civilians.

But Myanmar says the group has murdered Buddhist civilians.

Analysts also blame them for a wave of assassinations in remote Rakhine villages of perceived state collaborators in recent months.

Zachary Abuza, an expert on Southeast Asian militant groups, said ARSA had caught the attention of international jihadists.

Whether these guys are actively courting this support or they want it, it might well happen anyway, he said.

Indonesian police, he said, have stopped two plots to blow up Myanmars embassy in Jakarta, and Malaysia has arrested militants who were trying to reach Rakhine.

The scorched earth response from Myanmars military has also created a huge pool of angry Rohingya refugees ripe for recruitment. Its like watching a train wreck in slow motion, he said. So predictable.
The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean early Wednesday, churning along a path pointing to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading for Florida over the weekend.

The eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 1:47am, the National Weather Service said. Residents said over local radio that phone lines went down. Heavy rain and howling winds raked the neighbouring island of Antigua, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

Officials warned people to seek protection from Irmas onslaught in a statement that closed with: May God protect us all.

#Irma's pressure is now 914 mb - the 10th lowest for Atlantic hurricane in satellite era (since 1966). Just surpassed Isabel (2003): 915 mb pic.twitter.com/3GG9h3V1jH  Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) September 6, 2017

The Category 5 storm had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph), according to the US National Hurricane Center in Miami. Its forecast late Tuesday was for the winds to fluctuate slightly but for the storm to remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two. The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico through the day Wednesday.

I hear its a Cat 5 now and Im terrified, Antigua resident Carol Joseph said as she finished her last trip to the supermarket before seeking shelter. I had to come back for more batteries because I dont know how long the current will be off.

On the 108-square-mile island, people who live in low-lying areas were staying with friends and relatives on higher ground or sleeping in churches, schools and community facilities built to withstand hurricanes. None of the shelters have yet been tested by Category 5 winds, however.

Many homes in Antigua and Barbuda are not built on concrete foundations or have poorly constructed wooden roofs that are susceptible to wind damage. Other islands in the path of the storm included the Virgin Islands and Anguilla, a small, low-lying territory of about 15,000 people.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma is over water that is 1.8 degrees (1 degree Celsius) warmer than normal. The 79 degree (26 Celsius) water that hurricanes need goes about 250 feet deep (80 meters), said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private forecasting service Weather Underground.

Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which are usually home to warmer waters that fuel cyclones. Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005s Wilma, 1988s Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Key storm all had 185 mph winds.

The northern Leeward Islands were expected to see waves as high as 11 feet, while the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas could see towering 20-foot waves later in the week, forecasters said.

This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane, US Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp warned. Its not time to get on a surfboard.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating the six islands in the south because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the potentially catastrophic wind, flooding and storm surge. People there would be flown to Nassau starting Wednesday in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the countrys history.

The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm, Minnis said.

The National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irmas magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

Hurricane Irma, a record Category 5 storm, is seen in this NOAA National Weather Service National Hurricane Center image from GOES-16 satellite. (Reuters/Handout picture NOAA)

The dangerousness of this event is like nothing weve ever seen, Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello said. A lot of infrastructure wont be able to withstand this kind of force.

The director of the islands power company has warned that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for about a week and other, unspecified areas for four to six months. The utilitys infrastructure has deteriorated greatly during a decade-long recession, and Puerto Ricans experienced an island-wide outage last year.

Government officials began evacuations and urged people to finalize all preparations as store shelves emptied out around Puerto Rico.

The decisions that we make in the next couple of hours can make the difference between life and death, Rossello said. This is an extremely dangerous storm.

The eye of the storm was expected to roar westward on a path taking it north of more heavily populated Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba, but it could still cause life-threatening storm surges, rains and mudslides.

The northern parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti could see 10 inches of rain, with as much as 20 inches in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

The storm seemed almost certain to hit the United States by early next week.

Youd be hard pressed to find any model that doesnt have some impact on Florida. said University of Miami senior hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy.

Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot on the beach in Orient Bay, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin. (AFP Photo)

In Florida, people also stocked up on drinking water and other supplies.

Gov. Rick Scott activated 100 members of the Florida National Guard to be deployed across the state, and 7,000 National Guard members were to report for duty Friday when the storm could be approaching the area. On Monday, Scott declared a state of emergency in all of Floridas 67 counties.

Officials in the Florida Keys geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irmas path, and the mayor of Miami-Dade county said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most of the countys coastal areas.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the voluntary evacuations could begin as soon as Wednesday evening. He activated the emergency operation center and urged residents to have three days worth of food and water.

A new tropical storm also formed in the Atlantic on Tuesday, to the east of Irma. The hurricane center said Tropical Storm Jose was about 1,330 miles (2,140 kilometers) east of the Lesser Antilles late Tuesday and its maximum sustained winds had risen to 50 mph (85 kph). It was moving west-northwest at 14 mph (22 kph) and could become a hurricane by Wednesday night.

Shoppers at Costco buying essentials in preparation for Hurricane Irma in North Miami. (AFP Photo)

Meanwhile, a tropical depression formed in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Mexico. The hurricane center said the system could become a tropical storm while meandering in the Gulf for several days before making landfall in Mexico on Saturday.
Myanmars Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday blamed terrorists for a huge iceberg of misinformation on the violence in Rakhine state but made no mention of the nearly 125,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled over the border to Bangladesh since August 25.

The leader of the Buddhist-majority country has come under pressure from countries with Muslim populations over the crisis, and on Tuesday UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of ethnic cleansing and regional destabilisation.

In a rare letter expressing concern that the violence that has raged for nearly two weeks in the northeastern state could spiral into a humanitarian catastrophe, Guterres urged the UN Security Council to press for restraint and calm.

Suu Kyi spoke by telephone on Tuesday with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has pressed world leaders to do more to help a population of roughly 1.1 million he says are facing genocide.

In a statement issued by her office on Facebook, Suu Kyi said the government had already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible and warned against misinformation that could mar relations with other countries.

She referred to Tweets of images of killings posted by Turkeys deputy prime minister that he later deleted because they were not even from Myanmar.

She said that kind of fake information which was inflicted on the deputy prime minister was simply the tip of a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different countries and with the aim of promoting the interests of the terrorists, the social media statement said.

The latest violence in Rakhine state began 12 days ago when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive have killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

Photos: 18,500 Rohingya flee violence in Myanmar to Bangladesh

Landmines on border

Suu Kyi has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution, and some have called for the Nobel Peace Prize she won in 1991 as a champion of democracy to be revoked.

Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against terrorists responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.

Myanmar officials blame Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths. But rights monitors and Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh say the Myanmar army is trying to force them out with a campaign of arson and killings.

Reuters reporters saw hundreds more exhausted Rohingya arriving on boats near the Bangladeshi border village of Shamlapur on Tuesday, suggesting the exodus was far from over.

Rohingya refugees get off to the boat as they arrive in Bangladesh by boat through the Bay of Bengal in Teknaf, Bangladesh, on September 5. (REUTERS)

The new arrivals - many sick or wounded - have strained the resources of aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands of refugees from previous spasms of violence in Myanmar.

Vivian Tan, a spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said one camp in Bangladesh, Kutupalong, had reached full capacity and resources at others were being stretched.

The International Organization for Migration said humanitarian assistance needed to increase urgently and that it and partner agencies had an immediate funding gap of $18 million over the next three months to boost lifesaving services for the new arrivals.

The latest estimate of the numbers that have crossed into Bangladesh, based on calculations by U.N. workers, is 123,600.

That takes to about 210,000 the number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since last October, when Rohingya insurgents staged smaller attacks on security posts, triggering a major Myanmar army counter-offensive.

Myanmar has been laying landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh for the past three days, two government sources in Dhaka said, adding that the purpose may have been to prevent the return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence.

Bangladesh will formally lodge a protest on Wednesday against the laying of land mines so close to the border, said the sources who had direct knowledge of the situation but asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.

A Myanmar military source said landmines were laid along the border in the 1990s to prevent trespassing and the military had since tried to remove them, but none had been planted recently.
Pakistans foreign minister Khawaja Asif warned that the country will continue to face embarrassment if terror groups like the LeT and JeM are not reined in, according to media reports.

Asifs admission came two days after the BRICS grouping, that includes China, for the first time named terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) among the internationally banned outfits operating from within Pakistan.

US president Donald Trump had also criticised Pakistan for being a safe haven for terror groups like the Haqqani network.

Asif acknowledged the existence of LeT and JeM among the internationally banned outfits operating from within Pakistan.

We need to tell our friends that we have improved our house. We need to bring our house in order to prevent facing embarrassment on the international level, Asif said while speaking to Geo News on Tuesday, days ahead of his visit to Beijing to meet the Chinese leadership.

According to Asif, the BRICS declaration should not be considered as Chinas official stance as other countries  Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa  are also a part of the group.

The inclusion of LeT and JeM in the BRICS Declaration at Xiamen is considered a setback to Pakistan, Chinas all-weather friend as Beijing had succeeded in blocking efforts to name these Pakistan-based terror outfits in the outcome document at the five-member groupings summit in Goa last year.

But Asif said that friends should not be tested [every time], particularly in the changed scenario.

Instead, we should impose some restrictions on the activities of elements like LeT and JeM, so that we can show the global community that we have put our house in order, he said.

We need to ask ourselves have we acted upon the National Action Plan (NAP) in letter and spirit? Did we take the measures we had decided on, besides Operation Zarb-i-Azb, Raddul Fassad and Khyber 4, during the last three years? Did we show the world that we acted according to the resolve we made in 2014?, Asif asked.

Clarifying the position of the government, he said that for the first time, the foreign ministry published an advertisement, requesting people to avoid donating hides of sacrificial animals to proscribed organisations, including the the LeT and JeM.

Despite all these efforts, in some isolated instances, the organisations were allowed [to collect hides] at some places, he acknowledged.

He reiterated that Pakistan must put its affairs in order, given that the entire world is pointing fingers towards us.

I am not making a political statement but telling you a fact: we will continue to face such embarrassment till the time we keep our eyes off these [militant] organisations in our country, he was quoted as saying.

We need to make a clean break from our past; in 1979, we made a wrong decision and acted like a proxy for the entire next decade. After 9/11, we again made a wrong decision and adopted a war which was never ours. We have bore uncountable losses of lives and properties in this war, he said.

Pakistan Army has done its part, said Asif, asking, But did we do our work; did we implement the NAP, did we complete the process of de-radicalisation, did we bring the activities of banned outfits to a halt or are they active and even participating in politics with changed names?

The minister rejected the narrative that the Pakistani soil is being used for terrorism, adding that we will have to convince the world that Pakistan has nothing to do with the terrorism.
Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif has acknowledged the need to restrict the activities of terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed so that the country can tell the world community that it has put its house in order.

Asif made the remarks during an appearance on Geo News channel while reacting to the BRICS declaration that bracketed Pakistan-based LeT and JeM with the Islamic State and al-Qaida, and described them as a threat to regional security.

He indicated Pakistan could no longer afford to test its friends such as China on the issue of counter-terrorism as there had been changes around the world in dealing with the menace.

As long as we turn a blind eye to these organisations in our country, we will continue to face such embarrassments, Asif said while responding to a question on the Xiamen declaration of Brazil, Russia, India, South Africa and China (Brics) naming the LeT and JeM.

We must make a clean break from our past, he added, referring to the way in which militant groups got a boost after Pakistan joined US-led efforts against Soviet occupation forces in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Referring to China opposing Indias efforts to include the names of Pakistan-based terror groups in the declaration issued after the last Brics Summit in Goa, Asif said, We cant test our friends, particularly in a dynamic scenario.

Within our country, we should impose some restrictions on the activities of the JeM and LeT so that we can tell the world we have set our house in order.

However, Asif also said the Brics declaration should not be considered Chinas official stance as other countries are part of the grouping. He also hailed Chinas role in ensuring that the declaration included the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which he said is based in Afghanistan and carries out attacks in Pakistan.

Asif tacitly referred to action by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force that forced Pakistan to place LeT founder Hafiz Mohammad Saeed under house arrest. The FATF, which tracks terror financing round the world, has been pressuring Pakistan to crack down on groups such as LeT and JeM.

The FATF has a threshold, we are at a very dangerous threshold. The whole world is pointing fingers at us, we must put our house in order, he said.

Asif said Pakistan also needs to question whether it had fully implemented its National Action Plan (NAP) on terrorism that was framed after a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar in 2014 killed nearly 150 people.

Did we take the measures we had decided (to take), besides Operations Zarb-e-Azb, Raddul Fassad and Khyber 4 during the last three years? Did we show the world that we acted according to the resolve we made in 2014? he said.

Though the interior ministry published an advertisement that directed people not to donate the hides of animals sacrificed during Eid-ul-Azha to banned organisations such as LeT, this directive was violated at some isolated places, Asif said.

The civilian and military leadership were on the same page on the need to act against terror groups, he said. But he added, As long as they (terror groups) are out in the public, others wont believe us.
The compelling photos that Eduardo Martins took from some of the worlds worst war zones earned him a growing reputation, glowing interviews, space in some of the worlds biggest media outlets and more than 120,000 followers on Instagram.

People loved the story of the handsome blond 32-year-old Brazilian surfer, who survived leukaemia then found new meaning in photographing conflict. His dramatic images of war zones were published by the Wall Street Journal, Vice and the BBC.

But there was just one problem: it was a lie. An investigation by BBC Brasil has revealed Martins stole photos of a British surfer called Max Hepworth-Povey and passed them off as himself.

The BBCs Brazilian site first published an interview along with photos and videos supposedly shot by Martins in July, then revealed his scam after an investigation by a Lebanon-based reporter, Natasha Ribeiro. The scale of the deception, which emerged in recent days, has sent shockwaves through Brazilian photographic circles.

As his story began to unravel, reporters made contact with the Brazilian photographer Fernando Costa Netto, who had been talking to Martins on the internet for over a year and had published an interview with him on the Brazilian surfing site Waves.

When Costa Netto told Martins the reporters believed his photos, and possibly his entire online presence, were fake, he received a final message. I am in Australia. I took the decision to pass a year in a van. I am going to cut everything, including internet. I want to be in peace, we will see each other when I return, he wrote. A big hug.

Costa Netto, who had been in touch with Martins over plans to stage an exhibition of his work, told the Guardian in an email that he was deeply disappointed. I have more pity than anger, he said. There is a certain deception with human beings, to trick people is ugly.

Getty Images said in a statement they had removed all the work purporting to be by Martins.

Eduardo Martins  was identified as a collaborator and content supplier for one of our partners who has already been notified about this infraction. While we work together with all our internal departments to urgently clarify this issue, we are removing all the material involved from the air, a spokesman said in an email.

In his interview with Costa Netto for Waves, published in July, Martins said he had leukaemia at 18 and had spent seven years in treatment. He told Costa Netto he was currently in Mosul, Iraq, had accompanied the Free Syrian Army in 2015 and had even been grazed by a shot in Aleppo.

I became a conflict zone photographer, Martins said in the interview. I found what I really wanted as a photographer.

Renata Simoes, a Sao Paulo-based journalist and television reporter, talked via Instagrams message service with Martins three times as he contacted a number of Brazilian women working in the media. She was interested in a surf project in the Gaza Strip, but Martins did not know about it, even though he claimed to have spent time in the territory and surfed there.

Martins invited her to a photographic exhibition in Sao Paulo, but she couldnt make it.

I thought it was strange that someone who said they knew so much about Gaza had never heard of this surf project, Simoes said. At the end we believe in a story we want to believe in. Sometimes the story is so good we dont bother to check it.

The Sao Paulo photographer Nina Keller said he had told her he was not scared of war, only cancer, when she interviewed him for the M Journal site.

I never saw him personally. He tricked me, and above this, he sent me flowers, called me every day, sent me messages, Keller said.

When the scam emerged, Ignacio Aronovitch, a Sao Paulo photographer, began looking at the images that Martins had claimed as his own.

They did not have any visual consistency. For me they had been taken by different photographers. Photographers have their own style, he said. For me it was clear that Eduardo Martins was using photos from more than one source.

Aronovitch said he had found one picture where a photographer was holding a camera that appeared to have no shutter button, and others that appeared to have been flipped. After searching on Google images, Aronovitch discovered that Martins had been stealing images from other photographers, often from different places, doctoring them and placing them as his own.

He was also suspicious of an interview Martins gave to Recount Magazine , in which he said he had stopped shooting a conflict in Iraq to help a boy injured by a molotov cocktail. Who uses a molotov cocktail in Iraq where there are millions of weapons? Aronovitch said.

Daniel C Britt, an American photographer, told the BBC that Martins had stolen some of his work. One image in the Recount magazine interview, labelled Palestinian boy screaming after the clash against Israeli forces, east Gaza, was in fact a photograph taken by Britt in Kirkuk, Iraq, in 2010. Martins had flipped the image, making it harder to trace what he had done.

Costa Netto said there was a big lesson to be learnt. It is necessary to be more rigorous in checking sources, he said. I have no doubt there are other Eduardos out there working.
The rescue this summer of dozens of Afghan youths destined to be trained as Taliban fighters has spotlighted how entrenched poverty is fuelling a renewable supply of child soldiers to endlessly replenish the insurgents ranks.

Afghan forces freed almost 40 children during multiple raids near the Pakistani border. Officials said traffickers working with the Taliban had recruited the boys, some as young as four, from poor families by promising to provide them with a religious education.

In reality they were set to be indoctrinated by hardline mullahs in Pakistan and receive military training to carry out attacks inside war-torn Afghanistan, authorities said.

Our parents always wanted us to learn Islamic studies but we didnt know that we would be fooled and brainwashed to become suicide bombers, nine-year-old Shafiullah told AFP after being rescued by police.

The use of child soldiers by all sides in the Afghan conflict is well documented, including in pro-government security forces, where the practice of bacha bazi, or child sex slavery, is said to be institutionalised.

But the incidents this summer in southeastern Ghazni province illustrated a practice the Afghan government and rights groups have long accused the Taliban of: kidnapping children to indoctrinate as fighters at madrassas in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In a recent speech charting US strategy in Afghanistan, President Donald Trump vowed, among other things, to dry up militant recruitment.

But experts say poverty is a significant driving factor, with parents unable to provide for their children delivering them, often unknowingly, into the hands of abusers and extremists.

AFP spoke recently with several of the children rescued at an orphanage in southeastern Ghazni province, where they had been placed as officials tried to track down their parents.

They talked to my father and he had no objection, said nine-year-old Nabiullah, sobbing as he recalled being taken from his home by recruiters.

- Indoctrination, step by step -

Another child, who told AFP he was eight, said: Two Taliban came saying they wanted to take us to a madrassa in Quetta. I didnt know more until the men were arrested.

Officials said they had saved the children, most aged between four and 14, from what Mohammad Aref Wahidi, deputy governor of Ghazni, described as kidnapping gangs taking them to Pakistan.

The children were given drugs by their abductors that made them dizzy and confused, provincial police chief Mohammad Mustafa Mayar told AFP, adding that among those freed were 13 youngsters allegedly trained as suicide bombers.

They were later paraded in front of media, with many crying as they stood beside the traffickers.

Afghan elders have denied they intentionally send youngsters to join the Talibans nearly 16-year insurgency.

I admit that children are being sent for religious studies in Pakistani madrassas, but I dont think they are trained to become suicide bombers, Haji Mohammad Sharif, a tribal elder from Paktika province which borders Ghazni, told AFP.

The insurgents also deny the claims.

But Afghan authorities routinely report intercepting child soldiers, and Human Rights Watch issued an extensive report on the issue last year, stating that indoctrination begins as young as six.

According to relatives of boys recruited by the Taliban, by the time they are 13, Taliban-educated children have learned military skills including use of firearms, and the production and deployment of IEDs, the report said.

For Ahmad Shaheer, an expert on Pakistani madrassas at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, poverty is the tinder.

Many poor families hand over their children to strangers to be trained in Pakistani madrassas because they cant afford to pay for their education, he told AFP.

The HRW report noted the poverty-driven trend has also been increasing at madrassas in Afghanistan, particularly in Kunduz province, and said the Taliban refuses to return children once the parents figure out what is going on.

In June this year officials in Kunduz said they had detained an 11-year-old boy who intended to attack police after being taught at a local madrassa that government forces were a legitimate target as they were either infidels or serving the infidels.

In his speech last month, Trump said the US was not nation-building again. We are killing terrorists, and placed responsibility for Afghan society squarely on Afghans.

But absolute poverty in the country is increasing, according to a report issued by the World Bank and the Afghan government in May this year, which said that 39 percent of Afghans are unable to meet their basic needs.

That suggests the trend noted by Shaheer and HRW could continue.

Shaheer estimates that 10,000-20,000 Afghan children have passed through Pakistani religious schools. Once they are cut off from their families the indoctrination begins.

Life is very hard for them there. They are not given anything to eat and the madrassa becomes like a jail, said Shaheer.

Step by step they start hating their family... Hatred is fuelled and they feel they have no future in life.
Dozens of Nepalese journalists, writers and columnists on Wednesday joined a protest in Kathmandu against the killing of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was gunned down by unidentified men at her home in Bengaluru.

They held a condolence meeting after the protest near Singha Durbar, the main administrative building of Nepal. They carried placards and banners decrying the killing and attacks on the freedom of the press.

The protestors condemned the killing of Lankesh, an outspoken critic of Hindu extremism who was shot dead on Tuesday evening, and expressed solidarity with Indian journalists.

The protest was organised through posts on social media platforms. Several people who addressed the gathering urged the Indian government take stern action against those responsible for the murder.

Nepalese journalists, writers and columnists at a protest against the killing of Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh in Kathmandu on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

The power of words cannot be defeated by guns, CK Lal, a prominent and widely read Nepalese columnist, told the solemn function. The gruesome killing of Gauri Lankesh shows the record of Indian press freedom is below that of Syria and Iraq.

We outnumber your bullets ! said one placard carried by a woman. Another placard stated,  Fascism is not defined by its victims but by the way it kills them.

Nepalese media, including news websites and TV channels, prominently covered the killing on Wednesday. Social media users also protested against the killing and called on the Indian government to protect journalists.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in on Wednesday after which he condemned North Koreas missile testing and called for talks to try to resolve the crisis.

Putin, speaking in the Russian Pacific port city of Vladivostok, said it was not possible to resolve the North Korean crisis with just sanctions and pressure alone.

Pyongyangs nuclear and missile programme was a flagrant violation of United Nations resolutions, said Putin.

Without political and diplomatic tools, it is impossible to make headway in the current situation; to be more precise, it is impossible at all, Putin said at a joint news conference with his South Korean counterpart.
U.N.-mandated investigators said Wednesday that Syrian President Bashar Assads air force conducted a sarin-gas attack in the spring that killed at least 83 civilians and sparked a retaliatory U.S. strike.

The investigators also appealed to the U.S.-led coalition to better protect civilians as it strikes at Islamic State militants in the east.

The latest report by the Commission of Inquiry on Syria offers among the strongest evidence yet of allegations that Assads forces conducted the April 4 attack on Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib province. The United States quickly blamed the Syrian government and launched a punitive strike on Shayrat air base, where the report says the Sukhoi-22 plane took off.

Syrian government officials have denied responsibility, and said last month that they would allow in U.N. teams to investigate.

We have analyzed all the other interpretations of who might have conducted the attack, commission chairman Paulo Pinheiro said at a Geneva news conference. It is our task to verify these allegations, and we concluded ... that this attack was perpetrated by the Syrian air force.

Wednesdays report, the 14th by the commission since it was set up by the U.N.s Human Rights Council in 2011, covers little more than four months, from March to early July. The report is based on information retrieved from satellite images, video, photos, medical records, and over 300 interviews.

The Syrian government has denied the team access to the territory it controls.

The commission finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Syrian forces attacked Khan Sheikhoun with a sarin bomb at approximately 6.45 a.m. on 4 April, constituting the war crimes of using chemical weapons and indiscriminate attacks in a civilian inhabited area, the report said.

The report, which also documents violations by al-Qaidas branch and other militant groups in Syria, comes at a time of considerable change in the political and diplomatic landscape and the emergence of de-escalation zones that have sharply reduced fighting in some areas.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russian and Iranian firepower and troops, on Tuesday broke a nearly three-year Islamic State siege of parts of the eastern city of Deir el-Zour. A U.S.-led coalition is also battling the extremist group in Syria.

Syrian activists on Wednesday said fierce fighting is underway between pro-government forces and IS militants around a garrison in Deir el-Zour, after an IS counterattack late Tuesday involving multiple suicide bombings. The fighting was centered around the military base of the 137th Brigade on the outskirts of Deir el-Zour, where the siege had been breached the day before.

The advance of government forces in Deir el-Zour was a victory for Assad, and could soon provide relief for tens of thousands of civilians besieged by the militants since early 2015.
A 21-year-old British woman, who was attacked with acid in June, has shared the first pictures of her recovery to celebrate Eid.

Resham Khan, a business management student, was attacked with sulphur acid on her 21st birthday on June 21 while on a morning drive in London with her 37-year-old cousin Jameel Muhktar.

They were waiting at the traffic light when the attacker threw acid at them from the window, Khan wrote in her blog post as she recalled the horrific day. The attacker, 25-year-old John Tomlin, has since been arrested.

Khan started writing blog posts after her attack to share updates about her case, her experience, and her path to recovery.

After she and her cousin were attacked, they tried to escape but their car crashed into a fence. I saw my clothes burning right in front of me, Khan wrote.

They ran out of the car, stripped off on the motorway, ran around flagging people down pleading for water naked. After 45 minutes on the motorway waiting for emergency services, a passing driver gave them a lift to the local hospital. They ran through the hospital naked screaming, Khans classmate, Daniel Mann, wrote on the Go Fund Me website to raise money for her treatment.

Khan said her mental state was up and down and physically she was dealing with scars and spots of burns. The acid attack left her skin so tight that she was unable to close her eyes and open her mouth properly, she added.

Her cousin suffered serious injuries across the body from the attack, leaving his right eye damaged.

The acid attack, Khan said, has encouraged her to look at the bigger picture.

If everything happens for a reason, then surely one of the reasons this happened to me was so that I could take this opportunity to make sure something positive came from such a traumatic and vicious attack, she wrote.

I keep treating the scars, Im hoping Ill be back to the old me soon.
The United States will send about 3,500 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan, U.S. officials said on Wednesday, a figure broadly in line with expectations as the United States boosts support for the Afghan military.

The disclosure by the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, comes as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine General Joseph Dunford hold closed door briefings with members of Congress about President Donald Trumps regional strategy.

The Pentagon said it would not comment on additional troop numbers until Mattis makes an announcement.

If confirmed, it would bring the total number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan to about 14,500.

After a monthslong review of his Afghanistan policy, Trump committed the United States last week to an open-ended conflict in the country and promised a stepped-up campaign against Taliban insurgents.

Last week Mattis said he had signed orders to send additional troops to Afghanistan but did not specify the size of the force, saying he first needed to brief Congress.

U.S. officials have for months told Reuters that Trump had given Mattis the authority to send about 4,000 additional troops to Afghanistan.

The U.S. presence in Afghanistan peaked at more than 100,000 troops in 2011, when Washington was under domestic political pressure to draw down the costly operation.

Some U.S. officials have told Reuters they questioned the benefit of sending more troops to Afghanistan because any politically palatable number would not be enough to turn the tide, much less create stability and security.

To date, more than 2,300 Americans have been killed and over 17,000 wounded in Afghanistan.
US President Donald Trump has scrapped a programme benefiting young people who entered the US illegally as children.

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced on Tuesday that the programme that shielded more than 800,000 young immigrants from deportation was an unconstitutional exercise of authority that must be revoked.

Trump made a campaign promise to end protections for the young immigrants protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, programme, which benefits youth whose parents brought them to the US illegally as children or whose families overstayed visas.

But as President, Trump has expressed sympathy for the participants, sometimes called Dreamers, and struggled with the decision. Trump notably chose not to be the face of Tuesdays announcement.

What is DACA?

DACA was created by President Barack Obama in 2012 after pressure from immigrant advocates who wanted protections for the young immigrants who were mostly raised in the US but lacked legal status.

Young immigrants, activists and supporters of the DACA programme march through downtown Los Angeles, California on September 5. (AFP Photo)

The programme protects them from deportation  granting a two-year reprieve that can be extended and by issuing a work permit and a Social Security number.

DACA recipients must meet several requirements, including having no criminal record. Immigrants who are accepted into the program and later get arrested face deportation to their home country.

They also must have been 30 or younger when the program was launched and brought to the US before age 16.

The application cost is nearly $500, and permits must be renewed every two years. The application and renewal process take several weeks, and many immigrants hire lawyers to help navigate the process.

DACA does not give beneficiaries legal US residency; they are simply given a reprieve from deportation while being allowed to legally work.

The overwhelming majority of DACA recipients are from Mexico. One in four of them live in California.

What will be the impact on Indian immigrants?

Thousands of people from India are fearing deportation after President Donald Trump decided to repeal the Obama-era amnesty programme, a South Asian Advocacy group said.

Immigrants and supporters rally and march in opposition to US President Donald Trumps order to end DACA. (AFP Photo)

Trump repealed the DACA programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children, a move likely to impact 800,000 undocumented workers including more than 7,000 Indian-Americans.

The number of people from India who arrived in the US illegally as children could be more than 20,000, according to an estimate carried out by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).

Over 27,000 Asian Americans, including 5,500 Indians and Pakistanis, have already received DACA. An additional estimated 17,000 individuals from India and 6,000 from Pakistan respectively are eligible for DACA, placing India in the top ten countries for DACA eligibility, SAALT said.

With the termination of DACA, these individuals could face deportation at the discretion of the administration, it said.

Why DACA?

Frustration grew during the Obama administration over repeated failures to pass the Dream Act, which would have provided a path to legal US citizenship for young immigrants brought to the country as children.

The last major attempt to pass the legislation was in 2011.

Immigrant activists staged protests and participated in civil disobedience in an effort to push Obama to act after Congress did not pass legislation. DACA is different than the Dream Act because it does not provide a pathway to legal residency or citizenship. Still, DACA recipients are often referred to as Dreamers  a reference to the earlier proposals that failed in Congress before Obamas action.

Why end DACA?

Trump was under pressure from several states that threatened to sue his administration if it did not end DACA. And he declared on the campaign trail that the program was an illegal executive amnesty.

White House officials argue the order Obama issued creating the program was unconstitutional and that Congress should take charge of legislation dealing the issue. They say the program was on shaky legal ground and would not have survived legal challenges in the courts.

Immigrant advocates, clergy and business leaders including the chief executives of Apple and Microsoft put intense pressure on Trump to maintain the program. But he decided to end it.

What happens now?

Young immigrants already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire.

If their permits expire before March, 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by October 5.

If their permits expire beyond that March date, they will not be able to renew and could be subject to deportation when their permits expire.

People who miss the October deadline will be disqualified from renewing their permission to remain in the country and could face deportation, although the Trump administration has said it will not actively provide their information to immigration authorities.

And it will be up to Congress to take up and pass legislation helping DACA beneficiaries. One bill introduced this year would provide a path to legal permanent residency.

Many DACA beneficiaries say they worry they will be forced to take lower-wage, under-the-table jobs and will be unable to pay for college or help their families financially.

What does former President Obama have to say?

Today is a cruel day for Dreamers, our families, and all Americans ... President Trump just threw the lives and futures of 800,000 Dreamers and their families, including my own, into fearful disarray, and injected chaos and uncertainty into thousands of workplaces and communities across America. He is using the lives of 800,000 people as pawns, a statement by Obama said.
You think your last date was bad?

A British woman had to be rescued by firefighters after she got stuck in the window while trying to pick up her poop at the home of a Tinder date.

The woman was on a date with Liam Smyth whom she met on Tinder, a mobile-based dating app. After having a pleasant evening, both went to the Smyths home in Bristol for a bottle of wine and a scientology documentary.

Their plan of spending a night together, however, did not go well after the woman excused herself to use the toilet. Smyth said his date returned with a panicked look in her eye, and told me she had something to tell me.

She told Smyth she reached into the toilet bowl, wrapped it in tissue paper, and tried throwing out of the window all because it would not flush down. But unfortunately, it fell into the narrow gap between two window panes.

Smyth helped her climb out of that narrow gap between the panes so she could retrieve the poop. The self-confessed amateur gymnast instead got wedged for 15 minutes after which Symth had no choice but to call the firefighters.

She was pulled out successfully but the hilarious incident left Symths window completely broken.

A student, Smyth knew he could not afford to repair the broken window that would have cost him 300 (Rs 25,000 approximately). So, he turned to the internet on Tuesday for help and shared his story on Go Fund Me, a website for raising funds.

Unfortunately, although they rescued my date unharmed from what must have been a rather unpleasant confined space to find yourself in, in the process they had to completely destroy the window with their special fire tools. Im not complaining, they did what they had to do. Problem is, Ive been quoted north of 300 to replace the window. As a postgraduate student, that is a significant chunk of my monthly budget (in fact, that is my monthly budget), he wrote.

And he did get help. Within 16 hours, 204 people donated 1,569 (Rs 1.3 lakh approximately) to Smyth, which is way more than the actual expense.

Smyth, who was astounded by the overwhelming support, said he will give the exceeding money to charity.

Delighted by the story of Smyth, users on Go Fund Me website wanted to know whether the two would go on a second date.
US President Donald Trump claimed to have great love for undocumented immigrants facing deportation because of his administration rescinding their Obama-era protection, but unconvinced critics slammed the decision as wrong and cruel.

Attorney general Jeff Sessions on Tuesday announced he was rescinding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an order passed by former president Barack Obama in 2012 which prevented the deportation of undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children. Sessions called the regulation unconstitutional.

Trump claimed he was on the side of those affected by the orders repeal, seeking to transfer the fate of the immigrants into the hands of congress: I have a love for these people and hopefully now congress will be able to help them and do it properly.

He called for a bipartisan effort to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country first, managing to push the responsibility of dreamers  as the DACA immigrants are called  on to congress.

Later, he tweeted that he will revisit the issue if congress were to fail to come up with a solution.

His predecessor Obama defended the order in a rare public criticism of Trump. To target these young people is wrong  because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating  because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love, he said, adding that their facing deportation was cruel.

To target hopeful young strivers who grew up here is wrong, because theyve done nothing wrong. My statement: https://t.co/TCxZdld7L4  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 5, 2017

Former president Bill Clinton had much the same thought, saying in a statement: Its wrong because its cruel to send these young people to places many of them have never lived and do not know. For them this is home. The United States is their home.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg used almost the same language: This is a sad day for our country. The decision to end DACA is not just wrong. It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it.

An estimated 800,000 people have received DACA protection in the five years since it was instituted, including nearly 8,000 from India, according to the US customs and immigration services. An additional 14,000 were eligible, the Migration Policy Institute, which tracks immigration, said.

All of them face deportation to countries that they may have never visited, unless congress is able a way to address the situation. Lawmakers have till March 5, 2018 before the exemptions granted under by the 2012 order run out.

The Trump administration is also likely to face legal challenges for its DACA decision. Washington state attorney general Bob Ferguson, who had successfully sued the his first travel ban, has said he will be filing a challenge. And so has the Trumps home state, New York.
News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits.

Tuesday, October 25, 4:30  7 p.m.

Orr Area EMS Open House

Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798.

Orr Fire Hall

4540 Lake St., Orr

Tuesday, October 25, 12  6 p.m.

Essentia Health Job Fair

Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org.

901 9th St. N., Virginia
Peter Hancock/MBO

TONGANOXIE, Kan. - Tyson Foods will invest $320 million in a new chicken-processing plant in northeastern Kansas employing 1,600 people.

The Springdale, Ark.-based meat producer unveiled its plans Tuesday with Gov. Sam Brownback.
John Kennedy evacuated to Georgia with his family the night of Friday, Aug. 25, as Harvey staggered toward Houston.

Two days later, he was working remotely on a tool that would help his adopted hometown's disaster relief efforts.

In one late-night binge of coding, Kennedy, 18, developed the first iteration of the website One Click Relief. That night, he purchased the domain name and registered it with Amazon. The site went live Thursday, Sept. 5.

One Click Relief is as simple as its name: From anywhere in the world, users can navigate to the website. Once there, you are given the option of adding to your Amazon cart a donation of supplies  diapers, soap, paper towels, pet food, cables to charge smartphones  to a shelter here in Houston.

You complete your purchase at Amazon, and the supplies are then shipped directly to city-designated drop-off points. "We wanted to make it as easy as possible to ship something to a shelter," Kennedy says.

LIVE MAP: Where to find houses that need your help

"Users have complete autonomy," he adds, stressing that One Click Relief doesn't collect any fees or get any kickbacks from any of the transactions. "You put in the shipping address. You get the receipt."

Grace Rodriguez

A team of about 12 coders, developers and designers rallied largely at Station Houston, a coworking space for start-ups downtown, and volunteered to refine One Click Relief. They include Jekee Desai, Jesse Wolgamott, Jane Xiao and Kelley Sheffield.

Except Sheffield, who coded the look of the site, isn't even in Houston. From her home in Atlanta, she was following the news about Harvey and saw a Reddit post asking for coders like her to lend their skills.

"Everything's taken place online. There have been no phone calls. I don't know what these people look like. I've never heard their voices," she says with a laugh. "But in 24 hours we had a site up. We've been able to collaborate seamlessly."

Houston's tech community has responded in a big, and big-hearted, way. Sheffield thinks that all the maps and sites like One Click Relief are plugging up some of the gaps in relief that previous disasters have exposed. "How can we learn from this experience and prevent it from happening again?" she asks.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA STORM: How a new kind of civic infrastructure empowered Houstonians

Though One Click Relief was developed specifically for Houston, it would be easy to reprogram and duplicate for another city or region.



For now, Kennedy and his team will continue to refine the site. He plans to head off to college at the University of North Carolina next fall. First, he's working on a digital platform to help Houston ISD with its course scheduling.

And Houston will always be home. He remembers moving from Savannah just two days before sixth grade. "I came here, and I didn't know anybody," he says. "But I've always enjoyed it. I love this city."

Follow Allyn West on Twitter @allynwest.
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"I think I can, I think I can," the little girls chanted as we sat on the concrete floor.

"I think I can, I think I can," they yelled as their parents sat in the line for FEMA assistance. We were at the George R. Brown Convention Center, at the time the primary shelter for more than 8,000 evacuees during Harvey.

The hurricane and the floodwaters that followed had destroyed their homes just a few days prior. They were oblivious to the fact that their parents were seeking shelter, food and funds from the federal government while they sat on the floor with me reading Watty Piper's classic children's book, "The Little Engine That Could," published in 1930.

After we finished the book, repeating, "I knew I could, I knew I could," I had the children, who were between 3 and 6, use emoji stickers to make their own story books. One girl used all the transporting emojis  car, boat, airplane, train, bus  to show how they left their home. She didn't give many concrete details, but the symbols told the whole story.

AFTER HARVEY: Poems from the flood

My employer, Writers in the Schools (WITS), was at the shelter meeting children where they were. We read and wrote and listened as children told their stories in whatever way they could. "We are able to help children with what we do best, which is help them tell their stories," said Robin Reagler, the director of WITS. "We can't help with food or clothing or finding them a new home, but we can be a crucial part of the healing process."

Robin Reagler / Facebook

The YMCA invited WITS to join them in the Kids Zone with other local organizations as the shelter was opening at the convention center last week. More than two dozen WITS writers signed up and showed up each day. (WITS has since moved to NRG Center.)

WITS administrators met with pediatricians at the shelter each morning, and the physicians shared their assessments of what was going on with the children.

"In a natural disaster setting like this, children are the last to be treated emotionally, because they are small," Reagler explained. "Adults are talking with others and with each other, but children don't often have a similar outlet to tell their story, because they aren't asked."

Children often tell their stories in very whimsical ways, she continued.

She talked about one child who related a tale in the voice of a monkey who saw a giant elephant suck up all the water in a lake and shoot it out of his snout at everything. The monkey was very scared.

"We are poised to capture that story and understand what it means and empathize with the monkey," Reagler said.

Another child expressed himself by creating a comic strip about a carrot attack on his city.

Another told his story through superheroes saving the day.

One child wrote a poem about her dream house. Another wrote about leaves floating through hers.

The shelters will begin to close as FEMA finds temporary housing solutions for families. But WITS is looking to the future and making plans for the next few months. With only a third of HISD schools ready to open and thousands of school children displaced, WITS is committed to going whereever the children need them to be.

"Nothing has brought our city together like this moment. It is truly inspiring," Reagler said. "It makes me want to work harder than ever to bring the healing power of storytelling to every Houston child."

Harriet Riley is a teacher and freelance writer focusing on creative nonfiction who lives in Houston.

Bookmark Gray Matters. It saw a giant elephant suck up all the water in a lake and shoot it out of his snout at everything.
A 26-year-old man is facing a felony charge after police say he stabbed his mother's boyfriend during an argument last month.

Michael O'Brien was charged with aggravated assault of a family member for the Aug. 31 outburst in the 9100 block of South Allegro, according to a Houston police press release.
Police are on the hunt for leads in a mysterious Tuesday morning assault in the Briar Meadow area.

Frank Henry Hall Jr., 21, was found unresponsive around 5:45 a.m. in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 6425 Westheimer, according to Houston police.
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WASHINGTON - The Trump administration will wind down an Obama-era program providing legal status to young immigrants in the country illegally who are known as "Dreamers," making good on a central campaign promise and setting up a potentially bitter fight in Congress.

In a statement Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the program is being "rescinded," although he and other administration officials laid out a gradual phase-out that will occur over the next six months.

The six-month grace period is designed to kick over to Congress a final decision on a program that has allowed nearly 800,000 people who were brought into the country illegally as children to live and work here.

In a tweet Tuesday morning ahead of Sessions' announcement, President Donald Trump wrote: "Congress, get ready to do your job - DACA!" He was referring to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the program's formal name.

Trump later declared that he has a "great love" for the young immigrants protected by the DACA program. Speaking before a meeting with administration officials and congressional leaders Tuesday afternoon, Trump said he has a "great heart" for the young people.

He said he hopes "Congress will be able to help them and do it properly," adding that he has spoken with members of Congress who "want to be able to do something and do it right."

Predicted Trump: "Long-term, it's going to be the right solution."

The decision, which faces passionate opposition from Democrats, immigration-rights activists - and some Republicans - comes in the face of a threatened lawsuit by Texas and several other Republican-led states that have been pressing to end the program.

A legal challenge from the states would have put the Justice Department in the position of having to defend the constitutionality of policy which has long been under assault from immigration hawks and Trump himself as a presidential candidate.

In his announcement, Sessions, a former senator from Alabama and longtime immigration hardliner, called former President Barack Obama's 2012 DACA policy illegal. "Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch," Sessions said.

In an unusual move, the former president fired back: "Let's be clear," Obama said in a statement defending the legal basis for the program. "The action taken today isn't required legally. It's a political decision, and a moral question."

The decision also was met by protests outside the White House, at Trump Tower in New York and in Austin and several other cities nationwide.

"An end to this program now or in the next six months without a permanent solution is an attack on families, decency and American values," said Gustavo Torres, a Maryland organizers for CASA, a Latino immigrant organization that advocates for Dreamers. "It's going to throw these young people, who are working and contributing to our society, out on the streets and into the shadows."

In Austin, several dozen demonstrators chanted "say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here" at a rally outside of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office. They held signs reading "DACA works" and "Our dreams can't wait."

Karen Reyes, a DACA recipient and special education teacher, said she felt betrayed, anxious and saddened by the news that DACA will no longer provide her a reprieve from deportation when her status expires next August. Reyes said it was not "an act of kindness" to delay the end of DACA, but she said immigrants and other need to use those six months to hold congress members accountable and demand that they pass immigration reform.

"We have to be strong because the time is now for action," Reyes said.

Administration officials said they stand by their decision to have what they called an "orderly wind down" of the program rather than face the jolt of a courtroom defeat.

"This administration's decision to terminate DACA was not taken lightly," said acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke. "We were faced with two options: wind the program down in an orderly fashion that protects beneficiaries in the near-term while working with Congress to pass legislation; or allow the judiciary to potentially shut the program down completely and immediately. We chose the least disruptive option."

In a written statement issued following the announcement by Sessions, who became the on-camera spokesman for a decision that has long vexed the president, Trump said, "As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws."

The decision comes less than three months after the administration revoked similar protections for certain legal residents and immigrants in the country illegally who have U.S.-born children.

That Obama policy, known as DAPA, had been tied up in court since 2015 when a federal judge blocked it in response to a suit brought by Texas and 25 other states. It never went into effect.

Fate of Dreamers

With the administration's decision, the Dreamers' fate still remains in limbo. A deeply divided Congress can either hammer out a deal to continue the program's protections, or end the program and expose illegal immigrants to deportation after they have declared themselves and registered with immigration authorities.

"DACA recipients and Dreamers have grown up in this country for most of their lives and consider themselves to be American," said U.S. Rep. Gene Green, a Houston Democrat. "They know no home other than the United States."

Homeland Security officials laid out a gradual process for phasing out DACA protections while at the same time honoring those already in the program, which provides work authorization and protection from deportation for up to two years.

Current Dreamer protections will be honored, officials said, and those whose protections expire between now and March 5, 2018 - at the end of the six-month phase-out - will have until Oct. 5 to reapply and be considered on a "case-by-case" basis. New initial requests are no longer be considered.

Administration officials also said that information gleaned from Dreamers through the application process generally would not be proactively forwarded to other law enforcement entities as long as they are not wanted in connection with any criminal cases.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Dreamers "were not an enforcement priority before, and they certainly won't become a priority now" for deportation. She sidestepped questions about what would happen to Dreamers in the U.S. military if Congress does not address the issue by next March.

"We have confidence that Congress will step up and do its job," she said, suggesting that the six-month delay will give Congress time to respond and, if it chooses, enact a similar program to protect Dreamers, a class of immigrants that enjoy widespread public sympathy.

Sanders said Trump "wrestled" with the decision, and brushed aside the suggestion that it is cold-hearted. "It's not cold-hearted for the president to uphold the law," she said.

Seeking a solution

Some Republican leaders, notably House Speaker Paul Ryan, had urged Trump not to kill the program and let Congress resolve the issue. In effect, he has now given them a deadline.

Among those who said they are committed to finding a solution is Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the chamber's second ranking Republican. Cornyn on Tuesday described the DACA program "well-intentioned" but constitutionally flawed.

"This president now has the chance to work with Congress towards finding a solution to this issue where his predecessor failed," Cornyn said. Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, whose hard line on illegal immigration rivaled that of Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, has long called for an end to the DACA program, which he has tied to the surge of unaccompanied minors crossing the southwest border.

The grace period also reflected Trump's precarious position after first vowing to end the program on the first day of his presidency, and then promising to treat Dreamers with "great heart," suggesting they would have nothing to fear.

Tuesday's decision came up against a deadline set by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and officials from other states who joined in a letter last June vowing to go to court if the program was not rescinded by September 5.

In a letter to Duke on Monday, Sessions laid out the legal rationale for ending the program, saying it "was effectuated by the previous administration through executive action, without proper statutory authority and with no established end-date, after Congress' repeated rejection of proposed legislation that would have accomplished a similar result."

But critics of Trump's move depict it as an offering to Paxton and the president's conservative base. "In his most cowardly decision as president yet, Trump has reneged on his assurances to Dreamers that they had nothing fear, but has instead cowered to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton," said Mario Carrillo, state director of America's Voice Texas, a pro-immigrant group.

"The Texas attorney general was the force behind ending the successful program, which has benefitted more than 120,000 young Texans," Carrillo added. "As our state continues to rebuild from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Paxton made the continued attack on immigrants his top priority. That will never be forgotten."

Paxton praised the decision. "I applaud President Trump for phasing out DACA," he said in a statement. "Had former President Obama's unilateral order on DACA been left intact, it would have set a dangerous precedent by giving the executive branch sweeping authority to bypass Congress and change immigration laws."

The Mexican government on Tuesday expressed its "profound regret" following Trump's decision to end DACA, the Los Angeles Times reported. The great majority of the estimated 800,000 recipients of the program, sometimes referred to as "Dreamers," are Mexican nationals.

Mexico will welcome "with open arms" those DACA beneficiaries who return to Mexico, the Mexican Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Alejandra Matos contributed to this report.
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VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis' efforts to consolidate Colombia's peace process with a five-day visit produced a result even before the trip began: a cease-fire between the government and the country's last major rebel group.

Francis is sure to hail the cease-fire with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, when he arrives in Bogota on Wednesday, seeing it as another major step forward in Colombia's path of reconciliation after five decades of bloody conflict.

Even before the deal, Francis had a full plate in seeking to help heal the wounds of Latin America's longest-running conflict while advancing his own pastoral agenda. On tap for his 20th foreign trip are expected messages promoting care for the environment, denouncing the drug trade and urging Colombia's political class to address the economic and social disparities that were at the root of the fighting.

"We certainly can't expect magic solutions from the pope," said Guzman Carriquiry, a top Vatican adviser on Latin America. "But the true causes of the violence must be confronted if they want a true pacification in Colombia."

Here's a look at what to expect during Francis' trip, the third to Colombia by a pope.

Healing wounds

In the final drive of peace talks between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, Francis laid out a public challenge to negotiators who were meeting Cuba: "Please, we do not have the right to allow ourselves yet another failure on this path of peace and reconciliation," Francis begged them in 2015 from Havana's Revolution Square.

He followed up with a promise: Once an accord was signed and sealed, he would visit the overwhelmingly Catholic country to help solidify it.

Francis is making good on that with this trip, hoping to promote reconciliation between victims of the conflict and those who victimized them.

One of the highlights of the trip will be a reconciliation meeting in the central city of Villavicencio, near a longtime rebel stronghold.

Caring for creation

Francis could hardly travel to the edge of the Amazon without making a strong appeal for responsible stewardship of the planet, given that environmentalism has been a priority of his pontificate.

That's especially true since vast swaths of Colombia's rainforest and mining areas that were inaccessible due to the conflict - and therefore protected - are now ripe for development and exploitation.

The first Latin American pope has often lamented that the world's poorest and indigenous people typically suffer the most when multinationals move in and disrupt delicate ecosystems.

Francis is expected to speak about the environment and his 2015 encyclical "Laudato Sii" ("Praise Be"), which warned that today's "structurally perverse" economic system risks turning Earth into an "immense pile of filth."

Importance of Medellin

Before it became infamous for its murderous drug cartels, Colombia's second city of Medellin was famous in Catholic circles for hosting a 1968 meeting of regional bishops that defined what it meant to be Catholic in Latin America.

The meeting, opened by Pope Paul VI in the first-ever papal visit to Latin America, endorsed as the church's guiding mission the "preferential option for the poor."

"Medellin is a huge symbol in terms of defining the church in Latin America," said Rafael Luciani, a theology professor at the Andres Bello Catholic University in Caracas.

'Slave of the slaves'

Francis' final day in Colombia will in many ways be his most personal: He will honor a fellow Jesuit, St. Peter Claver, the 17th-century Spanish missionary whose ministry to African slaves arriving on ships in the Spanish colonial port of Cartagena earned him the admiration of popes and human rights campaigners for centuries.

Francis is due to pray at Claver's tomb and lay the foundation for new homes for the homeless in a poor neighborhood of Cartagena.

Claver, who declared himself the "slave of the slaves forever," could also provide Francis with a powerful jumping-off point to reflect on racism, discrimination and the enduring legacy of African slavery in the Americas.
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WASHINGTON  Amid stories of misery, hope and heroics, the U.S. House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday for a $7.9 billion aid package for losses from Hurricane Harvey, a move that could be paired with legislation to increase the federal government's borrowing limit.

The initial aid package, approved 419-3, is bigger than the amount floated by the White House over the weekend when President Donald Trump made his second trip to Texas in the wake of the storm. But divisions remain among both House and Senate Republicans about tying the aid to the debt-limit increase.

The Senate is expected to attach the money to a debt-limit vote later this week. Conservatives in the House and Senate, including Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, have voiced concern about linking the two votes, which Cruz called "unrelated matters."

Senior Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the Republican Majority Whip, said he supports the plan as a way to immediately replenish needed funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"I believe that FEMA is going to literally run out of money at the end of this week," Cornyn told reporters Tuesday. "The leaders made the decision to attach the debt limit to that, and I support that decision."

In recent years conservatives in Congress have sought to use debt-limit increases  once routine  as leverage to force corresponding spending cuts. But White House officials and GOP leaders in Congress have pressed for a quick resolution to the debt-limit issue to remove the threat of a federal government default in the midst of an annual spending cycle  compounded by the need to provide relief to the victims of Harvey and possibly Irma, a major hurricane approaching the Florida coast.

The three 'no' votes on the relief package were cast by GOP Reps. Justin Amash of Michigan, Andy Biggs of Arizona, and Thomas Massie, a tea party-aligned libertarian Republican.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has said the state will ultimately need more than the $120 billion that the U.S. spent on Hurricane Katrina recovery. He also said that President Donald Trump and Congress made it clear that the president's initial request of nearly $8 billion "is just a down payment."

A FEMA spokesman said that as of early Wednesday the agency had received 617,116 applications for assistance, with an approved funding amount of nearly $180 million.

Members of the Texas congressional delegation in both parties emphasized the need for quick action to alleviate the suffering and begin the recovery.

"The important number is zero," Cornyn said on the Senate floor Wednesday. "(That's) the amount of time we have to lose."

Lawmakers from across the nation rallied behind the funding request, though some Democrats from New York and New Jersey chided Texas Republicans, including Cornyn and Cruz, who had opposed a final aid package for Superstorm Sandy, which hit the East Coast in 2005.

"What you did during Superstorm Sandy should not stand," said New York U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel.

U.S. Rep. John Culberson of Houston was the only Texas Republican to support the Sandy request, which others opposed as either bloated or not immediately necessary.

"Today we are all Americans, arm-in-arm," Culberson said during Wednesday's House debate.

The Texans' pleas for aid were accompanied by stories of hope and bravery. They included references to the so-called Cajun Navy, and Cruz's mention of "hundreds and hundreds of rednecks in bass boats" who came to the rescue.

But in addition to the praise for rescuers and ordinary citizens, there were also urgent calls for help. "People opened their homes and their hearts to strangers," said U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, a Republican who represents storm-damaged Corpus Christi. "But the victims of the storm also need FEMA's help as well."

In Texas, Abbott applauded the House action.

"Today's bipartisan vote by the U.S. House of Representatives is an encouraging sign that Congress intends to step up and ensure Texans receive the financial aid they need to rebuild in the aftermath of this devastating storm," he said.

"I am hopeful that the U.S. Senate will act quickly to pass this measure, which will serve as a down payment for future relief to help Texas recover."
Authorities are investigating a string of vandalism incidents in which more than a dozen signs were spray-painted in The Woodlands.

Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack said his crews worked Monday to clean about 15 street signs, such as speed-limit and stop signs, all of which were vandalized with paint. Two neighborhood signs for Player Manor inside the Sterling Ridge Village also were spray-painted.
A group of Mainers say Passy Pete the Lobster has predicted six more weeks of summer at an annual ceremony.

The crustacean has been fished out of the Passagassawakeag River at Belfast, Maine, for the past three years in a tradition modeled after famed groundhog Punxsutawney Phils winter prediction in Pennsylvania.

David Crabiel begins untying the scroll selected by Passy Pete (held by Mayor Walter Ash, left) that determines whether the Midcoast will have more summer or an early winter.

David Crabiel and his business partner, David Brassbridge, thought up the eccentric ceremony as a way to have some fun. Each year, a group of Belfast Barons flank Passy Pete as he picks a scroll to determine whether Maine will see an extended summer or be greeted by winter.

This years ceremony took place Monday.

Crabiel told WLBZ-TV Petes been right the past two years. Brassbridge said they hope to carry on the tradition.

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Nearly 7 in 10 Malaysia employers complain that fresh graduates are too demanding.



This is according to a new survey conducted by JobStreet Malaysia, which found that high asking salaries and benefits were among the top reasons that employers rejected 72% of applications from the nations next generation of workers.



Latest statistics show that Malaysia has a youth unemployment rate of roughly 10.7%, nearly triple its unemployment rate across age groups. With job creation in the country concentrated in low and mid-skilled work opportunities, demand has stayed largely stagnant for Malaysias more educated applicants.



According to the survey, employers are often hesitant to hire these fresh graduates, citing that many were choosy about their jobs and demonstrated poor attitudes (64%), had a poor command of the English language (59%), and had a general lack of communication skills (53%).



Norashikin Ismail, former human resources director at Maju Group and current head secretariat of Malaysian workforce training program SL1M, calls them the strawberry generation, chalking up their poor employment rates to unreasonably high standards.



Even the 2% of employers that were reportedly willing to pay fresh graduates RM3,000 (about $950), would find difficulty meeting the youth in the middle, as Norashikin said fresh graduates are often the first to turn their noses up on offers.



Some job seekers have rejected job opportunities offered to them just because they did not want to leave their villages to take on challenges in new places, she said. If these fresh graduates are to find work, Norashikin said theyll need to start stepping out of their comfort zones.



The job seekers should accept jobs with reasonable pay, as long as they can gain experience from such employment, Norashikin said. Most of us started our career at the bottom before we climbed up the ladder.




I've just returned from the heart of the Lake Chad crisis in Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria. This crisis is affecting a staggering 10.7million people across the region - spanning Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad. This 'silent' emergency is fuelled by conflict, exacerbating an existing food and health crisis, and the challenges of living in a changing climate. It is not an easy crisis to explain, which unfortunately makes it easy to ignore.

Tragically known by locals as 'the home of peace,' Maiduguri's two-million strong population have long been familiar with the extreme violence characterised by this eight year conflict. In the busy surgical ward run by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at Maiduguri Hospital, I met women and children freshly wounded by bullets and shrapnel.

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Abba hasn't slept much in the last four weeks after a bomb exploded in her home at night, killing her husband and four children. Traumatised and exhausted she's now left to care for her two remaining children alone; Ali, five, and Mustafa, six months. Her story is sadly just one of thousands of personal tragedies in this crisis. According to the World Health Organisation, two thirds of health facilities in the region have been damaged or destroyed by the conflict. Of those that remain many lack the basic medicines to be able to treat people. Most health workers have fled in fear for their lives. There would be no surgical team here at Maiduguri without support from the ICRC.

People also need treatment for malnutrition and water-related illnesses. Over seven million people don't know where their next meal will come from, and with so many people on the move and living in unsanitary conditions, infectious diseases spread easily. When people are weak and malnourished, diseases like cholera and malaria are even more likely to be fatal.

Conflict has decimated the agricultural sector. Farmers comprised 80 per cent of the rural community, but most have fled to cities, too afraid to return home. Shops and markets have closed, people are struggling to feed themselves, and communities teeter on the edge of famine. Cities like Maiduguri, which already lacked basic services, are completely overwhelmed.

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Over 515,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition across the Lake Chad region. Eight-year-old Hadiza, a patient at Maiduguri Hospital, was suffering one of the most acute cases of malnutrition I have ever seen. After four weeks awaiting surgery to repair her perforated stomach lining, Hadiza still remains too weak for the operation. Her mother Hajara says life is hard for the family in their hometown of Baga, a former fishing town on the edge of Lake Chad that has collapsed due to regular attacks on fishermen and the physical shrinking of the lake.

The response from the international community means famine has so far been averted, but getting aid to people is not easy. Our emblem and principles of neutrality and impartiality are well understood and accepted here, meaning the Red Cross is one of the few humanitarian organisations able to access remote communities. Through our network of national societies - such as the Nigerian Red Cross - we are supporting people by providing food, water, shelter and safety.

The severity and complexity of this crisis means that it shows little signs of abating. The protracted nature of this conflict sees communities continue to flee violence, with 2.3 million refugees who won't return home until they've received assurance that it's safe to do so. Aid organisations will need to adapt their approach to support different vulnerable communities, including 'new' and 'long-term' refugees, as well as those that choose to return home and rebuild their lives. Greater commitment and engagement is needed by governments and humanitarian organisations to help address the underlying existing grievances. This is not a crisis that can be solved by a military response alone.

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As the International Development Secretary Priti Patel visited Maiduguri last week, the Lake Chad crisis comes into public consciousness for a brief time. But we must all work to ensure that the momentum of public awareness and support is maintained, to make sure that voices of people like Abba and Hadiza are heard in this silent emergency.
An important new book has just been published called Reclaiming the Common Good. The book brings together a range of Christian authors who are severely critical of the UK Government's austerity programme and argue that we've stopped paying attention to what is in our common good. The ongoing deaths and suicides of disabled people and the unemployed, the Grenfell Tower disaster and higher death rates for older people are all the result of decades of misguided thinking, accelerated under austerity.

Our post-war welfare inheritance is being incinerated, we will soon be left with only ashes.

During the last 7 years the Church has often been relatively outspoken in resisting the worst extremes of austerity; but its protests are often very muted, perhaps from a mixture of fear or from undue politeness. Worse, some Christians have been taken in by the idea that we really need a Big Society, in which the Church might play bigger role. Other have been tricked into believing that 'welfare reform' is actually a reform rather than increased inequality, stigma and social control.

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The Church is not alone in having to face the difficult task of interpreting Government Newspeak. Harsh reforms come hidden in cosy sounding verbiage: Employment & Support Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit, Conditionality, the Work Programme and much else besides. Even experts in social policy can take their time to understand how vicious and damaging the cuts can be. I remember in 2010 most commentators really did believe that the Coalition Government was giving 'extra money' to social care. Too many read the press release, but they didn't read the fine print and find out what was really going on. Now, with more than 700,000 people having lost their entitlement to adult social care (and similar cuts for children) few are so deluded.

However difficult it is, the Church does have a special responsibility to speak out on these issues. Social justice is central to the Bible (which is the cornerstone of Judaism, Christianity and Islam). Just to take one example, God says in the book of Exodus:

You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

So the Church can never accept policies that discriminate against immigrants, asylum seekers or refugees. Moreover the Church can never accept policies, like most of the 'welfare reforms' that stigmatise citizens and turn them into second-class citizens in their own land. Of course, many others, of different faiths and none, are equally insulted by these policies; but in the UK many political leaders (for example, Blair, Cameron and May) have gone out of their way to claim that their policies are somehow connected to their Christian faith. When politicians exploit their Christianity in this way then the Church must speak out. As Nassim Nicholas Taleb put its:

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If you see a fraud and do not say fraud you are a fraud.
A few hundred years ago, people would have thought I was touched by God or the Devil. I probably would have been burnt as a witch. Luckily for me, I was born in this century so I was diagnosed with epilepsy instead.

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We might not call it witchcraft any more, but we all still struggle to understand and control the condition. A lot of the time, it is even a mystery to doctors and researchers, particularly when people suddenly develop seizures. I had my first tonic-clonic (those full-blown ones the media always portrays) about seven years ago, when I was 21. It was my last year of university. As a young woman with no history, among the many questions the doctors asked were the obligatory "have you been drinking?" and "have you been doing drugs?" (The answer was no. In rather millennial fashion, I was about to cook risotto for my friends.) I do understand why the doctors have to ask, but it felt so accusatory at the time.

The doctors put it down to a one-off. A year later, it was a two-off. I was told to put it from my mind, but nearly four years after that first time, my seizures became so frequent I was finally diagnosed. It was the best thing that could happen, and now that my medication controls my seizures, I can live an independent life. So, seven years after my first seizure, three years after an epilepsy diagnosis, two years since my last seizure, months of plans and weeks of walking and I have just completed a solo hike along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The final count? I've walked over 787km, or 490miles, by myself.

My epilepsy changed the way I went about it. I could not be as complacent and off-grid as I would have liked. I had the extra worry of getting enough medication to last the full length of my trip. Even without the seizures, the price of travel insurance was increased. I have to inform flight attendants whenever I get on a plane by myself and I had a little tag on my bag shouting "I have epilepsy" (the Spanish is tengo epilepsia) to anyone who is observant enough. I was told it made me look like Paddington Bear - "Please look after this Fran."

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As I was walking along, I told as many people as I could that I had it. I spoke about epilepsy with so many people from different countries - Spain, Portugal, US, UK, Germany, Lithuania, Austria, Peru, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Latvia to name a few - most of whom knew little about the disease (am I diseased?). Everyone had questions, the most common one being, "but what do I do if you have a seizure?!". Fear for me (of me?) was the expression I saw in most people - with a few impressed faces thrown in.

And so many people asked me if I was scared, said that I was brave to walk alone. It just echoed my family's extra worry for me 'with my epilepsy', as if the walk might break me again when I was fixed. But the further I walked and the more I talked, the stronger I became and the more people began to see what a person with epilepsy can do. There are 52% of us in the UK who are living seizure free. For those that aren't, your panic is the last thing they need.

But in fairness, however much I explain it to other people, my epilepsy still confuses me. And yes, it sometimes worries me that my seizures could return at any time. But that is the case whether I am at home or abroad - so why not walk across Spain in the meantime?

You can learn more about epilepsy and see my whole journey on Instagram.

There's still time to sponsor me and donate to Epilepsy Action to help others with epilepsy.

HuffPost UK Lifestyle has launched EveryBody, a new section calling for better equality and inclusivity for people living with disability and invisible illness. The aim is to empower those whose voices are not always heard and redefine attitudes to identity, lifestyle and ability in 2017. We'll be covering all manner of lifestyle topics - from health and fitness to dating, sex and relationships.

We'd love to hear your stories. To blog for the section, please email ukblogteam@huffingtonpost.com with the subject line 'EveryBody'. To flag any issues that are close to your heart, please email natasha.hinde@huffingtonpost.com, again with the subject line 'EveryBody'.

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Maybe it's four to a kitchen, maybe it's eight, or maybe like me it's sixteen. Having left the student halls experience behind last year, it's fair to say that student halls are an experience like no other. Sixteen personalities from around the UK and a few international students for good measure, the politics of student halls is something every fresher should understand in advance. From food thieves to personality clashes, student halls await the thousands of freshers currently cramming their trolleys in IKEA, waiting for the next chapter of their lives to begin. Whether it's Exeter or Essex, Southampton or Salford, living in student halls and taking the leap from home is what most students will experience this year, and knowing what to expect is essential.

Before starting university, group chats are usually the first form of interaction you have with your future flatmates, and saying as little as possible is best. We're all guilty of judging others based on their online presence, and people are often a lot different offline. Keeping interaction minimal, revealing less about yourself gives you plenty to talk about when you arrive at university, without the worry of making a bad impression online. Freshers week is the real time when flatmates get to know each other, possibly in more ways than one.

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Co-existing peacefully with your flatmates is where the politics of student halls is most at play. Sometimes you just won't get on. A lot of the time, flatmates can become a second family, but for other students it just doesn't work, and most of your flatmates are just that, flatmates. There's no guarantee your flatmates will become friends, and sometimes you won't find those 'friends for life' in your kitchen. Many students adopt the playground mentality in halls, finding those they get on best with and keeping to their 'clique' for the rest of the year. Friendships typically form during fresher's week, but it's as facades fade in the weeks that follow, which is when you really get to know one another.

Within student halls, group dynamics are sometimes exacerbated soon after your first bout of fresher's flu, when housing arrangements are sorted for second year. As house hunting begins, leases and tenancy agreements often cement the friendships made. Beware of the tension and animosity hunting for a house can bring, whether you're the flatmate no one wants to live with, or you're torn between living with one group over another. There is no real way to avoid the second-year scramble, and it's best to not rush into anything. In most cities, houses become available throughout the year, so don't be fooled by the February shortage myth. Take time getting to know your flatmates well, and once you're confident you'll enjoy living with them, then it's time to sign that contract.

Alas, wouldn't it be great if we could all get on, and there were no personality clashes? Unfortunately, with a group of students from different backgrounds, environments and cultures, it's probable you'll find at least one flatmate you're not too keen on. Whether they're a party animal, a recluse or a bigot, it's impossible to get on with everyone. Of course, you'll find people who you may not gel with, but learning how to deal with them is the most important thing you'll take from the experience. When moving into halls, expect the unexpected. You don't know who you'll be housed with, and often it is just luck of the draw. Remaining open to alternate ways of life, and being conscious and considerate of other people's lifestyles is key. Student halls are a great opportunity to learn about different cultures, grow as a person and interact with people from all different walks of life. If you don't agree with flatmate X going out every night, do not tell flatmate Y who lives in the room opposite them. Halls are an environment where emotions are heightened and relationships intimate. Remember that these are the first people you meet at university, and they'll probably become your base group of friends.

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Jacob Rees-Mogg has, like another Old Etonian with a penchant for Latin and a profound dislike for the EU, long been a source of gentle mirth. He says really long words in parliament! His children wear bow ties! Oh how we have laughed.

Yet this morning, this genial image finally slipped.

Earlier today, along with confirming his absolute opposition to same-sex marriage, Rees-Mogg sat on the Good Morning Britain sofa and explained that he was opposed to abortion in all circumstances. When asked if this included opposing abortion in cases of rape, Rees-Mogg calmly and casually responded, "afraid so."

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So if his personal view was to translate in to law, this would mean forcing a woman to carry to term and give birth to the child of a man who raped her.

Afraid so.

Thankfully these comments have been met with widespread condemnation. And that's because not only are they abhorrent; they are also completely out-of-step with the views of the general public.

Ignore the Daily Mail editorials. We are a pro-choice country. In the latest British Social Attitudes survey, 70% of the public stated they support abortion on request - a more liberal framework than we currently have in the UK. And this figure is growing, up from 60% just over 10 years ago.

And while the eminent Guido Fawkes was quick to shrug off Rees-Moggs views as 'a Catholic being a Catholic', this is just not true of Great Britain in 2017. There has been a dramatic upsurge in pro-choice sentiment among Catholics over the last 30 years, with 61% now also supporting abortion on request, a figure which has almost doubled from 1985. And, as someone sat in the office of Britain's leading abortion provider, I can categorically state that not only is Catholicism not a barrier to supporting abortion access - a number of my colleagues also demonstrate it is not a barrier to providing this care.

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While anti-abortion sentiment has long been over-represented among our parliamentarians, in the hallowed halls of Westminster, support for a woman's right to choose now dominates. Earlier this year MPs across all parties voted to decriminalise abortion - including one member of the parliamentary pro-life group - and they also supported extending abortion access for women from Northern Ireland. There are individual exceptions, but overwhelmingly our parliament is pro-choice.

At bpas, we believe that every politician is entitled to hold their own opinion on abortion. However, we will always stand firm against MPs allowing their own personal convictions to stand in the way of women's ability to act on their own.
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Despite Jacob Rees-Mogg consistently denying he is going for the Tory leadership, the latest ConservativeHome poll appears to put him as the front runner for next leader of the Conservative Party. He is on 23%. 15% have gone for David Davis, 7% Boris Johnson, 3% Phillip Hammond and 19% other. I have seen some of my left wing friends laugh him off consistently yet who honestly thought Corbyn would be leader of the Labour Party when he threw his hat in the ring in 2015? Who thought Trump would become president of the US or that the UK would vote to leave the EU or that the Conservatives wouldn't get a majority at the 2017 general election? All these events were predicted incorrectly by the majority of political and media commentators. Yet the idea of Jacob Rees Mogg becoming leader of the Conservative Party and then Prime Minister is apparently ridiculous.

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Don't get me wrong, it is unlikely. Theresa May will try and cling on as long as possible. Any politician that is Prime Minister would naturally do this. Other Conservative politicians including Mogg may not want to touch the Brexit negotiations with a barge poll considering how complicated it is and how badly it could mess up. May could be there until the Brexit negotiations are over and then if she has made a mess of it, someone else could step in and by then Rees-Mogg's popularity could well have lost ground and another more senior Tory could become more popular and seen as a safe pair of hands.

But at the moment, there doesn't appear to be a moderate and senior Tory that could genuinely challenge May and be more popular. And for some of those on the left that do believe it is a genuine possibly, I've seen them gleefully welcome the prospect of Rees-Mogg as Tory leader as they believe he is unelectable. I personally get a sense of Deja-vu with this. Corbyn was laughed off when he become Labour leader as his views were "far left and unelectable". JRM's views are without a doubt on the far right. Especially when it comes to issues such as abortion, LGBT rights, climate change and economics. Some might say that given his socially conservative views that he would never be accepted but I would argue his small state, Thatcherite economic view of the world has been popular before and considering the Tories got 42% this election, still has some semblance of popularity. Also given that he is a staunch advocate of Britain leaving the EU, people may trust him more to deliver on Brexit than Theresa May, or it could be that the public's view on Brexit would have changed and that could be a hindrance to him. Who knows. Another point is that he is a very good public speaker and on a recent appearance on Question Time, he got quite a few rounds of applause from the audience. He also appears to have a strong social media following and a group called MoggMentum has been set up on Twitter to push him to become Tory leader.
When you're a vicar, you get used to the feeling that every time you walk into a room an elephant walks in with you. I'm used to mine now, he's called Gordon and he drinks. It's probably the embarrassment of the company he keeps.

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that people politely avoid the vicar when they can. Being a priest is fine in a church, obviously. People expect a person in a dog collar and, as a general rule, respect them. But in the outside world -- and particularly on the comedy circuit -- a vicar is the spectre at the feast; an alien, deluded simpleton who belongs to the Dark Ages. Generally, people are polite when I enter the Green Room but conversation falters when I sit down. I may be a fool for what I believe but childhood training means you don't swear or talk about sex in front of the vicar because she'll damn you to hell or, at the very least, choke on her tea.

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What an oxymoron that is!

When I open a gig, I generally let fall a few choice swear words and watch the relief ripple through both the audience and my fellow performers. If I don't, at least one of them will apologise to me during their act. Unless, of course, they are an atheist, in which case, they'll usually make a dig or two. After all, what would you do if stuck in a room with someone like your Grandma who believes something so utterly ludicrous that you could only despise their credibility? And that's pretty much what atheists think.

At this year's Edinburgh Festival, I interviewed Tez Ilyas for the BBC. Tez is a Muslim who was commenting not on the amount of atheistic but on the anti-theistic comedy currently prevalent -- the kind of stuff that is mocking of any kind of faith, and generally more ranty than original or funny.

The reason that anti-theistic comedy is like this is because it is basically lazy. Yes, it sees the ridiculousness of worshipping a God who dislikes humanity, is willing to kill his own son and damns to hell anyone who doesn't worship Jesus. Fair enough. But atheists, in my experience, are generally very intelligent people and it intrigues me as to what it is that makes them simply despise what appears to them to be ludicrous without having any curiosity about why people believe it.

The most common line is "because people are stupid." And the reason why religion exists is, 'to control people.' The latter may be why religion still exists but the reason it began was to try and make sense of death.

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Which, frankly, is not something we're doing any better nowadays.

I walked away from Christianity when a priest told me that my dying husband couldn't go to heaven "because he doesn't believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ." This was the kind of priest (very common, alas) who believes that "Christ" is Jesus' surname rather than a title for the Only Begotten of God.

You may feel that last sentence is contradictory but, the moment you dive deeper into religion and look underneath the admittedly murky bathwater -- the stuff that both fundamentalists and anti-theists don't dive into, probably because it's scary and life-changing -- you will find the baby. And oh, my goodness, what a baby! This isn't an exclusive, Christmas virgin-born baby; it's The Baby -- the reason for all Creation; the glory and the love that binds the stars and planets together; the great Divine plan for all and the gift of understanding the way the Universe works.

When that priest broke my heart, I threw Jesus and Christianity out of the window and decided to be 'spiritual' instead. That was all well and good ... but as the years passed, I kept noticing that all my anger and contempt for the faith in which I'd been raised kept biting me; it was as if I had tried to hide it all under a pink blanket covered in tea lights and crystals but the darkness kept oozing out underneath. I knew I had to get down and dirty into the root of the problem. So I did... It took more than a decade and I'm still studying now but oh, what delight is in the search!

Quantum physics is just about catching up with mysticism which is very exciting. Mysticism has no religion but rests joyfully in the root of every faith. And no, I'm not going to give you a quick fix of how it all works here because the whole point is that you have to seek it for yourself.

Conventional religion is generally idle religion. It is simple on the surface -- believe this; worship that and God will like you and send you to heaven when you die. And it's great fun because you can spout phrases like "I am the way, the truth and the life; nobody comes to the Father except through me" and feel nicely superior to everyone else.

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Lazy religion and lazy atheism believe that this means you have to worship Jesus to get to God. Christians condemn those who don't worship Jesus and both other faiths and atheists, quite understandably, see this as delusion, coercion and control.

Mysticism sees this as the Christ Consciousness speaking through Jesus -- and the Christ Consciousness is exactly what it implies: a state of consciousness. Nobody experiences God except through the Christ Consciousness -- and you can have that consciousness if you are Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, agnostic, atheist or whatever. The Only Begotten of God is the Christ Consciousness. How freeing is that? That is what Jesus is trying to teach throughout the Gospels. That is Christianity! As the great mystical teacher Father Richard Rohr says, true Christianity really hasn't even found its feet yet.

There is a world of magic and mystery in the heart of any faith. If you're not interested in that (and it involves a lot of deprogramming), then by all means ignore it and I wish you all happiness.
Last night (5th September) a document was leaked to news outlets outlining Home Office plan for dealing with the difficult issue of EU migrants and their families living and working in the UK, from March 2019 onward. In short, they won't be welcome. Low-skilled workers can get a visa & stay for two years, more "valuable" workers (your value will be determined by the Government) get 3-5 years then you're out.

It is almost impossible to overstate how wrong-headed, pig-headed and self-destructive this plan would be for the future of the UK.

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This document unravels what little progress has been made to date on our negotiated exit from the EU, and will turn negotiations into a very nasty battle indeed. It also flies in the face of statements made by ministers who have repeatedly said they want to preserve EU citizens' rights post-Brexit, and trashes the idea of a Transitional deal. It is the single most self-destructive document produced by Theresa May's government since the Referendum Bill.

From a practical viewpoint, the effect on the UK workforce will be devastating. It's well known that migrants from the EU and beyond contribute hugely to the UK economy in terms of their work input and taxes. This plan is designed to systematically make those migrant workers feel unwelcome, less valuable than UK workers, and to put a ticking clock over the head of every one.

Business simply won't stand for it. Big businesses with skilled workforces will simply relocate - the administrative overhead of dealing with EU worker visas, plus the fact that, skilled or not, their time is limited, means the pull for those businesses toward Europe will be almost irresistible. It's different for food producers, who are already drastically short of migrant staff, and are Britain's largest manufacturing sector (you can't move a potato field) - they will simply fold. There'll be fewer migrant workers, because there'll be fewer jobs here for them (and us).

The Institute of Directors has already said this plan will lead to fewer nurses, teachers and care workers, the Food and Drink Federation director has said he is "alarmed" at this proposal, which shows "a deep lack of understanding of the vital contribution of EU workers". In short, this plan represents economic suicide for the UK, in the cause of appeasing a small number of xenophobic Hard Brexiters.

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Then there's the issue or border controls. Most of the people or Ireland will be horrified by this little beauty, which most certainly means a Hard Border in Ireland. According to the paper, border controls will require all EU citizens to have their passports checked on entry to and exit from the UK.

Consider the effect on this half-hour bus journey between Clones and Cavan, both in the Republic of Ireland. See the thin dark line criss-crossing the route? That's the UK border that is. Four border crossings in half an hour. Or possibly a bit longer when there are passport checks every time. (h/t @timoconnorbl for pointing this out).

Last but by no means least, there's the effect of this on the EU negotiations themselves. Quite apart from the being a huge display of bad faith by the UK at this delicate stage, it means an absolute end to Single Market and Customs Union membership/advantages from the moment it applies. So that means NO transitional arrangements past March 2019. A simple cliff-edge, disastrous Hard Brexit. Again, the EU simply won't allow transitional arrangements with this plan in place - it can't, to protect the EU position of the Four Freedoms and prevent the UK's long-wished for Have Cake and Eat It scenario.

If this plan, which is designed to appeal to only the most right-wing and xenophobic of Brexiters, was to become a firm idea, literally the only thing left to negotiate would be the Brexit Bill - and this would likely be much higher, as rather than vital things like Euratom and Open Skies being shared in a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, they will be EU property which we will be asked to pay heavily for the use of. Trade deals with the EU would just be at the back of the queue, with WTO rules the most likely outcome.

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This week, Piers Morgan interviewed Munroe Bergdorf, the transgender model sacked for claiming that 'all white people are racist'. During a heated interview, in which Morgan repeatedly challenged Bergdorf on structural racism, he made the following claim:

The five most powerful people in this country, currently, are women. How does that sit with your patriarchy?

This is hardly the first time that Piers has brought this up. He tweeted it as his 'Fact of The Day' on February 28th, and raised it again in an interview with Stephen Hawking the following month. In fact, he seems hell-bent on using it to disprove gender inequality in this country.

So who are these women?

The Queen

Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister of Scotland

Amber Rudd, Home Secretary

Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police

If patriarchy is, as Bergdorf argued during her interview with Piers, "a structure that puts men at the top of power", isn't he right? After all, if our country is effectively run by women, how can there be gender inequality? Unfortunately, it isn't quite that literal. Trust me, I would be thrilled if gender inequality was a thing of the past, and I am thrilled that I live in a country where female leadership is valid and respected.

However, there are more than a few holes in Piers Morgan's convenient argument. Not least that the Queen is at the top of the list. By his own logic of women being literally 'in power' signalling the end of patriarchy, said structure would've been dismantled as early as 1553, when Mary I took the throne as the first uncontested female monarch in this country. But alas, girls were still not allowed in schools and women were still banned from the professions. What he fails to recognise is that there is a difference between a few women holding positions of power, and an entire gender being economically, socially and politically empowered.

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I understand that this is a far-fetched and fanciful argument on my behalf, but it only matches the absurdity of Piers'.

There is also a glaring similarity between all of these powerful women. Not to spell it out for you, but they're all white. Being white doesn't discredit their achievements, but can we all agree that gender inequality isn't just for white women. A report by the Equality and Human Rights Commission last August revealed that black graduates earn 23.1% less on average than white workers and only 8.8% of ethnic minorities worked as managers. Meanwhile, a report by the British Council found that women were being encouraged, or even expected, to enter the workplace, but that this wasn't paralleled by equal support in managing or sharing their traditional roles in childcare and domestic duties. BME women face more layers of discrimination than anyone else when striving for opportunity. This is reflected in Parliament, where only 3.8% of MPs are non-white women. How does that sit with your patriarchy, Piers?

It's taken me a while to get to the most important issue with Piers' ongoing use of this argument: Representation alone does not signal the end of patriarchy. To claim so is to oversimplify sexism to an extent that it is no longer recognisable. As long as there are women suffering at the hands of gender inequality, patriarchy is still a thing. Particularly if the few women in positions of power aren't actively combating it. Theresa May famously refused to directly challenge President Donald Trump's misogyny, telling Andrew Marr in January:

The biggest statement that will be made about the role of women is the fact that I will be there as a female prime minister, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, talking to him, directly talking to him, about the interests that we share.

This is, in actual fact, a major issue that needs addressing in both conservative feminism and feminism as a whole: the idea that a woman merely existing in a position of power is enough. Barack Obama served two full terms as President of the United States, and Congress is currently 19% non-white. Has racism ended in the United States? Given the recent spike in white nationalist hate crimes, I'll say no to this one.

In 1988, Benazir Bhutto was elected as Pakistan's first female Prime Minister. She also served two, albeit non-consecutive, terms. Yet Pakistani NGOs estimate that 21% of girls still marry before the age of 18 and that approximately 1,000 honour killings take place every year, in addition to other forms of legally-validated violence against women. It's almost as though merely being a powerful woman doesn't solve gender inequality.

In his interview with Bergdorf, a transgender woman of colour, Piers Morgan took it upon himself to declare that patriarchy and institutionalized racism were over, thereby, as she pointed out "denying [her] lived experience". Theresa May being Prime Minister doesn't, in and of itself, eliminate the patriarchy. Nor does the five most powerful positions in our country being held by women. The patriarchy is eliminated in this country when no woman suffers at the hands of gender inequality.

I'd like to end with the words of a woman who can express this far better than I can, the iconic writer and civil rights activist Audre Lorde:
The past year has seen a barrage of media attacks on overseas aid, portraying it as badly spent, wasteful or ineffective. In just one recent example, an indignant Sun reported how Britain's national security chief has launched a new review of overseas aid "to stop so much taxpayers' cash being wasted".

The review includes the suspension of some aid programmes at the Foreign Office and greater scrutiny of others. And quite right too, we say. Christian Aid has been calling for increases in aid spent by some government departments to be frozen until it is clear they can spend aid as transparently as the UK's specialist Department for International Development does.

The review follows a highly critical report by the National Audit Office (NAO). This report affirmed that DFID is a world leader when it comes to transparency and efficiency of aid spending. But, it warned that other government departments with newer aid budgets, like the Foreign Office, are falling short and insufficiently transparent for there to be confidence that their spending is addressing poverty. Many members of the public are not even aware that different government departments such as the Foreign office or the Ministry of Defence have an aid budget.

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When the Conservative government recently reaffirmed its commitment to maintain spending of 0.7% of national income on overseas aid, Christian Aid and many other leading charities strongly welcomed the pledge. This remains our position. So why are we also now cheering at the idea of freezing of some aid. Surely this sounds contradictory?

But, no. It is not. Because we want to see all aid money spent effectively on its primary purpose of addressing poverty.

Let me be clear. We have very good reason to be proud of UK aid. Over the past couple of decades targeted aid spending has contributed to halving child mortality - an incredible achievement. Aid has also played a vital role in bringing safe drinking water to hundreds of millions of people, cutting needless death and disease; as well as putting millions of kids into school. DFID spending and expertise helped stem the deadly Ebola virus. And today UK aid is providing communities hit by drought in East Africa and those hit by the deadly floods across South Asia which have affected more than 41 million people.

Aid must also put in place long-term structural solutions to poverty. So, we welcome DFID funding to local groups in countries such as Nigeria and Sierra Leone, that are using people power to demand their own governments invest in health and education for their own citizens as well as monitor government spending to tackle corruption. We also welcome DFID's support to rural communities affected by the impacts of climate change to adapt and diversify their farming practices in ways that make them less vulnerable to weather and price fluctuations and more able to build a future free of poverty and aid dependency. For example, DFID funding in Ethiopia and Malawi is helping to provide scientific weather forecasts that help farmers plan, prepare and adapt so they remain resilient in the face of droughts.

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We also welcome aid programmes that boost the confidence and voices of women and girls living in poverty, who are often subject to further marginalisation and violence simply because of their gender. The much maligned 'Ethiopian Spice Girls' initiative sought to do just that and had been praised for its positive impact, before the well-publicised decision to cut it following some negative press coverage. DFID needs to be braver about defending what works in the face of some of the more ill-informed aid bashing from some media outlets.

DFID is not perfect and charities like Christian Aid regularly engage in robust conversations with DFID to further improve the quality of aid spending. It is also held accountable by a dedicated parliamentary select committee and by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI). Such scrutiny is facilitated through the high standards of transparency that DFID upholds, standards that the UK tax payers are absolutely entitled to expect. But, increasingly the Government is choosing to channel aid through other government departments - by 2020 it plans to spend a third of British Aid in this way.

One of the Foreign Office funds, the Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), has the potential to fund some very important peace-building activities, an essential prerequisite for a life free of poverty for so many currently living in conflict zones. However, January's report from the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy highlighted that the CSSF, "lacks political leadership and accountability", and that "parliament does not have sufficient access to the information that we need effectively to scrutinise the CSSF".

Equally worrying, the Prosperity Fund - a fund managed by the National Security Council, with the Foreign Office being its biggest spender - is dedicated to promoting economic development and welfare, but when initially assessed by ICAI was found unable to demonstrate "a sufficient assurance as to a likelihood of poverty reduction".

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The International Development Act clearly states that aid spent by DFID must be used to address poverty overseas. For aid to be real aid it must retain this focus. And it must always be invested with the highest levels of transparency and accountability.
Stand Up To Cancer

My husband Doug was diagnosed with stage three thyroid cancer, a rare cancer, when he was 30 and I was 14 weeks pregnant with our first baby. We'd been giddying along having fun, getting married, and then beaming about our grown up decision to settle down and start a family. Sitting opposite a consultant telling us he had cancer well and truly knocked the wind out of our sails.

Then there were tests and appointments to discuss treatments and options. The desire to gather as much information as possible from Google quickly followed by the desire to erase everything I'd read when it started talking about percentages and death. Explaining to people what was happening, seeing the shock on their faces, dealing with their grief and confusion as they tried to make sense of this young, fit man they knew having a disease that would kill him without treatment. Listening to the anecdotes about how their cousin's friend's workmate had something similar and made a full recovery as they tried to find a way to make us feel better. With each appointment and test a fresh barrage of information that would then need to be deciphered and shared. It was exhausting. And that was before we'd even started with treatment.

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Our friends and family were awesome. They were also scared and often felt useless. You could see it in their faces.

Doug had a summer of aggressive surgery, recovery, and then six weeks of radiotherapy which finished the day before I went in to labour four weeks early with our son Buster, who is now six. I owe my life as it is now, as well as Doug's, to the research and clinical trials that meant they knew what to do to give him the best chance they could. His cancer isn't currently curable. You wouldn't know - it has no physical effect on him whatsoever except for his annual check-ups. They are a strange old time because both of us are anxious but not really saying anything, and when the results come back and are OK we collapse a bit from the exhaustion of pretending not to think about it while thinking about it a lot.

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When he was first diagnosed and we were told it wasn't curable, they told us that new research and treatments were being developed. Essentially, they told us not to worry about it. At the time it felt like a bit of a booby prize that things were being 'developed' - what about NOW?! But seven years on, the information and research has indeed developed rapidly and IF we need it, the outlook isn't as it was seven years ago.

Until I started working with Cancer Research UK on their Stand Up To Cancer campaign, I hadn't realised what they actually do with the money they raise. Cancer is in all our lives every day - I don't know anyone that hasn't in some way been affected by this shitty disease - and most of us will put our hands in our pockets for a few quid when asked. The money from Stand Up To Cancer accelerates ground breaking research, leading to clinical trials, new tests and new treatments.

Seeing in real life the people dedicated to trying to better understand and treat this disease, I found hugely reassuring. THIS is what the money is for. There is an army of amazingly smart people working on it, but they can't do it without funding.

Working with Stand Up To Cancer is an honour - getting to hear about its work alongside amazing women like Deborah and Emma - both of whom are receiving treatment while sharing their experiences in an endearing, funny, determined way - really brings it home. Their lives depend on this work.

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We are currently developing a Don't Buy Her Flowers package for patients and loved ones, working with Stand Up To Cancer and people that have been or are going through cancer to find out what gave them comfort or support when they've needed it. I couldn't be prouder to be involved in something that means so much to me and my family. A donation will be made from each package bought, available from early October.

Steph Douglas is founder of Don't Buy Her Flowers, a thoughtful gift package company for new mums and those in need of TLC. Steph is supporting Stand Up To Cancer, a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 to accelerate ground-breaking cancer research and save more lives, more quickly. To support the launch of this year's campaign, Steph, along with other social influencers has dressed up as her 'Rebel Hero', Ellen Ripley.

Steph said: "Ripley is a strong, kick-ass woman - there are no two ways about it. Having a female character lead that strong in 1979 was ground breaking - she takes charge in a crisis, she speaks out and when no-one listened until it was too late, she saved the day. And she looked fierce doing it."
The start of the September back-to-school period can cause tantrums and frenzies from children up and down the country.

As a child growing up in the United Kingdom, I remember feeling annoyed when the "Back 2 School" adverts started emerging on our television screens, informing me that my days of making sand castles, eating unhealthy amounts of ice-cream and roller-blading up and down our cul-de-sac were coming to an end.

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Ironically, this angry sentiment is a privileged feeling for children who have the gift of education at their door steps, and their school gates welcoming them back with open arms each September.

As my Instagram feed fills with sponsored adverts of children in new school uniform ready to embark on the new academic year, I begin to think of the millions of children living in war-torn Syria who are still caught up in a bloody six-year conflict.

According to some estimates, around 1.75 million young people in Syria have been forced from their homes - and therefore their schools.

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UK based charity, Syria Relief recently interviewed two best friends, Sondos & Rumatha who were forced to leave school three times due to the war. They lost contact for a few years but were reunited at one of the Charity's schools in the Lattakia camps near the Turkish border.

With glistening eyes, Sondos tells the camera "I dream of being a doctor!". As she beams at her best friend Rumatha, she speaks on her behalf, "and she wants to be a Doctor too! We will get jobs at the same hospital!"

As I watched the video of the dynamic duo, I was both astonished and inspired by their resilient attitude. Far from being left helpless by the war that has torn their homeland apart, they both have their heads and hearts set on successful careers and brighter futures - both of which, of course, require a good education.

This month, I am supporting Syria Relief's #RIGHT2LEARN campaign which aims to spread awareness of the education crisis in Syria, and open more prospects of education for children across Syria.

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Syria Relief currently operates 48 schools across Syria supporting thousands of students each day.

As we celebrate the return to school of children across the UK, here are FIVE ways we can support the #RIGHT2LEARN campaign and open more schools for children across Syria.

Consider donating to our education project! Donate whatever you can. Alternatively, 17 can educate a child in Syria for one month and 200 can educate a child for a year. Donate online or call our office on 0161 860 0163.

2. Social Media Awareness

Like, share & retweet our #Right2Learn campaign. This will spread the message and inspire others to raise funds for education in Syria.

3. Challenge Your Co-Workers

Encourage colleagues to participate in a workplace challenge to raise funds and awareness. Consider quizzes, raffles or an office charity bake off!

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4. Take on a Challenge

In the past, we have had sponsored runs, cyclists and mountain trekkers all going the distance to raise funds for Syria Relief. Collect funds offline or create a page on BTmyDonate or JustGiving for your supporters to donate online.

Share your concerns with your local MP about the education crisis in Syria.
The state completed its audit and made its final grant payment on Colegrove Park Elementary School.

North Adams Closes Books on Colegrove Park School

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The books have closed on the Colegrove Park Elementary School project nearly 18 months after it opened.

The finally tally is $29,084,907, with the city responsible for $7,057,296.53. The city's portion is $402,251.53, over the initial projection of $6.6 million. It comes to about 1.4 percent of the project cost.

The overage is largely because of insurance carrying costs because the project went several months past its deadline and additional plaster work in the century-old building, said Superintendent Barbara Malkas at Tuesday's School Committee meeting.

"When you think about a project that lasted three years from when we started to the end, that's just a little over 1 percent over on this project, which in any other environment would be an incredible success when you consider some of the things that we happened on," Mayor Richard Alcombright said.

The three-story stone structure built in 1915 as Drury High School was completely renovated to house more than 300 elementary school children. The school, then Silvio O. Conte Middle School, was closed in 2009 as a cost-saving measure and because of its condition.

The city in 2008 applied to the MSBA for a solution to overcrowding in its elementary schools. Several other options were rejected as being too costly and structurally problematic (rehabbing Sullivan School), as not addressing the more serious condition of Sullivan (renovating Greylock) or simply failed to win over any supporters (building a new school for 620 kids at Greylock). MSBA also shot down a query about a two-school option: Conte and Greylock.

But the rehabilitation of the old Drury divided residents over costs and need, forcing a citywide vote that won it narrow approval in 2013. Since opening, it's gotten largely positive reviews and won a preservation award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

It currently holds 357 children in prekindergarten through Grade 6, with three more possibly attending.

"It's a very positive end result," School Committee member John Hockridge said. "It's a very beautiful building and anybody who's done a houes renovation knows they can go little bit over ... I think it's remarkable that it came in so close."

The school was targeted to open in fall 2015 but delays blamed on the general contractor pushed its opening to January 2016. The insurance carried by the city during the extended construction phase came to about $158,000.

The additional plaster work came to about $139,000; the other overages were about $77,000 in work on Colegrove Park (in front of the school) and another $25,000 for state-mandated environmental work. None of the overages were eligible for MSBA reimbursement.

Of the $27 million in eligible costs submitted to the MSBA, the state agency paid $21,750,210, or 80 percent. The final grant payment of $1,063,062 was made on July 7.

Malkas, who was hired after the school opened, was provided the numbers prepared by Business Manager Nancy Ziter, who was unable to attend the meeting. Malkas said the city has $8.5 million in borrowing that at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, stood at $8.1 million.

Alcombright commended Ziter for her work on tracking the project's finances, describing it as an "exhausting, difficult process." He also praised the School Committee and School Building Committee for their support, as well as the project's designers and managers for being strong advocates and troubleshooters.

"I said this is as much about education as it is about our historical commitment to the city," the mayor said. "To rebuild a building like that in the heart of the downtown isn't a bad thing. ...

"We did the right thing as a committee and we did the right thing as a city."

Colegrove Park Elementary Audit 2017 by iBerkshires.com on Scribd
What Was Happening to the People in This Country Was Awful

The Fellowship | September 6, 2017 What Was Happening to the People in This Country Was Awful'

Elena, Queen Mother of Romania



Life: May 2, 1896  November 28, 1982

Why you should know her: The Queen Mother of Romania during World War II, Elena saved the lives of thousands of Jews, many of them orphaned children headed to certain death.

Born in Athens as Princess of both Greece and Denmark, Elena married Romanias future king in 1921. Their son Michael was crowned in 1940, though General Ion Antonescu took control of the country, for which he would be tried and executed after the war was over.

In the summer of 1941, many of Romanias Jews were deported. The countrys chief rabbi, Dr. Alexander Safran, and the head of the Orthodox Church, Patriarch Nicodem, appealed for these anti-Semitic actions to end, but nothing would persuade Antonescu to stop his Nazi-aligned persecution of the Jews.

Nicodem then pleaded directly to Queen Mother Elena, who was deeply moved by news of the deportations. She, in turn, spoke to Antonescu; the deportations continued, but some were saved, including the famed Jewish writer and historian, Barbu Lazareanu.

As 1941 ended and the deportation and murder of Jews continued, Rabbi Safran again asked for Elenas help. Elena persuaded the acting prime minister, Mihai Antonescu (no relation to Ion), to allow food, clothing, and medical aid to be sent to the deported Jews who were still alive and living in ghettos or concentration camps. This help saved thousands of lives.

Elena also worked to prevent the deportation of the Jews from Romanias Old Kingdom. Because of Elenas efforts, Adolf Eichmanns Nazi ringleader in Romania wrote: The Queen Mother told the King that what was happening to the people in this country was awful, that she can no longer stand this

Because of this determination on Queen Mother Elenas part, many deported Jews were allowed to return home in 1943 and 1944, including thousands of orphans. The orphans return was delayed by six months, thanks to the evil Eichmanns intent to murder them, but Elenas efforts proved successful.

For the thousands of Jewish lives she saved, Queen Mother Elena was named Righteous Among the Nations in 1993.
Ive received my copy of the IKEA Catalog 2018 (thanks @IKEAMalaysia!) and thought Id post a quick review  a first look, if you may. The first thing that struck me  IKEA the company, the big blue and yellow, has full-on embraced hacking. In previous catalogs, they may have snuck in a few hacks here and there. But here and now, they are unabashedly professing their love for hacking. In buckets. Shouting from the rooftops kind of thing.

Right there on page 29, it declares, Youre unique  and your IKEA can be too and goes on to provide instructions for a number of hacks. A few ways of personalising the IVAR, a tiled LACK side table and a LACK wall shelf decorated with tape. Niceeee!

A few pages later, the catalog features a room makeover by Maryam Mahdavi, a haute couture designer, turning an old Copenhagen apartment into a glamorous space. Ms. Mahdavi punctuates her design with luxurious hacks  transforming doll houses with generous amounts of gold and high gloss spray paint, recovering lamp shades with luxe fabrics, creating an indulgent boudoir with SANELA curtains and a childrens bed canopy. The modern day Marie Antoinette would feel right at home.

And of course, the DELAKTIG sofa, an ambitious collaboration with Tom Dixon to create the worlds first hackable sofa. This is how it works: it says in the write-up, the platform is built in a way so that you, or anyone, can easily personalise the product by adding a headboard, a pillow, a lamp or maybe table that turns it into a workstation. Accessories and add-ons will also be available at IKEA, as well as in Tom Dixons stores. Truth be told, Im really watching the DELAKTIG and I cant wait to see the add-ons and accessories that will result from this. This is right up our alley, folks.

The other thing that thrills me is how IKEA is working with other design companies. Like HAY. This makes me love IKEA even more, as they again demonstrate their genuine desire to democratise design, share knowledge and information. They become better at what they do by way of learning from others. And vice versa, I believe. The dynamic duo behind HAY has already given a new spin on the infamous IKEA blue bag (which I love. Its way better than this). The YPPERLIG range looks promising  especially the sofa-bed  and I look forward to seeing it in person. October, come faster.

And with that, it concludes my first impressions. Ill be writing a bit more on the catalog as I dive into the details. But for now, I must say the new IKEA catalog is brimming with inspo. And its making want to run out and get some new stuff, especially the cute range of accessories like the MYRHEDEN frame. *heart*

As always, the catalog does a fantastic job of showcasing the latest and best from IKEA. Not only that, each page draws you in to a vision of how you can use your space to live the life you want. I like the ideas on multi-tasking spaces, carving out niches for the people in your life and things that you love to do. So far so good.

The IKEA Catalog 2018 will be in Malaysian stores from Sept 18 onwards. Check out the online version here (US version here).

And while I was still trying to get through the entire catalog, the amazing Yanjaa has taken it to a whole new level. She memorised the entire catalog. Yes, memorised every-single-detail. She is the living breathing human catalog. Just give me 1% of her memory power 

Born in Mongolia, raised in Sweden, educated in Kenya and now living in Texas, shes as culturally versatile as IKEAs furniture. At just 23, Yanjaa is currently the highest-ranked female memory world champion.

Check her in action here. Prepare to pick your jaw up from the floor.

Whats your take on the IKEA catalog 2018? Let me know in the comments below.

This post is in collaboration with IKEA Malaysia. But opinions are entirely my own.
Imperial Valley News Center

Speaking of Error in Forensic Science

Washington, DC - When Continental flight 3407 crashed on approach to Buffalo Niagara airport on February 12, 2009, all 49 persons on board, and one on the ground, were killed. The National Transportation Safety Board began its investigation within hours, and ultimately determined that the crash was caused in part by pilot error, with fatigue as a contributing factor. To prevent similar accidents from happening in the future, the Federal Aviation Administration issued new work rules mandating shorter shifts and longer rest periods for all commercial pilots.

The aviation industry is well-known for its approach to managing errors, which involves investigating root causes and establishing new practices to address them. Many other industries, such as health care and energy, have emulated this approach. But the forensic science industry has been slow to adopt a proactive approach to error management, despite the fact that in the courtroom, as much as in the air or on the operating table, lives are often at stake.

But some forensic scientists are working to modernize the industrys approach to managing error, and many of them were present at the International Forensic Science Error Management Symposium, held last month at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

This is the only widely-attended conference in the United States dedicated to managing forensic science errors, and if youve been paying attention to the headlines, you likely agree that the conference addressed a critical need.

In recent years, high visibility errors have occurred at crime labs in almost every state. These have ranged from simple mistakes, such as mislabeling evidence, to testimony that overstates the scientific evidence, to criminal acts. The latter category includes dry-labbing, which is when an examiner fraudulently claims to have performed laboratory analyses which in fact were never done. Dry-labbing is not an errorits a crimebut if it goes undiscovered, there is a problem with error management.

The cost of these cases, whether the result of simple mistakes or criminal malfeasance, have been incalculable. Innocent people have spent years behind bars, countless criminal cases have been thrown out due to tainted evidence, and the cost of litigation has soared.

So why has the forensic science industry been slower than other industries to adopt best practices for managing errors?

Lynn Garcia, general counsel for the Texas Forensic Science Commission, addressed this question during her plenary presentation. Hospitals and airlines have very high stress work environments, she said, but they are not, by design, part of an adversarial system. Forensic science, because of its role in the courtroom, is. When an error is discovered, defense lawyers and prosecutors may exploit them, or minimize them, to advance their case.

That culture of fighting and not giving an inch, of trying to discredit people, makes it really hard to do the proactive work thats needed to advance and improve forensic science, Garcia said. When it comes to responding to error, she urged the forensic and legal communities to focus on accountability rather than blame.

Focusing on accountability requires transparency, said conference organizer Mark Stolorow, who as director of the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) leads NISTs effort to promote standards and best practices for the industry. You cannot get to the root cause of an error without transparency and full disclosure, he said.

Transparency was a theme that came up repeatedly at the conference. During his presentation, Peter Stout, CEO and President of the Houston Forensic Science Center, showed a section of his agencys website where the public can search for online reports of all quality incidents and corrective actions that occur under his watch. Transparency, he said, has made an enormous difference in regaining the publics trust. It also puts the focus where it belongsnot on individual evidence examiners, but on the entire system, including a laboratorys quality control infrastructure.

Focusing on accountability also requires a venue where forensic experts can openly discuss errors and lessons learned. Thats one way that NIST was able to make a valuable contribution. NIST is leading an effort to strengthen forensic science, but it is not a regulatory agency, and it is not involved in actual casework. Because of that, NIST is able to provide a neutral ground where stakeholders can have a conversation about error that one attendee described as, until recently, taboo.

Judging by the frank presentations at this conference, that conversation is well underway.




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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A Spanish woman's claim to be the daughter of surrealist artist Salvador Dali has been disproved by a DNA test, the deceased painter's foundation has said.

Pilar Abel, a 61-year-old tarot card reader, has long alleged that her mother had an affair with Dali, arguing that she had the right to part of his vast estate.

But the Gala-Salvador Dali Foundation said in a written statement that the Madrid court that ordered the paternity test declared she had no biological relationship with the painter.

Ms Abel's high-profile paternity claim led to the exhumation of Dali's embalmed remains so genetic samples could be taken.

Forensic experts removed hair, nails and two long bones in July.

The foundation said the painter's remains will be returned to his coffin, which is buried in the Dali Museum Theatre in the northeastern Spanish town of Figueres, Dali's birthplace. Dali died at age 84 in 1989.

Ms Abel had claimed that she was the result of an affair while her mother was working as an employee at the Dali household in Figueres in the 1950s.

Dali, pictured here in 1973, died at age 84 in 1989 (AP)

She said she was searching for my identity, to find out who I am", adding: I just want the truth to be known.

She had said she hoped to change her surname to Dali but insisted she was not motivated by thoughts of a potential inheritance.

My father deserves more than that, she said.
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Director Christian Petzold and actress Nina Hoss have collaborated on six films, the most recent of which was 2014s Phoenix, a gripping noir with more than a hint of Vertigo. Viewers irritated by the glaring plot holes in that Alfred Hitchcock picture would do well to avoid Phoenix but those more concerned with universal truths than narrative credibility will be rewarded with one of the most audacious psychodramas in living memory.

The action takes place in Germany in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War. Hoss plays Nelly, a Jewish Auschwitz survivor who has been disfigured by a bullet wound. She visits a reconstructive surgeon and asks to look exactly as she once did but is disappointed with the final result. Nelly seeks out her gentile husband despite the possibility that he betrayed her to the Nazis but he fails to recognise her and then, in an overt nod to Vertigo, asks her to impersonate his wife.

Some will quibble with the logic of such events but is it any less believable than what was happening in the concentration camps all over Europe at the time? Petzold is astute enough to realise that credulity is not an issue in a film that takes place so soon after the protagonists liberation from Auschwitz, a place at which the unimaginable was occurring with startling and horrific regularity.

Forty-five minutes before filming would start, Hoss opted to disengage from the rest of the cast and crew in a bid to channel her characters sense of total isolation. The result is a flawless, layered performance from an actress with the kind of old-world Hollywood glamour Hitchcock was so keen on.

This is a holocaust film like no other in so much as it concerns the after-effects of trauma without ever showing us the horrors of the war years. Petzold treats the audience likes adults and takes it as read that we have seen the horrific images elsewhere so there is no need for manipulative shots of Auschwitz prisoners intended only to provoke a visceral response. The city of Berlin seems every bit as much of a husk as the heroine but it is shot with such an expressionistic beauty that Phoenix is utterly mesmerising and leaves the viewer guessing until the final scene, one of the most haunting and unforgettable in recent cinema. Suspend your disbelief and this film will leave you reeling with the inescapable conclusion that life aint a cabaret.
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Stretch marks affect many of us, often occurring in pregnancy, puberty, and after rapid weight gain. While many choose to embrace these newfound stripes, others might feel more confident caring for their scars (or trying to prevent them from occurring in the first place).

Applied regularly to the stomach, thighs, bottom and breasts, weve found a range of oils and creams specifically targeted at improving the structure of the skin, leaving it feeling soft and nourished in the process. Gentle circular movements are best, with most brands recommending applying at least twice a day (we tried these products just before bed, and after our morning shower).

As Harley Street skin specialist Dr. Emma Wedgeworth explains: Stretch marks (known as striae distensae in dermatological terms) are line-like scars which develop due to excessive stretching of the skin. We dont know exactly why they occur, but the changes seem to be shearing of the elastic tissue alongside changes in key structural proteins which sit in the mid-layer of the skin (dermis).

When stretch marks first develop, there is often some mild inflammation and swelling, so they are red and slightly raised. Over time, they flatten and become pale with a finely wrinkled surface.

Wedgeworth adds that there are several things you can do to improve the overall appearance of the skin. Keeping the skin well hydrated with ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid and ceramides can improve the overall appearance of skin and protect the skin barrier. Topical retinoids can prove effective, but shouldnt be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Read more:

Aside from reducing stretch marks, the act of massaging in your chosen product can feel like some much-needed self-care and an opportunity to celebrate your changing shape. For those that are pregnant, it can also be a lovely way to bond with your bump, and many of these formulas would make a gorgeous gift for mum-to-be.

The best stretch marks creams and oils for 2021 are:

Best overall  Pai the gemini pomegranate and pumpkin seed 2-step stretch mark system: 49, Lookfantastic.com

 Pai the gemini pomegranate and pumpkin seed 2-step stretch mark system: 49, Lookfantastic.com Best beauty editor favourite  Hatch Mama belly oil: 58, Harveynichols.com

 Hatch Mama belly oil: 58, Harveynichols.com Best for ethical ingredient sourcing  Typology stretch marks gel-to-oil with baobab oil: 26.20, Typology.com

 Typology stretch marks gel-to-oil with baobab oil: 26.20, Typology.com Best for pregnancy  Weleda stretch mark massage oil: 16.69, Feelunique.com

 Weleda stretch mark massage oil: 16.69, Feelunique.com Best for easy application  Clarins body partner: 40.24, Feelunique.com

 Clarins body partner: 40.24, Feelunique.com Best for a treat  Omorovicza firming body oil: 55, Cultbeauty.co.uk

 Omorovicza firming body oil: 55, Cultbeauty.co.uk Best for new mums  Science of Skin solution for stretch marks: 39.99, Scienceofskin.com

 Science of Skin solution for stretch marks: 39.99, Scienceofskin.com Best for those with eczema or hypersensitive skin  Dermatology M ultra rich vitamin E 10% intensive face and body cream: 42, Dermatology-m.com

 Dermatology M ultra rich vitamin E 10% intensive face and body cream: 42, Dermatology-m.com Best for both old and new stretch marks  Nuture nourishing skin treatment cream : 12.99, Nutureskin.com

 Nuture nourishing skin treatment cream : 12.99, Nutureskin.com Best for post baby belly  Coco and Eve bounce body masque 212m: 39.99, Asos.com

 Coco and Eve bounce body masque 212m: 39.99, Asos.com Best cream or oil duo  Burts Bees mama bee duo: 21.48, Amazon.co.uk

 Burts Bees mama bee duo: 21.48, Amazon.co.uk Best for on a budget  Kit & Kin stretch mark oil: 9.99, Kitandkin.com

 Kit & Kin stretch mark oil: 9.99, Kitandkin.com Best for a floral scent  Elemis japanese camellia body oil blend: 40, Lookfantastic.com

 Elemis japanese camellia body oil blend: 40, Lookfantastic.com Best scent-free  Neals Yard mothers balm: 20, Johnlewis.com

 Neals Yard mothers balm: 20, Johnlewis.com Best cold cream  Mama Mio tummy rub trio: 43, Mioskincare.co.uk

 Mama Mio tummy rub trio: 43, Mioskincare.co.uk Best for all over body application  Dr Lipp BBF balm: 11.26, Justmylook.com

 Dr Lipp BBF balm: 11.26, Justmylook.com Best for a tried and true product Bio-Oil: 16.99, Boots.com

Pai the gemini pomegranate and pumpkin seed 2-step stretch mark system, 300ml Best: Overall Described as pregnant skins elasticated waistband, this organic two-step system from Pai, felt like a heavenly spa experience. Presented in a giftable box set, it contains a squeezy tube of pomegranate and pumpkin seed cream for morning application, and an elegant glass bottle with a pump containing your evening oil. Instantly relieving itchiness, it smells divine and was a welcome step in our pre-bedtime routine  one well be continuing with, long after the baby arrives. Buy now 49 Paiskincare.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Hatch Mama belly oil, 195ml Best: Beauty editor favourite With its uplifting scent of grapefruit and almond; and lightweight, hydrating, non-greasy formula, this botanical-packed oil is suitable for use all over, and the bottle is big enough that you can slather on with wild abandon. You can use it before and after the baby comes along, and its versatile too  just add a couple of drops to a warm bath for an extra pamper. We can see this elegant glass bottle (complete with handy pipette), on the shelves of pregnant beauty editors the world over, and genuinely looked forward to applying it morning and night. Buy now 58 Harveynichols.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Typology stretch marks gel-to-oil with baobab oil, 115g Best: For ethical ingredient sourcing Recently awarded B Corp status for its ethical ingredients sourcing and sustainability efforts, French skincare brand Typology has come up with this clever gel-to-oil repairing formula. It smells wonderful (like a grown-up bakewell tart) and was a total joy to apply  we loved how it transforms on contact with warm skin. The stripped-back packaging is effortlessly stylish too, taking pride of place in our bathroom cabinet. With active ingredients including baobab oil, passionfruit concentrate and shea butter, the brand recommends applying twice a day for best results, and we found it sunk in quickly, without leaving any residue behind. Buy now 26.20 Typology.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Weleda stretch mark massage oil, 100ml Best: For pregnancy Developed with, and recommended by midwives, Weledas products are free from all synthetic ingredients. Extensively tested on pregnant women; and particularly those with very sensitive skin, it contains arnica, a natural anti-inflammatory to prevent stretch marks from forming, along with jojoba, wheat germ oil and vitamin E. Delicately fragranced with essential oils suitable for pregnancy, we found the mix of skin-healing geranium, calming lavender, uplifting orange and indulgent sweet almond oil had a spa-like, relaxing effect on us. Buy now 16.69 Weleda.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Clarins body partner, 175ml Best: Easy application Claiming to visibly reduce the length, width, depth and colour of your stretch marks (and stop new ones from forming), Clarinss creamy formula is ultra-nourishing. Sinking in quickly, we found it provided instant comfort, (partly due to hazelnut oil, which is thought to reduce the feeling of tightness). Its great for busy mornings, as it absorbs instantly, so theres no waiting around for it to dry before putting your clothes on, The combination of pump and squeezy tube ensures a precise application, so you wont waste a drop, and the suggested application method was easy to follow. Buy now 40.24 Boots.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Omorovicza firming body oil, 100ml Best: For a treat This ultra-luxe oil left our skin instantly hydrated while perfuming the bathroom with its delicious mix of rosemary, chamomile and geranium essential oils. The key ingredients when it comes to stretch mark prevention are calendula oil, almond and apricot kernel oils, which work together to promote elasticity. Its not the cheapest, but every application felt like a real treat, and our sensitive skin loved it. Buy now 55 Omorovicza.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Science of Skin solution for stretch marks, 100ml Best: For new mums Designed especially for new mums, not only does this product promise to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but its oh-so soothing when applied to irritable, itchy skin. It contains a powerhouse of ingredients, including antioxidant-rich green tea, ultra-moisturising microalgae, collagen-boosting vitamin C and rejuvenating vitamin E. Its fragrance-free but smells like its getting to work in a no-nonsense, medical way, and we appreciated the pump and creamy formula. For best results it will need to be applied at least two to three times a day, massaging into the targeted area for at least one minute until fully absorbed. Buy now 39.99 Scienceofskin.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Dermatology M ultra rich vitamin E 10% intensive face and body cream, 50ml Best: For those with eczema or hypersensitive skin Combining Chinese medicine with modern formulations, this peach-hued cream is scent-free and suitable for those with eczema or hypersensitive skin. It contains a hefty dose of vitamin E, an antioxidant known for its skin regenerating benefits, and is even gentle enough to use on baby skin. Made in the UK, the herbal ingredients are cold-pressed to improve their efficacy, including soothing allantoin, pro vitamin B5 and aloe vera. The only downside is the price; at 42 for 50ml, youll get through quite a lot of it if youre to follow the brands advice of applying three to five times a day. That said, a little does go a long way, and we loved how nourished our skin felt after use. Buy now 42 Dermatology-m.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Nuture nourishing skin treatment cream, 100ml Best: For both old and new stretch marks Nutures plant-based skincare range includes this ultra-rich cream formulated to target both old and new stretch marks. It contains seven per cent centella extract (found to calm inflammation, speed wound healing, stimulate new cell growth, build collagen, and improve circulation), as well as three per cent collagen extract which can improve the skins elasticity. It takes a while to fully absorb, but we can see how the thick white cream would inject moisture into dry skin. The brand recommends using it for at least three months for best results. Buy now 12.99 Nutureskin.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Coco and Eve bounce body masque, 212ml Best: For post baby belly With a focus on tightening, firming and sculpting, wed probably save this mouth-wateringly juicy formula for post-baby. It smells so good you could eat it, thanks to mango, lychee, dragronfruit and tropical mangosteen (reminiscent of The Body Shops Nineties-famous body butters). As a face mask for your tum, the brand recommends applying liberally to dry skin and leaving to set for ten minutes, before washing off with warm water and following up with a moisturiser. Buy now 39.99 Cultbeauty.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Burts Bees mama bee duo Best: Cream or oil duo Burts Bees mama body oil , 118.2ml

, 118.2ml Burts Bees mama bee belly butter, 185g If you cant choose between a cream or oil, this duo has got you covered. The belly butter has a rich but easily spreadable consistency, with a subtle cocoa, shea and jojoba butter scent, perfect for applying before bed. The body oil has a stronger lemony note (not dissimilar to citronella candles) and is best smoothed over damp skin to lock in moisture. Both are enriched with vitamin E to nourish the skin. Buy now 21.48 Amazon.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Kit & Kin stretch mark oil, 100ml Best: For on a budget This Soil Association-approved organic oil includes an array of active natural ingredients designed to boost the skins elasticity. These include antioxidant-rich macadamia oil, cold-pressed strawberry oil and tissue-regenerating patchouli. Safe and gentle, with a delicious scent (and with change from a tenner), we reckon its worth giving it a go. Buy now 9.99 Kitandkin.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Elemis japanese camellia body oil blend, 100ml Best: For a floral scent The dainty little lid isnt the easiest to prise open, however, if you manage to overcome that obstacle, the nourishing oil within contains a blend of camellia oil, vitamin E and sweet almond oil. Unlike some of the others, this has more of a floral scent, thanks to the camellia, which is a bright pink Japanese flower, known for its all-round moisturising powers. Its also great for nails and hair too. Buy now 40 Elemis.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Neals Yard mothers balm, 120g Best: Scent-free Predominately made from coconut oil, apricot kernel oils and beeswax, this organic balm has a consistency somewhere between an oil and a cream. Its virtually scent-free, which will appeal to some, and melts in your hand, making it easier to spread. Offering long-lasting hydration, if your pre-pregnancy routine included coconut oil, we reckon youll love this. Buy now 20 Nealsyardremedies.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Mama Mio tummy rub trio Best: Cold cream Mamma Mio fragrance free, 120ml

120ml Mamma Mio lavender and mint, 120ml

120ml Mamma Mio original, 120ml Were confident this new trio would make a great gift for all new mums-to-be. The formulas have the consistency of cold cream (and are quite chilly when you first apply them), but leave skin so incredibly soft we found ourselves stroking our stomach in awe. The rehydrating shea butter is really comforting, and when used from boobs to bump, we didnt experience any irritation whatsoever. Because its so easy to slather on, we can see us getting through a tub quickly, which is why this set of three is such a nice bundle. Personally the original is still our favourite, closely followed by the fragrance-free version (which feels ever so slightly thicker), and finally, the lavender and mint, which smelt slightly synthetic. Buy now 43 Mioskincare.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Dr Lipp BBF balm, 75ml Best: For all over body application Building on the popularity of its original nipple balm (which we use as a rich lip balm), this is Dr.Lipps first-ever skincare product and can be used on hands, face and body. Perfect for pregnancy, it contains just two natural ingredients  coconut oil and lanolin, an emollient used to prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and ideal at promoting elasticity. It smells similar to the original formula, but with a more spreadable texture thats better suited to larger body parts. Buy now 11.26 Justmylook.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}

Bio-Oil skincare oil, 125ml Best: For a tried and true product If youre in the market for stretch mark prevention, youll no doubt be aware of the hard-working Bio-Oil range. Its long been used for improving the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone, and the light oil consistency is highly spreadable. If you dont mind the slightly medicinal scent, were confident youll see good results after three months of daily application  and it can also be used as a bath oil. Buy now 16.99 Boots.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}}
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Two luxury French fashion powerhouses have joined forces to stop using ultra-thin models in catwalk shows and photoshoots.

In what is widely being considered a step in the right direction, LVMH and Kering, who between them own Gucci, Saint Laurent, Vuitton et Dior, will stop using size zero (UK size four) models.

They have unveiled a charter to ensure the wellbeing of models which will also ban the use of girls under the age of 16 for photoshoots or fashion shows where theyd be representing adults.

On the eve of the start of New York Fashion Week, it was announced that these new measures were being taken to look after models.

However, the companies are also addressing criticism theyve faced that the fashion industry encourages anorexia and eating disorders.

Whats more, last Paris Fashion Week in February, the working conditions of models came under intense scrutiny.

CEO of Kering, Francois-Henri Pinault, has said that the company would like to move quickly and react strongly so that things really change.

He added that he hopes others in the industry will follow.

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Antoine Arnault, a member of the LVMH board of directors and son of CEO Bernard Arnault, says the charter will change things completely.

Earlier this year, France banned the use of unhealthily thin models as part of a new law targeting unrealistic body images and eating disorders.

Models are now required to provide a doctors certificate attesting to their overall health and proving their body mass index (BMI) sits within a healthy range in order to work.

Whats more, French magazines are legally obliged to indicate when a photo of a model has been retouched or photoshopped, or else they face a 37,500 fine.

This is despite the fact that two years ago, then Vogue UK editor Alexandra Shulman spoke out to say she does not believe using skinny models encourages eating disorders in girls or gives them body confidence issues.

But its safe to say the move by LVMH and Kering has been widely met with praise.

Other fashion houses must start following suit, one person reacted on Twitter. A deadly, disgusting trend that has no place in fashion.
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For millions of people, the rich aroma of ground coffee beans blended with hot water and frothy milk is what mornings smell like, while the fruity notes of a glass of wine are a welcome sign of evenings. But what would happen if we ditched the paper cup of arabica for a glug of merlot at 8am?

It might sound outrageous - dangerous, even. But maybe being able to enjoy a snifter of wine at breakfast, alongside a plate of poached eggs and toast as you catch up on the morning news, is the marker of being a proper adult. Just imagine being someone who can drink responsibly, even in the morning, and say with certainty: yes, I can have just one glass of wine with my breakfast. I can have some alcohol without needing to do shots and shout-sing with my arms around my friends.

And its not without precedent. Our arguably more cultured cousins on continental Europe (when it comes to drinking, anyway) are no strangers to having a white wine or a light red with their morning panini, explains Andrea Briccarello, the group sommelier and wine buyer at Galvin Restaurants in London and Edinburgh. This culture evolved from the 16th century when beer was cleaner than water and it wasnt unusual for workers to start off their day with a tipple. So, considering that weve fully adopted European coffee culture, maybe its time to re-think how we drink wine, too.

Wine in Europe - particularly in Spain, France and Italy - alongside food, is a very important part of life, says Rob Edwards, managing director of The Vino Beano wine merchant. I dont think people in those countries drink wine, or any alcohol for that matter, to get drunk. Wine with a meal is about more than that. Its the coming together of friends and family, and enjoying the time together. Wine merely compliments that,

Sure, nothing will beat the caffeine kick of an espresso as we struggle to keep our eyes open at our desks. But when it comes to dining in the morning, wine is also better matched with food as the flavours are more delicate says Brett Wootton, the co-founder of the Vinoteca wine bar near Kings Cross in central London which serves a selection of breakfast wines.

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Weve been drinking alcoholic beverages for ages in this country in the shape of Bloody Marys, Mimosas and Bellinis, he adds. Wine for breakfast is a more sophisticated move from cocktails. In moderation, a glass of red also has the added health benefits of managing cholesterol and protecting the heart, according to research.

Wine on a weekend is already becoming more palatable outside of wedding breakfasts, as bottomless brunches accompanied with glass after glass of prosecco have become hugely popular.

Recommended Wine could make you live longer

So, what should breakfast wine beginners order?

I would suggest the first wine of the day should be fresh, light and dry, says Robin Copestick of distributor Copestick Murray. Prosecco and sparkling wines are high in acidity which allow you to cleanse your palate after indulging in rich foods such as a cooked breakfast.

I would definitely suggest something like a Lambrusco di Sorbara, light and zingy or a German Riesling from the Mosel, which has usually a hint of residual sugar and a very low ABV, says Briccarello. Light reds like Gamay are excellent with savoury snacks and a chilled light red like a Bardolino will be the perfect wine for any beginners.

For Woonton, the perfect breakfast wine is the 2016 Moscato from Innocent Bystander. "Its like a pink Berocca: light with a cherry fizz and only five per cent alcohol - perfect after the night before, says Woonton.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, he suggests the 2015 Bonarda Frizzante Sommossa, Castello di Luzzano which is 12 per cent ABV. Its a naturally fizzy red made from Bonarda. Deep, dark, dry, bubbling over with dark berries. It's the perfect to cut a full English.
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The newest edition to Brighton and Hoves fine-dining scene  currently in the rudest of rude health  is also one of its most centrally located, tucked quietly between the at-times raucous carousing of West Street and the boutiques, bustle and breezy boozers of The Lanes. This makes Pascere well-situated to be stumbled upon by tourists and the day-tripping Londoners with which the pavilion city heaves in these summer months. The prospects of a stumble turning into a meal are enhanced greatly by inviting-looking terrace tables out front and a softly welcoming ambience within. There are of course chillier climatic seasons in the offing for the Sussex coast, but happily for owner Amanda Menahem passing trade is more a bonus than a necessity. The restaurant, her first, is gaining rapid traction regionally and already amassing a core of regulars.

Warm lighting, relaxed seating and dark teal decor make downstairs an intimate venue to sink into and linger, a feeling that continues upstairs but with the addition of a small open-plan kitchen in which you can watch head chef Johnny Stanford  formerly of the The Pass at the South Lodge Hotel and Paul Kitchings 21212 in Edinburgh  choreograph proceedings while wielding knives, blowtorches and piping bags: all pleasantly hypnotic.

Rather ambitiously Pascere offers several menus throughout the day  small plates, lunch, dinner and a tasting menu  but the decision to present straight-up alternatives to a voguish tasting menu has turned out to be a shrewd one. Menahem says that near three quarters of diners opt for a la carte. As do we, kicking off with cute butternut cracker canapes with squash remoulade. Toothsome, declares my companion, not normally given to such outbursts. Even better are stout-infused and, especially, onion-infused bread balls. Fortunately they are quite small, or it may be hard not to break the normally wise don't-fill-up-on-bread dictum.

The revel is in the detail, or more precisely the attention to detail. There are surprise twists, if not at every turn, often enough to keep you guessing. Whipped butter topped with pungent black salt and sweet muscovado ought not to work, we think, but that just shows how little we know. It's delectable.

Portland crab tart with shellfish bisque mousse is a miniature work of art, and for all its delicacy and artful arrangement it tastes, simply and wonderfully, of the sea. We momentarily fall into transported silence. Fab crab... my companion murmurs finally, a faraway look in her eyes. It'll do that to you.

Here the crustacean's Portland provenance is worth remarking on. As well as bucking the trend slightly with his a la carte menus, Stanford also is slightly out of step with the locally sourced uber alles mantra that currently prevails across the land. While he works with local suppliers where possible, he has no qualms about going further afield in the UK to obtain the best produce. He concedes that some will balk at this, but the quality of the ingredients  in this case from Portland in Dorset  fully justifies the philosophy.

Fairly stunning: lamb sweet breads with ewes milk panna cotta

Next up is a paean to peas, with the oft-undervalued legume combined thrice  bitingly raw, poppingly cooked and, best of all, spirited into an aerated custard so light it could levitate, but kept welcomely table-bound by buttery brioche croutons. We enjoy this lustily but both agree that the next dish is the evenings standout: pan-fried stone bass fillet, blackened on top, firm and meaty within, trompette mushrooms and seaweed bringing earthy and oceany notes, respectively. Fairly stunning. It will be hard for the next dish to top this, and so it proves, the fat on otherwise impressively rich on otherwise impressively rich and tender roast lamb belly not quite silky enough, even if the whole is more than redeemed by sprightly samphire and ewes cheese.

Immaculate presentation: English pea custard (Julia Claxton)

Warm buttermilk sponge with honeycomb, milk-skin crisp, ice cream and honey is as sweetly comforting as it sounds, a childlike hark-back to simple indulgences. As with other courses we feel impelled to take our time and luxuriate, and thanks to well-judged service  friendly, efficient but unhurried, and (in a good way) informal  we can. Presentation is also immaculate throughout.

There are the usual suspects there to pimp the menu as much as the taste  not that lavender flowers and nettle puree aren't welcome  but Stopfordian Stanford has imagination and creativity and with the opportunity to pursue both, its fun to see what hes doing.

Pascere boasts one of the biggest wine lists in Brighton, and these can be ordered by the glass, enabling creative course-by-course pairing. Menahem is on hand to support with this. A former food journalist, she is surely being modest when she describes herself as merely a keen enthusiast in the field: each dish is complemented perfectly and often unexpectedly as we traverse from France to New Zealand to Spain via some underexplored byways. Even the glassware is curated to enhance each wine, a strangely satisfying finesse.

There are a lot of eating options in this area, and the great location for passing trade idea can cut both ways of course. On the evening of our visit  an unseasonably treacherous midweek night with rain lashing sideways and wind, to borrow from the master, howling like a hammer  even mad dogs and Englishmen are staying home, and there are several empty tables. Nonetheless the miserable weather does emphasise Pasceres most immediately striking appeal: its welcome. This is an escape, a quiet gastro-haven in a hyperactive city. That, along with innovative menus, first-rate service and an uncompromising approach to quality, bodes well indeed.

A la carte dinner for two with wine around 90. Tasting menu with wine flight for two around 200

Ambience: ****

Food: ****

Service: *****
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Starbucks, much like Marmite, is divisive.

Some people love it and will happily pay the global coffee shop chain a visit everywhere they find it (and Instagram the iconic cup, of course).

Whereas others wouldnt dream of setting foot in such an establishment, preferring their local independent brew spot, where bearded, man-bunned baristas serve up 20,000 different types of coffee.

Recommended Starbucks baristas create pumpkin spice latte support groups

But whether unicorn frappes or pumpkin spice lattes, Starbucks knows how to whip up excitement about their beverages.

One thing the company hasnt typically been known for, however, is its food - but thats changing.

Tomorrow, Starbucks launch their new autumn menu in the UK. Their team of food developers have been working on it for almost a year, and the aim is to bring more variety to the menu.

Its been inspired by the companys US heritage, and is also clearly catering to our growing interest in healthy food.

We managed to get out hands on every item on the new menu and tried it all. In the name of journalistic research ,you understand.

Heres our ranking of everything on Starbucks new menu, from worst to best, with a score out of five.

10. Classic oatmeal porridge - 3

Oatmeal is loaded with more fat than most other grains (Starbucks)

Its creamy but quite runny, with nice chunky steel-cut oats. By itself a little bland, fortunately there are topping options of jam, honey or a dried fruit and seed mix.

9. Latte with turmeric - 3.5

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

The turmeric flavour isnt actually too strong in this latte, which we consider to be a good thing. Its lightly spiced and theres a hint of sweetness.

8. Lemon loaf cake - 3.5

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

Starbucks has reduced the sugar in its lemon loaf cake by five per cent, along with many other products. Its still sweet and pleasingly fluffy, but its a bit drier than some of the other cakes. The lemon drizzle is wonderful though.

7. Five grain porridge - 4

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

This porridge is gluten-free and vegan, being made with oats, golden linseed, quinoa, red and wild rice, and soya and coconut cream. It has a wonderfully chunky texture and although it isnt super flavoursome, theres a slight hint of cinnamon which is perfect for autumn.

6. Boston beans with pulled pork and potato rosti - 4

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

Smokey beans, pulled pork, mini potato rosti and scrambled eggs sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and parsley sit atop a layer of spinach. Its warming, healthy, flavoursome and something you could eat at any time of the day really.

5. Salted caramel cake - 4

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

Starbucks has redesigned many of its slice cakes as mini layer cakes to make them - you guessed it - more Instagrammable. Theyre the same size and under 300 calories. This one is very sweet but thankfully the hint of salt stops it being too sickly. The layers of icing mean its delightfully moist too - its just about small enough to get your mouth around.

4. Loaded sweet potato wedges and chilli beef hot box - 4

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

This is pretty much pure comfort in a box. Its divine. Cajun-spiced, roasted, fluffy sweet potato wedges (coated in polenta) are topped with beef chilli and jalapeno peppers, a mix of four cheeses, ciabatta crumb and coriander. Theres a hint of spice but not so much that its spicy.

3. Blueberry acai quinoa smoothie bowl - 4.5

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

Starbucks has made its first foray into the smoothie bowl market and has done a swell job. This one has a deep berry flavour with a slight tanginess, and the crunch from the puffed quinoa makes it a little unusual.

2. Mango and coconut smoothie bowl - 4.5

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

This smoothie bowl is so velvety smooth, its almost like a puree and certainly not icy like a sorbet. It has the same undertone as coconut yoghurt and is a refreshing, summery flavour to contrast with the rich spices of the rest of the autumnal menu.

1. Pumpkin spice loaf - 5

(Starbucks (Starbucks)

Step aside, pumpkin spice latte, theres a new PSL on the block. (Except dont really because we love pumpkin spice lattes too.) This is quite simply autumn in a cake. The pumpkin flavour isnt too strong but the spices make you feel fuzzy inside. Its fluffy and moist and would be a dream warm.

Its a good haul from the coffee behemoth, and the autumn menu is set to expand with Swedish buns and an avocado smoothie bowl soon too.
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Elon Musk is worried about governments, specifically the Russian one, competing for artificial intelligence superiority and sparking World War III. That shocking statement was made all the more shocking by the low expectations the world seems to have for Russia, which US Senator John McCain dismissed just a few years ago as a gas station masquerading as a country.

Recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin grabbed Musk's attention. Speaking to schoolchildren about AI on 1 September, Putin declared, Whoever becomes the leader in this area will rule the world. Musk's response emerged on Twitter: It begins...

Actually, Russia isn't beginning anything when it comes to AI. It's just that its progress in the field has been somewhat below the radar: We are used to discussing AI in the context of major Silicon Valley companies' or top US universities' advances, and while Russians work there, the top names are not Russian. Nor are the top thinkers and investors in the field. IBM's recent list of AI influencers only includes one native Russian speaker, University of Lousiville's Roman Yampolskiy  who, like Musk, worries about a possible AI apocalypse  and he's originally from Latvia, not Russia.

Russia is awful at commercialising and promoting technological advances. Prisma, an AI application that literally redrew photos to make them look like paintings by a number of famous artists, took post-Soviet countries by storm last year and won some interest in the U.S. but failed to become a global phenomenon. Other Russian AI startups are only known to experts, and while large Russian information technology companies such as Yandex and Mail.ru Group have invested a lot of resources in AI research and built products using neural networks (Yandex search, more popular than Google in Russia, is powered by proprietary neural tech), these achievements are overshadowed by those of bigger Western rivals. Even Russian venture capitalists appear to be looking for AI opportunities outside the home country.

And yet there's plenty of AI research going on in Russia. The Moscow Engineering Physics Institute's Alexei Samsonovich's is engaged in a quest for emotionally intelligent AI and the government is applying the technology to intitatives on electronic government and the military. Russia ranks fourth in the world, after the US, China and India and ahead of the UK, in terms of the number of people who use Kaggle  the crowdsourcing platform used by most AI researchers, which was acquired by Google this year.

The first loan the BRICS Development Bank  a financial institution set up jointly by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  has approved for Russia is meant to fund a project that includes the use of AI in Russian courts to automate trial records using speech recognition.

State-sponsored media reports on the potential military uses of AI have picked up in recent months. They include an AI system to help pilots fly fighter planes, a project by St. Petersburg-based Kronstadt Group to equip drones with artificial intelligence, a similar effort for missiles by the Tactical Missiles Corporation, and a Kalashnikov combat module using neural networks. The details of these efforts are not public, and the agencies may be exaggerating their importance for propaganda effect. But Russia is known to be experimenting with network-centric warfare  including during its Syrian military operation  so AI implementations are a logical step.

It's likely that, as in Soviet times, the military applications of AI in Russia are outpacing consumer ones. With guaranteed government financing, they face fewer constraints than Russian private companies or academic researchers do, given the Silicon-Valley-centric nature of the business.

Musk is right to suggest that China is not the only potential US rival in the kind of artificial intelligence that will soon do far more sinister things than those for which we use Siri. Given its number of Kaggle users, India shouldn't be too far behind. Last month's call by Musk and a group of AI researchers for a global ban on robotic weapons is timely but probably unworkable: The use of ostensibly conventional but actually autonomous weaponry is far more difficult to detect, making a prohibition on them harder to enforce than existing bans on chemical and biological weapons, or even than restrictions on various forms of cyberwarfare would have been. Besides, countries such as Russia, China and India will be wary of any such regulatory efforts initiated in the West.

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

AI is far more dangerous as part of weapons than as a potential replacement of the human brain in civilian applications. Nations will be killing with AI long before the technology can cause mass unemployment. In this sense, Musk's alarmism  and Putin's words about AI-based global dominance  should be taken seriously.

Bloomberg
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Give the Institute for Public Policy Researchs Commission on Economic Justice credit. As well as identifying problems with the British economy  and what it says should be familiar to anyone whos been paying attention  it also advocates a menu of bold solutions.

The problems are, of course, rising inequality, growth in GDP per head of 12 per cent that hasnt been shared, with real wages falling. Increased casualisation of work, poor productivity, pitifully low investment. The yawning gap between the north and the south has only got wider.

Meanwhile, the 1 per cent, and, perhaps more accurately, the 0.1 per cent has largely reacted to this with a shrug, entering the political discourse only at such time as people suggest that it might like to contribute a little more, or accept a little less, or both.

So what are those solutions: A fairer and simpler tax system. New levies on wealth and a sovereign fund to better share out the proceeds. More power for the UKs regions, including fiscal devolution. Regional banks to help fund emerging companies, better regulation and taxation of the new monopolies of the digital economy. Stronger unions.

The last would be particularly handy. Ive written before that the death of collective bargaining across the UK has played a huge role in crimping wages.

For many people, the annual wage round is a thing of a past. To get more money, their only option is often to change job. Is it any wonder that the proportion of the UK economy going towards wages has fallen to just 73 per cent, a level not seen since the Second World War?

The Commission is broad based. Its report is more than simply a document of the left. In addition to Justin Wellby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was out promoting it today, it includes senior figures from business (CEOs, fund managers, even a McKinseyite), academics, and TUC director general Frances OGrady.

That it has been given a wide airing speaks to the credibility of its members.

It is also hard to argue with its central case: The need for radical reform, in fact, something every bit as radical as what the UK experienced after the war, and then again in the 1980s, if the current problems arent to lead the country down a very dark road.

Interestingly, some of its ideas were echoed by Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, in an article for The Independent today. He also talked about the problems in Britains economy, and mulled ways of fixing them: Including the suggestion of doing more to tax wealth rather than income, through reformed property and inheritance taxes.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies, he pointed out, said the Liberal Democrat manifesto was the most redistributive of the three main parties. Labours more traditional offering included calls for higher corporate taxes and higher income taxes on top earners, although its aims were similar.

But what of the Conservative Government we are saddled with?

It has also recognised that the UK economy has problems, and that is not serving the people that live on these islands very well. Prime Minister Theresa Mays oft repeated talk about creating a Britain that works for the many demonstrate that.

But the drugs she and her party prescribe to fix the debilitating illness that afflicts UK plc could hardly be less appropriate.

Hard Brexit. Stand up for the national anthem and gush over the royals. Wave the union flag. Accuse anyone who suggests we might need to do a bit more than that of seeking to do down Britain (Im looking at you Iain Duncan-Smith, you and the lizards surrounding you). Stop people from coming here while harassing those that already live here, even if they were born here but happen to have fallen afoul of some arcane law. Oh, and offer a few tepid reforms to corporate governance that dont really get us anywhere given theyre updates to a code that operates on the basis of comply or explain. Which means you dont have to comply at all if you dont want to.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

That dark road I talked of? The Conservatives will get us there an awful lot more quickly than simply carrying on as we are now.

The IPPRs Commission has made a worthy contribution. It might be an idea for John McDonnell, the Shadow Chancellor, to spend some time reading it. In many ways, its more progressive and imaginative than the last Labour manifesto.

Hopefully he will because its going to take a new government to accomplish the reforms that the nation needs. That probably means Mr McDonnell as Chancellor.
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Some of Bell Pottingers biggest clients appear to be severing ties with the group, after the industrys trade association earlier this week stripped it of membership, following an investigation into the firms conduct in South Africa.

And in a further blow, Chime Communications, co-owned by advertising giant WPP and Providence Equity Partners, told The Independent on Wednesday that it no longer holds a 27 per cent stake in the group. Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Chime had returned the stake without compensation about a fortnight ago.

HSBC and Carillion have said that they will no longer work with Bell Pottinger, though neither firm specified the reason why.

Recommended Bell Pottinger stripped of trade body membership

We have used Bell Pottinger for specific projects in the past but will not be doing so in the future, a spokesperson for HSBC told The Independent.

In a damning statement, the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) said on Tuesday that Bell Pottinger  whose clients range from multinational businesses to governments, public sector organisations, entrepreneurs and some of the worlds richest individuals  had brought the PR and communications industry into disrepute with a campaign in South Africa which was accused of stirring up racial tensions.

The accusations relate to Bell Pottingers relationship with Oakbay, a company controlled by the wealthy Gupta family of Indian-born businessmen, which has widely been accused of exerting undue influence over South African president Jacob Zuma.

The PRCA launched an investigation into Bell Pottinger following a complaint from South Africas main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA blamed the PR company of working to divide and conquer the South African public by exploiting racial tensions in a bid to keep Jacob Zuma and the ANC in power.

The allegations reportedly stemmed from leaked emails that suggested Bell Pottinger had worked with Oakbay to create a narrative that grabs the attention of the grassroots population.

Bell Pottinger left the Oakbay account in April, and in July the group said that it had fired one partner and suspended another, as well as two other employees, as a result of the campaign. Bell Pottingers chief executive James Henderson resigned earlier this month. At the time he said he was deeply sorry that this happened.

Earlier this week, the PRCA said that it had imposed its most serious sanctions on Bell Pottinger. It stripped the firm of membership and the group will not be eligible to reapply for corporate membership for a minimum period of five years. It is also unable to appeal the decision.

In response to the decision, Bell Pottinger said it accepts that there are lessons to be learned but disputes the basis on which the ruling was made and said that it would refocus on delivering outstanding work for our clients and looking after our people.

It had no further comment on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, co-founder Timothy Bell, who left the firm last year, told BBCs Newsnight programme that he thought the agency is unlikely to survive.

Its probably nearing the end, Lord Bell said.
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Europes top judges dealt a rare blow to European Union antitrust regulators on Wednesday by sending their case against US chipmaker Intel back to court for an appeal.

In a move that may have ramifications for EU cases against Qualcomm and Google, the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) said a court which upheld a 1bn (914.47m) fine against Intel should re-examine the companys appeal.

The case is referred back to the General Court in order for it to examine the arguments put forward by Intel concerning the capacity of the rebates at issue to restrict competition, the ECJ said in a statement.

The Commission handed down the fine in 2009, a record at the time, saying Intel had tried to block rival Advanced Micro Devices by giving rebates to computer makers Dell, Hewlett-Packard, NEC and Lenovo for buying most of their chips from Intel.

Regulators have generally frowned upon rebates, especially those offered by dominant companies, on the theory they are anti-competitive in nature. Companies say regulators must prove rebates have anti-competitive effects before sanctioning them.

This is a setback for the Commission as it will be more closely scrutinised by the courts in the future. There is now a clear obligation to look at effects-based arguments, said Foad Hoseinian at law firm Freshfields.

Companies will be more confident when they go to the Commission and more corporations will have the appetite to take the Commission to court on effects-based arguments, he said.

The Commission said it would study the judgement carefully and that it was up to the General Court to review its decision.

Intel said: We have always believed that our actions were lawful and did not harm competition.

The decade-long case could drag on for several more years as Intel could appeal the General Courts judgement following the re-examination, if it goes against the company.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

The ruling raises the bar for regulators when it comes to proving wrongdoing, said Rein Wesseling, a partner at law firm Stibbe.

It forces the Commission to be as economic in its approach in other cases as it did in Intel. This is encouraging for Qualcomm and Google, he said.

Google, which was hit with a 2.42bn fine in June for favouring its own shopping service, is also under fire over its Android smartphone operating system and online search advertising. Google has denied any wrongdoing.

US chipmaker Qualcomm faces EU charges of using anti-competitive methods to squeeze out British phone software maker Icera and of making illegal payments to a major customer for exclusively using its chipsets since 2011.

Qualcomm has said complaints by rivals which triggered the EU case have no merit.

Reuters
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Stanley Fischer, the vice-chair of the US central bank, has resigned a year before his term was due to end, citing "personal reasons".

In a letter to President Trump Mr Fischer, 73, said he would step down from the Federal Reserve "around 13 October".

Mr Fischer was appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2014 and his term would normally have ended in June 2018.

The term of the current chair of the Fed, Janet Yellen, is due to end in February 2018. Mr Trump has said she could be re-appointed, though other candidates are also under consideration.

"The markets will jump to the conclusion that this lowers the odds of President Donald Trump nominating Yellen for a second term as Chair," said Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics.

"Yellen and Fischer are viewed as being close and appear to share very similar views on both the monetary policy outlook and regulatory issues."

Fischers resignation leaves four of the seven seats on the Fed Board vacant.

Trump has so far nominated Randal Quarles, a former Treasury official under George W Bush, to fill one of them.

Mr Fischer is a highly influential former economics professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He was Governor of the Bank of Israel between 2004 and 2013.

Gary Cohn, Mr Trump's top economic advisor, who is Jewish, is reported to have seriously considered resigning after the President defended neo-Nazi protestors last month.

Mr Fischer also recently criticised attempts by the Trump administration to dismantle some of the post-financial crisis regulation and stress testing of US banks as "very, very dangerous".

In his resignation letter Mr Fischer wrote: "Informed by the lessons of the recent financial crisis, we have built upon earlier steps to make the financial system stronger and more resilient and better able to provide the credit so vital to the prosperity of our country's households and businesses".

He also said it had been a "great privilege" to work alongside Ms Yellen.

Ms Yellen said: "I'm personally grateful for his friendship and his service. We will miss his wise counsel, good humor, and dry wit."

Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, also paid a glowing tribute to Mr Fischer.

"The combination of his encyclopaedic knowledge of economics, outstanding judgment, quiet leadership and his perennial good humour has helped policymakers around the world to navigate one of the most challenging periods in the global economy," Mr Carney said in a statement.
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The teacher recruitment crisis has deepened to worrying levels, latest figures have revealed, with schools facing an increasing struggle to fill vacancies.

As pupils across the country return to the classroom this week, as many as 300,000 will be left without a permanent teacher, analysts have warned.

Vacant teaching posts have risen by almost a quarter over the past two years, and are set to worsen as the school-age population rises.

Using data from a quarter of the UKs schools, analysts for education recruitment service Eteach said there will be 13,969 teacher vacancies at the start of the school year  almost 24 per cent, up from 11,275 in September 2015.

Union leaders said the Government was in denial of the problem, causing childrens education to suffer as a consequence.

Ministers have no clear plan to address these issues and the Governments analysis of current and future teacher supply needs is seriously flawed, said Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union.

It is not only teachers who are suffering as a result of the recruitment and retention crisis, children and young people are being denied their entitlement to qualified teachers.

More than 1,800 teachers were surveyed for the same company  two-thirds of whom said they were thinking of leaving their current job in the next three years, suggesting the problem is set to worsen even further.

Excessive workload (48 per cent) and low morale (38 per cent) were given as some of the reasons for planned resignations, with 80 per cent of teachers taking work home with them on weekends and during holidays.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 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news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA

However, more than half of those polled (56 per cent) said they would still recommend the profession to a friend.

Paul Howells, founder and chief executive of Eteach, said: In my 20 years of working with schools on teacher recruitment I have never seen so many unfilled vacancies.

Teaching is failing to attract enough graduates, and schools are struggling to hold on to their current teachers, creating a perfect storm of pressures.

As schools start the new academic year, thousands will be scrambling for last-minute supply staff and paying agencies a premium for emergency cover during a period of tightened budgets.

Earlier this month, the Government was accused of failing students after figures showed a 10 per cent drop in the number of graduates entering teacher training compared to last year.

 Teacher resorts to begging for school supplies

More than 600,000 pupils are said to be taught lessons by unqualified teachers, and half a million primary school children alone are being taught in super-sized classrooms, as schools desperately try to adapt to having low staff numbers.

Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Layla Moran said ministers urgently needed to address the shortage revealed in analysis of Ucas data by the party.

According to the figures, 780 fewer new teachers are expected to be recruited into teacher training this year  down to 7,165 from 7,945 in 2016.

Labour Party figures published last week show that teachers are more than 5,000 worse off in real terms than in 2010 due to public sector pay policy.

Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: Falling pay levels and heightening workload pressures have been causing problems in recruitment and retention for some time, while cuts in funding are making matters worse.

Combined with excessive workload and a system which reduces education to narrow measures of success, it is no surprise that head teachers cannot fill vacancies.

Obscuring the scale of the problem by delaying the DfE survey in November, when most schools have been forced to take steps to reorganise classes which lack teachers, does no favours for the Government, our schools and the communities of staff, pupils and families they serve.

This is no way to be running state education. Teaching can and should be a deeply rewarding profession. Unless these issues are addressed with far more urgency than is currently the case many more teachers will be lost to the profession and our childrens education will suffer as a result.

A Department for Education spokesman said: These figures do not reflect the fact that the teacher vacancy rate in 2016 remained low  at 0.3 per cent. The number of teachers entering our classrooms is outnumbering those who retire or leave, and there are now more teachers in our schools than ever before  15,500 more since 2010.

And as announced at the 2015 Spending Review, we are investing 1.3bn up to 2020 to attract new teachers into the profession.
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Police have launched a murder investigation after a 14-year-old boy shot in broad daylight in east London died from his injuries.

He died shortly after 10pm on Tuesday evening after he suffered gunshot wounds during an incident near Forest Gate station a day earlier.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to Moore Walk in the borough of Newham and found two injured teenage boys.

Recommended Two boys shot in broad daylight on east London street

They were both taken to an east London hospital where 14-year-old Corey Junior Davis died.

The second victim, a 17-year-old who survived, was said to have suffered "possible life changing injuries" and "remains in hospital in a stable condition".

No arrests have been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, leading the investigation from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: This is a very tragic incident, a teenage boy's life has been taken in an extreme act of violence leaving his family utterly devastated.

"We are pursuing all lines of enquiry to catch the person responsible for Corey's murder and are keen to hear from anyone who believes they might have information to come forward as it could prove vital to our investigation.

"Our thoughts are with Corey's family at this very difficult time.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters

Anyone with information or who witnessed the shooting can contact officers on the dedicated incident room number 020 8345 3775, on 101 or make contact via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.
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A young woman who was abused by a grooming gang in Newcastle has described how the trauma has left her suicidal and sleeping with a knife by her bed.

The victim was 17 when Habibur Rahim barricaded her inside a room using a wardrobe and raped her.

I have suffered severe depression and a split personality, she said in a statement read to Newcastle Crown Court.

I feel paranoid all the time and dont feel safe in my own flat. I have started losing my hair.

I wake up in the night fearing Sham [Rahim] is in the flat. I keep wanting to take my own life to get away from it all. I now sleep with a knife by my bed.

My boyfriend is scared to leave me alone in case I try to kill myself.

She is one of 13 girls and women aged between 15 and their early twenties whose cases were used in court, while other victims were too frightened or distressed to go through the judicial process.

 Newcastle convictions: 'The idea of the police paying a child rapist may appear morally repugnant'

Rahim, a 34-year-old father-of-two from Fenham in Newcastle, plied the girl with alcohol and drugs before attacking her.

Known as Sham, he was one of 18 convicted members of a gang that groomed vulnerable women and girls, using drugs to coerce or force them into sex and prostitute them to other men.

Rahim was jailed for 29 years for two counts of conspiracy to incite prostitution, relating to eight different victims, a number of trafficking for sexual exploitation offences and one count of rape.

Recommended Neighbours in shock over exposure of Newcastle grooming gangs

Judge Penny Moreland told the defendant he had been a high profile and active member of the gang and engaged in sustained and systematic abuse.

She said he had caused extreme harm to his victims by cultivating their dependence on alcohol and drugs, including cannabis and mephedrone.

Six members of the gang have so far been jailed and sentencing for the remaining abusers continues.

Rahim was joined in the dock by Abdul Sabe, 40, Badrul Hussain, 37 and Mohibur Rahman, 44.

Judge Moreland was forced to ask them to stop talking and stretching and yawning during Wednesdays hearing.

Toods Nook in Newcastle, where sex parties were held by a grooming gang in a top floor flat (Lizzie Dearden)

Sabe, of Dean House in Newcastle, was jailed for 12 years for conspiracy to incite prostitution, conspiracy to traffic for sexual exploitation, conspiracy to sexual assault, and supplying drugs to victims.

He was already on the sex offenders register, having previously exposed himself to women on the street.

Rahman, known to victims as Jimmy, was jailed for four-and-a-half years for conspiracy to incite prostitution and five drugs charges.

Hussain, of Drybeck Court in Newcastle, was jailed for four years for allowing drugs to be used at his premises and of supplying drugs at so-called sex parties where girls were abused.

The court heard Hussain called white women trash during a rant at a female ticket inspector, who had found him travelling on public transport without a ticket in 2014.

All white women are only good for one thing, he shouted. For men like me to f*** and use like trash. Thats all women like you are worth.

Judge Moreland repeated her statement from a previous sentencing that there was no evidence of race being a primary motive for the abuse of white British girls by predominantly Asian men.

She said the gang picked out their victims not because of their race, but because they were young, impressionable, naive and vulnerable, adding: This is extremely serious offending against vulnerable members of society and that is the basis on which I intend to sentence.

Canning Street in Newcastle, where grooming gang member Yassar Hussain lived (Lizzie Dearden)

Rahmans defence lawyer told the court he had made racist comments in pressured situations, including in a police interview, but was not driven by race.

Juries previously heard how the men would often threaten their victims with violence if they did not take part in sexual activity, while others were raped when they were incapacitated and unable to resist.

Some girls were picked up off the street, while others were introduced through associates and the men frequently groomed them by initially pretending to be friends or loving boyfriends.

One victim told how she was left feeling like a piece of meat by abusers, while another said the monsters got her addicted to drugs.

In a separate victim statement read out at Newcastle Crown Court, another said she still had flashbacks to what happened to her six years ago at sessions, where girls were given drugs and then persuaded or forced to have sex with different men.

Another woman said the gang members thought they are superior to women, and girls do not have the same rights as men.

One victim added: The way they tricked us into thinking they were our friends was disgusting.

The abuse dates back several years and was only revealed by an investigation codenamed Operation Shelter, that started in 2014 after two victims separately came forward to police.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

Northumbria Police defended the decision to pay a former child rapist almost 10,000 to spy on defendants movements to and from sex parties, where vulnerable girls and young women were given drugs and alcohol and abused.

A total of 17 men and one woman have been convicted of offences including rape, sexual abuse, supplying drugs and trafficking for sexual exploitation in a series of trials.

Local authorities rejected claims of political correctness influencing the probe  an accusation that was levelled at Rotherham Council by Theresa May during her time as Home Secretary.

Police said the culprits were mainly not white but came from a diverse range of backgrounds including Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Iranian, Iraqi, Kurdish, Turkish, Albanian and Eastern European.

Steve Ashman, the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, said a wider investigation throughout the North-east called Operation Sanctuary had identified 700 potential victims of sexual exploitation.

The scale of the abuse has been compared to similar cases in Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford, with the chief executive of Newcastle council warning that exploitation could be happening in every town and city across the country.

Whats different here in Newcastle is that we are going out and looking for it, Pat Ritchie told The Independent.

Helplines and counselling services set up during the operation have been kept open, and Newcastle City Council and Northumbria Police have vowed to continue work to support victims, prosecute abusers and prevent sexual exploitation.

Additional reporting by PA
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A woman has allegedly been kidnapped from outside a Tube station in London, disappearing for four days before being found partially clothed by a member of the public.

The Metropolitan Police said the victim, in her early 20s, was approached by two men in a silver car close to Ealing Broadway station between 10am and 11am on 18 August.

The driver was an Asian man, aged in his late 20s, a spokesperson added. In the passenger seat was a white male, described as being tanned, aged in his early 20s.

The passenger - who was known to the woman - got out of the car and pulled the woman into the back seat before getting in with her. All three then drove away.

The woman was missing until 22 August, when she was found around a mile away in West Ealing and helped by another woman.

Scotland Yard said she was in distressed state and required clothing as well as medical treatment.

Detectives are appealing for the member of the public who helped her to come forward to help the investigation.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

She was aged in her late teens to early 20s, had purple hair and spoke with an Irish accent.

A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with investigation and has been bailed until later this month as enquiries continue.


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A teenager was found dead in a pool of blood after swallowing five bags of ecstasy tablets, an inquest heard.

Rebecca Brock was discovered in her Ibiza hotel room in September 2015. The 18-year-old had been celebrating two friends' birthdays on the party island.

Spanish police launched an investigation into the law student's death after a toxicology report found double the lethal dose of Class A drug MDMA - the chemical name for ecstasy - in her blood stream.

Her mother Margarita Brock believes she may have been forced to swallow the pills.

"She tried cocaine with people she knew and people around her she knew," she told Nottingham Coroners Court. "She said to her sister afterwards that she didn't like it so she didn't have to worry. She was very clear about what she let into her body and what she didn't.

She added that material had been removed from her daughter's abdomen.

Ms Brock added: "The medical examiner there said there had been a bag exploded."

Toxicologist Dr Stephem Morley said "toxicity" was the most likely cause of death.

Becky Brock (SWNS)

Nottinghamshire coroner Mairin Casey said there were some important questions about her death that remain unanswered.

"How these bags were in her stomach we will never know," she said. "On this trip to Ibiza nobody actually saw Becky take drugs at the time - that is my understanding. What is plain is that nobody can give an explanation as to how this came into her system."

Recording a verdict of death by MDMA intoxication, coroner Casey said it was impossible to say how the drugs had been ingested.

"I find that no other substance was found in her body that could have contributed to her death," she said.

Becky Brock (SWNS)

"I find that she had not taken alcohol other than in a moderate amount. There was no evidence of a form of assault. I find it impossible to say how a pack or packs were ingested. How these bags were in her stomach we will never know.

She added: 'It is like that Becky became unwell and confused and most probably died a short time thereafter."
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European Union nationals have told The Independent they are angry and fearful after leaked Home Office documents indicated that Britain's post-Brexit immigration system would crack down on their right to reside in the UK.

Some have already decided to leave the country, while others claim it has left them on the verge of "losing everything".

This is despite the fact that many of them have studied, lived and worked in the UK for years.

Home Office documents leaked to The Guardian earlier this week set out a new system that would give the Government powers to refuse EU citizens entry to the UK and their right to work.

It could also demand a minimum income level for anyone wishing to stay.

The paper makes it clear that the guiding ambition will be to lower net migration, which Theresa May has pledged to reduce to below 100,000.

It also suggests there should be tough new restrictions on the rights of EU migrants to bring families to the UK, ditching existing rules that give European citizens rights to bring relatives in without Home Office permission.

Sixty-year-old Italian Elisa Roselli, who came to the UK nearly 20 years ago to study at the Cambridge University, said the news made her "tremble".

Having bought a house in Cambridge five years ago and with no close family members anywhere, she said the changes would leave her at risk of losing everything she has.

Its the sort of thing dry in the mouth and gives you trembling hands," she said. "I feel sick every time I see an article about it."

She added the it was "the same mentality" as US President Donald Trump's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) programme, which protects young undocumented migrants from deportation.

I try not to think about it. I try to calm down and be positive," Ms Roselli said. "I cheer myself up by saying that Trump is going to create a nuclear war anyway. I have now what Ive always wanted, but Im not on the verge of losing everything.

Ms Roselli, who has no settled status because she was able to live in the UK with her Italian passport, said she feels as though the Home Office are trying to push people to leave by "destabilising" them, but that in her case she has nowhere else to go.

She added: Its an attitude of lets find every possible pretext to destabilise them and make them feel like they have to leave'. Get as many people as possible to leave off their own accord and lose any hope of staying here.

Those who are mobile are able to just leave, but I cant really go anywhere. I have my house and I couldnt now sell it for anything like I bought it for. I have no family members anywhere. Yet theyre going after people like me who are settled here and for whom it is difficult to move.

I feel welcome in Cambridge, but institutionally this is hell. The Home Office is hell. And what has been particularly appalling to me is the fact that there is no real opposition. This is the heart of the Brexit sentiment and it is cross-party. Instead of galvanising opposition, it is galvanising support.

Alex Cadier, a 25-year-old French journalist living in London, said if implemented, the Government plans will mean that if he wants to marry an EU citizen without a British passport, he will be unable to settle with a family in Britain, even though he works here.

The way I see it, this is the Government moving the goal posts for rights that EU nationals like me have held," he said. "I've been here for eight years, worked here, paid plenty of tax here, have never broken any laws, have basically never used any public services."

He added that he had never claimed benefits and only seen a GP once.

"I feel British for all intents and purposes," he said. "Yet, the Government is going to go back out of my ability to have family members move here with me. Were I to marry an EU national, I would see my family split up. This is a total breach of the understood agreement when I moved here.

Laura Stahnke, 29, who moved to the UK in 2012 to complete a Masters degree in Migration and Development, described the plans as scary, and said she feared that a hostile environment currently targeting non-EU migrants would soon apply to Europeans.

We still dont know much about whats going to happen to us EU nationals who are already in the UK, she said. The present and past governments have established a hostile environment for non-EU migrants and, from the new plans leak, it seems like EU citizens will now fall into that category, so the hostile environment will be applied to us as well.

At present, the earning cap is 35,000 a year for non-EU people, which is much more than most of us earn, so its hard to know if well be able to access the labour marker. Its a very high bar- and all part of Theresa Mays plan to reduce net migration.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters

Belgian national Thomas De Moor, 26, has been in the UK for three-and-a-half years and is currently working for a tech company in London.

He said the news of the leak and other reports of proposed stricter rights for EU nationals made him decide to leave.

"I'm leaving the UK next year because of news like this," he said. "I'm likely not going to be affected that much by these immigration proposals, but it goes against my belief in an inclusive society. It's a strong and stable path downwards."

The3Million, a grassroots organisation lobbying for the rights of EU citizens, called the Home Office proposals "terrifying".

"The British Government is extending its hostile environment policy to 3 million EU citizens by subjecting them to the unfit-for-purpose UK immigration law, with the ability to further change the rules after Brexit."

They added that the proposals were "neither fair nor serious".
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A student who mocked Isis on Facebook is being investigated over claims his post put "minority students at risk and in a state of panic and fear."

Robbie Travers, a 21-year-old third-year law student, is being probed by the University of Edinburgh over claims he committed a "hate crime," even though no criminal investigation by the police has taken place.

The complaint came when he shared a comment after the US Air Force dropped a massive ordnance air blast (MOAB, or "mother of all bombs") on a network of Isis tunnels in Afghanistan in April.

 Liberated from Isis, women burn their burqas and men shave off their beards

Mr Travers wrote on Facebook: Excellent news that the US administration and Trump ordered an accurate strike on an Isis network of tunnels in Afghanistan.

"I'm glad we could bring these barbarians a step closer to collecting their 72 virgins".

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

A spokesman for the university confirmed complaints alleging misconduct against Mr Travers were being investigated, telling The Times: We are committed to providing an environment in which all members of the university community treat each other with dignity and respect and our code of student conduct sets out clear expectations of behaviour.

Update: This article previously referred to one of the complaints against Mr Travers as having been made by second year student Esme Allman. While Ms Allman did make a complaint it did not contain the comments that were attributed to her (that Mr Travers was "Islamaphobic" and had "put minority students at risk and in a state of panic and fear"); those remarks had, we understand, in fact been made by another student in a separate complaint. We apologise to Ms Allman for the confusion.
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Private landlords in the UK are refusing to rent homes to EU citizens in a bid to avoid new government regulations, a study has found.

According to a Residential Landlords Association (RLA) survey, almost one in five landlords say they are less likely to rent their properties to EU nationals because of the checks they must now complete on tenants who are not British citizens.

Under the Governments Right to Rent scheme, people renting out homes were made responsible for ensuring their tenants have a legal right to be in the UK.

Recommended Third of private rented homes fail basic health and safety standards

The scheme was introduced in the Immigration Act 2014, and came into effect last year. It was designed to crack down on illegal immigrants but research suggests it causes landlords to refuse to rent their properties to non-UK citizens because of the extra bureaucracy.

Landlords say having to check tenants immigration status places an excessive burden on them, and that they fear being heavily fined or imprisoned for up to five years if they fail to comply with the regulations.

As a result, EU citizens are seeing their access to rented homes significantly restricted. Seventeen per cent of landlords now say they are less likely to rent to EU nationals.

David Smith, policy director at the Residential Landlords Association, said: The Government is leaving landlords and EU nationals in a state of legal limbo over their housing.

Ministers need to urgently set out the steps that will be taken to enable landlords to easily identify which EU nationals will and wont have the right to rent.

Without this, and faced with the threat of prosecution for getting things wrong, landlords will only become even more cautious about renting to EU nationals.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

Diane Abbott, Labours Shadow Home Secretary, said: This disgraceful policy has created exactly the kind of environment that will drive EU nationals away. Moreover, to infringe on their rights in this manner is not only morally questionable, but whilst we remain in the EU may be legally questionable.

But what else could we expect from the Prime Minister who as Home Secretary gave us Go Home vans?

Earlier this year, a report by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants found close to half (42 per cent) of landlords said they were less likely to rent to a tenant who does not have a British passport.

In a mystery shopper exercise exposing widespread discrimination against people without a British passport, they found 58 per cent of landlords completely ignored a rental enquiry from an ethnic minority person who did not have proof they were a British citizen.

However, the Home Office said landlords must carry out immigration status checks on all new tenants, regardless of nationality, and that it is illegal to do so exclusively for renters they suspect are not British citizens.

A leaked Home Office document this week revealed ministers plans to clamp down on immigration from the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) after Brexit.

A Government spokesperson said: We do not comment on leaked draft documents.

We will be setting out our initial proposals for a new immigration system which takes back control of the UKs borders later in the autumn.
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The Government has announced a new drive to better help male victims of rape, domestic and sexual abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.

The push will see prosecutors given more information to improve their understanding of the experiences of male victims and the barriers to them reporting offences.

It comes after the most recent official data showed that where gender was recorded, 16 per cent of domestic abuse victims were men and there were also hundreds of male rape victims.

Solicitor General Robert Buckland said: It is a fact often overlooked that men and boys can also be victims of domestic abuse, rape, stalking, forced marriage and other crimes more regularly associated with violence against women and girls.

Regardless of a persons gender, these crimes have a significant and distressing impact on the victim.

Todays position statement confirms the CPSs commitment to applying all policies relating to this type of crime fairly and equitably to all victims, both men and women.

A paper issued by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that crimes covered by its existing Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (VAWG) were experienced disproportionately by women but also had a distressing impact on men.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, said the way society views masculinity can make it difficult for male victims to come forward (PA)

They include domestic abuse, rape, sexual offences, stalking, forced marriage, honour-based violence, prostitution, human trafficking and child abuse.

Evidence shows that boys are more likely to be abused by authority figures or people outside the family than girls, who are more likely to be targeted by relatives.

While most domestic abusers are men, men are also the victims of female attackers and same-sex partners, and the CPS said men are also the victims of forced marriage and honour-based violence.

Prosecutors warned that the ridiculing of mens masculinity can increase their fears of reporting abuse.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, Alison Saunders, said: The way society views masculinity can make it very difficult for men and boys who are the victims of sexual and domestic offences to come forward.

This public statement formalises the CPS commitment to male victims and recognises that stereotypes of masculinity and femininity can, and do, feed sexist and homophobic assumptions.

These can deter male victims from reporting abuse and pursuing a prosecution.

Revisions to the VAWG strategy will give prosecutors more information to help them understand male victims experiences, challenge myths and stereotypes and help them report offences.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

The CPS has also made commitments to working with voluntary groups and campaigners to fight misconceptions and make men and boys more comfortable coming forward to authorities.

There are proposals to involve more national mens groups in the scrutiny of CPS policies.

Data published by the CPS showed that in 2015/16 there were 71,706 female victims and 14,406 who were male, while in 18,081 cases the gender was not recorded.

Where the gender was recorded, the proportion of female victims was 83.3 per cent and male victims were 16.7 per cent.

For rape there were 4,312 recorded female victims and 608 male ones, while the gender was not recorded for 1,734 victims.

For human trafficking there were 106 recorded female victims, 69 male and 43 where the gender was not recorded.

A spokesperson for the ManKind Initiative, which operates a confidential helpline for domestic abuse victims, hailed a landmark moment for male victims.

We are very pleased with the CPS for sending a clear and inclusive message to both the criminal justice system, and to society as a whole, about the need to ensure male victims are recognised, he added.

I am certain this statement will encourage more men to come forward with the full confidence of the positive support and acknowledgement they will receive when they do so.

A charity supporting male survivors of rape and sexual abuse, Survivors Manchester, also welcomed the ground-breaking public statement to ensure that the voices of male victims and survivors are heard and said it would work with the CPS to improve understanding across all agencies.

The CPS said its VAWG policy had always been applied to male victims and the public statement was clarifying its position.

Katie Ghose, the chief executive of Womens Aid, said it would continue helping to improve data showing the gender of victims and perpetrators, their relationship and other information.

We are pleased that they recognise that womens inequality is both a root cause and consequence of violence against women, and that domestic abuse is far from gender-neutral, she added.

The vast majority of domestic abuse is experienced by women and perpetrated men, with women making up 89 per cent of victims of four or more incidents of abuse.
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A man has been jailed for the abuse of two children including waterboarding a six-year-old girl, hitting her with a wooden spoon and forcing her to stand naked in a window.

Garth Gatland, 39, will spend 12 years behind bars for also forcing the girl to run up to four and a half hours on a treadmill "to make sure she slept at night".

He was convicted of two counts of child cruelty at an earlier trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

A 32-year-old woman at the same address was acquitted in May on both counts.

The court heard that Gatland tipped the girl out of bed while she was sleeping on regular occasions and made her stand in stress positions.

The girl was found to have cocaine in her hair, and there were bruises and burns on her back, legs, feet and neck.

A 15-year-old boy was also abused by Gatland. He was regularly assaulted and forced to dispose of and hide drugs.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

The abuse allegedly occurred between 2014 and 2016 until an acquaintance of Gatland reported him to the police last October.

Detective Con Chris Down said: "Gatland subjected his victims to a catalogue of sadistic abuse. I hope this sentence will allow the victims to move on with their lives.

"I would encourage anyone who suspects offences have been, or are being committed against children to report their concerns to police, childrens social services or the NSPCC.

"No matter who we are, we all have a responsibility to report child abuse."
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The Government is being urged to launch an inquiry into far-right extremism in the armed forces after four soldiers were arrested for being alleged members of a banned neo-Nazi group.

The men were detained on suspicion of terror offences in Brecon, Ipswich, and at a military base in Cyprus, alongside a civilian who is also suspected of being a National Action member.

The Independent understands the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is treating the first arrests of their kind as an isolated case and has no plans to launch a wider investigation into extremism.

The Liberal Democrats Shadow Home Secretary, Ed Davey, praised the swift action against arrested soldiers.

But questions remain over whether the armed forces are consistently monitoring for extremist activity in their ranks, he told The Independent.

The Liberal Democrats have challenged the government to make clear what oversight is in place to track any extremism  it is not enough to simply assume this is a contained example.

The Green Party warned that cases abroad showed that serving members of the armed forces are vulnerable to recruitment from far-right groups.

Co-leader Jonathan Bartley said: The Governments failure to launch an inquiry into extremism within the armed forces suggests it is afraid of what it will find.

One tweet from a National Action branch called for a repeat Jo Cox murder (National Action)

"We must protect serving and retired personnel by providing training to spot the signs of radicalisation, and upping the support and mental healthcare provision available.

In the UK we have already seen far-right groups target members of the armed forces on social media, and the Government cannot bury its head in the sand and hope it will go away."

Mr Bartley cited a recent case in Germany, where a soldier known as Franco A was found posing as a Syrian refugee to launch a false flag terror attack to be blamed on asylum seekers.

Recommended German soldier posing as a refugee arrested for planning attack

He was also a neo-Nazi, with investigators discovering an assault rifle case carved with a swastika and Third Reich pamphlet in his barracks room, where the letters HH [Heil Hitler] were inscribed on the wall.

As criminal proceedings continue, both Angela Merkels government and the military have launched investigations into a suspected network of extremists and radicalisation in the Bundeswehr.

The German defence minister, Ursula von der Leyen, came under fire for her handling of the case after attacking weak leadership following the discovery of 275 suspected right-wing extremists within Germanys military.

The Government should follow Germanys example by investigating what is happening in its own military, and taking extra measures to stop extremism taking hold, Mr Bartley added.

National Action shared a photo of supporters performing Hitler salutes at a Nazi concentration camp

Irene Mihalic, a member of the German parliament who has campaigned on the case and sat on inquiries into neo-Nazi terrorism, urged the UK to learn lessons from its ally.

It is extremely important that ... both government and investigators not only consider the individual perpetrators, but also consider the potential of a network of perpetrators right from the outset, Die Grunen's home affairs spokespersontold The Independent.

Otherwise there is a real risk that the possibility of a right-wing terrorist network will be lost in the course of the investigation, as was the case in Germany for many years in the investigations of the 10 supposed murders by the National Socialist Underground.

It is unthinkable that such right-wing extremist plots are prevented only through fortunate coincidence, as seems to have been the case with Franco A.

David Hanson, a former crime and policing minister under the Labour government, also called for far-right groups had to be dealt with alongside the threat from Islamist extremists.

The MP told the BBC he had persistently raised the alarm since a neo-Nazi attack in Mold in 2015, where a man attempted to behead a Tesco shopper in revenge for the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby.

"[There is] a need to focus not just on Islamic extremism, which is absolutely important to do so, but also to look and make sure we are examining right wing, far right extremism, because the last thing we want in this country is to have a polarised position where we have both Islamic terrorism and right-wing extremist terrorism," Mr Hanson said.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA

Sir Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, said was concerned by Tuesdays arrests when asked whether enough was being done to stop radicalisation the armed forces.

I cant comment on individual cases but I think youve seen from what happened yesterday that very swift action is taken, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

This is a proscribed organisation with abominable views  a white supremacist, antisemitic, homophobic organisation that is banned.

Not only is it illegal, but its values are absolutely nothing to do with the ethos and values of the armed forces.

Im as concerned as you are and you can see that action is being taken.

All recruits to the armed forces undergo a strict vetting procedure, which includes checks on their criminal history, political views and affiliations and can take up to nine months.

Evidence of radical views, discrimination and racism can be reported confidentially and investigated and disciplined by military authorities.

The armed forces have robust measures in place to ensure those exhibiting extremist views are neither tolerated nor permitted to serve, a spokesperson for the MoD said.

One of the men is being flown to the UK from the RAF's Akrotiri base in Cyprus, which is used to launch air strikes against Isis in Iraq and Syria (AFP/Getty)

Four men, including a civilian, were arrested in the UK, while a fifth suspect, who is understood to be in the Royal Anglian Regiment, was detained by the Royal Military Police at Britains Dhekelia base in Cyprus.

A 22-year-old from Birmingham, a 32-year-old from Powys, a 24-year-old from Ipswich and a 24-year-old from Northampton were detained by West Midlands Police as part of a pre-planned and intelligence-led operation, but the force said there was no threat to the public's safety.

A spokesperson said they suspects were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000; namely on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation (National Action) contrary to sec 11 of the Terrorism Act.

One of the men is believed to have been serving in Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), while at least one other is in the Royal Anglian Regiment.

All four are being held at a police station in the West Midlands and a number of properties are being searched, while the fifth man will be flown back to the UK from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

National Action became the first extreme right-wing group to be banned in the UK in December.

Being a member or inviting support for the group is a criminal offence carrying a sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment but investigations have shown its members are still meeting in secret.

The Governments list of proscribed terror groups describes National Action as a racist neo-Nazi group that was established in 2013 and had several branches in the UK that launched provocative protests and activity aimed at intimidating local communities.

 National Action spokesman says he's a Nazi whose role model is Hitler

Its activities and propaganda materials are particularly aimed at recruiting young people, the document says.

The group is virulently racist, antisemitic and homophobic. Its ideology promotes the idea that Britain will inevitably see a violent race war, which the group claims it will be an active part of.

The group rejects democracy, is hostile to the British state and seeks to divide society by implicitly endorsing violence against ethnic minorities and perceived race traitors.

National Action, which describes itself as a National Socialist youth organisation, was known for using the phrases Hitler was right and Britain is ours, the rest must go at marches and online.

Its online propaganda included images showing members performing Hitler salutes inside a German concentration camp, praise for the man who murdered Jo Cox and posts glorifying terrorism.

National Actions slogan death to traitors, freedom for Britain, was the only statement given by Thomas Mair in court.

The trial of a 17-year-old boy found guilty of making a pipe bomb discovered in his Nazi memorabilia-filled bedroom also heard of his links to National Action.

Police said 22 suspected members or associates of the group were arrested in 2016, amid concern over a spike in the number of far-right radicals reported to the Governments counter-extremism programme.
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Patients are having to pull out their own teeth because NHS dental practices are refusing to register new patients, according to a new analysis.

A study by the BBC of 2,500 dental practices on the NHS Choices website found that nearly half (48 per cent) are not accepting new adult NHS patients, while two-fifths (40 per cent) were not accepting new child patients on the NHS,

The figures have prompted concerns of an emerging crisis in dental care in England, with the British Dental Association (BDA) accusing the Government of commissioning only enough dentistry to treat about half the adult population.

NHS England said 95 per cent of people seeking an appointment could get one, indicating that one in 20 people are unable to have their dental health needs met.

One couple, Rebecca Brearey and Nick Oldroyd, from West Yorkshire, told the BBC no local NHS dentists would treat them.

We've been trying for four years but no dentist will take us on. Every time I go, I get told there's a two-year waiting list for NHS patients, said Ms Brearey.

It's got so bad that after taking a combination of paracetamol and alcohol I ripped my half-rotten teeth out. The state of my teeth has made me depressed and I've literally begged to be taken on by an NHS dentist, but every time I've been turned away."

Mr Oldroyd meanwhile said: "I was sat there for days in agony with a tooth which was doing my head in and stopping me from sleeping.

Recommended Dentist reveals what happens in your mouth whenever you skip a checkup

I was drinking to just try and just numb the pain so one night I just pulled it out. The tops of my teeth are gone. I'm on benefits and trying to get a job, and when someone sees my teeth they just think I'm another waster.

I do believe if I could get some dental care I might be able to begin turning my life around.

The BDA said 21 million adults and five million children have not seen an NHS dentist in the recent past.

Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, chair of general dental practice at the BDA, told the BBC: There is an emerging crisis with more and more dentists not accepting NHS patients.

The Government has only commissioned enough dentistry to treat about half the adult population and this is an absolute disgrace."

Patients in England are entitled to free dental care if they are under 18, under 19 and in full-time education, pregnant or have given birth in the past 12 months.

Those receiving certain types of benefits are also exempt.

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Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests  but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty

More than 3bn a year is spent each year on providing NHS dental care, according to Public Health England, representing about three per cent of the total NHS budget in England.

An NHS England spokesperson said: The latest NHS patient survey found that 95% of people seeking a dental appointment were able to get one, and the overall number of dentists offering NHS care is 3,800 higher than a decade ago.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: Improving oral health is a key priority for this government, and in the last two years more than 22.2 million adults were seen by a dentist.

"We expect NHS England to ensure there are sufficient dental services to meet the needs of the local population."
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Refugee doctors are set to be retrained to work in the NHS in Lincolnshire as part of a new initiative to help relieve an acute staffing crisis.

The Lincolnshire Refugee Doctor Project said they had created placements at hospitals that would help refugee medics get the clinical experience they needed to work in the UK.

Doctors, from countries including war-torn Afghanistan and Syria, would also receive language support and mentoring as part of the scheme, it said.

Organisers hope to retrain 10 doctors in the first phase of the project.

Middlesbrough and London have piloted similar initiatives before, but the programme is yet to be rolled out nationwide.

Organisers are still struggling to secure funding, despite the relatively low cost of retraining existing doctors compared to teaching British doctors from scratch.

It's about one tenth of the cost of training a medical student, so there's a powerful financial argument," Andrew Mowat, chairman of the project, told The Independent. "It's a win-win situation, both for the NHS and for the refugee doctors.

It takes half the time  between three and five years  and they then plug into NHS training at a foundation level."

NHS doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) in order to work in the UK and must pass rigorous language and clinical testing.

Mr Mowat said the project was prepared to help secure support for the refugees to help them transition, including finding their accommodation.

Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests  but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty

It emerged in July that staff vacancies in the NHS had risen by more than 10 per cent in a year, with tens of thousands of posts left unfilled.

United Lincolnshire Hospital Trust was placed in special measures this week, after the body accumulated a deficit of 30.7m.

The reason this [project] is important to Lincolnshire is that we have a massive workforce crisis," Mr Mowat said. "We're short of 70 GPs and 90 hospital doctors.

Our hospital trust is in financial difficulty because it is having to pay out a huge amount in agency fees to fill these vacancies."

There were around 600 refugee doctors known to the British Medical Association who were not currently working in the NHS, Mr Mowat said.
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Police have apologised after telling the wrong family about a mans sudden death.

Officers in Aberdeen had limited information to identify the man, which led them to a house in Peterhead where they believed his sister lived.

But it was quickly realised that the wrong next of kin had been identified, and the police later informed the bereaved family.

Chief Inspector Neil McDonald said: During the afternoon of Sunday 3 September, Police Scotland attended the sudden, non-suspicious death of a man in Aberdeen.

Unfortunately there was only limited information available as to the identity of the deceased and police commenced enquiry to establish details of his next of kin.

As part of that enquiry, officers attended at an address in Aberdeenshire where they believed deceased's immediate family resided.

Unfortunately, it was established that this was not the correct next of kin.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

Ch Insp McDonald said the mistake was quickly identified.

He added: I have reviewed the circumstances with it appearing to be attributable to human error.

Whilst I am content that our officers were attempting to identity the next of kin in difficult circumstances, this should not have happened and a supervisor has met with the affected family and apologised to them.


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Senior council figures on Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) will not face charges despite substantial organisational failings that left 1,400 children at risk of sexual abuse.

A series of reports have concluded that no council managers who served between 1997 to 2013 should face action despite missed opportunities and errors of judgment.

A 114-page report by the Gowling law firm, looked at the performance of several senior council figures and although it found widespread evidence of poor practice, it recommended that only two social workers should be investigated further.

The report's author, Mark Greenburgh, said the investigations were hampered by missing documents. He added that by 27 people, including former senior officers, refused to participate with his inquiries, but he nonetheless concluded that it was more cock-up than conspiracy at the local authority.

Sarah Champion, the MP for Rotherham, described the findings as a complete wasted opportunity to allow the town to move forward.

I had hoped that todays publication of the reports into Rotherham metropolitan borough council (RMBC) preventing child sexual exploitation would draw a line under the catalogue of errors that led to our children being let down so badly by those supposed to protect them, she told The Guardian.

However, despite these huge failures, leading to at least 1,400 victims being let down, it appears that no individual at RMBC has yet been held to account for their role."

She added How are the survivors meant to rebuild their lives without the closure these reports could have brought? How is Rotherham meant to have confidence that this will never happen again unless we know exactly what went wrong? This feels like a completely wasted opportunity to allow the town to move forward.

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. 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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. 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The report was commissioned to investigate thecouncil after Professor Alexis Jays report in 2014 highlighted the case of 15 victims of child sexual abuse.

It estimated 1,400 children were abused over a 16-year period predominantly by groups of men of Pakistani heritage.

The latest report has noted that political correctness was a stumbling factor in dealing with the issue as some council workers had concerns about the portrayal of the race/ethnicity of the perpetrators of the child abuse.
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A high school has ordered all year seven pupils to wear trousers as part of a new gender-neutral dress code.

Priory School in East Sussex, a mixed co-ed, has banned skirts for girls, mandating a new uniform of grey trousers and shirt, jumper and tie in winter and the option of polo shirts and PE shorts or PE skorts in hotter months.

The rule currently only applies to girls and boys between 11 and 12 years old, but pupils in older years are also welcome to adopt the rule.

Recommended Schoolboys who wore skirts to school win battle for shorts

The school's website states: From September 2017, all new Priory students will be required to wear our updated uniform.

This uniform has been designed specifically in response to the many issues and suggestions raised by parents, students and school staff.

Specifically, it addresses the current issues of inequality and decency. We hope that it will provide a smart, comfortable and affordable alternative to the current uniform.

 HSBC offers transgender customers choice of 10 gender neutral titles

Headteacher Tony Smith said that he had received complaints about short skirts.

Pupils have been saying why do boys have to wear ties and girls dont, and girls have different uniform to boys.

New gender-neutral uniform (Priory School ) (Priory School)

So we decided to have the same uniform for everybody from year seven.

Barbies for girls, cars for boys? Let toys be toys and get them gender neutral presents this Christmas Show all 2 1 /2 Barbies for girls, cars for boys? Let toys be toys and get them gender neutral presents this Christmas Barbies for girls, cars for boys? Let toys be toys and get them gender neutral presents this Christmas 158393573.jpg Getty Images Barbies for girls, cars for boys? Let toys be toys and get them gender neutral presents this Christmas m&S.jpg

Another issue was that we have a small but increasing number of transgender students and therefore having the same uniform is important for them.

There are at least five transgender students at the school, Mr Smith said, as well as a number of other students who are transitioning, but he said the transgender students were only a small aspect of the decision.

Not everyone has been supportive of the change, and some former pupils have called the move PC mad.

One mother critical of the changes told the Brighton Argus newspaper: My daughter said she has got a gender and it's female so being gender neutral when she has got a gender is a big deal for her, as she is proud to be a girl.

A pupil, 11-year-old pupil Tilly, wrote to Mr Smith and said: Girls have different bodies to boys and we should have the right to wear skirts. I think girls should have a choice.

But Susie Green, the CEO of Mermaids UK, a charity which supports transgender students and their parents, said a gender-neutral uniform promoted a "clear message of acceptance and inclusivity".

Agencies contributed to this report.
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A transgender rapist serving time in women's prison was not placed into segregation for making inappropriate sexual advances to her fellow female inmates, The Independent understands.

Jessica Winfield, 50, formerly Martin Ponting, was jailed in 1995 for an attack on two girls.

She underwent gender reassignment surgery while in prison and in March this year was reportedly moved to HMP Bronzefield in Ashford - the biggest womens prison in Europe.

Reports this week suggested Winfield had been segregated from the main prison population for making inappropriate sexual advances on other female prisoners.

Prison bosses were worried she would try it on with inmates and their fears have come true, an insider alleged to The Sun

However, a source close to the situation told The Independent understands that Winfield had been segregated, but not for inappropriate advances.

Prior to her gender reassignment surgery, Winfield lived in a male prison as a transsexual woman.

Ten years ago she complained of being victimised by staff and inmates.

She told the Inside Time newspaper that she was being given a hard time because of my sexuality, possibly through lack of understanding and empathy.

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Dr Jane Hamlin, president of national transgender support group The Beaumont Society, told The Independent the allegations regarding Winfields behaviour can have a negative effect on transgender women in other prisons.

Sensationalising the story isnt helpful to anybody. I get letters from trans women in prison who are very upset due to verbal abuse and this story doesnt help them, she said.

The fact that Winfield is trans is irrelevant, if shes offended in prison she should be treated as any other inmate would be treated in the same circumstances, whether they are a man, woman or trans.

A spokesperson for Sodexo, which runs HMP Bronzefield, said it does not comment on individual prisoners.
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More than a third of UK businesses are flouting their responsibilities to combat modern slavery, new data shows, amid mounting concerns that there are far more slavery victims in Britain than previously thought.

A new survey by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) shows that 34 per cent of organisations are failing to outline the actions they are taking to combat slavery in their supply chains, while almost four in 10 (37 per cent) of supply chain managers admit to not having read the government guidance on modern slavery.

The failings amount to a breach in the companies requirements under the Modern Slavery Act, and have prompted calls for stricter policies and harsher punishments for organisations that dont comply.

In a sign that modern slavery is rampant in UK supply chains, the survey of 1,288 supply chain professionals showed that one in 10 UK businesses found evidence of modern slavery in their supply chains  marking a rise of six percentage points since the Act came into force in 2015.

The findings also revealed that only 45 per cent of organisations have provided any training to their staff to help them spot modern slavery, while just 42 per cent have mapped their supply chains to better understand their risks.

As a result, only 6 per cent of supply chain managers under the Acts remit are absolutely certain there is no slavery in their supply chain.

The Modern Slavery Act requires all businesses that operate within the UK and with a turnover of more than 36m to produce a yearly statement outlining the actions they have taken to combat slavery in their supply chains. Currently, there are no punitive consequences for non-compliance.

It comes after a major report revealed there were far more modern slavery victims in the UK than previously thought, with figures from the National Crime Agency (NCA) showing that there are 300 live modern slavery police operations currently in progress.

Cath Hill, CIPS director, described the figures as shocking and said the Government should adopt stricter polices and harsher punishments for businesses that are not compliant with the requirements of the Act.

The results of our survey are shocking. Legislation that was designed to be world leading has fallen at the first hurdle: compliance. While awareness of modern slavery is becoming more widespread, we need to ensure that outrage turns into action, she said.

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We can only ensure that people are protected from this appalling crime if there is a consequence for not doing so. At the moment, the Modern Slavery Act has great intent and some of its ambitions are being met.

However, those working in the procurement and supply chain profession have told us that without stricter policies and harsher punishments for those who are not compliant with the Act, little will change.

The Modern Slavery Act has set us on the right path but there is still a long way to go before we can say that we are actively eliminating modern slavery from supply chains.

The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
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Brexit could deliver an economic blow to Britain from which the country may not recover, the Scottish Conservative leader has said.

Ruth Davidson, a staunch Remain supporter, acknowledged that no party had a mandate to prevent Britain leaving the EU but said ministers had failed to prepare the public for the realities of the negotiation period.

In an interview with the New Statesman, she also pushed for access to the single market after Brexit to protect trade both north and south of the border.

Ms Davidson said: I think one of the things the UK government didnt do that they should have done was pitch-roll this: remind the British public that when it comes to European negotiations  and weve had several decades of them  we are told no until five past midnight and then suddenly a deal gets done in the wee small hours of the morning.

I dont think the country was prepared for this period that were currently in.

People in a room talking and then walking out and up to a bank of microphones and saying entirely different things while standing next to each other is part of what negotiation is.

I think the UK government has not just an obligation but a duty to negotiate as hard as they can on behalf of the country.

Asked about the impact of Brexit, Ms Davidson said: "My real fear is that if there's a short-term economic hit, we don't bounce back from it."

Describing herself as a centrist, the Scottish Conservative leader said she was most interested in pursuing free trade once Britain leaves the EU.

She said: Im for free trade and want to make sure that people from Scotland and the UK have access to  and the greatest ability to operate within  the single market, which I believe are the exact words the Prime Minister used in her Lancaster House speech back in January.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

The mechanism for how we get to that Im less aerated about, as long as thats where we get to.

Despite her concerns about the handling of Brexit, Ms Davidson praised her Tory colleague Theresa May, saying the Prime Minister was not a game player and she was prepared to put in a shift.

She said: Shes absolutely straight down the line... Shes not a game player.

And the kind of cliches that you hear about her, about her believing in service and public duty, are absolutely true.

Everything that she said about being there for the long haul, as long as the party and the country want her  she will get up and she will put in a shift.
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MPs will push to give voters a say on the final Brexit deal through a backbench bill that would let Britain remain in the EU in the event of a bad deal.

Labour MP Geraint Davies has tabled a bill calling for a referendum on the EU exit package before it is signed, which would allow the public to reject the Governments proposals and stay in the bloc.

The private members' bill, which has cross-party support, was presented in the Commons as Labour MPs vowed to vote against the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, which incorporates European law into British law, when it receives its second reading in Parliament on Thursday.

Mr Davies said he wanted to offer an alternative to the Government's "disastrous exit negotiations", which appear to have stalled following the latest round of talks in Brussels.

The Swansea West MP said: My Bill aims to make sure that people get what they voted for. The negotiated exit package should reasonably represent what the British public voted for in 2016.

However this is threatened by the Governments repeated failure to make any progress in exit negotiations, which puts our national future at risk of a bad deal.

Therefore the British people have the right to a final say on the exit package, or to stay in the EU if a deal fails to meet what people want and reasonably expect."

Speaking ahead of the second reading of the EU Withdrawal Bill, he said: There is growing momentum from across the political spectrum to challenge Mays vision of a hard Brexit, and the cross-party support for my Bill illustrates that.

The British people deserve a final say on the Governments disastrous exit negotiations, and we will continue to fight for that in Parliament.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

Private members' bills allow MPs who are not Government ministers to bring forward legislation, although the bill is unlikely to make progress without Government support.
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The UKs Brexit negotiators still want Britain to have access to funding from the EUs investment bank after the country leaves the bloc, it has been revealed.

Brexit Secretary David Davis says Britains objective in negotiations will be to maintain an ongoing relationship with the European Investment Bank despite Brexit.

The Bank, which is the biggest multilateral borrower and lender in the world, has funded 31.3 billion of for infrastructure spending, entrepreneurship and development in the UK over the last five years.

The EIB describes itself as representing the interests of the European Union member states and makes no profit on its activites, which are aimed at enacting EU policies like European integration and cohesion.

Britain was the fifth largest recipient of EIB loans in 2016, with most funding going to upgrading infrastructure like water, transport projects, or energy.

The banks funding is the latest benefit of EU membership the UK is seeking to retain despite planning to leave. Last month Britain published a series of position papers that included a plan for the UK to stay involved in shaping some kinds of EU regulations despite leaving the EU.

The announcement by the Brexit Secretary comes week after EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the consequences of leaving the EU did not appear to have been considered in sufficient depth in the UK and that he saw a certain nostalgia in British negotiating positions for the blocs benefits.

EU exit talks have been difficult so far (Reuters)

Labour MP Seema Malhotra, who sits on the House of Commons Brexit Committee, had asked Mr Davis on Tuesday whether the UK would stay a member of the bank.

What specific discussions has the Secretary of State had on the EIB, is he committed to doing all he can to seek for the UK to remain a member of the EIB after we leave, or does the government plan for us to leave and can he guarantee that withdrawing will not have a negative impact on investment in the UK and on our economy? she asked.

Mr Davis replied that the UK was looking to maintain that ongoing relationship with the bank.

What she failed to say as well is that the British economy has been more successful than more others in obtaining investment from that source, he said.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

So far the discussions have only talked about departure arrangements  When we get to the point of talking about the ongoing relationship I think that we will be looking to maintain that ongoing relationship.

The largest chunk of the EIB's loans to the UK, around 30 per cent, go to energy projects; the second largest chunk are on sewage and waste disposal. Other areas that benefit significantly include transport and telecoms, education, and health. As an EU member state the UK is currently a shareholder in the bank.

The EIB does currently lend outside the EU, but generally does so in line with the EU's foreign policy objectives: mostly pouring cash into pre-accession countries that could one day join the EU, or providing support for the EU's poorer southern and eastern neighbours.
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The European Parliament seats currently occupied by British MEPs could be given to pan-EU representatives elected by all of the EUs citizens, under a new post-Brexit plan.

French president Emmanuel Macron and the Italian government have both backed the blueprint, which would see Britains 73 seats re-purposed in aide of European integration, in an ironic twist.

One aim of the plan, which would have to be agreed by the European Parliament itself and member states, would be the cultivation of pan-EU political parties that stood across member state boundaries.

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The UK currently elects just under 10 per cent of the Parliaments MEPs and these will be up for grabs once Britain leaves the EU in March 2019. Other alternative uses for the seats are removing them to reduce the size of the 750-member chamber, or re-allocating them to increase the size of other countries delegations.

Though parts of the EUs institutions are democratic  including the election of MEPs and the election of national governments that form the European Council  there are currently no EU-wide popular elections where all of the blocs 500 million citizens can vote for the same candidates.

As it stands, MEPs are all sent to Brussels and Strasbourg as part of a delegation from a specific EU member state; each state is responsible for how they elect those MEPs.

Though MEPs usually sit as part of pan-EU political parties and groups in the Parliament, they are ultimately members their home states political party, which is usually itself a member of the Europe-wide group.

French officials told MEPs last week that the proposal would increase the visibility of trans-European parties in public opinion and stimulate the campaign, the Financial Times reported.

The officials added: At a time when the UK is leaving the union, such a reform will also send a message of unity and confidence in the European project.

What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Show all 5 1 /5 What's the European Parliament ever done for us? What's the European Parliament ever done for us? A cap on the amount of hours an employer can make you work The Working Time directive provides legal standards to ensure the health and safety of employees in Europe. Among the many rules are a working week of a maximum 48 hours, including overtime, a daily rest period of 11 hours in every 24, a break if a person works for six hours or more, and one day off in every seven. It also includes provisions for paid annual leave of at least four weeks every year Getty Images What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping the people of Britain to avoid smoking In 2014 MEPs passed the Tobacco Products Directive strengthening existing rules on the manufacture, production and presentation of tobacco products. This includes things like reduced branding, restrictions on products containing flavoured tobacco, health warnings on cigarette packets and provisions for e-cigarettes to ensure they are safe What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping you to make the right choices with your food Thanks to the European Parliament, UK consumers have access to more information than ever about their food and drink. This includes amount of fat, and how much of it is saturated, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and so on. It also includes portion sizes and guideline daily amount information so people can make informed choices about their diet. All facts must be clear and easy to understand What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Two year guarantees and 14-day returns policy for all products Consumers across the EU have access to a number of rights, from things which are potentially very useful, to things which used to be annoying. For example, shoppers in the UK receive a two-year guarantee on all products, and a 14-day period to change their minds and return a purchase, these things are useful www.PeopleImages.com-licence restrictions apply What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Keeping your air nice and fresh (and safe) Believe it or not, although the situation is improving, some areas of the UK have appalling air quality. A report by the Royal College of Physicians released on 23 February says 40,000 deaths are caused by outdoor air pollution in the UK every year. Air pollution is linked to a number of illnesses and conditions, from Asthma to diabetes and dementia. The report estimates the costs to British business and the health service add up to 20 billion every year

Italys EU minister Sandro Gozi told the FT: If we want to build European democracy, we have to stimulate whats lacking: transnational politics in Europe and real European political parties.

A European Parliament spokesperson told The Independent that the current distribution seats in the body was always planned to be temporary.

New official proposals to change how MEPs are allocated in the parliament will be drawn up in a report commissioned by the EP Constitutional Affairs Committee. That report is expected to be made public later this month.
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Britain will push to stay part of a number of EU science initiatives after Brexit in a bid to retain its place as a global centre of innovation, Brexit Secretary David Davis has said.

In the latest in a string of Brexit position papers, ministers will outline proposals to remain in EU space programmes such as Copernicus and Galileo to protect the UKs 11.8 billion space sector as well as research bodies that are not part of the bloc such as CERN, one of the world's largest nuclear research facilities.

It will also state Britains intention to participate in the EUs flagship 80 billion research fund, Horizon 2020, and explore options for collaborating with bodies such as the European Medicines Agency.

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The paper, which will be published on Wednesday, is not expected to contain estimates for how much Britain will pay to stay in but reports suggest the figure could exceed 1 billion a year.

Speaking ahead of the publication, Mr Davis said: As the Prime Minister set out in her Lancaster House speech, a global Britain must be a country that looks to the future. That means being one of the best places in the word for science and innovation.

This paper sends a clear message to the research and innovation community that we value their work and we feel it is crucial that we maintain collaboration with our European partners after we exit.

We want to attract the brightest minds to the UK to build on the already great work being done across the country to ensure that our future is bright and we grow this important sector.

The paper proposes agreeing a system to recognise professional qualifications to allow scientists and researchers continue to work in the UK.

The Government has been urged to provide greater clarity on its plans amid concern that uncertainty over Brexit could undermine the UK's science and technology industry.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

James McGrory, Executive Director of the Open Britain campaign, said: The Government is going to need to do more than cross its fingers and hope if it wants to reassure British scientists and researchers who are worried sick about the possible consequences of Brexit.

Cooperation with our European partners is vital to Britains science and tech sectors, and any reduction in that cooperation will damage our universities and put British jobs at risk.

And ministers need to explain how their desire to continue close cooperation with the EU on science can possibly be squared with their red line on ending the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.
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EU negotiators will release a volley of new position papers on Thursday in a bid to break the Brexit talks deadlock and shoot down British claims that progress is impossible without discussing future trade.

The papers leaked to The Independent, spell out the European Commissions approach to a raft of key areas including the Northern Ireland question and customs arrangements on Brexit day.

But they also appear to show how the UK could meet EU demands to settle key elements of the divorce settlement now, something Theresa May and David Davis have said should be done in parallel to addressing post-Brexit trade arrangements.

Around two-dozen pages worth of content also covers data protection regulations, intellectual property rights and public procurement  three areas omitted from an earlier round of EU position papers.

An EU official told The Independent the papers represented a move by the Commission to make sure not only that its positions were unambiguous, but to make clear the EUs insistence that issues being discussed were purely separation issues as far as Brussels is concerned.

Theresa May and David Davis have been pushing for talks to progress on to a post-Brexit trade deal, and have sought to claim parts of the divorce settlement the EU wants agreed first are impossible to decide without also talking about future relations.

In particular, UK negotiators have suggested a resolution to problems surrounding Northern Irelands border cannot be solved without a broader discussion of future customs arrangements.

While the EU papers make clear the onus is on the UK to propose a solution, they indicate that Britain could, for example, guarantee there is no border infrastructure between Northern Ireland and Ireland and pledge to maintain protections from discrimination currently enshrined in EU law after Brexit.

They also say Northern Irish citizens should be able to continue to choose whether they identify as British or Irish, and by default an EU citizen.

They add: Common Travel Area arrangements [across the border], in conformity with European Union law, should be recognised.

Brexit talks are set to resume in Brussels on 18 September, after no decisive progress was made in a round last week, according to the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier.

British officials close to the negotiating team blamed the deadlock on Mr Barniers inflexible approach to talks, pointing to his mandate that they said was preventing him from discussing future arrangements.

 'No decisive progress' on Brexit, says EU negotiator Michel Barnier

But in an apparent slap down to the British reluctance to move ahead with the Northern Ireland question without the chance to discuss elements of future relations, the Commission says the border problem will require a unique solution which cannot serve to preconfigure solutions in the context of the wider discussions on the future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

As well as spelling out how issues can potentially be settled within the Commissions negotiating framework, the papers to be released at lunchtime on Thursday ensure all areas covered by UK position papers are addressed by the EU.

A paper on customs arrangements around the moment of Brexit appears to set out a similar approach to that given by the UK in its paper on the movement of goods  essentially that anything which begins its shipping process before Brexit day, continues to be regulated by EU law until the completion of its export or import.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

Meanwhile the paper on data protection sees the Commission issue an ultimatum to the UK, warning that the United Kingdoms access to networks, information systems, and databases established by Union law is, as a general rule, terminated on the date of withdrawal.

This ending of UK access  which could cause serious technical headaches for the British Government and businesses that use personal data  will be waived only if the conditions set out in the paper are fulfilled, it warns.

On intellectual property, too, the Commission is demanding that the UK legislate to recognise name-restricted products with geographical indicators such as Champagne and Parmesan before leaving the EU. These demands could play havoc with any future trade deal with the US  which notably does not recognise any controlled named.

But the Commission insists that intellectual property rights should not be undermined by the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

The Commission also warns that there will be uncertainty around what will happen to government contracts out to tender and covered by EU rules at the time of Britains exit.
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Theresa May will make a key concession over her new Brexit legislation in an attempt to kill off any chance of an embarrassing early Commons defeat at the hands of Conservative backbenchers, The Independent can reveal.

The Prime Minister will double the amount of time MPs have to discuss the fine detail of her EU withdrawal bill, compared to what was allowed when legislation triggering Article 50 was pushed through.

It means MPs will have longer to investigate pitfalls they suspect are hidden in the small print, including controversial plans to hand ministers sweeping powers to ditch employment, environmental and other regulation currently protected in EU law.

The leadership hopes it will help stop Tory rebels voting with Labour when the Bill comes before Parliament for a crunch vote on Monday, with Jeremy Corbyn planning a countermove to convince them they should turn against Ms May.

The debate on her Bill starts on Thursday, following embarrassing reports that top UK businesses refused to back her Brexit strategy.

The Prime Ministers drastically weakened position since the election leaves her facing defeat in Commons votes if just seven of her MPs rebel, meaning she must compromise to ensure pro-EU Tories back her Brexit legislation.

Earlier this year, Ms Mays refusal to allow more than three days to discuss the finer detail of her Article 50 legislation, as it went through the crucial committee stage, provoked a furious row.

Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA

Senior Tory sources told The Independent that in a bid to avoid a repeat, she will now allow between six and ten days for the same stage during debate on her new EU Bill.

A Conservative figure said: To have five days at committee stage for a bill of this length, that would be generous.

Six to ten days is likely to come out, and that really is a generous programme motion.

Were not predicting that the motions we set out will be a problem. Its likely they will pass.

The officially named EU (Withdrawal) Bill, formerly called the Repeal Bill, will see all EU law currently affecting the UK brought on to the British statute book on the day of Brexit, with ministers then granted so-called Henry VIII powers to alter regulations  with a lesser degree of parliamentary scrutiny than usual.

The Government claims the powers (named because they allowed the Tudor monarch to govern by proclamation) are needed to tweak regulation so it can be seamlessly transferred into British law.

But Labour critics, joined by others on Ms Mays own benches, fear they will be used to scrap critical protections for workers and the environment or weaken regulations controlling the financial sector.

Conservatives whips have spent the past week speaking to backbenchers to ascertain how severe any dissent could be, but potential rebels have signalled that a revolt may have been averted.

At Prime Ministers Questions, Ms May gave assurances to pro-EU backbencher Anna Soubry that the Bill would not be used by ministers to grab new stronger powers for the executive, and she offered to meet the former minister to further allay her fears.

 Michel Barnier encourages the UK to make haste in the Brexit negotiations

Speaking ahead of the debate on Thursday in emollient language, Ms May said: Weve made time for proper parliamentary scrutiny of Brexit legislation, and I look forward to the contributions of MPs from across the House.

But that contribution should fit with our shared aim: to help get the best Brexit for Britain.

Echoing her approach, Brexit Secretary David Davis said: I hope everyone in this House recognises this Bills essential nature  it is the foundation upon which we will legislate for years to come  and I look forward to working with the whole House to deliver the Bill.

Another Conservative MP close to Tory rebels told The Independent they did not think colleagues would revolt in the vote, either on the timings of debate or on the substance of the Bill at its second reading on Monday.

Pro-EU former minister Anna Soubry has been invited to discuss concerns with Ms May (AFP/Getty) (AFP / Getty / Niklas Halle'n)

A third Tory said: The whips have been speaking to their flocks. I dont think there will be any upset at this point.

That doesnt mean there wont be Tories who vote for amendments to the Bill later on, and if there are going to be splits, it will be over the Henry VIII powers.

Labour plans to table a reasoned amendment  setting out reasons that the Bill should rejected  which will focus its opposition to the legislation on the powers, in a bid to attract Tories worried about the same issue.

Recommended EU nationals express fear and anger over leaked Home Office plans

A senior source told The Independent: Its not about Brexit. We backed Brexit, we voted for Article 50, so our position on that is clear.

This Bill goes beyond that, and contains elements that are really quite disturbing.

Its not right that we would back something that would put powers into the hands of Tory ministers to slash away at laws that protect everyday people, just so they can help their friends in big business  regulations on holiday pay and maternity leave.

We know this is a trap. We know that the Tories will say we are voting against Brexit, but weve just got to make really clear that we do support Brexit  but not one that puts great power into the hands of Theresa Mays ministers.

Speaking after PMQs on Wednesday, Mr Corbyns official spokesman urged rebel Tories not to support the Bill.

He said: Its not about whether or not we are leaving the European Union; we are leaving. Its not about seeking to frustrate that process.

Its a purely democratic issue about the accountability and sovereignty of Parliament, and I think any MP should take that issue seriously  its a basic democratic question.
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Theresa May has been accused of an embarrassing own goal after business leaders refused a plea to publicly declare their support for her Brexit strategy.

A letter  asking top companies to say they welcome the Governments bid for a transitional deal, to cushion the exit  was leaked to Sky News, apparently after some refused to sign it.

They were also asked to agree that the legislation before Parliament to prepare for withdrawal would make Britain ready for life outside the EU.

But some of the companies expressed astonishment at Downing Streets attempt to win their backing, after the Brussels negotiations hit a damaging impasse.

Embarrassingly, the row came as business leaders publicly attacked proposed curbs on immigration after Brexit, warning they would badly damage the economy.

No 10 did not deny the letter had been distributed to try to bolster its Brexit case. A spokesman said: No comment on leaked letters.

The Independent understands that several large UK corporations received an approach from Downing Street earlier this week, with No 10 saying the initiative was being targeted at large private companies and FTSE 100 firms with an emphasis on quality not quantity.

Downing Street also intimated that it already had around 10 firms committed to endorsing it.

One source at an FTSE 100 firm which had been sent the letter but had declined to sign said that his counterparts from energy, manufacturing, banking and financial services firms had all also turned down the opportunity.

Id be very surprised if that letter sees the light of day now, the source said.

The Independent understands that many companies that were reticent about signing the letter anyway were further deterred by the leaked Home Office document on Tuesday afternoon, mooting the possibility of downgrading the status of EU migrants in the UK as soon as March 2019.

This would have certainly scared firms off because it conflicted with the promise of a smooth Brexit transition period.

That's a red line for many businesses, the source said.

Ben Bradshaw, a Labour MP who supports the pro-EU Open Britain group, said the leak had exposed how businesses were opposed to Ms Mays hard Brexit plan.

Just today, businesses in sectors ranging from farming to hospitality have reacted with fury to the Governments leaked plans to damage our economy by carrying out a draconian crackdown on immigration from the EU.

And UK businesses have been clear that they value our trade links with the European Union, and that leaving the single market and customs union will risk damaging our economy.

Mr Bradshaw added: Its pathetic that the Government are reduced to begging companies to sign this letter, when they know there are precious few businesses that support their plan for a hard and destructive Brexit.

The letter was intended to be signed by some of the UK's most dynamic businesses operating in sectors as diverse as technology, financial services and advanced manufacturing.

It reads: Some of us personally supported the remain or leave campaigns at last year's referendum on EU membership, others did not make their positions public.

But, 15 months later, we all share an understanding that Brexit is happening, a commitment to ensure that we make a success of the outcome for the whole country, and a confidence that a global Britain has the potential to become one of the most productive economies of the 21st century.

This month the Government's Repeal Bill will initiate a programme of legislation that will make Britain ready for life outside the EU.

We believe this is a good time for employers to work with Government and Parliament to make a success of Brexit and secure a bright future for our country.

We welcome the Government's commitment to negotiating an interim period so that firms can ensure they are ready to adapt to the changing relationships and thrive under the new partnership being created with the EU.

One FTSE executive told Sky News, which was leaked the letter: There is no way we could sign this given the current state of chaos surrounding the talks.

Another business source who had seen made a comparison with the Project Fear campaign that pro-Remain supporters were accused of waging during the EU referendum campaign.

Andrew Sentance, former member of the Bank of Englands monetary policy committee, tweeted that based on his recent conversations with UK chairs and chief executives he can conclude that they don't recognise a Brexit strategy.

[The UKs] approach is incoherent and unpersuasive, he added.

It is not known whether the Prime Minister herself was aware of the plan to release it.

However, businesses were asked to sign it before the end of this week, suggesting it was to be released before the crunch vote on the EU Withdrawal Bill on Monday evening.

The No 10 spokesman also twice ducked an invitation to say the Prime Minister believed top companies are onboard with her Brexit strategy.

Instead, he pointed to significant investment from abroad since the referendum result and record levels of employment.
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The European Commission has threatened to take EU member states who do not accept the blocs asylum seeker quotas to court.

The quotas legality was confirmed on Wednesday morning, when judges at the European Court of Justice threw out a joint legal challenge against them by Hungary and Slovakia.

At a press conference in Brussels after the ruling, Dimitris Avramopoulos, the European Migration Commissioner, told reporters that states that continued to refuse compliance with the plan in the coming weeks would be referred to the ECJ.

Recommended Hungary set to reject EU refugee quotas in referendum

It is time to be united and show full solidarity. The door remains, it is still open, and we should convince all member states to fulfil their commitments, he said.

But we should be clear that member states have to show solidarity now because it is now that some member states need help.

If the member states do not change their approach in the coming weeks we should then consider to take the last step in the infringement procedure: to refer Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic to the European Court of Justice.

Mr Avramopoulos, a Greek politician from the New Democracy party, added that solidarity cannot be a la carte and called on EU countries dragging their feet on the policy to come to their neighbours aid.

Since 2014, around 1.7 million people have travelled to the EU with the intention of settling there, with many fleeing wars or strife in the Middle East and Africa.

EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos (European Commission)

Many of these people arrive in Spain, Greece, and Italy due to their geographical location  putting pressure on those states, also hit by economic crisis, to care for them.

As a result, in 2015 EU leaders agreed a plan to relocate asylum seekers to other EU countries to spread the burden, agreeing the policy by majority vote despite opposition from Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Romania.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

In their legal challenge to the ECJ Hungary and Slovakia argued that the policy exposed them to the risk of Islamist terrorism, because many of the migrants are Muslims. Their argument was thrown out and cannot be appealed.

The ECJ could impose large fines or subsidy cuts on the countries as a means of encouraging them to comply, though there is no mechanism to actually force them to take migrants.

At a press conference following the ruling, Mr Avramopoulos downplayed any suggestion that the countries could be kicked out of the EU for not complying.
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Thousands of nurses are set to protest against the public sector pay cap as a new poll revealed fears that staff shortages were harming patient care.

The YouGov survey found that seven in 10 voters think the NHS has too few nurses to offer safe care while 68 per cent believe that stretched staff are underpaid.

It also said that 57 per cent of respondents would pay more tax to make the NHS safer.

Recommended Theresa May could be planning to scrap public sector pay cap

Nursing leaders said poor pay and staff shortages meant experienced staff were leaving in droves and warned that strike action could be on the table if the Government fails to scrap the long-standing 1 per cent cap for teachers, nurses and civil servants.

It comes as Downing Street hinted that public sector workers could be in line for a pay rise, as the Prime Ministers official spokeswoman said she recognised the sacrifice staff had made since the freeze was brought in under the coalition government.

However ministers did not discuss the matter at Tuesdays Cabinet meeting.

More than 2,000 nurses are expected to protest outside Parliament on Wednesday after the first Prime Ministers Questions of the parliamentary session.

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) General Secretary Janet Davies said: The public can see the shortage of nurses for themselves. Ministers are significantly out of touch with public opinion. They should heed this warning, scrap the pay cap and help to recruit thousands more nurses for a safer NHS.

Experienced nursing staff are leaving in droves  not because they dont like the job, but because they cant afford to stay, while the next generation do not see their future in an undervalued profession.

If the Government fails to announce a change of direction in the Budget, then industrial action by nursing staff immediately goes on the table.

Labour accused the Government of creating a workforce crisis, which led to misery for patients and staff.

Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: The Tory Government has taken NHS staff for granted for years and the result is staffing shortages across the health service and ever longer waits for patients.

72 per cent of the public now think that there are too few nurses to provide safe care to patients. This is totally unsustainable.

"The Governments public sector pay cap has created a workforce crisis in the NHS which is driving trust deficits and causing misery for patients.

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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

Chancellor Philip Hammond is facing pressure to allow the Treasury more flexibility when it sets out the remit for public sector pay review bodies in the coming weeks.

Reports suggest Mr Hammond could outline plans to remove the cap in his autumn budget, while ministers are said to favour a plan to offer the first rises to the lowest-paid workers and professions which struggle to retain staff such as nurses and senior civil servants.
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Theresa May has refused to condemn McDonalds over the poor conditions, bullying and insecure hours that its workers say is imposed on them.

Staff at two of the fast food chains stores voted to go on strike earlier in the week over low pay and insecure working hours  the first time any of the companys staff had staged a walk-out in the UK.

Their trade union, the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Alliance said staff wanted a wage of at least 10 an hour and more secure hours.

The strike was raised by Jeremy Corbyn at the first session of Prime Ministers Questions after Parliaments summer recess.

The Labour leader said McDonalds Chief Executive, Steve Easterbook, was paid a reported 11.8m last year  1,300 times more than some of the chains workers, who are paid as little as 4.75 per hour.

He asked if the Prime Minister supported the McDonalds workers case for an end to zero hours contracts, and decent pay.

Ms May replied: Obviously the issue that has taken place with McDonalds is a matter for McDonalds to deal with.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA 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

She also claimed that zero hours contracts were beneficial to many people.

She said: The number of people on zero hours contracts is very small. There are people who genuinely say it is a benefit to them to be on those contracts. For 13 years the Labour Party was in government and did nothing about zero hours contracts. It is this Conservative government that has put the workers first and banned exclusive zero hours contracts.

There are around 800,000 people in Britain on zero contracts, Mr Corbyn said.

McDonalds said it has given staff the choice of fixed or flexible contracts and that 86 per cent chose the latter.

It also said the strike relates to the companys internal grievance procedures rather than pay or contracts.

A spokesperson said: As announced in April this year, together with our franchises, we are providing our people with the option of a guaranteed hour contract, and all restaurants will have these contracts in place by the end of 2017.

McDonalds UK and its franchisees have delivered three pay rises since April 2016, this has increased the average hourly pay rate by 15 per cent.
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Upskirting could be outlawed and made a criminal offence in Britain, MPs have been told.

David Lidington, the Justice Secretary, spoke out against the practice of people secretly taking photos underneath someones clothing without consent.

He said he took the issue very seriously and after more than 60,000 people signed a petition he would take legal advice to see if it can be added to the Sexual Offences Act.

Gina Martin, 25, started the petition after a photograph was taken up her skirt while she was in London's Hyde Park.

When she reported the incident, police officers told her they could not punish the man as he had done nothing illegal.

I have taken very seriously the representations made by Gina Martin and from some of the police and crime commissioners, Mr Lidington said in the Commons.

I have asked for detailed advice on this. Before proceeding to a commitment to new legislation, I want to be absolutely certain that this would be the right course to take.

The comments came after Richard Burgon, the Shadow Justice Minister, said he had signed Ms Martin's petition.

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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

"This summer I was proud to sign up to the campaign launched by Gina Martin to change the law so that the disgraceful practice known as upskirting was made a criminal offence, Mr Burgon said.

Upskirting is already illegal in Scotland after the law was changed by the Sexual Offences Scotland Act 2009.
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Bernie Sanders has condemned Donald Trumps decision to scrap the Dreamers programme, calling it the ugliest and most cruel decision made by a president of the US in the modern history of this country.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, introduced by president Barack Obama, shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation who were taken to America as children.

There are around 800,000 young men and women protected by DACA, known as Dreamers, who have qualified for the programme by being able to prove they arrived in the country before the age of 16, had been residents for several years and had never committed a crime.

Recommended Barack Obama hits out at Trump over DACA in moving statement

Speaking in a video posted on Twitter, Democratic Senator Mr Sanders hit out at the Presidents decision to rescind the programme, which will take effect in six months time, and called on Congress to rally the American people to help reverse the decision.

The idea that you would take away the legal status of some 800,000 young people who have known no home other than the United States  young people who today have good jobs, [are] productive members of the economy, young people who are in school, young people who are serving in the military, and take away their legal status, and put them in a position where they could be deported and thrown out of the only country that they can remember, he said in the video.

Our job now in Congress is to move as quickly as we possibly can to rally the American people and to pass legislation repealing Trumps horrific decision. I hope the American people will stand with us as we go forward in protecting these 800,000 young people.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Under the phase-out plan announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security has halted the acceptance of new applications under DACA.

People with permits set to expire between now and March 5, 2018, will be able to re-apply as long as their applications are submitted by 5 October. Existing permits will remain in effect, and applications already in the pipeline will be processed.

Mr Trump ran his campaign as an immigration hardliner, labelling DACA as illegal amnesty and pledging to repeal it immediately, but after the election he expressed sympathy for the Dreamers. He has now left it to Congress to address their plight.

On Tuesday night, Mr Trump tweeted: Congress now has 6 months to legalise DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they cant, I will revisit this issue!

Arizona Senator John McCain said the president was taking the wrong approach.

The federal government has a responsibility to defend and secure our borders, but we must do so in a way that upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation, he said.

Mr Obama, who brought in the programme by executive order in 2012 when it became clear Congress would not act to address the young immigrants' plight in legislation that was dubbed the Dream Act, slammed the presidents decision as cruel and self-defeating.

This is about young people who grew up in America - kids who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag, Mr Obama wrote on Facebook. These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.

To target these young people is wrong - because they have done nothing wrong, he added.

Additional reporting by AP
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Chicago's Mayor has declared the city a "Trump-free zone", after the US president ended protection for the children of undocumented immigrants known as "dreamers".

Introduced by former president Barack Obama, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy prevented nearly 800,000 people who came to the US as children from being deported.

Earlier this week Donald Trump rescinded the programme. While existing recipients will see no impact for at least six months, no new applications can now be made.

But in a speech to young DACA recipients at Chicago's Solorio Academy High School, mayor Rahm Emmanuel said: "To all the Dreamers that are here in this room and the city of Chicago: you are welcome in the city of Chicago. This is your home and you have nothing to worry about."

He added: Chicago, our schools, our neighborhoods, our city, as it relates to what President Trump said, will be a Trump-free zone. You have nothing to worry about. And I want you to know this, and I want your families to know this. And rest assured, I want you to come to school  and pursue your dreams.

The DACA programme, announced by Mr Obama in 2012, offers renewable protection from deportation for two years to people who entered the United States before the age of 16.

Recipients must have lived in America continuously since 2007 and must not have a criminal record.

Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Show all 33 1 /33 Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first 100 days in office were marred by a string of scandals, many of which caught the eye of the Independent's cartoonists Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's first 100 days have seen him aggressively ramp up tensions with his nuclear rivals in North Korea Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has warned of a "major, major conflict" with the pariah nation lead by Kim Jong Un Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump dropped the "mother of all bombs" on alleged ISIS-linked militants in Afghanistan, amid an escalation of US military intervention around the globe Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been accused of falling short of the standards set by his predecessors in the Oval Office, including Franklin D Roosevelt Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The tycoon's ascension to the White House came at a time when the balance of power is shifting away from Western nations like those in the G7 group Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Western politicians, including the British Conservative party, have been accused of falling in line behind Mr Trump's proposals Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Brexit is seen to have weakened Britain, reducing still further any political will to resist American leadership Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump's leadership has been marked by sudden and unexpected shifts in global policy Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Trump's controversial missile strike on Syria, which killed several citizens, was seen by some analysts as an attempt to distract from his policy elsewhere Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The President has also spent a large majority of his weekends golfing, rather than attending to matters of state Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Though free of gaffes, a visit from Chinese president Xi Jinping spotlighted trade tensions between the two states Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One major and unexpected setback came when Mr Trump's Healthcare Bill was struck down by members of his own party Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Mr Trump has been a figure of fun in the media, with his approval at record lows Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A string of revelations about Mr Trump's financial indiscretions did not mar his surge to the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Outgoing President Barack Obama was accused of wiretapping Trump Tower by his successor in America's highest office Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The alleged involvement of Russian intelligence operatives in securing Mr Trump the presidency prompted harsh criticism Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons The explosive resignation of Security Adviser Michael Flynn, who lied about his links to the Russian ambassador, was just one scandal to hit the President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Many scandals, such as the accusation Barack Obama was implicated in phone-hacking, first broke on Mr Trump's Twitter feed Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's election provoked mass protests in the UK, with millions signing a petition to ban him from the country Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump cited a non-existent terror attack in Sweden during a campaign rally Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump stands accused of stoking regional tensions in Eastern Asia Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons North Korea has launched a number of failed nuclear tests since Mr Trump took power Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Theresa May formally rejected the petition calling for Mr Trump to be banned from the UK Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons When Mr Trump's initial so-called Muslim ban was struck down by a federal justice, the President mocked the 69-year-old as a "ridiculous", "so-called judge" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons A week after his inauguration, Theresa May met with Mr Trump at the White House Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's first days in office were marked by a hasty attempt to follow through on many of his campaign promises, including the so-called Muslim ban Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's decision to ban citizens of many majority-Muslim countries from the US sparked mass protests Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Revelations about Donald Trump's sexual improprieties were not enough to keep him from being elected President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was criticised by many in the press for cosying up to the new President Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons One of Mr Trump's top aides, Kelly Anne Conway, was mocked for describing mistruths as "alternative facts" Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons British PM Theresa May was quick to demonstrate that her political aims did not hugely differ from Mr Trump's Donald Trump's first 100 days: in cartoons Donald Trump's inauguration, on 20 January 2017, sparked protests both at home and abroad

Mr Trump's Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the decision to scrap the DACA programme, calling it an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws and an unconstitutional use of executive authority.

The programme known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded, said Mr Sessions, who has long opposed the programme.

He added that the policy was implemented unilaterally, to great controversy and legal concern.

The announcement prompted hundreds to protest in New York and Washington.

Chicago's Democratic mayor, Mr Emmanuel, served as White House chief of staff under Barack Obama after the 2008 presidential election.

Mr Obama had personally appealed to Mr Trump to keep the programme. He called the termination of DACA a political decision, adding that the targeting of Dreamers was wrong.

Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldnt threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us, Mr Obama said.

These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper.

The term Dreamers comes from the proposed DREAM Act, which planned giving unauthorised immigrants legal status in exchange for attending college or joining the military.

The bill was first introduced in 2001, but the latest version was voted down in the Senate in December 2010.

The majority of the 800,000 Dreamers came to the US from Latin America.

Mexico's Deputy Foreign Minister has subsequently accused Mr Trump of creating anxiety, anguish and fear.
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A teacher has admitted sending naked pictures of herself to as many as five pupils on Snapchat.

Tracy Miller was caught after a student told administrators at Logan High School, in West Virginia, that he had pictures of her saved on his phone.

The student later showed them to officers, who immediately hauled Ms Miller in for questioning.

Recommended Record numbers of teachers banned for sexual misconduct

The 27-year-old admitted that she had possibly sent images to as many as five students between March and July this year, although she could not remember how many she had sent.

She has since been suspended without pay.

The school district told news channel, WSAZ : "We are dealing with the situation by following county policy governing employee code of conduct. The teacher in question has been suspended at this time."

Miller, who started working at the school in January, was charged with three counts of distributing obscene matter to a minor.

She has been released on bail, as investigators try to establish whether there were more students who had received the naked pictures.
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A number of Christian leaders have blamed LGBT people for causing Hurricane Harvey.

Despite overwhelming evidence that supports climate change as a factor in the devastating storm and subsequent flooding, a handful of evangelical leaders have ludicrously suggested the LGBT community are to blame.

Minister Kevin Swanson, who holds notoriously homophobic views, said Houston had sinned by having a "very, very aggressively pro-homosexual mayor."

Jesus sends the message home, unless Americans repent, unless Houston repents, unless New Orleans repents, they will all likewise perish, he told his radio show. That is the message that the Lord Jesus Christ is sending home right now to America.

His comments come just days after Christian radio personality Rick Wiles linked Houston's progressive attitudes with the storm.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA

"Heres a city that has boasted of its LGBT devotion, its affinity for the sexual perversion movement in America. Theyre underwater," he said.

Ann Coulter, right wing media pundit and climate change sceptic, also weighed in to the debate.

"I don't believe Hurricane Harvey is God's punishment for Houston electing a lesbian mayor. But that is more credible than 'climate change'," she wrote on Twitter.

But her comments were met with a punchy comeback from Annise Parker, a former mayor of Houston who was one of the first across the US to hold a position of power and be openly gay.

"Darn it, I thought no one knew I had a super power over weather," she wrote.
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A hunter was mauled by a grizzly bear after the animal swatted his pistol away as he tried to shoot it in the neck.

Tom Sommer said he could hear bones crunching as the bear bit his thigh and slashed his head during the attack in the US state of Montana.

The 57-year-old and his hunting partner used a type of pepper spray to defend themselves against the charging bear after disturbing it as it feeding on an elk during a hunting trip in the Beaverhead-Deelodge National Forest.

But Mr Sommer was left with only a pistol to defend himself after failing to release the safety catch on his own spray.

"The bear just flat-out charged us," he said.

"It bit my thigh, ran his claws through my wrist and proceeded to attack my head."

His hunting partner managed to deploy the rest of his bear spray, ending the 25-second attack.

Brown bear (grizzly) (Ursus arctos), Montana, United States of America (Rex)

Just like that it stopped. He stopped biting me, he got up and started to run away, Mr Sommer said.

It could have been a lot worse.

This photo provided by Tom Sommer shows wounds he sustained after the attack (Tom Sommer via AP)

He was left with a 41-centimentre head wound and the pair had to walk for a mile and travel on mules to reach a hospital, where he was given 90 stitches.

Through it all I was very conscious, very level-headed and low key about it," Mr Sommer said.

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. 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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. 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"Besides some scars, it doesn't appear that I will have any problems.

"I've been a hunter my whole life. I have no grievance against the bear. He was just doing what bears do. But I would have shot him just the same."
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Mexico has come to the aid of the United States following Hurricane Harvey, sending Red Cross volunteers, food and supplies to a country whose President has proposed building a wall to keep the two neighbours apart.

Mexican volunteers wearing white vests labelled Cruz Roja Mexicana are distributing food and lending a sympathetic ear to some of the 1,800 storm refugees at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, a temporary shelter.

A caravan of Mexican storm relief was due to be shipped north for victims of a storm that has killed some 60 people and left tens of thousands homeless since first coming ashore 25 August.

Recommended US disaster relief fund running out of cash as Hurricane Irma draws in

We all know that there are some agreements and disagreements between governments, but for the Mexican Red Cross and the volunteers from the Mexican Red Cross, we are more than glad to be helpful and do some stuff to help people, said Gustavo Santillan, one of the Mexican Red Cross volunteers.

Mexico was assembling relief for Harvey but the United States had not yet defined what help was required, a senior Mexican government official told Reuters.

Some 25 trailers were being prepared with rice, beans, coffee and chocolate along with 300 beds, nine generators, mobile kitchens, telecommunications equipment and personnel including paramedics and doctors, Mexicos foreign ministry said.

Mexico is ready to help those affected by Harvey, Carlos Sada, Mexicos deputy foreign minister for North America, told reporters in Mexico City on Tuesday. Its a demonstration of our neighbourliness, a show of solidarity.

One teary-eyed storm refugee in Houston said she was moved by the Mexican aid, especially considering the difference in wealth between the two countries, and it was wrong to try to shut out Mexicans.

We dont have time right now to put up borders and block Mexico, we need to come all of us together and work together, said Bertha Navarette, 63, an evacuee from Pasadena, Texas.

US President Donald Trump made building a border wall a central theme of his campaign, saying Mexico was sending rapists and drug dealers into the United States.

On Monday Trump scrapped a programme that protects from deportation 800,000 people brought to the United States illegally as children, largely by parents who were Mexican nationals.

Thomas Oney, a homeless man at the George R. Brown Convention Center, said Harvey had shown that neighbours had to work together.

I would hope that the talk about the border wall will stop, said Oney, 41.

Mexico previously came to the aid of its northern neighbour in 2005, sending supplies and 195 people including medical staff following Hurricane Katrina. It marked the first time Mexican armed forces had been deployed in Texas since 1846.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA

The 33 Red Cross volunteers now in Texas are working in Houston, Corpus Christi and Beaumont at the request of the American Red Cross, said Marco Franco, deputy director for Mexican Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Reuters
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Donald Trump's multi-million dollar mansion on the Caribbean island of St Martin is directly in the path of Hurricane Irma.

The Category 5 storm is heading straight for Mr Trump's five-acre estate known as "Le Chateau des Palmiers" or "Castle of the Palms," the Miami Herald reports.

The US President owns the 11-bedroom gated mansion through a trust set up to avoid conflicts of interest during his presidency.

US President owns 11-bedroom gated mansion through trust set up to avoid conflicts of interest during his presidency (St Martin Sothebys International Realty)

The trust has been attempting to sell the property since March, when it was listed at $28m (21.5m).

In financial disclosure forms, Mr Trump said he rents the mansion out, putting its value between $25m (19.2m) and $50m (38.4m).

Its listing price was recently cut to $16.9m (13m), The Washington Post reported.

Several of Mr Trump's properties in the Caribbean and Florida could sustain damage in the storm.

 Satellite imagery shows Hurricane Irma make landfall

Hurricane Irma made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean, passing over Barbuda around 1.47am.

Recommended Hurricane Irma makes first landfall in Caribbean islands

Heavy rain and howling winds raked the neighbouring island of Antigua, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

Officials earlier warned people to seek protection from Irma's "onslaught" in a statement that closed with: "May God protect us all."

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

The Category five storm had maximum sustained winds of 185mph (295kmh), according to the US National Hurricane Centre.

Its forecast was for the winds to fluctuate slightly but for the storm to remain at Category four or five strength for the next day or two.

The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico through the day on Wednesday.

Mr Trump has declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.
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The first pictures have emerged of the damage wrought by Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean.

France said the storm had caused major damage across a number of islands in the region and had destroyed the four "most solid" buildings on Saint Martin.

Roads became torrents of water and some images showed cars being swept away.

Floodwater sweeps away debris in Philipsburg, Saint Martin (Meteo Express)

On Anguilla, one tour operator said Irma had scored a "direct hit".

The hurricane is roaring along a path pointing to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. Forecasters think it could hit the US state of Florida over the weekend.

A torrent runs along a street in Saint Martin (@la1ere)

The eye of the storm passed over Barbuda at about 1.47am, the US National Weather Service said.

Heavy rain and howling winds raked the neighbouring island of Antigua, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

(@la1ere)

Officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's "onslaught" in a statement that closed with "May God protect us all".

The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, while authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the twin-island nation appeared to have weathered its brush with Hurricane Irma.

Video shows the effects of Hurricane #Irma in Anguilla. Read the latest on the story here: https://t.co/IpWMW65nRp pic.twitter.com/lCKL7uvg8h  AnySource (@SourceAny) September 6, 2017

Mr Browne said in a statement that there were no deaths in Antigua.

He said at preliminary reports also indicate there are no deaths in Barbuda despite widespread reports of damaged buildings and downed trees.

He plans to visit as soon as possible.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Hurricane Irma has made landfall in the Carribbean, bringing with it life-threatening winds and heavy rainfall.

Warnings were in place for parts of the Leeward Islands, the British and US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, in preparation for the storm, which according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) was the strongest ever recorded over the Atlantic Ocean.

The storm first hit the islands of Barbuda and Antigua, sending debris flying as residents huddled in their homes and government shelters. Irma then ploughed towards Puerto Rico, with the storm's centre expected to pass near or just north of the island on Wednesday evening.

Recommended Hurricane Irma is flattening buildings in the Caribbean

It was expected to hit the Dominican Republic and Haiti at around 2pm EST on Thursday and Cuba in the early hours of Friday. The storm posed an increasing threat to South Florida, with the NHC saying it could reach the US by 2am on Monday morning.

Dangerous Hurricane Irma heading for the Leeward Islands, the centre said on Monday. Preparations should be rushed to completion as tropical storm-force winds are expected to arrive in the hurricane warning area by late Tuesday.

A Category 5 hurricane  the strongest possible on the Saffir Simpson wind scale  means sustained winds greater than 157 mph with extremely catastrophic damage, including major structural damage to buildings and "complete roof failure" on many residences and industrial buildings.

Roofs, trees and other heavy objects are at risk of being lifted by the storm.

In preparation for the hurricane, the government of Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency. Around 3.4 million people live in the US territory, which has a fragile economy. Only 456 emergency shelters have been opened, enough to house 62,100 people.

As frantic residents stockpiled emergency supplies, the Government froze prices on necessities, including food and water, medicines, power generators and batteries.

The executive director of the state power authority, Ricardo Ramos, told the Telemundo TV station that the power grid was so vulnerable from lack of investment that parts of the territory could be without power for three to four months.

Frantic residents stockpiled emergency supplies as the storm headed for land (National Hurricane Center)

We're preparing for the worst-case scenario, he said.

Irma also threatens the US East Coast and Florida, which has declared a state of emergency. The hurricane centre expects Irma to reach southern Florida on Saturday.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said on Twitter late on Monday he had spoken to US President Donald Trump, who he said offered the full resources of the federal government as Floridians prepare for Hurricane Irma.

The NHC cautioned that it was too early to forecast the storm's exact path or what effects it might have on the continental United States, but warned of likely effects to hit some areas by later this week.

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

There is an increasing chance of seeing some impacts from Irma in the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys later this week and this weekend. In addition, rough surf and dangerous marine conditions will begin to affect the southeastern US coast by later this week, the centre said.

Irma will be the second powerful hurricane to thrash the United States and its territories in as many weeks.

Residents of Texas and Louisiana are still reeling from the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Harvey, which struck Texas as a Category 4 hurricane on 25 August and dumped several feet of rain, destroying thousands of homes and businesses.

Reuters contributed to this report
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Hurricane Irma appears to have broken the weather station on the Caribbean island of St Barthelemy (St Barts).

No data has been received from the station since 9am UTC, the French Observatory of Tornadoes and Violent Storms reported.

The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean.

It is now churning along a path pointing to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading for Florida over the weekend.

The eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 1.47am, the National Weather Service said. Residents said over local radio that phone lines went down. Heavy rain and howling winds raked the neighbouring island of Antigua, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

Officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's "onslaught" in a statement that closed with: "May God protect us all."

In Barbuda, the storm ripped off the roof of the island's police station forcing officers to seek refuge in the nearby fire station and at the community centre that served as an official shelter.

The Category 5 storm also knocked out communication between islands. Midcie Francis of the National Office of Disaster Services confirmed there was damage to several homes, but said it was too early to do tally or assess the extent of the damage.
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Flyers hoping to get out of Florida before Hurricane Irma makes expected landfall later this week are encountering large hikes in airline prices, and expressing dismay that theyre being charged extra in their attempts to get out of the storms path.

As Irma approached, breaking records in the Atlantic and hitting Caribbean islands, would-be ticket purchases were outraged on social media, calling out the airlines for what they perceived as taking advantage of a potential natural disaster.

Shame on you @delta. Jacking from $547 to over $3200 for people trying to evacuate properly? Twitter user Leigh Dow wrote with an accompanying picture that showed an alert for the price change. Ms Dow was retweeted tens of thousands of times.

Recommended Irma becomes first Atlantic storm to sustain 185mph winds for 24 hours

Ms Dow, whose Linkedin profile shows is the CEO of a marketing agency in Phoenix, later wrote that the airline had helped her with the issue.

Certainly, the carriers revenue management algorithms are programmed to respond to spikes in demand, more commonly the sudden announcement of a big sporting or music event rather than a natural disaster.

In general, airlines pricing systems can create all manner of anomalous fares that no sensible passenger would contemplate: on the same evening as Ms Dow wished to travel, there were plenty of seats on non-stop flights between Los Angeles and San Francisco for around $150. But Alaska Airlines was also offering a two-stop option via Portland and Seattle for three times as much. No-one would buy it.

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

Yet many 21st-century airlines have such an image problem that people are prepared to believe the worst, even though the real story turns out to be more nuanced.

Delta and its rivals might wish that every fare quote was supervised by a public-relations professional whose task is to remove prices that would bring the airline into disrepute. But until that day, the dark art of revenue management will ensure that, every so often, an airline will be pilloried for its practises.

Ms Dow wasnt the only person to encounter exorbitant prices while hoping to snag a regular-priced flight out of Southern Florida.

John Lyons, of West Hartford, Connecticut, also encountered issues while trying to book an American Airlines flight for his daughter, who attends the University of Miami. He logged in on Monday evening and saw a ticket for just under $160, and decided to buy it just in case. But, just the next day, he logged in to buy a ticket for the daughter of a family friend  who is also in Florida  and was astounded to see the ticket had jumped up to $1,020, even though there were a similar number of seats still open.

Very bad job by American Airlines. Booked a one-way ticket last night for my daughter to come home this Thursday night using this exact itinerary, Mr Lyons wrote in a Facebook post accompanied by a screenshot showing the pricing. Now with hurricane warnings in effect, American is gouging for the same ticket to the tune of $1,000 per person, and cost friends daughter who cannot afford is stranded.

An American Airlines spokesperson told Yahoo News that they had not changed their fare structures, and noted that the airlines had added capacity to get customers out of affected areas. That included added flights from several destinations, and the addition of 33 airports so that customers can receive waivers for ticket change fees.
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A UK holidaymaker in the Caribbean islands has tweeted of the apocalyptic power and noise of Hurricane Irma as he hid in a concrete stairwell.

Around 4.30am local time in Saint Martin, Alex Woolfall wrote on social media that he was scared due to the winds that were raging up to 185mph.

Evacuated & everyone now hiding in concrete stairwell of building. Noise of wind insane. Pray this will end soon! he wrote.

Recommended Florida is forcing people to evacuate in preparation for Irma

May be my last tweet as power out and noise now apocalyptic. This is like a movie I never want to see, he said later that morning.

The eye of Hurricane Irma, the strongest Category 5 storm in a decade, passed over Barbuda around 1.47am, ripping off the roof of the police station.

It then moved on to the French islands of Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin where sturdy buildings were destroyed and power lines torn down, including the weather station.

Irma is so strong that it appeared on seismometers, which normally measure earthquakes. Officials predicated at least 10 inches of rain, waves of up to 23 feet, flash floods, mud slides and winds of up to 185 mph.

US President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, while six southern islands in the Bahamas said they would evacuate.

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

British Airways sent an empty plane to bring customers back before the storm hit. The plane returned safely to the UK with 326 passengers.

Officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's onslaught in a statement that closed with: May God protect us all.

Hurricane Irma follows shortly after Hurricane Harvey destroyed swathes of south east Texas, dumping heavy rain and resulting in the deaths of more than 60 people.

Hurricane Matthew last year also ripped through the Caribbean, killing over 600 people and causing a humanitarian disaster in Haiti.

The exact path of Hurricane Irma is uncertain as it churns along a path towards Puerto Rico but it may hit Florida before the weekend.
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Hurricane Irma is an extremely dangerous Category 5, barreling toward the northern Lesser Antilles and southern Florida. It's already the strongest hurricane ever recorded outside the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, and it's likely to make landfall somewhere in Florida over the weekend.

If it does, the impact could be catastrophic.

The storm is life-threatening for the United States, including Puerto Rico, the US and British Virgin Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and the south eastern Bahamas. Hurricane warnings have been issued for the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos. A hurricane watch covers Haiti and the south eastern Bahamas.

Recommended Hurricane Irma makes first landfall in Caribbean islands

With maximum winds of 185mph, Irma is tied for the second strongest storm ever observed in the Atlantic.

The hurricane is expected to remain at least a Category 4 for the next few days with minor fluctuations in intensity. It could even become slightly stronger, but has neared the theoretical limit for how strong it can get given ocean temperatures.

It cannot be overstated that Hurricane Irma is extremely dangerous and will produce the full gamut of hurricane hazards across the Caribbean and potentially in South Florida, including a devastating storm surge, destructive winds and dangerous flash flooding.

All of Florida - especially south Florida and the Keys - should be preparing for a major hurricane landfall on Sunday. Tropical-storm-force winds are expected to arrive as soon as Friday.

Computer models are in strong agreement that by Saturday, Irma will be approaching the Florida Keys - where dangerous storm conditions are likely. Then, they show a sharp northward turn by Sunday morning. The precise timing and location of the turn has huge implications for Florida.

It is impossible to say with certainty whether Irma will track up along the eastern side of the Florida peninsula, the western side, or straight up the peninsula. Since the weekend, models have generally shifted westward with the storm's forecast track, which means interests along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico should also closely monitor this storm.

For a major hurricane, the exact track of the storm's eyewall - the zone surrounding its calm centre - is critical as it will determine where the most severe effects tend to concentrate. The most violent winds coincide with the eyewall, and the biggest storm surge occurs just to its right (or north).

But as Irma is such a large and powerful hurricane, very dangerous weather will also occur up to 200 miles away from the eyewall - including coastal surge, flooding rains and potentially damaging winds.

The hurricane force winds in Irma are wider than Florida, tweeted Bryan Norcross, hurricane specialist at the Weather Channel. You won't need a direct hit to get Wilma-type winds & storm surge on both coasts.

Beyond the weekend, the scenarios really depend on which side of Florida it tracks. But for now, it's safe to say that the southeast United States, including the Florida panhandle, Georgia and the Carolinas, should also brace for potential impacts, such as flash flooding, storm surge and strong winds.

At 5pm on Tuesday, the powerhouse storm was positioned 130 miles east of the island of Antigua in the northern Leewards, where it is forecast to make a direct impact early Wednesday. The storm was moving westward at 15 miles per hour and the Hurricane Center warned weather conditions would soon deteriorate.

Destructive winds as well as heavy rain (8 to 12 inches with isolated amounts of 20 inches) that can produce flash flooding and mudslides are possible in the warning areas. Along the coast, the storm surge height - or rise in water above normally dry air - could reach 7-11 feet - especially just north of the storm centre.

Irma is likely to become the strongest hurricane on record to hit the Leeward Islands, even more intense than David, which raked across the central Leeward Islands in 1979. David was a horrible hurricane for Leeward Islands: 56 fatalities in Dominica, tweeted Phil Klotzbach, hurricane expert at Colorado State University.

Antigua, Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Anguilla - in particular - are right in the path of the storm.

Really feel for the northern Leeward Islands, tweeted National Hurricane Center forecaster Eric Blake. A hurricane this strong there only comes around once a generation or two.

Areas affected by the core winds near the storm's eye face devastating wind destruction. The Hurricane Center provides this description of the damage inflicted by Category 5 winds:

A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

After passing the northern Leeward Islands, the hurricane will strike the British Virgin Islands with potentially catastrophic effects.

The US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico may remain south of the storm's centre, so less prone to Irma's most hostile conditions. But even so, damaging winds and torrential rains are likely along with a significant storm surge at the coast.

Irma's peak intensity so far ranks among the strongest in recorded history, exceeding the likes of Katrina, Andrew and Camille - whose winds peaked at 175 mph.

Among the most intense storms on record, it only trails Hurricane Allen in 1980 which had winds of 190 miles per hour. It is tied for second most intense with Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and the 1935 Florida Keys hurricane.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA

If Irma makes landfall as a Category 4 or higher in the United States, joining Hurricane Harvey, it will become the first time two storms so strong struck the United States in the same season.

While all attention is on Hurricane Irma, Tropical Storm Jose formed in the eastern Atlantic Tuesday morning. This storm is also predicted to intensify into a hurricane over the coming days, but the latest track forecast keeps it away from land areas for the most part.

The Washington Post
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President Donald Trump, discussing incoming Hurricane Irma in the Atlantic Ocean, says that the impacts of the storm will be, "not good."

"We have a lot to discuss, including the fact that there is a new, and seems to be record-breaking hurricane [heading] toward Florida, and Puerto Rico, and other places," Mr Trump said, sitting in the Oval Office. "It looks like it could be something that will be not good. Believe me, not good."

Irma, a Category 5 hurricane, is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic. The storm hit the Caribbean with record-breaking winds, and was expected to continue on toward Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Cuba before potentially heading toward Florida this weekend. It is unclear if the storm will directly impact Florida, however several forecasts show it as an increasingly probable scenario.

The storm has already caused officials in Southern Florida to issue advisories, advise evacuations, and close schools and government offices. Shelters are being set up that can house tens of thousands of people during the storm.

The state of Florida is under a state of emergency ahead of the potential landfall of the hurricane, after Governor Rick Scott, eyeing an increasingly slim chance that the storm won't make landfall, took action to save lives.

"There is a small window. If it turns sooner rather than later, we could maybe see the system slide by the East Coast into the ocean, but that window is shutting quickly," CNN meteorologist Tom Sater said Tuesday.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Show all 19 1 /19 The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A tattered U.S. flag damaged in Hurricane Harvey, flies in Conroe, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Lisa Rehr holds her four-year old son Maximus, after they lost their home to Hurricane Harvey, as they await to be evacuated with their belongings from Rockport, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People line up for food as others rest at the George R. Brown Convention Center AP Photo/LM Otero The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Volunteers with The American Red Cross register evacuees at the George R. Brown Convention Center Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard help the residents of Cyprus Creek Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents wade through floodwater Reuters/Nick Oxford The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents walk along the flooded roadway of Texas 249 as they evacuate their adjacent neighborhoods EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A man floats past a truck submerged on a freeway flooded by Tropical Storm Harvey on Sunday AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued by airboat as they evacuate from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey James Archiable carries his bike through the flooded intersection at Taylor and Usenet near downtown Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey A massive sinkhole opened up on a motorway in Rosenburg, a city 25 miles southwest of Houston, Texas Rosenberg Police The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey in an armored police mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People are rescued from flood waters from Hurricane Harvey on a boat in Dickinson, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees are airlifted in a US Coast Guard helicopter after flooding due to Hurricane Harvey inundated neighborhoods in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Evacuees leave a US Coast Guard helicopter after being rescued from flooding due to Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas Reuters The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Residents look on at a submerged motorway during a break in the rain in Houston, Texas EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey People photograph the submerged motorway interchange EPA The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Debris lies on the ground after a building was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass, Texas AP The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey Dominic Dominguez searches for his boat in a boat storage facility that was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey near Rockport, Texas EPA

Trajectories posted by the National Hurricane Centre Wednesday showed the southern tip of Florida having roughly an 80 per cent chance of being hit by tropical storm-force winds as a result of Irma.
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Hillary Clinton has said Bernie Sanders attacks against her during the presidential campaign caused lasting damage.

According to excerpts of her new book, What Happened, that have surfaced online, Ms Clinton accused Mr Sanders of paving the way for Donald Trump's "Crooked Hillary" campaign.

Mr Sanders, an independent senator, had challenged Ms Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president. Ms Clinton wrote that her opponent had to resort to innuendo and impugning my character because they agreed on so much".

When I finally challenged Bernie during a debate to name a single time I changed a position or a vote because of a financial contribution, he couldn't come up with anything, Ms Clinton said. Nonetheless, his attacks caused lasting damage, making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trump's 'Crooked Hillary' campaign.

While Mr Sanders eventually campaigned for Ms Clinton following his defeat in the primaries, Ms Clinton did not hold back in her book, comparing the senator to the deranged hitchhiker in the 1998 Ben Stiller movie Theres Something About Mary.

A deranged hitchhiker says hes come up with a brilliant plan, Ms Clinton wrote, describing a scene in the movie. Instead of the famous eight-minute abs exercise routine, hes going to market seven minute abs. Its the same, just quicker. Then the driver, played by Ben Stiller, says, Well, why not six-minute abs?

 Bernie Sanders praises 'courageous' Jeremy Corbyn for 'revitalising democracy'

She added: Thats what it was like in policy debates with Bernie. We would propose a bold infrastructure plan or an ambitious new apprenticeship program for young people, and then Bernie would announce basically the same thing, but bigger. On issue after issue, it was like he kept proposing four-minute abs, or even no-minute abs. Magic abs!

Ms Clinton also wrote that some of Mr Sanders supporters, the so-called Bernie Bros, took to harassing my supporters online".

Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Show all 15 1 /15 Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Darren McCollester/Getty Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Mary Schwalm/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Brian Snyder/Reuters Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Darren McCollester/Getty Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP Bernie Sanders campaigns with Hillary Clinton Andrew Harnik/AP

It got ugly and more than a little sexist, she added.

Ms Clintons book, which describes her latest experience running for president, is scheduled to be released on 12 September. However, several supporters who obtained the book early have published excerpts on social media.

Ms Clinton also talks in her book about how she was urged  including by then-President Barack Obama  to not hit back against Bernies attacks".

My team kept reminding me that we didnt want to alienate Bernies supporters, Ms Clinton wrote. President Obama urged me to grit my teeth and lay off Bernie as much as I could. I felt I was in a straitjacket.
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A candidate for mayor in Charlotte, North Carolina has deactivated her Facebook account after listing being white as one of her qualifications to run the city.

Kimberley Paige Barnette, the 53-year-old running for mayor, was quickly rebuked by the chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party, and was forced to apologise for the remarks.

VOTE FOR ME! Ms Barnette wrote on her Facebook page, according to the Charlotte Observer. REPUBLICAN & SMART, WHITE, TRADITIONAL.

Recommended Trump sides with Democrats against Republicans over debt ceiling vote

But, fellow Republicans in the state said that kind of messaging was inappropriate.

Any suggestion that a candidate is more or less qualified for political office based on their skin color alone is offensive to North Carolina Republicans, and we condemn it, Robin Hayes, the state Republican chair, said in a statement. This type of suggestion has no place in our public discourse.

Ms Barnette has since then removed her post, and apologized. She is trailing her two competitors in the race to clinch the Republican primary to become the mayor. The primary is scheduled for later this month.

Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma  devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP

The candidate, who is a former Mecklenburg County magistrate, has campaigned saying that the country needs to attract high income people to the city. We should attract higher-income people, she said during a debate last month.

We shouldnt encourage more lower-income people to [come to] Charlotte, she said, according to local press.

Ms Barnette also said that protests are an expression of Democratic behaviour.
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As Congress returns from recess, a major piece of defence legislation is up for consideration that could prove to be invaluable for those looking to the US to fight climate change.

The annual National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), which specifies defence spending as well as foreign policy goals, will be debated in the Senate and the fact it normally gets bipartisan support means it becomes a lightning rod for different policies. This year, one of the amendments - if it is voted through - calls on the Pentagon to produce a report on the security risks posed by climate change.

It will now be up to the Senate to pass the act with or without the Langevin amendment - but if it passes the signal it sends will be at odds with those put out by the Trump adminsitration up unil now.

Debate had been opened on the bill prior to the recess, however it was the same day as a crucial vote on the Republican replacement for Obamacare and debate quickly shifted back to healthcare on the Senate floor.

Donald Trump has begun the formal process to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change, a global accord signed by nearly 200 countries to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and help poorer countries adjust to an already-changed planet.

The move was criticised by several countries leaders and in response nearly a thousand CEOs and American mayors vowed to keep fighting climate change, even without the federal governments help.

At the same time, Mr Trump also increased the US defence budget and recently requested a troop surge for Afghanistan while proposing dramatic cuts to diplomatic functions at the State Department.

These may seem like unrelated issues but as Francesco Femia, President of the Washington-based Center for Climate and Security, reminded The Independent: the Pentagon has, since at least as far back as 2003, taken climate change seriously.

At least four of Mr Trumps top military counsel: Defence Secretary James Mattis, Assistant Defence Secretary Lucian Niemeyer, Secretary of the Navy Richard V Spencer, and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Paul Selva have all reaffirmed the connection, according to Mr Femia.

Even the 2014 Quadrennial Defence Review, done ahead of the December 2015 Paris Agreement, stated that climate change will aggravate stressors abroad such as poverty, environmental, political instability, and social tensions  conditions that can enable terrorist activity and other forms of violence.

However, the Trump administrations seemingly conflicting policies makes it appear as if it does not see the connection. In the latest draft of the NDAA however, there is hope that Congress does.

In June 2017, the House voted in the Langevin Amendment to the NDAA in what Mr Femia called the most significant bipartisan action on climate change in about a decade.

The Amendment, named after Congressman Jim Langevin of the Armed Services Committee, would require the Defence Secretary to provide a report to Congress detailing ten military bases or installations in each service that are facing a threat from climate change within the next 20 years- specifically sea level rise, erosion, drought, increased frequency of natural disasters.

If passed in the Senate it would also require a discussion of the climate-change related effects...including the increase in the frequency of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and the theatre campaign plans, contingency plans.

 France trolls Trump by annotating White House video about the Paris Agreement

Ohio University Professor Geoff Dabelko told the Wilson Centers New Security Beat blog that the bipartisan support garnered by the Langevin amendment is just the first step in a process to heal the political divide on climate change.

The security community does not have the luxury to add or drop threats to security when control of Congress or the White House changes hands, he noted.

He explained, however, that this the exact opposite of what the Trump administration has been demonstrating the last seven months.

Part of the criticism of the Langevin amendment was that focusing on climate change - the vast body of science which even Mr Trumps head of the Environmental Protection Agency Scott Pruitt and Energy Secretary Rick Perry have called into question - would detract from national security properties.

As Representative Liz Cheney - daughter of former Vice President Dick Cheney - said during the House floor debate: There is no evidence that climate change causes war...North Korea is not developing nuclear tipped ICBMs because the climates changing. ISIS and al Qaeda are not attacking the West because of the weather.

However, that may not be entirely true though academic researchers are still arguing over this climate-conflict connection - particularly when it concerns the sequence of drought, food insecurity, migration, and an outbreak of conflict over more scarce resources.

Republican Representative Scott Perry tried and failed to pass an amendment that essentially said enough federal agencies address climate change that the Defence Department should not be concerned with it.

Several of his party colleagues noted however that the Langevin Amendment is simply a report and information about potential threats is not detrimental.

Neil Bhatiya, a researcher at the Center for a New American Security, also argued against Ms Cheney and Mr Perrys statements when it comes to focusing on one type of security threat.

He told The Independent that the military establishment is capable of both responding to immediate threats like Isis, the Taliban, and North Korea while simultaneously preparing for future threats like social and political instability arising from climate change impacts.

Mr Bhatiya said that though anything is possible in this political climate, he feels there are more pressing political issues that are far more controversial surrounding this years NDAA that the climate change amendment will be safe from being taken out of a Senate draft.

Given Mr Trumps proposed cuts to the US Coast Guard, the maritime security agency which is also tasked with ocean preservation, some experts fear it could still be part of the debate.

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 Trump has repeatedly expressed his commitment to the US coal and manufacturing industries, specifically the workers in those fields.

Coupled with messaging that addressing climate change would have a negative economic impact and several EPA and State Department scientific advisors resigning or being pushed out - political pressure to not include the Langevin amendment or similar language on climate change could mount.

It had done so in the most recent iteration of the healthcare debate, with many Republican Senators initially speaking out against the Trump administration.

However, save for a few, they fell into party line and voted with Mr Trump.

One saving grace may be the deteriorated relationship between Senators Mitch McConnell, John McCain, Lindsay Graham, and Jeff Flake - all of whom have been on the receiving end of Mr Trumps public, Twitter and private ire according to reports.

The fact that Chief of Staff John Kelly has been involved in previous [Defence Department] efforts to understand climate impacts as the former Commander-in-Chief of [Southern Command] may ultimately be encouraging on the front, as well Mr Bhatiya said.

Of course, even with Mr Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillersons previous comments regarding the need to address climate change, Mr Trump still withdrew the US from the Paris accord.

Mr Femia pointed out that the report required by the Langevin Amendment would also highlight how the civilian communities - both in the US and abroad - are affected by climate change, a selling point for some Senators.

If this Administration is serious about improving American infrastructure, and supporting our military, it will have to be serious about the climate resilience of that infrastructure which is not limited to just military bases, Mr Femia said.

For the time being, Mr Trump and his surrogates have yet to confirm whether the President actually believes in climate change, a separate issue from whether he thinks federal funding should address the problem.
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Republican John Kasich, the governor of Ohio, has blasted Donald Trumps decision to end a policy shielding young undocumented immigrants from deportation, inviting the so-called Dreamers to come to Ohio.

Mr Kasichs comments are part of a stream of bipartisan criticism Mr Trump has received for cancelling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme, which had been implemented under former President Barack Obama.

In announcing that he was rescinding DACA, Mr Trump called on Congress to let the Dreamers stay in the US. But immigration has been a difficult issue for Congress, and Mr Obama began the programme after a lack of legislative action on immigration reform.

If the dreamers want to go somewhere and live, come to Ohio, Mr Kasich said in an interview with CBS. We want all the immigrants to come to Ohio because we know how much they contribute to America.

Mr Kasich, whose grandparents were immigrants, added that the President's decision is not the America that we all love.

I wouldn't be in America if it wasn't for immigration, he said. Who knows, maybe Id be the president of Croatia.

The term Dreamers comes from the proposed DREAM Act, which would have given unauthorised immigrants legal status as long as they met certain requirements. The bill was first introduced in 2001 and has been rejected several times by Congress.

Under DACA, Dreamers were able to apply to defer deportation and legally reside in the US for two years. After that, they could apply for renewal.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Administration officials have said current programme participants whose permits expire before March 5, 2018, will be able to renew their status if they file applications by October 5. But if Congress fails to act by March, thousands of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children could face deportation.

Mr Trumps Attorney General Jeff Sessions, along with several other Republicans, have called the Obama administrations implementation of DACA an abuse of executive authority. However, other members of the party have said Mr Trump's decision to end the programme is the wrong approach to immigration policy.

I strongly believe that children who were illegally brought into this country through no fault of their own should not be forced to return to a country they do not know, Senator John McCain of Arizona said in a statement. The 800,000 innocent young people granted deferred action under DACA over the last several years are pursuing degrees, starting careers and contributing to our communities in important ways.

Now that Mr Trump has punted the issue over to Congress, top Democrats are pushing Republicans to make passing the DREAM Act a priority this fall.

If a clean DREAM Act does not come to the floor in September, we are prepared to attach it to other items this fall until it passes, Charles Schumer, the Senates top Democrat, announced at a press conference with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and other colleagues.

The presidents decision to end DACA was heartless and it was brainless, Mr Schumer said. If this order stands, hundreds of thousands of families will be ripped apart, tens of thousands of American businesses will lose hard-working employees.

But Senator John Cornyn, the Senates second-ranking Republican, told reporters theres no way the upper chamber will take up a measure this month that will replace DACA.

He also dismissed the possibility that legislation aimed at protecting young undocumented immigrants from deportation would be in a stand-alone bill, floating the idea that a DACA fix could be tied to border security.

Border security and enforcement. There may even be some other noncontroversial visa enforcement issues, he said when asked about what could be included in the legislation.

But while others have suggested that DACA cannot make it through Congress as a clean bill, Republican Senator Marco Rubio said if you were able to have a stand-alone vote on a good product, [you] could pass it.

If you start adding other things to it, thats where I think it falls apart, Mr Rubio told Politico.

Republicans voicing of different strategies indicates a tough road ahead for any legislative fix for DACA, or immigration reform in general.

The White House has also already signalled that Mr Trump wont be willing to sign a bill into law that addresses only DACA. We cant just have one tweak to the system, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Tuesday during a briefing.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump tweeted that he would revisit the issue if Congress is unable to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do).

He later told reporters he would like to see something where we have good border security, and we have a great DACA transaction where everybody is happy, appearing to suggest he wants funds for the construction of a US-Mexico border wall to be included in any immigration reform bill that comes to his desk.

Mary Fan, a law professor at the University of Washington, said comprehensive immigration reform bills that have failed in Congress have tended to pair border fortification measures with policies that could provide legalisation for undocumented immigrants.

It's a common tradeoff, she told The Independent.
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White House officials have raised concerns that Donald Trump didnt completely grasp the implications of ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program before he made a decision about its future.

Administration officials privately fretted that Mr Trump may have not understood exactly what effects rescinding DACA could have, according to a report from the New York Times.

Mr Trumps administration has since then has attempted to cede responsibility for the policy, and said that it is now up to Congress to determine a legislative future for the program. Since its implementation in 2012, as many as 800,000 young undocumented immigrants in the US have applied for the protected status, which grants work visas to people who came to the United States illegally at a very young age.

Recommended Barack Obama hits out at Trump over DACA in moving statement

The program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama administration is being rescinded, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday, announcing a six-month sunset for the program.

Mr Sessions indicated that the program would be phased out and that new applications from people hoping to become DACA recipients would not be taken going forward.

Mr Trump built his campaign in large part by taking a tough-on-illegal immigration stance that many in the Republican primary were hesitant to embrace. The President, during the campaign, promised mass deportations of individuals without legal status in the US  a group that includes an estimated 11 million people.

Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Show all 20 1 /20 Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-1 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-2 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-3 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-4 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 28: Demonstrators hold signs during a rally against a ban on Muslim immigration at San Francisco International Airport on January 28, 2017 in San Francisco, California. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that suspends entry of all refugees for 120 days, indefinitely suspends the entries of all Syrian refugees, as well as barring entries from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering for 90 days. Stephen Lam/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-5 A crowd of protesters gathers outside of the Brooklyn Federal Courthouse as a judge hears a challenge against President Donald Trump's executive ban on immigration from several Muslim countries, on January 28, 2017 in Brooklyn. The judge issued an emergency stay on part of Trump's executive order, ruling that sending refugees stopped at U.S. airports back to their countries would be harmful. Yana Paskova/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-6 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-7 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-8 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the new immigration ban issued by President Donald Trump at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-9 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-10 Getty Images Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-11 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-12 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-13 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-14 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-15 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-16 Protestors rally during a demonstration against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump signed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-17 NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-18 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-19 Protestors rally during a protest against the Muslim immigration ban at John F. Kennedy International Airport on January 28, 2017 in New York City. President Trump singed the controversial executive order that halted refugees and residents from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Stephanie Keith/Getty Protestors rally at JFK Airport against Muslim immigration ban jfk-protest-muslim-ban-20 Passengers wait in line to check in at the American Airlines terminal at JFK International Airport August 10, 2006 in the Queens borough of New York City. British authorities arrested 21 people and halted a anallegedly terrorist plot to use liquid explosives concealed in carry-on luggage to blow up airliners traveling between Britain and the U.S. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff said that the plot appeared to be directed at U.S. carriers flying out of Heathrow. such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines. Stephen Chernin/Getty

Deportation courts in the United States are already backlogged, however, and it is unclear if deporting that many people is even possible.

In the first six months of his presidency, Mr Trumps administration issued 57,069 deportation orders, an increase of 31 per cent over the same period the year prior when Barack Obama was still in office. Of those, 16,058 people fought and won their immigration cases, or had them closed, which allowed them to stay in the United States.
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A police officer accused of assaulting a nurse after she refused to allow him to take a blood sample without a warrant has been fired from his second job.

Jeff Payne, who worked for Gold Cross Ambulance service, was sacked over comments he made while arresting a nurse were captured on his body-worn camera.

Footage of the incident  in which Utah nurse Alex Wubbels is seen being forcibly removed from The University of Utah Hospital  prompted outrage when it was shared widely online.

Ms Wubbels, who was working on the burns unit, acted according to hospital policy when she refused to allow the Salt Lake City police officer to take blood from an unconscious patient.

The patient had reportedly been badly injured following a police chase. He was not suspected of any wrongdoing in connection with the crash.

During the incident, Mr Payne suggested he would bring homeless patients to the university hospital, while taking "good" patients elsewhere, president of the ambulance service Mike Moffitt told Reuters.

Those remarks are just not reflective of our company's philosophy and the service we provide and because of that behaviour we felt we had to separate ways, he said.

His comments reflected poorly on the company and violated several company policies.

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

After the arrest, the Utah hospital issued new restrictions on law enforcement after the incident, including barring officers from having direct contact with nurses and stopping them entering areas where patients were treated.

Gordon Crabtree, acting chief executive of the hospital, said he was deeply troubled by the manhandling of the nurse, who was an Olympic skier before starting work as a nurse.

This will not happen again, Mr Crabtree said. He praised Ms Wubbels for putting her own safety at risk to protect patients' rights.

Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and Police Chief Mike Brown have since apologised to Ms Wubbels for opening a criminal investigation into the incident.
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A British national suspected of abusing 34 children has been arrested in India.

Murray Dennis Ward, who has been living in India for 17 years, was arrested after being accused of sexually assaulting three children at a blind school in south Delhi.

The 54-year-old, from Gloucestershire, was initially a school donor before becoming a volunteer teacher.

Investigators allegedly found more than 100 pictures and videos of children being sexually assaulted on Mr Ward's mobile phone, the Times of India reported.

They also claimed to have looked into Mr Wards online chat records and discovered he was in contact with more than two dozen teenagers, both male and female.

Some of the videos had been filmed from his phone and others were downloaded from the internet, authorities alleged..

Mr Ward was interrogated by police officers and reportedly admitted to sexually abusing children.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

He was in India working as a senior manager for a telecoms company and met his alleged victims while conducting charitable work.

Investigations continue and authorities have made a plea to reach out to any other potential victims.

As Mr Ward is accused of being part of online chat groups where videos and photos of children being sexually abused were shared, investigations are continuing to determine whether or not he was a member of an international paedophile racket.
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Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi blamed fake news and a misinformation campaign for fuelling a crisis that the UN says has now pushed more than 125,000 minority Rohingya Muslims into Bangladesh with tales of atrocities at the hands of security forces.

Suu Kyi told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call on Tuesday that her government is defending all the people in western Rakhine state, according to a government statement. The violence and civilian suffering have prompted international condemnation and resonated particularly in many Muslim countries.

Erdogan's office in Ankara said that the Turkish leader told Suu Kyi that disproportionate use of force against the minority group should be avoided and maximum care taken to avoid harming civilians.

Recommended At least five drown after boat carrying Rohingya Muslims capsizes

Suu Kyi's office said that she told Erdogan that his deputy prime minister was a victim of fake news when he posted photos purportedly showing dead Rohingya that were not related to the crisis. The photos on Mehmet Simsek's Twitter account had been taken down.

Suu Kyi said that such misinformation helps promote the interests of terrorists, a reference to Rohingya insurgents whose deadly attacks on Burma security posts 25 August triggered the latest military crackdown and streams of refugees.

The military has said nearly 400 people, most of them insurgents, have died in clashes. Security forces responded to the attacks with days of clearance operations the government says were aimed at rooting out insurgents it accuses of setting fire to Rohingya villages.

Many displaced Rohingya, however, said it was Burmese soldiers who set their homes aflame and fired indiscriminately around their villages in Rakhine state. Rohingya Muslims have long faced discrimination in the majority-Buddhist Southeast Asian country.

A Rohingya Muslim whom the Associated Press reached by phone said that she and thousands of fellow villagers driven from their homes by the violence in Burma are now stuck along the coast, hoping to flee to nearby Bangladesh by boat.

The 18-year-old provided AP with cellphone photographs she took Tuesday along the beach in southern Maungdaw township in Rakhine state. Several of the photos show hundreds of people sitting on the ground, with small sacks or plastic bags holding their meager belongings. Only some had tarps or umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.

The teenager, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for her safety, said her family's house was burned Aug. 25, right after Rohingya insurgents attacked Burma border guard police outposts.

The number of Rohingya fleeing Rakhine has reached more than 125,000, 80 percent of whom are women and children, said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake.

Many more children in need of support and protection remain in the areas of northern Rakhine State that have been wracked by violence, he said in a statement, adding that the UN refugee agency had no access to trouble spots in northern Rakhine state.

We are unable to reach the 28,000 children to whom we were previously providing psychosocial care or the more than 4,000 children who were treated for malnutrition in Buthidaung and Maungdaw in Rakhine, he said. Our clean water and sanitation work has been suspended, as have school repairs that were under way.

Rohingya refugees  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young girl and a baby wade through mud after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma on 10 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees walk through a camp in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after arriving from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young Rohingya refugee gathers firewood after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees wait for sacks of rice to be distributed in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive on a boat in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after crossing from Burma on 8 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees react after being re-united with each other after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Getty Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees walk along the remains of a road after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Myanmar Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees stand in the rain after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indian children hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma EPA/Raminder Pal Singh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organisation, listen to their leaders' speeches against Burma's persecution of Rohingya Muslims, during a demonstration in Karachi Reuters/Akhtar Soomro Rohingya refugees  in pictures Hundreds of Iranians take part in a protest against violence in Myanmar after weekly Friday prayers, in Tehran EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indonesian Muslim activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya minority in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia EPA/Ali Lutfi Rohingya refugees  in pictures Members of an Islamic organisation shout slogans against the Burma government during a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh EPA

Turkey said that Burma agreed to allow its aid officials to enter Rakhine state with a tonne of food and goods for Rohingya.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was crucial that Burma's government immediately give Rohingya either nationality or legal status so they can lead normal lives and freely move, find jobs, and get an education.

Guterres cited the longstanding history of discrimination, hopelessness and extreme poverty against Rohingya and warned about possible ethnic cleansing.

AP
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Burma has been laying landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh, Dhaka has said, with government sources adding that the purpose may have been to prevent the return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence.

Bangladesh has lodged a protest against the move amid growing tensions over the huge influx of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in Burma.

An army crackdown triggered by an attack in late August by Rohingya insurgents on Burma security forces has led to the killing of at least 400 people and the exodus of nearly 125,000 Rohingya to Bangladesh. Some predictions say the number of those fleeing could rise to 300,000.

When asked whether Bangladesh had lodged the complaint, foreign secretary Shahidul Haque said yes without elaborating. Three other government sources confirmed that a protest note was faxed to Burma in the morning saying the Buddhist-majority country was violating international norms.

They are putting the landmines in their territory along the barbed-wire fence between a series of border pillars, said one of the sources. Both sources said Bangladesh learned about the landmines mainly through photographic evidence and informers.

Our forces have also seen three to four groups working near the barbed wire fence, putting something into the ground, one of the sources said. We then confirmed with our informers that they were laying landmines.

The sources did not clarify if the groups were in uniform, but added that they were sure they were not Rohingya insurgents.

A Burma military source said landmines were laid along the border in the 1990s to prevent trespassing and the military had since tried to remove them. But none had been planted recently.

Manzurul Hassan Khan, a Bangladesh border guard officer, told Reuters earlier that two blasts were heard on Tuesday on the Burma side, after two on Monday fuelled speculation that Burma forces had laid landmines.

One boy had his left leg blown off on Tuesday near a border crossing before being brought to Bangladesh for treatment, while another boy suffered minor injuries, Mr Khan said, adding that the blast could have been a mine explosion.

A Rohingya refugee who went to the site of the blast on Monday  on a footpath near where civilians fleeing violence are huddled in a no mans land on the border  filmed what appeared to be a mine: a metal disc about 10cm in diameter partially buried in the mud. He said he believed there were two more such devices buried in the ground.

Two refugees also told Reuters they saw members of the Burma army around the site in the immediate period preceding the Monday blasts, which occurred around 2.25pm.

Reuters was unable to independently verify that the planted devices were landmines and that there was any link to the Burmese army.

Burmas army has not commented on the blasts near the border. Zaw Htay, the spokesman for Burmas national leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was not immediately available for comment.

On Monday, he told Reuters clarification was needed to determine where did it explode, who can go there and who laid those landmines. Who can surely say those mines were not laid by the terrorists?

The border pillars mentioned by the Dhaka-based sources demarcate the boundaries of the two countries, along which Burma has a portion of barbed wire fencing. Most of the two countries 135-mile border is porous.

Rohingya refugees  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young girl and a baby wade through mud after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma on 10 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees walk through a camp in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after arriving from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young Rohingya refugee gathers firewood after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees wait for sacks of rice to be distributed in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive on a boat in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after crossing from Burma on 8 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees react after being re-united with each other after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Getty Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees walk along the remains of a road after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Myanmar Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees stand in the rain after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indian children hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma EPA/Raminder Pal Singh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organisation, listen to their leaders' speeches against Burma's persecution of Rohingya Muslims, during a demonstration in Karachi Reuters/Akhtar Soomro Rohingya refugees  in pictures Hundreds of Iranians take part in a protest against violence in Myanmar after weekly Friday prayers, in Tehran EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indonesian Muslim activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya minority in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia EPA/Ali Lutfi Rohingya refugees  in pictures Members of an Islamic organisation shout slogans against the Burma government during a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh EPA

They are not doing anything on Bangladeshi soil, said one of the sources. But we have not seen such laying of landmines in the border before.

Burma, which was under military rule until recently and is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, is one of the few countries that have not signed the 1997 UN Mine Ban Treaty.

Also on Wednesday, Aung San Suu Kyi blamed terrorists for a huge iceberg of misinformation on the strife in the north-western state of Rakhine but, in a statement, she made no mention of the Rohingya.

Burma national security adviser Thaung Tun told a news conference in the capital, Naypyitaw, that Burma was counting on China and Russia, both permanent members of the Security Council, to block a UN resolution on the crisis.

We are negotiating with some friendly countries not to take it to the Security Council, he said. China is our friend and we have a similar friendly relationship with Russia, so it will not be possible for that issue to go forward.

Reuters
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Kim Jong Un's chaotic temperament has been obvious for years, and could be seen in how he treated his teenage sweetheart aged 15, a Korean security expert has said.

Nam Sung Wook, the former director of the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) think tank on inter-Korean studies, said that a story he picked up from Kim's schooldays shows how he was prone to rage even in his teens.

Nam said that Kim's (unnamed) high school flame tried to convince him to stop smoking  and got the same kind of furious response with which the world's leaders are becoming ever more familiar.

"As Kim was smoking at a young age, his girlfriend advised him to quit smoking," Nam told a political party conference in Seoul on Wednesday, as cited by Korea's Yonhap News.

"Then, Kim exploded with foul language, which was quite shocking [to her]."

"This rough manner he displayed made me think things would get complicated once he becomes the 'king' of the nation," he added, according to the Korea Herald.

Nam believes that Kim's personality flaws are so severe that the only way to resolve the tensions in Korea is for him to be "eliminated."

He learned about Kim's background by dispatching a research team from his think tank in 2008 to Bern, Switzerland, where the dictator-to-be attended The International School of Berne.

It was during this trip that they were told about the putative leader's teenage temperament.

The expert, who now works as a professor of Korean Unification, Diplomacy and Security at Seoul's Korea University, also warned that North Korea's military threat would continue unless Kim was "eliminated."

North Korea claimed to have developed its sixth and largest nuclear test  a hydrogen bomb that it could launch thousands of miles  on Sunday.

"The latest development is largely attributable to Kim's wild character," he said. "If Kim is not eliminated, this issue will persist."

South Korea is seeking to develop a ballistic "Frankenmissile" that would reach North Korea and be powerful enough to destroy the entire country alongside its underground military facilities and command centres, the Korea Herald reported.

The country is also set to establish a special unit tasked with eliminating Kim Jong Un and other North Korean leaders, the Korea Herald said. The task force, set to launch on December 1, is expected to work with US special units that were involved in the mission to kill Osama bin Laden.

Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father and predecessor, started grooming Jong Un as his successor after he suffered a stroke in August 2008, Yonhap said. Kim Jong Il died in December 2011.

Kim Jong Un is his father's third son and thus not an apparent heir to the Supreme Leadership.

However, his oldest brother Kim Jong Nam had been living abroad in exile in Macau for years, according to Reuters. He was killed this February in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in a plot that US and South Korean officials believe orchestrated by Kim Jong Un's regime.

The second brother, Kim Jong Chul, was passed over because Kim Jong Il believed him "no good because he is like a little girl," according to Kim Jong Il's personal chef. Nam told the party conference said he suffered from an excess of female hormones after a car accident, according to Yonhap.

"At that time, I wished my prediction [that Kim would become Supreme Leader of North Korea] would not be right," Nam said, according to Yonhap. "Unfortunately, however, it has come true."

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Read the original article on Business Insider UK.  2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
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Kim Jong-uns hydrogen bomb test triggered a series of landslides in North Korea, new satellite images suggest.

They were generated at the Punggye-ri military testing site where the secretive communist state conducted an underground detonation in tunnels below Mount Mantap over the weekend.

The countrys sixth nuclear test caused more numerous and widespread disturbance than their previous five tests, according to analysis group 38 North, who released the images earlier this week.

The test caused a 6.3 magnitude tremor, followed moments later by a 4.1 magnitude quake.

They led to fears that a rock over the test site had caved in, although 38 North said the images appeared to confirm this was not the case.

The group did say the images suggest disturbances had taken place beyond the test site of Punggye-ri.

Kim Jong-Un's hydrogen bomb test on Sunday caused landslides and two earthquakes (Reuters)

It is thought the power range of the bomb was between 50 to 120 kilotons, at least three times the size of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima by the US at the end of the World War Two.

The test also led to warnings that the test site could be at risk of collapse with Chinese scientist, Wang Naiyan, telling the South China Morning Post that Pyongyang risked blowing the top off Mt Mantap with increasingly large bombs.

Pyongyang claimed the test was of an advanced hydrogen bomb to be loaded onto a missile.

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

International pressure has begun to mount over North Koreas nuclear testing as a number of world leaders condemned the detonation.

Earlier this week the US urged the UN Security Council to impose tougher measures against the country and called for a vote on fresh sanctions.

Donald Trump announced an agreement for the US to sell South Korea and Japan a "substantially increased" amount of military equipment in an attempt to counter Kim Jong-Un.

In a phone call Theresa May also told the US leader that she agreed with the need for swift measures to tackle the threat posed by North Korea.
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South Korea is thought to be planning to counter the nuclear threat of Kim Jong-uns regime by developing a frankenmissile so powerful it can destroy any of the communist norths underground military installations and command centres.

Swiftly dubbed frankenmissile by the South Korean media, the massive ground-to-ground ballistic missile would carry a warhead weighing 1,800kg (4,000lbs) and have the range to reach anywhere in North Korea.

The plan to build the new weapon was reported days after Donald Trump was said to have agreed in principle with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to scrap a 2012 agreement between the two allies that had limited South Korea to ballistic missiles with a payload of no more than 500 kg (1,102lbs).

The happened after a phone call between the two leaders on Friday in which President Moon reportedly told Mr Trump: It is crucial to come up with powerful and practical measures that can make North Korea realise the impact of its actions.

A South Korean presidential spokesman later told reporters: "Sharing the view that South Korea needs to bolster its defence capabilities to counter North Korea's provocations and threats, the two leaders agreed in principle to revise the missile guidelines to a level that the South Korean side desires."

The Korea Herald, which first reported the frankenmissile plan, quoted military sources as saying the South Korean government is now considering a plan to build a ballistic missile with a payload of up to 2 tons (4,000lbs).

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

Developing such a weapon would significantly bolster South Koreas capacity for action independent of its ally the US, which has kept a strong military presence in the country since the Korean War and has its own arsenal of bunker buster bombs with payloads of up to 2,400kg (5,300lbs).

Kwon Yong-soo, a professor at Korea National Defence University said: The measure would dramatically boost South Koreas retaliation capability against North Korea. With a 1-ton warhead ballistic missile, South Korea could target almost all of North Koreas underground facilities.

South Koreas frankenmissile would, however, be considerably smaller than Americas GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB) bomb  widely known as the Mother of All Bombs  which carries a 18,700lb (8,482kg) warhead.

 Old footage of 'Mother of All Bombs' test is thought to be same bomb as US' attack on Afghanistan

This became the largest non-nuclear weapon ever used in combat by the US when it was dropped on Isis tunnels in Achin district, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, in April 2017.

Russia, though, has claimed to have tested a device four times more powerful that it has called the Father of All Bombs and described as the world's most powerful non-nuclear air-delivered munition.

North Korea, meanwhile, is thought to have developed its own frankenmissile, so named by defence experts because it appeared to have been made from elements of two other intercontinental ballistic missiles, the KN-08 and KN-14.

It is thought, however, that when this was tested in April, it proved a failure, blowing up almost immediately after it was launched.

South Koreas plan to develop a frankenmissile comes amid rapidly escalating tensions sparked by Kim Jong-uns hardline communist regimes refusal to stop testing ballistic missiles, including one which was sent over Japanese territory.

To the great anxiety of many commentators, Donald Trump has responded with a series of aggressive statements including a promise that North Korea would be met with fire and fury like the world has never seen" if it continued to expand its nuclear and missile programmes.

South Korea has also started developing plans for decapitation missions against senior North Korean leaders including Kim Jong-un in the event of war.

It has been reported that by December 1 South Korea hopes to have create a brigade that would carry out such assassination attempts with the help of US special forces including Seal Team Six, the unit which killed Osama bin Laden.

We are in the process of conceptualising the plan, Defence Minister Song Young-moo told the South Korean parliament on Monday. I believe we can create the unit by December 1 and have it become operational.
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A draft United Nations resolution seeks to impose a travel ban on Kim Jong-un as part of a range of new sanctions against North Korea aimed at curbing its nuclear weapons programme.

The US is pushing the UN Security Council to impose an oil embargo on the regime, as well as ban the country's exports and the hiring of labourers from North Korea abroad, of which there are between 60,000 and 100,000.

The draft resolution also hopes to place a travel ban on Kim Jong-un and freeze the assets of four other senior officials, as well as the regime's government and the Worker's Party of North Korea.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley pushed the 15-member council to vote on the draft resolution on Monday, but Russia's UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the move may be "a little premature".

It is not yet clear if China supports the resolution due to its trade links with the regime: China is a big supplier of its crude oil and a big buyer of North Korean textiles.

The draft needs nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the US, Britain, France, Russia or China to pass.

Ms Haley's pressure comes a month after the same council imposed sanctions following North Korea's two missile launches in July, banning the country's exports of coal, iron, lead and seafood, aiming to cut its export revenue by a third.

Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters

Currently North Korea makes about $3 billion in export revenue, with coal and minerals and textiles being its biggest generators.

If the UN draft is approved, the assets of Air Koryo, North Korea's military-controlled airline, would be frozen. The airline flies to a few cities in China and to Vladivostok in Russia.

North Korea prompted consternation from global leaders after it flew a missile over Japan last month.

On Sunday the regime tested a hydrogen bomb, which produced a blast that was said to be 10 times larger than that of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.

Experts say the bomb was capable of being fitted to an intercontinental ballistic missile, whose range the North Koreans have spent months testing and plan to reach the US.

Mr Trump said on Tuesday he would allow South Korea and Japan to spend billions on US-constructed military equipment.

While North Korea has accused US and South Korean military exercises as a dress rehearsal for invasion, the leaders responded they were acting in self-defence.

Mr Trump tweeted last week: "North Korea is a rogue nation which has become a great threat and embarrassment to China, which is trying to help but with little success."

Agencies contributed to this report.
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The husband of Queen Margrethe is suffering from dementia, the Danish royal household has announced.

The palace said the 83-year-old French-born Prince Henrik had undergone a medical examination at Copenhagen's university hospital. Doctors concluded the extent of the cognitive failure is greater than expected for the prince, it said, adding this can lead to changes in behaviour, reactions, judgement and emotions.

Henrik last month caused a stir by saying he won't be buried next to the monarch in a specially designed sarcophagus. Margrethe, 77, said she had accepted Henrik's decision, adding it didn't change her burial plans. Henrik said he wanted to be buried in Denmark, but didn't say where.

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 prince, who retired from public life last year, has long complained that he did not become king instead of his wife when she acceded to the throne in 1972. A change in the Danish Constitution 19 years earlier had allowed female succession. Even before that, Henrik wouldn't have become king.

Following the dementia diagnosis, the prince will further downgrade his activities in the future, the palace said.

AP
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Al-Qaeda is creating its most powerful stronghold ever in north-west Syria at a time when world attention is almost entirely focused on the impending defeat of Isis in the east of the country. It has established full control of Idlib province and of a vital Syrian-Turkish border crossing since July. Idlib Province is the largest al-Qaeda safe haven since 9/11, says Brett McGurk, the senior US envoy to the international coalition fighting Isis.

The al-Qaeda-linked movement, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which used to be called Jabhat al-Nusra, has long been the most powerful rebel group in western Syria. After the capture of east Aleppo by the Syrian army last December, it moved to eliminate its rivals in Idlib, including its powerful former Turkish-backed ally Ahrar al-Sham. HTS is estimated to have 30,000 experienced fighters whose numbers will grow as it integrates brigades from other defeated rebel groups and recruits young men from the camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have sought refuge in Idlib from President Bashar al-Assads forces.

Al-Qaeda is growing in strength in and around Idlib province just as Isis is suffering defeat after defeat in eastern Syria and Iraq. Its latest setback was its failure on Tuesday to stop the Syrian army linking up with its enclave at Deir Ezzor, where Isis has been besieging the government held part of the city for three years. Divided by the Euphrates, the city is the largest in eastern Syria and its complete recapture opens the way to the al-Omar oilfields that once provided half of Syrias crude production.

The end of the siege, supposing encircling Isis forces are permanently driven back, frees up a Syrian army garrison of 5,000 to 10,000 soldiers as well as the 93,000 civilians trapped in the government-held zone who had been supplied with food by airdrops. Deir Ezzor is only the latest Isis urban centre to be lost on the Syrian portion of the Euphrates valley which was the heartland of its territories in Syria. Isis is everywhere on the retreat. Upriver from Deir Ezzor at Raqqa, the American-backed and Kurdish-run Syrian Democratic Forces are fighting their way into the city and has captured its old city quarter in the last few days.

Despite its proven fighting prowess, Isis is collapsing under the impact of ground attacks launched by different parties on multiple fronts in Iraq and Syria. What tips the balance against it in all cases is the massive firepower of the Russian and US air forces in support of ground assaults. Isiss defeat in eastern Syria will accelerate as local tribes, previously won over or intimidated by Isis, join the winning side. The US and the Syrian Kurds may not like the return of Syrian government authority in eastern Syria, south of Raqqa, but they do not look as if they are prepared to fight hard to stop it. President Trumps priority is to eradicate Isis and al-Qaeda, regardless of who rules Syria in future.

Bad news for Isis is good news for HTS and al-Qaeda. Its defeat preoccupies its myriad enemies and largely monopolises their military efforts. Short of combat troops, the Syrian army is only really capable of making a maximum effort on one front at a time. The Syrian Kurds have an interest in fighting Isis but not necessarily defeating it so decisively that the US would no longer need a Kurdish alliance and could return to the embrace of its old Nato ally Turkey.

HTS stands to benefit politically and militarily from the decline of Isis, the original creator and mentor of Jabhat al-Nusra, as the earliest of al-Qaedas incarnations in Syria was known. Under the name of al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of the movement split off in 2013 and the two sides fought a bloody inter-jihadi civil war. If Isis is destroyed or rendered a marginal force, Sunni Arab jihadis refusing to surrender to Mr Assads army and intelligence service will have no alternative but to join HTS. Moreover, Sunni Arabs in eastern Syria may soon be looking for any effective vehicle for resistance, if Syrian government armed forces behave with their traditional mix of brutality and corruption.

HTS will expect the many states now attacking Isis, and battering to pieces its three-year-old caliphate, to turn on them next. But they will hope to delay the confrontation for as long as possible while they strengthen their movement. Ideologically similar but politically more astute than Isis, they will seek to avoid provoking a final territorial battle which they are bound to lose. Some Syrian specialists warn against waiting too long. The international community must seek urgently to counter-attack HTS, which grows stronger by the day, without waiting for the complete destruction of the Islamic State, writes Fabrice Balanche in a study published by the Washington Institute for Near East Studies called Preventing a Jihadist Factory in Idlib. He says that HTS wants to dominate the whole Syrian rebellion and is close to succeeding.

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 open dominance of an extreme Islamic jihadi movement like HTS creates a problem for foreign powers, notably the US, UK, France, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, previous funders and suppliers of the Syrian rebels. HTS, whose attempt to distinguish itself from al-Qaeda has convinced few, is listed in many countries as a terrorist organisation, unlike its former ally, the Ahrar al-Sham. It will be difficult for foreign powers to do business with it, though the armed opposition to Mr Assad has long been dominated by extreme Islamist jihadi groups. The difference is that today there are no longer any nominally independent groups through which anti-Assad states and private donors can channel arms, money and aid while still pretending that they were not supporting terrorism.

Isis declared war against the whole world in 2014 and inevitably paid the price of creating a multitude of enemies who are now crushing it in Syria and Iraq. Many of the members of this de facto alliance always disliked each other almost as much as they hated Isis. It was only fear of the latter that forced them to cooperate, or at least not fight each other. It may not be possible to recreate the same unity of purpose against al-Qaeda.
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Israel is under fire from human rights groups for refusing to embargo sales of weaponry to the Burmese junta after intensified violence against the country's Rohingya Muslim minority.

More than 100 tanks, as well as boats and light weapons, have been sold to the Burmese government by Israeli arms companies in recent years, investigations by several rights watchdogs have found.

One company, TAR Ideal Concepts, has also trained Burmese special forces in northern Rakhine state, where much of the violence is taking place, posting pictures on their website in August 2016 of its staff teaching combat tactics and how to handle weapons.

An army crackdown triggered by an attack on 25 August by Rohingya insurgents on Burma security forces has triggered a major humanitarian crisis. At least 400 people have been killed and nearly 125,000 Rohingya have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees  in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young girl and a baby wade through mud after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma on 10 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees walk through a camp in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after arriving from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures A young Rohingya refugee gathers firewood after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya refugees wait for sacks of rice to be distributed in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive on a boat in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after crossing from Burma on 8 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees react after being re-united with each other after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Getty Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees walk along the remains of a road after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Myanmar Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees stand in the rain after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indian children hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma EPA/Raminder Pal Singh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organisation, listen to their leaders' speeches against Burma's persecution of Rohingya Muslims, during a demonstration in Karachi Reuters/Akhtar Soomro Rohingya refugees  in pictures Hundreds of Iranians take part in a protest against violence in Myanmar after weekly Friday prayers, in Tehran EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh Rohingya refugees  in pictures Indonesian Muslim activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya minority in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia EPA/Ali Lutfi Rohingya refugees  in pictures Members of an Islamic organisation shout slogans against the Burma government during a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh EPA

There is a US and EU embargo on selling arms to the South East Asian country, which was until recently under military rule. Israels high court will decide on whether to ban arms sales to the country later this month after a petition by Israeli acitivists.

In March, the Israeli defence ministry defended sales, saying that the courts had no jurisdiction over a diplomatic issue.

Successive Israeli governments have been selling arms to the military dictatorship in Burma for years, Ofer Neiman, an Israeli human rights activist, told Middle East Eye.

This policy is strongly related to Israel's oppression and dispossession of the Palestinian people. Weapons used against the Palestinians are being sold as 'field-tested' to some of the worst regimes on the planet.

Graphic photo and video from the region show beheaded children and entire villages burnt to the ground by military and paramilitary forces.

The violence has been condemned by the international community; Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan labelled it a genocide last week.
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A potentially catastrophic category 5 hurricane, is how the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) describes Irma. The storm will bring life-threatening wind, storm surge, and rainfall hazards. The storm is said to be the size of France.

Dangers include a life-threatening storm surge and large breaking waves. Water levels are predicted to rise by up to 20 feet, with some land areas adjacent to the sea forecast to be under up to 11 feet of water.

In addition, says the NHC, heavy rains associated with Irma could cause life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.

Understandably, travellers already in the region or with imminent plans to visit are concerned. Many have contacted The Independent with their questions, which form the basis for this Q&A.

Q I have a trip booked to the region. What are my options?

That depends on the company you are booked with. British Airways is offering a waiver to anyone booked to fly to Antigua, St Kitts, Punta Cana, Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos, and Nassau before 10 September. They can choose to travel to an alternative Caribbean destination or delay the flight to another date before 30 September, says the airline.

 Satellite imagery shows Hurricane Irma make landfall

The same offer applies for passengers booked to the four Florida airports BA serves  Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando and Tampa  between 8 and 11 September. They can choose to fly earlier than originally booked (up to 7 September), or between 12 and 30 September.

Virgin Atlantic says any of its passengers booked to travel to, from or through Antigua, Havana, Orlando and Miami before 12 September can switch to an alternative date or destination travelling on or before 14 October. Customers currently in any of these resorts also have the option of returning home early, says the airline. Anyone booked to travel on a US carrier can take advantage of a wide range of travel waivers. Southwest Airlines, for example, will allow passengers booked to fly to airports in Florida, the Bahamas, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and San Juan in Puerto Rico up to 11 September the option to rebook within the next two weeks. Read more Hurricane Irma has become so strong its showing up on seismometers The big package holiday destinations are the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Florida. Since the Foreign Office has not warned against essential travel to any of the affected regions, there is no legal obligation for tour operators to offer refunds. But Thomas Cook is offering free amendments or cancellations for travellers booked to the Dominican Republic and Cuba up to and including Sunday 10 September. The firm has sent 18 members of its Special Assistance Team to Cuba and the Dominican Republic, to give our customers already in resort further assistance and support. It has 4,803 clients in Cuba and 1,501 in the Dominican Republic. The biggest UK holiday company, Thomson, has delayed its flight from Gatwick to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic by 48 hours; The Manchester departure to the same destination has also been held. And the flight from Gatwick to Varadero was cancelled  though passengers from the Cuban resort are to be brought home as planned. Thomson added: We encourage customers due to travel to Dominican Republic, Cuba and Florida in the coming days to check our website regularly for updates. Irma, a potentially catastrophic category 5 hurricane, moves westward towards the Leeward Islands (NOAA via AP) Q I have bought flights and accommodation separately. How can I claim refunds? Its difficult to claim an airfare back if the flight is still operating. The fact you no longer want to go to the region is not the airlines problem  it merely has a contract to deliver you to the airport you chose. Conversely, if your planned accommodation is unaffected by the hurricane, the fact that you no longer want to go is your problem; if the supplier of pre-paid accommodation can still deliver the promised stay, then the fact you dont want to go is immaterial. Q What about travel insurance? Travel insurers will protect policy holders who inadvertently find themselves in a hurricane-hit area. But they do not cover disinclination to travel. Unless the Foreign Office warns against travel, there is a built-in assumption that the trip will go ahead, and claims for cancellation will not be entertained.

Q Where is Hurricane Irma heading, and how bad is it?

At 10pm British time on Wednesday, the weather system was just north of Puerto Rico and moving west-north-west at about 15mph. The winds created are much higher than the speed at which the weather system moves. Hurricane-force winds blowing in excess of 200mph extend outward, with very strong gusts 60 miles from the centre.

The Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Cuba and Florida are all in the path of the hurricane.

Recommended Flights to the Caribbean cancelled as Hurricane Irma strikes

In Florida, there are fears it could be the worst weather event since Hurricane Andrew a quarter of a century ago, which destroyed tens of thousands of houses in south Florida. The Governor, Rick Scott, is taking no chances. He has declared a state of emergency across Florida, which President Trump has elevated to a federal emergency.

More than 1,000 tactical high wheeled trucks are on standby, as are 13 helicopters. Grocery store shelves are being filled with water and other emergency resources.

On Tuesday, Governor Scott temporarily abolished all road tolls across the entire state, saying: Suspending tolls statewide will help people quickly evacuate, and make it easier for all Floridians to access important hurricane supplies to ensure they are fully prepared.
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A number of long-haul destinations have made it easier for UK citizens to pick up tourist visas, making booking a visit that much easier. From slashed prices in Uganda to card payments in Zambia, find out how these countries are trying to make tourist trips smoother.

Koka lake, Ethiopia, surrounded by fields of teff (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Ethiopia

As a tourist you need a visa to visit Ethiopia and it is only valid for travellers entering the country via Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. In June, the UK joined 37 other countries who are now able to obtain an e-visa to enter the country. You can also get a visa on arrival at Addis airport, which costs $50 for a month or $75 for three months (euros, US dollars and Ethiopian birr are all accepted).

Jodhpur market, located in the Old City (Getty Images)

India

Recommended Thailand cracks down on begpackers

From April this year, the length of stays allowed on e-visas ($60) to India doubled from 30 to 60 days and as of June tourists have been able to obtain double-entry visas, so you can leave the country during your stay and re-enter during the visa time period. All UK passport holders need a visa and you must check that your passport is machine readable before you leave for the subcontinent, as foreign nationals who arrive at an Indian port with non-machine readable passports will be denied entry.

The Victoria Nile river, Uganda (Getty Images)

Uganda

Last year Uganda announced it would be slashing the price of a visa by half  from $100 to $50  in a bid to boost tourism. It also introduced its e-visa scheme at this time. If you prefer to stay offline, you can still apply for a visa through the Ugandan High Commission by post or person. Visas are valid for stays of up to 90 days but the length of your stay will be decided by an immigration officer when you arrive in the country.

Rice field on terraces at MuCangChai, Vietnam (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Vietnam

British passport holders are permitted to visit Vietnam for up to 15 days until the end of June 2018. If you would like to stay for longer you must apply for a visa. You can get an e-visa for $25 for visits of up to 30 days but this limits you to certain entry and exit points which you must specify on your application. If your travel plans are more flexible you need to apply for a single or multiple entry visa from the Vietnamese Embassy.

Wildlife on the Zambezi river, Zambia (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Zambia

British passport holders need a visa to enter Zambia, which should be obtained from the Zambian High Commission in London before departure. It is possible to get single and double entry visas on arrival for $50 or $80 at all ports but you are advised to have the correct amount of cash. However, if you arrive at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lasaka you can now make payment for single and double entry visas via credit or debit card at the Zambian Immigration desks. Tourists are allowed to visit for a maximum of 90 days a year.
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Travel South USA has announced plans to launch a US Civil Rights trail, taking tourists to landmarks of importance to the movement.

The tours will start on 1 January 2018, the anniversary of President Abraham Lincolns decree that freed slaves in the South during the Civil War.

The trail will focus on the famous sites from the Civil Rights Era in the 1950s and 1960s. These include the 16st Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama church, which was the site of a bombing by the Ku Klux Klan that killed four young girls on 15 September 1963 and the Selma bridge, another Alabama landmark where State police attacked voting rights demonstrators on 7 March 1965, which became known as "Bloody Sunday."

Travel South will also take people to Atlanta, Georgia, where visitors can tour the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. and the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, where King was assassinated 50 years ago.

The tour will take visitors inside the Woolworth's store in Greensboro, North Carolina where four black college students occupied "whites only" lunch counter stools and launched the sit-in movement in 1960.

The company is also highlighting lesser-known landmarks that it believes are equally interesting, such as the parsonage in Montgomery, Alabama, which houses the wedding photographs of Martin Luther King and his wife Coretta Scott King.

Travel South president and CEO Liz Bittner said: The Travel South member states were at the heart of the civil rights struggle in the 1950s and 60s, a time of triumph and tragedy that redefined America.

This multi-state trail will allow visitors to see, touch and experience the places that continue to inspire people across the world.

Details of all 80 sites will be available on a dedicated website, civilrightstrail.com, later in the year.
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On Monday, an artist posted a photo of three workmen in a queue at McDonalds on her Instagram story with the caption: They look like they got 1 GCSE.

Within hours, Twitter was revelling in collective outrage, dragging the name of 25-year-old Hetty Douglas, the owner of this cruel and misguided comment. Douglas went from a relatively unknown young artist to a national hate figure overnight.

Search Hetty Douglas on Twitter now and youll be greeted with a torrent of abuse thats been relentless for days. Scrolling through the tweets is like watching a deer being thrown to a pack of lions; and watching the little heart button pop as the number of favourites goes up serves as a quiet reminder that people are behind their screens rubbing their hands together with glee, desperate to watch it be torn apart.

The thing that makes this scene so uncomfortable is how easily avoidable it was. How differently things would have turned out if one of Douglas friends had sent a quick reply to her Instagram story yesterday: "Mate, this is so low or even a simple Delete this, Hetty.

Maybe she'd have had time to pause  look at her story through anothers eyes; think about how it could be deemed as offensive; deleted it before the tabloids got hold of it and turned her world upside down.

 UK: Anti-gentrification activists attack Shoreditch's infamous Cereal Killer cafe

Some say she deserves the public rinsing  she shouldnt have wrote it in the first place  but nailing Douglas to the cross as a symbol of our grievances with the London art scene and gentrification and the appropriation of working class culture does nothing towards solving the problems at hand.

Rather than tearing Douglas down about her assumed family status (her dad, it transpires, actually is a builder), her privilege and her looks, we should be raising discussions about classism and inequality. We should be confronting the huge media and fashion brands who are now tearing her down after presumably helping to cement her up-and-coming status in the first place.

Most of all, we need to be educating people about the dangers of sharing flippant comments on social media, because it can ruin your life.

The address of whats presumed to be Douglas family home in Nottingham, her personal email address and her phone number have all been leaked online. This is beyond public shaming; this is a lynch mob. This is trolling en masse, with Twitter users everywhere finding safety in numbers, finally able to tear down the figure whos become a symbol of everything they purport to hate.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the 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Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at 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during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty

They want someone to blame for deep-rooted problems in our society, and now theyre thirsty for Douglas blood. But the idea that shes some rich snob, living on handouts from her parents while singlehandedly gentrifying south London, is completely unfounded  we know nothing about Hetty Douglas background. The Hetty Douglas narrative is simply something weve created in a desperate attempt to crucify her for the sins of the industry that made her.

For all I know, Hetty Douglas could be a white, classist, upper middle class posho living on handouts from her mum and dad while knowingly making art that fetishises working class culture. But shes also a woman experiencing an unprecedented tirade of abuse of online abuse thats going to be nigh on impossible to come back from.

When all the hot takes have dried up and Twitter has died down, all that will be left are the tatters of a 25-year-old womans career. If thats something to be proud of, Im not sure I want to be part of the resistance.
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The nuclear weapons tests by North Korea at the weekend didnt just shake the homes of people in the region  they sent shockwaves around the world. We are frighteningly close to things spiralling out of control. The ruthless regime in Pyongyang is digging its heels in, and risking the lives of millions through its recklessness. The President of the US, on the other hand, is engaging in the politics of the playground as he ratchets up insults and threats  undermining global security in the process.

People across the world are scared, and rightly so. As Parliament returns from recess this week, Im pressing the Government on what theyre doing to help deescalate tensions and best protect us all from the threat of nuclear war.

The most important tool we have at our disposal is our diplomatic clout. Britain is a member of the UNs Security Council, a longstanding ally of the US and a nuclear-armed state. We may not be geographically close to the Korean Peninsula, but our joint military training exercise with the South Koreans last year shows that we have an active interest in the region. What our Government says matters.

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

Thats why ministers should immediately and publicly oppose any first strike military action from the US. With the greater area of the South Korean capital just 30 miles from the border with the North, and with Pyongyangs artillery force capable of raining down 300,000 shells an hour, tens of thousands of civilians could be killed extremely quickly. As the Pentagon has estimated, such a conflict could kill over one million; its abundantly clear that military action must be avoided.

We also need to shift the conversation away from sanctions  because they simply arent working effectively. As Jon Rainwater, executive director of Peace Action, says, authoritarians like Kim can withstand the harshest of sanctions by shifting the burden to their people. With Russia and China objecting to further sanctions, theres simply unlikely to be any point in going down this path at this stage.

Theresa May should be using both internal and external channels to urge the United States to begin a dialogue with the North Koreans without preconditions. Such a proposal has been labelled by some as appeasement, but such bluster ignores the fact that North Koreas main objective is to protect their regime  and that they may be willing to halt proliferation as they did for a period from 1994 when President Clinton authorised former President Carter to meet with Kim Il Sung to explore diplomatic alternatives. As Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein says, the recent tactic of isolating the North Koreans has not halted their pursuit of nuclear weapons.

 Key moments in North Korea's nuclear programme

The immediate aim of such talks should be a parallel freeze, where North Korea agrees to halt its nuclear weapons programme in exchange for a freeze in major US military exercises in the region. As Perry says, we could get a freeze on nuclear testing and long-range missile testing. That agreement would be worth having, since it would head off a fully operational ICBM, it would head off testing of thermonuclear weapons, and it would be fully verifiable. From that starting point, longer term solutions, such as a nuclear-free zone, might be reached.

While Boris Johnson struck a more measured tone in his statement to the House of Commons last night  there was no repetition of all options being on the table  he nevertheless studiously avoided explicitly ruling out support for military action. This is worrying. The Government must urgently reassure MPs that there would be a full debate and vote in Parliament before any troops or hardware were committed to any operations.

 US: North Korea could be met with 'massive military response'

Its worth remembering that North Koreas nuclear tests arent just the deplorable actions of a single rogue regime, they also represent the failure of an international multilateral disarmament process that was intended to halt nuclear proliferation. While of course we are right to criticise the ruthless Kim regime for their reckless provocation, we do so at the exact same time we plan to upgrade our own weapons of mass destruction, and after our Prime Minister refused to rule out a nuclear first strike.

If were serious about disarming North Korea and ridding the world of nuclear weapons, then Britain should be both urging diplomatic solutions in this current crisis and joining the vast majority of nations who are part of the UNs nuclear weapons ban, which weve so far refused to sign.

In Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un we have two unusually volatile leaders with a toddler-like approach to diplomacy. Its by acting as the grownups in the room that Britain can best defend our own interests, and play a part in deescalating a crisis that poses a threat to all of us. There are no safe hands for nuclear weapons  and this weeks events are a timely reminder that we should be doing all we can to rid the world of these bombs.

Caroline Lucas is the co-leader of the Green Party
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Horrified Rohingya women and children flee the burning villages as Myanmar's army intensifies it's campaign of persecution against the minority.

Yangon presents its offensive as reasonable action against militant groups operating in the Rakhine state. However, satellite images show villages burned to the ground suggesting that the damage and scale of human rights abuses is more severe than has been told.

But while international pressure mounts upon Nobel peace prize winner Aung Sun Suu Kyi to stop what some are calling war crimes, Myanmar's army chief has continually defended his forces' actions against the Rohingya people.

Speaking at a press conference in the country's capital, he blamed the crisis on the need to complete "unfinished business" left over from World War Two.

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

Without absolving the present Myanmar government of responsibility for what is happening in the country, looking at the nation's history its important to see how colonialism laid the groundwork for what appear to be ongoing massacres.

In 1948 British Rule ended in Burma; the military regime thus began to create a new sense of nationhood, during which the scapegoating of the Rohingya started manifesting within the Myanmar public. Visibly different from the Burmese due to their darker skin colour and religion, the popular myth is that Rohingya communities came from Bangladesh. In fact though, they have deep historical and ancestral roots belonging to the postcolonial borders of Myanmar.

Similarities with Bangladeshi communities is natural due to Arakan neighbouring the Bangladeshi province of Chittagong: indeed, the separation of these provinces and the implementation of borders were a product of colonial rule. The British had actually promised independence to the Rohingya during the war with Japan, though the promise was subsequently revoked. Predicting the escalating tensions between the Rohingya and other Burmese ethnic communities, some Rohingyas even petitioned for them to be included into East Pakistan (now known as Bangladesh) during the 1947 partition.

 Video shows Rohingya flee burning villages in Myanmar

However this article isnt here to go into the details of post-colonial identities  no factors should on any grounds de-legitimise the Rohingyas right to citizenship today or their entitlement to basic humans rights within Myanmar.

The historical progression of the present persecution can be traced back to 1962 when a military coup swept to power. In order to establish a mandate for them to rule, they began to use religion as an indication of whether one was a proper citizen of the state, exploiting Buddhism to justify their nationalism. In 1974, the Rohingyas had their identity stripped and were classified as foreigners by the state. This led to large numbers of Rohingyas fleeing to neighbouring countries, escaping violence which this legislation appeared to justify.

In 1982 the Citizenship law was enacted, not only excluding the Rohingya from attaining citizenship but also denying them the right to live in Myanmar unless they had solid evidence to show their ancestors lived there prior to independence - even though such citizenship documents for most communities are impossible to obtain.

 Aung San Suu Kyi pushes back against criticism of handling of Rohingya abuses

Known as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, Myanmar authorities refuse to use the term Rohingya, legitimising the systematic erasure of the Rohingya as an identity.

In 2013, Win Myaing, the official spokesperson of the Rakhine State Government said How can it be ethnic cleansing? They are not an ethnic group. By referring to them as Bangladeshi Muslims the state not only presents them as a symbol of Muslim invasion (which is seen as a global problem) but also as the Bengali Muslim, which has been constructed as an ethnically inferior identity and used throughout the Indian subcontinent to justify and legitimise genocide, whether within the Bangladeshi Liberation War or the Nellie massacre in Assam, India.

Violence has been escalating dangerously after the 2012 Rakhine State riots, with thousands killed and more than 125,000 Rohingya Muslims displaced. Since then more than 140,000 Rohingyas have been forced to flee Myanmar altogether, becoming refugees in neighbouring countries, facing different levels of prejudices within Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Malaysia. Earlier this year more than 1,000 Rohingya were killed in a new crackdown by the Myanmar state, say UN officials. The Rohingya also describe military tactics of systematic rape being used against them.

Myanmars government and military now stand accused of war crimes. The international community meanwhile refuses to act; and the British government has blood on its hands after selling more than half a million pounds worth of weapons to Myanmar over the past three years. Boris Johnsons cowardly response as the Foreign Secretary only further idolised a woman who passes off allegations of genocide as "fake news". The Rohingya need urgent action; most are living in refugee camps, denied citizenship, basic health care and employment.

Put bluntly, the destruction of an ethnic group is genocide and the continual indifference by the international community only enables and legitimises Myanmar's violence.
Sinn Fein and the DUP have held "intensified" dialogue on restoring political powersharing in Northern Ireland.

Engagement has been stepped up over the last week between the former coalition partners in devolved government, both parties acknowledged.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said their private discussions demonstrated a clear willingness to speak openly and frankly about issues that needed to be resolved and to explore the potential for finding agreement.

He added: "I was encouraged during my meetings with parties this week that there is agreement on the need for an Executive to be formed as soon as possible.

"They must continue to work together to find a resolution to their differences and secure the re-establishment of devolved government in the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland."

Formal talks between the two largest parties in Northern Ireland have yet to resume following a break for summer.

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for seven months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme.

Since then a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Sinn Fein's leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill said: "The Sinn Fein and DUP leaderships have for more than a week now been engaged in intensified dialogue to determine whether political progress is possible.

"We do believe progress is possible and are therefore ready to re-engage in formal negotiations together, and with the other parties and both governments, to try and reach agreement in a short, sharp and focused negotiation.

"This process should begin immediately."

DUP leader Arlene Foster said engagement with Sinn Fein has stepped up over the last week and there has been detailed contact over a number of days to assess if a deal is possible.

"We intend to continue with a further series of bilaterals with all of the other parties to determine whether agreement can be reached in the short time available," she said.

Mrs O'Neill said it is "absurd and illogical" to accuse her party of pursuing a chaos strategy over the political deadlock.

She said progress is possible on the Assembly stalemate and her party is ready to restart formal negotiations with the DUP, other parties and the two governments.

Earlier, Prime Minister Theresa May dismissed the prospect of the UK and Irish governments taking joint authority for the region if the two sides remain deadlocked and urged greater focus on resolving the stalemate.

Mr Brokenshire has warned he may have to legislate for a Stormont budget to fund the under-pressure health service and other public responsibilities if the deadlock continues.

Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney said there were still grounds for optimism over the preliminary powersharing talks in Belfast and direct rule should be avoided.
The Irish border between Londonderry and Donegal at Bridgend

Brussels is laying responsibility for sorting out arrangements for the Irish border after Brexit solely on the UK government, new papers reportedly reveal.

The latest batch in a series of documents setting out the European Union's negotiating position are expected to be released on Thursday but do "not put forward solutions" for resolving travel between the north and south of the island of Ireland after 2019.

Instead the papers say the onus to sort out the problem "remains on the UK", according to documents seen by the Financial Times.

"The present paper does not put forward solutions for the Irish border," the papers state.

"The onus to propose solutions which overcame the challenges created on the island of Ireland by the UK's withdrawal and its decision to leave the customs union and the internal market remains on the UK."

Brexit Secretary David Davis has insisted discussions with Brussels on border plans have been "good" but the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said "a lot more substantial work" needs to be done.

The EU paper calls for "unique solutions" and floats the possibility of "specific provisions" being included in the exit agreement to address the fact the peace process was underpinned by common EU law.

Among the draft documents are also demands for European delicacies like Parmesan cheese and Champagne to be given a protected status in British law after Brexit, according to the FT.

Intellectual property rights must not be "undermined by the withdrawal of the UK from the EU", the papers state.

To make safeguards for geographic food and drink specialities that have protections, such as parma ham, enforceable "specific domestic legislation" may be needed.

Mr Barnier is expected to be quizzed about the contents of the documents at a press conference in Brussels on Thursday afternoon.
The Prince of Wales meets Myleene Klass as he attends Classic FM's 25th anniversary recital at Dumfries House

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have attended a recital celebrating 25 years of Classic FM broadcast live from the stately home he saved for the nation.

It was a double celebration as Dumfries House is celebrating ten years since the prince helped secure its future.

The radio recital, broadcast on the eve of the radio station's 25th birthday, began with a special performance from Aled Jones, who performed a track duetting with the voice of his younger self.

He was then joined by fellow Classic FM presenter Myleene Klass on the harp for a traditional Welsh folk song.

Folksinger Josie Duncan performed two melodies while the evening included performances of Bach's Cello Suite No 1 and Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No 1 featuring student musicians from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, of which Charles is patron.

Pianist Ji Liu played music by Chopin and Liszt while the final performance was the world premiere of Twilight Falls on Temple View by Welsh composer Paul Mealor, written about Dumfries House especially for the celebration.

Earlier, the President of Ireland joined the prince in celebrating the tenth anniversary at the property.

Michael D Higgins and the First Lady were greeted by the prince on the steps of the stately home in Cumnock, East Ayrshire on Wednesday.

On entering the venue, the president and Mrs Sabina Higgins were shown the Grand Orrery, a mechanical model of the solar system built around 1758.

It does not include Neptune, Uranus or Pluto, as they had not yet been discovered.

Mrs Higgins spoke with Charles about how she and the president had seen a similar model in Florence, Italy.

During their visit, the guests heard about the significance of building on the talents of young people from under-privileged backgrounds as part of the Dumfries House project.

The prince made the invitation to the president in May, when Mr Higgins hosted the royal couple for meetings at his official residence in Dublin.

Charles, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, helped arrange a 45 million deal to buy the house and its collection of Chippendale furniture to secure its future.

He led a consortium of charities and the Scottish Government to make the purchase in 2007, with his own Prince's Charities Foundation contributing 20 million.

It had previously been in private hands, becoming rundown as owners struggled with upkeep costs.

The house opened to the public in the summer of 2008 following intensive restoration work.

Each year about 24,000 people visit the 2000-acre estate, which employs about 150 staff and provides a series of amenities to the local community.

These include skills training, educational programmes, woodland walkways, a playground and an outdoor swimming pool.
Farmers in Donegal have been urged to report losses and damage to their local Department of Agriculture Office and Teagasc branch.

As they continue to count the costs of the freak floods that wreaked havoc in the county, farmers have also been advised to keep receipts of all weather damage repairs.

MEPs Mairead McGuinness and Marian Harkin have called on the European Commission to investigate possible emergency aid for the region.

"As the estimated costs of the flooding are currently in excess of 400m it was highly likely that the affected area would qualify for aid, and I have therefore asked the Minister (Kevin 'Boxer' Nolan) to start the ball rolling," said Ms Harkin.

Michael D'Arcy, Minister of State with responsibility for insurance, urged householders, farmers and businesses to get an independent assessor to look at their claim, which would help ensure a payout.

The IFA has also helped organise transport of fodder donated by farmers to the farms of those badly affected by silage and hay losses, such as Michael Gubbins in Buncrana who lost 106 bales and his second cut of silage.

IFA chair Michael Chance said they had received a positive response from Agriculture Minister Michael Creed towards potentially helping with the cost of repairs. Mr Chance urged farmers to report losses to Teagasc as they are compiling a list of the damage.

"The priority is to ensure the repairs are carried out before the winter takes hold," he said. "All farmers need help with funding to carry out repairs. The big expense items are diggers and fencing materials - a huge amount of fencing has been swept away."

Meanwhile, progress on the harvest has been slower in Donegal, the west and midlands, with ground conditions delaying cutting.

However, the end of the harvest in the south and east is in sight as farmers made the most of the dry conditions over past week.

Under 10pc of the main grain crops remain to be cut in the east of the country. However, up to 15pc has yet to be harvested in parts of Cork.

Sprouting in spring wheat is reported from Cork to Kildare, with the warm, moist weather prompting sprouting in ripe crops. There are also reports of fusarium in spring barley.

However, farmers are generally satisfied with yields. Winter wheat has yielded between 4.5t/ac and 5t/ac in most areas, and up to 5.5t/ac has been reported for exceptional crops.

In the Kilkenny region, winter oats crops yielded 3.5-4t/ac, while spring barley varied from 3.25t/ac to 3.75t/ac.

Grain prices remain stagnant, with very little trade reported.

The market has not been helped by talk of bumper harvests in Russia, with the crop expected to top 130 million tonnes.
Butter prices are lagging behind Dutch quotes by 880 a tonne as global demand for dairy fats remains buoyant.

Dutch dealers are quoting butter at 6,800 a tonne compared to 3,500 a year ago - a 94pc rise

Whole milk powder has also risen 35pc from 2,300 to 3,100 a tonne, while the intervention measures for skimmed milk powder have helped steady that market.

With the strengthening of the dairy market, the ICMSA's Gerald Quain said there was a "hugely concerning gap" opening up between Irish dairy prices and those of mainland EU producers.

"Ireland is currently only in 12th position of the EU in terms of milk price," said Mr Quain, noting that Fonterra, who are geared towards commodity prices, are paying more than Irish co-ops.

"The internal market price of butter within the EU presently shows Irish butter prices lagging Dutch quotes by a staggering 880 per tonne."

He pointed out the latest EU Milk Market Observatory report also placed Irish butter prices at 200 per tonne below the EU average.

"How can such a disparity exist when Irish produce is of the highest possible quality and traceability through the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme and a global brand leader in the form of Kerrygold butter?" he questioned.

Ornua has already cautioned that the sharp rise in butter prices can also have impacts on the long-term trade by pushing restaurants and production facilities towards cheaper fats such as margarine.

With dairy markets continuing to perform strongly, the farm bodies have been calling for a substantial price rise for August milk.

The IFA's dairy chair Sean O'Leary said on the basis of continuing strong EU average returns, a minimum increase of 1c/l for August milk was expected.

He pointed out the EU prices were being carried by historically high and still rising butter prices which hopefully should translate into a firmer Ornua PPI for the month.

"According to the Dutch farm organisation LTO's monthly European milk price league for July, Irish milk prices as reported are around 1c/kg short of the European average," Mr O'Leary said.

"EU MMO returns for the week ending 28th August have risen to 41c/l before processing costs - equivalent to 36c/l + VAT. Remarkably, this is off the back of an average EU butter price now exceeding 6,000/t (6,180/t), and a WMP price, at 3,120, clearly also benefiting from higher butterfat prices," he said.

He pointed out that between 35 to 40pc of Irish farmers' milk production is delivered between August and December.

It follows a 9pc increase in the milk flowing through the pipes of creameries in July, with 856 million litres collected.

So far this year the milk pool is up by over 7pc.

Quotes here are 880 lower than rates being paid by Dutch dealers
Community development projects and rural business initiatives have been starved of 100m in funding because of red tape around the LEADER programme.

Fianna Fail has claimed that the scheme is in crisis, with just 0.6pc of its budget allocated so far.

The party's spokesman on rural affairs, Eamon O Cuiv, said the current LEADER programme had failed to get off the ground "in any meaningful way".

"A total budget of 250m was allocated to this programme - around 50m was earmarked for administration, with the remaining 200m earmarked to be spent on projects," explained Mr O Cuiv.

"Despite the fact that we are now half-way through the timeline for the programme, the total expenditure to date amounts to only 100,000 - or 0.6pc [when by this stage, 1m should have been spent].

"This is a frighteningly low level of spending, more than three years into the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020."

Fianna Fail claim that projects to a value of just 6.4m have been approved to date. "It is becoming clear that there will be another substantial underspend in this programme for this year - with estimates putting the underspend at around 25m," Mr O Cuiv said.

However, Minister Heather Humphreys stated she was confident progress was now being made which would result in a significant increase in project approvals.

The minister confirmed at the end of July that 270 projects valued at over 6.4m have been approved for funding, with more offers expected to be issued over the coming weeks.

The responsibility for the programme will now fall to Rural Minister Michael Ring.

Maura Walsh of IRD Duhallow in Co Cork blamed delays in the current LEADER programme on what she described as the "heavy hand of the State".

As a result of changes introduced by the former environment minister Phil Hogan, county councils now have direct input into the delivery of LEADER, she pointed out, while the Departments of the Environment, as well as Rural and Community Affairs - and the State agency Pobal - have an oversight function.

"In the last programme it took three months to evaluate a project, now it takes at least 12 months," said Ms Walsh.
Profits trebled at listed housebuilder Cairn Homes in the first six months of the year, though the business completed the sales of fewer than 100 new homes in the period.

Cairn's land bank is big enough to supply 12,700 units - houses and apartments - at sites mainly in and around Dublin, the company said.

Interim results yesterday show revenues increased by 25.2m to 41.2m in the six months to the end of June. Gross profit increased 191pc to 7.7m.

Shares rose just over 1pc to 1.74 each following the results.

Cairn Homes has raised 720m in equity since 2017 though an initial stock-market listing and subsequent rights issues, and has acquired a massive land bank of 33 sites, mainly in greater Dublin that have the capacity to supply 12,700 homes.

The company has also raised loans - including 50m from the taxpayer-backed Activate Capital to fund the acquisition of a high-profile site in Dublin 4 from RTE. The RTE site is big enough to build 500 high-end apartments.

To date, housing output by Cairn has lagged well behind the pace of its site acquisition. The company said it expects to sell "at least" 375 units in 2017.

In addition, Cairn said it has a pipeline of forward sales of 474 units - worth 188m - in place and that it is active on nine sites which will deliver in excess of 3,250 new homes. That is up from five sites where the builder was active at the start of the year.

Cairn Homes CEO and co-founder Michael Stanley said land hoarding by developers was not holding back the supply of homes.

He said he did not expect Cairn to be hit by a proposed tax on land-hoarding, saying the company has sold, and will sell, any land on which it does not plan to build.

"I don't genuinely believe that the challenge in the industry today is land-hoarding. I think most builders including ourselves want to get active and meet this demand that is blatantly there.

"And it doesn't mean that I have a comment on whether this [a proposed vacant site] tax is right or wrong, I just don't believe that is the constraint."

Mr Stanley said a "lumpy" pace of output was a result of the need to put in infrastructure on sites. "Therein lies the challenge for the industry. It takes time to scale a housebuilder, particularly if you want to do it right and you want to build great homes," he said.
Influential shareholder advisory group Pirc has urged Ryanair investors to oppose a number of key resolutions at the airline's upcoming annual general meeting, including the re-election of most of its directors.

Pensions and Investment Research Consultants (Pirc) has on a number of previous occasions advised shareholders to oppose the re-election of Ryanair directors including chairman David Bonderman. Mr Bonderman has been chairman of Ryanair since 1996.

The advisory group claims that there is "insufficient independent representation on the board".

"Non-executive chairman David Bonderman is not considered to be independent as he has been on the board for more than nine years," noted Pirc. "In addition, he is a shareholder of the company through Irish Air."

Pirc is also advising that shareholders approve Ryanair's remuneration policy, with an advisory note.

"Variable remuneration for the short-term incentives appears to be consistently capped, and the payout is in line with best practice," Pirc notes.

"However," it continued, "the company has not disclosed quantified targets or performance criteria for its variable remuneration component, especially for long-term incentives, which may lead to overpayment against underperformance."

Pirc added: "The company reports that it engaged with shareholders on corporate governance issues and met most large shareholders during the past year to discuss remuneration policies. However, the content of such meetings is not fully available, no specific follow-up steps have been disclosed by the company, and the remuneration policy has remained de facto untouched."

Pirc has also advised investors to oppose votes for the re-election of former finance minister Charlie McCreevy to the Ryanair board; as well as PayPay executive Louise Phelan; former Ryanair deputy chief executives Michael Cawley and Howard Millar; as well as Davy Stockbrokers deputy chairman Kyran Mclaughlin.

PIRC has told shareholders that they should vote in favour of the re-election of CEO Michael O'Leary to the board, and also for the election of former Kerry Group CEO Stan McCarthy.

Ryanair holds its annual general meeting on September 21.

Were confident that all of the pay resolutions will be overwhelmingly passed by shareholders this year, as they are each year. Last year over 85pc of shareholders (a majority of six to one) approved the remuneration report," said a Ryanair spokesman.
Restructuring costs at an Irish subsidiary of Hewlett Packard (HP) contributed to pre-tax losses at the firm almost doubling to 4.52m last year.

New accounts filed by Dublin-based Hewlett Packard Enterprise Ireland Ltd show that the business recorded the losses of 4.52m in the 12 months to the end of October last as revenues hit 275m.

Numbers employed by the company last year declined from 492 to 461. A note attached to the accounts states that restructuring charges last year totalled 5.4m.

The note states that the restructuring costs is the cost of workforce reduction incurred in the period and the 5.4m cost followed a cost of 1.14m under the same heading in the prior three-month period.

The HP subsidiary was only set up in 2015 and accounts for its first full year show that it recorded revenues of 275.13m here last year.

The principal activity of the company is the marketing, selling and servicing of computer software and equipment along with the provision of related consultancy services for enterprise customers principally within Ireland.

The directors state that "the results for the period are consistent with business forecasts and expected performance".

HP opened its first office in Ireland in 1976, with the Leixlip facility following in 1995. It grew its workforce to thousands of employees over the years, expanding its reach into manufacturing, research and development, customer software support, marketing, and sales and services.

The company has bases in Leixlip, Galway and Dublin.

The revenues of 275.13m for the 12 months compares to revenues of 91.38m for the three months to the end of October 2015.

The pre-tax losses of 4.52m last year compare to pre-tax losses of 2.7m in 2015.

The company recorded a post-tax loss of 4m after enjoying a corporate tax credit of 456,148.

The loss last year takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of 3.4m and operating lease rentals of 2.53m.

The firm recorded an operating loss of 5m last year and net finance income of 481,644 resulted in the pre-tax profit of 4.5m.

Staff costs at the company last year totalled 44.5m.

The company recorded an actuarial loss of 24.98m on its pension scheme last year.

At the end of last year, the company's cash pile totalled 49m. The company's shareholders' deficit totalled 12m.

The directors state that the company constantly focuses on revenue and margin growth while maintaining rigorous cost control and efficiency.
The underlying trend, as measured by the three-month moving average of the sentiment series, remains modestly positive. Stock image

CONSUMER sentiment weakened slightly in August as consumers reined in their spending plans and continue to report only limited gains in their personal finances from a healthy economy.

At current levels, the survey suggests sentiment is broadly positive but Irish consumers are still cautious because household spending power remains constrained, according to the KBC Bank/ESRI sentiment index.

The index fell to 102.9 in August, a relatively modest drop from the 17-month high of 105.1 recorded in July.

The underlying trend, as measured by the three-month moving average of the sentiment series, remains modestly positive, climbing to 104.3 last month from 103.5 previously.

KBC Bank chief economist Austin Hughes said the broad message of the August data is that consumers remain positive in relation to the prospects for the economy and the outlook for jobs.

"Last month's readings for these two elements of the survey were the strongest since June 2016 and suggest that the significant fears that surfaced in the wake of last year's UK referendum vote to leave the EU have gradually eased, even if they haven't entirely faded," he said.

The strength of key economic data in the past year, along with new job announcements, have been the key factors in the gradual upgrading of the economic outlook by consumers, he said.

The absence of a feared collapse in the UK economy may also have played some part in this re-assessment.
The European ruling handed down concerned a Romanian man fired 10 years ago for using a Yahoo messaging account to text his family. Stock image

Companies may not spy on employees' email or messaging accounts, according a ruling by the European Court Of Human Rights.

Although the ruling has no direct effect in Irish or EU law, experts say that it will establish a significant precedent in the evolution of digital privacy rules at work.

The European ruling handed down concerned a Romanian man fired 10 years ago for using a Yahoo messaging account to text his family.

Although local courts found nothing wrong with the company's decision to terminate the employee, the European court found that Bogdan Barbulescu's private correspondence could not be intercepted because his company had not given prior notice that it was monitoring his communications.

The European court in Strasbourg ruled by an 11-6 majority that Romanian judges, in backing the employer, had failed to protect Barbulescu's right to private life and correspondence.

The case could force Irish employers that claim oversight of employee communications to restate more clearly their monitoring policies.

Instant messaging services such as Slack, Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger are increasing popular in Irish offices.

The ruling comes after European data privacy authorities ruled that bosses may not sift through workers' social media accounts unless for narrowly-defined, work-related purposes.

"Employers should not assume that merely because an individual's social media profile is publicly available they are then allowed to process those data for their own purposes," said the guidance statement from Europe's 'Article 29' working party, which is made up of data regulators from around Europe.

"A legal ground is required for this processing, such as legitimate interest."

A spokeswoman for the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, Helen Dixon, affirmed the rules' validity here.

The latest judgement will be closely scrutinised across Europe. Research last year found that European employees send about 100 private messages a day from their desk. Nearly 70pc of workers admitted that they regularly send private WhatsApp, Facebook, and other messages during the work day according to the research from Dice.
European Union banks facing increasing competition from financial technology firms could find it easier to invest in software under rule changes being discussed with regulators.

EU banking rules treat software as a cost rather than an investment, forcing lenders to cover expenditure on digital applications with an equal amount of capital.

But with banks threatened by a growing number of cyberattacks and under pressure from nimble new entrants to the sector, regulators are now considering changes.

"The Commission services are in a dialogue with stakeholders to gain a better understanding of the interaction between accounting and prudential treatment of software," a European Commission spokeswoman told Reuters.

The Commission, which proposes laws at the EU level, shied away from the issue in an overhaul of banking rules last year, despite lobbying from banks in the region.

If expenditure on software, which amounts to roughly half of banks' total digital investment, were treated in the EU as it is in the US it could free up more than 20bn in capital this year alone, one banking lobbyist said.

"It would help immensely if the Commission recognised the importance of this issue," Wim Mijs, head of the European Banking Federation, said.

Although fintech is still relatively small, the BIS warned of the "increasing challenge" it poses to banks, which have in many cases reacted by buying startups and their technologies.

Banks argue software is a key component of their business, as customers demand more digital products such as mobile payments or online services. (Reuters)
Some of the thousands of white Zimbabwean farmers evicted from their land in the early 2000s by President Robert Mugabe's supporters continue to hold out hopes of one day receiving compensation and returning to the country.

"I know friends who have gone to Zambia, Britain, South Africa and Australia. They'd love to come back to Zimbabwe," Peter Steyl, President of Zimbabwe's Commercial Farmers Union (CFU), which represents white and black farmers, told Reuters in an interview in Harare.

Senior figures in the ruling ZANU-PF party have acknowledged publicly that white farmers should be compensated for their losses two decades ago, although talks have yet to produce any major breakthrough. Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa told parliament in July that Harare paid $134m in compensation last year - although farmers disputed this. However, Steyl said that overall the relationship between the two sides was improving. "Things have progressed a lot in even the last year," Steyl said. "I think mistakes were made on both sides and we're beginning to talk to each other with a common goal for Zimbabwe."

Land ownership has been a central issue for decades in Zimbabwe as it struggles to deal with racial discrimination dating back to British colonial rule in what was then Rhodesia.

At independence, white farmers owned more than 70pc of the most fertile land and generated 80 of the country's agricultural output, according to academics.

Reforms began after independence with a "willing buyer, willing seller" system aimed at redistributing land to poor black subsistence farmers. In the 1990s, compulsory acquisition of land began with some funding provided by Britain. But for many poor Zimbabweans change was too slow. Mugabe then approved radical land reforms that encouraged veterans from the fight for liberation to occupy some 4,000 white-owned commercial farms. The move secured him loyalty among the army and ruling party.

Most of the land went to Mugabe supporters, but many did not know how to farm. The agricultural economy and exports suffered.

Mugabe has rejected the possibility of mending rifts with white farmers, but his health is ailing and the mood within the ruling party is changing, according to farming and political sources.

One of the key obstacles to any deal is compensation. White farmers have largely agreed they shouldn't be paid for land that became white-owned under British rule; but they do want to be compensated for the improvements they made and for farming machinery that was either stolen or destroyed during the early 2000s.

The cost of such compensation may be so high that Zimbabwe would need IMF help to foot the bill.

Several farming sources said compensation for fixed assets and loss of income and stock - but not the land - could be as much as $10bn. International creditors, including Western governments and the IMF, have made clear that farmers' compensation needs to be agreed before wider discussions about rescheduling Zimbabwe's existing $7bn mountain of defaulted international debt, diplomats said.

Although thousands of white farmers fled after the land seizures, a few hundred chose to remain.

"Farming is a difficult life. There are easier ways to make money," said Steyl, the CFU president.

But he added: "For a lot of the guys who left, it's in their blood. That's why they want to come back." (Reuters)
Actress Meghan Markle, who plays Rachel Zane in the hit USA legal drama 'Suits' at the Westbury Hotel in Dublin in 2013

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive for a visit to the White Garden in Kensington Palace, London, and to meet with representatives from charities supported by Diana, the Princess of Wales. Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire

Meghan Markle and Ali Hewson at Dublin Castle for the opening of the One Young World 2014 Summit in Dublin. Picture: Mark Condren

TV presenter Ryan Tubridy is said to be among those who have benefited from the artist tax exemption scheme. Picture: RollingNews.ie

Ryan Tubridy has revealed he has been acquainted with Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle, describing her as "particularly pleasant".

The Suits star (36) has captured the attention of the world for the last year while she has been dating the 31-year-old British royal, once considered the most eligible bachelor in the world.

The pair have gone to great lengths to keep their relationship under wraps, having only been pictured together a handful of times and on Tuesday, the actress gave her first interview about her royal romance with Vanity Fair, saying she is "in love" and has "never defined myself by my relationship."

Speaking on his show on RTE Radio One, Tubridy recalled meeting Markle in "the biggest name drop you'll hear from me all week."

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"He [Prince Harry] seems to have decided, I don't need a society type, I just want somebody fun. Then I remembered, I met her. This is the biggest name drop you'll hear from me all week," he said.

"There I was at the White House for the Patrick's Day ceremony and I bump into Mr John Fitzpatrick who runs these great hotels in New York. He said this is my friend Meghan and he said, 'do you know Meghan?'"

The Late Late Show host joked he will refer to the actress as his "old friend" from now on.

"She's particularly pleasant. Great fun. We did photographs, we were all giddy because we were at the White House. There was a nice buzz in the air. It was glorious March sunshine and then fast forward a year and I see, there's my old friend Meghan, as she is now, and will be forever more," he said.

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Ryan reckons Prince Harry and Prince William, who is expecting his third child with Kate Middleton, have both found partners that suit their personalities.

"The two boys, William and Harry, seem to have found women in their lives. They looked over their shoulders and thought, 'well we don't want to do that so lets do this.' William's wife is very William if that make sense and the rock and roll Harry is going for is very Harry. So in other words, they have found what they were looking for," he said.

Expand Close The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive for a visit to the White Garden in Kensington Palace, London, and to meet with representatives from charities supported by Diana, the Princess of Wales. Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive for a visit to the White Garden in Kensington Palace, London, and to meet with representatives from charities supported by Diana, the Princess of Wales. Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire

Markle's ties to Ireland are well documented - she has visited Dublin a number of times in recent years and in 2014, wrote a piece for the Irish Independent's Weekend magazine on fighting stereotypical gender roles and the fight for feminism.
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams going over his speech before opening the Sinn Fein away day conference at City North Hotel.

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has dismissed claims his party has a problem with "bully boy politics saying infighting was "part of the human condition".

Speaking on Morning Ireland Mr Adams addressed the resignation of 23-year-old Limerick councillor Lisa Marie Sheehy amid claims of bullying in the party.

I regret anyone leaving the party, but it is a troubling issue that some of these folks make very serious accusations which is very, very unfair, said Mr Adams.

Ms Sheehy said she was "plotted against" and pushed out of the party by members who "tried to break her down".

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Ms Sheehy said she made a complaint to party organisers recently in relation to her alleged mistreatment and in regards to incidents that occurred at official meetings.

She says an investigation was launched, which she likened to a joke. Its understood the Sinn Fein-led investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing.

However, Mr Adams dismissed these claims, saying that it was part of the human condition.

We dont have a culture of bullying, every party, every association every organisation ends up with these localised disputes and arguments.

We try our best to look at this, this is nothing to do with strategy, nothing to do with the shape of party, and the party has a code of ethics.

Unfortunately part of the human condition is that people fight with each other, Said Mr Adams.

Ms Sheehy consulted with other councillors who have made similar allegations and decided to step down.

"I cannot stand behind a party that does not take its memberships valid concerns seriously. If we look back at the people who have left the party or decided not to run for re-election due to bullying within the party it's disheartening and disgraceful and Sinn Fein has not learned its lesson, she said.

"I have no respect for the party anymore as I have been undermined, bullied and humiliated. Since I have been elected I have tried to fulfil my duty as a public representative to the best of my ability and during that time I have been consistently and frequently belittled by party members and after seeing a number of other members wronged by the party and nothing of substance being done about it I could not stay any longer".

She will now continue to serve as a councillor in an independent councillor.

Meanwhile, when questioned whether he will lead his party in the next general election, Gerry Adams refused to give a clear answer but says his party wants to change the system.

He said he has no plans to step down as leader of the party, as long as the members of his party continue to support him.

I know precisely, God spare me, when I am going to go," he said.

I will go forward, if Im elected, and then I will outline with others the next step in this process."

The TD for Co Louth said it is not just him that makes decisions, and Sinn Fein must define their future as a collective group.

A group of us, more than me, have grown Sinn Fein from a small protest organisation, to a very electable party.

Theres time for change, you have to keep bringing forward new leaderships, developing the party and making it fit for purpose, said Mr Adams.

Speaking on collaborating with other parties, he criticised how they have dealt with issues like the homelessness crisis, garda scandals, and the current Brexit negotiations.

I have no great desire, and I dont think anyone in Sinn Fein has desire to be in government with Simon Harris or indeed Micheal Martin, or the rest of them, given the mess they have made.

But we arent greatly honoured to bei in government with the DUP, but we do that because its for the greater good, he said.

Outlining his parties aims, should they gain power in the next election, Cllr Adams said;

We dont want to be part of the system, we want to change the system.

Mr Adams was also questioned on the timing of his calls for a united Ireland, with Brexit negotiations so tense at the moment.

Those who want the union, have the right to argue that, to debate that, to win us over to that notion.

We want to see an agreed Ireland, we want to see an Ireland in which everyone is comfortable, and we want to debate about that, he said.

Mr Adams was also questioned on his view that another 500,000 false breath tests were taken by An Garda Siochana, on top of the million false tests already discovered.

Its astonishing, there are two issues here, one regarding competence and accountability, said Mr Adams.

Whats the government doing about this, the problem is when the government doesnt act decisively, when there is a crisis of this proportion, and people become demoralised.

The Sinn Fein leader questioned the lack of accountability by the garda commissioner.

If you go into Dunne Stores and steal something you will end up in court, but if you are part of the elite, part of the upper echelons, there is no accountability, the Taoiseach should act and Noreen O Sullivan should go, he said.
A vigil planned for a rough sleeper whose tragic death reignited a debate around homelessness has been cancelled after it emerged the man was a convicted sex offender.

Stephen 'Jack' Watson was discovered unconscious on Suffolk Street in Dublin's South Inner city in the early hours of last Thursday morning. He was removed to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

His death sparked an outpouring of grief and anger from homeless groups and politicians.

Now Independent.ie has learned that Watson, who went by a number of different names, was a registered sex offender. He was placed on the sex offenders register in Ireland after he was deported from Australia and was required to inform gardai of his whereabouts.

Watson was deported from Australia in October 2015, after he amassing 40 convictions over 19 years, according to the Irish Sun.

According to court reports Watson was jailed for 18 months in April 2008 after he was convicted in Bendigo County Court in the state of Victoria of indecently assaulting two girls under the age of 16.

He was later jailed after a court heard he knowingly passed on the HIV virus to a woman.

After he was deported to Ireland Watson began sleeping rough and in homeless shelters across the city.

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During the Home Sweet Home protest last December/January Watson cooked for those who occupied Apollo House.

A vigil for Watson was planned for tomorrow evening outside Apollo House has now been cancelled.

In a statement the Home Sweet Home campaign group, who were unaware of Watson's past, said in a statement on their Facebook page:

"Those associated with the Home Sweet Home campaign are shocked at reports that a homeless man who passed away last week had been deported from Australia for very serious crimes.

"Out of respect for the victims of these crimes a planned vigil outside Apollo House on Thursday evening is cancelled.

"This does not change the fact that many people have died as a result of our housing emergency. This is totally unacceptable and urgently needs to be addressed," the statement reads.

"The artists and trade unionists involved in HSH have had some discussions about building a permanent policy driven intervention into the housing emergency that would systemically target the root causes of this policy made catastrophe.

"Such an initiative not only forms part of a solution to the emergency, but serves as a permanent memorial to all those who have had their lives ruined by it, in perpetuity."
A company with debts of almost 2m and 160 workers is beyond saving, the High Court was told.

Ms Justice Marie Baker ordered the winding-up of Harley Mechanical Services Limited, a company that provided various mechanical services for building contractors.

Harley Mechanical, of Gortanacra, Ballymakeera, Co Cork, had been in examinership since late June after the court had heard if certain steps were taken the firm had a prospect of survival. But yesterday Judge Baker was told that the examiner process had failed and there was no option but to have the company wound up.

Lawyers for the examiner, insolvency practitioner Aengus Burns, of Grant Thornton, said he was not in a position to put together a scheme of arrangement with the firm's creditors.

In the circumstances, the judge said she was appointing Mr Burns as liquidator.

Judge Baker dismissed separate applications by the company's directors and shareholders, and one of its creditors, for an adjournment.
A music student who came to Dublin for a photography course sawed a clamp off his car because he was anxious to get home and did not want to be stuck in the city for the night.

Gabriel McCallion (25), described in court as an artistic individual, only had half the 80 it would have cost to unclamp his car, so he spent 20 on a hacksaw to cut it off, a court heard.

Judge Anthony Halpin applied the Probation Act, leaving him without a conviction after he paid 200 compensation for the damage.

When the judge heard the car had since been re-clamped, he said he did not believe this was legal and advised the accused to make a criminal complaint against Dublin City Council.

McCallion, from Ballynease Road, Bellaghy, Derry pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the clamp, belonging to Dublin City Council at Joness Road, Drumcondra.

A garda sergeant told Dublin District Court officers on patrol at 5.15pm yesterday, June 5 saw the accused cutting a clamp from a vehicle.

On speaking to him, McCallion admitted cutting the clamp from the wheel of his own vehicle. He gave his name and was arrested and taken to Mountjoy Garda Station.

He had no previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Tony Collier said he understood the cost of the damage was about 380. He did not know whether McCallion destroyed the entire clamp or a piece of it.

The accused had not been bailed from the garda station because he had no identification on him and lived outside the jurisdiction.

McCallion, a music student and creative individual had attended a photography course in Croke Park, Mr Collier said.

The clamp would have cost 80 to have removed by the clampers but he only had 40 on him, 20 of which he spent in a hardware shop on a hacksaw.

He was anxious to get home and not be stuck in Dublin, Mr Collier said, adding that in the end McCallion had spent the night in Mountjoy Garda Station.

Mr Collier said the accuseds car had another clamp put on it in the meantime and he would have to pay 80 to release it.

Judge Halpin said he did not think Dublin City Council could re-clamp a car. There was no legislation to allow this, he said.

I think he can go into the garda station and say Dublin City Council have done this illegally and make a criminal complaint, he said, adding that there was a grace period.

I would go in to the gardai and make a complaint, Judge Halpin said. "There is no provision to allow Dublin City Council to re-clamp it."

The accused's brother and sister were in court for the hearing and he was released from custody after the 200 was paid over.
A couple watch the sunset from a seafront as hurricane Irma approaches Puerto Rico in Fajardo on September 5, 2017.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning to Irish holidaymakers as Hurricane Irma hits the US.

Irish people holidaying in Cuba, Puerto Rico and Florida are being advised to follow the advice of the local authorities and any orders given to evacuate to or remain in a place of safety.

Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in a century, churned across northern Caribbean islands on Wednesday with a potentially catastrophic mix of fierce winds, surf and rain, en route to a possible Florida landfall at the weekend.

Irma is expected to become the second powerful storm to thrash the US mainland in as many weeks but its precise trajectory remained uncertain. Hurricane Harvey killed more than 60 people and caused damaged estimated as high as $180 billion when it hit Texas late last month.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma. Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017 on the beach in Orient Bay, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin. Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017. A couple watch the sunset from a seafront as hurricane Irma approaches Puerto Rico in Fajardo on September 5, 2017. Very long checkout lines at Costco as some people waited up to 8 hours to check in, shop and leave in preparation for Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017 in North Miami. Empty boxes of produce at Costco as customers purchased all the product on September 5, 2017 in Miami. Costco ran out of water as people shop to prepare for Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017 in North Miami. A woman walks next to the Mapou River, in Shadaa neighborhood, in Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, ahead of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017. A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma. A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe. Men sail on Mapou Riverin Shadaa neighborhood, in Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, ahead of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017. People put boards on their windows as part of preparations for arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017 in Orient Bay, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin. An employee of the Mercure Hotel installs sand bags in a ground floor room on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma An employee of the Mercure Hotel pushes a wheelbarrow loaded with sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma A picture taken on September 5, 2017 in Grand Case, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin, shows people on a street in front of a house thas is boarded up as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma. Men cover the windows of a auto parts store in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in San Juan, Puerto Rico September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez A man uses a cable to secure the roof of his home in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez An employee restocks bottled water on bare shelves as customers look on at a Publix grocery store, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Surfside, Fla. Wielding the most powerful winds ever recorded for a storm in the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Irma bore down Tuesday on the Leeward Islands of the northeast Caribbean on a forecast path that could take it toward Florida over the weekend. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) Joseph, Jr., right, 15, of St. Petersburg, bends down to carry sandbags to his family's vehicle at Lealman Community Park, in St. Petersburg, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, as residents prepare for Hurricane Irma. (Lara Cerri/Tampa Bay Times via AP) People buy materials as they prepare for Hurricane Irma, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez People shop in a hardware store as they prepare for Hurricane Irma, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez Members of the Civil Defense prepare their gear ahead of Hurricane Irma, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Rojas A member of the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) monitors the trajectory of Hurricane Irma in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Rojas / Facebook

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Whatsapp A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma.

The eye of Irma, a Category 5 storm packing winds of 185 miles per hour (295 km per hour), moved away from the island of Barbuda and toward the island of St. Martin, east of Puerto Rico, early on Wednesday, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported. It could hit Florida on Saturday.

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Both Puerto Rico and Florida have declared states of emergency.

Citizens in affected areas should monitor local weather updates regularly and follow the advice of local authorities," the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said.

The travel agency Sunway have also released a statement regarding the hurricane.

Sunway are monitoring the status of Hurricane Irma closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, our ground handlers and suppliers.

Our travel advice for the affected area is to keep up to date with the latest information and monitor the progress of approaching storms.

We would advise customers in resort to follow the instructions issued by the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

We are in touch with all our clients in resort and those that are due to travel. We will review holidays on a case by case basis and will do our utmost to facilitate affected customers if necessary.

If concerned customers who are due to travel in the coming day have queries our reservations team will be happy to assist them. Please call Sunway on 01-2311800.

Kate Muldoon, from Co Donegal said her family are preparing for the hurricane in Puerto Rico.

"I live in Boston now but mum, dad and my youngest brother are on the island of Puerto Rico which is due to be directly affected today into tomorrow,

"It's due to hit at 2PM so it's just grey right now.

"My family are staying as calm as they can but the island is very nervous. It is economically unstable so the effect of the hurricane will cause mass damage."
A desperate mother is pleading for her missing son to return home.

Olivia McKay, from Millstreet in Cork, is asking for her son David (21) to come home safely after he disappeared in Dublin at lunchtime yesterday.

The young man returned from England with his uncle into Dublin Port when he disappeared on Tuesday afternoon.

He left his wallet behind him in the truck the pair had been travelling in and does not have a working phone.

Worried mum Olivia is travelling to Dublin today to look for her son.

She said her plan is to drive the old Dublin Road as she hopes her son may be trying to make his way home to Cork.

"I hope he's safe, we're very concerned," Olivia told Independent.ie.

"I'm travelling to Dublin now, and going to drive up through all the towns.

"David and my brother were working in England and came into Dublin, into the port. He disappeared.

"This is very strange and we're concerned," Olivia continued.

"The worst thing about it is he left his money in the truck and his phone is broken so we can't contact him."

Olivia said another potential area her son could have travelled to is Balbriggan and has appealed for locals and motorists to keep an eye out for him.

Olivia and her partner have both shared David's photo on Facebook in the hope people will share it in the Dublin area.

David is wearing a blue hoodie with stripes and black pants with green stripes and black work boots.

The family have reported David's disappearance to gardai.

**Olivia confirmed to Independent.ie that David has been found safe and well on September 6.
Dublin Fire Brigade at the scene in Finglas Photo: DFB

Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) have rushed to the scene after a number of cars went on fire in Finglas.

The firefighters battled the blaze near the Coldwinters area, just off the N2.

Firefighters from B Watch Finglas have just extinguished a number of cars on fire off the N2 near Coldwinters #Dublin #fire #Fingal pic.twitter.com/vaDEQCj4f4  Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) September 5, 2017

Firefighters from the B Watch in Finglas have extinguished the fires since.
All five schools where safety audits found fire safety breaches did not learn of the reports until the day they were released to the general public.

The Department of Education has confirmed that schools were provided with the relevant reports only last Friday - the same day it published the reports online and notified the media.

This is despite the fact that the reports were finalised in July 2016.

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Fire safety audits were carried out at five schools built by Western Building Systems under a rapid delivery programme in 2008.

The audits were required after breaches of fire safety rules were discovered and remedied at Rusk and Lusk Educate Together National School in 2014, which was also built by WBS.

Fire safety inspections were carried out in January 2016, and reports finalised the following July.

The Department of Education said the firm agreed to complete works in June last year, but that many remain incomplete.

One of the affected schools, Belmayne ETNS operates in a building that is leased from Western Building Systems.

On August 23 the school was informed that the firm would be returning to the school to carry out works and were provided, on request, a summary outlining the works required.

The works are due to be completed later this month but the school management and principal was assured it was safe for school to reopen for this term.

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In the email the principal said Dublin Fire Brigade said the schools at Belmayne are considered to be safe and fit for continued occupation. The schools have adequate means of escape and functioning life safety systems (Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting systems).

The school also carries out regular fire drills to ensure an evacuation time of three minutes, the email stated. The school has also moved to reassure parents that it is keeping the situation under strict review.

It is understood that there was a meeting at the school today with the department and the school has received fresh assurances that the school is safe and the works are being carried out as required.

The original audit into safety standards at the school found that essential works were needed immediately.

"Stores" needed to be removed under the stairs and replaced with fire-rated separation to protect the escape routes, soil/drainage pipes needed to be installed to pass through the floor to protect the floor construction in the event of a fire, and a fire damper/fire door was required to be added to the 'DCC Room' to protect an escape route.

Other essential works required were that compartmentation/cavity barriers be fitted in external wall cavities, that the '60 minutes' element of the structure be improved to assist in fire-resistance, though this wasn't found to be a "sufficient cause for immediate collapse". Fire-stopping also had to be improved, but there was a "level of protection" provided already.

In a statement to Independent.ie the Department of Education for comment said:

"Each of the schools in question was provided with a copy of the relevant report on their school on Friday last prior to the publication".

However, the department did not address why this was the case.
Homeless charity Depaul Ireland said 14 babies were born into homelessness last year.

At the launch of its annual report yesterday, the charity revealed four babies were also born into homelessness in Northern Ireland in 2016.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy declined to appear at the launch yesterday. It was the second time in two days Mr Murphy did not appear at an event to discuss issues surrounding the housing crisis.

Kerry Anthony, CEO of Depaul Ireland, said she would have liked the minister to have attended the launch.

It took place at Depaul's new emergency hostel on Little Britain Street. Ms Anthony said Mr Murphy had been invited two weeks ago.

The event was put in his diary, however, she said he had not confirmed he could definitely attend.

"We would very much have loved Minister Murphy to be here. We would have liked him to have seen Little Britain Street and to hear what we have to say," Ms Anthony told the Irish Independent.

"In fairness, he had never fully committed. They had said it was on his diary list and if he could, he would, and then he wasn't able to."

She acknowledged that the minister had a busy schedule and that was why he was unable to attend.

A spokesperson for the minister said he would have liked to have attended, but because of demands on his time, it wasn't possible.

"We will give full consideration to the annual report," he said.

Mr Murphy angered members of Dublin City Council when he did not turn up to discuss the crisis at the council's monthly meeting on Monday, despite an invitation to do so. Councillor Christy Burke said the minister was showing "contempt" for the council.

Responding to the anger, a statement from the minister said an invitation was extended through Fine Gael councillor Paddy McCartan.

It said Mr Murphy had no problem with meeting the council and was prepared to do so. It added that the actions at the council were "using a crisis for political purposes".

The Depaul report said that in 2016, it supported 3,620 people at risk of homelessness and opened the 65-bed facility on Little Britain Street.
Four homeless people have died in just over one week, as calls were made for the Government to urgently step in and end homelessness.

Just before midnight last night, a 26-year-old man is believed to have taken his life in emergency accommodation in Dublin 8. Gardai were called to the incident but those who run the accommodation refused to confirm the death.

And for much of today, Dublin City Council and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) refused to confirm the death had taken place.

This evening the DHRE finally confirmed the latest death, stating: The DRHE is aware of the death of a person who was accessing homeless services.

The DRHE will not be commenting any further except to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Last Wednesday homeless mother-of-two Danielle Carroll (27) took her life in the Leixlip House Hotel in Co Kildare.

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The young mothers funeral earlier this week heard how the Tallaght woman had lived for her children but life had taken a devastating turn when at the beginning of the year her familys rented home was sold by its owner.

Dublins mayor Micheal Mac Donncha called on the Government to take urgent action and stated more had to be done to end homelessness.

The deaths of the homeless people is nothing short of extremely tragic and a reminder of the need to find in a realistic way in ending homelessness, the mayor said.

The solutions are there to stop this and the Oireachtas Committee on housing gave some answers but this was not implemented by the Government, who have acted far too slowly and focused on a market driven solution to our housing crisis via the private rental market and HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) when our citizens need social and affordable housing.

I urge action because the problem is worsening and we cannot know the stress and strain on homeless people, their families and children in homelessness and the long term effects on their mental health.

We cannot know the full toll on these people as human beings and I urge rapid intervention by the state and that government works quickly with homeless agencies on this situation.

My thoughts go to those whove lost their lives and their families.

There was also concern among homeless campaigners that all homeless deaths may not be being released to the public in the wake of the struggle to gain information on the latest tragedy.

Inner City Helping Homeless director Anthony Flynn said: Its shocking to see another homeless person die.

There is a major problem that there isnt enough mental health support for people in homeless accommodation.

And there are major questions over how many people have died who are homeless because we arent receiving all the information.

The situation is becoming so bad, that our volunteers at ICHH have been referred to counselling because they know some of the homeless people whove died - theyve dealt with them on a regular basis.

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To think of four deaths within just a week is just terrible. And we have to ask serious questions over whether all the information on the deaths are being released to the public.

And if people in the homeless system are getting the right help. People might enter into the system with no mental health problems but many will suffer them during the time they are homeless because of the strain and stress of homelessness.

They go into hostels where there are drug problems and they have no privacy. Its a vicious circle.

The system is at an all-time low and its ready to implode and the fact theres been suicides shows that people are being hoarded like cattle and not treated like human beings.

Homeless people need to be dealt with as human beings and dealt with on a case by case basis.
A four-month waiting period for the treatment of children with scoliosis promised by the end of 2017 will not be met. Stock photo

Emergency services in Navan Hospital were among the worst hit as it struggled to remain open after locum doctors refused to turn up for work in a row over pay.

Fears for patient safety are rising as several overcrowded A&E departments across the country struggled to provide adequate medical cover yesterday.

Surgeons and staff who are on annual leave were called on to help deliver the service with 19 patients on trolleys in Navan Hospital yesterday morning.

Other hospitals have also been hit - including Letterkenny General, Portlaoise, Naas and Tralee - because of a reliance on locum doctors, who are freelancers employed by agencies.

The doctors, who are essential to maintaining services due to the shortage of full-time medics, are angry at the cut in pay which has reduced their rate per hour from 40 to 34 - generating a saving of 53m in the HSE's agency bill over four years.

"The rate remains 36pc higher than directly employed HSE doctors and is on par with our competitors in the UK," the HSE insisted.

On top of emergency departments, the locums also boycotted shifts in others areas of hospitals including anaesthesia and surgery.

Dr Peadar Gilligan, emergency consultant at Beaumont Hospital, warned last night that the crisis needed to be resolved urgently in the interests of patient safety.

"The rate of pay in the public service is not attractive for doctors. That is why there is such reliance on locums. But it will not be solved by cutting their pay," he added.

Several doctors opt to be locums either on a temporary or full-time career basis because of the good income it generates - but they do not have State pensions and are paid only for the days they work.

They are supplied to hospitals by locum agencies such as PE Global Locum Express and Global Medics, which entered into new contracts from September with the HSE. They take a percentage of the locum's pay per hour.

Dr James Gray, emergency consultant in Tallaght Hospital, said three doctors had decided not to return to its emergency department on the new pay terms.

"The hospital now has to resort to employing either locum consultants to work the registrar roster or locum senior house officer grade so that at least there are 'hands on deck'.

"The problem is that we can't recruit contract doctors across Ireland. Changing locum terms without addressing what is causing the recruitment crisis, such as poor conditions, training and pay, is a recipe for disaster," he said.

"It risks increasing roster gaps with even greater cost if locum consultants are filling some gaps. This is another example of HSE corporate incompetence. They need to entice staff to work on contract terms and not drive them away."
John Keena in front of the Radisson in Stillorgan. Picture: Kyran O'Brien

A leaking tent pitched in front of one Dublin's most prestigious five-star hotels is the bleak home of a man who says he is too afraid to sleep in the city's emergency hostels.

John Keena (54) beds down under canvas every night on lands in front of the Radisson Blu St Helen's Hotel in Stillorgan.

He has been homeless for a year, but after months of moving from hostel to hostel, he says he is happier on his own where he can get some peace.

However, with winter approaching, John admits death is a possibility on a cold night.

Expand Close John Keena with the tent he has been sleeping in for around a month on a green overlooking the hotel. Picture: Kyran O'Brien / Facebook

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Whatsapp John Keena with the tent he has been sleeping in for around a month on a green overlooking the hotel. Picture: Kyran O'Brien

"I hope I die. I'll be much happier wherever I'm going," he said.

John says the field where he sleeps is a home from home for him, as his father used to be a gardener and handyman in the historic building, built in 1775. It was a training school for Christian Brothers long before it became a plush hotel.

Damp

Waking up damp after overnight rains soaked through his tent, John told of how he ended up sleeping rough.

"Homelessness can happen to anybody," he said.

"I used to have a home and family, and worked in security, but that's all gone and I ended up in council accommodation in Dun Laoghaire," John added, gathering himself into a standing position after a night in the tent.

"There was a psychotic man living in the flat above me and he used to bang on the ceiling with a bat and shout all night long," he told the Herald.

"I couldn't take any more, so I put what I could into a rucksack and left around a year ago."

Pointing to the top of his one-man abode, John said: "I'm all damp. The rain was coming in and I had to plug a hole with a plastic bag."

John said he spent months in emergency shelters around Dublin city, but always felt afraid and never got sleep.

"There would be addicts and people who would steal things, and people who would shout through the night, and violent people too, and no privacy," he said.

"In the shelters you get a roof over your head, but you pay for it with your peace of mind.

"In the end I decided about a month ago to just try living out on my own somewhere.

"I grew up here. My father was a gardener here when the hotel building belonged to the Christian Brothers, and we lived in a mobile home over where the apartments are now," he added, pointing to the buildings to the right of the hotel.

"We used to run around these lands as children, playing football, and then we got a Frisbee, and we played at being Daniel Boone, it was great," John said, reminiscing with a smile.

John said he doesn't get hassled where he is.

A spokesperson for the Radisson said the land he is on is not owned by the hotel.

"The winter will be difficult out here, but I'll take one day at a time," he said.

"It's quiet here, but I have to stay aware. I feel vulnerable."

John has health difficulties and walks with a crutch, his right foot supported in a strap-on braced boot.

"I have osteomyelitis in that foot. The Simon Community come twice a week. They bring me food and dress my leg," John said.

"I don't draw attention to myself, and the people in the local shops and the garage are good to me. I go to houses for food and many people are kind when I explain the situation I'm in.

"Finding a place to wash can be difficult. Last night I shaved without water."

Unscrupulous

Asked about the growing homelessness crisis, John remarked about the three homeless people who had died last week in Dublin, Kildare and Cork, blessing himself as he did so.

Jack Watson died while sleeping rough on Dublin's Suffolk Street, while Tallaght mother-of-two Danielle Carroll took her own life in emergency accommodation in Leixlip.

A woman in her 30s, Jennifer Dennehy, also died while sleeping rough in Cork.

"The Government are unscrupulous, cold-hearted people," John said.

"There are families homeless now. I really feel sorry for them. This is a problem on a massive scale and there seems to be no end to it," he added.

'In the shelters you get a roof over your head, but you pay for it with your peace of mind'
A man is in a serious condition after being injured in a vicious assault in Cork.

The man, who is understood to be an East European national, was injured when he was attacked along with two others in Ballincollig. The other men - one of whom is believed to be the injured man's son - sustained multiple non-life threatening injuries.

Initial reports indicated the trio were confronted by a number of other men armed with a variety of weapons, including knives and clubs. The altercation took place at a property in the Castle Park estate shortly before 9pm. A melee erupted which ended when the middle-aged man was seriously injured.

The other group then fled the scene on foot. Gardai were at the scene within minutes and the injured man was rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH). He was expected to undergo emergency surgery last night.
Weapons seized by gardai following raids in Cork

Weapons seized by gardai following raids in Cork

Three people - one teen and two men in their 40s - were arrested and a number of weapons including several sawn off shotguns were recovered after a major Garda raid on properties in Cork.

More than 50 Gardai, supported by the armed Regional Support Unit (RSU), conducted a series of major raids across Cork's northside as part of a crackdown on general criminality.

The raids were ordered amid concern, following the posting of an internet video, that a clash was imminent between two armed groups in south Munster.

In a video posted over the weekend, a dozen masked men level threats at a rival group - and then three firearms are discharged into the air to underline the seriousness of their threats.

All the other masked men in the video are armed with clubs and slash hooks.

Garda chiefs ordered the raids in a bid to seize the firearms involved- two of which appeared to be automatic handguns.

The crackdown also involved officials from the Customs and Excise.

The raids were conducted with support from armed RSU members as well as drug squad officers and sniffer dogs.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Weapons seized by gardai following raids in Cork Weapons seized by gardai following raids in Cork / Facebook

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A number of properties were searched with one of the biggest operations focused on a halting site and at St Anthony's Park in Hollyhill.

Uniformed officers conducted the searches throughout the morning supported by armed Gardai.

The searches were ordered as part of a crackdown on gangs suspected to be engaged in general criminality.

Gardai are particularly trying to crackdown on those involved in burglaries and robberies around the south Munster area as well as the distribution of drugs and smuggling.

Gardai were searching for a number of high value items taken as part of recent thefts.

Seizures included a number of weapons including slash-hooks, large knives, a bow and arrow and several sawn off shotguns.

Two caravans and a 4x4 vehicle were also seized. Property recovered included jewellery and cash.

The searches included detailed examination of various properties including their roofs, gutters, drains and gardens.

Local fields were also searched.

Several hours into the operation, three men were detained and taken to Gurranabraher Garda Station for questioning.

Customs & Excise officials examined a number of vehicles which had been brought into Ireland from the UK.

The raids are part of an ongoing operation targeting general criminality in the south Munster region.

A Garda source said the operation was totally unconnected to an incident in Ballincollig on Tuesday evening in which three East

European nationals were injured when attacked with knives and slash-hooks.

One man suffered serious injuries in the incident which erupted at an estate in Ballincollig shortly before 9pm on Tuesday night.

Three men, all East European nationals, were injured in the melee, which is understood to have involved up to seven men.

However, all had left the scene by the time Gardai arrived.

The trio - which included a father and son - later presented themselves to the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) for treatment.

None sustained life threatening injuries.

Gardai launched an investigation after discovering a quantity of blood at the scene.

Forensic experts examined the scene but it is understood Gardai have not, as yet, received any formal complaint in relation to the incident.

Officers are hoping to interview the trio who presented themselves at MUH for treatment of stab and slash-type injuries.
The gun at the scene

The gun at the scene

Scene of shots fired at junction of Kylemore Way and Jamestown Rd. Inchicore.

A man has been arrested after armed gardai opened fire on a vehicle that failed to stop in West Dublin.

Members of the garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) and the Special Crime Task Force were called to the scene on the Jamestown Road/Kylemore Way in Inchicore shortly before 3pm today.

A white Citroen Twingo van failed to stop and crashed into a garda car.

Two men fled from the vehicle and a suspected firearm and silencer were discarded by one of the men.

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The men attempted to escape in a second vehicle but one man (20s) was arrested and gardai recovered the handgun.

Video footage shows that the weapon was discovered on a footpath in a plastic shopping bag.

Shots were fired by detectives during the incident but nobody was injured.

A manhunt is underway for the second person involved in the attack.

A source said the man arrested is an associate of the notorious Kinahan crime cartel and gardai suspect he was on his way to carry out a hit.

He is detained under Section 30 for the Offences against the State Act, 1939 at Ballyfermot Garda Station.

Investigating Gardai have preserved the scene for forensic examination and the Garda Ombudsman Commission have been notified.
Revenue officers seized 1kg of herbal cannabis during a routine search at Dublin Port.

The drugs - worth an estimated 20,000 street value - were hidden in candle jars.

Originating from Spain, the candle jars were addressed to a location in Dublin city centre.

Officers have partly attributed the discovery to the assistance of detector dog 'Meg'.

Investigations into the seizure are currently ongoing.
A charity accused of wrongly paying over 84,000 to two former trustees has delivered an action plan to the Charities Regulator.

Ataxia Ireland asked for an extension to its 21-day deadline after an inspectors' report, released in July, highlighted a number of issues that needed to be addressed by the board.

Independent.ie has learned that the charity delivered this action plan to the Charities Regulator last Friday, September 1.

A spokesman for the Regulator said: "This plan is now being considered by the Charities Regulator to decide if the plan adequately addresses the inspectors recommendations."

In July it was revealed that Ataxia Ireland paid the 84,009 to two former trustees Clare and Tim Creedon who founded the charity in 1980 and are the parents of current CEO Barbara Flynn.

Friedreich's Ataxia is a brain condition which affects co-ordination, balance and speech. In severe cases, ataxia can be fatal in childhood or early adulthood.

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The charity had weak internal financial controls and Ms Flynns pension contribution of 38,500 was paid from funds rather than deducted from her salary.

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The Charities Regulator report also revealed that annual credit card spending of 10,030 at the charity included purchases of alcohol supermarket food, vouchers and payment of mobile phone bills.

The Charities Regulator John Farrelly wrote to the trustees requiring the implementation of a series of corrective actions, identified by the inspectors following their investigation.

The Charities Regulator appointed two inspectors in November 2016 to investigate the affairs of the charity following concerns it received.

In his report Mr Farrelly confirmed that they had written to the charity requiring an action plan.

If we are not satisfied with the response from the charity trustees we reserve the right to intervene under section 74 of the Charities Act 2009 to ensure the charity is protected.

Section 74 provides the Charities Regulator with the power to apply to the High Court for a range of measures to protect a charity.

The regulator asked that, in their action plan, Ataxia Ireland address some of the following issues:

The regulator wanted the charity trustees to determine if the payments made to the two founding former trustees are recoverable

Develop, document and implement suitable procedures for the recruitment of senior roles

Implement more formal monitoring and reporting arrangements in respect of the role of the CEO;

Agree and implement a formal arrangement with the CEO to recover the overpayment of employee pension contributions.

It is not clear if the action plan forwarded by Ataxia Ireland addresses any or all of the issues highlighted.

Barbara Flynn declined to comment when contacted today and said it was a "matter for the board" of Ataxia Ireland.

Independent.ie has contacted the board for a comment.
Pat Hickey is hoping to appear by video link in front of a Rio court. Picture: INPHO/James Crombie

THE former Olympic Council of Ireland president Pat Hickey is looking forward to his trial in a Brazilian court this November because he insists he will be cleared.

The trial will begin in Rio de Janeiro on November 29, it was confirmed yesterday  which is almost a full year after he left Brazil.

He faces a series of charges, including ticket touting, but it seems unlikely that he will travel to Brazil to appear at court in person.

His legal team stated previously he hoped to be able to participate in the trial through a video link.

A source close to Mr Hickey said last night he was looking forward to the trial as he

believes he will be cleared.

He had previously been forced to remain in Brazil upon his release from prison, after his arrest during last years Olympic Games.

Mr Hickey was given permission to return to Ireland last Christmas, citing medical grounds, and on payment of a bond of 410,000 to the courts.

Prosecutor Marcos Kac said last week that if Mr Hickey did not return to Brazil for trial, that his bond would be retained locally.

However, Mr Hickeys legal team have suggested their client may testify by video link, at the discretion of the judge.

Justice Guilherme Schilling Duarte published a statement on the Rio de Janeiro courts system to set the date, and stated that only accused Pat Hickey and a co-accused Kevin Mallon had responded to criminal accusations relating to the ticket touting controversy so far.

Both have declared they are innocent of charges against them.

A Brazilian woman arrested alongside Mr Mallon has not responded. Other defendants, originally listed in the Hickey case, have been summoned por edital (by publication), in a separate and ongoing criminal process.

In his written statement, Mr Justice Schilling Duarte said that the respective defence teams of Mr Hickey and Mr Mallon had confused themselves with the merito (material substance of the case).

Both defence teams argued that no crime was committed by their clients, and cited a lack of evidence to the contrary.

The judge commented that, while the arguments of legal teams will be resolved during the course of the instruction, there is just cause to proceed with the criminal trial.

I verify the presence of all of the conditions necessary for the ignition of penal action, with especial emphasis on just cause. He said there was no hypothesis for summary

absolution.

OCI general secretary Dermot Henihan will be called to testify in the criminal case against former OCI President Pat Hickey and Irishman Kevin Mallon in Brazil later this year. Mr Henihan is among thirteen witnesses to be called by the prosecution in the case involving alleged ticket touting during last year Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The judge will hear the testimony of the three accused; at least thirteen witnesses for the prosecution; and whatever witnesses are called by the defense. The prosecutor, and each of the three defense teams, will have a right to question each of the witnesses.

It is expected that the case will finally be judged in January, or February 2018.

Neither of the defense teams for Pat Hickey nor Kevin Mallon has yet formally requested that their clients present to the courts via video conferencing, rather than returning to Rio.

. Any such request would be dealt decided by the judge, on its merit.

For video conferencing to be acceptable by the courts, they rely on cooperation from a court in the other jurisdiction, which would host the testimony by the defendant, or witness.

In Brazilian courts, if defendants do not appear, the justice system is not obliged to invite them to participate in any further audiences with the court. Any such court case would be able to go ahead with or without them.
Anti-Brexit activist Drew Galdron, who is also an impersonator of British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, takes part in a demonstration against the UKs decision to leave the EU in front of the European institutions in Brussels. Picture: AFP

Direct rule from London cannot be imposed in Northern Ireland without Irish Government input, Simon Coveney has insisted.

The Foreign Affairs Minister was in Belfast to try to kick-start power sharing at Stormont and said all parties wanted to see progress made.

Mr Coveney said that talks were at a high-stakes stage and could not continue for many more weeks.

He said: "The status quo is not sustainable in Northern Ireland."

Ministers have not sat at Stormont for seven months after the late Martin McGuinness resigned as deputy first minister in a row over the DUP's handling of a botched green energy scheme.

Since then, a dispute over the status of the Irish language has been among the issues dividing the parties.

Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has warned he may have to legislate for a Stormont budget if the deadlock continues.

Mr Coveney said there were still grounds for optimism and direct rule should still be avoided.

"There can be no British-only direct rule. That is the Irish Government's position," he said.

"It is not good for Northern Ireland, it is not good from the point of view of the Government that I am a part of, it is not good from the point of view of the government in London, everybody loses in that scenario."
The scene of the crash at Adelaide Road/Earlsford Tce last night. PIC COLIN O'RIORDAN

The scene of the crash at Adelaide Road/Earlsford Tce last night. PIC COLIN O'RIORDAN

A young man seriously injured when a car struck a group of pedestrians on a Dublin footpath has died in hospital.

A woman driving a convertible Saab lost control of the car on Adelaide Road on August 22 at 6.15pm and the car mounted a pavement and struck four young men.

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Benjamin Renard (24), a young Frenchman working in Dublin for the past three years, died from his injuries in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin yesterday.

He was rushed from the crash scene to Saint Jamess Hospital and later transferred to Beaumont Hospital for treatment for head injuries.

Family members travelled from France and had kept vigil at his hospital bedside.

He worked as an account manager at the LinkedIn company on Dublins southside. He had studied at Dublin City University until 2014 when he was awarded a BA in global business, marketing and sales and had previously earned a B Sc degree in France.

There were glowing tributes from friends and colleagues on social media last night.

Sharon McCooey, head of LinkedIn Ireland, stated After a brave fight, he has sadly passed away. We are doing all that we can to support his family and friends during this most difficult of times.

Mr Renard had worked annually on a telethon for seven years helping to raise money for a muscular dystrophy charity.

The crash on the busy street in Dublin 2 resulted in the silver convertible flipping over onto its side in the impact near the junction of Adelaide Road and Harcourt Road.

The driver and one of the pedestrians were taken by ambulance to Saint Vincents Hospital. Another of the young men was also taken to Saint Jamess Hospital and a fourth young man was taken to Tallaght Hospital.

In the aftermath of the crash, the Saab was left on its side, with smashed windows and damage to the front of the vehicle.

Several emergency services vehicles rushed to the scene and witnesses told how at least one of the men was treated by paramedics at the scene.

One witness said: There was bits of the car all over the road and there were at least three fire engines and two ambulances from what I saw.

A Dublin Fire Brigade spokesman said four fire tenders and three of the services ambulances attended the scene.

Two ambulances from the National Ambulance Service also went to the scene.

Gardai appealed for witnesses to contact Pearse Street garda station or any garda station.

The street from Earlsfort Terrace onto Harcourt Road was sealed off after the crash to facilitate an examination by Garda forensic collision investigators.
The beginnings of new political dynasty could be born if Fine Gael TD Kate O'Connell's sister is successful in her bid to run for the Dail.

Mary Newman is seeking the party's nomination in Co Tipperary, where Fine Gael has been without a seat since last year's disastrous general election.

The constituency is one of Fine Gael's key targets next time around and five potential candidates, including former junior minister Tom Hayes, have so far declared their interest in running. It's expected that the party will field at least two candidates.

Last night Dublin Bay South TD Ms O'Connell said she was "delighted" her sister is seeking the nomination. She pointed to Ms Newman's 17 years of working as a vet and said she had "huge experience in agriculture and business and has always been immersed in rural life in Ireland". She also pointed out that Fine Gael has no women TDs in Munster and said Ms Newman's election would be "great" from a gender perspective.

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Mum-of-four Mary Newman is a resident of the Lagganstown area and has been involved as a parent in a campaign for the provision of school transport to local children who have been refused bus seats this year.

Ms Newman last night said she was "up for the challenge" of potentially fighting for a Dail seat, saying she believed there was "significant support" for Fine Gael in the constituency.

Names will be put forward at a declaration convention in Thurles next week, but the ultimate decision on who will run won't be made until next year.

Kate O'Connell backed Simon Coveney's leadership bid and famously branded eventual winner Leo Varadkar's supporters as "choirboys" who were "singing for their suppers".

Another sister, Theresa Newman, works as Ms O'Connell's parliamentary assistant. She courted controversy during the leadership campaign in a tweet that suggested Mary Mitchell O'Connor's support for Mr Vardakar was linked to keeping her ministerial brief.

Originally from Co Westmeath, the sisters' father Michael Newman was formerly a Fine Gael county councillor.
A breath of fresh air: Aogan Lynch and his daughter Siona. She has only just received her first smartphone

Teenagers love to talk - sometimes for hours and often, according to their parents, about nothing. But while many of the past generation will remember being told off for hogging the landline, with the advent of smartphones, today's youngsters have the freedom to communicate with their friends all day and all night should they so wish - or more importantly, should they be allowed by their parents.

Recent research (from Common Sense Media) has revealed that over 50pc of young adults feel they have an addiction to their phone, with many saying they would go without food (or even lose a finger in some cases) rather than give up access to their device.

In Britain, children as young as 13 have been receiving treatment in rehab to help diminish their dependency on technology.

So while it is true that many adults are also attached to their phones, the importance it plays in teenage lives is concerning parents.

This is one of the reasons why Margaret Ryan has refused to buy a smartphone for her 14-year-old daughter, Sarah.

Having being given a 'regular mobile phone' when she started secondary school, the Limerick teenager is the only person in her class and indeed her social circle, who does not have constant access to social media and the internet.

Despite the obvious peer pressure, her mother remains steadfast in her refusal.

"I cannot stand the fact that teenagers are so obsessed with their phones," says Margaret, who has four children.

"I gave Sarah a phone when she turned 13 so she could contact people and communicate with her friends via text but I do not see the point of her having a so-called 'smartphone' which to my minds turns people into the opposite.

"Of course she isn't happy about it. She feels she is missing out on communication with her friends, but she is allowed time on the computer every evening so can catch up with everyone then. The fact that teenagers (particularly girls) are glued to phone screens every waking hour, is detrimental to both their mental and physical health."

Her daughter does not agree and is saving up for a phone of her own because she wants to be the 'same' as her friends.

"It really bugs me that I don't have a proper phone and I am way too embarrassed to even use the one I have in public - it's so old-fashioned," she says. "So I just don't have any phone about when I am with my friends as I would hate to be laughed at. I know no one would be really mean about it, but in this day and age it is really weird not to have a smartphone - even the most basic one would be fine. The fact that I can't reply to any Facebook messages until the evening is crazy. The whole fun of it is the fact that we can communicate in real time, but by the time I get to answer, the whole conversation is over," she says.

"As soon as I have saved up enough money, I will definitely be getting my own phone. I know my mum doesn't like it, but she grew up in a time when no-one even had a mobile, let alone a smartphone so she doesn't understand what it is like for me."

Siona Lynch knows only too well what it feels like to be the only person without a smartphone. Up until a few days ago, when she got her first device, she felt left out of the loop when her friends were communicating via social media - as she would only be able to catch up when she met them in person.

"I finally got my phone last week," says the 13-year-old Dublin girl. "It used to be so frustrating because my friends use theirs to chat to each other online and I would always be the last to know what was going on.

"I am so delighted to finally have one and can't wait to start downloading games and apps and most importantly, keeping up with my friends - who are also really pleased for me."

Dad, Aogan, says he and his wife Valerie were reluctant to sign their eldest daughter up to a phone contract, for various reasons.

"The first reason I was holding off as much as possible was that Siona had always been a voracious reader and I knew that would stop once she had the distraction of a phone, because that is exactly what happened to me," he says. "I also didn't like the idea of her having access to everything which is available online. Lastly there is the issue of cost - Valerie and I already have phone contracts and the bill for broadband so another 30 a month is a bill we could do without.

"But we had to give in eventually - she has been very good about it because although we knew she really wanted one, she didn't plague us for it all the time. And it is great to see how happy she has been since it arrived.

"In this day and age everyone really has to have a smartphone but I guess it's a case of 'monkey see, monkey do' - so we as parents need to lead by example and not be glued to them all the time."

Tomorrow - the families who actively encourage their children to use technology from a young age

How the costs can add up

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 The average cost of a monthly mobile-phone bill for teenagers in Ireland is between 15 and 25 per month

 Most include packages which allow free texts and calls to numbers on the same network - along with (sometimes limited) internet access

 A basic smartphone can cost from 20 per month for a two-year contract or from 120 per month for 'pay-as-you-go'.

 Research from the Carphone Warehouse (2016) revealed that Samsung is the most popular phone for users under 25 - four out of 10 own this brand

 According to the 2016 Mobile Consumer Survey from Deloitte, almost 90pc of Irish consumers own or have access to a smartphone, compared with laptops (80pc) and tablets (60pc)

 Almost 9 in 10 of 18 to 24-year-olds use their devices 'always' or 'very often' when using public transport, meeting friends, shopping or watching television. A quarter use their phones when eating at home or at a restaurant
Ryanair has announced a new cabin baggage policy, effective from January 15, 2018. Travel Editor Pol O Conghaile answers your queries.

What is Ryanairs new baggage policy?

From January 15, Ryanair will only allow passengers who purchase Priority Boarding to take two free cabin bags onboard its aircraft.

Passengers who do not pay the 5 priority fee must check the larger of their two cabin bags (10kg, 55cm x 40cm x 20cm) into the hold at the boarding gate.

They can still take the smaller permitted item, such as a handbag or laptop (up to 5kg; 35cm x 20cm x 20cm) on board the plane, however.

Read more on the new policy here.

How much will it cost to check my cabin bag at the gate?

10kg bags will be checked into the hold for free.

What other changes has it announced?

From November 1, Ryanair will also cut the cost of a checked bag from 35 to 25 and increase the standard checked bag size from 15kg to 20kg.

A 10 supplement will be levied on these bags at Easter, Christmas and on longer routes during the peak summer months, however.

Why is the airline doing this?

Ryanair has reached a tipping point. When it first introduced its two-bag policy three years ago, planes were operating with an average load factor of 82pc.

Now, in peak months, planes are up to 97pc full.

"A lot more people are travelling, and we like that," says Chief Marketing Officer, Kenny Jacobs. "But they're bringing too much luggage."

"For the past six months, we've been tagging over 50 bags per plane at Dublin Airport."

Can I still take two pieces of cabin baggage on board?

Yes, if you pay 5 for Priority Boarding; otherwise your bigger (10kg) cabin bag must be placed in the hold (free of charge) at the airport gate.

How will this change be implemented?

Passengers will receive new, colour-coded boarding passes when they check in. These will direct them to either the Priority/2-bag or the 'Non-priority'/1-bag queue.

How will this reduce boarding delays?

"There's no debate about it now," Jacobs says simply.

In recent months, airline staff and fellow passengers have had their patience severely tested by customers flouting the rules with oversized second bags.

There are often delays at the gate and onboard planes, as extra cases are weighed, argued over, and removed to the hold.

"This is just taking away any grey area," Jacobs explains. "There's no real discussion now - [for Non-priority customers], the bigger bag has to go in the hold."

How much is Priority Boarding and can I add it to bookings?

5 at the time of the flight booking. It can be added after booking (for 6) up to 30 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time, via the Ryanair app.

Will customers be able to check 10kg cabin bags at the check-in desk?

No, checked bags can be left off at the bag drop facilities, but all cabin bags must be brought to the boarding gate.

Does this apply to all bookings?

The new baggage policy will start on January 15, and will apply to all bookings made before and after that date, and flights from that date onwards.

What happens my checked cabin bag at the other end?

It will appear on the baggage carousel in arrivals along with the other checked luggage. Some passengers have expressed frustration that this removes a key convenience of flying with hand luggage only (unless you fork out 5, of course).

However, Jacobs believes delays won't be an issue for non-priority customers checking their 10kg cabin bags at the boarding gate.

"90pc of time the bag will be at the carousel before you will," he says.

What about customers with infants?

A small (5kg) baby bag may be carried by customers with infants.

What about duty-free purchases?

Non-priority customers can still bring Duty-Free purchases made airside (i.e. after security checks) on board, in addition to their smaller cabin bag.

What about customers with waivers for medical items?

You can still take these on board at no extra fee, subject to contacting Ryanair's special assistance line in advance and complying with any requirements.

What if I have valuable or fragile items in my 10kg cabin bag?

Readers have expressed concern about placing jewellery or valuables such as cameras, devices or company equipment into aircraft holds.

If you want to keep these in a larger bag, you must now pay 5 for Priority Boarding. Otherwise, they need to go in the hold or fit into the smaller, carry-on allowance.

Is this just a push to get me to buy Priority Boarding?

If everyone buys Priority Boarding, what's the point in having it?

Our readers have been quick to point this out. However, Ryanair doesn't believe the volume of new Priority customers will be enough to impact the benefits.

"It's not about making more money," Jacobs says.

"There will be an increase in Priority Boarding customers, but it won't be drastic. It won't increase by that kind of magnitude any time soon."

"There will still be less people in the Priority/2-bag queue."

What happens if I refuse to pay the 5?

From January 15, any "non-priority" customers that refuse to put their bigger cabin bags in the hold "will not be allowed to travel (without refunds)", Ryanair states.

The airline's T&Cs clearly state that customers who purchase a ticket sign up to its conditions of carriage. Ryanair has the right to refuse travel.

"I don't think it's going to be that big an issue," Jacobs says.

This isn't fair. I play by the rules, and now I'm paying for it.

"There will be an element of that," Jacobs says. "If you have been paying by rules, you may feel now that you are paying the price for others."

However, the airline can only fit 90 cabin bags on board each plane.

"We've flagged this over a year, and policed it a bit more, but we haven't seen a significant enough change... on balance I think this is fair and it comes down to customer choice."

"Plus, it will still be much cheaper to travel with Ryanair than anybody else. Fares are still coming down, and will continue to come down."

What is Independent.ie Travel's take?

Ryanair really, really wants to stop baggage delays and debates at the gate.

Lowering its check-in bag fees will cost the airline some 50 million in the short term, but it is taking the hit to tweak a cabin bag system that is clearly unworkable given current passenger volumes.

However, charging for cabin bags - even if the policy is packaged as a Priority Boarding fee - could well be the thin end of a wedge. No Irish airline has charged for hand baggage before now, and this first step could easily be pitched as a precedent for further cabin baggage price hikes in the future.

Ryanair is a commercial airline, after all. Not a public service.
It is 20 years since quirky, clumsy, romantic Ally McBeal and her dancing baby arrived on TV screens.

David E Kelleys innovative Emmy and Golden Globe-winning show ran for five series but 15 years after it was cancelled, it is still delighting loyal fans and gaining new ones.

Allison Ally McBeals romantic and professional dilemmas are still as relevant now as they were in 1997 and Kelleys strong writing and talented cast mean the storylines remain fresh.

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Vonda Shepard sang about the boy next door as the first episode began on Fox on September 8 1997 and viewers were immediately introduced to Ally (Calista Flockhart) and her childhood sweetheart Billy Thomas (Gil Bellows).

The couple split up at law school but a quirk of fate sees Ally taking a job alongside Billy at Cage and Fish, a Boston law firm started by old classmate Richard Fish (Greg Germann) and the brilliant, eccentric defence attorney John Cage (Peter MacNicol).

The will-they-wont-they sexual tension between Ally and Billy was key to the shows early success but was never the only attraction due to a cast of colourful characters including attention-seeking secretary Elaine Vassal (Jane Krakowski), Allys prosecutor flatmate Renee Raddick (Lisa Nicole Carson) and Billys wife Georgia (Courtney Thorne-Smith).

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Musical numbers from Shepard and the cast, especially during the firms Christmas parties in the bar nearby, were a particular highlight and stars including Sir Elton John, Sting and Barry White made guest appearances.

The dancing baby, a creepy hallucination which signified Allys ticking biological clock, made headlines when the show launched and the dated animation is one of a few things which gives away the shows age.

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Flockharts slender figure and the characters short skirts also got plenty of column inches while a 1998 Time magazine cover featuring the character asked Is Feminism dead?

But despite the comedy of Allys clumsiness, Johns nose whistles and the animation that made bragging heads grow and lustful cartoon tongues hang out, there was emotional depth to Kelleys characters.

Later shows explored Allys difficult relationship with her parents, while subzero Nelle Porter (Portia de Rossi) thaws and vicious Ling Woo (Lucy Liu) gradually reveals a softer side.

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Viewing figures in the US peaked at an average of 13.8 million for series two but fell to 9.4 million for series five and the show was cancelled.

Dyan Cannon, who played Judge Jennifer Whipper Cone, said the humanity of the show had kept it relevant to current audiences.

Nothing really changes much, she told the Press Association.

We change fashion, we change our hair colour and length but our hearts stay the same. The things that affect our hearts really dont change.

The things that hurt us, the things that disappoint us, the things that limit us, the things that push us, those things tend to stay the same and David (Kelley) understands that.

In the show, Whipper has a relationship with Richard Fish who gets turned on by older women with sagging necks.

Cannon described the judge as a wonderful character: She wasnt this typical girl that looked nice. She had this wattle. I had never heard it and never read it. I didnt even know the word. I think David (Kelley) made it up.

Still, to this day, my favourite line in this show is can I touch your wattle? I still have people come up to me in the street and ask me that.
Prince Harry is "very happy" after learning that he is about to become an uncle for the third time.

Officials from Kensington Palace announced on Monday morning, that Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton are expecting another baby, a sibling for Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two.

Shortly after Catherine's pregnancy was shared on social media, Harry was approached by reporters while he attended an event in Manchester, and happily commented, "Fantastic, great. Very, very happy for them."

In the official royal statement, it was also revealed that Catherine was once again battling Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a type of severe morning sickness that has afflicted her for previous pregnancies.

She is being cared for by medics at Kensington Palace, but Harry shared that he believed the 35-year-old was coping with the illness.

"I haven't seen her for a while but I think I she's O.K.," he said.

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Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II and the extended families of both William and Catherine are said to be "delighted with the news".

The baby will become fifth in line to the throne behind Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and will be the Queen's sixth great-grandchild.

Clarence House has tweeted on behalf of the couple to say they are "delighted", while U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted her congratulations to the couple too, writing: "This is fantastic news. Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge."

Due to her illness, Kate was forced to cancel an appearance at a children's centre in London on Monday. But she is expected to next be seen in public on Thursday, when she and William will escort George to his first day of school at Thomas's Battersea.

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Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga said his coalition would not participate in the re-run of a presidential election proposed for October 17 unless it was given "legal and constitutional" guarantees.

The opposition also said it was planning to file dozens of challenges to results from races lower down the ticket, including legislative and local seats.

Mr Odinga's conditions for participating in the repeat presidential election include the removal of six officials at the election board. He wants criminal investigations to be opened against them.

"You cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results," Mr Odinga said. "A number of the officials of the commission should be sent home, some of them should be investigated for the heinous crimes they committed."

Kenya's Supreme Court ordered on Friday that the August 8 vote be re-run within 60 days, saying President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory by 1.4 million votes was undermined by irregularities in the process.

Mr Kenyatta was not accused of any wrongdoing.

The ruling, the first time in Africa that a court had overturned the re-election of a sitting president, was hailed by Mr Odinga's supporters as "historic".

Analysts said it was likely to lead to some short-term volatility in East Africa's biggest economy, but could build confidence in institutions longer-term.

On Monday, the election board said it would hold new elections on October 17. But Mr Odinga said he wanted them on October 24 or 31.

"There will be no elections on October 17 until the conditions that we have spelt out in the statement are met," he said. Mr Odinga has contested and lost the last three presidential elections in Kenya. Each time, he has said the vote was rigged.

The opposition also plans to lodge 62 court cases contesting governorship, lawmakers and local seats, a spokeswoman said.

At least 33 court cases were filed contesting results before the election was annulled, said Andrew Limo, an election board spokesman. Others had been filed since, but he said the numbers had not yet reached the same level as the 2013 elections, when the board received challenges to 189 results.
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned North Korea's latest nuclear test but also warned against using military force against the country, calling it a "road to nowhere" that could lead to a "global catastrophe".

But Mr Putin again rejected US calls for new sanctions against North Korea after its sixth and most powerful nuclear test, echoing China's resistance to more punitive measures to pressure Pyongyang into abandoning its atomic and missile programmes.

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The Russian leader criticised sanctions as "useless and ineffective", instead urging the international community to offer security guarantees to North Korea.

"They'll eat grass, but they won't abandon their programme unless they feel secure," he told reporters yesterday at an emerging markets summit in Xiamen, China, which was hosted by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Monday the Trump administration would seek the strongest possible sanctions against Kim Jong-un's regime.

Mr Kim was "begging for war" after testing what he claimed was a hydrogen bomb, she said after a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Ms Haley said the US would circulate new draft sanctions and wants the Security Council to vote on them on Monday.

Japan is singing the same tune as the US, with Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso yesterday calling for additional measures. "There's no chance of talks progressing without increasing pressure," he told reporters in Tokyo.

The stand-off between North Korea and the US has become the most dangerous foreign crisis facing US President Donald Trump, as the isolated state accelerates its programme to develop weapons of mass destruction.

Mr Putin condemned what he described as a policy of whipping up war hysteria, which he said could lead to a "global catastrophe and a huge number" of human casualties.

"There's no other path except for a peaceful, diplomatic resolution of the North Korean nuclear problem," he said.

Even before North Korea detonated its most powerful nuclear bomb on Sunday, Japan was calling for moves to cut off its oil supply. Afterwards, Mr Trump threatened to halt all trade with any country that does business with Mr Kim's regime. China, which supplies most of its food and fuel, called the warning "unacceptable".

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang batted off a question at a briefing in Beijing on whether his nation would consider limiting oil shipments to North Korea.

"The actions and reactions of the Security Council will depend on the conclusions reached through debate by its members," Mr Geng said, according to an official transcript. "China will promote denuclearisation and the maintenance of stability on the peninsula, and promote solving problems on the peninsula through dialogue and consultation."

Since the Korean War, Beijing has avoided prodding North Korea to the point it might collapse, fearing a destabilising economic blow and the possibility of the US military gaining influence on its border via a unified Korea. That calculation has held, even while China's interests have diverged from those of North Korea.

Even so, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa said yesterday that her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, told her that Beijing is open to additional sanctions. Ms Kang told parliament that her nation is working with the US for the "strongest" measures against North Korea.

Mr Trump agreed to support new weapons sales to South Korea and Japan. In a phone conversation on Monday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Mr Trump said he would support "in principle" the US ally fitting its missiles with heavier warheads, boosting its deterrence against North Korea.

A day later, Mr Trump tweeted: "I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States."

The Seoul-based 'Asia Business Daily' reported that North Korea was preparing to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) before Saturday. South Korea's defence ministry declined to comment on the report that said the ICBM was being moved to a launch site.

South Korea has detected "continued activities" related to North Korean missile tests, according to a government official who asked not to be named in line with government policy.

The Yonhap News Agency cited South Korea's spy agency as saying there was a chance Pyongyang could fire an ICBM into the Pacific Ocean.

North Korea has previously threatened to launch missiles toward Guam.

(Bloomberg)
A grooming gang that preyed on vulnerable girls and young women in Newcastle did not target their victims by race or religion, a judge has ruled.

The former director of public prosecutions, Lord McDonald, claimed the abuse of white women by predominantly Asian men was a profoundly racist crime after the scandal was revealed last month.

But while sentencing members of the gang at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Penny Moreland said they picked out their victims not because of their race, but because they were young, impressionable, naive and vulnerable.

She added: This is extremely serious offending against vulnerable members of society and that is the basis on which I intend to sentence."

The court had heard how teenagers and young women were groomed and given alcohol and drugs, before being coerced or forced into sex in Newcastles West End.

Prosecutor John Elvidge QC said the victims who gave evidence in court were all "white British".

But the ethnicity of other potential targets was not known, he said, and one vulnerable girl who did not engage with police was black, and an Asian girl was seen at a party.

Mr Elvidge added that targets were selected because of their vulnerability, with the groomers believing their circumstances and other factors like drug dependence made them less likely to go to police.

There is no evidence the defendants expressed any racial malice to the complainants, he added.

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One defendant, who was not sentenced on Tuesday, once told a female ticket inspector: All white women are only good for one thing.

For men like me to f*** and use like trash. Thats all women like you are worth.

Two members of the gang were jailed at Tuesday's hearing and sentencing will continue on Wednesday.

Jahangir Zaman, 45, of Hadrian Road in Newcastle, was jailed for 29 years after being convicted of raping a girl by forcing her to perfrom oral sex.

The drug dealer was also found guilty of conspiracy to incite prostitution, drugs offences, and following a separate police investigation, conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine.

His privately-educated associate Mohammed Azram was jailed for 12 years and six months.

The 35-year-old, from Croydon Road in Newcastle, picked up girls from a courtyard in the city's West End known as The Box.

One victim said he took her to a party where she saw another girl, who did not make a complaint to the police, being treated like a slave.

Prosecutors said Azram, who married in Pakistan, played a leading role in the conspiracy.

The abuse dates back several years and was only revealed by an investigation codenamed Operation Shelter that started in 2014 after two victims separately came forward to police.

Northumbria Police defended the decision to pay a former child rapist almost 10,000 to spy on defendants movements to and from sex parties where vulnerable girls and young women were given drugs and alcohol and abused.

Juries heard how the men would often threaten their victims with violence if they did not take part in sexual activity with them, while others were assaulted when they were incapacitated and unable to resist.

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A total of 17 men and one woman have been convicted of offences including rape, sexual abuse, supplying drugs and trafficking for sexual exploitation in a series of trials.

Police said the convicts were mainly not white but came from a diverse range of backgrounds including Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Iranian, Iraqi, Kurdish, Turkish, Albanian and Eastern European.

Local authorities rejected claims of political correctness influencing the probe  an accusation that was levelled at Rotherham Council by Theresa May during her time as Home Secretary.

Steve Ashman, the Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, said a wider investigation throughout the North East called Operation Sanctuary had identified 700 potential victims of sexual exploitation.

He told The Independent that his officers work was not impacted by religion, race or nationality, adding: Were not politically correct, I dont care about the background of individuals: we find them, we arrest them and we put them behind bars.

Newcastle City Councils director or people, Ewen Weir, who is responsible for social services, said he had seen no evidence of racial or religious motivations.

There are men from all sorts of backgrounds, including white men, in this, he added.

In terms of religion, Ive seen no evidence personally that it is a big driver and I think its over-simplistic to claim otherwise.

The scandal sparked intense public debate last month, resulting in Rotherham MP Sarah Champion being forced to resign as the shadow equalities minister after writing an opinion piece in The Sun that appeared under the headline: British Pakistani men ARE raping and exploiting white girls  and its time we face up to it.

Lord Macdonald, the former head of the Crown Prosecution Service, said there was a serious issue about the way that young women are regarded in these casesregarded as trash, regarded as available for sex.

This seems to be a recurring theme, he added. This is a major problem in particular communities and it has to be confronted not just by law enforcement but by communities themselves.

Dipu Ahad, Newcastle councillor, told The Independent local Muslims were absolutely disgusted by the crimes and feared a possible backlash.

We need to challenge deep-rooted issues in the community, where some men looking at women  not just white women  in a way thats not acceptable, Mr Ahad added, while accusing racists of trying to exploit exploitation.

Far-right groups have seized on the Newcastle case to vindicate a long-running narrative claiming a widespread conspiracy among Muslim men and certain immigrant groups to target white women.

The scale of the abuse has been compared to similar cases in Rotherham, Rochdale and Oxford, with the chief executive of Newcastle council warning that exploitation could be happening in every town and city across the country.

Whats different here in Newcastle is that we are going out and looking for it, Pat Ritchie said.
Swedish journalist Kim Wall died in an accident when she was hit by a heavy hatch cover on board a homemade submarine, the Danish owner of the submarine told a court.

Peter Madsen was holding the hatch for Wall as they sailed in the strait between Denmark and Sweden last month on a submarine he had built, he told a Danish court on Tuesday.

I lose my foothold and the hatch shuts, he said. Kim had been severely hurt and was laying with an intense bleeding. There was a pool of blood where she had landed.

He said he tried to bury her at sea and intended to take his own life inside the submarine. On August 23, police identified a headless female torso that washed ashore in Copenhagen as Walls. The cause of her death has not been determined .

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Peter Madsen was rescued before his submarine sank. Photo: Getty Images Danish inventor Peter Madsen with his home-made submarine (Niels Hougaard /Ritzau via AP, File) / Facebook

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The police have charged Madsen with killing the Swedish journalist, a charge carrying a sentence of five years to life in prison. He was arrested after his submarine sank and he was rescued.

The Copenhagen district court will rule on whether to extend his custody and on what charges.

Ms Wall was an experienced foreign correspondent who had reported from Uganda, Haiti and Sri Lanka. Her mother said: She gave voice to the weak, vulnerable and marginalised people. That voice had been needed for a long, long time, now it has been silenced.

Police announced last month they believed Ms Walls body had been weighed down likely with the purpose to make it sink.

During the hearing the inventor said he did not know what to do after Wall died and he went to sleep for a few hours because he was "tired and exhausted".

He did not offer any explanation as to why her body washed up dismembered and said he threw her body overboard intact.
Heavy rain and 185 mph winds lashed the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico's north-east coast on Wednesday as Hurricane Irma roared through Caribbean islands on its way to a possible hit on South Florida.

The strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever measured destroyed homes and flooded streets across a chain of small islands in the northern Caribbean, passing directly over Barbuda and leaving the island of some 1,700 people incommunicado.

France sent emergency food and water rations to the French islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, where Irma ripped off roofs and knocked out all electricity.

Dutch marines who flew to three Dutch islands hammered by Irma reported extensive damage but no deaths or injuries.

While France received no immediate reports of casualties, the minister for French overseas territories, Annick Girardin, said: "We have a lot to fear for a certain number of our compatriots who unfortunately didn't want to listen to the protection measures and go to more secure sites... We're preparing for the worst."

By early Wednesday afternoon the centre of the storm was 20 miles (35 kilometres) east-south-east of St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands and 90 miles (150 kilometres) east of San Juan, Puerto Rico and heading west-north-west at 16 mph (26 kph).

The US National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irma's magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

"The dangerousness of this event is like nothing we've ever seen," Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello said.

"A lot of infrastructure won't be able to withstand this kind of force."

Puerto Rico's public power company has cut back on staff and maintenance amid a deep economic crisis and the agency's director warned that some areas could be without power from four to six months because the infrastructure has already deteriorated so badly.

Power outages were reported in some neighbourhoods well ahead of the storm.

The US government has stepped in, with President Donald Trump this week approving an emergency declaration for the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

That means that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies can remove debris and give other services that will largely be paid for by the US government.

The US National Hurricane Centre said Irma's winds would fluctuate, but the storm would likely remain at Category 4 or 5 for the next day or two as it roared past Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, the Turks & Caicos and parts of the Bahamas.

By early Sunday, Irma is expected to hit Florida, where Governor Rick Scott said he planned to activate 7,000 National Guard members by Friday and warned that Irma is "bigger, faster and stronger" than Hurricane Andrew.

Andrew pummelled south Florida 25 years ago and wiped out entire neighbourhoods with ferocious winds.

Mr Trump also declared an emergency in Florida and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

National Weather Service director Louis Uccellini said he was concerned about Florida up the east coast to North Carolina, starting with the Florida Keys.

"We're very worried about the impact of the winds and surge on the Keys as the storm approaches," Mr Uccellini said.

"Be ready for all the hazards associated with this storm (storm surge, high winds and heavy rain). They are all going to be dangerous."

Floridians stocked up on drinking water and other officials in the Florida Keys geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irma's path.

The mayor of Miami-Dade County said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most coastal areas as soon as Wednesday evening.

He activated the emergency operation centre and urged residents to have three days' worth of food and water.

MIT meteorology professor Kerry Emanuel, an expert in hurricanes, calculated that the amount of energy in Hurricane Irma is about seven trillion watts, about twice the energy of all bombs used in the Second World War.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma was moving over water that was 1C warmer than normal.

The 26C water that hurricanes need went about 250 feet (80 metres) deep, said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private forecasting service Weather Underground.

Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region, but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which usually have warmer waters.

Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Keys storm all had 185 mph winds.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating six islands because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the "potentially catastrophic" wind, flooding and storm surge.

People there would be flown to Nassau in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

The northern parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti could see 10 inches (25 cm) of rain, with as much as 20 inches (50 cm) in the south-east Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

Also on Wednesday, a new tropical storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico off Mexico's coast.

Tropical Storm Katia had maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (75 kph) by the early afternoon and the hurricane centre said it could become a hurricane before it approaches the coast of Veracruz state.

Katia was located about 175 miles (280 kilometres) north of the city of Veracruz.

And another tropical storm farther east in the Atlantic was expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday night.

Tropical Storm Jose's maximum sustained winds had increased to near 70 mph (110 kph).

The storm was centred about 1,135 miles (1,825 kilometres) east of the Lesser Antilles and was moving west at 13 mph (20 kph).

AP
Nurse Alex Wubbels followed hospital policy she told a police officer that he could not get a blood sample without a warrant or consent from the patient (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

A police officer accused of assaulting a nurse after she refused to allow him to take a blood sample without a warrant has been fired from his second job.

Jeff Payne, who worked for Fold Cross Ambulance service, was sacked over comments he made while arresting a nurse were captured on his body-worn camera.

Footage of the incident  in which Utah nurse Alex Wubbels is seen being forcibly removed from The University of Utah Hospital  prompted outrage when it was shared widely online.

Ms Wubbels, who was working on the burns unit, acted according to hospital policy when she refused to allow the Salt Lake City police officer to take blood from an unconscious patient.

The patient had reportedly been badly injured following a police chase. He was not suspected of any wrongdoing in connection with the crash.

During the incident, Mr Payne suggested he would bring homeless patients to the university hospital, while taking "good" patients elsewhere, president of the ambulance service Mike Moffitt told Reuters.

Those remarks are just not reflective of our company's philosophy and the service we provide and because of that behaviour we felt we had to separate ways, he said.

His comments reflected poorly on the company and violated several company policies.

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After the arrest, the Utah hospital issued new restrictions on law enforcement after the incident, including barring officers from having direct contact with nurses and stopping them entering areas where patients were treated.

Gordon Crabtree, acting chief executive of the hospital, said he was deeply troubled by the manhandling of the nurse, who was an Olympic skier before starting work as a nurse.

Expand Close Video from a police body camera shows nurse Alex Wubbels being arrested by a Salt Lake City police officer at University Hospital (Salt Lake City Police Department/Courtesy of Karra Porter via AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Video from a police body camera shows nurse Alex Wubbels being arrested by a Salt Lake City police officer at University Hospital (Salt Lake City Police Department/Courtesy of Karra Porter via AP)

This will not happen again, Mr Crabtree said. He praised Ms Wubbels for putting her own safety at risk to protect patients' rights.

Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski and Police Chief Mike Brown have since apologised to Ms Wubbels for opening a criminal investigation into the incident.
A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma.

A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe.

Sir Richard Branson has described the atmosphere in the British Virgin Islands as "eerie but beautiful" as locals wait for the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane to hit.

The billionaire businessman is camped out on Necker, his own private island, with his staff as Hurricane Irma nears.

Writing on his blog, he said: "We have just experienced a night of howling wind and rain as Hurricane Irma edges ever closer towards us on Necker and the British Virgin Islands.

"The atmosphere is eerie but beautiful. Everyone is willing the eye of the storm to veer away from the (BVIs) in these last few hours."

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma. Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017 on the beach in Orient Bay, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin. Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017. A couple watch the sunset from a seafront as hurricane Irma approaches Puerto Rico in Fajardo on September 5, 2017. Very long checkout lines at Costco as some people waited up to 8 hours to check in, shop and leave in preparation for Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017 in North Miami. Empty boxes of produce at Costco as customers purchased all the product on September 5, 2017 in Miami. Costco ran out of water as people shop to prepare for Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017 in North Miami. A woman walks next to the Mapou River, in Shadaa neighborhood, in Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, ahead of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017. A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma. A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe. Men sail on Mapou Riverin Shadaa neighborhood, in Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, ahead of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017. People put boards on their windows as part of preparations for arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017 in Orient Bay, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin. An employee of the Mercure Hotel installs sand bags in a ground floor room on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma An employee of the Mercure Hotel pushes a wheelbarrow loaded with sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma A picture taken on September 5, 2017 in Grand Case, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin, shows people on a street in front of a house thas is boarded up as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma. Men cover the windows of a auto parts store in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in San Juan, Puerto Rico September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez A man uses a cable to secure the roof of his home in preparation for Hurricane Irma, in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez An employee restocks bottled water on bare shelves as customers look on at a Publix grocery store, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Surfside, Fla. Wielding the most powerful winds ever recorded for a storm in the Atlantic Ocean, Hurricane Irma bore down Tuesday on the Leeward Islands of the northeast Caribbean on a forecast path that could take it toward Florida over the weekend. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) Joseph, Jr., right, 15, of St. Petersburg, bends down to carry sandbags to his family's vehicle at Lealman Community Park, in St. Petersburg, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, as residents prepare for Hurricane Irma. (Lara Cerri/Tampa Bay Times via AP) People buy materials as they prepare for Hurricane Irma, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez People shop in a hardware store as they prepare for Hurricane Irma, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Alvin Baez Members of the Civil Defense prepare their gear ahead of Hurricane Irma, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Rojas A member of the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) monitors the trajectory of Hurricane Irma in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Rojas / Facebook

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Whatsapp A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma.

He said all those left on Necker were planning on camping out in the wine cellar of the great house when the storm hits.

"Knowing our wonderful team as I do, I suspect there will be little wine left in the cellar when we all emerge," he said.

The category five hurricane is expected to hit the Leeward Islands of Antigua and Barbuda late on Wednesday before following a path along the Greater Antilles toward the US.

Experts at the National Hurricane Centre in the US have predicted 185mph winds and gusts of up to 200mph.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised Britons to follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

A British naval ship has also been deployed to help deal with the aftermath of the storm.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said: "The thoughts of the British people are with all those affected by Hurricane Irma and Britain has already taken swift action to respond.

"We have deployed three UK aid humanitarian experts to the region to help co-ordinate the response and positioned a British naval ship with 40 Royal Marines, Army Engineers and vehicles, tents and facilities to purify water on board.

"Our staff are on stand-by, both in the UK and at post, to support any British people affected.

"We urge British nationals in the affected area to closely monitor and follow Foreign Office and local travel advice."

A spokesman for the Department for International Development said the first task of the ship would be to support British Overseas Territories in need.

Six islands in the Bahamas were being evacuated on Wednesday while officials in the Leeward Islands have reportedly cut power and urged residents to seek shelter in a statement that ended with "May God protect us all".

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was flying residents out of the six islands in the south in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

The hurricane, which is now at the the highest classification possible, could reach the Florida Keys over the weekend, leading authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico, which handles many transfer flights to the Caribbean, has also declared a state of emergency.

Antigua airport was closed on Wednesday and San Juan airport, the busiest in Puerto Rico, has cancelled about 40% of its flights in response to the hurricane.

As a result, thousands of travellers had their holiday plans thrown into chaos as airlines were forced to ground or divert flights.

British Airways sent an empty aircraft to bring customers back early - the full flight of 326 passengers touched down in the UK on Tuesday evening.

The US's National Hurricane Centre described Irma as "potentially catastrophic".

Taylor Trogdon, a scientist for the organisation, tweeted: "I am at a complete and utter loss for words looking at Irma's appearance on satellite imagery."

Irma comes hot on the heels of Hurricane Harvey, which caused devastation and flooding in the states of Texas and Louisiana and left at least 66 people dead.
Women push a shoppping trolley filled with packs of bottled water and plastic boxes as they leave a supermarket on September 4, 2017 in Marigot, on the French overseas island of Saint-Martin, as part of preparations for arrival of Hurricane Irma. / AFP PHOTO / Lionel CHAMOISEAULIONEL CHAMOISEAU/AFP/Getty Images

Hurricane Irma has been strengthened into a dangerous Category 5 storm as it roars toward the northeast Caribbean on a path that could take it to the United States.

The US National Hurricane Centre said Irma had sustained winds of 280kph and was centred about 440km east of Antigua. It was moving west at 22kph.

A spokesman for the centre said there was a growing possibility that the storm's effects could be felt in Florida later this week and over the weekend, though it was still too early to be sure of its future track.

"Everyone in hurricane-prone areas should ensure that they have their hurricane plan in place," the centre said.

Irma was expected to move near or over the northern Leeward Islands late yesterday or early today. The eye is expected to pass about 80km from Puerto Rico late today.

Experts warned the storm could dump up to 25cm of rain, cause landslides and flash floods and generate waves of up to 7m.

Shelves emptied at shops in Puerto Rico as officials began evacuations.

Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rossello said: "The decisions that we make in the next couple of hours can make the difference between life and death. This is an extremely dangerous storm."

Residents on the US east coast were urged to monitor the storm's progress in case it should turn northward toward Florida, Georgia or the Carolinas.

Evan Myers, chief operating officer of AccuWeather, said: "This hurricane has the potential to be a major event for the east coast. It also has the potential to significantly strain governmental resources occurring so quickly on the heels of Hurricane Harvey."

Officials across the north-east Caribbean have cancelled flights, closed schools and urged people to shelter indoors.

States of emergency were declared in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and all of Florida while people on various Caribbean islands boarded up homes and rushed to find last-minute supplies, forming long lines outside stores and filling stations.

"This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane," US Virgin Islands governor Kenneth Mapp warned. "It's not time to get on a surfboard."

In the Caribbean, hurricane warnings were issued for 12 island groups, including the British Virgin Islands, where the governor urged people to evacuate the tiny island of Anegada if they could.

People in Puerto Rico braced for electricity outages after the director of the island's power company predicted that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for four to six months.

Deteriorated

But "some areas will have power [back] in less than a week", Ricardo Ramos told radio station Notiuno 630 AM.

The utility's infrastructure has deteriorated greatly during a decade-long recession, and Puerto Ricans experienced an island-wide outage last year.

A hurricane warning was posted for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Martin, Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten and St Barts, Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin islands.

Antigua's airport closed yesterday with an ominous statement from local authorities.

The statement from the VC Bird International Airport said it was shutting down and advised all visitors and residents of the two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda to seek protection from the "onslaught" of the Category 5 storm.

It closed with: "May God protect us all."
A mans parents reportedly flew from India to Florida to discipline his wife for being disobedience".

Authorities rescued the mother of a one-year-old, from what they described as a horribly abusive situation.

The woman, who has not been named, was held in her home against her will by her husband, Devbir Kalsi, 33.

Police said his parents had flown to his home to participate in the abuse.

Investigators believe Kalsi and his parents, Jasbir and Bhupinder Kalsi, had been abusing the woman for a long period of time.

The arrest report said Kalsi struck her repeatedly and forcefully and when the woman attempted to defend herself, his parents began hitting her too, leaving bruises on her face, neck and torso,

The victim told her parents in India about the abuse who notified the sheriffs office, Fox 13 news reported.

When officers arrived at the property to investigate, they had to enter forcibly after they found the door blocked by Kalsi.

The victim was heard inside the property screaming to be saved and asking officers to rescue her child.

She was found with bruises all over her body and told officers that her phone had been taken away and that a knife had been held to her throat.

"I'm both sad and scared at the same time," said her neighbour Stephanie Payne. "I'm upset that this was all going on right across the street from me and I never knew and couldn't do anything about it and couldn't help her because that really breaks my heart to know that a woman and her one-year-old were being treated so poorly and were so scared."

Kalsi and his parents are facing a wide range of charges. They include aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, failure to report child abuse and false imprisonment.

All three could also be deported back to India.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that military action against North Korea was not a first choice and said he had a strong and frank discussion with China's President Xi Jinping about the issue.

"President Xi would like to do something. We'll see whether or not he can do it. But we will not be putting up with what's happening in North Korea," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent... We had a very, very frank and very strong phone call."

China is focused on solving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue through talks and peaceful means, Chinese President Xi Jinping told U.S. President Donald Trump in a telephone call on Wednesday.

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The United States and South Korea have asked the United Nations to consider tough new sanctions on North Korea after its nuclear test on Sunday that Pyongyang said was a advanced hydrogen bomb.

Washington and its allies have said there is a growing urgency for China, North Korea's top trading partner, to apply more pressure on its already isolated neighbour to get it to back down on its nuclear weapons and missiles programmes.

China "unswervingly" works to realise denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula and to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation system, Xi told Trump, according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry.

"At the same time, we always persist in safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and resolving the issue through dialogue and consultation," Xi said.

"It is necessary to stay on the path of a peaceful solution."

Xi also said that China attaches importance to Trump's visit to China later this year.

The statement cited Trump as saying that the United States was deeply concerned about the Korean nuclear issue and that it valued China's "important role" in resolving the problem.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday of "begging for war" and urged the Security Council to impose the "strongest possible" sanctions.

Beijing has said reining in North Korea is not chiefly its responsibility, and has expressed doubts that U.N. economic sanctions, which it has backed, will resolve the situation.

Sanctions so far appear to have done little to stop North Korea from boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with Trump, who has vowed to stop Pyongyang from being able to hit the U.S. mainland with a nuclear weapon.

It is unclear if China will back further sanctions. Beijing fears that completely cutting off North Korea could lead to its collapse, unleashing a wave of refugees into China's northeast.

China accounted for 92 percent of North Korea's trade in 2016, according to South Korea. China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take part in Security Council discussions in "a responsible and constructive manner".

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China and Russia have advocated a plan in which the United States and Seoul stop major military drills in exchange for North Korea halting its weapons programmes, but neither side is willing to budge.

Trump and Xi last spoke by telephone on Aug. 12. The White House said in a statement at the time that their relationship was "extremely close" and "will hopefully lead to a peaceful resolution of the North Korea problem."

But tensions in China-U.S. ties have increased since Trump took office, with the U.S. president having authorised an investigation into China's alleged theft of intellectual property, and suggesting trade relations would be linked to Beijing's help on North Korea.
Molly and Conor Martens weeks before the trial

A new mugshot of killer Molly Martens after her first weeks in prison for the murder of Jason Corbett has been released by prison officials.

The 33-year-old, who was convicted of the second degree murder of her husband Limerick man Jason Corbett, was moved from the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women to the Southern Correctional Institution (SCI) last Wednesday.

Jason Corbett was beaten to death at his North Carolina home on August 1, 2015, by his wife and his father-in-law, both of whom were convicted of second degree murder.

The new mugshot is the first look at the former nanny since her move.

It is published on North Carolina Department Of Public Safety Offender Public Information website.

Prison authorities previously confirmed to Independent.ie that Martens was moved as part of normal procedure.

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Martens, who is listed as offender number 1551729 under her married name, was imprisoned on August 9 for the first time.

She will serve a prison term of 25 years and has a projected release date of March 12, 2039.

The new photo appears to confirm that, contrary to her brother's claims, Martens was not forced to cut and dye her hair.

Molly's brother posted a message online saying she was forced to cut and dye her hair and wasn't given a toothbrush when she arrived at the prison.

The prison authorities have since disputed the claims and said she was not denied any basic facilities.

Officials disputed the claims last week and denied that Martens was denied any basic facilties.
An elementary school principal has been arrested after he was reportedly caught attempting to lure teenage girls to 'skinny dipping' parties.

Karl Waggoner (59) was arrested Tuesday ollowing an investigation by the Pinal County Sheriffs Office.

He is now acing charges of luring a minor for sexual exploitation and aggravated luring/misrepresenting his age after he admitted to posting invitations to the proposed "pool party" online, the New York Post reports.

Our sex crimes detective conducted an undercover investigation, posing as a 14-year-old girl, after spotting one of Waggoners ads, officials said in a press release.

During the course of the investigation, Waggoner engaged in sexually inappropriate conversations, discussed engaging in sexual acts with our undercover detective and provide sexually explicit photos.

Even up until this weekend, Mr. Waggoner was posting ads online soliciting young girls for sex, Lamb said.

The educator had just been appointed as principal of an elementary school in Arizona last July, with term starting this week.
Caribbean islanders are riding out the storm as Category 5 Hurricane Irma rakes the region with heavy rain and howling 185mph wind.

The eye of Irma passed over Barbuda in the early hours, and residents said over local radio that phone lines had gone down.

The storm ripped the roof off the island's police station, forcing officers to seek refuge in the nearby fire station and at the community centre that served as an official shelter.

Irma also knocked out communication between islands.

Midcie Francis of the National Office of Disaster Services confirmed there was damage to several homes, but said it was too early to assess the extent.

On the the neighbouring island of Antigua, debris was flying as people huddled in their homes and government shelters.

"I hear it's a Cat 5 now and I'm terrified," Antigua resident Carol Joseph said as she finished her last trip to the supermarket before seeking shelter. "I had to come back for more batteries because I don't know how long the current will be off."

On the 108-square-mile island, people who live in low-lying areas were staying with friends and relatives on higher ground or sleeping in churches, schools and community facilities built to withstand hurricanes.

None of the shelters have yet been tested by Category 5 winds.

Many homes in Antigua and Barbuda are not built on concrete foundations or have poorly constructed wooden roofs that are susceptible to wind damage.

Other islands in the path of the storm include the Virgin Islands and Anguilla, a small, low-lying territory of about 15,000 people.

US President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

The northern Leeward Islands were expected to see waves as high as 11ft, while the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas could see towering 20ft waves later in the week, forecasters said.

"This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane," US Virgin Islands governor Kenneth Mapp warned. "It's not time to get on a surfboard."

Bahamas prime minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating the six islands in the south because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the "potentially catastrophic" wind, flooding and storm surge.

People there were being flown to Nassau in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

"The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm," Mr Minnis said.

Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rossello said: "The dangerousness of this event is like nothing we've ever seen. A lot of infrastructure won't be able to withstand this kind of force."

The director of the island's power company has warned that storm damage could leave some areas without electricity for up to four to six months. The utility's infrastructure has deteriorated greatly during a decade-long recession, and Puerto Ricans had an island-wide outage last year.

Government officials began evacuations and urged people to finalise all preparations as store shelves emptied around Puerto Rico.

"The decisions that we make in the next couple of hours can make the difference between life and death," Mr Rossello said. "This is an extremely dangerous storm."

In Florida, people also stocked up on drinking water and other supplies.

Governor Rick Scott activated 100 members of the Florida National Guard to be deployed across the state, and 7,000 more National Guard members were to report for duty on Friday when the storm could be approaching.

On Monday, Mr Scott declared a state of emergency in all of Florida's 67 counties.

Officials in the Florida Keys geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irma's path, and the mayor of Miami-Dade county said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most of the county's coastal areas.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the voluntary evacuations could begin as soon as Wednesday evening. He activated the emergency operation centre and urged residents to have three days of food and water.

AP
Vladimir Putin said Russia views sanctions on North Korea as "useless and ineffective" (Sputnik/Kremlin/AP)

The leaders of Russia and South Korea have condemned North Korea over its latest nuclear test, but still appear far apart on the issue of stepping up sanctions against Pyongyang.

After meeting South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Russian leader Vladimir Putin called for talks with North Korea, saying sanctions are not a solution to the country's nuclear and missile development.

Mr Moon had called for Moscow to support stronger sanctions against Pyongyang, which conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday in what it claimed was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.

"We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner," Mr Putin said at a press conference after a meeting on the sidelines of a conference on economic development of Russia's Far East, in the port city of Vladivostok.

"As never before everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions," the Russian president added.

Mr Moon said the leaders agreed that reducing regional tension and "quickly solving" the security challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile programme were critical.

Ahead of the meeting with Mr Putin, he said the situation could get out of hand if North Korea's missile and nuclear tests are not stopped.

"Myself and President Putin share a view that North Korea has gone the wrong way with its nuclear and missile programme and that easing tension on the Korean peninsula is an urgent issue," Mr Moon said.

He complimented Mr Putin and the Russian government over what he said were diverse efforts to find diplomatic solutions to the problem.

Mr Moon, a liberal who took office in May, had initially showed a preference for a diplomatic approach on North Korea, but his government has since taken a harder stance as the North continued its pace in weapons tests.

In an interview with the Russian news agency Tass on Tuesday, Mr Moon said he believes now is not the time for talks and it is important for the international community to strengthen pressure against Pyongyang.

In a telephone conversation with Mr Putin on Monday, he urged Russia's support for stronger sanctions against North Korea, such as cutting off oil supplies and banning the use of exported North Korean workers who are seen as a key foreign currency source for Pyongyang.

Mr Putin told him the North Korean problem should be solved diplomatically, according to Seoul's presidential office.

The Russian leader, speaking in China on Tuesday, condemned the latest nuclear test as provocative, but said Russia views sanctions on North Korea as "useless and ineffective".

Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who will meet Mr Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday, said before his departure from Japan: "We must make North Korea understand there is no bright future for the country if it pursues the current path."

Mr Moon and Mr Abe are expected to hold a summit in Vladivostok on Thursday.

AP
Former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten is once again applying for parole (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

The youngest of Charles Manson's followers is once more attempting to persuade a parole board that she has reformed and - at the age of 68 - deserves to be released from prison.

Leslie Van Houten, who was 19 when she killed for Manson during a series of murders that terrorised Los Angeles over the summer of 1969, was due to appear before a panel for the 21st time on Wednesday.

A similar panel at the California Institution for Women in Chino, where Van Houten is incarcerated, tentatively granted her parole last year but was overruled by state Governor Jerry Brown.

Van Houten has candidly described how she joined several other members of the "Manson Family" in killing Los Angeles grocer Leno La Bianca and his wife, Rosemary, in their home on August 9 1969.

She was not with Manson followers the night before when they killed pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others during a similar bloody rampage.

At her parole hearing last year, Van Houten said she helped hold down Rosemary La Bianca while another Manson follower stabbed her repeatedly. She then took up a knife herself and added more than a dozen stab wounds.

"I don't let myself off the hook. I don't find parts in any of this that makes me feel the slightest bit good about myself," she said.

Since she was incarcerated more than 40 years ago, Van Houten has been a model prisoner and earned college degrees.

Members of the Tate and La Bianca families have argued repeatedly, however, against granting parole to her or any other Manson follower who took part in the killings.

None has been freed, and one, Susan Atkins, died in prison in 2009. Manson, now 82, remains behind bars.

After Van Houten was tentatively granted parole, Ms Tate's sister, Debra Tate, gathered 140,000 petition signatures opposing her release.

In overruling the panel, Mr Brown said Van Houten had failed to adequately explain how a model teenager from a privileged Southern California family could have turned into a ruthless killer.

Van Houten was both the youngest and also seemingly the most unlikely member of Manson's so-called family.

She had been a high school homecoming princess, athlete and cheerleader before dropping out of school and joining the rag-tag band of ersatz hippies who considered Manson, a career conman and petty criminal, to be a Christ-like figure.

She gave evidence that the trauma of her parents' divorce, her teenage pregnancy and other problems led her to drop out of school, run away from home, become involved in drugs and eventually join Manson's cult.

In an attempt to bolster her chances for release, Van Houten's lawyer put another former Manson follower, Catherine Share, in the witness box at a court hearing in Los Angeles last week. She said Van Houten was so young and impressionable that she was afraid to leave the cult.

"Some people could not leave. I was one of them that could not leave," said Share, who added that Manson threatened to have her tortured and killed if she tried.

Share, who did not take part in the killings, added that she believes Van Houten was also afraid to leave. She said she regretted encouraging her to join the cult.

AP
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Popular TV actress Bobby Darling has surfaced into news again. After happily getting married in Bhopal almost two yeas ago, she has now filed for divorce.

Twitter

According to the TV star who has also featured in movies like like Hasee Toh Phasee (2012), Kya Kool Hai Hum (2005) and Page 3 (2005), she was physically assaulted by her husband and his family.

In an interview with Bombay Times, the actress said, Ramnik would beat me up after getting drunk and accuse me of having extramarital affairs with every second man.

She has further alleged that her husband usurped her property and money. After speaking openly about her relationship, Bobby is now claiming that her husband is now sending her death threats.

Twitter

Speaking to Zoomtv.com, Bobby revealed, Main sirf divorce chahti hu. I have a feeling he would kill me if I will go with him again or get me killed and prove it's a natural death of mine I have a very strong doubt and I don't trust him anymore now. OmSaiRam bless Me please.

topyaps

However, on the other hand, Ramik Sharma has a different story to tell. Speaking to leading website, Indian Express, her husband said, After Pakhi (Bobby Darling) had a sex change, and when we fell in love, she told me that she could physically have babies, but then when I realised that she had lied to me, I told her we can have a baby through adoption, but she refused.

So, my family and I were okay with that too. I was cheated on many grounds. Her hair is not real too. She wears a wig. She shouldnt have lied to me like this. I love her. I wouldnt have had problems with all this if she had been truthful.

He claims that Bobby has not been getting work and is in drugs which is why she is behaving irrationally.
If the words tantric sex pops images of a wild mystical experience with some voodoo magic to with it or super-slow motion pleasure making that goes on hours, well thats just the imagery that pop culture has ingrained in your mind!

holistik.nl

People like Sting and his wife Trudie Styler, who became mascots of sorts of this mythical form of sexuality added more vivid imagery to an already misinterpreted ideology.

rapidleaks.com

In fact, Trudie went on to brag about her husband at one point claiming that her husband could make love for more than 5 hours at a stretch! When all tantric gurus were trying to tell us was about how we can reach a more heightened form of ecstasy.

What is Tantric sex?

matrac.hu

Deep-rooted in the Eastern form of making love, originating out of India, Tantric sex is a form that has been practised for more than 5,000 years in the east. It emerged as a rebellion against religion, which chastised sexuality in order to reach a state of enlightenment. The idea was to create a heightened state of intimacy by creating a deep connection with your partner, unlike western culture where an orgasm is an ultimate objective. Its about developing a mind-body connection with your partner.

Does that mean it increases your staying power?

notey.com

Unlike what popular culture wants you to believe, tantric sex is not about doing for hours till you completely run out gas! The idea is to increase the increase the intensity between you and your partner while enhancing the actual experience of the act. And while the technique might prolong the act naturally, its more to do with the fact that youre too busy enjoying the process and not obsessing over your physical prowess.

Why should you give tantric sex a go if you havent already?

telemundo.com.

The implications of performing tantric sex can go way beyond the bedroom. Since you tap into your deepest states of consciousness and subconsciousness, the intense focus and concentration you get into during the process spill into other areas of your life as well. Not only does it deepen the connection with your partner it also helps people with sexual problems. It can be useful in tackling conditions that are caused by stress or anxiety like hypoactive sexual desire disorder, erectile dysfunction.

Although there are different rituals and procedures involved in the process of having tantric sex, here are some simple steps you can take towards developing the connection that tantric love making advocates:

Communicate with your partner at all levels

psalmisadora.com

Whether its expressing your desires openly with your partner outside the bedroom or breathing with them while youre in the act and exchanging words of intimacy, dont hold back from the fear of how you may be perceived.

Create a sexually charged environment

triphints.ru

Use candles, soft bedding, wine, essential oils and whatever else you can think of to arouse your senses. Experiment with techniques like aromatherapy if that helps and visualise sex as a sacred activity.

Massage your way into the act

dovanusala.lt

Whether it's a full-body massage or just gentle strokes along the body the pleasures of a massage last well after the act of having sex; making the experiencing much more fulfilling.

Synchronise your breath for an even better flow of sexual energy

goneva.net.ua

Breathing energises you; much like it does in yoga. Breathe along with your partner to match his/her pace. Syncing your breath with theirs allows you form an even better energetic connect.

Use his/her reaction as a clue and respond accordingly

godelina.eu

Repetitive movements can create monotony and cause boredom. Instead, try and switch things up to see how your partner reacts. This keeps both partners curious and excited due to the uncertainty of not knowing what's coming next.

eddiefews.com

Eye contact is the window into another person's soul. Staring into his/her eyes and exchanging a few intimate words with each other, goes a long way in deepening your connection even after the act far beyond the bedroom.

Use subtle noises as another form of communication

dailystar.co.uk

We evolved from the animal kingdom. So it is only natural for you to make noises/sounds or other physical gestures to express what you are feeling to your partner. Avoid holding back so as this is a powerful way to connect with your partner during the act.
The gruesome murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh once again highlighted the perils of being a journalist in India. Though they call Press, the fourth estate of democracy, the journalists who play the role of watchdog are perhaps the most unsafe bunch of people whose life neither holds any value nor any significance beyond the veil of rhetoric.

According to the reports of Reporter Without Borders, India is the third most unsafe places for journalists after Syria and Iraq which by virtue of their respective turmoil are war zones.

Since 1992, close to 70 journalists have lost their lives and if the Committee to Protect Journalists claims are anything to go by as many as 46 percent journalists who were killed while working were covering politics; 35 per cent of them were covering corruption.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are better than India

This would surprise many that even states like Pakistan and Afghanistan whom we often refer as failed states fare far better than India when it comes to the safety of journalists. In 2015, Pakistan has seen deaths of only two journalists whereas Afghanistan despite being a conflict zone has seen none.

AFP

Freedom of Press a thing of past worlds largest democracy

In the Freedom of Press index, India ranks 136 out of 180 countries and its just three places above Pakistan whereas our other neighbours like Bhutan and Nepal were placed at 84th and 100th rank, respectively. Countries including Ghana (26), The Dominican Republic (59), Sierra Leone (85), Nicaragua (92) and Chad (121) fare better than what India does.

Local reporters are most vulnerable

The CPJ report claims that at least 27 journalists have been murdered in direct retaliation for their work in India since 1992. And what makes it worst that in most of the cases the killer go free without getting punished. India ranks 13th on Impunity Index  after Russia, Bangladesh and Nigeria.

Reuters

If reports are to be believed, nearly 96 per cent of the victims of these murders is local reporters with the same percentage of the cases that go unsolved. Since 1992, only three Indian journalists have died covering the war.

Here are some of the gruesome murders of the journalists lately indeed made headlines, but in most of the cases, the perpetrators of the crime are still unpunished.

1. Santanu Bhowmick

facebook

Bhowmick, a political journalist from Din Raat news channel, was beaten to death while covering the road blockade by the Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) that had turned violent. Inspite of identifying himself as a journalist, he was fatally attacked with sharp weapons.

2. Ram Chander Chhatrapati

Chhatrapati was murdered for exposing Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in the rape case levelled against the self-proclaimed god. Chhatrapati was the publisher of a local Hindi newspaper, Poora Sach (Complete Truth), that brought the rape case to the forefront, based on an anonymous letter written by a sadhvi accusing Ram Rahim of raping her.

3. Gauri Lankesh

Senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh was murdered by three unknown assailants who shot her dead right at the gates of her house in Bangaluru on September 5, 2017. Gauri was well known for her stand against Hindu Right-wing violence against minorities in India.

4. Tarun Mishra

On February 13, 2016, in Sultanpur, UP, Sandesh Times Bureau chief Tarun Mishra was killed in broad daylight. Mishra was travelling in his car when he was assailed by two gunmen on a motorcycle.

5. Indradev Yadav aka Akhilesh Pratap Yadav

In May 2016, TV journalist Indradev Yadav who reported for TaazaTV, a Kolkata based Hindu news outlet was shot dead by unidentified assailants near his home in Chatra in Jharkhand.

6. Rajdeo Ranjan

This murder had made the cut in national headlines. In May 2016 again, 42-year-old Rajdeo Ranjan, the bureau chief of Dainik Hindustan, was killed by a gang of criminals on motorcycles while he was on his way home from the office in Bihars Siwan. Ranjan worked for Dainik Hindustan, one of Bihar's largest selling newspapers.

7. Kishore Dave

In August 2016, senior journalist Kishore Dave, the bureau chief of a Gujarati newspaper called Jai Hind was murdered while he was reportedly working on a story. Police later revealed that personal enmity might be the reason behind his murder.

8. Dharmendra Singh

In November 2016, 35-year-old Dainik Bhaskar reporter Dharmendra Singh was shot dead at a roadside tea stall during his morning walk in Bihar. The police said three men on a motorcycle shot Singh and sped away. Singhs reports on local stone mafia had brought him many threats in past as well.

9. Jagendra Singh

This case in 2015 where a journalist who ran a Facebook page Shahajahanpur Samachar was burnt alive for goons which allegedly included policemen as well have brought out the peril of being a journalist.

Jagendra Singh wrote extensively about alleged corruption of one Ram Murti Singh Verma, a minister in the then Akhilesh Yadav government of Uttar Pradesh. As a result, he was burnt alive. While he was waiting for death in the hospital he said, Why did they have to burn me? If the minister and his goondas had a grudge, they could have beaten me instead of pouring kerosene and burning me.

Well, there are reasons why journalism is ranked among the worst professions in the world because neither offers enough remuneration nor any security. Therefore journalists are perhaps most forsaken lot when it comes to safety and security of being a professional of any profession.
The Narendra Modi government has begun the process of identifying Rohingya refugees in India so that they could be deported since they are illegal immigrants to the country.

AP

Minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju said on Tuesday that the government has set up a task force to identify Rohingyas in different states where they have taken refuge so that the process of deporting them can begin.

He also rejected criticism levelled against the government's move by various rights organizations.

"International organisations are unnecessarily accusing India of being harsh on Rohingyas, who are illegal immigrants in India and have no legal reason to remain here. Having said that, I would say that we are not throwing them into the ocean and shooting them, we are only identifying them to deport them. So why are we being accused of being inhuman?" Rijiju asked.

BCCL

The government's move comes even as the petitions filed by the Rohingyas against their deportation are still under the consideration of the Supreme Court. The court while seeking a response from the government by the 11th of this month has however refused to stay the deportation.

The development also comes as the Indian Prime Minister is in Myanmar for a two-day visit. The Indian Prime Minister who met Myanmar's State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday is likely to discuss the ongoing unrest in Rakhine state which has forced the latest wave of Rohingya immigrants to Bangladesh.

MEA/ Twitter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said both India and Myanmar will review developments in bilateral ties with a focus on "extensive" programme of development cooperation and socioeconomic assistance India is undertaking in Myanmar.

There are an estimated 40,000 Rohingya Muslims living in India after crossing over from Bangladesh illegally.

PTI

Of these just over 14,000 are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The Modi government is citing security threats they pose as the reason behind the deportation.
Genocide, understood by most to be the gravest crime against humanity, is the mass extermination of a whole group of people, an attempt to wipe them out of existence.

Raphael Lemkin, a Jewish lawyer who fled Poland, coined the term genocide in the midst of the Holocaust. The word comes from the Greek root genos, meaning people, and the Latin root cide, meaning murder. Lemkin spent the rest of his life advocating for the international community to recognize the term genocide.

In the aftermath of the Holocaust, a politician said, "Never again" after the brutality against Jews. But the phrase clearly seemed to hold empty promise.

What followed was a series of mass killings, one worse than the other after World War II. Here are some of the worst genocides the world has witnessed:

1. Rohingya Muslims

Reuters

The most recent example of what leaders across the world are terming as 'Genocide' is the mass killing of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. The systematic persecution of minority Muslims is on the rise across Burma. The United Nations says at least 123,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar into neighboring Bangladesh in the past 11 days.

Rohingyas are an ethnic minority of about 1.1 million people in Buddhist-dominated Myanmar. The reported 'genocide' of Rohingya Muslims in Burma, characterised as illegal immigrants, has sent shock waves across the world.

Children have reportedly been beheaded and other villagers burned alive as thousands attempt to flee the 'genocide' of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

Satellite imagery obtained by Human Rights Watch has revealed 700 buildings from the Rohingya Muslim village of Chein Khar Li have been destroyed by fire.

2. Mao's Great Leap Forward

YouTube/Screenshot

Mao Zedong, founder of the People's Republic of China, qualifies as the greatest mass murderer in world history. Under his rule in the five-year plan called Great Leap Forward caused 30 million farmers and peasants to starve to their deaths.

3. Cambodian genocide

United to End Genocide

The four years of Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, was responsible for one of the worst mass killings of the 20th Century, claiming the lives of 2 million people. Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge main goal was to create a new agrarian utopia.

4. Bangladesh genocide

Crime Watch

Bangladesh had a major genocide in 1971. In less than one year, the government and multiple groups within the country murdered and raped up to 3 million people. It was a systemic attempt to suppress the growing chorus on self-determination rights.

5. Armenian genocide

Toronto Star

In 1915, leaders of the Turkish government made a plan to expel and massacre Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire. Entire villages were burned to the ground with inhabitants still inside, and Armenians were taken out into the Black Sea and sunk. People were poisoned and gassed in concentration camps, leaving some 1.5 million of Turkeys Armenians dead by the end of it all.

6. Srebrenica massacre

crimescenedb.com

Following the fall of Soviet Union, Serb forces overran Srebrenica town, a UN-designated "safe area"and in just four days up to 8,000 men were massacred. More than twenty thousand people faced casualtiesmost of them the result of executions, fires, rapes, and even public beheadings.

7. Al-Anfal Genocide

A Spotlight On Kurdish Issues - WordPress.com

During Saddam Hussein's reign , an estimated 180,000 Kurds-70% men-killed & about 1.5 million deported. The campaign was led by Husseins cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid, whose use of mustard gas, sarin, and VX nerve gas among other substances earned him the nickname Chemical Ali.

8. Darfur genocide

YouTube Screenshot

In what was touted as the first mass killing of the 21st century targeting the non-Arab African tribal of Darfur were killed by either combat or starvation or disease. Mass displacements and coercive migrations forced millions into refugee camps or across the border, creating a humanitarian crisis.

9. Yazidi genocide

Reuters

The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group systematical wiped out the minority Yazidi sect in Iraq and Syria. An estimated 9,900 members of the ethnic and religious minority were killed or captured in a matter of days in August 2014. The true scale of the genocide inflicted on Yazidis by Isis is still unknown

10. Rwanda genocide

Democracy Now

The Rwandan genocide, the genocide against the Tutsi, was a mass slaughter of Tutsi in Rwanda by members of the Hutu majority government. Hundreds of thousands were killedthe preferred method of execution being the machete, as ammunition was too expensive and difficult to come by. Rape, mutilation, and the deliberate spread of disease were also used as tools of terror. An estimated 500,0001,000,000 Rwandans were killed during the 100-day period from April 7 to mid-July 1994.

11. Guatemalan genocide

Open Society Foundation

The Guatemalan genocide, Mayan genocide, or "Silent Holocaust" refers to the massacre of Maya civilians during the Guatemalan military government's counterinsurgency operations between 1960 and 1996. Guatemala was immersed in a bloody internal armed conflict that pitted the army against guerrilla groups. More than 200,000 men, women and children were murdered or disappeared during this 36-year-long war, most of them were indigenous reports Amnesty International.
Heres a Hilarious story we stumbled upon this morning.. and its coming out of the disastrous Hurricane Harvey.

The Flood apparently, has messed with a lot of peoples schedule and travel plans, including a dad who was supposed to fly into Houston after he dropped off his daughter at the college.

The dad was stranded because of the Hurricane so he decided to make the most of his time by attending lectures with his daughter and embarrassing the heck out of her.

Omete Anassi posted a viral tweet showing his dad sitting in his sisters class for her first lecture.

My pops cant fly back to Houston cause of the hurricane, so he going to grad school with my sister. She pissed, he wrote.

Anassi shared a screenshot of his fathers conversation with them on their family group chat.

In class called oral history @ new school. Kerubo behind me, the father wrote, sharing the hilarious selfie of him in class with his daughter.

His daughter then begs him in the group to leave her class and asks her mother for help.

Get out before we start. Go. Mummy come get him, the daughter wrote.

Her brothers only response is HAHAHAH POSTING EVERYWHERE.

Seriously, he needs to leave now, the embarrassed daughter continues writing. Hes stayed for the intro and has a syllabus. And he wont leave. Hes distracting me.

The tweet now has almost 100,000 likes and over 30,000 retweets.

Another woman who is experiencing the same thing wrote that her mom also ended up stranded on her campus, so shes lounging in her room with a glass of wine.

LITERALLY SAME. My mom was supposed to leave but she cant, she wrote with a photo of her mom in her room.
A girl who was born without a face because of a rare condition has defied the odds to reach her ninth birthday thanks to her familys love.

Vitoria Marchioli, from Barra de Sao Francisco in Brazil, has the genetic disorder Treacher Collins Syndrome which prevented 40 of her facial bones from developing properly.

As a baby, with her her eyes, mouth and nose displaced, doctors doubted she would survive her first few hours of life.

They even refused to feed her, told the family to go home and wait for their daughter to die and to start making funeral arrangements.

But earlier this month, she reached her ninth birthday, defying medics who say the only reason she is alive is due to her parents thorough care and devotion.

Her father Ronaldo, 39, said: Doctors cant explain how she has lived so long, but they believe it is down to our care and the love we have for her that has kept her alive. Were hoping to continue fundraising to give our daughter a better quality of life and giving her the best appearance we can. We fight for her so that she can look better and have a better quality of life. We love her and are thankful for having her alive.

Treacher Collins Syndrome affects just one in 50,000 people.

At two days old, Vitoria was transferred to a specialist unit where her condition was diagnosed and a week later her doting family took her home.

Since then shes had eight surgeries to reconstruct her eyes, nose and mouth as well as stimulate her motor functions, most recently at Shriners Hospital in Texas, USA.

Mr Marchioli, a contract chauffeur, said: She looked a little strange when she was born she had a big opening on her face and a very open eye, she was different from our other children. Doctors told us she would not survive and that she only had one or two hours to live, they didnt give her any chance of survival. She was transferred to a specialist unit at another hospital in the capital to get more information on her health and the condition. She does not have a well-defined bone structure because 40 of the bones in her face did not form, which affected her eyes too. But despite their struggles and her uncertain future, her father and mother Jocilene, 43, say they are grateful. She does not have any life expectancy, we do not know how long she will survive, we didnt expect her to make it until her ninth birthday but are so grateful she has, added Mr Marchioli.

Among Vitoria problems were her nose not forming, an obscured mouth, damaged eyes with her left one protruding from its socket and the other covered by a mass of tissue.

Despite the familys best efforts to fix the problems through six years of surgeries, they regularly receive nasty comments about their daughters appearance.

Mr Marchioli said: We have been verbally abused and rejected by the public because of the appearance of our daughter Even our other daughters have told us that children at school verbally abuse them for the appearance of Vitoria.

Vitorias survival is all thanks to her familys care which has involved round-the-clock efforts.

At times the family, would wake-up every three-hours to feed her nutrients through a tube pushed down her throat into her stomach.

As well as regularly checking on her to ensure shes not choking or putting herself in harms way.

Mr Marchioli said: Vitoria receives all the care, affection and possible love that we can give her, we try every day to help her as much as we can.
A 100 year-old identified as Kutsuwe Kwembe has seeked support from Benue State Government,was amongst an estimated 110,000 people displaced by flood in Makurdi.

Shes currently taking shelter at the camp of internally displaced persons in Makurdi, the state capital.

She said the August 27 flood was the third disaster she had experienced in recent years.

Her house was first destroyed in a flood around Gyado Villa neighbourhood eight years ago.

She was also a victim of the 2012 flood caused by the opening of Lagdo Lake Reservoir in Cameroon.

The latest flood destroyed some of the basic items she had in her house and flushed away the rest, according to her septuagenarian daughter who spoke on her behalf because she had become inaudible.

The centenarians appeal came hours after she was visited by the First Lady of Benue State, Eunice Ortom.

The governors wife was here, but she just prayed and left, her daughter said.

They were amongst those Mrs. Ortom saw during a Tuesday morning inspection tour of parts of the camp, which now holds about 4776 displaced persons.

Other inhabitants of the camp have also been narrating their ordeal, with appeals to state and federal authorities to provide enough support to stand on their own when they return to their homes.

Source: ( Premium Times )
The President of Niger Republic, Alhaji Muhammadou Yusouffu, paid a visit to Nigerias President, President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Katsina State,the Nigerien President and his entourage landed at Daura heliport around 12:03 p.m..

The visiting president said he was in Dauda to see Buhari and to wish him well for his returned from medical vocation.

He said the people of Niger Republic were happy at the return of the president in good health, stressing that the relationship between Nigeria and his country had been very cordial.

Yousouffu said he had discussed with Buhari issues on security, Lake Chad Basin and mutual relationship between the two countries.

He said Niger and Nigeria would continue to relate peacefully and friendly, stressing that Nigerias position in global politics cannot be over emphasized.

Responding, Buhari thanked the visiting president for the extension of friendship, brotherhood and the love for one another.

Buhari said he had discussed important issues with Yusouffu, stressed that they would not relent in their efforts to secure Africa from crisis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visiting president paid homage to Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar.

Source: ( NAN )
The Ebonyi State Police Command have confirmed the death of a sergeant, Donatus Oyibe, who was found dead inside a well.

The deceased Police officer was recently posted to serve in Borno State with some neighbours expressing fears he may have committed suicide for that reason.

However, a statement by the Ebonyi Police Command Public Relations Officer, Loveth Odah, on Tuesday confirmed Mr. Oyibes death but said he could not have committed suicide.

It is true that Oyibe was among those posted to Maiduguri in the latest officers posting, but that could not had made him commit suicide being an experienced police officer.

He told one of his daughters that he was going to fetch water from the well, but unfortunately was found inside the well afterwards.

It is possible that he accidentally fell inside the well while fetching water or that someone mischievously pushed him inside the well, she said.

Ms. Odah said investigations have commenced and the command would unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This is not the first time that someone has fallen inside the well and this makes me wonder why people should create meanings into this one that involved a police officer.

The death of a police officer especially in this circumstance should not be celebrated, and this is the reason we are clearly stating the fact, he said.

A friend to the deceased, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria under the condition of anonymity, revealed that Mr. Oyibe had complained bitterly to friends on the posting to Maiduguri.

He expressed fear over working in Maiduguri and was concerned over the fate of his children as his wife died some years ago.

He was a peaceful and humble man who would be missed by his orphaned children, friends and relatives, the friend was quoted as saying.
The new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgar Imohimi has assured the residents of Lagos that he is ready to dine with the devil with a long spoon to ensure that every one in the state will be protected from every form of crime.

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode hosted Imohimi at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

According to him, I told my officers and men that my passion for this assignment means that if I have to dine with the devil with a long spoon to ensure that Lagosians live in peace and happiness, I will do so.

The commissioner stated that his policing plan for Lagos State was entirely aimed at making the state the safest city to live and do business in the continent of Africa, saying that it is based on the philosophy of community policing and community safety partnership.

I intend to partner with everybody to ensure that Lagos is secured. Lagos is a cosmopolitan city, the issue of security is dynamic and of course, policing must also be dynamic, tomorrow (Wednesday), I would be rolling out my policing plan to achieve this. I want to thank the Lagos State Government for all the support they have been giving to the police.

Without support both in terms of equipment, in terms of advocacy, there is no way the police would have been able to achieve what they have achieved within the short span of this administration of the incumbent governor. I appeal to his Excellency that that cooperation should continue.

I want to assure His Excellency that during my own watch, he will have no cause for complaint or concern. We would serve the people of Lagos with all our heart and with all our might, he said.

Imohimi warned criminals and hoodlums that it would not be business as usual as the police would fish them out and prosecute them.

I also use this opportunity to tell my colleagues here and I hope they would pass the information to their subordinates, issues of human right abuses, corruption, indiscipline generally, it would no longer be a slap on the wrist, the full weight of the law and police regulations would be meted out on anybody found wanting during my watch, he warned.

Speaking, Ambode said the government was comfortable that the new CP did not have to start trying to learn the ropes because he is very familiar with the security architecture of the State and the enormity of the assignment that has been given to him. On our part, we will ensure that we support him as well as men and officers of the State Command.

What is most important to us is that we must keep the city safe. Lagos must be safer, Lagos must be cleaner and it is based on that we can invite investors to come in. That is when we can project our 24/7 economy and so we cannot afford not to have a vibrant police force.

More importantly is the fact that we in government have decided that without a safe city, we cannot have a prosperous State and the prosperity and the peace that Lagos is enjoying now is actually founded on that fabric of the safety of lives and property, he said.

The governor also assured that his administration would support the present effort of the Nigerian Police to scale up community policing.

We will give the new CP all the support and I want to also say that we will support community policing. You must have seen that in our action which was why we established the Neighborhood Safety Corps and we want to thank the Nigerian Police for supporting that.

The establishment of the Corps is part of the fabric of the community policing that the Nigerian Police Force is now projecting and we will support it with materials, resources and also ensure that every community is properly policed and in that, we will have the peace that everybody need to go about their activities without let or hindrance.

We are very emphatic on law and order and we will ensure that our judicial system works in convergence with the Nigerian Police so that we can keep the city safe and more prosperous, Ambode said.

Source: ( PM Newspaper )
The Identity of a teenager who stabbed his classmate to death in 2015 for refusing to give him biscuit has been identified as Daniel Stroud.

According to reports, Daniel Stroud is from Aberdeen, Scotland whose identity was hidden for nearly two years due to reporting restrictions was uncovered on Tuesday, the same day he turned 18.

The 18-year-old who celebrated his birthday behind bars is said to have stabbed his schoolmate Bailey, 16 through the heart in a row about biscuits in the corridor of Cults Academy, Aberdeen.

During his murder trial in 2016, the part-time McDonalds worker said he was constantly teased about being fat and took weapons to school to try and impress the other kids.

In an interview with cops played to the jury, he said: I never fitted in. I was just trying to be cool.

During the interview, filmed hours after Bailey was killed, Stroud burst into tears as he spoke about family problems. He revealed how he contacted his parents and told them he loved them as he waited for cops to come and take him from him the school.

Bailey and Stroud reportedly clashed during their lunch break at the top state school in October 2015.

Friends said Bailey, who dreamed of becoming a marine, refused to give Stroud a biscuit. And the pair squared up when someone called Baileys mum Kate fat.

SUN Online reports that moments later, Stroud stabbed Bailey with an eight-inch pen knife and he collapsed moments later in front of horrified teachers and kids. Experts said Bailey was doomed because his injuries were so severe.

Daniel Stroud was later handed a nine-year jail sentence for killing Bailey and carrying weapons in school.

Source:( Linda Ikeji )
A 50-year-old Nigerian woman identified as, Afolake Adeniji, has been apprehended in the UK by the Police for allegedly tricked a Nigerian teen into flying to the U.K to be her familys slave under the pretence of a better life, has claimed she was part of the family.

The accused arranged for Iyabo Prosper to relocate to London from her home in Nigeria back in 2003, when she was just 13, Southwark Crown Court heard, London Mail reported.

Promised a better life and free education, she agreed, but the teenager was forced to wake up at 5.30am each morning to take care of Adenijis children, spending the rest of her day completing menial household chores, and only eating once the rest of the family had been served, jurors heard last week.

When pressed by prosecutors yesterday about what went on inside her home, Adeniji denied all of the allegations put to her, claiming Ms Prosper, now 27, was making up stories.

She was completely submissive to the defendant and her family and any confidence she had was lost and ebbed away, said Ms Prospers lawyer, Irshad Sheikh.

Effectively that was what she was living the life of domestic servitude. It soon became apparent that Iyabo had become miserable, had become extremely depressed, was having negative thoughts and suicidal ideas.

Adeniji denies arranging or facilitating the travel of a person to the UK for exploitation and inflicting GBH, namely post-traumatic stress disorder upon Iyabo.

Following her arrest in October 2014, Adeniji blasted the accusations as untrue, instead claiming that Ms Prosper was part of a loving family and given financial and emotional support.

She added: I didnt need anybody to help me do chores and look after the children. All I did was just to help Iyabo.

The trial is still far from over.

Source: ( Instablog9ja )
Two Bureau De Change dealers, identified as Uju Peace Izuogu, Richard Owegie, and their company Reoworld Enterprises over an alleged N162 million fraud has been arrested by Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigerian Police Force.

Uju and Richard alongside their company, Reoworld Enterprises Limited, were arraigned before the court on charges bordering on conspiracy, false representation and fraud.

In a criminal charge number fHC/L/295c/17, filed before the court, it was alleged that the two accused persons who operate as Bureau De Change, between January and May, 2016, conspired among themselves and obtained the sum of N162 million from a lawyer, Nwosu Maduabuchi, under false representation that they had US Dollars equivalent for immediate sale and transfer for the lawyers clients in Dubai and China, for international business transactions.

The SFU alleged further that the second accused, Richard Owegie aided the first accused, Uju, to obtained the sum of N162 million from the Complainant (Barrister Nwosu), who sourced the money from his different clients, and allow his Diamond Bank account to be used to receive and retain the money, and later diverted and disbursed it to third parties on the instructions of the first accused.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, Chief Superintendent of Police, Mr. E. A. Jackson, are contrary to and punishable under sections 8(a) and 1(3), and 1(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2014.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.

However, attempt by their lawyer, E. E. Okoli, to move their bail application hit the rock, as the presiding judge, ordered that the case file be returned to the administrative judge, owing to the fact that vacation would end in three days, and that he might not be able to adjudicate on the bail application,thereafter.

Consequently, the judge ordered that the first accused, Uju Peace Izuogu, be remanded at the female section of the Kirikiri Prison, and that the second accused be remanded at Ikoyi Prison, pending the assignment of the case file to the substantive judge.

Source: ( PM News )
The leadership of Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Federal Government will on Thursday hold a meeting to resolve the lingering strike in the nations universities.

ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, confirmed on Tuesday that he had received an invitation to a meeting at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja.

Also, the National Association of Nigerian Students has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve the ASUU strike.

The group, on Tuesday, threatened violence if the government failed to prevail on the union to call off the strike.

Speaking to one of our correspondents on the telephone, Ogunyemi said the ASUU negotiating team would be at the meeting to hear what the government had done so far in respect of the seven demands tabled for implementation.

He stated, We have a scheduled meeting on Thursday; we received the invitation today (Tuesday). We would be at the meeting. We go to every meeting with open mind and also believe the government will come with open mind and if they (government officials) mean well, we will resolve the issue.

The don said he did not envisage any problem, adding that the government would be expected to highlight the demands it had implemented and to give a time frame on the ones that would be implemented subsequently.

Our demands are clear, seven issues with timelines. They are expected to have started implementing them; we dont see much problem here.

They will just tell us how far they have implemented them and tell us which ones they cannot implement for now, and give us the time frame (for implementation), Ogunyemi stated.

Asked if the government had released the N23bn it promised last month to the universities, the union leader said he did not know if this had been done.

But NANS factional president, Haruna Kadiri, who led his group on protest to the Ministry of Education, Abuja on Tuesday, over the strike, stated that students bore the brunt of labour dispute between university lecturers and government.

This, he noted, made them unattractive to the labour market which he said often preferred graduates from private universities who concluded their academic programmes within stipulated time.

Kadiri said, We are here to demand to know when the strike would be called off. The government has not been tackling the issues that led to the strike, but politicising them and dividing the ranks of the lecturers.

As researchers, ASUU should carry out research and find solutions to the issues instead of going on strike.

We are issuing a two-week ultimatum for the strike to be resolved. If after the ultimatum, the FG and ASUU didnt resolve the strike, the next protest will not be peaceful. We would carry out civil unrest and we are ready to be detained in the guardroom.

The student leader also condemned the new cut-off marks for university and polytechnic admissions as announced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, describing the cut-off marks as retrogressive and anti-education.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sonny Echono, who addressed the students, assured them that the government was working to resolve the crisis.
An unemployed man, identified as Osita Nwatun,has pleaded guilty to stealing a ram valued at N65,000 at an Ikeja Magistrates Court.

I am guilty as charged, Nwatun told the court, but pleaded for leniency and blamed the devil for his action.

The accused, who is facing one count of theft, will know his fate on September 8 when the court will deliver judgement in the case.

The magistrate, Mr. J. I. Adigun, ordered the accused to be remanded in Kirikiri Prisons.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 4, at No. 616, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ojokoro, Lagos.

Awase said the accused stole a ram valued N65,000 belonging to the complainant, Aruna Bameyi.

He said the accused, who was sleeping in the ram market, stole the complainants ram at midnight.

The complainant discovered the following morning that one of his rams was missing; he quickly called ram sellers across Lagos and Ogun to inform them that one of his rams had been stolen.

Luckily for him, ram sellers from Owode in Ogun called him a few minutes after that they saw a man who came with a ram on a motorcycle looking for buyer.

The complainant told them the mark that was placed on the ram and the people truly saw the number on the ram and the accused was handed over to the police, he said.

Awase said the offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the section prescribes three-year jail term as penalty for stealing.

Source: ( NAN )
A 32-year-old man, identified as Ayuba Salihu, has pleaded guilty for raping an eight-year-old girl at a Minna Grade 1 Magistrates Court.

Abdullahi Mayaki, the prosecutor for the State Child Rights Protection Agency, told the court that the incident occurred on August 31 near Gwari Market in Chanchaga Local Government Area.

Mr. Mayaki said the accused lured the unsuspecting primary school pupil with N100 into the market before assaulting her sexually.

The offence contravened Section 18, sub-section 2 of Niger State Child Rights Law.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the offence attracts life imprisonment.

Chief Magistrate Hassan Mohammed, who convicted the accused as charged, adjourned the case until September 12 for sentence.

He said the adjournment would also enable the prosecution to get the medical expenses incurred by the girls parents.

Source: (NAN)
Family and friends have been left flustered after an old man set his own brother on fire in an Ibadan community, killing him.

A sexagenarian identified as Adegboyega Abiose, was on Wednesday, remanded in Agodi prison by an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates Court in Ibadan for allegedly causing the death of his brother, Olayinka, by setting him ablaze.

NAN reports that Chief Magistrate Abdulateef Adebisi, in his ruling, ordered the remand of the accused pending the receipt of legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

The court, which did not take the plea of the accused, adjourned till Dec. 5.

The accused was arraigned on a two- count of causing the death of his brother who was said to be an Ibadan-based legal practitioner.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Sunday Fatola, told the court that the accused, who resides at 3, Eleyele road, off Jericho, Ibadan, committed the offence on Aug. 14 at about 8.am at his residence.

Fatola alleged that the accused damaged one Toyota Camry marked FST 468 DD and valued at N2 million belonging to the late Abiose by setting it and the victim ablaze.

He said the offence contravened Section 316 and was punishable under Sections 319 and 451 (1) (b) of the Criminal Code Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
35-year-old popular college Professor, Jeannine Shante Skinner, an assistant professor of gerontology and psychology in the Department of Psychological Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, was reportedly found dead in an apartment off Interstate 485 near South Tryon Street at 11:37 a.m, and the police suspect her boyfriend in relation to the murder incident.

Her corpse was found after the police, were called to do a welfare check in the 9300 block of Kings Parade Boulevard. An arrest warrant has been issued for her 45-year-old boyfriend, Donny Lewis Franklin, who has a history of violence against women, as Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said the incident is possibly domestic related, and the victim and suspect knew each other.

It was gathered that Franklin who was last seen driving a burgundy Jeep with the license plate number 0512KN, considered armed, dangerous and may be suicidal pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of assault on a female in September 2003.

In a statement issued to to faculty and students Saturday, UNCC Chancellor Philip Dubois, said
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has posted a cryptic tweet in reaction to news that Wednesdays Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, has been cancelled.

Fani-Kayode posted: Federal Executive Council meeting cancelled for tomorrow? Here we go again..

It is the second time in three weeks, that the FEC meeting will not be held.

On Tuesday, Minister of Information Lai Mohammed, in a statement said: the two-day public holidays declared for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations left little or no time to prepare for the weekly meeting.

It could be recalled that last week when the meeting held, the Federal Government approved the Mambilla hydro project that will be handled by a consortium of Chinese companies at a cost of $5.79bn.

 DailyPost
Horror as some men of the underworld invaded a female hostel where they reportedly attacked and sexually assaulted the ladies.

According to PM Express, the s*x starved robbers attacked the hostel located at Owe Street, Fadeyi area of Lagos.

The robbers stormed the hostel and had their way with some ladies, before they carted away their phones and escaped.

An eyewitness said that the attack took place in the night as the thieves rounded up the victims (names withheld) and engaged them in sexual romp.

Some of them reportedly sustained injuries in their privates as a result of the forceful assault and were undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

The matter was reported to the police at Oniwaya Division who moved into investigation and eventually arrested one of the suspects.

The suspect, Friday Effiong has been charged before Yaba Magistrates for conspiracy, assault and stealing under the Criminal Code. He pleaded not guilty.

The presiding Magistrates, Mrs E.N. Johnson granted Effiong bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail condition.

The police is now looking for other suspects who were involved including their leader who was also identified as the leader of a cult group in the area.

The matter has been adjourned till October as the court was said to be on vacation.
Lagos State has officially recorded a high rate of domestic violence according to the statistics provided by a constituted body.

Between January and September 2017, a total of 852 cases of domestic violence and related cases were recorded in Lagos State, the States Domestic and S*xual Violence Response Team has disclosed.

Speaking on Tuesday at a media parley held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, to commemorate the Domestic and S*xual Violence Awareness Month, the States Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Adeniji Kazeem, said out of the total number, there were 564 domestic violence cases, 60 defilement cases, 30 rape cases, 11 attempted r*pe, 123 child neglect and abuse cases, and 84 other cases.

Kazeem, who is also the Chairman of DSVRT, disclosed that the trend from the data showed an increase in men coming forward to report cases of domestic violence, just as he said that this year alone, a total number of 55 men came forward to report in contrast to 14 men that reported last year.

He said the data revealed that most of sexual assault cases were perpetrated in the afternoon during weekdays, while corroborating that 95 percent of the perpetrators of s*xual violence are known to the victims, which according to him, necessitated the need to embark on sensitisation campaigns for parents on parenting skills and child abuse prevention tips as well as trainings for children on childs rights, child abuse, safety and how to preserve evidence.

While some of the cases have been charged to court, Kazeem said the State Government through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development and other stakeholders, provided shelter for the survivors.

Aside that, the Commissioner said all the survivors of sexual assault received medical attention from comprehensive Primary Health Care Centres and referral centres, among other efforts to properly rehabilitate and re-integrate them into the society.

Kazeem, however, noted that under the present administration, the interventions of DSVRT were gradually breaking the silence around issues of sexual and gender based violence in the State.

There is a growing confidence urging people to speak out more, there is an astronomical increase in reporting of cases in the media. Lagos has indeed revolutionize the way s*xual and gender based violence is being tackled in Nigeria with all the pioneering initiatives of Governor Ambode, Kazeem said.

Besides, the Attorney General revealed that the State Government has concluded plans to launch a short service code that would afford residents the opportunity of reporting cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse and other related offences with ease.

He said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that victims of all forms of abuse reach out to the appropriate agencies and receive timely information on what to do and where to get assistance.

This would be achieved by members of the public using keywords, that is, Child Abuse to 6820 or *6820# and an interactive menu browser to get the relevant information from such users such as name, location, specific case or complaint which would in turn ensure that the whole response team is automatically activated. Anybody that needs to report a case of child abuse, r*pe or domestic violence or requires a child or a woman to be rescued can make use of the platform and should receive timely and accurate information, Adeniji said.

 SaharaReporters
Aisha Jimoh, an 18-year-old senior secondary school student, died of Lassa fever in the early hours of Sept. 4, 2017, in Edo state.

The Kogi Government said on Tuesday that a sister to late Aisha Jimoh, who died of Lassa fever on Monday, has started manifesting symptoms suggestive of haemorrhagic (Lassa) fever.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu, who confirmed this to newsmen in Lokoja, said that the victim was one of the 15 persons that had contact with Aisha before her death at the General Hospital, Irua, Edo.

According to Audu, the victim said to be 14 years old and immediate younger sister to the late Aisha started manifesting the symptoms on Sept. 3, 2017.

He said that victim and 14 others had been in isolation in a ward at the State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, since the late Aisha was diagnosed of the disease.

The State Rapid Response Team already had an alert cases of 15 persons and they are monitoring them on daily basis. We have already prepared an Isolation Centre in Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, to take care of the patients, the commissioner said. He said that the blood sample of the victim had been collected for laboratory test and confirmation. The patient will be transferred to Irua if tested positive for Lassa fever. We urge the general public to remain calm and give us the necessary support as the state government is working round the clock to forestall further loss of life, Audu said.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) recalls that Aisha Jimoh, an 18-year-old senior secondary school student, died of Lassa fever in the early hours of Sept. 4, at the General Hospital, Irua, Edo.

Source: Naijaloaded
Police has arrested a man for stabbing his estranged wife to death in front of shoppers at a community market in Phetchaburis Khao Yoi district, Thailand on Monday night.

A Myanmar man was arrested by police as he repeatedly stabbed a woman with a long knife, killing her, outside a mobile phone shop in front of dozens of onlookers early on Monday night.

According to Bangkok Post, the attack was reported about 7pm on Monday in the Nong Som Market area of Khao Yoi district. Pol Col Phongphan Prachansi, of Khao Yoi district police station, said.

Nearby police rushed to the scene. A man was caught red-handed, still attacking the victim, when they arrived.

The victim was identified as Zin War Yea, 35, a factory worker from Myanmar, and the arrested man as her former husband, Aung Thu, 25, who worked in a factory in Samut Songkhram province

A preliminary police investigation found Aung Thu was a jealous man who had frequently argued with Zin War Yea. When he finally assaulted her she left him, about two months ago.

Witnesses told police that before the murder Aung Thu dropped by the market and bought a knife. He then met Zin War Yea in front of the mobile phone shop, began a heated argument and then allegedly attacked her. She fell to the ground and he allegedly placed one foot on her chest while stabbing her repeatedly, police said.

The victims body had six major stab wounds, police said.

The suspect was being detained and interrogated, pending legal processing.
Female church members of Pastor David Ibiyeomie in Port Harcourt dared the rain as they welcomed the man of God to church.

The ladies were dressed in matching ankara outfits and stood at the entrance of the churchs gate just as the pastors car drove into the premises.

The selected female members who were about 10 waited for him under the rain, then sprayed flowers on the floor as he slowly drove pass.

However, City People described that the idea was coined from one of Jesus parables in the bible; the parable of 10 virgins with lamp in their hands while they wait for the master to take them home.

More Photos Below:-

Source: Naijaloaded
Operatives of the Osun State Police Command attached to Iwo Division have arrested two middle age men. The suspects were nabbed along the Osogbo/Oyo road with two human wrists in their possession.

Source: ( Linda Ikeji )
The Police in Jigawa State, on Wednesday, intercepted a vehicle laden with 10 cartons containing 5,000 packets of Tramol capsules along the Maigatari border town of Niger Republic.

The drug which is listed among the prohibited substances was arrested when the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) allegedly alerted the police that a Toyota Corolla brand of vehicle with registration number NSR 133 FL on top speed has refused to be stopped and checked at the border check point.

The police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abdu Jinjiri, told Daily Sun that the driver who was the only occupant after a long pursuit by the police abandoned the vehicle and took to his heels.

According to DSP Jinjiri, We have already traced the owner of the illegal substance to one Isa Habibu, 29, from Gabasawa local government area of Kano State.

He said the substance, estimated at over N3 million,had been already handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Dutse alongside the alleged culprit for prosecution.

He said the drugs were intended to be sold in the open markets by special vendors that also purchase the commodity for onward distribution to other patrons.

Jigawa is among the northern states that have been ravaged by indiscriminate consumption of narcotics of all varieties by youth and some married women across the state.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, has spoken up, telling of his readiness to surrender to the EFCC if need be.

Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, on Wednesday, said he was ready to surrender himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for probe.

According to Vanguard, Justice Onnoghen, who maintained that he has nothing to hide, said his attention was drawn to a media report that he was being investigated by the anti-graft agency for yet-to-be disclosed reasons.

The CJN, in a statement that was signed by his media aide, Mr. Awassam Bassey, said he was ready to pay the required price to make the nation a better place.

He said he has never been invited or called upon by the EFCC to offer any explanation on any impropriety, saying he would however not be distracted in his effort to reform the Judiciary.

The statement by the CJN read: Our attention has been drawn to media reports quoting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as probing the Hon. The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, for yet-to-be disclosed reasons.

The reports in the media mentioned the reason for the investigation as intelligence which for now we take to be abstract.

However, the Hon. CJN wishes to use this medium to say that it is the first time he is being aware of any allegations or intelligence against him, neither has he been invited or called upon to offer any explanation on any impropriety.

However, the Hon. CJN wishes to assure the public that he has nothing to hide and is open to investigation.

As a committed patriot who has spent all his adult life in the temple of justice, the Hon. CJN is ready to pay the required price to make the nation a better place.

The commitment of the Hon CJN to the efforts of the current administration to rid the country of corrupt practices is unwavering and he will stop at nothing to see a new dawn in Nigerias Judiciary.

He will also not be distracted in his avowed reformative efforts to make the Nigerian Judiciary a beacon of well-rounded justice which the entire citizenry will be proud of.

The public is encouraged to keep faith and trust in the present administrations fight against corruption and be assured that the CJN is doing his best to reform the Judiciary accordingly.

In a related development, the EFCC, in a statement on Wednesday, debunked report that it is currently probing the CJN. The Commission, insisted that the report which it described as diversionary and mischievous, did not emanate from it.

It however admitted that before Justice Onnoghen was elevated to the CJN position, some petitions that were written against him were investigated and found to be without merit and discarded.

While also admitting that it recently forwarded a list of some of its high-profile investigations to the Attorney General of the Federation, EFCC, said it was troubling how such was leaked to the media.

According to EFCC, much damage has been done to the Commissions investigation activities by this leak, even as it alleged a deliberate effort to pitch it against the judiciary.

The statement entitled CJN Not Currently Under Investigation, which was signed by Head, Media & Publicity at the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, read: The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to a story entitled, CJN, Okonjo-Iweala, Fayemi, Fayose, Others Under Probe- EFCC, which appeared in The PunchNewspaper of today Wednesday September 6, 2017 regarding a list of high profile persons, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi and Justice Abdu Kafarati of the Federal High Court, who are said to be currently under investigation by the Commission.

According to the newspaper, The list, sighted by one of our correspondents via an EFCC source on Monday, was recently sent by the anti-graft agency to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), based on request.

It is important to state that this report did not emanate from the EFCC and the allusion to an EFCC source is diversionary and mischievous.

For the avoidance of doubt, cases under investigation communicated to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation by the Commission are classified information and it is troubling how such would be leaked to the media.

The mastermind of this leak is out to create disaffection between the Commission and, particularly, the Judiciary. The Commission wishes to state categorically that it is currently not investigating Justices Onnoghen and Kafarati.

While Onnoghen was being considered for his present position, the Commission received some petitions which were investigated and found to be without merit and discarded.

Indeed, much damage has been done to the Commissions investigation activities by this leak especially as some of the cases mentioned are still at preliminary stages of investigation.
Some fraudsters taking advantage of job seekers in the northern part of Nigeria have been apprehended by security operatives.

The Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has uncovered activities of fraudsters alleged to be extorting money from innocent people for recruitment into the corps.

The state commandant of the corps, Sammani Ringim, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday that the fraudsters had been extorting money from the public under the pretext of facilitating their recruitments into the NSCDC.

Ringim said the fraudsters lied and collected money from unemployed people under the pretext that the NSCDC was recruiting. The fraudsters alleged that they would facilitate the recruitment of their victims into the corps after they had collected money from them.

We are using this opportunity to alert members of the public against these fraudsters. The NSCDC is not recruiting now. We will make it public anytime we are ready to recruit, he said.

He advised people to alert the corps of the activities of fraudsters stressing that the command had embarked on measures that would lead to the arrest of the fraudsters.

Ringim, who did not disclose the amount extorted from the public, urged the public to await official statement on recruitment process into the corps.
Nigerian music icon, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as Tuface, on Tuesday, said he would organise a concert to raise funds for the flood victims in Benue State.

Tuface told the News Agency of Nigeria in Makudi, the state capital, that the concert would be organised in the city in December.

Yesterday he and wife, Annie Idibia visited the camp for internally displaced persons in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The artist, a native of Benue State, arrived at 10:40 a.m. to donate gifts to thousands of families who are urgently taking shelter at the camp.

An estimated 110,000 people are believed to have been affected by the massive flood that destroyed homes of residents following days of rainfall last week.

At the camp, Tuface said:

I really wish that I could do more for the victims. I have a concert scheduled to hold in Jos for the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, but we will try to organise one around December to raise funds for the flood victims in Benue. The people I saw at the camp are hardworking Nigerians, who, due to no fault of theirs, have found themselves without shelter, food and other basic items.

Their situation is like that of the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, in which innocent citizens have been killed and many were left to suffer. As you can see, this can happen to anybody and none of the victims planned for it. So, we really need to assist them. I would like to use this opportunity to call on my colleagues in the music industry to come to the aid of the flood victims in Benue State.

Tuface appealed to the federal and Benue State governments to provide drains in flood prone areas of the state to avoid future occurrence. He also pledged support for the flood victims.




Delegates at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Pham Quoc Tru highlighted the historical significance of September 2nd, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence to establish the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Over the past 72 years, the people of Vietnam have steadfastly overcome all difficulties and challenges in order to maintain their national independence, freedom and reunification of the country.

He also reviewed the socio-economic and diplomatic achievements of the country in the innovation process, which began in 1986. The Ambassador emphasized that Vietnam has maintained economic growth of nearly 7% per year for more than 30 years. It has become a producer and exporter of a wide range of goods and has become an attractive destination for foreign investors and visitors.

In terms of foreign relations, Vietnam has made great efforts to expand and deepen its relations with many countries and international organizations, and will continue its policy of peace, independence and friendship.

Mr Quoc Tru stressed that in 2017 Vietnam and Algeria are celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, and affirmed that it is the special relationship marked by traditional friendship, solidarity, mutual support and help.

He also affirmed that he would do his utmost to further promote multifaceted cooperation with Algeria.

The guests congratulated Vietnam on the great achievements it has achieved over the past time and believed that it will continue to have more success in construction and development./.
New Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgar Imohimi says he is ready to dine with the devil with a long spoon to ensure that Lagosians live in peace and happiness.

Imohimi said this when he paid the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, a visit at the government hiuse in Ikeja.

According to Imohimi, his dream is to make Lagos state the safest city to live and do business in Africa.

He said;

I told my officers and men that my passion for this assignment means that if I have to dine with the devil with a long spoon to ensure that Lagosians live in peace and happiness, I will do so.

I intend to partner with everybody to ensure that Lagos is secured. Lagos is a cosmopolitan city, the issue of security is dynamic and of course, policing must also be dynamic, tomorrow (Wednesday), I would be rolling out my policing plan to achieve this. I want to thank the Lagos State Government for all the support they have been giving to the police. Without support both in terms of equipment, in terms of advocacy, there is no way the police would have been able to achieve what they have achieved within the short span of this administration of the incumbent governor. I appeal to his Excellency that that cooperation should continue. I want to assure His Excellency that during my own watch, he will have no cause for complaint or concern. We would serve the people of Lagos with all our heart and with all our might he said.

The police boss advised criminals and hoodlums to steer clear off the state as it would no longer be conducive for them.

I also use this opportunity to tell my colleagues here and I hope they would pass the information to their subordinates, issues of human right abuses, corruption, indiscipline generally, it would no longer be a slap on the wrist, the full weight of the law and police regulations would be meted out on anybody found wanting during my watch, he warned
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A performance at the opening ceremony (Photo: vov.vn)

Implementing the project "Improving the effectiveness of Vietnamese teaching and learning for Overseas Vietnamese" of the Government, the Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine has implemented many practical activities to improve the quality of Vietnamese teaching and learning, and decided to take 2017 as the year of Vietnamese language for the Vietnamese community in Ukraine.

At the ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine Nguyen Anh Tuan encouraged teachers and students to teach and learn well, and presented books, which have just been brought from Vietnam.

He also thanked the Rector and teachers of the High School No. 251 for their help and support for Vietnamese children to study, play and integrate, especially for the school providing a site for the Vietnamese class.

At the ceremony, the participants listened to Vietnamese songs praising the country and Uncle Ho, performed by students.

It is believed that Vietnamese language will be preserved among the Vietnamese community and the following generations, who are born and grow up abroad./.
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A proposal to convert a former bowling alley to self-storage in South Milwaukee, Wis., received little interest from the city planning commission during a preliminary meeting last month. Brian Fisher, business development manager for development company Anderson Ashton, presented plans on Aug. 28 for a "state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility for the 7-acre property at 305 N. Chicago Ave. The site formerly housed AMF South Park Lanes, which closed in 2014, according to the source.

The development would include converting the buildings interior to storage as well as constructing new buildings around the main structure. The facility would contain 500 to 600 units.

Because the meeting was a pre-application submittal for the conditional-use process, no action was taken, the source reported. A formal proposal has yet to be submitted.

Mayor Erik Brooks called the parcel a most intriguing site and said hed prefer to keep within the citys comprehensive plan, which calls for residential use. "I have a hard time going away from that plan," said Brooks, who admitted a residential development would be challenging for the 40,000-square-foot, 40-lane bowling alley. "I just don't want to settle. It's not easy to market, but that doesn't mean we should give up."

The parcels zoning is split between commercial and residential, with most of it falling under the Historic Grant Park Neighborhood, according to city engineer Kyle Vandercar. "A single-family development will be challenging, at best," he said.

One point in favor of the storage project would be the citys ability to collect millions in tax dollars, alderman R. Patrick Stoner noted during the meeting. Alderman Craig Maass, whos not a commission member but attended the meeting, said the city needs to give the neighborhood more time to find a suitable development for the property.

Following nearly an hour of discussion, Vandercar said the commission wasnt interested in seeing a formal application for the storage project. No one objected.

Its not the first time the city has discussed self-storage for the property, the source reported. Other uses, including multi-family housing and a banquet facility, have also been considered.

Based in New Berlin, Wis., Anderson Ashton is a design/build general contractor for commercial, industrial and institutional industries.
Members of the 60 billion ($78.3 billion) Universities Superannuation Scheme are petitioning trustees to disclose funding calculations theyve shared with their employers behind closed doors.

The pension plan members are concerned that they may have to contribute more to the fund, which has a 17.5 billion deficit, or see their benefits cut when the results of USSs triennial valuation are published next month. The petition, which began circulating Wednesday, has already attracted signatures from more than 400 members.

Britains parliament last month pressed USS, the countrys largest private-sector pension fund, for details on how it will shore up its deficit, which may vary in size by billions of pounds depending on the method of calculation and the outlook for returns. At the start of September, the USS sent a report to universities participating in the pension plan that included projections for its investments and liabilities.

USS has to do its valuation imminently and the frustration for us, is that a lot of what goes in behind the scenes to produce the numbers, is hard to get hold of, said Sam Marsh, a scheme member at the University of Sheffield. The key thing that I would like to know is what would the valuation look like if they removed their test one measure?

While the 17.5 billion shortfall is accurate as measured under financial reporting standards in the U.K., the size of the deficit drops 4.9 billion when calculated under technical provisions set under rules governed by Britains Pensions Regulator. Members of the retirement plan are particularly concerned about the test one measure used by USS because they believe it gives university finance directors an excessively negative picture of future risks, costs and investment returns.

[II Deep Dive: Parliament Probes USS Pension Plan]

Theyre fearful that USSs October valuation will mean further cuts to the defined benefit element of the scheme. At the last valuation, members were told that they would accrue DB benefits up to the first 55,000 that they earn, but there is growing concern the amount will be cut significantly and replaced by a greater defined contribution element.

USS is now consulting with Universities UK on its proposed assumptions for the technical provisions, said a spokeswoman for USS. Directly making the full document available to all members risks confusing with whom USS is consulting on this occasion.

Universities UK, a group representing British universities, is reviewing the report sent by USS at the beginning of this month. USS says it has shared the private document with the more than 350 employers participating in the scheme.

The spokeswoman for the pension fund said the USS has provided a summary of the report on its website and will provide more detail once the first stage of the consultation with universities has been completed.

Michael Rutter, president of the Cambridge University UCU, said the pension funds full calculations and methodology should be made transparent to its scheme members. He added that he believes the USS is seeking to replace the DB scheme with a DC plan.

I need a pension that is guaranteed, Rutter said. When they talk about de-risking, they are largely moving the risk from them to me and my colleagues, and that doesnt seem reasonable.
How completely do employers appreciate the terrorism risk to which their travelling employees are exposed in todays world? Wayne Anstiss, chief underwriting officer for Accident & Health International ( AHI ), tells Insurance Business employers are becoming more cognisant of their evolving duty of care to employees with respect to terrorism and safety and security.In the past, there was an assumption that these risks only occurred in high-risk countries, like Iraq and Syria. Often it was only people travelling to high-risk areas who sought terrorism cover, such as missionaries or charity workers, Anstiss says. However, as the 2014 Lindt siege and last years Nice and Berlin attacks showed, these incidents can happen anywhere and any time. Organisations need to ensure they have appropriate cover for their people.Many would be shocked to know there were 100 terror events around the world in the last month alone.So precisely what types of employers should have terrorism included in their corporate travel coverage?These days, every organisation should have terrorism included in their corporate travel policy, Anstiss says.Increasingly, he adds, brokers are seeking AHIs view on client travel risk situations.We work closely with our assistance provider, Dynamiq , to provide up-to-date advice and information to brokers and their clients. This is not about stopping the business trip, it is about weighing up the risks and putting mitigation strategies in place to maximise the safety and security of the travellers.Dynamiqs founder and director of strategy, Anthony Moorhouse , discusses the evolution of terrorism risk since the beginning of the 21st century. He refers to the 11 September 2001 attacks on the USA, carried out by a coordinated group of terrorists using hijacked commercial passenger jets as weapons.Then, in Mumbai, Bali and Paris, terrorists struck again but with more conventional weapons. The tools used were simple yet deadly explosives and small arms, but the planning was still complex and mass casualties and panic caused.Moorhouse notes the increased frequency of attacks that has come with the rise of ISIS.But ISIS has also given rise to another form of attack  the lone wolf assault, he explains. This attack is characterised by the use of unsophisticated weapons  without a highly coordinated team carrying out the attack. The introduction of such attacks, marked with allegiance to various terror groups, has made the jobs of law enforcement, security and risk managers that much harder.In many situations, these attacks may not be able to be foreseen or prevented, so a well-exercised emergency response plan is vital.Moorhouse mentions last Junes nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida.It was simply undertaken by a lone wolf who used his attack for notoriety, pledging allegiance to ISIS in the midst of carrying out his violence. He used military-style weapons and masses of ammunition in a traditional hostage or mass shooting situation.Moorhouse describes the 2016 attacks in Nice and Berlin  carried out by lone wolf actors using trucks  as both particularly shocking and representative of another evolution in terrorists tactics.In many ways, the blunt-force trauma caused by a speeding truck was worse than a large, sophisticated explosive device, he says. This has required organisations, insurers and assistance providers to review their travel risk policies and procedures, and adapt them to this new threat environment.Anstiss emphasises the need for brokers and their clients to check their cover to ensure its adequacy.Its no good just having cover that pays a specific benefit amount for a terrorism event, because this doesnt help the traveller when they are in the middle of a terror incident, Anstiss says.The policy must include effective security and medical emergency response. In an emergency, an organisation must be able to immediately identify who is involved and be given updates on their safety and security in the quickest possible time.Looking beyond coverage, Moorhouse talks about the ways in which employers  and the brokers advising them  can work to ensure an organisations employees are best protected against terrorism risk.As an employer, you cant protect your people every minute of the day. However, its part of your duty of care to have a plan in place for when the unthinkable happens to your people, whether they were specifically targeted or just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, he says.This includes assessing the specific risks at the location in which the employee is travelling, as well as assessing the particular risks of the traveller. Once you have assessed the risks, you turn your attention to mitigating those risks.One way a company can do so, Moorhouse says, is by warning its people of potential incidents that could affect them.Intelligence alerts or push notifications are a great way to inform your people about threats and potential impacts to their safety, he says.He adds that its important to make a travelling workforce aware of the risks that exist in the country in which theyll be travelling and to arm them with appropriate training to mitigate those risks.We are working with Amazon Web Services, for example, to roll out hostile environment awareness training to their travelling staff, which looks at both country-specific and personal risks, Moorhouse says.Its also important for organisations to take a step back and look at their broader resilience strategy. Most businesses have looked at crisis management through a business continuity lens, but theyre only looking inside the fence. They will look at what would happen if a terror incident directly affects their head office or people, but wont look at the wider ramifications if a larger scale terror event was to occur outside the wire. Consideration needs to be given to everything from supply chains and partners to suppliers and contractors.Asked to cite other essential inclusions in a corporate travel policy, Anstiss talks about the importance of a security assistance component.This is necessary for when an employee experiences a direct personal threat, he says.For example, we had a traveller who was in the Philippines on a work trip. He was touring an area with a local resort owner and was riding on the back of his motorbike. The resort owner collided with a police bike, killing both drivers. The police and the resort owners family were soon threatening the traveller. Through Dynamiq, we were able to arrange for a security team to go in and get the traveller to safety before the situation deteriorated to violence.Anstiss refers to another case that illustrates the importance of a security component in a corporate travel policy.One of our travellers had some personal images of himself and his partner in Indonesia. During the trip, he broke up with his partner and was subsequently blackmailed by the ex-partner, who threatened to go to the local authorities with the photos.We sent in a security team to get the traveller out of the country and to safety.Its also essential, Anstiss says, for medical expenses to be covered under the policy.There are many countries in which a hospital stay can easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.Interestingly, he notes that the USA is probably no longer the most expensive location in the world when it comes to medical expenses.Major Chinese cities like Beijing and Shanghai, Hong Kong and others like Singapore quite often exceed the USA in medical costs, Anstiss says.Being covered for financial collapse is another one to watch out for. You only need to cast your mind back to the collapse of Ansett or Strategic Airlines to understand that airlines, travel agents and hotels do go bust and its best to be covered.
An initiative between Sparke Helmore Lawyers and Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) Under 35's Claims Group has provided six young insurance lawyers with a unique opportunity to immerse for a week of learning in London.Partner Wes Rose, senior associates Laura Rush, Mark Sainsbury, James Clohesy, and Edward Osborne, and lawyer Josie Dempster comprised the first group sent by the specialist law firm to an immersion program with underwriters, brokers, and claims teams.The group also had the chance to present on relevant insurance topics to more than 100 insurance professionals from around 40 insurers, as well as Lloyd's syndicates and broking houses in the historic Old Lloyd's Library. They also met with Lloyd's new chairman Bruce Carnegie-Brown before the presentation."Our insurance group has strong ties with, and an ongoing commitment to, Lloyd's and the London market. We are privileged to have been able to offer this special learning experience to our firm's future leaders," said Chris Wood, Sparke Helmore's national commercial insurance group leader."We work with brokers and claims professionals in the London market regularly, so it was incredibly enlightening to get a deeper insight into their operations, the issues affecting their business and the wider London market," Rose said.Rush said the event provided them with rich insights about the issues and challenges faced by the industry."To be able to share our intelligence on developments in the Australian market and how these could potentially impact their businesses opened up such a rich dialogue, she said. We discussed everything from cyber risks to developments in the building defects space, which is topical following the tragic Grenfell disaster."
The global reinsurance industry is operating on rough seas amid declining rates, broader terms and conditions, unsustainable reserve takedowns, low investment yields and continued pressure from convergence capital, according to a special report by insurance ratings agency A.M. Best.



The report, entitled Down But Not Out: Reinsurers Look to Reposition Amid Market Disruption, outlines that the reinsurance sector had an average accident-year combined ratio of 101.0 and return on equity of 8.2% for 2016, with continued deterioration since 2013. The accident-year underwriting loss is the first in over a decade, with the exception of 2011 which had several major global catastrophes.



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Despite the challenging conditions, the report noted bright spots in the cyber and mortgage reinsurance sectors, along with reinsurers responding to market conditions by decreasing their net probable maximum loss (PML) for peak zones, seizing new opportunities and geographies, generating fee income, and gradually migrating into asset classes that will produce increased investment yield.



Learn more about flood insurance at the Future of Flood event being held in Miami, Florida on November 16. Click here for more details and to register.



However, A.M. Best warned that an above-average catastrophe year could be devastating to the industry.



If the reinsurance market is booking the accident year combined ratio at a loss in a relatively benign catastrophe year, and that in and of itself is not the impetus for change, the next logical question is: What will it take to turn the market? asked Robert DeRose, senior director at A.M. Best. At this point, it does not appear that the lack of underwriting profit in the current book or continued erosion in return on equity will break the cycle.



The ratings agency has placed a negative outlook on the global reinsurance sector since August 2014. It has cited market conditions which may hinder opportunities for positive rating actions, which eventually may become negative rating pressures.






Brexit has certainly shaken things up for the insurance industry with a host of top names setting up new European subsidiaries amid the threat of losing their passporting rights once Britain officially exits the EU. The likes of Lloyds of London, Beazley and Markel were among the early movers  and now we can add a new name to that list. Tokio Marine Group has today revealed that it will set up an insurance company in Luxembourg to write European business.According to a release issued this morning, the firm has started the process with the Commissariat aux Assurances (CAA) to apply for regulatory approval in the tiny European country. Its aim is to ensure that subsidiaries such as Tokio Marine HCC and Tokio Marine Kiln can continue to operate comfortably throughout the European Economic Area regardless of the outcome of Brexit negotiations.Luxembourg is at the centre of Europe and hosts some of its most important institutions, said Barry Cook, CEO of Tokio Marine HCC International Holding. The country is focused on supporting the financial service industry and its regulator has an experienced, robust and pragmatic approach. Post-Brexit, Luxembourg is likely to become an important market place for property and casualty insurance in Europe and we are looking forward to contributing to that new development.The firm hopes to have the new insurance company incorporated and capitalised within the first half of 2018 with branches across Europe supported by the existing UK and EU operations.Luxembourg is an excellent base for us and we are excited about the opportunities this new company presents, added Charles Franks, CEO of Tokio Marine Kiln. Most importantly, this decision ensures it will be business as usual for our customers when the UK leaves the EU, providing them with a stable, long term solution. The new company will complement our Lloyds platform operation in the EU which will be written through the Lloyds European Subsidiary in Brussels. Access to these two platforms will allow us to maintain our commitment to our clients and our innovative approach to product development in Europe.
Hurricane Irma could put a strain on Floridas private flood insurance market  a market many say is a model for making flood insurance affordable in high-risk areas across the country.Floridas private flood insurance market is still small, representing just a fraction of the flood policies in the state. If Hurricane Irma hits the state, all eyes will be on these private insurers to see how they perform.Its a new breed of insurance in Florida, Loretta Worters, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, told Reuters. You have these companies that have never been tested for flood. Well have to see how it works.Most Americans in flood-prone areas get their flood insurance through the government-backed National Flood Insurance Program. But that program, set to expire Sept. 30 unless Congress acts, is $24.6 billion in debt, Reuters reported. And that highlights a problem  flood risk is so high that flood insurance is too expensive for many insurers to sell.However, a 2014 state law simplified the process of setting premium prices in Florida. That opened the state up for private insurers to sell different types of flood policies, Reuters reported. And some NFIP-reform advocates want federal regulations that will encourage more Americans to buy private flood policies. Others argue that private insurers would only cover the most profitable risks and dump the rest on the NFIP, Reuters reported.There are more than a million homes in Florida that are at risk of storm-surge damage and arent covered by flood insurance, according to data from CoreLogic. Those homes, while in the states riskiest metro areas for flood, arent in areas that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated as having the highest flood risk. That designation would trigger a requirement to buy flood insurance in order to get a mortgage, Reuters reported.The only way to address that insured risk is to have the private market participate, Jay Neal, head of the Florida Association for Insurance Reform, told Reuters.Right now there are about 30 insurers  including Chubb , American International Group and Progressive  offering private flood insurance in Florida. As of June 30, the state had more than 20,000 private flood policies in effect.
Recent studies show that while current safety systems in automobiles are living up to their potential, the drivers that use such systems may be less vigilant or more easily distracted.Two studies were conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) looking into the effectiveness of technology that prevents cars from drifting into another lane, and systems that warn drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.The first study, related to the lane-keeping systems, found that between 2009 and 2015 (when the technology was sold as optional for vehicle models of those years) the systems lowered rates of single-vehicle, sideswipe and head-on crashes of all severities by 11%, as well as crashes of those types in which there were injuries, by 21%.Although there were only 40 fatal crashes in the data, and researchers utilized a simplified analysis that did not account for differences in drivers ages, genders, insurance risk and other potential crash factors, it was found that lane-keeping technology reduced fatal crash rates by 86%.Now we have evidence that this technology really can save lives and has the potential to prevent thousands of deaths once its on every vehicle, IIHS vice-president for research Jessica Cicchino told The Associated Press.The second study, this time on blind-spot detection systems, found that the systems lowered the rate of all lane-change crashes by 14%, as well as the rate of such crashes with injuries, by 23%.While the results of these studies are promising, other studies show that drivers are too reliant on the systems over what they can see with their own eyes.Another study by the IIHS, together with the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys AgeLab, found that drivers using automated systems that help scan for parking spots spend more time looking at their dashboard displays than at the actual parking spot. Drivers with vehicles equipped with blind-spot monitoring technology have also told researchers that they sometimes do not look behind them when changing lanes because they rely on the safety systems for guidance.Its still possible that there are some crashes that are happening that wouldnt have happened before because people are now behaving in different ways, Cicchino explained.[It is] critical that drivers understand the capabilities and, more importantly, the limitations of the safety technology in their vehicle before getting behind the wheel, commented Automobile Association of America director of automotive engineering Greg Brannon.
One of the great challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey will be the number of uninsured victims. According to an Associated Press report, Houstons Harris County actually had 25,000 fewer active flood insurance policies when Harvey slammed into the city than it did five years before.So why, in a flood plain, were there so many uninsured homeowners? According to one expert, its because our brains simply arent wired to buy enough insurance.It turns out that lots of types of insurance are like flood insurance, Bloomberg economics editor Peter Coy wrote in an editorial for Bloomberg Businessweek. People dont buy enough coverage unless theyre required to.Coy pointed out that the government requires private citizens to carry many kinds of insurance: auto insurance is legally required in nearly every state, and flood insurance is federally mandated for properties located in areas with a high risk of flooding.The government has a right  in fact, a duty to taxpayers  to insist that people take care of themselves by carrying adequate insurance, rather than throwing themselves on the mercy of the government when something goes wrong, Coy wrote.Coy wrote that since people generally wouldnt buy enough insurance on their own, the government should mandate more coverage.Coming back to flood insurance, the problem is not that theres a mandate but that the mandate isnt broad enough, Coy wrote. Plus, premiums are too low, which is why the National Flood Insurance Program keeps losing money, as the Congressional Budget Office stated again on September 01. Higher premiums and a broader mandate wouldnt just benefit taxpayers. They would send a signal to homeowners: If you want to live here, go ahead, but you could save yourself a lot of money by moving to higher ground.
Mr. Eiji Yasuda, Que Vo Factory Manager of Canon Vietnam Co., Ltd, directly handed over 140 new bikes to underprivileged pupils who have excellent academic results, are living in poor families, far from the school or without means of transportation. The new bikes (worth VND170 million) will help them to go to school safely and more conveniently.

Specifically, 100 new bicycles will be transferred to four new schools under the 2017 project including Hiep Hoa No.2 high school (Hiep Hoa district), Cam Ly high school (Luc Nam district), Viet Tien secondary school (Viet Yen district), Xuong Lam secondary school (Lang Giang district), while the other 40 bicycles will come to Tu Mai secondary school (Yen Dung district), Dong Tan secondary school (Hiep Hoa district), Tien Son secondary school (Viet Yen district) and Lang Giang No.3 high school (Lang Giang district) who are beneficiaries of the 2016 project.













Photos: Vu Thuy

On this occasion, the Japanese company also presented a Canon printer to Cam Ly high school, hoping to improve the training quality for teachers and pupils.

Pupils are the future of each nation. Education development plays an important role. Canon Vietnam understands this issue, and wishes to bring the best things for pupils in particular and Vietnamese society in general. I do hope these new bikes will be used effectively, safely and durably, said Mr Eiji Yasuda.

Also in September 2017, Canon Vietnam is scheduled to present 140 bikes to 11 schools in Tien Du, Gia Binh and Luong Tai districts of the Northern Bac Ninh province.

So far, the program has already presented 1,295 bicycles to pupils in 50 schools of 13 districts in Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces, with the hope of assisting more pupils on the way to school, overcoming difficulties in daily life, for the common development of themselves, their families and the society./.
Tokio Marine Group announced that it is seeking regulatory approval to establish an insurance company in Luxembourg, to be prepared for Brexit.

Through several of its subsidiaries, principally Tokio Marine HCC and Tokio Marine Kiln, the group has been active in the European Economic Area (EEA) for decades, the company said.

This new insurance company will ensure that regardless of the potential outcome of the current Brexit negotiations, Tokio Marine will be able to continue servicing its clients in the EEA and offer a smooth transition.

Subject to regulatory approval, Tokio Marine is aiming to have the new insurance company incorporated and capitalized within the first half of 2018. The new company will have branches across Europe, and will be supported by the existing UK and EU group operations.

The company intends to write all business classes that are currently offered by Tokio Marine in Europe.

Luxembourg is at the center of Europe and hosts some of its most important institutions. The country is focused on supporting the financial service industry and its regulator has an experienced, robust and pragmatic approach, said Barry Cook, CEO of Tokio Marine HCC International Holding.

Post-Brexit, Luxembourg is likely to become an important market place for property and casualty insurance in Europe and we are looking forward to contributing to that new development, he added.

Luxembourg is an excellent base for us and we are excited about the opportunities this new company presents. Most importantly, this decision ensures it will be business as usual for our customers when the UK leaves the EU, providing them with a stable, long term solution, affirmed Charles Franks, CEO of Tokio Marine Kiln.

The new company will complement our Lloyds platform operation in the EU which will be written through the Lloyds European subsidiary in Brussels. Access to these two platforms will allow us to maintain our commitment to our clients and our innovative approach to product development in Europe, Franks continued.

Source: Tokio Marine Group

Topics Europe
State Auto Financial Corp., based in Columbus, Ohio, has named Kim B. Garland as senior vice president, commercial lines; and Jason E. Berkey as senior vice president, personal lines.

Garland joined the company as senior vice president, standard lines, in 2015, with responsibility for all personal lines business. In his new role leading commercial lines, Garland will remain responsible for farm and ranch, and will continue serving as managing director of State Auto Labs.

Prior to joining State Auto, Garland was chief product officer of AIGs consumer division. He previously helped lead the restructuring of United Guaranty, AIGs mortgage insurance company, as its COO and later CEO. He also managed the personal auto business at Safeco and started their innovation company, Open Seas Solutions.

Garland is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS). He replaces Jessica E. Clark, who departed the company in May 2017.

Berkey most recently served as State Autos vice president of homeowners product management, a role he held since joining the company in 2015. He previously served as chief pricing actuary for AIGs Global Consumer Business, and as chief actuary and chief risk officer at United Guaranty. He was also a manager of commercial lines pricing at Liberty Mutual.

Berkey is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS) and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).

Source: State Auto Financial Corp.

Topics Auto Commercial Lines
The Trump administrations plan to slash spending on getting people to sign up for Obamacare will further undermine the laws already fragile health insurance markets, according to health experts, insurers and people who helped implement the law.

Last Thursday, the Health and Human Services department said it would cut the Affordable Care Acts advertising budget by 90 percent, to $10 million, and would also reduce spending on groups that help customers find the appropriate insurance plan. The administration called the cuts necessary reductions for programs that have run their course and arent efficient.

Experts who have studied the law or helped run it say otherwise, and that such drastic reductions look more like efforts to let the program wither, as Trump has threatened, two months before sign-ups open.

It seems perfectly appropriate to review outreach efforts and see if they can be done more efficiently, but these cuts are quite large, said Larry Levitt, a senior vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation, a health research group. Theres no doubt that cuts to outreach and advertising will result in more people uninsured.

Obamcares markets, similar to other insurance pools, are designed around the idea that healthy peoples premiums help subsidize the sick. Advertising helps attract those healthy people, said Sarah Gollust, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health whos studied the effects of marketing the health law.

If the health-insurance marketplace ends up with more sicker people relative to healthier people, premiums would rise  sending healthier people out of the marketplace and further exacerbating the problem of high costs for everyone, Gollust said in an email.

Ineffective Ads?

The Trump administration said the Obamacare ads are ineffective. Entering the laws fifth year of providing coverage, most people who would sign up are already aware of the law, administration officials told reporters on a call Thursday.

Judging effectiveness by the amount of money spent and not the results achieved is irresponsible and unhelpful to the American people, said Caitlin Oakley, an HHS spokeswoman. Health insurance sign-ups under the law are scheduled to start on Nov. 1. This year, there are 12.2 million people enrolled in Obamacare plans through the state- and federal-run insurance markets.

Administration officials pointed to the fact that for 2017, even as spending on ads rose, enrollment ended up lower. The Trump administration, however, withdrew about $5 million of ads at the end of the 2017 sign-up period, which likely contributed to the enrollment decline.

More Work to Do

Joshua Peck, who helped run the healthcare.gov website thats one of the main places people sign up for coverage, said that past study found the ads effective. Many potential enrollees werent aware of the program, he said.

Why does Coca-Cola still advertise? said Peck, the former chief marketing officer for the health website. There was a tremendous amount of documented evidence of the efficiency of these dollars.

Democrats, who have opposed President Donald Trumps calls to repeal or destabilize the law, criticized the move.

SABOTAGE, tweeted Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, minutes after the announcement.

Certainly, its not going to help, Colorado Democratic Governor John Hickenlooper said in an interview on Bloomberg TV. What we all agree is, we want more people in the insurance pools because that drives down the premiums.

The health insurance industrys trade group in Washington, Americas Health Insurance Plans, also said effective federal support for the law was necessary.

Effective education ensures that consumers understand their coverage options and encourages broader participation of healthy individuals, said Kristine Grow, a spokeswoman for the insurance group.

Meanwhile, states that run their own enrollment markets have already been spending their own money on promotion. California, for example, has proposed spending more than $100 million on getting people to sign up for next year.

Fundamental Issues

Joe Antos, a healthcare scholar at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said the administration was right to cut the spending. The law has struggles beyond the issue of advertising, he said  health insurers have pulled out of the markets, and the ones that stayed in are in many cases raising premiums.

Everybody thats going to sign up on the exchanges has already signed up, Antos said. Without substantial change in the way the ACA operates, thats not going to change.

Trump has called the law a failure, and has said the threat of the laws demise could force Democrats to negotiate with him. Earlier this year, Republicans failed to repeal much of the law and replace it with their own, more limited program.

As I have always said, let ObamaCare fail and then come together and do a great healthcare plan. Stay tuned! Trump tweeted on July 18, about 10 days before the GOP repeal bill was scrapped after losing a key vote in the Senate.

The $10 million left in the advertising budget will go to digital media, email, and text messages, since those methods have proven the most effective in reaching existing and new enrollees, said the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees much of the Affordable Care Act.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
The National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint against the digital on-demand platform Handy Technologies Inc., alleging that workers who provide its home cleaning services are employees despite the companys claims to the contrary.

The case is one of the first in which the agency is directly addressing under what circumstances a sharing-economy companys control over its workers makes it their legal employer - an issue on which its approach could soon change under Republican leadership.

The complaint, issued last Monday by the agencys Boston-based regional director and provided to Bloomberg by the workers attorney, alleges that Handy has misclassified its cleaners as independent contractors, while they are in fact statutory employees who are entitled to the protections of federal labor law.

The case concerns workers who are trying to bring wage and hour class-action claims against Handy and who argue the company is violating their rights as employees by trying to force them into arbitration instead. Unless there is a settlement, it now heads to an administrative law judge, and from there could be appealed to the labor boards presidentially appointed members, and then into federal court.

Handy said it was confident of winning. The professionals using our platform are independent contractors  a fact which has been consistently upheld in similar cases ruled on at the federal court level, Brian Miller, Handys general counsel, said in an e-mailed statement. We hope this complaint draws attention to the need for better legislation, rather than litigation that hurts professionals and their customers across Handy and other on-demand services.

The NLRB declined to comment.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics USA
Wells Fargo & Co.s disclosure Thursday that employees may have opened significantly more unauthorized accounts than previously stated could jeopardize a $142 million class-action settlement with customers that won preliminary approval from a judge in July.

The scandal that helped hasten the lawsuit came to light almost a year ago, after regulators slapped Wells Fargo with fines of $185 million over its sales practices. Afterward, lawmakers called congressional hearings, and the bank named new leaders, clawed back executives pay and began an overhaul of its retail division. Wells Fargos stock lagged, and it lost its title as the worlds most valuable bank.

The settlement agreement seemed to indicate a point of resolution for the San Francisco-based lender, after it admitted its bankers may have created millions of fraudulent accounts. Yet with the banks higher estimate for such accounts  a new tally this week found an additional 1.4 million, 67 percent more than before  the calculus may have changed.

When a San Francisco federal judge gave preliminary approval to the settlement, it included the caveat that further scrutiny will still be required to consider the breadth and depth of the pact. From the perspective of affected customers, the bank has changed its story and been linked to too many more scandals in the past year for its latest contention about the depth of the scam to be trusted, said Steven Christensen, a lawyer for some of the plaintiffs.

Real Numbers

Wells Fargo is not going to roll over and give up its real numbers, and their admission that they had more fake accounts all along just confirms that, said Christensen, who represents about 70 bank customers in Utah. Until a court compels Wells Fargo to turn it all over, well never know what really happened.

Attorneys are preparing written objections to the settlement, which they may file in the next 15 to 30 days, said Scott Wert, an attorney for five people in Texas.

The external review into more than 165 million deposit and credit-card accounts brought the total estimate of bogus ones to about 3.5 million, the bank said Thursday in a statement. The revised estimate covers January 2009 to September 2016, almost twice as long as the initial examination. When it fined the bank a year ago, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered Wells Fargo to identify all customers affected by its sales misconduct.

The new review doesnt go back as far as 2002, the year executives first knew about the wrongdoing and fired employees over it, according to investigators hired by the companys board. That leaves customers who mightve been harmed before 2009 uncounted and not included in the banks $10.7 million remediation efforts.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Sloan told reporters on a conference call Thursday that customers who may have had accounts taken out in their names before 2009 are covered by the class-action settlement. The issue of going back further is really mitigated by the fact that the Jabbari settlement goes back to 2002, Sloan said, referring to the lawsuit by its case name.

Data Quality

Sloan said the quality of the banks data before 2009 prevents it from examining earlier periods. The challenge that we all have is that the farther you go back in time, the quality of the data tends to decline a bit, he told reporters.

He said Wells Fargo began its evaluation period in 2009 because thats when it merged with Wachovia Corp. As part of the settlement, the bank will reach out to affected customers, plus others. We think weve covered the landscape, he said.

Jim Seitz, a bank spokesman, declined to elaborate on what deficiencies may exist in the accounts data before 2009. He said that given the limitations older records present for data analysis, Wells Fargo believes the settlement is the best way to remediate these customers without delay.

Seitz added that in addition to joining the lawsuit, customers harmed during years the review didnt cover can go through the banks enhanced complaints resolution process or free mediation services.

Yet the seven years discrepancy raises questions for plaintiffs attorneys about what a detailed investigation into bank records might divulge in those earlier years. Wells Fargo expanded its review after Washington lawmakers lambasted the company following former CEO John Stumpfs testimony last September about the sales practices.

Even so, the attorneys representing customers of Wells Fargo arent all on the same page. Lawyers at Keller Rohrback LLP, who sued the bank even before its September 2016 admission, urged the judge in April to approve the settlement, saying the bank had divulged enough information to support it.

Keller Rohrback and one of its attorneys on the case, Derek Loeser, didnt respond to calls and emails seeking comment after the banks announcement Thursday.

With plaintiffs divided on the way forward, the settlement could still win final approval when U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria considers the matter on Jan. 4. The question before him could be over how many of the account holders plan to opt out of the settlement and pursue separate litigation.

If its approved, the class-action settlement would cover reimbursement of wrongly charged fees, credit-damage relief and cash compensation. Plaintiffs attorneys have capped their fees at 15 percent of the deal value  as much as $21 million of the $142 million settlement total.

The case is Jabbari v. Wells Fargo & Co., 15-cv-02159, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco).

Topics Lawsuits
Global insurance broker Hub International Limited (HUB) has named Marc Cohen, currently president, as president and chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2018. He will also be a member of the board of directors. Cohen will be succeeding as CEO and continue to report to Martin P. Hughes, who will continue to serve as executive chairman, HUB.

As president and CEO, Cohen will be responsible for the financial strategy, including directing organic sales and mergers and acquisitions activity. Hell be driving from an already strong position. HUB is forecasted to end 2017 with $2 billion in revenue, aided by a record-setting number of M&A deals and an organic growth rate of 4.6 percent through the first seven months of 2017.

Cohen has been with HUB for more than three decades. He was named president of HUB in January 2017, replacing Richard Gulliver. Cohen was previously regional president of HUBs East region, where he was responsible for nearly tripling the regions revenues and completing 25 acquisitions.

Cohen began his insurance career, entering the training program at HUB International Group Northeast (HUB NE), after college in 1988. He became a vice president in 1994 and a senior vice president in 1997. In 1999 he was appointed president of Program Brokerage Corp. and Claims Administration Corp., HUB NEs wholesale insurance subsidiary and claims management divisions, respectively. Simultaneously, he was named president of Old Lyme Insurance Co. of Rhode Island, a HUB NE underwriting subsidiary that was subsequently sold. In those positions, he was responsible for all aspects of the firms program management and wholesale activities. In January 2004, Cohen was named president and CEO of HUB NE and Program Brokerage Corp.

As president, Cohen has been focused on growth opportunities, including employee benefits in Canada and 401(k) retirement planning in the U.S. He has also played a key role in maintaining HUBs position as a strategic partner for carriers, wholesalers and managing general agencies.
Hurricane Irma could test a nascent private flood insurance market in Florida that some advocates say is a model for making U.S. flood coverage more affordable and commonplace in high-risk areas.

Floridas private flood insurance market represents a tiny sliver of all flood policies in the state, but if a hurricane does hit Florida later this week, policyholders, industry and the federal government will see how private insurance performs in one of the countrys largest flood-prone markets.

Its a new breed of insurance in Florida, said Loretta Worters, a spokeswoman for the Insurance Information Institute, an industry-funded communications group. You have these companies that have never been tested for flood. Well have to see how it works.

Even before Hurricane Harvey triggered massive flooding in Texas last week, U.S. lawmakers were looking at alternatives to the indebted government-backed model of flood insurance.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which owes $24.6 billion to the U.S. Treasury, is set to expire on September 30. It is the only source of flood insurance for most Americans because the risk of flooding is so high it makes it too costly for typical insurers to sell.

A Florida law in 2014 simplified the process for setting premium prices, enabling private insurers to sell different types of flood policies in the state, opening up the market.

Private Insurers Cautiously Dip Toes Into Florida Flood Market Waters

Some advocates for reforming the program are pushing for additional changes to U.S. regulations that they say will spur more Americans to buy private coverage including making private flood policies suitable as a condition for home loans.

Some flood reform advocates, however, argue against letting private flood insurers into the market, because they say they will cherrypick the most profitable risks and leave the NFIP to deal with the rest.

Florida has more than 1.7 million NFIP policies in force, representing about 35 percent of all NFIP policies, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and Federal Emergency Management Agency data.

But more than one million homes at risk for storm surge damage in six of Floridas riskiest metropolitan areas are not covered by flood insurance, according to an analysis of data from analytics firm Corelogic by the FAIR Foundation, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based non-profit group involved with flood policy issues.

That is because the homes are located in areas that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has not designated as having the highest flood risk, a designation that triggers the mortgage requirement to buy insurance, said Jay Neal, FAIR Foundation president and chief executive officer.

The only way to address that insured risk is to have the private market participate, said Neal, who also heads the Florida Association for Insurance Reform, a coalition of insurers and other business groups.

Insurers see opportunity in that untapped market. Nearly 30 insurers are offering various types of private flood insurance coverage in Florida, including units of American International Group Inc, Chubb Ltd. Progressive Corp. and HCI Group Inc., according to the regulators website.

Insurers are buying reinsurance from companies such as Renaissance Re, Validus Re and XL Catlin to hedge the risk.

More than 20,000 private market flood policies were in force in Florida as of June 30, said Floridas insurance regulator.

Hurricane Harveys punishing blows to Houston has spawned interest in private flood insuranceamong Floridians, even before the chances of Hurricane Irma hitting Florida increased, said Josh Butts, and insurance agent who owns Cornerstone Insurance Inc in Tampa.

Weve sold more flood insurance during the last week because of what happened in Texas than we have during a storm in Florida, Butts said.

(Reporting by Suzanne Barlyn; editing by Carmel Crimmins)

Related:

Topics Carriers Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Florida Legislation Flood Hurricane
A fire chief and three other volunteer firefighters are facing arson charges in Kentucky.

Kentucky State Police said in a news release Friday that the arson charges stem from a fire in an empty building in Crofton on Aug. 20.

The state police agency says 27-year-old Crofton Fire Chief Jeremy P. Marlar has been arrested on charges of arson and official misconduct.

Firemen Glen R. Mcgee, Dakota S. Oglesby and Dylan M. Hodge also have been arrested on arson charges. Officials say McGee is 23 years old and Oglesby and Hodge are both 18.

All four men were being held in the Christian County Detention Center. It was not immediately clear if they had lawyers Saturday.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Kentucky
A Florida police chief has been fired just more than a year after one of his officers accidentally shot and killed a woman during a citizens academy exercise.

Punta Gorda City Manager Howard Kunik announced Tom Lewis termination on the citys website Aug. 30 after an internal investigation. It found a casual approach to citizen safety during demonstrations and a non-standardized approach that created unnecessary risk for everyone involved.

Authorities say former Officer Lee Coel mistakenly shot and killed 73-year-old Mary Knowlton during a role-playing scenario last August. Lewis, as Coels boss, had been charged with misdemeanor culpable negligence, but a jury acquitted him in June. Kunik says the internal investigation began immediately after the trial.

Coel has been charged with manslaughter, though no trial date has been set.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Florida Law Enforcement
Calling Hawaii a state as well as a state of mind, a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the maker of Kona craft beer of misleading consumers into believing the beer was actually made in the 50th U.S. state, causing them to overpay.

A decision issued byU.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman in San Jose, Calif., said the plaintiffs could pursue claims for damages over Craft Brew Alliance Inc.s packaging for six- and 12-packs of Kona.

Freeman said that while the defendants use of the phrase Liquid Aloha and images such as hula dancers, surfers and volcanoes was acceptable, other images could prove problematic.

She said this was despite a disclaimer on Kona packaging saying the beer was brewed in New Hampshire, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington state, as well as Hawaii.

The Hawaiian address, the map of Hawaii identifying Konas brewery on the Big Island, and the statement visit our brewery and pubs whenever you are in Hawaii  are specific and measurable representations of fact that could deceive a reasonable consumer, Freeman wrote.

Freeman also said the disclaimer left a reasonable consumer with no way to tell where such Kona beers as Big Wave Golden Ale, Castaway IPA and Wailua Wheat were brewed.

Lawyers for Craft Brew Alliance and a company spokeswoman did not immediately respond on Tuesday to requests for comment.

The Portland, Oregon-based company also owns the Redhook and Widmer Brothers brands, among others, and is nearly one-third owned by an affiliate of Anheuser-Busch InBev NV.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case is one of several lawsuits accusing beer producers of deceptive marketing.

In 2015, Anheuser won U.S. court approval for a roughly $20 million settlement of claims it tricked consumers into thinking its St. Louis-brewed Becks beer was actually a German pilsner.

The case is Broomfield et al v Craft Brew Alliance Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 17-01027.

(Reporting by Stempel in New York; Editing by Dan Grebler)

Related:

Suit Filed in California Says Kona Co. Dupes Those Seeking Hawaii-Made Beer

Topics Lawsuits USA
FIA race director Charlie Whiting says an Argentine GP could return to F1's calendar as promoters consider renovation Buenos Aires' former Grand Prix circuit.

Whiting visited the track over the summer to provide an evaluation to local promoters about the requirements necessary to bring the venue up to modern F1 standards.

"I was asked to go to see what would need to be done to bring it back up to Formula One standards," Whiting told Canal F1 Latam in Italy.

"I had a good look around the track, wrote a comprehensive report about what I felt needed to be done."

"Now of course its up to the potential promoters to see if they can actually get that done."

Argentina and Buenos Aires first hosted an F1 race back in 1954 but the event disappeared from the calendar for over a decade before Grand Prix racing returned to the Autodromo Ocsar y Juan Galvezity in 1972.

It left again in 1981 but was back on the calendar in 1995, for a four-race period. The track's configuration was changed over the years, with the 5.9km long layout used in the seventies eventually shortened to 4.2km when the race fell off the schedule in 1998.

Whiting believes the long configuration could be revived if F1 returns to Argentina.

"As youd expect with any track that hasnt had Formula 1 for 20 years there are a few things to be done," he said.

"But nothing massive. Youd expect it to be resurfaced, youd need probably new walls and things like that put in it."

"But I think the main thing would be to make the track more interesting by using some of the old, very long circuit.

"And I think thats what would make it really a super track for F1 if it can be done. The plan, or the proposed plan, is to make a much faster circuit than we used back in the late nineties. Im sure they could have a race in 2019."

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Un ottobre da sogno per Antonio Conte: lex ct della Nazionale italiana, attualmente alla guida del Chelsea, nelle ultime quattro gare di Premier League ha collezionato solo successi, conditi da 11 reti segnate e addirittura nessuna incassata. Numeri da record che non sono certo passati inosservati alla Federazione inglese, la quale ha conferito al tecnico leccese lambito premio di Manager del mese.

Unavventura oltremanica iniziata in sordina, quella di Conte, pur a fronte di tre vittorie nelle prime tre gare di campionato. A far vacillare, anche se solo per un momento, le certezze del patron del club londinese, Roman Abramovich, i risultati conseguiti tra la 4a e la 6a giornata, coincisi con un pareggio sul campo dello Swansea City e, soprattutto, con le due pesanti sconfitte subite dal Liverpool, sul terreno casalingo di Stamford Bridge, e dallArsenal. In particolare, la debacle interna coi Reds, aveva irritato non poco il numero uno russo, poiche occorsa proprio nel giorno della sua 250esima partita da presidente della societa.

Come detto, solo un momento. Dopo lincontro dellEmirates, il tecnico salentino cambia modulo, adottando un piu equilibrato 3-4-3 e inserendo elementi di corsa come lo spagnolo Pedro. Una svolta totale perche, di li in poi, il Chelsea inanellera solo e soltanto vittorie: 2 gol allHull City e al Southampton in trasferta, 3 ai campioni dInghilterra del Leicester e 4 allo United in casa, con un meraviglioso numero zero nella casella delle reti subite. Un fantastico poker, ottenuto tra l1 e il 29 ottobre. Un cambio di marcia sbalorditivo, confermato dal 5 a 0 rifilato ai toffees dellEverton nel primo match di novembre, e una scalata che, man mano, ha portato i blues al secondo posto in classifica, a soli 2 punti dal Liverpool capolista.

E allora, non poteva mancare il riconoscimento di migliore allenatore del mese, ottenuto surclassando tecnici del calibro di Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) e Mark Hughes (Southampton). Tanta, ovviamente, la soddisfazione: E un grande onore e voglio condividerlo con i giocatori e con la societa  ha dichiarato Conte sul sito ufficiale della Premier League -. E la prima volta che lavoro in un altro Paese, con una cultura diversa, e portare la propria filosofia non e facile, ma ora sono contento di questa scelta.

A completare la festa, la premiazione del fantasista belga, Eden Hazard, come miglior giocatore di ottobre. Due risultati importanti per il club, ottimo incentivo per la rincorsa al trono dei campioni, occupato dal Leicester di Ranieri. Il prossimo appuntamento per l11 di Conte sara al Riverside Stadium, tana del Middlesborough neopromosso. Il tempo di festeggiare e gia finito.
Ancora un paio di giorni di studio e poi la aule e i corridoi delle scuole superiori di tutta Italia torneranno a riempirsi per lesame di Maturita. Migliaia di studenti affrontano questi giorni tra ansia e voglia di togliersi il dente il prima possibile. Come di consueto, in vista della prova di italiano, e scattato il toto tema. Sul web non mancano voci e indiscrezioni. Negli ultimi anni spesso i siti specializzati (come Skuola.net e Studenti.it) hanno azzeccato le previsioni. Ma fino al 21 giugno  giorno in cui suonera la prima campanella  nulla puo essere dato per scontato.

Gli ultimi rumor mettono in cima ai pronostici Pirandello, le stragi di mafia, il terrorismo e lUnione Europea. Secondo un sondaggio di Skuola.net tra 2.500 candidati, lo scrittore siciliano e al momento lopzione piu probabile (23%) per lanalisi del testo. Gli unici a tenergli testa sono Giuseppe Ungaretti (all11%) ed Eugenio Montale (10%). Perde terreno, invece, lipotesi Dario Fo: se fino a qualche tempo fa era in terza posizione oggi e slittato all8% di preferenze.

Nella categoria personaggi famosi in appena un mese guadagnano dieci punti percentuali, dal 28% al 38%, Giovanni Falcone e Paolo Borsellino. Nel toto-tracce dei maturandi spuntano due temi di stampo storico politico: da un lato i 60 anni dalla firma dei Trattati di Roma, che ottiene il 21% di consensi confermandosi in prima posizione, dallaltro i 70 dalla firma della Costituzione italiana (oggi al 16%).

Quanto alla traccia dattualita, largomento terrorismo pare offuscare tutto il resto con quotazioni al 33% (quattro settimane fa era appena al 20%). La seconda posizione (10%) se la aggiudica lelezione di Donald Trump.

A ridosso degli esami tra i maturandi rimangono tuttavia perplessita su alcuni dettagli. Almeno a guardare i risultati di un altro sondaggio di Skuola.net. Se circa il 10% non conosce esattamente la data di inizio degli esami di maturita e il 50% sbaglia lorario di partenza degli scritti, infatti, quasi 1 su 5 non sa che il tempo a disposizione per svolgere il tema di italiano e di 6 ore. E poi solo il 56% dei maturandi a sapere che ogni candidato ha la possibilita di portare con se il dizionario della lingua italiana insieme a quello dei sinonimi e contrari.

Tra i maturandi dello scientifico interpellati, solo circa 2 su 5 sono a conoscenza di quali strumenti possono portare con se il giorno dello scritto di indirizzo: calcolatrice tascabile o scientifica e  novita di questanno  la grafica (purche non si connetta a internet e non sia dotata di Cas). Tutti gli altri perderanno un potente alleato. Cosi come i ragazzi del classico, che nel 70% dei casi ignorano di poter posizionare sul banco sia il vocabolario di Latino sia il dizionario di Italiano. Passando al capitolo divieti, il 5% degli studenti pensa che se verra beccato a usare lo smartphone se la cavera con un semplice rimprovero, mentre il 47% e dellopinione che venga solo annullata la prova in svolgimento. La realta  come sa bene circa il 48%  e che per chi viene sorpreso a usare smartphone, tablet o apparecchi similari e prevista lesclusione da tutte le prove.
SEATTLE, WA - September 6, 2017 (Investorideas.com Newswire) SinglePoint, Inc. (OTC:SING) announces the acquisition of Dr. FeelGood, a profitable cannabis distribution company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. FeelGood is a leading distribution company with expansion plans to add proprietary delivery and ordering technology application. Per the agreement terms, SinglePoint will acquire fifty-one percent (51%) of the company in a combination of cash and stock, which will allow SinglePoint to recognize all revenue. The acquisition will add an additional revenue stream to SinglePoint, solidifying the company's revenue-by-acquisition strategy.

Dr. FeelGood represents the third acquisition of the year for SinglePoint. This move provides SinglePoint with additional revenue, as well as team members that have been actively working in the cannabis industry for many years. The founders of Dr. FeelGood have established a plan to develop a proprietary mobile application that will enhance the user experience and streamline the company's operations. The companies look to release this app in the next 90 days; once completed they will be able to license this technology to other distribution companies all over the United States.

As SinglePoint continues to grow its portfolio in the cannabis industry, the broader marijuana market continues to grow as well. A report by the Cannabist (2016) shows that the cannabis industry will report a steady growth pattern in the coming decade. Based on the research, the market will be worth over $20 billion by 2025, more than double its current estimate. Based on data from the New Frontier (2014), the legal cannabis market enjoys a compound annual growth of 29%.

SinglePoint CEO Greg Lambrecht states, "We are very excited for the success of this acquisition. The acquisition of Dr. FeelGood is the third acquisition of the year. SinglePoint's revenue has dramatically increased, which through the acquisition of DIGS Hydro and Convectium has increased 378x compared to the first quarter of 2017. SinglePoint is in a better position than it has ever been before. We are well capitalized to continue acquisitions and we are optimistic to complete additional acquisitions and very optimistic to significantly increase the company revenue."

Dr. FeelGood has a wide variety of products that are distributed both B2B and B2C. Owners Scott Riley and Jeff Clevenger have over 30 years of experience in building and scaling businesses, including the last six years running a cannabis distribution business. The two will continue to run day-to-day operations of Dr. FeelGood with plans to expand the business and license the brand in additional states. The acquisition offer comes at a time when the industry is rapidly expanding. In fact, reports suggest that the marijuana market in the United States is growing faster than the smartphone and the tablet industry (PR News, 2017). As the market continues to expand weekly, Dr. FeelGood has a positive looking future. According to Forbes (2016), polls show that more Americans are in support for the legalizing of marijuana as it becomes continually popular for both recreation and medical reasons.

"This is a big moment for Dr. FeelGood. We know we can grow this business and with the capital and support of SinglePoint this growth will happen quicker. The introductions they have put together already are immensely positive for us and once solidified will exponentially increase our footprint in the market," states Scott Riley of Dr. FeeGood

Simultaneously, SinglePoint and Dr. FeelGood are collaborating on a delivery platform. SinglePoint will utilize its location-based delivery application and add additional features such as a directory and ordering system to directly compete with Leafly and WeedMaps. Dr. FeelGood already had plans to build the app and with SinglePoint's head start, the company will be able to utilize the app much sooner and supply to parties that have already expressed interest.

About the Company

SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) has grown from a full-service mobile technology provider to a publicly traded holding company. Through diversification into horizontal markets, SinglePoint is building its portfolio by acquiring an interest in undervalued subsidiaries, thereby providing a rich, diversified holding base. Through its subsidiary company SingleSeed the company is providing products and services to the cannabis industry.

Connect on social media at:

www.facebook.com/SinglePointMobile

www.twitter.com/_SinglePoint_

www.linkedin.com/company-beta/165982/

For more information visit: www.SinglePoint.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the Company, 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.

Technical complications, which may arise, could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The Company undertakes no duty to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Contact:

SinglePoint, Inc.

Greg Lambrecht

602.481.1544

Disclosure: SinglePoint, Inc. (OTC: $SING) is featured on the 420 Cannabis Investor Ideas of 2017 at www.420cannabisinvestorideas.com

SinglePoint, Inc. (OTC: SING) is a featured company on Investorideas.com

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Additional info regarding BC Residents and global Investors: Effective September 15 2008 - all BC investors should review all OTC and Pink sheet listed companies for adherence in new disclosure filings and filing appropriate documents with Sedar. Read for more info: http://www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894. Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country.
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San Diego, CA - November 9, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) GBT Technologies Inc. (OTC PINK: GTCH) with GBT Tokenize Corp. ("GBT/Tokenize") received a notice of allowance for its facial and body recognition non-provisional patent application.

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Breaking EV Stock News: Mullen (NASDAQ: MULN) Enters into Agreement with Newgate Motor Group, one of Ireland's most Recognized Auto Groups, to Distribute the Mullen I-GOTM in Ireland and United Kingdom

BREA, Calif. - November 9, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, announces today that it has entered into an agreement to appoint Newgate Motor Group, one of Ireland's most recognized dealership groups, as marketing, sales, distribution and servicing agent for the Mullen I-GO in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

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Breaking AI Stock News: Intellagents, a FatBrain AI (OTCQB: LZGI) Company, Announces Hiring of Insurtech Industry Veteran as Chief Revenue Officer

NEW YORK, NY - November 2, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, announces the hiring of Euan King, an experienced and respected Insurtech industry leader as Chief Revenue Officer for insurance technology-focused subsidiary Intellagents.

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Homeowners who paid water charges will receive refunds of between 100 and 160 before the end of the year, once the Cabinet approves the move today, writes Daniel McConnell and Elain Loughlin.

The news comes as middle and low income families will see tax reductions in the budget, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed to his Fine Gael ministerial colleagues.

In a move which is set to cost 300m, ministers will approve the scheme which will see refunds paid to most households by cheque by Christmas, senior government sources confirmed last night.

Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy is to seek approval from his colleagues to allow Irish Water issue the refunds to those who paid water charges.

The Irish Examiner understands that the refunds will be paid for out of savings found across other departments, and that the entire amount paid by homeowners will be refunded in one payment.

The Cabinet is to approve the refunds which will go to most homes by the end of the year. Some complex cases may take a bit longer, but technical details have been ironed out to allow this happen now, said a senior Government source.

Three quarterly payments were made by homeowners to Irish Water between late 2015 and 2016 before charges were suspended after the signing of the confidence and supply deal between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar made the promise during the summer that the charges would be paid back, and despite some criticism of the decision as to its affordability, the move is part of a package from Fine Gael to reward struggling families.

It has also been confirmed that Mr Murphy is set to bring a memorandum on the future funding of Irish Water to the Cabinet next week.

The Irish Examiner has confirmed that Mr Donohoe told a meeting of Fine Gael ministers late last night that he wants to see progress on reducing the high rate of taxes paid by the squeezed middle as well as the lowest earners.

Mr Donohoe, a Dublin-Central TD, briefed his party colleagues on the approach he intends to take to the upcoming budget which will include a focus on preparing for the future.

According to sources, he also told ministers resources will be used to invest in better opportunities for people and targeted income supports.

Paschal relayed the message of prudent management of the economy, he is loathe to do anything reckless but he is too facing a battle as many ministers want more money to spend, said one minister.

Mr Donohoe advised ministers on the messaging and approach that should be taken ahead of Octobers budget. While there will be some tax reductions and giveaways, it is understood he said a major focus will have to be placed on reducing our debt, cutting borrowing and ensuring Ireland is financially able to withstand external factors such as Brexit.

Mr Donohoe is also set to bring a memo updating his colleagues on the 10-year capital plan.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet is expected to receive updates on the recent flooding in Donegal from the minsters for defence and agriculture.

The damage caused by the severe weather last month, which saw a months rain fall in hours, is still being assessed. However, both the Department of Social Protection and Red Cross now have supports in place for those who had homes damaged as well as businesses and community groups who were impacted by the freak flooding.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan will also brief the Cabinet on the Garda reports, including a report in the breath-testing scandal.

It is understood Defence Minister Paul Kehoe will also bring forward a memo proposing the establishment of a working group under the Governments taskforce on emergency planning.

This group will be asked to look into creating a standing humanitarian scheme which could be accessed in the wake of severe weather.

This story first appeared in the Irish Examiner.
North Korea's issued new warnings over nuclear weapons - telling the U.S to expect "more gift packages".

The country's ambassador to the United Nations accused the U.S. of reckless provocations and attempts to put pressure on North Korea.

U.S. stocks have plummeted - with the S & P 500 experiencing its biggest single-day loss in three weeks.

Russian president Vladimir Putin condemned the latest nuclear test as "provocative".

However, at a news conference in China, Mr Putin stopped short of expressing support for more UN sanctions on North Korea, and said Russia viewed them as "useless and ineffective".

He also said it was "ridiculous" that the United States first slapped Russia with sanctions carried in the same bill that penalised North Korea, and "then asked us to help impose sanctions on North Korea".

North Korea's detonation of a hydrogen bomb on Sunday marked its most powerful nuclear test to date.

Mr Putin called for talks with North Korea, and warned against "military hysteria".

He said it was important that all parties, including North Korea, should not face "threats of annihilation" and "step on the path of cooperation".

The Russian leader added: "Whipping up military hysteria makes absolutely no sense in this situation.

"This is a road to nowhere."

Meanwhile, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres warned the US and North Korea that "confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences" and stressed the nuclear crisis must be solved diplomatically.

Mr Guterres said it is "absolutely crucial" the UN Security Council is united in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile tests and that the US, Russia, China, Japan and South Korea use one strategy.

He told reporters at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday that North Korea's nuclear and missile tests threaten regional and international stability.

He accused North Korea's leaders of "needlessly and recklessly (putting) millions of people at risk including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights".

Mr Guterres offered to support any efforts to peacefully resolve "this alarming situation".
Dalata said it was eyeing more expansion in the UKs major cities as its six-month revenues to the end of June increased by more than 24% to 161.8m.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation amounted to just under 45m, an increase of 27%.

The firm, which owns the Clayton and Maldron chains and is the largest hotel operator in Ireland, said its hotels in Ireland and the UK had performed strongly. Revenue per average room grew almost 10%.

Dalata said it had agreed to lease a new Clayton hotel to be built in the centre of Manchester with 300 rooms, but ruled out a move for the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, of which it is a tenant.

Deputy chief executive Dermot Crowley said the group was focusing on the UK for further opportunities in the hotel market, but ruled out a move into the rest of Europe for now.

For now we are focused on the UK. We are always planning four or five years ahead but would we look at something in Europe in time? We probably would. We would look at countries that best suit us but its not for today or tomorrow, he said.

He said that Dalata wanted to continue as a tenant at the Gibson Hotel, which went on the market for 87m last week.

We want to stay on as a tenant at the Gibson Hotel. A number of potential purchasers have spoken to us about potentially renegotiating the lease. Were a very interested bystander in that process but we wont be bidding for it, he said.

Mr Crowley said an increase in air routes to the US has boosted its Dublin and regional performances.

He said that the drop in guests from the UK had been offset by an increase in US and European visitors, as well as a strong domestic take-up.

Access is really important for the hotel industry so when you get new routes into Dublin or Cork, you see the impact of visitors. The UK is important to us, the US is important to us, but Europe is growing. We have more European guests than North American at this stage, he said.

Mr Crowley said Dalata would not become complacent in its domestic market on the back of the latest results.

One thing we will never get is complacent. We monitor it all the time. What we have done differently than the competition is that we have a higher percentage of tour groups, which is coach-based tours.

That gives us better occupancy at lower rates. We also would have a higher percentage of the corporate negotiated business with the likes of Google and Microsoft in Dublin and your Apples and EMC Dells in Cork. That may be at lower rates but it gives you year-round business, he said.

Cork was crucial to Dalatas regional business, he said. The Oliver Plunkett St and South Mall area is thriving along and we will be appointing a contractor next month for the Maldron at Beasley St.

We expect construction to start in late October or early November with the view to opening in late 2018.

That will be one of the most central hotels in the city, he said.

The hotel was bought by Dalata for 10.2m in early 2016. It will become the third biggest in the city centre with 165 bedrooms.
Counsel John Donnelly told the court that the couple, whose home is Woodside House, Dunnstown, Brannockstown, Co Kildare, formerly lived at Jigginstown, Naas.

Mr Donnelly, for the Revenue, informed the court that the couple were jointly and severally responsible for a tax debt of 331,979, on foot of judgments obtained in 2010 and 2011.

He told Judge Baker there was a long history to the matter, including the court having previously been told that Mr Quinn had obtained loan approval from Barclays Bank, in England, and would be able to draw down money that would discharge the 331,979 liability entirely. That had never happened.

John Quinn, in an affidavit, stated he was working as a self-employed interior designer in London, with earnings of 95,000 for last year. His wife, Dolores, worked separately in retail sales in Ireland, earning 27,000.

He said he was a director and shareholder of Anglo Country Meats Ltd incorporated in June 2017, with plans to purchase an abattoir in Anglesea, North Wales.

Despite his background in furniture and interior design, his roots were in farming.

Mr Quinn said he did not have the personal capital to purchase the company, which would be capitalised by a private loan from a long-term acquaintance, for 2.5m, which had been drawn down in June.

He told the court the amount substantially exceeds the purchase price and included 320,000 to enable him to discharge the debt to Revenue.

The funds were already in Barclays Bank, Shropshire, but delayed, due to compliance procedures.

His relationship manager at Barclays had been involved in a hit-and-run collision and killed. He was dealing with a new client manager, who had to go through the stages again.

Mr Quinn said that he had to inform the court that compliance checks had not been completed, but he had received a letter from Barclays, on July 31, assuring him that completion was imminent.

The Quinns and their two children were to have been evicted from their Brannockstown, five-bed bungalow in September 2016, on foot of a 3m debt on which they had defaulted, but won a reprieve.
The Danish toymaker announced a 5% decline in mid-year revenue a month after abruptly removing its chief executive, suggesting it is facing its biggest test since flirting with bankruptcy in the early 2000s.

Lego said it could not promise a return to growth in the next two years, a jolting acknowledgement for a group widely admired for embracing the digital era and tying up lucrative franchises from Harry Potter to Minecraft.

We have now pressed the reset-button for the entire group, executive chairman Jorgen Vig Knudstorp said, acknowledging the business had grown too complicated.

He said Lego would seek a return to a leaner and more efficient organisation to respond to losing momentum which the company thought could ultimately lead to stagnation or even decline.

Lego said revenues had disappointed in its core markets of the US and Europe, after a decade of double-digit growth and launches spanning Lego sets, video games, movie franchises, robotics and smartphone applications. Sales related to its Star Wars line declined slightly in the first half of the year, the company said.

It marked a sharp reversal for a company that managed to expand and respond to rising demand in Asia when Mr Knudstorp was chief executive, even as the global toy market shrank after the 2008 financial crisis.

Mr Knudstorp took the top job aged 35 in 2004, a year after Lego flirted with bankruptcy, and set about reviving Legos core business.

Bali Padda took over as chief executive in January, but he was removed just eight months later and replaced by Danish industrialist Niels B Christiansen.

Sales between January and June stood at $2.38bn (2bn), still topping My Little Pony producer Hasbros sales of $1.82bn and Barbie doll maker Mattels $1.71bn.

Meanwhile, Angry Birds maker Rovio Entertainment plans to sell shares in a Helsinki initial public offering, seeking funds to support its resurgence seven years after releasing its best-selling mobile-game title.

Rovio will offer about 30m of new stock, the company said. The IPO could value the firm at about $2bn.
Little Island Business Association (LIBA), which represents around 1,000 small, medium and large businesses, has confirmed it has sought legal advice from a senior counsel about how it could prevent such a move.

LIBA chief executive Michael Mulcahy said his members were against a takeover of their area by Cork City Council should the Mackinnon Report be implemented and are prepared to fight it tooth and nail.

Cork County Council is also seeking legal advice on how it could prevent Local Government Minister Eoghan Murphy, who is in charge of the oversight implementation committee, from pushing through the Mackinnon recommendations.

Those recommendations propose the extension of the citys boundary to take control of Cork Airport, Ballincollig, Blarney, Glanmire, Little Island, Glounthaune, and Carrigtwohill.

Mr Mulcahy said LIBA members had held a number of meetings and their legal advice was that there could be an opening to challenge the reports implementation.

He said the Smiddy report was a statutory one approved by Cabinet. It proposed to merge the two councils, but was later shelved.

The map presented by Cork City Council showing the exact detail of the enlarged city boundary.

The Mackinnon report is non-statutory and it wasnt given the remit to create a statutory report, he said.

He said that while LIBA was prepared to go it alone with a legal challenge, his members were also willing to assist the county council financially if it decided to mount its own legal action.

Mr Mulcahy also proposed that LIBA, the county council, and about 30 large groups opposed to the extension could jointly mount a legal challenge which would clearly show the courts the level of opposition to this simply unworkable plan.

The IFA, which represents 12,000 farmers in Cork, has said it is also opposed to the massive extension.

Vehement opposition has also been expressed by the Public Participation Network, which represents more than 900 community and voluntary groups in the county.

Mr Mulcahy said his members were concerned that the city council couldnt afford to provide proper services with such a vastly expanded boundary and at the same time pay compensation to the county council for the loss of commercial rates and Local Property Tax.

The county council is publish its views on the extension which, via a statutory instrument allowed under Section 29 of the Local Government Act, would go out to public consultation.

The city council will have up to six months to comment on the county councils document.
Fianna Fail councillor Tim Brosnan made the comments yesterday following confirmation that members of Cork County Council have unanimously agreed to submit a formal boundary alteration to the city council. The process could take several months.

It is cynical, myopic, and self-serving, he said.

His comments are the latest salvo in the war of words between the city and county over the boundary.

The county councils latest move was sanctioned following a four-hour closed-door meeting in County Hall on Monday. It came ahead of yesterdays second meeting of the group tasked by the Government to implement the Mackinnon report.

Following a review of the 2015 Smiddy report on Corks local government structures, which recommended a merger of the city and county councils, the Mackinnon group recommended earlier this year the retention of Corks two local authorities, and a substantial city boundary extension.

If sanctioned, the extension would bring parts of Douglas, Donnybrook, Grange, and Frankfield, as well as Cork Airport, Ballincollig, Blarney, Tower, Rathpeacon, Glanmire, Little Island, and Carrigtwohill, into the city, boosting its population by some 100,000 to 225,000.

The county council is opposed to the scale of the Mackinnon extension.

The map presented by Cork City Council showing the exact detail of the enlarged city boundary.

On Monday, county mayor Declan Hurley confirmed plans to submit a formal boundary alteration proposal to Cork City Council for consideration. He said it would be a statutory proposal.

This approach provides for public consultation whereby all stakeholders  including community groups from across Cork  can have their say, he said.

The council has also decided to seek immediate advice on the legal options available to it in the event Local Government Minister Eoghan Murphy decides to proceed to alter the city boundary in line with the Mackinnon report, he said.

Mr Brosnan described the countys latest proposal as disingenuous and said its sole purpose is to delay and frustrate the Mackinnon implementation groups work.

Management and councillors in the county have been well aware of the need to expand the citys boundary, he said.

The boundary extension is needed not alone for the benefit of Cork but also in the national interest as Dublin is grinding to a standstill in terms of housing, traffic, and commuting times.

The fact that the county council has opted to play Russian roulette with the local and national interest shows a lack of political and managerial leadership. I dont believe that the county councils latest stroke should be taken seriously by anyone.

County councillors and TDs are all over the place with Glanmire, Blarney, and Douglas being thrown about in Mondays Irish Examiner survey.

For the life of me I cannot point to any one of the TDs actually delivering anything at all to Cork, apart from Micheal Martin during his term as Minister for Education.
Irish in Britain represents more than 100 Irish clubs and organisations around England. It has been flooded with requests for applications for Irish passports over the past year.

An RTE documentary, The Thin Green Line, reveals there are currently 40 applications a day for Irish citizenship under the grandparent rule, which could bring applications through foreign-birth registration to nearly 15,000 by the end of the year.

At present, there are an estimated 700,000 people born in Ireland who are living or working across the water.

Mary Tilki, from the Irish in Britain group, told the RTE series of the very real fears held by many of their Irish diaspora in relation to Britains exit from the EU.

People are very worried. The older population, some of them were very distressed in the early weeks following the vote that maybe they were going to be sent back to Ireland, she said.

We represent about 100 organisations throughout England and have been inundated with requests for passport application forms and the queries that go with them.

In London, the Irish embassy is currently dealing with the Brexit fallout and the surge in demand from British people to hold on to their freedom of travel through Europe by applying for Irish passports.

In 2015, which was a normal year, we had 600 people applying for foreign birth registration to become Irish citizens. Since June of last year, weve had 6,000, but the number of people in Britain eligible for foreign birth registration is probably in the millions, said Dan Mulhall, Irelands ambassador to Britain.

The Thin Green Line, RTE One, 7pm, September 7
Locals in Moyross estate on Limericks northside are furious after Dr Eva Orsmond used the area in her show Irelands Health Divide, which focused on nutrition in poorer communities.

Many are to report RTE to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and they are being supported by local Fianna Fail TD Willie ODea, who said the national broadcaster deserves a slap for the nonsense in the show.

Local school principal Tiernan ONeill said using Moyross in Mondays programme was a cynical, crass attempt by RTE to boost ratings.

On the show Dr Orsmond travelled to Limerick to investigate the health of children living in disadvantaged communities, with research showing people in these areas can live up to seven years less than their counterparts in more affluent communities.

She went shopping with Jannete Quinn, a 43-year-old mother of seven, and was filmed asking her about the contents of what she had bought. She pointed out Ms Quinn had purchased processed food.

Janette, who now regrets taking part in the show, said: I felt it was a disgrace. She cut Moyross down very badly. When youre in town doing your shopping with your kids, youre not looking to check how much fat is in this and that. Youre looking to the food you need for the day.

Her sister, mum-of-five Anne-Marie Quinn, found the show patronising.

It costs me 500 to send my children back to school. Do you think I have time to worry about the nutrients on the back of a packet?

Mr ODea pointed out that bad diets are not confined to one local authority housing estate.

Its certainly not confined to Limerick and Moyross. Its a bit farcical to be mentioning specific areas. I think in future, nutritionists, dieticians from more salubrious parts of the country, when they are making pronouncements on public health, they should not be identifying particular areas, he said.

Local activist Dean Quinn said: 99% of people in Moyross will make sure kids have a uniform on their back, their bags and books paid for. They should be applauded based on the money they are surviving on. Their kids are being fed. Wed all love delicious, healthy food  but sometimes its unaffordable.

On the programme, Dr Orsmond said, upon entering Moyross: Its very grey, isnt it? Its quite dull really. No trees.

Mr ONeill felt the show was very unbalanced. Nobody is disputing there have been lots of issues in Moyross. But its awful to think that stigma should still be rolled out by our national broadcaster.

A spokesperson for RTE said the makers visited a number of other disadvantaged communities across Ireland, and picked Moyross as it had been identified as the most deprived area in the country based on last years census. They said Dr Orsmond met with community workers in Moyross who gave an excellent account of the positive initiatives in the area.
Some doctor grades, particularly in emergency medicine, are already resisting the directive by failing to present for shifts, albeit their gripe is linked to decreased pay rates.

Under the new directive, hospitals short of staff must give the designated principal locum agency in their area two hours to fill the position, regardless of how urgent the situation. A second agency can only be contacted if the first fails to meet the two-hour deadline. All agencies must be contacted electronically.

Liam Doran, general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), said they had formally requested last week that the HSE defer the directives go-live date (September 1) to allow a period of consultation, but the request was denied.

The INMO also sought confirmation that some specialist care areas, such as critical care, dialysis, and emergency department, be exempt from the two-hour wait time and that hospitals be allowed book staff who worked regularly in the hospital.

With no agreement forthcoming, the INMO instructed members to disregard the new directive where it interferes with patient safety.

From a practical viewpoint, waiting two hours to fill a position is unworkable, said Mr Doran.

He said the new booking system is unnecessarily bureaucratic and gives rise to situations where nurses providing specialist support services in the community to children who are acutely unwell would no longer be chosen to provide that care because some of them are with an agency other than the principal supplier.

He said the sequential nature of the new booking system means it is not related to reality at all, its just about creating a paper trail.

The Irish Association of Emergency Medicine said the row over the directive continues to affect staffing levels in emergency departments around the country, including Drogheda, Navan, Beaumont, Tallaght, Letterkenny, Naas, and Portlaoise  where some junior doctors had not presented for shifts.

Association spokesman Fergal Hickey said it was not a wildcat strike, that doctors had chosen not to turn up because the HSE had not upheld its side of the [pay] bargain.

He said emergency departments are disproportionately affected by the dispute because emergency medicine is more populated by registrar and senior house officer (SHO) grades than other specialties.

Mr Hickey said he expects the doctors action to escalate, with obstetrics possibly next in the firing line because it, too, has a high percentage of registrars and SHOs.

The directive cuts hourly pay rates for SHOs from 40 to 34. The HSE said the rate remains 36% higher than directly employed HSE doctors. The HSE said the new agency hiring framework would result in savings of 53m over four years.

Asked if the doctors no-show could cause emergency departments to close, Health Minister Simon Harris said all were open yesterday.

Asked if the HSE felt blackmailed by the locum doctors who know the health service relies on them, Mr Harris said: I dont think it is time for emotive language and, certainly, it would be irresponsible of me to inject any degree of emotive language into this discussion.

Defending the HSE move, he said the pay difference between agency staff and people working directly for the HSE is quite unfair.

He called on doctors to use the normal industrial relations mechanisms, adding it is vital that our patients do not become pawns in relation to a dispute over pay.

Mr Hickey said he expects the dispute to evolve over the coming days.
A delegation of PSNI officers attended a presentation by Safer Blanchardstown in west Dublin yesterday, which was also attended by senior officers from Blanchardstown Garda Station.

Safer Blanchardstown, an inter-agency community safety project, launched the education initiative Think Before You Buy last October  it hopes it will become an all-island initiative.

The drug debt intimidation campaign, involving a video, specifically targeted recreational drug users, highlighting the link between their purchases and organised crime and the damage inflicted on local communities.

A PSNI inspector, Jonathan Francey, from Newtownards, Co Down, was on an exchange at the Blanchards-town division and saw the campaign. He brought it back to his local Policing Community Safety Partnership, which was interested.

It was also passed up the chain in in the force and impressed Chief Inspector David Henderson, who heads the Organised Crime Unit in the PSNIs Crime Investigation Branch.

I saw the video and it was a very good production, he said. This issue is not peculiar to Blanchardstown: its a problem for everyone, north and south.

He said the issue is a supply-and-demand reduction issue.

This education initiative highlights the impact [that] recreational drug use has, firstly, on generating money for organised crime and, secondly, the violence that it causes in communities and the destruction caused to communities, said Chief Insp Henderson.

He said there is a link with paramilitarism in the North and the intimidation of communities and punishment-style attacks.

Philip Jennings, co-ordinator of Safer Blanchardstown, said recreational drug use is a powerhouse for the money generated by organised crime gangs.

A person who spends 10 a week on drugs thinks it has no effect, but if 400,000 people do it every week, thats the reason why these boys are shooting each other on the street, why they are missing their targets and getting the wrong person, an innocent person, he said.

Mr Jennings said this violence and the intimidation of communities is happening right across the country.

He said recreational users need to be aware of the responsibility they have for fuelling the drugs trade and the accompanying violence and intimidation.

Inspector Tony Twomey of Blanchardstown station said it was a very good campaign rare in its particular focus on recreational users.

Often people who engage with recreational drug use do not see the link with organised crime and intimidation and its contribution to whats happening on the bigger scene at the moment, with the major feuds, he said.

Intimidation is particularly difficult for us to investigate. For obvious reasons, people dont want to report and it only comes to our attention when houses are targeted by these middle men.

Insp Twomey said there is a whole chain in drugs supply and that pressure is applied on each link.

He said the campaign has a wider application within the country and, with the interest of the PSNI, across the border.

Chief Insp Henderson said they hope to use the campaign across the North.

Mr Jennings said he hoped to have an all-island campaign and has the endorsement of seven joint policing committees and the backing of the main political parties.

http://saferblanchardstown.com
Ms Kruger arrived in Clare with her adult son last Saturday and has already had a number of meetings with single Irish men.

Indeed, the widow has a busy month ahead of her and has already been contacted by more than 20 suitors seeking a face to face meeting.

The businesswoman is due to meet with local matchmaker Willie Daly later this week. He is understood to have a number of handpicked men lined up to court her.

Ms Kruger said she has already had a number of interesting meetings with Irish men, but will leave much of the romance until after her son returns to South Africa later this week.

It has struck us that the people [in Lisdoonvarna] are so happy. They love the music, everyone is having fun, it is an amazing, amazing spirit in one little town, she said. My son is flying back on Thursday. He came with me to the concert [Nathan Carter and Mike Denver] and has really enjoyed himself. On the day my son is going back to South Africa, my parents are coming for two weeks to see me. Im sure it will be an experience for them as well.

Ive met some of the people who Ive been talking to [online] for a couple of months  they are really, really good people. It has been interesting, they all have a really solid core.

Ms Kruger said she is not sure how things will develop.

I havent seen Willie Daly yet, but hopefully I will see him in the next couple of days. He has invited us to meet his family and everyone on his farm so I am looking forward to that.

Ms Kruger has already more than 20 Irish men clamouring to meet her and she hopes to choose one to settle down with in Ireland before the end of the month.

I have been contacted by a lot of new people through Facebook who have been to Lisdoonvarna but I havent met them because they didnt attend the concerts. A lot of them have been asking to meet up for a coffee or a drink. That is cool, but I want to spend these last three days with my son before I get into that too much, she said.

Ive been contacted by about 15 or 16 people [on Facebook] so it is quite a story. Thats on top of the people I was speaking with from South Africa. It is going to be intense, I have even seen anything like speed dating before so this is going to be quite an experience.
The agency says Ireland has the ninth highest number of financial transactions linked to money laundering or terrorist financing in the EU, with the number of transactions subject to Garda probes almost doubling between 2006 and 2014.

The country, of course, is by no means alone in its inability to deal successfully with what is now a major problem across the planet, thanks in part to technology that has created crypto currencies, moves funds around the globe in seconds and makes it harder for police to identify who benefits from money laundering. Earlier this week it was revealed that Azerbaijans ruling elite ran a 2.4bn racket through UK companies to fund a public relations lobbying campaign. The Guardian reported that the Azerbaijani leadership  accused of serial human rights abuses and systemic corruption  made more than 16,000 covert payments from 2012 to 2014. Billions of pounds came through two Glasgow-based companies using structures that let owners hide identities.
Pocket K No. 55: Biotech-improved Animals

Over twenty years ago, the first biotech crop was placed in the market to benefit farmers and the consumers. Varieties of high yielding important crops were improved to contain traits such as insect resistance, herbicide tolerance, and drought tolerance among others.1 In 2016, 185.1 million hectares of biotech crops were planted by 18 million farmers in 26 countries worldwide.2 Aside from benefits to agricultural crops, genetic engineering has also been applied to animals such as insects, fish, and livestock to address different concerns such as disease spread, food production, and environmental pollution.

GM Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are known to be vectors of detrimental diseases such as Malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Zika. Since only female mosquitoes bite, scientists have devised ways to combat the mosquito-borne diseases by significantly reducing the number of female population.

Scientists at Imperial College London used genetic engineering to distort the gender ratio of mosquitoes by reducing the number of females. They used I-PpoI, an enzyme that cuts specifically within the mosquito's ribosomal gene sequences (rDNA), which are located in a single cluster on the X chromosome. They developed a transgenic strain of mosquitoes that expresses I-PpoI in sperm cells to cleave the X chromosome and produce mostly Y chromosome-bearing sperm and thus, male offsprings. These male mosquitoes would inherit the I-PpoI endonuclease gene, leading to generations of about 95 percent male offspring.3

Researchers at the Oxford biotechnology company known as Oxitec developed Friendly Aedes mosquitoes, genetically modified mosquitoes with a gene that kills the progeny insects at the larval stage. GM male mosquitoes that do not consume human blood mate with wild female mosquitoes to produce unviable larvae that die before adulthood.4

After field tests in different locations, Friendly Aedes mosquitoes were launched in Piracicaba, Brazil in April 2015. A 91% reduction in dengue fever cases in the CECAP/El Dorado District was recorded in 2016. Dengue fever cases decreased to just 12 in 2015/2016, compared to the 133 cases in the previous year.

According to Epidemiologic Surveillance, the rest of the municipality saw a 52% reduction in Dengue fever incidence during the same period: from 3,487 cases in the 2014/2015 period to 1,676 cases in 2015/2016. The report also showed that in 2015/2016 dengue-year, the rate in CECAP/El Dorado was 45% lower than the rest of the municipality, whereas it was 195% larger in the previous year. The latest data roundup also reports zero cases of Zika and Chikungunya in CECAP/Eldorado.5

Friendly Aedes mosquitoes were also used to wipe out the spread of Zika virus, which causes microcephaly in children in Brazil.6

GE Salmon

Aside from insects, fishes were also genetically modified to provide benefits to consumers. After almost three decades since its development, the first genetically engineered fish in the market, the AquAdvantage salmon, became available in Canada in August 2017. The GE salmon is developed by AquaBounty Technologies to grow twice the size of non-GE salmon for the same growing period. It contains a growth hormone gene from Chinook salmon which is activated by another gene from ocean pout.7

The same variety of salmon was also approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) in 2015. The US-FDA determined that food from AquAdvantage Salmon is as safe to eat and as nutritious as food from other non-GE Atlantic salmon and there are no biologically relevant differences in the nutritional profile of AquAdvantage Salmon compared to that of other farm-raised Atlantic salmon.8

Glowing Fish

GloFish (glowing fish) is a genetically engineered fish initially developed not for consumption but for pollution detection.

Bioluminescent fishes naturally occur in the oceans, usually inhabiting the deepest and darkest parts of the sea. Several years ago, scientists in Singapore developed fluorescent fishes to help detect environmental pollutants. They added naturally-derived fluorescence gene to the fish to quickly and easily know when a waterway is contaminated. The initial step in the experiment was to make the fish glow all the time. The constantly glowing fish captured the interest of the public, which led to its commercialization as home aquarium pet in 2003 under the license of Yorktown Technologies.

To date, there are 12 lines of GloFish in the market, including tetras, zebra fish, and barbs, in such colors as Electric Green, Moonrise Pink, and Cosmic Blue. GloFish now takes up a significant percentage of aquarium fish industry sales.9

Though its impact is not as significant as other GE animals, its long history of safe use indicates the great potential of GE animals to provide benefits.

Eco-friendly Pig

Pigs excrete a significant amount of phosphorus in their manure, which is notorious for leaching into groundwater under piggery farms, which further causes algal growth in freshwater ponds, streams, and lakes. In 1999, scientists at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, developed a genetically enhanced line of Yorkshire pigs with improved digestion of plant phosphorus. This line called Enviropig produce phytase enzyme in their salivary glands. When the enzyme mixes with the feeds in the stomach, phytase degrades the indigestible phytate in the feed, which accounts for 50-75 percent of the grain phosphorus.10

After several years of research, the enhanced trait was proven to be stable for more than nine generations and that phytase expression was only present in the salivary glands, with only trace amounts in other tissues. The developers submitted the Enviropig for regulatory review by the U.S. and Canadian government in 2007 and 2009, respectively. Preliminary data showed positive results.11 Unfortunately, the research was discontinued because of lack of funds, even so, the completed research indicate that genetic engineering works in modifying the animal pig to make it eco-friendly.

Bird-flu resistant Chicken

U.K. scientists have developed transgenic chickens that have resistance to the most devastating disease of birds and fowls, the bird flu (influenza). This technology then has the potential to stop the global threat of bird flu in poultry production as well as in human health.

University of Cambridge scientists and partners generated chickens with a short-hairpin RNA that work as decoy that inhibits and blocks the spread of the influenza virus. Further tests showed that transmission of the virus to both transgenic and nontransgenic birds was prevented.12

Conclusion

Aside from transgenic animals, modern biotechnology techniques have been applied to produce other products to improve human and animal health. These include production of therapeutic compounds such as hormones, antibodies, vaccines, and growth factors.

Similar to the development of GM crops, use of genetic engineering in animals has faced public criticisms stalling development and commercialization. Thus, even if development of GM animals has started in 1980s, to date, very few have reached commercialization. More improvements in the animal sector are expected in the near future, and hopefully would reach the market to fulfill their potential benefits to humans and animals. Effective and responsible science communication among the scientists, government, industry and other stakeholders is also necessary to achieve a consensus on the use of modern biotechnology in animals.

References

ISAAA. 2016. GM Approval Database. https://www.isaaa.org/gmapprovaldatabase/. ISAAA. 2016. Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2016. ISAA Brief No. 52. ISAAA: Ithaca, NY. Crop Biotech Update(CBU). June 18, 2014. Scientists Develop GM Mosquitoes to Fight Spread of Malaria. https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=12426. CBU. February 18, 2011. GM Mosquitoes Deployed to Control Asia's Dengue Fever. https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=7373. CBU. July 20, 2016. GM Mosquitoes Reduce Dengue Fever Cases by 91% in Piracicaba, Brazil. https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=14587. CBU. January 27, 2016. GM Mosquitoes to Fight Zika Virus in Brazil. https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=14093. CBU. August 9, 2017. Canadian Consumers First to Taste Commercialized GE Salmon. https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=15672. CBU. November 25, 2015. US FDA: GE Salmon as Safe to Eat as Non-GE Salmon. https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=13954. McCarthy, C . n.d. What are GloFish? http://www.petmd.com/fish/what-are-glofish. University of Guelph. 2010. EnviroPig: Commercialization and Regulatory. http://www.uoguelph.ca/enviropig/. Akst, J. 2014. Designer Livestock. http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/40081/title/Designer-Livestock/. Lyall, J., R. Irvine, A. Sherman, T. McKinley, A. Nunez, A. Purdie, L. Outtrim, I. Brown, G. Rolleston-Smith, H. Sang, and L. Tiley. 2011. Suppression of Avian Influenza Transmission in Genetically Modified Chickens. Science 331(6014): 223-226. http://science.sciencemag.org/content/331/6014/223.

Next Pocket K: Substantial Equivalence of GM and Non-GM Crops
Wednesday, September 6th, 2017 (9:12 am) - Score 531

A new study published by the European Commission has found that Satellite based broadband connectivity is an efficient option for bringing faster internet connectivity to poorly connected schools. A voucher scheme is proposed to help support related deployments.

The study considers that a school is in the Digital Divide if it cannot have terrestrial broadband access able to deliver at least 2Mbps (Megabits per second) per school, although these days wed suggest that a higher speed might still signify being in the divide (i.e. even 10Mbps, when shared between lots of pupils and staff in todays modern environment, would be a major struggle, especially if the upstream is slow).

The report uses several case studies to show that broadband Satellite solutions have often provided a significant step forward in terms of connectivity to both primary and secondary schools with no internet connectivity or with connectivity lower than 6-8 Mbps. This is important because around 25% of schools in the EU still lack broadband access (2016 data).

Satellites are effectively small autonomous space stations that are launched into orbit around the Earth by a powerful rocket and used as specialised wireless transceivers (receiver/transmitters) to relay information between different points on the ground. The high altitude above our planet gives them exceptional coverage (nearly universal), which is especially useful in remote rural areas.

As part of its evidence, the study also highlights some of Ofcoms research in the UK, which found that for many applications a high access speed (bandwidth) may be less important than a stable, qualitative connection with a fair access speed of around 5-10 Mbps. However in this context the regulator was referencing individual connectivity and not a large / shared multi-user environment, such as a school.

The report does admit that Satellite may be better viewed as a temporary solution that can serve the schools located in unserved or underserved areas, while waiting for a potential deployment of terrestrial, very high-speed access which however may take several (or many) years. Wed agree, provided temporary is the key word.

Extract from the EC Study Notwithstanding the above, the needs for internet access speed and quality are increasing along with the evolution of the digital applications and the consumption pattern. In particular, video services, live-streaming of seminars and lectures as well as different types of rich content are very much driving this surge in consumption of many applications across computers, smartphones, tablets, TV and other devices, and the case studies have confirmed this trend in the educational environment too (e.g. access to dedicated digital content stored and shared in a cloud or remotely). The support of these evolving needs is often associated with the deployment of fibre. Indeed public initiatives to develop very-high-speed access for all, namely those including the provision fibre connections to primary and secondary schools, will be implemented gradually, and for some schools in the most rural areas, fast broadband will only be accessible in several years, as the geographical dispersion of schools does not allow for the installation of fibre-based networks on all sites in the short-term. Satellite services can provide a solution to serve the schools located in unserved or underserved areas, while waiting for a potential deployment of terrestrial, very high-speed access which however may take several (or many) years. This provision of services needs to cope with the evolution of user demands and needs. In this respect, a hybrid solution that combines broadcast networks for distribution with broadband networks for interactivity, can deliver video-based services, applications, content and products everywhere, even in rural and remote areas, in a less costly and quicker-to-market complementary way, namely through a local storage and sharing of heavy content (magazines and e-Books, videos, etc.).

In our view Satellite remains an inferior connectivity method due to a number of major stumbling blocks, such as slow latency performance, high setup costs, meagre + expensive data allowances and the fact that traffic throttling or congestion (especially at peak times) can often reduce an attractive top speed down to something significantly slower.

The study appears to recognise some of the technologies pitfalls compared to fibre-based broadband, although it also claims that Satellite still has a few advantages (some may disagree with a few of the following points).

EC Study  The Advantages of Satellite * Predictable and stable quality of service everywhere, regardless of geographic location. * Simple and quick deployment of satellite broadband at the customer premises. * Favourable deployment costs. * High reliability and security.

We should point out that faster Satellites, which may be able to offer speeds of up to 100Mbps and bigger data allowances, are due to be introduced over the next few years and that might well help to support the case for their use. Similarly the ECs report proposes that a voucher scheme could be used to help tackle the cost side of things.

The idea of a voucher scheme to help balance the costs of a Satellite setup (i.e. hardware and installs can easily reach around 500 a pop) is of course nothing new and the Government has already introduced something similar via their Better Broadband Subsidy Scheme, which offers grants worth up to 350 to those in sub-2Mbps areas who arent currently planned to benefit from a fixed line upgrade. Wales also has a similar scheme of its own.

However the UKs BBSS scheme is due to conclude at the end of 2017 and thats partly needed in order to avoid conflicting with the Governments proposed Universal Service Obligation (USO) for broadband. The USO will aim to make available a minimum download speed of 10Mbps (1Mbps upload), and at least a 100GB usage allowance, to every part of the country (details).

A related USO proposal from BT envisages that by the end of 2021 or 2022 some 99%+ of UK premises will be covered by their fixed line fibre broadband (FTTC/P) network, with fixed wireless technology being used to fill many of the remaining gaps and around 0.3% of the most remote premises needing to adopt a Satellite solution.

Meanwhile the ECs study appears to seek a similar voucher scheme to the BBSS one above for Satellite and suggests that it should support services with capacity of at least 20 Mb/download (6 Mb/s recommended). The EU has also proposed to introduce their own USO for broadband, which aims to complement their non-binding commitment for all European households to get a minimum Internet download speed of 100Mbps+ by 2025 (here).

Obviously Brexit means that the UK probably wont be a party to what the EC proposes, although the UKs planned 10Mbps USO should produce a similar outcome for properties in the most remote locations.
VTB will probably not succeed in selling its business in Ukraine, the Russian bank's head, Andrei Kostin, told reporters on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

The VTB Group currently has two banks operating in Ukraine: VTB (Ukraine) and BM Bank, which VTB received after acquiring Bank of Moscow.

The group announced plans in May 2016 to sell VTB (Ukraine) if it received an interesting offer, but in June the VTB management said that it had suspended its active search for buyers. Talks about the group's leaving the Ukrainian market resumed in March 2017, after Kyiv had imposed sanctions against Ukrainian banks with Russian state ownership. The restrictions imposed for a year prohibit them from conducting any financial operations for the benefit of their parent companies.

VTB has said on several occasions that the Ukrainian authorities don't want the sale of the banks. The National Bank of Ukraine has not yet approved any bids from potential buyers.

"We'll be downsizing our business there and our expenses, selling assets little by little, withdrawing what loans we can and maybe selling all kinds of collateral. But probably nobody will let us sell anything there," Kostin said on September 6.
Wednesday, September 6th, 2017 (2:30 pm) - Score 1,459

A new report from Point Topic has revealed significant variations in 4G based (Mobile Broadband) pricing and usage caps across Europe, with consumers in the United Kingdom paying less for their monthly tariffs but often receiving fairly meagre data allowances in return.

Take note that the telecoms analyst has used $US Dollars for their report and applied a measure of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), which allows them to make direct comparisons of tariffs across the world by adjusting the local currency and exchange rate to make the buying power of $1 (PPP) in country A equal to $1 (PPP) in country B (note:1 = $1.30 at todays rate).

The study found that the average monthly charge for residential 4G (LTE) services varied from a high of $54 in Cyprus to just $22 in Italy, with the United Kingdom sitting in the cheaper half of the table on $30. However the UKs lower average charge also reflected a lower average usage allowance and vice versa for some other providers.

Put another way, the average monthly data allowance (GigaBytes) in the UK appears to reside at somewhere around 10GB and thats in the bottom third of the table (see below). By comparison the average in Finland is closer to 450GB and people in that country only spend an average of $34 per month on their 4G tariffs. Its a similar story for Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

We note that Point Topics study only includes SIM-Only 4G data tariffs and those bundled with a modem (no tariffs bundled with other devices such as Tablets or Smartphones are included), which is apparently done because it makes their analysis more comparable with fixed broadband services which are not normally bundled with PCs and laptops.

By way of an actual comparison, the figure of $30 equates to about 22 per month. On Vodafone that would get you a 15GB SIM-Only data allowance and its also closest to the 20GB tier on Three UK, while EE will similarly do about 15GB for the same sort of money.

Perhaps unsurprisingly the above result also carries a direct association with the average cost per GB of data, which means that Finland, Switzerland and Austria pay less than every other country in the study (around $0.10 cents vs $2 per GB in the UK).

However we should stress that country to country comparison like this are very simplistic and dont offer a detailed picture of each local market, where different geographies, network maturity, regulation, spectrum ownership, underlying infrastructure and levels of investment may have a significant role to play. Take with a pinch of salt.

Nevertheless it could perhaps be argued that 4G LTE subscribers in Finland, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia are being offered monthly data volumes comparable to those used by many subscribers of a fixed broadband package. The UK is clearly a long way off being able to achieve something similar but then we were also much later to the 4G deployment party than a lot of other EU states (thanks to all that legal fighting over spectrum).

Finally, Point Topic also offers up a table showing the theoretical average downstream speed of residential 4G services in each country, which puts the UK near the bottom, albeit on a little over 100Mbps. However this appears to be based more on headline or theoretical capability than actual performance, which isnt much use.
The payback period for hydraulic fracturing at Ukrgazvydobuvannia's wells is two or three weeks, Ukrgazvydobuvannia Head Oleh Prokhorenko said at a government meeting on Wednesday.

"We get a fantastic return on the investments we are currently making. For example, the payback period for hydraulic fracturing operations is from two to three weeks. It's fantastic, but it's real! We take wells that give 20,000-30,000 cubic meters of gas per day, and we get 200,000-300,000 cubic meters of output after these operations... Ukraine could have done this 10 and 20 years ago, but this was not done consciously," he said.

Ukrgazvydobuvannia, fully owned by Naftogaz Ukrainy, is the country's largest gas producer, providing about 75% of the country's total gas production.
Ukraine's state-owned Ukroboronprom concern is presenting the defense military complex products at the 25th international arms exhibition MSPO 2017, which will take place in Kielce, Poland, from September 5 to September 8, 2017.

According to Ukroboronprom, Ukraine at the expo will showcase high-precision weapons, including anti-tank missile systems supplied to Ukraine's army and available for exports.

In addition, the Ukraine stand will showcase enterprises specializing in creating, modernizing and repairing armor vehicles, the production of artillery and aviation weapons, optical and navigation devices.

Ukrainian arms producers Luch, Artem, Izium instrument making plant, Photoprylad, and others will participate in the arms show, which Ukroboronprom Director General Roman Romanov will visit.

MSPO is one of the largest arms shows in Europe, second to only Farnborough (London) and Le Bourge (Paris). It is held under the patronage of the president of Poland.

Ukraine and Poland have invigorated cooperation in the military sphere and are working on cooperation plans, including the joint creation of land-based high-precision weapons, anti-air defense systems, drones and joint armor vehicle repair.

The laser-guided anti-tank missile system Pirat, with a range of 2.5 kilometers, is an example of one Ukraine-Polish joint venture projects between Luch and Poland's Mesko concern.
Sumy-based dairy factory, which is part of Milkiland, a dairy group with assets in Ukraine, the Russian Federation and Poland, received permission to export dairy products to the European Union.

Relevant permission comes into force on September 12, 2017, according to materials posted on the website of the European Commission.

In addition, the permit to export fish products to the EU was given to LLC Busky canning plant (Lviv) and private company Bester Caviar House (Kyiv region).The permit is also valid from September 12.

All three enterprises sent relevant requests in July this year.
The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine will receive medical equipment and combat garment in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada in March 2016 with a view to cooperation in strengthening security and stability in Ukraine, the Communications Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine reported.

"The Memorandum envisages the provision of CAD 2 million of aid, which will be spent on the supply of medical equipment and combat garment, not lethal," Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said at a meeting with head of the State Border Guard Service Petro Tsyhykal and Canadian ambassador to Ukraine Roman Vashchuk on Tuesday.

The Central Clinical Hospital of the State Border Guard Service, the Clinical Hospital of the State Border Guard Service in Odesa and a separate commandant's office for the protection and provision of the State Border Guard Service will receive assistance, the message reads.

Tsyhykal said that in the framework of the Memorandum, the Odesa Clinical Hospital received first aid back in April. "The hospital received a state-of-the-art X-ray facility that helps in the treatment of wounded border guards, which cost more than UAH 6 million," he said.
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Another prisoner swap in Donbas will be discussed at the Wednesday meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine; Ukraine is prepared to exchange 309 prisoners for 87 persons held by Donetsk and Luhansk, advisor to the Ukrainian Security Service's chief Yuriy Tandyt said.

"We have reached a point when release details are being discussed. Certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions confirm 87 hostages of ours, who are being illegally held in Donetsk and Luhansk. We are ready to discuss the '87 for 309' swap. This is about people who have been identified, who have not committed any grave crimes, and are directly related to the anti-terrorist operation. We are not considering felons who bear no relation to ATO," Tandyt said on Channel 5.

The precise date of the exchange is thus far unknown, Tandyt said, adding that the number of prisoners to be swapped may still change.
WFU med school has record enrollment in Class of 2021

The Wake Forest School of Medicine said Tuesday that there are a record 136 members  69 women and 67 men  in its Class of 2021.

The students were chosen from 9,281 applicants, another school record. From that original pool, 473 candidates were selected for interviews.

It is the second straight year and third time overall that women have outnumbered men.

The members received their undergraduate degrees at 75 different institutions. Thirteen of the students have masters degrees and one holds a Ph.D. Overall, they are fluent or proficient in 25 languages other than English.

Forty-six of the new students are residents of North Carolina and 25 are members of racial or ethnic groups that are underrepresented in medicine.

Richard Craver

N.C. gains $101,046 from Lenovo laptop settlement

The N.C. Attorney Generals Office said Tuesday that the state will receive $101,046 from Lenovo Inc.s U.S. division to resolve allegations that the company violated state consumer-protection laws.

Lenovo US has been accused of installing software on laptops sold to North Carolina consumers that made personal information vulnerable to hackers.

The software, VisualDiscovery, displayed a one-time pop-up window the first time consumers visited a shopping website. Unless consumers opted out, VisualDiscovery would be enabled on their computers.

The settlement was negotiated and finalized in coordination with the Federal Trade Commission and 31 other states. The total settlement amount is $3.5 million.

The settlement requires Lenovo to change its consumer disclosures about installed advertising software, to require a consumers affirmative consent to using the software on their device, and to provide a reasonable and effective means for consumers to opt-out, disable or remove the software.

Lenovo is also required to implement and maintain a software security compliance program and must obtain initial and biennial assessments for the next 20 years from a qualified, independent, third-party professional that certifies the effectiveness and compliance with the security-compliance program.

Richard Craver

Jeld-Wen acquires U.S., Australian companies

Jeld-Wen Holding Inc. announced two acquisitions last week, including an Australian maker of shower and closet systems.

On Thursday, the Charlotte company said it acquired Kolder Group, which provides supply and installation services to builders and commercial property developers in the major metropolitan markets of eastern Australia.

On Aug. 25, the company acquired Milliken Millwork Inc., known as MMI Door, a leading provider of doors and related value-added services in the Midwest.

Terms were not disclosed in both transactions. Milliken Millwork had $90 million in revenue for the 12 months ending July 31.

The acquisitions are Jeld-Wens eighth and ninth over the past two years.

Jeld-Wen has a manufacturing plant in North Wilkesboro with 49 jobs, and an exterior- and interior-door operations in Lexington with a combined 195 employees.
The resolution drafted by Ukraine on deployment of peacekeepers in Donbas indicates that Russia should be barred from that mission, and that peacekeepers should be stationed on the Ukrainian-Russian border, Ukrainian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Volodymyr Yelchenko told the 112.Ukraine television channel in a statement.

"A country engaged in a conflict cannot simultaneously be a peacekeeper. This cannot be just about the OSCE monitors' security. It would be easier to arm them than to deploy any UN military force for their protection. We do not agree that we should be coordinating the issue with representatives of certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as Russia is a party to the conflict," Yelchenko said.

Ukraine expects UN peacekeepers to be present in every part of the conflict zone, including the border; it is also essential to withdraw Russian troops from certain districts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions before the mission is deployed, he said.

"The mission will be financed from the UN peacekeeping budget. There is a regular budget, and there is a peacekeeping budget. I have heard it will amount to at least $1 billion a year, but I am not a specialist. The mission should be mandatorily stationed throughout Donbas, primarily on the Russian-Ukrainian border. There is another matter of principle for us: all foreign troops, and the only foreign troops currently stationed there are Russian, should leave before the UN mission is put in place," Yelchenko said.

Ukraine expects peacekeepers to have a broader mandate than the OSCE SMM observers, he said.

Yelchenko added that Ukraine might suggest another draft resolution on the peacekeeping mission. "It has already been prepared. It is in the hands of our partners. We will wait for a few days and will release our other draft if necessary. The other draft is based on the Russian document. Yet this does not mean it should be preserved as it is," he said.

Russia has hindering the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution on the peacekeeping mission in Donbas on multiple occasions by threatening to use its veto, Yelchenko said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 5 that the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Donbas could help settle the conflict in eastern Ukraine and ordered the Russian Foreign Ministry to submit a relevant resolution for consideration by the UN Security Council.
Note: The time of the tropical cyclone's center location at the bottom of the graphic will be 3 hours earlier than the time of the current advisory. The forecast cycle for each advisory begins 3 hours prior to the issuance of the advisory products.

These graphics show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 34 kt (39 mph). These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years. Each graphic provides cumulative probabilities that wind speeds of at least 39 mph will occur during cumulative time periods at each specific point on the map. The cumulative periods begin at the start of the forecast period and extend through the entire 5-day forecast period at cumulative 12-hour intervals (i.e., 0-12 h, 0-24 h, 0-36 h, ... , 0-120 h). An individual graphic is produced for each cumulative interval, and the capability to zoom and animate through the periods is provided. To assess the overall risk of experiencing winds of at least 39 mph at any location, the 120-h graphics are recommended.

These probabilities will be updated by the NHC with each advisory package for all active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins. While separate graphics are focused on each individual tropical cyclone, probabilities resulting from more than one active tropical cyclone may be seen on each graphic.

It is important for users to realize that wind speed probabilities that might seem relatively small at their location might still be quite significant, since they indicate that there is a chance that a damaging or even extreme event could occur that warrants preparations to protect lives and property.
Russia's hybrid military forces have attacked Ukrainian army positions in Donbas 32 times in the past 24 hours, the press service of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) headquarters has reported.

"In total, since the beginning of the day, Russian-occupation groups have opened fire on the positions of the Ukrainian army 32 times. Some 20 of them are described as aiming. Over the past day, the enemy has not used mortars and other heavy weapons," the ATO staff said on Facebook.

In particular, from 18:00 militants were firing in the Mariupol and Donetsk sectors.

Russian backed militants opened fire from grenade launchers near the village of Lebedynske and the village of Vodiane. The enemy also used infantry fighting vehicle and heavy machine guns against the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near the village of Starohnativka. Furthermore, small arms were used near the villages of Hnutove and Shyrokyne.

In the Donetsk sector, the situation was most tense near the village of Zaitseve using small arms. Moreover, the ATO forces near the town of Avdiyivka and Butivka coal mine came under fire from heavy machine guns.
This year's Nov. 8 election didn't present any unforeseen outcomes, at least as it pertains to Dorchester County Council races. However, the competition between Republican Rita May Ranck and Democrat Carlisle Harrison was one of the more thrilling ones in the State, as the latter temporarily Read moreNewly elected Councilmember Rita May Ranck ready to 'work' and 'listen'
The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) [advocacy website] on Tuesday announced [press release] a settlement [dismissal, PDF] with Buffalo City School District [official website] to halt discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in the district. The settlement came in a lawsuit [complaint, PDF] the NYCLU filed in May alleging the school openly and consistently allowed discrimination by preventing students from forming a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) [advocacy website] student organization as well as prohibiting same-sex prom dates. The settlement states:

The Parties enter into this Agreement out of a mutual desire to protect the constitutional and statutory rights of all students in the Mckinley High School community, to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBTQ students, and to increase awareness of the Districts existing anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, all in a cost-effective, timely, and collaborative manner.

The settlement not only allows for a GSA on site, but also requires a two survey to track bias incidents as well as assemblies to educate students on their rights and protections.

Protections and regulations for LGBT individuals are still forming across the country. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill into law [JURIST report] in July directing New Jersey school boards to addres[s] common issues concerning the needs of transgender and LGBTQ students, and to assist schools in establishing policies and procedures that ensure a supportive and nondiscriminatory environment for transgender students. Utah Governor Gary Herbert in March signed [JURIST report] amendments to SB 196, repealing language that barred advocacy of homosexuality in Utah public schools. Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin signed a bill [JURIST report] into law in March aimed at protecting student organizations rights to manage internal affairs in a manner that is consistent with the groups religious or political beliefs.
Kem Sokha, head of the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) [party website] was charged Tuesday with treason after his arrest on Sunday. The arrest of Sokha was first announced [Tweet] by his daughter on social media. Sokha and others were arrested and charged [Cambodia Daily report] with committing acts of treason by colluding with foreign agencies [Phnom Penh Post report]. At issue is the international support Sokha receives ahead of next years election, which resulted in a televised broadcast in Australia. Sokha not only heads [Asian Correspondent report] the opposition party but also is associated with a local newspaper that was temporarily shutdown [tweet] as a result of the raid. The International community has condemned [UN press release] the arrest [US press release] as interference [UK press release] in democratic elections.

The arrest comes on the heels of the Cambodian government cracking down on political opposition within the country. Cambodias National Assembly in July passed a bill [JURIST report] that prohibits political parties from being affiliated with convicted criminals. The US Department of State issued a press release [text] in May expressing concern over the prolonged pretrial detention of five Cambodian activist. A law passed [JURIST report] in February by Cambodias parliament gives the Supreme Court the power to dissolve any political parties it finds unconstitutional.
[JURIST] Colombias government signed a peace agreement with the National Liberation Army (ELN) [InSight Crime profile] in Ecuador on Monday, two days before Pope Franciss visit to the country. In a speech on Monday, Colombias president, Juan Manuel Santos [biography], said [press release, in Spanish] that the during the ceasefire agreement, the ELN pledged not to kidnap or harass citizens, or attack the nations pipelines. That is very important, because all this leads is to protect the Colombians, said Santos. He also called on the message of reconciliation that will be given by Pope Francis later in the week. The president said the deal would be renewed on January 12 if progress between the two groups is made. Colombia promised [InSight Crime press release] to suspend military operations against the group, improve conditions for imprisoned ELN members, and protect human rights defenders. The ELN is the last major guerrilla group [AP report] in Colombia.

In July Colombia granted amnesty [JURIST report] to members of FARC, the larger of the two guerrilla organizations. The Colombian government and the FARC reached a peace agreement [JURIST report] in November to end the guerrilla warfare that has been plaguing the country for more than five decades. In December Colombias Constitutional Court approved [JURIST report] the governments plan to expedite a peace deal with the FARC. Also that month the Colombian Congress approved [JURIST report] a measure granting amnesty to low-level FARC guerrillas who have not committed atrocious crimes. Colombian voters in October narrowly rejected [JURIST report] the previous peace deal negotiated between Santos and Timoleon Jimenez, the leader of the FARC. The Colombian government and the FARC signed a ceasefire [JURIST report] in June 2016, marking an end to more than 50 years of armed conflict between the two groups.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) [official website] on Wednesday ruled 11-6 [judgment] that unrestricted monitoring of an employees communication by his or her employer constitutes a violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (Article 8) [text, PDF], concerning the right to respect for private and family life. This ruling concerns a 2007 incident [press release, PDF] wherein a private company in Romania was monitoring the Yahoo! Messenger communications of its employee, Bogdan Mihai Barbulescu, who was asked to create the messenger account to respond to client inquiries. Barbulescu used the messenger for personal purposes in addition to using it for business purposes. This resulted in Barbulescus immediate termination from his employment. Barbulescu unsuccessfully challenged the companys decision in the courts of Romania, and the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal in June 2008 stating that the company had acted reasonably under the circumstances. Barbulescu then filed the case with the ECHR relying on Article 8, and once again lost the case in the lower chamber, which ruled that there was no Article 8 violation and that the Romania courts struck a fair balance between the Barbulescus right to respect for his private life and his employers interests. The case came to the Grand Chamber in June 2016, which disagreed with the lower chambers conclusions stating that an employers instructions cannot reduce private social life in the workplace to zero. The Court added that the Romania courts failed to examine whether Barbulescu had been provided sufficient notice of potential monitoring of his communications, the degree of intrusion into Barbulescus private life through real time monitoring, whether there was a legitimate reason for the monitoring, and whether less intrusive methods could have been used to accomplish the intended purpose of detecting violations of the companys regulations. Thus, the Grand Chamber concluded that the Romania courts failed to strike a balance between the competing interests, and Article 8 was indeed violated.

Privacy has been a contentious topic around the world in the past two years. In June, Japans parliament passed [JURIST report] a controversial anti-conspiracy bill aimed at improving security and combating terrorism that critics claim will violate privacy rights. In May, Germanys Federal Court of Justice [official website] ruled [JURIST report] that government websites can store personal data as long as they provide adequate justification. The same month, the Nevada Senate [official website] approved [JURIST report] a bill requiring Internet providers to disclose what types of personal information they collect from users. In April, JURIST Guest Columnist Andreas Kuersten discussed [JURIST op-ed] the flawed reasoning of a legislation signed earlier this year that allows Internet Service Providers to sell customers personal information without their consent. Also in April, a group of US Senators introduced [JURIST report] a bipartisan bill to require government agents to get a warrant when searching electronic devices of US citizens at the border.
[JURIST] Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy website] on Tuesday condemned [report] both Chinas oppression of critics of the nations human rights record and the UNs failure to stop such conduct. The report alleges that, China has worked consistently and often aggressively to silence criticism of its human rights record before UN bodies and has taken actions aimed at weakening some of the central mechanisms available in those institutions to advance rights. HRW argued that because of Chinas growing influence in the world, their violations of international human rights must be addressed. The report alleged that China attempted to prevent Chinese activists from leaving the country to go to UN-sponsored events, harassing those that have attended such events, and have prevented activists from communicating with UN human rights investigators. Such acts by the government, HRW argues, introduce a longer-term challenge to the integrity of the [Chinese government] as a whole. As to their criticisms of the UN, HRW stated that, UN officials have at times pushed back against improper Chinese pressure or steadfastly ignored it, in other instances, they have capitulated  or have soft-pedaled their concerns, presumably to avoid confrontation with China. The report concludes with a plea to the UN to view violations of human rights by China more objectively and to take more direct action against such infractions.

Chinas human rights record has been of international concern for many years now. In February, the Network of Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) [advocacy website] released [JURIST report] a report detailing crackdowns of human rights defenders by China. In December the UN called on China to investigate the disappearance of Jiang Tianyong, [JURIST report] after he had been missing for two months. The same month China suspended the law license [JURIST report] of prominent human rights lawyer Li Jinxing, over his apparent allegedly unacceptable behavior in court while defending a client. In September China handed down a 12-year sentence [JURIST report] to prominent human rights lawyer Xia Lin. In July 2016 China announced plans to prosecute [JURIST report] prominent human rights lawyer Zhou Shifeng on charges of subverting state power, furthering its recent crackdown on political dissidents. In April 2016 a civil rights lawyer was arrested and released [JURIST report] for posting an image online mocking Xi Jinping in relation to the Panama Papers release.
Kenyan presidential candidate Raila Odinga [BBC profile], whose campaign against the incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta [government website] was declared unsuccessful after a countrywide election last month by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Committee (IEBC) [government website], has issued a statement [BBC report] that he would not be participating in the October re-election process. The August election [materials] itself has been invalidated by Kenyas highest court [materials, PDF]. Odinga has stated that he will not participate in another election without legal and constitutional guarantees.

We know exactly what transpired in these last elections, we know what the IEBC did and we know that if we were to go back there will be no different results and thats why will say there will be no elections on the [October 17th election date].

ast week Kenyas Supreme Court ruled 4-2 to invalidate the recent presidential election [JURIST report]. Kenyatta was reelected after winning 54 percent of the votes in the recent election, which was held on August 8. The election has sparked violent protests, resulting [JURIST report] in at least 24 people dead, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights [official website]. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein has called on Kenyan leaders [JURIST report] to take the responsible path and exercise their leadership to avoid violence after these deadly protests. Protests the following Kenyas 2007 election, which Odinga also lost, resulted in more than 1,200 deaths, triggering an International Criminal Court investigation and charges that were ultimately dropped [JURIST report] against Kenyatta. Last week Kenyas Supreme Court ordered [JURIST report] the election commission to allow Odinga and Kenyatta limited access to its computer servers and electronic devices so that they could assess the vote-count themselves.
A 26-year-old Mexican immigrant in New York has amended his ongoing lawsuit [complaint, PDF] against the US government to challenge the Trump administrations decision to end the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program [JURIST report]. Batalla Vidal, who initially brought the suit [materials] in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York [official website] in August 2016, has amended the lawsuit to include Attorney General Jeff Sessions announcement on Tuesday [press release] that the Trump administration would be ending the DACA program.

Crackdowns on immigration have been a controversial part of Trumps presidency. Last month Trump pardoned [JURIST report] a former Arizona sheriff who had been found guilty of criminal contempt for his refusal to follow a court order in regards to racial profiling. Also in August Chicago sued [JURIST report] the Trump administration over sanctuary city funding. That same month rights groups sued [JURIST report] the State Department over diversity visa denials. Two days before Trump had announced [JURIST report] his support for a skill based immigration system.
[JURIST] US Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday announced [prepared remarks] the Trump administrations plans to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) [official website] program, which gives undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children, known as Dreamers, protection from deportation. According to a White House press release [text], The Trump Administration is taking responsible action to wind down DACA in an orderly and minimally disruptive manner. No new undocumented immigrants may register under DACA, and the immigrants whose DACA documents are about to expire must renew by October 5, 2017. The administration said, Under the change announced today, current DACA recipients generally will not be impacted until after March 5, 2018, six months from now. That period of time gives Congress the opportunity to consider appropriate legislative solutions. Civil rights organizations have criticized Trumps plan. The American Civil Liberties Union [advocacy website] director of immigration policy, Lorella Praeli, said [press release], Today is a cruel day for Dreamers, our families, and all Americans.

Crackdowns on immigration have been a controversial part of Trumps presidency. Last month Trump pardoned [JURIST report] a former Arizona sheriff who had been found guilty of criminal contempt for his refusal to follow a court order in regards to racial profiling. Also in August Chicago sued [JURIST report] the Trump administration over sanctuary city funding. That same month rights groups sued [JURIST report] the State Department over diversity visa denials. Two days before Trump had announced [JURIST report] his support for a skill based immigration system.
On November 13, 1956, the US Supreme Court declined the appeal of a US District Court ruling in Browder v. Gayle that had declared unconstitutional Alabama's state and local laws requiring segregation on buses, thereby ending the Montgomery Bus Boycott.


President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko welcomes the recommendation by the Permanent Representatives of the EU countries (Coreper) to the Council of the EU to extend for another six months restrictive measures against Russian individuals and legal entities in connection with the situation in Ukraine.

"I welcome the decision of the EU ambassadors to extend for half a year and expand the package of sanctions against Russia for the occupation of Crimea," Poroshenko wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

"The burden of "Crimea is ours" should become unbearably heavy until Ukraine's sovereignty over the peninsula is fully restored," the Ukrainian president said.

As earlier reported, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European Union (Coreper) without a debate recommended the Council of the European Union to prolong by another six months the 'target' restrictive measures against Russian private individuals and legal entities due to the situation in Ukraine.
[JURIST] The UN Commission of Inquiry on Burundi [official website] reported [materials] on Monday that various crimes against humanity have been committed in the troubled country since investigations began in April 2015. In June the commission released evidence [JURIST report] of human rights violations such as illegal executions, torture, inhumane treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, arbitrary arrests and detention, and orchestrated kidnappings. According to the commission, the perpetrators include intelligence, police, and military officials as well as members of the Imbonerakure, a youth league of the ruling party. The commission has expressed concern over the continuation of human rights violations as well as Burundis lack of willingness to document human rights abuses and hold perpetrators accountable. The commission has called on Burundi to abide by its obligations as a member of the Human Rights Council [official website] and put an end to such abuses. Furthermore, the commission has requested the involvement of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and African Union [official websites] to help find a resolution. The commission will release a final report on the matter later this month at the thirty-sixth session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The controversy from President Pierre Nkurunzizas third term has plunged the country [HRW backgrounder] into a period of political violence and human rights violations. Last year, a report [HRW report] of government forces targeting perceived opponents with threats and violence heightened. As a result thousands of Burundians have fled the country [JURIST report]. In 2015, the UN condemned [JURIST report] the suspension of 10 non-governmental organizations in Burundi, calling it an attempt by Burundian authorities to silence dissenting voices. In October the National Assembly of Burundi [official website, in French] voted to withdraw [JURIST report] from the ICC after the ICC began investigating into how the government interacts with those who oppose Nkurunziza. Nkurunziza was elected [JURIST report] for his third term July 2015 causing public protest and violence.
Hiking 14ers: Tips for Beginners

If you follow the news in Colorado, it comes as no surprise that it has been a rough year for Colorados 14ers. In particular, Capitol Peak has seen an unprecedented five deaths this summer.

Capitol Peak aside, I think a lot of the struggles on 14ers come from their popularity. Frequently, a popular hike means that it is relatively easy and/or good for first-time hikers. And while 14ers can be tackled by people fairly new to hiking, its never a good idea to make a 14,000+ foot mountain your first hiking challenge, yanno?

I first began climbing Colorados 14ers in 2001 with the ambitious goal of summiting all of the states 53 {or 58, depending on how you count} towering mountains. For awhile, it looked like Id accomplish that goal before I graduated college in 2004 {and I even managed to summit 27 in one summer!} But then I found other fun things in life and the peaks took a backseat to a multitude of other outdoor adventures. I try to tick off at least one new 14er every summer, but it can be hard with so many possibilities!

To date, I think Ive stood on the top of ~40 of those mountains, so Ive had a lot of time to learn a few tips and tricks that will help anyone power their way upwards. And since I know a lot of people are eager to tackle their first peak, I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of advice.

Best 14ers for Beginners

One of the first things to consider is which peak you want to hike since not all of them are suitable for beginners. Ideally, you want to find one that is considered a Class I or Class II climb. This means that there is nothing technical and you wont need to use your hands for anything, even scrambling. In a nutshell, you can literally hike your way to the summit.

Popular options for beginners frequently include Mt. Bierstadt, Grays, Torreys, Sherman, Lincoln, Democrat, or Bross. These are all great choices but they will definitely be crowded since they are accessible from the city and relatively not difficult. If you have the gumption and time to get away from the Denver crowds, Id recommend Sunshine, Redcloud, or Huron. Mt. Princeton or Antero are good options too with just a few less people.

Start Early

It may sound crazy, but take this seriously: the rule of thumb is that you *must* be off the summit before lunch!

Colorados high altitude is not like the calm and predictably pleasant high altitude weather youll find in places like Californias Sierra. In fact, the weather above tree line is predictably nasty and afternoon lightning and thunderstorms are the norm. Every year, there are a few people hit by lightning because they simply dont take these storms seriously.

When you are above tree line, you are one of the highest points aroundnot good in a storm! I learned this lesson the hard way when I was scrambling to the summit of Wilson Peak in the San Juans. A storm was rolling in but being young and dumb, we thought we could push it to summit and get down before the legit bad weather rolled in.

Turns out, Mother Nature was willing to give us one warning and one warning only. The ice axe on my backpack started ringing and the hairs on my arms stood up straight. Immediately, I knew it was time to get outta there! I pulled my axe from my pack and literally threw it down the mountain to get the metal away from me. Then, I began the clumsiest downhill sprint ever in an effort to get below tree line and out of danger.

Fortunately, it worked and Im still here {and we even found my axe!} But it was a stupid mistake that couldve led to more serious consequences. Dont be dumb like me and assume you can outsmart {or out hustle} Planet Earth because thats a battle youll always lose. Start early {sometimes even pre-dawn} and plan a concrete turnaround time. If you hit that time and you are nowhere near the summit, perhaps its better saved for another day.

Sun Protection

The sun at 14,000 feet is no joke! It may be chilly and windy but dont let that trick you into thinking youre not in danger of burning. Definitely wear sunscreen and a hat, of course. But more importantly, dont forget these two items: chapstick (with SPF) and a hat!

Not only will the sun parch your lips, but the high altitude will dehydrate you more easily, which will also lead to dry lips. Pack your chapstick in the waist belt pocket on your backpack so you can easily access it while on the move.

Pack Layers

No joke: it can be a 94-degree day in July when you are in the parking lot at the trailhead but the summit may feel 40 degrees cooler with gusting wind and occasional bouts of hail.and everything in between.

High altitude brings its own weather with it and you will more than likely see 17 seasons on your trek to the summit. Even if you are planning on hiking in pants and a t-shirt, always pack an insulating jacket, a hard shell, a beanie, and some liner gloves {or more, if your hands get cold like mine!} Im willing to bet you will use everything.

Trekking Poles

To be fair, not everyone is a trekking pole junkie but the more mountains I climb, the more I use my poles {and after three knee surgeries, Will is reliant upon his.}

Trekking poles serve a couple of purposes. First of all, they are helpful while climbing because you can use the poles to carry a bit of your weight on steep climbs. That said, I usually tuck mine away on the climb upwards because I just dont like them.

However, I LOVE them on the downhills! The older I get, the descent is almost tougher on my body, especially my knees. While hiking Longs last year, I literally felt like my knees were going to explode by the 13th mile and I couldnt believe we still had two miles left of downhill pounding.

#OldAge

Trekking poles are invaluable for this. If you extend them a bit longer, you can learn how to place them ahead of your body so they take on some of your weight, removing it from your joints. Poles dont totally remove the pounding from your knees but they sure do help!

Bring Lots of Water

I know, I know: a million people have told you this. But water is super critical to a successful summit, especially if you arent used to high altitude!

The symptoms of altitude sickness are very similar to the symptoms of dehydration, so its important to make sure you stay hydrated so that youll understand whether or not you are suffering from AMS. Most people can handle elevations of up to 8,000 feet without experiencing any problems.

That said, the air at altitude is significantly drier than the air at lower elevations, so you are going to need to drink more water than usual to account for the lack of humidity. A good rule of thumb is to drink an extra 1-1.5 liters on top of your usually consumption {so youre likely planning around 3-4 liters.}

Hike Slowly

This is going to be relative, but its important to find a steady pace that works for you.

As you climb higher, there is going to be less oxygen in the air. If you are moving quickly, you will be exerting yourself which will lead to quicker, shorter breaths. With the dwindling oxygen, these quick breaths will mean less oxygen for you which is going to lead to problems.

Slow and steady wins the race! If you hike slowly, concentrating on every foot placement, you will avoid overexertion while also allowing yourself to capture deeper breaths. This is going to allow more oxygen into your lungs per breath. This will help keep altitude sickness at bay while allowing more of the good stuff {oxygen} get to your muscles.

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The Kenyan Supreme Court has found that the August 8 presidential election result is invalid. It blames the electoral commission, not the declared winner, Uhuru Kenyatta. Kenyas leading newspaper praises the decision as a step towards the rule of law, but I am less sure about what this means for the ability of the political establishment to stick to the terms of the countrys constitution.

The Supreme Court has given the country 60 days to hold fresh elections. The time period is in accordance with section 140 (3) of the Constitution, but the court failed to tell the public exactly what the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had done wrong. This leaves Kenya with a compromised commission rerunning an election.

Chief Justice David Maraga noted that the court had previously failed to provide a full judgment on the 2013 elections and this had not been received well. He then did exactly the same. Of course, the court had to provide a judgment on the oppositions petition within 14 days, as stipulated by the Constitution. This is the period before the president-elect is inaugurated. The court would have sparked a constitutional crisis if it had not made any decision.

But by not explaining how the IEBC has failed, the court has created a problem. Its impossible to organise the next election and reform the commission in the time given.

Time pressure

The court gave itself up to 21 more days to deliver its full judgment. This would leave the country with only 39 days before the fresh election. Already, opposition leader Raila Odinga has declared that his coalition will refuse to participate in presidential elections under the current leadership of the IEBC.

But, as a newspaper commentator observes, its just not feasible to remove IEBC commissioners without a tribunal, which is then reviewed by parliament. Complicating matters further, three citizens have filed a separate petition to ask the courts to remove certain IEBC officials over their wrongdoing.

Even once the full judgment is handed down within 21 days of the ruling, it probably wont indicate criminality at the level of individuals. The Supreme Court was asked only to determine the validity of the election overall. Its full judgment can indicate how the process of the election must be improved.

The election was judged to be void because the electoral commission was at fault. This suggests it must change its procedures  and perhaps its personnel  if better elections are to take place. A new election must avoid the errors of the previous one.

Political scholar Gabrielle Lynch explains some of the corrections that have to be made. These include the process for transmitting results, the use of security forces and the uneven use of state resources.

Few of these suggested corrections will be feasible within the allotted timeframe.

Serious problems

Indeed, the problems are serious. Months before the election was held, the courts orderedthe IEBC to stop printing ballot papers, because of claims that the Dubai-based firm Ghurair held too many links to Kenyatta.

The claim against Ghurair was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. But part of the IEBCs successful defence against the court order was the time pressure of having to hold an election in a few months time. If time pressure was a valid reason then, why would it not be now? Why would an even more rushed election be credible?

The murder of the IEBCs IT manager, Chris Msando, will now be under even closer scrutiny by the media. But even if the crime was directly related to the muddled tallying of votes, there isnt time before the rerun to find individuals guilty. It is highly unlikely the full Supreme Court judgment will touch upon this tense topic. And that further reduces the credibility of the current IEBC.

Credibility concerns

The wider concerns with the IEBC date back to the Chickengate scandal. A UK court found a UK firm had bribed the IEBC (then the Interim Independent Electoral Commission) to get the contract to print ballot papers for the 2010 Kenyan constitutional referendum.

The UK co-conspirators were found guilty. But no-one from the Kenyan side was put behind bars by Kenyan courts. This created mistrust of the IEBC leaders. The current crisis will revive past anxieties like these, but leave no time for meaningful reform.

In Kenyan elections, local witnesses must sign the official forms to say the local tally is accurate. Central tallying organised electronically must then match with these local forms. The election is considered free and fair if this is done properly. The Supreme Court has ruled that both the IEBC as a whole and its chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, are responsible for the failure on 8 August.

Chebukati has refused to stand down. His response doesnt boost public confidence in the institution. If the public is to trust the rerun, he must go.

Asking for more time

The IEBC should then petition the Supreme Court to give it more time.

It was done before, when the 2013 election was delayed because of the difficulty of implementing aspects of the new Constitution.

Section 86 of the Constitution requires the IEBC to collate the results of an election openly and accurately. At present, it cant meet this requirement because it does not know what it must do differently from before. The IEBC should therefore depend on Section 86 when it asks the Supreme Court for more time.

This article was first published by The Conversation
Human Rights Watch in a report released on Wednesday accused Egyptian security services of widespread torture of detainees in a probable "crime against humanity".

The New York-based rights group said security services in the North African country used torture as a "systematic practice" against suspected opponents of the government.

Rights groups have regularly accused Egyptian security services of practising torture, something the interior ministry has denied.

The government has acknowledged there have been "individual" cases of torture, and several policemen have been tried and sentenced for violent deaths in detention in recent years.

"Human Rights Watch believes the torture epidemic in Egypt likely constitutes a crime against humanity, due to its widespread and systematic practice across Egypt," the group said in the report.

It said it had interviewed 19 former detainees who detailed the methods of torture, which include electrocution.

Police also handcuffed suspects and suspended them by their arms.

In another "position, called the 'chicken' or 'grill', officers placed a stick or bar behind the suspects' knees, wrapped their arms around the bar from the other side so that the bar laid between the crook of their elbows and the back of their knees, and tied their hands together above their shins to secure them in the position," the report said.

The bar was then lifted, placing the suspects in a position "resembling a chicken on a rotisserie spit".

The report quoted a former detainee alleging police "repeatedly raped" him with a stick.

Police abuses fuelled a 2011 uprising that unseated veteran autocrat Hosni Mubarak and ushered in years of political instability.

In 2013, then army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi overthrew Mubarak's unpopular Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi, unleashing a bloody crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood movement.

Jihadists have since launched a deadly insurgency that has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers.

Sisi, elected president in 2014, asked the police to crack down on abuses after a spate of violent deaths in prison and police shootings that sparked protests.

In February last year, a court sentenced a policeman to eight years in prison for beating to death a veterinary surgeon in custody in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya.

In December 2015, a court in the Nile delta city of Tanta sentenced two policemen in absentia to life in jail for killing a man in custody.

The same month, a court sentenced two secret policemen to five years in prison for beating to death an imprisoned lawyer in a Cairo police station.

In its report, HRW recommended Sisi task the justice ministry with appointing a special prosecutor to investigate complaints of abuse and prosecute them.

"Failing a serious effort by the Sisi administration to confront the torture epidemic, we urge UN member states to investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute in their own courts Egyptian security officers and other officials accused of committing torture or allowing it to occur, under the principle of universal jurisdiction," the report said.
A 14-year-old boy whose body was found with dozens of stab wounds is the latest atrocity in Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, critics said Wednesday as outrage built at a trio of teen killings.

The National Bureau of Investigation announced it would probe the murder of the boy, who politicians and rights groups said appeared to be the third teenager murdered as part of Duterte's drug war in the past month.

Filipinos have mostly backed Duterte's drug war even as critics warned the thousands of people killed in the crackdown may amount to a crime against humanity. But the deaths of the three boys have triggered rare street protests and highlighted concerns about alleged police abuse.

"Under President Duterte's bloody war on drugs, there is a pattern of killing young and poor people, particularly innocent minors. There is a policy to kill," opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros said as she voiced outrage at the death of Reynaldo de Guzman.

Fellow opposition Senator Francis Pangilinan said de Guzman was among more than 30 boys who had been killed in Duterte's drug war.

"The daily killings are not the solution to illegal drugs," Pangilinan added.

Police said they found de Guzman's body on Wednesday in a creek about 70 kilometres (45 miles) from his home. His face was wrapped in packing tape and his body bore 30 stab wounds, they said.

He went missing from a suburb east of Manila 20 days ago with neighbour Carl Angelo Arnaiz, 19, who was controversially shot dead on the same night by Manila police. The police accused him of robbing a taxi driver.

The boys' killings followed the shooting death in Manila of another teenager, Kian delos Santos, during a police anti-drug raid on August 16.

Government investigators had said murder charges should be filed against eight police officers for the alleged murders of Arnaiz and delos Santos.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre on Thursday also ordered an investigation into the third boy's killing.

Duterte won last year's elections after promising an unprecedented crackdown to eradicate drugs in which tens of thousands of people would be killed.

Since then police have reported killing 3,800 people in anti-drug operations, with thousands of other people murdered in unexplained circumstances.

Duterte has said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million Filipino drug addicts, and that he would pardon police if they were found guilty of murder for killing in his drug war.

But he has denied ever inciting police or vigilantes to commit mass murder.
United Nations war crimes investigators said Wednesday they have evidence showing the Syrian regime carried out an April sarin gas attack in Idlib province that killed dozens of people.

The attack was the latest in a string of chemical strikes since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011.

Here is a recap.

- Damascus threatens to use chemical weapons -

July 23, 2012: The Syrian government acknowledges for the first time that it has chemical weapons and threatens to use them in the event of military operations by Western countries, but not against its own population.

The following month, then US president Barack Obama says the use or even movement of such weapons would be a "red line" for his administration.

- Sarin gas attack near Damascus -

August 21, 2013: Hundreds of people are killed in the east and southwest of Damascus, including in Moadamiyet al-Sham, in chemical weapons strikes after Syrian troops launch an offensive in the area.

The opposition blames the regime, which denies the charge.

In late August, a US intelligence report says with "high confidence" that Syria's government carried out the attack. It says 1,429 people were killed, including 426 children.

September 14, 2013: The United States and Russia reach a deal to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons by the middle of 2014, averting punitive US strikes against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Two days later, a UN report says there is clear evidence sarin gas was used in the August 21 attack.

- Chlorine attacks -

September 10, 2014: The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says chlorine was used as a weapon "systematically and repeatedly" on villages in northwestern Syria's Idlib province earlier in the year.

Human Rights Watch blames Syrian government forces for attacks there.

In 2016, a UN commission finds helicopters from two regime-controlled air bases dropped chlorine barrel-bombs on the villages of Qmenas, Talmenes and Sarmin, in rebel-held Idlib province, in 2014 and 2015.

August 7, 2015: The UN Security Council agrees to form a panel of experts to investigate chlorine attacks in Syria.

Washington, London and Paris blame the Syrian regime, but Moscow says there is no irrefutable evidence proving the claim.

In late August, a UN commission accuses Syrian authorities of using chemical weapons, probably chlorine, eight times in the west of the country.

- IS accused of mustard gas attacks -

August 25, 2015: Syrian rebels and activists say they documented a chemical weapons attack on August 21 in the rebel stronghold of Marea in northern Aleppo, affecting dozens of people.

Locals and the Britain-based Observatory accuse the Islamic State group of being behind the attack.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says it treated four civilians at a nearby field clinic for "symptoms of exposure to chemical agents".

Patients at an MSF hospital in Aleppo say a mortar round hit their house and "after the explosion, a yellow gas filled the living room".

A 2016 UN investigation blames IS for the attack, saying it was "the only entity with the ability, capability, motive and the means to use sulphur mustard".

- New suspicions -

August 2, 2016: The Observatory reports 24 cases of suffocation in Saraqeb, a rebel-held town near Aleppo.

October 21, 2016: The UN-led Joint Investigative Mechanism says that of nine alleged chemical attacks it is examining, three can be attributed to the Syrian government and one to IS jihadists.

Regime backer Russia later dismisses the findings as "unconvincing".

- Russian-Chinese veto -

February 28, 2017: Russia and China block a Western-backed UN resolution that would have imposed fresh sanctions on Damascus over chemical weapons use.

March 3, 2017: The OPCW says it is examining allegations of eight toxic gas attacks in Syria since the beginning of the year.

- Khan Sheikhun attack -

April 4, 2017: Warplanes strike the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun in the northwestern province of Idlib with a chemical agent, killing at least 83 people. The OPCW later says sarin gas was used.

Overnight April 6-7, 2017: The United States fires 59 Tomahawk missiles at a Syrian airbase from which it says the attack was launched.
United Nations war crimes investigators on Wednesday said they had evidence that Syrian government forces were behind the chemical attack that killed dozens of people in Khan Sheikhun in April.

In the first UN report to officially blame Damascus, the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria said it had gathered an "extensive body of information" showing the Syrian airforce was behind the horrific sarin gas attack on April 4.

"All evidence available leads the Commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhun," the report said.

At least 83 people, a third of them children, were killed and nearly 300 wounded in the attack on Khan Sheikhun, a town in the opposition-held northern province of Idlib, it said.

Other sources have given a death toll of at least 87.

Syria's government has denied involvement and claims it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender its chemical arsenal.

A fact-finding mission by the UN's chemical watchdog, the OPCW, concluded earlier this year that sarin gas was used in the attack, but did not assign blame.

A joint UN-OPCW panel is currently working to determine whether Syrian government forces were behind the attack.

- Significant evidence -

But Wednesday's report is the first from the UN to officially lay blame for the attack on Damascus.

The report also found that the Syrian government was responsible for at least 23 other chemical attacks in the war-ravaged country since March 2013.

The investigators, who have never been granted access to Syria, said they had based their findings on photographs of bomb remnants, satellite imagery and eyewitness testimony.

They determined that a Su-22 fighter bomber, which is only operated by the Syrian air force, conducted four airstrikes in Khan Sheikhun at around 6:45 am on April 4.

"The Commission identified three of the bombs as likely OFAB-100-120 and one as a chemical bomb," the report said, adding that "photographs of weapon remnants depict a chemical aerial bomb of a type manufactured in the former Soviet Union."

The investigators said they had found no evidence supporting Syrian and Russian claims that the chemicals had been released when an air strike hit an opposition weapons depot in the area producing chemical munitions.

Their report, which covers the period from March 1 to July 7, also found that Syrian government forces had carried out chemical attacks on at least three other occasions since March -- in Idlib, Hamah and eastern Ghouta -- using weaponised chlorine.

The report is the 14th from the COI, which has been tasked with detailing atrocities in the Syrian conflict that has killed more than 330,000 people since 2011.
NSF grant helps mathematics professor expand math circles project to more Native Americans

Monday, Sept. 11, 2017

David Auckly, professor of mathematics at Kansas State University, works with participants in the Navajo Nation Math Circles project he co-founded. The project has just received a $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for expansion. | Download this photo.





MANHATTAN  A two-year, $300,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will help a Kansas State University mathematics professor expand his Navajo Nation Math Circles project to more Navajo Nation communities and serve various tribes in Washington state.



The grant to David Auckly is through the NSF INCLUDES project, which is aimed at enhancing U.S. leadership in STEM  science, technology, engineering and mathematics  discoveries and innovations through a commitment to diversity and inclusion. NSF INCLUDES  Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science  is designed to create paths to STEM for underrepresented populations, expanding the nation's leadership and talent pools.



"The Navajo Nation Math Circles model is a novel approach to broadening the participation of indigenous peoples in mathematics that, ultimately, seeks to improve American Indian students' attitudes toward mathematics, persistence with challenging problems and grades in math courses," Auckly said. "This project brings teachers, students and mathematicians together to work collaboratively on challenging but meaningful and fun math problems."



Math circles originated a century ago in Eastern Europe. Auckly co-founded the Navajo Nation Math Circle in 2011 with Tatiana Shubin from San Jose State University to provide mathematical activities and opportunities for K-12 Navajo students and their teachers in the American Southwest. The project sends visiting mathematicians to schools in the Southwest to present activities, operates teacher workshops on weekends, and offers spring festivals as well as a two-week summer camp designed for students grades 6-12.



"The project not only helps participants excel in their current grade level, but also prepares them for higher education and math-related careers," Auckly said.



Along with expanding the project to more Navajo Nation communities, the grant allows Auckly to establish a mirror site in Washington state, serving additional tribes, such as Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Tulalip and Stillaguamish. Elements of the program could include facilitation of open-ended group math explorations, incorporating indigenous knowledge systems; a mathematical visitor program sending mathematicians to schools to work with students and their teachers; inclusion of mathematics in public festivals to increase community mathematical awareness; a two-week summer math camp for students; and teacher development opportunities ranging from workshops to immersion experiences to a mentoring program pairing teachers with mathematicians.



Navajo Nation Math Circles was featured in the documentary "Navajo Math Circles," which aired nationwide in September 2016 on the Public Broadcasting System. Some of the project activities will appear in a book in the American Mathematical Society-Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Math Circles Library soon.

Auckly's project is one of 27 selected for funding through the NSF INCLUDES program. All of the programs will develop blueprints for collaborative change among institutions and organizations in order to address broadening participation challenges. A key feature of NSF INCLUDES is its focus on uniting a wide variety of collaborators to generate pioneering solutions to persistent problems. These pilot programs will create an infrastructure that enables collaboration, fueling future innovations in broadening STEM participation.



"Broadening participation in STEM is necessary for the United States to retain its position as the world's pre-eminent source of scientific innovation, said France Cordova, NSF director. "The National Science Foundation has a long history of working to address difficult challenges by creating the space for inventive solutions. NSF INCLUDES breaks new ground by providing a sustained commitment to collaborative change with the goal of bringing STEM opportunities to more people and communities across the country."
The Contact Group for Ukraine did not discuss at its latest meeting in Minsk on Wednesday the issue of possible parameters of the proposed introduction of the UN Blue Helmets into areas along the contact line in Donbas, a source in the group on organizing of the talks told Interfax.

"There was no discussion on the issue of UN peacekeepers," the source said.

The sides are planning to come back to this issue in the future, the source added.

"The issue will be brought on for discussion at the Contact Group after the UN Security Council adopts a resolution in this regard," the source said.
Ukraine starting new level of cooperation with EU in combating crossborder crime

Deputy Justice Minister of Ukraine in charge of issues involving European integration Serhiy Petukhov has said the cooperation agreement between Ukraine and the European Union's Judicial Cooperation Unit (Eurojust) signed on September 2 has entered into force.

"This news that on September 2, 2017 Ukraine's agreement with Eurojust on combating crossborder crime and terrorism was not widely reported," Petukhov said on his Facebook page.

He said the cooperation would allow "much faster exchange of information between Ukrainian and EU law enforcement agencies on criminals who are hiding abroad through shared access to databases and shared investigative records."

The deputy minister said Eurojust is assisting with the joint investigation into the downed Boeing MH17 passenger airliner over Donbas [in July 2014].

"Eurojust also helped coordinate the return of 17 Italian paintings stolen from the Verona museum, which Ukrainian lawmakers found in Odesa. We are working more closely with the EU and increasing our security," he said.

The agreement on cooperation between Ukraine and Eurojust was signed in Brussels on June 27, 2016.

The purpose of the agreement is to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and Eurojust in combating serious crimes, in particular organized crime and terrorism.

The document's entry into force will improve cooperation between Ukraine and Eurojust and will facilitate coordination of investigations conducted in the territory of Ukraine and EU member states.

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on March 9, 2017 signed the law on ratifying the agreement.
The Ukrainian side, within the framework of work of the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk, has confirmed its position on the demand to release 87 Ukrainians and is ready for the exchange of 309 people being asked by the ORDLO (certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions), First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's representative in the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group in Minsk Iryna Gerashchenko has stated.

"Minsk. The humanitarian subgroup in which the Ukrainian side was also represented by Viktor Medvedchuk, SBU experts and Valeria Lutkovska. In the presence of the OSCE, they confirmed the proposal on the immediate release of hostages, while we demand the release of 87 Ukrainians whose location we have established. Ukraine within compromise is ready to release 309 people, just to get ours out," she wrote on Facebook.

Gerashchenko pointed to the importance of the fact that the ORDLO no longer deny that they are holding 87 Ukrainians from the list of 144 people.

"We clearly adhere to the position that all those who have nothing to do with the war in Donbas should be excluded from the list of the ORDLO requirements. We are waiting for a response to our official compromise proposals that are completely based on the Minsk agreements. The stumbling point is the requirement to release criminals and terrorists who do not fall under the Minsk agreements, that's why this is unacceptable," the official said.
LINCOLN  A jury trial has been reset for an Arapahoe man accused of withholding information about an alleged plot to kidnap Furnas County Sheriff Kurt Kapperman.

The jury trial for Anthony Todd Weverka, 54, was originally set for June 26 but has been moved to Sept. 25-28 in U.S. District Court in Lincoln, according to court records.

In May, Weverka pleaded not guilty to felony misprision, which is the term for concealment of knowledge about a felony.

The felony misprision charge carries a penalty of up to three years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both, according to a May news release from U.S. Attorney Jan Sharps office.

Weverka is accused of not disclosing full information about a Canadian womans alleged plot to kidnap the sheriff and a judge in Tipton County, Tenn., and to break an inmate out of the Furnas County Jail in Beaver City.

Between mid-January and mid-March, Weverka allegedly learned of the plot to kidnap the sheriff and didnt immediately disclose the plan.

He also allegedly made false statements to Kapperman. Weverka told Kapperman that his life might be in danger, but Weverka spoke repeatedly with the Canadian woman, Sue Holland, who presented herself as the Chief Justice of the Universal Supreme Court of the Tsilhoqotin Nation, a self-appointed body purporting to represent the country of Chilcotin. However, representatives of Universal Supreme Court are not Tsilhoqotin Nation tribal members.

Weverka allegedly supplied Holland with the sheriffs home address, according to the May news release.

In July, Weverkas attorney Stuart Dornan of Omaha filed a motion to dismiss the indictment. Dornan said Weverkas alleged failure to notify authorities and his concealment of criminal conduct was protected under the Fifth Amendment, court records say.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart denied the motion to dismiss.

The act of knowingly disclosing false information to law enforcement negates (the) defendants ability to invoke the Self-Incrimination Clause as a defense to the misprision charge, Zwart wrote in her order.

According to the indictment and Sharps news release:

While Weverka was serving as president of the Arapahoe Airport Board of Directors, he met Michael Wayne Parsons, 55, of Arlington, Tenn., who flew a plane to the airport on Jan. 10 and asked to spend the night at the airport. He allegedly fled from Tennessee that day, the same day he allegedly failed to appear for trial on two counts of felony possession of a weapon in the Tipton County Circuit Court.

On Jan. 12, Parsons was apprehended by Nebraska law enforcement officers and the FBI at the Arapahoe Airport. Parsons was then transported to the Furnas County Jail.

Between Parsons arrest and March 16, Holland requested Parsons release and his exoneration on his alleged criminal offenses.

Parsons represented himself as the ambassador and associate chief justice of the Universal Supreme Court, the same court on which Holland presents herself as the Chief Justice.

When Hollands Universal Supreme Court orders were ignored, she allegedly offered to pay a bounty hunter in New Orleans to break Parsons out of jail, arrest the Furnas County sheriff and the presiding judge in Tipton County, Tenn., and transport all of them to Canada where the sheriff and judge would face purported criminal charges, the news release says.

Holland also requested that the bounty hunter take possession of the airplane Parsons had flown to the Arapahoe Airport on Jan. 10.

On March 16, Weverka allegedly met with a person whom he believed to be the bounty hunter, the indictment states, and allegedly showed the person the airplane Parsons is alleged to have flown.

Parsons is charged in U.S. District Court with being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to Parsons federal indictment. That felony conviction was on an aggravated assault charge on Nov. 23, 2009, in the Tipton County Circuit Court, the indictment says.

When Parsons was apprehended by law enforcement in Nebraska on Jan. 12, the indictment says, he allegedly had a Rock River 5.56 LAR-15 assault rifle, 87 rounds of .223-caliber light armor piercing ammunition and 550 rounds of .300-caliber Blackout ammunition.

The charge against Parsons carries a possible penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both.

Charges have not been filed against Holland in Nebraska.

@erikadpritchard
GRAND ISLAND -- PETA is calling on the Hall County attorney to consider filing criminal charges against JBS workers in Grand Island for shooting cattle in the head on at least four dates since April 2016.

The animal welfare organization says U.S. Department of Agriculture records show JBS Grand Islands operations have been suspended four times in the last 17 months for shooting cows and steers multiple times during inept stunning attempts. PETA cites USDA records for April 1 and Oct. 14 of last year and Jan. 21 and Aug. 16 of this year.

PETA says it sent a letter Tuesday calling on the Hall County attorney to investigate and, as appropriate, file criminal charges against the JBS Grand Island workers responsible for repeatedly shooting cattle in the head on at least four occasions and for shackling and hoisting a full conscious cow  causing the animal to struggle and cry out.

Hall County Attorney Jack Zitterkopf said Tuesday he had no comment.

JBS officials in both Grand Island and Greeley, Colo., could not be reached for comment.

In January, workers fired three captive-bolt blasts at a cow who bled from the nose as five minutes passed between the first and final shots, says a PETA news release. On Aug. 16, workers shackled a bright, alert and responsive cow by the leg and hoisted the flailing animal upside-down, with his or her head dangling about 3 feet above the floor, before shooting the cow twice with a captive-bolt gun.

PETA notes that the conduct appears to violate Nebraskas Livestock Animal Welfare Act, which makes it a crime to fail to provide a cow with care necessary for the animals health.

In calling for the probe of the Grand Island beef plant, PETA says it is armed with damning U.S. Department of Agriculture records.

The press release has links to four letters sent to JBS by the Denver district of the USDAs Food Safety Inspection Service. The letters are addressed to Manlio Medellin, general manager of the JBS Grand Island facility. The letters provide written confirmation of very suspensions given earlier.

The letters point out that the Federal Meat Inspection Act is meant to prevent the inhumane slaughtering of livestock.

PETA is calling for a criminal investigation of this slaughterhouse and the workers who caused animals to endure repeated blasts to the head during botched stunning attempts, PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch says in the news release. Theres no difference between the terror and pain that these cows felt and how dogs or cats would feel if they were shot multiple times or shackled by the leg and hung upside-down while still conscious.
President Donald Trump has taken a monumentally bad idea and made it worse by shrouding it in secrecy. The president should let go of his misguided notion that reducing the size of three or more national monuments would benefit the nation by opening them up to logging, grazing and oil and gas drilling.

The potential damage to national treasures is immense, while the economic gains are seen by a majority of economists as minimal, at best.

Four months ago Trump asked Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to review more than two dozen national monuments designated by presidents over the last two decades. Zinke floated the idea and opened it for public comment.

Nearly 3 million Americans told the White House what they thought of it: 99.2 percent were strongly opposed. That didnt deter Zinke. He submitted a report last week recommending the reduction of the size of at least three national monuments  but chose to keep the details from the public.

Coward.

Zinke and Trump have no valid case for shrinking national monuments, but heres their likely reason. It was President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton who expanded the three sites in question. Trump is obsessed with erasing their legacies, particularly in environmental protection.

The Antiquities Act of 1906, signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt, was specifically designed to protect public land from commercial exploitation. Since then, presidents from both parties have designated 200 national monuments.

Trump sees this as a massive federal land grab and says its time to end these abuses and return control to the people.

The people in this case means business and industry  the Citizens United sense of people. The actual public will lose the benefits of the land opened for exploitation.

At the top of the list of monuments Zinke recommends downsizing is the Bears Ears National Monument, home to cliff dwellings, prehistoric villages and rock art panels of ancestral Pueblo Indians in Utah. Obama designated it at the very end of his presidency. The other two are Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Oregons Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

All three of the national monuments that Zinke wants to shrink are breathtaking in their beauty. Environmentalists will fight this outrage, and we will cheer them on. But what a shame it may be necessary, despite the overwhelming support of Americans for these treasures.

Mercury News, San Jose, Calif.
Kelowna Chamber of Commerce executive director Dan Rogers, left, and chamber president Tom Dyas go over all the material the group is using to lobby against proposed federal tax changes that the chamber says would hurt small business.
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FILE - In this April 4, 2017 file photo, Ohio Gov. John Kasich speaks in Sandusky, Ohio. Kasich is joining friend and ex-California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in his effort to overhaul partisan political map-making that's helped fuel their Republican party's rise to power. Kasich said Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, he's signed a legal brief that opposes the GOP in the momentous redistricting case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this fall. He says other signers include Republicans John McCain and Bob Dole. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Michael Bell on Tuesday called on the Kenosha County Board to order an investigation into the fatal police shooting of his son that occurred nearly 13 years ago.

Bell told county supervisors Tuesday that he believes the Kenosha Police Department engaged in an intentional cover-up of evidence of police misconduct in a homicide and Tasing.

In 2004, Michael E. Bell was fatally shot by a Kenosha police officer during a traffic stop for driving while intoxicated. The 21-year-old was unarmed but struggled with officers before being shot in the head.

Then-Kenosha County District Attorney Robert Jambois declined to charge the officers involved. The Kenosha Police Department ruled the shooting justified.

According to Jambois report, Bell reached for an officers firearm in its service holster and twisted the gun belt, moving it to the front of the officers body. The struggle ended when another officer shot him.

Bell said his requests for a proper investigation by the citys Police and Fire Commission, Wisconsin Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys Office fell on deaf ears. Bell said he does not believe his son reached for the officers firearm.

In 2010, Bell was awarded a $1.75 million settlement in a civil suit that accused the officers involved in his sons death of excessive force and civil rights violations.

During Tuesdays board meeting, Bell handed each supervisor a booklet outlining his accusations.

In 2014, Bell successfully led an effort to pass a statewide bill requiring police departments to bring in investigators from outside agencies when officer-involved deaths occur.

Bell said he also paid for Facebook ads targeted to 3 million people in Kenosha, Milwaukee and Chicago to put pressure on the board.

New report

Last month, retired judge Dennis Flynn issued a report focusing on the conduct of retired District Attorney Robert Zapf. It also criticized the conduct of members of the Kenosha Police Department, claiming the department engaged in an intentional cover-up of evidence of police misconduct in a homicide case.

Flynn was referring to a case in which a former Kenosha police officer planted evidence at the scene of a homicide, not the Bell case.

Nevertheless, the report has prompted Bell to take out ads criticizing the police department and alleging widespread corruption.

Last month, Police Chief Daniel Miskinis  who was not the chief at the time of the Bell shooting or the evidence planting  called Flynns report reckless and inaccurate.

His assertion that several members of the KPD were involved in a cover-up conspiracy is ridiculous and nearly libel, Miskinis wrote in an email to the Kenosha News.

No investigation

Board Chairwoman Kimberly Breunig said she believes the board will not forward Bells request to the Sheriffs Department.

Hes already petitioned the state to rewrite the laws and he won, so good for him, Breunig said. But Im not going to have our own people investigate our other own people.

Breunig said Bell is more than welcome to state his case before the board and ask for a resolution. Honoring such a request wouldnt be in the best interest of the County Board. Its not our place to get involved in that, and Im not going to have our own Sheriffs Department investigate our police department.
Rising

Homeowners: The GOP-dominated Joint Finance Committee, which has often gone its own way on the budget, preserves one of Gov. Scott Walkers favorite talking points and backs his call to eliminate the only state property tax on homeowners bills. In all, the move to eliminate the forestry tax will save the typical homeowner about $26 a year. But Republicans tout the move as much for its symbolism as anything else. They ask: How often do lawmakers get the opportunity to eliminate an entire tax? The math of the move, though, is a little more complex. The property tax now provides a dedicated funding source for forestry programs that run the gamut from tree nurseries to fighting forest fires. With that money gone, the state would instead cover those programs with $181.5 million in general purpose revenue. While Joint Finance approves that transfer as part of nixing the tax, Dem committee members question whether the money will be there in the future. They warn, among other things, forestry will be competing with priorities such as education and Medicaid going forward, raising the prospect of its funding being chipped away. Republicans, though, argue citizens are taxed from the time they wake up until they go to bed, and this is an opportunity to send money back to the people they represent. To budget vets, though, its also yet another attempt by Republicans to buy down the property tax levy and keep homeowners bills in check, and they warn it carries some risk when general tax collections go south. Walker has made no bones about homeowners bills being a top priority. Along with wiping out the forestry tax, GOP lawmakers are looking at a plan to create a new exemption from the personal property tax for businesses that would cost in the range of $73 million in the second year of the budget. To make sure local governments wouldnt hit up homeowners for that lost revenue, the proposal would include a new appropriation to reimburse local governments. But that again would include using general purpose revenue for something that was once covered by property taxes. Then theres the Foxconn package, which has a four-year period where the state would send more than $312 million to the company if it meets certain benchmarks, another draw on the general fund. The risk, budget watchers say, is GPR collections dry up, forcing the state to scramble for ways to keep covering all the new expenses or make cuts to compensate. Meanwhile, though JFC has put the finishing touches on eliminating the forestry tax, it still has to complete its work on meeting Walkers demand that the property tax bills sent to homeowners in 2018 are lower than they were in 2014, the year of his previous re-election run. To do that, the committee will have to pump more GPR into the lottery credit, one of the last pieces JFC will take up before sending the budget to the full Legislature.

Wisconsin health care: A new federal report finds Wisconsin now has the highest-quality health care in the nation. Its yet another ranking that proves Wisconsin health systems offer some of the best health care in the country, says Wisconsin Hospital Association chief Eric Borgerding. Wisconsin moved up two spots to rank first in the country this year in the annual figures from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, measured on state performance on more than 130 measures of care. The state performed particularly well in how it treats both short-term and chronic diseases, as well as patient safety. But the report also finds that Wisconsin has room to grow in ensuring its health care system is equitable. Wisconsin ranks average when the measures are broken out by race and ethnicity, and WHA says its members are working to find ways to improve health care access and quality for everybody. The news comes just as one key issue in Wisconsins Healthcare.gov marketplace is stabilized. That marketplace directly affects fewer people  the roughly 200,000 on the states exchanges instead of the states nearly 6 million residents. But the states marketplace has drawn headlines as some insurers say theyre exiting next year due to increased uncertainty and others who will stick around seek hefty premium increases.

Mixed

Cathy Stepp: DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp is leaving to take a job at the U.S. EPA, leaving behind a legacy thats knocked by the environmental community but praised by business leaders. To environmentalists, the former Republican state senator is the architect of dismantling the agency. That includes former DNR secretary and Wisconsin Wildlife Executive Director George Meyer, who offers biting criticism that Stepp probably has or she definitely has the worst natural resource management legacy of any of the secretaries hes known. Conservatives, meanwhile, praise the pro-business lens the DNR has adopted since she was appointed to the post in 2011 and applaud her for streamlining the agency. While environmentalists, for example, see a drop in enforcement actions as a failure of the agency under Stepps leadership, the business community sees it as a sign the Walker administration sought to work with companies to resolve issues rather than immediately moving to punishing those who run afoul of regulations.

Peter Barca: The Assembly Democratic leader has faced blowback from his caucus before, particularly after disappointing election results that have pushed Dems further into the minority. But no serious challenger has emerged to the Kenosha Dem for a simple reason, insiders say: no one else is willing to do the work to be leader, and hes the only one whos built the relationships with members. So as the caucus gripes over his vote for the Foxconn bill spill into the public eye, some shrug their shoulders, seeing it as much of the same. If someone couldnt mount a challenge to him after shrinking to just 35 members, they ask, how would it happen now? But others say frustrations boiling up in the caucus are real, even if its not clear where they may lead. Barca wasnt the only Dem to vote for the $3 billion bill, joined by Kenosha Rep. Tod Ohnstad and Racine Rep. Cory Mason.

After all, the proposed project  and the thousands of jobs it may bring  are right in their backyard. With contractors and the trades seeing the possible boom for them and their members, its easy to see why theyd back it, some argue. But Barca is in a unique position as caucus leader, and thats what rubbed some the wrong way, others say. Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison, accuses Barca in an email to the caucus of failing on all accounts and slams the impromptu news conference he did after the vote, writing he seemed to be trying to justify your own vote rather than share the caucus perspective consistent with our agreed upon message.

While the bill has cleared the Assembly, it remains to be seen if the Senate makes any changes that require another vote before it can head to the guvs office. If that happens, some say, its questionable how Barca could lead the caucus on the issue because of the conflict between whats good for his district and whats good for the party. The initial coverage of the Foxconn package put Dems on the defensive as stories touted the number of jobs it could create. But now that the attention has turned to the cost and how long it could be before the state breaks even, Dems feel like theyve got a toehold to slam it as corporate welfare. Even some Republicans suggest theyve lost the upper hand on the message, though others in GOP circles caution Dems are in perilous territory. Still, some Assembly Dems see the bill as the tipping point in their view of Barca as leader. But will anyone actually do something about it? Some of the most intense criticism is coming from the Madison delegation. But theres a debate if having someone from one of the partys power bases in charge would help Dems connect with the voters they need in rural Wisconsin, or if it would just make the party seem more Madison-centric. Then theres the challenge of not just getting the votes to challenge Barca, but to actually run the caucus if successful. Defenders say the Kenosha Dem has survived grumblings before because he understands old-fashioned caucus politics. That means raising money for the cause and not just himself, doing doors for others rather than taking it easy each fall because hes in a safe district, and being there for members when they have personal problems. Those things build chips that can be cashed in when times get tough, Capitol vets say. Until someone else proves they get that, the chatter about discontent in the caucus may end up just becoming members blowing off steam, observers say. Otherwise, the complaints may just simmer until next fall, ready to pop if Dems have another disappointing finish at the polls.

Falling

Donald Trump: The presidents poll numbers in Wisconsin have never been very good, and theyre not showing any signs of improving. But as bad as they continue to be, its still anyones guess what kind of impact hell have on the ballot next year, insiders say. Part of that is because Wisconsin voters werent exactly enamored with Trump before handing him the states electoral votes  the first time Republicans won the state at the presidential level since 1984. The final Marquette University Law School Poll conducted before the November election found just 33 percent of registered voters had a favorable impression of Trump, while 62 percent did not. Meanwhile, only 28 percent said shows good judgment describes him, with 70 percent saying it does not. So new numbers from NBC and Marist showing him underwater arent a surprise to some. The survey of registered voters found 34 percent approved of his job performance, while 56 percent did not. Whats more, 64 percent of voters said theyve been embarrassed by his conduct in office. One of the few bright spots for the president was voters being split 41-41 on whether the U.S. economy has been strengthened by his decisions. At the same time, 37 percent said hes winning on bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., while 48 percent say hes losing. That catches the attention of some because the poll was taken not long after the announcement of a $3 billion incentive package to help lure Foxconn to Wisconsin, especially since the president was joined by Gov. Scott Walker and company officials for the announcement of the deal. But insiders say the president has put little into selling the deal after passing it off to Walker and state officials to finalize, meaning hes not going to get much credit with voters. Whats more, there are likely some voters who wouldnt give Trump credit for anything because they so oppose everything else he does. Some Dems see the possibility of a wave building, arguing if the elections were held today, theyd see significant pickups. The question, some add, is whether this continues through next fall and if Trump goes so far off the deep end that voters start to see him as separate from the GOP and state leaders. Insiders also debate what turnout will look like in 2018. Republicans from the Milwaukee suburbs who abandoned Trump in 2016 arent likely to walk away from Walker in 2018, some say. Then there are independents and Dems in western and northern Wisconsin who went for Trump last year. Will they come home for Dems? Will they even turn out without Trump on the ballot? Some Republicans believe the state GOPs finances and turnout game also may help insulate their candidates from a federal wave. Still, Dems note while its unclear how the president will impact 2018, hes already forcing Republicans on a regular basis to respond to the distractions Trump creates through his tweets, comments and actions. That includes a Friday, Aug. 25 news dump that includes the pardon of former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio and a directive to ban transgender people from joining the military during the landfall of Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Speaker Paul Ryan breaks with Trump on the pardon, the latest example of the Janesville Republican taking attention away from his conferences agenda to comment on the president. That could be an interesting dynamic next fall as Republicans weigh whether to criticize Trump  and irritate his passionate base  or remain silent  and risk alienating swing voters.

Cindy Archer: Milwaukee County DA John Chisholm has made plenty of enemies in the conservative community through his John Doe probes that made life miserable for some of Gov. Scott Walkers allies, aides and friends. And even though those probes are no more, some conservatives are still itching to make life uncomfortable for Chisholm as payback. But like others who have tried, former Walker aide Cindy Archers bid to do so through the courts comes up short again. Archer, who worked for Walker when he was Milwaukee County exec as well as with his state administration, sued Chisholm and some of his top deputies, accusing them of a politically motivated investigation over her support of Act 10. But a federal judge tossed the suit, and a federal appeals court upheld that decision, refusing to revive the suit. The three-judge panel noted there were troubling accusations of a politically motivated investigation in Archers suit. But it ruled Archer had not met the burden to overcome the prosecution teams qualified immunity, which shields government officials from civil damages unless they violated a statutory or constitutional right. The judges also ruled there was nothing in the complaint to suggest that Archers personal support of Governor Walker played a role in the investigation. Though rebuffed for a second time by the courts, Archer could still try to persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to hear her case. But court observers note the incredibly high bar for the justices to take a case, questioning if this one would get their attention. Despite the setback, others are still pursuing actions against Chisholm. The conservative MacIver Institute sued the DA and the now-defunct Government Accountability Board, alleging they illegally seized digital records and seeking monetary damages. But a federal judge threw out that case as well, resulting in an appeal. While his detractors have so far been unable to beat Chisholm in court or at the ballot box, few expect them to give up anytime soon. That grudge is too deep and too personal, some say.

King Home staff: Overtime hours are spiking and morale is low at the King Veterans Home, a new state audit shows. But the audit too had some news on the sunny-side: King exceeded federal standards for how many hours workers spend on direct care for residents  and even increased those levels over the past five years. And thats the finding Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Daniel Zimmerman latched onto in his response to the audit. The King Home, which has been the topic of news reports detailing allegations of substandard care and low employee morale, has been unable to fill its new 82.6 full-time nursing positions included in the 2013-15 budget, the audit showed. That contributed to overtime hours for Kings nurses jumping from 36,800 in FY 2013-14 to 65,100 in FY 2015-16. And when the Legislative Audit Bureau surveyed employees at King, they found 75 percent of respondents said morale at the nursing home is poor or very poor, even though 66 percent of respondents said they were satisfied or very satisfied with working at King. Dems like Rep. Katrina Shankland jumped on the findings, saying they show morale is low  even though Zimmerman told the Joint Finance Committee this year that was not the case. She said she hopes Republicans take up Democrats on their offer to raise pay for employees and start a hotline for anonymous complaints. Meanwhile Rep. Melissa Sargent, the ranking Assembly Democrat on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, warned lawmakers not to get too comfortable with the results, although she herself admitted to being cautiously optimistic. And Republican co-chairs of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee Sen. Rob Cowles and Rep. Samantha Kerkman echoed her sentiment, saying they were pleased with most of the results but that more work is needed to address staffing levels.
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A Deal man has appeared in court accused of conning an elderly woman out of thousands of pounds by claiming he worked for a bank.

Andrew Martin, 31, of Curzon Close in Walmer, pleaded not guilty to theft and fraud by false representation at Folkestone Magistrates Court today (September 6).

The court heard how Martin had befriended the 87-year-old lady previously by mending her roof, but later scammed her out of 2342.12 by tricking her and taking her bank card at her home in Church Lane, Ripple.

Anna Kachingwe, prosecuting, said: The victim is 87-years-old and is a vulnerable woman who lives alone.

The victim received a call on March 1 from a male reporting that he was from a bank and the bank required her card as it was faulty.

A short time later he attended the house, saying that the bank had asked him to collect the card on their behalf to save anyone coming to collect it.

The card was used 11 times, and transactions were made resulting to a loss of 2342.12.

Martin will be sent to Canterbury Crown Court for trial on October 4 due to the severity of the alleged crime.

He has been released on conditional bail, and must not contact the victim or go to the road where she lives in Church Lane.
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If you've ever dreamt of being a Disney Prince or Princess, then this could be your perfect next job.

To celebrate it's 25th anniversary, Disneyland Paris bosses have announced they are recruiting for the royal roles to animate the much-loved, famous characters.

The popular theme park is looking for 'enthusiastic and energetic people to animate the famous Disney characters."

The hunt is on for Brits who are happy to play dress-up and greet guests at the park, with recruiters set on finding the best applicants this side of the channel.

The job advert, which has been published in French, states: "We are looking for enthusiastic and energetic people to animate the famous Disney characters.

"If you have a good level of dance, you can participate in our parade and our cavalcades!

"We are also looking for people who look like our famous Disney Princesses and Princes to meet our visitors on a daily basis.

"A good level of dance and distinctive criteria of resemblance are required."

Strict criteria

Everyone who enters themselves into the auditions must meet a strict criteria. So, to apply for this fairytale opportunity:

You must be over the age of 18

Speak either English or French fluently

Be between 4' 6" and 6' 3".

They also specifically ask that applicants do not wear make up for the audition, the Daily Post reports.

You can read more about the job role here.

If you think the crown fits, then you'll have to travel up to Leeds for the audtions, on September 10, 2017 at 10am

Prospective princesses and princes should head to:

Yorkshire Dance Center

3 St Peters Square

Leeds

Successful applicants will start work in October for a minimum of four months.

But even if you can do all that, there's also another hurdle.

Just like their theme park rides, you need to be a certain height to be considered - between 137cm and 193cm tall (thats 4 foot 5 and 6 foot 3).
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Kent has been hit with all kinds of weather patterns over the last few months.

We have had to battle on through torrential downpours, a sweltering Spanish plume and funnel clouds.

Beachgoers even found themselves breathing in a chlorine mist during a chemical haze.

Summer kicked off with a scorcher as Kent basked in the sun during the hottest June day since 1975.

Some heat evaders even shunned the coast and flocked down to Tonbridge leisure centre to swim in the outdoor pool.

In a video roundup of Kents most extreme weather, the Spanish plume is seen sweeping over the Kent coast in a Met Office explainer.

Experts predicted that the humid weather front would conjure violent thunderstorms as the warm system from Spain met our cooler temperatures.

Parts of Kent woke up to floods after a heavy storm a few days later on July 19.

Tunbridge Wells was badly hit, businesses and restaurants in the historic Pantiles area underwent a major clean up as seen in the video.

And August was a washout for Kent and most of Britain and left many wondering if summer would return in 2017.

Stormchasers captured a tornado forming on the Isle of Sheppey and hailstones the size of marbles hit parts of the Kent coast towards the end of the month.

Adam Young, 31, owner of Swale weather, said:

"It was a tornado cloud formation - it happens if you've got a storm and the atmosphere isn't right.

All tornadoes do begin life as a funnel cloud  meaning there is every possibility that it could later develop into one.



(Image: Damon Webb)



But reports of sunnier and drier September left many with high hopes.

Dr Dave Reynolds, senior meteorologist of The Weather Channel, said current seasonal forecasts for autumn are showing near normal to below normal temperatures from September to December.

He said: I see no relative warmth until mid-September, at the earliest.

The last part of September would need to be ferociously hot to make it a 'stand-out' month, in order for it to eclipse August - I just don't see it happening.
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A dad-of-two who celebrated by eating a cannabis cake for his birthday was caught drug driving at 5pm the following day.

John Roberts of East Farleigh in Maidstone said he wasn't a drug user but marked turning 34 by eating the treat at a friend's house.

But the next day the window cleaner who sometimes uses his HGV licence for extra work, was stopped by police in Aylesford and tests revealed he was over the limit.

Roberts appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (September 6) and pleaded guilty to driving with a controlled drug above the specified limit on June 10.

Roberts of Stockett Lane told the court he would "lose everything" if he was banned from driving - his job, seeing his children and even his rented home - but magistrates had no choice but to ban him from the road for 12 months, as that is the minimum sentence by law.

Roberts told the court: "The day before was my birthday and I went around my friend's house for the evening but I didn't smoke but I had a little bit of cake and had no idea it would stay in my system for a long time. It was one foolish mistake. I just had some cake on the evening before, on my birthday."

He told magistrates he was not a cannabis user and did not use any other drugs and the "never had a point on my licence".

He said his young sons did not live with him but he picked them up during the week and alternate weekends.

Roberts said he took home an average of 300 a week and if he was rained off as a window cleaner, he used his HGV licence as a recovery driver.

The court heard he had been driving his Vauxhall Astra on the A20 London Road in Aylesford at 5.10pm on June 10 when he was stopped by police for light defects and not wearing a seatbelt.

After the roadside saliva test showed positive, a further test at Tonbridge Police Station showed a level of 2.2 in 100ml of blood, the legal limit is 2mcgs.

Chairman of the magistrates' bench Jane Day told Roberts: "It is a very sad situation which is not lost on me and it is going to make a huge change in your life, but this is the law. We have no choice. We are going to disqualify you for 12 months and impose a fine of 300 and court costs of 85 and a victim surcharge of 30."

His voice faltering with emotion, Roberts pleaded quietly not to be banned, telling magistrates: "I am going to lose my job so I am going to be out of work and lose my house."

The court clerk told him: "The court has no discrection."

But Roberts said: "It was literally a one off. I didn't think of the consequences. It is going to ruin my life. I will not be able to see my little boys."
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang talks with workers and their relatives as he visits the Shigejie Coalmine Residential Community of Lu'an Group in Changzhi, north China's Shanxi Province, Sept. 4, 2017. Li Keqiang made an inspection tour to Changzhi and Linfen cities in north China's Shanxi Province from Sept. 4 to 5. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has stressed the role of innovation in economic transformation and upgrading.

During an inspection tour to north China's Shanxi Province on Monday and Tuesday, Li visited a base for entrepreneurship and innovation and applauded its services to small and micro-sized enterprises and its model that integrates research and development with production.

The base offers a platform for innovation of small companies, and can also help create considerable economic and social returns, Li said.

"Integrating creativity with the market will form strong new impetus and make a huge contribution to economic transformation and upgrading," the premier said.

While visiting a coal mine owned by Lu'an Group, Li said that reducing production capacity will make way for quality and advanced capacity.

"Human resources are the most valuable treasure," Li said, encouraging Lu'an Group to create more jobs by developing non-coal industries and helping former workers start their own businesses.

Former workers laid-off due to reduced capacity might have been a burden for previous employers, but they will become required talent in new companies, the premier said.

Companies of all sizes can stimulate the enthusiasm and creativity of employees through encouraging mass entrepreneurship and innovation, an approach that will raise their core competitiveness, according to Li.

He added that craftsmen should pass on their skills to apprentices to make Chinese-made products competitive in terms of both price and quality.

Li also went to a village in Shanxi to visit rural residents living in poverty and learn about medical services there.
Cladding used in the Grenfell tower block, blamed for the rapid spread of the fire which killed at least 80 people in London, has been found in three Kilkenny residential properties greater than six storeys.

Following on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy the Department of Housing sent two circulars to local authorities on fire safety measures in multi-storey and multi unit residential developments.

Cladding is a covering on a structure, the material is often used to insulate buildings and is also used in part to improve their appearance.

The Grenfell Tower fire occurred on 14 June of this year at the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of public housing flats in West London and defective cladding on the building was largely blamed as the cause of the tragedy.

In a statement, Kilkenny County Council said it was asked to identify buildings greater than six storeys or more than 18m in height fitted with some form of external cladding.

They said: Eleven such properties were identified in Kilkenny and 8 of these are totally commercial and/or industrial, 3 have a residential element to them and these 3 have a limited amount of cladding.

The owners of these properties have been contacted in respect of their fire safety obligations. Local Green Party Councillor, Malcom Noonan, says cladding should be banned.

He said: Ireland should follow suit with other EU countries that have already banned this highly flammable material by introducing changes in planning regulations for buildings ranging from 12 to 25 metres.

We should begin a process to vary our own City and County Development Plans immediately to reflect the seriousness of the issue.

If a material is cheaper, many construction companies will opt to save money.

Therefore we must regulate to outlaw the practice of using such dangerous materials, said Cllr Noonan.

The governments diktat in the wake of the blaze also called for the council to inspect multi storey buildings where social housing forms part of the tenancies in the buildings.

There are up to 50 such buildings in Kilkenny and the Council has written to all owners/management companies reminding them of their obligations in respect of fire safety.

Other buildings were inspected by the Council as they fell under the circular and after inspections the Council found that all fire safety measures were in place and operational.
People across Kilkenny are being encouraged to nominate family carers and young carers across the county for this years CarePlus Pharmacy 'Carer of the Year' Awards.

Now in its 11th year, the awards are hosted to recognise the dedication and loving care provided by Irelands family carers and young carers. Family Carers Ireland patrons Mary Kennedy and Marty Whelan will present the Carers of the Year Awards at a special ceremony in November.

The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office suggest that 10% of the population provide care, which would be approximately 360,000 people. With home helps hours cut, limited respite services and a lack of supports for family carers, this role can often be a difficult one.

Many carers dont identify themselves as carers until they are in crisis and seeking help, says Catherine Cox, Family Carers Ireland.

"As part of our Share the Care campaign this year, we are hoping carers will self-identify. A family carer is a person who provides care to a loved one, family member, friend or neighbour. This could range from checking in on them once a week, to sitting with them, to preparing meals, to fulltime round-the-clock care.

Through these awards we want to recognise and celebrate the commitments people make every day across Ireland in making sure loved ones are looked after and cared for. We also make a special recognition to our young carers who are an inspiration.

Nominations can be completed at www.familycarers.ie or by simply filling out the nomination forms in Family Carers Ireland Resource Centres and CarePlus Pharmacies across Ireland. The closing date has been extended to Friday, September 29.

Family Carers Ireland provides a range of supports and services for family carers through its 22 resource centres nationwide and advocates fairness for carers.
Question: I've been contributing to my 401(k), and my employer matches a portion of my contributions. Does the $18,000 maximum for contributions include the employer match, or does it apply only to my individual contributions? Is it too late to increase my contributions to get the full employer match by the end of the year?

Answer: The $18,000 maximum (or $24,000, if you're age 50 or older) applies only to your contributions. The overall maximum for 2017, which includes the employer match, is $54,000 ($60,000 if you're 50 or older), even though it would be very unusual for your employer to add that much money to your account.

Match calculations vary by 401(k) plan. But the average match in plans administered by Fidelity Investments is 4.5% of a worker's pay. This is a great time of year to review your 401(k) contributions and make sure you're getting as much money as possible from your employer. About 20% of people don't contribute enough to get the full match, says Fidelity (opens in new tab)'s Meghan Murphy.

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The procedures for changing your contributions vary by plan, but you can usually make revisions online or by calling the plan administrator at any time. Your new contribution level will generally take effect within two pay periods, says Murphy. Find out how your employer calculates the match before deciding how to boost your contributions. Some limit how much they'll match per pay period, so if you add a lot of money all at once, you may not get the full match. In that case, you should spread your extra contributions out over the rest of the year.

Be careful not to contribute more than the annual limit. Your plan administrator usually tracks the amount you contribute for the year, so that you don't accidentally cross the limit when you boost the money you put in. But it's a good idea to keep track of the amount yourself, too. And it's particularly important to monitor contributions if you've changed jobs in 2017 and your new plan administrator doesn't know how much you've put away in your old employer's plan for the year.

This is also a good time to make sure you're taking advantage of catch-up contributions if you're 50 or older. You can contribute up to an extra $6,000 anytime in the year you turn 50. No need to wait until your birthday.
Receives a Starting Grant of the European Research Council: Dr. Cornelia Lee-Thedieck. (Photo: Markus Breig, KIT)

For her research on the development of hematological and musculoskeletal disorders, Dr. Cornelia Lee-Thedieck, scientist at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is awarded an ERC Starting Grant: The European Research Council decided to fund her project bloodANDbone with EUR 1.5 million for five years. At KITs Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Lee-Thedieck develops models of the human bone marrow to study the regeneration of blood and bone by stem cells and how this regeneration is disturbed in diseases like leukemia or bone metastases.

Both, blood and bone of human beings have the potential to regenerate. This capacity is owed to multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into various cell types: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are precursors of all cell types of the blood; mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are precursor cells of the connective tissue and may differentiate to bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. Naturally, HSCs and MSCs are found in the human bone marrow. In case of many blood and musculoskeletal disorders, the regenerative potential of blood and bone is disturbed. Repairing this potential with the help of stem cells might be the key to the regenerative treatment of these diseases.

Receives a Starting Grant of the European Research Council: Dr. Cornelia Lee-Thedieck. (Photo: Markus Breig, KIT)

It is well-known that blood stem cells are influenced by their natural local environment, their niche in the bone marrow. However, little is known on the opposite direction of this crosstalk  the influence of HSCs on bone marrow and the bone-forming system. This gap will now be closed by Dr. Cornelia Lee-Thedieck, head of the Junior Research Group Stem Cell-Material Interactions at KITs Institute of Functional Interfaces with her project Blood and Bone  Conjoined Twins in Health and Disease: Bone Marrow Analogs for Hematological and Musculoskeletal Diseases.

Only studying the relationship and mutual interactions between blood and bone will allow us to understand how their regeneration potential is disturbed in disease and how it can be restored by new treatment methods, Lee-Thedieck explains. Within her project, the researcher develops in vitro models of the human bone marrow to study the initiation and development of frequent hematological and musculoskeletal diseases, such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, and bone metastasis. Cornelia Lee-Thedieck takes advantage of a bone marrow model developed previously with her group. It consists of porous biomaterials loaded with cells. Their physical, biochemical, and biological properties can be adjusted specifically. On this basis, we will develop novel biomimetic models that imitate biological structures of bone marrow diseases. With the help of these models, we will be able to study how the regenerative equilibrium in human bone marrow is maintained in health and how it is disturbed in disease, the scientist says. Understanding this is an important prerequisite for the development of new regenerative therapies. Thanks to their scalability, the bone marrow models are also suited as in vitro-test systems for the screening of new drugs and therapies.

The European Research Council (ERC) funds the bloodANDbone project with a Starting Grant of EUR 1.5 million for a period of five years. The ERC Starting Grant is one of the most prestigious grants for young scientists in Europe, who carry out pioneering research projects. The ERC received 3,085 proposals in this call of which around 13% was funded.

More information on Lee-Thediecks Junior Research Group on Stem Cell-Material Interactions:

http://www.ifg.kit.edu/english/301.php

Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
It was not so long ago, when we wrote about the record-breaking volume in gold. We described the implications of the extreme monthly volume and we discussed the very high readings in case of the individual sessions. We even described these sessions as the most important sessions of the year  at that time. Well, at that time those volume readings were indeed extreme, but what we saw yesterday made the previous sessions seem regular. The Tuesdays volume in gold was the highest that weve seen ever (in case of daily upswings). The volume was even higher than the one that accompanied the results of the Brexit voting. With extreme volume, likely come extreme implications.

Lets take a look at golds chart for details (charts courtesy of http://stockcharts.com).

Gold is after a sizable rally, so at this point it would be natural to expect the huge volume to indicate a reversal. This, by itself, does not make it strong bearish factor, but taking into account the current time, does. Yesterdays session was the first one after the Labor Day. In yesterdays alert, we discussed the implications thereof in the following way:

2011: gold plunged about $300

2012: gold moved higher at the beginning of September and shortly thereafter formed the key top  the one that started the biggest decline of the past decades

2013: gold declined about $200

2014: golds decline was underway, but still declined over $100 after the Labor Day

2015: rather sideways trading followed by a sharp decline in the final part of the year

2016: daily rally right after the Labor Day that started a $200+ decline.

The implications here are clearly bearish  almost always huge declines started either immediately or shortly after the Labor Day. This kind of efficiency alone is something that should make one considering opening the short positions in the precious metals market even without taking into account the situation in the USD Index.

Today, we would like to add more details to the above. Namely, last year, the session that marked the final top before the plunge was not approximately after the Labor Day  it was exactly the first session thereafter. Higher gold prices were not seen since that time. Of course, one might say that one swallow doesnt make a summer and that could have been just a coincidence. However, there is something that most analysts currently seem to forget

It was the single session after the Labor Day in 2011 that marked THE top after a decade-long rally in gold. Does it still look like a coincidence? The volume that accompanied the 2011 post-Labor-Day top was extreme, which is yet another similarity to the current situation. Gold also moved a bit above the previous intraday high, but not significantly so  just like gold performed relative to the post-Trump-election high.

The current situation is very similar to the previous post-Labor-Day tops. Consequently, gold rallying on record-breaking volume after a sizable rally right after the Labor Day is something that is very likely to be followed by declines  not significant rallies.

Also, based on the size of the previous rally, the time for the current one is up  the 3 rising, black lines on the previous chart apply the sizes of the initial 2016-2017 rallies (ending in January and February) to the rally that started in July. Based on the Tuesdays upswing, it seems that even if (which is not likely) gold was to rally further, it should take a bigger breather before it does. Based on the long-term factors, it doesnt seem that it would not be just a breather, but a major downswing, but still  regardless of the above, a short-term decline appears likely either way.

The significantly increased interest in gold confirms it. In yesterdays alert, we wrote the following:

Before moving to charts we would like to add that we have also seen a lot of non-price and non-volume confirmations that an important top is being formed  the number of messages with questions regarding gold (and the wording that was used in them) that we received (including phone calls from friends that are generally not interested in the markets at all) was not typical. The interest in gold has definitely increased in the last week or so.

In todays analysis, we would like to add a chart that illustrates the above.

The above chart features data from Google Trends  it shows how often people were searching for the phrase gold trading in the past 12 months. There are 3 cases when the interest spiked: now, in the April 9  April 15 2017 week and in the November 6  November 12 2016 week. In both cases: in April 2017 and in November 2016 we saw major tops in gold and the same is likely to be seen this time.

Summing up, at the first sight, the situation on the precious metals market appears to have become much more bullish based on the most recent price action, however, looking at these developments from a broader perspective, reveals that the recent upswings are likely to be just temporary. The analysis of the previous North-Korean-based price swings suggests that their implications will disappear relatively quickly. At the same time, the post-Labor-Day seasonality is likely to kick in, and since in almost all cases, huge declines in gold followed in the previous years, the same is very likely to happen this year. In particular, the two most important analogies (last year being the closest analogy and 2011 being the most significant year for the gold investors) suggest that the top is already in or is very likely to be in this week. The extremely high volume in gold that we saw last month confirms that and the same goes for the sudden increase in the interest in gold trading. Consequently, the outlook for the gold price in September 2017 doesnt seem to be as bullish as many people expect it to be  the buying opportunity is quite likely still ahead.

If youd like to receive follow-ups to the above analysis, we invite you to sign up for our gold newsletter. Youll receive our articles for free and if you dont like them, you can unsubscribe in just a few seconds. Sign up today.

Thank you.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Knox Group of Companies, with headquarters in the Isle of Man, announced late on Tuesday it will launch a residential and commercial property development in Dubai valued at 250 million pounds ($325 million), with residences that can be purchased in the digital currency bitcoin.

The company said the 2.4 million-square-foot (22.3-hectare) property venture called Aston Plaza and Residences, consisting of two residential towers and a shopping mall, will be the first major real estate development that will accept bitcoin as payment.

The Dubai project is one step toward efforts to push bitcoin into the mainstream. Maligned and ridiculed in its early days, bitcoin hit a record high of $4,870 on Friday, surging more than 400 percent so far this year.

The whole project is expected to be completed by late 2019.

This a great opportunity for the crypto-currency community to offload some of its significant gains, especially the early adopters, and actually deploy them in hard-core assets which Im building, Knoxs chairman, Doug Barrowman, said in an interview with Reuters.

Barrowman, originally from Scotland, in 2008 founded Knox, which engages in private equity, property and wealth management. The company manages 1.5 billion pounds in assets, he said.

The Dubai venture is a collaboration with Baroness Michelle Mone, a member of the House of Lords and founder of the lingerie company Ultimo. Mone said in an interview that her interior design company will do the interiors of the apartments.

Bitcoin payments platform BitPay will process the bitcoin transactions. The company already provides bitcoin payment tools to companies such as Microsoft and Richard Bransons space venture, Virgin Galactic.

Knoxs Barrowman said the current popularity of initial Coin offerings (ICOs), a token-based method of fundraising for technology start-ups, has shown that there is huge demand for crypto-investors to diversify their assets.

Studio apartments will start in price from 33 bitcoin and, mirroring ICOs, early investors will be given additional bonuses, Barrowman said. Packages for interior design services and furniture can also be purchased in bitcoins.

One-bedroom apartments can go for about 54 bitcoins, or $250,000, Barrowman said, while two-bedrooms can be bought for 80 bitcoins, or $380,000.

Essentially, the apartments will be offered at a 15-20 percent discount, Barrowman said.

There will be 1,133 apartments; 480 have already been sold in traditional currencies and the remaining will be earmarked for bitcoin holders, Baroness Mone said.

(1 British pound = $1.30)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Any U.S. response to North Koreas latest nuclear weapons test is unlikely to include new sanctions legislation from the U.S. Congress, at least in the short term, an influential lawmaker said on Tuesday.

Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the tensions with Pyongyang were so heightened that he thought it would be more appropriate for lawmakers to wait.

I dont think rushing out right now legislatively is probably the place we need to be, Corker told reporters at the U.S. Capitol.

As part of an agreement on a broad sanctions bill that passed in July, members of Congress had agreed to consider additional, more stringent, sanctions on North Korea after returning to Washington after their August recess.

For example, some lawmakers have been pushing for legislation to impose secondary sanctions targeting banks that do business with North Korea.

A top North Korean diplomat warned on Tuesday that his country was ready to send more gift packages to the United States as world powers struggled for a response to Sundays weapons test, the latest in a series.

Senior officials from President Donald Trumps administrations, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, are due to hold classified briefings on Wednesday for the House of Representatives and Senate to discuss North Korea and Afghanistan.
TOKYO, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Japan's Nikkei share average tumbled to a four-month low in early trade on Wednesday as risk appetite was sapped by a stronger yen on concerns about tensions between the United States and North Korea. The Nikkei fell 0.7 percent to 19,254.67, the lowest level since May 1. The broader Topix dropped 0.6 percent to 1,581.96. A top North Korean diplomat warned that his country was ready to send "more gift packages" to the U.S. as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyang's latest nuclear weapons test. (Reporting by Ayai Tomisawa; Editing by Chris Gallagher)

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.
SHANGHAI, Sept 6 (Reuters) - China's central bank resumed open market operations on Wednesday after a four-session hiatus, injecting 40 billion yuan ($6.12 billion) into money markets, traders said.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC) is injecting 20 billion yuan through seven-day reverse bond repurchase agreements, and 20 billion yuan via 28-day reverse repos, they said.

The last time PBOC injected funds via the 28-day tenor was on June 19.

For the day, the PBOC will drain a net 120 billion yuan from the money market with 160 billion yuan of reverse repos due to mature.

The PBOC abstained from open market operations in the previous four sessions, citing "relatively high" liquidity levels in the banking system.

The PBOC drained a net 280 billion yuan from the money market last week. ($1 = 6.5345 Chinese yuan)

(Reporting by the Shanghai Newsroom)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday scrapped an Obama-era program that protects from deportation immigrants brought illegally into the United States as children, delaying implementation until March and giving a gridlocked Congress six months to decide the fate of almost 800,000 young people.

As the so-called Dreamers who have benefited from the five-year-old program were plunged into uncertainty, business and religious leaders, mayors, governors, Democratic lawmakers, unions, civil liberties advocates and former Democratic President Barack Obama all condemned Trumps move.

The action was announced not by Trump but by Jeff Sessions, his attorney general, who called the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program an unconstitutional overreach by Obama. There will be an orderly, lawful wind-down, Sessions said.

Trump later issued a written statement saying that I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are (a) nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.

He denounced Obamas program as an amnesty-first approach toward illegal immigrants and pressed his nationalist America First message, saying that despite concerns voiced by his critics about the fate of the Dreamers, Above all else, we must remember that young Americans have dreams too.

Obama issued his own statement calling Trumps action a political decision, defending DACAs legality and urging Congress to protect Dreamers.

This is about young people who grew up in America - kids who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag. These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper, Obama said.

The Trump administration said nobody covered by the program, which provided work permits in addition to deportation protection and primarily benefits Hispanics, would be affected before March 5. Most people covered by DACA are in their 20s.

Trump shifted responsibility to a Congress controlled by his fellow Republicans and said it was now up to lawmakers to pass immigration legislation that could address the fate of those protected by DACA who would be in danger of deportation.

Neither Trump nor Sessions offered details of the type of legislation they would want to see, and Trumps spokeswoman offered only a broad outline.

I have a love for these people (DACA recipients), and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly, Trump later told reporters at the White House, adding, I think its going to work out very well.

Since Trump took office in January, Congress has been unable to pass any major legislation, most notably failing on a healthcare overhaul, and lawmakers have been bitterly divided over immigration in the past.

President Trumps decision to end DACA is a deeply shameful act of political cowardice and a despicable assault on innocent young people in communities across America, said Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House of Representatives.

The Democratic attorney general of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, said a coalition of states planned to file suit in the coming days to defend DACA, and one advocacy group announced its own legal action.

This is a sad day for our country, added Facebook Inc (FB.O) founder Mark Zuckerberg. The decision to end DACA is not just wrong. It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it.

Brad Smith, president of Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O), urged Congress to put the humanitarian needs of these 800,000 people on the legislative calendar before tax-cut legislation sought by Trump.

Nearly 800,000 people stepped forward, admitted their illegal immigrant status and provided personal information to the government to apply for the DACA program. They now face the prospect of being deported starting in March. Dreamers are a fraction of the roughly 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States.

The cancellation of the DACA program is reprehensible, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a statement.

But White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said, Its not cold hearted for the president to uphold the law.

Trump said DACA recipients will not be deportation priorities unless they are criminals or gang members.

Ending DACA was the latest action by Trump sure to alienate Hispanic Americans, a growing segment of the U.S. population and an increasingly important voting bloc. Most of the immigrants protected by DACA came from Mexico and other Latin American countries.

The Mexican government said it profoundly laments Trumps decision to end DACA and pledged to strengthen efforts to guarantee consular protections for affected Mexican citizens.

THREAT OF SUITS

The Homeland Security Department will provide a limited window - until Oct. 5 - for some DACA recipients whose work permits expire before March 5 to apply to renew those permits. In addition, the department will adjudicate any new DACA requests, or renewal requests, accepted as of Sept. 5. This would mean that some beneficiaries of DACA could work legally in the country through 2019.

The administration said the presidents decision was prompted in part by a threat from several Republican state attorneys general, led by Texas, to file legal challenges in federal court if Trump did not act to end DACA. Late on Tuesday Texas state Attorney General Ken Paxton said he withdrew the 10-state suit after Trumps decision.

House Speaker Paul Ryan called on lawmakers to find a long-term solution for the young people affected by the reversal of the program. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Congress will continue working on securing our border and ensuring a lawful system of immigration that works.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said there could be a winning formula by coupling legislation to provide legal status for Dreamers with additional border security measures, although he said support is lacking in Congress for Trumps proposed border wall.

Trump made a crackdown on illegal immigrants a centerpiece of his 2016 election campaign, promising to deport every illegal immigrant.

The decision to end DACA is the latest action by Trump to erase key parts of his Democratic predecessors legacy.

This includes pulling the United States out of the Paris climate accord, abandoning a 12-nation Pacific trade deal, seeking to dismantle the Obamacare healthcare law, rolling back environmental protections, reversing parts of Obamas opening to Cuba and removing protections for transgender people.
SAO PAULO, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Brazil's government has requested legal and financial analysis on relinquishing the right to veto certain strategic decisions in a few companies that are or were privatized.

In a Wednesday statement to Reuters, the ministry said it had requested the state auditing court to gauge how the government could exit the so-called golden share it holds in former state monopolies that have been partially or fully privatized in recent years. The note did not say when or why the ministry requested such analysis from the court known as TCU.

The news was first reported by Valor Economico newspaper earlier in the day. (Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal)
Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, is flanked by a group that includes the wives of leaders of BRICS and other invited countries, as they attend an event to promote HIV/AIDS prevention and control at Xiamen University on Tuesday.[Photo/Xinhua]

Wives of the leaders of nations who are in town for the 9th BRICS Summit in Xiamen and related meetings, accompanied Peng Liyuan, wife of President Xi Jinping, on Tuesday at an event to educate college students about AIDS.

At Xiamen University, the guests visited an exhibition on HIV/AIDS prevention and control and listened to a briefing on efforts made by the Chinese government and universities.

Peng, often greeted by Chinese children as "Mother Peng", has long been active in HIV/AIDS prevention and other health matters.

She was appointed as a World Health Organization goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in 2011.

In China, she became the health ambassador for HIV/AIDS prevention for the Ministry of Health in 2006.

"Today we attend an event to promote awareness of preventing and fighting AIDS in the whole of society, especially among young people, eliminating discrimination against AIDS patients and getting spiritually vaccinated," Peng said.

At the same time, China will deepen cooperation in that regard with BRICS nations and developing countries, she said.

An official from the National Health and Family Planning Commission told the visitors that with Peng's support in HIV/AIDS prevention, activities have been carried out at more than 50 Chinese universities. They have drawn crowds of student volunteers as well as celebrities.

The visitors spoke highly of China's efforts after learning about the achievements of Xiamen University's HIV detection and diagnosis programs and talking with volunteers.

The guests also attended a UNESCO awards ceremony at the university on the education of girls and women.

Irina Bokova, UNESCO director-general, expressed her appreciation for China's many contributions to international cooperation in that field as well as the efforts of Peng, UNESCO'S special envoy for the advancement of girls' and women's education.

Projects from Thailand, Peru and South Africa won this year's awards.

It is a tradition of the Chinese nation to emphasize education, Peng said.

She added people should lend helping hands to women and children who are in need to enable them "have the chance and capabilities to change their fate and live a better life".
SAO PAULO, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Brazil's government is analyzing the legal and financial implications of relinquishing the right to veto certain strategic decisions in a few companies, the latest step by President Michel Temer to diminish the state's role in the economy, Valor Economico newspaper said on Wednesday.

According to Valor, which did not say how it obtained the information, Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles has requested from the state auditing court an analysis of how the government could exit the so-called golden share it holds in former state monopolies that have been partially or fully privatized in recent years.

The newspaper said Meirelles sent such a request on July 19, with an urgency notice. The court known as TCU began to analyze the matter only this week, the paper added.

Meirelles reckons the value of the government's stake in those assets and the companies themselves have been impacted by the existence of those golden shares, Valor said.

The golden share allows the government to veto some strategic decisions, such as a change of control or domicile of a Brazilian company. According to Valor, the perception among government officials is that investors tend to trade shares in companies with a golden share at prices below fair value.

The government still has the veto right in planemaker Embraer SA , which it fully privatized in 2006. This also applies to Vale SA , the world's largest iron ore producer which is in the process of becoming a company with dispersed share ownership; and IRB Brasil Resseguros SA , the former reinsurance monopoly that was recently listed.

The press offices of Brazil's finance ministry and the auditing court did not immediately responded to requests for comment on the Valor story.

The move comes as Temer seeks to sell control of the country's biggest power utility, Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA , in coming months. When the government announced the plan on Aug. 21, it said it would retain a golden share that could veto some strategic decisions at Eletrobras, such as a change of control. Relinquishing the right to exercise the veto power of a golden share would also reduce the ability of politicians to meddle in companies that for decades provided cronies with lucrative jobs, lawyers and bankers have said.

(Reporting by Guillermo Parra-Bernal; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
By Meng Meng and Henning Gloystein

BEIJING/SINGAPORE, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Guangzhou port, the largest coal hub in southern China, has halted foreign coal imports, according to traders who use the port and said they had been informed of the shutdown by customs authorities and senior company officials.

Traders said the move caught merchants using Guangzhou by surprise - the port has 14 coal berths and can handle 60 million tonnes of shipments per year - and interpreted it as a sign of Beijing stepping up a campaign to cut pollution caused by use of coal. China already banned coal imports at small ports in July. "We were told by customs that the port has stopped accepting foreign shipments," said one trader, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to media. "Starting this week, we will avoid using the Guangzhou port."

It wasn't immediately clear how long the import halt would last, nor how many cargoes would be affected. Shipping data compiled by Thomson Reuters Eikon showed dozens of large dry-bulk ships anchoring in waters outside Guangzhou, waiting to offload.

Guangzhou port authorities and customs officials did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Another trader based at Guangzhou said his company has stopped booking supplies for October arrivals, despite increasing demand from utilities.

"We still have a couple cargoes each of 60,000 tonnes on the way to Guangzhou port. If these cargoes cannot clear customs, we probably have to return them," the Guangzhou based trader said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly.

"The last time I saw a foreign cargo being allowed to unload was almost a week ago," he said.

($1 = 6.5240 Chinese yuan renminbi)

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Interactive Map reuters://REALTIME/verb=Interactive%20Map/context=%3CNavigation%3E%3CEntities%3E%3CEntity%20type= 'archive'%3E%3CIMap%3EIAMAAB+LCAAAAAAABACNk11rgzAUhu8H+w8hP6BptZ 8jCpuj4GgZU/d5F+ppkVkjSSz0Yv99x7hSdaPsJurred/znBh5WBhQYmOyA6xFSQ 6gdCYLj46oz1GwSyLUDsyHlHt/zllXOL8PoI4ib+gduYOZ6w4XrjOl5N2jjjOYjK fT8WToUMKsZy1T8B2bZm/5qxLlrZJVkfqJqoCzlsBX4ohgP1eSHEvw6LMGtcq0Qd AYcsARZOHzKAz84CuJZ9h+4s4XLhLXGmetojBF1myb1ZnXV4S0BFKIPehSbLAD+i hpbJB6lP4KPtswpv2IqMyydpHvqvwT1AtoDblG7kAW22xXKdFgxUaYSkdSGkQ0sG 9W0sgeXQoctsWzFLkGu5+dssfKELkl98LA39WsyWbtdg1TTXluT6IgRt+NE9Ke8N AXni5wnWqiizSd0vgfccnl4foDsd5enz4POx0tZk876/4P/jdOoSoQIAMAAA==%3 C/IMap%3E%3C/Entity%3E%3C/Entities%3E%3C/Navigation%3E MAP: Dry-bulk ships waiting outside port of Guangzhou ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Meng Meng in BEIJING and Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
(Adds Anbang Insurance Group, Prisa, Vodafone, Fortive, Reliance Industries)

Sept 6 (Reuters) - The following bids, mergers, acquisitions and disposals were reported by 1330 GMT on Wednesday:

** Reliance Industries Ltd , oil-to-telecoms conglomerate, said it will buy assets of Kemrock Industries and Exports Ltd , in a move to enter the composites and carbon fibre manufacturing business. ** Fortive Corp said it would buy Landauer Inc , a provider of radiation safety and outsourced medical physics services, for about $770 million, including debt. ** Vodafone has sold down its stake in South African subsidiary Vodacom by 5.2 percentage points, it announced. ** Spanish media company Prisa said it was in talks over the possible sale its Santillana publishing group with U.S. private equity company Rhone Capital. ** China's Anbang Insurance Group Co Ltd and HNA Group Co Ltd separately considered buying stakes in German insurer Allianz SE as part of plans to create a global financial empire, people with direct knowledge of the matter said. ** British PR agency Bell Pottinger said it had hired accountancy firm BDO to advise on a possible sale after it lost business for running a racially-charged campaign in South Africa, leaving its future increasingly uncertain. ** Toshiba Corp's board, under pressure to clinch a deal for its prized memory chip unit soon, met to review a revised bid proposed by Western Digital Corp but no agreement was reached, people familiar with matter said. ** German aviation investor Hans Rudolf Woehrl expects to submit an offer for insolvent Air Berlin early next week, jointly with several partners, he told German television. ** Brazil state-controlled oil firm Petrobras said in a stock exchange filing on Tuesday that it will sell a 90-percent stake in its wholly owned subsidiary Transportadora Associada de Gas SA (TAG). (Compiled by Akankshita Mukhopadhyay in Bengaluru)
FRANKFURT, Sept 6 (Reuters) - The European Central Bank is working on new licensing guidelines that would also cover financial technology firms, Daniele Nouy, the ECB's top bank supervisor told a conference on Wednesday.

The fintech sector, though still relative small, has been stealing market share from traditional lenders in a variety of sectors from payments to lending, attracting investment $6.5 billion in the first half of the year.

"At the ECB, we are, for instance, devising a guide on licensing that also covers fintechs," Nouy told a conference. "This guide will be published shortly for the purpose of a public consultation."

"The technical and financial hurdles have become a bit lower; the (banking) market has become more contestable," Nouy said added.

The nascent industry, ranging from mobile payment apps to 'cryptocurrencies' like bitcoin, is seen playing a crucial role in the future of financial services but regulators are still searching for ways to properly supervise a sector that has largely flown under their radar.

(Reporting by Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Francesco Canepa)
HONG KONG, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs has suspended work on a planned U.S. IPO for Chinese conglomerate HNA Group's IT outsourcing unit Pactera, four people with familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The Wall Street bank has shelved work on the planned listing for now as the deal failed to meet the bank's internal due diligence requirements, termed as know-your-customer checks, one of the people said.

Reuters reported in July that HNA had tapped Goldman to work on the U.S. initial public offering of Pactera, a Beijing-based firm it bought from Blackstone last year for $675 million in cash. Pactera was renamed "HNA Ecotech Panorama Cayman Co" earlier this year.

Goldman declined to comment. Representatives at HNA and Pactera did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The sources declined to be identified as details of the deal are not public.

(Reporting by Kane Wu and Julie Zhu; Additional reportying by Matt Miller; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Sept 6 (Reuters) - Hong Kong stocks fell on Wednesday, echoing declines in other global markets as rising tensions on the Korean peninsula prompted investors to take profits on this year's strong rally.

The Hang Seng index fell 0.5 percent to 27,613.76 points, while the China Enterprises Index lost 0.6 percent to 11,128.77.

The benchmark index has gained some 25 percent so far this year.

Geopolitical concerns continued to simmer following North Korea's biggest-ever nuclear test on Sunday. Pyongyang is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States, one of its top diplomats said on Tuesday. UBS said in its monthly Asia Pacific investment report that although "U.S.-North Korea relations have perhaps reached their tensest point in decades", military conflict is "unlikely".

UBS strategist Gao Ting said on Wednesday that Hong Kong stocks, which are vulnerable to U.S. equity market volatility, face uncertainty around issues such as the U.S. debt ceiling, President Donald Trump's tax reforms and rate moves by the Federal Reserve.

Most sectors lost ground on Wednesday, with financial shares among the biggest decliners.

(Reporting by Samuel Shen and John Ruwitch; Editing by Kim Coghill)
KRYNICA ZDROJ, Poland, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Hungary should meet a raft of new additional convergence criteria, aligning its wage levels and competitiveness with that of the euro zone before adopting the currency, National Bank of Hungary deputy governor Marton Nagy said on Wednesday.

"It is essential that new and more relevant criteria should be met beyond Maastricht (terms) before Hungary successfully joins the euro area," Nagy told Reuters on the sidelines of a business conference in Krynica.

Nagy said the 2008 financial crisis showed that meeting the Maastricht criteria alone was not sufficient for the successful adoption of the euro. He said that for example, Hungarian wage levels in purchasing power standards should exceed 90 percent of the euro zone average.

A high competitiveness of Hungarian companies is required, and the banking sector's competitiveness index should also approach the euro zone's average, Nagy said.

Hungary's government debt should decline to 50 percent of GDP from around 74 percent at the end of June 2017, he added.

(Writing by Krisztina Than)
DUBAI, Sept 6 (Reuters) - An overnight rebound in crude oil prices helped Saudi Arabia's equities index outperform its regional peers early on Wednesday, while shares of Abu Dhabi-listed Dana Gas gave up some of the big gains of the past two days.

Brent oil was trading at $53.37 a barrel, slightly above its level when the Saudi market traded on Tuesday last week, just before it closed for long Eid al-Adha holidays.

All but two of the 14 listed Saudi petrochemical producers rose as the market reopened on Wednesday with Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical adding 1.3 percent. The main Saudi index rose 0.5 percent.

In Qatar, Qatar Gas Transport (Nakilat) dropped 1.5 percent after index compiler FTSE said it would move the company to its mid-cap index from its large-cap index, effective from Sept. 15. The main Qatar exchange index lost 0.7 percent.

In the United Arab Emirates, FTSE has decided to remove Union National Bank from its global equity index. Its shares were not trading on Wednesday morning but Dana Gas fell 2.6 percent on profit-taking, dragging the Abu Dhabi index 0.2 percent lower.

Dana had soared 20 percent over the previous two days on news of a deal for it to obtain overdue payments from Iraqi Kurdistan.

The Dubai index was up 0.2 percent as builder Drake & Scull , the most heavily traded stock on Wednesday morning, rose 0.8 percent.

(Reporting by Celine Aswad; Editing by Andrew Torchia and Toby Chopra)
* A little over two-thirds of Saudi stocks climb

* Doha at 20-month closing low

* Polls show fund managers bearish on Qatari stocks

* Dana Gas stalls after two-day surge

* Emaar is main support in Dubai

By Celine Aswad

DUBAI, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's equities index firmed on Wednesday because of strong oil prices while Qatar fell to its lowest close since January 2016 after index compiler FTSE's mid-year review hurt some stocks.

Brent oil was around $53.50 a barrel, slightly above its level when the Saudi market traded on Tuesday last week, just before it closed for long Eid al-Adha holidays.

All but two of the 14 listed Saudi petrochemical producers rose as the market reopened on Wednesday with Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical adding 1.9 percent. The main Saudi stock index rose 0.7 percent.

The Doha index lost 1.3 percent to 8,685 points on its first day of trade after a one-week closure for Eid holidays.

Qatar Gas Transport (Nakilat) dropped 2.9 percent after FTSE said it would move the company to its mid-cap index from its large-cap index, effective from Sept. 15.

Industrial conglomerate Aamal slumped 4.4 percent, Qatari Investors Group fell 1.8 percent and Qatar Navigation lost 0.2 percent after FTSE said it would delete all three stocks from its all-world index.

A Reuters poll published last week showed regional asset managers have turned negative towards Qatari stocks again, with 38 percent expecting to cut their allocations and none to raise them. Selling appeared to ease in July, but the Qatari market came under renewed pressure in August as it became clear there was little prospect of an early end to the diplomatic rift between Doha and four Arab states.

In the United Arab Emirates, FTSE decided to remove Abu Dhabi's Union National Bank from its global equity index. Its shares did not trade on Wednesday but the Abu Dhabi index fell 0.5 percent.

Dana Gas , the most heavily traded stock in Abu Dhabi, fell as much as 3.9 percent on profit-taking before closing flat. Dana had soared 20 percent over the previous two days on news of a deal for it to obtain overdue payments from Iraqi Kurdistan.

Dubai's index rose 0.5 percent as the largest listed real estate developer, Emaar Properties , gained 2.3 percent.

Egypt's index lost 0.7 percent as stocks favoured by foreign investors were among the worst performers, including Commercial International Bank , which fell 2.3 percent.

Qalaa Holdings slumped 1.6 percent after FTSE said it would exclude the stock from its AllCap index.

HIGHLIGHTS

SAUDI ARABIA

* The index rose 0.7 percent to 7,306 points.

DUBAI

* The index added 0.5 percent to 3,642 points.

ABU DHABI

* The index fell 0.5 percent to 4,457 points.

QATAR

* The index lost 1.3 percent to 8,685 points.

EGYPT

* The index declined 0.7 percent to 13,318 points.

KUWAIT

* The index slipped 0.04 percent to 6,918 points.

BAHRAIN

* The index rose 0.7 percent to 1,311 points.

OMAN

* The index edged up 0.03 percent to 5,065 points.

(Editing by Andrew Torchia)
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept 6 (Reuters) - The CEO of GV Gold is preparing a much-delayed listing of the Russian mid-sized gold producer for as early as next year, he told Reuters on Wednesday.

The privately held firm, whose shareholders include U.S. fund BlackRock, has repeatedly delayed plans after first proposing an initial public share offering in 2007, but listing has come to the top of the agenda since German Pikhoya became CEO in April. "We are preparing a step-by-step plan to become a public company and are seriously looking at a possibility of share listing in 2018," Pikhoya said.

He added that the company was in preliminary talks with banks but had not yet chosen any to arrange the listing.

The company, which plans to produce 6.5-6.7 tonnes of gold this year, launched its new Taryn gold plant in Russia's far eastern Yakutia region this week and plans to start the Ugakhan plant in Siberia in October.

Pikhoya said that next year, GV Gold, currently Russia's 9th largest gold producer, would continue to increase its output as it intends to become one of the country's top five gold producers in the medium term. That target would include potential acquisitions, he said, but gave no details.

Pikhoya also said that GV Gold's management was preparing a proposal to the board of directors about potential hedging of some of GV Gold's production.

"There are (gold) price levels at which we feel ourselves comfortable and it would do no harm to fix them for a short- or medium-term period," he said.

Pikhoya said that he could propose to the board a gold price level of $1,200-$1,250 per troy ounce for its 2018 budget planning.

The gold price has risen 16 percent so far this year to around $1,340 partially due to geopolitical tensions over North Korea.

(Reporting by Katya Golubkova; additional reporting by Diana Asonova; writing by Katya Golubkova and Polina Devitt; editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
U.S. President Donald Trump (file photo)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he was letting Japan and South Korea buy "a substantially increased amount" of military equipment from the United States.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump tweeted.

According to a previous statement by the White House, Trump spoke by phone with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Monday and gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities.

Trump also provided his conceptual approval for the purchase of many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment from the United States by South Korea, the statement added.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DPRK's Central Television announced.

DPRK's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology violate UN Security Council resolutions.

China's representative to the United Nations Liu Jieyi on Monday condemned the latest nuclear test by the DPRK and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Liu said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue, asking the relevant parties for due consideration and positive responses.

The idea of dual approach involves parallel efforts to move forward both de-nuclearization and the establishment of a peaceful mechanism on the peninsula; the initiative of suspension-for-suspension calls for the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and for the United States and South Korea to suspend their large-scale war games.
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Russia's top gold producer Polyus expects its capital expenditure (capex) to decline over the next two years from around $800 million in 2017 as ramp up costs for a new gold mine fall away, Chief Executive Pavel Grachev said.

Polyus, controlled by the family of Russian tycoon Suleiman Kerimov, started commissioning its Natalka mine in the country's Far East, a project expected to help the firm increase its gold output by a third by 2019, on Tuesday. The company's capex will decline significantly in 2019 compared with 2018 and will also be lower in 2018 than in 2017, Grachev said in an interview with Reuters on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.

He declined to give numbers.

Ramping-up construction at Natalka was the main reason for the 73 percent increase in capex to $322 million in the first half of 2017, the firm has said. In total, Polyus has spent $2.3 billion on the Natalka project. Grachev also said the recent bail-out of Russia's Otkritie Bank by Russia's central bank was unlikely to change Otkritie's operations in the domestic precious metals market. Russian gold producers usually sell their product to Russian banks which then sell it to the central bank or export it. The biggest players in this market are Russia's two largest lenders - Sberbank and VTB .

Otkritie has a significantly smaller share in the gold market, Grachev said, adding Polyus planned to continue working with it.

(Reporting by Katya Golubkova; Writing by Polina Devitt; Editing by Mark Potter)
MADRID, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Spanish media company Prisa said on Wednesday it was in talks over the possible sale its Santillana publishing group with U.S. private equity company Rhone Capital.

However, Prisa said in a statement to the Spanish stock market regulator it had not made a decision on any deal after having held talks with other parties.

Shares in Prisa were up around 6 percent at 1041 GMT, while Spain's leading index Ibex-35 was down 0.44 percent.

Online newspaper El Confidencial said on Wednesday Rhone Capital was in negotiations to submit an offer of around 1.4 billion euros ($1.7 billion) for the 75 percent stake Prisa holds in Santillana.

In March, Reuters reported Prisa had received three bids from investment firms for Santillana, including one from Rhone Capital. Some sources, however, said then that the preliminary bids, all in a range of 1.2-1.3 billion euros ($1.3-$1.4 billion), were insufficient for Prisa, which hoped to raise at least 1.5 billion euros to repay debt and prop up its troubled finances.

In May, Prisa ended up rejecting binding offers for Santillana as the offers were too low.

($1 = 0.8374 euros)

(Reporting by Jesus Aguado, Andres Gonzalez and Blanca Rodriguez; Editing by Mark Potter)
(Adds data, background)

OTTAWA, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Canada's trade deficit shrank to C$3.04 billion ($2.45 billion) in July from C$3.76 billion in June, thanks in part to a stronger Canadian dollar that cut the value of imports, Statistics Canada said on Wednesday.

Analysts in a Reuters poll had predicted a shortfall of C$3.1 billion. In volume terms, imports fell by 2.3 percent while exports dropped by 1.1 percent.

The value of imports fell by 6.0 percent from June, with lower prices accounting for most of the decline. The Canadian dollar gained 3.6 U.S. cents against the greenback in July.

The more robust domestic currency also pushed down the value of exports, which dropped by 4.9 percent.

Many major exporters price their goods in U.S. dollars. That means they receive fewer Canadian dollars as the value of the currency increases.

Exports to the United States, which accounted for 75.5 percent of Canadian goods exports in July, fell by 3.2 percent while imports plunged by 6.7 percent. As a result, the trade surplus with the United States grew to C$2.90 billion from C$1.80 billion in June.

($1=$1.24 Canadian)

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Graphic - Canada economic snapshot ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by W Simon)
(Adds more detail)

By Huw Jones

LONDON, Sept 6 (Reuters) - France wants European Union regulators to have a veto over how Britain supervises UK-based clearing houses of euro denominated transactions after Brexit, EU sources said.

The demand marks an escalation in efforts by France, the European Central Bank and others to have a decisive say over euro-denominated clearing after Britain leaves the bloc in March 2019. LCH, a unit of the London Stock Exchange , currently dominates clearing of euro denominated derivatives.

Euro clearing has become a battleground between London and Brussels as both sides are locked in divorce talks that will shape how Europe's financial market - along with its tax revenue and the hundreds of thousands of jobs - is divided up.

The EU's executive European Commission proposed a draft law in June that sketches out a system of joint supervision of "systemic" clearing houses outside the bloc that handle large amounts of derivatives and other contracts traded in euros.

Euro clearing would have to move from London to the EU if joint supervision was deemed insufficient by Brussels. EU policymakers say they should have a say over such "third country" activity in order to ensure euro zone financial stability in times of crisis.

Officials from the bloc's member states meet next week to begin the approval process for the draft law, and the two biggest states, Germany and France want tougher measures than what's been proposed so far, EU sources with knowledge of the meeting said.

Each member state was asked to give their views on the draft law, and France has said it wants the ability of the ECB to impose extra requirements on non-EU clearing houses to be given to the European Commission and to the bloc's European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) as well, the sources said.

France wants them to "have a say, up to a veto right if needed" on some decisions taken by non-EU authorities, if those decisions go against the bloc's interests, the sources added.

The closure of a vital clearing service that cannot be easily be replicated in the EU is one example of a decision that could be vetoed. LCH and other clearing houses in Britain are regulated by the Bank of England.

Germany says in its submission that the EU proposals don't go far enough in giving the ECB powers to change clearing house rules and act quickly in a crisis, the sources said.

Some EU policymakers are still smarting after LCH raised how much cash was required to back financial transactions during the euro zone debt crisis, saying this decision fuelled further instability.

Germany, like Austria, is against handing more powers to Paris-based ESMA at the expense of national regulators, and instead backs giving the ECB new powers "to impose additional requirements on third-country" clearing houses.

Next week's meeting will start by discussing a proposal from the ECB to amend one of its founding articles to allow the Frankfurt-based central bank to "make regulations to ensure efficient and sound clearing and payment systems" within the EU "and with other countries".

Germany believes this is of "particular relevance to the Brexit situation", the sources said.

Spain said it was unsure whether such "deep change" was actually needed for supervising clearing houses, a view backed by Sweden, a sign of how member states don't want to see their national watchdogs lose more power to EU regulators.

(Reporting by Huw Jones; Editing by Rachel Armstrong and Mark Potter)
* Goldman shelved project after deal failed KYC checks - source

* HNA had eyed 2018 IPO

* Latest test for HNA banking relationships

(Adds deal detail, background)

By Kane Wu and Julie Zhu

HONG KONG, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs has suspended work on a planned U.S. IPO for Chinese conglomerate HNA Group's IT outsourcing unit Pactera, four people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

One of the sources, who could not be identified as the negotiations are not public, said the Wall Street bank shelved the project after the deal failed to meet the bank's internal due diligence requirements, or know-your-customer checks.

Reuters reported in July that HNA had tapped Goldman to work on the U.S. initial public offering of Pactera, a Beijing-based firm it bought from Blackstone last year for $675 million in cash. The unit was renamed HNA Ecotech Panorama Cayman Co earlier this year. Goldman declined to comment. Representatives at HNA and Pactera did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The sources said Goldman's departure, even temporarily, could delay Pactera's overall plan, which had been for a listing next year.

Pactera had initially sought to close a $200 million pre-IPO round in the third quarter of 2017, and to list the business early 2018.

Goldman was not officially mandated for the IPO, which had been in the early stages, but had been tapping investors for the firm's pre-IPO fundraising round.

The sources said Pactera was pressing ahead even without Goldman, as it hopes to act as a listed vehicle for HNA's Ecotech arm, focused on technology investments. It is currently seeking to raise capital through convertible bonds, two of the sources said.

HNA, one of China's most acquisitive conglomerates, has seen its banking relationships put to test since the summer, as Beijing cracks down on excessively splashy deals.

China's banking regulator in June ordered a group of lenders to assess their exposure to offshore investments by a handful of acquisitive groups, including HNA.

The New York Times reported in July that Bank of America Merrill Lynch had pulled back from working with the group due to its opaque ownership stricture. HNA Chief Executive Adam Tan said later that BAML had not dealt closely with the group. The sources said Goldman had not severed ties with HNA, adding due diligence checks are made separately for every deal.

(Reporting by Kane Wu and Julie Zhu; Additional reportying by Matt Miller; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee; Editing by Kim Coghill)
UT's Ag in the Foothills, October 6



LOUISVILLE, TN  Everyone is invited to visit the University of Tennessees East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center on October 6 for the Ag in the Foothills Field Day. The free event will be held from 7 a.m.  3 p.m. at the centers Blount Unit located at 4341 UT Farm Road in Louisville.



These Black Angus are on pasture at UT's East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center Blount Unit. A cattle handling demonstration will be featured at the Ag in the Foothills Field Day at the unit on October 6. Visitors planning to attend are encouraged to preregister at their local county UT Extension Office. Photo courtesy UTIA.


Rapper "The Quiett" talks during the "MU:CON's" press interview at MBC building in Mapo, Seoul, last Friday. / Courtesy of KOCAA



By Kim Jae-heun

The hip-hop duo Dok2 & The Quiett of the hottest music label Illionaire Records will release a masterpiece with 90s American hip-hop legend Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang Clan.

The international music fair MU:CON 2017 has confirmed the duo will unveil their collaboration during the festival held at the end of this month.

Rapper The Quiett said the collaboration with Inspectah Deck will shed new light on Wu-Tang Clan's music that swept the 1990s.

"The group Wu-Tang Clan was legendary in the early 1990s and Dok2 and I have long respected the musicians," The Quiett said during an interview with The Korea Times at MBC building in Mapo-gu, Seoul, last Friday. "We've also tried a similar style of music that Wu-Tang Clan pursues and our collaboration will be something similar I guess. It will remind us of old-school Wu-Tang Clan's hip-hop."



Q. What do you expect from the collaboration?

A. Well, our primary goal is to produce good music. I know the popularity of Wu-Tang Clan in America has faded with time but there are still fans of the group here. I wish we could shed new light on the legacy Wu-Tang Clan's music created.



Q. Wu-Tang Clan pursues East Coast hip-hop, but that is quite a different style from popular trends now in the hip-hop scene. Were there any disagreements during the collaboration?

A. I would say no. I know the hip-hop trend nowadays is the music from the South and Inspectah Deck along with Wu-Tang Clan has been forgotten because of it. But Dok2 and I have, from time to time, paid homage to their music and that is the style we have been pursuing, so we had no disagreements.



Q. Illionaire Records is leading the local hip-hop scene. Where is Korean hip-hop on the world stage?

A. There are various styles of hip-hop here now and so many musicians pursue their original style of music. We are at the stage where quality is improving with quantity.

Korean musicians pursue a high level of music and I'm not talking about the genre's homeland America _ Korea owns most active hip-hop musicians and fans. We are on the right track.



Q. What distinguishes Korean hip-hop from that in other countries?

A. Hip-hop music is very original on the global stage. We make creative music consisting of somewhat similar chords that hip-hop music owns. I don't know how many foreign fans understand Korean hip-hop's musical sensitivities and lyrics but I don't know how to explain it except for saying our music has our own soul. Korean hip-hop has a spiritual difference in the music that our people own.



Q. Does Illionaire Records have any plans to enter the international market?

A. Of course, we are working on many ways to advance into the global market. First of all, the Chinese market in Asia has become so big and the local hip-hop industry is also interested in the Chinese market. We are receiving many proposals from China but the current political situation with THAAD is the problem. Many Korean entertainers are having a hard time entering the Chinese market.
Lee Han-kook, representative director of Jones Lang LaSalle Korea / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Jones Lang LaSalle suggests funds to develop retirement villages

By Park Hyong-ki



Ten years ago, very few doubted about the potential of Korea's residential property market.



If they were asked then whether they would invest their money in buying an apartment anywhere here, including the affluent Gangnam district, most would have said yes.



But this is no longer the case, said Lee Han-kook, representative director of Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) in Seoul.



Lee heads JLL Korea's residential property investment advisory business. He is also part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's task force, consisting of industry and academic professionals studying the residential property market.



The country's changing demographics such as aging population and low birthrate, and low economic growth are among the reasons why people nowadays doubt the future of the real estate market.



Lee said these are signals that the wind of change is about to blow through the residential property market.



"If you ask people now whether apartments other than in Gangnam will offer attractive investment returns, they would most probably have a big question mark in their heads and say no," Lee said in a recent interview at JLL Korea's office in Yeouido, Seoul.



"This is a signal that the residential property market will no longer grow like in the old days. The market here needs to prepare for this."



Apartment prices have climbed rapidly over the past years, despite the country's low growth.



This indicates that the property market has been decoupled from the economy.



"The residential property market has been growing abnormally," Lee said.



Prices will further be corrected and slow down as the government's Aug. 2 real estate measures take hold, he added.



Aug. 2 policy



The recent measures tackling the abnormal property market come down to two basic things, Lee said.



One is the policy is pressuring multiple homeowners to sell their homes in an effort to balance the supply and demand.



The second is "putting the brakes on Gangnam property prices and redevelopment," Lee said, noting that the general real estate market here has followed Gangnam.



"This policy is, by far, the toughest, exceeding the industry's expectations in terms of level restrictions," the JLL director said.



"It shows the government's commitment to stabilizing the residential market at an early stage while it has the political power."



From an academic point of view, Lee said Korea should raise its property tax and lower transactions tax to further stabilize the prices.



However, he said he understands that this would be realistically hard.



Raising the property tax has been highlighted as the main issue in the market. The government has been cautious about it, and decided not to do it in the short term.



"If it only involved the real estate market, raising the property tax and conducting home tax audits would be effective. But the reality is the tax issue is very complex as it involves other parts of the market," Lee said.



"Nevertheless, the policy signals its strong drive to bring the market back to normal."



Securitizing residential market



The changing population landscape and the measures tackling household debt and property prices will alter people's housing lifestyle in the near future.



This will include the gradual phasing out of Korea's jeonse leases, in which tenants pay a lump-sum deposit of between a quarter and half of the property's value to landlords for two years.



To prepare for the inevitable change, JLL Korea said it is time to look into securitizing the residential market as have other advanced countries such as the United States, Japan and Singapore.



However, Lee said creating a fund that invests in the development of apartment complexes will not be easy under current circumstances.



Unlike other markets, Korea divides the activities of land development, apartment construction, housing sales and services, like the workings of unconnected silos.



"Even though there is interest from overseas investors in the residential property market here, other than areas such as Gangnam, Hannam-dong and Seongbuk-dong, there are not many places where funds can invest for development and reap attractive returns," Lee said.



This may be a challenge, but Korea could look into residential securitization in those high-end places as a start.



"It would be a long-term process, but it is the appropriate path as the economy faces structural changes," Lee said, forecasting that it could start to happen in five years.



Funds would be especially useful in investing in the development of villages, or silver towns, for the elderly with close access to medical centers.



The government is looking into this as well amid the rapidly aging population.



For instance, the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) participates as an investor in the development of retirement villages in the U.S.



"In the beginning, Korea could get its pension fund involved like CalPERS as a shareholder to provide such services to the elderly," Lee said. "There is no longer a negative image of silver towns."



In the past, people used to view the elderly living in those remote places as those who were abandoned by their children.



But the country will have to not only stabilize property prices and debt, but also see the level of people's income increase before their retirement so that capital can flow to finance the development, the elderly and dividends to investors.



Foreign investment in the residential property market will also need to be active.



"This is a matter of survival for the country. If we can have 10 percent of the capital in the real estate market moved to securitizing the residential market, the impact will be much greater than the commercial property market," Lee said.



Overseas market



Rich Koreans who have at least 3 billion won to invest in residential properties overseas are eyeing Southeast Asian markets, in addition to Hawaii and Los Angeles, California in the U.S.



Countries such as Vietnam and Thailand have been attracting attention as they seek to expand their residential portfolios.



"Most of them look at three things when seeking residential properties overseas. They see whether the places are good for their children's education, retirement and whether they can save on taxes," Lee said.



Most of them seek to invest in high-end houses overseas that can also give returns through leases.



JLL Korea said it has partnered with Vietnam's Indochina Properties to introduce local rich investors to Southeast Asian upscale houses.



JLL opened its Seoul office in 2000. JLL operates in over 80 countries with 77,000 employees.



Last year, its fee revenue on real estate transactions stood at $5.8 billion.
Kyobo Life Insurance founder Shin Yong-ho, right, laughs during a meeting with global insurance leaders during the 23rd International Insurance Society annual meeting in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, in July, 1987. / Courtesy of Kyobo Life Insurance



By Nam Hyun-woo





Kyobo Life Insurance founder Shin Yong-ho

Kyobo Life Insurance said Wednesday it will hold various events this month to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its founder Shin Yong-ho.



According to the insurer, it will hold a commemorative concert at Lotte Concert Hall in Jamsil, Seoul, today.



Also on Sept. 14, an academic symposium shedding light on Shin's education philosophy will take place, followed by a photo exhibition of Shin at the firm's headquarters in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on Sept. 28.



Born in 1917 in Yeongam, South Jeolla Province, Shin is renowned as one of the trailblazers of insurance in and outside of Korea.



Due to being sickly as a child, Shin could not even receive elementary-level education, which prompted his lifetime dream of gaining an education and developing education insurance.



Based on his business experiences in Manchuria, Dalian and Beijing during the Japanese colonial rule, he established Daehan Education Insurance, now Kyobo Life, in 1958.



The company's main policy was education insurance, aimed at assisting parents to set up their children's tuition for higher education. According to the Seoul-based company, the policy helped finance tuition for 3 million students in three decades after its release.



Also, the company introduced retirement insurance and cancer insurance for the first time in Korea and became the largest insurer in the country in 1967.



Acknowledged by his feats, Shin became the first Korean winner of the Founder's Award from the International Insurance Society in 1983. Also in 1996, he was inducted at the Insurance Hall of Fame.



Along with the insurance businesses, Shin expressed his passion for promoting education by founding Kyobo Bookstore in 1981 at the company's main office building.



At the time, it boasted 600,000 books and the longest bookcase in the world. After a 1991 renovation, the store became the largest single-story bookstore in the world.



Until he died in 2003 age 89, he kept to his motto of "I learn while working and work while learning" and strived to promote education in Korea, a Kyobo Life official said.



Now, Kyobo Life, led by Shin's eldest son Shin Chang-jae, is standing as an insurance titan in Korea, with assets surpassing 100 trillion won this year.
By Kim Rahn

President Moon Jae-in is toughening his policy toward North Korea as the Kim Jong-un regime intensifies its provocations.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump's apparent complaints about what his aides call Moon's "soft" stance are reducing his room to maneuver.

Moon's offers for dialogue have met with Pyongyang's continuous missile launches and a nuclear weapon test.

He is therefore expected to focus on sticks rather than carrots  at least for now  while building up the South's military capability.

In a phone call with Trump, Moon emphasized the need for a whole new level of strong and effective countermeasures which can put real pressure on North Korea.

As part of such countermeasures, Moon and Trump agreed to remove weight limits on South Korea's missile warheads to boost Seoul's own defense capabilities against North Korea's threats.

The two leaders made the agreement during the phone conversation Monday night, which came a day after Pyongyang conducted its sixth nuclear test with what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb.

Moon asked for the lifting of the limits, which had been previously set by the allies' missile guidelines, according to Cheong Wa Dae Tuesday.
North Korea said Tuesday it will "respond with our own mode of counteroffensive" to any fresh sanctions that may be put in place following Pyongyang's latest nuclear test.

In a Q&A session with the state-run Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean foreign ministry spokesman blasted the United States for leading international efforts to adopt a fresh sanctions resolution.

Last Sunday, North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test. Pyongyang claimed it was a successful test of an H-bomb that can be mounted on a long-range missile.

"The U.S. is running amock to defame the DPRK, taking issue with our measures to bolster the self-defensive nuclear force," the spokesman said, referring to North Korea by its full name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"But this is only a sophistry to hide true colors of the U.S. as the main culprit for escalated tension and nuclear threat," he added. "No one has the right to make a fuss about our test of H-bomb for ICBM as it is a routine and indispensable process for the implementation of the strategic line that we have chosen for ourselves, the line of simultaneously developing the two fronts."












By Yi Whan-woo





The cover of former

Unification Minister Park Jae-kyu's autobiography

Former Unification Minister Park Jae-kyu, now president of Kyungnam University, has published an autobiography that details his work for inter-Korean reconciliation over the past 45 years.

The book, with a roughly translated title of "A Whole Heart: The Road to Peaceful Unification," lists his efforts to bolster cross-border dialogue before, during and after he served as unification minister under the government of President Kim Dae-jung (1998-2003).

"Concern over North Korea's advancement in nuclear and ballistic missile programs weighs heavily on my mind as we went through the Lost Decade," he said in a press release, referring to the frayed ties between Seoul and Pyongyang from 2008 to May under the conservative governments of Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye.

"As I did for the past 45 years, I'll take it as my duty and strike for it for rest of my life, if there is anything I can do regarding the improvement of inter-Korean ties and also helping build a road toward peaceful unification" he said.

The book begins with Park's academic career before being appointed as unification minister in 1999.

It explains how Park, as a scholar, became interested in North Korea-related issues and helped establish the Institute for Far Eastern Studies, a think tank at Kyungnam University on regional security affairs, in September 1972.

He pioneered raising academic interest in North Korea and unification by running relevant international seminars, seeking academic exchanges with China and the Soviet Union; and setting up South Korea's first graduate school of North Korea Studies in 1997.

He even visited North Korea with the government's approval and sought academic exchanges with Kim Il-sung University and Kim Chaek University of Technology in Pyongyang.

As unification minister, Park laid out groundwork for the first inter-Korean summit in June 2000 between then-President Kim Dae-jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

The summit was preceded by high-level talks between Park and Kim Yong-nam, the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly.

When he accompanied Kim Dae-jung during the summit, Park had in-depth talks with relevant Pyongyang officials on the inter-Korean tour project at Mount Geumgang, reunions of separated families and the railway disconnected by the demilitarized zone.

He continued with inter-Korean reconciliatory efforts even after he quit as minister.

Park visited Pyongyang in 2002 when the KBS Symphony Orchestra performed there, joined the Seoul delegation during the joint ceremony with North Korea for the fifth anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit, and helped run an international symposium in 2006 at the joint industrial park in Gaeseong, North Korea.

To help readers better understand his work, the book contains photographs of Park and his activities.
By Yi Whan-woo



The international community remains clueless over the amount of oil North Korea imports, meaning it could suffer a setback in toughening sanctions on Pyongyang even if it manages to impose an oil embargo.



The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) said North Korea imported 70,000 barrels a day in 2013 in its recently updated "The World Factbook."



That amounts to approximately 4.12 million tons per year.



The Tokyo Shimbun reported that North Korea set up a plan in April to build oil reserves that can hold up to 1 million tons.



Such capacity is about two thirds of North Korea's annual imports of crude oil and petroleum products, which is estimated to be 1.5 million tons, according to the newspaper.



The Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), citing its 2015 data, said North Korea's oil imports were only 500,000 tons per year.



Diplomatic sources varied in their views, too. Some speculated that Pyongyang's annual purchase of crude oil and petroleum products ranged from 1.5 million tons to 2 million tons, while others estimated the amount to be less than 600,000 tons.



Analysts attributed the lack of credible data to China's unwillingness to cooperate in tightening international sanctions on the North.



Beijing is believed to be responsible for over 90 percent of Pyongyang's oil imports, but it has been against disclosing the relevant amounts.



"The U.N. Security Council (UNSC) will need to figure out how much oil North Korea gets from abroad as precisely as possible so that it can better visualize a plan for an oil embargo," said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies. "I'm extremely concerned that North Korea, as it did before, will exploit loopholes in the UNSC sanctions, unless China cooperates."



An Chan-il, the head of the World Institute for North Korea Studies, speculated that China, in addition to its oil exports to North Korea, may be offering extra oil for free to the impoverished regime.



"It will be extremely difficult to track such a hidden deal unless China voluntarily shares the relevant records," he said.



The experts said that China has more than fear of collapse of the Kim Jong-un regime in its opposition toward international efforts toward cutting oil supplies to North Korea.



Some claimed that it will be "too costly" for China to clean up and refurbish the oil pipeline to North Korea if the oil supply is suspended for a long time.



The crude oil transported to North Korea contains paraffin wax, a colorless solid derivable. It will harden, and left stuck inside a pipeline will block it eventually if oil does not continue to flow, according to Yang.



Paik Hak-soon, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute, said China may be worried that Russia is replacing Beijing's role as Pyongyang's largest patron if oil trade is suspended.



"About 10 percent of North Korea's oil imports is believed to be from Russia. Beijing apparently will not want Moscow expanding its influence on Pyongyang, especially considering the Kim regime's role as a buffer zone against U.S. influence," he said.




By Yi Whan-woo

U.S. President Donald Trump's misleading tweets about South Korea are becoming a major source of concern here when a unified voice is needed more than ever between the allies in response to North Korea's threats.

Trump recently complained on Twitter of the South's "talks of appeasement" with the North and threatened to pull out from a bilateral free trade deal.

This raised concerns here that he may be trying to capitalize on security issues as leverage in fulfilling his economic election promises.

Some analysts warned Tuesday that Trump could mislead South Korean policymakers. Whenever he previously brought up cost-related issues on the U.S. missile defense system and American troops here, analysts here questioned whether Trump was trying to gain an advantage in revising the Korea-U.S free trade agreement (KORUS FTA).

On Sunday, Trump denounced Pyongyang for being "hostile and dangerous" in response to its sixth nuclear test.

He also pointed a finger at Seoul, saying, "South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing!"

Trump apparently took a jab at President Moon Jae-in who has consistently pushed for the need for dialogue for a resolution to the heightening tension on the Korean Peninsula.

In another confusing statement released Monday, the White House said Trump approved of South Korea purchasing weapons worth "many billions of dollars" during a telephone conservation with Moon to discuss North Korea.












South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin held a bilateral meeting here Wednesday for discussions largely expected to focus on how to deal with North Korea and its latest nuclear provocation.

The Moon-Putin summit began shortly after the South Korean leader arrived in Vladivostok on a two-day visit that will include a separate summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as well as his participation in the Eastern Economic Forum.

Moon's trip also follows the North's latest nuclear test staged Sunday.

The South Korean president has strongly condemned the North's sixth and apparently the most powerful nuclear test so far, calling it a serious violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit the communist state from any nuclear or missile activities.

Pyongyang has also staged nine missile tests since the new South Korean leader took office in May. Since the beginning of the year, the communist regime has conducted 14 missile launches.

In his earlier telephone conversation with Putin, held one day after the North's latest nuclear provocation, the South Korean leader stressed the need to put in place additional and stronger sanctions against the North that will leave the country with no other choice but to come to the dialogue table.












South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Russian President Vladimir Putin smile during their summit in Vladivostok, Russia, which took place on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, Wednesday. / Yonhap



Two leaders condemn NK's nuclear test

By Kim Rahn

Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected President Moon Jae-in's request to play a role in imposing an oil embargo on North Korea in their summit in Vladivostok, Wednesday.

Moon said Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are the only leaders who can stop North Korea's provocations, according to Moon's chief press secretary Yoon Young-chan.

"During the summit, Moon told Putin that tougher sanctions are required to make Pyongyang come forward for dialogue. He said an oil embargo on the North was inevitable this time, requesting Russia's cooperation," Yoon said.

While the United States and its allies are seeking to cut oil supplies to North Korea as part of sanctions for its sixth nuclear test, Russia and China, two permanent members of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC), have remained negative on this.

"Putin said any pressure won't make the North give up its nuclear program for its security. He said Russia opposes Pyongyang's nuclear weapons development, but worries the oil embargo may make the North Korean people suffer," Yoon said.

The summit in Vladivostok was on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, a regional meeting aimed at boosting economic cooperation in Northeast Asia.

The two leaders condemned Pyongyang's provocations in principle and pledged more cooperation, but fell short of coming up with detailed joint countermeasures.

The bilateral talks came three days after North Korea's sixth nuclear test, in which it claimed to have exploded a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

At the beginning of their talks, Moon said if the North does not stop its provocations, the situation may reach an uncontrollable level, calling for more active cooperation from Russia.












By Park Si-soo





Keum Na-na / Korea Times file

Miss Korea 2002 Keum Na-na has become a professor at Dongguk University in Seoul.

Keum, 34, who earned a doctorate in nutritional science from Harvard University, was appointed as an assistant professor at Dongguk's college of life science and biotechnology.

Her appointment was confirmed on Aug. 27 and she started teaching from the fall semester.

"I feel sorry when people pay attention to me because of my Miss Korea experience," Keum was quoted as saying in Chosun Ilbo daily. "I want to attract attention with my academic achievements."

She was crowned Miss Korea in 2002 when she was attending Kyungpook National University medical school.

She left there to do undergraduate studies at Harvard, where she earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry, and a master's degree in nutritional science at Columbia University.

Keum graduated from Harvard's TH Chan School of Public Health with a dual-doctorate in nutrition and epidemiology in 2015.
Multicultural students at Seoul OnDream Education Center hold their acceptance certificates after passing the qualification exams, Aug. 28. / Courtesy of Seoul OnDream Education Center



By You Soo-sun

It was a long desire of Yang Bok-jin, 77, to obtain an education equivalency degree. On Aug. 28, 30 years after she first had the thought, she finally attained an elementary school equivalency certificate through the state qualification exams, known in Korean as "geomjeonggosi."

"I was ecstatic, proud  so many different feelings came over me," Yang said. "I have been studying to master calligraphy over the past 10 years now, and even then it felt nothing like this," Yang told The Korea Times.

For Yang and other people in their later years, state qualification exams serve as an opportunity for them to fulfill their long-overdue dreams. She was the second-oldest person to have passed an exam after Nam Sang-jun, 81, who obtained a high school equivalency.

The state exams vary in level of difficulty, allowing Koreans to obtain certificates from elementary to high school. Upon passing the high school qualification exam, they are also eligible to apply for college. The exams are held twice a year, and the latest was held Aug. 9. The results were announced last Monday.

This year 10,466 people applied to take the exams and 8,162 or 78 percent of them passed. Over the past three years, more than 27,000 people have received school equivalency certificates by taking the state exams, indicating a high demand for and success rate among those taking these qualification exams.

Yang dropped out of school in the fifth grade when the Korean War broke out. After marriage and her children came along, going back to school was not an option. It was not until her youngest son graduated from college that the idea of taking a qualification exam hit her.

"I wanted to study and get a degree, my unachieved dream that had stuck with me for a long time," Yang said. But back then, she had to give up that dream for the peace of her household.

"My husband said there's nothing good coming out from a woman studying. I even tried to persuade him to take the test with me, but he was adamantly opposed."

Only after he died two years ago did she set out to achieve this goal. "I wish I had started earlier," she said.

Yang plans to further pursue her studies and intends on taking the exam so she can receive a high school certificate. "Maybe attending a university is a farfetched dream because of my age, but I really hope to get at least a high school certificate."

Exam allows alternative education for youths

The qualification exam system was implemented after Korea gained its independence from imperial Japan, as a way to offer different paths to attain education for people who hadn't had the chance to attend school. But now, it also opens up an alternative pathway for students to study outside the typical school setting in the country.

Cui Bo-ham, 19, just passed the middle school qualification exam. He moved recently to Korea from China and attends Seoul OnDream Education Center which offers education to newly arrived multicultural children. Many of these students are unable to attend regular schools here due to the language barrier or legal complications.

"I thought I wouldn't pass because my Korean still needs improvement. I can't believe I passed so I will put in more effort for the high school exam," he said.

Lee Yoo-hyeon, 12, is the youngest to have passed the latest state exams this year. For Lee, the exams were what

Lee Yoo-hyeon, 12, in an interview with The Korea Times, Monday. Lee is among the youngest persons to have passed the latest qualification exam. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

allowed her to receive homeschooling since she left regular school in the third grade.

"Homeschooling enables me to focus on what I'm interested in," Lee said. Lee showed a level of great maturity as she explained her thoughts about Korea's educational institution and how vastly different the education she has received has been.

"I prefer to learn by seeing and doing what I learn," Lee said. Although she spends most of her time studying at home, much of her time also goes to outdoor activities such as horseback riding, watching movies and playing musical instruments  activities most students in a typical school here cannot imagine. And most of the activities, she enjoys at no cost or for a small fee, as there are many programs being offered to students outside school. Not many take advantage of the programs, she said.

"Another reason I prefer homeschooling is that I have more freedom to choose what to study," she said. She wants to pursue studies in history, and to do so she expresses her eagerness to start college soon, where she expects more freedom in the classes and activities to choose from.

The only downside to homeschooling, Lee said, is the lack of awareness in Korea. During the day, people would wonder why a young student is not in school. She hopes more students in Korea would receive homeschooling.

Lee's mother, Park Keum-heui, 50, was the one who motivated her to leave the school setting for what their whole family deems a better kind of education. Park said the main reasons they decided on homeschooling were Lee's food allergy and the fact Lee was a late-born child. But as a mother of three daughters, it was just as important for her to educate her children outside the standardized system.

"And so much depends on which teacher you are assigned to each year. Mothers at the beginning of the year would pray for their children to get a good teacher because that's the person who will most influence your child throughout the year. Too much is based on luck," Park said. She did not want to leave her daughter's destiny to luck and hence opted for homeschooling.

"Even my eldest daughter, who said she first had qualms about this homeschooling idea, says she will decide on homeschooling for her children when she becomes a mother. We are all very pleased."
By Kim Bo-eun



Students at teachers colleges across the country on began a relay boycott of classes Wednesday demanding they be guaranteed employment.



The move follows announcements last month by education offices nationwide on a reduction in teacher recruitment for next year. The numbers were drastically cut because of the decreasing student population due to the low birthrate.



The dramatic cuts came as previous governments did not implement a gradual policy of reducing recruitment.



To make matters worse, there are already over 35,000 qualified teachers nationwide who passed the certification exam, but are waiting to be placed at schools due to the limited number of available slots. They have priority in placement over those who will pass the test for next year.



This has endangered job prospects for the students.



An association of teachers college students is calling for the government to establish long-term plans for a stable supply of teachers as well as decreasing the number of students per class.



The association is composed of students from teachers colleges, the Korea National University of Education's elementary education department, Jeju National University's college of education and Ewha Womans University's elementary education department.



Seoul National University of Education students, who began the boycott Wednesday will skip classes until today.



Students of Jeonju, Daegu and Chinju national universities of education will follow the boycott, Friday; and Chuncheon, Gwangju and Gyeongin national universities of education, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Students of Busan and Gongju national universities of education and Jeju National University's education college will follow, Thursday.



During the boycotts, the students will gather in front of regional education offices for protest rallies.



"The number of elementary school teachers to be recruited for next year, announced Aug. 3, fell by 2,200 from this year," the association said.



"It only shows that the government ignored the calls of teachers college students to establish long-term plans for teacher supply."



Earlier, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education proposed a one-class, two-teacher system to deal with the oversupply. However, the students are calling for the number of students per class to be reduced to the average of OECD member states, to create more slots for teachers.



The teacher recruitment announcement last month was a draft, and the exact number is to be finalized shortly.




By Kim Jae-kyoung

Joseph DeTrani

South Korea should push ahead with the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here in the face of China's strong opposition, according to a former U.S. special envoy to the six-party talks with North Korea.

"Deploying THAAD is necessary, especially given North Korea's numerous missile launches, all in violation of U.N. resolutions prohibiting such launches," Joseph DeTrani said in an interview.

"Regardless of China's opposition, THAAD and other missile defense capabilities are necessary, given North Korea's reckless behavior."

His advice came as China has stepped up its economic retaliation against Korean companies over President Moon Jae-in's recent order to deploy four additional THAAD launchers.

The order came shortly after North Korea's second test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

DeTrani, who helped broker a 2005 agreement on North Korea's nuclear program, said China should do more to rein in Pyongyang by employing its strong leverage.

He believes the most effective and viable option to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue is for China to arrange exploratory talks between North Korea and the U.S. or South Korea to facilitate a return to formal negotiations.

According to him, China, which provides over 90 percent of North Korea's crude oil, can cut back on its crude oil supply to North Korea. Also, since over half of the North's trade is with China, any reduction would adversely affect the North.

"These levers are available to China.The decision to use them is part of China's calculus for dealing with North Korea," he said.

"Currently, however, China's greater contribution, in my view, is to get North Korea to halt its missile launches and nuclear tests and agree to unconditional exploratory talks with the U.S. and South Korea."

He said the six-party construct, which produced the Sept. 19, 2005, Joint Statement, a comprehensive approach to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, is still viable.

He pointed out the six-party talks facilitated bilateral discussions with North Korea and South Korea, Japan and the U.S.

DeTrani, president of the Daniel Morgan Academy in Washington, said Moon should seek dialogue only when North Korea agrees to halt its missile launches and nuclear development.

"South Korea's strategy of seeking dialogue, for complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization, while imposing sanctions when dialogue is not possible is a reasoned, fair approach," he said.

In his view, Moon's approach of leaving the door open for talks despite Pyongyang's missile launches won't weaken the effect of international sanctions, as long as sanctions continue to be imposed in response to the North's missile launches and nuclear tests.

"I would definitely be opposed to a dialogue while the North was launching missiles and conducting nuclear tests," he said.

"Dialogue conditioned on the North halting missile launches and nuclear tests seems reasonable to me."

DeTrani, also former director of the U.S. National Counter Proliferation Center, dismissed the view that China's policy is ambivalent.

"China has supported sanctions on North Korea and has consistently stated that complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear programs is Beijing's policy," he said.

"That is the core issue, denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which Beijing has supported since the beginning of the six-party talks process in August 2003."
By Jun Ji-hye

President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to lift the limit on the maximum weight of warheads to be mounted on South Korean ballistic missiles in an effort to boost Seoul's self-defense capabilities.

They reached the agreement during a telephone conversation late Monday following the North's sixth nuclear test, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.

The U.S. missile guidelines for South Korea, last revised in 2012, allowed the latter to develop a ballistic missile with a maximum range of 800 kilometers, but the payload for these missiles was not allowed to exceed 500 kilograms.

"As an effective countermeasure, Presidents Moon and Trump agreed to remove the limit on the payload of South Korean ballistic missiles under the New Missile Guidelines," presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun said.

The White House also said in a statement, "President Trump gave his in-principle approval to South Korea's initiative to lift restrictions on their missile payload capabilities."

The decision was made upon the request of Moon. He first raised the need to revise the Korea-U.S. missile guidelines during his summit with Trump in Washington in late June.

The government had originally sought to double the maximum weight of the warhead to 1 ton from 500 kilograms, but this plan was changed to put no limit on the missile payload.

The payload increase will significantly bolster Seoul's capability of striking Pyongyang's underground bunker facilities in which the North Korean leadership including its leader Kim Jong-un would hide out in the event of war, military officials said.

"The decision will be effective in better responding to the North's nuclear and missile threats," defense ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun said.

He added South Korea will keep closely consulting with the United States about details to amend the 2012 revision of the missile guidelines.












South Korean Second Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks at a forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Korea Foundation in Washington on Sept. 5. / Yonhap

South Korea cannot accept war as an option to deal with the North Korean nuclear threat, a senior Seoul diplomat said Tuesday in the wake of Pyongyang's sixth and most powerful atomic test.

Second Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun reminded a forum here that Washington has repeatedly put "all options" on the table over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

But war cannot be an option, he said.

"I understand the need to stress that all options are on the table," Cho told the forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Korea Foundation. "But we should be careful that this does not translate into an escalation of war or cause miscalculation of North Korea."

Talk of war has persisted since U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to unleash "fire and fury" on Pyongyang following its two intercontinental ballistic missile tests in July.

"Given the calamity a war would bring about, we cannot accept a war as an option," Cho said. "This is not because we are weak or we are cowards, but indeed, because we have only too vivid memories of the Korean War."












The U.S. military will deploy additional missile interceptor launchers to its base in a southern town early Thursday despite strong opposition from residents and activists, according to local villagers.



The residents' group in Seongju said Wednesday they have confirmed the information through various channels about the planned deployment of four launchers of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system at 2 a.m. on Thursday, in addition to two that are already installed.



"We think the authorities will notify the residents of the THAAD launcher installation plan this evening," the group said.



They oppose the deployment, arguing the THAAD battery could turn the village, some 300 kilometers south of Seoul, into a military target, and that electromagnetic waves emanating from its powerful radar could cause health and environmental problems.



Signs of the imminent deployment were detected in the morning when some 360 police troops -- much more than the usual 200 staff -- were dispatched to the THAAD deployment site apparently to prepare for possible clashes with protesters.



The deployment process has gathered steam as Pyongyang has continued to launch provocations, including two long-range missile tests in July and its sixth and most powerful nuke experiment to date on Sunday.



On Monday, the environment ministry gave conditional consent to the deployment, removing a major administrative hurdle for the THAAD operation.



Soon after Pyongyang launched another long-range missile July 28, President Moon Jae-in ordered the "temporary" deployment of additional THAAD launchers.



A THAAD battery consists of six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors (eight per launcher), a fire control and communications unit, and an AN/TPY-2 radar.



The full deployment of the missile defense system has been suspended pending an environmental impact assessment, which the Moon administration views as a legitimate domestic procedure for any military deployment.



The deployment has been a tricky diplomatic issue as China has strenuously opposed it, arguing it could bolster America's military presence and undermine its security interests. Seoul and Washington have claimed it is a defensive measure that only targets the North. (Yonhap)




Vice Defense Minister Suh Choo-suk speaks during an interview with The Korea Times in his office at the Ministry of National Defense, Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Ministry of National Defense



Vice defense minister calls for Beijing's greater role in resolving tensions

By Jun Ji-hye

China should play a greater role in stopping North Korea from repeating its nuclear and missile tests, according to South Korea's Vice Defense Minister Suh Choo-suk.

Suh called for Beijing to cooperate with the international community more actively for additional, harsher sanctions on the North that conducted its sixth nuclear test Sunday in defiance of previous U.N. Security Council resolutions.

"North Korea continues its strategic provocations despite sanctions and pressure. It has conducted six nuclear tests so far, and this year alone it has launched ballistic missiles 13 times," Suh said during an interview with The Korea Times, Tuesday.

"It is important for the international community to cooperate to prevent additional provocations, and I think China, which has a special relationship with North Korea, can play a key role."

Suh said there is great possibility for the international community to begin discussions in earnest to cut off oil supplies to the North as part of new sanctions.

"I expect China to cooperate in these discussions," he said.

Oil supplies are regarded as a "lifeline" for Pyongyang. Cutting them off would bring sanctions against the Kim Jong-un regime to their maximum level.

China is the North's last major ally and a major source of food and crude oil for the impoverished state.

The interview was held on the occasion of the Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD), a Seoul-hosted annual multilateral dialogue of vice minister-level defense officials and security experts. The forum began Wednesday for a three-day run at the Westin Chosun Hotel in central Seoul.

Suh expressed regret over China's absence from the SDD for the second year in a row although the country's participation is "very important to resolve various challenging issues" facing the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.












By Kim Jae-kyoung

The United States should never sign a peace treaty with North Korea just to control the reclusive country's nuclear threats, experts on the North warned Wednesday.

The warning comes after Pyongyang conducted its sixth nuclear test Sunday, the most powerful one to date, claiming it successfully exploded a hydrogen bomb that was small enough to be loaded onto its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

With the North closer to becoming a nuclear weapons state, there is growing expectation that Pyongyang will demand a peace treaty with Washington by calling for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Korea and a guarantee of the regime's security.

The experts said such a move would be North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's strategy to delegitimize South Korea and make any affairs on the Korean Peninsula a U.S.-North Korea bilateral issue.

"(The U.S.) signing a peace treaty with the North is just about the worst thing we could do," Sean King, a New York-based political analyst and East Asia specialist, told The Korea Times.

He pointed out that the Korean War started after North Korea attacked the South and hence any agreement should be between the two Koreas.

"The North would never go for that because it would debunk the Kim Jong-un regime's false ultranationalist Korean narrative that it is the only legitimate government for the entire peninsula," he said.

In King's view, a North Korean precondition for any bogus peace treaty would surely be the removal of U.S. troops from South Korea and an end to the U.S.-South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty, which would leave the South vulnerable to a second invasion by the North.












By Choi Ha-young





Rep. Won Yoo-chul

Some conservative lawmakers are calling for South Korea to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to develop its own nuclear weapons as a balancing act against a nuclear North Korea.

Their demand is mostly being ignored, but supporters of nuclear armament are raising voices following North Korea's sixth nuclear test.

The most vocal is Rep. Won Yoo-chul of the Liberty Korea Party (LKP). Won, who has long advocated for the nation's own nuclear armament, is stepping up his call. The five-term lawmaker has led the "Nuclear Forum" composed of 26 LKP lawmakers.

During the conference in which eight LKP lawmakers participated, Won reiterated the necessity of nuclear armament as self-defense. "In order to prevent the Kim Jong-un regime's provocation based on misjudgment, South Korea needs its own nuclear deterrence," he said Monday.

"The Republic of Korea, with its economic power and science technology, is capable of arming itself with nuclear weapons and becoming more powerful than the North," Won posted on Facebook after the event.

Cheon Seong-whun, visiting research fellow from the conservative-leaning Asan Institute for Policy Studies, specified the strategy. "If the U.S. rejects Seoul's call to redeploy tactical nuclear weapons, South Korea needs to break away from the NPT and start its own nuclear program," Cheon said at the conference.

"It would be able to obtain consent from international society, if South Korea stipulates it will return to the NPT once the two Koreas reach a disarmament deal to simultaneously scrap their nuclear programs."

On the other hand, the Bareun Party has dismissed the idea, citing predictable conflicts within and outside the country.

"Clearly speaking, South Korea's own nuclear program is barely possible. If we push for it, which means distrust of the ROK-U.S. alliance, the alliance will break up," said Rep. Kim Young-woo of the Bareun Party, who chairs the National Assembly National Defense Committee.

"Unlike isolated Pyongyang, South Korea cannot even bear week-long economic sanctions," Kim warned.

The North's latest nuclear test turned the atmosphere palpably hawkish. "Tactical nuclear weapons" has become a frequently used term in politics here. The LKP reaffirmed its stance in favor of their redeployment, Wednesday.

"Tactical nuclear weapons are a proper countermeasure," LKP spokesman Rep. Choung Tae-ok said in a statement. "We urge the administration to consider the proven measure  balance of terror."

The statement came after Monday's National Defense Committee, where lawmakers from three opposition parties  LKP, People's Party and Bareun Party  jointly grilled Defense Minister Song Young-moo about whether the government is planning to redeploy tactical nuclear weapons or not.

In response, Song hinted that discussion is ongoing between Seoul and Washington regarding the agenda, leaving room for possible deployment. He said tactical nuclear weapons "could be an option, but require in-depth consideration." The ruling camp, however, is against the redeployment.

In recent days, some liberal-leaning experts, for example, Sejong Institute researcher Hong Hyun-ik, changed their views to back up tactical nuclear weapons.
Canberra (file photo)

CANBERRA, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese tourists accounted for almost a quarter of all spending in Australia by overseas visitors in 2016/17, according to Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steve Ciobo.

On Wednesday, Ciobo released details of the 2017 International Visitor Survey, which said international tourists spent a record 40.6 billion Australian dollars (34.5 billion U.S. dollars) in Australia last financial year.

The minister said the "stellar result" came on the back of record spending by Chinese tourists, who kicked in almost a quarter of the overall spend.

"International visitors spent a record 40.6 billion Australian dollars in the year to June 2017, an increase of 7 percent on the previous year," Ciobo said.

"Chinese tourists continue to have the biggest impact on our economy with 1.2 million visitors spending 9.8 billion Australian dollars (7.85 billion U.S. dollars). Both are increases of 10 percent. This growth comes during the China-Australia Year of Tourism."

Ciobo added that a weaker Australian dollar had also contributed in a record rise in expenditure from tourists from the United States.

"Along with the Chinese, Americans are also visiting Australia in record numbers. Australia welcomed a record 706,000 tourists from the United States, a 14-percent increase, and they spent 3.8 billion Australian dollars (3.05 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 4 percent," the minister said.
Residents and activists chant slogans during a rally against the planned deployment of the four remaining launchers of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in the southeastern county of Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. / Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye

The U.S. military plans to deploy the four remaining launchers for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in the southeastern county of Seongju, Thursday, despite strong opposition from residents and activists, the defense ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry said the government has decided to allow the United States Forces Korea (USFK) to carry out provisional construction work needed to operate the battery and bring the remaining four launchers to the site.

Two launchers and an AN/TPY-2 radar for the missile defense system were already deployed there under the former Park Geun-hye government.

"The deployment is to be better prepared for North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and to deal with the grave national security situation," the ministry said.

The USFK will move the four launchers from its air base in Osan, Gyeonggi Province, to the site in Seongju along with equipment necessary for construction such as cranes.

The installment comes after the North conducted its sixth nuclear test Sunday, claiming it detonated a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted on an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The ministry said, however, that the deployment is temporary, stressing that the final decision about the fate of the THAAD will be made after an additional, full-scale environmental survey of the site, which is expected to take more than a year.

Local residents have fiercely protested the deployment, claiming the former Park administration made a hasty decision without consulting them. They raised concerns over the potential harmful impact of the system's powerful radar on their health and agricultural products.

President Moon Jae-in had originally held off the deployment, saying the full-scale environmental survey should be completed first.

But after the North launched a Hwasong-14 ICBM, July 28, Moon ordered his aides to immediately begin consultation with the United States to temporarily deploy the four launchers.

On Monday, the Ministry of the Environment gave conditional consent to the deployment, removing the last administrative hurdle for its full operation.

The environment ministry said it found the adverse environmental impact from deploying THAAD to be limited, after reviewing the results of the defense ministry's survey of the site.

In late July, the defense ministry released the outcome of its assessment on electromagnetic radiation and noise from THAAD, saying the radiation and noise detected in the area remained within a safe range.
By Jun Ji-hye

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is notorious for being tardy to summits with foreign leaders, was 34 minutes late for a meeting with President Moon Jae-in, Wednesday.

Their bilateral summit was scheduled to begin in the far eastern Russian city of Vladivostok at 1 p.m. local time.

As soon as he landed in Vladivostok, President Moon headed for the summit venue inside Far Eastern Federal University and arrived on time. But his Russian counterpart did not appear.

Moon waited with his aides including Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon for Putin.












ILO chief urges better protection of migrant workers



By Kim Bo-eun

International Labor Organization Director-General Guy Ryder

Employment permit systems which discriminate against migrant workers should be reviewed, an international labor leader said.

"Permit systems need to be carefully examined so that they meet the principles of non-discrimination and do not leave migrant workers in situations such as the terrible case of the Nepalese worker," International Labor Organization (ILO) Director-General Guy Ryder told reporters in an interview in Seoul, Wednesday.

"There are restrictions when a worker is tied to an employer _ you have a problem," he said.

Ryder was referring to the suicide last month of a Nepalese migrant worker in Korea, who suffered from harsh working conditions, but was unable to find new work due to a regulation under the Employment Permit System, which requires the employer's consent for an employee to seek a new job.

"The issue of migration workers has become one of the key priority areas of work of the ILO," the former labor activist said.

"We have a clear, fundamental principle toward migrant workers which is of equal treatment _ they have a right to be protected from discrimination in wages and conditions."

The ILO chief came to Seoul this week to discuss pending labor issues with President Moon Jae-in. He also met with Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon, and Labor Minister Kim Young-joo as well as union representatives.

Ryder evaluated Korea's status quo under the Moon administration as serving as an opportunity for progress with regard to labor standards.

Korea has yet to ratify four ILO conventions, including those of freedom of association and protection of the right to create conventions.

"These are core conventions that define human rights," Ryder said.

"Many elements of the Korean Labor Law and practice in current circumstances do not conform to these conventions."

Ryder referred to the teachers' unions loss of legal status, as well as the imprisonment of Korean Confederation of Trade Union Chief Han Sang-kyun for orchestrating a mass anti-government rally.

"It's not a difficult job but a matter of political will," he said.

Ryder also touched upon the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the job market.

"Some believe this will be strongly destructive and others point to the past three industrial revolutions _ that after a period of turbulence came up with more jobs and greater prosperity," he said.

"This does not only depend on technology but also on policies to adopt to manage technological development and jobs."
By Ricardo Hausmann and Ugo Panizza



CAMBRIDGE  On Friday Aug. 25, the US government imposed financial sanctions on Venezuela, restricting the ability of President Nicolas Maduro's government and its oil company, PDVSA, to issue new debt in American capital markets. The sanctions were imposed in response to the regime's unconstitutional and fraudulent election of a constituent assembly and the de facto closure of the constitutionally elected National Assembly, with its two-thirds opposition majority.



Well-functioning markets should have shut down the Maduro regime's access to finance long ago. The fact that they didn't not only shocked the moral sentiments of many, but also revealed a fundamental defect in sovereign debt markets' institutional architecture. Little good will come from Venezuela's economic catastrophe, but one positive outcome would be a reform that puts such markets on a more solid financial  and moral  footing.



All debts imply a commitment by the borrower to repay what was borrowed, with interest. In the case of public debt, the pacta sunt servanda principle implies that future governments are obliged to respect the commitments assumed by their predecessors. But, as Alexander Sack argued in 1927, successor governments should not always do so: "When a despotic regime contracts a debt, not for the needs or in the interests of the state, but rather to strengthen itself, to suppress a popular insurrection, etc., this debt is odious for the people of the entire state."



According to this doctrine, debt incurred by "odious" regimes should not be enforceable, because the lender should have known that the debt was incurred without the consent of the people or for their benefit. As Sack put it: "This debt does not bind the nation; it is a debt of the regime, a personal debt contracted by the ruler, and consequently it falls with the demise of the regime."



The odious debt idea was revived in an influential 2006 article by Seema Jayachandran and Michael Kremer, and in a 2010 report by the Center for Global Development (CGD), which proposed that economic sanctions include a mechanism aimed at preventing the accumulation of odious obligations. The mechanism would take the form of a declaration that debt issued by a particular government would be considered odious. In effect, this is what the Trump administration has just done.



Such a declaration reduces the flow of funds to odious regimes, owing to the risk that successor governments will renounce their predecessor's debts without incurring legal and reputational costs (because participating countries' courts will not enforce the debt contracts).



The CGD report proposes that a regime should be considered odious if it abuses the human rights of the population, employs military coercion, perpetrates electoral fraud, and mismanages or misappropriates public funds.



Clearly, the Venezuelan regime has ticked each of these boxes, making it a poster child for odiousness. But it did not tick them all at once: the plundering of Venezuela's wealth, the gross violation of human rights, and the unconstitutionality of its decisions did not begin with the election of the new Constituent Assembly on July 30. It was a slow process that started many years earlier.



For example, it is difficult to argue that the destruction of the Venezuelan oil industry, which lost almost half its global market share since President Hugo Chavez took power nearly 20 years ago, was carried out in the interest of the Venezuelan people. And it happened amid the biggest and longest oil-price boom in history, at a time when the country was sitting on the world's largest reserves and PDVSA was borrowing on a massive scale.



It is even harder to argue that PDVSA's dollar-denominated debt was legitimate when it was sold for local currency at below-market prices, to politically connected individuals, who often borrowed the needed bolivars overnight from public-sector banks, just to flip the bonds immediately to Wall Street. As Barclay's Alejandro Grisanti documented in 2008, beneficiaries pocketed an instant profit equal to 20-30% of the face value of the debt.



None of these considerations prevented the Venezuelan regime from borrowing, often at the ridiculous rate of 50%, as happened in May with Goldman Sachs's purchase of "hunger bonds." It also did not stop institutions such as JP Morgan from including Venezuelan bonds in their emerging-market bond indexes and purchasing more than $1 billion dollars of these bonds for the exchange-traded and mutual funds that it offers to the public as investment vehicles.



That is why we propose the adoption of an odiousness rating system, akin to credit ratings. While the latter focus on the ability and willingness of the borrower to pay, the odiousness rating would provide an estimate of how likely it is that a court would decide that the debt falls with the regime. The scale would be continuous, going from, say, O (odious repressive dictatorships) to W (well-managed and fully functioning democracies). There would be intermediate notches: dictatorships that promote economic development and thus benefit the population (think of South Korea in the 1970s) and corrupt democracies characterized by economic mismanagement and graft (think of Argentina during the Kirchner administration).



Odiousness ratings could become part of soft international law, used by courts when deciding how to enforce debt contracts, and they could help determine which bonds are included in the calculation of emerging-market indexes. The same country could have bonds which, being issued in different periods, have different odiousness ratings and enforcement probabilities. Because a more odious rating would reduce investors' appetite for bonds, downgrades could limit the irresponsible debt accumulation and economic disasters brought about by regimes such as Venezuela's  and possibly accelerate their demise.



There are many open questions. Who should issue the rating? What should the methodology be? How can the rater be protected from political pressure? But all of these questions can be answered. The best way to do that is to start the discussion.







Ricardo Hausmann, a former minister of planning of Venezuela and former chief economist of the Inter-American Development Bank, is director of the Center for International Development at Harvard University and a professor of economics at the Harvard Kennedy School. Ugo Panizza is Pictet Chair and Professor of Economics at the Graduate Institute, Geneva. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate.




Ditching trade deal to poison ROK-US alliance



Is U.S. President Donald Trump a master negotiator or a closet strategist?



Most Koreans hope the U.S. leader is the former but are beginning to worry he may be closer to the latter.



According to the Washington Post, Trump has instructed advisers to prepare to withdraw the United States from a free trade agreement with South Korea. Asked whether he was talking with his aides about the Korea-U.S. (KORUS) FTA, Trump confirmed it Saturday. "I am. It's very much on my mind," he said.



There may be two reasons. One, the genius of deal wanted to maximize Washington's leverage in the upcoming talks with Seoul to revise the bilateral free trade accord. Two, Trump might be ready to discard the five-year-old FTA to win bigger in the bargaining to change the much older and larger North American Free Trade Agreement and/or to make Seoul toe the U.S. line in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations.



We are afraid the termination of the trade deal will end up a typical case of a lose-lose game. As various U.S. economists and industrialists have pointed out, the U.S. trade deficit with South Korea may not be due to the unfair trade accord but to macroeconomic factors, such as the difference in industrial structures of the two countries, disparate business cycles and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Senator Ben Sasse, a Nebraskan Republican, said Trump's administration "holds the 18th-century view of trade as a zero-sum game." We can hardly agree more.



Losers will be not just industries whose price competitiveness will sharply weaken in the import markets of each country but also consumers, American and Korean. The only, if short-term, winner will be President Trump with rising approval rating among supporters.



Trump's threat couldn't come at a worse moment for South Korea, exposed to escalating nuclear blackmailing by the North and troubled by China's economic retaliation against Seoul's deployment of a U.S. anti-missile Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. If the two countries decide to terminate the deal, South Korean industries, including steel and carmakers, will likely lose $17 billion in exports over the next five years along with 250,000 jobs.



However, U.S. cattle breeders will lose one of their three largest beef export markets, and American carmakers will face sharply higher import duties in Korea. The biggest loss of all for Washington, however, will be that of one of its strongest allies in the world, as South Koreans will begin to reassess Korea-U.S. ties  or their longtime patron itself.



President Trump, if he meant it, should rethink his plan.




US leader should mind tweets, stop passing buck



U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted Sunday when North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test, "South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing!"



This tweet is beyond doubt a rebuke to President Moon Jae-in since it is well-known he has been backing dialogue for the resolution of North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.



It is not just insulting to Moon but to the Korean people as well because he represents Korea. Even though the U.S. is a key ally to Korea, the two nations are separate sovereignties and, even between allies, a level of courtesy should be adhered to. Trump ignored it. He mocked the Koreans as he referred to South Korea rather than Moon by name in that tweet. Grammatically, he should have written "South Koreans" and "North Koreans."



Then, adding insult to injury is the fact that it was the U.S. president who should take the blame. Trump himself is flip-flopping and swinging like a pendulum from one extreme to another in dealing with the North. Literally, one day he threatens to shower the North with fire and fury, while on the next he praises its leader Kim Jong-un for a brief lull leading to his next misadventure.



Trump's political case of schizophrenia has disaffected his staff. During his meeting with Defense Minister Song Young-moo after the North's Sept. 29 long-range missile test, U.S. Secretary of State James Mattis rebutted his boss by accident by confirming that force was not an option.



The day before, Trump got angry with the North's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile over Japan and withdrew his bona fide gesture to the North. Mattis was called in, obviously got upbraided for countering his boss and corrected himself, telling the press the North would face "total annihilation."



In short, Trump himself doesn't know what he wants, rotating between appeasement and threats of force. With the boss engaged in perpetual changes of heart, one can't blame Mattis and other subordinates for being in disarray.

The lapse in the current effort to bring the North's nuclear and missile challenge under control is attributed to Trump's zigzagging policy. His tweet about Moon and Korea is a gimmick to distract the blame from him and is nothing less than an attempt to scapegoat them.



Trump should stop relying on street-smart one-upmanship dating to his days as a wheeling-and-dealing developer in New York and show some statecraft that befits his job to lead the effort to handle any coming disaster with the nuclear-armed North Korea. The way he has behaved, it may not be too long before it is hard to distinguish which poses the greater threat  Trump's unpredictability or Kim Jong-un's predilection for missiles and nukes.




By Deauwand Myers





Janet Jackson's 1986 pop hit, "What Have You Done for Me Lately?" is about a lover who used to do great things in the relationship, but hasn't done anything in a long while to keep the relationship afloat.

Way too often, when Republicans and conservatives talk about race relations and social justice in America, they parrot the same tired refrain: "We're the party of Lincoln. Our party freed the slaves." That was over a century and a half ago.

Whenever I hear this refrain, all I can hum is "What Have You Done for Me Lately?" The answer is: not much, or worse, harm.

Republicans, and more broadly, conservatives, have been against every socioeconomic, sociopolitical advancement in American history since Reconstruction. Worse, at least since the late 1960s, Republicans have nurtured white angst, racial animosity, and white supremacy as key motivators to lock up much of the American South and several presidencies.

The late Lee Atwater, Republican uberstrategist to Reagan, et al, made this point quite explicit. In an infamous 1981 recorded interview, (a forty-two-minute recording discovered in its entirety by James Carter IV), Atwater explains how Republicans win racists without sounding racist. We call these signifiers "dog whistles" today:

"You start out in 1954 by saying, Nigger, nigger, nigger.' By 1968 you can't say nigger' that hurts you, backfires. So you say stuff like, uh, forced busing, states' rights, and all that stuff, and you're getting so abstract. Now, you're talking about cutting taxes, and all these things you're talking about are totally economic things and a byproduct of them is, blacks get hurt worse than whites. We want to cut this,' is much more abstract than even the busing thing, uh, and a hell of a lot more abstract than Nigger, nigger.'"

Breathtaking. The entire interview, entitled "Exclusive: Lee Atwater's Infamous 1981 Interview on the Southern Strategy" can be read and heard on "The Nation" website.

No surprise, then, that Reagan started his successful 1980 presidential campaign at a rally talking about "states' rights" (a phrase segregationists coined in the 1960s to keep states racially divided in housing, education, and the like) in the very same Mississippi county in which three civil rights activists were murdered in the 1960s.

Democrats, of which progressives and leftists aggregate, are far and away better at addressing sociopolitical and socioeconomic problems than Republicans: Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, The Disability, Civil and Voting Rights Acts, and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, are good examples. Social Security has lifted more people (poor and elderly) out of poverty than any federal program in American history. It's an unmitigated success. Keeping it well funded would simply mean increasing the cap on taxable income.

Far too many American's don't even have a cursory understanding of history. Poor, working whites have more or less voted along conservative lines for generations.Meanwhile, their very survival is made possible via the party they rarely elect (federal programs subsidizing the poor and disabled, for example). Labor standards and work regulations,the five-day workweek, overtime pay, protections against wage theft and arbitrary dismissals all come from labor unions and Democrats. Not magic.

This is why recent Korean electoral history is all the more disheartening. Conservative governance brought decades of president-dictators, summary executions, torture, repression of political speech, and the decay of civic life.

The first real, democratic president, Kim Young-sam, was elected by the people. He followed the rule of law, and was from a progressive party. Each successive progressive party's leader who won the presidency endeavored to make education more affordable, and healthcare and childcare more accessible.

President Moon is already continuing this pattern. His administration will drastically increase wages for conscripted soldiers, boost subsidies for the impoverished elderly, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs for Korea's underemployed, overeducated, young, adult population through public/private partnerships

Former President Lee Myung-bak, a conservative, did none of these. And of course, we all know how the conservative's absentee, puppet ex-president, Park Geun-hye, was impeached for a litany of alleged crimes.

In Korea, like elsewhere, conservative ideology is a religion. Facts and empirical evidence do not persuade most adherents thereof. Cutting taxes for the rich does not spur the economy. Yet, they swear it does. Strong public investment in education, including tertiary education, ensuring affordable childcare and wage parity for women spurs economic growth. They disagree. American conservatives are much worse, of course: climate change isn't real. Healthcare should be controlled by the free market. Even Korean conservatives don't believe this foolishness.

President Moon is a progressive. I hope Koreans remember all what he and his party have done to improve the electorate's quality of life when parliamentary and presidential elections come around. I hope they ask, "What have you done for me lately?"





Deauwand Myers holds a master's degree in English literature and literary theory, and is an English professor outside Seoul. He can be reached at deauwand@hotmail.com.
Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairman Lee Hyo-seong, second from left, poses with SK Telecom President Park Jung-ho, left, KT Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu, third from left, and LG Uplus Vice Chairman Kwon Young-soo, right, during a meeting at a restaurant in central Seoul, Wednesday. / Courtesy of KCC



Top telecom regulator meets with CEOS of KT, SKT, LG Uplus



By Yoon Sung-won

Korea Communications Commission Chairman Lee Hyo-seong called on the CEOs of the three major telecom companies to refrain from again engaging in cutthroat competition, Wednesday.

The government has decided to scrap the handset subsidy cap of 330,000 won ($291) at the end of the month. Consequently, concerns have surfaced that telecom companies may start offering excessive subsidies on handsets unfairly to attract each other's subscribers as they did in the past.

"The telecom industry should avoid the self-devouring cutthroat marketing competition that disrupted the market order in the past," Lee said during a meeting with the three CEOs in Seoul. They are KT Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu, SK Telecom President Park Jung-ho and LG Uplus Vice Chairman Kwon Young-soo.

"Instead, the industry should compete in pricing and service quality, aimed at promoting user benefits," he said.

Lee's gathering with the three major telecom company CEOs came after a series of meetings with leaders of consumer organizations and budget mobile carriers earlier last month.

Lee also requested the major telecom companies seek mutual benefits with smaller market players such as budget carriers.

"The large telecom companies need to break from the conventional superior-subordinate relationships with budget mobile carriers and small handset retailers and actively seek multi-faceted ways to co-prosper," the telecom agency chief said.

Budget mobile carriers provide services for lower prices by leasing telecom infrastructure from the three major telecom firms. Under government support to foster less expensive wireless telephony services, budget mobile carriers have continued to expand the number of their subscribers.

In July, however, they began losing more subscribers to major telecom companies than attracting new subscribers from the big three for the first time due to the wide gap of marketing capabilities. This trend continued in August.

Hwang, Park and Kwon agreed to promote mutual benefits with smaller business partners to establish order in the telecom market, according to the telecom agency.

During the meeting, the three CEOs asked the telecom agency to help them take the global leadership in the competition for the fifth-generation (5G) telecom services, which they claim will create more job opportunities in the future.

"The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics will be an important opportunity for Korea to showcase cutting-edge technologies such as the world's first 5G telecom services, internet of things, artificial intelligence and virtual reality. We need every effort from the telecom companies to lead the nation as key players in the Fourth Industrial Revolution," Lee said.

"The agency will support the nation's information and communication technology industry to have global competitiveness and closely monitor the market to prevent reverse discrimination between Korean businesses and foreign enterprises."
By Kim Tae-gyu



Daejeon  The creator of Korea's famous android Hubo negated controversial remarks by Elon Musk who stated that artificial intelligence (AI) could start a Third World War.



The founder of SpaceX and Tesla has contended that AI can pose a great existential threat to humanity and the world should be prepared for this.



"No matter how advanced AI is, it cannot start a war because it doesn't have an ego. Without an ego, AI is just a computing machine, nothing more than that. I don't think that AI will have an ego even in the distant future," said professor Oh Jun-ho of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).



"People with advanced AI can start a Third World War. But AI cannot do so on its own. I recommend people stop making arguments like science-fiction novels."



Along the same lines, Oh said that AI will not be able to replace the roles and status of humans. He expects that AI will only benefit people by helping them perform tasks in easier ways.



"Who is talking about doomsday scenarios with regard to AI? They are mostly not AI experts. They are futurists, neuroscientists and businesspeople," said Oh, a robot scientist famous across the world.



"As far as I know, legitimate AI experts hardly come up with such negative and gloomy prospects. Most of them are on the same page as me."



Oh said that AI development is not as fast as many people imagine.



"What is happening now is that AI is expanding its domain. Its technological level has not improved so fast," he said. "The roles of robots in industrial sites are almost the same compared to 25 years ago."



Hubo is a walking biped. It basked in the global spotlight in 2015 by topping the podium in the Darpa Robotics Challenge, which took place in the United States.



Hubo defeated 22 other competitors from five countries to win the $2 million grand prize.



Most of them lost their balance to collapse to the ground while performing such tasks as operating a drill or opening a door. But Hubo proficiently carried out the jobs on the back of its unique design.



Oh is trying to incorporate AI into Hubo.



"Now, Hubo acts in line with preprogrammed software in performing jobs. In the future, it will become more autonomous so that it can choose how to do its jobs. It is one of our top priorities for now," he said.




Hyundai Motor Central Advanced Research and Engineering Institute head Lim Tae-won, fifth from left, poses with Israel Institute of Technology President Peretz Lavie, fourth from left, and KAIST professor Kim Joung-ho, third from left, during an MOU signing ceremony for the Hyundai MotorTECHNIONKAIST Global Alliance for Future Mobility at technology institute in Haifa, Israel, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor



By Jhoo Dong-chan

Hyundai Motor has partnered with two of the world's top technology universities to take the lead in future mobility.

The carmaker said that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Israel's Israel Institute of Technology (TECHNION) and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Tuesday.

Under the so-called Hyundai Motor-TECHNION-KAIST Global Alliance for Future Mobility partnership, the company is expected to jointly develop various future technologies, including self-driving cars and artificial intelligence in mobility.

For the signing ceremony, Hyundai Motor Central Advanced Research and Engineering Institute head Lim Tae-won visited TECHNION with KAIST professor Kim Joung-ho to conclude the deal with their counterpart TECHNION President Peretz Lavie and honorary professor Daniel Weihs. Through their partnership, Hyundai Motor and TECHNION will also sponsor promising startups in Israel that contribute to future mobility.

"Israel is not a car-producing country, but has recently drawn attention in the global market with its cutting-edge technologies in sensor and connected car-related fields," a Hyundai Motor official said.

"The three-party consortium will be Hyundai Motor's backbone that contributes to its leadership in the future technology competition for the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

Established by the nation's top scientists, including Albert Einstein in, 1912, TECHNION is a public research university that has produced three Nobel Laureates in chemistry. With roughly 60 percent of the university graduates reportedly joining startups, TECHNION is known as one of the key factors behind the growth of Israel's high-tech industry and innovation.

"Under the partnership, KAIST's latest technology in artificial intelligence, semiconductor and autonomous cars will produce synergy with TECHNION's connected car solutions, contributing to development of Hyundai Motor's competitiveness in future mobility," said KAIST professor Kim Joung-ho.

In May, Hyundai Motor Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun also visited Israel to discuss a partnership for developing a self-driving vehicle with Israeli-based technology company Mobileye.

Mobileye is considered as the global No. 1 maker of advanced driver assistance systems modules, and Intel spent $14.7 billion (17 trillion won) to acquire Mobileye whose leading-edge optical vision technologies helped global leaders to develop autonomous driving systems earlier this year.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions leaves after a press conference in Washington D.C., the United States, on Sept. 5, 2017. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been rescinded. The move potentially puts 800,000 illegal immigrants in danger of deportation. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration protection program, further dividing a nation that is already deeply divided. The program allowed young undocumented immigrants, or "Dreamers," to live in the country without fear of deportation. Now, hundreds of thousands of young adults brought to the U.S. illegally as children could soon face deportation.

The Trump Administration said no current beneficiaries of the program would be affected before March 5. But if Congress fails to act, immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children could face deportation as early as March 6. And to add to their worries, a document obtained by U.S. television network ABC News urges recipients to "prepare for and arrange their departure from the United States."

Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, who attended the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, "cheered" the administration's decision to kill the program, arguing that the aim of the Obama-era policy is to turn children brought illegally to the U.S. into "anchor babies," so that they and their extended families can then continue "the replacement of white people in the country."

But the decision to scrap the program has mostly been met with anger and disbelief that America would turn its back on immigrants. In a lengthy post on his Facebook page, former U.S. President Barack Obama bashed Trump's decision, calling the move "wrong" and "cruel." "The action taken today isn't required legally," Obama wrote. "It's a political decision, and a moral question." U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who ran for president in 2016, called Trump's decision "the ugliest and most cruel decision ever made by a president of the U.S. in the modern history of this country."

People attend a rally protesting against U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in front of the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on Sept. 5, 2017. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been rescinded. The move potentially puts 800,000 illegal immigrants in danger of deportation. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

The future of Dreamers is perhaps most uncertain in the U.S. state of California. "To punish them for seeking a better life is unconscionably cruel," San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said in a statement. California, which borders Mexico, is one of America's most diverse states, and home to an estimated one-third of the 800,000 participants in the program. Stanford University, which is located in California, said in a statement that it "vigorously and adamantly opposes the shameful decision." The Mexican foreign ministry also issued a statement, saying the Mexican government "deeply regrets" Trump's decision.

Nationwide protests have broken out in the wake of the decision. A movement called Refuse Fascism, which demands an end to the "Trump/Pence Regime," took to the streets chanting that Dreamers should stay and Trump should go. In New York, demonstrators filled the street in front of Trump Tower to rally, shouting, "We are human beings, our dreams are all equal, protect dignity and all of our people!" More protests are likely coming. Filmmaker Michael Moore, who has been a fierce critic of the president, wrote on Twitter: "To the streets! Find out where the DACA protest is where u live and SHOW UP! If we are ever to be a decent country, this is your moment." The tweet was shared more than 4,200 thousand times as of press time.

Trump's decision to kill the program, while controversial, should not come as a big surprise. After all, his stance on immigration issues has long been known. When Trump announced he was running for president, he blamed Mexican immigrants for taking U.S. Jobs and for many of America's problems, and has called for building a "great, great wall" on the U.S.-Mexico border to keep Mexicans out of the country.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions officially announced the end of the "Dreamers" immigration program on Tuesday, ending the dreams of some 800,000 young adults brought to the U.S. illegally as children. In his remarks, Sessions said the program "denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens."

Related: Trump's plan to end young immigrants protection program reignites hot debate
By Jhoo Dong-chan



Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating Daelim Group for allegedly practicing unfair inside transactions favoring its subsidiaries.



According to the antitrust watchdog agency, Monday, 20 investigators searched a head office of Daelim Cooperation, the holding company of which the Lee family owns 67.1 percent of shares, to secure evidence including the company's account books.



It is not the first time the group has made headlines for the wrong reasons. The group founder's grandson, Daelim Industrial Vice Chairman Lee Hae-wook, was found to have abused his drivers physically and verbally for years.



According to a former driver, the vice chairman ordered him to keep both side-view mirrors folded while driving and urged him to drive faster.



The driver said Lee made unrealistic demands such as driving without spilling a drop from a cup of water, and that Lee verbally abused or hit him and other drivers on their heads if they refused or failed to follow orders.



Lee was fined 15 million won in April this year.



As part of the Moon Jae-in administration's pledge to crack down on illegal and unfair practices, the FTC is looking into the practices of the nation's conglomerates and their subsidiaries.



In July, the watchdog searched local poultry giant Harim Group, Korea's leading livestock and animal feed group, suspected of similar charges. Harim Group also faced severe criticism over claims its founder ripped off food suppliers and opened shops next to franchisee-owned outlets as a retaliation tactic.



"I accepted the nomination because my goal for chaebol reform perfectly matches President Moon's," FTC Chairman Kim Sang-jo said when he was appointed in May.



He said he would immediately tackle issues concerning small businesses including mom-and-pop stores suffering from conglomerates' unfair practices.



He said he would send a strong signal to Samsung, Hyundai Motor, SK and LG to play by the rules.



Korea University business professor Jang Ha-sung said on social media that Kim was the "best choice" the new administration had made and he hoped President Moon would soon have his "economic dream team."










Doubts on conflicts of interest surface

By Park Jae-hyuk

Some civic groups are facing criticism for fanning "unnecessary" fear about sanitary pads and other consumer products by releasing unsubstantiated test results, according to industry analysts.

One of them is the Korea Women's Environmental Network (KWEN), which recently alleged that Kleannara, Yuhan-Kimberly and other companies produced toxic sanitary pads.

But the government was quick to rebut their claims, saying their research is groundless.

"The results of the research that the KWEN gave us were scientifically not very credible," the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said. "The study did not undergo any peer review, and the results lacked details about the methods used for testing."

The environmentalist group asked Prof. Kim Man-goo of Kangwon National University to conduct the study in 2015 and partially unveiled the results in March on the condition of not mentioning the names of the products and manufacturers.

The study showed that all of the 10 products examined contained styrene, which is categorized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a substance that is "possibly carcinogenic to humans."

Trichloroethylene and Benzene, both of which are classified as substances that are "carcinogenic to humans," were hardly detected in the 10 products.

As the civic group has targeted Kleannara's Lilian sanitary pads, which contained the largest amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), instead of Yuhan-Kimberly's product that contained more carcinogenic agents than Lilian, rumors have surfaced that the group and the professor were sponsored by Kleannara's rival.

An executive of Yuhan-Kimberly has served as a director of the civic organization since last year. Professor Kim is also suspected of being supported by the joint venture between Korean pharmaceutical firm Yuhan Corp. and U.S. personal care company Kimberly-Clark.

"The Yuhan-Kimberly executive's position did not affect the conducting of the experiment and disclosure of the results," a KWEN official said. "If there were any connections, why do you think that we uploaded the list of directors on our website."

The professor and the company have denied the allegations as well. However, Kleannara has filed a lawsuit against the professor.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it will disclose the results of its own tests soon.

Against this backdrop, businesses claimed that environmental activists have incited "irrational" fear of chemical products here.

During a meeting between the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and the European Chamber of Commerce in Korea last week, Procter & Gamble (P&G) Korea's associate general counsel Lincoln Park came up with similar complaints.

He criticized the Korean government for relying too much on civic groups, instead of experts, businesses and global standards.

The global manufacturer went through controversy earlier this year, after Koreans read an article in a French magazine on the alleged toxicity of P&G's Pampers diapers. The controversy ended a few weeks later, as the news showed that toxic substances were barely detectable in the diapers and that a P&G rival sponsored the magazine article.

Park urged the government to be fair and respect safety standards set up by the European Union and the United States, both of which signed free trade agreements with Korea.

Some observers compare the series of recent cases to a toxic ramyeon scandal here in 1989.

The prosecutors at that time indicted officials of five Korean food companies for charges of using tallow oil for frying their companies' instant noodles. Consumer groups also demanded public apologies from the companies and suspension of sales of the products.

Although the companies were found innocent later, they took a severe blow in terms of sales and profits.

Traumatized by humidifier sterilizer

Koreans have already experienced a toxic humidifier sterilizer scandal and some people argue that they cannot trust businesses and experts.

Up to 1,239 people died from the sterilizer and 5,816 suffered from illnesses caused by the chemical product, according to family members of the victims.

Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon also promised last week to bolster the government's supervision of chemical products, saying he understands people's concerns.

"The government will test products similar to sanitary pads and other items which may contain harmful substances," Lee said. "We will also establish safety standards for products made with synthetic resins, such as smartphone cases."

Some consumers claimed that companies which spread rumors about their competitors are the main culprits for the "chemophobia," not civic groups raising questions about chemical products.

In addition to the cases against Kleannara and P&G, the toxic ramyeon scandal was embroiled in suspicions that Nongshim accused its rivals of using harmful ingredients at that time. The company avoided an investigation as it used palm oil for frying its ramyeon.

Doubts have risen again, since former presidential chief of staff Kim Ki-choon, who led the investigation as prosecutor general, was scouted as a non-executive legal adviser for Nongshim last year. Kim was a close aide of former President Park Geun-hye; but both he and Park are in jail.
Hollys Coffee CEO Kim Eu-gene poses during an interview with The Korea Times at its shop in Itaewon, Seoul, on Aug. 24. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk



Young CEO shares secrets behind double-digit rate growth



By Nam Hyun-woo





Seen above is the inside of a Hollys Coffee shop in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The company said it increased the number of one-person seats at the shop in order to provide tailored services in the cram school area where many customers study alone. / Courtesy of Hollys Coffee

Recent government data shows that a Korean over 20 years old consumes 377 cups of coffee a year on average, up from 288 cups in 2012 and 341 in 2014.



Along with the soaring consumption, the number of coffee shops here also skyrocketed to 90,809 at the end of this March from 55,416 in 2014 to hit the saturation mark.



Many competing brands are going through ups and downs. Cafe Mango Six recently filed for court protection after continued losses and Tom N Toms recorded a deficit last year, netting 2.7 billion won ($2.39 million) in losses.



In the harsher market environment, Hollys Coffee is showing a noticeable rise, posting double-digit rates of growth in operating profit in recent years.



Market observers say the uptrend came after private equity (PE) firm IMM PE purchased a 93 percent stake in Hollys F&B in 2013, which operates the Hollys Coffee brand. The 82 billion won deal garnered keen attention as the PE house acquired the management rights to Hollys F&B.



Many Koreans, who are still haunted by the fear of U.S. PE firm Lone Star Fund's controversial buyout of Korea Exchange Bank, tend to disregard PE firms. The general belief is that they care only for short-term improvement of corporate values so they can resell any acquired firms.



It might have been the case for IMM PE's strategy on Hollys Coffee early on. After an unsuccessful exit bid last year, however, the fund seems to have changed its approach. It appointed its director Kim Eu-gene as CEO, assigning her the mission to drive long-term growth for the brand.



"Competition between brands has long been stiff. But what's different now is that the gap between brands that are doing well and doing badly is getting wider," Kim said during an interview with The Korea Times. "The fund (IMM PE) believes Hollys Coffee will survive in the long run and it is worth investing capital in the company to help it grow further."



According to Hollys Coffee's regulatory posting, it posted 68.6 billion won in sales in 2013. Its operating profit in the year was 7 billion won, declining 1 percent from the previous year.



A year after IMM PE's acquisition, its sales grew to 80 billion won, up 17 percent from previous year. And it continued to log more than 10 percent annual sales growth, standing at 108.6 billion won in 2015, up 35.2 percent, and 128.6 billion won in 2016, up 18.45 percent.



Its profitability also improved. Its operating profit came to 5.6 billion won in 2014, down 21 percent from the previous year due largely to accounting issues of depreciation, but soon recovered to 6.9 billion won in 2015 and almost doubled to 12.7 billion won last year.



Kim's appointment is interpreted as a shift in IMM PE's strategy on Hollys Coffee: making the company more attractive than the numbers demonstrate.



The soft-spoken 37-year-old spent her career at Boston Consulting Group and has been taking care of Hollys at IMM PE since the house's acquisition of the coffee company.



"A company that is handsome in short term financial outcome is not necessarily an attractive company," Kim said. "The conventional view of a PE house's acquisition is cost reduction of raw materials, such as coffee beans for us. But we can say the quality of raw materials has significantly improved after IMM's acquisition.



"By enhancing the value we can provide our customers, raising operational efficiency and higher profitability followed naturally."



IMM PE has so far invested 100 billion won, including 40 billion won of rights issuing, into Hollys Coffee and a significant amount is in the pipeline, in order to upgrade its operating system and build its second roasting center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province.



"It's about coffee anyway," she said. "As more Korean consumers become savvy about coffee, we have to pay more attention to the quality of the coffee. Some may say every coffee brand sells Americano and there's no difference between them. But we believe our customers chose us because we have invested the most in serving good coffee."



Along with the focus on coffee, Kim is making efforts on improving the designs of the shops so they can be tailored to customers' demands. For example, the company increased the numbers of one- or two-person seats at shops near cram schools or academies where many customers study alone.



The company said sales at these shops increased by 30 percent on average after renovation.



Another key strategy that Kim picked up was to increase the number of shops the company operates.



In 2014, the number of Hollys shops the company directly managed was 65, compared to 341 that franchised owners operated. As of last month, the number of directly managed shops rose to 100 and that of franchised shops to 392, keeping the proportion between company shops and franchise shops stable.



"Keeping the proportion at a certain level is quite important because the company shops will serve as models of quality service so that franchise operators can learn from them," Kim said.



She stressed the strategy would bring mutual benefits to headquarters and franchised shops.



"The point of running this company is how much profit franchise owners can make and how well their businesses can stabilize and grow," she said. "Perhaps a low franchise fee can help them in the short run. A solid and robust brand, though, providing quality products will be most helpful for them."





Red crown



Last year, IMM PE tried to sell its stake in Hollys F&B. Reportedly, the fund sought 200 billion won for the company, but saw the bid collapse because the price was deemed too high for its corporate value.



"Since IMM is a PE house, it will someday make an exit," Kim said. "However, we can say the series of investment practices reflected IMM PE's intention to raise the corporate value of Hollys Coffee in the long run is showing results these days," Kim said.



The company expects at least 150 billion won in sales this year and aims to double the amount by 2021, as well as having 1,200 Hollys Coffee stores and De Chocolate Coffee, another coffee brand that Hollys F&B bought in 2014.



Asked about the long-term goal of Hollys, she came up with qualitative answers instead of quantitative ones.



"Our goal is building the logo of the red crown of Hollys so it will emerge in the public's mind when they think of a domestic coffee brand," she said.



"How do you define the No. 1 coffee brand in Korea? By the number of shops? I don't think Starbucks is leading because of the size of its network -- the brand with the largest number of stores in Korea is Ediya with more than 2,000.



What we believe is more important is the brand. When I was at IMM, the number was the communication tool, but the truth is intangible assets become numbers."





Korea Times intern Rha Hae-sung contributed to this article.
During a recent airing of 'Tok! Tok! Boni Hani' on EBS 1TV, TWICE had appeared to greet their fans! While their lovely words caught the attention of many, it seems their new hairstyles captured everyone's eyes.

Fans had noticed a majority of the members had undergone a unique style change and immediately took screenshots and pointed them out via SNS.

Dahyun sported jet black hair and member Sana has cut her hair into a nice, shoulder length style. Members Chaeyoung and Jungyoung both dyed their hair and added some length to their style as their hair grew out much more than before.

Momo surprised us by changing her usual long hairstyle into a shorter, shoulder length one as well. Nayeon dyed her hair and made it a nice caramel brown, which creates some uniformity among the many members with brown hair. Check out their greeting video below and see the new hairstyles the girls are effortlessly sporting!

Fans are speculating this new change in style signifies a comeback! What do you think of their speculations? Stay tuned for more official updates!
NPC Vice Chairman Zhang Ping addresses the opening ceremony of China-Arab Expo 2017 in Yinchuan on Wednesday. Yu Kai/Peoples Daily Online

Seven years into China-Arab countries strategic cooperation partnership, the cooperation model has become a successful example for developing countries, hailed a Chinese top legislator.

Addressing the opening ceremony of China-Arab States Expo 2017, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhang Ping lauded China-Arab countries cooperation, which has witnessed many pragmatic results.

Lots of evidence shows that China and Arab countries are good friends and good partners who can trust each other. China-Arab strategic cooperation has become a successful model for developing countries that seek to strive toward the same goals and pursue joint development, Zhang said.

China is now the second largest trading partner of Arab countries. It has established strategic partnerships with eight Arab countries and signed Belt and Road construction deals with six Arab countries. And seven Arab countries are founding members of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Specifically, China-Arab cooperation has laid out a 1+2+3 framework, featuring energy cooperation as the cornerstone, and with infrastructure construction, trade, and investment as the focus, and nuclear energy, satellites, and new energy cooperation as the breakthrough areas. Several production capacity cooperation parks and technology transfer centers have been set up in a number of Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Oman, according to Zhang.

Qian Keming, Vice Commerce Minister, addresses the opening ceremony of China-Arab Expo 2017 in Yinchuan on Wednesday. Yu Kai/Peoples Daily Online

Qian Keming, Vice Commerce Minister, introduced at the expo that the trade volume between China-Arab countries reached $171.1 billion in 2016, with Chinas export volume to Arab countries at $100.8 billion and its import volume at $70.3 billion.

Specifically, the total value of new contracts from Chinese enterprises in Arab countries climbed to $40.3 billion, up 40.8%. Chinas non-financial direct investment reached $115 million, up 74.9 percent.

The expo opened Wednesday in Yinchuan, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and will last for four days.

Approved by the State Council, the China-Arab States Expo is a global exposition aiming to promote cooperation between China and Arab countries. Since 2013, the biennial expo has been held three times in Ningxia, hosting officials and representatives from more than 80 countries and regions. A total of 876 deals have been signed at the expo, covering trade, production capacity, energy, technology, agriculture, and tourism, whose total value reached 435.9 billion yuan.

To further strengthen the tie, China looks to promote trade under the Belt and Road Initiative and speed up the negotiation process of the China-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement to further facilitate trade and investment. It also vows to support Yinchuan, the host city of the China-Arab Expo, to become a key transportation hub opening up to Arab countries, Central Asia, and Western Asia. More financial cooperation would also be launched to support the industrialization of Arab countries, Zhang pledged.

A total of 12 China-Arab cooperation deals were inked on Wednesday at the China-Arab Business Summit 2017, covering basic infrastructure construction, agriculture and electric power cooperation Yu Kai/People's Daily Online)
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang emphasized the spirit of craftsmanship during a visit to Huaxiang Group, a private steel-casting company in Linfen, north Chinas Shanxi province, on Tuesday.

Learning that the group provides an annual salary of 3 million yuan ($456,000) to some of its top craftsmen, which is four times that of the companys CEO, Li said the group will have a brighter future. He added that craftsmen should pass on their skills to apprentices to make Chinese-made products competitive in terms of both price and quality.
(File photo)

BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The ninth BRICS annual summit has attracted worldwide attention and was commented on social media platforms by many state leaders who had just participated in the gathering.

The summit of the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, or BRICS, closed on Tuesday with a blueprint mapped out to chart the course of the emerging market group to achieve common development.

"Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter.

On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Modi in the southeastern city of Xiamen after the ninth BRICS summit.

During the meeting, Xi said healthy and stable relations between China and India are in line with the fundamental interests of their people, adding China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along the right track.

"The various deliberations during the BRICS Summit were extremely productive. Looking forward to building on these in the times to come," Modi said via Twitter.

The Indian prime minister on Tuesday congratulated Xi on a "very successful" BRICS summit.

"I thank the Chinese government & people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit. Leaving for Myanmar for a bilateral visit," the prime minister said on Twitter.

Guinean President Alpha Conde, who came to Xiamen to attend the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, said on Twitter that "With China, we are engaging in a win-win partnership to achieve our development goals."

During a meeting with Xi on Tuesday, Conde said Guinea is willing to enhance cooperation with China in fishery, mining and West African development.

"African countries speak highly of China's proposition of respecting their efforts in solving African problems on their own," Conde said,pledging closer dialogue and deeper cooperation in international affairs between the African Union and China.

Brazilian President Michel Temer showed special interests in the BRICS New Development Bank.

According to his Twitter account, the president, at the expanded meeting of BRICS 2017, called on the New Development Bank to bring together the productive and corporate sectors.
(Xinhua) 16:13, September 06, 2017

URUMQI, Sept. 6 -- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region received over six million tourists during Eid al-Adha, known in China as Corban Festival, one of Islam's most important holidays.

Corban Festival is the feast of sacrifice when people slay livestock to share with their family, or visit relatives and friends to send best wishes.

Tourists spent 8.4 billion yuan (about 1.5 billion U.S. dollars) during the five-day holiday from Sept. 1 to 5 in Xinjiang, the Xinjiang tourism commission said Wednesday.

The figure is a giant leap from last year, as the Corban festival only lasted for three days last year, the commission said.

Close to 20,000 people visited the Urumqi bazaar on Sept. 1. Kanas Lake in the Altay region hosted a record 48,250 people on Sept. 3.

During the festival, Russiaovertook Taiwan to become the top tourist destination for overseas outbound travellers from Xinjiang.

Xinjiang has a total population of 23 million and many tourist sites.
(Xinhua) 16:13, September 06, 2017

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 -- When asked about his opinion of U.S. President Donald Trump during the BRICS Summit in China, Russian President Vladimir Putin shed the question by saying Trump "is not my bride," according to U.S. media reports Tuesday.

"I am not his bride, nor his groom," Putin said when asked whether he was disappointed with Trump Tuesday on the sidelines of the 2017 summit held in the southeastern Chinese coastal city of Xiamen.

Calling it a "naive" question, Putin said he and Trump are both working for their governments and only engaged in state activities.

Regarding the two countries recently closing diplomatic properties belonging to the other, Putin said Russia's Foreign Ministry will file a lawsuit against the United State, the Washington Post reported.

When asked to comment on the U.S. investigations into alleged ties between Trump's campaign team and Russian intelligence, Putin said, it's America's internal political issue and not Russia's business.
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Usain Bolt, Hublot Ambassador, 8-time Olympic Champion and 11-time World Champion, travelled all the way to Kyoto in order to celebrate the opening of the new boutique.

The grand opening event started with the champion appearing with children, followed by Hublots announcement to donate 1.5 million JPY (about 13,100CHF) to Gion. Bolt and Hublot then created a charity run, whereby Hublot agreed to add 500,000 JPY to the donation if total record of 5 childrens time beats Bolts 100m record with 9.58secs. The 14.8 sec result was close but regrettably was not able to break the legends record. Nevertheless, Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe spontaneously changed the checks amount to 2 million JPY. The check was presented to Gion Minamigawa Chiku Machizukuri Kyogikai, a non-profit organization which maintains the historical scenery in the Gion area and preserves traditional Japanese culture to next generations.



Usain Bolt and Ricardo Guadalupe, alongside Mr. Tatsuya Yoshimoto (President of Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store), and Miwa Sakai (Hublots Asia Pacific Regional Director), then performed Kagami-biraki ceremony. The traditional Japanese ceremony involves opening a specially designed sake barrel with a wooden mallet to invoke good fortune.



In the evening, Hublot hosted a gala dinner attended by more than 150 VIP guests to celebrate the opening of the Hublot Boutique Kyoto at Shogunzuka Seiryuden, located on the mountaintop of Higashiyama where an entire view of Kyoto city can be enjoyed. A raffle was held and Usain Bolts signed valuable items were presented to the lucky winners.



Hublot Boutique Kyoto



Once you enter through the traditional noren curtain with the Hublot logo, you are in a totally new world of Hublot fused with Japanese culture. Paying respect to the traditional architectural style of Machiya, typical local materials such as wickerwork, bamboo and Japanese paper customized with Hublot monograms are used throughout the interior, while the ground floor is decorated with various artworks of Hublot watches in a colorful pop-art style. In contrast, the first floor offers a more tranquil atmosphere with spaciously a laid-out VIP lounge with custom-made sofas upholstered with Nishijin Brocade and Hublots first tearoom with a custom-made black tatami mat printed with Hublot monogram, adding the brands essence to the traditional space in Kyoto.

The first floor is also used for showcasing the most recent collection and innovations under seasonal themes. In October, customers can enjoy an exhibition of Hublots iconic materials around the theme of The Art of Fusion. Going forward, exhibitions and events will be scheduled on a regular basis.



Visitors will find something that will suit their taste from the wide range of Hublot collections offered at the Kyoto boutique. The boutique will have the iconic Big Bang and Classic Fusion as well as Hublot watches exclusively created for the Kyoko boutique. In addition, the Hublot World Limited Collection with rare models from around the world which have never been available in Japan previously will be showcased. Customers who purchase the the Hublot Boutique Kyoko will be offered a special Hublot fan designed by Miyawaki Baisen-an as a gift.
Egypt has signed nine memorandums of understanding with Vietnam in various economic fields, a statement by the Egyptian presidency read.

Presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef said the memos were signed during President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis visit to Vietnam on Wednesday, where he met with Vietnams President Tran Dai Quang.

The MoUs included references to establishing ports and maritime trade.

According to Youssefs statement, Quang hailed Egypts leadership and achievements over the past three years in restoring security and stability, adding that El-Sisis visit to Vietnam will give a major push to bilateral cooperation.

El-Sisi stressed on Egypts keenness to boost cooperation with Vietnam in different fields, contributing to the historical ties between the two countries.

His visit was the first such by an Egyptian president to Vietnam since 1963.

Earlier this week he attended the BRICS summit in China, where he met with various world leaders.



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Its the living room to most other residents of La Jollas Casa de Manana Retirement Community, but John Ellison calls it his man cave. Cluttered with Amazon boxes and electronic components, its dominated by a desk sporting four laptop computers. Here, the 85-year-old former electronics engineer Skypes with family and friends, reads online aeronautical journals and monitors global economic trends.

This technology is a window on the world, said Ellison, who teaches two weekly classes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Universitys San Diego campus that he says he could easily teach online in case his health fails.

You can be an invalid here, or in a walker or a wheelchair, and the world is still available to you, he explained. These tools enrich your life in ways that most people in a retirement center would be isolated from until this technology came along.

Most seniors arent former electronics engineers like Ellison, but neither are they as digitally disconnected as you may think. About 67 percent of Americans aged 65 or older use the Internet, the Pew Research Center reported in May. And the percentage rockets to 94 for seniors from households earning $75,000 or more annually. (Smart-phone ownership among the richest seniors is 80 percent.)

Casa de Manana is an oceanfront luxury community where monthly rent ranges from $3,555 for a studio to $10,425 for the swankiest two-bedroom villa.

At 87, getting around has become difficult for resident Iris Allyn Klipp, so much so that she says shes made her final trip back home to her beloved New York because its just too much. Yet the former Del Mar Times reporter regularly FaceTimes her son in Connecticut on her iPhone 7, checks in with her daughters Instagram account using her Mac laptop and reads the New Yorker on her iPad Air.

I do a lot of stuff, Klipp says. Ive written a childrens book and Im writing a book for young adults now, too.

The Internet revolution is already 25 years old, so todays seniors were as young as 40 then and much more likely to adopt than seniors of just a decade ago.

More and more people are moving in here who are used to using a computer, said Casa de Manana resident Barbara Stabenau, 82. When I first came eight years ago, hardly anybody was interested. In fact, they had a computer lab here that they gave up on because nobody was using it.

Stabenau, a widowed former hospital administrator, owns a smart phone and a Mac with a 21-inch screen that she uses for e-mailing friends, catching up on news and laying out the residence newsletter. She also recently purchased an Amazon Echo, which she uses primarily to play her music library, but she says that relationship is off to a rocky start.

Alexa just ignores me sometimes, Stabenau says, referring to the devices voice controller.

Ukulele Mike

Retired LA County administrator Ken Suarez, 73, taught himself ukulele via the YouTube clips of a Seattle-based pastoral musician named Ukulele Mike Lynch.

I retired and I was bored, and our son introduced me to YouTube, Suarez said. I stared with TED Talks and then I wanted to learn an instrument. Suarez planned on guitar, but the senior center in his old neighborhood only had a hobbyist group for ukuleles.

So I bought a cheap ukulele, he said. I liked the guys. But I couldnt keep up with them, so I went home and found Ukulele Mike. He sits you down and very slowly teaches you. Now, Suarez teaches his own ukulele class to fellow Casa de Manana residents in the chapel every Friday.

Its more for fun than a serious thing, he said.

Support group

Casa de Manana is also home to a weekly class that about 20 residents regard as their own Genius Bar. Every Friday afternoon, 10 or so at a time come to computer consultant Ross Milloy in a second-floor conference room with their malfunctioning laptops and questions about computer viruses. In todays meeting, one resident asks the same question about his web browsers home page automatically redirecting that, according to another resident, he already received the answer to two weeks ago.

They have issues with vision and with forgetting things, but theyre basically the same as everyone else, said Milloy, 65, who teaches the hour-long class on a voluntary basis. The big issue I see with the seniors is that change is very difficult. So when they come up with a new version of Windows, to adapt to that isnt as easy as when they were younger.

Even a senior with the latest devices wont necessarily use them for common programs. Stabenau says shes never Skyped or FaceTimed and is finished with Facebook. She only signed up for it to view photos of her two great-grandchildren, not to have remote acquaintances and people she never liked reach out from her past.

It was just more than I wanted to deal with, Stabenau said. Now I just ignore the requests. I dont say anything. I guess Im rude about it.

Jack Nunn, an 80-year-old retired furniture salesman from Pittsburgh who enjoys using his computer to illustrate, says he found the three or four times he used FaceTime a colossal disappointment.

Wed have a conversation with our grandchildren and theyd lose interest real quick in staring at the screen, he said.

As expected, the older seniors are, the less technological engagement is likely. Muriel Thompson isnt on the Internet at all. At 94, she doesnt feel a need to be, so a perfectly good Dell desktop collects dust in her Casa de Manana apartment.

I had a couple of friends I communicated with, but Im the only one left, said the Sterling, Colorado native, explaining that she never married or had children. (I never had time, she said. I was always too busy doing other things.)

Yet even Thompson is not out of high-techs reach. She finds solace in a robotic cat gifted to her by a niece for her birthday in April. His name is Pud (short for Pudding) and he randomly meows, purrs or turns on his back when stroked.

Having something like this helps a little bit, Thompson explained. He just sits on my couch with me. Every now and then, when I dont have anything else to do, Ill pet him and hell tell me that hes still there.
LINN  Police Chief James Bushey didnt expect the media attention, the calls and emails, the requests to speak at conferences.

Since using a drone to locate a Geneva Lake drowning victim Jan. 24, news outlets took the angle of a little Wisconsin town exploring new technology and ran with it.

TV stations from Milwaukee and Madison aired segments about the Linn drone, and articles appeared in several newspapers, including the Washington Times.

Milwaukees Fox 6 aired another segment which shows Bushey flying the drone and discussing its forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera.

I think it was more of that being a shock to them, that there was a small town that would have something like this, that is so new, he said.

Coverage of the Jan. 24 incident drew attention from other law enforcement agencies, including one in northern Detroit.

In October, Bushey will give a presentation on the drone at the Midwest Public Safety Divers Association conference in Stevens Point.

Town Chairman Jim Weiss said the attention has been very surprising, and very humbling.

Its a wonderful resource for the town of Linn, he said. We are very lucky to be able to have something like this, to have the resources to purchase something like it.

In October 2016, the Linn Town Board approved the purchase of the DJI Inspire 1 drone and accessories, including a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera, for $7,130.

It seems there arent many law enforcement agencies that have drones.

The Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College, which examines military and civilian use of unmanned technologies, mentions Linn at the Jan. 24 drowning in its April Drones At Home report.

Focusing on drone use in police, fire and rescue agencies, the report states local law enforcement agencies have taken the lead in drone acquisitions for public safety.

At least 347 state and local agencies have them in the U.S., according to the center.

Eighteen of them are in Wisconsin.

Safer, faster

Bushey believes the drone gives a small police department like Linns a safer, faster option during searches.

If we had somebody that went missing in the town park, or a drowning on the lake, we have 63 percent of the lake on the north and south shores, Bushey said. To try to get manpower down here to start a search-and-rescue operation can take time.

On Jan. 24, the Geneva Lake ice shelf was not solid, said Bushey, so police deployed the drone to locate a missing ice fisherman.

Flying the drone requires two pilots.

One of them operates a standard video camera, also known as a gimbal camera, while the other controls the FLIR camera.

As soon as we put it up in the air, within literally the first three minutes, we had a heat spot, Bushey said.

In December 2016, when a man drowned after falling through the ice on Lake Como, Bushey said they used the drone to map the area, which aided in a search involving multiple agencies.

Recently, the drone has been equipped with hooks that can carry up to 4- pounds, ideal for dropping flotation devices to shipwrecked passengers on the lake or delivering first aid kits and tow lines to people in hard-to-reach areas.

Its an amazing piece of machinery, said Weiss, who has seen demos and training exercises featuring the Linn drone. Not only the drone itself, but some of these accessories.

Bushey also sees the drone being used more at fire scenes, identifying hot spots inside a structure with the FLIR camera.

Im interested to see where this technology goes, he said. Obviously, were still in the infancy of it, but I mean, its rapidly growing, and the new technology thats coming out and is out right now is even more than what we had a year ago.
BLOOMFIELD  A baby ostrich untied Jay Christies shoe.

Safari Lake Geneva, W1612 Litchfield Road, now has two ostriches, and on Aug. 31, they enjoyed a quick snack of spinach with their new owner.

It wasnt enough for one of the babies, who snapped one of Christies shoelaces and undid the bow while trying to eat it.

Come back when you learn how to tie it, he joked.

Currently, the ostriches are on the smaller side of most animals at Safari Lake Geneva, which provides wagon tours among a variety of exotic animals living practically free-range on the ranch.

But they wont be small much longer.

Christie said baby ostriches grow up to 12 inches per month during their first nine months.

Once theyre full-grown, they will stand up to 7 feet tall.

On Aug. 31, the ostriches pecked around a fenced-in circle, keeping to themselves among the alpacas, ducks and other farmland animals.

Maggie Madden of Safari Lake Geneva said most guests dont know what they are.

Having hatched a few days apart in July, employees at Safari Lake Geneva are calling the larger, older one Sahara, and the other Kalahari.

We remember that, because the Saharas a bigger desert than the Kalahari, said Christie.

He acquired the ostriches with the help of an advisory group on the family of large, flightless birds known as ratites, which also includes rheas and emus.

The group gave him a list of ostrich owners around the country.

A lot of zoos arent really breeding them, so we looked to the private sector and found an outfit in Colorado who were interested in helping us out, Christie said.

Other arrivals this year

The baby ostriches are the newest additions to the menagerie at Safari Lake Geneva.

In February, Christie acquired four yaks, and in April, four American Brahman cattle.

Running a place like Safari Lake Geneva has been his dream, something hes prepared to realize having worked at zoos and safari parks in Canada most of his adult life. He was also head of the Racine Zoo for 16 years.

Safari Lake Geneva opened last year, and on Aug. 31, he said hes very happy.

Its not hard to see why.

Christie drove to where the yak and Brahmans lounged, among a group of Watusi cattle at the bottom of a slope in the tour area.

Dressed in a light-brown safari outfit, he walked to within throwing distance of the cattle.

Guests dont leave the tour wagons, as the animals often approach them, and people are supplied with food to give the animals.

But Christie wanted to provide a closer look, and while the cattle barely moved from their spots, other animals were drawn to him, including antelopes, alpacas, a young camel and another type of ratite bird called rheas.

It looks like youre just in an Indian national park or something, he said, regarding the growing number of animals with a similar reaction as he did when the ostrich untied his shoe.

Safari Lake Geneva is open until Oct. 31. For more information, visit safarilakegeneva.com.
LINN  Tony Evers met a praying mantis Tuesday at Traver School.

The states superintendent of public instruction was entering the school as Principal Allyssa Andersen and secretary Heidi Otterness tried to capture the mantis near the front entrance.

Ive never been greeted by a praying mantis before, said Evers.

It made such an impression on him that he opened his speech during the all-school assembly with the encounter.

Not the kind of thing one may expect from someone who, two weeks ago, announced his run for governor.

But for Evers, the purpose of his visit was the first day of school.

Prior to his speech, he acknowledged theres two roles he now has in the public eye.

Im in this interesting place where I need to walk and chew gum at the same time, and I think Ive been able to do that, he smiled.

Politics never came up at the podium.

Instead, Evers focused on the anxiety children and their parents feel on the first day of school.

He asked teachers and students about what they want to do to make Traver a special school, and encouraged people to make a positive step forward.

First day

Evers shared a story about when he was a high school teacher, and he gave some advice to a student who was having a bad first day of school.

Years later, he received a letter from the student who told him the impact of his words.

The lesson here is that a word, a short phrase, a sentence, from a teacher to a student  can change lives, said Evers.

Traver was the last stop on a three-school tour for Evers.

His tour began at Walt Whitman School in Milwaukee, then Evers visited the Washington-Caldwell School District in Waterford.

Its something he does regularly as state public instruction superintendent, a job hes held since 2009.

Evers visits one to two state public schools a week, on average.

He especially loves to go on the first day of the year.

The distractions that go on during the school year dont exist on that first day, he said.

Tuesday was the first time Evers visited Traver.

They do a great job, he said. Small community, a lot of parental involvement, that sort of thing, so Im happy to be here.

Posed with teachers

The feeling seemed mutual as Evers went around the bleachers, shaking hands and posing for photos with teachers.

Traver Administrator Mark Pienkos was beaming as he showed Evers around the school prior to the assembly.

Andersen said Pienkos set up the visit.

He and Evers have known each other for several years.

Evers visited Badger High School in 1998, after an invitation from Pienkos, who was then the schools principal.

Andersen said teachers reacted similarly to the news that Evers was visiting Traver as she did. I said, Wait, the Tony Evers? Does he do this?

He also being a new face at Traver this year, Pienkos said he hopes children understand the importance of someone like Evers visiting their school.

He also hopes teachers will feel they can stand a little taller because of it.

I think Tony Evers visit highlights how special this school is, how special education is around the lake, and around the state of Wisconsin, Pienkos said. But its kind of neat to have, in a school our size, to have the state school officer come and visit us.
Though many military men served in World War II from the cockpit of a B-29 plane, few veterans get the chance to fly in one in 2017.

Birdell Burly Brellenthin is the exception to this.

Brellenthin served as a navigator in World War II and the Korean War, spending over 300 hours in a B-29 during this time.

He said that recently, he had become interested in riding in one again.

I tried to get on a flight a year ago, and it was all sold out, so I sort of dropped it, Brellenthin explained.

This past summer, the 92-year-old veteran brought the subject up again, casually mentioning to his family that he would love to ride in a B-29.

Little did he know that they would soon make this wish a reality.

Fifi

He (Brellenthin) mentioned over the summer hed wanted to ride in one, but when he called an airshow they were always booked, explained Rebecca Bates, Brellenthins granddaughter. So I took to the internet last month and found him a ride on Fifi.

Fifi is one of only two B-29s that are still able to fly, according to its Wikipedia article.

She is owned by the Commemorative Air Force, a nonprofit that saves old aircraft for future generations to see.

After learning that Fifi was going to be in Janesville on Aug. 19, Bates booked her grandfather a flight.

A flight to remember

The news of the flight was unexpected for Brellenthin.

It was a complete surprise, he said. I really was pleased. I had no idea they were doing it.

Brellenthin rode in the navigator seat, which he said brought back many memories from his time in the service.

It was very reminiscent of 65 years ago, he said. Which is the last time I flew in one.

Burlys grandson, Stephen Brellenthin, said he could tell that his grandfather enjoyed the flight.

He just kind of lit up like a kid on Christmas Day, Stephen explained. Seeing a lot of that stuff just brought back a lot of memories of his time flying ... A lot of stuff started coming back to him as far as memories he had. It was nice to be able to experience that with him.

And though the plane ride was similar to how Burly remembered it being, Stephen said his grandfather did notice one difference from his previous rides.

He said he remembers it being much easier to get in and out of the plane, Stephen said.

Wartime travels

Burly Brellenthin was inducted into the Army Air Forces at the age of 18.

Though he never served on a combat mission, his plane served one mission during the war, arriving in the Pacific shortly before the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan in order to drop supplies for POW camps in Japan.

After the war, Brellenthin was part of many training and rescue missions.

He remained in the Air Force Reserves, finally getting recalled during the Korean War, during which time he served for 18 months.

Though Brellenthin certainly has many memories and takeaways from his time in these wars, he says the mentality of World War II is something that sticks out to him the most.

World War II was completely different from anything that has happened since, he explained. Everybody was involved ... The wars since, the only people involved are those who have direct contact with somebody servicing.

For instance, with Afghanistan going on for over 10 years, if youre not involved with a family member or a friend, theres no rationing, theres no shortage of anything.

In fact, theres little or no civilian involvement at all. Which was completely different from World War II. Everyone was involved. Thats the major difference I see.
The city of Lake Geneva Avian Committee invites the public to its annual Swift Night Out at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14.

The event will take place at the Geneva Lake Museum, 255 Mill Street.

Chimney swifts are in flight all day, only stopping to sleep at night when they congregate in communal roosts.

Swifts gather in large numbers just prior to their fall migration to the Amazon Basin of Peru.

The museums chimney has been a roosting location for a number of years, and we hope that these small, acrobatic birds will once again entertain us as they swoop in for the night.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a speaker from Bird City Wisconsin. Dick Nikolai is a retired Wisconsin DNR wildlife biologist and an expert on purple martin breeding and behavior.

The Lake Geneva Avian Committee is working to re-establish purple martin nesting sites in our area, and we hope that residents who are interested in learning more about martins and our efforts will attend this event.

Refreshments will be served.
The statement by Russia's transport minister come one day after President El-Sisi met President Putin to discuss various issue, including the resumption of tourist flights from Russia

Moscow sees no need to conduct additional security checks in Egypts main Cairo International Airport, Russian Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov said in press statements Tuesday.

At present, we do not see any need to carry out any additional checks," Sokolov said, according to press statements to Russian news agency TASS.

He added that a report on security procedures undertaken by Egyptian officials in Egypts main airport were sent to the Russian government.

This depends on the governments decision," Sokolov stressed, when asked about the possibility of a near resumption of flights between the two countries, suspended since 2015.

The statements by the Russian minister come one day after Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, where they discussed several bilateral issues, as well as the resumption of Russian passenger flights to Egypt.

Flights were suspended due to security concerns since a Russian airliner crashed over Sinai in October 2015, which Russia says was the result of a terrorist bomb claimed by Daesh. Egypt has since been implementing more rigorous security measures at all its airports.

The Russian president said that his country wants to resume tourist flights to Egypt. Russian security experts have carried out a series of inspections at Egyptian airports over the past year, seeking to ensure the new measures meet Russian standards.

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Editors note: This is the second article in a two part series regarding Patrick Larkins experience serving in Japan.

The U.S. Navy ships stationed in Japan are very busy. During the 16 months I was stationed in Japan my ship, the Lassen, was at sea about two-thirds of that time participating in various naval exercises or pursing other missions of interest. One particular mission that received international attention was the pursuit of the North Korean merchant ship Kang Nam 1.

North Korea is known as a country that traffics in illicit materials and any movement of cargo by North Korea is viewed with a high level of suspicion. Lassen was ordered to monitor and track the progress of this merchant ship. Over the next several days we tracked Kang Nam 1 visually and by radar and monitored her progress over the sea.

She tried to evade detection by steaming close to the Chinese waters and transiting through the strait of Taiwan, but she was no match for USS Lassens many sophisticated sensors.

After several days of being shadowed, the Kang Nam 1 gave up and turned around and headed back to North Korea. During this moment I was put to one of the most challenging days of my career.

A sailor onboard became sick with a tooth infection. The ships corpsman (a sailor trained in basic medicine) discussed the situation by radio with a medical doctor ashore and it was determined that the infection could spread to the sailors brain.

The sailor was at some risk and the determination was made to medically evacuate the sailor to a hospital ashore. The closest safe port was Okinawa, Japan over a one-day transit away and we would have to break off the tracking of Kang Nam 1.

We were operating close to Taiwan at the time and we received direction from command headquarters to use the ships helicopter and fly the sick sailor to Taiwan.

I discussed the situation with the captain and mentioned that Taiwan is a country the U.S. does not officially recognize. His direction back to me was to drive the problem and figure it out. The U.S. does maintain some official presence in Taiwan via the American Institute in Taiwan.

It is not an embassy, but does have some support functions. The hour was very late in the evening and using the satellite telephone I called the operator on duty in the American Institute in Taiwan. I explained the situation that I was calling from a U.S. Navy ship operating off the coast of Taiwan, dealing with a medical emergency, and required the cell phone number of the defense attache officer. U.S. Embassies and the American Institute of Taiwan have military officers on staff to assist with military-to-military relationships with that particular country.

I reached the defense attache at his home and explained the situation. He quickly understood the gravity of the situation of the ship conducting a mission of national interest while simultaneously dealing with a medical emergency.

He assured us that he would be able to arrange air clearance for the helicopter and ambulatory services for the sailor by sunrise. Looking at the chart we ascertained there would be a four-hour window that the ships sensors could maintain track of Kang Nam 1 and also be in fuel range where the ships helicopter could make it to the airport in Taiwan and back.

Of course there is room for one more problem. The next morning the weather turned south and we were engulfed in a torrential rain storm.

U.S. Navy pilots are trained for all weather capability, but there are still some minimum weather requirements for takeoff and landing.

The clock is ticking, the helicopter is on deck with the rotors spinning and the sick sailor is buckled in for a flight to Taiwan, but the weather is not cooperating.

Fortunately, a destroyer is very maneuverable and after applying some high speed we were able to find a patch of sea with some fair weather that allowed for the helicopter to take off. The helicopter was able to deliver the sick sailor to the airport in Taiwan and return back to the ship safely. It was what we call a great Navy day. We executed the nations business and took care of our sailors.

Another memorable moment was when the Lassen made a port visit to Da Nang, Vietnam.

Since 1995, when the United States re-established diplomatic relationships with Vietnam, more and more U.S. Navy ships have been making port visits to that country.

The Lassens commanding officer, H.B. Le, was from Vietnam. His father took his family and fled Vietnam during the last days of the Vietnam War when he was 5-years-old.

They left Vietnam going to sea in a small boat and were eventually rescued by a U.S. Navy ship. Later they were resettled in the United States and he eventually received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. After many years of hard work he climbed through the ranks and was given command of Lassen.

This was his first time returning to Vietnam since he was 5-years-old, now in command of his own warship from his adopted country. This was a big story and ABC news did a television segment in November, 2009. This was truly an example of the American dream. A boys father saves his family from certain persecution, escapes to the sea and is rescued by the U.S. Navy. Some 34 years later that same boy returns as captain of an American warship in an effort to build peaceful relations with a country he fled so many years earlier.

Eventually this assignment came to a close and I was ordered to a destroyer squadron staff in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii which will be covered in the next article.

Patrick Larkin is a Lake Geneva native who graduated from Badger High School in 1996. In 2000, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and occasionally writes about his experiences.
Investigations into former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's frozen assets in Swiss banks are being conducted independently in both Switzerland and Egypt, the Swiss embassy in Cairo said in an official statement on Wednesday.

The embassy said that joint judicial cooperation on the case is ongoing between Egypt and Switzerland to determine whether the funds were illegally obtained, and that no final decision has been made regarding whether the funds will be returned to Egypt.

Based on initial estimates by the Swiss government, Mubaraks total assets in Swiss banks amount to CHF 650 million ($698 million).

In June 2015, Valentin Zellweger, the director of the taskforce on asset recovery at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), said that the Swiss government requires evidence from an Egyptian court proving that the funds deposited in Swiss banks were obtained through illicit means, whether by corruption, embezzlement or money laundering.

In January 2016, Mubarak and his sons lost a final appeal on a conviction for embezzling public funds.

Mubarak and his two sons were found guilty of embezzling EGP 125 million in public funds originally allocated for the upkeep of presidential buildings, and were sentenced to three years in prison.

Mubarak is the first Egyptian president to stand trial and be convicted of corruption.

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PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Must Collude with Russia Eight More Years for Rocket Engines

Sept. 5, 2017 (EIRNS)If the United States wants its military establishment to be able to continue to launch rockets into space, it will have to "collude" with Russia for eight more years, according to the views of "government and industry officials" reported in todays Wall Street Journal.

The Journals sources said the Defense Departments expected dependence on Russias RD-180 rocket engines for heavy lift rockets, is being stretched out to the mid-2020s, "several years longer than originally anticipated." The RD-180s, a batch of which were originally bought by the United States at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union, are used by United Launch (the Lockheed-Martin/Boeing joint venture) to launch Saturn V rockets carrying most military communications and navigation satellites.

The Journal reports the further delay is in part being caused by the Obama administration priority of "promoting competition among launch providers"bringing in Elon Musks Space Exploration Technologies, Inc. and Jeff Bezos Blue Origin LLC. This is resulting in less business for United Launch, slowing down its development of a new engine.

But there is evidently another cause for the long-time attempt to develop a replacement: superior Soviet/Russian rocket technology. The performance of the RD-180s were 10-15% more efficient than rocket engines produced in the United States, due to a unique technology which involved mixing oxygen into the fuel prior to preparation for launch. This produces more powerful thrust for the same amount of fuel, with a unique rocket engine design. American companies have not yet fully mastered it.

Britains Channel 4 TV documentary series "Equinox" aired an episode on the rocket engines in March 2001, titled "The Engines That Came In from the Cold."
PRESS RELEASE

The Nation Caves, Attacks VIPS Report

Sept. 5, 2017 (EIRNS)Buckling to tremendous pressure, The Nation on Sept. 1 posted its promised post-publication review of the Aug. 9 article by Patrick Lawrence on the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS) memo of July 24.

After a lengthy introduction by Nation editor Katrina vanden Heuvel, the article offers a dissent by six VIPS members who did not sign the July 24 memo: Scott Ritter, Thomas Drake, Lis Ling, Phil Giraldi, Clan Westmoreland, and Jesselyn Radack. Their objections were followed by a rebuttal by initial authors of the July 24 memo.

William Binney and Ray McGovern of the VIPS will speak in New Yorks Beacon Hotel at 1:00 p.m. Sept. 9 at a special meeting sponsored by Executive Intelligence Review: "The Russian Hack Inside Job: Whos Trying To Destroy The Presidency And Start A World War With Russia?"

The dissenters objections reported by The Nation focus mostly on data transfer speeds, as though that were the only basis of the VIPS memo. The reply to the VIPs dissent, titled "Why This is Important," written by William Binney, Skip Folden, Ed Loomis, Ray McGovern and Kirk Wiebe, says:

"For more than a year, we have been pointing out that any data acquired by a hack would have had to come across the Internet. The blanket coverage of the Internet by the NSA, its U.K. counterpart GCHQ, and others would be able to produce copies of that data, and show where the data originated and where it went. But U.S. intelligence has produced no evidence that hacking by Russia led to it acquiring the DNC emails and passing them on to WikiLeaks."

They note,

"Most curiously, the FBI did not have access to the DNC computers for its own forensics, even though prominent politicians were calling the alleged Russian hack an act of war."

This exchange among the VIPS is followed by a so-called "independent review" of the VIPS memo by Nathan Freitas, which attacks the VIPS conclusions. Freitas is director of the Tibet Action Network, a central part of the regime change apparatus in America. He attacks some of the claims in the VIPS memo, including the RSID evidence that Russian fingerprints were deliberately added to documents released by Guccifer 2.0. (RSIDs are identifiers that track documents across revisions.) Freitas errors on this issue were pointed out immediately on Twitter by Adam Carter, who has responded to the review in The Nation , specifically on the issue of RSID evidence.

Although The Nation printed the objection authored by six VIPS membersfar from a majority of the VIPS members, and the VIPS rebuttal of their objections, the VIPS were not allowed to respond to Freitas statements, which were given the "last word" in the article.

Nathan Freitas leads the Guardian Project, an open-source mobile security software project, and directs technology strategy and training at the Tibet Action Institute. He is a fellow at the Berkman Center for Internet & Society.

It should be emphasized: 1) there is absolutely no available proof that the DNC was hacked by Russia; 2) there is excellent evidence that Russian fingerprints were deliberately added to the documents released by Guccifer 2.0, an artificial entity created to smear any damaging documents later released by WikiLeaks, as originating from Russian hacking.
PRESS RELEASE

Syrian Army Breaks ISIS Siege of Deir Ezzor

Sept. 5, 2017 (EIRNS)The Syrian government announced today that Syrian army units broke through the last ISIS defense around the city of Deir Ezzor, breaking the siege of that city, finally, after three years. The breakthrough apparently followed "a sudden lunge through jihadist lines," yesterday, as Reuters reported it, up the road from Al Sukhnah which brought Syrian army units to within 3 km of ISIS defensive lines outside the city. "Islamic State is in confusion. There is no leadership or centralized control," a commander in the military alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters.

The Syrian army was aided by a Russian cruise missile strike from the Admiral Essen frigate in the Mediterranean that destroyed ISIS targets in the village of Ash Sholah, along the Syrian line of advance. "The launches of Kalibr cruise missiles ensured the advance of the Syrian government forces, as well as thwarted plans of Daesh [IS/ISIS] militants in the area of Deir Ezzor," said the Russian Defense Ministry. The lifting of the siege of Deir Ezzor "will lead to the complete defeat of the most combat-effective formations of the Daesh terrorist group in Syria," Gen. Sergei Rudskoy, the chief of the Russian General Staffs Main Operational Directorate said during a briefing on Aug. 25, reports Sputnik.

Celebrations are reported to have broken out among Deir Ezzors residents.

Al Masdar News reports that now that the army has reached Deir Ezzor city, it is shifting its attention to the airport immediately to the southeast of the city. It is probably reasonable to assume that once the army has consolidated and strengthened its position in Dier Ezzor, its next phase of operations will be down the Euphrates River towards the Iraqi border.
PRESS RELEASE

Chinas President Xi Jinping: Create a BRICS Plus Cooperation Approach

Sept. 5, 2017 (EIRNS)President Xi Jinping held a concluding press conference at the end of the BRICS Summit in Xiamen today. He said that the BRICS leaders had reached "broad consensus on the current international situation, global governance and BRICS cooperation." At the initiative of China, Xi said, they had invited five other countries, Thailand, Egypt, Tajikistan, Mexico and Guinea, to attend a Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries together with the BRICS leaders. Under the theme "Strengthening Mutually-Beneficial Cooperation for Common Development," Xi said,

"leaders discussed ways of enhancing international development cooperation and agreed to forge a broad-based development partnership and speed up the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development for the common development of all countries."

There had been some speculation that BRICS might be expanded at the Summit into a BRICS Plus with the addition of these other five countries from five different regions, but not all the members were in favor of such a project. India, in particular, which has had a heated border dispute with China over the last few weeks, had openly opposed such an expansion.

Nevertheless, it was clear that this practical cooperation with other developing countries would proceed apace. Xi said:

"It is a fine tradition for BRICS to conduct dialogue and cooperation with other emerging market and developing countries. Under the current circumstances, such dialogue and cooperation have become all the more important. The Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries hosted by China has sent a strong message for closer South-South cooperation and global development cooperation. Leaders attending the Dialogue agree that emerging market and developing countries, who enjoy good growth momentum, are well placed to play a bigger role when it comes to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and improving global economic governance. We need to deepen South-South cooperation, create a BRICS Plus cooperation approach, reach out extensively to other countries to forge development partnerships and establish an open and diverse network of development partners."

Xi also reported a commitment by the BRICS countries to deepen their political and security cooperation and enhance mutual strategic trust.

"At the summit, we BRICS leaders share the view that as BRICS cooperation enters its second decade, institution building has to move forward in keeping with the changing times if we are to secure strong support for deeper and more substantive cooperation across the board."

He described that this past year, the five countries had held a meeting of high representatives for security issues and the first stand-alone meeting of BRICS foreign ministers.

"We have developed cooperation roadmaps in areas such as trade facilitation, trade in services, currency swaps, local currency settlement and public and private partnership, set up the African Regional Center of the New Development Bank, and put together the BRICS Innovation Cooperation Action Plan,"

Xi said. He continued that the BRICS leaders have agreed to place more of a stress on innovation and in that way

"seize the historic opportunities offered by the new round of industrial revolution and improve economic structure at a faster pace so as to secure more resilient, sustainable and quality growth for all."

In his introductory chairmans statement at the Sept. 4 plenary, President Xi had announced that China was contributing $4 million into the project preparation fund of the BRICS New Development Bank for the banks operation and long-term development. In addition it was setting aside $75 million for economic and technological cooperation and exchanges among BRICS countries. China will also commit $500 million to the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation. In his chairmans statement, Xi quoted a Chinese proverb to express the importance of BRICS solidarity, saying "a partnership forged with the right approach defies geographical distance; it is thicker than glue and stronger than metal and stone." (Full texts: concluding press conference; plenary keynote.)
PRESS RELEASE

Xi and Modi Talk in Xiamen, Agree to Cooperation on Basis of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

Sept. 5, 2017 (EIRNS)Perhaps one of the most important results of the Xiamen BRICS Summit was to help pull together the China-India relationship after several months in which Indian and Chinese troops were facing off in disputed territory between China and Bhutan. Chinas President Xi Jinping and Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for an hour on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit and agreed that they must work to reestablish a greater sense of mutual trust. Both sides showed a concerted effort to move beyond the dispute at Dok La/Doklam/Dong Lang and seek a new modus vivendi through a "forward-looking" dialogue, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar.

"China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence which were put forward by both countries to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Sino-Indian ties along a right track,"

President Xi said, according to Xinhua. "A healthy, stable China-India relationships is necessary." The Five Principles were enshrined in the first China-India Treaty and become the basis for the Bandung Conference in 1955.

Prime Minister Modi also expressed his satisfaction with the summit, writing in a tweet,

"Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China. The various deliberations during the BRICS Summit were extremely productive. Looking forward to building on these in the times to come. I thank the Chinese government and people for their warm hospitality during the BRICS Summit."

He was particularly happy with the Summit declaration which condemned four terrorist groups based in Pakistan.
Hurricane Irma makes landfall on St. Maarten Hurricane Irma makes landfall at Maho Beach in St. Maarten. The eye of the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane on record churned along a path toward Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading for Florida over the
Academy Award-winning actor Casey Affleck will play the title role in a film adaptation of Stoner, the greatest American novel youve never heard of, by John Williams, published in 1965.

Deadline reports that Affleck will star as the protagonist, William Stoner, a farm boy who discovers hes in love with literature while attending the University of Missouri and later becomes a professor stuck in a troubled marriage.

The film will be produced by Jason Blum, Charles S. Cohen and Daniel Battsek, with actor Ethan Hawke serving as executive producer.

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Joe Wright will direct the movie. Wright is no stranger to film adaptations of novels; his previous films include Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and Anna Karenina.

In a statement, Blum said that fans of the cult favorite novel were like members of a secret club.

Im so excited that Casey, Joe and Andrew have come aboard to help expand this clubs membership, he said. This quintessentially American work is being brought to the screen by a terrific international team, and were confident their combined perspectives will add rich layers to this moving story.

Stoner was never a popular novel. Its gone in and out of print since its initial publication; the current available edition is published by New York Review Books Classics.

The novel has, however, drawn rapturous reviews from critics, especially in recent years. A 2013 article for the New Yorker called the book the greatest American novel youve never heard of; the same year, the Independent called it the book of a lifetime.

Stoner was the third novel by Williams, who would go on to win the National Book Award for his novel Augustus in 1972. Williams died in 1994.
Hurricanes. Wildfires. Heat waves.

Asthma. Bronchitis. Emphysema. Lung cancer. War.

Those specters and more were raised Wednesday at a public hearing in Washington by opponents of a Trump administration plan to consider cutbacks in pollution and fuel economy standards for automobiles and light trucks.

Dozens of people  including environmentalists, academics and a former general in the U.S. Marines  blasted that plan, citing global warming, jobs, and consumer savings among the reasons.

Nearly everyone who offered testimony at the Environmental Protection Agency hearing strongly supported the current standards, which call for a fleet average of about 40 miles per gallon in real-world driving by 2025, up from the mid-20s today.

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Among the few supporters of the move to pull the standards for a fresh review were two lobbying groups representing major automakers, both foreign and domestic. Individual auto companies did not speak.

We need to give manufacturers the flexibility to each pursue the most effective ways to achieve aggressive targets and still meet the needs of their respective customers, said Julia Rege, environment and energy director for GlobalAutomakers, which represents Toyota, Honda and Hyundai, among others.

The hearing Wednesday came in response to the Trump administrations decision to reopen for review fuel economy and emissions standards for 2022-25 that automakers agreed to under the Obama administration.

A review was required by April 2018 to assess progress and make adjustments if needed. But days before President Trump was inaugurated, the Obama administration fast-track published its review and set the 2022-25 standards as policy.

The Trump administration wants the review process reopened.

Although Rege did not detail what the automakers might want changed, she called for one national program to administer and coordinate regulations. Right now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration coordinate the regulations, with input from Californias Air Resources Board.

California sets its own standards, which are followed by 11 other states. Under the Obama administration, California and federal regulations were harmonized, and state officials have said California will hold firm with its tougher standards.

Chris Nevins, energy and environment director for the Auto Alliance, said the EPA needs to reconsider many issues that were not adequately addressed  such as changing market conditions as well as the methods by which the regulations were crafted.

The general assumption, of course, is that the auto industry wants the real-world 40 mpg standard to be rolled back so automakers can save money and direct it elsewhere  to other investments inside the company, to the direct benefit of shareholders, or both.

Thats the only reason the automakers would want a new review, said U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego), who spoke out against the plan.

The less (gasoline) we use, the less we have to buy, and the less we have to buy, the less we spew into the air, Peters said. Right now, were ahead of the curve. Lets stay there.

Retired Marine Gen. James Conway, chief executive at Securing Americas Future Energy, talked about emissions standards as a national security issue. He said the standards represent one of the greatest weapons against reliance on foreign oil.

The U.S. still relies on imports for its oil needs, leaving it vulnerable to foreign national oil companies and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC, several speakers noted, has fought U.S. domestic production in recent years by increasing oil supply and keeping prices low. Fuel savings in the U.S. represent a preemptive strike against this coalition, Conway said.

Conway also warned that a political impasse over emission standards is the last thing we need right now.

Union representatives came out to support the standards, they said, not only because they reduce emissions, but also because they create jobs.

Dan Boone, president of United Steelworkers Local 970 in Cleveland, said the regulations push innovations that in turn create jobs, such as lightweight steel to improve fuel economy.

Were now doing some manufacturing for Tesla and theyre about as green as you can get, Boone said. Its important to keep those standards strong and keep driving innovation.

Annette Hebert, a division chief at the California Air Resources Board, highlighted other automaker innovations that have improved fuel economy and reduced emissions in recent years, prodded by the federal standards. Small turbocharged engines and light hybrid technologies are two examples of many technological advancements that have improved fuel economy from the mid-teens in the 1980s to the mid-20s today.

The EPA has until April 2018 to approve the Obama administration plan or make changes.

russ.mitchell@latimes.com

Twitter: @russ1mitchell
Christopher Plascencia won a promotion last month to personal banker at Wells Fargo & Co.; now hes worried the career advancement might become a hollow gain.

The Compton resident has the job because of DACA, the program that protects from deportation nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who arrived as children and allows them to work and attend school. But the Trump administration plans to wind down the program over the next six months.

I obviously couldnt have done any of this without the work permit we were issued, said Plascencia, 22, who called President Trumps decision heartbreaking.

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Being able to have that income definitely helped me to provide for myself and to help out my family as well, Plascencia said.

DACA workers and the firms that employ them are faced with uncertainty after the White House said it would end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program initiated in 2012 by President Obama.

Under the program, participants (so-called Dreamers) who were brought to the United States as children could receive a renewable two-year deportation deferral and work permits if they met certain requirements.

The Trump administration argued that the program was unconstitutional, was never intended to be permanent and that Congress now has six months to change the immigration laws and find a DACA replacement, if it chooses.

No new DACA applications are being considered, and those with permits expiring between now and March 5 have until Oct. 5 to apply for renewal.

A wide swath of the business community, led by major technology firms, is opposed to Trumps move. Even before his decision, more than 300 business leaders  including the chief executives at Apple Inc., Facebook Inc. and Amazon.com  signed a letter urging Trump not to rescind the program.

Wells Fargo Chief Executive Timothy Sloan also signed the letter, which cheered Plascencia. It gave me a little sense of comfort knowing the company I work for has people like me in mind, Plascencia said.

Denying work authorization to people who grew up and were educated in the United States would have a significant negative impact on employers.  Mike Aitken, Society for Human Resource Management

Now that Trump has acted, his decision faces court challenges, which could delay or block DACAs termination. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia filed suit Wednesday in New York challenging Trumps plan, and California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Tuesday his office was prepared to sue as well.

California has the largest population of DACA recipients, nearly 223,000.

There also is the possibility that Congress could pass new immigration legislation in the next six months that would include some type of program to replace DACA.

As a result, employment lawyer Michelle Lee Flores of the law firm Cozen OConnor said her advice to both businesses and DACA employees would be to sit tight. Lets just take a pause and see what happens.

Lets see if this goes through, lets see if something else comes about to replace it, Flores said. I think well know a lot more in a month or two.

She also urged firms and DACA workers to ensure that the paperwork for any work permits still eligible to be renewed is completed by the Oct. 5 deadline.

If the program ends, denying work authorization to people who grew up and were educated in the United States would have a significant negative impact on employers, Mike Aitken, vice president of government affairs for the Society for Human Resource Management, a trade group for business human-resources managers, said in a statement Tuesday.

San Diego City Unified School Board President Richard Barrera agreed.

Ending the DACA program absolutely limits our ability to get the best and most committed people into the teaching professions, Barrera said.

Joe Eustice, general manager of the Wyndham San Diego Bayside hotel, said he expects the hospitality industry to feel the effects of the DACA pullback as it tries to fill entry-level jobs such as front-desk clerks and banquet servers.

We would certainly encourage our national legislators to take a close look at how we can continue to educate these kids, Eustice said.

Siona Vartanian, 30, came to the United States from Denmark with her family when she was 14. Born in Iran, Vartanian graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2011 with a psychology degree. But without the proper documents, she couldnt work.

One year later, Obama introduced the DACA program and Vartanian, a Glendale resident, was accepted. She has worked as a claims manager at a large health insurance company for the last 2 years.

Vartanian said she hasnt talked to her employer about her work situation since Trumps decision, but said she didnt know where she would be without the DACA program.

If they were to take this away from me, I think that would be the worst thing ever, Vartanian said.

It was impossible to find any job without DACA, she said. Even if I were to find a job that was under the table, it wouldnt pay me enough to live.

Lori Weisberg and Jennifer Van Grove of the San Diego Union-Tribune contributed to this report.

james.peltz@latimes.com

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

For more Business news on Twitter: @PeltzLATimes @smasunaga
United Airlines wont be punished by the federal government over a passengers forced removal from a flight in April that put a spotlight on the growing tensions between airlines and travelers.

The Department of Transportation has concluded its investigation into the dragging of passenger David Dao and found no reason to fine the airline, the department said in a letter to United dated May 12.

Dao, a passenger on a flight from Chicago to Louisville, Ky., was dragged from his seat and down the airplane aisle by airport security officers after refusing to give up the seat, which United wanted an airline crew member to use instead.

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The 69-year-old Kentucky physician suffered a broken nose, a concussion and lost two teeth. Video of the incident posted on the Internet went viral.

The Transportation Departments two-page letter was released Wednesday by a passenger advocacy group, Flyers Rights, which obtained it through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Paul Hudson, president of the group, criticized the federal agencys conclusions, calling the removal of Dao egregious in every sense of the word.

For the Department of Transportation to conclude that United Airlines conduct did not warrant an enforcement action is a dereliction of duty, he added.

United said this incident should never have happened and noted that it has adopted several policy changes to avoid similar problems in the future.

While we still have work to do, we have made meaningful strides that improve our customer experience demonstrated by an almost 90% reduction of involuntary denied boardings year-over-year since May 1, the airline said in a statement.

According to the Department of Transportation letter, its investigation of the April 9 incident found that United Airlines failed to calculate the proper compensation for one of the five passengers who were removed from the flight. Also, the Chicago-based airline neglected to give Dao and his wife a written copy of the federal rules regarding how airlines may proceed when flights are overbooked.

But the Transportation Department also said it found no proof that United used race, national origin, gender or religion criteria to discriminate against any of the passengers removed from the plane.

The department said that the airline later corrected its error in providing the wrong compensation for the one passenger, and that it failed to give written notice of federal overbooking rules to Dao and his wife only because the couple quickly left the airplane for the hospital due to Daos injuries.

We generally pursue enforcement action when a carrier exhibits a pattern or practice of noncompliance with the departments consumer protection regulations and federal anti-discrimination statutes that we enforce, the agency said. Therefore, we conclude that enforcement action is not warranted in this matter.

The agency said it did not investigate the conduct of the three Chicago airport police officers who dragged Dao from his seat when he refused to exit the plane after being told by the flight crew that he would have to take a later flight.

We did not review the actions of the security officers of the Chicago Department of Aviation because it is not DOTs role to investigate police conduct, the letter said.

Four airport police officers involved in removing Dao from the plane were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

hugo.martin@latimes.com

To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.

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UPDATES:

12:15 p.m.: This article was updated with a response from United Airlines.

The article was originally published at 11:25 a.m.
Egypt and the US are poised to resume Bright Star training exercises from 10 to 20 September

The Bright Star manoeuvres are an important indicator of the state of military relations between the two countries. Mohamed Qashqoush, general chief-of-staffs and professor of national security at the Higher Nasser Military Academy who served as the commander of joint operations, discusses the implications.

Ahram: What is the strategic importance of the Bright Star manoeuvres?

MQ: Egypt and the US agreed to conduct the Bright Star manoeuvres the year after the Camp David Accord was signed. The agreement had called for military exercises to take place every two years. It came as a boost for Egypt, since it was a framework for strategic cooperation with the US and in the basic protocol agreement Egypt was represented by the paratrooper regiment.

Egypt was the first non-NATO country to take part in such exercises and it was an important development for us. It enabled us to familiarise ourselves with Western military doctrines and armament systems, especially advanced American ones. US military aid and training made the exchange possible and through the exchange each side came to understand the others tactics and methodology.

A Joint Command Centre was established west of Cairo. I served as commander of the centre (G3) twice. On a third occasion I served as the commander of the executing force in my capacity as the commander of paratrooper operations.

We began to take part in the exercises in 1981 alongside a small contingent of land forces. In 1985 we began to expand the participating forces to include other airborne forces and then naval forces. Other countries were brought on board until eventually 12 states were involved.

In addition to the US and Egypt there were two Arab states, Kuwait and Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan and six European NATO members  Greece, Italy, France, Netherlands, the UK and Germany. The total number of troops participating reached 70,000, of which the US contributed about 32,000.

In my personal files I have documents in which the Americans praise the Egyptian performance. We benefited greatly by opening up to advanced military doctrines. These manoeuvres were the first manifestation of Egypts opening up to the West and the US.

Ahram: What were the initial impressions of these joint operations?

MQ: At first we were regarded as grade A students from the Soviet school. In my lecture during the training exercises I focused on this impression. I said that we had military features from the East but that they had been Egyptianised. The best illustration of this is the 1973 October War. In the military theatre the Soviets put tanks before foot soldiers. We did the opposite. We put the infantry before the tanks and the Suez Canal crossing was performed beneath heavy artillery fire. There had been nothing like it before.

Ahram: How has the training experience been transferred to regional fields of operation?

Everyone has benefited from these exercises, from the opportunity to work in a diversified desert terrain with open coastlines and high seas. Western participants also had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with Soviet military doctrine. The result of the transfer of experiences was clearly seen in the war to liberate Kuwait when Egypt was assigned the hardest tasks in the liberation mission. We were responsible for the main surround and encirclement operation which involved crossing mined barriers around Kuwait city. Egypt was the third largest member of the coalition after the US and the UK.



Ahram: So the manoeuvres signal the strength of the bilateral relationship?

HQ: Yes. The central idea is that after the Camp David peace agreement Egypt became a strategic ally of the US. Such a strategic relationship has political and economic dimensions but the most important dimension is the military one. It was necessary to build this in stages, for which reason a joint command was set up west of Cairo and a counterpart command in Florida.

Ahram: But the manoeuvres have also been suspended. What does this imply?

HQ: They were suspended once owing to the war to liberate Kuwait in 1991 and for a second time following the January 2011 Revolution. They were supposed to resume in 2013 but the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood in the 30 June Revolution wrong-footed the Obama administration which had wanted to set up Islamist regimes to serve US foreign policy ends. The current administration, regardless of conflicting positions in Washington which betray a lack of coordination between US government agencies, attaches considerable importance to the manoeuvres.

I believe the Americans have learned from the period following the 2013 Revolution. The Russians benefited from their absence. Russia strengthened its bonds and collaborated with us openly and at the highest levels, including collaborating on the Protection of Friendship manoeuvres which were conducted again this year.

Ahram: Protection of Friendship with the Russians and Bright Star with the Americans  does this mean that Russias own military doctrine is shifting towards a more Western model?

HQ: Old differences have largely disappeared. But we must also remember Putin is keen to retain a foothold in Tartus and that cooperation with Egypt is important in this context so there are joint naval manoeuvres.

Does military cooperation as part of Egyptian-US strategic relations require the two sides share the same views of the many ongoing regional conflicts?

The interweaving of regional issues results in a complex situation. Egypt and the US cooperate strategically in the region as a whole, especially when it comes to terrorism.

This has become particularly clear since the Riyadh conference. But this does not preclude differences of opinion. For example, Cairos view on how to resolve the Syrian crisis differs from Washingtons. There does not have to be complete conformity.

Likewise, with Libya, there are points of difference. But we are doing the same job in the fight against terrorism. Both of us undertake pre-emptive operations. They supported the Bunyan Marsous operation against the Islamic State (IS) in Sirte.

They offered preparatory aerial support from southern Italy, something that went unpublicised because of the sensitivity surrounding NATOs position vis-a-vis Libya.

We are fighting terrorism in our backyard and self-defence is an internationally recognised right. Egypts borders are a red line. The Americans should respect this.

Ahram: What will be new in the next Bright Star exercises?

HQ: The next phase of Bright Star will probably focus on counter-terrorism training for the first time. More special forces  commandoes and paratroopers  will be deployed than conventional troops.

The theatres of operations that will be brought into play will reflect the diversity of the theatres of terrorist operations.

One area where we will benefit from US expertise is advanced technology such as remote sensing and detecting different kinds of explosive substances.

We can also acquire expertise from specialists in guerrilla warfare and, given the experience we have accumulated, there can be an exchange of expertise.

Ahram: Will Egypts new military bases and arms acquisitions be used to structure the manoeuvres?

HQ: The recently inaugurated Mohamed Naguib base, the upgrading of other bases and the latest arms acquisitions reflect the fact it is no longer efficient to spread forces thinly here and there. Its better to collect them in one place from which smaller contingents  border guards, reconnaissance units, interceptive combat units supported by the air force and satellite intelligence  can be deployed.

With the newly acquired submarines and the Amstral helicopter carrier naval training becomes more sophisticated. For example, unconventional strategic depth landing operations can be combined with airborne and paratrooper operations. This means that the size and level of the forces can change and evolve during manoeuvres.

Ahram: Is the resumption of the Bright Star manoeuvres a sign of US re-engagement in the region?

HQ: Yes. But what we should not forget is that US public opinion pressured for a US withdrawal from the region. The American public believes it is one thing for a US soldier to die in the defence of US territory and another for him to die defending allies.

This gave rise to proxy wars and other modes of conflict. What the current administration realised is that withdrawing from the region posed a strategic threat to US interests. It gave the Russians the chance to fill the vacuum. For the first time Washingtons Gulf allies were turning to Moscow for arms.

Ahram: What is the significance of Sudans participation as an observer in the Bright Star operations?

HQ: Inviting Sudan to take part as an observer is better than leaving it to bicker on behalf of Qatar. It will help clear the air between Washington and Khartoum. The invitation is an attempt to alleviate the pressures on Sudan and lift the sanctions on Khartoum. In the future we might participate in operations in the Red Sea or in tightening the security of the border with Libya.

*This interview was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly

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United Technologies Corp.s deal to buy aviation communications and electronics supplier Rockwell Collins Inc. for $23 billion in cash and stock would create an aerospace behemoth able to exert pricing pressure on the industrys supply chain.

The acquisition, announced Monday, would combine two companies that had total 2016 revenue of $62 billion and have a hand in nearly every facet of building a modern aircraft. It would unite UTCs business in aerostructures, landing systems, propellers and engines with Rockwell Collins capabilities in flight control, cockpit displays, seating and aircraft interior systems.

The new business unit would be called Collins Aerospace Systems and be headed by Rockwell Collins current chief executive, Kelly Ortberg. Rockwell Collins is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and UTC is based in Farmington, Conn.

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UTC employs more than 5,600 people in California. Rockwell Collins has about 1,000 employees in the state, almost all of whom are based in Southern California.

A Rockwell Collins spokesman said the acquisition  which, including debt, is valued at $30 billion  would have little to no impact on the companys Southern California operations. A UTC spokesman said his company does not expect the deal to affect overall U.S. jobs. The company has said the deal complements UTCs current business.

But the combined operations size and reach would inevitably create a more formidable player that would have an effect on suppliers and customers alike, said one industry analyst.

I think that the impact of this combination will ripple through the entire aerospace supply chain in Southern California, said Loren Thompson, aerospace analyst at the Lexington Institute think tank, which receives funding from UTC and Rockwell Collins.

Analysts said the deal is unlikely to be challenged by antitrust officials since there is little overlap between the companies products.

But Stephen Perry, managing director of Irvine-based aerospace and defense investment banking firm Janes Capital Partners, described the new unit as an absolute colossus.

It just gives them tremendous negotiating leverage with prime contractors and aircraft manufacturers, he said. When you supply such a vast amount of content of the aircraft, the negotiating pendulum swings in your favor.

For example, UTC supplies a number of power systems and components on the Boeing 787 jetliner, including the housing that contains jet engines. Rockwell Collins also supplies a number of onboard technologies for the plane, including flight deck displays.

UTCs Pratt & Whitney division, one of the three largest aircraft engine manufacturers, doesnt power any of Boeings latest commercial airliners but is a supplier to Airbus and the massive, next-generation F-35 fighter program.

A Pratt & Whitney employee with the companys latest Geared Turbofan engine, seen on display in Washington, D.C. earlier this year. (PAUL J. RICHARDS / AFP/Getty Images)

The deal comes at a time of increased competition  and lucrative opportunity  in the global commercial aerospace market.

The new units size could help it defend against Boeings ventures into sectors traditionally serviced by suppliers.

The Chicago aerospace giant has said it would venture into the aftermarket -- the maintenance, repair and overhaul segment of the aviation business that is the bread and butter of the supplier community. This summer, Boeing also said it would create an internal avionics unit to develop electronics.

In a sharply worded statement, Boeing said it intended to take a hard look at the proposed acquisition.

Our interests and those of our customers, employees, other suppliers and shareholders are in ensuring the long-term health and competitiveness of the aerospace industry supply chain, the company said. Should we determine that this deal is inconsistent with those interests, we would intend to exercise our contractual rights and pursue the appropriate regulatory options to protect our interests.

Boeings statement noted that both companies were significant suppliers to Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers.

At a time of record industry production, their first priority should be delivering on existing cost, schedule and quality commitments for their customers and ours, Boeing said.

The combined unit could use its size and heft to exert pricing pressure on Southern California suppliers, said Jim Adams, an industry advisor to the Southern California Aerospace Council and a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers who leads the aerospace and defense strategy practice.

While the number of aerospace jobs in Southern California has declined from its last peak in the late 1980s, the industry still has a significant presence in the region, particularly in research, design and engineering, said Robert Kleinhenz, economist at Beacon Economics and the UC Riverside School of Business. The regions supply base is diverse, with work in sectors such as satellites, launch vehicles and drones, as well as commercial aerospace, Adams said.

The two companies have said the deal would generate cost savings of at least $500 million by the fourth year, a figure that would come, in part, from procurement synergies.

UTC Chief Executive Gregory Hayes noted in a Tuesday morning call with analysts that the commercial aerospace sector has long-term growth potential, and that both airlines and aircraft manufacturers are looking for innovative solutions and services as well as cost reduction.

The combination of Collins with our Aerospace Systems business gives us the scale to both innovate and reduce cost to meet the needs of those customers, Hayes said. It gives us scale to do things that we couldnt do on our own.

The deal, which is subject to approval by Rockwell Collins shareholders and regulatory approvals, is expected to close by the third quarter of 2018.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

Twitter: @smasunaga

UPDATES:

Sept. 6, 8 a.m.: This article was updated to include a comment from a UTC spokesman on the deals effect on U.S. jobs.

Sept. 5, 6:10 p.m.: This article has been updated throughout with staff reports.

Sept. 5, 7 a.m.: This article was updated with the number of Californians employed by each company.

This article was originally published Sept. 5 at 4:45 a.m.
Gray Malin, known for his aerial portraits of beaches and landscapes, is moving on from his camera-friendly home in West Hollywood. The photographer has listed his 1940s Spanish bungalow for $2.195 million.

Reached by a stone pathway, the three-bedroom home features splashes of color throughout: salmon in the foyer, navy in the kitchen and forest green detailing in the living area and master suite.

A cove ceiling overlooks a central hearth in the living room, where bay windows look out onto the shrubs surrounding the 1,885-square-foot home.

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The kitchen and dining room feature open floor plans under a vaulted beam ceiling, accented by a tiled backsplash and stone counters.

Multiple sets of glass doors lead out onto the patio, where a canopy and fire pit accompany a blue-stone pool. Citrus trees and shrubs shroud the terrace deck.

The master bedroom boasts natural sisal flooring and French doors, and the adjacent guest house provides another bedroom, a kitchen and a powder room.

The home last sold in 2013 for $1.2 million, according to public records.

Joshua Gaunya of Deasy Penner & Partners holds the listing.

Malin is best known for his birds eye view photographs, and his first monograph, Beaches, became a New York Times best seller. His first public art installation, Far Far Away, debuted on Sunset Boulevard.

jack.flemming@latimes.com

Twitter: @jflem94

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Soon after the Trump administration announced Tuesday morning that it was putting an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the team at Self-Help Graphics jumped into action.

DACA, as the federal program is more commonly known, provided some legal protections to young adults who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. As news of Trumps decision rippled through communities around Los Angeles, Self-Help, a long-running nonprofit arts program in Boyle Heights, where many Mexican immigrants live, got to work distributing information.

Volunteers set up an impromptu printing stand in Self-Helps parking lot and began silkscreening posters  in English and Spanish  that provide pointers on what to do if apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. They then prepared to distribute the posters to commuters stuck in traffic on East 1st Street and anyone getting on or off the Metro at the Pico/Aliso station, which is across the street from Self-Help.

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For us, the most important thing is maintaining a clear flow of accurate information, said Self-Helps program director, Joel Garcia. The more panic that spreads, the harder it is for the community to organize in response.

And we want to do it in a way that uses art to communicate something in a clear way.

The posters, created in collaboration with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, offer advice on dealing with ICE agents, such as: Stay calm. Do not run. If possible, take photos, video and/or notes of the encounter.

The most important thing is maintaining a clear flow of accurate information. The more panic that spreads, the harder it is for the community to organize.  Joel Garcia, Self-Help Graphics

At Self-Help Graphics, artists silkscreen posters that provide tips on dealing with ICE agents. (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

Garcia says the poster is part of a series of Know Your Rights prints that Self-Help is working on. It did a similar poster in reaction to the enactment of a 2010 Arizona law that required law enforcement to identify immigrants in the country illegally or who overstayed their visas  and volunteers traveled to Arizona to distribute them. Self-Help is also at work on another series that will be geared at Los Angeles street vendors.

Its made the current graphic available as a downloadable PDF from its website so anyone can produce or distribute the poster.

On Tuesday afternoon, a group of volunteer artists could be found printing the posters in bright shades of blue and pink onto thick stock paper and tying them up neatly with ribbons for distribution to passing motorists.

Weve been talking about doing this for a while, says artist Melissa Govea. But we wanted to do this today as a response to the news.

Sign up for our weekly Essential Arts & Culture newsletter 

carolina.miranda@latimes.com

@cmonstah

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Hugh Hefner spoke with the L.A. Times often  and always had something memorable to say

(Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Understanding Playboy-in-Chief Hugh Hefners revered  and reviled  lifestyle was often just a question or two away.

The iconoclastic publishing mogul, who died Wednesday at 91, was an open book when it came to his views on swinging ways and sexuality, particularly how his puritanical upbringing shaped his career and gave rise to the revolutionary Playboy empire.

Over the years, the perennially pajama-clad Hef was interviewed often by the Los Angeles Times. Heres a sampling of some of his memorable quotes.

On sexualitys problematic origins in America:

Our society is fragmented, he asserted in 1994. Messages regarding human sexuality have always been mixed in America. We are a schizophrenic nation. We were founded initially by Puritans, who escaped repression only to establish their own. Then the founding fathers gave us the Constitution to separate church and state. But the one thing that got left out of all those laws was human sexuality.

On the life he made for himself:

Much of my life has been like an adolescent dream of an adult life, he told The Times in 1992. If you were still a boy, in almost a Peter Pan kind of way, and could have just the perfect life that you wanted to have, thats the life I invented for myself.

OBITUARY: Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, who shook up American morality with an ideal of swinging singlehood, dies at 91

On why he was so happy:

You will find in my bedroom images from long ago, little photographs and things from when I was a kid. Im a very happy guy, and part of that has to do with my connection to my childhood, he said in 2009.

On how he became Hef:

Through a lifetime, you reinvent who you are, he explained in 2009. I actually reinvented myself the first time when I was 16, when a girl rejected me. I started referring to myself as Hef, started changing my wardrobe  the same thing I did in 1959-1960 with the magazine, when I came out from behind the desk and started living the life and got the first Playboy mansion, started to drive a Mercedes 300SL.

On how the 1942 film Casablanca led to the Playboy Club:

I think I opened the first Playboy Club because of Casablanca. I wanted to have a place where people came to hang out as they did at Ricks, he said in 2010. It has everything  not only Bogies charismatic character, but lost love, redemption, patriotism, humor  it had a great musical score.

On traditional attitudes toward marriage and sex:

If you dont commit, he told The Times in 1994, you dont get hurt. I was always unwilling to commit to marriage because I was afraid to lose the romance.

On the Playboy brands global status:

It has been said that the two most famous trademarks in the world are Coca-Cola and the Playboy bunny rabbit, he said in 1994. There is certainly no one else in our area that represents the American dream in this particular kind of way. That rabbit means economic freedom, personal freedom and political freedom. That potential is unlimited.

On the Playboy Jazz Festival:

Ive never found anything that Ive cared more about than the music from my youth. I loved the Beatles, sure, but I never became  except for dancing purposes  a hard rocker. To me, there is something incredibly celebratory, and so wonderful about really good big-band swing and Dixieland, he said in 2002.

When I started, I just wanted to put out a mens magazine. But by the end of the 50s, it was so successful that I seized it as a vehicle for changing the direction of my life, he added. And that crucial change in my life was also associated with jazz, because it all began within a space of about six months after the first Playboy Jazz Festival in August of 1959.

Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy empire, relaxes during a visit to England in 1966. (John Downing / Getty Images)

On his personal legacy:

One of the reasons that I have such tremendous satisfaction at this point in my life is because I know Ive made a difference, he said in 1994. Ive made a difference in a way that really matters to me.

On publishings shift to digital:

I dont sit around thinking about, Gee, what happened to the new generation and they dont read enough and why is the internet replacing books? he said in 2009.

On his fame and sex appeal:

I think that just as [Henry] Kissinger said, power is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Celebrity is the ultimate aphrodisiac in todays world. And Im lucky enough to have fallen into a unique kind of celebrity, he said in 2009. So against all logic, nothing else matters  age doesnt matter. When [my last long-term] relationship ended, last year, they were climbing over the gate. ... young women. Endless numbers of young women.

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Late-nightTV

Sept. 6, 2017, 9:02 a.m. Late-night shakes its head over Trumps DACA decision

On Tuesday, President Trump ordered an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, the Obama administration policy that grants young immigrants a way to stay in the country legally, the right to work and apply for drivers licenses. As the days biggest news, it was headed straight to late-night television for commentary.

This morning, our president woke up and asked his staff, Now that this hurricane is over, whats something horrible I can do to distract people from the Russia investigation?  said Jimmy Kimmel on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

And someone said, There are 800,000 innocent kids you could deport for no good reason, and he said, Done, and done,  Kimmel said.

This is what he wants to do away with, mostly because President Obama is the one who ordered it. It seems like his main agenda is just to undo everything Obama did. I hope he doesnt bring bin Laden back to life, Kimmel joked.

Over on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon worked the same theme: If Obama really wants to save DACA, he should say he hates it, then Trump will say, In that case, I love it. I want to double, double the DACA. (Fallon really seemed to like saying double DACA in his Trump voice.)

But anyway, Kimmel continued, its a surprise because a few months ago, Trump said those covered by DACA could rest easy. And thats when you know youre in trouble. Its like when Dracula tells you to relax and take off your scarf.

Ultimately Donald Trump believes that if these kids want to be American, Kimmel said, they have to do it the right way  by marrying Donald Trump. And its as simple as that.

On Late Night, Seth Meyers got to DACA by way of Hurricane Harvey, having first examined Trumps tonally bizarre addresses to its victim: What a crowd; what a turnout, Have a good time, everybody.

It reminds me of newscaster Herbert Morrison and his commentary during the Hindenburg disaster, Meyers said. Just look at those beautiful flames arching skyward from that airship. Oh, the humanity  the humanity is having the time of their lives.

Meyers pivoted to DACA through paramedic Jesus Contreras, a Dreamer who spent six straight days rescuing people in Houston and whom Trumps order makes vulnerable to deportation.

Now polls have shown consistently that a large majority of Americans support letting DACA recipients, known as Dreamers, stay in the country. Which may explain why Trump hid behind his attorney general today, letting Jeff Sessions make the announcement, Meyers said.

All Trump could muster was a statement supporting the decision and a tweet urging Congress to come up with a solution.  Congress get ready to do your job. DACA! Trump ends every tweet like hes jumping out from behind a door to scare you.

So a president who backed himself into a corner by catering to the racial resentments of his base is now needlessly throwing the lives of hundreds of thousands of hardworking Americans into chaos, Meyers observed.

There was no punchline attached.
Major philanthropic gifts by Chinese Americans have surged nearly fivefold to almost $500 million in recent years, with most of the money going to higher education, a new study has found.

Philanthropy by donors in China also soared as the nations roaring economy produced more billionaires than in the United States and helped fuel a 430% increase in a decade in the number of registered charitable foundations in China  5,545 in 2016, the study reported. In 2014, Chinese philanthropic giving reached $16.7 billion.

Chinese and Chinese American Philanthropy is the first academic effort to examine the size, motivation and impact of giving by Chinese and Chinese Americans in the United States and China. The research, by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, the Long U.S.-China Institute at UC Irvine and the nonprofit Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles, was released Wednesday.

Major contributions by Chinese and Chinese American philanthropists are having a dramatic and positive effect  widening access to higher education, advancing innovations in health research and science and supporting the arts and culture, Stewart Kwoh, president of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-L.A., said in a statement.

John Long, a global real estate investor whose family foundation established the Long U.S.-China Institute in 2010, said he was troubled by what he called public perceptions that Chinese and Chinese Americans were not sufficiently giving back to the United States. He said he encounters criticism, for instance, that Chinese Americans dont participate enough in United Way fundraising campaigns and that the University of California accepts too many Asian students.

A 2001 survey commissioned by the Committee of 100, a national organization of Chinese American leaders, found that 1 in 5 Americans polled said Chinese Americans dont care what happens to anyone but their own kind.

I wanted to see if its true that as a group, Chinese are people who dont give back, Long said in an interview. This study dispels the idea. We are as philanthropic if not more philanthropic than other groups.

The study examined donors of Chinese descent in the United States, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau who gave an average of at least $1 million in three individual years between 2008 and 2014. Researchers profiled 35 Chinese and 29 Chinese Americans to look at their motivations for giving and the effect they had.

John and Marilyn Long have donated more than $6 million to UC Irvine for a U.S.-China Institute and $2 million to establish a real estate research center at UCLA. (UC Irvine )

Long, a UCLA graduate who immigrated to the United States from southern China at age 6, and his wife, Marilyn, who was born in Salinas, Calif., said they were inspired to share their wealth by their Christian faith and the example of other philanthropists such as Eli Broad . The Longs donated $2 million to UCLA to start a real estate research center in 2000 and more than $6 million to UC Irvine to launch the Long U.S.-China Institute in 2010.

The UC definitely shaped my life and gave me opportunities that I wouldnt have had otherwise, John Long said.

Shirley and Walter Wang, who both lived in Taiwan when they were young, made their mint manufacturing plastic pipes and fiberglass doors. They said their giving was inspired by their Christian faith and the example of their family elders.

Shirley Wang, a UCLA graduate, is the first Asian American to head the UCLA Foundation and donated $1 million to the campus for middle-class scholarships last year. The Wangs estimated they gave between $20 million and $30 million over the last 15 years, mostly to enhance education, public health and the environment in the United States, Africa and Asia.

The couple donated 400 miles of plastic pipes, for instance, to bring water to 350,000 people in eight African countries. In addition to funding scholarships, they have given money to UCLA for educational films about Chinese Americans, travel abroad and computer science programs.

In the last 20 years, more Asians have become more well-to-do and they finally have the ability to give, Walter Wang said.

Ming Hsieh, who donated $35 million to his alma mater, USC, for its electrical engineering program and $50 million to fund research in nanomedicine for cancer treatments, stands in the universitys Ming Hsieh Department of Electrical Engineering. (Claire Hannah Collins / Los Angeles Times) (Claire Hannah Collins / Los Angeles Times)

Ming Hsieh, who pioneered technology in fingerprint identification, survived China's tumultuous Cultural Revolution and landed at USC in 1980, earning a bachelors and a masters degree in electrical engineering. He said he didnt know about philanthropy when he got to campus  but learned that USC buildings were named after people who had donated to the campus.

Hsieh gave $35 million in 2006 to the USC electrical engineering department and $50 million in 2010 to establish and endow an institute in nanomedicine to develop new cancer therapies. His total giving since 2006 tops $100 million, with gifts to other universities, schools, museums and hospitals. But his first priority has been USC, where he serves as a trustee.

I wanted to give back to the place where I got my knowledge and help the next generation live longer, healthier lives in a better environment.  Ming Hsieh, USC donor

I wanted to give back to the place where I got my knowledge and help the next generation live longer, healthier lives in a better environment," he said in an interview. Education changes the world.

Among the studys highlights:

The number of Chinese American foundations in the United States grew 418%, to nearly 1,300, from 2000 to 2014. More than 80% of the foundations have been established since 2000.

About 66% of the gifts between 2008 and 2014 went to higher education. In the United States, private universities such as Harvard, USC and Stanford received most of the major donations. But in 2017, Chinese Americans gave more than $50 million in major gifts to UC Berkeley, UC San Francisco, UCLA and UC Irvine, Kwoh said.

Gifts from Chinese Americans accounted for 1.2% of all major U.S. philanthropic gifts between 2008 and 2014. That percentage was roughly proportional to their population of about 4 million.

Kwoh said he hoped the study and a new website on Chinese philanthropy would encourage more giving.

Its important not only to recognize this philanthropy but also to tap this energy and interest to benefit this country and its many communities, Kwoh said.

teresa.watanabe@latimes.com

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California educational leaders vow to protect immigrant students from deportation
Within minutes of the Trump Administrations announcement that it would end protections for nearly 800,000 young immigrants in the country without legal status, California campus leaders began a furious pushback.

From large campuses to small, education leaders on Tuesday vowed to join together to protect their vulnerable students.

California is home to the nations largest concentration of students  about 214,000 as of last year  who received temporary protection from deportation under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

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University of California President Janet Napolitano quickly announced in a statement that the 10-campus UC system, which educates an estimated 4,000 students who are in the country without legal status, would keep fighting to defend its vulnerable students.

This backward-thinking, far-reaching move threatens to separate families and derail the futures of some of this countrys brightest young minds, thousands of whom currently attend or have graduated from the University of California, said Napolitano, who was an architect of the DACA program as Homeland Security secretary in the Obama administration.

California State University Chancellor Timothy White, in a message to the campus community, said he was deeply disappointed by the decision but assured immigrant students that changes in federal policy would not affect their ability to enroll at Cal State schools, pay in-state tuition or receive state financial aid. Of the systems 480,000 students on 23 campuses, about 10,000 received in-state tuition benefits in 2015 under AB 540, the states closest proxy for estimating the number of students without legal status.

Eloy Ortiz Oakley, chancellor of the California Community Colleges system, vowed in a statement to work with others to press Congress to extend the protections. Ending DACA is a heartless and senseless decision that goes against American ideals and basic human decency, said Oakley, whose 114 community colleges educated 2.1 million students. About 61,000 received in-state tuition under AB 540 in 2015.

The three leaders  joined by state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and Kristen Soares, president of the Assn. of Independent California Colleges and Universities  sent a letter to Californias congressional delegation urging Congress to provide long-term security and a path to citizenship for the DACA students.

Meanwhile, some immigrant students announced that they were undocumented and unafraid. One of them, who asked that only her first name Yael be used to avoid retaliation, was brought to the United States illegally from Mexico when she was 4. She excelled at her La Puente high school, with a 4.5 GPA. At UCLA, she has maintained a 3.5 GPA even as she worked two jobs and took leadership roles in campus organizations.

This is the time to hit the streets and organize. DACA does not define us, said Yael, 22, who is on track to graduate this month in psychology and labor and workplace studies. We are human beings who deserve dignity, peace and justice above all.

teresa.watanabe@latimes.com

Twitter: @teresawatanabe

UPDATES:

Oct. 2, 5:50 p.m.: Yaels last name was removed from a previous version of this story after reports received of threats against the student.

This article was originally published on Sept. 5, 6:20 p.m.
Gary Helming was a seasoned firefighter who was well-known for bringing order out of chaos, colleagues say. So when the Los Padres National Forest battalion chief perished in a car crash last week, his death shocked wildfire authorities throughout California.

On Wednesday, local and federal fire authorities gathered in Santa Maria to attend a memorial service for the 47-year-old.

Our hearts go out to Garys family, the Forest Service and the wildland fire community. He exemplified the highest standards of honor and professionalism, Los Padres Deputy Forest Supervisor Ken Heffner said. Gary was a tremendous leader, partner and thoughtful person who engaged with everyone. He will be greatly missed.

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Helming died Aug. 31 after a head-on collision. He was driving home from a fire near Yosemite, authorities say.

He had been fighting the Railroad fire near the Sierra National Forest last week before making his way back home to Pismo Beach.

A pickup truck in the oncoming lane suddenly got a flat tire and swerved into Helmings truck. The driver of the other truck, 25-year-old-Antonio Avalos, of Santa Maria, was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Gary Helming Memorial set for Wednesday, Sept. 6 in Santa Maria, Calif. (live stream info included) https://t.co/ITmsUjiCfG pic.twitter.com/98OS6k6nJV  Los Padres NF (@LosPadresNF) September 5, 2017

A memorial service was scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Pacific Christian Center in Santa Maria, where Helming was stationed.

He was in charge of firefighting operations in a stretch of the Los Padres National Forest that included San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Andrew Madsen, a spokesman for the national forest, said Helming brought a calming influence to the job of managing a firefight, especially in the fraught early hours when manpower and resources are initially being deployed to save houses and lives.

Garys specialty was bringing order out of the chaos, he said.

Helming played a crucial role in last years mammoth Soberanes fire, one of the most expensive fires the U.S. Forest Service has fought.

The fire tore through 132,127 acres in Monterey County and destroyed more than 50 homes.

Kathleen Lee was the chief of staff for the Monterey County supervisor whose district was on fire last year. She worked alongside Helming as the fire raged for months and said that concerned residents seemed to draw strength from his quiet confidence.

Gary had a confidence that was reassuring to those around him, especially when so many residents were feeling that they had little control, she said in an email. Not all Incident commanders would take the time to explain to residents the strategy behind a fire operation, the fire behavior and the many moving parts and logistics that factored into the decision being made  Gary did and that set him apart.

Helming was adept at fighting large-scale fires that change constantly. He would take the time to talk with other firefighters or reporters trying to wrap their heads around a wildland fire, Madsen said.

Firefighters know the crap from the Shinola, and he was the real deal, he said. People looked up to him.

Helming began working for the Forest Service 22 years ago as a seasonal firefighter. He worked for the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service before returning to the Forest Service in 2013.

Gary was loved and very well-respected in the fire community for his professionalism and knowledge, having worked in close coordination on many complex incidents with our partners, said Randy Moore, the regional forester for the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Southwest Region.

Our hearts are broken. We can never replace you pic.twitter.com/uMAnu8YJC2  Los Padres NF (@LosPadresNF) September 1, 2017

UPDATES:

11:35 a.m. This article was updated with additional comments from Kathleen Lee.

This article was originally published at 10:10 a.m.
A California man suspected of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and leading police on a manhunt across three states was caught in Las Vegas, the Santa Barbara County Sheriffs Office said.

Joseph Hetzel, 52, of Lompoc, was arrested just before 6 p.m. Tuesday and is being held without bail as an out-of-state fugitive, Henderson jail records show.

Sheriffs investigators had been searching for Hetzel and his ex-girlfriend, Virginia Paris, since he was suspected of kidnapping her Friday night in Solvang. The woman had recently been granted a restraining order against Hetzel but it had not yet been served when she was kidnapped, authorities said.

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Paris, 55, of Lompoc, was found Monday night at the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino in Henderson, sheriffs officials said. Paris approached a security guard at the business and told the official she had been kidnapped.

Authorities said that Hetzel kidnapped Paris about 7:30 p.m. Friday and that their phones had either run out of battery power or been turned off. The two were spotted at a Starbucks in Goodyear, Ariz., on Sunday morning.

There, according to investigators, Paris ordered a drink and gave her name. She went to the bathroom and after she came out, told a female customer that she needed help, authorities said.

Hetzel saw the interaction, grabbed Paris and dragged her out of the store and into the car, officials said.

Paris managed to throw her vehicles registration out the car window as Hetzel sped onto eastbound Interstate 10 toward Phoenix.

The two were seen the following morning checking out of the Grand Canyon Inn in Valle, Ariz., officials said.

Officials said they thought Hetzel was driving to Las Vegas when the case took a turn.

Authorities said Paris called her family just before 9 p.m. Monday and said she was coming home. In a second call to her family, she asked for help and said she was in Henderson.

Paris family called Santa Barbara County dispatchers and Las Vegas police to launch a search effort.

About two hours later, officials said Hetzel drove up to the casino, dropped off Paris and sped away.

After her rescue, Paris told investigators Hetzel had said he was going to Utah.

A tip to local law enforcement to be on the lookout for Paris stolen black 2015 Chrysler 200 led to its discovery about 2:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 300 block of Emmarene Street in Mesquite, Nev., a desert town of about 20,000 on the border of Nevada and Arizona about 20 miles south of Utah.

Hetzel was found later that day in Las Vegas and taken into custody.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
During his first visit to Hanoi, the president said Egypt shares a special relationship with Vietnam, as both countries have experienced similar circumstances in their respective regions

Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi praised on Wednesday Vietnams economic and industrial achievements during the first-ever visit by an Egyptian president to Hanoi, state news agency MENA reported.

During a dinner with his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang in Hanoi, El-Sisi said the South East Asian countrys achievements in development and modernisation reflect the strong will of its people and their ability to work and achieve.

The two leaders signed nine memorandums of understanding in a number of economic fields.

El-Sisi invited Vietnamese businessmen to invest in Egypt, saying the country provides a good investment environment that is beneficial to vietnamese capital.

The Egyptian president said that Egypt shares a special relationship with Vietnam, as both countries share a similar experience in their respective regions.

Though Egypt and Vietnam established diplomatic ties in 1963, El-Sisi stressed that the two countries' relations predate 1963, as late Vietnamese president Ho Chi Minh visited Egypt three times where he met with Egyptian president Gamal Abdel-Nasser.

Also on Wednesday, El-Sisi and his Vietnamese counterpart laid flowers at the memorial of Ho Chi Minh, who led the national liberation movement against the French and the US.

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A gunman who authorities say fatally shot a Sacramento County Sheriffs deputy and wounded two California Highway Patrol officers died from his wounds over the weekend, the coroner said.

Thomas Littlecloud, 32, died Saturday following a gunfight with law enforcement at the Ramada Inn on Auburn Boulevard in Sacramento County on Aug. 30.

Deputy Robert Bob French, a 21-year veteran of the department, was killed.

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The CHP officers, whose names were not released, were wounded but are expected to survive.

The gun battle erupted amid a stolen car investigation that started just after 9:30 a.m. Aug. 30 in the hotel parking lot.

Members of a Sacramento County auto theft task force were monitoring the hotel after they found a stolen vehicle in the parking lot, sheriffs spokesman Sgt. Tony Turnbull said.

They saw two women enter the vehicle and drive away, Turnbull said. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, the women led authorities on a pursuit that ended in Elk Grove, about 16 miles south of Sacramento.

Officers arrested Priscilla Prendez, 23, of Oakland, and released the other woman, Turnbull said. Prendez was booked on suspicion of vehicle theft and felony evasion, authorities said.

Authorities discovered Prendez was on probation and had been staying at the hotel, Turnbull said, so officers returned to the hotel to search her room.

When officers arrived, he said, they knocked on the door and announced themselves. Thats when multiple shots were fired through the hotel room door and walls, striking the CHP officers.

As sheriffs deputies surrounded the hotel, Turnbull said, Littlecloud, armed with a high-powered assault rifle, tried to escape from the balcony.

He engaged the deputies in gunfire, striking Deputy French during his attempt to flee, Turnbull said in a statement.

French, 52, was shot in his side, and the bullet entered his chest cavity, authorities said.

Littlecloud climbed off the balcony, jumped into a vehicle and led police on a pursuit that ended in a crash and an exchange of gunfire, authorities said. He was shot and taken into custody.

Staff writer Veronica Rocha contributed to this report.

joseph.serna@latimes.com

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.

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Los Angeles police arrested a 27-year-old man suspected of trying to sexually assault a woman outside her Van Nuys apartment last month as she fought and kicked for several minutes while no one came to her aid, authorities said.

Antonio Reyes was arrested Tuesday in Arleta, where he lives and works, on suspicion of attempted rape, said LAPD Officer Mike Lopez.

About 5:45 a.m. on Aug. 12, the woman was walking home when a man confronted her, speaking in Spanish, which she does not speak, police said.

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Police said the attacker tried to remove her clothes and took her to the ground, where she tried to fight him off, screaming, Fire, Fire, to get someones attention.

A pedestrian walked by and cars slowed down, but no one called 911, police said. The woman eventually wrestled free and her attacker fled, police said.

The woman told police the man smelled of alcohol.

After the attack, police distributed a sketch of the attacker, which led to numerous tips from the public.

Acting on a tip Tuesday, the FBI-LAPD violent fugitive task force arrested Reyes in Arleta, where police said he was working as a laborer.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call Los Angeles police at (818) 374-9500.

alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AleneTchek

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Deputy accused in Alameda County jail abuse scandal choked an inmate until he fell unconscious, prosecutors say
Leslie Van Houten, who was convicted along with other members of Charles Manson 's cult in the 1969 killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, was granted parole Wednesday by a panel of state commissioners in Chino.

It was the 21st time that Van Houten, 68, has appeared before a parole board, and the second time that commissioners found her suitable for release.

Shes very thankful and relieved, said Van Houtens attorney, Rich Pfeiffer. Shes going home. Theres no question shes going home. The only question is when.

Gov. Jerry Brown must now once again decide whether to release her after more than 40 years in prison. Brown rejected her parole last year, concluding that Van Houten  the youngest member of Mansons so-called family  posed an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison.

RELATED: Where are they now? Charles Manson's family, four decades after horrific murders

Her attorneys have long argued that she was only 19 when she took part in the crimes and that she has been a model prisoner. But release has been strongly opposed by the families of the victims as well as prosecutors and many others.

State officials will begin a 120-day legal review of the panels finding, and after the process concludes, the decision goes to Brown. The governor would have 30 days to take one of five options. He could uphold, reverse or modify the decision, according to the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Brown could also send the decision to the full Board of Parole, or he could take no action, which would allow Wednesdays decision to stand.

From left, Manson followers Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten walk into a morning court session in 1970. When Manson carved an X into his forehead during the trial, his family members followed suit. ( Los Angeles Times) ( Los Angeles Times)

She stabbed victim 14 times

Van Houten has been considered the least blameworthy member of the group and has been portrayed by supporters as a misguided teen under the influence of LSD on the night of the slayings.

A former homecoming queen from Monrovia, she did not join in the Aug. 9, 1969, murders of Sharon Tate, the pregnant wife of film director Roman Polanski, and four others at the Benedict Canyon home that Tate was renting.

But the following day, Van Houten was part of a group that stormed into the LaBiancas' home in Los Feliz. As Charles "Tex" Watson stabbed Leno LaBianca, Van Houten and another woman held down Rosemary LaBianca.

After Watson stabbed Rosemary LaBianca with a bayonet, he handed a knife to Van Houten. She testified to stabbing Rosemary in the back at least 14 more times. The blood of the victims was used to scrawl messages on the walls, as had been done at the Benedict Canyon home.

Leslie Van Houten, shown in 2002, has repeatedly been denied parole. (Peter Phun / Associated Press) (Peter Phun / Associated Press)

A long, winding legal process

Van Houten, Manson and three others were convicted and sentenced to death, but after the California Supreme Court struck down the death penalty, their sentences were commuted to life in prison.

An appellate court overturned Van Houtens conviction in 1976, and a second trial the following year ended in a hung jury. She was convicted of two counts of murder and one count of conspiracy in her third trial in 1978 and sentenced to seven years to life in prison. Starting in 1979, Van Houten has gone before the parole board regularly.

In recent years, Van Houtens attorneys characterized her as a model inmate, earning a bachelors in English literature and master's degree in humanities while running self-help groups for incarcerated women.

At a parole board hearing in 2002, Van Houten said she was deeply ashamed of what she had done, adding: I take very seriously not just the murders, but what made me make myself available to someone like Manson.

Manson, 82, and other acolytes involved in the slaying are still behind bars. Watson and Patricia Krenwinkel have each been denied parole several times. Susan Atkins, who was denied parole 13 times, died in prison in 2009.

Shocking nature of the crimes left an indelible mark on society

A two-member California review board first granted parole to Van Houten in April 2016.

In its first recommendation for release, the board based its decision in part on Van Houtens age at the time of the crime, her length of incarceration, lack of violent crime as an adult and her spotless prison record: She has never been disciplined for serious misconduct while behind bars.

But Brown last year disagreed, saying in his five-page decision that all of these points were outweighed by other negative factors that demonstrate she remains unsuitable for parole.

He said the shocking nature of the crimes left an indelible mark on society and that the motive  to trigger a race war by slaughtering innocent people chosen at random  is equally disturbing.

In his statement, Brown said it remained unclear how Van Houten had transformed herself from a smart, driven young woman to a member of one of the most notorious cults in history and an eager participant in the cold-blooded and gory murder of innocent victims.

At her last parole hearing, she said: "I don't let myself off the hook. I don't find parts in any of this that makes me feel the slightest bit good about myself.

Other Manson followers have been denied parole. Patricia Krenwinkel lost her latest bid for freedom earlier this year.

Shes going home

Pfeiffer, Van Houtens attorney, said Wednesdays decision by the parole board was an important milestone, calling it the most difficult one to get.

The panel was aware that the governor had previously rejected her release, but still found her suitable for freedom.

Pfeiffer said he was hopeful that this time around, Brown would set aside public pressure and see that his client has been rehabilitated.

If he rejects it, well go back to court, Pfeiffer vowed. Im not going away, and shes going home.

Family members of the LaBiancas spoke out against her release.

"No member of the Manson family deserves parole, ever," nephew Louis Smaldino said, according to the Associated Press. "She is a total narcissist and only thinks of herself and not the damage she has done."

"Please see to it that this fight doesn't have to happen every year for the rest of our lives," added La Biancas' oldest grandson, Tony LaMontagne.

Charles Manson is escorted to court for a preliminary hearing in 1969. (Bill Murphy / Los Angeles Times) (Bill Murphy / Los Angeles Times)

ALSO:

Manson follower Patricia Krenwinkel's bid for freedom denied, despite claims he abused her

Quentin Tarantino could bring the Manson family murders to the big screen

UPDATES:

11:47 a.m.: This article was updated with reaction from the LaBianca family.

Sept. 7, 7:20 a.m.: This article was updated to add that Manson follower Patricia Krenwinkel lost her parole bid earlier this year.

7:15 p.m.: This article was updated with additional background and comments from Leslie Van Houtens attorney.

5:20 p.m.: This article was updated with additional photos.

4 p.m.: This article was updated with details about next steps.

3:40 p.m.: This article was updated with the parole boards decision.

This article was originally published Sept. 6 at 8:09 a.m.
Firefighters battling the Railroad fire near Yosemite National Park relied on cool weather Wednesday to make progress on a blaze that continues to threaten groves of giant sequoias in the Sierra National Forest.

The wildfire is burning between Sugar Pine and Fish Camp. By Wednesday night, it had scorched 11,603 acres and was 43% contained, the U.S. Forest Service reported. Fire officials say moderate temperatures and higher levels of humidity have helped increase containment of the fire, but high temperatures and dry conditions may return Thursday, with the added threat of thunderstorms and spot fires.

Today is going to be critical, said Cheryl Chipman, a spokeswoman with the forest service. Warmer weather leads to more fires, she said.

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Officials say they still fear wet or dry thunderstorms could produce lightning and strong winds that could help spread flames.

The wildfire is burning in areas with dry pine and cedar trees that not only help fuel the blaze but also increase the risk for firefighters.

The fire has burned 14 structures and forced the evacuations of several mountain communities. Roughly 600 residents have been affected, Chipman said.

More than 800 personnel are fighting the fire, including 14 hand crews, six helicopters, 89 engines and 14 bulldozers. Air tankers have been ordered to help support firefighting efforts.

The fire broke out Aug. 29 near Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, just north of Oakhurst.

The fire has forced mandatory evacuations for several campgrounds, lodges and mountain communities. The California Highway Patrol blocked access to Highway 41 from south of Wawona to Sky Ranch Road.

On Tuesday, the fire had moved into the Nelder Grove, home to more than 100 mature giant sequoias. The fire did not damage the trees, but it burned the vegetation beneath them.

Chipman said firefighters were focusing their efforts on protecting structures and conducting more fire operations to slow the spread of the fire. Fire officials say the fire will continue east toward Little Sandy  and downslope from the Speckerman Mountain peak  and southwest toward Sugar Pine and Cedar Valley.

In California, there are more than 20 active fires, including the La Tuna fire in the city of Los Angeles, which has burned 7,194 acres and is 80% contained.

ruben.vives@latimes.com

For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter.

UPDATES:

8:05 p.m.: This article was updated with new acreage and containment figures.

This article was originally published at 1:40 p.m.
Long ago, it seems, Congress gave up on the idea of adopting comprehensive immigration reform. The debate over what to do about millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally was just too hard.

President Trump said he wanted to deport them and build a wall that would keep them from coming back. So far, thats gone nowhere, too.

The recent debate has focused instead on a group of young immigrants who entered the country illegally through no fault of their own  kids who were brought in by their parents or others. Most grew up speaking English, attending U.S. schools, playing on community soccer or football teams.

Are they supposed to be deported? To where? To countries they dont even remember? President Obama put a foot in the door of immigration reform with an executive order in 2012 known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals . Under the DACA program, an estimated 800,000 young people were given renewable two-year shields from deportation, and eligibility for work permits.

Those who benefited from it came to be known as Dreamers.

(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

The Trump administration this week signaled that the program will come to an end in six months, unless Congress takes steps to renew or revamp it  an announcement that has sent new shivers of anxiety through immigrant families across the country.

Who are the Dreamers? They are more diverse than you might think. According to the Brookings Institution, immigrants from 195 countries had applied for DACA status as of 2015. Most were from Mexico. After that, the top five countries of origin were El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and South Korea.

Here are some of their stories.

Melody Klingenfuss

Melody Klingenfuss knew that it was only a matter of time before President Trump would scrap DACA.

She knew the program was under threat like never before.

For the last couple of months, this sense of dread fueled her desire to reach out and teach young beneficiaries of the program to fight back against Trumps crackdown on people in the country illegally.

Once we connect with them, we show them their rights and how to organize and the importance of organizing, Klingenfuss said.

Melody Klingenfuss of North Hills knew that DACA was under threat like never before. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Many of the DACA beneficiaries she trained over the summer have lived their entire adult lives with the program and have never felt the need to organize, she said, until now. At first many were shy, but now they are ready to be vocal, she said.

Klingenfuss, 23, of North Hills, came legally to the U.S. from Guatemala at age 9 to reunite with her mother. She fell out of legal status when she overstayed her tourist visa, she said, but was accepted into the DACA program after submitting to a strict screening process. She earned a bachelors degree in communications and a masters in nonprofit leadership and management from USC and is now an immigrant youth organizer with the Coalition for Human Immigrant Rights Los Angeles.

We are turning that anger and other feelings into action.  Melody Klingenfuss

Klingenfuss and other DACA recipients  who receive a Social Security number and work permit  found out Tuesday that the Trump administration had rescinded the program.

She said shes trying not to focus too much on how the end of DACA will affect her own life. Instead, shes putting all her energy into galvanizing others to take a stand.

There is a lot of anger. There is a lot of motivation to really rise up, she said.

Now, shes teaching those angry young people the same youth to harness their feelings and use it to help themselves and others in the immigrant community.

We are turning that anger and other feelings into action, she said. Thats our focus.

Jeong Park

When he was 11, Jeong Park's parents  a cab driver and a cosmetics saleswoman  sent their only child from Seoul to Southern California on a tourist visa, having saved money to enroll him in a private prep school in Van Nuys.

Park says his mother told him that, as a boy, he really needed to make the trip to explore America. But what he remembers is that he cried a lot on the plane.

He grew up, cared for by an uncle, with whom he still lives in Koreatown in Los Angeles. He graduated from Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona, later earning a political science degree from UCLA. He had no idea of his immigration status, due to his expired tourist visa, until he tried to get a driver's license as a teen.

Jeong Park was 11 when his parents sent him to live in the United States. (Jeong Park)

Now 23 and a DACA recipient, Park struggled with his emotions on Tuesday after hearing the program could end in six months. He said the public may not be aware of the great diversity among DACA recipients.

I know that most undocumented faces you see are Latino faces. But I hear that there are thousands and thousands of people from other cultures. Not everyone needs to be silent, he added.

He has been hunting for a tutoring job, a reporting job at a newspaper, or a public relations job at a nonprofit. Now he worries about that job search.

When people do their research after interviewing you, they will know what your situation is. But I don't want to be in the shadows. Theres not that many undocumented youth who have the power or the opportunity to share their stories  and if I do, I should just do it, Park said.

Most undocumented faces you see are Latino.... But I hear that there are thousands and thousands of people from other cultures. Not everyone needs to be silent  Jeong Park

His DACA papers expire in August 2018. Park could choose to be upset, or depressed, but he doesn't. "I'm hopeful. I've seen a lot of statements from Republican congressmen and senators who appear understanding" about the need to keep the DACA program. "Maybe this is one step back, two steps forward.

He's been getting inspiring messages from friends on social media. And one fact propels him: The truth of the matter is 12 million immigrants have survived  DACA or no DACA. You're not going to be able to get rid of all of them, he said.

Park doesn't think about returning to South Korea. He understands his parents sacrificed so he might find success in a professional career in the U.S. This past summer, he finally saw his father for the first time since leaving his homeland. His dad came to his college graduation.

Gregory Ronnie James

A lifeline  thats how Gregory Ronnie James of Brooklyn had viewed DACA.

Now that lifeline has been taken away, he said Wednesday.

James was 9 when his mother  who was living in the U.S. illegally, working as a babysitter  sent for him and his older brother from their Caribbean island home of St. Lucia. In New York, he attended Aviation High School in Long Island City. When his mother heard about DACA in 2012, she urged James and his 24-year-old brother to apply.

Gregory Ronnie James of New York at a conference of DACA recipients in Houston last year. (Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times)

After receiving DACA, his brother found work as a security guard, then as a nursing assistant. James enrolled at Borough of Manhattan Community College in a two-year associates program in communications, then transferred to City College, where he is a junior majoring in international studies.

I have a scholarship thats tied to receiving in-state tuition. If I lose DACA, I can no longer afford school, basically, James said by phone in between classes Wednesday.

James, 20, was recently hired to intern for a member of New Yorks City Council . He starts later this month, since his work permit doesnt expire until 2019. James said that after Donald Trump was elected, he figured DACA was doomed, but maybe that wasnt such a bad thing.

I dont think its a Latino issue, its an issue for immigrants. A more permanent solution is needed.  Gregory Ronnie James

DACA was never a permanent solution to fixing the immigrant situation of Dreamers or our parents, he said, adding, I dont think its a Latino issue, its an issue for immigrants . A more permanent solution is needed.

He said the U.S. is at a crossroads and must decide how it treats not only Dreamers, but all immigrants, Muslims and people of color.

Are we the country that makes dreams come true or that takes it away from anyone who is the other? James said.

Armando Carrada

Thanks to DACA, Armando Carrada worked three jobs, graduated with an associates degree last year and won a full scholarship to study hospitality management at Florida International University outside Miami.

Carrada, 27, started classes last week, but the campus was closed Wednesday due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Irma, another stress on his family.

Carradas mother brought him and his younger sister to the U.S. illegally from Oaxaca, Mexico, when he was 7. Now she runs a nursery, but she relies on his youngest sister, a citizen born in the U.S., to drive her to work since she cant get a drivers license.

Ending DACA, he said, will mean, Students are going to lose the opportunity to support their families, not just monetarily.

Armando Carrada said while many people are taking time to heal, President Trump's call to end DACA may be an opportunity to unite. (Molly Hennessy-Fiske / Los Angeles Times)

His sister and brother-in-law also received DACA, got drivers licenses and started a trucking business.

So what happens then? She loses a business that is helping the economy and promising a job to other people, Carrada said.

His sister also works as an intensive care technician at a local hospital. She just took maternity leave after having her first child two weeks ago, a girl.

She called me today and she was just freaking out, Carrada said Tuesday, the day President Trump announced he was ending the program.

His sister has an appointment to renew her work permit for another two years. Carradas permit expires in October 2018. Hes not hopeful Congress will save the program by then.

If something was to happen in Congress, I hope that includes a lot more people. Im a Dreamer, but my mother had a dream when she came to this country, too.  Armando Carrada

They just focus on something else and leave this on the back burner, he said. If something was to happen in Congress, I hope that includes a lot more people. Im a Dreamer, but my mother had a dream when she came to this country, too.

For now, Carrada said he will focus on organizing fellow Dreamers and making sure people are not in fear.

We already came out of the shadows and then this happened. We dont want people to be like, I dont want to talk or go to rallies, he said.

Pedro Ramirez

Pedro Ramirezs first act of politics was a walkout in high school after Congress voted against a comprehensive immigration reform bill in 2007.

In the decade since, he said he has learned to remain skeptical about efforts to mend the nations broken immigration system  efforts that affect him directly. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, his parents brought him illegally to the United States at age 3.

Like many others, they came seeking a better life, and that extended to their son. DACA has allowed Ramirez, 28, to work legally since 2013, most recently as a labor union organizer.

Pedro Ramirez, 28, checks his appointments while working in his office as a Central Valley field organizer for the California Labor Federation in Fresno. (Silvia Flores / For The Times) (SILVIA FLORES / Silvia Flores)

The Trump administrations announcement that it would end the program came as no surprise to him.

"This is not new, he said. Its disappointing because when you get something like [DACA], it gives you opportunities. Getting it taken away is a shock, especially for younger generations who didnt have to hustle as much as we did back in the day. People like me, we figured it out. We can survive. But it sucks  it sucks a lot.

Ramirez, 28, worked odd jobs and used scholarships to finish his bachelors degree in political science at Fresno State and his masters in public policy and administration from Cal State Long Beach . He did clerical work, cleaned offices and cut lawns. He helped a couple of political campaigns as a consultant.

After receiving his work permit, he got his first steady job with Los Angeles City Councilman Gil Cedillos office. Now he works as a campaign coordinator for a union organizing group in Fresno. DACA has meant full-time employment and healthcare.

Getting [DACA] taken away is a shock, especially for younger generations who didnt have to hustle as much as we did back in the day.  Pedro Ramirez

Ramirez and his parents, a restaurant worker and a hotel maid, are the only members of his family without permanent legal status. His younger brother was born in the U.S.

Shortly after Trumps inauguration, Ramirez began preparing for a worst-case scenario. He put more money into his savings. He and his parents made copies of their important legal documents and forms of identification, wrote down emergency contacts and made copies of their house keys to give to people they can trust in case any of them is detained. Ramirez also plans to add a family member with legal status as a co-signer on his car loan.

Its not as if hes in hiding. In 2010, shortly after being elected student body president of Fresno State, Ramirezs immigration status was publicly exposed in an anonymous email sent to local news outlets.

In a way, I'm relieved, he told The Times then. I never really thought this was going to happen. But now that it's out there, I finally feel ready to say 'Yes, it's me. I'm one of the thousands.

Dulce Gomez

Dulce Gomez, 19, didnt realize she was any different from any of her friends or her siblings until she was in high school and thinking about college.

Brought to the United States from Mexico when she was 2 years old, shed spent her whole life, or at least what she could remember of it, living in Newark, N.J. Her younger siblings were both U.S. citizens.

Im the only one born in Mexico. But I never really thought about it. As a child, I just thought this is my country. This is where Im from.

Dulce Gomez, a college freshman studying political science in New Jersey, never knew she was different from other American students until it was time to go to college. (Dulce Gomez)

That changed when she took the SAT in preparation for going to college. There were these questionnaires about applying for financial aid and scholarship. I asked my mother and then I realized.

Gomez, a DACA recipient, got into Kean College in Union, N.J., and she is starting this month, studying political science. I figure I have one semester to study in the United States. But she canceled her plans to start driving lessons, since she decided there is no point in getting a New Jersey drivers license.

The ordeal, though, has strengthened Gomezs relationship with her friends and siblings. One of my friends told me, dont worry, I can hide you in my dorm room.

As a child, I just thought this is my country. This is where Im from.  Dulce Gomez

On Monday night, anticipating President Trumps announcement the next day, Gomezs 13-year-old brother cried with her. He hugged me for what might have been 30 minutes to say goodbye.

Gomez, though, is not quite ready to give up. She has become an activist and is speaking up at rallies about young immigrants like herself. Even in the immigrant community, our immigration status used to be something that we didnt talk about. But Im not afraid anymore. Ive found my voice.

Stephanie Ji Won Park

Stephanie Ji Won Park was born in Seoul and arrived in New York when she was 5.

Once the tourism visa her parents used to travel to the United States expired, they settled into an apartment in the Bronx. She earned scholarships to attend some of the best private schools in New York.

In middle school, as classmates traveled abroad, Parks parents would not allow her to go along. Slowly, she began to realize she was in the country illegally.

She applied and became protected under DACA in 2013.

It felt great, she said. It offered some security.

Stephanie Ji Won Park.

Immigrants from South Korea, after those from Mexico and Central America, are among the biggest participants in the DACA program.

This issue greatly affects Koreans, she said. Its not brought to light that much, but it does.

Two years after achieving Dreamer status, Park received her bachelor of arts in English, history and media from Hunter College in Manhattan. Now 24, shes a board member at United We Dream, an immigrant rights group based in Washington.

When she heard about the Trump administrations decision to end the program, Park wasnt surprised.

Since the November election, she had prepared for it to end.

Its still just emotionally and physically exhausting, she said. Its painful.

Are you a DACA participant? Tell us what you think of Trump's decision to end the program 

Angel Ortega

Angel Ortega, 27, doesnt want to be deported, but he will be ready if it happens.

Hes working overtime to finish a masters degree in higher education at Queens College in New York with the hopes that an advanced U.S. degree will get him a job if he lands back in Mexico. At the same time, he teaches Spanish and gym at a Catholic school and coaches track and field in order to support himself.

And if that didnt keep him busy enough, Ortega is training to run in the New York City marathon.

Angel Ortega, who runs marathons, majored in exercise science and kinesiology. (Courtesy of Angel Ortega)

The consummate New Yorker  with the New York accent to prove it  Ortega grew up in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens after being brought to the United States as a 4-year-old. Although most federal and state scholarship programs did not accept undocumented immigrants, Ortega has the advantage of his athletic abilities.

It was extremely hard to get into college, but I was one of the best runners, he said. He majored in exercise science and kinesiology.

Ortega thought his life had gotten easier in 2012 when he was approved for DACA, but was crushed by Trumps victory in the presidential election.

I was completely broken. I cried the entire night  Angel Ortega, on the election of Donald Trump

I was completely broken. I cried the entire night, Ortega said.

Since November, Ortega has followed every utterance from Trump about whether to continued the deferrals for young immigrants like himself. He is not optimistic that Congress will act within the six-month period given by the White House to restore the program.

Given that the Republicans have no spine and that they dont want to condemn the president for supporting white supremacists, I think the chances for us are very slim.

Sumbul Siddiqui

Sumbul Siddiqui, who does not have health insurance, dreams of advocating for this "most basic of rights" for people in the country illegally.

She also dreams of becoming a doctor, and her enrollment in DACA seemed a step toward meeting that goal.

Born in Saudi Arabia to Pakistani parents, and now living in Atlanta, she works as a medical scribe, handling records and taking notes for doctors examining patients. She's also a volunteer at a low-income community clinic, where she's been able to digitize all the paper charts amassed from steady streams of immigrant and local clients.

Sumbul Siddiqui dreams of becoming a doctor. (Courtesy of Sumbul Siddiqui)

What led me to medicine is the lack of access we have to knowing what's going on and what we can do to take better care of our health. We're part of the underserved simply because we're undocumented, Siddiqui said.

She earned a bachelors degree in neuroscience from Agnes Scott College in Georgia and is now taking a gap year before applying to medical school in hopes of working with marginalized populations that need our help more than ever.

Trump's rejection of DACA, she says, doesn't make me so angry. More than anything, I feel hurt  and that hurt pushes me to try harder. A lot of people assume that the undocumented are this way or that way, but the reality is we're all different and were from different races. As a recipient, we have nothing to hide because when we apply to DACA, we go through background checks and we open up our lives to the government.

More than anything, I feel hurt -- and that hurt pushes me to try harder  Sumbul Siddiqui, on the demise of DACA

Her message to the American public is to please, don't make assumptions about those without legal papers. Really get to know us.

Siddiqui has lived in Georgia for 20 years, arriving as a 4-year-old on a journey that unfolded when her father, a former travel company manager, applied for a tourist visa that later changed to a business visa when he decided to open a gas station in the state. Now the Siddiqui siblings have mixed immigration status, with her and a younger brother classified under DACA, while two other siblings were born in the United States.

My mother had heard of these great American opportunities here and she always pushed for us to have the best education, Siddiqui said, having promised her parents not to lose sight of that ongoing goal. This is why I decided to speak up. There's a lot of fear, but if you don't speak for yourself, who knows you as well?

Anayeli Marcos

Anayeli Marcos, 23, has been working to put herself through school at the University of Texas at Austin , where she majors in social work and Latin American studies. It took her two years and online fundraising to save the $465 DACA application fee. The program allowed her to get a Texas drivers license, jobs as a professors research assistant and as a Spanish interpreter.

I have some scholarships that cover the cost of school. But a lot of the money I get from work is what actually pays for my education, living in my own place, my survival, buying food and paying the bills, she said. DACA ending will mean I cant work.

Her work permit expires in April. Her parents live in Houston, where they have been making repairs after their kitchen ceiling caved in during Hurricane Harvey.

My employer is very understanding, and shes trying to find a way to continue helping me despite not having this work permit, Marcos said. I am hopeful that Congress will eventually do something and act now that Trump has taken the first step, but Im not depending on it.

Marcos came with her mother from Guerrero, Mexico, to Houston when she was 6 years old to meet her father for the first time. He worked construction. Her mother cleaned houses. Now she has three younger siblings, all U.S. citizens.

Marcos wasnt surprised by Tuesdays announcement ending DACA, which she had been waiting for since Donald Trump was elected in November. We knew this was inevitably going to happen, but its still heartbreaking for people who depend on the program, Marcos said.

Just because DACA has ended doesnt mean I have to stop pursuing what I want to do.  Anayeli Marcos

She spoke by phone from Austin hours after Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions announced Trumps decision to phase out DACA. She was on her way to a student gathering on campus to discuss how they would react to the announcement.

Marcos said she planned to do everything she could to stay on track to graduate and become a social worker.

Just because DACA has ended doesnt mean I have to stop pursuing what I want to do, she said.

Times staff writers Cindy Carcamo, Andrea Castillo and Kurtis Lee contributed to this report.

UPDATES:

Sept. 6, 7:25 p.m.: This article was updated with a profile of Anayeli Marcos.

5:40 p.m.: This article was updated with profiles of Angel Ortega and Sumbul Siddiqui.

3:40 p.m.: This article was updated with an additional profile.

2:05 p.m.: This article was updated with additional background information about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

This article was originally published at 1:35 p.m.

FOR THE RECORD

Sept. 7, 10:30 a.m.: An earlier version of this article incorrectly said Sumbul Siddiqui had overstayed her visa. She did not.
Dulce Puente, 27, didnt have much time to worry about DACA Tuesday  she was busy cleaning out the home she shares with her husband and two sons, ages 5 and 3, which flooded with 4 feet of water during Hurricane Harvey.

Puentes family moved into the four-bedroom East Houston ranch house four years ago, taking over the mortgage after her mother was killed in a car accident. She had moved to Texas with her mother at age 13 from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, graduated from a local high school and worked at a Sonic restaurant.

Puente applied for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in 2012, and renewed her DACA status twice, most recently in July. She said the program helped her get a Texas drivers license and a company phone for her husband, a construction worker from Mexico who immigrated to Texas illegally.

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The program, started by President Obama, shielded from deportation migrants like Puente who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. It also allowed them to secure work permits.

Puentes 23-year-old brother also received DACA status, which helped him get better jobs as a construction company manager, get a house, marry and support his 5-month-old baby. Now, Puente says, we are wondering whats going to happen.

Puentes house has been stripped, including a four-foot-long stretch of drywall, which her husbands coworkers and friends have already replaced. On Tuesday, fans were keeping the inside dry. It smelled fresh, scrubbed clean with bleach. Outside, Puente sorted piles of soaked belongings. Most went onto the trash heap.

In the afternoon, she listened in her truck to radio news reports about DACA, and worried.

Im scared, of the federal government and police, she said. They have all the numbers so they can come deport us. They say no, but I dont know.

Her husband had to leave for a job in Dallas. He might not be back until after the weekend. They have no emergency plan in case officials try to detain her.

We are focused on the house. We lost everything, she said.

Puente also worried about a new Texas law, SB 4, which would crack down on so-called sanctuary cities. It would prohibit Houston and other cities from adopting policies that limit immigration enforcement. It would also allow police officers to question the immigration status of anyone they detain and threaten officials who violate the law with fines, jail time and removal from office. The law was set to take effect Sept. 1, but blocked by a federal judge.

That was good news to Puente, but she wasnt sure how long the judges order would last.

Puente had heard of mothers detained and sent back to Mexico without their U.S. citizen children, who were placed in foster care. She decided that she needs to write a letter specifying that should she be detained, custody of her sons should go to her sister or aunt.

She suspected Texas lawmakers would find a way to enforce SB 4 once Harvey recovery efforts wind down.

When we are better with all this, theyre going to bring it back. They just want the Mexican people to repair Texas and then deport them, she said.

molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com

Twitter: @mollyhf

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They spent decades turning a dilapidated Texas property into an artists retreat. Then Harvey struck
Floridians hit the highways, scrambled for scarce supplies and hammered plywood over windows as a monster hurricane made landfall in the Caribbean, where it was blamed for at least four deaths.

Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes, set a wild, wind-churned course toward Puerto Rico, with the U.S. mainland in its sights, likely over the weekend.

Amid an overnight assault of battering waves and 185-mph winds, two deaths were reported in French island territories, a third in Anguilla, a British territory, and a fourth in Barbuda, part of a tiny independent nation.

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In Florida, Gov. Rick Scott implored constituents to obey calls to flee the storms path when the time came.

I cannot stress this enough  do not ignore evacuation orders, Scott said at a news briefing as the storm began lashing Puerto Rico with rain, still on track for the U.S. mainland. If youre told to evacuate, dont wait  get out quickly.

In warning of the dangers, the governor invoked Hurricane Andrew, which devastated Florida a quarter of a century ago, causing massive destruction and killing nearly 50 people in the state.

I want everybody to understand the importance of this  this is bigger than Andrew, Scott told ABC News.

President Trump declared states of emergency in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Florida began activating its National Guard, with 7,000 members told to report for duty Friday.

In Fort Myers, in coastal southwestern Florida, Stephanie Matteson waited in line at a gas station, where she said she had been for 25 minutes.

I swear, its like everyone is in a hurry to get this thing over with  like, Just come on, Irma, and then leave us alone, said Matteson, 47. She experienced Hurricane Wilma in 2005, but Irmas got more punch, from what theyre saying.

There was a run on supplies, including bananas and batteries. Anthony Bonner, a bread company distributor, predicted that the 28 racks of bread he was delivering to a picked-over Walmart in Coral Cove, outside Fort Myers, would go fast.

Its kind of like Im the candy man wherever I show up, he said. Bread and water are always the first to go. Stand here for 15 minutes  all of this will be gone.

A state of emergency was declared earlier for all 67 Florida counties; on Wednesday, South Carolina followed suit, with Gov. Henry McMaster urging the public to not leave storm preparations to the last moment.

As he did while Hurricane Harvey pounded Texas late last month, Trump unleashed tweets about the storms strength. Hurricane looks like the largest ever recorded in the Atlantic! he wrote Wednesday morning on Twitter.

The president also said his team was ready in Florida, adding: No rest for the weary! Later, heading into a meeting with congressional leaders, he described the storm as something that could be not good  believe me, not good.

The National Hurricane Center said the storm was one of the five most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in the last 80 years and the strongest Atlantic storm on record outside the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Satellite imagery of the enormous storm inspired fear and awe. The hurricane center in Miami described a vast swirling mass, with hurricane-force winds extending 50 miles from the storms center.

1 / 79 Trailer homes at the Sea Breeze trailer park in the Florida Keys town of Islamorada were destroyed by Irma. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 79 Tom Ross inspects the damage to his three-story condominium building in Islamorada. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 79 The remains of a boat in Islamorada. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 79 Brooke Gilbert, 15, and her father, Mike Gilbert, look at the ruins of her grandparents condominium building in Islamorada. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 79 Laura Gilbert retrieves the mailbox from her fathers condominium in Islamorada after it was swept away during the storm. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 79 Sand and debris block access to trailer homes in Islamorada. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 79 Greg Garner embraces neighbor Linda Nettles in front of his longtime family home that lost part of its roof after Tropical Storm Irma hit Sullivans Island, S.C. (Mic Smith / Associated Press) 8 / 79 Israel Alvarado, 25, tries to open a gate blocked by fallen tree branches to retrieve a generator in Bonita Springs. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 79 Rescue workers help a couple evacuate their flooded home in Jacksonville. (John Raoux / Associated Press) 10 / 79 Charlotte Glaze, left gives Donna Lamb a hug as she floats out some of her belongings in floodwaters in Jacksonville,. (Dede Smith / Associated Press) 11 / 79 Ron Colby, 70, leaves his flooded Bonita Springs home after staying during Hurricane Irma. He said he was OK with the wind but that at 3:30 in the morning the water started to rise. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 79 A dresser floats by Gilberto Diaz in his Bonita Springs neighborhood. Originally from Guatemala, Diaz has lived in Florida since 1994. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 79 In Bonita Springs, floodwaters reached waist deep in some areas on Monday, flooding homes and cars. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 79 A block from the ocean in Naples, the water was still a foot deep from storm surge. Homeowner Terry Clontz put up a no wake sign because people were driving by too fast, pushing water farther onto his property. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 79 Floodwaters surround a marina in Key Largo on Monday following Hurricane Irma. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) 16 / 79 Mobile homes in Key Largo, Fla., lie in ruins on Monday after Hurricane Irma. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) 17 / 79 Floodwaters surround Gilberts Resort in Key Largo on Monday. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) 18 / 79 Kelly McClenthen returns to see the flood damage to her home with her boyfriend, Daniel Harrison, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Bonita Springs, Fla. (Gerald Herbert / Associated Press) 19 / 79 Terry Thompson is relieved. He rode out the storm in his home in Riverwood Estates in Naples. Although the Naples area of Florida was hit hard by Hurricane Irma, damage wasnt nearly as bad as anticipated. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 79 A woman leaves her flooded home the morning after Hurricane Irma swept through the area in Fort Myers, Florida. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) 21 / 79 People tend to a car that flipped over on Cape Coral Parkway during Hurricane Irma, in Cape Coral. (Gerald Herbert / AP) 22 / 79 A man clears the drain next to his house in Estero, Fla., during the lull in winds as the eye of the hurricane passes over. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 79 Evacuees use flashlights so others can maneuver around the stairway at Hampton Inn and Suites in Estero, Fla. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 79 Guests gather in the lobby of Hampton Inn and Suites in Estero, Fla., to watch the hurricane gusts. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 79 Darla Talia Ferro, 40, and her two parakeets ride out Hurricane Irma in the lobby of Hampton Inn and Suites in Estero, Fla. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 79 John Krowzow, 74, wades in floodwater to check out his homes in Corkscrew Woodlands, a park with 640 senior mobile home units in Estero, Fla. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 79 Peter Moodley wades through floodwater in downtown Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 79 Two men walk through a downed tree as Hurricane Irmas full force strikes Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 79 A woman films the damage from a house whose roof was blown off near downtown Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 79 A vehicle drives through debris caused by Hurricane Irma, in Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 79 Weather reporters in downtown Miami jump and cling on to illustrate the force of the winds caused by Hurricane Irma. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 79 Weather reporters do a stand-up as the force of the winds caused by Hurricane Irma hit Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 79 A cargo truck is tipped over by the wind caused by Hurricane Irma in Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 79 Storm surge floods the Brickell neighborhood of Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 79 Streets are empty in downtown Miami as the wind picks up speed during Hurricane Irmas approach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 79 Maria Koenig, 63, of Estero, Fla., and her dog, Baeley, sit by the window at their Estero hotel so Maria can keep an eye on the storm on Sunday. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 79 Glen Sinatra, 69, from Naples, says he feels lucky to be at a hotel in Estero instead of a shelter. Hes nervous about the storm and says hes trying not to worry his children about the conditions. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 79 Jimmy Alfano, of Ft. Myers, holds onto Alec Hoskins who is autistic, while watching the storm gusts through the window of their Estero hotel with Frank Pairs. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 79 A car sits abandoned in storm surge along North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard as Hurricane Irma hits the southern part of the state. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) 40 / 79 The metal canopy at a gasoline station is overturned by high winds brought on by Hurricane Irma. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) 41 / 79 Youssef Ezzou, left, and Fadel Beznbachir roam outside to check out the conditions in Miami as Hurricane Irma nears the mainland. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 79 A construction crane whose arm broke off towers over a building as high wind blows through downtown Miami on Sunday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 79 A man and woman run to safety in Miami as winds from Hurricane Irma bear down on Sunday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 79 Storefronts in Miami are damaged as Hurricane Irmas winds hit Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 79 Dustin Terkoski, Palm Bay Police officer surveys the scene after a possible tornado touched down at Palm Pam Bay Estates. (Red Huber / Orlando Sentinel) 46 / 79 A man braces against the wind by the Miami River on Sunday as water levels surge. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 79 A man stands by the Miami River as the water level surges on Sunday. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 79 The waves on the Miami River begin to surge Sunday as winds pick up speed upon Hurricane Irmas approach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 79 Brian Williams, of Maryland, fights the winds in downtown Fort Myers. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 79 Trees fall as winds pick up speed early Sunday as Hurricane Irma approaches Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 79 A TV reporter braces against the wind as Hurricane Irma approaches Miami. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 52 / 79 The outer bands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on Saturday, with clouds over the Miami skyline. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images ) 53 / 79 People wade through a flooded street in Havana after Hurricane Irma battered central Cuba. (YAMIL LAGE / AFP/Getty Images) 54 / 79 Thousands wait Saturday to enter a storm shelter set up at Germain Arena in Estero, Fla., south of Fort Myers. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 55 / 79 Jean Turner, 79, waits to get into a shelter with a few of her belongings as rain begins to fall Saturday in Estero, Fla. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 56 / 79 Sherri Bourdo, 32, and Anthony Guidry, 40, look out over the water in Naples, Fla, in advance of the arrival of Hurricane Irma. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 57 / 79 Lisette Toroella and Tatiana Morera play on the beach as storm clouds approach in Miami Beach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 58 / 79 Adam Todd, does a handstand while skateboarding down a virtually empty Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 59 / 79 Abby Jenkins walks against the wind with her luggage and umbrella to get to safety, in Miami Beach. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) 60 / 79 James Sampero surfs in the churning ocean as Hurricane Irma approaches. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) 61 / 79 Cubans wade through the rubble from a collapsed building in Havana on Saturday. (Yamil Lage / AFP/Getty Images) 62 / 79 A woman and child use a blanket as protection from wind and rain as they walk in Caibarien, Cuba. Hurricane Irma battered Cuba on Saturday with deafening winds and unremitting rain, pushing seawater inland and flooding homes before turning toward Florida. (Desmond Boylan / Associated Press) 63 / 79 Annette Davis plays with her son Darius, 3, while staying at a shelter in Miami on Saturday after evacuating from their home in Florida City ahead of Hurricane Irma. (David Goldman / Associated Press) 64 / 79 Residents walk through rain brought on by Hurricane Irma in Caibarien, Cuba. The powerful storm battered Cuba on Saturday and continued its march toward Florida. (Desmond Boylan / Associated Press) 65 / 79 Palmetto Ridge High School is a shelter for people with special needs near Naples, Fla. Many seniors plan to ride out the storm there. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 66 / 79 Francesca DeLuca, age 20, will be waiting for 10 hours for her flight back to Milan, Italy. She had been visiting a friend in Miami by herself, but the area where she was staying is under mandatory evacuation. At Miami International Airport, the last flights will be this afternoon with the airport closing tonight at 6pm. Most travelers are taking flights to anywhere they can find. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 67 / 79 Boats that cant be evacuated are tied off in canals to protect them from Hurricane Irma on in Key Largo, Florida. The entire Florida Keys are under a mandatory evacuation notice as Hurricane Irma approaches the low-lying chain of islands south of Miami. (Marc Serota / Getty Images) 68 / 79 Hundreds wait in line on Friday at Home Depot in Miami to get supplies line sheets of plywood, and anything else they can find, to board up their homes. Police were on the scene to keep things orderly. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 69 / 79 In the Little Haiti neighborhood of Miami, Fritz Drinks, whose family is from Haiti, helps load sandbags at Little Haiti Hardware and Lumber. Many people in the area are refusing to evacuate in advance of Hurricane Irma. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 70 / 79 In downtowm Miaimi, people wait to get on a bus headed to Orlando under a mandatory evacution plan. Preparations are underway for Hurricane Irma as the storm makes its way toward Florida. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 71 / 79 Stores are boarded up in Miami Beach in advance of Hurricane Irma. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 72 / 79 Preparations for Hurricane Irma are underway in Miami Beach as the storm makes its way toward Florida. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 73 / 79 Genaro Dacosta, 65, of Miami Beach loads sandbags in advance of Hurricane Irma. He says he cant evacuate the area because he has a monkey. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 74 / 79 An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch Department of Defense on Wednesday shows damage from Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. (Gerben van Es / AFP/Getty Images) 75 / 79 Juan Negron, third from left, prepares to start up a power generator in front of whats left of his damaged property in Culebra, Puerto Rico, after the passage of Hurricane Irma. (Carlos Giusti / Associated Press) 76 / 79 Residents come out to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Irma in Nagua, Dominican Republic. (Tatiana Fernandez / Associated Press) 77 / 79 People on Thursday look over damage from Hurricane Irma on a sand-covered street of Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the island of St. Maarten. (Lionel Chamoiseau / AFP/Getty Images) 78 / 79 Inmate trustees from the Brevard County Jail fill sandbags for Meritt Island, Fla., residents in advance of Hurricane Irma. (Brian Blanco / Getty Images) 79 / 79 Motorists leave Key Largo, Fla., ahead of Hurricane Irma. (Alan Diaz / Associated Press)

The hurricanes force was such that it was detected by earthquake-measuring equipment on islands it passed, said Stephen Hicks, a seismologist at Britains University of Southampton.

Before dawn Wednesday, the tiny Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda was pummeled by wind and rain as the Category 5 storm passed almost directly above the islands, tearing off roofs, uprooting trees and triggering floods. Many people sought safety in government shelters as the winds turned storm-borne debris into missiles.

After overflying Barbuda, a grim-faced Prime Minister Gaston Browne reported late Wednesday that the island was barely habitable with about 95% of the properties damaged or destroyed.

What I saw was heart-wrenching. I mean, absolutely devastating. In fact, I believe that on a per-capita basis, the extent of the destruction on Barbuda is unprecedented, he told ABS TV in Antigua.

Hurricane Irma would have been easily the most powerful hurricane to have stormed through the Caribbean, and unfortunately Barbuda was in its path, he said.

Irma also roared through the French island territories of St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, battering them with wind and water that smashed buildings and toppled trees. It was there that two deaths were reported by the French overseas territories minister, Annick Girardin. She also said two people were seriously injured.

Dutch authorities were keeping an anxious eye on St. Maarten, Netherlands territory that shares an island with St. Martin, after the storm disrupted communications and caused heavy damage.

In the early afternoon, the eye passed over the British Virgin Islands with winds gusting at 110 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported. Celebrity tycoon Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, owns a small private island in the chain, and blogged beforehand that he and a group of friends would be seeking shelter in a concrete wine cellar.

Six southern islands in the Bahamas were under evacuation orders, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said, with people being flown to the capital, Nassau.

In Puerto Rico, lashed by the storms leading edge, people hunkered down as the hurricane menaced the U.S. territory, with the height of winds and rain expected later Wednesday. Gov. Ricardo Rossello said the storms danger was like nothing weve ever seen.

As the hurricane closed in, the worlds second largest radio telescope, at Puerto Ricos Arecibo Observatory, suspended operations, its operators announced on Twitter.

With Puerto Ricos infrastructure already tottering, islanders were bracing for a loss of power that could last for weeks or even months. Floodwaters swept into some areas and at least 600,000 were without power, but by Wednesday evening, there were signs the powerful storm was veering northwest.

The great danger of a Category 5 storm has passed, Jose Santiago, 66, owner of a clothing and home goods store in San Lorenzo, about 25 miles south of San Juan, said in a telephone interview. Still, he said, most of the island was facing heavy rain and 50- to 60-mph winds.

Diego Hernandez, 64, an artist living in San Juan, said he lost power late Wednesday afternoon, but otherwise felt the island had been given a pass  especially in comparison with the recent devastation in Texas wrought by Harvey. What happened in Texas is overwhelming, he said. We are lucky here.

Workers install hurricane shutters on a restaurant in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. (Marc Serota / Getty Images)

In the low-lying Florida Keys, where many people are accustomed to riding out hurricanes, mandatory evacuation orders were in effect for visitors and were extended to residents for later Wednesday  a complicated undertaking that was to include airlifting hospital patients.

Tourist idylls came to an abrupt halt as hotels shut down and the Key West airport was stopping operations Wednesday, later pushed back to Thursday so more flights could depart. Residents, with a few more hours grace to get out, boarded up homes and businesses, and secured their boats.

Theres only one highway to the mainland  U.S. Route 1  and it was choked with traffic. Gasoline became harder to find. The governor said that by Wednesday afternoon, about 25,000 people had fled the Florida Keys.

Martin Senterfitt, the top disaster management specialist for Monroe County, which encompasses the Keys, said that unlike in previous hurricanes, authorities werent encountering many recalcitrant holdouts against evacuating.

I think the general consensus across the state is that this is a big event, he said.

With the storm bearing down, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it was getting ready to shut down two Florida nuclear plants that could be in the hurricanes path: the Turkey Point plant south of Miami, and the St. Lucie plant on the states east coast.

In Miami-Dade County, authorities urged people to stock up on enough food and water to last three days, and encouraged people in low-lying areas to leave voluntarily. Schools were closed.

Storm monitors reached back nearly a century to provide comparisons, with the weather service likening Irmas destructive power to that of Hurricane San Felipe, which killed nearly 3,000 people in Puerto Rico, Florida and the island of Guadeloupe in 1928.

Max Garcia of Miami waits in line, where he has been since dawn, to purchase plywood at a Home Depot. (Marta Lavandier / Associated Press)

Neuhaus is a special correspondent. Staff writer Laura King reported from Washington. Special correspondent Marc Olson contributed from Los Angeles.

ALSO

Dreamer dies trying to rescue Harvey flood victims

House approves $7.85 billion for Hurricane Harvey aid, with Senate passage expected by weeks end

Ohio deputy shoots newspaper photographer after mistaking camera equipment for a weapon

A Houston woman camped out in a tent on her front lawn during Harvey to save her flooded home

UPDATES:

8:10 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details of damage on Barbuda.

6:40 p.m.: This article was updated with interviews from two residents in Puerto Rico.

4:40 p.m.: This article was updated with reports of two more deaths in the Caribbean.

2:00 p.m.: This article was updated with French officials reporting two deaths in St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, a new comment from the Florida governor, store shelves picked clean, Florida preparing to close down two nuclear plants, radio telescope in Puerto Rico shut.

11:45 a.m.: This article was updated with new information including a state of emergency declared in South Carolina, details about Florida Keys evacuation and landfall in the British Virgin Islands.

9:45 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with Times reporting.

4:31 a.m.: This article was updated with Florida Gov. Rick Scotts tweet about additional evacuation orders.

2:10 a.m. Sept. 6: This article was updated with reporting throughout.

This article was originally published 11:25 p.m. Sept. 5
Police officers in a small Pennsylvania town are evidently afraid of a certain homicidal clown.

The Lititz police department on Tuesday posted photos of red balloons a prankster tied to a pair of sewer grates.

A red balloon is the calling card of Pennywise, the sewer-dwelling, child-eating clown in Stephen King 's horror novel "It." The hotly anticipated movie version opens in theaters Friday.

In a playful Facebook post , police write they admire the prankster's creativity but were "completely terrified" while removing the balloons and "respectfully request they do not do that again."

Later, the department said after the original post went viral, they turned the investigation over to the Criminal Investigations Division for further investigation and prosecution of the person, or thing, responsible.
An Ohio sheriffs office plans to release records and body camera images after a deputy shot a photographer for a small news organization when the officer apparently mistook the journalists camera for a weapon.

The Clark County Sheriffs Office has put Deputy Jake Shaw on administrative leave and said he will attend a critical incident debriefing.

The office said it will release records in the case on Wednesday morning. The shooting happened Monday night in New Carlisle, north of Dayton.

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Andy Grimm of the New Carlisle News said he got out of his Jeep to take pictures of a traffic stop and started setting up his tripod and camera when he was shot in the side.

He is expected to recover, and is uninterested in seeing the officer punished, the newspaper said Tuesday.

The shooting happened about 10:15 p.m..

I turned around toward the cars and then pop, pop, Grimm said in the newspapers story on the incident.

An update on the news organizations Facebook page said Grimm is is very sore but otherwise is doing fine after surgery and doesnt want Shaw to lose his job.

This is a small town. Everybody knows everybody. Everybody looks out for one another, Dale Grimm, Grimms father and the publisher of the weekly paper along with two others, said in a phone interview Tuesday morning.

Dale Grimm said its not clear what the deputy was thinking.

The case has been turned over to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. At the request of the Clark County prosecutors office, prosecutors from the attorney generals office will handle the case.

Its not uncommon for local prosecutors to make such a request, especially in communities where prosecutors and sheriffs office authorities work closely together.

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Trump tells Congress to resolve fate of Dreamers as he phases out their protections from deportation

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A Houston woman camped out in a tent on her front lawn during Harvey to save her flooded home
President Trumps decision to phase out protections for hundreds of thousands of people brought to the U.S. as children  and make Congress come up with a solution  creates shock waves. Here are the stories you shouldnt miss today:

TOP STORIES

The Dream Is Deferred. Whats Next?

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To 800,000 people living in the United States, it is a dream deferred  a legal limbo that could end with them being deported to countries they may have not seen since toddlerhood. To President Trump, its about ending an unconstitutional program and putting American jobs and American security first. To former President Obama, its wrong. It is self-defeating. And it is cruel. Trumps plan to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program gives Congress six months to come up with a solution, one that is likely to cause a fight among the Republican Party that could reshape its future. If Congress cant, Trump tweeted, I will revisit this issue!

Gloria Mendoza demonstrates outside Trump Tower in New York. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Stunned, Disappointed  and Hopeful

Across the nation, the reaction to Trumps decision to end DACA was swift. Protests in the streets; denunciations from business, religious and political leaders; vows to fight it in the courts. For the Dreamers, whose fate in the U.S. hangs in the balance, there was a mixture of anger and dismay. DACA gave me a taste of the American life, said one. It was a Band-Aid  cruelly taken off. As columnist Steve Lopez found out, for another Dreamer in L.A., the hardest part was telling his mother.

More About the DACA Decision

-- Gov. Jerry Brown and California lawmakers look for ways to protect the Dreamers.

-- For one Houston woman, first came Harvey. Then she learned her DACA status is in danger.

-- Are you a DACA participant? Share your experience.

Another Superstorm Looms

As Texas and Louisiana dig out from Hurricane Harvey, another potential catastrophe is brewing: Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded over the Atlantic Ocean, made its first landfall in the northeast Caribbean on Wednesday. Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are bracing for life-threatening wind, rain and storm surges. Though Irmas final path is not yet certain, Florida Gov. Rick Scott has already declared a state of emergency to aid in preparations. Meanwhile, yet another tropical storm in the Atlantic may become a hurricane by Friday.

Calling the Shots on Immunizations

To researchers, a California law designed to boost the immunization rate among kindergartners is a natural experiment: What happens when you eliminate exemptions based on personal beliefs? Though the overall rate has gone up, a new study has found that the number of medical exemptions for immunizations has also increased. The results have some interesting implications for the future.

The Bitcoin Bubble?

To bitcoin or not bitcoin? Thats been the question on some peoples minds after seeing the price of the virtual currency hit $5,000 last week, quintuple its value at the start of the year. Within hours, though, it had dropped to $4,600 and kept going. Tempted to buy in? Columnist Michael Hiltzik, who wrote in December 2013 that it was a dumb investment, has a message for those who want him to eat crow: No, I dont feel silly, but vindicated.

MUST-WATCH VIDEO

-- Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, not Trump, makes the announcement that the administration would move to end the DACA program.

-- L.A. Mayor Garcetti responds to the move on Dreamers.

-- Whats the big deal about the Toronto International Film Festival? Allow us to explain.

CALIFORNIA

-- A top investigator says the clues to the failure of the Oroville Dam spillway during this winters epic rains were all there in the files.

-- Angels Flight, the downtown L.A. funicular that reopened last week to much fanfare, had to shut down again because of a damaged part. Its expected to reopen Thursday.

-- State lawmakers approved designating a section of the 134 Freeway as the President Barack H. Obama Highway.

-- Freshly pardoned Joe Arpaio will be the guest speaker at the Fresno County Republican Partys late September fundraiser.

HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS

-- Historical art or racist propaganda? How should Hollywood handle problematic classics such as Gone With the Wind?

-- Guillermo del Toros highly personal monster film The Shape of Water speaks to what I feel as an immigrant.

-- John le Carre is back in fine form with his novel A Legacy of Spies.

-- Another director and a Star Wars film have parted ways. This time, Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow will no longer helm Star Wars: Episode IX.

CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD

Roger Waters has long been one of rock musics most outspoken voices as a solo artist and member of Pink Floyd. He was born on this date in 1943 to two teachers. Earlier this year, he had his own lesson to impart: Every human being has a responsibility  to, hopefully, advance the human race as a race, in ways that promote the general happiness of all, rather than the great wealth of the very few.

NATION-WORLD

-- Representatives of the U.S., Mexico and Canada declared progress but unveiled no breakthroughs after a second round of talks on the North American Free Trade Agreement.

-- Bipartisan leaders in Congress have urged Trump not to withdraw from a trade pact with South Korea, especially when North Korea is making threats.

-- Pope Francis is making a five-day visit to Colombia to promote a peace accord ending a decades-long conflict between the government and leftist rebels.

-- Thousands of refugees have been languishing in an overcrowded camp in Greece for nearly two years.

-- Syrian government troops have broken an Islamic State siege on a key city.

BUSINESS

-- Nissan has revealed a new version of the Leaf, with a stronger battery and longer range of 150 miles. Thats putting more pressure on its electric car rivals.

-- After Lego sales drop for the first time in 13 years, it plans to cut jobs and reset the company.

SPORTS

-- The highflying New England Patriots are the most polarizing team in the NFL. The architect of their success is owner Robert Kraft.

-- Magic Johnson would like Lakers boss Jeanie Buss to take the teams tampering fine out of his salary: I dont want her spending $500,000, because she didnt do anything. Thats on me.

OPINION

-- Ending DACA was an act of pure cruelty by Trump.

-- Can former militants, and their redemption stories, stop anyone from joining Islamic State?

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- Bobby Hadid joined the New York Police Department after 9/11. But when he began questioning the NYPDs tactics, things fell apart for this Muslim cop. (The New Yorker)

-- There are two conditions  [for attending] the Dinner Party. One: Experience earth-shattering loss. And two: Bring something to eat. (Southwest)

-- The story of Ikeas Billy bookcase (there are 60 million of them!) and how it helped change furniture. (Signature)

ONLY IN L.A.

Whats the oddest dish in an American eating establishment these days? Restaurant critic Jonathan Gold says the fish course at Vespertine in Culver City fits the bill. It looks like an empty bowl, coarse and pebbly inside and out, of a blackness deep enough to suck up all light, your dreams and your soul. With dinner and drinks pricing out at more than $1,000 for two, it may suck up your wallet too.

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A Yazidi boy who fled persecution by Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq hopes his scholarship to study at an international school will help him to improve orphans' education in his war-ravaged homeland.

Aido Khiro Omar, an 18-year-old student from Mosul in northern Iraq has started his first week at United World College (UWC) in Dilijan, Armenia - an international boarding school that hosts students from 82 countries.

"It was really a golden chance for me to get a good education in another country ... because the education in Iraq is very poor," Omar said in an email to the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Omar wants to create education opportunities for orphans in Iraq, where learning has been severely disrupted by conflict and displacement.

"The children study in tents, and are also living in tents they have nowhere to go to do their homework ... Many Yazidi girls do not complete their education and go to school as it is dangerous for a girl alone," he said.

Islamic State (IS) militants overran the Yazidi religious community's heartland in Sinjar, northwest Iraq, in August 2014, systematically killing, capturing and enslaving thousands of Yazidi inhabitants.

U.N. investigators estimate more than 5,000 Yazidis have been rounded up and slaughtered and some 7,000 women and girls forced into sex slavery.

Iraqi forces recaptured the city of Mosul this year after months of fighting to wrest it from IS control.

Omar is the first recipient of an annual Lamiya Aji Bashar Scholarship. Bashar is a Yazidi rights advocate who was among thousands of women and girls abducted, tortured and sexually abused by IS after the militants rounded up Yazidis in the village of Kocho, near Sinjar in 2014.

The scholarship was established by Aurora Humanitarian Initiative (AHI) in partnership with the activist.

"This scholarship is the opportunity of a lifetime for young people from my community," Bashar said in a statement.

Omar wants to study biology, chemistry and global politics in the two-year International Baccalaureate programme.

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Seeking to capitalize on a chorus of condemnation of North Koreas latest nuclear test, the Trump administration rightly has been trying to rally international support for additional sanctions, while moving to reassure South Korea of U.S. support for its security.

Unfortunately, President Trump continues to make the work of his diplomats and military strategists harder with bellicose rhetoric, insults to U.S. allies and threats that he almost certainly cant deliver on.

On Sunday, North Korea tested what it described as a hydrogen bomb, generating about six times as much destructive force as its previous test  and the bomb the U.S. dropped on Hiroshima. It was the latest in a series of provocations that also included sending a ballistic missile over Japanese territory last week.

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In a powerful speech at the United Nations Security Council on Monday, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said the time has come to exhaust all of our diplomatic means, before its too late. The U.S. is drafting a new sanctions resolution, which could include a proposal to block oil sales to North Korea.

President Trump continues to make the work of his diplomats and military strategists harder with bellicose rhetoric.

Haley and the administration are right to seek multilateral support for their policies at the U.N. and to build as global a consensus as possible. It will take a united international front to crack down effectively on the sources providing North Korea with the hard currency and materiel that sustain its nuclear efforts.

But contrast Haleys statement with two tweets from Trump on Sunday. In the morning, he tweeted: South Korea is finding, as I have told them, that their talk of appeasement with North Korea will not work, they only understand one thing! Later that day he fired off another tweet suggesting that the U.S. is considering stopping all trade with any country doing business with North Korea.

Like the presidents unscripted warning last month that North Korea would face fire and fury if it continued to threaten the U.S., Trumps idea of cutting ties with any nation that did any business with North Korea is improbable to the point of fantasy. It would mean, for example, ending trade between the U.S. and China unless China agreed to cut off all trade with North Korea. By broaching such an unlikely response, Trump may make it harder to persuade China to take less sweeping but still significant measures, such as restricting North Koreas oil supplies.

Its notable that the administrations principal public response to Sundays test came not from Trump but from Secretary of Defense James Mattis. While Mattis reminded North Korea that the U.S. had military options available to it, he also said that the U.S. doesnt seek the total annihilation of the North. Mattis and other top officials also have made it clear that the U.S. has not closed the door on diplomacy, contrary to what Trump has suggested.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson ventured last month that the U.S. might be willing to resume talks if North Korea were to stop these missile launches. Last week, after Trump tweeted that talking to North Korea is not the answer, Mattis told reporters that were never out of diplomatic solutions.

That said, the administration  again, rightly  is rebuffing suggestions from Russia and China that it attempt to revive negotiations by agreeing to a deal in which North Korea would freeze its nuclear testing program in exchange for a cessation of joint military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea. The exercises arent threatening North Korea in the way its nuclearization is threatening Asia and the United States. And if the U.S. halts them, theres no guarantee that Russia and China can hold North Korea to its end of the bargain.

While the U.S. continues to insist that the only acceptable outcome of talks is the dismantling of the Norths nuclear program, other scenarios are possible. Some experts believe that the U.S. and the international community may have to accept, at least temporarily, an agreement in which the North would place ceilings on its nuclear program and stop its testing of nuclear devices and delivery systems.

Conceding to North Koreas nuclear ambitions, however, would have terrible implications for the spread of nuclear weapons in Asia. And U.S. policymakers should be loath to discuss such a possibility when North Korea is behaving so provocatively. Haley may have been exaggerating when she said that the government of Kim Jong Un is begging for war; but she was right to characterize its recent actions as threatening. In attempting to have the world address that threat, the U.S. needs to be both determined and deliberate, in word and deed.

That includes Trump, whose pronouncements on North Korea have been inconsistent to the point of incoherence. (On Wednesday, asked whether he was considering military action, he said: Certainly, thats not our first choice. But he quickly added: Well see what happens.) On the campaign trail, Trump found success with outrageous rhetoric that, as the saying goes, his supporters took seriously but not literally. Such pronouncements may be useful in domestic politics, but theyre dangerous when uttered by a president in an international crisis.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook

MORE FROM THE OPINION SECTION:

When is human rights hero Aung San Suu Kyi going to act like one?

Ending DACA was an act of pure cruelty by Trump

The pendulum swings too far on school accountability

UPDATES:

2:30 p.m.: This article was updated with a new quote from President Trump.

This article was originally published at 3 a.m.
The Rohingya Muslim minority of Myanmar has long suffered discrimination, persecution and violence. But as a new horrific wave of brutality has swept over Rakhine state, where most of the countrys Rohingya live in poverty, the question that has been asked over and over must now be shouted: When will Aung San Suu Kyi  the Nobel Peace Prize laureate, icon of democracy and de facto leader of the country  stand up for the democratic rights of this persecuted group?

The latest violence began with an Aug. 25 attack by Rohingya insurgents on 30 police posts and an army base that left 12 security officers and 77 insurgents dead, according to the Myanmar government. The government has responded to the attack  as it did after a similar attack by militants in October  with a sweeping scorched-earth campaign, killing hundreds of Rohingya civilians and burning their villages. (The government says the Rohingya burned down their own villages but offers no proof of that.) This time, the violence has triggered an exodus of more than 120,000 desperate people fleeing on foot through mud and over hilly terrain, mostly to neighboring Bangladesh, where conditions are grim if not quite as dangerous. The million or so who remain face an increasing risk of food shortages and additional violence, according to Amnesty International.

The stateless Rohingya are seen by the Buddhist majority and the government of Myanmar, also known as Burma, as little more than trespassers in the country. They have been denied citizenship, access to healthcare and education and other rights. Tens of thousands have been driven from their homes by violence over the years and have been consigned to squalid camps. Most are denied the right to work and other benefits of citizenship. In recent months, aid agencies say they have been blocked from entering Rakhine state by the Myanmar government.

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Suu Kyi needs to rediscover her roots as a moral leader.

Regardless of what one thinks of the insurgency, surely this much is clear: Its unconscionable for a military to respond to attacks by killing civilians and obliterating whole villages. And its Suu Kyis responsibility to speak out.

Around the world, Suu Kyi is revered as an advocate for human rights. She endured 15 years of house arrest under the former military government. That meant living apart from her husband, who died abroad, and apart from her children. The epitome of moral courage, she never wavered from her democratic principles and became a hero to many in her country and around the world. After being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and being released from house arrest, she won a seat in parliament. And in the historic 2015 election, her National League for Democracy party won a majority of seats. Though barred by the constitution from becoming president, Suu Kyi became state counselor and de facto leader of the party.

Yet, she has been mostly silent on the plight of the Rohingya, refusing even to call them by that name (as the Myanmar government doesnt recognize that as their official name). Her only concession to the fact that this is a serious problem was the establishment of a commission to look into the issues in Rakhine state. That commission delivered its report just two days before the violence broke out last month. Led by former United Nations Secretary- General Kofi Annan, the commission urged the government of Myanmar to recognize the rights of the Rohingya and warned that not doing so might only increase violence and radicalization in the state.

Certainly there is political pressure on Suu Kyi to keep quiet on the subject of the Rohingya; shes trying to appease the Buddhist majority and the military officials still in government. But the violence that the Annan commission warned of has already begun. This is a time when Suu Kyi needs to rediscover her roots as a moral leader, to condemn massive, indiscriminate violence against the Rohingya and to work to make them citizens of Myanmar.

A group of her fellow Nobel Peace Prize laureates called on her to do this months ago. In the last few days, Peace Prize laureate Malala Youfsafzai took to Twitter to condemn the tragic and shameful treatment of the Rohingya and noted that she was still waiting for her fellow Nobel laureate, Suu Kyi, to do the same:

The world is waiting and the Rohingya Muslims are waiting.

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The deal President Trump reportedly struck with top congressional Democrats to keep the government going temporarily, avoid a default and provide relief for hurricane victims will no doubt give die-hard fiscal conservatives a pounding headache. But its a concession to a painful reality: Congress cant seem to master the basics of governing.

First, kudos to Trump for telling reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday, Always well agree on debt ceiling automatically because of the importance of it. Thats the most straightforward part of the agreement, and the only drawback is that the ceiling wasnt raised for a considerably longer period.

Lawmakers have a debate every year or two over the debt ceiling because they refuse to use the tools at their disposal  including the annual budget resolution, budget reconciliation bills and the annual appropriations process  to stop the rising tide of debt by bringing the federal budget into balance. Thats a choice theyve made, and we can debate whether it was a good one. But once theyve made that choice, its just posturing and hypocrisy to balk when it comes time to increase the debt limit.

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Republicans who embraced that budget cant honestly oppose raising the debt ceiling now.

(That posturing and hypocrisy has a rich bipartisan history. Federal budget guru Stan Collender of Qorvis observed that lawmakers from the party that doesnt occupy the White House are usually the ones opposing any increase in the debt ceiling. Thats not true this go-around, as Republicans in Congress are the ones threatening to make a Republican administration default. Its as if GOP lawmakers were declaring, Stop me before I kill myself, Collender said.)

Remember, the debt ceiling doesnt really prevent the government from spending more than it collects in taxes  it blocks the feds from financing the debts and obligations that Congress has already incurred. Given that Washington is spending about 20% more than its taking in, failing to raise the debt limit would cause the Treasury to start stiffing a significant portion of its creditors (potentially including Social Security recipients and veterans). And despite claims to the contrary by some deficit hawks, credit rating agencies and bondholders would punish the United States if it missed any of those payments, even if it stayed current on its debt service.

Which brings us to part two of the deal, which is a three-month continuing resolution. Such bills are the white flags of fiscal policy, keeping the previous years priorities and spending levels in place while Congress tries to work out a new set of instructions.

Lawmakers are supposed to pass 12 new spending bills each year to appropriate money for the various federal departments and discretionary programs, such as research grants and military construction projects. But for the last decade or more, theyve struggled to pass even one of those bills on time (that is, by the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30), and theyre not on track to pass any this year, either. Thats why theyve resorted to continuing resolutions again and again.

Its not a complete failure of governing  after a several-month delay, lawmakers eventually adopt omnibus spending bills that set new spending levels and priorities. But deciding how to spend tax dollars is one of the most basic tasks of Congress. The fact that its incapable of performing that task on time should embarrass every member of the House and Senate.

The third piece of the deal, providing funding for victims of Harvey and possibly Irma, is likely to be the easiest sell in Congress. Only three House Republicans voted against a bill to provide $7.85 billion to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is set to run out of money soon, without any offsetting cuts in spending.

The federal programs that respond to disasters never have enough money to handle what Mother Nature throws at them, because Congress would rather borrow money after a disaster than budget for it in advance. Nor has Congress been willing to create insurance programs for catastrophic events that charge users premiums high enough for the programs to be self-sustaining.

The fires raging in the West and the storms battering the Southeast should inspire lawmakers to come up with a more fiscally responsible way to handle these events, which are only going to become more frequent in a warming climate. Instead, theyll give FEMA a few more months worth of funding and hope for mercy from the elements.

Its worth noting that House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) opposed the idea of adding the debt ceiling increase to the Harvey relief bill before Trump endorsed it. So there may still be some fireworks in store as the measure makes its way to Trumps desk. Yet the spending blueprint the House GOP laid out in its own budget resolution for fiscal 2018 would require a $2.4-trillion increase in the debt limit over the coming decade  $660 million in 2018 alone. Republicans who embraced that budget cant honestly oppose raising the debt ceiling now.

jon.healey@latimes.com

Twitter: @jcahealey
To the editor: While I seldom agree with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-San Francisco) on anything, she is in the stateswoman category for advising patience in dealing with President Trump. Liberals who disagree need to consider her background, solidly grounded in the chaos of politics in the 1970s. (Ignore the critics. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is outperforming many half her age, with old-fashioned civility, Sept. 4)

President Nixons resignation under threat of impeachment, and the long investigation leading up to it, weakened this country for years. The people demanding Trumps impeachment have either forgotten this or are not old enough to remember.

Feinstein became mayor of San Francisco and was thus positioned to run for Senate because of the assassinations of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk by former Supervisor Dan White in 1978. White had a personal grievance: Neither Moscone nor Milk would back his reappointment as supervisor.

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Having lived through the bloodstained history of the 70s, Feinstein reasonably would prefer a functioning presidency to an impeachment free-for-all, if impeachment can be avoided.

Richard C. Sipan, Scottsdale, Ariz.

..

To the editor: On Inauguration Day in 2009, some prominent Republicans met and plotted to obstruct the new president and his fellow Democrats on everything. They didnt even wait one day to see whether they could work with President Obama.

By contrast, President Trump has amply shown who he is and will remain. Yet Feinstein calls for patience. This  among other things  is why people are frustrated with Feinstein, and they have been doing a slow burn for years.

The political environment has changed, but Feinstein has not adapted. She and her supporters rationalize that she is doing whats best for the country. But after losing control of the White House, Senate, the House, governorships, state legislatures and more, there should be a wake-up call that something needs to change.

Sticking to an outdated MO does not help get the country on the right track.

Dan Jacobs, San Diego

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To the editor: Jill Bialoskys piece Can poetry save your life? was very meaningful to me.

When I first read Robert Frosts The Road Not Taken years ago, I caught myself contemplating my own life and all the roads Id taken (or not). Like Bialosky, my growing-up years were not easy and I felt so different from everyone else. Frost actually made me grateful for my life.

As a high school English teacher (now retired) I felt that poetry was so important for my students to read, discuss and memorize. The Road Not Taken was the favorite poem of so many of my students. Many of my students were from Mexico and had struggles with losing touch with parents and siblings, their friends and culture. I do believe this poem gave them a sense of worth, pride and hope.

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My hope as I read Bialoskys piece was that my former students also read it. I hope they still have The Road Not Taken fully memorized.

Sue Snyder, Laguna Woods

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To the editor: Unlike any other kind of reading, poetry lies firmly in the present, stopping the unrelenting urge to be productive, turn the page briskly, just get on with it and finish.

A poet relishes the details and helps us slow down to relish them too. Its kind of like spending time with a toddler, who forces you into the present as she examines a butterfly for the very first time.

Eileen Flaxman, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Oh, how I wish I was still teaching so I could bring this beautiful essay to my students. Thank you, Jill Bialosky, for sharing your love of poetry, but for also sharing the emotional solitude that comes from losing a parent as a child.

I wish I had found Robert Frost or any other poet to ease the pain of losing my father at an early age.

Thanks also goes to her teacher Miss Hudson, who didnt just read the poetry to her class; she demonstrated her love of words and their magic. She should be so proud.

Judith Braun, Woodland Hills

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Imagine if agents of the federal government showed up at your door and said you had to leave your friends, your family, your job and your country and move to whatever place your ancestors came from.

In my case, if that ancestor were the most recent, I would be heading for Norway, the country from which my mothers grandfather emigrated in the 1860s. There are much worse places to live than the lovely land of the fjords, but I dont know anyone there and I certainly dont know the language.

Id be a little better off if I could retrace the path of the earliest immigrant ancestor in my fathers family, an adventurous young Englishman who landed on Marylands eastern shore in the 1640s. In England, I not only know the language, I have friends of long standing. Still, it would not be home. It would be exile.

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Imagining this scenario helps a little in understanding the cruel quandary facing the Dreamers who have just been told by Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions that they may soon be forced out of the only land they have called home.

1 / 51 la-1491523602-y7ephyarj1-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 51 la-1491368625-0bgh58ihw8-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los angeles Times) 6 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 51 Trump inspires millions to take to the streets -- to oppose him. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 51 Cartoon caption contest winner at the DENT conference in Sun Valley, Idaho: Jon Duval, executive director of the Ketchum Community Development Corporation. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 51 Old radicals and big media descend on Selma (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 51 Horsey imagined the creation of the Ann Coulter phenomenon in this cartoon from 2007. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 51 This David Horsey drawing is a reconfiguration of a cartoon he first published in 2006. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 51 Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers, should give Cliven Bundy a call. After Sterling loses his NBA franchise and the deadbeat Nevada rancher loses his cattle, the two old racists will both need a buddy. Maybe they can team up together and open an all-white rodeo. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 51 Besides sending a chill up the spine of the international community, Vladimir Putin has accomplished one other thing by seizing Crimea and threatening the rest of Ukraine: Putin has brought back the bear. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 51 The right-wing insurrection at the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., has taken another weird turn with new revelations about the family history of Cliven Bundy. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 51 David Horsey / Los Angeles Times (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times)

These young people were brought into the United States as children by parents who crossed the border illegally, mostly from Mexico. Thanks to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program instituted through an executive action taken by President Obama, they were given the chance to continue living here rather than face deportation. Many have gone to college and earned degrees. Others have served in the military. They are finding good jobs and becoming productive members of a society in which the population is aging and new replacement workers will be increasingly hard to find.

Right now, there are about 800,000 of these Dreamers, 25% of whom reside in California. Contrary to the lies being told about them, their ranks are not filled with criminals. In order to become eligible for DACA, each applicant goes through a vetting process aimed at weeding out the bad seeds. Perhaps a few slipped through, but, overwhelmingly, these are good kids in which this country has already invested years of education. They are eager to prove themselves as valuable to America as all the immigrants who came before them. The catch is that tricky matter of legal status.

Now, I am not one who thinks our borders should be thrown wide open. During his campaign for president, Donald Trump said, If we dont have borders, we dont have a country. I actually agree with Trump on that. At the same time, though, if we dont have immigrants, we will become less of a country, both economically and culturally. Immigration has provided continuous renewal and reinvention for the United States, even as it has been resisted by fearful people in every generation.

Way back when my ancestors arrived on Americas shores, there were few rules governing immigration. They just showed up and started building new lives. These days, it is a lot more complicated and our laws have not kept up with the realities. Demagogues have whipped up anti-immigrant fears and prevented any compromise that would allow Congress to finally pass updated legislation that might make our immigration system more rational.

President Trump (who has done plenty of demagoguing himself) is now urging lawmakers to pass some kind of immigration bill in the next six months. Even as his administration announced that DACA would be phased out and that Dreamers should start planning their departure for unfamiliar lands, Trump was revealing his own ambivalence in tweets that suggested he might reconsider the whole thing if the House and Senate fail to come up with a legislative fix that will allow the Dreamers to stay.

On the campaign trail, Trump characterized many Mexican immigrants as criminals, pledged to build a big, beautiful wall on the border and vowed to boot out every undocumented immigrant, including those who have grown up here. Now, however, he appears to have developed a soft spot in his heart for these admirable young people. Notably, he delegated to Sessions the task of announcing the bad news about DACA. Meanwhile, Trump was expressing his love for the Dreamers. He seems to want it both ways; to please his xenophobic base of supporters by delivering on his promise to kill DACA while signaling that he is perfectly willing to have the same program reconstituted by the Republican Congress before anybody really gets forced out of the country.

That does not look like much of a formula for leadership and, without a push from the president, it seems quite unlikely the immigration hardliners in the Republican caucuses will allow passage of a bill by the six-month deadline. Nevertheless, with a big majority of Americans telling pollsters that the Dreamers should stay and with protests ratcheting up, there will be a political price to pay for failure.

And the biggest potential cost for the U.S. would be to lose 800,000 young people who want only to establish productive lives in the one place they know as home.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

David.Horsey@latimes.com

Follow me at @davidhorsey on Twitter

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California farmworkers will have to undergo sexual assault prevention training By Jazmine Ulloa Gov. Jerry Brown/ (Monica Davey/ EPA) Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday signed legislation to ensure farm labor contractors train employees on how to prevent and report sexual assault, a response to a 2013 PBS Frontline investigation that found sexual violence against women was a pervasive problem in California fields. Senate Bill 295 by Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) makes sexual harassment training mandatory at all businesses that supervise farm employees or provide them with lodging, transportation or other services. The training has to be conducted or interpreted in a language that employees can understand, the law stipulates, and farm labor contractors will have to provide proof of all of their materials and resources to the Farm Labor Commission as part of the license renewal process. Under the new law, the state labor commission also will be able to charge a $100 civil fine for any violation of the new requirements. The PBS Frontline investigative documenatory, Rape in the Fields, The Hidden Story of Rape on the Job in America found more than half a million women work in U.S. fields. Most do not have legal residency in the country, and sexual harassment and violence often go unreported. A 2012 Human Rights Watch survey found 80% of 150 women in Californias Central Valley had experienced some form of the abuse. Facebook

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Los Angeles voters can cast ballots in Assembly race on Tuesday By Chris Megerian Wendy Carrillo is one of 13 people running for a state Assembly seat. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) The political dominoes from U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxers retirement are almost done falling. Her decision two years ago to forgo reelection led to a reshuffling that eventually left vacant a state Assembly seat in Los Angeles. There are 13 candidates running in the special election, and the primary is Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Gov. Brown signs major housing legislation By Liam Dillon At a signing ceremony in San Francisco on Friday morning, Gov. Jerry Brown signed 15 bills aimed at addressing the states mounting housing problems. It is a big challenge, Brown said. We have risen to it this year. The bills could add nearly $1 billion in new funding for low-income housing developments in the near term as well as lessen regulations that slow growth. Read More Facebook

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Watch live: Gov. Jerry Brown signs bills to tackle Californias housing crisis Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers are gathered in San Francisco for the signing into law of a package of proposals designed to tackle some of the most pressing parts of Californias housing crisis. Read More Facebook

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Businesses in California will be required to tell customers exactly how much their automatic renewal will cost By Mina Corpuz California will require online businesses that offer free trials to tell customers exactly how much an automatic renewal will cost under a law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday. The laws author, Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), thinks the bill, known as SB 313, will make it easier for customers to cancel service. Consumers need to know what they are signing up for and that they can just as easily cancel any service or subscription online as when they started it online, Hertzberg said in a statement. Streaming services like Hulu and Spotify and the file-sharing site Dropbox have elicited lawsuits and consumer complaints about their automatic service renewals, according to Hertzbergs statement. The law goes into effect in July. Facebook

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Heres why Californias early primary in 2020 is destined to pick the next president. (Nah, not really) By Mark Z. Barabak (Harry Chase / Los Angeles Times) Today we answer questions. Woo-hoo! Now that Gov. Jerry Brown has signed the bill, it looks like California is moving up its 2020 presidential primary. Finally! Uh. No more watching from the sidelines as small-fry states like Iowa and New Hampshire throw their weight around. Um. Im already fluffing pillows and prepping the guestroom for all the 2020 hopefuls wholl be camped out. Er. What? You dont seem too excited. Look, it would be great if California voted in a truly meaningful presidential primary. Its been about 50 years since that happened. But its about as likely in 2020 as President Trump dumping Vice President Pence and running for reelection on a unity ticket with Hillary Clinton. How can that be? Lots of reasons, both political and practical. Do tell. Read More Facebook

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Poll: Californians like Obamacare more than ever but are divided on single-payer healthcare By Melanie Mason Members of the California Nurses Assn. and other supporters rally at the state Capitol for a single-payer health plan June 28. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) As the latest attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act fizzles, the law has reached its highest popularity in California in four years, according to a new poll released Wednesday by the Public Policy Institute of California. Nearly 60% of the Californians hold a generally favorable view of the healthcare law, and just over a third of Californians see it unfavorably  the highest approval rating since PPIC began tracking the laws popularity in 2013. But while Democrats and independents back the law, known as Obamacare, with strong majorities, three-quarters of Republicans have negative views of it. Only 18% of Californians believe congressional Republicans should try again to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, and 58% of adults want to see bipartisan efforts to improve the law. Underscoring the GOPs challenge in dramatically reducing governments role in healthcare, two-thirds of the states adults believe it is the federal governments responsibility to ensure that all Americans have health coverage. But Californians are divided on whether to substantially increase government involvement through a single-payer system, such as the Medicare for All proposal recently introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont). A national single-payer insurance program such as Medicare for All gets support from 35% of Californians, according to the poll. Support is higher among Democrats  44%  and independents  34%  than among Republicans. Only 6% of Republicans back such a system. But the current system, a patchwork of government and private insurance options, isnt particularly adored by Californians. Just under 30% of adults support continuing with a mix of private and public insurance options, while 36% of Democrats, 21% of Republicans and 31% of independents see that mixed system as the best way to provide health coverage. Facebook

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Half of Californias likely voters think Sen. Dianne Feinstein should retire, poll finds By Phil Willon (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) As Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein contemplates a 2018 bid for reelection, a new poll has found that 50% of Californias likely voters think she shouldnt run again. Just 43% of likely voters support Feinstein running for a sixth term, according to a Public Policy Institute of California poll released Wednesday. The results are similar among all California adults, not just likely voters, with 46% saying she should not run for another term and 41% saying she should run. Feinstein, 84, has come under increased pressure from members of Californias left, many of whom were infuriated when earlier this month she called for patience with President Trump and refused to back demands for his impeachment. Still, the poll found that Feinstein remains popular. More than half of likely voters  54%  approve of the job shes doing, compared with 38% who disapprove. Thats on par with Gov. Jerry Browns approval rating, and it bests the marks for Californias other Democratic senator, Kamala Harris. When likely voters were asked about Harris, the former state attorney general elected to the Senate in November, 47% approved of the job she was doing in Washington and 30% disapproved. Almost a quarter of voters didnt offer an opinion about Harris. The contrasting results on Feinstein are difficult to decipher but at the very least indicate voters remain restless. Partly, this is a holdover from last years election in which you saw many Democrats wanting a more liberal alternative at the presidential level and you saw many independents wanting an outsider, said Mark Baldassare, president of Public Policy Institute of California. As people are looking to next year, theres a desire for something new. Speculation continues that Feinstein may face a Democratic challenger. Among those who have been mentioned is state Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), who is weighing his next political move after he terms out of office in 2018. De Leon lashed out at Feinstein after her comments about Trump in early September. In her last election, Feinstein trounced her Republican opponent, Elizabeth Emken, by a 25-percentage-point margin in 2012. She won by almost an identical margin in 2006 when challenged by former Republican state Sen. Richard Mountjoy. However, California has since switched to a top-two primary system. The two candidates who receive the most voters in the June primary election will advance to the 2018 general election, regardless of their party. Two Democrats faced off in the finale of Californias 2016 U.S. Senate election, with Harris besting then-Rep. Loretta Sanchez. Facebook

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Barbara Boxer says if Sen. Dianne Feinstein runs for another term, she should expect a tough race By Mina Corpuz Former Sen. Barbara Boxer (Mina Corpuz / Los Angeles Times ) Its one of the hottest political parlor games in California right now: Will she run again? Everyone is waiting for Sen. Dianne Feinstein to announce if shell seek a sixth term. And even though they served as colleagues in Washington for more than two decades, former Sen. Barbara Boxer said she has no inside intel on what Feinstein will do in 2018. I believe she is running until I see any other indication, Boxer said Wednesday at a Sacramento Press Club lunch. Every single race is hard.... Anyone who runs against her will give her a tough race. Feinstein, 84, has made clear she is taking her time, even as ambitious politicians eye the seat she has held since 1992. One long-shot Democrat already is raising money for the race, and Feinstein recently drew criticism from California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, who has not ruled out a primary challenge against her. Boxer said Wednesday her own priority for next years midterm election is flipping several Republican-held House seats in Southern California. Theres no such thing as an off election year, she said. Its an on year. Much of this work will be done through the political action committee Boxer founded, PAC for a Change. The organization also supports electing more Democrats to the Senate and standing up to President Trumps policies, she said. Since leaving the Senate in January, Boxer has also given speeches and promoted her book, The Art of Tough. She doesnt like to consider herself a retiree. Boxer also skirted a question about her pick for governor in a race that already is crowded with several Democrats. All of the candidates, she joked, are like my sons and daughters. Facebook

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Californias top elections officer now says his agencys website wasnt the one scanned by Russian hackers By John Myers Secretary of State Alex Padilla (John Myers / Los Angeles Times) Five days after saying he had been told Russian hackers scanned the states main elections website for weaknesses in 2016, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla said Wednesday that it turns out it didnt actually happen that way. Padilla said that his office was given incorrect information by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and that the Russian operation was instead focused on scanning the network of the state Department of Technology. Our notification from DHS last Friday was not only a year late, it also turned out to be bad information, Padilla said in a statement. Bryce Brown, a spokesman for the states information technology agency, said officials had long known about suspect activity that occurred on our network last summer but didnt know anything else until the notification from federal officials. Although we did not have knowledge of the source until now, we have confirmed our security systems worked as planned and the activity was blocked as it happened in 2016, he said. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment. On Tuesday, the Associated Press reported that federal officials also reversed course in a notification they had made to Wisconsin elections officials about Russian activity. In June, federal officials told Congress that 21 states elections systems were targeted by Russian activity. Padilla insisted last week that the scanning incident found no vulnerabilities or access to any California voter information, and he criticized DHS officials for the delay in sharing information about 2016 activities. On Wednesday, he said hopes that federal officials will continue to work with the states in preventing cyberattacks. I remain committed to a partnership with DHS and other intelligence agencies; however, elections officials and the American public expect and deserve timely and accurate information, Padilla said. Facebook

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Hollywood tour buses could get more rules slapped on them under the law Gov. Jerry Brown just signed By Patrick McGreevy A tour bus passes the late Carrie Fishers gated home in Beverly Hills. (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Jerry Brown on Wednesday signed legislation aimed at reining in the proliferation of tour buses offering to take fans to the homes and gathering spots of celebrities in Hollywood and other trendy neighborhoods. The measure allows cities and counties to adopt rules that restrict the routes or streets used by the tour buses, and prohibit the use of loudspeakers on open-topped buses and vans. Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian (D-Sherman Oaks) introduced the proposal in response to a report by NBC Los Angeles that found some tour buses were operating unsafely without proper permits. He also cited complaints about topless buses on narrow streets of the Hollywood Hills, Malibu and Bel-Air. Facebook

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Latino state lawmakers back Antonio Villaraigosa for California governor By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa gives a pep talk in Los Angeles at Cathedral High School, where he once was also a student. ((Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) The Legislatures California Latino Caucus on Wednesday endorsed former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for governor. While expected, the nod from the politically influential caucus is a boon for Villaraigosa, a former Democratic Assembly speaker and the only major Latino candidate running for governor. Villaraigosa has lagged behind Lt. Gov. Gavin Newson in early polls and fundraising. As Assembly speaker and Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa worked to strengthen our economy, expand our healthcare, improve our schools and invest in strategic infrastructure projects that create middle-class jobs, Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego), chair of the caucus, said in a statement Wednesday morning. An intriguing aspect of the endorsement is that one of the most prominent members of the California Latino Caucus is Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). In Sacramento, speculation abounds over whether De Leon may run for governor, and the Villaraigosa endorsement could indicate De Leon has other plans for his political future. Villaraigosa joins a slate of other Latino statewide candidates endorsed by the caucus: Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Azusa) for lieutenant governor; current appointee Xavier Becerra for attorney general; incumbent Alex Padilla for secretary of state; Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) for insurance commissioner; and Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) for superintendent of public instruction. Facebook

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California is trying to educate people about marijuana before recreational sales start By Patrick McGreevy Months before California allows the sale of marijuana for recreational use, the state has launched an education campaign about the drug, including highlighting the potential harms of cannabis for minors and pregnant women. The state is scheduled to issue licenses starting Jan. 2 for growing and selling marijuana for recreational use, expanding a program that currently allows cannabis use for medical purposes. In response, the California Department of Public Health has created a website to educate Californians about the drug and its impacts, including how to purchase and safely store cannabis. We are committed to providing Californians with science-based information to ensure safe and informed choices, said State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. The website, Lets Talk Cannabis, notes it is illegal for people under 21 to buy marijuana for non-medical use and warns that using cannabis regularly in your teens and early 20s may lead to physical changes in your brain. The site also warns that marijuana edibles may have higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. If you eat too much, too fast you are at higher risk for poisoning, the website warns. The state urges parents and guardians to talk to their teenagers about legal and health issues surrounding marijuana use. The state officials also say consuming cannabis is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who plan to become pregnant soon, noting that it can affect the health of your baby. The website got good marks from legalization activist Ellen Komp, deputy director of Californias chapter of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. The website is fairly accurate, she said, but added, The risks with pregnancy are somewhat overstated, telling women they should not use cannabis for nausea or even if they are thinking of getting pregnant. Some 43% of Californians have used marijuana for recreational purposes and 54% said they have not, according to a USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll last November. Among those who have not used it, just 2% said they are much more likely to use it if Proposition 64 passed, which it did, while 5% said they are somewhat more likely to use it, and 89% said they are no more likely to smoke pot if it was legalized. Other advice from the states site: driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and increases the chance of a car accident, and cannabis should be stored in a locked area to avoid poisoning children and pets. Updated at 11:30 am to include data from poll on marijuana use. Facebook

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Todays newsletter: Republicans fail again to repeal Obamacare By John Myers Todays Essential Politics newsletter details the last gasp of the Republican efforts in Washington to repeal the Affordable Care Act, efforts that President Trump insisted on Tuesday arent over. We also take a look at the win by Roy Moore, a former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, in a Senate runoff that saw the president back the losing candidate. And weve got the details of what happens if Gov. Jerry Brown, as expected, signs the sanctuary state bill into law. The newsletter comes out Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Are you a subscriber? Sign up below. Read More Facebook

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After meeting with Trump, California Democrats say they want a seat at the tax reform table By Sarah D. Wire Ahead of Republicans plans to unveil a more detailed overview of their tax reform plan Wednesday, President Trump sat down with a bipartisan group of members that included California Democratic Reps. Linda Sanchez and Mike Thompson. Sanchez, of Whittier, who serves on the House committee that has authority over tax legislation, said members didnt learn much about the details of the plan Tuesday. There were kind of generalities but no specificity, which is why were interested to see what they put out tomorrow, because clearly its not something thats had Democratic input, Sanchez said. According to a White House transcript of part of the meeting, Trump said the plan is focused on making the tax code simple and fair, increasing the deduction most families can take, lowering the business tax rate and bringing wealth stored overseas back to the United States. Thompson, of St. Helena, said the president listened to what Democrats had to say, but he didnt get the impression that the policy plan would change before it becomes public Wednesday. I dont think it was that kind of meeting. We all agreed we wanted a fair, easy-to-work-with tax code that generates more jobs, said Thompson, who is also on the committee. He said repeatedly he wants to be successful. Republicans are set to unveil a consensus document Wednesday they say will be a much more detailed overview than previous tax policy papers theyve released. But it is not expected to be an actual plan or bill. Republicans will huddle with Vice President Mike Pence for half of Wednesday to discuss tax reform. Democrats are holding their own tax reform forum too. Its been 30 years since Congress has passed a major tax overhaul, and Republican leaders have set an ambitious timeline for passing a tax-reform measure, indicating they want to get it to Trumps desk by the end of the year. Sanchez said she tried to stress in the meeting that Democrats should play a role in writing the final bill. There wasnt discussion about the group sitting down with Trump again, she said. The president was very pleased that it was a bipartisan effort, which sort of confused me because that was the first meeting where there were members of the Democratic side of the Ways and Means Committee there, Sanchez said. I dont know if theyve been telling him that the process is bipartisan or if he knew it wasnt bipartisan but didnt care, but I thought that was kind of odd. Facebook

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Judge rewrites summary of proposed gas tax repeal initiative, saying it was fundamentally flawed By Patrick McGreevy A Chevron gas station in Sacramento shows prices in February. ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) A judge on Monday rewrote the title and summary for a proposed initiative that would repeal recent gas tax increases in California. He rejected a title and summary written by the state attorney generals office as fundamentally flawed. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley criticized the attorney generals office for not mentioning in the title that the ballot measure would repeal newly approved taxes or fees. This is not a situation where reasonable minds may differ, Frawley wrote in his ruling. The Attorney Generals title and summary ... must be changed to avoid misleading the voters and creating prejudice against the measure. The initiative proposed by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) would repeal a bill approved in April by the Legislature and governor that would raise the gas tax by 12 cents per gallon and increase vehicle fees in order to generate $5.2 billion for road repairs and to improve mass transit. The title and summary will be placed on petitions to be circulated by those trying to qualify the measure for the November 2018 ballot. The title and summary are also placed on the ballot if enough signatures are collected. The original title written by Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerras office was: Eliminates recently enacted road repair and transportation funding by repealing revenues dedicated for those purposes. Allens attorneys argued the voter could read that to mean that the Legislature identified existing funds for transportation and the initiative would take those funds away. The judges title says: Repeals recently enacted gas and diesel taxes and vehicle registration fees. Eliminates road repair and transportation programs funded by these taxes and fees. The judge also made it clear in the summary that an Independent Office of Audits and Investigations that would be eliminated by the initiative is newly established. Representatives of the attorney generals office were not immediately available to comment on whether the ruling would be appealed. Facebook

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Democrats to try to force vote on Dream Act with rarely successful procedural move By Sarah D. Wire House Democrats are trying to force a vote on Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allards version of the Dream Act, they announced in a news conference Monday. The House and Senate have less than six months to address the legal status of people brought into the country illegally as children before the program protecting them from deportation ends in March. In the weeks since President Trump announced he was ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, Democrats have pushed for a quick vote on Roybal-Allards bill, which is backed by every House Democrat and four Republicans. There are also a handful of other Republican-sponsored bills that could be considered. To force a vote, Democrats would need a majority of the House  218 members  to sign whats called a discharge petition to pull the bill from the House Judiciary Committee and bring it to the House floor. Roybal-Allard, a Democrat from Downey, said she believes there is enough support to pass the bill if Democrats can get it to the House floor. Democratic leaders said they expect all House Democrats will sign the petition. The American people overwhelmingly oppose deporting our Dreamers, Roybal-Allard said. But the Republican leadership is ignoring the wishes of a majority of the American people. Democrats hold only 194 seats, and would have to convince 24 Republicans to buck their party leaders and sign the petition. House leaders control which bills come to the floor for a vote and when. Although discharge petitions have been used in the past to shame congressional leadership into letting a bill move forward, the procedural move is rarely successful. This month, Republican Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado filed a discharge petition for the Bridge Act, a Republican- sponsored bill to address the legal status of people brought to the country illegally as children. Five members of Congress had signed on as of Monday. FOR THE RECORD Sept 26, 12:38 p.m.: An earlier version of this post identified the member of Congress who filed a discharge petition for the Bridge Act as Rep. Mike Thompson. It was Rep. Mike Coffman. Facebook

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California lawmakers grant some megaprojects relief from environmental law, but not others By Liam Dillon Developers plan to build two skyscrapers near the Capitol Records building in Hollywood. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press) When professional sports team owners, Facebook and big developers have asked California lawmakers for some relief from the states main environmental law over growth, the answer usually has been yes. The law, the California Environmental Quality Act, requires developers to disclose and reduce a projects effects on the environment  a process that often can get tied up in lengthy litigation. This year, legislators passed a measure aiming to shorten any potential environmental lawsuit against Facebooks expansion of its headquarters, two skyscrapers planned in Hollywood and other megaprojects to less than nine months. Doing so has led many to question why only big projects get such relief. Read More Facebook

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The fate of Californias biggest campaign donor disclosure bill may hinge on some small details By John Myers Members of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. (Rich Pedroncelli/AP) You wouldnt expect to see the leader of Californias campaign watchdog agency rooting for Gov. Jerry Brown to veto sweeping new disclosure rules for political donors. And yet, thats where things stand in a seven-year debate over helping voters follow the money. I think we can do better than this bill, said Jodi Remke, chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Remke and her staff have raised a red flag about the fine print tucked inside Assembly Bill 249, the California Disclose Act, that rewrites rules for campaign contributions that are earmarked. Read More Facebook

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Oceanside lifeguard receives Californias highest public safety honor By Mina Corpuz Medal of Valor recipient David Wilson stands with his parents, a family friend, Gov. Jerry Brown and Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra. (Mina Corpuz / Los Angeles Times ) An Oceanside Fire Department officer who risked his life to save a boater received the states highest award for public safety officers on Monday. Gov. Jerry Brown and Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra presented David Wilson with the Public Safety Medal of Valor at a ceremony at the state Capitol. In July 2016, Wilson rescued a man whose boat crashed into a jetty in Oceanside Harbor. The victim was barely conscious and jammed between two rocks. With only a short window between each set of waves, Wilson dove underneath the water and swam into the boulders to free the victims legs. You earned it, Brown said at the ceremony. You were assaulted by the waves and the rocks, and you went ahead anyways. Thats why you are the only one getting a medal of honor. A review board made up of law enforcement officers reviewed 21 nominations for the Medal of Valor. The award is given out once a year. There can be more than one recipient, but this year Brown chose one. Facebook

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7.5 million Californians could lose coverage under latest Obamacare repeal effort, state health insurance exchange says By Melanie Mason Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, the states health insurance exchange, in 2013. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) Californians who get their health coverage on the individual market could face dire consequences under the current Republican effort to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, warned a new analysis released Monday by Covered California, the states health insurance exchange. Under the latest plan, which is being led by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), 7.5 million Californians could lose their health insurance by 2027, the analysis said. It also said the repeal could trigger a collapse of the states individual insurance market. The Graham-Cassidy plan takes resources away from California and from the majority of states, which means that far fewer Americans would have insurance or the existing protections from insurers, said Peter V. Lee, executive director of Covered California, in a statement. The effect on California would be devastating, and lead not only to there being more uninsured people than there were before the Affordable Care Act, but would also cause huge negative impacts on the health care delivery system, the economy and on those with employer-based coverage, Lee said. The report comes on the heels of another grim analysis by Gov. Jerry Browns administration, which estimated that the Senate proposal would strip California of nearly $139 billion in federal funds from 2020 to 2027. The Covered California report looked at two different scenarios for how state officials could respond to such a slash in federal dollars. If the state chose to prioritize protecting Medi-Cal, which provides coverage for low-income Californians, the analysis projects the collapse of the individual insurance market by 2021. If officials chose to direct attention to the individual market by stepping in to cover subsidies now paid for by the federal government, that could lead to large reductions in the Medi-Cal program. In both scenarios, the result would be up to 7.5 million fewer Californians with health insurance, according to the report. Proponents claim Graham-Cassidy gives states flexibility and choice, but in reality it puts states into a lose-lose situation, Lee said. Under this plan, California and states across the nation would be forced to either turn their backs on their most needy residents, or let the individual market be destroyed. Either way, millions lose coverage. Read More Facebook

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Todays newsletter: Sports spat starts with California teams By Christina Bellantoni Todays Essential Politics newsletter details President Trumps sports spat, which originated with California teams before becoming national political drama on football fields across America. It also notes last falls USC/Los Angeles Times poll, which found huge partisan divisions in how California voters viewed Colin Kaepernick at the time. Democrats liked him more, while he had just 6% favorability among tea party Republicans here. The state was evenly divided on whether to support his protest during the national anthem. The newsletter comes out Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Are you a subscriber? Sign up below. Read More Facebook

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Attorney running against Sen. Dianne Feinstein is hosting Hollywood fundraiser By Christine Mai-Duc Pat Harris may be a long-shot candidate for U.S. Senate, but hes not fundraising like one. On Monday Harris, a Democrat challenging Sen. Dianne Feinstein, is set to tread territory familiar to many prominent statewide candidates looking for cash: the Hollywood fundraiser. The event is to be held at the Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Boulevard and is being billed as a CD release party for Carol Welman, a jazz musician and Harris wife. Tickets range from $150 for a single ticket to $2,700 for a VIP dinner for two. (An email to Welmans subscriber list earlier this week advertised tickets for as little as $30). Harris announced that he was running last month on a platform that includes support for single-payer healthcare and a pledge that he will only take campaign donations from individuals. Facing pressure from progressive activists, Feinstein has been coy so far about whether shell retire or run again in 2018. Either way, shes stockpiled $3.5 million in her campaign war chest. As of June 30, Harris had raised no money except for $104,685 he loaned his own campaign. Three other candidates have also filed to run against Feinstein: Democrats Steve Stokes and David Hildebrand, and independent Jerry Carroll. Facebook

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Rep. Keith Ellison headlines dinner for Orange County Democrats, who declare orange is the new blue By Christine Mai-Duc The focus was on 2018 as Orange County Democrats gathered Saturday night in Costa Mesa to bask in their high hopes here. Headliner and deputy chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, urged unity as dozens of Democrats navigate crowded primaries throughout the state. Ellison getting star treatment tonight, speaking to VIP attendees & meeting congressional candidates & gubernatorial hopeful @DelaineEastin pic.twitter.com/2Bh8K5H1Qu  Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) September 24, 2017 Much of focus tonight on flipping 4 GOP congressional seats in OC. Ellison: "We need 24 more seats...I figure 4 of em we can get right here" pic.twitter.com/CDDbGWpNnT  Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) September 24, 2017 The theme of the annual awards dinner was Orange is the New Blue, a twist on the title of a popular Netflix show and the latest indication of Democrats rosy outlook as they try to flip the countys four GOP-held House seats next year. Ellison told the crowd it was not the proper role of the DNC to choose among the many primary contenders. But you will sort it out running spirited campaigns, you will sort it out over ideas, and when it is over we need you to hold hands and support the Democrat. Ellison pushed for a return to grass-roots organizing and outreach to voters of all stripes  and not just during election years. We cannot come a month before the election, tell them ... Come vote for us, Ellison said. Weve got to be in their lives in a physical, palpable way. Then we do have to have the right words, we do have to stand up for them. Ellison on more permanent solution for DACA: no wall, no increase in detention beds "but there might be some other things" Dems can agree to pic.twitter.com/yrmOGfXYan  Christine Mai-Duc (@cmaiduc) September 24, 2017 In an interview, Ellison also stressed the need to pass legislation for young people brought to the country illegally who were allowed to stay and work under the Obama Administrations Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Ellison said Democrats are open to negotiating certain immigration enforcement provisions in order pass a replacement for DACA, which President Trump announced he will end in March. But he said Democrats wont acquiesce to Trumps demand for a border wall or allow additional capacity for immigration detentions. There are certain things that are simply not on the table  the wall or more detention beds, were just not doing that, he said. Facebook

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Russians tried to find weaknesses in Californias election website last year, say state officials By John Myers Secretary of State Alex Padilla (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Californias chief elections officer said U.S. government officials believe Russian hackers tried to find weaknesses in the states election website during the 2016 campaign, but that theres no evidence their effort was successful. Secretary of State Alex Padilla said the Department of Homeland Security only told him on Friday of last years attempt. He described the attack as a scanning of the states website in hopes of finding weaknesses in its computer network. Our office actively monitors scanning activity as part of our routine cybersecurity protocols, Padilla said in a statement. We have no information or evidence that our systems have been breached in any way or that any voter information was compromised. Those involved were Russian cyber actors according to Padillas description of information he received from federal officials. In June, a top federal official told the Senate Intelligence Committee that systems in 21 states were believed to have been scoured by cyberattackers. The election website, www.sos.ca.gov, contains public information about voting procedures as well as data on past election results and current issues. More sensitive data, including the electronic files of some 17 million registered voters, are not included on the website. A leaked National Security Agency document earlier this year outlined a Russian effort to hack into devices made by a Florida-based voting software company. One California county, Humboldt, used the companys software, but did not find any evidence of tampering. Padilla, a frequent critic of President Trumps special panel investigating the potential of voter fraud, said federal officials should have notified him much earlier of the attempted breach. The practice of withholding critical information from elections officials is a detriment to the security of our elections and our democracy, he said. Facebook

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Antonio Villaraigosa jabs at Gavin Newsom over his apparent embrace of single-payer healthcare bill By Melanie Mason Supporters of a measure to establish single-payer healthcare in California were thrilled by Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsoms embrace of their bill on Friday, but a rival gubernatorial campaign was less impressed with his position. A spokesman for former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa accused the lieutenant governor of flip-flopping because after Newsom was asked if he explicitly endorsed the legislation  Senate Bill 562  he responded that he endorsed getting this debate going again. This is an outrageous parsing of words when millions of people are at risk of losing their healthcare, Villaraigosa spokesman Luis Vizcaino said in a statement. It is a yes or no question, lieutenant governor. Are you for SB 562 or not? The nurses and California voters deserve the truth, Vizcaino added. The question of backing SB 562 is thorny since it was shelved earlier this year after Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) called it woefully incomplete. Backers have said theyd be willing to make changes to the measure, but the contours of those proposed changes have not been made public. Vizcaino said Villaraigosa has always supported universal healthcare and the concept of single payer, but agreed with Speaker Rendon that the bill couldnt be sent to the governor without a funding plan. Speaking to reporters, Newsom said he saw a single-payer system in which the government covers healthcare costs as the best way to achieve universal coverage and said he would be actively engaged in designing and developing it if SB 562 does not pass next year. RoseAnn DeMoro, executive director of the California Nurses Assn./National Nurses United, said she saw Newsoms remarks as a clear endorsement of their measure and a stance she said was not surprising. We always knew Gavin would support our bill, DeMoro said. She lambasted Villaraigosa  who does not support SB 562  for criticizing Newsom, whom her group endorsed nearly two years ago. I want Villaraigosa to explain to the Latino community why he doesnt think they should have ... comprehensive healthcare, she said. Villaraigosas being disingenuous. He knows better. Hes just politically posturing trying to find a wedge issue and he knows better. UPDATE 4:32 p.m.: This post was updated with an additional statement from Villaraigosas spokesperson on the former L.A. mayors support for universal healthcare. Read More Facebook

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In San Francisco, Bernie Sanders plays two roles: Obamacare defender and single-payer advocate By Melanie Mason View Twitter post Sen. Bernie Sanders headed west to drum up support for his recently unveiled Medicare for All proposal Friday, but first trained his sights on the Obamacare repeal bill currently gripping Congress. Sanders (I-Vt.), whose speech was the cornerstone of a California Nurses Assn. gathering in San Francisco, blasted the Republican plan led by Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina as horrific legislation. How cruel, how immoral it is, to say to those millions of Americans, we are going to take away that health insurance that keeps you alive, Sanders said. Sen. John McCain announced on Friday he could not support the measure, dealing the GOP plan a blow. Sanders thanked McCain for his stance, prompting the liberal crowd to cheer the Arizona Republican. Some Democrats had worried that Sanders push for his single-payer plan could distract from efforts to oppose the repeal bill. But the senator was explicit in his appeal to the approximately 2,000 supporters in attendance to focus their energy on defeating the repeal measure. Our job is to continue to make sure the Republicans do not get the 50 votes they need ... I beg of you, please, do everything you can to stop the bill, he said. Still, the crux of Sanders speech focused on his single-payer bill, which he sold as an improvement over the status quo. The Affordable Care Act, as we all know, made significant improvements to our healthcare system, Sanders said, citing the expansion of the number of Americans with health insurance and the ban on insurance companies ability to deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions. But we must be honest and acknowledge that with all the gains of the Affordable Care Act, it does not go far enough, he added. The bill expands the Medicare program to cover the healthcare costs of all Americans with no out-of-pocket payments for patients. The measure does not include a plan to finance such a system, but Sanders has released a report laying out various ways to cover the costs, including a progressive income tax. During his pitch, Sanders said the implications extended beyond health policy. It is a struggle about what this great nation stands for, Sanders said. It is a struggle about whether or not every working person in this country has healthcare as a right or whether we allow insurance companies and drug companies to continue to rip us off. Facebook

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Gas tax foes win victory as they try to get a repeal on November 2018 ballot By Patrick McGreevy A Chevron gas station in Sacramento shows prices in February. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) In a rare court rebuke of the state Attorney Generals Office, a judge said Friday that the title and summary written for a proposed initiative is misleading  and that hed do a rewrite himself to make it clear the measure would repeal recently approved increases to gas taxes and vehicle fees. Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley said he would draft a new title and summary to be placed on petitions for the initiative after attorneys for the state and proponents of the ballot measure could not agree on compromise language. In this circumstance, I honestly believe that the circulated title and summary that has been prepared is misleading, Frawley told attorneys during a court hearing Friday. He hopes to release the new title and summary by Monday. The initiative proposed by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) would repeal a bill approved in April by the Legislature and governor that would raise the gas tax by 12 cents per gallon and increase vehicle fees to generate $5.2 billion annually to fix the states roads and bridges and improve mass transit. Allen and his attorneys said the state attorney general sought to confuse voters with a title that does not use the words taxes or fees. The title was proposed to say: Eliminates recently enacted road repair and transportation funding by repealing revenues dedicated for those purposes. Allen, who is running for governor in 2018, said the court decision showed the attorney general was trying to sway voters against the initiative. Justice is being served for the voters of California, Allen said after the court hearing. I think that he [the judge] has properly seen that the attorney general has tried to intentionally mislead the voters of California because he has tried to prejudice their vote and tried to keep increased taxes for Californians. A coalition of business, labor and government officials called Fix Our Roads, which supports the gas tax legislation, had representatives in the courtroom who later criticized Allen for seeking political gain at the expense of California motorists. This is more about Travis Allens gubernatorial race than anything else, said coalition spokeswoman Kathy Fairbanks. Hes condemning voters to driving on potholed roads and being stuck in traffic. Allen said the initiative and his campaign for governor are both aimed at giving voters power to fight higher taxes. Finally ordinary Californians are understanding that they actually can hold Sacramento accountable, Allen said. This is why Im running to be the next governor of California, because for too long Sacramento has been run by out-of-touch elitists that are coming from Sacramento and the Bay Area of San Francisco. A second initiative to repeal the gas tax has been proposed by a different group of Republican activists. Allen said he supports the second initiative but noted it has to collect many more signatures because it seeks to change the state constitution. It has a long way to go, Allen said. If the judge issues a new title and summary Monday, Allen said the petitions will hit the streets immediately and he is confident they will get the 365,880 signatures to qualify the measure for the November 2018 ballot. Facebook

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We will have universal healthcare in the state of California, Gavin Newsom promises single-payer advocates By Melanie Mason View Twitter post Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has made his most explicit endorsement yet of a controversial single-payer healthcare proposal that has roiled Democratic politics in California. Newsom appeared Friday before the California Nurses Assn., the most ardent backers of SB 562, a stalled bill to establish a system in which the state would cover all residents healthcare costs. Theres no reason to wait around on universal healthcare and single-payer in California, Newsom said. Its time to move 562. Its time to get it out of committee. The line prompted cheers and a standing ovation from the audience of about 1,500 members of the nurses union. He capped off his remarks with a promise: If we cant get it done next year, you have my firm and absolute commitment as your next governor that I will lead the effort to get it done. We will have universal healthcare in the state of California. Enthusiastic nurses in the room heard an unequivocal backing of their effort to push forward with the bill. When he says hes going to get this done, he means, seriously, that he will pass SB 562 and make sure that there is healthcare for all Californians, said Catherine Kennedy, a neonatal nurse from Roseville. But speaking to reporters after his address, Newsom was less clear in embracing the specifics of the proposal. I 100% support moving this process along, getting this debate going again and addressing the concerns, the open-ended issues that the nurses themselves have acknowledged as it relates to the need of going through the legislative process and to fill in the blanks on the financing plan, among other issues, he said. Facebook

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President Obama appears in an Assembly race mailer in California  but read it closely By Christina Bellantoni The race to replace Jimmy Gomez, who was elected to Congress earlier this year, has so far been waged by mail and door-knocking in northeast Los Angeles. Most of the mailers feature local leaders and endorsements from groups including Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club. But one mailer that arrived in my mailbox Thursday has a much more familiar face  former President Barack Obama. While it might seem like one to the casual voter sorting through junk mail, this isnt an endorsement. Want to know what kind of job Gabriel Sandoval will do in the Assembly? Listen to the people hes worked with in the past, the mailer reads, above Obamas official White House portrait. In small type, it notes that Sandoval served as a Senior Civil Rights Attorney and Senior Advisor for a White House initiative within the Department of Education. It features a glowing quote over an image of a July 12, 2013, letter from the president to Sandoval written on White House letterhead. Facebook

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Healthcare a hot issue in race for California governor By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa, left, and Gavin Newsom (Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images; Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) With the hyperpartisan politics surrounding healthcare stirred up by efforts to repeal Obamacare and calls for a single-payer system, both Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Antonio Villaraigosa are claiming the mantle of healthcare visionary. On the campaign trail the two Democratic candidates for governor are touting their signature healthcare accomplishments from earlier in their political careers as their bona fides. For Newsom, its about Healthy San Francisco, the nations first municipal universal healthcare program, approved while he was mayor; and for Villaraigosa, its Healthy Families, which provided healthcare coverage to the children of Californias working poor, legislation he authored as a California assemblyman. But do they deserve all the credit? It sure doesnt look that way. Healthy San Francisco is one of the many topics Newsom is expected to highlight when he speaks to the California Nurses Assn. convention in the Bay Area on Friday morning. On Thursday night, Newsom took a shot at the latest Republican effort in Washington to roll back the Affordable Care Act  a bill written by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) The numbers on this make my skin crawl. Under Graham-Cassidy, an individual with metastatic cancer could see their premiums increase by $142,650. Diabetes? $5,600. Want to tackle the opioid crisis? Gets a lot tougher if an individual suffering from drug dependence sees their premiums go up by $20,450, Newsom said in an email sent out by his campaign. This is not a game. Lives are at stake. Read More Facebook

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Rep. Duncan Hunter calls for preemptive strike against North Korea By Joshua Stewart, San Diego Union-Tribune Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Alpine) introduces U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions at a news conference. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) Rep. Duncan Hunter said that the United States needs to launch a preemptive strike against North Korea in order to prevent the rogue nation from harming the U.S. first. You could assume, right now, that we have a nuclear missile aimed at the United States, and here in San Diego. Why would they not aim here, at Hawaii, Guam, our major naval bases? Hunter, an Alpine Republican, said Thursday during an appearance on San Diego television station KUSI. The question is, do you wait for one of those? Or two? Do you preemptively strike them? And thats what the president has to wrestle with. I would preemptively strike them. You could call it declaring war, call it whatever you want, Hunter continued. Hunter, a member of a House Armed Services Committee and the subcommittee with jurisdiction over the United States nuclear arsenal, did not say whether the military should strike North Korea with conventional or nuclear weapons. Read More Facebook

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Will Bernie Sanders push for Medicare for All help or hinder the California effort for single-payer? By Melanie Mason When Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Beverly Hills last May, he made a full-throated appeal for California to lead the country and pass a pending state proposal to establish single-payer healthcare. On Friday, hell return to California for a San Francisco speech trumpeting his own higher-stakes plan  a bill to drastically overhaul the nations healthcare system by covering everyone through Medicare. The push for single-payer, in which the government pays for residents medical care, has already rattled Californias political landscape. Now, the Sanders measure brings an additional jolt, elevating the issue to a national debate that has implications for the future direction of the Democratic Party and early jockeying in the 2020 presidential race. Read More Facebook

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What will Kevin de Leon do when his term in the California Senate expires next year? By Patrick McGreevy State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, speaks during the last regular Senate floor session of the year. ( (Rich Pedroncelli / AP)) As he gaveled down what may be his last full year as leader of the California Senate on Saturday, Kevin de Leon had still not said what he planned to do next. Will he run for governor or U.S. Senate? Does he want to be mayor of Los Angeles some day? De Leon told reporters they will have to wait to find out. His advisors, supporters and political observers have their own ideas what De Leon could do next. Read More Facebook

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Skelton: The presidential election bills on Gov. Browns desk may be satisfying politics, but theyre risky ideas By George Skelton Two presidential election bills are on Gov. Jerry Browns desk, sent to him by the Democratic Legislature. Both should be tossed in the trash. No doubt Im in the minority on this. These bills do offer some fun, even if theyre flawed. One has strong pluses that are outweighed by unacceptable minuses. The second is a mean-spirited gotcha bill aimed at the Democrats No. 1 enemy: President Trump. It may be satisfying politics, but it sets a risky precedent. The first bill moves up Californias presidential primary from June to March. Great idea. But it also moves up the state primary along with it. A horrible idea. The second measure would require all presidential candidates to release their tax returns for the last five years. Anyone who refused wouldnt be allowed on the California ballot. Thats a sharp poke at Trump, who in 2016 was the first presidential candidate in 40 years not to release his taxes. Yes, watching Trump squirm would be entertaining. And maybe the tax information would be useful for some voters. But even if the disclosure requirement were constitutional  and theres substantial doubt about that  its a crummy precedent. Read More Facebook

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California Senate leader preparing for legal fight over sanctuary state legislation By Sarah D. Wire California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown hasnt yet signed legislation making California a so-called sanctuary state, but state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon is preparing to defend it in court. In between several immigration events in Washington on Wednesday, De Leon (D-Los Angeles) said he met with former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr.  who has served as outside counsel to the Legislature for much of the year  to continue to further discuss inoculating California from [U.S. Atty. Gen.] Jeff Sessions Department of Justice. Passed early Saturday by the Legislature, the sanctuary state bill would limit state and local law enforcement communication with federal immigration authorities and prevent officers from questioning and holding people on immigration violations. Sessions has threatened to withhold some federal grant funds from cities and counties that refuse to assist federal immigration agents. Holder and other former Justice Department lawyers believe the bill is defendable, and if the Trump administration tries to compel California cities to act by withholding funds, it will find itself in court, De Leon said. Defenders of so-called sanctuary cities often rely on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling that cited the 10th Amendment and found the federal government cant compel local governments to cooperate with enforcing federal laws. It is immoral, and quite frankly un-American, that Americas top law enforcement official would withhold dollars that our local police officers need  precious dollars we need desperately to counter terrorism, to deal with the issue of human trafficking as well as international drug cartels, De Leon said. On Tuesday, Sessions urged Brown not to sign the bill, calling it unconscionable and a threat to public safety. Brown responded to Sessions comment on CNN by calling the legislation well-balanced. It protects public safety, but it also protects hardworking people who contribute a lot to California, Brown said. He has until Oct. 15 to sign the bill. De Leon also shot back against Sessions statement that the federal money isnt an entitlement, saying Californians pay more in federal taxes than they receive in federal funding. Thats not a gift or a grant from the Department of Justice to California. Those are our dollars; they belong to the people of California, he said. Facebook

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California, with alliance of states, pledges to keep pushing climate policies despite lack of federal progress By Chris Megerian (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California and a growing alliance of states committed to fighting global warming said Wednesday that theyre slashing greenhouse gas emissions at the rate required by the Paris climate agreement. However, the rest of the country would need to join their effort for the United States to actually hit the target of cutting emissions by at least 26% below 2005 levels by 2025. President Trump has pledged to pull the country out of the Paris deal, but the states reiterated their pledge to keep pressing forward during a news conference in New York. Were all in, California Gov. Jerry Brown said. Eventually, Washington will join with us. You cant deny science forever. Californias climate goal is even more ambitious than the Paris target. A law signed by Brown last year requires the state to cut emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. California became a founding member of the U.S. Climate Alliance, along with New York and Washington state, months ago. Either we end this problem, or this problem will end us, said New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. On Wednesday, North Carolina became the 15th member of the U.S. Climate Alliance. Other members include Massachusetts, Oregon and Puerto Rico. Clean air and a healthy environment are vital for a strong economy and a healthier future, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a newly elected Democrat, said in a statement. Facebook

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Bay Area cities sue major oil companies over climate change By Chris Megerian (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) San Francisco and Oakland are suing to get five oil companies, including San Ramon-based Chevron, to pay for the cost of protecting the Bay Area from rising sea levels and other effects of global warming. These fossil fuel companies profited handsomely for decades while knowing they were putting the fate of our cities at risk, San Francisco City Atty. Dennis Herrera said in a statement. The lawsuits, which were filed Tuesday in state court in San Francisco and Alameda counties and announced Wednesday, dont ask for a specific dollar amount. But the cities could try to put oil companies on the hook for billions. Long-term improvements in San Franciscos seawall are projected to cost $5 billion, according to one of the lawsuits. The law is clear that the defendants are responsible for the consequences of their reckless and disastrous actions, Oakland City Atty. Barbara J. Parker said in a statement. A spokesman for Chevron, Melissa Ritchie, said the lawsuits would not help address climate change. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a global issue that requires global engagement and action, she said in a statement. Should this litigation proceed, it will only serve special interests at the expense of broader policy, regulatory, and economic priorities. Facebook

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California sues to stop Trumps border wall: No one gets to ignore the laws. Not even the president By Patrick McGreevy  California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announces lawsuit against Trump Administration. California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra filed a lawsuit Wednesday alleging that President Trumps proposal to expedite construction of a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border violates laws aimed at protecting the environment. Becerra announced the legal challenge standing in front of the existing border fencing at Border Field State Park near San Diego, saying the federal government failed to comply with federal environmental laws and relied on federal statutes that dont authorize border wall projects in San Diego and Imperial counties. No one gets to ignore the laws. Not even the president of the United States, Becerra said. The border between the U.S. and Mexico spans some 2,000 miles. The list of laws violated by the presidents administration in order to build his campaign wall is almost as long. He said the project involves the improper waiver of 37 federal statutes, many aimed at protecting the environment. Filed in federal court in San Diego and including the California Coastal Commission as a plaintiff, the lawsuit states its purpose is to protect the State of Californias residents, natural resources, economic interests, procedural rights, and sovereignty from violations of the United States Constitution and federal law. Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra at the U.S.- Mexico border where he announced lawsuit to stop a proposal for a border wall. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) The lawsuit also alleges that federal officials have not shown any data suggesting new border barriers in the San Diego area will reduce illegal entry into the U.S., nor that there is a significant problem in that area. It adds that the wall would have a chilling effect on tourism to the United States from Mexico. In August, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a notice that it was waiving federal and state laws on the environment to expedite the construction of prototypes of the wall along the San Diego border with Mexico. The California lawsuit claims the federal government violated the U.S. Constitutions separation-of-powers doctrine by vesting in the Executive Branch the power to waive state and local laws. The lawsuit also says the Department of Homeland Security decided to build the walls without complying with the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act. As a result, the lawsuit alleges, the federal government lacks proper environmental analysis of the impact of the 400-foot prototypes of the wall currently planned, as well as the 2,000-mile-long final wall. A federal official declined comment. As a matter of policy, we do not comment on pending litigation, said Tyler Q. Houlton, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security. State Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) stood with Becerra at the event, saying the wall is unnecessary and will put a barrier between relations involving the two countries. Maybe to people in Iowa, it sounds like a really good idea, she said. We dont need more structure. We need a good relationship [with Mexico]. Times staff writers McGreevy reported from Sacramento and Ulloa from San Diego. AG @XavierBecerra takes some shots at Trump: He hasn't made the transition from candidate to president. #borderwall pic.twitter.com/liSJdrAK2v  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) September 20, 2017 Facebook

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California to sue Trump administration over plan for U.S.-Mexico border wall By Patrick McGreevy California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra plans to announce a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of the state that will challenge President Trumps proposal to build a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border, a project Becerra has called medieval. Becerra is scheduled to travel to Border Field State Park near San Diego to announce that a lawsuit is being filed in federal court over construction of border wall projects in San Diego and Imperial counties. The lawsuit, which includes the California Coastal Commission as a plaintiff, states its purpose is to protect the State of Californias residents, natural resources, economic interests, procedural rights, and sovereignty from violations of the United States Constitution and federal law. It adds that the wall would have a chilling effect on tourism to the United States from Mexico. The states lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration has failed to comply with federal and state environmental laws and relied on federal statutes that dont authorize the proposed projects. The brief alleges the federal government violated the U.S. Constitutions separation-of-powers doctrine by vesting in the Executive Branch the power to waive state and local laws, including state criminal law.. The lawsuit also says the Department of Homeland Security decided to build the walls without complying with the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. As a result, the lawsuit alleges, the federal government lacks proper environmental analysis of the impact of 400-foot prototypes of the wall currently planned, as well as the 2,000-mile-long final wall. The Democratic attorney general has been critical of the wall for months, including in April during an appearance on ABCs This Week. Im still trying to figure out who believes that a medieval situation to fix our broken immigration system is what we need, Becerra said. He also accused Trump at the time of reneging on his promise to have Mexico pay for the wall. I think American taxpayers probably are very much aligned with Mexico. None of them, whether its Mexico or our taxpayers, wants to pay for a medieval wall, he said. This is the latest of more than two dozen lawsuits and legal briefs filed against the Trump administration by Becerra, who was appointed attorney general in January and is running for election to the post next year. He previously sued to challenge Trumps plans to end a program that protects young immigrants from deportation, ban immigration from some countries and roll back environmental laws. Last week, three advocacy groups sued the federal government to block construction of a border wall, alleging that the Trump administration overstepped its authority by waiving environmental reviews and other laws. The action by the Sierra Club, Defenders of Wildlife and Animal Legal Defense Fund seeks to prevent construction of wall prototypes in San Diego. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said last month that prototypes for a border wall may be completed by the end of October. Becerras lawsuit is the latest attempt by California Democrats to fight the wall proposal. A bill that would have banned state government contracts for any company that helps build the wall passed the state Senate, but stalled recently in an Assembly committee. Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) authored the bill, testifying at a committee hearing that the wall is another attempt to separate and divide us. It sends a message that we are better off in a homogenous society. Todd Bloomstine, a lobbyist representing the Southern California Contractors Assn., opposed the bill, asking the panel, What next unpopular project would be [on the] blacklist? Read the lawsuit >> UPDATE 8:30 a.m. This article was updated to provide additional details of the lawsuit. This article was originally published at 6 a.m. Facebook

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Judge rules state used misleading language in summary of ballot measure to repeal California gas tax By Patrick McGreevy GOP Assemblyman Travis Allen, in red tie, with Democratic state Sen. Bob Hertzberg, left, and Charles Munger Jr., far right, in 2014. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A judge tentatively ruled Tuesday that the state-written title and summary of an initiative to repeal the recent gas-tax increases were misleading and should be rewritten by the state attorney generals office. The ruling by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Timothy M. Frawley, scheduled to be finalized at a court hearing on Friday, was welcomed by the initiatives lead proponent, Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach). This preliminary ruling is a major victory for Californians, Allen, a candidate for governor, said in a statement. This brings us one step closer to repealing Jerry Browns hugely unpopular gas tax. I look forward to the final ruling on Friday, and ensuring that the Repeal the Gas Tax Initiative receives the straightforward ballot title and summary that it deserves. Judge Frawley agreed with Allens legal claims that the title and summary drafted by Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerras office is confusing, misleading, and likely to create prejudice against the proposed measure. The judge said the initiative would repeal taxes and fees approved by the Legislature this year, but the title and summary issued by the state makes it sound like it would eliminate transportation funding without using the words taxes and fees in the title. He ordered state officials to come to Fridays hearing prepared to discuss alternate language for the ballot measure. To avoid misleading the voters and creating prejudice against the measure, the Attorney General must prepare a true and impartial statement that reasonably informs voters of the character and real purpose of the proposed initiative in clear and understandable language, the ruling says. The existing circulating title and summary fails this test. If the judge finalizes the order after hearing arguments Friday, Allen can use the new title and summary to circulate a petition. Allen needs to collect 365,000 signatures from registered voters in 150 days to put the measure on the November 2018 ballot. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown: Trumps rhetoric about North Korea adds to non-rational bluster By Mina Corpuz (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Gov. Jerry Brown said President Trumps name calling and threats at the United Nations can get in the way of diplomacy and statesmanship. Earlier Tuesday, Trump called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a Rocket Man on a suicide mission and said the United States may have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea. It just raises the temperature and the exchange of non-rational bluster back and forth, Brown said in a interview with CNNs Jake Tapper. I dont think thats positive. Brown is in New York for some climate meetings related to the United Nations General Assembly. Facebook

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Yes, dahlink: Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, widower of Zsa Zsa Gabor, is running for California governor By Phil Willon Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, widower of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, outside of the couples Bel-Air mansion in 2011. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times) Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, widower of the whimsical celebrity and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, is back. Von Anhalt has filed to run for governor of California  his second attempt after a short-lived campaign in 2010  saying hes fed up with seeing roads falling apart, people struggling to afford rent and an explosion of homelessness in the state. Ive lived in this city for 36 years. Ive never seen so many people eating out of a trash can in the Western world, Von Anhalt said Tuesday. We talk about Hollywood, and this being the entertainment center of the world. How is this possible? Von Anhalt, Garbors ninth and last husband, is running as an independent. He filed an official Candidate Intention Statement with the California Secretary of States office Monday, the first step in launching an official campaign. The 74-year-old Bel-Air resident, a German immigrant, said he has enough money to help support his own campaign. He said he dropped out of the 2010 governors race only because his wife became seriously ill. She died in December. She was the one  who wanted me run, Von Anhalt said. Von Anhalt also flirted briefly with a run for Los Angeles mayor in 2013, a race eventually won by Eric Garcetti. FOR THE RECORD 5:33 p.m.: An earlier of this post said Von Anhalt was age 71. He is 74. Facebook

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Assemblyman urges other legislatures to join California in censuring President Trump By Mina Corpuz Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) speaks with Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A California lawmaker who authored a resolution to support a censure of President Trump sent letters to 49 other state legislatures Tuesday to urge them to join the effort. Assemblyman Tony Thurmond, a Richmond Democrat, sent the letters days after the Assembly became the first state legislative body to support a congressional censure of the president. California has spoken and we look to the rest of the nation to join us, Thurmond said in a statement. Its important that all our states unite and show that the United States of America stands against hate. Read More Facebook

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After cap-and-trade vote, Assemblyman Chad Mayes faces a second Republican challenger for reelection By Patrick McGreevy Chad Mayes of Yucca Valley leaves the Assembly floor before resigning as Assembly Republican leader on Aug. 24. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) Former Palm Springs Police Chief Gary Jeandron on Tuesday became the second Republican to announce plans to challenge Assemblyman Chad Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) in the 2018 election. Jeandron, a La Quinta resident, said he was angered over Mayes vote as Assembly Republican leader to support an extension of the states controversial cap-and-trade program, which requires businesses to buy permits to release greenhouse gas emissions. Jeandron saw the action as continuing a wrongful tax increase and said he is signing a no-tax pledge. I just dont believe [Mayes] has held Republican values, Jeandron told The Times. He has been blinded by ambition. He has been seduced by the governor. Mayes vote led to an outcry by Republican leaders, and he eventually succumbed to pressure to step down as leader of the Assembly Republicans. Mayes defended his position, telling colleagues during the floor debate, many of us believe that climate change is real and  we have to work to address it. Jeandron, who lost to Mayes in the 2014 election, joins San Jacinto City Councilman Andrew Kotyuk in planning to challenge Mayes for the 42nd Assembly District seat. Facebook

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Republican John Cox tasted political defeat many times before launching his bid for California governor By Phil Willon Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox speaks to the Lincoln Club of Riverside County in June. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times) Candidate for California governor John Cox is relatively new to the states politics, but Cox has run for office multiple times, and even tangled with Barack Obama on the debate stage when the pair ran in the 2004 Illinois U.S. Senate race. Neither candidate was considered their partys favorite. But things began looking up for Obama, of course, who won the Senate race and then the presidency. Cox dropped out before the GOP primary election. It was his third try for elected office in Illinois and his third defeat. Now hes back, this time in his new home of California, running for governor against a trio of Democratic heavyweights. Once again, Cox is a practical unknown. Once again, the Republican is in a left-leaning state reaching for a coveted political office. Once again, Coxs campaign is being fed by cash from his own bank account. Read More Facebook

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After she was confronted by protesters, Pelosi says Democrats want a clean Dream Act  with no border wall By Jazmine Ulloa House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Monday said she understood the fear in young protesters who shouted her down at a San Francisco news conference, asking for a legal path to citizenship for themselves and their parents. Speaking at Sacramento State hours after the disruption, Pelosi said she agreed with the protesters, pointing to the Dream Act as only the first step to broader immigration reform. We are all disrupters ourselves, she said, standing next to fellow congressional Democrats. So we recognize it and respect it in others. At Sac State, @NancyPelosi on SF protests today: We are all disruptors ourselves. So we recognize it and respect it in others. #dacadeal pic.twitter.com/W1WKQikmsc  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) September 19, 2017 Both press events were scheduled by Pelosi to discuss a legislative fix to help thousands of young people affected by President Trumps decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The Obama-era policy provided temporary status for 800,000 people brought to the country illegally as children. Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York met with Trump last week after the termination of DACA was announced. In Sacramento, Pelosi said they had come to an agreement to a clean Dream Act, which would provide a path to permanent status for citizens who work, study or serve in the military, without tougher border enforcement or increased deportations. Meanwhile, Democrats are fighting with the president over the construction of a wall along the U.S-Mexico border. And House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has made it clear he wants some kind of border security, Pelosi said. That is not under discussion, she said. We can discuss other issues, but we are not going to discuss how we protect the Dreamers. At Sac State, @NancyPelosi arrives to talk #DACAdeal and help for Dreamers. Elected officials from every level of government also present. pic.twitter.com/yoESsRC1Ok  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) September 18, 2017 Facebook

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Feinstein, who called for patience with Trump, lashes out over his attacks on Clinton By Sarah D. Wire Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said it was appalling and disgusting to see President Trump retweet a video edited to look like he hit former rival Hillary Clinton in the head with a golf ball. He continues to obsessively lash out at her  at his rallies, with his words and now through social media  in a manner that is utterly unbecoming of the president of the United States, Feinstein said in a statement Monday. Every one of us should be offended by the vindictive and candidly dangerous messages the president sends that demean not only Secretary Clinton, but all women. Grow up and do your job. Clinton is out with a new book about the campaign, and Trump has repeatedly used Twitter to deride her as a sore loser. He retweeted the animated GIF Sunday which shows him hitting a golf ball that then knocks down Clinton. Feinstein, who has yet to say whether shell run again in 2018, has walked a fine line with Trump in recent months. Shes criticized him at times, but drew ire from some progressive Californians last month when she called for patience in dealing with the president, saying that Trump could be a good president if he learned and changed. Facebook

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California lawmakers are building a wall against President Trumps policies By George Skelton California state legislators ended their annual session the way they began it  building a wall to protect undocumented immigrants from President Trump. Not an iron wall, as Trump promised to erect along the U.S.-Mexico border, but a legal barrier to prevent local police and sheriffs from teaming with the presidents agents to enforce federal immigration law. The legislators did a lot of other things, too, before adjourning early Saturday until January. They sent Gov. Jerry Brown bills to address Californias dearth of affordable housing, to borrow $4 billion for parks and waterworks, to spend $1.5 billion in greenhouse-gas pollution fees, to provide tuition-free community college for first-year students and to lift some secrecy from prescription drug pricing. Earlier in the session, the heavily Democratic Legislature passed its boldest, most controversial bill of the year: A $5.2-billion annual increase in fuel taxes and vehicle fees to finance transportation infrastructure, especially to repair crumbling highways. Republicans will attempt to repeal the bill at the ballot box in 2018. Brown says that borders on insanity. Read More Facebook

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Trump is riding a very dead horse on climate change, Gov. Brown says at New York conference By Ann Simmons (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday touted steps California has taken toward a healthier climate, but warned that powerful forces he called climate deniers are resisting technologies and policies designed to improve conditions. I like all the optimism around here, but I dont want to minimize the steep hill that we have to climb, Brown said at the start of a gathering of international leaders called Climate Week NYC. Decarbonizing the economy when the economy depends so totally on carbon is not childs play. Its quite daunting. Hosted by the Climate Group, an international nonprofit organization that works with business and government to promote clean technologies and policies, the event was scheduled to bring together high-profile governors, executives of Fortune 500 companies and leaders of multinational businesses for a week to share their strategies in tackling climate change. The discussions come amid concerns about global warming and after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused devastation in Houston, Florida and across parts of the Caribbean. Some scientists believe that warmer ocean waters caused by climate change are creating stronger storms. Read More Facebook

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Nancy Pelosi shouted down at DACA news conference for working with Trump By Sarah D. Wire Dreamer protesters have disrupted a Pelosi presser in CA, asking for protections for Dreamer & their parents: https://t.co/o3zGNJvblL  Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) September 18, 2017 More than four dozen immigration activists upset with Democrats for negotiating with President Trump shouted down House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at a San Francisco news conference Monday. We are not your bargaining chip, the crowd chanted at one point, according to KCBS News political reporter Doug Sovern. VIDEO: Chaos at @NancyPelosi #DACA event as 40+ undocumented hijack her news conf in SF: "We are not your bargaining chip! Let us speak!" pic.twitter.com/KC2WyrjqSy  Doug Sovern (@SovernNation) September 18, 2017 'All of us or none of us' Crowd takes over DREAM Act event. Pelosi getting blasted by about 100 young 'undocumented youth' pic.twitter.com/RgwnZ4dB3O  Evan Sernoffsky (@EvanSernoffsky) September 18, 2017 San Francisco Chronicle reporter Evan Sernoffsky said on Twitter that some in the group were yelling, All of us or none of us. Other reporters said the group chanted, Shut down ICE. Pelosi held the news conference to advocate for speedy passage of a legislative fix to the legal status of hundreds of thousands of people brought to the country illegally as children. Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York met with Trump last week after he announced an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The Obama-era program deferred deportation for some people brought to the country illegally as children. Pelosi and Schumer said their discussion with the president included the possibility of adding more immigration enforcement  which some immigration advocates are against  to legislation to address DACA. At the news conference, Pelosi first made remarks and introduced an immigrant in the country illegally, at which point the shouting began, according to a Pelosi aide. The group surrounded Pelosi, with some gesturing close to her face. She attempted to calm the crowd for about half an hour before leaving the news conference. The aide said the group was made up of local DACA beneficiaries. We need to have a conversation, but that was completely one-sided; they dont want any answers, Pelosi told reporters afterward, according to a transcript. Pelosi said the activists should be focused on Republican members of Congress, not Democrats. I understand their frustration, Im excited by it as a matter of fact, but the fact is theyre completely wrong. The Democrats are the ones who stopped their assault on sanctuary cities, stopped the wall, the increased deportations in our last bill that was at the end of April, and we are determined to get Republicans votes to pass the clean Dream Act. Is it possible to pass a bill without some border security? Well well have to see. We didnt agree to anything in that regard, except to listen, Pelosi said. UPDATES

1:06 p.m. This post was updated with more details throughout and quotes from Pelosi. This post was originally published at 12:12 p.m. Facebook

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Democrats hopes of flipping seats in California are soaring, but it wont be as easy at it seems By Christine Mai-Duc (Associated Press / AFP/Getty Images) Democrats know they have to win at least a few seats in California if they want to regain control of the House in 2018. But though the energy and hopes of many Democratic activists here are soaring, flipping Republican-held seats here could be harder than it appears. There are a few bits of conventional wisdom that suggest Democrats have a long road ahead. For one, Republicans often turn out in greater numbers than their Democratic counterparts in midterm-election years. And even though Hillary Clinton won seven of the Republican-held districts Democrats are now targeting, past election data show voters there still lean much more conservative than other parts of the state. If past is prologue, says Rob Pyers, research director for the nonpartisan election guide California Target Book, Democrats will have a hard time picking up more than a couple of seats in California. With most voters unlikely to tune in until at least next spring, there are many factors that could affect the political calculus, including whether the California Republican Party will be able to field a competitive candidate for governor, or whether ballot initiatives such as a potential repeal of the newest gas tax hike will propel GOP voters to the polls. Read More Facebook

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California will be the keeper of the nations future in the era of Trump, state Democratic lawmakers promise By Melanie Mason State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, from left, Gov. Jerry Brown and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) Within a day of President Trumps election last November, Californias top Democratic lawmakers responded with a joint statement that contained an audacious promise. It was their state, not Washington, D.C., that would be the keeper of the nations future. An artistic rendering of that vow, with looping calligraphy and a roaring grizzly, is now on display in the offices of Senate leader Kevin de Leon and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. In the wake of Trumps win, the words seemed to be a sort of foundational document  Californias declaration of resistance. That pugilistic posture is often conveyed in shorthand: California versus Trump. But the ensuing legislative year, which ended Friday, revealed the messy reality of squaring up against the federal government. Its been challenging, De Leon (D-Los Angeles) said, bleary-eyed as he took a break during the final days of the session. You have to debate, you have to negotiate, you have to make your case, and I think at the end of the day, well still have the most far-reaching policy in the nation. Read More Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: Lawmakers leave Sacramento after a busy year By John Myers From immigration issues to housing, some of the biggest debates of the Legislatures nine-month session happened at the very end. In governing, as in life, deadlines often make things happen. On this weeks California Politics Podcast, we take an early look at some of the most important decisions lawmakers made in the final few days of the 2017 session in Sacramento. That includes a landmark decision to intervene in the issue of illegal immigration, and to pass a long discussed package of bills to begin addressing Californias housing crisis. We also look at some of the broader political themes of the entire legislative year -- most notably, the effort by Democrats in the Legislature to provide a resistance to actions taken by President Trump. Im joined by Times staff writers Melanie Mason and Liam Dillon. Facebook

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Passage of sanctuary state bill draws rebukes from Trump administration officials, praise in California By Jazmine Ulloa Supporters of state sanctuary bill SB 54 rally outside the Hall of Justice. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) California lawmakers on Saturday passed a sanctuary state bill to protect immigrants without legal residency in the U.S., part of a broader push by Democrats to counter expanded deportation orders under the Trump administration. The landmark legislation by Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) would limit state and local law enforcement communication with federal immigration authorities, and prevent officers from questioning and holding people on immigration violations. But the bill sent to Gov. Jerry Brown drastically scaled back the version first introduced, the result of tough negotiations between Brown and De Leon in the final weeks of the legislative session. Its passage already is reverberating across the country. Trump administration officials have sounded off in opposition. And immigrant rights groups and some California law enforcement officials have come out in support of what they call a hard compromise. Read More Facebook

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Supporters unable to resurrect California clean-energy proposal on final day of legislative session By Chris Megerian Environmentalists rally in front of Assemblyman Chris Holdens office in Pasadena on Thursday. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) Despite a last-minute push from environmentalists and actors from The Avengers, legislation that eventually would require all of Californias electricity to come from clean sources failed to advance this year. Facing opposition from unions and utilities, Assembly leadership refused to put the measure, SB 100, up for a vote on Friday, the final day of the legislative session. The decision to not move the bill this year is disappointing, said Kathryn Phillips, director of the Sierra Clubs California chapter. But we are committed to moving this policy next year. Theres no time to waste. The measure, written by Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (
President Trump on Wednesday reached a deal with Democratic leaders of Congress to avert an economy-shaking fiscal crisis at the end of the month, a sudden move that caught Republican leaders off guard and severely undercut their legislative strategy.

Under the deal, the first of significance that the president has reached with Democrats, Congress would extend the nations borrowing limit and fund government operations until mid-December while Trump and lawmakers address other looming issues. The agreement could, however, simply delay the possible crisis until then.

Trumps agreement, which he described to reporters as he flew to an event in Bismarck, N.D., came over the objections of his fellow Republicans, who ostensibly run Congress. In effect, Trump further empowered the Democratic minority to influence the outcome of a range of budget, immigration and tax issues through the end of the year.

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The bargain left several Republican lawmakers seething that Trump, the self-proclaimed deal-maker, had given such leverage to their political rivals. Yet the president, who has grown increasingly frustrated that dissension in his party has helped stifle his agenda, sounded relieved to find an issue in which he could finally strike a deal.

The president spoke just after he met in the White House with the leaders of both parties.

We had a very good meeting; we essentially came to a deal. I think the deal will be very good, he said.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced the contours of the deal in a news release. They said the agreement to increase the governments debt limit and to finance the government from the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1 through Dec. 15 would be attached to legislation to provide an initial installment of federal aid for victims of Hurricane Harvey and the approaching Hurricane Irma.

Trump, in repeating those elements when he spoke with reporters, amicably reflected on his shared legislative goals with Chuck and Nancy without mentioning the Republican leaders who had been in the room.

House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) had expressed opposition to a similar plan before the Oval Office meeting. Afterward, McConnell made clear that the deal was Trumps, even as he agreed to support it.

The president can speak for himself, McConnell told reporters at the Capitol. But his feeling was that we needed to come together, not create a picture of divisiveness.

Meanwhile, the House voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to approve a $7.85-billion Hurricane Harvey aid bill. It now goes to the Senate, which could add the fiscal measures before sending the package back to the House.

Ryan had called Democrats proposal for adding a nearly three-month budget and debt extension to disaster aid a ridiculous idea just hours before going to the White House. He said they were playing politics with the issue.

Democrats, though a minority in Congress, have increased political leverage on debt-limit and budget votes because Republican leaders regularly lack sufficient support among their own party members; conservative hardliners typically oppose any measures to increase spending or the debt ceiling. Trump, by quickly taking Democrats side, enhanced their leverage.

Republican leaders had wanted to give the Treasury Department significantly longer-term borrowing authority by raising the debt ceiling high enough to cover all federal spending obligations through the 2018 midterm election, given the difficult internal politics of their party.

During the meeting in the Oval Office, several Republicans present  McConnell and Ryan as well as Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin  disagreed with Pelosi and Schumers proposal to combine disaster aid with the two fiscal measures, according to accounts from aides briefed about the session.

The Republican leaders countered by proposing an 18-month extension of borrowing authority and then six months. Pelosi and Schumer dismissed the proposals.

At one point, Trump cut off Mnuchin as the Treasury secretary reiterated his argument for a longer-term increase in the debt ceiling. The meeting seemed to be at an impasse until Trump abruptly sided with the Democrats.

As Republicans fumed, Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump walked in to say hello, and began changing the subject to her priority issue, child care. Republican leaders were visibly annoyed, one aide recounted.

Its not true, Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong said.

When word of the bargain filtered to Capitol Hill, other Republican lawmakers were vexed at best. Democrats got exactly what they wanted, said Rep. Mark Meadows, a Trump ally from North Carolina who leads the far-right House Freedom Caucus.

Trump himself had argued against a similar strategy before becoming president. In a tweet during an impasse over the debt ceiling in 2013, he wrote that Republicans offering a short-term extension were the worst negotiators in history.

Pathetic! he wrote then.

Sen. Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican and frequent Trump critic, issued a succinct one-line statement: The Pelosi-Schumer-Trump deal is bad.

Democrats were celebratory, with Schumer calling it a really good moment of some bipartisanship and getting things done.

The bottom line is the president listened to the arguments, he told reporters. We think we made a very reasonable and strong argument. And to his credit, he went with the better argument.

Marc Short, White House legislative director, told reporters traveling with Trump to North Dakota that the bipartisan solution bought time for Congress to overhaul the tax code  an ambitious goal nonetheless for a bill that has not even been written.

We believe that helping to clear the decks in September enables us to focus on tax reform for the American people. We need to get the economy growing again, and thats what the president is focused on, Short said.

The measure the House passed Wednesday included money only for Harvey aid, a small down payment on what is expected to be a much larger federal sum over time to address catastrophic flooding in Texas and Louisiana.

The 419-3 vote came as another monster hurricane, Irma, headed toward Puerto Rico and Florida, also threatening nearby states. Together, the two storms could make this the most expensive hurricane season in history. Officials estimate the final tally for Harvey alone could reach $150 billion.

While the aid installment bill is not a done deal, the swift and near-unanimous House vote was seen as a good sign for those in need of immediate help from federal programs.

Help is on the way, said Rep. John Culberson, a Republican who represents part of Houston.

Democrats noted that many Republicans, including Ryan, had voted against a $50.5-billion relief package in 2013 after Superstorm Sandy, which devastated the Northeast, because theyd demanded offsetting budget savings.

The states hit hardest by Sandy are predominantly Democratic, while those devastated by Harvey and threatened by Irma, a Category 5 hurricane, lean heavily Republican  leaving some Democrats seething that Republicans now are rushing to provide unconditional aid.

Rep. Nita M. Lowey, a New York Democrat, thanked Culberson for his support of the Sandy relief, and recalled that he was the only Texas Republican to back it.

Another Texan, Rep. Blake Farenthold, who was among the Republicans who had vocally opposed Sandy aid, said of the Harvey relief: I urge Americans to open their hearts.

Mnuchin, who for weeks had said Congress must pass a clean debt limit increase unencumbered with unrelated provisions, changed his position earlier this week, saying the White House wanted to add the debt limit extension to Harvey relief money.

Mnuchin has said lawmakers need to act before the end of the month to avoid the risk of a default. Since that coincides with the end of the fiscal year, Congress was faced with a rare dual deadline. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Treasury will run out of cash to pay the nations bills by early to mid-October.

In coming months, the White House and Congress have a number of additional nettlesome issues to address. Trump is pressing to overhaul the tax code and cut taxes  the subject of his trip to North Dakota  and to revive the effort to pass an alternative to the Affordable Care Act. He also wants an infrastructure plan. But none of the measures have been written.

Also, given Trumps action Tuesday to rescind the 5-year-old Obama-era program protecting from deportation certain immigrants who came to the country illegally as children, Congress now has a six-month deadline for coming up with a replacement program.

That, too, is an issue that Democrats are eager to work with the president on but that divides Republicans.

noah.bierman@latimes.com

@NoahBierman

brian.bennett@latimes.com

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett

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UPDATES:

4:35 p.m.: This article was updated with additional quotes and background material.

12:05 p.m.: This article was updated with new developments and quotes from White House meeting.

This article was originally published at 9:45 a.m.
Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed on Wednesday announced a major cabinet reshuffle, replacing the key ministers of interior and defence.

"I've decided on a government reshuffle," Chahed told reporters, announcing the new line-up after talks with President Beji Caid Essebsi.

A former defence minister, Abdelkrim Zbidi, returns to the post in place of academic Farhat Horchani, while Lotfi Brahem, an ex-head of the national guard, replaces Hedi Majdoub at the interior ministry.

Cabinet head Ridha Chalghoum, a former economic advisor to the president, takes over the key position of finance minister.

Speculation has been rife for several weeks over new faces in Chahed's government following his consultations with political parties and organisations such as the powerful labour union UGTT.

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President Trumps repeal of an Obama-era program that shielded hundreds of thousands of Dreamers from deportation faces a determined challenge in the courts from immigrant rights lawyers who call the change abrupt, unjustified and unconstitutional.

But they recognize it will not be easy to block Trumps action because the president has broad power over immigration enforcement, a point often made when President Obama was in the White House.

Some are already looking to a federal judge in Brooklyn, N.Y., who has before him a lawsuit filed on behalf of Martin Batalla Vidal, who was born in Mexico but has lived in New York since he was brought there as a 7-year-old. His lawsuit, related to a proposed expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that was blocked in 2015, is pending before U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis, a President Clinton appointee.

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On Tuesday, a team of immigrants rights lawyers sent a six-page letter to the judge saying they wanted to expand Vidals lawsuit and make it a challenge to Trumps repeal order.

Karen Tumlin, legal director for the National Immigration Law Center in Los Angeles, said Trumps decision is legally suspect because so many Dreamers  immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children  have relied on the DACA program to obtain work permits and start careers.

Under federal procedural law, you dont get to abruptly change the rules without giving a reasoned explanation, she said. The federal government cant just end a long-standing program that individuals have come forward and relied upon.

Moreover, she said, Trumps decision is unconstitutionally discriminatory because it rests on bias against Latinos in general and Mexicans in particular. Remember he began his campaign by targeting Mexicans, she said.

The letter to Garaufis said Trump as a candidate expressed frank and often vulgar animus toward Mexicans. On the day he announced his candidacy, he said Mexicans were crossing the border bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists.

Of the nearly 800,000 people who were brought to the United States as children and have taken advantage of Obamas program, 79% are from Mexico and 93% are Latino, they told the judge.

It remains to be seen whether such an argument will prevail, particularly at the Supreme Court. Their argument of racial bias may be undercut by Trumps recent statements that he loves Dreamers and ultimately hopes Congress will take action to help them.

If DACA supporters can persuade a federal court to at least suspend Trumps order while it is reviewed by the courts, they could in effect buy more time for Dreamers to postpone the termination of the program.

Separately, Democratic state attorneys in New York, Washington and California said Tuesday that they will also go to court in hopes of blocking Trumps repeal. New York Atty. Gen. Eric Schneiderman described the repeal as cruel, gratuitous and devastating.

Dreamers are Americans in every way, he said. They played by the rules. They pay taxes. And theyve earned the right to stay in the only home they ever known.

In Sacramento, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said, We are prepared to go to court. How and when  stay tuned. He said the DACA program has been tremendously successful for our economy and for these young people. More than one-quarter of the DACA recipients live in California.

Sessions said Obamas executive amnesty program was being ended because it violated the Constitutions separation of powers. Although Obama and his lawyers said the president as the chief executive had ample authority to avoid deporting young immigrants who had not broken the law, Sessions said it was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch because Congress had not approved the change.

The Trump administrations position is unusual since the president is essentially arguing to limit the executive branchs powers. Normally presidents have argued that they have broad discretion in matters of immigration, particularly in setting priorities for deportation.

In defending the administrations travel bans, White House attorneys argued the opposite: that courts should defer to the executive branch in dealing with immigration.

The administration appears to have learned from its mistakes. This year, Trump issued a series of executive orders to make quick changes in law. The first travel ban was announced without warning on a Friday in January, disrupting the plans of countless international travelers. Courts blocked the order, saying the administration failed to follow procedures or provide adequate notice.

In contrast, the DACA repeal procedure is phased in over the next six months.

Courts have never ruled on the constitutionality of the DACA program. It faced no significant challenge in the courts when it was implemented.

However, when Obama moved to expand the program in 2014 to include millions of parents who had legal children in the United States, the state attorneys general in Texas and other Republican-led states sued.

A judge in Brownsville, Texas, blocked Obamas expanded order by citing the Administrative Procedure Act, the same rule now being cited in the challenge to Trumps move to rescind the policy. A federal appeals court in New Orleans upheld the judges order. And the Supreme Court split 4 to 4 on the issue in 2016, leaving the law in limbo.

Decision time at the Supreme Court: A look at this terms rulings on religion, free speech and immigration 

david.savage@latimes.com

On Twitter: DavidGSavage

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State insurance regulators Wednesday called on Congress to help stabilize health insurance markets around the country as the Senate began an unusual bipartisan push to protect markets created by the Affordable Care Act from turmoil partly fueled by the Trump administration.

State officials  both Republican and Democratic  urged lawmakers to maintain the federal funding that subsidizes poor customers deductibles and co-pays, even as the president continues to threaten to withhold that aid.

And they called on Congress to move quickly in the face of mounting warnings from health insurers that without congressional action by the end of September, consumers will face major premium hikes next year.

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Uncertainty destabilizes the market, Lori Wing-Heier, Alaskas nonpartisan insurance regulator, told senators at the Senate health committee.

Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and ranking member Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) convened the hearing as one of four over the next two weeks aimed at developing limited fixes for markets that serve nearly 20 million Americans who dont get health coverage through an employer or a government health plan.

Alexander, Murray and others expressed hope that the testimony would lay the foundation for future breakthroughs in the bitter 7 1/2 year battle over the 2010 healthcare law, often called Obamacare.

This is the way Americans expect the United States Senate to work, said Alexander, calling on senators to embrace compromise.

The growing interest in bipartisan fixes to the healthcare law follows the collapse over the summer of Republicans repeal campaign amid widespread criticism that GOP legislation would have stripped insurance protections from tens of millions of Americans.

The effort has acquired new urgency as the Trump administration has taken a series of steps that risk sabotaging insurance markets, according to many health insurers, patient advocates and state regulators.

Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to let the law implode, continues to say he may withhold monthly payments to insurers that help them offer lower co-pays and deductibles to millions of low-income consumers.

The uncertainty over these cost-sharing reduction payments  or CSRs  has prompted numerous insurers around the country to warn that they must raise premiums by double digits next year to account for the possibility that they wont get the federal assistance.

The Trump administration last week also announced a dramatic cut in federal efforts to help people enroll in health coverage, pulling back support for organizations that assist consumers and slashing planned advertising for the 2018 enrollment period by 90%.

Trumps hostility to the health law was echoed Wednesday by Oklahoma insurance commissioner John Doak, a Republican who called for a wholesale overhaul of the law.

But other insurance commissioners testifying before the health committee struck a more pragmatic tone, telling senators that assuring CSR payments in 2018 and beyond is critical to protecting consumers.

Tennessees regulator, Republican Julie McPeak, called it the single most important issue to stabilizing markets.

McPeak and other insurance regulators also called on Congress to create a better system to protect insurers from big losses if they are hit with very costly patients.

Such so-called reinsurance systems are used in other marketplaces such as the Medicare Part D prescription drug program and are seen as critical to controlling premiums.

And several commissioners Wednesday urged lawmakers to reverse the cuts in the enrollment assistance proposed by the administration.

Encouraging enrollment helps everyone, said former Pennsylvania insurance commissioner Teresa Miller, who recently became the states acting human services secretary.

Miller and others noted it is particularly important to getting younger, healthier people into the market, which helps keep overall premiums down.

Alexander, the committee chairman, said he wanted senators to settle on a limited package of fixes by the end of next week, expressing support for funding CSR payments in 2018 while also giving states additional flexibility to adjust insurance requirements established by the 2010 law.

Republicans, he said, would have to accept more funding for the 2010 healthcare law while Democrats would have to agree to loosening some federal rules.

This is a compromise we ought to be able to accept, Alexander said.

Murray, the senior Democrat, also spoke hopefully about the possibility of compromise, though she warned that CSR funding should be assured for more than just one more year.

Obamacare 101: A primer on key issues in the debate over repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. 

noam.levey@latimes.com

@noamlevey

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Just over a month into his presidency, Donald Trump strode into a hotel ballroom for the annual assemblage of the most fervent Republican activists and conservative leaders in the country and declared his takeover of the Republican Party  on behalf of the forgotten men and the forgotten women.

The GOP will be, from now on, the party also of the American worker, Trump said, to wild cheers. Among the changes: No more bad trade deals. Wall off immigrants. Avoid foreign wars.

Fast forward six months.

Trump has increased troop deployments to Afghanistan and threatened military action against North Korea and Venezuela. He has pressed, though unsuccessfully, for a repeal of the Affordable Care Act that would increase the number of uninsured by 32 million people and reduce Medicaid by hundreds of billions of dollars, contrary to his campaign vows. He proposed a budget that would slash government services including housing, transportation and education.

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Trump has written neither his promised tax-cutting plan nor his trillion-dollar, job-creating infrastructure initiative. For all his talk of tax cuts for the middle class, Trumps tax pitch last week in Missouri could have been delivered by House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, George W. Bush, Mitt Romney or any number of traditional Republicans as he called for big breaks for corporations and investors that would be a boon for the nations top earners.

Those working on the tax and infrastructure plans are former Democratic donors and Wall Street princelings -- Gary Cohn, the chief economic advisor, and Steven T. Mnuchin, the Treasury secretary. The most populist advisor in Trumps inner circle, Stephen K. Bannon, was forced out last month.

Bannons parting words, to a conservative journalist: The Trump presidency that we fought for, and won, is over.

While Bannons meaning has been widely debated, whats clear is that the broad notion Trump shared with him -- remaking the Grand Old Party as the new nationalist party of the American worker -- is, at the very least, in doubt. Even as Trump has attacked Republican leaders in Congress, to the delight of his anti-establishment supporters, his foreign and domestic policies largely have followed traditional party tracks  hawkish and pro-big business, partial to cutting both taxes and safety-net programs.

In a recent interview, Bannon clarified that his statement was not an obituary for Trumpian populism but rather a call to arms to galvanize people with a shocking statement.

I want to say it more dramatically: This will happen unless we rally around and help Trump save what the original concept of his presidency was, he said, sitting in a darkened dining room of his Capitol Hill row house, unshaven, his shirt largely unbuttoned, books about China spread in front of him.

Many Democrats, whose shock at Trumps victory quickly turned to fear that, as president, he could break their longstanding claim to be the working-class party, now are openly less worried, even sanguine.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, one of the Democratic Partys leading liberals, is among those who thought Trump had an opportunity to redefine Republicanism. She said she would work with him if she thought he would truly help workers.

But, Warren said, she was dissuaded by his early orders lifting regulations on the coal industry, lenders and other businesses in the name of promoting jobs, thereby leaving workers exposed to dangerous chemicals and making mortgages more expensive.

These are always points down in the weeds, but its down in the weeds where the needs of middle class get cut off, Warren said.

Trump railed against Wall Street during the campaign, then turned around and named a whole team of Goldman Sachs bankers, and then handed over the keys to the economy to them, she said.

Bannon sees partial victories in Trumps actions on immigration and trade. Even if the president has not taken as hard a line on either issue as he did in his campaign, he has decisively broken with longtime Republican dogma, Bannon said. Trump has abandoned pending international trade pacts and reopened negotiations on existing deals and moved to slash both legal and illegal immigration.

Still, populists saw an opportunity for a more fundamental political shakeup that would have aligned those on the left and right and driven a wedge through the Democratic Party. The core policies of such a realignment would have included rebuilding the nations infrastructure and taxing the wealthy to pay for it, avoiding foreign conflicts and protecting safety net programs, including Medicaid.

Bannon, for example, had argued against an upper-income tax cut when he was in the White House.

By contrast, Trumps tax speech last week in Springfield, Mo., cheered C-suite types but sparked outrage from some far-right allies. Its like Night of the Living Dead watching our beloved @realDonaldTrump go to DC & start babbling the same old GOP nonsense on tax cuts, Ann Coulter declared on Twitter.

The presidents direction on tax cuts was even less likely to appeal to Democrats or the working-class voters whod often supported them.

Party realignments like the one that Bannon and other Trump backers envisioned require extraordinary political talent, said William M. Daley, who was White House chief of staff to President Obama and Commerce secretary to President Clinton. Clinton showed that skill in co-opting Republicans positions on deficit reduction, trade deals and the shrinking of the welfare state, against his partys orthodoxy, Daley said.

For Trump, what he would have to do to get Democrats to the table would put him at risk with a lot of his Republican people, Daley said. Should Trump pursue an infrastructure program, for example, members of his party will demand to know, Hows he going to pay for it?

Policies aside, Trumps potential for inroads into the populist left also has been greatly diminished by his pugnacious personality. In particular, he has lost ground by his racially divisive rhetoric and actions, notably his response to the violent white supremacists march in Charlottesville, Va., in July and, in January, his unsuccessful order banning travelers and refugees from some Muslim-majority countries.

There was a faction in the White House that actually had some of the policies that we would have supported on trade and infrastructure, but they turned out to be racist, Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO, said during a recent breakfast with reporters.

On the other hand, you had people that werent racist. But they were Wall Street. And the Wall Streeters began to dominate the administration and has moved his agenda back to everything that I think they fought against in the election.

Some Trump allies contend he could have gotten Democrats to vote with him early on had he started with an infrastructure package rather than attempting to repeal what Democrats consider their signature achievement of the Obama years, the Affordable Care Act.

Had they gone for infrastructure  ready-made jobs, getting America working again, not just a couple factory openings, said former campaign advisor Sam Nunberg, everything would have changed.

Many Trump advisors, however, were convinced they needed to tackle Obamacare first to keep establishment Republicans within their fragile coalition. And many in Trumps administration never believed Democrats would vote for anything that had Trumps name on it.

Because its President Trumps idea, you get many people who wont even listen to the second sentence, said White House counselor Kellyanne Conway.

Other problems reflect Trumps unique status as a true outsider, the first president with neither political nor military experience. He has few allies in Congress who share his populist vision, no well-developed policy initiatives, no Washington think tanks to fill the void and little infrastructure to sustain a movement capable of governance. That forced him to staff his administration with a mix of traditional conservatives, business executives and generals unfamiliar with the political and legislative arena.

There arent enough Trumpians to fit in a phone booth, and the few that there are dont have credentials, even for this administration, said Ramesh Ponnuru, a scholar at the conservative American Enterprise Institute.

As a result, Trump has had to rely on Congress Republican leaders, whom he did not fully trust and who did not trust him: Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and others with traditional, business-oriented views of party policy.

Trumps own inexperience and impatience with both policy details and the legislative process is proving a big handicap, observers say.

Trump couldnt stand up for his own populism, said Geoffrey Kabaservice, author of a book on the modern Republican Party and former advisor to a moderate Republican group. The populism has just been rhetorical at this point.

Now that Trump is president, however, hell be judged by the results he achieves.

The president will be judged -- regardless if hes Donald Trump the mogul, the magnate  he will be judged, and his base could potentially be less loyal if he fails to deliver for them, cautioned Nunberg, the former campaign aide.

That danger was evident in a focus group conducted last week in Pittsburgh by veteran Democratic pollster Peter D. Hart for Emory University. Trump, when he announced his abandonment of the Paris climate accord in June, memorably said, I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.

The five Trump voters in the group of 12 all expressed disappointment. Several said they were concerned about Trumps personal behavior, especially his constant tweeting and picking fights. But there was also a sense that he had missed an opportunity.

You figured that as a business person, hed pick the most top-notch people for the job, said David Turner, a registered Republican and Trump voter who is in the construction business. Instead, he said, Same guys, different suits.

Asked to name one thing that stood out from the first 200 days of his administration, none of the focus group members named a positive achievement. Two alluded to the failed healthcare legislation and two, disapprovingly, to Trumps naming of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, to a powerful White House position.

Trump has registered historic lows in public opinion polls. While he has continued to do best among non-college educated whites, his support from that group has fallen from a peak of about 60% approval in January to 52%, according to the latest poll from the nonpartisan SurveyMonkey.

At Bannons row house, known as the Breitbart Embassy for the far-right media website hes back to running, the former White House advisor has launched a new fight to save his vision for populist revolution.

The pressure on the working class is immense, and it comes from two sides, he said. It comes from the trade deals, and it comes from illegal immigration, and thats the Trump promise.

While critics see Trump directing his appeals to the white working class, Bannon insisted that record low unemployment and wage growth within two years would win over African Americans and Latinos, two groups that now vehemently oppose Trump.

At Bannons house, Patrick Howley, a former Breitbart News reporter now starting his own website, was holding a framed illustration titled Tug of War. It shows Bannon pulling Trumps feet toward bleachers labeled campaign promises while Trumps White House advisors pull him toward a crowd labeled establishment.

Howley was looking for a place on the wall to hang it.

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett

brian.bennett@latimes.com

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Trumps phaseout of DACA is facing legal challenges

Analysis: Trump faces pair of double-barreled crises at home and abroad
Theres plenty of evidence in recent memory to back up the conclusion that Congress seems allergic to most tough votes. And few topics are more politically combustible than illegal immigration.

With that in mind, mark your calendars for early March. Thats when some 800,000 American residents  none of whom are citizens  lose their legal protection against deportation.

Good morning from the state capital, where California lawmakers have angrily denounced President Trumps decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, better known as DACA. Im Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers.

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Tuesdays action is a rallying cry for Democrats, and a dilemma for Republicans.

WE ARE A NATION OF LAWS

The announcement was made not by Trump, but instead by U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. When the president finally spoke later on Tuesday, he used the same pivot as White House officials: Its not the end of a program as much as a demand that Congress pass a law and solve the problem that Dreamer immigrants face.

I have a love for these people and, hopefully, now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly, Trump said.

The presidents press secretary went further in the attempt to lay the issue at the feet of members of the Senate and House.

Its Congresss job to legislate, said Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The American people elected them to do it. And if they cant, then they should get out of the way and let somebody else take their job, that can actually get something done.

No matter what happens, there could be huge political stakes. As Cathleen Decker points out, congressional failure could mean thousands of deportations all happening during a pivotal election year.

DACA REACTION ROUNDUP

-- The attorney general of Texas, one of the officials threatening legal action if DACA wasnt rescinded, applauded Trumps decision. Even so, legal challenges to the decision loom large.

-- In a rare public comment, former President Barack Obama called the DACA cancellation a political decision, and a moral question.

-- Protesters marched in Washington.

-- Deportees who are now in Mexico also spoke out about Trumps decision.

CALIFORNIA READIES A LEGAL CHALLENGE

The condemnation of Tuesdays decision stretched far and wide among the ranks of Californias Democratic elected officials, but all eyes may first be on state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra. Is a lawsuit on the horizon?

No one should be treated this way, he said at a news conference in Sacramento.

Legal action, as well as new legislation, is also likely from Democrats in the Legislature.

CALIFORNIA DACA REACTION

Most of the major candidates for governor weighed in on the decision to rescind the immigrant program  including state Treasurer John Chiang, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state schools chief Delane Eastin and businessman John Cox.

The action could have major political implications for Republicans in the California congressional delegation. (And psst: Well have more analysis on vulnerable California Republicans in the coming weeks, and subscribers to this newsletter will get our new midterms project before anyone else.) Their GOP counterparts in Sacramento urged Congress to act soon to protect the group of immigrants.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein called on Congress to act, too, while agreeing that DACA appears to be on shaky legal ground.

Closer to home, city and county officials in Los Angeles  home to more DACA program recipients than anywhere else in California  called it a troubling day.

And there was intense reaction on both high school campuses and those of Californias public colleges and universities, where many Dreamer students are enrolled.

ONE-STOP SHOPPING FOR DACA COVERAGE

Our special live blog has been collecting reaction to the DACA decision from across the country and around the state. And well keep monitoring the next steps on our Essential Washington and Essential Politics news feeds.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- As tensions rise with North Korea, a bipartisan group in Congress is urging the president not to walk away from a trade pact with South Korea.

-- U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley warned on Tuesday that Iran may be cheating on its nuclear treaty.

-- Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio will headline a September fundraiser for the Fresno County Republican Party.

-- Make of this one what you will: Russian President Vladimir Putin said of Trump that He is not my bride, and I am not his bride or groom.

-- The state Assembly approved legislation to task state officials with preserving climate change data that could be threatened by the federal government.

-- A bill in Sacramento to boost public access to police body camera footage is dead for the year.

-- The clues to last winters Oroville Dam spillway incident were all there in the files, says an investigator.

-- After California cracked down on vaccine exemptions for parents personal beliefs in 2015, medical exemptions went way up.

-- Take The 210 to The O: State lawmakers name a stretch of Southern California freeway after former President Obama.

LOGISTICS

Essential Politics is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

You can keep up with breaking news on our politics page throughout the day. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics?

Miss Mondays newsletter? Here you go.

Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

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john.myers@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter at @johnmyers and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast
Trump Jr. to speak privately to Senate staff on Thursday

(Richard Drew / Associated Press)

President Trumps oldest son is expected to meet privately with a Senate committee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, several senators said Wednesday.

Donald Trump Jr.'s appearance Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee would probably focus on a meeting he had with a Russian lawyer and others during the final stretches of last years campaign. Emails released in July show that Trump Jr. was told the session at Trump Tower in New York was part of a Russian government effort to aid his father, the Republican nominee.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating that meeting, also attended by Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort. A grand jury has heard testimony about it.

Trump Jr. has also agreed to appear in the coming weeks before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting its own investigation.

Separately, President Obamas national security advisor, Susan Rice, was meeting on Wednesday with the House Intelligence Committee, according to a person familiar with the interview. This person wasnt authorized to discuss the committees confidential work and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

That committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department and the FBI for documents related to a dossier of salacious allegations involving Trump and possible ties to Russia.

As for Donald Trump Jr., some Democratic senators said they planned to attend his session though tradition dictates that senators cannot ask questions at such interviews conducted by committee staff.

Sens. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said they would be there. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) was considering it.

I go in with an open mind, Durbin said. I want to hear his answers to questions  there are plenty of questions  about the involvement of the Trump corporation as well as the Trump campaign with the Russians and other foreigners, and I just want to hear what Mr. Trump has to say.

Durbin said he would be shocked if questions werent asked about whether Trump Sr. knew about the Trump Tower meeting.

The critical part of his testimony will be following the financial dealing, Blumenthal said. He said he also wants to find out what Trump Jr. may know about potential obstruction of justice, adding there may have been conversations between the two about the firing of FBI Director James Comey and other matters.

Blumenthal and Coons said the private interview is no substitute for a public hearing, which the committee chairman, Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), has promised will happen.

This meeting is far less important than his public testimony, under oath, before the American people, Blumenthal said.

Grassley would not say on Wednesday whether he would issue a subpoena for Trump Jr. if he refuses to testify publicly.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department is reviewing subpoenas from the House intelligence committee.

In a letter Friday that was obtained by the AP, the committee wrote that it had served subpoenas on Aug. 24 to the department and the FBI for documents related to the committees investigation of Russian meddling. The Justice Department and FBI had missed the original Sept. 1 deadline, so the committee extended the deadline to Sept. 14.

The letter was signed by the committee chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), who stepped back from the Russia investigation this year after he was criticized for being too close to the White House. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas) took over the leading role, but his name does not appear on the letter.

As chairman, Nunes retains subpoena power in the committee.

According to the letter, the original subpoenas requested any documents related to the dossier and sought information about whether the department was involved in its production.

If the documents are not produced, the committee is seeking to compel Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, who has withdrawn from investigations examining connections between Trump and Russia, and newly installed FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify in an open hearing. The committee issued two additional subpoenas to Sessions and Wray on late Tuesday.

Resort to compulsory process was necessary because of DOJs and FBIs insufficient responsiveness to the committees numerous Russia-investigation related requests over the past several months, the letter said.

If the committee is unable to obtain documents or testimony, Nunes wrote, the committee expressly reserves its right to proceed with any and all available legal options, including a House vote to hold Sessions and Wray in contempt.

The Justice Department confirmed it was reviewing the subpoenas but declined further comment.

The dossier attracted public attention in January when it was revealed that then-FBI Director Comey had briefed Trump, soon before he was inaugurated as president, about claims from the documents that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations about him.

Its unclear to what extent the allegations in the dossier have been corroborated or verified by the FBI because the bureau has not publicly discussed it.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said Tuesday evening on MSNBC that the subpoenas were issued over the objections of Democrats. Schiff said Republicans are working harder to discredit those who compiled the dossier than to find out if the allegations in it are true. He said Republicans should be more focused on getting documents from the White House.

The subpoenas were first reported by the Washington Examiner.
Planned Parenthood, the embattled nonprofit health provider that specializes in reproductive health, has won the 2017 Lasker Award for public service.

The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation also honored Dr. Douglas Lowy and John Schiller of the National Cancer Institute with its clinical research award for work that led to the development of a vaccine against human papillomavirus, which causes cervical cancer. Molecular biologist Michael N. Hall received the foundations basic medical research award for laying the scientific groundwork for advances in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders and diseases of aging.

The Lasker Awards, announced Wednesday, are given annually to recognize advancements in the prevention and treatment of disease. Each award carries an honorarium of $250,000. Dozens of past winners have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.

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The Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award to Planned Parenthood comes at a time when the international organizations global mission has come under budgetary assault on Capitol Hill. The healthcare provider offers cancer screenings, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, birth control services and general care to millions of people each year. But the organization also provides abortion services, which makes it a frequent target of some lawmakers and others with antiabortion views.

Approximately one in five women in the U.S. have received its assistance at some point during their lives, the Lasker Foundation said in its award citation. Without Planned Parenthood, many individuals would not have access to high-quality and affordable health care.

Lowy and Schillers research on infection-fighting antibodies led to the development of a vaccine against human papillomavirus. The virus, also known as HPV, causes the worlds second-most common cause of malignancy in women, cervical cancer. In 2014, that work led President Obama to award Lowy and Schiller the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

All of this years honorees acknowledged the changed political environment in which they conduct their activities. All warned that their work and other work like it would be squelched if the Trump administrations proposed restrictions on womens healthcare and cuts to basic biomedical research funding are adopted by Congress.

Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards noted that her organizations founders, Dr. Margaret Sanger and Dr. Bessie Moses, were the first women to be awarded the Lasker prize for medicine for their contributions to contraception at a time when it was illegal in the United States. She marveled that more than 65 years later, the U.S. government has reprised its hostility to the policies that the work of Sanger and Moses made possible.

Were at a moment in the U.S. where there are major political efforts to get a rollback of reproductive care and reproductive rights, Richards said.

The scientists honored by the Lasker Awards offered more indirect criticism. They suggested that amid deep budget cuts in federal funding for biomedical research, scientists will not have the latitude to pursue research on subjects whose significance in not yet understood.

Basic science is the engine that drives important breakthroughs in public health, said Schiller, whose work led to the development of the first vaccine to prevent a cancer.

Its not clear which basic discoveries are going to lead to public health breakthroughs, he added. Its an example where we cant be too top-down in our research enterprise. You cant dictate which discoveries will be made.

National Cancer Institute researchers Douglas Lowy, left, and John Schiller, shown here with President Obama, have been awarded the Lasker Award for clinical research. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press)

That was certainly the case for Hall, an American and Swiss scientist based at the University of Basel in Switzerland whose work has been translated into therapies for a variety of diseases.

He won his Lasker Award for his discovery of a protein called TOR (short for target of rapamycin) that tells cells when to grow, divide and survive. The gene that expresses TOR is found in organisms ranging in complexity from yeast to humans, and it often mutates in cancer cells. In mammals, who have a version called mTOR, its also a key player in activation of the immune system.

Halls elucidation of how TOR works has led to the use of a class of targeted cancer drugs called mTOR inhibitors, including rapamycin and mimics such as the drug everolimus (marketed as Afinitor), in the treatment of certain aggressive cancers of the kidney, breast or brain.

Faulty signaling in the mTOR network is implicated not only in cancer, but in a range of other diseases linked to aging, such as diabetes and brain diseases. That has led many to believe that understanding how TOR works will lead to insights that could extend the human lifespan.

Among the insights already gleaned: that in mice, at least, calorie restriction lengthens lifespan by inhibiting the activity of mTOR.

The basic research honored by this years Lasker Award was part of an international race among scientists to unravel a mystery: why (and how) did the drug rapamycin, an antifungal medication that emerged from soil harvested on Easter Island, also have the ability to suppress the proliferation of both cancer cells and immune cells in mammals?

Hall and his colleagues identified and sequenced the TOR1 and TOR2 genes in yeast, and published the result in the journal Cell in 1993.

melissa.healy@latimes.com

@LATMelissaHealy

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UPDATES:

9:35 a.m.: This post was updated to add comments from the president of Planned Parenthood and from John Schiller.

This post was originally published at 12 a.m.
Related Abu Dhabi airport now exempt from US laptop ban

The Louvre Abu Dhabi will finally open its doors to the public in November, bringing to the Gulf Mesopotamian artifacts and post-impressionist masterpieces in the first Louvre-branded museum outside of Paris.

Housing 600 works of art, including 300 loaned by 13 French museums for the inaugural year, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is described as the "first universal museum" in the Arab world.

It will open to the public on November 11, French Culture Minister Francoise Nyssen said at a news conference Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

The museum has been a decade in the making and is opening five years behind schedule.

Among the works on loan are Leonardo da Vinci's La Belle Ferronniere from the Louvre -- which houses the world's largest collection of art -- and Vincent van Gogh's self-portrait from the Musee d'Orsay.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel of France, the "museum city" is reminiscent of an Arab medina, enveloped by a part arabesque, part futuristic silvery dome that lets in the light in patterns mimicking leaves of the palm trees of the Gulf.

While the Louvre Abu Dhabi will not lack its Rodins and Gaugins, for some, the real heart of the museum is in its narration of ancient civilisations through artifacts acquired by the United Arab Emirates.

The highly publicised architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi pays homage to the surrounding culture.

"I turned to the geometry of the Arab city because I am of the idea that a museum is much more a neighbourhood than a building," Nouvel told AFP.

"I also wanted to play on this idea of openness, that of a desert open to the sea."

The planned opening comes a decade after France and the UAE agreed a 30-year partnership initially reported to be worth $1.1 billion under which many top French museums will loan art to Abu Dhabi for 10 to 15 years.

French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend the inauguration of the museum, which had originally been scheduled to open in 2012 but was pushed back after delays in funding and construction.

The decision to grant Abu Dhabi the rights to the Louvre name sparked debate in France, with critics accusing the museum of "selling its soul" and questioning the emirate's record on labour rights.

In an interview with AFP, Nyssen said granting Abu Dhabi rights to the name was not a "mercantile transaction" but a "means of mutual enrichment".

There have also been concerns about the transportation of the art and the conditions in which it will be stored, in a country where temperatures soar well above 40 degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer.

"Their protection is vital to us," Mohamed Khalifa al-Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, told AFP.

"The museum's galleries are operated by sophisticated climate controls for humidity, temperature and light and during installation, the works are in environmentally protected crates and cases to make sure they are not affected by outside conditions."

The art is guarded by Emirati forces, in coordination with French experts, including civil defence and terrorism security forces, and "state of the art security systems and procedures," said Mubarak.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is part of "a major cultural strategy" to promote the city as a patron of the arts in a region increasingly focused on soft power.

About five percent of the overall museum will be dedicated to contemporary and modern art. The rest focuses on telling the story of world histories and religions.

In the gallery of world religions, a sixth century Koran, a gothic Bible and a Yemeni Torah face each other, open to verses that give similar accounts.

"To send that message of tolerance is really important for our time," said Mubarak.

A branch of the Guggenheim, still under development, and the Zayed Museum, the national museum named after the country's founder, are located on the same island.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi's opening comes as the UAE, which in April announced the establishment of a Soft Power Council, is locked in a diplomatic and public relations battle with neighbouring Qatar, accused by its Gulf neighbours of supporting Islamist extremism.

The UAE will also host the global trade fair Expo 2020.

"We're definitely not this closed-off society that's putting a massive wall up," said Mubarak.

"We (the UAE and France) have a goal that is exactly identical: we both want to tell the world how our history is connected. Through culture, the world can become a better place."

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The teachers and staff of College Park Elementary School rolled out the red carpet Tuesday, the first day of school at most of Newport-Mesa Unifieds campuses.

It wasnt literally a red carpet, of course, but a long strip of red paper that nonetheless provided a fitting walkway for the hundreds of students and parents pouring onto the Costa Mesa campus after the summer break.

Flanked on both sides by cheering College Park staff waving pompoms, the families walked down the path and the children got their classroom assignments. Some parents had cameras at the ready to capture the first day.

For the College Park community  which numbered about 530 students Tuesday  the morning also marked the official start of a new era in leadership. Last spring, the campus experienced a principal changeover that had some parents worried.

College Parks popular principal of about eight years, Julie McCormick, was transferred to Newport Coast Elementary. The reason for the move was never made public.

Parents and staff tried to get the district to reverse its decision, citing how McCormick was a good fit for College Park. They noted that she speaks both English and Spanish, a skill that helped her connect with the schools Latino population. She also knew some Mandarin, which is taught at College Park through an immersion program now in its third year.

Replacing McCormick this school year is Rich Rodriguez, a veteran educator who comes to College Park from Newport Elementary. He has also been principal of TeWinkle Middle School and is a former teacher within the Newport-Mesa Unified district.

Rodriguez said hes excited about his new assignment.

It feels great, he said. The first day is exciting.

Rodriguez said he knows McCormick well and wants to continue the legacy she left at College Park. He added that the campus is getting more support teachers who will give extra academic assistance and teach enrichment activities.

Some College Park parents said while they remain dismayed at McCormicks departure, theyre open to new leadership.

Well see what happens and whats going to change, said parent Cristobal Navarro, whose 8-year-old son, Jonathan, started third grade.

She was very polite with us, Navarro, whose two older children also attended College Park, said of McCormick. She was very good at doing things for our kids.

Bo Gallerito brought his 9-year-old granddaughter, Bo Emmitt, to start fourth grade. He went out of his way to meet Rodriguez in person.

I was not gonna leave until I did, Gallerito said with a smile.

bradley.zint@latimes.com

Twitter: @BradleyZint
Id like to say its admirable when political leaders change their minds, but I cant when the reversal in thinking only comes after public outcry over decisions that were poorly thought out in the first place.

We saw it with the recent Museum House project.

Newports City Council approved it  then rescinded their vote  but only after 14,000 signatures were gathered for a referendum to stop the high-density development project.

Had the council had the pulse of the community, it wouldve anticipated the fierce outcry.

And last week the council majority did another about-face.

The majority originally voted not to accept the state gas tax revenue in protest of the pending rate hike.

Yet after public pressure, they voted to accept the money to augment road projects within the city.

As Ive said before, Newports refusal of money here was misguided, had no impact on Sacramento policymaking and only showed how shortsighted our leaders really are.

Refusing the gas tax money was simply impulsive and lacked plain old common sense. This flip-flopping makes Newport look like a joke, and from where I sit, mixed messages are what voters continue to get.

On Aug. 28, I got a robocall from Mayor Pro Tem Duffy Duffield, urging voters not to sign the recall petition to remove Councilman Scott Peotter.

Duffields recorded voice claimed special interest groups were forcing the city to hold a special election simply because they dont like the councilman, whose term is up in 2018. He warned an election of this nature would cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars, resulting in cuts to important city services.

Duffield never said what services would be cut or how much the election would cost. Looking at the date of the call, it was after hed voted to turn down the gas tax money in protest.

So let me get this straight, the city cant waste money to remove Peotter, but it can, in protest, turn away millions in revenue?

If you follow the timeline here, only a few days after the robocall Duffield voted to then accept the gas tax money, as did Peotter who ranted about the benefits of this protest in his recent email blast and editorial.

These guys need to stop pontificating and chill.

As I reported Aug. 24, Peotters email blast called out recall supporter and Harbor Commissioner Paul Blank, saying Blank criticized Peotters support of traditional marriage.

For the record, I have never, in any format or forum criticized your support for traditional marriage, Blank wrote to Peotter.

Blank then asked for evidence hed said such a thing, and for a public correction of this error from Peotter.

Do not spread such misinformation going forward, wrote Blank.

Blank says Peotter responded with an acknowledgment and no evidence to back up his statement.

I certainly opposed his position on traditional marriage, and if this is his way of outing me, then well done, but I have never criticized him for his stance on this matter, Blank tells me.

Confusion seems to be the operative word as I watch the recall effort signature gathering on both sides of the issue.

Lynn Swain, spokeswoman for the recall, tells me volunteers and paid campaigners are helping with the recall effort by setting up table at local strip malls and knocking on doors.

Everyone works from a factual script, she says, but Im hearing there have been instances where volunteers or paid workers have gone off script and given inaccurate information.

Swain acknowledged an incident with Blanks 87-year-old mother, a volunteer.

When confronted by a Peotter political operative, she said the wrong thing about how long Peotter lived in Newport and where.

That operative took her photo, which now appears on Peotters Facebook page with comments from his fan base vilifying her.

Swain also addressed an email going around town alleging two boys paid $2 to signature gather, knocked on a door, made untrue claims about Peotter and then, when pressed by the homeowner, recanted.

Swain was troubled by this and looked into it.

I cant find any evidence they worked for us, she says.

Swain says the allegations are false and feels these are games being played by the opposition to sully the recall effort.

In the latest twist, Peotter supporters are setting up tables with their own hired guns, aggressively asking folks to rescind their signatures from the recall petitions. In some instances theyre close to recallers tables!

This scenario alone has the makings to turn into a hot mess.

But hey, isnt that what Newport politics has become?

BARBARA VENEZIA lives in Newport Beach. She can be reached at bvontv1@gmail.com.
Children committing suicide is the last thing any of us wants to think about.

But we must, for what has been called a silent epidemic is real. Every day, on average, thousands of young people try to kill themselves.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among 10-to-24-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined.

There are indications that the problem is getting worse. The number of children aged 5 to 17 who were admitted to childrens hospitals because of thoughts of suicide or self-harm more than doubled between 2008 and 2015, according to research presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in San Francisco in May.

Every year in Orange County alone, about 700 youth aged 10 to 19 years old require medical treatment because of self-inflicted injuries. Its estimated that 2% die from the injuries.

Looking away and doing nothing is not an option.

With that in mind, state lawmakers have taken a stance. Last year, legislators passed, and Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law, Assembly Bill 2246, authored by Assemblyman Patrick ODonnell (D-Long Beach). The new law makes California the first state to require school districts to implement suicide-prevention policies for grades 7-12.

As a classroom teacher, I know from experience that educators often serve as the first line of defense when a student is suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts, ODonnell said after the bills passage.

Im glad to report that Newport-Mesa Unified School District is treating this mandate as seriously as it should. It has taken decisive steps to implement an ambitious and comprehensive suicide-prevention program, just as it also aggressively tackled substance-abuse issues with its previously launched Navig8 program.

I sat down recently with Phil DAgostino, NMUSDs director of student and community services, and Angela Castellanos, coordinator of mental health and outreach services, who are leading the suicide-prevention efforts.

Not only are DAgostino and Castellanos fully on board with the new laws requirements, but they appear equal parts enthusiastic and relieved that this troubling issue is now receiving the attention and support that it warrants.

As DAgostino said, Weve embraced the legislation.

When the bill was passed, NMUSD decided to partner with the Orange County Department of Education and formed a task force to craft the districts policy, which it is rolling out in stages over the next two years. The focus will be on early intervention and referral.

So far, all middle school and high school employees have completed an online training module that covers such topics as how to recognize risk factors and how to get students the help they need.

For example, teachers and staff are taught to be more aware of the sometimes-subtle changes in behavior and demeanor that might indicate a student is depressed or self-harming. They are then given clear guidance on how to proceed, including notifying the appropriate personnel, such as a counselor or psychologist, to perform an assessment and provide services to the student.

By December, NMUSD will have 70 employees who will have undergone an intensive three-day training program to become crisis responders prepared to step in when emergencies arise. And even though the new law doesnt require an educational component for parents, the district is planning to hold town hall-style meetings  one for each high school zone  to inform parents about warning signs for suicide and self-harming behaviors, and how to get help should they become concerned.

When assessing at-risk students, however, the district must tread carefully when dealing with parents. Sometimes parents are in denial about their childrens problems. In some situations the parents themselves are part of the problem, and district personnel might find that students have become depressed or self-harming after suffering abuse at home.

Some parents work against us in getting kids help, DAgostino said. Its a complicated dance we undertake.

So its important to also teach the kids about suicide awareness. The district plans to use an educational program for students called the Signs of Suicide (SOS), which was designed by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center specifically for grades 7-12.

Next spring, the district will also begin implementing a suicide-prevention strategy for elementary schools. As shocking as it might seem to target kids so young, its necessary.

Just last spring, in one month alone, there were five or six incidents involving self-harming at the elementary level, DAgostino said.

Once an at-risk student is identified and assessed, the districts involvement will continue in what is referred to as the postvention stage. This could include a slew of options, Castellanos said, including counseling, a modified class schedule and academic assistance. A team will be assigned to provide ongoing support to the student.

Its a big undertaking, said DAgostino.

Indeed it is. But we should all be grateful that NMUSD has chosen to go beyond merely following the letter of the law and is aggressively pursuing a well-thought-out strategy that could ultimately save lives. On this issue, the district deserves our unqualified support.

PATRICE APODACA is a former Newport-Mesa public school parent and former Los Angeles Times staff writer. She lives in Newport Beach.
The Glendale Tenants Union, a group advocating for tenant issues in Glendale, will host its first tenants rights workshop Saturday.

The meeting will include a presentation by a Los Angeles Tenants Union member followed by a question-and-answer session with a housing lawyer.

Youll learn what rights you already have as a renter and how to protect them, according to a statement from the organization.

The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the second-floor community room at Fire Station No. 21, 421 Oak St.

Glendale renters organized the citys first union for tenants in June and is led by local residents Mike Van Gorder, Karen Kwak and John Bagdzhyan.

For information or to RSVP, visit actionnetwork.org.

jeff.landa@latimes.com

Twitter: @JeffLanda
Dont tell me the moon is shining; instead explain how the glint of light on broken glass reflects through lace curtains and how it dances on the wall.

In 1961, I was told that during a conversation with Brother Jean Martel Baptist, my English teacher.

A Zen writer gives form to everything they see and puts it in the language of the soul, he said.

I struggled for years attempting to untangle his meaning. I finally solved the riddle years ago; but I wasnt sure until I became closely connected to the works of Mari Sandoz, the Zen writer from the Sand Hills of northwest Nebraska.

In 1935, Sandoz published Old Jules, a portrait of her pioneer father that grew out of the silent hours listening behind the stove or the wood box when it was assumed, of course, that I was asleep in bed. She told how Jules shaped the land and how the land shaped him.

During my recent travels through Nebraska, I picked up a copy of the Sandoz masterpiece and read its 400 pages in one sitting. Before opening the first page, I drove to the Lakota Sioux grasslands, found a dirt road, then drove some more. I sat in the center of her universe and must have felt like she did, the only person on Earth. I began reading the book and, as the last light vanished on the western horizon, I finished. I learned that what makes Sandoz a Zen writer is her ability to intellectualize the disparity, loneliness, beauty and mysterious magical quality of the Great Plains.

Mari Sandoz graduated from the eighth grade at 17 and became the principal teacher of rural schools throughout the Sand Hills.

For the past 40 years, Ive helped students transition to the university with a particular focus on the college essay. Most of my mornings are spent sitting in Starbucks, nursing a cup of black tea, writing my novels, and editing the work of my students who hope to dazzle the admissions committees of the top colleges in the United States. I have found that in La Canada it is typical for parents to push their children toward the most highly regarded universities. Each morning, parents stop by and ask me questions about the process of writing. Somehow Ive commandeered the reputation of being able to put two sentences together. Thats a big stretch for a street kid from the Bronx. But I had Brother Jean, and I wrote down everything he said in my journal.

When the La Canada moms ask for perspective on writing to pass along to their children, I quote him. To write is like staring at a blank page until your ears bleed. No short cuts!

While waiting for Hugo to brew their morning blend, a parent might ask, Dr. Joe, how can my son/daughter become a good writer?

Since Hugo can serve up a latte faster than you can say sweet Lucy wine, I know to be quick with a response.

Read great literature, expand your vocabulary and travel, I say.

Thank you, they exclaim as they grab their coffee and quickly exit the door.

The La Canada schools produce the best and the brightest students, yet much of the writing that evolves is typically subject, verb, object. I understand that, because Zen writing takes time to develop, and even if you are genetically predisposed to write well, you still have to find it within you.

This year, one of my students, Taryn Harris, a senior from La Canada High School, has a style of writing that Brother Jean described 56 years ago as Zen writing.

Let me end with a quote that Brother Jean stole from Somerset Maugham and regularly repeated: There are three rules for writing. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. Just write.

JOE PUGLIA is a practicing counselor, a retired professor of education and a former officer in the Marines. Reach him at doctorjoe@ymail.com. Visit his website at doctorjoe.us.
If youd like to explore a region thats largely untouched by mass tourism, set your sights on Papua New Guinea, one of the worlds last great frontiers.

Cruise operator Coral Expeditions has scheduled a series of weeklong trips down the Sepik River, which flows 700 miles through the country, providing access to villages and towns that are largely inaccessible by road.

The river cruises, which depart from from the town of Madang on the northern coast of the country, will visit tribes that have had little contact with the modern world.

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Passengers also will see some of the oldest rain forests in the world and wildlife found only in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

Dates: Seven-day, six-night voyages scheduled Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Price: From $3,981 per person, double occupancy. Includes accommodations, meals and excursions. International airfare not included.

Info: Coral Expeditions, (888) 358-1325

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The U.S. military in Afghanistan apologized Wednesday for distributing leaflets featuring an image highly offensive to Muslims.

The leaflets dropped Tuesday night over parts of Parwan province showed the Shahada, the Muslim profession of faith, printed on the image of a dog, an animal viewed by many Muslims as unclean.

Get your freedom from these terrorist dogs, reads the Pashto-language text. Help the coalition forces find these terrorists and eliminate them.

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The image shows a lion chasing a white dog that is meant to represent the flag of Taliban insurgents, which is white with the Shahada printed at the center. The Times obtained a copy of the leaflet from an Afghan official in Parwan.

The Shahada, the most common recitation of faith for Muslims, states, There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his prophet.

Local officials in Parwan complained Tuesday night to the provincial governor, prompting a phone call to U.S. military officials in Kabul and at Bagram air base in Parwan.

Its an insult to Islam, said Waheeda Shakhar, spokeswoman for the Parwan governor. Its very sensitive that the Shahada is written on a dog, so it must be investigated.

Maj. Gen. James Linder, a U.S. military commander in Afghanistan, acknowledged in a statement that the design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam.

I sincerely apologize. We have the deepest respect for Islam and our Muslim partners worldwide, Linder said.

Linder said the U.S. military was investigating how the leaflet was produced, and would hold the responsible party accountable.

U.S. forces have been at war in Afghanistan for nearly 16 years, yet still find themselves tripping over cultural sensitivities in the overwhelmingly Muslim nation. The Taliban has used such incidents to label U.S.-led coalition troops as invaders and infidels, and Afghan soldiers and police as their puppets.

In 2012, then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta apologized after reports said Muslim religious materials, including copies of the Koran, had been inappropriately burned in an incinerator at Bagram. The reports fueled deadly protests and a rash of attacks against American troops.

The leaflet controversy comes as the Trump administration plans to add several thousand U.S. troops to the 11,000 currently stationed in Afghanistan.

Ahmad Shaheer, an independent analyst in Kabul, called the latest incident a big shame and said U.S.-led international forces have failed to obtain the help of trained Afghan cultural advisors.

The foreign forces dont have any idea of what are the values of the Afghan people, Shaheer said. Theyve hired some interpreters and advisors who only know how to speak English, make money and gain trust, but really are strangers to the real values of the local people.

After the leaflet drop, a Taliban suicide bomber blew himself up Wednesday outside a base used by American forces, wounding four civilians.

The attack, which the Taliban said was to avenge the U.S. leaflets, indicated that the increasingly potent insurgent movement would attempt to capitalize on the latest cultural misstep by American forces in Afghanistan.

The explosion occurred at an entrance to Bagram, the district governor said.

Special correspondent Faizy reported from Kabul and Times staff writer Shashank Bengali from Mumbai, India.

shashank.bengali@latimes.com

Follow @SBengali on Twitter for more news from South Asia
Monster Hurricane Irma slammed into the island of Barbuda early on Wednesday as it barreled its way across the Caribbean packing ferocious winds and potential for towering coastal surges.

The eye of the rare Category Five storm made landfall on Barbuda -- part of the twin island nation of Antigua and Barbuda -- just before 0600 GMT with winds gusting at up to 185 mph (295 kph)), the Miami-based US National Hurricane Center said.

The storm is headed northwest toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with potential for storm surges of up to 20 feet (six meters) above normal tide levels, it added.

The NHC said on Tuesday that while Irma was in the Atlantic headed for the Caribbean it was the strongest hurricane ever recorded in that ocean.

Ahead of the storm, which comes on the heels of the devastating Hurricane Harvey late last month in Texas, people packed shelters, stocked up on provisions and evacuated tourist areas as far north as Florida. The storm is expected to last for days.

The NHC said in a bulletin at 0600 GMT that the eye of Irma was passing over Barbuda.

As people hunkered down in the north of the Caribbean arc known as the Leeward Islands, the NHC said Irma was a potentially catastrophic storm.

"I am just praying to God. Everything happens for a reason," an Antigua woman who gave her name as Kazia said as she endured what she called 60-80 mph winds in a town called Sea View Farm. This was hours before the eye passed over.

Davina, a woman in the town of Yorks on the same island, said: "I can hear very strong winds and things being thrown around, but I am scared to look outside."

Power was turned off across Antigua as a safety precaution because power lines are above ground. Families packed shelters. One after another, scared people sitting in the dark called in to radio stations.

The core of the hurricane was expected to move over other parts of the northern Leeward Islands early Wednesday, the NHC said.

It will then head northwest toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico later Wednesday or Wednesday night.

Category Five is the highest on the scale for hurricanes in the Atlantic and Caribbean.

Schools and government offices in French overseas territory Guadeloupe have been ordered shut, while hospitals are stocking up on medicines, food and drinking water. People living on shorelines will be moved to safety, authorities said.

In Guadeloupe, families filed into shelters with their children, along with tourists.

"We came here to protect our little two-year-old boy," said a tourist who only gave his first name as Ludovic.

"We hadn't prepared for this disaster scenario. Our rental home is beautiful but it only has bay windows."

Florida expects the greatest danger from Friday night through Monday.

President Donald Trump declared states of emergency in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, authorizing federal funding to help local authorities respond.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said Irma posed "a severe threat to the entire state" barely a week after Harvey claimed at least 42 lives.

Tourists in the popular Key West islands were packing their bags on a mandatory evacuation order and were due to begin leaving at sunrise on Wednesday, with a similar order for residents due to follow.

"We're emphatically telling people you must evacuate, you cannot afford to stay on an island with a Category 5 hurricane coming at you," said Monroe County emergency operations center director Martin Senterfitt.

There were long queues as people rushed to get batteries, bottled water, groceries and fuel, while many cut trees around their homes and sought to tie down objects and seal up their windows.

In a crowded supermarket in Miami Beach where people were scrambling to buy provisions, it was already difficult to find some basic supplies, like water.

Whole shelves stood empty.

"It's because people go crazy and buy up everything," 81-year-old resident Gladys Bosque told AFP.

"There's no water, no milk, there are very few cans -- and no cat food."

Category Five hurricanes are rare. They can tear off roofing, shatter windows, uproot palm trees and turn them into projectiles that can kill people.

In Puerto Rico, Governor Ricardo Rossello activated the National Guard and announced the opening of storm shelters able to house up to 62,000 people.

A US aircraft carrier with a field hospital and dozens of aircraft able to conduct rescue or supply missions have been positioned in the area, according to Alejandro de la Campa of the Caribbean division of the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Sheilyn Rodriguez of Rio Grande, 33, said "I really am scared for my kid," a son who is nine. She was stocking up on batteries, canned goods and ice in case the power goes out.

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U.N.-mandated investigators said Wednesday that Syrian President Bashar Assads air force conducted a sarin-gas attack in the spring that killed at least 83 civilians and sparked a retaliatory U.S. strike.

The investigators also appealed to the U.S.-led coalition to better protect civilians as it strikes at Islamic State militants in the east.

The latest report by the Commission of Inquiry on Syria offers among the strongest evidence yet of allegations that Assads forces conducted the April 4 attack on Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib province in which dozens of people were killed. The United States quickly blamed the Syrian government and launched a punitive strike on Shayrat air base, where the report says the Sukhoi-22 plane took off.

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Syrian government officials have denied responsibility, and said last month that they would allow in U.N. teams to investigate.

We have analyzed all the other interpretations of who might have conducted the attack, commission chairman Paulo Pinheiro said at a Geneva news conference. It is our task to verify these allegations, and we concluded ... that this attack was perpetrated by the Syrian air force.

Wednesdays report, the 14th by the commission since it was set up by the U.N.'s Human Rights Council in 2011, covers little more than four months, from March to early July. The report is based on information retrieved from satellite images, video, photos, medical records, and over 300 interviews.

The commission finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Syrian forces attacked Khan Sheikhoun with a sarin bomb at approximately 6:45 a.m. on 4 April, constituting the war crimes of using chemical weapons and indiscriminate attacks in a civilian inhabited area, the report said.

The commission said the Khan Sheikhoun chemical attack killed at least 83 people and wounded 293. It was among four chemical attacks the commission tallied over the span of its investigation  including the use of weaponized chlorine in three other locations.

The report, which also documents violations by Al Qaedas branch and other militant groups in Syria, said the commission is gravely concerned about the impact of coalition airstrikes on civilians in Raqqah, where U.S.-backed Syrian forces are battling Islamic State. It also accused U.S. forces of failing to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians when attacking a mosque near Aleppo in March.

The report comes as Assads forces have advanced on a number of fronts against Islamic State and other insurgent groups. De-escalation zones set up by Russia, Iran and Turkey have meanwhile sharply reduced the fighting in some areas.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russian and Iranian firepower and troops, on Tuesday broke a nearly three-year Islamic State siege of parts of the eastern city of Deir el-Zour.

Syrian activists on Wednesday said fierce fighting is underway between pro-government forces and Islamic State militants around a garrison in Deir el-Zour, after an Islamic State counterattack late Tuesday involving multiple suicide bombings. The fighting was centered around the military base of the 137th Brigade on the outskirts of Deir el-Zour, where the siege had been breached the day before.

The advance of government forces in Deir el-Zour was a breakthrough against the militants for Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies, and could soon provide relief for tens of thousands of civilians besieged by Islamic State since early 2015.

The commander of the Russian forces in Syria said Russian jets have carried out more than 2,600 airstrikes in the past two weeks to support the governments efforts to drive Islamic State from Deir el-Zour.

Col. Gen. Sergei Surovikin was quoted by Russian news outlets Wednesday as saying the airstrikes killed an estimated 1,200 militants and destroyed an unspecified number of armored vehicles, ammunition depots and artillery.

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Brazils prosecutors broke the worlds biggest corruption scandal wide open with the help of one man.

Joesley Batista, a billionaire who with his brother owns the worlds largest meatpacker, JBS, admitted in May to paying out more than $192 million in bribes to roughly 1,900 politicians in exchange for favors for his company.

He also handed over an audio recording of a March conversation he had with President Michel Temer, who appears to approve the payment of hush money to Eduardo Cunha, a former congressman who was impeached and is now in prison for corruption, money laundering and tax evasion.

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In return for the information, prosecutors allowed Batista and his brother, Wesley, to avoid jail time and each pay fines of $35 million, along with a $3.3-billion fine paid by their holding company J&F.

But it turns out Batista didnt tell them everything.

The attorney generals office said late Monday that it received an audio file last week that Batista accidentally attached to an email on an unrelated matter.

The recording, which has been leaked to the press, was of a four-hour conversation between Batista and another J&F executive, Ricardo Saud, about their relationship with former prosecutor Marcelo Miller.

Batista insinuates that he got the plea deal by arranging Millers current employment, a position he took in April at a law firm used by the meatpacking company after leaving the attorney generals office, where he had been a key advisor to Atty. Gen. Rodrigo Janot.

Were the jewel in their crown, Batista can be heard saying in the recording. Were going to come out of this as everybodys friends, and were not going to be arrested.

But Batistas slip up in sending the recording has upended the deal.

Janot announced he was opening an investigation into the questions raised by the recording. He said Joesley Batista, Saud and J&F attorney Francisco de Assis could lose their immunity, but that the evidence they already handed over would remain in play.

It is unclear how the recording might affect the president, who is under investigation on suspicion of approving the payment of hush money.

If he is charged  as local media are suggesting will happen soon  Congress would have to vote on whether to send the case to the Supreme Court for trial. Congress, which is controlled by Temers Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, could use the latest development to cast doubt on the credibility of Batistas other testimony.

Last month Congress considered another case against Temer  based on another recording turned over by Batista  and voted 263-227 against impeaching him and holding a trial.

In that recording, the president appeared to indicate that one of his former aides, Rodrigo Rocha Loures, was available to handle any dealings between the meatpacking company and the government.

Loures, who the attorney general has said was the middleman for negotiations and bribes between Batista and Temer, was arrested in June after federal police released a video that authorities said showed him carrying a suitcase containing $154,000.

The corruption investigation was launched in March 2014 to look into allegations that Brazils biggest construction firms were overcharging state oil company Petrobras for building contracts, allowing directors to skim money off the top as payment for awarding them the contracts. The investigation became known as Lava Jato, or Car Wash.

Brazil construction giant Odebrecht has confessed to paying more than $30 million in bribes to Petrobras officials to secure contracts with the oil company. Its chief executive, Marcelo Odebrecht, is serving a 19-year sentence for corruption, and the company was ordered to pay a fine of $3.5 billion.

The highest profile politician involved in the widespread corruption scheme is former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was convicted in July of accepting $1.2 million in bribes from contractor OAS to help the company win contracts with Petrobras.

Prosecutors said he used the money to purchase and renovate a luxury penthouse in the seaside town of Guaruja.

The former president is free as the decision is being appealed. He faces similar charges in five other cases.

Langlois is a special correspondent

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Pope Francis was scheduled to arrive in Colombia on Wednesday to urge reconciliation in a country deeply divided over the terms of a peace deal that the pontiff helped bring to fruition.

The five-day visit  the first time a pope has traveled here since John Paul II came in 1986  comes nine months after the deal ended 52 years of civil war between the government and the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

Francis closely followed the negotiations and publicly pushed both sides toward the agreement, making at least two phone calls to President Juan Manuel Santos, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

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Francis gave us encouragement at difficult moments, Santos said last week in downtown Bogota at the premiere of a government-sponsored documentary chronicling the four years of negotiations in Havana. He was always present, sending us positive messages.

But for all the hopes the peace deal has raised for social and economic progress, it faces considerable opposition. Voters rejected the accord in a referendum last fall only to see Santos push it through Congress anyway.

Critics led by former President Alvaro Uribe, who is now a senator, believe that it let the rebels off too easy for horrendous crimes including killings, kidnappings and extortion.

Many Colombians also oppose provisions that guarantee the former rebels representation in Congress and billions of dollars in aid at a time when the government is raising taxes and cutting social spending in response to plunging oil and coal prices that have hurt the economy.

Im all for the popes visit and reconciliation but the rebels are getting too much money, said Carla Suarez, a physical therapist in Bogota. Thats why Im against the peace agreement.

Experts said that the popes visit to Colombia is a sign of his commitment to seeing the accords fully implemented.

Usually he visits more than one country at a time so its significant hes spending so much time there, said Peter Casarella, a theology professor at the University of Notre Dame. He wants to show his solidarity with Colombians of all political persuasions and to the peace process which is underway.

The pope tried and failed in December to broker reconciliation between Santos and Uribe, who have become bitter enemies. Last week, Uribe and his congressional faction declined an invitation from Santos to join other legislators in meeting with the pope Thursday at the presidential palace in Bogota.

The peace deal also faces opposition from the popes ranks.

Fernan Gonzalez, a Jesuit priest and historian with CINEP, a faith-based social justice foundation in Bogota, said that one of the popes top priorities for the trip is to bring Colombias 80 bishops and other clergy together behind the peace deal in hopes that their influence in the heavily Catholic country will lead to wider public acceptance of the deal.

The pope is closely tied to the theme of peace and reconciliation but he is walking a tightrope coming to Colombia at a moment of intense polarization, Gonzalez said. There is resistance to the peace accord in many sectors, in the population generally but also among the clergy. So its difficult to anticipate what the pope might say in this confused environment without creating some problems.

The Vatican has tried to emphasize the visits pastoral purpose, saying the pope will stress reconciliation and wont endorse specific peace deal provisions.

He has to stand above the fray, said Douglass Cassel, a Notre Dame law professor who was an advisor to the Colombian government during the Havana talks and helped draft the transitional justice portions of the agreement.

But the perception of the trip as a gesture to support the peace process is hard to avoid. During a visit to the city of Villavicencio, he will beatify two Colombian priests, Bishop Jesus Jaramillo and Father Pedro Ramirez, who were killed during Colombias decades-long civil conflicts.

The pontiff has not shied away from political controversy in the pursuit of peace. He played an important role in the restoration of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba in 2015 as well as a truce between gangs and the government in El Salvador the following year, said Evan Berry, an American University professor who specializes in religion and international affairs.

Francis has also tried, unsuccessfully, to foster dialogue between the government and the opposition in Venezuela, Berry said.

The pope will arrive to some recent good news in Colombias push for peace. On Monday, government negotiators announced that Colombias last significant rebel group, the National Liberation Army, which is much smaller than the FARC, had agreed to a three-month cease-fire starting in October.

A similar cease-fire declared by the government and the FARC in July 2016 was a pivotal step in the peace deal finalized in December.

Colombia, which ranks behind only Brazil and Mexico among Latin American nations with the most Roman Catholics, is the fifth Latin American nation Francis is visiting since becoming pope in 2013. Roughly three-quarters of Colombias 48 million citizens describe themselves as members of the church.

The visit by Francis is generating enormous interest, with more than 4 million faithful expected to see him, including 700,000 at an outdoor Mass in Bogotas Simon Bolivar Park on Thursday and an even bigger crowd at Medellins Olaya Herrera international airport on Saturday.

Casarella said the pope will emphasize a specific theme at each of his four stops: peace and reconciliation in Bogota, victims and environmental rights in Villavicencio, religious vocations in Medellin and the churchs mission to the poor in Cartagena.

Kraul is a special correspondent.
Representatives of the United States, Mexico and Canada declared progress but unveiled no breakthroughs at the conclusion Tuesday of a second round of talks to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement

Still unresolved are a number of controversial issues, including Washingtons desire for expanded use of U.S.-made materials in automobiles and other products and disagreements about the mechanisms for resolving trade disputes and whether steps should be taken to raise salaries for Mexican workers.

The future of NAFTA has become a major irritant in U.S.-Mexico relations. President Trump has repeatedly assailed the deal as a job killer for the United States and threatened to pull out. The 23-year-old trade pact is being renegotiated at the insistence of Washington, which seeks to reduce its more than $60 billion annual trade deficit with Mexico.

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The talks are expected to last at least through the end of this year, with venues rotating among the three nations. The just-concluded five-day session in Mexico City followed an initial round last month in Washington.

We must have a trade agreement that benefits all Americans and not just some at the expense of others, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Tuesday at a news conference with Mexican and Canadian officials. I am hopeful we can arrive at an agreement that helps American workers, farmers and ranchers, while also raising the living standards of workers in Mexico and Canada.

Mexicos comparatively low wages are a major draw for U.S. and other international corporations. Efforts by labor activists and others to seek higher wages for Mexican workers as part of a retooled NAFTA have drawn opposition from business.

Provisions to increase wages in Mexico  which Lighthizer said the Trump administration favors  would theoretically give U.S. firms less incentive to relocate manufacturing facilities south of the border.

Initial talks have focused on issues on which there is broad agreement, said Ildefonso Guajardo, Mexicos economic secretary and the countrys chief NAFTA negotiator.

NAFTA took effect in 1994, phasing out tariffs and other trade restrictions among the three nations and creating one of the worlds largest free-trade zones. The pact governs much of the more than $1 trillion in annual commerce among the three nations.

Trump has repeatedly labeled the trade accord a disaster for U.S. workers and made overhauling or scrapping the deal a core pledge of his presidential campaign. His threats to ditch NAFTA have sparked alarm in Mexico, which sends almost 80% of its exports to the United States.

The prospect of NAFTAs demise has also drawn deep concern from U.S. agriculture, automakers and other industries that have benefited from the agreement. Some U.S. farm states are heavily dependent on exports to Mexico.

Important progress was achieved in many disciplines and the parties expect more in the coming weeks, officials from the three nations declared in a statement Tuesday concluding their meeting.

A third round of talks is scheduled for Ottawa from Sept. 23 to Sept. 27.

The talks here proceeded as Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto was on a trip to China seeking improved trade ties with Asia. Concern about NAFTAs future has prompted Mexico to step up efforts to diversify its export economy and boost commerce with Asia, South America and Europe.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

Cecilia Sanchez of The Times Mexico City bureau contributed to this report.

patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com

Twitter: @mcdneville

ALSO

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All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
Germany has jumped 10 slots from last year to fifth place on a list ranking how well rich countries' policies help improve lives in the developing world, mainly thanks to its willingness to take in refugees - a hot topic in its Sept. 24 election.

Denmark took over the top spot from Finland, which falls to third place, while Sweden moves up one notch to second on the list that includes the impact from foreign aid and policies on trade, finance, migration, the environment and technology.

"Germany moves up to fifth on the 2017 Index, mainly thanks to policies on migration, including accepting a large number of refugees," author Ian Mitchell from the Washington-based Center for Global Development said in the report.

Labour mobility is potentially the most powerful tool for poverty reduction and income redistribution, he said.

"By migrating to richer countries, workers gain valuable skills and broaden their opportunities to earn higher incomes. They also send billions of dollars back home each year in remittances, a flow that surpasses foreign aid several fold."

Chancellor Angela Merkel's 2015 decision to open Germany's borders to hundreds of thousands of refugees, many fleeing war in the Middle East, cost her support but she has since bounced back.

Her challenger in this month's election, Social Democrat Martin Schulz, attacked her on Sunday for failing to coordinate a better European response to the refugee crisis.

The report said Germany's surge in the rankings was thanks not only to taking in the large influx, but also to its aid and trade policies.

Despite Germany's improvement, France still ranks highest among the G7 countries at fourth place.

The United States fell to 23rd from 20th among the 27 countries ranked. Its best performance was on trade and security, while it scored poorly on finance, environment, and aid, the report said.

"The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord will be reflected in future years, potentially taking the U.S. score lower," the think tank said.

Britain, which is in the process of negotiating its departure from the European Union, jumped to seventh place from ninth last year.

The report said there was a risk that Brexit could hit Britain's score on trade unless it could quickly replicate favourable EU trade policies towards developing countries. However, "on agriculture, it could certainly reduce subsidies compared with the EU and level the playing field for developing world producers."

The 2017 rankings show almost all countries improved their performance in the environmental component, with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and new climate commitments in the 2016 Paris agreement.

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At least seven people including two children were killed in an explosion after Bangladesh government forces raided the suspected hideout of a top Islamist extremist, police said Wednesday.

Two women were also among those killed in the blast at a five-storey building that was raided by the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) early Tuesday after a tip-off that a top Islamist extremist was holed up there.

"Seven bodies were found. They are all burnt," RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud told AFP, adding that the bodies were too damaged to be identified.

He said the hideout at Dhaka's Mirpur area belonged to Abdullah, a "daring Islamist extremist of JMB (Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh)", the homegrown outfit blamed for a wave of deadly attacks in recent years.

"There was a explosion in his room. Seven people who were in the room died in the explosion," he said.

The RAB is tasked with tackling Islamist extremism in Muslim majority Bangladesh.

Officers cordoned off the building for nearly 24 hours and gave the alleged extremist the chance to surrender, they said.

The Bangladesh government blames the JMB for a series of attacks in recent years on foreigners, atheist bloggers, rights activists and religious minorities.

In the deadliest of these attacks, five gunmen stormed an upscale Dhaka cafe in July 2016, killing 22 people including 18 foreigners.

The Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

But the police and the government blamed JMB for the carnage, discounting suggestions that IS had a foothold in Bangladesh.

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At least four people have been beheaded by suspected al-Shabab extremists based in neighboring Somalia, a Kenyan police official said Wednesday.

The attack took place early Wednesday morning in the Bobo area of Hindi village in Lamu County, said Larry Kieng, the police chief in charge of Kenya's coastal region.

Kieng said the four were shot and then decapitated by armed militants who raided the village.

The attack brings the number of people thought to be beheaded by al-Shabab extremists in Lamu County in the past three months to 16.

Beheadings by al-Shabab have been rare in Kenya but are not uncommon in Somalia, where the extremists carry them out on people who are believed to be enemies and to terrorize local populations.

Al-Shabab has vowed retribution on Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight the extremists. The group has carried out numerous attacks inside Kenya since 2011, but recent attacks have been limited to counties bordering Somalia.

Al-Shabab has become the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa.

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The EU on Wednesday won a high-level legal battle against eastern European countries that have refused to admit thousands of asylum seekers based on mandatory quotas for the bloc's member states.

The European Court of Justice, the 28-nation bloc's top court, threw out the challenge from Hungary and Slovakia against a scheme Brussels launched two years ago to ease the burden on Greece and Italy.

The European Union has been grappling with the worst migrant crisis since World War II, with more than one million people fleeing war, persecution and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

"The court dismisses the actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary against the provisional mechanism for the mandatory relocation of asylum seekers," the Luxembourg-based court said.

"That mechanism actually contributes to enabling Greece and Italy to deal with the impact of the 2015 migration crisis and is proportionate."

The continuing crisis peaked in 2015. More than 1.6 million people have landed on Greek and Italian shores since 2014.

The verdict was welcomed by the European Commission, the executive of the 28-nation bloc.

"It is very good news," EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told a press conference in Brussels, it was "an opportunity" to call on all member states to show solidarity.

However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed the verdict as "irresponsible," saying it "threatens the security of all of Europe".

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called migration the "Trojan Horse of terrorism."

The top court's press office told AFP there is "no onward appeal for Hungary and Slovakia" when asked about Szijjarto's vow that Budapest will use "all legal means" to fight the scheme.

In Bratislava, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said his government "fully respects the court's decision" as it wants to remain at the "EU's core" but nevertheless called quotas "politically wrong."

A majority of EU member states decided in September 2015 to relocate 120,000 Syrian and other asylum seekers from Greece and Italy to most of other member states. Under EU treaties, Britain, Ireland and Denmark do not have to participate.

It is part of a scheme to relocate a total of 160,000 asylum seekers by September this year.

Officials in Brussels have argued that the scheme is legally binding on member states, including those that voted against the quotas like Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Romania.

Poland initially supported the plan but has come out strongly opposed since a right-wing government came to power.

The court said Poland intervened in support of Hungary during the legal deliberations, while the commission, along with Greece, Italy, Germany, Sweden and several other member states, argued for the relocation plan.

Former communist eastern member states opposed the plan, saying they were not equipped to integrate people from mainly Muslim countries.

Other EU member states have dragged their feet despite having voted for the plan, with diplomats saying several cited the need to boost security checks following terror attacks.

Brussels launched the relocation scheme as an exception to the so-called Dublin rules under which migrants must apply for asylum in the member state where they first land.

Under international and European law, countries are required to grant asylum to people fleeing war or persecution but not those classed as economic migrants, the EU designation for most sub-Saharan Africans.

Tensions erupted in 2015 between EU neighbours when they restored border controls on the passport-free Schengen zone, a symbol of EU unity, to stop surges of migrants.

But they have eased with a sharp decline in migrant flows.

This is largely a result of a controversial deal the EU signed with Turkey in March last year to send back migrants in return for billions of euros in aid and for admitting asylum seekers directly from refugee camps in Turkey.

Some 54,000 are now due to be taken from camps in Turkey, which lowers the total figure to be relocated from Greece and Italy.

However, Avramopoulos said there is a "misunderstanding" if the public believes member states should have taken in by now more than 100,000 asylum seekers from Greece and Italy -- when in fact they have admitted just under 28,000.

He said the total to be relocated from the two EU states is "much lower" with a 97 percent drop in people landing in Greece from Turkey and with the fact most arriving in Italy from Libya are not eligible at all.

Under the plan, Hungary must admit more than 2,300 asylum seekers, while Slovakia must in the long term take in 1,400. Hungary has admitted none, but Slovakia has taken in a handful.

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A graduate of William Allen High School and Kutztown University next week will be flying to Morocco to join the Peace Corps.

Yorman De La Rosa

Yorman De La Rosa, 23, of Allentown, on Tuesday will begin training as a youth development volunteer, in which he will live and work in a community to improve the language and life skills of youth center members.

De La Rosa said for the first three months he plans to live with a host family to become "fully immersed" in the country's language and culture. After acquiring the necessary skills to assist in the community, he will then be sworn into service and assigned to an area in Morocco, where he will live and work for two years with the local people.

"I hope to gain a new outlook on the world molded by my exposure to new cultures, skills, knowledge, and experiences that I hope will serve in my career in global affairs," De La Rosa said. "I am most excited about the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture so foreign to my own."

He also plans to work in cooperation with partnering organizations on sustainable, community-based development projects to improve the lives of the people in Morocco and as a way to develop leadership, technical and cross-cultural skills, he said.

Morocco was one of three countries on De La Rosa's preference list to travel to.

"The opportunity to fulfill my goal of serving others while simultaneously embarking on a journey of exposure and discovery attracted me to Morocco," he said.

Prior to being accepted into the Peace Corps, De La Rose worked as a legislative assistant for state Rep. Peter Schweyer and served as a long-term substitute Spanish teacher at Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia, Berks County. He also served as an alumni-in-residence at The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars and was an intern at the Council for Opportunity in Education Outreach and the Hispanic American Organization.

De La Rosa earned a bachelor's degree in political science and Spanish in May 2016 from Kutztown University. He is the son of Eliezer and Maria De La Rosa of Allentown and Candida Santana of Reading.

De La Rosa joins an estimated 300 residents statewide currently serving in the Peace Corps and 8,224 statewide residents who have served in the Peace Corps since 1961. Pennsylvania last year ranked seventh nationally among states with the highest number of Peace Corps volunteers.

In Morocco, there are more than 160 volunteers currently working in communities and more than 4,935 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Morocco since the program was established in 1963.

De La Rosa said he hopes to return from service as a global citizen well-positioned for professional opportunities in the global job market. During their service in Morocco, volunteers learn to speak Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and some also learn to speak local languages, including Tachelhit or Tamzight.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Bethlehem's police chief has vowed to send out extra patrols this weekend following a huge bust of Lehigh University students for underage drinking.

Police charged 56 Lehigh students with underage drinking at a party police broke up at 12:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. The party was at 216 and 218 E. Fifth St., both of which are a block from the university's main campus, the chief said.

The loud party followed the suspension of two Lehigh fraternities recently for alcohol-related incidents.

"Underage drinking and 'extreme drinking' is a nationwide issue that has resulted in deaths and serious injures to college age individuals across the nation," DiLuzio wrote in a news release.

The occupant of 218 E. Fifth St., 20-year-old Drew Greenberg, will receive a summons in the mail charging him with underage drinking, furnishing alcohol to minors and disorderly house.

Occupants of 216 E. Fifth St. will also be charged with disorderly house, the chief said.

Police issued 20 alcohol-related non-traffic citations for drinking the previous weekend, the first weekend back for students in anticipation for the start of classes Aug. 28.

DiLuzio called the recent spate of arrests "attempts to curb a dangerous pattern of excessive drinking and disrespect of community standards."

He'll dispatch extra patrols around campus and in the South Side business district.

DiLuzio said city and university police are working together to combat the issue.

"Student safety and well-being is our top priority," said Lehigh spokeswoman Lori Friedman. "All members of the Lehigh University community are expected to act in a manner that respects their own health and that of others, as well as upholds community standards."

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
There are no more gifts in the Christmas City when it comes to city government.

Tuesday night Bethlehem City Council unanimously passed an amended policy banning employees, elected and appointed officials from accepting any gifts, although it lays out 10 exceptions.

Councilwoman Olga Negron and Councilman Adam Waldron were absent from Tuesday's meeting.

Anyone that violates the ban faces up to a $1,000 fine and must return or donate the gift. The plan gives the mayor or controller authority to bar a contractor, vendor or person that tried to influence a city officials.

The ban takes the intent of the gift giver out of consideration, unlike an earlier iteration.

But some residents, who have been advocating for comprehensive ethics reform, worried the law left open loopholes because council didn't set any dollar thresholds on the allowed gifts.

As they debated what had just happened Tuesday night after the meeting, they critiqued council's amendment process for a lack of transparency and the confusion they say it created.

"This is a bad process," said resident Barbara Diamond, who supported some of the amendments as good choices. "We are standing here and we don't know the implications of what they passed."

The gift ban by Councilman Bryan Callahan is largely modeled off of the one Mayor Bob Donchez enacted two years ago for city employees. Donchez's policy does not apply to elected officials.

Negron and Councilman Michael Colon brought forward a comprehensive ethics plan in January. But a majority of council opted to tackle issues one by one in smaller pieces, leading to Callahan's proposal.

Several council members emphasized that the ban passed Tuesday was the result of input from residents, council, the administration and legal staff.

Prior to the unanimous vote, Councilman Eric Evans brought forward several amendments that passed.

Some citizens rebuked council for not listing the amendments on the agenda prior to the meeting.

Council President J. William Reynolds defended the amendment process saying that council members could be swayed to propose one during public comment before a vote. He noted there were no big surprises as the enacted amendments were discussed at the last council meeting.

All of them were aimed at simplifying the ordinance to prohibit all gifts and more clearly delineate processes. But council did not set dollar limits on those allowed gifts despite discussing a $100 threshold last month.

Councilman Eric Evans, who proposed several of the amendments passed Tuesday night, said he decided a full ban was better.

Residents pointed out the exceptions now have no cap.

The amendments were aimed at taking the intent and subjectivity out of the law. Some of the exceptions include legal campaign contributions, cookies sent to a city hall department or food or drink of "nominal value" supplied to everyone at an event.

Calling it a slippery slope, Evans proposed eliminating a gift exception that allowed complimentary travel for officials purposes, which council backed.

That would seem to ban trips then-Mayor John Callahan made in 2013 to two of Bethlehem's sister cities, Tondabayashi, Japan, and Corfu, Greece.

The cost of the entire Greece trip was paid by the Corfu government. Callahan's plane ticket to Japan was funded with a $1,500 line item in the city budget for sister city activities while Tondabayashi paid for his accommodations and Callahan paid for his own meals.

Council backed Reynolds' recommendation that city Controller George Yasso work with the legal bureau to outline the process that a barred company could apply to be reinstated.

The controller is given authority to investigate alleged violations and levy penalties. It also creates an ethical review committee comprised of administrative employees to address questions.

Council also added in some language aimed at easing Yasso's concerns that the ban puts too much power into the hands of the controller and the administration. It allows the controller to refer any matters for appropriate investigation by authorities, a broad statement that covers many entities.

Resident Paige Van Wirt and Diamond questioned what that really accomplished.

"Most concerning, this council is establishing a precedent that states it is OK for an administration ... to police itself," Van Wirt said. "This is not strong government. it is leaving the door wide open to abuse."

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: Grand jury rules in police killing of man wearing firework

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli announced a news conference for Wednesday afternoon on the May 20 homicide by Pennsylvania State Police of a 47-year-old man in Lower Mount Bethel Township.

Anthony P. Ardo is seen in an undated photo provided by his family. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

The prosecutor said he'll be discussing the investigation into the death of Anthony Ardo, who was fatally shot by state police during an incident outside his home in the 1300 block of Good Road, between Martins Creek and Bangor.

The announcement was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the district attorney's office at the county courthouse in Easton.

Troopers had said they responded to a call about a suicidal man and found Ardo with a fireworks mortar around his neck. They shot him after he refused their orders and attempted to light the fuse.

State police launched their own investigation into the incident and whether the shooting was justified. Morganelli said in June he wanted the county's grand jury to conduct a second, independent investigation.

"The simple truth is that in order to assure public confidence in the ultimate decision to be made with respect to this matter, it is crucial that the investigation itself be independent and unbiased," Morganelli said in June. "Quite frankly, it is my view that a homicide committed by a police officer cannot and should not be investigated by a fraternity of police officers all of whom are members of the same fraternity."

State police Capt. Richard D'Ambrosio, commanding officer for Bethlehem-based Troop M that covers Lower Mount Bethel Township, pledged in June the full cooperation of state police with the investigative grand jury's effort.

"We're not looking to hold anything back," he said then. "We've been up front on our investigative steps. We've always had an excellent relationship with Mr. Morganelli."

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Egypt's foreign reserves registered $36.143 billion at the end of August 2017, continuing a rising streak, the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) announced on Wednesday.

At the end of July, foreign net reserves jumped to $36.036 billion, hitting pre-2011 levels for the first time since the 25 January uprising, with international net reserves increasing $4.7 billion in July alone.

The reserves have been climbing since Egypt signed an agreement for a three-year $12 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in November 2017.

The popular uprising that toppled president Hosni Mubarak in 2011 led to a period of political turmoil that dried up Egypt's vital sources of foreign currency, such as tourism and foreign investment.

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TIMELINE: From PFA to police shooting, how a Slate Belt man died

A Northampton County grand jury has found Pennsylvania State Police were justified in fatally shooting a man with a powerful aerial firework tied around his neck after he had been threatening suicide.

Anthony P. Ardo is seen in an undated photo provided by his family. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Anthony Ardo, 47, was shot six times by Troopers Eddie Pagan and Jay Splain, who responded May 20 to the Lower Mount Bethel Township home of Ardo's mother where he'd been living. Ardo arrived there while police were on scene and refused commands to get out of his car, as police could see him trying to ignite the mortar with a lighter, according to grand jury findings.

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli ordered the grand jury independently look into what happened after being told the day of the homicide that state police would be leading the investigation into the troopers' actions.

"The grand just has found as follows: Igniting an explosive device while seated in a vehicle, including the explosive device possessed by Mr. Ardo, exposed the troopers and perhaps others to potentially serious injury and/or death due to their proximity to the vehicle," Morganelli said Wednesday in announcing the unanimous, 17-0 ruling by the grand jury.

"At the moment the troopers decided to utilize deadly force and discharge their weapons, both troopers had a reasonable basis to believe that Mr. Ardo was attempting to ignite an unknown explosive device and to be in fear of imminent danger of death and/or serious bodily injury.

"The troopers' use of deadly force was justified under Pennsylvania law and in accordance with the Use of Force policy of the Pennsylvania State Police," the district attorney concluded.

The grand jury is continuing to probe state police policy itself, under which trooper-involved shootings are investigated internally. Morganelli said he expects the second part of the grand jury' investigation to wrap up in coming weeks.

State police have also completed their investigation into what occurred and are close to approving the two troopers' return to patrol from administrative duty, said Capt. Richard D'Ambrosio, commanding officer for the state police Bethlehem-based Troop M that covers Lower Mount Bethel Township.

The troopers responded that morning in the 1300 block of Good Road the way they were trained, he said.

"Obviously this is good news for our troopers," D'Ambrosio said of the grand jury's ruling. "But we don't want to lose sight of the fact that someone did lose their life that day and that was unfortunate."

Ardo's mother, Jean Monaghan, previously told lehighvalleylive.com she felt state police acted too quickly in shooting her son. Morganelli said he explained the grand jury's findings to her and that she had little initial reaction.

"Had he gotten out of the car and laid on the ground, we wouldn't be here discussing this matter," Morganelli said Wednesday. "For whatever reasons Mr. Ardo that day was threatening suicide and I think he pretty well knew that trying to light this device in his car with two cops with their guns drawn next to you is not going to be a good ending result.

"We're happy that police officers were not injured in this matter or Ms. Monaghan because the car was parked fairly closely to her front porch. And a large explosion could have injured the property and/or people inside."

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Downed pole

Rockport Road between Hazen and Blau roads in Mansfield Township was closed due to a car crash into a pole around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. (Courtesy photo)

(Courtesy photo)

A car crashed into a pole, knocking it over and closing a Mansfield Township road, police said.

Mansfield Township police posted on Facebook that Rockport Road was closed between Hazen and Blau roads due to the crash around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The pole, wires and a transformer were all over the road.

"We expect the roadway to be closed for a good part of the day," police said.

Rockport Road between Hazen Road and Blau Road is currently closed due to a motor vehicle accident with a pole, wires... Posted by Mansfield Township Police Department on Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Hurricane Irma roared into the Caribbean with record-setting force early Wednesday, shaking people in their homes on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda on a path toward Puerto Rico and possibly Florida by the weekend.

Irma, which was the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded north of the Caribbean and east of the Gulf of Mexico, passed almost directly over the island of Barbuda, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

Authorities in the small islands of the eastern Caribbean were still evaluating the situation as the sun rose though there were widespread reports of flooding and downed trees. Antiguan police were waiting until the winds dropped before sending helicopters to check on damage reports of damage in Barbuda. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

"We are glad so far for the good news that we have had so far," Donald McPhail, executive director of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, said early Wednesday as he heard from employees around the region after hunkering down for the night at home in Antigua.

The island of Anguilla was experiencing "extremely heavy winds and rain," according to the Disaster Management Department and there were reports of flooding, but details were not yet available.

The center of the storm was about 15 miles west of St. Martin and Anguilla about 8 a.m. Wednesday, the hurricane center said. It was heading west-northwest at 16 mph.

As the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 2 a.m., phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

In Barbuda, the storm ripped the roof off the island's police station, forcing officers to seek refuge in the fire station and at the community center that served as an official shelter. The Category 5 storm also knocked out communication between islands. Midcie Francis of the National Office of Disaster Services confirmed there was damage to several homes, but said it was too early to assess the extent of damage.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to the Hurricane Center. It said winds would likely fluctuate slightly, but the storm would remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two. The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma was moving over water that was 1.8 degrees warmer than normal. The 79 degree water that hurricanes need went about 250 feet deep, said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private forecasting service Weather Underground.

Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region, but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which usually have warmer waters. Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Keys storm all had 185 mph winds.

The northern Leeward Islands were expected to see normal tide levels rise by as much as 11 feet, while the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas could see surge of 20 feet and higher waves later in the week, forecasters said.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating six islands in the south because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the "potentially catastrophic" wind, flooding and storm surge. People there would be flown to Nassau in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

"The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm," Minnis said.

The U.S. National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irma's magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

"The dangerousness of this event is like nothing we've ever seen," Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said. "A lot of infrastructure won't be able to withstand this kind of force."

The eye of the storm was expected to rip westward on a path taking it a little north of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba.

The northern parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti could see 10 inches of rain, with as much as 20 inches in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

The storm seemed almost certain to hit the United States by early next week.

"You'd be hard pressed to find any model that doesn't have some impact on Florida." said University of Miami senior hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy.

In Florida, people stocked up on drinking water and other supplies.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott activated 100 members of the Florida National Guard to be deployed across the state, and 7,000 National Guard members were to report for duty Friday when the storm could be approaching the area. On Monday, Scott declared a state of emergency in all of Florida's 67 counties.

Officials in the Florida Keys geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irma's path, and the mayor of Miami-Dade County said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most coastal areas.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the voluntary evacuations could begin as soon as Wednesday evening. He activated the emergency operation center and urged residents to have three days' worth of food and water.

The Hurricane Center in Miami said hurricane-force winds extended 50 miles from Irma's center and tropical storm-force winds extended 175 miles.

Also Wednesday morning, a new tropical storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico off Mexico's coast. Tropical Storm Katia had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph with some strengthening forecast over the next two days. But the hurricane center said Katia was expected to stay offshore through Friday morning.

And another tropical storm farther east in the Atlantic was expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday night. Tropical Storm Jose's maximum sustained winds had increased to near 60 mph. The storm was centered about 1,255 miles east of the Lesser Antilles and was moving west near 13 mph.

Associated Press writers contributing to this report included Anika Kentish in Antigua; Danica Coto in Puerto Rico; Seth Borenstein in Washington; Michael Weissenstein in Havana, Cuba; Ben Fox in Miami contributed to this report.
Colaiste Iosagain in Portarlington is so tight on space that the school stage is being used as a classroom.

The school serves a wide catchment across Laois and Offaly, and has surpassed 1,000 students.

It is getting a new 1,200 pupil building to replace the existing old building and prefabs, but construction will not start for at least a year.

New prefabs were promised to temporarily accommodate the extra numbers, but the principal has now confirmed a substantial delay to the Leinster Express.

Seamus Bennett said they have known about the delay since last June.

We got planning permission for six prefabs, with the plan to install four this year and two more next year. We found out last June that they would not be ready. The consultants realised that they had to tender for the prefabs as they were over budget.

Last week Roadmaster was given the go-ahead for the contract. They are being built as we speak, and they have said it will take six to nine weeks, Mr Bennett said.

He assures parents that they have found temporary space for every class.

We are creating space but it will be tight. We are even using the stage as a classroom. All classes are in classrooms, some are not ideal, like maths classes in a science lab, but its temporary until the prefabs come. We are where we are, he said.

The Leinster Express has learned that there are concerns among staff after they were informed on returning to work that 28 classes could not yet be timetabled because there was no space.

Mr Bennett said they have now found the space.

It will be business as normal, there shouldnt be too much disruption. We will have a full compliment of staff by Monday and Tuesday, he said.

The classroom shortage has also forced the school to choose which students can do specialist subjects like woodwork and science.

Prefab classrooms have no facilities for those subjects.

Numbers are slowly growing every year. We have too many prefabs. The problem is more pressing now, because we are running out of practical rooms. Prefabs only have general classrooms, so specialist rooms like laboratories are under a bit of pressure, Principal Seamus Bennett told the Leinster Express.

We want everybody to get their choice but can only offer a limited number. For subjects like woodwork, a lot more will want to do it than can, but we will give it to those who chose it as their first preference, Mr Bennett said.

He said that getting their new school is a long process.

Plans have to be approved and permission sought, then it goes to tender, so it will be at least a year away. It is a long process that we await in anticipation, he said.

This year the school produced 157 Leaving Cert graduates, and takes in 200 first years.
Portlaoise man, Tom Duffy, has led a movement of collecting sleeping bags, mats and tents leftover from Electric Picnic with the intention of giving them to people who are homeless and sleeping rough.

Tom travels to Dublin with Portlaoise Action to Homelessness (PATH) to meet, feed and share supplies with those who sleep rough or are homeless on the streets of our capital.

After Electric Picnic there were hundreds of tents, sleeping bags and mats left from festival goers.

Tom organised the collection and transport of the sleeping bags and tents with the help of Billy Fitzpatrick from PATH.

With the help of many people in the local community volunteering their time, transport, washing machines and dryers there will be a huge amount of clean sleeping bags ready to bring to homeless people ahead of the cold winter months.

However, the sleeping bags are damp from the festival and urgently need to be washed and dried so they do not go mouldy.

Help is urgently needed from anyone in the Portlaoise or wider Laois area who could volunteer to collect some sleeping bags, wash and dry them.

Marieanne Bergin is one of the people who has helped out and she posted the following message on Facebook:

"Just back from collecting sleeping bags from the lovely Tom Duffy. If anyone can help washing and drying please contact Tom. He showed me the room where most of the sleeping bags are being stored. There are hundreds of them. Most of these are muddy wet or damp. If they are not washed and dried soon they will go mouldy. Please please help if you can even if it's only to do a couple of sleeping bags. Also if you want to donate toiletries chocolate or crisps etc they will all go to good use. Big thanks to all the girls who have already taken bags from me today."

Stan Henderson took to Facebook to share the following message:

"HELP NEEDED IN PORTLAOISE WASHING SLEEPING BAGS Carmel Deegan Henderson can't wait to get started washing and drying sleeping bags that were collected after the Electric Picnic by Tom Duffy Billy Fitzpatrick and other volunteers from PATH for distribution to our homeless friends in the Capital. Anyone around Portlaoise that can wash some please contact Tom Duffy on Facebook or Messenger to arrange."

On Tuesday night, a local taxi man Ollie Maher, volunteered to pick up and drop off the sleeping bags to different people around the area who could wash them.

Anyone who can help should contact Tom Duffy on his Facebook page by clicking here.

Or contact the Portlaoise Action to Homelessness Facebook page here.

If there are any dry cleaners or businesses with the capacity to clean and dry the supplies faster they can also get in touch.

This act of kindness from Laois people pulling together has been ongoing since the festival ended on Monday and the clean and dry sleeping bags are going to make a huge difference to people sleeping rough as the colder months approach.

This video shows the huge amount of sleeping bags that urgently need to be washed and dried.
At a time when a Laois charity, Portlaoise Action to Homelessness, has said that it has never seen the streets of Dublin so full of homeless people, it seems that the homeless crisis has made its way to Laois too.

The number of people presenting as homeless to the local authority in the county has increased from 2016 to 2017.

In the entire year of 2016, there was a total of 172 cases presented to Laois County Council as homeless and in need of emergency accommodation.

In the first seven months of this year, 131 cases have already been presented to the local authority as homeless and in need of emergency accommodation.

Out of the 131 cases so far this year, 34 of them have been placed in emergency accommodation.

It is not known out of these cases if it was families with children, couples or single people involved.

When a person finds themselves homeless the first step of seeking accommodation from the State is to present themselves as homeless to the local authority.

In general, people may be considered homeless if they are sleeping rough, staying in emergency hostel or refuge, bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation on a temporary basis, staying with friends or family or squatting.

Local authorities do not have a statutory obligation to house people, however, they do have general responsibility under the Housing Act 1988 for the provision of housing for adults who cannot afford to provide it for themselves.

They may help with accommodation either by providing housing directly or through arrangements with voluntary housing organisations and other voluntary bodies.

They may also provide funding to voluntary bodies for emergency accommodation and for long-term housing for homeless people.

The HSE has general responsibility for the health and in-house care needs of homeless people.

In terms of funding, this means that local authorities are responsible for the costs of providing accommodation while the HSE provides funding for the care and welfare needs of homeless people.

There were 7,941 people homeless in the week of June 19-25, 2017 in Ireland. In June there were 2,895 children in emergency accommodation with their families.

Laois charity urgently needs volunteers to wash sleeping bags.

Read more about homelessness in Laois here.

Read about housing in Laois here.

Read more Laois news here.
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Ardclough Village Centre will hold its very first open evening next Thursday, September 14 at 7.30.

Ardclough Village Centre is the old St. Anne's National School, which was given to the Ardclough community more than three years ago when the national school moved into its new building nearby.

It has been developed (and still is in its development) into a Village Centre that is open to all.

Next Thursday everyone is welcome to come and meet all the tutors who will be holding courses in Autumn 2017. They can sign up for courses on the night, or talk to the experts to see if their courses are suited to them.

Shauna Brazil of Ardclough Village Centre explained that they want to encourage people to use the facilities.

We facilitate Ardclough Youth Theatre, various art classes for children and adults, sewing/dressmaking classes, pilates, youth dance academy, Spanish, bridge, wine tasting, boxersize, summer camps, party room hire, mini markets and much more.

Serving the community is very important to us, and leaving future generations an inheritance of history and culture is our aim.

Read more: 205 acre Ardclough farm sold for impressive 3m

Read more: Kildare man saw ghost on Ardclough canal bank

Read more: Deadline to finish idle school in Ardclough
A man found travelling at 174 kph on the N7 at Kill has told a court he was in a hurry to defend private security employees who were under attack on a building site.

Damien ONeill (48) was charged with dangerous driving at Greenhills, Kill, on May 6 this year.

But the Court reduced the charge to careless driving after hearing the circumstances surrounding the case, and he was fined 1,000 for that offence.

Judge Desmond Zaidan was told by Gardai he was travelling at 174 kph in the 100 kph zone and that traffic was heavy at the time, but road conditions were good.

Mr ONeill, with an address at Greenock Park, Coolock, had previous road traffic convictions, including one for driving without due care and attention in 2015.

Explaining his speed, Mr ONeill said in sworn evidence that he was working in Newbridge on the day with his private security company.

He got a call around 8.20 pm from two staff members he was supervising, saying that they were under attack from vodka-drinking teenagers at a Clonee construction site. He told them to ring the Gardai. Mr ONeill said they called the Gardai. They did so numerous times but were eventually told the Gardai had no car to go out to the site. They also rang 999.

He said the security staff he was supervising were non nationals and teenagers could not understand their accent. He now has a person at that site with an Irish accent.

Because of the lack of Gardai, he opted to drive to Clonee from Newbridge but was stopped by the Gardai.

Conal Boyce, solicitor for Mr ONeill, asked that in view of the circumstances if the Court would reduce the charge to careless driving.

He said his client felt responsible for the staff, who were later moved to another of the companys operations.

Mr ONeill agreed that his speeding wasnt the cleverest thing to do.

Garda Inspector Patsy Glennon said that in view of the circumstances, he had no objection to the charge being reduced from dangerous driving.

Judge Zaidan asked about the Gardai having no car.

Mr Boyce said that a woman in in Donegal had called Gardai there about a burglary at her house but was told by them she would have to pick them up if they were to come out. She did that, he said.
It seems that the world, especially the West, must adapt to non-traditional terrorist operations that can be difficult to detect beforehand and that aim at killing civilians in apparently random ways

The terrorism that involves running people over and stabbing them is not just a fantastical idea. It has become a reality, in several locationsand in several countres at the same time. There is no difference between a Middle Eastern, African or Arab country, a European country, Russia or the United States of America.

Everybody has become a target and everyone is sunk in the heart of suffering.

Previously held notions, such as the absence of democracy leading necessarily to the spread of terrorism and its organisations, once seemed logical to Europeans and Americans.

They used such notions to understand the spread of terrorism in Middle Eastern countries, especially Arab nations. However, this interpretation can no longer be considered as valid or of value.

It also does not present a logical explanation for the terrorist operations witnessed by large European cities in the last few months, executed by youths holding European citizenships and supposedly absorbed into European culture with its democratic flavour. Instead, they preferred to go against that culture and fight it.

The West is now paying the price for its stubborn contention, obstinacy and refusal to understand the terrorist phenomenon over the past three decades. The West has operated under the illusion that the terrorist groups that use overt and bloody violence against the governments of their own countries are struggling political groups and that they deserve the West's attention and care -- even its assistance to seize power in their countries.

This was in spite of the fact that Daesh and Al-Qaeda, which are currently the biggest terrorist organisations, are based on the key idea of viewing the West as infidels and a historical enemy. Such groups see co-existing with the West as impossible, while fighting it in the name of jihad is considered a religious duty that requires followers to participate in this Jihad in any way, with the aim of toppling the West and establishing the Universal Islamic State in the name of the Caliphate.

The West was not particularly interested in understanding the intellectual doctrines of these terrorist organisations, which employ religious slogans that help to penetrate their local societies on the one hand, while attracting Muslim elements living in the West on the other hand.

The West has even imagined that this doctrine is only directed towards the Arab and Islamic countries and is limited to black propaganda that cannot be transformed into reality.

For a long time, the presidents and monarchs of Arab and Islamic countries have issued warnings and appeals to the West, asking it to reconsider its sluggish stance and be increasingly aware of the danger such organisations pose and the big threat that their doctrine represents.

Despite all this, the West has not even taken suitable measures to protect itself. Meanwhile, many Arab and Islamic countries  with Egypt at the forefront  focused on fighting terrorist organisations with every means possible, in the intellectual, security, developmental and intelligence fields.

Those Arab and Islamic countries that are most engaged and most responsive to the terrorist phenomenon, which has undergone the most dangerous transformations in its history, find it hard to get real, effective assistance from Western countries.

In its most simple definition, terrorism is the use of violence to achieve political objectives, and this applies to all terrorist actions without exception, wherever they take place.

Here, it seems that the important question is this: What are the political gains of terrorist actions such as running over innocent people as they go about their ordinary lives, or stabbing pedestrians who happen to be the closest to the terrorist at the moment he commits his heinous crime?

First, it is noticeable that these kinds of operations are executed by what's known as "lone wolves", who are individuals executing terrorist acts while embracing the terrorist organisations doctrine, but without being active members of that group.

Second, they are using ordinary, simple tools used in our daily lives, so as to facilitate their operations, such as airplanes, trucks and sharp cutting tools. The terrorists have transformed those everyday objects into tools for killing and destruction.

Third, the operations do not require special fighting skills or previous training; all they require is people with a one-track mind, a car, a knife or an airplane ticket  and a will to execute the terrorist act without hesitation.

Fourth, such attacks target residential areas and outdoor spaces, or hunt ordinary persons walking the street, attacking them in order to wound or kill them. In the terminology of terrorism, they are classified as "easy targets".

Fifth, the most powerful motive is the tendency to seek revenge. While this does not add to the terrorist organisation's capabilities, it does have the effect of scaring the largest number of people.

Sixth, it is impossible to prevent these terrorist acts, regardless of the security measures taken and the information exchanged with friendly or allied nations. There will remain the chance that an unknown terrorist will run someone over or stab someone.

These six characteristics of the current terrorist phenomenon, including violent acts that cannot be discovered and prevented, constitute the future of the terrorist organisations in the coming period, driven by a raging desire to take revenge on everyone who contributed to aborting the abominable Daesh in both Iraq and Syria.

It is likely that these kinds of operations will focus, to a greater extent, on European societies, Russia and the USA. The aim is to remind everybody that the terrorist organisation, in spite of the recent defeats it suffered, is still capable of launching painful strikes and that the organisation still exists and its influence on its followers has not ended.

The horizontal spread of terrorist operations worldwide demands new analysis and international cooperation on the highest levels. Although several large European cities  including London, Berlin, Paris, Barcelona and others  have been subjected to this terrorism, discussion in Europe is confined to discovering the security shortcomings that led to the success of individual terrorists in launching painful strikes against innocent people and the countrys own prestige.

It is a position that reveals the Wests inability to grasp the meaning of these attacks and its consequent inability to develop a new international strategy aimed at effective cooperation with the biggest possible number of countries and institutions, combining intellectual, security and political efforts.

Phenomenon such as Al-Qaeda and Daesh persist, despite the hard and painful blows they received over the past two decades, and they are even operating within Europe itself.

Thus, the confrontation will take a long time and many victims will fall before the West wakes up from its state of carelessness.

The writer is a political commentator.

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Eoghan Murphy T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, has confirmed today that once water services legislation providing for refunds is enacted, expected in the autumn, refunds of domestic water charges can and will commence.

Almost all customers will be refunded the full amount they paid before the end of the year. Some 990,000 customers of Irish Water are due to receive payments under this process.

Domestic water services account holders with Irish Water will be automatically refunded by the utility, by way of a cheque. There is no application process involved. Customers only need to contact Irish Water if their details require updating.

Speaking following the Government meeting, Minister Murphy said, "The Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services recommended equal treatment between those who have paid their water charges to date and those who have not.

"In keeping with the Governments commitment to implement the committees recommendations, the Government will include a provision for refunds in forthcoming legislation, which it is intended to publish shortly. Subject to the passage of this legislation, Irish Water will begin an information campaign to inform customers and the public on how the refunds process will work."

Minister Murphy added, "Whilst the refunding of Irish Water customers forms part of the process of addressing the issue of domestic water charges, the issue of funding domestic water services must also be addressed. I am confident that the future funding framework for water services, to be implemented once legislation is enacted, will provide funding certainty for Irish Water.

"Greater water conservation will also be achieved through ongoing improvements by Irish Water in parallel with the curbing of water wastage by customers and greater public awareness."

The Minister added that equal treatment between Irish Water customers and those on group water schemes will be maintained by retaining the restored pre-2015 subsidy levels for group water schemes.
When people in wheelchairs meet one another, disabled travel experiences are a frequent topic of conversation. Rail, buses or taxi we have often encountered brilliant helpful staff, but frankly, sometimes appalling service.

My train commuter run to Parliament from Watford Junction to Euston is usually very smooth, with unfailingly helpful London Midland and National Rail assistance staff, but both stations are staffed for as long as trains are running. Unstaffed stations can be really patchy.

I tend to find that problems tend to arise with the lack of safe systems to prevent individual staff messing things up. In the last 6 months that I have been using a wheelchair full time I have experienced the following:-

Last Sunday, returning from the Scottish Lib Dem Conference in Aberdeen, I was left on an empty train on an empty platform at midnight at Kings Cross for over 15 minutes before I spotted someone on the first floor, and waved furiously to get her attention;

Refused permission on to a pre-booked train, because rush hour commuters rushed on the train ahead of me, and the train conductor didnt want to move the commuters and risk being late  even though she watched them barge past the National Rail guy with the ramp and me;

Often been taken off the train by the conductor because the station staff werent notified I was on the train;

Having to be transported off the end of a rail platform, across the rail lines and up the other side, because many of our stations, even on main lines like Brockenhurst on the London to Bournemouth line, dont have lifts;

And been told by Complaints Dept at First Capital Connect that lifts at Luton arent on the capital works schedule for some years and it is also acceptable not to have lifts there because they are available at Luton Airport station;

Wheelchair spaces in new trains tend to be beside the toilets, which is great, but not when they are smelly, or worse, out of order on long journeys.

One of the regular conductors on my work journey says she always writes on her hand if theres someone needing assistance on her train, just to prevent her forgetting. She now always checks her hand as the train arrives at their station. Brilliant! Train Operating Companies need consistent systems like this.

The position for the walking disabled is patchy too, often relying on fellow passengers to help, either by moving out of Priority disabled seats, deigning to move their bags off a seat, or with train staff seeing someone with a walking stick trying to get to a train (where there has been 2 minutes notice of which platform it is on) and not waiting for them. I have been reduced to tears when Ive watched the train sail out in front of me, or people have just been belligerent and not moved to give me a priority seat, even though I was using at least one walking stick.

Visually impaired people report that the bobbly paving can be patchy, as it isnt placed on all platforms consistently. This is dangerous, as it is a blind persons guide to the edge of the platform.

Radio 5Live had a programme on this yesterday, when I recounted my experience from the previousSunday night at Kings Cross of being left on the train. I was really pleased to hear Transport Minister Baroness Susan Kramer saying that this sort of service is absolutely unacceptable. People with disabilities should not be at the whim of systems, old rolling stock, or worse inefficient staff. You can listen to the programme here.

I was less pleased to hear that the train operating companies are already lining up to ask for exemption from the disability access regulations, which say all rolling stock must be fully accessible by 2020.

How long will it take before people with disabilities can access the rail service in the same way as everyone else?

* Baroness Sal Brinton is President of the Liberal Democrats. She is a working Lib Dem peer, and was the candidate for Watford at the 2010 and 2005 General Elections.
Asked my first question at #PMQs on the governments misleading & failed free childcare policy. Unfortunately I didnt get a proper answer. pic.twitter.com/LBrn828c8q  Layla Moran (@LaylaMoran) September 6, 2017

Layla Moran became the first of the Lib Dem newbie MPs to question the PM today. She asked a very reasonable question on underfunding of childcare and was met with the usual boorish jeering from Conservative MPs.

Layla took it all in good spirit as she retweeted an article in The Independent which commented on their behaviour.

There are now 208 women in the Commons, more than ever before. Yet instead of focusing on the barracking and bullying of women MPs in this instance, Bercow instead chose to convince his colleagues why Moran was worth listening to. Imagine if Bercow had jumped to the defence of a male MP. He has deplorable views but excellent manners so Jacob Rees-Mogg will be heard!, or, He actually remembered his briefing today so Boris Johnson please ask your question!

Its not necessarily a misogyny thing, though. Julian Huppert scored for this sort of treatment every time he got up. The Tories clearly take exception to clever Lib Dem scientists.

Its high time Bercow got serious with the jeerers. As I have said many times before, he should just throw them out. Their behaviour would shame a nursery.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
With our autumn conference on the horizon and after that, in many ways, a new beginning for our party I feel it is a good time to pause and reflect on how we pace our work. Having become an active Liberal Democrat member since the 2015 general election I am very aware that, quite understandably, our work is about doing, delivering leaflets, campaigning on the doorstep, meeting people, the general public and party members, committee work, speeches, writing, media interviews, and all the additional activities of being a councillor or MP etc. Especially during the general election campaigns the pace of this work was frenetic. You could see that our key people were becoming increasingly drained and exhausted by this 7 day a week election routine. Fortunately they all had the stamina and fortitude to withstand this but I question whether this is the most effective way to go about things. Whatever our lifestyle we all need time for rest and recuperation. Each person has to find the way to do this that suits them best. For me some of the activities that have this effect are daily meditation practice, walking in the countryside with friends and relatives and swimming. When walking in the countryside I go without my iphone so I can fully engage in conversation with my companions and enjoy the peace and quiet and beauty of the countryside.

This refreshment is so well expressed in the famous poem by the Welsh poet W.H,Davies (1871-1940)

What is this life if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand beneath the boughs And stare as long as sheep or cows. No time to see, when woods we pass, Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass. No time to see, in broad daylight, Streams full of stars, like skies at night. No time to turn at Beautys glance, And watch her feet, how they can dance. No time to wait till her mouth can Enrich that smile her eyes began. A poor life this if, full of care, We have no time to stand and stare.

Of the three activities mentioned, that I use for rest and recuperation, daily meditation practice, because it develops insight, is the most effective in helping me sort out my priorities and find a constructive way forward with a project. In giving the mind, space, it is freed to be creative, often to think laterally, and come up with sometimes novel solutions to problems. If the mind is always distracted with business, doing, this creative process is inhibited.

I feel that during election campaigns our cause would benefit from have a day of rest each week. Lib Dems might worry that other parties might gain the upper hand on our day off but I wonder if this would actually happen. Many of us are aware that the electorate get leaflet and information fatigue during a campaign and they might well welcome a break perhaps they would actually read the leaflets and discuss the various issues raised. They might view our party more favourably having not bothering them for a day. But particularly importantly our workers would be likely to be re-energised and return to the campaign with renewed vim and vigour. Also the campaign strategists, having had some time for reflection, might well have a clearer vision of what is the best way forward for the campaign. Campaign managers might fear that momentum would be lost with this approach but with careful planning I imagine this problem could be avoided. It would be a pulsated strategy 6 days activity, rest, 6 days etc.

Perhaps we Liberal Democrats can dare to be different in this way.

After all as the American poet Robert Frost (1874-1963) said:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

* Jane Reed is a Liberal Democrat member and activist in York
Yesterday the Scottish Government unveiled its Programme for Government for the coming year. It wouldnt have to go far to beat last years which saw precious little legislation. However, there is some stuff that we can welcome, so long as it delivers what it says on the tin. Lib Dems pardons for those convicted of consensual same sex activity, consultation on gender recognition and more inclusive sex education, presumption against prison sentences under 12 months, free personal care for people under 65 with seriously disabling conditions and raising the age of criminal responsibility from 8 to 12. This last measure is one which they shamefully and resolutely refused to do during the last Parliament despite pressure from the then Liberal Democrat Justice Spokesperson Alison McInnes.

There is still precious little investment in mental health. The warm words doesnt match up to the facilities available on the ground. One real pinch point is the transition from child to adult mental health services. Young people have to wait up to a year and more to even be seen by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Once they have managed to be seen, the treatment is good  but when they hit 18, there is very little for them and the services are arranged in a very different way. A child can go from fairly intensive support to nothing.

Below is Willie Rennies full speech in response to the Governments programme in which he sets out Lib Dem priorities of using the tax powers to invest in education and to provide more and better mental health services.

He also suggests that the Lib Dems are sceptical about Holyrood voting against the European Withdrawal Bill because he thinks that the SNP are using it to drive a wedge between Scotland and England. Certainly the issue is more complex  both Scotlands governments are letting it down in this regard.

On Saturday afternoon, together with Alex Cole Hamilton, I joined a group of breast cancer survivors called the Port Edgar Dragons. We were on their magnificent dragon boat Isla May on the River Forth. They are a wonderful group of women who show gutsy human spirit to improve their health.

We had an alternative view of the Queensferry Crossing whilst thousands of lucky people enjoyed a stroll over the magnificent new structure. The engineers and workers should be proud of their achievement.

Those who argued it was not necessary only need cast their mind back to the winter of 2015 when the old bridge was forced to close or a little further back when it was discovered that the main cables were corroding.

As with any project of that scale it has not been without its problems but it was a necessary investment to guarantee one of the major arteries down the east of the country.

The summer recess should have allowed us all to reflect on one of the most turbulent periods in politics for some time. With nine sets of elections and referendums in the last six years people have had their fill.

People want elected politicians to deliver real improvements to their lives. They are fed up with the endless focus on independence. To give credit to the First Minister she recognised that in June when she signalled that she was cooling on independence. I was sceptical at the time and will always be suspicious but for now we have a chance to focus on real change.

And todays announcement on a presumption against prisons sentences of twelve months or less is a start. We have been calling for this for some time.

After opposing it twice I am pleased to see the SNP are now prepared to raise the age of criminal responsibility. These are real liberal measures which we will support. Yet the problems our country faces are significant.

The statement from the First Minister today confirms that former ministers speaking out are right. The SNP has a lack of ideas, the fire has gone and they are stuck in an ivory tower.

Lets look at where we are. The waits for mental health treatment are far too long. Today we hear that more young people are waiting for longer than the last period. The situation is getting worse not better.

The international standing of our education system is slipping. The fallout from the botched centralisation of our police continues. The recruitment of sufficient nurses, doctors and teachers is posing real issues in our schools and NHS. The expansion of off-shore renewable energy is lagging behind. The First Minister talked about the economy.

This time last year the Scottish Government said its flagship was a 500m Scottish Growth Fund that would pay out guarantees and loans to Scottish business. No loans or guarantees have been paid out.

In fact, the promised changes to parliamentary procedure to allow these to happen havent even been tabled a year later.

The Scottish Government switched some of this scheme to equity funding in June. Equity funding is something that Scottish Enterprise has been doing since it was set up in 1991, so I am not sure why it needed a nine month delay.

This was supposed to be an urgent response to the economy. So we will scrutinise todays proposals to see if they amount to much.

When my party was in Government we implemented the McCrone agreement for teachers. The deal on pay and conditions valued the work of our teachers. We need a new McCrone agreement to address the workload and recruitment issues of today. This would be one of the important steps we could take to reverse the decline in our international education standing.

With the budget ahead there is a chance to inject investment into education for the nursery education roll out, schools and colleges  especially for women and mature students. We have proposed 500million paid for by a modest penny on income tax  using the new powers of this parliament.

On health we have to treat mental health as the answer to long-term NHS sustainability.

We should value the workforce and offer, in particular, good careers for staff in remote and rural areas.

We need to address the recruitment problems in the NHS. Today we have heard about nurse shortages but there are major problems with GPs too. People are waiting for weeks to see their GP and many GPs are handing back the practice to the health board. There is little point the SNP Government boasting about staff numbers when the NHS is short of what is required.

With the departure of the Chairman of the Scottish Police Authority we believe there is an opportunity to inject democracy back into the police. The appointment of the new Chairman should be with the agreement of this parliament just like the appointment of the Children, Information and other commissioners.

At the General Election we proposed to lift the public sector pay cap. The UK proposal was to boost the pay of teachers, nurses, soldiers and care workers by 780 by 2021. This would be a welcome change after years of effective cuts in pay. Of course we need to work within the recommendations of the public sector pay bodies and within Scottish resources but believe the Scottish Government should take the initiative to lift the pay cap.

Our plan is based on using investment to deliver reform, investing in the talents of our people to achieve great things, to lift the economy, decentralising power and bringing back democracy.

I am afraid the Conservatives reckless gamble on Europe means that the House of Parliament will be dominated by that subject for some time.

We remain of the view that Brexit will be damaging. You only need to visit the fruit farms of North East Fife to realise the economic impact of losing thousands of seasonal pickers from Europe. A direct result of Brexit, the exchange rate and the perception of greater hostility to foreigners.

And when the consequences of Brexit become clear we believe that there should be an exit chute. Even the most ardent Euro sceptic on the Conservative benches did not vote for Brexit to make us poorer. And Conservative MSPs, just like everyone else, should have the right to turn back if it will damage our country.

It should be the British people that decide whats next which is why I am sceptical of talk of a Holyrood veto on Brexit. This is not a Scottish-English battle it is about the economic and social wellbeing of the whole of our country. We will talk to the SNP Government about how to handle Brexit in this parliament but we are not interested in driving a wedge between Scotland and England.

This parliamentary term is a new opportunity to deliver change now and that there is a possibility of putting the divisions of independence behind us. We have put forward constructive proposals. The big question is this: will the Scottish Parliament and this government seize that opportunity.
LARGE crowds gathered at Limericks Milk Market last Friday to celebrate the citys food culture at a bustling street food event.

The Urban Food Fest, which was the opening event of the Pigtown Food and Culture Series, celebrating Limericks lengthy association with the bacon industry, attracted both young and old to the historic market.

Market traders, restaurants and hotels joined forces to showcase some of the best food and drink Limerick has to offer, kicking off the two-month long series which will host many food, cultural and family events.

Despite fears that a clash with Electric Picnic would take away from crowds, a constant flow of people enjoyed the beautiful weather and created a unique atmosphere at the opening event.

Olivia O'Sullivan, of organisers Limerick Food Group, said Friday evenings event was fantastic, we are delighted with how it went.

Last year we held Urban Food Fest in June and had terrific weather then too so weve been very lucky.

We were caught by the crowds last year as we hadn't expected such numbers, added Olivia, but this year we had both gates in operation at the Milk Market and prepared for the flow of people so queues were very short, despite welcoming in the region of 4,000 people.

Biggest regret of last night's #urbanfoodfest event for @PigtownLimerick is not tasting these - bacon chunks coated in chocolate https://t.co/voq4LkQk12  Olivia O'Sullivan (@oliviaos) September 2, 2017

The Pigtown Smoke BBQ event takes place in House Limerick, Howleys Quay on Thursday, September 7, and the History of the meat industry in Limerick discussion takes place on Friday, September 8, in The Gallery at the Milk Market.

Saturday, September 9 see the Milk Market host the Market Kitchen cooking demo and Beyond the pig - veganism in a meat eaters world, a discussion facilitated by Slow Food Limerick.
HOUSE-BUYERS queued and slept in their cars for more than 40 hours in a bid to purchase one of five houses in Limerick at the weekend.

The latest phase of the Kylemore development in Castletroy went on the market with five houses, including three and four-bed builds, priced from 269,000 to 335,000.

Lisa Kearney of Rooneys Auctioneers told the Limerick Leader that such queues are not unprecedented, but look set to continue due to the huge demand and massive shortage in the housing market.

Ms Kearney said they sent breakfast rolls, coffees and pastries to those who waited patiently for hours, and as new neighbours have now formed bonds after their attempt to get a foot on the property ladder.

A viewing for the latest phase was held in advance of Saturday last for three hours. Potential buyers then began to queue from 5pm on Thursday in a bid to buy the houses, which all sold within a half hour once the agents books were officially opened at 9.30am on Saturday.

The previous phase of houses in Kylemore also sold out in one day this May.

To date this year, 1,060 houses have sold in Limerick, according to the latest listings with the Property Price Register, the national database of all house sales since 2010.

Just over 1,300 properties in Limerick are currently for sale on Daft.ie. Of those, some 760 properties are priced at 200,000 or under, with just under 300 houses priced between 200,000 and 350,000. Sixty properties are priced between 350,000 to 500,000, and just 29 properties are priced above 500,000.
LIMERICK citys newest store Sstrene Grene, a Scandinavian favourite, gives a whole new meaning to retail therapy.

The new retailer, which last week opened its doors on Bedford Row, is the sixth store of its kind in Ireland, and is the 157th addition to the international chain. Founded by Danish Grene sisters Anne and Clara in 1973, Sstrene Grene specialises in gift wrap, DIY articles, stationery, small furniture and kitchenware.

And while eager shoppers search for their next best home accessory, they are accompanied by pleasant lighting and classical scores  a deliberate effort to give customers a therapeutic break from their busy everyday lives.

Heather and Niall Lawlor, the Irish joint venture partners, are excited to bring Sstrene Grene to Limerick.

Beautiful and historic surroundings combined with a confident, urban feel in the city makes Limerick a perfect location for Sstrene Grene. The city is experiencing a rebirth these years as a key shopping destination in the Mid-West region. We are excited to bring some Danish flavour to the buzz, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone who wants to enjoy the Sstrene Grene experience into the store on the opening day, Mr Lawlor said.

CEO Mikkel Grene said that he looks forward to another wonderful store in Ireland. The Irish customers seem to like our Scandinavian design profile and the atmosphere in the stores. I am positive Limerick will be a great new addition to our collection of stores.
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ALBANY  A majority of New York voters believe Confederate statues or memorials should stay up, according to a new poll, amid pleas for statues of Southern Civil War icons to be taken down nationwide.

A Siena College poll released Wednesday shows that 59 percent of voters statewide say the Confederate monuments should stay up, while 35 percent say they should be taken down. A majority of voters in every region of the state support leaving the statues up, with 70 percent of upstaters agreeing that, as Siena phrased it, "like Washington, Jefferson and Columbus, they are part of our country's history and for some, they are a source of pride and a celebration of our culture."

Republicans overwhelmingly (84-11 percent) support keeping the statues up, while Democrats support removing them (51-42 percent) because  again, as Siena phrased the answer  "while historic, they celebrate people that rebelled against the United States and for some, they represent slavery and segregation."

Debate over Confederate symbols exploded after last month's white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., turned violent.

A plurality (49 percent) of voters statewide say groups including self-identified white nationalists and neo-Nazis should not be given permits to hold rallies in the United States, while 45 percent say they should receive permits.

Fifty percent of voters statewide give President Donald Trump a grade of F for the way he handled the aftermath of the Charlottesville protests, when he said that both sides deserved some blame for the violence.

While 71 percent of Democrats gave the Republican president an F, Republican respondents were more mixed: 27 percent of GOP members gave Trump a B, while 20 percent gave him each an A and an F.

Sixty-eight percent of voters statewide also said Trump has done a poor job at making race relations better, while 85 percent of Democrats hold that viewpoint and a plurality (40 percent) of Republicans agree.

Overall, 66 percent of all voters have an unfavorable view of the president.

"New Yorkers are viewing the Queens-born president more negatively than they have any time since he took office," Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said in a statement.

"While he continues to be viewed unfavorably by more than 80 percent of Democrats, Trump's favorability rating with Republicans  61-33 percent  while still strongly positive, is down by a net 20 points since July when he had a 71-23 percent favorability rate with Republicans," Greenberg said.

Siena polled 771 registered voters statewide. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.2 percent.

mhamilton@timesunion.com  518-454-5449  @matt_hamilton10
A blistering heat wave gripped the San Francisco Bay over the Labor Day weekend, torching all-time record-high temperatures that had been in the history books for more than 100 years.

Downtown San Francisco soared to a sweltering 106 degrees on Sept. 1, breaking the previous record of 103 degrees set in 2000. Santa Cruz hit 110 degrees on Sept. 2, a solid 2 degrees past the city's previous record high reached in 1904.
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera reached a $400,000 settlement Wednesday with Lacayo & Associates, an immigration consulting business that the city sued last year, charging that it was providing immigration-related legal services it was neither authorized nor qualified to perform.

Calling the San Francisco business a predatory operation charging thousands of dollars for incompetent or nonexistent legal work, the city sued the firms owners, Leonard Lacayo and his mother, Ada, in August 2016 for allegedly defrauding clients by leading them to believe that Leonard was a licensed attorney and advertising legal services to the citys immigrant community for decades.

The firm would then charge hefty fees  sometimes thousands of dollars  for legal work that was either performed incompletely or not at all, the citys suit claimed, putting the immigration status of potentially hundreds of people at risk. The firms website currently advertises only tax preparation services.

The Lacayos enriched themselves for decades by victimizing the vulnerable, Herrera said in a statement Wednesday. They not only defrauded their victims, they jeopardized their immigration cases. These victims thought they were doing what the law requires. Instead, the Lacayos incompetent or nonexistent work squandered legitimate opportunities for these victims to obtain legal residency.

Leonard Lacayo, however, denied any wrongdoing in an interview Wednesday, and maintains the lawsuit was a politically motivated shakedown by the city to steal money. They only went after me because I supported Trump during the campaign.

He denies ever having advertised or performed legal services, though he said he previously provided immigration attorneys office space in his Bernal Heights building. Im not a lawyer; Im not a thief or a crook, he said.

Half of the $400,000 settlement will go to victims and half will pay for the citys work on the case. The settlement payment is secured by a deed of trust on the Lacayos San Francisco home near Mount Davidson, which Leonard Lacayo said he would have to sell in order to comply.

The city does not yet know exactly how many individuals may be entitled to a payout, but a hotline set up for the companys alleged victims has already received approximately 170 calls, according to Herreras statement.

In addition to the cash payout, the settlement also requires the Lacayos to end any immigration-related services and remove any advertising for those services from social media and advertising materials. It also calls for them to post a sign in English and Spanish stating that they are not attorneys. The city attorneys office will also have the ability to inspect the firms records to ensure it is complying with the settlement.

Predatory activity, particularly against immigrants, by individuals or businesses improperly offering legal services has gotten national attention in recent years. In a situation commonly referred to as notario fraud, problems can arise when an individual obtains a notary-public license and then uses that license to substantiate representations that they are a notario publico, according to the American Bar Association. In other countries, that title can mean that a person has the equivalent of a law license.

In California, AB638, introduced by Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, D-Salinas, would prevent anyone from acting as an immigration consultant unless that person is an attorney or otherwise accredited under federal law. A vote on the bill is expected early next year.

Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa
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Most gas stations in Texas will have fuel within the next 48 hours, Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton said Wednesday, trying to ease public worry about a gas shortage even as about half of San Antonios stations were reportedly running on empty.

This is not an instantaneous process, Sitton said of efforts to resupply shortages in Texas from neighboring states and restarted refineries. It takes time but they are making great progress at refueling stations across the state.

The temporary disruption in supply will be resolved this week if people purchase gas in a thoughtful and responsible manner, he said in a statement. Most areas will see gas stations refueled within 48 hours with the exception of a few spots in the state that may take longer to resupply, he said.

Sitton reiterated that while the U.S. has 230 million barrels of refined products in storage hoarding and panic buying have placed unnecessary strains on gasoline supplies at pumps in certain pockets of Texas.

Severe shortages began August 31 in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which knocked more than 20 percent of U.S. refining capacity offline. On Tuesday AAA reported a sharp weekly increase in U.S. gas prices of 27 cents respectively. AAA said the national average price of $2.65 a gallon was just 2 cents shy of a two-year peak that was hit in August 2015.

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday only 309 or 49 percent of the roughly 630 gas stations in San Antonio were reportedly without fuel, according to gas price tracker GasBuddys availability tracker, which is based on data supplied by drivers and isnt verified by GasBuddy.

The situation has improved since hitting a peak of 575 stations, or more than 90 percent, without fuel on Saturday.

Sitton also warned against people who may try to sell gasoline without a license.

To those buying large volumes of gasoline to turn around and sell at a premium, that is black market gasoline sales, and it is a violation of the law, Sitton said. It contributes to the gasoline panic, and I expect it will be fully prosecuted by authorities.

Approximately 19 percent of U.S. refining capacity remained offline as of Tuesday, industry research firm IHS Markit said in a Wednesday report. But with multiple refineries in the process of coming back online, it expects that number to fall to below 10 percent by the weekend.

The recent positive developments have tempered fears of a broader U.S. gasoline crunch, IHS said.

On Tuesday VIA Metropolitan Transit gave free rides to customers in an effort to alleviate pressure on the gas shortage in San Antonio. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said on Facebook he worked with VIA to obtain the free ride day, and posted a picture of him and staff riding a VIA bus.
San Antonio-based refiner Valero Energy Corp. announced a new $180 million pipeline and terminal investment to connect Houston with a to-be-built terminal near Round Rock.

A Valero subsidiary, V-Tex Logistics, has signed an agreement with Magellan Pipeline Company, a subsidiary of Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Magellan Midstream Partners, to build a 135 mile, 16-inch refined products pipeline from Houston to Hearne, Texas.

When the project is completed Magellan will own the pipeline through a joint investment with Valero, according to a Magellan news release.

Valero will separately build a terminal in Hearne, for a total cost of $180 million. Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas declined to detail how much the joint pipeline project and the Hearne terminal would each cost.

The project will connect to a proposed $200 million pipeline and terminal project in Williamson County north of the city of Hutto and would feed a 500,000 barrel gasoline and diesel storage and distribution terminal. A 12-inch, 70 mile pipeline with a 60,000 barrel-a-day capacity would connect the Williamson County terminal with the Hearne system.

rdruzin@express-news.net

@druz_journo
Through an almost satirical look into a near-future China, Maggie Shen King's debut, "An Excess Male" (Harper Voyager), makes a compelling argument that marriage stands as a method of societal control. Set in 2030, after the one-child policy greatly skews the ratio of men to women, Wei-guo is one of many "leftover men" still unmarried at the age of 40. He works to save for a high dowry and market himself as a desirable marriage partner. He gets an opportunity to join a family as a third husband, the maximum allowed by law, and instantly falls in lust with May-ling. However, her family's secrets threaten to put it - and Wei-guo - at odds with the state. We hear from Wei-guo, May-ling and her two husbands as they struggle to figure out how far they are willing to go for family or country. King writes distinctive and sympathetic characters, and her vision of a not-so-far future is unnerving and thought-provoking.

---

With "Provenance" (Orbit), Ann Leckie returns to the universe she built in her acclaimed Imperial Radch trilogy. Ingray, the insecure foster child of a prominent politician, plans a dastardly scheme to cement her status in her mother's eyes, pull one over on her jerk of a brother and regain precious artifacts highly coveted by her people. To pull this off, she must free an infamous thief from an inescapable prison. Plans go awry, and Ingray is thrust into a high-stakes interplanetary conflict. She and her retinue of charming criminals have to make new plans to save her world. Leckie introduces several new human and nonhuman cultures to the Radch universe, and the intricacies and oddities are a delight. The plot can get a bit convoluted, especially as Ingray's motivations become unclear - does she want to be in power or does she want to be free? - but the novel is still a thrill for fans of heists and capers. While the book is intended as a stand-alone, it does help to be familiar with Leckie's previous novels.

---

Marie Lu's highly anticipated "Warcross" (Putnam) doesn't waste any time thrusting the reader into the heart of the action with a thrilling chase by teenage bounty hunter and hacker Emika Chen. She is trying to make ends meet in a New York City not unlike our own - except the world has been changed by the invention of deeply immersive augmented reality glasses. Cities such as Tokyo have been completely redesigned with AR in mind, and a whole new black market has formed. The biggest cultural event is the Warcross Games, a tournament centered on an immersive video game where players can battle and quest in fantasy worlds. When Emika runs an untested hack during the opening ceremony, she is thrust into the spotlight and into the Warcross Games. Though billed as a young adult novel, Lu's world will seem familiar to fans of Neal Stephenson's adult classic, "Snow Crash." Lu sticks to her tried-and-true formulas here, but the book is as brightly hued as Emika's sleeve tattoo and rainbow hair - a fast-paced, fun-filled adventure.

---

Mason reviews science fiction and fantasy every month for The Washington Post.
A man from Austin was recently detained in Laredo after authorities said they found $138,000 in the vehicle he was traveling in, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

DPS said the seizure occurred at about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 28 after a trooper pulled over a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling south on Interstate 35 for a traffic violation. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded $138,930 hidden in the backseat of the vehicle, authorities said.
By ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program on Tuesday, President Donald Trump has subjected nearly 800,000 young immigrants  many who have lived in the U.S. since they were young children  to deportation.

More than 120,000 Texans have received two-year renewable work permits and reprieves from deportation under the five-year-old program, known as DACA. More than 150,000 nationwide can renew their work permits during a six-month grace period allowed by the Trump administration.

But those whose permits expire after March 5 will not be given a chance to renew them.

Even for those who are likely to have their work permits renewed, uncertainty reigned. Seven Flores, a 23-year-old from Mexico who graduated in May from Texas A&M International University, is waiting for his renewal.

READ MORE: TAMIU president speaks out on Trump's decision to rescind DACA

Flores, who came to the U.S. when he was 9 years old and grew up in Laredo, said DACA recipients are living in a climate "of anxiety and fear" now that the program is ending and federal officials have the personal information of hundreds of thousands of immigrants on file.

"We came out of the shadows, as they say. We gave all our fingerprints and our names," he said. "I'm also afraid for my parents, because we gave them our addresses."

It's unclear how many students in Laredo may be affected by the changes to the DACA program. TAMIU said in a statement Tuesday that it does not track information regarding students' immigration status.

"We will continue to foster a safe, welcoming learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds seeking to expand their opportunities through education," the statement reads. "As a general rule, we cannot provide students with individual legal counsel, but we encourage those who need it to seek outside assistance."

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar said that ending the DACA program is "not only a failure on humanitarian grounds, but also economically."

"In my home state of Texas over 120,640 young people, who have known no other country, have benefited from the DACA program," U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar said in a statement. "Of those, over 104,959 are working and contributing over $6 billion annually to the GDP.

"I will continue to fight to keep families together and to keep our American values strong while opposing the building of walls. We need a bipartisan comprehensive immigration approach to solve the challenges at our border and ensure that Dreamers have a place in the nation that they love. I call on my colleagues in Congress to act now and to stand up to protect families and the rights of everyone in our country."

RELATED: Trump vows to revisit DACA if Congress stumbles

One San Antonian who will lose her DACA protection: Andrea Fernandez, 21, a public policy student at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her work permit expires next August.

"I'm thankful that some people are going to be able to renew (their permits), but sadly I'm a position that won't happen for me," said Fernandez, who's president of UTSA Immigrant Youth Leadership and hopes to graduate in December 2018.

Trump in a tweet Tuesday called for legislation that would provide permanent protections to young immigrants like Fernandez, but Congress hasn't passed any significant immigration reform in 20 years. When her work permit expires, Fernandez will find herself missing the income stream that helps her pay for books and tuition.

"By August, I'll be out of work," said Fernandez, who came from Mexico 12 years ago and overstayed her visa. "I will try to save as much money as I can. Hopefully if I get the opportunity to graduate next December, I will have enough money to pay that last semester of tuition."

Created in 2012 by former President Barack Obama, DACA offered work permits to immigrants who were in the U.S. illegally but had been living here since 2007 and were in school or had a degree or GED at the time they applied. To be eligible, DACA recipients had to be younger than 31 years old when the program was announced on June 15, 2012, with no criminal record.

The Department of Homeland Security is no longer accepting new applications for DACA. DHS will begin winding down the program, but will consider new applications and requests for renewal made before Tuesday. The department will accept renewal requests from all existing DACA recipients whose permits expire before March 5, but they must submit those requests by Oct. 5.

That means some immigrants will have work permits for two years. Others will see theirs expire in six months. According to DHS, as of Aug. 20 there were 34,487 new requests pending and 71,854 renewals pending. About 154,000 permits will expire between Tuesday and March 5.

DHS officials said Tuesday that the decision to end the program came after Attorney Jeff Sessions determined DACA would not likely survive a legal challenge threatened by Texas.

"This policy was implemented unilaterally to great controversy and legal concern after Congress rejected legislative proposals to extend similar benefits on numerous occasions to this same group of illegal aliens," Sessions said Tuesday. "In other words, the executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch."

Obama called the decision "cruel." He and DACA supporters called on Congress to quickly pass legislation similar to the Dream Act, which would have provided a path to citizenship to young immigrant children and was killed by a Senate filibuster in 2010.

Immigration activists noted that DACA recipients pay $2 billion a year in state and local taxes, including $300 million in Texas, according to a report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

DHS officials on Tuesday sought to allay concerns that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that oversees legal immigration, would freely share the personal information of DACA recipients with deportation officers.

Sessions issued his opinion on DACA after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in June threatened to challenge the program in court if it wasn't rescinded, giving the president until this week to decide. On Tuesday, Paxton applauded Trump and said that DACA "went far beyond the executive branch's legitimate authority."

During a conference call with reporters, DHS officials said phasing out the program was the "least disruptive" response.

"The administration was faced with two stark options," a senior DHS official who spoke on the condition of anonymity said on the call. "One: Do nothing and allow for the probability that the entire DACA program would be immediately enjoined by a court in a disruptive manner, immediately ending all protections. Or two: Phase out the program in an orderly fashion with minimal impact to beneficiaries."

In 2015, Paxton successfully halted the implementation of Obama's proposed Deferred Action for Parents of Americans, known as DAPA, which would have extended benefits similar to those offered by DACA to nearly 5 million immigrants who were in the country illegally.

It's not clear if he would have been successful in a DACA lawsuit. The Fifth Circuit of Appeals threw out a challenge to DACA in 2015.

DACA supporters said the court case could have drawn on for years through arguments and appeals, and could have given immigrants more time than the six-month moratorium on work permits.

"They had an opportunity to allow a court to determine the constitutionality of the program, and one judge's decision, especially at district court level, can be appealed to higher courts," said U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio. "This is President Trump's way of throwing a hot potato to Congress and letting them deal with it, and I think Congress should pass a Dream Act or immigration reform, but the president could also have held the program in place while that happened."

Demonstrators listening to Sessions on the radio in front of the Texas Attorney General's Office in Pharr groaned when Sessions used the term "illegal aliens." Others cried.

Kathia Ramirez, 24, toted her two young U.S. citizen children to the rally. She wasn't much older than they are now when her family told her to pick out a few belongings and prepare to leave her home in Veracruz.

Ramirez and her older sister have been DACA recipients since the program began. And her family was hopeful that her parents, who are unauthorized immigrants, would benefit from Obama's effort to expand the deferred action program to include parents.

"With DACA, I lost that fear of driving down the street and being stopped by Border Patrol," Ramirez said. "Now I'm scared I'll be driving with my kids and be stopped. I honestly don't know what is going to happen."

Sessions' statement that ending DACA "makes us safer and more secure" drew jeers from the program's supporters, who pointed to studies that have found immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than U.S. citizens, and media reports that a DACA recipients died in Houston during Tropical Storm Harvey rescue efforts. Sessions' followup comment that the Trump administration's policy toward immigrants "does not mean they are bad people or that our nation disrespects or demeans them in any way" did little to protect him from accusations of racism.

"Frankly those statements by Jeff Sessions I think really showed true colors of what was behind this announcement," Marielena Hincapie, executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center, said in a conference call with reporters. "This announcement is no different than every other measure that this administration has taken against Muslims, against refugees against immigrant communities as a whole, and it's part of the blueprint of how they view America, and how they want to radically change the makeup of our country, which is all about race and all about class."

The Laredo Morning Times contributed to this report.
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The Villainess doesnt waste a frame getting started, as an unstoppable assassin mows down scores of bad guys who quickly ooze blood and crash out of windows. Its just a days work for Sook-hee, the antiheroine of this South Korean adrenaline rush.

Director Byung-gil Jung, a trained stuntman, is an expert at staging action set-pieces, and for fans of dazzlingly violent shootouts on motorcycles and buses, this brutal revenge tale should be right up your alley, even if the proceedings often get sidetracked with a confusing backstory.
WASHINGTON  On a sweltering day earlier this summer, operatives with the Central Intelligence Agency gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to bury two of their own. Brian Ray Hoke and Nathaniel Patrick Delemarre, elite gunslingers who worked for the CIAs paramilitary force, were laid to rest after a firefight with Islamic State militants near Jalalabad in Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan.

There had been scant mention of Hokes death in local news reports in Leesburg, Va., his home, and nothing at all about Delemarre in news accounts in the Florida Panhandle, where his family lives. Their deaths this past October were never acknowledged by the CIA, beyond two memorial stars chiseled in a marble wall at the agencys headquarters in Langley, Va.

Today there are at least 18 stars on that wall representing the number of CIA personnel killed in Afghanistan  a tally that has not been previously reported, and one that rivals the number of CIA operatives killed in the wars in Vietnam and Laos nearly a half century ago.

The deaths are a reflection of the heavy price the agency has paid in a secret, nearly 16-year-old war, where thousands of CIA operatives have served since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The deaths of Hoke, 42, and Delemarre, 47, show how the CIA continues to move from traditional espionage to the front lines, and underscore the pressure the agency faces now that President Trump has pledged to keep the United States in Afghanistan with no end in sight.

We are going to be fighting this war for a very long time, said Ken Stiles, a former CIA counterterrorism analyst who worked closely with paramilitary officers in Afghanistan and who lost three friends in the war.

During his 12 years in the CIA, Hoke played the role of both commando and spy. He deployed to Iraq and other hot spots but also posed as a foreign service officer  the agencys typical cover for a covert officer  in Greece and Denmark.

He left behind three children.

Little is known about Delemarres service in the CIA. According to military records, he spent roughly a dozen years as a radio operator in the Marine Reserves, where he was a lance corporal. Friends willing to talk about him said he joined the CIA following the Sept. 11 attacks and later shifted to the Navy Reserves  a commitment he maintained while also working at the spy agency  where he became a commissioned officer.

He left behind two daughters.

Since 2001, as thousands of CIA officers and contractors have cycled in and out of Afghanistan targeting terrorists and running sources, operatives from the Special Activities Division have been part of some of the most dangerous missions. Overall, the division numbers in the low hundreds and also operates in Somalia, Iraq, the Philippines and other areas of conflict.

Adam Goldman and Matthew Rosenberg are New York Times writers.
About 1,000 demonstrators streamed into the plaza outside the Federal Building in San Franciscos South of Market district Tuesday evening to protest President Trumps decision to phase out an executive order that had protected from deportation many young adults who were brought to the U.S. by their undocumented immigrant parents.

The protesters rallied outside the building at Seventh and Mission streets. Across the bay, about 200 demonstrators gathered in UC Berkeleys Sproul Plaza and marched down Telegraph Avenue.

The San Francisco crowd spilled into the street outside the Federal Building, shutting down traffic on Seventh Street between Mission and Market streets and shutting Mission Street between Seventh and Fifth. Speakers using a loudspeaker addressed the growing crowd from the back of a flatbed truck.

I come from an immigrant family and I cant imagine anyone in my family unwillingly being taken from where they were raised, said Mikail Gundogdu, whose parents emigrated from Turkey.

I should be allowed to stay because Im your friend, your sister, your daughter, said another speaker, who identified herself only as Akiko because of her immigration status. Lets show them they chose the wrong people to mess with.

Shortly before 7 p.m., the dwindling crowd began marching slowly and peacefully to Civic Center Plaza, escorted by police.

Trumps decision to wind down former President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is unfair, inhumane and immoral, said Gala King, 40, of Oakland, who was wearing a sign at the San Francisco rally that read, Sanctuary for All Immigrants.

UC Berkeley sociology student Jenny Segura, 24, said the decision to make undocumented immigrants brought here as children vulnerable to deportation shows that our country is going five steps backward.

She said her Berkeley classes were enhanced by having people from other countries and enriched by people benefiting from DACA.

On the steps of Sproul Hall, demonstrators chanted, No ban, no wall, sanctuary for all, while scores of students walked by and some paused to listen. Through a bullhorn, a series of speakers denounced Trumps decision.

I have seen the sacrifices of immigrants (who) pay taxes and are loyal, said Martha Zarate of Oakland, speaking through the bullhorn to the crowd. Zarate said her mother came to the U.S. from Guatemala.

We call Oakland our home, she said.  Now our new home will be somewhere weve never known and never even been before.

Kurtis Alexander, Alison Graham and Steve Rubenstein are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com, agraham@sfchronicle.com and srubenstein@sfchronicle.com
For more than a day, monstrous Hurricane Irma has sustained Category 5 winds of 185 miles per hour while ripping through the northern Lesser Antilles and Virgin Islands. The storm, tied for the second-strongest ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, is battering Puerto Rico, and headed for the southeastern Bahamas and, by the weekend and early next week, Florida and the Southeast U.S.

"The threat of direct hurricane impacts in Florida over the weekend and early next week has increased," the National Hurricane Center said in its 5 p.m. update Wednesday.

This is a life-threatening storm that the Hurricane Center warns is capable of catastrophic damage. Preparations should be rushed to completion near its path.

Wednesday evening, the storm was 50 miles northeast of San Juan and was barreling to the west-northwest at 16 mph, away from the northernmost Virgin Islands.

The storm's rain bands were lashing Puerto Rico most of which was under flash flood warnings. In one bit of fortunate news, the storm's eyewall, the region with the most destructive winds, appeared like it would track just to its north.

Still a gust of 63 miles per hour was clocked in San Juan early Wednesday evening. And in Culebra, Puerto Rico, a small island 17 miles east of the mainland, a wind gust registered 111 miles per hour during the afternoon.

As the storm heads west, hurricane warnings are in effect for Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos, Haiti and the southeastern and central Bahamas. A hurricane watch covers Cuba and the northwestern Bahamas.

This historically intense hurricane is forecast to modestly weaken in the next two days, but remain an extremely dangerous Category 4 or 5 storm. It will produce the full gamut of hurricane hazards across the Bahamas and potentially South Florida, including a devastating storm surge, destructive winds and dangerous flash flooding.

Meanwhile, two new hurricanes formed late Wednesday afternoon in the Atlantic basin: Jose in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Katia in the southwest Gulf of Mexico.

Model forecasts have shifted the center of Irma's track eastward since Tuesday, projecting its core to pass right along Florida's east coast. But enough uncertainty in the track exists that all of Florida should be on the highest alert and preparing for this hurricane.

Some of the latest computer simulations track the storm center very near southeast Florida Sunday morning, presenting a very dangerous situation for the Miami to Fort Lauderdale area. However, shifts in the storm track are likely.

Tropical-storm-force winds are likely to arrive in Florida on Saturday, with the worst storm conditions occurring Sunday. The most extreme conditions are likely to occur near the storm center, but it is impossible this far out to pinpoint exactly where that will track. And serious storm effects will expand well outside the center.

The entire Florida peninsula is only about 100 miles wide, small compared to the size of the storm. Tropical-storm-force winds presently extend outward up to 185 miles from the storm center and hurricane-force winds extend 50 miles away.

A hurricane does not need to be rated Category 5 intensity to cause catastrophic damage. Remember, the category rating only refers to the peak winds in the eyewall, not the size of the storm, the rainfall and the storm surge.

Locations in northern Florida as well as up into Georgia and the Carolinas should also be preparing for a significant impact Monday and Tuesday. The forecasts from recent model runs bear some resemblance to Hurricane Matthew, which affected these areas just 11 months ago.

The rainfall forecast for the coming week shows a heavy swath over the Florida peninsula, and then spreading northward into the Carolinas as Irma likely tracks over those areas early next week.

Wednesday afternoon, the storm's eye had moved over Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands and its southern eyewall (the region of most powerful winds) raked Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands early Wednesday afternoon, a wind gust to 131 miles per hour was clocked on Buck Island and 87 miles per hour on St. Thomas. The National Weather Service issued an extreme wind warning for destructive winds gusts over 115 miles per hour for Saint John and Saint Thomas, "producing swaths of tornado-like damage." A flash flooding warning was also issued.

Areas affected by the storm's eyewall likely faced high destructive winds. The Hurricane Center provides this description of the potential damage inflicted by Category 5 winds:

Forecasts also called for rainfall totals of 8-12 inches along the path, with isolated amounts up to 20 inches, leading to flash flooding and mudslides - especially over any high terrain.

While the center of Irma was passing just north of Puerto Rico, damaging winds are still likely there, especially over the northeast part of the island, along with 4 to 10 inches of rain (and isolated totals up to 15 to 20 inches) and a storm surge of 4 to 6 feet in coastal areas.

After passing Puerto Rico, the storm should then pass just north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Thursday, where hurricane-force winds and torrential rains are also possible.

Later on Thursday, the storm will near the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas, where it could push ashore a devastating storm surge of 15 to 20 feet above normally dry land.

Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, the hurricane passed directly over Barbuda and Saint Martin in the northern Leeward Islands, the strongest hurricane ever recorded in that region and tied with the 1935 Florida Keys hurricane as the strongest Atlantic storm to strike land.

As Barbuda took a direct hit, the weather station there clocked a wind gust to 155 mph before it went offline. The storm surge on the island, or the rise in water above normally dry land, reached at least 8 feet.

The Antigua News Room reported nearly total destruction of structures on the island.

The storm also passed directly over Anguilla and St. Martin early Wednesday.

Irma's peak intensity (185 mph) ranks among the strongest in recorded history, exceeding the likes of Katrina, Andrew and Camille - whose winds peaked at 175 mph.

Among the most intense storms on record, it only trails Hurricane Allen in 1980, which had winds of 190 mph. It is tied for second most intense with Hurricane Wilma in 2005, Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 and the 1935 Florida Keys hurricane.

The storm has maintained maximum wind speeds of at least 180 mph longer than any other storm on record in the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean.

Late Tuesday night, its pressure dropped to 914 millibars (the lower the pressure, the stronger the storm), ranking as the lowest of any storm on record outside the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico in the Atlantic basin.

The storm has generated the most Accumulated Cyclone Energy, a measure of both a storm's duration and intensity, of any hurricane on record.

Without a doubt, the World Meteorological Organization will retire the names Harvey and Irma after this season. While there have been several instances of consecutive storm names getting retired (Rita and Stan 2005, Ivan and Jeanne 2004, Isabel and Juan 2003, Luis and Marilyn 1995), the U.S. has only been hit by more than one Category 4+ hurricane in a season one time: 1915. Two Category 4 hurricanes hit in Texas and Louisiana six weeks apart that year.

While Irma is grabbing all of the attention, two other hurricanes are spinning in the Atlantic basin:

--Tropical Storm Jose was upgraded to a hurricane late Wednesday afternoon. Positioned far out in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, the storm was rapidly gaining strength and was forecast to become a major Category 3 storm by Friday. The current track forecast keeps it mostly away from land areas over the next several days but it could graze the same islands in the northeastern Lesser Antilles slammed by Irma this weekend and forecasters will be watching it closely.

--Tropical Storm Katia, which formed early Wednesday in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, intensified quickly into a hurricane late in the afternoon. It could intensify into a Category 2 hurricane before making landfall in the Mexico state of Veracruz Friday into Saturday, where a hurricane watch is in effect.

In terms of Accumulated Cyclone Energy for all storms so far, 2017 has spiked to well above average in the past week thanks to Irma. And now we also have Jose and Katia adding to the tally. As of Wednesday morning, this season's Accumulated Cyclone Energy is at about 152 percent of average for the date.

---

Tropical weather expert Phil Klotzbach contributed some of the statistics in this story.

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VIDEO:

Irma has swelled into a monster force with maximum sustained winds near 185 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm is considered the most powerful hurricane to threaten the Atlantic coast in more than a decade. (NASA/Washington Post)

URL: http://wapo.st/2vMkqFw

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Danish inventor Peter Madsen contends he did not kill Swedish freelance journalist Kim Wall. He says he did not dismember her body, and can't explain why her headless torso washed ashore without her limbs last month.

But speaking to a court in Copenhagen Tuesday, the 46-year-old who stands accused in her killing admitted that Wall died while reporting aboard his submarine. It was an accident, he said, that began when he lost his foothold while trying to hold open the submarine's hatch. As Wall made her way up the vessel's tower, Madsen claimed, she was fatally struck in the head by the 155-pound hatch, the Associated Press reported.

"There was a pool of blood where she had landed," Madsen said in court, Reuters reported. He then threw her body overboard in a panic, he said.

The hearing was Madsen's first public court appearance since he was taken into custody Aug. 12 in connection with the 30-year-old journalist's death. He was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter, but on Tuesday, a judge upgraded those charges to murder, Jakob Buch-Jepsen, special prosecutor with the Copenhagen Police, told The Washington Post.

The judge, Buch-Jepsen recounted, was not convinced by Madsen's explanation in court, in light of the prosecutor's evidence.

"Two people are on a boat. Her legs and head and arms were cut off, and we can prove that," Buch-Jepsen said. "You can draw your own conclusions."

But, Buch-Jepsen said, it is still early in the investigation, and the cause of Wall's death is still unknown.

Wall vanished off the coast of Copenhagen after embarking on a reporting trip aboard Madsen's submarine on Aug. 10. The same day Wall was reported missing, Aug. 11, Madsen was plucked from the water after police say he deliberately sank his submarine.

Wall's remains were found on shore almost two weeks later, police said. After recovering the sunken submarine, authorities matched blood found in the vessel with DNA from Wall's torso and from her toothbrush and hairbrush, police said in a news conference.

Her disappearance and subsequent death captured worldwide attention and underscored the risks faced by many female and freelance journalists. Wall reported in-depth stories worldwide, from diverse locations such as postwar Sri Lanka to North Korea. During her brief career, she was described by her friends and family as a brave, intrepid reporter.

The case has been one of the most highly publicized criminal investigations in Denmark in recent memory, Buch-Jepsen said.

When Wall hit her head against the hatch, the blunt force fractured her skull, Madsen said in an earlier testimony read by the prosecutor in Tuesday's hearing, Reuters reported. He declined to answer a number of the prosecutor's unanswered questions, including why Wall's clothes were missing.

Madsen told the court her shoes and tights came off when he dragged her body through the submarine's tower with a rope following the accident, the AP and local news outlets reported.

Asked why he threw her body overboard, Madsen told prosecutors that he was panicked and suicidal, and thought it would be best to give Wall a burial at sea, Buch-Jepsen recounted.

"In the shock I was in, it was the right thing to do," Madsen told the court, AFP reported.

He said he considered taking his own life, but changed his mind because he wanted to see his wife and three cats, Reuters reported.

Madsen then sank the UC3 Nautilus submarine by opening its valves and letting the water flow in, according to a statement read in court, The Local reported.

In the court hearing, prosecutors pressed Madsen on his relationships with women. Although he has been married since 2010, he said he and his wife have an open relationship, according to the prosecutor.

Madsen also confirmed that he had previously brought other guests on his submarine, and had sex on board with at least one of them, the prosecutor said. He said he didn't have sex with Wall.

When the prosecutor asked him whether he had previously taken part in sadomasochism, he admitted that he had, Buch-Jepsen said. He has been to a number of "kinky" sex parties and is interested in the "diversity of eroticism," Swedish news outlets reported. However, he said he always treats women gently and respectfully, and would never actually hurt anyone, the prosecutor said.

Madsen's defense attorney, Betina Hald Enmark told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that her client is "not quite like other people." While he has "different sexual preferences," that does not make him a murderer, she said.

According to reporters who attended the hearing, Madsen was dressed in army fatigues and displayed a stoic expression in his court appearance.

The court ordered that Madsen be held in custody for four more weeks and undergo a psychiatric evaluation. If convicted, Madsen could face five years to life in prison. His next court date is Oct. 3.

"Now that he remains jailed we can go further with the investigation," Buch-Jepsen said. Hundreds of people have called police in recent weeks, reporting to have information relevant to the case. Authorities still have numerous witness to interview and evidence to uncover, Buch-Jepsen said.

Police are still looking for the rest of Wall's remains, which could provide leads to her cause of death.

In the days after Wall disappeared, her friends and family were shocked. Compared to other destinations Wall had reported from, the coast of Denmark appeared relatively safe. It was less than 30 miles from her Swedish home town and in a country ranking among the world's safest.

"She trusted somebody, and then this is what happened," Christopher Harress, an Alabama-based reporter and good friend of Wall, told The Post.

Wall had been pursuing a story about Madsen, an amateur rocket builder and well known fanatical character in Denmark. His submarine was described on its website as "one of the world's largest home-built submarines."

Madsen initially told authorities he dropped Wall off safely in Copenhagen after she completed a day's worth of reporting. But then he changed his story, admitting he "buried" Wall at sea after she died aboard the submarine in an "accident," police said.
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WASHINGTON - The House Intelligence Committee has subpoenaed records from the Justice Department and the FBI pertaining to a salacious but unverified dossier over objections from the committee's minority members, the panel's ranking Democrat said Tuesday.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., confirmed the details of the subpoenas, initially reported in the Washington Examiner, during an appearance on MSNBC Tuesday evening. But he also complained that the subpoenas were "uncalled for," accusing Republicans of attempting to "discredit" the author of the dossier "rather than looking into how many of the allegations he wrote about were true."

"What we should be most concerned about is whether those sources of the information in the report are true, not in discrediting the author of that report," Schiff argued.

The author of the dossier, Christopher Steele, is a respected former MI-6 agent whom at one point, the FBI considered paying to continue his work collecting information about Trump's alleged personal and financial exploits in, and connections to, Russia. Steele had been compiling such information for Washington research firm Fusion GPS, which had been contracted to conduct that research by an individual opposed to Trump's candidacy.

Republicans around Congress have approached the report, its author, and his backers with a healthy degree of suspicion and skepticism ever since it came into the public eye, released in its entirety by BuzzFeed after a CNN report that President-elect Donald Trump had been briefed about the existence of the dossier by intelligence officials.

In the Senate, Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has focused considerable attention on Fusion GPS in particular, in an effort to figure out whether it was in fact Russian money that went to fund Steele's project.

In its piece about the subpoenas, the Examiner quoted House Intelligence Committee member Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., who is helping to run the panel's Russia probe, as saying "we got nothing" in response to multiple letters the committee had sent to the DOJ and FBI requesting information.

But appearing on MSNBC, Schiff seemed to reject that argument, saying that the "requests [to DOJ and the FBI] for documents were never made in a letter form or a written request to the Department."

"Instead, the first the department got was a subpoena," Schiff said. "That is just not good practice."

Schiff added that if there's any part of the administration the committee should be subpoenaing, it's the White House - from which the committee has requested information "on multiple occasions, and still have not gotten the majority's approval for a subpoena,"

"This kind of disparate treatment concerns us greatly," Schiff said.

A spokeswoman for Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, who is running the House Intelligence Committee's Russia probe, did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday night. A spokesman for committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., - who is no longer running the committee's Russia investigation but retains the right to sign off on subpoeans - also did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday night.
BERLIN - Two guitar players strummed and sang in Farsi as a stream of Afghans and Iranians knelt at the front of the church, sipping wine from a shared Communion cup. Most of the congregants had arrived within the last two years, part of the refugee influx that's brought more than a million asylum seekers to Germany since 2015.

At the peak of the crisis two years ago, this Lutheran church was holding mass baptisms of more than 200 people at a time, said the pastor, Gottfried Martens. "This church went from just a few hundred members to more than 1,300 Iranians and Afghans," Martens said, "All converts."

When Germany opened its doors to refugees in 2015, churches and church-affiliated organizations played a critical role in the response. Most of them took care to separate religion from humanitarian aid, especially those implementing state-funded relief projects. Three years into the crisis, however, some churches are more actively defending refugees, even housing rejected asylum seekers inside churches so that German police cannot deport them, while submitting legal appeals for their cases. Many of these "church asylum" beneficiaries have also converted, a controversial act that's drawn criticism from Islamic groups and skepticism from German authorities.

Downstairs at the Lutheran church, 12 rejected asylum seekers were living in the basement. Forty-four-year-old Iranian Ali Karimi said he'd been in the church building for almost six months. Karimi had fled to Germany after being imprisoned twice in Iran for political activism, he said, and became Christian while taking refuge in this building. "I'm looking for a religion that doesn't force, push or kill," Karimi said.

Refugees in the European Union are subject to a law called the Dublin Regulation, which requires that asylum seekers process their papers in the country where they entered the EU. Karimi came in through Italy, so Germany could send him back there through the Dublin Regulation, as it tried to do with 29,507 asylum seekers in the first half of 2017. Yet, only 3,085 of those people were actually deported. One way to avoid deportation is through church asylum, in which people like Karimi live inside churches for six months, after which German law allows asylum seekers to process their requests in Germany instead.

There are currently 351 church asylum locations in Germany, according to Asyl in der Kirche, a network of German parishes offering safe houses. They host 551 people, including 127 children and 301 Dublin cases. Legally, German police can deport both Dublin cases and rejected asylum seekers, a phenomenon that has increased for Afghans in particular. Germany started deporting hundreds of Afghans in 2016, sending them on charter flights back to Afghanistan, despite the country's growing instability. If refugees are living on church grounds, however, police won't enter.

Germany's church asylum movement dates back to 1983, when a parish in Berlin protected three Palestinian families from deportation to Lebanon amid its civil war. Hundreds of refugees have sought German church asylum since then, with a success rate of more than 75 percent. "The law doesn't say that police can't enter the church. But they don't do it. It's something sacred," said Martina Domke, head of migration at the Cologne office of Diakonie, the German Protestant church's social-welfare organization. "The churches said: Sometimes from a humanitarian or a Christian point of view, the law is not correct," Domke said.

Conversion is both a side effect of church relief and a potential advantage for rejected asylum seekers, who can claim deeper need for asylum if they are at risk of religious persecution in their home country. What's tricky for both authorities and church leaders is determining whether a convert's faith is real. Many of Martens' church members have been rejected and told they are not really Christian, which Martens said is a cause of contention between authorities and the church.

"Pastors say, 'I know this man. He is a Christian,' and they say, 'He's just cheating,' " Martens said. One of his congregation members was asked what illness Martin Luther died of, he said, and when he couldn't answer, was told he wasn't Christian. "We as churches don't want to support cheating via religion. That's why we check so carefully - if someone can't explain to me why he wants to be a Christian, I won't baptize him," Martens said.

Bekir Alboga, general secretary of Germany's largest Islamic organization, the Turkish-Islamic Union for Religious Affairs, said converting refugees is a form of abuse. "You want to give bread in one hand and a Bible in the other," Alboga said, adding that the main reason Islamic groups don't do as much for refugees as Christian groups is because of their legal status. Germany's two main churches are highly structured and close to the state, with long-established status as public "corporations" that can own land, collect taxes and receive government money to implement social-welfare projects. Germany's mosques and Islamic associations have not attained that status. "Almost all support and work for refugees are paid from the government to church organizations," Alboga said.

Church leaders say government money is exactly why conversion is not a goal of the mainstream German church. "We're paid by the government, so our work must be open to everyone. We have to follow humanitarian principles and Christian principles," Domke said, adding that these principles influence Diakonie's worldview but don't compel them to recruit others into their religion. "The Protestant church says: Jesus was a refugee, so love the other person. But we're not trying to make them part of a group."

Martens disagreed with the main churches' aversion to conversion, but also rejected Alboga's accusation of active missions work. "We are not doing mission work among Muslims," Martens said. "But people who come here are fed up with Iran and Afghanistan, and looking for an alternative. I don't think we should patronize them and say, 'You should know there is a better Islam than this.' This is religious freedom."

Though some of the converts may be pretending for the sake of bettering their chances at asylum, others point out that changing religion has made their lives harder. "I can't believe when people ask, 'Didn't you just come here for a better life?' " said 32-year-old Saeed Hassan, who was jailed twice in Iran, for political dissent and for being caught with alcohol and his girlfriend. Resentment toward religious government made him first an atheist then a Christian. He fled Tehran in 2015 when Iranian police caught him with a Bible in his car, eventually arriving in Berlin, where he has yet to receive refugee status. His parents have since divorced, he said, fighting over whether their son should risk return to Iran instead of struggling to survive in Europe. He hasn't seen his wife in two years, and he's been drinking more and more recently to fight off loneliness.

"I had everything in Iran," Hassan said. "My wife, my car, my house in the north - you think I want this 'better life' in camps and hiding, alone for two years now? I choose to believe in Jesus. But for everything else - to run, to be a refugee, to come to Germany - I did not have a choice."
John P. White, deputy secretary of defense in the Clinton administration who also had served during the Carter presidency as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget and as assistant secretary of defense for manpower, reserve affairs and logistics, died Sept. 3 at an assisted living center in Great Falls, Virginia. He was 80.

The cause was complications of Parkinson's disease, said a son, Tim White.

In a career that spanned a half-century, White held high-echelon positions in government and the private sector and faculty positions at Harvard University. From 1998 to 2012, he was the Robert and Renee Belfer Lecturer at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

John Patrick White was born in Syracuse, New York, on Feb. 27, 1937. He graduated from Cornell University in 1959 and then went to Syracuse University, where he received a master's degree in economics and public administration in 1964 and a doctorate in labor economics in 1969. He served as a Marine Corps officer from 1959 to 1961.

In the 1960s and 1970s, he was a vice president at the Rand Corp. think tank, where his specialties included the elimination of a draft-based U.S. military and its changeover to a volunteer armed forces.

White was chairman and chief executive of Interactive Systems Corp. from 1981 to 1988. Following the corporation's sale to Eastman Kodak in 1988, he was a vice president of Kodak until 1992. In 1992, he drew up an economic plan for independent presidential candidate Ross Perot. Later White was an adviser to the Clinton campaign. In 2008, White was an adviser to the Obama transition team on the organization of the Defense Department.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth Michaud White of Great Falls; four children, Timothy White of Los Angeles, John Martin White of Oakland, California, Ann Marie Molyneaux of San Francisco and Patricia Welch of Chantilly, Virginia; and eight grandchildren.
In Puerto Rico, some residents are preparing to be without electricity for between four and six months.

In St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, people are praying their roofs hold up through the storm.

Throughout these American territories and on other Caribbean islands in Hurricane Irma's path, there was widespread fear Tuesday night and early Wednesday, even in the face of preemptive emergency declarations, that this ferocious and possibly historic Category 5 storm will bring with it a devastating storm surge, destructive winds and dangerous flooding and lead to a long, painstaking journey back to normalcy.

Overnight, Irma hit the Leeward Islands, a band of territories and commonwealths stretching southeast from Puerto Rico. As it swept across Barbuda, a weather station recorded sustained winds of 118 mph and a wind gust to 155 mph before the instrument failed, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Irma's 185 mph maximum sustained winds are the strongest recorded for a landfalling hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean, tied with the 1935 Florida Keys hurricane, the Post's Capital Weather Gang reports.

Irma's eye passed over Barbuda about 1:47 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Residents told the Associated Press over local radio that phone lines went down. Heavy rain and howling winds raked the neighboring island of Antigua, according to the news service, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

The AP reported that the storm ripped the roof off Barbuda's police station, "forcing officers to seek refuge in the nearby fire station and at the community center that served as an official shelter."

"The Category 5 storm also knocked out communication between islands. Midcie Francis of the National Office of Disaster Services confirmed there was damage to several homes, but said it was too early to tally or assess the extent of the damage.

"Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Fernandez, who has temporary oversight for Disaster Management, told the Associated Press via text that the northern end of island was hit hard by the storm. He did not elaborate on the extent of damage."

On the French Caribbean islands of St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, residents were ordered to remain inside and not venture out under any circumstances. The French Ministry of Interior issued the highest possible alert for both islands because they appear to be in Irma's path.

Schools, public services and ports on the two islands were closed.

On Sint Maarten, part of the same island as St. Martin, the "Maho Beach Cam" - a live stream that typically shows the dramatic airplane landings at the adjacent Princess Juliana International Airport - showed Irma pummeling the popular tourist attraction with roaring winds and rainfall so thick only the blurs of a few streetlights were visible.

French government officials confirmed blackouts, flooding and demolished buildings on the two islands.

Two other French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique were placed under a more moderate alert.

St. Kitts, Anguilla and other islands all are in the storm's direct path, and one meteorology expert issued this grave prediction: "The Leeward Islands are going to get destroyed," said Colorado State University professor Phil Klotzbach.

"I just pray that this thing wobbles and misses them," he told the Associated Press. "This is a serious storm."

The National Hurricane Center said in its 8 a.m. update that the eye of the storm was passing over St. Martin, and that the northern eyewall was "pounding" Anguilla.

On Anguilla, employees at the island's Radio Anguilla hunkered down in their station as winds howled outside. Their radio had gone down, so early Wednesday, station announcer Nisha Dupuis began streaming a makeshift broadcast using Periscope. As she spun the camera around the room, staff members - some looking somber, one wearing rain gear - compared Irma to past hurricanes they had lived through.

This one was "devastating," they repeatedly said. Stepping out into a hallway, Dupuis showed viewers the building was taking on water, flooding its production room. In the station's parking lot, a tree had been uprooted.

It was unclear how long the staff members had been huddled inside the room. Dupuis asked Keithstone Greaves, the station's program manager, why he had come to work even as a Category 5 hurricane had loomed.

"For the people. For the country," Greaves said. "We are broadcasters. We are technical people, and in a situation like this, people need to be informed."

As they spoke, a persistent wind could be heard rattling the building. One man in a red shirt stood guard near one of the station's narrow windows, whose shutters had already been lost to the wind. "If you lose a window, we're all in trouble," he said.

"We are in a lot of distress here on Anguilla," Dupuis said.

Hurricane warnings have been issued for Antigua, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, as well as parts of the Dominican Republic. Irma's center could pass to the north of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, leaving them less prone to the storm's most ferocious elements. But vicious winds, pounding rain and a large storm surge remain likely.

The National Hurricane Center called the conditions "life-threatening," and U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Kenneth Mapp ordered a territory-wide curfew starting at 6 a.m. Wednesday and lasting at least 36 hours - "to ensure safety for all."

"This is not an opportunity to go outside and try to have fun with a hurricane," Mapp cautioned. "It's not time to get on a surfboard."

According to the AP:

"Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating the six islands in the south because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the 'potentially catastrophic' wind, flooding and storm surge. People there would be flown to Nassau starting Wednesday in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

"'The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm,' Minnis said."

When Antigua's airport was closed Tuesday, visitors were sent away with advice to seek protection from the storm, and a prayer: "May God protect us all."

Andrea Pujols, 26, lives in Guaynabo, a suburb of Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan. She spoke to The Washington Post on Tuesday night as she and her 55-year-old father, Edwin, raced to the airport to retrieve her mother, who was returning home from a trip to Pittsburgh ahead of the storm, having refused to let her family ride out Irma without her. The three will be holed up at home with Pujols's grandmother and dog, Lady.

"It's been chaos all day long," Pujols said. "There's nothing left at the supermarket. They're saying the airport will be closed for days. They're saying there's not going to be any light for three to four months."

In and around their city, which is not expected to see much flooding, Pujols said, several churches have opened as shelters for those who've evacuated already - and for those forced to do so later.

To prepare, the Pujols family stocked up on canned food, water and fuel for their small generator. It provides enough power to run some lights and fans, which in the absence of air conditioning should offer mild reprieve from the wilting tropical air.

They've even filled several large garbage cans, anticipating water and sewer service will be disrupted "for who knows how long," Edwin Pujols said.

As the storm approached Tuesday, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello encouraged residents to head for one of the territory's hundreds of shelters.

"The dangerousness of this event is like nothing we've ever seen," he said. "A lot of infrastructure won't be able to withstand this kind of force."

The government also began evacuating areas in the north and east of the island that are susceptible to flooding. Meanwhile, the director of Puerto Rico's power company warned that Irma could leave some areas without electricity for as long as four to six months, according to the Associated Press.

"We are hoping for the best but of course preparing for the worst," Rossello said Wednesday on CNN.

"We are working with the most vulnerable populations," he said. "Our team worked the past week to identify those in potentially critical flooding areas so that we can start moving people and get them in the mind-set that this could be a very tough storm."

"Our main objective right now is not infrastructure," he added, "but it's the safety of the people of Puerto Rico."

Local government officials have done well, the Pujols family said, by encouraging residents to stockpile supplies, avoid dangerous places or unnecessary risks, and leave areas most prone to flooding. "But with rain over rain over rain," Andrea Pujols added, "we're just hoping it doesn't get any worse" than what's been forecast.

Farther east, municipalities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands are bracing for destruction like its 107,000 residents have not experienced since Hurricane Marilyn in 1995 and, very possibly, Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Both storms - Marilyn hit St. Thomas as a strong Category 2, Hugo struck St. Croix as a Category 4 - claimed lives, leveled homes and businesses, and knocked out basic services for months.

Del. Stacey Plaskett, who represents the territory in Congress, told The Washington Post on Tuesday night that the Federal Emergency Management Administration has personnel pre-staged there to help launch recovery efforts once the storm passes. The White House declared a state of emergency there earlier in the evening, but Plaskett, a Democrat, called Irma "a local issue," and insisted the local government has the lead in ensuring a swift, orderly response.

Of principal concern, she said, are the islands' hospitals, many of which have lacked enough in federal funding to complete desired building upgrades that would fortify them against severe weather. What money is given to the Virgin Islands through Medicare and Medicaid is prioritized for patient care, she said.

The Navy is ready to deploy a hospital ship and medical personnel if such help is needed, Plaskett told The Post.

St. Thomas and St. John are expected to be hit "much harder" than St. Croix, she added.

Plaskett said she's worried about storm surge and how it will affect those who rely on cisterns, large tanks that collect and store rainwater for cooking, showering and flushing toilets. She's worried about the islands' power grid - "We have some difficulty with electricity as it is," she noted - and the islands' communications network. She's worried whether residents remembered to charge their cellphones and have enough backup batteries to keep their radios powered.

"My greatest concern right now," the congresswoman added, "is that people stay indoors."

With Irma expected to thrash south Florida, where mandatory evacuations were ordered Tuesday, some Virgin Islanders were nervous that federal assistance would become less of a priority once the storm affects the continental United States.

Michael Resch, 59, whose father built St. Thomas's Island Beachcomber Hotel in 1957, remembers the painful recovery from Marilyn and Hugo, when the power went out for several weeks.

"To tell you the truth," he said, "we're kind of like the forgotten child here. Every time they talk about Irma, it's all, 'Florida, be prepared.' St. Thomas never gets mentioned."

President Donald Trump has declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Trump tweeted: "Watching Hurricane closely. My team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida. No rest for the weary!" and

"Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!"

By early Tuesday evening, about 10 of the hotel's 50 rooms remained occupied, Resch said. Some of his younger employees, those who'd never experienced a hurricane before, were on edge. But he was working to keep them and the guests calm.

His staff had moved everyone to the building's first floor and stowed all remaining pool furniture that could become airborne in Irma's powerful winds. Resch said he is hopeful that reinforcements made to the hotel after Hurricane Hugo will keep the roof intact in his hotel's three buildings, and that any power loss will be brief.

The Island Beachcomber doesn't have a generator, he said.

"If there's a good thing about being on an island in a hurricane, it's that the storm doesn't get stuck over the land," Resch said, a reference to the days-long battering that Texas took late last month during Hurricane Harvey. "It'll be gone in 12 to 20 hours. But Mother Nature -"

And then Resch paused.

"Her power is unfathomable."

- - -

Video:

Puerto Rico braces as Hurricane Irma crosses the island. ((Juan C. Davila, Thomas Johnson / The Washington Post)

URL: http://wapo.st/2gLZJTA

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and a top deputy are planning to help Sen. Luther Strange, R-Ala., raise money this week for his closely watched primary runoff - even as Strange sides with President Donald Trump over McConnell when it comes to a venerated Senate rule.

As McConnell gears up to help Strange during the last stretch of his heated contest, Strange announced Tuesday that after previously supporting the preservation of the Senate's 60-vote threshold on most legislation, he agrees with Trump that it should be ended.

McConnell is scheduled to appear at a high-dollar fundraiser on Thursday in Washington to benefit Strange, according to an invitation shared with The Washington Post by a person familiar with the event.

Individuals are encouraged to give as much as $2,000 and political action committees are being asked for as much as $5,000, according to the invitation, which was shared by the person on the condition of anonymity to describe a gathering that was not widely publicized.

Sen. John Thune, S.D., the third-ranking Republican senator, is slated to appear at a Tuesday evening dinner fundraiser for Strange in Washington, where top donations will range from $1,000 to $2,500, according to an invitation provided by the person.

A second Republican familiar with the events confirmed both of them. Strange's campaign did not offer any comment. Representatives for McConnell and Thune did not comment on the plans.

McConnell has long supported Strange, who recent polls show is in a competitive race. Strange has struggled to solidify the support of his state's conservative base, even as he has aligned himself closely with Trump. He took another step closer to the president Tuesday when he announced his support for ending the 60-vote threshold, as Trump has repeatedly advocated.

"While I had hoped that Republicans and Democrats would work together to accomplish the will of the American people, it has become obvious that politics and self-preservation will continue to rule the day," Strange said in a statement announcing his decision. "Conversations with the President have led me to the conclusion that changing the filibuster rule is the only way we will be able to build the border wall, rein in sanctuary cities, defund Planned Parenthood, and give the American people real tax relief."

McConnell does not support ending the 60-vote threshold and has vowed to protect it as majority leader.

McConnell and his allies are hoping to boost Strange across the finish line in the race for the seat vacated by now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier this year. Strange placed second last month in the first round of voting to former judge Roy Moore, a hard-right conservative who has openly attacked McConnell. The runoff between the top two candidates will be held Sept. 26.

Trump also backs Strange. He tweeted his support and recorded a robo-call ahead of the August vote. But he has weighed turning his focus away from the contest.

If Trump does decline to become more deeply involved, it would be a blow to Strange, because the president is very popular in the state. Strange's support for ending the legislative filibuster underscored the strength of Trump and his positions in Alabama, where he won the primary and general elections last year by a wide margin.

Strange, who was state attorney general, was appointed to the Senate after Sessions's departure by then-Gov. Robert Bentley, a Republican. The winner of the Republican primary will face the Democratic nominee, former U.S. attorney Doug Jones, on Dec. 12.

---

The Washington Post's David Weigel contributed to this report.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) is expected to approve as early as Sept. 13 a draft of results of its safety screening for two reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture - thereby providing de facto certification for Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings's plan to reactivate the reactors.

At its regular meeting on Wednesday, the NRA almost finished discussing its safety screening, under the new standards, of the plant's Nos. 6 and 7 reactors.

The NRA, chaired by Shunichi Tanaka, is expected to take two to three months to formally adopt the certification following solicitation of public opinion.

The approval of the draft would be the first for any of TEPCO's nuclear power plants. It would also mean the first approval for boiling water reactors, the same model as at the accident-hit Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. However, gaining local consent is a must for the reactors to resume operations.

Taking a cautious stance over the resumption of the plant's operation, Niigata Gov. Ryuichi Yoneyama has said, "It is necessary to thoroughly investigate the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 plant." It is, therefore, still uncertain when the reactors will be reactivated.

So far, a total of 12 reactors at six plants run by Kyushu Electric Power Co., Kansai Electric Power Co. and Shikoku Electric Power Co. have passed the NRA's safety screenings conducted under the new standards, which were introduced following the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 plant in 2011.

All these reactors, however, were pressurized water reactors. In this type of reactor, water passes in a primary loop over the reactor core while water in a secondary loop is used to produce steam, which in turn drives the turbine.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant uses BWRs, which drive the turbine with steam produced directly from water moving through the reactor core.

In September 2013, TEPCO submitted safety applications for the Nos. 6 and 7 reactors for NRA screening. The regulator has since conducted nearly four years of screenings.

In TEPCO's estimates, the largest conceivable ground motion in an earthquake stands at 2,300 gals - with gals being a unit of acceleration - and the maximum height of tsunami is 7.6 meters. The power company has explained that it would spend about 680 billion to implement safety measures.

However, in the final period of the screening from last year to this year, a series of grave safety problems were brought to light, such as the insufficient seismic resistance of a quake-proof building that is supposed to be a hub to deal with possible accidents.

For this reason, the NRA ordered TEPCO in February to fully recheck its application documents. TEPCO resubmitted applications in June to use another building as a hub to cope with the accident.

Moreover, giving weight to the fact that TEPCO was a party to the accident at the Fukushima plant, the NRA summoned the company's executives, including President Tomoaki Kobayakawa, to attend a meeting three times - apart from regular screenings - to interview them.
There's been a lot of reaction from within the world of education to the Trump administration's decision to end the federal program that allows younger undocumented immigrants, known as "dreamers," to live in the United States without fear of being deported - and just about all of it has been negative. But one person hasn't been heard from: U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

Teachers, union leaders, superintendents, college presidents, etc., etc., have slammed the move, and Denver students walked out of class in protest of the decision, which was announced Tuesday by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He said the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which has permitted nearly 800,000 young people to work and study in the United States, would end in six months, giving Congress a chance to address through legislation the program started in 2012 by President Barack Obama.

Obama signed an executive order establishing the program to help young people who had been brought to this country when they were children. States with the most DACA recipients are, in order: California, Texas, Florida and New York. Most DACA recipients are working or enrolled in school.

The Education Department did not respond to a query about DeVos' position on the DACA decision.

In April, DeVos made a statement while she was visiting Florida that undocumented immigrants shouldn't worry about the Trump administration's support for educational opportunities. This is part of an interview she did with the Miami Herald at the time:

"Q: We have a lot of immigrants in Miami, including a lot of undocumented immigrants. Florida is one of the states where undocumented immigrants can get in-state tuition at public universities. Is that something you support?

"A: Well, as you well know [immigration] is an issue that's been widely discussed within the administration and I yesterday referred to [Homeland Security Secretary] Gen. [John] Kelly's comments about the fact that [undocumented] students should not be concerned. They should continue to focus on their studies and continue to pursue their educations. [Kelly recently said apprehending undocumented students is not a priority.]

"The administration is very supportive of states setting their direction and I would say that would be consistent here, too."

DeVos was referring to comments made in March by Kelly, who was then head of the Department of Homeland Security and is now President Donald Trump's chief of staff. After talking with Democrats on Capitol Hill, Kelly told reporters who asked him about the dreamers, according to HuffPost:

"I told them that I have a lot of things on my plate, a lot of criminals to apprehend and deport, that are here illegally, criminals beyond just the fact that they're here illegally, and the least of my worries right now is anyone who falls under the general category of DACA. . . . I can guarantee you that we have a lot of very bad people to go after, and the least of my worries are undocumented illegal aliens who are living lives."
As we drove through the first gate and saw the inmates walking the yard, it hit me: Im heading into a prison. Another gate and several checkpoints later we arrived at the parking lot. All this and we hadnt even made it to the front door yet. Just one important note: instead of riding on a bus filled with inmates, I was traveling with entrepreneurs, CEOs and investors.

We were at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, Calif., for a one-day Shark Tank-like pitching session, the culmination of a year of learning and preparation by a motivated group of inmates. My journey was set into motion a few months earlier when I agreed to participate in Defy Ventures, a program which teaches business skills to incarcerated men, women and youth to prepare them for life outside of prison. Only 40 percent of incarcerated people attain employment in their first year after release. The Defy program is trying to improve that statistic.

Entrepreneur and investor Neil Senturia brought the program to San Diego and spearheaded the one-year training. Inmates had become Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) for an intensive series of courses, online and in-person, on leadership development, executive mentoring, financial investment and startup incubation.

Inmates enrolled in the program are approaching the backend of their sentences, typically after about 10 years in jail. They suffer the stigma of their past indiscretions and struggle to be recognized for who they have grown to become and truly are. What attracted me to volunteer is the Defy program's success reversing their self defeating way of thinking.

More than 10,000 prisoners are released from jails every week in the U.S. but two-thirds are rearrested within three years. In contrast, fewer than five percent of EITs who complete the Defy program return to prison. To date, the Defy program has helped more than 550 incarcerated individuals across 24 states prepare for life after prison. Defy has financed and incubated 165 startups founded by EITs who have created more than 350 jobs in their communities.

Those results motivated me to become part of something greater that is making a measurable difference. If sharing my experiences with these inmates improved their chances of getting a job or starting a business that improved life for their family and community, Im all in.

We entered the facility slowly, similar to how we entered the parking lot. Inside, the correction officers stood holding rifles close to their chests. We were given strict instructions such as "dont attempt to hug an inmate." Surprisingly, I was more excited than nervous. The prison staff and program leaders were incredibly calming. They assured us the inmates were more nervous than we were. I could relate. I remember my first pitch to an audience of investors.

The EITs told the backstories that lead them down the road they traveled. The deeper we dove in, the more humbled and impressed I was. It was sobering to learn that the children of inmates are five times more likely to be arrested for a crime than average. Seventy percent of children with an incarcerated parent are themselves incarcerated at some point in their lives.

I reflected on the drastic differences between us growing up. My dad and grandfathers graduated from college and earned advanced degrees in medicine, law and architecture with barely a speeding ticket between the three of them. Each contributed to his community and society in some fashion. One of my grandfathers was a leader the global effort to cure polio in his roles as chief of surgery at a prominent hospital in Ohio and vice president of International Rotary. I am very grateful for my upbringing

The pitch setup at the prison was a cross between musical chairs and speed dating. The EITs rotated in a circle to spend time with each entrepreneur. The catch was they didnt know if they would be asked to give an elevator pitch, business idea or resume review. The Defy program had prepared them to think on their feet and comfortably interact with multiple parties at a fast pace. Learning those skills is a challenge after years of following prison procedures. Their confidence grew after a few iterations with strategic feedback from us mentors. Their pitches got better and better.

One particular inmate's pitch struck a personal chord for me. His goal was to start his own food truck business. He was excited to get to work and had everything mapped out -- his grandmother's famous recipe, his projected overhead and startup costs, his clientele and marketing strategy. My brother years prior had started his own food truck business and, after a few successful years, grew it into a popular restaurant in Boulder, Colo. I enjoyed a rapport with the EIT, offering my advice from watching my brother go through the same process.

Sharing personal stories one-on-one with EITs was inspiring, to say the least. I hadnt expected so much openness or that they would trust me enough to share their worries and stresses.

Sitting there, I reflected how lucky and thankful I am to have been born into a loving, giving family. Were all dealt a particular hand at birth. What we get is out of our control, but I believe that every individual, with a pure intention, can achieve incredible things beyond what they imagine. Defy Ventures is opening a door for many who never got an opportunity. That's the type of stuff we should all strive to be a part of.

Related:

Some Fundamental Truths This Entrepreneur Learned Mentoring Prison Inmates

The Best 10 Life Lessons I Learned by Running My Own Business

5 Productivity Lessons Painfully Learned From Running Marathons



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Classrooms and cafeterias around Southeast Texas sat empty on Tuesday, books waterlogged and unopened, desks piled high to keep supplies off the wet ground.

Outside some, signs still read, "First day of school: 8/28," though that day came and went without buses pulling up at campuses.

Although many school districts announced last week before Harvey hit that they would start school on Tuesday, Sept. 5, on the assumption that life would return to normal by then, the severity of the storm left communities and campuses damaged and pushed back-to-school back again.

Schools in the hardest-hit areas, including Orange County, Port Arthur ISD, Hamshire-Fannett ISD and Hardin-Jefferson ISD, have no firm return dates as officials continue to evaluate damage.

Vidor ISD Superintendent Jay Killgo said Tuesday that Oak Forest Elementary and Vidor Middle are both "in pretty bad shape." He estimated that 90 percent of the town's homes had water damage, including his own, which is still too deep underwater for him to return.

He said his tentative goal is to resume classes on Sept. 19, as most of the other campuses made it through Harvey relatively unmarked. That could include housing some students on different campuses while Oak Forest and the middle school are renovated, he said.

A dirty brown water line inside the elementary school showed that flood water had reached more than a foot there, leaving behind slick floors and a strong stench on Tuesday.

"Wood gets mildewed, and we've got to pull the desks out, the metal has rusted," Killgo said. "We need to be careful, we don't want to expose kids to anything."

Water damage was still visible inside Mauriceville Middle School, where puddles pooled in classrooms. Little Cypress-Mauriceville Superintendent Pauline Hargrove said in a statement last week that the district suffered "broad, extensive damage" and is closed indefinitely. Schools in West Orange-Cove, Orangefield and Bridge City also are closed until further notice.

Port Arthur ISD, which has one building still functioning as a shelter and at least two with water damage, said last week district officials hoped to begin classes within three weeks.

Others, like Hardin-Jefferson and Hamshire-Fannett ISDs, are taking things on week-to-week, as they evaluate and repair damaged campuses.

Disaster recovery specialists were working at H-F Intermediate and Middle School Tuesday. Crews were attempting to dry out the buildings, stacking desks in the hallways to dry up floors, and hauling garbage out.

The region's largest district, Beaumont ISD, is still assessing campuses, spokeswoman Nakisha Burns said. Ozen High School had about one inch of water inside most of the building, and "multiple buildings and campuses had some water," she said.

BISD plans to waive uniform requirements for an undetermined period of time to help families who lost their belongings in the flood, she said, and they plan to seek donations to help them replace uniforms.

The district's "tentative goal" is to resume classes on Sept. 11, but they plan to release more information later this week.

While physical damage is the most obvious obstacle to reopening schools, districts also are weighing the state of their communities and whether students and staff are able to return.

Thousands of people evacuated from Southeast Texas towns last week, some to as far away as Dallas and San Antonio, many without homes they can come back to.

"We're going to take who we can," said Vidor's Killgo. "If you need to educate your child elsewhere, we understand that."

Lower enrollments could come at a cost for schools, which are funded by the state based on the number of students who attend each day. Schools can apply for low attendance day waivers from the state, which would exempt certain days from the calculation of average daily attendance.

"We always worry about enrollment, but we'll cross that bridge later," Killgo said.

Online, a national community of teachers and classrooms have come together to adopt local schools, posting in a Facebook group offers to help with supplies.

Even at schools that weren't flooded, "parents will need help purchasing school supplies and backpacks for their children" after many lost theirs in their damaged homes, one teacher wrote in the group.

Teachers from several local districts had already been "adopted" this week, with offers coming in from Maine and California offering to stock classrooms.

Other schools that were spared the worst of the devastation returned Tuesday, or will start on Monday, Sept. 11, but many have accommodations in place to help students still struggling.

Jasper ISD, which started Tuesday, will provide free breakfast and lunch for all students until the end of the month, the district announced.

LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.com

Twitter.com/LizTeitz
WASHINGTON - The House passed a Dream Act in 2010 that would have allowed illegal immigrants to apply for citizenship if they entered the United States as children, graduated from high school or got an equivalent degree, and had been in the United States for at least five years.

Five moderate Democrats in the Senate voted no. If each of them had supported it, the bill would have become law, DACA would have been unnecessary, and this manufactured political crisis now facing Congress would have been averted.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., is the only one of those five Democrats still left in the upper chamber. Two lost reelection in 2014 (Kay Hagan in North Carolina and Mark Pryor in Arkansas), and two retired (Ben Nelson in Nebraska and Max Baucus in Montana). West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin said he would have opposed the bill, but he skipped the vote.

Despite being up for reelection next year in a state that Donald Trump carried by 21 points, Tester spoke out Tuesday against the president's decision to end the DACA program. Compare the press release he sent out after his "no" vote seven years ago to what he said Tuesday night:

"Illegal immigration is a critical problem facing our country, but amnesty is not the solution," he said in Dec. 2010. "I do not support legislation that provides a path to citizenship for anyone in this country illegally."

Discussing the exact same group of people - undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as minors -- Tester said Tuesday: "America's immigration system is badly broken and needs fixing, but breaking a promise to these children-who are here through no fault of their own-is not the solution. Congress must work together, Democrats and Republicans, to secure our borders, crack down on folks illegally entering our country, and provide a way forward for innocent kids."

Yes, this is a cautious statement. But it's also a clear change in his position that reflects Tester's desire to avoid the backlash he faced from his left flank in 2010 after voting no on the Dream Act.

Understandably, most of the media's coverage of the Trump administration's Tuesday announcement has focused on cleavages in the Republican ranks. The president has placed his adopted party in a bind by putting the onus on Congress to protect the 800,000 "dreamers" with a legislative fix in the next six months. Reflecting the fraught politics, Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo. - who is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee - backed a bipartisan bill Tuesday that would shield young immigrants from deportation and give them a pathway to citizenship.

The untold story, though, is the degree to which Democrats are now in lockstep on what not long ago was an issue that divided them. Not a single Democrat in either chamber of Congress has expressed support for getting rid of DACA.

This is part of a larger lurch to left in the Democratic Party on a host of hot-button issues. No matter where you're from, it is harder than ever to be a Democratic candidate who is against gun control, abortion rights or single-payer health insurance. That doesn't mean you cannot be, but one risks losing major donors and drawing the ire of the progressive grassroots - even if you represent a red state.

Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., who voted against the Dream Act as a House member in 2010 and like Tester faces a tough race in a red state next year, reversed course. "Our country is still in need of reforms to fix our immigration system and strengthen border security, but in the interim we should pass bipartisan legislation to give these young people, who were brought here through no fault of their own, some clarity and stability," Donnelly said in a statement. "Upending existing protections for the nearly 10,000 young people in Indiana who have been living here for most of ther lives isn't the path we should take."

Others "evolved" sooner. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., voted against a 2007 version of the Dream Act, but she decided to vote for the 2010 version. And thanks to Todd Akin's talk of "legitimate rape," she got reelected in 2012. "My faith played a big role in my decision," she said in a statement explaining her flip. "Ezekiel 18:20 reads: 'The son will not share the guilt of the father, nor will the father share the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against him.'"

Tuesday she unabashedly decried Trump's announcement. "Taking young people who were brought here through no fault of their own, and have never known another country, and kicking them out of America is as dumb as it is counterproductive," McCaskill said. "Over 90 percent of them are in school or working and many have proudly served our country in uniform."

Fifteen Senate Democrats, plus a democratic socialist named Bernie Sanders, voted against a carefully crafted immigration bill in 2007 that would have created a pathway to citizenship for 12 million illegal immigrants. Ted Kennedy negotiated with George W. Bush's White House, but the AFL-CIO mobilized against the hard-won compromise because union leaders believed that more competition in the labor force from guest workers would depress wages for the native-born.

Sanders, who joined with Jeff Sessions to kill what turned out to be the last best hope in a generation for true reform, paid a political price in the 2016 Democratic primaries for siding with organized labor over the Latino community.

"Sanctions against employers who employ illegal immigrants (are) virtually nonexistent," the Vermont senator complained at a press conference 10 summers ago, as he stood alongside union leader Richard Trumka, now the AFL-CIO's president. "Our border is very porous. . . . At a time when the middle class is shrinking, the last thing we need is to bring over, a period of years, millions of people into this country who are prepared to lower wages for American workers."

Fast forward to this Labor Day. Speaking Monday at a breakfast sponsored by the New Hampshire AFL-CIO, Sanders called Trump's decision to end DACA "one of the most cruel and ugly decisions ever made in the modern history of this country by a president." The senator said Trump is "trying to divide our nation up based on the color of our skin (and) based on the country in which we were born." "Our job as trade unionists, as our job as progressives, is to bring the American people together and to fight any and all attempts to divide us up," Sanders told the crowd of union members.

That 2007 vote was only a decade ago, but it feels like an eternity. In the intervening years, there really has been a sea change in Democratic politics. Not a single Senate Democrat, or Sanders, opposed the bipartisan immigration bill that passed the Senate in 2013 but never got a vote in the GOP-controlled House.

Don't forget the origins of the DACA order. Barack Obama signed it during the heat of the 2012 campaign in response to intense pressure from Latino leaders, who were angry that he had prioritized health care over immigration when he took office and that he was overseeing large-scale deportations. The then-president's strategists believed (correctly) that DACA would help galvanize Latino turnout in battlegrounds like Nevada, Colorado and Florida.

Obama was not always a leader on immigration. In fact, he was often a follower. He dragged his feet for years on taking executive action, concerned about its legality, until it was clear Congress wouldn't do anything on immigration during his presidency. In 2006, afraid of looking weak, the then-freshman senator voted for the Secure Fence Act, which authorized a barrier along the southern border. This is now the legal mechanism that Trump is using to push forward with his plans for a border wall.

Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice, a nonprofit that advocates for immigrants, said the constellation of outside groups like his were not as organized or powerful 10 years ago. "It's an underreported story. There really has been a shift," he said in an interview Tuesday night. "Obama is a good example of how the electoral and movement politics underneath him shifted, and they finally adjusted to it. . . . Progressives generally have become much more supportive of immigration reform, and the public has become more supportive of immigrants."

A big part of the story is the degree to which the complexion of the party has changed. Three in four Democrats were white 25 years ago. Now, it's just 57 percent. A breed of Blue Dogs has become endangered, if not extinct. Conservative Democrats a generation ago, especially whites in the South, are now Republicans.

Jim Manley, who was a top aide to former Senate majority leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said there might have been a time in the past when Democrats would look seriously at a proposal that tied protecting the "dreamers" to funding for a border wall. "Those kinds of deals are DOA to Democrats in both the House and Senate," said Manley, now a Washington lobbyist.

"Two things have changed," he emailed. "Politically, they watched the Hispanic community put Sen. Reid over the goal line in his close 2010 election. And since then, there have been others that have won because of their support. Now every smart Democrat is working hard to build alliances with Hispanic voters. But even more importantly, as they have gotten to know the community better they realize what is at stake and that something needs to be done to protect those that are here in this country."

The big unions, which have also become markedly more diverse, have begun to show far more solidarity with Latinos than they once did. "This indefensible act will make our workplaces less fair and less safe and will undermine our freedom to join together and fight to raise wages and standards," Trumka said in a statement attacking Trump's decision yesterday. "This direct attack on union members and union values only strengthens our resolve to overcome racial divisions. . ."

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a former member of House Democratic leadership, said the push for an immigration bill during Obama's second term may represent a breakthrough in hindsight, even though nothing became law, because organized labor was able to successfully negotiate with the business community, represented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Rather than trying to fight the last century's wars, I think people have figured out that we should come together," Becerra said by phone from Sacramento Tuesday night. "Rather than fight, I think labor and the business community - which often times would use immigrants but not defend them - they see the potential. . . . That's the kind of compromise you want."

Becerra, who said he is "ready to sue" to defend DACA, said the program has allowed young immigrants to prove they can make valuable contributions to society if allowed to come out of the shadows. (One in four DACA recipients lives in California.) "What's come to a head for folks on the Democratic side is that this is not working," he said. "Now we're seeing the results of not getting immigration reform done."

The Democratic Party platform on immigration has changed rapidly over the last decade. "We cannot continue to allow people to enter the United States undetected, undocumented, and unchecked," it said in 2008. "Those who enter our country's borders illegally, and those who employ them, disrespect the rule of the law." This was excised by 2016, as were three references to "illegal" immigration.

In 2016, Trump successfully exploited xenophobia among working class whites who feel left behind. Hillary Clinton wrongly banked that the Hispanic share of the electorate was growing quickly enough, and that her opponent's comments regarding Mexicans were offensive enough, to offset the grievance Trump tapped into. Trying to gin up Latino turnout, she was far less nuanced when discussing immigration than she'd been during her first campaign in 2008.

A few prominent left-leaning pundits have been arguing this summer that Democrats are becoming too absolutist on immigration. "Look at the Democracy Fund's voter study done in the wake of the 2016 election," Fareed Zakaria wrote in a column last month. "If you compare two groups of voters - those who voted for Barack Obama in 2012 and Hillary Clinton in 2016, and those who voted for Obama in 2012 and Donald Trump in 2016 - the single biggest divergence on policy is immigration.

In other words, there are many Americans who are otherwise sympathetic to Democratic ideas but on a few key issues - principally immigration - think the party is out of touch. And they are right. Consider the facts. Legal immigration in the United States has expanded dramatically over the last five decades. In 1970, 4.7 percent of the U.S. population was foreign-born. Today, it's 13.4 percent. That's a large shift, and it's natural that it has caused some anxiety. The anxiety is about more than jobs. . . . Democrats should find a middle path on immigration. They can battle President Trump's drastic solutions but still speak in the language of national unity and identity."

Peter Beinart wrote that "Democrats lost their way on immigration" in a lengthy piece for last month's Atlantic magazine: "The myth, which liberals like myself find tempting, is that only the right has changed. In June 2015, we tell ourselves, Donald Trump rode down his golden escalator and pretty soon nativism, long a feature of conservative politics, had engulfed it. But that's not the full story. If the right has grown more nationalistic, the left has grown less so. A decade ago, liberals publicly questioned immigration in ways that would shock many progressives today. . . . Liberals must take seriously Americans' yearning for social cohesion. To promote both mass immigration and greater economic redistribution, they must convince more native-born white Americans that immigrants will not weaken the bonds of national identity. This means dusting off a concept many on the left currently hate: assimilation." Beinart faults Clinton for not talking at all about cutting down on people entering the U.S. illegally.

"National polls show majorities in support of granting legal status or citizenship to undocumented immigrants," Thomas B. Edsall observed in the New York Times this February. "The problem for those calling for the enactment of liberal policies, however, is that immigration is a voting issue for a minority of the electorate. And among those who say immigration is their top issue, opponents outnumber supporters by nearly two to one. In this respect, immigration is similar to gun control - both mobilize opponents more than supporters."

Democratic strategists are hopeful that Republican infighting over DACA will work to their advantage, as primary challengers try to outdo one another in expressing support for Trump's order. Kelli Ward, who is running against Sen. Jeff Flake in Arizona, endorsed the president's decision to end "Obama's unconstitutional amnesty program." Danny Tarkanian, who is running against Sen. Dean Heller in Nevada, called DACA "unconstitutional" and said it should "never have been implemented" in a tweet yesterday. Rep. Lou Barletta, seeking the GOP nomination to run against Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey, commended Trump for "putting America first" and called the announcement "a victory for the forgotten American worker."

"The decision creates yet another riff for GOP candidates navigating crowded and contentious primaries while Democratic incumbents can do what they do best: work across the aisle to find commonsense solutions that grow our economy and reflect America's values," said Lauren Passalacqua, communications director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Business leaders of every industry stripe made clear Tuesday that they object to President Donald Trump's decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy. They registered their displeasure in Facebook posts, tweets, statements and joint letters - and urged members of Congress to step into the breach with a legislative fix that assures the futures of about 800,000 undocumented workers who came to the United States as children.

"Immigration is a complex issue but I wouldn't deport a kid who was brought here and only knows America. Congress must address #DACA," Goldman Sachs chief executive Lloyd Blankfein tweeted.

"Rescinding DACA is cruel and misguided. Dreamers contribute to our economy and our nation. Congress must act fast to protect them!" Disney CEO Robert Iger tweeted.

"#Dreamers contribute to our companies and our communities just as much as you and I. Apple will fight for them to be treated as equals," Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted.

But will the latest galvanizing move from an increasingly isolated president spell doom for what remains of Trump's business-friendly agenda? Don't bet on it. The promise of corporate tax cuts, although facing steep odds, remains enticing enough to keep business interests engaged with the administration.

Indeed, the DACA backlash presents a potentially revealing test for corporate chiefs. Although it carries an economic impact - one estimate places the 10-year tab at $60 billion - it's orders of magnitude smaller than the potential stakes for business in rewiring the tax code. Chief executives publicly burnish their moral bona fides by defending "dreamers." They benefit shareholders by securing a lower tax rate.

The two goals make competing demands on diminishing congressional bandwidth. A DACA fix and a tax package share a shelf life: The administration announced it won't enforce the immigration crackdown until March, which tax-watchers have pegged as a rough deadline for action on taxes before midterm election concerns swamp the legislative agenda.

At least one business leader said Tuesday that lawmakers must prioritize one over the other, arguing that an immigration fix should come first. Brad Smith, Microsoft's president and chief legal officer, wrote in a blog post that Congress needs to "reprioritize" the legislative calendar. "This means that Congress should adopt legislation on DACA before it tries to adopt a tax reform bill," he wrote. "This is the only way, given the number of legislative days Congress has scheduled over the next six months, we realistically can expect Congress to complete DACA legislation in time." In a follow-up interview with NPR, Smith called on other business leaders to follow suit.

There was no indication Tuesday that any of Smith's peers were inclined to second his call. And Trump may have alleviated some of the pressure on them by tweeting Tuesday night that he'll revisit his decision if Congress fails to act.

Meanwhile, lobbyists point out that corporate heavyweights juggle sprawling Washington wish lists. And Congress likewise should be able to take on both initiatives, especially considering that tax and immigration bills move through different committees. "Both issues are critical to manufacturers' success and to keeping America exceptional," Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, said in a statement. "Manufacturers are confident that Congress can walk and chew gum at the same time."

Jeremy Robbins - executive director of the New American Economy, a group founded by Michael Bloomberg to organize business leaders and others behind an immigration overhaul - called it a fair to question whether business leaders would push for both tax and immigration changes.

But he doubted whether business leaders will need to answer it. "Tax reform is a huge issue for them, but they are invested in immigration, and you're seeing that in the way they're reacting to the decision," he said.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable officials - whose leadership denounced the DACA decision - didn't respond to questions Tuesday about whether their groups would shuffle their congressional asks.

Those groups are also sponsoring campaigns to drum up public support for a tax revamp. Neil Bradley, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's chief policy officer, put a finer point on his group's investment in the outcome of the tax debate last week, suggesting the group would work to oust lawmakers who get in the way. In a Tuesday statement on DACA, he called Trump's decision "contrary to fundamental American principles and the best interests of our country."

The corporate rebuke of the administration's DACA move continues a trend.

Tensions have been mounting all year between the administration and business leaders the Trump team tried to draw into its orbit.

To the extent the DACA decision folds into the larger immigration debate, it more directly intersects with corporate bottom lines than those episodes. In 2013, the last time the issue was front-and-center in Washington, the chamber alone spent more than $50 million lobbying for a comprehensive immigration overhaul.

But a tax code rewrite remains too rich a prize for big business interests still hoping to tilt the process in their favor.

So, in all likelihood, Microsoft's Smith will keep cutting a lonely figure on his ramparts.
NEWARK - The bribery trial of Sen. Robert Menendez began Wednesday with a federal prosecutor charging that the lawmaker sold his office in exchange for luxury getaways, private jet flights and hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign cash.

"This is what bribery looks like,'' said Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Koski in opening arguments at U.S. District Court in Newark. "These two defendants corrupted one of the most powerful offices in our country. The defendants didn't just trade money for power, they also tried to cover it up.''

Menendez, D-N.J., is accused of receiving gifts from Salomon Melgen, a doctor in West Palm Beach, Florida, in exchange for a range of government favors involving the doctor's professional and personal life.

The two men have spent years fighting the charges, saying their trips together were evidence only of their public friendship, not secret crimes.

Supporters of the senator applauded as he walked into the courthouse to face trial on 12 separate charges.

"Not once have I dishonored my public office," Menendez said.

He became emotional and choked back tears as he thanked his children and supporters who "have stood by me as I try to clear my name.''

The courtroom of Judge William Walls was filled for opening arguments, as was a second, overflow courtroom.

Menendez's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, accused the Justice Department of trying to paint a decades-long friendship as something sinister and criminal.

"It is wrong for a public official to violate the public trust, but it's equally wrong for an innocent man to be charged,'' he said. "The evidence will be that Bob Menendez and Sal Melgen have a real friendship.''

Lowell said the prosecutors are focused on seven years of alleged corruption, but the relationship between the two men goes back to the early 1990s - proving their friendship is genuine. "Acting out of friendship is not improper, it is not corrupt, and it is certainly not a crime,'' Lowell said.

Koski, the prosecutor, derided that claim.

"There's no friendship exception to bribery,'' Koski said.

Prosecutors allege Menendez repeatedly pulled strings to help Melgen in a variety of areas: in getting his girlfriends U.S. visas, in trying to resolve the doctor's $8.9 million billing dispute with Medicare, and in an effort to help Melgen's efforts to make money from a port security contract in the Dominican Republic.

"Senator Menendez went to bat for Doctor Melgen at the highest levels of our federal government over the course of many years . . . because Melgen gave Menendez access to a lifestyle that reads like a travel brochure for the rich and famous,'' Koski said.

"Make no mistake about it - Robert Menendez was Salomon Melgen's personal United States senator.''

Prosecutors say they can tie $750,000 worth of campaign cash from Melgen to Menendez's favors.

Since his indictment two years ago, Menendez has seen his political star dim, but he still has plenty of allies in the Democratic Party. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., attended the opening argument, and the two senators laughed and chatted during a court break.

Menendez has said he plans to attend the trial every day, but if a critical vote came to the Senate floor during the trial, he would consider leaving if his vote was needed.

Melgen's lawyer, Kirk Ogrosky, attacked prosecutors for what he called their "filthy, dirty view of the world,'' and urged jurors not to be so jaded.

The defendants are "not guilty and they stand falsely accused,'' said Ogrosky. "What you're going to hear from every single witness who knows these two men is that they are friends. Real friends.''

He also said prosecutors would try to make his married client look bad by calling his former girlfriends to the witness stand - but urged the panel to focus on the facts. "These people want to trot these girlfriends here in front of you,'' he said. "You're not here to judge his personal life. I'm here to tell you right now that he's not always the best husband.''

The trial is expected to last nearly two months, but tempers were running high even before the jury entered the courtroom, during a couple of tense exchanges between Menendez's lawyers and the judge.

When defense lawyer Raymond Brown argued the judge had disparaged their case, the judge grew exasperated.

"Shut up for a moment,'' the judge said.

"Excuse me, sir?" the lawyer replied.

Walls told the lawyer he felt "quasi-insulted'' by the lawyer's suggestion that a judge's response was too critical of the defense.

The judge got testy again when Lowell defended another filing they had made before opening arguments.

Lowell insisted they'd only made the filing to adhere to a previous instruction from the judge. "Fine. Bill me,'' the judge shot back.
President Donald Trump will bring his pitch to overhaul the tax code to North Dakota on Wednesday with an unlikely guest in tow: the state's Democratic senator, Heidi Heitkamp.

Heitkamp, who is facing re-election next year, will join the rest of the state's congressional delegation aboard Air Force One as they travel to the capital of Bismark, where Trump is planning to argue that his proposed cuts are worthy of bipartisan support.

Trump will point to North Dakota's history of cross-party support for reductions to the tax rate, according to speech excerpts provided by the White House.

"I want all of America to be inspired by the North Dakota example," he will say. "This state is a reminder of what can happen when we promote American jobs instead of obstructing them."

The inclusion of Heitkamp on the trip is intended as, at least, public outreach to Democrats to assist in the tax push after a series of legislative defeats, including the effort to repeal and replace Obamacare, that came after some Republican lawmakers joined a unified Democratic opposition. But Republican leaders have rejected Democratic demands not to advance tax legislation through the reconciliation process, which would allow them to bypass a Senate filibuster and pass a bill on a partisan basis.

Presidents have long used flights aboard the iconic aircraft as a treat to woo over crucial swing votes on pivotal legislation; former President Barack Obama would often travel to the home districts of House members he needed as he pursued the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

The White House has attempted a more traditional sales effort for the tax legislation, holding weekly strategy meetings within the administration as congressional and White House negotiators work to flesh out the tax code's overhaul. The administration has held weekly conference calls with outside conservative political advocacy and business groups, and on Tuesday Trump huddled with the advisers and congressional leaders shepherding his effort on Capitol Hill.

"We're going to cut taxes," Trump vowed during a Roosevelt Room meeting with the so-called Big Six tax negotiators -- National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and the leaders of the congressional tax-writing committees. "We're going to reduce taxes for people, for individuals, for middle-income families. We are going to reduce taxes for our companies. And those companies are going to produce jobs."

Cohn will be making the trip with Trump, according to a senior White House official.

Administration officials said before the meeting that they didn't expect it to produce any major policy breakthroughs, but instead serve as a kickoff to congressional efforts to flesh out tax principles the leaders released in July. Details of a revamp remain scant, with basic questions like where corporate and individual rates will be set unanswered.

Trump stuck to well-practiced talking points when reporters were invited in for a portion of the meeting, repeating admonitions that the tax code should be "as simple as possible" and that a tax cut would produce "millions of new jobs."

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in a statement, described the meeting as "productive" and said the group "agreed that committee activity should continue so that Congress can move to mark-ups on legislation as expeditiously as possible."

The visit to North Dakota is the second time in as many weeks that the president has used his travel to single out vulnerable Democrat facing a tough re-election battle in 2018. Last week, Trump made his first major speech on taxes in Missouri, and said if Democrat Claire McCaskill didn't support his push, "you have to vote her out of office."

On Wednesday, Trump will ask voters to "deliver a clear message" if "Democrats continue their obstruction," according to the excerpts provided by the White House.

"Do your job to deliver for America or find a new job," Trump will say.

The White House has said that a dramatic cut to the corporate rate is essential to fostering the kind of economic growth Trump promised on the campaign trail.

But lawmakers are already facing a crowded legislative calendar, including efforts to fund the federal government, increase the nation's debt borrowing authority, and pay for recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. That agenda got even fuller earlier Tuesday when the president announced his plan to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, which offers protection to immigrants who were brought to the country as children without documentation. Administration officials say they now want Congress to act on DACA.

Trump is scheduled to meet Wednesday with the bipartisan leadership of both the House and Senate.

Even if lawmakers didn't face an incredibly busy and politically charged schedule, there remain a series of tough decisions to make on a tax overhaul.

House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady declined to go into specifics when asked what progress had been made toward agreement on tax changes in August. He also declined to say whether any specific decisions had been made by the tax leadership in Congress and the Trump administration over the recess.

"Every day we work on driving the rates lower, both for middle-class families and for businesses of all sizes," he told reporters.

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows said Republicans still haven't received any guidance from leaders on what corporate, individual or capital-gains tax rates will be. He said it's important for "real specifics" to be decided by the end of September, "so that we're actually debating the legislative text so we can pass it out of the House."

Slashing the rate for corporations and so-called pass-through entities to 15 percent -- the goal Trump has set -- could cost more than $2 trillion over 10 years, according to the Washington-based Tax Foundation think tank. If tax changes are to be permanent, any cuts have to be accompanied by offsets such as the elimination of loopholes. So far, White House officials and congressional leaders haven't provided many details about ways to offset cuts, aside from eliminating state and local tax deductions.

Politico reported that Trump continued to push for dropping the corporate tax rate to 15 percent at Tuesday's meeting despite opposition within his party and the conclusion of most of his negotiators that it will end up between 20 and 25 percent.

Democrats are also likely to object to changes that would benefit the richest taxpayers, with 45 senators signing a letter earlier this year saying they wouldn't support a bill including tax cuts for the top 1 percent.

Tax policy experts have said the dozen bullet points the White House released in April outlining its principles would undoubtedly mean lower taxes for top earners, while the effect on middle incomes was less clear. The plan calls for cutting the top income-tax rate to 35 percent from 39.6 percent; eliminating the Alternative Minimum Tax, which raises the tax bills of certain taxpayers on the higher side of the income scale; and repealing the estate tax, which applies to individuals with estates worth more than $5.49 million. However, it also would eliminate state and local tax deductions, which tend to benefit high-income filers in Democratic states.

Supporters of the president's tax push say they expect additional details on the measure to be released soon, although Cohn declined to commit to a precise timetable during an interview with Bloomberg Television last week.

"We're now working with House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee to really finalize what that blueprint will look like," Cohn said. "That's going to get released in the next -- whatever -- weeks or months as those committees get together and finalize all of the details."
BEIRUT - United Nations investigators formally accused the Syrian government Wednesday of using the banned nerve agent sarin in a deadly chemical weapons attack in April that left dozens of civilians dead and hundreds more wounded.

The daybreak attack, the investigators said in a report, was one of more than 20 government assaults involving chemical weapons since March 2013, most of them targeting families with no part in the conflict.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria is tasked with investigating alleged war crimes that have taken place during the six-year conflict. But it has no capacity to prosecute any party, underscoring the geopolitical constraints that hamstring the world's response to the war.

The commission's report marked the first time that a U.N. body has explicitly accused the Syrian government of using sarin, a chemical that pushes the nervous system into overdrive and can kill in minutes.

Video footage from the scene of the attack on the northern village of Khan Sheikhoun showed men, women and infants convulsing uncontrollably. In many cases, they had no idea what had hit them - sarin is colorless, odorless and tasteless.

The attack killed at least 83 people, dozens of them women and children. According to investigators, some died in their beds. A single mother who had left her house early to work said she returned to find all of her four children dead.

Images of the youngest casualties are believed to have figured in President Donald Trump's calculation to order missile strikes on a Syrian government airstrip days later, marking the first direct American military intervention against Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The Syrian government and its Russian backers had insisted that the Khan Sheikhoun attack was the fault of opposition forces in the area, or that it was entirely fabricated. The inquiry found no supporting evidence for either claim.

Diplomacy over the Assad government's use of chemical weapons has been thorny, resulting in deadlock at the U.N. Security Council as the Syrian president's key backers have blocked resolutions to punish his armed forces.

Despite an internationally backed effort to remove the Syrian government's chemical weapons stockpiles, U.S. intelligence officials believe that it retains a significant quantity that could still be used for attacks on civilians.

The U.N. commission also criticized both a U.S.-led coalition and jihadist groups it is battling, accusing them of possible war crimes in Syria. The condemnation highlighted the breadth of atrocities in a war that has killed nearly half a million people and driven millions more to flee as refugees.

As U.S.-backed forces fight their way through the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, the coalition is facing mounting allegations of civilian casualties from its airstrikes on the jihadist group in Syria and Iraq. In a detailed timeline of a March attack on a mosque in the northern Syrian town of Jinah, the commission said the coalition had neither taken appropriate measures to protect civilians nor provided evidence to back up its claim that the mosque was being used as a meeting place for senior al-Qaida leaders.

"Information gathered by the Commission does not support the claim that any such meeting was being held at that time," the U.N. report said. "Interviewees described the gathering as strictly religious, and explained that most attendees were Al-Jinah residents, and that many of them were internally displaced persons, with the exception of some residents from neighbouring towns."

At least 38 people were killed in the attack, including a woman and three boys ranging from 6 to 13 years old.

The coalition has repeatedly emphasized that it takes extensive precautions before launching any strike that may affect civilians. On Wednesday, the commission concluded that these procedures were not followed adequately in Jinah.

Although the targeting team had information on the target three days before the strike, the inquiry said that the expected additional verification processes were not completed.

The commission also accused Islamic State and al-Qaida-linked rebels of targeting religious minorities with car bombs, snipers and kidnapping.

Violence, it said, continues to be carried out "in blatant violation of basic international humanitarian and human rights law principles, primarily affecting civilians countrywide."
President Donald Trump's approach to the rapidly rising threat from North Korea has veered from empathy for the country's bellicose leader to finger-pointing at China to quick-tempered threats of possible military action.

The administration's goals and tactics have also shifted, from isolating North Korea to reassuring leader Kim Jong Un that the United States won't overthrow him to threats of, as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis put it, "annihilation."

Before Pyongyang's sixth and largest nuclear test Sunday, Trump had said U.S. military options were "locked and loaded" should North Korea behave rashly.

On Wednesday, Trump sounded subdued and statesmanlike.

"We're going to see what happens," Trump said when asked whether he is considering military action against North Korea. "We'll see what happens. Certainly, that's not our first choice, but we will see what happens."

While Trump has accused his predecessors of not being tough on North Korea, the zigzagging U.S. response and the president's willingness to talk openly about a military attack could be creating its own set of problems by raising the price of an eventual deal and probably making negotiations impossible for now, Asia security analysts said.

"Kim Jong Un is not begging for war," said Daniel Russel, who was the State Department's top diplomat for Asia until earlier this year. "What he wants is not conflict but some kind of major concession" from the United States and its allies South Korea and Japan.

Kim, in contrast to Trump, has been relentlessly consistent.

During Trump's nearly eight months in office, North Korea's leader has, as promised, accelerated development of a more powerful nuclear weapon and long-range missiles that could deliver a warhead to U.S. shores. The goal, Asia security specialists said, is to cut off U.S. military options and force the United States and the rest of the world to make concessions.

"Kim Jong Un has a very scrutable game plan," said Russel, now a fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. "Leverage his nuclear threat and monetize it."

That strategy predates Trump and U.S. officials have long complained about a shakedown for years.

But Trump's response has been far different than recent administrations' and, at times, has seemed more off the cuff than the result of deliberative planning.

He recently mused about cutting off all trade with nations that do business with North Korea, a practical impossibility and a proposal at odds with the U.S. strategy of engaging China and other nations in international economic sanctions against North Korea.

Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday and told reporters that the 45-minute conversation about North Korea was productive.

"President Xi would like to do something. We'll see whether or not he can do it," Trump said. "But we will not be putting up with what's happening in North Korea. I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 percent. He doesn't want to see what's happening there, either."

On Wednesday, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said that if the United Nations does not put additional sanctions on North Korea, he has an executive order ready for Trump to sign that would impose sanctions on any country that trades with Pyongyang, Reuters reported.

The muddled U.S. message includes offers of diplomacy from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and threats of additional economic sanctions from U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and of a "massive military response" from Mattis.

Haley told the U.N. Security Council at an emergency session Monday that Kim is "begging for war."

Trump had appeared to endorse diplomatic outreach before writing it off as pointless in a Twitter message on Aug. 30.

"Talking is not the answer!" he wrote then.

Democrats have criticized Trump's handling of the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula, arguing a more measured approach is needed.

"The president of the United States needs to be on the phone conducting diplomacy, not these hot and cold tweets," Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., said Tuesday in an interview with MSNBC. "We want to work with China, and we want to get them to put pressure on North Korea. On one hand, he tweets that his best buddy is President Xi, and the next day he tweets something very different."

China is the most important partner in making any economic penalties stick. Beijing worked with the United States to approve tough new export bans on North Korea last month, a strong signal of Chinese irritation with a regime it protects but cannot fully control. Beijing has signaled opposition to new penalties, potentially including an oil embargo, that the United States is now seeking through the United Nations.

"The time has come to exhaust all diplomatic means to end this crisis, and that means quickly enacting the strongest possible measures here in the U.N. Security Council," Haley said Monday.

On Tuesday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders emphasized pressure and military options.

"Look, we've been clear about what our priorities are: that now is not the time for us to spend a lot of time focused on talking with North Korea, but putting all measures of pressure that we can," she said. "All options are on the table, and we're going to continue to keep them on the table until we get the results that we're looking for."

It is not clear where Tillerson's diplomatic overture stands. A week before North Korea's latest nuclear test, of a hydrogen bomb, Tillerson told Fox News Sunday that the United States hoped Kim would take the "different path" that negotiations could offer.

"We're going to continue our peaceful pressure campaign as I have described it, working with allies, working with China as well to see if we can bring the regime in Pyongyang to the negotiating table," he said in the Aug. 27 interview.

Tillerson has gone so far as to directly address North Korea, and offer assurances that the United States does not plan to invade.

"We are not your enemy," he said on Aug. 1.

Since then, North Korea has twice test-fired missiles and conducted its most powerful nuclear test yet. And at least until Wednesday, Trump had increasingly emphasized military responses.

He referred only to military advisers and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, a retired Marine general, when tweeting about a White House emergency session on North Korea on Sunday.

"I will be meeting General Kelly, General Mattis and other military leaders at the White House to discuss North Korea," Trump wrote.

Mattis later told reporters the session was a "small-group national security meeting" with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

Any threat to the United States or its allies "will be met with a massive military response - a response both effective and overwhelming," Mattis said Sunday.

He advised Kim to heed international warnings to stand down, but he did not call for talks or repeat earlier warnings that he sees no military solution to the North Korean problem.

"We are not looking to the total annihilation of a country - namely, North Korea," Mattis said. "But, as I said, we have many options to do so."
Two women were charged Tuesday in connection with gunfire that happened Monday in the Bellaire area, during which seven Houston police officers fired in self-defense.

Katrina Bendslev, 32, faces a felony charge of aggravated assault against a public servant.

Raeanna McFadden, 28, was charged with tampering with evidence, also a felony.

Both women were shot and injured by the officers and taken to Ben Taub General Hospital.

Bendslev was being held Wednesday afternoon in the Harris County Jail with a bail of $75,000. McFadden made her bail of $2,500 Wednesday.

A bystander inside her home in the 4500 block of Sunburst was also injured during Monday's gunfire. She was hit by a stray bullet that entered through the front window, according to a Houston Police Department news release. The bystander was taken to Ben Taub Hospital and had been released by Wednesday morning.

The gunfire began about 11:45 p.m. The women, who were in a Cadillac Escalade, are believed to have refused to stop after Houston Police officers tried to pull them over at Interstate 69 and Bissonnet for a traffic violation.

The pair are accused of leading police on a chase to the intersection of Sunburst and Newcastle. Officers said they threw syringes and a small bag of methamphetamine out of the car window along the way, according to the news release.

When the women reached a dead end in the 4500 block of Sunburst, Bendslev is accused of reversing the Cadillac into two marked patrol cars.

Officers said she then accelerated toward them, prompting gunfire from the seven officers, according to the news release.

The officers involved in the shooting included L. Maldonado, J. Rivera, S. Brannon, K. Smith and C. Dulin.

Maldonado has been on the force for two years, Rivera for one-and-a-half years, Brannon for three-and-a-half years, and Smith for one year, according to the release.

The amount of time Dulin has worked for HPD was not included in the release.

Two undercover officers in HPD's narcotics division also fired. Their names were not released Wednesday.

Bendslev was sentenced to four years behind bars after pleading guilty in 2014 to the felony charges of possession of less than 1 gram of methamphetamine, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest and detention with a vehicle.

She also pleaded guilty in 2013 to prostitution, which is a misdemeanor.

McFadden does not have a criminal record in Harris County.

Per protocol, the case is being investigated by HPD's homicide division, the agency's internal affairs division and the Harris County District Attorney's Office.
A group of flooded-out Harris County homeowners and businesses sued the federal government on Tuesday, accusing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of knowingly condemning their properties by releasing water from the Barker and Addicks reservoirs after Hurricane Harvey.

Bryant Banes, a civil attorney whose Heathwood home and his wife's home business were deluged after the rains had subsided, is seeking compensation that could reach into the billions of dollars in what he hopes will become a massive class-action lawsuit that would include compensation for homeowners, building managers and business owners within the area flooded by the controlled releases.

"When they opened up the dams full blast, several hundred homes that were dry and not yet directly impacted by the storm  including mine got flooded by the Corps' action," Banes said.

Banes doesn't contend that the Corps did the wrong thing, only that the government must pay for the damages it caused.

"When they make a choice to flood one area to save another, it's their responsibility to pay for the consequences," he said.

Banes' is one of three lawsuits filed Tuesday in state and federal court seeking to hold government agencies liable for flooding from the controlled releases.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps deferred questions about two federal lawsuits to the Justice Department, but a spokesman had not responded to a request for comment late Tuesday.

The third lawsuit, filed in state court, targets the City of Houston and Harris County Flood Control District for compensation for property losses downstream of the reservoirs.

Alan Bernstein, a spokesman for Mayor Sylvester Turner, said he could not comment on a pending lawsuit. Robert Soard, at the Harris County Attorney's Office, said he had seen a copy of the state lawsuit and would be filing a response in court on behalf of the Flood Control District in District Court.

A 'taking' claim

In one of the two federal cases, Banes and his eight-person civil law firm, Neel, Hooper & Banes, filed a so-called "takings" claim in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., on the grounds that the Army Corps made a willing choice to save some areas after the storm subsided.

Justin Hodge, an expert in eminent domain at Johns Marrs Ellis & Hodge LLP, said such cases boil down to knowledge and intent  whether the government know what it was doing and intended to cause flooding that essentially amounted to "taking" of people's properties.

"The government can't accidentally take your property," Hodge said. "If they accidentally opened the lever to the dam or the gates, that would not be a taking  that would be negligence.

"But if the government intentionally floods someone's property there would be real merit," he said.

Individuals can't sue the government for an accident. But if the flooding was intentional and knowing, a person can file a claim. He said historically class actions have occurred in condemnation lawsuits but they're very difficult to pull off.

"A lot of folks may be directly damaged by the dam releases but an investigation has to be made into each person's claim," he said. "I would caution property owners ... not to try to jump in and file something without doing an appropriate investigation."

He added, "I'd caution them to hire a lawyer that's knowledgable in this area of the law."

Hodge said in the press conferences in the wake of Hurricane Harvey the Army Corps of Engineers was straightforward about the fact that they knew homes were going to flood from the releases from the reservoirs. He saw statements on the Corps website indicating federal officials had knowledge that flooding would happen.

The government could make such a decision if it was acting in the public interest, he said.

"It's a public use decision," Hodge said. "They decided to use your property for public use. They decided the general public needs to use your property."

He said the "takings" law stems from the Fifth Amendment, which says that private property cannot be taken without just compensation. The Texas Constitution guarantees the same right.

State and federal law would similarly protect people with homes or businesses upstream of the reservoirs, Hodge said.

Lining up to sue

Banes' lawsuit in federal claims court includes the areas of Dairy Ashford to Interstate 610, Rummels Creek and Piney Point to Interstate 10 and to Briar Forest and the Beltway.

A second federal claims lawsuit Tuesday was filed on behalf of a couple on Vanderpool who say they suffered deliberate and substantial property damage at their townhome after it was inundated from the reservoir release.

Two of the lawyers who filed the suit, Avram Blair and Jeff Meyer, have gotten so much interest from potential clients they're planning to take out a newspaper ad and rent a hotel conference room to meet with them.

"We're getting inundated," he said.

Meyer said he believes the property owners have a strong case.

"The government doesn't do anything wrong when it decides that putting in a new highway is needed for public use," he said. "Similarly when the Army Corps of Engineers decides it needs to release water from these two reservoirs in the public interest it still needs to compensate the downstream landowner in the same way it would it if was laying a highway down."

Derrick Potts, one of the attorneys in the state lawsuit, represents one commercial property and three homeowners along Buffalo Bayou east of the Barker Reservoir. Potts said the city and county share joint control and responsibility for the release of the water.

"They've known about the potential for many years and they've done nothing about it," he said, "and now the citizens are paying the price."
Local governments grappled Tuesday with the staggering costs of responding to and cleaning up after Hurricane Harvey, a trifecta of wrecked infrastructure and damaged buildings, around-the-clock overtime for rescue and recovery and a massive, escalating cleanup effort to bring the Houston area a semblance of normalcy after days of chaos.

City and county officials could not provide complete estimates of the impact to their coffers from Harvey's wrath - crews still were inspecting buildings Tuesday and workers logging 120-hour weeks walking door-to-door across Harris County's nearly 1,800 square miles to survey the widespread devastation.

Amid the uncertainty, officials agreed that even for a government apparatus well-versed in weathering and recovering from severe storms, Harvey's damage was unlike anything ever seen here before.

"I've been here 30 years," said Harris County Engineer John Blount. "I was through Allison. I was through Ike, and this was the worst I have ever seen."

On Tuesday, public officials across the Houston region said they were only beginning to understand the scope of Harvey's damage and its impact on public services.

Mayor Sylvester Turner sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott this week, requesting state and federal funding and detailing "a catastrophic strain on our infrastructure, with damages estimated at more than $5 billion."

Specifics, Turner spokesman Alan Bernstein said, could not be compiled Tuesday as recovery and even rescue efforts still were underway.

Civil jury trials were canceled for September, said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, after four county buildings suffered such significant damage that they likely would be closed for a minimum of eight months.

One of the buildings closed was the county's criminal justice center, where the deluge forced sewage to explode out of bathrooms up to the second floor, rain and winds shattered windows and disrupted a chilling system that caused several water leaks, Blount said.

"There's no question this is the worst that we've had, certainly since I've been judge," said Emmett, who first was appointed in 2007.

More docket times

The county Tuesday was actively relocating the hundreds of employees that work in the criminal justice center, including the district attorney's 330-lawyer operation.

Hundreds of prosecutors and staffers with the district attorneys office, many dressed in T-shirts and shorts, spent Tuesday pulling their personal possessions out of the 20-story downtown criminal courthouse next to the still-swollen Buffalo Bayou.

The move is expected to slow the local criminal justice system as everyone involved will have to work from unfamiliar offices and commute to courtrooms spread across the downtown courthouse complex.

Harris County criminal justice officials are expected to unveil plans for courts early Wednesday, which could mean using courtrooms in the civil courthouse, the family law center and other county buildings.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said she had not seen the finalized plans but hopes to keep the system chugging by implementing more docket times for defendants. Typically, suspects appear in court first thing in the morning on weekdays only. Afternoon dockets and night courts long have been eschewed in the criminal courthouse.

"I'm going to request increased dockets - dockets that are at nontraditional times, like evenings and, perhaps, weekends," Ogg said. "Judges control their dockets, but I know that we have a public that needs service and that we the professionals in criminal justice need to be flexible."

Other county office buildings still were being inspected and damages tallied Tuesday.

A total cost estimate of the damage is weeks away, county officials said.

Patrol cars flooded

Houston City Hall remained closed, Bernstein said, and a list of municipal buildings affected by Harvey could not be compiled as city employees still were being relocated.

City sewage treatment plants still were underwater along Buffalo Bayou, where releases from the Addicks and Barker dams kept bayou levels high and entire neighborhoods underwater.

Houston's Public Works and Engineering Department was assessing damage, including cars that flooded after being moved to a garage downtown, according to spokeswoman Alanna Reed. Exact numbers were not yet available.

Nonetheless, further glimpses of the wide, undiscriminating nature of Harvey's destruction on public resources came into focus.

The Houston Police Department had 500 officers who suffered damage to their cars, and approximately 300 whose homes were damaged, according to a union official.

Two police stations suffered substantial flooding damage: HPD Central, at 61 Reisner, and the department's substation on Beechnut, near Meyerland.

Dozens of HPD cars also were lost in the flooding, officials said, with some estimates putting the damage at Beechnut alone at 28 to 35 cars.

At least 300 firefighters' homes were seriously damaged, according to Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 341. Hundreds more saw their cars swamped, he said.

"Like so many Texans, Houston firefighters are starting to recover from the storm," Lancton said.

At the Harris County Sheriff's Office, approximately two dozen patrol cars and other vehicles were lost to flooding, according to spokesman Jason Spencer. Floodwaters also damaged two patrol substations, he said.

OT costs mounting

The county also must consider overtime costs, Harris County Budget Officer Bill Jackson said. County employees, including first responders, racked up $6 million in overtime during search and recovery efforts after Ike, he said.

An estimate of the city's overtime costs was not available Tuesday, Bernstein said.

Statewide, preliminary estimates of public property reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety as of Monday morning showed more than $380 million in public damage incurred so far, including almost $130 million in road and bridge damage, $87.5 million in debris removal costs and $47.6 million in police and emergency response costs.

Fort Bend County had reported some $12 million in costs, while Galveston County reported $90.6 million - numbers that were expected to grow considerably as officials tally their costs.

"This is preliminary information self-reported to the state by local jurisdictions thus far," DPS spokesman Tom Vinger said.

FEMA, for its part, could pay for some costs, including up to 90 percent of debris removal costs and full reimbursement for "emergency protective measures" for 30 days after Harvey hit.

The county has flood insurance and building insurance on most of its facilities, Blount said. Jackson said the county also could borrow money in the short term to pay for recovery efforts.

Congress is expected to pass an $8 billion relief package, the first piece of likely larger sums of federal funding for the region's recovery from Harvey.
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Amid concern about floodwaters brimming with contaminants, Houston-area hospitals, emergency departments and clinics are reporting an influx of patients with symptoms related to Tropical Storm Harvey.

The numbers are not overwhelming, but health officials this week said they have begun seeing a significant number of patients with injuries suffered during clean-up efforts, respiratory problems including pneumonia and, most of all, skin infections contracted by those who spent time in the water.

"Harvey changed the composition of our Labor Day weekend census from the typical overload of trauma cases from traffic accidents to a lot of soft-tissue infections," said Dr. James McCarthy, chief of emergency medicine at Memorial Hermann Hospital's Red Duke Trauma Institute. "These are infections, involving wounds that stayed wet for long periods of time, suffered by flooding victims and responders, both civilian and professional."

McCarthy said the skin infections have been treated well with antibiotics, though some cases have required hospital admission, which is highly unusual. Dr. Beau Briese, an emergency department doctor at Houston Methodist Hospital, said a few skin infections there had developed into advanced sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the immune system's overreaction. None of those infections have been fatal.

Pleasant surprise

Medical leaders said Tuesday there have been no Harvey deaths, so far, resulting from health problems or injuries or the more than 1,500 patient evacuations that took place at hospitals suffering internal disasters or bracing for flooding.

A number of the leaders said they are surprised there have not been more Harvey-related health problems reported.

That is because floodwaters typically contain all manner of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses and fungi; fecal matter and sewer overflows; toxins such as pesticides and oil swept from people's homes; and pollutants from petroleum refineries and chemical plants.

The city has begun testing Harvey's floodwaters for specific contaminants, but has no results yet. Porfirio Villarreal, a spokesman for the city health department, last week emphasized that even without such testing, it is obvious that the water is contaminated.

Much of the Harvey medical response has occurred at the NRG Center, south of the Texas Medical Center, and the downtown George R. Brown Convention Center, both of which have been set up as emergency shelters for storm evacuees. Medical units set up at the two sites have seen about 600 patients a day, of which a small percentage required ambulance trips to hospital emergency departments.

The units also arranged buses for patients in advanced kidney failure and in desperate need of urgent dialysis treatment.

Much of the activity at the NRG and George R. Brown involved providing pharmaceuticals for people who had been separated from their medications by the flooding.

Doctors at the two sites relied on donated supplies, initially in response to a Facebook appeal, then provided by CVS and Walgreens mobile clinics.

"We've actually picked up a lot of chronic problems in people not accessing the medical system," said Briese, director of the medical volunteer staff at NRG. "It's been a nice, unexpected benefit."

Among them: a pale woman, initially thought to have severe anemia, turned out to have multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. She is receiving chemotherapy at Methodist.

By the weekend, ER doctors were reporting an increase in injuries, most minor but including cases of electric shock; mental health issues ranging from anxiety to schizophrenia to drug withdrawal; and respiratory problems, both allergic reactions to mold or clean-up efforts, and cases of pneumonia.

Cuts, scrapes, bites

The most common complaint has been the skin infections.

Memorial Hermann Urgent Care-Tanglewood, for example, said Tuesday the primary reasons why patients have sought care there in recent days has been cuts, scrapes and bites they were concerned could become infected. Those not up-to-date on their tetanus shots have received boosters.

McCarthy, also chairman of emergency medicine at the University of Texas' McGovern Medical School at Houston, said the number of skin infections at Memorial Hermann was high enough that he sent samples to the city health department for testing into whether there is a unique germ circulating or the number of cases merely reflects people's exposure to floodwaters. He had not heard back Tuesday evening.

A Texas A&M research team last week reported Harvey floodwaters contained 125 times the amount of E. coli considered safe for swimming and 15 times the amount acceptable for wading. The water was collected from Cypress and tested in a College Station lab.

Emphasizing Harvey's floodwaters are still a threat, Dr. David Persse, medical director for Houston's Emergency Medical Services, warned people to stay out of it.

"Just because the water's receding doesn't mean anyone should get comfortable with it," he said. "People need to think before they act. The emergency's over, but they still need to plan ahead, use common sense, not try to be a hero."
AUSTIN -- As relief efforts in Texas gear up and the task of rebuilding homes is under way in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, another monster storm is taking aim at the U.S., which could severely challenge emergency relief efforts nationwide.

Irma, a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 185 miles per hour, dwarfs the size and scope of Hurricane Harvey, which last week dropped more than 50 inches of rain on Houston, killed more than 60 people and ravaged the Gulf Coast. Forecasters say Irma could strike Florida by the weekend, creating a daunting scenario in which the U.S. faces the real possibility of managing two major coastal catastrophes simultaneously.

The financial cost of such a massive effort is almost incalculable and would dramatically stretch the resources of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Coast Guard, Red Cross and a slew of other relief organizations. President Donald Trump has asked Congress to allocate $7.8 billion for Harvey relief, and Gov. Greg Abbott says Texas could need as much as $125 billion.

Relief officials said they're doing all they can to prepare and to keep from exhausting their volunteers and supplies too soon. "There is a lot happening and it is overwhelming," said Alicia Anger of the Alabama region of the American Red Cross. "But we are the Red Cross and this is what we do."

An official with Americares, a Connecticut-based disaster relief organization, expressed similar anxiety over the looming double whammy. "Not in a very long time have we had to face two such dangerous hurricanes at the same time," said Garrett Ingoglia, the nonprofit's vice president of emergency response.

While more than 31,000 federal employees - including more than 3,000 FEMA staff - continue working to support Harvey recovery efforts, the nation's chief emergency agency is activating field operations from the southeastern U.S. up the East Coast along Hurricane Irma's expected path. Already, FEMA has deployed 124 people to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where the storm is expected to first hit.

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Helicopters from the Coast Guard flown to Houston to help search and rescue missions left Texas over the long weekend, allowing pilots and staff to return home and rest, maintain their aircraft and "wait for Irma," said John Miller, chief petty officer for the guard.

Abbott said Tuesday he is willing to send any assistance Texas can spare to Florida should Irma wallop the Sunshine State, returning the favor after various Florida resources had been brought to Texas to deal with Harvey's aftermath, including assets from the National Guard, personnel and game rangers.

Abbott, who said he spoke to fellow Republican Gov. Rick Scott of Florida to offer Texas' support, said Irma's path is too early to forecast. For now, he said, "Texas does not need to be concerned about it. But with these storms, who knows?"

Exactly where Irma might hit the United States was unclear Tuesday as various models predicted the churning hurricane's development off the Leeward Island in the Atlantic Ocean could bend northward and bulldoze Florida or skim the coast. Some emergency officials were concerned it could track further westward into the Gulf of Mexico and eventually threaten Texas, although Florida was the focus Tuesday.

Irma is the strongest Atlantic storm in a decade, according to the National Hurricane Center. And lurking behind it is another developing storm, named Jose.

In Florida, Scott declared a statewide emergency and asked President Donald Trump on Tuesday to declare a pre-landfall emergency. Millions of people could be evacuated from parts of the state and draw federal and volunteer resources as Texas begins to find its footing after nearly two weeks wading through storm waters and sifting through debris of homes up and down the Gulf.

"From the Texas perspective, we are beginning to take steps to transition from an emergency response posture to disaster recovery in coordination with our federal and local partners," said Tom Vinger, press secretary for the Texas Department of Public Safety. "We are confident that we have the resources needed through this transition period to continue providing any assistance requested by local officials in the Texas communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey."

FEMA officials still in Texas are largely helping survivors register for federal aid in the dozens of counties ravaged by the storm. While the agency has begun pre-deploying assets and resources for Irma with people on alert to move people into the region once forecasters get a better handle on the landfall, attention on the new storm shouldn't disrupt FEMA's recovery efforts, said Bob Howard, a spokesman from FEMA.

"Most of the resources for the Texas recovery are already in place. Irma will be a total separate disaster operation," he said.

The American Red Cross, which is now sheltering 32,000 people in 192 shelters and partner shelters across the state, is also turning its attention to Irma. As the waters from Harvey recede, so has the number of people who are leaning on the agency for a place to stay. About 10,000 people have left those shelters in the last five days, and more are expected to follow and more people are able to access their homes, said Bristel Minsker, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross.

"We don't have any immediate plans to divert any resources" from Texas to handle Irma, she said, adding that volunteers here won't be pulled off their jobs unless they are no longer needed. Volunteers who signed up to help in Texas but had yet to be deployed could be rerouted to support Irma recovery efforts, she said, operating shelters and providing supplies to people short of food, a bed and other necessities.

While the Red Cross encourages people to make monetary donations to support disaster victims, officials in Dallas said they have run out of room storing clothing and other supplies.

Instead, they said, save them - for Irma.

With contributions from Mike Ward of the Houston Chronicle, WBRC-TV in Birmingham, Ala., and News 12 Connecticut television.
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RodeoHouston fans who were looking forward to buying tickets to see Garth Brooks at NRG Stadium next year will have to hold on to their money for now.

Hurricane Harvey, take a bow.

"As the Houston community continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo officials have postponed the Garth Brooks ticket on-sale until further notice," rodeo staff said in a statement on Wednesday.

PREVIOUS: Garth Brooks returns to RodeoHouston

Fans were looking forwards to shelling out big bucks to see one of the best-selling artists in music history open and close RodeoHouston festivities on Febraury 27 and March 18.

At this time it appears the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will still need to make a decision as to when tickets will actually go on sale.

"We extend our deepest condolences to those who have suffered a loss during this catastrophic event," said Joel Cowley, rodeo president and CEO said in a statement. "While we are all excited for the 2018 Garth Brooks performances, our main focus at this time is to support our fans and our community during the rebuilding process."

Tickets were supposed to go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9. Those tickets were to be located in the Loge and Upper Level sections of NRG Stadium.

RELATED: Garth Brooks vows to pay for Texas couple's Hawaiian honeymoon

Brooks previously played RodeoHouston twice, way back in 1991 and 1993. He was last in Houston during the summer of 2015 when he played a run of eight shows at Toyota Center.

According to the rodeo, a on-sale date is coming so sit tight and cuddle up with your old Garth compact discs for now.
Despite sobering news for many immigrants in San Antonio, activists said they were galvanized Tuesday night as about 200 people gathered in front of the federal courthouse to announce they would be fighting for permanent protection for so-called Dreamers.

Activists and public officials called for legislation that would offer a path to citizenship for young immigrants who don't have legal status as well as comprehensive immigration reform.

RELATED: Trump tweets that he will revisit DACA decision

Karen Torres, a St. Mary's University student, said that after Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, would be ending she was "devastated." Her mother called her distraught, wondering what her future would be, Torres said.

"I came here at the age of five from Nogales, Sonora," she said. "I love Mexico, I love my country, but I must admit that the United States has been more of a home for me than Mexico has ever been. And the fact that I have been labeled today as an illegal alien, as a criminal, really hurts me, because this is all I know. I am a human being, I am a student, and just as my peers I grew up with, I have a right to those basic privileges they have."

RELATED: TX senator: New Trump order 'will tear apart families'

Jonathan-David Jones from Black Lives Matter at the University of Texas at San Antonio spoke against what he said are "qualifications" given whenever a group is mistreated. He said those who defend DACA by pointing to its economic benefits are missing a broader point.

"We don't want to qualify immigrants by saying, 'they're employees' or 'they pay taxes,'" he said. "It's their humanity. It's their humanity that qualifies."
WASHINGTON  The U.S. House is expected to vote on an initial package of disaster relief Wednesday for the victims of Hurricane Harvey, a move that could be paired with legislation to increase the federal government's borrowing limit.

The planned $7.9 billion aid package is bigger than the amount floated by the White House over the weekend when President Donald Trump made his second trip to Texas in the wake of the storm. But divisions remain among both House and Senate Republicans about tying the aid to the debt-limit increase.
The University of the Incarnate Word has been on an amazing trajectory for the past several decades significantly increasing enrollment and expanding its degree programs. The Catholic university is well poised to continue growing its presence in the private education sector under the leadership of Thomas Evans, 46, who assumed duties as president recently.

Evans is taking a job that had been held for more than 30 years by Lou Agnese who was removed from his job and then retired late last year. The new president was one of 90 candidates considered for the job as part of a global search.

His impressive resume indicates he is well qualified to lead UIW. He is described to the Express-News by former colleagues as future oriented and mission driven.

Evans spent his early childhood in the Texas Panhandle and attended Georgetown University and the University of Texas at Austin. He also spent 16 years at St. Edwards University in Austin, teaching and in administrative capacities.

He has spent the past five years as president of Carroll College, a Catholic liberal arts school in Helena, Montana, where he leaves an impressive legacy.

While in Montana, Evans led a successful capital campaign, secured a grant to create a global education center, improved campus infrastructure, and expanded study abroad programs and team sports.

UIW has changed considerably since the last time it had to recruit a new president. In the past 30 years, UIW has grown from just over 1,300 students to a university with a student population of just under 11,000, including a growing number of international students.

In addition to a 154-acre main campus on Broadway north of downtown, the school has several locations in the city and in South and Central Texas. The university also has two campuses in Mexico and a study center in Heidelberg, Germany.

UIWs more than 80 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs include degrees in the fields of optometry, nursing, pharmacy and physical therapy. Classes have just begun for the inaugural class of UIWs School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Serving a high percentage of financially disadvantaged students, many of them the first in their families to attend college, UIW has earned the support of the local community. That support was reflected in the private funding the university raised to renovate the 16-acre campus where the School of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the citys Southeast Side.

We join the community in welcoming Evans to San Antonio.
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San Antonios historic commission decided on Wednesday to take more time to consider a controversial plan for an apartment complex in Dignowity Hill due to concerns over its impact on the iconic Hays Street Bridge.

After nearly 20 local residents spoke against the complex, members of the Historic and Design Review Commission said they want to visit the proposed site to understand how the complex would look next to the bridge. It should receive extra scrutiny for being close to a landmark, they said.

We really need to understand the height of the building in relation to the height of the bridge, commission member Daniel Lazarine said.

A partnership between developer Mitch Meyer and Alamo Beer Co. owner Eugene Simor wants to build a 148-unit complex and a restaurant just north of the city-owned bridge. An agreement that Simor reached years ago with the city would allow the restaurant to have tables on the bridge itself.

Simor has said the complex would bring relatively affordable housing to Dignowity Hill, where home prices are rising fast due to an influx of new residents. The units would be small, about 500 square feet each, and would have rents under $1,000, he told the Express-News earlier this week.

Ignacio Aliaga, the design architect for the complex, pointed out at Wednesdays meeting that it will be 67 feet away from the bridge.

But many Dignowity residents and supporters of the bridge worry that the complex, at 803 N. Cherry St., would block views of the landmark, which has become popular among joggers, cyclists and yoga practioners. They also said the projects placement of a garage facing Cherry Street would be unsightly.

The Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association sent a letter of opposition to the project to the HDRC on Tuesday evening, the associations president Brian Dillard said.

Opponents spent nearly an hour telling the HDRC about their fond memories traversing the bridge in their childhood and their concerns that it is a developers dream, but the publics nightmare, as Gary Houston, a member of the Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group, put it.

The bridge is an incredible asset for all of San Antonio, local lawyer Amy Kastely said. Through this series of actions over time, the city and the developer, Alamo Beer, have basically tried to throw away this asset, tried to block it up, tried to cover it with walls.

The site of the proposed complex is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit between the Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group and the city of San Antonio. The group sued the city in 2012 to prevent it from selling the land to Alamo Beer Co., saying the sale violated the terms of a 2002 memorandum of understanding that the group says required the land to be made into a park.

After the 4th Court of Appeals sided with the city in March, the group appealed the ruling to the Texas Supreme Court.

Some Dignowity residents said they would accept a smaller development on the property, but Simor said he isnt open to compromise.

Some advocates for the bridge want the city to create a viewshed ordinance that would restrict the height of buildings in the surrounding area, similar to the ones that have been created around San Antonios missions. An online petition, with 1,215 local signatures and 14,595 overall, asks the city to create the viewshed, prohibit the bridges exclusive use by businesses and install public restrooms nearby.

rwebner@express-news.net

@rwebner
Andrew Taylor scored 24 points and Taevion Kinsey added 15 points and eight rebounds to lead Marshall past UPike, 83-69, in the exhibition finale for the Thundering Herd. Marshall opens its season on Monday at Queens University.
There was great excitement in Cnoc Mhuire, Granard on Thursday last with the presentaiton of the Jubilee Cup.

The Jubilee Cup is presented to the student who achieves the highest points in the Leaving Cert in Cnoc Mhuire.

This year saw some exceptional results in Cnoc Mhuire but one student, Elizabeth Larenz managed to achieve the maximum 625 points in the Leaving Cert.

Elizabeth managed this by obtaining the top H1 grade in French, German, Maths, Applied Maths, Chemistry and Physics.

Whilst a student in Cnoc Mhuire, Elizabeth was extremely hardworking, focused and diligent.

She was extremely popular amongst her fellow students and a most worthy winner of this award.

Elizabeth thanked her teachers for all their hard work and assistance in achieving these results and also offered some advice to the current leaving cert students.

She advised them of the importance of been organised but also the importance of keeping a healthy life balance by continuing other interests and maintaining a healthy social life with their friends.

Elizabeth is now moving to RWTH Aachen University in Germany where she plans to study Chemistry.

All in Cnoc Mhuire wish Elizabeth the best of luck in her studies in Germany and look forward to hearing from her in the future.

And, with the beginning of the academic year comes scores of new students embarking on the next stage of their educational journey.

Cnoc Mhuire Granard has seen a number of first year students walk through the school gates this year, including one rather large family.

Quads, Yanna, Jasmin, Sean and Fionn Hartin started at the school last week.

These four students are Cnoc Mhuire's second set of quads to begin their studies in the past number of years.

The first set of quads were Finousa, Padraig, Noel and Alphie Duffy, who have just completed their Junior Certificate exams and are starting the Senior Cycle in the school this year, while the Hartin quads start into the Junior Cycle.
Pakistan suffered a major diplomatic defeat as its erstwhile ally China signed off on a statement that denounced several terrorist groups that are both openly and covertly supported by the Pakistani state. The blow comes just two weeks after President Trump called out Pakistan for providing safe haven for terrorist groups operating in the region and advocated for closer ties with India.

The Sept. 4 declaration by the the BRICS nations (Brazil, China, India, Russia, and South Africa) explicitly names three terrorist groups  the Afghan Taliban and its subgroup the Haqqani Network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammad  that are directly supported by the Pakistani state.

We, in this regard, express concern on the security situation in the region and violence caused by the Taliban, ISIL/DAISH [Islamic State], al Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP [Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan] and Hizb ut-Tahrir, the BRICS nations stated.

The BRICS countries also said that those responsible for committing, organizing, or supporting terrorist acts must be held accountable and called for dismantling terrorist bases.

The BRICS statement was released two weeks after Trump, in an Aug. 21 speech that outlined US policy in South Asia, took Pakistan to task for harboring and supporting terrorist groups that target and kill US citizens, and said there would be a radical change in the US stance toward the South Asian nation. After blasting Pakistan for its support of terrorist groups, including the Taliban, Trump said that the US would seek to strengthen ties with Pakistans neighbor and number one enemy, India.

Pakistani officials denounced Trumps speech and pinned their security hopes on closer ties with and the support of China. In the past, China has blocked Indian attempts to get the United Nations to list Pakistan-based jihadists such as Jaish-e-Mohammed emir Maulana Masood Azhar as international terrorists.

While China maintains relations with Pakistan to balance its rival India in South Asia, China also has legitimate concerns about terrorist groups based in Pakistan. In particular, the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (or ETIM or the Turkistan Islamic Party), which is based in Pakistans tribal areas, is a threat to Chinese interests in its western province of Xinjaing. Chinese officials have chided Pakistan about the presence of ETIM on Pakistani soil in the past.

The BRICS statement explicitly names ETIM as an al Qaeda affiliate currently operating in the region. In 2010, Rehman Malik, who served as Paksitans Rehman interior minister, claimed ETIMs back is broken and that the group is no longer viable inside Pakistan after announcing the death of its emir, Abdul Haq al Turkistani. However, Malik wrongly reported Turkistanis death (he re-emerged in 2014) and remains a viable threat to this day.

Pakistani officials have angrily denied that its country provides safe haven for terrorist groups and cites its war against the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan (TTP) as proof that it combats terrorists. However, Pakistan continues to support groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Harakat-ul Mujahideem and Hizbul Mujahideen, and tolerates other terrorist outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi [see map above].

Pakistans policy of strategic depth and supporting terrorist groups that further its foreign policy goals (the so-called good Taliban) while battling jihadists who fight the Pakistan state (the bad Taliban) has not only destabilized its neighbors, including Afghanistan and India, it has also led to catastrophic losses inside Paksitan. Tens of thousands of Pakistanis have been killed by groups such as the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan as they have waged a terrorist insurgency across the country. Pakistan refuses to admit that these bad Taliban are supported by the good Taliban.

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.
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Cryptocurrency Market Capitalisation for publicly traded cryptocurrencies is currently $160 billion, 795% higher for 2017. Find out how to invest in virtual currencies and other fast growing crypto-asset classes at Singapore Rendezvous

Aug 31, 2017 | By Jonathan Ho

When cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and a host of other alt-coins first appeared in 2009, the financial establishment was quick to dismiss the new, fast rising asset class as a fad. Today, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and other alt-coins are accepted by major retailers including Whole Foods, JC Penny, Gap and even the renowned Dadiani Art Gallery in Mayfair, London.

Virtual Currencies (Cryptocurrencies) : An Insiders perspective

10 years on, cryptocurrencies have reached new heights. According to CoinMarketCap, a data provider tracking Cryptocurrency Market Capitalizations, the total value of the more than 800 publicly traded cryptocurrencies is currently 795 percent higher for the year, pushing past $158 billion for the first time ever as of 28 August 2017, with Bitcoin accounting for nearly half of that growth.

In fact, Goldman Sachs chart analyst Sheba Jafari, previously made a prediction to CNBC that bitcoin could hit $4,800 and with Bitcoin currently trading at $4668, he looks on track to meet his forecast. Of other major coin cryptocurrencies  Ethereum valued at $340 today has grown 470%. Meanwhile, Litecoin is up an extraordinary 1300% from the beginning of the year.

With 5 to 10 million unique users to date, the question is no longer one of the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies as an asset class and medium of trade, but rather how does one discern the alt-coins backed by real fundamentals and those flash-in-pan dotcom type of coins.

Some Major Big Name investors in Cryptocurrency

The Winklevoss brothers, founders of Facebook

Venture Capitalist and former Bitcoin critic, Mark Cuban

Billionaire Tim Draper, one of Bitcoins earliest investors

How to Invest Cryptocurrency like these Heavyweight Investors: A Seminar at Singapore Rendezvous 2017

In short, 2017 has been a defining year for Blockchain and the virtual currency world. With a big push from countries, large corporations and even startups adopting the technology and framework to build a whole range of ecosystems and applications that transcends all industries and sectors and creating disruption like never before.

Thus, in a luxury industry first, spanning over two afternoons during the Singapore Rendezvous 2017 weekend, a cryptocurrency seminar will be held to offer an insiders view on Blockchain and virtual currencies.

Designed to be an inclusive program , the first day will explore a better understanding into Blockchain and the exciting applications that have arose from them. Supported by the Aditus Foundation, the seminar aims to aim to bring about a new level of understanding into the Blockchain world by bringing thought leaders to inspire and to engage with the growing elite investing community.

Heres a broad overview of the upcoming Singapore Rendezvous cryptocurrency seminar:

Day 1: A showcase of upcoming ICOs with real legitimacy and fundamentals with tips on how to participate in these initial coin offerings.

Day 2: Insights on cryptocurrency or digital money, market trends of this new asset class and where keynote speakers believe the industry is headed

You can now follow in the footsteps of the fore-mentioned heavyweight investors at this upcoming seminar at Singapore Rendezvous is where you will want to be.

Please indicate your interest at talk@Singaporerendezvous.com and we will send you the detailed program.
Actor Dileep returned to jail after performing his late father's death anniversary rites at his ancestral residence on Wednesday morning. Dileep, Anoop and their sister performed the rituals.

The Angamaly Judicial magistrate court allowed actor Dileep who was remanded in police custody two hours for performing his late father's death anniversary rites. He was released at 8 AM in the morning on the conditions that he will not use mobile phone, will follow the investigating officer's directions and will not misuse the court order.

The death anniversary rites was performed in his house 'Padmasarovaram' near Aluva. Scores of people gathered outside the jail to see the actor. Though the prosecution opposed the actor's plea to attend the programme, the court granted permission to carry out the rites on humanitarian grounds.
MEADOWS OF DAN  For the past 600 years, people have traversed the path from the Tabard Inn to Canterbury in Geoffrey Chaucers The Canterbury Tales. Since 1615, dreamers have fought windmill giants alongside Alonso Quixano in Miguel de Cervantess Don Quixote. Readers have also experienced the wrongful conviction of Tom Robinson in a depression-era courtroom in Maycomb, Alabama, in Harper Lees To Kill a Mockingbird.

A good book can stick with a person for years. Whether fiction or nonfiction, stories take readers on international journeys from the comfort of their own homes.

While most people visit their local library when theyre up for a new literary adventure, being in a single building surrounded by thousands of books isnt currently possible in Meadows of Dan.

Traveling back and forth to the Patrick County Library in Stuart every couple of days isnt a practical option for many in the Blue Ridge Mountain region. If someone in the area wants to read a specific book without having to travel half an hour to pick it up, there are generally two options  order it online or borrow it from a friend.

In an effort to make books more accessible to the people living in the mountainous community, especially children, members of the Meadows of Dan Ruritan Club sprung to action.

Our school is so small that we have a retired teacher who comes in as a librarian once a week, said Meadows of Dan Elementary School Principal Jason Wood, a member of the local Ruritan club.

Other than their one day of exposure to a room full of books per week, the children at the school have two additional opportunities to select a new manuscript each month. The Patrick County Book Mobile rolls up the mountain every other week, offering kids a chance to select a new piece of reading material.

They get a variety of access to books, but not as much as wed like, Wood said.

At a recent meeting, the local Ruritans decided to tackle the issue.

We had a discussion on ways to put books in the hands of people in our community and school children, Wood said.

The club ultimately decided to place small, stationary libraries in three places throughout the Meadows of Dan area, one of which was the elementary school.

One of our members, George Newton, agreed to build the boxes, Wood said.

When Newton completed the first box, members of the elementary schools Junior BETA Club volunteered to help with the installation.

They actually did the groundbreaking and mixed the Quikrete, Wood said. It was one of their service projects.

The Meadows of Dan Elementary School Junior BETA Club members also plan to install the other two boxes around town.

About the size of a large mailbox, the Little Free Library  which the local Ruritans plan to register with the international nonprofit organization of the same name  allows community members an opportunity to select a book at any time of day or night.

While each Little Free Library has a different variety of works, Wood said the ones at the elementary school will always be kid-friendly.

The selection of books came from donations from Ruritan members, discarded books from our school library and people in the community, Wood said.

Over the Labor Day weekend, an anonymous donor left a collection of age-appropriate books in the box, over which Wood expressed the schools gratitude.

While Wood says he would love for the community donations to continue, his biggest hope is that the Little Free Library will be utilized so much, there will be a vacant box from time to time.

I hope that we have to replenish quite often, Wood said. The idea is take a book, leave a book. Even if people are taking them and not returning [or exchanging] them, our mission is to put books out there in the hands of those in our community.

A library on a smaller scale, Wood looks forward to the impact the box will make on the Meadows of Dan area.

Were hoping this will increase reading for pleasure and foster a desire and love for reading at an early age, Wood said. Studies show that if kids read for 20 minutes a day, theyre more successful academically, all the way up through college and in the workforce.

Offering a variety of literary adventures for readers, the Little Free Library at the elementary school is open to the public, not just children who attend classes in the adjacent building.

I hope this will be a year-round asset to our community, Wood said.

While there is a good selection of books available at the time, theres always room for more.

We need a variety of books, Wood said. Since were an elementary school site, Ill be monitoring the books to ensure appropriate content.

For those interested in donating kid-friendly books to the local Little Free Library, contact the elementary school at (276) 952-2424.

Amie Knowles reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. She can be reached at
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The military is asking the U.S. to dispatch two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers to the Korean Peninsula for a joint drill, government officials here said Wednesday.

A government source here said, "We're asking for the deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group for the joint Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise that starts on Aug. 21." The source added there is "a possibility" that the USS Ronald Reagan aircraft carrier of the 7th U.S. Fleet will come.

The Reagan strike group is scheduled to join a joint exercise in Korean waters in October, but after the North's latest test of an intercontinental ballistic missile the allies are now considering bringing the dispatch forward.
MGM Resorts International, the company that is developing the $950 million MGM Springfield resort and casino in the South End, announced Tuesday that it has sold the land and buildings of its MGM National Harbor casino resort in Maryland to a real estate investment trust MGM spun off in 2015.

MGM said Tuesday in a news release that it sold the Oxon Hill, Maryland, facility with its 125,000 square feet of gambling space to MGM Growth Properties LLC for $1.1875 billion. The Maryland property will be added to an existing master lease agreement along with other existing MGM properties owned by MGM Growth Properties but rented by MGM Resorts International. The rent payment to MGP will increase by $95 million.

According to the annual report for MGM Growth Properties (pdf), the trust earned $650 million of rental revenue from MGM Resorts in 2016.

In a related announcement, MGM Resorts International announced a $1 billion stock buyback program. Buyback programs like this are a way of returning company revenue to stockholders when a corporation buys back its stock from investors and in theory, makes the stock that is in circulation more valuable.

Both MGM Resorts International and MGM Growth Properties are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

MGM Resorts International, ticker symbol MGM, was at $33.14 a share after hours Tuesday, down 7 cents a share or 0.21 percent.

MGM Growth Properties, ticker symbol MGP, was at $30.70 a share after hours Tuesday, up 3 cents a share or 0.1 percent on the day.

Real estate investment trusts like MGM Growth Properties are popular with investors.

A Real Estate Investment Trust is a company that operates real estate and must, by law, distribute at least 90 percent of its taxable income to shareholders annually in the form of dividends. A REIT is also allowed to deduct dividends paid to shareholders from its taxable income, thus providing a tax savings that most other corporate structures don't provide.

The MGM Springfield project is expected to open in about one year from now.

MGM National Harbor opened in December.
With the retirement of veteran newsman Jim Madigan, WGBY has turned to a familiar face to host its current affairs show "Connecting Point."

Beginning with forthcoming Season 8, Carrie Saldo, an award-winning journalist and host of the series from 2010 to 2013, will return.

"Carrie Saldo is the perfect addition to our team," WGBY Deputy General Manager Lynn Page said. "She worked closely with Jim Madigan in the past and knows the region and its leadership very well. Carrie cares deeply for western New England. She understands the people, traditions, and cultures. She will continue Jim's legacy as well as the mission of WGBY to connect the people of our region."

Saldo left WGBY in June 2013 to take on a new role at Rocky Mountain Public Media, an affiliate in Denver, Colo.

She said she is looking forward to returning to "Connecting Point."

"I am honored to dive in and uncover the stories that need to be told in this region," Saldo says. "Excellent journalism is the result of carefully listening. I'm here. Share your thoughts, ideas, comments and concerns. Let's shed light on the issues that matter most to you and work toward strengthening this area that we call home."
Author and sociologist Charles Murray, whose controversial publications have suggested ties between intelligence and race, will speak at Harvard University Wednesday night.

The scholar was invited to Harvard by the college's "Open Campus Initiative," a group which formed last year in response to free speech debates across the nation and college campuses. Members of the initiative have invited provocative, mainly far right-wing scholars to come speak at the prestigious Cambridge school.

Murray, a professor of political science who received an undergraduate degree in history from Harvard in 1965, is most widely criticized for "The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life," a book he co-authored in 1994 with Harvard Professor Richard J. Herrnstein.

In "The Bell Curve," Murray and Herrnstein explore intelligence and its relationship to factors like socio-economic status, income and career success, crime and unwed pregnancy. Several chapters discuss alleged differences in intelligence based on race and genetics.

The sociologist has also received flack for a 2005 paper titled "Where Are the Female Einsteins?" In the paper, Murray argues, "no woman has been a significant original thinker in any of the world's great philosophical traditions," and provides reasons why he thinks that is so.

Harvard students are planning to protest just months after Murray was forced to flee an aggressive demonstration at Middlebury College in Vermont. When Murray planned to speak at the private liberal arts school last March, 67 students were disciplined after a protest "was edging frighteningly close to outright violence," and one professor suffered a neck injury, according to the Washington Post.

A Facebook event titled "Speak Out Against White Supremacy" says students plan to protest and hold a panel discussion before and after the Murray speech near the college's Northwest Labs. The Southern Povery Law Center has labeled Murray a white supremacist.

Students working for the university newspaper "The Harvard Crimson" also penned an opinion piece titled, "Charles Murray Doesn't Belong Here."
The long-awaited replacement of the clunky metal bridge connecting Charlestown to Boston's North End neighborhood will soon be a reality.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced on Wednesday that the state had received $50.5 million in federal funding which will be put toward two major bridge reconstruction projects.

One project will redesign the Charlestown Bridge in Boston, while the other will reconstruct a bridge that carries Route 44 over Route 24 in Raynham.

The current version of the Charlestown Bridge was built in 1900. Its metal grates were intended to allow for elevated railway to pass by, before the MBTA Orange Line made the Charlestown Elevated railway obsolete.

The bridge overlooks the Charles River and carries a portion of the Freedom Trail on its pedestrian-sort-of-friendly sidewalks, which connect historic spots in Charlestown and Boston. In 2014, planners told the Boston Globe the bridge's new design would "complement" the modern look of the Zakim Bridge, and would include wider sidewalks and new seating areas.

MassDOT reports that since under Governor Charlie Baker's administration, the state has spent more than $2.8 billion since 2015 on projects like highway construction, bridges, sidewalks, intersections and more.
Australia's high court has begun hearing legal challenges against the government's plan to hold a voluntary postal vote that could lead to legalizing same-sex marriage.

Ballots are set to be mailed next week to Australian voters that could give Parliament the go-ahead to vote on the measure in December, if the majority of voters check the "yes" box.

But same-sex marriage supporters are fighting to scrap the plan, saying Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's government does not have the legal authority to spend $97 million of taxpayer money on the postal vote. Gay rights campaigners are calling on lawmakers to go on the record with a simple "yes" or "no" vote.


A European Union official says 40 countries now have been affected by a Europe-wide contaminated egg scandal, including 24 EU members and 16 non-members.

Vytenis Andriukaitis, the official in charge of health and food safety for the European Commission, said Tuesday in Estonia that only four countries in the 28-nation EU haven't had eggs tainted by the pesticide Fipronil, considered a health hazard if consumed in large quantities. The unaffected EU nations are Lithuania, Portugal, Cyprus and Croatia.


Former President Barack Obama issued a firm rebuke Tuesday of the Trump administration's move to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program he enacted in 2012, contending that the action was a political and moral decision -- not a legally required one.

The Democrat, who left office in January, defended DACA, which has given an estimated 800,000 undocumented immigrants -- who were brought to the U.S. as children -- deferral from deportation and a work permit.

Obama urged Congress to "protect these young people and our future," contending that targeting so-called "Dreamers," or DACA recipients "is wrong," "self-defeating" and "cruel."

Pushing back against U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and other Trump administration officials who attributed the decision, in part, to impending legal action, the former president argued that there was no legal reason to end the program.

"Let's be clear: the action taken today isn't required legally. It's a political decision, and a moral question," he said in a statement. "Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn't threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us."

The former president further argued that ending the program "won't lower the unemployment rate, or lighten anyone's taxes, or raise anybody's wages." He also raised concerns about the policy's potential impact on so-called Dreamers.

"To target these young people is wrong - because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating - because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love," he said. "And it is cruel. What if our kid's science teacher, or our friendly neighbor turns out to be a Dreamer? Where are we supposed to send her? To a country she doesn't know or remember, with a language she may not even speak?"

Pointing to business leaders, economists and faith leaders who have spoken out against ending the program, Obama said he's among those hoping congressional lawmakers will protect the future of DACA beneficiaries.

"I join my voice with the majority of Americans who hope they step up and do it with a sense of moral urgency that matches the urgency these young people feel," he said. "Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated."

"It's about who we are as a people - and who we want to be," he added.

Citing various legal concerns, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday that the Department of Homeland Security would begin an "orderly lawful wind down" of the Obama-era program.

Acting DHS Secretary Elaine Duke said the decision to end the program was not taken lightly, noting that the administration faced a Tuesday deadline to rescind the program or face a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Administration officials said no current DACA beneficiaries will be impacted before March 5, 2018 "so Congress can have time to deliver on appropriate legislative solutions." They added that no new initial DACA-related requests or applications filed after Tuesday will be acted on.

The Trump administration, however, will adjudicate DACA renewal requests for current beneficiaries whose benefits are set to expire between Tuesday and March 5, 2018 as long as they submit their applications by Oct. 5.

The Obama administration announced in June 2012 that it would stop deporting and begin granting work permits to younger undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children.

Among the requirements for the DACA program, individuals must have been brought to the U.S. before their 16th birthday, have no serious misdemeanor or felony convictions, and currently be in school or graduated from high school and received a diploma or GED.
BOSTON -- Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin on Wednesday threw his support behind a bill that would require presidential candidates to release their tax returns in order to appear on the Massachusetts ballot.

Galvin, a Democrat, testified before the Legislature's Joint Committee on Election Laws in favor of a bill sponsored by Sen. Michael Barrett, D-Lexington, that would require presidential candidates to release their tax returns and disclose their personal financial interests in order to appear on the ballot in Massachusetts. Candidates would have to release three years of tax returns to appear on the primary ballot and five years of returns to compete in the general election.

"The public policy of disclosure, of understanding conflicts of interest of individuals who would hold the highest office in the land, is fundamental to our democracy," Galvin said.

The bill, S 365, was filed in response to the 2016 presidential election, when President Donald Trump became the first major-party candidate in more than 35 years not to make his tax returns public.

Trump, a Republican, won 32 percent of the Massachusetts vote in the general election.

A similar ballot question has been proposed for 2018, which would institute a requirement that presidential candidates release six years of tax returns to the public in order to appear on the Massachusetts ballot.

The question was filed by Boston attorney Thomas Kiley, a former Massachusetts assistant attorney general. It was certified as constitutional by Attorney General Maura Healey on Wednesday.

Galvin urged lawmakers to take up the bill as soon as possible, since it would likely face a court challenge, and all issues would have to be resolved before the 2020 election.

Galvin called it "concerning" that, as Trump pushes for tax reform, no one knows how provisions he is proposing will affect him or his businesses.

By law, states cannot prescribe new qualifications for federal officeholders, but they can set conditions for ballot access -- for example, by requiring a certain number of signatures.

Several attorneys testified that the bill should be able to withstand legal challenges. Ben Clements, a Boston attorney and chairman of Free Speech for People, an advocacy group that aims to limit the influence of money in politics, said the bill would ensure voters have the opportunity to evaluate a candidate's potential for financial conflicts of interest.

"This president is plagued by financial conflicts of interest," Clements said.

Trump did file a financial disclosure form. But Barrett said that form was 104 pages long, while litigation has revealed that Trump's federal income tax filing is 12,000 pages. The tax returns could reveal far more detailed information about, for example, Trump's foreign business interests.

Jennifer Taub, a Northampton resident who co-founded the national "tax march" in April demanding that Trump release his tax returns, said Trump broke a 40-year bipartisan tradition.

"This law would allow the American people to once again follow the money," Taub said.

Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, did not take a position on the bill. "Governor Baker will carefully review any legislation that comes to his desk and as a candidate for governor released his own tax returns to the public," said Baker spokeswoman Lizzy Guyton.

Similar bills are pending in 24 states, although none have made it into law. New Jersey's Legislature passed similar legislation, but Republican Gov. Chris Christie vetoed it.
Two members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation have joined a newly launched campaign that seeks to help Democratic candidates win back state legislative seats across the country.

U.S. Reps. Seth Moulton, D-Salem, and Joe Kennedy III, D-Brookline, signed on to the Forward Majority effort, which veterans from former President Barack Obama's campaign and others created to combat Republicans' recent electoral successes at the statehouse-level.

Democrats' focus on flipping state legislative seats comes in response to the upcoming 2021 redistricting process where statehouses will be tasked with redrawing state and congressional district lines.

Pointing to the nearly 1,000 state legislative seats Democrats have lost over the past decade, Moulton, a Forward Majority honorary co-chairman, stressed that the party must "start winning again, up and down the ballot."

The Salem Democrat added that he's proud to endorse the campaign because it understands "that the status quo isn't working."

"We need a new generation of leadership, a fresh perspective and a new approach if we're going to be successful in 2018 and beyond," he said in a statement. "Forward Majority is focused on recruiting new talent to win back power in the states. I am eager to work with them as we take the Democratic Party, and country, in a new and better direction."

Kennedy, another Forward Majority honorary co-chairman, meanwhile, argued that the effort will help "defend the Democratic Party's firmest ideals from the front lines of our local communities, driving both progressive policies and the candidates who will champion them."

The campaign will specifically focus on flipping six to eight state legislative chambers in the 2018 campaign and another six to eight in 2020 -- an effort that will touch an estimated 130 state House races and 60 state Senate races, officials said.

Successfully flipping chambers from Republican to Democratic control would undercut the GOP's political advantage, which "has led to an estimated 18 seats in the House of Representatives that Republicans control due to partisan gerrymandering," Moulton's campaign contended.

Forward Majority Executive Director David Cohen said the effort has one singular goal: "to take back state legislative chambers in key states across the country."

"Not only do state legislatures control much of the redistricting process, they are also a key talent pipeline, help build our grassroots infrastructure and are the first line of defense against the most extreme policies," he said in a statement. "It is not enough to resist. We need a proactive plan to win back power and defend our values."

Forward Majority will initially focus on state legislative races in Virginia, where it will run targeted independent expenditure campaigns.

It will also launch data-drive voter contact programs through digital, mail, social media, text and grassroots outreach efforts -- organization that will filter down to the precinct-level, according to officials.
BOSTON -- Proposals for ballot questions to raise the minimum wage, provide paid family and medical leave to workers, lower the state sales tax, limit nursing staffing ratios and require presidential candidates to release their tax returns were all certified by Attorney General Maura Healey on Wednesday.

Healey is responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of all initiative petitions for ballot questions. Her office reviewed 28 petitions and certified 21 of them, covering 18 topics. Some petitioners submit multiple versions of one question.

By law, ballot questions cannot address certain topics, such as religion or the courts, and they must be in the proper form.

For questions that were certified, proponents will have until Dec. 6 to gather signatures of 64,750 registered voters. The Legislature can then act on the proposal. If lawmakers do not act, proponents have until July 2018 to gather another approximately 11,000 signatures to get on the November 2018 ballot.

Typically, only a handful of proposed questions make it to the ballot.

Two of the certified ballot questions -- raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and establishing a paid family and medical leave program paid for by a payroll tax -- are supported by Raise Up Massachusetts. The liberal group of community organizers, labor and clergy was behind a previously successful effort to require businesses to offer paid sick time. The group is also pushing for a constitutional amendment, which is expected to appear on the 2018 ballot, to raise taxes on income over $1 million.

All three of these initiatives were certified.

The business community has responded by pushing for a ballot question, which was also certified, to lower the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to either 5 percent or 4.5 percent and to enshrine in state law an annual sales tax holiday.

The state's nursing union is pushing a ballot question, which was also certified, that would regulate hospital staffing -- specifically, how many patients a nurse is allowed to care for at one time.

Another ballot initiative that was certified would require presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns in order to appear on the Massachusetts ballot. President Donald Trump was the first major-party presidential candidate in approximately 40 years not to publicly disclose his tax returns.

Other petition initiatives that were approved relate to disclosing fees for radiology and imaging procedures, limiting the use of euthanasia on homeless animals, prohibiting the use of electric shock therapy on people with disabilities, setting new limits on campaign donations from out-of-state donors to Massachusetts candidates, and increasing the amounts of renewable energy used in Massachusetts.

Initiative petitions that Healey found to be unconstitutional include eliminating all tolling in Massachusetts, limiting corporate spending in campaigns, minimizing expenses for holistic health care and others.

See the full list here.
As more rain is expected Wednesday, meteorologists caution of potential flooding in Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch. The watch took effect at 6 a.m. Wednesday and will remain in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday.

The flash flood watch was issued for the following counties: Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Worcester.

"Periods of showers and embedded thunderstorms are expected Wednesday into Wednesday night with pockets of localized torrential rainfall," the National Weather Service said in a statement.

Hourly rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour will be possible during the strongest storms. The main concern will be flash flooding in urban areas with poor drainage.
Adm. Scott Swift, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, pledged on Tuesday to deploy an aircraft carrier strike group in waters off the Korean Peninsula in response to provocations from North Korea.

Swift, who supervises U.S. naval operations in the Asia-Pacific region, was speaking at the International Seapower Symposium in Seoul hosted by the Korean Navy, the Korean Institute for Maritime Strategy, and the Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) Study Group-Korea.

He said that there is no change in the U.S.' "ironclad" commitment to the defense of South Korea. His fleet is responsible for "nearly 60 percent of U.S. Navy assets" and 200 naval ships, 1,180 aircraft, and 140,000 sailors and civilian crew are on standby, he added.
"If we only respond to the past, we will only get answers that fit the past," says Dutch water expert Henk Ovink.

By Diana Budds

https://www.fastcodesign.com/90138912/the-cities-of-the-21st-century-will-be-defined-by-water?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Co.Design%20Daily&position=1&partner=newsletter&campaign_date=09052017&utm_medium=email
Keegan Nicholson, founder of ReLaptops http://relaptops.org/ , has joined forces with the America Campaign http://www.americacampaign.org/  the company behind Big Sky Code Academy http://www.bigskycodeacademy.org/ and Montana Code Girls http://www.mtcodegirls.org/  to grow the program into Laptops for Students.

"We started talking about how there was a lot of synergy in offering middle- and high-school students the opportunity to learn more about both the software and hardware side of technology," said America Campaign founder Devin Holmes. "We agreed to bring ReLaptops on board as part of our youth initiatives."

What started out as a school project launched three years ago by a tech-savvy student in Missoula grew into a larger community effort to place refurbished laptops in the hands of those in need of a computer.

While that may be old news, theres a new rub: The project has morphed again, this time in the hands of a local nonprofit positioned to take the program to the next level.

By Martin Kidston

Full Story: https://www.missoulacurrent.com/business/2017/09/missoula-students-laptops-hardware/

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Big Sky Code Academy  Your Future Starts Now  Learn Full Stack JavaScript and become a Web Developer in just 12 Weeks!

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Laptops for Students  MSU student Keegan Nicholson restored 200 unwanted laptops for Missoula students. Now doing so in Bozeman http://www.matr.net/article-69777.html
This September, Fall for Print

Back to school, crisp mornings and leaves starting to change color  theres no denying that autumn is just around the corner. This September, get ready to "fall" in love with print all over again.

Whether youre well down the path of year-end promotion or just ramping up your outreach, were here to help you make your print projects a success. If you are thinking about using Direct Mail to promote your business this season, check out our blog on "The Numbers Behind Direct Mail."

Need custom hang tags for jewelry, clothes, or just about anything else? Weve got you covered. And theres no better time than right now to get your 2018 calendar started!

No matter what the last few months of 2017 look like for you, wed like to help you make it the best part of the year. Call us today at 800-930-7978 to talk with your personal team of print experts. Get your projects started and get ready to love your print.

Direct Mail Stats

The Numbers Behind Direct Mail

Direct mail is a tested channel that still makes a huge impact on businesses of all sizes. Weve got the numbers to prove it.

Read The Blog http://www.printingforless.com/blog/direct-mail/numbers_behind_direct_mail

Hang Tags are a Hit

Looking for that special piece to add some punch and flair to your business? Look no further  hang tags are a great way to showcase your brand and value while keeping your customers interested. Get your hang tags with a custom die cut, special paper, specialty ink, or a custom size, and make an impression with everyone who sees them.

Ready to start your hang tag project? Call us at 800-930-7978 or get a quote below.

Get a Quote http://www.printingforless1.com/ps/Request/Quote

Calendars for Business

Its a Date! Calendars for Business

Calendars are the perfect opportunity to showcase your business throughout the year. And the best time to get your 2018 calendar started is right now! Learn more about calendar printing on our website.

Learn about Calendars https://www.printingforless.com/Calendar-Printing.html
Reporting to and working closely with the Marketing Director, the Marketing Coordinator will play a key role in day-to-day marketing and sales operations, helping to execute programs that increase awareness and use of Montana & Idaho CDCs products and services. This position will also serve as a member of the organizational Admin team and provide administrative support to the President.

https://mtcdc.org/about-us/job-opportunities/marketing-coordinator/
San Franciscos Turo https://turo.com/ , which helps people rent their cars to other people, has landed $92 million in funding, co-led by Germanys Daimler and South Koreas SK, a major conglomerate. The investment brings total backing for the peer-to-peer marketplace to $193 million.

"Daimler and SK have very strong footprints in Europe and Asia, so we are looking forward to accelerating our international expansion," Turo CEO Andre Haddad said in an interview. Turo currently operates in 49 U.S. states  with a heavy concentration in metropolitan areas  four Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom.

By Carolyn Said

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Turo-lands-92-million-for-peer-to-peer-car-rental-12175041.php
A new study shows the Zika virus kills brain cancer stem cellsthe kind of cells most resistant to standard treatments.

The findings suggest the lethal power of the virus could be directed at malignant cells in the brainand potentially improve the chances of people with glioblastomathat is most often fatal within a year of diagnosis.

Posted by Tamara Bhandari
Wells Fargo, the controversy-battered big bank, has a new problem  this one directly affecting mortgage applicants. Last week, a first-time home buyer filed a class-action suit against the company, alleging widespread abuse of a procedure well known to most mortgage borrowers: interest-rate locks.

The suit alleges that Wells Fargo engaged in "a systematic effort" to charge unwarranted rate-lock extension fees  sometimes costing thousands of dollars each  to borrowers who should not have been required to pay them.

By Kenneth R. Harney

https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/wells-fargo-accused-of-forcing-mortgage-applicants-to-pay-unwarranted-fees/2017/09/05/2ed18eaa-925a-11e7-8754-d478688d23b4_story.html?utm_term=.90916c17903d

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Even as Wells Fargo scandal deepens, GOP lawmakers push bank deregulation

Far be it from me to see metaphors where none exist, but Wells Fargos good name was literally blown away when Hurricane Harvey roared into the Texas city of Corpus Christi last week.

As the local paper reported: An O came to rest near a fountain on the corner of Lower Broadway and Peoples streets. Near there an F sat, positioned by the downtown murals of children swimming underwater. An L was propped against a blue dumpster.

David LazarusDavid Lazarus Los Angeles Times

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ct-lazarus-wells-fargo-bank-deregulation-20170905-story.html
The savage beating of a 14-year-old girl by her classmates in the southern port city of Busan has raised calls for tougher punishment of juvenile delinquents. The incident made headlines earlier this week when one of the assailants posted a shocking picture of the bloody victim that went viral on the internet.

Violent crimes by teenagers have increased sharply over the last 10 years, and they are getting more vicious all the time.

According to the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office, the number of crimes committed by teens per 100,000 people rose 36.4 percent over a decade from 540.8 in 2006 and 737.4 in 2015.

Violent crimes like murder, arson, robbery and rape per 100,000 teenagers rose 71.3 percent, while the number of assaults increased 27.1 percent.
The government is shifting to a tougher line on North Korea after the North's nuclear test on Sunday. Cheong Wa Dae on Tuesday said President Moon Jae-in plans to bolster pressure and sanctions against North Korea to stop further provocations.

In an interview with Russias TASS News Agency, Moon said, "Seoul will respond to it in the most decisive manner, particularly by toughening sanctions, increasing pressure and strengthening its own military capabilities."

Moon added that he is open to any form of dialogue with the North, but stressed that "this is the time for strong protests and pressure against North Korea's dangerous provocation and not the time for talks."
The government has declared Oct. 2 a one-off holiday this year, which creates a record 10-day Chuseok break lasting from Sept. 30 to Oct. 9.

The aim is to boost domestic consumption, but it remains to be seen whether that will happen as record numbers plan to spend their money on trips abroad instead.

The number of Koreans traveling abroad in October is expected to rise 30 percent compared to the same period of last year. On the other hand fewer Chinese tourists are expected to visit Korea during China's National Day holidays, also in early October.

In the last three years, some 160,000 to 200,000 Chinese tourists visited Korea during the period, but numbers have dwindled amid an unofficial Chinese boycott.
Production stopped again on Tuesday at a Hyundai car plant in Changzhou, China.

According to Hyundai, a parts maker that supplies air intakes to Hyundai in Beijing stopped delivering on Monday citing outstanding payment. The company had sent an ultimatum for Hyundai to pay up by Aug. 31.

Hyundai's failure to do so brought the plant to a halt. If parts inventories become depleted, the other three Hyundai factories in China will have to stop production as well.

Late last month, a parts maker in China stopped supplying Hyundai because it had not been paid, halting production at all four of Hyundai's plants there for three to five days.

Sporadic production stoppages could continue in the future unless Beijing Hyundai Motor, a joint venture with China's BAIC, sorts out its cash flow. BAIC, which takes care of finance for the joint venture, has still not paid the parts maker that was responsible for the previous stoppage, despite a decision by Hyundai headquarters to inject billions of cash into the ailing Chinese operation that has been hit hard by an unofficial boycott there.

One industry source said, "BAIC is calling on Korean parts makers in China to slash prices by 20 percent. The situation is becoming worse since BAIC is not showing any signs of trying to pay the money it owes."


Two McDowell men were found with meth during a traffic stop in Nebo, authorities said Wednesday.

Deputy Steven McPeters of the McDowell County Sheriffs Office charged 46-year-old Timothy Steven Clark, of 31 Winter Hill Drive in Marion, and 22-year-old Robert Lee Reel, of 4977 Old Fort-Sugar Hill Road in Old Fort, with possession of methamphetamine.

Shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, McPeters aided N.C. Highway Patrol troopers with a traffic stop on Harmony Grove Road in Nebo.

Reel was driving, and Clark was the passenger.

During a subsequent search of both men, authorities located .60 gram of methamphetamine on Clarks person and .30 gram of methamphetamine on Reels person, according to a news release.

Clark received a $10,000 bond. Reel received a $1,000 bond.
In the wake of a devastating hurricane in Texas and another on the way toward the East Coast, news from the Department of Justice on Tuesday to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has flooded media outlets and sparked protests around the country.

The end to the federal program will have an effect in McDowell County and across North Carolina.

DACA was put in place by President Barack Obama in 2012 to protect children of undocumented immigrants, providing them with a renewable work permit and protection from being deported, among other things. Certain criteria to be eligible for the program, such as minimal criminal history and being currently in school or have a high school education, had to be met before an applicant was accepted.

However, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a press conference on Tuesday that many Americans have lost jobs to DACA immigrants, and the program violated current immigration laws. President Donald Trump has given Congress a short six months to formulate a new plan for the nearly 800,000 individuals between the ages of 16 and 31 who could be affected, and who, for most, have lived in the United States all of their lives. If Congress indeed cant come up with a plan, Trump has said he will revisit the action.

Here in McDowell, we want to know how it could affect our neighbors. We reached out to McDowell Technical Community College who said there are three students in good standing at the college who are in the DACA program, adding these students pay out-of-state tuition.

In McDowell County Schools, Executive Director of Administration Brian Oliver said the schools are not allowed to question students or parents and guardians about their citizenship status.

We are also not allowed to ask about the circumstances that brought a student to the district. Students/parents are only required to provide proof of a local address of domicile and proof of student age, Oliver said in an email to The McDowell News.

He added paragraph D from Board Policy 4100 that reads: A birth certificate or other satisfactory proof of age issued by a foreign country or institution will be accepted and treated in the same manner as comparable documents issued in the United States. School officials shall use such documents only for the purpose of establishing the age of the child and not to inquire about the citizenship or immigration status of the child, parent or guardian."

In a Wednesday story from North Carolina News Service, nearly 27,000 North Carolinians are in limbo when DACA phases out. They interviewed William Saenz, communications director for Hispanic advocacy group El Pueblo, who said their future is uncertain.

Now, for a lot of these kids  with the next six months, as Congress debates and figures out what theyre going to do nextthese kids really dont know what their options are, Saenz told the News Service.

To find out more information, visit the Department of Homeland Securitys website.
Morgan County Veterans Day Parade slated Nov. 11 Audio Article The Morgan County Veterans Day Parade will be held on Friday, Nov. 11. The parade will form at the Commons, in McConnelsville, at 9:30 a.m. and set out at 10 a.m. The American Legion Post 24 will render honors at the monuments at the Commons, Riecker Building, the Square, at...

A concert with two purposes Audio Article Wednesday, Nov. 30, a concert with dual purposes is being held at the Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville, Ohio. Its a thank-you to healthcare workers, who can attend for free, and its a benefit for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. In September 2021, Rick Shriver contracted COVID-19. He collapsed...

BOE reminder of early voting hours and polling location change Audio Article Remaining early voting hours at the Morgan County Board of Elections are as follows: from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov, 2 through Friday, Nov. 4; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m....

Lions Club announces annual Wreaths Across America Audio Article On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Chesterhill Lions Club will be joining with National Wreaths Across America in the laying of wreaths at each of the seven cemeteries located in Marion Township. The mission is to honor the local veterans who have served our nation so their families can rest assured...

Governor DeWine awards $6.7 million for domestic violence survivor programs Audio Article Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that he is awarding $6.7 million to support the work of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) to offer mobile and health advocacy services and temporary residential services for domestic violence survivors across the state. The announcement comes during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month....

CDC committee vote wont change Ohio school vaccine requirement Audio Article Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA has released the following statement: The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine to be added to the formulary or schedule of vaccines for children does not mandate this vaccine for school children. Ohio law determines...
China bans fundraising through ICOs

From:Shanghai Daily | 2017-09-05 09:33

China has banned individuals and organizations raising funds through initial coin offerings (ICOs), a form of fundraising in which technology startups issue their own digital coins, or tokens, to investors to access funds.



The Peoples Bank of China, the securities and banking regulators and other government departments said in a statement yesterday: ICOs, in essence, are a kind of unauthorized and illegal public fundraising, which is suspected of being related to criminal activities such as financial fraud and pyramid schemes.

Individuals and organizations that have completed ICO fundraising should make arrangements to return funds to investors, the statement said.

Digital currencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, tumbled yesterday after the statement was issued.

Bitcoin dropped 10 percent to around 27,000 yuan (US$4,138) while other virtual coins fell up to 50 percent, compared with the previous trading day.

In China, ICOs are usually used by startups to bypass the regulated fundraising process required by venture capitalists and banks.

Most ICO investors dont know investment risk or have related professional knowledge, making the investment like gambling, said Ma Xiao, an analyst with Rong360, a third-party online finance platform.

Some investors, who declined to be identified, said ICO trading was like a dream with higher profit compared to a drug deal.

In the first half of this year, ICO projects raised 2.61 billion yuan from 105,000 investors, said a state-level online finance risk analysis platform under the National Computer Network Emergency Response and Coordination Center.

Though the boom helped tech companies access much needed funds for development, it also created fertile ground for scammers looking to take money from ignorant investors under the guise of ICOs, which could threaten the countrys financial stability if left unchecked, Xinhua news agency reported.

From the perspective of issuers, investors and the market, ICOs have their risks, deputy head of Renmin University of China Law School Yang Dong told China Financial News, a news outlet of the central bank.

Analysts have advised that regulation of ICOs should focus on registration of financial products, proper information disclosure and underlying project quality.

Governments in other countries have taken note of the risks.

In a notice on August 28, the US Securities and Exchange Commission warned investors about potential scams involving stocks of companies claiming a relationship to or engagement with ICOs.

Chinas latest regulation came as authorities repeatedly highlighted the importance of containing financial risk as the country faces a build-up of debt, and booming new financial products challenge regulations.

Since Chinas tone-setting economic conference last December pledged to make preventing financial risk a priority, regulators from the banking, securities and insurance sectors have made solid efforts to clean up the market.

The booming ICO trade fueled the price of digital currencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum and many newly invented coins, whose market value surged several times.

Regulators had already applied the brakes to the heated ICO market. Around 60 ICO trading platforms were inspected and asked to halt ICO business since last week, according to media reports.

Major platforms, including ICOAge and BTCChina, have stopped offering ICO trading.

Unlike IPOs, in which investors buy stocks in companies, investors in ICOs receive digital coins developed by the firms, which could appreciate in value if the companies fare well and demand for their currencies grows.

ICOs, once a game confined to a few, have taken off this year in China, attracting more players  both innovators and scammers  and catching the attention of regulators.

Reaction was swift online, Reuters reported.

The music has stopped, said one member of a WeChat group set up last week for an upcoming ICO for a fundraising platform called SelfSell.

Hurry up and sell your Bitcoin, said another.

The organizer of the ICO project said it had been suspended.
Xi announces US$80m funding for BRICS plans

From:Agencies | 2017-09-05 09:36

BRICS leaders (from left) Brazils President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South Africas President Jacob Zuma and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a group photograph during the BRICS Summit at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center in southeast Chinas Fujian Province yesterday. China is to give US$80 million in funding for BRICS cooperation plans, Xi said, while the bloc of five emerging economies pledged to oppose protectionism. Xi offered 500 million yuan (US$76.6 million) for a BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan, and another US$4 million for projects at the groups New Development Bank during the leaders summit. Xi said the five countries should increase cooperation in sectors such as trade and investment, monetary policy and finance, and sustainable development.  Xinhua



CHINA will give US$80 million in funding for BRICS cooperation plans, President Xi Jinping said yesterday, while the bloc of five emerging economies pledged to oppose protectionism.

Xi offered 500 million yuan (US$76.6 million) for a BRICS economic and technology cooperation plan, and another US$4 million for projects at the groups New Development Bank during the three-day leaders summit in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

Xi said the five emerging economies  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  should increase cooperation in sectors such as trade and investment, monetary policy and finance, and sustainable development.

We should redouble our efforts to comprehensively deepen BRICS partnerships and open BRICS cooperation, he said.

Set up in 2015 as an alternative to the World Bank, the Shanghai-headquartered NDB was seen as the first major BRICS achievement after the group came together in 2009 to press for a bigger say in the post-World War II financial order created by Western powers.

Brazilian President Michel Temer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Jacob Zuma were welcomed by Xi before the opening of the summit, themed BRICS: Stronger Partnership for a Brighter Future.

The summit is widely expected to set the future course for the group, which accounts for about 43 percent of the worlds population and has contributed more than half of global economic growth over the past decade.

Xi raised his vision to comprehensively deepen BRICS partnership, including seeking practical results in economic cooperation, strengthening complementarity of development strategies and making the international order more just and equitable.

He noted the different national conditions of the five countries, but stressed differences can be transcended and win-win results achieved.

He called on BRICS members to bring their comparative strengths in resources, markets and labor force to release growth potential and the creativity of 3 billion people.

While uncertainties and downside risks persist with inward-looking policies weighing on global growth prospects, Xi stressed the promotion of results-oriented economic cooperation, the foundation of BRICS cooperation.

The potential for BRICS cooperation has yet to be fully unleashed, Xi said, citing the five countries foreign investment of US$197 billion in 2016, just 5.7 percent of which took place among BRICS members.

He said BRICS should work for a new type of international relations and push for economic globalization that is open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.

A Xiamen Declaration adopted by the leaders said BRICS countries will continue to oppose protectionism as they are committed to an open and inclusive multilateral trading system.

The communique emphasized the need to be vigilant in guarding against inward-looking policies that could hurt global market confidence, and called on all countries to fully implement the Paris climate agreement.

During the summit, China is holding a Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries, in which the leaders of Egypt, Guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan and Thailand will join BRICS leaders to discuss global development cooperation.
A new study supports the idea that stroke survivors are more likely to have underlying cancer than the general population. While the findings are yet to be confirmed by further studies, the researchers suggest that stroke survivors should be screened and monitored for cancer. Share on Pinterest Researchers in Spain advise that stroke survivors be monitored for cancer in the first few months after the attack. The study, which features at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2017 Congress, held in Madrid, Spain, is the work of lead author Dr. Jacobo Rogado, medical oncology fellow at the Hospital de La Princesa in Madrid, and colleagues. Dr. Rogado explains, Postmortem studies have suggested that cancer can develop after a stroke, but the magnitude of this association has not been described. He and his colleagues decided to carry out a study to probe the link and find out which factors might be involved. A stroke is an attack in the brain that occurs when a clot interrupts or blocks the blood supply or a blood vessel bursts. The result is that cells are deprived of vital oxygen, without which they can die within minutes. Each year in the United States, more than 795,000 people have a stroke. For most of them  around 610,000  it is their first. The new study concerns ischemic stroke, which occurs when blood supply in the brain is blocked or interrupted. This type is responsible for the vast majority of strokes (nearly 90 percent).

Screening could reduce cancer deaths Cancer is a disease that develops when unchecked abnormal cells grow out of control and form growths, or tumors, that invade surrounding tissue. Over time, cancer can reach a stage called metastasis. This occurs when cancer cells break away from the primary tumor  that is, where the cancer started  and travel through the blood or lymph system to form new, or metastatic, tumors in other organs and tissues. Most cancer deaths are caused by metastatic cancer. More than 1.5 million people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the U.S., and more than 500,000 die of it. The number of new cases per year is expected to reach 2 million by 2020. Research shows that vaccinations, healthy choices, and screening could prevent more than half of cancer deaths. The new study relates to cancer screening, and if its findings are confirmed, the team suggests that stroke patients should perhaps be screened and followed for a while in case they have underlying cancer.

Excessive blood clotting Blood clotting, or coagulation, is a normal response  following a wound, for example, in which proteins called fibrins and platelets come together to form a thickened mass of blood tissue. However, excessive blood clotting is a serious condition that raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, organ damage, and death. The new findings support the idea that cancer can promote excessive blood clotting, or hypercoagulation. It has been suggested that cancer is a hypercoagulable state in which tumor cells activate the coagulation system, says Dr. Rogado. For the new study, the team analyzed data on 381 patients referred from the emergency room to the stroke unit of the Hospital de La Princesa between January 2012 and December 2014. The patients had been followed for 18 months after receiving a stroke diagnosis. The studys results showed that during the follow-up period, 7.6 percent of the stroke survivors (29 individuals) were diagnosed with cancer. This figure is nearly double the incidence in the general population (4.5 percent), note the authors. The cancers that occurred most frequently in the stroke survivors were colon, lung, and prostate cancers. The average time that elapsed between stroke and cancer diagnosis was 6 months, with nearly half (45 percent) of cancer diagnoses arising within the first half a year. The team also found that nearly two thirds (62 percent) of the cancers diagnosed in the stroke survivors were either locally advanced or metastatic.
Empathy is a precious moral and social resource. It helps us to form friendships, care for the needy, and not be cruel. But what goes on in our brains when we empathize? Can neuroscience help us to explain why we care? Share on Pinterest Having empathy means understanding and sharing another persons emotions, as opposed to singularly pursuing our own interests. On September 13, 1848, in a railroad construction accident, an explosion drove an iron rod through the skull of Phineas Gage, a 25-year-old foreman. The man survived and went on to live for another 12 years, but the accident reportedly turned him into a rude and inconsiderate person. Here is how Gages physician described the changes in his patients behavior: He is fitful, irreverent, indulging at times in the grossest profanity (which was not previously his custom), manifesting but little deference for his fellows, impatient of restraint of advice when it conflicts with his desires. In this regard, his mind was radically changed, so decidedly that his friends and acquaintances said he was no longer Gage,' the doctor added. Although the term empathy was not coined until 60 years later, the accident showed scientists that the ability to share another persons feelings has deep neurological roots. In his book Zero Degrees of Empathy, Simon Baron-Cohen  a professor of developmental psychology at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom  explains how modern neuroscience has helped to illuminate that 19th-century case. More than 100 years later, using modern functional MRI (fMRI) machines, researchers ascertained that the iron bar had penetrated a brain area known as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vMPFC). As Prof. Baron-Cohen explains, this is one of the 10 brain areas involved in the neural circuit responsible for creating empathy. By injuring a key element of this brain circuit, the accident deprived Gage of the ability to feel empathy. So, can neuroscience help to explain why some of us are considerate toward our fellow human beings while others are not? If so, how? We take a look at some of the other brain regions that have been found to influence our ability to empathize.

The empathy brain circuit Share on Pinterest A 3-D rendering of the skull of Phineas Gage, showing how the iron bar penetrated his vMPFC.

Image credit: Van Horn JD, Irimia A, Torgerson CM, Chambers MC, Kikinis R, et al. In his book, Prof. Baron-Cohen walks us through the brain circuit involved in empathy. He says that there is neuroscientific consensus that empathy occurs across at least 10 brain areas, with more to be discovered. As modern brain scanning technology has revealed, many of these same brain areas become activated not only when we experience a sensation or feeling ourselves, but also when we see other people experience it. The first stop on the circuit is the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC)  that is, the social hub of our brains. As Prof. Baron-Cohen explains, the dorsal MPFC has been shown to be involved in thinking about other peoples thoughts and feelings as well as our own, while the ventral MPFC seems to be highly active when people think more about themselves than others. The vMPFC may have other roles as well. Antonio Damasio, of the Department of Neurology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine in Iowa City, suggested that our vMPFC might act as an emotional bank that attaches and stores emotional valence to certain actions. For instance, when confronted with violent or emotionally distressing images, the vMPFC is activated and causes physiological changes in the body, such as increasing the heart rate. But as Damasio shows, patients with injuries in this area are less responsive to such images in this way. The vMPFC overlaps with the so-called orbitofrontal cortex. Prof. Baron-Cohen and his team were the first to show that people with injuries in this area have trouble telling when someone has committed a social faux pas or tend to become socially uninhibited  in much the same way that Phineas Gage did. Next on the empathy circuit is the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Studies have shown that patients with damage in this area have trouble recognizing emotions on other peoples faces. Additionally, researchers have found a positive correlation between how highly people scored on the empathy quotient scale and how active their IFG was when they looked at emotional expressions. Just like the IFG, the amygdala is also involved in recognizing facial expressions. A key part of our limbic system, the amygdala is essential to emotional learning, and a famous neurological case showed that damage to the amygdala can leave a patient without the ability to recognize fearful expressions. Likewise, neurons in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex (cACC) have been shown by fMRI to  light up  when a person experiences pain, as well as when they see someone else in pain. The anterior insula is also activated under similar circumstances. Both of these areas seem to enable us to put ourselves in another persons shoes, or as Dr. John Lewis puts it in the video below, to model another persons painful experience in our own heads. The right tempoparietal junction (RTPJ), Prof. Baron-Cohen goes on to explain in his book, seems deeply involved with what philosophers have referred to as the theory of mind  that is, the process of attributing intentions to another person. Interestingly, some experiments have shown that damage in this area can give people the strange, ghostly feeling that someone else is present in the room even when they are not. Next to the RTPJ is the posterior superior temporal sulcus, which is a brain region that enables us to follow the direction of someone elses gaze. Another area key for empathy is the somatosensory cortex, which is also activated when someone sees another person in physical pain, as well as when we have a tactile experience ourselves. Finally, our empathy would be impaired without our network of mirror neurons. This consists of the IFG and the frontal operculum (located just above the IFG), which connect with the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) and the inferior parietal sulcus (situated behind the IPL). Mirror neurons are brain cells that become activated when we mimic somebody elses actions. These are responsible for the  chameleon effect , or for the phenomenon of emotional contagion  be it involuntarily yawning or smiling when we see someone else smile.

Recent discoveries and unsolved puzzles More recent findings complete the rich neuroscientific tapestry that explains why we care about other people. For example, Medical News Today have recently reported on a study that supports the idea that the ACC is key for the empathy circuit. More specifically, the study shows that the so-called subgenual ACC is activated when people learn to perform generous acts. Another study has shown that the right supramarginal gyrus helps to keep our selfishness in check. The brain area enables us to decouple our own interests and feelings from those of other people, and due to this region we are able to share somebody elses sadness even when we are happy with our own lives. We have spoken a lot about brain areas that regulate empathy, but hormones also play a role. In a recent study reported by MNT, scientists found that oxytocin  popularly known as the love or the attachment hormone because we secrete it during physical contact with our loved ones  is crucial to our ability to empathize. But despite all of this progress, much remains to be discovered. Speaking to MNT about this, Prof. Baron-Cohen said, If you have two identical twins raised in the same environment, why should one of them have more empathy than another? It could be differences in their social experience, including how the same parent(s) are treating each twin differently [] or it could be epigenetic factors. We still know very little about individual differences in empathy. [] We will need elegant experimental research to solve these puzzles. Prof. Simon Baron-Cohen
Previously thought to be effective for 10-15 years, a new case-control study found that if given in early teenage years (12-13), the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine protected over 50% of UK children against TB for at least 20 years, then waned. The research was led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and funded by the National Institute for Health Research. Although some studies in countries such as Brazil and Norway have indicated that BCG might be effective for longer than first thought, this study provides the most robust evidence to date.

With no new vaccine for TB imminently available, the researchers say their findings highlight the important role BCG is playing in preventing the spread of the disease, and provide an argument for uptake to be higher in areas where TB risk is high but vaccination coverage is low, such as parts of Central and Western Africa, East Asia and the Pacific - important new evidence for agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO) advising on vaccines. The results will also support countries where the routine BCG programme is at risk of being neglected to assess the cost-effectiveness of the vaccine, as well as the effectiveness of TB vaccines in development.

TB is a major, and preventable, cause of death and disease which mainly affects the lungs. Two to three billion of the world's population are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 10% of whom progress to clinical disease. In 2015 there were an estimated 10.4 million new cases of TB and 1.8 million deaths globally.

In the UK, BCG vaccination was given mostly to schoolchildren until it was discontinued in 2005 as the risk of TB was low. It has continued to be recommended to babies and infants who are at higher risk. Although offered around the world, the length of the BCG vaccine's protective effect is unclear, something this new research aimed to address.

The study was conducted among adults in the general population in England 10 to 30 years after they were offered the BCG vaccine at school. It compared 677 people (cases) who were diagnosed with TB, with 1,170 people without a previous history of the disease (controls). Adults in both groups were inspected for BCG vaccination scars and asked about their vaccination history by specially trained interviewers. Overall, 75% of cases were vaccinated compared to 86% of controls. These groups had been matched on year of birth and the researchers controlled for social and demographic variables including drug use, education and living region.

TB was less than half as likely to occur in vaccinated children compared with unvaccinated children 10 to 20 years later. The protective effect of BCG then declined after 20 years. The analysis took into account missing information in some people such as alcohol use and smoking, as well as the fact that individuals with TB were poorer, with a higher later risk of TB but less likely to have had BCG vaccination at school.

Lead author Dr Punam Mangtani, Associate Professor in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "Tuberculosis kills nearly two million people every year, more than HIV/AIDS, but TB prevention methods have changed little in half a century. Progress in developing new TB vaccines is slow with BCG, developed in the 1920s, still the only option."

"Previous studies have shown BCG can offer good protection against TB for up to 10-15 years following vaccination of secondary schoolchildren, but we do not know the duration of protection in different populations. Our study showed it offers moderate protection for longer than had been recognised. This could help countries who are moving towards being 'low-risk' areas assess the cost-effectiveness of BCG in the prevention of the disease, and also be a new yardstick against which new TB vaccines in development can be measured."

BCG vaccine is given in infancy in 158 countries with an estimated 88% coverage overall. Its protective effect can be lower closer to the equator where environmental non-tuberculous mycobacteria3 or TB infection are more common and, if they occur before vaccination, can mask or block its effect. Although the World Health Organization's End TB strategy highlights the importance of continuing infant BCG vaccination in high prevalence settings, this study suggests it may have a bigger role to play.

Dr Mangtani said: "BCG given at school age may help in the control of TB, including reducing the risk of multidrug resistant disease, as those vaccinated around 13 years of age have been protected into adulthood when transmission of the infection was more likely. Health officials should consider recommending childhood BCG vaccination where TB risk is high and where infant vaccination has not been given. BCG is not perfect but until a new, more effective vaccine is approved and rolled-out, we should be maximising its potential. We should also be supporting the various agencies that make sure BCG is readily available globally."

The authors acknowledge limitations of the study, including not being able to exclude subjects who had positive tuberculin skin test in the school vaccination programme who would have been ineligible for vaccination, and that subjects taking part are more likely to have been vaccinated than those not contactable or who had refused.

Article: The duration of protection of school-aged BCG vaccination in England: a population -based case??"control study, Punam Mangtani, Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo, Ruth H Keogh, Jonathan AC Sterne, Ibrahim Abubakar, Peter G Smith, Paul EM Fine, Emilia Vynnycky, John M Watson, David Elliman, Marc Lipman, and Laura C Rodrigues. International Journal of Epidemiology, doi: 10.1093/ije/dyx141, published online 31 August 2017.
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In fact, the distinctive loess soils in the area have been called the most erodible in the world. In a massive soil conservation effort, the Chinese government is creating incentives for farmers to plant sustainable and erosion-reducing cropping systems, including orchards, forests, and perennial grasses. Researchers from U of I are recommending switchgrass."When we're looking at revegetation, ideally we're planting something that can bring in revenue for farmers. Switchgrass produces a lot of biomass that can be harvested and burned as a cleaner source of energy," Lee says."Not only can switchgrass reduce air pollution by holding the soil, if it is burned instead of coal, it can reduce air pollution in a second way."Switchgrass is stress tolerant and small-scale testing in the area has shown that it can produce plenty of biomass even with limited irrigation and fertilizers. But, Lee says, cultivar selection and management practices will depend on where switchgrass is planted within the Loess Plateau."Most areas should be okay, but elevation, latitude, and moisture level should be taken into account when selecting the appropriate switchgrass cultivar for the area."Although switchgrass has been introduced in China, it hasn't caught on as a biomass crop yet. That's where the research team including experts in switchgrass cultivar selection, agronomy, and management comes in, and their new article provides this information in practical terms for future evaluation by Chinese scientists and government agencies."Stopping erosion in the Loess Plateau is not going to be easy. It was the birthplace of agriculture in Asia, and it has been farmed for several thousand years. The land has been intensively farmed. But when I visited, I saw people out there planting trees by hand. It's changing. And maybe switchgrass can be part of that change," Lee says.Source: Eurekalert
Say what you may, when you think of Daniel Radcliffe, your memory immediately runs to the Harry Potter' series. The boy who lived, the boy with the scar... the chosen one.

 heyday films

Daniel Radcliffe has starred in some interesting projects including The Woman In Black', Victor Frankenstein' and even Imperium'. However, y'all should get ready to watch him like never before in his upcoming movie Jungle'.

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The movie is inspired by a real life incident where 3 friends set off on a bag packing trip to La Paz. They meet an Austrian expat who claims to know the Amazon forest too well and lure the friends on an adventure of a lifetime. The trip turns into a ghoulish nightmare and Yossi Ghinsberg survives to tell the tale. The movie is taken from the book that he wrote about it.

Daniel plays the lead who struggles to survive in the jungle for weeks. The trailer is creepy, which is good because that's the whole intention behind it. The movie is directed by Greg McLean, who in the past has also directed The Belko Experiment.'

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Ghinsberg, the man who survived the horror in real life explained in an interview that even though the movie might look scary and creepy, in real life, it was worse. Daniel is sporting a beard and that Israelii accent is spot on. He nails the whole look with his stellar acting. Even if the movie is not a hit, one will remember it as a great performance from his end. The movie also stars Thomas Kretschmann, Alex Russell, Joel Jackson, and Yasmin Kassim along with Radcliffe. The movie premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival and is gearing up for a release in October 2017.
The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with much fervor and excitement in the entire country but in Mumbai, this festival becomes a grand public event that goes on for a period of 10 days.

The entire city comes together to honour Ganesha's birthday. On the first day, people bring home beautiful statues of him and for the next 10 days, the entire city is filled beautiful pandals with huge statues. The last day, known as the visarjan' day, witnesses huge gatherings of people, heading towards different beaches to immerse the statues in water and to mark the end of the festival.

All's well and good until the last day, when the beaches in Mumbai begin to look like a garbage pit. The devotion towards the city's cleanliness is nowhere to be seen as opposed to the devotion towards Lord Ganesha. Citizens and different government departments have repeatedly voiced their concerns about the pollution caused to water bodies and the hazards that it poses to the environment but people, still unaffected, go to sleep peacefully after the immersion. Nobody really cares about the aftermath.

 Reuters

This time, however, some Mumbaikars decided to change this unhealthy tradition'.

Two years back, a cleanliness drive was initiated on Versova beach in Mumbai, which turned out to be a huge success. Citizens of Mumbai come out to clean the beach every week and they made sure that the Ganesh Chaturthi week was no exception. After all the festivities were done with, the citizens came forward and worked almost the entire night and morning to get the beach squeaky clean. The drive saw the support of more than 500 students from different schools and colleges. Since the immersion takes place on different days, the volunteers made sure to take care of all of them 1st, 5th, 7th and 10th.

According to a volunteer, on the first day of immersion, they picked up about 1900 idols and on the 5th day, somewhere around 800 idols were picked up. The 7th day witnessed the highest number with up to 1490 idols and on the last day, they managed to collect close to 800 idols.

The cleanliness drive which was initiated in 2015 by Mumbai-based lawyer and environmentalist Afroz Shah has been appreciated by one and all across the country. He, along with his team of volunteers and students, managed to clean up the Versova beach as he revealed in his tweet earlier this week.

Week 99 Visarjan cleanup.20,000 people at the beach.5 hrs( night) and 2 hrs (morning) cleaning for past 7 days.Beach at 9.30 am as we leave. pic.twitter.com/YZomb8w2N2  Afroz Shah (@AfrozShah1) September 1, 2017

Mumbaikars have been making the headlines since the last few weeks because of their undying spirit to help each other out during the havoc that was caused due to heavy rains and floods and this time too, their determination and will to achieve what most would consider impossible, deserves a round of applause.
Renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh was murdered at her home in Bengaluru yesterday. An avowed critic of right-wing extremism, she frequently wrote and spoke about the perils of caste politics. Having worked for several newspapers and publications throughout her career, she was editing 'Lankesh Patrika', a local Karnataka tabloid.

 Twiter

Her work had earned her quite a few haters and she once said in an interview with Newslaundry, Unfortunately, today anybody talking in support of human rights and against fake encounters is branded a Maoist supporter. Along with that, my criticism of Hindutva politics and the caste system, which is part and parcel of what is considered 'Hindu dharma', makes my critics brand me as a 'Hindu hater'. But I consider it my constitutional duty to continue - in my own little way - the struggle of Basavanna and Dr Ambedkar towards establishing an egalitarian society.

In an interview with ANI, her brother said she also worked extensively to rehabilitate Naxals and helped them get back into the mainstream. Talking to reporters, he appealed to authorites to carry out a thorough investigation.

She was working to rehabilitate naxals.When she brought few of them to mainstream,lot of voices were against it...: Brother of #GauriLankesh pic.twitter.com/1hexbYZ6mB  ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2017

The murder is being investigated into and the identity of the culprits is not known yet.

 BCCL

As the journalist and intellectual fraternity reeled in shock and despair over the cold-blooded murder, comments poured all over social media lamenting the death of freedom of speech. This is not the first time a journalist/activist has been found dead. Ram Chander Chhatrapati, the journalist who exposed the truth about rapes in the Dera arena was shot at point-blank range in 2002.

 Twitter

In 2013, Narendra Dabholkar who worked towards eradicating superstition and black magic was shot dead while he was on his morning walk. Govind Pansare, his close associate and a Communist leader, who worked towards shattering caste and class myths was also shot dead in 2015.

 BCCL

We don't know yet who got Gauri Lankesh killed, but we do know an important voice of India has been silenced. While most of India grieved over the loss of a brilliant journalist, there were some who shocked the internet with their sheer lack of empathy for the dead:

So, Commy Gauri Lankesh has been murdered mercilessly. Your deeds always come back to haunt you, they say. Amen.#Bengaluru#GauriLankesh  Jagrati Shukla (@JagratiShukla29) September 5, 2017

The hate is nauseating and we wonder how did we get to this.

As we try to come to terms with what happened yesterday, this quote rings loud in our ears.
In 2018, Supreme Court allowed girls and women of all ages to visit the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, saying discrimination on physiological grounds was a violation of fundamental rights.
UPPER THUMB - Independent Bank will continue their donation campaign, Investing in Communities, with phase three already underway.

They will be giving away $5,000 each to four housing non-profit organizations in local communities to put toward their mission.

Community members can nominate a housing non-profit located in a Michigan county served by Independent Bank, or located within 10 miles of a Michigan Independent Bank branch or loan production office, Sept. 1-8 at IndependentBank.com/Investing.

Voting on the nominated non-profits will take place Sept. 15-29.

Votes may be placed up to once per day, and voter must be 18 years or older, have a valid Facebook account, and be a legal resident of Michigan to vote.

The four housing non-profit organizations with the most votes will each win $5,000 from Independent Bank. Official Rules are available at IndependentBank.com/Investing.
UPPER THUMB -- While the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) sues Michigan Sugar Co. of Bay City for odor pollution, officials with MDEQ say there have been no odor complaints from the Sebewaing or Caro locations.

Melody Kindraka, public information officer for the MDEQ, said in an email to the Tribune that since 2015, the agency has received more than 1,600 odor complaints, resulting in 26 odor rule violations at the Bay City plant.

"According to our local staff, we have not received any odor complaints from the Sebewaing or Caro locations," she said in a subsequent email.

The MDEQ filed a lawsuit against Michigan Sugar Co. of Bay City last week for alleged odor and water pollution violations.

"After several years of unsuccessful negotiations between the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Michigan Sugar to resolve numerous violations of the state's odor nuisance rule and violations of the storm water requirements in the company's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit," Kindraka said, "The MDEQ filed a lawsuit to compel Michigan Sugar to address these long standing violations at their Bay City operations."

Michigan Sugar Company CEO Mark Flegenheimer released the following statement in response to the suit:

"It's deeply troubling that the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality chose to ignore our company's record investments in cutting-edge new technology, our good faith negotiations, and our demonstrated commitment to the community we have called home for more than a century," he stated.

"Instead of a cooperative approach that could create a win-win for the Bay City community, 1,100 Michigan Sugar farm families and hundreds of Bay City employees of our company," Flegenheimer continued, "The MDEQ has adopted a confrontational stance that threatens our ability to work together."

Kindraka added that Michigan Sugar has been cited three times since 2015 for violations of their NPDES permit.

The MDEQ looks forward to bringing resolution to the violations, she said.

Flegenheimer said that Michigan Sugar has a significant investment in odor-eliminating technology.

"The fact is, Michigan Sugar Company has invested millions of dollars in Bay City in recent years to install the latest technology available in our industry," Flegenheimer said. "The investments include a centrifuge system that reduces organic matter leaving the factory, a new process that breaks down odors within our holding ponds, and beyond -- all examples of industry-leading innovation."

"Michigan Sugar is proud of our commitment to the environment and being a good neighbor, strong community partner and job provider, which is why this lawsuit filed by the MDEQ is disappointing," Flegenheimer said.

The suit alleges seven counts, the first stating that, from August 2012 to July 2017, Michigan Sugar violated sate air pollution rule by "emitting odors that caused an unreasonable interference with the comfortable enjoyment of life and property."

Count two alleges that Michigan Sugar has created a public nuisance "by emitting foul odors from the Bay City Facility that unreasonably interferer with the public's right to use their property."

The third count alleges that Michigan Sugar discharged various pollutants into the Saginaw River, and asks for a fine of $25,000 per day of violation.

Count four alleges violation of storm water requirements, and also asks for $25,000 per day of violation.

Allegations of count five include discharge of wastewater without a valid permit; and ask for $25,000 per day of violation.

Counts six and seven allege further violations of the NPDES permit, and also ask for $25,000 per day of violation.

The suit also seeks attorneys fees and other fines and costs.
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...
PALMER, Alaska -- Alaska's governor wants the Defense Department to open a new U.S. Navy base in the state in response to North Korea's nuclear threat.

Gov. Bill Walker, a Republican, issued a statement Sept. 3 calling for the creation of a new base in response to North Korea's latest nuclear test -- its sixth and biggest to date.

The regime claimed it tested a hydrogen bomb at the Punggye-ri test site. Officials with the Alaska Earthquake Center said the test registered as a 6.3 magnitude seismic event, indicating the weapon may have, indeed, been thermonuclear.

Walker said recent calls for a "comprehensive strategy" for deterrence by Sen. Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican who sits on the Committee on Foreign Relations, highlight the need for a Navy base on the coast of Alaska.

"A navy base in Alaska can be a key part of this strategy," Walker said in a statement. "Our location provides the quickest access to Asia for any base, which would also be under the protective umbrella of the missile defense unit at Fort Greely, which protects most of North America.

"This combination assures a powerful force for military deterrence will remain available to our commander-in-chief even if North Korea or another rogue nation were to launch a missile attack," he added. "Such a base would also provide key support for collaborative exercises and training with the maritime forces of our allies."

Alaska is home to two Army posts; two Air Force bases; and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, which houses Army and Air Force units; the Alaska National Guard; and Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard members. The state is also home to a series of Coast Guard stations.

Although there is currently no Navy base in Alaska, several thousand sailors are attached to various units in the state.

Alaska has been on the frontlines of war before. During World War II, the Aleutian Islands chain in the then-territory of Alaska saw action during the Battle of Attu as U.S. forces fought to remove Japanese garrisons from the islands.

Although mainland Alaska never saw action during the war, a series of fortifications was built along the coast.

Fear that the Japanese would invade Alaska also prompted the construction of the 1,420-mile Alaska Canada Military Highway, known today as the Al-Can.

It is unclear where along the state's massive coastline a new Navy base would be constructed. Much of the coastline is accessible only by plane or boat.

"As made clear during World War II, Alaskans understand what it means to be on the frontline of defending this nation," Walker said in the statement. "Alaskans also understand what it means to be attacked on U.S. soil by a foreign nation. The time is now to make our lands safer for today and for future generations."

-- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @amybushatz.
Joseph V. Micallef is a best-selling military history and world affairs author, and keynote speaker. Follow him on Twitter @JosephVMicallef.

Next week is the 16th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. An event immortalized by the simple title 9/11.

No other reference or explanation is necessary.

Like Dec. 7 or July 4, every American knows what 9/11 refers to and its significance.

Sept. 11 was not the beginning of jihadism or jihadist violence; it was not even the first attack of jihadists in the United States.

Still, 9/11 marks a beginning. Sixteen years later, however, it is still unclear what it is that actually began on 9/11.

In the ensuing 16 years of the "War on Terror," the United States and its allies have invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban government.

Despite relentless fighting, however, they still have been unable to defeat it or secure rural Afghanistan.

In roughly that same period, the U.S. and its allies have invaded Iraq, toppled Saddam Hussein and enabled Iraq's Shia majority to finally exercise political power in the area for the first time in more than a millennium.

The U.S. and various combinations of its allies have also intervened in several jihadist-inspired civil wars either directly or via proxies and have supplied arms, financing and military trainers and advisers from Syria to Somalia, and from Mali to the Philippines.

All this at a cost of trillions of dollars and thousands of lives.

During that time, al-Qaida, the original jihadist organization, spawned a variety of other jihadist groups around the world. One of which, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), seized an area in eastern Syria and western Iraq roughly comparable in size to the United Kingdom, with a population of roughly five million people, declared a caliphate and, for a period of roughly three years, will have ruled the first jihadist state. Although depending on your point of view, Afghanistan under the Taliban might deserve that dubious honor.

In this same period, al-Qaida and ISIS have recruited hundreds of thousands of jihadists to take up arms. They have created close to 100 different franchises around the world and backed them with highly sophisticated social media and propaganda efforts.

They have also carried out thousands of terrorist attacks around the world, as well as dozens of attacks in Europe, North America and Australia.

London, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, Ottawa, Brussels -- not to mention American cities such as New York, Orlando, San Bernardino, Boston and Fort Hood/Killeen -- have all witnessed major terrorist attacks since 9/11, which have left hundreds of dead and even more wounded.

Since 9/11, the FBI has recorded more than 300 incidents of terrorist violence in the United States.

While it may still be unclear what beginning 9/11 marked, there are some notable conclusions that can be drawn about the threat posed by jihadism and its evolving character.

Unprecedented Scope

First, although terrorism is not new, the scope of present jihadist terror networks is unprecedented.

Historically, terrorist groups had relatively few members. The terrorist groups of the 1970s and 1980s, Baader Meinhof, Brigate Rosse, Direct Action, to name a few, never had more than a few dozen members and, at most, several hundred core supporters that they could rely on for help.

A significant amount of their funding came from the Soviet Union. When the USSR disappeared, they did too.

In contrast, it is estimated that between 200,000 and 300,000 jihadists have been members of one or more jihadist organizations and have had battlefield experience.

At least 10 percent of these fighters carry European or American passports and can freely travel throughout Europe or North America. Many of them have returned home and joined or organized jihadist cells.

Transnational Organizations

Second, the jihadist networks are transnational in scope. This development too is unprecedented.

Terrorist organizations in the past often had informal links. They would, from time-to-time, assist each other but, for the most part, they operated independently.

Al-Qaida and ISIS, on the other hand, have set up around 100 franchises around the world. Each franchise in turn controls multiple cells of members.

Other organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah do not have specific franchises, but still have many affiliated cells in dozens of countries around the world.

Criminal Networks

Third, those jihadist networks are using their skill sets, access to arms and transnational links to carry out criminal activities on an international basis.

The Taliban has become a major player in the Afghan narcotics trade. It's estimated that between 65 percent and 90 percent of Afghanistan's heroin, now 90 percent of the world's supply, passes through the Taliban's hands at one point or another.

In addition, the Taliban has become involved in scores of criminal activities from cigarette smuggling to illegal mining and timber harvesting to distributing hashish. Islamic State has become increasingly involved in the marijuana trade in Europe, as well as profiting from its involvement in the organization of illegal migration from North African ports and the looting and sale of antiquities.

This is not the first time that terrorist organizations turned to criminal activities to finance their operations. Terrorist organizations like the Brigate Rosse or Baader Meinhof robbed banks or kidnapped prominent individuals for ransom. Many 19th century anarchist groups did the same thing. Even the Bolsheviks robbed Russian banks, before they came to power, to finance their activities.

The FARC, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, began as a Marxist-Leninist-inspired guerrilla movement intent on toppling the government of Colombia. It turned to the cocaine trade to fund its activities. Over time, it evolved into a hybrid narco-terrorist organization, as much a criminal drug syndicate as a guerilla movement.

Over the next several decades, it is likely that many of today's jihadist groups will turn to criminal activities to finance their operations. In the process, they will spawn new global criminal syndicates. The transformation is already well under way.

Sophisticated Social Media Users

Fourth, jihadist organizations have developed highly sophisticated social media and propaganda campaigns that give them an extra physical dimension.

Not only are they able to recruit and radicalize members remotely via social media, but they can exist and continue operating in cyberspace. Moreover, even after their leaders have been killed, their speeches and proselytizing continue unhindered across the Internet.

This unprecedented cyber aspect of contemporary jihadism has also given rise to the "lone wolf" terrorist.

A lone wolf is a jihadist who is radicalized remotely and who carries out acts of terrorist violence with minimal if any direction or assistance from the central organization. In some cases, they are not even part of an organized cell.

Typically, lone wolves publicly pledge their allegiance to a jihadist organization, usually by making a statement or posting a video on social media prior to carrying out an act of violence, but otherwise have little or no contact with jihadist organizations.

Since lone wolves have little communications with other jihadists or their organizational leadership, and since many of these attacks use readily available weapons, there is little "chatter" or activity within the jihadist network that would tip authorities to the possibility of an impending attack.

This lack of organizational activity makes lone wolf attacks virtually impossible to predict.

Low-Tech Success

Fifth, jihadist terrorists have gone decidedly low-tech. In the period following 9/11, there was widespread concern among Western governments that jihadist organizations would obtain weapons of mass destruction, even though the 9/11 attackers did not use anything more sophisticated than box cutters to obtain control of their aircraft.

The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq was justified, in part, on the supposed fear that Saddam Hussein might supply such weapons -- chemical, biological and even nuclear -- to such jihadist organizations. Intelligence obtained from raids on jihadist organizations confirmed that their leaders were intent on obtaining or creating weapons of mass destruction.

Recent attacks, however, have not involved high-tech weaponry or weapons of mass destruction. Instead, they have involved readily available automatic weapons, simple improvised explosive devices and the use of vehicles to run down civilians.

During the Battle of Mosul, Islamic State militants dropped grenades from civilian and toy drones. Such drones are readily available over the counter. We have not yet seen such attacks in the West, but it is certain that they are coming.

The reality today is that every crowd is a potential target of terrorist violence. Anything that can be used to kill people, from grenades delivered by toy drones to an automobile, is now a potential instrument of terror.

Both ISIS and al-Qaida have shown remarkable talent at improvising weaponry from common household items.

The most recent innovation was an attempt by ISIS militants to blow up an Etihad plane, EY 455, flying from Sydney to Abu Dhabi, with a bomb packed inside a Barbie doll.

Such attacks will not create mass casualties like those that occurred on 9/11, but they are tragic nonetheless for those killed or injured by them. Collectively, they can create a climate of fear and apprehension.

They also serve to poison the social fabric of a community; cause suspicions of immigrants and minorities, not to mention Muslims; and lead to a polarization of society. The rise of right-wing anti-migrant groups is, in part, a direct result of the climate of fear that persistent terrorist attacks are creating.

Are We Winning?

Sixteen years into the war on terror, are we winning?

The simple answer is no! The U.S. has succeeded in killing Osama bin Laden and scores of al-Qaida leaders. The U.S. also killed Abu Musa al-Zarqawi, the founder of Islamic State, and the Russians claim to have killed Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, its most recent head.

The U.S. and its allies have ejected ISIS from Mosul and virtually all the territory it once controlled in Iraq.

Likewise, they have rolled back ISIS in Syria and have liberated about half of the Syrian city of Raqqa, where Islamic State has its capital.

On the other hand, the level of terrorist violence around the world continues to increase. Jihadist organizations continue to spread, and their ability to recruit and radicalize potential converts continues unabated.

The issue is that jihadism is fundamentally a movement that has a broad appeal to a small percentage of the world's Muslims, but that, collectively, still amounts to several hundred million people.

Only a tiny percentage of those supporters will ever take up arms or engage in acts of terrorist violence, but that still leaves a pool of several million potential jihadists and several tens of millions of supporters and sympathizers.

To date, the U.S. has focused on destroying jihadist organizations and their leadership. But no sooner is one leader killed than another one comes forward to take his place.

Killing bin Laden did not end al-Qaida, and killing Ayman al-Zawahiri, his successor, won't either.

Likewise, killing Zarqawi or Baghdadi has not ended the Islamic State.

Degrading the operational leadership of a jihadist organization may make them less effective, but it is insufficient to eliminate them or the underlying conditions that created them.

Even if a jihadist organization is completely and utterly destroyed, new organizations will rise up to take their place.

We have spent the last 16 years fighting the symptoms of jihadism, but we have made little progress in dealing with its root causes.

Indeed, it's not even clear if we know how to deal with its root causes or if Western governments are even equipped to understand or address them.

What should give us cause for concern is that there was a lag of five to 10 years before the jihadist networks that were created by the mujahedeen fighting in Afghanistan against the Soviets were able to organize and carry out attacks in Europe and North America.

The jihadist organizations and the number of militants that have graduated from conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Somalia and elsewhere in North Africa and the Middle East are a whole order of magnitude greater from the first wave of jihadists that emerged from the Afghan war.

They have only just begun to organize their campaign against the West.

The wave of jihadist violence that has engulfed the world over the last 16 years is just the beginning. The beginning of what, remains to be seen.

-- The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Military.com.

-- If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to opinions@military.com for consideration.
An Iraqi student pilot was killed when an F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed in southeastern Arizona on Tuesday, the Air Force confirmed Wednesday.

The Iraqi, who wasn't immediately identified, was conducting routine training in an aircraft belonging to the Iraqi air force through a program with the Arizona National Guard's 162nd Wing, the service said in a release Wednesday.

The crash occurred about 20 miles northwest of Safford, the Guard said in a release.

It wasn't immediately clear whether the single-engine fighter struck any property or was destroyed.

An interim safety board has begun investigating the accident, according to the Air Force.

In 2015, Iraqi Brig. Gen. Rafid Mohammed Hassan died after his F-16 crashed east of Douglas Municipal Airport, southeast of Tucson, Arizona. Hassan was also training with the 162nd, which hosts the international F-16 fighter pilot training program.

The program often hosts students from Iraq, Singapore, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Oman, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Iraq is in the process of buying a fleet of F-16s from the U.S.

The U.S. in 2014 delivered the first two of 36 purchased F-16s to the Iraqi government at Tucson International Airport.

The Iraqi pilots, whom U.S. officials describe as an integral part of the coalition in the fight against the Islamic State, have been flying at Tucson as part of ongoing training.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
Naval Air Station Key West in Florida was being evacuated Wednesday and the Pentagon was diverting more assets from Texas as Category 5 Hurricane Irma began working its destructive way westward along the Caribbean island chains on a path to hit southern Florida.

Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, commander of the Navy Region Southeast, ordered the "mandatory evacuation of nonessential personnel and dependents from NAS Key West to safe haven within 300 miles of Atlanta, Georgia," the sea service said.

The order will apply to about 5,000 active duty personnel, civilians and their families, the Navy said. About 50-60 support personnel will remain at NAS Key West for the hurricane expected to hit the Florida Keys and southern Florida this weekend.

Military families and personnel who have been ordered to evacuate will be reimbursed for mileage, lodging, meals and incidentals based on reimbursement rates for the 300 mile area around Atlanta.

In preparation for relief efforts ahead of the storm, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis ordered the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge and the amphibious dock ship USS Oak Hill, which left Virginia last week enroute to the Texas Gulf coast for Hurricane Harvey relief, to be on standby for Irma relief at the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The two ships have onboard Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, amphibious vehicles and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft.

As the two ships left port last week, the Navy said they were "capable of providing medical support, maritime civil affairs, maritime security, expeditionary logistic support, medium and heavy lift air support, and bring a diverse capability including assessment and security."

U.S. Northern Command stressed that the Defense Department had sufficient assets to continue assisting in Harvey relief while preparing for the onset of Irma in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Florida.

Related content:

In a statement, Northern Command said the Pentagon was balancing "support to the response for Hurricane Harvey and the planning and pre-positioning of DoD assets in preparation for Hurricane Irma."

In Texas, military "trucks and rotary wing assets continue to be actively engaged in life-sustaining commodity distribution," Northern Command said.

The department was also aiding in "identifying potential support areas where DoD's unique capabilities may be required to assist in the response efforts" to Irma, the command said.

Col. Patrick Ryder, an Air Force spokesman at the Pentagon, said Tuesday that "multiple Air Force search-and-rescue teams who were supporting Hurricane Harvey relief efforts have returned to their home stations to recover and prepare for a potential response to Hurricane Irma."

"The Air Force continues to monitor the status of Hurricane Irma and stands ready to respond if called upon," he said."At this time, the Air Force is making plans to relocate the majority of F-16 aircraft from Homestead Air Reserve Base in southern Florida," Ryder said.

The colonel said the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, commonly known as the Hurricane Hunters, is scheduled to fly later this week to help monitor the storm's development.

"Multiple Air Force search-and-rescue teams who were supporting Hurricane Harvey relief efforts have returned to their home stations to recover and prepare for a potential response to Hurricane Irma," Ryder added.

With landfall in Florida expected this weekend, Gov. Rick Scott, R-Florida, sent out a Tweet: "Please do not ignore evacuation orders. Remember, we can rebuild your home, not your life."

President Donald Trump has declared disaster emergencies in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and Scott has ordered 8,000 Florida National Guard members to be mobilized by Friday.

In a statement, Scott said he had asked the National Guard Bureau to identify 30,000 additional troops to respond if they are needed.

At the White House, where he was meeting with congressional leaders on the House and Senate agenda, Trump said "there is a new and seems to be record-breaking hurricane heading right toward Florida and Puerto Rico and other places."

"We'll see what happens," the president said. "We'll know in a very short period of time. But it looks like it could be something that will be not good, believe me, not good."

Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms ever recorded, began hitting islands of the northeast Caribbean early Wednesday.

The storm packing winds of up to 185 miles an hour first made landfall on Barbuda, and later in the morning passed directly over St. Martin, the National Hurricane Center reported.

There were reports of flooding, major damage to buildings, and severed electricity and phone service on those islands as well as on Saint Barthelemy and Anguilla.

In the Bahamas, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis ordered the evacuation of southern islands to Nassau, the Associated Press reported. "The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm," Minnis said.

Editor's Note: The second graph was updated to correct the name of the commander of Navy Region Southeast.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at Oriana.Pawlyk@military.com.
Sen. John McCain recently recognized the Army special operations crew chief who was killed off the coast of Yemen as a fellow Arizonian.

Army Staff Sgt. Emil Rivera-Lopez went missing in an Aug. 25 Black Hawk helicopter crash and is presumed dead, according to Pentagon officials. His body has not been recovered.

Rivera-Lopez was born March 8, 1986, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but McCain, an Arizona Republican and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, tweeted over Labor Day weekend that Rivera-Lopez was from Tucson.

"Cindy & I send our condolences & heartfelt prayers to the friends & family of SSgt. Rivera-Lopez of Tucson," McCain's Tweet read.

Rivera-Lopez was assigned to the Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). The unit, known as the Night Stalkers, specializes in flying difficult nighttime missions, often ferrying ground special operations troops into battle.

Rivera-Lopez originally enlisted in the Army in July 2006 as a UH-60 Black Hawk repairer. He attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Rivera-Lopez served with D Company, 3-82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, from May 2007 to September 2008. Following his assignment with D Company, he served with the 3-82nd MEDEVAC until May 2013.

Following completion of Enlisted Green Platoon in July 2013, Rivera-Lopez was assigned to D Company, 3/160th SOAR, where he served as an MH-60M Black Hawk maintainer and squad leader.

In November 2014, he was assigned to C Company, 3/160th SOAR, where he served as a section sergeant and MH-60M Black Hawk crew chief.

Rivera-Lopez is a graduate of the Basic Leaders Course; Advanced Leaders Course; Enlisted Green Platoon; Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion Level-C; MH-60 Maintainers Course; MH-60 Non-Rated Crew Member Course; Dunker Course; and Basic Airborne Course.

His awards and decorations include the Air Medal (Numeral 2); Army Commendation Medal with Valor; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal (two oak leaf clusters); Joint Meritorious Unit Award; Army Good Conduct Medal (3rd award); National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 Bronze Service Stars); Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 2); Overseas Service Ribbon; NATO medal; Combat Action Badge; Aviation Badge; and Parachutist Badge.

Five other soldiers were rescued after the helicopter crash, which took place about 20 miles off Yemen's coast during a training flight.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, according to the Pentagon, which also confirmed the helicopter was not involved in a combat mission.

The military has a small number of troops deployed in Yemen to aid the fight against an al-Qaida group in the country.

It has conducted ground raids this year against the terrorist group there, including an operation in late January in which Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William Owens was killed, and an MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft was destroyed after it crashed.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
It seems a most unlikely storycombat Airborne Ranger becomes a cerebral data scientist. But this story perfectly illustrates the single most important lesson every transitioning service member should learn: Your MOS doesnt define your potential.

Alan Leggitt, like many post 9/11 veterans, enlisted because he wanted to make a difference. After witnessing the carnage of war, completing his mission and getting his soldiers home safely, Leggitt wanted a new challenge. Driven by the desire to help fellow veterans who were wounded in battle,

Leggitt went back to school and studied as a medical researcher, where he learned how to collect and analyze data. His analytical skills, coupled with Army Ranger grit, helped Leggitt excel in the world of data science.

Military.coms Sean Mclain Brown had a conversation with Leggitt about his transition and career as data scientist.

1. Combat Army Ranger to Data Scientist. How did that happen?

I know many wounded soldiers. I wanted to use technology to advance the quality of the healthcare they might receive. Dont laugh; initially I dreamed of building cyborgs, but as a first-generation college student, I wasnt quite sure how to achieve this. I opted to major in physics, because it was one of my favorite subjects from high school.

Thanks to some amazing mentors, I learned how to program in Matlab and Python, how to design experiments and test hypotheses, and how to collect and analyze data.

As I kept in touch with the people I had served with and engaged with other veterans in the SF Bay Area, I began to realize that many veterans, myself included, struggled with mental wounds such as traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and/or suicide. I wanted to learn more about how these afflictions manifest in the brain itself.

While at UCSF, I realized that while academic institutions provide a stable foundation for scientific research, collaborations with industry can lead to the rapid development of life changing products that can capture the public imagination. I began to explore my options in the private sector and was eventually offered a job as a data scientist for a seed-stage digital health startup.

2. Theres an overwhelming employer demand for data scientists and anyone with strong analytical skills. Whats driving that in your opinion?

I bought my first cell phone at the age of 18, and only used it to make phone calls. Thirteen years later, between my cell phone and laptop, I wouldnt be surprised if I generated a gigabyte of data per day.

Nearly everything I do: from browsing the internet, to commuting to work, to taking pictures of my cat, generates an increasingly large data footprint.

Companies, governments, and nonprofits are looking for people who can use this data to predict behavior, so they can advance causes, sway opinions, or develop and sell products.

3. What does it take to be a successful data scientist?

Curiosity

Because of the diversity of problems that data scientists tackle, it helps to be able to quickly become interested in a new topic, and really want to dig deep into it. Oftentimes, the economic or strategic value of the problem in question isnt immediately apparent, so it helps to fall back on your own intrinsic desire for knowledge for the sake of knowledge. For example, as an undergraduate I studied the ultrasonic vocalizations of baby mice in order to evaluate genetic models of autism.

Creativity

Because many of the tools you learn as a data scientist are applicable across a wide variety of problems, it helps to be able to develop creative metaphors to link seemingly unrelated topics. For example, in my current project, I often model arterial blood flow as if it were an electrical circuit. While it may not make sense intuitively, this analogy has proven useful in making predictions.

Attention to detail

As a data scientist, I write a lot of code. When you make a mistake, the best case scenario is that is just doesnt work. The worst case scenario is that you think it works, but it spits out poor quality data or results. Its imperative to be able to find mistakes in your own code, as well as your colleagues.

Abstract reasoning

Ive often had to think about problems in more than three dimensions, which is next to impossible to visualize. Ive also had to intuit complex nonlinear relationships between variables. Its crucial to be able to develop a complex mental model of your problem space.

4. Are there skills that you were taught in the military that apply to the role of a data scientist

Attention to detail (see above)

Communication

In the Army, we broke complex problems down into the simplest language possible. As a data scientist, you often need to explain your insights and reasoning to non-technical people. The ability to explain things to a nine-year old is in my opinion, an extremely underrated skill in the field.

Reproducibility

I miss being able to grab someone elses rucksack and know exactly where everything is. The military makes everything you do reproducible, which is absolutely crucial in any field of science.

Teamwork

This one is a no-brainer. The stakes are as high as they getour lives depend on the team functioning as one unit. In science and in business, especially a startup, to beat your competition, you must work together to the highest order or you will fail.

Data security

Loose lips sink ships.

Procedural thinking

The military teaches you to break a problem down into simple actionable steps.

5. What are you working on now?

The company I work for, Vital Labs, is developing a mobile application that takes a video of your finger tip and uses it to analyze your cardiovascular health. Its consumer focused, and it's meant to empower individuals to make lifestyle changes and use biofeedback to evaluate how those changes are impacting their overall health. This is particularly important for veterans. Veterans are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than the general population. Im currently seeking people to beta test the app, and would love to have a cohort of veterans. Please email me if youre interested: alan@vitallabs.co

Another group I only recently started volunteering with is called Data For Democracy. Theyre a network of volunteers who work on publicly available datasets for the sake of social good. This is an excellent community for newcomers to data science. You can get your hands dirty with many different types of data, get mentorship from more senior data scientists, and start building your portfolio.

The Takeaways:
Jayakumar Krishnaswamy, MD, Akzo Nobel said although growth was impacted in the months of May and June, months of July and August have started well and with festive season in September and October, the overall expectation is good, adding that some green shoots are appearing.

It is our ambition to grow ahead of industry  the industry grew at 11-12-13 percent in year 2011-12 and 2013 but subsequently, coating industry saw growth down to 8-9 percent, said Krishnaswamy. However, in the coming 18-24 months the hope is the industry would get back to double-digit growth on back of government efforts.

The company has always rewarded its shareholders and would continue to do so, assured Krishnaswamy, adding that in the last 5 years, the company has given 3 special dividends.

Akzo Nobel is a leading global paints and coatings company and major producer of specialty chemicals.
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Dear Sir,Pursuant to Regulation 30 read with Schedule III to SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosures Requirements) Regulations, 2015, please find enclosed the Notice of 23rd Annual General Meeting of Hasti Finance Limited to be held on Saturday, 30th September, 2017. The said Notice is also displayed on the Website of the Company.Kindly acknowledge and take on record the same.Source : BSE

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This is to inform you that in terms of Regulation 29 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company will be held on Wednesday, 13th day of September, 2017 at 4.30 p.m. at the office of the Company situated at 1102, G-Wing, 11th Floor, Lotus Corporate Park, Off. Western Express Highway, Goregaon (E), Mumbai-400063 inter-alia to consider and approve the Unaudited Financial Results of the Company for the quarter ended 30th June, 2017 and other items as per Agenda of the Meeting.As per the provisions of SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015, the trading window for dealing in the securities of the Company shall be closed for the Company's Directors, Officer, designated employees and other connected persons of the Company from 7th September, 2017 to 15th September, 2017 (both days inclusive) in view of consideration of Unaudited Financial Results for the quarter ended 30th June, 2017.Source : BSE

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This is hereby to inform you that the Notice of 27th Annual General Meeting of the Company scheduled to be held on Monday, the 18th September, 2017 at 10.00 a.m at the registered office of the Company at 91, N.S. Road, 3rd Floor, Vilayati Kothi, Kolkata-700001, West Bengal was sent by permitted mode to all the Members of the Company.Due to unavoidable circumstances, the venue of the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Company is changed from above venue to Tusthi Banquet, 808, HO-CHI MINH Sarani, Sakuntala Park, Kolkata-700061, West Bengal.Source : BSE

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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan gestures as he answers a question from the audience after delivering his keynote address at the "Advancing Asia: Investing for the Future" conference in New Delhi, India, March 12, 2016. REUTERS/Anindito Mukherjee - RTX28TO6

Public sector bank mergers must take place when the banks are healthy while most of them are yet to clean up their balance sheets, said Raghuram Rajan, former Reserve Bank of India governor.

Rajan, whose three-year term as the central bank chief ended a year ago, has released his book I Do What I Do based on a compilation of his speeches and his commentary on the reform, rhetoric and resolve.

Taking questions on the bank mergers from the audience, Rajan said, You have to be careful because mergers take time and consume a lot of time from the senior management and banks are different entities with different geographies and culture.

According to him, it is better to merge banks when they are healthy, bring in the management capacity and then contemplate mergers because when unhealthy, more time has to be spent on cleaning the balance sheets.

The government and RBI are discussing consolidation in the banking sector to have fewer public sector banks. However, most public sector banks are grappling with huge bad loans and capital constraints leading to weaker balance sheets.

RBI's Independence

The former RBI head also mentioned that he was against making RBI completely independent as it already enjoys a lot of freedom. RBI cannot work in contra-purpose with the government but in certain functions such as regulation, supervision and on monetary policy, we should make sure we dont compromise.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

Rajan, who never minces words, also said that the new Insolvency and Bankruptcy law to fight bad loans is a good reform but care should be taken that big borrowers do not exploit the loop holes and delay the process of debt resolution.

The shadow of Insolvency and Bankruptcy code makes bank re-negotiation much easier. During my time, we worked without that shadow. There is still an issue that needs to be resolved and the government is working on it, that every loss taken by banks will not be met by an inquiry from investigative agencies.

Banks need to be protected from inquiry on commercial decisions and that they have the confidence to take those decisions, Rajan added.

Hinting that he is open to taking up another position in any other form when asked that being back in academia, would he be open to a candy shop he said he is always open to candy.
Mitessh Thakkar of mitesshthakkar.com told CNBC-TV18, "GSFC is a buy with a stop loss below Rs 145 for targets of around Rs 155."

"Jain Irrigation Systems is something which had a very strong breakout yesterday, it has a good candle stick pattern and we did cover the stock yesterday as well. Todays weakness could be a good entry point, so buy with a stop loss just below Rs 100, look for Rs 110-112 kind of a target."

"Third buy is on Titan Company where we are seeing some continuation signals, it is being in an uptrend, so it should extend the uptrend most logically, buy with a stop loss at Rs 619, look for target of Rs 680," he said.

"Finally Coal India appears to be giving some kind of a reversal with the breakout yesterday, so I would want to buy it around Rs 253-252 mark, keep a stop loss below Rs 248 and look for a first target of Rs 264."

"A solitary sell idea on Tata Chemicals with a stop loss at Rs 585, recommend selling this for targets close to Rs 550," he added.
Farm equipment maker Escorts on Wednesday unveiled a range of tractors, including an electric concept, for both export and domestic markets.

The company has launched tractors ranging between 22 HP to 90 HP under Farmtrac and Powertrac brands that are compliant with emission norms of various markets including Europe and the US.

The new range would cater to customers in various markets including the US, Europe, Latin America, Africa and ASEAN countries apart from new generation farmers in India.

"Escorts is on a transformational journey of developing products for global markets and offering products of quality with specifications that would be competitive and attractive to buyers," Escorts Ltd Chairman Rajan Nanda said in a statement.

The company is spreading its operations to reach countries across the globe, he added.

Escorts Managing Director Nikhil Nanda said the new products would create a new user experience in comfort and precision farming globally.

"Escorts is extremely proud to launch electric tractor concept displaying our frugal engineering to offer India's best to the world," he added.
Balasubramanian, Citibank

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In just about a years time, HDFC Banks group head for corporate banking has quit Indias most valuable bank to return to Citi Group for a larger role, according to people aware of the matter.

Balasubramanian, 46, will take on a larger role in Citi to head the corporate banking for South Asia. He has tendered his resignation at HDFC Bank and is hoping to join Citi before January, one of the persons said.

After spending two decades at Citibank, in his second stint, Balasubramanian will replace Rahul Shukla as the head of corporate banking for South Asia at Citigroup and will be based in Mumbai. Shukla, in the meanwhile, will be taking a larger role at Citi, according to an Economic Times report.

Citi declined to comment while HDFC Bank did not respond to the email sent to the spokespersons.

Balasubramanian was earlier reporting to Kaizad Bharucha, executive director, who leads the wholesale banking business for HDFC Bank.

"Citi has offered him a much bigger role which is the reason he has quit and he will head as the corporate banking head of South Asia there...It was a good offer," the person quoted above said.

Starting in 1996, Balasubramanian had spent about two decades at Citigroup before leaving his role as managing director for its Indian corporate banking operations in May 2016 to join HDFC Bank. Shukla moved to India in July 2010 after serving as Citigroups head of Asia-Pacific investment banking for technology, media and telecommunications based in Hong Kong.

Shukla moved to India in July 2010 after serving as Citigroups head of Asia-Pacific investment banking for technology, media and telecommunications, based in Hong Kong.

Balasubramanian holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Kolkata University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He is also a member of Institute of Cost & Works Accountants of India.

Citigroup, HDFC Bank and HSBC Holdings were this year ranked the highest in so-called corporate banking quality in the South Asian nation, according to a survey by Greenwich Associates, a financial-services research firm.
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The Nifty50 reversed losses from the previous session and closed above its crucial resistance level of 9,950 on Tuesday. The Nifty opened at 9933 and rose to an intraday high of 9963. It slipped to its crucial support level of 9901 before closing the day at 9952, up 39 points.

The Nifty closed 39 points higher at 9,952 on Tuesday. According to Pivot charts, the key support level is placed at 9,914, followed by 9,876. If the index starts to move higher, key resistance levels to watch out are 9,976 and 10,000.

The Nifty Bank closed 91 points higher at 24,328.30 on Tuesday. Important Pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 24,260, followed by 24,192. On the upside, key resistance levels are 24,392, followed by 24,456.

The Nifty50 futures on the Singapore Stock Exchange were trading 27 points lower at 9,947 indicating a flat opening for the domestic market.

According to Technical Analyst Prakash Gaba of prakashgaba.com, nothing changes as long as Nifty stays between 9840 to 10005. The crucial support for the Index is at 9840 and the resistance is at 10005-10050. On the other hand, Bank Nifty has support at 24100 and resistance at 24511.

Below are the stocks which can be top trades today:

CG Power: Breakout | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 90, stop loss: Rs 82

Jain Irrigation: Breakout | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 110, stop loss: Rs 100

: 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.
Even as legal hurdles in the Fortis Healthcare share sale worth Rs 8,000 crore continue, the Singh brothers still have suitors in the fray to buy the pledged shares.

The IHH, Asias largest private operator in hospital space, had cold feet as a buyer because of the legal problems in the share sale after the Supreme Court said it had reaffirmed a status quo against the Singh Brothers.

Despite the hurdles, private equity players General Atlantic and TPG Capital, together, have entered into exclusive talks to buy a controlling stake in Fortis Healthcare, sources aware of the development told CNBC-TV18. The due diligence for this process has just started.

TPG and General Atlantic have offered to buy close to 25 percent stake in the company through fresh equity issuance, which will infuse funds in the company, and also buying stakes of promoters i.e. Singh brothers.

This will trigger an open offer for Fortis Healthcare shares, and give a controlling stake to the two suitors, combined.

But the promoters stake in the company can only be sold if the Supreme Court gives Singh brothers a go ahead for the same. The next hearing of the case, to be held on October 31, is crucial for the companys future.

The legal hurdle started with Daiichi Sankyo moving the Supreme Court against Malvinder and Shivinder Singh regarding the erstwhile Ranbaxy deal.

Daiichi had bought Ranbaxy Laboratories from the Singh brothers back in 2008 and then sold it to Sun Pharmaceuticals for a lesser amount. In between, the company launched an arbitration process against the Singhs the original promoters of Ranbaxy  alleging them of keeping crucial information secret during the deal.

Fortiss stock plummeted from Rs 200-level to Rs 150-level because of the legal hurdles and the prices could to be tempting the suitors.
Moneycontrol News

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has strictly mandated the Income Tax department to crack down on all the black money deposited during the demonetization phase which began on November 8, 2016, according to Economic Times quoting sources.

A high-ranking government official informed the Economic Times (ET) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed the IT officials to inspect all the banks in a speech made at a private meeting of the Tax Department's annual event named Rajaswa Gyan Sangam. Modi's speech was made to the Finance Ministry's Revenue Department, CBDT and CBEC last Friday-Saturday.

The crack down order comes a few days after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a statement which revealed that 99 percent of the demonetized Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes had returned to the banking sector.

Sources told ET that the income tax department is now gearing up to attack all the "suspicious" and "unusual deposits" which were made in the demonetization aftermath. To detect "unusual" activity, the IT officials are going to cross-check the deposits with income tax returns prior to demonetization and probe the source of funds.

Jan Dhan accounts, which saw bulk deposits reaching up to Rs 64,564 crore during the demonetization era, is likely to be put on the IT radar.

On the other hand, the PMO has instructed the IT department to go soft on those who have become GST compliant despite never filing income tax returns "at least" for the current financial year. The PMO has also asked them to not spare the ones who have not complied with GST post its rollout in July.
InterGlobe Aviation Ltd-run IndiGo is considering investing in Jet Airways to attain a marked international footprint if it fails to acquire a stake in the debt-laden Air India, reports Mint.

The airline, as it progresses, will focus on finding managers who are experienced and will be able to run IndiGo by global standards, even if it is required to change the current senior management team, sources told Mint.

IndiGo was the first airline to show interest in buying the state-run Air India. The company has sent its bid to the government.

Sources told Mint that even if the bids fail, IndiGo will make a considerable mark in the international destination market through the organic way, but it would be a slower process."

As of now, IndiGo flies to 7 foreign destinations  Bangkok, Doha, Singapore, Kathmandu, Muscat, Dubai and Sharjah. Jet Airways and Air India, on the other hand, have flights which cross the Asian continent.

IndiGo is interested in only the international operations of Air India because of its flying rights and slots and said that the airline will maintain Air India's brand for the international business, according to the report.

If the government urges on the airline to take up both domestic and international operations, IndiGo will negotiate to break-up Air India into four parts according to India's geography and acquire one along with the international operation, the report added.

Only if this does not work, IndiGo will look into other alternatives, one of them being Jet Airways.

Jet Airways has a lot on its plate. In 2013, Jet sold 24 percent of its stake to Etihad Airways. Etihad, also Jet's investor, now strategizes the airline's operations.
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Bharat Road Network opened its Rs 600-crore initial public offering for subscription on Wednesday but most stock analysts recommended avoiding the issue.

The very first reason for avoiding the issue is its weak financials and the second prominent reason is its valuations, which are high compared to listed peers, analysts said.

Also Read - 10 things to know before you invest in Bharat Road Network IPO

The company has been posting losses for five consecutive financial years up to March 2017, and there has been no consistency in revenue from operations.

"The company has been reporting losses and hence valuations are not comparable to peers like IRB Infrastructure Developers, Sadbhav Infrastructure Project, Ashoka Buildcon. Fluctuation in the financial performance (loss making company with stretched working capital cycle) remains a concern for us," Centrum Wealth Research said.

The research house further said, "Even though the current IPO market has been witnessing a bullish sentiment, we suggest investors to avoid the issue as we expect weak financial performance to persist in the near term."

For the fiscals 2017, 2016 and 2015, its consolidated revenue from operations and loss after tax were Rs 10.25 crore and Rs 73.885 crore; Rs 0.75 crore and Rs 92.54 crore; and Rs 8.43 crore and Rs 26.42 crore, respectively. Low profitability has impacted the return ratios for the company.

Asit C Mehta also recommended avoiding the issue. "Due to operational inefficiency, BRNL is in loss since 5 years with heavy debt. Therefore, the asking price has a negative P/E, which is not measurable," it reasoned.

Choice Broking, too, assigned a avoid rating for the issue, citing aggressive pricing of the issue, likely continuity in losses on consolidated as well as standalone basis and unlikely reduction in debt levels.

BRNL will be utilising around Rs 372.25 crore from the net issue proceeds to acquire subordinated debt advanced/held by SREI in the identified special purpose vehicles (i.e. Solapur Tollways Private Limited, Kurukshetra Expressway Private Limited & Mahakaleshwar Tollways Private Limited).

"By this mechanism, the company will become creditors in the SPVs. Thus interest expenses from the SPV will be an income for the BRNL. This arrangement might increase the cash flow for the company (i.e. interest income plus non cash expenses in the SPV), but is not likely turn the SPVs profitable as there is no reduction in the debt levels," Choice Broking explained.

The company will also utilise net issue proceeds (worth Rs 51.47 crore of total issue proceeds) for advancing of subordinate debt in form of interest free unsecured loan to its subsidiary (Solapur Tollways Private Limited) for part financing of the project.

According to Centrum, although government focus on infrastructure spending could open up opportunities in the BOT segment, higher competitive intensity could hamper the translation of this opportunity into orders for BRNL.

SMC also agreed with Centrum, saying due to higher competitive intensity the company may not get the opportunity in (government) orders. One may give this IPO a miss, it advises. It has assigned 1.5 rating to the issue.

ICICI Securities also recommended to avoid as the issue is richly valued at 1.4x FY17 P/B multiple.

"At the higher end of the IPO price band of Rs 205, the stock is valued at 1.4x FY17 Price-to-book value (post issue), which appears to be at par with other established player like IRB Infrastructure (1.4x FY17 P/BV). Looking at the quality of projects (most projects commissioned in the past few years), we believe it should be at a discount to IRB," it said.

The road and highways BOT company's public issue, which will close on September 8, consists of up to 2.93 crore equity shares.

SREI Infrastructure Finance is a corporate promoter of the company.

The company is expected to raise Rs 571.35-600.65 crore at a price band of Rs 195-205 per share. The issue will close on September 8.

Bharat Road Network has a project portfolio consisting of six BOT projects, of which two are projects operational under final commercial operation date (COD), three are projects operational under provisional COD and one is a project under construction.
Consolidation gripped the Indian market after a stellar, one-way rally for almost a year. Between August and now, geopolitical tensions, lower than expected earnings growth pushed returns from frontline indices to a negative of 2 percent.

Should an investor be worried in such a scenario or treat this as a routing protocol on the market?

On a year-to-date basis, we are up about 20 percent and India is one of the best performers. Certain phases of consolidation are quite natural in such a scenario, Ratnesh Kumar, MD & CEO, BOBCAPS told CNBC-TV18. Further, he added that the gross domestic product (GDP) numbers and Q1 earnings growth were weaker as well.

Having said that, Kumar reiterated that there is nothing to worry about on a broader and structural basis. On a 12-month basis, we could look at upside of 12-15 percent in broader market from these levels, he said.

Kumar also said that earnings may see some recovery now. As restocking comes back, you could have earnings growth in early teens in this fiscal that will drive the overall market performance, he told the channel.

Currently, sectors such as building materials and retail-focussed financial sector franchiseesis are a good bet, Kumar said. In building materials segment, one could look at cements, pipes and ceramic space.

Positive refining cycle is expected in the oil and gas segment, along with steady profitability for the gas segment, he added.

In the non-banking financial sector, he recommends taking an individual and company-specific approach. In particular, housing finance companies will continue to do well, he added.

Kumar is also closely watching the commercial vehicles (CV) segment for next 2- months on back of decent numbers.

Meanwhile, he sees challenges continue for corporate banking. Capex cycle is bouncing around the bottom levels. Also, it will be crucial to see how provisioning and resolutions steps play out in 6 months or so," he said.

In case of real estate, he does not see much signs of pick up on the ground. In IT and pharmaceutical, global headwinds on demand side and regulatory issues will take a longer time to resolve.
The month of September started flat for D-Street but anecdotal evidence suggests that in six out of last 10 years bulls managed to take control of D-Street.

The S&P BSE Sensex slipped over 2 percent in the month of August while the Nifty50 ended with losses of 1.6 percent as geopolitical concerns along with persistent selling by foreign investors weighed heavily on equity markets.

The Nifty50 which managed to claw back over its crucial resistance level of 9900 will try and make a dash towards Mount 10K in this month. The index gained the most in the year 2007 when the index rose a little over 12 percent.

For the month of September, the Nifty50 rose 10 percent in the year 2010, followed by 9.9 percent rally in the year 2009, and 8.56 percent gain in 2012.

The index gave negative returns of nearly 10 percent in four out of ten years. The index slipped 9.8 percent in the year 2008, followed by 1.9 percent fall in 2011, near 1 percent drop in 2014, and 1.8 percent decline in the year 2016.

At the current level Indian equity market is fairly priced and further upticks will depend upon earning revival, Sumeet Bagadia, Associate Director, Choice Broking told Moneycontrol.

Given the strong economic fundamental of the country sharp correction seems unlikely. We anticipate the markets to remain flattish to slightly positive during the month of September, he said.

The index is up 21 percent so far in the year 2017. The 1QFY18 earnings season marked another quarter of weak performance and a subdued start to FY18.

The performance was also hit by GST-related destocking in several consumer-oriented sectors  Auto, FMCG, Healthcare and Consumer Durables, said a Motilal Oswal report.

The foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) turned aggressive sellers in August, post rising geopolitical concerns. They sold stocks worth USD2 billion after three consecutive months of inflows.

FIIs have always been sensitive to global cues and we dont see this changing in the near future given the prevailing tensions between the US and North Korea, said Bagadia. FPIs will remain negative in all emerging economies until there is an amicable resolution between these two countries, he said.

The domestic institutional investors (DIIs) on the other hand bought stocks worth USD 2.5 billion in the month of August.

Historic data suggests that FPIs have remained net buyers of India equities for the month of September in seven out of last 10 years. They poured in over Rs 29000 crore in Indian markets in the year 2010.

While domestic investors remained buyers in 5 out of last 10 years but the quantum of selling is fiercer. DII sold shared worth Rs 7000 crore in the year 2010.

But, the year 2017 has come with its own set of challenge. FPIs remained net sellers in the previous month and amid geopolitical concerns, the trend is unlikely to reverse, suggest experts.

Domestic saving is moving towards the financial assets through a Mutual fund which is why we seeing huge buying by DIIs. The FIIs stayed silent since the beginning of 2017, valuation may make FIIs cautious, Dyaneshwar Padwal  AVP  Technical Analysis, KIFS Trade Capital told Moneycontrol.

Looking at the high time frame chart market is strong so every correction is a buying opportunity. If we have a glance at the DII data, it is very much supportive to the trend. Fed rate cut and geopolitical worries could bring safe haven assets on limelight, he said.
Most retailers report that their business was a complete washout in April due to localised lockdowns across the country.

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SP Apparels Ltd (SPAL), a stock we initiated coverage on in the past, reported disappointing set of numbers from a year-on-year perspective because of Brexit-related headwinds, appreciation of the rupee vis-a-vis the pound, and GST-related uncertainties (particularly in case of the difference between duty drawback claimable and input credit available), among other seasonal factors.

In the last fortnight of June 2017, SPALs domestic retail (Crocodile garment sales) did not witness much traction as most of the companys retailers chose to postpone purchases to Q2FY18 on account of lack of clarity on input credit claims under GST. Moreover, stocks amounting to Rs 4 crore were returned by the dealers to the company during this period.

Most of the amount allocated towards augmenting brand recall (through more Crocodile stores across India) has not been disbursed yet, as seen in the exhibit below:-

Moreover, SPALs impetus efforts on backward integration is likely to yield results from FY19.

In addition to spending 54 crores on capital expenditure (as mentioned above) by FY18-end, the company will invest an additional sum of Rs 20 crore on purchase of sewing machines during the ongoing fiscal to boost its top-line.

Customer additions

During Q1FY18, SPAL added two US-based customers to its client list, whereas supplies to the French client are expected to commence in the next 2-3 months. The company signed agreements with Landmark Group and BH International for supply of garments as well.

Store expansion strategy

SPAL aims to increase its store presence to 160 large format stores (LFS) over the next two years from the current number of 145. To ensure better market penetration, higher returns on capital, and adequate product visibility, the companys attention is gradually shifting from company- owned company-operated (COCO) stores to LFS (large format stores, target of 300 outlets in the next 2 years) and franchise-driven stores.

Product profile mix change

In recent times, SPAL has forayed into basic children wear and related products to facilitate better utilization of its manufacturing facilities. Until now, the companys emphasis was primarily on fashion apparel, which not only requires more capacities but also yields lower output owing to comparatively lower utilization rates. By the end of FY18, the ratio of fashion products to basic ones is anticipated to change from 70:30 (at present) to 60:40. Consequently, a 15-20 percent top-line volume-driven growth seems probable without the need to install new machines.

Cash flow risk

SPALs foreign cash flow hedging policies are undertaken in a phased manner, wherein 60/20 percent of the transaction size is covered at the time of order receipt/shipment, respectively. For the remaining 20 percent, the company, being an export-focused business entity, is exposed to risks of rupee appreciation.

Valuation

We expect SPALs FY18 numbers to remain fairly flat, since most of the companys IPO funds will be locked in manufacturing upgradation processes till the end of the year. Repayment of debt during the fiscal, however, will strengthen the bottom-line, albeit marginally.

The company anticipates reaching the break-even point with respect to its Crocodile garment retailing segment by March 2018. Starting H2FY19, the loss-making department may gradually start aiding the growth in operating margin. Revival of the same will be undertaken through reduction of overheads/advertising costs and reorientation of strategy.

At 11.5x FY19 projected earnings, though the stock appears to be reasonably valued, we suggest investors to adopt a gradual accumulation strategy, given definitive recovery may still take a while.
A diesel oil pump is seen at a bus terminal in Vienna, Austria May 31, 2017. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader - RTX38D8S

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Rosnefts deal to acquire Essar Oil is important not only because a highly-leveraged corporate is selling family silver to put its house in order; it has far-reaching implications for Indias downstream oil business, especially fuel retailing. The de-regulation of the downstream sector had triggered a re-rating of most state-run oil marketing companies. Is the best behind for them?

The deal

Rosneft (Russias state-owned energy giant), along with Trafigura (Swiss commodity trading firm) and United Capital Partners UCP (Russian Bank) recently completed the acquisition of 98 percent stake in Essar Oil for USD 12.9-billion. The deal asserts that the Indian Oil retail market is an attractive investment option for foreign investors.

The deal provides Rosneft with a 49 percent stake in Essar Oil and the rest 49 percent will be equally divided between UCP and Trafigura. The deal marks Rosnefts entry in growing Indian markets and facilitates its access to Essars Vadinar refinery in Gujrat, having a capacity of 405,000 barrels per day, along with Essars vast network of 3500 fuel stations across the country. The Russian firm has disclosed plans for an aggressive expansion in the Indian retail segment and it aims to nearly double Essars retail fuel pumps in India to 6000 in the near term.

The deal comes as a breather for the debt-laden Essar group. As a part of the deal, Rosneft plans to take up USD 5 billion debt outstanding on Essars balance sheet. Having a better credit rating than Essar, Rosneft has superior negotiating powers to refinance the debt at better terms, which would be beneficial for Essar Oil.

The retail fuel market is largely dominated by state-owned companies like IOC HPCL and BPCL who have witnessed little competition over the past decades. They account for more than 90 percent of the 59,595 pumps spread across the country.

Historically, fuel was sold at subsidized rates in India and the government used to compensate the companies for losses incurred. This was one of the main reasons why private firms, who entered the market around 2002, were not able to survive after 2005 when crude prices spiked. Petrol and diesel prices have been deregulated since June 2010 and May 2014, respectively. Since May 2017 they are adjusted on a daily basis.

Although prices have been deregulated and are adjusted on a daily basis now, the entire benefit of soft global crude prices is not being transferred to the consumer currently. Since deregulation, the government has sharply increased the excise duty on oil which is keeping the prices high in the retail market.

However, despite higher taxes, the overall decline in prices had a positive impact on volumes. The retail selling price of petrol is determined by oil marketing companies. It is usually made up of price paid to refinery plus marketing costs & margins, excise duty, dealer commission, and VAT. Margins in the retail business vary between Rs 2-3 per litre.

Pricing freedom coupled with growth in fuel demand and auto sales together with globally low crude prices has made Indian retail fuel segment attractive and profitable. With retail markets getting saturated in Europe and US, most private players are eyeing expansion in Asia, especially India.

Private vehicle penetration in India is still very low at approximately 18 vehicles per 1000 compared to around 500 per 1000 in developed markets. This provides immense scope and incentive for foreign and private players to foray into Indian markets. While penetration of electric vehicles would pose a medium term challenge to growth in fuel demand, we do not see a mass adoption of the same at least for the next ten years.

Expansion of global and private sector players would intensify competition for the Indian state-owned players. Apart from the Essar-Rosneft deal, Reliance has started reviving its fuel stations and has announced plans for expanding its retail fuel network in partnership with BP. The joint venture plans to invest around USD 6 billion in Indian markets in the near term.

New entrants to play the pricing card

Retail fuel demand in India is extremely price sensitive. Small changes in prices have toppled governments in the past. Recently, Reliance Industries introduced a Re1 discount on diesel refueling across its stations. This move enabled it to gain market share rapidly in the past 6 months.

Foreign players entering Indian markets have deeper pockets and better fuel sourcing capabilities. Rosneft plans to source crude from its Venezuela subsidiaries to facilitate better margins.

Moreover, unlike the state-run companies, private players have the freedom to strategically plan fuel stations near high sales areas like highways and do not face the compulsion to open stations in rural areas.

Investment plans by these private players indicate their hunger for aggressive expansion in retail business.

In order to quickly establish their position and capture markets, we believe private players would resort to pricing discounts (Reliance has already started it) and invest heavily in marketing. This could lead to intense price competition in the retail oil markets. With increased competition, state-run players will have to invest in marketing initiatives as well. Increased marketing costs would, in turn, impact margins.

Though state-run retailers would still have the dominant position in the short run, we see pressure building up on margins in the medium-term and changing landscape in the long term. The incumbents will have to up their game significantly in order to sustain positions.

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Moneycontrol Research

Everything looks good when the going is good. In a rising market, many companies hit the market to raise capital riding solely on buoyant investor sentiment. But, as one of Warren Buffetts nuggets of wisdom suggests, "Only when the tide goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked".

Investors have to be extremely careful when everything around looks so good. Bharat Road Network, which is into road BOT (build operate transfer) assets, is one of those IPOs that needs an extra scrutiny before investing.

An eye opening fact is that till FY16, the company was sitting on over Rs 885 crore of debt on a negative networth of Rs 66.8 crore (because of consistent losses). What is worse, in the same year it incurred an interest cost of Rs 50.4 crore on a total revenue of Rs 4.2 crore.

Nevertheless, Bharat Road Network's IPO would have been a remote possibility with the company running into negative networth, consistent losses and meagre revenues.

The strategy to get to the stage of IPO

The company smartly raised equity from promoters--SREI Infrastructure Finance and investor Make India Fund, just before the IPO in FY17, which turned its negative net worth of Rs 66.8 crore into positive networth of Rs 596 crore in FY17.

Pre-IPO money was used for retiring the parent company debt that fell to Rs 568 crore in FY17 from Rs 885 crore in FY16 translating into debt to equity of less than one time.

The true picture

But that hardly explains the true picture because the SPVs (special purpose vehicles) and subsidiary accounts are not consolidated. The share of profits from these SPVs is recognised at the net profit level in the parent company.

For instance, share of associates (SPVs and subsidiaries) was Rs 37 crore in FY17 as against Rs 42.7 crore in FY16. Despite that, on a consolidated level, the company incurred loss of Rs 73.88 crore in FY17.

What investors are buying?

The real picture is sitting in SPVs and subsidiaries where the entire profitability and balance sheets is hidden. Actually, through the IPO, investors are not buying Bharat Road Network but are buying these SPVs, which are not consolidated into the books of the main company or the listed companies.

This essentially means one will have to keep on trying to solve the financial puzzles and face huge difficulty in making sound investment judgement. In this structure, it is difficult to know and comment on profitability and the health of the balances sheet in terms of quality of assets, profitable allocation of equity, optimum amount of leverage, real interest cost and authenticity of cash flows.

What is concealed?

These SPVs hold projects worth Rs 6,686 crore including 5 operating road projects and 1 under-construction road project. The debt of these SPVs put together is close to Rs 4,200 crore as against consolidated debt of Bharat Road which is reported as Rs 568 crore. This huge debt is sitting in 6 SPVs, all of them having reported net losses in the FY17. Moreover, the company does not have controlling stake in these SPVs, which is also one reason why they are not consolidated. Today, the details are there in the issue prospectus, but post IPO, retail investors particularly will find it extremely difficult to track.

Where is the money going?

What is interesting to note is that the company intends to raise Rs 600 crore on the upper price band of Rs 205 a share. Out of Rs 600 crore of investors money raised through IPO, it will retire promoters debt of close to Rs 372 crore and only 51.5 crore will be invested in projects as a part of its contribution. What about the remaining Rs 177 crore? It will be used for general corporate purpose and issue expenses. Is it not too much for a company which is still incurring losses?

How should you value such a business?

After a detailed scrutiny we felt it is not possible and justified from the investors point of view to value companies, whose business structure is complex, reporting consistent losses, negative cash flow and has huge liabilities sitting in step down companies.
Chinese handset maker Lenovo today said it is not worried about slipping on the pecking order in the hyper-competitive Indian smartphone market, instead keeping its focus on devices that meet consumer needs.

Lenovo, which sells Motorola phones, was the number two player in the Indian market in the July-September 2016 quarter with 9.6 per cent market share, data from research firm IDC showed.

However, it slipped to the fifth spot with 7 per cent market share in April-June 2017 quarter. "We aren't worried. It isn't a number game. We are focused on bringing devices that meet consumer needs," Lenovo India Mobile Business Group (MBG) Country Head Sudhin Mathur told PTI.

Samsung continues to dominate the top spot with 24 per cent share at the end of June 2017. Interestingly, the other four spots in the top 5 tally are occupied by Chinese players -- Xiaomi, vivo, Oppo and Lenovo.

The market share of Indian vendors like Micromax and Lava remained limited to 15 per cent of overall smartphone market at June-end.

On the other hand, China-based vendors, with their massive ongoing marketing spend and channel expansion, accounted for 54 per cent share of the quarter's shipment.

Lenovo today unveiled its new device -- K8 Plus -- priced at Rs 10,999 that will be available on e-commerce platform Flipkart from September 7. The device features 5.2-inch display, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage (expandable up to 128 GB), 13 MP and 5 MP dual rear camera and 8 MP front camera and 4,000 mAh battery.
Aurobindo Pharma Ltd.

The Uniform Code of Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP)  the mandatory code that aims to regulate unethical promotional practices in the pharmaceutical industry  may not see the light of the day anytime soon as it has run into legal issues.

There was a draft code, and then there were some legal issues, we are still trying to cross the hurdles, said Sudhansh Pant, Joint Secretary of DoP in Mumbai.

Pant declined to provide any timeline as to when the UCPMP will be implemented but said the UCPMP would still be under the ambit of Essential Commodities Act, 1955 ruling out the speculation that it could be brought out as a new law.

The Law Ministry, which was vetting UCPMP, asked the DoP to rework on the draft code as it wasnt aligned with the legal framework of Essential Commodities Act.

The Essential Commodities Act is invoked in cases of hoarding or black marketing of foodstuff, drugs, and fuel affecting the normal life of people.

The government in response to the complaints of unethical marketing practices, such as miss-selling, bribing doctors and pharmacists through foreign junkets, gifts and other incentives, has come out with a voluntary marketing code in 2011, and an amended version in January 2015.

The voluntary marketing code was left for the industry bodies to implement, however, it failed to deter the unethical practices forcing the government to come out with a mandatory code giving it a statutory backing and penal provisions.

The UCPMP, among other things, prohibit pharmaceutical companies from providing any gifts, monetary advantages, and benefits in kind to physicians to prescribe drugs.

Further, pharmaceutical companies or their associations are not allowed to extend any hospitality like hotel accommodation to healthcare practitioners and their family members under any pretext. And the companies should not provide free samples of drugs to any person, not qualified to prescribe such product.

As per the new code, the Managing Director or the Chief Executive Officer of the company will be responsible for ensuring adherence to the Code.

Industry bodies, while welcoming UCPMP, say that DoP acted in haste by bringing UCPMP under the ambit of draconian Essential Commodities Act instead of a separate law.

"OPPI believes that mandatory implementation of UCPMP will increase accountability and ensure high ethical standards for the pharmaceutical industry, said Sharad Tyagi, Chair-OPPI Compliance and Governance Work Group & Managing Director - Boehringer Ingelheim India.

However, the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 is meant to specifically control production, supply & distribution of essential commodities and not for regulating ethical standards  for making UCPMP mandatory and ensuring its effective implementation, the legislation must be a sui generis one and must not be supplanted with other legislations, Tyagi said.

DG Shah, Secretary General of Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) that represent large domestic drug makers is of the view that the UCPMP under the current form may create a fear psychosis in the industry.

Instead of panel or committee, it gives one joint secretary level bureaucrat arbitrary powers on compounding penalties.

Even CEO of a company can be arrested on complaints without any recourse or appeal, Shah said.

Shah called on the government to come out with separate legislation or bring it under the ambit the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

The best deterrent would be mandatory disclosures from both pharmaceutical companies and doctors in line with the Sunshine Act of US, Shah said.

"For that, we need to have more integrated approach rather than bringing laws in silos," Shah added.

The US has enacted the Physician Payments Sunshine Act of in 2010 to increase transparency of financial relationships between healthcare providers and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Analysts say the legal hurdles of UCPMP are a classic case of one-upmanship going on between various ministries and departments to protect their turf..
Russian S-400 Triumph medium-range and long-range surface-to-air missile systems drive during the Victory Day parade, marking the 71st anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2016. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor - LR1EC590MOQ22

Indian Air Force will soon have the S-400 Triumf air defence system added to its arsenal. The Air Force has completed the trials of the Russian-made system and will soon look to induct them.

The trials that were conducted in Russia have been successful as per a Mail Today report. "The field evaluation trials of the Russian air defence system have been completed by the Indian Air Force in Russia and they have been quite successful. The trials were conducted on two separate occasions and it performed to the satisfaction of the users," said an official.

The purchase of five S-400 systems was completed in last October at the 17th IndiaRussia summit by Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin. Though the price of the systems is speculated to be around Rs 54000 crore, it is likely that the cost could be brought down to less than Rs 40000 crore through further negotiations.

The S-400, manufactured by Russia's Almaz Antey can track 100 to 300 targets simultaneously within a range of 600 km. The missile system can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously within 400 km.

The system will enable India to track all Pakistani airbases and Chinese bases in Tibet, thus bringing India's defence capability at par with China.

Together with Spyder defence system, the upcoming India-Israel joint venture, medium range surface-to-air missile system and the indigenously developed short range air defence system the S-400 is expected to complete Indias air defence shield.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves as Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L) looks on during a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, October 19, 2016. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi - D1BEUHVEERAA

India and Myanmar today signed eight agreements in a range of sectors, including one to strengthen democratic institutions in this country, to further build their multifaceted partnership.

The MoUs were signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The eight MoUs include one between the Election Commission and Union Election of Myanmar, the national level electoral commission of Myanmar. An MoU was also signed to organise cultural exchange programme for the period 2017-2020, according to a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs.

India and Myanmar also signed agreements on cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and Press Council of India, extension of agreement on the establishment of India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT skill.

The two countries also signed agreement to cooperate in 'Medical Products Regulation' and in the field of health and medicine.

They also signed MoU on enhancing the cooperation on upgradation of the women's police training centre at Yamethin in Myanmar.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Thousands of people from India, who arrived in the US illegally as children, are fearing deportation after President Donald Trump's decision to repeal the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) programme, a South Asian Advocacy group has said.

The number of such people from India, could be more than 20,000, according to an estimate carried out by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).

US Attorney General Jeff Sessions yesterday announced the rescinding of the Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA), an Obama-era amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children.

The announcement, which was anticipated for the past few days, was greeted with protests from across the country.

"Over 27,000 Asian Americans, including 5,500 Indians and Pakistanis, have already received DACA. An additional estimated 17,000 individuals from India and 6,000 Pakistan respectively are eligible for DACA, placing India in the top ten countries for DACA eligibility," SAALT said.

With the termination of DACA, these individuals could face deportation at the discretion of the administration, it said.

"The President's decision to terminate DACA puts 800,000 individuals at risk of deportation from the only country they've ever called home. Ending DACA is the latest evidence of this administration's utter lack of commitment to our nation's founding values of equality and fairness," Suman Raghunathan, executive director of SAALT, said.

"Our current patchwork of immigration policies and programs is broken, and we demand the Congress does its job to craft a commonsense immigration process that creates a road- map to citizenship for aspiring new Americans.

"This is the only way to align our immigration laws with the values Americans hold dear," she said.

In a statement, South Asian Bar Association (SABA) president Rishi Bagga said "DREAMERS" were brought to the US by their parents in hopes of a better life.

"As children, they did not choose to break the law. Most of these young men and women have never returned to the countries of their birth, and many do not even speak the language of their native countries. Rescinding DACA effectually takes away these young people's right to live in the only country they have ever known," Bagga said.

SABA said when the DACA program ends, the 800,000-plus registrants who relied upon the federal government's representations by coming out of the shadows and willingly shared their information with the federal government will be in danger of deportation.

In the vast majority of cases, DACA recipients who are gainfully employed in a variety of professions, including as doctors, lawyers, and engineers, will be unable to work legally in the United States.

This number includes over 10,000 South Asian DACA recipients, it said.
Diversified firm ITC has filed a Rs 1,000-crore defamation suit against proxy advisory firm IiAS at the Calcutta High Court for allegedly making 'defamatory' statements against the company and its directors.

In the suit, filed last month, ITC said Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) had published two reports that were "false, defamatory and malicious" on its website (www.iiasadvisory.com) in July 2017 before the AGM of the company.

It prayed before the court to issue a "decree for Rs 1,000 crore against" the defendants while also seeking a mandatory injunction directing IiAS to publish an unconditional apology.

When contacted, an ITC spokesperson said: "We cannot comment as the matter is sub judice."

Queries sent to IiAS remained unanswered.

The complaint was presented before the court of Justice Soumen Sen on August 29 and leave was granted. Subject to scrutiny, the summons will be served on all parties.

IiAS had published two voting advisories for shareholders of ITC and had suggested them to vote against the company's plan to pay a monthly remuneration of Rs 1 crore to its Chairperson Y C Deveshwar for his non-executive role.

IiAS had said it "...believes the board structure, and the proposed remuneration, signal Yogi Deveshwar's continuing control over the company, which undermines the recently appointed CEO Sanjiv Puri. Once Yogi Deveshwar has stepped down, he must let go".

ITC, in its petition filed through its counsel Khaitan & Co, said IiAS' reports 'Voting Advisory, ITC Limited, Annual General Meeting' and 'ITC's Succession Plan: Letting it Go', contained "words which were defamatory of the plaintiff (ITC) and its management".

It further submitted that news based on IiAS advisories were widely read and circulated across the country and had a "huge negative impact on the image of ITC".

Claiming damages, ITC said the composition of its board, the audit committee, and the nomination and remuneration committee "was in compliance with all applicable laws".

"The imputation that Deveshwar's remuneration was not deserved and fixed on improper considerations is also without basis and patently false. Such appointment and remuneration is in keeping with current practices in the industry and the role envisaged for Deveshwar," said ITC.

Shareholders of ITC at the AGM held on July 28 approved the remuneration of Deveshwar as Chairman and Non-Executive Director with effect from February 5, 2017, with 85.11 per cent of polled votes in favour and 14.88 per cent against.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

"Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter- terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar, will be meeting the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday.

The two sides are expected to discuss the unrest in Rakhine state. Just ahead of the visit, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh, Myanmar) Sripriya Ranganathan said, It is a matter of great concern. There has been a particularly prominent attack where a lot of people have lost their lives. We have contacted them (Myanmar) to find out what can be done.

India has offered to extend assistance in stimulating a socio-economic project that can help alleviate the extreme poverty and distress in the state. Ministry of External Affairs said that some assistance is already being provided to foster communal harmony but the onus of restoring peace lies with the Myanmar government.

Read More: http://www.news18.com/news/india/unrest-in-rakhine-state-to-figure-in-talks-between-pm-modi-and-suu-kyi-1510383.html
Karnataka MP Anant Kumar Hegde, who was inducted into the Union Council of Ministers earlier this week and allocated the skill development portfolio, is no stranger to controversy.

The five-time member of Parliament from Uttara Kannada constituency and long-time Sangh member was booked by the Karnataka police last year in March for making a hate speech.

He had said: As long as Islam exists, terrorism will exist. Unless Islam is eliminated, terrorism cannot be rooted out, as per a report in the Economic Times.

Earlier this year, Hegde was caught on CCTV camera when he thrashed three doctors in a private hospital in his hometown Sirsi. His mother was admitted to that hospital and he had accused them of not giving her proper treatment.

The video of the incident went viral on social media and the police registered a suo motu case against him on January 5, on the basis of CCTV footage from the hospital showing the assault.

Hegde was booked under multiple sections under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for his actions.

Online controversy

In addition to his brushes with the law, Hedge's social media activity has also ruffled feathers.

After a landmark Supreme Court judgement last month which set aside the practice of triple talaq, Hegde credited the Prime Minister.

If not for moral vocal support of @narendramodi ji to #MuslimWomen in fighting against #TripleTalaq, #SCVerdict wouldnt have been possible  Anantkumar Hegde (@AnantkumarH) August 23, 2017

Other than reiterating his opinions on how Islam is not a favourable religion, he once expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and PM Narendra Modi for what he sees as holding Islam by its horn.

Enough is enough, as the world braces to hold #Islam in its horn! Thanks to @realDonaldTrump @PutinRF_Eng & of course @narendramodi ji!  Anantkumar Hegde (@AnantkumarH) February 5, 2017

Hegde has also expressed strong views on Christianity.

He also once referred to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as 'Mumtaz' for her outreach to the Muslim community.

Hegde also blamed Buddhists, who generally do not believe in violent resistance, for loss of what the RSS considers as 'Akhand Bharat' (United India) to Muslim invaders of the past.

If not for #Buddhism, we would have had an #AkhandBharath & #Islam would have met a more stiff resistance in the desert itself! https://t.co/FSAf0jx8Ci  Anantkumar Hegde (@AnantkumarH) April 11, 2017

Contrary to this rhetoric, Hegde runs an NGO called Kadamba works for rural development and promotion of self-help groups.

The 49-year-old's elevation was unforeseen by many in the party itself. The state BJP leaders had expected that someone, representing the dominant community and large vote base of Lingayats, would be picked instead of a Brahmin such as Hegde, ahead of the Assembly elections in Karnataka next year. However, it appears that his promotion is a reward for loyalty as he has stood by the BJP through thick and thin.
Robert Shiller, one of three American scientists who won the 2013 economics Nobel prize, attends a press conference in New Haven, Connecticut October 14, 2013. Shiller, along with Eugene Fama and Lars Peter Hansen, won the 2013 economics Nobel prize on Monday for research that has improved the forecasting of asset prices in the long term and helped the emergence of index funds in stock markets, the award-giving body said. REUTERS/Michelle McLoughlin (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) - GM1E9AF05XZ01

Some fifteen years ago, Nobel Prize winning economist Robert Shiller had famously spotted the first housing bubble of the 21st century in the US. Shiller also went on to write a best-selling book Irrational Exuberance on market manias around the world.

He has spoken again, and this time he has termed the frenzy around bitcoin as a bubble.

In an interview given to The Quartz, trying to explain what drives bubbles, the Yale professor said it is all about inventing a right story and promulgating it.

When asked to name the best example of a bubble happening right now, without hesitation, he said, The best example right now is bitcoin. And I think that has to do with the motivating quality of the bitcoin story. And Ive seen it in my students at Yale. You start talking about bitcoin and theyre excited! And I think, whats so exciting? You have to think like humanities people. What is this bitcoin story?

At the end of August, bitcoin was priced at USD 4600, after rallying over 60 percent in a month. It has increased over 700 percent over the year.

According to Shiller, the bitcoin bubble is a result of a fundamental deep angst of our digitisation and computers. People are anxious and unsure of their future. Somehow, the bitcoin story is providing a sense of empowerment.

It starts with Satoshi Nakamotoremember him? The mysterious figure who may or may not be real. Hes never been found. That has a nice mystery quality to it. And then he has this clever idea about encryption and blockchain and public ledgers, and somehow the idea is so powerful that governments cant even stop it. You cant regulate this. It kind of fits in with the angst of this time in history, he adds.

He, however, refrained from terming it as the biggest bubble. Though, he compared the frenzy with the story of Donald Trump. The way US president has understood the nerve of people and presented himself is commendable. Its just amazing how he dominates and I think he has a genius at recognising stories and listening to his audience and understanding what drives them, he said.
NEW DELHI, INDIA - OCTOBER 19: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) welcomes Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi (L) ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, October 19, 2016. (Photo by Imtiyaz khan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

India said on Wednesday that it shares Myanmar's concerns over "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state from where 125,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the country's unity.

He said India shares Myanmar's concerns over "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state, especially the loss of innocent lives of the people and the security personnel.

Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, asserted that it was important to maintain the security and stability of the land and maritime boundaries of the two countries.

The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation.

Modi's first bilateral visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government, led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi, is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya Muslims who have poured into Bangladesh in just two weeks after Myanmar's military launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state.

Modi, in his joint press statement with Suu Kyi after the talks, said India understands the problems being faced by Myanmar.

"When it comes to a big peace process or finding a solution to a special issue, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution which while respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar ensures peace, justice and dignity for all," Modi said.

His remarks came a day after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and will be deported from India.

Rijiju had asserted that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

After Modi-Suu Kyi talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.

Modi, in his statement, stressed on scaling up security cooperation, saying that being neighbours, the two countries have similar security concerns.

Taking a strong stance on terror, Suu Kyi said, "Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take root on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries."

Suu Kyi also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine state last month, killing 12 security personnel.

The meeting between Modi and Suu Kyi came on a day she was quoted as telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that global outrage over Myanmar's treatment of its Rohingya Muslims was being fuelled by "a huge iceberg of misinformation".

Sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by "a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists", Suu Kyi was quoted by an official statement as telling Erdogan in a call.

Suu Kyi has come under fire in recent days for failing to speak out against violence targeting Rohingyas, particularly given her previous image as a champion of human rights.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.

Read more: The Rohingya's plight: A history of the 'floating population' in Myanmar

Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

He said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit the country.

Modi highlighted the development initiatives India was undertaking in Mynamar especially in capacity building, which Suu Kyi said her country needed the most.

"I believe the democratic experience of India is relevant for Myanmar and that is why we are proud of our massive support in the capacity building of the executive, legislature, election commission and press council and other institutions in Myanmar," Modi said.

India's assistance to Myanmar

Talking about India's assistance to Myanmar, he said the work on the Paletwa Inland Waterways Terminal and Sittwe port under the Kaladan project has been completed.

Modi also noted that the high-speed diesel from India has started coming through trucks to meet the needs of Upper Myanmar.

Under the development partnership, Modi highlighted India's assistance in the development of high quality education and healthcare and research facilities in Myanmar.

He said in future also India would take up projects that will be according to the needs and priorities of Myanmar.

"Today's agreements will strengthen our all-round bilateral cooperation," the prime minister said.

He also lauded Suu Kyi's leadership in Myanmar's peace process.

Earlier, during the delegation-level talks, Modi said, "We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka saath sabka vikaas' initiative."

He said deepening the relationship with Myanmar was a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of the 'Act East Policy'.

Later in the day, Modi flew to Bagan and paid respects at the Ananda Temple there.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS Summit.

Yesterday, Modi called on Myanmarese President Htin Kyaw, describing it as a "wonderful meeting".

They had discussed steps to deepen the "historical relationship" between the two neighbours.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
business India's income inequality highest since 1922: Report In India, the rich have been getting seriously richer, and the poor have been growing significantly poorer. That's the finding of a study of income growth patterns in India since 1922. The report is titled "Indian Income Inequality, 1922-2014: From British Raj to Billionaire Raj?"
Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh was shot dead at the entrance of her home in Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, triggering condemnation from across the political spectrum and the media community.

Protests are being held in several cities against the brutal murder of the 55-year old journalist who was the editor of Lankesh Patrikea Kannada magazine.

Lankesh was known to be an anti-establishment figure and an outspoken critic of right-wing extremism.

Here's how the story has progressed since the incident on Tuesday night:

#1 Lankesh was shot at four times from close range and died on the spot. Two of the bullets hit her chest and one pierced her forehead.

According to media reports, her body was found by her neighbours on the veranda of her house. Eyewitnesses and police claimed that there were three assailants on motorcycle, but they have not yet been identified.

#2 Bengaluru police have acquired the CCTV footage from the premises. Her family has sought a CBI probe into the incident.

#3 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder.

#4 Members of the literary community spoke out strongly against the assassination of Lankesh, who was a staunch critic of Hindutva politics. She was convicted last year for defamation over an article linking a BJP leader to criminal activities.

#5 Prominent figures including Karnataka Home Minister R Ramalinga Reddy and historian Ramachandra Guha have compared the murder to the 2015 assassination of scholar MM Kalburgi in the same state. Kalburgi was also a vocal critic of right-wing extremism and was also shot at his home by unidentified assailants.

But Reddy advised caution until further investigations are conducted. "We are yet to ascertain if it was an ideology-based killing or was done for some other reason," he said.

#6 Congress leaders including party president Sonia Gandhi, party vice-president Rahul Gandhi, senior leader P Chidambaram, and Punjab CM Amrinder Singh, have condemned the murder of the senior journalist.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement on Wednesday.

#7 Attacking the ruling BJP at the Centre Rahul Gandhi said, Anybody who speaks against ideology of BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

While Union Minister Nitin Gadkari rubbished Rahul Gandhi's allegations, Smriti Irani - Minister of Textiles and Information & Broadcasting - condemned the journalists murder and hoped for a speedy investigation.

#8 Protests are being held in cities across the country including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chennai, and so on. Journalists, activists and members of civil society have taken to the streets with many of the protests taking place at Press Clubs such as in Chennai, Delhi, and Chadigarh.



To those who use guns to silence dissent, you are cowards. And your bullets may kill but will not deter the brave #RipGauriLankesh

 Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 5, 2017

Eminent journalists across media houses have condemned the cold blooded killing of one of their own. Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai called the murder an act of cowardice.

#9 Thousands of people including CM Siddaramaiah on Wednesday afternoon paid their last last respects to Lankesh. She was buried at the the T R Mill Grounds in Chamarajpet.

#10 The CM has asked the state police to grant protection to persons who might be under threat in future. Bengaluru has been put on high alert. Three special teams are on the lookout for the killers, the Deputy Commissioner of Police said.

With inputs from PTI.
Activist and senior journalist Gauri Lankesh died on Tuesday after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds fired by unidentified assailants outside her Bengaluru residence.

Lankesh was the daughter of the famous journalist, poet, and filmmaker P Lankesh, editor of Lankesh Patrike. She inherited the paper after her fathers death and after a family split, the paper split too.

However, she remained with one of the paper's split factions as its editor, renamed it to Gauri Lankesh Patrike, and ran it with 50 other people till the time of her death.

Through the paper, Gauri expressed her opinions and broke stories against right-wing and Hindutva politics. She was also known for her outspoken views on caste violence and communal politics.

According to an Indian Express report, Lankesh was convicted in November last year for criminal defamation in a 2008 article she wrote. The case was filed by Bharatiya Janata Party MPs Prahlad Joshi and Umesh Dhusi, and Lankesh was given a six-month sentence and a fine, with bail granted on the same day.

Lankesh was concerned about the state of freedom of expression in the country. She was a strong advocate for freedom of the press and was concerned about how people came under the radar for their ideological leanings.

Lankesh was also actively involved in bringing back people associated with the Karnataka Naxal movement to the mainstream with the help of the Karnataka government.

Her murder was quickly paralleled with the murder of Sahitya Akademi Award winner M M Kalburgi in 2015. Kalburgi was a rationalist who was gunned down from point blank range outside his residence as well. His murder remains unsolved.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that three police teams are probing Lankesh's murder.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the test of a new-type anti-aircraft guided weapon system organised by the Academy of National Defence Science. Photo: Reuters

Britain's Foreign Minister Boris Johnson today called on the international community to impose further sanctions on North Korea following the country's latest nuclear test.

"We are now pressing the Security Council to pass a new resolution as swiftly as possible, imposing further sanctions and showing the unity and determination of the international community," Johnson told parliament in London.

He said North Korea's ambassador to Britain had been summoned to the Foreign Office "to receive a formal protest".

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm with by far its most powerful atomic test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb that could be mounted onto a long-range missile.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council on Monday that Washington will present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, with a view to voting on it next Monday.

Haley did not spell out what measures Washington was seeking, but diplomats said they could target oil supplies to North Korea -- potentially dealing a major blow to the economy.

New sanctions could also seek to curb tourism to the country and ban North Korean labourers sent abroad.

In a phone call with US President Donald Trump today, British Prime Minister Theresa May stressed the importance of the UN Security Council quickly agreeing new measures.

"Mrs May said Britain would work with the US and international partners to continue to exert economic pressure on North Korea through further measures including sanctions," a spokesman for the premier's office said.

A previous UN resolution adopted in early August banned exports of coal, seafood, iron ore and lead.

In his address, Johnson also called on China to "use all its leverage to ensure peaceful settlement" of the crisis.

"China, which accounts for 90 per cent of North Korea's overseas trade, has a unique ability to influence the regime," he said.

China's ambassador to the UN, Liu Jieyi, urged the parties to agree to a Chinese-Russian plan calling for the North to freeze its missile and nuclear tests and the United States and South Korea to suspend joint military exercises.
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago state in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., April 6, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTX34GO6

US President Donald Trump would discuss with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping the security challenge posed by North Korea following Pyongyang's biggest nuclear weapons test, the White House said.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called its sixth and most powerful nuclear test a "perfect success", sparking world condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

Trump's call to Xi is part of his efforts to reach out to global leaders on the issue of North Korean threat.

This would be the first phone call between the two leaders after North Korea carried out another nuclear test a few days ago and has threatened to equip its ballistic missile with nuclear weapons.

"In the morning, President Donald Trump will speak with President Xi Jinping of China," the White House said.

Over the past few days, he has spoken multiple times with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

He also spoke over phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and South Korea President Moon Jae-In.

Meanwhile, South Korean Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun told a Washington audience that North Korea is rapidly becoming a threat too hard to bear.

"First, we should not accept North Korea as a nuclear weapons state. The second thing we can not accept, in any case, is a war on the Korean peninsula," Cho said at a luncheon organised at a think-tank.

Speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Congressman Stephanie Murphy, said North Korea's nuclear test are a profoundly dangerous, defiant, and destabilising event.

"As expected, the test has generated verbal condemnation from the international community, including China and Russia.

But it is too early to say whether these strong words will be followed by strong actions and, if so, what those actions will entailand whether they will make any difference in altering North Korea's strategic calculus," he said.
The Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the WorkersO Party of Korea meets in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang September 4, 2017. KCNA via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE BY REUTERS THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTORS. SOUTH KOREA OUT. - RC126CC2D660

A North Korea diplomat on Tuesday said his country was 'ready to send more gift packages' to United States, raising fear the country could test another intercontinental ballistic missile (ICMB) in the days to come.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula has been simmering since July, when the Kim Jong-un regime tested Hwasong-14, an ICBM capable of striking parts of mainland US. Days later, it said it was preparing to strike US territory of Guam after US President Donald Trump threatened to unleash "fire and fury" on it.

Since Kim Jong-un took over as the 'Supreme Leader' of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 2011, his regime has conducted 87 missile tests.

In less than six years as the leader, Kim Jong-un has conducted nearly three times the number of tests conducted by the previous two leaders put together.

The North spends exorbitant amounts of money to maintain and expand its military. A report by Canada's National Post claimed the money spent by the North on its military stood at 25 percent of its Gross National Product (GNP) in 2012.

Here are some facts about North Korea, you probably did not know:

Politics and Elections

North Korea was seen as a communist country until 1994, when the leadership officially established the 'Juche' system of governance. The system embraces the 'military-first' policy. It focuses on self-defence, self-reliance and construction of a 'national economy'.

Critics have said the system promotes the leading family as 'heroes' of the Korean people and acts as a foundation for a personality cult around its leader.

While elections for the Supreme People's Assembly (equivalent of the parliament) and the local elections are held in a five and four year cycle, respectively, only the 'Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland' wins as they are mostly the only ones to contest. The country claims the voting turnout is almost 100 percent.

Personality cult

The North Korea constitution considers founder Kim-Il-Sung as the 'only guiding principle of the state'. A personality cult has surrounded Il-Sung and his successors Kim-Jong-Il and Kim-Jong-un.

The cult is marked by the intense devotion shown by the people towards the Kim family.

Kim-Il-Sung still identified as the "Eternal President" and similar titles have been given to the succeeding leaders. Jong-Il has at least 54 such titles.

Military

As of 2010, more than 12 million men and women were enrolled in the country's defence forces. As many as 1.1 million of them were active personnel, making it the fourth largest active army in the world. The North is quickly scaling up its weapons stock pile too.

As no treaty was signed between North Korea and South Korea-US following the Korean War, the two sides are technically still at war with each other.

Civilian life

According to the Juche calendar followed by the country, it is year 106 in North Korea, not 2017. The calendar considers Kim Il-Sung's birth date as the starting point.

People have 15 hairstyles to choose from. The hairstyles are only authorised by the state.

The literacy rate is 99 percent, the country claims.

Journalists who have been given guided tours of capital Pyongyang have reported that only the country's elite and people loyal to the leadership are allowed to live in the city, as a reward.

Prisons

The 2010 Human Rights Report of the US State Department calls the condition of North Korean prisons unsanitary and life-threatening.

Often referred to as "Gulag", the prisons are considered hotbeds for torture and abuse.

Defectors have reported that extreme human rights violations including torture, forced labour and human medical experiments happen regularly inside these Gulags.

According to defectors, as many as three generations of a family can be jailed and tortured if even a single member of the family is found guilty of political dissent or tries to defect the county.
German industrial orders fell unexpectedly in July on feeble domestic demand while appetite from abroad was flat, data showed on Wednesday -- a rare sign of weakness in Europe's largest economy less than three weeks before federal elections.

Recent buoyant economic figures had underlined the strength of the German economy and its consumption-led upswing ahead of the September 24 vote in which Angela Merkel is expected to win a record-equalling fourth term as chancellor.

"This is not adding fuel to the hype about the economy," Bankhaus Lampe economist Alexander Krueger said, although he noted that the overall trend in orders is still upwards.

Factories registered a 0.7 percent drop in orders in July after contracts for goods made in Germany rose by 0.9 percent in June, data from the Economy Ministry showed. The reading for July far undershot a Reuters forecast of a 0.3 percent rise.

Excluding volatile bulk orders, the headline figure was up 0.6 percent in July, the ministry said.

The stronger euro did not seem to have dampened demand, with orders from countries outside the 19-member single currency bloc rising by 0.6 percent in July, Stefan Kipar at BayernLB said.

LESS CONSUMER GOODS

The overall drop was mainly caused by a plunge in demand for consumer goods, but intermediate and capital goods orders also edged down on the month, a data breakdown showed.

Commerzbank analyst Ralph Solveen said the figures suggested that factories would still contribute to overall growth in the third quarter, but to a lesser extent than in the first half.

The Federal Statistics Office will publish industrial output data for July on Thursday (0600 GMT).

The ministry said order activity remained on a very high level overall. "In the past three months, German companies have registered nearly as many orders as they did before the outbreak of the economic and financial crisis in 2008," it added.

Orders and sentiment indicators pointed to a continuation of the solid upswing in the sector, the ministry added.

Recent figures have shown the number of Germans out of work falling further, consumer morale improving and the manufacturing sector expanding.

The German economy grew by 0.7 percent on the quarter in the first three months of the year and by 0.6 percent from April to June, driven by increased household and state spending as well as higher investment in buildings and equipment.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the German economy to grow by 1.8 percent in 2017 and by 1.6 percent in 2018 in real terms. This would be slightly below the 1.9 percent in 2016, which was the strongest rate in five years.
Germany

Germany attracted 7.50 lakh Indian tourists in 2016 and the country is now looking at around two million overnight visitors from India by 2030, an official said on Wednesday.

According to the officials of the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), their country has emerged as the number one tourist destination for Indians coming to Europe.

The term 'overnight' is used for the tourists who stay in a hotel for at least one night during their visit to Germany. The tourists who do not stay in a hotel are not taken into account.

"Last year, Germany witnessed around 7.50 lakh visitor overnights from India. This year we are hoping to attract around eight lakh Indians," Romit Theophilus, the director of GNTO's marketing and sales office in India, told PTI.

"For 2020, our target is one million. However, we are now focusing for 2030 as we are looking to achieve two million mark by then," he said.

GNTO on Wednesday held a road show here to attract tourists to Germany.

"Many people do not know that Germany is already the most favoured tourist destination for Indians going to Europe. Even Switzerland comes second. The rise of middle class in India has contributed a lot, as most Indian travellers are either from middle class or upper middle class," Theophilus said.

After Delhi and Mumbai, Gujarat is the third largest tourism market for Germany, he said.

The GNTO in New Delhi is the official representative of the German National Tourist Board.
The Gravelines nuclear power plant is seen across the beach in Petit Fort Philippe, northern France, March 10, 2017. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol

President Donald Trump's envoy to the United Nations is laying out the argument for the US potentially declaring Iran in formal violation of the nuclear deal.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley says she doesn't know what decision Trump will make on the Iran deal. She says it's his decision alone.

But Haley is detailing a litany of US grievances against Iran and its Revolutionary Guard. Many of the accusations took place before the nuclear deal was negotiated.

Decertification would be a first step toward the Trump administration fulfilling its threat to pull out of the deal. But notably, Haley says if Trump does declare Iran in violation, that doesn't necessarily mean the US will withdraw from the deal. She's leaving open the possibility that sanctions relief could remain.
The Gravelines nuclear power plant is seen across the beach in Petit Fort Philippe, northern France, March 10, 2017. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol

Japan today again upgraded its estimated size of North Korea's latest nuclear test to a yield of around 160 kilotons -- more than ten times the size of the Hiroshima bomb.

This marked Tokyo's second revision higher after previously giving estimates of 70 and 120 kilotons.

Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters that his ministry's upward revision to 160 kilotons was based on a revised magnitude by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO).

"This is far more powerful than their nuclear tests in the past," Onodera told reporters.

The US bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945 carried a yield of 15 kilotons.

Japan's latest estimate far exceeded the yield of between 50 and 100 kilotons indicated by UN political affairs chief Jeffrey Feltman at the UN Security Council.

Early Wednesday, Onodera held telephone talks with US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and both agreed to step up "visible pressure" on North Korea, the ministry in Tokyo said.

"North Korea's nuclear and missile development is at a new stage of grave and imminent threats," Onodera told Mattis, the ministry said, adding that his US counterpart shared the view.

Pyongyang's Sunday test of what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile triggered global alarm and has divided the international community as it scrambles for a response.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley told the UN Security Council that Washington would present a new sanctions resolution to be negotiated in the coming days, but Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday rejected US calls for more sanctions as "useless".

Putin's comments appeared to have widened a split among major powers over how to rein in Pyongyang, pitting Moscow and Beijing against Washington and its allies.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to press Putin for his support over the North Korea's provocation, when the two leaders hold talks in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok on Thursday.

"We have to make North Korea change its current policy and understand that there is no bright future if North Korea continues the present policy," Abe told reporters ahead of his departure.
At least five children were killed when several boats carrying Rohingya refugees from Myanmar sank today, Bangladesh border guards said.

"So far, the bodies of five male and female children have been found at different locations," Border Guard Bangladesh officer Alyosius Sangma told AFP.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches the test of a new-type anti-aircraft guided weapon system organised by the Academy of National Defence Science. Photo: Reuters

UN chief Antonio Guterres has condemned North Korea's latest nuclear and missile tests and offered to support any effort to denuclearise the Korean peninsula.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called it a "perfect success", inviting worldwide condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

"Yet again, North Korea has broken the global norm against nuclear test explosions," UN Secretary-General Guterres said yesterday.

Guterres unequivocally condemned the latest nuclear and missile tests.

Pyongyang has defied the Security Council resolutions.

"North Korea has needlessly and recklessly put millions of people at risk  including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights," he added.

Guterres reiterated his call on North Korean authorities to comply fully with its international obligations, including the various UN Security Council resolutions.

He welcomed the most recent meeting of the Security Council, saying: "The unity of the Council is crucial in addressing this crisis. That unity also creates an opportunity to engage diplomatically to decrease tensions, increase confidence and prevent any escalation  all aimed at the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula".

The Secretary-General stressed dialogue and communication as necessary to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding.

"Confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences," he added. "The solution must be political. The potential consequences of military action are too horrific".

"As Secretary-General, I am ready to support any efforts towards a peaceful solution of this alarming situation, and as I said, to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," he said.

In response to a question on which of the global challenges he thought would be most focussed upon at the forthcoming General Assembly's High-Level Week, Guterres said, the "most dangerous crisis" the world faces today is the crisis related to the nuclear risk in relation to North Korea.

"We all have the experience of the First World War. Wars usually do not start by a decision taken in a moment by the parties to go to war. If you look at the history of the First World War, it was on a step-by-step basis, one party doing one thing, the other party doing another, and then an escalation taking placeThis is the risk we need to avoid in relation to the situation of North Korea," he said.

He added that all members of the Security Council must come together and make it clear to North Korea that they need to negotiate in order for the achievement of the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

"I know that the leverage of the UN is limited. I know that our capacity is limited. I've just signalled to the parties that I'm entirely at their disposal, but I recognise that what is crucial here is the unity of the Security Council and the capacity of countries to come together with a single strategy to deal with North Korea," he added.
CNBC

Zuckerberg made his request after the administration announced it will rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which President Barack Obama created by executive action in 2012. Trump delayed the revocation of the plan to gave Congress time to come up with a solution.

Trump's action means hundreds of thousands previously protected by DACA could soon face the risk of deportation.

"This is a sad day for our country," Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post.

"The decision to end DACA is not just wrong," he wrote. "It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it.

"It's time for Congress to act to pass the bipartisan Dream Act or another legislative solution that gives Dreamers a pathway to citizenship," he wrote.

Critics of the DACA protections have argued this program incentivizes illegal immigration, or symbolised a regulatory overreach by the Obama administration.



Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co-workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers

 Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) September 5, 2017

But IBM has said it stands by those protected by the program. Box CEO Aaron Levie called for congressional action, as did Google CEO Sundar Pichai



Congress must act immediately to allow Dreamers to stay. This should be priority # 1 given the confusion and stress ending DACA will cause.

 Aaron Levie (@levie) September 5, 2017

Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote that "Congress should adopt legislation on DACA before it tries to adopt a tax reform bill," despite the fact that the company  one of America's richest tech firms  "cares greatly about modernizing the tax system."

Twitter's official policy arm noted its support of a letter from FWD.us, a group that advocates for immigration reform and was co-founded by technology executives like Zuckerberg and Bill Gates.

"Dreamers are vital to the future of our companies and our economy," the FWD.us letter said. "With them, we grow and create jobs. They are part of why we will continue to have a global competitive advantage."

Other signatories of the letter included:

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos

Apple CEO Tim Cook

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson

Facebook chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg

HP CEO Dion Weisler

LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner

Dan Schulman, CEO of PayPal

Salesforce boss Marc Benioff

Y Combinator's Sam Altman

Top executives from Uber, Lyft and Tesla, as well as GM CEO Mary Barra.

CEOs across other industries, like Arne Sorenson of Marriott, also signed on.

The technology industry has been staunchly opposed to some of Trump's other immigration proposals, including the initial version of a travel ban that limited immigration from several Muslim majority countries that the administration said were associated with terrorism. That proposal was opposed by about 100 technology companies in a legal filing, and was met with protests at Google.

California  where many technology companies are headquartered  is one of the top economic beneficiaries of the DACA program, according to the Center for American Progress.

Uber's chief technology officer, Thuan Pham, said he was heart broken over Trump's decision, recalling his own escape from Vietnam on a boat, and saying that Uber employs 11 people protected by DACA. Apple's Cook said the company has workers in 28 states who are affected, noting in a memo to employees that he believed "regardless of where they were born, they deserve our respect as equals."

Other technology CEOs are likely to do "everything in their power to protect their employees" from the repeal of a law protecting certain immigrants, technology investor Roger McNamee told CNBC's "Squawk Alley" on Tuesday.

"I don't know the answer," McNamee said. "Our entire economy is based on having lots of different kinds of people in it."

 CNBC's Sally Shin contributed reporting.
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,
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September 06, 2017

Politically Uncivilized People

The leaflets distributed by U.S. forces in Parwan province, north of Kabul, on Tuesday depicted a lion, representing the U.S.-led coalition, chasing a dog with a section of the Talibans banner, containing a passage from the Koran in Arabic superimposed on its side.

WaPo - Sept 6 2017

The "passage from the Koran" on the Taliban banner is the Shahada, the central creed for every Muslim: "There is no god but God. Muhammad is the messenger of God." It is hard to believe that trained U.S. psychological warfare elements distribute such blasphemy out of ignorance and without specific intent.

Here is another such inflammatory statement.

Better a million dead North Koreans than a thousand dead Americans. ... [I]n the real world, the greatest immorality in war is not killing the enemy. The greatest immorality would be for our country to lose.

The moral answer to North Korea... - Ralph Peters, NY Post, Sept 5, 2017

That moral mindset is, unfortunately, widely accepted in U.S. opinion writing and politics. It is independent of party affiliation.

I agree with Vladimir Vladimirovich on this:

As for the American people, America is truly a great nation if the Americans can put up with so many politically uncivilised people.

Vladimir Putin - Sept 5 2017

Posted by b on September 6, 2017 at 18:42 UTC | Permalink

Comments
GREENSBORO  Another hurricane, and a Category 5 at that.

Unpredictable. Treacherous. Churning in the Atlantic, menacing the Southeast coast, threatening to ram ... some city yet to be determined.

Sound familiar? Bring back bad memories? Maybe of power outages and toppled oaks?

This week, all eyes are on Hurricane Irma, a monstrous windmaker that most likely will strike Florida on Sunday or Monday.

But 28 years ago this month, western and central North Carolina were fixated on an eerily similar beast:

Hurricane Hugo.

The two storms have much in common  at least at this point in their long, slow marches to landfall.

Hugo in 1989, like Irma in 2017, spent some time at Category 5.

Both storms took a similar path from the coast of Africa toward the Dominican Republic.

But thats where Hugo took a decidedly northwestern turn, making landfall Friday, Sept. 22, as a Category 4 near Charleston, S.C. The storm killed 29 people in the state, making it one of the worst disasters of the 20th century.

As bad as that was, it could have been worse. Early warnings allowed 350,000 people to evacuate the South Carolina coast safely.

The storm headed for Charlotte, then sped into the Triad as a mere tropical storm.

Winston-Salem was spared the worst of Hugo, which, as Staff Writer Taft Wireback wrote for the Sept. 23 edition of the News & Record in Greensboro, could have been shortened to Hu because most of its go went somewhere else.

About 51,000 residences lost electricity in Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point, where tree after tree downed power lines. The wind gusted to 51 mph just before 7 a.m. at Piedmont Triad International Airport.

In Charlotte and parts of the western Piedmont, wind rather than rain did the bulk of the damage.

Then-Charlotte Mayor Sue Myrick declared a state of emergency, with about one-quarter of Mecklenburg County residents losing power.

Damage from Hugo cost roughly $10 billion in South Carolina and $725 million in North Carolina.

Irma could still follow in Hugos path, closing in on the Carolinas instead of barreling due west toward Miami, as forecasters expect.

If not, then maybe Tropical Storm Jose will.

Its following right behind Irma, bound for ... somewhere.
The FBI announced Wednesday that the FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team is joining the ongoing search for Asha Degree.

Ashas book bag was found in Burke County more than a year after she went missing in the early morning hours of Feb. 14, 2000. She was 9 years old. She would be 26 years old now.

The rapid deployment team will provide on-the-ground investigative, technical, behavioral analysis, and analytical support to find out more about what happened to Asha, according to a release from the FBI on Wednesday.

The team will be working with FBI Charlotte employees, Cleveland County Sheriffs Office investigators and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation agents. FBI CARD team members are highly trained and experienced experts on missing children cases, the agency says. CARD teams respond across the country and around the world when a child is missing and, recently, the FBI began to use the experience and talent of the teams to review unsolved cases, the release said.

The FBI and Cleveland County have continued to investigate the case throughout the years.

Last year, the FBI put out information about a car that Asha was seen getting into the morning she disappeared. The vehicle was described as a dark - green , early - model 1970s Lincoln Mark IV or possibly a Ford Thunderbird with rust around the wheel wells, according to information from the FBI at the time.

The FBI and the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office received information that someone matching Ashas description may have been seen getting into the distinctive vehicle along N.C. 18 in Shelby, where she was last seen.

Ashas family last saw her asleep in her bedroom at around 2:30 a.m. on the morning she went missing but she was seen later around 4 a.m. walking down N.C. 18 in Shelby, according to FBI information. Her parents reported her missing by 6:30 a.m.

A resident found Ashas book bag inside of a trash bag that had been buried along N.C. 18 South in Burke County more than a year after she went missing.

In 2015, retired Burke County Sheriff John McDevitt, who was sheriff in 2000, said the book bag was found during the process of excavating an area for a driveway. He said the Burke County Sheriffs Office sealed up the book bag as evidence and gave it to the sheriffs office in Cleveland County. He said he never heard about it again.

McDevitt said investigators with Cleveland County at the time searched along N.C. 18 South in Burke County after the book bag was found.

The FBI release on Wednesday said that based on its investigation, there is reason to believe that people in Shelby and Cleveland County or the surrounding area have knowledge of, or information about, Ashas disappearance.

The FBI is continuing to offer a $25,000 reward for information leading to the person or people responsible for Ashas disappearance. The community and Cleveland County Sheriffs Office are also offering an additional $20,000 reward.

The FBI release said Adams Outdoor Advertising will be displaying Ashas picture on a number of digital billboards around the Charlotte area. The company is donating available space to help publicize the case.

Those with information on Ashas disappearance should call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Sharon McBrayer is a staff writer and can be reached at smcbrayer@morganton.com or at 828-432-8946.
Following a sharp drawdown in the immediate aftermath of the UKs decision to leave the European Union, UK smaller companies have staged a strong recovery in performance. Sterlings initial depreciation benefitted the earnings of larger companies with a higher proportion of their revenues coming from overseas, thus leading to their outperformance relative to their smaller, more domestically focused counterparts through the end of June 2016.

The picture since then, however, is somewhat different. The FTSE Small Cap excluding investment trusts index has outperformed the FTSE All Share index by more than 10 percentage points in the 12 months to the end of June.

Investors Withdraw Cash Despite Gains

The Brexit referendum clearly increased the uncertainty surrounding the UK economy, and investors have responded by withdrawing money from the small cap space in the 12 months since the vote. Aggregate net flows from open-ended UK small-cap funds have been negative in each quarter since the referendum, with investors pulling more than 1 billion out of small cap funds over the 12 months to the end of June.

This is a classic example of poor investor timing. The bounce back has seen the strong performance of UK small caps and the even-better performance of active funds in the sector. For instance, the average UK small-cap fund has outperformed the index by almost eight percentage points in the one-year period to the end of June.

The turnaround began in the second half of 2016 as the average fund started to outperform the index, and this outperformance has accelerated so far this year, with positive stock selection within a range of sectors driving those active returns relative to the index.

For example, Fevertree Drinks (FEVR) has been one of the largest individual stock contributors to fund performance this year; it has been a popular pick among small-cap fund managers over recent years and it has continued its strong run with a rise of more than 50% year to date. The average funds underweight position in oil and gas has also proven beneficial for active returns; the sector has given back some of its gains from last year given the overall weakening in the oil price.

Over the longer term, the returns figures indicate that active UK smaller companies funds have, on average, added value over the index for investors, with outperformance by the average fund over the index of almost three percentage points per annum, on average, over both the 10- and 15-year periods.

3 Positively Rated Small Cap Funds

Underneath those figures, however, there remains significant dispersion between the returns of the best and worst performing funds within the sector, underscoring the importance of robust fund selection. Here we highlight some of the UK smaller companies funds rated positively by Morningstar fund analysts.

Daniel Nickols is an experienced small-cap investor who has managed Old Mutual UK Smaller Companies for more than a decade. His involvement goes back even further to 2001 working alongside the previous manager, Ashton Bradbury. He is supported by the well-resourced small- and mid-cap team at Old Mutual. The fund incorporates a top-down element alongside bottom-up stock analysis, and the manager has a flexible investment approach with no rigid bias towards value or growth.

Instead, he looks to respond to the prevailing economic and market conditions, selecting stocks and positioning the portfolio accordingly. The bottom-up research conducted by Nickols and the team seeks to identify companies with the potential be re-rated as a result of strong growth and greater financial stability. The fund holds a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Gold.

River & Mercantile UK Equity Smaller Companies is managed by Philip Rodrigs, who officially assumed responsibility for the fund in September 2014 from Dan Hanbury having joined River & Mercantile earlier that year. Rodrigs had previously built a strong track record as manager of Investec UK Smaller Companies. An initial quantitative screening helps to identify stocks worthy of further fundamental analysis, and stocks can be categorised as growth, quality, recovery or asset-backed.

Rodrigs will invest across all four categories to build a balanced portfolio but the fund generally tends to have a tilt towards growth. The manager and the team will create scenarios to assess a stocks potential before an investment decision is made. The fund will typically include significant allocations to stocks lower down the market-cap scale and to AIM-listed stocks. The fund holds a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Bronze.

Liontrust UK Smaller Companies is managed by Anthony Cross, who provides a wealth of experience in investing in UK smaller companies, with support from Julian Fosh, who brings over 20 years of investment experience, and Victoria Stevens and Matt Tonge, who both joined the team in 2015. Cross has managed the fund since January 1998 and was joined by Fosh in May 2008.

The investment process focuses on the importance of the intangible assets of a company, emphasising intellectual capital, distribution channels, and repeat business. This typically leads the fund to have a natural bias toward the less capital-intensive people-focused businesses, such as support services, technology, and media. The fund holds a Morningstar Analyst Rating of Bronze.
Global emerging-markets equity ETFs have proved popular with investors this year  taking more money than any other sector in the three months to the end of June. While the asset class has been on the front foot since the beginning of 2016, the recent slide in the US dollar, as well as increased valuations in developed market equities have only provided further support.

In Europe, the lions share of assets in emerging-markets equity ETFs is in products tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. While funds tracking this well-known benchmark are generally cheaper, investors should question whether a standard market-cap weighted approach to emerging markets is the right investment option for them.

Emerging markets is a blanket term. The group is made up of about 20 countries, each with its own distinct policies, currencies, economic orientation, and companies. Apart from the central running theme of a sensitivity to the Chinese economy, there have been large performance differences among the individual markets.

During the commodity bubble, these differences were not as pronounced, as most emerging-markets countries were turbo-charged by Chinas manufacturing engine operating at full speed. But now, with Chinas economy slowing and looking to transition to a more diversified growth model, these developing economies are decoupling.

Protect Yourself from a Chinese Overweight

As such, investors seeking exposure to emerging-markets equities may be better served with more diversified funds than those tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, which is highly concentrated at the country level. Currently, China represents 29% of the entire portfolio and its allocation is only likely to get bigger.

In June 2017, MSCI announced that it will add 222 China A-Shares  onshore stocks listed in the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges  to the MSCI Emerging Markets Index as part of a two-step process beginning in May 2018. Upon full inclusion, China is estimated to represent 40% of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.

Investors seeking a more diversified approach may be better served with funds which cap single country weights. The innovative ETF industry already offers many products linked to indices meeting that criteria. And of course, investors may also consider the merits of actively managed emerging market equity funds, particularly those run by portfolio managers who are benchmark-agnostic.
On September 1, the Condominium Authority of Ontario (CAO) has officially introduced itself as the first organization specifically intended to support condominium living across the province.The group will play a pivotal role in addressing the growing needs of condo communities in Ontario so that people who call a condo their home can enjoy peace of mind, according to Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. I would like to thank the Condominium Authority of Ontario's board and team for their efforts in helping to build more sustainable communities across our province now, and for years to come.Among others, the administrative authoritys tasks will be providing information about condo ownership and condo living information (including a guide for condo buyers), as well as free online training for condo directors to ensure that condo boards run smoothly.Also, the organization will be responsible for a new online dispute resolution tribunal that will include online guided negotiation, mediation and adjudication to help resolve issues and settle disputes, along with self-help tools for those who have questions or want to resolve disputes on their own.CAOs initial version of the online dispute resolution services is slated to be launched on November 1.As the first designated authority for the condominium sector in Ontario, the CAO is focused on supporting condo living, CAO chair Tom Wright said. As part of the governments consumer protection initiative, we will assist condo owners and residents by providing timely, relevant information and resources to foster healthier condo communities as more and more residents choose condominiums as their homes.
Continue to grow

It was a great experience with a broker as a client that drew Calum Ross , one of the countrys most successful brokers, to the channel.Initially I started out in the bank management training program. They were paying for my MBA, and I came across the mortgage broker channel more by accident than anything else, Ross, wealth advisor and principal broker with The Mortgage Management Group, says. I ended up getting my own mortgage and at the time I was working for the Bank of Montreal, my mom was (with) RBC and I got introduced to a mortgage broker and the broker was able to get the deal turned around a lot quicker for me.Ross was a first-time buyer dealing with the stresses of making that first purchase.He admits being surprised by the industry and, indeed, what its professionals are capable of achieving.I was a first-time buyer, and it was a stressful thing for me. That sort of got my attention. Here I am as a commerce graduate, thinking how do I not know about this mortgage broker concept? he says. At the time I was looking at a career in the investment industry and I realized a lot more people needed debt advice than investment advice and thats what got me interested in it.So Ross decided to take a chance.When I was in business school in the entrepreneur class, the thing that struck me was the idea that most businesses dont actually create a new product or service, they take an existing one and do it better, he says. At that point the mortgage broker channel, I thought I was going to do well and I thought if I didnt take the risk, make the jump in the early days of my doing my MBA part-time I probably never would.So I made the jump.And jump he did. Ross has since been recognized as the countrys top broker, as well as one of its highest funding professionals.As such, hes got a few ideas about how the industry will shift over the course of the next few years.Its very clear the credit capital markets are going to be under a lot of scrutiny in the next little while. We have huge amounts of consumer debt, huge amounts of government debt; and there is going to be a lot of debt aversion stuff coming forward, Ross says. People have to get very really real with credit rules. Theyre going to get tightened up and regulation and paperwork is going to become a much bigger deal. I think that the people who run very tight ships are going to be rewarded.Brokers who have more lax processes and procedures are going to have a real hard time staying on top of the mortgage channel in the next few years to come, Ross argues.Brokers and lenders alike must continue to help each other thrive in the industry, according to Ross.We have to make sure we as brokers make it profitable for lenders to do business with us. There are too many people in my opinion that have too short-term a perspective. Theyre more concerned with generating a commission but unless we create value for our clients and make it profitable for our lenders to do business with us, the long-term value proposition will be impacted, he says. Lenders are a very important part of our market. We have to be very, very cognizant of making sure the model is one that they want to be in.When it comes to success, there is such a thing as doing too much.The rate aggregators and the online lending model is going to get more popular. I think theres going to be, more than ever before, a real difference between the price vs. advice space. I think people need to realize they cant be in both spaces simultaneously, Ross says. You cant spend so much time with clients, give them all kinds of tools, and still offer the lowest rate. You cant run your business that way.People have to be very mindful of the markets they serve and very mindful of the target markets they go after, according to Ross. You cant be all things to all people.I have always focused, specifically, on helping clients through borrowing to create wealth -- real estate investors and borrowing to invest -- and the luxury home segment, Ross explains. I have never deviated from those segments. Its always been about supporting longer-term wealth and the luxury market. Ive never gone into the harder place market or the commercial space.Focus on a few tiers, be great at those, and youll be fine.No matter what, it still always come down to we must always continue to invest in ourselves and our channel, Ross believes.If we don't continue to grow our skill set and we don't continue to grow the value proposition that we bring to consumers as well as the way that we work cohesively with our partners, aka our clients and our lenders, then we're always at risk.
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Tickets to country superstar George Strait's blockbuster hurricane relief concert Tuesday at the Majestic Theatre went on sale at 10 a.m. today. By 10:30 a.m., the concert was sold out.

A search for tickets at ticketmaster.com returned the following message: "Oh-no! These tickets went fast and we're unable to find more right now."

Scattered single seats were all that was available about five minutes after tickets went on sale, but they were quickly grabbed up. A few seats popped up for sale after 10:10 a.m., possibly because people had reserved tickets, which were priced from $200 to $1,000, then declined to buy them.

The Majestic Theatre's capacity is about 2,200.

Part of the concert will be broadcast by ABC and other networks during the live Hand in Hand telethon that night.

RELATED: Big shows hitting San Antonio this fall

Now Playing: Country superstar George Strait will headline a blockbuster concert at the Majestic Theatre to benefit Harvey victims. (Video: Cavender Auto Family) Video: San Antonio Express-News

Joining Strait at the Majestic will be Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen.

Details of the benefit were first reported by Billboard magazine.

The musicians are donating their time, and the costs of the concert are being underwritten by the Cavender Auto Family, so 100 percent of ticket revenue will go to relief efforts.

Billy Cavender said the familys own vacation home in Port Aransas incurred some damage  wind and water  but its still standing, unlike many residences owned by others there.

We were trying to figure out what we can do to help, he said in a phone chat. We got hold of George and he wants to do everything he can as he always does, wants to assist those people in South Texas  friends and neighbors.

George shot a little spot yesterday morning, Cavender added. Im sure theyll sell out the Majestic for the event, and there will be online donations.

RELATED: Netflix knows you're cheating on your spouse

The hourlong Hand in Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Harvey Relief will air live at 7 p.m. Tuesday on ABC, CBS, CMT, Fox and NBC. It also will be available internationally via live stream on Facebook and Twitter.

It will be based in Los Angeles with stages in New York and Nashville as well as San Antonio.

Celebrities scheduled to appear, perform and tape tributes for Hand in Hand include George Clooney, Jamie Foxx, Matt Lauer, Rob Lowe, Matthew McConaughey, Dennis Quaid, Julia Roberts, Kelly Rowland, Adam Sandler, Ryan Seacrest, Michael Strahan, Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon, with more to be announced. The project was initiated by Houston rapper Bun B.

Musical artists will include Beyonce, Barbra Streisand, Tori Kelly, Karlie Kloss, Blake Shelton and, of course, Strait.

RELATED: S.A. TV anchors give East Texas a sweet gift

Hand in Hands goal is to bring the country together to raise funds, spirits and help rebuild Texas in the wake of Harveys unprecedented devastation, according to a statement released by ABC.

Proceeds from the Strait concert will go to the Rebuild Texas Fund, which was set up by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to support long-term recovery from the storm.

Telethon proceeds will benefit United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, Save the Children, Direct Relief, Feeding Texas and The Mayors Fund for Hurricane Harvey Relief (administered by the Greater Houston Community Fund) through the Hand in Hand Hurricane Relief Fund managed by Comic Relief Inc.

Phone lines, text messaging, and digital donations will be open at the beginning of the show and will conclude one-hour after the show ends. For more information, updates and a link to donate, please visit handinhand2017.com.

jjakle@express-news.net
Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram

In the wake of Hurricane Harveys destruction in southeast Texas, the Midland County District Attorneys Office, with the support of the Midland County judge and commissioners, will be hosting a clothing, toiletries and baby item drive to aid flood victims.

We recognize that the people in the south Texas area have been hit beyond measure with tremendous loss, District Attorney Laura Nodolf said Tuesday afternoon. So, whatever we can do on our part, as a county, to be able to help those down there, we are willing to do and we want to reach out.
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The alarming admission was delivered between labored breaths and anguished pauses.

"I think I killed my (wife) . . ." a man's low voice says on the phone.

The 911 operator asks him to elaborate: "What - what do you mean by that? What happened?"

"I had a dream and then I turned on the lights and she's dead on the floor," the man says. "Um, I have blood all over me and there's a bloody knife on the bed and I think I did it."

So begins a disturbing 6-minute call, made just after 1 a.m. Friday, in which North Carolina resident Matthew Phelps, 28, appears to confess to killing his wife, Raleigh police said.

In audio from the emergency call, published by the Raleigh News & Observer, Phelps can be heard alternately sobbing and breathing heavily as he expresses bewilderment over what took place; he tells the dispatcher that he doesn't know what time it is or when he woke up.

He does say he took cough medicine before he went to bed, according to the call audio.

"I took more medicine than I should have," Phelps says. "I took Coricidin . . . because I know it can make you feel good. So a lot of times I can't sleep at night, so I took some. . . . She's not moving. Oh my God."

The dispatcher repeatedly asks Phelps to check to see if his wife is breathing. Phelps tells him she is not, and that he's scared to get too close to her.

"There's all this blood," he says. "She didn't deserve this."

When police arrived at the home in northeast Raleigh, they discovered 29-year-old Lauren Phelps with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, a police spokeswoman told the News & Observer.

Matthew Phelps was arrested Friday and charged with murder. He is being held without bond at the Wake County jail and is scheduled to make a court appearance Tuesday, according to court records. An attorney for Phelps was not listed.

Matthew Phelps worked at a lawn service company and had studied missions and evangelism at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky, according to the News & Observer. He was studying to be a pastor while Lauren Phelps was a Sunday school teacher, ABC News reported.

Coricidin is marketed as a line of cold and cough medicine for people with high blood pressure. Bayer, the pharmaceuticals company that makes Coricidin, told ABC News in a statement it extended its "deepest sympathies" to the family.

"Patient safety is our top priority, and we continually monitor adverse events regarding all of our products," Bayer told the network. "There is no evidence to suggest that Coricidin is associated with violent behavior."

Meanwhile, a YouCaring fundraising page and a Facebook memorial page were set up for Lauren Phelps.

"My heart sank yesterday when I heard the passing of Lauren. I am in disbelief," one friend wrote Saturday on her Facebook remembrance page. "She was one of the purest souls one could ever meet. Her kind heart and sweet nature are an extremely rare find. She was a great friend to anyone lucky enough to call her one."

A memorial service for Lauren Phelps was held Monday in Wake Forest, North Carolina, according to a post on her Facebook page.
A Midland man was arrested Thursday after he allegedly sexually assaulted a child, according to court documents.

Alejandro Ramirez, 21, was being held Tuesday on a $50,000 bond for a second-degree felony charge of sexual assault of a child.

A Midland police detective was contacted on Aug. 28 in reference to a sexual assault of a child.

The department had received a report of a sexual encounter involving a man, later identified as Ramirez, according to his arrest affidavit.

If convicted of the second-degree felony charge, Ramirez could face up to 20 years imprisonment.
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Hurricane Harvey evacuees have already enrolled at Midland ISD.

The district reports 10 to 12 children from the Gulf Coast area are attending MISD schools. Teresa Moore, the districts executive director of Student Services, said it appears the energy industry connection is the main reason for the moves as one parent was already working in Midland when the hurricane struck and then flooded the region.

Everyone I have spoken to, they had a connection to Midland, Moore said. We have had families planning to move here anyway. With everything that happened, that sped up their plans.

Moore said she knew of families from Houston, Katy and Rockport. She said counties represented include Aransas and Refugio, but most evacuees are from Harris County (the greater Houston metropolitan area).

Moore said mechanisms are in place to provide needed services (free lunch programs, vouchers for uniforms, Title I funding) for students making the move.

Enrollment procedures for displaced students

Parents or guardians of displaced students affected by Hurricane Harvey who need to enroll in Midland ISD should come to the Student Services Office located on the fourth floor of the MISD Central Administration Building, 615 W. Missouri Ave.

- If the family is staying with relatives or friends, we are requesting a statement from the relative/friend confirming that the family is living with them and a current water/gas/electric bill or apartment lease with the host familys name and address of service.

- If the family is residing in a hotel, we request that they provide the hotel receipt confirming the stay. We are also requesting that the parent/guardian provide a photo ID and the name of the county from which they have evacuated.

The parent/guardian must also complete a Student Residency Questionnaire to determine eligibility for McKinney-Vento services, such as automatic free school lunches.

We will enroll all students who are coming in under these circumstances even if the parent/guardian cannot provide the usual enrollment documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, immunization records) as we know that these documents, as well as school records such as transcripts, may not be available. When we are able to request those records from the previous school district, we will do so and then make adjustments to course/grade level placements at that time.

There may be exceptions to our document requests and we will work with each family to ensure that the students are enrolled in school as quickly as possible. Please call 240-1523 for more information.

Source: MISD
50 Training Secrets of the Mr. Olympia Champions Part 1 - Jay Cutler

Written by Ron Harris

06 September 2017

50 Training Secrets of the Mr. Olympia Champions!

Part 1 - Jay Cutler

The Mr. Olympia title represents the pinnacle of achievement in the sport of bodybuilding. Beginning in 1965, one man was chosen to represent the absolute best in muscular development in the entire world. Its only natural that bodybuilders around the world, seeking to improve their own physiques and aspiring to greatness, would look to these men as role models on how to sculpt their own bodies and bring them closer and closer to perfection. With the 2017 Mr. Olympia just around the corner, we pay tribute to the event and its legendary champions. Weve gathered 50 excellent training tips from six Mr. Olympia champions. Take their combined wisdom and use it to forge your own destiny in iron and muscle!

Jay Cutler

Mr. Olympia 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010

Chin-ups build your back. Plain and simple, chin-ups are the best exercise you can do for your back, in my opinion. I was quite humbled at how bad I was at pull-ups when I tried them again after years of not including them. Its not so much a strength issue, because I can pull a ton of weight on a lat pulldown any time. But with chins, or pull-ups, theres a technique to it that requires a bit of a learning curve and a good deal of practice before you get it down. I do them at every back workout now.

Forget about how many plates are on the bar. Back is one muscle group where too many guys get all hung up on how much weight they use. They think because Dorian rowed over 400 and Ronnie was doing 500 in his video, thats what they should use to get a huge back. But 99 times out of 100, these guys are just yanking the weight up and letting it drop, and getting almost no stimulation in the lats at all. They would be so much better off forgetting about how many stupid plates are on the bar and focusing on what they feel in their backs during the set.

Do an isolation movement first. Many times, I do lateral raises first on shoulder day to get a good pump going in the medial heads of my delts as well as for a pre-exhaust effect. I really believe that a pumped muscle responds better to heavy weights, and that youll feel the compound movement that much better if you do an isolation movement first.

For impressive shoulders, develop your rear lats. Fully developed rear delts are a little-known secret for having very impressive shoulders. Whenever youre seen from the side in the quarter-turns or the side chest or triceps poses, that extra development in the rear delts adds a whole other level of impressiveness to the shoulders that most bodybuilders are too blind to realize.

Jays Back Workout, Circa 1992  Age 18

Lat Pulldowns to Front 4 x 10

Pulldowns Behind the Neck 4 x 10

Close-grip Pulldowns 4 x 10

Seated Cable Rows 4 x 10

One-arm Dumbbell Rows 4 x 10

Barbell Rows 4 x 10

T-Bar Rows 4 x 10

Jays Back Workout as Mr. Olympia

Lat Pulldowns (standard or reverse-grip) 3-4 x 8-10

Deadlifts* 4 x 8-10

One-arm Dumbbell Rows 3 x 8-10

Barbell Rows** 3 x 8-10

T-Bar Rows 3 x 8-10

Seated Cable Rows 4 x 8-10

Standing Cable Pullovers Using Rope (FST-7 Sevens) 7 x 8-10

*Done at every other back workout.

**Alternates overhand and underhand from workout to workout.

Challenge yourself with the weight. I really dont think high reps are the best way to build mass in the legs. Ive seen the best results by sticking with eight to 12 reps, but doing a lot of overall volume. Your legs can take a lot of abuse. You walk around on them all day. You want to challenge yourself with the weight, and dont be afraid to do a lot of sets. It takes me two hours to train quads and hams, and I dont rest much at all. I want to keep the blood flowing and a pump going that whole time.

Make sure the muscle is doing the work, and not momentum. Guys get caught up all the time with using as much weight as they can, but they usually end up either not using a full range of motion, cheating the weight up, or both. It really doesnt matter how much weight you use. Its about getting nice, full contractions and stretches on all your reps. Thats why Ill do things like pause in the hole when I squat for a second or two before driving back up, and slowing my negatives down so I feel the quads or hams stretching as I lower the weight. You recruit a lot more muscle fibers this way, and you make sure the muscle is doing the work, and not momentum. I dont use more than 405 on squats, which some people like to knock me for, but I get a lot out of every rep. If youre using a ton of weight but not feeling the quads and hams work and you dont get a pump, youre not getting much out of your leg workouts.

Jays Leg Routine

Leg Extensions 4 x 12 (as warm-up)

45-degree Leg Press 2 x 12-15 (warm-up), 4 x 10

Hack Squats 4 x 10

Leg Extensions 4 x 12

Smith Machine Squats 4 x 10

Vertical Leg Press 3 x 10

Seated Leg Curls 4 x 10

Single Leg Curls 4 x 10

Lying Leg Curls 4 x 10-12

Stiff-leg Deadlifts 4 x 10

Jays Chest Workout

Incline Dumbbell Press 2 warm-ups of 12-15, 3 x 10-12

Flat Smith Machine Press 3 x 10-12

Incline Dumbbell Flyes 3 x 10-12

Decline Barbell Press 3 x 10-12

Dumbbell Pullovers 3 x 12

Dumbbell pullovers for a bigger chest. Ive always done dumbbell pullovers, all these years. I really do believe they can help stretch out your chest and allow for more growth if you do them with a good pump in your pecs.

Keep your chest high when pressing. Two major technique adjustments helped me improve my chest thickness. One was to keep an arch in my back when I did any type of press. I found that I had to get my chest up higher than my shoulders, or else my delts would always take over the movement. I would say to myself, chest high, chest high, as a reminder of the position I needed to maintain during the set. The other adjustment was limiting the range of motion a bit on presses. When I used to touch the bar to my chest, I could feel my shoulders and triceps working to get it moving back up again, not my chest. I found that if I stopped short an inch or two, I could keep the tension on my pecs and I felt them doing a lot more of the work.

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More Vietnamese books sold abroad

VietNamNet Bridge - Several Vietnamese private publishing houses have gained success in exporting books, though the number remains modest.













Several Vietnamese private publishing houses have gained success in exporting books, though the number remains modest.



Em thich gioi toan (I want to be good at math), the product of the French Play Bac Publishing House and Long Minh Culture & Education JSC, has appeared in Russia. The Clever Media Publishing House purchased the copyright of three out of the seven-volume series to publish in Russia.Malaysian Pelangi Publishing House has also purchased the copyright of the entire series to publish in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.According to Do Hoang Son, director of Long Minh, math information for children aged 4-7 shown in the book is similar to that in France and Russia. However, the books are attractive with flip format, and good pictures and math problems. Each book includes 101 interesting math problems compiled by teacher Pham Dinh Thuc.In 2014, Long Minh decided to introduce the English version of the series at the Frankfurt book festival, where the series received attention from publishing houses from over 10 countries.The translation of the books into French and Japanese has been completed. Encouraged by the success, Long Minh is going ahead with the projects on compiling books for export in English, including Nguoi cam quan by Pham Tuan Lam, the book on playing chess by Luong Trong Minh, and the books about STEM.The copyright of Tu lam my pham (making cosmetics yourself), the first book by Do Anh Thu and Nguyen Thu Giang, has been sold to publishing houses in Thailand and South Korea.It cost Thu and Giang VND10 million to put books on Amazons shelves and only 100 books have sold after one month. However, the authors are satisfied about the figure.Nguyen Le Chi, director of Chibooks, said a Chinese book import/export company has decided to import Chibooks products. Chi has also received an order from New Zealand.In 2012, several young writers signed contracts with Chibooks which would represent them and offer nearly 100 literary works overseas. At that time, Chibooks project was described as too ambitious. It was warned that foreign publishing houses are only interested in books with millions of copies, while the majority of Vietnams books are published with just several thousand copies.However, despite difficulties, many Vietnamese publishing houses are still bringing Vietnamese books to the world. In late 2007, 300 copies of For Better or for Worse, the book by Prof Thai Cam Hung from University of Berkeley about the tendency of women in the Mekong Delta to marry Viet Kieu, were sold in 26 countries.Analysts say that demand for books about contemporary Vietnam around the world is very high.





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The leading contenders for Florida's 2018 Republican gubernatorial nomination are responding to President Trump's decision to end the Obama-era program protecting 'dreamers' from deportation in markedly different ways, with potential implications for the state of play in the race.

President's decision has unique consequences for Florida

Florida home to roughly 75,000 DREAMers

Embracing President's decision could be risky

In moving to phase out the five-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program unless Congress acts to codify it, the president has effectively put many of his fellow Republicans on the spot. The move forces them to choose between showing allegiance to the program's beneficiaries or the conservative nationalists who helped fuel Trump's rise to power.

The choice is especially complex for Republicans in Florida, a multicultural state home to roughly 75,000 dreamers and millions of legal immigrants who support DACA.

Two of the party's gubernatorial candidates, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and state Sen. Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater) are splitting the difference. They agreed with the need for congressional action, but broke with the president on his philosophical inclination to deport all illegal immigrants, even those who arrived in the country decades ago with their parents.

"We must lead with a compassionate heart, not by punishing children," Latvala said. "Florida is a diverse state and our economic success depends on a strong diverse workforce. If DACA ends in six months it will have a disastrous impact not only on hundreds of thousands of bright, promising young people but also on our business climate."

Putnam, who recently endured withering criticism from moderate Republicans for a tweet proclaiming he'd be a "sellout" to the National Rifle Association, appears to have largely taken a cue that ceding his middle-of-the-road platform for more conservative stances isn't an option. His reaction to the White House's DACA decision was, not surprisingly, measured.

"The children of illegal immigrants should not be punished for their parents wrongdoings," Putnam said in a statement. "I am glad to see the President will allow Congress to develop a solution to replace Obamas unconstitutional program.

The announcements by Latvala and Putnam left open a potentially vast right flank that, for the moment, is being occupied by House Speaker Richard Corcoran (R-Land O'Lakes). Corcoran, whose political committee has raised millions of dollars for a potential gubernatorial bid, is fully embracing the president's decision and says Congress should remain silent.

"The rule of law is the rule of law and no one should be above it," Corcoran wrote Tuesday. "Anything less would have been a tacit acceptance of President Obamas backdoor amnesty plan for illegal immigrants. And while Congress has shown little ability to get anything done (think repeal and replace of Obamacare), I just hope they dont turn the opportunity the president has given them to deal with this illegal immigration problem into their own backdoor amnesty plan.

While polls show President Trump is deeply unpopular with voters at large, they also indicate his popularity among Republicans, and especially self-described conservatives, is quite high. As a midterm election cycle history suggests should benefit Democrats begins, candidates seeking to embrace the president's agenda could have reason to be hopeful that a conservative coattail effect might materialize.

Embracing the president's DACA decision in wholesale fashion, however, is politically risky in a state like Florida, with a large Hispanic electorate and scores of independent voters, said Trimmel Gomes, a Tallahassee-based policy consultant.

"People empathize," Gomes said. "They have concern for those who may be in jeopardy, people who may be losing their work permits, who may be at risk of losing their school eligibility. It goes to the heart of the issue, and that's why so many conservatives are on the fence."
WASHINGTON  The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency on Aug. 31 announced that starting Sept. 1, dairy producers can enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program (MPP-Dairy). Secretary Sonny Perdue has utilized additional flexibility this year by providing dairy producers the option of opting out of the program for 2018.

Secretary Perdue is using his authority to allow producers to withdraw from the MPP Dairy Program and not pay the annual administrative fee for 2018, said Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Rob Johansson. The decision is in response to requests by the dairy industry and a number of MPP-Dairy program participants.

To opt out, a producer should not sign up during the annual registration period. By opting out, a producer would not receive any MPP-Dairy benefits if payments are triggered for 2018. Full details will be included in a subsequent Federal Register Notice. The decision would be for 2018 only and is not retroactive.

The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy producers when the margin  the difference between the price of milk and feed costs  falls below the coverage level selected by the producer.

MPP-Dairy gives participating dairy producers the flexibility to select coverage levels best suited for their operation. Enrollment ends on Dec. 15, 2017, for coverage in calendar year 2018. Participating farmers will remain in the program through Dec. 31, 2018, and pay a minimum $100 administrative fee for 2018 coverage. Producers have the option of selecting a different coverage level from the previous coverage year during open enrollment.

Dairy operations enrolling in the program must meet conservation compliance provisions and cannot participate in the Livestock Gross Margin Dairy Insurance Program. Producers can mail the appropriate form to the producers administrative county FSA office, along with applicable fees, without necessitating a trip to the local FSA office. If electing higher coverage for 2018, dairy producers can either pay the premium in full at the time of enrollment or pay 100 percent of the premium by Sept. 1, 2018. Premium fees may be paid directly to FSA or producers can work with their milk handlers to remit premiums on their behalf.

USDA has a web tool to help producers determine the level of coverage under the MPP-Dairy that will provide them with the strongest safety net under a variety of conditions. The online resource, available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool, allows dairy farmers to quickly and easily combine unique operation data and other key variables to calculate their coverage needs based on price projections. Producers can also review historical data or estimate future coverage based on data projections. The secure site can be accessed via computer, Smartphone, tablet or any other platform, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information, visit FSA online at www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy or stop by a local FSA office to learn more about the MPP-Dairy. To find a local FSA office in your area, visit http://offices.usda.gov.
COLLEGE STATION  More than $4.4 million is being funded to discover ways to improve the U.S. melon industry through a grant to scientists with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and in seven other states.

The monies, provided by the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture, were part of $35 million given to 12 projects to find science-based solutions and new technology for the specialty crop industry.

The four-year project, A Sustainable, Systems-based Approach for a Safer and Healthier Melon Supply Chain in the U.S., will be led by Dr. Bhimu Patil, director of AgriLife Researchs Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center in College Station. It is believed to be the largest grant ever awarded within the Texas A&M University horticultural sciences department, where Patil is also a professor.

In announcing the funding, USDA-NIFA director, Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, said, NIFA investments in specialty crop research provide high-tech solutions to the needs of farmers and processors. They foster a competitive U.S. industry that offers abundant, nutritious, safe, and affordable food sources.

He said that is why the AgriLife Research effort to enhance the sustainability and profitability of melon production in the U.S., emphasizing consumer preferences and industry-driven needs, was awarded.

Patil said that since 1990, cantaloupes have been associated with 36 U.S. foodborne disease outbreaks and pathogen-based recalls predominantly linked to salmonella.

The research will focus on cantaloupe and honeydew, Patil said, because the surface area of these fruits are such that they are harder to wash and thus pathogens can accumulate on the outside and contaminate the flesh when cut.

But cantaloupes also have a lot of healthy aspects for consumers and a lot of resistance to disease while growing in fields, he said.

We are interested in developing varieties based on consumer needs, he said. And we have more than 20 scientists in seven states collaborating to make this happen.

Patil and the team will conduct consumer evaluations and conduct sensory panels to consider what is desired in the fruit. They also will work with growers and grocery store chains to initiate and continue dialogue about what is desired in developing new, healthier varieties.

The long-term goal of this multidisciplinary project is to enhance the sustainability and profitability of melon production in the U.S., emphasizing consumer preferences and industry-driven needs, Patil added. It will be advantageous for both groups.
With Hurricane Harvey bearing down on the Texas coast, first responders and major relief agencies began mobilizing disaster response teams two weeks ago. And one of the first to respond by opening and staffing emergency shelters and bringing comfort and reassurance to those affected by the disaster was the American Red Cross.

According to Mary Lee Coxs seminal History of Hale County, Texas, the Hale County Chapter of the American Red Cross celebrated its centennial just as Hurricane Harvey roared ashore.

Cox, writing in 1937, noted that the local Red Cross chapter, with headquarters in Plainview, was authorized in August 1917. The first slate of officers, elected at that time, included Mrs. Tom Carter, chairman; Mrs. J.W. Pipkin, vice chairman; Mrs. R.A. Underwood, treasurer; and Mrs. H.C. Randolph, secretary. The chapter soon organized branches at Abernathy, Hale Center, Littlefield and Olton.

Since the nation was in the midst of fighting World War I in 1917, the local chapter formed a number of auxiliaries to assist with the production of hospital garments, surgical dressing and knitted articles needed for the war effort. According to Cox, the local chapter is credited with producing the following: Knitted articles, 4,332; surgical dressings, 94,953; hospital garments, 5,887; and refugee garments, 5,995.

Writing almost five years before the United States entered World War II. Cox penned, Since the war (World War I), the chapter has carried to the community the services of the National Organization in its peace-time program. Outstanding in these services were the chapters participation in drought relief in 1930 and 1931, and the distribution of government wheat and cotton in 1932 and 1933. In the distribution of government wheat and cotton turned over to the American National Red Cross, the Hale County Chapter assisted approximately 900 families with 1,170 barrels of flour, and approximately 2,000 families with the following materials made available from the government cotton: 12,100 yards of cloth, 136 yards of sheeting, 240 blankets and comforters, 603 dozen garments and 72 dozen sweaters, the yardage being made into garments and supplies by women paid from relief funds.

The following persons have served as chapter chairmen: Mrs. Tom Carter (1917-1920), Mrs. J.A. Ferguson (1921), Mrs. A.B. Martin (1922-1923), Mrs. Carl Brown (1924-1925), Mrs. Frank Jarvis (1926-1932) and Mrs. John Lucas (1933 until the present time [1937]).

The Hale County Chapter of the American Red Cross remained active for almost nine decades, until 2005 when it was involuntarily merged into the regional chapter in Lubbock. It is now part of the South Plains unit -- The American Red Cross Serving the Lubbock Area, which is a segment of the Red Cross of North Texas. The Lubbock area unit serves a population of almost 420,000 in Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry and Yoakum counties.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, the South Plains unit celebrated a centennial of service to the community with a Food Truck Festival in Bill McAllister Park in Lubbock. That free day-long family-friendly event included music, vendors and food trucks from the Lubbock Food Truck Alliance.

Tammy Coleman was local director of programs and services when the Hale County Chapter was absorbed by the Lubbock-based regional chapter in 2005. Rhonda DeSalvo with chapter secretary.

We probably had 36 local volunteers along with our board when that happened  all good, loyal folks who participated in our monthly meetings as well as our disaster drills and assisting with emergencies.

John Castro was board chairman. Also on the board were Mike Fox and Bernie Veering.

Our biggest volunteers were Stan and Betty Foster, recalls Coleman, who was a paid Red Cross staff member from 2001 to 2005.

Our training including assisting with fires, shelters, sheltering in place, tornadoes and floods, she recalls. We helped with house fires, by keeping firefighters refreshed with either coffee or water, and helping victims with emergency assistance.

The chapter provided first aid and CPR training, water safety, staffed first aid stations at sporting and special events, and providing services to those in the Armed Services. Before United Blood Services took over blood donations, the local chapter organized most local blood drives.

The Red Cross was a United Way member agency while the local chapter was active.

I really enjoyed working for the Red Cross, and particularly helping get messages to those on active duty in the military, Coleman says. We helped a lot of people and provided an invaluable service.
The Silverthorne family gathered Friday, Sept. 1, to dedicate a new scholarship at Wayland Baptist University that will benefit generations of students in the fine arts area.

The Jean and Craig Silverthorne Fine Arts Endowed Scholarship was established this spring with generous gifts from the Silverthornes.

Craig Silverthorne is a Plainview High graduate and earned his finance degree from Texas Christian University. Jean McLemore Silverthorne also graduated from Plainview High, then earned her degree in business from Wayland. Craig served in the U.S. Army and was a farmer, ranches, real estate and mortgage loan broker. Jean has managed Silverthorne Investments since 2012.

The couple has been active in community service for many years. They are members of First United Methodist Church in Plainview. Craig was active in the Plainview Board of Realtors, Kiwanis, Plainview Downtown Association and the Britain Society at TCU. Jean is active in the Plainview Symphony Board, PTA, Hale County Literacy Council, PEO, DAR, Colonial Dames XVII Century and Great Books. Both served with Boy Scout Troop 253.

The Silverthornes have one son, Jordan, and a daughter-in-law, Kristen, who live in Seattle. The entire family has been patrons of the arts for many years, and travels often included visits to galleries, theatres and museums. Scholarships from this endowment will benefit students studying visual art, graphic art, theatre and communication.

Jean and Craig note they are grateful for parents who instilled a strong work ethic, and they believe it is both a privilege and an obligation to give back to deserving students who wish to study fine arts in a Christian environment and to pay forward Gods blessings.

For more information on the endowed scholarship program at Wayland, contact Amber McCloud, director of development, at 806-291-3430.
Wayland Baptist Universitys Association of Former Students will honor Dallas-area dentist Dr. Rosemary Ribera Pelphrey with the Distinguished Young Alumni Award for 2017 at the homecoming celebration Sept. 22-23. The award will be presented as part of the homecoming banquet at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.

Dr. Pelphrey came to Wayland from Canyon, bringing dreams of becoming a dentist. The daughter of Laura Ribera and Steve Ribera, Rosemary earned her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology in May 2011. While at Wayland she was involved in Baptist Student Ministries, was a Presidents Ambassador and a resident assistant at Owen Hall.
A 43-year-old man, Garland Jerome Lang, was held in Hale County jail Monday on felony charges of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit another felony. Bond was not reported. He was arrested about 1 a.m. Sunday after officers responded to the 300 block of Fir in response to a report of a person with a gun and burglary of a habitation with intent to commit theft or another felony.

--Property in the 900 block of Elm was vandalized between Aug. 19 and Sept. 4. Damage ranged between $100 and $750.

--A theft occurred between Aug. 19 and Sept. 4 in the 600 block of East Ninth Street. The loss was listed between $750 and $2,500.

--An individual reported receiving a terroristic threat from a known individual between 6-9:45 p.m. Saturday. The threat occurred in the 1900 block of West 26th Street.

--Officers responding to a disturbance in the 100 block of Beech at 6:15 p.m. Saturday took a report involving an assault through unwanted or provocative contact.

--Property was stolen from the 400 block of West Sixth Street. The crime was reported about 4 p.m. Monday.

--Reckless conduct resulted in property damage in the 1600 block of North Date about 3:45 a.m. Friday.

--A shoplifting incident resulting in the theft of merchandise was reported about 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the 1900 block of West Fifth Street.

--A terroristic threat was reported about 5 p.m. Saturday in the 2300 block of Houston Street.

--A 32-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Saturday on active warrants for no drivers license and failure to appear. Bond information was not listed. She was arrested about 7 p.m. Friday in the 600 block of West 24th Street.

--A 34-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Sunday on $200 bond for public intoxication. He was arrested about 4:45 p.m. Saturday in the 3700 block of Olton Road after officers received a report of a suspicious person.

--An assault by threat reportedly occurred about 12:20 p.m. Saturday in the 1500 block of North I-27.

--A 19-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Monday on $1,500 bond for criminal mischief $100 to $750. He was arrested about 2:45 p.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of West 28th Street in connection with vandalism at that location.

--An assault causing bodily injury was reported about 2 p.m. Sunday in the 2000 block of West Eighth Street.

--A known individual reportedly caused bodily injury to another by physical contact. That crime was reported about 7 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of Joliet.

--A 44-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Tuesday on $1,500 bond for possession of marijuana under 2 oz. He was arrested about 10 a.m. Monday in the 1100 block of West 31st Street.

--A vehicle was burglarized between 11 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday in the 500 block of Ennis Street.

--Officers responding to a disturbance about 4 a.m. Saturday in the 1300 block of West 25th received reports of an assault, terroristic threat and theft of property between $100 and $750.

--A 30-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Sunday on $1,500 bond for criminal trespass. She was arrested about 4:40 p.m. Saturday in the 1200 block of Fresno for trespassing on private property.

--A theft reportedly occurred between Aug. 31 and Sept. 2 in the 100 block of Beech Street.

--Police are investigating an assault causing bodily injury/family violence, criminal mischief involving damage between $750 and $2,500 and theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000. The crimes were reported about 3:50 a.m. Sunday in the 800 block of Fresno.

--A 42-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Saturday on charges of possession of a controlled substance Penalty Group 1. Bond was not reported. He was arrested about 1:45 p.m. Friday at Eighth and Denver by officers responding to the report of a suspicious person.

--A 57-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Saturday on bonds totaling $6,500 for possession of a dangerous drug, criminal trespass and resisting arrest, search or transport. He was arrested about 9:40 p.m. Friday in the 2900 block of Olton Road.

--A vehicle was burglarized between 2-2:30 p.m. Friday in the 1500 block of North I-27.

--A 23-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Tuesday without bond on an active warrant for operating an unregistered motor vehicle. He was arrested about 1 p.m. Monday in the 400 block of Joliet following a traffic stop.

--Property valued between $100 and $750 was stolen from a yard in the 2600 block of West 18th between 6:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday.

(Anyone with information on crime in Plainview and Hale County may contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 293-8477 or 293-TIPS.)
San Jose must pay $11.3 million to a mentally disturbed man who was shot in the back by a police officer while standing on his front lawn holding a knife, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

Hung Lam, a Vietnamese immigrant in his mid-30s, survived the shooting but was left paralyzed and must use a wheelchair, said his lawyer, John Burris.

The officer, Dondi West, testified that Lam had first held the knife to his own throat but then began walking backward in her direction, still holding the knife and causing her to fear for her life when she shot him. But the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the jury was entitled to believe another witness, a retired sheriffs deputy, who said Lam made stabbing motions only toward himself and posed no threat to West.

The jurys verdict is supported by a (first-hand) witness testimony, Judge N. Randy Smith said in the 3-0 ruling.

Lam had been confined in a psychiatric hospital for two days before the January 2014 shooting. His boyfriend drove him home, but Lam refused to enter, said someone else was there and picked up a knife, the court said. Their next-door neighbors called police, and one neighbor, Helen Anderson, the retired deputy, tried to calm Lam down as she spoke to him from 10 to 15 feet away.

Anderson said West arrived with her gun drawn, ordered Lam to drop the knife, and started shooting after Lam instead made stabbing motions toward his stomach. West said she saw Lam pull the knife out of his waistband and walk toward her, sometimes facing her and sometimes with his back turned, and that he was starting to turn in her direction when she fired.

The jury found that West had used unreasonable force and violated Lams rights, and awarded damages for economic losses and pain and suffering. The city is responsible for the damage award.

Lam was a former restaurant owner in Vietnam who worked as a cook and had hopes of becoming a dancer, said Burris, his lawyer.

He was always trying to hurt himself, never trying to hurt anybody else, Burris said. He said the situation on the front lawn could have been deescalated, as Anderson was trying to do, before the officer came in yelling and screaming.

The citys lawyer could not be reached for comment.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@egelko
President Trumps decision to phase out protections for about 800,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. as children fulfilled a campaign promise while prompting alarm from the young people often called Dreamers, whose deportations could begin as soon as March unless Congress steps in.

The presidents announcement that he was ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, ended months of speculation and parsing of his sometimes cryptic statements on the issue. On Tuesday, Trump said he had great love for DACA recipients even as he rolled back the program created in 2012 by former President Barack Obama.

But it set in motion what may be months or years of conflict, with Trump inviting lawmakers to act and some state attorneys general, including Xavier Becerra of California, warning they were poised to sue the administration if the young immigrants were no longer granted work permits and protection from deportation.

DACA recipients, who have been in limbo since Trump took office, said in interviews Tuesday they were anguished as they considered uncertain futures. They have been in the country for more than a decade, and many have no meaningful connection to their countries of birth. Some do not speak any language except English.

The administration will wind down the program over the next few years by not accepting any new requests for DACA, while allowing those with current two-year work permits to use them until they expire, officials said.

Those whose protections were set to end before March 5 will be able to apply for a renewal by Oct. 5. After March 5, tens of thousands of people could be subject to deportation as the first batch of permits expires.

At a news conference in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the administration was forced to rescind the program because it was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch. Nine states led by conservative attorneys general had threatened to sue to halt DACA, and the administration said they had a winning case.

Trump called on Congress to take on the issue, saying in a statement, We will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve.

The decision to cut a program popular with many Americans  a poll administered by NBC News and Survey Monkey and released last week found that 64 percent of people backed it  marked the latest front in a wider immigration crackdown favored by Trumps staunchest supporters. It was met with condemnation by many California politicians, including some Republicans, as well as business leaders and immigrant advocates.

The impact could be profound in California, where close to 223,000 of the more than 787,000 DACA recipients lived when they were approved. Leon Rodriguez, who headed up the federal agency that administered DACA from 2014 to 2016, said the loss of more than 200,000 Californians who fall out of the legal economy would, over time, result in not only a decrease in workers but a drop in consumption.

Its going to have a terrible impact on the economy in California, he said.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, called the decision a deeply shameful act of political cowardice.

Among those weighing in was Obama, who posted a statement on Facebook. Ultimately, this is about basic decency, he wrote. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way wed want our own kids to be treated.

But Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican from Costa Mesa (Orange County), was among those who supported the decision. He said that while we may sympathize with DACA recipients, we in Congress must work to prevent such cynical loopholes from being created again by executive fiat.

The program offered protection from deportation and a two-year work permit for people who had come to the country before the age of 16, had lived in the U.S continuously since 2007, and were in school or had graduated. Any felony or significant misdemeanor convictions disqualified applicants.

Now, unless Congress acts, recipients will have their work permits taken away when they expire, and will be forced to either return to their country of birth  typically Mexico  or make difficult choices such as trying to live under the radar and working lower-paying off-the books jobs that dont require citizenship or a work permit.

Trump said DACA recipients will not be considered priorities for deportation unless they commit crimes, but his administration has deported people with clean records. A White House memo obtained by CNN states that Homeland Security urges DACA recipients to use the time they have left to prepare for and arrange their departure.

One person considering his next steps on Tuesday was Gabe Belmonte, a 35-year-old San Jose engineer whose sons mother is also a DACA recipient and whose work permit runs out next September. He watched a few minutes of Sessions news conference on YouTube, then went on a walk at his networking companys campus for 20 minutes to clear his head.

He reflected on his life before DACA, how he barely got by working manual labor and restaurant jobs after he graduated from San Jose State University with an engineering degree. He was depressed for years because he didnt know where his life would go.

Then he thought of his life after DACA  a six-figure job in the field he studied, the opportunity to provide a home for his green-card-holding parents who had lost theirs in the recession, and the ability to better care for his 6-year-old son, who is a citizen by birth. He thought of how hed paid more than $100,000 in taxes since he got DACA.

As he walked around the campus, watching his colleagues arrive in their cars, he thought about how they were the same at work, but somehow so different.

Whats going to happen to my parents house? Whats going to happen to my son? What is going to happen to my job? If anything happens to me and his mother, what am I going to do? he said.

Belmonte has been in the country for 28 years, since he was brought in as a 7-year-old from Mexico. He has never been back.

DACA recipient Silvia Perez, a 26-year-old architect for a firm in Oakland, said she was already pondering her worst-case scenario  selling her possessions and leaving the country for Mexico so she could continue to provide for her family. She came to the U.S. at age 8, graduated from UC Berkeley in 2013, and has never been back to Mexico. She has protection until January and will apply for renewal before October.

She said she took offense to Sessions argument Tuesday that DACA recipients took jobs from Americans.

I did not take anyones job. I worked  through school and now. Ive earned everything that I have, she said.

Another recipient, Karina Camarena Heredia, a 20-year-old UC Berkeley junior studying to be a doctor, said she has no memory of her life in Mexico, which ended when she was 5.

I may not have been born here, but I was definitely raised here, she said. Theyre trying to send me back to a place I dont call home.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
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Sen. Dianne Feinstein introduced a bill that would provide green cards to an Oakland nurse and her husband whose deportation to Mexico last month split up their family.

Maria Mendoza-Sanchez and Eusebio Sanchez, who worked as a truck driver, were deported Aug. 16 to their native Mexico after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials rejected arguments by them and Feinstein that they deserved a reprieve after spending more than two decades in the country.

The couple raised four children, who each have legal status, owned their home in Oakland, did not have criminal records, and had been granted earlier delays of deportation. Their removal prompted outrage from officials at Highland Hospital, where Mendoza-Sanchez worked as an oncology nurse, and Feinstein visited the couple after reading a Chronicle story about them.

The Sanchez family is the epitome of the American dream, and the deportation of Maria and Eusebio was shameful, Feinstein said Wednesday, a day after submitting what is known as a private bill. No case better captures the callousness of this presidents immigration policies and the failure by the Department of Homeland Security to distinguish between families and criminals.

The familys case highlighted big shifts under way since President Trump took office and made nearly every immigrant in the country without documentation a priority for removal.

A spokeswoman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the couples case had gone through an exhaustive review by the immigration court system, which found Mendoza-Sanchez and her husband had no legal basis to remain.

The family took their 12-year-old son, Jesus, to Mexico with them, but decided to leave behind their three daughters, concluding they had better opportunities in the U.S.

The youngest, Elizabeth, a 16-year-old high school sophomore and U.S. citizen by birth, is being raised by Vianney, a 23-year-old UC Santa Cruz graduate who is protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Vianneys future is uncertain, though, after the Trump administration this week decided to phase out the program.

The third daughter, Melin, is a 21-year-old UC Santa Cruz senior.

Vianneys determination to make sure her sisters are properly cared for, after dealing with the crushing experience of being separated from her parents, is a testament to her remarkable strength and resilience, Feinstein wrote in her bill.

Feinstein said the deportation was a tremendous loss for their children and community  this family warrants our compassion, and I will keep fighting for them.

Private bills are rarely signed into law, and the prospects of Feinsteins being approved by President Trump appear slim. The senator also filed the bill as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which sets military spending and policy.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
(Bloomberg) -- President Donald Trump sided with Democrats on adding a three-month extension of the U.S. debt limit and government spending to a hurricane-relief bill over the arguments of fellow Republicans, who pressed for a longer debt extension.

Senate Republicans released a new version of a Harvey aid bill late Wednesday that includes the debt ceiling extension and would fund the government through Dec. 8. It also nearly doubles the total disaster funding to $15.25 billion from what the House passed earlier in the day. The additional funding would go toward the Community Development Block Grant program to address housing needs in disaster zones.

Trump, after meeting with congressional leaders Wednesday at the White House, told reporters on Air Force One that the deal with Democrats would be "very good."

We agreed to a three-month extension on debt ceiling, which they consider to be sacred -- very important -- always well agree on debt ceiling automatically because of the importance of it, the president said.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters hell add the spending and debt-limit extensions to the Hurricane Harvey relief package passed by the House earlier in the day. He said he will support the measure.

"The president agreed with Senator Schumer and Congresswoman Pelosi to do a three-month CR and debt ceiling until December," said McConnell, a Kentucky Republican. "His feeling was that we needed to come together to not create a picture of divisiveness at a time of genuine national crisis." CR is shorthand for a stopgap government spending bill.

Just hours earlier, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin -- who was in the meeting with Trump -- had told reporters the Democratic proposal was "unworkable" and "ridiculous."

The agreement sets up what could be a major fight in December over government funding, Trumps proposed border wall with Mexico and Trumps decision to end a program that lets young undocumented immigrants stay in the U.S., as well as perhaps the debt ceiling.

More for you 5 things you should know about Trumps move to end DACA

Treasury Bills

While rates on Treasury bills maturing around the previous late-September debt-limit deadline outlined by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin plunged, they surged on securities coming due around mid-December, suggesting Wall Street sees more legislative strife ahead. The yield on Treasury bills maturing Dec. 14 rose by about eight basis points, to 1.046 percent.

"Both sides have every intention of avoiding default in December and look forward to working together on the many issues before us," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his House counterpart, Nancy Pelosi, said in a statement announcing the deal.

Later, Schumer told reporters, "We thought for the good of the country we should make the right offer and we did, and were very glad the president accepted it."

Conservative groups criticized the deal, saying it weakens the hands of Republicans by giving Democrats more power over a spending bill at the end of the year. Creating a fiscal and debt deadline just before the holidays pressures lawmakers to vote for a deal to get home to their families, they said.

But White House legislative affairs chief Marc Short told reporters on Air Force One that clearing the decks will allow lawmakers to focus on a GOP priority: overhauling the tax code.

Longer-Term Deal

McConnell, Ryan and Mnuchin pushed during the meeting for a longer-term debt-limit deal, according to several people with knowledge of the discussion. They cited a variety of reasons, including market reactions and the idea Democrats were using the short-term offer to try to get more policy concessions, but Trump said he wanted a deal, one person said.

A three-month debt-limit deal was the last thing Mnuchin wanted, an administration official said. Mnuchin has said Congress needs to raise the debt ceiling by Sept. 29.

Other people familiar with the meeting said Trump and congressional leaders had a prolonged discussion on how long to extend the debt limit, and after Democrats rejected GOP leaders proposed 18-month and six-month extensions, eventually the president said he agreed with Democrats on a three-month plan. At that point, McConnell stepped in to say a short-term government spending bill should also be added, one person said.

At one point late in the meeting, the presidents daughter Ivanka entered the Oval Office to say hello, said an aide briefed on the discussion.

Senate Republican leaders had planned to use the measure to suspend the debt ceiling past the November 2018 congressional elections, but Trumps move upended their strategy.

"The Pelosi-Schumer-Trump deal is bad," Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska said in a statement.

House Bill

The House passed $7.4 billion for a federal disaster-relief fund Wednesday, two days before its set to run out. The measure, passed 419-3, is designed to provide relief to tens of thousands of homeowners from flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and other parts of the Gulf Coast.

The House bill, H.R. 3672, meets a White House request for $7.4 billion in disaster funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and $450 million in funding for the Small Business Administration. Additional FEMA funding is to be provided later, according to House aides.

Some conservative groups, such as Heritage Action, support this disaster aid without spending offsets. That may help Ryan gain votes of conservative lawmakers when the legislation comes back from the Senate. Still, conservative groups like the Club for Growth oppose the initial package because it would add to the deficit. Both groups oppose linking the debt ceiling to disaster funds.

Republican Mark Meadows of North Carolina, chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said Trump "wasnt left with a lot of good options."

"Democrats got exactly what they wanted, is for a three-month CR and a three -month debt ceiling to come due a few days before Christmas, which gives them the greatest leverage in the world to get exactly what they want later," Meadows said.

(Updates with details of Senate measure in second paragraph.)

--With assistance from Shannon Pettypiece Alexandra Harris Saleha Mohsin Terrence Dopp and Justin Sink

To contact the reporters on this story: Erik Wasson in Washington at ewasson@bloomberg.net, Justin Sink in Washington at jsink1@bloomberg.net, Laura Litvan in Washington at llitvan@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Kevin Whitelaw at kwhitelaw@bloomberg.net, Justin Blum, Laurie Asseo

2017 Bloomberg L.P.
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Texas gasoline shortages and price hikes could ease next week now that most major Gulf Coast refineries are restarting after Hurricane Harvey, an industry analyst says.

The storm forced operations to stop at more than a dozen oil refineries that churn out nearly 25 percent of the nation's fuel supply. Now only four remain halted.

The returning refining capacity should help most gas stations restock within a week, said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy, adding that higher prices will linger.

Prices on average have risen by 40 cents a gallon in the Houston area and nearly 60 cents in Dallas since before Harvey made landfall Aug. 25 north of Corpus Christi.

The only major refineries still offline are Phillips 66 in Sweeny, Royal Dutch Shell in Deer Park, Exxon Mobil in Beaumont and Paris-based Total in Port Arthur.

RELATED: Fuel prices after Harvey jump the most since Katrina

The Corpus Christi refining complex is largely back online, while the nation's two largest refineries - Motiva Enterprise in Port Arthur and Exxon Mobil in Baytown - began the long and methodical restart process this week. Motiva, for instance, hopes to be at 40 percent capacity by Monday.

Those remaining all suffered damages or major flooding. Total's Port Arthur refinery, for instance, shut down abruptly after it lost power during the storm.

"We are assessing the damages, restoring normal utility systems and repairing known damage. It's too early to talk about start up," said Total spokeswoman Agathe Bruandet on Wednesday.

Likewise, Exxon Mobil said its Beaumont refinery remains shut down because of flooding.

Shell said it's still assessing start-up efforts in Deer Park. "We will restart operations once all system checks have been completed," Shell said.

And Phillips 66 said it has more than 1,500 people at its Sweeny complex southwest of Houston. They're making repairs to what is described as minimal damage while preparing for a mid-September restart.
San Antonio-based health care technology services company CaptureRx is going through some major growing pains with plans to more than double its staff by 2021.

CaptureRx already has grown to 165 employees, 150 of them in San Antonio, from 114 in March and will grow to at least 314 employees by 2021 under an incentives agreement with the city and Bexar County.

Weve been experiencing continued accelerated growth over the last five years, and we knew this would continue  especially as we make plans to expand our product offering in 2018, said CaptureRx Chief Financial Officer Craig Howard.

Were currently preparing additional space in our temporary offices to accommodate the current growth while we work to finalize plans for our permanent home downtown, Howard added.

CaptureRx will expand next year to its permanent headquarters in the San Antonio Light buildings on Broadway. The company was originally planning to move into the Kress building on Houston Street but changed its mind after the Light building opened up.

We fell in love with it, said Howard.

Both buildings are owned by developer GrayStreet Partners, which plans to spend more than $10.5 million to renovate and expand the San Antonio Light buildings at 420 Broadway.

Howard said the city of San Antonio and Bexar County incentive packages of about $1 million combined should remain in place despite the change of plans.

GrayStreet plans to construct a new building to connect the main building fronting on Broadway with the separate former press building behind it, Howard said.

CaptureRx plans to lease 48,000 square feet in the combined building initially, 34,000 square feet on the connected second floor and 14,000 square feet on the main buildings fourth floor, Howard said.

CaptureRx will have first-refusal rights to an additional 14,000 square feet on the third floor but will not occupy that space immediately when the company moves in between July and September 2018, Howard said.

The lease is still being negotiated, Howard said, but the expected terms include a seven-year lease with two five-year options.

CaptureRx, founded in San Antonio in 2000, provides services to pharmacies and hospitals to manage prescription inventory and financial flows.

Were excited to confirm the new location. Were happy to stay downtown. We believe the stretch of Broadway between The Pearl and downtown is up and coming. Were delighted to be on the front edge of that, Howard said.

The company plans to add 10 to 25 more people by the end of 2017, Howard said. The companys minimum pay is $52,000 a year.

City Council and Bexar County must renew the incentives contracts because of the change in location. City Council is scheduled to vote Sept. 14 on a $614,000 Economic Development Program grant.

San Antonio Water System fees of about $158,000 would be waived, and the company would receive a 100 percent city property tax abatement for up to six years. The abatement then would be phased out over the next four years, said Rene Dominguez, city economic development director.

Bexar County is offering a $120,000 cash incentive from the countys Innovation Fund and a 10-year, 90 percent property-tax abatement valued at $281,000, said Bexar County Economic Development Executive Director David Marquez.

CaptureRx had considered expansion and headquarters sites in Kansas City and Naples, Florida, before agreeing to the incentive packages earlier this year.

GrayStreet Development Director Peter French said Wednesday that tours have been held at the Kress building on Houston Street, but no tenants have been signed yet.

The Light building was constructed in 1931 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and was home to the San Antonio Light until 1993 when Hearst shut down the 112-year-old newspaper after it couldnt find a buyer. The city included the building in its application to get part of downtown designated as a historic district in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Light building housed the Express-News business operations until around 2009 when the newspaper consolidated its staff into its current home on Avenue E.

dhendricks@express-news.net

The article was undated to correct the amount of space CaptureRx would have on an first-right of refusal in the San Antonio Light building.
Before Hurricane Irmas landfall in Puerto Rico Wednesday, the states Boricua community started mobilizing relief efforts for people hoping to volunteer assistance in response to the storm.

The storm is strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever measured. Its alarming presence has company: On Wednesday, Irma was joined by two other storms in the Atlantic, with Hurricane Katia and Hurricane Jose joining the fray.

New Haven Puerto Rican Festival co-founder and New Haven resident Joseph Rodriguez said community members in Connecticut started coordinating response efforts a few days before the storm hit the island.

Like other Puerto Rican residents in the state and across the country, Rodriguez said hes kept in close contact with family back on the island.

I think Ive had to charge my cellphone at least three times today, Rodriguez said.

He was especially watchful of his aunt, who he said has a house near the shoreline. Rodriguez said he was able to convince her to take shelter about an hour inland to Barranquita, leaving her home in Dorado, on the islands northern edge, boarded-up. The devastation inflicted by Hurricane Harvey in Houston last week has caused more people to pay attention for a potential disaster, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said Connecticut is home to roughly 300,000 Puerto Rican residents and descendants, which he said is about 50 percent of the states total Latino population.

Initially, they were coordinating individually by town and city, in Hartford, in New Haven, exploring ways to help, Rodriguez said. Residents in other cities with large Puerto Rican populations such as Bridgeport, New Britain and Waterbury have also reached out.

The efforts are being coordinate primarily by the Connecticut Puerto Rican Agenda, which has launched a sign-up form on its website and is actively seeking volunteers. The form allows people to check what ways they would like to help, such as donating money, contacting elected officials, donating food or goods. More than 100 people already have offered to volunteer, Rodriguez said.

On Wednesday, Latino elected officials announced they would be holding Hurricane Irma relief events in New Britain, New Haven, Hartford and Waterbury over the next few weeks. Two additional events in Bridgeport and New London are scheduled, though time and place have not yet been determined.

State Rep. Minnie Gonzalez, D-Hartford, said the events were formally scheduled Wednesday over the matter of hours. The fist event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at 151 High St. in New Britain, during the citys Puerto Rican Festival. Gonzalez said Hurricane Irma reminded her of the past destruction of other storms such as Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

We decided that theyre going to need help, Gonzalez said. Thats why we decided today, we need to put this together, we need to raise money,

Rodriguez serves on the board of the National Puerto Rican Agenda, which he said works to advocate for and support Puerto Ricans. The state Puerto Rican Agenda chapter will be meeting this week to further coordinate how volunteers can help with storm relief.

Once we figure out what the best route is, we will start reaching out to individuals, Rodriguez said.

Connecticut Puerto Rican Agenda board President Jason Ortiz said one way local residents can help is by contacting their congressional representatives to ensure they assist Puerto Rico and provide storm resources.

However you want to get involved, we will try and plug you in, Ortiz said.

Even with peoples willingness to provide goods or other resources, it will be difficult to deliver them.

Thats everyones first impulse, Ortiz said. Its actually going to take a few weeks to access the island after the hurricane.

Ortiz said most of his family lives in Anasco, near the western edge of the island. He was already hearing reports about electricity going out, meaning batteries for communication devices would soon run out of charging options.

But family there has experience dealing with these kind of situations.

Its not their first hurricane, Ortiz said. Theyre tough out there.

To sign up to volunteer with the Connecticut Puerto Rican Agenda, visit ctpuertoricanagenda.com/hurricaneirmasignup.

Reach Esteban L. Hernandez at 203-680-9901.
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system is offering students at its 12 community colleges 10 percent off new books purchased in campus bookstores and online after agreeing to use Follett Higher Education Group as a bookstore retailer.

CSCU spokeswoman Maribel La Luz said the five-year deal, which was signed following CSCUs request for proposals, will save students an estimated $1.6 million per year. Per the agreement, Follett Higher Education Group will also do a price match with students should they find new or used textbooks cheaper at another retailer.

The high cost of books is a constant issue we hear from students that directly impacts their educational experience and sometimes their ability to attend our schools, said CSCU President Mark Ojakian in a statement. We want to do everything possible to lower the cost of higher education for our students.

La Luz said the costs of textbooks can sometimes be prohibitive for students.

Were trying to address affordability and access to our institutions, and textbooks were always something that came up, she said.

Tom Kline, spokesman for Follett Higher Education Group, said the RFP mentioned CSCUs desire to consolidate management.

Follett Higher Education Group and CSCU officials agreed that $250,000 of net book revenue would go toward financial aid, and the retailer would invest $250,000 in design and infrastructure upgrades to campus bookstores.

That initial discussion led to the idea of a discount, Kline said.

Dr. Paul Broadie II, president of Housatonic Community College and interim president of Gateway Community College, said the agreement is positive for students.

I applaud President Ojakian for spearheading this initiative. The cost of textbooks can often be a barrier to success for many of our students. This will alleviate some of that financial burden, Broadie said in an emailed statement.

Luis Cruz, a music major at Manchester Community College, said in a statement he expects to save between $200 and $300 per year.

I can now use the money I would have spent on my books to help pay for my music lessons, he said.

According to the National Association of College Stores, an trade association for high education bookstores, students on average spent $579 on textbooks and other course materials in 2016.
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NEW HAVEN >> Mayor Toni Harps campaign could face a filing penalty fee after failing to submit finance forms in time this week, while challenger Marcus Paca has started receiving public campaign funds.

The latest campaign finance statements were due Tuesday, the same day Harp and Paca participated in a mayoral debate. The two candidates exchanged verbal jabs Tuesday evening during the contentious debate before a rowdy, standing-room only crowd at Booker T. Washington Academy.

As of noon Wednesday, Harps campaign had not submitted the mandatory finance paperwork due seven days before the primary, which was due by 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. City Clerk Michael Smart confirmed Wednesday they had not received paperwork from Harp, who is seeking a third term as mayor. The latest filing period documents campaign fundraising and expenditures between July 1 and Tuesday.

Harp said late Wednesday that the missed deadline was due to campaign treasurer J. Peter Wilson only recently returning from a trip to Africa. Harp said Wilson was working with the campaign bookkeeper to get forms together to submit paperwork within the next few days.

I know well get a fine, but he was out of the country, Harp said. Well get it taken care of.

State Elections Enforcement Commission guidelines show a late filing penalty of $100 must be paid by the treasurer; Wilson did not immediately respond to calls for comment Wednesday.

Harps campaign raised nearly $50,000 during the previous reporting period ending in June, pushing her overall fundraising total to more than $85,000. Harp announced in May that she was seeking re-election.

Paca submitted his latest campaign finance paperwork at about 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to a timestamp on the finance sheet. The paperwork indicates Paca has qualified and received a $19,000 New Haven Democracy Fund grant for his campaign. His request for the money initially hit a snag in July due to issues with the availability of a registered voters list.

Paca said in a statement Wednesday that qualifying for the fund speaks to how local residents are not beholden to special interest groups and lobbyists, but only to our citizens.

Im proud that the Progress with Paca campaign qualified for and has received public financing from the Democracy Fund, Paca said in a statement. Its not surprising, however, that the mayor has yet again missed a filing deadline. It has become a reoccurring theme of her campaigns. I would hope that she would set a better example.

Paca received $19,040 from the fund, which Democracy Fund administrator Alyson C. Heimer said includes a $40 matching fund. The paperwork shows Paca raised $3,892 from individual contributions during the same period, bringing his fundraising total from this period to $22,932.

After $9,904.76 in expenses, Pacas campaign had $16,555.11 on hand at the closing of the reporting period. The campaign had a balance of $3,527.87 at the start of the reporting period.

Heimer said Paca received the Democracy Fund grant last month. By accepting the grant, Paca can no longer receive money from political action groups, contractors or businesses. It also caps individual donations to Pacas campaign to a maximum of $370. Heimer said the Democracy Fund was formed to combat the perception that there is corruption in the New Haven mayoral race. She added Paca will be receiving $990 in matching contributions from the fund Friday.

SEEC forms show the $100 mandatory late filing fee applies for statements filed late for any reason. The SEEC forms indicate this money is the personal liability of the treasurer and cannot be paid with committee funds.

The Democratic Primary is scheduled for Sept. 12.

Reach Esteban L. Hernandez at 203-680-9901.
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Snapshot: As a devoted fan of Bar America before its renovation  a facelift that eliminated the Southtown staples mismatched furniture along with its real-deal character  I desperately miss having a good dive bar in my life. Thats why Bettys Battalion is so refreshing.

Just across the street from Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houstons now-locked gate at Grayson Street and New Braunfels Avenue, this bar clearly has servicemen and women in mind, along with anyone who appreciates an affordable beer and a good jukebox. The bar is covered in wall-to-wall military memorabilia and strings of multicolored holiday lights. A large patio out back (also adorned with magical Christmas lights) will accommodate a big group.

Betty Ford started the bar in 1985 to cater to Fort Sam soldiers. Shes still part owner but now has several new partners, including Danny Delgado, one of the masterminds behind Hi-Tones and The Squeezebox on the St. Marys Strip. The bar celebrated a grand reopening last month. The goal is to basically keep Bettys Battalion the same, retaining the military theme, said another new partner, Linda Ynclan.

Who goes there: Ynclan estimates the clientele is about 50/50 military and civilian, and some of the patrons from Delgados other bars are making their way here. The night I visited confirmed her description: Several servicemen, in town for training, played a raucous game of darts while other patrons who most likely were not in the military (tattoos, beards, hipster glasses) gathered near the jukebox.

Behind the bar: Besides beer, Bettys offers liquor, a change (along with extended hours) that started with the new partnership. Still in the works are military-themed shots, plus a variety of cocktails. During happy hours (5-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday), Lone Stars and domestics cost $2, wells cost $2.50, pints and imported beers go for $3.50 and margaritas and Long Island iced teas cost $4.

Munchies: This is a real bar, so you get chips or you get more beer.

More Information Vital info Address: 1524 E. Grayson St. Hours: 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday-Sunday Web: Facebook: Bettysbattalion Cost/noise: low/medium-high See More Collapse

Fun and games: Theres a dart board, a pool table and a small stage with a disco ball hanging overhead and sailor hats lining the stage overhang. A TV over the bar and a larger TV by the pool table mean you wont miss a game.

Soundtrack: Country music dominated the night I visited, but if you get to the jukebox first, youll have plenty of other great options: conjunto, oldies, San Antonio favorites such as the Royal Jesters and Sunny & the Sunglows. Bar managers are starting to feature DJs or bands on weekends.

The skinny: Stand at attention, lovers of a good dive bar, and salute Bettys Battalion.

Vianna Davila
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HARTFORD  Nothing Fairfield has done in the past decade has helped lessen the racial divide between its McKinley School and the districts 10 other elementary schools.

Putting a preschool in Greenfield Hill hasnt worked. Offering empty seats to students in neighboring Bridgeport has thus far failed as well.

So, somewhat grudgingly, the state Board of Education approved a multiyear plan Wednesday that relies on school expansions, turning McKinley into a magnet school and ultimately redistricting some 773 students across the 31-square-mile community.

If other ideas dont work by June 2019, we are talking about redistricting as a recommendation to the board, Fairfield School Board Chairman Philip Dwyer told the state board. The actual remapping could take until 2023.

More Information McKinley School v the district McKinley enrollment: 449 District elementary enrollment 4,424 McKinley minority population: 53.23% District minority: 23.21% Imbalance: 30.02% The plan ok'd by the state on Wednesday calls for the district to increase non-minority students at McKinley by 105 students in 2018-19 See More Collapse

The plan was accepted, but not before the state board piled on conditions that called for more monitoring, oversight and the possibility that the state could direct the commissioner of education to intercede.

I understand these things take time, Joseph Vrabely, a state board member said. Still, Vrabely said he has sat through several Fairfield presentations over the years and wanted some assurance this plan will work.

Peter Haberlandt, director of legal and governmental affairs for state Department of Education said the states power to compel compliance with the state law is constrained  but not zero.

Ultimately, Haberlandt said if the state board cant force compliance, a judge would be asked to.

Diverse community

Since 1969, state law has required every school district to work to prevent or eliminate racial imbalance between its schools. No school can have a minority population 25 percentage points greater than the district as a whole. Since 2007, McKinley has only dipped below the 25 percent mark once.

The gap now hovers around the 30 point mark  McKinley with a 53.2 percent minority population and the district at 23.2 percent.

Dwyer told the state board they are dealing with a moving target.

The plan has worked, Dwyer said. However the community, as the world has become increasingly more diverse, the community is changing faster than we anticipate. If we had done nothing, it would be a much larger gap.

Schools Superintendent Toni Jones said the problem is not McKinley.

Jones called McKinley  a diverse school of 449 student  an international magnet school where more than 35 languages are spoken. It has 23 students who speak Arabic.

That school is what we want to see in every school in America, Jones said. Its beautiful.

The school has 27 children who opt into the school from other parts of town. Some are minority families looking for diversity that other schools in Fairfield lack, Jones said.

If that is the case, Jane Gates said she just didnt get it.

Why is there a continued level of disparity if its is a top notch school? asked Gates, who is new to the state board, said.

Jones said that in addition to getting parents to opt into McKinley, there have to be parents willing to opt out.

Erik Clemons, a state board member, questioned the communitys level of commitment to the balancing its schools.

Dwyer assured him it was there.

Dont think of Fairfield as just Greenfield Hill, Southport or the beach area, he said.

He said if the district were to redistrict now, before additions are built onto Holland Hill and Mill Hill Schools, school boundary lines would have to be redrawn repeatedly to make the numbers work.

Open Choice

The Fairfield officials were pressed about its commitment to the Open Choice program that allows students from neighboring Bridgeport, a district overwhelmingly minority, to enroll where seats are available. There are 51 students in the program now.

Increasing it to 73, as the district plan calls for, would add one half of one percent to Fairfields minority population in the elementary schools.

Jones said it would take hundreds of Bridgeport students to make Fairfield gain racial balance and the town does not have the space. There was also a concern this year, that the lack of a state budget would impact open choice slots.

Receiving districts get $3,000 for each student it takes. Once in the district, the student can stay through graduation.

What is in the plan is what I can commit to, Jones said.

Dwyer called the plan a strong one.

We are doing what we said we would do, Dwyer said.

Thats all great  but you are not doing what needs to happen to meet state statute, Vrabley responded.
A felon who fled to Asia to avoid jail time for allegedly masterminding a Greenwich Avenue robbery was arraigned in court Wednesday and given a very high bail to prevent any chance of another escape from the law.

Superior Court Judge Gary White set a new bond for Naquan Ferguson of $1.5 million and imposed the unusual conditions that any bail be paid in cash and posted at state Superior Court in Stamford.

Ferguson, 31, kept his head down during the 10-minute session and did not speak.

The robber, who took part in the theft of five Rolex watches from a Greenwich jewelry store in 2011, will find out Sept. 19 what his prison sentence will be. He faces a 60-year maximum sentence for crimes to which he pleaded guilty.

Ferguson was given two weeks to get his affairs in order in 2014 before showing up to begin a sentence of eight-and-one-half years in jail, in a plea deal he struck with prosecutors. He ended up fleeing the law and absconding to Asia.

According to Senior Assistant States Attorney Paul Ferencek, on the very day Ferguson asked for the two weeks to settle his affairs, he purchased a ticket for a flight out of the country.

Suffice it to say, were very pleased with this turn of events, but not surprised he eventually got picked up. The U.S. Marshals office and the Greenwich police have been tracking him for years. We commend their efforts at bringing him to justice, Ferencek said.

Authorities picked him up in Guangzhou in southern China last month and turned him over to the the U.S. Marshals Service.

Two other accomplices have also done prison time in connection with the heist at the Lux Bond & Green jewelry store, which involved the threat of a weapon and a note passed to an employee. Four of the watches were later recovered. Each was valued at more than $60,000.

There was no discussion in court as to what led authorities to Ferguson in China or what he was doing there.

Ferguson, originally from Brooklyn, evaded police in Greenwich after the robbery. He was picked up in Texas in 2012.

Mark Sherman, the defense attorney for Ferguson, said, He will be accepting full responsibility for these charges at his sentencing later this month.
Middleburgh

In her senior year of high school, Samantha Petrosino traded her cheerleading pompoms for a welder's helmet and never looked back.

The 2017 Middleburgh High School graduate will travel to San Diego at the end of October to pursue a degree and certification in commercial diving and underwater welding.

Although she was a four-sport athlete and a member of the cheer squad at Middleburgh High, Petrosino spent her senior year learning to weld as part of Capital Region BOCES' career and technical education program at Mohonasen High School's new Center for Advanced Technology. She graduated in June and was one of the hardest-working, best-prepared students in the program, according to welding instructor Chris Penny.

More Information Contact Paul Grondahl at 518-454-5623 or email pgrondahl@timesunion.com See More Collapse

The training led to a full-time summer job as an apprentice welder at Lancaster Development, a highway, bridge and site work contractor in Schoharie County. She currently works a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. shift three days a week at the Richmondville plant. Burns and cuts are an occupational hazard.

Working the overnight shift introduced 18-year-old Petrosino to another female welder, 21-year-old Gabby Travis. "It's nice not being the only girl. We relate better to each other," she said.

Petrosino learned an early lesson in negotiating the male-dominated industry, where only about 6 percent of welders are women. "I made friends with the biggest guys at the plant and if anybody bugs me, they'll tell them to stop," she said.

She answers to the nickname Sammy P. and her 12-hour shifts are filled with welding broken bucket loaders and making welding repairs to heavy machinery. She also welds parts for conveyor belts and equipment for Lancaster's Tri-City Products, an aggregate and asphalt production business.

"Welding is the hardest work I've ever done, but I have a passion for it. I like the challenge of learning a new trade," she said. "I didn't like being forced to learn things in high school I was never going to use. I did everything I could to get out of certain classes."

That mindset did not sit well initially with her mother, Lori Petrosino, who happens to be the principal of Middleburgh Junior/Senior High School.

"It took my mom a while to get used to the idea of me becoming a welder," her daughter said. "She's come around and is now 100 percent supportive. My mom realized she couldn't force me to go to college because I knew that college wasn't for me."

It's not that she was a bad student. "I was a little above average and scored mostly in the 80s, but I did the minimum amount of work required. I had no interest in studying English, history or life science," she said.

In that regard, she took after her father, Paul Petrosino, who also liked hands-on learning more than the textbook kind. He trained to be a diesel mechanic and studied engineering in college, but left the classroom at the first chance. He started tinkering around with an oven and dishwasher at home. In 1993, while still in his 20s, he founded Integrated Liner Technologies, which makes specialized caps for vials, bottles and test tubes. The East Greenbush company employs more than 100 people and its annual sales exceed $30 million.

Petrosino's grandfather was a barber who worked 12-hour days and rarely took a vacation.

"I learned a strong work ethic early on," said Petrosino, who also worked part time this summer at Settles Hill, a banquet and event facility in Altamont. "My dad always told me I didn't have to go to college to succeed."

The family's joke is that Samantha takes after their father. But her older sister, Amelia, a senior chemical engineering major at the University of Rochester, who hopes to earn a law degree and become a patent attorney, takes after their mother. "Amelia is brilliant and college was meant for her because she loves it," her sister said. "It just isn't my thing."

Her career path came into focus on a family vacation two years ago to Turks and Caicos Islands, when her father took her scuba diving in the Caribbean. "I fell in love with it and started trying to figure out a way to make a living while scuba diving," she recalled. It wasn't an obvious choice, but underwater welding caught her attention. She passed the first hurdle by getting certified in scuba diving, although she never took swimming lessons.

Her welding apprenticeship has been spent entirely on terra firma, but she's confident she'll be able to handle the eight-month program in San Diego, including working on welds in a 44,000-gallon dive tank. She doesn't anticipate any problem toiling for long periods in a confined space underwater. "You just breathe normally and it's no different than working above-ground," she said.

She's unsure where an underwater welding certificate will take her, perhaps to an oil rig or underwater bridge work or even the U.S. Navy. Starting pay is in the $40,000 range and there is a projected shortage of underwater welders.

"I'm a little nervous about going out to San Diego, but I never quit anything," she said. "Some of my friends think what I'm doing is kind of weird. I'm happy to be doing something different than going to college like everyone else."

Paul Grondahl is the director of the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany and a former Times Union reporter. He can be reached at grondahlpaul@gmail.com
There is surely no greater sign of the bankruptcy of American foreign policy than its Afghanistan policy. After 15 years of war and the deployment of hundreds of thousands of troops, a new president entered the Oval Office poised to fundamentally change that policy. Within months he presented, with great fanfare, a continuation of the same. The result: The United States is now firmly locked into its forever war in Afghanistan.

President Donald Trumps policy differs from the one he inherited only in the addition of 4,000 more troops. Trump vows to eschew nation-building, emphasize counterterrorism, end corruption in Afghanistan and hold Pakistan accountable. President Barack Obama promised all the same things. It is time to focus on nation-building here at home, Obama said in 2011, explaining his shift in approach from President George W. Bushs strategy.

Trumps remarks on Pakistan were seen by many as a strong break from the previous administration, but people appear to have forgotten the unusually blunt testimony that Adm. Mike Mullen, then-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, gave to Congress in 2011. He called the Haqqani network, one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in Afghanistan, a veritable arm of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence agency. That same year, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and then-CIA Director David Petraeus both went to Pakistan to, in Clintons words, push the Pakistanis very hard to end their support for the Haqqanis. The pressure was one in a series of actions that outraged the Pakistanis, causing them to shut down supply routes to American-led forces in Afghanistan for seven months.

But all of this fundamentally misunderstands the nature of this type of overseas struggle. The Taliban will wait us out for a very simple reason: They live there.

Harry Summers, a wise Army officer in the Vietnam War who went on to write a definitive book on that conflicts military lessons, opened it by recounting an exchange he had with a North Vietnamese officer in 1975, just before Saigon fell. You know you never defeated us on the battlefield, Summers said. The officer replied, That may be so, but it is also irrelevant. Every local force knows one thing in its bones: Eventually, the foreigners have to go home.

Why are the Taliban gaining ground in Afghanistan? I asked The New Yorkers Dexter Filkins, one of the keenest observers of that war. Ordinary Afghans dont like the Taliban. But they dislike the Afghan government even more. We say we dont want to do nation-building, but you cant build an army without first building a state. People dont die for an army; they die for a country. And who wants to die for the current Afghan government?

The American military on the ground knows the problem well, which is why they refer to the Afghan government as a collection of corrupt networks that extend across the country. In true military fashion, they even have an acronym for it, VICE  vertically integrated criminal enterprise.

A leading expert on Afghanistan policy, Barnett Rubin, who has advised the United Nations and the U.S. government, explains the problem differently. The Afghan state cannot exist without outside help, he told me. It cannot pay its bills without the U.S. government. It cannot have a stable society without Pakistans help. It cannot grow economically without trade and transit with Iran.

Referring to reports that Afghanistan is endowed with nearly $1 trillion in mineral resources, he wryly observed, Im sure the moon has even more mineral wealth, but you need a way to get it out to markets. And for that you need friendly neighbors. Rubin believes that Trumps approach is doomed because it seems willfully oblivious to the interests of the other powers in the region, especially Russia, China and Iran.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has doubled down on more of the same. It is a tactical approach, designed by generals, to ensure that they do not lose. But it does not even pretend to contain a strategy to win. In other words, half a century later, at a lower human cost, the United States has replicated its strategy in Vietnam. Call it quagmire-lite.

comments@fareedzakaria.com
NEWARK, N.J.  U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez sold his office for a lifestyle he couldnt afford by accepting luxury trips from a wealthy doctor seeking political influence in return, a government prosecutor told jurors Wednesday during opening statements of the Democrats corruption trial.

Menendezs attorney responded in his opening statement that gifts from Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, Menendezs longtime friend, didnt equate to a bribery agreement. Menendezs meetings with government officials  though they could have aided Melgens business interests  were what members of Congress do and were meant to influence future policy, he said.

Menendez and Melgen were indicted in 2015 and face multiple fraud and bribery charges in a case that could threaten Menendezs political career and potentially the makeup of a deeply divided U.S. Senate if hes convicted.

Both men have pleaded not guilty. Menendez said before entering the courthouse Wednesday: Not once have I dishonored my public office.

Justice Department attorney Peter Koski described Menendez pressuring government officials to help Melgen with securing visas for his foreign girlfriends and intervening in a lucrative port security contract in the Dominican Republic and a multimillion-dollar Medicare dispute. Individually and through his company, Melgen also contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Menendezs legal defense fund and entities that supported his re-election.

Many of Menendezs meetings and interactions with the officials occurred in proximity to Melgens donations or trips by Menendez he paid for, Koski claimed.

He went to bat when Dr. Melgen asked, and Dr. Melgen asked frequently, said Koski, who discounted defense lawyers contention in court filings that the trips were innocent gifts between friends. Theres no friendship exception to bribery. Theres no friendship exception to breaking the law.

Abbe Lowell, representing Menendez, began his statement discussing the two mens friendship, which dates back to the early 1990s, and said acting out of friendship is not a crime.

Menendezs meetings with Health and Human Services officials  including former department Secretary Kathleen Sebelius  regarding Medicare reimbursement policies were aimed at correcting billing inconsistencies, a concern shared by other senators, Lowell told jurors.

Similarly, Menendezs interest in port security in the Dominican Republic stemmed from a concern that potential U.S.-supplied screening equipment wouldnt be used correctly, he said. A company Melgen owned had a long-running contract dispute with the Dominican government over port security equipment.

David Porter is an Associated Press writer.
With traffic on major highways throughout the greater Houston area in the days following Hurricane Harvey, local neighborhoods are being sought out as possible thoroughfares.

However, areas along Memorial Drive are taking back the local streets as attempts are made to keep through traffic to a minimum. Many residential streets have "no trespassing" signs at entrances off Memorial.

Police are out directing traffic in the area, attempting to keep neighborhoods from becoming parking lots like I-610, where commute times have tripled or quadrupled for some drivers.

"The problem is, that our roads are open and clear of debris and flooding. The Village Teams have done their jobs, only to be thwarted by flood waters of the Buffalo Bayou that still block roads from Gessner Road to Highway 6," said Memorial Villages Police Chief Ray Schultz. "We are hearing that some relief is on the way with the anticipated opening of Highway 6 possibly as early as today and the Sam Houston Toll Road, possibly by next Monday. Any opening will help, but a return to normal traffic will not occur until all of the north/south arterials are open and the thousands of construction workers, volunteers, families and friends of displaced and damaged home owners can go back home. In the interim, we are placing additional signage throughout the Villages and rearranging our staffing to have more personnel available to help during peak traffic times."

However, Schultz sees some light at the end of the traffic tunnel.

"Over the next three days it will slowly get a little better each day as people realize that the best and most efficient way to get towards the opposite side of town is to stay on I-10 to the 610 or other freeways," he said. "These roads are equally as frustrating but they are still quicker and more efficient, as multiple lanes of traffic (without traffic signals) are always better than one-lane streets with signals, stop signs and 25,000 people using Waze."

For more information, go to www.mvpdtx.org.
Getty Images / /

A man was struck and killed in an apparent hit-and-run Tuesday night on a Highway 101 off-ramp in San Rafael, officials said.

The victim, who was not immediately identified, was found near a bus stop on the highways Lucas Valley Road off-ramp around 8:35 p.m., California Highway Patrol officials said.
Hundreds of Orange residents who have been sheltered in Louisiana after evacuations forced by Tropical Storm Harvey are heading back to their home state.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services announced Tuesday that Texans staying in shelters in Shreveport and Alexandria will be transported to a shelter in Dallas. The move started Tuesday morning and will continue through Thursday.
Washington

President Donald Trump's repeal of an Obama-era program that shielded hundreds of thousands of "Dreamers" from deportation faces a determined challenge in the courts from immigrant rights lawyers who call the change abrupt, unjustified and unconstitutional.

Some are looking to a federal judge in Brooklyn, who has before him a lawsuit filed on behalf of Martin Batalla Vidal, who was born in Mexico but has lived in New York since he was brought there as a 7-year-old. His lawsuit is pending before U.S. District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis.

On Tuesday, a team of immigrants rights lawyers sent a six-page letter to the judge saying they wanted to expand Vidal's lawsuit and make it a challenge to Trump's repeal order.

Karen Tumlin, legal director for the National Immigration Law Center in Los Angeles, said Trump's decision is legally suspect because so many Dreamers have relied on the DACA program to obtain work permits and start careers.

Under federal procedural law, "you don't get to abruptly change the rules without giving a reasoned explanation," she said.

Moreover, she said, Trump's decision is unconstitutionally discriminatory because it rests on bias against Latinos in general and Mexicans in particular.
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A 60-year-old San Francisco man was sentenced to 327 years to life in prison Wednesday for a series of violent home-invasion robberies, targeting senior citizens around the city, officials said.

The assailant, German Woods Jr., was found guilty in July of 16 counts of first-degree robbery and other charges for crimes against seniors  including one who was 89 years old.

These crimes were deliberate, cold and calculating, District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement following Woods sentencing. He targeted the elderly because they were vulnerable.

The charges date back to May 25, 2014. In that case, Woods seized a 70-year-old woman entering her apartment, covered her mouth to muffle her screams and began rifling through her pockets, officials said.

He then grabbed her ankle, dragging her into her apartment and across the floor. Once inside, police said, he ransacked her home of cash, jewelry and other belongings.

That violent episode was followed by several more similar attacks on seniors in Chinatown and Japantown between April and July of the same year, prosecutors said.

In nearly all of the attacks, Woods method was the same  he would lurk nearby, waiting for the unwitting victims to start to enter their apartments and then spring forward, dragging them inside. Once in the apartment, Woods would pillage the place of anything valuable he could get his hands on, officials said.

Most of the victims lived alone and spoke little to no English, prosecutors said. Police arrested Woods in July 2014.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
"Certain sounds bring it back," Simeon Wright once told an interviewer, recalling the August night in 1955 when his 14-year-old cousin Emmett Till was kidnapped from the bed they shared, tortured, shot and submerged in the Tallahatchie River of Mississippi. "Certain smells. Honeysuckle smell. Because honeysuckle was blooming that summer."

Wright, who died Sept. 4 at 74, was - besides his cousin's assailants - one of the last people to see Till alive. In the years that followed, Wright became a key witness in the lynching - an event that helped spark the civil rights movement after Till's mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, insisted that her son's mutilated remains be displayed before the public in an open casket.

Wright's death was confirmed by Marvel Parker, the wife of his nephew Wheeler Parker Jr., who also was sleeping in the home the night of Till's abduction. Marvel Parker said Wright died at his home in Countryside, Illinois, and that the cause was cancer.

Wright had been with Till days before his kidnapping, during a visit to Bryant's Grocery and Meat Market in Money, Mississippi, where Till stopped to buy bubble gum. In accounts of the lynching, Till is widely said to have wolf-whistled at the proprietress, Carolyn Bryant, on his way out.

Till, who lived in Chicago and was visiting relatives in Mississippi, was unschooled in the racial mores of the Jim Crow South - and the violence that any perceived violation might provoke. Wright, a local sharecropper's son who was two years younger, said he knew immediately upon hearing Till's whistle that his cousin was in danger.

"It scared us half to death," Wright told Chicago magazine in 2009. "We were almost in shock. We couldn't get out of there fast enough, because we had never heard of anything like that before. A black boy whistling at a white woman? In Mississippi? No."

According to Wright, Till begged his cousin and their companions not to tell Moses Wright, Simeon's father, what had happened at the store. They acquiesced to Till's request, certain that Moses Wright would send Till home to Chicago for his safety if he learned of the encounter. The boys did not wish to lose their summer together.

The men charged in Till's ultimate murder were Bryant's husband, Roy Bryant, and his half-brother J.W. Milam. Moses Wright risked his life by identifying the defendants in the courtroom as the intruders who had entered his home by dark and kidnapped Till.

"When I opened my eyes, I saw two white men at the foot of my bed. One had a flashlight and a gun," Simeon Wright told the Chicago Tribune in 2014. "They ordered me back down. Emmett was still sleeping. They had to shake him to wake him up."

Despite the eyewitness testimony, the defendants were acquitted by an all-white jury, only to then confess to the murder in a paid interview with Look magazine.

Carolyn Bryant, for her part, was in her 70s when she agreed to be interviewed by a Duke University professor, Timothy Tyson, after years of silence. She told Tyson that Till had never physically menaced her, as she claimed at the time of the trial.

"Nothing that boy did could ever justify what happened to him," she told Tyson for his 2017 book "The Blood of Emmett Till."

Simeon Brown Wright was born in Doddsville, Mississippi, on Oct. 15, 1942. But he would spend most of his life in the Chicago area, where his father moved the family after the trial, and where Wright made a livelihood as a pipe-fitter.

He said that he harbored profound anger over the brutality and injustice of his cousin's death and that, as he grew up, he at times looked for fights with whites.

"Even my bedroom was not a safe haven, because killers had walked into it and snatched Bobo from us," he recalled, using Till's nickname.

Wright, who became a deacon, said he found peace in his Christian faith. With co-author Herb Boyd, he wrote a memoir, "Simeon's Story: An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till" (2010).

In that book and in interviews over the years, Wright sought to dispute what he said were falsehoods in the telling and retelling of Till's murder. He denied that Till carried in his wallet a photograph of a white girl and that the other boys had dared him to flirt with or whistle at Carolyn Bryant.

Wright's survivors include his wife of 46 years, Annie Cole of Countryside; a sister; and three brothers.

Interviewed by the Chicago Citizen in 2014, Wright said that "there was of course tremendous sadness and grief" after Till died. "When tragedy strikes, life goes on but not like before," he said. "I had never witnessed anything like this. My eyes had been opened to a new world."

He was particularly disturbed, he wrote in his memoir, by the agonizing questions of what might have been if their group hadn't gone shopping, or if they had told an adult of Emmett's encounter at the store and asked for help.

"I couldn't shake the many thoughts of him," Wright wrote. "What if we had stayed home that night? What if we had told Dad?"
Earlier this year, the National Rifle Association released a creepy ad ripping the New York Times.

"We the people have had it," says ad narrator Dana Loesch, an NRA spokeswoman. "We've had it with your narratives, your propaganda, your fake news." The ad was part of a back-and-forth with the New York Times in which the NRA accused the outlet of under-covering a number of key stories, among other alleged fouls. "We've had it with your constant protection of your Democrat overlords, your refusal to acknowledge any truth that upsets the fragile construct that you believe is real life. And we've had it with your pretentious, tone-deaf assertion that you are in any way truth- or fact-based journalism. Consider this the shot across your proverbial bow. We're going to fisk the New York Times and find out just what deep, rich means to this old gray hag, this untrustworthy, dishonest rag that has subsisted on the welfare of mediocrity for one, two, three more decades? We're going to laser-focus on your so-called honest pursuit of truth. In short, we're coming for you."

Bolding added to highlight what many took as a threat. In an interview with Fox News's Dana Perino in August, Loesch denied as much. "What surprised me the most was that people would think that a promise to fact-check a media organization is a physical threat, which it's not," she said.

Digital Content Next, a group representing digital companies including 21st Century Fox, the New York Times, The Washington Post and Fox News Digital, isn't buying Loesch's assertion of fact-checking innocence. "When you use such incendiary language as 'we're coming for you,' it is our right to suggest in the strongest terms that your behavior is blatantly irresponsible as it may incite violence against journalists," writes Chris Pedigo, senior vice president of governmental affairs for DCN in a Tuesday letter to the NRA. "Ninety-nine people out of a hundred would interpret this language as threatening and to suggest otherwise is disingenuous at best and dangerous at worst. Bottom line: It is un-American to threaten journalists."

However you wish to interpret Loesch's words, tough rhetoric - and actual bullying - against the media these days is in vogue. Greg Gianforte, a Republican candidate for Montana's sole congressional seat, body-slammed a Guardian reporter just before his special-election contest in the spring; he won. President Donald Trump recently questioned whether journalists love their country, and earlier this year he claimed that certain news outlets were the "enemy of the American people." After the media denounce such provocations, there's occasionally some chatter that it's overreacting.

Loesch has provided the following statement to the Erik Wemple Blog:

"I never received this letter, as this organization gave it to the press, but not to me. I'm genuinely concerned that certain members of our media refer to a free people fact-checking their press as "un-American" and characterize their right to do so as "inciting violence." There is deliberate effort by some in media, not all, to limit free people's ability to fact-check reporting by calling said act "incendiary" and smearing those who engage in it.

Media is free to report however they wish, truth or propaganda. It is their right under our Constitution. Perhaps though, Digital Content Next could host a forum at their event to reacquaint themselves with the right of Americans to criticize and fact-check media's reporting, as is also our right, even if they virulently disagree with our criticisms."
When President Donald Trump staged his first event to promote his tax reform proposal in Missouri last week, he attacked that state's Democratic senator, Claire McCaskill.

But when he takes his tax-cuts road show to stop No. 2 in North Dakota on Wednesday, he is expected to pull his punches on that state's Democratic senator, Heidi Heitkamp.

That is because Heitkamp will be a special guest in Trump's traveling delegation, jetting with him from Washington aboard Air Force One in what the White House is trumpeting as the first indication of bipartisan support for overhauling the tax code.

Trump will be touting his tax plan at the Andeavor oil refinery in Heitkamp's hometown of Mandan, just outside of Bismarck, the state capital.

The Democratic senator is expected to face a difficult challenge for reelection next year in a state Trump carried in 2016 by 36 percentage points, one of his biggest margins of victory. So Heitkamp may see a political advantage in being friendly with Trump and open to his ideas, even if she does not ultimately vote to pass his agenda.

In his speech Wednesday, Trump intends to pressure Heitkamp to support his tax-reform agenda - in part by reminding North Dakotans that the last time Congress passed meaningful tax reform, in 1986, during Ronald Reagan's presidency, their Democratic senator voted yea.

"Both of the Reagan tax cuts were passed by a Democratic majority in the House, a Democratic speaker, and the vast majority of Democrats in the Senate, including a Democratic senator from the great state of North Dakota," Trump plans to say, according to excerpts of his prepared remarks. "If Democrats continue their obstruction - if they don't want to bring back your jobs, raise your pay, and help America win - voters should deliver a clear message: Do your job to deliver for America or find a new job."

In a conference call with reporters to preview the trip, a senior White House official read past statements Heitkamp has made supporting comprehensive tax reform and the notion of partnering with Trump to suggest that she may endorse Trump's plan.

Although Heitkamp has voiced general support for overhauling the tax code, she has not explicitly supported Trump's proposal. So far, the president has only outlined his plan in broad terms, and corresponding legislation has not yet been introduced.

"Ask any small business owner, energy industry worker, farmer or parent in North Dakota about what they think of the current U.S. tax code and they'll most likely tell you that it's broken," Heitkamp said in a statement. "That's why I'm glad to welcome President Trump to North Dakota where North Dakotans are eager to hear more about his tax reform plan."

President Barack Obama traveled to the state in 2014 when he visited the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. The last president to visit the Bismarck area was George H.W. Bush in 1989, to celebrate North Dakota's centennial.

By traveling with Trump to North Dakota, White House officials said, Heitkamp becomes the first Democrat to join the president in his push for tax reform. The state's other U.S. senator, John Hoeven, and its lone House member, Kevin Cramer, both Republicans, also are scheduled to travel with Trump aboard Air Force One. Trump and his delegation will be greeted at Bismarck Municipal Airport by Gov. Douglas Burgum, first lady Kathryn Helgaas Burgum and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford.

Trump intends to talk about the business climate in North Dakota and hold it up as a model for the country.

"I want all of America to be inspired by the North Dakota example," the president plans to say, according to the prepared remarks. "This state is a reminder of what can happen when we promote American jobs instead of obstructing them."

Trump - who is scheduled to be joined on Wednesday's trip by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council director Gary Cohn - plans to reiterate many of the policy priorities he announced last week, during his visit to Springfield, Mo. And the president will frame his plan as beneficial to everyday workers, even though it also includes large tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans, as well as corporations.

"The pipe fitters and plumbers, the nurses and police officers - all the people like you who pour their hearts into every penny earned in both the offices and oil fields of America - you are the ones who carry this nation on your backs, and it is time you got the relief you deserve," Trump plans to say, according to his prepared remarks.
Independent air monitors have detected a plume of cancer-causing benzene near homes and businesses outside a Valero Energy oil refinery in east Houston, raising concerns among environmentalists and city officials who say the compound is nearly twice the state limits for short-term exposure.

The highest concentration was detected in an area near Manchester Street and 96th Street close to the refinery, which voluntarily reported an oil spill at the plant earlier this week in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, which worked with California-based Entanglement Technologies to measure the benzene levels.

Benzene is a carcinogenic component of crude oil and gasoline. Breathing it in can cause dizziness, headaches and even unconsciousness.

"It is alarming to see high levels of a dangerous pollutant go unnoticed by the Houston region's existing network of air quality monitors," Elena Craft, senior health scientist for Environmental Defense Fund, said Tuesday.

The reports come amid growing environmental concerns over the San Jacinto River Waste Pits, one of 13 Superfund sites in Texas that flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Environmentalists called Tuesday for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide additional information about whether dioxin escaped from the pits into the floodwaters.

Questions remain, as well, about chemical fires at the Arkema plant in Crosby east of Houston and last week's emergency shelter-in-place warning in La Porte following a chemical pipeline leak.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott temporarily suspended requirements that certain spills and emissions be reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality during the storm and its aftermath, allowing energy and chemical companies to file reports voluntarily.

In the Houston area, companies have reported releasing more than 2 million pounds of carbon monoxide and other chemicals into the region's atmosphere during facility shutdowns, according to TCEQ filings.

Voluntary reports

On Aug. 27, San Antonio-based Valero reported a temporary leak from a partially collapsed roof of a storage tank caused by "heavy rainfall complications with Hurricane Harvey" by its Houston refinery. Valero estimated 6.7 pounds of benzene were released, as well more than 3,350 pounds of unspecified volatile compounds.

Valero spokeswoman Lillian Riojas said Tuesday that Valero crew members quickly contained the oil after it leaked from the roof drain at the refinery. She said the U.S. Coast Guard inspected the clean-up, and that Valero is working with TCEQ and the EPA "on monitoring for any potential emissions from the oil."

EPA spokesman David Gray said Tuesday the agency is conducting air monitoring and "focusing on an area of potential concern associated with reported air emissions from a Valero facility in Houston," but that none of the EPA readings rose above emergency screening levels. The EPA was conducting more monitoring in the area Tuesday, but had not yet released those results.

Just this week, however, the city of Houston and environmental groups began conducting independent air monitoring separate from the state and federal government. Although data is still being collected, the Environmental Defense Fund said the amount of benzene detected on Monday  324 parts per billion  is nearly double the state's allowable amount of 180 parts per billion.

Luke Metzger, director of the advocacy group Environment Texas, is concerned the state and EPA are relying too much on companies to self-report.

"It's likely the first of many to come," Metzger said of the detections near the Valero refinery. "Now we also have independent air monitoring, but it's hard to trace to individual companies."

Metzger noted problems with "unbearable smells" in Pasadena after Houston-based Kinder Morgan reported a Harvey-related spill of petroleum products on Aug. 27 at its terminal. Kinder Morgan acknowledged the release of benzene and other potentially toxic compounds.

But the company took issue with Metzger's description.

"That assertion is difficult to believe because we set up an exclusion zone to keep the public safely away, covered the small release with a foam blanket to control emissions, and employed constant air monitoring to ensure that the blanket was effective," Kinder Morgan spokesman Dave Conover said Tuesday.

Waste pits worries

At the San Jacinto waste pits, meanwhile, advocates continue to push for information about the potential release of dioxin and other cancer-causing industrial waste that was deposited there until the 1960s.

The current owners of the site paid to cap the waste pits in 2011. But prior to that, activists say they believe dioxins escaped from the pits into the environment several times. Coverings over the berm that surround the cap and the pits have been damaged in the recent storm, but the companies contend the damage can be fixed through routine maintenance.

Scott Jones, of the Galveston Bay Foundation, said dioxin has already leached from the site in older flood events, creating hot spots in sediments in the river and in Galveston Bay.

He said the state has failed to properly monitor the site because of inadequate resources. The EPA and TCEQ officials have said the cap appears to be holding, based on preliminary inspections of the waste pits by boat and land. Coverings over a berm that surrounds the pit are visibly damaged, according to photos and other reports.

Kenneth Haldin, a spokesman for one of the companies overseeing clean up of the pits, said the companies believe the cap remains in tact and dispute whether "buried waste material (containing dioxin) was or is ever exposed to the environment" in the waste pits area.

Separate reviews were conducted Friday by a contractor and Monday by federal and state officials, who said they would inspect the cap and the pits more thoroughly when river conditions allow.

The cancer-causing dioxin and other wastes were byproducts from a nearby paper mill.

The EPA has said the waste pits were one of 13 Superfund sites in Texas that flooded during Hurricane Harvey and could be damaged. About half of those sites so far have been visited by inspectors who performed preliminary checks for damage, according to the TCEQ and the EPA. They promise to do more checks when the floodwater recedes.

Abbott said Tuesday at a news conference in Austin that officials "are unaware of any damage or danger that has occurred."

Several homes in the Channelview river bottom nearest the pits were blown off their foundations when the river rose over its banks. Four houses floated away and several others sunk into enormous sinkholes that formed in the floods.

Channelview resident Jennifer Harpster said she and her neighbors were continuing to clean up Tuesday despite their fears of tainted water.

"When you go down there, it looks like a bomb went off." she said. "The smell of chemicals is inside my house."

Harpster is the lead plaintiff in a civil lawsuit in which 600 people claim their lives and livelihood have been damaged by the waste pits. She believes dioxins have already affected her family's health  her granddaughter died of a rare form of cancer at age 6.

A plan to remove the wastes from the river entirely remains under consideration by the EPA.

Activist Jackie Young, who grew up in nearby Highlands and is the founder of the grassroots Texas Health and Environment Alliance, wants to see the pits removed as soon as possible.

"Harvey was not a routine event. Let's stop kicking this can to future generations," Young said. "We need the waste pits removed in a controlled, engineered environment, not in a hurricane."

Pam Bonta, with the nonprofit Texas Quality Water, said she's worried about 6,000 households that depend on well water and are located in the flood plain around the pits in the Harris County communities of Channelview, Highlands and on the Lynchburg peninsula.

TCEQ and county officials say they'll continue to provide updates.

"TCEQ and EPA toxicologists and technical experts are on the ground and in the air collecting real-time air monitoring and water quality data," EPA officials said Monday. "That information is being analyzed by experts now and will be provided to the public as soon as it is available. We encourage the community to continue to follow the expert safety advice of local officials."
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AUSTIN -- First there was Mexico, then Venezuela and now Germany.

Adding to a growing list of overseas aid offers after Hurricane Harvey, Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday spoke with German Chancellor Angela Merkel who offered assistance and support.
With school back in full swing across San Antonio, police are keeping an eye out for drivers speeding through school zones.

If last year is any indication, San Antonio police take those duties seriously.
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WASHINGTON  Amid stories of misery, hope and heroics, the U.S. House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday for a $7.9 billion aid package for losses from Hurricane Harvey, a move that could be paired with legislation to increase the federal government's borrowing limit.

The initial aid package, approved 419-3, is bigger than the amount floated by the White House over the weekend when President Donald Trump made his second trip to Texas in the wake of the storm. But divisions remain among both House and Senate Republicans about tying the aid to the debt-limit increase.

The Senate is expected to attach the money to a debt-limit vote later this week. Conservatives in the House and Senate, including Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, have voiced concern about linking the two votes, which Cruz called "unrelated matters."

Senior Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the Republican Majority Whip, said he supports the plan as a way to immediately replenish needed funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

"I believe that FEMA is going to literally run out of money at the end of this week," Cornyn told reporters Tuesday. "The leaders made the decision to attach the debt limit to that, and I support that decision."

In recent years conservatives in Congress have sought to use debt-limit increases  once routine  as leverage to force corresponding spending cuts. But White House officials and GOP leaders in Congress have pressed for a quick resolution to the debt-limit issue to remove the threat of a federal government default in the midst of an annual spending cycle  compounded by the need to provide relief to the victims of Harvey and possibly Irma, a major hurricane approaching the Florida coast.

The three no votes on the relief package were cast by GOP Reps. Justin Amash of Michigan, Andy Biggs of Arizona, and Thomas Massie, a tea party-aligned libertarian Republican.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has said the state may ultimately need more than the $120 billion that the U.S. spent on Hurricane Katrina recovery. He also said that President Donald Trump and Congress made it clear that the president's initial request of nearly $8 billion "is just a down payment."

A FEMA spokesman said that as of early Wednesday the agency had received 617,116 applications for assistance, with an approved funding amount of nearly $180 million.

Members of the Texas congressional delegation in both parties emphasized the need for quick action to alleviate the suffering and begin the recovery.

"The important number is zero," Cornyn said on the Senate floor Wednesday. "(That's) the amount of time we have to lose."

Lawmakers from across the nation rallied behind the funding request, though some Democrats from New York and New Jersey chided Texas Republicans, including Cornyn and Cruz, who had opposed a final aid package for Superstorm Sandy, which hit the East Coast in 2005.

"What you did during Superstorm Sandy should not stand," said New York U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel.

U.S. Rep. John Culberson of Houston was the only Texas Republican to support the Sandy request, which others opposed as either bloated or not immediately necessary.

"Today we are all Americans, arm-in-arm," Culberson said during Wednesday's House debate.

The Texans' pleas for aid were accompanied by stories of hope and bravery. They included references to the so-called Cajun Navy, and Cruz's mention of "hundreds and hundreds of rednecks in bass boats" who came to the rescue.

But in addition to the praise for rescuers and ordinary citizens, there were also urgent calls for help. "People opened their homes and their hearts to strangers," said U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, a Republican who represents storm-damaged Corpus Christi. "But the victims of the storm also need FEMA's help as well."
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The Fourth of July in 1995 was the day Marycarmen Lopez and her family drove to San Antonio from Mexico.

It was a path the actress said led to opportunities she now fears will be denied to "Dreamers" following President Donald Trump's decision to rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Lopez moved from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico to San Antonio when she was 7 years old. She is a product of the South Side and an alumna of Harlandale High School and Our Lady of the Lake University.

She was a local host for Univision and now plays Reyna Velez in the Oprah Winfrey-produced show "Queen Sugar."

Now Playing: DACA recipient Jessica Azua addresses about 200 people gathered in front of the federal courthouse, Sep. 5, as activists galvanized to fight for permanent protection for so-called Dreamers. Video: San Antonio Express-News

In an interview with mySA.com on Wednesday, a day after Trump's decision was announced, the San Antonian said "now is the time to take action and speak up."

"We have been called criminals by Trump," she said. "But, his narrative is not our truth. Dreamers should share their accomplishments and be proud of them."

She also penned a Facebook post on Tuesday night, recounting her journey.

"I remember my first day of school in an American classroom," her post reads. "Everyone spoke like the adults in a Charlie Brown episode. I didn't understand ONE word."

RELATED: S.A., Texas state leaders react to decision to rescind DACA

Lopez said she realized the importance of working "twice as hard" at that moment and learned English with the help of family, teachers and school programs.

She went on to compete in Nuestra Belleza Latina and was a local host for Univision, before her TV break. Before that, she worked at H-E-B, collecting carts in the parking lot and as a cashier.

"We wanted to work," she said in a previous mySA.com interview. "I was excited to be able to buy a prom dress."

Trump's decision on DACA won't affect Lopez. She said in that 2016 interview that she became a lawful resident when she was 16 or 17 and was currently working on her application to become a U.S. citizen.

But the now 28-year-old said in her Facebook post that she's still chiseling away at her "dream."

"I am still working on my dream. I want to be here. I want to make a difference. This is my home... and I AM A DREAMER. It never leaves you. The struggle to fit in and to find your voice stays with you and despite the hurdles like the one today, we carry on. AND WE FIGHT. That's what we were taught to do our entire lives."

She said Dreamers don't take their opportunities for granted and they "work hard to give back."

Trump's decision to end the Obama-era policy threatens the deportation of nearly 800,000 immigrants. The Homeland Security Department is no longer accepting new DACA applications, but will take renewal requests from existing recipients whose permits expire before March 5. Those requests must be submitted by Oct. 5, according to a rescission memorandum.

"Many people around us will be affected," Lopez said on Wednesday. "That's what's heartbreaking about all of this. You're told to keep quiet in case something like this could ever happen...and it is."

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
A man convicted last week in the 2015 Christmas Day execution-style slaying of a man who he believed had raped and kidnapped his daughter was sentenced Wednesday morning to 15 years in prison.

The jury that heard the murder case against William Boyd Porter decided he acted in sudden passion when he shot Trayvouns Edwards in the back of the head in 2015 at a Southeast Side gas station. The jurys deliberations on the sentencing began Tuesday and spilled into Wednesday morning.

Porter was 43 when he was arrested and charged with murder a few weeks after the incident.

Jurors heard his daughter testify that she had been kidnapped, raped and beaten for three to four days leading up to Christmas that year. She told the jury she was able to send a text message to a relative, who told Porter.

After the daughters location showed up on a cellphone app, Porter went to the gas station on Goliad Road to get his daughter. Surveillance video from the store showed Porter shoot Edwards in the back of the head after an altercation.

Porter had faced up to life in prison, but the jury was allowed to consider that he had acted in sudden passion, a legal argument that can be raised during the punishment phase. The jury set the sentence at 15 years. Porter will have to serve at least seven years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

Technically, the sudden passion argument can lower a first-degree felony to a second-degree felony and decrease the punishment range. However, because Porter was a felon in possession of a firearm at the time of the killing, he was considered a repeat offender, so the charge was bumped back up.

The case was heard in the 186th state District Court by Judge Jefferson Moore. Porter, now 45, was sentenced Wednesday by visiting Judge Dick Alcala.

ezavala@express-news.net

Twitter: @elizabeth2863
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Texans and others worldwide are welcome to explore the citys historic missions  the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the state  during a festival running through Sunday.

The world is invited to San Antonios front porch, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said at a news conference and opening ceremony Wednesday for the second annual World Heritage Festival.

The San Antonio missions are among a handful of important World Heritage Sites from around the world, from the Canary Islands to the Philippines to Central America and even the Caribbean, that have a long history of Spains global influence, Nirenberg said at the event, held at the Alamo, a hallowed 1836 battleground established in 1724 as the third and final site of the Mission San Antonio de Valero.

This festival continues to celebrate what is now a living history for San Antonio, Nirenberg said.

More Information Festival events Weekdays "Entre La Sombra: Life Along the Missions." The exhibit on people whose families have lived in and around the missions continues 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Nov. 24 at the Culture Commons Gallery, 115 Plaza de Armas Thursday Living Heritage Symposium, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bexar County Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa St., Double Height Courtroom, 2nd floor Sunset Picnic at Mission San Juan Farm, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hayrides tours and other activities at Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Road; meals are sold out Friday Living Heritage Symposium continues from 8 to 11 a.m. "Restored by Light" will feature food trucks, live music and projection technology to illuminate the mission church to replicate its 1700s appearance, 6 to 10 p.m. at Mission Concepcion, 807 Mission Road Saturday Tour De Las Misiones Bike Ride starts at 8 a.m. at Mission Park Pavilion, 6030 Padre Drive Tour De Las Misiones 5K and 10K Walk, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mission Park Pavilion Mission Pachanga, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mission Park Pavilion Sunday Celebratory Mass at 10 a.m. Sunday at Mission Concepcion, 807 Mission Road See More Collapse

Along with a Catholic prayer, the festival opened with a blessing in Pajalate by Ramon Vasquez IV, a member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation. Pajalate is the dialect used by the Tap Pilam community.

Vasquez said his relatives will gather this weekend, traveling from here all the way down to Mission Espada, to pray for ancestors buried at each of the five missions.

Public events are planned daily through Sunday at the state-owned Alamo and the four federally run missions that make up the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

Entre La Sombra: Life Along the Missions, an exhibit highlighting the people whose families live or have lived in or around the missions, opened late Wednesday and will continue through Nov. 24 at Culture Commons Gallery, 115 Plaza de Armas.

Also planned are a heritage symposium Thursday and Friday; a bike ride, walk and pachanga on Saturday; and a celebratory Mass on Sunday. One of the key family-friendly events will be a Restored by Light event from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Mission Concepcion, using projection technology to illuminate the mission church so as to replicate its 1700s appearance, when it was covered with colorful decorative frescoes. The illumination is scheduled for about 8 p.m.

Youre going to love it when you see it, said City Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran.

She also pointed out that VIA will run buses until 11 p.m. so it will be easy (to attend), and you dont have to worry about gas.

The missions were designated in 2015 by the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, after an international panel agreed they possess outstanding universal value. County Judge Nelson Wolff said the festival and other events at the missions are critical in following up on the designation, to explain what the missions are all about.

Visit WorldHeritageFestival.org for details about events.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
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Arlington police are asking the public to help them find a murder suspect who they believe beheaded one man and possibly killed his girlfriend too.

On Saturday afternoon, police were called about human remains discovered in a wooded area near the 400 block of Truman Street, according to an affidavit.

Officers discovered a human head at the scene with a sign written in Spanish that read "La Raza Se Respeta y Faltan 4" which roughly translates to "respect the race and four are left."

RELATED: Woman found slain in South Side alley had accused former BCSO deputy of sexual assault

Police said they later found additional human remains belonging to a second person at the home of Hector Acosta-Ojeda. The person was not identified as of Wednesday.

An arrest warrant was issued for Acosta-Ojeda, 28, for murder. He remains at-large.

Police also charged a second person, Mariano Sanchez, 18, with murder in connection to the killing. Sanchez was booked into Arlington jail with a bail of $51,000, according to jail records.

Sanchez and other witnesses gave police two different accounts of what had happened.

Sanchez was initially arrested on an unrelated warrant and asked to speak with detectives about the killing, according to an arrest affidavit. He told police he was tied up by Acosta-Ojeda and others and was forced to watch them kill the man, who has not yet been identified.

Sanchez reportedly told police that the day before the head was discovered, Acosta-Ojeda, who he knew as "Cholo," and the victim paid him a visit. Acosta-Ojeda accused Sanchez of stealing money from him and threatened to kill him, Sanchez told police.

Sanchez told police that after more threats he went to Acosta-Ojeda's home and said he saw Acosta-Ojeda digging a hole in the backyard and the man, who was now dead with a jacket covering his head, authorities said.

Sanchez told police he initially left the home but returned again after another threat from Acosta-Ojeda, who allegedly told him he wanted him "to see how they handled things." Sanchez later told police he believe the man may have stolen money from Acosta-Ojeda.

RELATED: North Side Walmart evacuated after man allegedly tosses backpack in store, says it's a bomb

Other witnesses provided accounts that contradict Sanchez'.

One witness, who captured video of the exchange, told police he observed Sanchez and another person talking about the victim previously burglarizing Sanchez's apartment. Sanchez told the witness he had to leave soon because the "unknown subject" captured in the video was going to kill somebody and Sanchez was going to record it.

Another witness told police Sanchez visited her on her dinner break the day of the incident. She told police Sanchez appeared upset and told her he was taken by several people to Acosta-Ojeda's home and forced to cut off the arms of the victim, according to the affidavit.

She also gave police Sanchez's cell phone, which he had given her, the affidavit states.

Other tips came in linking Acosta-Ojeda to the crime, the affidavit states.

Acosta-Ojeda is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, roughly 190 pounds and has a tattoo on his arm that reads "el mas odiado," which translates to "most hated."

Police say he's armed and extremely dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information on his location can call the department's tip line at 817-575-8823 or the Tarran County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

fsabawi@mysa.com

Twitter: @FaresInSA
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A 36-year-old woman whose body was dumped in a South Side alley this summer had accused a former Bexar County Sheriff's Office deputy of sexual assault and was listed as a witness in a separate sexual assault case against the same deputy, court records show.

Jessica Ramona Gonzales, who also went by the alias Ramona Jessica Gonzales, was fatally shot in the head and later abandoned in the 3500 block of South Flores Street, police said. Neighbors found her body partially covered by a blanket around 1 a.m. July 27.

Gonzales was one of three people to accuse the former detention deputy, Erick Montez, of sexual assault. An indictment claims Montez sexually assaulted Gonzales on Dec. 31, 2012 while she was in jail on a drug possession charge.

RELATED: Police seek info on slaying of man whose body was found under East Side bridge

According to mySA archives, Montez's duties included transporting inmates to different locations. On the day of the alleged rape, Gonzales was transported from the from the Bexar County Jail to a substance abuse treatment facility, according to online records.

Now, due to her death, the case in which Gonzales was the accuser has been dropped by state prosecutors.

Police said they have no suspects in Gonzales' slaying at this time, and authorities have not connected the killing to the accusations against Montez.

"At this point we haven't established a link between [Montez] and the murder of Jessica Gonzales," said Ofc. Doug Greene, a spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department. "We're going to look at this case from every angle, and not rule out that possibility, but he is not a suspect right now."

RELATED: SAPD asks for public's assistance identifying witnesses, suspects in South Side killing

Montez is currently in jail, awaiting sentencing on a conviction for having an improper sexual relationship with an inmate and awaiting trial on a separate sexual assault charge. But on the day Gonzales' body was discovered, Montez was out of jail on bond. He was booked back into jail without bond on Aug. 7 after he showed up for a sentencing hearing on August 3, and then fled during a break in proceedings.

He is now scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 12.

The charge which Montez has been found guilty of occurred on Dec. 27, 2015. Another Bexar County inmate said Montez sexually assaulted her in a jail van. His arrest affidavit said Montez was only transporting the victim and no one else, and video surveillance showed him alongside the victim at the van's side door for about nine minutes.

RELATED: SAPD: Man sent revenge porn to family of Olmos Park woman's husband

"What Montez is accused of doing is a disgrace," said former Sheriff Susan Pamerleau at the announcement of Montez's arrest. "He didn't just violate this woman, he violated the public's trust and brought disgrace on hundreds of deputies in this agency who wear the badge, but also hundreds of officers who serve honorably across the nation."

Pamerleau said Montez confessed to the assault during interviews, though a jury found him not guilty of sexual assault. He was only convicted of having an improper sexual relationship with an inmate.

Montez was terminated from the sheriff's office shortly after his arrest. He had served since 2008.

Gonzales was listed as a witness in the case. On Feb. 3, 2017, a judge ordered Gonzales to be released from jail to testify in the trial, but she ultimately did not do so, according to the Bexar County District Attorney's Office.

A few months later, on May 16, Montez was arrested on two additional counts of sexual assault, one of which was allegedly against Gonzales and has since been dropped. He now faces a single charge of sexual assault.

The victim, who will not be identified in this story, was allegedly sexually assaulted twice by Montez. On the date of the first alleged assault, the victim was awaiting transfer to a state prison, and the second alleged assault occurred the day after she was transferred to the prison, according to online court records.

RELATED: 4-year-old girl finds gun hidden in couch, shoots self in chest; father arrested for lying to cops

Montez is further accused of threatening to physically harm the victim or her brother if she did not comply.

The trial for that case is set for Sept. 12, the same date as his sentencing in the other case.

As Montez' cases wind their way through the courts, police continue to search for Gonzales' killer.

Greene said the evidence indicates Gonzales was shot in the head and killed at another location and then dumped in the alley.

"It is a very violent murder," Greene said. "This was a heartless act."

Her killing remains unsolved, and anyone with information regarding Gonzales's killing is asked to call the San Antonio Police Department's Homicide Unit at 210-207-7635. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Correction: A previous version of this article stated Jessica Gonzales testified in Erick Montez's trial. In fact, she was listed as a witness, but never testified against Montez. The article has been edited to reflect that change.

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Anthony Tony Morton, a lover of Gunsmoke and John Wayne who had a knack with animals and could make just about anything, died Aug. 27 from diabetes complications.

He was a mans man with true grit, his wife, Donna Morton, said.

He was 76.

By the time Morton was in seventh grade, he had gone to 13 different schools, his wife said.

More Information Anthony 'Tony' Morton Born: Oct. 22, 1941, San Saba Died: Aug. 27, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Parents Cleo and Mary Belle Morton Survived by: Wife Donna Morton, daughters Meredith Morton Thompson and Mindy Morton-Winchester and five grandchildren Services: Funeral service have already been held. See More Collapse

Mortons father was a sign painter whose job kept the family on the move.

He loved to travel, his wife said, recounting family stories. And somewhere along the way, at 9 years old, he had a pet raccoon.

Later in life, Mortons love for animals earned him the nickname Dr. Doolittle by a couple of neighbors she said.

Mortons family eventually settled down in Fort Worth, where he became the state pole vaulting champion while representing Eastern Hills High School, she said.

After graduation in 1960, Morton joined the Marines with five high school friends.

While stationed in El Toro, California, his life took an unexpected turn.

After losing 30 pounds in two weeks, Morton found himself in a military hospital.

The diagnosis was type 1 diabetes. Lab results were not good. Officials called Mortons parents and later a priest to give him last rites, his wife said.

Morton, who was watching television when the priest came, refused last rites, saying, I dont need it, Im a Baptist.

Shortly after, Morton received a medical discharge, ending four years of military service.

He then enrolled at Texas Wesleyan University, where he met his wife. I had met a guy that looked like a movie star, blond hair like Robert Redford and eyes like Bing Crosby, Donna Morton said when describing the love of her life

He was organized and spit-and-polish in his younger years, she said.

The two started their 49-year-long marriage in 1968, the year Morton received his bachelors degree in business administration.

Morton ended up working for the U.S. Postal Service.

The couples first child was born in 1971.

He was pacing the floor. It took 13 hours for her to come, Donna Morton said about her daughters birth. Their second daughter was born two years later.

When Mortons diabetes became too hard to manage, he became a stay-at-home dad.

The family moved throughout Texas as Mortons wife, working for Southwestern Bell, transferred to different locations.

In 1991, they settled in San Antonio.

Tony would do anything for you, his wife said. Even animals would go to the garage to look to see if he was in his chair.

iwilgen@express-news.net
President Donald Trump's decision to deport up to 800,000 young immigrants if Congress doesn't find a solution to their status in the U.S. within six months may go down in history as one of the cruelest actions by any U.S. president  along the lines of the internment of Japanese Americans in concentration camps in World War II.

Trump's decision not to pardon the "Dreamers"  young immigrants who were brought to the country as infants by their undocumented parents  is morally repugnant on many fronts.

It would deport hundreds of thousands of youths who had no say in their parents' decision to move to the United States, and who, for all practical purposes, are Americans. Ninety-seven percent of them are in school or working and some of them  like South Korean-born Jin Park  are studying molecular biology at Harvard.

Tomas Pindola, a 26-year-old Argentine-born "Dreamer" who was brought to this country at age 10, is a professor of chemistry at Miami's MAST Academy, one of the most prestigious high schools in the city. While his life would not be in danger if deported, others who were born in Honduras, Venezuela or other countries with the highest murder rates in the world could "face death," he told the Agence France-Presse news service.

At least one "Dreamer," 31-year-old Alonso Guillen, died in Houston last week while trying to rescue victims from Hurricane Harvey. Guillen, who was born in Mexico, borrowed a boat and drove more than 100 miles from Lufkin, Texas, to Houston to help evacuate hurricane victims, the Houston Chronicle reported.

His boat crashed into a bridge while he and two friends were trying to rescue people trapped in an apartment building. Guillen's body was found floating in the water on Sunday.

Many of the "Dreamers" are more American than Trump. They pay taxes (we still don't know to what extent Trump does). They serve in the Army (which Trump has never done). They haven't attacked the dignity of other people because of their race or nationality (as Trump did when he described most Mexican undocumented immigrants as "criminals" and "rapists," or when he said U.S.-born Judge Gonzalo Curiel was not suited to rule in a fraud case against Trump University because he is "Mexican.")

Making all of this more nauseating was the fact that Trump's decision came on the heels of his refusal for two days to condemn violent neo-Nazi and white supremacist marchers in Charlottesville, Va., and his most recent decision to pardon Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio. The sheriff was convicted of criminal contempt for ignoring a judge's order to stop detaining suspected undocumented immigrants.

Trump and his Fox News supporters argue that America is a country of laws, and that the "Dreamers" should thus be deported. Yet Trump pardoned Arpaio, a convicted criminal, but did not pardon 800,000 law-abiding youths who were trying to live the American dream.

But one of the most dangerous side effects of Trump's decision on the "Dreamers" is that it will send a tacit message that it's not safe to trust the U.S. government. These young people trusted the U.S. government when they enrolled in DACA  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals  and gave their names and addresses, under the promise that "the information provided in this request is protected from disclosure to" immigration and border officials.

Will the Trump administration now use these names and addresses to pick up these kids at their homes and deport them? What kind of precedent does that set for future government promises?

If the White House were to ask next that the estimated 11 million undocumented residents step forward to report terrorism threats to police under the promise that no actions would be taken against them, could anybody blame them for not doing it?

We are witnessing an American tragedy, right in front of our eyes. We can only hope that Congress acts to undo one of the darkest chapters of recent American history.

Andres Oppenheimer is a columnist for the Miami Herald.
As the U.S.-led coalition accelerates its campaign to destroy the Islamic States remaining strongholds in Syria, the Trump administration faces a big decision about the future: Does it want to keep some U.S. troops inside the country to help stabilize Syria after the jihadists are defeated, or does it want to pack up and come home?

The dilemma is eerily like what President Obama faced in Iraq in 2011, and the risks and benefits are similar. President Trump, like his predecessor, has expressed skepticism about permanent U.S. wars in the Middle East. But he also knows that pulling out U.S. troops from bases east of the Euphrates could create a vacuum that might trigger ethnic slaughter, regional proxy wars and a new wave of jihadist violence.

The military and civilian officials who have been closest to U.S.-Syria policy appear convinced that America should maintain a residual presence, probably something under 1,000 Special Operations Forces that could continue to train and advise  and also, restrain  the Syrian Kurdish militia that has been Americas key partner against the Islamic State. But this alliance with the Kurds is controversial, inside Syria and out.

The political map of Syria, for now, looks like a patchwork quilt, with different bands controlled by rival groups and their patrons.

Few analysts expect that Syria can be reunified by President Bashar Assad. So, for the foreseeable future, the country will be divided into these zones of influence  awaiting a political transition process that can re-establish the legitimacy and authority of a new central government in Damascus.

The U.S. piece of this puzzle is the area east of the Euphrates. The Syrian Kurdish militia known as the YPG, advised by elite American forces and backed by U.S. air power, has swept across this area over the past three years, and in about six weeks is expected to seize the Islamic States capital of Raqqa. As they advanced, the Kurds recruited Sunni Arab allies into a broader coalition known as the Syrian Democratic Forces.

The ad hoc military alliance that produced the SDF has many critics. The Sunni-dominated Syrian opposition fears that the Kurdish fighters want to create an independent state, and neighboring Turkey sees them as terrorists. But battlefield success generates its own political momentum, and as the U.S. and the SDF have advanced, Sunni opposition groups now seem eager to fight alongside the Kurdish-led forces, under overall U.S. command.

This new willingness to work in tandem with the Kurds was voiced by Riad Hijab, the head of the Syrian opposition coalition known as the High Negotiations Committee. He said in a recent interview that his supporters want to fight ISIS and other terrorist groups, alongside with the SDF, as long as we fight independently in separate fronts.

The Sunni opposition groups apparently prefer allying with Kurds to Assads regime.

American officials are pleased that Hijab and other opposition leaders want to join the fight in the Euphrates Valley. But they say the new recruits arent ready for heavy fighting, and that Deir el-Zour, the next big town in the Euphrates Valley, will almost certainly be taken by 10,000 Syrian regime troops that are already in the town, joined by regime forces now moving east, with Russian and Iranian backing. The Iranian presence worries some U.S. officials, but they say regime control of Deir-el-Zour is probably inevitable.

U.S. commanders say the real strategic prize is further south. They say as soon as Raqqa is secure, SDF troops (joined by whatever other Arab forces are ready) will advance toward the lower Euphrates Valley, south of Deir el-Zour. The U.S. hopes that Iraqi forces across the border will help check Iranian power in the area.

What happens next? That depends in part on whether U.S. military advisers stay in eastern Syria. If they remain, say U.S. officials, they can curb the Kurds ambitions for independence, deter the Turks from intervening and encourage the Sunni opposition to work with all sides. A future U.S. presence will be essential, says Hijab.

And if they leave quickly? Weve seen this movie before.

davidignatius@washpost.com
There are three kinds of people who run toward disaster, not away: cops, firemen and reporters, newspaper columnist Rod Dreher once wrote. Its a poignant thought  so poignant, in fact, that its etched on the wall of the Newseums own 9/11 Gallery theater in Washington, D.C.

Much has been made of the statistic that only about 7 percent of journalists are registered Republicans, a steep drop from 18 percent in 2002. I find it unremarkable. Trumps claims of a sweeping left-wing media agenda are unfounded; by the same token, only 28 percent of journalists are Democrats. But many journalists dont write about politics and many dont write at all, notes the Washington Post. When 60 percent of nurses voted for Hillary Clinton, nobody cried foul.

The bedrock of the newspaper industry is independent thought, and the data suggest that the unaccounted-for 65 percent of journalists are mostly centrists, independents or swing voters  and that journalists as a group are simply less partisan than they were 15 years ago.

Some left of center? No doubt. But when the White House declared war on the First Amendment, it declared war on the very fabric of the Republic. Trumps aggressive posturing against an entire industry of hard-working Americans  from his enemies of the people tweets in February to his oft-repeated Phoenix remarks calling us sick people and suggesting we hate America  were shots fired. Journalists didnt get more liberal; conservatives got more conservative, the world went plum crazy, and now center is left, up is down.

Not surprisingly, journalists are more and more unhappy with their jobs. And why not? Fake news has become the mantra of the moment. Trump supporters gleefully don Journalist. Noose. Tree. Some assembly required T-shirts under the guise of self-expression. And the president of the United States of America has nothing better to do with his free time than lead supporters in chants of CNN sucks on the eve of impending natural disaster.

But Nero fiddled while Rome burned: days later, two journalists spent the night clinging to a tree during Hurricane Harvey and were hospitalized for severe injuries incurred on assignment.

Ask any journalist and he will tell you the same thing: his loyalties lie not with the right, not with the left, nor with any party, but with his craft, Lady Liberty and the unvarnished truth.

Consider Elijah Lovejoy of the Alton Observer, an abolitionist newspaper editor who, in 1837, was shot by a mob of rabid pro-slavery protesters. They smashed his printing press and threw it in a nearby riverbank. His murderers were never convicted.

Consider Ignacio Martinez of El Mundo, killed in 1891 right here in Texas for writing critical editorials of Mexican President Porfirio Diaz. His murderers were never even found.

Consider Narciso Gener Gonzales of The State, who in 1903 was murdered in broad daylight  in the presence of witnesses  by the lieutenant governor of South Carolina, who was later acquitted. Gonzales crime? Support of womens suffrage and condemnation of lynching.

Consider Howard Guilford of The Saturday Press in Minneapolis, who in 1934 gave up his life for exposing local corruption and organized crime.

Or Alan Berg of KOA in Denver, who gave up his in 1984 for speaking out against white nationalists.

Or Manuel de Dios Unanue of El Diario La Prensa in Queens, who gave up his in 1992 for exposing ugly truths about the drug trade.

Of course, with the anniversary of 9/11 upon us, we must not forget Bill Biggart, the freelance photographer killed, mid-shutter-click, by falling debris from the World Trade Center, or Daniel Pearl of the Wall Street Journal, kidnapped by Pakistani terrorists, his throat slit on live camera in 2002 for all the world to see.

These enemies of the people  these purveyors of fake news  hate America so much they sacrifice their lives for truth, freedom and the American way.

Maybe Donald Trump is right. Maybe it takes a sick, sick person to love the truth so much they will defend  to the death  your right to hate them for telling it.

Back in 1949, W.H. Bill Mason of KBKI Radio in Alice was killed by a sheriffs deputy he had exposed for running a strip joint.

His headstone says it all: He had the nerve to tell the truth for a lot of little people.

Donna Provencher is a freelance writer and former columnist/digital editor for the Watertown Daily Times in northern New York. She is working temporarily for the Express-News Editorial Board.
On Sept. 1, one week after Hurricane Harvey made landfall and caused the worst disaster in Texas history, a new insurance law went into effect  and not to the benefit of homeowners. To call the timing horrible is a trite understatement.

The Texas Legislature should suspend the implementation of this new law, House Bill 1774, or the Blue Tarp Law, to give homeowners time to recover.

Tens of thousands of survivors are seeking refuge in shelters. Some estimate that 30,000 to 40,000 homes are destroyed in Houston alone. And most important, families have lost lives in this great tragedy.

Amid all this grief, fear and anxiety, comes the stress and tension from news of this new law, set to take effect before most people can return home.

HB 1774, the Blue Tarp Law, named for the blue tarps covering homes with property damage, lowers the interest on damages claims consumers can recover in litigation. It also imposes onerous pre-lawsuit notice and inspection requirements. Most important, it reduces the amount of attorneys fees a consumer may receive after a successful action in many cases.

In the days before Sept. 1, exaggeration and misinformation about the effect and scope of the new law filled social media and some news outlets. Survivors were told by many to file claims before Sept. 1 or face adverse consequences.

I am calling upon the Texas Legislature to do the right thing by other Texans and place a 90-day suspension on HB 1774.

Regardless of the laws true impact, right now it is causing fear, confusion and undue stress. The Texas Legislature should return to the status quo to reassure consumers that there is no detrimental effect caused by not meeting the Sept. 1 deadline.

Advocates of the law, which seem to be primarily supported by the insurance industry, claim the law will not affect most of those who suffered flood damage from Harvey. Lets hope that is true. For a legislative act, this bill is more complex and confusing than a James Joyce novel.

On its face, HB 1774 does not apply to an action against the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association. It also does not apply to FEMAs National Flood Insurance Program, which is exempt from state laws. FEMA is the dominant flood insurance provider in the Houston area. It only applies to real property claims, not personal property claims, such as automobiles.

For those who do have private insurance covering their real property damage, filing after Sept. 1 will not impact their claim resolution process. Rather, if an insured homeowner faces a delay or failure to pay from their insurer and needs to initiate a lawsuit, then damages will be capped at the amount of the claim plus interest at market rate plus 5 percent (currently about 10 percent total). The former rate was 18 percent. For those insured who need to resort to litigation, filing a claim on Sept. 1 or later will mean about an 8 percent reduction in interest on the claim. This interest basically means additional money you would receive for not having your claim paid on time, in the same way one pays interest on a loan.

The other significant provisions of the law will apply to any lawsuit filed after Sept. 1. At this stage, it would be very premature for any Harvey survivors to be preparing for a lawsuit. The new notice provision requires the consumer to notify an insurer or agent in writing 60 days before filing a lawsuit of the basis for the claim, the specific amount alleged to be owed, and the amount of attorneys fees incurred.

The attorneys fee cap is more complex. The law reduces the amount of attorneys fees the court can award if the claimant wins less than 80 percent of the damages claimed in the pre-suit notice, and eliminates an award of attorneys fees for those who recover less than 20 percent of damages claimed in that notice.

Hopefully, this information allows some property owners to breathe a little easier, knowing that Sept. 1 was not a deadline for filing claims.

It is time for the Texas Legislature to jump in the act, in an act of compassion, to temporarily suspend HB 1774 so that those so recently damaged have time to seek legal advice, read their policies and breathe easier under the umbrella of the former law.

Ramona L. Lampley is a professor at the St. Marys University School of Law and an expert in consumer and contract law.
As we contemplate the removal or remove historical monuments, we should acknowledge the real history behind them. Yes, the Confederate leaders who are memorialized were leaders in the efforts of southern states to retain the foundation of their economic viability. I would not suggest that they be honored for this role. However, we must remember that slavery is an ancient institution that has been practiced throughout history, and continues today.

The Slave Trade, by Hugh Thomas, details the Atlantic operations from 1440 through 1870. His more than 30 years of research has produced a thorough, factual presentation indicting European nations, societies in North and South America, as well as both African and Arab slave traders who made the business possible.

Several YouTube videos are currently circulating pointing out that the first slave owner in North America was a black man. Indians, Quakers and whoever else could afford them purchased slaves to provide the labor that would maintain their wealth.

My point is that more education is needed. Perhaps the Confederate monuments should be moved, but let us keep them in some public place as reminders of mans inhumanity to man.

Whatever has happened before, could happen again.

Mary Donnell

Madness

Astounding! Thousands of Americans, many of them at the tops of their professions, Americans with high incomes, Americans with oodles of assets, Americans who live lives of wealth and power have devoted themselves and dedicated their fortunes to making us all hate each other!

Madness. Madness!

W.R. Stewart

Polls tell the story

Re: Better than Hillary, Your Turn, Aug. 12:

Better than Hillary  ha, ha, ha.

Hillary Clinton released 30 years of her tax returns. Donald Trump lied to America. He said he would release his tax returns after the elections, and up to now, he has not done so. Hes a shameless blatant liar. Trump cannot be trusted. Hes not credible, not honest, not respected, not liked, not competent, not qualified and not liked.

Trump cannot fool the American people. Why does the letter writer think Trumps approval rating is only 34 percent? Hillary Clinton is a lot more qualified than Donald Trump. The only reason Donald Trump was elected was because of voter suppression, illegal meddling by former FBI Director James Comey, by Russias illegal hacking and their interference in our elections and by the obsolete Electoral College system.

Still, Hillary Clinton got three million more votes than Donald Trump.

Manuel D. Zamora Jr.

Gut punches

Re: Senator Flakes book wake-up call to GOP, David Brooks, Other Views, Aug. 1:

The first sentence made me feel as if I weighed 1,000 pounds  Do you ever get the feeling were all going to be judged for this moment?

You mean a moment like the one when some thug of Trumps used language I do not recall hearing in the bars of San Diego in the late 40s?

Or the moment he gave a campaign speech to the Boy Scouts of America?

Or the moment he said he didnt like John McCain because he was captured?

Or the moment he told police not to be too nice to prisoners?

Or the moment when he tried to change our immigration policy?

Or the moment when he tweeted  yes, tweeted  what his new transgender policy would be without first alerting the Pentagon?

How many such moments can we take in the gut over the next three long years?

Bobby Riley

Armed

In 1966 a buddy and I arrived outside Saigon, having ridden shotgun on a convoy. As soon as we were released, we headed out to look for some beverages, each of us packing our rifles, M60 machine guns and ammo. Soon MPs (military police) approached us and told us to check in our weapons at an armory at the Ambassador Hotel, and we reluctantly complied.

To this day I don't know if it was standard policy or if the MPs were wary of inebriated soldiers using their weapons unwisely. Mind you, we were in a war zone.

One always reads about the sheriff and marshals in the old west ordering rowdy cowboys to check in their guns before proceeding to the watering hole. Prudent policy, I think.

I have always assumed that citizens are protected by our local police. It seems that anyone engaged in public protests and potentially bitter discourse and debate should check in their weapons. Otherwise, it invites and encourages violent confrontation.

Please let our local police handle our law enforcement, and keep your weapons at home, before somebody gets hurt.

J.J. Torres

War not inevitable

Re: Liberals fail, whine about N. Korea, Other Views, Aug. 29:

Reading Colonel Walters Korean solution should send chills up the spine of every American. Is all-out war inevitable?

He praises the fact that so many advisers in the Trump administration are military generals. That fact runs counter to the our long-standing American wisdom of civilian control of our political system.

His contention that FDR, Truman, Johnson, Clinton and Obama were all failures in carrying out our foreign policy, with heavy onus of a war climate, is utter nonsense. Walters claims that Trump will solve the war puzzle. He claims the generals will follow whatever Trump orders. I hope not.

Trump will use war to escape from his great political debacle.

Michel Vogelsang
Lets be clear about what just happened to the program that shielded immigrants brought here as children from deportation.

The Trump administration, after the president feigned sympathy for so-called dreamers, announced Tuesday it is phasing out the program but giving Congress six months to come up with a substitute  a Congress that has been so dysfunctional it hasnt been able to approve legislation with an iota of controversy.

And controversy is written all over this program specifically, as much as with immigration generally.

For instance, amnesty is what critics label more recent immigration reform efforts. So, President Trump, in announcing this end, called it an amnesty-first program, also invoking the rule of law. And some cited the need to keep our communities safe.

But under what rule of law should children be held liable for the alleged lawbreaking of their parents? And there is absolutely no evidence that dreamers are threats to the community  quite the opposite.

This is what President Obama, though he had a deplorable deportation record generally, understood. This country has essentially been the only home these immigrants know. Theyve been educated at public expense in our schools. They are assets in which weve invested  to be nurtured, not deported.

This is why Obama started the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. It allowed an estimated 800,000 immigrants to gain work permits and other benefits. But in signing up for the program, they gave the government their personal information. So, imagine the fear that this immigrant is now feeling, though the administration says it will not specifically be targeting this community for deportation. However, it simultaneously stressed that they wont necessarily be shielded from it either.

Some of the immigrants who got their work permits will be able to renew their two-year legal stays. This applies if their permits expire before March 5. But those whose permits expire March 6 and after will be deportable if Congress doesnt act. And this, unfortunately, is the majority of that 800,000 who got the permits.

President Trump tried to distance himself from this decision, letting Attorney General Jeff Sessions, an immigration hardliner, do the heavy lifting in announcing it. But it comes on the heels of his pardon for Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who made his reputation targeting immigrants and Latinos. Got it? Children brought here by their parents and are now contributing to our society might get deported, but the sheriff who illegally targeted and detained Latinos received a pardon.

Trump owns this.

Our hope is that Congress surprises us on this. It must  led by Texas delegation.
WEST HAVEN >> The Board of Education took the rare step of firing tenured West Haven High School English teacher Vic Hogfeldt Tuesday, voting unanimously to uphold and adopt the recommendations of an independent hearing officer who recommended that the board terminate Hogfeldt for ineffective, inefficient teaching and insubordination.

About 40 people attended the meeting  which at Hogfeldts request took place publicly  in addition to the board and attorneys Floyd Dugas and Paula Anthony. Many of those who attended were teachers, administrators and union leaders  the latter being a group that Hogfeldt has publicly criticized in recent years.

A West Haven police officer also attended.

The board considered the matter after Dugas explained to them that they had the right to accept Hearing Officer Laurie G. Cains recommendation, or not, and told them that they must base their decision solely on the hearing officers findings of fact, not anything they might independently know, and that they had to have kept an open mind until they received the hearing officers report.

The case was unusual in that efforts to fire tenured teachers rarely go to full hearings and board action  and even more rare in that Hogfeldt, who had taught at the high school since August 2005, chose not to attend the hearing that resulted in hearing officer Cain recommending his termination.

Hogfeldt was not allowed to address the board at Tuesdays meeting and a statement he submitted was not allowed to be considered by board members.

The board unanimously voted to terminate Hogfeldt after first approving three findings of fact submitted by the hearing officer.

They included that Superintendent Neil C. Cavallaro proved that:

 Hogfeldt failed to demonstrate efficiency, effectiveness and competence as a teacher.

 That he was insubordinate and violated the rules of the Board when he failed and/or refused to comply with requirements imposed under his Teacher Evaluation and Support Plan.

 There is other due and sufficient cause to terminate Vic Hogfeldts contract of employment.

Hogfeldt, who already has litigation pending in Superior Court that accuses the Board of Education or its representatives of subjecting him to harassment and discipline for exercising rights guaranteed to him by the U.S. and Connecticut constitutions, did attend Tuesdays board meeting.

He would say little afterward, although he said, theres a real problem with the setup of the arbitration  the issue of consent.

Before coming in, he said, We were told what the outcome was going to be. ... I would have voted the same way that the board voted tonight with the information presented by the arbitrator.

In a three-page statement he handed out after the meeting, Hogfeldt said, What has been done to me over the past two years is the product of the collaboration of a corrupt teachers union and an unaccountable and vindictive schools superintendent, Mr. Neil C. Cavallaro.

He said that instead of a public board termination hearing, a phony arbitration was contrived and foisted on me by Mr. Cavallaro and the Board. Much of the statement details Hogfeldts unsuccessful attempts to convince the board, and individual members, to give him an open hearing before the board itself.

He also attacked what he called harassment by high school Principal Pamela Gardner and Assistant Principal John DellaCamera and accused Gardner and her managers, whom he said decided to attack my integrity as a teacher by putting me on a support program.

Other teachers resigned before getting this far, Hogfeldt said. I stood and fought. So here we are.

He said he plans to set up a GoFundMe site to help pay his legal bills, adding, See you in court.

The board meeting took place with little comment from members other than Chairman Jim Morrissey, although member Pat Libero  a former school principal  said at one point that it seems as if all of the steps here were followed.

Morrissey pointed out that because Hogfeldt did not attend the actual hearing, in the hearing officers report there is testimony only from one side. Nevertheless, the arbitrator obviously felt as if Mr. Hogfeldt wasnt doing the job, he said.

The hearing officer pointed out in her report that the matter was properly before an impartial hearing officer selected by the parties according to state law. Hogfeldt did not request a hearing within the amount of time allowed by state law  and Cavallaro initially denied his request, but then decided to grant it.

The parties, through their respective counsels, agreed on the appointment of Cain as hearing officer, she wrote  although Hogfeldt pointed out in his statement there was an issue with his original lawyers health, and specifically his memory, that ultimately resulted in him withdrawing from the case.

Hearing sessions were conducted  without Hogfeldt  on May 3, July 21 and July 24, Cain wrote.
Former Zanu-PF legislator for Kwekwe Central Masango Matambanadzo also known as Blackman because of his skin complexion, addressed a National Patriotic Front (NPF) rally on his bodyguards shoulders.

With the election dates drawing closer, Matambanadzo and fellow NPF candidates have upped their antes, as they seek to make inroads in constituencies formerly regarded as Zanu PF and MDC-T strongholds.

The former Zanu PF Kwekwe Central MP was drumming up support for the NPFs parliamentary candidate Tongai Chinhava, who has set his eyes on Mbizo constituency.

Famed for his public admission that he is the least educated parliamentarian but with brains, Blackman has continued to illuminate Kwekwe with his political exploits after resigning from the ruling party to join the former President Robert Mugabe-backed NPF.

The proud Grade 2 dropout even brags of being wiser than learned politicians such as Zanu PF leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa went to school to learn law, but I am a natural lawyer, Matambanadzo said, to wild cheers from his supporters.

We have to vote this liar (Mnangagwa) out on July 30. He is cruel and the people of Kwekwe know that and that has been the reason why they voted for an opposition candidate, Blessing Chebundo (MDC-T), he shouted.

He (Mnangagwa) has been violent and you taught him a lesson and we should repeat it now.

For close to 30 minutes on one of his bodyguards shoulders, Matambanadzo chronicled his life in Zanu PF, claiming he was always made to live a life of an outcast by Mnangagwa and his backers, who did not like him and had always tried to isolate him.

That is why I resigned. I was not chased away from Zanu PF. They always told people not to work with me. They tried to kill me several times. I was involved in four serious accidents, but thank God, I am alive, he said.

Matambanadzo blasted Mnangagwa for conniving with Mugabe to run down the economy over the past 37 years during the time the two were bosom buddies.

Where was he when the economy was being destroyed? Wasnt he Mugabes deputy? All he was plotting was how to take over power from his boss. What a disrespectful man.

He was brought back into the country by Mugabe from Zambia and he even initially refused, but he wants to tell us today that he is the father of the revolution, what a liar.

 NewsDay

Breaking News via Email
MEN often think that bigger is always better, but having a massive anaconda for a pe nis can actually be a curse.

Roberto Esquivel Cabrera (54) from Mexico made headlines in 2015 when it came to light that his pe nis measured 48cm. A video of Robert weighing his manhood went viral and some men gasped in envy.

But it turns out that Roberts pe nis is a source of misery instead of joy. According to the Express in the UK, Robert has now been registered as disabled.

This comes after he complained about not being able to live a normal life.

Look where it is; it goes far below the knees, he told the Independent.

I cannot do anything; I cannot work, and I am disabled, so I want authorities to declare me as a disabled person and give me support.

Cabrera has suffered health issues and his pe nis has to sleep on its own pillow at night to avoid discomfort to his back.

His se x life has also suffered.

I can never penetrate anyone because it is too thick, he told the publication. The tips circumference is 25cm.

He has attempted se x twice, but the first woman got scared when she saw the actual size and a second attempt failed when it was too painful for the woman. But he has declined surgery to reduce its size, believing that one day you will meet a woman with the right size punani.

According to the Huffington Post, Cabrera is now depended on the government for food stamps as his disability has made it impossible for him to work. Health24

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Saro Edo Agribusiness Limited (SEA Limited) is a joint venture company of Saro Agro-Allied Ltd a fully owned subsidiary of Saroafrica International Ltd that is set up to offer end-to-end Farm Management & Marketing Services to medium and large-sized arable crops, specialized greenhouse and livestock farms in Nigeria from the production stage right through to the market with the aim of ensuring optimum yields and returns to the farm owners.The incumbent reporting to the MD/CEO will plan, direct and coordinate crop production activities through his/her subordinates on the company's managed farms from planting to post harvest activities.He will be responsible for adherence to production protocols and ensuring the envisaged yield from the farms.A good degree in any of Agronomy, Crop Production, and General Agricultural Science.A minimum of 5 years working experience in crop production and crop production management.Excellent communication skillsHighly computer literate with excellent use of key office apps (Words, Excel and PowerPoint)Required Age: 28 - 35 YearsBusiness Accountant (BA) is a strategic partner in running the business and plays a crucial role in providing central financial direction to the Strategic Business Unit. BA will direct and oversee all financial functions of the Strategic Business Unit (SBU), create a culture of high performance and people management in the unit, align functions and resources, and deploy people and skills optimally to achieve strategic priorities.He should be able to present reports competently and confidently to the SBU Management/ Corporate Office and negotiate effectively with business partners.He must have clear focus, give attention to details and be a strategic thinker who is focused on execution.As a strategic business partner with the Business Manager and Management, BA is responsible for the assessment of the company's performance against both the annual budget (in line with the levers of control) and the company's approved 5-year Plan.Develops tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to the Business Manager and provides actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations.Cost: create sense of value for money across board to enhance effective deployment of resources. Work together with all units to ensure SBU uses less to achieve more. Ensure the Naira differential objectives are metPut the right mechanism in place to ensure SBU Pays all obligations on due date, stays Cash-Flow Positive throughout the period in line with the financial indicators in the plan"Responsible for the seamless and real-time running of the financial reporting processes to aid speed of service delivery to both internal and external partiesReport the actual financial Performance and compare with the Control Levers.Oversee the finance and Accounts unit to ensure proper maintenance of all accounting systems and functionOversee payroll budgeting, monthly payroll and all related controls. Assist in the design, implementation, and timely calculations of wages, incentives, commissions and bonuses and ensure adequate cash flow for payroll payments.Provide financial analysis and support for HR regarding cost effective benefit plans, health insurance plans and other fringe benefits affecting SBU associatesInsurance Claim workflow should be strictly monitored and each claim settled/closed within a month after the incident.B.Sc/HND in Economics, Finance, or Accounting, is required.Must be a Chartered Accountant (ACCA or ACA).An MBA or equivalent postgraduate management degree will be an advantageApplicant must have a Minimum of 5yrs working experienceRequired Age: 28 - 35 YearsHe or she will be responsible for the following:Ensuring that the out-growers and their farm-laborers follow the production protocols correctly and at the right times.Supervision and monitoring of every stage of the production, harvest and post-harvest processes to identify and report exceptions and thereby ensure that desired outcomes are achievedEnsuring that production inputs and services are made available to out-growers under him at the right time and in the right quantities.He or she will be accountable for how these inputs are utilized by his/her out-growers.Assisting the Farm Manager in extending knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices to the out-growers and farm laborers under his supervision from time to time as may be needed.Required Age: 30 Years and Below.7 September, 2017
Researchers report new way to make dissolving electronics (Nanowerk News) Researchers from the University of Houston and China have reported a new type of electronic device that can be triggered to dissolve through exposure to water molecules in the atmosphere.

The work holds promise for eco-friendly disposable personal electronics and biomedical devices that dissolve within the body. There are also defense applications, including devices that can be programmed to dissolve in order to safeguard sensitive information, said Cunjiang Yu, Bill D. Cook Assistant Professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Houston and lead author of the paper, published in Science Advances ("Moisture-triggered physically transient electronics").

Cunjiang Yu, Bill D. Cook Assistant Professor of mechanical engineering, center, and co-first authors Xu Wang, left, and Kyoseung Sim, right. (Image: University of Houston)

The field, known as physically transient electronics, currently requires immersion in aqueous corrosive solutions or biofluids. Yu said this work demonstrates a completely new working mechanism - the dissolution is triggered by ambient moisture.

"More importantly, the transient period of time can be precisely controlled," he said.

That means a biomedical implant could be programmed to disappear when its task - delivering medication, for example - is complete. Sensitive communications could be devised to literally vanish once the message was delivered.

And all those old cell phones littering kitchen drawers? New versions could be programmed to dissolve when they are no longer needed.

"We demonstrate that polymeric substrates with novel degradation kinetics and associated transience chemistry offer a feasible strategy to construct physically transient electronics," the researchers wrote. "Through the manipulation of the polymer component and environmental humidity, the progress of hydrolyzing polyanhydrides can be managed and thus the dissolution kinetics of (a) functional device can be controlled."

The time period can range from days to weeks, or even longer, they said.

The model constructed by the researchers works like this: Functional electronic components were built via additive processes onto a film made of the polymer polyanhydride. The device remained stable until ambient moisture triggered a chemical breakdown that digested the inorganic electronic materials and components.

The researchers tested a number of compounds, including aluminum, copper, nickel indium-gallium, zinc oxide and magnesium oxide, and developed various electronic devices, including resistors, capacitors, antennas, transistors, diodes, photo sensors and more, to demonstrate the model's versatility.
Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including favourite documentary series and films Free Solo, The Rescue, Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth and The World According to Jeff Goldblum.
A 14 year-old student and her father from near Carrick-on-Suir were the envy of Deise fans everywhere when they won a last minute VIP trip to the All-Ireland hurling final on RTE's Up For The Match Show last Saturday night.

Shelly Dunne from Kildroughtaun on the Co. Waterford side of Carrick-on-Suir was the lucky winner of the Show's phone/text-in quiz competition to name the team that won last year's All-Ireland Senior hurling title.

The coveted prize was two premium All-Ireland hurling final tickets, chauffeur driven transport to the match, a two-night stay in the Ballsbridge Hotel and 2000 spending money.

The Junior Cert student at Loreto Secondary School in Clonmel brought her dad Michael to the All-Ireland with the prize.

They were picked up by a chaffeur driven Mercedes car early on Sunday morning and returned from their trip just before lunch yesterday (Tuesday).

Shelly, who is a big fan of the Waterford hurlers, was delighted but also really shocked to win the Up For The Match competition as she hadn't entered it herself.

A relative, Ann Stewart from Ballydine, Kilsheelan entered her in the competition while watching the show as she knew Shelly hadn't a match ticket and was looking for one to join her older sisters Aoife and Lorraine on the trip to Croke Park the following day.

Shelly said she wished to thank Ann for so kindly thinking of her and putting her name forward.

And while the Waterford hurlers didn't bring home the Liam McCarthy Cup on Sunday, Shelly says the team played really well and she thoroughly enjoyed her first ever visit to the All-Ireland senior hurling final.

"It was so cool, it was unreal," she said adding that she hopes Waterford will make it to another All-Ireland final very soon.
Culture Night is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts.

This year, it will take place on Friday 22nd September, 2017, including a full and varied programme in Tipperary.

On Culture Night, arts and cultural organisations and venues of all shapes and sizes, including the National Cultural Institutions, extend their opening hours to allow for increased access to the public.

Interesting and unique events and workshops are specially programmed at participating locations and everything is available free of charge.

Culture Night has grown from a relatively small scale cultural event staged only in Dublin in 2006 to the significant national event it now is, with some 350,000 people visiting museums, galleries, historic houses, artists studio and cultural centres across the country.

The initiative has captured both the public imagination and the enthusiasm of artists and cultural organisations.

Organising Groups and venues are putting final plans in place for the 28 free events that are planned to take place the length and breadth of County Tipperary on Friday 22nd September next.

This annual day of artistic celebration sees cultural buildings, organisations and groups throughout the County come together to remind us of the fantastic cultural facilities and resources we have locally and invites us to take part.

With 24 venues participating in 12 locations across Tipperary and events ranging from the visual arts and crafts to music, film, discussion, talks and literature there is something for everyone.

Check out the programme to see what is happening near you on www.tipperarycoco.ie/arts/culture-night-2017 ; www.culturenight.ie .; Facebook: TipperaryArtsOffice; Twitter@Tipperary Arts @Culture Night; #LOVECulture #CultureNight

Programmes are also available in all Tipperary Libraries and cultural venues and all events are free.
Together with Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited NATOs UK-led battlegroup in Tapa on Wednesday (6 September 2017). Addressing troops, the Secretary General called the multinational force a very strong signal of NATO unity, NATO resolve and NATO strength. Mr. Stoltenberg also commended Estonia for its operational contributions to the Alliance, and for leading by example by spending more than 2% of its GDP on defence.
Man of the Hour: James B. Conant, Warrior Scientist Jennet Conant Simon & Schuster: 2017. 978-1-47673-088-2 | ISBN: 978-1-47673-088-2

Although James B. Conant's imprint on US science was substantial, his name rings few bells outside his major domains of influence: chemistry, Harvard University and the atomic bomb. And from photographs of this boyish, reedy, bespectacled figure, one would scarcely guess his importance in at multiple key intersections of twentieth-century science and politics. Conant (18931978) was one of the first and most prominent scientist-administrators. Between the dawn of the First World War and the end of the cold war, this new breed of technical expert revolutionized the worlds of weaponry, education and governance. James Conant was a key figure at the intersection of science and politics  and in the Manhattan Project. Credit: Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis Via Getty

Man of the Hour, by Conant's granddaughter Jennet Conant, is a fresh take on his life. And a welcome one: the most recent major biography was James Hershberg's 1993 James B. Conant: Harvard to Hiroshima and the Making of the Nuclear Age (Knopf). Jennet Conant is a seasoned biographer of scientists, including radar pioneer Alfred Loomis and nuclear physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, as well as author of a study on a British spy ring in Washington DC during the Second World War. Like Hershberg's, her book is a doorstop; but Conant himself noted that he had lived several lives.

Conant was one of a generation of US experts who began to put American science on the map.

In his first life, Conant was a successful chemist, an up-and-comer who lacked the refinement and pedigree of many of his undergraduate peers at Harvard, in Cambridge, Massachusetts; but he made up for it with talent and relentless ambition. His prowess in both organic and physical chemistry was rare at the time, rapidly making him a titan of research. Conant was one of a generation of US experts who began to put American science on the map, independent of European influence. At the advent of the First World War, Conant briefly attempted war profiteering by organizing an organic-chemistry laboratory; that ended with an explosion and a colleague's death. Later, he oversaw the manufacture of a new poison gas, lewisite, at a secret factory near Cleveland, Ohio, in the US chemical-weapons programme. The war ended before it was used, but that foray into military work would not be his last.

In 1933, during his second life, Conant  improbably for someone with such narrow technical expertise  became president of Harvard. He proved an able administrator, although his tenure was not without issues, such as unpopular attempts to reform the tenure process, and drubbings from colleagues and the press. With the rise of fascism an urgent concern, Conant strove for balance: he was passionate in defending democracy while counselling against extremist positions of all sorts. In the lull before the United States entered the Second World War, he lobbied for better cooperation between science and government. He became an important partner to engineer Vannevar Bush, whose influence with President Franklin D. Roosevelt was such that new government organizations were created out of thin air. Conant helmed the chemistry section of Bush's National Defense Research Committee (NDRC) in 1940, and took over the body as a whole the next year, when it became an advisory board to the Office of Scientific Research and Development.

As NDRC head and a confidant of Bush's, Conant became intimately involved in the US effort to create an atomic bomb. The scientific credit for that typically goes to hands-on researchers such as Oppenheimer, but Conant established many important structural elements of the Manhattan Project. He was first to suggest that the most secret research be concentrated in a remote laboratory (eventually narrowed down to Los Alamos, New Mexico). He approved almost every major administrative decision, including Oppenheimer's appointment as head of the lab. His was often the voice of scepticism and pragmatism, demanding hard evidence proving the project's worth. It was also he who suggested that the bomb be dropped on a Japanese military installation surrounded by workers' homes, leading ultimately to the selection of Hiroshima. He never expressed regret about that attack, although he privately expressed the belief that the Nagasaki strike was unnecessary, according to Hershberg. However, Conant and Bush both lobbied strongly for international nuclear-arms control, even during the war. Here he was less successful. In the late 1940s, as a major adviser to the administration of US President Harry Truman, he vocally opposed the hydrogen bomb, again without success.

At the dawn of Dwight Eisenhower's presidency in 1953, Conant, now a seasoned educator and administrator, stepped into a third life as a high-profile political administrator. He became US high commissioner for Germany, helping the country to make the transition from occupation to autonomy. Conant had long thought of Germany as an exemplar of chemical work, education and cooperation between science, industry and governance, for good and ill. Adolf Hitler and other demagogues, he felt, had robbed it of its real potential. When West Germany became autonomous in 1955, Conant became its first US ambassador. In 1958, he returned to the United States, where he lobbied for educational reform through measures such as standardized testing, with some success. He continued to write on social issues, arguably straying outside his area of expertise, and ultimately authored 21 books on a range of topics. The New York Times proclaimed that his death at 84 left a vacancy: there was no other educator as broad-minded in the country.

Unsurprisingly, Jennet Conant tends to interpret her grandfather's behaviour more sympathetically than does Hershberg. Take Conant's marriage to Grace Richards, the daughter of his Harvard supervisor, Nobel laureate Theodore Richards. Hershberg suggests this might have been a calculated professional move; Jennet Conant sees it as motivated purely by love and intellectual compatibility. Both seem plausible. In fact, comparing the two biographies allows a complementary understanding of the man, despite inevitable overlap. If you want to know about Conant as a cold warrior, Hershberg's book contains much more of interest. Man of the Hour is stronger on the personal forces, talents and timing that propelled him into several positions of influence, perhaps in part because of the author's unfettered access to papers and personal sources.
Credit: Maryam Mirzakhani/Corbis/Getty Maryam Mirzakhani was one of the greatest mathematicians of her generation. She made monumental contributions to the study of the dynamics and geometry of mathematical objects called Riemann surfaces. Just as impressive as her theorems was her ability to push a field in a new direction by always providing a fresh point of view. Her raw talent was rare, even among the most celebrated mathematicians, and she was known for having a taste for difficult problems.

She became an icon without wanting to be. She was the first woman and first Iranian to win the Fields Medal, considered the highest honour in mathematics. For women, Mirzakhani was a role model, pursuing a successful career in a male-dominated field. For Iran, she represented the country's tradition of intellectualism. And for young scientists, she was a calming force that rose above the pressures of academia. She died aged 40 from breast cancer on 14 July.

Mirzakhani was born in May 1977 in Tehran. She attended school there and twice won gold medals for Iran in the International Mathematical Olympiad. Being hailed as a genius allowed her to pursue pure mathematics  not an easy career choice for women in Iran.

Mirzakhani gained a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1999 from the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran. She left to do doctoral work in the United States and earned her PhD in 2004 from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, under the supervision of Curtis McMullen. She turned down a junior fellowship there to become a Clay Mathematics Institute research fellow at Princeton University in New Jersey. She became a full professor at Stanford University in California in 2008, by which time she was considered a leader in the fields of hyperbolic geometry, topology and dynamics. She stayed at Stanford until her death.

Mirzakhani's PhD concerned Riemann surfaces. Picture a surface with several holes in it, like that of a pretzel or two doughnuts stuck together, and then imagine trying to wrap a rubber band around the surface without it overlapping itself. Mirzakhani wanted to work out how many different ways this can be done for a rubber band of a given length.

She realized that she could flip the method. Instead of fixing a surface and counting the number of curves, she could find the average of all such numbers corresponding to points in the 'moduli space' of Riemann surfaces: a 'space', or set, of points, each of which represents one of the shapes a surface can take. Computing such an average requires one to calculate the 'volume', or size, of the space of Riemann surfaces that contain a curve of a certain length. A clever recursive formula for the volumes of various moduli spaces solved the problem. The solution had several stunning ramifications in seemingly distant fields. For example, it offered a new proof of a famous theorem by the RussianFrench mathematician Maxim Kontsevich, which had implications in quantum field theory.

In later work, Mirzakhani studied the dynamics of a billiard ball, or point mass, moving in a polygon. A ball moves in a straight line until it hits the edge of the polygon; then it bounces back at the same angle at which it hit. A mathematician could ask several questions about such a system. For instance, is it possible for a ball to move inside a given polygon in such a way that the path it takes is eventually repeated  and, if so, how many such paths are there, and what do they look like? The problem of whether a repeating path exists for a general polygon is still unsolved.

In some cases, it is helpful to embed the space of certain billiard tables in a larger space in which every point is a surface that is locally either flat or cone-shaped. With Alex Eskin, a mathematician at the University of Chicago in Illinois, Mirzakhani used this method to prove, for such spaces, a version of a theorem about a group of symmetric geometric objects known as Lie groups. The theorem was proposed by Marina Ratner, another leading mathematician in the field who also died in July, aged 78. The proof  a monumental work written up in a 200-page paper (A. Eskin and M. Mirzakhani Preprint at https://arxiv.org/abs/1302.3320; 2013)  tied together disparate fields including geometry, topology and dynamical systems, and spawned a field of its own. It has been dubbed the 'magic wand' theorem because it enabled many previously intractable mathematical problems to be solved.

Despite the fame and attention she received, Mirzakhani remained humble and grounded, always avoiding the spotlight. She listened to the work of other mathematicians with excitement and asked forward-looking questions that hinted at possible new directions. At conferences, she could be found talking with graduate students and Fields medallists alike. She generously shared her ideas with the community and helped others to further their careers.

I visited Maryam in December 2016. We walked from her home in Palo Alto, California, to Stanford's maths department to listen to a lecture by the RussianFrench mathematician Mikhail Gromov. Mirzakhani was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and had already been treated for the illness, but by this time it had returned and spread, and she was in pain. We stopped every few minutes along the walk so that she could lie down on a bench to rest. Maryam told me that she didn't want to take long-term leave from work for her illness and that she would like to continue her responsibilities as an editor of the Journal of the American Mathematical Society. I couldn't resist telling her about the maths problems I was thinking about, and despite all that was going on in her life, she was happy to listen and offer helpful insights.
Berlin inspires. Less dominated by international finance and commerce than many other global cities, the vibrant German capital is a cultural laboratory that exerts a special fascination for hipsters, hedonists and holidaymakers. But Berlin's invigorating intellectual biosphere also attracts creative minds and scientists from around the world. John Dunlop, a group leader at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, near Berlin, is one such researcher. The Australian biophysicist investigates parallels between living matter and synthetic structures  and he loves Berlin's special flair.

The atmosphere here reminds me of the Bauhaus approach to design and architecture a century ago, he says. There is a lot of freedom to try new things without too much pressure to think about commercial exploitability. Design and architecture meet science in the vibrant city of Berlin. Credit: Imagebroker/Alamy

Dunlop participates in an interdisciplinary laboratory, ambiguously called Image Knowledge Gestaltung (roughly translated as 'design'), that is funded by the German federal government as part of its Excellence Initiative. The collaboration  one of 43 'excellence clusters' across Germany  involves a mix of natural scientists, designers, cultural historians, media theorists and linguists from several universities and research institutes in the BerlinBrandenburg region. The idea is to identify principles that control how the design of material structures, ranging from office buildings to the shells of bizarre marine creatures, in turn control their inhabitants' operation and communication. This is interdisciplinary research with uncertain outcomes  but the results could be used at some point in robotics, teaching or health care.

Germany is a really good place for such ventures, says Dunlop, who did a PhD in France before he came to Potsdam in 2005 as a postdoc. I can think of no other way of getting funding for a project where I could work together with so many people outside my own field.

The 4.6-billion (US$5.4-billion) Excellence Initiative, launched in 2005, has helped to attract at least 4,000 foreign scientists to Germany (see page 18). And more foreign talent is likely to arrive as the programme, which includes funding opportunities for numerous PhD students, postdocs and young group leaders, enters its next round in 2018. (All major political parties participating in the upcoming federal elections on 24 September have said that they want to continue the programme.)

The initiative has revolutionized Germany's academic landscape. It nullified a long-held paradigm that the country's more than 100 research universities (fewer than half of which are now involved in the excellence framework) are all equal in quality. The initiative, a competition for top-up funds from the government, aims to make German universities more competitive internationally. Its second round in 2012 produced 11 'elite' universities that each get an extra 12.5 million per year for their campus-wide institutional-improvement strategies. A further 28 universities received extra money for setting up promising excellence clusters  research hubs that bring together different groups within the university or the wider region  and international graduate schools.

According to preliminary analysis by the DFG, Germany's main funding agency, universities involved in the programme have measurably improved their research output in key fields such as physics and chemistry.

A 2015 analysis by Nature found that Germany's 14 top universities  the 'elite' of the Excellence Initiative  produced 35% of the country's total scientific output, up from 29% in 2002 (Nature 525, 168169; 2015). And of all articles published by German authors, one-quarter are now ranked in the top 10% worldwide by citation, compared to one-sixth 15 years ago. Some lesser-known research universities involved in the Excellence Initiative were rivalling the country's top institutions in their rate of improvement. Credit: Consortium for the National Report on Junior Scholars

And an international evaluation panel convened by the German government found last year that the excellence clusters are among the initiative's most tangible successes. The clusters, which each received up to 8 million per year in the 201217 programme period, should be the focus of future funding rounds, the panel recommended.

The government had decided in 2015 to continue the Excellence Initiative (now known as the Excellence Strategy) beyond 2017, dispelling fears that its gains might be unsustainable. From 2019 onwards, about 385 million per year will be available for 4550 yet-to-be-selected clusters. By April, 63 universities had submitted 195 draft proposals (including those from all existing clusters), which are now under review. A shortlist will be announced on 28 September, and those selected will be invited to submit full proposals.

Follow the money

Although the largest research universities, such as those in Munich and Heidelberg, have not climbed to top positions in international academic rankings, Germany as a whole is a big player in international science. Thanks to the government's strategic science policies  more than a decade of steadily rising public research budgets have created exceptionally good funding opportunities  it has gained in attractiveness to foreign researchers (see 'International flair'), including many from strong science nations such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Kylie Luska, for example, had not planned to spend more than a couple of years in Germany when he took up a postdoc position at the RWTH Aachen University in 2012. The Canadian chemist specializes in processes involved in converting biomass into efficient biofuels. His supervisor at the University of Guelph in Canada told him about Germany's particular strength in chemistry and the country's ambitious green-energy goals. Aachen's excellence cluster for tailor-made fuel from biomass proved a perfect match for his own interests, he says. Gathering experience in a country at the forefront of the global energy transition seemed a perfect opportunity to advance my career in green chemistry, Luska says.

His work on nanoparticles that convert biomass substrates into fuels earned him a group-leader position after four years, funded mostly by the Aachen excellence cluster. Employed on a fixed-term contract, he is not sure how his future will unfold. But he hopes that his stint in Aachen, where scientists and engineers are working to reconcile fundamental chemistry with technical aspects of combustion engines, will improve his prospects of finding a permanent position in Germany, Canada or elsewhere.

Ecologist Rebecca Scott tags turtles in Gabon. Credit: Rebecca Scott The future is also open for Rebecca Scott, an ecologist at the GEOMAR Hemholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. In 2013, before she finished her PhD at Swansea University, UK, she won a 225,000, three-year grant from the 'Future Ocean' excellence cluster in Kiel for her research on the juvenile life stages of sea turtles. A follow-up 150,000 package allowed her to extend her postdoctoral stint at GEOMAR. Recently, she secured another 200,000 to add a further two years. With the centre's engineering department, she developed floating mock turtles and tiny acoustic tags, which stick to hatchlings' undersides.The team uses these to track the elusive drifting patterns of baby turtles in the ocean currents off Gabon in West Africa.

Involvement in the cluster gives her ample freedom for her expensive fieldwork and a level of funding security unusual at her early career stage. It's a great advantage that I have face-to-face contact in Kiel with senior people on grant-review committees, she says. These people understand my work and give me all the support I need.

For personal reasons, she still wanted to return to the United Kingdom  until the Brexit referendum last year, in which the nation voted to leave the European Union, prompted her to extend her stay in Germany for at least a couple more years. One reason, she says, is that a starting grant from the prestigious European Research Council (ERC), for which she plans to apply in the near future, might require her to be affiliated with a host institute in an EU country. For now, Germany is a much safer place to do science than the UK, where nobody really has a clue what is going to happen, she says.

Room for improvement

The DFG last year allocated a record 2.9 billion  not including extra money from the Excellence Initiative  to individual researchers and 298 collaborative research centres (Sonderforschungsbereichen). The success rate for individual grant proposals to the DFG  36.5% on average between 2013 and 2016  is higher than the US or UK rates. Even so, increasing dependence on grant money is a concern for many young scientists

So is the lack of permanent positions in academia. Almost 30,000 doctoral titles are awarded in Germany every year, and the number is rising. A federal law (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) limits the time that scientists can be employed on fixed-term contracts to 12 years. The federal science ministry promotes the introduction of US-style tenure-track programmes that would give young scientists more career security. A government-funded 1-billion programme launched this year aims to create 1,000 tenure-track positions over the next 15 years. But currently, these positions are still rare.

Ziad Hafed, a neuroscientist previously at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences in La Jolla, California, was reluctant to accept a financially and scientifically attractive junior group leader position he was offered in 2009 by the Centre for Integrative Neuroscience in Tubingen, another excellence cluster. But the centre eventually agreed that he would be promoted to a faculty position after a successful evaluation of his group's progress. He passed that hurdle in 2015, and is now determined to stay in Germany.

I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the Excellence Initiative.

Hafed, a citizen of Egypt and Canada who grew up in Bahrain, studies how the brain handles visual perception. I had never really thought about going to Europe, he says. And I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the Excellence Initiative.

Before he took up his job in Germany, Hafed had convinced himself that research conditions in Tubingen, a hotspot for brain research at all fronts, would leave nothing to be desired. But issues cropped up. One is the shocking amount of paperwork associated with animal experiments, he says. Another is the level of public hostility to animal testing that in 2015 caused one prominent scientist in Tubingen to throw in the towel.

In Germany, says Hafed, brain researchers need to take a proactive approach to explaining their science to the wider public. I'm fairly happy as long as we're able to do our experiments, he says. But I do realize that we must work hard to demonstrate that what we're doing is beneficial and justified.

Germany was not at the top of Xiaoxiang Zhu's list in 2005 when she  then an undergraduate student in her native China  decided that it was time to gather international experience. But when she learnt from a Chinese cartographer in Germany that the Technical University of Munich (TUM) had launched an international master's course for Earth-oriented space science and technology, she opted for the Bavarian capital.boxed-text

It was a good decision, she says. Dividing her time between the TUM and the German Aerospace Agency (DLR), Zhu is now an assistant professor in a rare tenure-track position. At a DLR centre outside Munich, she has access to global Earth-observation data sets, including high-quality data from a pair of German radar satellites. Her idea of using satellite imagery to make 3D maps of the world's major cities  and using social-media content to determine the function of urban infrastructures  secured her a 1.5-million ERC starting grant last year and made her a poster child for the TUM's efforts to attract foreign talent.

Foreign scientists are usually not expected to teach courses in German. Many, such as Zhu, are able to negotiate a light teaching load. But German-language skills and a certain instinct for cultural idiosyncrasies  deciding whom to address formally, and whom to offer the informal 'Du', requires some sensitivity, for example  are advantageous when dealing with university administrations, tax offices and in everyday life (see 'Settle in Deutschland').

Language is not a barrier in the lab  but it helps to speak German when you are dealing with local ethics or regulatory authorities over research permits and the like, says Pierre-Yves Lozach, a French-born virologist with CellNetworks, an excellence cluster of cell-biology institutes in Heidelberg. Lozach took a career risk in 2013 when he quit his tenure-track position at the INRS-Institute Armand-Frappier in Laval, Canada, for a fixed-term group leader job at the University of Heidelberg, which had offered dual-career positions to him and his wife. Any newcomer to the country should take pains to learn German, he says, adding with a chuckle that he was a bit idle himself in that regard.

But language aside, Lozach sees no roadblocks to doing competitive science in Germany. If I don't make it here, it will be my own fault, he says. Heidelberg, home also to the European Molecular Biology Laboratory and the German Cancer Research Center, is an unfailing source of talent and ideas. If I can secure a permanent science job in the region, he says, I'm quite determined to stay.
A man who walked into the Ronald Reagan State Building in downtown Los Angeles with a bag over his hands and began ordering people to get on the ground was fatally shot Wednesday by a California Highway Patrol officer.

The 42-year-old man followed an employee into the building in the 300 block of South Spring Street at about 6:10 a.m. through the front door, CHP Sgt. Saul Gomez said. The building was not open to the public at the time. The suspect -- who has not been positively identified and who may be from out of town -- apparently was not a current or former employee of the building, Gomez said in a briefing outside the building early this afternoon.

"We are still going through that database," Gomez said. "The building has 2,700 employees. Investigators have quite a task to go through all those names."

When the man entered the building, his hands were covered in a bag, and as he approached the security checkpoint inside the door, he raised his covered hands in an "aggressive shooting stance" and began barking orders at people inside, Gomez said.

As some people got on the ground, a CHP officer who was in the building confronted the man and fired an estimated five shots, fatally wounding him, Gomez said. Investigators have not found a weapon that might have been in the man's possession, Gomez said.

Gomez said it was unclear if the man intended to take hostages. No one else in the building was injured, including the officer who fired the shots, officials said. The CHP provides security for the state building.


Sept. 11 update: A small group of patients at St. Luke's hospital will continue to receive care even after parts of the hospital shuts down. The California Pacific Medical Center announced they will transfer the patients currently at St. Luke's sub-acute unit to alternate facilities after it closes at the end of October.

Original story:

Family members of patients currently at St. Lukes hospital gathered outside of San Francisco's City Hall Tuesday asking officials not to close down the sub-acute care unit that will leave many patients with nowhere to go in the city.

St. Luke's is the only hospital in the city to offer the intensive skilled nursing care needed for patients who require specialized treatment. Approximately 24 families currently at St. Lukes are still trying to figure what to do when their sons, daughters and husbands are relocated to places like Sacramento and San Jose.

"Decision we make today will not only affect fate of 24 ppl...but also precedent." Plea to keep #SF's last subacute unit open #Sutter pic.twitter.com/I2cIietmJ6  Sam Brock (@SamBrockNBC) September 5, 2017

I would say my husband, if he doesnt see me every day  or almost every day  hell just die. And I know it. He will die, said Lenata Anderson whose husband receives medical care at St. Lukes.

Sutter Health, a parent company of St. Lukes, said in a statement that the closure of the sub-acute unit was a part of a larger deal with the city of San Francisco.

Faces of moms/wives/siblings tell it all. Worried loved ones will die if last subacute unit in #SF closes. Who decides on closure? Story 6pm pic.twitter.com/qwyoNRTPSk  Sam Brock (@SamBrockNBC) September 5, 2017

A new campus off Cesar Chavez is slated to open in 2019 and will continue to serve the community, but the highly skilled nursing beds will no longer be available after October 31st.

Patients and nurses are voicing their disapproval and questioning whether Sutter Health is living up to its slogan, We Plus You.
The family and devotees of Philo Farnsworth, the inventor of electronic television, will gather at the site of his San Francisco laboratory on Thursday to mark the 90th anniversary of his first successful demonstration of his new invention.

The 11 a.m. gathering will take place at 202 Green Street, at the original building where Farnsworths laboratory was once located.

Were just going to give this guy Philo Farnsworth a little bit of recognition, said Phil Savernick, a Los Angeles TV producer who collects Farnsworth artifacts, 90 years to the day that he changed the world.

Farnsworth was 21 years old on September 7, 1927 when his camera tube image dissector successfully transmitted an image of a straight line to a receiver in another room of his San Francisco laboratory.

Farnsworth said he came up with the idea of transmitting an image of lines while harrowing plow lines in field in Idaho as a teenager. He was fourteen when he drew a version of his camera tube  an image that was later successfully used as proof of his discovery in a patent legal dispute with RCA.

The important part of Philo Farnsworths story, Savernick said, is he came up with the idea for television when he was fourteen.

Farnsworths story was somewhat buried by layers of history. In a bitter twist, his television patent expired before full-scale television production began  denying him a cut of the massive profits television would generate. It was a detail that haunted him.

I cant tell you how many times people have asked me, boy you should be one of the wealthiest people in the world, said Farnsworths grandson, Philo Krishna Farnsworth. The truth is were not. We grew up with little or no money.

Krishna Farnsworth said the family has endeavored to trumpet the achievements of the elder Farnsworth, who went on to hold more than 300 other patents including ones for infra-red night vision devices and a baby incubator.

So were talking about nearly a 40-year career of inventions, Krishna Farnsworth said.

The building which once housed Farnsworths laboratory sits near San Franciscos Embarcadero, where the majority of the Bay Areas broadcast stations are located. A tech company now occupies the office space where Farnsworth and a small staff performed their experiments.

Savernick said he plans to bring Farnsworths original log book listing the day television was born to the anniversary gathering. Hell also bring an original camera tube and other Farnsworth memorabilia.

The real purpose of doing this, Savernick said, is so some 14 year old who has a crazy idea might look at this and go whoa, maybe it isnt so crazy.
The Trump administration's decision to end a key Obama-era protection for young immigrants sparked multiple protests Tuesday at San Francisco's City Hall and at the federal building.

At the City Hall rally, recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program spoke publicly about the personal impact of Tuesday's announcement.

Community organizer Diana Flores was brought across the U.S.-Mexico border when she was 4 years old. For the past four years, shes been working to help low-income families, addressing "the housing crisis and the impacts of displacement for black residents and brown residents of San Francisco," she said.

Flores found a place to live in Oakland so she wouldnt be taking a space from the people she was serving.

"As a single person looking for housing, its so much easier than a family of four looking for housing," she said. "So I wanted to take myself out of that equation."

Another DACA recipient, Gerardo Gomez, is a senior at San Francisco State and is planning to apply for law school. His living and working in San Francisco really does have a lot to do with his ability to survive. And he said there's more to DACA than work permits and school.

"What often doesnt get talked about is the many other aspects of our lives that is affected through those work permits," said Gomez, whose parents brought him from Guerero, Mexico, to Palmdale when he was 3 years old.

Gomez moved to San Francisco to go to college and will graduate in December with a degree in political science. He's also HIV positive and is taking meds provided by Healthy San Francisco. He said if he loses his job and cant work, hell have to move.

"And if I move, I will not qualify for city health insurance," he said, adding that hell never be able to afford the $3,000 a month that his meds would cost him without the Healthy San Francisco coverage.

Inside City Hall, Mayor Ed Lee said the nation made a promise to Flores, Gomez and the other 800,000 DACA recipients that they would be protected if they stepped out of the shadows.

"Today, the federal administration has broken that promise and turned their back on these young people," Lee said. "These individuals have only known our country as their home."

Republican National Committee leader Harmeet Dhillon said the president's decision to end DACA will allow Congress to do its job, and maybe create an opportunity for compromise.

"For example, a compromise could look like people in Congress on a bipartisan basis saying President Trump, you get your funding for your wall, and you legalize these people, and thats it," Dhillon said.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) replied to that compromise idea with a statement that he would not give Republicans a pass to be a slight racist on Monday so that they could be fully racist on Tuesday.
The Trump administration on Tuesday decided to scrap the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, triggering ripple effects throughout Silicon Valley.

The tech industry is known as a place where immigrants have risen to, and often started, successful companies. The loss of DACA, which gives renewable, two-year permits to immigrants who entered the United States as undocumented minors, is expected to heavily cost Silicon Valley.

This has a very real impact on the bottom line of companies, said Peter Leroe-Munoz, the vice president of tech and innovation policy at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.

He said certain industries have especially benefited from young immigrant employees.

Whether in autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence or cyber security, there is a source of intellectual capital that can help grow those technologies here in the US and increase American jobs, he stressed.

Meanwhile, at the Asian Law Alliance, the phone rang off the hook, with young immigrants from all over the world reacting to the uncertainty of their future.

"There are people who came here from Asian countries, African countries, European countries, obviously people who crossed the southern border from Mexico to California, but the population of DACA recipients (is) very diverse, said Richard Konda, with the Asian Law Alliance.

The movers and shakers of the tech world on Tuesday vocalized their support for DACA.

"The decision to end DACA is not just wrong, said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. It is particularly cruel to offer young people the American Dream, encourage them to come out of the shadows and trust our government, and then punish them for it."

Dara Khosrowshahi, who was recently named the chief executive of San Francisco-based ridesharing company Uber echoed the sentiment.

It's against our values to turn our backs on #DREAMers. Everyone deserves a chance to work, study and contribute - the #AmericanDream! he wrote on Twitter.
Hurricane Irma has blacked out much of Puerto Rico as the dangerous Category 5 storm raked the U.S. territory with heavy rain and powerful winds Wednesday night, leaving more than 1 million people without power and authorities struggling to get aid to small Caribbean islands already devastated by the historic storm.

Florida rushed to prepare for a possible direct hit on the Miami area by the Category 5 storm with potentially catastrophic 185 mph winds.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne says nearly every building on Barbuda was damaged when the hurricane's core crossed almost directly over the island early Wednesday and about 60 percent of the island's roughly 1,400 people are homeless.



"Either they were totally demolished or they would have lost their roof," Browne said after returning to Antigua from a plane trip to the neighboring island. "It is just really a horrendous situation."

He said roads and telecommunications systems were destroyed and recovery will take months, if not years. A 2-year-old child was killed as a family tried to escape a damaged home during the storm, Browne told the AP.

Officials reported two more deaths on the islands of St. Barts and St. Martin, NBC News reported.

As the storm moved west, it tore up the small islands in its path. On St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Laura Strickling spent 12 hours hunkered down with her husband and 1-year-old daughter in a boarded-up basement apartment with no power as the storm raged outside. They emerged to find the lush island in tatters, with many of their neighbors' homes damaged and the once-dense vegetation largely gone.

"There are no leaves. It is crazy. One of the things we loved about St. Thomas is that it was so green. And it's gone," said Strickling, who moved to the island with her husband three years ago from Washington, D.C. "It will take years for this community to get back on its feet."

Significant effects were also reported on St. Martin, an island split between French and Dutch control. Photos and video circulating on social media showed major damage to the airport in Philipsburg and the coastal village of Marigot heavily flooded. France sent emergency food and water rations there and to the French island of St. Bart's, where Irma ripped off roofs and knocked out all electricity. Dutch marines who flew to St. Martin and two other Dutch islands hammered by Irma reported extensive damage.

By early Thursday, the center of the storm was about 140 miles northwest of of San Juan, Puerto Rico, heading west-northwest at 16 mph (26 kph) toward the Dominican Republic.

More than half the island of Puerto Rico was without power and nearly 50,000 without water, the U.S. territory's emergency management agency said. Fourteen hospitals were using generators after losing power, and trees and light poles were strewn across roads.

The tiny island of Culebra reported sustained winds of 88 mph and wind gusts of 110 mph.

The U.S. National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irma's magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

Puerto Rico's public power company has cut back on staff and maintenance amid a decade-long economic crisis and the agency's director warned that some areas could be without power from four to six months because the infrastructure has already deteriorated so badly.

President Donald Trump this week approved an emergency declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. That means the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies can remove debris and give other services that will largely be paid for by the U.S. government.

EPA officials said their biggest concerns were oil spills and power disruptions to water supply systems.

"No matter what precautions we take, the coastal flooding will impact oil tanks," said Catherine McCabe, a regional administrator.

Another concern was the 20 Superfund sites in Puerto Rico and the three in the U.S. Virgin islands, given that most were near the coast, she said. She said EPA officials in New Jersey were on standby to fly down after the hurricane passed through.

State maintenance worker Juan Tosado said he was without power for three months after Hurricane Hugo killed dozens of people in Puerto Rico in 1989.

"I expect the same from this storm," he said. "It's going to be bad."

Tourist Pauline Jackson, a 59-year-old registered nurse from Tampa, Florida, puffed on her last cigarette as a San Juan hotel prepared to shutter its doors ahead of the storm.

"I'm in a hurricane here, and when I get home, I'll be in the same hurricane. It's crazy," she said.

She tried to leave ahead of the storm but all flights were sold out, and she worried about her home in Tampa.

"When you're from Florida, you understand a Category 5 hurricane," said Jackson, who was scheduled to fly out Friday.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Irma's winds would fluctuate, but the storm would likely remain at Category 4 or 5 for the next day or two as it roared past the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, the Turks & Caicos and parts of the Bahamas. Evacuations from high-risk areas were ordered throughout the path of the storm.

By early Sunday, Irma is expected to hit Florida, where Gov. Rick Scott said he planned to activate 7,000 National Guard soldiers by Friday and warned that Irma is "bigger, faster and stronger" than Hurricane Andrew. Andrew pummeled south Florida 25 years ago and wiped out entire neighborhoods with ferocious winds.

Trump also declared an emergency in Florida, and authorities in the Bahamas said they were evacuating six southern islands.

Experts worried that Irma could rake the entire Florida east coast from Miami to Jacksonville and then head into Savannah, Georgia, and the Carolinas, striking highly populated and developed areas.

"This could easily be the most costly storm in U.S. history, which is saying a lot considering what just happened two weeks ago," said Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami.

Because of the uncertainty in any forecast this far out, authorities in Miami held off for the time being on ordering any widespread evacuations. The mayor of Miami-Dade County activated the emergency operation center and urged residents to have three days' worth of food and water.

The State Department authorized voluntary evacuation of U.S. diplomats and their families from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba, where the storm was expected to arrive by Friday.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes, and Irma was moving over water that was 1.8 degrees (1 degree Celsius) warmer than normal. Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region, but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which usually have warmer waters. Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Keys storm all had 185 mph winds.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating six islands because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the "potentially catastrophic" wind, flooding and storm surge. People there would be flown to Nassau in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

The northern parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti could see 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain, with as much as 20 inches (50 centimeters) in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

The website cruisecritic.com said 28 cruises had been canceled, shortened or had their itineraries changed as a result of the hurricane.

Also Wednesday, Tropical Storm Katia formed in the Gulf of Mexico off Mexico's coast and rapidly became a hurricane. It had sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and Mexico's government issued a hurricane watch for the coast of Veracruz state from Tuxpan to Laguna Verde. Katia was about 190 miles (310 kilometers) north-northeast of the city of Veracruz on Wednesday night and was expected to drift toward the coast Thursday, the hurricane center said.

Another tropical storm farther east in the Atlantic became a hurricane Wednesday evening. Hurricane Jose posed no immediate threat to land but meteorologists warned the storm's path could change. Jose had winds of at least 75 mph (120 kph).

Associated Press writer Danica Coto reported this story in San Juan and AP writer Anika Kentish reported from St. John's, Antigua. AP writers Seth Borenstein in Washington, Michael Weissenstein in Havana and Ben Fox in Miami contributed to this report.
A Massachusetts woman's legacy is being protected as Hurricane Irma churns closer to Haiti.

Britney Gengel of Rutland was just 19 when she was killed in the 2010 earthquake while she was on a mission trip with Lynn University. The Be Like Brit orphanage, founded in her memory, is now bracing for Hurricane Irma less than a decade later.

"We're ready to deal with it and also make it seamless for the kids, said Be Like Brit administrator Love Pun. We are preparing for the worst, of course, and hoping for the best."

Pun said the orphanage has stocked up on supplies.

"We have backup diesel, four barrels for our generator," she said. "We have started filling up our jugs to have enough drinking water, and for food, we have enough to last us a week."

The orphanage was opened in Britney's memory by her parents, Len and Cherylann Gengel, who now work for the foundation in Worcester, Florida and Haiti.

"Tragically, she was killed in the Haiti earthquake, along with 300,000 other people, said Cherylann Gengel.

In 2010, while on her mission trip, Britney sent a text to her family just three hours before the earthquake hit. She told them she wanted to open her own orphanage one day.

After she died, her parents and two siblings made good on their daughter's dream.

"We built a 19,000 square foot earthquake proof building," said Gengel.

That building now houses 33 boys and 33 girls. The number is significant to the family, representing the 33 days it took to find Britney's body in the rubble.

The building was designed to remember their daughter in many ways. The orphanage is shaped as the letter "B." It has eight main columns that represent the number of survivors on the university's mission trip.

The school colors are blue and yellow, reflecting the last colors Britney was photographed in before she passed.

Currently, the children at the orphanage are prepared to brace the raft of Hurricane Irma.

"We're just preparing just to make sure when the time comes were not rushing and ready to deal with it," said Pun.

"I don't feel nervous at all. Be like Brit has done so much to prepare," said communications coordinator Danielle Cutillo of Worcester.

Cutillo said she's never been through a storm like Hurricane Irma, but is confident in the way the building was designed.

She's been volunteering with "Be Like Brit" after hearing of Britney's passing and said Haiti is a place where "love lives."
State Sen. Daniel Biss dropped Chicago Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa as his running mate in his bid to be the Democratic candidate for Illinois governor Wednesday.

"Carlos Ramirez-Rosa and I have reached a difficult decision about our ticket. As of today, Ill be moving forward with a new running mate," Biss said in a statement announcing the decision less than a week after revealing Ramirez-Rosa as his choice for lieutenant governor.

The change came after backlash - including a lost endorsement - over Ramirez-Rosa's support of the Palestinian-led "Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions" movement calling for boycotts of companies that do business with Israel.

"Growing up with an Israeli mother, grandparents who survived the Holocaust, and great-grandparents who did not survive, issues related to the safety and security of the Jewish people are deeply personal to me," Biss' statement reads.

"I strongly support a two-state solution. I support Israels right to exist, and I support Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people. I also care deeply about justice for Palestinians, and believe that a vision for the Middle East must include political and economic freedom for Palestinians," he continued. "That's why I oppose the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, or BDS, as I believe it moves us further away from a peaceful solution."

Biss said that Ramirez-Rosa indicated in his interview prior to selection that he opposed BDS, but "after much discussion, its become clear that Carlos position has changed."

"While I respect his right to come to his own conclusions on the issue, it simply wasn't the understanding we shared when I asked him to join the ticket," Biss added, calling the change "the right decision."

Congressman Brad Schneider withdrew his support for Biss' campaign Sunday, citing concerns about Ramirez-Rosa's "past comments about the United States support of our ally Israel, and his affiliation with a group that is an outspoken supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel."

The group Schneider was referring to is the Democratic Socialists of America, a political activism organization that is, according to its website, the largest socialist organization in the country.

At the DSA's August convention in Chicago, the organization passed a resolution in support of BDS. Ramirez-Rosa joined the DSA in March 2017, telling the Chicago Reader in an interview that Sen. Bernie Sanders - for whom the Chicago alderman was a delegate at the 2016 Democratic National Convention - opened the door for him.

"I said, if someone could run for president of the United States and say 'I'm a democratic socialist,' then, hell, I can come out of the closet. I've come out of the closet before," Ramirez-Rosa told the Reader.

Representing the 35th Ward on the Northwest Side, Ramirez-Rosa is the first openly gay Latino to serve on Chicago's City Council. First elected in 2015 at the age of 26, he is also the youngest current alderman and one of the youngest ever elected in Chicago.

As a former community organizer with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Ramirez-Rosa has made issues surrounding immigration, as well as higher taxes on the wealthy, central to his own platform.

Biss, a Democrat from Evanston, has similarly championed more liberal policies  most recently voting against the Illinois school funding reform plan because of its union-opposed tuition tax credit program that he said crossed a "red line" of sending "public dollars to private schools," setting a "dangerous precedent."

In a statement, Ramirez-Rosa said he was "honored" to have been chosen as Biss' running mate and that they would both separately continue to champion progressive causes.

"While I was honored to be chosen as Senator Daniel Biss gubernatorial running mate, it became clear over the past few days that while we share a total commitment to peace, security, and statehood for the Israeli and Palestinian people, and both oppose pursuing BDS at the state level, the difference of opinion we have on the role the BDS movement plays at the federal level would make it impossible to continue moving forward as a ticket," Ramirez-Rosa said.

"I was asked to join the ticket to even more strongly advocate for the critical issues facing this state, such as medicare for all, a $15 living wage today, affordable childcare, and free college tuition. While I am no longer part of the ticket, I have every confidence that Senator Biss and I, in our different roles, will continue to be strong advocates for these progressive issues," his statement concluded.

Sources said Biss wanted Ramirez-Rosa to change his position on BDS entirely, and while those close to the alderman said he was open to a dialogue, Biss wanted him to oppose the movement all together, which Ramirez-Rosa refused to do.

After several days of negotiations, sources said Biss chose to remove Ramirez-Rosa from his campaign by telephone late Wednesday afternoon.

It was not immediately clear who Biss would choose to replace him, though candidates were required to file official paperwork with the Illinois State Board of Elections this week to begin circulating petitions, leaving little time to waste in selecting another running mate.

First elected to the legislature in 2010, Biss said when he announced his campaign that he hoped to create a "movement of the people to overcome the power of money and the machine"  a progressive message he has continually pushed throughout the lead-up to the March 2018 primary.

The former University of Chicago mathematics professor's platform has drawn comparisons to that of Ald. Ameya Pawar, another left-leaning Chicago City Council member who is also in the running for governor. Pawar selected the mayor of Cairo in southern Illinois, Tyrone Coleman, as his running mate earlier this month.

Biss and Pawar are among eight candidates seeking the Democratic nomination to take on incumbent Gov. Bruce Rauner, a first-term Republican.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel plans to introduce a resolution that calls on Gov. Bruce Rauner to establish an Illinois 'dreamers' bill of rights, which would allow immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally as children to be protected in the state.

Of the nearly 800,000 young immigrants given a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S. under President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program, more than 41,000 are in Illinois.

But Rauner said Wednesday he believes the issue should be addressed on a federal level.

"I do not believe this challenge for these children can be addressed on a state by state basis, I think that would not be correct, not be the right solution," he said during an unrelated press conference. "We need comprehensive immigration reform. It should be done at the federal level, for the entire nation, and it should be done by Congress."

The Trump administration announced Tuesday it had decided to end the Obama-era program.

The government will stop processing new applications the program, but the administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

Trump's aides painted his move to gradually phase out the program as the best of bad options: State officials had threatened a lawsuit if he did not act by Tuesday to repeal the program.

"In effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," Trump said. He said he was not in favor of punishing children for the actions of their parents, but he added, "Young Americans have dreams, too."



Some Republicans, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, were already saying Tuesday that it was time to figure out a permanent solution that accomodates people brought to the country as children.

Emanuel denounced the decision in an earlier statement, calling it a "betrayal of more than 800,000 children."

"President Trumps decision to end DACA is not only harmful to these young people, it strikes a blow against our core American values and is an affront to basic human decency," Emanuel said in a statement. "It is a betrayal of more than 800,000 children who have done nothing wrong and of the unique role the United States has played in the world for centuries. The United States is a nation of immigrants, not a country that tears families apart or deports children who have placed their faith in the promise of America."

Emanuel noted that he has hosted dreamers at his home for dinner in the past, and "you can see in their eyes and hear in their voices how much it means to them to be a part of the fabric of America."

Immigrants and activists around the country took to the streets Tuesday for a second day of protests in reaction to the DACA decision.

In Chicago, Emanuel said the city will continue to welcome dreamers and "will pursue every legal option to protect our children, defend our immigrant communities and uphold the enduring promise of the American Dream.

Lawmakers are set to meet in Chicago's Loop Wednesday morning.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Chicago Tuesday to protest President Donald Trumps decision to end the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

The demonstrators gathered at Federal Plaza downtown about 5:30 p.m. were planning to march toward Trump Tower, according to a groups Facebook post claiming to have organized the event.

Trump's administration announced Tuesday the end of DACA that protects nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants who entered the country as minors from deportation.

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Police said they had no details yet on an official crowd size or police response.

Trump's aides painted his move to gradually phase out the program as the best of bad options: State officials had threatened a lawsuit if he did not act by Tuesday to repeal the program, which has given nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S. in the form of two-year, renewable work permits.

"In effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," Trump said. He said he was not in favor of punishing children for the actions of their parents, but he added, "Young Americans have dreams, too."

Trump's announcement came the same day as a deadline set by Republican state officials who said they would challenge DACA in court unless the administration rescinded it. Administration officials argued the program was on flimsy legal footing  and said that allowing the lawsuit to proceed would have thrown it into far more chaos than phasing it out. After Trump's announcement, attorneys general in New York and California said they were prepared to seek legal action against his decision.
Pope Francis received a spirited and symbolic welcome as he arrived in Colombia on Wednesday, saying he wants to bring a message of hope for Colombians as they work to heal the wounds and divisions left by Latin America's longest-running armed conflict.

Francis' white popemobile was nearly mobbed by jubilant crowds who flooded the 15-kilometer (9-mile) road into Bogota from the airport, and his security detail struggled to keep them at bay without a police barricade in sight. Francis relishes diving into crowds and didn't seem at all fazed by the flower-tossing masses, even giving a few high-fives to some young people who got a little too close.

The first pope from Latin America looked thrilled to be back in Colombia, the first country he visited after he was ordained a priest and where he exerted a good deal of effort encouraging peace negotiations that spanned his papacy.

One of the gifts he received on the tarmac had particular symbolic significance: a sculpted peace dove offered to him by the young son of a rebel father and politician mother who was taken captive by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, in 2002. The boy was taken from his mother, Clara Rojas, now a congresswoman, and didn't see her again until he was 3 years old.

In his only public remarks on his first day in Colombia, Francis begged young Colombians who gathered outside the Vatican embassy to serenade him: "Don't ever lose happiness and hope."

Hope is a major theme for the visit, as Francis seeks to encourage Colombians to reconcile with one another after five decades of armed rebellion. It's a message he is expected to press on Thursday, when he addresses President Juan Manuel Santos and Colombia's political elites, followed by hundreds of thousands of ordinary Colombians at a huge outdoor Mass in Bogota's Simon Bolivar park.

During his visit, Francis is expected to call on Colombian leaders to address the social and economic disparities that fueled the long civil conflict, and to encourage ordinary Colombians to balance their need for justice with forgiveness.

In a video message on the eve of his departure, Francis urged all Colombians to take a "first step" and reach out to one another for the sake of peace and the future.

"Peace is what Colombia has been looking for and working for for such a long time," he said. "A stable and lasting peace, so that we can see one another and treat one another as brothers, not as enemies."

A year after the Colombian government signed the peace accord with the FARC, the nation remains bitterly divided over the terms of the deal even as guerrillas have laid down their arms and begun returning to civilian life. Even the Catholic Church hierarchy, which was instrumental in facilitating the peace talks and is now spearheading the process of reconciliation, was divided over what many Colombians saw as overly generous terms offered to rebels behind atrocities.

Santos, the winner last year of the Nobel Peace Prize, thanked Francis for pushing negotiators during difficult moments of the four-year talks and said he was hopeful the pope's visit would inspire Colombians to take the next step in the path to true peace.

"Peace needs a solid foundation, and reconciliation is one of those pillars that we hopefully we will not only plant but also strengthen," Santos said.

Former President Alvaro Uribe, a fierce opponent of the peace deal, wrote a letter to the pope Tuesday expressing concern that the deal with the rebels had fueled a rise in drug trafficking and created economic uncertainties with the potential to destroy Colombia's social fabric.

Meanwhile, the nation's top drug fugitive, the target of a $5 million manhunt by U.S. authorities, appealed to the pope to pray that he and his fellow combatants be allowed to lay down their weapons as part of the peace process  a proposal the Colombian government has rejected.

"I'm convinced that the only way out of the conflict is dialogue," said Dairo Usuga, appearing publicly for the first time in a video published on social media. "The Catholic Church is a moral reference and we believe that with its prayers we can move forward in our goal of abandoning our weapons."

The plane flying Francis to Colombia left Rome on Wednesday morning and had to change its flight path to avoid Category 5 Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean.

A half-hour into the flight, Francis told journalists he wanted to "help Colombia in its path of peace."

He also asked for prayers for Colombia's neighbor Venezuela, whose problems are likely to demand some of his attention, hoping it finds "a good stability and dialogue with everyone." The Vatican last year sponsored dialogue between President Nicolas Maduro's government and the opposition and bishops from the country are slated to meet with Francis in Colombia as pressure builds on Venezuela's embattled socialist leader to yield power.

The highlight of Francis' trip comes Friday with a meeting and prayer of reconciliation between victims of Colombia's conflict and former guerrillas in Villavicencio, a city south of Bogota surrounded by territory long held by the FARC.

Francis will beatify two Colombian priests killed during decades of guerrilla warfare, declaring them martyrs who were killed out of hatred for the Catholic faith.

And the meeting will be framed by one of the most poignant symbols of the conflict: a mutilated Christ statue that was rescued from a church in the western town of Bojaya after a FARC mortar attack in 2012. Some 300 people were sheltering in the church when it was hit during a three-way firefight between FARC rebels, right-wing militias and the army. At least 79 people died and 100 were injured.

In total, the conflict left more than 250,000 people dead, 60,000 missing and millions more displaced.

Ahead of Francis' arrival, Santos' government and the last remaining major rebel group, the National Liberation Army, or ELN, signed a bilateral cease-fire agreement, a significant step toward negotiating a permanent peace deal.

The Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said the key message of the trip is "the capacity to forgive: to forgive, and receive forgiveness."

Francis is the third pope to visit Colombia, following Pope Paul VI in 1968 and St. John Paul II in 1986. Both used their visits to show solidarity with victims of violence, discrimination and poverty and to urge government authorities to fix the structural and societal problems that have made Colombia one of the most unequal countries in Latin America.

Associated Press writer Juan Zamorano contributed to this report.
As Hurricane Irma hurdles toward Florida, promising to pack a punch just as it has in the Caribbean, Connecticut resident Frank DAmato cant help but think of his beloved winter home in Boynton Beach.

"We have somebody that goes there and checks the house once a month and the same people are going to take care of the shutters and stuff, make sure that everything is tight just in case we get the hurricane," DAmato said.

Meanwhile, passengers traveling from Florida to Connecticut on Wednesday, like Darrin Wright, know theres only so much prep work that can be done.

"We throw all of our lawn furniture in the pool every time there's a hurricane, just throw everything in the pool and then dig it out after," Wright said.

Wright is in Connecticut to see his first grandson for the first time, his delivery is a scheduled birth. Banking on a Monday flight returning home is a gamble for Wright.

"I don't know I've already checked and they jacked them up so much they jacked the flights up to $900 to fly back early so I don't know," Wright said.

"Every channel, while we were down there, had the whole storm on it," Brittany Palladino said.

Palladino happy to make it home from her Florida vacation in the nick of time.

I have a lot of friends and family that are in Florida and everyone is kind of panicking, Palladino said.

That's about really the only thing you can really do, DAmato said.

Those who call Florida home both part and full time, bracing for its impact while in Connecticut and hoping for the best.

Say a prayer for us, DAmato said.
With South Florida being one of the potential areas Irma could hit, people there are starting to scramble to figure out whats next for them, including one Connecticut native whos getting a flight back to New England after just moving to Florida.

NBC Connecticut spoke to Julie Hill via Skype this afternoon as she was packing for the airport. She just moved to an apartment in Islamorada, Florida in the Florida Keys about two weeks ago from Plainfield.

Its an area that is in the path for some potentially serious damage from Irma.

For Julie, its now a race against the radar.

Just a couple bags packed of things that are sentimental of valuable to me that Im going to take with me just in case the worst happens down here, said Hill.

Its been a desperate search to catch a flight back to her home state  tonight, she and her dog, Bella, plan to fly back. But the worry for her? Traffic.

The biggest thing here in the keys is the traffic because theres only one road. Theres one road up and theres one road down and you can definitely see the increase of traffic going north, said Hill, who is trying to escape Irma.

But what if you have a trip planned to head south?

Jean Mallory, manager of White Travel, in New Britain said if you havent purchased travel insurance yet, it may be a little too late.

In order to be covered by insurance, you have to purchase it before the storm is declared so you would have had to purchase it last week. So the insurance option is out, she said.

What if you booked a cruise? Mallory said most of the time youll be refunded if the cruise is canceled due to the weather.

You may not get cash back and instead get your money back as a credit to book a future cruise.
Connecticuts members of Congress and governor were quick to condemn the actions by the Trump Administration to end the program that allows children who were brought to America illegally to stay in the country.

On the merits of the program, Governor Dannel Malloy said DACA, which stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was providing good outcomes in some of Connecticuts largest cities.

"These are kids who we have fully educated in school systems like New Haven and Bridgeport and Stamford and quite frankly across our country," Malloy said during a press conference in New Haven.

"DACA was working," he added. "It was working extremely well."

At Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, a group of about 150 protesters took to the campus to speak out against President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who made the announcement that DACA would wind down over the next six months.

Daniela Iniestra, a sophomore studying sociology, said she did not have the option to attend college in her home state of Georgia.

She was brought to America from Mexico when she was six and graduated high school in Athens, Georgia, the home of the University of Georgia. She said she wasnt welcome at any public college in the Peach State.

"Georgia doesnt like 'dreamers'," Iniestra said. "They dont offer the same opportunities. They shut down the door on us."

She found herself searching for a state with a college system that would be welcoming to someone like her. Iniestra identifies as a Mexican-American and even has three younger siblings who were all born in Georgia.

She said she had a feeling Trump would end DACA and said there is no justification for it.

"There is no logical reason why they would do this. There is no legit reason why they would take something like this away from us when it benefits not only the economy but it benefits everybody here," Iniestra said.
Between moving into a new home and keeping up with her sons activities, Jennifer Walsh takes every chance she can to save money, including on energy.

As my son has (grown) older, we certainly have (said), Turn off the lights! said Walsh.

She was totally in the dark when her June statement came around from United Illuminating. The $302 charge, she said, is more than twice as much as what she usually pays.

"I just thought like, How could this be? And then in a very small corner of the bill in very fine print you see it written that this is an estimated bill but it doesnt really explain why its estimated," said Walsh.

All of the states major utility suppliersUI, Eversource, Connecticut Natural Gas, and the MDCwill, if they cannot read your meter, estimate the cost of your monthly bill based on the same statement in previous years.

The problem with Walshs bill? She didnt live there a year ago, and her usage is totally different from the previous homeowner.

Using someone elses record for mine just didnt seem fair, said Walsh.

She reached out to UI and a technician replaced the broken meter. As for the charges, she said, the company offered to assess usage after one month with the new meter and then would consider refunding her.

In the meantime, Walsh said, she was told to keep paying her bills based on the previous homeowners usage. That didnt sit well with her.

"When they told us there was no process to rectify the situation, then you start looking outside the process," Walsh said.

Thats what led her to NBC Connecticut Responds. Shortly after speaking with Responds, a UI representative gave Walsh a more accurate estimated bill based on her own habits and offered a $212 credit to her following bill.

In a statement, United Illuminatings Bill Reis, the companys Vice President of Customer Care said:

99.4 percent of the time our bills are based on actual readings from our meters. In this rare case, the meter did indeed malfunction and did not provide a reading. Our process is to provide an estimated bill based on that meters data from the exact time period one year earlier.

During this process, we remained in communication with the customer and regret any inconvenience. Following our standard process, we replaced the customers meter in July and compared the estimated bill with a reading from the new meter. We immediately credited the customers bank account and the customer seemed satisfied.
A New Haven man has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend, who was found beaten and strangled in an apartment in Hartford on Sunday night after a neighbor called 911 reporting a woman screaming for her life.

Hartford police said that Lawrence Jennette, 39, has been charged with murder in the death of 30-year-old Cieratiye Henry.

Police responded to May Street at 7:31 p.m. Sunday after a neighbor called 911 reporting that a woman was screaming for help and hanging out a window.

According to Hartford Police Deputy Chief Brian Foley, the victim was found lying on the floor with obvious signs of assault and a shoelace around her neck. He said it was a violent scene.

There was blood on the floor, blood on the walls, handprints, the air condition was pushed out, the window that she was leaning out screaming was smashed, Foley said.

EMS transported Henry to St. Francis Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 4:06 a.m. on Monday. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was strangulation.

Foley said as they investigated detectives identified Jennette as a suspect. He said it became apparent that Henry had been in an abusive relationship with Jennette.

Jennette has an extensive violent criminal history out of New Haven and Waterbury, and was on probation for strangulation, Foley said. The suspect had no previous history in Hartford.

The investigation is ongoing. The Hartford Police Department will also work with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence to review the case, which is standard practice for any domestic homicide.

Jennette was arrested overnight in New Haven and is being held on a $2 million bond. He is due in court Wednesday.

TOLL-FREE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 888-774-2900 (CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence)


New London leaders Tuesday addressed concerns of racial slurs and other disrespectful comments allegedly made at the Coast Guard Academy.

New London Rep. Chris Soto was joined by the city's mayor, Michael Passero, members of the New London NAACP and the ACLU of Connecticut, among other city and religious leaders at City Hall, who all said this kind of climate needs to stop.

The press conference was organized after an article in the New London Day highlighted issues of discrimination at the academy.

"I speak as a graduate, I speak as a former employee at the Coast Guard Academy, as someone who has always supported what the Coast Guard Academy has done, but Ill never support a system thats passive on racism or discrimination within the gates," Soto said.

He called on federal lawmakers, specifically Representative Joe Courtney and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, to investigate the reported issues at the Coast Guard Academy. Soto said hes even reached out himself.

One cadet, for example, had hate speech directed at them, according to Soto, who says hes talked with cadets.

"One of the frustrations there was that there wasnt an accountability mechanism in the same way that we approach sexual assault, in the same way that we approach honor offenses at the academy," Soto said.

The New London NAACP said theyve heard complaints of racial and ethnic slurs used by cadets classmates.

"If theyre saying that to each other, how are they going to protect and serve some of these same people theyre saying it to," New London NAACP President Jean Jordan said.

Jordan said the local chapter has reached out to the Coast Guard Commandant in D.C. and plans to reach out to the Academy again.

Passero said the city is serious about tackling these issues, they want to get to the root of the problem and will help the academy do that.

The Coast Guard Academy released a statement in response:

"The Coast Guard Academy is not unique from other military academies and institutions of higher learning," said Dr. Aram deKoven, Academy Chief Diversity Officer. "We struggle to eradicate all traces of race and gender bias on our campus. And while cadet surveys do not point to widespread discrimination, we know that even one incident is unacceptable. So this is not an idle effort. We are committing people, time, and money to identifying potential barriers to an inclusive climate and then to act precisely to remove them."

Reports of discrimination or mistreatment are treated seriously, deKoven said. "And we have taken disciplinary action against staff and cadets to include removal from the institution where appropriate. Beyond responding, however, we are working aggressively in a variety of ways to detect and eliminate any inherent bias in our processes and have honest exchanges of ideas to help faculty, staff and cadets focus on respect and grow in their understanding of issues of inequity. We welcome help from our alumni, our neighbors and others who are willing to constructively partner with us."

Representative Courtney and Senators Blumenthal and Murphy sent a letter to the Coast Guard Academys Superintendent Rear Admiral James Rendon.

It reads:

September 5, 2017

Rear Admiral James E. Rendon

Superintendent

The United States Coast Guard Academy

New London, Connecticut

Dear Admiral Rendon:

As members of the Connecticut federal delegation, we are writing in reference to a news story in The Day on Saturday, September 2, 2017, which detailed disturbing allegations from minority cadets alleging that an atmosphere of racial hostility exists on campus. As strong supporters of the Academy and its historic role of producing the Coast Guards leadership, we are sure you agree that a meaningful, transparent response is required to further advance the institutions mission.

We recognize that the Academy has been engaged in a concerted effort to boost minority enrollment over the last eight years and has shown significant progress in the numbers at the time of matriculation. Higher admission rates have to be coupled with robust retention in order to ensure a higher graduation rate for minority cadets so that Coast Guard leadership ultimately reflects the multicultural makeup of the countrys population. Ensuring that the Academys environment and culture are free of any racial animus is critical to achieving such an outcome.

As supporters of the Academy, we are committed to helping accomplish that goal. In the meantime, we would appreciate your prompt response to this matter.

Yours truly,

JOE COURTNEY

Member of Congress

RICHARD BLUMENTHAL

United States Senator

CHRISTOPHER S. MUPRHY

United States Senator
This story is updated when the National Hurricane Center releases a new advisory.

Hurricane Irma gave Florida a coast-to-coast pummeling with winds up to 130 mph Sunday, swamping homes and boats, knocking out power to more than 3.3 million homes and businesses and toppling massive construction cranes over the Miami skyline. While it arrived in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, by Monday morning it was down to a Category 1 with winds of 75 mph (120 kph).

The 415-mile-wide storm blew ashore in the morning in the mostly cleared-out Florida Keys, then began a slow march up the state's west coast, its punishing winds extending clear across to Miami and West Palm Beach on the Atlantic side.

As of 5 a.m. Monday, the system had weakened to barely a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. The storm was centered about 60 miles northeast of Tampa and moving north-northwest near 18 mph.

Irma left nearly 1 million customers in Miami-Dade without electricity as utilities around the state dealt with downed power lines, flooding and poor visibility. More than 5.5 million people were without power around the state. Report outages or check on their status by calling 1-800-4OUTAGE (800-468-8243) or visit Florida Power & Light Companys storm information page here.

Miami-Dade County issued a curfew starting at 7 p.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Monday. Officials urged people to stay in their homes and shelters, even if it looks like Hurricane Irma has passed in some areas because moving around could be deadly.

The county curfew was extended until further notice. The curfew was issued in order for county personnel to begin assessing the damage and clearing roads.

Miami-Dade County spokesman Mike Hernandez said he's seen reports of people leaving the county's hurricane shelters.

"Just because it seems like the weather is clearing up, that doesn't mean it's safe to get out on the roads," he said.

President Donald Trump approved a declaration of a major disaster in Florida Sunday afternoon. Federal aid will become available to affected individuals in Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas and Sarasota County. Many streets were flooded in downtown Miami and other cities.

Trump said Irma will cost "a lot of money" but he isn't thinking about that yet. "Right now, we're worried about lives, not cost," he said.

In addition to the 24 people killed during Irma's destructive trek across the Caribbean, at least two people were killed in a storm-related car crash in Hardee County Sunday morning.

Julie Bridges, a Hardee County sheriff's deputy, drove into the storm to pick up supplies for a shelter where she was working. She collided with another car, and both Bridges and the other driver were killed.

Florida Power & Light spokesman Rob Gould said Sunday it could take up to a week to restore power in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Well be getting out in earnest tomorrow," Gould told NBC 6. "Weve got to let the tropical winds die down in order to get our bucket trucks out to be able to do work. But as the weather subsides, well be out there 24 hours a day until we get all the lights back on. But tomorrow well have to do an assessment. We have to understand whats happening.

Gould said about 500,000 people in the network were already back up thanks to a $3 billion grid upgrade that's been underway for the better part of a decade.

In the low-lying Keys, where a storm surge of over 10 feet was recorded, appliances and furniture were seen floating away, and Monroe County spokeswoman Cammy Clark said the ocean waters were filled with navigation hazards, including sunken boats and loose vessels. But the full extent of Irma's wrath there was not clear.

The county administrator in the Florida Keys said crews will begin house-to-house searches Monday morning, looking for people who need help and assessing damage from Irma.

Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi said relief will arrive on a C-130 military plane Monday morning at the Key West International Airport. Once it's light out, they'll check on survivors. They suspect they may find fatalities.

Gastesi says they are "prepared for the worst."

While Irma raked the state's Gulf Coast, forecasters warned that the entire state  including the Miami metropolitan area of 6 million people  was in danger because of the sheer size of the storm.

A Miami woman who went into labor was guided through delivery by phone when authorities couldn't reach her in high winds and street flooding. Firefighters later took her to the hospital.

An apparent tornado spun off by Irma destroyed six mobile homes in Palm Bay, midway up the Atlantic coast. Flooding was reported along Interstate 4, which cuts across Florida's midsection.

In downtown Miami, two of the two dozen construction cranes looming over the skyline collapsed in the wind. No injuries were reported. City officials said it would have taken about two weeks to move the massive equipment. In Fort Lauderdale, a third crane collapsed around 5 p.m. Sunday.

Fort Lauderdale police arrested nine people they said were caught on TV cameras looting sneakers and other items from a sporting goods store and a pawn shop during the hurricane.

Nearly 7 million people in the Southeast United States were warned to evacuate, including 6.4 million in Florida alone.

About 30,000 people heeded orders to leave the Keys as the storm closed in, but an untold number refused, in part because to many storm-hardened residents, staying behind in the face of danger is a point of pride.

John Huston, who stayed in his Key Largo home, watched his yard flood even before the arrival of high tide.

"Small boats floating down the street next to furniture and refrigerators. Very noisy," he said by text message. "Shingles are coming off."

Irma made landfall just after 9 a.m. at Cudjoe Key, about 20 miles outside Key West. During the afternoon, it rounded Florida's southwestern corner and hugged the coast closely as it pushed toward Naples, Sanibel, Fort Myers and, beyond that, Sarasota, at 14 mph (23 kph).

Forecasters had warned some spots could see a storm surge of up to 15 feet of water.

Gretchen Blee, who moved with her husband to Naples from Long Island, New York, after Superstorm Sandy in 2012 heavily damaged their beach home, took cover in a hotel room as Irma raged.

"I said let's go and live the good life in paradise," she said. "And here we are."

Some 400 miles north of the Keys, people in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area started bracing for the onslaught. The Tampa Bay area, with a population of about 3 million, has not taken a direct hit from a major hurricane since 1921.

"I've been here with other storms, other hurricanes. But this one scares me," Sally Carlson said as she snapped photos of the waves crashing against boats in St. Petersburg. "Let's just say a prayer we hope we make it through."

After leaving Florida, a weakened Irma is expected to push into Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and beyond. A tropical storm warning was issued for the first time ever in Atlanta, some 200 miles from the sea.

Florida's governor activated all 7,000 members of the Florida National Guard, and 10,000 guardsmen from elsewhere were being deployed.

Irma at one time was the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the open Atlantic, a Category 5 with a peak wind speed of 185 mph (300 kph), and its approach set off alarm in Florida.

For days, forecasters had warned that Irma was taking dead aim at the Miami area and the rest of the state's Atlantic coast.

But then Irma made a more pronounced westward shift that put a bull's-eye on the Tampa area  the result of what meteorologists said was an atmospheric tug-of-war between weather systems that nudged Irma and determined when it made its crucial right turn into Florida.

"We know we are ground zero for this storm. We have avoided it for 90 years but our time has come to be ready," Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn tweeted Sunday morning. "We are about to get punched in the face by this storm. We need to be prepared."

"We know we are ground zero for this storm. We have avoided it for 90 years but our time has come to be ready,"

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn tweeted Sunday morningEarlier this week, Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared an emergency and told officials to impose mandatory evacuation orders for parts of the Miami metro area and the Florida Keys.

More than 100,000 have taken refuge at shelters around the state, according to FloridaDisaster.org.
Hiram Patterson and members of the Texas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans have filed a lawsuit halting the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from Dallas' Lee Park.

"It's a historical figure," said Patterson. "I don't believe in taking down historical figures, right or wrong, for what they did."

Members of the Texas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans have filed a lawsuit halting the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from Dallas' Lee Park.

U.S. District Judge Sidney Fitzwater granted the TRO hours after members of the Dallas City Council passed a resolution Wednesday morning calling for the statue's immediate removal. A hearing on the TRO is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday.



The former Commander of the Texas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Gary Bray, raced to deliver the TRO and stop the statue's removal.

"The monument means a lot to me," said Bray. "Had to hit that first line of police and tell them I had an order from the judge."

The City Council voted 13-1 Wednesday morning to immediately remove the statue.



Former Dallas State Representative Will Hartnett spoke against resolution.

I doubt that you have any idea how much money this purge will cost taxpayers," he said. "If you carry through with this resolution, the cost will be in the many millions of dollars.

The resolution also instructed a Mayors Task Force to review other monuments and streets named for Confederate figures with additional City Council action possible in November.

Former Council Member Diane Ragsdale spoke in favor of the resolution.

The confederacy was about racism and White Supremacy and so are the monuments dedicated to this cause, she said. These monuments are not just stone and metal. They are not public art. They are symbols of a hateful past.

City Council Member Sandy Greyson was the only no vote. She wanted the Lee statue to be included in the Task Force review instead of being immediately removed.

Id like to give the Task Force time to do its work as the original charge was made to it by the Mayor, Greyson said.

Councilman Rickey Callahan also spoke against removing the Lee Statue but he was out of the room when the final vote was taken.

Councilman Philip Kingston had pushed for immediate removal of the Lee Statue from the park in his City Council District.

We do not need a task force to tell us right from wrong, Kingston said. We are capable moral leaders.

Councilman Dwaine Caraway praised the City Council decision.

To be here now, righting the wrong that was done, feels great for me today, he said.

City crews arrived at Lee Park a short time later and began preparing the statue for removal. The Lee Statue was to be taken to Hensley Field for storage as the Task Force discusses options for a future location. It would not be destroyed. At the same time, Dallas police officers in tactical gear began appearing around the park, directing a growing number of onlookers a safe distance away from the park though none appeared to be protesting the statue's removal.

The TRO was signed by a district court judge at 3:30 p.m. and, about an hour later, workers securing the statue with straps for removal stopped working.

Members of the Dallas City Council consider a measure to remove a statue of Robert E. Lee from a city park as part of a growing national movement to take down monuments of the Confederacy.

Before the TRO was announced, Lee Park and the Arlington Hall Conservancy issued a statement supporting the council's decision to move the city-owned statue while bringing up what to do with the signature corner once the statue is gone.

The Conservancy stands ready to work with the City on the next generation for one of the most treasured parks in Dallas. This statue is owned by the City, not the Conservancy. We are entrusted with the parks beautification and maintenance, and over twenty years, the Conservancy has helped build a solid foundation and created a true urban oasis.

There are a couple of important issues for this transition. First, there are established and lengthy protocols for park naming. We are hoping that process can be expedited, and the Council will simply return the parks moniker to Oak Lawn Park which was the original designation of the property when the park was established in the early 1900s. Secondly, the monuments departure will leave a prominent, signature corner empty; its a vacancy we will need to address. Overall, our board is committed to the preservation of what we call a mini-Arboretum that is close to thousands of homeowners and businesses. Finally, we do applaud the Councils commitment to make this decision a healing cornerstone and a positive for our collective future.

Dallas City Council Members Push for Removal of Monuments

Several Dallas City Council Members, including Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, arrived at the park and took photos in front of the monument before the removal process began.



The future on the remainder of Confederate monuments in the city, and where the Lee statue will be housed, will be determined by Dallas Mayor Mike Rawling's task force.

Officials in Austin, Houston and San Antonio are also in the process of either removing or studying what to do about Confederate memorials and names. The University of Texas last month removed statues on its campus.

Crowds gathered Wednesday at Dallas' Lee Park, where crews had been preparing to remove a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee before a temporary restraining order halted the work.

During a joint news conference last month with other black members of the Dallas City Council, Caraway said, "We stand in solidarity to say that those statues must be and will be removed."

Among those who are pushing council members to exhibit patience regarding the fate of one statue in particular is Dr. Rick Brettell, founding director of the Edith O'Donnell Institute of Art History at the University of Texas at Dallas.

I do understand that there is a movement today to sort of cleanse ourselves of the racism of the past, he said. And that movement is now focused not on changing our behavior or changing our ideas of history but in taking out our vengeance on sculptures.

Brettell, the art critic for The Dallas Morning News, wrote a piece Sunday in defense of the statue of General Robert E. Lee alongside his associate at Dallas Lee Park in Turtle Creek.

The conversation is important and it proves the power of works of art, he said. What I felt is the person who was left out of the conversation was the artist.

Brettell noted that prominent sculptor A. Phimister Proctor completed the statue in 1936, and that his depiction is the first and only equestrian monument in Western art history in which a powerful man is shown next to an ordinary man, both on horseback.

[Proctor] was a person who believed absolutely in his fiber that slavery was wrong. The reason that he accepted the commission was because Lee was a figure in American history, he was a person who turned what were rebels under his command into Americans, Brettell said.

Lees associate is believed to be a freed slave, according to Brettell, which is a point that should not be lost during the current debate.

It creates a whole moral conundrum for us. I mean what do we think about that? A man once forced to be a slave [and] the idea that a white man and a black man are riding from the Confederacy into America, into a new world, was an idea that was so powerful to Proctor, he noted.

There are others who oppose the idea of removing the Confederate statues on a more personal level.

Marshall Davis is a representative of the Texas Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a Southern advocacy organization open to all male descendants of any veteran who served honorably in the Confederate armed forces.

It is tragic that we would vilify the Confederate soldier for his service to his country, Davis said. Nothing has changed about the Confederate soldier or their service. There is no new history. All that has changed is public opinion. We don't feel that is enough to justify their removal.

Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order



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NBC 5's Ken Kalthoff contributed to this report.


Hundreds of Texas residents who have been sheltered in Louisiana after evacuations forced by Hurricane Harvey are heading back to their home state this week.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services announced Tuesday that Texans staying in shelters in Shreveport and Alexandria will be transported to a shelter in Dallas. The move started Tuesday morning and will continue through Thursday.

The Texas residents are being taken first to a reception center in Mesquite, Texas, before heading to the Dallas shelter.

At the peak, the Shreveport and Alexandria shelters in Louisiana housed more than 2,000 Harvey evacuees from Texas. The Department of Children and Family Services says most of the evacuees were rescued from the Orange, Texas, area during the flooding.
After Tropical Storm Harvey hit the Houston area, officers from across the state came to the city's aid.

At least six different departments from North Texas have officers in and around Houston to support them during their efforts to protect and serve.

Officers from Arlington, Flower Mound, Garland, Grand Prairie, Allen and Fort Worth answered the call to help their brothers and sisters in Houston. Law enforcement agencies also sent officers from El Paso, Austin, Lubbock, and San Antonio to assist with rescues, patrol and answering dispatch calls.

"When you see something like this and you see all these people from every ethnicity every background come together," said Officer Marty Stone, who has been serving with the Fort Worth Police Department for 13 years. "Ya know this is still the United States. This is Texas and were still one."

The officers gathered for a historic photo inside of the Toyota Center in downtown Houston.

"There are have been so many handshakes and thank you's," Stone said. "I know they really appreciate us being here. Just for the support. We have the city of Houston's back."
As Florida braces for Hurricane Irma's potential impact, many there are looking to Houston and lessons learned from Harvey. The founders behind one of Houston's biggest rescue networks are working to recreate what worked there to fight back against Irma.

In the first days of Hurricane Harvey, everyone was a first responder, and Matthew Marchettis first response is to code.

We need to get this online as quick as possible, Marchetti said.

Within three hours, he and a partner launched Houston Harvey Rescue, an online database and map of people in need of rescue, and volunteers with boats and determination.

It started small, until the Cajun Navy shared the site.

We had about 10,000 shares and we jumped up to 3,700 requests for rescues Monday morning, Marchetti said. All of a sudden people are looking at the site saying, Im five minutes from there, Im going to go grab this person from the roof or Im going to go there and get this pregnant woman.

They helped coordinate close to 8,000 rescues. But co-founder Oliver Carter new it couldnt end there.

Were gonna unite and share resources and information to try to rebuild Houston as effectively as possible, Carter said.

Theyre partnering with 15 of the biggest churches in the Houston area to connect truck-loads of donations with the people fighting to recover.

"All across the city, people need information," said Marchetti.

Across the country too. The partners just launched a new site: Florida Irma Rescue.

"An effort for volunteers to mobilize before the governments able to get there," said Carter.

They pray it won't be needed. But with another massive storm bearing down, Texans are sending their best wishes, ideas and lessons for the next mission.

"A much better Irma rescue and more lives saved," said Marchetti.

Hurricane Harvey Rescue has more than 10,000 volunteer rescuers signed up, many of whom are already headed to Florida.

For more information on how to help in florida, click HERE.

To continue helping with recovery efforts in Houston, click HERE or contact Marchetti at matthew@phasefour.net.


United States military forces apologized Wednesday for dropping leaflets that were considered "highly offensive," NBC News reported.

They showed a passage of the Quran superimposed over the image of a dog  considered unclean by many Muslims. The pamphlets, which urged people to report insurgents, were dropped in Parwan province on Tuesday.

"I sincerely apologize. We have the deepest respect for Islam and our Muslim partners worldwide," said Maj. Gen. James Linder, American and NATO special operations forces in Afghanistan, in a statement.

The move quickly sparked criticism, with a Taliban commander telling NBC News on condition of anonymity saying that dropping the pamphlets was "stupid."
Natalia Veselnitskaya says she feels like a character in a movie told NBC News in an exclusive interview.

American investigators are trying to determine whether it's a spy thriller or a farce.

Veselnitskaya, the Russian lawyer who was at the center of that now-infamous June 2016 meeting with key Trump aides in Trump Tower, says she has been inundated with messages on social media since her role was publicized  even marriage proposals.

But one person who has not reached out to her is the man investigating any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, Special Counsel Robert Mueller  or anybody working for him, she told NBC News in an exclusive interview. In fact, no U.S. officials have asked to speak with her, she said.
What to Know A stretch of the 134 Freeway will be named President Barack H. Obama Highway

The section passes through Eagle Rock, Glendale and Pasadena

Obama attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock from from 1979 to 1981.

State lawmakers in California have approved a plan to name a stretch of freeway in the Los Angeles area for former President Barack Obama.

A stretch of the 134 Freeway passing through the Eagle Rock section of Los Angeles and the cities of Glendale and Pasadena will be known as the President Barack H. Obama Highway after the Legislature signed off on a resolution Tuesday. Obama attended Occidental College in Eagle Rock from from 1979 to 1981 before transferring to Columbia University.

The measure doesn't require the governor's signature.

Democratic state Senator Anthony Portantino, who authored the resolution, says Obama used that part of the freeway to travel to his classes at Occidental College in L.A. Obama attended Occidental for two years before transferring to Columbia University in New York.

"I am so proud to have authored this proposal to forever appreciate and commemorate President Obama's tremendous legacy, statesmanship and direct connection to Southern California," state Sen. Anthony Portantino said in a statement on his website.

Congressman Jimmy Gomez, recently sworn in to succeed Portantino, is the co-author.



The approval came on the same day President Donald Trump announced a phase-out of one of Obama's key immigration programs.

Earlier this year, the LA City Council unanimously approved a motion to rename a portion of Rodeo Road to Obama Boulevard. As a senator, Obama held his first Los Angeles presidential campaign rally at Rancho Cienega Park on Rodeo Road. Located southwest of downtown Los Angeles and running parallel to the 10 Freeway, Rodeo Road is unrelated to Beverly Hills' famous Rodeo Drive luxury shopping district.

The name change will be displayed along a section of the major corridor between Arlington Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard. The segment passes Rancho Cienega Park and through the Crenshaw district west toward the Culver City area.

A section of the 118 Freeway in the San Fernando area is named after former President Ronald Reagan.

NBC4's Jonathan Lloyd contributed to this report.
A human rights group filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday in Los Angeles against President Donald J. Trump and other top members of his administration, alleging that a ban against transgender people serving in the military is unconstitutional.

The suit, filed by LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality California on behalf of a group of transgender soldiers, alleges that the ban unlawfully discriminates against transgender people on the basis of their gender identity, impinges upon their fundamental rights by penalizing and stigmatizing them for expressing their personal identity, and violates the right of transgender servicemembers to openly express who they are. The complaint states that the ban is arbitrary, without a rational basis, and motivated by animus against transgender people.

"This action, brought on behalf of transgender individuals, seeks to ensure that all qualified Americans have an equal opportunity to serve in the United States military, that transgender individuals are free from arbitrary and invidious discrimination and that the constitutional rights of transgender individuals to autonomy, privacy and freedom of expression are respected and protected," the suit states.

The suit was lodged on behalf of four named and three unnamed transgender plaintiffs, who contend they are harmed by the ban. Los Angeles- based Equality California represents more than 500,000 members in California, including transgender people directly affected by the president's order. California is home to the largest number of LGBT people and the largest concentration of servicemembers of any state, according to Equality California.

The three unnamed plaintiffs are active duty transgender servicemembers serving in the United States Army and Air Force. Among the four named individual plantiffs is Jaquice Tate, 27, an active- duty member of the Army. Three others -- Aiden Stockman, 20, Nicolas Talbott, 23, and Tamasyn Reeves, 29 -- are barred by the Aug. 25 directive from enlisting.

Along with Trump, the complaint names Defense Secretary James Mattis, and other top military officials as defendants, against whom it asserts several constitutional claims under the Fifth and First Amendments.

"President Trump has attacked American heroes who have risen above discrimination, hostility and lack of acceptance to serve our country by putting their lives on the line in its defense,'' said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California. "His justification for the ban bears no relation to the truth. Contrary to what the president states, ejecting loyal members of the armed forces promotes chaos and division, not unit cohesion."

Zbur said the cost to the government of transition-related care is negligible.

"On the other hand, discharging thousands will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and will rip trained and loyal servicemembers out of their units, harming military readiness and requiring the military to find and pay to train replacements,'' he said. "The order effectively leaves no discretion to military leaders, many of whom are firmly opposed to this ban."

Trump issued his directive to the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, reinstating a prohibition against transgender servicemembers lifted last year and makinng good on his intentions announced on Twitter this past July to renew the ban. It also bars funding to pay for essential medical care for transgender service members except when "necessary to protect the health of an individual who has already begun a course of treatment to reassign his or her sex."

The ban must be fully implemented by March.

"Military policy must be based on military concerns, not politics,'' said Shannon Minter, the legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which consulted with Equality California in preparing the case.

"As the military itself concluded, transgender people who qualify for military service are just as capable of serving our country as others,'' Minter said. "The president's new policy is an assault on dedicated service members who deserve nothing but our gratitude and respect, and it will undermine our national security."


A rainbow-colored lifeguard tower in Venice will remain as a permanent monument to LGBT equality, following a unanimous vote Tuesday by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl asked her colleagues to permanently maintain the tower at the end of Brooks Avenue, on a section of Venice Beach renamed as a memorial to the late Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl.

"At a moment when human rights for many communities in this country are under threat, this dramatic artistic and political statement on Venice Beach offers people in Los Angeles a clear statement of inclusion," Kuehl said.

She said thousands of people called for the structure -- painted in June as part of the Venice Pride celebration -- to be preserved.

"That's a very moving testament to how far Los Angeles has come toward achieving LGBT equality," Kuehl said.

Backers wore black T-shirts with an illustration of the rainbow-painted tower as they urged the board not to repaint it to match the other light blue towers that line county beaches.

Rosendahl was the first openly gay person on the Los Angeles City Council, where he served from 2005-2013. He died at his home in Venice in March 2016 after a long battle with cancer.

In addition to fighting for equal treatment for gay and lesbian residents, Rosendahl was a longtime advocate for the homeless. And based on his personal experience in managing cancer pain, he became an outspoken proponent of medical marijuana.

In 1994, Kuehl became the first openly gay person elected to California's Legislature.
Defenders of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program filled the streets of Downtown Los Angeles with signs and chants, voicing their disappointment over President Donald Trump's decision to rescind the program.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday in a press conference that the president decided to end the program, which protects 800,000 immigrants who came to the U.S. as children without documents from deportation and allows them to work with a temporary work permit.

The decision will affect an estimated 200,00 Californians, leaving a high level of uncertainty for DACA receipents.

"I have a lot of dreams," said Eddy, a DACA recipient. "What they're doing with DACA is cutting my dreams to six months."

As organized protests ensued throughout SoCal, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti addressed the administrative decision to end the program.

"This city will protect and defend every Dreamer in this city, not share their information," Garcetti said.

He vowed to provide undocumented immigrants with safe spaces in schools and public facilities.

A few people who attended Garcetti's address turned their backs on him to show they are upset Los Angeles is not a sanctuary city. Some DACA supporters and recipients agree.

"To not have that amnesty, we think is inhumane," Benjamin Goldberg, a DACA supporter said. "That's why we're here; we want that amnesty."
After battering the Florida Keys early Sunday, Irma continues its path through the Sunshine State. Officials urged people to remain inside their homes if they have not evacuated.



Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has extended the daily curfew for the county from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. until further notice. Residents should stay in their homes between those times, officials said.

Mayor Gimenez issued the curfew "in order for County personnel to begin damage assessment and the clearing of roadways," according to official statement.

"For those who must venture out during non-curfew hours, please remember that inoperative traffic signals should be treated as four-way stops. Additionally, residents are being warned that all downed power lines should be treated as live power lines," the statement continued.



Earlier Sunday, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced that all Miami-Dade County Public Schools will remain closed until further notice in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Gov. Rick Scott previously ordered all public K-12 schools, colleges, universities and state offices to close until Monday in anticipation of the storm.

President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster in the state of Florida, making federal aid available to people affected by Irma in nine counties already hit by the storm.

The federal help includes temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover in the counties of Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, and Sarasota.

Federal funding also is available to governments and non-profit organizations for emergencies in all 67 Florida counties. For the first 30 days, that money will cover 100 percent of the costs of some emergency responses.

Asked on MSNBC about a woman who said she was going to wait out the storm in her East Naples home, Scott reiterated his warning, saying, "We've never seen" storm surge of 15 feet.

"If all that water flows into your house and then flows out, you will not survive it. It's as simple as that," he said.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., whose district on the Atlantic Coast was no longer in the forecasted path of the eye of the storm, warned that the "grizzled bunch" of Floridians who live there should still take the dangers of the storm seriously.

"This is really still not a false alarm and people really need to understand that. They need to realize we are still going to experience between 10 and 20 inches of rain, plus storm surge and high winds," Wasserman Schultz told NBC 6.

In the Keys, over 460 inmates were bussed to Palm Beach County. Despite the fact their facility was built to withstand a Category 5 storm, they did not want to take a chance with the recent change in Irma's track, officials said.

Gov. Scott also warned of dangerous storm surge of between 6 and 12 feet across parts of Florida.

"This will cover your house," Scott said.

Meanwhile, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said a man was killed in a single-car crash in Marathon Saturday afternoon.

"The situation is so grave that the Florida Keys is considering moving out its Emergency Operations Center staff," Congressman Carlos Curbelo said.

He said the sheriff has evacuated inmates from the jail because they could not guarantee their safety.

Florida International University is a designated shelter for people from the Keys.

"Hurricane Andrew is one of the worst storms in the history of Florida," Gov. Scott said. "This is much worse and more devastating on its current path."

Coastal Circulation and Storm Surge Model + SWAN Wave Model: The Coastal Emergency Risks Assessment (CERA) group delivers storm surge and wave predictions for impending or active tropical cyclones in the United States. Updated Sept. 10 at 2 p.m.

With a hurricane warning in effect and evacuations ordered in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe counties, Scott said residents throughout the state should be ready to evacuate.

"Look at the size of this storm, it's huge, it is wider than our entire state, it could cause major and life threatening impacts on both coasts, coast to coast," Scott said. "Regardless of which coast you live on, be prepared to evacuate."

In Miami-Dade, a mandatory evacuation order is in effect for all mobile homes, Zone A (which includes Key Biscayne), the barrier islands of Zone B (which includes Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Biscayne Park, Golden Beach, Indian Creek Village, Miami Beach, North Bay Village, Sunny Isles Beach and Surfside) as well as portions of Zone C. Miami-Dade officials also advised residents living in low-lying areas to evacuate.

"That's the largest evacuation order that I can remember in Miami-Dade history," Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said at a news conference Friday.

"Miami-Dade will have major hurricane impacts with deadly storm surge, deadly storm surge and life threatening winds," Scott said. "This is serious and we can't take chances."



City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado declared a local state of emergency on Friday.

In Broward County, mandatory evacuations were in effect for anyone living east of Federal Highway, including barrier islands. The county's emergency operations center is running 24-hours a day.

"Broward, please be ready, set, safe for this potentially dangerous storm, please take this very seriously, as we are looking at some very very high winds and a lot of rain," Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief said.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is closed through Sunday. All bridges to the mainland are locked in the down position.

Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale was closed to inbound ships on Friday.

"We've been preparing for three or four days now. The city of Fort Lauderdale has been through this before and we're gonna make it through this, we're ready," Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler said Thursday. "We're going through and done a lot of preparation. The city is ready and we feel very well prepared."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has prepared search and rescue teams for possible deployment, Scott said. Thirteen helicopters and more than 1,000 technical highwater vehicles are on standby ready to be deployed, he said.

U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio also advised residents throughout Florida to be prepared with at least 72 hours worth of supplies.

They also cautioned that FEMA pre-positioned supplies but may not be able to get to some areas until the storm has cleared.

"If we get hit by a Category 4 storm in a direct hit on any community in Florida and it continues to travel through the spine of the state or even up I-95, it is going to take FEMA a couple days to get here, because it may not be safe for them to travel even if the supplies are pre-positioned," Rubio said. "So people need to be thinking along those lines. That's the worst case scenario."

"I think we're going to be a lot better prepared, but the folks, individuals have to do their part, and that is, don't take chances," Nelson said.

Scott said the state needs a total of 17,000 volunteers to help. Those who wish to volunteer can visit volunteerflorida.org.
Government agencies and organizations in South Florida are preparing for a possible hit by Hurricane Irma.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency Monday for the entire state in anticipation of Irma. On Tuesday, Scott suspended tolls on all Florida roadways.

"Hurricane Irma is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening Category 5 storm and the state is aggressively preparing to ensure families are safe as we prepare for a possible landfall," Gov. Scott said Wednesday.



The South Florida Water Management District announced it's moving water throughout the system and working with various drainage districts to begin lowering canals ahead of Irma.

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MIAMI-DADE

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said he signed a declaration of local emergency Tuesday and he directed the county's Emergency Operations Center to be in all hands on deck activation.

"This is a powerful storm which poses a serious threat to our area and we will be taking some extraordinary actions to ensure that the residents of Miami-Dade County are safe," Gimenez said. "I would rather inconvenience our residents on this occasion than suffer any unnecessary loss of life if in fact we are hit by Hurricane Irma."



Earlier Tuesday, the EOC was partially opened, with staff members taking calls from residents with special needs.

Gimenez said they would begin to evacuate special needs residents Wednesday and may begin asking residents in some evacuation zones to evacuate by Thursday.

Gimenez said shelters are available but should be a last resort. He added that county offices will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine said he's anticipating a mandatory evacuation could come Wednesday or Thursday, and urged residents to make plans to leave the city.

Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said schools would close Thursday and Friday.

At Miami International Airport, officials said there was no operational impact Tuesday but travelers should check with their airline if flying later in the week.

Officials in Miami Beach said they will be distributing sandbags at 451 Dade Boulevard. There will be a 10 bags per family limit and residents must show bring an ID. The bags will be distributed between 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. until they run out or are forced to stop due to inclement weather. Once an evacuation is ordered, the city will also open garages to residents with IDs so they can park their cars to try to avoid damage.

The City of Doral said it will close its government center Thursday and Friday. All parks will be closed and all scheduled events will be postponed beginning Thursday. The city's trolley service will be suspended once winds reach 40 MPH.

BROWARD

In Broward, Mayor Barbara Sharief said they are monitoring and assessing Hurricane Irma but said the county's EOC could be on full activation Thursday morning.

"Irma is a serious Category 5 storm that does pose a threat to South Florida," Sharief said at a news conference Tuesday. "Broward County may be experiencing tropical storm force winds as early as Friday evening and local conditions are expected to worsen throughout the weekend."

The county was planning for an evacuation if needed but no evacuations had been ordered.

Sharief said the county commission is prepared to declare a local state of emergency if needed.

Officials said Broward public schools will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International was also operating normally Tuesday but could be impacted later this week.

Officials at Port Everglades said they are closely monitoring the progress of Irma and said there are a variety of cruise, cargo and petroleum ships scheduled to arrive this week and the coming weekend that could be affected by Irma. Cruise passengers should contact cruise lines for updates on ship schedules.

MONROE

In Monroe County, officials said they will be issuing a mandatory visitor evacuation expected to begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday. An evacuation for residents also will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Florida Keys Hospital evacuations will also begin Wednesday with the help of the Florida Air National Guard.

"If ever there was a storm to take seriously in the Keys, this is it," Monroe County Emergency Management Director Martin Senterfitt said. "The sooner people leave, the better."

The county declared a local state of emergency Tuesday, officials said.

All schools in Monroe County will be closed Wednesday and will be closed until further notice.
A French court ruled Tuesday that photographers and gossip magazine executives violated the privacy of Britain's Duchess of Cambridge by taking and publishing photographs of the former Kate Middleton sunbathing topless.

The court in a Paris suburb fined two executives of French gossip magazine Closer  owner Ernesto Mauri and executive editor Laurence Pieau  each the maximum of 45,000 euros ($53,500) for such an offense.

The Closer executives, along with two photographers for a celebrity photo agency, were collectively ordered to pay 50,000 euros ($59,500) in damages to Kate and the same amount to her husband, Prince William.

The timing of the ruling had particular resonance in Britain. Last week marked the 20th anniversary of the death of William's mother, Princess Diana, who was killed in a Paris car accident that occurred while she was being pursued by paparazzi.

The royal couple did not attend the hearing where the verdict was announced. Their office at Kensington Palace said they were pleased the court ruled in their favor and now consider the matter closed.

Kate and William "wished to make the point strongly that this kind of unjustified intrusion should not happen," the palace said in a statement.

The pictures of Kate were taken in September 2012 with telephoto lenses while she and her husband were on a patio at a private estate in France's southern Provence region. They filed a legal complaint after the photos were published in Closer and a French regional newspaper.

The Closer spread included a caption reading, "On holidays I forget everything, the London grayness, and even the swimsuit left in her Highness' suitcase."

Using lists of hotel customers and cellphone data, investigators found photographers Cyril Moreau and Dominique Jacovides were in the vicinity of the castle where Kate and William vacationed in September 2012. Surges in the paparazzi's incomes were also recorded after the photos appeared in Closer.

Moreau and Jacovides, who work for Paris-based celebrity photo agency Bestimage, denied taking the most contentious pictures published in Closer. They each were fined 10,000 euros ($11,920), but the court suspended 5,000 euros ($5,958) of their penalties.

Jean Veil, the lawyer for the British royals, did not disclose how much in damages he had sought on behalf of his clients. Closer magazine lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins told reporters that the couple had requested damages worth 1.6 million euros ($1.9 million dollars.)

Iweins called the fines the court imposed "a bit exaggerated," but said he was pleased the damages awarded were in line with similar French cases of privacy invasion.

French regional newspaper La Provence also published a photo of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing a full swimsuit on the same estate patio.

The prosecutor at the trial in May said that the Provence's picture, unlike the ones in Closer, was neither "indecent" nor "vulgar," but that it still shouldn't have been published.

The court gave La Provence's former publisher, Marc Auburtin, and photographer Valerie Suau, suspended fines and ordered them to pay collectively 3,000 euros ($3,576) in damages to Kate and William.
What to Know Amazon announced plans to build a 855-square-foot fulfillment center in Staten Island, its first such facility in New York

The new facility will create more than 2,250 full-time jobs and will use robotics technology to help employees fulfill customer orders

Amazon already has a strong footprint in the tri-state area. It opened a 1-million-square-foot facility in Carteret, New Jersey, in April

Amazon plans to build a 855,000-square-foot fulfillment center on Staten Island, the retail giant's first such facility in New York, the company said Wednesday.

The new facility will create more than 2,250 full-time jobs and will use robotics technology to help employees fulfill customer orders, Amazon said in a statement.

The Staten Island project is being developed by Matrix Development Group.

We are excited to bring our first fulfillment center to New York and work alongside the states incredible workforce, Sanjay Shah, Amazons vice president of customer fulfillment, said in a statement. "The support of local leaders has been instrumental in our ability to come to New York, and we are grateful for the welcome weve received to bring thousands of new jobs with benefits starting on day one."



The company statement didn't indicate when construction was expected to begin or be completed.

Though this will be its first fulfillment center in New York, Amazon already has a strong footprint in the tri-state area. It opened a 1-million-square-foot facility in Carteret, New Jersey, in April.



Amazon recently completed a $13.7 billion deal to buy Whole Foods. Prices for many staples have already been slashed. Soon, shoppers at all stores will be able to tap Amazon's $99-a-year Prime program to get in-store discounts. And they will eventually be able to buy some Whole Foods products on Amazon.com.
What to Know the House is swiftly moving to pass President Trump's request for a $7.9 billion first installment of relief for victims of Harvey

Chipotle hopes its new queso dip will satisfy its customers' cravings  and help reinvigorate sales that have been hurt by food scares

Beyonce, Blake Shelton, Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey will headline a one-hour telethon to benefit Hurricane Harvey victims

Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here.

House Voting on $7.9B Harvey Relief Bill

With federal disaster reserves running out, the House is swiftly moving to pass President Trump's request for a $7.9 billion first installment of relief for victims of Harvey. GOP leaders also hope to use the urgent Harvey aid bill to solve a far more vexing issue: Increasing the U.S. debt limit to permit the government to borrow freely again to cover its bills. Wednesday morning's vote comes as the government's response to Harvey is draining existing disaster reserves, with Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster accounts hovering at $1 billion or less. FEMA is warning lawmakers that disaster funds run out on Friday, even as a much more powerful hurricane, Irma, is bearing down on the eastern U.S. This week's measure is to handle the immediate emergency needs and replenish reserves in advance of Irma. Far more money will be needed once more complete estimates are in this fall, and Harvey could end up exceeding the $110 billion government cost of Hurricane Katrina.

Powerful Hurricane Irma Hits Barbuda, 1st of Caribbean Islands

The most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history made its first landfall in the islands of the northeast Caribbean, churning along a path pointing to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly heading for Florida. The eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 1:47 a.m., the National Weather Service said. Residents said over local radio that phone lines went down. Heavy rain and howling winds raked the neighboring island of Antigua, sending debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters. Officials warned people to seek protection from Irma's "onslaught" in a statement that closed with: "May God protect us all." The Category 5 storm had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Its forecast was for the winds to fluctuate slightly but for the storm to remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two. The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico through the day.

Everyone Deserves a Chance: Silicon Valley Reacts to Trump's DACA Decision

The Trump administration decided to scrap the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, triggering ripple effects throughout Silicon Valley. The tech industry is known as a place where immigrants have risen to, and often started, successful companies. The loss of DACA, which gives renewable, two-year permits to immigrants who entered the United States as undocumented minors, is expected to heavily cost Silicon Valley. This has a very real impact on the bottom line of companies, said Peter Leroe-Munoz, the vice president of tech and innovation policy at the Silicon Valley Leadership Group. He said certain industries have especially benefited from young immigrant employees. Meanwhile, at the Asian Law Alliance, the phone rang off the hook, with young immigrants from all over the world reacting to the uncertainty of their future.

Chipotle Says Queso Will Fill Gap in Menu, Boost Sales

Chipotle hopes its new queso dip will satisfy its customers' cravings  and help reinvigorate sales that have been hurt by food scares. The Mexican food chain said it will begin offering all-natural warm queso in restaurants nationwide. Chipotle marketing director Mark Crumpacker had said earlier this year that company research showed the top reason why "lapsed customers" weren't visiting as frequently as in the past was "boredom" with the menu. Steve Ells, Chipotle's chairman and CEO, said queso was the No. 1 requested menu item, but the company didn't want to use industrial additives. The chain said it developed a recipe with cheddar cheese, peppers, tomatoes and tomatillos that passed customer tests in 350 restaurants, but will vary a bit from batch to batch. It'll cost $1.25 with a meal or $5.25 for a side order.

Beyonce, Streisand to Headline Harvey Relief Telethon

Beyonce, Blake Shelton, Barbra Streisand and Oprah Winfrey will headline a one-hour telethon to benefit Hurricane Harvey victims that will be simulcast next week on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and CMT. The event will be telecast live at 8 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 12, and on tape delay at 8 p.m. on the West Coast, and streamed live on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Houston rap artist Bun B and Scooter Braun, a Hollywood talent manager and founder of SB Projects, are the organizers. Bun B, a Houston native and lecturer at Rice University, said he was trying to organize a local event through his contacts and recognized that Harvey was a broader tragedy. "One morning it just hit me  this is a national disaster," he said. "It's personal for me because it's home to me, it's in my city, but it's a national disaster."

Richard Simmons Sex Change Libel Suit Dismissed

A judge dismissed on free-speech grounds a libel/invasion of privacy lawsuit that Richard Simmons brought against the National Enquirer, Radar Online and their publisher over stories claiming the fitness guru was undergoing a sex change, court papers show. "This court finds that because courts have long held that a misidentification of certain immutable characteristics do not naturally tend to injure one's reputation, even if there is a sizeable portion of the population who hold prejudices against those characteristics, misidentification of a person as transgender is not actionable defamation absent special damages," Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Gregory Keosian wrote in a ruling. The judge heard arguments, then had taken the case under submission. The lawsuit filed May 8 contends the series of articles falsely suggested that Simmons was transitioning from male to female, and that the stories were based on phony information provided by a former assistant.
A Pennsylvania man who drowned while swimming off the Jersey Shore last weekend apparently was trying to help two children who had been pulled into the ocean, possibly by a riptide, authorities say.

Wildwood police say the children were playing on a sandbar before they got pulled into the water on Sunday afternoon.

Authorities have said lifeguards went into the water to rescue several swimmers in distress. But once back on shore they discovered that 35-year-old Hany Mohamed, of Middletown, Pennsylvania, was missing.

Surfers found Mohamed about two hours later in waters off nearby Wildwood Crest. He was taken to a hospital but was pronounced dead there a short time later.
What to Know All New York City students will be eligible for free lunch when the 2017-18 school year begins on Thursday.

The program is paid for through a federal program that provides free lunches in the nation's highest-poverty schools.

There are no conditions on the free lunches, and no applications are required.

Lunch money could be a thing of the past in cafeterias across the nations largest school district when the school year starts on Thursday.

Every public school student in New York City will now be eligible for free lunch when they head back to classrooms under the citys Free Lunch for All program, which schools chancellor Carmen Farina, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Public Advocate Leticia James announced on Wednesday.

Thats up from the 75 percent who were eligible for free lunch last school year. And the change means that as many as 200,000 additional student -- about 20 percent of the 1.1 million students in city public schools -- could save as much as $1.75 a day in lunch money. That translates to roughly $300 a year in savings per family each school year.

Students need healthy meals to stay focused in school, and it is a major step forward that every New York City student will have access to free breakfast and lunch every day, said Farina. Free School Lunch for All will provide financial relief to families and ensure all students are receiving nutritious meals so that they can succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Students at schools participating in the citys SchoolFood service, including both traditional public schools and charter schools, will have access to free lunches. They won't have to apply specifically for free lunch, but families are requested to fill out paperwork that will help city schools receive federal funding overall.

We know that students cannot learn or thrive in school if they are hungry all day, said Mayor de Blasio. Free school lunch will not only ensure that every kid in New York City has the fuel they need to succeed but also further our goal of providing an excellent and equitable education for all students.

Department of Education officials said that universal free lunch in city schools wont require any more spending by the city. Rather, the program is made possible through the U.S. Department of Agricultures Community Eligibility Provision, which allows the nations highest poverty schools to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students without collecting household applications.

The city was able to qualify for the program after the state Education Department implemented new data collection engines that helped officials better identify students and families eligible for free lunch under USDA guidelines. The engine increased the number of students eligible for the program and increased the citys own eligibility for the USDAs universal free lunch program.

Several other public school systems across the country, including ones in Detroit and Boston, qualify for universal free lunch under the federal program.

During the 2016-17 school year, the I-Team reported that students whose families earned slightly over income thresholds for free lunch were opting to go hungry rather than come home to their families with bills in their backpacks.

A report by the nonprofit Citizens Committee for Children of New York City that year also found that nearly 110,000 students whose families made too much for free lunch but less than 275 percent of the federal poverty level (about $52,000 for a family of three) had to pay full price for meals.

Several mothers outside P.S. 1 in midtown told News 4 New York on Wednesday that the announcement is huge for them.
President Donald Trump briskly overruled congressional Republicans and his own treasury secretary Wednesday to cut a deal with Democrats to keep the government operating and raise America's debt limit. The immediate goal was ensuring money for hurricane relief, but in the process the president brazenly rolled his own party's leaders.

In deal-making mode, Trump sided with the Democratic leaders  "Chuck and Nancy," as he amiably referred later to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi  as they pushed for the three-month deal, brushing aside the urgings of GOP leaders and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for a much longer extension to the debt limit. Republicans want that longer allowance to avoid having to take another vote on the politically toxic issue before the 2018 congressional elections.

The session painted a vivid portrait of discord at the highest ranks of the Republican Party. After an angry August that Trump spent lobbing attacks at fellow Republicans, specifically targeting Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the failure of health care legislation, the president wasted little time once Congress came back this week in demonstrating his disdain for the GOP House and Senate leaders charged with shepherding his agenda into law.

At first, in Wednesday's Oval Office meeting, the Republicans lobbied for an 18-month debt ceiling extension, then 12 months and then six, but Trump waved them off. As Mnuchin continued to press an economic argument in favor of a longer term, Trump tired of it and cut him off mid-sentence.

At another point, the meeting totally lost focus when Ivanka Trump entered to raise an unrelated issue on child care tax credits. Details of the meeting were disclosed by several people briefed on the proceedings who spoke only on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk publicly.

One photo taken through the window of the Oval Office showed an animated Schumer pointing his finger in Trump's face as the president smiles with his hands on his fellow New Yorker's arms.

After the meeting, Trump boarded a plane to North Dakota with Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp in an effort to garner bipartisan support for tax legislation that Republican leaders on Capitol Hill are crafting on a purely partisan basis. That continued the day of bizarre disconnects between the president and the leaders of his party.

Trump called Heitkamp to the stage at his Dakota event and praised her as a "good woman." She will be running for re-election against a Republican in November 2018.

Aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters, "We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer." He didn't mention Republicans McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan, who also had been present. "We agreed to a three-month extension on debt ceiling, which they consider to be sacred, very important."

"I think the deal will be very good," Trump added.

Barely an hour earlier, Ryan had slammed the Democrats' demand for a three-month extension as "ridiculous and disgraceful." He issued no public statement on the final deal.

McConnell, in his own reserved fashion, did not sugar-coat what happened when he addressed reporters a short time later.

"In the meeting down at the White House, as I indicated, the president agreed with Sen. Schumer and Congresswoman Pelosi to do a three-month CR and a debt ceiling into December, and that's what I will be offering based on the president's decision," McConnell said. "CR" refers to a continuing resolution, which will extend existing government funding levels into mid-December, when the prospect of an enormous new round of deal-making now looms.

Asked whether he was surprised to see the president side with Democrats against his own party leadership, McConnell responded: "Look, the president can speak for himself, but his feeling was we needed to come together, not create a picture of divisiveness at a time of genuine national crisis, and that was the rationale."

In fact, Trump achieved the opposite.

"The Pelosi-Schumer-Trump deal is bad," Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., said over Twitter.

"Hopefully we'll realize that negotiating with Democrats doesn't normally produce outstanding results," said Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus.

The outcome was especially striking coming just a day after Trump announced he would be dismantling immigration protections for younger immigrants, a program known as DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. He gave Congress six months to come up with a solution. That announcement had infuriated Democrats, and was not cheered by many Republicans either, since among other things it gives them a politically explosive issue to resolve ahead of the midterm elections.

Taken together, Trump's moves appeared to show little regard for the imperatives of his party leaders. And after the GOP's failure to pass long-promised legislation to repeal and replace "Obamacare," the events renewed questions about whether the party can summon the focus and unity to advance tax legislation, the next big item they want to tackle. However, White House officials argued that putting other issues off until December cleared the decks for tax talks.

The deal struck Wednesday at the White House promises to speed the $7.9 billion Hurricane Harvey aid bill, which passed the House overwhelmingly Wednesday, to Trump's desk before disaster accounts run out later this week. The debt ceiling and government funding extensions will be attached.

The move also buys almost three months, until Dec. 15, for Washington to try to solve myriad other issues, including more funding for the military, immigration and health care, and a longer-term increase in the government's borrowing authority to avoid a first-ever default. Adding the stopgap funding bill to the Harvey aid package would also immediately free about $7 billion in additional disaster funds.

Schumer was as pleased in the aftermath as McConnell was dour.

"Today was a good day in a generally partisan town," he said. "The bottom line is, the president listened to the arguments. We think we made a very reasonable and strong argument. And, to his credit, he went with the better argument."
As residents in Florida and neighboring areas prepare to flee Hurricane Irma, volunteers and first responders are heading toward the coming storm.

This comes just days after some of them wrapped up search and rescue work during Hurricane Harvey in Texas, which killed at least 60 people and left thousands more homeless.

More than 40 members of the Pennsylvania Task Force 1 (PA-TF1), including 18 Philadelphia firefighters, are among those racing to help evacuees. They left Wednesday for Alabama, where the team will connect with members who were recently deployed to Texas. In total, 80 members of the task force will join FEMAs Urban Search and Rescue crews in Florida.

"We dont have a clear picture of where Irma will hit the United States, but from Alabama, theyll be able to quickly report to wherever help is needed," Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said.

Montgomery County-based Danella Power Services, a private construction company that helps the utility industry restore gas, electric, communications and water services, is also sending crews to Florida.

More than 100 linemen will leave Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, Wednesday evening to provide backup support for the Florida Power and Light Company, which anticipates power outages for millions of residents.

Meanwhile, travelers are making an anxious return to safer ground. At the Philadelphia International Airport, one family fled their current home in Floridas Space Coast to seek shelter at their relatives house in Hatboro, Pennsylvania,

Being pregnant, I cant risk being there, Alexa Feys said. I have two friends who are about to go into labor and theyre staying. The hospitals might be safe, but how am I going to get to the hospital?

Her mother, Aundrea Myers, urged all residents to evacuate as soon as possible. She abandoned her own house in Melbourne, Florida, which was scheduled to sell next week. The paperwork, however, was not signed before she left.

I watched the flights. Theyre all selling out, she said.

Meanwhile, some members of the Delaware National Guard sent to Texas to assist with Harvey relief efforts have returned.

The guard said in a news release Tuesday that the C-130 aircraft and flight crew that were dispatched Aug. 29 returned over the weekend.

The release says missions included transporting 31 emergency aid personnel, more than 24 tons of cargo and evacuating 214 people to safety.

About 30 Delaware National Guard troops were still deployed Wednesday to assist with the effort. One team in Fort Worth, Texas assisted with medical support missions. Other soldiers and airmen helped staff the National Guard Bureau's Operations Center near Washington, D.C.
What to Know Jenna Burleigh reached out to two friends asking for help about a half hour before leaving a North Philadelphia bar, sources said.

They included a phone call, voicemail, text message and direct message via Instagram, sources said.

The suspect's grandfather discovered Burleigh's body after spotting a storage bin in a shed on his estranged wife's Wayne County property.

About two hours before her life came to a violent end, Jenna Burleigh reached out to a pair of friends asking for their help, law enforcement sources tell NBC10.

The 22-year-old Temple University film major called a childhood friend about 30 minutes before closing time at a North Philadelphia pub early Thursday morning. The friend had been at the bar with his roommate and Burleigh. But he and his roommate left to get food shortly after arriving.

The friend missed the call and Burleigh left a voicemail, sources said. A short time later, Burleigh sent a text message asking for help.

Sources said Burleigh also sent a direct message over Instagram to another friend with a similar plea.

Its unclear whether Burleighs messages came because she was fearful for her life or something else. Sources said they were sent between 1:15 and 1:30 a.m. Thursday  30 minutes before Pub Webb, the bar along Cecil B. Moore Avenue, closed for the night.

Neither friend saw the messages until the next morning. They're said to be very upset about missing her attempts to reach them.



Burleigh left the bar around 2 a.m. with Josh Hupperterz, the man charged with her murder, and then went back to his apartment a few blocks away, investigators said.

Burleigh was killed about 4 a.m. Thursday inside the apartment along N. 16th Street, police said. Hupperterz allegedly stuffed her body into a blue plastic storage bin and moved it to his mothers home in Jenkintown. Sources said the 29-year-old then used a Lyft ride-hailing car to transport it to his grandmothers home in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.

A search warrant for the Paupack Township, Pa. property newly obtained by NBC10 details how Hupperterz's grandfather, George Stabilito, found Burleigh's body.

Stabilito told state police he was doing some maintenance Saturday on the E. Shore Drive property  owned by his estranged wife  when he made the discovery, according to the warrant.

He was checking a lakefront shed for snakes when he noticed the blue plastic bin. When he opened it, he found Burleigh's yellowing body covered in a blanket, the warrant states. He immediately called police.

Burleigh's body was found a day after a Philadelphia police detective and FBI agent visited the property to question Hupperterz.

Investigators noted in the report that he had scratches and cuts on his neck and lacerations to his right hand. A deep cut to his middle finger required several stitches.

The court documents say Hupperterz claimed he got some cuts when he broke a bowl while he was drunk. He said the scratches were from rough sex earlier in the week.



Hupperterz is charged with murder and related offenses in Burleigh's killing. He is being held in a Philadelphia jail without bail and has yet to retain legal counsel. He has not yet entered a plea in the case.

Investigators are still working on determining a motive in the killing.
From stoned driving to the taxation of marijuana, Delaware would face multiple vexing challenges if lawmakers ever legalize recreational cannabis use, and a state task force is getting ready to dig into those issues.

The panel's first meeting Wednesday came amid a broader national debate, with a bill introduced in Congress last month to legalize cannabis nationwide, at the same time that Attorney General Jeff Sessions wants to crack down on the legalized marijuana industry.

While eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational use of marijuana, each has done so through referendum, which Delaware does not allow. Vermont lawmakers approved a legalization bill earlier this year, but the measure was vetoed by the state's Republican governor.

That leaves the possibility that Delaware could be the first state to implement legalization through the legislative process.

Delaware's task force was formed after a legalization bill stalled in the General Assembly earlier this year.

"The way that the current bill is written, it's sufficient enough that we could amend it with any recommendations that come out of the task force," said Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington, chief sponsor of the legislation.

Keeley suggested that other states have moved too fast in approving legalization before ensuring that appropriate rules and regulations were in place.

"They've done a lot of things backwards," Keeley said of Colorado and Washington, the first two states to legalize recreational pot use.

The pending bill would not allow Delawareans to grow their own marijuana but would legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for personal use by adults over age 21. Initial licensing would be limited to 40 retail stores and 75 cultivation facilities.

Supporters of legalization argue that it would eliminate the legal stigma of marijuana use, reduce the black market and the crime that comes with it and raise revenue for the state.

"It's not a good idea to have laws that are disregarded on a wholesale basis," said chief public defender Brendan O'Neill, adding that an estimated 100,000 Delawareans regularly use marijuana.

But legalization could be a daunting task, especially given skepticism within the medical community about the effects of long-term marijuana use, and law enforcement concerns about stoned drivers and increased drug activity.

"There are certainly more questions than answers at this point. From the health perspective, we're still concerned about the long-term impact," said Jamie Mack, a policy leader with the Division of Public Health.

Other panel members, including Keeley, said impaired driving is a primary concern.

"That is hands-down my number one concern," Keeley said.

In addition, there is currently no reliable scientific test, similar to breath or blood tests for alcohol, to measure impairment from THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

"There's not enough research on marijuana to set a level," said William Bryson, chairman of the Delaware Police Chiefs Council. Bryson also expressed skepticism about eliminating the black market for marijuana and concern about the potential for a "gray market," in which pot is grown legally but sold illegally.

"When you tax it, you're going to raise the price, and people are going to go elsewhere," he said.

Employers, meanwhile, have a host of concerns about workplace safety, insurance costs, increased liability, and worker productivity and attendance.

On a more practical level, developing a taxation and banking infrastructure for an industry based on a product that remains illegal under federal law could be problematic.

"It could be a very volatile revenue source, because we don't know what the government might do," said state finance director Rick Geisenberger.

Collecting taxes on an industry that is based mostly on cash transactions could also be a challenge, Geisenberger added, suggesting that bringing big piles of cash to the Division of Revenue would not be an option.
A young girl is recovering after she was grazed by a bullet during a shooting in Wilmington, Delaware on Labor Day.

Police responded to a home on the 1900 block of W. 5th Street Monday shortly after 5 p.m. for a report of shots fired. When they arrived they found a 5-year-old girl suffering from a gunshot graze wound to her lower right leg area.

The girl was taken to St. Francis Hospital in good condition.

Luigi Vitrone, the Little Italy Association President in Wilmington and owner of a restaurant near where the shooting took place told NBC10 he heard six to seven gunshots during the ordeal.

"I came downstairs and you could smell a little bit of the gun powder," Vitrone said. "People were kind of in a frenzy. I get goosebumps just even thinking about the situation."



Police did not release a detailed description of the suspect but believe he is a male between the ages of 18 and 25. Store surveillance video obtained by NBC10 shows a man in a black shirt drop his arm, run away and tuck something into his pants moments after the shooting. Seconds later, a store employee directs another man chasing the person in the black shirt.

If you have any information on the shooting, please call Detective Jordan Merced at 302-576-3620 or the Delaware Crime Stoppers Tipline at 1-800-TIP-3333. You can also email www.delawarecrimestoppers.org or text a tip to NIXLE at 888777.




Authorities have identified the three people killed in a pursuit crash on Interstate 15 three weeks ago.

Israel Caballero, 18, a U.S. Citizen, Gloria Lopez-Lopez, 15, a Mexican national and Raul Quiroz-Quiroz, 20, a Mexican national, were all killed when an SUV tried to outrun law enforcement authorities in a pursuit along southbound I- 15 on August 10.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials previously confirmed none of the people in the suspect's vehicle was wanted in a homicide investigation.

Moments after its driver lost control, the SUV slammed into a guard rail and went over the side of the interstate near Rancho Bernardo, federal officials said.

U.S. Border Patrol agents said they were pursuing the SUV because the license plate was thought to have been connected to a homicide investigation and human smuggling operations.

On Friday, Endicott told NBC 7 none of the SUV occupants was a suspect in a homicide.

A 22-year-old man from San Juan Bautista, Mexico was the only survivor, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The collision and investigation prompted a SigAlert along the I-15 corridor for hours, affecting thousands of people.
More than 100 dogs and cats arrived in San Diego Tuesday as volunteers and non-profit organizations work to evacuate animals from Texas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

By the afternoon, dozens of people stopped by looking to adopt dogs and put them in forever homes.

"I've been coming here for a few days trying to adopt," said San Diego local Evan Salvay, hoping to adopt a German Shepard puppy Tuesday at the San Diego Humane Society on Gaines Street. "I just walked in today and apparently there's a full shipment of puppies from Hurricane Harvey. I'm about to walk into a puppy extravaganza!"

Eighty-five dogs and 45 cats were flown by private plane to San Diego County. It's one of a number of flights moving animals that were already in shelters to make room for animals rescued in last week's hurricane.

"These are indirect victims of Hurricane Harvey and the floods," said Rancho Coastal Humane Society spokesperson John Van Zante.

"Every one of these animals flying into San Diego today is two lives saved," he added, explaining that making room in a Texas shelter could mean saving the life of an abandoned or lost animal.

The first flight arrived at Lindbergh Field with staffers from the Helen Woodward Animal Center who went to Houston following Hurricane Harvey.

The animals were slated to be taken to the Rancho Santa Fe animal center. The public will be able to see the animals and consider them for adoption.

A second flight landed in El Cajon with dogs and cats transported by the group Wings of Rescue.

San Diego County is an attractive city for animals needing homes because there are 12 shelters and more than 200 registered rescue groups.

"You have a very educated community, a very humane community," said Ric Browde, President, and CEO of Wings of Rescue.

That organization has already brought one plane-load of animals to San Diego.

In the last week, Browde has traveled to New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, Washington and Oregon to try and find homes for animals in need.

Wings of Rescue and the other organizations it's working with, including the San Diego Humane Society, are asking for donations of gently-used animal crates.
D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton said Wednesday that District officials may have the authority to impose real estate taxes on foreign properties that are no longer used for diplomatic purposes and pose "a public embarrassment" to neighborhoods.

The city may be able to tax abandoned properties, Norton wrote in a letter to D.C. officials including Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Taxing such buildings might incentivize foreign governments to keep them from falling into disrepair -- such as one Kalorama townhouse owned by the government of Argentina.

News4's Tom Sherwood visited that building to find it crumbling and overrun with vermin.

"It's just sad to see a wonderful house like that sitting there with nobody in it for 24 years," neighbor Irene Wertzel told Sherwood.

Norton wrote a letter asking Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the U.S. State Department to help fix the problem, which is complicated because these buildings are covered under special diplomatic rules.

"The offending properties are a public embarrassment to the neighborhoods, to the District of Columbia, to the State Department, and, particularly, to the United States," Norton wrote in the letter. "A growing number of buildings owned by foreign missions in the District of Columbia... have been vacated and fallen into poor condition, posing health and safety risks to neighbors and depressing nearby property values."

Norton asserted in Wednesday's letter that D.C. could act on its own, without the federal government, under laws including the Home Rule Act and local D.C. tax law.

Norton also cited Supreme Court precedent for cities to tax buildings owned by foreign governments that are not exclusively used for diplomatic purposes. In that case, the court upheld New York City's ability to tax a building used by the Indian government to house low-level employees.

The most recent letter was addressed to the mayor, the city council and D.C.'s chief financial officer Jeffrey S. DeWitt, whose office would levy taxes on the properties in question. The chief financial officer's office has not yet issued a response to the letter.

The Northwest Current noted a number of problem properties, including ones owned by Serbia, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Pakistan.
Police charged a man in the fatal shootings of a Maryland couple.

Officers obtained an arrest warrant Monday for 56-year-old Kirk Matthews charging him with two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of 44-year-old Linda McKenzie and 48-year-old Leslie Smith, Anne Arundel County Police detectives said.

The couple, who lived on a houseboat, were found in the road June 1, police said. They had been shot.

All three knew one another, police said, and the homicides were the result of an argument.

Matthews has been held at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center since June 3 on unrelated charges.
Maryland's congressional Democrats and various immigrant rights groups condemned the Trump administration's decision Tuesday to rescind an order protecting immigrant children who were brought to the United States illegally.

Lawmakers said removing protections for such immigrants would disrupt families and be cruel to those who were not to blame for their illegal status.

As Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the decision only blocks away, a crowd of a couple hundred protesters backing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program assembled at LaFayette Park and yelled "Shame!'' in the direction of the White House while beating drums.

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Mechanicsville, said the announcement signaled a ``dark day in our nation's history'' and implored Congress to pass legislation to make DACA permanent sometime this month.

"I know DACA kids, I've actually volunteered to do applications for them,'' said Priscilla Labovitz, a Takoma Park, Maryland, resident. "I was an immigration lawyer, but I retired, so I know them as human beings, as nice kids, not in some lumped up way of 'illegals' because nobody is illegal.''

Rev. Jennifer Butler, the CEO of Faith and Public Life, a network of 40,000 religious leaders across the country, said the decision to revoke DACA goes against the major principles she believes in as a Christian.

"It's morally despicable. I stood out there today with young people who are mourning, who are weeping,'' Butler said.

"We're going to keep fighting,'' she added. "Clergy are planning even now to take these folks into their houses and into their sanctuaries. We don't believe in this, and we are going to oppose it every step of the way.''

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Cockeysville, was the lone congressional voice from Maryland who came out in favor of the DACA wind-down. "I strongly support President (Donald) Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy,'' he said in a statement. "The Obama-era policy is a gross overreach of executive power and undermined the authority of the legislative branch. President Trump is returning that power to Congress.''

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, had the opposite reaction. "Clearly written with little thought of the human consequences, this latest action by the Trump Administration will harm our economic and national security,'' Cardin said. "It will break families and drive many underground, out of work and into poverty.''

Maryland's other Democratic senator, Chris Van Hollen, warned of the economic impact of repealing DACA.

"Over its five-year history, DACA has helped nearly 800,000 young people pursue higher education and grow our economy,'' Van Hollen said in a statement. "Ending this program will cost our economy over $460.3 billion over ten years and displace over 685,000 workers vital to businesses in Maryland and across the nation.''

Roughly 9,000 Marylanders are beneficiaries of DACA, and according to Sessions' announcement, they will remain so for the next six months, as the administration plans to use an interim period to usher out the order's recipients.

However, any DACA requests filed after Tuesday will be rejected, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Filings for renewal for current recipients will be accepted until Oct. 5.

Sessions announced the administration's decision to a roomful of reporters but took no questions. Trump issued a statement following the announcement.

Ending the DACA program would leave roughly 800,000 illegal immigrants subject to deportation.

A 2012 executive order by President Obama allowed people who came to the United States as children to apply for deferred action for two years at a time. Once the deferred action expired, recipients could apply for renewal.

Recipients had to have been at least 15 and under 31 as of June 15, 2012. An applicant convicted of a felony or at least three misdemeanors was ineligible.

Trump has advocated for DACA's end since his presidential campaign and, after the seeming inevitability of its termination came to a head this weekend, urged Congress via Twitter to "get ready to do (its) job.''

"Enforcing the law saves lives, protects communities and taxpayers and prevents human suffering,'' said Sessions, who three times referred to DACA recipients as "illegal aliens.''

"Failure to enforce the laws in the past has put our nation at risk of crime, violence and terrorism,'' the attorney general said.

But a wide array organizations and individuals across the political spectrum, from Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain and the United States Chamber of Commerce to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and California Gov. Jerry Brown, decried the administration's move. Some pledged court challenges.

In Lafayette Park across from the White House, protesters said they were dismayed at what felt like a betrayal.

"I served in the United States military, and this is not the type of freedom I served for,'' said Jaime Contreras, a vice president at 32BJ SEIU, the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, told Capital News Service.

"It doesn't make any sense economically or socially in any form.''

Additional protesters marched along Pennsylvania Avenue, sitting down and blocking traffic just outside the Trump International Hotel.

Sheridan Aguirre, a DACA beneficiary, called the decision to strike down the executive order "cruel.''

"We have had five years now being able to live authentically as ourselves, and it's been a cornerstone of safety for our immediate families,'' he said in an interview with CNS. "We need to heal, we need to come together to talk about what's happening, and in the long term be able to fight for a permanent solution.''

Aguirre is a 23-year-old undocumented immigrant from Austin, Texas, who said his life's direction was uncertain before DACA. He graduated high school in Texas in June of 2012, days before DACA was announced.

After DACA was implemented, Aguirre, then 19, became the first person in his family to get a driver's license.

Bobbie Monahan came into the city from Baltimore with other members of her Catholic parish, St. Gabriel, Woodlawn, to support the work of CASA.

"It is a great injustice, and my faith tells me to be here,'' said Monahan. "If the heads of my church aren't moving fast enough, then we'll get out there and show them.''

Hoyer said he would like to see DACA passed and take effect permanently.

"We will see whether or not the statements of both sympathy and support for Dreamers (by Republicans) are in fact carried out legislatively or whether or not the most strident voices within the Republican Party fomenting anger and ire directing (sic) at these young people are followed,'' he said. "Hopefully they will not be.''

Hoyer would not commit to the idea of using would-be Democratic votes for upcoming bills on Hurricane Harvey relief, the debt ceiling, or a continuing budget resolution as leverage to force passage of DACA legislation.

In the meantime, Hoyer believes that DACA would pass right now if it was introduced in the House.

"I frankly think the votes are there,'' he said. 'Will there be controversy? There will because there are some people who don't want to see anybody admitted to the U.S. and particularly anybody who came here unauthorized.''

In 2015, Hoyer signed an amicus brief along with 180 other House members including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and Reps. John Sarbanes, D-Towson, Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Timonium, John Delaney, D-Potomac, and Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, supporting Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and DACA.

"President Trump is breaking his promise to hundreds of thousands of DREAMers who were brought here as children - through no fault of their own - and today know only America as their home,'' Cummings said in a statement. "Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see and eliminating DACA sends a terrible message.''
Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a man who may have ingested drugs prior to being arrested by Ocean City police.

Authorities said Byron K. Tunnell, 28, of Ocean City, was stopped for a traffic violation about 11 p.m. Monday. Police said Tunnell drove several blocks before pulling over, telling the officer that he knew his license was suspended and that he wanted to get his car back to his house.

The officer informed Tunnell that he was under arrest and tried to handcuff him. Tunnell reportedly resisted, and a backup officer discharged his Taser.

The device did not have its intended effect and Tunnell fled on foot, allegedly discarding drugs before being subdued, according to police. Officers later recovered two small baggies of suspected crack cocaine and a glass pipe.

Medics who evaluated Tunnell at the scene, which is protocol after deployment of a Taser, determined that he needed no further medical help. But Tunnell requested to go to the hospital and was taken there in a police van. He was examined and released into police custody shortly before 1 a.m. Tuesday.

While being taken to the police department for booking, Tunnell, who was monitored through the audio and video system in the van, said he wasn't feeling well and indicated that he may have swallowed drugs prior to his arrest.

Minutes later, according to police, Tunnell appeared to have a seizure. Officers began performing CPR before emergency medical personnel arrived. Tunnell was taken by ambulance back to Atlantic General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Greg Shipley, a state police spokesman, said the Ocean City officers did not have body cameras, but that investigators were reviewing video footage from the police transport van.

Tunnell's death comes just over a year after another man who claimed to have swallowed drugs prior to his arrest died after suffering a seizure while in Ocean City police custody. Jerome Weston, 37, of Greenwood, Delaware, who reportedly had 1,500 bags of heroin in his vehicle, told emergency personnel after his August 2016 arrest that he had swallowed cocaine.

Shipley said Tuesday that a medical examiner found no trauma during the Weston autopsy, and that his death was ruled an accidental overdose.
Nearly 2,700 low-cost apartments in a Virginia suburb of Washington have been sold to a new owner.

JBG Cos. sold a 150-acre property that includes 2,664 apartments and a shopping center in Alexandria's West End neighborhood to Pennsylvania-based Morgan Properties for $509 million last week. Alexandria City Manager Mark Jinks says city officials will meet with Morgan Properties representatives this month to discuss the company's plans for the property,The Washington Post reports.

The Alexandria City Council reached an agreement with area property owners in 2013 that would allow them to nearly triple apartment density and guarantee only 800 affordable units.

Morgan Properties President Jonathan Morgan says his firm has bought complexes to operate, not redevelop, in the past, but cited the agreement to increase housing density as a big draw.
Police in Maryland are looking for a pregnant teacher who didn't show up for the first day of class.

Laura Elizabeth Wallen, 31, was last seen at the Olney condo where she lives alone about 8:30 a.m. Monday. Her family said they received a "troubling" text message from her about an hour later, but attempts to reach her have failed. Police don't want to release the contents of the text message she sent.

Her father said he went to her condo but didn't find her.

She also failed to show up for the first day of classes Tuesday at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, where she teaches history and law. Her father, Mark Wallen, said that set off alarms for him.

"You feel so helpless at that point because you don't know where your child is," he said.

He suspects someone is responsible for his daughter's disappearance.

"Well we're reaching out to, of course, family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and also other strategies I don't want to get into at this time," Montgomery County Police Capt. Paul Starks said.

"This is like an alternate universe," said Wallen's sister, Jennifer Kadi. "It just doesn't seem real."

Wallen is four months pregnant, and her family said she was excited about it and posted her sonogram on her refrigerator.

"That obviously puts an enormous amount of worry on us because she is out there somewhere and she has a baby, so that's a really scary thing," Kadi said.

"It's like a TV drama you wish you could shut off but you can't," Mark Wallen said.

Wallen is 5-foot-5-inches tall, weighs 200 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Police are also looking for her car, a black 2011 Ford Escape with Maryland license plate M522473.

Anyone with information about Wallen's location or the location of her car should call police at 301-279-8000.
U.S. Marshals arrested a 28-year-old man Sunday and charged him with first degree murder in connection with the death of an 18-year-old from Alexandria.

Hector Armando Gamez-Amaya, of McDonough, Georgia, was arrested in Gwinnett County, Georgia. He is awaiting extradition, police said.

Prince William County police obtained an arrest warrant Friday for a suspect in the killing of Miguel Angel Ruiz Carillo, who was reported missing on August 8.

Police used cadaver dogs and helicopters in an extensive search of an area in Nokesville, Virginia "based upon information received during the course of the investigation," police said. Carrillos body was recovered near Nokesville Road and Fauquier Drive after this search.

The killing was not random and likely was gang-related, Prince William County police said in a statement.

Carrillo was last seen Aug. 3 leaving his home in the 4200 block of Buckman Road in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County. When he didn't come home by the next morning, his family called police.

Fairfax County police previously arrested two adults in connection to Carrillo's disappearance: Jose Vincent-Sosa, 20 and Edwin Dinarte Moreno, 18, both of Alexandria. They also arrested a girl, who was not named because she is a juvenile. All were charged with abduction and gang participation.

Family members said it was out of character for Carrillo to leave without telling his family. Police said Carrillo was "associated with gang activity."

Fairfax County Police believe he was last seen in a wooded area near the end of Pole Road at Pondside Terrace.

Carrillo was an 11th-grader at an alternative school in the Fairfax County Public Schools system.

Anyone with information about Carrillo's disappearance is asked to call Detective M. Fox at 571-489-1796 or Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

You can also submit a tip anonymously through Crime Solvers or text-a-tip by texting TIP187 plus your message to CRIMES(274637).
From the school bus, to the school bell, dont be alarmed that the morning routine is starting later in South Portland, Maine. Its the latest school district to push back start times for students, giving them 35-40 minutes extra minutes in the morning to sleep.

"There was a lot of support for making the change," said Superintendent Ken Kunin. South Portland Middle School students are now starting their school day 35 minutes later, at 8:30 a.m., and high schoolers start 40 minutes later, at 8:10 a.m.

"I think it does make a difference, being able to sleep more," said sixth grade student Megan Dearborn.

"Sleep is one of those things we've lost track of as a society, and its even more important for kids," said parent Patrick Cyr.

Some students say they arent seeing the benefits yet.

"It's frustrating to go to school later  I mean our parents are just going to wake us up at the same time anyway," said Gavin McGillicuddy.

"After school I have stuff to do, and the later time gives me less time to get ready for that," said Sophie Delenick.

The superintendent said the evidence from scientific journals and the Center for Disease Control was overwhelming: adolescents are sleep deprived, and need to start school later in the day to improve health and academic performances.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends middle and high school students start the school day no earlier than 8:30 a.m.

Kunin said these changes do pose a challenge in transportation. There is now less time between middle and high school bus routes, so they have had to consolidate bus stops to make the routes more efficient. Some students may have to walk further to get to their stops.

According to a new study by the Rand Corporation, school districts implementing later school start times should expect to pay $150 more per student per year for adjusted bus routes.

"It's absolutely worth the investment," said Kunin. "We want better results for our kids, better physical health, better mental health, and better academic outcomes."
A Rhode Island father was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly abusing and seriously injuring his 11-week-old infant child.

Police arrested Anthony Dicicco, 28 of Coventry, Rhode Island, at his home without incident after being alerted by staff at Hasbro Children's Hospital on Sunday.

Police learned that Diciccos infant child had sustained serious injuries, including head trauma consistent with "shaken baby syndrome."

Dicicco will be arraigned on Wednesday at the Kent County Courthouse on one count of first degree child abuse.

The infant is in stable condition and will remain at Hasbro Children's Hospital to receive additional tests and treatment. The full extent of the childs injuries have yet to be determined.
#BLACKPINK BLACKPINK, Seventeen win two prizes each at MTV EMA 2022 South Korean idol groups BLACKPINK and Seventeen have received two awards each at this year's MTV Europe Music Awards, their agencies said Monday. Girl group BLACKPINK was named...
A 20-year-old Massachusetts man accused of stabbing and killing his brother during a fight over the family's Wi-Fi connection was ordered held without bail at his arraignment Wednesday.

Showing no emotion, Timothy Record stood in front of the judge wearing a suit jacket, no shoes and pajama pants while he pleaded not guilty to the murder of his older brother, Nathan, at their family's Leominster home on Lakeshore Drive just before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Police, after spending the night examining the crime scene, said the 23-year-old victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Although Timothy Record's attorney wouldn't comment on a motive, court documents show a physical fight broke out between Record and his older brother over the use of devices overwhelming the Wi-Fi that culminated in the defendant grabbing a kitchen knife and using it to stab Nathan Record in the chest.

"I would say the family is in mourning at this point," defense attorney Blake Rubin said. "That's probably the best way to describe their situation. Very sad, very tragic."

Rubin added that the brothers lived with their mother and stepfather.

Record was wearing blue, jail-issued clothing as he was escorted into the courthouse Wednesday morning.

He's due back in court on Oct. 6 for a status hearing.

The investigation into Nathan Record's stabbing death is ongoing.
Dog walkers beware: if you leave your dogs waste behind in one New Hampshire community, you could be taken to court and face a $1,000 fine.

Rye police said the measure was necessary after high levels of fecal bacteria was detected in the Parsons Creek Watershed.

A lot of residents in the seacoast town of Rye said they were shocked at how expensive the fine is.

"A thousand is a lot of money," said resident Lisa Lombard.

Its a hefty fine for leaving her dogs waste behind, but since Lombard says she would never do that, she supports the penalty if it means cleaning up her neighborhood.

"Nobody wants to step in dog waste, nobody wants waste in the water," she said.

There are new signs in the town of Rye alerting people that not picking up after their pet is just as bad as littering.

"This is serious," said Rye Police Chief Kevin Walsh. "Once we destroy our environment, we can't go back."

Officials say the recent studies that showed the elevated levels of bacteria in the watershed show that the water is contaminated with either human or animal waste.

"It's also got to do with our natural resource, the Atlantic Ocean, that's everybody's and that's starting to get contaminated," Walsh said.

Ellen Morton-Hamil has lived in Rye most of her life and said she is disappointed that people are littering in her little slice of heaven.

"I have seen the dog bags with waste that've been left alongside the road," she said.

Some residents, like Rod Lintz, question the enforceability of the $1,000 fine.

"It's just unreasonable," he said.

But others think the signs are enough to scare people into picking up what their pets have left behind.

"I'm hoping people realize it's not something they can ignore," said dog walker Krys Earle. "It's our water too, it's dangerous."

The fine starts at $50 and police say the $1,000 fine is typically reserved for repeat offenders.
A man is in custody after a standoff with law enforcement in Hooksett, New Hampshire.

Police urged residents in the area around Dundee Avenue to shelter in place as authorities dealt with the male subject.

Hooksett's police chief said the male subject barricaded in a Dundee Avenue home threatened to hurt himself, his mother, animals in the house and police.

SWAT members from Manchester arrived on the scene. about an hour and a half later, a flash bang could be heard as police made entry.

The man surrendered peacefully.

Dundee Avenue, Granite Street, Highland Avenue and Chase Street were all closed during the incident.
The Vermont Department of Health is warning of an invisible threat it says lurks in thousands of older homes, which is exposing hundreds of children each year to possible harm.

Now, Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan is launching a new program aimed at cleaning up lead paint.

This is a big issue in this state, Donovan said of lead paint. Vermont has one of the oldest housing stocks in the nation.

Donovan said statewide, 20,000 or more rental properties may still be noncompliant with rules on the pre-1978 paint, which could chip or get turned to dust, posing health hazards to kids brains, nervous systems, and kidneys.

Exposure to lead paint also increases the risk of miscarriage in expectant moms, according to the Vermont Department of Health.

Donovan announced Wednesday he will wipe the slate clean on any landlords who havent kept up with required upgrades to lead paint.

The move means no civil penalties for past noncompliance, if landlords take steps in the next few months to improve their units.

Donovan noted that grant money may be available to help landlords make upgrades.

What the attorney general is providing to rental owners  its important that we utilize it to the best of our ability, said rental property owner Bill Bissonette.

Vermonts deputy health commissioner, Tracy Dolan, said blood tests revealed 600 Vermont kids last year alone were lead-poisoned.

That exposure could make it harder for them to learn, or damage their speech and hearing, she said.

The Health Department said half of lead-poisoned kids live in rental housing, and 90 percent of their homes are not in compliance with the states lead law.

There is no safe level of lead in the body, Dolan said. Its serious, but its also preventable.

The Vermont Attorney Generals office and the Vermont Department of Health plan public outreach on this issue, especially in communities where they believe the lead paint problem to be particularly concerning, including Rutland, Barre, Brattleboro, Bennington, and Windsor.

The first of these community outreach pushes for the new landlord restoration program will be next week. The Attorney Generals Office will hold a community meeting in Rutland on September 13 from 4-6 p.m. in the Green Mountain Power Energy Innovation Center located at 66 Merchants Row.

Landlords and property owners who have questions about the program or the community meeting can call the Attorney Generals Consumer Assistance Program at 800-649-2424 or email AGO.CAP@vermont.gov, the assistance program wrote in a news release.

For more information on lead paint compliance and renovations, including how to find an approved contractor or secure possible financial assistance, visit the website of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board.
Call to shoppers to spend 5 per week in town

TOWN traders are coming together to launch a new initiative aimed at encouraging people to shop locally.

They calculate that, if every adult in Hungerford spent just 5 per week in local shops and businesses instead of online or at the big chains, it would generate an extra 1.5m per year for the local economy.

The project could even create more jobs.

Under the auspices of the chamber of commerce, local businesses are launching the Totally Locally Hungerford project next month.

Similar initiatives are already up and running in 20 market towns throughout Britain, featuring a series of programmes and promotions that encourage residents to support the independent businesses that are a part of what makes living in a market town great.

Totally Locally Hungerford will initially focus on the High Street retailers, but a second phase will concentrate on raising the profile of some of the towns other independent businesses.

While the idea came from the chamber of commerce, and seed-funding will be from the chamber, a group of retailers and businesses will be running the programme.

Chairwoman of Hungerford Chamber of Commerce, Christina Finlay (pictured), said in a statement: Totally Locally creates strong, vibrant towns and sustainable local economies.

Independent businesses and shops are the bedrock of our communities, and when they thrive they create real jobs, cohesive towns and strong economies.

She added: Totally Locally helps people to rediscover and fall in love with their high streets.

Many of their projects are award- winning, and the Town Kit is used by groups all over the world, making their towns better places to live and work.

More than 20 UK market towns have been running the scheme and the town that it started in, Leek in Staffordshire, is now on the top market towns list  something its retailers credit to Totally Locally.

Anyone interested in learning more is invited to attend a meeting of the chamber in the Magistrates Room at the Town Hall on Thursday, September 7, or to send an email to totallylocallyhungerford@gmail.com

The project will be officially launched by the Hungerford town crier on the steps of the Town Hall on September 23 and will begin with Fiver Fest which will continue to run into October.

Each participating shop on the high street (from the chip shop down to Charnam Road) will highlight their 5 offer to encourage residents to buy locally instead of online or with national chains.

The 5 offers will be shown both in the shop and online at Totally Locally Hungerford on Facebook and @totallocalhf on Twitter.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Essar Oil (UK) Ltd, which owns and operates UK's Stanlow Refinery, today said it will invest USD 250 million in expanding the refining capacity and is targeting 400 petrol pumps in Britain in 5-years.

The investment in revamp of certain units of the refinery would help cut down on crude oil processing cost, improve product slate and lead to marginal increase in capacity, chief executive S Thangapandian said. Refinery capacity would increase from 9.09 million tonnes per annum to 9.7 million tonnes by March 2018, he said.

Chief Financial Officer P Sampath said the revamp would add USD 1 to refining margin, translating into USD 70-75 million revenue. "The project will deliver enhanced yields of high value products, reduce crude costs and drive revenue growth," Thangapandian said.

The company reported a 17 per cent drop in March quarter net profit to USD 54 million, mainly because of one-time tax adjustment. The company earned USD 9.2 on turning every barrel of crude oil into fuel in January-March as compared to USD 6.8 a barrel current price gross refining margin (CP-GRM). Revenue was up 39.5 per cent to USD 1.32 billion.

For the full year, the company reported a net profit of USD 168 million on a revenue of USD 4.92 billion. The firm, controlled by Ruia-family of Mumbai that sold Essar Oil to Russia's Rosneft for USD 12.9 billion, now has a net wort of USD 981 million.

He said the company has 39 petrol pumps in UK currently and has permission to set up another 14. "Our long term target is to have 400 outlets in five years," he added.

The company has also entered into the direct aviation fuel supply market, selling the fuel produced at Stanlow to major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Jet2.com and Oman Air. These direct sales presently make up for 10 per cent of the 1.2 million tonnes of jet fuel produced at Stanlow.

Going forward, the company is looking to scale up the sales to 40- 50 per cent, he said. Essar Oil UK non-executive chairman Prashant Ruia said: "The major investment we have confirmed in Stanlow will materially increase throughput and further grow revenues, building on the tremendous progress we have made in turning around the business over the past six years". S

ampath said with a strong financial base and key improvement projects set to be completed this fiscal, the firm is looking to continued growth with an increased commercial focus. Essar has invested over USD 800 million since acquiring Stanlow in July 2011.

NEW DELHI: Essar Oil (UK) Ltd, which owns and operates UK's Stanlow Refinery, today said it will invest USD 250 million in expanding the refining capacity and is targeting 400 petrol pumps in Britain in 5-years. The investment in revamp of certain units of the refinery would help cut down on crude oil processing cost, improve product slate and lead to marginal increase in capacity, chief executive S Thangapandian said. Refinery capacity would increase from 9.09 million tonnes per annum to 9.7 million tonnes by March 2018, he said. Chief Financial Officer P Sampath said the revamp would add USD 1 to refining margin, translating into USD 70-75 million revenue. "The project will deliver enhanced yields of high value products, reduce crude costs and drive revenue growth," Thangapandian said. The company reported a 17 per cent drop in March quarter net profit to USD 54 million, mainly because of one-time tax adjustment. The company earned USD 9.2 on turning every barrel of crude oil into fuel in January-March as compared to USD 6.8 a barrel current price gross refining margin (CP-GRM). Revenue was up 39.5 per cent to USD 1.32 billion. For the full year, the company reported a net profit of USD 168 million on a revenue of USD 4.92 billion. The firm, controlled by Ruia-family of Mumbai that sold Essar Oil to Russia's Rosneft for USD 12.9 billion, now has a net wort of USD 981 million. He said the company has 39 petrol pumps in UK currently and has permission to set up another 14. "Our long term target is to have 400 outlets in five years," he added. The company has also entered into the direct aviation fuel supply market, selling the fuel produced at Stanlow to major airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Jet2.com and Oman Air. These direct sales presently make up for 10 per cent of the 1.2 million tonnes of jet fuel produced at Stanlow. Going forward, the company is looking to scale up the sales to 40- 50 per cent, he said. Essar Oil UK non-executive chairman Prashant Ruia said: "The major investment we have confirmed in Stanlow will materially increase throughput and further grow revenues, building on the tremendous progress we have made in turning around the business over the past six years". S ampath said with a strong financial base and key improvement projects set to be completed this fiscal, the firm is looking to continued growth with an increased commercial focus. Essar has invested over USD 800 million since acquiring Stanlow in July 2011.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: A merchant ship crew member who suffered chest pain was evacuated to a Kochi hospital by the Indian Coast Guard on Monday. Turkish national Mehmet Sari Sahin, 39, a crew of MV Yasa Unity was admitted to a private hospital. The Coast Guard headquarters deployed C-421 along with a medical team for evacuation.

The district headquarters of the Coast Guard received the information about the medical emergency onboard and a request for medical evacuation at about 8:30 pm on Sunday. On receiving the alert, the vessel was directed to head towards Kochi and advised to identify a local agent at Kochi for coordinating further formalities. The medical evacuation was carried out off Kochi in the early hours of Monday after immigration custom checks.

KOCHI: A merchant ship crew member who suffered chest pain was evacuated to a Kochi hospital by the Indian Coast Guard on Monday. Turkish national Mehmet Sari Sahin, 39, a crew of MV Yasa Unity was admitted to a private hospital. The Coast Guard headquarters deployed C-421 along with a medical team for evacuation. The district headquarters of the Coast Guard received the information about the medical emergency onboard and a request for medical evacuation at about 8:30 pm on Sunday. On receiving the alert, the vessel was directed to head towards Kochi and advised to identify a local agent at Kochi for coordinating further formalities. The medical evacuation was carried out off Kochi in the early hours of Monday after immigration custom checks.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: Indian Coast Guard vessel Varuna will now serve the Sri Lanka Coast Guard protecting the 1,340-kilometre coastline of the island nation. The offshore patrol vessel was formally handed over by the Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rajendra Singh at a ceremony held at the Southern Naval Command on Tuesday. Sri Lankan Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge received the ship in the presence of Sri Lanka Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral S S Ranasinghe.

With nearly three decades of service, Varuna, named after the Hindu God of the ocean, has a glorious history of being the Alma Mater of Coast Guard officers. It was also part of a number of successful missions. The ship was decommissioned with traditional honours on August 23 to facilitate the handing over.Given pennant number SLCG-60 by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, it will be the first offshore patrol vessel to be inducted into the Coast Guard fleet of the island nation. The ship will be commanded by Captain Neville Amara Ubayasiri. Prior to her departure, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard crew will be imparted familiarisation and 'On Job Training' by ICG Workup team on ship handling, bridge navigation, engine room controls and machinery.

Addressing the gathering of dignitaries, officers and personnel of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Sri Lankan Coast Guard, Customs and the Police at the transfer ceremony, Rajendra Singh highlighted the significance of mutually beneficial relations shared between both countries. He also fondly remembered the contributions of the erstwhile training ship and wished good luck to the Sri Lankan crew in all future endeavours.

KOCHI: Indian Coast Guard vessel Varuna will now serve the Sri Lanka Coast Guard protecting the 1,340-kilometre coastline of the island nation. The offshore patrol vessel was formally handed over by the Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rajendra Singh at a ceremony held at the Southern Naval Command on Tuesday. Sri Lankan Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge received the ship in the presence of Sri Lanka Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral S S Ranasinghe. With nearly three decades of service, Varuna, named after the Hindu God of the ocean, has a glorious history of being the Alma Mater of Coast Guard officers. It was also part of a number of successful missions. The ship was decommissioned with traditional honours on August 23 to facilitate the handing over.Given pennant number SLCG-60 by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, it will be the first offshore patrol vessel to be inducted into the Coast Guard fleet of the island nation. The ship will be commanded by Captain Neville Amara Ubayasiri. Prior to her departure, the Sri Lanka Coast Guard crew will be imparted familiarisation and 'On Job Training' by ICG Workup team on ship handling, bridge navigation, engine room controls and machinery. Addressing the gathering of dignitaries, officers and personnel of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Sri Lankan Coast Guard, Customs and the Police at the transfer ceremony, Rajendra Singh highlighted the significance of mutually beneficial relations shared between both countries. He also fondly remembered the contributions of the erstwhile training ship and wished good luck to the Sri Lankan crew in all future endeavours.
By ANI

NEW DELHI: After 12 long years, Will Smith is back into the music scene with a brand new single 'Get Lit.'

The 48-year-old star took to his Facebook page to release his and DJ Jazzy Jeff and 's first song in nearly 20 years.

The Suicide Squad star captioned the video as, Been messing around in the studio and wanted to try this new track on the fans in Croatia and U.K.. no plans, no pressure just back to basics with DJ Jazzy Jeff! Heres Get Lit,So I wanted to make a record that reminded each and every one of yall to let your light shine, he said, before performing on the track in the video.

The duo marked their first collaboration with a track Lovely Daze' in 1998.

In October 2015, Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff teased plans for a full-scale musical comeback, including discussion of a summer 2016 tour that never transpired.

The song has not been formally released, but you can listen and see Smith's performance on YouTube.



NEW DELHI: After 12 long years, Will Smith is back into the music scene with a brand new single 'Get Lit.' The 48-year-old star took to his Facebook page to release his and DJ Jazzy Jeff and 's first song in nearly 20 years. The Suicide Squad star captioned the video as, Been messing around in the studio and wanted to try this new track on the fans in Croatia and U.K.. no plans, no pressure just back to basics with DJ Jazzy Jeff! Heres Get Lit,So I wanted to make a record that reminded each and every one of yall to let your light shine, he said, before performing on the track in the video. The duo marked their first collaboration with a track Lovely Daze' in 1998. In October 2015, Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff teased plans for a full-scale musical comeback, including discussion of a summer 2016 tour that never transpired. The song has not been formally released, but you can listen and see Smith's performance on YouTube.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its ongoing probe into the militancy and separatist funding in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday arrested two alleged stone pelters including a photo journalist.

NIA spokesperson said the sleuths of the agency arrested two notorious stone pelters today.

He identified the arrested persons as Javed Ahmad Bhat from south Kashmirs Kulgam district and Kamran Yousuf from Pulwama district, also in south Kashmir.

Sources said Kamran contributed photographs to some local newspapers being published from Srinagar.

They said Kamran was very active on social networking site, Facebook and has been arrested for uploading some provocative videos.

Sources said Javed is a labourer by profession and has been accused of instigating violence through WhatsApp.

They said both Kamran and Javed were very active on social networking sites and were involved in instigating youth to stone pelting on security forces.

According to sources, the arrest of Kamran and Javed indicates that the NIA has made a lot of progress in its ongoing probe into militancy and separatist funding and the investigation has now moved from top to the ground level.

They said more arrests are likely to take place in the coming days.

Sources said the arrested duo will be produced before a special NIA court in national capital on Wednesday.

The arrests were the first arrests made by NIA in south Kashmir, which was the epicenter of last years unrest in the Valley after killing of Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016.

South Kashmir is also the hotbed of militancy. Majority of the 135 militants killed in encounters with security forces have been killed in south Kashmir comprising four districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian.

The NIA has also summoned senior lawyer and Kashmir Bar Association chief Mian Abdul Qayoom for questioning at its New Delhi headquarters tomorrow.

Qayoom has been close to separatist leaders, especially to hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani.

The lawyers for the second consecutive day today stayed away from courts to protest summoning of Qayoom by NIA.

The NIA is probing the militancy and separatist funding in Jammu and Kashmir and has already arrested nine people including seven separatist leaders, Sikh lawyer from Jammu and a leading businessman in the Valley. Among the arrested separatist leader includes hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Gelanis son-in-law Altaf Ahmad Shah alias Altaf Funtoosh.

Besides, the NIA is also questioning Naeem Geelani and Naseem Geelani, sons of Syed Ali Geelani in the militancy and separatist funding in the Valley.

The NIA had registered a case on May 30 against separatist leaders for acting in connivance with militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and other groups and woman separatist group Dukhtaran-e-Millat for raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means including hawala for funding separatist and militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The NIA raids and arrests of separatist leaders took place after three separatists Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate, Nayeem Khan and Gazi Javed Baba had in an expose by India Today TV purportedly acknowledged of receiving money from Pakistan government, Hafiz Saeed and militant groups for fomenting unrest in Valley and creating chaos by burning schools, government institutions, panchayat ghars and police stations.

SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in its ongoing probe into the militancy and separatist funding in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday arrested two alleged stone pelters including a photo journalist. NIA spokesperson said the sleuths of the agency arrested two notorious stone pelters today. He identified the arrested persons as Javed Ahmad Bhat from south Kashmirs Kulgam district and Kamran Yousuf from Pulwama district, also in south Kashmir. Sources said Kamran contributed photographs to some local newspapers being published from Srinagar. They said Kamran was very active on social networking site, Facebook and has been arrested for uploading some provocative videos. Sources said Javed is a labourer by profession and has been accused of instigating violence through WhatsApp. They said both Kamran and Javed were very active on social networking sites and were involved in instigating youth to stone pelting on security forces. According to sources, the arrest of Kamran and Javed indicates that the NIA has made a lot of progress in its ongoing probe into militancy and separatist funding and the investigation has now moved from top to the ground level. They said more arrests are likely to take place in the coming days. Sources said the arrested duo will be produced before a special NIA court in national capital on Wednesday. The arrests were the first arrests made by NIA in south Kashmir, which was the epicenter of last years unrest in the Valley after killing of Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016. South Kashmir is also the hotbed of militancy. Majority of the 135 militants killed in encounters with security forces have been killed in south Kashmir comprising four districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian. The NIA has also summoned senior lawyer and Kashmir Bar Association chief Mian Abdul Qayoom for questioning at its New Delhi headquarters tomorrow. Qayoom has been close to separatist leaders, especially to hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani. The lawyers for the second consecutive day today stayed away from courts to protest summoning of Qayoom by NIA. The NIA is probing the militancy and separatist funding in Jammu and Kashmir and has already arrested nine people including seven separatist leaders, Sikh lawyer from Jammu and a leading businessman in the Valley. Among the arrested separatist leader includes hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Gelanis son-in-law Altaf Ahmad Shah alias Altaf Funtoosh. Besides, the NIA is also questioning Naeem Geelani and Naseem Geelani, sons of Syed Ali Geelani in the militancy and separatist funding in the Valley. The NIA had registered a case on May 30 against separatist leaders for acting in connivance with militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and other groups and woman separatist group Dukhtaran-e-Millat for raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means including hawala for funding separatist and militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The NIA raids and arrests of separatist leaders took place after three separatists Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate, Nayeem Khan and Gazi Javed Baba had in an expose by India Today TV purportedly acknowledged of receiving money from Pakistan government, Hafiz Saeed and militant groups for fomenting unrest in Valley and creating chaos by burning schools, government institutions, panchayat ghars and police stations.
Anand ST Das By

Express News Service

PATNA: Bihar politician Manorama Devi's son, Rocky Yadav, and two others, on Wednesday, were sentenced to life imprisonment by a lower court for the brutal murder of class-XII student Aditya Sachdeva in a road rage incident last year.



Additional district judge of Gaya, Sachhidanand Singh, also sentenced Rocky's father, notorious history-sheeter Bindeshwari Yadav alias Bindi Yadav, to six years imprisonment for criminal conspiracy to destroy evidence and helping his 26-year-old son evade arrest. Security was beefed up on the court premises before the quantum of punishment was pronounced.



The court had convicted the four accused on August 31 for the murder of 19-year-old Aditya Sachdeva, son of a prominent Gaya businessman Shyam Sachdeva, on May 7, 2016 evening. Rocky Yadav, his uncle Teni Yadav and Rajesh Kumar, who was the bodyguard of suspended JD(U) legislator Manorama Devi, were held guilty under Section 302 of IPC.



Rocky Yadav has also slapped a fine of Rs 1 lakh and, he would have to undergo imprisonment for two additional years if he does not pay it. The court slapped a fine of Rs 30,000 each on Teni Yadav and Rakesh Kumar. Besides, Rajesh Kumar was also sentenced to two additional years of imprisonment under Section 217. All the sentences will run concurrently, ruled the court.



Aditya's father, Shyam Sachdeva said, "It is a triumph of justice. I know my son will never come back alive, but I am glad that his killers were punished through the judicial system in just sixteen months." Soon after the four accused were convicted, his wife, Chand Sachdeva, had said she did not want Rocky sentenced to death. "No mother should go through the pain of losing her son," she had said.



Public prosecutor Sartaz Ali Khan said the case was based on "scientific, foolproof evidence gathered during the elaborate investigation". Rocky Yadav's lawyer, Kaisar Saifuddin, however, disagreed, saying: "This judgment and sentencing came despite glaring loopholes in the case. We will soon approach Patna High Court".



Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had assured Aditya Sachdeva's parents of justice, had suspended Manorama Devi from JD(U) in the wake of the murder.



Aditya Sachdeva was shot dead when he was returning home with three friends in his father's Maruti Swift car after attending a birthday party in nearby Bodh Gaya. Rocky Yadav was enraged when Aditya's car overtook his Land Rover car. So he and his companions chased Aditya's car and shot him dead.

Attachments:

PATNA: Bihar politician Manorama Devi's son, Rocky Yadav, and two others, on Wednesday, were sentenced to life imprisonment by a lower court for the brutal murder of class-XII student Aditya Sachdeva in a road rage incident last year. Additional district judge of Gaya, Sachhidanand Singh, also sentenced Rocky's father, notorious history-sheeter Bindeshwari Yadav alias Bindi Yadav, to six years imprisonment for criminal conspiracy to destroy evidence and helping his 26-year-old son evade arrest. Security was beefed up on the court premises before the quantum of punishment was pronounced. The court had convicted the four accused on August 31 for the murder of 19-year-old Aditya Sachdeva, son of a prominent Gaya businessman Shyam Sachdeva, on May 7, 2016 evening. Rocky Yadav, his uncle Teni Yadav and Rajesh Kumar, who was the bodyguard of suspended JD(U) legislator Manorama Devi, were held guilty under Section 302 of IPC. Rocky Yadav has also slapped a fine of Rs 1 lakh and, he would have to undergo imprisonment for two additional years if he does not pay it. The court slapped a fine of Rs 30,000 each on Teni Yadav and Rakesh Kumar. Besides, Rajesh Kumar was also sentenced to two additional years of imprisonment under Section 217. All the sentences will run concurrently, ruled the court. Aditya's father, Shyam Sachdeva said, "It is a triumph of justice. I know my son will never come back alive, but I am glad that his killers were punished through the judicial system in just sixteen months." Soon after the four accused were convicted, his wife, Chand Sachdeva, had said she did not want Rocky sentenced to death. "No mother should go through the pain of losing her son," she had said. Public prosecutor Sartaz Ali Khan said the case was based on "scientific, foolproof evidence gathered during the elaborate investigation". Rocky Yadav's lawyer, Kaisar Saifuddin, however, disagreed, saying: "This judgment and sentencing came despite glaring loopholes in the case. We will soon approach Patna High Court". Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had assured Aditya Sachdeva's parents of justice, had suspended Manorama Devi from JD(U) in the wake of the murder. Aditya Sachdeva was shot dead when he was returning home with three friends in his father's Maruti Swift car after attending a birthday party in nearby Bodh Gaya. Rocky Yadav was enraged when Aditya's car overtook his Land Rover car. So he and his companions chased Aditya's car and shot him dead. Attachments:
By PTI

KUTCH: The Border Security Force (BSF) today detained two Pakistani nationals and seized three boats from Harami Nalla in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat coast.

The Pakistani nationals and their boats were apprehended by the central security agency's patrolling team near pillar number 1,166 at Harami Nalla, the BSF said.

At least five other Pakistani nationals managed to escape, leaving behind the boat in which they were travelling, it said.

Following the apprehension, the BSF intensified combing operation in the area.

An initial investigation revealed that fishing material was being carried on the boats, the BSF said.

In April this year, the border forces had seized an abandoned Pakistani fishing boat from the same area off Gujarat coast in Kutch district.

The BSF patrolling team had also seized four such boats off Sir Creek area in February this year, even though the occupants had managed to escape across the border to the neighbouring country following a chase.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had also seized a Pakistani boat with nine crew members in March 25 this year.

In another major operation, the ICG had apprehended 26 Pakistani fishermen with five boats off Jakhau port on December 20 last year.

KUTCH: The Border Security Force (BSF) today detained two Pakistani nationals and seized three boats from Harami Nalla in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat coast. The Pakistani nationals and their boats were apprehended by the central security agency's patrolling team near pillar number 1,166 at Harami Nalla, the BSF said. At least five other Pakistani nationals managed to escape, leaving behind the boat in which they were travelling, it said. Following the apprehension, the BSF intensified combing operation in the area. An initial investigation revealed that fishing material was being carried on the boats, the BSF said. In April this year, the border forces had seized an abandoned Pakistani fishing boat from the same area off Gujarat coast in Kutch district. The BSF patrolling team had also seized four such boats off Sir Creek area in February this year, even though the occupants had managed to escape across the border to the neighbouring country following a chase. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had also seized a Pakistani boat with nine crew members in March 25 this year. In another major operation, the ICG had apprehended 26 Pakistani fishermen with five boats off Jakhau port on December 20 last year.
Anand ST Das By

Express News Service

PATNA: Seven people, including two policemen, died after consuming spurious liquor in Ranchi in the past 24 hours. At least 14 people, who had consumed illicit liquor, are battling for life at different hospitals in Ranchi.

Two constables of Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP) - Yogesh Chhatri (36) of JAP-1 and Mahadev Murmu (40) of JAP-8 - died Tuesday allegedly due to hooch consumption. The deaths prompted Jharkhand's opposition parties to launch protests against the Raghubar Das-led government Wednesday.

Though the grieving family members of the victims said the deaths were caused by moonshine, police rubbished the claims.

"Yogesh Chhatri had been a liquor addict and his liver was already in a bad condition. He had been to rehab several times, but failed to change his habits. He might have died due to excessive consumption of liquor. Murmu did not die due to drinking," sair Kumar Jha, DIG of JAP.

Bikram Rai, another JAP constable, is under treatment at the Medical Hospital in Ranchi following complications arising out of drinking spurious liquor.

A raid conducted by police led to the recovery of 240 bottles of illicit liquor from the house of Gautam Gurung, a JAP constable, said sources. Gurung, whose brother was allegedly selling the liquor, was arrested along with two grocers, from whose shop bottles of liquor were recovered during a raid.

The moonshine was allegedly supplied from a shop near the JAP-1 headquarters in Ranchi's Doranda area. The district administration suspended the officers-in-charge of Namkum and Doranda police stations and excise sub-inspector Rana Moti Lal Singh, in charge of Kotwali area, for dereliction of duty.

"Four people are said to have died due to consumption of spurious liquor so far. The cause of their death will be confirmed after autopsy reports are received. We are carrying out raids against people selling illicit liquor," said Ranchi SSP Kuldeep Dwivedi.

A special police team, with officers from CID, has been formed to probe the case. Stomach wash samples and other evidence collected from the deceased would be sent for forensic analysis, said an official. The hooch deaths, coming barely a month after the state-owned Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited took over the wholesale liquor business in the state, caused a big embarrassment to the BJP-led government.

"The Raghubar Das government, which decided to sell liquor in the state, is responsible for these deaths. The government has failed to protect the lives of ordinary people," said state Congress general secretary Alok Dubey.

Congress leaders and workers took out a protest march in Ranchi and burned effigies of Das. JMM leader Shashank Shekhar Bhokta attacked the state government's excise policy for the deaths.

PATNA: Seven people, including two policemen, died after consuming spurious liquor in Ranchi in the past 24 hours. At least 14 people, who had consumed illicit liquor, are battling for life at different hospitals in Ranchi. Two constables of Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP) - Yogesh Chhatri (36) of JAP-1 and Mahadev Murmu (40) of JAP-8 - died Tuesday allegedly due to hooch consumption. The deaths prompted Jharkhand's opposition parties to launch protests against the Raghubar Das-led government Wednesday. Though the grieving family members of the victims said the deaths were caused by moonshine, police rubbished the claims. "Yogesh Chhatri had been a liquor addict and his liver was already in a bad condition. He had been to rehab several times, but failed to change his habits. He might have died due to excessive consumption of liquor. Murmu did not die due to drinking," sair Kumar Jha, DIG of JAP. Bikram Rai, another JAP constable, is under treatment at the Medical Hospital in Ranchi following complications arising out of drinking spurious liquor. A raid conducted by police led to the recovery of 240 bottles of illicit liquor from the house of Gautam Gurung, a JAP constable, said sources. Gurung, whose brother was allegedly selling the liquor, was arrested along with two grocers, from whose shop bottles of liquor were recovered during a raid. The moonshine was allegedly supplied from a shop near the JAP-1 headquarters in Ranchi's Doranda area. The district administration suspended the officers-in-charge of Namkum and Doranda police stations and excise sub-inspector Rana Moti Lal Singh, in charge of Kotwali area, for dereliction of duty. "Four people are said to have died due to consumption of spurious liquor so far. The cause of their death will be confirmed after autopsy reports are received. We are carrying out raids against people selling illicit liquor," said Ranchi SSP Kuldeep Dwivedi. A special police team, with officers from CID, has been formed to probe the case. Stomach wash samples and other evidence collected from the deceased would be sent for forensic analysis, said an official. The hooch deaths, coming barely a month after the state-owned Jharkhand State Beverages Corporation Limited took over the wholesale liquor business in the state, caused a big embarrassment to the BJP-led government. "The Raghubar Das government, which decided to sell liquor in the state, is responsible for these deaths. The government has failed to protect the lives of ordinary people," said state Congress general secretary Alok Dubey. Congress leaders and workers took out a protest march in Ranchi and burned effigies of Das. JMM leader Shashank Shekhar Bhokta attacked the state government's excise policy for the deaths.
Faizan Mustafa By

Few judgments change the destiny of nations. The nine-judge unanimous verdict on the right to privacy will surely be such a judgment. Fewer concurring opinions go beyond the main judgment in significance. Justice Chelameswar, who had authored a powerful dissenting opinion in the NJAC case, not only agreed with other judges but took the privacy argument to the highest plane. His concurring judgment is justifiably appreciated.

In drafting a constitution, brevity is considered valuable. Our Constitution is the lengthiest, yet it is silent even on the appointment of the PM. Constitutions control the power of the state. How is it controlled? Citizens rights are primarily negative restrictions on the power of the state. If the ambit of these rights is widened, the result would be putting the state in check. As guarantor of citizens rights, our apex court has been precisely doing thisexpanding the definition of state through a liberal interpretation of the term other authorities in Article 12 and through a reading of a number of rights in Article 21. As many as 15 rights not expressly mentioned in the fundamental rights chapter have been so read.

In the privacy case, one of the major arguments of the Centre wasnot only is the right to privacy not expressly provided as a fundamental right, it was debated by the framers of the Constitution and dropped. Justice Chelameswar in his remarkable style demolished this argument and stated even the silences of the Constitution are important. He went beyond Justice Chandrachud who held that debates in the Constituent Assembly indicate the framers did not intend to expressly include it under Article 21, but from this we cannot infer that they did not intend to have privacy as a fundamental right.

The legal framework of the Constitution is to be so operated as to be consistent with the prevailing constitutional values and principles of the time. Constitutions must function in a way acceptable to the communitynot the majority community but the enlightened citizenry as a whole. The privacy judgment of Justice Chelameswar takes the Constitution as a kind of living tree which must adapt and evolve. He rightly said that in the US too, the Fourth Amendmentprohibiting unreasonable searchesin itself is not the sole repository of privacy.

Thus values other than those informing the Fourth Amendment can be grounds for privacy if such values are part of the constitutional framework.He further elaborated on the golden silences of the Constitution when he observed that the dark matter of the Constitution are as important as the text. He profitably recalled the historic Kesavananda Bharati case where a 13-judge Bench held that the Parliament, through its power to amend the Constitution, cannot abrogate it. Basic structure ... is the most outstanding exposition of the dark matter and is a part of our Constitution, though there is nothing in the text suggesting that principle, he said. The textual approach in interpreting the Constitution has been rejected by the apex court and now, the living constitutionalist approach is routinely used where along with the text, other factors too are taken into account, he added.

He clearly stated that Indias apex court has progressively adopted the living constitutionalist interpretation approach. Does it give too much of latitude to the judges and remove the certainty of the constitutional law? Answering them, he said this approach will not lead to arbitrary exercise of judicial power because adaptability in constitutional interpretation cannot be equated to lack of discipline in judicial reasoning. Moreover, it is still the text of the Constitution which acquires the requisite interpretative hues.

There is a need to probe into the silences of the Constitution and ignoring them will be a disrespect to the hard-earned political freedom and aspirations of peoples liberty. The judge boldly declared that the text of enumerated fundamental rights is only the primary source of expressed information as to what is meant by liberty proclaimed by the Preamble of the Constitution. He also acknowledged that our judiciary barring a few exceptions like Gopalan and ADM Jabalpur did not adopt the textual approachwhich is why it recognised the freedom of press as a fundamental right though the same is not mentioned in the Constitution.

The court has also read several other rights under Article 21 such as right to education, right to reputation, right to livelihood, right to environment and right to speedy trial as implicit within the meaning of life. He said that accepting the governments argument that whatever is not found in the text of the Constitution cannot become a part of the Constitution would be not only too primitive an understanding, but also contrary to the settled canons of constitutional interpretation. This textual approach, in his view, about rights and liberties would be clearly an affront to the collective wisdom of the members of Constituent Assembly and our people. Some members opposed express inclusion of right to privacy in the limited context of searches and secrecy of correspondence. But privacy has a much larger dimension which were not debated and the framers were certainly not oblivious to privacys significance.

Though it is not written in the text, all fundamental rights are to be read together. Justice Chelameswar observed that these rights are not a series of isolated points, but a rational continuum of the legal concept of liberty, i.e. freedom from all arbitrary encroachments and purposeless restraints sought to be made by the state. Let us hope future judges will use constitutional silences only to expand fundamental rights and not to curtail our liberties.

Faizan Mustafa

Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad

Email: vc@nalsar.ac.in

Few judgments change the destiny of nations. The nine-judge unanimous verdict on the right to privacy will surely be such a judgment. Fewer concurring opinions go beyond the main judgment in significance. Justice Chelameswar, who had authored a powerful dissenting opinion in the NJAC case, not only agreed with other judges but took the privacy argument to the highest plane. His concurring judgment is justifiably appreciated. In drafting a constitution, brevity is considered valuable. Our Constitution is the lengthiest, yet it is silent even on the appointment of the PM. Constitutions control the power of the state. How is it controlled? Citizens rights are primarily negative restrictions on the power of the state. If the ambit of these rights is widened, the result would be putting the state in check. As guarantor of citizens rights, our apex court has been precisely doing thisexpanding the definition of state through a liberal interpretation of the term other authorities in Article 12 and through a reading of a number of rights in Article 21. As many as 15 rights not expressly mentioned in the fundamental rights chapter have been so read. In the privacy case, one of the major arguments of the Centre wasnot only is the right to privacy not expressly provided as a fundamental right, it was debated by the framers of the Constitution and dropped. Justice Chelameswar in his remarkable style demolished this argument and stated even the silences of the Constitution are important. He went beyond Justice Chandrachud who held that debates in the Constituent Assembly indicate the framers did not intend to expressly include it under Article 21, but from this we cannot infer that they did not intend to have privacy as a fundamental right. The legal framework of the Constitution is to be so operated as to be consistent with the prevailing constitutional values and principles of the time. Constitutions must function in a way acceptable to the communitynot the majority community but the enlightened citizenry as a whole. The privacy judgment of Justice Chelameswar takes the Constitution as a kind of living tree which must adapt and evolve. He rightly said that in the US too, the Fourth Amendmentprohibiting unreasonable searchesin itself is not the sole repository of privacy. Thus values other than those informing the Fourth Amendment can be grounds for privacy if such values are part of the constitutional framework.He further elaborated on the golden silences of the Constitution when he observed that the dark matter of the Constitution are as important as the text. He profitably recalled the historic Kesavananda Bharati case where a 13-judge Bench held that the Parliament, through its power to amend the Constitution, cannot abrogate it. Basic structure ... is the most outstanding exposition of the dark matter and is a part of our Constitution, though there is nothing in the text suggesting that principle, he said. The textual approach in interpreting the Constitution has been rejected by the apex court and now, the living constitutionalist approach is routinely used where along with the text, other factors too are taken into account, he added. He clearly stated that Indias apex court has progressively adopted the living constitutionalist interpretation approach. Does it give too much of latitude to the judges and remove the certainty of the constitutional law? Answering them, he said this approach will not lead to arbitrary exercise of judicial power because adaptability in constitutional interpretation cannot be equated to lack of discipline in judicial reasoning. Moreover, it is still the text of the Constitution which acquires the requisite interpretative hues. There is a need to probe into the silences of the Constitution and ignoring them will be a disrespect to the hard-earned political freedom and aspirations of peoples liberty. The judge boldly declared that the text of enumerated fundamental rights is only the primary source of expressed information as to what is meant by liberty proclaimed by the Preamble of the Constitution. He also acknowledged that our judiciary barring a few exceptions like Gopalan and ADM Jabalpur did not adopt the textual approachwhich is why it recognised the freedom of press as a fundamental right though the same is not mentioned in the Constitution. The court has also read several other rights under Article 21 such as right to education, right to reputation, right to livelihood, right to environment and right to speedy trial as implicit within the meaning of life. He said that accepting the governments argument that whatever is not found in the text of the Constitution cannot become a part of the Constitution would be not only too primitive an understanding, but also contrary to the settled canons of constitutional interpretation. This textual approach, in his view, about rights and liberties would be clearly an affront to the collective wisdom of the members of Constituent Assembly and our people. Some members opposed express inclusion of right to privacy in the limited context of searches and secrecy of correspondence. But privacy has a much larger dimension which were not debated and the framers were certainly not oblivious to privacys significance. Though it is not written in the text, all fundamental rights are to be read together. Justice Chelameswar observed that these rights are not a series of isolated points, but a rational continuum of the legal concept of liberty, i.e. freedom from all arbitrary encroachments and purposeless restraints sought to be made by the state. Let us hope future judges will use constitutional silences only to expand fundamental rights and not to curtail our liberties. Faizan Mustafa Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad Email: vc@nalsar.ac.in
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The Supreme Court order directing CBI probe into DySP M K Ganapathy suicide case has come as a setback for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Bengaluru Development Minister K J George. The CM had earlier dismissed the demand for a CBI probe and had re-inducted George into the ministry after Criminal Investigation Department (CID) gave him a clean chit.The Opposition BJP sees the court order as vindication of its stand and is gunning for Georges resignation. The party had accused the government of misusing CID to re-induct George into the ministry. Also, for BJP, the court order could not have come at a better time as the party has got more ammo to corner Siddaramaiah.



State BJP president and partys chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa said George should immediately resign and action should be taken against two senior IPS officers named by Ganapathy. If George does not resign, Chief Minister Siddaramiah must dismiss him and suspend senior police officers A M Prasad and Pronab Mohanty, he stated. Prasad is now DGP Intelligence and Mohanty is on central deputation with Unique Identification Authority of India.



The BJP has given the CM two days time to get Georges resignation, failing which it will launch statewide agitation. Some units of the party are launching protests from Wednesday.

The government managed to crush BJPs Tuesdays agitation by denying permission to the Mangalore chalo bike rally. However, BJPs agitation demanding Georges resignation might put the government on back-foot.



Siddaramaiah and George have dismissed the demand for resignation. The CM refused to comment on the SC order stating that he will wait for the copy of the court order before making any comments. George was more bullish. Why should I resign? The court has asked CBI to give report in three months. Let them give the report, he said.Hours before committing suicide in July last year, the officer had named George and two senior IPS officers in an interview to a television channel. The BJP had launched an agitation demanding the ministers resignation and action against the officers.



George resigned only after a local court in Madikeri directed police to register an FIR against those named in the TV interview. Within months after taking up the probe, the state agency filed a B report giving clean chit to the Congress leader, who was re-inducted into the ministry. Ganapathys family questioned the report and demanded CBI probe.

Fate of commission hangs in balance

The fate of the one-man commission headed by Justice K N Keshavanarayana, former judge of Karnataka High Court, hangs in the balance. It is for the government to take a call as it is the apex court that has ordered a CBI probe. The state can order dropping of the probe at this stage. The commission has to stop its inquiry if the apex court orders. If neither the state nor SC asked us to stop, the commission will take its probe to a logical end because. Findings will be submitted before January 15, 2018, a source in the commission said.

Death that shook Ktaka

July 7, 2016:

DySP M K Ganapathy gives an interview to a news channel in Madikeri and accuses two senior police officers and then Home Minister K J George of harrassing him. On the same evening, he is found hanging in a lodge.

July 8, 2016:

Madikeri police begin probe and take statement from the family including his father Kushalappa and wife Paavana.

July 9, 2016:

State government hands over case to CID and a team headed by IGP, CID Hemanth Nimbalkar is formed.

July 11, 2016:

Home Minister G Parameshwara makes statement in Assembly and Council, blaming marital discord for the suicide

July 12, 2016:

Minister George offers to quit, if he is asked by the CM to do so

July 13, 2016:

Siddaramaiah announces a judicial probe

July 16, 2016:

Retired Judge K N Keshavanarayana appointed to probe and submit a report in 6 months.

July 18, 2016:

A sessions court in Madikeri orders the police to file an FIR against senior IPS officers A M Prasad and Pronab Mohanty and K J George. George resigns.

September 17, 2016:

CID files a B report, effectively closing the case. CID says there was no evidence to prove there was abetment in the suicide

September 26, 2016:

George sworn in as a minister again. Resumes charge as Bengaluru Development Minister

September 20, 2016:

Karnataka High Court dismisses a petition seeking CBI probe in to Ganapathys death filed by his father M K Kushalappa and his brother M K Machaiah.

January 5, 2017:

Supreme Court admits the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by M K Kushalappa seeking CBI probe and issues notice to the state government

July 13, 2017:

Supreme Court Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and U U Lalit order issue of notice to Minister K J George and two IPS officers Ashit Mohan Prasad and Pronab Mohanty.

September 5, 2017:

Supreme Court orders CBI probe into Ganapathys death

BENGALURU: The Supreme Court order directing CBI probe into DySP M K Ganapathy suicide case has come as a setback for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Bengaluru Development Minister K J George. The CM had earlier dismissed the demand for a CBI probe and had re-inducted George into the ministry after Criminal Investigation Department (CID) gave him a clean chit.The Opposition BJP sees the court order as vindication of its stand and is gunning for Georges resignation. The party had accused the government of misusing CID to re-induct George into the ministry. Also, for BJP, the court order could not have come at a better time as the party has got more ammo to corner Siddaramaiah. State BJP president and partys chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa said George should immediately resign and action should be taken against two senior IPS officers named by Ganapathy. If George does not resign, Chief Minister Siddaramiah must dismiss him and suspend senior police officers A M Prasad and Pronab Mohanty, he stated. Prasad is now DGP Intelligence and Mohanty is on central deputation with Unique Identification Authority of India. The BJP has given the CM two days time to get Georges resignation, failing which it will launch statewide agitation. Some units of the party are launching protests from Wednesday. The government managed to crush BJPs Tuesdays agitation by denying permission to the Mangalore chalo bike rally. However, BJPs agitation demanding Georges resignation might put the government on back-foot. Siddaramaiah and George have dismissed the demand for resignation. The CM refused to comment on the SC order stating that he will wait for the copy of the court order before making any comments. George was more bullish. Why should I resign? The court has asked CBI to give report in three months. Let them give the report, he said.Hours before committing suicide in July last year, the officer had named George and two senior IPS officers in an interview to a television channel. The BJP had launched an agitation demanding the ministers resignation and action against the officers. George resigned only after a local court in Madikeri directed police to register an FIR against those named in the TV interview. Within months after taking up the probe, the state agency filed a B report giving clean chit to the Congress leader, who was re-inducted into the ministry. Ganapathys family questioned the report and demanded CBI probe. Fate of commission hangs in balance The fate of the one-man commission headed by Justice K N Keshavanarayana, former judge of Karnataka High Court, hangs in the balance. It is for the government to take a call as it is the apex court that has ordered a CBI probe. The state can order dropping of the probe at this stage. The commission has to stop its inquiry if the apex court orders. If neither the state nor SC asked us to stop, the commission will take its probe to a logical end because. Findings will be submitted before January 15, 2018, a source in the commission said. Death that shook Ktaka July 7, 2016: DySP M K Ganapathy gives an interview to a news channel in Madikeri and accuses two senior police officers and then Home Minister K J George of harrassing him. On the same evening, he is found hanging in a lodge. July 8, 2016: Madikeri police begin probe and take statement from the family including his father Kushalappa and wife Paavana. July 9, 2016: State government hands over case to CID and a team headed by IGP, CID Hemanth Nimbalkar is formed. July 11, 2016: Home Minister G Parameshwara makes statement in Assembly and Council, blaming marital discord for the suicide July 12, 2016: Minister George offers to quit, if he is asked by the CM to do so July 13, 2016: Siddaramaiah announces a judicial probe July 16, 2016: Retired Judge K N Keshavanarayana appointed to probe and submit a report in 6 months. July 18, 2016: A sessions court in Madikeri orders the police to file an FIR against senior IPS officers A M Prasad and Pronab Mohanty and K J George. George resigns. September 17, 2016: CID files a B report, effectively closing the case. CID says there was no evidence to prove there was abetment in the suicide September 26, 2016: George sworn in as a minister again. Resumes charge as Bengaluru Development Minister September 20, 2016: Karnataka High Court dismisses a petition seeking CBI probe in to Ganapathys death filed by his father M K Kushalappa and his brother M K Machaiah. January 5, 2017: Supreme Court admits the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by M K Kushalappa seeking CBI probe and issues notice to the state government July 13, 2017: Supreme Court Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and U U Lalit order issue of notice to Minister K J George and two IPS officers Ashit Mohan Prasad and Pronab Mohanty. September 5, 2017: Supreme Court orders CBI probe into Ganapathys death
By PTI

BENGALURU: Karnataka Intelligence IGP B K Singh will head the Special Investigation Team set up by the state government to probe the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh.

DCP (West) M N Anucheth will be the Investigating Officer of the 21-member SIT, state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said.

"The government has passed an order in this regard," he told PTI here.

Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision to form a SIT to investigate the brutal killing, which has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.

He also said his government had an "open mind" to an investigation by CBI, a demand made by the slain journalist's family.

"I have given direction to the police that this case should be taken very seriously and it should be investigated exclusively by a special team, so a Special Investigation Team headed by IG level officer will be constituted immediately," Siddaramaiah had told reporters.

55-year old Gauri Lankesh, known as an anti-establishment voice with strident anti-right wing views, was shot dead at close range by unknown assailants at her home here yesterday.

BENGALURU: Karnataka Intelligence IGP B K Singh will head the Special Investigation Team set up by the state government to probe the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh. DCP (West) M N Anucheth will be the Investigating Officer of the 21-member SIT, state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said. "The government has passed an order in this regard," he told PTI here. Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the decision to form a SIT to investigate the brutal killing, which has sparked nationwide outrage and protests. He also said his government had an "open mind" to an investigation by CBI, a demand made by the slain journalist's family. "I have given direction to the police that this case should be taken very seriously and it should be investigated exclusively by a special team, so a Special Investigation Team headed by IG level officer will be constituted immediately," Siddaramaiah had told reporters. 55-year old Gauri Lankesh, known as an anti-establishment voice with strident anti-right wing views, was shot dead at close range by unknown assailants at her home here yesterday.
By Express News Service

BENGALURU: Terming BJPs Mangaluru Chalo bike rally as communally-oriented and divisive, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, challenged the saffron party to launch a Delhi Chalo agitation demanding waiver of farm loans availed through nationalised banks. The CM added that he would also join the agitation the opposition party decides to launch one.

Defending the state governments decision to stop the bike rally, Siddaramaiah said, instead of Mangaluru Chalo bike rally that could disturb social harmony, BJP would do well to launch Delhi Chalo rally to demand the union government to waive farm loans disbursed through nationalised banks. I too will join them. We have waived farm loans to upto `50,000 crore availed by farmers through co-operative banks.

The farmers are still burdened, as `42,000 crore was disbursed as farm loan by nationalised banks, he said.Why is the BJP adamant on holding rallies that will inconvenience people and disturb social harmony? the CM asked.Siddaramaiah clarified that he was not opposed to BJP holding public rallies or padayatra, but would not accept plans for a bike rally. People would be put to inconvenience as the rally would mean thousands of bikes hitting the road from 4 to 5 places simultaneously causing traffic pileups, he said.

Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje shouting

slogans from a bus after she was arrested in

Bengaluru on Tuesday | nagesh polali

Thousands of youth hitting the roads on their bikes with party flags, shouting slogans, will it not affect law and order? Will it not cause inconvenience for the public? Do we need agitations that will disturb social harmony?, he said. He also dismissed the view that the rally is pro-Hindu and said, the rally is being taken out to disturb communal harmony.

Will allow rally if BJP assures peace

Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy has expressed his readiness to allow the BJP rally in Mangaluru if the party submits a written undertaking to ensure it ends on a peaceful note. Blaming BJP leaders for the confrontation over the Mangaluru Chalo bike rally, Reddy said, Police would have allowed even the bike rally if BJP had followed proper procedure and submitted the required details and documents. Reddy reiterated the state governments tough stand to foil any activity that could affect social harmony.

BJP workers, cops injured

Many workers were injured including BJP Yuva Morcha State Secretary Arvind Shetty, whose jaw was fractured. A police constable too has been injured in the scuffle. Police had a tough time detaining Shobha as the latter put up a strong resistance. I have been roughed up. I have suffered bruises on my hands, she said questioning the need for use of force as the rally was meant to be peaceful.

PIL against BJPs bike rally

Some residents from Mangaluru moved the High Court against BJPs bike rally, saying it would harm peace and tranquillity in the coastal city. Citing urgency, the counsel of the petitioners mentioned the PIL filed by the residents before a division bench of for early hearing on Tuesday. It will be taken up for hearing on Wednesday.

BENGALURU: Terming BJPs Mangaluru Chalo bike rally as communally-oriented and divisive, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, challenged the saffron party to launch a Delhi Chalo agitation demanding waiver of farm loans availed through nationalised banks. The CM added that he would also join the agitation the opposition party decides to launch one. Defending the state governments decision to stop the bike rally, Siddaramaiah said, instead of Mangaluru Chalo bike rally that could disturb social harmony, BJP would do well to launch Delhi Chalo rally to demand the union government to waive farm loans disbursed through nationalised banks. I too will join them. We have waived farm loans to upto `50,000 crore availed by farmers through co-operative banks. The farmers are still burdened, as `42,000 crore was disbursed as farm loan by nationalised banks, he said.Why is the BJP adamant on holding rallies that will inconvenience people and disturb social harmony? the CM asked.Siddaramaiah clarified that he was not opposed to BJP holding public rallies or padayatra, but would not accept plans for a bike rally. People would be put to inconvenience as the rally would mean thousands of bikes hitting the road from 4 to 5 places simultaneously causing traffic pileups, he said. Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje shouting slogans from a bus after she was arrested in Bengaluru on Tuesday | nagesh polaliThousands of youth hitting the roads on their bikes with party flags, shouting slogans, will it not affect law and order? Will it not cause inconvenience for the public? Do we need agitations that will disturb social harmony?, he said. He also dismissed the view that the rally is pro-Hindu and said, the rally is being taken out to disturb communal harmony. Will allow rally if BJP assures peace Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy has expressed his readiness to allow the BJP rally in Mangaluru if the party submits a written undertaking to ensure it ends on a peaceful note. Blaming BJP leaders for the confrontation over the Mangaluru Chalo bike rally, Reddy said, Police would have allowed even the bike rally if BJP had followed proper procedure and submitted the required details and documents. Reddy reiterated the state governments tough stand to foil any activity that could affect social harmony. BJP workers, cops injured Many workers were injured including BJP Yuva Morcha State Secretary Arvind Shetty, whose jaw was fractured. A police constable too has been injured in the scuffle. Police had a tough time detaining Shobha as the latter put up a strong resistance. I have been roughed up. I have suffered bruises on my hands, she said questioning the need for use of force as the rally was meant to be peaceful. PIL against BJPs bike rally Some residents from Mangaluru moved the High Court against BJPs bike rally, saying it would harm peace and tranquillity in the coastal city. Citing urgency, the counsel of the petitioners mentioned the PIL filed by the residents before a division bench of for early hearing on Tuesday. It will be taken up for hearing on Wednesday.
By Express News Service

BHUBANESWAR: The Cabinet on Tuesday gave post facto approval to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks announcement to implement the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission from January 1, 2016 with an additional burden of Rs 4500 crore per annum on the State exchequer. Besides, a decision was taken to revise the remuneration of contractual employees.

The pay matrix with 17 levels starting from level-1 will have minimum pay of Rs 16,600 per month and highest pay of Rs 2,19,900 per month. However, details of the pay matrix will be available after a couple of days. Pension and family pension will also be revised from January 1, 2016.

Chief Secretary AP Padhi told mediapersons that pay and pension are to be fixed in the revised structure by multiplying a factor of 2.57. The minimum pension/family pension has been fixed at Rs 8300 per month as per the revised pay.

The employees will get enhanced pay from September, Padhi said and added that the salary will increase by 14.2 per cent. A budget provision of Rs 2250 crore has been made for payment of salary as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, he said and added that payment of arrear will be worked out later. The arrear amounts to a staggering Rs 7500 crore.

The Chief Secretary said the prevailing revised assured career progression (RACP) has been substituted by Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme on the lines adopted by the Union Government. The existing ceiling of gratuity of Rs 7.5 lakh has been enhanced to Rs 15 lakh. Dearness allowance will be included with emoluments for determination of death-cum-retirement gratuity (DCRG), Padhi said and added that earlier, gratuity was calculated on the basis of basic pay only.

The employees appointed on or after January 1, 2005 and governed under new pension scheme will be included under the DCRG on the same terms and conditions as applicable to the employees governed under the Odisha Civil Services Pension Rules, 1992.

The Cabinet also decided to revise the monthly consolidated remuneration of the contractual employees which will increase by 25 per cent at their initial appointment and 10 per cent increase every year till their regularisation as per rules.

The Chief Secretary said the revised remuneration will be payable with effect from January 1, 2016. Annual increase in remuneration has been proposed to be payable after completion of one year from the next date on which the employee completes one year of continuous service subject to satisfactory performance, Padhi said and added that the increased remuneration will be paid to the contractual employees from September.

Padhi said the Cabinet also approved amendment of the Odisha Group-B Posts (contractual Appointment) Rules, 2013 and Odisha Group-C and Group-D Posts (Contractual appointment) Rule, 2013 in a bid to enhance the remuneration of the contractual employees. While the minimum remuneration for the lowest category of contractual employee will be Rs 8,070 at the time of joining, the highest initial amount is fixed at Rs 16,880.

BHUBANESWAR: The Cabinet on Tuesday gave post facto approval to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks announcement to implement the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission from January 1, 2016 with an additional burden of Rs 4500 crore per annum on the State exchequer. Besides, a decision was taken to revise the remuneration of contractual employees. The pay matrix with 17 levels starting from level-1 will have minimum pay of Rs 16,600 per month and highest pay of Rs 2,19,900 per month. However, details of the pay matrix will be available after a couple of days. Pension and family pension will also be revised from January 1, 2016. Chief Secretary AP Padhi told mediapersons that pay and pension are to be fixed in the revised structure by multiplying a factor of 2.57. The minimum pension/family pension has been fixed at Rs 8300 per month as per the revised pay. The employees will get enhanced pay from September, Padhi said and added that the salary will increase by 14.2 per cent. A budget provision of Rs 2250 crore has been made for payment of salary as per the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, he said and added that payment of arrear will be worked out later. The arrear amounts to a staggering Rs 7500 crore. The Chief Secretary said the prevailing revised assured career progression (RACP) has been substituted by Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme on the lines adopted by the Union Government. The existing ceiling of gratuity of Rs 7.5 lakh has been enhanced to Rs 15 lakh. Dearness allowance will be included with emoluments for determination of death-cum-retirement gratuity (DCRG), Padhi said and added that earlier, gratuity was calculated on the basis of basic pay only. The employees appointed on or after January 1, 2005 and governed under new pension scheme will be included under the DCRG on the same terms and conditions as applicable to the employees governed under the Odisha Civil Services Pension Rules, 1992. The Cabinet also decided to revise the monthly consolidated remuneration of the contractual employees which will increase by 25 per cent at their initial appointment and 10 per cent increase every year till their regularisation as per rules. The Chief Secretary said the revised remuneration will be payable with effect from January 1, 2016. Annual increase in remuneration has been proposed to be payable after completion of one year from the next date on which the employee completes one year of continuous service subject to satisfactory performance, Padhi said and added that the increased remuneration will be paid to the contractual employees from September. Padhi said the Cabinet also approved amendment of the Odisha Group-B Posts (contractual Appointment) Rules, 2013 and Odisha Group-C and Group-D Posts (Contractual appointment) Rule, 2013 in a bid to enhance the remuneration of the contractual employees. While the minimum remuneration for the lowest category of contractual employee will be Rs 8,070 at the time of joining, the highest initial amount is fixed at Rs 16,880.
By PTI

COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today claimed his government enjoyed the support of "all the AIADMK MLAs" in the Assembly even as the legislators loyal to sidelined party deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran continued to stay put at a Puducherry resort.

"There are 135 MLAs in the party, including the speaker, and the government has the support of all of them," he told reporters at the airport here, before leaving for Erode by road.

Stating that 109 MLAs had attended the meeting convened by him in Chennai yesterday, Palaniswami said the other party legislators could not be there due to various reasons. But he asserted that his government had the support of all of them.

His comments come a day after state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar claimed that 111 MLAs had attended the meet convened by the chief minister.

According to reports, as many as 17 rebel AIADMK MLAs are currently lodged at a resort in neighbouring Puducherry.

A group of 19 MLAs, loyal to Dhinakaran, had met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on August 22, expressed lack of confidence in the chief minister and demanded his ouster.

This was a day after the merger of the AIADMK factions, led by Palaniswami and current deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam respectively.

The strife in the ruling party prompted the opposition parties to allege that the Palaniswami government had lost the majority in the Assembly. They have been pressing for a floor test in the House.

In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, which has one seat vacant (R K Nagar, represented by late J Jayalalithaa), the AIADMK has 134 MLAs, excluding the speaker, while the DMK-led opposition has 98 legislators.

Replying to a question on the National Eligibility-cumEntrance Test (NEET), Palaniswami said the state government had exerted "maximum pressure" on the Centre, seeking an exemption to Tamil Nadu from the ambit of the exam.

However, he added that the state had to comply with the Supreme Court directive in this regard.

The recent suicide of a 17-year-old medical aspirant, Anitha, who was believed to be upset over her poor NEET score and the state not getting an exemption from the common eligibility test, had triggered an outrage in Tamil Nadu. The daughter of a daily wage earner, Anitha was found hanging at her house in Ariyalur district on September 1.

On DMK working president M K Stalin's criticism about his government, Palaniswami said the opposition leader had been levelling allegations from day one and added that whatever he said was "incorrect".

COIMBATORE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today claimed his government enjoyed the support of "all the AIADMK MLAs" in the Assembly even as the legislators loyal to sidelined party deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran continued to stay put at a Puducherry resort. "There are 135 MLAs in the party, including the speaker, and the government has the support of all of them," he told reporters at the airport here, before leaving for Erode by road. Stating that 109 MLAs had attended the meeting convened by him in Chennai yesterday, Palaniswami said the other party legislators could not be there due to various reasons. But he asserted that his government had the support of all of them. His comments come a day after state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar claimed that 111 MLAs had attended the meet convened by the chief minister. According to reports, as many as 17 rebel AIADMK MLAs are currently lodged at a resort in neighbouring Puducherry. A group of 19 MLAs, loyal to Dhinakaran, had met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on August 22, expressed lack of confidence in the chief minister and demanded his ouster. This was a day after the merger of the AIADMK factions, led by Palaniswami and current deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam respectively. The strife in the ruling party prompted the opposition parties to allege that the Palaniswami government had lost the majority in the Assembly. They have been pressing for a floor test in the House. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, which has one seat vacant (R K Nagar, represented by late J Jayalalithaa), the AIADMK has 134 MLAs, excluding the speaker, while the DMK-led opposition has 98 legislators. Replying to a question on the National Eligibility-cumEntrance Test (NEET), Palaniswami said the state government had exerted "maximum pressure" on the Centre, seeking an exemption to Tamil Nadu from the ambit of the exam. However, he added that the state had to comply with the Supreme Court directive in this regard. The recent suicide of a 17-year-old medical aspirant, Anitha, who was believed to be upset over her poor NEET score and the state not getting an exemption from the common eligibility test, had triggered an outrage in Tamil Nadu. The daughter of a daily wage earner, Anitha was found hanging at her house in Ariyalur district on September 1. On DMK working president M K Stalin's criticism about his government, Palaniswami said the opposition leader had been levelling allegations from day one and added that whatever he said was "incorrect".
By Express News Service

VELLORE: Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-corruption (DVAC) sleuths seized forged documents that were used to allegedly swindle government funds to the tune of Rs 34 lakh after thorough searches at the houses of three government officials including former deputy director of medical services (tuberculosis) in the district, on Tuesday.

Sources said Raja Sivananthan served as deputy director of medical services (tuberculosis) in Vellore between 2012 and 2017. In 2011, as part of National Tuberculosis Control Programme, awareness programmes were held in Vellore, one of the three districts chosen for executing the project.

The State government had authorised to engage 19 workers to perform various levels of work for organising and conducting the awareness programme based on package pay, which were paid through bank cheques.

Later, somewhere in the end of 2012, Raja Sivanantham terminated the workers claiming that the Centre had called off the project due to fund constraints. However, between 2013 and 2015 the Health Department (tuberculosis) claimed the monthly salaries of 19 workers by producing fake bills. About Rs 34, 84,741 has been received by the department towards the salary of 19 workers, said DVAC sources.

Acting on a tip-off, DVAC officials began a secret inquiry into the allegations. Preliminary inquiry revealed that Sivanantham had colluded with the then office clerk Shreedhar and Ramesh, an office assistant to carry out the act. Currently, Shreedhar is working as typist at Vellore Court, while Ramesh is an office assistant at Agriculture department in Collectorate.

Subsequently, DVAC officials submitted a report to Health Department.On July 18, DVAC registered an FIR against Sivananthan and the two other accused. The searches were carried out at the houses of Sivananthan, Shreedhar, Ramesh and health department offices. The documents used for preparing forged bills and duplicate bill receipts have been seized from Shreedhars house, a DVAC officer added.

VELLORE: Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-corruption (DVAC) sleuths seized forged documents that were used to allegedly swindle government funds to the tune of Rs 34 lakh after thorough searches at the houses of three government officials including former deputy director of medical services (tuberculosis) in the district, on Tuesday. Sources said Raja Sivananthan served as deputy director of medical services (tuberculosis) in Vellore between 2012 and 2017. In 2011, as part of National Tuberculosis Control Programme, awareness programmes were held in Vellore, one of the three districts chosen for executing the project. The State government had authorised to engage 19 workers to perform various levels of work for organising and conducting the awareness programme based on package pay, which were paid through bank cheques. Later, somewhere in the end of 2012, Raja Sivanantham terminated the workers claiming that the Centre had called off the project due to fund constraints. However, between 2013 and 2015 the Health Department (tuberculosis) claimed the monthly salaries of 19 workers by producing fake bills. About Rs 34, 84,741 has been received by the department towards the salary of 19 workers, said DVAC sources. Acting on a tip-off, DVAC officials began a secret inquiry into the allegations. Preliminary inquiry revealed that Sivanantham had colluded with the then office clerk Shreedhar and Ramesh, an office assistant to carry out the act. Currently, Shreedhar is working as typist at Vellore Court, while Ramesh is an office assistant at Agriculture department in Collectorate. Subsequently, DVAC officials submitted a report to Health Department.On July 18, DVAC registered an FIR against Sivananthan and the two other accused. The searches were carried out at the houses of Sivananthan, Shreedhar, Ramesh and health department offices. The documents used for preparing forged bills and duplicate bill receipts have been seized from Shreedhars house, a DVAC officer added.
Issac James Manayath By

Express News Service

Kenneth Juster (54), US President Donald Trumps pick to replace Richard Verma as the US ambassador to India is no stranger to Indo-US relations. He is widely acclaimed as one of the key architects of Indo-US strategic relations. In fact, to some media commentators in Washington, he is the foremost authority on the subject. Therefore, his nomination to the key post comes as no surprise to many.

The Ken Juster touch

As soon as news of Justers nomination as the US ambassador to New Delhi broke, media houses in India came out with reports that hailed his contribution to Indo-US relations. But almost all of them lack finer details of his role in building the strategic partnership between the two countries in the years prior to the signing of the landmark Indo-US civilian nuclear deal in 2006.

Ken Juster, a Harvard graduate and a former US undersecretary of commerce, played a key role in transforming the Indo-US relationship in the post-Cold War era. During the Cold War, India and the US were on opposite sides of the table on most key issues. Even after the fall of the Soviet Union, relations between the two countries did not warm up immediately, thanks to the continued US support for Pakistan and the US perception of India as a Soviet client.

However, it was soon felt in Washington that a closer economic engagement with India, the largest democracy in the world, could open up new avenues for US businesses. New Delhi, on its part, felt the need for high-technology, the transfer of which had been banned due to US sanctions imposed in the wake of the 1998 nuclear tests by India.

The US soon began extending a hand to India. In 2002, the man it sent to New Delhi to proffer that handshake was Ken Juster, then the US undersecretary of commerce. Juster argued for closer ties, including in defence, which had not until then been an area in which the US engaged with India. Ever since he assumed charge as the undersecretary of commerce, Juster had been vying for stronger cooperation between Washington and New Delhi in the realm of hi-tech trade. That 2002 visit to New Delhi focussed largely on promoting high-tech trade between the two countries. A high point of the visit was the setting up of a High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG).

Political commentators of the time hailed it as a radical departure in US policy towards India and welcomed Washingtons desire to cooperate on sensitive areas. This is the first time ever when the USA, which had imposed harsh sanctions on India in the wake of Indias nuclear tests in May 1998, has agreed to take its cooperation with India to such sensitive areas as space and high technology, wrote Rajeev Sharma, a political commentator in the Tribune newspaper.

Ken Juster assumed the US chair of the HTCG, which over the next six years, starting from 2002, initiated several dialogues between India and US in areas such as nanotechnology and defence and strategic trade. One of the key aims of HTCG was to lift the export licence requirements on dual-use items, without which the scope of high-tech trade would have remained limited. Dual-use items refer to those that have both commercial as well as military application. Over the next few years, the licence requirement on a large number of dual-use items was done away with. In 2010, Juster noted that now only a fraction of dual-use trade with India now requires a licence.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the dialogues under HTCG led to easing of restrictions on the export of tech trade to India. As a result, tech export from the US to India grew five-fold between 2002 and 2008. Going by the MEA estimates, high-technology imports from the US grew from $1.6 billion to 8 billion during that period.

In 2003, Kenneth Juster also negotiated the Next Step in Strategic Partnership (NSSP), a diplomatic initiative to boost cooperation between India and the US in areas such as space and nuclear technology. The NSSP is grounded in the realisation that what unites us is stronger than what divides us. It acknowledges Indias role as a major power, while appreciating that it takes time to build a lasting strategic partnership. It sets up a process to create and build upon successes, while establishing habits of cooperation that extend deep into the governmental fabric of both countries, Juster wrote in a 2004 Wall Street Journal piece.

The NSSP was a prelude to the nuclear deal. In July 2005 MEA announced the successful completion of its first phase. The successful completion of this initiative clears the way for even greater engagement in a number of key areas in which cooperation has previously been limited or non-existent, an MEA statement read.

However, the man who tirelessly lobbied in Washington to promote high-tech trade with India did not shy away from expressing his opposition to trade tariffs and caps on foreign investments in sectors such as defence. Indias tariffs and taxes remain too high, its investment caps too restrictive, its customs procedures too complex, and its intellectual property rights protections less than full, he wrote in 2004.

Ever since, he has been persuading New Delhi to lift the 26 per cent cap on FDI in defence. India should consider raising its limit on foreign direct investment in the defense sector from the current 26 percent limit to 49 percent or more, he wrote in a working paper for the Centre for a New American Security, which he co-authored. Juster got his way when in 2016 the BJP-led government decided to do away with a cap on FDI in defence.

The sale of defense-related goods by US companies to India and collaboration on defense technology between US and Indian firms remain areas of significant opportunity for the U.S. government and the U.S. defense industry, Juster wrote in the working paper. He wrote that an expansion of defence trade with India would be beneficial for the US since it would enhance interoperability between the US and Indian militaries, while also providing a significant market for US defence hardware manufacturers at a time when the US defence budget was shrinking.

Sacked and sent to India?

While Ken Juster has a wealth of experience in Indo-US relations, there have been reports that said Juster was sacked from his White House role as deputy assistant on international economic affairs due to a feud with other Trump administration officials.

Juster reportedly had disagreements with others in the administration on policy matters. He is not going to be here (in Washington) long. The question is where will he go. The only reason hes not gone already is theyre trying to find him an alternate position, an official had told Politico.

Kenneth Juster (54), US President Donald Trumps pick to replace Richard Verma as the US ambassador to India is no stranger to Indo-US relations. He is widely acclaimed as one of the key architects of Indo-US strategic relations. In fact, to some media commentators in Washington, he is the foremost authority on the subject. Therefore, his nomination to the key post comes as no surprise to many. The Ken Juster touch As soon as news of Justers nomination as the US ambassador to New Delhi broke, media houses in India came out with reports that hailed his contribution to Indo-US relations. But almost all of them lack finer details of his role in building the strategic partnership between the two countries in the years prior to the signing of the landmark Indo-US civilian nuclear deal in 2006. Ken Juster, a Harvard graduate and a former US undersecretary of commerce, played a key role in transforming the Indo-US relationship in the post-Cold War era. During the Cold War, India and the US were on opposite sides of the table on most key issues. Even after the fall of the Soviet Union, relations between the two countries did not warm up immediately, thanks to the continued US support for Pakistan and the US perception of India as a Soviet client. However, it was soon felt in Washington that a closer economic engagement with India, the largest democracy in the world, could open up new avenues for US businesses. New Delhi, on its part, felt the need for high-technology, the transfer of which had been banned due to US sanctions imposed in the wake of the 1998 nuclear tests by India. The US soon began extending a hand to India. In 2002, the man it sent to New Delhi to proffer that handshake was Ken Juster, then the US undersecretary of commerce. Juster argued for closer ties, including in defence, which had not until then been an area in which the US engaged with India. Ever since he assumed charge as the undersecretary of commerce, Juster had been vying for stronger cooperation between Washington and New Delhi in the realm of hi-tech trade. That 2002 visit to New Delhi focussed largely on promoting high-tech trade between the two countries. A high point of the visit was the setting up of a High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG). Political commentators of the time hailed it as a radical departure in US policy towards India and welcomed Washingtons desire to cooperate on sensitive areas. This is the first time ever when the USA, which had imposed harsh sanctions on India in the wake of Indias nuclear tests in May 1998, has agreed to take its cooperation with India to such sensitive areas as space and high technology, wrote Rajeev Sharma, a political commentator in the Tribune newspaper. Ken Juster assumed the US chair of the HTCG, which over the next six years, starting from 2002, initiated several dialogues between India and US in areas such as nanotechnology and defence and strategic trade. One of the key aims of HTCG was to lift the export licence requirements on dual-use items, without which the scope of high-tech trade would have remained limited. Dual-use items refer to those that have both commercial as well as military application. Over the next few years, the licence requirement on a large number of dual-use items was done away with. In 2010, Juster noted that now only a fraction of dual-use trade with India now requires a licence. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the dialogues under HTCG led to easing of restrictions on the export of tech trade to India. As a result, tech export from the US to India grew five-fold between 2002 and 2008. Going by the MEA estimates, high-technology imports from the US grew from $1.6 billion to 8 billion during that period. In 2003, Kenneth Juster also negotiated the Next Step in Strategic Partnership (NSSP), a diplomatic initiative to boost cooperation between India and the US in areas such as space and nuclear technology. The NSSP is grounded in the realisation that what unites us is stronger than what divides us. It acknowledges Indias role as a major power, while appreciating that it takes time to build a lasting strategic partnership. It sets up a process to create and build upon successes, while establishing habits of cooperation that extend deep into the governmental fabric of both countries, Juster wrote in a 2004 Wall Street Journal piece. The NSSP was a prelude to the nuclear deal. In July 2005 MEA announced the successful completion of its first phase. The successful completion of this initiative clears the way for even greater engagement in a number of key areas in which cooperation has previously been limited or non-existent, an MEA statement read. However, the man who tirelessly lobbied in Washington to promote high-tech trade with India did not shy away from expressing his opposition to trade tariffs and caps on foreign investments in sectors such as defence. Indias tariffs and taxes remain too high, its investment caps too restrictive, its customs procedures too complex, and its intellectual property rights protections less than full, he wrote in 2004. Ever since, he has been persuading New Delhi to lift the 26 per cent cap on FDI in defence. India should consider raising its limit on foreign direct investment in the defense sector from the current 26 percent limit to 49 percent or more, he wrote in a working paper for the Centre for a New American Security, which he co-authored. Juster got his way when in 2016 the BJP-led government decided to do away with a cap on FDI in defence. The sale of defense-related goods by US companies to India and collaboration on defense technology between US and Indian firms remain areas of significant opportunity for the U.S. government and the U.S. defense industry, Juster wrote in the working paper. He wrote that an expansion of defence trade with India would be beneficial for the US since it would enhance interoperability between the US and Indian militaries, while also providing a significant market for US defence hardware manufacturers at a time when the US defence budget was shrinking. Sacked and sent to India? While Ken Juster has a wealth of experience in Indo-US relations, there have been reports that said Juster was sacked from his White House role as deputy assistant on international economic affairs due to a feud with other Trump administration officials. Juster reportedly had disagreements with others in the administration on policy matters. He is not going to be here (in Washington) long. The question is where will he go. The only reason hes not gone already is theyre trying to find him an alternate position, an official had told Politico.
By PTI

BEIJING: China today said it has invited Pakistan's Foreign Minister for talks, in an apparent move to assuage Islamabad's concerns after the BRICS countries for the first time named Pakistan-based terrorist groups like LeT and JeM in the grouping's declaration.

Foreign Minister Mohammed Asif will pay an official visit to China on September 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, he said.

"China and Pakistan are all weather strategic partners. The two sides have seen their relationship growing with a sound momentum, frequent high level exchanges and fruitful outcomes of political cooperation," he said.

Asif was supposed to travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this week to drum up support for Islamabad after US President Donald Trump warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues to support terror groups.

Asif's visit will be "another important event between the two sides which will further the cooperation consensus reached between the two leaders, deepen political cooperation centered on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and promote coordination and communication on international and regional affairs," he said.

India has protested over the USD 50-billion CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "Two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest," he said without mentioning the concerns in Pakistan over BRICS, (Brazil Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries naming Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Haqqani networks in their declaration.

The declaration of BRICS, of which China is a prominent member, had expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) active in China's Xinjiang and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, LeT, JeM, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

At the just concluded ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen, the BRICS leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever. They stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.

The naming of the JeM outfit in the declaration also sparked speculation whether China would continue to resist efforts by India to bring about a UN ban on its leader Masood Azhar.

China has blocked the resolutions tabled by India and later by the US, backed by the UK and France, in the UN by putting repeated technical holds.

Pakistan yesterday rejected the BRICS declaration, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil. China's endorsement of BRICS declaration, which is also seen as a significant diplomatic victory for India, was sharply criticised by a Chinese think-tank, saying that it would strain close relations between China and Pakistan.

"It is beyond my understanding how China agreed to this. I don't think it is good idea," Hu Shisheng, Director of the official China Institute of Contemporary International Relations told PTI. "This will irritate Pakistan. I don't think when the BRICS declaration is made, Pakistan is consulted. In the coming days Chinese diplomats have to explain to Pakistan. This is too costly to China. Pakistan will be very upset. After Trump denouncement of Pakistan, it is already feeling pressure. I feel a little strange," he said.

Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told state-run Global Times today that "stressing counter-terrorism shows that the BRICS summit, which started from business cooperation, has expanded its cooperation to a more comprehensive level".

"China is also a victim of terrorism and is firmly against any kind of terrorism, and that's the main reason that the organisations are named in the declaration," Hu said.

Song Zhongping, an expert on international relations, said that terrorism could impact the BRICS mechanism. "The organisations are already defined as terrorists by global society, and have threatened the security of the world and BRICS countries," Song said.

"The BRICS nations have named the organisations as the first step, and the next steps are to share information and build a security mechanism," Song added.

"In the future, sharing intelligence, building a drill mechanism and normalising these actions are the methods that the BRICS should refer to on counter-terrorism cooperation," Hu said.

BEIJING: China today said it has invited Pakistan's Foreign Minister for talks, in an apparent move to assuage Islamabad's concerns after the BRICS countries for the first time named Pakistan-based terrorist groups like LeT and JeM in the grouping's declaration. Foreign Minister Mohammed Asif will pay an official visit to China on September 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, he said. "China and Pakistan are all weather strategic partners. The two sides have seen their relationship growing with a sound momentum, frequent high level exchanges and fruitful outcomes of political cooperation," he said. Asif was supposed to travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this week to drum up support for Islamabad after US President Donald Trump warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues to support terror groups. Asif's visit will be "another important event between the two sides which will further the cooperation consensus reached between the two leaders, deepen political cooperation centered on the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and promote coordination and communication on international and regional affairs," he said. India has protested over the USD 50-billion CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). "Two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest," he said without mentioning the concerns in Pakistan over BRICS, (Brazil Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries naming Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Haqqani networks in their declaration. The declaration of BRICS, of which China is a prominent member, had expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) active in China's Xinjiang and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, LeT, JeM, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir. At the just concluded ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen, the BRICS leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever. They stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. The naming of the JeM outfit in the declaration also sparked speculation whether China would continue to resist efforts by India to bring about a UN ban on its leader Masood Azhar. China has blocked the resolutions tabled by India and later by the US, backed by the UK and France, in the UN by putting repeated technical holds. Pakistan yesterday rejected the BRICS declaration, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil. China's endorsement of BRICS declaration, which is also seen as a significant diplomatic victory for India, was sharply criticised by a Chinese think-tank, saying that it would strain close relations between China and Pakistan. "It is beyond my understanding how China agreed to this. I don't think it is good idea," Hu Shisheng, Director of the official China Institute of Contemporary International Relations told PTI. "This will irritate Pakistan. I don't think when the BRICS declaration is made, Pakistan is consulted. In the coming days Chinese diplomats have to explain to Pakistan. This is too costly to China. Pakistan will be very upset. After Trump denouncement of Pakistan, it is already feeling pressure. I feel a little strange," he said. Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told state-run Global Times today that "stressing counter-terrorism shows that the BRICS summit, which started from business cooperation, has expanded its cooperation to a more comprehensive level". "China is also a victim of terrorism and is firmly against any kind of terrorism, and that's the main reason that the organisations are named in the declaration," Hu said. Song Zhongping, an expert on international relations, said that terrorism could impact the BRICS mechanism. "The organisations are already defined as terrorists by global society, and have threatened the security of the world and BRICS countries," Song said. "The BRICS nations have named the organisations as the first step, and the next steps are to share information and build a security mechanism," Song added. "In the future, sharing intelligence, building a drill mechanism and normalising these actions are the methods that the BRICS should refer to on counter-terrorism cooperation," Hu said.
By AFP

WARSAW: Exiled former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili said he was determined to return to Ukraine on Sunday, despite Tbilisi's request that Kiev detain and extradite him, amid his feud with the Ukrainian leader.

Saakashvili, 49, is credited with pushing through pro-Western reforms in his native Georgia which he led from 2004 to 2013.

But he is currently wanted in his homeland for alleged abuse of power during his tumultuous nine years as president that saw him fight and lose a brief war against Russia in 2008.

He left in disgrace for Ukraine in 2015 to work for the country's pro-Western authorities as governor of the key Odessa region on the Black Sea.

But he quit in November 2016 amid a dramatic falling out with President Petro Poroshenko, who stripped him of his Ukrainian citizenship while he was out of the country.

Saakashvili wants to return to challenge that decision and to resume his political action.

"Every step taken against me in Georgia and in Ukraine was illegal. And I have people on my side, both in Ukraine and Georgia," he told AFP late Tuesday in a telephone interview.

He says Georgia's extradition request was driven by "oligarchs" who fear his presence in Ukraine, where he fought against corruption, and claims Tbilisi's accusations of "abuse of power" are politically motivated.

But he considers "the law is on my side" in both countries and wishes to defend himself against extradition in the Ukrainian courts.

"Now they are directly menacing to deport me to Georgia. But even for that, for me to be extradited, I need to be in Ukraine, physically. I need to be allowed in Ukraine, I need to go through judicial procedures in Ukraine," he said.

"I am a Ukrainian patriot because I spent many years of my life in Ukraine," he said.

"I have a political party which I am heading in Ukraine... I have obligations towards people who joined my party, who support me.

Saakashvili lost his Georgian citizenship when he was granted a Ukrainian passport in 2015, as the country bans dual citizenship, and so now is effectively stateless.

"For me, Ukraine is not a finished business, we need to fight and finish reforms there. That's why I am so motivated to go back," he said, explaining why he refuses to take citizenship of another European country.

Saakashvili said he expects to be greeted at the border by "dozens of Ukrainian MPs, by many thousands of our supporters".

He said he was not afraid of being "kidnapped" when he arrives and sent to Georgia but "it would be a gross criminal act ordered by the president".

On Wednesday he heads to Brussels to meet European parliamentarians and said the "silence of the European Commission is not helpful".

He said he plans to enter Ukraine by road from Poland on Sunday.

WARSAW: Exiled former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili said he was determined to return to Ukraine on Sunday, despite Tbilisi's request that Kiev detain and extradite him, amid his feud with the Ukrainian leader. Saakashvili, 49, is credited with pushing through pro-Western reforms in his native Georgia which he led from 2004 to 2013. But he is currently wanted in his homeland for alleged abuse of power during his tumultuous nine years as president that saw him fight and lose a brief war against Russia in 2008. He left in disgrace for Ukraine in 2015 to work for the country's pro-Western authorities as governor of the key Odessa region on the Black Sea. But he quit in November 2016 amid a dramatic falling out with President Petro Poroshenko, who stripped him of his Ukrainian citizenship while he was out of the country. Saakashvili wants to return to challenge that decision and to resume his political action. "Every step taken against me in Georgia and in Ukraine was illegal. And I have people on my side, both in Ukraine and Georgia," he told AFP late Tuesday in a telephone interview. He says Georgia's extradition request was driven by "oligarchs" who fear his presence in Ukraine, where he fought against corruption, and claims Tbilisi's accusations of "abuse of power" are politically motivated. But he considers "the law is on my side" in both countries and wishes to defend himself against extradition in the Ukrainian courts. "Now they are directly menacing to deport me to Georgia. But even for that, for me to be extradited, I need to be in Ukraine, physically. I need to be allowed in Ukraine, I need to go through judicial procedures in Ukraine," he said. "I am a Ukrainian patriot because I spent many years of my life in Ukraine," he said. "I have a political party which I am heading in Ukraine... I have obligations towards people who joined my party, who support me. Saakashvili lost his Georgian citizenship when he was granted a Ukrainian passport in 2015, as the country bans dual citizenship, and so now is effectively stateless. "For me, Ukraine is not a finished business, we need to fight and finish reforms there. That's why I am so motivated to go back," he said, explaining why he refuses to take citizenship of another European country. Saakashvili said he expects to be greeted at the border by "dozens of Ukrainian MPs, by many thousands of our supporters". He said he was not afraid of being "kidnapped" when he arrives and sent to Georgia but "it would be a gross criminal act ordered by the president". On Wednesday he heads to Brussels to meet European parliamentarians and said the "silence of the European Commission is not helpful". He said he plans to enter Ukraine by road from Poland on Sunday.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: Five Indian-Americans, including four women, have figured in the 2017 Politico 50 list for their note-worthy contributions in the US politics.

Led by US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, the list also comprises Seema Verma who heads a top health care position in the Trump administration, lawyer Neal Katyal, economist Aparna Mathur and lawyer Neomi Rao.

Describing Haley as "Trump's foreign policy good cop", the magazine said yesterday that the former South Carolina governor had quickly emerged as the security blanket that Republicans and even some Democrats can cling to when trying to grasp where the Trump administration stands on global affairs.

She is ranked at number 22.

"Haley's commitment to both her boss in the White House and a traditional foreign policy can sometimes induce cognitive dissonance. She is focused on human rights, sounding off on everything from Venezuela to South Sudan, but dismisses suggestions that Trump  who seems indifferent to the topic  doesn't care," the magazine said in its report.

Haley, 45, is followed by Verma at 26th spot as Administrator, center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

She has been described as Medicaid rollback engineer.

"Now Verma leads a 6,500-person federal bureaucracy that oversees not just Obamacare but Medicare for seniors and Medicaid for the poor. She has promised more flexibility for states to experiment with new Medicaid approaches that would let them skirt federal requirements, and signalled a willingness to green-light policy ideas she helped shepherd in Indiana," the report said.

Under Verma's oversight, Medicaid could look quite different, whether or not Obamacare remains the law of the land, it said.

Aparna Mathur, an economist at the American

Enterprise Institute, is ranked 32 for making the conservative case for family leave.

Neal Katyal, partner at Hogan Lovells is ranked 40 for being US President Donald Trump's travel ban's legal nemesis.

"Katyal, the 47-year-old Chicago-born son of Indian immigrants, has drawn particular attention for arguing that Trump's order runs afoul of immigration laws on the books that determine whom the president can exclude from the country and how visas are issued," the report said.

"That approach gives judges a chance to block the ban without wading into the politically explosive question of Trump's motivation and whether the president aimed to discriminate on the basis of religion," it said.

Neomi Rao, director office of Information and regulatory affairs has been described as Washington's new regulatory czar.

She has been ranked at 42nd position.

"As head of OIRA, Rao will scrutinise all significant regulations the Trump administration proposes, ensuring that agencies stick to the White House's agenda. She is also responsible for implementing Trump's executive orders directing agencies to repeal two regulations for each significant one they issue, and to draw up plans for regulatory reform," the report said.

The list is topped by Steve Bannon, the former White House Chief Strategist and concludes with Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON: Five Indian-Americans, including four women, have figured in the 2017 Politico 50 list for their note-worthy contributions in the US politics. Led by US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, the list also comprises Seema Verma who heads a top health care position in the Trump administration, lawyer Neal Katyal, economist Aparna Mathur and lawyer Neomi Rao. Describing Haley as "Trump's foreign policy good cop", the magazine said yesterday that the former South Carolina governor had quickly emerged as the security blanket that Republicans and even some Democrats can cling to when trying to grasp where the Trump administration stands on global affairs. She is ranked at number 22. "Haley's commitment to both her boss in the White House and a traditional foreign policy can sometimes induce cognitive dissonance. She is focused on human rights, sounding off on everything from Venezuela to South Sudan, but dismisses suggestions that Trump  who seems indifferent to the topic  doesn't care," the magazine said in its report. Haley, 45, is followed by Verma at 26th spot as Administrator, center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She has been described as Medicaid rollback engineer. "Now Verma leads a 6,500-person federal bureaucracy that oversees not just Obamacare but Medicare for seniors and Medicaid for the poor. She has promised more flexibility for states to experiment with new Medicaid approaches that would let them skirt federal requirements, and signalled a willingness to green-light policy ideas she helped shepherd in Indiana," the report said. Under Verma's oversight, Medicaid could look quite different, whether or not Obamacare remains the law of the land, it said. Aparna Mathur, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, is ranked 32 for making the conservative case for family leave. Neal Katyal, partner at Hogan Lovells is ranked 40 for being US President Donald Trump's travel ban's legal nemesis. "Katyal, the 47-year-old Chicago-born son of Indian immigrants, has drawn particular attention for arguing that Trump's order runs afoul of immigration laws on the books that determine whom the president can exclude from the country and how visas are issued," the report said. "That approach gives judges a chance to block the ban without wading into the politically explosive question of Trump's motivation and whether the president aimed to discriminate on the basis of religion," it said. Neomi Rao, director office of Information and regulatory affairs has been described as Washington's new regulatory czar. She has been ranked at 42nd position. "As head of OIRA, Rao will scrutinise all significant regulations the Trump administration proposes, ensuring that agencies stick to the White House's agenda. She is also responsible for implementing Trump's executive orders directing agencies to repeal two regulations for each significant one they issue, and to draw up plans for regulatory reform," the report said. The list is topped by Steve Bannon, the former White House Chief Strategist and concludes with Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives.
By AFP

BEIRUT: Human Rights Watch in a report released on Wednesday accused Egyptian security services of widespread torture of detainees in a probable "crime against humanity".

The New York-based rights group said security services in the North African country used torture as a "systematic practice" against suspected opponents of the government.

Rights groups have regularly accused Egyptian security services of practising torture, something the interior ministry has denied.

The government has acknowledged there have been "individual" cases of torture, and several policemen have been tried and sentenced for violent deaths in detention in recent years.

"Human Rights Watch believes the torture epidemic in Egypt likely constitutes a crime against humanity, due to its widespread and systematic practice across Egypt," the group said in the report.

It said it had interviewed 19 former detainees who detailed the methods of torture, which include electrocution.

Police also handcuffed suspects and suspended them by their arms.

In another "position, called the 'chicken' or 'grill', officers placed a stick or bar behind the suspects' knees, wrapped their arms around the bar from the other side so that the bar laid between the crook of their elbows and the back of their knees, and tied their hands together above their shins to secure them in the position," the report said.

The bar was then lifted, placing the suspects in a position "resembling a chicken on a rotisserie spit".

The report quoted a former detainee alleging police "repeatedly raped" him with a stick.

Police abuses fuelled a 2011 uprising that unseated veteran autocrat Hosni Mubarak and ushered in years of political instability.

In 2013, then army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi overthrew Mubarak's unpopular Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi, unleashing a bloody crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood movement.

Jihadists have since launched a deadly insurgency that has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers.

Sisi, elected president in 2014, asked the police to crack down on abuses after a spate of violent deaths in prison and police shootings that sparked protests.

In February last year, a court sentenced a policeman to eight years in prison for beating to death a veterinary surgeon in custody in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya.

In December 2015, a court in the Nile delta city of Tanta sentenced two policemen in absentia to life in jail for killing a man in custody.

The same month, a court sentenced two secret policemen to five years in prison for beating to death an imprisoned lawyer in a Cairo police station.

In its report, HRW recommended Sisi task the justice ministry with appointing a special prosecutor to investigate complaints of abuse and prosecute them.

"Failing a serious effort by the Sisi administration to confront the torture epidemic, we urge UN member states to investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute in their own courts Egyptian security officers and other officials accused of committing torture or allowing it to occur, under the principle of universal jurisdiction," the report said.

BEIRUT: Human Rights Watch in a report released on Wednesday accused Egyptian security services of widespread torture of detainees in a probable "crime against humanity". The New York-based rights group said security services in the North African country used torture as a "systematic practice" against suspected opponents of the government. Rights groups have regularly accused Egyptian security services of practising torture, something the interior ministry has denied. The government has acknowledged there have been "individual" cases of torture, and several policemen have been tried and sentenced for violent deaths in detention in recent years. "Human Rights Watch believes the torture epidemic in Egypt likely constitutes a crime against humanity, due to its widespread and systematic practice across Egypt," the group said in the report. It said it had interviewed 19 former detainees who detailed the methods of torture, which include electrocution. Police also handcuffed suspects and suspended them by their arms. In another "position, called the 'chicken' or 'grill', officers placed a stick or bar behind the suspects' knees, wrapped their arms around the bar from the other side so that the bar laid between the crook of their elbows and the back of their knees, and tied their hands together above their shins to secure them in the position," the report said. The bar was then lifted, placing the suspects in a position "resembling a chicken on a rotisserie spit". The report quoted a former detainee alleging police "repeatedly raped" him with a stick. Police abuses fuelled a 2011 uprising that unseated veteran autocrat Hosni Mubarak and ushered in years of political instability. In 2013, then army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi overthrew Mubarak's unpopular Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi, unleashing a bloody crackdown on his Muslim Brotherhood movement. Jihadists have since launched a deadly insurgency that has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers. Sisi, elected president in 2014, asked the police to crack down on abuses after a spate of violent deaths in prison and police shootings that sparked protests. In February last year, a court sentenced a policeman to eight years in prison for beating to death a veterinary surgeon in custody in the Suez Canal city of Ismailiya. In December 2015, a court in the Nile delta city of Tanta sentenced two policemen in absentia to life in jail for killing a man in custody. The same month, a court sentenced two secret policemen to five years in prison for beating to death an imprisoned lawyer in a Cairo police station. In its report, HRW recommended Sisi task the justice ministry with appointing a special prosecutor to investigate complaints of abuse and prosecute them. "Failing a serious effort by the Sisi administration to confront the torture epidemic, we urge UN member states to investigate and, if appropriate, prosecute in their own courts Egyptian security officers and other officials accused of committing torture or allowing it to occur, under the principle of universal jurisdiction," the report said.
By Associated Press

SEOUL: While condemning North Korea over its latest nuclear test, the leaders of Russia and South Korea seemed far apart on the issue of stepping up sanctions against the country after a meeting on Wednesday in the Russian port city of Vladivostok.

Speaking after the meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for talks with North Korea, saying sanctions are not a solution to the country's nuclear and missile development.

Moon had urged Moscow to support stronger sanctions against North Korea, which conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday in what it claimed was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

"We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner," Putin said in a news conference after the meeting, held on the sidelines of a conference on economic development of Russia's Far East. "As never before everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions."

Moon said the leaders agreed that reducing regional tension and "quickly solving" the security challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile program were critical. Ahead of his meeting with Putin, Moon said the situation could get out of hand if North Korea's missile and nuclear tests aren't stopped.

Moon urged Russia to back stronger sanctions including the cutting off oil supplies, but Putin expressed concern that such moves would hurt regular North Koreans, said Yoon Young-chan, Moon's chief press secretary.

"Myself and President Putin share a view that North Korea has gone the wrong way with its nuclear and missile program and that easing tension on the Korean Peninsula is an urgent issue," Moon said during the news conference. He complimented Putin and the Russian government over what he said were a variety of efforts to find diplomatic solutions to the North Korean problem.

In a telephone conversation with Putin on Monday before his trip to Russia, Moon also called for a ban on overseas North Korean workers, who are seen as a key foreign currency source for the North. Putin told Moon that the North Korean problem should be solved diplomatically, according to Seoul's presidential office.

Moon, a liberal who took office in May, had initially showed a preference for a diplomatic approach on North Korea, but his government has since taken a harder stance as the North continued its torrid pace in weapons tests. In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS on Tuesday, Moon said he believes now is not the time for talks and that it is important for the international community to strengthen pressure against North Korea.

Seoul's Defense Ministry on Wednesday said the U.S. military will begin adding more launchers to a contentious high-tech U.S. missile defense system in South Korea on Thursday to better cope with North Korean threats. The deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system has angered not only North Korea, but also China and Russia, which see the system's powerful radars as a security threat.

A THAAD battery normally consists of six launchers that can fire up to 48 interceptor missiles, but only two launchers have been operational so far at the site in rural Seongju.

Putin, speaking in China on Tuesday, condemned North Korea's nuclear test as provocative, but said Russia views sanctions as "useless and ineffective."

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will meet Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday, said before his departure from Japan that "we must make North Korea understand there is no bright future for the country if it pursues the current path."

Moon and Abe are also expected to meet in Vladivostok on Thursday.

SEOUL: While condemning North Korea over its latest nuclear test, the leaders of Russia and South Korea seemed far apart on the issue of stepping up sanctions against the country after a meeting on Wednesday in the Russian port city of Vladivostok. Speaking after the meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Russian President Vladimir Putin called for talks with North Korea, saying sanctions are not a solution to the country's nuclear and missile development. Moon had urged Moscow to support stronger sanctions against North Korea, which conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday in what it claimed was a detonation of a thermonuclear weapon built for missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland. "We should not give in to emotions and push Pyongyang into a corner," Putin said in a news conference after the meeting, held on the sidelines of a conference on economic development of Russia's Far East. "As never before everyone should show restraint and refrain from steps leading to escalation and tensions." Moon said the leaders agreed that reducing regional tension and "quickly solving" the security challenges posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile program were critical. Ahead of his meeting with Putin, Moon said the situation could get out of hand if North Korea's missile and nuclear tests aren't stopped. Moon urged Russia to back stronger sanctions including the cutting off oil supplies, but Putin expressed concern that such moves would hurt regular North Koreans, said Yoon Young-chan, Moon's chief press secretary. "Myself and President Putin share a view that North Korea has gone the wrong way with its nuclear and missile program and that easing tension on the Korean Peninsula is an urgent issue," Moon said during the news conference. He complimented Putin and the Russian government over what he said were a variety of efforts to find diplomatic solutions to the North Korean problem. In a telephone conversation with Putin on Monday before his trip to Russia, Moon also called for a ban on overseas North Korean workers, who are seen as a key foreign currency source for the North. Putin told Moon that the North Korean problem should be solved diplomatically, according to Seoul's presidential office. Moon, a liberal who took office in May, had initially showed a preference for a diplomatic approach on North Korea, but his government has since taken a harder stance as the North continued its torrid pace in weapons tests. In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS on Tuesday, Moon said he believes now is not the time for talks and that it is important for the international community to strengthen pressure against North Korea. Seoul's Defense Ministry on Wednesday said the U.S. military will begin adding more launchers to a contentious high-tech U.S. missile defense system in South Korea on Thursday to better cope with North Korean threats. The deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system has angered not only North Korea, but also China and Russia, which see the system's powerful radars as a security threat. A THAAD battery normally consists of six launchers that can fire up to 48 interceptor missiles, but only two launchers have been operational so far at the site in rural Seongju. Putin, speaking in China on Tuesday, condemned North Korea's nuclear test as provocative, but said Russia views sanctions as "useless and ineffective." Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will meet Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday, said before his departure from Japan that "we must make North Korea understand there is no bright future for the country if it pursues the current path." Moon and Abe are also expected to meet in Vladivostok on Thursday.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: The US today braced for a new record-breaking hurricane that could have potentially catastrophic impact on its coast in Florida, a week after hurricane Harvey devastated major parts of Texas impacting millions of people. US National Hurricane Center said the category 5 hurricane Irma is expected to landfall in Florida this weekend. It swept the Caribbean Islands today and is expected to pass through Puerto Rico later in the day. "A new and it seems to be record-breaking hurricane heading right toward Florida, Puerto Rico, and other places. We'll see what happens," US President Donald Trump told reporters in his Oval Office during a meeting with Congressional leadership.

According to an estimate by Barclay's, the potential damage due to Hurricane Irma could be to the tune of USD 130 billion. The hurricane is expected to impact millions of Floridians, including thousands of Indian-Americans who live in the State. Florida has a vibrant Indian-American population. "Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!" Trump said in a tweet. "Watching Hurricane closely. My team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida. No rest for the weary! said the US President in another tweet. Trump has approved emergency declaration in the State of Florida, the territory of UD Virgin Island and Puerto Rico. He ordered Federal assistance to supplement the response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Irma.

Florida State Governor Rick Scott said it is developing as a devastating major storm. "The Florida Keys should be prepared to start feeling the effects of this storm as early as Saturday. Storm surge and extreme winds are the biggest concern right now. This storm is bigger, faster and stronger than Hurricane Andrew," he told reporters. A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for people living in Florida Keys. "We are preparing for Irma to direct impact our state. And while it is still too early to tell exactly where the storm will hit, it is incredibly important that all Floridians keep a close eye on this incredibly dangerous storm. Do not sit and wait for this storm to come. It is extremely dangerous and deadly and will cause devastation. Get prepared right now," he said.

Meanwhile, the Department of State issued a travel warning for its citizens traveling to Cuba, due to Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that is projected to impact Cuba. "This storm may bring significant rainfall and wind that may result in life-threatening flooding, flash flooding, mudslides, and storm surge. Disruptions to travel and services are likely throughout the country," the State Department said.

WASHINGTON: The US today braced for a new record-breaking hurricane that could have potentially catastrophic impact on its coast in Florida, a week after hurricane Harvey devastated major parts of Texas impacting millions of people. US National Hurricane Center said the category 5 hurricane Irma is expected to landfall in Florida this weekend. It swept the Caribbean Islands today and is expected to pass through Puerto Rico later in the day. "A new and it seems to be record-breaking hurricane heading right toward Florida, Puerto Rico, and other places. We'll see what happens," US President Donald Trump told reporters in his Oval Office during a meeting with Congressional leadership. According to an estimate by Barclay's, the potential damage due to Hurricane Irma could be to the tune of USD 130 billion. The hurricane is expected to impact millions of Floridians, including thousands of Indian-Americans who live in the State. Florida has a vibrant Indian-American population. "Hurricane looks like largest ever recorded in the Atlantic!" Trump said in a tweet. "Watching Hurricane closely. My team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida. No rest for the weary! said the US President in another tweet. Trump has approved emergency declaration in the State of Florida, the territory of UD Virgin Island and Puerto Rico. He ordered Federal assistance to supplement the response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Irma. Florida State Governor Rick Scott said it is developing as a devastating major storm. "The Florida Keys should be prepared to start feeling the effects of this storm as early as Saturday. Storm surge and extreme winds are the biggest concern right now. This storm is bigger, faster and stronger than Hurricane Andrew," he told reporters. A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for people living in Florida Keys. "We are preparing for Irma to direct impact our state. And while it is still too early to tell exactly where the storm will hit, it is incredibly important that all Floridians keep a close eye on this incredibly dangerous storm. Do not sit and wait for this storm to come. It is extremely dangerous and deadly and will cause devastation. Get prepared right now," he said. Meanwhile, the Department of State issued a travel warning for its citizens traveling to Cuba, due to Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm that is projected to impact Cuba. "This storm may bring significant rainfall and wind that may result in life-threatening flooding, flash flooding, mudslides, and storm surge. Disruptions to travel and services are likely throughout the country," the State Department said.
Portsmouth, Middletown headed to Super Bowls. How they did it.

While Portsmouth and Middletown will play for championships, Rogers will be left out following semifinal loss.
One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021
Reporter/Columnist

Julie Wurth is a reporter covering the University of Illinois at The News-Gazette. Her email is jwurth@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@jawurth).
Deputies rescue woman, 1-year-old child, held hostage in Riverview home https://t.co/V8MU4PQqQY via @wfla  Larry McKinnon  (@LarryMcHCSO) September 3, 2017

In a bizarre case of domestic abuse, Florida police rescued a woman from her abusive in-laws who reportedly flew all the way from Punjab, India to assist their son to "counsel and discipline" his wife.This allegedly involved confiscating her phone, beating, and holding a knife to her throat, RT reported According to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Silky Gaind, 33, who was being abused by her in-laws and husband Devbir called her parents in India who then alerted the authorities.Police said Gaind was being held in the Riverview home by her husband, Devbir Kalsi, 33, and his parents, Jasbir, 67, and Bhupinder Kalsi, 61, who traveled 13,000km from India to help their son counsel and discipline his wife for being disobedient after he asked for their assistance, the Fox 13 reported When the authorities arrived at the home on Saturday morning and knocked on the door, no one initially came to the door. A deputy continued to knock and, eventually, Silky attempted to open the door and screamed for the deputy to save her and her year-old baby, Fox 13 added The deputy said he had to force his way in as Devbir Kalsi tried to force the door shut. Kalsi and his parents were all arrested.At a court hearing on Sunday, Silky said that her husband had left her in fear for her life."I am so scared because last night he was telling me he was going to kill me if I call the police. He would kill me to death, you know? He told me it would take 10 minutes for police to come and before that he would kill me and then kill himself," she said, as reported by Bay News 9 The son and dad duo may face charges of false imprisonment, child abuse and denying access to 911, according to the Tampa Bay Times.Devbir Kalsi also could face felony battery charges, and Jasbir Kalsi was accused of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, Tampa Bay Times added.The mother-in-law, Bhupinder Kalsi was charged with battery domestic violence and failure to report child abuse, according to BBC
The frosty winds have transcended the fabled world of Westeros. While Jaime Lannister has left his sisters side for good  what with all the spite and stealthy planning to defeat the Northern forces as opposed to allying with them  winter has made its way South. But closer home, Rashi Goil is too occupied to chill.

Somewhere in Noida, the fourth-generation overseer and partner at RS Windlass, stands next to Jon Snow (aka Aegon Targaryen)s illustrious wintry kit. The oversized cape rests on the 998th Lord Commanders ensemble that looks battle-ready to take on the White Walkers, wights and the wildlings. The prominent Valyrian steel sword Longclaw  with a white wolf at its pommel  props loyally. Next to it, beloved Ned Starks leather doublet stands on display.

Perfectly nuanced and intricate, these famed costumes are manufactured in the garment factory of RS Windlass and Sons. On a windy afternoon, we catch up with Goil, who takes us on a tour of the Live Action Role Play (LARP) unit that attained landslide recognition for manufacturing the official merchandise and licensed replica for the globally-acclaimed show Game of Thrones (GoT)  besides having collaborated with other major Hollywood productions and film franchises like the Harry Potter series, the Star Wars trilogy and the 300 films, to name a few.
New Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Monday cautioned that China is silently taking over territory and testing India's threshold, and warned of a two-front war on the western and northern borders. The statement comes barely a week after India and China managed to disengage their border personnel at Doklam and ended one of their longest military face-offs.



"Salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, testing our limits of threshold is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations emerging which could gradually emerge into conflict...," Gen. Rawat said about China at a seminar organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies.



"Salami slicing" refers to a string of small, clandestine operations meant to achieve a larger goal that would be difficult to accomplish in one go.



Troops of the two countries had been locked in a standoff in Doklam since June 16 after Indian troops stopped the Chinese Army from building a road in the disputed area. India had deployed about 350 Army personnel in the area.



"Whether these conflicts will be confined or limited in space and time or whether these can expand into an all-out war along the entire front (remains to be seen)...with the western adversary taking advantage of the situation developing along the northern border is very much likely," Rawat said.



The army chief said that there was no denying that India has to stay prepared for conflict on its northern and western borders.



On Pakistan, Gen. Rawat asked as to how long the country will continue to bear the proxy war and said, Because of the proxy war there is always scope for conflict with our Western neighbour.



At the just concluded BRICS summit, Chinese President Xi stressed to PM Modi that it's important for relations between the two countries to get on "the right track." Xi also mentioned Jawahar Lal Nehru's Panchsheel treaty, saying that China was prepared to work with India to seek guidance from five principles of Panchsheel.
New Delhi: US President Donald Trumps latest move in rolling back pro-immigration policy in America was rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This puts more than 20,000 Indian-Americans at risk of immediate deportation, placing India in the top ten countries for DACA eligibility.



Over 27,000 Asian Americans, including 5,500 Indians and Pakistanis, have already received DACA. An additional estimated 17,000 individuals from India and 6,000 Pakistan respectively are eligible for DACA, the South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) said in a statement.



US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the destructive change, citing DACAs executive overreach as the main source of critique, reflecting this administrations amnesia and its unconstitutional actions to date, not the least of which include the Muslim Ban.



SAALT said that the Presidents decision to terminate DACA puts 800,000 individuals at risk of deportation from the only country theyve ever called home.



But just what is DACA? News18 brings you this explainer, put together from the digital news site Vox.



DACA was an attempt to guarantee protection from deportation for some low-priority immigrants. DACA was designed to help a generation of immigrants known as DREAMers, after the DREAM Act, a recurring proposal to allow unauthorised immigrants who grew up in the US to gain legal status and eventually apply for citizenship.



The DREAM Act has been bouncing around Congress since 2001 (many of the immigrants who would have been helped by it then are too old even to be eligible for DACA today), but the most serious attempt to pass it came in December 2010, when it passed the House but failed to get the 60 votes needed in the Senate.



At the time, President Obama claimed that the immigrants who would be eligible for legalisation under the DREAM Act werent being deported anyway, since his administration was targeting high-priority immigrants (like those with criminal records) rather than low-priority immigrants whod lived quietly in the US for years.



But federal immigration agents were still deporting low-priority immigrants, including DREAMers  Obamas words were proven empty by his administrations deeds. So in summer 2012, rather than relying on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to passively protect immigrants by declining to deport them, the administration decided to allow DREAMers to apply proactively for protection from deportation themselves.



DACA used a pretty standard executive power in an untraditional way



DACA wasnt a legalisation program  technically speaking, immigrants who are DACAmented are lawfully present in the US, but dont have legal status. Its an important policy distinction. Having DACA doesnt give immigrants any path to becoming legal permanent residents or citizens.

Still, being lawfully present means that theyre able to get drivers licences even in states that dont usually allow unauthorized immigrants to drive legally.



But its also a reflection of the line between the powers the executive branch has on immigration and the powers reserved for Congress.



The executive branch cant legalise anybody. But its fairly for presidents to allow certain groups of immigrants to apply for temporary relief and grant those requests on a case-by-case basis. (In 2005, for example, the George W Bush administration allowed foreign students affected by Hurricane Katrina to apply for deferred action; in 2009, the Obama administration granted deferred action to widows and widowers of US citizens and their children.)



How DACA became controversial



In November 2014, President Obama announced he was building on DACA with new executive actions to protect groups of immigrants. He proposed loosening DACAs age restrictions, so that people whod arrived in the US as older teenagers or who had been too old to qualify for DACA in 2012 could apply for protection. And he announced a similar, but much larger, program called Deferred Action for Parents of Americans  which would give the same protections as DACA to immigrants whose children were US citizens or permanent residents.



The new executive actions would expand the pool of unauthorised immigrants eligible for protection to 4.5 million  nearly half of the unauthorised population of the US. And Republicans were not pleased. A group of Republican state officials, led by the government of Texas, proceeded to sue to stop the expansion of DACA and the new DAPA program from going into effect  and succeeded. (The Supreme Court ultimately deadlocked on the issue in 2016, allowing the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision keeping the executive actions on hold to stand.)



Initially, the Republicans suing to stop the new executive actions were clear that they werent trying to topple the existing DACA program. But over the course of the suit, it became hard to tell where criticisms of DAPA ended and criticisms of DACA began. Critics alleged that despite the Obama administrations claims, DACA wasnt really a case-by-case program, because anyone who met the stated criteria was getting approved. (Immigration lawyers have presented evidence that this wasnt true, but the Obama administration never really denied the claim.) That made it a categorical grant of relief, and therefore a violation of executive authority.



Meanwhile, the Republican Party had nominated a presidential candidate whose signature issue during the primary had been a hard line on immigration  and who promised, routinely, to reverse all of Obamas unconstitutional executive orders in his first 100 days in office. To immigration hawks, this was a clear reference to DACA. There was every reason, when Trump was elected, to believe that its demise was imminent.
Jamshedpur: Around 8,000 workers of Tata Motors halted production at its Jamshedpur plant alleging non-fulfilment of pay grade revision, which was promised to them on July 31.



The workers alleged that the salaries, which were credited into workers accounts after office hours on Tuesday, were less than what promised by the management.



Telco Workers Union president Amlesh told News18 that the management should have given fitment letter to the workers before disbursal of salaries.



"Adhering to precedence the management should have sent letters to the workers which could have clarified salary increments. But it was not done and now workers are finding their salaries less than what was promised. So they started agitating when their shift was to start on Wednesday," said Amlesh.



The workers allege that their Dearance Allowance (DA) has been decreased and Basic salary was not increased to what they were expecting.



Another reason for agitation is non-regularisation of services. Every year, Tata Motors selects a certain number of casual workers for elevating in regular payroll scales which, as the union claiming, was not done this year.



Meanwhile, the company is claiming that production is not being affected. The production work is going on. A section of temporary workers instigated by some vested interests are staging a protest seeking additional clarity on the pay hike, said a Tata Motors spokesperson.



Earlier on July 31, Tata Motors Limited signed a Memorandum of Settlement for the grade revision in the presence of Deputy Labour Commissioner Rakesh Prasad. It was signed by Tata Motors plant head AB Lall, among others.



There are around 10,000 workers in Jamshedpur plant out of which 5,000, although irregular workers, are considered crucial to running the plant.
The Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. The BJP has demanded a CBI probe, saying the Congress-led state government may not be able to handle the investigation. The Congress, meanwhile, has blamed the RSS ideology, accusing it of trying to crush the voice of dissent. Bengaluru Police, meanwhile, have secured the CCTV footage from Lankeshs residence which now holds the key to the killers identity.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday. The two sides touched upon several issues, including the unrest in Rakhine state. PM Modi announces gratis (free of charge) visas for Myanmar and promised to release 40 Myanmarese citizens, lodged in Indian jails. Indias democratic experience is relevant to Myanmar. As neighbours, our interests are similar in the area of security. Its necessary for us to work together towards the security of our land and maritime border, he said.

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Lucknow: Multiple snags ruined the maiden run of the Lucknow Metro on Wednesday morning with hundreds of panicked passengers evacuated from stalled trains near Mawaiyya and Alambagh stations.

The train near Mawaiyya halted for nearly half an hour near a sharp 40-degree turn. It resumed for a few minutes, but came to a complete stop again, following which the passengers were rescued via the emergency exits. The train then had to be towed away by another one to clear the track.

In Alambagh station, the passengers were stranded in the train for near 25 minutes before being rescued. They, however, complained that their tokens and smart cards did not work while exiting the station.

The episode left several passengers angry as some had to miss their flights, while others were late to schools and offices. Gaurav Tripathi, a passengers who missed his flight to Delhi, told News18 that he would write to the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) and demand that it compensate him for the air ticket.

Mohan Pandey, a senior citizen and a sugar patient, said he had to lie down on the trains floor as he started feeling uneasy.

(Image: Qazi Faraz Ahmad/News18)

MLRC Managing Director Kumar Keshav said, We have received the information about technical snag and our teams are already on the spot to resolve the issue.

Around 7.15am, a train that was on way from Charbagh to Transport Nagar developed a technical snag. The emergency brakes were applied. All 101 passengers were taken out through the emergency exit door aand were taken to Transport Nagar, said a LMRC statement.

LMRC insisted that Metro train services are, however, running normally between Transport Nagar and Charbagh. The Transport Nagar Metro station has been closed for passengers as of now.

The Lucknow Metro took to the tracks on Tuesday with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh taking the inaugural ride. The commercial run of the Lucknow Metro began on Wednesday.

        ,    CMRS   NOC      ,        ! pic.twitter.com/zTclU6qdzm  Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) September 6, 2017

Meanwhile, hundreds of Samajwadi Party workers shouted slogans outside the Transport Nagar station and claimed credit for the Metro construction. Police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd.

The 8.5-km priority corridor runs from Transport Nagar to Charbagh in the city.

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New Delhi: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has said the country needs to restrict activities of terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and Laskar-e-Taiba.



Asif told the Geo News channel that action needs to be taken against such groups so Pakistan can tell the world that it has put its house in order.



We cant test our friends, particularly in a dynamic scenario. Within our country, we should impose some restrictions on the activities of the JeM and LeT so that we can tell the world we have set our house in order, he said.



These remarks come after a joint declaration by the BRICS countries against terrorism at the Xiamen Summit mentioned JeM and LeT in the same breath as Islamic State and al-Qaida.



Asif also indicated that Pakistan could no longer afford to test its friends like China on terrorism. The statement is significant as China has over the years emerged as Pakistans most important ally and had consistently backed it on international fora till the BRICS declaration.



As long as we turn a blind eye to these organisations in our country we will continue to face such embarrassments, he said, when asked about the BRICS declaration.



Asif also referred to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force. An investigation by the intergovernmental organisation which tracks terror financing worldwide had forced Pakistan to place LeT founder Hafiz Mohammad Saeed under house arrest. The FATF has also been putting pressure on the country to crack down on groups such as LeT and JeM.



The FATF has a threshold, we are at a very dangerous threshold. The whole world is pointing fingers at us, we must put our house in order, he said.



The minister questioned whether Pakistan has implemented its National Action Plan on Terrorism. Did we take the measures we had decided (to take), besides Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Raddul Fassad and Khyber 4, during the last three years? Did we show the world that we acted according to the resolve we made in 2014? he said.



The document was drawn up in 2014 after a Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar killed nearly 150 people.
Bengaluru: Amid tears and a lingering anger among the crowd at the Lingayat burial ground at Chamarajapete in Bengaluru, journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, was laid to rest on Wednesday, with the police giving a guard of honour.



Hundreds, including friends, family, colleagues, film actors and politicians including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, had gathered at the burial ground this evening, a day after the 55-year-old editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrike was shot dead in front of her house.



The Karnataka Chief Minister was accompanied by Congress leader M Veerappa Moily and other leaders at the funeral. Siddaramaiah was seen trying to console the grieving family members of Lankesh.



On Tuesday evening, two unknown assailants pumped four bullets into Lankesh, killing her on the spot. She lay in a pool of blood in front of her house, while her shocked neighbours watched in horror.



The state government has ordered for an SIT probe into the incident.



Her shocking and brutal killing, after the similar deaths of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar, MM Kalburgi and Govind Pansare, has kicked up a row across the nation with many coming down heavily on the extremisms of right-wing politics.



Lankesh was an avid critic of right-wing politics. She would openly take on Sangh politics, incidents of communal violence among other things. Only recently was she criticizing the central government over the Gorakhpur deaths, in her weekly, Gauri Lankesh Patrike.


Patna: Rocky Yadav, son of suspended JD(U) legislator Manorama Devi, and three others were sentenced to life in jail on Wednesday for killing a 19-year-old student in a road rage incident in Gaya district last year.



A local court in Gaya also sentenced Rockys father Bindi Yadav to five years in prison for destruction of evidence.



Rocky and three others were convicted on August 31 for shooting dead Class 12 student Aditya Sachdeva for overtaking his Land Rover luxury SUV on the night of May 7 last year. The court had reserved the quantum of sentence for September 6.



Rocky Yadav surrendered in a local court on October 29 last year, a day after the Supreme Court stayed the Patna High Court order granting him bail. The SC had directed that the trial must be completed before September 11, 2017.



Rocky, his cousin Teni Yadav and his mothers bodyguard Rajesh Kumar fled the scene soon after shooting Aditya.



In the last 18 months, the case has witnessed several twist and turns, the most important being the bail granted to Rocky by the then Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice Iqbal Ahmad Ansari. The bail was promptly suspended and subsequently cancelled by a Supreme Court bench.



Six key witnesses, including four friends of the slain teenager who witnessed the shooting, turned hostile, dealing a big blow to the prosecutions case.



Sachdeva's friends also retracted from their earlier statement that was recorded before a first class Judicial Magistrate.
Srinagar: Three top Kashmiri separatist leaders on Wednesday said they will stage a sit-in outside the NIA headquarters in Delhi on September 9 and court arrest to protest against, what they termed as, "vilification" of Kashmiri people by the investigation agency.



The separatist leaders who will court arrest are Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik.



This was stated by Mirwaiz and Malik at a hurriedly-convened press conference in the premises of historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. Geelani addressed the conference over phone. The NIA has recently been conducting raids and arresting people associated with the separatist leaders in connection with money laundering and some other cases.



"The government is using the NIA to harass the leaders, the businessmen and the student community, which has been at the forefront of peaceful protests," alleged Mirwaiz, who heads the moderate Hurriyat Conference.



He alleged that the NIA investigations against prominent separatist leaders and businessmen of Kashmir were an attempt to divert the attention from the Kashmir issue. "The government does not want to solve the Kashmir issue and is now using NIA to divert the attention from it," he claimed.



Malik, the chief of JKLF, alleged that the government was foisting one issue or the other every month on the people of Kashmir.



"First, the issue of Kashmiri Pandit colonies, then some other issues and now they want to repeal Article 35A (of Indian Constitution). This is an attempt to change the demography of Jammu and Kashmir and dilute its disputed nature," he charged.



Mirwaiz alleged that the electronic media and social media were being used for a "vicious propaganda" against Kashmiris.



Mirwaiz and Malik said they were not afraid of jails, which are already full of Kashmiri leaders and youth under preventive custody.





"We are not afraid of going to jail but we will not allow vilification and insult of the people of Kashmir for demanding their right to self-determination. We will continue our struggle. Let them keep the jails ready, we are ready to face it," Mirwaiz said.



Malik likened the NIA to Gabbar Singh, the villianious character of Bollywood blockbuster 'Sholay', saying "the government is using this Gabbar Singh to scare the people and keep them away from the freedom struggle".



Mirwaiz and Malik accompanied by hundreds of supporters staged a sit-in against the alleged "atrocities" and detention of separatist leaders and youth under the Public Safety Act.
Bhopal: Tainted former IAS officer couple Arvind and Tinoo Joshi, who were terminated from service after an Income Tax Department raid in 2010 revealed Rs 350 crore in assets, are now in fresh trouble over benami properties.



The Investigation Wing of the I-T Department in Madhya Pradesh has served the couple a notice, asking them to reveal the people under whose names the couple bought properties, sources said.



The department suspects that the couple invested a portion their ill-gotten wealth into properties bought in the name of close relatives and family members.



Now, the I-T officers are probing into the source of income of these property holders. They have also asked the couple to furnish documents about assets purchased by them for their family members.



Issuing a notice under section 24 A of the I-T Act, the department has asked the couple to come up with the reply within 15 days as to why they chose to make a fixed deposit of Rs 3.5 crore in the name of their relatives. In case the couple fails to furnish a satisfactory reply to this, it will be seized, an officer said.



Arvinds son and sister have already replied to Lokayukta and Enforcement Directorate regarding some properties purchased under their name.



The house and other establishments of the Joshi couple, then serving as Principal Secretaries, were raided by I-T sleuths in 2010 stumbling upon assets to the tune of Rs 350 crore including Rs 3 crore cash.



Issuing a demand notice of Rs 90 crore, the department had attached properties of Joshis in Bhopal, Raisen and Sehore in Madhya Pradesh along with New Delhi. Their assets were estimated to be 3151% more than their known sources of income.



On a request from the Madhya Pradesh government, the Department of Personnel and Training of the Centre had dismissed both from service in 2014.


New Delhi: September 6, 2017 is the day 169 stores across North and East India are supposed to shut because of a corporate dispute at McDonalds India. Shut doesnt mean that the stores have to literally down shutters, but they have to stop using the McDonalds brand name, including the famous golden arches logo and the Ronald McDonald clown.



McDonalds stores are ubiquitous in urban centres, especially Metropolitans. To understand why you may cease to see these stores in Delhi, Jaipur and Kolkata, lets step back to understand the business model and origins of dispute.



Not all stores in India are directly owned by the American fast food giant. A lot of stores are operated on a franchise model: A local partner operates the stores tailored to the specifications that McDonalds lays down and uses the companys logos, branding in return for a royalty payment.



When the burger and fries corporation entered India in 1997, one such agreement it signed was with local entrepreneur Vikram Bakshi. It signed a 50:50 joint venture agreement called Connaught Place Restaurants Ltd (CPRL), which was given charge of operating McDonalds outlets in the North and the East. Bakshi was installed as the managing director of CPRL.



Trouble was brewing though, and in 2013 Bakshi was ousted as the MD. He, in turn, dragged the American corporation to the company law board. McDonalds approached the London Court of International Arbitration. India is the only territory where McDonalds fare is non-beef, non-pork.



Bakshi claims that McDonalds wanted to buy him out of the JV and become the sole owner of the outlets in the North and East. The global fast food corporation, on the other hand, alleges that Bakshi was not devoting enough time to the JV. In the process, McDonalds expansion plans have been hit.



Four years ago, McDonalds was the biggest player in terms of revenue while Dominos was No 3. The situation today is the reverse. Even the healthy fast food alternative, Subway, has gained at McDonalds expense.



The dispute has raged on for the past 4 years and earlier this year, Bakshi was reinstated as the MD. However, McDonalds India terminated the franchise agreement with CRPL and the termination period ended yesterday  which means that from September 6, no outlet operated by CPRL can use McDonalds branding.
UIIC Assistant Prelims Call Letter 2017 has been made available for download by the United India Insurance Company Limited (UIIC) on its official website - uiic.co.in. UIIC will organize the Phase I/Tier I online exam for the recruitment of Assistant posts on 22nd of September, 2017. UIIC had released the recruitment notification for filling 696 Office Assistant Vacancies. Out of the 696 vacancies 110 posts are reserved for Scheduled Caste, 112 for Other Backward Classes, 50 for Scheduled Tribes and 414 for Un-Reserved category. Candidates who had applied for the Assistant Prelims can download their admit card by following the instructions below:Step 1: Visit the official website -Step 2: Click on 2017 - CLICK HERE FOR PRELIMINARY EXAM CALL LETTER DOWNLOAD under Whats New? Tab on the right side of the screen.Step 3: Enter your details like Registration Number/Roll Number, Password and Verification Code.Step 4: Download the call letter and take a print out for further reference.The UIIC Preliminary exam is divided into 3 sections viz:1. Numerical Ability  35 Questions  35 Marks2. Reasoning  35 Questions  35 Marks3. English  30 Questions  30 MarksThe Preliminary Online exam will comprise of 100 Questions of 1 Mark Each. The total duration of the exam will be 1 Hour. The Numerical Ability and Reasoning test can be attempted either in English or Hindi language. The candidates can download the call letter from today until 21st of September 2017.Formed in 1938, United India Insurance Company is a State Owned insurance company in India. It was later nationalized in the year 1972. 12 Indian Insurance Companies, 4 co-operative insurance societies, 5 foreign insurers and general insurance operations of life insurance were merged to form United India Insurance Company.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar, will be meeting the State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw on Wednesday.



The two sides are expected to discuss the unrest in Rakhine state. Just ahead of the visit, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh, Myanmar) Sripriya Ranganathan said, It is a matter of great concern. There has been a particularly prominent attack where a lot of people have lost their lives. We have contacted them (Myanmar) to find out what can be done.



India has offered to extend assistance in stimulating a socio-economic project that can help alleviate the extreme poverty and distress in the state. Ministry of External Affairs said that some assistance is already being provided to foster communal harmony but the onus of restoring peace lies with the Myanmar government.



India also believes that initiatives like the Kaladan project that starts in Rakhine state will further help improve the situation. Kaladan is a $484-million multi-modal transport project between India and Myanmar that will improve connectivity in Mizoram. India managed the construction of Sittwe port in Rakhine only last year, which was a year behind schedule.



But even as the government reaches out to improve the situation in Rakhine and prevent the fleeing of Rohingyas, the Centre has decided to deport about 40,000 Rohingya refugees from India.



The government states that these are illegal immigrants. The Centre told the Supreme Court last week that it cannot give any commitment on not deporting these refugees. However, the matter is expected to be heard again next week as the court has issued a notice over it.



Earlier this year, Amnesty International had expressed grave concern over Indias plan to relocate Rohingyas back to Myanmar. A statement from the Human Rights body had said sending Rohingya Muslims back to Myanmar, where the community has faced horrific abuses, would not just be a violation of Indias commitments under international law, but also a blemish on Indias history of supporting those fleeing persecution.






UPPSC PCS Prelims Admit Card 2017 has been released by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) for the Combined State Upper Subordinate Preliminary Examination 2017 on its official website - uppsc.up.nic.in



The Uttar Pradesh PCS Prelims Exam will be conducted on 24th September and candidates whose application form status was Approved (Not Rejected) can download the Admit Card by following the instructions below:



How to Download UPPSC PCS Prelims Admit Card 2017?



Step 1: Visit the official website - uppsc.up.nic.in

Step 2: Click on Click here to download Admit Card for Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Prelim. Examination-2017 

Step 3: Enter your Registration Number, Date of Birth, Gender and Verification Code and click on Download Admit Card

Step 4: Download the Admit Card and Take a Print Out to present the same on the Exam Day.



The candidates can verify their application status by clicking on View Application Status on the same page as mentioned in Step 2. It will take you to http://uppsc.up.nic.in/ViewStatus.aspx and you can enter the details same as above to check if your application is not rejected and you are eligible to download the admit card and appear for the Prelims examination.



The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, Allahabad had issued the recruitment advertisement# A-2/E-1/2017 on 22nd February this year to fill 251 vacancies in the Civil Services Departments of the State of Uttar Pradesh.



Approximately 3 Lakh candidates had applied for the same and candidates who will clear the Prelims will move a step closer to Mains Exam. The Main exam will be followed by a Personality Test.



The Prelims exam will be comprise of two papers viz

1. General Studies I  200 Marks  9:30 am to 11:30 am

2. General Studies II  200 Marks  2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
The Louvre Abu Dhabi will finally open its doors to the public in November, bringing to the Gulf Mesopotamian artifacts and post-impressionist masterpieces in the first Louvre-branded museum outside of Paris.



Housing 600 works of art, including 300 loaned by 13 French museums for the inaugural year, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is described as the "first universal museum" in the Arab world.



"At a time when culture is under attack... this is our joint response," French Culture Minister Francoise Nyssen said at a news conference Wednesday in Abu Dhabi to announce the November 11 opening date.



The museum has been a decade in the making and is opening five years behind schedule.



Among the works on loan to Abu Dhabi are Leonardo da Vinci's La Belle Ferronniere from the Louvre -- which houses the world's largest collection of art -- and Vincent van Gogh's self-portrait from the Musee d'Orsay.



Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel of France, the "museum city" is reminiscent of an Arab medina, enveloped by a part arabesque, part futuristic silvery dome that lets in the light in patterns mimicking leaves of the palm trees of the Gulf.



While the Louvre Abu Dhabi will not lack its Rodins and Gaugins, for some, the real heart of the museum is in its narration of ancient civilisations through artifacts acquired by the United Arab Emirates.



- 'Complex, ambitious' -



The planned opening comes a decade after France and the UAE agreed a 30-year partnership worth $1.1 billion under which many top French museums will loan art to Abu Dhabi.



French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend the inauguration of the museum, which had originally been scheduled to open in 2012.



The "complex, ambitious project", in the words of museum director Manuel Rabate, has faced delays in funding and construction.



The decision to grant Abu Dhabi the rights to the Louvre name sparked heated debate in France with critics accusing the Louvre of "selling its soul" and questioning the emirate's record on labour rights.



"Yes, it's exceptional. Yes, this is the first time a project like this launches in the Middle East. But that's what's unique to this project," Rabate told AFP in response to the critiques.



He sought to allay concerns about the transportation of the art and the conditions in which it will be stored, in a country where temperatures soar well above 40 degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer.



"Their protection is vital to us and we have made sure we have the systems in place to protect them against the environmental conditions," Mohamed Khalifa al-Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, told AFP.



"The museum's galleries are operated by sophisticated climate controls for humidity, temperature and light and during installation, the works are in environmentally protected crates and cases to make sure they are not affected by outside conditions."



Guarded by Emirati forces, in coordination with French experts, including civil defence and terrorism security forces, the art is protected by "state of the art security systems and procedures, in line with international standards," said Mubarak.



- 'Message of tolerance' -



The Louvre Abu Dhabi is part of "a major cultural strategy" to promote the city as a patron of the arts in a region increasingly focused on soft power.



About five percent of the overall museum will be dedicated to contemporary and modern art. The rest focuses on telling the story of world histories and religions.



In the gallery of world religions, a sixth century Koran, a gothic Bible and a Yemeni Torah face each other, open to verses that give similar accounts.



"To send that message of tolerance is really important for our time," said Mubarak.



A branch of the Guggenheim, still under development, and the Zayed Museum, the national museum named after the country's founder, are located on the same island.



The Louvre Abu Dhabi's opening comes as the UAE, which in April announced the establishment of a Soft Power Council, is locked in a diplomatic battle with neighbouring Qatar, accused by its Gulf neighbours of supporting Islamist extremism.



The UAE will also host the global trade fair Expo 2020.



"We're definitely not this closed-off society that's putting a massive wall up," said Mubarak.



"We (the UAE and France) have a goal that is exactly identical: we both want to tell the world how our history is connected. Through culture, the world can become a better place," he added.
After a pretty lackluster summer box-office for both Bollywood and Hollywood, things seem to be finally looking up for both the film industries. A spate of heavy-hitter releases are expected to help fills the theaters this coming holiday season and hopefully entertain the audiences in them as well. These are our picks for the films to look out for in the month of September.This crime biopic has Arjun Rampal playing real-life gangster-turned-politician Arun Gawli who took over the dreaded Mumbai-based crime syndicate, 'Byculla Company', before crossing over to the other side of the polling booths.Stephen King's classic horror novel of an inter-dimensional being terrorizing a small American town gets a silver screen adaptation. IT is already a darling of the critics internationally, with most calling it a terrific but terrifying cinematic ride.After continuing to dominate headlines since the last several news cycles, Kangana Ranaut will continue under the spotlight with the release of her upcoming film, Simran. The crime-drama also stars Sohum Shah, Rupinder Nagra and Catherine Dyer, and is directed by Hansal Mehta.Based on Vince Flynn's bestselling book series featuring CIA agent Mitch Rapp, the film is an origin story traveling back to Rapp's days as a young college student, suddenly struck by tragedy. The film stars newcomer Dylan O'Brien and Taylor Kitsch, apart from Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Keaton.With a formidable starcast that includes Pankaj Tripathi, Yaghuvir Yadav and Rajkummar Rao as the titular Newton, the film is another film set in the rural milieu. It follows the travails of Newton, a junior government clerk assigned to election duty in the Naxal-controlled jungle belts of Chattisgarh.The much awaited return of Munna-bhai is with Omung Kumar's Bhoomi. Sanjay Dutt's comeback vehicle also stars Aditi Rao Hyadri and Shekhar Suman and is sure to be a weekend draw.Another eagerly awaited film is the sequel to the surprise 2014 hit, Kingsman: The Secret Service. Taron Egerton and Mark Strong return as agents of the secret ultra-government agency, this timn travelling across the pond to join forces with their American counterparts, The Statesmen, in Matthew Vaughn's spy action-comedy.After making waves at the 2017 Venice Film Festival, the cinematic retelling of the last years of Queen Victoria's reign, and her unusual relationship with an Indian clerk in her royal household, will hit our shores and screens this month. The film stars Judi Dench and Ali Fazal.David Dhawan returns with a sequel to his cult comedy after 20 years, this time with his son Varun Dhawan playing the double role of ne'er do well twins Raja and Prem. The film also stars Jaqueline Fernandez and Tapsee Pannu.The cocaine wars of the 80s have seen a cinematic ressurgence of late, and continuing that trend is American Made. Tom Cruise stars as Barry Seal, the real-life CIA pilot turned drug runner for the Colombian cocaine cartels during those turbulent times (pun unintended).
New Delhi: Newly designated Tourism, Electronics & IT Minister Alphons Kannanthanam met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Wednesday and both vowed to work together for the welfare of the state, according to an official statement by the Government of Kerala.



It is Pinarayi Vijayan who brought me into politics. Kerala lays a lot of stress on tourism and IT and we can work together on a lot of issues. The meal we shared today is the beginning of this partnership, the statement quoted Kannanthanam as saying.



Recalling that Kannanthanam had started his political journey from Kerala, CM Vijayan said he had an impressive term as an independent MLA. The good work he has done has now taken him to the new heights.



Over a spread of Kerala fare including rice, appam, vegetable stew, fish curry and payasam, the two leaders discussed status of Central projects currently underway in Kerala.



The meeting and the bonhomie between the two leaders stood in stark contrast to the bitter political fight that Kannanthanams BJP is engaged with Vijayans CPM in Kerala. In fact, the new Union minister who is now a national executive member of the BJP had started his political plunge on the other side as an independent MLA supported by CPM in 2006. Wednesdays meeting was also attended by CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.



John Brittas, media advisor to Pinarayi Vijayan, said the CM and Kannanthanam knew each other too well to let politics overtake their personal equation.



In fact, one of the first things the Union minister said as he shook hands with the CM was about the first meeting they had long ago in Alappuzha, which led to him contesting state assembly polls. Kannanthanam also remarked that to launch his political career and to contest his first election he didnt have to carry any ones suitcase or even a soapbox, Brittas said.



The two undertook a quick review of sorts of projects underway. The CM was impressed that he took the pain of familiarizing himself with key projects within a few hours of taking charge as Union minster, Brittas said.



News18 also learns that the CM and the Union minister will make a joint presentation to the Prime Minister on four crucial missions that are currently underway in Kerala. These are on environment and cleanliness, health, housing for the poor and making government schools smart so that they can rise up to the standards of private institutions. However, this could not be independently verified. They also discussed potential for electronic hardware production in Kerala besides development of value-added IT such as artificial intelligence.
Kolkata: Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh courted controversy by asking party workers to beat up policemen if they hesitate to take action against Trinamool Congress supporters.



Ghoshs comments came after BJP workers were allegedly beaten up by TMC workers in South Kolkata. The BJP claimed that instead of taking action against the accused, the police arrested BJP supporters.



It is our democratic right to beat up policemen who are biased and specifically target us on the instruction of TMC, Ghosh said at a public meet in Howrah.



The BJP leader said Trinamool are not facing any action even after attacking policemen. If they can get away easily, then we can also follow the same. Dont tolerate injustice. If required beat up policemen who are biased, he said.



While stressing that the state BJP always wants a healthy and fair political fight, Ghosh said it is unfortunate that every day either the police or TMC supporters are arresting or beating up workers without any charges.



It seems that one has to beat up policemen in Bengal to form a government here. There is a strange situation in Bengal, we are getting roughed up and the police are lodging case against us. What kind of justice is this? We will not tolerate this anymore, he added.



This is not the first time Ghosh has made a controversial statement. Last year, he said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should be grabbed by her hair and thrown out of power.



He also created a furore for his remark that in Bengal it is a fight between Ramzada and Haramzada.






Bhubaneswar: BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said internal democracy exists only in the BJP and Communist parties and not in Congress or others including BJD headed by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as they follow dynastic politics.



"There have been about 1650 political parties in the country since Independence. But, only the BJP and Communist parties have internal democracy which is not found anywhere else including the Congress and BJD," Shah said addressing a meeting with intellectuals here.



Maintaining that dynastic politics dominated most parties including the Congress, the BJP president asked the gathering as to who will be the president of the oldest party of India after Sonia Gandhi and said the answer was obvious.



"I and all of you know who will take over the Congress after Sonia Gandhi. We also know that BJD is such a party where one has to belong to Biju Parivar to take over the reins of the party in Odisha," Shah, who began his 3-day Odisha visit to galvanise the BJP workers in the state, said.



"Is there any dearth of talent or merit in Congress and BJD? Though there are many talented people in these parties, they are sidelined because they do not come from any particular political dynasty. However, a tea-seller could become the prime minister of India and a booth-level worker like me could become the president of BJP, the world's biggest political party having 11 crore members," Shah said.



To buttress his point, Shah asked whether anyone from the audience could name the next BJP chief.



"This is not possible because there is internal democracy in the BJP. The leaders are chosen on the basis of merit and not their family," Shah said, adding the BJP was the only party which had its ideologies and policies rooted in the cultural heritage of India.



He said Congress once ruled from panchayat to Parliament, but it later failed the people of India.



Shah claimed the BJP would win 120 of the 147 Assembly seats in the next polls in Odisha as "people are disillusioned with the dynastic rule in the state".



On Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's doubt over BJP winning so many seats, the BJP chief said, "Let Naveenji learn mathematics .. the poll outcome and number of seats will be known the day votes are counted."



Hitting out at the Naveen Patnaik government, Shah said the "state is plagued by rampant corruption", and people have been deprived of proper electricity and drinking water supply in the last 17 years of BJD rule. The irony is the chief minister has failed to learn Odia in such a long period, he said.



As per 14th Finance Commission recommendation, Odisha had received around Rs 2.11 lakh crore from the NDA government at the Centre, while under the previous UPA rule it had got only Rs 79,000 crore, he said.



"If Narendra Modi can be described as a power house, Naveenji may be compared to a damaged transformer," he said, adding the people of Odisha now want a political change after having given several opportunities to the Congress and BJD to govern.



"Now they have got a chance to try the BJP and taste good governance," Shah said.
New Delhi: Amid speculation of split in the Bihar Congress unit, party vice-president Rahul Gandhi summoned all MLAs and MLCs to Delhi on Wednesday.



Sources said Rahul will talk to all the legislators separately. The seriousness of the crisis can be gauged from the fact that senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad had arrived in Bihar only on Tuesday and Rahul sought the meeting the very next day.



Congress sources said the state unit, led by former education minister Ashok Chaudhary, who is considered close to Nitish Kumar, is deeply divided after the Bihar Chief Minister broke his alliance with the Congress and returned to the NDA fold.



Many leaders are opposing continuing alliance with the Lalu Yadavs Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Congress has 27 MLAs in Bihar and 14 of them have reportedly signed a letter for forming a new group. But the breakaway faction would require the support of at least 18 MLAs to meet the condition laid down in anti-defection law.



Congress president Sonia Gandhi had met top leaders Ashok Chaudhary and Sadanand Singh a few days ago to stop any Gujarat like situation from happening in Bihar. Chaudhary admitted after the meeting that few party leaders were spreading talk of the split which he claimed was not true.



But sources said, few Muslim MLAs from Seemanchal region, after their return to Bihar, again made contact with JD(U) leaders.



Lalu alleged that Nitish was trying to engineer a split in the Congress. Nitish denied the charge but fired a salvo at the RJD chief saying, Lalu ji wants to keep some of the Congress MLAs in his pocket."




Zebronics India Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new Bluetooth module with earphones named ZEB-BE380T. The new Zebronics Bluetooth module can be used to convert any earphone or headphone to wireless. The ZEB-BE380T is available in black and white colours and comes along with a bundled earphones. The Bluetooth model has a 3.5mm jack wherein any earphone or headphone can be attached to turn them into turn wireless earphones/ headphones. The Bluetooth module also comes with volume and media control buttons embedded in it and has a MicroSD slot for MP3 playback.The bundled earphones that come along with the module are an in-ear type and also have passive noise cancellation. The earphones sport a metallic designed back finish and aim to deliver a comfortable experience. The ZEB-BE380T module comes in a clip design where users can easily pin it onto any fabric. The product is ideally aimed to meet the demands of joggers, runners and travellers where they dont need to pull out their phones for calls or to shuffle songs. Zebronics claims a range of up to 10 meters in this Bluetooth module without interference.The clip design structure of the module makes it hands-free and connects to the device letting users enjoy uninterrupted music. Available in a mix of black and white colours, the ZEB-BE380T Bluetooth module with earphones will be available in all leading retail stores across India.
Sao Paulo: Brazil's top prosecutor accused former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva late Tuesday of leading a criminal organization, along with several of his political allies, in order to extract millions of dollars in bribes.



Attorney General Rodrigo Janot also named Silva's successor, former President Dilma Rousseff, and several members of their administrations or party in the charges filed with the Supreme Federal Tribunal. He accuses them of orchestrating the receipt of around $480 million in bribes from 2002 to 2016 through their control of state bodies.



Those dates roughly coincide with Silva's and Rousseff's tenures in office. Silva was elected in 2002 and Rousseff took over after his second term. She was impeached and removed from office for illegally managing the federal budget in 2016.



The charges are part of a huge corruption investigation into a scheme to inflate state contracts in order to pay kickbacks and bribes to politicians. The probe has already netted dozens of executives and senior politicians. Next, the justice handling the probe will decide whether to accept the indictment.



Silva, who is commonly known as Lula, is already facing several charges and has been sentenced to 9 years in prison in one case. He is appealing. He has maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated, as has Rousseff. Requests for comment from representatives of both former leaders were not immediately answered.



According to Janot, "Lula, from 2002 until May 2016, was an important leader" of the alleged criminal organization, both because of the way the bribery scheme was organized and because as president he had the power to name people to public posts. Janot said Silva maintained this power even after he left office because of his influence over Rousseff.



The indictment also says members of two other Brazilian parties  President Michel Temer's Brazilian Democratic Movement Party and the Progressive Party  were part of the criminal organization. Janot said that after Rousseff left office and Temer took over the presidency, members of his party in Congress took over the leadership role of the conspiracy.
Fort Lauderdale: Emergency management officials across South Florida hastened disaster preparations on Tuesday in anticipation of Hurricane Irma's expected weekend arrival on the US mainland with possibly greater force than Hurricane Harvey unleashed on Texas.



Irma, a Category 5 storm - the highest hurricane ranking used by US forecasters - neared the Caribbean's northern Leeward Islands, east of Puerto Rico, late on Tuesday with maximum sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (300 km/h).



The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami forecast the storm would make landfall in Florida on Saturday, although Irma's precise trajectory remained to be seen.



Forecasters described the storm as "potentially catastrophic." Irma ranks as one of the five most powerful Atlantic hurricanes during the past 80 years and is the strongest Atlantic storm ever recorded outside the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, the NHC said.



Mindful of the devastation wrought by Harvey days ago along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, Florida officials were taking no chances.



"Normally, people here don't like to prepare," said Gary Palmer, a 60-year-old deputy sheriff who visited a home supply store in Fort Lauderdale. "But what happened in Texas opened up everybody's eyes."



Authorities in the Florida Keys, the popular resort archipelago stretching from the southern tip of the state's mainland peninsula, called for a mandatory evacuation of the islands' visitors, starting at sunrise on Wednesday.



Roman Gastesi, administrator of Monroe County, which includes the Keys, said a mandatory evacuation of residents there was likely at some point.



EMERGENCY DECLARATION



Residents of low-lying areas in densely populated Miami-Dade County to the north were urged to move to higher ground by Wednesday as a precaution against coastal storm surges.



Public schools throughout South Florida were to be closed ahead of the storm, starting with Monroe and neighboring Lee County on Wednesday and Miami-Dade and several others districts beginning on Thursday.



"My wife is leaving the Keys today," Monroe County Emergency Management Director Martin Senterfitt said in a statement. "She would rather go to the dentist than sit in traffic. The sooner people leave the better. If ever there was a storm to take serious in the Keys, this is it."



US President Donald Trump, acting at the request of Governor Rick Scott, approved an emergency declaration on Tuesday mobilizing federal disaster relief efforts in Florida ahead of Irma's arrival, the White House said.



Scott has also directed all 7,000 of the state's National Guard troops to report for duty Friday morning, saying additional Guard members would be activated as needed beforehand.



Fort Lauderdale native Alexandra Nimmons, 25, said she was taking Irma's possible impact on South Florida more seriously after seeing the extreme damage Harvey left behind in Texas.



"I spent a while today collecting water," Nimmons said. "I hoard Mason and salsa jars so that finally paid off."



She also planned to stock up on candles, matches and canned food.



Annisa Ali, 45, who just moved to Oakland Park, Florida, from New York City said she was having a hard time finding water at local stores.



"Last night, I went to Wal-Mart. No water. I went to Target. No water. Now I'm here. No water," Ali said at a grocery store in Wilton Manors, Florida.



James Foote, a 56-year-old handyman in Fort Lauderdale, said he was unable to find any plywood to nail over windows at a local home supply store on Tuesday. He said more wood was expected to be delivered on Wednesday.



"I will be back tomorrow before this place opens at 7 o'clock," Foote said. "I've waited in lines for concert tickets before. This is way more important than that."
Nairobi: Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga said on Tuesday his coalition would not participate in the re-run of a presidential election proposed for October 17 unless it is given "legal and constitutional" guarantees.



The opposition also said it is planning to file dozens of challenges to results from races lower down the ticket, including legislative and local seats.



Odinga's conditions for participating in the repeat presidential election include the removal of six officials at the election board. He wants criminal investigations to be opened against them.



"You cannot do a mistake twice and expect to get different results," Odinga told reporters. "A number of the officials of the commission should be sent home, some of them should be investigated for the heinous crimes they committed."



Kenya's Supreme Court ordered on Friday that the August 8 vote be re-run within 60 days, saying President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory by 1.4 million votes was undermined by irregularities in the process. Kenyatta was not accused of any wrongdoing.



The ruling, the first time in Africa that a court had overturned the re-election of a sitting president, was hailed by Odinga supporters as "historic".



Analysts have said it is likely to lead to some short-term volatility in East Africa's biggest economy, but could build confidence in institutions longer-term.



On Monday, the election board said it would hold new elections on Oct. 17.



But Odinga said he wanted elections held on October 24 or 31 instead.



"There will be no elections on the seventeenth of October until the conditions that we have spelt out in the statement are met," he said.



Odinga has contested and lost the last three presidential elections in Kenya. Each time, he has said the vote was rigged against him.



The opposition also plans to lodge 62 court cases contesting governorship, lawmaker, and local seats, spokeswoman Kathleen Openda told Reuters.



At least 33 court cases were filed contesting election results before the presidential election was annulled, said Andrew Limo, spokesman for the election board. Others had been filed since but he did not have the updated figure.



Limo said the numbers had not yet reached the same level as during the 2013 elections, when the board received challenges to 189 results.
Vladivostok: South Korean President Moon Jae-in told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday that the situation on the Korean peninsula was complicated because of provocations by North Korea.



The leaders met on the sidelines of an economic summit in the Russian far eastern city of Vladivostok as international concerns grow over Pyongyang's powerful nuclear test at the weekend.



Moon added that the situation could become unpredictable if North Korea did not halt its provocative actions, according to a Russian translation of his comments in Korean to Putin.
Washington: The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered the end of the "Dreamers" program that allowed illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children to remain in the country.



That move threatens the futures of some 800,000 people, many now in schools, with jobs and families in the United States.



What is the 'Dreamers' program?



In a presidential order in June 2012, president Barack Obama launched DACA -- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals -- that aimed to provide a stable future for people who arrived in the country illegally as children and stayed. Dubbed "Dreamers", they were granted under presidential order the right to remain and study or work legally, renewing their status regularly.



The program was devised after Congress failed to pass legislation to address the status of millions of illegal immigrants who had lived in the country for decades, many with families, permanent homes and businesses.



DACA applied to people who were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, and had been continually present in the US since 2007. It covered anyone in school or who had a graduate certificate, who was serving in the armed forces, and who had never been convicted of a serious crime.



Why end DACA?



But Trump argued that DACA protected people who broke US laws, was unfair to legal immigrants, and encroached Congress's power to make immigration laws.



The government also argued that legal challenges by a number of states made DACA and a 2014 sister program, DAPA, untenable.



DAPA was a proposed Obama program to open the way for other illegal immigrants, those who came as adults, to gain legal status, but was blocked from implementation by legal challenges. Recently Texas led other states in a threatened action to similarly seek to block DACA.



Faced with legal challenges, the Trump administration said it falls to Congress to fix the problem, not the executive branch.



But legal experts say Obama's DACA order was constitutionally sound and would survive court challenges. "The least disruptive alternative would have been to let the DACA program continue," said Stephen Yale-Loehr of Cornell University.



What happens to the Dreamers?



Encouraged by Obama's move, about 800,000 people registered under DACA, confident that they would be safe from expulsion. Now the government has access to all their personal data, making it hard for most to hide.



About 200,000 of them will see their resident permits expire by the end of 2017. Another 275,000 expire in 2018, and the rest between January and August 2019.



Under Trump's order, those with permits are safe until their expiry. People with permits that expire within the next six months -- before March 5, 2018 -- can apply to renew them before October 5. But new applications will not be accepted.



Once their DACA permits expire, individuals will not have the legal right to work, and theoretically could be deported any time -- though current policy only threatens illegal immigrants who have committed serious crimes.



The White House has indicated that the six month grace period gives Congress an opportunity, if it wants, to come up with legislation that could replace DACA and strengthen its legal foundations.
The Campbell County Board of Supervisors named F. E. Tripp Isenhour its new county attorney, electing to end longtime attorney David Shreves contract.

At the boards meeting Tuesday, supervisors voted 4-3 in favor of hiring Isenhour, with Brookneal Supervisor J.D. Puckett, Altavista Supervisor Stanley Goldsmith and Concord Supervisor Eddie Gunter opposing the decision.

Isenhour currently works for Lynchburg-based firm Caskie & Frost and is a former Lynchburg Bar Association president. According to the firms website, he graduated from the Liberty University School of Law in 2008 and completed his undergraduate studies at Guilford College in North Carolina in 2005.

I am appreciative of the opportunity to serve the citizens of Campbell County, and I look forward to my new role, Isenhour told The News & Advance after the decision was made.

According to County Administrator Frank Rogers, the new contract for Isenhour has not been drawn up and the county will work with Shreve to phase him out slowly while he finishes up larger projects and Isenhour takes over. Isenhours compensation will not be released until the contract is finalized in the coming days. Isenhours start date also is not finalized.

Shreve, as the county attorney for more than three decades, represented Campbell in court and pursued delinquent tax payments. Shreve was not present at the meeting.

According to Rogers and several other board members earlier this month, the aim of putting out the request for propoals for a new county attorney was to ensure the locality is getting the best price possible.

David Shreve has done a wonderful job as county attorney for Campbell County, but that service has not been competed [for] some time, Rogers said in August about the decision to put out the RFP. While Shreve was well regarded, there was a sense among the board that we need to compete that service to make sure were being fiscally responsible.

Shreve is a contract employee with the county and is paid a retainer of $46,000 annually and has an additional hourly rate of $225 he charges to represent the locality in court, Rogers previously told The News & Advance. Payments to Shreve were more than $100,000 last year, according to Rogers.

After the vote, Timberlake Supervisor Mike Rousseau was enthusiastic about Isenhour and accused the three supervisors who voted against the change of attorneys to be pushing a political agenda over fiscal responsibility.

I think we had three members of the board who displayed excessive partisan politics in the vote, Rousseau said after the meetings conclusion. I think its a reflection of the fact that for 37 years, this board has failed to even consider alternate legal service candidates, and what they showed tonight is theyre firmly committed to one candidate and have no interest whatsoever in advancing the countys interest and saving the county money, and I find that unfortunate.

In the same vein, Rustburg Supervisor Eric Zehr said the vote to replace Shreve was a move in support of fiscal responsibility and against the status quo.

I take very seriously my duty as a steward of tax payer dollars, and I couldnt continue to rubberstamp one of the countys most expensive contracts year after year without looking at it, Zehr told The News & Advance after the decision. I know this is different than how things have been done in the county over the last decades, but I was not elected to get along. I was elected to serve the people I represent.

Spring Hill Supervisor James Borland echoed the comments from Zehr and Rousseau, saying the decision to go with a more inexpensive attorney was the right decision for the budgetary needs of the Campbell government.

David Shreve served ably and well for many years, Borland said. We were planning for the countys needs for a sharp, younger county attorney who can carry us forward for the coming decades and be a better fit for the county budget.

Defending his nay vote, Gunter said he opposed terminating Shreves contract because of his longtime service and experience working with the county.

It wasnt that I was against [Isenhour], but its because [Shreve] has been so loyal to our county for 37 years, and I couldnt turn my back on that. Weve had some bumps in the road, and hes been through all of it, and I cant forget things like that.

Goldsmith declined to comment. Puckett and Sunburst Supervisor Bob Good could not be reached for comment by press time.
For decades, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has maintained a Farm Services Agency office in Rustburg as a resource for farmers in the region. In order for the agency to keep leasing its office on Kabler Lane, the federal government will require the building to be substantially renovated.

On Tuesday, the Campbell County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to complete the approximately $83,000 in improvements required by the General Services Administration in order to be considered for another long-term lease with the federal agency when the current lease, expires in December 2018. The vote also included provisions the county would increase the rent from $26,180 annually to a higher amount in order to both cover new expenses and recoup the renovation costs.

According to County Administrator Frank Rogers, the county highly values the presence of the agriculture agency that provides a link between farmers in Amherst, Appomattox and Campbell counties and the city of Lynchburg to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The office provides resources such as low-interest loans for farmers and relief following natural disasters so farmers can recover from weather events, like the tornado in Appomattox in February 2016.

The current building was built in the 1960s and last renovated approximately 20 years ago, according to Deputy County Administrator Clif Tweedy. This office is one of 41 around Virginia. The two nearest offices are in Halifax County and Bedford County.

We want them to stay here and continue to serve the local community, Rogers said. Our interest is in keeping them, and well take as long as we need to figure out how to keep them here.

If Campbell County cannot come to a lease agreement with the GSA, it is unclear where the agency would relocate, Rogers said.

According to Campbell Countys Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Todd Scott, the FSA, the Agricultural Extension office and other agriculture-focused government resources being in the same location as the regions livestock market is helpful to farmers.

Its a good location, and everybody here working together makes it easy for the public to come and see everybody, he said. Forestry is here, FSA is here and Cooperative Extension is here, so its a one-stop shop. It makes it really nice that were all together.

Since the GSA took over the contracting of leases for the Farm Services Agency in 2014, a strict requirement for all buildings leased by the federal government has been applied, and Campbell must upgrade the building to suit the non-negotiable requirements, according to Rogers.

In order for Campbell to be eligible for a lease renewal, the county must completely upgrade the restrooms and the HVAC system, paint the interior, replace the interior carpet, install new ceiling tiles, upgrade lighting and require additional daily cleaning tasks to be completed by county custodial staff.

It is a rudimentary but functional building, but [the GSA has] a cookie-cutter spec because the federal government has buildings in all sorts of communities, so they have a one-size-fits-all model that maybe isnt as viable in a rural community as it might be in a more urbanized community, Rogers said.

For example, the GSA requirements mandate the use of more expensive bathroom flooring materials like ceramic, recycled glass or quarry tile. According to county documents, if the locality improved the restrooms on its own, it would use cheaper materials such as vinyl flooring to save money.

According to the new requirements, the county has to repaint the building every three years and replace the carpet every 10 years. The additional annual cost to the county to maintain the building would be $11,571.

In addition to the upgrade costs, if the GSA accepts Campbells offer, the federal agency could ask Campbell for up to $100,000 more in other improvements to the building. Both the upfront costs of the $83,000 and potential for improvements up to $100,000 would be recouped by the county over the course of the lease.

At Tuesdays meeting, both Rustburg Supervisor Eric Zehr and Brookneal Supervisor J.D. Puckett expressed strong support for keeping the office in Rustburg.

We just sent $466,000 over for business development incentives, but the agriculture industry is an industry on its own in Campbell, Zehr said. We get a lot of tax revenue from that. This FSA building is a great asset. I encourage us to do what we have to [to] keep this agency here.
The next superintendent for Lynchburg City Schools could be hired before the beginning of 2018.

A timeline and salary requirements for the superintendent search became clearer with a work session at Tuesdays LCS school board meeting led by Ray and Associates, the search firm tasked with finding new leadership for LCS, following the departure of Scott Brabrand in June.

According to the suggested timeline proposed by Ray and Associates  which was not finalized at the information-only work session  the first step for LCS will begin with preparing an online survey to poll the community on what qualities the next superintendent should possess. From there, meetings with stakeholder groups will commence, and a candidate profile will be developed to advertise for the position. Based on the proposed timeline, candidate interviews may begin by early December.

Similarly, superintendent salary requirements were discussed Tuesday but not finalized.

Ryan Ray, president of Ray and Associates, suggested the salary be in the $200,000 range to attract experienced candidates.

This is not something we have to set in stone tonight, Ray said.

Noting candidates will research the prior superintendents salary, Ray urged the school board not to go lower than that figure and not to establish a wide range because candidates will request the top end. According to a copy of his contract with LCS, Brabrands base salary was $178,449 per year.

Current LCS Interim Superintendent Larry Massie earns $14,669 per month, per his current contract. Massie has led the division in the interim role since he joined in July, following Brabrands exit.

Brabrand, who moved on to Fairfax County Public Schools, which has nearly 200 schools and more than 180,000 students, now earns a base salary of $290,000. By comparison, LCS has 8,500 in 17 schools, according to Virginia Department of Education numbers from the 2016-17 school year.

School board Chairman Michael Nilles said he liked the idea of having a salary range tied to a specific number but was having a lot of heartburn about the number, referring to the $200,000 mark.

School board Vice Chairman James Coleman noted when hiring, the board needs to consider the challenges the next superintendent will walk into, such as a lingering achievement gap between white and minority students in the division and much of the student population living in high poverty.

We ought to be prepared to get that person here, Coleman stated.

You may have to get an experienced superintendent to come in here and handle those challenges, Ray said, indicating that candidate likely would cost toward the high end of the range.

Board member Charleta Mason questioned what message it would send to bring a superintendent in with at an increased salary while teachers and non-certified staff see stagnant wages, though fellow member Susan Morrison countered if a dynamic superintendent could generate savings for the division, those funds could be redirected toward raises for teachers and other staff members.

Board member Katie Snyder noted the next superintendents salary, if at or near the $200,000 mark, likely would come with sticker shock for the community.

There is going to be sticker shock no matter what number you put out there, Ray said.

The board also discussed who would conduct interviews with superintendent candidates.

Though there was some discussion about the possibility of bringing in non-board members as part of a committee to conduct the interview with superintendent candidates, board members expressed a desire to take on the job themselves, noting that is a primary function of their position.

Thats what City Council charged us with, Snyder noted.

Since the work session was for planning purposes only, no decisions were finalized Tuesday.
Update: A reset is coming to Sweet Briar College that will change the core curriculum, reduce tuition and abolish traditional academic departments in favor of three collaborative interdisciplinary centers.

The academic calendar also will undergo a major change, moving from traditional 15-week semesters to a system of periods consisting of 12 weeks of classes and three weeks of experiential learning, to offer students a chance to pursue internships, research and study-abroad opportunities.

Formally announced Wednesday, the changes come after a summer of deliberation.

President Meredith Woo, who joined the college in May, said the changes came at the recommendation of a faculty-led academic task force, which included students, staff and alumnae.

Now that those proposals have emerged, Sweet Briar officials are fine-tuning the details.

Theyll be working very closely through the rest of the year to implement the change, Woo said.

The changes are set to begin at the start of the 2018-19 academic year next fall.

Teresa Tomlinson, a 1987 Sweet Briar graduate and now chair of the current SBC Board of Directors, described the changes as bold.

This is exactly what weve been waiting for, Tomlinson said.

Following the attempted closure of Sweet Briar in 2015 and the subsequent rescue by alumnae  thanks to a legal victory to keep the college open and millions in donations  Tomlinson said the board and school officials had spent their time getting the house in order. That included taking an inventory of assets, trimming fat from the budget and renegotiating contracts to save the college $7 million, as well as investing in foundational items such as new enrollment software, and bringing in new leadership to drive Sweet Briar forward.

With the house in order, as Tomlinson put it, that allowed the Sweet Briar brain trust in the academic task force to develop this plan.

Instead of relying on consultants, the college looked inward.

We had the experts on hand to facilitate this discussion, Tomlinson said.

According to a Sweet Briar news release, faculty proposals for the revised core curriculum, with an emphasis on womens leadership, will include a first-year research experience, ethics of leadership, financial literacy, rhetoric and communication, and a capstone requirement.

Changes to tuition come in the form of a 32 percent cut, with overall attendance costs  including room, board and fees  dropping from $50,055, according to the SBC website, to $34,000. That reduction makes the cost of attending Sweet Briar more competitive with the commonwealths flagship public universities and provides a clear-cut understanding of tuition costs.

Though tuition varies by program at the University of Virginia, annual undergraduate costs hover around $30,000, according to the schools website. At Virginia Tech, overall annual costs for in-state students are roughly $22,000.

Both Tomlinson and Woo noted despite the cost listed by the college, students typically paid less due to grants and scholarships.

You go through this needlessly complicated process, and no one is paying the sticker price, Tomlinson said.

At the time of its near closing in 2015, Sweet Briar had an endowment of $77.4 million. According to figures provided earlier this year by Tim Klocko, Sweet Briar vice president for finance and treasurer, the endowment was valued at $71.2 million at the end of 2016. Alumnae donations of more than $25 million also have buoyed Sweet Briar in the aftermath of the attempted closure.

Another shift for Sweet Briar is the dissolution of its 20 traditional academic departments at the college. The departments will be converted into three centers of excellence, according to the news release. Those three centers are engineering, science and technology in society; human and environmental sustainability; and creativity, design and the arts.

The three centers will tie into what Woo identified as strengths of Sweet Briar, such as its engineering program, the natural environment that surrounds the 3,250-acre campus and its proximity to the Virginia Center for Creative Arts, which leases land from the college.

Woo also expects the move to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and reduce bureaucracy.

Departments are only an administrative unit. We at Sweet Briar dont believe it serves us any purpose to continuously create bureaucracy and layers of administrative units; so being able to do effective, streamlined measures in the context of three centers of excellence, I think is a good way to go to flatten out the organization of the college and to reduce costs, Woo said.

With that move, there likely will be changes to some majors offered by Sweet Briar.

Some majors will stay, others will become more interdisciplinary, Woo said.

Current students will not lose their majors if any are eliminated.

Since the details still are being ironed out, Woo did not specify which majors are subject to change.

Woo described the coming schedule change as a shift toward experiential learning, which not only would provide opportunities for students but also open the doors at Sweet Briar to visiting lecturers.

It creates a kind of flexibility where we can have policy makers, artists, practitioners of their fields come to campus and participate in learning and teaching. This enables us to tap resources beyond the existing faculty strengths, to provide diversity of experience and expertise for our students, Woo said.

Woo added she was unaware of another college with the same schedule as proposed by SBC.

Schedules outside of the traditional 15-week semester are rare, according to a 2010 study from Hanover Research Council, titled Alternate Academic Calendars and the Trimester System: Profiles and Compliance, which explored academic calendar trends and practices in higher education.

Overall, slightly more than 81 percent of U.S. colleges and universities offer 15-week semesters.

Woo said faculty and staff members continue to fine tune proposals that emerged from the academic task force and expects more details to emerge later this year, likely in December.

All the details have to be in place so we can begin implementing it and be ready for students coming in fall of 2018, Woo said.

Sweet Briar began its 112th academic year this fall with an incoming class of 95 new students, bringing total enrollment to roughly 300, according to the Sweet Briar website.
Hurricane Irma strengthened into one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record late Tuesday, and the storm will slam the Leeward Islands and graze Puerto Rico late Wednesday as it continues moving west.
Mechanical failure of a Virginia State Police helicopters main rotor system or tail rotor likely caused it to spin out of control and crash, killing two state police aviators who had been monitoring the Aug. 12 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, according to one aviation expert.

The only reason that a helicopter stops flying from a nice straight-and-level altitude and course is if something goes wrong mechanically, said Robert Hadow, who reviewed a preliminary report on the crash released Tuesday by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Hadow is a 20-year certified flight instructor based in New Jersey who has 5,000 hours of fixed-wing pilot experience and has taken an interest in last months fatal crash of the Bell 407 helicopter.

State police Lt. H. Jay Cullen, 48, who was piloting the helicopter, and Trooper-Pilot Berke M.M. Bates, 40, who was operating the helicopters camera, werent doing anything that was unusual, such as landing or taking off, when the aircraft began to continuously spin and descend in a nose-down pitch into trees, according to Hadows reading of the eight-page report.

State police declined to comment on whether the agency believes Hadows analysis is a plausible explanation for what happened, based on the report.

The Virginia State Police appreciates the professionalism and comprehensive investigative efforts of the NTSB during all aspects of this incident, spokeswoman Corinne Geller said.

An NTSB spokesman could not be reached for comment late Tuesday.

Hadow said the engine in the Bell helicopter drives what are essentially two propellers  the main rotor blade system and the tail rotor system.

And there was no indication that anything was broken between the engine and the main rotor system  according to the report, Hadow said.

But a more complicated function is how power goes through the shaft and into another gear box in the helicopters tail, Hadow explained. The tail rotor is what keeps the helicopter from turning to the right or the left continuously, he added.

The helicopter began to spin or rotate around its vertical axis and then descend in a 45-degree nose-down attitude  continuously spinning  before it was no longer visible below the tops of surrounding trees, according to the report, which cited a preponderance of witness statements.

When a helicopter is spinning or continuously turning to the left or to the right, it means there is something wrong with the tail rotor  either its not doing enough of its job or too much of its job, Hadow said.

And before (the helicopter) crashed, it was turning to its side, Hadow added.

The NTSB said the whole helicopter made a turn, but they didnt say whether it was spinning to the right or to the left, Hadow said. And that would tell you whether the tail rotor was broken, or whether the main rotor system broke.

Hadow believes one of the most interesting pieces of evidence could be security camera footage that investigators obtained from the University of Virginia. The video, according to the report, corroborated statements by witnesses regarding the spinning of the helicopter during its descent. Hadow said that could be central to the investigation.

A rotation about the vertical axis indicates a failure of the tail rotor, or the failure to control it, Hadow said. A dollar to a donut, (the crash is the result of) a mechanical failure.

The report summarizes factual information collected during the early stages of the investigation and does not contain any analysis or probable cause for the crash.

In a news release, the NTSB highlighted these facts contained in the report:

Radar data indicated that just prior to the crash, the helicopter was flying north-northwest at an altitude of approximately 2,200 feet before it began to turn to the right and descend rapidly.

Security camera video shows the helicopter spinning in a nose-down pitch attitude before it descended into trees.

All the main helicopter components were recovered at the crash site, but most were damaged upon impact and a post-impact fire.

The debris field was several hundred feet long. The fuselage came to rest on the ground, the tail rotor was located in a tree, and some components of the helicopter were recovered from the roof of a nearby house.

No evidence was observed to suggest that the helicopter was struck by another aircraft, animal or object.

The wreckage was retained by the NTSB for further examination.

The report said that airworthiness records from the Federal Aviation Administration, along with the Bell 407s maintenance records, showed that the helicopters most recent 100-hour inspection was completed Aug. 3. At the time of the crash, the helicopter had accrued approximately 6,000 total hours of operation.

The aircraft was heavily damaged in 2010 when it lost power shortly after takeoff in Abingdon and made an emergency hard landing, but neither the pilot nor co-pilot was injured. State police have said the helicopter was fully repaired by Bell Helicopter afterward, and the incident was not mentioned in NTSBs preliminary report.

The final federal report wont be available for 12 to 18 months.

The aircraft, known as Trooper One, was one of two state police helicopters circling above Charlottesville to relay video of the white nationalist rally and the ensuing violence to officers on the ground.

After flying over the city until 4:42 p.m., Trooper One was re-tasked with providing over-watch security for Gov. Terry McAuliffes motorcade in Albemarle County. One minute later, the crew advised the VSP command center that they were heading to the motorcade, about 30 seconds away.

At 4:49 p.m., the second VSP helicopter notified the police command center that Trooper One had crashed.
Hurricane Irma strengthened into one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record late Tuesday, and the storm will slam the Leeward Islands and graze Puerto Rico late Wednesday as it continues moving west.

The National Hurricane Center expects Irma to remain a major hurricane over the next five days, and by the weekend it will be positioned somewhere around Cuba or South Florida.

Beyond that time, it is still far from certain whether Irma would have any direct impact on the weather in North Carolina and Virginia early next week.

The latest

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, Hurricane Irma had sustained winds of 185 mph and was centered about 10 miles southwest of Anguilla.

As the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 1:47 a.m., phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

Irma reached the rare Category 5 threshold on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale on Tuesday morning.

Irmas sustained winds are the strongest measured in any Atlantic hurricane in more than a decade, and 5 mph short of being the highest on record.

Only four Atlantic hurricanes had sustained winds that high or higher: Wilma in 2005, Gilbert in 1988, Allen in 1980 and the Labor Day hurricane in the Florida Keys in 1935.

Very likely to happen

Irmas track over the next three days is very clear now, and it is certain to be a serious threat to life and property on several islands.

The eye of Irma  around which the most intense winds blow  is likely to track over or very close to Barbuda, Anguilla, Saint Martin and the British Virgin Islands on Wednesday.

Those areas will experience winds approaching 175 mph for the first time in decades.

Hurricane-force winds will extend about 50 mph away from the eye and affect the islands of Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The eye of Irma will probably stay just off the northern coast of Puerto Rico instead of making a direct landfall on the island.

Irma will continue moving northwest on Thursday and remain over water just to the north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Hurricane watches are posted as far west as the northern coast of Haiti and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Moderately likely

Its now more likely than not that Irma will affect the Bahamas, Cuba and South Florida over the weekend.

By Saturday and Sunday, the center of Irma is forecast to be in Straits of Florida between Miami and Havana, though the margin of error could put it anywhere in the Bahamas, South Florida or Cuba.

The exact position of the center will determine where the truly disastrous winds will be experienced, but heavy rain, large waves and at least tropical storm-force winds are a strong possibility for that entire region.

Irma will remain a major hurricane  Category 3 or higher  for the foreseeable future, but expect to see some fluctuations.

Hurricanes of Irmas caliber are rare, but they still usually oscillate between Category 4 and 5 intensity.

It probably wont stay at the Category 5 level uninterrupted for several days.

Dont read too much into talk of weakening if Irma goes back to being a Category 4 at some point, because it could just as well restrengthen the next day in this kind of environment.

Even a Category 3 hurricane approaching that region with 115 mph winds would be extremely dangerous.

Still unclear

What happens beyond Sunday is still hazy. Once Irma arrives in the vicinity of South Florida, it will probably start moving farther to the north.

The question is the angle of that northward movement: Does Irma swing northwest into the Gulf of Mexico, drive right through the Florida peninsula, or curve up the East Coast?

A direct strike on the coastline of South Carolina or North Carolina is a possibility, but it is just one of many that are still on the table. By Thursday or Friday, we ought to have a clearer picture of where Irma goes beyond South Florida.

If the storm were to take a track that affects any part of the Carolinas or Virginia, it could be in the Tuesday-to-Wednesday time frame of next week.

For people with interests along the coastline of the Carolinas: Review your hurricane plan and be ready to take action late this week if the forecast starts to look worse.

It may or may not trend closer, but remain aware.

For Richmond and the inland parts of Virginia, theres no reason to be alarmed.

An indirect effect for this area  like some remnant rainfall  is a growing possibility for the early-to-middle part of next week but not guaranteed.

Unlikely

Unfortunately, there are no longer viable scenarios where Irma misses the United States entirely. Some direct or indirect impacts look inevitable for parts of the southeast, but the exact details are to be determined.

Elsewhere in the tropics

Tropical Storm Jose formed in the eastern Atlantic on Tuesday, but it will probably not follow Irmas exact path. Though it may strengthen into a hurricane, it is destined to make a curve to the north and head for the open ocean after brushing the Leeward Islands.

Another tropical depression in the western Gulf of Mexico is expected to organize into Tropical Storm Katia by Wednesday. Unlike Harvey, this storm will gradually drift south toward Mexico by the weekend instead of spinning north toward Texas.
Just so theres no confusion: Donald Trumps longtime personal lawyer emailed Vladimir Putins personal spokesman? Seeking help from the Kremlin on a deal to build a Trump Tower in Moscow? During the presidential campaign?

Yes, this really happened. While most attention was rightly focused on the devastating flood in Houston, there was quite a bit of news on the Russia front  all of it, from Trumps perspective, quite bad.

The revelations begin with a Trump business associate named Felix Sater. A Russian emigre who bragged about his Kremlin connections, Sater was a principal figure in development of the Trump Soho hotel and condominium project in lower Manhattan. Sater wrote a series of emails to Trumps lawyer, Michael Cohen, touting the Moscow Trump Tower project as a way to help Trump win the presidency.

In November 2015  five months after Trump had entered the race for the Republican presidential nomination  Sater wrote to Cohen that he had arranged for Trumps daughter Ivanka, during a 2006 visit to Moscow, to sit in Putins [sic] private chair at his desk and office in the Kremlin.

The email went on, I will get Putin on this program and we will get Donald elected. We both know no one else knows how to pull this off without stupidity or greed getting in the way. I know how to play it and we will get this done. Buddy our boy can become President of the USA and we can engineer it. I will get all of Putins [sic] team to buy in on this.

Could Sater be just a blowhard who exaggerated his influence with the Russian president? Perhaps. But Ivanka Trump did tell The New York Times that she took a brief tour of Red Square and the Kremlin during that 2006 visit. The Times reported she said that it is possible she sat in Mr. Putins chair during that tour but she did not recall it.

There is no evidence that Cohen, one of Trumps closest associates, found anything improper in Saters pledge to get Putin on this program. Nor did Cohen or anyone in the Trump Organization bother to disclose the emails  or the Trump firms effort, even during the campaign, to profitably emblazon the Trump name on the Moscow skyline  until the correspondence was turned over to the House Intelligence Committee on Monday.

And theres more: In January 2016, with the Moscow project apparently stalled, Cohen went straight to the top to get it back on track  or at least tried to. He sent an email to Dmitry Peskov, Putins longtime personal spokesman, hereby requesting your assistance.

Peskov confirmed that the email was received but said he did nothing about it and that it was not given to Putin.

So Trump was lying when he tweeted, shortly before his inauguration, that I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH RUSSIA  NO DEALS, NO LOANS, NO NOTHING! The truth is that in October 2015, on the same day he participated in a GOP candidates debate, he signed a letter of intent for the Moscow Trump Tower project.

That is a deal, and Trumps hunger to keep it alive may explain his reluctance to say anything critical about Putin. Or it may tell just part of the story.

The other part involves the whole question of collusion between Russian officials and the Trump campaign to meddle with the election and boost Trumps chances. Saters boasts, by themselves, are hardly definitive. But of course there is the larger context, which includes the infamous meeting that Donald Trump Jr. convened in New York at which he hoped to receive dirt, courtesy of the Russian government, on Hillary Clinton.

Thus far we have the presidents son, his son-in-law Jared Kushner (who was at that meeting), his then-campaign manager Paul Manafort (also at the meeting), and now his personal lawyer all seemingly eager for Russian help in the election. Who in the campaign wasnt willing to collude?

All of this is under scrutiny by special counsel Robert Mueller and the various congressional committees that are conducting investigations. Some have suggested that Trumps pardon of Joe Arpaio, the unrepentant birther and racial profiler, might have been a message to Trump associates facing heat from prosecutors: Hang tough and dont worry, youll get pardons.

But there was more bad news for the president: Politico reported that Mueller is now cooperating and sharing information with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Presidents can only issue pardons for federal offenses, not state crimes. Uh-oh.

Robinson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Washington Post. Email him at eugenerobinson@washpost.com.
United Way of Central Virginia kicked off its 2017-18 campaign Wednesday to raise money for agency programs in the area, though a specific goal has not yet been set.

The campaign, which runs through March, will be the first for the local United Ways new CEO Bill Varner, who took the helm about six weeks ago. He replaces Marie Martin, who stepped down in June after nine years as UWCV president.

During Wednesdays kickoff event, Varner noted 54 percent of residents in Lynchburg cant make ends meet, a statistic he called staggering.

Twenty-five percent of the areas population is aided by the nonprofit every year, he said.

There is no greater cause than trying to improve the lives of the people in need, Varner said. There is no higher or more compelling calling than that.

Christina Delzingaro, CEO of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, said UWCV has been a primary partner of the nonprofit since 1987. It received $57,000 this year.

Donations help to support our medical, dental, pharmacy and behavioral health services, she said. United Way is one of our key sources of income.

Donations go toward the clinics staff of about 20 people, who in turn support about 800 volunteers.

The clinic serves 3,000 patients per year, Delzingaro said.

In June, UWCV announced a new direction for its funding to go toward a school-readiness initiative that will affect local pre-kindergarteners.

The program replaces UWCVs Central Virginia School Readiness Initiative and is a shared initiative with the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation and Smart Beginnings, nonprofits that work to advance school readiness.

That pivot in funding direction follows a shift begun in 2014, when United Way started moving from being needs-based to issue-focused.

The first issue UWCV chose was education readiness, and its board of directors committed a minimum of $500,000 over three years to programs that could help 90 percent of third-graders in Central Virginia achieve reading proficiency on their Standards of Learning tests by 2025.

The United Way created the Education Readiness Initiative in 2014 and took a portion of funds raised and diverted the money to school readiness.

Robin Steckley, director of development at UWCV, said $2.3 million was raised in 2015. In 2016, the campaign took in $2.1 million, short of a $2.5 million goal. Steckley attributed the decline to layoffs in businesses that included Genworth and Areva, and to the closing of Timken Company in Altavista, all firms that have done company-wide fundraising for UWCV.

In 2015, Genworth raised $270,000 for United Way, but in 2016, it raised $94,000.

Steckley said she hasnt set a goal for fundraising for next year yet.

Our community gives with real heart, and it really does stretch itself, she said. Anything we raise we will be grateful for. The person who gives a dollar a week is giving just as sacrificially as the person who gives $10,000.

Joan Phelps, director of community impact at UWCV, said the nonprofit is upfront with agencies that no program is guaranteed funding from year to year, as it all depends on how much money is donated and what the needs are.

This year, the only program that typically receives funding that did not was The Arc of Central Virginias Camp Meadowlark, Phelps said. It is a four-week summer camp available for individuals with intellectual, development and physical disabilities.

The camp typically receives $13,000 per year, ARC Executive Director Robin Baker said.

The ARCs day programming still received $75,000 this year.

Though volunteers felt the camp still was worthwhile, Phelps said, due to a lack of funding, it couldnt be supported in 2017.

Budgets for these agency programs have increased over the years, and while they are getting funding, the percent of funding for their program may have decreased, but part of that may be because their budget went up, Phelps said.

Baker said the ARC was able to raise about half of the $13,000 on its own through social media.

I still feel like we fit into the mission [of UWCV], Baker said. We provide a desperately needed community service.

Agencies can begin applying for funding in February, and then volunteers will review funding requests and visit with agencies, Phelps said. UWCV will hold meetings in April to see what funding is available, and a final funding recommendation will be made in May 2018. Money for agency programs will be allocated in 12 monthly installments beginning July 1.
Khan: Conflict of interest on Galicia

Khan also asked how Inter-Continental Shipping Limited (ICSL), which was not invited to tender for that vessel, ended up replacing Alfonsos firm and winning the bid. He said this resulted in the procurement of the Super Fast Galicia which replaced the Warrior Spirit on the domestic seabridge.

ICSL are the brokers for the Galicia which is owned by the company Trans-Med.

Khan posed these questions to the Port Authoritys board of directors as the Parliaments Land and Physical Infrastructure Joint Select Committee (JSC) continued its enquiry into the domestic seabridge at Tower D of the Portof- Spain International Waterfront Centre.

Describing the situation as curiouser and curiouser, Khan told Port chairman Alison Lewis, If that my dear lady, is not at best impropriety, I dont know what is. In response to Khans questions, Lewis said Alfonso was retained by the former transport ministry in 2013 to assist with the procurement of a replacement for the Warrior Spirit.

She said Alfonso eventually, was invited to identify vessels that had been available. TT Inter-Island Transport Company acting CEO Leon Grant recalled that Alfonso was asked to, in trying to find an urgent replacement for the Warrior Spirit.

Lewis confirmed that Alfonsos firm was one of nine companies listed to tender on a selective tender process for a cargo vessel.

Grant did not remember Alfonso ever, being invited by the (port) management to tender for any ferry. However Khan told him, That is a fact. Khan also said Alfonsos firm submitted a July 18, 2014 invoice for $840,750 for its services, to the Port.

Indicating that this invoice was paid, Khan said part of the invoice billed the Port included, conferences and negotiations with Mr Powell of ICSL. Lewis confirmed to the JSC that ICSL was not invited by the port to tender for a cargo vessel. However she agreed with Khan that ICSL submitted the winning tender. When Khan asked how this happened, Lewis said an examination of the records, saw an instance where ICSL replaced Miss Alfonso. Khan said supported his information that ICS acted as an agent for Alfonsos law firm. .

The minister asked what kind of due diligence, was done here to include on the list, somebody who obviously had a conflict of interest? Khan said the problem was Alfonso, being an advisor on the very process that her company was bidding on.Lewis replied, The persons who would have made that decision are no longer at the Port Authority. She confirmed to the JSC that ICS was not invited by the port to tender for a cargo vessel. Khan said Alfonso will be questioned further on this issue when she appears before the committee In response to questions from Toco/Manzanilla MP Glenda Jennings Smith, Grant confirmed visiting Gibraltar with the Ports chief engineer to examine the Galicia. He said there were no technical difficulties with the ship but only problem was no proper berth for it in Port-of- Spain. Grant also said a ramp and a barge had to be used to load cargo on to the Galicia.

On visiting Panama to inspect the Ocean Flower 2 passenger ferry, Grant said he and the chief engineer made certain observations about the vessel.

He said these were submitted in a report to the Authority.
Bridgemans: Weve been dragged through mud

Replying to queries from Mark, Purdey said Bridgemans had its operations at Melville Street, Vancouver, and its corporate offices were at their legal firm Norton Rose Fullbright. He named Bridgemans owners as himself, Brian Grange, Larry Thompson, Peter Patel and Paul Chung.

Mark asked if Bridgemans was registered for tax, VAT, NIS and health surcharge.

Purdey said Bridgemans was registered at the Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) and he thought it was registered for VAT, but couldnt say about the two latter.

Purdeys associate, Lester Kenny, of Kens Shipping and Marine Services chimed in to say Bridgemans had been in TT for just a short period, but they were trying to set up Bridgemans Trinidad.

Purdey told Mark he would ensure Bridgemans was registered to get a BIR tax clearance certificate.

He said Bridgemans was registered in 2013 and now owns four vessels, including the Cabo Star and Ocean Flower 2.

Purdey said Bridgemans had six staff at its Vancouver office and 100 operationally across the groups profile.

While Mark said Bridgemans seemed to be a mystery, with some registration in Estonia, Purdey said all Bridgemans entities involved in the seabridge were registered in Canada.

Purdey alleged that the media had given the issue destructive coverage, driven by some agenda. He said, Weve been dragged through the mud. Kenny added, Weve been brutalised by our media. Mayaro MP Rushton Paray said that for Bridgemans to win the bid for the two ferries, their documented background must be excellent but he had seen it nowhere.

Purdey promised to supply the documentation, within the remit of confidentiality and the requirements of the parliamentary system.

Purdey told Paray Bridgemans was a limited partnership, not a company.

Purdey said he hoped to work with the Port Authority of TT (PATT) to get a cooperative outcome to the fate of the Ocean Flower II (whose lease was cancelled due to lateness.
South Oropouche man dies in accident

Police said, shortly before 11 on Monday, Mahabir was in a truck driven by a 38-year-old man at Berridge Trace, South Oropouche.

Another villager was with them. The driver allegedly swerved to avoid a head on collision with a car.

However, the truck crashed into an electricity pole. Mahabir, of Dow Village, South Oropouche and the other occupants sustained multiple injuries and were taken to the San Fernando hospital. Mahabir later died.
Alison Lewis: Port acted responsibly on replacements

These were the views expressed by Port chairman Alison Lewis and deputy chairman Adrian Beharry to members of the Parliaments Land and Physical Infrastructure Joint Select Committee at Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre yesterday.

Noting the abrupt departure of the Galicia from the seabridge, Lewis explained, A number of things had to be done in short order. She said while the Authority would have preferred a longer time frame within which to procure a replacement, it did not have that luxury. Beharry agreed with Lewis as he explained how the Atlantic Provider and Trinity Transporter barge were brought in to fill the gap left by the Galicia. He said owners of the Transporter initially asked a fee of US$12,000 per day.

However Beharry said that fee was reduced to US$8,000 per day. In addition, he said there was no mobilisation fee as the Transporter and its associated tug were already in TT.

On the Atlantic Provider, Beharry said its daily fee was reduced from US$14,500 to US$14,000 per day.

Again, Beharry said there was no mobilisation fee or any other associated cost with the Provider. Comparing this to the Galicia which incurred the additional expenses such as tug and barge services and civil engineering works, Beharry said the Ports ability to get the Provider and the Transporter were extremely economical for our purposes. He added that draft contracts were prepared for both vessels. The total cost for the Provider from April 23 to July 23 was $11.6 million.

The Transporter incurred a total cost of $6.2 million for its period of operation, April 23 to July 16.

Lewis said the Port gets regular reports on the Cabo Star cargo vessel from its operators.

She said the Port has brought concerns raised by the vessels users to the operators and, those things have been done at their cost. Lewis disclosed there has been a lot of interest in the tender process for a fast ferry, which closes on September 28. She reiterated that Government is looking at acquiring a new cargo vessel and this could take three years to build.

In response to a question from Opposition Senator Wade Mark, Lewis said the Authority does not have copies of Cabinet minutes of decisions taken regarding the procurement of vessels for the seabridge. She explained that while the Port provides information for those notes, it is informed by the Works and Transport Ministry of these decisions.
School maxi taxi drivers protest outside Ministry

We have nobody here who stays home in their house and collects money, Ramlogan said. Everybody here works and if you want any confirmation, you could go to the principals of the schools that these maxis service and they would know. I dont know if its (allegation) meant as a distraction from the real point, which is to finally pay us and to get back the system in order. Ramlogan said that while the service to transport students to and from school was funded by the Education Ministry, it was the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) which actually managed the programme and paid drivers.

Hence, he said all questions about alleged ghost drivers should be directed to PTSC General Manager, Ronald Forde.

So what (Garcia) was saying about us, the disrespect toward us, he has continued to treat us like hustlers in this country and not businessmen. Ramlogan was speaking with reporters yesterday during a protest by AMTSTC members outside the Education Ministrys head office, St Vincent Street, Port-of-Spain.

The AMTSTC president was responding to a statement made on Monday by Education Minister, Anthony Garcia, during a press conference about, among other things, the associations decision to withhold its services until it received full payment of $12 million owed for May, June and the first half of July 2017. Within the last month, the ministry has made two partial payments to the PTSC; $1 million and then more than $6 million.

While the delay in payments prompted the AMTSTC to temporarily stop transporting students, Garcia said an allegation of ghost gangs was brought to his attention on Sunday evening and assured that he would investigate the claim.

Newsday was unable to contact Forde for comment.
Cedros, Icacos coastlines eroding rapidly

Teelucksigh also said in the industrial areas of Cap de Ville and Point Fortin, there is also need to protect the coastline because drilling and dredging in those areas are causing coastal erosion. He noted that landowners have suffered great losses as acres of valuable property in the Iacaos and Cedros areas have eroded in the past seven years.

Teelucksingh said, With the recent tropical storm Bret, there was a lot of erosion taking place along the coastline. Both the Siparia Regional Corporation(SRC) and the Penal/Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) have been complaining to the Coastal Protection Unit in the Ministry of Works. It is now a matter of urgency that the Government look into the protection of the coastal line from Granville to Icacos and to Cedros. The councillor said the fact that the lighthouse in Cedros is now surrounded by water, is evident that the land is eroding at a fast pace. The councillor noted the PDRC and SRC have been involved in public consultations regarding this matter, but the Minister of Works needs to address the situation. He went on to say that during the Peoples Partnership administration, work was done to along the coastline from Mosquito Creek to Otaheite but the worked has sinced stopped and today a lot of the coastline is now eroding.

Teelucksingh said that after several complaints to the Ministry of Works, the PDRC was told there was need to invest $300,000 to save the coastline and the Government would provide the technical advice. The PDRCs infrastuctural roadworks and drainage will cost millions, he said.

Former alderman of the PDRC, Gowtam Manaraj, said there has been rapid erosion at the scenic Quinam beachfront.

Maybe the PDRC and SRC can join and truck in some large boulders or any old huge concrete barriers to save this area in the interim, he said.

Maharaj believes the waterfront could be saved by building a concrete wall as well.
Williams, Ramesar to apply for top post

Yesterday, the Police Service Commission placed advertisements in the daily newspapers to advertise for the post of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.

The ad said: The Police Service Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is searching for the future leaders of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. The applicants must possess a strong work ethic, thrive on challenges, be committed to reducing the level of crime within the country and dedicated to providing outstanding public service. The applicants should also be proficient in leading and managing large, complex law enforcement organisations with high public visibility. Williams has been acting in the post 11 times since the departure of then police commissioner Dwayne Gibbs. Gibbs and his deputy commissioner Jack Ewatski , both Canadians, resigned their positions in 2013 and returned to Canada for personal reasons. Williams has been acting in that post since then. Newsday also understands Assistant Commissioner of Police Irwin Hackshaw will be among those applying for the post of Deputy Commissioner and even Commissioner of Police.

Hackshaw was described yesterday as having the requisite qualifications for the two top positions in the service. It is expected that the country will have a new commissioner in office by January 2018.
Five local feature length films to show at ttff

This was revealed at the launch held at the Hyatt Regency yesterday.

Nearly 120 feature-length, short and experimental narrative and documentary films from the Caribbean, its diaspora and contemporary world cinema will be screened including the five TT feature films, and over 34 short and experimental films, also made in TT.

Magella Moreau, Director of Public Relations, ttff said at the launch, We continue to be excited by the quality of films made by local film-makers, many of you who are involved in the industry where you have to have passion to do this because it is not easy. The eternal search for funds etc it is very challenging, that you have to be either crazy or passionate to do it. She then acknowledge and paid tribute to some of the film-makers who were present at the event.

Trudy de Verteuil, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Columbus Communications Trinidad Ltd (Flow), title sponsor said it was important to make memories and to see ourselves on the silver screen hence the reason for the heavy investment into the ttff.

She added that it was one of the major ways to bring our film-makers together and showcase their work in various communities.

Danielle Jones, Manager Corporate Communications, BP Trinidad & Tobago (bptt), another major sponsor of the event, said her company was thrilled to be part of the festival this year, and especially because one of the two films that bptt funded, Green Days by the River had been selected to be screened at the opening night gala on Tuesday September 19, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port-of-Spain.

A film adaptation of Michael Anthonys classic 1967 novel of the same name, it brings to life childhood memories of the book, and a Trinidad otherwise long forgotten.

It is directed by Michael Mooleedhar and at the opening night screening, both he and producer Christian James will be present to introduce their film that features secondary-school student Sudai Tafari (Shell), Anand Lawkaran (Mr Gidharrie), and veterans Che Rodriguez (Pa), and Dara Healy (Ma Lammy). The other bptt sponsored film, To Be A Renegade, a short documentary, is about bptt Renegades Steel Orchestra of the past, present and the future.
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Legend has it that King Arthur ordered a faithful servant to throw his sword, Excalibur, into a lake after he was mortally wounded in battle. A British 7-year-old has just pulled a sword from that very spot. While on holiday in Cornwall on Aug. 29, Matilda Jones asked her dad if she could go for a swim to beat the heat, reports the Sheffield Star. He agreed and, on their way to Dozmary Pool, told his daughter how King Arthur's legendary sword was said to rest there. Shortly after wading into the lake, Matilda told her dad she'd found a sword. "I told her not to be silly and it was probably a bit of fencing," Paul Jones tells the Star. "But when I looked down I realized it was a sword. It was just there lying flat on the bottom of the lake."

Jones isn't holding out hope that the 4-foot-long sword is the one that inspired the Arthurian legend. It's "about 20 or 30 years old" and "probably an old film prop," he says. But its discovery is still a neat coincidence. According to legend, the Lady of the Lake gave Excalibur to Arthur at Dozmary Pool, where it was returned after his death. It is said that a hand rose from the waters to receive the sword and brandished it three times before both disappeared. Despite the legend, however, treasure hunters would be foolhardy to search Dozmary Pool for the fabled sword. Droughts have twice dried out the shallow lake, revealing no ancient sword at the bottom, per Cornwall Live. (A medieval knight's sword was recently found in a bog.)
"They had come for Bobo," the Clarion-Ledger quotes Simeon Wright as writing in his memoir. "No begging, pleading, or payment was going to stop them." Wright, cousin of Emmett Till, died Monday in Illinois at the age of 74 following a battle with cancer, the Chicago Tribune reports. According to the Washington Post, Wright12 years old at the timewas with Till, who family called Bobo, when the 14-year-old whistled at a white woman in 1955 in Mississippi. Wright has said Till, who was visiting from Chicago, was probably trying to make the cousins laugh, but they were horrified due to the Ku Klux Klan's presence in the state. Later, Wright was sleeping next to Till when two white men pulled him from bed. It was the last time Wright saw his cousin, who was tortured, killed, and dumped in a river.

The men who dragged Till from bed were acquitted, later bragging of his murder, and Wright's family fled Mississippi. "That incident changed him as a person," a family spokesperson says. "He became bitter and angry." Wright's wife, Annie, tells the Tribune religion helped Wright work through his anger, and he eventually forgave his cousin's killers. Wright spent most of life living in the suburbs of Chicago, only recently starting to talk about his final memories of Till. "He really wanted people to know what happened that night," Annie says. "He wanted people to know the injustices and indignities." Wright published a memoir in 2010 and had recently been speaking on civil rights to groups around the country. (Read more Emmett Till stories.)
It appears Hillary Clinton blames Sen. Bernie Sanders, at least partly, for her surprising loss to President Trump in the 2016 election. "His attacks caused lasting damage, making it harder to unify progressives in the general election and paving the way for Trump's 'Crooked Hillary' campaign,'" CNN quotes a leaked excerpt from Clinton's upcoming book, What Happened. Excerpts from the book, which is set to be released Sept. 12, were posted online by a pro-Clinton Twitter account and by a user on a Clinton-affiliated Facebook page. CNN states the excerpts on Sanders are "remarkably candid" for Clinton.

Clinton blames Sanders for resorting "to innuendo and impugning my character" in the face of their policy similarities and says his "Bernie Bros" harassed her supporters: "It got ugly and more than a little sexist." Vox reports Clinton also takes issue with what she says were unrealistic policies from Sandersessentially promising everyone in America a pony. "His plans didn't add up," the Hill quotes Clinton as saying in the excerpts. She says some of his policies "were little more than a pipe-dream." Clinton says she wanted to hit back at Sanders during the primary but was warned against it. She says Obama told her to "grit my teeth and lay off Bernie as much as I could." Experts worry Clinton putting blame on Sanders could deepen the current rifts in the Democratic party. (Read more Hillary Clinton stories.)
Former Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke is joining a political action committee that supports President Trump, saying in an email Tuesday he will serve as spokesman and senior adviser to the group. The firebrand sheriff has made a name for himself as one of the president's most outspoken and faithful backers, frequently voicing support for Trump's every move to his nearly 800,000 Twitter followers. The PAC he is joining, America First Action, works to elect Republican candidates who support the Trump administration, the AP reports. "I will help make sure we elect the candidates who will do what they promise in support of President Trump's agenda," Clarke said in an email announcing his move. "Just as important, I will see to it that the will of the American people is not derailed by the left or the self-serving Washington establishment."

Clarke announced his resignation as sheriff on Thursday after serving in that capacity for 15 years. "David Clarke is an American patriot, and we are very proud to welcome him to America First," Brian O. Walsh, President of America First Action, said in a statement. Clarke's departure comes at a tumultuous time for the polarizing sheriff, who has clashed with many of Milwaukee's government officials. Several members of his jail staff are under investigation by prosecutors and could face charges in the 2016 dehydration death of an inmate who was deprived of water for a week as punishment. Clarke is also facing several lawsuits, including two by the family of the deceased inmate, Terrill Thomas. Two former inmates who were pregnant during their time at the sheriff's jail have also filed lawsuits this year alleging they were shackled while giving birth. (Read more President Trump stories.)
The death of a 4-year-old girl from malaria on Monday in Italy has local health authorities searching for answers and worrying about a resurgence of the deadly disease, NPR reports. Italy was declared malaria-free in 1970, and the mosquito that carries the disease no longer lives in the country. "It baffles us how she could have been infected, NBC News quotes a doctor at a hospital in Trento as saying. Sofia Zago was brought to the hospital on Saturday with a high fever and quickly fell into a coma. Tests showed she had cerebral malaria, the deadliest form of the disease, and she died Monday after being moved to a hospital in Brescia. A doctor says it was the first case of native malaria he's seen in Trento in 30 years. "It's a mystery, almost impossible," the general manager of the provincial health service says regarding the case.

Doctors believe Sofia may have been infected during a trip to a beach resort near Venice. It's possible she was infected by a mosquito that had managed to travel to Italy inside of luggage. It's also possible, though very unlikely, Sofia contracted the disease a few weeks ago when she was hospitalized for childhood diabetes. The BBC reports there were two children at the hospital at the same time recovering from malaria they picked up in Africa, though they were in a different ward and Sofia received no blood transfusions. Italy's health ministry has ordered an investigation, according to the AP. While Europe was declared malaria-free in 2015, there have been several individual cases of locally transmitted malaria in recent years, including one in Rome in 2009. (After decades of work, a malaria vaccine is finally here.)
With the most powerful Atlantic hurricane ever recorded battering the Caribbean, Business Insider reports that at least one billionaire is staying put. As Irma was closing in on Tuesday, Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson declared he would hunker down on his private island, the Telegraph reports. "I will be on Necker alongside our team, as I have been on the three times we have had hurricanes over the past 30 years," Branson writes on his blog. The thrill-seeking exec notes, per the Mirror, that while past hurricanes have skirted the British Virgin Islands, "this one is coming straight for us, with the eye of the storm heading straight for Necker." But other "lovely guests" staying on the island west of Puerto Rico weren't so bold, he says, bailing before the Category 5 storm hit.

Another group postponed their visit to the Balinese-style resort, where several houses sleeping up to 34 people rent for $80,000 a night, per the Telegraph. Necker's "really strong" buildings with hurricane blinds "should be able to handle extreme weather pretty well," Branson writes, while urging less well-off islanders to prepare ahead of 185mph winds and not shrug off emergency shelters. Noting the devastating toll wrought by Harvey, Branson calls climate change "a key factor in the increasing intensity" of the latest storms. "If Irma is any indication, we must brace ourselves for more of these catastrophic weather events." He adds, "How much cheaper and smarter to support the Paris Agreement and move to clean energy?" (Irma is so strong that earthquake detectors are going off.)
A trove of documents set to be released this week reveals the schemes Israel used to try to capture Holocaust "Angel of Death" Josef Mengele. Mossad agents crafted elaborate plots, including wiretapping, break-ins, and a honey trap, Yediot Aharonoth reports, via the Jerusalem Post and the Times of Israel. The previously top-secret "Meltzer File" confirms an account that spies came close to capturing the twisted doctor responsible for carrying out horrific experiments on Auschwitz prisoners. There has been much speculation as to why agents didn't grab a man matching Mengele's description they tracked to Brazil in 1962. But Yosef Chen, an ex-Mossad agent who compiled the documents, told the Post that it simply was "not entirely clear if it was him." Even as Israel captured other notorious Nazis like Adolf Eichmann, Mengele, aided by his rich family back in Germany, remained elusive.

"There is no path [Mossad] didn't try," Chen says. Plots to track Mengele included tapping the phone of his only son, Rolf, in Germany, and reading his mail. Agents were hoping the two might talk on the birthday they shared in March 1983. (It turns out Mengele was already dead.) They also planned to tell Rolfcode named "the Lame One"that his father had fallen ill in hopes he would lead them to their target, per the Times. A plan to plant an "attractive, intelligent" agent as Rolf's private secretary also failed. Mengele drowned while swimming in 1979, and he was said to be buried under a false name. A doctor announced in March that his bones, discovered in a Brazilian grave in 1985, would be donated to medical research, per the Times. (A Holocaust survivor's search for his twin went viral.)
A wildfire that started over the weekend in Oregon torched at least 10,000 acres, stranded more than 150 hikers, and forced the evacuation of multiple townsand officials think a teen fooling around with firecrackers may be to blame. The Columbian reports that a 15-year-old boy from Vancouver, Wash., has been named a suspect but not arrested in the Eagle Creek fire that sparked on Saturday. A Portland woman witnessed the scene and sounded the alarm, she tells Oregon Public Broadcasting. Liz FitzGerald was hiking to Punch Bowl Falls on Saturday when she came across a group of young people and "saw this kid throw a smoke bomb" into a ravine. She admonished the kids but forged ahead, only to reconsider. "If I get stuck in a wildfire because I was so determined to get to this watering hole, I would feel like a total idiot," she tells Willamette Week.

She doubled back, and as she passed the spot where she'd seen the group, she saw "billowing smoke" and "could distinctly smell fire." She says she then came upon the teens and told them they had started a forest fire. She says one shot back, "Well, what are we supposed to do about it now?" FitzGerald notified a US Forest Service official, who she says apprehended the teens' minivan. FitzGerald, though, doesn't think the one who tossed the firecracker should bear sole responsibility for the group's "complacency. ... All of them watched, all of them did nothing." Oregon State Police are looking for more witnesses to help them determine their next move. Late Tuesday night, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office indicated on Twitter that the fire "has slowed way down for now." (Read more firecrackers stories.)
Authorities said Tuesday that 22 survivors of a semitrailer found outside a San Antonio Walmart packed with immigrants are no longer needed to testify and being turned over to immigration authorities. Ten people died in the alleged human smuggling operation discovered in July, and the driver of the truck faces a five-count indictment and the possibility of the death penalty. The US attorney's office in San Antonio says it is dismissing the 22 survivors as witnesses and canceling depositions it had scheduled for them in the case against James Matthew Bradley Jr., the AP reports.

A spokesman for the US attorney declined to comment on whether the survivors will face deportation. A spokeswoman for the Mexican consulate in San Antonio said the consulate was only informed that each person's case will be examined individually by an immigration court. At least 39 people had been packed inside the semitrailer, most of them Mexicans who had crossed the United States' southern border. The trailer's cooling system was broken, and witnesses told authorities that they fought to breathe and tried in vain to get the trailer to stop as it headed north. Eight people were found dead inside, and another two died after being hospitalized. (Read more human smuggling stories.)
Harsh criticism against Myanmar's de-facto leader in light of a violent campaign against a Muslim minority is unfounded, says Aung San Suu Kyi. In a statement released by her office Wednesday, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate blamed "terrorists" for "a huge iceberg of misinformation" about violence targeting Rohingya people, at least 146,000 of whom have fled Myanmar's Rakhine State in the past two weeks, per the Guardian. Though UN officials and Rohingya who reached safety in Bangladesh have described up to 1,000 people killed by security forcessatellite images also show a whole community razed, per Human Rights WatchSuu Kyi says the government is "defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible."

Suu Kyi also says "fake news photographs" purporting to show dead bodies were taken outside Myanmar. A photo tweeted by Turkey's deputy prime minister did indeed show a scene from the Rwandan genocide of 1994, per the BBC, but a correspondent says much of the misinformation spreading can be attributed to the Myanmar government's decision to bar journalists from conflict zones. (Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called what's happening in Myanmar "genocide.") The government may also be trying to ensure Rohingya who've escaped the country don't return, reports Reuters. Its sources in Bangladesh say that landmines have been placed along Myanmar's western border, where a boy lost his leg in a mine blast on Tuesday. A military official in Myanmar, however, says the mines have been in place for decades. (Read more Myanmar stories.)
Police are continuing to piece together the murder of Temple University student Jenna Burleigh and say they now know how her alleged killer moved her body 150 miles from Philadelphia. After killing the 22-year-old, Joshua Hupperterz, 29, put her remains in a storage bin and transported it to his mother's home in Jenkintown, police say. The next day, according to police and other sources, Hupperterz used a Lyft car to move the bin to property owned by his grandmother in Wayne County, reports NBC Philadelphia. Burleigh's body was reportedly still inside the storage bin when investigators found it in a utility shed on the Wayne County property Saturday, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. A coroner determined she died from a combination of blunt trauma and strangulation.

Police believe Burleigh, who was seen leaving a bar with Hupperterz around 2am Thursday, was killed at Hupperterz's Philadelphia apartment, where authorities allegedly found blood and a substantial amount of marijuana. But authorities haven't commented on a motive other than to say that the murder doesn't appear to have been premeditated, per People. Hupperterz, a former Temple student who previously faced burglary and other charges, has been taken into custody and charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and drug-related offenses. A spokesperson for Lyft says the company is "devastated" by its apparent link to the murder, adding Lyft is "ready to work with the authorities in their investigation," per NBC. (Read more Temple University stories.)
Two developments on the North Korean front: sobering confirmation of how just how powerful the last test was, and more words of caution from Vladimir Putin. In an analysis for 38 North, three scientists say commercial satellite images taken a day after the test show several landslides around the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. "These disturbances are more numerous and widespread than what we have seen from any of the five tests North Korea previously conducted," they write. High-resolution images yet to come should shed more light. The most recent estimate on the magnitude of the blast is 5.9, suggesting a 120-kiloton yield six times greater than the North's fifth test, conducted last year, and eight times greater than the Hiroshima bomb.

"The main point: this was a huge explosion, probably hundreds of kilotons, and larger than any of those conducted by the Soviet Union and the United States since 1976," Columbia scientist Paul Richards tells Popular Mechanics. Putin, meanwhile, met with South Korean leader Moon Jae-in on the sidelines of an economic summit in Russia and said afterward that the world must be cautious about pushing North Korea "into a corner," per CNN. He again urged negotiations, saying that it is impossible to resolve the problem of the Korean peninsula only by sanctions and pressure, reports Reuters. Moon, for his part, cautioned that if Pyongyang's "provocation doesn't stop here, I think could fall into an uncontrollable situation." (Don't be surprised if the North conducts another test on Sept. 9.)
Rush Limbaugh lives in Florida and thus is keeping a close eye on the path of Hurricane Irma. But on his radio show Tuesday, Limbaugh floated a controversial theory: News coverage is inflating the storm's potential danger as part of a liberal media bias in regard to global warming. "There is a desire to advance this climate change agenda, and hurricanes are one of the fastest and best ways to do it," he said, per a transcript from his show. His main beef is that the hurricane is still days away from any possible landfall in Florida, and he's "leery" about any forecast so far out. Limbaugh accused the media and retailers of teaming up to create hype profitable for both industries, noting: "The media benefits with the panic with increased eyeballs, and the retailers benefit from the panic with increased sales."

Limbaugh wasn't saying Irma isn't a threat, but he suggested a "built in" bias in news coverage is creating unnecessary alarm. "You don't need a hurricane to hit anywhere," he said. "All you need is to create the fear and panic accompanied by talk that climate change is causing hurricanes to become more frequent and bigger and more dangerous, and you create the panic, and it's mission accomplished, agenda advanced." Mediaite notes that one other prominent voice on the right seems to disagree that Irma coverage is left-wing hype. Matt Drudge has been keeping the hurricane front and center on the Drudge Report, even amid Tuesday's DACA news. At the Tampa Bay Times, Adam Smith writes that Limbaugh's monologue is "breathtakingly irresponsible" and could put lives at risk. (Read more Rush Limbaugh stories.)
Hookworm is a disease more commonly associated with third-world countries, but a small study out of Alabama suggests it has a disturbingly strong foothold in the US. The study by the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine focused on rural Lowndes County, reports the Guardian. The sample was small, with just 67 participants, but the results were striking34% showed traces of the parasite. Given the high percentage, researchers plan to conduct another study with a larger sample size. Hookworm was common in the US decades ago, particularly in the Southeast, but improved sanitation and living conditions greatly reduced the number of cases, per the CDC. The new peer-reviewed study, published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, suggests it may be more common than realized.

"The concept of global health needs to give way to a new paradigm: on the new map, Texas and the Gulf coast would be lit up as a hot spot," Dr Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine, tells the Financial Times. Both newspapers note that residents of Lowndes County are generally poor and can't afford septic systems. As a result, sewage runs from their homes into their yards, conditions perfect for hookworm and other parasitic diseases. The worms typically enter the body through the soles of a person's bare feet and make their way up to the small intestine. Hookworm patients suffer a wide range of ailments, from anemia to iron deficiency to impaired mental function. It's "Americas dirty shame," says community activist Catherine Flowers, whose work calling attention to living conditions helped lead to the Baylor study. (Read more parasites stories.)
Eighteen. It's a number the New York Times says hasn't been reported until now, and the number you'd arrive at by counting select chiseled stars in a wall at the CIA HQ in Langley, Va. It represents the number of CIA operatives killed in Afghanistan since 9/11, and the Times provides context: It's "a tally ... that rivals the number of CIA operatives killed in the wars in Vietnam and Laos nearly a half century ago." It sees the count as a reflection of the heavy sacrifice the agency has made in Afghanistan over the past 16 years as well as the agency's creep toward the front lines. These are not men who are easily replaced. Many were part of the CIA's paramilitary force, the Special Activities Division, including the two whose July 14 funeral anchors the Times' account.

Brian Hoke and Nathaniel Delemarre were buried together in Arlington, with the Times piecing together what it could of their secretive backgrounds and the attack that took their lives. Both married with children, the two were part of an Oct. 21, 2016, assault on an ISIS stronghold in Jalalabad; Hoke was apparently shot and Delemarre came to his aid. Hoke died quickly, and a wounded Delemarre died in Germany. Hoke's wife had this to say of her husband in an email to the Times: He was "the kind of person movies are made about, as are most of his colleagues. Unbelievable human beings." Read the full story for more on the others who died, including seven lost on one deadly day. (Read more CIA stories.)
A federal judge has ordered the Rhode Island city of Pawtucket to pay private school tuition for a girl who was raped by another student in a public school bathroom when she was 13. George Hovarth, who represents the girl identified in court papers as Jane Doe, told the AP that the city will pay tuition and fees of more than $40,000 per year. US District Jack McConnell issued the order last week.

Doe was raped in 2016 by an 18-year-old student at the Pawtucket Learning Academy, a public school. He was recently convicted and sentenced to serve 10 years in prison. The girl sued last month, saying officials knew sexual harassment and molestations were pervasive at the school. She said her civil rights were violated under Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded programs. (Read more rape stories.)
North Korea has put China in a difficult spot with its latest nuclear test. And that spot will only get more difficult if radioactive contamination suddenly turns up in China. The Wall Street Journal reports China is stepping up its radiation monitoring in the wake of last weekend's North Korean nuclear test, which was staged less than 50 miles from China's border. More than 100 million people live in the three Chinese provinces closest to North Korea, and China is worried that nuclear fallout could lead to massive public outcry and force it to take a tougher stance against North Korea. China has stepped up radiation monitoring to emergency levels and will continue to test the soil, air, and water. No radiation has so far been detected from North Korea's underground nuclear test, its largest ever.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Trump over the phone Wednesday that the solution to the North Korean nuclear crisis must lie in peaceful talks, Reuters reports. However, North Korea's repeated nuclear tests may be weakening China's position on that. "Obviously, it is an insult to China, an international politics professor in China tells NBC News regarding the latest nuclear test. Experts say China is frustrated and embarrassed that North Korea's nuclear tests are forcing it into conflict with the US and making people question its ability to control North Korea. While not official, media reports in China indicate its leadership may be opening up to new solutions in regards to North Korea. (Read more North Korea stories.)
President Trump overruled congressional Republicans and his own treasury secretary Wednesday and cut a deal with Democrats to fund the government and raise the federal borrowing limit for three months, all part of an agreement to speed money to Harvey relief. In the course of a relatively brief negotiating session at the White House, Trump largely sided with Democratic leaders as they pushed for the three-month deal, per the AP. He brushed aside calls from Republican congressional leaders and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for a longer extension to the debt limit, which Republicans had been aiming for to avoid having to take another vote on the politically toxic issue before the 2018 elections. The deal promises to speed the $7.9 billion Hurricane Harvey aid bill, which passed the House overwhelmingly Wednesday, to Trump's desk.

Trump then boarded a plane to North Dakota with Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, in an effort to garner bipartisan support for tax legislation that Republican leaders are crafting. "We had a very good meeting with Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer," Trump told reporters on Air Force One. He did not mention House Speaker Paul Ryan or Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who also were present for the negotiations. "We agreed to a three-month extension on debt ceiling, which they consider to be sacred, very important." The move buys almost three months, until Dec. 15, for Washington to try to solve myriad other issues, including more funding for the military, immigration, and health care, and a longer-term increase in the government's borrowing authority to avoid a first-ever default. (Read more Hurricane Harvey stories.)
Sanctions against North Korea won't solve Korean peninsula crisis, says China

Beijing : Sanctions against North Korea will not solve the crisis on the Korean peninsula if other channels to ease tensions are not opened up, China said on Tuesday.

China's statement came as the UN is studying the possibility of a stronger resolution against Pyongyang following its latest nuclear test on Sunday.

"Military force is never an option and sanctions alone offer no way out" for resolving the conflict, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a press conference.

Geng did not say whether China would support fresh sanctions on its neighbour and said that the decisions of the Security Council were the result of the discussions among its members.

While the US, France and Britain are in favour of a strong response against the North Korean regime following its latest nuclear test, Geng urged the resumption of talks and hoped that all parties would refrain from escalating tensions.

He said it was important to find a solution through peaceful means and China hoped that all parties involved would remain calm instead of adding fuel to the fire.

Geng commended Switzerland's offer to act as mediator in the crisis.

"China welcomes and encourages all proposals and efforts that are conducive to alleviating tension," the spokesperson said.
South Africa to host 10th BRICS Summit

New Delhi : As the 9th edition of BRICS Summit concluded in China, President Xi Jinping announced that the 10th Edition of BRICS Summit will be held in Johannesburg in 2018.

Xi Jinping made the announcement after the end of the 9th BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa  Summit in Xiamen (China).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, termed talks with Xi Jinping as 'fruitful'.

"Met President Xi Jinping. We held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China," the Prime Minister tweeted after their meeting.

Modi thanked the Chinese government and the people for their "warm hospitality" during the three-day BRICS Summit and said he was leaving for Myanmar.
US to sell military equipment to Japan and South Korea, says President Donald Trump

Washington : US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will permit the sale of highly sophisticated military equipment to Japan and South Korea, two neighbours of North Korea threatened by its regime's latest nuclear trials.

"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump tweeted, reported Efe news agency.

According to the US law dealing with arms exports, the President must inform Congress 30 days before authorising the sale of armaments worth $14 million or more, though exceptions have existed to facilitate the sale of arms to Japan.

The President's statement came after North Korea carried out its sixth nuclear test Sunday and the most powerful yet -- supposedly a hydrogen bomb -- which, according to Pyongyang, it could mount on one of its intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The growing intensity of arms trials by North Korea, which last Tuesday launched a missile that flew over northern Japan before falling into the Pacific Ocean, has been condemned by the international community and threatens to unleash an arms escalation in the region.
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Mumbai:

Bollywood celebrities such as Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Sonam Kapoor and Dia Mirza have condemned the killing of senior journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, calling it an attack on independent press.

The Kannada journalist-activist, known for her left-leaning outlook and forth right views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence last night.

Citing a pattern in the murder, Akhtar wrote on Twitter, Lankesh died a similar death as rationalists Narendra Dhabolkar, Govind Pansare and M M Kalburgi.

Dhabolkar , Pansare, Kalburgi , and now Gauri Lankesh . If one kind of people are getting killed which kind of people are the killers .  Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) September 5, 2017

"Dhabolkar, Pansare, Kalburgi, and now Gauri Lankesh. I fone kind of people are getting killed which kind of people arethe killers," the lyricist-writer tweeted.

Azmi tweeted, "#Gauri Lankesh shot dead outside her home. Shocking. Devastating. Dabholkar Pansare Kalburgi culpritsmust be punished."

#Gauri Lankesh shot dead outside her home.Shocking Devastating. Dabholkar Pansare Kalburgi Culprits must be punished  Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) September 5, 2017

While Sonam wrote, "Truth alone prevails. Your voice will be heard and shall turn into an echo towards justice.#GauriLankeshMurder." Mirza tweeted that the incident was "deeply disturbing" and the perpetrators "must found and punished".

Also Read: Gauri Lankesh murder: Karnataka govt forms SIT

"To kill someone for their views is not Democracy, its beginnings of a Banana Republic, where violence speaks louder than words #GauriLankesh," wrote filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.

To kill someone for their views is not Democracy, its beginnings of a Banana Republic, where violence speaks louder than words #GauriLankesh  Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) September 6, 2017

Director Vivek Agnihotri said, "#GauriLankesh was in my batch at IIMC. An idealist leftist. In the end, became victim of the same politics she believed in and fought for."

Director Onir raised his voice, saying, "What a shame forthe entire nation. #GauriLankesh killing is a blot on our democracy and is an attack on indie press."

Also Read: Gauri Lankesh laid to rest with state honours

Actor Jaaved Jaaferi wrote, "Extremely dangerous signs when a country witnesses crusaders activists and journalists who question the government being murdered. RIP#GauriLankesh."

Extremely dangerous signs whn a country witnesses crusaders activists & journalists who question the govt being murdered. RIP #GauriLankesh  Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) September 6, 2017

Lankesh, 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately, with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said. She died instantaneously.

Shameful.. what kind of society are we becoming?? Deepest condolences to the family and hope justice is delivered soon. https://t.co/OTh49Gztz8  Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) September 6, 2017

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Mumbai:

The Ganesh idol immersion processions in Maharashtra were marred by the death of at least eleven people in parts of the state, even as devotees in the state thronged in large numbers to bid adieu to the popular elephant-headed God.

Three persons drowned during Ganesh idol immersion in the Shivnai lake near Bidkin in Aurangabad district, police said.

Officials from state police headquarters here said that apart from the three deaths in Aurangabad, four people lost their lives in Pune, two in Jalgaon and one each in Nashik and Beed districts. However, exact details about their deaths are not immediately known.

In Mumbai, the idol at the official residence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was immersed in an artificial pond.

In Nashik, minister Girish Mahajan joined the lezim players during the immersion procession, while Shiv Sena MP Chandrakant Khaire tapped a foot in the Ganesh visarjan procession in Aurangabad city. Lezim is a folk dance from the state, named after a musical instrument with jingling cymbals.

In Aurangabad, the Sansthan Ganpati idol was showered with petals from a drone.

ALSO READ | Ganesh Visarjan 2017: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looks elegant in red saree

In Mumbai, among the early starters for the immersion were the Ganesh Galli Mandal and Lalbaughcha Raja, which attracted lakhs of devotees during the Ganesh festival, that began on August 25 and concludes on Anant Chaturdashi on Tuesday.

Several devotees performed Koli dance, a traditional dance of the fishermen, at the Lalbaughcha Raja pandal in central Mumbai before the visarjan (immersion) procession began.

The immersion marks the end of the Ganesh festival, which was popularised by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak to bring the people together to create a feeling of patriotism and fight the British Raj.

Over 7,600 Ganesh idols installed at public places and more than one lakh idols in homes will be immersed on Tuesday. By 3 pm, around 80 public idols and 3,600 gharguti (home) idols were immersed, an official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The smaller idols were immersed first, and will be followed by the big ones like Lalbaugcha Raja, which will be immersed in the Arabian Sea at Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai.

The BMC, police, Coast Guard and Navy have made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and safe immersion of the idols.

The prime locations for immersion are Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar Chowpatty, Madh jetty and Marve in Malad.

The BMC has appealed the devotees to inform the civic authorities as and when they need any assistance or if they are stung by jelly fish or sting ray.

Police have beefed up security and companies of the State Reserve Police Force are also being deployed.

Cranes, watchtowers, drones, CCTVs and floodlights have been arranged to keep a watch on every movement of the revellers and devotees, a police official earlier said.

ALSO READ | Ganesh Chaturthi: Enjoy these delectable sugar-free sweets this festive season

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New Delhi:

In a tragic incident on Wednesday, Ananya Dixit, a first-year student of a private medical college in Bareilly, (Uttar Pradesh) allegedly committed suicide, said police.

The girl was a resident of Noida sector 62 and the police have informed her family about the alleged suicide after which the relatives of the deceased have left for Bareilly from Noida.

However, the cause of death is not known yet as no suicide note was found. The police have sent the body for post-mortem.

The 19-year-old MBBS student allegedly hung herself from the ceiling fan of her hostel room, a police officer said. Ananya Dixit, a first year student of the SRMS Medical college, was found hanging this afternoon, SSP Jogendra Kumar said.

Her two roommates told the police that the Noida resident had been tense for the past two days and had not gone to college because of illness.

They said that when they returned to the room for lunch they found her hanging and informed the college administration, the SSP said. He added that parents of the girl have arrived and investigations are on.

(With PTI Inputs)

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New Delhi:

The senior journalist Gauri Lankeshs murder in Bengaluru has sparked a row and many political leaders are condemning the heinous act.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi blamed BJP-RSS for the incident. He said that anybody who speaks against ideology of BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

Rahul informed that he also spoke to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and mentioned that people who did this must be caught and punished.

Siddaramaiah said that he instructed Police that activists propagating progressive thoughts should be given Police protection.

Here are the top reactions:

# Rahul Gandhi:

Spoke to CM (of Karnataka) and mentioned that people who did this must be caught and punished. Anybody who speaks against ideology of BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

# Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah:

Similar weapons used in Kalburgi, Pansare & Dabholkar killings, in this case we don't know yet so can't draw link. Instructed Police that activists propagating progressive thoughts should be given Police protection. Left it to DGP who will speak to Home Minister and decide on it. She met me recently but never spoke about any threats. 2 people posted something on Facebook (against Gauri Lankesh) and we are questioning them. I cannot say yet if it was a part of a conspiracy. Instructed case must be taken seriously and be investigated by special team. Constituted SIT headed by senior officer. It is true that it is an organised crime, let the Police look into it.

# DV Sadananda Gowda:

Karnataka Government should hand over the case to CBI.

# Karnataka Law Minister TB Jayachandra:

There must be some conspiracy behind. We can't rule out that it is like Kalburgi issue. Investigation will go on. I am in touch with home minister and officials.

# Nitin Gadkari:

Baseless allegation we have nothing to with Gauri Lankesh's murder, onus to maintain law & order is on state government, that is Cong. It is shameful because PM is of the country, he does not belong to any party.

# Editor's Guild of India:

Deeply shocked and strongly condemn the murder of Gauri Lankesh, senior journalist and Editor, Lankesh Patrika. Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and brutal assault on freedom of the press. Demand that Karnataka Govt act with alacrity to bring culprits to justice apart from instituting judicial probe.

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New Delhi:

The Karnataka government set up an IGP-headed Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday to probe the murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. The editor of Kannada weekly magazine Lankesh Patrike was shot dead Tuesday night by unidentified assailants outside her home in Bengaluru West.

Karnataka Intelligence IGP B K Singh will head the Special Investigation Team. Further, DCP (West) M N Anucheth will be the Investigating Officer of the 21-member SIT, state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said.

As the media fraternity and members of civil society reacted with horror and staged protests in Bengaluru, Delhi and several other cities, leaders cutting across party lines condemned the murder. However, top leaders of the Congress and the BJP were locked in a spat over the killing on Tuesday night.

Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on freedom of press, the Editors Guild of India said in a statement. In an audacious attack, unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants pumped bullets into 55-year-old Gauri, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, as she left her car after reaching her home.

The body of Gauri was buried with full state honours in the evening.With tears in their eyes and amid rains, a large number of people thronged the TR Mill crematorium in Bengaluru to pay their last respects to the outspoken journalist..As the body was laid to rest in the Lingayat burial ground in the crematorium, slogans like Gauri Lankesh amar rahe and Gauri Lankesh zindabad rent the air.

With the killing in poll-bound Karnataka sending shock waves, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a SIT probe headed by an Inspector General of Police (IGP). He also said his government had an open mind to an investigation by CBI, which the slain journalists family has demanded.

Stating that the murder of the senior journalist was an organised crime, the chief minister also instructed the police to identify and give protection to free-thinkers and those involved in the Left movement.

Briefing reporters after chairing a meeting of senior police officials with Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy to take stock of the investigation, Siddaramaiah said he had told the police that the case should be taken very seriously.

No deadline has been fixed for the SIT, but they have been asked to take up the work immediately, said Siddaramaiah, who heads a Congress government. Since dusk, candlelight vigils were held in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram.Investigators pinned their hopes on the CCTV footage to get some clues about the identity of the killers.

When asked about the evidence gathered so far, Siddaramaiah said there were four CCTV cameras installed at Gauris house, and one of them had caught the image of a person wearing a helmet entering the gate and firing at her after which she collapsed two to three feet away.

Scores of journalists gathered at the Press Club of India in the national capital and demanded justice amid calls for standing up to forces trying to muzzle the voices of dissent.

Author and senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta termed the killing as a defining moment in the history of Indian media.Journalists took out a march from the Press Club in Bengaluru to the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking immediate action to bring the culprits to book.

We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media, the memorandum said.

Press Club of Bengaluru president Sadashiva Shenoy, who was closely associated with Gauri, said, divisive forces cannot muzzle the liberal voices by resorting to killing. We demand that a judicial committee should be constituted headed by a sitting high court judge to probe the brutal killing, Shenoy said.

The Union Home Ministry also sought a report from the Karnataka government over the incident.Gauris murder comes just days after the second anniversary of the killing of noted Kannada writer and rationalist Dr M M Kalburgi (77), who fell to bullets fired by two unidentified men at his residence at Dharwad in north Karnataka on August 30, 2015.

Asked whether there was any similarity between the killings of Gauri and Kalburgi, Siddaramaiah said, investigation is in the preliminary stage. It is true that it is an organised crime, let police look into it.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said the series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. Echoing her views, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi asserted that anybody who speaks against the ideology of BJP and RSS, is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed.

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari hit back, terming as irresponsible, baseless and false the Congress allegation seeking to link the killing of Gauri to the BJP or people following its ideology.

Slamming the statements of Sonia and Rahul, he said levelling untrue allegations against the BJP is injustice to his party and detrimental to democracy.

The present government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, Gadkari told reporters. Another BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao accused Rahul of trying to seek political capital out of the murder.

After being in the mainstream media, working with The Times of India at its Bengaluru edition, Sunday magazine and a Telugu T V channel, Gauri took over the mantle from her father P Lankesh, a progressive writer, to run Lankesh Patrike.

A family feud led her to start her own tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike in 2005.With Left leanings, Gauri, an outspoken activist, was also actively involved in bringing Naxals into the mainstream and often came in conflict with rightwing outfits.

With PTI inputs

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New Delhi:

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday attacked Mamata government after state-owned Netaji Subhash indoor stadium has cancelled the bookings in which party president Amit Shah was scheduled to attend a programme on September 11.

The BJP said the move has been taken at the behest of Mamata Banerjee. But, the ruling Trinamool Congress said that it has nothing to do with it.

State BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu said: "On August 26, we had called up the Netaji Indoor Stadium authorities. They said we were given a pencil (provisional) booking and asked us to come with a no-objection certificate issued by the Kolkata police. But on August 30, we were told that the stadium was booked for the entire month, except for the Durga Puja days between September 26-30."

Shah will be on a three day visit to West Bengal from September 11-13.

TMC sources claimed that the booking for the BJP chief's event at the stadium or its cancellation had nothing to do with any of its ministers or leaders. The stadium officials did not respond to phone calls.

Also Read: Mohan Bhagwat prevented from hoisting tricolour in Kerala school on 71st Independence Day

The development comes a day after a row erupted over the cancellation of booking for an October 3 event, which was to be addressed by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, by a state-run auditorium.

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New Delhi:

Gauri Lankeshs family and friends have demanded an investigation of the veteran journalists murder case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday.

The veteran journalist's brother Indrajit Lankesh said, The case should be handed over to the CBI. The assailants should be brought to the book.

Unidentified gunmen opened fired at Gauri  an editor of Gauri Lankesh Patrika, a magazine described as an anti-establishment publication  at her residence in Rajarajeshwari Naga on Tuesday late evening. Bengaluru police said that the gunmen pumped in four bullets into her body which caused her death.

Indrajit further added, I dont know how to react. Her body was found lying on the Verandah. She was shot from close range and four bullet cartridges were found near her body.

Here are live updates

#05:10

Gauri Lankesh laid to rest with state honnours



#02:20

Friends and family members gather near mortal remains of slain journalist Gauri Lankesh at Bengaluru's Ravindra Kala Kshethra.

#01:35

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah pays last respect to the Gauri Lankesh's mortal remains at Ravindra Kalakshethra.

#01:16 pm

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has directed Home Secretary seek report on Gauri Lankesh murder from Karnataka Government.

#12:30 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said she met me recently but never spoke about threats.



#12:30 pm

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructs police to provide protection to activists propagating progressive thoughts after Gauri Lankesh's murder.

#12:26 pm

A special investigation team (SIT) headed by an inspector general (IG) rank officer formed exclusively to probe Gauri Lankesh murder case.

#12:25

Bangalore University students boycott clasees in protest against Gauri Lankesh murder.

#12:02 pm

Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "Anybody who speaks against ideology of BJP-RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed."

#12:01 pm

Rahul Gandhi said, Spoke to CM (of Karnataka) & mentioned that people who did this must be caught & punished

#12:00 pm

Editor's Guild of India demands Karnataka Govt to act with alacrity to bring culprits to justice apart from instituting judicial probe.

#11:59 am

Editor's Guild of India terms Gauri Lankesh's killing ominous portent for dissent in democracy and assault on freedom of the press.

Also Read: Prominent journalist Gauri Lankeshs murder triggers political blame game in Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told the media that three special investigation team have been constituted to probe the killing.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar told media that Lankesh did not complain of any threats.

"She didn't complain of anything," Kumar told journalists on Tuesday night. "If she anywhere expressed about threats, it will be thoroughly investigated."

Bengaluru police said the cops have retrieved CCTV footages from Lankesh's residence and from the two cameras near her house.

We have got some good leads from Gaurs phone, a senior official said.

The Karnataka government has directed the state police to get in touch with Maharashtra Police investigating rationalist Narendra Dabholkars case.

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New Delhi:

Supreme Court on Wednesday gave a stern warning to state governments across India asking them to take action against the self-appointed 'gau rakshaks'. The apex court has asked states to appoint a senior police officer in each district as nodal officer to take action against cow vigilantism.

Cow vigilantes have been responsible of injuries and deaths of several innocent cattle traders and meat shop owners, who were beaten up on mere suspicion of beef trading or cow slaughter.

SC also said Central and state governments must take effective steps to stop cow vigilante groups from taking law in their hands.

ASG Tushar Mehta representing Centre told SC that law was there to take care of any kind of untoward incidents.

CJI Dipak Misra said 'We know laws are there, but what action has been taken? You can take planned action so that vigilantism does not grow'.

Read | SC gets tough on Cow vigilantism issue, asks Centre, states not to protect it

In July, SC had asked Centre and States to file an affidavit on the issue of cow vigilantism and asked them not to protect any kind of vigilantism.



A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra was informed by the Centre that law and order is a state subject but it does not support any kind of vigilantism in the country.

"You say that law and order is a state subject and states are taking actions as per law. You don't protect any kind of vigilantism," the bench, also comprising A M Khanwilkar and M M Shantanagoudar, had said.



Saying that it does not support any kind of violence in the name of cow, the government of India told the apex court, no vigilante group has any place in the country as per the procedure of law.



Counsel appearing for BJP-ruled Gujarat and Jharkhand where violent incidents related to cow vigilantism have taken place lately submitted in the court that appropriate action has been taken against those involved in violent activities related to cow vigilantism.



The bench recorded their submission and asked the Centre and other states to file their report regarding the violent incidents in four weeks time and posted the matter for further hearing on September 6.

Read | Modi's minister Alphons Kannanthanam says beef will be consumed in Kerala

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New Delhi:

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said that possibility of a two-front war with China and Pakistan cant be ruled out and people of India should be ready for this.

Rawat said that China is resorting to salami slicing (a series of many small actions, performed by clandestine means, to achieve bigger goals or results that would be difficult to perform at one go) and testing out limits of threshold which could gradually emerge into conflict.

As far as the northern adversary is concerned, flexing of muscles has startedsalami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, testing our limits of threshold is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations which could gradually emerge into conflict, Rawat said at a seminar organised by defence think-tank Centre for Land Warfare Studies.

Also Read: After Doklam standoff, Indian Army to undergo major reforms, says Arun Jaitley

Rawat warned that a war with Chinese PLA would not be limited to northern border and Pakistan in the west could take advantage of the hostilities between India and China.

Whether these conflicts will be confined or limited in space and time or whether these can expand into an all-out war along the entire front (remains to be seen)with the western adversary taking advantage of the situation developing along the northern border is very much likely, Rawat said.

Rawats comment came days after India and China ended their months long standoff in Doklam plateau at tri-junction between Bhutan, China and India in Sikkim sector.

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News:

Murder of a senior journalist Gauri Lankesh at her residence in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar on Tuesday evening has triggered a political blame game between the BJP and the Congress, which is in power in Karnataka.

BJP leader KS Eshwarappa hitting the Congress-led Karnataka government said, Siddaramaiah government has failed to protect lives of people including those of noted writers including Gauri and Kalburgi.

P Muralidhar Rao, BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao said, The murder of noted journalist and writer Lankesh Gauri is a condemnable outright. It is (Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs) responsibility to ensure proper investigation and book the criminals responsible for the heinous act behind bars.

The murder of #GauriLankesh is condemnable outright. Onus is on Sh.Siddaramaiah to ensure proper investigation.  P Muralidhar Rao (@PMuralidharRao) September 5, 2017

Siddaramaiah talking to journalists has expressed the incident as shocking and in a tweet he mentioned Gauris murder as this is an assassination on democracy.

The Karnataka Chief Minister on Twitter wrote, Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime.

He further wrote, In fact, this is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend.

The chief minister added, Gauri was secular and had been instrumental in bringing Naxalites into the mainstream. No one who has faith in humanity will ever kill anyone. It's shocking news for me.

In fact, this is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend.  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 5, 2017

Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said soon the people behind the murder of the senior journalist will be clear. Without naming any political party he has alleged that political fringe parties could be behind the murder.

Who is behind the incident, Naxals or any other ideological fringe parties will be know only after investigation, added Reddy.

Also Read: Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bengaluru



Gauri was a journalist-activist, known for her anti-establishment, pro-Dalit stand and pro-poor. She was one of the few women editors in Kannada journalism. According to people who had worked with her said that Gauri was a fierce activist and expressed her pro-Naxal views. On Tuesday evening unknown assailants pumped in three bullets into her which led to her death.

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New Delhi:

The Indian Air Force inching closer to inducting Russian S-400 air defense missile systems as the trials have been completed.



The Russian missiles, at par with stealth fifth-generation fighters like the American F-35 jets, can shoot down fighter and surveillance aircraft, cruise missiles and drones at the range of 400 kms over enemy airspace itself.



According to reports, the trials were conducted on two separate occasions and it performed to the satisfaction of the users, air forces sources have said.



The sources qouted in an English daily claim that defense ministry is soon likely to start the process of initiating contractual negotiations with Rosoboronexport, the Russian agency which handles defence deals with foreign countries, including the fixation of price.

Read | IAFs Jaguar with AESA radar flies for first time



The field valuation trials of the Russian air defence system were conducted by Indian Air Force in Russia.



India and Russia have been longstanding defence trade partners. The two nations signed an inter-governmental agreement on the sale of five S-400 in October 2016 at the 17 India-Russia summit for $5.8 billion.



In October 2015, India had decided to purchase the S-400 systems, which primarily have three kinds of missiles, with different capabilities. The missiles can fly at supersonic and hypersonic speeds to intercept all kinds of targets at ranges from 120 to 400-km.



The S-400 surface-to-air missile (SAM) system can "radar lock and shoot down" stealth fifth-generation fighters like the American F-35 jets.



The Russian missile system would be used by the IAF, along with the other new air defence systems coming up in the country including the India-Israel joint venture Medium range-Surface to Air Missile system and the SPYDER systems that India recently acquired from Israel.



Despite the high price tag attached with the five S-400 systems India is planning to acquire, the Indian Air Force is extremely happy to get the weapon system as it will give them an edge over Pakistan and bring them on par with the Chinese who have already installed this system, the sources told Mail Today.

Read | DRDO-IAI to deliver medium range missile MRSAM system to Indian Army by 2020

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New Delhi:

An assistant Commissioner rank police officer of Tamil Nadu has landed himself in a controversy after he was caught on camera allegedly groping a female colleague during anti-NEET protest at Coimbatores Gandhipuram.

According to sources, the act was captured on September 4 when people were holding protests following the death of a 17-year-old Dalit girl, Anitha  who took NEET to Supreme Court.

The ACP was part of the Tamil Nadu police deployed at Gandhipuram to control the protesters to prevent any untoward incident.

In the video, one can see the Coimbatore ACP is allegedly groping a sub-inspector rank police woman officer while he was trying to manage the protesters.

The woman officer can be seen trying hard to push away his hand constantly in the one minute long video.

Till the time report was filed the woman sub-inspector had not lodged any complaint against her senior officer.

Coimbatore city Police Commissioner A. Amalraj talking to News Nation said, We are investigating the matter.

(Inputs from Sree Prapanch. C)

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New Delhi:

Another case of death due to Swine flu has been reported at Odisha's SCB Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday. The disease caused by the H1N1 virus strain, has claimed the life of a 55-year old and taken the death toll to 41 further.

According to reports, Kalpana Jena, the victim of the disease was a resident of Damodarpatna village in Jagatsinghpur district. She got admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital after her condition deteriorated further on Saturday.

The sudden rise in number of the sufferers has also forced the SCB authorities to increase beds in dengue ward from 50 to 120. While 41 patients have already lost their life due to this deadly disease, 68 are undergoing treatment in SCB's dengue ward.

Being asked about kalpana's death, Dr Manoranjan Pattnaik, nodal officer of swine flu ward has said, "She was kept on ventilator but her condition deteriorated,and the patient passed away at around 1am."

Also Read | Gujarat: Swine flu kills 12 people; death toll rises to 242

"Most of the patients are coming to hospital in a critical state as a result of which we are not able to do much to save their lives," said a doctor. He advised people to visit doctor immediately if they develop flu like symptoms. "We have noticed that as H1N1 has similar symptoms like flu people are ignoring it in primary stage. Once it affects the respiratory system then patients are coming to hospital. It's too late by then," a senior doctor was quoted while talking about the matter.

"On Monday, we received 36 dengue patients while on Tuesday the figure was 17. Expecting more turn out of patients, we have made adequate arrangements to deal with the situation," Dr Sriprasad Mohanty, in-charge of dengue ward stated.

Therefore, in order to prevent this kind of life-threatening diseases, people need to boost their immunity and stay protected from viral infections. There are several number of effective ways to keep yourself away from seasonal flues.

While having hot water with lemon and honey helps in improving immunity, herbal trees and fruit juices are said to be very effective in warding off toxins from the body and keeping yourself safe from infections.Tulsi, ginger, lemongrass, ginseng and brahmi teas are considered to be some of the best house-hold remedies for any kind of diseases from ancient ages.

Also Read | Chandigarh: 56-year-old man dies of swine flu at government hospital

According to experts, Amla Juice, Turmeric powder, Cinnamon and Black Pepper also have the potential to keep you away from doctors during this seasonal change.
New Delhi:

An Indian-origin scientist worked along with a team at UK university to develop a medical camera that can see through the human body.

Kev Dhaliwal who is Professor of Molecular Imaging and Healthcare Technology at the University of Edinburgh believes that with this newly developed camera, doctors will no longer be required to rely on expensive scans and X-rays.

It has immense potential for diverse applications, such as the one described in this work. The ability to see a devices location is crucial for many applications in healthcare, as we move forwards with minimally invasive approaches to treating disease, said Dhaliwal, the Project Lead of Proteus, which is part of a larger research collaboration developing a range of new technologies.

The camera is designed to enable doctors track medical tools such as endoscopes, that mostly used investigate a range of internal conditions. This new device is able to detect sources of light inside the body, such as the illuminated tip of the endoscopes long flexible tube.

Until now, it was not possible to track where an endoscope is located inside the body in order to guide it to the right place without using X-rays or other methods.

Light from the endoscope can pass through the body, but it usually scatters or bounces off tissues and organs rather than travelling straight through. This makes it nearly impossible to get a clear picture of where the endoscope is.

According to a team member, the new camera with advanced technology can detect individual particles of light, called photons. Experts have integrated thousands of single photon detectors onto a silicon chip, similar to that found in a digital camera.







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New Delhi:

Two-days after the BRICS Xiamen Summit declaration named Pak-based terror groups in its outcome document, Pakistans Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has accepted that terror outfits like JeM and LeT are active on his country's soil.

Asif acknowledging the existence of LeT and JeM in Pakistan said, to avoid the international shame, we should but some restrictions on these terror outfits.

We need to tell our friends that we have improved our house. We need to bring our house in order to prevent facing embarrassment on the international level, Asif said while speaking to Geo News

The inclusion of LeT and JeM in the BRICS Declaration at Xiamen is considered a setback to Pakistan, and success for India as China had in past blocked efforts to name these Pakistan-based terror outfits in the declaration of BRICS Goa Summit last year.

Also Read | BRICS 2017: Pak-based terror groups JeM, LeT named in declaration for first time

Asif said that friends should not be tested [every time], particularly in the changed scenario.

Instead, we should impose some restrictions on the activities of elements like LeT and JeM, so that we can show the global community that we have put our house in order, he said.

However, Asif said the BRICS declaration should not be considered as Chinas official stance as other countries including Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa are also a part of the group.

US President Donald Trump had also criticised Pakistan for being a safe haven for terror groups like the Haqqani network.

"Pakistan did not take sufficient action against other externally focused groups, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in 2016, which continued to operate, train, organise, and fundraise in Pakistan," a US annual report on 'Country Report on Terrorism' said.

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New Delhi:

Human rights organisation Amnesty International on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to push Myanmars leadership to provide assistance to Rohingyas in the violence-hit Rakhine state. PM Modi on Tuesday began his official visit to Myanmar.

Aakar Patel, the Executive Director at Amnesty International India said, Prime Minister Modi must also use his visit to push the Myanmar authorities to allow full and unfettered humanitarian assistance to people in need. Nothing can justify denying life-saving aid to desperate people.

It is to be noted that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that Rohingyas who have crossed over to India are illegal immigrants and stand to be deported.

Nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world, he said.

According to reports, around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying in the country.

ALSO READ: Rohingya Genocide, asylum seekers and PM Modi's visit to Myanmar

The Amnesty observed that despite being home to thousands of refugees, India is not a state party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, and does not have a domestic legal refugee protection framework.

The treatment of refugees falls largely under the Foreigners Act of 1946, which makes no distinction between asylum-seekers, refugees and other foreigners. The Act makes undocumented physical presence in the country a crime, it said.

Meanwhile, Hindus from Myanmar this week joined streams of Muslim Rohingyas to seek refuge in Bangladesh after the killing of 86 people from their community in the ethnic violence in the neighbouring Buddhist-majority country.

Nearly 500 Hindus arrived in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar, bordering Myanmar, along with tens of thousands of Rohingya Muslims amid escalated violence at home, officials said.

ALSO READ: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Myanmar President Htin Kyaw in Nay Pyi Taw

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St Johnas (Antigua):

Hurricane Irma roared into the Caribbean with record-setting force on Wednesday, shaking people in their homes on the islands of Antigua and Barbuda on a path toward Puerto Rico and possibly Florida by the weekend.

Irma, which was the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded north of the Caribbean and east of the Gulf of Mexico, passed almost directly over the island of Barbuda, according to the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami.

Authorities in the small islands of the eastern Caribbean were still evaluating the situation as the sun rose though there were widespread reports of flooding and downed trees.

Antiguan police were waiting until the winds dropped before sending helicopters to check on damage reports of damage in Barbuda. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

We are glad so far for the good news that we have had so far, Donald McPhail, executive director of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, said on Wednesday as he heard from employees around the region after hunkering down for the night at home in Antigua.

ALSO READ: Hurricane Irma casts shadow over SpaceX Falcon 9 X-37B mini-shuttle launch, may delay lift-off

The island of Anguilla was experiencing extremely heavy winds and rain, according to the Disaster Management Department and there were reports of flooding, but details were not yet available.

The centre of the storm was about 25 kilometres west of St Martin and Anguilla about 8 am, the hurricane centre said. It was heading west-northwest at 26 km/h.

As the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 2 a.m., phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

In Barbuda, the storm ripped the roof off the islands police station, forcing officers to seek refuge in the fire station and at the community centre that served as an official shelter. The Category 5 storm also knocked out communication between islands. Midcie Francis of the National Office of Disaster Services confirmed there was damage to several homes, but said it was too early to assess the extent of damage.

The storm had maximum sustained winds of 295 kph, according to the Hurricane Centre. It said winds would likely fluctuate slightly, but the storm would remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two. The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

ALSO READ | Hurricane Irma: US President Trump declares emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to Myanmar, will address Indian diaspora at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon on Wednesday. Earlier, PM Modi visited the Ananda Temple in the historic city of Bagan.

Also Read: PM Modi shares Myanmar's concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine

Here are the live updates:

#7:50 PM: Have decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen presently lodged in Indian jails: PM Modi in Yangon

Have decided to release 40 Myanmar fishermen presently lodged in Indian jails: PM Modi in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/Hv7X9kL3Fl  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#7:49 PM: People to people ties are the strength of India-Myanmar relations: PM

#7:48 PM: India is seen as a thought leader on the global stage: PM

#7:45 PM: People of India have the confidence that India can be transformed and we can break free from some of the evils that entered our systems: PM

#7:44 PM: GST is ushering in a new culture across the nation: PM

#7:42 PM: We have not shied away from taking decisions that are tough. For us, the nation is bigger than politics: PM

Hum desh ke hitt mein bade aur kadey faisle lene se zara bhi ghabraate nahin: PM Modi in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/T4RA4LLAEQ  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#7:41 PM: Infra-culture is important. By infra-culture, I mean quality infrastructure that benefits our farmers: PM

#7:40 PM: Good infrastructure is not longer about roads & rail only...it includes several other aspects that bring a qualitative change in society: Prime Minister

# 7:37 PM: India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created: PM Modi

#7:36 PM: We are not merely reforming India but are transforming India. A new India is being built: PM Modi

We are not merely reforming India but are transforming India. A new India is being built: PM @narendramodi  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 6, 2017

#7:35 PM: EAM Sushma Swaraj is very active. She is sensitive to the concerns of every Indian in any part of the world and is always ready to help: PM

#7:34 PM: Based on the feedback of the diaspora we have undertaken numerous measures for the diaspora: PM Modi

#7:32 PM: Before coming here, I had requested you to give me your inputs through the Narendra Modi Mobile App & I got many insightful suggestions: PM

#7:31 PM: When I am traveling, I make it a point to interact with the Indian diaspora: PM Modi at Yangon

#7:29 PM: Global recognition of Yoga is your achievement because it was taken to all corners of world by ppl of India: PM Modi

Global recognition of Yoga is your achievement because it was taken to all corners of world by ppl of India: PM addresses Indian diaspora pic.twitter.com/IDgFXRX5Vl  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#7:28 PM: The Indian diaspora has contributed to the development of wherever they have settled. They also kept in touch with their roots: PM

The Indian diaspora has contributed to the development of wherever they have settled. They also kept in touch with their roots: PM  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 6, 2017

#7:25 PM: The is the same pious land from where Subhash Chandra Bose gave the slogan of "Tum Mujhe Khun Do, Main Tumhe Azaadi Dunga. (You give me your blood, I will give you freedom.)

Ye wo pavitra dharti hai jahan se Subhas Chandra Bose ne garaj kar ke kaha tha-Tum Mujhe khoon do, mai tumhe azaadi doonga: PM in Myanmar pic.twitter.com/IJUY4q1VRK  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#7:22 PM: History of India's freedom movement can't be completed without saluting Myanmar.

Bharat ke swantrata aandolan ka itihaas Myanmar ko naman kiye bina kabhi poora nahin ho sakta: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/bbAL4acc9w  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#7:19 PM: I am very happy to be with you all today, in this city of history and spirituality: PM Modi at the community program in Yangon

I am very happy to be here with you today: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Indian community in Yangon,Myanmar pic.twitter.com/8rhfNpxIP0  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#7:15 PM: Modi at Indian Community event at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar.

#WATCH LIVE via ANI FB : PM Modi at Indian Community event at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar https://t.co/3mo97GEPcV pic.twitter.com/9z6lhd0xeZ  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#7:03 PM: PM Modi landed in Yangon to a warm welcome.

PM @narendramodi landed in Yangon to a warm welcome. He will address a community programme in a short while. pic.twitter.com/4363hal8yh  PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 6, 2017

#6:50 PM: The Prime Minister will address Indian diaspora at Thuwunna Stadium in Yagong.

Myanmar: #Visuals from Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, PM Narendra Modi will address Indian community shortly. pic.twitter.com/W71OKK72bO  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#5:50 PM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Yangon, Myanmar.

Myanmar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Yangon. He will be interacting with the Indian community at an event. pic.twitter.com/Qv7jFjwnDj  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day state visit to Myanmar, said on Wednesday that India is concerned about the aextremist violencea against security forces in Rakhine state.

aWe share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been affected,a PM Modi said in a joint statement with Suu Kyi at Myanmaras capital Nay Pyi Taw.

Modi said, awe hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected,a he said, adding apeace, justice, dignity and democratic values for alla can be achieved.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmaras State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.

Also Read | Rohingya genocide in Myanmar: Does India have responsibility towards refugees?A

aPrime Minister Modi and Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi meet in Myanmar, discuss further cementing of India-Myanmar relations,a PMO tweeted.

PM @narendramodi and Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi meet in Myanmar, discuss further cementing of India-Myanmar relations. pic.twitter.com/dPCMang4wO a PMO India (@PMOIndia) September 6, 2017

aMeeting a valued friend. Prime Minister Modi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi,a External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi pic.twitter.com/TJfIahUvMk a Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 6, 2017

The prime ministeras visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

(With PTI inputs)

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United Nations:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday warned against using confrontational rhetoric over North Korea and said big powers must come up with a single strategy to address the crisis.

Guterres appeared to be taking a swipe at North Koreas leadership and at US President Donald Trump who has warned that Pyongyang would face fire and fury if it keeps threatening the United States.

Confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences. The solution must be political, Guterres told reporters.

The potential consequences of military action are too horrific.

The UN chief called on the Security Council to show unity and agree on steps forward, a day after the United States traded barbs with Russia and China on a response to North Koreas sixth and most powerful nuclear test.

The United States is pushing for tougher UN sanctions, but Russia and China are arguing for dialogue with Pyongyang on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

ALSO READ: South Korea navy holds major live-fire drills in warning to DPRK

Russia maintains that sanctions alone will not resolve the crisis and are backing a Chinese proposal for talks based on a freeze of North Koreas nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korean military drills.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley on Monday rejected the proposal as insulting and said the United States would not change its military posture when North Korea is forging ahead with its missile and nuclear programs.

Guterres said he was not supporting one proposal over another, but stressed that a united response was the only way to push for a diplomatic solution.

The unity of the Security Council is absolutely crucial, he said, urging countries to come together with a single strategy to deal with the government of the DPRK, the abbreviation for the countrys formal name.

The UN chief offered to help bring about a solution, but admitted that the UN leverage was limited.

ALSO READ: Trump, Moon agree to lift cap on missile payload of South Korea

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.



Prime Minister Modi and Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi meet in Myanmar, discuss further cementing of India-Myanmar relations, PMO said in a tweet.



Meeting a valued friend. Prime Minister Modi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. The prime ministers visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.



He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.



Read | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Myanmar President Htin Kyaw in Nay Pyi Taw

Here are the live updates:



Myanmar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Bagan; He will be visiting Ananda Temple shortly pic.twitter.com/1GPthpzyhU  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

# 10:50 AM: We hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which unity & territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected. At the same time we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all: PM Narendra Modi

# 10:49 AM: We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state & violence against security forces & how innocent lives have been affected: PM Modi

# 10:47 AM: Citizens of Myanmar who wish to visit India will be given gratis visas, and 40 Myanmarese citizens in Indian jails will be released: PM Modi

# 10:40 AM: Being neigbours, we have similar security concerns. Important for us to work together: PM Modi in Myanmar

# 10:40 AM: Your brave leadership of Myanmar peace process is commendable, we understand your challenges: PM Modi to Aung San Suu Kyi

# 10:37 AM: The way I have been welcomed in country prompted me to feel like I am at home, says PM Modi

PM Modi and State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi witness exchange of agreements between India and Myanmar pic.twitter.com/hiancNyLlN  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

#10:20 AM: PM Modi addresses delegation level talks in Nay Pyi Taw

-PM @narendramodi : Deepening relationship with Myanmar is a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of 'Act East Policy'.



-PM @narendramodi : We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka saath sabka vikaas' initiative.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi held delegation level talks in Nay Pyi Taw, #Myanmar. pic.twitter.com/gXSj5bksZn  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor of Myanmar Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi at Presidential Palace in Naypyidaw, Myanmar pic.twitter.com/s03vJQAo3Z  PIB India (@PIB_India) September 6, 2017

PM @narendramodi being received on his arrival by the State Councillor Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi at Presidential Palace in Naypyidaw, Myanmar pic.twitter.com/MoRixJyAyq  PIB India (@PIB_India) September 6, 2017

PM Modi meets Myanmar State Counsellor #AungSanSuuKyi in Nay Pyi Taw pic.twitter.com/kyriQsEGk8  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country and has been considering deporting them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.



India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

On Tuesday, PM Modi said he had a wonderful meeting with Myanmar President Htin Kyaw during which they discussed steps to deepen the historical relationship between the two neighbours.

Modi called on President Kyaw soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit.



Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw, Modi tweeted along with some pictures of the meeting.



He also presented the Myanmar president a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the River Salween (that flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Andaman Sea) and a sculpture of the Bodhi tree.



Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two-nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on a two-day visit to Myanmar visit on Tuesday.

Read | Rohingya Genocide, asylum seekers and PM Modi's visit to Myanmar

Itinerary

The highlights of his maiden visit to India's eastern neighbour will include an address to the Indian diaspora in a massive indoor stadium and meeting with Myanmar leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.



On Wednesday, the PM will be meeting Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi followed by Delegation talks and press statements. Suu Kyi will be hosting a lunch for PM Modi before he leaves for Yangon.



The PM will also visit Shwedagon Pagoda, Aung Sang museum and the Martyrs Mausoleum in Yangon.



The 2500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda enshrines strands of Buddhas hair and other holy relics. In 1946, General Aung Sang is said to have addressed a meeting here to demand independence from the British while his daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, is said to have addressed another big meeting here in 1988 demanding democracy from the military regime.

The Aung Sang museum is dedicated to General Aung Sang, which was also his residence.



PM Modi will also visit the Martyrs Mausoleum here which contains remains of Aung Sang after his assassination in 1947.



In Bagan city, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting the 1105 AD Ananda Temple which is another prominent Buddhist shrine in Myanmar.



The prime minister will address the Indian community in Myanmar at Yangons Thuwanna Indoor Stadium.

Read | Amnesty urges PM Modi to push Myanmars leadership for protection of Rohingyas

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DANBURY  Those connected to the local immigrant community are denouncing President Donald Trumps decision to phase out a program that has shielded from deportation thousands of young undocumented immigrants living in Connecticut.

It is a horrible decision, said Wilson Hernandez, president of the Ecuadorian Civic Center of Greater Danbury. This president is being really irresponsible with his duties. He is saying that he expects Congress to do something to replace this, but if he doesnt have alternatives now, why didnt he leave it in place?

New applications will be halted for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, also known as DACA, which was set up under the administration of former President Barack Obama. The program has provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants nationwide  about 8,000 of them in Connecticut  a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the U.S. in the form of two-year, renewable work permits.

Many DACA participants, known as Dreamers, arrived in the United States as small children and have little recollection of their birth countries.

The Trump administration is giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative fix  should it choose to, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday  before the government stops renewing permits for people already covered by the program.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, DACA recipients whose permits are set to expire before March 5, 2018, will be able to re-apply, so long as their applications are submitted by Oct. 5, 2017, one month from Tuesday. No permits will be revoked before their existing expiration dates, and applications already in the pipeline will be processed, officials said.

Carina Bandhauer, a sociology professor at Western Connecticut State University that specializes in immigration, called Trumps decision inhumane.

To take DACA away from 800,000 people and create this new class of stateless people effectively is just hugely disappointing and un-American, Bandhauer said. It sends a large segment of our country into an absolute frenzy about how to protect themselves.

I have students at WestConn who came to the United States when they were three, she said. They know no other home. It puts them under threat of losing everything they know as home. It impacts universities like WestConn and every other university where undocumented people are enrolled ... If students cant work legally, they wont be able to pay for their college education.

This is a humanitarian issue, she added. Were dealing with the livelihoods of young people.

Lisa Rivas, an immigration attorney in Danbury, has clients ranging from young teenagers to adults in their early 30s who are DACA recipients.

This is affecting a large group of people, in various stages of their lives, some who have families now and can provide for their children because of DACA, Rivas said. We have a lot of students and adults who have DACA and who have been able to work legally with that, have been able to obtain driver licenses, go to college. Unfortunately this is going to definitely affect them and their sense of security.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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Before the day of collections even ended Wednesday, The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation had to order a second tractor-trailer to accommodate all the donations Danbury-area residents brought to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Volunteers arrived around 7 a.m. at the foundations four drop-off locations in New Milford, New Fairfield, Sherman and Danbury to spend the day organizing and loading smaller trucks with supplies brought by residents and businesses.

The foundation had already collected donations over the weekend at Faith Church in New Milford, which had been so successful it led them to look into getting a second 18-wheeler.

Chief Operating Officer John Hodge said the second truck was secured Wednesday and would be loaded, along with the first tractor-trailer, in Staten Island before heading down to Texas on Thursday. He said he was impressed with the amount of support for the relief effort despite the rainy weather, which caused the Foundation to change one of the dropoff locations.

You hope for the best, but you dont really know, Hodge said. But Im not really surprised because we did very similar type events for Superstorm Sandy and we had a tremendous outpouring then.

Lisa Reiss, a coordinator of the foundations 9/11 mobile exhibit and the Danbury drop-off center, said the organization had had a steady stream of donations since morning and by 3 p.m had accepted donations from nearly 80 people.

One of those donations was a trunk full of toiletries and cleaning supplies brought by Joanne Leuschner of North Salem. She said when she heard about the Tunnel to Towers relief effort she messaged her whole block asking for donations.

Its the least we can do, said Leuschner. Your heart breaks. (You see people losing) pianos and photos and animals and lives. So, the least we can do is support them. How can you not?

Leuschner said her neighbors brought the supplies to her house, where she repackaged and labeled them before dropping them off in Danbury. She also donated to the Ridgefield residents who flew to Houston to help and is looking into fostering a dog displaced by the hurricane.

It takes a village, she said. We would have gone anywhere to give what they need. We were humbled to be able to do it.

Reiss said the Danbury center also received a large donation  pallet of water and two pallets of food  from Stew Leonards, which filled up about half the locations U-Haul.

She was also impressed with the number of volunteers who came to help collect the supplies. The Danbury location, by the end of the day, would see about 20 volunteers.

New Fairfield Selectman Kim Hanson, who volunteered at the New Fairfield collection center, said a Facebook post he wrote about the relief effort got about 50 responses from people looking to help.

I think its a wonderful experience just seeing all the people who come by and donate, Hanson said. It makes you feel good.

The supplies will be taken to Community Church in Orange, Texas, whose senior pastor used to serve at Faith Church in New Milford, Hodge said. Orange, about three hours from Houston, was hit hard after the hurricanes second landfall.

The foundation is also collecting donations on its website to continue relief efforts and will send a group of New York firefighters to Texas to help repair homes and cook for survivors.

(This foundation) knows how to mobilize, Reiss said. They dont just collect the stuff, they know how to get it there and they have people they have been in contact with in Texas, so we know exactly where were going.

aquinn@newstimes.com
WASHINGTON  Fallen wires have knocked out power to hundreds of residents and closed a section of Route 109 Wednesday morning.

The road is closed between Route 47 and Church Street, the Department of Transportation reported around 9:30 a.m.
TungCheung | Shutterstock.com

Its that time of year again: Today, Sept. 12, Apple will make its next big product announcement. As ever, the launch has been accompanied by rampant rumors and speculation, but it wouldnt be an Apple event without a little bit of mystery.



If you want to tune in, you can stream the event from the Apple website beginning at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. But be aware that you wont have access to the livestream if youre using the Chrome or Firefox browsers -- only Safari. If you have Apple TV, you can also download the Apple Events app for that platform to watch live.

So what can Apple fans expect from the announcement? Its going to double as a peek into the companys brand new Apple Park campus in Cupertino, Calif., and its the first event to be held in the Steve Jobs Theater.
President Donald Trump's allies are worried that the most damaging of the many recent departures from his White House may be that of Keith Schiller, a little-known former bodyguard who's one of the president's closest confidants outside his family.

Schiller is leaving soon to return to the private security business for a job that will pay far more than his $165,000 government salary, according to three people familiar with his plans. His title, director of Oval Office operations, hardly begins to describe his importance to Trump, who is "crushed" by his planned departure, according to one person close to the president.

Multiple people interviewed described Schiller as an emotional anchor for the president in a White House often marked by turmoil. Schiller has worked for Trump for nearly two decades, and within the West Wing he serves as the president's protector and gatekeeper, according to people close to Schiller and Trump. Most of the people requested anonymity to candidly discuss relationships between the president and his aides.

"He's a confidant and friend," said Stuart Jolly, a former national field director for Trump's presidential campaign. Trump "trusts Keith, and Keith trusts him. Trust is a really big deal at that level."

Schiller has also acted as Trump's hatchet man. It was Schiller who told James Comey that the president had decided to fire him as FBI director. Two weeks ago, after Trump was angered by preparations for a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, Schiller delivered the message to longtime aide George Gigicos that Trump no longer wanted him to organize such events, according to three people familiar with the matter.

Schiller declined to comment.

Schiller never planned to stay in the position for long because of its lower pay and longer hours, according to two people who know him. But his exit may have been accelerated by the July appointment of retired Marine Gen. John Kelly as chief of staff. Since taking the job, Kelly has sought to tighten access to the Oval Office, control information flowing to the president and install a more formal regime within the White House.

Schiller has told friends that working under Kelly is different and that he doesn't like the job as much. He has said he believes that Kelly doesn't like Trump personally and is serving as chief of staff predominantly out of a sense of duty to country, according to three people familiar with his views. That has been deeply demoralizing for Schiller, who is accustomed to Trump being surrounded by devoted employees, two people said.

Schiller lost his privilege to walk into the Oval Office at any time when Kelly took over. He now views his job as redundant, people close to him said. The president has Secret Service to protect him, valets to fetch what he needs, aides to dial his phone -- people to handle every facet of Oval Office operations.

Two people close to Trump said they worry that Schiller's departure will leave the president and the West Wing off-balance, given the deep relationship the two men share. These people said that Schiller's exit could put Trump on a collision course with Kelly, who does not understand as well how Trump likes to operate.

Trump's allies may have more personal concerns. Schiller is a contact for Trump friends who want to reach the president. And campaign staffers knew the best way to get Trump's ear was to slip a note to Schiller -- especially if they wanted to bypass Trump's first campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, whom Schiller didn't always get along with.

On many days, Schiller is the first and last aide Trump sees. During the campaign, Schiller heard nearly every conversation and phone call as he sat in cars by Trump's side, traveling between rallies, former campaign aides said.

Schiller served in the Navy and as a New York City police officer before becoming a part-time body guard for Trump in 1999. He was named head of security for the Trump Organization in 2004. He knows most employees at the company and shares his opinion of all staffers, inside and outside the White House, with the president.

Discontent among Trump friends and allies outside the White House has grown as Kelly has sought to streamline and professionalize the Oval Office. The new chief of staff has imposed new protocols for getting face time or ideas in front of the president -- cutting off a cadre of trusted regulars whose advice and conversation Trump relished.

Doors in the building that were once open are now literally closed, including those leading from the West Wing lobby and anterooms and halls to the Oval Office, serving as a symbol of the more limited access to Trump.

"It was like a fraternity house the first six months and now it's a military compound -- it's a fort," one former aide said.

Schiller doesn't entirely disagree with Kelly's changes, one ally said. And Trump has remarked that a more regimented schedule has provided him time to think, read and reflect, a White House official said.

Once Schiller leaves, the only comparable loyalists remaining in the West Wing will be Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner, communications aide Hope Hicks, and digital aide Dan Scavino. But none fills the role of peer and friend that Schiller holds.
Government of Canada awards over $21,000 to support this community project

CHIBOUGAMAU, QC, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

Chibougamau families will enjoy a safer renovated dock in Obalski regional park, thanks to $21,205 in funding from the Government of Canada.

The investment was announced today by David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalleEmardVerdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED. The funding will be used to support the project by FaunENord, which involves installing a modular floating dock and access ramp. The new dock will provide users with universal access and help them meet current environmental standards through the use of weather-resistant materials.

The investment was granted through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150), a $300 million fund that was established to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary through investments in community spaces that bring Canadians together.

Quotes

"This investment is part of a community construction project celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary. There is no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us togetherthe places that allow us to stay fit, unwind and connect with our friends and neighbours. That is how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

"Through the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, we are strengthening our communities across the country, making them even more dynamic and united. I am pleased to see that Chibougamau families will benefit from improvements to the dock in Obalski park, which they will certainly enjoy."

David Lametti, Member of Parliament for LaSalleEmardVerdun and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"The Chibougamau community is very attached to this part of the Town of Chibougamau, the focal point of many activities. With the passage of time, however, the dock had become quite unsafe and harmful to the environment. We appreciate CED's participation in this project, which will allow the community to once again enjoy a safe, durable, green structure."

Yann Gobeil, Biologist, Project Officer, FaunENord

Quick facts

Since its creation in 2015, CIP150 has invested nearly $61M in more than 470 projects contributing to the vitality of Quebec's communities.

in more than 470 projects contributing to the vitality of communities. CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Related link

CED  Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program

Stay connected

Follow CED on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube

Follow FaunENord on Facebook

Follow Obalski regional park on Facebook

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

For further information: Karl W. Sasseville, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Tel.: 343-291-2500; Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: 514-283-7443, Email: [email protected]
OTTAWA, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Next week, Statistics Canada turns its attention to money matters, as the agency focuses on the income of Canadians. As Canada marks its 150th anniversary, Statistics Canada will continue to share its year-long story of our country and its people, based on the 2016 Census results.

Data on income will be published at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on September 13, 2017, on Statistics Canada's website.

The census release will provide individual, family and household income statistics for various levels of geography and various demographic groups. This includes median incomes from a given source, income distribution and the prevalence of low income.

In 2016, for the first time, the Census of Population Program gathered income information solely from administrative data sources. This not only reduced respondent burden during data collection, but also increases the quality and quantity of income data available to Canadians.

Subsequent major census releases featuring data on ethnocultural diversity, housing, education and labour characteristicscollected through the long-form census questionnairewill provide additional insight on income.

September 13, an analytical article in The Daily will look at the change in median household incomes and low income over the past decade. In addition, two Census in Brief articles will be published, focusing on children living in low-income households and household contribution rates for selected registered savings accounts.

As with previous census releases, the story of Canada as seen through the 2016 Census will be supplemented with data visualization products, including an infographic.

Over the coming months, Statistics Canada will release additional data from the 2016 Census of Population, providing greater insights on the Canadian population. Data and analyses on the following topics will be released throughout 2017:

Immigration, ethnocultural diversity, housing and Aboriginal peoples ( October 25, 2017 )

) Education, labour, journey to work, language of work, mobility and migration ( November 29, 2017 ).

For more information, please refer to the Release and Concepts Overview for Income.

SOURCE Statistics Canada

For further information: Should you have questions, please contact Media Relations at 613-951-4636 or [email protected]

Related Links

www.statcan.gc.ca/


VANCOUVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Together, the governments of Canada and British Columbia continue to support the people of British Columbia and First Nations communities facing the immediate and long-term impacts of wildfires. Today the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires met with members of the British Columbia Government, First Nations community leaders and representatives from the Canadian Red Cross to discuss progress and next steps in the response to the ongoing wildfires.

Co-chaired by the Honourable Minister Carla Qualtrough (Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee and Minister of Public Services and Procurement) British Columbia Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth and British Columbia Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development Doug Donaldson, the meeting focused on joint response, recovery and rebuilding efforts, including:

An update on the current evacuation and re-entry supports being provided to affected communities;

Impacts on First Nations Communities;

Review of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements process, that would follow an official request from the province for assistance under the program and a commitment to expedite any related approvals;

Impacts on businesses, particularly the lumber and agricultural sectors; and

A joint commitment by the governments of Canada and British Columbia to implement the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy that was renewed by federal, provincial and territorial forest ministers in 2016, and to strengthen fire-prevention programs such as FireSmart.

Further to these discussions, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, and British Columbia Minister of Agriculture Lana Popham today announced agricultural producers, who have been affected by this year's devastating wildfires, will receive assistance under the AgriRecovery Framework.

Within that Framework, the 2017 Canada-British Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative will provide up to $20 million to assist agricultural producers with the extraordinary costs incurred to recover from the adverse effects of this year's wildfires. This investment will be cost-shared 60:40 between the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia.

The Government of Canada will continue to work with Emergency Management B.C. and on-reserve First Nations communities to develop recovery plans and to reimburse eligible response and recovery costs.

The Federal Government is also committing to conduct a review of the response to the fires, in full partnership with the Government of British Columbia and B.C. First Nations, to improve the emergency management regime as well as identify preventative measures that can be undertaken ahead of future fires.

Present at the meeting were:

Federal Representatives: The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, the Honourable Karina Gould, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, and the Honourable Jane Philpott

British Columbia Representatives: The Honourable Doug Donaldson, the Honourable Mike Farnworth, the Honourable Scott Fraser, the Honourable Claire Trevena, Parliamentary Secretary Jennifer Rice, and the Honourable Lana Popham

First Nations Representatives: Grand Chief Edward John, Grand Chief Stewart Philip, Grand Chief Doug Kelly, and Acting Regional Chief Maureen Chapman

The Canadian Red Cross Representatives: Ms. Kimberley Nemrava and Ms. Melanie Soler

Quotes

"My thoughts are with the communities that have been affected by the devastating wildfires across British Columbia. As Chair of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires, I want to thank Ministers Farnworth and Donaldson for hosting this meeting and for their ongoing commitment to collaboratively addressing both the short and long-term needs of those affected by these devastating events.I am confident that our combined efforts will help ensure that communities receive the support they need while focusing on rebuilding long-term resilience."

-The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Chair of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 B.C. Wildfires

"Today's announcement underlines the close co-operation B.C. has seen from the federal government since these disastrous wildfires broke out. Our task now is to build on that collaboration so fire-hit communities and businesses -- in tourism, agriculture and forestry -- can get back on their feet as soon as possible and take practical steps to minimize the risk of future wildfires."

-British Columbia Premier John Horgan

"This wildfire season, which continues to displace thousands of people, has been unprecedented in so many ways. To assist families, small businesses, local governments and First Nations in recovering from the damages caused by emergencies both now and in the future, the Province is committed to work collaboratively with the federal government to improve the public safety, emergency preparedness, and well-being of all British Columbians."

-Mike Farnworth, British Columbia Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

"We've had an unprecedented wildfire season in British Columbia and today's meeting with our federal counterparts is a vital step forward for our recovery efforts and plans to minimize damage from future fires."

-Doug Donaldson, British Columbia Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

"In times of emergency, we must come together and do whatever we can to support those affected. The AgriRecovery response program is the result of listening to the needs of B.C'.s farmers and ranchers and supporting them as they start rebuilding their lives and recovering from the significant losses brought on by this summer's wildfires. We are committed to ensuring British Columbians have the tools and resources at hand to return to their land and their livelihoods."

-Lana Popham, British Columbia Minister of Agriculture

"Fighting wildfires is a massive effort that remains on-going in many places. The Government of Canada stands with British Columbians every step of the way. A special cabinet committee is ensuring fully coordinated support across all federal departments, including making financial support available through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. I want to thank everybody who has contributed so much, especially the brave and courageous first responders, the Red Cross and all of the government agencies that have been involved. We are all in this together, standing shoulder to shoulder to make sure that we do everything we possibly can to support those affected."

-The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Our government stands with producers who have withstood the wide reaching damage caused by the wildfires in British Columbia. We remain committed to working with producers and the province to ensure we meet the needs of those who have been affected and help them get back to business as soon as possible"

-The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick Facts

In July 2017 , the Government of British Columbia announced a $100 million donation to the Canadian Red Cross to provide affected communities and residents with the resources needed to rebuild. Part of this donation is being used by the Red Cross to provide direct support to evacuees ( $600 bi-weekly per evacuated household for the duration of the provincial state of emergency, and $300 per evacuated household upon re-entry into their communities).





, the Government of announced a donation to the Canadian Red Cross to provide affected communities and residents with the resources needed to rebuild. Part of this donation is being used by the Red Cross to provide direct support to evacuees ( bi-weekly per evacuated household for the duration of the provincial state of emergency, and per evacuated household upon re-entry into their communities). In July 2017 , the Government of Canada announced a donation to the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) that is equivalent to the amount that the CRC is spending on direct support to BC wildfire victims. The CRC, in consultation with its partners, will decide how best to use the Government of Canada funds to assist people while they are evacuated, to ease their re-entry into their homes and communities, to re-establish their livelihoods and get their lives back to normal. This funding will help ensure that the CRC can continue to support BC wildfire evacuees as they begin the long process of recovery.





, the Government of announced a donation to the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) that is equivalent to the amount that the CRC is spending on direct support to BC wildfire victims. The CRC, in consultation with its partners, will decide how best to use the Government of funds to assist people while they are evacuated, to ease their re-entry into their homes and communities, to re-establish their livelihoods and get their lives back to normal. This funding will help ensure that the CRC can continue to support BC wildfire evacuees as they begin the long process of recovery. The Government of Canada is also providing the following support to BC wildfire recovery efforts:





is also providing the following support to BC wildfire recovery efforts: The Canadian Armed Forces have deployed aircraft and vehicles and approximately 626 troops altogether.



Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have provided beds and blankets from the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile.

and the Public Health Agency of have provided beds and blankets from the National Emergency Strategic Stockpile.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is providing forecasting and analysis of weather patterns.



Natural Resources Canada is providing modelling for fire activity and growth, and smoke and emissions



The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre is coordinating firefighting resources, including international assets from Australia , Mexico , New Zealand , and the United States .

, , , and .

Global Affairs Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada are helping out on this front with respect to international offers of assistance.



Transport Canada is dealing with rail and air traffic issues to make sure Canadians are clear of danger zones.

is dealing with rail and air traffic issues to make sure Canadians are clear of danger zones.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada is working with Emergency Management B.C. and the B.C. Ministry of Forest's Wildfire Management Branch to ensure First Nations communities receive the necessary response and recovery services.



The RCMP has been on the ground assisting citizens as the police force of jurisdiction in many of the affected areas.



The Canadian Revenue Agency has implemented emergency tax relief measures to support Canadians whose primary concerns at this time are their families, homes, and communities.



The foregoing does not include the additional federal financial support to be provided under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements, which has yet to be calculated.

Backgrounders

AgriRecovery Framework: The 2017 Canada-British Columbia Wildfires Recovery Initiative

Related Products

Associated Links

Government of Canada updates on Wildfires in British Columbia

Government of British Columbia Wildfire Updates

Business Risk Management programs for British Columbia farmers

AgriRecovery

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

For further information: Mary-Rose Brown, Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, 819-997-5421; Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059; Stephanie Sherlock, Director, Media Relations, Government Communications & Public Engagement, Government of British Columbia, 778-584-1254

Related Links

https://www.canada.ca


MONTREAL, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Transat has launched an evacuation operation to get all its travellers out of the Dominican Republic by sending a total of 10 aircraft: seven to Punta Cana, two to Puerto Plata and one to Samana. All aircraft should arrive in the Dominican Republic on the morning of September 6th, and passengers should be back in Canada in the afternoon or early evening.

The Company continues to closely monitor hurricane Irma.

Transat also implemented its hurricane policy for flights scheduled until September 11, 2017 for the following destinations:

Dominican Republic ( Puerto Plata , Punta Cana , Samana, La Romana)

( , , Samana, La Romana) Cuba (Varadero, Cayo Coco , Santa Clara, Holguin)

(Varadero, , Santa Clara, Holguin) Haiti (Port au Prince)

Regular updates will be posted on the company's websites.

About Air Transat

Air Transat is Canada's number one holiday travel airline in the Canadian and transatlantic markets. It also offers domestic and feeder flights out of five Canadian airports. Every year, it carries nearly 4.5 million passengers to approximately 60 destinations in 26 countries. Based in Montreal, the company employs 3,000 people and operates a fleet of Boeing narrow-body and Airbus wide-body jets. In 2017, Air Transat was named the second-best leisure airline in the world, and the best in North America in the same category for the sixth consecutive year, by Skytrax. In recent years, the carrier has earned multiple distinctions for its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. Since 2011, it has consistently been ranked number one in North America for energy efficiency, and in the Top 20 worldwide, by the Atmosfair Airline Index. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a leading integrated international tourism company active in air transportation, accommodation, travel packaging and distribution. Transat was awarded Travelife Partner status in 2016 in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development. The vacation travel companion par excellence, Transat celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2017.

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.

For further information: Marie-Annick Lalande, Communications advisor, Transat Tours Canada, 514 987-1616, poste 4076

Related Links

http://www.transat.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - With 11.5 per cent of school-age children  or 123 million  missing out on learning today, compared to 12.8 per cent  or 135 million  in 2007, the percentage of six to 15 year olds who are out of school has barely decreased in the last decade, UNICEF said today.

Pervasive levels of poverty, protracted conflicts and complex humanitarian emergencies have caused this rate to stagnate, UNICEF said, calling for more investments to address the reasons that keep vulnerable children out of school.

"Investments aimed at increasing the number of schools and teachers to match population growth are not enough. This business-as-usual approach will not get the most vulnerable children into school  and help them reach their full potential  if they continue to be trapped in poverty, deprivation and insecurity," said UNICEF Chief of Education Jo Bourne.

"Governments and the global community must target their investments at eliminating the factors preventing these children from going to school in the first place, including by making schools safe and improving teaching and learning."

Children living in the world's poorest countries and in conflict zones are disproportionally affected. Of the 123 million children missing out on school, 40 per cent live in the least developed countries and 20 per cent live in conflict zones.

War continues to threaten  and reverse  education gains. The conflicts in Iraq and Syria have resulted in an additional 3.4 million children missing out on their education, bringing the number of out-of-school children across the Middle East and North Africa back to 2007's level of approximately 16 million.

Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia  with their high levels of poverty, rapidly increasing populations, and recurring emergencies  account for 75 per cent of the global out-of-school primary- and lower-secondary school age population.

But there has been some progress. Ethiopia and Niger, which are among the world's poorest countries, have made the most progress in enrolment rates of primary-school-age children over the past decade with an increase of more than 15 per cent and around 19 per cent, respectively.

Funding shortfalls for education in emergencies are affecting children's access to school in conflict. On average, less than 2.7 per cent of global humanitarian appeals are dedicated to education. Six-months into 2017, UNICEF had only received 12 per cent of the funding required to provide education for children caught up in crises. More funds are urgently required to address the increasing number and complexity of crises and to give children the stability and opportunities they deserve.

"Learning provides relief for children affected by emergencies in the short-term, but is also a critical investment in the future development of societies in the long-term. Yet investment in education does not respond to the realities of a volatile world. To address this, we must secure greater and more predictable funding for education in unpredictable emergencies," said Bourne.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more in developing countries.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in more 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.

SOURCE UNICEF Canada

For further information: Stefanie Carmichael, UNICEF Canada, 416-482-6552 ext. 8866, 647-500-4320 (mobile), [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.unicef.ca


OTTAWA, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Data release today by Statistics Canada confirms that tuition fees nationwide have increased by an average 3.1 percent to $6,571 for undergraduates, and 1.8 percent to $6,907 for graduate students. A similar pattern is clear on fees for community colleges. At the same time, tuition fees for international students have increased 6.3% to an average of $25,180.

"Today's Statistics Canada report confirms that as students head back to class they are facing higher tuition fees in many part of the country. The time for government action is now," said Coty Zachariah, National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "Students and families continue to struggle to address mounting student debt, what is needed is direct investment to reduce tuition fees. Today we are renewing our call for serious policy measures to address the consequences of rising tuition fees and student debt."

A larger context for today's announcement is important. Revenues from tuition increases have tripled at universities and community colleges over the past 15 years, and this has led to a sharp rise in student debt (measured at $28 billion in 2012). Debt from the Canada Student Loans program alone is increasing at a rate of 1 million dollars per day. The tuition burden for international students is also far worse as institutions exploit them to address funding cuts. Rising tuition and student debt also worsen Canada's household debt crisis. Today debt in Canada is at 171 percent of income, and policy measures are needed to reduce the burden on working families.

With that in mind the Government of Alberta and the Government of British Columbia have taken action by maintaining its tuition fee freeze for Alberta students in 2017-2018, and announcing the elimination of tuition for adult education respectively.

"High tuition fees and student debt disproportionately impact students from marginalized communities who are more likely to grapple with financial barriers including Indigenous students, racialized students, students with disabilities, student parents, and international students," said Zachairah. "Students believe it is time for genuine renewal in post-secondary education, and that means honouring Treaty obligations to Indigenous learners, eliminating tuition fees, and taking serious measures to reduce student debt."

The Canadian Federation of Students is the oldest and largest national student organization in Canada, representing over 650,000 college, undergraduate and graduate students across the country.



SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students

For further information: For more information contact or to arrange an interview: Toby Whitfield, Executive Director at [email protected], 613-232-7394 (office)

Related Links

http://www.cfs-fcee.ca


Interjet to start year-round service to Cancun and Mexico City at YVR

RICHMOND, BC, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Vancouver Airport Authority announced that Interjet is launching year-round service at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) this fall. Interjet will offer passengers non-stop access between YVR and Mexico City International Airport (MEX) and Cancun International Airport (CUN). These new services will operate four times weekly beginning on October 26, 2017.

"We are excited to welcome Interjet to the YVR familythey are a great addition to our airline partners," said Craig Richmond, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "These new services provide customers looking for either business opportunities or holiday destinations more options to get to Mexico as well as easy access to Latin America through Interjet's extensive network."

Interjet has been in operation for more than a decade with hubs in Mexico City, Toluca and Cancun. The company employs nearly 4,500 people across its network, and offers nearly 270 daily flights connecting more than 50 million passengers per year to 55 destinations in Mexico, United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

"We are pleased to add Vancouver as our third destination to Canada. We believe that this beautiful city is a natural step within our coverage in this important market. Thanks to the increased interest in connectivity between the two countries, we offer this new transportation option to Canadian tourists and Mexicans who travel for business, pleasure or to study in that country," said Jose Luis Garza, Managing Director of Interjet.

The new service will contribute $16.3 million in total economic output, including adding 106 jobs to the B.C. economy and $8.6 million in Gross Domestic Product to the province. It will also provide opportunities for B.C. businesses to reach new customers, suppliers and investors throughout Mexico and Latin America.

Interjet will operate an Airbus A320 aircraft on these routes with seat capacity for 150 passengers. For further details and to book, please visit www.interjet.com.

About Vancouver Airport Authority

Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada's second busiest airport, YVR served 22.3 million passengers in 2016. Fifty-five airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 125 non-stop destinations worldwide. In 2016, YVR received CAPA Centre for Aviation's prestigious Airport of the Year Award and was voted Best Airport in North America for the eighth consecutive year in the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2017. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2016 donated more than $1,000,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor. For more information, please visit www.yvr.ca.

SOURCE Vancouver Airport Authority

For further information: YVR Media Relations, 604.880.9815, [email protected], Twitter: @yvrairport
For the first time in 150 years, landlocked Atlantic salmon are once again swimming up Lake Champlain tributaries in Vermont and New York to spawn, fisheries biologists said.

This fall's run is expected to begin late this month.

It's been a long, involved effort that will require "continued human intervention to make sure the salmon that hatch in Vermont's Winooski (and Huntington rivers) or New York's Boquet River can make it to the lake and then return when it's their time to reproduce," reported pressherald.com.

"Biologists call it a success story produced by better understanding of the salmon, a reduction in the numbers of parasitic sea lamprey in Lake Champlain, improved water conditions in the tributaries and help the fish got to navigate around dams responsible for loss of the original salmon in the 1800s," the newspaper reported.

Efforts to restore the salmon to the lake began in the 1970s. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and wildlife agencies in Vermont and New York combined efforts and started stocking them in the lake. The project sputtered, though, due to the large number of invasive sea lamprey in the lake that got there through the 19th century canals in the area.

Lamprey eradication efforts began in 2002 and have continued each fall ever since. Initially, no fish were coming back to the lake's rivers and streams to spawn. Once the lamprey were gotten under control, the numbers of spawning salmon increased dramatically, biologists said.

However, the fish needed an assist.

"To make that happen, the state and federal governments have been working to carry returning salmon above three Winooski River dams to make it possible for them to reach their spawning grounds. Two years ago, a dam was removed from New York's Boquet River, but biologists are still helping the fish upstream," pressherald.com said.
Much has been said and written about the impact of the states current budget struggles. Actions taken by Gov. Malloy through his Executive Order, and initiatives undertaken by the Department of Social Services, have already critically impacted service providers in many sectors. The resolutions of our executive branch and department policy makers to initiate change may appear to have short-term budget savings, however, these decisions are arbitrary and short-sighted. The proposed changes will contribute to a greater exacerbation of our state budget deficit and have a profound and immediate negative impact on the lives of our vulnerable citizens, and greatly intensify in the months and years ahead.

Like other Medicaid providers, home health care has struggled through a decade of difficult times without a rate adjustments. The Medicaid population has exploded with the adoption of the Affordable Care Act, and the demands and unfunded mandates transferred to care providers has been unprecedented. Unlike other Medicaid providers, home health care has saved the Medicaid program over $100 million each year by keeping patients in their homes and out of facility-based care such as hospitals and nursing homes. Like all other states, Connecticut has recognized the monetary, social and health outcome value of caring for people in their own communities and avoiding the higher cost of unnecessary institutional care.

One action that has received little attention is this months restructuring of the payment system for skilled home health care providers that serve Connecticuts Medicaid population. On Aug. 11, DSS  per the governors Executive Order  reduced payments to seven Medicaid home health care providers, reportedly to save the state $1.9 million, yet the state will forfeit $4.4 million of federal matching funds. This action jeopardizes the future of home health services for some 16,000 individuals, many of whom will likely turn to our hospitals and nursing homes for the care they need, creating an even deeper human and fiscal crisis in our state. Six of these organizations are nonprofit providers servicing the most vulnerable and needy in our large, urban communities, and the seventh is a pediatric provider offering care to the most susceptible children who require 24/7 complex and intensive care on an ongoing basis.

The rate reduction involves what are called add-on payment adjustments allowed to home health agencies whose Medicaid patients live in largely urban areas. They partially cover increased costs to the agencies to provide safety escorts for our caregivers who provide care to patients who live in neighborhoods where safety could be an issue. They also partially cover the cost of providing expensive AIDS services in greater amounts for city residents, and care to the high risk maternal and child health population. The payments also assist agencies in providing extended direct care patient encounters and supervision on a 24-hour basis, 365 days per year. This concept of offering add-ons was a result of visionary thinking in the General Assembly years ago, as legislators recognized the diminishing accessibility to care in urban locations, and the added extraordinary costs of providing complex care to our most needy and medically underserved population.

Even with these add-on payments, home health providers are dramatically under-reimbursed for serving their Medicaid patients.

Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut, one of the states largest provider of home health care for Medicaid recipients serving 1,894 patients each year, has been losing $4.5 million per year on this service. Elimination of the add-on payments will increase that loss by 20 percent to more than $5.5 million for this year, which will force our organization to either dramatically scale back Medicaid services or eliminate them altogether to protect the financial solvency of our agency.

Unfortunately, the direction of restricting or eliminating care to Medicaid patients has been an escalating trend over the past few years as fewer providers participate in Medicaid creating an alarming increasing patient access issue, despite the assertions of DSS to the contrary. We at VNS have been forced to initiate the process of not accepting any future, and discharging all current, patients under the Connecticut Medicaid Home Care Program for the Elders. Without any immediate relief, we will shortly follow a similar process for the balance of our patient population served under the Medicaid program. Statewide, 1,894 current VNS patients  some 1,200 in Greater Bridgeport  will be without needed care because of a lack of responsible and thoughtful decisions in Hartford.

The impact on these Medicaid patients, many of whom have multiple chronic illnesses, will be devastating. Without our services, many will be forced to seek care at their local hospital emergency departments. Many will have to be admitted to the hospital in order to ensure their health and safety. Without home health care services, patients will have extended and unnecessary hospital stays or nursing home placements until they can safely return home. Many will never achieve that status and will remain institutionalized, creating an intolerable situation for them and their family members and, ultimately, exponentially increasing the cost of their care for the State of Connecticut.

It is time for thoughtful and insightful deep collaborative discussion and responsible decisions. Home health care is a remedy, not a cause of our budget crisis. The cost, both human and financial, can and must be avoided.

William F. Sullivan Jr. is CEO of Visiting Nurse Services of Connecticut.
Its happening. One day after the Trump administration announced it would rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the policy shielding the children of undocumented immigrants from deportation, 15 states and the District of Columbia are suing to block the move. Connecticut is one of those states, and because of that, you should be proud.

Why?

Because in fighting for these youngsters, we are fighting for freedom. Remember: these dreamers were brought here by their parents. Nearly all are now employed or in school. They are taxpayers and entrepreneurs. None has a criminal background. (If they did, theyd lose DACA protection.)

In other words, these 800,000 people (about 35,000 in New England and 10,000 in Connecticut) are the strivers we want to have, the dreamers we love to celebrate as reflecting our national character and our can-do Yankee spirit. As Gov. Dannel Malloy correctly noted: We have already invested so much in these Dreamers ... Theyve been raised and educated in our school systems. They contribute to Connecticuts economy. They pay taxes. They defend our nation.

Remember too that punishing children for their parents crimes is deeply contrary to our traditions. Individual liberty and free labor mean we are masters of our destinies and responsible for our failures. Im not saying these always hold true, but I am saying the removal of an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 employed and educated dreamers makes a mockery of that tradition.

Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen will make the legal case for enjoining the Trumps administrations decision, but that case will be informed by a demand for freedom. As a legal scholar from Duke once told me, in another place and time: Freedom has been key to the American identity since the beginning of the republic. We are Americans because we are freea truth, we believe, thats self-evident.

Unless the government gets in the way. Thats precisely what would happen if the Congress were to fail to act and if the White House followed through on its pledge to rescind DACA.

Whether that happens remains to be seen. The Republicans who control the Congress are deeply divided on what to do about immigration. The president himself does not appear to understand what he has authorized his administration to do. On Twitter late Tuesday, Trump said if Congress fails in six months, he will revisit DACA. Thats an odd thing for a president to say after the attorney general called it illegal.

DACA is probably legal. It fits within the purview of the presidents discretion to prosecute law as he sees fit. It is an executive maneuver. It does not rewrite the law. And it is not unconstitutional. President Barack Obama classified the children of illegal immigrants as a low priority. President Donald Trump is following suit. On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said dreamers would not be deported right away, because they would be classified as a low priority.

You could say principles be damned: The reason Democratic states are suing the president is for money and votes. To which, Id say: Yup. And theres nothing wrong with that.

The Democratic Party is a big-tent organization that serves many factions. Thats why the party sometimes seems so disorganized and unable to speak with one voice. In fighting Trumps decision, blue states are fighting for future constituents, and protecting their economies. According to CNBC, one study shows Connecticut losing $293 million in GDP if DACA is rescinded. Thats small beer compared to California, of course, where $11.3 billion is at stake.

After Obama established DACA, the Republicans in Congress accused him of presidential overreach, of abusing his power as the chief executive. There is probably a very good case to be made for that. But there is an equally good case to be made that deporting dreamers is equally bad. Theres a long fight ahead of us, but one things for sure.

You can be proud.

John Stoehr is a fellow at the Yale Journalism Initiative and a New Haven resident.
It is unconscionable that a U.S. president would play politics with the lives of 800,000 young people who have done no wrong of their own. These young people, 8,000 of them in Connecticut, trusted the government and now are betrayed.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a policy enacted by then-President Barack Obama in 2012 that pertains to those brought as children to this country illegally by their parents. They had no choice, and most would not remember life in their home country. Guidelines under DACA were strict  students had to maintain good grades and have no criminal activity  and in return they could receive working permits and two-year waivers against deportation.

Called Dreamers, these young people by and large tried to be responsible citizens, earn high school and college diplomas, find jobs, pay taxes. Now their futures are in turmoil.

Trumps heartless decision smacks of politics. Not only is he pandering to his anti-immigration base, but also by pushing the issue to Congress he can use it as a wedge to muster support for his unrealistic wall along the border of Mexico. The ploy is shameful.

The presidents reasons and Attorney General Jeff Sessions justifications for ending the policy are faulty. Sessions said, and Trump echoed, that DACA took jobs from hundreds of thousands of Americans, while putting the nation at risk of crime, violence and terrorism. Economic studies are to the contrary. It was a lawless policy invoked by Obama, Sessions said, but actually it was within presidential power.

Though some would agree with Trump, starting with the attorney general, most Americans do not. Only 15 percent in a recent Politico/Morning Consult poll said the Dreamers should be deported. In contrast, two-thirds of voters said Dreamers should be allowed work permits  and the support crosses party lines with 57 percent of Republicans, 69 percent of Independents and 78 percent of Democrats.

Well-respected business leaders are speaking out against Trumps recension. Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said the company would protect its DACA employees from deportation. The government is going to have to go through us to get that person, Smith said in a NPR interview.

Any action would not be immediate. Trumps decision calls for six months to phase out DACA. On Wednesday Connecticut joined 15 other states and the District of Columbia to sue the Trump administration, overturn his decision, and block federal agencies from using DACA immigration information for enforcement attempts.

Trump punted to Congress, which is little comfort, for a legislative fix. The Republican majority must listen to the people, and to economic leaders who say this issue is a higher priority than tax reform.

In the House, the American Hope Act co-sponsored by 138 Democrats would codify DACA; in the Senate, the bipartisan Dream Act is co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal. These are reasonable starting points.

Tell Congress that compassion and good sense are up to them now.
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MONROE  It was 100 years ago this fall that excavation began on the Stevenson Dam, still one of the largest dams in Connecticut and one of the most complicated civil engineering projects ever attempted in the state.

Its a project thats still talked about today, with its share of urban legends, frustrated motorists, wildlife and grand views, particularly after a day of heavy rain.

It was actually a project of what was then the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, said John Babina Jr., a member of the Monroe Historical Society. In the early 20th century, the railroad was looking for a way to power its new electric locomotives.

Back then, the nation was mostly powered by coal. In late 1916, the country was plunged into what was called a coal famine, and there were worries that not only would there be no coal for industry, but no coal for home heating.

Ships, trains, factories and just about everything else ran on coal, directly or indirectly.

At that time, people were scrambling for another source of power, and the Housatonic River was seen as being part of the solution, Babina said.

As the project in the Housatonic River was just getting underway, a battle was brewing between Oxford and Monroe over which side would get the powerhouse, because getting the powerhouse would mean snaring a big taxpayer. At first, Oxford seemed to have the upper hand.

More Information Stevenson Dam Capacity: 28,000 kilowatts River: Spillway: 100 feet above sea level, 630 feet long Maximum design discharge: 350,000 cubic feet per second Typical discharge: 400 to 4,000 cubic feet per second Record discharge: 75,000 cubic feet per second Stevenson Dam Bridge Carries: Route 34 between Monroe and Oxford Opened: 1919 Length: 1,212 feet Widened: 1979 Width: 42 feet Lanes: 2 Traffic: About 10,300 vehicles per day DOT bridge number: 1843 See More Collapse

But after they took a look at the bedrock, there was no choice but to put the powerhouse on the Monroe side, Babina said. The powerhouse is still Monroes biggest single-site taxpayer, according to First Selectman Steve Vavrek.

Construction began in the fall of 1917 after the company now known as Eversource was created to build it. Today, Eversource is the biggest electricity supplier in the state. It no longer owns the dam and its powerhouse; now its owned by FirstLight.

The bridge, supported atop the spillway by 24 concrete piers, is owned by the state DOT, carrying Route 34 between Monroe and Oxford.

More than 800 men aided by dozens of mules worked on the project. Many lived there, creating a tiny temporary city, complete with a small hospital, a chapel, a 300-seat mess hall, carpenter shops and a machine shop. The men worked night and day according to a speech given by Gov. Marcus H. Holcomb in 1919 at a press conference staged at the construction site.

Officials note the dam is designed for power generation, not flood control. It cant hold back floodwaters; the water that enters Lake Zoar  the 1.45 square-mile lake created by the dam  soon finds its way through or over the Stevenson Dam.

Still, officials at First Light warn that a catastrophic failure of the dam would mean that there would be flooding downstream with a possible loss of life if warnings werent heeded.

It would be a very, very unlikely event  a plane crashing into it, for example  but we still have drills with the towns and cities downstream to make sure theyre prepared, said Leonard Green, a FirstLight spokesman. Just like with Harvey, we dont want people to be complacent about what could happen

Three areas in particular that would be flooded would the part of Shelton known as The Maples, downtown Derby and parts of Seymour along Rt. 34, officials said.

The dam is anchored in gneiss, which is very hard bedrock.

So strong is the rock that the gravity-type dam wasn't physically anchored to the bedrock until 1987 when 80 post tensioned anchor cables were installed to give the dam improved resiliency in the event of a major earthquake. Hundreds of concrete dams in the U.S. were similarly stabilized beginning in the late 1970s; this work is ongoing.

Another commonly held belief is that theres a body of a construction worker encased the dam, a poor soul who fell into the wet concrete.

No record of that, Babina said. That legend began with a report of a man who signed in but never signed out. He probably just took off.

There have been plans to replace the dams bridge with a proper stand-alone bridge about 250 feet upstream from the dam, but this idea was met with local opposition.

The road has to be shut down frequently for repairs, sometimes for days at a time, and the sharp corners at both ends have seen countless crashes over the years. Theres no space for pedestrians, and two tractor-trailers traveling in opposite directions barely have room for each other.

Its among a small number of dams in the United States that still carry major highways on their backs. Officials throughout the years have said the two make for odd bedfellows because dams and bridges present their own engineering challenges.

Hoover Dam, spanning the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona, closed its highway for good in October 2005, when the new Colorado River Bridge, carrying Route 93, opened.

Lake Zoar gets its name from the corner of Newtown and Monroe that once called itself Zoar, after the Biblical city Zoara near the Dead Sea.

At a recent visit, a pair of bald eagles could be seen wheeling overhead, looking for dazed fish that found their way through the dams four turbines.

jburgeson@ctpost.com
Whether by plane, car or train, hundreds of thousands of people scrambled to get out of South Florida on Wednesday ahead of Hurricane Irma, a massive system forecasters say is the most powerful storm to hit the Atlantic Coast in more than a decade.

The storm, with maximum sustained winds near 185 mph, moved over the Leeward Islands Wednesday morning before moving to the northern Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Forecasters say it will reach South Florida sometime between Friday night and Monday.

To accommodate surging demand of people trying to flee, airlines including American and Delta added flights or brought in larger planes and waived change fees for passengers who need to cancel or rebook their flights.

Even so, hundreds of flights were canceled Wednesday, and airlines strongly advised passengers to check before leaving for the airport.

Late Wednesday, American Airlines announced it would begin winding down its operations in Florida and had canceled flights at its Miami hub as well as to airports in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Sarasota and West Palm Beach. In addition, it canceled a handful of international flights from Europe and South American that were scheduled to land in Miami on Friday.

Many of those leaving Wednesday said they didn't want to gamble on getting stranded.

Janet and Tom Wrabel of Fairfield, Connecticut, had been visiting their daughter in Fort Lauderdale when they saw the storm brewing and decided to cut their vacation a couple of days short. Neither was crushed, though this clearly was suboptimal.

"We would rather be here reclining by a pool right now instead of getting on a plane," said Tom, 62, as the couple prepared to leave.

Officials at Key West International Airport, said they would suspend commercial operations at the end of the day Thursday, and Miami International Airport advised travelers it will halt operations at the airport when winds reach 55 mph. Generally airlines do not operate in sustained crosswinds that exceed 35 mph, and the Federal Aviation Administration tower ceases operations after winds of 55 mph, the airport noted.

On the state's roadways, long lines of cars and trucks could be seen traveling north on the Florida turnpike as tourists and residents fled the Florida Keys - among the first areas to be under a mandatory evacuation order. Gas stations were also jammed as Floridians rushed to fill their tanks before Irma's arrival. Grocery stores reported running out of bottled water.

Airlines, still reeling from Harvey, which swept through Texas last month, were preparing for another hit.

Both American and Southwest airlines have a significant presence in Florida and the Caribbean. American has a hub at Miami International, and Southwest has a large operation at Fort Lauderdale's airport.

The travel picture is expected to worsen as Irma moves closer to Florida.

There were anecdotal reports from travelers that airlines were charging exorbitant fares for flights out of areas in the path of the storm, but airlines denied that was the case.

Even so, Paul Hudson, president of the consumer rights advocate Flyers Rights, said the group was checking into reports of fares of up to $1,000 to get out of the Miami area, where depending on the destination, a one-way ticket can typically go for as little as $99.

Leigh Dow, a public relations executive from Arizona, used her twitter account to chide Delta Air Lines for raising the price of a ticket from Miami to Phoenix's Sky Harbor Airport from $547 to $3,200.

Dow's tweet was retweeted more than 23,000 times.

She later tweeted Delta officials contacted her and the situation had been resolved.

Trebor Banstetter, a spokesman for Delta, said Dow was apparently reacting to information from the travel website Expedia, but when she contacted the airline directly, he said, "She got a price she was happy with."

"We have not increased prices in response to the hurricane," Banstetter said.

Similarly, JetBlue was offering travelers trying to get out of Irma's path remaining seats at reduced fares ranging from $99 to $159.

The main worry remained the storm's impact on South Florida, home to 6 million people. President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared an emergency in the state as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) has ordered all 7,000 members of the Florida National Guard report for duty Friday.

Evacuations began Wednesday morning in the Florida Keys, and state transportation officials were "aggressively clearing evacuation routes," officials said.

The main routes out of South Florida are Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike, which can be prone to gridlock on the best of days. In an effort to ease congestion, the governor ordered that no tolls be collected.

State officials say more mandatory evacuations would be ordered as the storm nears, and some urged residents to evacuate the area early and expect clogged roadways.

"Do not sit and wait for this storm to come," Scott said in a tweet. "Remember, we can rebuild your home - not your life."

Airport officials also urged caution, telling people to check with their airlines before venturing out and urging people not to use the airport as a shelter.

Meantime, residents who were leaving were keeping those staying behind in their thoughts.

Betsy Weidenmuller, 71, had booked a flight on Southwest out of Fort Lauderdale on Sunday at the urging of her son in New Orleans, who had told her, "I think this looks bad."

Weidenmuller said most of her neighbors are going to ride out the storm with friends or relatives who have generators. As she was heading to the airport she got a text from a neighbor offering to hurricane-proof her home.

Weidenmuller was struck by the generosity. "It looks like keeping my neighbors supplied with scones has really paid off," she said with a smile.

- - -

The Washington Post's Joel Achenbach contributed to this report from Florida.
With Washington already riveted by looming fights over the budget, immigration, and a possible government shutdown, yet another drama began unfolding some 220 miles north where U.S. prosecutors began laying out a corruption case against Sen. Robert Menendez.

The New Jersey politician formed a corrupt pact with a Florida eye doctor, using his position to advance the man's business interests and personal whims while accepting lavish trips and hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations, a prosecutor told federal jurors in Newark, New Jersey. Menendez, a Democrat, reaped steady benefits over seven years from Salomon Melgen, a friend who sought his help to get visas for three of his foreign girlfriends, the prosecutor said.

Melgen also requested the senator's influence when the U.S. accused him of overbilling Medicare by $8.9 million and the Dominican Republic refused to honor his contract to screen shipping containers in that country's ports, the prosecutor said.

"Senator Menendez went to bat for Dr. Melgen at the highest levels of the United States government because Melgen gave Menendez access to a lifestyle that read like a travel brochure for the rich and famous," prosecutor Peter Koski said as the case opened Wednesday.

Menendez is fighting to avoid prison as the Senate enters a critical month in which Congress seeks to advance emergency funds for victims of Hurricane Harvey, avert a default on the nation's debt and avoid a government shutdown. The jury's verdict could have important implications in the Senate, where Republicans hold 52 seats, with Democrats controlling 46 and count on two independents who caucus with them. If he's convicted, two-thirds of the Senate would have to vote to expel him.

Menendez and Melgen, both 63, have denied wrongdoing since they were indicted in April 2015, claiming they've been close friends for two decades and never intended to break the law. Lawyers for the men will offer jurors opening statements after Koski completes his remarks. Melgen was convicted this year on health-care fraud charges in Florida. He chose to go to trial in Newark rather than plead guilty and testify against the senator.

Defense lawyers intend to argue that the men shared a rich and warm friendship filled with gifts. They also say that Menendez took steps to help Melgen by talking to bureaucrats, senators and a Cabinet secretary, but none of that was improper because he believed what he said. Prosecutors, they say, have improperly tried to criminalize the relationship between the two men.

"I have committed my entire adult life, since I was 19, to fighting for the people of New Jersey," Menendez said, talking to reporters outside the courthouse before the trial began. "Never, not once, not once, have I dishonored my public office."

The senator may have to decide whether to skip some trial days to be in Washington for crucial votes. He said he'll make the decision based on the "gravity of the situation" and the difference his vote could make. U.S. District Judge William Walls previously denied a request by Menendez to delay the trial when he faces key votes in the Senate.

New Jersey's other U.S. senator, Cory Booker, also a Democrat, sat behind Menendez during the prosecution's opening statement, an apparent sign of support.

The U.S. sought to undermine the defense argument that Menendez's actions for Melgen were simply friendship. "Friends can commit crimes together. Friends can bribe each other," Koski said, noting that a career politician isn't going to accept bribes from a stranger. "There is no friendship exception for bribery."

Prosecutors say that Melgen treated Menendez to trips on his private jet to Florida and the Dominican Republic, and paid for the senator and a girlfriend to stay at a luxury Paris hotel. Melgen also gave more than $750,000 to help the senator's campaign in 2012.

Both men face charges of bribery, conspiracy and honest services fraud. Menendez also is charged with making false statements on his Senate ethics forms.
John Stoehr does not speak for me

John Stoehr speaks for a lot of people. A few weeks ago he represented himself as the voice of New Havens African-American community. Stoehr wrote a eulogy for Marcus Pacas campaign for mayor. He implied the race was over because Marcus Paca doesnt understand Black politics. Stoehr implied that black New Haveners support Toni Harp because a black congressman from South Carolina who knows Barack Obama endorsed her and she is a black woman. His commentary represented race baiting in its finest form.

However Stoehr was flat wrong. After this paper published Stoehrs Paca campaign eulogy, more than 3,500 New Haven residents signed a petition to get Marcus name on the ballot and enable a competitive Democratic primary. In signing, they indicated openness to new, visionary and courageous leadership. While the New Haven residents who signed Pacas petition represented a diverse cross section of our city, like New Havens population, the majority of the signatories were African-American. Stoehr learned he did not actually speak for the citys black community.

To Stoehr and the Harp campaigns dismay, the Progress with Paca campaign is still alive and continues to build momentum as the Sept. 12 Democratic primary approaches. So predictably, voters were presented with a second Stoehr attack piece last week. Stoehrs most recent commentary could have aptly been titled: Paca isnt dead yet, lets hit below the belt. This time Stoehr appeared to represent himself as the inner voice of my mind and that of my husband, Marcus. Just as Stoehr had seemed previously to speak for a whole race of people who had not appointed him their representative, this time he appeared to speak for two people he has never met and with whom hes never spoken. So predictably, he got it flat wrong again.

When the Paca and Harp mayoral campaigns are focused on issues that matter to voters, like jobs, education, homelessness, city maintenance and public safety, things dont go so well for Team Harp, which is running light on accomplishments in its four-year tenure. So Stoehrs single ambition is to divert voters away from the issues. It is from that ambition the Paca revenge campaign narrative was birthed. So, lets unpack Stoehrs theory.

Stoehr stated that Paca launched a political campaign inclusive of 24-hour days and sleepless nights simply to play out some kind of psychological drama against Toni Harp. He would like voters to suspend logic and believe Marcus has attended hundreds of events across the city; created dozens of pages of policy; collected thousands of signatures; and had an equal number of conversations with city residents for the past eight months to seek revenge. As the person who has shared all of the endless workdays and sleepless nights with Paca, I can assure all New Haveners that neither love nor hate of Toni Harp (or any other individual for that matter) would provide enough fuel to do everything it takes to become mayor.

Those who chose a path of public service do not work for or against individual interests; they work to actualize their beliefs in the collective good. As Marcus stated in this paper when he announced his candidacy for mayor nearly a year ago, he has been preparing for this job all of his life. As Stoehr acknowledged, Marcus is experienced in government and steeped in public affairs. Paca is a third-generation New Havener married to a fourth-generation New Havener with deep personal investment in this city. He has been a city alder, a delegate to the National League of Cities, a member of the New Haven Development Commission and is vice president of the citys most successful neighborhood development corporation. He has lived in almost every neighborhood in New Haven; served on numerous nonprofit boards and began working on political campaigns almost three decades ago as a mentee of the Honorable John C. Daniels, New Havens first African-American mayor. Marcus commitment to public service existed long before his first political encounter with Toni Harp when she worked against him in an Edgewood aldermanic race, and will continue after the polls close in this years mayoral race. As the saying goes, actions (in this case Pacas) speak louder than words (Stoehrs).

However, there are words to which voters should pay attention. In creating his negative narrative about Paca, Stoehr makes some interesting, if not dangerous, pronouncements. First, Stoehr states, I have no inside dope on what really happened between Paca and Harp; but more importantly, he states that he doesnt care to know what happened and by extension neither should voters. In my experience, any time a politician or a political surrogate attempts to tell voters what they should not care about, alarms should go off because that almost always means there are things the powers that be do not want people to know about.

Unlike Stoehr, I do have inside dope on what happened between Paca and Harp and on the inner workings of the Harp administration. As Marcus has stated repeatedly on the campaign trail, his tenure in and separation from the Harp administration illustrates distinct differences in how he and Harp think about the sanctity of the citys charter laws, union contracts, government transparency and ethics. Harp terminated my employment because I reported gratuitous gifting of hundreds of thousands of dollars of city contracts in direct violation of competitive bidding laws that ensure that all people get a fair shake. (Harp has since admitted to committing these violations in this paper, yet blamed her behavior on being on a learning curve more than two years into her tenure as mayor.) While I do not profess to speak for entire groups of people as Stoehr does, as both a woman and a minority and a Harvard-trained lawyer, laws designed to ensure fair play and equal protection are not inconsequential things to me. They evidently are to Harp and Stoehr.

Harp stated that she terminated Marcus for allegedly leaking email records that in Stoehrs own words caused embarrassment and a public relations crisis because they exposed truths about the Harp administration. (For the record, I was once a compliance officer at Goldman Sachs investment bank responsible for reviewing employee correspondence and emails only caused embarrassment or public relations crisis if they revealed corruption or wrongdoing.) The specific Harp public relations crisis to which Stoehr refers include revelations that Harp dismantled an entire office responsible for ensuring that developers give a fair shake to women and minority laborers (theres a pattern here) by falsely accusing the offices staff of criminal wrongdoing. All of Harps specious claims have been formally rejected by every federal agency that investigated them. The public relations crisis to which Stoehr refers also involve revelations that Harp has and continues to spend millions of taxpayer dollars to execute a witch hunt (the Connecticut Department of Labors words) against those same employees, and that according to this years Harp administration budget testimony no contract compliance has taken place in the city to hold developers accountable since Harp dismantled the former Commission on Equal Opportunity.

It is no surprise that Stoehr/Harp do not wish for voters to get mired in these ugly details. But I am confident he truly speaks only for himself and those hes hired to represent. In fact, I suspect that Stoehr is rather unique in his dismissal of the importance of public policy issues, whether its the inconvenient truths of City Hall committing legal and ethical violations they hope to keep quiet or children being poisoned by lead paint due to a pattern of failure by the city to properly regulate, an inconvenient truth revealed last week that Stoehr implies people should care about but conveniently omits from his discussion.

I suspect most voters share the Paca campaigns view that an informed voter is a smart voter rather than a threat to the power structure and status quo. I am confident most voters will see through Stoehrs foul-ball attacks, giving more credence to Marcus Pacas actions and own explanation for why he is seeking to be their next mayor than to the facile diagnosis of a man who believes he speaks for everyone. But whether Im correct or John Stoehr is, I encourage voters to be highly skeptical of anyone deliberately peddling a fact-free agenda designed to demonize an opponent rather than make a positive case for his own candidate.

Mendi Blue, a former city employee, is married to Democratic mayoral candidate Marcus Paca.
Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ...
Senator Ahmed Makarfi

Following the widespread news that Nigeria has exited from the scourge of recession which plagued it, some prominent citizens have reacted.

Senator Ahmed Makarfi, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Partys Caretaker Committee, has dismissed the celebration of the countrys exit from recession.

According to Punch Metro, Makarfi, in an SMS on Tuesday, described the news of the exit as mere statistics, which did not reflect the reality as it affects ordinary Nigerians.

For any economic recovery to be meaningful, it must positively impact on the lives of the people at the lower level, he stated.

According to the General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, despite the exit of the country from recession, there has been no visible improvement in the standard of living, salaries, rate of employment and quality of life of Nigerian workers.

However, he said the positive Gross Domestic Product growth in the second quarter was commendable, adding that if the upward trend was sustained in subsequent quarters, the impact on the livelihood of Nigerians and workers would be felt.

Reactions from a cross section of Nigerians also showed that there had been no significant improvement in the prices of consumer products, as the economic rationing of sizes of some manufactured food items remained the same.

A banker, Mrs. Damilola Ehinmitan, explained that the naira to dollar exchange remained high at 305 in the interbank market and between 360 and 365 at the parallel market, adding that this did not reflect economic growth.

The Managing Director, Remolaz Management Consult, Mr. Ola Azeez, said it was good that the economic statistics were giving Nigerians a ray of hope but their livelihood had not changed.

He said, An average Nigerian cannot afford three square meals in a day. The companies in the manufacturing sector are still struggling to operate. The size of some packaged food items is still reflective of the poor state of the economy.





Economic indices such as purchasing power, disposable income and prices of goods and services have not really confirmed that we are out of recession. What we are hearing from the government is encouraging but we want it to be translated to the masses.
Justice Candide-Johnson presiding over a Lagos High Court, south west Nigeria,has ordered Stanbic-IBTC bank Plc and CRC Credit Bureau limited to jointly pay the sum of N50 billion as general damages, to one of its customers, Longterm Global Capital Limited, for false, malicious and injurious publication of falsehoods against it.Apart from the judgement sum, the judge also ordered the bank and CRC Credit Bureau Ltd that is a joint defendant in the suit filed by Longterm Global Capital Limited, to publish forthwith and not less than seven days, a retraction and apology to the claimant in the cover pages of Sunday and Monday editions of the Punch, Thisday and Guardian newspapers, in respect of the alleged false indebtedness publication of the claimant to the bank.Justice Candide-Johnson also directed CRC Credit Bureau Limited, to immediately delete from its electronically published data bank and all other publications, all references to the alleged indebtedness of the banks customer to the bank.The judge further made an order of perpetual injunction restraining Stanbic-IBTC Bank PLC and CRC Credit Bureau Limited, from further publishing any other materials or details relating to the alleged indebtedness of the claimant to the Stanbic-IBTC PLCFinally, the court also ordered the payment of interest on the above judgement sum at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgement of the court until date of the final payment by the defendants in line with the provision of Order 35 Rule 4, of High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2012.The judgement of the court was sequel to a suit filed before the court by the Stock broking firm, Longterm Global Capital seeking a sum of N50 billion damages against Stanbic/IBTC Bank Limited, over an alleged breach of contract agreement, and malicious publication of non existing indebtedness.The stock brokerage firm in its statement of claim filed before the court against Stanbic/IBTC and CRC Credit Bureau Limited, by its lawyer, Chief Felix O. Fagbohungbe (SAN), alleged thus: that on or about April 2, 2014, pursuant to the banker/customer relationship between it and the bank, it applied to Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, for a term loan of N250 million. The loan was for the purchase of a commercial property at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, which would have been prime property it would have acquired and developed Into a multi-storey ultra modern apartment complex for sale to various property investors.The claimant also averred that due to the urgent nature of the purpose of the loan application at the material time, its relevant officials made several follow-up visit Union Bank Plc, to inquire about the state of processing of its loan application. But to its greatest bewilderment, its officials were verbally informed by Union Bank Plc that credit status check were being conducted at relevant credit bureaus in respect of its loan transaction with other banks in the country. The bank later wrote a letter stating that it would be unable to grant the loan due to unfavorable credit report which was electronically published by the data bank of Credit Beareu Limited that is the second defendant in this suit to the whole world with the Central Bank of Nigerias directive.The claimant further stated that by Union Bank Plcs letter, it was informed that pursuant to the mandatory requirement of CBN directing that every bank and Financial institutions in the country must obtain credit status reports from at least two credit bureaux before granting any credit facility to their customers, the Union Bank Plc, applied for and obtained its credit status from the second defendant and Messrs Credit Registry Plc, as part of the processing its loan application.It further stated in the report sent by Union Bank that its credit status with fisrt defendant was tagged clean, while report from the second defendant was said to be unsatisfactory and it became aware that the Stanbic IBTC bank had reported to the CRC Credit Bereau limited on or about October 31, 2012, that the bank deliberately, fasely and maliciously wrote and published a credit status report through the second defendant concerning it that it has been blacklisted by the StanbicIBTC as a loan defaulter and bad loan borrower who was owing the sum of N543,030.843 million, for 722 days running as at October 31, 2012, and which numbers of days was over and above the maturity date of December 31, 2009.The claimant further aveered that Stanbic/IBTC stated that the interest outstanding on the loan as at December 31, 2012, stood at N213, 537, 753 million.However, the claimant stated that contrary to the false, injurious and Malicious credit status reports published by the Stanbic/IBTC bank, through CRC Credit Bureau Limited, to the whole world including Union Bank Plc, there were no time that the StanbicIBTC granted it any credit facility which would be classified as lost in respect of which account balance in the sum of N543,030.843 million, with the accrued interest in the sum of N213, 537, 753 million, or any other sum at all were outstanding against it.It stated also that to the foregoing, Union Bank Plc relied on the defendants credit status information and declined granting its term loan which was required to purchase a commercial property.It also stated that the plaintiff apart from not indebted to StanbicIBTC , it was neither informed by the Stanbic/IBTC that it was indebted nor was any demand made in that regard before the malicious falsehood was reported by Stanbic IBTC to CRC Credit Bureau which was subsequently published the false and untrue credit status reports to Union Bank of Nigeria PLC and the whole world.It also stated that the credit status reports made to the second defendant by the first defendant in relation to the alleged indebtedness was made without just cause or excuse as there was never a time Stanbic IBTC granted it any credit facility which can be classified as lost orbad which it did not pledge adequate and readily realizable collateral security to cover the principal loan amount plus interest.Consequently,due to the deliberate, malicious and/or injurious falsehood published by the defendants in relation to the credit status, it has been unable to access any credit facility from Union Bank of Nigeria PLC , and all other financial institutions in Nigeria, as it has been blacklisted and embargoed from accessing new credit.The claimant also stated that the false, malicious and injurious falsehood of the defendants has adversely affected its business reputation, as all its bankers and Financial institutions are no longer able or permitted to grant any credit facility to argument its working capital for reason that it has been effectively blacklisted by been classified as a bad or delinquent borrower and consequently shut-out of Nigerias credit system.The claimant also aveered that the malicious and injurious falsehood by the defendants was calculated embarrassed, de-market and cause huge pecuniary damage as a registered capital market institution, the main objective of the defendants in deliberately, willfully and intentionally published the malicious and injurious falsehood credit report, was to asphyxiated and paralyzed its investment activities and capital operation, and to untimely make its business collapsed without just cause.Consequently, the claimant is urging the court to award it the sum of N50 billion as general damages against StanbicIBTC Bank and CRC Credit Beraeu jointly and severally. and the sum of N50 million as cost of instituting this suit.It also seeks an order of the court directing the defendants to immediately delete from its electronically published data bank, and all other publications all references to the alleged indebtedness and an order directing the defendants to publish a retraction and or apology to it on the cover of Sunday or Monday edition of two national newspapers, in respect of the alleged indebtedness.It also seeks an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further publishing any other materials or details relating to the alleged indebtedness.However, Stanbic/IBTC in its statement of defence filed before the court denied all the claimants aveerment, thereby urging the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety with substantial cost in its favour.In urging the court to dismiss the claimants suit, the bank averred that the claimant maintains an account with its Adetokunbo Ademola branch, and at all material time, the transaction on the said account were recorded electronically by its computer system. It added that between April 2008 and June 2011, the transactions were recorded in Account number 1111314381, under the Equinox Core Banking System, and between July 2011 and the time of instituting the suit, the transactions were recorded in Account number 9200689089, under Finacle Core Banking System.It also stated that it did not author the credit status report cited by the claimant but merely provided the second defendant with the status of the Credit facility obtained by the claimant from it in discharge of its obligations under the guidelines for the Licensing, Operation and Regulations of Credit Bureau in Nigeria (CBN Licensing Guidelines).It also aveered that the aforementioned information it provided to the second defendant was true and consistent with its records, and were not borne out of ill-will or malice and were not intended to disparage the claimants trade of business as alleged.Stanbic/IBTC also stated that the claimants indebtedness arose as a result of a credit in the sum of N600 million, by virtue of letter of offer dated March 27, 2008 adding that the said indebtedness had been subject of litigation since December 23, 2009, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/1491/09, Re; Longterm Global Capital Limited and Patrick Akinkotu vs. Stanbic/IBTC, Appeal No. CA/L/194/2011, Stanbic IBTC Vs. Longterm Global Capital and Patrick Akinkotu. And that a notice of appeal dated May 13, 2013, in respect of the matter has been filed at the Supreme Court of Nigeria on a motion on notice dated May 13, 2013.It also stated that the said indebtedness had been acknowledged in the judgement by the Federal High Court in suit number FHC/L/CS/1491/09, Re; Longterm Global Capital Limited and Patrick Akinkotu vs. Stanbic/IBTC by Justice Achibong.The bank also stated that the claimants Statement of Claim does not disclose a reasonable cause of action, and the action constituted a vexatious, frivolous and Malicious, consequently, the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit.Consequently, the bank urged the court to dismiss the suit in its entirety, and award substantial cost in its favour.
Neymar has slammed Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, calling him a joke over comments he made about the Brazil star and his father.The 25-year-old completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain last month, after the French side paid his 222million release clause.Bartomeu was left furious by the antics of Neymar and his father and agent Neymar Santos Sr., who was behind the move to Ligue 1.We made the mistake of trusting Neymar and his father too much, Bartomeu said.When an Instagram account posted Bartomeus quote, Neymar couldnt help but respond in the comments section, saying: This president is a joke.Neymar already has three goals and three assists in three league matches for the French giants so far.




The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, and the leadership of the National Association of Resident Doctors have arrived at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja for talks over the strike.The ministers are currently holding a closed door meeting with the doctors while journalists are waiting in the conference room waiting to be briefed.
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, tasked ambassadors-designate to Japan and Malaysia to work out plans towards strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and the two countries to boost job creation and improve the agriculture sector.The envoys-designate diplomats are Professor Mohammed Yisa and Alhaji Nurudeen Mohammed, both indigenes of Kwara State.They were former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly and Commissioner for Finance, respectively, from Kwara North.s from the area.Saraki threw the challenge at the two envoys-designate in his Ilorin residence while receiving a delegation from Kwara North, led by Etsu of Pategi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, who were on a thank-you visit to him over the two appointeeSaraki noted that the two countries Yisa and Mohammed were deployed to are very crucial on the world political and economic stage and also strategic to Nigerias development.Earlier, the head of delegation, Etsu of Pategi, had said they were at Sarakis residence to appreciate his support for the two appointees, saying it was the first of its kind in the history of a senatorial district in Kwara State.He also commended the Senate President for the award of Share-Tsaragi-Pategi Federal Road, which he believed will improve the business, economic and social status of the adjoining areas. He also expressed delight over Sarakis victory at Code of Conduct Tribunal, saying it was as a result of answered prayers.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday granted the request seeking to serve court processes on Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of ...

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday granted the request seeking to serve court processes on Nnamdi Kanu and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) through substituted service.

The court, however, ordered that other respondents in the matter, namely: the Inspector-General of Police, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Attorney-General of the Federation be served personally.





Justice B.O. Quadri gave the order following an ex-parte application by Mr Richard Ndubuaku for an order of court for substituted service of all the processes of the court on the defendants by publishing them in two national newspapers.





Ndubuaku, who made the application through his counsel, Mr Smart Iheazor, also asked the court to make an order restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, members or agents from disrupting the forthcoming Anambra election.





He also asked the court to make an order restraining Kanu and all members of IPOB from interfering, intimidating and harassing all registered and eligible voters in the Nov. 18 Anambra election.





Ndubuaku further asked the court to prevent Kanu and IPOB from mobilising its members either by threat or undue influence to scuttle the election, pending the determination of the originating summons.





From the antecedents of Kanu and the activities of IPOB, they are capable of carrying out their threat, he said.





Serving the processes of this suit on the them by publishing in two national newspapers will bring same to their knowledge as it will be dangerous and difficult to effect personal service on them.





The applicant has several businesses and business interests and houses in Onitsha and Awka with over 100 staff that will be affected if the threats of Kanu and IPOB are carried out.





The judge, however, only granted the order of substituted service on Kanu and IPOB, and refused all the other reliefs sought by the applicant and asked that all parties in the suit be put on notice.





He adjourned the matter to October 10 for hearing.
Some patients affected by the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the resident doctors across the country have appealed to the Fed...

Some patients affected by the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the resident doctors across the country have appealed to the Federal Government to resolve the doctors demands amicably to save their lives.They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews on Wednesday in Lagos on the ongoing nationwide strike by the doctors.NAN reports that the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had on Sept. 4 directed its members nationwide to embark on an indefinite strike to pressurise government to meet its demands.The strike notice was signed by Dr John Onyebueze and Dr Aneke Emmanuel, the National President and Secretary, National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) respectively.NAN reports that in the affected hospitals, few patients turned up for consultation and routine clinics in view of the strike.One of the patients at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, Mrs Faith Ehijie, who brought her son for routine clinic, said that government should look into their demands in the interest of the poor patients.While expressing disappointment with the doctors action, Ehijie said: By now, the nation should have gone over the issue of strikes in our health institutions.Government should make the doctors welfare a priority to avoid these frequent strikes; we all know their importance to the society.The clinic routine is not as usual today, because some of the doctors are on strike and this make the process to be slow and caused the delay.Another patient at the hospital, Mr Adeoti Oki, commended the hospital management and other doctors on ground for their abilities to manage the patients in spite of the resident doctors strike.We dont even expect to get this attention, though, it is a bit slow, as you can see, we are still being attended to accordingly.We still want the government to please resolve the issues with the doctors that are on strike so that the service can get better, he said.Also, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, there was low turnout of patients, as fewer patients were seen at the major department and clinics.NAN reports that the Accident and Emergency Unit, which was always busy on normal day, was scanty as well as other units including the Gynaecology and Paediatric Units.At Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, two patients interviewed said that they had an appointment with their physicians and that they were waiting to see them.A patient, Mr Badaru Ahmed, told NAN that he was waiting for his turn as a doctor was attending to the patients in the waiting room.I am the next in line to see the doctor; a patient is seeing him now and when he is done, I am next,  he said.Another patient, Mrs Fatima Ali, who claimed she was not aware of the doctors strike, said that she had come for checkup and to also see her physician.According to her, I have been seen the doctors moving around in their robes and some attending to us.I dont know that there is an ongoing strike in LASUTH,  she said.When contacted, the LASUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Oke, said that the hospital was working and patients were being attended to.We are working and attending to the patients on ground, he said.Meanwhile, NAN reporters gathered that skeletal activities were recorded in the affected hospitals in Lagos.At LASUTH, Ikeja, though, activities were ongoing in spite of the strike, it was not as usual when the doctors were on duty.NAN visit to the hospital showed that patients were being attended to by few consultants and the house officers on ground.Also, other health workers including nurses, laboratory scientists, health information management officers were seen going about their normal duties.(NAN)
The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, has restated her position that she will support a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar...









The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, has restated her position that she will support a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2019 presidential election.

Mrs. Alhassan, in an interview with BBC Hausa, added that even if President Muhammadu Buhari decides to contest in 2019, she would still support Mr. Abubakar.Atiku is my godfather even before I joined politics, she said in Hausa. And again, Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019.Let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister but Baba just like you know I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. If Atiku said he is going to contest.Mrs. Alhassan, popularly called Mama Taraba, added that she is not scared of being relieved of her job as minister.If because of what I said, I am sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed that is whyBaba is not a mad man like those calling for my sack. They have been sending it and spreading that if Baba sees this I will be sacked.Although the former vice president has not publicly declared his intention, he is believed to be strategizing and building a coalition for the 2019 elections.President Buhari has also not declared if he will run for a second term despite his health challenges.Read the full translation of Mrs. Alhassans interview with BBC below:Atiku is my godfather even before I join politics, and again Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019. And let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah I will go before him and kneel and tell him that Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister. But Baba just like you know I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. (That is) if Atiku said he is going to contest; as we are talking now Atiku has not said he is going to contest. Why I said our president in 2019 is because we all hope he is going to contest, but he never told us that he is going to contest. But if he said he is going to contest I will surely do what I told you I will do.Because if Atiku said he is going to contest and I remain in the cabinet of Baba while Baba also wants to contest, then I have become a hypocrite and I am not one. If I said I am not with Atiku, Buhari himself will not trust me at all because he will say I am a hypocrite.Yes I made this statement when we went for a courtesy call during Sallah festivities, I am not going to stand before him and campaign, besides this is not the time for campaign. Even when my people asked me to come out and start campaigning, I told them this is not the time for that. This is the time to work for the people.This is the work of my political enemies, they have been going round saying I should be sacked as minister. I never hoped to be a minister, Allah gave it to me If I get sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed; because I believe only Allah do and undo. And you think Baba is a mad man like those calling for my sack? They have been sending it and spreading that if Baba sees this I will be sacked. He will not sack me from being a minister because of this, only if I commit another offence. I am doing my job as a minister with all my heart and I always protect this government because it is a government of APC. And Baba our President, the President of Nigeria and somebody that I respect even before I joined politics. I will continue to respect him as a man of integrity. For those who are saying I will be sacked, they will be shamed. And even if I am sacked, I believe it is my time as minister that has ended. I never asked for it, Allah gave it to me.
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that the real impact of the country exiting recession will be better felt when ordinary Niger...

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said that the real impact of the country exiting recession will be better felt when ordinary Nigerians experience a change in their living conditions.The Presidents reaction came as the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI and other stakeholders yesterday said that the economy is still performing below its potential and tied to the oil sector, in spite of the second quarter Gross Domestic Growth, GDP, report which indicated that the country is out of economic recession.Speaking on the countrys exit from recession, President Buhari, who received the President of Niger, Alhaji Mahamadou Issoufou, at his country home in Daura, Katsina State, expressed excitement on the cheering news that the country is out of recession, adding that the real gains should be improved conditions for Nigerians. In a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President, fielding questions from, newsmen said: Certainly, I should be happy for what it is worth.I am looking forward to ensuring that ordinary Nigerian feels the impact. President Buhari commended all the managers of the economy for their hard work and commitment, stressing that more work needed to be done to improve the growth rate.He also said: Until coming out of recession translates into meaningful improvement in peoples lives, our work cannot be said to be done. Calling on the government to expedite action on implementation of the various measures designed to reform the economy, they insisted that the 0.55 per cent growth rate announced for the second quarter by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), though a good development, was marginal without any impact on the businesses and welfare of Nigerians.Also, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the cheering news that the country has exited from the economic recession that affected every facets of the economy was an indication that the government was active to its responsibilities to the citizenry. Adesina, who stated this when he received a civil society group, Centre for Civil Society and Justice that was on a solidarity rally in Abuja, said for the country to exit recession was a clear testimony that President Muhammadu Buharis administration was working for the progress and prosperity of all Nigerians.That shows that we have a government that is working for us. We have a government that is interested in our welfare. We have a government that is interested in our well-being.Recession came due to some mistakes of the past and in just about a year, the government battled it and today we are officially out of recession and we give all glory to God.
Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he is discussing with Peoples Democratic Partys (PDPs) potential aspirants to allow me seek ...

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he is discussing with Peoples Democratic Partys (PDPs) potential aspirants to allow me seek Gods consent on the choice of a successor.He said since aspirants have the right to aspire for the No. 1 seat, he (Fayose) also has the right to support whoever God asks him to support for the 2018 governorship race.Fayose said he invited aspirants like his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso; and former Wema Bank Group Managing Director, Mr. Adebisi Omoyeni to allow him seek the face of God on his successor.The governor spoke yesterday at his Afao-Ekiti home at a meeting with PDP aspirants and leaders from Ikole, Ijero and Ise/Orun councils.His alleged opposition to the governorship ambition of Deputy Senate Minority Whip Biodun Olujimi; former Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko and the partys national spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has been causing tension in the party.Fayose said: Followers need not create a wedge between me and governorship aspirants. As much as aspirants have the right to aspire, I also reserve the right to support whoever God asks me to support.If I were asked to pick a candidate to succeed me, I would have picked Kayode Oso. But I have called him and asked him to allow me seek Gods consent concerning it.I have called my deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; I have also called Bisi Omoyeni and asked him to allow me seek Gods consent. Whoever God chooses, we will support among the aspirants. Whoever that is not the one, the spirit of sportsmanship should be embraced.I have nothing against Prince Adedayo Adeyeye. I have respect for him: from ministerial appointment to chairmanship (of the governing council) at Ekiti State University, and his recommendation to the party at the national level.I have always stood by him. I wouldnt have done that for someone I dont love. So, mischief makers had better look elsewhere to play their game.The governor advised party members to downplay personal agenda and ensure the partys interest is placed on the front burner.He said: Never will any candidate be imposed on the people. We wont allow anybody to destroy the goodwill enjoyed by the PDP because there is no doubt about our partys popularity in Ekiti today.I want to assure you nobody will impose anybody on you. With me here, you will all get justice. Those we imposed in the past disappointed us. The system should be allowed to run its course.At the meeting with party members from Ijero Ekiti, Fayose directed that about 23 members, hitherto suspended from the party, be forgiven and reabsorbed.
Some Mogajis (Family Heads) in Ibadanland have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State to withdraw the sta...





Some Mogajis (Family Heads) in Ibadanland have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State to withdraw the statement he made on one of the wives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

Recall that Ajimobi had on Saturday said while featuring on BCOS program (Saturday Special), said that he used to send one of the monarchs wives to his (governors) girlfriend when they were young.





But the Mojajis led by Chief Olawale Oladoja (Mogaji Akinsola compound), described the governors statement as a sign of disrespect to the Olubadan throne and the Ibadan people.





Oladoja said, We wish to respond to the governors broadcast over the Olubadan issue and coronation of some chiefs. We are a law-abiding people and we have gone to court over the issue. We are sure that they have the Ministry of Justice in the state government who interprets the law for the executive.





The governor said in the broadcast that he used to send the present Olubadans wife to his (governor) girlfriend. That is an insult on the Olubadan throne and Ibadan people even when the event dated back many years. The woman in question is now an Olori. We are giving him (governor) a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw the statement.





He has about 19 months more to spend as governor of the state after which he will become a former governor. He should realise that whatever we do today will become history tomorrow. If during your tenure you destablise the Ibadan custom despite being our brother, you will come back to meet it that way.





We expect the state governor to know more on this issue and we also want the people to be aware that what we are fighting for concerns the traditional institution and progress of Ibadan land. We cannot be intimidated by anyone on this issue.





We have nothing against the personality of Ajimobi as an Ibadan son, but we will never fold our arms and allow an individual or government to rubbish the custom of Ibadan land.




Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has said his first son, Mr Ahamefula Okorocha, is alive, strong and healthy, contrary to rumours on the social media of his death in London.Okorocha who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, said those behind the false report of the death of his son were agents of Satan.Okorocha said contrary to the death wish of some evil elements, the young engineer was doing very well in his profession.How could anybody ever wish his fellow human death; this is strange and we all must discourage this kind of insinuation.The governor added that he traveled oversea earlier this year for a business trip after announcing plans to relocate Ekeukwu Owerri market and it was rumoured that he had died.He added that two weeks after the relocation of the market, the same rumour equally emanated that his son was dead.God is the giver of life and nobody can determine how God does his things, he said.He advises the should disregard the false report.
Various reactions have greeted the adoption of Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, as the consensus candidate of the P...

Various reactions have greeted the adoption of Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, as the consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2018 governorship election.The immediate past Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi; and a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada, Dare Bejide, who are aspirants on the partys platform have dismissed the development, saying it does not pose any threat to their ambition.Bejide said, Any caucus of the party can adopt any candidate, whether the choice of Olusola by his caucus has Fayoses backing holds no water, as no one can impose a candidate on the party.This would not stop me from emerging the partys governorship flagbearer for the poll in March 2018.Ajayi added that the decision to conduct primaries and determine who gets the partys ticket belongs to the National Working Committee of the PDP.In another reaction, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, said the adoption was a clear breach of the PDPs Constitution and the provisions of the Electoral Act (as amended).His campaign group, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement, claimed the meeting of the amorphous group was hastily convened out of fear for the overwhelming popularity of AdeyeyeIt is important to note that PDP as a political party is bigger and larger than an individual, no matter how highly placed he or she may be as to override the rules and regulations of the party which are sacrosanct in the election of any candidate for elective position.PAMM believes in credible, transparent, free and fair primary for all aspirants for the position of governor, come 2018.PAMM rejects the purported adoption of a sole candidate in its entirety, as there are many other aspirants for the governorship race in 2018.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that court processes (documents) be served on Nnamdi Kanu and his group, Indigenous People of ...

A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that court processes (documents) be served on Nnamdi Kanu and his group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on a suit seeking to restrain them from disrupting the November 18 governorship election in Anambra State.Justice Babatunde Quadri gave the order for service of court processes on the respondents after listening to the arguments by the plaintiffs lawyer, Smart Iheazor, for leave to serve the processes on Kanu and IPOB outside Abuja.Other respondents in the suit are: the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).The plaintiff, Dr Richard Ndubuaku, who described himself as businessman in Awka, AnambrA State capital, with property in Onitsha and other parts of the state, prayed the court to restrain Kanu, IPOB, their agents and members from making utterances or taking actions that are inimical to the conduct of the November 18 poll.He also prayed the court to restrain Kanu and IPOB from further harassing or intimidating eligible voters in Anambra State or mobilising their members to scuttle the planned election.Ndubuaku argued that there was need for the court to grant the orders he sought because Kanu and members of his group could carry out their threat to disrupt the election, if not restrained.The businessman noted that if allowed to proceed with their threat, Kanu and IPOB members could cause irreparable damage to him and other innocent residents of Anambra State.The plaintiff, in a supporting affidavit, averred that Kanu and other IPOB members have serially made utterances and threats to disrupt the conduct of the governorship election in Anambra State this November.He added: The respondents (first and second) are capable of carrying out their threat. And if this happens, many lives will be lost. And properties (will be) destroyed, which will include that of the plaintiff.If the defendants are not restrained, their actions may lead to confrontation. With other law-abiding citizens, who insist on electing their governor and a clash with the defendants will occasion a blood bath as there would be a breakdown of law and order.
A Minna based economist, Mr Kolo Paul, says Tuesdays report of Nigeria exiting recession can take several months before its impact is f...

A Minna based economist, Mr Kolo Paul, says Tuesdays report of Nigeria exiting recession can take several months before its impact is felt by the ordinary citizens.Paul told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Wednesday that Nigerians were still enduring the harsh realities of the economic downturn.According to him, the news of the exit will remain mere statistical report until Nigerians begin to experience turn around in their living conditions.Well, until these figures translate into better living conditions for the ordinary Nigerian, it means nothing has changed.I think it will take some time before people begin to feel the impact of this new development in their daily activities.I am confident that things will be back to normal and Nigerians will have cause to smile again, he said.The economist advised government at all levels to work to ensure that the country did not slip into recession again.NAN reports that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday reported that Nigerian economy was now out of recession with a growth rate of 0.55 per cent recorded in the second quarter of 2017.The data showed that the economic recovery was driven by improved performance of oil, agriculture, manufacturing and trade sectors of the economy.
Some patients affected by the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the resident doctors across the country have appealed to the Federal Government to resolve the doctors demands amicably to save their lives.They spoke in separate interviews on Wednesday in Lagos on the ongoing nationwide strike by the doctors.The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had on Sept. 4 directed its members nationwide to embark on an indefinite strike to pressurise government to meet its demands.The strike notice was signed by Dr John Onyebueze and Dr Aneke Emmanuel, the National President and Secretary, National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) respectively.In the affected hospitals, few patients turned up for consultation and routine clinics in view of the strike.One of the patients at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, Mrs Faith Ehijie, who brought her son for routine clinic, said that government should look into their demands in the interest of the poor patients.While expressing disappointment with the doctors action, Ehijie said: By now, the nation should have gone over the issue of strikes in our health institutions.Government should make the doctors welfare a priority to avoid these frequent strikes; we all know their importance to the society.The clinic routine is not as usual today, because some of the doctors are on strike and this make the process to be slow and caused the delay.Another patient at the hospital, Mr Adeoti Oki, commended the hospital management and other doctors on ground for their abilities to manage the patients in spite of the resident doctors strike.We dont even expect to get this attention, though, it is a bit slow, as you can see, we are still being attended to accordingly.We still want the government to please resolve the issues with the doctors that are on strike so that the service can get better, he said.Also, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, there was low turnout of patients, as fewer patients were seen at the major department and clinics.The Accident and Emergency Unit, which was always busy on normal day, was scanty as well as other units including the Gynaecology and Paediatric Units.At Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, two patients interviewed said that they had an appointment with their physicians and that they were waiting to see them.A patient, Mr Badaru Ahmed, said that he was waiting for his turn as a doctor was attending to the patients in the waiting room.I am the next in line to see the doctor; a patient is seeing him now and when he is done, I am next,  he said.Another patient, Mrs Fatima Ali, who claimed she was not aware of the doctors strike, said that she had come for checkup and to also see her physician.According to her, I have been seen the doctors moving around in their robes and some attending to us.I dont know that there is an ongoing strike in LASUTH,  she said.When contacted, the LASUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Oke, said that the hospital was working and patients were being attended to.We are working and attending to the patients on ground, he said.Meanwhile, it was gathered that skeletal activities were recorded in the affected hospitals in Lagos.At LASUTH, Ikeja, though, activities were ongoing in spite of the strike, it was not as usual when the doctors were on duty.A visit to the hospital showed that patients were being attended to by few consultants and the house officers on ground.Also, other health workers including nurses, laboratory scientists, health information management officers were seen going about their normal duties.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is to resume talks tomorrow in Abuja with the Federal Government representatives regardi...

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is to resume talks tomorrow in Abuja with the Federal Government representatives regarding the implementation of the 2009 agreement between both parties.Its National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, told The Nation on phone that the union would attend the meeting and table its unfulfilled demands, which led the union to embark on an indefinite strike since August 13.The latest is that they (government) have invited us for a meeting on Thursday. We will attend and there present our demands before them, he said.Last week, ASUU boycotted a meeting with the Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, and the Education Minister, Malam Adamu Adamu, which was to be hosted by Ngige in Abuja.The unions demands include the non-registration of Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO); payment of incomplete salaries in federal universities and gross under-funding/non-funding of state universities; and non-payment of arrears of earned academic allowances.
Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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A Superior Court Judge on Wednesday morning will hand over to jurors the fate of Michael C. Brady, 38, who is charged with stabbing to death his girlfriend Tam Marie Pitts Gaddy and suffocating her 5-year-old daughter Natasia in their Englewood apartment. Jurors will begin deliberating after a nearly month long trial.

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Mother and daughter

Authorities say Brady had recently split with Pitts-Gaddy after a rocky four-year relationship. On the morning of Jan. 28 -- sometime after Pitts-Gaddy called out of work sick at 5:41 a.m. -- a fight between the two escalated into Brady stabbing her to death. He then, authorities say, suffocated the young girl, who was dressed for school, with a plastic bag.

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Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Window entry

When Pitts Gaddy didn't return calls from family, her sister and father went, along with Brady, to her West Palisade Avenue apartment. They found the door locked so Brady pulled his Honda Civic under her bedroom window and gained entry, as shown in a photo being held in front of the jury by Assistant Prosecutor James Santulli.

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S.P. Sullivan | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The suspect

Authorities quickly focused on Brady as a suspect because there was no sign of forced entry into the apartment and prosecutors have said the number of stab wounds, 11, points to a crime of passion. He was arrested two days after the Jan. 28, 2013 crime, one day after the bodies were discovered.

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Dan Ivers | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Boyfriend charged

Brady pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, weapons possession and hindering apprehension. The Jamaica native has been in the Bergen County Jail since his arrest in lieu of $2 million bail.

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Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Statement or bad translation?

Prosecutors told jurors that Brady made statements while at Englewood Police headquarters, that were written down by an officer on copy paper, including "God, Jesus, I can't believe I killed a little girl." But Defense Attorney Kevin G. Roe says the words, spoken by a man with a thick accent, were twisted by authorities who honed in on Brady. He played an excerpt of Brady's five-hour statement at the prosecutor's office in which Brady pounds the table and says, "I did not do it."

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Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Pointing the finger

During his more than two-hour closing argument Tuesday, Roe said that investigators should have taken a harder look at Pitts Gaddy's nephew, Daquan Frazier who Tammy had locked out of her apartment and thrown his clothes outside. Frazier, who was 19 at the time, has a criminal record for weapons charges. Prosecutor's say at 5 foot 9 inches and 130 pounds Frazier could not have overpowered his aunt.

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Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The 409 bottle

Santulli shows jurors a picture of a 409 cleaner bottle found at Pitts Gaddy's apartment that was tested for evidence. There was evidence that Frazier had touched the trigger. He testified that his aunt asked him to hand her the cleaner the weekend before her death, a day after she had a miscarriage, because she was going to clean the tires of her car which was inoperable and unregistered in 30 degree weather.

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Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Glass Plus bottle

A Glass Plus bottle, found the basement, had evidence from Brady, Santulli told jurors. Prosecutors allege that Brady, who at the time worked as a school janitor, used the cleaner to tidy up the crime scene.

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Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Blood

The apartment had large amounts of blood, including on the kitchen floor, and broken furniture showing signs of a struggle. Brady's blood was not found at the scene, prosecutors say, because he had a full day to clean it up between early Monday when the killings occurred and Tuesday when the bodies were found. Brady was not captured on more than 30 cameras at his job for several hours the day of the killings, Santulli said.

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Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Domestic violence

Santulli recounted testimony from friends and family who said they witnessed arguments between Brady and Pitts Gaddy in which Brady put his hands near the collar of her shirt, threw two bags of groceries and a car seat at her.

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Allison Pries | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

In closing

Brady sat expressionless, looking straight ahead for all of the closing arguments, which lasted more than 4 hours.
MAHWAH - For the third time in recent months, a ritualistic Jewish boundary known as a eruv on a town utility pole has been damaged, according to a report.

The latest incident occurred Sunday in the area of Airmont Avenue and Masonicus Road, according to nj101.5.com. Police are looking for a middle-aged man and woman near a black Audi Q5 or Q7 with a New Jersey license plate starting with W26, according to the report.

In Jewish tradition, an eruv is a symbolic boundary, used in Orthodox Jewish communities, allowing activities to take place on the Jewish Sabbath outside of the home. A Jewish group reportedly got approval to install the pipes from Orange & Rockland Utilities, which owns the poles.

Some residents and township officials have objected to the eruvs, claiming the ritualistic pipes affect their quality of life.

Over the summer, the township ordered a New York-based Jewish community to cease building the boundaries or face fines. In August, the Bergen Rockland Eruv Association and two Rockland County residents filed a federal lawsuit against the town, accusing them of fanning the flames of xenophobia.

After earlier damage to the pipes, the township offered a $1,000 reward and Attorney General Christopher Porrino offered a $25,000 reward. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 201-529-1000 ext. 220 or email tips@mahwahpd.org.

$25k reward if convicted: Towns fight hate crime, lawsuits over Jewish boundary  but its common in NJ https://t.co/2wkiKDuaQl @nj1015  Christopher Porrino (@cporrino) August 17, 2017

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
HACKENSACK -- A Superior Court jury on Wednesday returned a not guilty verdict in the murders of a mother and daughter after less then two hours of deliberation.

Jurors began deliberating at about 11:15 a.m. and reached a decision at about 1p.m., finding Michael C. Brady, 38, not guilty of first-degree murder, weapons and hindering apprehension charges.

Tammy Pitts Gaddy and Natasia, 5

He was due to be released Wednesday afternoon from the Bergen County Jail, where he had been held since January 29, 2013 on $2 million bail.

Brady wept quietly when the verdict was read and said "God is good," his attorney Kevin G. Roe said.

"He just wants to pick up the pieces of his life and move forward in a positive way," Roe said. "He is enormously relieved and grateful to the jury."

Brady never sought a plea deal because he maintained his innocence in the Englewood murders, his attorney said. In a police interrogation video played for jurors, Roe said, Brady proclaimed his innocence more than 100 times.

Authorities "went along with the mob psychology" when they arrested Brady the day after the bodies of Tam Marie Pitts Gaddy and her 5-year-old daughter Natasia were discovered by her sister, father and Brady in their West Palisades Avenue apartment.

Brady and Pitts Gaddy had weathered a rocky four-year relationship that was on-and-off. Friends and family testified that they had seen Brady grab Pitts Gaddy near the collar of her shirt, and throw two grocery bags and a car seat at her.

Prosecutors said Brady was the only one with a motive to kill Pitts Gaddy and that her daughter was collateral damage so she wouldn't tell. They relied largely on handwritten notes taken by an Englewood Police officer who said he heard Brady, who has a thick Jamaican accent, say "God, Jesus, I can't believe I killed a little girl."

The same officer's report noted that much of what Brady said was undecipherable.

"Fortunately the jury was satisfied with the job we did discrediting him," Roe said.

The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office declined to comment on the verdict.

In closing statements that ran more than four hours Tuesday, Roe pointed to Pitts Gaddy's nephew as a possible suspect who police did little to dig into.

Assistant Prosecutor James Santulli told jurors that the nephew, at 5 foot 9 inches and 130 pounds was too small to have carried out the violent crime.

Pitts Gaddy was found stabbed 11 times in her bed and the girl was suffocated in the basement with a plastic bag.
MAPLE SHADE -- Investigators searching for answers in the fatal stabbing of a mother and her 6-year-old son here at the Fox Meadow Apartment complex nearly six months ago announced Tuesday that a reward will be offered for information leading to an arrest in the killings.

The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, FBI and Maple Shade police will hold a news conference Wednesday afternoon at the complex and then canvass residents in an effort to uncover new leads.

Authorities plan to hand out fliers in English, Spanish, Hindi and Telegu to appeal to the diverse residents at the sprawling complex. The victims, Sasikala Narra, 38, and her son Anish where natives of India. They also belonged to a subset of Indians who speak the Telegu language.

Sasikala's husband has been identified in published reports as Hanumantha Rao Narra. He found the bodies shortly after 9:30 p.m. on March 23. Narra said he was at a work-related gathering before he came home and on a frantic 911 call he can be heard wailing and moaning and telling an emergency operator he had "no idea" what happened to his family and that "there was blood everywhere."

Indian media have published multiple reports about marital strife between the couple and allegations from his wife's family blaming him. The Burlington County Prosecutor's office has said Narra is not charged with a crime.

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
HOUSTON -- Camden County Freeholder William F. Moen Jr. had planned to visit Houston Labor Day weekend to celebrate the birthday of a friend who lived there.

Then Hurricane Harvey happened.

"Once we saw it hit, we figured the flights would be cancelled and we couldn't go," he said in an interview Tuesday. But when the flight was instead redirected to Dallas, the group of friends came up with a new way to spend the birthday.

"We just said if we can get down there, we're going to help any way we can," Moen said.

And help they did. The group spent over five hours Sunday ripping out drywall and cleaning the Houston home of a total stranger, who was desperate to at least make the house livable for her three kids.

Lina Hernandez, who lives on the border of Houston and Pasadena, was at home with her kids and her boyfriend, Angel Blune, when the water started rising fast the first night Harvey made landfall.

By the next day, it was three feet high. She put her chihuahuas and her children, Javen, 8, Tristan, 16, and Brianna, 18, on her bed to keep them out of the water, she said.

She started calling the police and any number she could find, hoping someone could pick them up in a boat. She said she was told to wade and swim with her children to a nearby store that was a staging area, but decided it wasn't safe.

"My kids don't know how to swim," she said. "I had no life vest for my 8 year old."

The water receded eventually, but that was just the beginning of the ordeal, she said. Her house was now full of sewage and trash, in addition to her own filthy, ruined furniture and possessions.

"I'm sure there are people who had it much worse than me," she said, but it was pretty bad. Tristan is on the autism spectrum and was having a breakdown.

She and Blune were ripping up carpet and doing their best to make it so her kids could at least walk around the house, she said, "but what we really needed was someone to help us tear out the walls."

Friends had shared her Facebook postings about the flood damage, and someone apparently posted her information on a website called swamplot.com, where people could post their address on the "Muck Map" to ask for help with storm clean-up.

Hernandez said she doesn't know who did it, but suddenly Moen and his friends were at her house, telling her they knew she needed a hand removing drywall.

Moen and Michael Vernamonti of Voorhees flew into Dallas Saturday, where their friend, Andrew Riebel, picked them up. Riebel and his fiance, Megan Evans, moved from Belmar to Houston in July.

Moen found out about the Muck Map, and he and his three friends arrived Sunday ready to work.

Tristan participates in the Special Olympics, and by chance, it was the same day that a family from the program had turned up to help the Hernandez family as well.

"He and his friends were amazing... And one of them, it was his birthday!" she said of Moen's group. "They went straight to work and they just kept going."

As she was thanking them when it time for them to leave that night, Hernandez said she couldn't contain her tears, after days of trying to stay strong for her kids.

"That took such a burden off my shoulders, and I lost it and started crying," she said. Most of the drywall was removed in the bedrooms, hallway and living room.

"What they did, it was enough that now we can start cleaning and doing mold treatment," she said.

On Monday, the day Moen and Vernamonti flew back to New Jersey, Hernandez said she finally heard from FEMA that her family was approved to stay in a hotel for at least 30 nights. Like everyone else in her neighborhood, she doesn't have flood insurance. She said her home insurance company told her they'd be out to inspect her house as soon as they can -- which is Oct. 2.

Moen, who works as the Southern New Jersey director for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, said that looking up and down Hernandez street, he wished he could do more.

"This home was one out of probably hundreds of thousands in that situation," he said.

When he was a student at Rowan University, Moen said he went to New Orleans on a university trip to help clean up and rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. He plans to see if area universities will set up similar trips in the wake of Harvey.

"Houston is going to need the help," he said.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
CAMDEN -- The man authorities say shot an 8-year-old girl by accident during a 2016 gang-related shooting will stand trial for murder this fall.

Judge John T. Kelley set a trial date of Nov. 27 for Tyhan D. Brown, 19, according to court officials. He has been in jail since U.S. Marshals arrested him in Tennessee nearly a year ago.

According to statements made last year by Assistant Camden County Prosecutor Christine Shah, Gabrielle "Gabby" Hill Carter was riding her bike on South 8th Street Aug. 24, 2016 when numerous shooters descended on the street in an attempt to shoot a young man named Amir Dixon.

Dixon and Carter were both trying to get into the same house to evade the bullets when Carter was shot in the head, Shah said. She died two days later.

The prosecutor's office said the shooting was the culmination of an escalating dispute between Dixon and Brown. Hours earlier, someone fired a gun in the area from a car belonging to Brown's mother, Shah said.

Brown fled to a relative's home in Tennessee and his mother, Shakia Land, and girlfriend, Natasha Gerald, provided false alibis to police to cover for him, authorities said. Both were charged with hindering an investigation days before Brown's arrest in Tennessee Sept. 23.

The killing shocked the community, though gun violence is not uncommon there. Organizations and individuals donated $76,000 for a reward, but police have said that anyone who knew anything remained mum.

If Brown had accomplices in the shooting as the prosecutor's office claims, it appears he has not revealed their names. Other than Brown, Land and Gerald, no one else has been charged in connection with the killing.

PhillyVoice, which first wrote about Brown's trial date, reported that Kelley took the unusual step of setting the date without Brown being in the courtroom, though his attorney was present.

The news site reported that Brown has been offered a 40-year-old plea deal.

Land is working with the prosecutor's office on a plea agreement, PhillyVoice reported.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)  Survivors of Hurricane Ian face a long emotional road to recover from one of the most damaging storms to hit the U.S. mainland. For those who lost everything to disaster, the anguish can be crushing to return home to find so much gone. Grief can run the gamut from frequent tears to utter despair. The Lee County medical examiner says two men in their 70s even took their own lives a day apart after viewing their losses. Experts say suicides climb after disasters and more funding for mental health should be provided as climate change makes storms and fires more frequent and devastating.
The study looks at two smaller-scale projects that are in some ways predecessors to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, the $2 billion plan to slow land loss erasing Louisiana's coast. Construction on that project could begin as early as next year, while a similar one on the opposite side of the river known as the Mid-Breton Diversion could follow.
When it comes to assessing its health needs, Pottawattamie County currently covers that in a 10-page document.

Other similar counties in Iowa cover their needs in detailed reports of up to 200 pages.

Our document is nowhere as in-depth as it should be, Matt Wyant, director of the countys Planning and Zoning Department, told the county board on Tuesday. Its a very simplified version.

Wyant went before the board to request that a more detailed community health assessment needs study be considered among projects that might be funded through bonding. This study could run up to $200,000, he said.

Currently, Pottawattamie County is 94th in the states health rankings.

Our goal is to improve that number, Wyant said. This would be one of the first big steps to do that.

Such a study, which would be done by an experienced private firm, would involve gathering data from area hospitals, health centers, schools and quality of life/physical fitness groups to name a few.

One county, for example, lists the top 10 causes of death in its county and the number of people who come down with serious illnesses, he said. Besides gathering data, this study would hold meetings for public input, he added.

The public will get involved, Wyant said.

Such a study could take six months to complete, he said, the countys Board of Health would make the final decision on whether to pursue it.

The focus of the study would be to improve public health, Wyant said.

This was one of numerous projects totaling more than $5 million that the board is thinking of bonding for.

It would be well worth it to the community, Wyant said.
Voters in Clarinda will select two school board candidates Sept. 12 from a field of four to represent them on the Clarinda Community School District Board of Directors.

The Clarinda Journal-Herald asked each of the four candidates to respond to a questionnaire. Their answers were posted on The Journal-Heralds website, clarindaherald.com.

The Daily Nonpareil edited their responses to provide a short introduction to each of the four candidates, which is presented below.

Candidates in Clarinda are trying to fill the seats left by Palin Turner and Scott McComb, who both decided not to seek another term.

Jennifer Baumgart

Baumgart owns and operates the Ice House Restaurant, and she works with her father at the real estate firm Manuel Realty.

She said she wants to serve her community on the school board.

I have a very open mind and deal with the public and our community members on a daily basis, which I find valuable to be able to listen to and hear all sorts of different opinions and perspectives, Baumgart said. Owning and operating two businesses has taught me that there are always things to work on and improve upon, not to become complacent and to always search for ways to get better at anything you do.

She views the districts teachers and administrators as its biggest strength.

I think they understand that one size does not fit all when it comes to education and they are constantly searching for ways to connect and make learning fun for our kids, she said.

Creative solutions can keep Clarinda moving forward, Baumgart said.

The stronger we can make our district and the more we can intertwine our schools with our local businesses and community the better and more attractive we become, she said.

If elected, Baumgart said she would like to see a system to keep in touch with high school graduates for at least the first five years.

I think they could be a huge asset in communicating the things they felt helped them prepare for the next step, whether it be college or the work force, and, more importantly, the areas that they felt they were not very well prepared, she said.

Ann M. Meyer

Meyer is a retired teacher who spent 18 years in Villisca and 18 years in Clarinda with endorsements in secondary English and theater.

Shes also taught as an Iowa Western Community College adjunct in Clarinda, as a long-term substitute at the Clarinda Correctional Facility and as a tutor. She is the Nodaway Township clerk and belong to several community organizations.

Meyer said she wants to re-examine the needs and direction for the district through strategic planning and communication.

With the tax dollars a district has, it must be exact in where and how monies are being spent and assure accountability for those monies, Meyer said. I feel the Legislature must address the funding formula and eliminate the inequities within the states allocations of funds.

She said she sees the Clarinda district moving forward in academic preparation and achievement, as well as with technology.

Technology will continue to be used to increase skill levels and readiness for life beyond high school, she said.

By 2021, Meyer said she hopes lawmakers will have addressed funding and transportation cost inequities, allowing Clarinda to maintain a sustainable budget.

Trish Okamoto

A seventh-generation Clarinda native, Okamoto lived in the Los Angeles area for more than 15 years before returning to southwest Iowa to be the curator of the Nodaway Valley Historical Museum and the executive director of the Clarinda Carnegie Art Museum.

I have created a career that combines two of my passions  history and art  and I love it, she said. I grew up in Clarinda, and as a mother and through my experience running museum programs for our area youth, I have been fortunate to interact with many of our students.

Okamoto said she wants to help the communitys youth reach their full potential.

When Clarinda was incorporated, the towns forefathers demonstrated that education was a priority, she said. The very first piece of land the town designated was for a school house. I want to honor this history and continue to support the high priority of education, and it would be an honor and a privilege to serve our community.

Financially, she said the district needs to work with the state to secure its future.

My vision is for greater open connectedness between parents, students, teachers and the school board, Okamoto said. We need to work together to understand and listen to what kids need and want as they prepare to enter the scholastic and working world of their futures.

She said Clarinda High School must better track the success of its students and identify where needs are from talking to its graduates.

The world is changing so quickly and we should strive to develop and adapt to meet the needs of our students, she said.

Stacy Pulliam

An assistant professor of practical nursing at Iowa Western Community College, Pulliam has been involved in the school district as a parent.

I believe education creates a foundation for our youths future, she said. We need to strive for excellence in academics and maintain academic rigor in the classroom. It is essential to ensure students are prepared for their future, whether it is a career and technical program, university, community college or the workforce.

Every student should have an opportunity to participate in activities, Pulliam said.

We do this by securing a variety of resources and offering different avenues of learning, she said. All students learn differently. We must meet the student where they are. An example of this might be the student who is excelling and needs challenged with a college course or a student who is having difficulty with math and would benefit from extra assistance.

The districts biggest strength, she said, is its people. She cited Clarindas strategic planning process that brought together staff, students, parents and the community as another asset for the district.

We must continue to evaluate the use of technology in the classroom and make changes as needed by listening to our teachers, staff, students and families, she said. The district must be proactive in maintaining and increasing student enrollment in the district. The district must continue to engage in continuous improvement processes which will result in increased student achievement and have a positive impact on enrollment.
The White Houses decision on Tuesday to begin disbanding the program that allowed some younger, undocumented immigrants to stay in the United States elicited reactions from Iowa lawmakers, including from the governors office.

Iowa has a relatively small population of immigrants eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, according to a nonprofit think-tanks analysis. The metro area also has a number of so-called Dreamers.

Michelle Mittelstadt, director of communications for the Washington, D.C.-based Migration Policy Institute, said Iowa had about 6,000 unauthorized immigrants who were eligible for DACA, with about 4,000 who met all the criteria and about 2,000 meeting all but the education requirement  who could have worked toward greater eligibility.

We developed a methodology assigning legal status to the data set of unauthorized immigrants by age, country of origin and how eligible they are for DACA, she said. About 1,000 (in Iowa) are children who were under the age of 15 who could age into eligibility.

Because Iowas population is smaller compared to other states, the organization was not able to break down the information by county  so figures for southwest Iowa were unavailable.

The nonprofit think tank estimated that, overall, Polk County  including Des Moines  has about 11,000 undocumented immigrants based on 2010-14 population data. Douglas County, Nebraska, which includes Omaha, had an estimated 17,000 undocumented immigrants.

Nationally, there are nearly 800,000 Dreamers. The Migration Policy Institute estimated there might be another 1.1 million who would have been potentially eligible for DACA but were too young, dont meet the education requirement or didnt apply before Tuesday.

Iowas average of 76 percent of unauthorized immigrants qualifying for DACA was higher than the national average, which is 68 percent.

Since the programs inception in 2012, about 3,100 applications in Iowa for DACA have been accepted while 2,800 have been approved.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa said about 2,500 Dreamers work in Iowa.

So our state  which already has difficulty filling some positions  will lose thousands of these eager, skilled, able young workers who grew up in Iowa and call it home, said ACLU of Iowa Executive Director Mark Stringer, who described the decision as a cruel development for the immigrants.

Iowa would lose more than $188 million in gross domestic product without its DACA workers, Stringer said. Work authorizations for those in the program will begin expiring as soon as March based on new restrictions on processing renewals.

Nevertheless, Republican lawmakers from Iowa who expressed opinions on DACA being phased out were largely positive because, they argued, its up to Congress and not the president to establish immigration policy.

Gov. Kim Reynolds wouldnt specify what she would have lawmakers do, although she said it was up to Congress. Reynolds said immigration reform could include a pathway to citizenship for some immigrants affected by President Donald Trumps decision.

On Tuesday, dozens of DACA supporters gathered at the downtown Des Moines federal building, where Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst have offices. They marched around a city block, chanting against the deportation of immigrants, including those brought to the country as children.

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement that the DACA was a program created by executive edict. He said DACA has faced numerous legitimate legal challenges which Trump has asked of Congress to sort out.

However well-intentioned DACA may have been, the program was created by executive edict rather than by Congress as the Constitution requires, Grassley said. Any legislative solution is going to have to be a compromise that addresses the status of those who have been unlawfully brought to this country and upholds the rule of law.

Grassley said he expects the governments immigration enforcement priorities will continue to target thousands of criminals ahead of those who have otherwise abided by the laws.

Ernst said in a statement that America has been and always will be a nation of immigrants, but also a nation of laws.

However, many young, undocumented children were brought here by parents, caretakers, and so forth through no fault of their own. As I have stated many times before, we must show compassion toward these children, she said

Ernst added she does not support giving them citizenship but a measured approach must be pursued to address their unique situation.

Rep. David Young, whose 3rd Congressional District includes Pottawattamie County, released a statement saying it is up to Congress to address the matter and other issues related to immigration regarding enforcement, employment practices and border security.

These are the powers afforded to Congress, not the President, by the Constitution, Young said.

Rep. Steve King, whose 4th Congressional District includes Harrison County, said on Twitter on Monday that delaying the end of DACA so GOP leaders can push Amnesty is Republican suicide. He suggested early Tuesday morning that Dreamers would make great Peace Corps volunteers in their countries of origin.

None would take more hardship or risk than we ask of Peace Corp, King said in an early morning tweet.

Former President Barack Obama, who implemented the DACA policy, said on social media Tuesday that immigration is a controversial topic but said the White House chose to place the shadow of deportation back on some of our best and brightest young people once again.

 Nonpareil Assistant Managing Editor Scott Stewart and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Too many of us feel too comfortable leaving valuables in our cars, tempting fate and making life too easy for those dishonest souls who live in and pass through our community.

Last year saw 712 burglaries and thefts from vehicles, and we are keeping pace this year with 552 as of August. Of the 2,032 crimes in Council Bluffs spanning from 2014 to August 2017, about 85 percent were property being stolen from unoccupied motor vehicles  not automotive parts like radios or other accessories.

Do your part by leaving your possessions out of sight and making sure the doors are locked. Be especially mindful in residential areas, by hotels at parking at the casino.

Police Capt. Todd Weddum said thieves will often just try door handles to find unlocked cars to pilfer. Its important to do our part to avoid becoming part of future statistics.
Research before voting

Once again we have repeaters vying for city council seats. We all must be diligent in our selections and one part is using the free Iowa Courts online web page.

The information contained there will enlighten every voter prior to casting your valuable vote in the upcoming primary. I strongly urge each of us to take the moment and search each name. It will be very informative.

Herb Christensen, Council Bluffs

Signature accomplishments, polls and liberal resistance

Why is it the same people that conducted polls about how well Hillary Clinton was doing during the presidential election season, leading up to her loss, are trusted to tell the truth in polls opposing Trump? They have no credibility!

Trumps lack of so-called signature accomplishments is directly proportional to the resistance mounted by the progressive Democrats and the RINOs in the Republican party, which includes John McCain.

McCain should face real consequences for his history of sordid activities instead of being portrayed as an American hero. McCains more-than-questionable history of behavior can easily be accessed, understood and documented.

Trump must know about McCain. I imagine that is why Trump said  I prefer heroes that dont get captured.

Ken Lane, Council Bluffs

On Habitats situation

I was glad to finally see an article about Habitats status. The whole situation proves two principles, once again.

First, any organization, whether its a for-profit or nonprofit, needs to hire the right person for the job. This is done poorly, time after time. The lessons learned rarely include this factor. Blame is placed somewhere but is hardly ever recognized where it belongs.

The other thing is that its equally important to have a good board. They need to understand they are using other peoples money for a purpose, the purpose needs to be clearly defined, and that they all have a fiduciary responsibility. Directors and officers insurance is a part of that responsibility.

History repeats itself, probably every day. And in todays public school environment, students are not being taught how to think, but thats another subject. In any case, its a dangerous combination. For those who do not know or understand history, they are doomed to repeat it.

This situation should in no way reflect on Jon Malloy or his memory. Jon started the local affiliate; he put his heart and soul (literally) into it. For those who dont know or forgot, Jon died on a Habitat blitz-build in Mexico.

Brian Hunter, Council Bluffs

Appreciation to community groups on behalf of PCCF

On behalf of the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, I want to express our appreciation to two local community organizations and an area business. Recently, PCCF announced partnerships on two endowment funds, which will both make a positive impact for generations.

To help the hardworking members of the Walnut Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, an endowment fund has been created with seed money from the City of Walnut to help meet department equipment needs in the future. Many thanks to both the City of Walnut and the Walnut Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department for their dedication and service to the Walnut area residents.

We are also honored to assist our local veterans  past, present and future  through a new endowment in partnership with the Pottawattamie County Veteran Affairs Commission. As the Council Bluffs Eagle of Honor project concludes, any extra dollars will help begin this fund to support programs such as the Veterans Emergency Assistance Program. Thank you to the Veteran Affairs Commission and to all our Veterans.

In addition, we want to thank The Daily Nonpareil for its excellent coverage of our announcements of these two important funds.

If readers are interested in helping the two funds grow to assist these vital organizations in the future, please visit our website at ourpccf.org or if you want to learn more about PCCF, feel free to call our CEO Jerry Mathiasen at 712-256-7007.

Jerry Banks, PCCF board chairman, Council Bluffs

Consider volunteering to support CASA of Iowa

New school, same struggle.

Its often said that education is the silver bullet. If we want to break cycles of poverty and give future generations a better chance of success, they need to be well educated.

Much has been said about the current state of the public education system in Iowa, but I believe there is one issue in our schools that doesnt get enough attention: foster kids.

Children in the foster care system can end up in multiple homes throughout the year. Often times, when a child moves placements, they move schools as well. Transitioning from school to school only compounds the chaos of life in the foster care system, making a quality education nearly impossible for these kids.

One recent study found that with each new school, a student would lose three to four months of progress. Its easy to see how foster children fall behind.

Because of this, less than 10 percent of foster youth nationwide will graduate from college.

We owe it to ourselves and our communities to make sure these kids dont fall through the cracks.

So how can we make a difference? Consider volunteering with CASA of Iowa. CASA Advocates work with children in the foster care system to make sure they find a safe and permanent home.

Children with a CASA Advocate spend less time in foster care, are less likely to reenter foster care, and are more likely to graduate from high school. We know children are our future. Lets make sure all of Iowas children have a chance to succeed.

Anne Christensen, Council Bluffs
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Two regiments could be lost from Nuneatons army barracks - including the beloved gurkhas.

The Ministry of Defence has said it is likely to move the 30 Signal Regiment and the Queens Gurkha Signals regiment away from Gamecock Barracks in Bramcote.

It is understood that the two regiments, who have the Freedom of the Borough, are expected to be stationed elsewhere as part of a MOD shake-up at the barracks.

Taking their place would be a Medical Brigade Headquarters, a medical regiment and a royal engineer regiment, all of which would move in by 2020.

Our sister the Nuneaton News made a request to the MoD under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) for information about the plans.

On April 20, a response read: This letter is to inform you that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) holds information in relation to your request but that the information falls within the scope of the following qualified exemption: Section 22 (1) Information is exempt information if  the information is held by the public authority with a view to its publication, by the authority or any other person, at some future date (whether determined or not).

It went on to add: Under Section 16 of the Act (Advice and Assistance) you may find it helpful to note the information requested will be available by the end of 2017.

An appeal was lodged and, after several attempts to find out the results of this, there has been no word from the MoD or MoD Information Rights Compliance Team since.

However, in the meantime, the News has been made aware of a document that in fact does state the likelihood of the move for the two regiments.

At a meeting of the Armed Forces Community Covenant Strategic Partnership, held at Shire Hall in Warwick on March 16, it was revealed that a Medical Brigade Headquarters, a medical regiment and a Royal engineer regiment would move into Bramcote by 2020.

The minutes of the meeting add that it is likely, as a consequence that 30th Signal Regiment will move out, including its Queens Gurkha Signals contingent.

But no exact date has been given nor does it suggest where the 30th Signal Regiment or Queens Gurkha Signals contingent will be moved to.

Back in 2002 the 30 Signal Regiment, including the Gurkhas, was given what is Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Councils highest accolade  the Freedom of the Borough.

Six years later, in 2008, the regiment marched through the town, greeted by hundreds of proud townsfolk, and the regiment exercised its right to parade through town again in July 2015.

Many ex-Servicemen from the barracks, especially Gurkhas, have chosen the borough as their home.
Northwest Indiana business owners have free opportunities to enhance their knowledge to grow their companies.

Centier Bank, in partnership with The Times Media Co., is presenting a series of free educational seminars, featuring expert speakers who will guide business owners through a variety of topics from data security to how to better utilize social media.

The first of four planned sessions in the "Break Through" series is from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 13 at the Centier Corporate Center, 600 E. 84th St., in Merrillville. The program is "Hackers, ID thefts and Fraudsters - 'Oh My.' What business owners need to know to secure their business."

Featured presenters will be Dan Hadaway, founder of Infotex in Lafayette, an information technology consulting firm, and Carol Scully, director of strategic risk management for the property and casualty department at Indianapolis-based MJ Insurance. Joining them will be Luke Dunnuck, with Matrix Integration, an expert in information security and technology.

Each seminar will feature speakers who are experts in their field.

All seminars will be at Centier's corporate office in Merrillville, with registration beginning at 7:30 a.m. Future sessions include:

Nov. 15: The Do's and Don'ts of Digital Media in 2017.

Jan. 17: Numbers Don't Lie: Culture ... How the "Softer-Side" can impact your bottom line.

March 14: Succession or Sell? What you need to know but no one wants to talk about.

To register for the sessions, call 1-888-236-8437 or visit centier.com/break-through.
GARY  Gary school officials have invited Gary Fire Department inspectors and the Gary Fire Chief to the district on Sept. 22 to reinspect now that work has been done to bring fire code violations in the 12 school buildings up to code.

Gary Fire Department spokesman Mark Jones said the fire prevention bureau annually inspects the schools, checking things like fire extinguishers, exit lighting, alarms and the sprinkler system.

"They'll do a follow up within 30 days. They can even come back sooner if they are invited to come back," Jones said. "The school district has been very cooperative and is fixing the violations."

The Gary Community School Corp. is under the supervision of state-appointed emergency manager Peggy Hinckley and MGT Consulting.

Hinckley is on vacation, however her chief of staff Paul Pastorek said when the team began work Aug. 1 and toured the building, they were aware of many of the violations and immediately began work to resolve them.

"Even before the inspection, we pretty quickly began to address these concerns," Pastorek said Friday.

"They told us there had been serious problems in the schools for the last two years. They were pleased that we had already begun to correct some of the major problems, and that allowed us to open schools on time (Aug. 17). They told us to correct the violations and to conduct fire drills and establish fire evacuation plans," he said.

Pastorek said he met with Gary school principals and asked all of them to conduct fire drills by Aug. 31. He said every principal has complied. Pastorek said fire drills may have been done in the past but there was no documentation for each building.

"Part of the problem is that there was no evidence the drills had been conducted and there was no evidence of an evacuation plan. These are the kinds of problems the schools had. We've done it and we've got the evidence. We've met with the fire chief twice. We've gone over the critical issues. We've corrected the ones that were severe," Pastorek said.

He said another challenge is that school buildings were not connected, meaning the school has an alarm system, smoke detectors and sprinklers but they were not connected to the fire department. Pastorek said that will be completed as well.
HAMMOND  A man was sentenced to 18 months in prison Tuesday, months after getting caught passing a gas station clerk counterfeit bills with a Hammond detective standing in line behind him.

Delonno Myles, whose age and residence was not listed in court records, pleaded guilty earlier this year to passing off two $20 counterfeit bills to a clerk Feb. 1 at Witham's Gas, 2847 165th St., in Hammond.

According to court records, the clerk tested the bills with an ink pen designed to show whether they were printed on legal tender or standard paper counterfeiters used to photocopy money.

The clerk told Myles one of the $20 bills was counterfeit. Myles told the clerk he wanted the bills back, but the clerk said he was going to keep it and call police.

When Myles became aggressive, Hammond Police Sgt. Detective Michael Darnell, who happened to be at the station at the time, identified himself as a policeman.
CROWN POINT  An outsider and the ultimate outsider have joined the race for Lake County Sheriff.

Richard Ligon, a retired federal postal investigator and public safety specialist, and Jim Nowacki, 53, a Gary landlord, said Tuesday they want the votes of the county's Democratic precinct committeeman to become the top elected law enforcement officer in the county.

They are among a growing number who have filed or have announced they will file for the office former sheriff John Buncich vacated Aug. 24 when a U.S. District Court jury convicted Buncich of bribery, wire fraud and honest services wire fraud after a 14-day trial.

That includes Schererville Police Chief David Dowling, Lake County police Sgt. Oscar Martinez, Lake County Deputy Police Chief Daniel Murchek, retired San Diego Harbor police Lt. Todd Rakos, of Munster; and Lake County sheriff's Cpl. Maria Trajkovich.

The Lake County Democratic party will call more than 500 precinct committee members from across the county to the Lake County Government Center Sept. 16 to name someone to fill the remaining 15 months left in Buncich's term of office.

Ligon said Tuesday, "The county needs integrity. I'm an outsider who would have an insider as his chief of police."

Ligon is a graduate of Gary's Froebel High School, has 34 years of military experience and served as a law enforcement official for the U.S. Postal Service from 1981 to 2004. Ligon ran for sheriff in 2010 as a relative unknown in the Democratic primary that year and came within 1,120 votes of defeating Buncich.

Nowacki said, "I'm excited about the challenge. There are a lot of important things for the person filling the term of the ex-sheriff that other candidates are not addressing," he said.

"If the Democrats want to hold onto the office, they are going to have to make every effort to address the problems we have seen under the last administration," Nowacki said.

Nowacki ran for Gary mayor in 2015. He has been a vocal critic of Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and other Gary and Calumet Township elected officials. He said he has never run for county office before.

He said he has no experience in law enforcement. "I'm a law abiding citizen," he said. Gary police have arrested Nowacki for protests as Gary City Hall, including one in 2010 for bringing a garbage bag to a public meeting about the city outsourcing waste collection to an outside firm.

Candidates have until Sept. 13 to file with the Democratic party office.
President Donald Trump's decision to phase out a program that has provided protection for a multitude of young immigrants who might otherwise be deported may have far-reaching impacts beyond the immigrants themselves.

Local immigration attorney Alfredo Estrada said many of the young people provided protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals have gotten married and may be the primary provider for a spouse, siblings, or family comprised of U.S. residents.

If the immigrants ultimately were to lose their jobs and have to leave the country, Estrada noted these families may have to rely on taxpayer-funded programs for support. An analysis of the impact on U.S. residents should have been done before the administration's recent decision and definitely should be done as part of any future legislative action, he said.

The family of local resident Tomas Juarez could be one of those impacted by the decision to phase out the program. Juarez, who came to the United States at the age of 3 with his mother, said he was able to obtain a work permit and join the Laborer's International Union of North America as a result of former President Barack Obama's executive order creating DACA.

If he were forced to return to Mexico, Juarez said he "would leave my wife and my son with all the bills. I can't think of such a thing. I've been a provider and hard worker. Never have I applied for government help."

The East Chicago Central High School graduate said being an illegal immigrant never crossed his mind until it was time to go to college and he could not apply because of his status.

Hammond resident Denisse Camacho-Reyes is also an East Chicago Central High School graduate who was brought to the U.S. when she was 6. She said it wasn't until she obtained DACA in 2015 that she realized a number of students who were at the high school were in the same situation.

Camacho-Reyes, married to a U.S. resident who is in the National Guard, has applied for citizenship and planned to apply for renewal of DACA on Tuesday or today. People with permits that are set to expire before March 5 are able to reapply for one as long as they do so by Oct. 5. Hers was set to expire in January. New applications are not being taken.

Camacho-Reyes said if her application for citizenship and application for renewal were to be denied, she would lose her job as a receptionist. A student at Purdue University Northwest, Camacho-Reyes said she would also have to postpone her college career because of the cost of having to pay out-of-state tuition.

"It's causing me stress, but it's making me mad, too," she said of the administration's decision Tuesday.

"We are not bad. We are not criminals," she said.

With DACA, Camacho-Reyes and others in her situation felt safe and accepted in the U.S. Tuesday's action, she said, felt "like a slap in the face. I feel betrayed."

Estrada said those protected under DACA came to the United States when they were under the control of others and not through an intentional act they undertook on their own.

DACA, he noted, allowed residents to get a Social Security number and driver's license, obtain a job, and go to college. Estrada said it did not provide a pathway to permanent residency, however, and he said it is time for Congress to take action on the issue.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, also called on Congress to "act decisively and swiftly" while calling Tuesday's decision by President Trump "nothing short of heartless."

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, said the administration's action will "create uncertainty and fear" for those enrolled in the program.

"The status of these participants should be dealt with as part of a comprehensive plan and not in the manner announced today," Visclosky said in a statement released Tuesday. "I have long supported a comprehensive immigration solution that would aim to improve national security by strengthening border protections, limit wage competition by holding employers who hire undocumented workers accountable and promote public safety by bringing those immigrants already contributing to our communities out of the shadows through an earned path to citizenship."
Treats line up Buddy Bench purchase

CHESTERTON  Last spring, Bailly Elementary second-graders participated in an annual Sweet Treat Factory," as part of an economics unit. Students became employees for a day while they learned the ins and outs of making a product in an actual factory setting.

Donning hairnets and gloves for their very own "factory," the students made chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles as their product. Parents and staff assisted.

Each year, profits from the sale of the pretzels go toward a worthy cause for the community or to benefit the school. This year, students decided to use the money to purchase two buddy benches.

The buddy bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground. Making sure that every child feels included at the school is important to us at Bailly Elementary, said Bailly Elementary counselor Amy Snyder. The buddy bench is just one more way for students to show compassion."

As a "Leader In Me" school, Bailly Elementary encourages its students to be proactive and seek to understand others instead of passing judgement, Snyder said. The bench is used when a child doesn't have someone to play with at recess.

Students are encouraged to think about what he/she wants to do before going outside to play and to use their words to find a friend before using the bench. Students can use the bench as a time to look around and see whom they might like to join, or a time to wait for others to invite them to join. If two students are on the bench, they can invite each other to play. Recess is a time for fun, and hopefully the buddy bench will help all Bailly Elementary students.

State honors counseling program

ST. JOHN  The Indiana Department of Education has named Lake Central High School as a recipient of the Indiana Gold Star School Counseling Award in 2017. Gold Star schools undergo a rigorous process to raise student achievement by creating local community advisory groups that review student data, set specific student goals, and commit to maximizing the time and skills of the school counselor. The official award presentation will be at the Indiana School Counselor Association (ISCA) fall conference in Indianapolis in November.

Indianas Gold Star Schools collaborate with community partners to assist the school counselor(s) in making data-based decisions to ensure that all students are successful, says IDOE School Counselor Consultant Amanda Culhan. We recognize Lake Central High School for understanding the tremendous impact that school counselors can have in helping students succeed in school and also to plan for postsecondary success.

Visiting legislators

HAMMOND  Purdue University Northwest welcomed Indiana state legislators Aug. 24 at the Hammond campus to acknowledge the support they have shown the university leading to the approval of funding by the state for the Bioscience Innovation Building.

The festivities included a reception, personal tour and luncheon. Among those in attendance were Indiana state Reps. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, and Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point, Sens. Eddie Melton, D-Merrillville, Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, and Karen Tallian, D-Portage. Representing Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., was Regional Director Justin Mount and representing Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., was District Director Chris Salatas.

Adjusting to first grade

PORTAGE  Myers Elementary School first-graders are busy learning procedures, curriculum, social skills and just adjusting to the school. Students have learned to read with a partner, read to a teacher, read to themselves, read at home and develop a love for books and reading. Poetry Break is also a favorite for some. Writing sentences, working on addition/subtraction facts and art class, music class, gym class, computer class, and recess fill the days.

Foundation awards scholars

GRIFFITH  Members of the Lake County Fish and Game Protective Association awarded two Northwest Indiana students $1,000 scholarships.

Scholarship Committee Chair John Hansen recognized Lindsey Forbes, of Merrillville, and Matthew Michel, of Munster, as the 2017 scholarship recipients. Forbes attends Purdue West Lafayette and Michel attends Purdue University Northwest.

The Lake County Fish and Game Protective Association began the scholarship fund at Legacy Foundation in 2015. The scholarship is open to Northwest Indiana graduating seniors and current college students who are members or have immediate family members in the Lake County Fish and Game Protective Association. Preference is given to students pursuing environmental or conservation disciplines and military veterans.

Learn more about Legacy Foundation scholarship opportunities at www.legacyfdn.org/scholarships.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter Countys Valparaiso Club is receiving a fresh coat of paint thanks to a partnership with Hebron True Value. The Valparaiso Club is one of many across the nation selected to receive "Painting A Brighter Future" grant.

"Painting a Brighter Future" is the signature program of the True Value Foundation, uniting True Value retailers with Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. In total, the True Value retailers will donate nearly 3,000 gallons of paint to clubs across the nation this year. The program also provides grants to elementary, junior high and high schools in neighborhoods nationwide.
NEW YORK - Civil rights groups here in the city are hoping to stop White House plans to end a program designed to protect young immigrants.

Groups such as Make the Road New York and the National Immigration Law Center are asking a Brooklyn judge to let them join an already exisiting lawsuit over DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

They say it violates the Constitution because it discriminates against Latino immigrants.

It comes after President Donald Trump and his administration endured a day of negative reactions here in the city and beyond.

The president in a tweet Tuesday night said his decision is not final.

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

He wrote that he will reconsider DACA if Congress fails to pass legislation designed to protect young undocumented immigrants.

The move comes after a swift response to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' announcement Tuesday that the Trump administration is rolling back DACA.

The Obama-era policy protects about 800,000 undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.

Trump says rolling it back allows Congress to pass a better immigration law.

The reaction was fast and furious here in the city with local lawmakers and protesters sounding the alarm that Washington needs to protect those left vulnerable by the White House decision.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council speaker Melissa Mark-Viverita both were quick to reassure so called DREAMers the city will fight for them.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan criticized the White House decision saying DREAMers are not criminals, aliens, problems, or intruders. They are us. They are our people.

"To exclude anybody, charicature anybody, stereotype anybody, or dismiss anybody is un-biblical, un-Christian, un-American, and Un-New York," Dolan said.

The DREAM Act would restore protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants and allow children brought to the U.S. illegally to become permanent residents.

It was first introduced in 2001, but has not been able to pass.
City education officials Wednesday announced they will now provide free lunch for all city public school students.

Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina said it will be available to all kids, regardless of income.

The program officially begins Thursday as school kicks off for the year.

About 80 percent of children currently qualify for free lunch, but advocates say many are embarrassed to accept the meal.

While the chancellor is eliminating the cost of a lunch, parents will still need to fill out a lunch form for each child that attends a public school.

The announcement is a win for the city council, which has been in a years long battle with the mayor over providing a universal free lunch program.

The mayor implemented a program in middle schools during his first year in City Hall but had not expanded it to other grades.

In the past, students were classified based on their family's income. While 75 percent of students qualified for free lunch, some never turned in the proper paperwork, and educators and experts say many others chose not to eat rather than acknowledge their family's low income.

As of this summer, a new state data engine has allowed the city to qualify for more federal food money, paving the way to make free lunch truly universal without costing the city a cent.

200,000 students, who had to pay $1.75 per meal last year, will now eat for free.

Breakfast is already free for all 1.1 million public school students in the city. In recent years, cities, including Boston and Detroit, have rolled out universal free lunch programs.
Police have released new surveillance video of the burglar they say broke into Congressman Adriano Espaillat's office in the Bronx.

The man allegedly climbed in through the window early last Thursday morning at the building on Grand Concourse in Fordham Manor.

He made off with two laptops, an iPhone and a DVR.

Police say the same man came back just before midnight on Friday, and forced open the door to a music studio and another office at the same location, but left empty handed.

Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
NY1 hosted the only televised debate for the closely watched race for Brooklyn district attorney Tuesday night. NY1's Bobby Cuza filed the following report.

They agree on a lot: reforming the bail system, shielding immigrants from deportation, and not prosecuting quality-of-life offenses like marijuana. But you wouldnt know it from the arrows being slung Tuesday night, mostly at acting District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

"My question to you, Eric, is where were you? Where were you during those 19 years?" said Brooklyn district attorney candidate Vincent Gentile.

At issue was a record of wrongful convictions in the DA's office. Many were overturned by former DA Ken Thompson, who died unexpectedly last year and picked Gonzalez as his successor.

Sparks flew when his opponents questioned whether Gonzalez had done enough.

There was a back-and-forth between Gonzalez and Brooklyn DA candidate Ama Dwimoh.

Dwimoh said, "What's more important is that people are held accountable for what went on."

In response, Gonzalez said, "What Ama is speaking about is punishment. And those are politically motivated attacks. Maybe they're a little bit naive."

"Now that you're running for district attorney, and after really riding on Ken's coattails, now you want to talk the talk," Dwimoh responded.

In response to that, Gonzalez said, "You take claim to helping him run for office. If you were as valuable and instrumental as possible, you would have been the chief assistant."

Then, the tables were turned on Dwimoh, who was suspended, then resigned, from former DA Joe Hynes' office.

"Twenty-three of her staff were spoken to. To a person, they said she was an abusive boss," said Brooklyn DA candidate Anne Swern.

Gonzalez, keeping his cool throughout, also dished it out to Patricia Gatling, who spent time living in Manhattan.

"You know what Pat, I stayed in the community that I lived in. I stayed. I didn't leave," Gonzalez said.

Candidate Marc Fliedner, meanwhile, successfully prosecuted police office Peter Liang, who shot an unarmed man in a public housing stairwell.

Then-DA Thompson chose not to seek prison time, a decision Gonzalez supported and Fliedner did not, having been liaison to the victim's family.

"They heard it on the news," Fliedner said.

"Then why didn't you tell her? Why didnt you tell her?" Gonzalez asked.

Fliedner responded, "Because I was forbidden to."

It was the one topic where candidates took a rare shot at Thompson.

"'Are you a prosecutor, or are you a politician?' And quite frankly, I think Ken succumbed to the politician," Gatling said.
Governor Andrew Cuomo and state leaders renamed Riverbank State Park in Harlem after retiring Assemblyman Herman Denny Farrell. The park sits on top of a wastewater treatment facility, and Farrell played a critical role in ensuring that the park get built. Zack Fink reports.

Riverbank State Park is unusual in that it sits atop a sewage treatment plant in Harlem.

On Tuesday, state officials formally named the park after outgoing Democratic Assemblyman Herman "Denny" Farrell, who was first elected in 1974.

"This park was the same then as it is now in its design. And it's the same then as it is now," Farrell said. "It does a lot."

According to Governor Andrew Cuomo, the wastewater facility was originally slated to be built near 72nd Street on the West Side. But the community opposed it, and the treatment plant was built in Harlem instead.

It was a practice that was all too common in New York during the 20th century, which some have dubbed "environmental racism," since it disproportionately targets poorer neigborhoods and people of color.

But it was Farrell who spoke up, saying if the plant is built here, the community needs a park on top for recreation.

"And Denny said, we have to do something. We have to make this park a reality. The community has suffered long enough. It's unfair. It should have never been moved. The only reason they moved it is, the rich white people on 72nd Street didn't want to have it," Cuomo said.

It's been a trying time for the state Legislature. Late last week, we learned that Assemblyman Mike Simanowitz of Queens had died. And also last week, we learned that Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle's daughter Lauren had pased away at age 31.

Cuomo and state leaders headed to Rochester shortly ater the ceremony to attend the wake for Morelle's daughter. Among those attending was Republican state Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, who announced last month that he had undergone treatment for alcohol abuse.

Flanagan declined to speak in detail about his rehabilitation.

"Health matters, I'll keep the way they are. But I was very clear and very forthright," Flanagan said. "I'm just taking care of myself. And working probably harder than ever."

Lawmakers are not due back at the Capitol until January.
Record Number of Black Candidates Seeking History During Midterm Elections

While some already are household names like Stacey Abrams in Georgia, Val Demings in Florida, and Anthony Brown in Maryland, others like Natalie James in Arkansas, Will Boyd in Alabama,...

Tell the Supreme Court: We Still Need Affirmative Action

One of the great joys of my life is teaching. Im fortunate to teach classes on social justice at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most respected schools in...
Nyege Nyege International Music festival first happened in October 2015 and like a curse, it rained for three days straight, transforming the festival into a dance in the mud.

This forced organizers to change dates to September, and at the just-concluded third edition of the festival, as if to mock the organisers decision, the heavens opened up again.

For the three days of the festival at Nile Discovery Beach resort in Jinja, unprecedented rains came down during performances but like in the first edition, they soaked clothes but never dampened the mood of revelers, most of whom had travelled from Kampala. They danced in the rain and if anything, seemed to be enjoying the fete more because of the pouring rain.

Revellers dancing at Nyege Nyege

Friday having been Eid al- Adha and thus a public holiday, the number of campers at the festival was bigger and it was a commercial success, as a source told The Observer that before Thursday they had sold about 6,000 tickets.

This year, in partnership with Talent Africa and Bell Lager, the festival got the word out like never before, with billboards across town and social media influencers talking about the event.

Four buses came from Nairobi with Kenyan Nyege Nyege fans, while other communities from South Africa, DR Congo and Tanzania also travelled in groups for the festival. Nyege Nyege never promises too much on the main stage; in fact, it is the experience of being there that always stands out.

Even with acts such as Haka Mukiga, Byg Ben Sukuya, A Ka Dope band, Jackie Akello, Maro and Kongoloko, among others, it was the DJ mixes that the audience craved more.

This year, the three-day event switched things up to include music genres not paid attention to in the past; this saw them programme a number of folklore artistes as well as curating a stage for reggae.

Kongoloko on stage

And in the middle of it all, people were dancing into the wee hours of the morning each day. From the time the festival opened at 2pm on Friday, the music did not stop until Monday morning at about 6am, despite the steady downpour; patrons stomped the resorts grounds into a pool of mud.

Trust Kampalas slay queens; they came ready with gumboots and managed to look amazing even there, on the muddy dance floor.

This years edition was the biggest organisers have had, and one of the artistes present was overheard saying: Nyege Nyege is going to take the African festival circuit by storm.



HOW NYEGE NYEGE WENT DOWN

The most coveted regional festival ticket in the past has been the one to Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar; well, watch out for Nyege Nyege. Not so much because of the music on stage, but more for the extras offered by its setting on the banks of River Nile and away from the KCCA curfews.

Nyege Nyege revellers having a good time

Patrons bought tickets online at Shs 130,000 (Shs 150,000 at the gates) and for the early birds this fee even came with a tent for the three days. Others carried their own tents, while most of the Ugandan patrons not big on camping (they called those of us who pitched tents, mzungu) opted to book into hotels.

When the festival kicked off, it was day and night partying, eating and sleeping in no particular order but as the urge hit, until Monday morning.

For breaks, some revelers tasted Jinjas nightlife and hotels, went white water rafting, bungee jumping and took canoe rides. Soon it was time to head home saturated with fun, leaving the resort with a massive cleanup and landscaping job ahead!



kaggwandre@gmail.com
As I walked into the childrens ward at Uganda Cancer Institute, I found Kevin Abitegeka, 5, surrounded by a group of at least 10 doctors studying his file and exchanging ideas for better treatment for his eye cancer to save his life.

Abitegeka, lying helpless on his bed, has been battling eye cancer for 13 months, and is still in pain despite an operation to remove one eye.

His cancer started with little pain and itching in his left eye, before it started swelling and later developing a huge tumour weighing almost a kilogram and covering his face.

Kevin Abitegeka with his father Robert Bulukenda at Cancer Institute

According to Abitegekas father Robert Balukenda, a farmer in Mubako village, Buliisa district, when his son started complaining of serious pain and itching in the eye, he took him to Buliisa hospital where they told him to buy eye drops, which he used for a month, but the eye worsened.

My sons iris developed a crack, then the eye started dripping blood and after a few days he lost sight. He lived in much pain until we took him to Arua hospital where they operated on him to remove his eye, he said.

Balukenda said after the operation, doctors advised them to stay home for a month and then return for more treatment, but they failed to go back due to lack of funds.

However, after two months the eye started swelling and we went to Lacor hospital in Gulu but there was not much treatment and the swelling continued. When we returned home, our friends advised us to either go to the church and see pastors or try witchdoctors, because the boy was possibly plagued by devils, Balukenda said.

He said, they went to church at Kigwera in Buliisa, where they prayed for the boy for about a month but there was no improvement and he could not eat.

One of our friends at the church advised our church leader to organize transport and they took us to Mbarara hospital, which referred us at Mulago national referral hospital, saying the boy had eye cancer, which was in advanced stages and they proposed immediate surgery, Balukenda said.

He said, since June, Abitegeka has been at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) receiving treatment which failed and doctors decided to remove the big tumour which could not allow him to sit, eat, talk or sleep.

Balukenda said, after Abitegekas surgery on August 22, they were advised to buy drugs for treatment and food supplements to boost his nutrition, but the family has no money.

That boy has suffered; his tumour was so scaring to the extent that even some doctors feared to touch him or come near him due to the bad smell. I was the only one in the ward, who was helping the boys father to feed his son, bath him, especially when he had gone to look for money and medicine, Rose Acheng, another patients attendant, said.

Balukenda said although the boy is still weak, at least there is some improvement because he can now eat, talk and request to return home to see his siblings.

Dr Jacob Ntende, an ophthalmologist at Mulago hospital, said Abitegeka was in much pain and his eye cancer had reached advanced stage, where the only option to save his life was to remove the tumour.

We have returned him to the cancer institute for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We shall take more tests on him and see if this cancer has not extended to other parts of the body, he said.

Ntende advised people to always come early in the hospitals, because when they come late their diseases are in advanced stages and hard to cure. He said eye diseases are caused by poor eating habits, old age, lack of physical exercises and poor medication, among others.

Isaac Kigozi, the coordinator Eye Camp, said, due to increasing number of eye complications, where many have lost sight, they have organized 125 free cataract surgeries at Mulago hospital to help the poor who cannot afford to pay for these surgeries.

With the growing number of eye complications, we believe helping the needy with the gift of sight is a noble cause. Through our monthly eye camps, we intend to sort out sight challenges in more than 7,000 people by the end of this year, he said.

The 125 people identified through the camps are from Rushere, Fort Portal, Lugazi, Mityana, Mbarara and different slum areas including Kamwokya, Makindye and Naguru.



zurah@observer.ug
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has indefinitely suspended the broadcasting license of ABS Television owned by city 'pastor', Augustine Yiga of the 'abizaayo' fame.

In his September 5, statement, Godfrey Mutabazi, the UCC executive director, cites repeated breach of minimum broadcasting standards by the free-to-air channel as the reason for the suspension of the license.



"In spite of the several warnings and attempts to give the management of ABS Television time to review its programs and avoid further broadcast of offensive programs, ABS Television has continued to broadcast programs that are contrary to the minimum broadcasting standards." reads part of Mutabazi's letter.
Striking judicial officers have today, Wednesday suspended their industrial action and resolved to return to work after government made commitments to implement some of their demands.

The judicial officers under their umbrella body, the Uganda Judicial Officers Association (UJOA) laid down tools two weeks ago, demanding for salary increment, transport and housing allowances, security among others.

And now following a meeting with the executive and UJOA representatives, in which government through the Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Kahinda Otafiire, promised to address some of their grievances, the judicial officers have deferred their strike to December 11, "to give government a chance to implement" some of their demands.

According to UJOA president Godfrey Kaweesa, government has agreed to give each and every magistrate and registrar a double cabin pickup truck.

Judges arrive at Kololo recently

Government also agreed to provide security to all judicial officers according to Kaweesa. In addition, government also agreed to provide office equipment including computers, furniture and internet to all courts. Government will also enhance salaries of judicial officers by November.

Initially, UJOA wanted the chief justice to earn Shs 55m per month; his deputy, Shs 53m; the principal judge, 50m; the seven justices of the Supreme court Shs 34m each; Justices of the Court of Appeal (who are 13), Shs 33m each; and High court justices (who are 47), Shs 31m each.



UJOA also demanded that the chief registrar (who is one) earns Shs 27m per month; registrars (who are 3), Shs 23m each; deputy registrars (who are 29), Shs 21m each; assistant registrars (12), Shs 20m each; chief magistrates (44), Shs 17m; senior principal magistrates grade one, Shs 14m each; principal magistrate grade one (4) Shs 14m each; Senior magistrate grade one (3), Shs 13.7m each; grade one magistrate (187), Shs 13.3m each; and senior principal magistrate grade two, Shs 12.6m.



According to the current pay structure, the chief justice earns Shs 20m; his deputy, Shs 18m; and principal judge, Shs 10m while a supreme court judge earns Shs9.6m and a judge of the Court of Appeal/Constitutional court gets Shs 9.3m.



A High court judge get Shs 9m. Down the ladder, Grade two magistrates earn Shs 737, 837, a month; senior grade two magistrates, (Shs 860, 810); principal magistrate grade two (Shs 1.2m); magistrate grade one, (Shs1.5m); and principal magistrate grade one (Shs 2.1m).



Senior principal magistrate grade one gets Shs 2.2m; chief magistrate, (Shs 2.4m); assistant registrar earns Shs 3.1m; and chief registrar earns Shs 4.8m.
Embattled Bell Pottinger has hired financial advisor BDO to look at all options regarding the future of the business," according to a statement from the British firm.

The Guardian reports that BP is under pressure to find a buyer within a month to pay off its "mounting debts" or face a shutdown.

The firm is worth about $26M, according to the Guardian, based on revenues of more than $52M and profits of about $5.2M.

Client defections have rocked BP, which is the first major firm booted from the Public Relations and Communications Assn. for ethical violations stemming from its racist campaign in South Africa.

Tim Bell, co-founder of BP, told the BBC the firm is "probably nearing the end."

James Henderson, largest shareholder of BP, quit his CEO spot on Sept. 3. A new management structure is supposed to be put into place this week.

BP employs 240 people.
Public servants should provide the same protection to school children and staff as firefighters have sought for themselves, Mass. lawmakers were told Sept. 5.

Parents, teachers and elected officials told the Mass. Joint Committee on Education that the Intl Assn. of Fire Fighters has removed cell towers on firehouses because they were causing cognitive impairment, insomnia, and other health issues to their members. IAFF has issued a position paper opposing cell towers on firehouses.

Los Angeles Times on July 5th ran an editorial denouncing the "Audacious Power Grab" of the telecoms in rolling out "5G."

They presented information on the lack of safety testing before wireless products were rolled out, the vulnerability of children and fetuses who absorb more radiation than adults, and the fertility studies that show male human sperm exposed to a laptop caused DNA damage, slower motility and fewer viable sperm in just four hours of exposure.

They asked for the application of biologically based non-thermal public exposure limits instead of the FCC's 30-year old outdated thermal exposure limits. They called upon the state to request the FCC to complete the review initiated by the U.S. Government Accountability Office in 2012 to assess FCC limits and bring them in line with current science.

They indicated 900+ comments have been formally filed by doctors, scientists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and others calling for biologically safe limits to which the FCC has not responded.

They also spoke of the formal position of the IAFF and asked that local schools similarly protect children from wireless radiation exposure. They want plans this year to transition to hard-wired technology with the wireless systems turned off except in emergencies.

Hardwiring Is Safer, Faster

They thanked the districts of Ashland, Worcester, Southborough, Medway, North Middlesex Regional and others for examining this issue and asked the Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education to investigate non-industry funded scientific findings and protect students and staff accordingly.

They emphasized that hard-wiring iPads, Chromebooks, smartboards and other wireless technology is not only possible and safer, but also brings faster speeds, better data security, and more reliable connections.

Others were encouraged to send in written testimony to help educate the legislators on the need to provide safe technology access in schools.

The mainstream media is almost silent on this topic because of the advertising power of AT&T, Comcast, Time-Warner, Spectrum, CenturyLink and other large telecoms.

Health advocates note the Los Angeles Times on July 5 ran an editorial denouncing the Audacious Power Grab of the telecoms in pushing 5G (Fifth Generation) Wi-Fi transmission equipment but only mentioned the large size of the devices and not their effect on health from microwave radiation.

This was proof, if any were needed, that major media are unduly influenced by the telecoms, say health advocates.

Said the LAT editorial:

Telecommunications companies are preparing to roll out the next generation of wireless networks, dubbed 5G, which promise an enormous increase in capacity and connectivity. These networks not only will increase competition in broadband, they are a key enabling technology for a host of advanced products and services. They also represent a gateway to better economic opportunities in inner-city areas that are underserved by broadband today.

But these new networks are different in structure and appearance too. Instead of high-powered antennas on tall towers, they rely on an array of lower-power transmitters closer to the ground that serve much smaller cells. Thats why mobile phone companies are concerned that cities and counties will throw up bureaucratic or financial roadblocks to 5G in their communities. Its not a groundless worry; wireless companies already have encountered local resistance in places where they have introduced the new technology.

LAT is owned by Tronc which is buying The New York News.
McGuireWoods Consulting, the public affairs unit of law and lobbying firm McGuireWoods, has signed a pact with Starbucks to advocate on Capitol Hill on tax and trade matters as they relate to education, civil rights and immigration.

The pact comes amid ongoing attempts by the Trump administration to renegotiate terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement, with leaders from the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting a series of meetings this year in a bid to address concerns and resolve issues.

President Trump, who has long seen NAFTA as deleterious to U.S. manufacturing jobs, has vowed to rework some of its terms, even threatening to remove the U.S. from the 1994 accord.

In July, the Trump administration said it wanted to reduce the United States trade deficit and bolster domestic manufacturing by increasing NAFTA's rules of origin percentages, removing provisions that prevent the U.S. from imposing import restrictions on Canadian and Mexican goods. Trump has also pushed for improved patent and copyright protections, as well as raising Mexicos labor and environmental standards.

Trump has said that he wants a renewed agreement completed by the end of the year. Trade between the three countries was more than $1.1 trillion in 2016, according to Council on Foreign Relations estimates.

The possibility of a NAFTA pull out has some U.S. business leaders panicked. Starbucks earlier this year pledged to help Mexico and its business community  as well as thousands of the Seattle-based coffee giants employees  in light of the potential economic affects any changes to the trilateral pact may have.

Starbucks, which opened its first coffee shop in Mexico in 2002, now maintains more than 600 locations throughout the country, employing more than 7,000. The coffee chain acquires a large amount of its coffee from Mexican producers and even established a production support center in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas last year. It has since has donated millions to coffee producing communities throughout the country in order to support coffee growers livelihoods.

A three-person team manages the Starbucks account, including partner Russ Sullivan, a former staff director to the Senate Finance Committee; Patrick Martin, who was previously an aide to former Senator Evan Bayh (R-IN) and special assistant to the Director at the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Radha Mohan, a Bloomberg BNA alum.

MWC staffs more than 1,000 lawyers in 23 offices worldwide.
President Trump is taking flak from all sides for ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, putting some 800,000 so-called young Dreamers in legal limbo, said a Sept. 5 Wall Street Journal editorial.

Perhaps the harshest criticism came from an unlikely source, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, which didnt have limbo on its mind in condemning Trumps move on DACA as reprehensible.

The cancellation of DACA causes unnecessary fear for DACA youth and their families who entered the country as minors and know America as their only home, said the bishops.

The Catholic Church has long watched with pride and admiration as DACA youth live out their daily lives with hope and a determination to flourish and contribute to society; continuing to work and provide for their families, continuing to serve in the military, and continuing to receive an education.

Now after months of anxiety and fear about their futures, these brave young people face deportation. This decision is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as Americas, said the statement.

The bishops called Trumps decision a step back from the progress that we need to make as a country. Todays actions represent a heartbreaking moment in our history that shows absence of mercy and good will, and a short-sighted vision for the future.

DACA youth are woven into the fabric of our country and of our Church, and are, by every social and human measure, American youth.

Amen to that.

The US Conference has been largely irrelevant in the lives of Americans for quite some time, occasionally stirring to heap scorn on Catholics who stray from its conservative policies.

Trump may have stirred the beast.
Charges Dropped Against Bronx Teen Pedro Hernandez, Says Police Framed Him Elijah C. Watson Elijah Watson serves as Okayplayer's News & Culture Editor. When

Prosecutors have dismissed all charges against Pedro Hernandez because of inconsistent and contradictory information.

In a report from the New York Daily News, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark made the announcement Wednesday morning just before Hernandezs trial was supposed to begin, noting problems with witness accounts inconsistent information given to prosecutors.

READ: Bronx Teen Pedro Hernandez Released From Rikers Island

We discovered unanticipated witness and evidentiary issues, including that one of the original witnesses is no longer cooperative, Clark said in a statement. The investigation also revealed that information originally provided to my office during the initial investigation of this case has now proven to be inconsistent and contradictory. Further, the victim of the shooting is unable to identify who shot him.

Hernandez was only 17 when he was arrested in connection with a 2015 shooting where another teenager was shot in the leg, ultimately serving 13 months at Rikers for a crime he never committed. Although the victim and eight other teens that witnessed the shooting said that Hernandez did not commit the crime he was still arrested. According to those same victims, in video recorded statements, they said that the arresting officer threatened them with physical violence if they did not claim to investigators that the shooter was Hernandez.

Manuel Gomez, a private investigator who worked on behalf of the Hernandez family, supported those claims, having previously alleged an assistant district attorney falsified the case while working with two corrupt detectives.

Source: nydailynews.com
Agricultural News

Threats Posed by FMD Outbreak Potentially Catastrophic, NCBA Insists a Vaccine Bank is Imperative







One foreign animal disease that will keep producers up at night - is Foot and Mouth Disease. According to Dr. Kathy Simmons, chief veterinarian for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, FMD has not appeared in the United States since 1929. But if it ever did show up again, Simmons tells Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, the highly contagious, infectious viral disease could potentially wreak havoc on US livestock and wildlife populations.





"Our swine populations, our cattle populations, goats, some wildlife will all be at risk," she said, trying to explain that FMD only endangers cloven-hooved, or two-toed animals, and poses no actual health risk to humans. "So, we need to be prepared."





Simmons explains that depopulation used to be the answer to controlling an FMD outbreak, because livestock populations at the time were much smaller than they are today. Now, if FMD was found in a feedyard with 100,000 head of cattle - depopulation would no longer be a viable option. Instead, vaccines have become more commonplace in the modern era. However, FMD vaccine is limited in its production around the world and is complex - in the sense that there are multiple strains of the disease and no one cross-protection from them all. If FMD were to ever appear in the US, it could be catastrophic to the livestock industry and the agricultural economy throughout. Currently, Simmons reports that NCBA is working with other livestock groups like the pork industry, to lobby for funding to establish a modernized vaccine bank with adequate supplies in preparation for an untimely emergency, looking at the next Farm Bill as a vehicle for that necessary funding.





"We need to prepare now," Simmons said, "because, we may not be able to buy our way out of it if we're in a crisis."





Listen to NCBA's Dr. Kathy Simmons and Farm Director Ron Hays discuss the importance of having a vaccine bank made available for the potentiality of an FMD outbreak in the US, on today's Beef Buzz.





The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.





















Listen to Simmons and Hays discuss the importance of being prepared for an FMD outbreak, below.

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MIAMI  Tiffany Zadi creates leather shoulder bags, totes, accessories and jewelry. While trolling thrift shops for materials shell recycle for her fashions, shell snatch up vintage finds and resell them through Etsy. The Little Havana resident also teaches piano to several students.

Joseph Nay builds and designs websites, including steady work for a content studio and a digital marketing agency. The largely self-taught Hollywood, Florida, resident also creates and edits motion graphics and assists a nonprofit focused on helping Haiti. Its been a fun ride, tiring but fun, he said.

Zadi and Nay leverage their skills, experience and passions into a diverse portfolio of multiple work assignments and revenue streams to thrive in the Gig Economy, a fast-growing worker movement that includes consulting and contracting, temping, freelancing, self-employment, side gigs and on-demand workers. While Zadi and Nay enthusiastically jumped into the Gig Economy, others are thrust into it by necessity, as full-time jobs have slipped away. Some want the supplemental income as wages remain largely stagnant while still others use it as a buffer as they ease into retirement.

Experts differ on exactly how large the Gig Economy is, as well as on the pluses and drawbacks for workers and the economy. But there is consensus that the Gig Economy is growing faster than traditional employment.

A 2016 McKinsey Global Institute Report found that about 27 percent of working-age people in the United States and Europe engage at least partially in independent work. A 2016 study by the Minneapolis Fed found a 37 percent engagement rate in the U.S., while government economists have estimated that 40 percent of Americans will be working outside traditional full-time jobs by 2020.

Theres this myth that the Gig Economy equals Uber driver, said Diane Mulcahy, who recently wrote a book on the subject. If you are not a full-time employee in a full-time job, you are part of the Gig Economy.

While gig workers have been around as long as there have been handymen, tutors, writers and musicians, whats new about the Gig Economy is how quickly it has infiltrated white-collar professions and industries such as health care, finance, the law and technology, Mulcahy said. She is a private equity adviser for the Kauffman Foundation, which studies and supports entrepreneurship. As proof, she said, look at the growth of national online placement services like Toptal for tech and finance workers and Axiom for lawyers.

The one-two punch of tech advancements and recessionary times accelerated the Gig Economy.

Just before and during the most recent recession came the launch of several key tech-enabled online services, including ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft, Airbnb for lodging and websites helping consumers find people to teach, write, serve or fix something for them. Other websites popped up to pool contract workers, like call-center reps, hospitality workers, lawyers and accountants.

At the same time, corporations were already increasingly using cheaper contract labor that can be deployed when and where they need it.

But there is no steady paycheck, no health insurance, no sick pay and no vacation pay. What happens when theres too much month left at the end of your money?

Managing volatile income can come down to ongoing business development and networking. Gig workers must make sure to keep business flowing through the development pipeline and writing contracts in a way that ensures ongoing cash flow, Mulcahy said.

Saving for retirement is one of the few areas where the independent contractor has an advantage because through IRAs and 401(k)s for the self-employed, they can save more quickly and at higher levels than their full-time brethren, she said.

This all comes as the economy has fundamentally changed.

This is the future of work, Mulcahy said. The full-time employee is getting to be the worker of last resort.
Accidentally left the fryer plugged in at the apartment? With a few clicks of his smartphone, Tyler Manley can remotely turn off the source.

Returning home with arms full of groceries, Manley can yell for Alexa. The voice-controlled gadget turns on the light, and does the same with the TV.

Manley said hes looking forward to motion sensors learning his household habits, because lights and other items will be programmed to start and stop without any prompt  making his connected apartment even better over time.

As a growing number of apartment complexes compete for convenience-craving renters, developers continue to seek awe-inspiring amenities to set them apart. At north downtown Omahas new 1415 @ The Yard  the apartments where Manley lives and works  managers tout a super-techy smart-home environment. They say the complex is the metro areas first apartment project to have a fully integrated smart home technology system wired during construction and operational in all 101 units.

Renters move in and have a plug-n-play-ready smart apartment, said Matt Greene, vice president of the Portland-based IOTAS Inc., which created and installed the technology for Omahas NewStreet Properties. This comes with smart lights, outlets, thermostat, sensors, locks, dimmers, voice control and more.

He said the key is ease. Once tenants sign a lease, they download a special app that offers a floor plan view of their apartment with icons designating whats synced as smart, such as the TV electrical outlet. They can control those areas with a screen touch even when traveling outside the city.

Tenants also sign in to the Amazon Echo device sitting on their kitchen counter and can start Alexa voice commands.

Despite the popularity of smart technology in single-family houses, Greene said full operation in apartment complexes is rare at the moment.

Quite frankly when we tell people that one of the first ground-up, new-construction, fully integrated smart apartments is in Omaha, they usually look at me funny.

Some other local apartment buildings have hopped on the smart wagon but offer the technology in a more piecemeal fashion.

Take the Wire apartments downtown, where residents can adjust thermostats by cellphone, laptop or computer. NuStyle, the developer of numerous urban apartment buildings, uses photocells and occupancy room sensors to light common areas and also offers integrated Wi-Fi throughout the Wire.

Greg Rothermel says NuStyle has reviewed other options including smart door entry locks, but at this point, we are wanting to make sure the technology is there and the desire from the user prior to implementing into our projects.

Still other developers have preferred to sweeten the pot with trendy yet more tried-and-true features.

Peter Caye III of the Georgia-based Giddings Group said his 283-unit Duke apartments, under construction in Dundee, will offer a pool, bike-repair shop, electric vehicle charging stations and concierge service. He has experimented with smart technology touches but said they became a hassle for apartment staff and residents.

Nothing works as smart as an old-fashioned key, he quipped.

At Alchemy Development properties in Omaha, Bert Hancock said hes looking at keyless entry door locks activated by smartphones. Hes already convinced of the need for a package delivery system in which apartment dwellers receive a code via text or email to open a secure locker containing their goods. (The 1415 offers this, too.)

Not high on his list, he said, are remote thermostats and lighting controls: More suitable for homeowners, in my opinion.

Christian Christensen of BlueStone Development said hes trying to understand what matters most to customers. He said hes focused in part on delivering great Wi-Fi at minimal or no cost.

Advanced technology is very cool, but if it doesnt address an ongoing daily problem or concern in a meaningful way, it has a very short shelf life, Christensen said.

Molly Skold of Midtown Crossing  which includes apartments along with shops, condos and a park where public events are held  notes that third-party companies such as Cox and Google offer smart-home automation systems whereby renters can set up their own remote control of lights, alarms and more.

But she said the 1415s ready-to-go, wide-ranging software smarts are unlike any other apartment complex she knows of in town.

Opening in phases throughout September, the 1415 also features a huge outdoor patio with gas grills, a fire pit, outdoor TVs, as well as deck and floor-to-ceiling window views of downtown and TD Ameritrade Park across the street. Rent runs from $799 for a studio to nearly $2,000 for two-bedroom premium units with inset covered patios.

Retail bays (yet-to-be filled) and parking stalls are on the ground level of the five-story structure, which is part of a $50 million project site along 14th Street from Cuming to Mike Fahey Streets.

On the south end of the two-block tract that used to be surface parking is the new Kiewit University training center. Under construction between that 62,000-square-foot facility and the apartments is a hotel.

Gabriel Gianes of the Lund Co., which manages the 1415, said 40 percent of the units were leased before opening. Turns out, people like convenience, he said.

Still, many real estate developers are slow to change, Greene said, given upfront costs and barriers to understanding potential returns.

For Tyler Manley, personal payoff ranges from cutting energy consumption to saving time.

The 24-year-old, who also is the projects leasing agent, moved onto the top floor with husband Travis Manley in July. While away from their apartment on a recent vacation, the contrast in convenience was stark. No shutting off the lights via smartphone, no asking Alexa to check the weather.

It starts to add up, said Manley. And you realize, wow, thats something I dont want to live without.
Nebraska State Patrol troopers in the Grand Island area say they arrested three impaired drivers during a recent special enforcement geared around the Nebraska State Fair.

The enforcement occurred Aug. 25-26 and Friday through Monday in Hall County. The crackdown included vehicle checks and saturation patrols, troopers said.

The patrol issued citations for speeding (10), minor in possession (2), open container (1), driving under suspension (2), no seat belt (6), and improper child safety restraint (1). Troopers said they also arrested one person on suspicion of drug possession and a fugitive was taken into custody.

The special effort was paid for in part by a $2,550 grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportations Highway Safety Office.

Elsewhere:

 La Vista police say their recent effort targeting driving-under-the-influence motorists led to five DUI arrests.

Police said their crackdown was part of the national You Drink and Drive, You Lose campaign, which ran from Aug. 18 through Monday.

Officers working high-visibility enforcement stops also arrested two people for narcotics possession and issued 27 traffic citations and 53 warnings, police said.

 Lincoln police also participated in the campaign, with the special enforcement Aug. 18 through Monday.

Police said total citations, warnings and arrests totaled 411.
A pet pig named Tori that had been on the lam for a week in Papillion has been caught.

Jo Ann Hagan, whose family owns the potbellied pig, said Tori was caught Wednesday evening about a mile from home near a cornfield at East First and 72nd Streets in Papillion.

Were so thankful, she said. Were just glad shes home.

Kris Epps-Martinez said she caught Tori about 5 p.m. Wednesday. Epps-Martinez said she and her two kids went to the cornfield to see if they could spot the pig.

She said the pig shot out of the cornfield and eventually ran into 72nd Street and was clipped by a car but kept running.

Epps-Martinez said she was able to scoop up the pig as it ran and took it to her car. Hagan was contacted and came and picked it up.

Hagan said the pig has scrapes on its legs. She said she called her vet, who told her to watch the animal overnight and bring it in this morning.

Hagan said Tori was thirsty and exhausted but otherwise OK.

She said Tori got loose Aug. 29 from the familys yard.

She said the pig, who was in a small fenced enclosure, lifted the fence up with her snout and bolted.

Shes faster than wind, Hagan said.

The 5-month-old potbellied porker had been spotted this week near the Papillion Police Station and the cornfield.

The Nebraska Humane Society and a local group that searches for lost pets helped look for her.

Pam Wiese, spokeswoman for the Humane Society, said pigs are quick and agile, making them tricky to catch.

Theres been a buzz on social media about the little piggy, and the City of Papillion even flew a drone over the cornfield Wednesday hoping to spot the animal.
Uriel Reyes Vazquez knew that the federal program that allows him to study in the United States without fear of deportation could be in jeopardy when President Donald Trump was elected.

Tuesday, he got confirmation. The Trump administration announced plans to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program  a setback for the Omaha South High graduate and about 800,000 other DACA recipients nationwide.

Its certainly a blow to my confidence and my dreams, said Reyes Vazquez, 18, who is in his first year at Loyola University in Chicago, studying to be a teacher. Hes planning to consult with a lawyer on what to do next  his worst-case scenario would be to return to Mexico to work, a country he left at age 1.

Many elected officials, university leaders, business associations and religious leaders in Nebraska offered their support for DACA recipients and urged Congress to find a solution, while denouncing Trumps decision.

But Nebraska Attorney General Doug Petersen said Tuesday that Trumps action restored the proper balance of power by rescinding an executive order that improperly expanded immigration law.

The program, enacted by then-President Barack Obama in an executive order in 2012, granted two-year renewable work and school permits to applicants who met guidelines that include having no serious criminal background.

A study by the Center for American Progress estimated that removing DACA workers from Nebraska would result in a loss of about $150 million over the next decade.

At a noontime rally Tuesday outside the State Capitol, speakers said the consequences for the states economy would be devastating if the more than 3,300 DACA participants in Nebraska and their families were forced to leave the country. Iowa has about 2,800 DACA recipients.

Jim Partington of the Nebraska Restaurant Association told the gathering of about 300 people that DACA recipients serve in the military, fill needed jobs and create businesses in the state.

If they were citizens, we would describe them as model citizens in every way, said Partington, whose organization is part of a coalition supporting DACA.

Crete Mayor Roger Foster said a mass deportation would be like a tornado for his southeast Nebraska community that would take away people and leave everything else.

In a statement, University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds said the DACA announcement creates significant uncertainty for the hundreds of thousands of young people who have benefited from this program  including students at the University of Nebraska.

Sarah Moylan, senior director of talent at the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, said the decision hurts local companies.

If, all of a sudden, some of those valuable workers werent able to work, it would profoundly, negatively affect our businesses, she said.

Elsewhere, Nebraska officials stood behind Trumps decision.

In July, Peterson joined nine other Republican attorneys general in asking the Trump administration to phase out the DACA program by refusing to renew or issue any new program permits.

In an interview Tuesday, Peterson said he decided to join the multistate legal challenge purely due to his concern that Obama had exceeded his power.

(The DACA order) was granting legal rights, it was extending legal recognition beyond the scope of what Congress has passed, Peterson said. I recognize that these are very emotional, compelling stories. But those stories need to be told to the three congressmen from the State of Nebraska.

He said his job is to uphold the Constitution, regardless of his personal opinion. Peterson, a Republican who is facing re-election next year, said that because of that, he would not state his personal opinion on whether the DACA program, if passed by Congress, was something he would support.

State senators last year narrowly overrode a veto by Gov. Pete Ricketts to allow DACA recipients to obtain professional and commercial licenses.

Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte, who had voted against the override, said that continuing the program would provide an incentive for people to bring their young children to the United States illegally.

I cant just walk into another country and expect theyre going to bend the rules, Groene said. I dont want other people to expect that they can do that in my country.

He agreed with Trump and said executive orders should not create laws.

However, he hopes that Congress will pass a law so the current DACA participants are grandfathered and can continue to live and work in the U.S.  and have a pathway to citizenship.

Under Obamas executive order, DACA recipients do not have legal status and cannot apply for citizenship.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert supported the professional license bill, as did pro-business and agriculture groups and chambers of commerce in Omaha and Lincoln. Stothert said in a statement Tuesday: DACA has created opportunities for education, employment and service to our community and state, and I remain supportive of the program.

At the Lincoln rally, State Sens. Tony Vargas of Omaha and Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln urged those in attendance to contact their elected officials.

Linda Aguilar, a pre-law student at the University of Nebraska at Omaha whose parents came here from Guatemala when she was 6 years old, said the U.S. is the only country her family calls home.

She said the DACA program allowed her to pursue a goal of becoming an attorney.

I felt protected, she said. I knew I could follow my dreams and make my parents proud.

Reyes Vazquez, the Loyola student, said he may need to transfer to UNO to help his family and fill out paperwork, depending on what happens over the next six months.

I was trying not to think about it and focus on school, he said. It seems like I dont have a choice now.

This report includes material from the Associated Press.
Harveys filthy floodwaters pose significant dangers to human safety and the environment even after water levels drop, experts say.

Houston already was notorious for sewer overflows following rainstorms. Now the system, with 40 wastewater treatment plants across the far-flung metropolis, faces an unprecedented challenge.

State officials said several dozen sewer overflows had been reported in areas affected by the hurricane, including in Corpus Christi. Private septic systems in rural areas could fail as well.

Also in the noxious mix are spilled fuel, runoff from waste sites, lawn pesticides and pollutants from the regions many petroleum refineries and chemical plants.

Houstons mayor said Tuesday that Americas fourth-largest city was open for business, but with many areas under water and some residents not able to get to work, many huge problems remained.

The potentially toxic water is a big one. Floodwaters have inundated at least seven Superfund toxic waste sites near Houston and some may be damaged, though Environmental Protection Agency officials have yet to assess the full extent of what occurred.

The Houston area has more than a dozen Superfund sites, among the nations most intensely contaminated places. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told CNN that the EPA is working on some of them already, but they have restraints on their ability to check out some of them just simply because of the water.

Meanwhile, repairs continued on the water treatment plant in Beaumont, about 85 miles from Houston, which failed during flooding. Houston said its water was safe to drink. Keeping it that way will require stepped-up chemical treatments because of the flooding.

Its prudent to pump more chlorine and other disinfectants into drinking water systems in emergencies like this, to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and dysentery, said David Andrews, senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization. But doing so poses its own risks, he said.

Theres often more organic matter  sewage, plants, farm runoff  in reservoirs or other freshwater sources during heavy rains. When chlorine reacts with those substances, it forms chemicals called trihalomethanes, which can boost the risk of cancer and miscarriages, Andrews said.

Right now its a tough time to deal with that, when youre just trying to clean the water up and make sure its not passing illnesses through the system, he said. But we should do better at keeping contamination out of source water in the first place.

A report by the nonprofit research group Climate Central said more than 10 billion gallons of sewage was released along the East Coast during Superstorm Sandy.

The Houston Chronicle reported last year that Houston averages more than 800 sewage overflows a year and is negotiating an agreement with the EPA that would require system improvements.

A Texas A&M analysis of floodwater samples from the Houston area revealed levels of E. coli  bacteria that signal the presence of fecal matter  125 times higher than is safe for swimming. Even wading through such tainted water could cause infections and sickness, said Terry Gentry, an associate professor and specialist in detecting tiny disease-producing organisms.

Precautions should be taken by anyone involved in cleanup activities or any others who may be exposed to floodwaters, said a statement from the EPA.

Hazards will remain as waters gradually recede. Puddles, tires and other pools of standing water will attract mosquitoes, which can spread viruses such as West Nile and Zika.

Much of the dirty water will flow through rivers, creeks and bayous into Galveston Bay, renowned for its oyster reefs, abundant wildlife and seagrass meadows. Then officials will need to monitor shellfish for signs of bacterial contamination.
Arrest warrant against Gurung and other key GJM leaders

India

oi-Amitava

By Amitava

Darjeeling, September 6, 2017: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha President Bimal Gurung was further cornered with a Darjeeling court issuing arrest warrants against him and 7 other front rung GJM leaders on Wednesday.

In another incident an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) explosion rocked Mirik at around 9pm on Wednesday. The explosion took place at the gates of the PWD bungalow opposite the Lake in the heart of Mirik. A police camp is in close proximity to the blast site.

A large police and Central Force contingent rushed to the spot. Investigations are on. There are no reports of any loss of life or injury as the area was deserted at the time of the blast.

The persons against whom the arrest warrants have been issued include Bimal Gurung; his wife Asha Gurung; General Secretary Roshan Giri; Youth leaders Prakash Gurung and Amrit Yonzon; Ashok Chettri; central committee leaders DK Pradhan and Tilak Chand Roka.

The case is in connection with an incident in Darjeeling on June 8. The police had lodged a suo moto FIR and a case had been started at the Darjeeling Sadar Police Station on June 9. The CID is investigating the case.

The FIR has 36 names and "others. They been charged under different sections of the IPC relating to rioting, arson, criminal conspiracy read with sections of the Arms Act and Explosives Act in connection with the June 8 incident.

On June 8, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters had clashed with the security forces in Darjeeling town. Police reports claim that more than 45 security force personnel were injured in the clash. A police booth was set on fire. 15 police vehicles were torched along with a State Government Bus. Army was deployed in Darjeeling, Ghoom and Kurseong to control the situation.

On that day GJM had taken out rallies and staged a sit in demonstration a short distance away from the Raj Bhawan where the State Cabinet meeting was taking place. The rallies arrived from Singmari, Darjeeling Railway Station and Batasia Loop at the Gorkha Ranga Mancha Bhawan and staged a sit in demonstration.

At around 3pm the GJM supporters torched an effigy of the CM. Suddenly there were stones being pelted and amidst shouts a stampede ensued. Some people even tried to bring down the police barricade.

Police resorted to baton charge and bursting tear gas shells. A pitched battle ensued with police personnel, CRPF including lady police personnel and officers injured. 5 GJM supporters were also injured. Finally at around 5pm the situation was diffused and the GJM supporters and leaders left the area.

At around 7pm the 28 ministers who had attended the State Cabinet meeting had left Darjeeling for Siliguri. CM Mamata Banerjee however had stayed back to oversee the situation. At 8pm the army had been deployed and started flag marching.

"A Special Investigation Team of the CID had prayed for arrest warrants against the 8. The Chief Judicial Magistrate Court granted the prayer. For cognizable offence the perpetrators can be arrested from anywhere in the country without warrants. However with warrants it becomes easier for the police" stated Pankaj Prasad, Assistant Public Prosecutor, Darjeeling.

If the police fail to execute the arrest warrants then there can be proclamation of attachment followed by attachment of properties.

Incidentally on September 1, a CID team had entered Sikkim in search of Gurung. Gurung was holding a GJM Central Committee meeting at Seven Hill Resort in Namchi in South Sikkim. Gurung had managed to give the police a slip. The Sikkim police also prevented the persons rounded up from being taken to Bengal as the Bengal police did not have arrest warrants or any other legal documents.

Anuj Sharma, ADG (Law and Order,) West Bengal, held a review meeting with police top brass in Darjeeling. Police harbor a strong belief that Gurung and his men are hiding in Sikkim.

The West Bengal Government had written to Union Home Ministry requesting the Home Ministry to direct Sikkim to cooperate with Bengal and help nab Gurung and his men who have been charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in a number of cases.

GJM leaders Anil Rai and Sameer Subba were arrested from Kurseong on Wednesday in connection to cases pertaining to vandalizing, intimidation, and other sections pertaining to the Indian Penal Code.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Thursday, September 7, 2017, 0:42 [IST]
Child abuse: Court sends British national to 14-day judicial custody

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

A Delhi court has remanded a British national, arrested on charges of sexually assaulting three visually-impaired minor inmates of the National Association for the Blind (NAB) in south Delhi to a 14-day judicial custody on Wednesday.

Ward, who was arrested from his house in Vasant Kunj on Tuesday was charged under sections of the Prevention of Child Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

He has been a donor for the last eight or nine years. He used to visit the school run by the association on a frequent basis and has been accused of raping least three children, all under 8 years old.

The 55-year old was a native of Gloucestershire in the UK was working with a private firm in Gurgaon till April.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 18:46 [IST]
City turned into a fortress ahead of BJP's 'Mangaluru Chalo' bike rally

India

oi-Anusha

In an effort to stop the BJP from going ahead with its 'Mangaluru Chalo' bike rally, the city police have clamped down restrictions prohibiting any protests or rallies. Mangaluru city has been turned into a fortress with all entry points secured and prohibitory orders clamped down. The BJP, however, has decided to defy the order and go ahead with the bike rally as decided.

Signed by T R Suresh, the Commissioner of Police, Mangaluru, the prohibitory orders will remain effective from 6 PM on Wednesday to Thursday midnight. "We have also prohibited excise. All liquor shops will be shut down from 6 PM Wednesday till Friday morning. We will not allow any rallies or protests but they are free to hold a public address," said Hanumantharaya, DCP, Law and Order, Mangaluru.

Elaborate security measures in Mangaluru

The bike rally has become a matter of prestige to the BJP after its flag off from various districts including Bengaluru and Hubballi was thwarted by the police. BJP is bent upon making Thursday's event in Mangaluru a success but the police equally prepared to stop any rallies in the city.

No permission for any bike rally or procession within the city

No restriction on public gathering

1 company of Rapid Action Force (RAF)

15 platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police

15 City Armed Reserve police

500 policemen

BJP's attempts will be countered

The BJP has organized bikes rallies from 27 locations within the city but the police are expected to crackdown at the venues. Inspections are being conducted at 16 places within the city to stop BJP workers from going ahead with the bike rally. There are 11 entry points to Mangaluru city and checkposts have been set up at all points. No worker of a political party will be allowed entry into the city to take part in rallies.

The BJP however, is convinced that it will be able to gather at least 15,000 supporters for the rally as well as the public address.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 16:49 [IST]
Form task forces to check violence in the name of cow vigilantism: SC to states

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed all the states to form task forces to check rising violence in the name of cow vigilantism.

The apex court has reportedly given states one week to form such teams. The top court had in July asked both Centre and the states to act against any kind of vigilantism and sought their response on the crime committed by purported gau rakshaks.

In July, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it does not support vigilantism in the name of cow protection. While stating that it condemns any form of violence, the Centre said that law and order is a state subject.

The court had then directed the Centre to file an affidavit asking it to explain what it proposes to do to control the menace of cow vigilantism. The court also directed states to file an affidavit in this regard.

A petition in this regard was filed by activist Tehseen S Poonawalla on October 21 last year.The petition also quoted the incidents in Rajasthan and other states where violence had erupted over the issue. The petitioner said that minorities and Dalits have been targeted by cow vigilante groups. The petitioner alleged that the centre has not done enough to stop the problem.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 12:42 [IST]
Gauri, Dabholkar, Pansare, Kalburgi: All evidence round a 7.65 mm pistol

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

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In the aftermath of the murder of journalist, Gauri Lankesh, many were quick to relate it to the killings of M M Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare. Karnataka Home Minister has directed the state police to get in touch with their counterparts in Maharashtra in a bid to crack the Gauri Lankesh murder case.

When the CID took over the probe into the murder of Kalburgi, it had said that the murders are similar in nature. While it is not clear as of yet whether the murders were carried out by the same set of people, investigations showed that the motive remained the same.

All three murder cases remained unsolved till date. The main finding in the Kalburgi murder case remains the recovery of a weapon. The CID said that a 7.65 mm pistol was used to kill Kalburgi.

Further it was also found that it was the same weapon that was used to kill Pansare at Kolhapur on February 16 2015.

Further the analysis by the forensic analysis also suggested that one of the two guns used to shoot down Pansare in 2015 was used to kill Dabholkar at Pune on August 20 2013.

As of now the motive behind the murder of Gauri Lankesh is unclear. The police say that while there appear to be similarities, it would be too early to pass any comment.

OneIndia News
Gauri Lankesh an extortionist, we condemn the killing: Sanatan Sanstha

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

In the killing of Gauri Lankesh, a debate has once again cropped up. This time whether it is related to the killings of Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M M Kalburgi.

Several times the name of an organisation called the Sanatan Sanstha crops up during discussions on this topic. The police have found nothing so far to suggest that the Sanatan Sansta has had anything to with these incidents.

OneIndia spoke with the official spokesperson of the organisation, Chetan Rajhans. He started off by condemning the killing stating that it is wrong. Such things are wrong in a democratic setup he said.

Who is Gauri Lankesh

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Rajhans however went on to say that they had nothing to do with her. She was an extortionist and had clear links with naxals. What I find disturbing is that when someone with a communist ideology is killed there is outrage, but there is no such effect when a person with Hindu ideology is murdered.

Was there a similar outrage when four people with a Hindu ideology were killed in Karnataka? They were killed for their political ideology, but there was no such outrage, Rajhans also says.

Let me tell you something about her. When she was killed, this was the first time I heard about her. What I am upset about is that the prejudice with which this issue is being debated. Why can't someone speak with those who have been a victim of her extortion.

Some channels have been showing that she had naxalite links. I do not know why these issues are not being discussed and only Hindu outfits are being targeted.

On the allegations leveled against us, I want to say that our outfit abides by the law. We have been raided by the CBI, NIA and the police. Had we been guilty would we have not been punished.

In the murders of Dabholkar and Pansare who was the chief minister of Maharashtra. It was a Congress ruled state under Prithiviraj Chauvan. They arrested our member Samir Gaikwad, but he got bail. Another person Virendra Tawde was arrested but the trial has not even begun.

OneIndia News
Gauri Lankesh inspires even in death, her murder is reigniting fight for justice

India

oi-Anusha

The brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh, a fierce journalist and free thinker has reignited the fight for justice for all those who were killed in cold-blood like her. Protests across the country are being witnessed over Gauri's assassination but what it has already done, is to jolt the establishment, government and public, from slumber over the killings of rationalists and thinkers across the country.

"If this does not make the government react, I don't know what will. If Gauri's murder does not elicit a response, then we live in a sham that there is a police, a government in power whether it is state or center. Three killing bearing the same signature is too much of a coincidence for any government to ignore. Modus operandi, the attack is like a signature style," said K M Chaitanya, film maker and a close friend of Gauri Lankesh.

Who is Gauri Lankesh

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Many who knew Gauri reflect Chaitanya's thoughts. Since Tuesday night, multiple protests are being held across Karnataka. On Wednesday, protests and solidarity meets have been called for in various parts of the country. Journalists' associations, political organizations, student forums, activists from across the country have called for protests demanding justice.

In a chorus for justice for Gauri, is also a chorus for justice for Prof M M Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar. M M Kalburgi's death brought together families of Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar and Kalburgi to launch a united protest for justice. Gauri's brutal killing has done the same, once again.

Journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bengaluru, protests across Karnataka

"The real honour to her memory is to keep her fighting spirit alive. We, first of all, did not need something like this to happen to clarify to everyone around that things are precious and non-negotiable within the realm of political conduct. She was an inspirational person for many youngsters. The CCTV was positioned right where she was attacked and that should have captured it. I don't know what other kinds of proof the police want to nab people," said Chandan Gowda, writer, researcher, faculty member of Azim Premji University but above all Gauri's dear friend.

While Gauri's friends and family hope that the killers are nabbed not just to bring her justice but to protect independent voices and right of dissent, realistic challenges are something they are aware of.

"Public can protest, express, feel shocked and react on social media but who is t take care of unknown cold-blooded supari killers? Only the police can and have the means to it. I do hope her murder keeps the fire burning but in the age of electronic media, public memory is dreadfully short and easily distracted," K M Chaitanya added.

For years now families of Govind Pansare, M M Kalburgi, and Narendra Dabholkar have been fighting for justice. Police of two states and one central agency have not been able to nab the prime accused in the case. There is anger, there is protest but will there be action? Now is the time for action, for assurance that every voice, especially the voice of dissent that keeps democracy alive, will be protected and justice will be served.

OneIndia News
After Gauri Lankesh murder, Siddaramaiah to protect 'left-thinkers'

India

oi-Anusha

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday deemed the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh an organised crime and assured to protect all 'left', 'progressive' thinkers in the state. The state government has formed a Special Investigating Team to probe the murder.

The Bengaluru police have detained two persons for questioning in the murder case of journalist Gauri Lankesh. The Karnataka government has also formed a Special Investigating Team to probe the matter. Meanwhile, the state police questioned two people for derogatory and threatening Facebook posts against Gauri Lankesh.

Hours after the cowardly attack on Gauri, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting with senior police officers and Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy were a decision was taken to not hand over the case to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as of yet. "I met senior police officers and the Home Minister to take stock of the investigation so far. The matter is being investigated very seriously by a SIT that we have formed. The CID is currently investigating the Prof M M Kalburgi murder case and we will not hand over this case to the department yet. We will allow the SIT to proceed with the investigation," Siddaramaiah said.

Journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bengaluru, protests across Karnataka

The government has also decided to give protection to all free-thinkers, according to the Chief Minister. "We have decided to extend security to free, progressive and left-thinking people in the state," he said addressing the press after an emergency meeting with police officials.

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CCTV captures act

Siddaramaiah also told media persons that one out of the four CCTV cameras installed outside Gauri's residence captured the murder. "One of the cameras has captured how one person entered the gate and shot at Gauri. She collapsed about 2 or 3 feet away. At this point, there is only so much evidence available. This is an organised crime and the assailants will be arrested soon," he said.

The family of the slain journalist has sought a CBI probe into the matter. The government has assured to keep an open mind about the same.

OneIndia News
Gauri Lankesh murder: Dont be shocked, go after killers, time for action

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Bengaluru, Sep 6: Death, especially if it is unnatural, more so when it is ghastly and done with great impunity, is most likely to shock us all. On Tuesday evening, when the news of horrific murder of Bengaluru-based journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh spread like a wildfire, the common reaction was that of "shock".

The noted journalist was shot dead by unidentified miscreants at the entrance of her house in Bengaluru's Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

The killing of the 55-year-old firebrand editor, who was known for her anti-establishment stand and taking on the might of right-wing groups, was immediately termed as the murder of democracy and an attempt to silence voices of dissent.

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Like all the anguished souls, the chief minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah too took to Twitter to express his grief.

Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime.  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 5, 2017

In fact, this is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend.  Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 5, 2017

The CM is right when he termed the murder of Lankesh as a "heinous crime" and an "assassination of democracy". Like any other mortal, Siddaramaiah too was shocked and as a friend of the slain journalist, the CM too mourned her horrific death.

However, in his tweets, as the head of the state where the brutal incident has taken place, Siddaramaiah failed to assure people of Karnataka that his government would take all necessary steps to nab the culprits.

As the head of Karnataka, otherwise a peaceful state, it is the duty of the CM to first check crimes of such blatant nature. By just expressing shock and anguish will not help to control murders.

In fact, just two years ago, on August 30, 2015, two unidentified assailants entered the house of scholar and rationalist MM Kalburgi in Dharwad, around 385 km from Bengaluru, and shot him dead, an incident eerily similar to Lankesh's murder.

Even after the passage of two years, family and friends of Kalburgi are still waiting to get justice as the killers of the scholar are moving scot-free. Both Kalburgi and Lankesh were known for their progressive thinking and speaking the truth in spite of all threats they faced when they were alive.

Not only the Siddaramaiah government has failed to stop murders of people who spoke truth to power, espoused the cause of marginalised people and spoke against religious bigotry, but somehow has given the impression that criminal elements of society could carry out their nefarious activities without any fear of law.

That is why the tweets of the CM were criticised by many, who felt that the state government failed to provide security to people.

Reacting to Siddaramaiah's tweets, journalist and author Saikat Datta pointed out what the government should immediately do, "Go after the killers."

Don't be shocked. Go after the killers.

Bring them to book.

Act.

We don't need words.

We need action. #GauriLankesh https://t.co/qMKmeFnjsj  Saikat Datta (@saikatd) September 5, 2017

After posting his tweets, the CM spoke to journalists in Bengaluru and again expressed his "shock".

"Her death is deeply shocking. She fought against superstition, communalism and fundamentalism. She was deeply involved in social change. I have instructed the police to take every effort to immediately apprehend the perpetrators," said Siddaramaiah.

"There was no intel prior to the attack. Even Gauri Lankesh hadn't sought police protection," the CM added. The CM informed that three police teams have been formed to investigate and nab the culprits.

We hope, this time, Siddaramaiah means business and nab the killers of Lankesh, unlike in the case of Kalburgi.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 10:15 [IST]
Gauri Lankesh murdered: BJP demands CBI probe

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation into the murder of journalist and activist Gowri Lankesh.

The leader of opposition in Assembly Jagadish Shettar said it has been two years since the murder of researcher M M Kalburgi took place in Dharwad, yet the State government has not been able to crack the case. If the government does not want this case (Gowri killing) too to go in that direction, they should hand over the case to CBI.

State government should take strict action against anyone found guilty in the case, irrespective of how mighty he may be, Shetter urged.

Dharwad MP Prahlad Joshi, demanding a CBI inquiry, asked people not pre-judge on the case and wait till the emergence of complete details in the case. "State government is completely clueless about the political and ideological killings taking place in Karnataka," he said.

Another BJP leader S Suresh Kumar also stressed for a CBI probe saying Indrajit Lankesh, Gauri Lankesh's brother urged state govt to hand over investigation to CBI, we also demand the same.

Earlier in the day, Indrajit Lankesh demanded a CBI probe saying that we have seen Karburgi issue that state government investigated and with sadness they have not done anything.

Gauri Lankesh, a senior journalist was shot dead outside her house in Benagaluru on Tuesday.

OneIndia News
No Hindutva or RSS extremism involved in Leicester violence; influencers spread false narrative: UK think tank

Another propaganda busted, but will the anti-Hindu rhetoric in the West end

'Gauri never preached violence,' recalls family friend

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Recommended Video

Gauri Lankesh murder : Friends remembered her as an brave

A family friend of slain journalist Gauri Lankesh, remembered her as an honest journalist. Gauri Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified miscreants on Tuesday. She was known for her anti-BJP and anti-RSS political views.

Journalist-turned-writer NK Mohan Ram said Gauri lived with Marxists ideology throughout her life.

Journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bengaluru, protests across Karnataka

Mohan Ram, currently settled in Bengaluru, was her host in Delhi, when Gauri went to pursue Diploma in Journalism at IIMC in the early 80s.

Mohan Ram said, ''She came to Delhi for Diploma in Journalism. She stayed with my family in early 80's. Gauri was very close to her father Lankesh, but did not imbibe her father's literary qualities.

'' Well, her father held anti-establishment views, Gauri was known for her anti-BJP, anti-RSS political views. She never preached violence in her writings. '' recalled Mohan Ram.

Gauri was also on the committee of Members of the civil society, including freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy, advocate A.K. Subbaiah to put pressure on the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to accept the surrender of three Naxals -Kanyakumari and her husband Shivu and their associate Chennamma- in June 2017.

After her father passed away in 2000, she started her own Kannada newspaper 'Gauri Lankesh Patrike'.

Mohanram said, ''This act is to silence critics. So far they have killed intellectuals like Prof MM Kalburgi and Govind Pansare, now they are targeting journalists.''

''My wife is insisting me to stop writing,'' added Mohan Ram.

Gauri Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified miscreants on Tuesday at her Raja Rajeshwari Nagar residence, Bengaluru. It is been reported that the miscreants fired three shots at Gauri, when she was standing outside her residence. She collapsed on the spot and succumbed to the injuries.

She remained single after separation from her husband journalist Chidanand Rajghatta.

OneIndia News
What the ISI is doing in Punjab is carbon copy Kashmir: Is SJF the new Hurriyat?

Hurriyat Terror Funding: NIA raids 11 locations in Srinagar, 5 at Delhi

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The NIA is conducting raids at 11 locations in Srinagar and 5 in Delhi in connection with the Hurriyat Terror Funding case. The raids are being conducted to unearth documents following the second round of investigations that took place.

On Friday a photo journalist from Kashmir was arrested by the National Investigation Agency on the charge that he was involved in incidents of stone pelting. Kamran Yousuf, the journalist was arrested along with Javed Bhat from Kulgam by the NIA.

Terming them as alleged ring leaders, the NIA said that the duo also facilitated stone pelting in the Valley. The arrests come in the midst of an NIA probe in the Hurriyat terror funding case.

NIA officials say that Yousuf was not just mobilising the stone pelters, but also clicking pictures and circulating them among the local and national newspapers. They also circulated the pictures widely on the social media and chat groups, the NIA also said.

NIA raids at 11 locations in Srinagar and 5 locations in Delhi, in J&K terror funding case; Visuals from Delhi's Lajpat Nagar pic.twitter.com/DZQ9W1D8J3  ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

The latest arrests come in the backdrop of reports that the premier probe agency has identified 117 suspects who allegedly used 70 Whatsapp groups to organize stone-pelting protests in the valley.

The NIA would seek from these persons details of the persons who paid them to undertake the job. The NIA says that these stone pelters were on the pay rolls of the separatists and would undertake the job upon being paid.

During the probe the NIA had learnt that stone pelters were paid anything between Rs 300 to Rs 1,000 per day.

OneIndia News
The Hurricane of the Aad Tribe

Then when they saw [the punishment

b

as] a [cloud] coming from faraway towards their valleys, they said: " This is a cloud coming from faraway and is going to rain upon us ."



[The angel, charged with their punishment, said:] "Not so, but it is the [punishment] you were asking to be hastened!  a wind wherein is a painful chastisement."

"Which will destroy everything as commanded by its Lord."

c

By morning nothing could be seen except their homes [while the people perished

d

[So as did We destroy the people of the 'Ahqaf'], thus [in the future] will We requite the guilty people."

b

c

d

quran-ayat.com/pret/46.htm#a46_24

Angstrom said: Well natural disaster will kill humans and less humans equal less pollution. Its a self solved deal. Who gives a shit mentalflake Click to expand...

Example

When the tribe of Aad (near Yemen) denied their apostle Hood and insisted on their idolatry, God sent on them the hurricane which lasted for seven nights and eight days, and which terminated them totally.They had some years of drought, before the hurricanes, then when they saw the cloud coming towards their valley, they said: This is the rain and blessing has come to us by the blessings of our idols and in contrary to Hood .. but it was the hurricanes which terminated themThis is mentioned many times in the Quran., which means:].........................................................................24With which he threatened you.25So the hurricanes came and destroyed them.25Save only Hood and those who believed together with him: they departed from them before the coming of the chastisement.There has been much exaggeration of such environment pollution .. etc; it of course has an effect, but it is God That looses such hurricanes or abates them .. so now there is a hurricane and tomorrow or yesterday no hurricaneIf one falls and breaks a bone in his arm or leg .. this man certainly committed some wrong-doing and God let him have his punishment .. so had he not done that sin or disobedience, his bone would not have broken (the man himself knows his fault, but he denies)Moreover, had he given alms to the poor for the sake of God alone, then he would not have fallen nor would his bone have been broken.
Hyderabad: Two held for robbery, attempt to kill Journalist

India

pti-PTI

Hyderabad, Sep 6: A servant Patla Nagaraju and his associate were arrested by Rajendranagar police for robbery and attempt to murder the employer, a senior journalist, on Tuesday at Budwel.

Nagaraju and Kodige Mallesh were arrested for robbery and attempting to murder V Shivarama Krishna, the journalist who earlier worked with several local Telugu news channels, a release issued by the Cyberabad Police said. Krishna lodged a complaint with police stating that around 2 am yesterday, while he was sleeping at his house in Budwel area here, an unidentified person entered his house and attacked on his head with a spade, causing injuries, it said.

Krishna's servant Nagaraju fled from the house at the time of the incident, the police said. The assailant threatened Krishna and robbed him of his two gold chains and as many rings. He also took away some other valuables and a few signed bank cheques from the house. The assailant also tried to kill him before running away with the booty, police said based on the complaint.

Following the complaint, police registered a case and during the course of investigation, they picked up Nagaraju from his house here. Police said that during interrogation, Nagaraju said he came in contact with Mallesh around three months back and that both of them then decided to commit robbery at the journalist's house as he was staying alone.

"Based on the confession of Nagaraju, police also nabbed Mallesh. It was revealed that Nagaraju offered Mallesh Rs 1 lakh for killing the victim and to share the property after committing the offence. Mallesh agreed to do so and went to the journalist's house and committed the offence," the police release said. The police also recovered the stolen booty from the accused.

PTI
IIT Bombay JAM 2018 notification: Important dates

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The IIT Bombay JAM 2018 notification has been released. Online process for MSc admission in Indian Institue of Technology was started by IIT Bombay on Tuesday. The deadline for the application process is October 10, 2017. As per the official notification published by IIT Bombay, JAM 2018 examination will be conducted on Sunday, February 11, 2018. Interested candidates can visit the official website jam.iitb.ac.in to apply.

JAM 2018, important dates:

JAM 2018 Online Registration and Application on JAM 2018 Website: September 05, 2017 (Tuesday)

Last Date for JAM 2018 Online Application Submission and Uploading of Documents on the Website: October 10, 2017 (Tuesday)

Last Date for JAM 2018 Payment of Application Fee through Online process: October 10, 2017 (Tuesday)

Date of JAM 2018 Examination: February 11, 2018 (Sunday)

JAM 2018 announcement of the results: March 20, 2018 (Tuesday)

Submission of Application Form for Admission on the JAM 2018 Website: April 03 - 17, 2018

Last Date for receipt of request for change of category in proper format/ rectification of defective documents at IIT Bombay: April 17, 2018 (Tuesday)

Declaration of First Admission List: May 22, 2018 (Tuesday)

Declaration of Second Admission List: June 12, 2018 (Tuesday)

Declaration of Third and Final Admission List: June 29, 2018 (Friday)

Closure of Admissions through JAM 2018 will be on July 05, 2018

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 8:03 [IST]
Chandra Shekhar Aazad likely to attend Gauri Lankeshs birth anniversary on Jan 29 in Bengaluru

India ranks 136 out of 180 countries in press freedom

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru brings to notice the ranking of India in the Global Press Freedom Index.

India was ranked 136 out of 180 counties in the report released by Reporters without Borders in 2017. In fact, India was in 133rd position in 2016, slipped three notches below the last year's ranking.

In the country section, the report states 'Threat from Modi's nationalism' as the concern for the freedom of the press in India.

''With Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of "anti-national" thought from the national debate, self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media. Journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals,'' media watchdog Reporters Without Borders said.

"Journalists working for local media outlets are often the targets of violence by soldiers acting with the central government's tacit consent.''

It said, "Prosecutions are also used to gag journalists who are overly critical of the government, with some prosecutors invoking Section 124a of the penal code, under which "sedition" is punishable by life imprisonment."

Amongst South Asian countries India fared better than Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Bangladesh was ranked-146, Sri Lanka- 141, Pakistan -139. Bhutan is in top 100 countries in 84 the position and Nepal is at 100.

Five Nordic countries -Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Netherlands- have occupied the top five positions. China, Syria, Turkmenistan, Eritrea, North Korea are in the bottom five.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 13:29 [IST]
India to help Rakhine state development program in Myanmar

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

On his maiden visit to Myanmar Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signed a total of 11 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) such as maritime security cooperation, press relations with Myanmar.

The Foreign Secretary informed about the agreed Indian assistance to developmental activities in the crisis hit Rakhine State. "We discussed committing Indian assistance to Rakhine state development program, modalities in that regard have to be worked out," said Jaishankar while briefing the media.

Besides, modalities of Imphal- Mandalay bus service have been chalked out, furthering the bus service agreement that was made earlier. "We had earlier agreed on Imphal - Mandalay bus service, the modalities of these have finally been worked out," said the Foreign Secretary.

Prime Minister agreed that we would open two more Industrial Training Centers in the near future in Myanmar," he added.

The initiative of building a hospital in Nay Payi Taw has been introduced in Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. "We've now committed to building a hospital in Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar), that is a new commitment that has come out of this visit."

The two governments also signed agreements to cooperate in 'Medical Products Regulation' in the field of health and medicine. An MoU on enhancing the cooperation on upgradation of the women's police training centre at Yamethin in Myanmar has been agreed upon in an effort to boost internal security and law enforcement capabilities in the two neighbouring counteries.

Modi arrived in Myanmar on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS Summit.

OneIndia News
India has become center point to world's desires, says PM Modi

PM Modi to have 20 engagements during 45-hr stay in Indonesia's Bali

Indian-origin US citizen arrested for posing as PM's principal secretary

India

oi-PTI

Gurgaon, September 6: A man who posed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's principal secretary before the divisional commissioner of Gurgaon, was arrested by Delhi police on Tuesday.

He is identified as Atul Kalsi, US citizen of Indian-origin, came to Divisional Commissioner D Suresh's camp office in civil lines area.

"During the conversation with the divisional commissioner, his activities appeared to be suspicious. The official cross-checked with the PMO about his credentials and it appeared to be false.

Subsequently, he was apprehended by security staff," Gurgaon Police's public relations officer Ravider Kumar said. The accused is an American citizen of Indian origin.

He also has a Gurgaon voter ID card which is being investigated. Kalsi was produced before Gurgaon civil court which sent him to 14 days in judicial custody.

The PMO was apprised of the incident, said D Suresh, the divisional commissioner, told PTI.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 10:03 [IST]
Ganesh Visarjan 2017: 15 killed during immersion of Ganesh idols in Maharashtra

India

pti-PTI

The Ganesh idol immersion processions in Maharashtra were marred by the death of at least fifteen people across Maharashtra, as thousands of devotees bid adieu to the elephant-headed God in various corners of the state. Till last night, 11 deaths were reported across the state. The figure rose to 15, officials at the state police headquarters here said.

Three persons drowned during Ganesh idol immersion in the Shivnai lake near Bidkin in Aurangabad district, while four people lost their lives in Pune, two in Jalgaon and one each in Nashik and Beed districts. According to police, four more deaths were reported - one each in Nashik, Ahmednagar, Satara and Parbhani.

However, the exact detail of the deaths is not yet known. The famous Lalbaughcha Raja idol was immersed in the Arabian Sea off Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai this morning after a 22-hour long procession.

The Dagduseth Halwai Ganesh idol in Pune was immersed after a 20-hour long procession. The immersion processions of Ganesh idols had begun amidst much fanfare and tight security, marking culmination of the Ganesh festival that began on August 25.

Around 7,000 sarvajanik (public) idols and over 33,000 gharguti (home) idols were immersed here till 7 am today at various spots, which included beaches, natural and artificial ponds, an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told PTI. Many idols were immersed in artificial ponds, set up by the BMC to prevent pollution of natural water bodies.

Chanting Ganpati Bappa Moraya, pudhchya varshi lavkar yaa (Lord, come back quickly next year), devotees from all walks of life and age groups flooded the streets. The lengthy processions could not dampen the spirit of the devotees who were seen singing and dancing on the streets.

The prime locations for the idol immersion in Mumbai were Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar Chowpatty, Madh jetty and Marve. The authorities had also deployed helicopters and drones for surveillance.

Lifeguards were deployed at various water bodies, while control cells and first-aid centres were set up across the city. Motor boats and ambulances were also kept ready for any exigency.

The civic body had also set up portable toilets.

As many as 9,000 BMC employees oversaw the immersion proceedings. The BMC had appealed devotees to inform the civic authorities if they needed any assistance or if they were stung by jelly fish or sting ray along the beaches.

People thronged in large numbers to bid farewell to the idols of the elephant-headed God. Among the most popular locations, the Ganesh Galli Mandal and Lalbaughcha Raja attracted lakhs of devotees during the Ganesh festival.

PTI
India's GDP to rise 9.2% in FY 2021-22 as against 7.3% contraction in previous fiscal: First advance estimates

Morgan Stanley predicts that India's GDP growth will pick up as GST impact fades

India

pti-PTI

New Delhi, Sep 6: A Morgan Stanley report has said that economic activity in India lost some pace amid GST related disruptions but underlying growth momentum remains strong. It predicted that India may clock 6.7 per cent growth this fiscal.

India's economic growth slipped to a three-year low of 5.7 per cent in April-June, underscoring the disruptions caused by uncertainty related to the GST rollout amid slowdown in manufacturing activities.

Commenting on the GDP numbers, Morgan Stanley said, "We are inclined not to read this as a sign of general slowdown in aggregate demand".

"Indeed, we remain sceptical that the GDP statistics are fully reflecting the underlying growth trends in the economy," Morgan Stanley said in a research note.

It further said that a number of high-frequency growth indicators are indicating that end demand is holding up well and is running counter to the slowdown exhibited in the national accounts. However, on account of the weak GDP print in June 2017 quarter, Morgan Stanley has made some mark-to-market adjustments to its full year GDP growth estimates.

"We believe that June 2017 likely marked the trough in growth in this cycle and we expect GDP growth to accelerate by almost 200 bps to 7.5 per cent year-on-year in March 2018 quarter," it said.

On a calendar year basis, Morgan Stanley now project growth of 6.4 per cent and 7.4 per cent in 2017 and 2018, respectively, as against 7.6 per cent and 8.0 per cent previously. The revised new financial 2018 and fiscal 2019 growth estimates are at 6.7 per cent and 7.5 per cent, respectively. According to Morgan Stanley, currency replacement programme and GST had led to a deceleration in growth momentum.

"However, considering that these events are already in the rear view mirror, we expect the underlying economic growth momentum to reassert themselves, leading to a re-acceleration in growth," it said.

"In our view, India is moving on to the next phase of the business cycle of productive growth  a phase marked by further improvement in growth while macro stability remains in check. This will also set the stage for a sustained growth cycle," it added.

PTI
Murder of Gauri Lankesh: A black day for Indian journalism

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

Bengaluru, Sep 6: In her life, Gauri Lankesh always spoke about what we are usually scared to talk about. A staunch secular and supporter of causes of minorities and women, the 55-year-old slain journalist and activist from India's IT hub Bengaluru was one of the rarest journalists who always spoke truth to the power.

For her admirers, Lankesh, the editor of Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike, was a bold voice for the voiceless. While her supporters adored her, her critics did not limit themselves from just examining her opinions, but perhaps were scared of her upright and bold views that they had initiated several smear campaigns against her. In fact, because of her opposition to communalism, she was convicted in a criminal defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.

On Tuesday evening, the brutal murder of Lankesh by unidentified miscreants at the entrance of her house in Bengaluru, Karnataka, left everyone shocked and evoked strong condemnation from across the country. Some reports said she was shot three times, others claimed four bullets were pumped into her, one on the forehead.

Recommended Video

Gauri Lankesh murder : Friends remembered her as an brave

Lankesh's colleagues from the journalism fraternity termed her assassination an attempt to silence the voices of dissent. Bengaluru-based senior editor and writer, Krishna Prasad, changed the profile and banner image of his Twitter account to black and his Twitter name to Gauri as a mark of tribute to the slain journalist.

Prasad, who runs the popular blog, Churmuri, wrote, "Tonight is the night every decent Indian should worry deeply about the kind of India we are welcoming, by applauding hatred and bigotry."

Tonight is the night every decent Indian should worry deeply about the kind of India we are welcoming, by applauding hatred and bigotry.  gauri (@churumuri) September 5, 2017

The black Twitter image of Prasad is symbolic of the state of Indian journalism and democracy as a whole. Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani said Lankesh's murder marked "a black day for Indian democracy."

In a series of tweets, Mevani said the killing had established that this country has become "unbearable."

Gauri Lankesh, a journalist is killed by hindutva forces at her place today evening : black day for Indian democracy  Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) September 5, 2017

Brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh has once again established that his country has become unbearable. I m disturbed like hell.  Jignesh Mevani (@jigneshmevani80) September 5, 2017

Although we still don't know the real motive behind Lankesh's killing, her murder has been suspected to be the result of her professional work in the field of journalism. India is considered to be an unsafe country for journalists, especially those who are into investigative journalism like Lankesh was.

In May, this year, non-profit media watchdog, The Hoot, released a report looking at India's press freedom. The report stated that between January 2016 and April 2017, there had been 54 reported attacks on journalists, three instances of television news channels being banned, 45 internet shutdowns, and 45 sedition cases against individuals and groups.

The report added that seven journalists had been killed in that period, with at least one of the deaths clearly attributable to the journalists' work.

"Journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals," said Reporters Without Borders in its 2017 World Press Freedom ranking.

The report put India at 136 in a list of 192, based on measuring the amount of freedom journalists in the country have.

The report stated that journalists in India are facing threats from Hindu nationalists.

"With Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of 'anti-national' thought from the national debate, self-censorship is growing in the mainstream media," the report says.

If all these reports bring to light the risky nature of the profession of journalism in India, the brutal murder of Lankesh indicates that those who dare to speak the truth have to pay a heavy price.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 12:30 [IST]
India's stand on Rohingyas gracious so far but housing them would be risky

Rohingya Muslims are illegal immigrants, need to be deported: Rijiju

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju has made it clear once again that Rohingya Muslims are illegal immigrants and need to be deported as per the law. The statements comes in the wake of the Supreme Court hearing a petition by two Rohingya Muslims who sought a directive to the government not to deport them. He also said that the Centre had asked states to get the data and begin the deportation process.

The minister made it clear that he was not going to speak about the legal aspect. I am only responding to the harsh criticism on the issue by human rights groups.

"I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingya are registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or not. They are illegal immigrants in India and as per law they stand to be deported," he said.

Who are the Rohingya Muslims and why are they are a threat to India

Meanwhile, human rights organisation Amnesty International said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should "use his visit to urge the Myanmarese authorities to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to the affected areas". "As a historic friend of Myanmar, India can play an important role in defusing tensions and saving civilian lives.

Prime Minister Modi must urge the Myanmar authorities to address the long-standing and systematic discrimination against Rohingya and other Muslims in Rakhine State, which has left people trapped in a cycle of violence and deprivation," Aakar Patel, executive director of Amnesty International India, said.

OneIndia News
RSS, elections and bureaucrats rule the roost in what PM Modi decides

India

oi-Prabhpreet

By Prabhpreet

The third, and what is widely being considered the last, reshuffle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government's Council of Ministers is finally over, bringing to end weeks of speculation over possible new faces, promotions, changes in portfolios, and exits.

And the results of such an exercise, given their similarity to other political decisions taken by the Prime Minister so far, and with only around 18 months to go till the next Lok Sabha elections, provide a clear view into the rationale behind them.

While it is clear that Modi, along with his trusted lieutenant, Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah, are the ones who take the final call and usually take decisions that ensure they have complete control over those working with them. The role of BJP's parent body, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the lure of winning elections, and Modi's fondness and trust in bureaucrats, both former and current, is hard to miss in not only the latest rejig but also in most major decisions since coming to power in 2014.

The role of politics playing a part in choices Modi makes related to his government has been pointed out by many an objective political observer. Yet it's these three factors in particular that seem to be more important and consistently present in most of them, though in varying degrees each time.

The odd Modi-RSS couple

The presence of the first of these is also the only one where the party and the otherwise all-powerful Modi-Shah duo have the least choice over. Though both BJP and RSS try and downplay the say Sangh has, choices such as making Ram Nath Kovind the President of India, or appointments of Manohar Lal Khattar, Yogi Adityanath as Chief Ministers and numerous other ministers at state and national level reveal otherwise.

But even if such a relationship might give the feel of one's wish being the other's command that is not necessarily true at all times. Instead, a more accurate view would be that of the final decision depending on whether the leaders from Gujarat just accept RSS's demands or want to counter them. In either case, the role of the 'cultural organization' being a major factor in the final call taken by Modi is clear.

The latest additions to the government are no different as can be seen by appointment of Ananthkumar Hegde, a staunch follower of the RSS, as minister of state for finance, along with Uma Bharti retaining her standing as minister contrary to original plans, following RSS intervention. While the addition of three Brahmin faces would no doubt please the Sangh even if one of them, S P Shukla, considered a rival to Adityanath, was quite clearly selected by Modi to undercut the chief minister.

On the other hand the much hailed promotion of Nirmala Sitharaman as Defense Minister, helps ensure that Modi is able to keep RSS out from having a major presence in the all powerful Cabinet Committee on Security, helping Modi and Shah keep a tight control over crucial matters which an appointment of someone like BJP general secretary Ram Madhav or someone similar with strong association with the RSS would not have.

Such a relationship with, and dependence on, RSS, though almost a necessity for Modi, does open him to criticism similar to that he had levied against his predecessor Manmohan Singh, of playing second fiddle to Congress president Sonia Gandhi. The meetings Shah holds with RSS leadership before all major decisions only make it more blatant.

Elections are the endgame

Although RSS's support to win elections both at the state and national level helps the BJP, the fact that at present even the Sangh does not have a meaningful presence throughout the length and breadth of the country is a reality. This leads to the need to tilt the electoral arithmetic in its favor before state, and now also Lok Sabha, elections by political decisions such as tinkering of the constituents of the government.

The latest changes also provide plenty of examples of this, like the appointment of faces from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where the party is trying to maintain the astronomical gains it has made since 2014 for 2019. In addition, the importance of states where the BJP is trying to increase its presence before upcoming elections can also not be downplayed.

As is clear by the addition of former bureaucrat, Alphons Kannanthanam, who has close association with the Church in the state of Kerala, where the saffron party is trying to get a foothold, or the promotion of Dharmendra Pradhan, the most prominent and popular leader of the BJP in Odisha, or Hegde's rise due to his stature in Karnataka, where elections are due next year, despite having cases of beating up a doctor and hate speech against him.

These along with the promotion of Sitharaman, as first full-time woman Defense Minister, will also go far in contributing to the narrative of Modi as a champion of women empowerment. A tag that has already seen a boost with the verdict of a ban on instant triple Talaq, for which the government's and his party's machinery have tried their hardest, and quite successfully too, to hail him for. In the hope that it will help make gains among the women electorate of the country.

Though ideally, such a relationship between party needs and government decisions should not exist, the reality of Indian democracy since independence leaves little room for anything else. Especially since the loss of the theoretical understanding that winning elections was necessary to form a government rather than the other way around.

Bureaucracy rules the roost

The other group that seems to have gained from the latest exercise is that of the 'steel frame of India,' the bureaucracy, with the addition of former home secretary R K Singh, former Mumbai police commissioner Satya Pal Singh, former DDA Commissioner Alphons and retired diplomat Hardeep Puri.

And this also brings out the unique and probably the most voluntary aspect of Modi's governance model, that is, his dependence, liking, and use of bureaucrats. A model he first implemented in Gujarat as Chief Minister for more than 12 years and has continued to use since taking over as Prime Minister.

This is best described by reports of him almost sidelining ministers and dealing directly with officials in charge of various departments or from the hold over strategic affairs such as internal security, foreign relations, among others, enjoyed by former bureaucrats such as now National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary, S Jaishankar, among others. This also helps put the selection of various ministers, especially, Sitharaman in perspective.

Even if some might point to such an approach having certain flaws as politicising of bureaucracy, or no bench strength of capable MP's in the party, the Prime Minister has not only stayed true to his beliefs but also opened a window for lateral entry of experts from various fields into government, something he has often talked about.

These apart, the perception of good work being rewarded is an obvious reaction with ministers such as Goyal, Sitharaman, and Pradhan who have carried the reputation of not only performing well but also toeing the line given out by the Prime Minister's Office. But the reality of performance as the main criteria is betrayed, as a true adherence to it would have seen the exit of many, from the coveted positions from the Council of Ministers. It could have also led to a sense of failure on the leadership's part as it had chosen such ministers in the first place and would go against the image of a government delivering on its promises.

So all set and done, while the various narratives in the media might point to different reasons for, and outcomes of, the changes made on Sunday, that they were in line with those taken by the Prime Minister since coming front and center of Indian politics can hardly be denied.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 6:21 [IST]
While the winds and rains of Hurricane Harvey hit nearly 1,000 miles away, the impact also is being felt on the Midland University campus.

Merritt Nelson, vice president for student affairs, said 29 Midland students are from Texas, and five of those have families in the Houston area, which was severely impacted by the flooding that followed the hurricanes initial winds. Nelson reported all of the families are safe.

Another seven students have families in the San Antonio area, which experienced some heavy rain and wind.

We are keeping these students and their families in our prayers. We ask others to do so as well, Nelson said. Being away from family in times of crisis can be extremely difficult. We have services available to help these students through these trying times.

Midlands students also are stepping up to help all those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.

During the Warrior Volleyball game on Wednesday, fans will have the opportunity to donate to the Salvation Armys relief efforts. Those attending the 7:30 p.m. game against Concordia University may donate personal hygiene items, baby items such as wipes and diapers, and basic first aid supplies. Pak Mail will make a donation toward the cost of shipping the items to the Salvation Army in Houston.

Midlands Campus Ministries will hold Hot Cakes 4 Houston from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church. Donations  $5 is suggested  will be collected. All proceeds will go to Samaritans Purse.

Fresh Ideas, the campus food service provider, is donating pancake mix and other area businesses are also making donations to the meal. The pancake breakfast also is a Thrivent Action Team event.
Search for key dera functionaries Honeypreet, Aditya continues

India

pti-PTI

Chandigarh, Sep 6: Two key followers of jailed cult leader Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh continued to evade the police, which today said it was conducting raids in Mumbai and areas near Nepal in search of the fugitives.

The Haryana police said it was in touch with forces in other states and was hopeful the two Dera Sacha Sauda functionaries, Honeypreet Insan and Aditya Insan, would soon be arrested. "We are hopeful of nabbing them soon," Haryana Director General of Police B S Sandhu said.

The police had sent a team to Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh bordering Nepal in search of Honeypreet, a confidante of the self-styled godman serving a 20-year-old jail term for two rape cases. It suspected that she may have left for Nepal through the porous India-Nepal border.

Haryana Police on September 1 had issued a lookout notice for the two, fearing that they could leave the country. "We are conducting raids at various places and our teams have gone to different areas including Mumbai and the Nepal side. We are also in touch with the local police of other states," Sandhu said.

The DGP said the Dera Sacha Sauda had also appealed to the two to cooperate with the police. Sirsa-headquartered Dera chairperson Vipassana Insan had earlier said Honeypreet and Dera spokesperson Aditya Insan should help the investigations. She had also claimed the Dera had no contact with them. To a query on the whereabouts of the two, the DGP said the police was working on some leads. "We are making efforts to nab them. We have some leads," he said.

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The police initiated efforts to trace Honeypreet, the adopted daughter of Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who describes herself as "Papa's angel", after it arrested and questioned another sect functionary, Surinder Dhiman Insan, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to help Ram Rahim escape after his conviction by a special CBI court in Panchkula on August 25.

"We will also question both (Honeypreet and Aditya) after arresting them in order to verify what Surinder Dhiman Insan has told the police and find out what actually happened in the whole matter," the DGP said. An FIR was earlier lodged in the Panchkula police station following a statement by a newspaper reporter against Aditya and Surinder Dhiman.

The duo have been booked for sedition. Police had also said they needed to question Honeypreet on the basis of certain other disclosures made by Surinder, which turned the spotlight on her role in the chain of events connected to the issue.

Violence broke out at Panchkula after Ram Rahim's conviction, leaving 35 dead, while six others were killed in violent incidents in Sirsa. Honeypreet, said to be in her mid 30s, is considered among Ram Rahim's possible successors as the head of the sect. However, Vipassana had earlier said there was no move to immediately name a successor.

The 50-year-old Dera chief, who is lodged in the Sunaria Jail in Rohtak, had been sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment by the CBI court for the 2002 rapes of two of his disciples. Earlier, five Haryana policemen, who were part of Ram Rahim's security when he travelled from Sirsa to the CBI court on August 25, were charged with sedition and dismissed from service over the alleged conspiracy to help him escape.

Honeypreet had accompanied Ram Rahim when he was brought to the special court for the pronouncement of the verdict in the 15-year-old rape cases. She also travelled with him in a chopper which ferried them to Rohtak from Panchkula after the conviction. Honeypreet acted in the film 'MSG 2 - The Messenger' and had a cameo role in 'MSG - The Warrior Lion Heart', in which the Dera chief played the lead roles.

PTI
State funeral for journalist Gauri Lankesh

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Bengaluru to pay their respects to senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead by three unidentified assailants outside her residence on Tuesday.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, Congress leader and member of Parliament M Veerappa Moily and other state leaders paid their last respects to Lankesh at Chamrajpet. The CM has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT)to be formed to conduct a probe into the murder.

She was laid to rest with full state honours amid chants of "Gauri Lankesh Amar Rahe (Long live Gauri Lankesh)" as her body was lowered into the grave.

Meanwhile, Police have pinned their hopes on the CCTV footage to get some clues about the identity of the killers.

When asked about the evidence gathered so far, Siddaramaiah said there were four CCTV cameras installed at Gauri's house, and one of them had caught the image of a person wearing a helmet entering the gate and firing at her after which she collapsed two to three feet away.

Members of the Kannada film fraternity, activists, members of the general public were seen at the venue paying their homage to the noted journalist, while friends and family members bid her a tearful farewell.

Earlier in the day, prominent journalists had congregated at the Press Club of India(PCI) in the national capital to demanded justice for Lankesh and raised the call for standing up to "forces" trying to "muzzle" the voices of dissent.

OneIndia News
IITs and other institutions should close courses if there are few takers

JEE Advanced for admission to IITs to be held on August 23

THE World University Rankings 2018: India's IITs, IISc slip further on list

India

oi-Madhuri

Indian Universities have never figured on top for the best rankings under 100 in its history. According to the latest ranking released on Tuesday by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2018 shows two UK institutions have lead on top with Oxford holding on to the number one spot for the second year in a row, while Cambridge has risen to second place.

Meanwhile, here is some bad news for India, as the country's flagship university, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), which was in the 201-250 band last year, has slipped into the 251-300 band.

IIT Delhi also slipped to 500-600 band from its previous year while IIT Kanpur also falls from 401-500 to 501-600.

According to Phil Baty who is the editorial director of Global Rankings at Times Higher Education, said,''It is disappointing that India has declined in THE World University Rankings 2018 amid increasing global competition".

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 11:10 [IST]
Triple Talaq or illicit relationship: Doubts persist after man returns to wife

India

oi-Madhuri

Even after the Supreme Court declared that the instant triple talaq is unconstitutional, it will take a while for the society to shun the practice since this has existed for a decade now.

A 23-year-old woman from Juhapura in Ahmedabad was pronounced instant triple talaq by her husband in a fit of rage after she failed to get him a matchbox. However, the woman came back to her husband hours later after he apologised to her realising the mistake. But the woman's neighbours started saying that the woman is living in illicit relationship.

The couple has been married and has a six-year-old son. According to Haadiya (name change), she was shocked to hear when her husband uttered those words to her. Haadiya said,'' When Sadiq (name change) and wanted to smoke late night, he asked her for a match box since she was sleeping she told him to find it. When Sadiq didn't find the match box he began to hit her and pronounced triple talaq.

But this didn't end here, what happened next was even worse. The neighbours who woke up after hearing the noise came out said that since Haadiya has been divorced she has to get back to her parents. They removed bangles and even nose ring and asked to sit in 'iddat' (customary mourning period where women who are divorced are kept in isolation for a certain period of time) for which she refused.

After hearing about what transpired between the couple, Nooraj Dewan, a women's rights activist went to their home and made them understand. After which Sadiq asked her to forgive her. Haadiya agreed and started living with her husband. But the couple fear that this may affect the child in coming days.

The real fight for Haadiya is not with her husband but with the neighbours who think that the instant triple talaq is still valid for them.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 16:22 [IST]
War with China, Pakistan at the same time cannot be ruled out: Army chief

India

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

In a shocking statement Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said a two-front war - where India has to fight Pakistan and China at the same time -cannot be ruled out.

His remarks come just a day after Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Xinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Xiamen in China.

"It is a "myth" to assume that "democracies or nuclear armed" neighbours don't go to war. As far as the northern adversary (China) is concerned, Salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner has started testing our limits of thresholdis something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations that could develop into conflicts," Rawat warned.

"Differences with Pakistan is irreconcilable," while China too will continue with its efforts to nibble away Indian territory through "salami slicing" and other measures.

The Army chief said, Pakistan could take "advantage" when India is engaged with China. "We have to be prepared for conflict on the northern and western borders."

General Rawat said believing there will no war - as some are akin to - affects the modernisation of forces. Such thinking affects budgetary allocation, he said and added that militaries don't only go to war, nations go to war for which we must prepare ourselves accordingly.

This isn't the first time the Army Chief has spoken about the possibility of a two-front war, but the timing of his remarks indicate how sensitive the Army remains to the situation with China.

OneIndia News
India's stand on Rohingyas gracious so far but housing them would be risky

Who are the Rohingya Muslims: Analysing the threat perception in India

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Rohingya Muslims are an ethnic Muslim group who have lived for centuries in Myanmar. They speak Rohingya a dialect that is distinct to others. They are not considered to be one of the country's 135 official ethnic groups and have been denied citizenship in Myanmar since 1982.

While many have sought refuge in India, the government said that it proposes to deport 40,000 Rohingya Muslims who are living illegally. The Centre has directed the state governments to identify Rohingya Muslims living illegally and deport them.

The Rohingyas are a minority ethnic Muslim group based in Buddhist-dominated country of Myanmar or Burma. They initially stayed in an independent kingdom of Arakan in the 8th century. This is today known as the Rakhine state of Myanmar.

In 1784, thousands of refugees fled to present day Bangladesh after the Burman King Bodawpaya conquered Arakan. In 1982, a new immigration law classified all migrants during British rule as illegal, even Rohingya.

This new law does not recognize Rohingya as part of Myanmar's 135 official ethnic groups and restricts them from studying, traveling, working, access health facilities and marriage. The Rohingya are seen as illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

Not long back the chief of the Lashkar-e-Tayiba, Hafiz Saeed had sympathised with the cause of the Rohingya Muslims. He urged everyone to come forward and support their cause. Intelligence Bureau officials have very often warned that the Rohingyas are vulnerable to recruitment by terror groups.

The investigations into the Bodhgaya blasts in Bihar found that the act was carried out to avenge the atrocities meted out to these persons. The IB has often warned that they need to be kept under watch. Several terror groups have made attempts to recruit Rohingya Muslims into their fold.

A mechanism is being chalked out to deport them under the Foreigners Act. According to India law, the 'refugees' here are mere foreigners that are living illegally which is the violation of the Foreigners Act and thus are subjected to prosecution and deportation.

The UN has registered most of them. In fact close to 16,500 Rohingya Muslims have been issued identity cards by the UNHRC to prevent them from being harassed or subject to arbitrary arrests. However that would not stand in the way of India deporting them. India is not a signatory to the accord on refugees.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 7:53 [IST]
Who is Gauri Lankesh

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Who is Gauri Lankesh. Gauri Lankesh a senior journalist was shot dead on September 5 at her residence in Bengaluru.

Born in the year 1962, she was a journalist turned activist from Bengaluru in Karnataka. She worked as an editor in Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly started by her father P. Lankesh, and ran her own weekly called Gauri Lankesh Patrike.

Gauri Lankesh was born in 1962 to the poet-journalist P. Lankesh, who established the weekly Kannada language tabloid Lankesh Patrike. She had two siblings, Kavitha and Indrajit.

Journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead in Bengaluru, protests across Karnataka

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She started her career with the The Times of India in Bangalore. Later, she moved to Delhi. Later she returned to Bangalore, where she worked as a correspondent for the Sunday magazine for nine years. At the time of her father's death in 2000, she was working for the Eenadu's Telugu television channel in Delhi.

She had spent 16 years as a journalist by this time. When here died, she and her brother Indrajit visited Mani, the publisher of Lankesh Patrike, and told him that they wanted to cease the publication. Mani convinced them against the idea. Gauri then became the editor of the Lankesh Patrike, while her brother Indrajit handled the publication's business affairs.

In 2001, differences developed between Gauri and Indrajit over the paper's ideology. These differences became public in February 2005, when a report about a Naxalite attack on policemen, approved by Gauri, was published in the magazine. On 13 February, Indrajit, withdrew the report, alleging that it favoured the Naxals. On 14 February, Indrajit filed a police complaint against Gauri, accusing her of stealing a computer, printer and scanner from the publication's office.

'Gauri never preached violence,' recalls family friend

Gauri filed a counter complaint, accusing Indrajit of threatening her with a revolver. On 15 February, Indrajit held a press conference, where he accused her of promoting Naxalism through the paper. Gauri held a separate press conference, where she denied the accusation, and stated that her brother was opposed to her social activism. Gauri subsequently started her own Kannada weekly called Gauri Lankesh Patrike.

Gauri had criticised the right-wing Hindutva politics. In 2003, she opposed the Sangh Parivar's alleged attempts to Hinduise the Sufi shrine Guru Dattatreya Baba Budan Dargah, located at Baba Budan giri.

In 2012, while participating in a protest demanding ban on communal groups in Mangalore, she stated that Hinduism was not a religon, but a "system of heirarchy in society", in which "women are treated as second class creatures". She endorsed minority religion tag for the Lingayat community and headed the Komu Souharda Vedike, a communal harmony platform for the oppressed communities. She was also of the view that the followers of philosopher Basavanna were not Hindus.

According to Wikepedia, in November 2014, the Congress-led Karnataka government appointed Gauri as a member of a committee aimed at convincing the Naxalites to give up violence and surrender. A delegation of BJP leaders accused her of being a Naxalite sympathiser, and demanded her removal from the committee. However, the chief minister Siddaramaiah rejected the demand.

On 23 January 2008, Gauri published an article titled Darodegilada BJP galu in her tabloid. The article criticised the BJP leaders Pralhad Joshi, Umesh , Shivanand Bhat and Venkatesh Mestry. The article claimed that the three BJP workers had cheated a jeweller of Rs 100,000.

It further alleged that the jeweller sought justice from the Member of Parliament Joshi, and threatened to approach police in case Joshi refused to help him. Gauri later claimed that the article was based on "sources within the BJP".

Joshi and Umesh filed separate defamation suits against Gauri.

In Umesh's case, she was a co-accused with Devanand Jagapur, the writer of the article.

Gauri alleged that she was being targeted for her left-leaning political views, as the BJP leaders did not sue other local dailies who had published the allegations.

Gauri moved the High Court, seeking dismissal of the case against her. However, in 2016, the High Court refused to dismiss the case, and asked the hearing to be continued in the lower court. The High Court granted a four-week stay on the case, and directed the lower court to complete the trial within six months.

In October 2016, the second Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Court at Hubli issued an arrest warrant for Gauri, after she failed to appear before the court and did not respond to the earlier warrants. The police detained her and produced her before the court on 1 October 2016. She was released on bail after furnishing a personal bond of 25,000.

On 27 November 2016, the second JMFC court concluded that she had failed to provide any substantial evidence for her criticism of the BJP leaders, and found her guilty of defamation.

On 5 September 2017, three unidentified men on motorbikes shot her to death at her house in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bangalore.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 7:15 [IST]
Why neighbours of Gauri Lankesh are leaving their homes after the brutal murder?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

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Bengaluru, Sep 6: Bengaluru will never be the same again after the brutal murder of firebrand editor and activist Gauri Lankesh who was shot dead by unidentified assailants on Tuesday evening.

Some reports said she was shot three times, others claimed four bullets were pumped into her, one on the forehead. Otherwise known to be a peaceful city, the horrific incident has shocked and pained everyone in Bengaluru.

Since the news of her assassination came to light, protests broke out across Karnataka condemning the incident. The editor-activist was killed at the entrance of her home in the city's Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

It's her neighbours who told the police that they heard gunshots being fired at around 8pm in the evening because of which they came out of their homes to check out what went wrong. To their utter shock, they found Lankesh's body lying in a pool of blood at the entrance of her home.

However, now reports say that a lot of the residents of the locality have left their homes for the fear of being questioned by the police. The police so far have quizzed five neighbours to get clues about the murder.

But many residents in the area did not want to get involved in the investigation and therefore they locked their houses and left Rajarajeshwari Nagar late on Tuesday night, a resident told reporters.

"It's a high-profile murder case. Nobody here wants to get involved with police and law. If anyone becomes a witness in the case, there is no guarantee that he/she won't be harassed by the killers. It is sad that she was murdered and culprits must be punished. But her neighbours don't want to get entangled in the case," said another resident of Rajarajeshwari Nagar.

A police official added that it was a natural reaction to the case. "But we want cooperation from the neighbours to solve the murder mystery and give justice to Lankesh. We want to tell the neighbours that nobody would be harassed by the police. If they want protection, we will give them adequate security," added the police official.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up across the city. Police nakabandis have been set up across the city looking for the suspects. Police personnel are said to be diligently checking all vehicles in Rajarajeshwari Nagar and nearby areas.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 13:57 [IST]
Will India be able to recover from worst floods it has witnessed in a decade this year?

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

New Delhi, Sep 6: The stories of floods never make it to the headlines. Probably, they are too "common" and deaths of hundreds across the country due to floods are too "mundane" to "shock" us.

Only, when heavy rains drowns a big city like Mumbai, then only when the national media awakes from its slumber and report for a while about floods and waterlogging.

However, the reality is that floods have left many states paralysed. This year, since June, floods have created havoc--killing thousands, destroying thousands of acres of croplands and turning millions homeless across the country.

From Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan, the plight of flood-affected people across India is eerily similar. Now, as flood situation in several states is stated to have improved, the country faces the mammoth task of rehabilitation of millions of people affected by swirling waters.

As per reports, this year, floods have killed more than a 1,000 people. Activists and officials working in flood-hit areas fear that the death toll could be much higher. More than 3.4 crore people across 280 districts have been affected by floods, this year.

Officials figure also indicate that over 3 lakh hectares of crops, mainly paddy, have been destroyed. Over 8 lakh homes, mostly mud-built units have been damaged or destroyed. An estimated 16,000 schools too have suffered damage.

The reason behind so much deaths and damage is because this year's monsoon floods were the worst since 2007.

Health workers on ground say that the immediate issue is to prevent the spread of diseases. "With floods come various water-borne diseases. Most of the flood-affected people are poor residing in rural areas. They have no access to health facilities. That makes the situation more frightening. Every year, more people die because of spread of diseases after floods, then during floods," said a health activist from Assam, where floods since June had killed at least 160 people.

Some of the common diseases that strike flood-hit people are typhoid, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A, malaria, dengue and yellow fever, to name a few. The health activist added that every year floods visit Assam and every year the government agencies fail to help the affected people.

"This is true for other flood-hit states too. India simply doesn't have proper policies and measures to deal with floods. Devastation associated with floods could have been reduced if we have had proper warning system and rescue and rehabilitation measures," rued an official from Bihar engaged in rescuing flood-hit people. At least 514 people have died in Bihar floods.

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 7:48 [IST]
At UNSC, US calls on world to tell Russia to stop its nuclear threats

2017 politico 50: Steve Bannon, 5 Indian-Americans in the list

International

oi-PTI

Washington, September 6: For their note-worthy contributions in the US politics five Indian-Americans, including four women, have figured in the 2017 Politico 50 list.

Led by US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, the list also comprises Seema Verma who heads a top health care position in the Trump administration, lawyer Neal Katyal, economist Aparna Mathur and lawyer Neomi Rao.

Describing Haley as "Trump's foreign policy good cop", the magazine said yesterday that the former South Carolina governor had quickly emerged as the security blanket that Republicans and even some Democrats can cling to when trying to grasp where the Trump administration stands on global affairs. She is ranked at number 22.

"Haley's commitment to both her boss in the White House and a traditional foreign policy can sometimes induce cognitive dissonance. She is focused on human rights, sounding off on everything from Venezuela to South Sudan, but dismisses suggestions that Trump  who seems indifferent to the topic doesn't care," the magazine said in its report.

Haley, 45, is followed by Verma at 26th spot as Administrator, center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. She has been described as Medicaid rollback engineer.

"Now Verma leads a 6,500-person federal bureaucracy that oversees not just Obamacare but Medicare for seniors and Medicaid for the poor. She has promised more flexibility for states to experiment with new Medicaid approaches that would let them skirt federal requirements, and signalled a willingness to green-light policy ideas she helped shepherd in Indiana," the report said.

Under Verma's oversight, Medicaid could look quite different, whether or not Obamacare remains the law of the land, it said.

Aparna Mathur, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, is ranked 32 for making the conservative case for family leave. Neal Katyal, partner at Hogan Lovells is ranked 40 for being US President Donald Trump's travel ban's legal nemesis.

"Katyal, the 47-year-old Chicago-born son of Indian immigrants, has drawn particular attention for arguing that Trump's order runs afoul of immigration laws on the books that determine whom the president can exclude from the country and how visas are issued," the report said.

"That approach gives judges a chance to block the ban without wading into the politically explosive question of Trump's motivation and whether the president aimed to discriminate on the basis of religion," it said.

Neomi Rao, director office of Information and regulatory affairs has been described as Washington's new regulatory czar. She has been ranked at 42nd position.

"As head of OIRA, Rao will scrutinise all significant regulations the Trump administration proposes, ensuring that agencies stick to the White House's agenda. She is also responsible for implementing Trump's executive orders directing agencies to repeal two regulations for each significant one they issue, and to draw up plans for regulatory reform," the report said.

Steve Bannon, the former White House Chief Strategist topped the list and Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, ranked last.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 13:52 [IST]
The next meeting of the Fremont Area Association of Retired School Personnel will be Wednesday, Sept. 13, at First Congregational Church at 1550 N. Broad St. A noon meal will be served for $7.

The program will be presented by Linda Menking from Roots to Wings. Members are asked to bring school supplies to be delivered to the Low Income Ministry.

All retired school personnel are invited. Reservations must be made before Friday by calling Sue at 402-721-7590.
Biden vows to 'rebuild it all' in Puerto Rico after Fiona

International news brief: 28 dead as hurricane Julia drenches Central America with rainfall and more

Category 5 storm Irma makes landfall on Barbuda island in Caribbean

International

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Category 5 storm Irma made landfall on Wednesday on the island of Barbuda in the Caribbean. Such was the ferocity of the storm that wind speeds upto 295 km per hour were measured.

The storm is headed northwest toward the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, with potential for coastal storm surges of up to six meters above normal tide levels, a PTI report said.

The experts have warned that the Hurricane Irma could dump up to 25cm of rain, cause landslides and flash floods and generate waves of up to 7m.

US president Donald Trump has declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

On Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center said the Hurricane Irma was "potentially catastrophic" with the life-threatening wind, storm surge and rainfall hazards.

[As Hurricane Irma advances, Trump declares emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico]

Earlier this week, officials across the northeastern Caribbean cancelled airline flights, shut down schools and urged people to remain indoors as the hurricane approached.States of emergency were declared in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and all of Florida while people on various Caribbean islands boarded up homes and rushed to find last- minute supplies, forming long lines outside supermarkets and gas stations.

OneIndia News with PTI inputs

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Story first published: Wednesday, September 6, 2017, 13:43 [IST]
India concerned about violence in Rakhine state, says PM Modi

International

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

India shared Myanmar's concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces, said Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday in Yangon.

In a joint statement following the exchange of agreements between India and Myanmar, PM Modi, said, "We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state and violence against security forces and how innocent lives have been affected."

''We hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected. At the same time we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all," said PM Modi.

Also, in a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with the neighbour, Modi announced gratis visas to citizens of Myanmar who wish to visit India.

''40 Myanmarese citizens who are in Indian jails will be released, said PM Modi.

Earlier, PM Modi and State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi witnessed the exchange of agreements between India and Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi said, ''Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots in our country, on our soil or in neighboring countries."

Meanwhile, PM Modi appreciated Suu Kyi's leadership during the Myanmar peace process.

''Your (Aung San Suu Kyi) courageous leadership to the Myanmar peace process needs to be lauded,'' said PM Modi who on his first bilateral tour of Myanmar.

''I feel home with the hearty welcome reception by the Myanmar government. Being neigbours, we have similar security concerns. Important for us to work together," he added.

The Prime Minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

OneIndia News
The joy of our lives: Sushma Swaraj's husband warm birthday wishes for late leader

Remembering Sushma Swaraj on her death anniversary: Facts about Iron Lady of India

India-Russia friendship cannot be weakened, says Swaraj

International

oi-PTI

Vladivostok (Russia), September 6: The "rock solid" friendship between the two countries cannot be weakened by anyone, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday told her Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Swaraj met Lavrov on the sidelines of Eastern Economic Forum being held in Vladivostok. She said the ties between the two nations were solid like a rock, according to a tweet by the Indian embassy in Russia. Details of their discussion were not immediately available.

Earlier in the day, Swaraj attended the India-Russia Business Dialogue at the forum.

She said India was keen to expand its economic ties with Russia's resource-rich Far East and sought Russian government's assistance in facilitating Indian investors in the region.

The Indian government has made concerted efforts to attract technology, investments and best practices from around the world under the 'Make in India' and 'Start-up India' programmes, said Swaraj.

PTI
We are not reforming, but transforming India: PM Modi in Myanmar

International

oi-Deepika

By Deepika

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the Indian community at Yangon's Thuwanna Indoor Stadium which has a capacity to accommodate over 30,000 people. During his 40-minute long speech, Modi focussed on his vision of a 'New India' free of any kind of discrimination.

"We are not merely reforming India but are transforming India. A new India is being built. An India free from poverty, terrorism, corruption, communalism, casteism is being created," PM Modi said at the Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon.

PM Modi started his speech by saying that he was extremely happy to visit Yangon, which is famous for its history and spirituality. He further said that he makes it a point to interact with the Indian diaspora when he is travelling abroad adding that the community has contributed a lot to the development of wherever they have settled.

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Modi in Myanmar: Important highlights of PM's visit to the country | Oneindia News

He also recalled the history of India's freedom movement saying that this is the same land where Subhash Chandra Bose said his famous words - 'tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azaadi doonga'. While addressing an Indian community event at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, PM Modi also said that he was seeing a 'mini-India' in front of him.

The Prime Minister said the BJP-led NDA government has made crucial executive decisions like demonetization, introducing GST and the surgical strike on Pakistan without fear or hesitation.

"We have not shied away from taking decisions that are tough. For us, the nation is bigger than politics," he said.

PM Modi also commended the Indian community in Myanmar for contributing to their adoptive country's development while also keeping in touch with their roots. He assured them the Indian government has taken a number of measures for the diaspora.

He invoked about the 5Bs that is the key base of relations between India and Myanmar. "I read somewhere five Bs are the base of India-Myanmar relations - Buddhism, Business, Bollywood, Bharatnatyam and Burma teak," said the prime minister. However, he also mentioned that one more B, which is the most important, is missing here. "But, I think most important 'B' is missing here and that 'B' is Bharosa (Trust)," PM Modi added further.

On a lighter note, the Prime Minister recounted how he'd read somewhere that five Bs are the base of India-Myanmar relations, namely: Buddhism, Business, Bollywood, Bharatnatyam and Burma teak. He then observed, "the most important 'B' is missing here and that 'B' is 'Bharosa' (Trust)."

The Prime Minister, before his visit that began on Tuesday, had written a personalised e-mail to the Indian community in Myanmar. In the e-mail, the PM said it is "with great delight and enthusiasm" that he would begin his Myanmar visit.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

OneIndia News
Modi in Myanmar: PM meets Aung San Suu Kyi

International

pti-PTI

Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 6: On the second day of his first bilateral visit to Myanmar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi. The two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

"Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The Prime Minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state. He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

Some glimpses from the ceremonial welcome in Myanmar earlier today. pic.twitter.com/cgsT7IKkS0  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2017

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India. India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter- terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

[BRICS 2017: Xi Jinping calls for healthy and stable India-China relationship]

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit. The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year. Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

PTI
Nawaz Sharif to return from London to Pakistan this week

International

pti-PTI

Lahore, Sep 6: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to return to Pakistan on Friday after spending time with his wife, Kulsoom Nawaz, who is undergoing treatment for lymphoma in London.

Sharif was disqualified by the Supreme Court on July 28 in the Panama Papers case. His wife Kulsoom is contesting on Lahore's NA-120 seat that fell vacant in the wake of his disqualification. Last week, Sharif had gone to London to see his wife Begum Kulsoom who had a successful lymphoma (throat cancer) surgery there.

Sharif, 67, is likely to return to Pakistan from London on September 8, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) political secretary Senator Asif Karmani. "On his return, he will not only face cases against him in the accountability court but also launch second-phase of his public contact campaign from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province," Karmani told PTI.

The news of Sharif's return came amid rumours that he may not come back as he is facing corruption and money laundering cases. The country's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is going to file four cases against Sharif and his children.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is going to file four cases of corruption and money laundering against Nawaz Sharif, his children  Hasan, Husain and Maryam  son-in-law Capt (Retd) Safdar and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in an accountability court tomorrow. The cases are being filed in connection with the investigation of offshore properties of the Sharif family members.

The four cases will be related to the Avenfield Properties in London, Azizia Steel Mills, Hill Metal Company and the other companies of the Sharif family, a NAB spokesman said. Sharif will hold a rally in Abbotabad on September 10, to kick off the second phase of mass contact campaign and mobilise the people to support him, the PML-N said.

PTI
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Several University of Nebraska-Lincoln students and staff members protested the message of a student promoting an organization best known for taking aim at leftist propaganda in the classroom.

In turn, the student said those criticizing her and her message were pretty intimidating before she eventually left the space outside the Nebraska Union.

The incident has gained significant attention because of its perception as a First Amendment battle between conservatives and liberals on a college campus. Whats being lost by this widespread but incomplete view is that free speech isnt always pretty  but its a vital right shared by both sides.

In many regards, the level of speech protected by the Constitution can be a double-edged sword. People can say truly nasty, awful things without fear of punishment  and bystanders may not want to be subject to the message they hear.

Colleges and universities have been at the center of First Amendment controversies lately, with students protesting  sometimes, bordering on rioting  against speakers whose views they find repulsive. A common criticism is that many college students have chosen to pre-emptively wall themselves off from ideas with which they disagree, rather than see and engage different viewpoints.

The situation at UNL was different. The student, Kaitlyn Mullen, never applied for an event planning registration to speak in front of the Union, an area with heavy pedestrian traffic, as required by school policy. Accordingly, university officials said they confronted her to try moving her to the zone where such activities are confined to preserve free and safe movement near the building.

But then things went viral  and got out of control, as these political proxy battles often become  with allegations of discrimination by others being perpetuated by both sides.

Not everything is right vs. left, as much as its often, and inaccurately, framed to be.

Mullen has a right to stand outside the Union and spread Turning Points message as unfettered as she pleases, so long as she follows the universitys content-neutral rules on location. And while one may disagree with the words and gestures directed at her  inappropriate and incompatible with civil discourse  they remain protected speech until they cross the line into threats and incitement.

Though the tools to disseminate speech have evolved, the century-old words of Evelyn Beatrice Hall ring true today: I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

Free speech can be a thorny topic, with the First Amendment often invoked as a shield. This effects of this kerfuffle at UNL will no doubt linger, but we hope all parties have come away more informed about the First Amendment and its broad protections in such situations.
Mediaite 25 Oct 2022

President Joe Biden said he wont agree to cuts on programs such as Medicare and Social Security if Republicans demand they be..
United States Condom Market 2017 Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2022 United States Condom Industry



This report studies sales (consumption) of Condom in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, covering

DONLESS

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Durex

GOBON

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NOX

Okamoto

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Split by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided into

Fruit flavor

Thin

Ultra-thin models

Thick

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Man

Woman



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United States Condom Market Report 2016

1 Condom Overview

1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Condom

1.2 Classification of Condom

1.2.1 Fruit flavor

1.2.2 Thin

1.2.3 Ultra-thin models

1.2.4 Thick

1.3 Application of Condom

1.3.1 Man

1.3.2 Woman

1.3.3 Application 3

1.4 United States Market Size Sales (Value) and Revenue (Volume) of Condom (2011-2021)

1.4.1 United States Condom Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)

1.4.2 United States Condom Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)



2 United States Condom Competition by Manufacturers

2.1 United States Condom Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)

2.2 United States Condom Revenue and Share by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)

2.3 United States Condom Average Price by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)

2.4 Condom Market Competitive Situation and Trends

2.4.1 Condom Market Concentration Rate

2.4.2 Condom Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers

2.4.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion



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3 United States Condom Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (2011-2016)

3.1 United States Condom Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)

3.2 United States Condom Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)

3.3 United States Condom Price by Type (2011-2016)

3.4 United States Condom Sales Growth Rate by Type (2011-2016)



4 United States Condom Sales (Volume) by Application (2011-2016)

4.1 United States Condom Sales and Market Share by Application (2011-2016)

4.2 United States Condom Sales Growth Rate by Application (2011-2016)

4.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities



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Global Cardamom Oil Market Segmentation and Product Research 2017

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ReportsMonitor.com has added Global Cardamom Oil Market Professional Survey Report 2017 to its database of market research reports.This report studies Cardamom Oil 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.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringNelixiaGreen Fields Oil FactoryShiv Sales CorporationAromaaz InternationaIL Health & Beauty Natural OilsAksuvitalShaanxi Guanjie TechnologyNatures Natural IndiaPiping Rock Health ProductsGreenleaf ExtractionsRequest a Free Sample Report @By types, the market can be split intoMedical GradeFood GradeCosmetic GradeBy Application, the market can be split intoFood and BeveragesPharmaceuticalsPersonal Care and Home CareOthersView Entire Report @By Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaSome Points From Table Of Contents:1 Industry Overview of Cardamom Oil1.1 Definition and Specifications of Cardamom Oil1.1.1 Definition of Cardamom Oil1.1.2 Specifications of Cardamom Oil1.2 Classification of Cardamom Oil1.2.1 Medical Grade1.2.2 Food Grade1.2.3 Cosmetic Grade1.3 Applications of Cardamom Oil1.3.1 Food and Beverages1.3.2 Pharmaceuticals1.3.3 Personal Care and Home Care1.3.4 Others1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 IndiaReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) Market To Witness Growth Due To Increasing Security Technology In Wireless And Broadband Connectivity Till 2020 | Million Insights

Million Insights - World's Fastest Growing Market Research Database

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https://www.millioninsights.com/industry/technology

Industry Insights:The Global deep packet inspection market was valued at USD 741.7 million in 2013. Deep packet inspection is an advanced method that has applications in the Open System Interconnection (OSI) reference model. DPI is mainly used by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that scans the data packets, passing by the network to prevent the attack of viruses. This technology helps to enhance the quality of service (QoS) by estimating the transmitted data by application of the heavy bandwidth to the congestion of the network.Rising usage of mobile devices in connection with the growing demand for mobile broadband data is anticipated to drive the deep packet inspection market. Growing urbanization as well as increased in the purchasing power is predicted to trigger mobile devices usage over the forecasted period. Wireless data traffic along with the flat rate pricing and rising competition is anticipated to increase throughout the forecast period. Data packets inspection, anti-terrorism prevents against malicious viruses and other malware and is expected to drive the DPI industry throughout the forecast period.The government sector has various confidential data which needs to be enhanced security and leads to the increase in the use of inspection platform for a high level of censorship security and examination. It is analogous to Business support system (BSS) and Operating Support System (OSS) that helps to understand the user behavior.Increasing use of mobiles and growing number of users for wireless and broadband connectivity as well as increasing competition among the network operators are predicted to drive the DPI market growth. Lacking awareness regarding benefits in the improvement of service and rising security may restrain the industry growth. Furthermore, concerns about the credible privacy violation are anticipated to challenge the growth of the market over the next seven years. Increasing networks of mobile data along with the advancement in the applications of new data-intensive are anticipated to offer good opportunities throughout the forecast period.Full Research Report On Global Deep Packet Inspection Market Analysis available at:Product Insights:On the basis of products, the market is segmented into integrated and standalone. Integrated products may be combined with the access points in networks whereas Standalone products are used directly without configuration. The merger of performance level and the integration of critical features like fair use, video optimization, caching and traffic steering are some reasons that lead to the approval of standalone products. The combination of services and application along with the standalone products is anticipated to increase growth for these products.Mobile operators are using this technology for different applications of traffic management and broadening the technology so as to enable the tiered services, advanced pricing models, and value-added services. Merchants who provide the standalone services are Huawei, Qosmos, Cloudsheild, Arbor, Procera, Cisco and Sandvine. These operators have been using this technology into access network and to device level via enforcement agents which enables better service and network control on Smartphones, tablets and set-top boxes.Application Insights:DPI has various applications in Government, Internet Service Provider (ISP), Enterprises and Education sector. ISP is likely to remain the largest segment in the DPI market. ISP makes use of this service so as to protect their internal and public networks. Internet Service Providers can offer augmented lawful intercept, copyright enforcement, and policy definition targeted advertising, enforcement function and tiered services. They can gather information which is statistical and is related to a different pattern of users that is of advantage for network planning. It is used to protect the confidential data of the Government sectors.Request for Free Sample@:Regional Insights:Due to the increasing number of subscribers in the region, Asia Pacific DPI market is projected to remain the largest segment over the next six years. The growth in mobile computing, rise in the cases of cyber-crimes and the supportive government regulations are few reasons behind the rise in this region. It is broadly used in China, to censor and monitor the content across the network. For Instance, several high ranking websites have been blocked in China.This technology has various applications in security, Internet censorship, data mining, eavesdropping among others. Due to the improvement in technologies and with the increasing population in the Asia Pacific region such as India, China and Japan had led to an enormous rise in the subscribers.Competitive Insights:Major players are functioning towards establishing the useful techniques for the application of high bandwidth so as to secure and achieve DPI market share. For instance, Cisco Systems had developed the second version of enabled routers which is known as CISCO ISR GR router. Growing mobility is expected to contribute towards the profitability of industry players.Furthermore, increase in the demand of consumer for improved service and cyber security has put huge pressure on network providers. There has been growth in the number of industry players which leads to excessive competition. Besides, development of new data-intensive applications along with the requirement of high bandwidth has enforced the operators of a network for offering more varied solutions and services to the consumers. Some of the key participants are Arbor networks, Allot Communications, Procera Networks, Qosmos, Sandive Incorporated, Bivio Networks, Rackspace, Level3 Communications and Verizon Communications.Related Reports of this Category available at Million Insights:About Million InsightsMillion Insights, is a distributor of market research reports, published by premium publishers only. We have a comprehensive market place that will enable you to compare data points, before you make a purchase. Enabling informed buying is our motto and we strive hard to ensure that our clients get to browse through multiple samples, prior to an investment. Service flexibility & the fastest response time are two pillars, on which our business model is founded. Our market research report store, includes in-depth reports, from across various industry verticals, such as healthcare, technology, chemicals, food & beverages, consumer goods, material science & automotive.Contact Details:Office No. 302, 3rd Floor, Manikchand Galleria,Model Colony, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, MH, 411016 IndiaPhone: 91-20-65300184Email: sales@millioninsights.com
Flight Simulator Market Size Is Expected To Reach $5.62 Billion By 2024 | Million Insights

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"Rise in passenger air travel is anticipated to spur flight simulators demand"By 2024 the global flight simulator market is expected to reach $5.62 billion. Training programs that are critical mission based offer improved operation of aircraft, visual systems and helps in cutting down operational costs to offer experience of real world, act as major benefits of the system and are expected to open up newer market spaces over few years from now. The rightful importance that aircraft safety is experiencing is also one of the reasons for need of training to boost-up over 8 years.Flight handling and other processes such as skill adaptability and awareness of situation may also be the reason for the growth of the industry. Also the increase in demand for effective and improvised training of pilots may become decisive. Research and development along with technological improvements are on all-time high in this industry leading to far better simulation products. Improved products now come in packed with higher efficiency and greater ability to save fuel costs. Ever-modifying technology in this sector has resulted in the advancements of motion and visual systems for better smoothness which also is expected to drive the demand for simulators over the forecasted period.Higher initial investments related to manufacturing and also the maintenance costs are the factors that can hinder the growth of this industry. Negative impact can also be faced due to physical environment limitation and behavioral fidelity. However, in spite of all these factors, rising prices of pilot training costs, need to save the maintenance costs and ever-changing fuel costs will impact positively in growth. Recent developments in the field such as ECAM displays and aircraft logic which is realistic have significantly led to increase in usage of flight simulators.Full Research Report On Global Flight Simulator Market Analysis available at:"FFS expected to witness substantial growth over the next eight years"The two major segments of the industry are fixed flight training devices (FTDs) and full flight simulator (FFS) which accounts for 85% of the total revenue in 2015. High technical flight simulators that offer reliability and higher fidelity characterize the FFS. Accurate simulation is achieved by FFS in the environment that it works. Realistic training experience is created by FFS devices creating sound, motion and other visuals along with all other flight operations.FTDs have limited visual display. The sole purpose of these devices is to impart the knowledge of indicators and switches on the console. Low cost both for operations and purchasing is the only reason these devices find their way in the market."FFS expected to witness substantial growth over the next eight years"30% of the total revenue in 2015 came from the segment of application which comprises of military and defence which is also expected to rise over forecast period. Simulators are used in war-intensive training by the military and defence.Application in Civil aviation is expected to grow at CAGR of more than 4.0% over the 8 years due to increased adoption of flight simulators regular competency and training of the crew checking in order to retain the licenses of the crew.Request for Free Sample@:"Asia Pacific emerged as the fastest growing in 2015"25% of the total revenue in 2015 came from the region of North America and is also expected to rise due to significant growth caused by advancements in technology which has increased the adoption rate of the technology by the manufacturers. Also the strict regulations enforced by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which emphasize on use of simulators for training may boost the growth rate regionally.High growth over the forecast period is anticipated from the region of Asia Pacific due to ever increasing demands of the devices in the nations particularly such as India and China. Entry of Chinese manufacturers in 2015 may also add up to the growth rate. On the contrary, North America will face a slower growth over the period 2016-2024, due to changes in the air safety policies along with more strict standards by FAA in the US."CAE accounted for more than 40% of the global market"Lockheed Martin, CAE, Alenia Aeronautica, Boieng, Cassidian, HAVELSAN, Kratos Defense, HAVELSAN, L-3 Link Simulation and Training and Rockwell Collins are the major companies offering this product. Manufacturers prefer contracting the subcontractors and suppliers with prices and quantities and delivery timeframes for longer durations. Mergers and acquisitions are undertaken as a part of strategy by firms to make an impact with their presence.Key manufacturers focus on tying-up with technology providers so that the product they offer is improved and the time for transit to market is reduced. Efforts are also being made by the suppliers to continuously improve Aircraft Simulation Technology (AST) so that a better product is offered.Related Reports of this Category available at Million Insights:About Million InsightsMillion Insights, is a distributor of market research reports, published by premium publishers only. We have a comprehensive market place that will enable you to compare data points, before you make a purchase. Enabling informed buying is our motto and we strive hard to ensure that our clients get to browse through multiple samples, prior to an investment. Service flexibility & the fastest response time are two pillars, on which our business model is founded. Our market research report store, includes in-depth reports, from across various industry verticals, such as healthcare, technology, chemicals, food & beverages, consumer goods, material science & automotive.Contact Details:Office No. 302, 3rd Floor, Manikchand Galleria,Model Colony, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, MH, 411016 IndiaPhone: 91-20-65300184Email: sales@millioninsights.com
Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market  Global Forecast (2016-2021)

Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1427

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/commercial-aircraft-landing-gear-market-1427

Market Synopsis of Global Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market:The Global Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6% during 2016-2021. The key factors driving the growth are growing fleet size, aircraft orders, and demand for lightweight aircraft.As per the MRFR analysis, challenges associated with new technology, strict design constraints, long product development process are the key factors restraining the market growth.As per Boeing outlook 2016, around 8,330 aircraft will be delivered to Americas in the next 20 years. Whereas, APAC will register the deliveries of 15,130 aircraft. The demand for new aircraft, growing retirement and modernization of fleets will drive the aircraft landing gear market significantly in the forecast period.Request a Sample Copy @Key Players of Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market: Circor Aerospace Heroux-devtek, Liebherr Group messier-Bugatti-dowty UTC Aerospace Systems Honeywell Aerospace Megellan Aerospace Merrill Technologies Group SPP Canada Aircraft Triumph Group Whippany Actuation SystemStudy Objectives of Global Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyse the Global Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear 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 four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country-level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country-level analysis of the market for segment by aircraft type, aircraft model, landing gear type. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analysing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyse competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market.Regional and Country Analysis of Global Commercial Aircraft Landing Gear Market:As per the MRFR analysis, the APAC region will continue its dominance in the forecast period. Whereas, EMEA, and Americas will is expected to grow at CAGR of around 5.5% and 3% during the forecast period.Brief TOC:1. Introduction1.1 Report Description1.2 Research Objective2. Executive Summary2.1 Key Findings / Highlights2.1.1 Investment Opportunities2.1.2 Market Startegies2.1.3 Latest Developments3. Scope of the Study3.1 Markets Covered3.2 Years Considered For the Study (2016-2021)3.2 Geographic Scope3.3 Key Stakeholders4. Assumptions and Limitations5. Research Methodology5.1 Primary Research5.2 Secondary Research5.3 Econometric and Forecasting ModelContinueAccess Report Details @Target Audience: Aircraft Landing Gear OEMs Component Suppliers Aftermarket suppliers /MROs Research Institute / Education Institute Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerAbout 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 Components, Application, Technologies and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017

EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017

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The EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices 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 Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices industry development trends and marketing channels are 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 this report, the EMEA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery 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 (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery 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.EMEA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices sales volume (K Units), price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBecton, Dickinson and Company (BDX)Catalent, Inc. (CTLT)West Pharmaceutical Services, IncAvadel Pharmaceuticals plcAntares Pharma, IncLake Region...On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAuto Injection SystemsCannula-Based Delivery SystemsImplantable Seeds, Tubes, Catheters and Delivery SystemsInfusion and IV Connector SystemsPatient Wearable Constant or Variable Delivery SystemsOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (K Units), market share and growth rate of Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices for each application, includingDental ClinicHospitalVeterinary HospitalOtherTo get a free professional report sample, please email to tinaning@qyresearch.com or Browse our detailed product page:Table of contents:1 Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Overview2 EMEA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application3 Europe Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application4 Middle East Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application5 Africa Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application6 EMEA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Manufacturers/Players Profiles and Sales Data7 Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders10 Market Effect Factors Analysis11 EMEA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Forecast (2017-2022)12 Research Findings and Conclusion13 AppendixList of Tables and Figures:Figure Product Picture of Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery DevicesFigure EMEA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Sales Volume (K Units) by Type (2012-2022)Figure EMEA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016Figure Auto Injection Systems Product PictureFigure Cannula-Based Delivery Systems Product PictureFigure Implantable Seeds, Tubes, Catheters and Delivery Systems Product PictureFigure Infusion and IV Connector Systems Product PictureFigure Patient Wearable Constant or Variable Delivery Systems Product PictureFigure EMEA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Sales Volume (K Units) by Application (2012-2022)Figure EMEA Sales Market Share of Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices by Application in 2016Figure Dental Clinic ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in Dental ClinicFigure Hospital ExamplesTable Key Downstream Customer in HospitalFigure Veterinary Hospital Examples......Related Reports:Global Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017China Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017USA Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017Korea Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017Japan Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017India Injection And Infusion-based Drug Delivery Devices Market Report 2017Contact Details:Tina| Sales ManagersCompany Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITED | focus on Market Survey and ResearchEmail: tinaning@qyresearch.com Tel: 0086-20-22093278(CN)Web:QYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc industries experts who own more than 10 years experiences on marketing or R&D), professional survey team (the team member with more than 3 years market survey experience and more than 2 years depth expert interview experience),Excellent data analysis team (SPSS statistics and PPT graphics process team); QYResearch has always pursuit product quality, adhere to the quality is the soul of business.Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe District
Breast Biopsy 2017 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR Of 10.70% and Forecast to 2021

Breast Biopsy Market 2017

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Breast Biopsy Market 2017Executive SummaryA breast biopsy is a procedure that involves the removal of tissue or fluid from the targeted area. The tissue is examined under a microscope and then tested to determine the presence of breast cancer. A biopsy is the only diagnostic procedure to confirm cancer. About 80% of women who undergo breast biopsy do not have breast cancer.The analysts forecast the global breast biopsy market to grow at a CAGR of 10.70% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global breast biopsy market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of breast biopsy devices.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEARequest a Sample Report @The report, Global Breast Biopsy Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors BD C.R. Bard Hologic Leica BiosystemsOther prominent vendors Argon Medical Devices Aurora Imaging Biopsybell Bracco Imaging Carestream Health Cook Medical Fischer Medical Technologies Imaging Equipment Intact Medical (a subsidiary of Medtronic) Internazionale Medico Scientifica Metaltronica NuVue Therapeutics PerkinElmer Planmed OY Sectra STERYLAB Terason ZAMAR CAREMarket driver Growing incidence of breast cancer For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Complications and risks associated with breast biopsies For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Increase in reimbursement for breast biopsy For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Complete Report Details @Table of Contents  Key Points AnalysisPART 01: Executive summaryPART 02: Scope of the reportPART 03: Research MethodologyPART 04: Introduction Key market highlights Top-vendor offeringsPART 05: Breast cancer: An overview Background Breast cancer Breast biopsyPART 06: Market landscape Market overview Market size and forecast Five forces analysisPART 07: Market segmentation by product type Market overview Global breast biopsy imaging guidance systems market Global breast biopsy needles market Global breast biopsy needle-based systems market OthersPART 08: Market segmentation by modality Global breast biopsy market by modalityPART 09: Market segmentation by end-user Hospitals ASCs Research centers OthersPART 10: Geographical segmentation Breast biopsy market in Americas Breast biopsy market in EMEA Breast biopsy market in APAC....ContinuedBuy Now @Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Moulded Case Circuit Breaker Market Outlook 2017-2022: Fuji Electric, NOARK Electric, Rockwell Automation

Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB)

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Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Market Research 2017A market study  Global Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Market  examines the performance of the Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Market 2017 report includes Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) market Revenue, market Share, Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) industry volume, market Trends, Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Market 2017 :Schneider-electricABBEatonSiemensMitsubishi ElectricGE IndustrialHager GroupFuji ElectricCHINT ElectricsChangshu SwitchgearRockwell AutomationOMEGA Engineering, Inc.NOARK ElectricMoulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Market : By ApplicationBuildingData Center and NetworksIndustryEnergy and InfrastructuresMoulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Market : By TypeThermal Magnetic MCCBElectronic Trip MCCBFirstly, the report covers the top Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) industry, Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) market revenue worldwide.Finally, Moulded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB) market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Market Outlook 2017-2022: Karl Storz, Ethicon, AtriCure, Olympus, ALSA

High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments

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High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Market Research 2017A market study  Global High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Market  examines the performance of the High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Market 2017 report includes High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments market Revenue, market Share, High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments industry volume, market Trends, High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Market 2017 :Covidien(Medtronic)DePuy Synthes(Johnson & Johnson)EthiconOlympusAtriCureCONMEDBovie Medical CorporationKarl StorzALSAErbe Elektromedizin GmbhHigh Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Market : By ApplicationEndoscopic SurgeryNeurosurgeryHigh Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Market : By TypeMonopolar CircuitBipolar CircuitFirstly, the report covers the top High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments industry, High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments market revenue worldwide.Finally, High Frequency Electrosurgical Equipments market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Global Vision Guided Robotics Market to grow at a CAGR of 11.65% during 2017-2021 - Fanuc, KUKA, Yaskawa Motoman, Kawasaki Robotics , Universal Robotics

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Vision guided robots are autonomous mobile robots installed with both cameras and sensors, thereby forming a vision system. The vision systems help robots to identify their path by avoiding obstacles and work autonomously without human assistance. The introduction of vision guided robots in industrial applications has streamlined the operations to a great extent. Incorporation of vision systems, such as 2D and 3D vision, in industrial robots have made them independent and free from human intervention. This has also helped the industries to work effectively on the economies of scale, thereby making the operations more cost-effective.The global vision guided robotics market to grow at a CAGR of 11.65% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global vision guided robotics market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the new installations and sales.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAClick to get sample PDF with TOC:Technavio's report, Global Vision Guided Robotics Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Browse more details at:Key vendors- Fanuc- KUKA- Yaskawa Motoman- Kawasaki Robotics- Universal RoboticsOther prominent vendors- RNA Automation- Bastian Solutions- Preh IMA Automation (PIA)- ABB- Brenton Engineering- KNAPP- Cognex- Comau- Teledyne DALSAMarket driver- Decline in electronic component prices- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Battery life- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- 3D-multi imaging and image scanning- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?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:
8th Edition of International Conference on Chemical Sciences 2018

Annual Chemistry Conferences 2018

We are inviting you to attend our 8th Edition of International Conference on Chemical Sciences 2018 which is scheduled to held at London, UK on June 14-15, 2018. Chemical Sciences 2018 spreads an extensive range of critically important sessions from basic research to recent innovations. It is particularly based on learning and sharing knowledge on current research and enormous applications of pharmaceutical sciences and Chemical Sciences. The main theme of the conference is "Recent Trends And Advancements in the Field of Chemical Sciences 2018. We are inviting Eminent Scientists/ Research Professors in the field of Chemical Sciences Conference , Junior/Senior research fellows, Students, Directors of chemicals research companies, Chemical Engineers, Members of Chemistry/Chemical Sciences associations and exhibitors from chemicals Industry/chemical Industries. Delegates from various pharma & instrumental companies from all over the world are welcomed to attend to Chemical Sciences ConferenceMeta keywords: Chemical Sciences 2018 UK, Chemical Sciences 2018 USA, Chemical Sciences 2018 Europe, Chemical Sciences 2018 Middle East, Chemical Sciences 2018 Asia, Chemical Sciences 2018 South Africa, Chemical Sciences 2018 meetings .Meta description: Meet leading Chemists, Researchers, Analysts, Exhibitors and Professors from China, Japan, Switzerland, Austria, Ireland, UK, Italy. Chemical Sciences Conferences offers Chemists an opportunity to improve their research work and application of the latest developments in the specialtyEuroscicon is the longest running independent life science events company with a predominantly academic client base. Our multiprofessional and multispeciality approach creates a unique experience that cannot be found with a specialist society or commercially.Euroscicon are corporate members of the following organisations.Euroscicon ltd., Highstone House, 165 High Street, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 5SU, UKBarnet
MoBiTec to Offer ExoTEST and Exo-FACS: Exosome Quantification Kits

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Exosome research is a novel field of biomedical research with implications in vaccines and cancer. The use of exosomes for assessment of functional state of parent cells in research is currently hampered by the lack of reliable and affordable tools.MoBiTec together with HansaBioMed present ExoTEST, an innovative technology that allows purification, quantification, and characterization of circulating exosomes specific to a cell type or tissue, or to a condition (health vs. disease). Together with ExoTEST HansaBioMed team has developed a new kit for FACS (Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting) analysis of exosome markers, Exo-FACS, which allows exosome FACS profiling without wasting time in exosome isolation by ultracentrifugation.DescriptionExoTEST is a patented double sandwich ELISA assay for quantitative and qualitative analysis of exosomes. In particular, ExoTEST is a successful platform for exosome quantification and characterization from small amount of human biological fluids or cell media and it may be exploited to identify exosomes released by cancer cells in the plasma and urine of tumor patients in various disease conditions. ExoTEST enables reliable and precise quantitative measurement and comparison among samples and individual experiments and provides increased sensitivity in detection of exosomal markers with respect to other analytical methods (like FACS, WB).Features Ready-to-use No initial exosome purification required User friendly and suitable for multiple marker analyses Available in TEST format (limited to 3 ELISA strips, 24 wells)Applications Exosome capture and quantification from human biofluids and cell culture media Exosome comprehensive profiling Pre-clinical research on non-invasive biomarkers for detection and monitoring of a number of pathological conditions(inflammation, cancer, neurodegeneration, etc.)MoBiTec/HBM offer different types of ExoTEST kits for quantification of overall exosome population from human biofluids (plasma, urine, serum) and from cell culture supernatants. In addition, an ExoTEST for tumor-derived exosome enrichment and quantification is available. This kit includes an immunoplate able to enrich the tumor exosome subpopulation and is especially suitable for biomarker discovery in clinical cancer research or in development of diagnostics. All ExoTEST kits are available with different immunoplate formats for colorimetric (transparent) and luminometric (white) methodology.Exo-FACS allows exosome isolation from biofluids or cell culture media and FACS analysis of exosome markers. The kit consists of EXO-Prep reagent for exosome isolation, 4 m beads used for the overall capture of pre-isolated exosomes, lyophilized exosomes from cell culture supernatants or human biological fluids, as positive control. The characterization of exosomal proteins (membrane expressed or internal) is subsequently performed using appropriate detection antibodies against exosome associated antigens.Features Ready-to-use No initial exosome purification required Lyophilized Exosome Standards as positive control included User friendly and suitable for multiple marker analysesApplications Exosome isolation and exosome marker characterization via FACS Exosome comprehensive profilingMoBiTec/HBM offer different Exo-FACS kits for staining of exosomal markers from human biofluids (plasma, urine, serum, saliva) and from cell culture supernatants. Exo-FACS contains reagents for 20 reactions (lyophilized exosomes, beads, antibodies and buffers). Primary antibody included in the kit is against a common exosomal marker (CD9 or CD63) and can be used as a positive control for protein profiling via FACS analysis.For details see:About MoBiTec GmbHMoBiTec GmbH (Goettingen, Germany) is a privately held company (founded in 1987) that offers research tools for molecular and cell biology. Products include DNA vectors for cloning and expression, cell transfection reagents and cell culture tools, immobilized and soluble enzymes, products for genomics and proteomics research, numerous antibodies and recombinant proteins, superior fluorescence reagents and kits, affinity chromatography products, as well as general laboratory equipment.In parallel to its own product lines, MoBiTec distributes products from international companies in Germany. MoBiTec products are distributed worldwide, in Germany from their home office, in other countries by distributors.MoBiTec GmbH, Lotzestr. 22a,37083 Goettingen, Germanyinfo@mobitec.com
Diesel Particulate Filter Market - Global Industrial Applications Witness Fastest Growth up to 2025

Diesel Particulate Filter Market

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Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) are devices used to capture diesel particulates, thus preventing their release into the atmosphere. DPF is ideally suited to control the solid fraction of diesel particulates due to its particle deposition mechanism. This includes elemental carbon and related black smoke emission. DPF captures particle emission by a combination of filtration mechanism methods such as inertial deposition, diffusional deposition, or flow line interception. Particulates collected are removed on a continuous or periodic basis through thermal regeneration. DPF is highly effective in controlling solid particulate emission including solid particulate matter. However, it may exhibit limited or total ineffectiveness when dealing with liquid fractions of particulate matter emissions including Soluble Organic Fraction (SOF) and sulfate particulates. In order to surmount this, major manufacturers are incorporating additional functional components compatible with ultra-low sulfur fuels.In general, diesel engine exhibits better fuel economy over gasoline engine and helps in reducing CO2 emission. The technology to further reduce NOx and particulate matter in diesel engine exhaust needs to be improved in order to meet the stringent emission norms to control vehicular exhaust. A conventional Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, comprising Diesel DPF (DOC), a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), and urea-SCR catalyst. Implementation of stringent emission regulations has resulted in the development of SCR system with larger volume. This, in turn, has increased the cost. In order to overcome this, an SCR catalyst coated on DPF has been proposed. An SCR/DPF system has lower volume and cost compared to the conventional SCR system. This technology upgrade techniques undertaken by major OEMs, auto manufacturers, and related suppliers is a key factor driving the DPF market.Obtain Report Details @Increase in population, rapid rate of urbanization, and rise in purchase power parity have led to the development of large number of roads and automotive vehicles. Furthermore, particles derived from various sources, ranging from the burning of fossil fuels and forest fires to road and vehicle wear, are detrimental to human health. They affect the respiratory tract and the cardiovascular system. This has compelled governments to enact stringent legislations in Europe and North America. Implementation of strict legislations, increase in environmental concerns, and growth in the automotive industry are the major drivers of the DPF market. Rise in usage of diesel automobiles is another factor propelling the DPF market. A diesel engine delivers better mileage than gasoline engine; hence, it is cost effective. Thus, vehicles are operated on diesel engines for large-scale transportation of goods or people. DPF fitted with such engines is estimated to help achieve the fixed emission standards. However, rise in trend of using battery electric vehicles (BEV), which contribute significantly to diesel engine usage, is likely to hamper the DPF market.Based on application, the market for DPF can be classified into passenger cars, commercial vehicle, trucks and buses, and off-highway vehicles. Based on type, the DPF market can be divided into cordierite DPF, Silicon Carbide (SiC) DPF, and others. In terms of geography, Asia Pacific is anticipated to lead the global DPF market in the near future. Economy of countries such as India and China has been growing. These countries are projected to witness an increase in trade. Furthermore, rise in population of these countries is anticipated to boost the demand for vehicles for transportation purposes.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Demand for diesel engines is likely to be higher, as it is more economic than gasoline engine. This, in turn, is projected to propel the demand for diesel, which is estimated to create a lucrative opportunity for the DPF market. North America and Europe are anticipated to be major regions of the DPF market during the forecast period. This can be ascribed to the implementation of strict emission standards to curb automotive air pollution in these regions.Key players operating in the DPF market are MANN+HUMMEL, Delphi, Donaldson Company Inc., and Tenneco.About Us:-Transparency Market Research 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 are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
Global Hologram Market 2017 Outlook by key Players - Qualcomm, AV Concepts, Zebra Imaging, ViewSonic, Holoxica

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The report titled Hologram is an in-depth and a professional document that provides a comprehensive overview of the global Hologram market. The business overview, recent developments, key strategies, and revenue share of key market players in the global Hologram market have been covered in the research report.The report provides an executive-level blueprint of the Hologram market beginning with the definition of the market dynamics. The analysis classifies the Hologram market in terms of products, application, and key geographic regions. Presenting a detailed value chain analysis, the study evaluates the set of region-specific approaches forged by the industry. To determine the market potential for Hologram in the international scenario, the study delves into the competitive landscape and development landscape exhibited by the key geographic regions.Download Free Sample 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 Hologram market.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 Hologram new project SWOT analysis, Investment feasibility analysis, Investment return analysis, and Development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Hologram industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Hologram 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 Hologram 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.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 Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry Market Research Report 2017

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SummaryThe Global Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry 2017 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Fluorides Dental Consumables industry.Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Fluorides Dental Consumables 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 Fluorides Dental Consumables industry development trends and marketing channels are 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.Ask a sample or any question, please email to:hebe@qyresearchglobal.com or hebe@qyresearch.comGlobal Fluorides Dental Consumables market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the players list(Partly, Players you are interested can also be added):3M ESPEDentsply SironaDanaherGC CorporationZimmer Biomet HoldingsInstitut Straumann AGUltradent ProductsYoung InnovationsDentatus USAMitsui ChemicalsGC CorporationIvoclar VivadentShofuVOCO GmbHKey Topics Covered:Chapter One Industry Overview of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Four Capacity, Production and Revenue Analysis of Fluorides Dental Consumables by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Five Price, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis of Fluorides Dental Consumables by Regions, Types and ManufacturersChapter Six Consumption Volume, Consumption Value and Sale Price Analysis of Fluorides Dental Consumables by Regions, Types and ApplicationsChapter Seven Supply, Import, Export and Consumption Analysis of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Eight Major Manufacturers Analysis of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Nine Marketing Trader or Distributor Analysis of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Ten Industry Chain Analysis of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Eleven Development Trend of Analysis of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Twelve New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis of Fluorides Dental ConsumablesChapter Thirteen Conclusion of the Global Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry 2017 Market Research ReportRelated Reports:US Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry Market Research Report 2017Europe Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry Market Research Report 2017India Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry Market Research Report 2017China Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry Market Research Report 2017Korea Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry Market Research Report 2017Japan Fluorides Dental Consumables Industry Market Research Report 2017Note:We also offerGermany/Korea/Australia/Brazil/Russia/India/Indonesia/ Malaysia/Saudi Arabia/Middle East/Europe/Asia/Asia-Pacific/Southeast Asia/North America/ Latin America/South America/AMER/EMEA/Africa etc Countries/Regions and Sales/Industry Versions RespectivelyWoul like to place an order or any question, please feel free to contact me~O(_)O~Hebe | Sr. Manager  Global SalesProfessional Market Research Report PublisherQYResearch Co.LtdQYResearch focus on Market Survey and ResearchPhone: +86-20-22093278Email: hebe@qyresearchglobal.com or hebe@qyresearch.comWeb:About QYResearch Co.LtdQYResearch established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, database and seminar services. the company owned a large basic database (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. Through the companys years of effort and a lot of customer support, QYResearch consulting group creative design method of many high-quality markets investigation and research team with rich experience. Today, QYResearch brand has become the consulting industry with quality assurance consulting brand. The company has 2500 global well-known customers, covering energy automobile pharmaceutical chemical agriculture more than 30 industries, services from the data analysis and recommendations-Consulting landing one-stop solution, and research regions cover China,US,EU,Asia,Middle East and Africa,South America,Australia,etc Global all regions,and also built research or marketing center in China USA UK France Hongkong etc regions. currently, QYResearch has become the first choice and worth trusted consulting brand in Global and China business consulting services.Media ContactCompany Name: QYResearch CO.,LIMITEDContact Person: HebeEmail: hebe@qyresearchglobal.comPhone: +86-20-22093278Address: Room 2311 VILI International Building No.167 Linhe West Road Tianhe DistrictCity: GuangzhouCountry: ChinaWebsite:(US) |(EU) |(JP)
Global Connected Aircraft Market 2017 Outlook by key Players - IBM, Google, Honeywell International, Apple, Microsoft

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The report titled Connected Aircraft is an in-depth and a professional document that provides a comprehensive overview of the global Connected Aircraft market. The business overview, recent developments, key strategies, and revenue share of key market players in the global Connected Aircraft market have been covered in the research report.Download Free Sample Report @The report provides an executive-level blueprint of the Connected Aircraft market beginning with the definition of the market dynamics. The analysis classifies the Connected Aircraft market in terms of products, application, and key geographic regions. Presenting a detailed value chain analysis, the study evaluates the set of region-specific approaches forged by the industry. To determine the market potential for Connected Aircraft in the international scenario, the study delves into the competitive landscape and development landscape exhibited by the key geographic regions.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 Connected Aircraft market.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 Connected Aircraft new project SWOT analysis, Investment feasibility analysis, Investment return analysis, and Development trend analysis. In conclusion, it is a deep research report on Global Connected Aircraft industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Connected Aircraft 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 Connected Aircraft 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.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:
Get Set Resumes rebrands, launches industry first services

Get Set Resumes

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Noida, NCR: Get Set Resumes (getsetResumes.com), a Noida based customized professional document writing company specializing in resumes, launched its new corporate identity with a brand new website on Monday. Get Set Resumes, or GSR, as its addressed, also launched a first-time in the world product called Resume VCards and another service by the name Recruiter-On-Demand.Through Resume VCards, the company aims to replace the bulky A4 sized resumes with small and equally effective Visiting Card sized resumes which can be carried in your pocket or wallet. Says Rajat, the companys founder, A4 sheets are passe. Nobody has the time and attention span to go through so much of information. Besides, you cannot carry your resume to every networking event. A wallet sized resume can be carried in numbers of 10, even 100 and given to any prospective employer over a drink!Recruiter-On-Demand (RoD) is another useful service which is first time in the industry, at least in India. Through RoD, the company will assist jobseekers in managing their numerous Job Portal profiles. As lives get busy, it becomes very difficult for job-seekers to manage so many portals and apply for jobs everywhere. Moreover, the number of job portals is increasing and many new fresh job portals are coming up, which companies are choosing over the traditional ones. Then there also is LinkedIn with jobs., says Rajat. With RoD, a Recruiter will manage the job seekers various job portal applications and apply for jobs whenever she finds one. A report will also be submitted to the client. Currently, we are piloting this, he adds.With 20,000+ clients from over 30 countries, Get Set Resumes already has built a small but strong brand name for itself in this segment. With the launch of a new corporate identity and 2 new exciting services, Get Set Resumes is in the race of becoming one of the leading companies in this space in India.About Get Set Resumes: Get Set Resumes comprises a dedicated team of professionals with years of industry experience specializing in providing resume writing and career consulting services. The company writes research driven, analytically optimized and ATS responsive Resumes, CVs, Online Professional Profiles including LinkedIn, Executive Briefs, and Application Letters to help you win that Interview Call with ease. The company is headquartered in Noida, UP. Website:Get Set Resumes,C-2, Sec 1, Noida+91-9953776253 / +91-9210065551
Military Personal Protective Equipment Market Growth, Share, Demand and Analysis of Key Players to 2024

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The top three leading players in the global military personal protective equipment market held a share of 52.2% in the overall market in 2015. These players are determined to bring in product innovation to rise above the stiff competition in the global market. Furthermore, several companies are also emphasizing on achieving technological advancements to cater to the demands of clients.View Full Report:According to the research report, the global military personal protective equipment market was valued at US$11.23 bn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$19.09 bn by the end of 2024. The market is projected to progress at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2016 and 2024.Body Armor Segment Emerges as Leading Product in Global MarketThe types of products available in the global market are body armor (IBA), advanced combat helmet (ACH), improved outer tactical vest (IOTV), pelvic protection systems (PPS), life safety jackets, military combat eye protection (MCEP), and others. Out of all the products, the body armor product segment is expected to make a significant contribution to the global market. The segment is slated to acquire a share of 33.1% by the end of 2024.Request to view Sample Report:In terms of geography, the global market is fragmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Saudi Arabia, and Latin America. The report indicates that North America is likely to dominate the global market with Asia Pacific following closely. The North America military personal protective equipment market is estimated to acquire a share of 24.4% by the end of 2024.Persistent Conflicts Keep Demand of Military Personal Protective Equipment HighThe highly volatile situation amongst countries in the Middle East, India, and Iraq is the key growth driver for the global military personal protective equipment market. The increasing role of ground troops in combat has augmented the demand for military personal protective equipment in the recent past. The ongoing wars and conflicts have been boosting the uptake of this equipment to ensure safety of the troops. The report states that wars in Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Iraq have collectively kept the demand for protective gear at an all-time high through the past decade.The report also highlights the fact that the growing need for advanced equipment to ensure the safety of troops has also benefited the global market. Furthermore, growing number of government initiatives to increasing expenditure on advanced equipment through several are also expected to drive the global market. Fast pace of developments in countries such as Pakistan, India, and Brazil are also expected to fuel the growth of this market. The increasing tensions between countries such as India and Pakistan among others is another factor propelling the uptake of military personal protective equipment.Request to download and view full ToC -Cuts to Defense Budgets to Hamper GrowthThe only drawback for the global military personal protective equipment market is the defense budget cuts made by developed countries such as the U.K. and the U.S. Countries such as Germany and Canada along with the U.S. and the U.K. are likely to make major changes to defense budgets. Furthermore, their strict arms allocation policies are also expected to cast a negative spell on the global market.Global Military Personal Protective Equipment Market Report is available at US$ 5795 -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:
Advanced Combat Helmet Market Future Demand, Growth, Share and Analysis with forecast 2024

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The leaders of the global advanced combat helmet market for 2015  ArmorSource LLC, Gentex Corporation, BAE Systems, and MKU Ltd.  are very likely to remain in the lead for the coming years, owing to their strong foundations in the defense sector and high value brand image. Emerging players such as Revision Military and DuPont are currently showing high potential in the global advanced combat helmet market in terms of growth rate.View Full Report:Transparency Market Research, in one of the recent releases, states that the competitive landscape of the global advanced combat helmet market is likely to hold strong rivalries over the coming years. The scope of entry for new players is extremely low due to the massive initial investments and the stringent regulatory framework surrounding the safety protocol followed, apart from the trust and recognition that the current leaders have already gathered. In terms of revenue, the global advanced combat helmet market was calculated to reach US$1.88 bn by the end of 2016. The markets revenue is anticipated to reach US$3.07 bn by the end of 2024, after expanding at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2016 to 2024.Soldier Safety Top Concern for Defense SectorCurrently, the global advanced combat helmet market is receiving a lot of revenue generation opportunities from the increasing concern shown by nations over the safety of their soldiers. As opposed to the conventional soldier helmets that protect the head from incoming attacks, modern combat helmets have quickly become an integral part of a soldiers method of defense as well as attack. The kind of material needed to protect heads from advanced artillery and shrapnel, as well as the incorporation of technology that grants soldiers enhance vision and uninterrupted communications, is the big bundle that the global advanced combat helmet market provides today. And nations are paying attention to the advantages that these helmets can provide, states a TMR analyst.Request to view Sample Report:In terms of using these helmets, the global advanced combat helmet market is also driven by the growing volume of threat soldiers and defense personnel are exposed to under todays high level of insurgencies and the growing chances of urban warfare.High Costs Deter Several Regions from Adopting Advanced Combat HelmetsOne of the top restraints currently experienced by players of all sizes in the global advanced combat helmet market is the significantly higher cost of their products when compared to conventional safety helmets. The incorporation of tactical gear into combat helmets puts their price much higher than what a lot of agencies and countries can afford for their personnel. These issues are highly likely to reduce over time, however, as advancements are likely to bring about reduction in cost of manufacturing over time.Request to download and view full ToC -The future for the global advanced combat helmet market lies in the improvement of materials used and the addition of more advantages that users can gain. Of the many that may be incorporated, the immediate future is likely to have players introduce helmets that are much lighter in weight. With the addition of a lot of tactical gear, helmets are bound to become bulky and cumbersome, as unwanted trait for soldiers in the middle of combat. Building lighter helmets that provide similar or even better capabilities are expected to gain a large amount of favor from clients over the coming years. Helmets that may hold fire-retardant properties are also likely to see a very high demand over the coming years, adds the analyst.Global Advanced Combat Helmet Market Report is available at US$ 5795 -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:
Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Market Report 2017

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The report on the 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) market is prepared with the help of a wide array of primary and secondary research incorporating inputs from leading market experts, industry strategists, research organizations, and business executives. The report titled 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) market research report offers in-depth insights into the current market status, share and size of major segments, notable trends, emerging business risks, and competitive landscape. The 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) market dynamics is undergoing several interesting shifts invigorated by constant technological advances and favorable changes in government policies in some regions. The report takes a closer look at the emergent strategic and tactical risks driven by changes in regulatory framework in key regions. In addition, it covers major research and development activities in recent decades expected to unlock exciting opportunities for market players.Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) market competition by top manufacturers/players, with 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBASFHuntsmanUnivarIRO GroupZORANOCRaybon ChemicalsZhejiang Xinhua ChemicalKunshan Xianghe Fine ChemicalsLianyungang Hondia ChemicalFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Gleaning through the report, market participants can get clear indications of various trends anticipated to gain traction and those that are likely to lose their sheen in the coming years. The report employs a host of industry-wide quantitative tools to assess the strategic landscape. Based on the volumes of data collected over the historic period and insights offered by the vast current statistics, the study presents a 360 degree view of the growth dynamics of the 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) market over the forecast period. Using Porters five forces analysis and SWOT analysis, the report offers a holistic overview of the vendor landscape. The study is unique in its approach as it offers crystal clear view of the factors likely to tilt in favor of new entrants, thereby altering the intensity of competition in the 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) in the not-so-distant future.Table of ContentsGlobal 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Market Report 20171 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0)1.2 Classification of 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) by Product Category1.2.1 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @2 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)3 United States 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Volume and Market Share by PlayersGet discount copy @4 China 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 China 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Volume and Market Share by Players4.3 China 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Volume and Market Share by TypeList of Tables and FiguresFigure Product Picture of 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0)Figure Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Volume Comparison (K MT) by Type (2012-2022)Figure Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Volume Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 2016Figure Japan 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Sales Volume (K MT) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Table Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)Table Global 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) Revenue Share by Type (2012-2017)Figure Revenue Market Share of 3-Methoxypropylamine (MOPA) (CAS 5332-73-0) by Type (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
Light Industry and Science Park IV Rising in Malvar Cybergreen

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Light Industry & Science Park IV, the sixth and latest industrial estate of Science Park of the Philippines, progresses on schedule with construction and development in Malvar, Cybergreen, Malvar, Batangas. The 200-ha industrial property is beginning to take form as fundamental works get completed per area.As of this writing, among the accomplished projects are the bridge, located south of the main site, the administration building, administration complex, the main gate and guardhouse, and the Service & Maintenance building.The Centralized Wastewater Treatment Plant is expected to reach Stage 1 completion by October this year. This facility has the capacity to treat 1,000 cubic meter of water per day. It uses the activated sludge process to treat wastewater from locators to comply with Class B standard, the water body classification of Taal Lake. Waterworks system is also in process. Phase 1 of the waterline installation is completed while Phase 2 is underway.By 2019, road networks are expected to be completed. The south site with an area of 112 hectares will be passable within the first quarter of the said year, while the north site with an area of 89 hectares will be finished in the last quarter.For transport terminal and other utilities such as power and telecommunication, bidding and negotiations are ongoing.LISP IV is partially operational and will be ready in full capacity by year 2020. It will serve as another world-class industrial home to foreign and local locators who expect excellent infrastructure and facilities, as well as comprehensive customer service from site selection to the companys operation in the industrial park.The park is expected to generate hundreds of job opportunities for Batangas locals.For more information about LISP IV, visitScience Park of the Philippines, Inc. (SPPI) was established in 1989 and, through the years, has gained the reputation of being a cutting edge developer of industrial estates through its Light Industry & Science Park projects. Today, SPPI is highly regarded as one of the pioneers and leaders in private industrial estate development in the country and has the largest hectarage of industrial estates developed and being developed with almost 600 hectares of aggregate area.SPPI started the development of its first industrial estate, the 178-hectare Light Industry & Science Park I (LISP I), in Cabuyao, Laguna in 1991, which was sold out by 1995. LISP I was the first privately-owned industrial estate to operate as a Special Export Processing Zone (Ecozone), under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. SPPIs second industrial estate, the 65-hectare LISP II located in Calamba, Laguna, started development in 1996 and was sold out in just two years.SPPIs LISP I and LISP II are home to Fortune 500 companies and major multinational companies including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Pepsi, NEC, NXP and ST Microelectronics ( both formerly Philips Electronics), First Sumiden, H.B. Fuller, Nippon Paint and Continental Temic, to name a few. Top Filipino export and manufacturing corporations therein include Concepcion Industries, Ionics Inc. and Fastech.Presently, SPPI is developing and selling three industrial estates namely: (1) LISP III, a 109-hectare industrial estate in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, which is accessible from Manila via the South Luzon Expressway and via Southern Tagalog Arterial Road(STAR) from Batangas City; (2) Cebu Light Industrial Park, a 62-hectare industrial estate in Mactan Island, Cebu, which boasts of the countrys largest desalination plant; and, (3) Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park, a 162-hectare industrial park in Hermosa, Bataan, which is located between the Subic Freeport Zone and Clark Economic Zone and is accessible through the Subic- Clark-Tarlac expressway (SCTEx).Competitive Advantages of SPPIs Industrial EstatesStrategic location  SPPI was the first to build an interchange linking a national expressway with a privately- owned industrial estate (LISP I). LISP II, on the other hand is just 300 meters from the Calamba interchange of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). LISP III is directly in front of the Sto. Tomas interchange of the SLEX, which is the last exit of the SLEX right before the Southern Tagalog Arterial road leading to the international seaport of Batangas City. CLIP, on the other hand, from the Mactan International Airport, while HEIP is accessible through the spur road of the SCTEx.Complete infrastructure  All SPPI industrial estates have world class infrastructure like highway-grade road network, ample water supply, waste water treatment plant, stable and reliable power and advance telecommunication.Other services and amenities include transportation within the industrial estate, bank, healthcare, freight forwarding and round-the-clock security. All these services and amenities are aimed at having locators to concentrate fully on their business operations; and,Managed environment  SPPI is acknowledged to have a strong onsite management team to give locators personalized assistance on a wide range of business concerns.Science Park of the Philippines17F Robinsons Summit Center Ayala Avenue, Makati City, 1226 PhilippinesLandline: (632) 790 2200Fax: (632) 856 6916
Digitize Packaging: Bizerba at the PPMA Show 2017

Bizerba at the PPMA Show 2017

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Across a three-stand layout, Bizerba introduces solutions around the topics of digital transformation, food safety, batch size, logistics and labels at this years PPMA Show. Current trends including industry 4.0, Internet of Things, predictive maintenance, the interaction of multiple systems as well as availability and service are all part of Bizerbas solution portfolio.Stand G10  ConvenienceCWE Combination Unit  demonstrating our fully integrated metal detector this device is to full higher-level M&S specification. With the addition of Brain2 FPV, Capture and Safety service, it demonstrates the full potential of high-speed checkweighing from Bizerba. The integrated metal detector boasts high detection accuracy with reliability.BVS-L  An introductory inspection device from Bizerba with the ability to check fixed data on pre-printed films, and dynamically applied labels on both top and bottom of your pack. Checking everything from the position of the label, use by dates and readability of barcodes along with a multitude of additional checks. Connected to our Brain2 software the statistics and images of each inspected package are collated for future reporting.Bizerba OCM Stand  Designed for integration at the end of your production line with multiple options available for additional equipment to be added at any time. Displayed on this stand we have our standard weighing platform connected to a GT12C touch screen display and our GLP80 labeller installed in an enclosure. Also attached is a barcode scanner for PLU selection from the retail packages.X-Ray  The latest presentation for 2017 in our inspection range of equipment. Built to the higher-level M&S code of practice. Main features of this latest design is the ease of maintenance with belt changes and cleaning. Connected to the Bizerba dynamic devices offering automatic program change to allow a single point of product entry. This device is also connected to the Bizerba brain software displaying inspected products. Rejected items and the machines audit history is also uploaded for analysis should it be required.iS75  Our newest industrial PC with its sleek lines and high durability for the industrial environment. This device is displaying the information being gathered from the devices shown on this stand.Stand H20  FreshGLM-I100V  Part of the Bizerba flagship range of high speed labelling systems, it is capable of achieving a top speed of 100 packages per minute and being fitted with a v-belt, which, due to its inclined position can easily transport and label round or odd-shaped products. With its connection to the Bizerba brain software reach package weight is instantly recorded and saved to allow trend analysis to be carried out. The addition of our statistics capture software removes the need to record batch statistics manually or have endless streams of printouts. As we move into more diverse production demands the efficiencies of your production line can be monitored with our OEE system allowing instant live visuals of the current line performance.Themosecure L  introduced in 2015 to fully compliment the bizerba range of end of line inspection equipment this device ensures that each package exiting the factory is fully inspected for label data and seal integrity. Dynamic calculations allow for this device to be used on both fixed and catch weight products to verify that the correct data is printed and can be fully validated before it gets to your end customer. Reduction of product recalls and error packages is eliminated with this device. Again, with its connection to the Bizerba brain software records of rejected packages are retained with statistical information and images.iS20 Hygienic Scale  IP69 rated, this scale is designed to remain within the production area during routine wash down. Its fully welded, round frame along with its fully open design prevents any trapping of product waste or bacteria. Displayed within an isolated chamber showing water being sprayed on this device for the duration of the PPMA show.Bizerba/Niche recipe station  a collaboration of Bizerba hardware and Niche software to allow the preparation of manufacturing batches of bulk items to ensure multiple ingredients are all weighed or counted in the most accurate and efficient manner reducing errors in the preparation stage and continuity of the final product. Along with the control of bulk, stock items at the order intake the system is capable of managing stock levels ensuring the production plan can be fulfilled.iS75  Our newest industrial PC with its sleek lines and high durability for the industrial environment. This device is displaying the information being gathered from the devices shown on this stand.Stand J30  MECH & LogisticsProduction Bench - showing three static scale options with differing weight indicators.Recessed into the table is our economy platform, which is connected to our iS30 indicator head. This terminal is connected to the Brain suite of software and is running sample check. This will prompt quality checks of product from the operators who will then follow a sequence of check to ensure that the off-line sampling is completed and that the required statistics records are updated.In the middle of the table is our economy compact scale with an iS10 indicator head. This device features an internal battery allowing it to be used in areas without a permanent power supply. At the end of the day, it can simply be plugged back into the mains to charge ready for the following day.As displayed on our fresh stand our hygienic scale is bolted to the table ensuring that it is secure and with its open design can be cleaned as part of the production bench. This scale is mounted with our iS20 indicator and is again connected to the brain software capturing each weight from the scale for analysis.Additionally, on this production bench you find the Bizerba Brain server. From here, we can programme every machine connected to it, we have full remote control of all devices via the Bizerba e-service. Label designs, reports, schedules and stock levels can all be controlled from this single server. With the user level management, it is possible to ensure that users can only enter data and not send it to machines without the approval of a second or more senior user.Hygienic lift up platform  Integrated into the stand floor this device is easily lifted to allow access for cleaning. The integrated ramp simply lifts off to revel the lifting handle where a simple and lightweight mechanism allows the device to be lifted to the cleaning position. Fully IP69 rated this scale can withstand the harshest of cleaning environments. Connected to this we have our iS30 indicator and barcode scanner. The scanner triggers the capture of the pallet or box weight where the two are collated within the Brain software and then automatically output to a separate location for importing into your ERP system allowing the calculation of product yield or parcel tracking.Filling System  Another new offering from Bizerba this semi-automatic filling system demonstrates the power of the Bizerba iS50 indicator terminal with its ability to connect multiple scales allowing multiple stations to be controlled from a single device. The integrated PLC allows each station to be independently controlled. With its ATEX rating this is a perfect device for hazardous liquid filling.About BizerbaBizerba offers its customers in industry, trade and logistics a globally unique solutions portfolio of hardware and software around the central value weight. This portfolio includes products and solutions related to slicing, processing, weighing, cashing, checking, commissioning, and labelling. A wide range of services from consulting and service to labels and consumables complete the portfolio.Since 1866 Bizerba has made a significant contribution to the developments in the area of weighing technology and today is represented in 120 countries. The customer base includes globally operating companies in trade and industry as well as retailers, bakeries and butcheries. With around 3,900 employees worldwide and with its headquarters in Balingen, Baden Wuerttemberg, Bizerba has been in the same family for five generations. Additional production facilities are located in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain, China and USA. Bizerba also has a global network of sales and service locations.Bizerba (UK) Ltd2-4 Erica Road,Stacey BushesMilton KeynesBuckinghamshireMK12 6HSAnthony Matthews - Digital Marketing Manageranthony.matthews@bizerba.com
Global Industrial Gases Deep Research on Industrial and Market studies: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020)

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"Global Industrial Gases Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020)" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description- Scope of the ReportThe report entitled Global Industrial Gases Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020), provides a detailed analysis of the industrial gases market with analysis of market size and growth and market segmentation on the basis of product and market share by region.Asia Pacific is the largest market for industrial gases with the highest share followed by EMEA and Americas. Rising application of industrial gases in booming fields of healthcare, manufacturing and electronic segments in the Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the demand of industrial gases in the region.Get Sample Report With TOC @The report assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global industrial gases market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.A brief company profiling of major market players namely Air Liquide, Linde, Air Products and Praxair has provided in the report on the basis of aspects like business overview, financial overview and business strategies adopted by respective companies. Company CoverageAir LiquideLinde GroupPraxairAir Products Executive SummaryIndustrial gases are comprised of elements, molecular compounds or mixtures. The most common industrial gases are oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and noble gases such as argon, neon, xenon and krypton. Some industrial gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, LNG and liquefied petroleum gas are liquefied at high pressure for ease of storage and transport. Industrial gases are used in a wide number of industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, steelmaking, and food & beverages etc.The global industrial gases market has increased during the year 2014-15, and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 at a rapid pace. Major factors contributing in the growth of the market are rising demand from major industries such as oil and gas, increasing application of industrial gases, growing demand of liquefied gas, and growing urbanization etc.Rapid industrialization in emerging economies such as India and China, rising use of industrial gases in solar PV industry, and emerging innovative technologies are expected to fuel the market demand in the forecasted period. In spite of high growth, market is still facing certain challenges that are hampering the growth of the market. Challenges encountered by the market are lack of quality and cost of power, high distribution cost, and stringent government and environmental regulations etc. Table of Contents1. Executive Summary2. Introduction2.1 Overview of Industrial Gases2.1.1 Application of Industrial Gases2.1.2 Major Industrial GasesHydrogenNitrogenAirNoble GasesHydrocarbon GasesHalogens3. Global Market Analysis3.1 Global Industrial Gases Market Analysis3.1.1 Global Industrial Gases Market by Value3.1.2 Global Industrial Gases Market Share by Distribution Mode3.1.3 Global Industrial Gases Market Share by Region4. Regional Analysis4.1 Asia Pacific Industrial Gases Market4.1.1 Asia Pacific Industrial Gases Market by Value4.2 EMEA Industrial Gases Market4.2.1 EMEA Industrial Gases Market by Value4.3 Americas Industrial Gases Market4.3.1 Americas Industrial Gases Market by Value5. Market Dynamics5.1 Growth Drivers5.1.1 Rising Demand from End-User Industries5.1.2 Increasing Application of Industrial Gases5.1.3 Rising Demand of Liquefied Gas5.1.4 Growing Urbanization5.1.5 Rising Use in Petrochemical Industry5.2 Challenges5.2.1 Quality and Cost of Power5.2.2 High Distribution Cost5.2.3 Safety Related Issues5.2.4 Dependence on Other Industries5.2.5 Strict Government Regulations5.2.6 Lack of Financial Resources of Small Players5.3 Market Trends5.3.1 Rapid Growth in Developing Nations5.3.2 Rising Use in Photovoltaic (PV) Industry5.3.3 Emerging Innovative Technologies5.3.4 Global Mergers and AcquisitionsFull Report @ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Global Scholarship Management Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022

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This report studies the global Scholarship Management Software market, analyzes and researches the Scholarship Management 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, likeAlaQuest InternationalFoundant TechnologiesNextGen Web SolutionsFACTS ManagementAwardSpringTADSeInternet DesignCiviCoreeInternet TechnologiesOMNI Solutions GroupLift InteractiveTechnoGripsMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Application, Scholarship Management Software can be split intoPC TerminalMobile TerminalDownload Sample Report Copy From Here:If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal Scholarship Management Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Scholarship Management Software1.1 Scholarship Management Software Market Overview1.1.1 Scholarship Management Software Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Scholarship Management Software Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Scholarship Management Software Market by End Users/Application1.3.1 PC Terminal1.3.2 Mobile Terminal2 Global Scholarship Management Software Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Scholarship Management Software 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 AlaQuest International3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Foundant Technologies3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 NextGen Web Solutions3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 FACTS Management3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 AwardSpring3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 TADS3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 eInternet Design3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 CiviCore3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 eInternet Technologies3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 OMNI Solutions Group3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Scholarship Management Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Lift Interactive3.12 TechnoGrips4 Global Scholarship Management Software Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Scholarship Management Software Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.2 Potential Application of Scholarship Management Software in Future4.3 Top Consumer/End Users of Scholarship Management Software5 United States Scholarship Management Software Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Scholarship Management Software Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Scholarship Management Software Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Scholarship Management Software Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Scholarship Management Software Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Scholarship Management Software Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)7 Japan Scholarship Management Software Development Status and Outlook7.1 Japan Scholarship Management Software Market Size (2012-2017)7.2 Japan Scholarship Management Software Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)8 China Scholarship Management Software Development Status and Outlook8.1 China Scholarship Management Software Market Size (2012-2017)8.2 China Scholarship Management Software Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)9 India Scholarship Management Software Development Status and Outlook9.1 India Scholarship Management Software Market Size (2012-2017)9.2 India Scholarship Management Software Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)10 Southeast Asia Scholarship Management Software Development Status and Outlook10.1 Southeast Asia Scholarship Management Software Market Size (2012-2017)10.2 Southeast Asia Scholarship Management Software Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)11 Market Forecast by Regions and Application (2017-2022)11.1 Global Scholarship Management Software Market Size (Value) by Regions (2017-2022)11.1.1 United States Scholarship Management Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.2 EU Scholarship Management Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.3 Japan Scholarship Management Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.4 China Scholarship Management Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.5 India Scholarship Management Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.1.6 Southeast Asia Scholarship Management Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2017-2022)11.2 Global Scholarship Management Software Market Size (Value) by Application (2017-2022)11.3 The Market Drivers in Future12 Scholarship Management Software Market Dynamics12.1 Scholarship Management Software Market Opportunities12.2 Scholarship Management Software Challenge and Risk12.2.1 Competition from Opponents12.2.2 Downside Risks of Economy12.3 Scholarship Management Software Market Constraints and Threat12.3.1 Threat from Substitute12.3.2 Government Policy12.3.3 Technology Risks12.4 Scholarship Management Software Market Driving Force12.4.1 Growing Demand from Emerging Markets12.4.2 Potential Application13 Market Effect Factors Analysis13.1 Technology Progress/Risk13.1.1 Substitutes13.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry13.2 Consumer Needs Trend/Customer Preference13.3 External Environmental Change13.3.1 Economic Fluctuations13.3.2 Other Risk Factors14 Research Finding/Conclusion15 AppendixMethodologyAnalyst IntroductionData SourceBuy Now This Report From Here:Global QYResearch() is the one spot destination for 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Global QYResearch holds the repository of quality research reports from numerous publishers across the globe. Our inventory of research reports caters to various industry verticals including Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Technology and Media, Chemicals, Materials, Energy, Heavy Industry, etc. With the complete information about the publishers and the industries they cater to for developing market research reports, we help our clients in making purchase decision by understanding their requirements and suggesting best possible collection matching their needs.Unit 1, 26 Cleveland Road, South Woodford, London,E182AN, United KingdomCall: +44 20 3239 2407sales@globalqyresearch.com
Global Animal Protein Deep Research on Industrial and Market studies: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)

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"Global Animal Protein Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.Description-Protein is a composition of amino acids which are organic compounds of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur. There are around 20 types of amino acids which are arranged in millions of different ways to create millions of different proteins. Proteins are present in different forms in a human body. They can be structural like collagen, hormonal like insulin, carrier like hemoglobin or enzymes like amylase. Proteins perform various functions within an organism including building muscle mass, strengthening and replacing or repairing tissues.Get Sample Report With TOC @Animal protein is known as complete proteins as they have all the essential amino acids which a human body cannot create on its own. All foods made from meat, fish, poultry, dairy etc. are the sources of animal protein. Animal proteins help in improving muscle mass and cholesterol level and reducing risk of heart disease.Europe is a major contributor to the global animal protein market supported by increased consumption of beef. Europe is likely to experience further growth of animal protein market due to increasing demand of pork and stable production of chicken.The global animal protein market is expected to grow in future due to increasing population, urbanization, expansion in middle class income and rising global economy. Key trends of this market include increasing demand of low cost protein, rising consumption of beef and global trade of chicken. However, there are some factors which can hinder growth of the market including shortage of land availability, outbreak of avian influenza and low supply of animal feed.The report Global Animal Protein Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) by Koncept Analytics provides an extensive research and detailed analysis of the present market along with future outlook. The report discusses the major growth drivers and challenges of the market, covering Europe, The Americas and Asia region along with the global market. The report profiles the key players of the market including Tyson Food, Thai Union Group, Charoen Pokphand Indonesia and Japfa Ltd. Table of Content1. Market Overview1.1 Protein1.2 Plant Protein1.3 Animal Protein2. Global Animal Protein Market2.1 Animal Protein Demand Volume Forecast2.2 Animal Protein Demand by Type2.3 Animal Protein Market by Type2.3.1 Global Pork Production and Consumption2.3.2 Global Pork Production and Consumption Forecast2.3.3 Global Pork Import and Export2.3.4 Global Beef Production and Consumption2.3.5 Global Beef Production and Consumption Forecast2.3.6 Global Beef Imports and Exports2.3.7 Global Chicken Production and Consumption2.3.8 Global Chicken Production and Consumption Forecast2.3.9 Global Chicken Imports and Exports3. Regional Animal Protein Market3.1 Europe3.1.1 European Union Animal Protein Production by Type3.1.2 European Union Animal Protein Production Forecast by Type3.1.3 European Union Animal Protein Consumption by Type3.1.4 European Union Animal Protein Consumption Forecast by Type3.2 The Americas3.2.1 The U.S Animal Protein Production by Type3.2.2 The U.S. Animal Protein Production Forecast by Type3.2.3 The U.S. Animal Protein Consumption by Type3.2.4 The U.S. Animal Protein Consumption Forecast by Type3.2.5 Brazil Animal Protein Production by Type3.2.6 Brazil Animal Protein Production Forecast by Type3.2.7 Brazil Animal Protein Consumption by Type3.2.8 Brazil Animal Protein Consumption Forecast by Type3.3 Asia3.3.1 China Animal Protein Production by Type3.3.2 China Animal Protein Production Forecast by Type3.3.3 China Animal Protein Consumption by Type3.3.4 China Animal Protein Consumption Forecast by Type4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Increasing Population Worldwide4.1.2 Increasing Urbanization4.1.3 Rising Income of Middle Class Population4.1.4 Rising Global Economy4.2 Key Trends4.2.1 Increasing Demand for Poultry & Egg Protein4.2.2 Increasing Consumption of Beef4.2.3 Rising Global Trade of Chicken4.3 Challenges4.3.1 Shortage of Land Availability4.3.2 Outbreak of Avian Influenza4.3.3 Low Supply of Animal Feed5. Competition5.1 Global Market5.1.1 Animal Protein Producers Comparison5.2 The U.S. Market5.2.1 The U.S. Chicken Market Share by Company5.2.2 The U.S. Pork Market Share by Company5.2.3 The U.S. Beef Market Share by Company6. Company Profiles6.1 Tyson Food6.1.1 Business Overview6.1.2 Financial Overview6.1.3 Business Strategies6.2 Thai Union Group6.2.1 Business Overview6.2.2 Financial Overview6.2.3 Business Strategies6.3 Charoen Pokphand Indonesia6.3.1 Business Overview6.3.2 Financial Overview6.3.3 Business Strategies6.4 Japfa Ltd.6.4.1 Business Overview6.4.2 Financial Overview6.4.3 Business Strategies List of TableSources of Plant ProteinSources of Animal Protein List of ChartGlobal Animal Protein Demand Volume Forecast (2016-2021)Global Animal Protein Demand by Type (2016)Global Pork Production and Consumption (2012-2016)Global Pork Production and Consumption Forecast (2017-2021)Global Pork Import and Export (2012-2016)Global Beef Production and Consumption (2012-2016)Global Beef Production and Consumption Forecast (2017-2021)Global Beef Imports and Exports (2012-2016)Global Chicken Production and Consumption (2012-2016)Global Chicken Production and Consumption Forecast (2017-2021)Full Report @ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074
Internet of Things (IoT) Security Market Analysis by Recent Trends, Development & Growth by Regions to 2022

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Internet of Things (IoT) Security MarketThe Internet of Things (IoT) security market is driven due to rising security concerns in the critical infrastructures and strict government regulations and is expected to grow from USD 7.90 Billion in 2016 to USD 41.85 Billion by 2022 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 35.21%. The year 2016 has been considered as the base year for the study, while the market size forecast is from 2017 to 2022.For Requesting a Sample Copy of This Report, Please Visit @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT) Security in North America market, especially in United States, Canada and Mexico. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers Geographic Revenue Mix Cisco Systems,Inc BM Corporation Infineon Technologies Intel Corporation Symantec Corporation Arm Holdings PLC Check Point Software Technologies Ltd Trend Micro,Inc PTC,Inc Gemalto NV Sophos Group PLC Inside Secure Wurldtech Security Technologies IncMarket Segment by Countries, covering United States Canada MexicoMarket Segment by Type, covers Network Security Endpoint Security Application Security Cloud Security OthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into Wearables Building and Home Automation Supply Chain Management Patient Information Management Energy and Utilities Management Customer Information Security Asset Optimization Manufacturing Process Management Communication Technology Management Telematics OthersBrowse Full Table of Contents and Report Description @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the North America Internet of Things (IoT) Security market.Chapter 1, to describe Internet of Things (IoT) Security Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by countries, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Internet of Things (IoT) Security, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the North America market by countries, covering United States, Canada and Mexico, with sales, revenue and market share of Internet of Things (IoT) Security, for each country, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the segment market in United States, Canada and Mexico, by manufacturers, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and market share by manufacturers, types and applications;Chapter 10, Internet of Things (IoT) Security market forecast, by countries, type and application, with sales, price and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 11, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 12, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 13, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 14 and 15, to describe Internet of Things (IoT) Security Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data sourceAbout UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform to meet the market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact UsJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Biosensors Development and Demand Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth and Trends by Forecast to 2027

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Market Scenario:The global biosensor market is growing moderately due to increase in prevalence of diabetic population, rise in geriatric population, increasing demand of POCT, rising prevalence of chronic and lifestyle associated diseases, and increasing application of biosensors in various industries.However, strict regulatory requirements and reimbursement policy issues in healthcare system are inhibiting the growth of the global biosensors market. It is expected that this market will grow with the CAGR rate of high during the forecasted period. The total market size of global biosensor market has been valued at USD in million and growing rapidly.Key Players Siemens Healthcare LifeSensors, Inc, Abbott Laboratories, Inc Johnson & Johnson Medtronic, Inc, Nova Biomedical Corporation F. Hoffmann La Roche TiaDoc Technology Corporation Bayer AG, SENS, IncRequest a Sample Report @Global Biosensors Development and Demand Market Objective Study To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Biosensors development and demand market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To Analyze the Wireless Audio Device 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 four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by technology, end user and application To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Biosensors development and demand marketSegmentsSegmentation by technology By technology the market has been segmented as electrochemical biosensors, optical biosensors, thermal biosensors and piezoelectric biosensors.Segmentation by end users By end users , the market has been segmented as point of care, research laboratories, home diagnostics, food industry and security and biodefense.Segmentation by application By application, the market has been segmented as medical testing, food toxicity, industrial process, environmental and agricultural.Regional Analysis of Biosensors Development and Demand:North America is dominating the market of Biosensor with market capitalization of US usd million in the year 2016. It is growing with the CAGR rate of high due to the heavy demand from the industries. Europe is expected to be the second largest market share for Biosensor market and growing with the CAGR rate of more.Asia Pacific is fastest growing market for the Biosensor as most of the countries of this region are in developing phase.AmericasNorth America US CanadaLatin AmericaEuropeWestern Europe Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of Western EuropeEastern EuropeAsia PacificAsia China India Japan South Korea Rest of AsiaBrowse Full Report Details @Table of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market StructureContinuedAbout 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
Global Cheese Market 2017: Key Players  Cabot Creamery, Cowgirl Creamery, Grafton Village Cheese, Kraft Foods

Bharat Book Bureau

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The global Cheese 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.This report offers an overview of the market trends, drivers, and barriers with respect to the Cheese market. It also provides a detailed overview of the market of different regions across United States, Europe, China, Japan, India, Southeast Asia and Others. The report categorizes Cheese market by By Moisture, By Mold, and application. Detailed analysis of key players, along with key growth strategies adopted by them is also covered in this report on Cheese 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.Request a sample copy of Cheese Market Report @This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Key PlayersLactalis Group(U.S.)Fonterra (New Zealand)Friesl and Campina (Netherlands)Dairy Farmers of America (U.S.)Arla Foods (Denmark)Bongrain SA (France)Land O'Lakes (U.S.)Hilmar Cheese Company (U.S.)Molkerei Ammerland (Germany)Cabot Creamery (U.S.)Cowgirl Creamery (U.S.)Grafton Village Cheese (U.S.)Kraft Foods (U.S.)Vermont Shepherd (U.S.)Willow Hill Farm (U.S.)Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain types of productsCheese Market, by MoistureSoft cheeseSemi-soft cheeseMedium-hard cheeseSemi-hard or hard cheeseCheese Market, by MoldSoft-ripenedWashed-rindSmear-ripenedBlueCheese Market, by Key ConsumerCafeRestaurantRetailOthersTo Browse the Entire Report, Visit @About Bharat Book Bureau:Bharat Book Bureau is the leading market research information provider for market research reports, company profiles, industry study, country reports, business reports, newsletters and online databases Bharat Book Bureau provides over a million reports from more than 400 publishers around the globe. We cover sectors starting from Aeronautics to Zoology.Contact us at:Bharat Book BureauTel: +91 22 27810772 / 27810773Email:poonam@bharatbook.comWebsite:Follow us on: Twitter|Facebook| LinkedIn |Google Plus
Surface Mount Technology Market - Forecasts from 2017 to 2022

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Surface Mount Technology (SMT) market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.83% to reach a total market size of US$5.244 billion by 2022, from US$3.768 billion in 2017.The technology is increasingly being adopted on account of advantages such as reduced manufacturing cost, higher component density and simpler and faster automation. Growing global electronics industry and increasing usage of flexible materials on PCBs are some of the key factors driving the surface mount technology market growth.Browse the full report with a table of contents :Miniaturization of electronic components and focus on reducing defects are additional factors boosting the demand for surface mount technology equipment. However, the high cost of SMT equipment will restraint the market growth during the forecast period.Under application segment, consumer electronics held the largest global market share in 2016 and will continue its dominance till the end of the forecast period. There has been an increasing demand for smartphones, tablets, GPS navigation systems, and other electronic products across the globe.Request a sample copy:Miniaturization of components and technological development will further bolster the demand for surface mount technology equipment by enterprises operating in this segment.Geographically, APAC region will dominate the global market of surface mount technology till 2022 owing to growing consumer electronics and automotive industries in China, India and other economies.Order a Purchase Report Copy:Prominent key market players in Surface Mount Technology market include Hitachi, Juki Corporation, Fuji Machine Manufacturing, and ASM Assembly Systems among others.The Global Surface Mount Technology industry is competitive due to low product differentiation. Market players are adopting different growth strategies to expand their product portfolio and gain a larger market share. Fuji Machine Manufacturing recently acquired Tower-Factory GmbH, automatic electronic parts warehouse supplier, to strengthen the companyas automatic warehousing and deliver more support for smart factories.In this report, Surface Mount Technology market is segmented by product, industry, and geography:By ProductScreen Print EquipmentSoldering EquipmentInspection EquipmentPlacement EquipmentCleaning EquipmentOthersBy IndustryTelecommunicationConsumer ElectronicsAerospace and DefenseAutomotiveHealthcareOthersBy GeographyAmericasNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaMexicoOthersSouth AmericaBrazilArgentinaOthersEurope Middle East and AfricaEuropeUKGermanyFranceItalySpainOthersMiddle East and AfricaSaudi ArabiaUAEIsraelOthersAsia PacificJapanChinaIndiaAustraliaOthersTable of Content:1. Introduction2. Research Methodology3. Executive Summary4. Market Dynamics4.1. Market Overview and Segmentation4.2. Drivers4.3. Restraints4.4. Opportunities4.5. Supplier Outlook4.6. Industry Outlook4.7. Porteras Five Forces Analysis4.8. Industry Value Chain Analysis4.9. Scenario Analysis5. Surface Mount Technology Market Forecast by Product (US$ Billion)5.1. Screen Print Equipment5.1.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20225.2. Soldering Equipment5.2.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20225.3. Inspection Equipment5.3.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20225.4. Placement Equipment5.4.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20225.5. Cleaning Equipment5.5.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20225.6. Others5.6.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20226. Surface Mount Technology Market Forecast by Industry (US$ Billion)6.1. Telecommunication6.1.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20226.2. Consumer Electronics6.2.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20226.3. Aerospace and Defense6.3.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20226.4. Automotive6.4.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20226.5. Healthcare6.5.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20226.6. Others6.6.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227. Surface Mount Technology Market Forecast by Geography (US$ Billion)7.1. Americas7.1.1. North America7.1.1.1. U.S.7.1.1.1.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.1.1.2. Canada7.1.1.2.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.1.1.3. Mexico7.1.1.3.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.1.1.4. Others7.1.1.4.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.1.2. South America7.1.2.1. Brazil7.1.2.1.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.1.2.2. Argentina7.1.2.2.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.1.2.3. Others7.1.2.3.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2. Europe Middle East and Africa7.2.1. Europe7.2.1.1. UK7.2.1.1.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.1.2. Germany7.2.1.2.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.1.3. France7.2.1.3.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.1.4. Italy7.2.1.4.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.1.5. Spain7.2.1.5.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.1.6. Others7.2.1.6.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.2. Middle East and Africa7.2.2.1. Saudi Arabia7.2.2.1.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.2.2. UAE7.2.2.2.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.2.3. Israel7.2.2.3.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.2.2.4. Others7.2.2.4.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.3. Asia Pacific7.3.1. Japan7.3.1.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.3.2. China7.3.2.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.3.3. India7.3.3.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.3.4. Australia7.3.4.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20227.3.5. Others7.3.5.1. Market Size and Forecast to 20228. Competitive Intelligence8.1. Investment Analysis8.2. Recent Deals8.3. Strategies of Key Players9. Company Profiles9.1. Fuji Machine MFG, Co., Ltd9.1.1. Overview9.1.2. Financials9.1.3. Products and Services9.1.4. Recent Developments9.2. Hitachi9.2.1. Overview9.2.2. Financials9.2.3. Products and Services9.2.4. Recent Developments9.3. ASM Assembly Systems9.3.1. Overview9.3.2. Financials9.3.3. Products and Services9.3.4. Recent Developments9.4. Juki Corporation9.4.1. Overview9.4.2. Financials9.4.3. Products and Services9.4.4. Recent Developments9.5. Orbotech9.5.1. Overview9.5.2. Financials9.5.3. Products and Services9.5.4. Recent Developments9.6. CyberOptics Corporation9.6.1. Overview9.6.2. Financials9.6.3. Products and Services9.6.4. Recent Developments9.7. Viscom9.7.1. Overview9.7.2. Financials9.7.3. Products and Services9.7.4. Recent Developments9.8. Mycronic9.8.1. Overview9.8.2. Financials9.8.3. Products and Services9.8.4. Recent Developments9.9. Nordson Corporation9.9.1. Overview9.9.2. Financials9.9.3. Products and Services9.9.4. Recent Developments9.10. Panasonic Corporation9.10.1. Overview9.10.2. Financials9.10.3. Products and Services9.10.4. Recent Developments9.11. Allen Organ Company9.11.1. Overview9.11.2. Financials9.11.3. Products and Services9.11.4. Recent Developments9.12. Universal Instruments Corporation9.12.1. Overview9.12.2. Financials9.12.3. Products and Services9.12.4. Recent Developments9.13. ASML Holding NV9.13.1. Overview9.13.2. Financials9.13.3. Products and Services9.13.4. Recent DevelopmentsList of TablesList of FiguresAbout Reports And MarketsReports And Markets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Are you mastering your market? Do you know what the market potential is for your product, who the market players are and what the growth forecast is? We offer standard global, regional or country specific market research studies for almost every market you can imagine.Contact PersonSanjay JainManager - Partner Relations & International Marketinginfo@reportsandmarkets.comPh: +1-214-377-1121 (US), +44-020-3286-9338 (UK)
Global Hexanoic Acid Market Size, Industry Demand and Forecasts Report to 2022

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Global Hexanoic Acid Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022A new and latest research report proposed by Global Info Reports renders a market summary of the Hexanoic Acid Market industry. This widespread analysis comprises of market potentials and challenges, scope of product, sales volume, market revenue, estimates and rate of growth. The report also digs into all the major market players across the globe.Get Free Sample Copy of this Report @Chemical industry segment has a crucial role in accomplishing daily requirements of the common man. It is one of the most former industries which attributes substantially to not just economic but industrial growth as well. Nearly, each and every industry segment such as oil and gas, retail, manufacturing, agriculture and many others, depends heavily on the chemical industry. In the recent years, the global Hexanoic Acid Market industry has experienced an astonishing change structure-wise such as enhancements in technology, increasing raw material costs, manufacturing base been channeled to Asian countries,novel promising growth markets, etc.The report highlights crucial dynamics and in-depth analysis of the market segment with concentrating on factual data, present industry activities, growth opportunities, new product inventions, and market forecast for the anticipated frame of time along with leading market players, market study based on several regions, and extensive product. The Hexanoic Acid Market report assists in determining the projection in this meticulous industry by rendering precise potential demand prognoses. These prognoses will aid the market players to take vital decisions and take hold of the untapped regions and new entrants.This research report incorporates the current market size of this industry. It also distinguishes and assesses complex value chains across the globe such as primary factors, market growth restrains, and propelling strategies. This latest market report examines the Hexanoic Acid Market by several segments such as regions, applications, companies, and for the proposed time frame. The report gives a complete insight of this industry consisting the qualitative and quantitative analysis provided for this market industry along with prime development trends, competitive analysis, and vital factors that are predominant in the Concrete Seale Market.Market Scope:Various aspects are considered in this all-inclusive market research report and it inspects the global Hexanoic Acid Market industry from an all axis perspective. It gives in-depth information on the future viewpoint, key developments, market dynamics and growth, latest trends in the market, and potential investment segment.Browse complete summary of this report @The report furnishes: An in-depth widespread market analysis of the global Hexanoic Acid Market Analysis of global market trends, forecasts for 2017, and predictions of CAGRs through proposed time frame. Thorough analysis of applications Mentioning of market players with their complete profile description Researches the vital market trends and novel developments technologically in the Hexanoic Acid MarketThe research report comprises of markets comprehensive analysis geographically on several important regions such as:1. North America (Mexico, USA, and Canada)2. Asia-Pacific (India, China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia)3. Europe (UK, Germany, Italy, France and Russia)4. Africa, South America, and the Middle EastThe leading industry players across the globe are explored in detail in this report. It demonstrates product overview, company summary, and manufacturing cost, capacity, and market shares for most of the participants. The report portrays the complete overview of Hexanoic Acid Market across the world including its cost/profit, demand/supply, import/export, capacity, production value, etc. The research report also prognosticates trends in the development of this industrys market. It cloaks current market analysis dynamically, downstream requirements as well as the upstream raw materials. Lastly, the report also segregates vital market figures which represent the market condition of Hexanoic Acid Market manufacturers. The report can function as an assistive reference point for helping individuals as well as businesses from this segment.Get Discount on This Report @Some Point From TOC:Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Hexanoic Acid Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 98% Hexanoic Acid1.2.2 99% Hexanoic Acid1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Flavoring and Perfuming Agent1.3.2 Metal Working Fluid1.3.3 Daily Chemicals1.3.4 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 KLK OLEO2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Hexanoic Acid Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 KLK OLEO Hexanoic Acid Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Pacific Oleochemicals2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Hexanoic Acid Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Pacific Oleochemicals Hexanoic Acid Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Oleon2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Hexanoic Acid Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 2Enquiry Before Buying @About Us:GIR Market Research is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. 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Global Engineering Software Market Prospects & Future Outlook Analysis for 2017  2025

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The pressing need for automation and an increasing adoption of integrated solutions for designing and analyzing engineering systems has led to a boom in the global engineering software market. Our analyst team at Market Research Reports Search Engine has extensively studied the engineering software market in the report titled Engineering Software Market: Global Industry Analysis 2012  2016 and Forecast 2017  2025. We have compared and contrasted the historical analysis with the forecast assessment to allow you to make long-term business decisions. The global engineering software market was valued at approx. US$ 20 billion in 2014 and should record an exponential CAGR of 12.4% for the study period.Request For Sample Report:CAD Software Dominates the Global Engineering Software MarketThe global engineering software market has been segmented into CAE software, CAD software, AEC software, CAM software, and EDA software in terms of software type. The CAD software was the most commonly used in 2014 and is expected to remain so till 2022. The surging demand for CAD software is largely driven by mobile CAD access that has skyrocketed across enterprises across the world, particularly in the mobile-first APAC region. In addition, the evolution of trends such as concurrent engineering, 3D printing, building information modeling, and 3D modeling are anticipated to benefit the engineering software market.Product Design & Testing Key in Engineering Software MarketIn 2014, product design & testing segment had a commanding position in the engineering software market by application and is predicted to remain strong throughout the duration of the forecast period. Rising global connectivity has allowed remote analysis and examination of products in the field. Drafting & 3D modeling is estimated to grow faster in the engineering software market on account of its use in advertising, textbook publishing, geology and science, and marketing. Geologists and scientists are relying on 3D models to simulate landforms and earthquakes to understand the effects of stress and thereby draw their conclusions.A Third of Engineering Software Market Revenue Share Is in North AmericaNorth America alone represents more than a third of the revenue share in the global engineering software market and it isnt surprising to see why. The continent has a number of cloud based engineering software companies that provide several advantages such as foolproof security, large storage capacity, and ease of access. The second most important region in the engineering software market is projected to be Latin America because many telecommunication and manufacturing companies in the region are turning to engineering software to cater to their diverse needs.Competition Dashboard in the Engineering Software MarketMarket Research Reports Search Engine has profiled some of the companies actively involved in engineering software market. These include MSC Software Corporation, Autodesk, Dassault Systemes S.A., Bentley Systems, Geometric Ltd., IBM Corporation, Siemens PLM Software, SAP SE, Ansys, Inc., PTC, Inc., and Synopsys, Inc.Browse Full Report with TOC :About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
Bionic Technology likely to Dominate Global HMI Market During 2016-2022

Human Machine Interface - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017 - 2022

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Global Bionic HMI Market will post a CAGR of more than 9% during the forecast periodA recent report by Arizton, Global HMI Market  Global Outlook and Forecast 20172022, has highlighted some interesting and crucial information about the global HMI market. Analysts at Arizton say that the global HMI market is likely to witness huge growth during the forecast period. The market will cross $7.4 billion growing at a CAGR of 9% during the forecast period 20162022.View Report: Global HMI Market  Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022Link:The report provides a detailed study of the global market by various segment such as technology, configuration, interface, end-user, geography, and countries. It states that among other technologies, bionic technology will have the maximum revenue contribution to the global market.Bionic HMI MarketBionic technology has been around for several years, however, a few have heard of it. It is basically a combination of biology, robotics, and computer science. It can also be seen as a technology, which uses or monitors the biological aspect of the human body to perform a function. It can be bionic eyes, arms, ears, legs, feet, hands, and toes. Since the last decade, it has come alive, and bionics is an impressive area, which provides cutting-edge technology. To use the biological signal, electrodes are used to gather the useful information from the body. HMI techniques use the electrodes to gather electric data, and in many cases, the same electrodes are used for different aspects of bionics with alteration of frequencies to monitor and change the level amplification. These HMI techniques are originated from medical practices such as EEG, EMG, EOG, and ECG. Bionics break them down into two categories, which include EEG based Brain Computer Interfacing (BCI) and EMG Myoelectric Control.Request Sample:Brain Computing Interfacing (BCI)The human brain is made up of billions of nerve cells called neurons. They have an amazing ability to gather and transmit electrochemical signals. Electroencephalography (EEG) records this electrical activity, and this is what is used in BCI. In general, there are two forms of BCI - invasive and non-invasive. The invasive BCI requires electrodes to surgically implanted through the skull into the brain to monitor the activity. One of the applications of this technology is that it allows blinded people to recover their sight with a bionic eye partially. Earlier, it was only possible to monitor the neural activity, but now it is also possible to communicate with existing brain tissues and has the potential to replace brain damaged regions with microchips, which is the extreme form of bionic HMI.Myoelectric InteractionMyoelectric control is similar to BCI, but it is interested in electrical characteristics of muscles. Electromyography (EMG) is the process of monitoring electrical signals. EMG operates in millivolts, which is much stronger than EEG and does not require any amplification. Muscles do have electrical properties, and they come from an electro-chemical reaction. Myoelectric HMI is quite feasible as an interface, and one of the major applications in a prosthetic limb such as an arm or a leg. Similar to camera gesture recognition, EMG gesture recognition can be used as a rich source of input to control several things such as hands-free portable music player, simulated aeroplane, and a prosthetic hand. Any action performed by muscles or limbs can be converted into an electrically signal and can be used to control any electrical device.The report also profiles the leading player of the global HMI market and includes the strength, strategies and key opportunities of the major vendors. It also includes the other prominent vendor landscape.Related Report1) PLC Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017  2022Link:2) Industrial Cleaning Robot Market  Global Outlook and Forecast 2017  2022Link:3) Pool Equipment and Maintenance Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2017-2022Link:Source - AriztonAbout AriztonArizton  Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.Arizton has gained a paramount standpoint in the market research arena as it offers top of the line solutions to clients to assess market landscape and to finalize foolproof business strategies. We are committed to provide inclusive market research reports and consulting services to clients from diversified industries including Consumer Goods & Retail Technology, Automotive and Mobility, Smart Tech, Healthcare and Lifesciences, Industrial Machinery, Chemicals and Materials, IT and Media, Logistics and PackagingArizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.Arizton- Advisory and IntelligenceChicago,Illinois, 60605Mail: enquiry@arizton.comCall: +1-312-465-7864
Safety Syringes Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2013  2019

Safety Syringes Market

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The global safety syringes market was valued at US$3.4 bn in 2012. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 9.70% from 2013 to 2019 to reach a valuation of US$6.5 bn by 2019.View Full Report:A safety syringe is a syringe that comes with an embedded safety mechanism that prevents reuse. The needles on these syringes can either be detached or are fixed permanently. However, these needles come with a protective sheath or have a retractable mechanism, to avert the chances of any needlestick injuries to the healthcare workers.The global safety syringes market is segmented on the basis of the type of product and geography. The types of products in the global safety syringes market are retractable safety syringes and non-retractable safety syringes. Geographically, this market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.Request to view Sample Report:Of all the regions, North America is the biggest consumer of safety syringes. This is the result of the extensive adoption of these syringes in the healthcare sector of North America. The growing usage of prefilled syringes in this region is also contributing towards the rise in the revenue and volume of the safety syringes market in North America. Meanwhile, Europe was the second largest consumer of safety syringes in 2012. According to research analysts, the safety syringes market is expected to growth in the U.S. and Europe due to the strong presence of manufacturers.On the other hand, the safety syringes market in Rest of the World and Asia Pacific is also poised to surge ahead with growing pressure for effective implementation of immunization programs by health bodies governed by the United Nations, such as the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).Request to Download Brochure link:Some of the key players in the global safety syringes market are Unilife Corporation, Retractable Technologies, Inc., Smiths Medicals, Becton, Dickinson & Company, Smiths Medical, and Terumo Corporation. The research report profiles these key players in the global safety syringes market and thus details the competitive landscape of the market. Furthermore, the report also explains the impact of the regulatory framework as well as an analysis of the financial overview, research and development activities, investment outlook, product portfolio, and business and marketing strategies of the top players in the global safety syringes market.Global Safety Syringes Market Market Report is available @ US$ 5795: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.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 Prostate Biopsy Devices Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022 - Bard, BD, Argon Medical Devices & Invivo

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Albany, NY, 6th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of " Trend of Prostate Biopsy Devices Market in Global Industry : Market Share, Insight and Application 2017 " globally.This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Prostate Biopsy Devices industry.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @This report splits Prostate Biopsy Devices market By Number of Times Available, By Product Segments, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major CompaniesBard (US)BD (US)Argon Medical Devices (US)Invivo (US)Cook Medical (US)TSK (Netherlands)Uromed (Germany)Biomedical (Italy)Sterylab (Italy)Amecath (Egyp)Geotekmedical (Turkey)Main RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMake an Enquiry about TOC @Main Product TypeProstate Biopsy Devices Market, by Number of Times AvailableReusable DevicesDisposable DevicesProstate Biopsy Devices Market, by Product SegmentsBiopsy NeedlesBiopsy TablesGuidance SystemsOtherMain ApplicationsHospitalsAmbulatory Surgical Center (ASCs)Diagnostic CentersOtherTable of ContentsChapter One Prostate Biopsy Devices Market Overview1.1 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Prostate Biopsy Devices, By Number of Times Available 2012-20221.2.1 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Sales Market Share by Number of Times Available 2012-20221.2.2 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Revenue Market Share by Number of Times Available 2012-20221.2.3 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Price by Number of Times Available 2012-20221.2.4 Reusable Devices1.2.5 Disposable Devices1.3 Prostate Biopsy Devices, by Product Segments 2012-20221.3.1 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Sales Market Share by Product Segments 2012-20221.3.2 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Revenue Market Share by Product Segments 2012-20221.3.3 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Price by Product Segments 2012-20221.3.4 Biopsy Needles1.3.5 Biopsy Tables1.3.6 Guidance Systems1.3.7 OtherBrowse Report @Chapter Two Prostate Biopsy Devices by Regions 2012-20172.1 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.2 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.3 Global Prostate Biopsy Devices Price by Regions 2012-20172.4 North America2.4.1 United States2.4.2 Canada2.5 Latin America2.5.1 Mexico2.5.2 Brazil2.5.3 Argentina2.5.4 Others in Latin America2.6 Europe2.6.1 Germany2.6.2 United Kingdom2.6.3 France2.6.4 Italy2.6.5 Spain2.6.6 Russia2.6.7 Netherland2.6.8 Others in EuropeResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Orthopedic Trauma Fixation Devices Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.20% by 2020

Orthopedic Trauma Fixation Devices Market

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The global orthopedic trauma fixation device market is progressing at a CAGR of 7.20% within the forecast period from 2014 to 2020. The market was valued at US$6.1 bn in 2014. By the end of 2020, the global orthopedic trauma fixation device market is expected to reach US$9.3 bn.View Full Report:According to the report, the primary growth driver of the global orthopedic trauma fixation device market is the increasing number of fractures and spot injuries that are being treated around the world. The market also benefits from the greater expenditure rates in the healthcare industry and a practical lack of alternatives available to this market. All these factors are expected to boost the global orthopedic trauma fixation device market in the coming years.The global orthopedic trauma fixation device market is, however, impeded by factors such as the absence/inadequacy of health insurance in emerging economies, the chances of incurring a double surgery, and the high cost of operation. The report expects these restraints to act on the global orthopedic trauma fixation device market in order to withhold its maximum growth potential.Request to view Sample Report:The geographical segmentation of the global orthopedic trauma fixation device market shows North America to be the leading region for now. The fastest growing region, however, is expected to be Asia Pacific, which is advancing rapidly thanks to the developing nations of Japan, China, and India. Additionally, other nations from South East Asia along with the Eastern Mediterranean are also showing a rapid adoption rate of orthopedic trauma fixation devices.Request to Download Brochure link:The key players in the global orthopedic trauma fixation device market are Zimmer Holding Inc., DePuy Synthes, Stryker Corporation, Smith & Nephew, Johnson & Johnson Company, and Orthofix Holding Inc. The report states that in 2013, 47.30% of the global orthopedic trauma fixation device market was held collectively by the two largest players in the market  DePuy Synthes and Johnson & Johnson.Global Orthopedic Trauma Fixation Devices Market Market Report is available @ US$ 5795: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.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:
OSAGE | On Thursday, Kibble Equipment Company, a Minnesota based company which recently purchased both the Northwood and Osage John Deere dealerships, sponsored one of the largest machinery auction ever held in North Iowa at the Mitchell County Fairgrounds in Osage.

Sale day brought well over a 1,000 prospective buyers and spectators to the Mitchell County Fairgrounds.

Among the crowd were two bidders from the Ukraine, three from Mexico, a bidder from Belize and two Canadians, as well as buyers from Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and all of Iowas surrounding states.

A total of 372 lots of large equipment and parts were sold at the large auction, which was conducted by Mowrey Auction Company, Milford Ill. and Wieman Land and Auction Company, Marion, S.D.

Rodger Menn, Freemont, Neb., who is Auction Coordinator for Kibble Equipment, said the large collection of machinery was primarily provided by the eight eastern stores in the Kibble chain.

We picked Osage for the sale site, because it just looked like a good farming community and the people in this store were very helpful in putting this together, Menn said. Its a nice fairgrounds with lots of room and its a good central location.

It takes a certain size and variety of machinery to draw a crowd and we had something for everyone, for the small guy, the large guy, and the very large guy, even for the home owner. We try to appeal to the row crop guy and the livestock guy.

There were 40 year old 6620 and 7720 combines and current models of the S-670 and S-680, that had been built since 2012.

The auctions appeal reached beyond the U.S. border.

There was interest shown from buyers in foreign countries, who can bid via the Internet, Menn said.

Prior to the auction, he said there was the potential for bidders from the Ukraine, Brazil and Mexico on this sale. Menn also said before the auction, he had spoken on the phone with a man from Nigeria.

He had seen a combine on Bid Spotter and Proxy Bid and wanted more pictures, Menn said, who also stated, because overseas shipping rates were relatively low, a large combine could be shipped to Africa for as little as $20,000.

Online buying is growing especially on bigger equipment. Some people come before the sale and view the machinery and then bid on line. About one fourth of our sales are over the Internet, Menn said.

Another resource for potential buyers was the availability of on-site financing. We had on-site financing with several companies, including John Deere Financial, which is our primary financing company.

Two Internet companies provided their services to facilitate the online and foreign bidding during the live auction.

Jon Mowery, co-owner and auctioneer for Mowery Auction Company, said, We had four individuals riding in the two auction toppers during the sale."

The auctioneer, a clerk and two individuals each followed bidders online. One person followed the bids from Bid Spotter and the other from bids coming in on Proxy Bid. The company had ten ring men working the live crowd during the sale.

Mowery said while auctioneering, You have to hold up a little bit, because of reaction time on the Internet bidding.

Jerry Friesen, from Spanish Lookout, Belize, said I have farmed since I was a kid and raise rice, corn and beans, and I also deal in farm equipment. I farm a 1,000 acres, which is not big for around here.

Friesen said he had found the sale information on the Internet and was interested in combines, tractors and tillage equipment. If he purchased equipment, Friesen said it would be transported by truck to Belize.

Locals like Tom Beyer, rural Osage, found equipment on the auction. I came here to buy a skid loader to use in helping clear a wooded area, said Beyer, who purchased a John Deere 326D Skid Loader and wide bucket.

Along with over 750 live bidders, there were 366 internet bidders, including from Mexico and Canada.

The two auction companies completed the large auction in around seven hours, running only one ring for the larger equipment.
Cell Culture Protein Surface Coatings Market Research Report by Key Players Analysis 2020

Cell Culture Protein Surface Coatings Market

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The global market for cell culture protein surface coatings was worth US$256.2 mn and is estimated to reach a value of US$623.4 mn by the end of 2020. This market is projected to exhibit a progressive 13.60% CAGR between 2014 and 2020.View Full Report:Increasing investments by major players and governments in the research and development of stem cell is the key factor boosting the demand for cell culture protein surface coatings in the global market. In addition, the commercial manufacture of biologics such as antibodies, proteins, and vaccines and drugs, with the help of cell cultures has helped extensively in inflating the scope of the cell culture technique globally. It has also offered vast business opportunities for the manufacturing companies in the global cell culture protein surface coatings market. Diversity in the applications of stem cells, such as the development of artificial tissue and bone grafts, is further estimated to propel the global market for cell culture protein surface coatings through the forecast period. Moreover, the increasing applications of cell culture in cell-based assays and toxicology studies are further fueling the growth of the market.Request to view Sample Report:On the basis of protein source, the global market for cell culture protein surface coatings has been classified into animals, plants, synthetic proteins, and human proteins. The synthetic protein source segment is estimated to exhibit a progressive 13% CAGR between 2014 and 2020. The high growth rate of this segment can be attributed to the growing demand for animal-free surface coatings in several countries in Europe and North America. On the basis of the type of coating, the global market for cell culture protein surface coatings has been divided into pre-coating and self-coating. The pre-coating segment is further sub-categorized into cover slips, flasks, micro-well/multi-well plates, slides, and petri dishes. Among the two major types, in 2013, the self-coating segment held a dominant share in the global market and is expected to remain in that position in the forecast period.Request to Download Brochure link:On the basis of geography, the global market for cell culture protein surface coatings has been segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. In 2013, the North America regional market held a 40.90% share in the overall cell culture protein surface coatings market. The rapid development of biotechnology and healthcare infrastructure and increased activities for drug discovery have fueled the Asia Pacific market for cell culture protein surface coatings. This region is projected to exhibit a significant 15.40% CAGR between 2014 and 2020.Furthermore, the research report covers the competitive landscape of the global market for cell culture protein surface coatings and details the company profile, contact information, business strategies, mergers and acquisitions, financial overview, and recent development of key players. Some of the prominent players operating in the global market for cell culture protein surface coatings are Merck Millipore, Greiner Bio-One International AG, Corning Incorporated, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Sartorius Stedim Biotech SA, Viogene BioTek Corporation, and Sigma-Aldrich Corporation.Global Cell Culture Protein Surface Coatings Market Market Report is available @ US$ 5795: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.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 connected oil field market to witness a strong growth during the Forecast period, 2016  2024

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Growing well completion along with high crude oil demand and increasing production will drive the global connected oil field market during the forecast period. Furthermore, increase in O&G demand from developing countries including India and Thailand will augment the industry size.Demand for real-time well data and management of hydrocarbon efficiency will positively impact the growth of connected oil field market. Informatica partner, SSG Ltd has developed a method to boost the data transfer rate by using XML, a markup language which is both machine and human readable. WITSML is a standard for transmitting data in the petroleum industry. The language is integrated into the network and is being constantly developed to define XML standards for hydrocarbon production data exchange. Companies including Shell, Halliburton, and Schlumberger have adopted WITSML and are receiving real-time data from the oil field.Reducing the communication gap among workers by connecting individuals and functions of the organization to a central system will enhance the producibility, further reducing the operating cost. Adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and Oilfield Services in the connected oil field market will develop a synergy between the organization making the procedure faster and cheaper. As of 2015, Shell reported that USD 5 billion in value was achieved by integrating oil field amongst its 50 assets across the globe.Request for table of contents of this research report @Adoption of connected oil field market will supplement instant transmission of real-time data, helping oil companies overcome geographical barriers and negate time-zone differences, further augmenting the industry outlook. Faster decision making, location of hydrocarbon reserves and increasing production efficiency can also effectively complement the business during the forecast period.Maintenance costs, real-time optimization of drilling path, reduction in drilling costs with fewer side tracking, consistent production data, increasing flexibility and convenience of production operation are among numerous attributes of the connected oil field market. Per a research conducted by Oxford Economics, the adoption of integrated data system by O&G industry can increase the global GDP by 0.8 percent which is roughly $816 million by the year 2025.Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA) examined the benefit of introducing integrated operations in the O&G industry based on the data obtained from the reservoir, downhole and surface facilities. It showed an improvement of hydrocarbon recovery: 1-7 percent, production acceleration: 1-6 percent, drilling cost reduction: 5-15 percent and improvement in operational efficiency to 3-25 percent.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @North America connected oil field market is expected to grow at a high rate owing to the growth in U.S. industry. Increasing adoption of IoT owing to the discovery of largest hydrocarbon reserves in the Permian basin will propel the connected oil field market during the forecast period. Europe along with Asia Pacific will witness a gradual increase in adoption rate of the technology owing to reduced amount of drilling activities resulting from government sanctions.Its inclination towards conventional methods will restrict growth of the industry in preliminary stages of the forecast period. Bowland Basin in the UK will attract global companies owing to its vast reservoir capacity augmenting industry growth thereby providing a cost saving asset during the forecast period. Africa and Latin Americas dependence on O&G industry will complement the growth of industry while Middle Easts plans to invest in the industry will further complement the growth of the industry during the forecast period.Notable industry participants in the connected oil field market are Shell, Halliburton, Schlumberger, Weatherford, National Oilwell Varco, Redline Communications and Baker Hughes.About 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 researchContact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) in Cancer Therapy Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.70% from 2014 to 2020

Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) in Cancer Therapy Market

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The NDDS in cancer therapy market is categorized on the basis of technology into liquid embolics, nanoparticles, and embolization particles. Valued at US$3.3 bn in 2013, nanoparticles emerged as the leading technology segment in terms of revenue. This segment is projected to expand at an astounding 24.70% CAGR from 2014 to 2020, presenting the most promising opportunities for players within the NDDS in cancer therapy market. The segment of liquid embolics is forecast to expand at a 4.90% CAGR by 2020.View Full Report:On the basis of geography, the global NDDS in cancer therapy market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Accounting for a share of 46.60% in the overall market in 2013, North America has emerged as the leading regional segment. Expanding at an impressive 24.90% CAGR from 2014 to 2020, North America is anticipated to hold 49.70% of the global NDDS in cancer therapy market by the end of the forecast period. The NDDS in cancer therapy market in this region is fueled by favorable reimbursement scenario, rising number of people suffering from various types of cancer, and technologically advanced healthcare infrastructure.Request to view Sample Report:Accounting for 29.20% of the global NDDS in cancer therapy market, Europe became the second largest regional segment in 2013, propelled by technological advances, strong pipeline, and development of innovative products. The Asia Pacific market for NDDS is anticipated to exhibit a 22.60% CAGR during the forecast period owing to rapid growth in emerging economies such as Japan, New Zealand, China, India, and Australia. The NDDS in cancer therapy market in this region is also fueled by increasing market penetration by major players and improvement in reimbursement scenario.Request to Download Brochure link:The key participants in the global NDDS in cancer therapy market include Mo-Sci Corporation, Cook Medical, Inc., Sirtex Medical, Inc., Bind Therapeutics, EmboMedics, Inc., BTG plc, Kobo Products, Inc., Advanced Medical Isotope Corporation, Nanobiotix, CeloNova BioSciences, Inc., Eckert & Ziegler BEBIG, Boston Scientific Corporation, Polysciences, Inc., Covidien, plc, Cospheric LLC, Terumo Medical Corporation, and Merit Medical Systems, Inc. These players are profiled in the research report based on attributes such as company and financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments.Global Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) in Cancer Therapy Market Market Report is available @ US$ 5795: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.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 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market 2017 Share, Trend, Segmentation and Forecast to 2022

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This report studies the global Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO market, analyzes and researches the Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeRequest a Sample Report @LonzaBoehringer Ingelheim GmbHRentschler Biotechnologie GmbHInno Biologics Sdn BhdJRS Pharma (Celonic GmbH)BIOMEVA GmbHProBioGenFUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A., Inc.TOYOBO CO., LTDSamsung BioLogicsPatheonCMC BiologicsBinex Co., Ltd.AbbVie Inc.WuXi Biologics.Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO can be split intoBiologicsBiosimilarsMarket segment by Application, Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO can be split intoContract ManufacturingContract ResearchAccess Complete Report @Table of ContentsGlobal Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO1.1 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Overview1.1.1 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO 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 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market by Type1.3.1 Biologics1.3.2 Biosimilars1.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Contract Manufacturing1.4.2 Contract Research2 Global Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO 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 Lonza3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Inno Biologics Sdn Bhd3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 JRS Pharma (Celonic GmbH)3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 BIOMEVA GmbH3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 ProBioGen3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A., Inc.3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 TOYOBO CO., LTD3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Samsung BioLogics3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Patheon3.12 CMC Biologics3.13 Binex Co., Ltd.3.14 AbbVie Inc.3.15 WuXi Biologics.4 Global Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO5 United States Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Biopharmaceutical CMO & CRO Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)ContinuedPurchase Report @ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Contact Us:Norah TrentPartner Relations & Marketing ManagerSales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)
Microgrid Market, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook Competitive Market Growth & Forecast, 2016  2024

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Growing concerns about energy security will positively drive the global microgrid market size. Depleting resources leading to a rise in electricity generation costs have fueled the need for optimum utilization of energy resources. In 2017, the U.S. republican congressmen proposed tax reforms to support energy security measures. This shift towards optimized energy management shall drive the expansion of these technological establishments.Increasing requirements for safe and reliable electricity in climatically hazardous areas will propel the global microgrid market. The grid features quick restoration and secure on-grid and off-grid operations. In 2016, Japan initiated the strengthening of its distributed generation power systems after the Tsunami hit. Hence, this shift allows the technology to expand globally.Lack of regulatory support pertaining to decentralized trading and ancillary services for congestion management will hamper the growth of the global microgrid market. However, utilities, such as S&C Electric U.S., are globally piloting the technology with regulatory uncertainty holding confidence for the microgrid establishments in future.Request for table of contents of this research report @Based on technology, the global microgrid market can be segmented as distributed generators, fuel cells, energy storage devices, and power electronic interface modules. Distributed generator systems are anticipated to witness a significant growth due to increasing need for energy management, cogeneration, and grid parity. The fuel cell technology is expected to expand moderately due to growing electricity generation and transportation demand owing to its clean and efficient energy. In 2017, South Korea-based Kia Motors announced the development of a new-generation hybrid automobile fuel cell technology driving clean fleet application.The application segment of global microgrid market comprises on-grid and off-grid establishments. On-grid establishments are estimated to grow significantly due to an increase in stable and reliable electricity demand and load on the macro-grid. It operates connected to the utility grid and when islanded due to main grid failure and blackouts. European on-grid project in Evora, Portugal provides energy forecasts, reduces CO2 levels, and reduces transmission and distribution losses. These results depict commercial and growth opportunities for on-grid applications.Off-grid applications across the global microgrid market are anticipated to grow prominently due to the focus on energy resource deficit and off-grid remote areas. Governments across the globe are investing aggressively towards the development of their decentralized energy resources to strengthen their power infrastructure. Off grid projects in island countries, such as Maldives, have reported appreciable results depicting a positive market scope for the technology in Africa.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @The U.S. microgrid market is predicted to witness prominent growth due to its well-established power systems and upcoming projects in Alaska and California. In 2016, Solar City Corporation and Musk-led Tesla launched the Tau Island project for replacement of diesel generator grid by solar generation technology. The project is a positive thrust to the mini-grid establishment.Key players operating in global microgrid market are ABB, Siemens, General Electric, Lockheed Martin, etc. Other prominent industry participants with a wide product portfolio are Duke Energy, Hitachi, Schneider Electric, Kilowatt Labs, Solar Turbines, etc.Mergers and inclination for highly-tailored technology initiatives have been the key for market existence. For instance, GE provides solutions, such as the Grid IQ Microgrid Control System, optimizing energy assets to reduce the overall cost of energy for the grid. In 2016, Siemens and Bentley systems have collaborated to provide digitalized solutions of design, planning and operations for power utilities across the globe.About 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 researchContact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Mouth Ulcers Treatment Market: Trends and Opportunities for the Industry by 2020

Mouth Ulcers Treatment Market

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The primary growth drivers of the global mouth ulcers treatment market are the rising pool of geriatrics and increasing awareness amongst people about mouth ulcers. Researchers predict that the Asia Pacific market will grow at a significant pace in the coming years due to the strong presence of several players in the region. According to the research report, the global mouth ulcers treatment market was valued at US$1.2 bn and is anticipated to reach US$1.6 bn by 2020, rising at a remarkable CAGR of 3.8% between 2014 and 2020. However, some of the factors restraining the growth of this market are side-effects of treatment for mouth ulcers such as blurred vision, constipation, headache, and stomach pain.View Full Report:The global mouth ulcers treatment market is segmented on the basis of formulation, indication, drug class, and geography. The formulations available in this market are mouthwash, gel, spray, and lozenge. On the basis of indication, this market is divided into aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, and others. The drug classes in this market are corticosteroid, anesthetic, analgesic, antihistamine, and antimicrobial. Geographically, this market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.Request to view Sample Report:As of 2013, competitive pricing, wide distribution, and rising preference by medical practitioners for gels led this segment to hold a dominating share in the overall market. However, analysts predict that the lozenges segment will grow at an accelerated pace in the forecast period. Amongst the indications, the application of mouth ulcers treatment for aphthous stomatitis is expected to grow at the fastest pace due to its increasing prevalence.Request to Download Brochure link:Some of the important players operating in the global mouth ulcers treatment market are Pfizer, Inc., Church & Dwight Co., Inc., 3M, Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, BLISTEX, INC., GlaxoSmithKline plc, ECR Pharmaceuticals, and The Colgate-Palmolive Company. The research report profiles these players and offers a comprehensive outlook of the competitive landscape of the global mouth ulcers treatment market. Furthermore, the research report also analyzes the financial overview, research and development activities, investment outlook, business and marketing strategies, and strategic mergers and acquisitions of these top players in the coming few years.Global Mouth Ulcers Treatment Market Market Report is available @ US$ 5795: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.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:
Paperless Recorders Market Size 2017-2022: Yokogawa, Honeywell, Siemens, Monarch Instrument

Paperless Recorders

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Paperless Recorders Market Research 2017A market study  Global Paperless Recorders Market  examines the performance of the Paperless Recorders market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Paperless Recorders market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Paperless Recorders market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Paperless Recorders Market 2017 report includes Paperless Recorders market Revenue, market Share, Paperless Recorders industry volume, market Trends, Paperless Recorders Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Paperless Recorders Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Paperless Recorders Market 2017 :HoneywellOMEGA EngineeringYokogawaABBSiemensMonarch InstrumentJUMOPaperless Recorders Market : By ApplicationMining IndustryPetrochemical IndustryPharmaceutical IndustryFood IndustryPaperless Recorders Market : By TypePortable TypeDesktop TypeFirstly, the report covers the top Paperless Recorders manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Paperless Recorders report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Paperless Recorders industry, Paperless Recorders industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Paperless Recorders Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Paperless Recorders research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Paperless Recorders market revenue worldwide.Finally, Paperless Recorders market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market Research by Production, Revenue and Mentioning Key Vendors BASF, EVONIK Industries, Sumitomo

Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 115 pages on title 'World Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market by Product Type, Market, Players and Regions-Forecast to 2021 with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, South East Asia and important players such as BASF, EVONIK Industries, Sumitomo etc.Request a sample report @The Medical Superabsorbent Polymers 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.Global Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market: Product Segment AnalysisStarch-badsedCellulose-basedSynthetic polymers-basedGlobal Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaThe Players mentioned in our reportBASFEVONIK IndustriesSumitomoSanyo ChemicalYixing Danson TechnologyLG ChemicalFormosa PlasticsZhejiang Satellite Petro-ChemicalShandong Nuoer Bio-TechNippon ShokubaiGet Customization in the Report, Enquire Now @Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Industry1.1 Industry Definition and Types1.1.1 Starch-badsed1.1.2 Cellulose-based1.1.3 Synthetic polymers-based1.2 Main Market Activities1.3 Similar Industries1.4 Industry at a GlanceChapter 2 World Market Competition Landscape2.1 Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Markets by Regions2.1.1 USAMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.2 EuropeMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.3 ChinaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.4 IndiaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.5 JapanMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.6 South East AsiaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.2 World Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market by TypesStarch-badsedCellulose-basedSynthetic polymers-basedBuy this report @2.3 World Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market by Applications2.4 World Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market Analysis2.4.1 World Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market Revenue and Growth Rate 2011-20162.4.2 World Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market Consumption and Growth rate 2011-20162.4.3 World Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market Price Analysis 2011-2016Chapter 3 World Medical Superabsorbent Polymers Market share3.1 Major Production Market share by Players3.2 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share by Players3.3 Major Production Market share by Regions in 2016, Through 20213.4 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share By Regions in 2016, Through 2021Chapter 4 Supply Chain Analysis4.1 Industry Supply chain Analysis4.2 Raw material Market Analysis4.2.1 Raw material Prices Analysis 2012-20164.2.2 Raw material Supply Market Analysis4.2 Manufacturing Equipment Suppliers Analysis4.3 Production Process Analysis4.4 Production Cost Structure Benchmarks4.5 End users Market Analysis....ContinuedView Detailed Table of Content @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, NJ USA - 08837sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218
World Medium-voltage Inverter Market forecast 2021 with Key Companies Profile, Supply, Trends, Cost Structure, and SWOT Analysis

World Medium-voltage Inverter

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HTF Market Intelligence released a new research report of 114 pages on title 'World Medium-voltage Inverter Market by Product Type, Market, Players and Regions-Forecast to 2021 with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers key regions that includes USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, South East Asia and important players such as Siemens, ABB, Toshiba etc.Request a sample report @The Medium-voltage Inverter 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.Global Medium-voltage Inverter Market: Product Segment Analysis6 WM6~25 MW25~85 MWGlobal Medium-voltage Inverter Market: Application Segment AnalysisConveyorsPumpsCompressorsGlobal Medium-voltage Inverter Market: Regional Segment AnalysisUSAEuropeJapanChinaIndiaSouth East AsiaThe Players mentioned in our reportSiemensABBToshibaFuji ElectricsDeltaGETmeticEatonHitachiYaskawaGet Customization in the Report, Enquire Now @Table of ContentChapter 1 About the Medium-voltage Inverter Industry1.1 Industry Definition and Types1.1.1 6 WM1.1.2 6~25 MW1.1.3 25~85 MW1.2 Main Market Activities1.3 Similar Industries1.4 Industry at a GlanceChapter 2 World Market Competition Landscape2.1 Medium-voltage Inverter Markets by Regions2.1.1 USAMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.2 EuropeMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.3 ChinaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.4 IndiaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.5 JapanMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 20162.1.6 South East AsiaMarket Revenue (M USD) and Growth Rate 2011-2021Sales and Growth Rate 2011-2021Major Players Revenue (M USD) in 2016Buy this report @2.2 World Medium-voltage Inverter Market by Types6 WM6~25 MW25~85 MW2.3 World Medium-voltage Inverter Market by ApplicationsConveyorsPumpsCompressors2.4 World Medium-voltage Inverter Market Analysis2.4.1 World Medium-voltage Inverter Market Revenue and Growth Rate 2011-20162.4.2 World Medium-voltage Inverter Market Consumption and Growth rate 2011-20162.4.3 World Medium-voltage Inverter Market Price Analysis 2011-2016Chapter 3 World Medium-voltage Inverter Market share3.1 Major Production Market share by Players3.2 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share by Players3.3 Major Production Market share by Regions in 2016, Through 20213.4 Major Revenue (M USD) Market share By Regions in 2016, Through 2021Chapter 4 Supply Chain Analysis4.1 Industry Supply chain Analysis4.2 Raw material Market Analysis4.2.1 Raw material Prices Analysis 2012-20164.2.2 Raw material Supply Market Analysis4.2 Manufacturing Equipment Suppliers Analysis4.3 Production Process Analysis4.4 Production Cost Structure Benchmarks4.5 End users Market Analysis....ContinuedView Detailed Table of Content @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, NJ USA - 08837sales@htfmarketreport.comPh: +1 (206) 317 1218
Pellet Heating Stove Market Size 2017-2022: Italiakalor, Caminetti Montegrappa, Cadel, Rika, Karmek One

Pellet Heating Stove

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Pellet Heating Stove Market Research 2017A market study  Global Pellet Heating Stove Market  examines the performance of the Pellet Heating Stove market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Pellet Heating Stove market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Pellet Heating Stove market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Pellet Heating Stove Market 2017 report includes Pellet Heating Stove market Revenue, market Share, Pellet Heating Stove industry volume, market Trends, Pellet Heating Stove Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Pellet Heating Stove Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Pellet Heating Stove Market 2017 :Caminetti MontegrappaKarmek OneNordicaECOFORESTEDILKAMINMCZCalux SrlCadelCS ThermosRikaTHERMOROSSIHarman StovesHERGOMINVICTAItaliakalorMZQUADRA-FIRERichard le DroffAlfa-Plam a.d.Firstly, the report covers the top Pellet Heating Stove manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Pellet Heating Stove report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Pellet Heating Stove industry, Pellet Heating Stove industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Pellet Heating Stove Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Pellet Heating Stove research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Pellet Heating Stove market revenue worldwide.Finally, Pellet Heating Stove market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
According to court records, Jerel Gerard Harris, 32, was working at the casino around 4:45 a.m. Saturday when he took a stack of cash from the main bank area when he was alone. He then went to his vehicle in the parking lot where he allegedly placed the money before returning to work, records state.
Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebar Market (FRP) to hit $1.25bn by 2024

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According to Global Market Insights, Inc., Global Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebars Industry, worth more than USD 590 million in 2015, is anticipated to observe a y-o-y growth rate of 8.5% over 2016-2024.Massive demand for light weight and corrosion resistant materials across the construction sector will fuel Fiber Reinforced Polymer Rebars Market globally. Driven by prominent features such as high tensile strength, thermal insulation, durability, and electrical cushioning, this reinforced material is deployed heavily for the construction of bridges, run-down buildings, decks, retaining walls, roadways, etc. For instance, the Floodway Bridge in Manitoba, Canada, was constructed using concrete fortified with glass fiber reinforced polymer rebars that were supplied by Hughes Brothers Inc., one of the prime participants operating in global fiber reinforced polymer rebar industry.Request for sample of this report@Global Market Insights has full report titled, "Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Rebars Market Size By Resin (Polyester, Vinyl Ester), By Product (Glass Fiber Composites, Aramid Fiber Composites, Basalt Fiber Composites, Carbon Fiber Composites), By Application (Marine Structures & Waterfronts, Highways, Bridges & Buildings, Water Treatment Plants, MRI Rooms), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S, Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024".Rebar  rather, reinforcing bar, is basically a network of steel wires that supports concrete to withstand high tension forces. Fiber reinforced polymer rebars possess unique properties such as high corrosion resistance, cracking resistance, and high mechanical strength, owing to which they are cast in concrete or used as a substitute to withstand high tensile loads. Fiber reinforced polymer rebars market will be driven primarily by increased government spending on infrastructural development and renovation projects.The penetration of basalt composites in fiber reinforced polymer rebars market has significantly boosted the overall industry share. High resistance to hostile environments, easy availability, affordable costs, and magnetic transparency are the key factors driving basalt fiber composites industry over 2016-2024. It is expected that this market will observe an annual growth rate of 9% over 2016-2024, powered by its utilization in the construction of calamity resistant buildings, water treatment plants, and marine structures & waterfronts.Source Report@Marine structures need to be protected against abrasions, steel corrosion, and harsh chemical attacks. Fiber reinforced polymer rebars industry from marine structures and waterfronts is anticipated to witness a noticeable growth of 7% over 2016-2024, driven by product features such as high tensile strength, fatigue resistance, crack endurance, and leakage control. Additionally, the development of waterfront properties such as jetties, decks, waterway channels, and ports will further influence the market dynamics.Glass fiber composites dominated the product landscape by accounting for more than 85% of the overall fiber reinforced polymer rebars industry in 2015. High chemical resistance, high tensile strength, and increasing preference of glass fiber composites over galvanized steel in the construction of highways and bridges will drive glass fiber composites market in the years to come.Make an inquiry to purchase this report@Fiber reinforced polymer rebars industry size from highways and bridges & buildings was worth more than USD 460 million in 2015. This application segment is poised to generate massive revenue over 2016-2024, owing to the rapid expansion of the global construction sector coupled with favorable regulations regarding product utilization.Polyester resin being a high-caliber alternative over stainless steel or epoxy resin will be extensively used in restoration of old heritage buildings. Fiber reinforced polymer rebars market share from polyester resin was more than USD 460 million in 2015. Vinyl ester fiber reinforced polymer rebars industry will grow lucratively at a CAGR of 9% over 2016-2024.Geographically, APAC fiber reinforced polymer rebars market will witness tremendous gains of more than 8% over 2016-2024, spurred by the ever-growing construction sector in countries such as India, China, and Japan. High construction spending will also drive U.S fiber reinforced polymer rebars industry, which registered a value of more than USD 270 million in 2015, and will grow at a CAGR of 7% over 2016-2024.Driven by supportive government initiatives and high budget allocations for infrastructural development, MEA fiber reinforced polymer rebars market share will increase at a CAGR of more than 8.5% over 2016-2024.Considering that this industry is still in the development stage, market players are currently concentrating on technological innovations and cost criterion for generating profits. Key participants operating in fiber reinforced polymer rebars industry include Hughes Brothers Inc., Neuvokas Corp, Marshall Composites Systems, Fibrolux GmbH, Pultrall Inc., BP Composites Ltd., Technobasalt Invest LLC, Schock international, Sireg Geotech, and Composite Rebar Technologies.Our Polymer Blog: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.Contact us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:
Hot Melt Adhesives Market worth over $10 billion by 2024

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As per a report by Global Market Insights, Inc., Hot Melt Adhesives Market worth over USD 5.5 billion in 2015, is slated to witness speedy growth chart at a CAGR of more than 6% over the period of 2016-2024.The migration of consumer preference from conventional solvent based adhesives to thermoplastic adhesives is pushing Hot Melt Adhesives Market globally. Primary advantages offered by these advanced adhesive formulations that is favoring the substitution trend, include reduced explosion risk, longer shelf life, Eco friendliness, quick drying, and high melt viscosity. A corollary advantage of the products versatility has increased its large-scale adoption scope in varied sectors, which in turn is fueling the rapid expansion of the industry.Request for sample of this report@Today, hot melt adhesives industry is witnessing maximum growth potential in packaging, footwear, and automotive sectors. Increasing disposable income along with consumers active response toward green revolution is propelling the packaging application. HMAs are extensively used in the packaging of agro- based product, food and beverage and even vegetables owing to its durability, piling strength, and less wrapping cost. It is estimated that the overall market for packaging applications is set to exceed a revenue of USD 3 billion by 2024 with a lucrative annual growth rate of 5.5% over the coming seven years. India, China, and Europe are projected to be the major regions driving the hot melt adhesives industry in this sector.Hot melt adhesives market in footwear industry is gaining high significance on account of its wide implementation in sport shoe. Polyesters and polyamides are the two basic HMAs that are applied for shoe stitching, parts preparation(heels) as they provide excellent bonding specificity. Hot melt adhesives market from footwear application is projected to record a steady growth curve in the years ahead at a CAGR of 4% over 2016-2024.Automotive and disposables sector are other vital application areas for this industry. Disposables application is expected to cross a revenue of USD 1.6 million by 2024 due to the shift in consumer focus toward hygiene regarding adult incontinence items, baby diapers, and other medical disposables products. World automotive industry size which is set to surpass 115 million units by 2024, is having a linear impact on hot melt adhesive market.Browse Hot Melt Adhesives Industry Report@Polyester, EVA, Amorphous poly-alpha-olefin, Polyamide, MPO are the basic product categories of hot melt adhesives adopted in the market. EVA adhesives are dominantly used in packaging, paper, and wood working industries. Owing to the products dependability, high quality adhesion, and durability, EVA market is poised to exceed a revenue of USD 3.5 billion in the next seven years.APAC hot melt adhesives market which is mainly driven by the automobile sector, is projected to grow significantly at an annual rate of 5% over the period 2016-2024. Hot line fixing, tail lights, car seats repair, dashboard trims are the some of the extensive arrays of HMAs application in this sector. MPO adhesives are also in high demand fueled by the recent technological interference and FDA initiatives on reliable food packaging materials.Considering the global outlook, Hot melt adhesives industry is mainly driven by three geographies-Europe, U.S., and China. Among the four, Europe will exhibit highest growth rate with an estimated CAGR of more than 4.5% over 2016-2024. Environment favoring initiatives by regulatory bodies like REACH and EPA is expected to stimulate the market demand. Germany is set to prominently address the regional demand.Make an inquiry to purchase this report@U.S. polyester hot melt adhesives market will register an annual growth rate of almost 5% over the coming timeframe. Strong positive outlook toward textile industry and smart comfortable clothing along with consumer growing claim for light weight automobiles will drive the reginal market. Brazil is also expected to contribute considerably toward the global HMA industry revenue.Global hot melt adhesives market is competitive and highly consolidated with the prominent industry participants investing heavily in product diversification. Henkel, 3M Company, Bostik, Dow Chemical, and Jowat etc. are some of the industry biggies who are continuously enhancing the product portfolio by bringing more of bio-based products in the market.Read our Polymer Blog: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.Contact us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone:1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:
Plasma Component Separators Market Size 2017-2022: Toray Medical, Fresenius Medical Care, Kawasumi Laboratories

Plasma Component Separators

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Plasma Component Separators Market Research 2017A market study  Global Plasma Component Separators Market  examines the performance of the Plasma Component Separators market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Plasma Component Separators market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Plasma Component Separators market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Plasma Component Separators Market 2017 report includes Plasma Component Separators market Revenue, market Share, Plasma Component Separators industry volume, market Trends, Plasma Component Separators Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Plasma Component Separators Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Plasma Component Separators Market 2017 :Haemonetics CorporationFresenius Medical CareTerumo BCTB Braun Melsungen AGToray MedicalKawasumi LaboratoriesAsahi Kasei MedicalPlasma Component Separators Market : By ApplicationBiomass SeparationNon  Biomass SeparationPlasma Component Separators Market : By TypePlasma SeparatorOther Biomass SeparatorsFirstly, the report covers the top Plasma Component Separators manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Plasma Component Separators report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Plasma Component Separators industry, Plasma Component Separators industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Plasma Component Separators Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Plasma Component Separators research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Plasma Component Separators market revenue worldwide.Finally, Plasma Component Separators market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Reinsurance in Slovenia Market 2017- By Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories 2020

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WiseGuyReports published new report, titled Reinsurance in Slovenia, Key Trends and Opportunities.Synopsis'Reinsurance in Slovenia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides detailed analysis of the market trends, drivers and challenges in the Slovenian reinsurance segment.It provides values for key performance indicators such as written premium, reinsurance ceded and reinsurance accepted during the review period (20112015) and forecast period (20152020).The report also analyses information pertaining to the competitive landscape in the country, gives a comprehensive overview of the Slovenian economy and demographics, and provides detailed analysis of natural hazards and their impact on the Slovenian insurance industry.The report brings together research, modeling and analysis expertise to enable reinsurers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and access profiles of reinsurers operating in the country.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Summary'Reinsurance in Slovenia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Slovenian reinsurance segment, including: An outlook of the Slovenian reinsurance segment A comprehensive overview of the Slovenian economy and demographics Detailed analysis of natural hazards and their impact on the Slovenian insurance industry The competitive landscape in the Slovenian reinsurance segmentScopeThis report provides a comprehensive analysis of the reinsurance segment in Slovenia: It provides historical values for the Slovenian reinsurance segment for the reports 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period. It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Slovenian reinsurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020. It provides a detailed analysis of the reinsurance ceded from various direct insurance segments in Slovenia, and the reinsurance segment's growth prospects. It analyzes various natural hazards and their impact on the Slovenia insurance industryKey points to buy Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Slovenian reinsurance segment, and each category within it. Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Slovenian reinsurance segment. Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories. Gain insights into key regulations governing the Slovenian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future.Key HighlightsAs of May 2017, the Slovenian reinsurance segment comprised two domestic reinsurers: Sava Re and Triglav Re. Foreign reinsurers such as Swiss Re and Hannover Re are also present. Slovenia is exposed to damages from heavy rainfall and snowfall. The country is also exposed to ice storms and floods, and is susceptible to frost in winter.According to the Slovenian Insurance Association (Slovensko zavarovalno zdruzenje  SIA), reinsurance against fire and natural forces accounted for the largest reinsurance premium in 2015, with 42.1%.Table of Contents1 Key Facts and Highlights2 Executive Summary3 Economy and Demographics4 Reinsurance outlook5 Natural and Man-Made Hazards6 Competitive Landscape7 Definition and Methodology..CONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Polymers in Medical Devices Market Size 2017-2022: Raumedic, Evonik, Celanese, ExxonMobil, Kraton

Polymers in Medical Devices

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Polymers in Medical Devices Market Research 2017A market study  Global Polymers in Medical Devices Market  examines the performance of the Polymers in Medical Devices market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Polymers in Medical Devices market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Polymers in Medical Devices market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Polymers in Medical Devices Market 2017 report includes Polymers in Medical Devices market Revenue, market Share, Polymers in Medical Devices industry volume, market Trends, Polymers in Medical Devices Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Polymers in Medical Devices Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Polymers in Medical Devices Market 2017 :BASFBayerDuPontCelaneseDSMSolvayEastmanDowEvonikHEXPOLExxonMobilFormosa PlasticsINEOSColorite CompoundsRaumedicKratonTianjin PlasticsShanghai New ShanghuaPolymers in Medical Devices Market : By ApplicationMedical TubingMedical Bags and PouchesImplantsMedical Equipment and DiagnosticsPolymers in Medical Devices Market : By TypePVCPPPSPETPEFirstly, the report covers the top Polymers in Medical Devices manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Polymers in Medical Devices report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Polymers in Medical Devices industry, Polymers in Medical Devices industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Polymers in Medical Devices Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Polymers in Medical Devices research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Polymers in Medical Devices market revenue worldwide.Finally, Polymers in Medical Devices market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Point-Of-Care Diagnostics Market By Product (Infectious Diseases) with a CAGR of 14.64%

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Asia-Pacific Point-of-care Diagnostic Infectious Disease Market was worth USD 346.9 million in 2016 and estimated to reach USD 686.8 million by the end of 2021 with a CAGR of 14.64%. Point-of-care diagnostics allow a speedy, convenient, and cost-efficient way to diagnose infectious diseases at healthcare centers and hospitals. Point-of-care diagnostics is a term collectively used for diagnostic procedures and tests performed on-site. As compared to conventional in-laboratory tests, point-of-care diagnostics have the advantage of speed and convenience without compromising on consistency. Point-of-care diagnostics help cut down on the need for sophisticated diagnostic systems for regular tests like infectious disease tests.Sample Report Request:Many advanced point of care diagnostic infectious disease tests are on the verge of being used practically and widely. But, more than innovative and advanced point-of-care devices, there is an extensive need for inexpensive solutions that can be set up in regions where infectious diseases are highly prevalent. In developing regions, these tests are crucial in counterbalancing the lack of adequate laboratory capacity. This is one of the most promising opportunities that can be grabbed by market players.Factors such as Increasing Prevalence of Infectious Diseases, Technological Advancements, Limited Resource Usability among others are expected to serve the point-of-care diagnostic infectious disease market as a vital driver. However, there are some certain market restraints that players need to overcome. Outcome reliability, Data Storage Issues, Reluctance of End-Users are limiting the growth of point-of-care diagnostic infectious disease market.The Asia-Pacific point-of-care diagnostic Infectious disease market is segmented based on product type, infection, Technology and End users. Product type is further segmented into Consumables, instruments, Accessories. By infection, the market is segmented into viruses, Bacteria, protozoa and others. Viruses are further segmented into HIV, Influenza A&B, Hepatitis B & C, RSV and others. Bacteria is further segmented into H.Pylori, Syphilis, Streptococcus and Other bacterial Infections. By Technology the market is segmented into Lateral Flow Technology, Flow a Through Technology, DPP technology and others. By End-Users, the market has been further segmented as clinics, hospitals, homecare, Diagnostic centers and others.Visit Here For Reports Full Description And TOC:On the basis of geography, the Asia-Pacific market is analyzed under various countries namely China, japan, India, Australia and New Zealand, South Korea, ASEAN and Others. Emerging markets such as India offer high growth potential for companies involved in the development and distribution of point-of-care diagnostic devices. Increasing initiatives by market players, growing patient population base, and rise in the number of partnerships and joint ventures among point-of-care providers are the key factors driving the growth of point-of-care diagnostics market in emerging countries.Discount Offer:Some of the major players in this market are Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Roche Diagnostics Limited, Alere Inc., BioMerieux, EFK Diagnostics, Chembio Diagnostics Systems, Response Biomedical, Accurex Biomedical Pvt. Ltd., BlueCross BioMedical and InTec Products, Inc.Reports And Markets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Are you mastering your market? Do you know what the market potential is for your product, who the market players are and what the growth forecast is? We offer standard global, regional or country specific market research studies for almost every market you can imagine.The marketing research reports consist of market analysis with statistical and analytical information on the markets, applications, industry analysis, market shares, technology and technology shifts, important players, and the developments in the market.Do you want to know more on a specific company? Our Company Reports collection contains thousands of profiles of major industrial companies. These reports typically contain information like a company overview, business description, company history, major products and services, key facts, SWOT analysis, key employees, subsidiaries, and company locations.On ReportsAndMarkets.com you will find all the globally available market research and company reports from well-respected market research companies, all leaders in their field. Reports And Markets is totally independent and serves its customers by providing the most reliable market research available, as we understand how important this is for you.Office No: 206 Empress Mill Society Shree Nagar, Nagpur - 440015 Maharashtra India
Bioelectronics Market - Key Trends & Industry Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Global Bioelectronics MarketBioelectronics is an emerging branch of medical science dealing with combined application of the principles of biology and electrical engineering. This is a crucial field in medicine and has led to the development of vital devices such as the artificial pacemaker and the plethora of medical imaging devices that are available today. Since electricity is a major part of the human bodys operating system, the bioelectronics field holds a lot of promise in the coming years.Obtain Report Details @The major tools of bioelectronics are neural networks, bioelectromagnetics, robotics, sensors, etc. Notwithstanding the immense contribution bioelectronics is making to the field of medicine even in its early days, its role in healthcare is expected to grow massively in the coming years, affecting such disparate medical specialties as spinal injuries and vision disorders. Extensive R&D into bioelectronics will also help the rising home health care market by enabling on-site diagnosis with ease. Apart from medical and life sciences research, bioelectronics is also used in environmental monitoring, with demand from the latter expected to increase rapidly in the coming years due to growing acknowledgement of the danger of global warming.Global Bioelectronics Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe primary driver of the global bioelectronics market is, naturally, rising demand from the health care sector. Due to the increasing prevalence of several neural and cardiac diseases, the demand for bioelectronics devices and technology has shot up. Cancer is another increasingly prevalent disease driving the demand for bioelectronics globally. The higher precision offered by bioelectronics products in comparison with the traditional diagnostics tools is one of the major factors propelling the global bioelectronics market.The rising demand for personalized medicine and home care is also a major driver of the bioelectronics market. Allied to telehealth and telemonitoring technologies, bioelectronics forms a crucial part of the network required to monitor patients in such cases. Sensors developed through bioelectronics research are significantly rising in demand, driving the global bioelectronics market.The high demand for implantable medical devices, including vital devices such as ear implants, gastric implants, and pacemakers, is another factor boosting the expansion prospects of the global bioelectronics industry. Since many of these implants have vital importance to their users or are necessary for their users to carry out day-to-day activities, the demand for these and other implantable devices is expected to rise in the coming years, driving the global bioelectronics market.On the other hand, the lack of high-resolution imaging technology in remote areas and the high cost of advanced bioelectronics products are the two major restraints acting on the bioelectronics market. The resolution of medical imaging devices is a highly researched topic in the modern world and is expected to be steadily improved. The high costs of bioelectronics products could also level out with growing demand in the coming years.Global Bioelectronics Market: Regional OverviewEurope is currently leading the global bioelectronics market, with Asia Pacific and North America following it closely. Europe has been a major hub for bioelectronics and other medical research for several years, and the early adoption and development of bioelectronics products has helped boost the demand for the same. The European market is expected to remain in the lead in the coming years, while North America, and the U.S. in particular, is expected to make rapid progress. Major bioelectronics market players include Bioelectronics Corporation, Danaher Corporation, Medtronics, Roche, Siemens AG, and Beckman Coulters.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Propanil Market Size 2017-2022: United Phosphorus, Dow AgroSciences, Hangzhou HeRui Chemical

Propanil

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Propanil Market Research 2017A market study  Global Propanil Market  examines the performance of the Propanil market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Propanil market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Propanil market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Propanil Market 2017 report includes Propanil market Revenue, market Share, Propanil industry volume, market Trends, Propanil Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Propanil Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Propanil Market 2017 :Dow AgroSciencesBayer CropScienceShijiazhuang Lida ChemicalsUnited PhosphorusJiangsu Kuaida AgrochemicalWillowood USABharat GroupHangzhou HeRui ChemicalPropanil Market : By ApplicationHerbicidePropanil Market : By Type97%TC360EC,480EC60%WDG,80%WP,80%WDGFirstly, the report covers the top Propanil manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Propanil report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Propanil industry, Propanil industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Propanil Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Propanil research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Propanil market revenue worldwide.Finally, Propanil market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) Market: Oil and gas industry to be the prominent application sector

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Global heat transfer fluid market share is highly consolidated with Dow Chemicals, Eastman, ExxonMobil, Shell and British Petroleum catering to major portion of the industry demand. Companies are also focusing on bio-based product development in order to enhance biodegradability.Increasing adoption of solar-based renewable energy systems, prominently CSP (Concentrated Solar Power), will augment Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) Market size over the coming six years. According to Global Market Insights, Inc., Worldwide Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) market collected a volume of 480 kilo tons in 2015 and is anticipated to grow at an annual growth rate of over 6% from 2016 to 2023. Oil and gas industry, where HTF is being extensively used will be a major revenue generator for the heat transfer fluid market.Request for a sample of this report @Heat transfer fluid market share will grow noticeably, owing to its usage in the key application sectors such as pharmaceutical, chemical, HVAC, concentrated solar power (CSP), oil & gas, food & beverages, and plastic industry. CSP application will exhibit lucrative annual growth rate of 7.2% over the coming six years, driven by escalating requirement of heat transfer fluid to store and transfer energy across the concentrated solar power. Oil & gas application segment is witnessing huge adoption of heat transfer fluid for offshore heating & cooling process, which in turn, will boost the HTF industry size aggressively.Silicon & aromatics, mineral oils, and glycol are the major HTF products. Favorable support from FDA and growing food and beverages industry will significantly influence glycol based products, which will grow at a CAGR of over 6.5% over the period of 2016 to 2023. Silicon & aromatic heat transfer fluid industry worth USD 995 million in 2015, is estimated to generate heavy revenue over the coming timeline, owing to its surging demand for expanding oil & gas industries.Browse key industry insights spread across 127 pages with 209 market data tables & 16 figures & charts from the report, Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) Market in detail along with the table of contents:Geographically, Asia Pacific HTF market is anticipated to grow at an annual growth rate of 7.1% over the coming six years. The growth can be attributed to the expanding industrial sector such as chemical, oil & gas, and food & beverages. India, China, and Japan will be the major revenue pockets for the APAC market size.Europe heat transfer fluid industry collected a revenue of USD 700 million in 2015 and is estimated to grow considerably over the coming years. Germany and UK contributed significantly towards the regional trends. Expanding solar tracker market will positively influence the HTF industry across this region. The growing oil and gas exploration across the countries of MEA such as Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Kuwait will contribute heavily towards the industry growth.Market players are focusing to enhance the bio-based solutions over the coming years, pertaining to the growing concerns regarding the environmental sustainability. Huntsman, Eastman, Dow Chemicals, Hindustan Petroleum, CFR Chemicals, Shell and British petroleum, and ExxonMobil are some of the noteworthy industry participants in the heat transfer fluid market.Read our insightful industry blogsAbout Global Market Insights: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.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
Cyber Security Market Include Rapid Expansion of Advanced IT Infrastructures, Growing Adoption of Applications IoT and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

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As per the research, the global cyber security market is expected to reach $1,65,146.5 million by 2023. Cyber security refers to a comprehensive system of technologies, processes and practices that provides security to IT networks, computers, software programs, and data from potential cyberattacks or any other kind of damages to the system. The cybersecurity solutions are in demand from various industries including aerospace & defence, government & public utilities, banking financial services & insurance (BFSI), IT & telecom, healthcare, retail and manufacturing. These industries deploy IT infrastructures for number of critical operational processes, owing to which they require cyber security solutions.Explore Report Description At:Major factors propelling the growth of the global cyber security market include rapid expansion of advanced IT infrastructures, growing adoption of applications of internet of things (IoT) and industrial internet of things (IIoT). Additionally, the increasing demand for cloud computing solutions from organizations and growing implementation of bring-your-own-device trend in organizations are further expected to augment the market growth. However, the increasing deployment of IT solutions by enterprises for automation and mobility of business operations leads to an increased risk of data theft and other forms of advanced cyber-attacks, that may potentially lead to the event of overall system failure. The cybersecurity solutions therefore form an essential part of organizational system infrastructure.Click here For Enquiry Form:On the basis of components, market is categorized into solution and service, of which solutions contributed largest to the global cyber security market across the globe. However, the market for cyber security services is expected to grow at a faster rate. Cyber security services are further categorized into managed and professional services. Market for managed cyber security services is anticipated to witness the higher growth as compared to professional services. Theft of cognitive property, multiplication of mobile devices and surge in mobile workforce are some of the major factors propelling the growth of the managed security services market.The era of digital wars among countries have begun, which may have wider implications of overall system failure in the global economies. It emphasizes the need for deployment of advanced and complex cyber security solutions into system infrastructures. For instance, Stuxnet computer virus, which was widely believed to be an American and Israeli creation, could destroy thousands of centrifuges of Irans nuclear program. The cyberattacks therefore may have far reaching and potentially harmful implications for nations.P&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.AbhishekExecutive  Client Partner347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb:
IOWA CITY  The father of the newborn  left by his mother in a trash can at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics last year  said he is incredibly disappointed that the babys mother, who left his son for dead, will not serve prison time.

Brandon Addison of Davenport is the former boyfriend of Ashley Hautzenrader, 24, and father of their children, 16-month-old Matthew James and Ahnna Lily Addison, who turns 3 later this month.

He said Tuesday he wasnt aware that Hautzenrader suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder at the time she gave birth to Matthew on May 8, 2016, in a restroom at the hospitals John Colloton Pavillion. She tried flushing him down a toilet and then placed him in a pillowcase and left him in a restroom trash bin.

Hautzenrader was sentenced to probation on Friday.

In talking to The Gazette on Tuesday, Addison said he wanted to introduce Matthew and Ahnna to the community so people who have read about Hautzenraders case would know the children are happy and thriving in his care.

Addison said Ahnnas health has greatly improved over the past year and she and Matthew are learning from each other and have become a great team.

I am very happy and grateful they are here with me, Addison said.

At the end of the day, I am happy that the University of Iowa Hospitals found my baby boy and saved his life, he said in a Facebook post.

Hautzenrader, originally charged with attempted murder, pleaded guilty to felony neglect or abandonment of a dependent person and misdemeanor child endangerment.

She faced up to 12 years in probation, but 6th Judicial District Judge Marsha Bergan, in a Friday hearing in Johnson County District Court, ordered five years probation after a psychiatrist testified Hautzenrader had PTSD from dealing with her daughter Ahnnas severe medical condition and was in pregnancy denial of Matthew.

Trial delayed for Iowa woman who tried to flush newborn down toilet IOWA CITY  The trial has been delayed for an Iowa woman accused of trying to flush her newb

If Hautzenrader violates conditions of her probation, she would face the 12-year sentence. She also was fined $1,625. A no-contact order prohibits her from having any contact with Matthew for five years.

Court documents show Hautzenraders parental rights have been terminated, and Addison has custody of Matthew and Ahnna.

Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness said Tuesday there was testimony about Ahnnas health issues and that when Matthew was born, Hautzenrader was at the hospital where Ahnna was being moved from pediatrics to the intensive care unit. Ahnna has severe health issues, including heart problems that required a heart transplant, Lyness said.

Lyness said she wasnt aware of Hautzenraders mental health evaluation until Friday morning, but the judge allowed the testimony.

Bergan said during the hearing she had been inclined to order prison time for Hautzenrader until she heard testimony from Dr. Cara Angelotta, instructor of psychiatry and behavior sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

Addison confirmed his daughter, Ahnna, has health issues and continues to have many doctor appointments and therapy sessions. But, he said, its your job as a parent to step up and make sure they are safe and protected at all cost.

Addison said Tuesday he hopes other parents dont see the trials outcome as an easy way out, if they, too, dont want a child.

He encouraged parents to learn about Iowas Safe Haven law, in which a parent can turn over a newborn to a hospital, no questions asked, and the baby will be cared for and placed in a temporary or permanent home.
Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market 2017 - Synbra Technology, Teijin, Toray, Futerro, Toyobo

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Polylactic Acid (PLA) 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 Polylactic Acid (PLA) industry, and estimates the future trend of Polylactic Acid (PLA) market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Polylactic Acid (PLA) Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportNatureWorksSynbra TechnologyTeijinTorayFuterroToyoboSulzerUhde Inventa-FischerHisun BiomaterialsShanghai TongjieliangJiuding Biological EngineeringShenzhen Esun IndustrialThe market research report explores the Polylactic Acid (PLA) market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Polylactic Acid (PLA) 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 Polylactic Acid (PLA) market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Polylactic Acid (PLA). Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Polylactic Acid (PLA) 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 Polylactic Acid (PLA) is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Polylactic Acid (PLA) market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Polylactic Acid (PLA) market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Polylactic Acid (PLA) market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Polylactic Acid (PLA) production volume, data pertaining to demand and Polylactic Acid (PLA) supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Polylactic Acid (PLA) 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 Polylactic Acid (PLA) across the world.About UsApex Research offer latest market research reports 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 Chemica1l 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.bizPhone: +177390426831155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606
Burn Care Market Overview, Growth, Share, Revenue and Forecast 2017-2024

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The research report Burn Care Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024, by Global Market Insights, Inc. says, Burn Care Market size is projected to experience significant growth from 2017 to 2024.Burn Care Market size should witness significant growth due to increasing prevalence of burn-related injuries and sprouting awareness levels pertaining to burn cure management amongst people. The willingness to opt for novel wound care products, intensifying demand for minimally invasive surgeries and procedures to improve the cosmetic appeal of patients suffering from burns will drive the business growth. Injuries occur due to hot liquids and fire account for disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) lost in low and middle-income countries. Moreover, alcoholism leading to violence between people may also lead to burn injuries. As per WHO, in 2016, an estimated 265,000 deaths occurred due to burns worldwide, with majority in low and middle-income countries and almost half reported in South-East Asian Regions.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @Pernicious burns are leading cause of morbidity, including disability and disfigurement accompanied with prolonged hospitalization. The alteration in preference toward skin grafts and rising concerns regarding aesthetic appearance amongst patients are yet another paramount factor boosting the burn care market growth. According to the National Fire Protection Association in 2014, about 310 deaths were reported from vehicle crash fires, 2,745 from residential fires and 220 from other sources in the U.S.The apparent trend in the industry not only emphases on the long-term improvement but also speedy recovery from injury. Requirement for skin grafts and numerous other skin substitutes for the treatment and management of acute injuries will further show upward shift during the forecast period. Prohibitive cost associated with the treatment and limited reimbursement policies in low and middle-income countries can hamper the business growth in future.Browse key industry insights from the report Burn Care Market in detail along with the table of contents:Increasing number of programs to enhance public awareness pertaining will create immense growth opportunities. For instance, American Burn Association carries out Burn Awareness week, a window opportunity for organizations to mobilize fire, burn as well as life safety educators for sharing a common prevention and awareness message. The main objective of Burn Awareness week is to bring awareness to the cause of devastating and costly injuries and encourage the public to make simple behavioral and environmental changes to mitigate the problem.The advance dressing product segment held a momentous share as of 2016, due to high-pitched penetration rates in developed countries. The associated benefits such as lesser recovery time, ease of use and cost efficiency are supporting the adoption of burn care products in near future. Based on the depth of injury, the industry can be segmented into minor, partial and full thickness. Full thickness injuries held the commanding share of overall industry as the medication and treatment requires longer hospital stays and prolonged observation care.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @North America dominated the industry in 2016 pertaining to the shift from traditional products to the advanced ones, with the heightened demand for minimally invasive cosmetic surgeries (MIS) and escalating concerns toward aesthetic appearance. Moreover, the U.S. will play a sententious role in amplifying the North America share, owing to the heightened demand for skin grafts and substitutes authenticated in the region. Asia Pacific shall witness significant growth rate in the coming years. India encountered strong economic growth with rising demand for the products. Mounting disposable income will elicit the number of cosmetic procedures in the forecast period.Key industry players include, Acelity, Smith & Nephew, Molnlycke Health Care, Convatec, Coloplast, Derma Sciences, Medtronic, and 3M Company. The industry players focus on strategic alliances and innovative product launch to expand their business portfolio as main strategies. In February 2016, Acelity announced an agreement in partnership with Mediq envisioned with an aim to improve its supply-chain network for advanced wound care products in Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. Hence, allied strategic initiatives will propel competition over the forecast period.Browse Related Reports:Scar Treatment Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, India, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024About Global Market Insights: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.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market Report 2017

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Reports And Markets Publish a New Market Research Report On "Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market Report 2017"Access Full Report With Table Of Contents @In this report, the Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs 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 Asia-Pacific into several key Regions, with sales (K Pcs), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), includingChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanIndiaSoutheast AsiaAustraliaAsia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingSanofi S.A.Novartis AGGlaxoSmithKline PLCPfizerDOMESCO...On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Pcs), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Pcs), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoOralInjectionOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (K Pcs), market share and growth rate of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs for each application, includinOsteoarthritisMuscle AchesBackachesDental PainOthersIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Request For Sample Report @Table of ContentsAsia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market Report 20171 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs1.2 Classification of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs by Product Category1.2.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Types (2012-2022)1.2.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Oral1.2.4 Injection1.3 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Osteoarthritis1.3.3 Muscle Aches1.3.4 Backaches1.3.5 Dental Pain1.3.6 Others1.4 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market by Region1.4.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.8 Australia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Asia-Pacific Market Size (Value and Volume) of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (2012-2022)1.5.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume) by Application2.4 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3 China Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 China Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 China Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 China Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 China Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 China Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.3 China Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 Japan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 Japan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Japan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Japan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 Japan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 Japan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Type4.3 Japan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Application5 South Korea Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 South Korea Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 South Korea Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 South Korea Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 South Korea Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 South Korea Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Type5.3 South Korea Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Application6 Taiwan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Taiwan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Value (2012-2017)6.1.1 Taiwan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.2 Taiwan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.3 Taiwan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)6.2 Taiwan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Type6.3 Taiwan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Application7 India Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume, Value and Sales Price)7.1 India Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Value (2012-2017)7.1.1 India Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)7.1.2 India Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)7.1.3 India Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)7.2 India Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Type7.3 India Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Application8 Southeast Asia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume, Value and Sales Price)8.1 Southeast Asia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Value (2012-2017)8.1.1 Southeast Asia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)8.1.2 Southeast Asia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)8.1.3 Southeast Asia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)8.2 Southeast Asia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Type8.3 Southeast Asia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Application9 Australia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (Volume, Value and Sales Price)9.1 Australia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales and Value (2012-2017)9.1.1 Australia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)9.1.2 Australia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)9.1.3 Australia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)9.2 Australia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Type9.3 Australia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Market Share by Application10 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data10.1 Sanofi S.A.10.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors10.1.2 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Product Category, Application and Specification10.1.2.1 Product A10.1.2.2 Product B10.1.3 Sanofi S.A. Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)10.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview10.2 Novartis AG10.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors10.2.2 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Product Category, Application and Specification10.2.2.1 Product A10.2.2.2 Product B10.2.3 Novartis AG Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)10.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview10.3 GlaxoSmithKline PLC10.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors10.3.2 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Product Category, Application and Specification10.3.2.1 Product A10.3.2.2 Product B10.3.3 GlaxoSmithKline PLC Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)10.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview10.4 Pfizer10.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors10.4.2 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Product Category, Application and Specification10.4.2.1 Product A10.4.2.2 Product B10.4.3 Pfizer Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)10.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview10.5 DOMESCO10.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors10.5.2 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Product Category, Application and Specification10.5.2.1 Product A10.5.2.2 Product B10.5.3 DOMESCO Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)10.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview...11 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Manufacturing Cost Analysis11.1 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Key Raw Materials Analysis11.1.1 Key Raw Materials11.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials11.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials11.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials11.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure11.2.1 Raw Materials11.2.2 Labor Cost11.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses11.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs12 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers12.1 Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Industrial Chain Analysis12.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing12.3 Raw Materials Sources of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Major Manufacturers in 201612.4 Downstream Buyers13 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders13.1 Marketing Channel13.1.1 Direct Marketing13.1.2 Indirect Marketing13.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend13.2 Market Positioning13.2.1 Pricing Strategy13.2.2 Brand Strategy13.2.3 Target Client13.3 Distributors/Traders List14 Market Effect Factors Analysis14.1 Technology Progress/Risk14.1.1 Substitutes Threat14.1.2 Technology Progress in Related Industry14.2 Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Change14.3 Economic/Political Environmental Change15 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Market Forecast (2017-2022)15.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume, Revenue and Price Forecast (2017-2022)15.1.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.1.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.1.3 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Price and Trend Forecast (2017-2022)15.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast by Region (2017-2022)15.2.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Volume and Growth Rate Forecast by Region (2017-2022)15.2.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast by Region (2017-2022)15.2.3 China Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.2.4 Japan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.2.5 South Korea Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.2.6 Taiwan Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.2.7 India Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.2.8 Southeast Asia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.2.9 Australia Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2017-2022)15.3 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2017-2022)15.3.1 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Forecast by Type (2017-2022)15.3.2 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Revenue Forecast by Type (2017-2022)15.3.3 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Price Forecast by Type (2017-2022)15.4 Asia-Pacific Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs Sales Forecast by Application (2017-2022)16 Research Findings and Conclusion17 Appendix17.1 Methodology/Research Approach17.1.1 Research Programs/Design17.1.2 Market Size Estimation17.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation17.2 Data Source17.2.1 Secondary Sources17.2.2 Primary Sources17.3 DisclaimerCheck Discount @For more information or any query mail at sales@reportsandmarkets.comAbout Reports And MarketsReports And Markets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Are you mastering your market? Do you know what the market potential is for your product, who the market players are and what the growth forecast is? We offer standard global, regional or country specific market research studies for almost every market you can imagine.Contact PersonSanjay JainManager - Partner Relations & International Marketinginfo@reportsandmarkets.comPh: +1-214-377-1121 (US), +44-020-3286-9338 (UK)
Global Nurse Call Systems Market Industry : Market Demands, Insights, Research and Forecast 2017-2025

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Albany, NY, 6th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Nurse Call Systems Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Volume, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" globally.Nurse call systems can be defined as an electrically operated system which enables the patient to summon a nurse from a duty station or a bedside station. Nurse call system offers high productivity and quality of nursing services in institutions, which employ relatively new and inexperienced nurses. In addition, the nurse call system proves crucial in providing quality health care services by automatically managing the nursing activities and tasks. The significant increase in the need for efficient and responsive health care communication, increasing budget allocation for health care of elderly population, and growing patient population, among others are anticipated to contribute to the significant growth of the market during the forecast period.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Global Nurse Call Systems Market: Key Research AspectsThe research is a combination of primary and secondary research, conducted for understanding and arriving at trends, used to forecast the expected revenue of drugs employed in the treatment of nurse call systems in the near future. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts with information collected from in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry experts and opinion leaders. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, investor presentations, analyst presentation and various international and national databases. The report provides estimated market size in terms of US$ Mn for type of equipment, communication type, end-user, and geography for the period 2015 to 2025, considering the macro and micro environmental factors. The revenue generated from each type of equipment, communication technology, and end-user was calculated by considering the preference for nurse call system in different regions, and utilization of the nurse call system across all the geographies.The market report comprises an elaborated executive summary, which includes market snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the market with respect to market segments based on type of equipment, communication technology, and end-user, and geography. The market overview section of the report analyzes market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and opportunities that influences the nurse call systems market in the current and future scenario. The report also provides key industry events and Porters five forces analysis for the market.Market share analysis among the market players is analyzed to signify the contribution of these players in the market in terms of percentage share. All these factors will help the market players to decide about the business strategies and plans to strengthen their positions in the global market. Based on geography, the market has been analyzed for major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The study also covers detailed country analysis contributing majorly in the nurse call systems market.Global Nurse Call Systems Market: Competitive LandscapeThe report also profiles the major players in the market and provides various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Companies profiled in the nurse call systems market report are Ascom Holding AG, Azure Healthcare Limited, Cornell Communications, Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc., Jeron Electronic Systems, Inc., STANLEY Healthcare, TekTone Sound & Signal Mfg., Inc., Tyco SimplexGrinnell, Vigil Health Solutions, Inc., and Rauland-Borg Corporation (Acquired by Ametek, Inc.), among others.The Nurse Call Systems Market has been segmented as follows:Nurse Call Systems Market, by Type of Equipment, Revenue (US$ Mn) 2015-2025Nurse Call IntercomsBasic Audio/ Visual Nurse Call SystemsDigital Nurse Call SystemsIP based Nurse Call SystemsNurse Call Mobile SystemsMake an Enquiry about TOC @Nurse Call Systems Market, by Communication Technology, Revenue (US$ Mn) 2015-2025Wireless CommunicationWired CommunicationNurse Call Systems Market, by End-user, Revenue (US$ Mn) 2015-2025HospitalsAssisted Living CentersNursing HomesClinicsNurse Call Systems Market Revenue, by Geography (US$ Mn), 2015-2025North AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeU.K.GermanySpainFranceItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaBrowse Report @New ZealandRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaUAESouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaResearchMoz 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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Scar Treatment Market Analysis, Growth, Share, Industry Trends and Analysis, Forecast to 2024

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The research report Scar Treatment Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, China, India, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Saudi Arabia), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024, by Global Market Insights, Inc. says, Scar Treatment Market size is projected to experience significant growth from 2017 to 2024.Growing public apprehensiveness pertaining to aesthetic appearance will drive Scar Treatment Market growth. Scars result as a consequence of the natural healing process of the body in response to tissue damage caused by various factors such as accidental injuries, cuts during surgical procedures, burns, scalds, injections, and tattoos. Side effects of scarring such as post- traumatic stress, emotional trauma, loss of self-esteem, pain, itching and tenderness will boost treatment adoption over the forecast timeframe.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @Increasing number of incidents such as road accidents, domestic abuse leading to injuries and deformities will serve to be high impact rendering drivers. Surge in number of burn victims will boost industry growth. Growing incidence of skin disorders such as acne and technological advancements in scar treatment will also fuel the demand over the forecast period. High cost of scar treatment such as lasers may confine the industry growth. Risks associated with treatment such as bleeding, infection and reoccurrence may impede adoption.Topical products available in various forms such as creams, gels and silicone sheets accounted for significant market share due to low cost and ease of availability over the counter without the need for prescription. Injectables are estimated to experience profitable growth on account of their effectiveness in sunken and raised scar treatment. However, need for repeat injections along with associated pain may hinder the segment growth.Laser products will grow at rapid pace owing to advantages associated with laser treatments such as greater convenience, less or no hospital stay requirement and less procedure time. Non-invasive nature of the procedure along with lesser pain, swelling and complications as compared to conventional surgeries will increase adoption rates. Lasers can be used for treating different types of scars caused due to burns, atrophic, acne, surgical and trauma. Higher accuracy and efficiency in scar removal achieved through laser products will fuel industry growth.Browse key industry insights from the report Scar Treatment Market in detail along with the table of contents:Acne scar treatment market is slated to witness lucrative growth owing to widespread acne prevalence. Approximately 85 percent individuals in the age group of 18 to 24 experience acne on various body parts. Stretch marks should grow at rapid pace over the forecast period. Presence of large patient population such as pregnant women and obese individuals suffering from stretch marks will augment growth.U.S. scar treatment market will witness significant growth over the forecast period owing to growing public appearance consciousness. Widespread prevalence of skin disorders such as acne will propel the regional industry growth. As per American Academy of Dermatology 2016 statistics, acne is the most common skin condition in the country affecting nearly 50 million individuals. Increasing disposable incomes coupled with increasing spending on personal care products will boost demand. Moreover, rising number of road accidents leading to injuries will stimulate industry growth.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Brazil scar treatment market should grow at robust rate owing to increasing desire among the population to look beautiful and high per capita expenditure on cosmetic procedures. Increasing medical tourism for undergoing various cosmetic procedures would further aid industry expansion. Indian scar treatment market is poised to exhibit profitable growth owing to the presence of large population base with unmet needs. Growing awareness regarding scar treatment will boost growth. Increasing number of burn incidences and per capita expenditure coupled with improving healthcare infrastructure will aid industry expansion.Some of the prominent industry players in the industry include Smith and Nephew, Lumenis, Sonoma Pharmaceuticals, Hologic, and Merz. The industry players undertake various strategic initiatives such as acquisitions and new product development to strengthen their market presence. For instance, in March 2016, Sientra acquired bioCorneum advanced silicone gel products from Enaltus. The acquisition has broadened the companys product portfolio.Browse Related Reports:Burn Care Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa), Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024About Global Market Insights: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.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:
Chinese Influence on Global Infrastructure Market 2017- By Plan Future Business Decisions Using the Forecast Figures

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WiseGuyReports published new report, titled Chinese Influence on Global Infrastructure.SynopsisThis report outlines and analyzes all infrastructure projects around the world in which Chinese companies  including owners, financers, and contractors  are involved.SummaryThroughout the 21st century, China has been a world leader in expanding its infrastructure base, creating the worlds largest high-speed rail (HSR) network with over 20,000km of track spread throughout the country, growing its national trunk highway system to over 100,000km and becoming the worlds largest energy producer. In recent years, the domestic construction sector has begun to cool off, and China has looked beyond its borders to export its excess contractor capacity and have a wider influence on infrastructure more globally.The One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative epitomizes this philosophy, which seeks to improve infrastructure in emerging nations across Asia, the Middle East and Africa and Europe. The initiative aims to facilitate massive economic development through companies being able to transport goods more easily and cheaply between the provinces and countries along the route connecting China to Europe. The Infrastructure Intelligence Center (IIC) is currently tracking 111 large-scale OBOR infrastructure projects with a combined total value of US$688 billion.GET SAMPLE REPORT @ScopeAll infrastructure projects in which Chinese companies have a role, inside and outside of China.Details of each region's involvement of Chinese companies, and ranking of the leading Chinese contractors in each region.Analysis of the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, and progress on projects encompassed by the initiative.Listing of major projects taking place in each region with Chinese involvement and an update on their progress.Key points to buy Assess the current state of Chinese involvement in global infrastructure construction. Better understand projects currently under construction with Chinese involvement and those that are likely to begin construction in the near future. Gain insight into which Chinese construction companies are most heavily involved in infrastructure construction outside it country borders.Key HighlightsCurrently Chinese contractors are involved in 1,034 projects in other countries, the majority being found in Emerging Asia, the Middle East and Africa. China appears to be particularly interested in large-scale mega projects. While projects with Chinese contractor involvement only make up 16% of the global total, the size of many of the infrastructure initiatives means this corresponds to 31% of the total global infrastructure project pipeline value, US$17.1 trillion as of 2017.A recent survey on Globalization and Construction provides an outlook on trends relating to globalization in construction based on responses from construction companies operating in all major regions throughout the world. Respondents reported that China, with 31% of the vote, to be the greatest foreign threat to their construction businesses, with the US a close second at 25%.Emerging Asia, due to its close proximity to China and high number of fast growing, developing nations receives the bulk of investment and involvement from Chinese companies. According to the IIC, Emerging Asia is home to 430 projects, valued at US$1.2 trillion, in which China is at least partially involved. Many of these projects are related to the OBOR initiative, with Pakistan in particular the site of 43 OBOR construction projects, as currently tracked by the IIC.Table of Contents1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2. CHINESE CONSTRUCTION INFLUENCE AROUND THE GLOBE3. CHINESE INFLUENCE BY REGION4. APPENDIX..CONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your particular needs.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Compressed Natural Gas Market 2017: Global Growth From 2014 and Industry Size

Compressed Natural Gas

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According to a recent report published by Progressive Markets on the materials and chemicals sector, which titled, Global Compressed Natural Gas Market- Size, Trend, Share, Opportunity Analysis & Forecast, 2014-2025, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% during the period, 20172025. It is suitable for manufacturers and stakeholders owing to comprehensive analysis it offers of factors that increase or decrease growth of the market.Continue to Report Description and Full ToC:The research gives a brief introduction of the global compressed natural gas market in terms of its scope. It offers summary which includes significant findings, market attractiveness, competitive landscape, recent developments, and trend analysis. It incorporates research methodology, such as Porters Five Forces Analysis (PFFA) to understand rivalry in the industry. This also includes bargaining power of the supplier & buyer and threat from substitutes & new entrepreneurs. It divides the industry into sources, applications, and geographies.Based on source, the study segments the global compressed natural gas market into associated gas, unconventional methods, and non-associated gas. Geographically, it segments the market into Europe, North America, Latin America Middle East & Africa (LAMEA), and Asia-Pacific. According to the study, applications of the industry include light duty vehicles, medium/heavy duty buses, and medium/heavy duty trucks. The study analyzes share of the industry by sources, applications, and geographies during the period, 20142025. It assesses market size of each application and source by region for the historic period and forecast period, 20142016 and 20172025, respectively. In addition, it evaluates market size of all countries of the industry during historic period and forecast period.The study discusses big market players of the global compressed natural gas market, such as Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) (India), Mahanagar gas Limited (MNGL) (India), National Iranian Gas Company (Iran), OAO Gazprom (Russia), GNVert (France),Trillium CNG (U.S.), ANGI Energy Systems Inc. (U.S.), China Natural Gas Inc. (China), NeoGas Inc. (U.S.), and J-W Power Company (U.S.). It offers brief introduction of every manufacturer. Further, it analyzes business and finance segment of each company. It also evaluates recent advancements made by every firm. The experts describe various factors that vendors adopt to evolve market trends. These include product development, acquisition, product approval, and collaboration. The report explores factors that accelerate growth of the industry which include rise in government initiatives and policies. It discusses alternate aspects that propel demand of the industry, such as growth in demand for traditional transport fuels and automobile industry.Request Sample Report:The analysts describe features that cause slow progress of the global compressed natural gas market, such as high investment cost during the initial period for CNG storage tanks. Moreover, the study offers key takeaways of the industry, such as it provides great competitive edge to manufacturers, stakeholders, and new entrants. It provides comprehensive evaluation of aspects that have potential to restrict or drive the industry.Table of Content for Compressed Natural Gas Industry1. Executive summary1.1. Key Findings1.2. Market Attractiveness and Trend analysis1.3. Competitive Landscape and recent industry development analysis2. Introduction2.1. Report Description2.2. Scope and Definitions2.3. Research Methodology3. Market landscape3.1. Growth Drivers3.1.1. Impact Analysis3.2. Restrains and Challenges3.2.1. Impact Analysis3.3. Porters Analysis3.3.1. Bargaining power of buyers3.3.2. Bargaining power of suppliers3.3.3. Threat of substitutes3.3.4. Industry rivalry3.3.5. Threat of new entrants3.4. Global CNG Market Shares Analysis, 2014-20253.4.1. Global CNG market share by source, 2014-2025ContinuedList of TablesContain 31 TablesList of FiguresContain 44 FiguresGet Customized Report:About ProgressiveThe 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.Reach UsAntviews Global, Serve No. 721/1Flat No 404, Sudhanshu Society,Fatak Baug, Pune 411 030Us: + 1-888-906-9222GMT: + 35-376-680-1176help@progressivemarkets.com
New Market Research Report : Hyperscale Data Center Market Globally Grow at a CAGR of 11.12% by 2021

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Albany, NY, 6th September : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Hyperscale Data Center Market 2017-2021" globally.A data center is a centralized facility used for data computing, processing, and storage. A data center consists of networking equipment; high-performance servers; storage arrays; and supporting services, such as powering and cooling solutions. A hyperscale data center is more like a customized data center that has wider racks and requires more space compared with a traditional data center. Hyperscale data centers are designed based on the storage requirement. With the evolution of cloud computing and increased use of big data analytics, there is a greater need to construct more data centers that can cater to the growing computing requirements of enterprises.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @Technavios analysts forecast the global hyperscale data center market to decline at a CAGR of (11.12%) during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global hyperscale data center market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the spending on critical infrastructure and support infrastructure by vendors in the market. The total market size is calculated by adding the investments in critical and support infrastructure.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Hyperscale Data Center Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAmazon Web ServicesGoogleMicrosoftFacebookMake an Enquiry about TOC @Other prominent vendorsAppleBaiduChina TelecomChina UnicomCyrusOneDigital RealtyEquinixGlobal SwitchOVHMarket driverAdoption of cloud-based storage by enterprisesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeConsolidation of data centersFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendConstruction of green data centersFor a full, detailed list, view our reportBrowse Report @Key questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?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.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on :
Global Edaravone Market 2017: Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Simcere, UCB India Ltd, Piramal Healthcare

Edaravone Market

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Global Edaravone Market 2017-2022QY Market Research include new market research report "2016-2022 Report on Global Edaravone Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, Application" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the global Edaravone market is highly useful as it covers all the aspects which are important in determining the future of this industry. The Edaravone report is collated by experienced analysts who have made use of their market intelligence to cover all basic and important data about the global Edaravone industry.Enquiry For Discount Visit @The Edaravone market report makes use of tables, charts, graphs, maps, and statistics to present the data in the easiest to understand way. The Edaravone market report is a comprehensive analysis of the key factors impacting the global Edaravone industry. This includes both the driving factors as well as the restraining factors that are influencing the market's performance positively and negatively, respectively.Top Manufacturers include,1. Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma2. Simcere3. Taj Pharmaceuticals Ltd.4. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.5. Unichem Laboratories Ltd6. UCB India Ltd7. Piramal HealthcareThe current trends shaping the global Edaravone market and how it will influence the market in the future are also studied. In addition to this, the future opportunities within the Edaravone market that have the potential to help the market to expand are also given in the report.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The segments within the global Edaravone industry and their sub-segments are also studied in detail. This ensures that the entire Edaravone market is covered. The leading segment along with the declining segment and the most promising segment has been given in this Edaravone report. This helps the readers, investors, new entrants, and established players to decide which segment or sub-segment to invest on so as to reap maximum profits.The report discusses the degree of competition, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, and a threat of substitutes, both internal and external substitute of Edaravone market. The threat of new entrants or the barriers faced by new players in entering the global Edaravone market has been discussed. This gives new players an idea as to whether they can survive in the competitive Edaravone market.About Us:Business Worldwide is a trusted brand in the research industry with a 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:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803
Smart Labels Market Share, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook & Forecast, 2016  2024

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The Smart Labels Market is segmented on the basis of components, technology, applications, and end-use industry. Based on components used, the market is segmented into transceivers, batteries, memories, microprocessors, and antenna. Memories are projected to exhibit considerable growth, owing to its increasing use in asset tracking and inventory management.Smart labels market on the basis of technology, are classified into RFID, EAS, Sensing, NFC tags, and dynamic display or electronic shelf. RFID is projected to grow fast during prediction period, owing to its features such as information accuracy, automatic data capture, flexibility to be applied on several substrates, and real-time tracking. RFID systems are highly chosen to maintain synchronized inventory management and supply chain management systems. These are used in variety of industry sector such as automotive and FMCG, due to high traceability. RFID, combined with asset tracking software, can synchronize process of repairs and maintenance for organizations. Dynamic display in the smart labels market will also witness significant growth, owing to its ability to display product information and pricing for accuracy and easy price management.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @Smart labels market on the basis of applications segments are equipment, electronic & IT asset, pallet, retail & inventory tracking, security access, perishable goods, smart wrist bands for patient care, and reusable goods. Perishable goods segment is expected to gain traction over the future in the smart labels market. Sensing labels are used in this industry, owing to its ability to track changes in oxygen, temperature, and other environmental factors. These are being widely used in shelf-life monitoring and threshold detection in pharmaceutical and food & beverage industries.Smart Labels Market size is anticipated to witness growth during the forecast period, owing to the increase in applications in retail, FMCG, healthcare, construction, automotive, and packaging. Growing need for streamlined and automated operations in businesses is expected to foster smart labels market growth.The technology provides benefits such as simple functioning and reliability. Some other advantages include prevention against counterfeiting and theft protection, which are expected to escalate the smart labels market growth. Companies are increasingly investing to improve anti-theft systems to reduce inventory damage and revenue loss due to theft and shop lifting. Counterfeit is one of the serious issues, which leads to brand deterioration & poor product performance and threatens consumer safety. Increasing focus of the industries to reduce counterfeit problems is anticipated to impact smart labels market demand positively, particularly from manufacturing and automotive sectors.Smart label is an identification slip that contains advanced technologies than legacy bar codes. The enhancements in smart labels include specifically configured RFID tags and electronic article surveillance tags. These are configured with antenna, chip, and bonding wires, which help in tracking of goods and are also designed to record, receive, and transmit digital information, which reduces tracking time significantly. Growing industrial use of this technology minimizes human intervention, reduce errors and, increase efficiency & accuracy, thus propelling smart labels market development.Technological advancements such as simultaneous identification, ability to reprogram and real-time tracking, in addition to growing integration of smart labels with varied applications in retail and logistics are expected to fuel smart labels market growth. It enables high tolerance capability and automated interpretation from distance that helps in eliminating error and enhancing efficiency. Growing penetration of smart labels in assets and merchandises tracking further contributes to the industry growth.Installation cost associated with the smart labels market coupled with the lack of constant standards and low mechanical susceptibility is anticipated to restrain its growth over the future. For instance, different standards are developed for RFID labels by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI).Smart labels market end-use industries that uses this technology include retail, FMCG, logistics, automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, postal services and construction. Increasing usage of this technology in spoil detection of test samples, hospital goods, drugs, and medical equipment is expected to drive demand across healthcare sector.Make an inquiry for buying this report @Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing smart labels market over the forecast timeframe, owing to the rapid industrialization, low labor costs, and increasing FDI opportunities in the retail sector. The growth is attributed to changing economic conditions, rapid urbanization, increasing per capita income, and flourishing industries in automotive and food & beverages sector.Players in the smart labels market include Avery Dennison Corporation, CCL Industries Inc., Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions, Inc., Muhlbauer Holding Ag & Co. KGaA., Smartrac N.V., Thin Film Electronics ASA, Advantech US, Zebra Technologies, Metra Blansko, Graphic Label, Inc., Invengo Technology BV, and Checkpoint Systems.Smart labels market players are increasingly focusing on improving product portfolio and production capacity expansion. For instance, Checkpoint Systems launched 16 new products from 2011 to 2016 and signed partnerships and agreements with regional players to expand their business operations. Smartrac N.V. launched 10 new products to increase their customer base and expand product portfolio. As expansion strategy, the company also signed agreements with companies in six different countries including South Korea, US, and Argentina. Major manufacturers are investing in R&D to come up with application-specific products.About 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:
CLEAR LAKE | The longest dock in Clear Lake could be significantly shortened if a contract waiver between its late owner and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is discontinued.

And Tim Entner, son of the Sunset Bay Marina's late owner Dale Entner, said the consequences could be severe.

"It's not a good situation for the city of Clear Lake," he said.

Entner said he met with DNR officials last Thursday, who told him the dock could be trimmed from its current length of 496 feet to less than 300. He added the agency is looking at only allowing three boat lifts to operate at Sunset Bay Marina, which could mean up to 70 boats could lose their spot.

Two businesses currently operate on the Clear Lake State Park marina: Lake Time Boat Club and Bob's Marine Services.

Jake Kopriva, owner of Lake Time Boat Club, said the loss of slip spaces for boats is compounded by the city's long wait list for public docks to open -- about 300 people, in addition to at least another 200 countywide.

He added the lake's popularity in the summertime means the possible loss of the dock would hurt tourism and other activities Clear Lake residents enjoy.

"We have the demand, but the supply is not there," he said of the boat slip shortage.

Jake's father, Bob, owns Bob's Marine Services. Bob said his business would be less impacted since his focuses on renting boat hoists to customers, and Lake Time Boat Club focuses on full boat rentals and similar services.

Along with the loss of boat slips hurting the local economy, the Sunset Bay Marina is a hot spot for boats to anchor and lakegoers to swim in, Bob said. The length of the dock provides safety for those people by forcing boats to slow down when they approach, he added.

"It has become a location in our lake that people like to swim and float around," Bob said. "It does create a barrier and protected area."

If the dock is shortened, the result could be fatal, Entner added.

"The biggest concern that worries me is ... if you see that state park in the summer, it's always busy," he said. "There are hundreds of boats anchored there ... somebody is going to be hurt or killed."

Currently, Clear Lake's DNR office is in the process of acting on a contract Dale Entner signed with the agency, Tim said. It is "iron-clad," and doesn't allow ownership of the dock to move between family members, he added.

In any case, demand is there for its use, he said.

"The demand for boat lifts is there," Entner said. "I was getting many calls after July 4 ... and I'm getting calls for next summer."

Randy Schnoebelen, a DNR district supervisor whose jurisdiction includes Clear Lake, said regulations concerning private docks changed in 2008 when residents statewide complained about dock sprawl and other issues due to lengthy docks.

Schnoebelen said a special waiver in Dale Entner's contract with the DNR allowed the dock to remain at its current length of 496 feet. He added that now that Dale has died, whoever buys it from Dale's son, Tim, must follow the current regulations, which would shorten it to a maximum of 300 feet off the shoreline.

Tim Entner and others are worried about the impact such a change could have. As of Tuesday afternoon, Sunset Bay Dock sat at nearly full capacity, with dozens of boats lining both sides of the nearly 500-foot stretch.

And if many of those boats are displaced, it's unclear where they could go. Scott Maulsby, general manager of the nearby Clear Lake Boats Marina, said he typically has 15 to 20 names on a waiting list for his spots. How long those people wait depends on how often people drop off the list, the length of time each boat is there, and other factors, Maulsby added.

"It could be a year, it could be 10 years. It all depends," he said.

Schnoebelen, however, said there are other commercial docks and boat ramps people can use around the lake, and that he has heard from people who think Tim and the dock's new owner should obey the law.

"From the state side, all we're saying is they have to follow the new regulations," he said.

He added it's difficult to gauge the economic impact such a change would have, but said multiple other boat rental services operate off-shore in Clear Lake.

Still, Tim said he is going to continue to fight the possible change. He said a meeting is scheduled for later this month with Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer and local officials who want to learn more about the current situation. Attempts to reach Upmeyer for comment via phone and email were unsuccessful Tuesday.

Clear Lake Mayor Nelson P. Crabb said he didn't know about that meeting, adding the DNR -- a state-run agency -- has jurisdiction over him and city council members on these types of decisions.

No matter what happens, Bob Kopriva said current developments are concerning, given the dock has been a positive aspect for the lake for decades.

"It would be a shame for something that is working and has shown it has been needed to the lake," he said.
Pill Organisers Market Professional Survey Report : 2017

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Reports And Markets Publish a New Market Research Report On "Pill Organisers Market Professional Survey Report 2017"Access Full Report With Table Of Contents @This report studies Pill Organisers 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.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringForgettingThePillNingbo Pinbo Plastic ManufactoryWalgreensApex HealthcareTZIPCOEzy DoseAnproSURVIVE! VitaminsFOLCAFaSoLaVitaCarryOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLess Than 6 Slots6 SlotsMore Than 6 SlotsBy Application, the market can be split intoFor AdultsFor ChildrenFor EldersBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Request For Sample Report @Table of ContentsGlobal Pill Organisers Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Pill Organisers1.1 Definition and Specifications of Pill Organisers1.1.1 Definition of Pill Organisers1.1.2 Specifications of Pill Organisers1.2 Classification of Pill Organisers1.2.1 Less Than 6 Slots1.2.2 6 Slots1.2.3 More Than 6 Slots1.3 Applications of Pill Organisers1.3.1 For Adults1.3.2 For Children1.3.3 For Elders1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Pill Organisers2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Pill Organisers2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Pill Organisers2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Pill Organisers3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Pill Organisers3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Pill Organisers Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Pill Organisers Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Pill Organisers Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Pill Organisers Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Pill Organisers Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Pill Organisers Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Pill Organisers Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Pill Organisers Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Pill Organisers Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Pill Organisers Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Pill Organisers Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 Pill Organisers Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Pill Organisers Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Pill Organisers Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 Pill Organisers Market Share Analysis5.2 China Pill Organisers Market Analysis5.2.1 China Pill Organisers Market Overview5.2.2 China 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2016 Pill Organisers Market Share Analysis5.3 Europe Pill Organisers Market Analysis5.3.1 Europe Pill Organisers Market Overview5.3.2 Europe 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 Europe 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 Europe 2016 Pill Organisers Market Share Analysis5.4 Southeast Asia Pill Organisers Market Analysis5.4.1 Southeast Asia Pill Organisers Market Overview5.4.2 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Southeast Asia 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Southeast Asia 2016 Pill Organisers Market Share Analysis5.5 Japan Pill Organisers Market Analysis5.5.1 Japan Pill Organisers Market Overview5.5.2 Japan 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.5.3 Japan 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Sales Price Analysis5.5.4 Japan 2016 Pill Organisers Market Share Analysis5.6 India Pill Organisers Market Analysis5.6.1 India Pill Organisers Market Overview5.6.2 India 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.6.3 India 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Sales Price Analysis5.6.4 India 2016 Pill Organisers Market Share Analysis6 Global 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Segment Market Analysis (by Type)6.1 Global 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Sales by Type6.2 Different Types of Pill Organisers Product Interview Price Analysis6.3 Different Types of Pill Organisers Product Driving Factors Analysis6.3.1 Less Than 6 Slots of Pill Organisers Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.2 6 Slots of Pill Organisers Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.3 More Than 6 Slots of Pill Organisers Growth Driving Factor Analysis7 Global 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Segment Market Analysis (by Application)7.1 Global 2012-2017E Pill Organisers Consumption by Application7.2 Different Application of Pill Organisers Product Interview Price Analysis7.3 Different Application of Pill Organisers Product Driving Factors Analysis7.3.1 For Adults of Pill Organisers Growth Driving Factor Analysis7.3.2 For Children of Pill Organisers Growth Driving Factor Analysis7.3.3 For Elders of Pill Organisers Growth Driving Factor Analysis8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Pill Organisers8.1 ForgettingThePill8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.2.1 Product A8.1.2.2 Product B8.1.3 ForgettingThePill 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 ForgettingThePill 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 Ningbo Pinbo Plastic Manufactory8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.2.1 Product A8.2.2.2 Product B8.2.3 Ningbo Pinbo Plastic Manufactory 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 Ningbo Pinbo Plastic Manufactory 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.3 Walgreens8.3.1 Company Profile8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.3.2.1 Product A8.3.2.2 Product B8.3.3 Walgreens 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.3.4 Walgreens 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.4 Apex Healthcare8.4.1 Company Profile8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.4.2.1 Product A8.4.2.2 Product B8.4.3 Apex Healthcare 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.4.4 Apex Healthcare 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.5 TZIPCO8.5.1 Company Profile8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.5.2.1 Product A8.5.2.2 Product B8.5.3 TZIPCO 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.5.4 TZIPCO 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.6 Ezy Dose8.6.1 Company Profile8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.6.2.1 Product A8.6.2.2 Product B8.6.3 Ezy Dose 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.6.4 Ezy Dose 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.7 Anpro8.7.1 Company Profile8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.7.2.1 Product A8.7.2.2 Product B8.7.3 Anpro 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.7.4 Anpro 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.8 SURVIVE! Vitamins8.8.1 Company Profile8.8.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.8.2.1 Product A8.8.2.2 Product B8.8.3 SURVIVE! Vitamins 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.8.4 SURVIVE! Vitamins 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.9 FOLCA8.9.1 Company Profile8.9.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.9.2.1 Product A8.9.2.2 Product B8.9.3 FOLCA 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.9.4 FOLCA 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.10 FaSoLa8.10.1 Company Profile8.10.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.10.2.1 Product A8.10.2.2 Product B8.10.3 FaSoLa 2016 Pill Organisers Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.10.4 FaSoLa 2016 Pill Organisers Business Region Distribution Analysis8.11 VitaCarry9 Development Trend of Analysis of Pill Organisers Market9.1 Global Pill Organisers Market Trend Analysis9.1.1 Global 2017-2022 Pill Organisers Market Size (Volume and Value) Forecast9.1.2 Global 2017-2022 Pill Organisers Sales Price Forecast9.2 Pill Organisers Regional Market Trend9.2.1 North America 2017-2022 Pill Organisers Consumption Forecast9.2.2 China 2017-2022 Pill Organisers Consumption Forecast9.2.3 Europe 2017-2022 Pill Organisers Consumption Forecast9.2.4 Southeast Asia 2017-2022 Pill Organisers Consumption Forecast9.2.5 Japan 2017-2022 Pill Organisers Consumption Forecast9.2.6 India 2017-2022 Pill Organisers Consumption Forecast9.3 Pill Organisers Market Trend (Product Type)9.4 Pill Organisers Market Trend (Application)10 Pill Organisers Marketing Type Analysis10.1 Pill Organisers Regional Marketing Type Analysis10.2 Pill Organisers International Trade Type Analysis10.3 Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of Pill Organisers by Region10.4 Pill Organisers Supply Chain Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Pill Organisers11.1 Consumer 1 Analysis11.2 Consumer 2 Analysis11.3 Consumer 3 Analysis11.4 Consumer 4 Analysisa12 Conclusion of the Global Pill Organisers Market Professional Survey Report 2017MethodologyAnalyst IntroductionData SourceCheck Discount @For more information or any query mail at sales@reportsandmarkets.comAbout Reports And MarketsReports And Markets is part of the Algoro Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Are you mastering your market? Do you know what the market potential is for your product, who the market players are and what the growth forecast is? We offer standard global, regional or country specific market research studies for almost every market you can imagine.Contact PersonSanjay JainManager - Partner Relations & International Marketinginfo@reportsandmarkets.comPh: +1-214-377-1121 (US), +44-020-3286-9338 (UK)
Global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Industry 2017 Market Applications in Traffic Monitoring, Aerial Scenery : Nikon, 360fly, Canon

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The market intelligence report on the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market offers a thorough analysis, focusing on the vital factors that are expected to impact the development of the overall market in the next few years. The research study offers a clear picture of the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market and throws light on the key drivers, promising opportunities, latest developments, and the limitation in the market. The research report further enlightens the new players and readers on the key business tactics and policies which are being used by the leading players in order to sustain in the competitive scenario and enhance their market penetration.This report studies 360 Degree Panoramic Camera 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, coveringSamsungRicohNikonCanonNokiaSONYBublcamPanonoTeche360flye-filmingInsta360Guopai TechnologyGet a Sample Copy of this Report @Some of the vital questions related to the trends and growth of the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market have been addressed in the research report. Some of them are:What is the predicted growth rate of the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market?Which product segment is likely to witness high growth in the coming years?Which are the primary applications in the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market?Which drivers are projected to augment global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market in the coming years?Which are the leading players operating in the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market?Which latest trends are estimated to encourage the growth of the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market?Split by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of 360 Degree Panoramic Camera in each application, 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Industry can be divided into :-Traffic MonitoringGrid LayoutAerial SceneryThe research report offers a detailed understanding of the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market with the help of analytical tools. In addition, the historical information and the forecast statistics have been included in the research report with the help of tables, charts, and infographics. This vital data is projected to help the existing and new entrants in making effective and appropriate business decisions in the next few years. In addition, a comprehensive list of the leading players operating in the global 360 Degree Panoramic Camera market have been included in the scope of the report.Explore Research Report in Detail @Table of ContentsGlobal 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market Research Report 20171 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of 360 Degree Panoramic Camera1.2 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of 360 Degree Panoramic Camera by Type in 20151.2.2 Industrial Camera1.2.3 Commercial Camera1.3 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Segment by Application1.3.1 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Traffic Monitoring1.3.3 Grid Layout1.3.4 Aerial Scenery1.3.5 Others1.4 360 Degree Panoramic Camera Market by Region1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)QYResearchReports offers Latest Press Releases @QYresearchreports.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.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Wheel Weight Market 2017 to 2022 Top Manufacturers  WEGMANN, Plombco, 3M, TOHO KOGYO, Hennessy, Shengshi Weiye & More

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MarketStudyReport.com adds a new Wheel Weight Market research report that provides a detailed market overview as well as industry analysis for / of companies, manufacturers and distributors covering data on gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, sale price and more."Wheel Weight also referred to as tire balance, describes the distribution of mass within an automobile tire or the entire wheel (including the rim) to which it is attached. When the wheel rotates, asymmetries of mass may cause it to hop or wobble, which can cause ride disturbances, usually vertical and lateral vibrations. It can also result in a wobbling of the steering wheel or of the entire vehicle. Vehicle suspensions can become excited by unbalance forces when the speed of the wheel reaches a point that its rotating frequency equals the suspensions resonant frequency."Request a Sample Copy of Global Wheel Weight Market Research Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Wheel Weight 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.Market Segment by Manufacturers, Global Wheel Weight Market report covers such as WEGMANN, Plombco, TOHO KOGYO, Hennessy, Shengshi Weiye, 3M, Trax JH Ltd, Baolong, Jiangyin Yinxinde, Holman, HEBEI XST, Alpha Autoparts and HEBEI FANYA.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).Global Wheel Weight Market Segment by Type, covers as Clip-On Type and Adhesive TypeGlobal Wheel Weight Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Passenger Vehicle, Commercial Vehicle and MotorcycleEnquire Now for Global Wheel Weight Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Wheel Weight market.Chapter 1, to describe Wheel Weight Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Wheel Weight, with sales, revenue, and price of Wheel Weight, 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 Wheel Weight market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Wheel Weight, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to Wheel Weight Industry analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the Wheel Weight Market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, Wheel Weight market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Wheel Weight Industry sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Related Reports: -Europe Wheel Weight Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022This report focuses on the Wheel Weight in Europe market, especially in Germany, UK, France, Russia, and Italy. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.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:
Global Bonded Magnet Market,Industry Analysis, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Bonded magnets are manufactured using a combination of polymer resin and magnetic powder. Several processes are used for manufacture of bonded magnets such as calendaring, injection molding, extrusion, and compression bonding. Compressing bonding process is prominently used for manufacture of rare earth bonded magnets, whereas calendaring and injection molding is used for manufacture of plastic and rubber ferrite. These magnets can be manufactured in very complex shapes with high dimension accuracy. Bonded magnets find applications in several industries such as automotive, electronics, consumer electronics, electrical appliances, medical, and power generation.Request For Sample Report :The report estimates and forecasts the bonded magnet market on the global, regional, and country levels. 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 bonded magnet market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the bonded magnet 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 bonded magnets and global average price trend analysis.Global Bonded Magnet Market: Key Research AspectsThe report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the bonded magnet market. It comprises qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein products, processes, applications and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw Process 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 bonded magnets between 2017 and 2025.The study provides comprehensive view of the bonded magnet market by dividing it into product, process, application and geography. The bonded magnet market has been segmented by product into rare earth bonded magnets, ferrite bonded magnets, and hybrid bonded magnets. Rare earth bonded magnets are further sub-segmented as isotropic and anisotropic; and ferrite bonded magnets are sub-segmented as plastic ferrite bonded magnets and rubber ferrite bonded magnets. Based on process the market is segmented as calendaring, extrusion, injection molding, and compression bonding. Based on application the market is segmented as automotive, electronics & electrical, industrial, and others (medical, power generation etc.).The segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.Browse Full Report With TOC ;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.Global Bonded Magnet Market: SegmentationRegional segmentation includes the current and forecast of bonded magnet in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Key countries such as the U.S., France, Germany, Italy, the U.K., China, India, ASEAN, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes amount of bonded magnet consumed by product, process, and application in all the regions and countries.The 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 Arnold Magnetic Technologies, Allstar Magnetics, Alliance LLC, Neo Magnequench, Viona Magnetics etc. 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).The bonded magnet market has been divided into the following segments.Bonded Magnet Market Product AnalysisRare Earth MagnetsIsotropicAnisotropicFerritePlastic FerriteRubber FerriteHybridBonded Magnet Market Process AnalysisCalendaringInjection MoldingExtrusionCompressionBonded Magnet Market Application AnalysisAutomotiveElectrical & ElectronicsIndustrialOthers (Medical, Power Generation etc.)Bonded Magnet Market Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaS.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceItalyK.SpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanASEANRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaGCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comGoogle+:Linked in:Twitter:
Solar Microinverter And Power Optimizer Market to grow at 10% CAGR from 2016 to 2024

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High preference for sustainable green energy and enhanced power harvesting systems will push solar microinverter and power optimizer market. Elevated demand for PV systems across commercial and residential ventures for reliable and improved power supply is likely to contribute toward the surging growth of this industry. Beneficial legislations such as tax concessions, subsidies, and monetary support will open new vistas for the business. As per Global Market Insights, Inc., Solar Microinverter and Power Optimizer industry revenue, which collected a revenue of USD 550 million in 2015, is forecast to surpass USD 1.4 billion by 2024.Request for a sample of this research report @Standalone products and on-grid systems help in connecting solar microinverter & power optimizers. On-grid solar microinverter and power optimizer industry share, worth USD 120 million in 2015, will grow at an annual rate of 15% over 2016-2024. Favorable government regulations such as tax discounts, feed-in- tariff, and financial aids will push the business landscape.Solar microinverter & power optimizers find extensive application across utility, residential, and commercial sectors. Solar microinverter and power optimizer market revenue across commercial sector is expected to cross the revenue margin of USD 300 million by 2024. High energy throughput and enhanced security measures will contribute significantly toward the market demand. Residential applications, which collected a revenue of USD 400 million in 2015, are forecast to observe a robust expansion. Rise in installation of PV systems on the rooftops of residential constructions will propel the revenue.Considering the geographical trends, below mentioned are the regional highlights pertaining to the industry growth: Solar microinverter and power optimizer industry size in the U.S. is slated to grow at a CAGR of 15% over the coming timeframe. Government schemes encouraging large-scale deployment of solar power systems across commercial and residential constructions will drive the development. Solar microinverter and power optimizer market size in China, worth USD 50 million in 2015, is anticipated to observe a striking growth over 2016-2024. High government emphasis on the use of renewable energy to fulfill the rising power supply needs will further propel the industry growth. UK solar microinverter and power optimizer industry, which contributed nearly 10% of Europe market revenue in 2015, will expand notably due to government policies promoting to use green energy. Chile solar microinverter and power optimizer industry, which contributed more than 20% of Latin America solar microinverter and power optimizer market share in 2015, is projected to witness a high surge, owing to its project in harnessing 70% of overall energy through sustainable resources by 2050. Large availability of solar power, low rate of interests, and political stability are few of the factors predicted to boost the industry revenue.Make an inquiry for buying this report @Key industry participants include Tigo Energy, SolarEdge Technologies Incorporation, Petra Systems Incorporation, Altenergy Power System Incorporation, KACO New Energy, SolarBridge Technologies, and Sparq Systems.About Fractovia.orgFractovia.org is one of India's leading in-house and free news portal. It is fully automated, and operates on a constant premise, interfacing with news sites and offering redesigned breaking features to readers across the globe. Our mission is to offer individuals opportunities for connections with news writers and distributors which they can pursue. We operate by mapping articles pertaining to breaking news, constantly and progressively, against a pre-determined word-based theme, offering important connections to readers and clients, as well as distributers.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAFractovia.orgPhone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@fractovia.orgWebsite:
Global Renewable Energy Market to Rise at a CAGR of 11.5% during 20172025

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Global Renewable Energy Market- Size, Trend, Share, Opportunity Analysis, and Forecast, 2014-2025, the industry is anticipated to register a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period, 20172025. The research offers potentials of the market in terms of market dynamics which would help new entrants to gain insight into the current as well as future market trends.Request Sample At:The research describes the global renewable energy market in terms of scope and product. It comprises of summary of the industry in reference to market attractiveness, trends, and competitive scenarios. It incorporates the Porters Five Forces Analysis (PFFA) to have a comprehensive know-how of these landscapes in the industry. It evaluates them based on bargaining power of customers & buyers, threat of substitutes & new entrants, and industry rivalry. It segments the market into source, type, region, and application.Based on source, the report classifies the global renewable energy market into wind, oceanic, sunlight, geothermal heat, and biomass. Oceanic sources are further bifurcated into thermal and tides. Types of the industry include biofuels, wind energy, solar photovoltaic, hydroelectric power, and geothermal energy. The types are further categorized, such as in biofuels it includes solid, gaseous, and liquid. In solar photovoltaic, it encompasses amorphous/thin-film silicon photovoltaic and crystalline silicon photovoltaic. The crystalline silicon photovoltaic is split into polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic and monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic. In wind energy, it incorporates vertical axis wind turbines and horizontal axis wind turbines. The geothermal energy includes dry steam, binary cycle, and flash steam.Enquire About Report At:Based on geography, the study segments the global renewable energy market into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America Middle East & Africa (LAMEA). The report further classifies regions of the industry, such as the North America region, countries explored are Canada, U.S., and Mexico. In the Europe, nations discussed are France, U.K., Germany, Italy, and Spain. In the Asia-Pacific region, nations assessed are Japan, China, India, South Korea, and Australia. The LAMEA countries included are South Africa, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. The study analyzes market share by applications, geographies, types, and sources for the period, 20142025.The research evaluates size of the global renewable energy market by each source by region during the historic as well as forecast period, 20142016 and 20172025, respectively. It assesses the aforementioned parameters by every source, application, and region for the historic period and forecast period. It discusses major manufacturers of the industry, such as Archer Daniels Midland Company, Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd., Suntech Power Holding Co. Ltd, U.S. Geothermal Inc., Trina Solar Ltd, Hydro-Quebec, Q-Cells SE, Amesa Corporacion Technologica SA, Cosan SA Industria E Comercio., and Enercon GmbH. The experts assess each vendor based on different strategies adopted by them in order to keep themselves updated about evolvement in market trends. These strategies include collaboration, product development, acquisition, and product approval. Further, they business & finance segments and recent development. They also offer an overview of every top vendor.In addition, the research helps to explore factors that drive and impede growth of the global renewable energy market. The aspects that propel progress of the industry include shifts in preferences and increase in awareness towards practices that are ecofriendly. Apart from this policies and schemes supported by government, such as regulations, funds, and tax incentives motivate market plyers to bring novel technologies. Alternative factor that causes rise of the industry includes gradual increase in pollution and requirement to get accustomed to environment friendly technologies. The analysts also highlight factor that restrict growth of the market, such as complications in processing of operation combined with high costs during initial investments.Further, it offers numerous takeaways of the global renewable energy markets, such as it provides great competitive edge to manufacturers, stakeholders, and new entrants. These are comprehensive evaluation of aspects that are have potential to restrict or drive the industry. The experts explore competitive scenario which helps them to understand the present rivalry within the geographical locations. Further, they assess the opportunities that prevail within these regional distributions. An in-depth assessment of developments in the market aids manufacturers and new entrepreneurs to understand the industry behavior. The research thoroughly follows the status of the products and also provides a substantial examination of top manufacturers of the market framework.The study illustrates the abovementioned parameters of the global renewable energy market through tables and figures. For instance, there are table that depict market value of each type, source, and application by region for the forecast period. There a few tables that show market share by geographies, sources, types, and applications during the historic period. It depicts the same characteristics through figures.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 syndicated and customized research reports for 14 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.Contact Us:Asia Pacific Intelligence CentreUnited StatesEAST COAST U.S.Direct: +1-646-564-2246Toll Free + 1-888-906-9222Email: help@progressivemarkets.comWeb:
Pediatric Ultrasound Market Status 2017: Industrial Review and Forecast 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.Continue to Report Description and Full ToC: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 & 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.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.For More Info, Request Sample Report: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 Content for Pediatric Ultrasound IndustryCHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Report description1.1 Key benefits1.2 Key market segment1.3 Research methodology1.3.1 Secondary research1.3.2 Primary research1.3.3 Analyst tools and modelsCHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2.1 CXO perspectiveCHAPTER 3 MARKET OVERVIEW3.1 Market definition and scope3.2 Key findings3.2.1 Top investment pockets3.2.2 Top winning strategies3.3 Porters five forces analysis3.3.1 Bargaining power of suppliers3.3.2 Bargaining power of buyers3.3.3 Threat of new entrants3.3.4 Competitive rivalry3.3.5 Threat of substitutes3.4 Market dynamics3.4.1 Drivers3.4.1.1 Technological advancements in ultrasound devices3.4.1.2 Rise in prevalence of pediatric chronic heart diseasesContinuedList of TablesContain 70 TablesList of FiguresContain 32 FiguresGet Customized Report:About ProgressiveThe 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.Reach UsAntviews Global, Serve No. 721/1Flat No 404, Sudhanshu Society,Fatak Baug, Pune 411 030Us: + 1-888-906-9222GMT: + 35-376-680-1176help@progressivemarkets.com
SMi releases updated agenda for the 19th Global MilSatCom Conference and Exhibition

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SMis Group has recently released an updated agenda for the 19th Global MilSatCom 2017, taking place on 7-9 November in London. The full programme can be found onNow featuring a speaker line-up of over 50 defence satellite communications experts, the event programme has been curated to explore the growing demand to enhance SatCom capabilities and to discuss strategies and requirements including the UK Ministry of Defences plans for Skynet 6.Other key additions to the agenda include an opening Ministerial Address from Harriett Baldwin MP, the UKs Minister for Defence Procurement; a keynote address from Dr Graham Turnock, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency; and industry presentations from Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and NATO.This years programme is inarguably the best and most international in the events history, SMi Managing Director Dale Butler said. Delegate numbers are up by 30% and the event is looking to attract around 500 attendees this year, which will be a new record for the conference series.With 40+ presentations from leading commercial players and over 20 military and government personnel, this year's agenda will feature highlights including: Updates to international MilSatCom programmes including new nations such as Japan, Republic of Korea, Nigeria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, and Luxembourg Sessions on key themes and challenges at the core of the MilSatCom community such as the Wideband AoA and GovSatCom initiative, the demand for flexibility and resiliency in a contested environment, ground segment R&D advances, SatCom-on-the-Move capabilities, as well as the surging importance of interoperability and allied international cooperation Dedicated networking sessions including two evening dinners and two networking receptions An exhibition area with 40 booths to help you understand the latest technological solutions available in the market Two exclusive pre-conference workshops (6th November) on "Global Government Payload Exploration" and "Interference in SatCom Systems"The full roster of speakers and presentations can be found onFor those interested to attend, registration is now live on the event website.The final Early Bird discount of 100 for this conference will expire on 29 September.19th Global MilSatCom Conference and Exhibition7-9 November 2017Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London, UKContact Information:For queries on military bookings, contact James Hitchen on jhitchen@smi-online.co.uk. For sponsorship and exhibition details, contact Alia Malick on amalick@smi-online.co.uk. For media enquiries contact Honey de Gracia on hdegracia@smi-online.co.uk.About SMi Group:Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the worlds most forward thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found at1 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7XW
North America Aesthetic Services Market to Increment at a Healthy CAGR of 7.70% by the End of 2024

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As per the findings of a recent report by Transparency Marker Research (TMR), the aesthetic services market in the region of North America is highly competitive among some of the key companies, including Dermatology Solutions Group, Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Cosmetic & Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Clinic Toronto, and Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. A number of companies functional in the North America aesthetic services market are focused on innovating new products with increasing investment on technological advancements pertaining to the development of minimally invasive treatment, which are not only less painful for the patients but also reduce the duration of hospital stay.View Full Report:The TMR report projects the demand in the North America aesthetic services market to increment at a healthy CAGR of 7.70% during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024, reaching a valuation of US$28.1 bn by the end of 2024, significantly up from its evaluated worth of US$14.4 bn in 2015. The report anticipates the volume of the demand to nearly double by 2024, estimating it to account for 22 million procedures. Though hospitals remain primary end-users, growing number of dermatology and cosmetic centers is expected to escalate the demand substantially in the near future. The U.S., the third most populous country in the world, is expected to remain the most profitable country-wide market for aesthetic services in the region of North America, with Canada a distant second.Demand for Breast Enhancement EscalatingBased on services type, the TMR report segments the North America aesthetic services market into surgical services including skin tightening, body contouring, facial contouring, and facial rejuvenation, non-surgical services including dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, dermal fillers, and laser treatment, and reconstructive procedures including breast enhancement, burn repair surgery, and tissue expansion. In the recent past, breast enhancement and facial contouring sub-segments have gained significant demand, whereas the advent of injectable products and novel mechanical devices for noninvasive procedures have increased the demand for skin tightening and removal of unwanted fat.Request to view Sample Report:On the basis of end-users, the report categorizes the North America aesthetic services market into hospitals, dermatology clinics and cosmetic centers, and ambulatory surgery centers, and projects dermatology clinics and cosmetic centers category to expand at the most prominent CAGR of 8.60% during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024.The U.S. Serves Maximum DemandThe U.S. and Canada, collectively, contribute to more than 95% of the demand for aesthetic services in the region of North America, with the developed country of the U.S. the main country-wide market. Growing awareness among the consumers, improvement in the medical and healthcare infrastructure, and the prevalence of skin diseases are some of the key factors augmenting the demand for aesthetic services in the country of the U.S.Request to download and view full ToC:Growing Consumer Awareness Driving DemandThe North America aesthetic services market is gaining traction from a number of factors, such as growing adoption of minimally invasive and noninvasive aesthetic procedures, rapidly increasing population of the geriatrics, increasing awareness among the customers regarding the cosmetic procedures, technological advancements in energy-based aesthetic devices, growing demand from men, and the availability of user-friendly aesthetic devices. On the other hand, stringent safety regulations and low focus on the development of devices for dermatological conditions are somewhat hindering the market from attaining its true potential.North America Aesthetic Services Market Report is available @ US$ 5795: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:
Card Printing Ribbon Market : Full Color Print Ribbons Continue to Account for Leading Revenue Share

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Card Printing Ribbon Market: OverviewThis report offers an in-depth analysis of the global market for card printing ribbon with key projections for the period 2017-2022. The report also covers major technologies and trends that have been instrumental in propelling the growth of the card printing ribbon market in recent years. It also highlights leading drivers, restraints and opportunities projected to impact the dynamics of the market during the next five years. The study offers an all-round perspective on the markets growth in terms of revenue in key regions.Browse The Report :Card Printing Ribbon Market: Trends and OpportunitiesGlobal card printing market is witnessing a steady growth due to increasing use of cards across domains. Moreover, technological advancements resulting in timely upgrades of card printing machines is projected to drive the demand for card printing ribbon over the next couple of years. Apart from this, increasing application of cards in sectors such as BFSI, healthcare and corporations is creating a substantial amount of card printing requirements.The report also offers the value chain analysis on the card printing ribbon market using porters five forces methodology. The card printing ribbon market estimates are results of in-depth primary interviews, secondary research and a thorough review by an in-house panel of experts. These market estimations have been validated by considering the impact of various judicial, political, social, economic and technological factors in accordance with the current market scenario. In order to provide up-to-date information about the latest developments in the global market for card printing ribbon, the report offers updates about growth opportunities for players operating in the market.Card Printing Ribbon Market: SegmentationData center IT asset disposition market is segmented on the basis of product type and application sector. Based on product type the global market for card printing ribbon is categorized into full color print ribbons and monochrome print ribbons. Among these two product types, full color print ribbons is the leading product type and expected to supplement the growth of the market for card ribbon in the foreseeable future. On the basis of application sector, the global market for card printing ribbon is categorized into BFSI, government, corporate, retail & hospitality and other. Among these, the retail & hospitality segment is expected to remain highly attractive over the next couple of years.Make an Enquiry @Card Printing Ribbon Market: Competitive DashboardThe report also includes detailed information about the prominent players operating in the global market for card printing ribbon, which include NBS Technologies Inc., Idp Corporation, Evolis SA, Entrust Datacard Corporation, AlphaCard, IdentiSys Inc., Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., HID Global Corporation, Zebra Technologies Corporation, and Unicard Systems Pty. Ltd. In this part of the report, information is provided about latest business strategies adopted by market players along with insights on SWOT, and financials. As a part of company profiling, the competitive dashboard also offers information on employee strength, company overview, key competitors, brand overview, business strategies, business overview, acquisitions, and recent/key developments.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:
MASON CITY | Max Weaver has concerns about a proposed issuance of up to $14 million in bonds as part of the Gatehouse Capital project.

He inquired at Tuesday's City Council meeting about a deadline he would have to meet to petition for it to be on the November ballot.

As it turns out, he won't have to get the petitions.

On Wednesday, "Mason City Says YES," a citizens group that supports the downtown project, submitted signed petitions to City Administrator Brent Trout asking that the bond issue be put to a public vote.

So it will be on the Nov. 7 ballot along with a public vote on whether the city should enter into a lease agreement for the proposed multi-purpose center with the owners of Southbridge Mall. Also on the same ballot will be elections of a new mayor and three City Council members.

'Mason City Says YES!': Citizens group forms to pass ice arena bond MASON CITY | A spirited group of North Iowans has a message it hopes will become a reality i

Loni Dirksen, head of "Mason City Says YES," said the River City Renaissance project is important for city growth. "This is a big deal," she said.

Though Dirksen enthusiastically supports the project, she said, "I agree with Max 100 percent that projects like this should be put to a public vote."

Mason City Councilman vents over Gatehouse delays MASON CITY | Councilman Travis Hickey expressed frustration Tuesday night at the lack of pro

At its Sept. 19 meeting, the council will be asked to approve the issuance of general obligation urban renewal bonds, not to exceed $14 million.

Most of the money would be used to finance the city's part of the Gatehouse Capital hotel project that includes:

Mezzanine loan, $4.3 million.

The Music Man Square renovation, $3 million.

New Meredith Willson museum, $1.5 million.

Skywalk connection, $2.5 million.

Reserves for unexpected additional costs, $550,000.

Trout said the total also included $1.65 million for a performing arts pavilion that is part of the River City Renaissance Project and was not included in earlier estimates.

He said also that authorization of up to $18.75 million in bonds for the ice arena/multi-purpose arena project is now down to $12.55 million because a $6.5 million parking structure is no longer part of the overall plan.

Weaver said Tuesday he thinks the city is trying too hard to do the project and has not considered the operational costs that will come with it. He led the drive to get the first issue on the ballot.

Dirksen said, "Im a strong believer in giving residents the opportunity to express support for this project to help our region grow and prosper. I hope the council will schedule some open forums to provide information about the project prior to Nov. 7."

Committee member Jon Prebeck said the project is important for the entire region. "For North Iowa to attract and retain young workers and young families, we need to make investments like this."

Proponents say the River City Renaissance project will have more than $15 million in private investment; could receive up to $10 million in state funding and has a total value of $33 million, with no increase in property taxes.

"If we do nothing, Mason City will continue to lose population, which will certainly lead to property tax increases since there will be fewer of us to pay for our schools and our local government services," said Dirksen.

At Tuesdays council meeting, Councilmen Bill Schickel and John Lee pointed out how the Vision Iowa project has been transformational for the city through increased property valuation, increased tourism and new jobs.

Dirksen said it was spurred by passage of a $9.2 million bond referendum. She is confident voters will approve this year's proposal.

The $33 million River City Renaissance Project includes a 106-room hotel; a new Meredith Willson Museum; a skywalk connecting the hotel/museum to The Music Man Square; a conference center in The Music Man Square; an indoor/outdoor performing arts pavilion on the Federal Avenue Plaza and an ice/multi-purpose arena in the area of the mall that formerly housed the J.C. Penney store.
Global Textile Coatings Market Is Projected For A CAGR Of 3.9% During The Forecast Period Of 2017 To 2025 To Be Worth US$4,918.5 mn By 2025

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Textile Coatings Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Global Textile Coatings Market: OverviewTextile coatings are special purpose coatings that are used for coating various textiles, fabrics and yarns to shield the materials from various environmental factors such as heat, dust, soil, water, oil, grease, etc. The coatings are specifically applied on the textiles to keep the material durable and away from damage. Rise in quality and performance standards from end-user industries and improvement in living standard in developing countries across the globe is observed to boost the demand for textile coatings.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report estimates and forecasts the textile coatings market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2017 and 2025 based on volume (Kilo 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 textile coatings market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the textile coatings 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.Global Textile Coatings Market: Key Research AspectsThe report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the textile coatings market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein applications 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 textile coatings between 2017 and 2025.The study provides a comprehensive view of the textile coatings market by dividing it on the basis of end-use and geography segments. The textile coatings market has been segmented into geotextiles, upholstery fabric, industrial clothings, footwear, medical hygiene and others based on end-use. End-users segment have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.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 teams expertise and market understanding.Global Textile Coatings Market: Geographical SegmentationRegional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for textile coatings 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 application segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual applications in all the regions and countries.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @Global Textile Coatings Market: Competitive LandscapeThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report includes Archroma, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc., BASF SE, Clariant AG, The Dow Chemical Company, Huntsman International LLC and others. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).The global textile coatings market has been segmented as follows:Textile Coatings Market  Raw Material Analysis- Thermoplastics- Polyurethane- Polyvinylchloride- Acrylics- Others- Thermosets- Natural Rubber- Styrene Butadiene Rubber- Silicones- OthersTextile Coatings Market  Technology Analysis- Dot Coating Technology- Full Surface Coating TechnologyTextile Coatings Market  End-user Analysis- Geotextiles- Upholstery Fabric- Industrial Clothings- Footwear- Medical Hygiene- OthersTextile Coatings Market  Regional Analysis- North America- U.S.- Canada- Europe- Germany- France- U.K.- Italy- Spain- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- India- Japan- ASEAN- Rest of Asia Pacific- Middle East & Africa- GCC- South Africa- Rest of Middle East & Africa- Latin America- Brazil- Mexico- Rest of Latin AmericaMake 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 @
Endometrial Ablation Market will Exhibit a Promising CAGR of 5.50% by 2024

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The presence of a number of large endometrial ablation enterprises such as Cooper Surgical Inc., Medtronic Plc, Boston Scientific Corp., Ethicon Inc., and Hologic Corp., has rendered the vendor landscape of the global endometrial ablation market highly competitive, observes Transparency Market Research in a recent report. To supersede competitors, companies in the market are focusing on growth strategies such as introduction of technologically advanced products and expansion across new regional markets. Owing to these trends, the market has witnessed a vast rise in collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions, leading to a further intensified level of competition.View Full Report:TMR estimates that the global market for endometrial ablation will exhibit a promising CAGR of 5.50% from 2016 to 2024, rising from an opportunity worth US$0.8 bn in 2015 to US$1.3 bn by 2024.North America to Continue to Command Greater Hold on Global MarketIn terms of type of devices, the segment of radiofrequency endometrial ablation devices held the dominant share in markets overall revenue in. The segment is likely to also continue to lead over the reports forecast period. Factors such as ease of usage, less duration required for surgery, and cost benefits will continue to bode well for the segment over the forecast period, by the end of which the segment is expected to account for a nearly 58% of the overall market. In terms of geography, the market for endometrial ablation in North America is presently the leading contributor in terms of revenue and is likely to retain the top spot throughout the reports forecast, thanks to the developed healthcare infrastructure. The regional market is projected to hold a nearly 44% of the overall market by 2024.Request to view Sample Report:Rising Rate of Incidence of Gynecological Diseases to Drive MarketThe market is expected to benefit from a number of factors, which will be seen in its steady growth path over the course of the reports forecast. The key drivers of the market will be factors such as the vast rise in the global prevalence of gynecological disorders, the easy availability of technologically advanced endometrial ablation devices, and high cost of ablation surgeries. The market will also benefit from the rising population of affluent higher middle-class people, especially across emerging economies in regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America, and the increased expenditure of the world population on advanced healthcare treatments.The increased rate of incidence of gynecological conditions such as polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), abnormal vaginal bleeding, and endometrial and cervical cancers in the past few years has boosted the demand for effective treatments. These factors remain at the helm of the remarkable development achieved by the global endometrial ablation market in the past few years and will continue to lead it towards a healthy growth path in the near future.Request to download and view full ToC:Increased Preference to Non-invasive Treatments to Bode Well for MarketDespite having healthy growth prospects in the foreseeable future, the market faces challenges such as issues concerning commercialization in developing and under-developed economies and strict regulatory laws and policies in developed economies. Nevertheless, as the global consumer becomes more educated about the vast benefits of non-invasive treatments, in terms of faster recovery, reduced time in hospitals, and cost of the overall treatment, the market will continue to witness a healthy rise in demand. The vast pool of untapped growth opportunities in emerging economies could also act as a good opportunity for companies aspiring to strengthen their hold on the global endometrial ablation market.Global Endometrial Ablation Market Report is available @ US$ 5795: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:
Europe Metal Cleaning Equipment Market By Chemical Type, By Washing Type, By Technology, By Movement & By Region, 2014 - 2024

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Europe Metal Cleaning Equipment Market By Chemical Type, By Washing Type, By Technology, By Movement & By Region, 2014 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.The metal cleaning equipment (MCE) market report provides an analysis of the Europe metal cleaning equipment market for the period from 2014 to 2024, wherein 2015 is the base year and 2016 to 2024 is the forecast period. Data for 2014 has been included as historical information. The report covers all the prevalent trends and technologies playing a major role in the growth of the metal cleaning equipment market over the forecast period. It also highlights various drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to influence the market growth during the said period. The study provides a holistic perspective on market growth, throughout the above forecast period in terms of revenue estimates (in US$ Mn), across the entire European region. The report provides cross-sectional analysis of the Europe metal cleaning equipment market in terms of market estimates and forecasts for all the segments across different countries on the continent. This report provides in-depth analysis of the Europe metal cleaning equipment market on the basis of chemical types, washing types, technology, movement, and regions.The report also includes competitive profiling of the major players engaged in the metal cleaning equipment market. Major business strategies adopted by them, their market positioning, and various recent developments have also been identified in the report. This report also provides market positioning analysis of the major players operating in the metal cleaning equipment market.The report also provides a detailed analysis of various type of chemicals used for metal cleaning. The report also offers an in-depth analysis of the market drivers, restraints, and growth opportunities. These factors enable the analysis of various trends that would impact the market during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. The report includes comprehensive coverage of the underlying economic and technological factors under key trend analysis influencing the Europe metal cleaning equipment market. Furthermore, the report aims to provide strategic insights into the pricing analysis of the Europe metal cleaning equipment market. The market positioning analysis of key players throws light on the prevalent competition in this market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Various factors that affect the growth of the Europe metal cleaning equipment market have been identified in this report. The report aims to provide a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of the Europe metal cleaning equipment market across region including the U.K., Italy, France, Germany, Russia, and Rest of Europe. In addition, the report highlights the competitive landscape of the metal cleaning equipment market and identifies various business strategies adopted by the leading players. Under the company profiles section, the report provides an overview of the companies operating in the market, the strategies deployed by them to gain competitive advantage, annual revenue generated by them in the past two to three years, and recent developments. The companies profiled in this report include Durr Ecoclean GmbH, Pero AG, Hockh Metall-Reinigungsanlagen GmbH, Metalwash Ltd., Rippert Anlagentechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Metalas Cleaning Systems, MecWash Systems Ltd., Sturm Holding GmbH, and Rosler Oberflachentechnik GmbH.The Europe metal cleaning equipment market has been segmented as follows:Europe Metal Cleaning Equipment market, by Chemical TypeSolvent Metal CleaningAqueous Metal CleaningEurope Metal Cleaning Equipment market, by Washing TypePickling/Immersion Cleaning EquipmentSpray Metal Cleaning EquipmentVapor Phase Metal Cleaning EquipmentEurope Metal Cleaning Equipment market, by TechnologyOpen Tank Single Stage EquipmentOpen Tanks Multistage EquipmentTunnel Metal EquipmentCabin Metal EquipmentEurope Metal Cleaning Equipment market, by MovementConveyer BeltBelt ConveyersCarousel ConveyersOverhead ConveyersRotating CylinderProgrammableEurope Metal Cleaning Equipment market, by RegionThe U.K.ItalyFranceGermanyRussiaRest of EuropeBrowse More Details @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 @
mHealth Services Market - Industry Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast For 2020

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mHealth, a fast growing technology-driven service, is expected to change the way health services are delivered worldwide. It involves delivery of healthcare related services to end-users by medium of mobile phones (smartphones). Rising incidences of chronic diseases have elevated the need for accessibility of quality and low cost healthcare services for the masses. The situation has been further aggravated by the declining ratio of healthcare service providers to target population. However, proliferation and advancement of high speed networks across the globe, have paved way for mHealth services to realize true benefits. As a result, the global market for mHealth services is expected to record a revenue surge by 271.5% over the period 2014  2020.Download Research Brochure For More Information@mHealth service propagation involves collective efforts by network service providers, application developers, healthcare service providers, device manufacturers, and smartphone manufacturers, among other participants involved across the supply chain. Considering the strict regulatory requirements and active role played by regulatory bodies in driving awareness and market penetration of social welfare activities, governments also become an integral part of any such delivery model planned for mHealth services.The mHealth services market is segmented on the basis of end-user into public/private institutions, physicians and healthcare workers, and individuals. In 2013, individual users contributed the highest revenue share for mHealth services worldwide. This was due to increasing demand for personal health management and inadequate healthcare infrastructure in developing countries of Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. In addition, growing aged population which requires and prefers healthcare solutions delivered at their doorstep, is adding to the potential consumer base for mHealth services. Among the application types, remote monitoring, collaboration and consultancy services is the fastest growing segment with demand predominantly contributed by growing base of patients with chronic diseases, which requires continuous or regular monitoring of health condition.With regions such as North America and Europe, which have well developed infrastructure and healthcare system, the mHealth services market has seen quick adoption and high market penetration, resulting in high revenue shares. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to record the highest growth rate due to the high concentration of potential customers, especially in countries such as China and Japan. This growth potential is further expanded by the capability of mHealth solutions to streamline healthcare processes and efficiently deliver healthcare services in hard-to-reach areas, thereby enabling social development.Browse Report@For the latent growth potential exhibited by regions such as Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World, mHealth services market in these regions holds high priority for the industry players. Renowned players which are driving industry developments globally include AT&T Inc., Apple Inc., Airstrip technologies Inc., Alcatel-lucent, Cerner Corporation, Qualcom, Inc., Diversinet Corp., Koninklijke Philips N.V., SoftServe Inc, Symantec Corporation and Vodafone Group Plc among others.About Us:-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 recommendations.Contact Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Pharmaceutical Hot Melt Extrusion Market to Expand at a CAGR of 3.90% by 2024

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According to a new research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the degree of competition in the global pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion market is very high. The presence of a large number of participants characterizes the market, which demonstrates a fragmented landscape. Led by Leistritz AG, Milacron Holdings Corp., Xtrutech Ltd., Coperion GmbH, and Gabler GmbH & Co. KG, the market is expected to continue with intense rivalry between them in the near future. The leading players are likely to invest heavily in R&D initiatives over the years to come, in order to meet the demand of consumers by offering innovative products, states the report.View Full Report:TMR estimates the opportunity in the global market for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion, which was worth US$26.6 mn in 2015, to expand at a CAGR of 3.90% between 2016 and 2024 and reach a value of US$36.4 mn by the end of the period of the forecast. During the same period of time, the market volume is anticipated to swell at a CAGR of more than 4.7%, boosting the market significantly. Twin screw extruders have emerged as the most valued products in this market and is predicted to continue to enjoy a high demand over the forthcoming years.Request to view Sample Report:On Backdrop of Large Pool of Leading Players, North America to Retain its LeadThe worldwide market for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion boasts of a widespread presence across North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa. In this research report, a regional analysis of this market has also been provided to the readers. According to the study, North America led the global market with a share of nearly 38% in 2015. Researchers predicts this regional market to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period, thanks to the presence of a large pool of established players, especially in the U.S.The Europe market for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion has also been witnessing steady growth and is predicted to continue doing so in the near future on account of the increasing demand for improved medical equipment and the growing adoption of extruders. Asia Pacific, However, will present the most lucrative growth opportunities for players in this market over the forthcoming years, thanks to rising number of research and development initiatives and the improving situation of the healthcare facilities in emerging economies, such as China, India, and Japan. The heightening standard of medical and healthcare infrastructure and the increase in government initiatives is also expected to impact this regional market in the forthcoming years.Request to download and view full ToC:Rising Awareness among Consumers to Reflect Positively on Demand for Pharmaceutical Hot Melt ExtrusionAccording to an analyst at TMR, the rising awareness regarding the benefits hot melt extrusion offers over traditional processing techniques, is the key factor behind the significant growth of the global pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion market. The operating parameters in hot melt extrusion can be easily changed, the segmented screw elements allow agitator designs to be easily optimized to suit a particular application, and the die plates can also be easily exchanged to alter the extrudate diameter. All these characteristics are having a positive influence on the demand for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion, leading to a significant rise in this market. However, the rising concerns over the quality and the non-compliance of regulatory requirements may limit the growth of this market to some extent over the next few years, notes the research study.Global Pharmaceutical Hot Melt Extrusion Market Report is available @ US$ 5795: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:
Global HER2 Antibodies Market Is Projected To Increment At A Robust CAGR Of 8.6% During The Forecast Period Of 2017 To 2025 To Be Worth US$ 21,669.1 Mn By 2025

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "HER2 Antibodies Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Global HER2 Antibodies Market: OverviewAmong all the chronic diseases worldwide cancer is considered to be the most prevalent disease. Approximately 1,685,210 new cancer cases were diagnosed and about 595,690 cancer deaths in the US in year 2016. Whereas around 2,600 men and 246,660 that is about 29% women were diagnosed with breast cancer in year 2016. HER2 breast cancer is one of the aggressive type of breast cancer, caused due to over-expression of the HER2 protein. Breast cancers that overexpress the HER2 protein (known as HER2+) make up about 20% of the cases. HER2 positive breast cancer inclines to grow more rapidly than HER2 negative breast cancer. The factors such as being overweight, long term heavy smoking, use of menopausal hormone therapy, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and many more are responsible for increasing risk of breast cancer. Increasing incidence of breast cancer is expected to lead to increase in demand for targeted therapies and boost the growth of the HER2 antibodies market during the forecast period.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global HER2 Antibodies Market: Research MethodologyThis report analyzes the current and future prospects of the HER2 antibodies market based on type of treatment drugs and geography. The research is a combination of primary and secondary research, conducted for understanding and arriving at trends, used to forecast the expected revenue of the major HER2 antibody drugs in the near future. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts with information collected from in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry experts and opinion leaders. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, investor presentations, analyst presentation and various international and national databases. The report provides estimated market size in terms of US$ Mn for each type of treatment drug, and geography for the period 2016 to 2025, considering the macro and micro environmental factors. The revenue generated from each drug was calculated by considering number of drugs used in the treatment and their market demand and sales as per their use, number of new drug launched, trends in industry, awareness, and adoption rate across all the geographies. The prevalence of HER2 breast cancer was also considered while estimating the market revenue.The market report comprises an elaborated executive summary, which includes market snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market. It also provides information and data analysis of the market with respect to market segments based on type of treatment drugs and geography. The market overview section of the report analyzes market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and opportunities that influence the HER2 antibodies market in the current and future scenario. The report also provides pipeline analysis of the upcoming drugs for HER2 breast cancer.Global HER2 Antibodies Market: Competitive LandscapeMarket share analysis among the market players is analyzed to signify percentage share of the major players operating in the market. All these factors will help the market players to decide about the business strategies and plans to strengthen their positions in the global market. Based on geography, the market has been analyzed for countries of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.The report also profiles the major players in the market and provides various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Major companies profiled in the HER2 antibodies market report are Genentech Inc. (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.), Novartis AG, Pfizer, Inc., Abnova Corporation, InvivoGen, Celltrion, Inc., Biocon Limited, and Bio-Techne (Novus Biologicals, LLC) and some other players who are involved in the HER2 antibodies market.Browse Detail Report With Full TOC @The global HER2 Antibodies market is segmented as follows:Global HER2 Antibodies Market Revenue, by Type of Treatment Drugs- Trastuzumab- Lapatinib- Ado-trastuzumab emtansine- Pertuzumab- EverolimusGlobal HER2 Antibodies Market Revenue, by Geography- North America- US- Canada- Europe- Germany- France- Italy- Spain- UK- Rest of Europe- Asia Pacific- China- Japan- India- Australia & New Zealand- Rest of Asia Pacific- Latin America- Brazil- Mexico- Rest of Latin America- Middle East and Africa- Saudi Arabia- South Africa- Rest of Middle East & AfricaMake 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 Vacuum Packaging Market - North America to Create Substantial Demand for Vacuum Packaging Solutions

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Global Vacuum Packaging Market: SnapshotThe vacuum packaging market has expanded at a rapid pace over the past few years and is likely to observe healthy growth over the next few years. Approximately 20% of the product manufacturers have switched to vacuum packaging from conventional packaging options in the past five years. The trend is likely to amplify over the next few years, resulting in the increased demand for vacuum packaging solutions globally. A host of factors can be attributed to the markets remarkable growth trajectory in the past, including the rising consumption of packaged and processed food and rising consciousness about food safety and hygiene among consumers. Factors such as rising household income and the rising inclination to spend for hygienic food are anticipated to bolster the growth of global vacuum packaging market during the forecast period.For more information on this report, fill the form @Transparency Market Research estimates that the global vacuum packaging market, which valued at US$15.0 bn in 2015, will surpass US$22.8 bn by 2024, registering a CAGR of 4.9% between 2016 and 2024.Demand for Polypropylene to Rise at Most Promising PaceOf the key materials used in vacuum packaging, the segment of polyethylene (PE) is expected to dominate the global vacuum packaging market, accounting for over 38% of the overall market by 2016. The segment is also expected to remain the dominant contributor to the revenue of the global vacuum packaging market throughout the forecast period, but witness stagnant growth, registering a 4.6% CAGR over the forecast period.The rate of growth of the polypropylene (PP) segment is expected to outpace that of the other key material types used for vacuum packaging over the forecast period. The segment is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.7% over the period between 2016 and 2024, and grab a bigger piece of the pie by the end of the forecast period. High-barrier films and extended shelf life of polypropylene packaging are the key factors leading to the materials increased adoption in the vacuum packaging industry. Segments with vinyl content i.e. polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polyvinylidenchloride (PVDC) are estimated to collectively account for over 20% of the market by the end of 2016 and are anticipated to lose 0.5% of their share in the market by 2024.Market to Gain High Traction in North America and Latin AmericaIn terms of geography, the market for vacuum packaging in Europe is expected to be the most favorable in terms of incremental opportunities for high revenue generation over the forecast period. The market in Europe is also estimated to dominate the global vacuum packaging market with a 32.4% of the market in 2016, followed by markets in North America and Asia Pacific. Markets in Asia Pacific and North America are highly regulated and are likely to create a substantial demand for vacuum packaging, worth more than US$5.2 mn in 2016, approximately 10% higher than 2015.Browse Market Research Report @Over the forecast period, the market in North America is expected to exhibit the most promising growth and gain high traction, registering a healthy CAGR of 5.3% from 2016 through 2024. In North America, US is likely to continue to dominate the market for vacuum packaging. The country does not only consume vacuum packaging in large volumes, but also features the presence of a large number of manufacturers.The market in Middle East and Africa, which is another prominent market for vacuum packaging, is expected to suffer the most prominent loss in terms of incremental opportunities. Consumption of vacuum packaging in Latin America, which presently accounts for a very small share in the global market, on the other hand, is expected to exhibit a 4.9% CAGR over the forecast period, second only to North America.Some of the key players in the global vacuum packaging market are Amcor Limited, Berry Plastics Inc., Bemis Company, Wipak Group, Sealed Air Corporation, and Mondi Group.About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
At A CAGR Of 35.55%, Global Mobile Payment Market Will Expand During The Period 2017 - 2021

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "At A CAGR Of 35.55%, Global Mobile Payment Market Will Expand During The Period 2017 - 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.Mobile payments are the payments made using mobile devices such as cell phones or tablets, using mobile money or mobile wallets. Technological innovations and rapid technological advances are changing the way people connect with each other and manage their finances. With the advent of mobile banks, users are able to conduct monetary transactions with ease. Mobile banking is an affordable alternative to the traditional banking ways.Technavios analysts forecast the global mobile payment market to grow at a CAGR of 35.55% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global mobile payment market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers mobile payment transaction values.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Mobile Payment Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsFISGemaltoMasterCardPayPalAlibaba GroupAppleGoogleSamsung ElectronicsTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Other prominent vendorsBharti AirtelAmerican ExpressBank of AmericaCitrus Payment SolutionsLevelUpMobiKwikOne97 CommunicationOrangeOxigenSquareVenmoVisaZipCash Card ServicesMarket driverIncreasing use of mobile devicesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeSecurity of mobile payment appsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendCloud-based mobile payment solutionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?Browse More Details @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 @
Glaucoma In Global Market: Industry Analysis, Size, Trends & Outlook, 2017 - 2021

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Glaucoma In Global Market: Industry Analysis, Size, Trends & Outlook, 2017 - 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which result in damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. The most common type is open-angle glaucoma with less common types including closed-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly over time and there is no pain. Side vision may begin to decrease followed by central vision resulting in blindness, if not treated. Closed-angle glaucoma can present gradually or suddenly. The sudden presentation may involve severe eye pain, blurred vision, mid-dilated pupil, redness of the eye, and nausea. Vision loss from glaucoma, once it has occurred, is permanent.Though, glaucoma cannot be cured completely but the disease progression can be controlled with the help of available treatments. There are three types of modalities available for treatment of glaucoma: Drugs, Laser and Invasive Surgery. Further, based upon the approaches employed for the medication, it can be segmented into two parts: PGA Medication and Non-PGA Medication. The PGA approach reduces IOP with the help of prostaglandin (PGA). The non-PGA medication can be further divided into four sub segments: Beta blockers, Alpha blockers, Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) and Combination Products.Several factors such as rising prevalence of diabetes, growing geriatric population and rising health care expenditure along with increasing disposable income and growing obese population will drive the market growth in the next few years. Development of new drugs & devices and drug therapy focused upon IOP are the few notable market trends. However, high cost of treatment, severe side effects and hasty drug approval processes act as a major roadblock for the market growth.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report Global Glaucoma Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) analyzes the development of this market, with focus on the US and OUS treatment market. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the market are discussed in detail in this report. The four major players: Pfizer Inc., Novartis AG, Merck & Co., Inc. and Allergan Plc. are being profiled along with their key financials and strategies for growth. The report contains a comprehensive analysis of the global glaucoma market along with the study of the US market.Table of Content1. Overview1.1 Glaucoma1.2 Causes & Types1.3 Symptoms & Diagnosis1.4 Treatment Methods1.5 Glaucoma Pharmaceutical Market Segmentation2. Global Glaucoma Market2.1 Global Glaucoma Market Forecast by Value2.2 Global Glaucoma Market by Segments2.3 Global Glaucoma Drugs Market Forecast by Value2.4 Global Glaucoma Market by Drug Class2.5 Global Glaucoma Drugs Market by Region2.6 Global Glaucoma Patient Volume Forecast3. Regional Markets3.1 The US3.1.1 The US Glaucoma Drugs Market Forecast by Value3.1.2 The US Glaucoma Patient Volume Forecast3.1.3 The US Open Angle Glaucoma Patient Volume Forecast3.1.4 The US Glaucoma Prescription Volume Forecast3.1.5 The US Glaucoma Drugs Market by TypeBrowse More Details @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 @
Plastics Likely to Remain Preferred Material in Cosmetic Packaging Market

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Global Cosmetic Packaging Market: SnapshotThe focus of cosmetic product manufacturers on innovative and alluring packaging has significantly increased in the past few decades. Key cosmetics and personal care brands have started considering effective packaging as a critical attribute of product marketing. The strategy has translated in enhanced brand visibility, increased sales, reduced brand recall rates, as well as a larger footprint in the respective target geographies.For more information on this report, fill the form @The factors have significantly benefitted the global market for cosmetic packaging and are expected to lead to the development of healthy growth opportunities for the market in the next few years as well. Transparency Market Research estimates that the global cosmetic packaging market will exhibit a 4.4% CAGR over the period between 2016 and 2024. If the prediction holds true, the market will rise from a valuation of US$23 bn in 2015 to US$33 bn by 2024.A variety of materials is used for packaging cosmetics, including glass, plastic, paper, metal, and wood. Of these, the plastics segment presently leads the global cosmetic packaging market, in terms of both value and volume. The segment is expected to account for a 50% of the global market throughout the forecast period. However, rising consumer preference to eco-friendly products such as wood, paper, and metals is expected to hinder the growth prospects of the plastic segment to a certain extent.Increasing awareness and implementation of stringent environmental laws along with competitive benefits have compelled users to increase use of eco-friendly materials for packaging and manufacturers to integrate eco-friendly design principles in material development processes. As a result, the global demand for materials such as paper, silicone, melamine, and bamboo is expected to see a significant rise in demand across the cosmetic packaging market in the next few years.The market for glass-based cosmetic packaging is expected to rise in response to the substantial demand for luxury goods in the developed markets like the U.S., UK, and Germany. However, the adoption rate of metal as packaging is expected to remain low owing to higher costs in comparison with other materials.Asia Pacific Cosmetic Packaging Market to Present Most Lucrative Growth OpportunitiesIn terms of geography, the market for cosmetic packaging is dominated by Asia Pacific in terms of total demand. The region is estimated to account for a share of 32.5% in the global market in 2016, followed by Europe and North America. The top spot of Asia Pacific in the global market can be attributed to the high concentration of manufacturers as well as buyers of cosmetic packaging products in the region. Furthermore, a large number of the cosmetic products, as well as cosmetic packaging product manufacturers, which previously had manufacturing facilities in China are opting for China plus one policy. Under the policy, these companies might set up facilities ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.Obtain Report Details @Sales of cosmetic packaging in Asia Pacific are expected to be mainly driven by market growth in countries such as China, Japan, and India where the demand for cosmetic products is anticipated to expand at a robust CAGR over the forecast period. Rising awareness about anti- aging products coupled with the flourishing e-commerce sector in the region Asia Pacific is also expected to fuel demand for cosmetic packaging over the forecast period. Markets in Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to witness relatively sluggish growth over the forecast period.Key players in the global cosmetic packaging market include Aptar Group Inc., RPC Group Plc, Gerresheimer AG, Amcor Limited, Albea S.A., Libo Cosmetics Company, Ltd., Quadpack Industries, HCP Packaging, Fusion Packaging, and ABC Packaging Ltd.About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
MASON CITY | Councilman Travis Hickey expressed frustration Tuesday night at the lack of progress on the part of Gatehouse Capital in getting a development agreement done with the city.

Gatehouse is proposing to build a hotel in the south parking lot of Southbridge Mall and connect it via a skywalk to The Music Man Square where it will build a ballroom/conference center inside.

The basic plan has been in the works for months but deadlines need to be met because the plan ties in with the city's River City Renaissance Plan. The city hopes to get $10 million in funding from the state for that project but needs final approval from the state on a final plan from the city.

"I haven't seen what I want to see out of the developer," said Hickey. "I don't see this happening unless Gatehouse steps up to the plate and does what they said they were going to do."

Gatehouse is two weeks behind schedule in providing the necessary paperwork for the development agreement, according to City Administrator Brent Trout.

He is scheduled to meet with state officials later this month and wants to have the development agreement approved by that time.

The Gatehouse delays came up during a discussion about setting a date for council action on a proposed issuance of up to $14 million in general obligation urban renewal bonds that would be available to tie up loose ends in the development agreement, if necessary.

Council members said the exact amount or what the money would be used for would not be known until they see the final development agreement.

In other action, Trout agreed to meet with citizens concerned about safety issues with the proposed closing of the Ninth Street railroad crossing.

One of the ideas brought forth is construction of a pedestrian bridge over the crossing that citizens, and particularly children, could use and not be tempted to use the closed crossing.
Strategic Analysis On Organic Acids Market Research Report 2017

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Organic Acids Market research report helps to get access to industry data and upcoming trends which will give you avenues to know about the market. This report gives opportunities to go through with industry analysis, share and forecast, Providing brief description about the market size its competitors and product identification.In this report, the global Organic Acids 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 Organic Acids in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaRequest For Free Sample Of The Report @Global Organic Acids market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingCargillBASFDow Chemical CompanyHenan Jindan Lactic Acid TechnologyArcher Daniels Midland CompanyEastman Chemical CompanyCorbionMyriant CorporationPolynt-ReichholdTate & LyleDSMDu PontOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAcetic acidCitric acidFormic acidLactic acidPropionic acidAscorbic acidGluconic acidFumaric acidMalic acidOthers (tartaric acid, succinic acid, and butyric acid)Obtain Report Details @On 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 Organic Acids for each application, includingFood & BeveragesFeedPharmaceuticalsIndustrialOtherAbout UsAlltake Market Research is division of the Alltake LLC. that offers premium quality market intelligence, market research, industry analysis reports & forecast data for different domains across the business industry.Alltake Market Research understands the importance of market analysis for any strategy that is implemented in any organization or association. In order to provide the best solution, Alltake Market Research have associated with major organizations within market research and consultancy firm. This portfolio offers market analysis report at one place for different business verticals. Alltake Market Research ensures to offer you with the most reliable and quality market research available.Contact UsAlltake Market Research16192, Coastal Highway Lewes,DE 19958, United StatesUS - 188 8587 9717UK - 4480 0680 0195Email sales@alltakemarketresearch.com
Intense price wars in Masterbatch Market

Color Masterbatch and Additive Masterbatch Market

https://industryessence.com/index.php/reports/details/621

Industry Essence published a new syndicate market research report on "Color & Additive Masterbatch Market: Segment Analysis, Trends, Opportunities, Competitive Intensity, and Forecasts 2016-2022".Industry Essence, a market research and consulting company based in Houston, Texas, U.S., states that- the color masterbatch market was valued at USD 3.19 billion in 2016 and it is projected to reach USD 4.56 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.1% between 2017 and 2022. On the other hand, the additive masterbatch market is projected to reach USD 3.42 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 6.5%, from 2017 and 2022.Masterbatches facilitates a convenient way of adding color and/or performance enhancing additives to natural or base polymers. Replacement of metals and other materials by plastics in automotive, construction, and consumer goods application is driving the market for color and additive masterbatches globally.Following favorable polymer market factors are driving the color and additive masterbatch market:Plastic Replacing Metals- Global plastic production grew at a CAGR of 8.6% between 1950 and 2015. In 1989, plastics passed steel production by volume.China: Largest Producer- In 2015, China held 28% share in global plastic production market. Asia Pacific accounts for more than 49% worldwide productionPer Capita Plastic Consumption- Emerging economies are encouraging per capita plastic consumption, in order to boost economy, employment opportunities, and global tradeOil Price: Market Driver- Oil prices are directly proportional to plastic and resin prices. Therefore, the considerable decline in oil prices from last two years, has helped the market to grow.The report idnetifies and analyses key "pain points" faced by industry and companies: Intense competitive price wars have affected companies' profit margins drastically from past five years Gradually increasing material and labour costs are affecting companies' bottom lines, forcing large companies to shift their operations to Low Cost Countries (LCCs) Increasing number of local micro and small companies is changing the market dynamics New environment regulations and directives are forcing companies to consistently build innovative and environment friendly masterbatches, resulting in hefty spending on R&D activities Gaps in supply chains are affecting the end to end smooth flow of materials & finished productsThe report assists companies in taking key decisions such as exploration of investments avenues, expansion plans, production enhancement, market strategy building, pricing and product positioning, revenue enhancement, and deciding backward/forward integration steps.Get PDF Sample Brochure for Professional & Technical insights at:Report ScopeColor Masterbatch Market, By Color Type (Market Size, Trends, Forecasts, and Analysis)Standard Color, Specialty Color (Metallic Masterbatch, Pearlescent Masterbatch, Fluorescent Masterbatch, Phosphorescent Masterbatch), Tailor-made ColorAdditive Masterbatch Market, By Type (Market Size, Trends, Forecasts, and Analysis)Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Flame Retardant, Other Additive Masterbatch (UV Stabilizer, Optical Brightener, Antiblock, Antistatic, Clarifying/Nucleating, Processing Aid, Slip, and Foaming Agent/ Blowing Agent Masterbatch)Masterbatch Market, By Carrier Resin (Market Size, Trends, Forecasts, and Analysis)Polyethylene (PE) (LLDPE, LDPE, & HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Others (PVC, PUR, PET, PC, ABS, & PA)Masterbatch Market, By End-Use Industry (Market Size, Trends, Forecasts, and Analysis)Packaging, Building & Construction, Consumer Goods, Automotive, and AgricultureColor & Additive Market, Regional Analysis (Market Size, Trends, Forecasts, and Analysis)North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America (China, Japan, , India, Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Taiwan, US, Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Argentina among others)Companies Profiled in the ReportA. Schulman, Inc., AF Color, Alok Masterbatch, Americhem Inc., Ampacet Corporation, Astra Polymers Compounding Co. Ltd., Cabot Corporation, Changzhou Pulaike Hongmei Masterbatch Co., Ltd., Clariant AG, Constab Polyolefin Additives GmbH, Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., Gabriel-Chemie Gesellschaft M.B.H., High Technology Masterbatches S.L, Hubron (International) Ltd., Meilian Chemical Co., Ltd., O'neil Color & Compounding, Penn Color, Inc., Plastiblends India Ltd., Plastika Kritis S.A., Polyone Corporation, Prayag Polytech Pvt Ltd, Rajiv Plastics Industries (RPI), Rtp Company, Tosaf Group, Vanetti S.P.AAnalyses Value Chain & Supply Chain Analysis Organic and Inorganic Strategies, By Market Players, 2012-2016 Market Attractiveness: Porter's Five Forces Market Analysis Market Share Analysis 2016Target Audience/StakeholdersColor and Additive Masterbatch ManufacturersColor and Additive Masterbatch SuppliersRaw Material SuppliersEnd Users Such as Automotive, Packaging, Consumer Good, and Other CompaniesColor and Additive Traders, Distributors, and SuppliersRegional Color and Additive Masterbatch Manufacturer AssociationsGovernment and Regional Agencies and Research OrganizationsIndustry Essence provides market research and consulting solutions to its clients. We provide extensive market research solutions for 14 different business domains. Our solutions are focused on niche and emerging technologies, products, and service markets around the globe. The market research services help frontrunners to take intelligent, strategic and well informed business decisions.Our experienced Analyst and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) Team is committed to provide you the best possible solution by their strong industry experience in primary & secondary research, data analysis, finance, economics, and in analytics fields. Insights from these experts help business leaders in tracking:-Trends in Emerging Technology, Product, and Service Markets-Business Expansion, Diversification, and Investment Opportunities-Micro & Macro (PESTEL, Customer, and Supplier) Market Factors-Market Impressions  Revenue Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities-Different Market Segments/Applications-Competitive BenchmarkingIndustry Essence portfolio includes comprehensive ranges of market research reports, research and management consulting solutions, and customized B2B research solutions. Our teams in United States and India are serving clients around the globe. To know more about our offerings, drop an email at: info@industryessence.comMike Lewismike.lewis@industryessence.comIndustry Essence606, Freeport Street, Houston, Texas 77015, USA
Insecticides Market to reach USD 20.06 billion by 2021

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According to the report Insecticides Market by Type (Pyrethroids, Organophosphorus, Carbamates, Organochlorine, Botanicals and Others), by Crop Type (Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Oilseeds & Pulses and others), by Mode of Application (Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment, and Post-harvest), by Form (Sprays, strips and Baits), and by Region - Global Industry Analysis, Share, Size, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2016-2021) published by Market Data Forecast, the Insecticides Market was worth USD 15.42 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach USD 20.06 billion by 2021 with a CAGR of 5.4 %.Browse report details @Insecticides are pesticides used to kill insects. They are mainly used in Agriculture, Industry Medicine, and Consumers. Insecticides can give higher crop yield and good quality products if applied in appropriate amounts. But nearly all of them can affect the environment seriously and are toxic to humans. They are usually applied through Sprays, baits and slow diffusion etc.Increasing concerns of Insect transferrable diseases, Rising Commercial Pest management services, rising demand for food grains owing to the increasing global population, increasing Crop losses due to pests, advancements in agricultural practices or techniques and fall in per capita farm land are some of the major factors driving the market. However, some of the factors like improper handling of insecticides, and its toxic properties are slowing down the growth of the market.Insecticides Market is segmented based on Type, Crop Type, Mode of Application and Form. Based on Type, market is segmented into Pyrethroids, Organophosphorus, Carbamates, Organochlorine, Botanicals and Others. Based on Crop Type, market is segmented into Cereals & Grains, Fruits & Vegetables, Oilseeds & Pulses and others. Based on Mode of Application, market is segmented into Foliar Spray, Seed Treatment, Soil Treatment, and Post-harvest. Based on Form, market is segmented into Sprays, strips and Baits. Organophosphorus segment commanded the market with highest share as it is cheaper than its alternatives. Bait segment is estimated to be the fastest growing segment owing to its easy to use properties.Request Free Sample Market Brochure of the report @Geographically, market is further segmented into Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. Asia-Pacific dominates the market with the largest share owing to the growing health concerns and increase in export of food grains from Asia-Pacific Countries.Major Players in the market are: BASF SE Dow Chemical Company E.I. DuPont De Nemours & Company Cheminova As Bayer Crop science AG Nufarm Limited Syngenta AG Makhteshim Agan Industries Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd. FMC CorporationMake an Inquiry before buying @About Us:Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our analyst team comprises expert professionals in market research, who with their collective knowledge and skillset dedicatedly serve clients from various industries and regions.Media Contact:Abhishek ShuklaInternational Business Development ManagerMarket Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626; Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@marketdataforecast.comVisit MarketDataForecast Blog @
Global Medical Panel PC Market 2017: Micromax, Wincomm, Advantech, Portwell, ADLINK

Medical Panel PC Market 2017

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Global Medical Panel PC Market 2017-2022QY Market Research include new market research report "2016-2022 Report on Global Medical Panel PC Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, Application" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the global Medical Panel PC market is highly useful as it covers all the aspects which are important in determining the future of this industry. The Medical Panel PC report is collated by experienced analysts who have made use of their market intelligence to cover all basic and important data about the global Medical Panel PC industry.Enquiry For Discount Visit @The Medical Panel PC market report makes use of tables, charts, graphs, maps, and statistics to present the data in the easiest to understand way. The Medical Panel PC market report is a comprehensive analysis of the key factors impacting the global Medical Panel PC industry. This includes both the driving factors as well as the restraining factors that are influencing the market's performance positively and negatively, respectively.Top Manufacturers include,1. Cybernet2. Micromax3. Teguar Computers4. Peacock Bros. Pty Ltd5. Wincomm6. CONTEC DTx7. Advantech8. Portwell9. ACL Allround Computerdienst Leipzig GmbH10. ACNODES11. ADLINK12. ARBOR13. Athena MedicalThe current trends shaping the global Medical Panel PC market and how it will influence the market in the future are also studied. In addition to this, the future opportunities within the Medical Panel PC market that have the potential to help the market to expand are also given in the report.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The segments within the global Medical Panel PC industry and their sub-segments are also studied in detail. This ensures that the entire Medical Panel PC market is covered. The leading segment along with the declining segment and the most promising segment has been given in this Medical Panel PC report. This helps the readers, investors, new entrants, and established players to decide which segment or subsegment to invest on so as to reap maximum profits.The report discusses the degree of competition, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, and a threat of substitutes, both internal and external substitute of Medical Panel PC market. The threat of new entrants or the barriers faced by new players in entering the global Medical Panel PC market has been discussed. This gives new players an idea as to whether they can survive in the competitive Medical Panel PC market.About Us:Business Worldwide is a trusted brand in the research industry with a 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:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803
eHealth Market Given Major Boost As Ireland Launches New E-Health Open Data Portal

http://industryarc.com/Report/16930/ehealth-market.html

eHealth Market Expects Asia-Pacifics Healthcare Investment to be Key Future Growth DriverThe eHealth Market deals with the development and integration of electronic or digital processes in everyday health or medical care situations. eHealth harnesses the power of the internet and smartphones extensively in order to provide medical plans remotely or in a portable fashion.The eHealth Market has experienced solid growth during the last few years because of a few reasons: major advances in technology and implementation of the e-Health system, and the increasing reliance on electronic gadgets or robots for conducting medical treatment. Hospitals across the world are already planning to improve their infrastructural support systems, like internet connections, in an effort to take e-Health integration to the next level.Scope & Regional Forecast of the eHealth MarketThe eHealth Market is expected to continue registering high growth during the forecast period due to a wide variety of reasons. The rising eHealth solutions awareness among hospitals and clinics, the widespread usage of smartphones and wearable devices, and the increasing patient preference for remote or portable medical treatment procedures are expected to open up new avenues for growth.But the eHealth Market is also bound to experience a few obstacles, especially regarding the maintenance of privacy and security of patient data. UKs NHS has already suffered a couple of major cyberattacks and medical institutions are widely expected to be vulnerable targets in future cyberwarfare. The absence of solid medical insurance laws or systems in developing nations also serves as a major hindrance for fostering adoption of eHealth solutions. But the initiative taken by India and China, in particular, to improve their healthcare infrastructure in urban and rural areas is expected to be a key future growth driver for the eHealth Market.Currently, North America holds the highest share in the market for eHealthcare due to the availability of advanced healthcare facilities and the presence of Obamacare. But Asia-Pacific is expected to be a hotbed for future growth as rising awareness and favorable government initiatives coupled with investment are necessary to deal with chronic ailments. Hence, the future looks good for the eHealth Market.Segmentations & Key Players Involved in the eHealth MarketAccording to IndustryARC findings, the eHealth Market can be broken down into various segmentations on the basis of Service Type: Clinical Service, Financial Service and Administrative Service.End Users: Medical Installations (Hospitals, Clinics), Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Government Organizations and Research Facilities.Geography: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World.Some of the key players involved in the eHealth Market according to IndustryARC are as follows:AppleBoston Scientific CorpAthenahealthCureMDeClinicalWorksRequest For Toc @About IndustryARC:IndustryARC is a research and consulting firm that publishes more than 500 reports annually in various industries, such as Agriculture, Automotive, Automation & Instrumentation, Chemicals and Materials, Energy and Power, Electronics, Food & Beverages, Information Technology, Life sciences & Healthcare.IndustryARC primarily focuses on Cutting Edge Technologies and Newer Applications of the Market. Our Custom Research Services are designed to provide insights on the constant flux in the global demand-supply gap of markets. Our strong analyst team enables us to meet the client research needs at a very quick speed with a variety of options for your business.We look forward to support the client to be able to better address customer needs; stay ahead in the market; become the top competitor and get real-time recommendations on business strategies and deals. Contact us to find out how we can help you today.11200 Rockville Pike, Suite 504Rockville, Maryland 20852
Nucleic Acid Isolation And Purification Market to reach USD 4.12 billion by 2021

http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/global-nucleic-acid-isolation-and-purification-market-3101/

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According to the report Nucleic Acid Isolation And Purification Market By Product (Kits, Reagents, Instruments), Technology (Column Based, Reagent Based, Magnetic Bead Based), Application (Plasmid DNA, Genomic DNA, Micro RNA, Blood DNA, Messenger RNA, Total RNA, PCR Clean-up) And End Users(Academic And Government Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical And Biotechnology Companies, Contract Research Organizations, Hospitals And Diagnostic Centres) And By Region - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, And Forecasts (20162021) published by Market Data Forecast, the Global Nucleic Acid Isolation and Purification Market was worth USD 2.77 billion in 2016 and estimated to be growing at a CAGR of 8.27%, to reach USD 4.12 billion by 2021. Nucleic acid isolation and purification is a set of molecular biology techniques used for the extraction and purification of DNA and RNA for use in downstream applications.Browse report details @The dissociation of a nucleoprotein into nucleic acid and protein moieties and their subsequent separation are the essential steps in the isolation of all species of nucleic acids. Isolation of nucleic acids is followed by quantitation of nucleic acids generally done by either spectrophotometric or by using fluorescent dyes to determine the average concentrations and purity of DNA or RNA present in a mixture. The isolation process includes chemical and mechanical disruption, enzymatic digestion while the purification involves combination of chromatography, extraction, centrifugation, electrophoresis and affinity separation.Growing use of nucleic acid-based tests in diagnosis, the rising demand of pure nucleic acids in pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, increasing applications of the techniques in various fields such as genetic engineering, life science research, forensics and molecular diagnostics, government funding in R&Ds, technological innovations and increasing automation, availability of benchtop instruments and increasing investments from pharma companies are the major drivers for the growth of the global nucleic acid isolation and purification market. However, low market penetration of automated nucleic acid isolation and purification procedures in developing countries, higher prices of the instruments associated with these procedures and increasing market consolidation are the major challenges for this market.The Global market of Nucleic Acid Isolation and Purification is categorised into product, technology, application, end user, and geography. On the basis of product, the market is segmented into reagents, kits and instruments. Based on various type of technology, the market can be segmented as column based, reagent-based, magnetic bead based and others for DNA and RNA isolation and purification. Column-based technique has the largest share and Magnetic bead-based technique is projected to grow at fastest rate in the Global market. Application segments of this market includes genomic DNA isolation and purification, micro RNA isolation and purification, blood DNA isolation and purification, mRNA isolation and purification, plasmid DNA isolation and purification, total RNA isolation and purification and PCR clean up. The plasmid DNA isolation and purification is the leading market segment by application. The end-users of the market are pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic and government research institutes, contract research organizations, hospitals and diagnostic centers. In the Global market, academic research organizations have the major share.Request Free Sample @Based on geography the global nucleic acid purification market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. North America has the maximum share in the Global Nucleic Acid Isolation and Purification market followed by Europe. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market due to various emerging economies. The market in the region is easy to penetrate and it is expected to have a huge future scope in the region, especially India and China, so the players are looking invest more in Asia-Pacific region.Key players in the Global Nucleic acid isolation and purification market are: Qiagen Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc Illumina Inc Agilent Technologies Inc Thermo Fischer Scientific Inc F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC General Electric Company Danaher Corporation Promega Corporation Life Technologies Roche Applied Sciences Takara Bio, Inc. OthersMake an Inquiry before buying @About Us:Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our analyst team comprises expert professionals in market research, who with their collective knowledge and skillset dedicatedly serve clients from various industries and regions.Media Contact:Abhishek ShuklaInternational Business Development ManagerMarket Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626; Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@marketdataforecast.comVisit MarketDataForecast Blog @
New Research: Cancer Stem Cells Market - Global Key Trends & Industry Growth 2020

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Cancer stem cells (CSCs) refer to the cells obtained from tumor that posses potential to reproduce all types of cancer cells found in a cancer sample. Cancer stem cells are planned to grow in tumors as a separate population and thereby cause deterioration and metastasis of existing tumor through generation of new tumor. Thus, with advancement in technology especially in cancer stem cells research area, therapies specific to targeting cancer stem cells are expected to improve quality of life and survival cases of cancer patients with metastatic diseases.Obtain Report Details @Morbidity and mortality rate of cancer is rising at a faster speed worldwide and thus prevention of cancer and cancer treatment is grabbing attention of cancer researchers globally. Stem cells and cell therapy have shown significant potential to treat cancer effectively. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been tested on animal models and have also shown satisfactory results. However, human testing of cancer stem cells is still in its developing stage owing to stringent regulations and ethical issues associated with the same.Worldwide cancer research activities are increasing rapidly owing to rising burden of mortality rate of cancer. Cancer stem cells are under research for various types of cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer and bone cancer. Government initiative to boost the cancer research activities and availability of funds are some of the factors that are driving the global cancer stem cells (CSCs) market towards growth. While on the other hand, ethical issues involved in the stem cells research and stringent regulations to perform human trials are some of the factors that are restraining the growth of the global cancer stem cells (CSCs) market.Geographically, global cancer stem cells market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world (RoW) regions. Currently, North America is leading the global cancer stem cells (CSCs) market and is followed by Europe. Factors such as highly developed research infrastructure, well defined regulatory norms, availability of research funds, availability of skilled research and healthcare professionals and supportive economy are driving the North American cancer stem cells market towards growth. Asia Pacific is lucrative market for cancer stem cells. Governments in the Asia Pacific countries mainly, India and China are taking initiative to boost the healthcare and biotechnology industry in the respective countries and thus, research and development activities in these countries are swiftly increasing.Apart from India and China, Japan will play a significant role in the cancer stem cells market. Japanese government is heavily investing in healthcare industry in order to improve the healthcare facilities in the country and thus rising cancer treatment are expected to escalate the cancer stem cells treatment market in Japan. Latin American countries namely, Brazil, Mexico and Argentina are expected to contribute more to cancer stem cells market than other countries in the rest of the world region. While on the other hand, African countries and Middle Eastern countries are expected to show slow or no growth rate in the global cancer stem cells (CSCs) market.Some of the major players in the global cancer stem cells market are AdnaGen GmbH, Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc., AVIVA Biosciences Corporation, Celula, Inc., Epic Sciences, Inc., Fluxion Biosciences, Inc., Rarecells USA, Inc. and Silicon Biosystems, S.p.A.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Kapolyi Law Firm welcomes new Partner and senior associate

Sandor Haboczky

Kapolyi Law Firm, member of the European Law Firm alliance, further expands team with two lawyers starting from September, 2017.Sandor Haboczky and Peter Gullai arrive from the same international law firm.The past seven and a half years dr. Sandor Haboczky has been acting as a partner of the Budapest office of Schoenherr. He was heading the real estate, regulatory/energy as well as the litigation/dispute resolution practices. Through these years, he has gained significant experience with complex real estate transactions, e.g. office, retail, hotel and logistics investments and developments as well as with real estate aspects of numerous M&A deals  his knowledge and skills are also mentioned and recognized by the international legal directories Legal500 and Chambers & Partners. Sandor was previously acting as a leading partner of a Budapest law firms association, primarily assisting a set of domestic private investors, where he joined following a period of more than five years spent as M&A lawyer with the Hungarian office of Baker & McKenzie.Dr. Peter Gullai has been working for Schoenherr in Sandors team from 2015. During this period he mainly assisted regulatory, energy law and real estate mandates. Earlier he was acting in the legal departments of a significant real property developer, ELMU-EMASZ and MKB Bank, respectively. He qualifies as author of numerous articles and analyses in the fields of energy and real estate laws.With these new hirings we would like to further strengthen our well established real estate practice. Sandor is a very experienced lawyer, forming also an assembled and dynamic team with Peter, and I am sure he will be a good leader of our expanded real estate team of 5 lawyers that has already been showing significant skills in recent domestic and international transactions. The extended Kapolyi team, consisting of 14 lawyers by now, shall not only play dominant role in relation with capital market and M&A deals but will also be able to sufficiently respond to the current market growth in the Hungarian real estate sector. Last but not least we want to give a real boost to the overall development and expansion projections of our law firm. - as Jozsef Kapolyi, Managing Partner, founder of the law firm said.Kapolyi Law Firm was established in 1998 and is currently providing legal services in nearly all business spheres to its clientele. They are a member of European Law Firm, a strong international alliance of more than 29 European legal firms. Kapolyis primary focus lies on legal assistance to the capital and financial markets, while their M&A and real estate departments also count among the leading domestic practices. Among others, banks, investment firms, investment funds and fund managers, as well as venture capital funds represent their clientele, mainly active on the money and capital markets. Kapolyi Law Firm mainly assists these clients with legal advice in relation with the establishing and licensing of their business activities, the creation of their internal regulations and bylaws, as well as with their investments and acquisitions and certain securities transactions.1051 Budapest, Jozsef Nador ter 5-6. III. emelet
Global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Professional Survey Report 2017 - M&P Engineering, Nikko, Nilma

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Professional Survey Report 2017 to its huge collection of research reports.The global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine market trajectory is influenced by a variety of factors and trends, an elaborate assessment of which is covered in the report Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine research report. The research presents in-depth investigation of notable drivers and restraining factors, major challenges, recent technological advances, winning strategies, and lucrative avenues. The study offers a comprehensive analysis of key business risks emerging in key regions and major changes in governments regulations impacting the players response to them. The study takes a closer look at recent technological advancements and models of service delivery likely to gain traction in the next few years. The research employs industry-leading quantitative and qualitative tools to ascertain the overall market competitiveness in emerging regions.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report is prepared with the aid of inputs from industry experts and mirrors projections from a wide spectrum of primary sources. The study filters reliable and relevant information from a plethora of industry-wide data, to provide growth estimations of key segments. The findings offered in the report help investors and new entrant players gain reliable insights into imminent investment pockets in the Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine market. The key takeaways of the report include the share and size of various application or end-user segments and include the revenue sizing of major regional markets. The study offers valuable insights into strategic landscape by using tools, such as competitive profile matrix, and presents them in easy-to-comprehend format. Furthermore, the advent of disruptive technologies and innovative offerings, which is expected to alter the course of the Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine market growth trajectory, is evaluated in detail.Table of Contents2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Fruit And Vegetable Peeling MachineEnquiry For Discount Visit @3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)5 Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2012-2017E Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2012-2017E Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2016 Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Share AnalysisComplete report with detailed table of content is available @List of Tables and FiguresFigure North America Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure China Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure Europe Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure Japan Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Figure India Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Market Size (Million USD) (2012-2022)Table Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine Raw Material and SuppliersTable Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Fruit And Vegetable Peeling Machine in 2016About 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 usBrooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Flooring Market With Focus On Vinyl Tiles Market (2016-2020) By Value, Volume And Market Share By Product And Region | Company Coverage - Armstrong Flooring International, Mohawk Industries Inc., Tarkett, Interface

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Flooring Market with Focus on Vinyl Tiles Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020)" to its huge collection of research reports.The report entitled Global Flooring Market with Focus on Vinyl Tiles Market: Size, Trends & Forecasts (2016-2020), provides a detailed analysis of the flooring market with analysis of market size and growth and market segmentation on the basis of materials. The analysis includes the market by value, volume and market share by product and by region. Special focus has been given on the vinyl tiles with its market size in terms of volume and market share by region.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report provides brief regional analysis of North America (including the US), Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Latin America and CIS. The regional analysis of the flooring and vinyl tiles market includes market size by volume along with the market share by product.The report also assesses the key opportunities in the market and outlines the factors that are and will be driving the growth of the industry. Growth of the overall global flooring market has also been forecasted for the period 2016-2020, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers and the current and future trends.A brief company profiling of major market players namely Armstrong, Mohawk, Tarkett and Interface has provided in the report on the basis of aspects like business overview, financial overview and business strategies adopted by these companies.Country CoverageNorth AmericaThe USAsia-PacificEuropeMiddle East & AfricaLatin AmericaCISCompany CoverageArmstrong Flooring InternationalMohawk Industries Inc.TarkettInterfaceBrowse Detail Report With Full TOC @Executive SummaryThe flooring market can be segmented on the basis of materials and application. On the basis of materials market can be segmented into: ceramics, residential carpet, commercial carpet, vinyl, linoleum & rubber, wood & laminate and other. Out of all the different segments in the floor covering industry today, vinyl flooring has proven to be the most popular- even among industry standards like ceramic tile, plank wood, engineered wood and laminate flooring. On the basis of application, market is broadly classified into three: residential, commercial and industrial.The global flooring market witnessed an upsurge at a significant CAGR during 2013-2015 and projections are made that the market would rise in the next five years i.e. 2016-2020 at a rapid pace. Major factors contributing in the growth of the market are rapid urbanization, resurgence of construction industry, rising infrastructure spending in both developed and developing nations, rising per capita income of the population in emerging economies, rising demand for aesthetically appealing products and technological advancements etc.In the forecasted period, market will be pushed by emergence of sustainable flooring, increasing insulation demand, hassle-free installation techniques and rising demand for anti-bacterial flooring. In spite of high growth, market is still facing certain challenges that are hampering the growth of the market. Challenges encountered by the market are disposal of waste, complexity in installation, environmental & health related issues and fluctuating prices of raw materials.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 @
MASON CITY | The Lime Creek Nature Center will host its For Seniors Only program from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

The program will feature guest speaker Ty Smedes, who spent nearly a month in 2014 exploring the southern reaches of the globe on the Ortelius, an Artic expedition cruise ship. His journey included stops at the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island and the Antarctic Peninsula.

A catered lunch and social time will follow the program. The program is $5 for nature center members and $7 for non-members.

To register, call 641-423-5309 by 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11.
Personalized Cancer Drugs Market : Segmentation and Product Research 2017

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Global Personalized Cancer Drugs Market: SnapshotGenetic sequencing has proven that no two cancer cases are absolutely identical, heavily depending on genetic profiles of the patients, which defines their immunity power. But frequently, several promising pipeline drugs fail to reach the market for not being commonly useful for the masses. In this scenario, a small but increasing number of personalized cancer drugs are allowed by the FDA for the treatment of particular mutations. Nearly one third of cancer drugs are prescribed off-label, as it provides help to the patients immediately. These targeted agents are directed at specific molecular feature of the cancer cells and hence produce greater effectiveness with significantly less toxicity.The global market for personalized cancer drugs market is gaining traction from increased government support for precision-medicine. For example, in June 2016, the U.S. National Cancer Institutes revealed its plans to enroll thousand patients in a trial called NCI-MATCH, which is aimed at matching patients to twenty possible compounds on the basis of their genetic abnormalities. Along the similar lines, The American Society of Clinical Oncology has also announced a registry termed as TAPUR, collecting data on the fate of patients who receive personalized cancer drugs off-label.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Another factor driving the global personalized cancer drugs market is the falling cost of genetic sequencing, which is enabling the quick approval of drugs for off-label clinical trials on patients in need across the world.Personalized Cancer Drugs Market: OverviewPersonalized drugs, or customized drugs, are tailored to suit the needs of individual patients. Earlier, various patients suffering from the same type of disease were given the similar treatment plan. However, it became evident to physicians that a particular treatment worked differently for different patients, mainly owing to a varied genetic makeup. The concept of personalized medicine is based on the analysis of etiology of disease in individual patients and offers treatment that is more efficient, predictable, and precise.Cancer is a common chronic disease and a major cause of fatality around the globe. The development of personalized cancer drugs has gained pace as they have relatively fewer side effects compared to standard drugs. Personalized cancer drugs target a specific protein or gene responsible for the growth and survival of a cancer type.Request TOC of the Report @Personalized Cancer Drugs Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe personalized cancer drugs market is primarily fueled by the rising prevalence of various cancer types such as lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma and leukemia, and colorectal cancer. According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), an estimated 13,397,159 people in the United States were affected with various cancer types in 2011. Moreover, in 2014, around 1,666,540 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the country, with nearly 585,720 deaths resulting from cancer. The personalized cancer drugs market is also driven by several advantages associated with this new treatment therapy and ongoing developments in the field of genetic science.On the flip side, high cost associated with the genetic testing of patients and tumor samples may serve as a growth restraint on the market for personalized cancer drugs. In addition to this, the lack of insurance plans to cover these tests in developing nations of Asia Pacific and Rest of the World hampers the market to some extent. This can be attributed to low per capita income and poor reimbursement scenario.Request Discount of the Report @Personalized Cancer Drugs Market: Geographical AssessmentFrom a geographical perspective, the personalized cancer drugs market has been broadly segmented into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World (RoW). The market for personalized cancer drugs is led by North America. The chief factors responsible for the regions lead position are aggressive research and development activities, technical advancements, higher affordability for expensive treatments and therapies, and greater healthcare awareness. Europe is also a key market for personalized cancer drugs owing to significant funding from several governments and the growing penetration by U.S.-based companies.Asia Pacific holds immense promise for players in the personalized cancer drugs market, powered mainly by Japan. The regional market is likely to be fueled by the presence of a large pool of cancer patients and improving healthcare infrastructure. The growth of the APAC personalized cancer market can also be attributed to the rapidly evolving medical tourism industry. In the RoW segment, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, and South Africa represent potential markets.Personalized Cancer Drugs Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the key players competing in the personalized cancer drugs market are F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Pfizer Ltd., Cell Therapeutics, Inc., H3 Biomedicine, Inc., bioTheranostics, GlaxoSmithKline, and Abbott Laboratories. Zelboraf (vemurafenib) by F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. and Xalkori (crizotinib) by Pfizer Ltd. are some notable targeted drugs for the treatment of cancer.About TMR ResearchTMR 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
Primer Market 2017 - AkzoNobel N.V, Asian Paints Limited, Nippon Paint Company Ltd.

Primer Market

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Market Synopsis of Primer MarketPrimer is the basic coating applied to any surface before the application of basecoat and clearcoat. It ensures better adhesion and durability of paints and also acts as a protective layer. Primers are engineered to in order to provide better binding and filling to level out the surface. The key drivers of Primer Market are the growing demand for high quality interior and exterior view and better shelf life of materials, walls etc. The market is anticipated to be driven by industries such as automotive, construction, industrial & marine coatings with Asia Pacific being the most influencing market.Key Players:BASF Performance Products, AkzoNobel N.V, Asian Paints Limited, Nippon Paint Company Ltd., Sherwin-Williams Co., PPG Industries Inc., Axalta Coating Systems, The Valspar Corp., Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.Request Sample Research Report @Study Objectives of Primer Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of various segments and sub-segments of the Global Primer Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Global Primer 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 four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, APAC, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by Ingredients, Application, and by Region. To provide strategic profiling of the key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Primer Market.Request for Discount @The report for Global Primer 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.Key Points from Table of Content:7 Competitive Analysis7.1 Market Share Analysis7.2 Company Profiles7.2.1 Basf7.2.2 Akzonobel N.V.7.2.3 Asian Paints Limited7.2.4 Sherwin-Williams Co.7.2.5 Ppg Industries Inc.7.2.6 Axalta Coating Systems7.2.7 The Valspar Corp.7.2.8 Kansai Paint Co. Ltd.7.2.9 Nippon Paint Company Ltd.7.2.10 OthersInquire more about this Report @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 Components, 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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: salesteam@marketresearchfuture.com
Infusion Pumps Market 2017 Segments, Opportunity, Growth and Forecast by End-use Industry

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Market HighlightsThe global infusion pump market has been evaluated as steadily growing market and expected that the market will reach high growth figures. There has been a tremendous growth in the adoption rate of the infusion system in the delivery of medication and other necessary fluids into the body. The main purpose of the infusion pump is to control the flow of the fluid while being delivered into the body of the patient. Infusion pumps are capable of delivering fluids in large or small amounts and at different flow rates. These are used to deliver nutritional fluids such as minerals, salts, saline solution, and medicinal fluids such as insulin, other hormones, chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and pain relievers. The increasing use of infusion pumps is driving the growth of the market. Additionally there are some factors such as rising prevalence of chronic and fatal diseases, high demand of the infusion systems in the military medical units, technological advancements in the infusion pumps from the leading market players are believed to boost the infusion pump market.On the other hand, Patient safety is one of the major concern in the infusion therapy. As the process involves direct contact with the blood and the body fluids, there is a high risk of infection that can be caused by number of reasons. Due to lack of proper safety precautions during the infusion, use of the non-sterilized or used needles and other disposables, the chances of infection may increase. Miss-management in these procedures can cause severe consequences and it poses severe threat for the patients. Furthermore, unmet medical needs in the low income countries may affect the infusion pump market. As the economic condition of such countries is very poor, the government is not able to provide the basic medical needs for the people. Lack of proper healthcare infrastructure leads to the death of people because of not getting the proper treatment in time. All these factors can hamper the growth of the infusion pump market.Key Players for Infusion System Market: 3M, B. BRAUN MELSUNGEN AG, Baxter, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Fresenius Kabi AG, ICU Medical, Inc, Smiths Medical, Terumo Medical Corporation.Request a Sample Copy @Key Finding The infusion pump global market and is expected to reach $9.71 billion by 2023. Volumetric holds the largest share of 37.1% of the market. North America holds the largest market share of Infusion pump market and is anticipated to reach $3.49 billion by the end of forecast period. Globally, Asia-Pacific the fastest growing region and expected to grow at the rate of 5.4% during the forecast period.Segments:Infusion Pump market has been segmentedOn the basis of type which comprises of volumetric pump, syringe pump, ambulatory pump, & others. Volumetric pump accounted for the largest market share of the total market in 2016.On the basis of application, market is segmented into Chemotherapy, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, pediatrics, and others. Chemotherapy segment accounted for the largest market share of the total market in 2016.On the basis of end user, market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, homecare, & others. Hospitals dominated the global market with the largest market share in 2016Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 50 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on Global Infusion Pumps Market Research Report- Forecast To 2027Regional Analysis of Infusion Pump Market:Globally North America is the largest market for Infusion Pump and is expected to commands the largest market share due to advanced technologies are continuously on rise in these countries. North America is expected to reach $3.49 billion by the end of 2023. Europe accounts for the second largest market and is expected to reach nearly $3.11 billion, whereas Asia Pacific with lots of opportunity and continuously growing economies, is expected to be the fastest growing segment with the CAGR of 5.4% during 2017-2023. This rapid growth is majorly due to recent developments in healthcare and improving economies and disposable income per individual. Middle East and Africa with less economic developments and extremely low income accounts for least market share in 2016 but is expected to grow with better infusion treatment in the countries.Access Report Detail with TOC @Table of Content1 Report Prologue 122 Market Introduction 162.1 Definition 162.2 Scope Of Study 162.3 Research Objective 162.4 Assumptions & Limitations 172.4.1 Assumptions 172.4.2 Limitations 172.5 Market Structure 173 Research Methodology 183.1 Research Process 183.2 Primary Research 193.3 Secondary Research 193.4 Market Size Estimation 194 Market Dynamics 214.1 Introduction 214.2 Drivers 224.2.1 Increased Use Of Infusion Pumps For The Delivery Of Drugs And Other Fluids. 224.2.2 Rising Prevalence Of Chronic And Fatal Diseases 224.2.3 High Demand Of The Infusion Systems In The Military Medical Units. 234.2.4 Technological Advancements From The Leading Market Players 234.3 Restraint 254.3.1 Patient Safety Concerns And Improper Infusion Leading To The Severe Consequences. 254.3.2 Unmet Medical Needs In The Low Income Countries 254.4 Opportunity 264.4.1 Growing Geriatric Population Presents Significant Growth Opportunity 264.4.2 Low Income Economies And Developing Nations With Improving Healthcare Facilities resent A Great Opportunity. 264.5 Macroeconomic Indicators 275 Market Factor Analysis 285.1 Porters Five Forces Model 285.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers 285.1.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers 295.1.3 Threat Of New Entrants 295.1.4 Threat Of Substitutes 295.1.5 Intensity Of Rivalry 295.2 Pricing Analysis 305.3 Upcoming Trends 306 Global Infusion Pump Market, By Type 316.1 Introduction 316.1.1 Volumetric Pump 326.1.2 Syringe Pump 336.1.3 Ambulatory Pump 347 Global Infusion Pump Market, By Application 367.1 Introduction 367.2 Chemotherapy 377.3 Diabetes 387.4 Gastrointestinal Disorders 397.5 Pediatrics 407.6 Other Applications 418 Global Infusion Pump Market, By End UserContinue.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Opportunities in the Global Confectionery Sector to reach US$195.8 billion by 2021: Analysis of Opportunities Offered by High Growth Economies

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Opportunities in the Global Confectionery Sector: Analysis of Opportunities Offered by High Growth Economies " to it's Large Report database.Opportunities in the Global Confectionery Sector: Analysis of Opportunities Offered by High Growth EconomiesSummary"Opportunities in the Global Confectionery Sector", report brings together multiple data sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the global Confectionery sector as part of our global series. It includes an analysis on global Confectionery sector with consumption analysis highlighted for all regions. The report also identifies high potential countries by region that have been identified by creating a risk-reward analysis with multiple parameters.The global Confectionery sector was valued at US$156.4 billion in 2016 and is forecast to record a CAGR of 4.6% during 2016-2021 to reach US$195.8 billion by 2021. Western Europe represented the largest market for the global Confectionery sector with a value share of 29.6% in 2016. Whilst Asia-Pacific is forecast to record the fastest CAGR of 7.2% during 2016-2021 and surpass North America to become the second largest market globally by 2021.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:A growing population, rising urbanization rate, and improving economy will remain the primary macroeconomic factors driving the sector globally. Chocolate represented the largest market in the sector with a value share of 55.5% in 2016. Given that Confectionery purchase is often impulsive driven by the desire for an indulgent treat, demand is likely to remain strong in the coming years.Scope- The report provides an overview of global and regional markets covering - Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe - highlighting sector size, growth drivers, latest developments, and future inhibitors for the region.- It also identifies top ten high potential countries and provides deep dive analysis of top two countries in each region.- The report draws on the sector data by analyzing key distribution channels for Confectionery in the global market.- Sector data is also used for studying the level of competition in the sector by identifying the top brands at a global and regional level with insights on sector shares of private label products.- The report also includes insights on Health & Wellness products in terms of value and percentage share in the overall Confectionery sector at global and regional level during 2011-2021.Browse more details @Table of ContentsExecutive SummarySector OverviewCurrent scenario and future outlookGlobal Confectionery sector overview - what are the growth drivers, latest developments, and future inhibitorsRegional Confectionery sector overview - what are the growth drivers, latest developments, and future inhibitorsKey challenges in the global Confectionery sectorShift in food Consumption PatternsChange in consumption levels in the overall food industry, 2011-2021Reasons for shift in consumption patternsIdentifying high potential countriesAnalysis of 10 countries on the basis of Risk-Reward analysis (market assessment, economic development, socio-demographic, governance indicators, and technological infrastructure)Analysis across regions - Asia-Pacific, MEA, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, and Eastern EuropeHigh potential country analysisFuture outlookHealth & Wellness Analysis - Global and Regional LevelCase StudiesCompetitive LandscapeLeading brands by regionLeading brands by marketMarket Share of Private LabelKey Distribution ChannelsShare of key distribution channels - global and regional levelKey Packaging FormatsAnalysis on usage of key packaging material, closure, and outer typeAppendixAbout 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:
Hyper-Connection Market 2017  By Analyzing the Performance of Various Competitors

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled TrendSights Analysis: Hyper-Connection."Trend Sights Analysis: Hyper-Connection" explores what the trend is, why it is important, who is most influenced by it, and how brands and manufacturers can capitalize on it. The research concludes by identifying where the trend is heading next and how long it will last.The Hyper-Connection trend refers to the interconnected digital interactions between brands and consumers. The platforms recommends to generate positive connections with consumers are organized into three types of brand-related interactions that occur with consumers: namely, from brands to consumers, between consumers, and from consumers to brands. Innovation and strategy implications are suggested for each of these categories and brands should look to incorporate these into its operations in order to optimize digital marketing strategy.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- 33% of 18-34 year-olds say they find being active on social media important, which is 11 percentage points higher than over-35s.- Three in five global consumers find the concept of products they have helped to create appealing.- Three in five global consumers say they find trying new experiences more exciting than trying new products.Key points to buy- Understand the relevant consumer trends and attitudes that drive and support innovation success so you can tap into what is really impacting the industry.- Gain a broader appreciation of the fast-moving consumer goods industry by gaining insights from both within and outside of your sector.- Access valuable strategic take-outs to help direct future decision-making and inform new product development.Table of ContentsTrend snapshotBrand-to-consumerConsumer-to-consumerConsumer-to-brandKey take-outsWhat next?Appendix..CONTINUEDAbout UsWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.For accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Distribution Transformer Market is expected to grow at CAGR of 6% by 2022

Distribution Transformer Market

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Market Scenario:Transformers that are used for electric power distribution purpose are referred to as distribution transformer. Distribution Transformers provide the necessary power for systems and buildings on the last transformation step from the power station to the consumer. Due to the increasing need of electricity, power transmission networks are increasing rapidly, which would ultimately boost the distribution transformer market. Additionally, rising demand for renewable energy is also fueling the demand of distribution transformers. On the other hand, lack of suitable testing facilities for transformers may hamper the growth of Distribution Transformer Market. Distribution transformer market is expected to grow at CAGR of 6% by 2022.Request a Sample Report @Key Players:The key players of Global Distribution Transformer Market include ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Siemens AG (Germany), Crompton Greaves Limited (India), General Electric (U.S.), Eaton Corporation Plc. (Ireland), Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (India), Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd (India), Bemag Transformer Inc. (Canada), and Bowers Electricals Ltd (U.K.).Study Objectives of Global Distribution Transformer Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of various segments and sub-segments of the global distribution transformer market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global distribution transformer market based on various tools such as Price Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis, Porters Five Forces Analysis. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies, North America, Europe, APAC, and Rest of the World (ROW) and their countries. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by type, by phase, by insulation, by power rage and by region. To provide strategic profiling of the key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the distribution transformer market.Browse Full Report Details @Regional Analysis of Global Distribution Transformer Market:Asia-Pacific dominates the Global Distribution Transformer Market followed by North America. Rapid expansions in the industrialization as well as growing renewable sector in this region, increase the demand for distribution transformers. This region is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period. North America is expected to grow at a significant pace mainly due to upgrading the existing distribution transformer.Key Points from Table of Contents:9. Competitive Analysis'9.1 Introduction9.2 Competitive Scenario9.2.1 Market Share Analysis9.2.2 Market Development Analysis9.2.3 Product/Service Benchmarking9.3 ABB Ltd9.3.1 Overview9.3.2 Product/Service Offering9.3.3 Strategy9.4 Siemens AG9.4.1 Overview9.4.2 Product/Service Offering9.4.3 Strategy9.5 Crompton Greaves Limited9.5.1 Overview9.5.2 Product/Service Offering9.5.3 StrategyMake an Enquiry before buying @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 Components, 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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: salesteam@marketresearchfuture.com
Kreston Reeves Tax Director achieves leading international tax qualification

Kreston Reeves, one of the leading accountancy and financial services firms located across London, Kent and Sussex, is proud to announce that Matthew Creevy, Corporation Tax Technical Director, has achieved the Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT), placing him in the highest echelons of international tax professionals.ADIT is an advanced level designation in international cross-border tax. The credential is designed by a board of world-leading experts and has been created to provide a robust foundation in international tax for the mostseniortax professionals around the world.Matthew joined Kreston Reeves in 2006 and specialises in international tax planning, UK tax planning for larger corporates and their shareholders, and advising on stamp duty land tax. He frequently delivers tax advisory projects which involve the reorganisation of larger corporate groups, often with a cross border dimension.Matthew commented, "Studying for the ADIT has allowed me to enjoy a combined focus on both academic understanding and the practical 'real life' application. The qualification has strengthened and progressed my understanding of international tax and I look forward to putting what I have learned into practice when advising our clients on their cross-border requirements".Laurence Parry, Tax Partner commented, "I extend my congratulations to Matthew on behalf of the firm - I am delighted that Matthew has achieved this qualification which truly identifies him as an international tax specialist. Matthew continues to deliver top quality advice to clients both here in the UK and from our international referrals via our Kreston International colleagues across the globe. As a leading member of Kreston International we are part of the 12th largest accounting network in the world, and Matthew plays a key role in servicing their requirements.Kreston Reeves advises dynamic organisations, private individuals and families on their business, tax and wealth needs. We help them make confident decisions about the future. We have offices in London, Kent and Sussex and employ over 500 people including 52 partners.37 St Margaret's Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2TUTel: 01227 768231
U.S. Asphalt Shingle And Coating Materials Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025

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IndexBox has just published a new report "U.S. Asphalt Shingle And Coating Materials Market. Analysis And Forecast to 2025" ().The report provides on a comprehensive study of the U.S. asphalt shingle market. It outlines the latest data of the market size and volume, domestic production, exports and imports, price dynamics and turnover in the industry. In addition, the report contains insightful information about the industry, including industry life cycle, business locations, productivity, employment and many other crucial aspects. The Company Profiles section contains relevant data on the biggest players in the industry.Countries coverage: the U.S.Product coverage:Roofing asphalts and pitches, coatings, and cements; Prepared asphalt and tar roofing and siding products, including saturated felts and boards for nonbuilding use; Asphalt shingle and coating materials manufacturing, nsk, totalAbstract:In 2015, the value of asphalt shingle production in the U.S. amounted to $8.6B, waning by -5.6% against the previous year level. Overall, the U.S. asphalt shingle output pursued a slight decline from 2007 to 2015. The total output figures decreased at an average annual rate of -0.1%. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2011, when the output figure increased by +6% from the previous year level. Over the period under review, the total value of asphalt shingle shipments in the United States attained its maximum level of $10.1B in 2013. Afterwards, the growth in terms of the asphalt shingle production failed to regain its strength through to 2015.Prepared asphalt and tar roofing and siding products, including saturated felts and boards for nonbuilding use was the major product category in the U.S. asphalt shingle manufacturing, with a share in total output standing near 70% in 2015. Roofing asphalts and pitches, coatings, and cements lagged far behing, accounting for only the 27% share. The other related products together comprised approx. 3% of the total output.Companies mentioned:Johns Manville Corporation,Tamko Building Products,The Garland Company,Carlisle Construction Materials Incorporated,Carlisle Companies Incorporated,Carlisle Corporation,Mule-Hide Products Co.,Derbigum Americas,Herbert Malarkey Roofing Company,Henry Company,The Brewer Company,Lunday-Thagard Company,Lapolla Industries,Onduline North America,Max Chemical,Elk Premium Building Products,Garland Industries,Rgm Products,Iko Production,Elkcorp,Goldis Enterprises,Goldis Holdings,Garland/Dbs,Conklin Company Partners,James Hardie Trading Co.,Hco Holding II Corporation,Hnc Parent,LL Building Products,Carlisle Fluid TechnologiesData coverage: Asphalt shingle market size; Asphalt shingle production, value of shipments; Key market players and their profiles; Exports, imports and trade balance; Import and export prices; Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term; Key industry statistics; Life cycle of the asphalt shingle industry; Number of establishments and their locations; Employment data; Asphalt shingle industry productivity.Reasons to buy this report: Take advantage of the latest data; Find deeper insights into current market developments; Discover vital success factors affecting the market.Source:IndexBox is a leading market research publisher in the world. You can find more than 25,000 research reports in our web store, which cover global industries and regional markets. All the worldwide marketing data you need is at your fingertips.Company Name: IndexBoxContact Person: Kirill BezverhiEmail: kirill.bezverhi@indexbox.co.ukPhone: +44 20 3239 3063Adress: United Kingdom, 44 Main Street, Douglas, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML11 0QW
Coagulation Testing Market worth US$3,715.8 Million by 2025; Rising Awareness about Severity of Clotting Disorders boost the Market

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According to Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global coagulation testing market was valued at US$1,730.0 Mn in 2016 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.0% from 2017 to 2025, to reach an estimated value of US$3,715.8 Mn in 2025.View Full Report -Quick and accurate testing is important while assuring the coagulation status during emergency medical decisions. In the last few decades, there has been an increase in POC testing to understand coagulation status. The provision of quicker and reliable results and greater user convenience are a few of the advantages of POC testing, which are anticipated to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, which often require coagulation testing at frequent intervals, is also a key driver for the global coagulation testing market. The rising prevalence of deep vein thrombosis in developed countries is thus likely to remain a major driver for the coagulation testing market.Request to view Sample Report -The rising awareness among people toward the diagnosis and testing of their coagulation status and widespread adoption of stringent and compulsory screening of blood in blood banks are the leading drivers projected to propel the growth of the global coagulation testing market, particularly in developed countries, in the coming years.The global Coagulation Testing Market has multiple leading market players, resulting in market consolidation and a high degree of competitive rivalry. Some of the key players in the global coagulation testing market are Alere Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Abbott Laboratories, Siemens Healthineers, SYSMEX CORPORATION, Universal Biosensors, Inc., HemoSonics, LLC, and Helena Laboratories, Inc.Global Coagulation Testing Market Report is available @ US$ 5795 -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Surgical Procedures Volume Market is estimated to reach 2.2 bn till 2023

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Transparency Market Research has published a new market report titled, Surgical Procedures Volume Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023. According to the report, the global surgical procedures volume market stood at 1.3 Bn procedures in 2014 and is estimated to reach 2.2 Bn procedures by 2023 at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2015 to 2023.View Full Report:Technological advances have not only expanded the surgical market by offering innovative medical devices, but have also made the treatment process easier for surgeons. Minimally-invasive surgeries entail shorter hospital stay, minimal incision, less post-surgery complications, and shorter recovery time. These advantages increase the number of patients opting for minimally-invasive surgeries. For instance, usage of MEMS is a growing trend in the cardiac pacemaker market. MEMS-built pacemakers are less invasive and cheaper. In April 2014, da Vinci Xi Surgical System, developed by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., would also support the growth of the Minimally-invasive surgeries. Outpatient minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques have increased rapidly in the U.S. MIS are less expensive as compared to open surgery, and it eliminates hospital stay and reduces risk of complications.Request to view Sample Report:The global surgical procedures volume market has been broadly segmented into cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurosurgery, ophthalmic, gynecology, and other procedures such as urology and dental. Based on procedure type, the ophthalmic procedures segment dominated the global surgical procedures volume market in 2014. Rising global geriatric population is a major factor driving the ophthalmic procedures segment. Ophthalmic procedures are further segmented into cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and glaucoma surgery. Cataract surgery held the largest share in the ophthalmic procedures segment. Demand for cataract surgery is expected to surge in the next few years, as more baby boomers reach 65 years of age across the world.Download Brochure link:According to projections by the World Health Organization (WHO), the worlds population is likely to increase by about one-third in 10 years. At the same time, the number of people older than 65 years will double. Hence, 32 million cataract operations will be performed by 2020, up from 12 million in 2000. Moreover, advances in medical technologies, particularly the diffusion of less invasive surgical interventions, and better anesthetics have increased the efficacy and productivity of the surgeries. Refractive surgery was the fastest growing sub-segment of the ophthalmic procedures segment in 2014. Nearly 8.4% of the population of North America is hyperopic and 23.9% is myopic. Over 150 million people in the U.S. use corrective eyewear to compensate for refractive errors, spending over US$ 15 Bn each year. Refractive surgeries have become more successful than ever before due to the development of better and efficient devices, with minimum hospital stay and higher efficiency. Hence, refractive surgery is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the near future.Global Surgical Procedures Volume Market Report is available @ US$ 5795The gynecology segment is expected to expand at the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to changing lifestyle and rising disposable income, increase in per capita income in the emerging markets, and better diagnosis of gynecological disorders such as menorrhagia, uterine fibroids and cervical cancers. Cesarean section was the largest sub-segment of the gynecology segment in 2014. The segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Cesarean section rates are increasing globally, primarily because many patients opt for the procedure on request without clinical indication. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about 33% women in the U.S. had a cesarean delivery in 2013. C-section rate in the U.S. has risen nearly 60% since 2000, to 33% in 2012. Less pain associated with the delivery as compared to vaginal delivery is the major reason women are opting for cesarean section deliveries than normal vaginal deliveries. Brazil and China have the most number of C-section deliveries. In Brazil, C-section deliveries account for over 55% of all the births, with more women opting for the procedure each year. According to the World Health Organization, rates of cesarean delivery vary widely from country to country, ranging from 0.6% in South Sudan to 55.5% in Brazil. Thus, technological development, higher disposable income, greater personal health among the masses would further propel the C-section procedure segment during the forecast period.About Us: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. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Doug Rozendaal has been flying airplanes for more than four decades, but when he took off from Mason City Airport on Friday it was a first for
HVAC insulation market size was valued at around USD 3 Billion in 2015 and is expected to cross USD 6 Billion at CAGR of approximately 8% by 2022

HVAC Insulation Market

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Market Synopsis of HVAC Insulation MarketHVAC Insulation is a technology which is designed to provide thermal comfort and acceptable air quality. Cost saving, maintained temperature, longer operational life and extended warranties are some factors which are helping the market to grow. High efficiency systems use less fuel as compared to older models and better conservation of natural resources which is referred as major driving factor for the HVAC Insulation Market. Moreover, it helps in controlling the heat that is dissipated through conduction, convection, and radiation and provide thermal properties such as protection against sound, fire, and physical impact. However high cost of materials as well as high payback period acts as a barrier for the HVAC Insulated Market.The Global HVAC Insulation Market size was valued at around USD 3 Billion in 2015 and is expected to cross USD 6 Billion at CAGR of approximately 8% by 2022.Key Players:The key players of Global HVAC Insulation Market Report include Johns Manville, Saint Gobain S.A, PPG Industries Inc., Owen Corning Corporation, Rockwool International, Armacell, L'ISOLANTE K-FLEX S.p.A., GlassRock, Knauf Insulation, Fletcher Insulation Pty Ltd., Kingspan Group Plc, and Kuwait Insulating Material Manufacturing Co.Request a Sample Report @Study Objectives of HVAC Insulation Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of various segments and sub-segments of the Global HVAC Insulation Market . To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Global HVAC Insulation 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 four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, APAC, and Rest of the World (ROW). To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by type, component, application, and regions. To provide strategic profiling of the key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global HVAC Insulation Market.Regional Analysis of Global HVAC Insulation Market:Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest market size due to continuous growth in residential and commercial building construction activities. Moreover countries such as China and India, have seen increased HVAC Insulation demand. Increasing awareness related to energy efficiency products to reduce energy cost is the primary factor which is driving the demand in the APAC region. Whereas North America is second-largest consumer of HVAC Insulations. The market in this region is mainly driven by stringent government regulations to encourage the energy efficiency. The Middle East & Africa is the fastest-growing region due to the upcoming building infrastructure projects.Browse Full Report in Detail @The report for Global HVAC Insulation 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.Key Points from Table of Content:7 Competitive Analysis7.1 Market Share Analysis7.2 Company Profiles7.2.1 Johns Manville7.2.2 Saint Gobain S.A7.2.3 Ppg Industries Inc.7.2.4 Owen Corning Corporation7.2.5 Rockwool International7.2.6 Armacell7.2.7 L'isolante K-Flex S.P.A7.2.8 Glassrock7.2.9 Knauf Insulation7.2.10 Fletcher Insulation Pty Ltd7.2.11 OthersMake an Enquiry before buying @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 Components, 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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: salesteam@marketresearchfuture.com
Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biostimulants Market Report 2017 - BASF, Haifa, Novozymes, Isagro, Sapec, Group

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In this report, the Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biostimulants 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 Asia-Pacific into several key Regions, with sales (MW), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Agricultural Biostimulants for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), includingChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanIndiaSoutheast AsiaAustraliaTo Download Sample @:Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biostimulants market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Agricultural Biostimulants sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingBASFHaifaNovozymesIsagroSapec Grouplatform Specialty Products CorporationBiolchimValagroKoppertItalpollinaOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (MW), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/KW), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAcid-Based BiostimulantsExtract-Based BiostimulantsSeaweed ExtractsOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (MW), market share and growth rate of Agricultural Biostimulants for each application, includinSoilFoliarSeedOtherTo Get Discount Of This Report Click here @Table of Content3 China Agricultural Biostimulants (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 China Agricultural Biostimulants Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 China Agricultural Biostimulants Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 China Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 China Agricultural Biostimulants Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 China Agricultural Biostimulants Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.3 China Agricultural Biostimulants Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 Japan Agricultural Biostimulants (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 Japan Agricultural Biostimulants Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Japan Agricultural Biostimulants Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Japan Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 Japan Agricultural Biostimulants Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5 South Korea Agricultural Biostimulants (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 South Korea Agricultural Biostimulants Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 South Korea Agricultural Biostimulants Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 South Korea Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)View TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report:List of Tables and FiguresFigure Japan Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure South Korea Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Taiwan Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure India Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Southeast Asia Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Australia Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biostimulants Sales Volume (MW) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Figure Asia-Pacific Agricultural Biostimulants Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)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 usBrooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Sourcing Software Market - Opportunities Sales, Revenue, Outlook and Forecast to 2022

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The report offers a detailed insight into the upstream raw material analysis and downstream demand analysis along with crucial elements of Global Sourcing Software Market report for furthermore highlights key proposals for new project development along with offering an assessment of investment feasibility analysis. This study is a useful guide to all investors to identify the lucrative market avenues across different segments and geographical regions. The market entry conditions along with emerging avenues will help the new entrants to gauge the pulse of the market. Furthermore, the study tracks industry news in terms of new mergers and acquisition made by prominent companies to expand their product offerings across various countries. The report is a useful guide to market players, all stakeholders, interested market participants and investors to formulate their strategies.Download Sample Report Copy From Here:This report studies the global Sourcing Software market, analyzes and researches the Sourcing 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, likePromena e-Sourcing SolutionsMarket DojoDealCloudLlamasoftWinddle21BrainsAcquiireCBX SoftwareClearTrack Information NetworkVISEODetermineESM SolutionsIBMLexi SolutionSAPShowSourcingMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Sourcing Software can be split intoPCMobileCloudMarket segment by Application, Sourcing Software can be split intoSmall BusinessMidsize EnterpriseLarge EnterpriseBuy Now This Report From Here:Key Chapters1 Industry Overview of Sourcing Software1.1 Sourcing Software Market Overview1.1.1 Sourcing Software Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Sourcing Software Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Sourcing Software Market by Type1.3.1 PC1.3.2 Mobile1.3.3 Cloud1.4 Sourcing Software Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Small Business1.4.2 Midsize Enterprise1.4.3 Large Enterprise2 Global Sourcing Software Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Sourcing Software 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 Promena e-Sourcing Solutions3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Sourcing Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Market Dojo3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Sourcing Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 DealCloud3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Sourcing Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Llamasoft3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Sourcing Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent DevelopmentsContinue..Browse Complete Report @Who we areResearch 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 on-going trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.Reach at us:Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +1 6269994607 (USA), +91 7507349866 (IND)Skype ID: researchtradesconWeb:
Pen Needles Market by Type and by Size 2016-2021

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According to the report Global pen needles market, published by Market Data Forecast, the Market has been estimated at USD 1.66 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach USD 2.82 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 11.18% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2021. Pen needles are used to deliver the medication (such as insulin or other injectable medications) in combination with injection pens. A pen needle comprises of hollow needle attached to injection pen. Pen needles are available with varied needle lengths and are majorly utilized by diabetes patients.Rising number of diabetic population, increasing technological advancements, growing awareness programs (such as conferences & meetings) on the utilization of pen needles, existence of favorable reimbursement scenarios, and advantages of pen needles as compared to syringes & vials are some of the factors that drive the growth of global pen needles market. However, reuse of pen needles, presence of alternative drug delivery methods, and poor accessibility of pen needles over conventional syringes & vials are restraining the growth of global pen needles market.Browse market data tables and in-depth TOC of the Global pen needles Industry to 2021 @Global pen needles market is segmented based on the therapy, type, needle length, and mode of purchase. On the based on therapy the market is further sub-segmented as insulin therapy, glucose like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapy, and growth hormone therapy. The market, by type, is sub-segmented as safety needles and standard needles. The needle lengths include 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, & 12mm. Based on mode of purchase the market is further sub-segmented as retail & non-retail purchase modes.Based on therapy, insulin therapy is estimated to command the largest share of the global pen needles market in 2016 and expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period 2016-2021. Based on type, standard pen needle segment is estimated to account for larger share of global pen needles market in 2016, whereas safety pen needles segments is estimated to grow at a higher CAGR for the next five years (2016-2021).Free sample of the report is available @Among the length of pen needles, 8mm is estimated to command for the largest share of the global pen needles market in 2016 and 4mm is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Based on the mode of purchase retail purchase mode is estimated to account for larger share of the global pen needles market in 2016 and expected to grow at a higher CAGR for the next five years (2016-2021).On the basis of geographical region the global pen needles market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Europe is estimated to account for the largest share of 32.5% of the global pen needles market in 2016, whereas Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR of 14.10% during the forecast period 2016-2021.Becton, Dickinson and Company (U.S.), Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark), and Ypsomed Holding AG (Switzerland) are the major players accounting for 85-90% of the global pen needles market share in 2016. Other players include UltiMed, Inc. (U.S.), Allison Medical, Inc. (U.S.), Owen Mumford, Ltd. (U.K.), B. Braun Melsungen (Germany), Artsana S.p.a. (Italy), HTL-STREFA S.A. (Poland), and Terumo Corporation (Japan), among others.About Us:Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our analyst team comprises expert professionals in market research, who with their collective knowledge and skillset dedicatedly serve clients from various industries and regions.Contact:Abhishek ShuklaSales Manager (International Business Development)Market Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@marketdataforecast.com
Phenylbutazone Market : Opportunities sales, revenue, Gross Margin, Outlook and Forecast To 2017

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Global Phenylbutazone Market: SnapshotThe phenylbutazone market has hit a road-block due to its disapproval from the country-wide market in the U.S. However, phenylbutazone, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are useful in treating pain, fever, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other inflammations in human body, continue to be used in other parts of the World. Moreover, these drugs are also used by the veterinary department, wherein 23 actively marketed phenylbutazone drugs are FDA approved for usages on horses. These drugs are available in multiple dosage forms, including boluses, oral tablets, pastes, powders, and solutions for intravenous injection. These two factors are expected to help the global phenylbutazone market sustain the demand the forecast period of 2017 to 2025. On the other hand, the availability of newer drugs with considerably reduced adverse effects on the subjects is hindering the growth rate of the market.This report on the global phenylbutazone provides in-depth analysis of all the factors that may favor or obstruct the demand in the near future, and includes profiles of a number of vendors currently operating in the market. The report has been prepared using proven research methodologies and aspires to serve as a dependable business document for targeted audiences such as pharmaceuticals manufacturers, research and academic institutions, hospitals and clinics, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations. The report also segments the market based on application and product type, as well as studies the opportunities available for the vendors in different regions.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Phenylbutazone Market: OverviewPhenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meant to provide short-term relief from fever and pain. The drug is currently banned in the U.S. and the U.K. for human use, and therefore is largely meant for animal uses. The ban on phenylbutazone was approved due to its severely debilitating side-effects such as reducing the rate of production of white blood cells and causing aplastic anemia. It was originally used in humans for the treatment of gout and rheumatoid arthritis till 1949 and is now commonly used on horses for the treatment of antipyresis and analgesia.Phenylbutazone can be administered intravenously or orally but is essentially should only be injected into a vein or administered intramuscularly. Edema and tissue damage may occur if the drug is injected repetitively into the same vein. Side-effects also include oral lesions, blood dyscrasia, kidney damage, GI ulcers, and internal hemorrhage. The drug should also not be used in combination with vitamin K antagonists including warfarin due to the amplifying nature of phenylbutazone on the anticoagulant effect of the antagonists.Request TOC of the Report @Global Phenylbutazone Market: Key Trends and Growth ProspectsThe growth in end users in the global phenylbutazone market is expected to occur at an optimistic rate over the coming years, owing to an increase in the consumption of the drug in the growing veterinary medicine industry. In addition, the rising demand for NSAIDs in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America is also expected to boost the demand for phenylbutazone over the coming years. However, the high availability of substitutes and the heavy restrictions imposed on the use of phenylbutazone could hamper the growth of this market. Harpagophytum can replace phenylbutazone for treatment of fever and pain in horses.Global Phenylbutazone Market: Geographical PerspectiveAsia Pacific is expected to be the leading consumer of phenylbutazone in the world, followed by North America and Europe. China and India are the top consumers of phenylbutazone in Asia Pacific due to presence of highly established end users. Phenylbutazone manufacturers from developed economies are also shifting their base to emerging ones due to the greater availability of government subsidies, land, cheap labor, and a more relaxed regulatory framework. Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand are expected to be key consumers of phenylbutazone in the future. North America and Europe are expected to experience a moderate rate of growth in demand. The demand for phenylbutazone is also expected to increase in Latin American nations due to an increasing demand for veterinary drugs, namely in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru.Request Discount of the Report @Global Phenylbutazone Market: Players Mentioned in the ReportSome of the leaders in the global phenylbutazone market so far, have been Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou Hyper Chemicals Limited, Baoji Guokang Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan Yitongtai Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Afine Chemicals Limited, Shanghai Win-Win Biochemical Co., Ltd., Shaanxi TOP Pharm Chemical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Hyper Chemicals Limited, Hangzhou Ruijiang Chemical Co., Ltd., Dalian Launcher Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., Croma Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Swati Chemicals, Suchem Laboratories, Uni-med India, Afton Pharma, and Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR 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
Automotive Software Global Market Key Players  CDK Global, Dealertrack, Epicor, Auto-IT, MAM Software, NEC Analysis and Forecast to 2022

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SummaryThis report studies the global Automotive Software market, analyzes and researches the Automotive 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, likeCDK GlobalCox AutomotiveReynolds and ReynoldsDealertrackDominion EnterprisesWipro LimitedInfomediaTitleTecEpicorAuto-ITMAM SoftwareInternet BrandsNECARIAuto/MateRouteOneWHI SolutionsYonyouShenzhen LianyouKingdeeQiming InformationChecking-On-TechGuangzhou SurpassShoujia SoftwareRequest a Sample Report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Automotive Software can be split intoDealer Management SystemF&I SolutionElectronic Vehicle RegistrationInventory SolutionsDigital Marketing SolutionOtherMarket segment by Application, Automotive Software can be split intoManufacturer Retail StoreAutomotive DealerAutomotive Repair StoreAuto Part Wholesaler & AgentOtherAt any Query @Table of ContentsGlobal Automotive Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Automotive Software1.1 Automotive Software Market Overview1.1.1 Automotive Software Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Automotive Software Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Automotive Software Market by Type1.3.1 Dealer Management System1.3.2 F&I Solution1.3.3 Electronic Vehicle Registration1.3.4 Inventory Solutions1.3.5 Digital Marketing Solution1.3.6 Other1.4 Automotive Software Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Manufacturer Retail Store1.4.2 Automotive Dealer1.4.3 Automotive Repair Store1.4.4 Auto Part Wholesaler & Agent1.4.5 Other2 Global Automotive Software Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Automotive Software 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 CDK Global3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Cox Automotive3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Reynolds and Reynolds3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Dealertrack3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Dominion Enterprises3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Wipro Limited3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Infomedia3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 TitleTec3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Epicor3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Auto-IT3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Automotive Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 MAM Software3.12 Internet Brands3.13 NEC3.14 ARI3.15 Auto/Mate3.16 RouteOne3.17 WHI Solutions3.18 Yonyou3.19 Shenzhen Lianyou3.20 Kingdee3.21 Qiming Information3.22 Checking-On-Tech3.23 Guangzhou Surpass3.24 Shoujia Software4 Global Automotive Software Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Automotive Software Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Automotive Software Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Automotive Software in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Automotive SoftwareBuy Now @Continued....Contact Us: sales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US) ; Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Phthalocyanine Pigments Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth and Forecast Report To 2017

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Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: SnapshotPhthalocyanine is an organic pigment and thus, the healthy growth of the global market for organic pigments is providing a significant momentum to the global phthalocyanine pigments market. The flourishing growth of end-user industries such as textiles, packaging, printing inks, and coatings is augmenting the global phthalocyanine pigments market. In addition to this, the recovery of the global economy from the economic downturn which happened in the last decade is providing a push to several industries worldwide, including automotive. With the automotive sector being one of the key consumers of phthalocyanine pigments, the expansion of the industry is positively impacting the growth of the market.On the other hand, the manufacturing of phthalocyanines pigments involves limited profit margins, owing to fierce competition from lower-priced imports. This is impelling manufacturers to shift towards substitutes such as inorganic pigments and high performance pigments, which are known to offer higher profit margins. Moreover, while developing regions are offering fertile grounds for the growth of the market, developed regions are likely to exhibit sluggish growth rates. The production capacities in industrialized countries such as the U.S., Japan, and several countries in Europe are anticipated to register downward trend due to globalization and declining profit margins resulting in plant restructurings and shutdowns.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Nevertheless, constant innovation and technological advancements pertaining to the production processes of phthalocyanine pigments are estimated to open new avenues for players in the market. On the basis of product type, the global phthalocyanine pigments market can be segmented into green and blue.Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: OverviewThe global phthalocyanine pigments market comprises metallic complexes with a diverse array of applications. The five polymorphic crystal types are beta phthalocyanine, epsilon phthalocyanine, alpha phthalocyanine, gamma phthalocyanine, and delta phthalocyanine. Only beta and alpha phthalocyanine pigments have so far been commercialized. Phthalocyanine pigments form coordination complexes with a lot of elements. These complexes are intensely colored and are commonly used as dyes or pigments. However, phthalocyanine pigments consist of smaller primary particles that have a tendency to flocculate, resulting in a loss of overall color strength.Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: Leading ApplicationsPhthalocyanine pigments have applications in photovoltaics, ink manufacture, and quantum computing. They can also be used in coatings and plastic coloring due to their excellent chemical stability. It is currently a standard pigment in the packaging industry and in the manufacture of printing inks. Phthalocyanine pigments have low solubility rate in organic solvents and many of their compounds are thermally stable. They do not melt but can be sublimed in the presence of inert gases. Phthalocyanine pigments are structurally similar to porphyrins and other macrocyclic pigments. Either pigment types hold four pyrrole-like subunits that are joined together to form a ring with 16 members. Phthalocyanine pigments can also be used for organic solar cell research in photovoltaic industry or even in quantum computing due to the length of time its electrons can exist in a state of quantum superposition.Request TOC of the Report @The global phthalocyanine pigments market ultimately depends on its principal end user, the textiles industry, for revenue. The demand can also come from a growing consumer preference for environmental friendly color pigments as well as the capability of phthalocyanine pigments to meet the increasingly stringent government regulations and performance standards. The increasing demand from emerging economies of Asia Pacific is expected to boost consumption of phthalocyanine pigments over the coming years. However, the global phthalocyanine pigments market is currently being stifled by raw material price volatility and high production costs.Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: Regional AnalysisAsia Pacific is expected to lead the global phthalocyanine pigments market in terms of growth rate in revenue generation and demand in the coming years, due to a rapidly expanding manufacturing base and a thriving economy. There has been a migration of manufacturing facilitates from the U.S. and Europe to the emerging markets of Asia Pacific due to the stringent environmental regulations in the former regions. China is likely to continue to be an exceptionally fruitful market for phthalocyanine pigments players due to its high consumption rate in the local textile industry. Over the years, China has emerged as the leader in manufactur and consumption of phthalocyanine pigments. India is expected to come second in the Asia Pacific phthalocyanine pigments market due to government concessions to small and medium sized establishment. In addition, the industry has witnessed massive export opportunities because of shutting down of manufacturing facilities in the Europe and U.S. following strict enforcement of environment regulations by the government.Request Discount of the Report @Global Phthalocyanine Pigments Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the key players in this market are Vibfast Pigments Pvt. Ltd., Sinocolor Chemical, BASF, Kiri Industries Ltd., CPS Color AG, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Flint Group, Huntsman Corporation, LANXESS AG, Rockwood Holdings Inc., Unilex Colours & Chemicals Limited, Sudarshan Chemicals, ECKART GmbH, Clariant International Ltd., Jagson Colorchem Limited, Royce Associates, and Atul Ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR 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 Tequila Detailed Analysis, market By By Purity, By Grade, and forecast in2017-2022

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"The Report Global Tequila Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"The  Tequila  has been comprehensively detailed in the report with special focus on a range of key elements such as market share, forecast and base figures, CAGR, driving factors, growth restraints, and business opportunities. Buyers of the report are expected to be informed about significant improvements in the market and its future outlook. This could help them to take intelligent decisions when operating in the business.This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Tequila industry.Get Sample copy of this Report @This report splits Tequila market By By Purity, By Grade, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major CompaniesJose Cuervo (Mexico)Sauza (Mexico)Patron (US)Juarez (Mexico)1800 Tequila (Mexico)El Jimador Family (Mexico)Don Julio (Mexico)Familia Camarena Tequila (Mexico)Herradura (Mexico)Zarco (Mexico)Cazadores (Mexico)Cabo Tequila (Mexico)Milagro (Mexico)Margaritaville (Mexico)Clase Azul (Mexico)Avion Tequila (Mexico)1921 Tequila (Mexico)4 Copas (Mexico)Corzo (Mexico)El Agave Artesanal (Mexico)Tequila Arette (Mexico)Don Eduardo (Mexico)Agave Dos Mil (Mexico)Aha Toro (Mexico)Buen Amigo (Mexico)Campo Azul (Mexico)Cascahuin Distillery (Mexico)Compania Tequilera De Arandas (Mexico)Centinela (Mexico)Hacienda La Capilla (Mexico)View Report @ Main RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product TypeTequila Market, by By Purity100% TequilaMixto TequilaTequila Market, by GradePremium TequilaValue TequilaSuper-Premium TequilaHigh-End Premium TequilaMain ApplicationsSupermarkets and Hyper-MarketsOn-TradeSpecialist RetailersOtherBrowse more Retail Market Research Reports @ Table of ContentsGlobal Tequila Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022Chapter One Tequila Market Overview1.1 Global Tequila Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Tequila, By By Purity 2012-20221.2.1 Global Tequila Sales Market Share by By Purity 2012-20221.2.2 Global Tequila Revenue Market Share by By Purity 2012-20221.2.3 Global Tequila Price by By Purity 2012-20221.2.4 100% Tequila1.2.5 Mixto Tequila1.3 Tequila, by Grade 2012-20221.3.1 Global Tequila Sales Market Share by Grade 2012-20221.3.2 Global Tequila Revenue Market Share by Grade 2012-20221.3.3 Global Tequila Price by Grade 2012-20221.3.4 Premium Tequila1.3.5 Value Tequila1.3.6 Super-Premium Tequila1.3.7 High-End Premium TequilaRequest for Enquiry @Chapter Two Tequila by Regions 2012-20172.1 Global Tequila Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.2 Global Tequila Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20172.3 Global Tequila Price by Regions 2012-20172.4 North America2.4.1 United States2.4.2 Canada2.5 Latin America2.5.1 Mexico2.5.2 Brazil2.5.3 Argentina2.5.4 Others in Latin America2.6 Europe2.6.1 Germany2.6.2 United Kingdom2.6.3 France2.6.4 ItalyAbout usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Contact usMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Specialist Behavioral Health Services Market - Industry Size, Share, Analysis and Trading Growth to 2022

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The report offers a detailed insight into the upstream raw material analysis and downstream demand analysis along with crucial elements of Global Specialist Behavioral Health Services Market report for furthermore highlights key proposals for new project development along with offering an assessment of investment feasibility analysis. This study is a useful guide to all investors to identify the lucrative market avenues across different segments and geographical regions. The market entry conditions along with emerging avenues will help the new entrants to gauge the pulse of the market. Furthermore, the study tracks industry news in terms of new mergers and acquisition made by prominent companies to expand their product offerings across various countries. The report is a useful guide to market players, all stakeholders, interested market participants and investors to formulate their strategies.Download Sample Report Copy From Here:This report studies the global Specialist Behavioral Health Services market, analyzes and researches the Specialist Behavioral Health Services development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeCambian GroupCAS Behavioural HealthMental Health Care UKYoungMindsPriory GroupCygnet Health CareCityCareBehavioral Health ServicesMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Specialist Behavioral Health Services can be split intoEmotional HealthBehavioral HealthMarket segment by Application, Specialist Behavioral Health Services can be split intoChildrenAdolescentsAdultsSeniorsBuy Now This Report From Here:Key Chapters1 Industry Overview of Specialist Behavioral Health Services1.1 Specialist Behavioral Health Services Market Overview1.1.1 Specialist Behavioral Health Services Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Specialist Behavioral Health Services 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 Specialist Behavioral Health Services Market by Type1.3.1 Emotional Health1.3.2 Behavioral Health1.4 Specialist Behavioral Health Services Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Children1.4.2 Adolescents1.4.3 Adults1.4.4 Seniors2 Global Specialist Behavioral Health Services Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Specialist Behavioral Health Services 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 Cambian Group3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Specialist Behavioral Health Services Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 CAS Behavioural Health3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Specialist Behavioral Health Services Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Mental Health Care UK3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Specialist Behavioral Health Services Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 YoungMinds3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Specialist Behavioral Health Services Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent DevelopmentsContinue..Read more news about this report visit @Who we areResearch 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 on-going trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimations, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.Reach at us:Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +1 6269994607 (USA), +91 7507349866 (IND)Skype ID: researchtradesconWeb:
Telesurgery Market - Global Industry Volume and Region Analysis 2017 - 2025

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Global Telesurgery Market: SnapshotRobot-assisted surgery is a vital element of telesurgery and has gained traction among surgeons in performing complicated surgeries, particularly laparoscopic surgery. Telesurgery or remote surgery offers several potential advantages over conventional surgical processes. Its use has transformed the delivery of patient care in places that severely lacks access to facilities owing to geographical or time constraints. Telesurgery typically employs miniscule robotic manipulators controlled by clinicians to accommodate the direction and force of required hand movements. The objective is to reproduce the same hand same sensitivity of the surgeons sitting remotely to gain small access to organs, but with more preciseness and less pain. The application of telesurgery in minimally-invasive surgeries offers clear benefits such as 3D vision, ergonomic design to enable several degrees of freedom in hand motion, and reduced immunity perturbation.The telesurgery market is still in developmental phase and the goal of performing successful surgery from remote distances is fraught with several constraints, most notably technological. Advances in information and communication technology (ICT) has to a great extent augmented the velocity of data transmission and enhanced reliability, thereby boosting surgical outcomes. Improvements in high-bandwidth fiber-optic services have significantly reduced latency, improved tactile feedback, and increased audiovisual fidelity. Furthermore, constant improvements are being made in the robotics technology to reduce the dependency on human interventions, which will help limiting surgical errors and lessening complications. The favorable learning curve is one of the substantial gains for clinicians. Further advances in the ICT used in telesurgery will allow several organizations to share clinical data, incorporate surgical training, and effect consultations in a globalized manner. This will enhance the cost-effectiveness of telesurgical procedures, bolstering adoption across the healthcare industry.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Telesurgery Market: Brief OverviewTelesurgery, commonly known as remote surgery, is an advanced technology that helps the doctors in performing a surgical procedure without being physically present in the operation theater. Telesurgery is achieved employing technologically advanced robots that execute preferred purposes with the help of preinstalled programs and a high-speed communication technology. The foundation of telesurgery is based on the principle of robotics and advanced communication technology. Surgical robots comprise a master console, one or multiple surgical arms, and an advanced sensory system. Generally, with the use of management information system technology and communication technology, a surgeon controls the functions of the surgical robots that perform the surgery. In spite the technology being innovative and dependable in nature, a surgeon is always present with the telesurgery system to control the malfunctions of the systems and further address complications.The market intelligence report is a comprehensive review of the growth trail in terms of current, historical, and future scenarios of the global telesurgery market. It offers an evaluation of the aspects that are expected to influence the development of the market and the primary trends have also been specified in the research study. The research study also offers a broad lookout on the vendor landscape of the market through Porters five forces analysis. The research publication provides references of mergers and acquisitions, the research and development activities, specifics on licensing and collaborations. The report probes into the strategies related to marketing, shares, and product portfolio of the key participants in the global telesurgery market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Telesurgery Market: Key TrendsThe telesurgery market is anticipated to display exponential growth over the forecast period. The growth of the market can be attributed to factors such as rising number of surgeries across the globe, time and cost efficiency, growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, orthopedic diseases, and increasing innovations in technology. A large number of surgeries worldwide is considered as one of the most valuable factors contributing to the market growth of the global telesurgery market. For instance, according to the U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), over 51 million surgeries were performed in the U.S. in 2010.On the basis of applications, the market has been classified into pediatric surgeries, gynecological operations, esophageal fundoplication, pancreatectomy, liver transplant, liver resection, cardiothoracic surgeries, and cancer surgery.Request Discount of the Report @Global Telesurgery Market: Geographical AnalysisRegion-wise the global telesurgery market has been segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Rest of the World. Currently, North America is leading the market with the maximum number of shares owing to rising technological advancements and growing incidences of chronic diseases, such as cancer, orthopedic diseases, and liver disorders. Nevertheless, Europe and some of the countries in Asia-Pacific such as India, Japan, Australia, and China are projected to exhibit lucrative growth in the upcoming years owing to incessantly growing technological innovations and rising surgical practices.Global Telesurgery Market: Insight into Key ParticipantsPrime companies engaged in the development and commercialization of the telesurgery system are TransEnterix, Inc. (Flex Ligating Shears advanced energy device), Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (da Vinci surgical system), and SRI Intentional (M7) among others.About TMR ResearchTMR 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
CLEAR LAKE | As the longest dock in Clear Lake awaits its fate on whether it will be shortened, Linda Upmeyer wants both Tim Entner and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to continue talking about what should be done.

Upmeyer, the state House Speaker, told the Globe Gazette Wednesday that all interested parties should hold some sort of gathering later this month to discuss the Sunset Bay Marina's future.

"I hesitate to call it a meeting ... because in fairness, my request were they were to have a conversation," she said. "It may be a full-fledged meeting with a lot of people ... or it may just be some people going out to look at the dock."

The current dilemma involves a contract between Tim Entner's late father, Dale, and the local DNR office. Currently, a variance in the contract allows the dock to remain 496 feet long, despite state regulations established in 2008 that limited private docks to be a maximum of 300 feet from the shoreline.

Entner wants to keep the waiver, while the DNR says that whoever buys the dock from him  Dale's contract states that ownership cannot transfer between family members  must follow current law.

Upmeyer said she is still in "listening mode" concerning her stance on the issue. She added she is unsure on whether she will attend any future meeting, citing that she doesn't want to be the leading voice on the dock's fate.

A date, time and location have not been set, as it was an informal request, according to Upmeyer.

"It was just about getting the two sides to have a conversation," she said.
Global Sunscreen Industry Potential to Strengthen Market

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Orbis Research delivers key insights on the Global Sunscreen market in a new report titled Global Sunscreen Market Research Report 2017-2022 by Players, Regions, Product Types and Applications. In this report, Orbis Research sheds light on the various factors and trends impacting market growth over the forecast period (2017  2022).DescriptionThe Global Sunscreen Market report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Global Sunscreen industry. This report evaluates the Global market for " Global Sunscreen".The Global Sunscreen Market report provides complete analysis of the Global Sunscreen Market by analysing all round market dynamics such as regional market opportunities, drivers, challenges, constraints, threats, and other market trends.The Global Sunscreen Market report contains latest Business Data resulting from various Research sources that helps Decision Makers to deliver a Distinctive and Trustworthy Analysis for Companys Growth.Get a PDF Sample of Global Sunscreen Market report at:The Global Sunscreen Market Survey starts with Industry overview of Global Sunscreen Market covering Major Regions Status, Industry Chain Structure, Definitions and Specifications, with a detailed focus on Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis including Raw Material Suppliers, Equipment Suppliers and Manufacturing Process.In Next Part, the researchers has collected and presented information on Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis which comprises of Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, R&D Status and Technology Source of Major Manufacturers in 2017.In following segment, with Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin, Business Region Distribution Analysis, Competition between various Company Profile has been given along with Product Pictures and Specifications in Global Sunscreen Industry Report.The Key Players Mentioned in Global Sunscreen Market Report are: Mentholatum(US) OLAY(US) Avene(France) Biore(Japan) ANESSA(Japan) Neutrogena(US) L'OREAL(France) MeiFuBao(China) NIVEA(Germany) Pechoin(China) KANS(China) CHANDO(China) SHISEIDO(Japan) LANCOME(France) Coppertone(China) SOFINA(Japan) Kiehl's(US) Hanhoo(China) MARUBI(China) LANEIGE(Korea) Clinique(US) Innisfree(Korea) MARYKAY(US) AVON(US) EsteeLauder(US) ZOTOS ACCENT(Japan)Key Regions North America United States Canada Latin America Mexico Brazil Argentina Others Europe Germany United Kingdom France Italy Spain Russia Netherland Others Asia & Pacific China Japan India Korea Australia Southeast Asia Indonesia Thailand Philippines Vietnam Singapore Malaysia Others Africa & Middle East South Africa Egypt Turkey Saudi Arabia Iran OthersMain types of productsSunscreen Market, by Gender Female Male Child GeneralSunscreen Market, by Sunscreen Classification Physical Sunscreen Chemical SunscreenSunscreen Market, by SPF SPF11 - 20 SPF21 - 30 SPF31 - 40 SPF41 - 50 SPF50 +Sunscreen Market, by PA No PA+ PA++ PA+++ PA++++ and AboveSunscreen Market, by Key Consumer Home Use Commercial UseThe Global Sunscreen Industry Report is also a Great Source of Marketing Type Analysis consisting:1. Global Sunscreen Regional Marketing Type Analysis2. Global Sunscreen International Trade Type Analysis3. Traders or Distributors with Contact Information of Global Sunscreen by Regions4. Global Sunscreen Supply Chain AnalysisFor Any Query, before Purchasing Report Click Here:Major Points from Table of Contents:Chapter One: Methodology and Data SourceChapter Two: Hawthorn Extract Market OverviewChapter Three: Hawthorn Extract by Key Players 2012-2017Chapter Four: Hawthorn Extract by Regions 2012-2017Chapter Five: Hawthorn Extract Market by Product TypesChapter Six: Global Key Players ProfileChapter Seven: Hawthorn Extract by Appliance 2012-2017Chapter Eight: Industry Chain and Supply ChainChapter Nine: Global Sunscreen Market Size (Sales and Revenue) Forecast (2017-2022)Chapter Ten: Development Trend and Research ConclusionLastly, the Report provides Development Trend Analysis for 2017-2022 years which will forecast Market Size (Volume and Value), Sales Price, Consumption Forecast, Market Trend (Product Type) and Market Trend (Application). Also the List of Major Consumers is analyzed and Contact Details are provided to easy communicating.Finally, the Report is concluded with Various Methodology, Analyst Introduction and Data SourcesOrbis 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.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:
Toxic Shock Market : Top Industry Key Players Analysis and Forecast 2017 - 2025

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Global Toxic Shock Market: SnapshotThe toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute and multi-system illness caused by toxin-producing genus of Gram-positive bacteriaStaphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. The disease if left untreated may lead to severe complications and even resulting in multiple organ failure. The role of Gram-positive bacteria as pathogens in this toxin-mediated illness is gaining significance as there is high likelihood of the disease being underdiagnosed. Although, continuous advances in studying pathophysiology and clinical features have been made, efficacious treatment modalities still evade clinicians. Among the two primary types, management of Staphylococcal toxic shock is more crucial as Staphylococcus aureus can affect any site, hence doctors across all medical specialties should be prepared for the management of the disease.Recently, toxic shock has come to be increasingly associated with the use of certain feminine hygiene products, particularly in the use of tampons and menstrual cups. The presence of carboxymethylcellulose in tampons is a breeding ground for Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the use of tampons that have high absorbency and their prolonged usage among women compound the risk factors. The use of menstrual cups over conventional tampons is stimulated by their reusability and enhanced comfort, since they collect menstrual blood rather than absorbing the flow. Considered as a natural alternative to tampons, their use has surged in popularity in recent years. However, they are also prone to be affected by Gram-positive pathogens causing TSS. Made up of silicon and rubber, they provide adequate medium for the growth of the pathogene in lower genital tracts of women. Reliable treatments include fluid resuscitation, the use of vasopressors, and appropriate antimicrobial therapies. Drugs such as Clindamycin are found helpful in suppressing the protein synthesis in superantigens, thereby inhibiting toxin production.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Global Toxic Shock Market: Inclusive InsightToxic shock is a rare complication of certain bacterial infections. The main causative agents are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. This infection is generally associated with the use of tampons, thus, the prevalence is higher in women. Supposedly, the rayon used in tampons causes the toxic shock syndrome, dryness, and ulcerations of the vaginal tissues. However, toxic shock syndrome can also affect men and children. The infection sets when the bacteria enters the body through an opening in the skin such as a cut, sore, or a deep wound. The common symptoms of toxic shock comprises high fever, rapid fall in blood pressure, rashes on body, diarrhea, vomiting, redness of eyes, vagina, and mouth, and seizure. Untreated toxic shock syndrome might also cause organ failure.The market intelligence report is a comprehensive review of the growth trail in terms of current, historical, and future scenarios of the global toxic shock market. It offers an evaluation of the aspects that are expected to influence the development of the market and the primary trends have also been specified in the research study. The research study also offers a broad lookout on the vendor landscape of the market through Porters five forces analysis. The research publication provides references of mergers and acquisitions, the research and development activities, specifics on licensing and collaborations. The report probes into the strategies related to marketing, shares, and product portfolio of the key participants in the global toxic shock market.Request TOC of the Report @Global Toxic Shock Market: Insight into Advancements and InnovationsEarly diagnosis of the disease guarantees proper cure. However, delay in the diagnosis or ignorance of the symptoms may lead to organ failure and eventually death. Several initiatives have been commenced for suitable birth control measures in order to avoid staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. Treatment of toxic shock syndrome involves prescription of antibiotics against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Cephalosporin, clindamycin, penicillin, gentamicin and vancomycin may be prescribed for treatment of toxic shock syndrome.Although at present the majority of the market is dominated by generic antibiotics, introduction of newer therapy will add more products to the market, thus increasing market potential. Research and development activities are being directed towards the discovery of alternative treatment modes. In one approach, scientists are also trying to develop monoclonal antibodies in order to treat patients with toxic shock syndrome. Peptides can also be targeted to block the activation of T cells by the bacterial toxins. Government initiative for increased awareness for appropriate use of tampons has restricted the prevalence rate of toxic shock syndrome. However due to lower rates of literacy and under developed medical facilities in rural parts of developing countries the prevalence of toxic shock syndrome is higher.Request Discount of the Report @Global Toxic Shock Market: Focus on Key RegionsThe markets in North America and Europe have reached the saturation almost. Statistics published by Medscape, a U.S. healthcare website suggests that above 90% of the toxic shock syndrome cases in women are in the age group of 15 to 20 years. Although rates of menstrual toxic shock syndrome have declined since ban on hyperabsorbent tampons, incidences due to cross infections still pose a threat. India has a higher percentage of young population as compared to other countries.About TMR ResearchTMR 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
Mining Lubricant Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 20172025

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Mining can be carried out at the surface as well as underground. Rock drills, scoops, loader, hydraulic shovels, and draglines are used constantly in the operations of mining which causes wear and tear. This causes decrease in downtime and life of the equipment. Hence, mining lubricants play an important role in mining activities. In mining, the anti-wear performance and the need of good corrosion protection are mainly required to protect the metal surface. The mining lubricants are used to reduce costs by extending drain intervals, improving energy efficiency, and increasing equipment life. Due to the heavy duty nature of operations in mining sector, safe lifting of heavy loads is vital. Lubricants help keep the machinery in optimal shape. Improper lubrication leads to energy losses, seal issues, excess friction, and wear and tear on moving parts.Request Sample of Mining Lubricant:Mining Lubricant Market TaxonomyThe mining lubricant market are classified,On basis of equipment function,EngineHydraulicTransmissionGearOn basis of mining techniques,Surface MiningUnderground MiningOn basis of product,Bio-based mining lubricantSynthetic LubricantMineral OilOn basis of end-use industry,Iron ore miningCoal miningBauxite miningRare-earth mineral miningPrecious metal miningOthersTo Request Discount on this report:Mining lubricants are available in various viscosities for different equipment function. Different lubricant are used in different equipment. The load on the equipment are different for surface mining and underground mining. Surface mining is preferred when the ores are located close to the surface of the earth. In underground mining, a hole is drilled to get the ore onto the surface, so more machinery are used for which more lubricants are required.Depending on specific machine, application, operating condition and environment the mining lubricants are used. The mineral oil is better soluble with additives and it has high compatibility with seal and has lower cost. The synthetic lubricant are used at extreme environmental conditions and has higher cost than mineral oil. Furthermore, due to stringent environmental regulations and degradable property of bio lubricants, they are gaining preference over other lubricants.Increased demand from construction industry for steel has resulted in increased iron mining. Countries such as India and China do not have oil and gas industry on scale as large as Middle East. Hence they are dependent on coal for domestic energy needs.Mining Lubricant Market Outlook - Surging demand in Asia-Pacific Augmenting Market GrowthAsia Pacific is a major hub for the coal and iron ore mining industries. The major developing infrastructure and growing construction activities has enabled the significant need of these minerals, which in turn is leading to the need of mining lubricants. Australia and China are one of the largest producers of iron ore and bauxite. The mining lubricant market is totally dependent on the mining industry of these countries. Asia Pacific was the largest market for the mining lubricants in 2016. This in turn markets it an attractive market for mining lubricants. Increased mining to achieve energy and mineral resource for enhancing self-sufficiency ability are the major drivers behind this trend.The downturn in mining related investments in South Africa due to the stringent government regulations adversely affected the mining lubricant industry in the country. Rising costs, labor unrest, and a decrease in commodity prices, has resulted in reduced profit margins from mining projects discouraging new announcements.Request To View The Table of content:Furthermore, the companies are adopting various organic and inorganic growth strategies for sustaining their market position in the mining lubricants market. For instance, in 2017, the Carmichael Coal Mining project in Australia by Adani Group is the largest orders placed, valued at US$ 2.6 billion with Downer Mining for the construction and operation of Carmichael mine. Some of the major companies operating in the mining lubricant market are Royal Dutch Shell Plc, ExxonMobil Corporation, BP Plc., Chevron Corporation, Total S.A., LUKOIL, Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Fuchs Petrolub SE, PetroChina Company Limited, Quaker Chemical Corporation, Sinopec Limited, Bel-Ray Company, LLC, Whitmore Manufacturing, Schaeffer Manufacturing Co Ltd., and Kluber Lubrication.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact UsMr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.comWebsite:Visit Blog :
Technological Advancements to Influence Gas Leak Detectors Market Growth

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A gas leak detector is a piece of equipment or a device that senses and detects the existence of gases in a particular area. These devices are used as a part of safety systems installed in factories, homes and commercial complexes. A gas leak detector system detects the gas leaked and generates a signal to take proper action. Industrially, gas detector systems are fitted with a sound alarm to evacuate the area in case of toxic gas leakage. The popularity of such devices is growing due to the influx of new chemical facilities across the world. Further, the growing gas storage facility network across the globe has deployed a significant number of gas leak detectors for safety systems.Due to their design modifications, gas detectors are broadly categorised on the basis of technology as electrochemical, infrared imaging, infrared point, ultrasonic, semiconductor and holographic. On the basis of product type, the global gas detectors market is bifurcated into portable gas detectors and fixed gas detectors.Request For Report Sample@Portable gas detectors are widely used in lab application whereas fixed detectors find their maximum application in gas extraction and processing fields. Fixed gas detectors can also be used for residential applications such as using itin a bedroom. Further, industrial fixed type gas detector application includes SCADA monitoring.Gas detectors are used in applications such as gas turbines, building and construction, health care, food and beverages, water treatment, oil and gas refineries, chemical plants, underground gas storage facilities, and others. The segments for refineries and chemical plants applications dominate the global market at present. Nevertheless, gas detectors are widely used in underground gas storage. The growing gas supply network is spurring the demand in this segment.One of the major driving factors for gas leak detectors market is the ever growing oil & gas industry. The increasing number of gas field explorations and widening gas supply network has been fuelling the demand for gas leak detectors. In addition, active government organizations have been imposing safety regulations on the industries. This, in turn, has propelled the demand for gas leak detectors. Further, Asia Pacific is likely to lead the league in terms of growth of the industrial sector, mining sector, medicine and healthcare sector, and construction sector. This is likely to create opportunities for the growth of theglobal gas leak detectors market. However, the market is facing strong competition due to the influx of new players in the market and frequent product launches.Multi-gas detector coupled with an analyzer system is one of the emerging trends in the global leaked gas detector market. This kind of detector is gaining popularity due to its compact designs and better features as compared to conventional gas leak detectors. It is expected that the after sales market is likely to develop further in future and a number of market participants will enter this segment. It is also expected that the gas leak detector manufacturers will expand their business to aftermarket sales through forward integration and strategic alliances.A number of product launches can be seen in the global gas leak detectors market. For instance, market participants such as Scott Safety, GE and RAE Systems recently launched a few new gas leak detectors. The global gas leak detectors market has also been witnessing strategic alliances such as that between Cbiss and Old Man Partner. To expand the business globally, a number of gas leaked detectors manufacturers have acquired other companies such as the acquisition of Edinburgh Instruments Ltd by Techcomp Group Ltd., the acquisition of RAE Systems by Honeywell International Inc. and the acquisition ofGroveley Detection Ltd by Emerson.Visit For TOC@Some of the prominent players in global gas leak detectors market are City Technology Ltd., Honeywell International Inc., Mine Safety Appliances Co., Dragerwerk AG & Co., KGAA, Testo AG, ABB Ltd, Industrial Scientific Corporation, California Analytical Instruments Inc., Figaro Engineering Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Hitech Instruments Ltd, Ametek Inc., Emerson Electric Co.,Halma Plc, Trolex Ltd,GE Measurement & Control, Gasmet Technologies OY, Enerac Inc., Xtralis Pty. Ltd, Horiba Ltd 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:
Traditional Air Conditioning Systems Get the Boot as Consumers Turn toward Energy-efficient Models

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The vendor landscape of the global air conditioning systems market is speckled with large and established companies such as Gree Electric Appliances, Inc., Daikin Industries Ltd., and Carrier Corporation; emerging players such as Panasonic Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, and The Midea Group; and promising vendors such as LG Electronics, Haier Electronics Group Co., Ltd., and Hitachi Ltd. Each of these players have been striving to strengthen their position in the air conditioning systems market and achieve sustainable growth.Transparency Market Research finds that in order to achieve these goals, companies are presently focused on integrating products so as to expand their customer base and reach out to newer audiences. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions have also been a core strategy for a number of players. A case in point would be Carrier, who, in 2011, joined hands with the Midea Group of China to manufacture as well as distribute HVAC systems in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. This joint venture not only helped Carrier form a strong distribution network in these promising countries but also established a strong foothold for the company at a global level, the lead analyst of the TMR study states.Request Sample:Harmonics are generated in an electrical power system owing to the presence of non-linear loads such as drives in the system. The propagation of harmonic frequencies in the electrical system is one of the frequent causes of problems related to power quality. Harmonic causes misfiring in variable speed drives, heating in the system and torque fluctuations. Therefore, for ensuring optimum power quality, complete suppression of harmonics is a critical consideration. Recent advancements in solid state power converters coupled with growing significance of power quality is expected to increase the use of harmonic filters across the globe. The advancements in semiconductor technology, making harmonic filters slightly cost effective and high powered technology, has had positive impact on the growth of harmonic filters across the globe.The growing use of non-linear loads such as the variable frequency drives that produce harmonics coupled with the increasing need to ensure power quality is boosting the growth of the global harmonic filter market. The growing importance of achieving acceptable levels of power quality is driving the growth of harmonic filters. By maintaining power quality through harmonic suppression, power losses can be extremely minimized and significant energy savings can be achieved. Increasing adoption of variable frequency drives promoting the uptake of harmonic filters. Rise in automation across different industrial and commercial applications and growing demand for electrical efficiency has increased the demand for Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), which is in turn boosting the growth of the harmonic filter market. The conjoint effect of all these drivers is set to boost the growth of the global harmonic filter market from 2016  2024.Escalating demand from IT and data centers are set to offer potential growth opportunities to the global harmonic filters market. Thus, growth in the IT industry spending is expected to support the growth of high end machines and equipments with non-linear loads, giving rise to harmonics. Rising demand for ensuring optimum power quality is expected to fuel the growth of harmonic filters in IT and data center industry. Further, government regulations and penalties imposed by utilities are set to offer lucrative opportunities for the growth of harmonic filters in the near future. For example, in India (Tamil Nadu), government has set the total voltage harmonic distortion limit at 5% and total current harmonic distortion limit at 8%. If a consumer exceeds these harmonic levels, then that person is entitled to pay 15% of his respective tariff as compensation. Owing to the impact of these regulations and penalties, facilities that produce harmonics are installing harmonic filters.Report Link: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 recommendations.State Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Collabora Online will be integrated into cloudplan, a Private Cloud as a Service solution

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Collabora Productivity, the driving force behind putting LibreOffice in the Cloud, and cloudplan GmbH, a Hamburg, Germany-based provider of a private cloud solution based on peer-to-peer technology for enterprises, announce a partnership to integrate Collabora Online.With cloudplan, companies can build their private cloud network storage, organize backups and integrate cloud storage without special IT expertise. By including Collabora Online, cloudplan clients will have a full online office suite, handling all popular documents, presentations and spreadsheet formats while retaining privacy and security. Collabora Online works directly from any modern web browser, without the need of downloading any add-on or plugin, has excellent document support and includes collaborative editing features.We are looking forward to working together with cloudplan said Michael Meeks, General Manager at Collabora Productivity. Its exciting to work with companies that use cutting-edge file sharing technology.Collabora Online is the perfect add-on for cloudplan, a next-gen Private Cloud solution said Frank Bruegmann, CEO at cloudplan. With Collabora Online our customers will be able to collaboratively edit their office files securely anywhere globally.cloudplan with Collabora Online will be available as a Private Cloud as a Service (PCaaS). For more information, or a free trial, please visit, contact sales@cloudplan.net or sales@collaboraoffice.com.About Collabora Productivity:Collabora Productivity is the driving force behind putting LibreOffice in the Cloud, providing a range of products and consulting to enterprise and government. Powered by the largest team of certified LibreOffice engineers in the world, it is a leading contributor to the LibreOffice codebase and community. Collabora Office for Desktop and Collabora Online provide a business-hardened office suite with long-term, multi-platform support. Collabora Productivity is a division of Collabora, the global software consultancy dedicated to providing the benefits of Open Source to the commercial world, specialising in mobile, automotive and consumer electronics industries. For more information, visitor follow @CollaboraOffice on Twitter.About cloudplan GmbH:cloudplan offers Private Cloud as a Service (PCaaS)  a truly scalable, secure and intelligent private cloud solution backed by HTGF and IFB  leading German seed investors.The product provides customers maximum service cloud elasticity, ease of use and at the same time complete control of their data  locally and globally. cloudplan endorses company`s hybrid cloud strategy by delivering a software defined storage application that leverages the secure interoperability of on-premise hardware and cloud servers with its peer-to-peer architecture.Companies gain maximum availability and reliability at minimum cost. For more information, visitcloudplan GmbHMatthias KruegerDorotheenstrasse 4822301 Hamburg040-228623311pr@cloudplan.net
Peanuts Market to 2023: Consumption Volume, Value, Import, Export and Sale Price Analysis

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Market Research Future adds new report of Global Peanuts Market Research Report- Forecast to 2023 it contains Company information, geographical data and Table of ContentCompetitive Analysis:The key players profiled in the global peanuts Market are Olam International (Singapore) Kraft Foods Inc. (U.S.) Hampton Farms Inc. (U.S.) Star Snacks Co. LLC (U.S.) Virginia Diner (U.S.) Archer Daniels Midland (U.S.) Diamond Foods Inc. (U.S.)Intended Audience Peanuts Manufacturers Edible nuts Manufacturers Bakery and Confectionery Industries Retailers and Wholesalers Traders, Importers and ExportersGet a Sample Report @Market Segments: A peanut has been segmented on the basis of Form; which comprises Raw, Roasted, blanched, Powder, Others. Raw form is found to hold a major share due to its application in further processing. A Peanuts has been segmented on the basis of Application; which comprises Direct consumption/Culinary purpose, Bakery and confectionery, Peanut butter and Spreads, Peanut bars, Dairy Products, Oils, Others. Peanuts application in oil production is holding a large share followed by application in bakery and confectionery. A peanut has been segmented on the basis of Distribution Channel; which comprises Hypermarkets and Supermarkets, Convenience stores, Specialty stores, E-commerce, Others. Sale through hypermarkets and supermarkets is found to be high.Key Findings: Application of peanuts in peanut butter and spreads is anticipated to have a high growth during the forecast period. Top exporters of peanuts include India, China, U.S., Argentina and NetherlandsBrowse Report Details @Market Highlight:The wide application of peanuts in the food industry is considered as a major driver for peanuts market. Peanuts are widely used for the extraction of oils and peanut flour. The processing of peanuts and its high consumption as snacks also has a positive impact on its market growth. The high nutrient value of peanuts makes its consumption more popular amongst the health conscious consumers. Shift in consumption pattern and adoption of healthy lifestyle has supported the positive growth of peanuts market. However, peanut is also listed as one of the major allergens due to which its consumption is restricted only amongst the consumers who do not have peanut allergy.On the basis of peanuts form, raw form is found to hold a major share and is calculated to increase at high rate globally based on the oil and flour extracted from the raw form of peanuts. However, the convenience usage of the powder form is supporting the increased demand of the product from consumers side. The application of peanut in extraction of peanut oil is found to hold a major share on a global level. Amongst the distribution channels for the sale of peanuts, hypermarket and supermarkets share is projected to increase at a high rate.Table of Content1. Executive Summary2. Market Introduction3. Research Methodology4. Market Dynamics5. Market Trends6. Global Peanut Market-By Form7. Global Peanut Market-By Application8. Global Peanut Market-By Distribution Channel9. Market -By Region10. Competitive Landscape11. Company ProfilesEnquire about this Report @List of TablesTable 1 Pestle Analysis - U.S.Table 2 Pestle Analysis- AustraliaTable 3 Pestle Analysis- SingaporeTable 4 Pestle Analysis- IndiaTable 5 Pestle Analysis- GermanyTable 6 Key Suppliers of PeanutTable 7 Global Market for Peanuts, By Form, (2017-2023), Usd MillionContinued....List of FiguresFigure 1 Research MethodologyFigure 2 Primary Data Analysis ApproachFigure 3 Secondary Data Analysis ApproachFigure 4 Trends in Peanut Imports 2011-16Figure 5 Growth Rate in Peanut Imports 2011-16Figure 6 Peanut Imports Market Share by Top 5 Importers (2011 Vs 2016)Continued....About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Scented candles Market: Growth, Demand, Supply, SWOT, Consumption, ROI to 2022

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Market Research Future adds new report of Global Scented candles Market Research Report- Forecast to 2022 it contains Company information, geographical data and Table of ContentCompetitive Analysis:The key players profiled in the Scented candles market are as Reckitt Benckiser (Air Wick) (U.K.) P&G (U.S.) Yankee Candles (U.S.) Colonial Candle (U.S.) The Conscious Candle (Australia) Welburn Candles Pvt. Ltd. (India) Parcan (Netherland)Intended Audience Scented candles manufacturers Raw material suppliers Wax manufacturers End users (food industry) Retailers and wholesalers E-commerce companies Traders, importers and exportersGet a Sample Report @Market Segments: Scented candles market has been segmented on the basis of Raw Material- waxes, liquid dyes, soy, glass Scented candles has been segmented on the basis of Product Type- jar, pillar, tea light, tumbler, vase Scented candles has been segmented on the basis of Distribution- channel specialty store, home decor store, e-commerce Scented candles has been segmented on the basis of Fragrance- fruit, flower, spice, blendsMarket Highlight:Scented candles imply the candles that have produced/designed or normal fragrance material mixed into the wax emanating brilliant smell while expending. Scented Candles are fiscally available in different shapes, sizes, and tints which are used as lighting up things or for gifting reason.Scented candles are generally used to make state of mind and relieve extend. The high offers of these candles can be credited to creating commonness of various electronic business goals, which has helped in making a strong relationship between makers, suppliers and buyers. Vanilla is the most supported fragrance for scented candles, means pretty much 50% of the total offers of scented candles. Other pervasive fragrances consolidate cinnamon, strawberry, peach, and apple or spiced apple scented candles. The exceptional example of characteristic scented candles and tweaking fire flavors is in like manner provoking surge in offers of scented candles. With the climb in the amount of working masses, extending urbanization consolidated with advancement in the additional money nearby other social components, for instance, growing customer eagerness for lavish lifestyle, changing methods for overseeing cash with move towards delight close by creating buyer care will continue driving the market improvement of scentedcandles from 2016-2022.Browse Report Details @Table of Content1. Executive Summary2. Market Introduction3. Research Methodology4. Market Dynamics5. Market Trends6. Market Factor Analysis7. Market-By Raw Material8. Market- By Product Type9. Market- By Distribution Channel10. Market -By Region11. Competitive Landscape12. Company ProfilesList of TablesTable 1 Pestle Analysis - U.S.Table 2 Pestle Analysis- CanadaTable 3 Pestle Analysis- FranceTable 4 Pestle Analysis- ChinaTable 5 Pestle Analysis- GermanyTable 6 Key Suppliers Of Raw Materials For Scented CandlesTable 7 Global Scented Candles Market, By Raw Material (20162022), Usd MillionContinuedEnquire about this Report @List of FiguresFigure 1 Research MethodologyFigure 2 Primary Data Analysis ApproachFigure 3 Secondary Data Analysis ApproachFigure 4 Trend In Scented Candles Market Imports 2012-15Figure 5 Growth Rate In Scented Candles Market Imports 2012-15Figure 6 Scented Candles Market Imports Market Share By Top 5 Importers (2012 Vs 2015)Figure 7 Trend In Scented Candles Exports 2012-15Figure 8 Growth Rate Scented Candles Exports 2012-15ContinuedAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global and United States Dermatology Drug Market In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022 | Recent Release

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global and United States Dermatology Drug In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The report is based on the market historical data from 2012 to 2016 and forecast the market trend from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses on the U.S. market and presents volume and value of market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also changes in prices. As an in-depth report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinions in Dermatology Drug industry.Major CompaniesAbbVie (U.S.)Johnson & Johnson (U.S.)Bayer (Germany)Galderma (Switzerland)Bristol-Myers Squibb (U.S.)Novartis (China)Pfizer (U.S.)Merz Pharma (Germany)Valeant (Canada)LEO Pharma (Denmark)GlaxoSmithKline (UK)To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain types of productsDermatology Drug Market, by Route of AdministrationExternal UseOralInjectionDermatology Drug Market, by FormOintmentLiquidPowderSprayDermatology Drug Market, by Key ConsumersPsoriasisSkin InfectionsAcneDermatitisOtherBrowse Detail Report With Full TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal and United States Dermatology Drug In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022Chapter One Global Dermatology Drug Market Overview1.1 Global Dermatology Drug Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20171.2 Dermatology Drug, by Route of Administration 2012-20171.2.1 Global Dermatology Drug Sales Market Share by Route of Administration 2012-20171.2.2 Global Dermatology Drug Revenue Market Share by Route of Administration 2012-20171.2.3 Global Dermatology Drug Price by Route of Administration 2012-20171.2.4 External Use1.2.5 Oral1.2.6 Injection1.3 Dermatology Drug, by Form 2012-20171.3.1 Global Dermatology Drug Sales Market Share by Form 2012-20171.3.2 Global Dermatology Drug Revenue Market Share by Form 2012-20171.3.3 Global Dermatology Drug Price by Form 2012-20171.3.4 Ointment1.3.5 Liquid1.3.6 Powder1.3.7 SprayChapter Two United States Dermatology Drug Market Overview2.1 United States Dermatology Drug Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20172.2 Dermatology Drug, by Route of Administration 2012-20172.2.1 United States Dermatology Drug Sales Market Share by Route of Administration 2012-20172.2.2 United States Dermatology Drug Revenue Market Share by Route of Administration 2012-20172.2.3 United States Dermatology Drug Price by Route of Administration 2012-20172.2.4 External Use2.2.5 Oral2.2.6 Injection2.3 Dermatology Drug, by Form 2012-20172.3.1 United States Dermatology Drug Sales Market Share by Form 2012-20172.3.2 United States Dermatology Drug Revenue Market Share by Form 2012-20172.3.3 United States Dermatology Drug Price by Form 2012-20172.3.4 Ointment2.3.5 Liquid2.3.6 Powder2.3.7 SprayChapter Three Dermatology Drug by Regions 2012-20173.1 Global Dermatology Drug Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.2 Global Dermatology Drug Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.3 Global Dermatology Drug Price by Regions 2012-20173.4 North America3.4.1 United States3.4.1.1 California3.4.1.2 Texas3.4.1.3 New York3.4.1.4 Others in United States3.4.2 Canada3.5 Latin America3.5.1 Mexico3.5.2 Brazil3.5.3 Argentina3.5.4 Others in Latin America3.6 Europe3.6.1 Germany3.6.2 United Kingdom3.6.3 France3.6.4 Italy3.6.5 Spain3.6.6 Russia3.6.7 Netherland3.6.8 Others in Europe3.7 Asia & Pacific3.7.1 China3.7.2 Japan3.7.3 India3.7.4 Korea3.7.5 Australia3.7.6 Southeast Asia3.7.6.1 Indonesia3.7.6.2 Thailand3.7.6.3 Philippines3.7.6.4 Vietnam3.7.6.5 Singapore3.7.6.6 Malaysia3.7.6.7 Others in Southeast Asia3.8 Africa & Middle East3.8.1 South Africa3.8.2 Egypt3.8.3 Turkey3.8.4 Saudi Arabia3.8.5 Iran3.8.6 Others in Africa & Middle EastChapter Four Global Dermatology Drug by Companies 2012-20174.1 Global Dermatology Drug Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20174.2 Global Dermatology Drug Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20174.3 Global Top Companies Dermatology Drug Key Product Model and Market Performance4.4 Global Top Companies Dermatology Drug Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Five United States Dermatology Drug by Companies 2012-20175.1 United States Dermatology Drug Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20175.2 United States Dermatology Drug Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20175.3 United States Top Companies Dermatology Drug Key Product Model and Market Performance5.4 United States Top Companies Dermatology Drug Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Six Global Dermatology Drug by Consumer 2012-20176.1 Global Dermatology Drug Sales Market Share by Consumer 2012-20176.2 Psoriasis6.3 Skin Infections6.4 Acne6.5 Dermatitis6.6 Other6.7 Consuming Habit and PreferenceContinued...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 @
Convenience Foods Market Forecast Report by Future Market Insights Offers Key Insights

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The convenience foods market is driven by busy lifestyles and ageing population. It includes a range of processed foods that has longer shelf life and are easy to use. The major attributes that consumers look for in convenience foods are ease of use, packaging, nutritional value, safety, variety and product appeal. These are prepared by adding various preservatives at specific conditions and few of them need an efficient supply chain and storage to retain their properties. Convenience foods save time and energy for preparing food at home or hotels. Technology and innovative packaging options have widened the food choices that are available in the market in various categories such as frozen, chilled, packaged foods, etc.The market has been segmented by type as canned foods, frozen foods, ready-to-eat snacks, meals, chilled foods and others. The market can also be segmented on the basis of distribution channels into supermarkets and hypermarkets, departmental stores, mom-and-pop shops, convenience stores and others. Geographically, the market can be segmented into Asia-Pacific, North America (the U.S., Canada and Mexico), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & North Africa and RoW (Rest of the World, including Latin America and South Africa).Request For Report Sample@With more women in the workforce, the demand for convenience foods is rising, primarily in emerging economies. The rapid growth of the food service industry in large number of developing markets is also expected to fuel the demand of packaged ready-to-eat snacks such as potato fries, bakery products and meat products. However, lack of proper storage and logistics is a threat to the frozen and chilled category of convenience foods in developing countries. There are stringent regulations on labelling and manufacturing of convenience foods in both developed and developing nations. One of the major drivers for convenience foods industry growth is widened distribution channels and tendency of consumers to buy off-the-shelf especially in emerging markets of BRICS and MENA.The U.S. is the largest market for convenience foods in the world and the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Latin America would fuel the future growth of the same. The U.S. will remain a strategic market for convenience food processors in the forecast period due to declining trend towards away-from-home dining and at-home cooking. There is a rising demand for meal solutions/ready-to-eat meals that can be prepared in two-step cooking. For instance, in December 2013, ConAgra Foods launched 23 new varieties of quality meals and desserts in Bertolli and P.F. Changs brands to enhance consumers at-home dining experience with convenience. In addition, consumers are looking for meals with foraged, hyper-local ingredients with different flavours and blends such as mushrooms, nettles, blackberries, rose hips, seaweeds, truffles, etc.The global convenience foods market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR from 20142020. Some of the emerging markets may even experience a double-digit growth rate through the forecast period in significant categories.Large multinational corporations follow multiple strategies to develop and penetrate the market for convenience foods in different regions. However, providing products that match local consumer taste is of utmost importance. Pricing is another important factor for convenience foods, however nowadays, consumers are ready to pay a premium price if they get to buy quality convenience foods with health benefits. Some of the common strategies that companies have adopted in recent times are portion controlled packaging, in-store promotions, mergers & acquisitions and health claims in labels. There is a growing trend towards healthy convenience foods that are rich in proteins, functional fibres, vitamins, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acid. For this, many market leaders are integrating their operations by acquiring ingredient manufacturers to increase their technical know-how. Availability of customized food ingredients has become a boon for convenience food manufacturers as they can provide large varieties in each category.Visit For TOC@Some of the key companies manufacturing and distributing convenience foods are Amy's Kitchen, Inc., Cargill, Incorporated, ConAgra Foods, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., Mondel?z International, Inc. and Kraft Foods Group Inc.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:
Press Release



Nokia extends ultra-broadband product portfolio to enhance capacity, speed and latency in heterogeneous networks

Operators offered architecture flexibility and ability to leverage licensed and unlicensed spectrum to satisfy escalating data demands

Sustainable path to 5G allowing operators to increase network performance where and when required

6 September, 2017

Espoo, Finland - Nokia is extending its comprehensive portfolio of ultra-broadband product and technology solutions to give operators new flexibility to meet consumer demand and enhance mobile network performance as they evolve towards 5G.

As mobile broadband traffic continues to grow, operators want to enhance network performance where they see the greatest demand - with first deployments traditionally in busy city centers. More capacity, higher speeds and varying network latency are needed to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and IoT, as well as to ensure a smooth transition to 5G. As such, Nokia has defined a sustainable network evolution path that will allow operators to leverage existing investments and maximize assets such as spectrum, to implement higher performance where and when it is needed in the network.

To do this, Nokia is adding to the Nokia AirScale Remote Radio Head portfolio, enabling operators to increase peak performance and cell capacity while reducing space requirements at cell sites via new dual- and single-band FDD-LTE and TD-LTE radios. These leverage carrier aggregation techniques, 4x4 MIMO and 8x4 Beamforming, while addressing demand for higher output power, extending frequency band support and simplifying network rollouts.



To augment heterogeneous network deployments and boost coverage and capacity in the busiest hotspots - especially in dense urban environments - operators will need to deploy the next wave of small cells. The Nokia Ultra Dense self-organizing network features on Flexi Zone small cells will simplify these deployments, solving issues caused by reducing the distance between new and existing small cells and ensuring continuous optimization even as further densification occurs. Nokia has extended the self-organizing network features on its Femtocell portfolio to ensure smoother integration and higher performance in heterogeneous networks as traffic is offloaded from the macro network.

New features on the industry-first Nokia Flexi Zone Citizen Band Radio Service small cells, supporting Spectrum Access Server and Citizen Broadband Radio Service Device Proxy connectivity, will offer operators new options for boosting coverage and capacity, particularly inside buildings. CBRS Flexi Zone small cells can be used to deploy neutral host capabilities, allowing operators to lease capacity to other providers inside malls, hotels and office blocks, where space is at a premium. In compliance with FCC requirements, small cells will be able to efficiently communicate with the Spectrum Access Server to ensure the network uses only available shared CBRS* spectrum.

To provide backhaul flexibility for ultra-dense heterogeneous city networks - where microwave transport is used to link small cells to fiber access points - Nokia Wavence microwave now supports Carrier SDN. Operators will benefit from new intelligence and automation, including rapid power-up of virtual network functions and adaptable parameters to support changes on the radio access network, such as when people move from work to home.

Anchoring this multi-technology access is the Nokia Cloud Packet Core. Its cloud-native capabilities and operations deliver the performance to support increasing capacity, massive scalability required for densification, and deployment flexibility necessary to deliver low latency, in order to realize the economics of delivering diverse and demanding services and applications.

Nokia continues to help operators plan and optimize their path to 5G using its 5G Acceleration Services and is now expanding the portfolio to include the operator 'anyhaul' end-to-end transport network. Nokia will work with operators to assess the readiness of the network and design and implement their 5G strategies and services.

Stephane Teral, IHS Markit Executive Director of Research and Analysis, Mobile Infrastructure & Carrier Economics, said: "Nokia continues to deliver a sustainable path to 5G that allows operators to implement new capabilities in their network where and when they need them, ensuring the most efficient use of resources. A challenge for operators is to meet the ever-growing demands in busy cities and Nokia is providing a comprehensive approach to solving this."

Harold Graham, head of the 5G business line at Nokia, said: "Nokia is committed to providing the most effective and cost-efficient path to 5G for our customers through evolutionary enhancements to their networks. We truly understand how changes in each area of a network will affect the network as a whole, and as we evolve our end-to-end portfolio of technologies and services we are working closely with customers to ensure they are always ahead of their customers' needs and expectations."

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** The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed rules in the 3.5 GHz band that would allow the sharing of federal spectrum by carrier-grade small cell deployments, fixed wireless broadband services and general consumer use. Nokia is a founding member of the CBRS Alliance

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From the enabling infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things, to emerging applications in virtual reality and digital health, we are shaping the future of technology to transform the human experience. nokia.com

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Global and Europe Nanoparticle Tracking Analyzer Market Trends, Size & Future Outlook  2022

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Nanoparticle tracking analyzer is a devise used for visualizing and analyzing particles in liquids. Nanoparticle tracking is employed in formulation and manufacturing of various pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics products. Nanoparticle tracking and analyzing has become essential in enhancing performance, quality and characteristics of the product. There are several techniques of nanoparticle tracking, however the selection of analyzer depends on factors such as nature of the sample, the analytical method, sample throughput and desired information. A new report has been compiled and added to the vast repository of Market Research Hub (MRH) that offers an exhaustive analysis on the global market for nanoparticle tracking analyzer. The report titled Global and Europe Nanoparticle Tracking Analyzer Market - Analysis and Outlook to 2022 discusses the current market situation and its prospects until 2022. The report include vital information, which will allow the reader to have a point of view in terms of price, volume, future perspective and key trends in the global market for nanoparticle tracking analyzer.Request Free Sample Report@Over the next couple of years, the global market for nanoparticle tracking analyzer is expected to witness a steady growth primarily owing to the increasing application base of nanotechnology. The rapid adoption of nanotechnology in various manufacturing requirements right from pharmaceutical to cosmetics has been instrumental in propelling the growth of the market. Nanoparticle tracking is crucial for ensuring and determining the homogeneity of medicines including tablets, pills, and capsules. There are various factors that contribute towards ensuring the homogeneity as well as in improving the product quality and consistency. Similarly, a wide-range of nanomaterial is also used in cosmetic manufacturing, which include nano-emulsions, liposomes, dendrimers and nano-crystals. The arrival of advanced nanoparticle technology for determining size and distribution of various particles is likely to reflect favorably on the global market for nanoparticle tracking analyzer.The newly added report in MRHs repository offers a broad overview of Europes nanoparticle tracking analyzer market, which comprise of information on historical analysis from 2012 to 2016 as well as future analysis from 2017 to 2022. In addition, the report also highlights key market elements, which include dynamics, characteristics, structure, growth, demand drive and leading players. Being an all-inclusive report, it covers valuable opinions of industry experts. The reader will also be able to understand the current dynamics in the nanoparticle tracking analyzer manufacturing, and market size estimation.Browse Full Report with TOC@For the scope of the research, the report encloses data based on key market segmentations such as include product type, key application and geographies. The report will also serve as an important support for new entrants, as it will enable them to develop business strategies and identify new opportunities.The later part of the report talks about key companies operating in the global market for nanoparticle tracking analyzer, which include Agilent Technologies (US), Beckman Coulter (US), Horiba (US), IKO Science (Estonia), Wyatt Technology (US), Malvern Instruments (UK), Particle Metrix (ZetaView) (Germany), Shimadzu (Japan), Bruker (US), Hitachi High-Technologies (Japan), Microtrac (US), and JEOL (Japan).Enquire About this Report@About Market Research Hub:Market Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read Industry News at -
Government Support will boost Butyl Glycol Market size During Forecast Period (2015 - 2025)

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Butyl glycol also known as 2-Butoxyethanol is acolourless, slightly hygroscopic, neutral, high-boiling, low-volatility liquid with a mild odour that is used as a solvent and starting material for many reactions. In addition to that, it is used as a solvent for aqueous coating systems (water-based paints). Butyl glycol belongs to the family of glycol ethers. Glycol ethers consist of two components, an alcohol andether. According to the nature of alcohol, molecules of this class can be divided into two groups: E series and P series which correspond to ethylene and propylene respectively. Butyl glycol belongs to E series of glycol ethers. Butyl glycol is miscible with water and common organic solvents in all proportions at room temperature. It shows the reactions typically shown by alcohols, such as esterification, etherification, oxidation and formation of acetates and like most ethers, it forms peroxides in the presence of atmospheric oxygen.The growth of water-based coatings that use glycol ethers as coalescing agents has been the major factor behind the growth of the butyl glycol market. In the major regions of the world, growth has been primarily for the butyl products such as butyl glycol; the methyl and ethyl product groups have been in decline. This decline has been primarily due to the increased concern about the toxicological effects of some ethylene oxidebased glycol ethers. Butyl glycol is a mildly hazardous chemical owing to which, care must be taken during its handling.Request Report Sample@Based on geography, the market of butyl glycol can be segmented as follows: In 2009, the United States was the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of E-series glycol ethers, including butyl glycol; however, by 2013, China became the largest consumer, followed by the United States, Western Europe and Japan. The United States continues to be the largest producer and exporter of butyl glycol. According to market forecasts, growth in butyl glycol consumption will be greatest in China, during 20132018, followed by the Middle East and other countries in Asia (excluding China and Japan) .Butyl glycol is used as a solvent in ink and coating industry. It is also used as a solvent in lacquer thinners. Butyl glycol is a low volatility solvent, hence it is used to extend the drying time of coatings and it is also used to increase their flow properties. It is very useful for paints based on cellulose nitrate or cellulose ethers. It improves the brushability of certain paints such as alkyd resin paints and reduces their viscosity. Additionally, it improves the flow of urea and melamine Butyl glycol lowers the minimum film forming temperature and improves the evaporation behavior of the volatile constituents during hot air or infra red drying. Further application of butyl glycol are: it is used as a solvent in printing inks, it is a component in surface cleaners and is used to degrease metal surfaces, it is component in hydraulic fluids and drilling oils, it is used as an accelerator in the manufacture of butyl glycol acetate which is also a solvent and it is also used an acceleratorfor the production of plasticizers among others.Visit For TOC@The major players in the market of butyl glycol are: Eastman Chemicals Co, LyondellBasell, BASF AG, Asia Pacific Petrochemicals Co Ltd, Dow Chemicals, Parsidan Chemicals Co, Paras Dyes and Chemicals, Beijing East Guangming Chemical Co., Ltd. and QingdaoSanlianxiang Chemical Co., Ltd 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:
Dimer Acid-Based (DAB) Polyamide Resins Market Assessment and Forecast Report by Future Market Insights

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Dimer acids which are also known as dimerized fatty acids belong to the group of dicarboxylic acids. Dimer acids are viscous fluids that are transparent and non-toxic in nature. Dimer acids are manufactured by dimerizing unsaturated fatty acids that are obtained from oleic acid, canola oil, tallow, cottonseed, tall oil and rapeseed among others. Dimer acids are widely used to synthesize polyamide resins and hot melt adhesives. Dimer acid-based polyamide resins have varied properties which makes them either reactive or non-reactive in nature. Reactive polyamides are primarily used as curing agents for epoxy resins that are generally used in the manufacturing of adhesives and surface coatings. On the other hand, the non reactive polyamides are predominantly used in the manufacturing of printing inks and hot-melt adhesives. Dimer acid-based polyamide resins exhibit physical properties such as heat resistance, cold resistance, film flexibility, fast curing, oil resistance, excellent adhesion and good compatibility among others. Dimer acid-based polyamide resins are widely used as decorative coatings, fabrics, interlining, shoe stretch, fold plastic and Baotou glue.Growing economies of developing countries coupled with rising disposable income has boosted the overall demand for residential properties which in turn is expected to augment the overall growth of construction industry. Construction industry is the major application of adhesives and surface coatings. Thus, the growing demand for adhesives and surface coatings from various end-use industries such as construction is expected to drive the overall dimer acid-based polyamide resins market. Dimer acid-based polyamide resins are also mainly consumed in the manufacturing of printing inks. Dimer acid-based polyamide resins exhibit improved freeze thaw characteristics to the printing ink compositions. Thus, the use of dimer acid-based polyamide resins plays a crucial role in improving the overall quality of the printing inks. Thus, growing demand for printing ink is expected to augment the overall growth of dimer acid-based polyamide resins market.Request Report Sample@China is the major consumer of dimer acid-based polyamide resins owing to the presence of huge demand for adhesives and surface coatings from construction and automobile applications. North America is expected to be the next largest consumer of dimer acid-based polyamide resins owing to the presence of huge demand for printing inks in the region. The demand for DAB polyamide resins is expected to grow rapidly in Europe owing to the huge demand for surface coatings from the automobile industry present in the region. Rest of Asia Pacific is anticipated to experience huge demand for dimer acid-based polyamide resins owing to the growing construction industry in countries such as India, Japan and Korea present in the region. Rest of the World is expected to exhibit sluggish growth in the demand for dimer acid-based polyamide resins market in the near future.Visit For TOC@Arizona Chemical, Anqing Hongyu Chemical Co., Ltd., The Dow Chemical Company, Jinan Tongfa Resin Co., Ltd. and RITEKS are some of the major participants of the dimer acid-based polyamide resins market. The companies are mainly focused towards achieving economies of scale. Hence, most of the leading players are striving towards increasing their production capacities for manufacturing dimer acid-based polyamide resins market. The companies are also hugely investing in research in order to develop innovative products having superior qualities.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:
Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market : Research Report Shows Speedy Growth 2017 - 2025

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Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: SnapshotThe global market for physician office laboratory (POL) has been expanding substantially over the last few years. Supported by the technological advancements, the market is likely to remain proliferating over the next few years. POL testing has its base in developed regions as emerging economies still rely on hospital infrastructure for the diagnosis of acute and chronic medical conditions. Developing regions, however, has been demonstrating a significant potential for decentralized testing, thanks to the rising support from nongovernmental organizations and the increasing number of public health programs, intended towards spreading awareness for high-burden diseases such as hepatitis, acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, and tuberculosis (TB).As of now, the substandard care present at primary care facilities and community health organizations in most of the emerging countries lead a number of patients to hospitals. However, the rise in the disposable income of people in these nations have encouraged leading healthcare providers to invest heavily in western style physician practices, leading to the installation of a large pool of physician office laboratories and clinics, especially in India and China.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Since POL testing is not prevalent globally, as its counterparts (hospital laboratories, commercial or private reference labs, and hospital POCT), its future growth is seemingly uneven. Also active restriction on specified services from physicians or healthcare professionals over the primary care visits in some countries may also reflect negatively on the growth of this market in the near future.Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: OverviewClinical and hospital laboratories presently account for a massive chunk of the total number of diagnostic, monitoring or screening tests undertaken across the globe. However, a constantly rising number of physicians and physician groups are preferring to undertake part or entire volumes of lab testing in-house as an excellent way of improving patient care and boosting their operative incomes. Such in-house lab practices are called physician office laboratory (POL). The term is diverse and covers physicians practices as small as 2 to 5 physicians to large practitioners with 200 or more physicians that operate labs similar to laboratories in small hospitals.Request TOC of the Report @In-house testing practices facilitate physicians to become self-reliant and obtain results in a much faster manner than possible in outsourced lab tests. POLs also reduce the chances of loss or deterioration of test samples, enhancing the confidence regarding the accuracy of results. Broadly, POL refers to tests performed in: physicians office, conducted at the same time of consultation or with other healthcare professional, wherein results are mostly provided during the medical visit itself, and are used for monitoring, screening or diagnosis purposes.This report on the global physician office laboratory market presents a thorough overview of the present growth dynamics of the market and its key segments. Several insightful projections regarding the growth trajectory of the market over the period between 2017 and 2025 are also included in the report. The report also includes a detailed analysis of factors such as growth drivers, restraints, regulatory scenario, competitive landscape, and trends and opportunities, expected to have a notable influence on the growth prospects of the market over the said period.Request Discount of the Report @Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global POL market is chiefly driven by the vast advancements observed in the field of testing technologies and supporting instrument and equipment in the past few years. The emergence and easy availability of easy to use microelectronic and microfluidic instruments that offer excellent accuracy and control is making POL feasible for smaller offices and is also enabling some physicians to perform tests for other doctors.The demand for such in-house laboratories is also significantly rising globally owing to the rising prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases and associated public health issues. However, the cost of meeting compliance requirements for local, state, and federal regulations, especially in developed economies, may hamper the markets growth to some extent.Global Physician Office Laboratory (POL) Market: Geographical and Competitive DynamicsOn the basis of geography, the global physician office laboratory market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World (RoW). Of these, North America and Europe are presently the leading contributors to the revenue of the global physician office laboratory market. In the North America, the number of POLs increased at a phenomenal rate from nearly 95,000 in 2000 to 111,000 in 2010. The number of POLs has also significantly in Europe over the said period. Across both the regions, the constantly rising number of POL tests approved by the respective healthcare authorities will help drive the POL market in the next few years as well.However, the POL market is expected to witness the most lucrative growth market across emerging economies in Asia Pacific in the next few years. Several factors, including the vast rise in prevalence of infectious diseases, the rising population of elderly, and a significant rise in focus on quality health care are expected to fuel the growth of the Asia Pacific POL market in the next few years.Some of the most influential companies in the global physician office laboratory market are Accriva Diagnostics, Akers Biosciences, Axis-Shield, Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Boule Diagnostics, Alfa Wassermann Diagnostic Technologies, Diazyme Laboratories, Polymer Technology Systems (CHEK Diagnostics), Carolina Liquid Chemistries Corp., 3D Medical Diagnostics, Magellan Diagnostics, Biomerica, Inc., Accumetrics, Vital Diagnostics, and Nanosphere, Inc.About TMR ResearchTMR 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
Telecom API Platform Market - Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2015 - 2022

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The global telecom API platform market is projected to rise at a CAGR of 23.6% during 2014 - 2022. The market stood at US$73.49 bn in 2015 and is projected to reach US$323.44 bn by the end of the forecast period.The rising adoption of browser-based internet services in various regions and the proliferation of cloud-based applications are the key factors driving the global telecom API platform market. The intensifying demand for a robust digital ecosystem in several industries is a key trend bolstering the demand for API platforms in the telecom sector. The soaring popularity of 4G LTE networks in developing and developed markets is a key factor expected to boost the market. In addition, the rising demand for integrating app from disparate operators to build industry-wide robust apps for augmenting network capabilities is a key trend expected to boost the telecom API platform market in the coming years. The growing popularity of mobile cloud applications is fueled by the growing demand for voice API services, which is expected to bolster the uptake in the coming years.Obtain Report Details @The rising inclination of some prominent technology companies to open their platforms for long-tail developers is expected to catalyze the market over the forecast period. The rising prominence of enterprise developers in the development of telecom API platforms is stimulated by the accelerated demand for customized applications in mobile devices. In addition, the growing popularity of A2P (application-to-person) SMS messaging is further anticipated to accentuate the demand.Reluctance of Telecom Providers to Engage External API Developers Hampers GrowthThe reluctance of a marked number of telecom providers to shy away from engaging external app developers as these companies develop platforms that offer little scope to these developers in innovation. This has made a dent in their earning in the highly competitive telecom sector, as a result of which their focus on developing API platforms has taken a backseat. Nevertheless, in an effort to explore new revenue streams, they are realizing the importance of faster time-to-innovation for new telecom applications and services. This is expected to open lucrative growth avenues for players in telecom API platform market.This 81 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Telecom API Platform Market. Browse through 23 data tables and 21 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market.The global telecom API platform market is segmented based on:Telecom Operator:T1 PlayerT2 PlayerT3 PlayerModule:Set-upMonetization and Pricing Model:Operator ShareVendor ShareGeography:North America:The U.S.Rest of North AmericaEurope:EU7 CountriesCIS CountriesRest of EuropeAsia Pacific:ChinaJapanSouth AsiaAustralasiaRest of APACMiddle East and Africa (MEA)GCC CountriesSouth AfricaRest of MEALatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaAbout 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:
Craft Beer Market is Anticipated to Increase to US$ 20,000 Mn by 2022

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The global market for craft beer is highly fragmented in nature, with higher presence of a number of local microbreweries, and regional craft breweries, especially across developed regions such as Europe. Craft beer industry is one of the oldest industry around the world. Major craft beer establishments are independently-owned, as they fall under small-scale industry sector.Craft beer has been witnessed to acquire higher consumer attraction, being a traditionally-produced drink, which is why consumers are willing to spend more money for craft beer. Governments in Mexico, China, the U.K, New Zealand, Belgium, and Australia, among others, have been promoting the production of craft beer, incorporating new breweries. This initiative is further expected to contribute to the beverage industrys economic development and employment generation. The global craft beer market comprises several small-sized players, with expansion and consolidation activities increasing among some large brewers in the market.The global craft beer market will register a moderate CAGR over the forecast period (2017-2022). Revenues from the market are expected to reach nearly US$ 20,000 Mn by 2022-end. Sales of craft beer has been predicted to showcase a stagnant expansion, however demand from people is anticipated to witness a significant rise in the next couple of years. Vendors of craft beer have been concentrating on differentiation of their products & services, with unique as well as clear value propositions. The aforementioned factors might influence growth of the market during the forecast period.Request For Sample Report @10 Key Estimations for Future of Global Craft Beer MarketEurope will retain its dominance in the global craft beer market during 2017 to 2022. American beer have been successfully penetrating into the European market, with increasing demand for rare, innovative, and exotic flavors. Craft beer in Europe is expected gain a competitive edge over other alcoholic products available in the region. These factors will drive the market growth in Europe.Craft beer sales in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) will register the fastest expansion as compared to all the other regional segments detailed in Fact.MRs report.Based on fermenting style, American sour craft beer will remain dominant in the market, accounting for approximately one-third revenue share of the market over the forecast period.Belgian Gueuze will continue to be the second largest fermenting style segment in the global craft beer market.Based on distribution channel, Craft beer sales in independent regional craft brewing company, and contract brewing company will exhibit a parallel expansion through 2022.Check Discount @Microbreweries will continue to be the most lucrative distribution channel in the global craft beer market.Bocks are estimated to remain the fastest-selling product in the global craft beer market.Brown ales will continue to be the most-lucrative craft beer, with sales poised to exceed revenues worth US$ 4,000 Mn by the end of the forecast period.Sales of pale ales will register a relatively lower CAGR than that of bocks, and comparatively higher CAGR than that of brown ales through 2022.Fact.MRs report identified key players in the global craft beer market, which include North American Breweries Inc., SweetWater Brewing Company, LLC, Bells brewery Inc., Duvel Moortgat NV, Heineken Holding N.V., Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Stone Brewing Co., D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., and The Boston Beer Company, Inc.Click to View Complete Report @About UsFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MROffice: Dublin 2Suite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTel: +353-1-6111-593( Dublin 2 )Email: sales@factmr.comWeb:
Ethylene Dichloride Market Research Study for Forecast Period (2015 - 2025)

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The chemical compound 1,2-dichloroethane is commonly known as ethylene dichloride (EDC). EDC is mainly used to manufacture vinyl chloride monomer. It is also a major precursor to manufacture polyvinyl chloride (PVC). EDC is a colorless liquid which has an odour similar to that of chloroform. EDC is widely used as an intermediate for manufacturing various other solvents as well as other organic chemical compound.Majority of the ethylene dichloride manufactured is consumed in the production of vinyl chloride monomer. The vinyl chloride monomer is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Thus, the growing PVC market is expected to boost the growth of the overall market of ethylene dichloride. EDC is widely used to manufacture PVC that has end uses in pipe, windows, fittings, roof tiles, fencing and automobile parts. Most of the end-user applications are in the construction industry. Thus, the growing construction industry is expected to boost the overall growth of the EDC market. Changing lifestyle and growing purchasing power in Asia Pacific has led to an increase in the demand for larger living space which in turn has boosted the growth of the overall construction industry.Request Report Sample@EDC is an essential chemical used in the construction industry. New resin grades are being developed using ethylene dichloride which in turn is expected to augment the growth of the market. EDC is also widely used to manufacture a wide range of chlorinated solvents such as vinylidene chloride, ethylene amines, trichloroethane and trichloroethylene among others. EDC is also widely used as solvents in textile, metal cleaning and adhesive industries. However, various stringent environment regulations regarding the solvent emissions is expected to hamper the growth of ethylene dichloride market.Visit For TOC@Some of the companys manufacturing ethylene dichloride includes Gendorf, Dow Chemicals, Henan Furuidi Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., PT Asahimas Chemical and Horizon Chemical Industry Co. Ltd. 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:
Latin America Wind Turbine Market Report  Actionable Insights and Recommendation

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Wind energy is the power extracted from wind using wind turbines. A wind turbine is a device that transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. Wind energy is a renewable form of energy that is available in ample quantity and extensively. It is an alternative to fossil fuels which are depleting in quantity. Wind energy is the cleanest resource; it has neither toxic gas emissions nor greenhouse gas emissions. Wind turbines are connected to the network of electricity transmission. The onshore and offshore wind that is trapped is an inexpensive, competitive and significant source of energy. Wind energy contributed to 4% of the total global electricity usage in 2013.The application of wind turbines is primarily in wind mills that are used to generate electricity. These wind turbines in wind mills can be used to avail off-grid electricity in the remote regions. It has been known to empower rural electrification initiatives. Three fourths of the small wind turbines are present in the remote regions of the world and are the only sources of energy. For instance, wind power systems are fuelling the telecommunication towers in the secluded places between Argentina and Chile. Another application of wind turbines is associated with the hybrids of wind and solar power generation devices. Wind and solar sources complement each other in changing climatic conditions. Wind turbines have vital applications in off-grid, low-power systems in which the storage of batteries is avoided. Wind turbines also have application in cathodic protection pipes in which its electric charge neutralizes the galvanic corrosion of pipes laid in reactive soils. Wind turbines are used to charge electric fences, yacht and boat batteries efficiently. Wind turbines have been used to pump water for decades, and they remain a significant application in both developed and developing economies. The end use industries of wind turbines can be broadly classified into industrial, commercial and residential. The industrial use can be further divided into power generation, agriculture, industrial automation, engineering and telecommunication. Despite being commercially niche market at present, wind turbines are expected to expand due to increasing government subsidies and incentive programmes on the use of wind energy.Request For Report Sample@The global wind industry produced about 37,000 MW in 2013. Latin America, in particular, has provided the industry with an essential substitute growth market for wind power. In 2013, Latin America alone representedapproximately 45% of the installed capacity of North and South America combined. It was largely driven by the wind markets of Brazil and Mexico which can be regarded as the dual pillars of the Latin American market. The average price of wind energy contracts in Brazil is US$ 50/MWh and gives wind energy an edge over conventional fossil fuels there. This is a major driver for the wind turbine market in Brazil. The wind power in Mexico provides power to over 65,000 households and exports it to US. Food and beverage company, Nestle, had invested US$ 60.7 million in wind energy in Mexico, and employed wind energy for its 85% electricity requirement. The cumulative wind capacity in Mexico reached 1988 MW by the end of 2013 indicating a 31.4% growth rate. The installed capacity in 2013 was 76 MW in Argentina, 200 MW in Chile, 30 MW in Peru, 11 MW in Uruguay, and149 MW in Venezuela.Strong wind resources, and rising electricity prices and energy demand are driving the demand for renewable energy higher. The Latin American industrial policies are effective as they have tailored depreciation tax policies which enable industries to actively partner with wind energy generators for their energy usage. Also, wind plants do not need to be in the vicinity of the end user and just need a connection to the Latin American power grids. Feed-in electricity tariffs have been introduced to motivate the use of renewable energy such as wind energy, solar energy, hydropower, thermal energy and biomass energy. This encourages investment in renewable energy as the government makes provisions for higher retail rates for electricity for the producers of new energy technologies.Consistently declining monopoly in the Latin American electricity sector had paved way for wind turbine manufacturers. The current wind turbine market is competitive. Gamesa is the leading turbine supplier in Mexico and holds 73.5% of the market. It is followed by Vestas with 22% of the market contribution. GE is also a major turbine manufacturer with 4.5% market share in Mexico. Besides, the collapse of the Spain-based OEMs (Other Equipment Manufacturers) wind market has compelled companies to expand their business in Latin America.Visit For TOC@By 2015, Latin America is expected to have 3 GW of installed wind capacity annually, surging up to 4.3 GW by 2022. The manufacturers have to meet certain mandates on wind turbine components and their materials. It is a challenge for most OEMs to deliver high quality wind turbines while still ensuring an economical Latin American wind market.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:
Informed Shopping Market 2017- Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2017

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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Informed Shopping - Meeting the needs of informed and critical consumers."Informed Shopping, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, and Key Country Analysis to 2021" offer comprehensive information and understanding of the global Informed Shopping market. The report analysis the current trend and future potential of Informed Shopping market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa (EMEA)) and key countries (the US, Canada, Brazil, India, China, Australia, Germany, France, South Africa, and the UK) level.The report covers, an insight into the market in terms of value and volume for the historic period 2011-2016 and forecast period 2017-2021, drivers and restraints, key projects and competitive landscape for respective countries. The report is written using data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, and in-house analysis by team of industry experts.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Information coming from online reviews, social media, and other online sources combined with the accessibility of information on mobile devices is reshaping consumer shopping habits.- 79% of consumers check prices online before making a purchase.- 56% of consumers use price comparison websites to compare different prices at supermarkets.- 55% of consumers are more likely to trust blogger/user reviews over brand claims.- 45% of consumers are willing to boycott a brand whose values do not reflect their own.Key points to buy- Understand which audiences are most affected by the Informed Shopping trend.- Compare the presence of this trend in each industry across the FMCG space, and learn what the key opportunities are.- See the steps that major brands are taking to meet the needs of informed shoppers.Table of ContentsTrend SnapshotWhat is Informed Shopping?Why is Informed Shopping important?Who is driving Informed Shopping?How can Informed Shopping be capitalized on?What is next in Informed Shopping?AppendixFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra
Zika Vaccines Market - Global Industry Insights and forecast till 2025

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Zika Vaccines Market Overview:Zika vaccines are developed for immunization & prevention against diseases caused by Zika virus. This virus belongs to genus Flavivirus and is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, sexual contact or from infected pregnant women to the fetus. Diagnosis of this infection is confirmed by detecting viral DNA through PCR. However, only 1 in 4 people with zika infection are prone to develop symptoms. In November 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that zika infection no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) as major cases of zika virus were asymptomatic.In April 2015, a major ongoing outbreak of Zika virus was registered in Brazil, which later affected the population in South and Central America. This outbreak caused mild illness (fever, rashes, joint pains, conjunctivitis, nausea, and muscle pain), though the recent outbreaks showed severe complications such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and various congenital neurological abnormalities in infants who were born to infected mothers. The link between zika virus and microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome was identified and reported in 2015 in Brazil.Request for sample of this report :According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70 new zika virus infection cases were reported in the U.S. in 2015, which increased to 41,181 cases in 2016. Lack of reporting is a major factor for lower incidence rate in 2015. Increase in awareness can result in more diagnosis and reporting thus generating growth of the global zika vaccines market.Researchers at the Queensland University of Technology found that the extract of San Francisco plant (Codiaeum variegatum) found in Australia, can kill the zika virus. This extract can arrest the virus and stop it from replicating without causing any damage to the host cells.Zika Vaccines Market Taxonomy:There are different types of vaccines that provide protection against Zika virus:DNA-based vaccinesInactivated vaccinesLive-attenuated vaccinesmRNA vaccinesGenetically engineered vaccinesGlobal market by application:Therapeutic VaccinesPreventive VaccinesGlobal market by end user:HospitalsClinicsContinuous increase in human clinical trials and rise in number of zika cases will drive the growth of Zika vaccines marketAs of March 2016, 67 companies and research institutions were working on various kinds of R&D projects and clinical trials aided to develop effective vaccines against zika virus. The FDA approved the first human clinical trial for GLS5700 in June 2016, a zika vaccine being developed by Inovio Pharmaceuticals. Further in 2017, a grant was approved for phase 2 clinical trials for a DNA vaccine conducted by NIAIDs Vaccine Research Center (VRC).Increasing awareness among the population would aid in controlling the incidence rate of zika infection. The WHO implemented a global framework for creating public awareness through its Zika Strategic Response Framework and Joint Plan in February 2016. This plan outlines all the points to be taken care of at the time of infections. In June 2016, WHO Regional Office for Europe developed a training curriculum to increase awareness by the publication of Zika Risk Assessment for European Region.High investment costs required for R&D and the development of effective zika virus vaccines serves as a restraining factor for the global zika vaccines market.While major of the Zika virus cases occur in tropical regions such as Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Colombia and Suriname, there are higher chances of mosquito infections in tropical areas of the U.S. like Texas and Florida. According to Pan American Health Organization, around 1,246 suspected and confirmed cases were reported between epidemiological week (EW) 10 and EW 14 of 2016 in the sub region which involves Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Ecuador.Get discount on this report :Competitive LandscapeSome key players operating in the zika vaccines market are Cerus Corporation, Biken Inc, GlaxoSmithKline plc, Bharat Biotech International Pvt. Ltd, GeneOne Life Science, Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Immunovaccine Inc., NewLink Genetics Corp. and Sanofi S.A. The companies launched various R&D measures and clinical trials to attain immunogenicity against zika virus. In February 2016, Sanofi S.A launched a vaccine research and development project, with the introduction of Dengvaxia (Dengue vaccine) that will aid the company understand the Zika virus and develop an effective vaccine against it. Likewise, Inovio Pharmaceuticals initiated a clinical study of zika vaccine (GLS-5700) in Puerto Rico in August 2016. This trial may provide a potential push to Inovios vaccine if positive results are reported as there was a rapid progression of zika outbreak in Puerto Rico at that time. This could benefit the trial in assessing true efficacy and safety of the vaccine. Rapid progression in clinical trials and approval would augment the zika vaccines market growth.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunityContact Us:Mr.ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +12067016702E-mail:sales@coherentmarketinsights.com
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Global and United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine Market Report 2017-2022, Status & Forecast by Players, Types, Applications

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "2017-2022 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications" to its huge collection of research reports.The report explains particular bits of knowledge and data identified with the Global and United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine market. The key purpose of the report is to detail out certain positive and supporting factors for the market with the objective that potential examiners have an average view about it. Particular studied information have been said to give a total thought of the market to the clients of the report. The market research publication additionally incorporates highlights, for example, prospects, requirements, and drivers for measuring the aftereffect of them accessible both the nearby and Global and United States level. The examination furthermore passes on a fundamental points of interest of the market being alluded to, which contains different features of the basic perspectives which are anticipated to trigger progression in the market or reason that will have a negative effect.This report goes into extra significance of the Global and United States market for Cellular Machine-to-Machine by definitely guiding the financial factors and business shackle of the respective business sector. This is foreseen to go about as a supplementary piece of information in order to look for correct measurements and information on a few perspectives for the market, for example, information relating to traditions of the governing body in the range and Global and United States level, advancement and course structure, current utmost, volume traded, and compensation made among others.Get A PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The major players in global and United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine market, including AT&T Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Gemalto, Intel, Texas Instruments, China Mobile Ltd., Deutsche Telekom Ag, Sierra Wireless, Sprint Corporation, Telefonica, S.A , Telit Communications, Verizon Communication Inc., Vodafone Group PLC., Jasper Technologies Inc., Kore Wireless Group.The investigation report is insufficient without a careful estimation of the aggressive scene of the Global and United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine market, which contains the realities and estimations, accomplishments and improvements of the product in the Global and United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine market. For each broaden, the report conveys the assortment of improvement as of not long ago and consent on what suppliers can finish over the coming years.Table of Contents1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source2.1.1 Secondary Sources2.1.2 Primary Sources1.3 DisclaimerComplete report with detailed table of content is available at:2 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Market Overview2.1 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Product Overview2.2 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Market Segment by Type2.3 Global Cellular Machine-to-Machine Product Segment by Type2.4 United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine Product Segment by Type3 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Application/End Users3.1 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Segment by Application/End Users3.2 Global Cellular Machine-to-Machine Product Segment by Application3.3 United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine Product Segment by Application4 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Market Status and Outlook by Regions5 Global Cellular Machine-to-Machine Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers6 United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers7 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Players/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales Data7.1 AT&T Inc.7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.1.2 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.3 AT&T Inc. Cellular Machine-to-Machine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Cisco Systems Inc.7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.2.2 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.3 Cisco Systems Inc. Cellular Machine-to-Machine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Gemalto7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.3.2 Cellular Machine-to-Machine Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.3 Gemalto Cellular Machine-to-Machine Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewEnquiry For Discount Visit @List of Tables and FiguresTable Research Programs/Design for This ReportFigure Bottom-up and Top-down Approaches for This ReportFigure Global Cellular Machine-to-Machine Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure United States Cellular Machine-to-Machine Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Second-Generation (2G) Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global Third-Generation (3G) Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Product Picture of Fourth-Generation (4G)/Long-Term Evolution (LTE)Table Major Players of Fourth-Generation (4G)/Long-Term Evolution (LTE)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 US:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.comBlog  qyresearch-group.blogspot.in
Unequivocal Analysis on Sepsis Diagnostics Market: Valuation USD 710 Million, at CAGR of 8% by 2022

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Market Research Future published a research report on Sepsis Diagnostics Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 2022  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2022.Global Sepsis Diagnostics Market Information, By Technology (Molecular Diagnostics, Biomarkers, Immunoassays and others), By Type of Product (Kits, Instruments, Blood Culture Media and others), By End Users (Pathology Laboratories, Specialty Clinics, Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers and others)- Forecast Till 2022Sepsis is a type of life-threatening organ dysfunction arises when the body's response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. It can be caused due to weakened immune system, chronic illness, kidney or liver disease, cancer and severe wounds. It can be of two types severe sepsis when theres organ failure and other is septic shock in which there are the symptoms of severe sepsis includes a low blood pressure. The hospital-acquired infections and rising prevalence of sepsis has led to a growing need for its early diagnosis, which is one of the driving factor for sepsis diagnostics market.Get a Copy of Sample Report @The global market for sepsis diagnostics is expected to reach USD 710 Million by the end of the forecasted period and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8%.Key Players for Global Sepsis Diagnostics Market: bioMerieux, Inc. (US), EKF Diagnostics (UK), Immunexpress (US), T2 Biosystems, Inc. (US), Becton, Dickinson and Company (US), Axis-Shield Diagnostics Ltd. (Scotland), Cube Dx GmbH (Austria), Sandstone Diagnostics, Inc. (US) and others.Study Objectives of Global Sepsis Diagnostics Market: To provide detail analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 7 years of various segments and sub-segments of the global sepsis diagnostics market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the market based on various factors which includes price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters Five Force Analysis etc. To offer past as well as estimated future revenue of the markets segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries; these includes Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and estimated future growth of the market. To give country level analysis of the markets segments which includes by technology, by type of product, by end users and other sub segments. To provide overview about key players and their strategic profiling in the market; comprehensively analyzing their core competencies and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, along with research and developments that is taking place globally.Access Report Details @Segments:Global sepsis diagnostics market has been segmented on the basis of technology which comprises molecular diagnostics, biomarkers, immunoassays and others. On the basis of type of product product types; the market is segmented into kits, instruments, blood culture media and others. On the basis of end users the market is segmented into pathology laboratories, specialty clinics, hospitals, diagnostic centers and others.Regional Analysis of Global Sepsis Diagnostics Market:Globally North America is the largest market for medical tourism. The North American market for sepsis diagnostics is expected to reach USD 320 million by the end of the forecasted period.Europe is the second largest market for sepsis diagnostics which is expected to grow at the CAGR of 6.8%. Asia Pacific is expected to be fastest growing region in sepsis diagnostics market.The report of global sepsis diagnostics market by Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with detail analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts and key opinion leaders to gain a deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives a clear picture of the current market scenario which includes past and projected future market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. Along with all these detail information and strategies about top key players in the industry is also given. Further a broad study of different markets segments and regions is also provided.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Sepsis Diagnostics Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 2022 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
Medical Device Packaging Market: Strong Development USD 30 Billion at CAGR of 6% by 2022

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Market Research Future published a research report on Global Medical Device Packaging Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2022.Global Medical Device Packaging Information by Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard and others), by Product (Pouches, Trays, Bags, Clamshell Packs and others), and Region - Forecast to 2022The key drivers for the growth of the medical device packaging market are the growing healthcare industry. There is an increased demand for such packaging by the medical device manufacturers on a large scale. The packaging industry on the other hand are seen investing heavily on various technological advancements. On the basis of product type, Pouches contributes the largest to the market, majorly due to its cost-effectiveness and infection resistant specification. Cost sensitiveness and declining healthcare costs are hampering the growth of the global medical device packaging market. North-America contributes largely to overall market share. The global medical device packaging market size is expected to cross USD 30 Billion at CAGR of approximately 6% by 2022.Get a Copy of Sample Copy@Key Players Amcor Limited, Bemis Company Inc, Chesapeake Limited, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Klockner Pentaplast Group, 3M Company, WestRock Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, and Oliver-Tolas.Study Objectives of Global Medical Device Packaging Market To give point by point examination of the market structure alongside estimate for the following 10 years of different portions and sub-sections of the Global Medical Device Packaging Market To give experiences about components influencing the market development To Analyze the Global Medical Device Packaging Market in view of different components value investigation, inventory network examination, doormen five compel examination and so on. To give authentic and gauge income of the market portions and sub-fragments as for four primary geologies and their nations North America, Europe, APAC, and Rest of the World (ROW) To give nation level examination of the market as for the present market size and future forthcoming To give nation level examination of the market for section by Material, Type and by Region. To give vital profiling of the key players in the market, thoroughly dissecting their center skills, and drawing a focused scene for the market To track and investigate aggressive advancements, for example, joint endeavors, vital unions, mergers and acquisitions, new item improvements, and research and advancements in the Global Medical Device Packaging MarketBrowse Full Report Details @Regional Analysis of Global Medical Device Packaging MarketAsian countries, especially India, China are expected to grow fastest over the forecasted period due to expansion of the healthcare industry and stricter government and non-governmentRegulations to support healthcare sector. However, North America dominates the market due to advancements of medical technology and infrastructure.Target Audience Manufactures Raw Materials Suppliers Aftermarket supplier Research Institute / Education Institute Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerProduct 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 companiesThe report for Global Medical Device Packaging 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 Medical Device Packaging Market Research Report - Forecast to 2022 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
Automotive Gear Market: Massive Expansion USD 28.40 Billion in 2015, at a CAGR of 6.4% by 2023

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Market Research Future published a research report on Global Automotive Gear Market Research Report - Forecast to 2023  Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Global Automotive Gear Market, By material (metallic and plastic) By product type (Planetary, Bevel, Helical, Non-Metallic and other), By vehicle type (Passenger vehicle, Commercial vehicle) and Region - Forecast 2016-2023.The high demand for automotive gears is due to the growth in the automotive industry. An automotive gear helps give an automobile, a smooth start to and allows the outer wheel to rotate faster than the inner wheel for safer turns. Smooth gear shifting enhances the driving experience as well as the growing demand for low-carbon-footprint technologies fuels the growth of the global automotive gears market. Moreover, rising disposable incomes and vehicle-ownership boosts the market growth. Lightweight and highly durable aluminum and composite gears are estimated to gain higher popularity during the forecast period. Focus towards high-quality products & the changing lifestyle of consumers and increasing spending power, enhance the growth of the gear market for automotive sector.However, the high cost of advanced gear system than the conventional gear system acts as a barrier for the growth of automotive gear market.Global Automotive gear market was valued at USD 28.40 Billion in 2015 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players: Eaton, Linamar Corporation, NSK Ltd, Bharat Gears Ltd, Neapco Inc, Mitsubishi Group, Dana Holding Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, ZF TRW and GKN plc.Study Objectives of Automotive Gear markets Market. To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the automotive gear market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the automotive gear markets market based on tools such as Porters Five Forces Analysis. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies, North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW) and their countries. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by material, product type, vehicle type and sub-segments. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the automotive gear market.Browse Report Details @Regional Analysis:Asia-Pacific market is dominating the market of automotive gear market due to growth in automotive sector. Development of automotive manufacturing industries in developing economies such as China and India are driving the market for automotive gears. The market in the developing countries is largely driven by economic growth and ongoing industrialization, which helps in production of motor vehicles and other manufacturing output.North America is referred to as the second-largest automotive gears market due to factors such as large customer base and high disposable income of end-users have fueled the demand for vehicles in the country.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 companiesThe report for Global Automotive Gear 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 Automotive Gear Market Research Report - Forecast to 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 Radio Frequency Components (RFC) Market 2017 : Murata Manufacturing, Triquint Semiconductors, AVAGO Technologies

Radio Frequency Components (RFC)

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Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) Market Research Report 2017-2022A market research based on the "Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) Market" across the globe, recently added to the archive of Market Research Explore, is titled Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) Market 2017. The research report analyzes the ancient as well as present performance of the global Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market, and makes predictions on the future status of Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Major Manufacturers Analysis of Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) are :Skyworks Inc. (U.S.)Murata Manufacturing (Japan)Triquint Semiconductors (U.S.)AVAGO Technologies (U.S.)RDA Microelectronics (China)RF Micro devices (U.S.)The report studies the market for Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market & dynamics of demand and supply of Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) into consideration. The 'Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC)' research study covers each and every aspect of the Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market globally, which starts from the definition of the Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market and develops towards Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market. The geographical segmentation of the Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market has also been covered at length in this report.On the basis of product, the Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market is primarily split intoSiliconSilicon GermaniumGallium ArsenideIndium PhosphideGallium NitrideOn the basis of the end users/applications, this Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market report coversCellular PhonesTabletsE-ReadersGPS DevicesLaptopsSmart TVsOthersThe competitive landscape of the global market for Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) is determined by evaluating the various market playors, production capacity, Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market worldwide.Do Enquiry Before Purchase :The global Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) production volume, data regarding demand and Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various meticulous tools such as investment returns, usefulness, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the market for Global Radio Frequency Components (RFC) across the globe.About Us :Market Release provides a range of marketing and business research solutions designed for our clients specific needs based on our expert resources. The business scopes of Market Release cover more than 30 industries including energy, new materials, transportation, daily consumer goods, chemicals, etc. We provide our clients with one-stop solution for all the research requirements.Contact Us :Enid SteelUnited States
Specialty Medical Chairs Market | Evolving Technology, Trends and industry Analysis  2023

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The emerging economies are on the cusp of revolutionizing their healthcare facilities, which is likely to create a positive impact on The Specialty Medical Chairs Market as well, observes Transparency Market Research. Companies must invest in Brazil, China, India, and countries of Latin America and Asia to reap benefits of the economic upheaval, says the lead author of this research report. Presently, the analysts have identified Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, ACTIVEAID, Inc., DentalEZ, and A-dec, Inc., amongst others, as the leading players in the global specialty medical chairs market.Key players will also strive to expand their distribution network by striking strategic alliances with large multispecialty clinics, private clinics, and distributors. Broadening distribution networks will help companies to expand their geographical presence, thereby creating a foundation for higher sales in international markets in the near future.View Report-Customization Options Prompt Medical Facilities to Invest in Specialty Medical ChairsCustomization of chairs to serve the unique needs of patients and medical practitioners has propelled the global specialty medical chairs market. Several players are designing chairs to cater to the clinical needs of the patients such as pregnancy, obesity, cardiac issues, and others. Furthermore, the introduction of specialty medical chairs with newer technologies and better comfort is also propelling this market.The market is also witnessing an upbeat momentum due to the consistent rise in the geriatric population as they are far more susceptible to a range of chronic diseases and other physical disabilities in comparison to the younger population. The World Health Organization explains that the geriatric population will reach 1.5 billion by 2050 from 524 million in 2010, thus giving the market a big boost. Investments across emerging economies of the world to upgrade medical infrastructure is also expected to create several growth opportunities for the global specialty medical chairs market.Request to download brochure and view full ToC -High Cost of Modern Specialty Medical Chairs Retains MarketUnfortunately, the market will be stymied by the exponential cost of the modern specialty medical chairs. Thus the reluctance of medical facilities and governing boards to invest in top-of-the-line chairs is expected to restrain the market. Furthermore, the growing trend of refurbishing old medical chairs is also hampering the growth of the market.High Density of Medical Clinics in North America to Help GrowthAccording to the research report, the opportunity in the global specialty medical chairs market is expected to reach US$6.75 bn by 2023 as compared to US$3.80 bn in 2014, expanding at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2015 to 2023. The global market will be led by the rehabilitation chairs product segment as it will progress at a CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period.Geographically, North America will hold the largest share in the market as the region will continue to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2015 and 2023. A strong presence of ENT, dental, ophthalmic clinics in the region will be the primary growth driver for specialty medical chairs market in North America.Request to view Sample Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Diagnostic Electrodes 2017 Global Market Outlook,Research,Trends and Forecast to 2021

Diagnostic Electrodes Market

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Diagnostic Electrodes 2017 Global Market Outlook,Research,Trends and Forecast to 2021.The analysts forecast the global diagnostic electrodes market to grow at a CAGR of 12.39% during the period 2017-2021.Electrodes are electrical conductors that can pass energy signals from a power source to a device or a material. Electrodes are made from metals such as zinc, manganese oxide, copper, silver, cadmium, nickel, and others. Electrodes are electrochemical cells that are either called anode or cathode. In an anode, the electron leaves the cell and oxidation occurs. In a cathode, the electrons enter the cell and reduction occurs. In healthcare, electrodes assist in the diagnosis and treatment of several chronic diseases.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global diagnostic electrodes market for 2017-2021. The report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEAThe report, Global Diagnostic Electrodes Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors 3M Ambu MedtronicOther prominent vendors BD Graphic Controls Leonhard Lang Natus Medical QRS Diagnostic Rocket MedicalMarket driver Preference for disposable electrodes For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Pricing pressure For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Development of dry electrodes For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space?Complete Report Details @Table Of Contents  Major Key PointsPART 01: Executive summaryPART 02: Scope of the reportPART 03: Research MethodologyPART 04: Introduction Market outlinePART 05: Market landscape Market overview Market size and forecast Five forces analysisPART 06: Market segmentation by product ECG diagnostic electrodes EMG diagnostic electrodes EEG diagnostic electrodes Neonatal and fetal scalp diagnostic electrodes ENG diagnostic electrodes Other diagnostic electrodesPART 07: Market segmentation by end-user Market overview Hospitals and clinics ASCsPART 08: Geographical segmentation Overview Americas EMEA APACPART 09: Decision frameworkPART 10: Drivers and challenges Market drivers Market challengesPART 11: Market trends Development of dry electrodes Increase in R&DContinue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comBuy 1-User PDF@ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.
Telemedicine Technologies and Services Market to have Good Business Opportunities in the Coming Years

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Telemedicine has shown a greater degree of adaptability in accordance with sectors such as communication and information. This has provided health care practitioners and patients with a wide array of services. Presently, telemedicine is routinely used in daily medical practices by professionals. Hospitals find telemedicine services to be increasingly profitable, as the reach of the services has improved significantly over the years due to the advent of tele-support. The global telemedicine technologies and services market is predominantly driven by increase in the global geriatric population, advances in mobile penetration, connectivity, and ICT services, and burden on existing hospital care due to growing health care demands. According to the World Health Organization, the global geriatric population was around 524 million in 2010 and is likely to reach 1.5 billion by 2050.In terms of component, the market has been segmented into hardware, software, and services. The telemedicine services segment is gaining popularity globally due to its ability to provide high definition and quality medical services in remote areas. People in developing nations cannot afford technologically advanced products due to financial crisis and low disposable income. Hence, they opt for cost-effective and consistent telemedicine services. The services segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023. The hardware segment has been categorized into videoconferencing unit, imaging unit, vital signs unit, ECG, and others. The telemedicine software segment has been categorized into integrated and standalone software. Likewise, the telemedicine services market has been segmented into interactive, store and transfer, and chronic care.Browse Our Report @Telehospital/teleclinic and telehome form the major end-user segments of the global telemedicine technologies and services market. The telehospital segment accounted for the largest share of the telemedicine technologies and services market in 2014. Telehome has witnessed significant acceptance among patients. Hence, the segment is likely to expand at the highest rate in the next few years.North America accounted for the largest share of 53.3% of the telemedicine technologies and services market in terms of revenue in 2014. It is expected to retain its leadership position until 2023 primarily due to established medical, health care, and communications infrastructure. Additionally, growing number of installations of telemedicine solutions in various clinics/hospitals and presence of a large number of suppliers and service providers in North America have paved the way for easy penetration and accessibility of health care services. Furthermore, rapid development and adoption of telecommunication technologies, government support in establishing a setup involving usage of new medical technologies for the benefit of people, and favorable reimbursement policies boost market growth in the region. Countries in Western Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and others) offer lucrative opportunities in the field of telemedicine, majorly due to increasing implementation of technologically advanced PACS and rising government initiatives toward development of well-equipped health care centers.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @The telemedicine technologies and services market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at an impressive CAGR from 2015 to 2023. This region represents vast geographical area and large patient population coupled with high presence of disparities in health care access and delivery between the rural and the urban areas. Major drivers of telemedicine in this region include the presence of a large patient population suffering from various types of communicable, non-communicable, and lifestyle diseases such as skin disorders, obesity, neurological disorders, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.The global telemedicine technologies and services market is characterized by the presence of major companies such as Aerotel Medical Systems Ltd., AMD Global Telemedicine, Inc., General Electric Company, Honeywell International, Inc. and LifeWatch AG.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:
Healthcare IT Outsourcing Market to have Good Business Opportunities in the Coming Years

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The global healthcare IT outsourcing market has registered a significant rise over the last decade. The cost-efficiency these outsourcing solutions offer to healthcare providers, as well as payers, has increased their adoption across the world in the recent times. The growing need for an enhanced level of IT convergence with reduced costs, improved productivity, and a higher level of patient satisfaction is likely to drive their demand substantially over the coming years.In 2014, the markets opportunity was worth US$34 bn, which is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.70% between 2015 and 2023 and reach an estimation of US$61.2 bn by the end of the forecast period.Browse Our Report @Healthcare administration, IT infrastructure management, and care management are the three main application areas of healthcare IT outsourcing. In 2014, these services were mostly utilized in administration, which held a share of nearly 37% in their overall application.The immense growth of the patient pool and the rising investments in healthcare infrastructure across the world resulted in the increased number of healthcare administrative processes, such as billing, asset management, operations management, and healthcare data management for both healthcare providers and payers, boosting the application these services in healthcare administration. Analysts expect a continuous growth in this trend over the next few years, ensuring the dominance of this segment.In terms of revenue, healthcare administration contributed US$12.5 bn in 2014, which is projected to rise up to US$21.5 bn by the end of the forecast period. Apart from this, the demand for healthcare IT outsourcing is also expected to experience robust growth in the care management segment in the coming years.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East and Africa are the key regional markets for healthcare IT outsourcing across the world. In 2014, North America led the global market with a share of over 40%. The rise in the initiatives and mandates by governments to make quality healthcare available for people at much lower rates, such as the U.S. Affordable Care Act-2010, has increased the adoption of healthcare IT outsourcing by healthcare providers in this region.The opportunity in the North America healthcare IT outsourcing market stood at US$13.4 bn in 2014. Expanding at a CAGR of 5.10% during the period from 2015 to 2023, it is likely to worth US$21.2 bn by the end of 2023. Although North America will remain the biggest adopter of this service in the coming years, Asia Pacific is projected to register the fastest rise at a CAGR of 10.50% during the forecast period. The unmet medical needs in developing countries of Asia Pacific is anticipated to provide potential growth opportunities to market players over the next few years.IBM Corp., Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Wipro Ltd., Cognizant Technology Solutions, and Accenture Plc lead this market. Other prominent healthcare IT outsourcing solution providers are L&T Infotech, HCL Technologies Ltd., McKesson Corp., Infosys Ltd., and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc.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:
Card Printing Ribbon Market to be backed by its Growing Applications in the Coming Years

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ew security laws are mandating the use of identity cards in workplaces and educational campuses, which has led to a significant increase in card printing requirements. In recent years, the demand for more efficient card printing technologies has surged owing to the growing importance of cards. From making cashless payments to security access, cards find a wide range of application in the modern world. This, in turn, is prompting manufacturers to further enhance card printing machines and their central components. Cards are incorporated in modernized operations of government, enterprise and corporation outfits, thereby, widening the usage of card printing ribbons.Factors as such are expected to support the growth of the global card printing ribbon market in the forthcoming years. Rapid adoption of cards in identification and security purpose management in healthcare and government organizations is also making a positive impact on the global sales of card printing ribbon. Moreover, card printing ribbons have become more cost-efficient and reliable owing to the constant improvements in the printing technology. The latest card printing ribbons offer high speed printing with optimum accuracy. As per the latest report published by Transparency Market Research, the global card printing ribbon market is set to reach a valuation in excess of US$ 830 Mn by 2022-end, expanding at a healthy CAGR between 2017 and 2022.Card printer ribbons are consumable used in printers that are used for the printing of plastic cards either in full color format or in mono-color. Ensuring highly accurate image patterns and sharp text imprints is among the primary functionalities of the ribbon. With advancements in card printing technology, quality of card printing ribbons has also improved. The two commonly used ribbons types are monochrome print ribbon and full color print ribbon.Browse Our Report @Global card printing market is witnessing a steady growth due to increasing use of cards across domains. Moreover, technological advancements resulting in timely upgrades of card printing machines is projected to drive the demand for card printing ribbon over the next couple of years. Apart from this, increasing application of cards in sectors such as BFSI, healthcare and corporations is creating a substantial amount of card printing requirements.The report also offers the value chain analysis on the card printing ribbon market using porters five forces methodology. The card printing ribbon market estimates are results of in-depth primary interviews, secondary research and a thorough review by an in-house panel of experts. These market estimations have been validated by considering the impact of various judicial, political, social, economic and technological factors in accordance with the current market scenario. In order to provide up-to-date information about the latest developments in the global market for card printing ribbon, the report offers updates about growth opportunities for players operating in the market.Data center IT asset disposition market is segmented on the basis of product type and application sector. Based on product type the global market for card printing ribbon is categorized into full color print ribbons and monochrome print ribbons. Among these two product types, full color print ribbons is the leading product type and expected to supplement the growth of the market for card ribbon in the foreseeable future. On the basis of application sector, the global market for card printing ribbon is categorized into BFSI, government, corporate, retail & hospitality and other. Among these, the retail & hospitality segment is expected to remain highly attractive over the next couple of years.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @In terms of revenue, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) market is will dominate the global card printing ribbon market between 2017 and 2022. The regions card printing ribbon market is projected to exhibit a sound growth over the next couple of years. This is primarily owing to rapid adoption of cards across sectors in countries such as China and India.On the basis of product type, sales of full color print ribbons will remain relatively higher in 2017 and beyond. Currently, global sales of full color print ribbons represent close to 77% revenue share of the market. Towards the end of 2022, over US$ 600 Mn worth full color print ribbons are anticipated to be sold across the globe.Prominent market players profiled in Transparency Market Researchs report include Zebra Technologies Corporation, IdentiSys Inc., Entrust Datacard Corporation, HID Global Corporation, Evolis SA, NBS Technologies Inc., AlphaCard, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Unicard Systems Pty. Ltd., and Idp Corporation.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
KITCHENER, Ontario, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brick Brewing Co. Limited ("Brick" or the "Company") (TSX:BRB), Ontario's largest Canadian-owned brewery, today announced their third annual cross-promotion with Pizza Pizza, Canada's leading pizza chain. For a limited time, inside specially marked 24-pack bottle packs of Laker Light, customers will once again find a coupon for a free slice of pizza.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f6586beb-9acc-4e75-8589-9ad8cbc61310.

"Laker Light 24 bottle packs are only $30.95 including deposit. Thats on average, that's as much as a $6 savings over regular priced light beers," said Sean Dennis, Director of Marketing at Waterloo Brewing. "An awesome price plus a free slice of pizza really is the best beer deal in Ontario. Period. added Dennis.

"Were always thinking about how we can give back to our customers said Pat Finelli, Chief Marketing Officer for Pizza Pizza Limited. "Its fantastic when two Canadian companies share the same desire, and were excited to be a part of it once again.

The Laker Light Pizza Pizza Free Slice 24 bottle pack promotion is available at The Beer Store starting September 11, 2017 and only available while quantities last.

About Brick Brewing

Brick is Ontario's largest Canadian-owned brewery. The Company is a regional brewer of award-winning premium quality and value beers and is officially certified under the Global Food Safety Standard, one of the highest and most internationally recognized standards for safe food production. Founded in 1984, Brick Brewing Co. was the first craft brewery to start up in Ontario, and is credited with pioneering the present day craft brewing renaissance in Canada. Brick has complemented its Waterloo premium craft beers with the popular Laker brand. In 2011, Brick purchased the Canadian rights to Seagram Coolers and in 2015, secured the exclusive Canadian rights to both LandShark and Margaritaville. In addition, Brick utilizes its leading edge brewing, blending and packaging capabilities to provide an extensive array of contract manufacturing services in beer, coolers and ciders. Brick trades on the TSX under the symbol BRB. Visit us at www.brickbeer.com.

About Pizza Pizza Limited

For 50 years, Pizza Pizza Limited has been guided by a vision to provide the best food, made especially for you with a focus on quality ingredients, customer service, continuous innovation and community involvement. With more than 750 locations across Canada, the company is Canadas pizza pioneer and a quick-service restaurant leader, operating two banners  Pizza Pizza and Pizza 73  that deliver quality food choices, diverse menus and exciting promotions for all tastes, lifestyles and budgets. Visit www.pizzapizza.ca and www.pizza73.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute forward-looking statements as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "anticipate", "seek", "plan", "believe" or "continue" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which may cause actual performance and financial results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only at the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable securities laws, the Corporation does not undertake to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.
Drug Reconstitution at the Point-of-Care Market Market by Source, Manufacturing Process, Application, and Region - Global Forecast to 2019

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Today, a majority of newly approved drugs are being marketed in lyophilized form for reconstitution at the point of care as molecular complexity of these drugs does not allow their distribution in a liquid form. Earlier, reconstitution and mixing was quite difficult and used to involve multiple steps thats why drugs requiring reconstitution were used to administer in healthcare settings by medical professionals resulting into higher treatment costs. Continued development in healthcare has led to the inception of advanced technologies leading to reconstitution of the drugs by patients themselves requiring treatment for a variety of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, hemophilia and rheumatoid arthritis. A variety of medical devices used for reconstituting drug before administration are dual chamber syringes, dual chamber cartridges, direct connect to vial, vial adapters, vial to vial systems, closed system transfer device and needle less transfer devices. Some of the commercially available medical devices for drug reconstitution at the point of care are EZMix and Unifill Select marketed by an American company Unilife. Some of the key players operating in this market are Unilife, Sensile medical, Integrity Bio, Eli Lilly, Becton Dickinson, Alkermes, Bioject Medical technologies, Inc., Baxa Ltd. and Bespak Europe Ltd.Request Sample Copy of the Report @The global market for drug reconstitution at the point of care is driven by increasing demand of drugs requiring reconstitution, increasing pharmacological efficacy and advancements in technology leading to easy drug reconstitution such as Dual chambers in a single device has enabled the storage of drug powder and diluents separately without any interaction. SenseLyo, a drug reconstitution system marketed by Sensile Medical enables automated filling of various drug reservoir types and sizes. Growing number of new chemical entities being used as therapeutic agents also increases the demand for drug reconstitution devices rendering them stability at room temperature. Geographically, North America represents the largest market as biologic drugs are in great demand in these regions that requires drug reconstitution prior administration. Emerging countries are expected to show substantial growth in coming future along with the growing demand for biologics and increasing incidences of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.This research report analyzes this market depending on its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends. Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsThis report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porters five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.Reasons for Buying this ReportThis report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamicsIt provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growthIt provides a technological growth map over time to understand the industry growth rateIt provides a seven-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to growIt helps in understanding the key product segments and their futureIt provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitorsIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segmentsIt provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsRequest TOC of the Report @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:
Educational Software Global Market Key Players  Neusoft, Wisedu, Jucheng, Hongen, Kingosoft Analysis and Forecast to 2022

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SummaryEducational software is computer software, the primary purpose of which is teaching or self-learning. Educational software is the developmental and non-developmental software which are specifically used for education. It also reflects on the technical and also instructional design for developing the courseware or educational application.The global Educational Software market will reach Volume Million USD in 2017 with CAGR xx% 2018-2023. The objective of report is to define, segment, and project the market on the basis of product type, application, and region, and to describe the content about the factors influencing market dynamics, policy, economic, technology and market entry etc.Leading vendors in the market are included based on profile, business performance etc. Vendors mentioned as follows:NeusoftWiseduJuchengKingsunHongenGuangdong Dongtian Digital TechnologyZhengfang SoftwareKingosoftBeijing China Education Star TechnologyIntelHouse TechnologyRequest a Sample Report @Based on products type, the report describes major products type share of regional market. Products mentioned as follows:K-12 Educational SoftwareUniversity Education SoftwareAdult Education SoftwareElderly Education SoftwareBased on Application, the report describes major application share of regional market. Application mentioned as follows:Quality-oriented Education SoftwareExamination-oriented Education SoftwareBased on region, the report describes major regions market by products and application. Regions mentioned as follows:Asia-PacificNorth AmericaEuropeSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaAt any Query @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Objectives of Research1.1.1 Definition1.1.2 Specifications1.2 Market Segment1.2.1 by Type1.2.1.1 K-12 Educational Software1.2.1.2 University Education Software1.2.1.3 Adult Education Software1.2.1.4 Elderly Education Software1.2.2 by Application1.2.2.1 Quality-oriented Education Software1.2.2.2 Examination-oriented Education Software1.2.3 by Regions.6 Market Segmentation by Region6.1 Market Size6.1.1 Asia-Pacific6.1.1.1 Asia-Pacific Market, 2011-20166.1.1.2 Asia-Pacific Market by Type6.1.1.3 Asia-Pacific Market by Application6.1.2 North America6.1.2.1 North America Market, 2011-20166.1.2.2 North America Market by Type6.1.2.3 North America Market by Application6.1.3 Europe6.1.3.1 Europe Market, 2011-20166.1.3.2 Europe Market by Type6.1.3.3 Europe Market by Application6.1.4 South America6.1.4.1 South America Market, 2011-20166.1.4.2 South America Market by Type6.1.4.3 South America Market by Application6.1.5 Middle East & Africa6.1.5.1 Middle East & Africa Market, 2011-20166.1.5.2 Middle East & Africa Market by Type6.1.5.3 Middle East & Africa Market by Application6.2 Market Forecast6.2.1 Asia-Pacific Market Forecast, 2017-20226.2.2 North America Market Forecast, 2017-20226.2.3 Europe Market Forecast, 2017-20226.2.4 South America Market Forecast, 2017-20226.2.5 Middle East & Africa Market Forecast, 2017-2022.8 Major Vendors8.1 Neusoft8.1.2 Profile8.1.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.2 Wisedu8.2.1 Profile8.2.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.3 Jucheng8.3.1 Profile8.3.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.4 Kingsun8.4.1 Profile8.4.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.5 Hongen8.5.1 Profile8.5.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.6 Guangdong Dongtian Digital Technology8.6.1 Profile8.6.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.7 Zhengfang Software8.7.1 Profile8.7.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.8 Kingosoft8.8.1 Profile8.8.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.9 Beijing China Education Star Technology8.9.1 Profile8.9.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)8.10 IntelHouse Technology8.10.1 Profile8.10.2 Business Performance (Sales Revenue, Cost, Gross Margin)Buy Now @Continued....Contact Us: sales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US) ; Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Medical Sensors Market - Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2017-2025

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Medical sensors that measure the physical functions of the body and convert it into an electrical or optical signal. These devices play a major role in the monitoring of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases to measure the physical function and convert it into the electrical signal. Furthermore, chronically ill patients and geriatric population are the target area for sensor-based devices, for instance as per National Institute of Aging, there are around 617 million people above the age of 65 years in 2016 and it will cross 1.6 billion by 2050.Request for the trending sample of this report:Medical sensors market taxonomy:By Product Type:Pressure,Temperature,Image,Accelerometers,Biosensors,Flow,Superconducting Quantum,.By Application:Surgical,Diagnostic,Therapeutic,Monitoring,.By End User:Hospitals,Clinics,Ambulatory Surgical Centers,Others (Nursing Homes, Home Healthcare Facilities),.By Sensors Placement Type:Strip Sensors,Wearable Sensors,Ingestible Sensors,Implantable Sensors,Invasive/ Non-Invasive Sensors,.Ask for Discount before buying the Report:Improved technology and accuracy fuels the growth of medical sensors marketMedical sensors have become a universal segment of the technologically advanced and digital medical devices. There is a significant increase in the development of implantable and wearable medical devices, which facilitate the awareness about medical devices this leads to the increased use of sensors. It is expected that rise in geriatric population, increase in chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and respiratory disease and rise in intensive care for critical patients are the responsible factors supports the growth of medical sensors market. As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are around 15.7 million people in the U.S. diagnosed with COPD in 2014. Furthermore, there is a wide range of benefits of the use of medical sensors in medical devices, which increased the accuracy in disease management through notifications alerts, and real time patient data communication. Which expected to support the growth of medical sensors market.Developed regions are major growth engines for medical sensors marketMedical sensors market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. North America is the leading region due to the annual increase in minimally invasive surgeries performed and availability of healthcare reimbursement policy. However, market across Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a higher rate due to, increase in diabetic population, respiratory diseases cases, cardiovascular disease and raised investment in healthcare sector in emerging countries such as India and China expected to support the growth of medical sensors market.Key players of the medical sensors marketThere are various players present across the globe and running into the competition. The rise in awareness about devices and increase in per capita income of individuals expected to create more opportunities for industry players in global medical sensors market. Some key players are Analog Devices Inc., Broadcom Limited, Danaher, LORD Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., OmniVision Technologies Inc., and GE Measurement & Control.Browse Full Report:About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Raj ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com
Pervasive Computing Market Analysis, Services & Research 2015 - 2023

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Pervasive computing or ubiquitous computing means embedding microprocessors in mobile devices such as smartphones, wearable computing devices, tablets, sensors. The underlying technologies such as wireless communications, internet capabilities, advanced middleware, sensors, I/O and user interfaces, networking, mobile protocols, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, location and positioning, voice recognition support pervasive computing. Nowadays, pervasive computing is also known as Internet-of-things (IoT) which means connecting everyday objects to networks and devices.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Pervasive computing market is anticipated to exhibit high growth potential over the next few years due to surge in demand for smart devices and internet penetration. The pervasive computing market can be divided by end-use industry into communications, defense, automotives, healthcare, consumer appliances and E-commerce. Pervasive computing products consist of Bluetooth handset, PDA, mobile phones, web server, camera, wearable input/output, watch phone, watch camera, brainwaves. Some currently available platforms for ubiquitous computing include Spitre, PerLa which is a data language for pervasive systems, and Microsoft Researchs HomeOS which is home automation operating system. The International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications (IJPCC) address challenges and deliver the research on all aspects of pervasive computing and communications.The pervasive computing market is estimated to witness increased demand though it is not entirely secure. Broken connections, limited host bandwidths and location-dependent data can impede the security of pervasive computing as they result in multiple system vulnerability. The pervasive computing market faces several technological challenges such as flaws in human machine interfaces, users intent, energy management issues, cyber forage, and context awareness along with user privacy concerns. From the viewpoint of big data, the challenge for pervasive computing is to integrate data from many disparate sources.Widespread sensors and actuators connect smart object with physical world through the Internet in homes, schools, workplaces, hospitals, transportation, public spaces for automating the environment. One of the examples of ubiquitous computing is Smart homes, wherein pervasive computing is used so that lighting and heating is adjusted based on the body temperature of the occupants and the level of light outside.Machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, decreased costs for data communications, decreasing production costs and size of the transistors are the factors driving microprocessors thereby supporting pervasive computing market. Innovation and Technological advancements are expected to be the key forces driving ubiquitous computing market growth. For instance, in 2014 Google announced a contact lens which uses a glucose sensor embedded in the lens to monitor a persons glucose levels by testing the persons tears. Pervasive commerce which is paradigm shift in the way we buy and sell products is the future of pervasive computing. Growing consumer industries, such as automotives, healthcare and logistics are likely to boost demand for the pervasive computing market. Emerging countries in Asia Pacific, especially India and China are anticipated to fuel demand for pervasive computing due to rising smart phone users, expansion in automotive industry and rising internet subscribers.Some of the key participants in the pervasive computing market include Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto Research center Incorporated (PARC), IBM Corporation, Tata Consultancy Services Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories of America, Inc, AT&T Inc. and E-Tron CO., Ltd.Request TOC of the Report @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:
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Installation Market Analysis : TMR

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The competition in the global market for combined heat and power installation is likely to intensify owing to the presence of numerous established players, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a research report. These leading companies provide a range of different services and products pertaining to combined power and heat installation. A combined heat and power system mainly comprises components such as compressors, valves, engines, generators, filters, and turbines. Many vendors present in the market are this selling these components, delivering post-sales services, and equipment distribution. The company that held the leading share in the market is BDR Thermea Group in 2014 and might retain it till the end of the forecast period. The other prominent players in the market are Clarke Energy Ltd., ENER-G Holdings Plc, Wartsila Corporation, Edina Ltd., Siemens AG, and 2G Energy AG. The leading eight vendors account for 53% of the total share in the global combined heat and power installation market.Request to view Sample Report:According to a TMR analyst, The global market for combined heat and power installation market is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 4.38% from 2014 to 2024. In 2014, the market was worth US$524.89 bn and is likely to touch a valuation of US$812.80 bn by the end of 2024.Small and Micro CHP to get Ahead of Large-scale CHP in GameBy type, large-scale CHPs hold a leading share of 85.69% in the global market for CHP installation closely trailed by small and micro-scale CHPs in 2014. In any case, they are relied upon to lose a noteworthy piece of their share of the overall industry to the latter sooner rather than later. The rising use of small-scale and micro-scale CHPs crosswise over commercial and residential sector will empower the section to report the speediest CAGR amid the estimate time frame. Be that as it may, the expanding CHP establishment in China and India will keep the demand for large scale CHPs high in the pending years.Region-wise, Europe surfaced as the leading region for the combined heat and power installation market in 2014 with a share of 67.96% in the same year. The abundance of natural gas in Russia has substantially contributed to the rising demand for CHP installation in the region. Other countries such as Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Poland, and Germany. Many core companies are also considering to benefit from the opportunitiesRequest to download and view full ToC @Robust Current CHP Networks to Boost CHP InstallationsThe sales of CHP systems worldwide are riding on the solid existing CHP network. Moreover, the expanding knowledge with respect to the advantages of CHP frameworks will help their establishments crosswise over developing economies of Asia Pacific. Since the most recent couple of years, these nations have been displaying popularity for technologies that are energy efficient. Emerging nations along these lines offer appealing open doors for the merchants operating in the market.TMR figures the value chain of the worldwide CHP establishment market to remain exceedingly confounded amid the gauge time frame from 2014 to 2024. "The usage of stringent discharge control standards worldwide has compelled the adoption of forward integration among leading enterprises. Such policies could adversely affect the market's development direction," said a TMR researcher. "Joined with this, the high cost needed on introducing CHP sytems is likewise restraining the huge scale expansion of CHP installations," he included. All things considered, expanding degree in the commercial and residential sector is relied upon to help the prospects for the market in the years to come.View Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry Market 2017 - Anritsu, VinSyst, Foremost, COSO

Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry Market

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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry 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 Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry industry, and estimates the future trend of Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportMettler-ToledoEriezCEIALomaAnritsuVinSystForemostCOSOSesotecMetal DetectionThermo FisherLock InspectionNikka DensokCassel MesstechnikThe market research report explores the Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry 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 Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry 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 Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry production volume, data pertaining to demand and Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry 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 Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry across the world.Among the key reasons to purchase include the following:- Gain an outlook of the historical development, current market situation, and future outlook of the Metal Detectors Used in The Food Industry market in global sector to 2021- Track industry developments and identify market opportunities- Plan and develop marketing, market-entry, market expansion, and other business strategies by identifying the key market opportunities and prospects- Save time and money with the readily accessible key market data included in this PDF format industry report. The data is clearly presented and can be easily incorporated into presentations and internal reports.About UsApex Research offer latest market research reports 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 Chemica1l 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.bizPhone: +177390426831155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606
Global Constipation Market Share, Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021)

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Constipation is a chronic medical condition which makes a person unable to pass fecal content properly. In this condition, the stool is often dry, hard and painful to pass. Bowel movements vary person to person but, if the bowel movement is missing for more than 3 days in adults and 4 days in children, then it is considered as constipation. Constipation can be of three types; irritable bowel syndrome-constipation (IBS-C), chronic idiopathic constipation and opioid-induced-constipation (OIC).The U.S. is a major contributor to the global constipation market supported by rising opioid usage among chronic disease patients and increasing prescription drugs volumes. The U.S. is likely to experience further growth in constipation market with increasing ageing population and rapid development of new drugs in the market.Get the sample copy of this report :There exist vast opportunities for prescription drugs in the constipation market. However, OTC drugs and laxatives are generally used for treating constipation, patients and physicians have started recognizing the importance of branded drugs. Future growth of the constipation market is based on continued growth of prescription therapies to treat constipation, increased research and development of novel drugs by biopharmaceutical companies, increasing patient and physician awareness of effective prescription alternatives to Over-the-Counter medications.The global constipation market is expected to grow in future with rising constipation prevalence, increasing ageing population, rise in health expenditure, mounting spinal cord injury patient population, growing spending on medicines and pharmaceutical R&D expenditure. Key trends of this market include progressing drugs under pipeline and adoption of unhealthy lifestyle. However, there are some factors which can hinder growth of the market including stringent regulations and low awareness of prescription drugs.Send an enquiry :The report Global Constipation Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) by Koncept Analytics provides an extensive research and detailed analysis of the present market along with future outlook. The report discusses the major growth drivers and challenges of the market, covering the U.S., Japan, China and Europe. The report profiles the key players of the market including Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc., Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc. and ARDELYX Inc.Table of Content1. Overview1.1 Constipation2. Constipation Market Analysis2.1 The U.S.2.1.1 The U.S. Constipation Market by Value2.1.2 The U.S. Constipation Market by Type2.1.3 The U.S. Constipation Market Forecast by Value2.1.4 The U.S. Constipation Market Forecast by Type2.1.5 The U.S. Constipation Market by Drug2.1.6 The U.S. Constipation Branded Drugs Prescription Volume2.1.7 The U.S. Constipation Branded Drug Prescription Volume by Type2.1.8 The U.S. Constipation Patient Population Forecast2.2 Europe2.2.1 Europe CIC Patient Population Forecast2.2.2 Europe IBS-C Patient Population Forecast2.2.3 Europe OIC Patient Population Forecast2.2.4 Europe Plecanatide Sales Forecast2.3 Japan2.3.1 Japan Constipation Patient Population Forecast2.3.2 Japan Amitiza Sales Forecast2.4 China2.4.1 China Constipation Patient Population Forecast2.4.2 China Amitiza Sales Forecast3. Market Dynamics3.1 Growth Drivers3.1.1 Rising Prevalence of Constipation3.1.2 Increasing Ageing Population3.1.3 Rising Healthcare Expenditure3.1.4 Rising Spending on Medicines Worldwide3.1.5 Rising Cases of Spinal Cord Injury3.1.6 Increasing Pharmaceutical R&D Spending3.2 Key Trends & Developments3.2.1 Progressing Drugs Under Pipeline3.2.2 Adoption of Unhealthy Lifestyle3.3 Challenges3.3.1 Stringent Regulations3.3.2 Low Awareness of Prescription Constipation DrugsBrowse full report :4. Competitive Landscape4.1 Global Market4.1.1 Revenue Comparison of Key Players4.1.2 Market Cap of Key Players4.2 The U.S.4.2.1 The U.S. Constipation Market Share by Company4.2.2 The U.S. Constipation Market Share Forecast by Company5. Company Profiles5.1 Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc.5.1.1 Business Overview5.1.2 Financial Overview5.1.3 Business Strategies5.2 Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc.5.2.1 Business Overview5.2.2 Financial Overview5.2.3 Business Strategies5.3 ARDELYX, Inc.5.3.1 Business Overview5.3.2 Financial Overview5.3.3 Business Strategies5.4 Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc5.4.1 Business Overview5.4.2 Financial Overview5.4.3 Business StrategiesMRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Data Center Infrastructure Management Market: IT and Telecom Leading Consumers

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Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) is a suite of solutions allowing efficient monitoring and management of a datacenter in terms of the optimization of data center space, power consumption, and cooling.The demand for DCIM is expected to increase in the coming years owing to the growing awareness of energy efficiency and the impact of government regulations in respective regions.The growing number of data centers in the North American and European regions is expected to increase the adoption of DCIM solutions in these markets.This research report provides an in-depth analysis of the global DCIM market based on solutions, components,industry verticals,and geography. The global DCIM market is categorized based on solution types into IT asset management, facility management &consulting, and other services.Obtain Report Details:Furthermore, the report provides complete insights into different DCIM components through component segmentation, which includes IT asset, DCIM software, power, cooling, and others.The industry verticalsfor the globalDCIM market are banking, financial services &insurance (BFSI), information technology, telecom, healthcare, retail, and others. The report analyzes each of these segments for the various geographies considered under the scope of the study.Based on geographical regions, the report segments the global DCIM market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East &Africa (MEA), and South America, which are analyzed in terms of revenue generation. North America is further segmented into the U.S. and Canada, while Europe is divided into the U.K. and Germany.Asia Pacific is subdivided into China and India. Also, MEA is further segmented into South Africa and the UAE, while South America is subdivided into Brazil and Argentina. The report further provides a cross-segmentation analysis of the segmentation as per the countries.The report also provides an analysis ofthe factors that drive and restrain the growth of the DCIMmarket. It discusses the prevailing market trends, prospective growth opportunities, and major strategies increasing the popularity of the global DCIM market.This 251 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Data Center Infrastructure Management Market. Browse through 49 data tables and 82 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:It provides market estimates and forecasts for all the segments in terms of revenue.Also provided in the report is the market share of key players by IT asset management, facility management, pure player and overall DCIM market.The report also provides industry evolution, data center overview, service agreement analysis, value chain analysis, and Porters Five ForcesAnalysis for the global DCIM market.Major business strategies adopted by key players, their SWOT analysis, and competition matrix have also been identified in the research report. The key market players profiled in this study include Emerson Network Power, Inc., Schneider Electric SE, Eaton Corp. PLC, IBM Corp., CA Technologies, Inc., Siemens AG, ABB Ltd., FNT GmbH, Johnson Controls, Inc., Nlyte Software, Inc., Sunbird Software, Inc. (Raritan, Inc.), Panduit Corp., Commscope, Inc., Altron a.s.,Cormant, Inc., and Rackwise, Inc.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:
Thermal Energy Flow Metering Solutions Market to Grow at a Remarkable Pace in the Coming Years

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The global thermal energy flow metering solutions market is highly competitive on account of the presence of a number of manufacturers. In order to stay ahead of the curve, players are expending time and money on product innovation. They are adding more features and functions to their products in order to entice buyers. Low barriers to entry of aspiring players is also serving to make the market competitive.Majorly fuelling the global thermal energy flow metering solutions market is the thrust by many countries on onsite power generation and solar thermal energy in order to cut down their annual fossil fuel import and up energy security. Further serving to contribute to the market is the surging popularity of sustainable buildings and green buildings and the rampant urbanization which has resulted in pressing need for adequate water supply.On the flipside, however, rising adoption of hybrid metering systems is expected to crimp sales of thermal energy flow meters in the next couple of years. A report by Transparency Market Research forecasts the global thermal energy flow metering solutions to rise at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2017 to 2025 to become worth US$4.706 bn by 2025.Browse Our Report @The global market for thermal energy flow metering solutions can be segmented based on different parameters. Depending upon type, the global thermal energy flow metering solutions market can be segmented into portable, insertion, and inline. Among them, the portable segment is expected to expand at a healthy clip in the next couple of years.From a geographical standpoint, Europe accounts for a leading share in the global thermal energy flow metering solutions market and it is trailed by North America. Rapid industrialization is one of the primary reasons for the growth in the market in the two regions. The chemical and wastewater industries, particularly, are at the forefront of driving demand for flow meters in the two regions. In Europe, expansion of multinational companies in countries of Germany, the U.K., and France, rising investments in capital projects, and launch of cutting edge flow meters have boosted growth in the market.In terms of growth rate, Asia-Pacific is expected to surpass all other regions in the global thermal energy flow metering solutions market. This is mainly because of the technological progress and industrialization, coupled with concerns over the environment, which has necessitated continuous emissions monitoring systems in countries of Japan, China, and India. This has served to boost the market in the region. Substantial demand for measuring meters in oil and gas industry is also proving beneficial for the market.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @The Middle East and Africa and South America too are expected to grow at an impressive pace in the global thermal flow metering solutions market on the back of rising demand from the commercial and residential segment. In the Middle East and Africa, the wirelessly connected data collection tools, technologies, devices and sensors are the fastest growing segments. South America is anticipated to grow at a steady CAGR during the forecast period as well.Some of the prominent savvy companies operating in the global thermal energy flow metering solutions market are QMC, ABB Ltd, Elster Water, Siemens, Enercare Connections Inc., Fluid Components LLC, Emerson Electric Co., Kamstrup Group, Sage Metering, Landis+Gyr AG, Shenitech LLC, GE Electric Co., Sierra Instruments Inc., Yokogawa Electric, and Corporation.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
The Global Scar treatment market to reach USD 25.72 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 10.24% during 2016 to 2021

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The Global Scar treatment market has been estimated at USD 15.8 billion in 2016 and is projected to reach USD 25.72 billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 10.24% during the forecast period from 2016 to 2021. Scar treatment is a procedure that is used to minimize the scars in a way that they look more consistent with the surrounding skin tone and texture.Browse report details @Scars are observable signs that persevere after a wound heals. They are inevitable results of wound or surgery, and their growth is unpredictable. Scars may be different in colour or texture from the surrounding healthy tissue, elevated or dipped, or particularly clear due to their size, shape, or location.Increasing incidence of skin diseases and, subsequently, scars, will drive the global scar treatment market in the coming years. Additionally, technological advancements in scar treatment and growing appearance consciousness among consumers are also driving growth of the market. Side effects associated with scar treatment and high cost of treatment are restraining the market growth.The global scar treatment market is mainly segmented based on type of treatment into Topical treatment, Surface Treatment, Laser Treatment, Injectable Treatment and Invasive Surgical Treatment. Topical treatment is further segmented into creams, oils, gels and gel sheets. Surface treatment can be sub segmented into Dermabrasion, Chemical Peeling and Cryosurgery. Injectable treatment can be divided into tissue fillers and steroid injections. Based on scar type the market is bifurcated into Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars, Contracture Scars, Acne scars, Stretch scars and post-surgical scars. Basis on end users the market is segmented into hospitals, private clinics, pharmacies & drug stores and E-Commerce. Acne scars are the most common; their treatment involves antibiotic treatment or laser solutions.Request Free Sample Market Brochure of the report @Based on geography, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle-East and Africa. North America accounts for almost one third of the market share and dominates the market. Latin America is expected to witness fastest growth with highest CAGR. Currently there is economic downturn in the European region but a healthy growth is expected in the forecast period.Major players dominating the scar treatment market are Occulus Innovative Sciences Inc., Smith & Nephew PLC, Nutramarks Inc., Merz Inc., Enaltus LLC, CCA Industries Inc., Cynosure IncLumenis, Syneron Medical Ltd., Molnlycke Health Care, Avita Medical Limited, Pacific World Corporation, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (AC. Alma Lasers), Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc., and Beijing Toplaser Technology Company Limited.Make an Inquiry before buying @About Us:Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our analyst team comprises expert professionals in market research, who with their collective knowledge and skillset dedicatedly serve clients from various industries and regions.Media Contact:Abhishek ShuklaInternational Business Development ManagerMarket Data ForecastDirect Line: +1-888-702-9626; Mobile: +91 998 555 0206Mail: abhishek@marketdataforecast.comVisit MarketDataForecast Blog @
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Strada Education NetworkSM, a national nonprofit dedicated to improving lives by strengthening the pathways between education and employment, today announced its commitment of $1 million to support Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts.

We join the nation in expressing our heartbreak and deep concern over the devastating impact Hurricane Harvey has had in Texas and the surrounding region, said William D. Hansen, Strada Education president and CEO.

Our team has spent the past 10 days working closely with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner; Juliet Stipeche, Director of Education for the City of Houston Mayors Office; and Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director for the U.S. Conference of Mayors, to determine where immediate and long-term support is needed. We are committed to working with local leaders and experts to best assist those impacted, including students attending area colleges and universities, now and in the months and years to come.

Based on the dire need for basic emergency relief for residents and students as well as lost wages for underserved youth in local workforce programs, Strada Education Network will provide $925,000 to the Greater Houston Community Foundations Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund to help fund three key initiatives:

Support for displaced families in need of food, water, shelter and other basic needs

Relief assistance for matriculating students at impacted colleges and universities, to support their pursuit of completing their educational objectives

Support for City of Houston Youth Workforce Programs to engage in cleanup efforts over the next several months

In addition, Strada Education will provide $75,000 to Houston-based workforce development nonprofit Genesys Works, to support relief efforts and lost wages for program participants who have been unable to work and for staff members who have lost their homes.

Strada Education will also offer a 3-to-1 match for all donations made to these Greater Houston Community Foundations Hurricane Relief Fund efforts by the 700+ employees across the Network, including the parent organization and its operating companies: DXtera Institute, Education at Work, InsideTrack, Roadtrip Nation and Student Connections.

"Employees across Strada Education Network are committed to assisting residents and students impacted by this disastrous storm now and in the future as local teams determine the best path to support long-term recovery, said Hansen. We are heartened and humbled to offer our help alongside the many individuals and organizations who are joining together to lift up those who have been affected by this catastrophe.

ABOUT STRADA EDUCATION NETWORK

Strada Education Network is a national nonprofit dedicated to improving lives by strengthening the pathways between education and employment. We engage innovative partners across education, nonprofits, business and government to advance Completion With a Purpose, building a more purposeful path for Americas students to rewarding careers and fulfilling lives. Learn more at StradaEducation.org.

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TD-LTE Ecosystem Market Foresees Skyrocketing Growth in the Coming Years

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The demand in the global TD-LTE ecosystem market is projected to multiply at an incredible CAGR of 24.4% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025, gaining traction from the ubiquity of smartphones and popularity of social media, which has escalated the need for high-speed Internet. Cost effectiveness, flexibility, and efficiency of the technology are some of the other factors bolstering the demand for TD-LTE ecosystem market. On the other hand, complexity of the technology and high cost of architectural changes are some of the challenges obstructing the global TD-LTE ecosystem market. The market for TD-LTE ecosystem across the globe is estimated to be worth US$264.00 bn by 2025, up from its evaluated valuation of US$40.80 bn in 2016.Based on equipment, the global market for TD-LTE ecosystem has been segmented into macro cells and small cells. In 2016, macro cells segment served the maximum demand, which was a reflection of increasing use of smartphones across the world, urban and rural population alike. In the near future, the pattern is expected to continue too, as there is no foreseeable limitation to the popularity of smartphones and other electronic devices that relay information to the consumers.Browse Our Report @On the basis of device type, the global TD-LTE ecosystem market has been bifurcated into smartphones, notebooks, PCs, routers, and tablets. Notebooks is expected to account for the maximum market revenue share throughout the forecast period. Notebooks are the commonly used devices in almost all the sectors including corporate offices, healthcare, retails, and other domestic purposes. Portability and new innovations in the notebook market are the few factors creating demand of notebooks which in turn is boosting the need of TD-LTE ecosystem market. Application-wise, the TD-LTE ecosystem market has been classified into banking institutes, healthcare, retail, and personal uses.Geographically, the report takes stock of the potential of the TD-LTE ecosystem market in the regions of North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, The Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. In the current scenario, North America is the most profitable region for the vendors operating in the TD-LTE ecosystem market, and is expected to remain so for the whole duration of the forecast period, which is 2017 to 2025. Some of the key factors driving the North America TD-LTE ecosystem market are increasing technological advancements and efficient wireless infrastructures in the developed countries of the U.S. and Canada. The U.S. generates the maximum market revenue among all country-wide markets, due to the increasing new LTE based services as well as the increasing sales of smartphones and wearable devices.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @In 2016, Europe posed the second most prominent chunk of market revenue in the global TD-LTE ecosystem market, gaining traction from up-gradation of existing wireless infrastructure in various countries such as Germany, The U.K., France, and Italy. However, Asia Pacific is projected for the most prominent CAGR. The region is vastly populated, houses two of the most promising emerging economies in India and China, and investments in mobile network infrastructure have escalated exponentially in the recent past. China provided maximum market revenue in Asia Pacific region in 2016.Some of the key companies currently operating in the global TD-LTE ecosystem market are: Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Ericsson, Nokia, AT&T, Inc., Qualcomm Inc., ZTE Corporation, MediaTek, Inc., Spreadtrum Communications Inc., and Broadcom Corporation.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Saponin Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Mountain Hubei Jusheng Technology, Weihe Pharma, Yunan Notoginseng, Zhongheng Group, Hongjiu Biotech, KPC Pharmaceuticals, Jilin Changqing, Ginseng, Tianmao and Others

Saponin

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Global Saponin Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Hubei Jusheng Technology, Laozhiqing Group, Yongxin Youxiang, Weihe Pharma, Yunan Notoginseng, Yunnan Baiyao Group, Zhongheng Group, Hongjiu Biotech, KPC Pharmaceuticals, Jilin Changqing, Ginseng, SKBioland, Indena, Tianmao and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Saponins are a class of chemical compounds found in particular abundance in various plant species. More specifically, are amphipathic glycosides grouped phenomenologically by the soap-like foaming t produce when shaken in aqueous solutions, and structurally by having one or more hydrophilic glycoside moieties combined with a lipophilic triterpene derivative.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Saponin Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Laozhiqing GroupYongxin YouxiangTianmaoHubei Jusheng TechnologyWeihe PharmaYunan NotoginsengKPC PharmaceuticalsYunnan Baiyao GroupZhongheng GroupHongjiu BiotechJilin Changqing GinsengSKBiolandIndenaOthersGlobal Saponin Market: Key Product TypeTheasaponinsDiosgeninNotoginsenosideGinsenosideSoyasaponinOthersGlobal Saponin Market: Key ApplicationPharmaceuticalsFood and BeverageAgricultural ApplicationDaily ChemicalsOthersGlobal Saponin Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Saponin Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Saponin Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Saponin Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Saponin Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
GaN Power Devices Market: Technological Advancements to Propel Market Growth

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Growing popularity of GaN power devices due to enhanced performance among industry applications and requirement of enhanced battlefield performance has driven the global GaN power devices market. The global GaN power devices market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 17.5% during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. The global GaN power devices market was valued at US$223.50 mn in 2015 and is expected to rise to US$1.4 bn by 2025.The GaN power devices market has been segmented on the basis of component, industry vertical, and region. On the basis of component, the market is segmented into GaN power discrete devices, GaN power ICs, and GaN power modules. The GaN power discrete devices segment is further sub-segmented into GaN power RF devices and GaN power non-RF devices. GaN power ICs are further classified into MMIC and hybrid.In 2016, GaN power discrete devices accounted for a share of approximately 52.6% in the total revenue of the GaN power devices market. However, the GaN power modules segment is likely to account for 49.3% of the GaN power device market revenue by 2025. The GaN power modules segment is expected to show significant growth at a CAGR of 19.5% during the forecast period due to its performance benefits over silicon carbide (SiC) devices.Browse Our Report @On the basis of industry vertical, the market is segmented into consumer electronics, IT and telecommunications, automotive, aerospace and defense, and others. Cost-effective design and enhanced performance is the major concern for these industry verticals. The consumer electronics segment leads the GaN power devices market with a total market share of 35.9% in 2016, followed by IT and telecommunication and aerospace and defense. However, with the increase in application areas of GaN power devices, the automotive industry is anticipated to show substantial growth, growing at a CAGR of 20.5% in the 2017-2025 forecast period.Geographically, the global GaN power devices market is dominated by North America, which has emerged as the key regional segment thanks to the steady support for development of battery technology itself as well as several flourishing application segments of the GaN power devices industry, such as the electric vehicles market and the smartphones market. The North America GaN power devices market, valued at US$78.9 mn in 2015, is expected to rise to US$459.2 mn by 2025 at a 16.6% CAGR in the 2017-2025 forecast period. Nevertheless, Asia Pacific is likely to emerge as the dominant regional player in the global GaN power devices market in the coming years, with the regional market expected to exhibit a 19.9% CAGR between 2017 and 2025. The markets revenue, valued at US$66.6 mn in 2015, is expected to rise to close to US$520 mn by 2025.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @The global GaN power devices market comprises large as well as mid-level vendors, including Efficient Power Conversion Corporation, NXP Semiconductors N.V., GaN Systems Inc., Texas Instruments, and Infineon Technologies AG. These companies have been able to establish a strong presence globally. Several vendors in the GaN power devices market are currently emphasizing on new product and process development to meet various demands of their customer base and to continuously improve the quality and reliability of their products. Moreover, vendors are adopting partnership and collaboration strategies to proficiently compete in multiple regional markets.The market is expected to witness the entry of a significant number of vendors of GaN power devices in the coming years, intensifying the competition. Other significant players in the market include Fujitsu Limited, Transphorm Inc., Cree Incorporated (Wolfspeed), OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, and Qorvo, 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 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:
TMR: Power Transmission Components Market Segments and Key Trends 2015-2023

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The top five players to have marked their leadership in the global power transmission components market are ABB Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Eaton Corporation, Siemens, and Emerson Electric Company. The cumulative share of these companies in the market accounted for 61.8% in 2014. The stronghold of these companies is explained by Transparency Market Research to be a result of their product innovation that is aimed towards reducing downtime of power transmission systems in end user industries.The paradigm shift within the power industry from generating energy using conventional resources to focusing on using renewables for a sustainable development yet another cue for key players in the take, reports the lead author of this research report. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, for instance, is making a dedicated effort to manufacture and promote power transmission components that will benefit the environment by reducing electricity losses. Such independent power generation methods and efforts to use resources in an optimum way will prove to be a successful strategy for companies.Request to view Sample Report:New Power Transmission Components Make Smaller Carbon Footprint AchievableThe demand for transmission infrastructure has leaped tremendously as the energy crisis across the globe has deepened. This has coaxed economies to grow through sustainable solutions, which has provided an impetus to the power transmission components market. The biggest advantage of installing the modern power transmission components is that they allow power transmission at higher capacities, thereby offering a seamless electric supply. The adoption of power transmission components is also receiving a stimulus from various government institutions that are offering incentives to power generation plants for using the sophisticated components that promise energy-efficient solutions and lesser carbon footprint.The need to modernize existing infrastructure to cater to the power demands of the developing world is anticipated to boost the installations of power transmission components. The technological advancements in the transmission infrastructure and the related components have also created a fair amount of opportunities for this market. Collectively, these developments promise energy security through reliable energy systems minus the unwanted power cuts. The future will also witness an effective deployment of power transmission components as countries across the world are focusing on building energy efficient economies.Request to download and view full ToC @High Cost of Components Restricts Market GrowthThe high cost of initial investment in building new transmission infrastructure is dampening the spirit of this market. The exceptionally high cost of installing components such as circuit breakers, switchgear, transformers, insulators, power convertors, and relays is forbidding the market from attaining desired profits. Poor investments and loose regulatory framework towards achieving energy efficiency in developing countries such as Africa and South and Central America are also hampering the market.North America Maintains Lead with Infrastructure Refresh ProjectsThe report states that the opportunity in the global power transmission components market will be worth US$102.57 bn by 2023 as compared to US$64.15 bn in 2015. Between the forecast period of 2014 and 2023, the global market is expected to surge at a CAGR of 6.0%. The predominant segment will be switchgear and circuit breakers, which will account for a share of 42.52% in the overall market by 2023. North America will retain its leading position as the existing components in this region require an urgent upgradation. Owing to these circumstances, the North America power transmission components market will acquire a share of 25.57% by the end of 2023.View Report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Pine Needle Oil Market Report for period 2017 till 2022 Mountain Rose Herbs, Aroma Land, Nowfoods, BIOLANDES, HRF, Shakti Him Pharma, Shiv Sales Corporation, Hobart Company, Still Pure and Others

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Global Pine Needle Oil Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Mountain Rose Herbs, Aroma Land, Floracopeia, Nowfoods, Scatters Oils, BIOLANDES, HRF, A. G. Industries, Shakti Him Pharma, Shiv Sales Corporation, Hobart Company, Industrial Oleochemical, Still Pure, K.K. Enterprise and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Pine oil is an essential oil obtained by the steam distillation of stumps, needles, twigs and conesfrom a variety of species of pine, particularly Pinus sylvestrisRequest for Free Sample Copy of Global Pine Needle Oil Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Aroma LandFloracopeiaMountain Rose HerbsNowfoodsBIOLANDESHRFA. G. IndustriesShakti Him PharmaK.K. EnterpriseShiv Sales CorporationScatters OilsHobart CompanyIndustrial OleochemicalStill PureOthersGlobal Pine Needle Oil Market: Key Product TypePinus SylvestrisPinus PalustrisOthersGlobal Pine Needle Oil Market: Key ApplicationFood AdditiveSpicesTherapyOthersGlobal Pine Needle Oil Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Pine Needle Oil Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Pine Needle Oil Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Pine Needle Oil Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Pine Needle Oil Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Market | New Tech Developments and advancements to watch out for 2023

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The competitive scenario in the Asia Preimplantation Genetic Diagnostics Market is highly intense owing to the several global and local players trying their luck in the region, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a research report. Pertaining to the number of service providers of preimplantation genetic diagnosis market, it is a highly fragmented one in nature. The penetration of other regional players might further intensify the level of competition in the market in the years ahead. Some of the companies operating in the market might be F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Perkin Elmer Inc., Illumina Inc., Natera Inc., and Abbott Laboratories, among many others.The Asia perimplantation genetic diagnosis market is anticipated to exhibit a 6.8% CAGR between 2015 and 2023. The market is expected to rise to a valuation of US$28.8 mn by the end of 2023 from worth US$16.0 mn in 2014.View Report-Single Gene Disorder Screening to be Preferred over Prenatal Diagnostic TestingPreimplantation hereditary finding for the screening of aneuploidy held the chief offer of 34.7% in the Asia PGD showcase in 2014. Liberal controls relating to this range of conclusion in most Asian nations is the central point behind the high quantities of aneuploidy screening tests embraced each year in the district. Be that as it may, PGD for single quality issue is anticipated to grow at the quicker CAGR from the period in the vicinity of 2015 and 2023. Expanded inclination of this demonstrative methodology is supported by innovative progressions and generally high precision of results. Additionally, single quality issue screening is more useful contrasted with customary pre-birth demonstrative testing in developing life, driving the market for PGD for single quality issue.Region-wise, the Asia preimplantation genetic diagnosis market is likely to witness fruitful opportunities in the Southern Asia region. In most Asian nations where PGD is not disallowed, it is controlled by the provincial or national government. The high expenses of PGD methods are likewise a zone of massive worry for certain cost sensitive nations in the area. Consolidated with liberal administrative standards and the rising populace of high-procuring people, Southern Asia will rise as the most lucrative market for preimplantation hereditary conclusion in the following couple of years. The PGD advertise in Southern Asia is required to ascend at an ideal 7.9% CAGR from 2015 to 2023.Request to download brochure and view full ToC -Growing Penchant towards Assisted Reproductive Techniques to Bolster DeploymentRising inclination to helped regenerative methods, which include preimplantation hereditary finding as a standard game-plan for guaranteeing that the incipient organism is free of any hereditary oddities, is integral to the solid development of the Asia PGD advertise. The interest for helped regenerative systems in the locale is driven significantly because of two elements: postponed period of origination among ladies and the alarmingly rising rate of fruitlessness in the area. With rising support in the locale's workforce, countless ladies are considering their infants in late 20s to late 30s. As infertility issues and difficulties worried about imagining begin heightening as the age rises, couples in the area are progressively favoring helped conceptive systems, for example, in vitro treatment.The rate of infertility in nations, for example, China and India has considerably expanded in the previous couple of years. Xinhua, one of China's unmistakable news offices has expressed that around 12.5% of China's populace was fruitless in 2010. In India as well, around 10% of the populace was said to be experiencing infertility in 2013. This factor is likely to be a core triggering factor for the growth of the market.Request to view Sample Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Connected Logistics Market: Development Insight and Manufacturers Challenge Competitors

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Key players in the global connected logistics market are adopting numerous growth strategies to steal a march over their competitors. Besides product development, key players in the global connected logistics market are resorting to mergers and acquisitions to gain competitive advantage.Majorly fuelling growth in the global connected logistics market is the breakthrough development in the transportation of sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals. For example, severe temperature fluctuations at the time of transport of pharmaceuticals sends alert to the manufacturer to take action before the products get damaged.The rising prominence of internet of things in the logistics industry, along with multiple applications of connected logistics in e-commerce, the global connected logistics market is receiving a boost.A report by Transparency Market Research predicts the global connected logistics market to rise at a robust 17.8% CAGR over the forecast period between 2017 and 2025. At this pace, the market will become worth US$55.17 bn by the end of 2025 from US$10.21 bn in 2016.Browse Our Report @The global connected logistics market by service has been segmented into asset management, remote asset tracking, security, network management, and data management. Amongst all, asset management is likely to account for the leading share in the connected logistics market. At present, globalization and the need for advanced transportation and logistics infrastructure is fuelling the demand for automated logistic systems. This is where the virtues of asset management software come into play in terms of assisting freight and infrastructure managers to address a number of service and performance issues.In terms of end-use, the key segments into which the global connected logistics market has been divided are freight management, food and beverage supply chain, healthcare, retail. Warehouse management, and others.The global connected logistics market, by geography has been segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Europe. North America presently holds supremacy in the global connected logistics market vis-a-vis revenue. This is mainly due to the demand for integrity control from businesses that deal in delicate products.Brochure With Latest Advancements With Application @Europe is positioned second in terms of revenue share in the global connected logistics market. The growth of this market is mainly driven by the rising adoption of connected logistics in the healthcare sector. In general, the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry face a number of challenges in the supply chain. The transportation of several pharmaceutical products need to meet temperature and pressure specifications from preventing damage to these commodities. The damage to any particular unit could result in huge loss for the product manufacturer. In healthcare and pharmaceuticals, distribution of perishable products, which could be of high value, from one facility to another also needs reliable facility to prevent damage.Vis-a-vis growth rate Asia Pacific is expected to surpass other key regions over the forecast period. The region is expected to expand at an impressive CAGR of 18.1% between 2017 and 2025. The burgeoning e-commerce sector that needs real-time tracking of products is majorly driving the connected logistics market in Asia Pacific.Some of the leading players operating in the global connected logistics market include International Business Machines Corporation, Google Inc., Amazon Web Services Inc., SAP SE, Infosys Limited, Microsoft Corporation, Dynatrace LLC, NETSUITE Inc., Feightgat Inc., and Oracle Corporation.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market | Strategic Assessment of Emerging Technologies in ---- by 2023

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While a handful players have taken up a majority share in The Global Distribution Of Respiratory Monitoring Devices, the remainder of the market is marked by a very large number of small players. Of the key multinationals dominating the distribution of respiratory monitoring devices in 2014, CareFusion Corporation, Smiths Medical, and ResMed, Inc., had garnered a total share of 54.2% in terms of value.As described in a research report released by Transparency Market Research, the fragmented nature of the global respiratory monitoring devices market allows for a very high intensity of rivalry. This market is exceptionally dynamic as it is primarily controlled the rapid rate of technological development in the devices.The market for respiratory monitoring devices in major economic regions is more or less saturated due to the strong presence of multiple prominent players. As a result, the threat of new entrants is expected to remain moderate to low. The global market for respiratory monitoring devices is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.2% in terms of revenue from 2015 to 2023. By the end of 2016, this revenue is expected to reach US$1.60 bn and US$2.79 bn by 2023.Hospitals not only form the leading end-user segment of respiratory monitoring devices, but are also projected to be the leading segment in terms of growth rate. Hospitals are expected to generate a revenue of US$1.89 bn for respiratory monitoring devices by 2023. This segment is projected at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2015 to 2023.View Report-APAC Demand for Respiratory Monitoring Devices SoarsThe healthcare and medical devices industries of Asia Pacific are currently experiencing a very high rate of development. The booming economy of countries such as China and India, the growing government support towards healthcare development, the high density of population in these countries, and the growing trend of medical tourism are all responsible for bringing out the greater demand for respiratory monitoring devices.By the end of 2023, North America, the currently leading region in respiratory monitoring devices consumption, is expected to reach US$266.0 mn. Within 2015 to 2023, Asia Pacific will be showing a CAGR of 8.5% in respiratory monitoring devices.Request to download brochure and view full ToC -Asthma, COPD Cases on the Rise GloballyThe primary cause for a heavier demand of respiratory monitoring devices is the growing requirement for keeping a large volume of these devices in the market. Most medical devices are produced on a basis of need and there is certainly a much greater need for respiratory monitoring devices than before. Public health related bodies such as the CDC, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American Lung Association are all shedding light on the growing prevalence of patients with respiratory problems. This is true especially for COPD and asthma, states a TMR analyst.Two factors responsible for this are the growing number of geriatrics in the world along with the growing incorporation of negative lifestyle habits such as smoking.The rate of technological advancement in respiratory monitoring devices is very high, thereby allowing players to keep a dynamic output. A large proportion of respiratory monitoring devices manufacturers is also supported by relevant governments, thereby allowing them to approach research and developed more efficiently.High Costs Deter Large Patient Base from Using Respiratory Monitoring DevicesThe cost of advanced spirometry devices is very high in comparison to peak flow meters and pulse oximeters. This disparity in costs is enough to deter a majority of patients to stick to the latter devices rather than go for advanced ones. Additionally, the installation of advanced respiratory monitoring devices requires skilled professionals, the lack of whom is further adding to the strain of providing them.There is currently a large untapped market for respiratory monitoring devices in the developing economies. Globally prominent players can take more notice of regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America to make the most of their increasing demand, adds the analyst.Request to view Sample Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Steroid-Corticosteroids Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Novartis, Merck, Sanofi, Johnson and Johnson and Others

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Global Steroid-Corticosteroids Market provides detailed analysis of companies namely Novartis, Merck, Sanofi, Johnson and Johnson and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Steroid-Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates, as well as the synthetic analogues of these hormones.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Steroid-Corticosteroids Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:SumitomoPfizerNovartisMerckSanofiJohnson and JohnsonGSKAstraZenecaCiplaGlobal Steroid-Corticosteroids Market: Key Product TypeCreamInjectionOtherGlobal Steroid-Corticosteroids Market: Key ApplicationHospitalClinicOtherGlobal Steroid-Corticosteroids Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Steroid-Corticosteroids Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Steroid-Corticosteroids Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Steroid-Corticosteroids Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Dental Laboratories Market | Strategic Assessment of Emerging Technologies in ---- by 2024

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Transparency Market Research has published a new market report titled, Dental Laboratories Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023. According to the report, the global dental laboratories market was valued at US$ 12,991.6 Mn in 2014 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2015 to 2023 to reach US$ 20,234.1 Mn in 2023.Browse the full Dental Laboratories Market (Geography - North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2015 - 2023 report @Dental laboratories are an amalgamation of art, science, and technology required for designing and manufacturing of products as a replacement of natural teeth. The scope of the research encompasses development of products such as crowns, bridges, caps, veneers, and other orthodontic splints and appliances essential to protect and straighten teeth. Similar to other areas/domains of the health care industry, the dentistry segment has witnessed significant growth over the past few years. Introduction of novel technologies and innovative materials have also attributed to the evolution of the dental laboratories market.Geographically, the global dental laboratories market has been segmented into four major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Each region has been further analyzed and estimated for major contributing countries. For instance, North America includes the U.S. and Canada. Europe has been sub-categorized into the U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Rest of Europe. Asia Pacific includes China, Japan, and Rest of Asia Pacific. Rest of the World has been studied and segmented into Latin America and Middle East & Africa.Europe accounted for the lions share of the global dental laboratories market in 2014, followed by North America. A number of community-based oral health programs are conducted across the European Union that focus on delivery of preventive treatment, increase awareness, and enhance patient education toward various procedures and artificial dental products, which over the past few years have contributed to the growth of the dental laboratory industry. However, Asia Pacific is expected to outperform the two major contributing regions during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023. Growth of the market in Asia Pacific is primarily driven by rising trend of dental tourism and increase in the number of laboratories established in the last five years.Moreover, the market is projected to expand at a substantial growth rate due to increase in export demand for dental orthodontic, periodontics, crowns, bridges, and implants from emerging markets such as India and China. Health care provision in Africa is challenged by the burden of poverty and underdevelopment, with 80% of the population falling into the lowest socioeconomic category. Lack of financial and technical resources, shortage of health personnel, and insufficient primary health care delivery make it hard for most of the population of Africa to access basic health services. Shortage of oral health personnel is a common problem in Africa, as the average dentist to population ratio is approximately 1:150000 compared to 1:2000 in most developed economic countries.Request to download brochure and view full ToC -Lack of proper reimbursement and high operational cost are the major restraints of the global dental laboratory industry. To operate a dental laboratory, around 40% to 60% of what a dentist pays goes toward the expense of running a modern dental practice. Additionally, pay for rent or mortgage payments on their office space, payroll for hygienists, office managers and receptionists, health insurance, taxes, supplies, business insurance, and technology are the other expense burdens on laboratory owners. High operational cost, intense competition, and restricted geographical reach are among the primary reasons for closure of large number of dental laboratories in the past few years that is common in both developed and emerging markets.Advent of CAD/CAM technology has significantly reduced the design and manufacturing time for dental prosthesis such as crowns and bridges. 3D imaging techniques have improved patient diagnosis and procedure planning; hence are considered to be other factors driving sustained growth and demand for dental laboratories and services offered to dentists. Rising costs and declining insurance reimbursements have created high demand for outsourced dental laboratories work. Currently, approximately 40% to 50% dental laboratories in the U.S. use off-shore laboratory services to produce components and/or complete dental laboratory services such as crowns, bridges, single porcelain fused to gold, complete dentures, partials, and frameworks.Key players operating in this market are 3M Health Care, Danaher Corporation, Dentcare Dental Lab, Henry Schein, Inc., Institut Straumann AG, Keating Dental Arts, Modern Dental Laboratory Co., Ltd., National Dentex Corporation, Patterson Companies, Inc., Shofu, Inc., Sirona Dental Systems, and Yenadent Ltd. Sti.Request to view Sample Report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Minneapolis, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starkey Hearing Technologies, one of the worlds leading hearing technology companies, is hosting its fourth Hearing Innovation Expo at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Jan. 3-7, 2018. The 2018 Hearing Innovation Expo brings together over 3000 independent hearing professionals, thought leaders, Fortune 500 executives, world-class scientists, and industry experts from around the world to share ideas that can be put into action today to help shape a better tomorrow.

This years keynote speakers include: George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States; President Bill Clinton; The Right Honourable Tony Blair; Condoleezza Rice, 66th United States Secretary of State; NASA Astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly; Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh; former Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan, Shark Tanks Daymond John and many more.

The largest independent event in the hearing industry, the Hearing Innovation Expo is a platform for bold ideas, education, inspiration and cutting-edge technology. The expo will feature an inside look at Starkeys newest iQ hearing aid technology, based on the companys research in virtual reality, advanced neuroscience, audiology and signal processing. Adding a brand-new dimension to the global hearing industry, the iQ product lines include a suite of new features that deliver the presence, clarity and personalization patients have never experienced before.

The 2018 Hearing Innovation Expo is designed to showcase the brightest minds in business, said Starkey Hearing Technologies President Brandon Sawalich. Our speakers will inspire guests to think differently, turn ideas into action, be bold in the marketplace and continue to change the future of the hearing industry.

For more information please visit hearinginnovationexpo.com.

Press Registration Now Open

To register for exclusive media access to the 2018 Hearing Innovation Expo and attend keynote speaking sessions contact press@roepkepr.com.

About Starkey Hearing Technologies

Starkey Hearing Technologies is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded in 1967, the company is recognized for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. The company develops, manufactures and distributes hearing aids via three distinct brands  Audibel, NuEar and its original brand, Starkey. As the only American owned and operated provider of hearing technologies, Starkey Hearing Technologies is proud to support veterans and active military service personnel with the best in American innovation, including a suite of revolutionary hearing technologies and other resources.

Starkey Hearing Technologies currently employs more than 5,000 people and operates 22 facilities and conducts business in more than 100 markets worldwide. For more information, visit www.starkey.com.

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Aluminium Composite Panels Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Mitsubishi Plastic, Yaret, CCJX, Goodsense, Seven, HuaYuan, LiTai, Pivot, and Others

Aluminium Composite Panels Report 2017

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Global Aluminium Composite Panels Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Mitsubishi Plastic, Yaret, CCJX, Goodsense, Seven, HuaYuan, LiTai, Pivot, and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Aluminum composite panel (ACP) also aluminum composite material (ACM) is a type of flat panel that consists of two thin aluminum sheets bonded to a non-aluminum core. Aluminum sheets can be coated with PVDF, fluoropolymer resins (FEVE) or Polyester paint. Aluminum can be painted in any kind of color, and ACPs are produced in a wide range of metallic and non-metallic colors as well as patterns that imitate other materials, such as wood or marble. The core is commonly low density polyethylene, or a mix of low density polyethylene and mineral material to exhibit fire retardant properties. ACPs are frequently used for external cladding or facades of buildings, insulation, and signage.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Aluminium Composite Panels Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:3A CompositesArconicJyi ShyangMitsubishi PlasticYaretCCJXGoodsenseSevenHuaYuanLiTaiPivotVbangWalltesDaouAlstrongGenifyShuangouHongTaiOthersGlobal Aluminium Composite Panels Market: Key Product TypeCommonAnti-fireAnti-bacteriaAntistaticOthersGlobal Aluminium Composite Panels Market: Key ApplicationBuilding Curtain WallInterior DecorationOthers applicationsGlobal Aluminium Composite Panels Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Aluminium Composite Panels Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Aluminium Composite Panels Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Aluminium Composite Panels Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Aluminium Composite Panels Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Wind Lidar Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 SgurrEnergy, Lockheed Martin, Avent, Mitsubishi Electric, Pentalum and Others

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Global Wind Lidar Market provides detailed analysis of companies namely SgurrEnergy, Lockheed Martin, Avent, Mitsubishi Electric, Pentalum and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Wind Lidar is a type of lidar which can be used to measure wind speed and to provide information about vertical distribution of the aerosol particles. It is a new atmospheric remote sensing equipment, and semiconductor wind lidar the only effective tool to achieve remote sensing for the three-dimensional atmospheric wind field.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Wind Lidar Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:ZephIRLeosphereSgurrEnergyLockheed MartinAventMitsubishi ElectricPentalumWindar PhotonicsGlobal Wind Lidar Market: Key Product TypeCompact LidarLarge-scale Coherent Doppler Lidar SystemGlobal Wind Lidar Market: Key ApplicationWind PowerAviation WeatherWeather and ClimateOtherGlobal Wind Lidar Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Wind Lidar Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Wind Lidar Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Wind Lidar Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 La Sommeliere, Climadiff, Newair, Donlert Electrical, BOSCH, LG and Others

Wine Cooler Refrigerator

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Global Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market provides detailed analysis of companies namely La Sommeliere, Climadiff, Newair, Donlert Electrical, BOSCH, LG and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.A wine refrigerator, also called wine cooler, is made especially to chill wine to the perfect serving temperature for great taste.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:HaierDanbyElectroluxAvantiVinotempEurocaveU-LINEViking RangeLa SommeliereClimadiffNewairDonlert ElectricalBOSCHLGPerlickSICAOVRBONWhynterYehosGlobal Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market: Key Product TypeSmall Chillers (Wine Coolers, Wine Chillers)Small Countertop RefrigeratorsMedium-Size Wine RefrigeratorLarge Wine Cellar RefrigeratorsCompressor Wine CoolersGlobal Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market: Key ApplicationDIYOnline ShoppingOthersGlobal Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Wine Cooler Refrigerator Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Colposcopy Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Philips, Olympus, Zeiss, Centrel, OPTOMIC, MedGyn, Ecleris, DYSIS Medical, Lutech, and Others

Colposcopy

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Global Colposcopy Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Philips, Olympus, Zeiss, Centrel, OPTOMIC, MedGyn, Ecleris, DYSIS Medical, Lutech, and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.Colposcopy is a medical diagnostic procedure to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix and the tissues of the vagina and vulva. Many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characteristics which can be detected through the examination. It is done using a colposcopy, which provides an enlarged view of the areas, allowing the colposcopies to visually distinguish normal from abnormal appearing tissue and take directed biopsies for further pathological examination. The main goal of colposcopy is to prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous lesions early and treating them.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Colposcopy Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:LeisegangWelch AllynPhilipsOlympusZeissCentrelOPTOMICMedGynEclerisDYSIS MedicalLutechATMOSWallachBeijing SWSYEDAN InstrumentsSeilerXuzhou ZhonglianSTARKernelOthersGlobal Colposcopy Market: Key Product TypeElectronic ColposcopyOptical ColposcopyOthersGlobal Colposcopy Market: Key ApplicationCervical Cancer DiagnosticPhysical ExaminationOthersGlobal Colposcopy Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Colposcopy Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Colposcopy Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Colposcopy Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Colposcopy Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Cable Management System Market High Demand in Oil and Gas Sector

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This report on the global cable management system market provides analysis for the period from 2014 to 2024, wherein 2015 is the base year and the years from 2016 to 2024 are the forecast period. Data for 2014 has been included as historical information.The report covers all the prevalent trends and technologies playing a major role in the growth of the cable management systems market over the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.It also highlights the various drivers, restraints, and opportunities expected to influence the markets growth during the said period. The study provides a holistic perspective on market growth throughout the forecast period in terms of revenue estimates (in US$ Bn) across different geographies, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America (LATAM).Obtain Report Details:The presence of a high-capacity network necessitates cable management and protection. The selection of an appropriate cable management system for routing is a major step in enhancing the network performance in the long term.The cable management system should offer the maximum protection and routing capabilities while also enabling fast deployment in current and upcoming network infrastructures. Other factors, such as ease of reengineering, expansion capabilities, and flexibility for future installations, play an acute role in ensuring network profitability.Today, companies offer various systems to protect and route cabling from entrance to termination points. A vast range of cable-management products has been introduced in recent years, providing the user with a greater choice of designs, materials, and installation methods.North America dominates the overall market for cable management systems globally, owing to surging industrialization in this region. Within the market for construction applications in North America, the commercial segment has witnessed large investments toward the construction of commercial structures such as hotels and offices.This research report provides in-depth analysis of the global cable management systems market on the basis of product, material, and end-use industry.The cable management systems market based on product includes cable tray, cable ladder, raceway, cable trunking, cable conduit, cable connector, cable gland, cable chain & reel, cable lug & tools, cable duct, and others (cable tags and markers).On the basis of material, the market is segmented into metallic and non-metallic. The cable management system end-use industry segments are IT & telecom, manufacturing, energy & utility, health care, logistics & transportation, mining, oil & gas, and construction.In terms of geographical regions, the report segments the global cable management systems market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Latin America; the regions are analyzed in terms of revenue generation.This 206 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Cable Management System Market. Browse through to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market:The report provides cross-sectional analysis of the global cable management systems market in terms of market estimates and forecasts for all segments across different geographic regions.The report also includes competitive profiling of major players engaged in the development of cable management systems. The major business strategies adopted by these players, their market positioning, and their recent developments have also been identified in the research report.This report also provides market positioning analysis of the major players in the cable management systems market based on their 2015 revenues. Some of the major players profiled in the report include Schneider Electric SE, Legrand SA, Thomas & Betts Corporation (ABB Ltd.), HellermannTyton Group PLC, TE Connectivity Ltd., Marco Cable Management, Chatsworth Products, Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices (Eaton Corporation), Allied Tube & Conduit (Atkore International Holdings Ltd), Niedax Group, Vantrunk International, Panduit Corp., Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc., and Enduro Composites, IncAbout 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:
Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market Segmentation, Application, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast 2017 to 2022

Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market

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WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On - Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market Segmentation, Application, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast 2017 to 2022.Electric vehicles are gaining importance in modern times because of the rise in global fuel prices and alarming levels of air pollution. There is widespread concern about the negative effects of global warming. In such a scenario the rapid adoption of electric vehicles is seen as the most viable solution. The time taken to charge electric vehicles was one of the major concerns, but with the advent of wireless inductive charging this issue has been resolved. Inductive wireless charging is considered a major breakthrough as it has made the use of plugs and cords redundant. Inductive charging takes place when an electromagnetic field transfers energy between two coils.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems 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.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversBoschQualcommTexas InstrumentsWiTricityFulton InnovationOtherMarket 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, coversElectromagnetic inductionMagnetic resonanceMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPassenger vehiclesCommercial vehiclesComplete Report Details @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems market.Chapter 1, to describe Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems, with sales, revenue, and price of Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems, 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 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Continue..Table Of Contents  Major Key Points2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Bosch2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Bosch Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.2 Qualcomm2.2.1 Business Overview2.2.2 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Type and Applications2.2.2.1 Type 12.2.2.2 Type 22.2.3 Qualcomm Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.3 Texas Instruments2.3.1 Business Overview2.3.2 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Type and Applications2.3.2.1 Type 12.3.2.2 Type 22.3.3 Texas Instruments Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.4 WiTricity2.4.1 Business Overview2.4.2 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Type and Applications2.4.2.1 Type 12.4.2.2 Type 22.4.3 WiTricity Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.5 Fulton Innovation2.5.1 Business Overview2.5.2 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Type and Applications2.5.2.1 Type 12.5.2.2 Type 22.5.3 Fulton Innovation Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.6 Other2.6.1 Business Overview2.6.2 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Type and Applications2.6.2.1 Type 12.6.2.2 Type 22.6.3 Other Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)3 Global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market Competition, by Manufacturer3.1 Global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer (2016-2017)3.2 Global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer (2016-2017)3.3 Global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Price by Manufacturer (2016-2017)3.4 Market Concentration Rate3.4.1 Top 3 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Manufacturer Market Share3.4.2 Top 5 Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Manufacturer Market Share3.5 Market Competition Trend4 Global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Market Analysis by Regions4.1 Global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales, Revenue and Market Share by Regions4.1.1 Global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales by Regions (2012-2017)4.1.2 Global Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Revenue by Regions (2012-2017)4.2 North America Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales and Growth (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales and Growth (2012-2017)4.4 Asia-Pacific Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales and Growth (2012-2017)4.5 South America Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales and Growth (2012-2017)4.6 Middle East and Africa Automotive Inductive Wireless Charging Systems Sales and Growth (2012-2017)Continue.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comBuy 1-User PDF@ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028.
U.S. Population Health Management Solutions Market : An Array of Graphics and Analysis of Major Industry Segments

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Population health management is a systematic and transparent service for improving the health status of the population in question. It aims to deliver better patient outcomes at lower prices. Population health management programs are structured so as to maintain the health of patient populations, particularly of those who are diagnosed with high-risk diseases.Population health management is apt at reducing the need for expensive interventions including hospitalizations, invasive procedures and tests, and emergency department visits, thereby being a cost-efficient solution.Population health management solutions offer remote health monitoring and management platforms such as medication dispensers, personal emergency response systems (PERS), and telemonitoring systems. These prove to be of crucial significance in times of sudden need for medical assistance.Obtain Report Details @In 2014, the U.S. population health management market was pegged at US$3.4 bn. The market for population health management in the U.S. is expected to expand at a mighty CAGR of 23.9% between 2015 and 2023, reaching US$ 45.7 bn by the end of 2023.The population health management market in the U.S. has been segmented by type of source, end user, and mode of operation. By type of source, the population health management services and population health management software are the two major segments of the population health management market in the U.S.Of the two, the population health management services segment is likely to occupy the foremost place in the market. The rapid advancement of this segment can be attributed to the growing demand for cost effective and high productivity offered by population health management services.By end user, the U.S. population health management market has been segmented into pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, medical device organizations, government insurance providers, private insurance providers, research institutes, employers, and diagnostic and imaging centers. Of these, healthcare providers are slated for significant growth over the forecast period.Make an Enquiry @By mode of operation, the U.S. population health management market has been segmented into web-based solutions, cloud-based operations, and premise-based operations. The cloud-based solutions segment holds maximum potential for growth, driven by escalating popularity of cloud-based software across pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations including clinics and hospitals, and health insurance companies. The pressing need for efficiency across healthcare facilities due to an alarming increase in patient population is driving the growth of this segment.The Advisory Board Company, Healthagen, LLC, Persivia, Caradigm, Lumeris, Wellcentive, Inc., Conifer Health Solutions, IBM Corporation, ZeOmega, Inc., Lumeris, Health Catalyst, and OptumHealth, Inc. are some prominent firms operating in the U.S. population health management market. The leading market participants are constantly trying to level up their rank in the U.S. population health management market via mergers, partnerships, acquisitions, product innovations, and investments in research and development.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. 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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Mobile Applications for Melanoma Detection Market : Structure and Overview of Key Market Forces Propelling Market

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Melanoma is primarily linked to prolonged exposure to UV radiation during childhood and this preventable skin condition has been on a rise in recent years. A significant spike in the incidence rate of melanoma has driven the need for effective and swift detection tools and techniques.Early detection of melanoma is crucial for improved prognosis and this can be achieved by skin surveillance and screening. This growing need, coupled with an increase in efforts to improve the awareness levels about this skin condition, has spurred the trend of early diagnosis. This has, in turn, driven the demand for mobile applications used for the detection of melanoma in Europe as well as Israel.Obtain Report Details @Regionally, the market for mobile applications for melanoma detection is split into Europe and Israel. Europe accounts for the dominant share and the opportunity in this market is slated to be worth US$1.4 mn by 2022. While the mobile application market for melanoma detection in Europe is fueled by the surge in mHealth trends and rising incidence of melanoma, it is significantly driven by the performance of the market in Greece.Despite the economic volatility in Greece, the market for mobile applications for melanoma detection will continue to witness growth owing to the development of eHealth infrastructure in the country and rising number of melanoma cases. Growing smartphone penetration is also a key factor driving the Greece market for mobile applications for melanoma detection.The Rest of Europe comprises several key markets for mobile applications for melanoma detection: Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands, the U.K., Norway, and Sweden. High internet and smartphone penetration and rising incidence rate and mortality rate of melanoma are the major growth boosters.Make an Enquiry @Israel is anticipated to witness impressive growth during the forecast period, exhibiting a 61.2% CAGR from 2014 to 2022. The rising prevalence of melanoma has been the primary driving factor in this region, especially based on information provided by the Israel Cancer Association. The organization states that in 2012 alone, nearly 1,300 new cases of malignant melanoma were reported in the country. This has resulted in increasing awareness among the general population regarding self-screening and early detection of cancer.Some of the leading mobile applications for melanoma detection in Europe and Israel are Dermatology Planet, UMSkinCheck, Mole Check, Skin Tagger, Track-A-Mole, SkinVision, Spot Mole, Skin Scanner, NAvus, SpotCheck, Mole Monitor, Mole Checker, Mole Checker/Stroika, FotoSKin, Melanoma Watch, Skin Mole Analysis, YourSkinDiary, OnlineDermClinic, Dr. Mole, Mollies Fund, MoleQuest, Skin Analytics, Spot Mole Plus, Skin Cancer, Skin Doctor, Skin Of Mine, iSkin, MoleTrac, Mole Doctor, Skin Prevention, and LovemySkin.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. 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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Pharmacovigilance Market : Pin-Point Analysis For Changing Competitive Dynamics

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Pharmacovigilance is a key component of an effective drug regulation system for monitoring and evaluating adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Pharmacovigilance activities are an important part of clinical research and are growing at a significant pace. At present, the global network of pharmacovigilance centers, harmonized by Uppsala Monitoring Centre, are operating on the global level for appropriate functioning of the process of drug safety monitoring across the world.Large volume of international ADR reports collected in a central database would serve as a contributing factor to the effort of national drug regulatory authorities, thus improving the safety profile of drugs that would help avoid drug related disasters. In addition, growing public health awareness and expectation in relation to the safe use of medicines and medical interventions are some of the major factors contributing to the growth of the global pharmacovigilance market.Obtain Report Details @Based on phases of drug development, the global pharmacovigilance market has been segmented into preclinical studies, clinical trial phase I, II, III and IV or post marketing surveillance. The phase IV or post marketing surveillance segment accounted for the largest share of the pharmacovigilance market in terms of revenue in 2013.Rise in the number of safety concerns pertaining to the marketed product, increasing need for developing systems for comparing safety profiles of similar pharmaceutical products and growth in public health awareness campaigns regarding drug safety issues among the people are the major factors attributed to the high growth of the segment. In addition, the clinical trial phase III segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR due to the rising need for drug safety monitoring and evaluation in phase III before the drug manufacturer can apply for marketauthorization application.Based on methods of performing pharmacovigilance, the market has been categorized into spontaneous reporting, intensified ADR reporting, targeted spontaneous reporting, cohort event monitoring, and EHR mining. Spontaneous reporting method was the largest segment in terms of revenue in 2013. Factors attributed to the growth of the segment are easy simulation of realistic datasets that provides better drug evaluation and comparison, and better assessment of automatic signal generation methods proposed within pharmacovigilance. The segment is also expected to maintain its lead during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020Make an Enquiry @Based on types of services, the pharmacovigilance market has been segmented into in-house and contract outsourcing. The contract outsourcing service segment accounted for the largest share in 2013. The segment is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.Geographically, North America accounted for the largest share of the global pharmacovigilance market in 2013. Factors attributed to the growth of the pharmacovigilance market in North America are increasing mortality rate due to ADRs and escalating patient concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADRs account for more than 100,000 deaths annually and are among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S.The global pharmacovigilance market is fragmented due to the presence of numerous established as well as emerging organizations. The top companies operating in the pharmacovigilance market are Cognizant Technology Solutions, Accenture plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Covance, Inc., Clinquest Group B.V., ICON plc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., inVentiv Health, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, iGATE Corporation, Novartis International AG, Wipro Limited, Quintiles Transnational Holdings, Inc., Synowledge LLC, Pharmaceutical Product Development, LLC, (PPD), Sanofi, PAREXEL International Corporation, Pfizer, Inc., and iMEDGlobal Corporation.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. 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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
2017 3DTV Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Samsung, Sony Corp, Sharp Corp, Toshiba Corp, Vizio, Hisense, TCL, LG Corp and Others

2017 3DTV Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022

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Global 3DTV Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Videocon Industries Ltd, Samsung, Sony Corp, Sharp Corp, Toshiba Corp, Vizio, Hisense, TCL, LG Corp and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.3D television (3DTV) is television that conveys depth perception to the viewer by employing techniques such as stereoscopic display, multi-view display, 2D-plus-depth, or any other form of 3D display. Most modern 3D television sets use an active shutter 3D system or a polarized 3D system, and some are auto stereoscopic without the need of glasses. 3DTV are to be discontinued in 2017 due to low consumer demand. LG and Sony were the last manufacturers to build the product.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global 3DTV Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:SamsungLG CorpSony CorpSharp CorpToshiba CorpVizioVideocon Industries LtdHisenseTCLOthersGlobal 3DTV Market: Key Product TypeNon-glass FreeGlass-FreeOtherGlobal 3DTV Market: Key ApplicationHouseholdCommercialOthersGlobal 3DTV Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global 3DTV Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global 3DTV Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global 3DTV Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global 3DTV Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE) (NYSE:BTE) is pleased to announce that Edward LaFehr, President and Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the Peters & Co. Limited 2017 Energy Conference on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at 2:20 pm EDT (12:20 pm MDT) in Toronto, Ontario. Interested parties can listen to a live webcast via the following URL:



https://cc.talkpoint.com/pecl001/091217a_as/?entity=5_GVN0K6K

A replay will be available on the Baytex website, www.baytexenergy.com, for six months following the presentation.

Baytex Energy Corp. is an oil and gas corporation based in Calgary, Alberta. The company is engaged in the acquisition, development and production of crude oil and natural gas in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and in the Eagle Ford in the United States. Approximately 79% of Baytexs production is weighted toward crude oil and natural gas liquids. Baytexs common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BTE.
Lubricant Evolving Technology, Trends and industry Analysis 2025

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The global independent lubricant manufacturers market features a consolidated vendor landscape, wherein leading four companies collectively held almost 58% market share in 2016, as per a recent report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). Of them, Germany-based FUCHS alone contributed nearly 37% revenue generated in the overall market for independent lubricant manufacturers in 2016, pointing towards the stronghold of the company in the global market.Browse Market Research Report:Despite the stronghold of top vendors, the presence of a large number of small players stiffens competition in the global independent lubricant manufacturers market. Product pricing, innovative product offerings, and distribution channels are the key aspects that based on which companies in this market compete to garner larger market share. The emergence of bio-based lubricants and the vast growth opportunities on account of demand for these products is expected to intensify competition in the market.Furthermore, penetration into high-growth emerging economies and development of environmentally sustainable products could be the most rewarding strategies for companies contending to establish their presence in the global independent lubricant manufacturers market.TMR estimates that the global independent manufacturers market will reach a valuation of US$9,454.04 mn by the end of 2025 increasing from US$6,800.79 mn in 2016, at a CAGR of 3.80% between 2017 and 2025.In 2016, the mineral lubricants product segment led the market holding a massive 60.8% share. However, the segment is expected to witness a nominal decline over the forecast period, on account of a notable rise of the synthetic lubricants product segment.On the basis of geography, in 2016, Asia Pacific led the global independent lubricant manufacturers market in terms of revenue share, followed by North America.Growth of Automotive Industry Catapults Demand for LubricantsSome of the key factors driving growth of the global independent lubricant manufacturers market is the healthy growth of the automotive industry and immense demand for bio-based lubricants. The significant expansion of the automotive industry, which is one of the key end users of lubricants, predominantly in emerging economies due to a rapidly growing middle-class population and strengthening financial conditions is majorly fuelling the markets growth.The implementation of environment protection regulations across key regional markets has led to a massive demand for high-quality lubricants. With these regulations expected to remain in place in the forthcoming years, the trend is anticipated to have an immense positive impact on the growth of independent lubricant manufacturers market. Furthermore, environment protection stipulations is also expected to witness demand for bio-based lubricants, thereby presenting growth opportunities for independent lubricant manufacturers that offer bio-based products.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Lubricant market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @Fluctuating Feedstock Prices Impacting Profit Margins Favor Use of Low Cost Alternatives in Cost Sensitive RegionsOn the flip side, however, fluctuating raw material prices is posing as a deterrent to the growth of independent lubricant manufacturers market. This is because fluctuations in feedstock prices inevitably affect pricing models and mostly lead to declined profit margins. Price related fluctuations mostly impact cost-sensitive regional markets, wherein consumers easily shift to cheaper alternatives.Despite the palpable environment benefits of bio-based lubricants, their high costs is preventing consumers from buying these products and instead opt for conventional crude-oil based lubricants.The review presented here is based on the findings of a report by Transparency Market Research, titled Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Market (Type - Mineral Lubricants, Synthetic Lubricants, and Bio-based Lubricants; Application - Automotive, Aerospace, Marine, and Industrial) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017  2025.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.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Gore, Rosenberger, Carlisle, Huber+Suhner,Trigiant technology, Sumitomo, TRU Corporation, Volex, Hengxin Technology and Others

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Global RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market Report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Gore, Rosenberger, Carlisle, Huber+Suhner,Trigiant technology, Sumitomo, TRU Corporation, Volex, Hengxin Technology and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2023 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.RF coaxial cable assemblies are assembled together by RF coaxial connectors and cables. They are mainly used to connect all kinds of signal transceiver equipment or transmitter, ensuring that the signal during transmission precision, low loss, high efficiency, high quality.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:TE ConnectivityMolexZTTAmphenolGoreRosenbergerCarlisleHuber+SuhnerTrigiant technologySumitomoTRU CorporationVolexHengxin TechnologyHitachiRadiallNexansGlobal RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market: Key Product TypeSemi-Rigid RF Coaxial Cable AssembliesSemi-Flexible RF Coaxial Cable AssembliesFlexible RF Coaxial Cable AssembliesOthersGlobal RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market: Key ApplicationTelecomMilitary/AerospaceMedicalComputer and PeripheralsTest and MeasurementOthersGlobal RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Orthokeratology Lens Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global RF Coaxial Cable Assemblies Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Electric Wheelchair Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Hoveround Corp, Golden Technologies, Invacare Corp, Heartway, 21st Century SCIENTIFIC Inc., EZ Lite Cruiser, Dane, Drive Medical and Others

2017 Electric Wheelchair Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022

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Global Electric Wheelchair Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Hoveround Corp, Golden Technologies, Pride Mobility Products Corp, Invacare Corp, Heartway, 21st Century SCIENTIFIC Inc., EZ Lite Cruiser, Merits Health Products, Inc., Dane, Drive Medical and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.This report studies the Electric Wheelchair market, A motorized wheelchair, powerchair, electric wheelchair or electric-powered wheelchair (EPW) is a wheelchair that is propelled by means of an electric motor rather than manual power. Motorized wheelchairs are useful for those unable to propel a manual wheelchair or who may need to use a wheelchair for distances or over terrain which would be fatiguing in a manual wheelchair. They may also be used not just by people with traditional mobility impairments, but also by people with cardiovascular and fatigue based conditions. Centre wheel drive electric wheelchair is used in the smaller space with good flexibility, but the front wheels on uneven terrain conditions or the rear wheel is easily caused stagnation of wheelchair card.Figure Picture of Electric WheelchairRequest for Free Sample Copy of Global Electric Wheelchair Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Golden TechnologiesDrive MedicalInvacare CorpHoveround CorpHeartway21st Century SCIENTIFIC Inc.Pride Mobility Products CorpEZ Lite CruiserMerits Health Products, Inc.DaneOthersGlobal Electric Wheelchair Market: Key Product TypeCentre wheel drive electric wheelchairFront wheel drive electric wheelchairRear wheel drive electric wheelchairGlobal Electric Wheelchair Market: Key ApplicationHospitalHomeOtherGlobal Electric Wheelchair Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Electric Wheelchair Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Electric Wheelchair Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Electric Wheelchair Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Electric Wheelchair Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 TCL Corporation, Alioscopy, Evistek, Leyard, Inlife-Handnet, Exceptional 3D, Realcel Electronic, Vision Display, Seefeld, Kangde Xin and Others

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Global Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely TCL Corporation, Alioscopy, Evistek, Leyard, Inlife-Handnet, Stream TV Networks, Exceptional 3D, YUAN CHANG VISION, Realcel Electronic, Vision Display, Seefeld, Kangde Xin and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.This report studies the Glasses-Free 3D Displays market, Glasses-free 3D is any method of displaying stereoscopic images (adding binocular perception of 3D depth) without the use of special headgear or glasses on the part of the viewer. Because headgear is not required, it is also called glassesless 3D or autostereoscopy . There are two broad approaches currently used to accommodate motion parallax and wider viewing angles eye-tracking, and multiple views so that the display does not need to sense where the viewers eyes are located.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market 2017Top Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Omco InternationalRoss InternationalJianhua MouldJinggong MouldORI MouldWeiheng MouldUniMouldJCLRongTai MouldXinzhi IndustryDonghai Glass MouldFuchang Glass Mould FactoryRuifeng MouldTOYO Glass MachineryTETA Glass MouldSteloy CastingsOthersGlobal Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market: Key Product TypeLight barrier technologyLenticular Lens Technology Glasses-Free 3D DisplaysGlobal Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market: Key ApplicationTVAdvertising DisplayMobile DevicesOthersGlobal Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Glasses-Free 3D Displays Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
2017 Slitter Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022 Jennerjahn Machine, Kataoka Machine, Dahua-Slitter technology, Kesheng Machinery, Hakusan Corporation, and Others

2017 Slitter Market Report for Period 2017 till 2022

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Global Slitter Market report provides detailed analysis of companies namely Jennerjahn Machine, Kataoka Machine, Dahua-Slitter technology, Kesheng Machinery, Hakusan Corporation, and Others. This report study includes global market statistics and analysis for example, company performance, historical analysis 2012 to 2016, market forecast 2017 to 2022 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2017 to 2022, etc.The Slitter, commonly referred to as slitter reminder, is a primary machine used in the conversion of Paper, Film, and Foil material. Designed to convert a wide roll of material into several thinner rolls, the slitter starts by unwinding a master or mill roll, continues by slitting the unwound material into various widths, and finally completes the process by rewinding the slit material onto cores of various widths.Request for Free Sample Copy of Global Slitter Market 2017 atTop Company Profiles and Analysis included in this report:Atlas Converting EquipmentKampfEuromacParkinson TechnologiesNishimuraJennerjahn MachineKataoka MachineDahua-Slitter technologyKesheng MachineryHakusan CorporationGoebelASHE Converting EquipmentDeacroIHI CorporationLaem SystemBimecCatbridgeRuihai MachineryConQuipCheung kong Machinery EquipmentShenli GroupPSA TechnologyJota MachineryYongsheng New Materials EquipmentNICELYGlobal Slitter Market: Key Product TypeFlat SlittingExtrusion SlittingRound SlittingGlobal Slitter Market: Key ApplicationPaperFilmFoil MaterialOthersGlobal Slitter Market: Key RegionNorth 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)The Global Slitter Market analysis report provides detailed value chain for analysis of Global Slitter Market. The value chain helps to analyze major upstream in raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities happened in current and past few years. The Global Automotive Lighting Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors.Enquire before Buying @Global Slitter Market Research Industry Report is prepared with the help of extensive primary and secondary sources, directories, journals, newsletters and with the help of third-party application like Hoovers, Factiva, Bloomberg, Businessweek, etc.About Us:Market Reports Company is a global research and consulting company. We provide customized reports. We can study and analyze any market based on wide range of parameters. We can provide market insights for any particular region, country across the globe within shortest possible turn around time.What we offer: Customized Reports: we provide customized report study on any market or industry. Region Specific Study: If you need region specific or if you are searching for particular region market study then, we have expert research team for that. How we work: We work in all domains and industries, you name it and we provide the market research industry report analysis of it. Expertise: Superior Research Team, 24*7 Customer Care ServiceContact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website:Email: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States
Medium Voltage Switchgear Market : An Insight On the Important Factors and Trends Influencing the Market

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Switchgears are switching devices that are specially designed to regulate, control, and protect various types of power generation, distribution, and transmission equipment. It is also used to provide protection to different electric motor control systems installed across various end user segments. In electric power systems, switchgears are a combination of circuit breakers or fuses and disconnect switches.The global medium voltage switchgear market is anticipated to experience steady growth during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025 owing to rapid electrification and advent of smart grid technology across the world.For the purpose of providing an in-depth and exhaustive analysis of the medium voltage switchgear market across the globe, the market has been segmented on the basis of voltage, insulation, and end user. Based on different voltage ratings of medium voltage switchgear available in the market, the market has been classified into 3kV  5kV, 6kV  15kV, 17kV  27kV and 28kV  40kV.Obtain Report Details @In 2016, among the different voltage ratings of medium voltage switchgear available in the market, the 6kV  15kV switchgear segment held the largest market share in terms of revenue generation (USD billion).Moreover, information related to demand for medium voltage switchgear across various end user segments including power plants, the commercial sector, the oil, gas, and petrochemicals sector, utilities, and the paper and pulp industry, among others, is also highlighted in this report. Furthermore, cross sectional analysis of the market segments across Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America is furnished in the report.Geographically, Asia Pacific dominated the global medium voltage switchgear market in 2016 in terms of both revenue generation and volume demanded, and is expected to maintain its leading position in the coming years also.Make an Enquiry @Increasing demand for electrification along with adoption of smart grid technology in emerging countries is one of the primary factors expected to boost the demand from the medium voltage switchgear market in the coming years.Countries such as India and China have taken significant steps to improve the penetration of electrification. In India, the government has decided to spend a significant part of the 12th five-year plan (2012-2017) on electrification projects.In terms of competitive landscape, some of the major players operating in the global medium voltage switchgear market includes Schneider Electric SE (France), ABB (Switzerland), Siemens AG (Germany) and General Electric (the U.S) among others.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. 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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Nvdimm Market : Emergence of Advanced Technologies and Global Industry Analysis

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NVDIMM (non-volatile dual in-line memory module) are modules incorporated into the primary memory of a computing platform and capable of performing heavy workloads at DRAM (dynamic random access memory) speeds. NVDIMM combines the technologies of both DRAM and NAND flash memory, which enables data retention capacity even when there is an unexpected power loss or system crashThe global non-volatile dual inline memory module market is expected to exhibit a solid CAGR of 12.4% in the 2017-2025 forecast period. The markets revenue is likely to more than double over the forecast period, with the markets 2017 valuation of US$72.6 mn expected to rise tomore than US$184 mn by 2025.Formation of the NVDIMM Special Interest Group by leading vendors to accelerate penetration of the technology is also anticipated to have a positive impact on the growth of this market during the forecast period.Obtain Report Details @Among the different types of NVDIMM products available in the market, the global NVDIMM market was dominated by NVDIMM-N type in 2016, which is anticipated to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.Based on application, the enterprise servers and storage segment held the largest market share in 2016. The primary need for non-volatile DRAM capability that is required for optimizing and handling complicated big data datasets is expected to increase the adoption rate of NVDIMM technology across various enterprise servers and storage solutions.Make an Enquiry @Geographically, the global NVDIMM market was dominated by North America in 2016 due to the presence of leading NVDIMM manufacturers in this region such as Viking Technology Inc. (the U.S.), AgigA Tech Inc. (the U.S.) and Micron Technology Inc. (the U.S.) among others. Geographically, North America contributes the dominant share in the global NVDIMM market and is likely to remain an influential player in the coming years due to the steady presence of several leading players in the global NVDIMM market.The 12.3% CAGR expected of the North America NVDIMM market is, however, bested by Asia Pacific, which is likely to grow at a robust 14.7% CAGR between 2017 and 2025. The Asia Pacific market for NVDIMM is likely to be valued at US$35.7 mn by the end of 2025.Prominent NVDIMM manufacturers include SK Hynix, Inc. (Korea), Integrated Device Technology Inc. (The U.S) and Fujitsu Limited (Japan)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. 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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Industrial Agitator Market : Emergence of Advanced Technologies and Global Industry Analysis

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Industrial agitators find application in different industries and this has resulted in generating a continued demand for them. Used in mixing two or more materials  often having different viscosity  in different proportions to accomplish a desired level of uniformity in end products, industrial agitators are leveraged in various manufacturing industries such as oil and petrochemical, chemical, gas, pharmaceutical, and food and beverages.Swift pace of industrialization, particularly in fast-expanding developing nations in Asia Pacific and South America, namely China, India, and Brazil, has been at the forefront of driving growth in the global industrial agitators market.On account of such tailwinds the global industrial agitator market has grown at a steady pace so far. Going forward, it is predicted to register a CAGR of 5.7% from 2017 and 2025 to become worth US$3.647 bn by 2025 from US$2.245 bn in 2016, finds a report by Transparency Market Research.Obtain Report Details @The various types of industrial agitators purveyed in the market are side entry, top entry, bottom entry, static, and portable. At present, the top entry industrial agitator, rakes in maximum revenue and going forward too is predicted to continue doing so. The popularity of top entry industrial agitators results from the fact that they can be used to satisfy almost any need of the end-user for mixing and homogenization and they have a long service life.The surging demand for the nutraceuticals, on the back of a growing crop of consumers opting for organic food, in the upcoming years will likely keep boosting the market.From a geographical perspective, North America leads the global industrial agitator market vis-a-vis revenue. In 2016, it accounted for over 30.0% of the total market size. The expansion of the market in the region has been driven mainly by the U.S. and Canada.Make an Enquiry @Driving the industrial agitator market in Europe is the pulp and the paper industry which results in massive volumes of wastewater. On account of it, Europe trails North America in terms of market share. In terms of growth rate, Asia Pacific will likely surpass other regions because of high degree of pollution, acute water shortage, key regulatory changes, and swift pace of urbanization and industrialization.The region contributed more than 20.0% of the total revenue share in 2016, which is expected to increase by 2025 by rising at a CAGR of 6.2%. China and India are main markets in the region.EKATO GROUP, Sulzer Ltd., Philadelphia Mixing Solutions, Ltd., Chemineer Inc., Xylem, Inc., Tacmina Corporation, Mixel Agitators, Dynamix Agitators Inc., Silverson Machines, Inc., and SPX Flow Inc. are to name a few prominent names operating in the global industrial agitatormarket.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. 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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Printed Antennas Market : Technological Advancements, Evolving Industry Trends and Insights

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The global printed antenna market is displaying steadfast growth on account of high-value applications of printed antennas. The rising adoption of printed antennas in the aerospace and defense industry is catapulting growth of this market by leaps and bounds. This is because printed antennae in combination with radio frequency identification technology facilitates efficient data transfer needed in aircrafts, spacecraft, missiles for navigation and information sharing.Apart from this, considerable research and development for improvement in printing quality and efficiency is further triggering the growth of this market.Printed antennas have substantial applications in telecommunications industry. These antennas form an integral component of several mobile communication devices thereby enhancing the data transmission capabilities of these devices.Obtain Report Details @As per a report by Transparency Market Research, the global printed antennas market is poised to be worth US$12.87 bn by 2025 increasing from US$6.66 bn in 2016 at a CAGR of 7.7% between 2017 and 2025.The global printed antennas market is divided into five segments of ink-jet printing, screen printing, flexography printing, gravure printing, and others based on printing technology. The segment of screen printing leads the market in terms of value.However, ink-jet printing technology is expected to rise at a considerable CAGR over the forecast period. Ink-jet printing supports digital printing and thus has rising applications across industries.In terms of end-use, the segments into which the global printed antennas market is divided are automotive, telecommunication, aerospace and defense, pharmaceuticals, and others. In 2016, aerospace and defense held the leading share of the global printed antennas market.Make an Enquiry @The key geographical segments into which the global printed antenna market is divided are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America holds the leading share in the overall market on the back of increasing use of printed technology in defense sector that uses printed antennas for design of aircrafts.On the other hand, Asia Pacific holds immense potential to contribute to the growth of printed antenna market on account of rising penetration of mobile devices in the region.Some of the leading players in the global printed antenna market profiled in this report are Neotech AMT GmbH, Shure Inc., nScrypt Inc., Optomec Inc., Optisys Inc., Cobham plc, GSI Technologies, Mars Antenna & RF System, Thales S.A, and Texas Instrument Inc.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. 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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Solid State Lighting Display Market : Applications and Global Markets

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The global solid state lighting market is progressive despite its nascent state. The increasing demand for energy efficient lighting technologies that conform to high durability and improved productivity stipulations for reducing greenhouse gases is the key factor driving growth of this market.The trend is notable in developing economies that are witnessing rapid industrialization and urbanization and are being responsible to adopt energy efficient technologies to reduce emissions that are detrimental to the planet.The shift of manufacturing to Asia Pacific on account of its rising technical expertise and favorable cost structure is stoking demand for solid state lighting solutions. The integration of Internet of Things with solid state lighting is a strong driver of this growth of this market.Obtain Report Details @As per a report by Transparency Market Research, the global solid state lighting market, which stood at US$14.48 bn in 2016 is expected to be worth US$30.38 bn by 2025, rising at a CAGR of 8.7% between 2017 and 2025.The global solid state lighting market is classified into residential, commercial, industrial, and outdoor lighting depending on sector. The commercial sector segment dominated the solid state lighting market in 2016 and is likely to stay dominant over the forecast period.In terms of technology, the solid state lighting market is divided into LED, OLED, and others. LED, among them, is expected to hold a significant share over other segments vis-a-vis growth in the solid state lighting market because of the rising popularity of LED lighting solutions across all sectors of the economy.Make an Enquiry @From a geographical standpoint, the segments into which the global solid state lighting market is divided are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America, among these, stood as a key market for solid state lighting in 2016 and it is expected to hold a decent share during the forecast period.Europe is also expected to hold a significant position in the market over the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is backed by the advancement of the healthcare sector, which displays a high demand for solid state lighting for medical lighting needs.Holding 40% of the market in 2016, Asia Pacific stood as an attractive market for solid state lighting. The region is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. The growth of this regional market is backed by government initiatives for the development of smart cities.Leading players operating in the global solid state lighting market include General Electric, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, OSRAM Licht Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Eaton Corporation, NICHI Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Seoul Semiconductor Co. Ltd., and Applied Materials Inc.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. 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.Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
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http://www.bine.info/en/press/press-releases/press/pressemitteilung/gasmotor-waermepumpe-beheizt-wohnanlage-in-muenchen/

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The intention was to energy efficiently renovate a residential complex from the post-war period in the Munich district of Haidhausen and provide it with a new, CO2-neutral energy concept. The core of the heating system comprises a gas engine heat pump that utilises groundwater as the heat source. The new BINE-Projektinfo brochure "Gas engine heat pump supplies renovated residential complex" (09/2017) presents the prototype for the heat pump, the concept for the heating system, a method for providing energy-efficient legionella protection and the renovation project as a whole.---Prototype developed for the research projectA mass-produced gas engine heat pump suitable for the central European market did not exist when the planning was being carried out.Gas engine heat pumps offer interesting possibilities for additionally using the internal waste heat from engines and exhaust gas. The new heat pump can provide heat at two temperature levels: A temperature circuit at a level between 60 and 70 C supplies the approximately 150 apartments with hot water, while a second circuit at a temperature of around 50 C supplies the space heating. Within the heating system, the heat pump operates in conjunction with a solar thermal system and a gas-fired condensing boiler, which is used to meet peak loads. Three series-connected storage tanks buffer the generated heat. It was initially planned that the heat pump would cover around 70% of the heat production. Problems with the technology and regulation meant that this prototype failed to meet the target value, but the actual energy savings have nevertheless surpassed the calculated values during the operating phases.During the course of the renovation of the residential complex, the buildings also received very high-quality facade insulation and window systems. On completion, scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics carried out scientific monitoring for a period of two years. The owner of the buildings and therefore the client is the Stadtische Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Munchen municipal housing association. BLZ Geotechnik Service GmbH developed the prototype heat pump.You found all informations about the BINE Projectinfo brochure entitled "Gas engine heat pump supplies renovated residential complex" here:Uwe Milles/Birgit Schneiderpresse(at)bine.infoAbout BINE Information ServiceEnergy research for practical applicationsThe BINE Information Service reports on energy research topics, such as new materials, systems and components, as well as innovative concepts and methods. The knowledge gained is incorporated into the implementation of new technologies in practice, because first-rate information provides a basis for pioneering decisions, whether in the planning of energy-optimised buildings, increasing the efficiency of industrial processes, or integrating renewable energy sources into existing systems.About FIZ KarlsruheFIZ Karlsruhe  Leibniz Institute for Information Infrastructure is a not-for-profit organization with the public mission to make sci-tech information from all over the world publicly available and to provide related services in order to support the national and international transfer of knowledge and the promotion of innovation.Our business areas: STN International  the worlds leading online service for research and patent information in science and technology KnowEsis  innovative eScience solutions to support the process of research in all its stages, and throughout all scientific disciplines Databases and Information Services  Databases and science portals in mathematics, computer science, crystallography, chemistry, and energy technologyFIZ Karlsruhe is a member of the Leibniz Association (WGL) which consists of 87 German research and infrastructure institutions.Weitere Informationen:- BINE InformationsdienstQuelle: idw
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Professor Michael N. Hall from the Biozentrum of the University of Basel receives the Lasker Basic Medical Research Award 2017  one of the most distinguished honors in biomedical research. With his discovery of the protein TOR, the biochemist was able to identify a key element in the regulation of cell growth, which is also responsible for the development of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.---The American Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation honors Michael N. Hall for his fundamental discoveries in cell growth that have opened up a new field of biomedical science.Michael Hall showed that TOR proteins control cell growth in response to nutrients and growth factors and thus established that growth is a highly regulated process that is independent of the cell division cycle, said Joseph L. Goldstein, Chair of the Lasker Medical Research Awards Jury.The Lasker Award is known as the highest award in medical sciences in the US. Many recipients of the Lasker Award have gone on to win the Nobel Prize.Pioneer in the field of cell growthProf. Dr. Michael N. Hall discovered the protein Target of Rapamycin, TOR for short, in the early 1990s at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel in Switzerland. By activation and inactivation of different signaling pathways, it controls cell growth and size. Uncontrolled cell growth plays a major role in the development of a number of illnesses. Dysregulation of the intricate TOR signaling network is involved in the development of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.Over the years, Hall has continually added important pieces to the puzzle in understanding TOR. For instance, he demonstrated that TOR is found in two distinct protein complexes, which explained the different effects of TOR signaling in the cell.The work of Hall has led to a fundamental change in how one thinks of cell growth and has provided critical information for the development of anti-cancer drugs.Great honor for the University of BaselI am extraordinarily pleased and deeply grateful that the Lasker Foundation has honored our fundamental research with this award, says Michael Hall in a first statement. I hope that our work will pave the way for new scientific discoveries and allow the development of effective cancer therapies.We are very proud of Mike Hall's achievements, adds Prof. Dr. Andrea Schenker-Wicki, President of the University of Basel. With this award, an extraordinary scientist is being honored, whose discoveries have inspired the life sciences way beyond the University of Basel."We are absolutely delighted that Mike Hall is being recognized with the Lasker Award. Mike has been a member of the Biozentrum for thirty years and it has been a privilege and a pleasure to witness the evolution of his groundbreaking work over that time, says Prof. Dr. Erich Nigg, Director of the Biozentrum of the University of Basel.Highly decorated scientistThe 64-year-old Michael N. Hall was born in Puerto Rico. He received his PhD from Harvard University and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the University of California, San Francisco. Hall joined the Biozentrum of the University of Basel as an Assistant Professor in 1987, and has been conducting research and teaching as a Full Professor of Biochemistry since 1992.For his pioneering research Hall has received numerous prestigious prizes, including the Cloetta Prize for Biomedical Research (2003), the Louis Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2009), the Marcel Benoist Prize (2012), the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2014), the Canada Gairdner International Award (2015), and the Szent-Gyorgyi Prize of the American National Foundation for Cancer Research (2017). He was elected a member of the US National Academy of Sciences in 2014.Renowned biomedical research awardThe Lasker Award is known as one of the most distinguished research awards in biomedicine worldwide. It is awarded in three categories each year by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation in New York. The award recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of human disease.Michael Hall is the sole recipient of this years Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research. The Lasker~Debakey Award for Clinical Medical Research went to Douglas R. Lowy and John T. Schiller, both from the US National Cancer Institute. The Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award was awarded to the US nonprofit organization Planned Parenthood. The prizes are each endowed with USD 250,000. The official award ceremony will be held September 15, 2017, in New York.Further information Prof. Dr. Michael N. Hall, University of Basel, Biozentrum, Tel. +41 61 207 21 50, email: Matthias Geering, University of Basel, Media Spokesperson, Tel. +41 61 207 35 75, cell: +41 79 269 70 71, email:Weitere Informationen:Quelle: idw
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The refugee crisis, Brexit, growing populism  recently there has been a spate of events and trends that have completely transformed the political landscape in Europe. But in Germany, these changes predominantly seem to be fostering the need for stability. The new "eupinions" study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung shows that the Germans are much more optimistic and satisfied than other Europeans.---Gutersloh (Germany), 6 September 2017. Unity and satisfaction at a time of upheaval  this, in a nutshell, describes the prevailing mood in Germany, according to the latest "eupinions" opinion poll by the Bertelsmann Stiftung. What is striking is that the Germans feel signifi-cantly more positive than their European neighbours and that they rate their own country much more highly than the EU. Moreover, the political centre is stronger in Germany than it is in any of the other major EU countries. The opinion poll results are representative of the EU as a whole as well as the six largest member states France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Poland and Spain.The positive mood among German citizens was most noticeable when they rated the current state of their country and its democracy. In both categories, Germans feel a greater sense of optimism than any of their fellow EU members. 59 percent of Germans are content with the development of their own country and 63 percent are satisfied with German democracy. German citizens' approval of their own country's development has skyrocketed since March 2017. In spring, only 32 percent of Germans felt that their country was moving in the right direction. By summer, that figure was up to 59 percent. Italians were the least satisfied with their own country, with only 13 percent approving. In France, which has elected Emmanuel Macron as its new President, pessimists are still in the majority, although their numbers have fallen significantly. While only 12 percent of French people felt that their country was moving in the right direction in spring, this figure jumped to 36 percent in summer 2017.It appears as if German citizens have few economic woes too. Three quarters of people (77 percent) believe the economic situation has either improved (34 percent) or remained the same (43 percent). In Italy, the bottom country in this category, over half of the respondents (54 percent) believe that the economic situation has worsened.Strong in the centre, weak on the fringes: political attitudes in GermanyCompared to the other major EU states, it is noticeable that political attitudes in Germany are very moderate and predominantly centrist. 80 percent of Germans consider themselves to be centrist, which is a greater share than any of the other five major EU countries. The majority of those Germans (44 percent) place themselves on the centre-left. France has the strongest political fringes compared to the other EU states. Around one half of French peo-ple revealed that their views are either left (24 percent) or right (25 percent) of centre.Whether in Germany, France or the EU as a whole, one rule seems to apply: those who are dissatisfied lean more towards the right. Of those who consider themselves to be right-wing in Germany (7 percent), 63 percent are dissatisfied with the state of democracy in Germany and 65 percent are dissatisfied with the state of democracy in the EU. 77 percent of them believe that the EU is moving in the wrong direction, and only half of those in Germany who consider themselves to be right-wing would vote in favour of their country remaining in the EU.There are therefore significant differences in all of these categories between those who consider themselves to be right-wing, and those who hold centre-right, centre-left or left-wing views. This means the same trend that exists in other European nations can be ob-served in Germany too. However, the proportion of Germans who consider themselves to be right-wing (7 percent) is still very low  compared to a 25-percent share in France, for example.Germany benefiting from strong economic figuresAnyone wanting to know why no real political controversy was emerging in the current Bundestag election campaign could find the answers in the current eupinions figures, stated eupinions Project Leader Isabell Hoffmann: Brexit, Trump and the dramatic election campaigns in France, Austria and the Netherlands have seemingly made a real impression on many Germans and convinced them that their country is doing well in relative terms. The country was still benefiting from its broad political centre and its good economic figures. One decisive factor would be whether, following its probable entry into the Bundestag, the Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party succeeded in using controversial issues such as asylum and migration to profoundly polarise the political debate, just as its European sister parties had done.Additional information"eupinions" is the European opinion polling instrument that the Bertelsmann Stiftung has developed together with Dalia Research and which regularly consults the citizens of all 28 member states on European issues. The last opinion poll took place in July 2017 and, with a sample size of 10,755 respondents, is representative of the European Union as a whole and the six largest member states France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Poland and Spain.Our expert:Isabell Hoffmann, "eupinions" Project LeaderTelephone: +49 5241 81-81602E-mail:Weitere Informationen:information can be found atQuelle: idw
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28826016

https://www.tum.de/en/about-tum/news/press-releases/detail/article/34176/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkzQJd0OhoE

After a stroke, many people are unable to successfully perform basic hand movements in everyday life. The reason are symptoms of hemiparesis resulting from damage to the brain. These very frequently affect fine motor skills. A team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is now paving the way to better diagnosis and more targeted therapy.---The fact that patients experience restricted mobility when attempting to grasp, hold and use simple everyday objects and tools after a stroke is assessed by classical tests of their manual dexterity. Very often, it is the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test which is performed, where a sentence must be written on a piece of paper. "However, the Jebsen and other tests do not reveal which individual factors lead to stroke patients having difficulty in dealing with grasping and handling simple things, such as a leaf, says Professor Joachim Hermsdorfer from the Chair of Human Movement Science at the TUM Department of Sport and Health Sciences. "This is why we developed tests ourselves in order to derive more targeted therapeutic approaches based on the influencing factors identified. Joachim Hermsdorfer and lead author Kathrin Allgower have just published their results in the journal Clinical Neurophysiology.What are the factors that trigger fine motor deficits?The TUM scientists tested the lifting of objects of different weight classes and different surfaces, anticipatory and responsive grip control, visual motor skills, and a number of other skills. A group of 22 patients aged 32 to 78 with (mild to moderate) hemiparesis on one side of their body after a stroke , participated in this study. They were joined by an equally large control group of healthy volunteers.Of the parameters where the two groups could be distinguished, three factors were identified that were decisive for classifying deficits in fine motor skills: control of the grip force, motor coordination, and the speed of movement. Using statistical methods, the team then proved that these three factors predict 69 percent of the everyday deficits of the more comprehensive Jebsen test.Results enable more targeted therapy following a stroke"Thanks to our results, patients can now be treated more specifically after a stroke in the areas where their weaknesses are evident, says Professor Hermsdorfer. Custom-developed devices were used for the tests, including the "Gripforce Box", with which the grip force of the hand is examined. In future, this could be further developed for therapists so that they can be used for the purpose of diagnosing the status quo of individual deficits following a stroke. We are still working on this, the movement scientist explains. Along with two short classical tests, the future goal is to be able to make a precise diagnosis regarding the background of fine motor deficits in stroke patients in everyday life with the GF Box.Publication:Kathrin Allgower und Joachim Hermsdorfer: Fine motor skills predict performance in the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test after stroke, Clinical Neurophysiology 31.7.2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.07.408Contact:Prof. Dr. Joachim HermsdorferTechnical University of MunichChair of Human Movement SciencePhone: +49 (89) 289 - 24550Weitere Informationen:News ReleaseVideo with Test at the Gripforce-BoxQuelle: idw
https://cms.uni-konstanz.de/fileadmin/pi/fileserver/2017/Bilder/diehl0305.jpg

The German Research Foundation (DFG) funds study on early integration processes in Germany - a joint research project between the universities of Konstanz, Gottingen and Bamberg---According to official statistics for the year 2015, more than two million migrants came to Germany, with almost half arriving from an EU member state. To understand the reality behind these numbers, society requires information about immigration and integration processes. The project Aktuelle europaische Binnen- und Fluchtlingsmigration nach Deutschland. Zuzugsprozesse und fruhe Integrationsverlaufe (Current European internal and refugee migration to Germany. Immigration processes and early integration developments) will provide exactly this information. By carrying out comparative surveys over the next three years, researchers will survey approximately 6,000 refugees and other immigrants in order to assess their characteristics, experiences and future plans. This large-scale data collection will also allow researchers to study how the integration patterns of very different groups such as highly qualified immigrants, refugees and migrants within the EU differ from one another. The study is being funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with EUR 1.7 million. Spokesperson for the collaborative research project with the universities of Gottingen and Bamberg is the University of Konstanz sociologist Professor Claudia Diehl. Immigrants from six different countries will be surveyed, all of whom have spent a maximum of three years in Germany.We are currently investing a lot into the integration of new immigrants. However, we still do not understand enough about which individual and contextual characteristics influence their integration behaviour and how the various immigrant groups differ from one another in this regard. The same applies to the question of whether or not integration is still the appropriate concept for all of these groups, says Claudia Diel, who carries out research on the topic of migration at the University of Konstanz. The target groups for the surveys are not only refugees, but also traditional migrant workers. The combination of Polish, Rumanian, Italian and Turkish migrants along with immigrants from Syria and Iraq as the largest refugee groups is making the increasing diversity in immigration to Germany an important topic to be considered. Research on integration has for too long focused exclusively on immigrant guest workers and their descendants, says Claudia Diehl.In order to consider how the current immigration process in Germany has changed with the increase in diversity, the project will focus on questioning people who have come to Germany in the past three years. Since they are more likely to remember their motives, experiences and plans, this innovative approach will allow researchers to address unanswered questions in migration research. Claudia Diehl: It will allow us to better differentiate between the many different factors that affect integration. How do individual characteristics such as pre-arrival educational qualifications and language skills influence the integration processes and which role do integration conditions play in the country of destination?Of particular interest here is how the groups differ from one another, in regard to religious background, for example. The large sample size will allow researchers to assess the intragroup diversity, which is apparently significant in the refugee group. A central question that will be addressed by the project is whether refugees even follow a typical integration process: In principle, all migrants experience similar challenges, says the sociologist Claudia Diehl.All participants will be surveyed twice. In order to investigate the early integration processes, researchers will allow a year and a half to pass before carrying out the second round of surveys. Experience shows that a lot occurs during this time, especially in terms of social relationships and on the job market. At the same time, the migrants perceptions of the host country can also change. To ensure a large sample size while also minimizing costs, the project will implement an innovative survey method: The randomly selected study participants will be surveyed in their native language and can choose between three types of surveys: an online questionnaire, a telephone interview or an interview in person. Participants will have a financial incentive to take part in the survey. To provide the project with an international comparative research component, Professor Diehls colleagues in Canada are currently working on submitting a corresponding research proposal.Comparing immigrants of varying origins is something Claudia Diehl has had experience with as a principal investigator in an international collaboration project where research was carried out on immigrants from Germany, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Ireland. As a member of the Expert Council of German Foundations on Integration and Migration and an active contributor to the current research focus Political Dimensions of Inequality at the University of Konstanz, Claudia Diehl expects that, as in the previous study, the results of this research project will be published in scientific journals and be used in political policy consultations. Claudia Diehl: To effectively prepare for the future, it is important to know who has come to Germany and what their plans for the future are.Facts: The project Aktuelle europaische Binnen- und Fluchtlingsmigration nach Deutschland. Zuzugsprozesse und fruhe Integrationsverlaufe (Current European internal and refugee migration to Germany. Immigration processes and early integration developments) Survey of one thousand members from each immigrant group originating from of the following six countries: Poland, Romania, Italy, Turkey, Syria and Iraq Project duration is three years beginning in September 2017 Collaboration project with participation from Professor Claudia Diehl (University of Konstanz), Professor Matthias Koenig (University of Gottingen) and Professor Cornelia Kristen (University of Bamberg) Research funding through the German Research Foundation (DFG) in the amount of Euro 1.7 million Part of the research focus Political Dimensions of Inequality at the University of KonstanzNote to editors:You can download a photo here:Caption: Professor Claudia DiehlPhoto: University of KonstanzContactUniversity of KonstanzCommunications and MarketingPhone: + 49 7531 88-3603E-Mail:- uni.knQuelle: idw
Edouardo Jordan is no stranger to Portland. The Seattle chef, whose deep explorations of southern food have made his new restaurant JuneBaby a must-visit, swings through town to see friends once or twice a year. In 2016, he found himself at Oregon's Wild About Game cooking competition, where he took home the top prize for a rabbit torchon with blistered okra in a scotch bonnet consomme that knocked out the judges (including me) and his fellow chefs.

Jordan was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, attended culinary school there, then went on to work at the Napa Valley's French Laundry (where he met Holdfast Dining chef Joel Stocks) and Seattle's Herbfarm (where he met 10 Barrel Portland brewmaster Whitney Burnside). He first drew notice in Seattle working for James Beard Award-winning chef Matt Dillon, starting at Sitka & Spruce then moving to the gorgeous Pioneer Square restaurant Bar Sajor, which was seemingly built with him in mind. That restaurant, where I first ate Jordan's food, closed not long after he left to open his first restaurant, Salare.

Edouardo Jordan

Salare is a wonderful restaurant, the kind of place you wish were in your neighborhood, with southern elements joining Jordan's clear passion for Italian food, particularly pastas and cured meats. JuneBaby is on another level, a place with the power to educate diners about the at-times heartbreaking origins of southern food and the African diaspora. When the restaurant opened in a humble yellow building in April, the website featured a digital dictionary of ingredients and terms found at the restaurant. Instead of drawing from his culinary career, as he did at Salare, Jordan uses oxtails, okra and dishes learned at his mother and grandmother's sides to explore his own roots at JuneBaby. It's already been called the most exciting southern restaurant in America, and it's the most compelling argument right now to visit Seattle to eat.

Next week, Jordan will come to town again, this time for Feast Portland, the Pacific Northwest's premier food festival. Next Saturday, September 16, he'll serve one of JuneBaby's most enigmatic dishes -- carrots gently smoked over applewood with traditionally braised collard greens, benne seeds and, in a nod to North Africa, tahini -- at a vegetable-focused event at Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Like almost everything at Feast, tickets are already sold out.

Luckily, Jordan will appear the day before for a live discussion with yours truly. As a preview for that talk, I spoke with Jordan by phone about the genius of chitterlings, oxtail gentrification and why he only serves fried chicken one day a week. Questions and answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

What were you hoping to achieve with JuneBaby?

I think people have this connotation about southern food: Many of the places I've eaten in have this cafeteria feel, turn and burn, things that are already cooked, the meat and three. People think southern food, they think they can walk out with oxtails and rice for $15.99. But my oxtails are sourced properly. I'm using heirloom rice. I'm asking farmers to grow things for me, and all of that costs more than your usual off-the-shelves grocery store items. What I wanted to bring was a southern restaurant done from the eyes of an African American chef.

I wanted to cook my food, food that was very familiar to me, comforting to me, and at the same time I wanted to educate people about who I am through my food. I grew up in a southern household, and all we did was cook southern food. That's something that I strayed away from when I started cooking professionally. I thought I had to open up my horizons and explore the wider world of food. JuneBaby is me. It's my heart and my soul. It's what my mom and sister and grandma would eat if they came to Seattle.

You've said there are ingredients at JuneBaby that Seattleites are unfamiliar with. Like what?

You've got things like chitlins (pork intestines). Most people know them because of the "ooh ah" factor and are like, "No thank you." But some people are like, "what are chitlins?" and then when they find out, they're like, "No thank you." I don't know if I really wanted chitlins to be this defining moment. But my family ate chitlins with no problem. You can serve pork liver in a pate with no problem. Why can't we serve chitlins in a restaurant with no problem?

Chitlins tell you a lot about the genius of the slaves that cooked this food. When you're stuck with a nose, a hoof, an ear and these intestines and you can make a meal out of it? That's pretty amazing. It's small aspects of that kind of cooking that I wanted in my restaurant. Because I ate like that. Not because I was poor. Because that's what my grandmother cooked, that's what she knew how to cook. I used to look down on these ingredients. I knew back in the day the reality of oxtails, they were, max, $1.99 a pound. Now you can find wagyu oxtail for $29.99 a pound. Oxtail now is this cool thing. But back in the day, that's what people had to eat because that's all mom could afford.

As a West Coast native, I don't always see what southerners see when it comes to misrepresentations of their cuisine. Can you point to any specific examples of dishes that have bothered you?

I've had many dishes that were horrible in many restaurants, (including) a collard green salad with barely braised collards in this vinaigrette. I was like, "oh man, collard greens aren't supposed to be half cooked or raw!" ... Once you get far from the root, things become bastardized, far from what most people who know the cuisine expect. There's a lot of chefs these days saying, "this is my interpretation of this food that I had, this is my new carbonara." But a true Italian person comes into your restaurant and says, "this sucks?" That's hard. And that's how true southerners come into your restaurant and judge. As chefs we're always trying to add our foo foo touch to everything. But there's no tweezers in my restaurant.

There's this connotation with southern food. Take fried chicken. It's comforting as hell, but that's not what southern food is all about. Just going back in history, black folks did not eat fried chicken every day. That was a luxury item. It happened on the day they didn't have to work in the fields. They cooked it on a holiday. And that's like me. I only serve fried chicken on Sundays. People automatically think fried chicken and watermelon when they think of the south. Those are quote-unquote "staple" items at restaurants that call themselves southern. But that is a small aspect of southern food. That is not what southern food is all about.

This past year, Portland has been at the epicenter of America's cultural appropriation debate around food. Are you seeing the same things in Seattle?

It's a reality everywhere. The landscape and the true look of the restaurant industry in any city is pretty much similar to Portland. Even in Seattle, there are probably five chefs of color in the city. And I'm probably the most recognizable one now. That doesn't speak highly of what America should look like in any kind of business. The reality of any major city is the same. Look at New York: Can you name five famous chefs of color in New York? And that's not even enough, because how many restaurants do they have? Portland got the brunt of it. But you can go anywhere, Minneapolis, San Francisco.

Join The Oregonian/OregonLive.com restaurant critic Michael Russell for a live Feast Portland interview with the rising star chef behind Seattle's JuneBaby from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, September 15 at the Dossier Hotel, 750 S.W. Alder St. The event is free, but you should RSVP here.



-- Michael Russell
Portland's interim superintendent is out for two weeks, just days after school started for the year.

Assistant Superintendent Antonio Lopez is now in charge of Oregon's largest school district. Lopez is taking over for Interim Superintendent Yousef Awwad until September 18, when Awwad plans to return from short-term medical leave.

Awwad's time as interim is winding down, with the new permanent superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero expected to start on October 2. Lopez's leadership is guided by a work plan drafted with input from Guerrero and school board chair Julia Brim-Edwards. Even though Guerrero has yet to officially start, he's showed up to key Portland events and is looped in on issues.

Awwad has been under investigation by an outside law firm since last month. The school board asked for the investigation after multiple complaints Awwad violated policy by having an undisclosed relationship with a subordinate. He has denied any wrongdoing, according to Willamette Week.

 Bethany Barnes
An email that a top Portland Public Schools official sent to school board members Sunday sheds more light on the decision to move a struggling principal to a larger school.

Assistant Superintendent Antonio Lopez sent the email, obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive through a public records request, after school board chair Julia Brim-Edwards asked why the district was silent when The Oregonian/OregonLive inquired about the move. By failing to share its rationale and express support for the principal, district officials opened the longtime employee to a barrage of questions about his fitness for the new job, she wrote.

Friday afternoon, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that, despite a scathing report on Karl Newsome's performance as principal of Astor K-8 School, Portland Public Schools named Newsome principal of Sellwood Middle School. Astor teachers told an outside investigator Newsome fell asleep during evaluations and many, while they stressed he was kind-hearted, said he was a poor leader who dreaded conflict and let things slide, the report said.

"I have already heard from a number of Sellwood parents who have significant concerns based on this story," Brim-Edwards wrote. "This appears to be partly because of the content of the story and partly due to the fact that (Portland Public Schools) did not make a supportive statement about the placement or share a rationale."

Lopez stressed in the email that Newsome, like other valued longtime employees, should be helped to improve after a lapse, not "thrown away." He also wrote that Newsome has a right to confidentiality. Portions of the email were redacted.

"I will continue to protect his right to privacy in the areas that I am required to," Lopez said. "I believe that an effective and prosperous organization holds people accountable but also it is a place where people can reinvent and redeem themselves; it's an organization where we don't throw people away when they make a mistake but rather help them to be better servants. I believe (Portland Public Schools) can be that type of organization. Karl is a good man who has dedicated 20 some years to this District and so has his wife."

Tamala Newsome, principal of Rosa Parks Elementary and Karl Newsome's wife, is a longtime Portland educator who won a national award for her accomplishments as principal of John Ball Elementary in 2004.

Portland Public Schools released the scathing investigative report on Karl Newsome just before the start of the school year. It did so in response to public records request from The Oregonian/OregonLive made in June after the district put the employee on leave last October. The report is dated April 25 and the district announced Newsome as Sellwood's principal in June.

Newsome was put on leave after a tense meeting with parents who contended years of turmoil had continued despite complaints. During the meeting Newsome's new boss, senior director Molly Chun, flatly apologized for how the school had been run. The investigation that followed, however, focused narrowly on whether Newsome should have known two of his teachers posed safety risks, not whether he was fit or good leader. It found he did not have reason to suspect the teachers would cause the undisclosed incidents that drew district scrutiny. Still, the outside investigator noted that the number of consistent complaints about Newsome suggested his leadership was substandard.

Lopez's email says the district further investigated concerns after that report came back. But details about how district arrived at the conclusion to place him at Sellwood are redacted.

Newsome has a history at Sellwood, having worked there as an assistant principal from 2006 to 2010. In 2010, he became an assistant principal at Astor. He was promoted to principal in 2011.

Lopez said in the email he refused to talk to The Oregonian/OregonLive because he believes its coverage of Portland Public Schools "has been detrimental to employees of color" and is unbalanced.

He noted that he referred The Oregonian/OregonLive's inquires to the district's communications department because he had been told all contact with the press must go through that department. He said he is happy to talk to community members about the matter.

Lopez has worked in the district since 2003, when he was hired as an elementary principal. In 2014, he became assistant superintendent and oversees all principals through a fleet of senior directors.

The report by the outside investigator said Chun and others speculated Newsome's faulty leadership was made worse by a lack of support and supervision. Chun had only recently started supervising Newsome when he was put on leave.

Astor parent Darrell Grenz, who had raised concerns about the school, has said he felt those in the higher levels of administration, not the principal, are at fault.

"It's a bigger thing with (Portland Public Schools). I don't understand the way they make decisions," he said. "Karl is such a good, kind-hearted guy, but professionally I'm not sure what the best role for him is ... I put that blame on the district not on Karl."

 Bethany Barnes

Got a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email Bethany: bbarnes@oregonian.com
Don't worry if you don't know Portland architect William Fletcher. Most people who bought one of the limited number of houses he designed didn't know him at first, but they loved the layout, light and lines anyway.

You'll have a chance to fall for Fletcher too.

On Saturday, Sept. 23, Restore Oregon is dedicating its annual home tour to the residential works of the late architect who not only helped refine midcentury modern for the Pacific Northwest, but founded an enduring firm, Fletcher Farr Ayotte (now known as FFA Architecture and Interiors, Inc.), and secured his legacy through his attractive, ground-breaking structures.

One of the stops on the tour is a time capsule, a 1959 model home in Northeast Portland called the Wedgwood Home of Tomorrow that Fletcher conceived with architect Donald Blair. Their design, with an incredibly lightweight folded-plate roof, prefabricated panels and suspended fireplace, earned a merit award by the American Institute of Architects during the halcyon days of midcentury architecture.

The entry to the then-futuristic house was protected from the road by a walled and landscaped courtyard. It's a signature feature of Fletcher's that provides privacy and a sense of transition from the street to the home sanctuary.

Owners Eric Anderson and Siena Bendixen-Park say their home was inspired by German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, as well as abstract painter Mondrian's use of colors and playing solids against voids for dramatic, simplified visual effect.

"We love the way the house offers so many lenses on itself," says Anderson. "When we're doing our chores and moving from one space to another, especially between indoors and out, the changing light and shadows in combination with the house's geometry constantly present new ways of seeing the design."

Fletcher is also credited with advancing modernist tenets of open floor plans and efficient kitchens that enhanced the high livability of his custom houses. He added beauty with carefully positioned skylights, warm wood louvers and other practical and elegant geometric forms.

In addition to Restore Oregon's self-guided 7th annual Mid-Century Modern Tour ($45), the nonprofit preservation organization is offering a lecture on Fletcher's work on Friday, Sept. 22 (the cost is $10 alone or included with the tour ticket).

Lecturer Troy Ainsworth, the head of FFA, looks forward to introducing more people to the work and philosophy of his firm's founder.

You see, detailed-oriented, jazz drumming Bill Fletcher was a bit of a rebel.

In the 1950s, Fletcher graduated from the University of Oregon's School of Architecture and set up shop in the basement of his Portland home.

His mind was on the future.

His guide to design were works by modernist trailblazer, Mies van der Rohe, and the spare International Style movement.

While classic revival styles dominated the drawing boards at most firms, Fletcher joined a handful of outliers designing pared-down dwellings encased by glass and native timber.

A year into his career, Fletcher opened a downtown studio and earned the geographic moniker as the leader of the "14th Street Gang" of architects.

He shared the office with Blair as well as Saul Zaik, who also rose to prominence as an architect deft at Northwest regional modernism. Rounding out the rest of the gang were John Reese, Frank Blachly, Alex Pierce and designer George Schwarz.

Later, Fletcher partnered with Dale Farr and Hal Ayotte to form FFA, which continues to design sustainable residential and commercial projects.

Ainsworth, who worked with Fletcher in the 1990s, believes the 14th Street Gang saw themselves as progressives, design pioneers searching for ways to make International Modernism more user-friendly and relevant to building in the cloudy, well-timbered Pacific Northwest.

This region's versions of modernism were vaulted onto the world stage by early works by architects John Yeon, Pietro Belluschi, John Storrs and Van Evera Bailey.

During the housing boom after WWII, tract developers Robert Rummer in Oregon and Joseph Eichler in California also promoted the idea of a flexible floor plan with easy access to the outdoors, a concept that suited fast-to-build, post-and-beam construction.

Fletcher and others were rewarded for making the most of a site's natural features, orienting openings to frame views while mirroring roof lines to the landscape. They created buildings that blended, rather than look boastful.

In many of Fletcher's homes, locally grown, clear vertical-grain cedar covered ceilings that extended just far enough past exterior walls to deflect rain and provide shade without blocking natural light.

Cutting-edge light switches, intercoms and other Jet Age elements ushered in the promise of a connected, high-tech world.

Instead of rooms concealed behind interior doors and walls, guests stepping into one of Fletcher's light-filled entries could scan the living room and beyond. Glass atriums and see-through sliding doors framed outdoor landscaping, and minimized the boundaries between inside and out.

Peggy Moretti of Restore Oregon praises Fletcher, who lived from 1925 to 1998, for an aesthetic that translated to residential and commercial projects, including Black Butte Ranch residential resort near Sisters and Rex Hill winery in Newberg, where he famously designed a space for a steel sculpture by Lee Kelly.

Fletcher, who was an art appreciator, had deep respect for Portland sculptors like Kelly and Bonnie Bronson. "His house was full of art and often full of artists, engaging in a dialogue and inquiry into the nature of art and life," according to Fletcher's biographer.

He worked with clients for more than four decades, until the last month of his life. By then, modern had evolved, as it was designed to do, but continued to be overshadowed by more common traditional design.

Today, midcentury minimalist dwellings don't stay long on the market before being sold, and interest in the "Mad Men"-era of design has mushroomed.

In the early years, however, modern was an anomaly.

Just ask Patrick Smith, who knew Fletcher and has lived in a Fletcher-designed home for 31 years.

Smith said it was difficult to find a good designer of contemporary homes in the 1980s. A real estate agent he and his wife hired after they moved here from Hawaii never was able to sell them a house, but did introduce the Smiths to Portland's Dunthorpe neighborhood, a specific lot, and by extension, Bill Fletcher.

Patrick Smith recalls that he saw the property he would eventually buy after Fletcher had finished the plans and the foundation had been laid. The dwelling was intended for a doctor, who was transferred before the walls went up.

The Smiths stepped up to buy the property and worked with Fletcher to customize it for their family of four.

Recently, Patrick Smith spoke about the way the house has served his family well over the decades. As a lawyer and banker who specialized in acquisitions, he said he felt better walking into his home at the end of the day and seeing his children doing their homework in the open kitchen as dinner was being made.

"Bill Fletcher's designs fit everyday life," says Smith. "I didn't have to change my life to fit an architectural design."

Over time, Smith appreciated more of the quiet considerations Fletcher incorporated into the home. The spacious walls were prime backdrops for contemporary art, and they were illuminated by perfectly positioned windows drawing in sunlight.

The Smiths' house is not on the tour, but owners of four other Fletcher-designed homes are opening their doors.

In addition to the Wedgwood Home of Tomorrow, another tour stop is at Ken Flummer and Miko Enomoto's 1963 house in Southwest Portland's Hillsdale neighborhood.

The couple bought the up-sloping property two years ago after overlooking it for years. It was hidden from the road, its front yard overgrown by ivy and blackberries. They laugh when they explain that they have been friends with the people across the street for years. But in all of their prior visits, they never noticed this house, until it went up for sale.

And then they fell in love.

As the third owner, they appreciate that no one before them tried to reinvent the house. A developer who bought the property from a former owner's family restored the worn finishes and reversed minor alterations.

As advised by an architect, the developer resisted taken down a wall that cleverly separates the kitchen from a glass-enclosed, jewel box of a dining room. A transparent atrium adjacent to the dining room expands the sense of space.

Another highlight of this Fletcher house almost seems like a cliche: The south-facing walls on two levels are floor-to-ceiling glass sheltered by narrow overhangs. The walls are dramatic, but were designed more importantly to allow the low winter sun to filter in.

The slope allowed Fletcher to create a top-floor entry accessed by walking around the house and past a sheltered outdoor courtyard. Inside, a skylight was installed over stairs that descend to the lower level. Another source of light: Slider doors in almost every room open to wooden-slat balconies or another part of the outdoors.

Fletcher's linear forms, like exposed beams that drop from the high ceilings, are seen here and in another stop on the tour: Dr. Arnold and Dolores Hurtado's 1962 house in Lake Oswego that has a flat roof and a recessed entrance shielded by projecting rooms on both sides.

The living room extends seamlessly into a large, waterfront deck, separated by a transparent wall.

None of Fletcher's slow-to-unfold features surprises Ainsworth of FFA: "Through sensitive siting of each building, Bill's designs were responsive to land form, views and access to natural light, creating warm, welcoming and natural-light filled spaces... to meet the unique needs of his clients in the Northwest."

If you go:



Friday, Sept. 22: A two-hour talk and discussion on "The Work and Legacy of William Fletcher, Northwest Modernist" by Troy Ainsworth, principal of FFA Architecture and Interiors, Inc., begins at 6 p.m. at Design Within Reach, 825 NW 13th Ave., Portland ($10 donation or included with the tour ticket).

Saturday, Sept 23: Restore Oregon's 2017 Mid-Century Modern Tour of Works by William Fletcher, a self-paced, self-guided home tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is the first time some of Fletcher's finest Portland area homes have been open to the public and curated as a group. Tickets are $45 (includes access to the Sept. 22 lecture and Sept. 23 after-tour party) and advance purchase is required at restoreoregon.org/event/mcm/.

Saturday, Sept. 23: An After-Tour Celebration from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. is hosted by Rejuvenation at its Flagship Store at 1100 SE Grand Ave. in Portland and is open only to home tour ticket holders.

For more information, call 503-243-1923.

Proceeds from the home tour benefit the statewide education and advocacy programs of Restore Oregon, which works to save Oregon's historic places, from the pioneer through midcentury modern eras. The organization was founded in 1977 as the Historic Preservation League of Oregon, and it publishes an annual list of Oregon's Most Endangered Places and holds more than 40 conservation easements on historic properties across the state, permanently protecting them from demolition.

-- Janet Eastman



jeastman@oregonian.com

503-799-8739

@janeteastman




BY GEORGE WILL

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Air Force "sniffer plane" was collecting air samples off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Sept. 3, 1949, when it gathered evidence of radioactivity, confirming that the war-shattered Soviet Union had tested a nuclear device. The Soviets' Aug. 29, 1949, test had come faster than expected.

Dating from the detonation at Alamogordo, New Mexico, on July 16, 1945, the basic science of nuclear explosions is more than 72 years old -- three years older than the North Korean nation. Ballistic missile technology is more than 60 years old. The problems of miniaturizing warheads for mounting on missiles, and of ensuring the warheads' survival en route to targets, are not sufficient to stymie a nation -- consider Pakistan, whose annual per capita income is less than $2,000 -- that is determined to have a nuclear arsenal.

North Korea has one and is developing ICBMs faster than expected and with ostentatious indifference to U.S. proclamations. On Jan. 2, President-elect Donald Trump scampered up the rhetorical escalation ladder, unlimbering his heavy artillery -- an exclamation point -- to tweet about North Korea's promised ICBM test: "It won't happen!" It did. North Korea's most audacious act, firing a missile over Japan, came seven days after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson praised North Korea's "restraint."

Pyongyang's "signaling" does not involve abstruse semiotics: It wants a nuclear arsenal, and as The Economist magazine says, the world's unpalatable options are the improbable (productive negotiations), the feeble (more sanctions) and the terrifying (military pre-emption). Concerning the latter, there is no bright line, but there is a distinction to be drawn, however imprecisely, between pre-emptive war and preventive war. The former constitutes self-defense in response to a clear and present danger -- repelling an act of aggression presumed with reasonable certainty to be imminent. The latter is an act of anticipation -- and, to be candid, of aggression -- to forestall the emergence of a clear and present danger.

When Trump threatened North Korea with "fire and fury like the world has never seen," was he threatening to cross the nuclear weapons threshold? This has been contemplated before regarding North Korea. Former Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who had been fired by President Harry Truman for insubordination, handed President-elect Dwight Eisenhower a memorandum on how "to clear North Korea of enemy forces": "This could be accomplished through the atomic bombing of enemy military concentrations and installations in North Korea and the sowing of fields of suitable radio-active materials, the by-product of atomic manufacture, to close major lines of enemy supply and communication. ... "

MacArthur badly misjudged Eisenhower, whose biographer Jean Edward Smith says that during the Potsdam Conference (July 17-Aug. 2, 1945), when Eisenhower was told of the Alamogordo test -- his first knowledge of the new weapon -- "he was appalled" and "was the only one at Potsdam who opposed using the bomb." Smith says:

"As president, Eisenhower would twice be presented with recommendations from his National Security Council and the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the bomb be used; first, in Vietnam to protect the French at Dien Bien Phu, then against China at the time of the Formosa Strait crisis. Both times Eisenhower rejected the recommendations. As a former supreme commander, Eisenhower had the confidence to do so, where other presidents might not have. And by rejecting the use of the bomb, there is no question that Eisenhower raised the threshold at which atomic weaponry could be employed -- a legacy we continue to enjoy."

But for how long? The non-proliferation regime has been remarkably successful. During the 1960 presidential campaign, John Kennedy cited "indications" that by 1964 there would be "10, 15 or 20" nuclear powers. As president, he said that by 1975 there might be 20. Now, however, North Korea, the ninth, might be joined by Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, among others, unless U.S. leadership produces, regarding North Korea, conspicuously credible deterrence. The reservoir of presidential credibility is not brimful.

On Aug. 1, Sen. Lindsey Graham said that Trump had told him that "there will be a war with North Korea" if it continues to develop ICBMs capable of reaching the United States. "We'll see," said Trump on Sunday, responding to this shouted question: "Will you attack North Korea?" You?

Are Congress' constitutional powers regarding war so atrophied that it supinely hopes for mere post facto notification? Ten months after Nov. 8, that day's costs, until now largely aesthetic, are suddenly, although not altogether unpredictably, more serious than were perhaps contemplated by his 62,984,825 voters.

George Will's email address is georgewill@washpost.com.

(c) 2017, Washington Post Writers Group
BY PATTY MURRAY

Special to The Washington Post

Like so many people across the country, I breathed a sigh of relief when Trumpcare didn't reach the president's desk this summer. But legislation isn't the only way the current administration has tried to undermine families' health care and raise their costs. In fact, if Congress doesn't act soon, patients and families will face higher premiums and fewer choices next year as a direct result of President Donald Trump's attempt to score political points by, as he says, letting the health care in our country "implode."

Here's why: The Affordable Care Act included efforts to reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income people, but Trump has threatened time and time again to cut off these cost-cutting payments. Experts have said that without these payments, premiums will skyrocket and insurers will flee the marketplaces, limiting families' coverage options. And as we've already seen, uncertainty alone has led to increased premiums and fewer plans in the exchanges.

This kind of damage is completely unnecessary. In fact, because these cost reduction efforts are already the law of the land, Trump can start fixing the problem now, just by committing to do everything in his power to prevent premium spikes.

Unfortunately, he hasn't - and that is why so many Democrats and Republicans nationwide want Congress to come together instead to stabilize markets and protect families' health care and bank accounts.

This is an important step. For far too long, Republican leaders have been so focused on repealing the law and fighting President Barack Obama that they have refused to join us at the table to work on actually reducing costs and improving care. But with bipartisan hearings starting this week in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, I am hopeful that this can change.

Here is how we can succeed:

First and foremost, we need to focus on solving problems, not scoring political points. Democrats and Republicans actually agree on many solutions when it comes to stabilizing markets and preventing premium increases. Rather than wasting time on issues that divide us, we should prioritize finding common ground and moving the ball in the right direction.

Second, and relatedly, I will reject any effort to use this process as a back door to pass parts of Trumpcare that would erode protections for people with preexisting conditions - for example, women seeking maternity care or those with mental illness or substance-use disorders. We should strengthen protections and put more power in the hands of patients, not move health care backward and put insurance companies back in charge. Families rejected the damaging approach taken in Trumpcare, and now it's time for both parties to find common ground on solutions that actually help patients and families.

Third, we need a multiyear solution to offer certainty to patients and families and to truly help prevent premium increases. Tying Trump's hands in the short term is better than nothing, but without long-term solutions, insurers will likely become nervous about the future and increase rates once again.

Fourth, providing certainty around cost-sharing reductions is a necessary part of any agreement, but we shouldn't stop there. In addition to longer-term solutions such as including a "public option" on the exchanges - which should absolutely be a part of any conversation about reducing costs - Democrats have put forward bill after bill to shore up markets right away.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has introduced legislation to ensure multiyear certainty by lowering coverage costs for low-income families. Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Thomas Carper of Delaware have proposed establishing a reinsurance program that helps offset costs associated with covering the sickest enrollees. Sens. Claire McCaskill of Missouri and Brian Schatz of Hawaii have explored options that would prevent "bare counties," markets that would have no insurers in the Affordable Care Act exchanges. And many Democrats are looking to ensure a smooth open-enrollment process despite the administration's decision to slash outreach and advertising for the exchanges. These are only a few examples.

It's not just Democratic senators who are taking a broad look at how to stabilize markets and lower costs. Governors from both sides of the aisle are, too. Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, have put forward a number of ideas, including reinsurance, which should inform our discussions in the Senate.

Getting anything done in Congress these days is difficult, but I am hopeful that we can work together to find common ground. We have a rare opportunity for bipartisan progress on health-care reform in just a matter of days. Let's take it.

- - -

Murray, a Democrat, represents Washington state in the U.S. Senate.
'Do not touch' management: We are living through an epidemic created by letting desk jockeys make decisions about how to manage the timber resources our country is blessed with. There has been a human presence in our forested areas for thousands of years and lightning caused fires still exist, but the "do not touch" style of management is causing more out-of-control fires while banning any use of the existing timber. Allowing a human presence would create a network of roads to access new fires with equipment more effective than air drops. Clear cutting will always spell disaster on public lands, but managed logging could leave something more than burned stumps and weeds.

Geoffrey Pruett, Clackamas

Southern Oregon needed action: If I were governor, I would have stopped the wildfires immediately, because I would have moved resources into all those areas immediately. I know it is economically prudent and safer to fight less than more. I would have avoided the larger problems that your policy now has created. Your favorites in Salem and Portland may be doing just fine, but here in Southern Oregon, citizens suffer smoke, heavy out-of-control smoke, and severe ongoing health risks daily.

Environmental risk to people, their homes, lands, heavy loss of natural forests, economic loss, business loss, tourism loss - on and on, a suffering that will have prolonged consequences. Under your handling of this hazard, Oregon is no longer the environmental showcase it pretends to be. What a disappointing example of leadership for the protection of Oregon's lands and its citizens. You should have prioritized this emergency, knowing that your social justice agenda could have waited another day!

Marcia Frey, Ashland
How many of us remember the Pledge of Allegiance that we all learned in grade school? The last six words are "with liberty and justice for all."

Trump chose to ignore the injustices that former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio practiced against Mexican immigrants by pardoning him of his crimes against them. This sheriff openly practiced racial profiling and Trump told Americans that what Arpaio did was okay. At what point do we, as Americans, say enough is enough? How many people of color, or of foreign nationality, or of non-Christian faiths will be targeted because Trump hasn't the courage to stand up for all those who come to our shores to escape the tyranny or poverty of their homelands? How many more people will die at the hands of white supremacists? How many Americans of European, African, Asian, Hispanic, or non-Christian descent will finally raise their voices as one and shout, "No more!"

Kathryn Heffner, Southeast Portland
Many of Oregon's most beloved hiking trails and scenic areas are burning, blanketing the region with a choking cloud of smoke and ash. As the Eagle Creek fire grows and threatens homes and treasured historic buildings, it feels to many as if a loved one has been diagnosed with a fatal, fast-moving cancer.

Adding to the misery, police announced Tuesday afternoon that a 15-year-old from Vancouver allegedly tossed fireworks into the bone-dry forest causing the now 10,000-acre blaze. Police are investigating if others were also involved.

Heartbroken Oregonians want anyone involved to pay. It's an understandable reaction. Talk around town is that those responsible should somehow foot the bill for the massive wildfire that's likely to rack up tens of millions of dollars in damage and firefighting costs.

They want prison time. Four years, some say. No, 10. Sitting in a cell will give the suspect time to think about what he may have destroyed: the natural areas, the wildlife and the livelihoods of those living in these Columbia Gorge communities reliant on tourism.

What about the parents, some ask? It's unclear if adults bought the fireworks, or if it was the teen or others in the group who allegedly took videos as the lit device was hurled from the Eagle Creek Trail. Regardless, Oregon law establishes that parents are responsible when their children cause damage using fireworks. While the teen's parents shouldn't be let off the hook, no family could conceivably cover the damage that's already been done.

And, of course, this fire is still burning. Thankfully, no human lives have been lost and hopefully that will remain true until this fire is out.

In the meantime, the growing mob mentality is all about making somebody pay, as if exacting revenge in some way will change the devastation. While we all hope and expect teens would know better, we all know and expect that young people make mistakes that, at times, strain credulity. And in some cases, unfortunately, the consequences are terrifically tragic.

Wildfires can be start from lightning. Or, an unintended vehicle backfire near a pile of dry leaves. While it's true this one was caused by immense stupidity, bankrupting restitution bills and prison time won't fix that.

But working to right a wrong just might.

If teenagers started the fire, the best lesson would be a hefty sentence of community service requiring they rebuild the trails, culverts and bridges that their bad decisions destroyed. They should repay their debt to all of us by helping to clear the charred remains of trees and to plant saplings in their place.

They should be required to visit middle and high schools around the state to share their story. About how a minute or two of thrill quickly turned into a disaster that forever changed their lives. And the lives of 140 hikers, some children, who spent a night trapped in the wilderness as the fire raged around them. And the lives of the nearly 1,000 people - so far - who've had to evacuate their homes and make the difficult decisions about what to leave behind. And the lives of business owners who depend on tourist dollars likely to be irretrievably lost.

And for the rest of us, as we watch our cherished gorge needlessly devastated.

-- The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board

Oregonian editorials

Editorials reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom. Members of the editorial board are Laura Gunderson, Helen Jung, Mark Katches and John Maher.

To respond to this editorial, post your comment below, submit an OpEd or a letter to the editor.

If you have questions about the opinion section, email Laura Gunderson, editorial pages editor, or call 503-221-8378.
Five dogs that arrived in Oregon Friday from Texas are now available for adoption from the Oregon Humane Society.

The animals are part of an effort to clear space in shelters for pet victims of Hurricane Harvey who are waiting to be reunited with their owners.

The dogs available include a two month old Shepherd mix puppy named Boots and Taylia, a year old Terrier mix. The animals are all currently located at the Oregon Humane Society Shelter in Northeast Portland.

The animals are five of the 34 dogs that were flown from San Antonio by Wings of Rescue after Hurricane Harvey in a project funded by GreaterGood.org.

The spots they left empty will help Texans affected by the destruction of Hurricane Harvey.

"You saw people refusing to leave without their pets, risking their lives to stay behind," said Kelly Peterson, a Humane Society senior vice president of state affairs, said Friday.

"Helping animals is helping people," Peterson added. "For people who have lost everything, their pets are what give them hope."

Peterson said Wednesday morning that Texas dogs will soon be available for adoption at the Humane Society of Central Oregon, Columbia Humane Society and Humane Society of Southwest Washington.

There may be more dogs from impacted areas coming to Portland too.

"Our Oregon emergency placement partners have been so generous, and continue to make room for Texas dogs in need," Peterson said. "We are continuing our transports through this week, and we will re-evaluate after the next few days about what's needed."

In addition, Peterson said, the Humane Society is turning its attention Hurricane Irma.

"We are also prepared to help shelters in Florida and Puerto Rico," she said.

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum (D).

Attorneys with the Oregon Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration Wednesday over the president's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Filings submitted in federal court in New York City make Oregon one party among 15 other states and their attorneys general to jointly file the lawsuit, said Oregon Department of Justice spokeswoman Kristina Edmunson.

They argue that ending the DACA program is "fundamentally unfair" and violates the due process rights of Mexicans enrolled in the Obama-era program. They also include a section in the suit outlining President Trump's incendiary remarks about Mexicans.

"As President Trump's statements about Mexico and those with Mexican roots show, the President has demonstrated a willingness to disparage Mexicans in a misguided attempt to secure support from his constituency, even when such impulses are impermissible motives for directing governmental policy," the attorneys general said.

The DACA program, which allows people brought into the U.S. illegally as children to obtain renewable deportation reprieves, will end in six months, the administration announced Tuesday.

More than 11,000 in Oregon and 800,000 nationwide are enrolled in the program.

The lawsuit makes good on threats of legal action from Ellen Rosenblum, the Oregon attorney general. Rosenblum, a Democrat, spoke in defense of the program at a Portland rally Tuesday, and warned of the possibility of a lawsuit.

-- Gordon R. Friedman

503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman
Gordon R. Friedman

More than 11,000 Oregonians are affected by the Trump administration's decision Tuesday to end a program that allows people brought to the United States illegally as children to remain in the country under renewable two-year permits.

Here's what Oregon's top elected officials said about the decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program:

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Don Ryan

Gov. Kate Brown (D)

"Here in Oregon, Dreamers are an integral part of our workforce and contribute over $6 million to our state's economy. Dreamers embody the ideals of the American Dream, and for so many, the United States is the only home they know.



"I am deeply troubled by federal orders that seek to tear apart otherwise law-abiding families and undermine Oregon's economy. I call on Congress to step up and push back against the White House's reckless immigration policies."

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Stephanie Yao Long

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R)

"I have compassion for those who entered our country unlawfully as children and are now in limbo in our immigration system. These are kids who know no other country as their home and were brought here through no fault of their own at a young age. It is up to Congress to find a permanent solution."

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J. Scott Applewhite

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D)

Ripping away legal protections for 800,000 DREAMers who make vital contributions to America is cowardly, Mr. President. #DefendDACA https://t.co/2FRwRnclkk  Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) September 5, 2017

DREAMers & the values they represent are the best of America. #DefendDACA  Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) September 5, 2017

Ending DACA to fulfill a bigoted campaign promise is cruel, unnecessary & undermines our values.  Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) September 5, 2017

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Jeff Manning | The Oregonian/OregonLive

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D)

Ending #DACA is not only a heartless betrayal to courageous young #DREAMers, but also a devastating $460 billion blow to Americas economy. https://t.co/P8lMgcak4F  Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) September 5, 2017

This move to tear apart families and harm our economy is unacceptable. Congress should move immediately to make #DACA permanent. #DefendDACA  Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) September 5, 2017

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Anna Marum | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem

These young people have grown up in our communities and our schools. Theyve been in the choir and played in the band. Theyve starred on the soccer field and the basketball court. Theyve never known a home other than Oregon. They are our kids."

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Stephanie Yao Long/Staff

House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland

"President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival Program (DACA) is a disgrace and a betrayal of America's most fundamental values. We are a better nation than one that targets hard-working young people who trusted us to help them pursue the American Dream."

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Stephanie Yao Long

House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, D-Portland

"President Trump's decision to end the DACA program is among the cruelest and most destructive actions he's taken. This will only serve to rip families apart, make our communities more fearful, and damage our economies -- all just to appease the most extremist part of Trump's political base."

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Stephanie Yao Long/Staff

State Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Knute Buehler, R-Bend

"I believe the Dreamers should be allowed to remain in the U.S. and have the opportunity to become legal citizens. For the young people affected, America and Oregon is their home."
Portland's City Council on Wednesday voted 4 to 0 to approve a 5 percent boost in annual base pay for the next chief of police and other top brass who live in the city.

Mayor Ted Wheeler, who serves as police commissioner, said he hoped the residency incentive encourages Portland's police captains, commanders, assistant chief and newly-selected chief Danielle Outlaw, of Oakland, to reside in the city.

With Outlaw expected to start as the city's top cop on Oct. 2, the mayor called it an "ideal time'' to approve the residency incentive.

Having officers live in the city is intended to help improve "communication and trust between the people in the community and the police officers who serve that community,'' Wheeler said.

The council's emergency ordinance will go into effect immediately.

Outlaw, a 41-year-old deputy chief in Oakland and the first African American woman named to lead the Portland Police Bureau, has expressed a desire to live within the city limits. Outlaw is searching for a home in Portland, according to the mayor's spokesman Michael Cox.

The 5 percent boost would be added to Outlaw's base salary of $215,000, bringing her annual pay to $225,750. She's expected to start Oct. 2.

The 5 percent premium pay for high-ranking supervisors, including the chief, assistant chiefs, commanders and captains who live in the city, would match the same residency incentive pay granted to police lieutenants in the city's 2015-2018 union contract with the Portland Police Commanding Officers Association.

Anna Kanwit, manager of the city's Bureau of Human Resources, has estimated the residency incentive pay for the top ranked officers will cost the city between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, based on the 2016 payroll file of command officers who now live within the city limits.

Commissioner Chloe Eudaly said she'd like the city to explore extending such a residency premium to other city employees. Commissioner Amanda Fritz said she supported the premium pay if it encourages more command staff to live in the city. Commissioner Dan Saltzman was not present for the vote.

Before Wednesday's vote, only lieutenants had the residency 5 percent boost in pay added in its current contract. The rank-and-file police  including officers, detectives, sergeants and forensic criminalists - are not required to move to Portland and don't receive a premium if they live in the city. If an officer moves to Portland, the city will reimburse the officer for relocation expenses.

A captain's salary ranges from $128,000 to $139,000. A commander's salary ranges from $144,00 to $159,000. An assistant chief's salary ranges from $113,000 to $162,000.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
A Gresham man who was fired from driving for the company "1-800-PACK-RAT" alleges he was discriminated against after he complained about a doll of President Obama hung from a bookcase with a noose around its neck in the company's Puyallup, Wash., office.

Alexander Metoyer filed a federal wrongful discharge lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Portland. He claims the storage container and moving company created an intimidating, hostile and offensive work environment and failed to respond to his complaints. Instead, the company increased scrutiny of his work, leading to his firing, the suit alleges.

The company acknowledges that Metoyer emailed a photo of an African American doll with a noose around its neck to the human resources office, lawyer David J. Riewald wrote in the company's response. Human resources emailed Metoyer that it wanted to hire a forensic expert to analyze the phone that Metoyer used to take the pictures, Riewald wrote, but it's unclear why the company never followed through on that, according to court records.

The company said Metoyer was fired for insubordination and performance problems. It denies any discrimination.

The company also argues in a motion filed this week that the lawsuit should be put on hold and Metoyer compelled to resolve the dispute through arbitration.

Metoyer, through his lawyers, has declined arbitration, according to court records.

Metoyer was the only African American working out of the Puyallup office when he was hired in late August 2015. On Feb. 9, 2016, Metoyer entered the office and saw the doll and noose, his lawsuit says. Metoyer immediately removed the doll and placed it on his desk. The next day, Metoyer entered the office and saw the doll hanging again in a noose and removed it again, the lawsuit says.

Metoyer was shocked to see the doll the first time and "fearful of his safety" the second time, his attorney, Ashley Bannon Moore, wrote in the suit.

A couple of days after the second discovery of the doll, Metoyer's supervisor asked him, "Whatever happened to my Obama?'' according to the suit. Metoyer said his immediate supervisor addressed him by saying, "Hey boy'' or "Aye boy,'' but never used the term "boy'' with other employees.

The supervisor also criticized Metoyer's clothing, suggesting he looked like a "drug dealer'' or "gang banger,'' the suit says, but Metoyer said the company didn't enforce a dress code until after he reported the doll.

Metoyer says he unsuccessfully sought a transfer to another office.

Metoyer, who was fired in September 2016, made $18 an hour as a driver, according to court records. He said he never negotiated any terms of an arbitration agreement when he worked for the company and would be unable to afford the costs of arbitration, according to court documents.

Metoyer's lawyer also noted that the attorneys for 1-800-Pack-Rat never raised the arbitration when first replying to the federal complaint earlier this summer.

The moving company contends Metoyer reviewed and signed an arbitration agreement when he was hired.

Metoyer's suit alleges racial discrimination, harassment, retaliation for being a whistleblower and seeks unspecified economic, non-economic and punitive damages and a court order requiring the company to end its alleged discriminatory practices.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
Disgraced Queens politician and convicted felon Hiram Monserrate is in the midst of yet another attempt at a political comeback. Monserrate, who was expelled from the State Senate in 2010 after he was convicted of misdemeanor assault for violently dragging his girlfriend by the hair through a lobby and later served time in federal prison for misusing city funds, is seeking his old seat in the City Council. But unlike his failed runs for his Senate seat and an Assembly seat in 2010, and again for District Leader last year, there's been some speculation he might manage to get elected this time, thanks to a key endorsement and support from tenants at a major housing development in his district.

Though Monserrate's District 21 opponent, Francisco Moya, has garnered endorsements from Mayor de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Public Advocate Letitia James and Governor Andrew Cuomo, to name a few, Monserrate been gaining support from some influential residents at LeFrak City in Corona. Activist Bertha Lewis's Black Leadership Action Coalition endorsed him earlier this summer, prompting speculation Monserrate just might squeak by in the September 12th primary.

"Hiram is a returning citizen and should not have to wear the scarlet letter of incarceration forever. Nor should he be disenfranchised from his right to present himself to the voters, who should also not be disenfranchised themselves from voting for him," Lewis told Gothamist in a statement. "No one should be challenging his right as a citizen to run. Either you believe in redemption or you do not, and we believe Hiram has paid his dues and redeemed himself as an advocate for people of color and low-income New Yorkers."

This isn't the first time a disgraced New York politician has tried to climb back into office (Vito Lopez and Pedro Espada are just a few examples) but unlike those attempted comebacks, Monserrate's campaign is overshadowed by a domestic abuse conviction. The gash Monserrate made on then-girlfriend Karla Giraldo's face required 40 stitches to close, with prosecutors contending he attacked her with a drinking glass in a fit of jealousy; the judge who convicted him contended he dragged Giraldo's body through the lobby of his Jackson Heights home before driving her to a hospital 14 miles away, instead of one a few blocks from his apartment. He managed to escape jail that time, but when he finally did serve time in prison21 months, in factit was for diverting more than $100,000 in City Council discretionary funds to benefit his own failed Senate campaign. How could a girlfriend-abusing, taxpayer-defrauding felon end up representing the very people he betrayed just a few years ago?

"People have short memories, and when you're in office you're able to do people favors," veteran journalist Tom Robbins, who has spent decades chronicling the city's corrupt politicians for the Village Voice and the Daily News, told Gothamist. "The bad publicity he got, quite rightly, for the awful incident with his girlfriend, and then his arrest and conviction on stealing money from city funds, I think these things don't always register as sharply on the folks in the district as they do in the city at large."

Moya is the State Assembly Member for District 39 in Queens, which partially overlaps with City Council's District 21. But, Monserrate represented District 21 on City Council from 2002 to 2008, and as a report in the NY Post noted last week, he has a lot more name recognition among voters as a result. Some residents of the 25,000-person LeFrak City complex have claimed that the quality of life in the area has decreased since Monserrate left office, and have also argued in favor of Monserrate's call earlier this summer to build 5,500 affordable housing units near Citi Field. "Hiram is the only candidate in this race who has consistently stood up for Willets Point. Everyone else has been absent in this fight, so we stand committed to helping him win," Lewis told us.

LeFrak residents have also voiced concern that the Democratic Party, which has backed Moya, is handicapping Monserrate ahead of the September 12th primary. The Board of Elections announced last month that they would be changing one longstanding LeFrak City polling site, sending voters to three new sites farther away. Some Monserrate supporters think the move was intended to discourage them from casting their vote against Moya. "The change in polling sites came about without any input from the community. Im a very active member of our community - and I have spoken to many residents about this change," LeFrak resident and Monserrate supporter Ruby Muhammad said in a statement last month. Not one of them had heard about it  and not one of them is in favor of it."

Moya, meanwhile, has also called for affordable housing to be included in plans to redevelop Willets Point, though Monserrate has countered that his proposal is "a Trojan plan." Monserrate has attempted to tarnish Moya's run over residency concerns, pointing out that Moya has owned a condo in Long Island City since 2010; Moya contends that he lives with his parents in Corona, and has been renting out the LIC apartment.

"The fact is that we are rolling out plans for the neighborhood, and all my opponent is trying to do is to attack me, to make up stories about me. He creates these false narratives," Moya told Gothamist. "There should be a moral outrage throughout this city that someone as repugnant as him could think that he could come back to the very seat where he went to jail for stealing $100,000 from the taxpayers, the good people of the 21st Council District. They were lied to, cheated and defrauded by this criminal."

Monserrate, whose office did not respond to multiple requests to comment, claims he's paid his dues. I paid the price for that, I apologized for that, Monserrate told the Village Voice in August, regarding his domestic violence conviction. "You cant judge someone for an incident that occurred in their lives and try to use that incident to diminish them for the rest of their lives. None of us can live in the past."

But others note that considering Monserrate hasn't stopped running for office since his expulsion, it's hard to take this contrition seriously.

"The thing that's so disappointing with Hiram, he's going around saying, 'Don't judge me on this thing I did,' and he's not wrong about that. I write a lot about people who get locked up for a lot of years, and you try not to judge people for the worst thing they ever did in their lives," Robbins said. "But I've never heard him say a word of actual acknowledgement of any of his crimes. It's one thing to say, 'Don't judge me for my mistakes.' But I think he should be asked to at least acknowledge his mistakes. If you want redemption, give us some sense of the fact that you actually grappled with your wrongdoing."

Domestic violence advocates say a Monserrate win would send a disturbing signal to survivors of abuse. "It sends the message that domestic violence is normal behavior, and obviously the consequences for that are significant," Sonia Ossorio, President of the National Organization for Women of New York, told Gothamist. "Fundamentally, the people that we elect are role models in our community. They're supposed to be the people who represent the best among us, and who uphold our values. So that creates a crack in the fabric of society, to have a person of his caliber as a leader."

Ossorio also pointed out that it's not just the domestic violence charge that should concern voters.

"There are two significant problems with him. He's a violent man and he stole taxpayer dollars. Both of those issues go to the heart of his job," Ossorio said. "We already entrusted him as a leader, and then he stole our money to use for his own personal benefit. Why would we want to give him a second chance?"

Despite talk of a Monserrate win, it's also possible the comeback rumors are overblown. On a recent visit to LeFrak City, none of the two dozen tenants we spoke to supported the candidate.

"As a leader you have to lead by example," Samuel Adote, who's lived in LeFrak for the last thirteen years, told Gothamist. "How do you expect me to follow you if you're saying something, like, 'Don't slash people's faces'? How are you going to say that if you're the leader and you're doing that? That, to me, is a no-no."

Longtime LeFrak resident Desiree Edwards said she planned to vote for Moya on September 12th. "Monserrate, in the beginning I was for him, but I didn't really hear the things I wanted to," she said, adding, "Most of my friends are voting for Moya." When asked if she'd heard tell of significant Monserrate support in the neighborhood, Edwards said, "Truly speaking, no."

Some political experts say there's not much precedent for a Monserrate win. "The track record for disgraced politicians regaining their seats or different seats is actually very low here in New York," Susan Lerner, the executive director of good-government group Common Cause New York, said. "An individual may convince him or herself that they have a shot, but it's up to the voters to make that judgment. The voters rejected Vito Lopez. The voters rejected others who thought they could make a comeback."

Douglas Muzzio, a political science professor at Baruch College and a political analyst and on-air commentator for WABC-TV, said, "If one were living in a rational world, which we're not, Hiram would be a joke. It would be absurd for him to be running for office," he said. "How can he ask for the public trust if he slashed the face of his girlfriend and then was convicted of using funds inappropriately? It's not the resume."

Not that a Monserrate loss is a sure thing. "I don't see how Moya loses to him," Muzzio said. "But I have seen many losers become winners this year, or last year."
Days after Wes Edward Hamman was charged with robbing a Key Bank in Southeast Portland, Hamman tried to grab a gun from a Multnomah County sheriff's deputy who was standing guard at Hamman's OHSU hospital room where Hamman was being evaluated for a heart condition, according to a prosecutor.

Sheriff's deputy Gregory Seleen said Hamman intentionally doused him with a cup of coffee, and while he attempted to clean it up, leaning beside Hamman's hospital bed with a towel, Hamman reached for his handgun.

Wes Edward Hamman

"He was attempting to remove my weapon from the holster,'' sheriff's deputy Gregory Michael Seleen testified Tuesday during Hamman's sentencing hearing. "I believe Mr. Hamman was trying to escape my custody.''

Seleen credited his special holster, which has a safety locking mechanism, for blocking Hamman from getting hold of the Glock .40-caliber pistol. A "fight for my life'' ensued, Seleen said, as he wrapped his arms around Hamman, dived over the hospital bed with him and landed on the floor. Seleen drew his Taser and backed out to the hospital room door to call for help.

Hamman's rush for the deputy's gun, coupled with letters Hamman later sent from jail to his son urging his help to escape from custody with a detailed scheme, should increase Hamman's bank robbery sentence because he tried to thwart his prosecution, Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin argued at the hearing.

Hamman's lawyer Per C. Olson attempted to show discrepancies between the sheriff's deputy's account in court of Hamman's tussle for his on-duty gun, and the report taken shortly after the incident. He also sought to downplay Hamman's letter to his son as "somewhat fantastical,'' and "aspirational.'' The letters showed Hamman's intent was to escape from custody, but he never took a "substantial step'' towards attempting an escape as required by case law, Olson countered.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon said he was convinced of Hamman's attempted escape in the hospital room and increased his sentence by two levels for obstruction of justice.

The prosecutor urged the judge to depart from sentencing guidelines and send Hamman to prison for nearly 16 years in prison, citing the seriousness of Hamman's criminal history and the likelihood he'd commit future crimes.

Kerin cited Hamman's three robberies in Washington in 2008: the robbery of a bakery at gunpoint after ordering a dozen donuts; the robbery of a Skagit States Bank after passing a teller a note implying that he had a gun and a similar robbery of the Banner Bank in Bremington five days later. He was first convicted in 2001 of robbery in Nevada, in which he held up a cigarette store at gunpoint.

Most recently, on April 20, 2016, Hamman robbed the Key Bank , at 4131 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland, about 12:31 p.m. He presented a teller a note that read, "Gun!! Give me all the $ Now!!'' The teller, who testified at trial that she was terrified, handed Hamman $2,210 in cash, including five bait bills and a tracking device.

Hamman, described by witnesses as wearing a black hat with a "Batman" logo on it, a surgical mask and sunglasses, was caught a short time later when Portland police received tracking data that the robber was in a Green Cab Co. taxi in the area of Southeast 39th Avenue and Hawthorne Blvd. Police stopped the cab and Hamman was arrested, seated in the back where officers found $2,119 shoved behind the front passenger seat, a demand note and all five of the bait bills from the bank. Hamman was convicted of the bank robbery on Jan. 24 after going to trial.

"What we have with Mr. Hamman is criminal thinking that is pervasive,'' Kerin told the court.

While awaiting trial from his jail cell, Hamman sent his son a letter in June 2016 outlining a proposed scheme to help him escape from custody: He asked his son to buy a BB gun and come to Portland, and Hamman would arrange to be transported to OHSU for medical treatment. He instructed his son to follow the ambulance to the hospital. Once there, his son was directed to disguise himself with a surgical mask and hospital scrubs, point the BB gun at a sheriff's deputy standing guard outside his room and help him escape from the hospital.

As a reward, Hamman promised to take his son to retrieve "half to three-quarter pounds of methamphetamine'' he had stashed. He said he'd sell the drug and then give his son the proceeds, according to court records.

The son's mother, though, intercepted the letter and turned it over to law enforcement, botching Hamman's escape plan, according to Kerin.

Olson sought a more lenient prison sentence of five years for Hamman.

"The government is asking to impose a career offender-like sentence even though he doesn't fit the sentence of a career offender,'' Olson argued, noting Hamman's prior robbery convictions are not considered crimes of violence.

Hamman, 46, did not have a gun at the bank robbery and didn't cause physical harm to anyone, Olson said. "This is not Bonnie & Clyde material,'' Olson said.

Hamman, who continued to maintain his innocence Tuesday regarding the Portland bank robbery, said he uses drugs to deal with emotional problems in his life, and then things spiral out of control for him. When his wife cheated on him with an ex-boyfriend, for example, he said he relapsed. When he was taken into custody for the April 2016 bank robbery, he had methamphetamine in his system, according to court records.

"I'm not a bad person. I've done a lot of wrong things in my life...I'm not a person to hurt another person,'' he said. "I'm not in the right state of mind when I'm on drugs. ''

Judge Simon sentenced Hamman to nine years and seven months in prison, finding there was reason to depart from the sentencing guidelines and enhance Hamman's punishment due to the seriousness of his crimes, the likelihood he'll continue to commit future crimes and as a way to protect the public.

Even in the robberies in which he didn't have a gun, his threats do terrify people, the judge told Hamman. He urged Hamman to get drug treatment while in prison.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
Police are investigating a suspected gang shooting in Northeast Portland that left a random home riddled with more than two dozen bullets early Wednesday morning.

Gunfire erupted along Northeast 24th Avenue near Sumner Street around 3:45 a.m., striking one home in the Concordia neighborhood close to 30 times, said Sgt. Chris Burley, a Portland Police Bureau spokesman.

The shot-up residence, however, was likely not the intended target of the attack, police said. A person with known gang affiliations lives in a nearby house that investigators believe the shooter or shooters meant to strike, Burley said.

Police said there were no known injuries from the pre-dawn attack and that they have not located a suspect.

A home located near the same cross streets  and just several blocks from Northeast Alberta Street's Pine State Biscuits and Salt & Straw  was shot up in July, police said.

The Gang Enforcement Team is investigating Wednesday's shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call 503-823-4106 or email gangs@portlandoregon.gov.

-- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh

skavanaugh@oregonian.com

503-294-7632 II @shanedkavanaugh
Intel chief executive Brian Krzanich joined other tech CEOs Wednesday in calling for legal protections for immigrants who came to the United States as children.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it would rescind legal protections afforded "Dreamers" under an Obama administration policy known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. More than 800,000 people enrolled in the program, including 11,000 in Oregon.

President Donald Trump's action triggered widespread condemnation within the socially progressive tech industry. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called the action "cruel." Apple CEO Tim Cook, whose company employs 250 Dreamers, said they "deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values."

Airbnb, Google and Lyft all proclaimed support for DACA, while Microsoft said it would pay the legal fees for Dreamer employees fighting deportation.

"Proud to stand with #Dreamers, who have known only one home. Congress must act," Krzanich wrote on Twitter.

Proud to stand with #Dreamers, who have known only one home. Congress must act. #DACA  Brian Krzanich (@bkrunner) September 6, 2017

Intel's headquarters are in California, where Krzanich works, but the company employs more Oregonians than any other business. It has more than 19,000 workers at its campuses in Washington County.

After Trump won last November's election, Intel immediately began courting the new administration in hopes of winning corporate tax breaks and ensuring continued access to skilled foreign workers. Krzanich made a surprise visit to the Oval Office in February to announce plans to open a mothballed factory in Arizona.

But Intel soon found itself at odds with Trump over climate change and many social issues. Last month, Krzanich joined other executives quitting the president's business council over Trump's equivocal remarks about racist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

-- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's oldest son is expected to meet privately with a Senate committee investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Donald Trump Jr.'s appearance Thursday before the Senate Judiciary Committee would probably focus on a meeting he had with a Russian lawyer and others during the final stretches of last year's campaign. Emails released in July show that Trump Jr. was told the session at Trump Tower in New York was part of a Russian government effort to aid his father, the Republican nominee.

Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating that meeting, also attended by Trump's son-in-law and campaign chairman. A grand jury has heard testimony about it.

The three people who described Trump's anticipated appearance to The Associated Press were not authorized to discuss the committee's confidential work and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Trump Jr. may also appear in the coming weeks before the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is conducting its own investigation.

Separately, the House Intelligence Committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department and the FBI for documents related to a dossier of salacious allegations involving President Donald Trump and possible ties to Russia.

In a letter Friday that was obtained by the AP, the committee wrote that it had served subpoenas on Aug. 24 to the department and the FBI for documents related to the committee's investigation of Russian meddling. The Justice Department and FBI had missed the original Sept. 1 deadline, so the committee extended the deadline to Sept. 14.

The letter was signed by the committee chairman, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., who stepped back from the Russia investigation this year after he was criticized for being too close to the White House. Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, took over the leading role, but his name does not appear on the letter.

As chairman, Nunes retains subpoena power in the committee.

According to the letter, the original subpoenas requested any documents related to the dossier and sought information about whether the department was involved in its production.

If the documents are not produced, the committee is seeking to compel Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray to testify in an open hearing. The committee issued two additional subpoenas to Sessions and Wray on late Tuesday.

"Resort to compulsory process was necessary because of DOJ's and FBI's insufficient responsiveness to the committee's numerous Russia-investigation related requests over the past several months," the letter said.

If the committee is unable to obtain documents or testimony, Nunes wrote, the committee "expressly reserves its right to proceed with any and all available legal options," including a House vote to hold Sessions and Wray in contempt.

The dossier attracted public attention in January when it was revealed that then-FBI Director James Comey had briefed Trump, soon before he was inaugurated as president, about claims from the documents that Russia had amassed compromising personal and financial allegations about him.

It's unclear to what extent the allegations in the dossier have been corroborated or verified by the FBI because the bureau has not publicly discussed it.

Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, said on MSNBC Tuesday evening that the subpoenas were issued over the objections of Democrats. Schiff said Republicans are working harder to discredit those who compiled the dossier than to find out if the allegations in it are true. He said Republicans should be more focused on getting documents from the White House.

The subpoenas were first reported by the Washington Examiner.

--The Associated Press
A district court judge has reversed a decision by the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, which had found that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks violated state ethics laws when the Montana Trappers Association used a state-owned educational trailer to advocate against a ballot initiative.

Helena District Judge Michael McMahon issued the reversal on Aug. 28 after FWP petitioned the court for judicial review.

The original complaint filed with the commissioner by Trap Free Montana Public Lands accused the Montana Trappers Association of using the states furbearer educational trailer in May 2014 in conjunction with advocating against I-169, an initiative that would have eliminated most trapping on public lands. The complaint alleged that FWP violated a state ethics code that says a public officer or public employee may not use public time, facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel, or funds to solicit support for or opposition to  the passage of a ballot initiative.

In documents filed with COPP, FWP says it did not know the trailer would be used for advocating against the initiative, and instructed the trappers association to cease using it for those purposes.

COPP agreed with the trapping opponents, deciding that FWP knew, or should have reasonably known that the trailer would be used to oppose the ballot initiative, and did not take appropriate steps to prevent the use.

McMahon disagreed, stating that the plain language of statute limits the ethics code to the actions of state employees.

COPP ignored the most important part of the statute, the words, in favor of its own extra-legislative issues. In doing so, COPP has broached the most fundamental of American and Montana constitutional principles: the separation of powers. By substituting its words for those of the legislature, COPP has improperly exercised legislative power constitutionally reserved to the Montana Legislature, the judge wrote.

McMahon went on to rule that COPP was incorrect when it found that a contract was required for use of the trailer. He also ruled that COPP violated FWPs due process when it did not include the agency's objection to the original complaint in the administrative record for two years.

COPPs decision came under former Commissioner Johnathan Motl. Current Commissioner Jeff Mangan issued a statement in response to the courts reversal:

While we are disappointed in the decision, we certainly respect Judge McMahons ruling. The COPP remains steadfast in ensuring all public resources are utilized appropriately, and will continue to hold Montanas public employees to the highest standards, as required by state law.

Requests for comment from FWP and Trap Free Montana Public Lands were not returned in time for this story.
When it comes to saving money for retirement, Americans have a wide range of different options from which to choose. This can be both good news and bad news: It's good in the sense that having multiple options makes it easier to select the one thats best for your retirement savings goals and resources. But it can be bad if all the different choices cause confusion and, eventually, "analysis paralysis."

To help clear up some of the potential confusion, we'll take a close look at two of the most popular types of qualified retirement plans: the Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and the 401(k) plan.

IRAs: The Granddaddy of Retirement Savings Accounts

Since 1975 when they were first introduced, millions of Americans have used IRAs to help secure their retirement future. The beauty of IRAs is that they not only provide an easy way to save for retirement, but they may also offer an immediate tax break. Depending on several different factors, you may be able to deduct your annual IRA contributions and thus lower your current tax bill.

There are two different types of IRAs: traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. The latter were introduced in 1997 and named after Senator William Roth, who sponsored the legislation that created them.

With a traditional IRA, annual contributions are generally tax-deductible if you do not participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. If you do participate in a retirement plan at work, the amount of your deduction will be limited or eliminated based on your income. Traditional IRAs offer retirement investors the potential to benefit from long-term, tax-deferred asset growth. Money grows without being taxed until distributions begin, at which time ordinary income rates apply.

Roth IRAs, meanwhile, are different from traditional IRAs in several key respects. First, Roth contributions are made with after-tax income, so you do not receive a current tax deduction as you do with a traditional IRA. However, this is offset for many people by the fact that Roth IRA earnings are tax-free when withdrawn. In contrast, traditional IRA earnings are just tax-deferred  taxes must be paid at whatever your ordinary income tax rate is when you start taking distributions in retirement.

Another big difference is the fact that a 10 percent early distribution penalty generally applies to funds withdrawn from a traditional IRA before age 59. This penalty is in addition to income taxes that must also be paid at this time. However, Roth IRA contributions (not earnings) can be withdrawn penalty- and tax-free at any age if the account has been open for at least five years. In addition, Roth IRAs are not subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) when you reach 70 years old like traditional IRAs are.

If you make too much money, however, you cannot open or contribute to a Roth IRA. The Roth IRA eligibility limits in 2017 are modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) in excess of $133,000 and up (if you are single) or $196,000 (if you are a married couple filing jointly). If your MAGI this year is between $118,000 and $133,000 (if you're single) or $186,000 to $196,000 and up (if youre a married couple filing jointly), you can make a partial Roth IRA contribution.

The 2017 annual contribution limit for IRAs (both traditional and Roth combined) is $5,500, or $6,500 if you are 50 years of age or older. So if you are 50 years old, you can contribute $3,250 to a Roth IRA and $3,250 to a traditional IRA this year if you want to utilize both types of IRAs, and your spouse can do the same thing with separate traditional and Roth IRAs.

401(k)s: The Most Popular Employer-Sponsored Plan

401(k) plans first became widespread in the 1980s when many companies started replacing defined benefit pension plans with defined contribution plans that are funded primarily by employees, not employers. They are now the most popular employer-sponsored retirement plan in the U.S. In fact, the term "401(k)" has almost become synonymous with retirement savings.

401(k)s are established by businesses for the benefit of their employees, who make tax-deductible contributions (or salary deferrals, as they are referred to) into their individual 401(k) accounts. Each pay period, a percentage of your salary will be deducted from your pay and automatically contributed into your account.

Just like IRAs, 401(k)s come in two flavors: traditional and Roth. Traditional 401(k) contributions are made on a pre-tax basis  or in other words, the money is taken out of your pay before it is taxed. This not only lowers your current taxable income, but it allows earnings to grow without taxation, with taxes paid at ordinary income tax rates when distributions are taken during retirement. Also like traditional IRAs, withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s before age 59 may be subject to a 10 percent early distribution penalty, and RMDs must begin no later than age 70.

Roth 401(k)s enable high earners who cannot open and fund Roth IRAs to benefit from the unique Roth tax benefits. Like Roth IRA contributions, Roth 401(k) contributions are made on an after-tax basis, so you will receive no current benefit. However, investment earnings within the Roth 401(k) grow tax-free and fund withdrawals are also untaxed after age 59 if the account has been open for five years or longer.

Many, but not all, businesses choose to match their employees' 401(k) contributions at some percentage, like 50 cents for each dollar you contribute, for example. This is one of the biggest benefits of 401(k) plans for some employees  an employer match is the equivalent of a guaranteed, no-risk investment return. Note that employer matches to Roth 401(k)s are made with pre-tax dollars and accumulate in a separate account that will be taxed as ordinary income at withdrawal. They may also be subject to vesting rules that restrict your ability to keep the money unless you work for the company for a certain number of years.

Did you know that since 1996, the first Friday after Labor Day has been celebrated as National 401(k) Day? The dual holidays mean most Americans begin the week relaxing on Labor Day, but working on a day that honors Retirement!

Let the free MoneyTips Retirement Planner help you calculate when you can retire without jeopardizing your lifestyle.
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SPRINGFIELD  Alan Beaman has asked the Illinois Supreme Court to review his claim that Normal police inappropriately urged prosecutors to charge him with murder in the death of his former girlfriend, a charge the state later dismissed following his release from prison and exoneration.

Beaman served more than a dozen years in prison for the 1993 strangling death of Jennifer Lockmiller, whose body was found in her apartment near Illinois State University where she was a student.

Beaman, who now lives in Rockford with his wife and two children, was released from prison in 2008, following a decision by the Illinois Supreme Court that his conviction was based on tenuous evidence.

In his return to the high court, Beaman seeks review of a ruling by the Fourth District Appellate Court confirming a lower court's dismissal of Beaman's lawsuit against three former Normal police officers for malicious prosecution.

"Mr. Beaman deserves a day in court to seek justice from the men who maliciously robbed him of his youth through a dishonest and obviously biased investigation," states the petition filed Tuesday.

Beaman's lawyers with Chicago's Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center allege that former officers Tim Freesmeyer, Dave Warner, and Frank Zayas played a significant role in launching the prosecution against Beaman.

A clarification is needed from the court as to when police begin or continue a prosecution because the issue is critical in wrongful conviction cases, said Beaman's lawyers, noting that Illinois ranked second in the nation last year in exonerations.

In its decision, the appellate court found no evidence of pressure or undue influence by the officers on former McLean County prosecutor James Souk to file the murder charges. But such a standard ignores the decision by Normal police to focus on Beaman, a student at Illinois Wesleyan University at the time, as a suspect when another man with a history of violence against women and a link to the victim should have been more seriously considered, according to Beaman's lawyers.

Jurors would consider the other man "was a much more reasonable suspect since he was a steroid-abusing drug dealer who beat women, had sex with the victim and sold her drugs, could not compete a polygraph about the killing, and lied about his alibi," states the petition.

Thomas DiCianni, lawyer for the officers and the Town of Normal, was not available for comment Wednesday morning on the petition.

In their arguments in 2008 before the Supreme Court, Beaman's lawyers claimed that Freesmeyer doctored time trials of Beaman's alleged trip from Rockford to Lockmiller's apartment and withheld evidence of a second driving estimate that supported Beaman's innocence.

A federal court that dismissed a lawsuit against Souk, former State's Attorney Charles Reynard and Normal officers, found that a jury could have concluded that Warner "intentionally buried the polygraph report" related to the alternate suspect and Zayas allowed Beaman to be arrested before a thorough investigation was completed.

Beaman received a certificate of innocence from the state in 2013 and later a pardon from former Gov. Pat Quinn.
An open letter to Governor Bullock:

Governor, I have lived in Montana most of my 74 years, and have never seen the kind of smokey conditions from forest fires that we have experienced these past few years. Most climate scientists believe they are largely a result of human-caused Climate Change and, despite contrarian views of scientists funded by the fossil fuel industry, I believe them.

Are these increasingly worsening conditions the kind of future you want for your children? Well, as Governor, you can help improve this situation by supporting a GE-Hitachi plan to transform Colstrip 1&2 into a carbon-free electricity producer. As you surely know, I spoke at length with your former Energy Advisor, Tim Baker, about this and asked for an opportunity to discuss the idea with you in person. My request fell on deaf ears.

With your help, Colstrip 1&2 could become a demonstration plant that paves the way for many otherwise doomed coal-fired power plants to be transformed into carbon-free energy producers by simply replacing their boilers with GE-Hitachi fourth-generation PRISM advanced reactors. These reactors use nuclear waste for fuel, destroying nearly 95 percent of it in the process of generating carbon-free electricity. PRISM is a perfect waste-to-energy solution that truly deserves your attention, consideration and support.

I have been in touch with a GE-Hitachi Vice President who is anxious to discuss this prospect with you and other Colstrip decision makers. Won't you please make time to meet and talk with him and I about his company's amazing Climate Change solution?

Bob Balhiser

Helena
BLOOMINGTON  A Twin City mother faces felony charges of allegedly lying to police about injuries she initially attributed in a social media posting to a Normal day care center.

Tricia Danyus, 31, of the 1100 block of Bull Street in Normal was charged Wednesday with filing a false report with Normal police and obstruction of justice.

According to Normal police Chief Rick Bleichner, his agency received a report about a Facebook posting by Danyus in which she alleged her sons, ages 1 and 2, were injured at Shining Star Learning Center in Normal. Photos of injuries to the 1-year-old were part of the posting.

Police contacted the mother, who initially repeated the accusations against the day care center, said Bleichner.

"As part of the investigation, we were able to show that the injury did not happen the way the parent said it did and we learned she caused the injuries," said Bleichner.

Before she was questioned by police about the social media posting, Danyus had not made a report to police about the injuries, according to Bleichner.

According to a statement read in court Wednesday by McLean County State's Attorney Jason Chambers, Danyus admitted in a second police interview "to smacking (the 1-year-old child) on the bottom because he was 'fighting with her during a diaper change.'" The mother also told police she "freaked out" after seeing the mark, described in the statement as a handprint-shaped mark," and posted the images because she blamed the day care for behavioral issues with her 2-year-old son.

Chambers said the posting included a statement from Danyus that police were involved and "I'm pretty forgiving, but not for child abuse. I can't let this one go."

Jyl Waller, Shining Star's executive director and owner, said staff at the facility, with an enrollment of 165 children, has had a difficult time since the Aug. 27 social media posting.

"It's been a very traumatic week. People just believe anything they read," said Waller, adding that she was told about the posting by an employee. Threatening phone calls and emails, some of them "threatening and hateful," and the loss of several families as clients all came after Danyus' claim, said Waller.

The business also received strong support from families who did not accept the claim, said Waller.

In addition to the police investigation, the day care staff also was interviewed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. "Several staff were under a watch by DCFS until this was cleared up," said Waller.

DCFS spokeswoman Veronica Resa confirmed Wednesday that "DCFS is investigating and the investigation is pending."

Waller said footage from security cameras positioned in classrooms was reviewed by police and helped authorities determine that no abuse took place.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Normal Police Department said the agency "will not tolerate false reports for any crime but this case is extremely troubling given the fact that an injury to a child was alleged and the reporting party knew it was patently false." The investigation used local and state resources that could have been employed elsewhere, said police.

Meanwhile, Danyus was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday from her job as registrar at Normal Community High School, according to Dayna Brown, spokeswoman for McLean County Unit 5 school district.

Danyus was released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond. She was ordered to stay away from the day care and refrain from corporal punishment of her two children.

She is due in court for Sept. 15 arraignment.
NORMAL  Finance Manager Andrew Huhn had bad news Tuesday for the Normal City Council.

"This is probably ... in my tenure the most difficult year we've faced," he said of the town's 2018-19 fiscal year, which will start in April. "But we're going into it in a strong position ... and we have a strong budgeting process in place."

He pointed to lost revenue from the now-defunct Metro Zone revenue-sharing agreement with the city of Bloomington, a new state fee for collecting local sales tax, rising pension costs and decreasing revenue streams as causes for concern as the town plans its next year of revenue and spending.

Among those falling revenue streams are state income tax, which is hurt by a shrinking local workforce; utility tax revenue, which is declining due to residents reducing use of landline telephones, cable television, electricity and gas; and sales tax, which the town is collecting only slightly more of despite a 1-percentage-point rate hike effective Jan. 1, 2016.

"Without that increase we actually had a 1.2 percent increase last year and a 3.9 percent decrease this year," said Huhn. "This tracks closely to workforce."

The town will lose $1.2 million per year because the city of Bloomington opted to end the Metro Zone agreement, a deal to share tax revenue and expenses related to commercial and industrial properties on Bloomington-Normal's west side.

The state's sales tax fee will cost the town $300,000 per year. That fee, which was part of the new state budget, is assessed to municipalities by the state, which collects sales taxes and funnels them to local governments.

The state also sets pension costs paid by local governments.

Huhn's comments were part of an annual financial trend and condition report presented to the council.

Other negative economic indicators included declining use of Central Illinois Regional Airport and Uptown Station Amtrak and a shortfall in the town's sewer fund, which will be bolstered by substantial rate hikes through 2023.

Positive indicators included property value, which was up 3.1 percent over the previous year; unemployment rate, which fell nearly 2 points, to 3.8 percent; and property tax rates, where Normal continues to be lower than seven large downstate cities despite a small hike last year.

"On balance it's a very positive report, but clearly we have some financial headwinds that we will work through," said City Manager Mark Peterson.

"This gives us plenty of fair warning ... about the choices we're going to have to make up here," said council member Kevin McCarthy.

In other business, the council:

Council member R.C. McBride cast the only "no" vote on the proposal to pay Northbrook-based GovHR USA $20,000 to assist the council in its search.

"I'm not sure this can't be done in a different manner more expeditiously and without the expense," he said.

 Approved installing "Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk" signs at five intersections of local streets and Constitution Trail, a $1,700 cost.

If signs on Lincoln Street, Locust Street, Raab Road, Shelbourne Drive and Willow Street are successful, the town will consider more, including on Vernon Avenue  the trail intersection residents complain about most, said Public Works Director Wayne Aldrich.

"This isn't a license to walk into the street and think cars are going to stop," noted council member Jeff Fritzen. "You still have to proceed with caution into the roadway."

 Thanked Mayor Chris Koos for publicly speaking against President Donald Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was confirmed Monday.

"I'd like to see some common-sense legislation," Koos said of solutions. "We've got to keep pushing on these issues on behalf of our citizens."
NEW YORK (AP)  Fifteen states and the District of Columbia sued Wednesday to block President Donald Trump's plan to end a program protecting young immigrants from deportation  an act Washington state's attorney general called "a dark time for our country."

The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of New York. The plaintiffs were New York, Massachusetts, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

In Illinois, Gov. Bruce Rauner Wednesday said in response to the DACA decision that Congress should take up broad immigration reforms.

"We need comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level, with the Congress, to deal with these challenges," Rauner said at unrelated event in Chicago.

On Tuesday, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said a program, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, will end in six months to give Congress time to find a legislative solution for the immigrants.

The participants were brought to the U.S. illegally as children or came with families who overstayed visas.

Those already enrolled in DACA remain covered until their permits expire. If their permits expire before March, 5, 2018, they are eligible to renew them for another two years as long as they apply by Oct. 5. But the program isn't accepting new applications.

Opponents of the program said they are pleased with the Trump administration's decision. They called DACA an unconstitutional abuse of executive power but proponents of the program said the move by Trump was cruel.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said the action violates the due process rights of the immigrants. He said he fears the information the immigrants provided the government to participate in DACA could be used against them.

"It's outrageous, it's not right," an emotional Ferguson said at a news conference in Seattle. "As attorney general for the state of Washington, I have a hammer, it's the law."

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee joined Ferguson at the news conference and said "this is one more of a long train of abuses that this president has attempted to foist on this great nation."

Meanwhile, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday he sees the possibility for compromise after Trump gave Congress six months to resolve the status of young immigrants living in the country illegally. And he called on Trump to work with the House to get there.

"If we have legislation coming through here that is worked with and supported by the president I'm very confident that our members will support that," Ryan said.

Trump said Wednesday he has "no second thoughts" a day after announcing his decision.

"I'd like to see a permanent deal. And I think it's going to happen. I think we're going to have great support from both sides of Congress and I really believe that Congress is going to work very hard on the DACA agreement and come up with something," Trump said.
SPRINGFIELD  A year after a settlement agreement was reached in a landmark federal lawsuit to improve mental heath care at Illinois prisons, a court monitor reported a backlog of more than 3,600 psychiatric appointments, and inmates languishing in "filthy, noisy" segregation cells "inappropriate for housing the seriously mentally ill."

The report provided to U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mihm in June, but sealed until Friday, outlines the findings of Dr. Pablo Stewart and his three- member team that conducted 19 visits to six of the state's 25 prisons, including each of four maximum security facilities, the two reception and classification centers and two residential treatment units.

The 113-page report serves as a report card on the Illinois Department of Correction's effort to comply with terms of a May 2016 settlement reached in a lawsuit that grew to a class action lawsuit on behalf of the state's 11,000 mentally ill inmates during eight years of litigation.

The failure of IDOC to adequately staff mental health positions resulted in more than 3,600 backlogged appointments for inmates waiting to see a doctor and delays for at least 500 inmates who needed psychiatric evaluations last year, according to the report.

"Tremendous problems exist with the quantity and quality of psychiatric services," the report concluded, an issue that contributes to the state's noncompliance "with almost every aspect of the settlement."

IDOC spokeswoman Nicole Wilson said Tuesday the agency is working to achieve full compliance with the settlement. Significant progress has been made in several critical areas, including officer training, construction of two treatment units and the opening later this year of the Elgin Treatment Center, the first facility to provide inpatient care to inmates, said Wilson.

Stewart noted that he met with IDOC Director John Baldwin in November to relay serious concerns on how correctional officers were "inappropriately serving as "gatekeepers" to the facility's Crisis Intervention Team, a practice that may have kept some inmates from immediate help during a crisis. During a January 2017 visit to Stateville Correctional Center, the monitoring team heard complaints that a staff member threatened disciplinary action against inmates in segregation who asked for help from the crisis team.

In the monitor's opinion, the crisis unit located in Pontiac Correctional Center's North House is "the most chaotic and anti-therapeutic prison unit the Monitor has ever toured in 30 years of working in correctional psychiatry." A new unit was opened six months later after complaints were lodged with IDOC.

The criteria used by IDOC staff to determine when an inmate should be housed in segregation and how long they should remain there needs ongoing attention to comply with the federal mandate, said the report.

All the segregation units toured by the team fell short of maintaining an environment conducive to treating people with mental illness. The practice at the Logan Correctional Center for women of keeping inmates considered a risk for self-harm in segregation was termed "an enormously flawed approach, as the risk of self-harm should be a factor in favor of release from segregation."

Stewart acknowledges improvements in the state's overhaul of a massive correctional system that includes 25 facilities. The success of two residential treatment units at Dixon and Logan prisons and reductions in the amount of segregation time for some inmates are among the positive developments, said the report.
Bushwick

Lucy (Brittany Snow) is returning to Brooklyn from Manhattan on the subway only to discover helicopters scarily buzzing in the sky and strange military-attired men shooting dead anyone in sight on the streets. Chased into a basement apartment by two thugs taking advantage of the chaos, she is rescued by a former soldier--Stupe (Dave Bautista)--and they dodge bullets down alleyways to make way to her grandmother and druggie sister's (Angelic Zambrana) home. "This is Bushwick--who invades Bushwick?" she wails, in directors Cary Murnion & Jonathan Milott's wildly suspenseful action thriller. There is so much wit, vitality and hair-raising thrills, and cameraman Lyle Vincent's astonishingly fluid camerawork plunges you in the middle of this terrorist nightmare from the alarming beginning straight to bitter end. Brittany Snow has an infectious grit and appeal and Dave Bautista's Stupe is touchingly haunted and heroic. The fact that you invest in these characters makes the tension often off the charts.

Marjorie Prime

Marjorie (Lois Smith) is 85 and in failing health. She is given a computer program that conjures up a holograph of her late husband Walter (Jon Hamm) as a young man and they sit and reminisce about the past (at least the past that has been selectively programmed in). He is there to comfort Marjorie, but her prickly daughter (Geena Davis) is resistant to this technology and is lovingly chastised by her husband (Tim Robbins) that this is there to help her mother, who has her good days and bad. As the movie progresses other "Primes" are created as losses call for their soothing presence. Based on a play by Jordan Harrison and exquisitely directed by Michael Almereyda, this is a lovely way to examine the way we create memories, bury tragedies, and invent scenarios that help color our past. Each scene fleshes out more of a rich portrait of this emotionally conflicted family, but with great tenderness and delicacy. Davis and Robbins are perfection. Jon Hamm has a wonderful and touching gravity. Anyone who has had the great fortune to see the marvelous actress Lois Smith on stage knows how luminous she can be. Here she is truly incandescent.

Unlocked

Noomi Rapace is a CIA interrogator working undercover in London in the Social Services department when she is called in to help stop a future biological attack on the city. But things go terribly wrong and suddenly she is forced to go on the run to discover the mole in the CIA who set her up, and put a stop to the terrorist act. Director Michael Apted makes the most of this female Bourne construct and mounts a gripping thriller out of this familiar scenario. With terrific co-stars, including Toni Collete, Michael Douglas, Orlando Bloom and John Malkovich, the twists keep coming and Rapace keeps kicking ass with supreme style.

Lucky

John Carroll Lynch, veteran actor/turned director, crafts a loving tribute to the great character actor Harry Dean Stanton. Stanton plays "Lucky," an ornery 90-year-old living in a quiet desert town who is a creature of habit. He wakes, does his yoga exercises and heads into town for a coffee and to finish his crossword puzzle at the cafe. He buys his milk at the convenience store before walking home to watch his "shows" on TV. And nightly he heads to a bar for his Bloody Marys and to see his friend (David Lynch) who bemoans the loss of his pet tortoise. But when he has a fall one morning, and even though the local doctor (Ed Begley Jr.) finds him in great shape for his age, he starts to brood about mortality. To watch Harry Dean Stanton's wonderfully ravaged face is akin to watching Buster Keaton at his deadpan best. And for a small intimate character study there are moments of grace- an interchange with a fellow veteran (Tom Skerritt) at the diner is particularly moving. And the sight of (still handsome) actor James Darren at the bar was another wonderful treat. But it's all about Harry Dean Stanton and this performance is infinitely sublime.

Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards

Finally, a movie for fashionistas and foot fetishists. Actually, this is a bright, affectionate, documentary by Michael Roberts about legendary "cobbler" Manuel "Manolo" Blahnik Rodriguez. From a pampered, happy, childhood in the Canary Islands, where he actually did construct shoes for lizards. His youth, moving from Paris to London during fashionably critical times of style and excess. He nervously showed his portfolio to Diana Vreeland who wisely told him to focus on shoes. The rest is history. From glowing testimonies from Paloma Picasso, Naomi Campbell, Anna Wintour, John Galliano (who he partnered with for a legendary fashion show), he comes across as a fastidious, funny, fussy, energetic delight. We also see several of his muses from art, statues, Cecil Beaton. But the sheer beauty of his "creatures," as he describes his creations, from the range of color, design and creativity is playfully inspiring.

Super Dark Times

Yes, it smells like bad teen spirit in Kevin Phillip's disturbingly good film set in a white bread suburb of the 1990s--a pre-cellphone, pre-Instagram universe. The eerie opening sequence, showing a buck who has accidentally crashed inside a high school lying mortally wounded on the floor, really sets the tone for what's to follow. Zach (Owen Campbell) and Josh (Charlie Tahan) are best friends. They are hanging with two other guys and check out Josh's brother's (who's in the Marines) room, where they find some marijuana and a sword. What follows is a bloody, horrible, accident that the boys flee from and try to cover up, but they end up consumed by guilt, paranoia, and fear which spins scarily out of control. Elizabeth Cappuccino is excellent as a young girl who seems smitten with Josh--but he is too screwed up by what happened to respond normally. I'm not quite sure if this all really works in the end but the performances are so terrific and some of the directorial choices are unnervingly evocative.

Splash image via Sundance


If you've already confessed your love for our goddess and slay-vior Queen B, then Ivy Park's Autumn/Winter 2017 campaign is about to have you shook. While the latest collection definitely makes good on their ethos of "strength beyond measure and individuality," it's Ivy Park's first male face, breakout model Ralph Souffrant  alongside the likes of trans actress and activist Laverne Cox  who is leading the charge.

In fact, the Haiti-born New Yorker has been making waves in the industry from day one  you might recognize him from Kanye West's Yeezy Season 3 fashion show, which he was immediately booked for after being signed. In the years since, Souffrant has become a social media star and gone on to feature in mega campaigns for Nordstrom, Equinox, and Calvin Klein, just to name a few. We caught up with Souffrant to talk becoming the pressure of representing the Beyonce brand, self-acceptance and his fast-track to success.

You're originally from Haiti but moved to Brooklyn at nine years old, tell me a little about that experience...Did you just adapt to being different or was it a case of finally being accepted?

When I first came here it was kind of hard for me because I had to learn how to speak the language, I had to understand that the American culture is not the same as the Haitian culture. I had to basically adapt and when I first moved here it was also kind of hard for me to make friends because I feel like they didn't understand who I was as a person. The fact that I wasn't able to speak English helped me in a way because I didn't really understand what my classmates were saying about me until later when I finally learned the language, when I could find out "Oh this is what you guys were saying about me?" I feel like it was hard.

I also had an issue with how I looked  they didn't know how to accept me. They didn't want to talk to me or even shake my hand sometimes. That was the issue, my look and the fact that I did not speak any English...I said to myself that this is just who I'm going to be and this is who I'm going to be forever, so I basically have to suck it up and learn to grow up. Up until high school I learned to grow up and understand that people are going to make fun of me. I just wish sometimes that people would take the time to understand who a person is before they push them away. It would make the world a better place.

Was modeling something you always saw for yourself?



I went out to pursue it because I was told by people that I should model. So basically it kind of followed me. When I was going to College, on the street, on the train, people who didn't know anything about fashion they would tell me, "Hey you should go and pursue modeling, give it a shot." It all started in the park where this photographer came up to me and told me I should model, and two years ago I walked into an agency.

I read the same day you got signed, you also got booked for the Yeezy show. How was that moment for you?

Truth be told I never had an experience like that before. With that being my first time in front of a bunch of people it was overwhelming. It's not just a typical shoot where there's just a bunch of models hanging out and having a photoshoot, it was a Kanye West fashion show. It was overwhelming, it was super crowded. I was around a bunch of people that I'd see on TV all the time so I was like "Whoa don't tell me this is happening here," I was shocked. At the same time I was humble in accepting the fact that this is going on.

Did you feel any pressure as the first male face of Ivy Park?

Yeah I feel pressure because after this campaign I just feel like there is a lot more to come, a lot more questions such as the ones you ask me now. Every time these questions arise they always put some type of pressure on me. I always feel like, "Damn I have to talk about my childhood and I have to talk about the hardships that I had coming into this country."

Right and there's obviously more to you than your upbringing. What do you want people to know about you besides that aspect of your life?

I want people to know that I'm an individual...I'm a human being too. You know I laugh, I have feelings, if you say something it can be hurtful. I want people to think of the things that count when they look at me.

You're definitely blowing up, how has it been adapting to your new lifestyle? Have you found any parts of the industry particularly difficult?

It's an amazing experience because you build memories, but you can't really go back to them. What I mean is, you work with one person today and the next time you work it can be very difficult to work with that same person again. You still build a great deal of memories with that person, and you get to chat with people that you're not going to see but you know that. You're probably not going to see that person ever again. I can't remember the last time I saw this guy I shot with before, I was never able to shoot with him ever again. It's been two years now. You build great memories with people who you will never see again probably. It's almost like one hundred percent that you will never see them again. But the whole traveling aspect I love it because you get to see different places and get to learn another country. Everything is always new that's what I like about this business so far, everything is always new. It's never the same.

I know you said enjoy exercising, but are there any specific work-out routines or skincare regimens you do?

I do calisthenics. Calisthenics is when you use your own body weight, so when I do calisthenics it's like going to the park and doing pull-ups, and sit-ups, and stuff like that. It's calisthenics and you can really do it anywhere. That's the way I keep my fitness lifestyle going.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFmuNhSjFxo&feature=youtu.be expand=1]

The latest Ivy Park campaign emphasizes self-confidence and individuality, when do you feel most confident?

I get my individuality from physical fitness. I look good when I take off my clothes and I feel fit, but I do not want people to feel like fitness is the only thing especially if you're being body shamed. I want people to help each other and not talk down to each other. It's a lot going on out there in the world and sometimes we need the hand from each other. When I'm in the city sometimes I'll see a person dying on the street or fall to the ground, I'll pick up the phone and call the ambulance or call 911 and ask for help. I look at the people who are around me and they're just walking by and looking. They're just looking. I say to myself, "How could you?" I want people to be more helpful, more loving, and more caring. Take the time out to understand who people are, as human beings. We all have an obligation to each other. I think society would be a better place. We all would be happy.



See the campaign images for Ivy Park's Fall collection below.

Images courtesy of Ivy Park


Michel Gondry, the independent French filmmaker who perhaps most famously directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, says he has an unfinished Beyonce collaboration waiting in the wings.

During an interview with Canadian publication La Presse, Gondry spoke of his future plans, saying, "I have two projects: a rather personal film about my creative wanderings while shooting a movie, with rather extreme and illogical things, and a TV series for an American channel."

He then added that he had worked with Bey on a mysterious project that was put on hold when she got pregnant last year. "Unfortunately, it's not out yet because she [had] twins," he said. "But it's a finished clip [and it turned out] very, very well, I think."

Aside from the many feature films he's made, Gondry also has extensive experience making critically acclaimed music videos for artists including Daft Punk, The White Stripes, and Bjork.

Whatever it is, we can't wait to see it! Truly a dream collaboration.

[h/t The Fader]



Image via Instagram
President Trump declared on Sunday that he will end Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

For the past five years, DACA has provided Dreamers, or children of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States prior to June 2007, a pathway to citizenship through the ability to live and work in the US, granted that they pass an extensive background check. Though Trump ran on a platform of building a literal wall along the Mexican border to keep immigrants out, he later said he would treat young immigrants - nearly 800,000 of whom qualified for DACA - with "heart." His understanding of 'heart' seems to differ from the generally accepted concepts of warmth, mercy and love, as per his administration they now have a six month "wind-down" period to leave the only country many of them have ever known.

"I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents," Trump said in a written statement, according to the New York Times. "But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws."



Public outcry against this latest decision by the Trump administration has been immediate. CEOs of several massive corporations including AT&T, Wells Fargo, and Best Buy added their names to a letter in support of DACA. Last night, several Dreamers gathered outside Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner's house to hold a candlelight vigil imploring the couple to save DACA (they have reportedly urged Trump not to repeal the program, but to little end). Today outside Trump Tower in New York City, a dozen or so activists, at least nine of whom were Dreamers, were voluntarily arrested for protesting the repeal.

Barack Obama even offered up some rare words, slamming Trump's decision in a lengthy Facebook post and saying, "Ultimately, this is about basic decency. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way we'd want our own kids to be treated. It's about who we are as a people  and who we want to be."





In light of this news, we spoke with Sara Feldman, project director for Ready California at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a "cross-sector collaborative effort to support organizations providing information and legal services to immigrant community members" about how to stand up against the repeal of DACA and what to do if you are affected.



To fight against the repeal of DACA:

1. Contact your representatives in Congress and urge them to pass the DREAM Act. The DREAM Act (for which Dreamers are named) was initially proposed by Senators Orrin Hatch of Utah and Dick Durbin of Illinois in 2001, and though it has largely enjoyed bipartisan support, for political reasons the act has remained stalled in Congress. The passage of the bill would help those young immigrants effected by the repeal of DACA. Calling your representatives and putting pressure on them to pass this key legislation could make a big difference. Note: text RESIST to 50409 for help contacting your representatives.

1a). While you're on the phone with your representatives, you can also urge them to pass the Bridge Act, which would provide work authorization to young immigrants in the interim.

2. Attend the many community events popping up. Likeminded folks around the nation are coming together to rally and show their support for the population affected by the repeal of DACA. Check Facebook for DACA events and join them.



3. Make sure people in your community have access to information and know how to find free and low cost legal services. Be an ambassador for that information, and stay connected to local community organizations.

4. Volunteer your time and/or donate to organizations dedicated to helping immigrants. It's important to support organizations that push forward legislative responses to government actions, like the National Immigration Law Center and the ACLU, but it's also good to support local organizations that work more directly with immigrant communities.

If you are a Dreamer affected by the repeal of the DACA, Feldman says it's important to remember a few key things:

1. If you are already submitted your DACA application, the request is still being processed as usual.

2. DACA recipients have legal protection until their personal work permits expire. Employers can't ask about work authorization and can't fire employees solely based on today's news.

3. "Don't panic," Feldman says. The government has said they'll first focus on deporting immigrants with criminal records, which excludes most DACA recipients due to the extensive background checks they undergo to receive deferment in the first place.

4. Should you need them, visit this helpful database to find legal services near you.

5. Read this community advisory for a more thorough legal breakdown of the DACA repeal.

For more information, visit the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, the National Immigration Law Center and the ACLU.

Image via Getty
Last month Patently Apple posted a report titled "The Chairman of India's Telecom Regulatory Authority Accuses Apple of being 'Anti-Consumer'." The report noted that Telecom regulator TRAI has accused Apple of engaging in "data colonization" in India and being "anti-consumer" by not allowing customers to pass on details about pesky calls and unwanted messages to authorities as well as their mobile operators. The matter has remained unresolved over the last year and has now led to an attack on Apple by R S Sharma, chairman of TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India).

Today Bloomberg reports that "The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has been trying unsuccessfully to get its Do Not Disturb software included in the App Store. The program lets people share spam call and text message logs with the agency, which uses the data to alert mobile operators to block the spammers. Apple has said the app violates its privacy policy, according to the regulator.

The standoff could impact Apple's efforts to expand in India, where half a billion smartphones will be sold by 2020. The Cupertino, California-based company has been in discussions with India's government to open retail stores and secure permission to sell used iPhones imported into the country. Apple has put forth a long list of demands, including tax breaks and other concessions, to set up manufacturing facilities.

Ram Sewak Sharma, chairman of the Delhi-based telecom regulator has said that 'Nobody's asking Apple to violate its privacy policy. It is a ridiculous situation, no company can be allowed to be the guardian of a user's data.'

Any new measures could affect not just Apple, but Facebook, Google and other technology companies that handle large amounts of private and personal information."

Last month the Indian publication Inc42, posted a report titled "Data Leaks by Phone Manufacturers Gives Indian Govt. Sleepless Nights: Asks for Data Security Protocos Outline from Them" - with a deadline of August 28th.

The report noted that "Amidst growing political tension with China and reports of data leaks by Chinese phones, the Indian government is reviewing its Chinese import regulations to rule out any possibilities of a data leak. To this end, the Indian government has asked mobile phone manufacturers to outline the procedures and processes they adopt to ensure data security and privacy of users. ET Telecom also covered this story with different information about the issues.

While the issue with the Chinese vendors is a little different than the one related to Apple, the two crackdowns on tech companies in India is showing the growing anger the government is having trying to control tech company's methods of collecting data in India or not cooperating with the government.





Last year the big issue was trying to force tech companies to adopt a new biometrics program designed by the government. A year ago this month Patently Apple posted a report titled "India Demands that Apple Devices be Embedded with New Government Biometric Security System."

Our report at that time noted that the new Indian Government initiative was part of a national biometric identity program called Aadhaar (Hindi for foundation). Millions of Indians use fingerprint and iris-scan authentication to access a range of public and private services that now includes banking. Failure to join the effort could limit the tech industry's access to a vast and growing market, but companies like Apple and Google are expected to resist opening up their phones and operating systems to the Indian registration, encryption and security technology.

On one hand India is begging for tech companies like Apple to come to India and create jobs while on the other hand taking every measure to avoid cooperating or negotiating a quick agreement to allow Apple's manufacturing partners to bring in electronic parts tax free until Chinese suppliera set up shop in India. It's a case of what comes first the chicken or the egg. And for now, India is simply refusing to play ball.

On the other hand, Apple doesn't seem to be in any rush either being that the average smartphone is selling for close to $200, a market they don't play in.

Though in the bigger picture, Apple is being patient. In July Patently Apple posted a report titled "Apple is Designing their Largest Retail Stores ever for India with Enough Class to make them Tourist Attractions." So hopefully there's a light at the end of the tunnel that's not an oncoming train.

About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Those using abusive language or negative behavior will result in being blacklisted on Disqus.
By now, you may have heard about the violence at an alt-right demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia:

Virginia governor to white nationalists: Go home  shame on you'

Now, I will admit to ambivalent feelings about taking down monuments to Confederate generals and leaders. Was slavery an evil? Yes. Absolutely. (Please, I hope nobody will use this post as a weapon with which to paint me as excusing slavery or justifying it.) Were those Confederate leaders and generals on the wrong side? Plainly, as regards slavery, they were. Utterly and completely. Unambiguously.

And yet, many of them were, that very large issue aside, personally quite good men. Some of them (e.g., Robert E. Lee) were arguably even great men. And I can sympathize with their local patriotism and their love of freedom (weirdly limited by slavery as it was) and limited government. They werent officers of the Nazi Gestapo or the SS. The Confederacy wasnt the Third Reich.

Moreover, I really dislike political correctness, presentism, preening self-righteousness, and attempts to erase history, though obviously  in cases like the de-Nazification of Germany  there are times when the glorification of certain historical people and events desperately, urgently, needs to be erased and undone.

Quite a few years ago now, I was finally able to visit Braunau-am-Inn, the small town in Austria where Adolf Hitler was born and where his childhood home still stands. I was curious to know whether the town even officially recognized its connection to Hitler and, if so, how. When we reached the home, I was delighted at what I found: Standing in front of the small house is a memorial stone  taken from the quarry at the Mauthausen concentration camp where my father participated in the liberation as a sergeant in the Eleventh Armored Division, part of General Pattons Third Army  on which there was no mention of Hitler whatsoever. Instead, this is how the inscription read: For peace, freedom and democracy: Millions of the dead admonish us: Never again fascism.

I thought that they had handled the situation extraordinarily well. History remains, but no encouragement was given to living neo-Nazis to venerate Hitlers Geburtshaus as a shrine.

I cannot tell you how revolted I am, however, by the renewed visibility of fascists and bigots and white supremacists in my own country now. (Check out the helmets worn by some of the alt-right demonstrators at Charlottesville in a photo at the link above. Theyre right out of the World War Two German Wehrmacht.)

But whats even worse  far worse  is to see evidences of such attitudes among a few Latter-day Saints.

A friend of mine has told me of his correspondence with certain alt-right members of the Church. The modified image of Joseph Smith, above, is part of that correspondence. Here are some other items:

Why, asks a person who uses that image of the Prophet as an avatar, is it incorrect to question the validity of the holocaust? History is written by the (((winners))).

That same person, who describes himself/herself as Alt-Right, Traditionalist, Awaiting the Saviour of America (for the last phrase, contrast such scriptural passages as 1 Nephi 10:4), also writes (((They))) are not our allies; The Jew of old is not the Jew of today. The covenant has been utterly shattered and they are not our own.

Laments another: Its perfectly fine to deny the historical foundations of the Christian religion, but punishable just to question the Holocaust.

I long for a world, writes the first, in which I can be me, a land that I can call my own, I am the way I am because I want to defend my future family.

And not to be omitted is a graph charting Jewish involvement in Russias Bolshevik regime in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s.

Its accompanied by another meme that urges us to Learn from History: 109 Times and Counting that Jews have been EXPELLED in the past. The text that goes under that title reads as follows:

In 1290, King Edward I of England signed the edict expelling the Jews from England. Also in 1278, 269 Jews were hanged in Britain for stealing Gold through coin clipping. This is why our coins now have ridged edges on them. To prevent Jews from shaving the perimeter of the gold coins down with knifes, which made the coins smaller, while they secretly stole & stashed the Gold.

The Jews have been a plague to the Nations that have hosted them for thousands of years. Eventually the Jews wear out their welcome, through rape, murder, and thievery, and thus end up getting EXPELLED from the nations which took them in. Obviously the time for present day explosions [expulsions?] is once again rapidly approaching.

Words like contempt, nauseating, and repulsive come to mind. Unfortunately, theyre just not strong enough.

I dont believe in making politics an issue at Church, nor in excommunicating otherwise faithful members over their political views. To me, however, neo-Nazism of the sort that seems to be on display in the comments and images above is deeply troubling. If I were the local leader of someone espousing such views, I would be very concerned. And, candidly, I would be at least thinking about an eventual disciplinary council.

Mormonism is the only faith of which Im aware whose scriptural canon includes an explicit denunciation of anti-Semitism:

And because my words shall hiss forthmany of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.

But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?

O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people.

Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews? (2 Nephi 10:3-6)
Saudi Arabia Rejects Overtures From Tehran For Improved Relations

09/06/17

Source: RFE/RL

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on September 5 rejected overtures from Tehran to improve relations after the conclusion of last week's annual hajj pilgrimage. "If Iran wants to have good relations with Saudi Arabia, it has to change its policies. It has to respect international law," Jubeir said at a press conference in London.

Iranian official Ali Ghazi-Askar, the head of the hajj organization in Tehran, had thanked Saudi Arabia for running a successful hajj and suggested it might open the way for negotiation over other matters.



"We thank Saudi Arabia...for adopting a new approach in dealing with Iranian pilgrims," he said, according to the Iranian state broadcaster.



'Religious Issue'



Ghazi-Askar said it presented an opportunity for the two sides to "resolve their bilateral issues in other fields."



Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also was quoted by the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA) as saying that diplomatic visits he has been advocating could take place after the hajj.



Al-Jubeir dismissed Zarif's comments as "laughable," saying, "at this time, we do not see...that they're serious about wanting to be a good neighbor."



Saudi Arabia and Iran have longstanding differences over the conflicts in Yemen and Syria, among other regional matters.



They broke off diplomatic relations in January 2016 after Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shi'ite cleric prompted Iranians to storm the Saudi Embassy in Tehran.



The diplomatic split and worries about safety after hundreds of Iranian pilgrims were crushed by crowds during the 2015 hajj had prevented Iranians from participating in the hajj last year.



But talks between the two Persian Gulf rivals this year enabled about 86,000 Iranian pilgrims to take part.



Al-Jubeir said those talks did not amount to a "normalization" of relations.



"We had the hajj season, and when we have the hajj, we try not to politicize it... But this is not normalization," he said. "The meetings around the hajj, have nothing to do with the politics. It's a religious issue."



With reporting by AFP and Reuters

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
Iranian-British Grandfather Marks 78th Birthday in Tehran's Evin Prison

09/06/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

Iranian-British grandfather Kamal Foroughi saw his 78th birthday pass on September 3, 2017, in Tehran's Evin Prison, where he has been serving a seven-year prison sentence for alleged espionage charges since 2011. "We're very worried about Dad's health," Foroughi's son, Kamran, told the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). "How many birthdays does he have left? Will Dad survive Evin Prison? Will we ever see him again?"



Kamal Foroughi

Kamran Foroughi added that improving relations between the British and Iranian governments after the two countries restored diplomatic relations in 2016 have had no positive impact on his father's case.

"Tuesday [September 5] happens to be the one-year anniversary since the UK and Iran restored diplomatic relations to full ambassador level," he wrote. "We're sure Ambassadors Hamid Baeidinejad and Nicholas Hopton have had a busy year encouraging trade, but what about Dad?"

Dozens of foreign diplomats based in Iran were criticized by human rights activists after they visited Evin Prison without seeing dual and foreign nationals and other political prisoners currently held in the prison.

Diagnosed with cataracts in 2016, Kamal Foroughi has been eligible for parole for more than 1,300 days under Article 58 of Iran's Islamic Penal Code, which allows for conditional release after prisoners have served a third of their prison sentence.

Kamal Foroughi, who holds both Iranian and British citizenship, was working as a consultant for the oil and gas Petronas company when he was arrested on May 5, 2011, by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and sentenced to seven years in prison for "espionage" and one year for "possession of alcoholic drinks at home." The latter sentence was eventually dropped, according to Kamran Foroughi.

Iran does not recognize dual nationality.

"How is Dad's health? We still don't know," Kamran Foroughi told CHRI, adding that Foroughi has no family members in Iran. "For the last five weeks, his medical results have been awaiting collection from Evin Prison reception."

"Dad has not seen them [the records] and no one seems to be able to access them," added Kamran Foroughi. "So, effectively, we're all being deprived of seeing any results of the many medical tests conducted on Dad, contrary to international medical norms."

The judiciary's ongoing imprisonment of dual nationals contradicts President Hassan Rouhani's repeated calls for expatriates to return to Iran. The growing number of arrests also reflects hardliners' efforts to prevent the engagement with the West that the Rouhani administration has sought to encourage.

At least 10 foreign nationals are currently imprisoned in Iran, including three with UK citizenship: Kamal Foroughi, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe an Roya Saberi Nobakht.
Artiste turned politicican cum businessman Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus has debunked the allegation that his company HT Global Group receives Ghc3 million every month from the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company limited (BOST).



He stated on authority that BOST has never given Ghc1 cedi a month or even a year to his company since they [HT Global Group] started transporting fuel to the Northern part of the country on behalf of BOST.



Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Kwame A-Plus revealed that as at May 2017, the invoice he sent to the government for their service amounted to Ghc50, 000 with tax inclusion, but not a pesewa has been paid to him.



He also mentioned that none of the over 300 local companies which got the contract from BOST to transport fuel throughout the country have been paid of their services; thus, anybody can confirm his claims from the office of BOST.



Many people bid for the contract and as at now, over 300 companies are involved in this deal. Up till now, nobody in this business has been paid; in the month of May, the invoice I sent to the government amounted to Ghc50, 000 including tax. You can go to BOST to enquire about this information I have given you, he revealed.



He maintained it is factual that BOST has given him and other Ghanaians a contract to transport fuel but it is incorrect that he has been receiving money every month from Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation limited (BOST).



Praising Akufo-Addos government, A-Plus averred that the NPP administration has spread the contract to many deserving local companies irrespective of the political lineages and so it should not be painted in the media as though his company is only the recipient of the BOST deal.



Even in this deal, the government has made it a point to extend the transportation of the fuel to many people and so the impression should be created as if the contract has been given to one person, he asserted.



He explained that in order to ensure regular flow of fuel in the country, many people were needed to transport the fuel to the storage facilities of BOST; however, his company is responsible for transporting fuel to the storage in Northern Ghana and BOST then will distribute to the various filling stations.



He added that the over 300 companies accepted to carry out this deal, knowing well that the government is new in office and without money to pay them upfront; thus, they sacrificed to get the job done, hoping to be paid by the government one day.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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The Public Relations Officer for Exton Cubic Group Limited, Sammy Gyamfi in reaction to the revocation of his companys mining lease has described as irrelevant and shallow the basis for which the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu acted on the case.



According to him, insofar as they are disappointed by the action of Nana Akufo-Addos government, the company is surprised by the revocation of the mining lease as the behaviour of the state institutions and government officials from the beginning of the saga pointed in one direction.



Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Sammy Gyamfi reiterated that the leaders of Exton Cubic Group are not worried by the action of the government due to the fact that nothing was done in secrecy but rather in honesty and legally.



He insisted the management of Exton Cubic Group have closed discussions with their lawyers regarding the action of the government against them; thus the company has done nothing wrong and whatever the Minister said against their company is not the truth.



What I can say for now is that whatever the Lands and Natural Resources Minister John Peter Amewu has said against Exton Cubic Group, none is true but rather fabricated and malicious, he bemoaned.



If you analyse whatever has been said against us, you will realise that all complains are irrelevant and shallow and it is contrary to the law which he quoted to revoke our mining lease.



He however pleaded with both local and international partners of Exton Cubic Group to calm down in their quest for justice; thus, no matter how this might delay, the truth will come out and the law will work.



Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Peter Amewu, has said that the mining lease in the possession of Exton Cubic Group Limited is null and void following failure to abide by laws relating to the license and some statutory infractions.



Mr Amewu, at a press conference on Monday, September 4, said the company has failed to abide by some regulations; however government has written to the company to discontinue any attempts to move into the concession at Nyinahin in the Atwima Mponua in the Ashanti Region.



"Act 703 sections 87 grants the minister the procedure for revoking of licence and what that law says is that if for any reason the minister is satisfied that the company has fail to abide by the terms and conditions of the licence or a requirement applicable to the licence then the minister has the right under the clause 87 to terminate.







Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com/bigdallas198[email protected]









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FORSYTH  Colonel Thomas Arthur Hilquist (Retired), 83, of Forsyth, formerly of Park Ridge, IL, passed away, Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Hickory Point Christian Village.

Thomas was born January 27, 1934, in Chicago, the son of Vernard and Ruth A. (McKenzie) Hilquist. He graduated from Lane Technical High School in 1952 and entered the Air Force Aviation Cadet Program in 1954. Colonel Hilquist received his pilot wings and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 1955. His first operational assignment as a pilot was to Pope AFB, NC, flying C-119s. In August 1956, he was stationed at Ashiya Airbase, Japan, where he flew as aircraft commander throughout the Far East.

In January of 1958 Colonel Hilquist was released from active duty and joined the Reserve's 64th Troop Carrier Squadron at O'Hare Air Reserve Base IL. In 1960, he became operations officer of the "Combat Readiness Training" program at O'Hare. In 1963, after accumulating nearly 1,000 hours in the C-47 "Gooney Bird," he became an Air Reserve Technician (ART). As an ART, for 16 years, he served as OPS and Training Officer, Squadron Commander and Director of Safety.

In August 1979, he began working for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an airspace system inspection pilot. In November 1979, he was assigned as the 928th Tactical Airlift Group Deputy Commander for Operations. In January 1981, he was assigned to HQ AFRES as State Preparedness Liaison Officer, with duty at Springfield, IL. On December 1, 1982, Colonel Hilquist was assigned Vice Commander of the 440th Tactical Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve, General Billy Mitchell Field, Milwaukee, WI.

A command pilot, Colonel Hilquist has logged over 8,000 hours of flying time in a variety of military aircraft including C-130A, C-119G and C-47A.

His military decorations and awards include the Meritorious Service Meal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve medal with Hour Glass, National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.

Thomas Hilquist retired from FAA in February, 1998 and started his consulting practice. He became the national expert in determining whether a proposed building near an airport had a conflict with airplane takeoffs and landings. He also was a consultant to FAA in the location of new airport towers. He retired from consulting in 2010.

Colonel Hilquist married Clara A. Richter of Morrisonville and she survives. He is also survived by his brother, David E. Hilquist; sister, Ruth Jackie Hodlick; eleven nieces and five nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be 11 am Friday, September 8, 2016 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Rev. Richard Weltin, celebrant; visitation will be one hour prior to the mass in the church. Burial with military rites will be 3 pm, Friday, September 8, 2017, in St. Maurice Cemetery, Morrisonville.

The family of Colonel Thomas A. Hilquist (Retired) is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
New documents from International Monetary Fund (IMF) have revealed that government indeed requested for an extension of the IMF programme.



However, there appears to be some discrepancies on the actual date for completing the programme. While the government in a letter to the Fund is proposing December 2018 as end date the IMF is looking at carrying out its last program review in February 2019.



According to the letter of intent signed by Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor Dr. Ernest Yedu Addison, sent to the Managing Director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde, governments request was influenced by a weakened economy it inherited, making it difficult to meet program targets by the end of 2017.



The letter added that the extension also reflected the lag in policy implementation due to the change of government, 'our budget', although prepared and approved in record time, it was only enacted in late March.



This meant that the program had to be extended to meet the said targets.



The letter also revealed that the program would be completed through a budget cycle of January 2018 through December 2018, it is, therefore, requesting for approval to modify the length of the arrangement by one year and reschedule disbursements evenly.



However, going through the proposed scheduled of reviews and disbursement, showed the last review meeting for this program, would happen in February 2019, subject to completing all the reviews before that proposed date.



The government letter also outlined measures to improve revenue collections, check rising expenditure, to demonstrate its commitment to the program.



Finance ministers reaction



But Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta has justified the extension, describing it as technical.



He maintained that the program would end in December 2018, adding that, government is committed to stabilizing the economy and implementing programs that would improve the livelihood of Ghanaians.

Source: myjoyonline.com









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Asante monarch Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has donated GHS50,000 to late Major Maxwell Mahamas family.



The military officer was lynched at Denkyira-Obuasi in the Central Region in May after he was mistaken to be an armed robber.



The Asantehene said the donation, which was made to the family at the Manhyia palace in Kumasi, is meant for the education of the late military officers children.



Otumfuo said Major Mahama was a dedicated and gentle serviceman.



The widow, Barbara Mahama was at the Manhyia palace together with the late officers father and Family head for the donation.

Source: classfmonline.com









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The Management of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has denied allegations of impropriety and unilateral decisions levelled against it in the transfer of staff of the Customs Division of the Authority.



A statement signed by Kwasi Bobie-Ansah, Acting Assistant Commissioner Communication & Public Affairs Department, on behalf of the Commissioner-General, said the transfers of staff of the Customs Division were done in accordance with GRA laid down processes and procedures.



GRA Management wishes to make it clear that similar transfers have been done for both the Domestic Tax Revenue (DTRD) and Support Services Divisions (SSD) without any hitches or constraints whatsoever, it said.



The statement said the management of GRA believes in team work and therefore no member of the team takes unilateral decisions on staff matters.



The statement urged staff to make use of internal mechanisms available for resolving staff grievances on such issues including staff movements or transfers.

Source: GNA









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Two Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Upper East Region have appealed to the government to help halt the harvesting of rosewood in the Northern Savannah Zone.



The CSOs, the Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA) and the Organization for Indigenous Initiatives and Sustainability- Ghana (ORGIIS), urged the government to revoke all permits granted to over 20 companies to harvest and process rosewood trees in northern Ghana and the Brong Ahafo Region.



The two CSOs said they have seen a copy of a document signed by the Chief Executive of Forestry Commission granting approval to over 20 companies to engage in logging rosewood in northern Ghana and the Brong Ahafo Region.



A press release issued and jointly signed by Mr Bismark Adongo Ayorogo, the Executive Director of NORPRA, and Mr Julius Awaregye, the Executive Director of ORGIIS-Ghana, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga, said that in an effort to ascertain the facts on the operations of the companies, NORPRA made a field trip to a number of communities in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region and saw rosewood being cut down in commercial quantities.



It is recalled that environmentally conscious Ghanaians, climate change advocates and people of northern Ghana strongly supported the NPP in opposition when the party raised the alarm bell through a press conference on the felling of these rosewood tress in northern Ghana. The government was again highly applauded when it, in the 2017 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, stated that it had placed high premium on combating climate change through prioritization of climate change programmes and projects.



It could not, therefore, be that the government would allow the Forestry Commission to authorize the felling of rosewood trees, in the parts of the country that has livelihoods seriously threatened by harsh weather conditions, the statement said.



It said it was most worrying that government was encouraging environmentally unfriendly actions at a time Ghanas development partners and the international community were sympathizing with the Ghanaian people on the increasing impact of climate change on livelihoods.



It said it is also important to note that the impact of climate change would be intensified in northern Ghana with temperature increasing by 2O degrees Celsius by the year 2030 as shown by a scientific research.



This is certainly very alarming and we expect government to rededicate itself to the implementation of a very comprehensive national policy on climate change to minimize its effect, it said.

Source: GNA









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An interdicted Police Constable, Samuel Asamoah, 36, of the Kasoa Police Station and Yaw Boadi, 35, a businessman at Abeka Lapaz in Accra, have been arrested at Agona Otopiase, for alleged robbery.



Superintendent Seth Panti Yirenkyi, Agona Swedru District Police Commander, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Swedru, said the robbery occurred at about 1300hours on Tuesday at Mensakrom, near Agona Duakwa.



The District Police Commander said one Nicolas Baffoe, from Agona Odoben came to the HFC Bank, Agona Swedru branch to withdrawn GHC7, 800 and after the transaction boarded a commercial vehicle heading to his destination.



According to Superintendent Yirenkyi , the interdicted police constable Asamoah and Boadi dressed in military uniforms in a taxi cab with registration number 5248-17, chased the commercial vehicle and crossed it at Mensakrom.

He said the two suspects ordered the victim to come down from the vehicle to answer fraud charges of which he was involved.



Superintendent Yirenkyi told the GNA that the suspected robbers snatched the bag which contained the GHC7,800 from Mr Baffoe when he alighted and sped off .



The District Commander stated that the victim who looked traumatized and confused told some Okada riders at Mensakrom and Agona Duakwa respectively about his predicament.



He disclosed that the okada riders sent the information to their colleagues at Agona Otopiase and quickly they barricaded the road and the two suspects were arrested but the taxi driver escaped.



The District Commander said Asamoah who joined the Ghana Police Service five years ago, but was recently interdicted and Boadi who deal in local sandals have been placed in police custody pending further investigations.



Superintendent Yirenkyi said the taxi cab which was impounded by the Police was used to rob a student of the University of Education, Winneba of his GHC 7,000 on the streets of Agona Swedru last week.

He said the suspects would soon be arraigned.

Source: GNA









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The ruling Nana Akufo-Addo-led government has been accused of deceit following the extension of the IMF programme.



The current administration has extended the programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) even though the President during his maiden encounter with the media at the Flagstaff House stated that the deal will not be extended after it ends in December 2018.



At a meeting between government and the Executive Board of the IMF, the deal was extended to April 2019.



However, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr says government is deceiving Ghanaians by saying the programme will end in April 2019.



According to him to say that the programme will end next year is a lie because, at the expiration of the programme, there is what is called completion exercise; that takes another year. Let nobody deceive himself or herself; that sometime in 2019, we are going to get out of this programme; its not possible. This programme will last until the end of 2020; nothing will change; what the NPP criticised in opposition is what they have embraced and it will live with us till 2020 . . . Look the government has not been truthful with us on this question of the IMF. This IMF deal is going to last until 2020 and the governments promise of pulling out of the IMF deal will not be realised . . . 



He was of the view that the NPP administration is being hypocritical as far as the IMF programme is concerned because they criticised the erstwhile Mahama administration for going in for it and promised to abrogate it when they come to power; however, when they came to power, they have extended it.



It is important to go back and see the different positions that has been taken by the current government . . . I recall in one of the lectures that was given by Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; he made the point that we are facing a lot of difficulty as a people; people are not getting employment into the public service; freeze on public expenditure and so on and that all that was the result of the deal we had made with the IMF and he made the point that if the New Patriotic Party was elected the deal with the IMF will be completely abrogated; that was the first position. Then that position changed again; and then they told us that if they were elected, they will review the agreement and then that position changed again after election and then they said look we cannot get everything that we want . . . and therefore we will end the program in April 2018. Now, that position has changed again and we are being told that the programme has been extended for another year and that that program will end in April 2019. My friends, that is another lie . . . we are headed for worst times under the regime of the International Monetary Fund and its sister organisation, he said during a panel discussion on Radio Golds 'Alhaji and Alhaji' programme, Saturday.

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A member of the communication team of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Asamoah Gyamfi, says MP for Assin Central, Ken Agyapong, is a liability to the party and that elders of the party must urgently call him to order.



According to him, Agyapongs rabid attacks on some Ghanaians are hurting the party, warning that the opposition NDC will capitalize on them (attacks) in the 2020 election.



The acid-tongued politician has lashed out some government officials in recent times, accusing them of corruption and bribery. He recently alleged that some presidential staffers charge 20,000 dollars from businessmen who want to meet the president.



The controversial MP has also accused Minister of Communication, Ursula Owusu and the CEO of the National Identification Authority, Professor Ken Attafuah, of taking bribes to award the Nation Identification card contract to the company with the highest bid, ignoring his (Ken Agyapong) company, which put forward the lowest bid.



However, speaking on Atinka TVs Ghana Nie Morning Show with Bismark Brown Monday, an incensed Asamoah Gymafi said the party has had enough of Kennedy Agyapong, saying it was about time the party dealt with him severely.



He said the Assin MP has the penchant for insulting and tagging opponents at the least provocation, warning that his antagonistic posturing has harmed the party for a long time.



Even though Ken Agyapong supports the party financially, many of his unguarded statements tend to erode such gains. He must be called to order  the party must state its position on him, he charged.



The respected party communicator also revealed that late party stalwart, Jake Obetsebi, was a victim of Ken Agyapongs numerous slanders and fabrications. He said so many things about Jake which were outright lies, he added.



According to Asamoah Gymafi, the Assin Central MP must back his corruption claims with evidence instead of ruining the reputation of some Ghanaians and government officials.

Source: atinkaonline.com









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A former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry under the past Mahama led government, Murtala Mohammed is calling on the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu to resign from his position.



He claims the Minister has shown some level of incompetency with the handling of Exton Cubic Group saga over the weeks.



According to him, Mr. John Peter Amewus posture on the issue is embarrassing this government and therefore must relinquish his office for a proficient person to take over.



In a new twist the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu has affirmed invalid and of no effect, a mining lease granted Exton Cubic Group Limited at Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region.



Earlier, he approved of the exploration and urged his colleague, the Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah, who had ordered for the seizure of Exton Cubics equipment to release them to the company.



After consulting with the Attorney General, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister on Monday September 4, made a shocking volte-face - and in a media briefing described the mining contract issued to Exton Cubic Group as invalid.



The failure to obtain environmental and operational permits, as well as the various statutory infractions, leading to the purported grant of the three mining leases to the company renders the purported leases invalid and of no effect.



In the circumstance and in accordance with Section 87 of Act 703, the three mining leases are hereby revoked, Mr Amewu said at a press conference in Accra.



But Murtala Mohammed on NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie described the whole saga as shameless and questioned the Ministers credibility.



What is he talking about? Its so embarrassing and shameful, he said.



The former Member of Parliament for the Nantong constituency in the Northern Region however noted that do you know we are likely to pay judgment debt? I have listened to Exton Cubic and they have petitioned the Attorney General.



So what NPP is doing, must we pay them back when we come to power? We dont build a nation that way. We dont treat business people that way. This entire government is in a mess, he told sit-in host Mark Jerry.



Exton Cubic Group has challenged Lands and Natural Resources Minister John Peter Amewus decision to revoke its mining leases Monday.



Communications Director for the company, Samuel Gyamfi said the Lands Minister has no basis to do what he did, as such the company will take steps for legal redress.





Source: King Edward A mbrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash









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INTRODUCTION



When on Tuesday, 18th July 2017 the internet carried the news that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 and the Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 had been laid before Parliament and referred to the appropriate committees of Parliament to be dealt with under a certificate of urgency, I raised issues of the publics democratic right to participate in and make input into the enactment of the Bill.



I had been hoping that the public will be given ample opportunity to make their input into the Special Prosecutor Bill whatever the form and shape it will eventually take. The Bill was subsequently formally withdrawn from Parliament. By then, I had hurriedly researched and written a lengthy constitutional and legal critique of the Bill which I promised will be aired and published at the appropriate time when the Parliamentary time table for public input is known.



Nonetheless, I chose to highlight one fundamental problem with the efficacy of the whole Bill by publishing a critique of the functions of the Special Public Prosecutor and thereby pique the public interest in being watch dogs and guardians of the enacting process of the Bill.



I received notice while abroad on 18th August 2017 that the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament had scheduled meetings to discuss the Special Prosecutor Bill in circumstances which I narrate hereunder. I have therefore decided to keep my promise of finalizing and publishing my critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill for public consumption and for possible use by anybody who wants to do so.



I have read, examined, and analyzed the entire Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 which was published a second time on the last day of the Parliamentary session on 2nd August 2017 together with all its antecedent Bills, including the one currently published on the Parliamentary website as having been laid on 17th August 2017 during the vacation. I have, however, decided to limit my critique of the Bill to the parts of the Bill dealing with the provision establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor itself and the Administrative provisions which in my view constitute the jugular vein to the Constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017.



This paper accordingly starts with an attempt to give a historical context to the examination, analysis and critique of the provisions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 by discussing in this introduction, the 2016 Presidential Elections and proposals by some of the candidates for the establishment of an independent prosecutorial agency; the gestation, laying, withdrawal and re-laying of the Bill before Parliament; the deliberations on the Bill during the Parliamentary vacation; and the duty of patriots for a bi-partisan actualization of the Bill into law including the moral compass and integrity of Presidents, and the binding electoral promise of the President and its feasibility.



The examination, analysis and critique of the Bill then follow. Under this heading I discuss the memorandum of the Bill and its Long Title which includes the inadequacy of the policy and principles etc. grounding the Bill and the suggested credible and cogent policy and principles to ground the accompanying Bill. The individual clauses of the Bill dealing with the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor; the objects of the Office; functions of the Office; independence of the Office; the governing body of the Office and related matters; nomination and appointment of the Special Prosecutor; the functions of the Special Prosecutor; the removal of the Special Prosecutor; the nomination and appointment of the Deputy Special Prosecutor; the removal of the Deputy Special Prosecutor; the appointment of staff; and the interpretation clauses of the Bill are then examined, analyzed and discussed. A discussion on general observations dealing with and including useful provisions in the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) that may be included in the Bill as part of the examination and critique of the Bill is also made to complete the main examination and analysis of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017.



But in order to give a broader context to the Bill, the paper goes on to make a brief examination and analysis of the existing law on the appointment of Special Prosecutors under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and the Law Officers Act 1974 (NRCD 279) enabling the Attorney General to appoint Special Prosecutors under the existing laws and the authority of the Attorney General and the Executive Authority to appoint Special Prosecutors under Article 88 of the Constitution on a need-to basis by means of regulations which have the force of law. The argument will be made that while an appointment of a Special Prosecutor under the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and Law Officers Act 1974 (NRCD 279) limits the independence of the appointed Special Prosecutor to the directions of the Attorney General, the Attorney General and the Executive Authority may under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution appoint ad hoc Special Prosecutors under Regulations or pursuant to an Executive Instrument where such Special Prosecutors are subject to the authority of the Attorney General but do not act on or upon his directions.



The paper concludes by asserting that in spite of my preference for the strengthening of the traditional, common law and conventional independence of the Attorney General under our Anglo-Americo-Ghanaian system of jurisprudence, I think as a patriot that the establishment of a permanent Office of the Special Prosecutor is legal under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution so long as it is done under the authority of the Attorney General. It has been argued, drawing from the American experience that a Special Prosecutor can be independent and still work under the authority of the Attorney General. It is also argued that the Attorney General and the Executive Authority have power under Article 88 of the Constitution to similarly appoint independent ad hoc Special Prosecutors to investigate and possibly prosecute the commission of other serious offences instead of the President appointing Commissions of Enquiry into the commission of criminal offences which end up not being prosecutable because of the absence of procedures for the prosecution of findings of the commission of crimes by a Commission of Enquiry.



The Presidential Elections and establishment of an Independent Prosecutorial Agency



The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, came to power on the message and promise of fighting corruption which had become endemic during his predecessors Government. He was one of the Presidential candidates who promised to set up an independent and separate office from the Attorney General as the vehicle to investigate and prosecute crimes of corruption when elected into office. His preferred vehicle and conduit was to set up an office of an independent Special Public Prosecutor for the purpose. Dr. Paa Kwasi Nduom preferred the separation of the office the Minister of Justice from the office of the Attorney General and making the latter independent of executive interference in the exercise of his or her functions.



Since assuming office as President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo has increased his rhetoric on fighting corruption and related offences and insisted on ensuring the enactment of legislation to institutionalize the office of an Independent Special Prosecutor. This is in spite of the fact that a second school of thought did not share the view that one could establish the office of an independent Special Prosecutor without amending the entrenched Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution which vested the Attorney-General with the responsibility for the initiation and conduct of all prosecutions of criminal offences and enjoined further that: All offences prosecuted in the name of the Republic of Ghana shall be at the suit of the Attorney General or any other person authorized by him in accordance with any law.



Gestation, laying, withdrawal and re-laying of the Bill before Parliament



On 27th June 2017, the internet carried news that the Attorney Generals office was holding a two-day Stakeholders Meeting on the draft of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 at the Movenpick Hotel, Accra from 27-28 June 2017 to enable it to submit a Bill to the Cabinet for approval for submission to Parliament for consideration for enactment into law.



The Attorney General is reported to have told participants of the Stakeholders Meeting that the Government wanted their honest and sincere views on the draft Bill before it was laid before Parliament.



I took the Attorney Generals words to be an invitation to the public as well for their input and I looked for a copy of the Bill for my perusal to enable me to consider whether to submit any unsolicited comments to the Attorney General before the Bill got to the Cabinet. But alas, on 12th July 2017 the Daily Guide carried the news that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 was already to be laid in Parliament. On Tuesday, 18th July 2017 the internet carried the news that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 and the Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 had been laid before Parliament and referred to the appropriate committees of Parliament.



On the same day, the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, prior to the laying of the Bill, was reported on the internet to have quoted Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution on the powers and functions of the Attorney General and cautioned that the President must tread cautiously in the creation of the office when he was speaking to an entourage of the British Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN.



Nevertheless, when you establish a law which clearly provides for another person to prosecute, a circumstance where the Constitution says it is only the Attorney General who can prosecute then we must treat a bit carefully, he was reported by Citi FM to have said. So, like Pontius Pilate, the Speaker had washed his hands of any consequences a rush in enacting the Bill brings in the future.



I had to look for the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 that had been laid before Parliament to compare it to the Stakeholders Meeting one to find out what changes had been made to the Bill discussed at the 27th-28th meeting to enable the submission of comments. But the Bill appears to have been laid in Parliament without sufficient copies having been made available for distribution to the Members of Parliament themselves as required by their own rules. To make matters worse it was also to be passed under a certificate of urgency  meaning that both the Members of Parliament and the interested public will not be given sufficient time to digest such an important anti-corruption Bill and make inputs for its success.



As expected the Minority in Parliament raised several objections to the constitutionality of the Bill, including the purported laying of the Bill in Parliament without the mandatory 14 days gazette period. The riposte was that the Bill was laid under a certificate of urgency and did not need to comply with the general gazette notification period for ordinary Bills. The debate raged within and outside Parliament on the utility and urgency of enacting the anti-corruption Bill into law before the close of the Parliamentary session for the long vacation on 2nd August 2017. It was to demonstrate by clear and cogent submissions that the Government, Parliament and the public needed to make haste slowly in enacting such a well-intentioned and important piece of legislation that I published my critique of Clause 3 (4) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017, on 24th July 2017. Then on 26th July 2017 the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 and the Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 were formally withdrawn from Parliament without any assignation of reasons.



Deliberations on the Bill during the Parliamentary vacation



On 18th August 2017, I received a call from a lady who described herself as the Clerk to the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament inviting me to assist the Committee in its deliberations of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill the next week. I was taken aback because I had no notice through the media or any other source that the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 had been laid a second time in Parliament. I was told by the Clerk that it had been laid before Parliament rose for the vacation. I told the alleged Clerk to the Committee that I was away in the United Kingdom. She wanted to know whether I would be available to meet the Committee on the 6th and 7th September 2017. I was not prepared to commit myself without satisfying myself as to the antecedent facts that the Bill had indeed been laid a second time before Parliament rose on 2nd August 2017.



After the conversation with the Clerk, I immediately called a Deputy Clerk to Parliament to confirm whether the Bill had indeed been laid a second time before Parliament rose for vacation but could not get a ready answer. With the help of a friend back in Ghana, I went to the website of Parliament only to realize that the Special Prosecutor Bill was amongst 12 other Bills that had purportedly been laid the previous day, 17th August, 2017; in the vacation. The Zongo Development Fund Bill, 2017 which had been laid along-side the earlier Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017, was the only Bill listed as still standing as having been laid on 10th July 2017 even though it was also formally withdrawn from Parliament on 26th July 2017.



But finally, on 31st August 2017, when I had returned home, a Parliamentary reporter confirmed to me that the Special Prosecutor Bill was indeed laid a second time on 2nd August 2017 even though this was not reported to the public by the media due perhaps to the pressure of work on the last day of that Parliamentary session. The next evening, I received further confirmation from a Member of Parliament that the Bill was indeed laid a second time and evidenced by the distribution of printed copies from the Assembly Press to the Members of Parliament and not photocopies as members were supplied with after the first laying of the Bill which was later withdrawn. The Member of Parliament informed me that the Committee was using the recess to make contacts and review the Bill pending the opening of the next Parliamentary session in October 2017.



Having satisfied myself that the Bill had indeed been laid a second time on 2nd August 2017 without adequate publicity to the public and that the Parliamentary website contained a misrepresentation of the true state of affairs to the public, I looked for and eventually secured in the evening of 3rd September 2017 a true copy of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 that had been laid a second time on 2nd August 2017. After labouriously and painstakingly reading each clause of the Bill I have concluded that the second Bill contains the same clauses and materials as the earlier first Bill that was laid and later withdrawn, therefore enabling me to submit a critique which is consistent with the current Office of Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 laid in Parliament on 2nd August 2017 and referred to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for consideration. So much for transparency and public participation in the legislation making process of Parliament demanded of democracies!



The duty of patriots for a possible bi-partisan actualization of the Bill into law



My original position before, during and after the 2016 General and Presidential Elections on the issue of whether to amend the Constitution to set up an independent Attorney Generals office or to create by law any independent office to prosecute the narrow offence of corruption alone had been that the inability of previous Governments to fight corruption and related offences cannot be attributed to a lacuna in the Constitution or the laws of Ghana. The problem is a failure of good governance, the rule of law, and civil society, combined with a weak democracy, and generally a docile citizenry. A considered law review article written by me and published in the (1989-90) 17 RGL at page 95 (Review of Ghana Law) on The Qualification and the Constitutional Position of the Attorney General shows my consistent position on this subject.



The institution of the office of the Attorney General, in my view, has always been capable of facilitating the investigation and prosecution of the crime of corruption and related offences if only the Executive Authority personified by the President himself fairly and impartially empowers the law enforcement agencies to independently and impartially treat the crime of corruption as crime and not politics. Secondly, Parliament in plenary generally, and in particularly the Security and Defence, and Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs committees as committees of the plenary should act consistently with the mandates of the letter and spirit of the Constitution as a fair and impartial oversight body holding the executive to account in its duty to execute the law fairly and without fear or favour. Thirdly, the enlightened civil society including the media enjoined by the Constitution to defend it, have to play their roles as watchdogs against executive interference in investigations and prosecutions of crime. Enlightened Parliaments and Civil Society Organizations and citizens elsewhere have ensured the attainment of good governance, the rule of law and participatory democracy through their activism and we in Ghana can do it too without the creation of another permanent agency to investigate and prosecute corruption.



Historically and experientially, attempts to create independent prosecution offices because of perceptions that Attorneys General can be manipulated by the President or the Executive Authority have not achieved the desired results because the problem of fighting corruption is both human and institutional. Has the world not worried about Judges and other appointees of independent constitutional commissions or bodies which have independent and secure tenure being unable to resist corruption, let alone to fight it?



Moral compass and integrity of Presidents



Apart from the former Chairman of the PNDC, and later President Rawlings, President Akufo-Addos speeches have so far demonstrated a sincere commitment to fight the scourge of corruption. President Nana Akufo-Addo appears to have a handle of the personal and structural violence which corruption causes to millions of our fellow citizens and our nation. I would have wished that he empowered the Attorney General to comply with the ethics of the profession of the law and dealt with every allegation of corruption as crime in the true tradition of the law and not politics. We appear as a country to be contending that another Ghanaian can investigate and prosecute corruption simply because of being accorded independence and security of tenure. In that case, why can the President not ensure that as long as the Attorney General acts fairly and impartially in the investigation and prosecution of all crime he will not change him or her during his four-year tenure? The circumstances leading to the United States Congress enacting the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and which was allowed to lapse in 1999 demonstrates the challenges of hoping that by multiplying independent bureaucratic institutions on law enforcement and order we will have the ideal persons to fight corruption.



The binding electoral promise of the President and its feasibility



Be that as it may, it appears that the President has made an irrevocable commitment to use the medium of an independent prosecution office to launch an outright and total war against corruption in order to fulfill his electoral promise to the people of Ghana. The promise was fundamental to his victory at the elections and he is ethically enjoined to fulfill it to the people. I have no doubt that, President Akufo-Addo is sincere in his rhetoric to fight corruption. The fight against corruption has suffered for far too long under the 4th Republic. I am not sure what the future holds for the fight against corruption in Ghana but my view this year coincides with a view expressed by Linda Ofori-Kwafo, the Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) which is reported on the internet of 18th July 2017: We are looking forward to a president that can deal with this canker. Some have said if Nana Akufo-Addo fails us in dealing with corruption then Ghana we are dead. I do not think Ghana will die as such but that the resolution of the fight against corruption may have to await another revolution.



My detailed study of the subject has led me to the conclusion that it is feasible to enact a law establishing the Office of the Special Prosecutor that will not be inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution, particularly Article 88 thereof. The powers of the Attorney General under the 1992 Constitution are the same as the powers of the Attorney General of the United States of America. The United States Attorney General appoints Special Prosecutors with independence of tenure under Regulations which have been held to be consistent with the United States Constitution. The Office of Independent Counsel established under the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 was also held in Morrison v Olson 487 U. S. 654 to be constitutional even though as I pointed out already, Congress did not renew it when it expired in 1999.



The question with the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 should not, therefore, be whether it is constitutional but whether it has been drafted in such a way as to bring it within the Constitution and to achieve the independence from executive interference which is the Presidents prime objective firstly for making the promise to the electorate and secondly for proposing the Bill. The letter, structure, scheme and design of the 1992 Constitution makes the establishment of a permanent Office of the Special Prosecutor feasible and doable. This is the only way any patriot may help the President to bring to fruition his promise to enact such a law and to leave it to posterity to judge its efficacy in the war against corruption. It is in this spirit that I examined, analyzed, and critiqued the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 that was used at the Stakeholders Meeting of 27-28 July 2017 and withdrawn, and the current Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 that was laid before Parliament on 2nd August 2017.



THE EXAMINATION, ANALYSIS, AND CRITIQUE OF THE BILL



The Memorandum of the Bill



Article 106 (2) of the 1992 Constitution stipulates that no bill, other than one referred to in paragraph (a) of article 108 of the Constitution shall be introduced in Parliament unless it is accompanied by an explanatory memorandum setting out in detail the policy and principles of the bill, the defects of the existing law, the remedies proposed to deal with those defects and the necessity for its introduction. The explanatory memorandum accompanying the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 is in my respectful view seriously defective. I therefore, suggest credible and cogent reasons of policy and principles grounding the Bill and probable defects in the existing law and the remedies for curing those defects.



The inadequacy of policy and principles etc grounding the Bill



The first policy and principle grounding the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor is the inability of the Attorney General to act independently because of being a member of the Executive. The argument that governance experts have singled out the alleged monopoly of the prosecutorial authority by an Attorney General hired and fired by the President as one of the key factors standing in the way of using law enforcement and prosecution as a credible tool in fighting corruption is not sustainable by logic or any credible evidence. Any institutional weakness cannot be attributable to the constitutional design and structure in allocating the executive power to the President with an Attorney General as his principal legal adviser to help in the execution of his investigatory and prosecutorial authority.



Instead, it is attributable to weakness in the representative and legislative institutions of governance to hold the executive accountable for the exercise of the executive authority. The solution is for Parliament and the electorate to ensure that when the executive abuses the executive authority in failing or refusing to impartially investigate and prosecute breaches of the law, that it is held to account in accordance with the Constitution and pays for it at the elections.



The electorate executed its constitutional mandate in the 2000, 2008, and 2016 General and Presidential Elections by changing Governments perceived to be corrupt. The Executive and Parliament have consistently failed the constitutional scheme, structure and design by failing to honour the several promises by previous Presidents and Members of Parliament made to the electorate to fight the canker of corruption when elected into office. How does the Special Prosecutor proposed in the Memorandum to the Bill achieve investigative and prosecutorial independence simply because he is to exercise the same powers on the authority of the Attorney General?



There is no escaping the fact that the Special Prosecutor under the proposed Bill will remain an appointee of the Executive Authority (the President) pursuant to Article 58 of the 1992 Constitution in accordance with its separation of powers design, scheme and structure. The persons who have perpetually been responsible for the inability of Attorneys General and the Office of the Attorney General to execute their constitutional mandate of prosecuting corruption and related offences have been the Presidents as the Executive Authority in fully complying with the letter and spirit of Article 58 to execute the Constitution and laws, and to do so in accordance with their Constitutional Oaths  to all persons, without fear or favour, affection or ill will. It cannot be a defect attributed to the 1992 Constitution to justify the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill.



The second policy and principles grounding the Bill is to fight corruption and corruption related offences more effectively. It tries to justify the establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor by conjecturing that specializing in investigation and prosecution of corruption cases involving public officers and politically exposed persons in the performance of their functions will yield more positive results in the number of corruption cases prosecuted than a multipurpose or mixed mandate agency such as the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).



It cannot seriously be contended that the institutional weakness of an agency of government to execute its independent mandate as the EOCO is a defect in the existing law inconsistent with the policy and principles for the establishment of such an existing agency. The argument also overlooks the fact that the Attorney General also has responsibility for EOCO and must have a similar responsibility for the proposed Office of the Special Prosecutor as part of the Executive Authority as well for the endeavours contained in the Bill to render it constitutional.



The practice in most countries is for divisions to be created in the investigative agencies of Government with each division specializing in different subject matters of crime under divisional heads or directors and not to balkanize the investigation and prosecution of crime into specialized bureaucratic agencies.



The Serious Fraud Office, the predecessor of the Economic and Organized Crime Office, was established with independent powers to fight corruption and fraud. The ECOCO was reorganized to strengthen this capability. It could have had a specialized division dealing with corruption offences. The creation of an entirely new bureaucratic agency to deal with corruption offences is no guarantee of independence or political neutrality in the investigation and prosecution of such offences.



Suggested credible and cogent policy and principles etc to ground the accompanying Bill



The United States of America justified the establishment of the Ethics in Government Act, 1978 with the policy and principles of conflict of interest in the Executive Authority to impartially investigate and prosecute persons of a political class seen to be in the same Government as the Attorney General who has responsibility for the Department of Justice. The defect in the existing law was to remove that conflict of interest on the part of the Attorney General as representing the Executive Authority and to allow an independent prosecutor to fairly and impartially investigate and possibly prosecute any infractions of the law to ensure equity in prosecutorial decision and prosecution process.



In Ghana, the ethical injunction of conflict of interest has been raised to the highest Constitutional requirement when Article 284 of the Constitution decreed that: 284. A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of his office.



The Executive Authority is a public office and none of its officers must be put in a position in which the interest of the executive authority conflicts with the appointees performance of the functions of his office. The public confidence in the administration of the criminal justice system is maintainable only when there is no abuse of prosecutorial powers. It is, therefore, arguable that to allow a political appointee (the Attorney General) to decide which corruption offence might be initiated, terminated or how it should be conducted will not conduce to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of politically exposed persons and public office holders for equality before the law and non-discrimination. This is why the John Mahama Government violated Article 284 when its Attorney General supervised and compromised a fair and impartial prosecution of the Woyome criminal trial - thus rendering it null and void if properly challenged in the Supreme Court.



Be that as it may, my view is that the defect in the existing law that necessitates the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill, that meets the mandatory requirements of Article 106 of the 1992 Constitution on the accompanying Memorandum to the Bill, is not so much the failure of EOCO and other investigatory agencies to investigate and for the Attorney General to direct and prosecute corruption and corruption related offences, but the conflict of interest in the executive investigating and prosecuting its own or members of the political establishment. It may be argued that the Office of Special Prosecutor cannot escape being part of the executive branch and being an appendage of the Executive Authoritys chariot under Article 58 of the 1992 Constitution. The reasoning in the 7-1 United States Supreme Court decision of Morrison v Olson 487 U. S. 654 affirming the constitutionality of the Office of Independent Counsel justifies the special position of the Office of Special Prosecutor in the Constitutional scheme analogically even for the Ghanaian 1992 Constitutions provisions in Article 88 thereof.



The Long Title to the Bill



The Long title to the Bill puts it within the constitutional structure when it states that it is to investigate and prosecute offences involving corruption of public office holders, political office holders and private individuals implicated in their commission and prosecute them on the authority of the Attorney General (Emphasis supplied).





Establishment of the Office of Special Prosecutor: Clause 1.



The establishment of the office as a body corporate only serves to add another bureaucratic layer to the prosecutorial authority of the Attorney General. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office is a recognized division of the Attorney Generals Department which prosecutes all crimes in Ghana on the authority of the Attorney General. Already the Attorney Generals Office, and in particular the DPPs Office is seriously under-staffed and under-funded nation-wide. The budget will be burdened further with the creation of this office to handle just a small portion of a specific crime which could be handled by the Attorney Generals Department if the President as the personification of the executive authority supported and championed respect for the time hallowed common law mandates and conventions of that office. Ghana is part of the Anglo-Americo-Ghanaian system of jurisprudence and these conventions and the common law have been preserved as part of the existing laws of Ghana under Article 11 of the Constitution thereof.



It may be asked, between the DPP and the Special Prosecutor, who will be more senior and why is the DPP not having a similar independence in prosecuting the balance of the offences some of which may involve public officers and politically exposed persons? Does the Office of the Special Prosecutor not look like a mini Attorney Generals office with better tenure than even the Attorney General? Barbados and Namibia solved similar problems by giving independence to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions albeit by means of the Constitution in the case of Namibia. See King v Director of Public Prosecutions and Others [1990] LRC (Const) 842; and Ex Parte Attorney General, Namibia: Re the Constitutional Relationship between the Attorney General and the Prosecutor-General [1995] 3LRC 507.



Be that as it may, Ghana is at liberty in fulfilling the Presidents electoral promise to set up by law the Office of Special Prosecutor with its eyes open to the alternatives. The Namibian situation of the Prosecutor-General was written into the Constitution but nothing prevents Ghana from using the instrumentality of legislation to achieve the same objective within Article 88 of the Constitution, which is doable on the authority of the Attorney General.



Objects of the Office: Clause 2.



Would it not be more effective if the Office were specifically empowered in addition to investigate and prosecute related offences of obstruction of justice, perversion of justice, perjury, etc arising in relation to the investigation of corruption and related offences? The American Special Prosecutor was specifically given such powers which served well to prevent suspects from lying or trying to tamper with the evidence during corruption and related investigations. The US regulation provides as follows: The jurisdiction of the Special Counsel shall include the authority to investigate and prosecute crimes committed in the course of, and with intent to interfere with, the Special Counsels investigation, such as perjury, obstruction of justice, destruction of evidence, and intimidation of witnesses; and to conduct appeals arising out of the matter being investigated and/or prosecuted. I respectfully suggest the inclusion of a similar provision to make the Special Prosecutors power on investigating and prosecuting more efficacious in its execution.



Functions of the Office: Clause 3.



I have already made recommendations by way of the comments for addition of new clauses to the objects of the Bill. It is my opinion that should the above recommendations be accepted then they may also be reflected in the functions of the Office as well - to investigate and prosecute related offences of obstruction of justice, perversion of justice, perjury, etc, arising in relation to investigation of corruption. Consideration may be had to adding the US formulation in a modified form or version as quoted above to the functions of the Special Prosecutor.



The original draft submitted for discussions at the Stakeholders Meeting of 27-28th July 2017 did not include the new Clause 3 (3) and (4). Sub-clause (3) that has been added to the Bill before Parliament is with respect unnecessary and populist to be enshrined in the law.



Clause 3 (4) which was also not part of the original draft negates the whole promise of the President made during his campaign and after his assumption of office to fight corruption if, as it states, the Special Prosecutor is not to investigate and prosecute corruption offences relating to the Public Procurement Act, 2003 and the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 specified in sub-clauses (3) (1) (a), (b) and (c) unless the commission of the offence is in respect of a vast quantity of assets that (a) constitute a substantial proportion of the resources of the country; (b) threaten the political stability of the country; or (c) threaten the sustainable development of the country.



First and foremost, sub-clause 4 of Clause 3 of the Bill before Parliament lays down vague and ambiguous exceptions for the purposes of determining which corruption offences will meet those standards for investigations to begin in the first place.



Secondly the vagueness and ambiguity of the exceptions made provides an argument to be overcome by the Special Prosecutor when the objection is raised in Court that his decision to prosecute a corruption offence does not meet the threshold standard stipulated in the Bill.



Thirdly, the attempt to distinguish types of corruption offences that may be investigated and prosecuted by the Special Prosecutor sends the clear message to Ghanaians that the President and his Government now accept that certain types of corruption offences are not serious for prosecution or at least to be prosecuted by the Special Prosecutor.



Fourth, the question may be asked, who will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting categories of corruption offences by the same public officers and politically exposed persons not meeting the standards in Clause 3 (4), or are they then immune from prosecution for such corruption offences?



The President has been clear throughout his campaign and on assumption of office that the canker of corruption must be fought and uprooted through a Special Public Prosecutor. He has said several times that crime is crime and therefore corruption is corruption. So how come that the Bill that was submitted to the Stakeholders Meeting on 27-28th July 2017 did not contain this exception but the exception found its way into the draft after it apparently returned from the Cabinet to Parliament? The Stakeholders Meeting of anti-corruption organizations and civil society, I am reliably informed did not insert sub-clauses 3 and 4 now appearing in the Bill before Parliament.



The original draft Bill after taking into account the suggestions of the stakeholders was approved by the Cabinet, so was it the Cabinet which sought to nullify the fight against corruption by inserting this negation of the purpose of the Bill? Whosoever inserted sub-clause 4 of Clause 3 thought they were being ingenious as we the foolish people of Ghana will not notice that the definition of corruption and corruption related offence ceded to the Special Prosecutor in the interpretation at Clause 77 includes all corruption offences without exception or degree of seriousness. Therefore to exclude a species of corruption offences as they sought to do simply means that there would be no institution responsible for the prosecution of the so-called corruption that does not fall under the sub-clause 4 exception.



It follows from the foregoing that the Cabinet or whosoever inserted the sub-clause is legalizing an undefined species of corruption perceived as not being serious corruption constituting a substantial portion of national resources; threatening the political stability of the country; or threatening sustainable development of the country. The serious reader will notice from the Bill before Parliament that the consequential amendments in Clause 78 (1) removes the offence of corruption from the jurisdiction of the EOCO when it states that: The Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) is amended in Section 74 by the deletion of the words corruption and bribery in paragraph (a) of the definition of serious offence. Who then will investigate the species of corruption the Government has removed from the Special Prosecutor by the insertion in Clause 3 (4) of the Bill before Parliament?



This whole exception is a negation of the Presidents fight against all forms of corruption in the body politic by using public office holders and politically exposed persons as an example. Will somebody call the Presidents attention to read Clause 3 of the Bill before Parliament and confirm whether or not he endorsed the exception in sub-clause 4 for submission to Parliament? The retention of sub-clause 4 of Clause 3 of the Bill will make it unnecessary to enact any Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill into law.



I have no doubt that the insertion of Clause 3 (4) that negates the whole Bill before Parliament was done by a strong and powerful cabal which wishes to harvest its share of the proceeds of corruption that comes with public officers who find their way into public office through the deception of the appointing authority of rendering service with integrity to the Republic. The insertion of Clause 3 (4) in the Bill is therefore a wake-up call for the President to watch his so-called incorruptible appointees because as the saying goes, it is not all that glitters which is gold.



I am fortified in the belief that the attempt to pull a fast one on Ghanaians by the insertion of Clause 3 (4) of the Bill to negate the fight against corruption is the work of a strong and powerful cabal within the government because they succeeded in ensuring that the Memorandum to the Bill was silent on this important matter so that it will not catch the eye of the casual Ghanaian reading public.



Independence of the Office: Clause 4.



The Economic and Organized Crime Office has a similar provision of the independence of the Office but that provision has not made it independent from the direction and control of the Executive in the performance of its functions. Prosecutions are an executive function under the Constitution. Consequently, the Office is subject to the Executive authority of Ghana under Articles 58 and 88 in the performance of its functions. This is why the Presidents strong moral character and integrity to empower the anti-corruption institutions of the Republic to fearlessly execute the law against every citizen without fear or favour is more important than a thousand laws on paper to fight against corruption without that support.



The modest successes achieved by former President Rawlings were due to that strong moral character and integrity which instilled in each appointee the clear understanding that he or she shall not be spared when caught in acts of corruption and related offences. I see the same mantle from the rhetoric of President Akufo-Addo and urge him to inspire not only the Office of Special Prosecutor but also the EOCO, the CID, and above all the Attorney General as the moral compass of justice enshrined under Article 88 of the Constitution. Above all, the abysmal failure or refusal of the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice, the only independent Constitutional body purposefully established under Chapter 18 of the 1992 Constitution, to investigate and facilitate the prosecution of corruption and related offences stands as a perpetual warning to the fact that independence and security of tenure is not a guaranteed solution to the fight against corruption. Here again a Presidents strong moral character and integrity of executing the law without fear or favour, affection or ill will may be the moral compass that can assure that the fight against corruption succeeds.



Governing body of the Office: Clause 5 and related Board matters.



The setting up of a governing body for the Office clearly means added financial and budgetary encumbrance on the public purse in an already depleted resource state. The added bureaucracy of creating a body corporate means that unlike the present situation of the Office of the Attorney General where no Board interposes between the Attorney General and the prosecution of corruption or any other offences, now there will be a Board between the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney General under whose authority he prosecutes.



It is absurd that the Special Prosecutor should answer or account to a Board for the decision to prosecute and for the prosecution of corruption offences when the Attorney General did not have to. Professional Attorneys in the Attorney Generals Office make independent decisions whether or not the facts arising from investigations warrant a prosecution. The DPP or the Attorney General may persuade an Attorney to change his mind but does not substitute his or her judgment for that of the prosecuting Attorney. To do so would be unethical under the disciplinary code of lawyers. How then can the decision to prosecute for corruption, as distinct from the investigations be shared with a Board?



We may find some Board Chairman who may want to instruct the Special Prosecutor not only on how to investigate but also on the prosecution. The solution may be to make it clear in the law that the Board shall not interfere in the investigation and prosecution functions of the Office. The Police Council for instance assists in the general administration of the service but does not deliberate on policing functions and duties of the IGP and his office, particularly involving the investigation of crime. The CID which is responsible for the investigation of crime submits dockets to the Attorney Generals office and not even to or through the IGP or the Police Council.



Section 6 of the defunct Serious Fraud Office Act, 1993 (Act 466) is a good example of limiting the functions of the Board: It states that: Section 6. The Board has general control of the office on matters of policy. It also defines the powers of the Executive Director in Section 9 (3) as follows: (3) The director is the head of the Office and is responsible, subject to the general directions of the Board on matters of policy, for the overall operation and administration of the affairs of the Office. Under Section 5, the governing Board includes the Attorney General or  as his representative. The Economic and Organized Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) states the functions of the Board on policy formulation in Section 5 as follows: Section 5. The Board shall formulate policies necessary for the achievement of the objects of the Office. The functions of Executive Director are stated in Section 12 thus: Section 12. (1) The Executive Director is responsible for the day to day administration and operations of the Office and is answerable to the Board in the performance of the functions under this Act.



The problem which the draft person faces in the creation of a governing body for the Office of the Special Prosecutor is silently exposed by the fact that Clauses 5 to 11 inclusive of the Bill unusually do not specify the functions of the Board as most other corporate bodies set up under an Act of Parliament do. There has rather been a lame attempt to smuggle one omnibus function for the Board under the functions of the Special Prosecutor under Clause 13 (1) upon which further comments will be made below. What is the justification to further burden the national purse with a Board with only one omnibus and ineffective function?



Nomination and Appointment of Special Prosecutor: Clause 12.



Clause 12: The original Bill did not include the nomination of the Special Prosecutor for approval by Parliament. As the original draft Bill showed, the appointment of public officers (of which the Special Prosecutor will be one) under Article 195 of the Constitution is an executive function and not a Parliamentary one. The whole of Chapter Fourteen particularly pursuant to Articles 190, 191, and 195 under which the Office of the Special Public Prosecutor is being enacted support and compliment the Executive Authority of Ghana in the performance of the executive functions of Government. The Constitution specifically requires under Article 195(1) that the power to appoint or act in an office in the public service shall vest in the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the governing council of the service concerned given in consultation with the Public Services Commission.



The Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 laid in Parliament on 18th July 2017 which was later withdrawn and later laid a second time on 2nd August 2017 does not disclose the Article of the Constitution pursuant to which the Office of the Special Prosecutor is being established. Somehow, Clause 20 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 still recites Article 195 as the pursuant authority for the President to appoint other staff of the Office that are necessary for the proper and effective performance of the functions of the Office.



But the only other article of the Constitution that empowers the President to appoint public officers to assist him in the execution of his functions pursuant to Article 58 thereof is Article 70(1) (e) which allows the President acting in consultation with the Council of State to appoint: (e) the holders of such other offices as any be prescribed by this Constitution or by any other law not inconsistent with this Constitution.



The Office of the Special Prosecutor is, therefore, being created by statute as part of the public services under Articles 191 (d) and 195, or under Article 70(1) (e) of the 1992 Constitution. Parliament cannot consequently and in accordance with the separation of powers enshrined in the structure, design, scheme and letter of the Constitution by legislation purport to share in the unitary executive power of appointment committed to the President under the Constitution. The 1992 Constitution purposefully provided in Chapters 7, 18, and 19 for three independent Constitutional Commissions with security of tenure to be appointed by the President acting in consultation with or acting on the advice of the Council of State and not with the approval of Parliament. It is common knowledge that the Council of State is an integral part of the Executive Authority under the Constitution. Accordingly, the provision that the President should nominate the Special Prosecutor for the approval of Parliament clearly violates the structural separation of powers enshrined in the letter and spirit of the Constitution and is accordingly void.



I believe that this explains why the legislative draft person did not violate the Constitution by making provision for the nomination of the Special Prosecutor for approval by Parliament for appointment by the President in the first draft Bill presented to the Stakeholders Meeting supra. The Constitution has clearly delineated the type of public officers who shall be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament. Public officers in the category of the Special Prosecutor do not fall under that category and it is unconstitutional for Parliament to partake in the unitary and exclusive appointment powers of the President. No lacuna has been demonstrated in the Constitution, the existing law or any defect shown why Parliament may arrogate to itself the right to partake in the unitary executive appointing powers of the President of the Special Prosecutor or any of his staff.



The pegging of the qualification of a person to be appointed Special Public Prosecutor to at least 15 years standing at the bar and equating that persons equivalent position to that of a Justice of the Court of Appeal is a disincentive to more qualified persons whom the President may wish to consider for appointment to that office. There will be many over qualified lawyers who would decline the Presidents offer simply because they are more senior in qualification to that of a Justice of the Court of Appeal. There may be persons, former Deputy Attorneys General and Attorneys General who may not accept this appointment because of pegging the qualification to that of a Justice of the Court of Appeal because under the Legal Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 320) their equivalent position has been that of a Justice of the Supreme Court Judge. Furthermore, the Judiciary frowns upon this equalization of their offices with other public offices apart from those specified under the Constitution. Parliament, therefore, ought to avoid pegging public service positions at parity with the judiciary. There is no lacuna in Chapter Fourteen of the Constitution to warrant it.



If the Special Prosecutor will hold office on such terms and conditions specified in his letter of appointment then why limit his entitlement and privileges to a Justice of the Court of Appeal? Cannot the letter of appointment deal with the terms of appointment and thus give the President some flexibility? The unanswered question is whether the Special Prosecutor a principal officer or an inferior officer as under this scheme he will not be subjected to the day to day supervision of the Attorney General as a subordinate officer.



Under the American Ethics in Government Act of 1978 the Special Prosecutor is appointed by the Special Tribunal from outside serving executive branch officers to achieve independence and the staff of the Special Prosecutor or Independent Counsel are recruited by the Special Prosecutor: they are not appointed for him by the President who may undermine him with politically minded persons who would render his impartiality and independence questionable. The whole concept of an independent Special Prosecutor will be rendered nugatory if he is saddled with staff whose integrity he cannot vouch for.



The current US Regulations for the appointment of Independent Counsel requires that: An individual named as a Special Counsel shall be a lawyer with a reputation for integrity and impartial decisionmaking, and with appropriate experience to ensure that the investigation will be conducted ably, expeditiously and thoroughly, and that investigative and prosecutorial decisions will be supported by an informed understanding of criminal law and Department of Justice Policies. The Special Prosecutor shall be selected from outside the United States Government. Special Counsels shall agree that their responsibilities as Special Counsel shall take first precedence in their professional lives, and that it may be necessary to devote their full time to the investigation, depending on their complexity and the stage of the investigation.



The Government and Parliament may wish to draw upon the foregoing experience in arriving at a formulation for the Office of Special Prosecutor that will adequately serve our interest as Ghanaians. Parliament and the Attorney General may also wish to draw from the interesting and apparent neutral formulation in Article 183 (4) dealing with the Governor of the Bank of Ghanas condition of service. Article 183 (4) (c) and (d) state: (c) his emoluments shall not be reduced while he continues to hold office as Governor; (d) he shall not be removed from office except on the same grounds and in the same manner as a Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature, other than the Chief Justice, may be removed. It may be note-worthy that the Governor of the Bank of Ghana who is part of the executive branchs management of the economy, is appointed in consultation with the Council of State under Article 183(4)(a) of the Constitution for periods of four years each.



Functions of the Special Prosecutor: Clause 13



Clause 13 (1): In the original draft Bill presented to the Stakeholders Meeting: The Special Prosecutor is responsible for the day to day administration and operations of the Office and is answerable to the Board in the performance of the functions under this Act. In the Bill purportedly laid and withdrawn, and re-laid before Parliament it is stated as a function of the Office that: Section 13 (1) The Special Prosecutor is accountable to the Board in the performance of the functions under this Act. Whatever the two renditions were intended to achieve, one thing is clear: the Office of the Special Prosecutor cannot pass the constitutional mandate of being consistent with Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution without some form of accountability to the Attorney General who holds constitutional responsibility for the Special Prosecutors office. Consequently, is it fair for the Office to be accountable again to the Board for the performance of the same functions?



Even the Ghana Police Service is not responsible to the Police Council which is chaired by the Vice President and of which the Minister of the Interior and the Attorney General are members, for the day to day investigations and the prosecution of crimes. Why is the Office being created if it is not going to be independent of a Board in the exercise of its core functions of investigations and prosecutions? The American Special Prosecutor is not answerable to the Department of Justice for its day to day investigations! There is, however, a degree of accountability to the Department of Justice. Clause 13(1) is immediately contradicted by Clause 13 (2) which gives the Special Prosecutor full authority and control over investigations, initiation and conduct of proceedings under Clause 3 (a), (b) and (c). How do we reconcile the provisions of Clause 13 (2) also with the provisions of Clause 4 which subjects him to Articles 58 and 88 of the Constitution? It appears to me that the President wants a situation where the Special Prosecutor shall have full authority and control over the investigation, initiation and conduct of corruption proceedings. If this is the case, then to make the Office accountable to the Board in the performance of the functions under this Act will defeat the intentions of the President.



I have made previous comments and suggestions on the objects and functions of the Office which may be relevant to the functions under Clause 13 now under examination and they should be read along-side the foregoing.



Removal of the Special Prosecutor: Clause 14.



Clause 14 (4): Why must the President set up the Committee and not the Chief Justice if the purpose of this Act is to protect the Special Prosecutor from Executive interference? Is this not an imposition or limitation of the unitary executive authority of the President to involve the Chief Justice in removing the Special Prosecutor from office? Is the involvement of the Chief Justice in the Presidents removal powers of the Special Prosecutor not an infringement of the separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution? Or is this provision and the independence of the Special Prosecutor gambling on its supposed too strong appeal to the public common sense, and consequently to survive any challenge to the constitutionality of the provision? Be it as it may, the rendition in Article 183 (4) (d) of the Constitution appears to provide guidance to the draft person as to a more neutral formulation on the removal of the Special Prosecutor from office just as the Governor of the Bank of Ghana may be removed.



Nomination and appointment of Deputy Special Prosecutor: Clause 15.



The examination, analysis and comments on the appointment of the Special Prosecutor should be read mutatis mutandis with the provisions of this Clause.



Removal of the Deputy Special Prosecutor: Clause 17.



The examination, analysis, comments and recommendations on the removal of the Special Prosecutor should be read mutatis mutandis with the provisions of this Clause.



Appointment of other staff: Clause 20.



The Office cannot be independent unless the Special Prosecutor has some independence in determining who he has confidence to work with. In spite of the purported independence granted in the Bill, the appointment of a Deputy Special Prosecutor and other staff for the office by the President does not guarantee actual independence for the Special Public Prosecutor as he may not command the loyalty of his investigation and prosecution staff. The Economic and Organized Crime Office and its predecessor, the Serious Fraud Office, were designed to be independent offices but political appointments to those offices negated them. Indeed, the only constitutionally established independent anti-corruption Commission (the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice) purposefully established under Chapter 18 of the Constitution is another demonstration of the effect of political motives on staff appointments of perceived independence and security of tenure entities. There will be no use setting up another bureaucracy with political appointees and a supposed independent Special Prosecutor who will be unable to execute his functions due to politicking by staff over which he has no control.



Interpretation: Clause 77.



This clause defines corruption and corruption related offences to mean offences under: Sections 146 (dishonestly receiving property); 151 (Extortion); 179 (c) (using public office for profit); 239 (corruption of and by public officer or juror); 252 (accepting or giving bribe to influence a public officer or juror); 253 (corrupt promise by judicial officer or juror); 254 (corrupt selection of juror); 256 (corruption, intimidation and personation in respect of election); 258 (falsification of returns at election); and 260 (withholding of public money by public officer). It is submitted that the Bill will be more effective to combat corruption should the offences include those of deceiving a public officer which should include deceiving a public officer with intent to defeat, obstruct, or prevent the course of justice, or the execution of the law, or evade the requirements of the law, or to defraud or injure a person, or to obtain or assist in or facilitate the obtaining of any passport, instrument, concession, appointment, permission or any other privilege or advantage, endeavours to deceive or to overreach a public officer acting in the execution of a public office or duty, .



General observations and the useful provisions in the EOCO Act, 2010 (Act 804) that may be included in the Bill



I have indicated at the beginning of this paper that the foregoing examination, analysis and critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 was limited to the Parts of the Bill dealing with establishment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor and Administrative Provisions which in my view constitute the jugular vein to the Constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017. This is in spite of the fact that I had carefully examined, analyzed and critiqued the entire Bill. The other provisions of the Bill which I have not commented about in this paper are in my view just standard provisions found in Bills dealing with similar investigatory matters such as the EOCO.



In a comparative analysis of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 I found that certain important provisions which will facilitate an effective investigation of corruption and related offences appear to have been excluded from the Bill. Government and Parliament may therefore wish to consider whether the following provisions in the Economic and Organised Crime Office Act, 2010 (Act 804) should not be adopted with necessary changes for inclusion into the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill to make it more efficacious:



Trial Court and proceedings:



Section 69. (1) The High Court and Circuit Court have jurisdiction to try an offence provided for under this Act.



(2) In a trial for an offence under this Act, the accused person may be presumed to have unlawfully obtained pecuniary resources or property in the absence of evidence to the contrary if the accused person



(a) is in possession of pecuniary resources or property for which the accused cannot satisfactorily account and which is disproportionate to the accused persons known income,



(b) had at the time of the alleged offence obtained access to personal pecuniary resources or property for which the accused person cannot satisfactorily account, or in respect of which there is no evidence of taxes having been paid.



Compensation:



Section 72. The Court may order restitution to be made or compensation to be paid to a victim of a serious offence under this Act.



I also take the view that the Court ought to be empowered to order compensation to be paid to a whistleblower under the Bill to enhance public spiritedness in reporting on corruption and related offences.



THE EXISTING LAW ON THE APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL PROSECUTORS



Appointment of Special Prosecutors under the existing laws



Under Article 11 of the 1992 Constitution the existing laws are part of the Constitution except those that are found to be inconsistent with it and are to that extent void. By virtue of Article 11 of the Constitution, the Law Officers Act 1974 (NRCD 279) exists as the Act that provides for the functions of the Attorney-General and for related matters. The Attorney General is empowered under NRCD 279 to appoint prosecutors from without his office pursuant to Section (1) (b) and (c) of NRCD 279, which provides that subject to article 88 of the Constitution, (b) a person appointed under section 56 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30), or (c) any public officer so authorized by the Attorney-General, may perform any of the functions vested by an enactment in the Attorney-General subject to the directions of the Attorney-General. Section 2 thereof states that: Section. (2) Evidence shall not be required to be produced that a direction has been given by the Attorney-General in regard to a matter.



Section 56 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) also provides for the appointment of Public Prosecutors and Conduct of Prosecutions. It states that: Section 56. The Attorney-General may, by executive instrument appoint generally, or for any specified class of criminal causes or matters, or for any specified area, one or more public officers to be public prosecutors, and may by writing under his hand appoint any legal practitioner or public officer to be a public prosecutor in any particular criminal cause or matter. Any public prosecutor so appointed may appear and plead before any District Court in which any criminal cause or matter of which he has charge or of which he has assumed the conduct under section 57 is under enquiry or trial, and shall be subject to the express directions of the Attorney-General. It is then stated in Section 58 that: (58). Proceedings shall not be instituted for the trial of an accused upon indictment save by or on behalf of the Attorney-General.



The combined effect of the foregoing enactment is that the Attorney General may appoint public officers or any legal practitioners in particular causes or matters as Special Prosecutors who must be subject to the Attorney Generals directions instead of merely operating under his authority as expansively provided for under Article 88 of the Constitution.



Appointment of other Special Prosecutors under Article 88 of the Constitution



Both the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act 30) and the Law Officers Act 1974 (NRCD 279) were enacted during regimes whose practice of multiparty democracy and modern constitutionalism was in great deficit, as was the executive authority and powers of the Attorneys General under those regimes. This explains the limitation placed on legal practitioners appointed as Special Prosecutors under Act 30 and NRCD 279 to act in accordance with the directions of the Attorney General in those days. Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution is expressed in more expansive terms to give flexibility to the powers of the Attorney General to be restricted by the narrow provisions of Act 30 and NRCD 279. In this regard it is my view that Article 88 of the Constitution of the Constitution is expansive so as to enable the Attorney General and the Executive Authority to appoint Special Prosecutors in place of Commissions of Enquiry to deal with suspected serious crimes.



The 1992 Constitution by its structure, scheme and design empowers the executive authority under Chapter 23, particularly Article 278, to appoint Commissions of Enquiry to investigate stated matters including the commission of serious crime. The operation of Chapter 23 of the Constitution has demonstrated the ineffectiveness of using those provisions to aid the prosecution of criminals by virtue of the fact that findings of the Commission invariably become judgments of the High Court for which no procedure has been provided for the prosecution of persons found to have committed crimes by a Commissions of Enquiry. Article 88 on the powers of the Attorney General provides the executive with an alternative process of investigation and prosecution using Special Prosecutors instead of Commissions of Enquiry in appropriate cases.



I have made a close and detailed study of the powers of the Ghanaian Attorney General under Article 88 of the Constitution and those of his United States counterpart under the American Constitution. The powers and authority given under Article 88 of the Constitution to the Ghanaian Attorney General are the same as the powers and authority entrusted to the Attorney General of the United States of America. Under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution and the American Constitution a person may be a Special Prosecutor under the authority of the Attorney General without being subjected to the prosecutorial directions of the Attorney General.



There is a world of a difference in the literature and the case law on a person prosecuting under the directions of the Attorney General and one prosecuting under his or her authority. Practice and common sense also vindicates this position. Professional lawyers employed by the office of the Attorney General ethically prosecute under the authority of the Attorney General and not on the directions of the Attorney General otherwise they cease to be professional lawyers individually responsible to the disciplinary body of lawyers for misconduct. On the other hand, lay public officers appointed as Special Prosecutors naturally prosecute on the directions of the Attorney General which includes the Attorney Generals professional legal prosecutors.



I have stated already that the Attorney General of Ghana as part of the Executive Authority is entitled by regulations, particularly Executive Instrument, to set forth regulations for the appointment on a need-to basis of independent Special Counsel or Prosecutors to investigate and prosecute such criminal offences in which the Government or the Attorney General may be suspected of having a conflict of interest under Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution or which involves politically exposed persons generally. In addition to the foregoing authority for the appointment by the Attorney General as part of the executive authority of independent Special Prosecutors or Counsel, there is valid constitutional authority in the common law supporting an inherent power in both the Ghanaian Attorney General and the American Attorney General to do so from the separation of powers doctrine and the structure of both Constitutions. It was on this basis that in spite of the failure or refusal of the United States Government and Congress to renew the operations of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 in 1999, the Attorney General made departmental regulations empowering the appointment of Special Counsel which have been upheld by the Courts as lawful in the 7-1 United States Supreme Court decision of Morrison v Olson 487 U. S. 654 which is persuasive authority in Ghana. The Ghanaian executive authority may wish to assert the same or similar powers when it deems fit.



The impression that the Executive Authority under Chapter Eight of the 1992 Constitution is limited in its ability under the Constitution to curb crime using the instrumentality of independent Special Prosecutors or Counsel is according to my examination, and analysis of the 1992 Constitution and a comparative analysis with the United States Constitution the result of the lack of a deep study of the 1992 Constitution and its reach.





CONCLUSIONS



As the introduction of this paper shows the exertions entailed in the examination, analysis and critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 were undertaken impartially, voluntarily and gratis as part of my patriotic and constitutional duty under Articles 3, 35 and 41 to defend the 1992 Constitution and fight against corruption in the body politic. I have attempted to do my duty to my country under the Constitution without being oblivious of the fact that others may have been commissioned to contribute towards the drafting and participation in the enactment of the Bill into law.



In spite of my preference for the strengthening of the traditional, common law and conventional independence of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions under our Anglo-Americo-Ghanaian system of jurisprudence, the paper asserts my conclusions as a patriot that the establishment of a permanent Office of the Special Prosecutor is legal and doable under Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution, so long as it is done under the authority of the Attorney General. Drawing from the American experience, it is argued that a Special Prosecutor can be independent and still work under the authority of the Attorney General.



It has also been argued that the Attorney General and the Executive Authority have power under Article 88 of the Constitution to similarly appoint legal practitioners as ad hoc Special Prosecutors to investigate and possibly prosecute the commission of other serious offences, instead of the President appointing Commissions of Enquiry under Chapter 23 of the Constitution to investigate the commission of serious criminal offences which end up not being prosecutable because of the absence of procedures for the prosecution of findings of the commission of crimes by a Commission of Enquiry. This lacuna in the scheme of Chapter 23 has encouraged previous Presidents to resort to the cover-up of the appointment of Commissions of Enquiry to temporarily appease the anger of the voting public when serious allegations of crime are made against government officials, politically exposed persons or the governments other political associates.



My personal belief in the feasibility of establishing a permanent Office of the Special Prosecutor to deal specifically with corruption and related offences by law is premised on the exemplary moral compass and integrity of the Executive Authority personified by the elected President and his determination to give law enforcement authorities, including the Attorney General, the expected constitutional support to operate strictly in accordance with their oaths of office to be fair, transparent and impartial in the execution of their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will. Absent such a President and public officers, no number of enactments can achieve the objective of fighting systemic corruption in Ghana.



It is my hope that this paper will help civil society, the active public, the Government and Parliament to give due consideration to all the factors that need to be taken into account to make the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 now being discussed by the Committee of Parliament during the vacation, capable of being enacted in a bi-partisan manner when Parliament resumes in October 2017.



The chronicle of the events leading to the writing of this paper is also expected to provide a historical record on my website, martinamidu.com or Martin Amidu Speaks, of parts of the processes that led to the enactment of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, 2017 for the future assessment of any law passed pursuant to this Bill.









Source: Martin A. B. K. Amidu (Citizens Vigilance for Justice)









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Audio Attachment: Listen to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah in an interview Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace Fm's 'kokrokoo'

Deputy Information Minister and Member of Parliament for the Ofoase-Ayirebi constituency has asked Ghanaians not to pay attention to the minority in Parliament because they are deliberately trying to destroy the works of the Finance Minister.



The minority led by its leader, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu at a press conference, Tuesday questioned governments approval of a credit facility of GHc10,459,500 from the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) for McDan Shipping Company.



They believe the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, usurped the authority and functions of the ADBs Board of Directors to award the credit facility.



Speaking to Kwami Sefa-Kayi in an interview on Wednesdays edition of Kokrokoo, Kojo OppongNkrumah said the minority National Democratic Congress (NDC) intentionally brings up various issues just to create attention.



Its a pattern; they are deliberately doing this . . . Its just a strategy they are using; they bring up one issue, talk about it; leave it and go for another one . . . we should not politicise every issue. The minority should stop destroying the works of the Finance Minister, he said.

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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DECATUR  Have heart, will travel.

Such is the philosophy of Decatur mom Austin Yutzy, who just got back from her own personal relief mission to flood-ravaged Houston.

Yutzy, with husband Tyler helping out and their children aged 3 and 1 along for the ride, set off for Houston at 5 a.m. Saturday. The professional property manager had filled a borrowed pickup truck with more than 150 cans of baby formula, some 8,000 diapers and hundreds of feminine hygiene products and lots of other supplies targeted at young moms like herself.

They dropped off 500 diapers and 20 cans of formula to a young Houston mother who friends had asked them specifically to help  she was left with nothing after her apartment took 12-feet of water, said Yutzy, and the rest was donated to the Houston Northwest Baptist Church, an aid distribution center.

When Yutzy and her husband turned up at the church at 7 a.m. Sunday, worshipers were stunned to discover how far they had come to help. They were completely blown away, said Yutzy.

Why do it? She said she could only imagine what it would be like to have flood waters drown wash your world away. And if a natural disaster like this happened in Decatur, I would hope that someone would take the initiative to come and help me, said Yutzy.

Her personal relief mission had started with a Facebook appeal to get some supplies to load onto the truck of a friend who had been called to the Houston area to work. But as the donations gushed in, the friend's truck was far from big enough.

I said to my husband, who works crazy 12-hour shifts at Tate & Lyle, well, what do you think? she recalled. And he said It looks like we're going to Houston.

An appeal for more help saw money donations arrive to offset gas costs (they did not stay in motels and napped in the truck) and they set off Saturday after her husband got off work. After getting the donations delivered, they had one side trip to Dallas because Yutzy is a major Cowboys fan, and arrived back in Decatur at 7 p.m. Monday. Tyler Yutzy had to be at work again 5 a.m. Tuesday.

His wife said she felt good about what they had done in Houston, and she felt good about her Decatur hometown, too, which doesn't always get a flood of good publicity.

Everyone has their opinions about Decatur, but in a time of need, we come together like a real family and we take care of other people, she said. This is what being a community means to me.
Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku in Greater Accra, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, has challenged the minority in parliament to go to court to halt the approval of a loan facility to McDan Shipping by the Agricultural Development Bank.



The minority at a news conference Tuesday questioned the basis for which the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta gave approval for the ADB to give a loan of 10,459,500 to a private firm.



Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, said the action of the Finance Minister was in breach of the procurement processes and rules, adding a contract given to McDan Shipping Company, did not pass through the Central Tender Review Committee as required by law.



He alleged Mr. Ofori-Atta issued a letter to the Managing Director of ADB to grant GH10million to the shipping company to finance the contract with COCOBOD Commenting on the issue on Wednesday on TV3s New Day magazine show,



Dr. Boye said: were encouraging the minority if they are sure of a breach, they should go beyond this and go to court. Dr. Boye who is a New Patriotic Party MP told host of the newspaper segment of the show, Bright Nana Amfoh that we cannot chase every allegation.



He said in granting a loan there should be value for money and the government must not lose money. Whoever we are dealing with must have the capacity to do the job and to make sure the procurement processes are followed and that is what the Finance Minister did.



The MP disagreed with the minority on its claim that government was awarding contracts based on partisanship, noting that those who are getting the contract are capable of delivering on the terms.



The issues of partisanship and nepotism were raised by the minority because they claim some party financiers are being given contracts, but the finance minister did not approve out of the loan out of vacuum, Dr. Boye explained.



A member of the NDC communications team, Dr. Mawiah Zakaria, said the finance minister should have provided a legal backing to his claims that without the board, the central credit committee of the bank can approve the loan.



In calculating the debt portfolio, these are some of the things they look at so the public and shareholders must take interest in the saga and the finance minister can also take it to court to prove that he did not err, Dr. Zakaria explained.

Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Two staffers at a Luzerne County elementary school are facing criminal charges in wake of alleged injuries to a nine-year-old boy, who is a student at the school.

The Citizens Voice newspaper reports that Northwest Area Primary School teacher Scotty P. Kline, 56, of Benton, Pa., faces a harassment charge for allegedly grabbing the boy by the arm and pushing him up against a wall.

As a result of the incident, the boy, who is not named in the story, suffered an injury to the right side of his back and shoulder, according to a report by the school nurse.

The teacher also has been suspended with pay, meaning he is still collecting his $61,548, the school district told the Citizens Voice.

But the district would not say how long the teacher has been on paid suspension. The incident dates back to May. However, the charges against the educator were only recently filed.

Meanwhile, a 68-year-old woman who works under contract to the school district also is facing charges for allegedly injuring the same boy in a separate incident, also last spring.

Susan Bobersky, 68, of Shickshinny, Pa., faces misdemeanor counts of simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child and a summary count of harassment, following an April 27 incident on a school transportation van.

The Citizens Voice reports Bobersky, described as a transportation aide, grabbed the boy by the hair and shook his head as the boy was confined to a safety seat. The entire incident was caught on video by another person on the van, the newspaper reports, adding:

Dr. William Mirenda, an orthopedic surgeon who examined the boy on May 11, told police he could state "with a reasonable degree of medical certainty" that the boy's neck strain was "causally related to the victim's hair being pulled and (his) neck shaken."

For her part, Bobersky allegedly told police she held the boy by his hair to prevent him from harming himself.
It started out as 5 reasons Philadelphia was better than Los Angeles.

Then Wawa happened.

"That really should be 1 through 5: Wawa," said Sam Cooper.

We had Cooper and bandmate Matt Quinn breaking down the reasons Philly trumps L.A. at the 2017 Made in America festival on Sept. 2. They're the founding members of Mt. Joy, an indie folk band that had played at the Jay-Z curated event.

Cooper and Quinn grew up in the Philly-area, and their band is named after the Mt. Joy mountain in Valley Forge National Historical Park. They met in high school and have been jamming together ever since, writing songs here and there. It wasn't until last year, however, that Mt. Joy was formed. That was when their song "Astrovan" took off on Spotify, becoming a viral hit on the streaming service.

While they're Philly natives, they now call Los Angeles home, so we felt like they were well qualified to sound off to compare the cities. Check out the reasons they prefer Philadelphia to Los Angeles in the video at the top of this post.

To learn more about Mt. Joy visit their official site at mtjoyband.com. You may also find these stories interesting:

Want more stories about Philly? Click here for all our coverage of the City of Brotherly Love.
President Donald Trump's decision Tuesday

would fall most heavily on the hospitality, retail and construction industries, which together employ nearly half of the 1.3 million immigrants initially eligible for protection, according to an analysis by New American Economy, a national business coalition.

The announcement that the Trump administration would phase out the five-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program jeopardizes the livelihoods of tens of thousands of cooks, waiters, cashiers, salespeople and construction workers, the analysis found.

The impact will also be felt across across tech, healthcare and education -- where many of the DACA-eligible immigrants who are college educated work as software developers, nurses and teachers.

Of the DACA-eligible immigrants over 21 years old, 12 percent have bachelor's degrees, 3 percent have advanced degrees, 84 percent have completed high school and some college, and 2 percent did not graduate from high school.

New American Economy, a national business coalition founded by former New York mayor Michael Bloomberg to advocate for immigration reform, conducted the analysis for The Washington Post using Census data.

"People have a very specific image in their mind of who an undocumented immigrant is, but the reality is that Dreamers, who are American in every sense of the word except the legal one, are working in every industry in every community," said Jeremy Robbins, executive director of New American Economy.

In the hours following the Trump administration's announcement, some executives reassured employees who are DACA recipients, saying the companies had no plans to fire them and would offer legal protection.

One multinational corporation that declined to be named said it offered employees the opportunity to be transferred to other countries -- but its workers wanted to stay in the United States where they have made a life for themselves and their families. The company did not want to publicize the transfer option because it was afraid that doing so would take the urgency out of Congressional action.

The Trump administration said it would wait six months to begin enforcing Tuesday's action to give Congress time to agree on a legislative solution. Current DACA recipients would not be impacted until March 5, 2018, the White House said.

"I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," Trump said in a statement Tuesday.

Trump said he decided to end DACA after 10 states threatened to sue the federal government over the constitutionality of the program. He said that he would gradually wind down the program over a period of two years.

"While new applications for work permits will not be accepted, all existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration up to two full years from today," Trump said. "Furthermore, applications already in the pipeline will be processed, as will renewal applications for those facing near-term expiration."

Brad Smith, president and chief legal officer of Microsoft, said Tuesday that while he believes Congress should now prioritize DACA over tax reform, Microsoft should be prepared for the possibility that Congress will not act in the next six months.

He said Microsoft is committed to the 39 known Dreamers employees of the company and would "vigorously defend" their legal rights.

"If Congress fails to act, our company will exercise its legal rights properly to help protect our employees," Smith wrote in a new blog post. "If the government seeks to deport any one of them, we will provide and pay for their legal counsel. We will also file an amicus brief and explore whether we can directly intervene in any such case. In short, if Dreamers who are our employees are in court, we will be by their side."

following Tuesday's announcement saying that Apple would make immigration lawyers available to the 250 Dreamer employees.

Cook said he received several notes over the weekend from these employees, some of whom arrived in the country as two year olds. They were born in Canada, Mexico, Kenya and Mongolia, were educated in American colleges, and now work for Apple in 28 states -- in its retail stores, as engineers, and in research and development.

"I want to assure you that Apple will work with members of Congress from both parties to advocate for a legislative solution that provides permanent protections for all the Dreamers in our country," Cook wrote.

Cook and Smith were among the more than 500 executives who recently signed onto a FWD.us petition asking Trump and Congress to preserve DACA's provisions. Some companies joined Tuesday morning as the Trump administration ended the program.

Todd Schulte, president of FWD.us, said he expects CEOs to continue to weigh in on the issue, meeting with members of Congress and holding roundtables with DACA recipients.

If Congress does not come up with a legislative fix, he said, "the government will begin using information that DACA recipients handed over to them, under the promise that it would never ever be used against them, to round up and deport large numbers of young people who came to this country as children and were raised here."

The average DACA-recipient is 26 years old, he said. More than 80 percent are from Mexico, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Other top countries of origin are El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, South Korea, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia and the Philippines.

The majority live in five states: California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
By ADRIANA GOMEZ and TERRY SPENCER, Associated Press

KEY LARGO, Fla. (AP) -- Residents of the Florida Keys are known for riding out hurricanes, but with Irma's potentially catastrophic wind and rain set to crash through the low-lying island chain this weekend, not many seem willing to risk it this time.

Throughout Florida, officials and residents are making preparations, but forecasts indicate the Keys could take the country's first blow from the Category 5 storm, which was packing 185 mph winds early Wednesday as it crossed Barbuda. From Key Largo south to Key West, residents and officials said Irma is a storm that needs to be fled.

Keys officials expected to announce a mandatory evacuation Wednesday for visitors, with residents being told to leave the next day. Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who plans to fly to the Keys on Wednesday, said a hospital in the island chain would have its patients evacuated by air.

"This is not one to fool around with," said Cammy Clark, spokeswoman for Monroe County, which contains the Keys.

In a Wednesday morning tweet, President Donald Trump said his administration is closely watching Irma and his "team, which has done, and is doing, such a good job in Texas, is already in Florida." He added: "No rest for the weary!"

Janet Roberts, 51, was getting ready Tuesday to leave her mobile home community on Key Largo for her daughter's house 30 miles away in Florida City, which is the first city north of the Keys on the mainland.

"She lives in a complex and has hurricane shutters. At least we stand half the chance," she said.

She remembered how much damage Hurricane Andrew caused when its eye passed just north of Florida City in August 1992.

"We didn't hit the eye, and I had nothing left," Roberts said. "This has Andrew beat. This is really bad -- really, really, really bad."

Throughout South Florida, officials readied evacuation orders and people raided store shelves, buying up water and other hurricane supplies. Long lines formed at gas stations and people pulled shutters out of storage and put up plywood to protect their homes and businesses.

Parker Eastin filled up his gas tank at a busy fuel station. He and his girlfriend said they decided to plan well in advance after seeing what Hurricane Harvey did to Texas.

"We ordered water off Amazon because the stores were out and also ordered food," said Eastin, a 43-year-old lawyer who has lived in Florida for 12 years. "Seeing the devastation in Texas is a sad reminder that you have to take the events very seriously."

The last major storm to hit Florida was 2005's Wilma, its eye cutting through the state's southern third as it packed winds of 120 mph. Five people died.

Scott declared a state of emergency in all 67 counties to give local governments "ample time, resources and flexibility" to prepare for the storm. President Trump also approved a federal emergency declaration for the state ahead of the storm, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Scott warned that although officials don't know the storm's exact path, winds are likely to be "extreme and life-threatening" and impacts could be felt inland, away from the coast. He said Floridians need to follow any evacuation orders.

"This storm has the potential to devastate this state, and you have to take this seriously," Scott said Tuesday from the state's emergency operations center in Tallahassee, the state capital. "Remember: We can rebuild your home; we cannot rebuild your life."

Under a mandatory evacuation order, no one is forced by police or other government agencies to leave, but people who stay should not expect to be rescued if they are in danger, officials said.

The threat of the storm has put much of the state on edge. School districts along the east coast and in South Florida canceled classes for later this week, as did universities and colleges in Miami-Dade. The governor also shut down all state offices starting Friday and urged state workers to volunteer at shelters that are expected to open.

But Scott conceded that Irma's uncertain path was making it difficult for officials to tell Floridians exactly where they should go. Some models have it slashing up the east coast, while other models have it cutting northward through the middle of the peninsula.

Spencer reported from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Associated Press writers Kelli Kennedy in Fort Lauderdale and Gary Fineout in Tallahassee contributed to this report.
The man charged with killing a Temple University student last week transported her body 100 miles in a Lyft vehicle to his grandmother's house, Philly.com reports.

Joshua Hupperterz, 29, is accused of strangling 22-year-old Jenna Burleigh in his North Philadelphia apartment. Her body was found Sept. 2 at Hupperterz's grandmother's home in Wayne County, officials have said.

Philly.com said Hupperterz initially took her body to his mother's home in Jenkintown. He then put it in a container and called a Lyft vehicle, and drove it 100 miles to his grandmother's home in northeastern Pennsylvania, where it was found in a shed, reports said.

The Wayne County coroner said Burleigh died of combined effects blunt trauma and strangulation.

Students at Temple University are mourning the death of Burleigh, a junior from Harleysville, with a makeshift vigil forming on campus.

A vigil will be held in Founder's Garden at the Temple campus from 3:30-5 p.m. Thursday.

Please join us tomorrow as we remember Jenna Burleigh, our fellow Owl. There will be a time for open-mic sharing, as... Posted by Temple Student Government on Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Lyft is reportedly cooperating with authorities, and said the incident was "devastating" for the driver involved.

Hupperterz is charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and related offenses.

He was reportedly seen on local surveillance cameras walking with Burleigh to his house early Thursday morning, according to the report.

In his home, police found blood spattered near the kitchen sink, rear door, and on a trash can lid, along with 10 to 15 pillow-case size bags of marijuana and about $20,000 in cash, a police source said.
Lehigh University is cracking down on fraternity drinking parties, suspending two fraternities as local police charge 60 at an off-campus drinking party attended by several hundred students last weekend.

The dangers of extreme drinking came into focus at Penn State University last year after pledge Tim Piazza died in the Beta Theta Pi house after falling down stairs Feb. 2 following a night of heavy drinking.

Charges relating to Piazza's death were filed against 18 fraternity brothers and the fraternity's charter has been revoked.

Wednesday, Lehigh announced Phi Kappa Theta and Delta Chi fraternities are banned from conducting all activities, including organized events and "impromptu social gatherings," reports the Morning Call.

And Bethlehem police charged nearly 60 students last weekend at a party in the 200 block of East Fifth Street, which was attended by several hundred people.

Police told the Morning Call they received 30 calls from local residents complaining about loud parties, students urinating in public and piles of red plastic cups on the streets since students returned to campus.

The ban comes after alcohol-related incidents during the first week of the fall semester, said Ric Hall, Lehigh's vice provost of student affairs tells the Greek community on campus, in a blog post Monday.

Last year, after four students reportedly drank so much they were "close to death" and needed medical treatment, Lehigh warned students about "extreme drinking."

University and Bethlehem police began additional patrols, which they say will continue through the end of this semester.

Hall calls on the organizations to "use the same sound judgement and good sense that you demonstrate at all other times."

Delta Chi was suspended Aug. 31 after incidents "concerning behavior related to alcohol and risk management procedures," reported the Morning Call in Allentown.

Phi Kappa Theta was suspended Sept. 2 after "multiple significant alcohol incidents." The events remain under investigation.

Two other fraternities received disciplinary warnings:

Alpha Tau Omega for a large party with loud music Aug. 26, for which university police issued a citation.

Kappa Alpha after multiple calls related to parties held the first weekend of the semester.

Two months ago, Lehigh dissolved Kappa Sigma fraternity through July 2019 after violations of the university alcohol code of earlier this year.

Hall had this message for the Greek community:

"As a fraternity man, I know that you are/we are much better than the negative stereotypes. I am, though, genuinely concerned that the recent pattern of fraternity/sorority involvement in alcohol-related incidents will erode any goodwill and benefit of the doubt that your chapters have earned via true Greek Life efforts (leadership, scholarship, service)."

He said at least two fraternities face the possibility of suspension, after another was suspended just weeks ago.

"It's clear that fall semester has gotten off to a fast start. To be clear, all of the incidents - mostly off campus - that have occurred during the past 7-10 days have not been Greek-related, but several of them have been," Hall wrote.

"While I cannot, and would not, expect that you and the members of your organizations refrain from enjoying yourselves this or any other weekend, I do remind you that your chapters are all expected to comply with the student code of conduct and Bethlehem laws," Hall said.

In June, Penn State announced new rules for its Greek community.
CARLISLE - It was a moment that even the judge acknowledged appears to be out of character for Tony Thomas.

Tony Thomas.

But Cumberland County Judge Albert Masland also said it's a moment that could have turned out to be a lot worse. Even deadly.

On Tuesday, Masand sentenced Thomas, 24, of Middleburg, Virginia, to two to 12 months in Cumberland County Prison on one count of simple assault for firing a handgun into the cab of a tractor-trailer on Interstate 81 last year.

His attorney, public defender John Shugars, told the court that Thomas understands what he did was a foolish overreaction.

"Thank goodness no one was hurt," Shugars said. "It's uncharacteristic of Tony."

According to charging documents filed by the Pennsylvania State Police at Carlisle, the incident occurred like this:

Thomas' cousin, Sean Thomas, was driving a pickup truck on Interstate 81 on May 31, 2016 with Tony Thomas and his girlfriend, Aurora Curran, riding with him.

Tony Thomas and Curran got into an argument and she asked to be dropped off, so the driver pulled over and let her out around Exit 52 near Carlisle.

Shortly afterwards, Dana Ruckman, 43, of Augusta, West Virginia, was driving a tractor-trailer south on I-81 and spotted Curran. He picked her up, and she told him her boyfriend had just kicked her out of his vehicle. Ruckman let her use his cellphone to call Tony Thomas, and he pulled over several miles down the road where Thomas had also pulled over to picked her up.

Ruckman continued down I-81, and as the pickup truck started riding alongside him, he heard a loud "boom" as Thomas fired a shot into the cab of his truck.

As Ruckman relayed his story to the police at a rest area, other officers had pulled over the pickup truck. Inside, along with Tony and Sean Thomas and Curran, officers found a Hi-Point .380 semi-automatic pistol.

The situation could have been a lot worse, and so could Thomas' sentence, considering the charges that were initially leveled against him, Masland pointed out at today's sentencing. Thomas was originally charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy, propelling a missile into occupied vehicle and reckless endangerment, which were dismissed as part of his plea deal.

Curran had been charged, as well, but her charges were dismissed Feb. 22. Prosecutors say had Thomas' case gone to trial, she would have be subpoenaed as a witness.

Thomas has 12 days of credit towards his sentence and is work-release eligible.
As Hurricane Irma barrels toward the U.S., officials with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources sent an emergency response team to Fort Dix in New Jersey to assist with sending aid to the Caribbean.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requested aid from the U.S. Forest Service on Tuesday, according to Michael Kern, DCNR's Fire Operations Chief.

Kern explained that DCNR has an cooperative agreement with the Forest Service, who then reached out to Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and DNCR for aid.

The crew of 10 officials - 7 from DCNR, and 3 from PEMA - will be responsible for handling emergency supplies bound for the Caribbean area. Those supplies could range from water and food to bedding materials.

"That's about what we know right now," Kern said. "Until they actually get on scene and get a briefing, we won't know for sure."

Kern noted that it is possible that some personnel may be sent to the Caribbean, but said it was too early to tell. He also said team could be lending a hand for up to 14 days.

"It could be two or three days, it could be all 14," Kern said. "It's hard to say right now. It depends on how things unfold."

Incident Commander Terry Smith said his crew would not know any details until they get briefed once they arrive.

"One thing that I've learned over the years is you really need to be flexible and patient," he said. "That just goes a long ways."

Smith barely had 12 hours notice that he would be making the trip to New Jersey, and he said that his family is used to him having to leave on such short notice.

He called providing help in times of need "a privilege."

"The folks that are in need, obviously, they would do the same for us if the need was here," Smith said.

The call for aid comes on the heels of Hurricane Harvey that pummeled Texas, which prompted state officials to send soldiers to assist with aid efforts.

Kern noted that along with dispatching resources to Texas, there are over 26,000 responders fighting wildfires in the western part of the country. He also said that includes about 50 firefighters from Pennsylvania.

"It's going to be everybody that's available is probably going to be needed just because of the sheer number of people that are dealing with these other emergencies right now," Kern said.

Kern added that being able to help in these emergency situations enables DCNR and PEMA staff to get training they would not be able to receivie otherwise to be prepared in case an emergency happens in the state.

Despite the need for aid being great, Smith did not think resources were being strained.

"I wouldn't say we're strained, but we're busy," Smith said. "Sometimes I think we function best when we're busy."
A former state Department of Health official who cost the agency $800,000 by approving computer upgrades that weren't properly authorized can't have her job back, a Commonwealth Court panel ruled Wednesday.

Despite her claims to the contrary, there is plenty of evidence Marina O. Matthew is responsible for the expensive snafu that prompted her firing as public health program director, the court concluded in an opinion by Judge Anne E. Covey.

Matthew appealed to the court after the state Civil Service Commission upheld her 2014 termination.

The short version of Matthew's somewhat complicated story is that she was found to have prompted a vendor to go ahead with a computer system upgrade without going through proper channels to obtain authorization for payment for the work. That resulted in contract violations that required the state to pay an $800,000 settlement, Covey noted.

The state judges rejected Mathew's argument that Health Department officials didn't prove she is to blame for the problem. Nor did they buy her claim that she shouldn't be held responsible because she merely signed 47 unauthorized work orders developed by a subordinate.

The fact that Matthew received exemplary work performance ratings at other stages of her 24-year career with the department don't justify overturning her firing, either, Covey found. In any case, the Civil Service Commission considered her work record in upholding her termination, the judge noted.
Pennsylvania has asked the federal government for more time to roll out new Real ID-compliant drivers licenses that will soon be necessary to board airplanes or enter certain government buildings.

According to PennDOT, the state should be able to begin issuing IDs that comply with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's more stringent guidelines in March 2019. The feds have already extended its compliance deadline several times.

Earlier this year, the Legislature approved a plan to roll out the new IDs after a years-long standoff with the federal government over what some described as an unfunded mandate.

"We have developed a plan that will make it as easy as possible to opt-in for a REAL ID while minimizing impacts to the rest of our customers," PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said, in a written statement Wednesday. "We are confident that the Department of Homeland Security will see the progress we've made and look favorably on granting an additional extension."

Those who already have a valid U.S. Passport, Passport card, military ID or another federally approved ID won't need a REAL ID-compliant license to pass through TSA checkpoints or visit federal buildings.

Without the extension, residents without one of those forms of ID would not be able to enter military installations, federal courthouses or federal job sites as of Oct. 10. Air travel with a regular license would end Jan. 22.

If the extension is granted, those deadlines could be extended until Oct. 1, 2020.

Those who wish to purchase a Real ID-compliant license starting in 2019 would be charged a one-time fee in addition to the current driver's license fee. Upon renewal, the standard fee would be charged.

The estimated start-up cost to roll out the Real ID-compliant licenses is between $24 million and $30 million, according to PennDOT.

Operating costs would run roughly $27 million in the first year and between $17 million and $20 million per year once the program is fully established.

The Real ID licenses, which are designed to be more difficult to forge, require the user to present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate with a raised seal or a valid US Passport; proof of Social Security Number; proof of any legal name change and two proofs of current, physical Pennsylvania address.

PennDOT recently set up a frequently asked question page about REAL ID and the switchover process.
There might be a prescription for Pennsylvania's opioid crisis, but it's in short supply.

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that giving a certain drug to overdose survivors while in the emergency room nearly doubles the chances they will be in recovery 30 days later. It also reduces their need for expensive residential drug treatment, the researchers found.

That drug is buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone or Subutex.



Buprenorphine reduces the powerful craving for opioids typically felt by people who are addicted. It's one of several medications that are increasingly viewed as the best hope for many people trying to maintain long-term recovery from opioid addiction. Still, medication assisted treatment, known as MAT, is in short supply in many places, including much of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania officials would like to make buprenorphine part of the state-pushed "warm-handoff" initiative to persuade overdose survivors to go directly from the hospital into treatment.

The Yale study involved about 300 people who came to the ER at Yale-New Haven Hospital because of addiction to opioids such as heroin or prescription painkillers. They were divided into three groups: one group was given written information about addiction treatment; another was given a "motivational consultation" and referral for treatment; and another was given a "brief intervention" and buprenorphine, with the buprenorphine continued through a family doctor after they left the ER.



About half of those who received buprenorphine were in treatment after 30 days. They were also less likely to have needed inpatient treatment at a residential facility, which helped keep their costs lower than those who entered treatment but didn't get buprenorphine.



"We are very interested in implementing such a process in Pennsylvania," said Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania's physician general and acting secretary of health.



Levine sees it playing a key role in the "warm-handoff" effort to steer overdose survivors from Pennsylvania ERs to treatment.

But several obstacles must be addressed before that can happen, she said.

Federal law requires doctors to receive special training in order to prescribe buprenorphine. It also limits the number of patients they can treat with the drug. One consequence has been a shortage of doctors who can prescribe buprenorphine.



ER doctors are allowed to provide it for up to 72 hours, although the patient must return to the hospital every 24 hours to continue the medication, Levine said.



Levine said Pennsylvania officials are meeting with officials from other states and the federal government to discuss changing the rules so overdose survivors can more easily get buprenorphine.



There's also a need to expand the number of doctors who can prescribe buprenorphine and manage those patients, and to add more treatment "slots" for people who have been put on buprenorphine, Levine said.



Levine stressed the buprenorphine alone is not sufficient. Rather, people using buprenorphine need ongoing treatment including counseling and case management.



The goal would be be for them to begin such treatment the day after they are brought to the ER and given buprenorphine, or by Monday if they are brought in over the weekend.



Still, Levine cautioned that the Yale research "is very promising but not robust" and more is needed.



Medication assisted treatment typically involves buprenorphine, naltrexone, which blocks the high from opioids, or methadone, which prevents withdrawal sickness.



There is a growing consensus that, for many people addicted to opioids, MAT has a higher success rate than the traditional approach of several weeks of living in a treatment facility followed by the 12-step model of treatment.



Levine said MAT is regarded as a "state-of-the-art, evidence-based" approach that should strongly be considered. However, the 12-step approach might be best, depending on the person, she said.



"We want to individualize the treatment to the patient," she said.



Levine said MAT isn't uniformly available around the state, especially in rural areas. That has been addressed to some extent by the creation of 45 "Centers for Excellence" around the state which have expanded the availability of MAT for people covered by Medicaid, the government program that pays for drug addiction treatment for people with lower incomes.





To further address the shortage, the state plans to use federal funds form the 21st Century Cures Act to create a "hub and spokes" model of help branching out from doctors who can prescribe the medications, Levine said.



MAT might be a rare bright spot in the opioid addiction and overdose epidemic that has become the leading cause of death for Americans under 50.



As Levine explained, while medications can help people addicted to opioids, there are no medications that can help people recover from addiction to cocaine or methamphedemine.
SPRINGFIELD  Alan Beaman has asked the Illinois Supreme Court to review his claim that Normal police inappropriately urged prosecutors to charge him with murder in the death of his former girlfriend, a charge the state later dismissed following his release from prison and exoneration.

Beaman served more than a dozen years in prison for the 1993 strangling death of Jennifer Lockmiller of Decatur, whose body was found in her apartment near Illinois State University where she was a student.

Beaman, who now lives in Rockford with his wife and two children, was released from prison in 2008, following a decision by the Illinois Supreme Court that his conviction was based on tenuous evidence.

In his return to the high court, Beaman is seeking a review of a ruling by the Fourth District Appellate Court confirming a lower court's dismissal of Beaman's lawsuit against three former Normal police officers for malicious prosecution.

"Mr. Beaman deserves a day in court to seek justice from the men who maliciously robbed him of his youth through a dishonest and obviously biased investigation," the petition filed Tuesday stated.

Beaman's lawyers with Chicago's Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center allege that former officers Tim Freesmeyer, Dave Warner and Frank Zayas played a significant role in launching the prosecution against Beaman.

A clarification is needed from the court as to when police begin or continue a prosecution because the issue is critical in wrongful conviction cases, said Beaman's lawyers, noting that Illinois ranked second in the nation last year in exonorations.

In its decision, the appellate court found no evidence of pressure or undue influence by the officers on former McLean County prosecutor James Souk to file the murder charges.

But such a standard ignores the decision by Normal police to focus on Beaman, a student at Illinois Wesleyan University at the time, as a suspect when another man with a history of violence against women and a link to the victim should have been more seriously considered, according to Beaman's lawyers.

Thomas DiCianni, lawyer for the officers and the Town of Normal, was not available for comment Wednesday morning on the petition.

In their arguments in 2008 before the Supreme Court, Beaman's lawyers claimed that Freesmeyer doctored time trials of Beaman's alleged trip from Rockford to Lockmiller's apartment and withheld evidence of a second driving estimate that supported Beaman's innocence.

A federal court that dismissed a lawsuit against Souk, former State's Attorney Charles Reynard and Normal officers, found that a jury could have concluded that Warner "intentionally buried the polygraph report" related to the alternate suspect and Zayas allowed Beaman to be arrested before a thorough investigation was completed.

Beaman received a certificate of innocence from the state in 2013 and later a pardon from former Gov. Pat Quinn.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, from left, Mexico's Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, pose for a group photo at a press conference regarding the second round of NAFTA renegotiations in Mexico City. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
Rescue staff from the Municipal Emergency Management Agency investigate an empty flooded during the passage of Hurricane Irma through the northeastern part of the island in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017. Hurricane Irma lashed Puerto Rico with heavy rain and powerful winds, leaving nearly 900,000 people without power as authorities struggled to get aid to small Caribbean islands already devastated by the historic storm.(AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)
Ali Alchikh, 49, and his wife, Najoua Laroui, found replenished supplies of bottled water at Costco and purchased it for their extended family Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. Both said they've never stocked up before a hurricane, but the strength of Irma and media reports from Houston encouraged them to buy bottled water. (Jonathan Capriel/The Tampa Bay Times via AP)
WASHINGTON, D.C.  U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis led the U.S. House of Representatives in a moment of silence Tuesday to honor 10 sailors who died onboard the USS John S. McCain last month, including Logan Palmer of Decatur.

Davis, a Taylorville Republican who had been in contact with the Palmer family while the 23-year-old was missing, read the name of each sailor and called on his fellow lawmakers to take a moment to honor them and pray for their families.

"The service and sacrifice of these brave men is not lost on this House and will always be remembered by the country they dedicated their lives to serve and protect," Davis said.

The sailors were killed when their Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer collided with the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Alnic MC on Aug. 21. The incident remains under investigation.

The Navy announced last week that all 10 sailors were posthumously promoted. Palmer, a 2012 Sangamon Valley High School graduate and Harristown native, was advanced to interior communications electrician second class. He had previously been third class.

The 550-mile-long Strait of Malacca, where the accident occurred, runs between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It connects the Pacific and Indian oceans and is one of the worlds busiest shipping lanes.

The collision ripped a gash in the McCain hull, flooding crew berths and machinery and communications rooms. The destroyer is now in port in Singapore.

The commander of the 7th Fleet was fired after four accidents this year raised questions about its operations.

Davis is scheduled to participate in a House Armed Services Committee hearing focused on Navy Readiness  Underlying Problems with the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.

Witnesses include Rear Admiral Upper Half Ronald A. Boxall, Director Surface Warfare, U.S. Navy; Admiral Bill Moran, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy; and Mr. John H. Pendleton, Director, Defense Force Structure and Readiness Issues, U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Meet Gavin and Macey Bebble, cousins and fellow St. Mary's stars

Two fellow Class of 2023 members, Gavin and Macey Bebble share a bond as cousins, friends and leading members of multiple talented St. Mary's teams.
DECATUR  One Decatur city councilman has publicly criticized a new policy that he said requires council members to turn in their personal notes at the end of the body's closed-session meetings.

Councilman Bill Faber announced during the council's regular meeting Tuesday that he would not follow the policy, which was adopted in April just before new council members were seated.

... I take this moment to inform my colleagues, neighbors, friends and fellow citizens, that to safeguard the rights and privileges of city council members, it is my duty to refuse to surrender my personal notes, Faber said.

The Illinois Open Meetings Act allows governmental bodies to meet in private to discuss specific topics, including personnel issues, pending litigation, collective bargaining agreements and negotiations for the sale or purchase of property.

No other council members addressed Fabers comments. City Manager Tim Gleason said after Tuesdays meeting that the policy was an informal rule that was adopted by the council at the direction of Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. The mayor was not present at Tuesday's meeting.

Gleason declined to comment directly on Fabers statement.
China's oil supply to North Korea targeted to be cut off after nuclear blast

express.co.uk/Getty



EIA estimates North Korea's biggest source of oil is China. Global Times says oil ban may not deter nuclear program

By Bloomberg News

SINGAPORE/HONG KONG/TOKYO/SEOUL

Petroleumworld 09 06 2017

Even before North Korea detonated its most powerful nuclear bomb yet, Japan was calling for moves to cut off its oil supply.

Afterward, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to halt all trade with any country that does business with Kim Jong Un's regime. China, which supplies most of its food and fuel, on Monday called the warning unacceptable.

Some sort of oil embargo is likely to come up as the international community discusses a response to the nuclear test, with the United Nations Security Council meeting overnight. China has resisted such a move in the past over fears that North Korea might collapse, but has grown increasingly frustrated with its rogue ally.

Still, while China might make a gesture to Trump in an effort to defuse his criticisms, it may not be the panacea the U.S. president is looking for, and do little in a practical sense to slow Kim down.

A temporary or partial ban is possible, but the Chinese government will definitely refuse to cut off oil exports completely or permanently to North Korea, said Shi Yinhong, an adviser to China's cabinet and international relations professor at Renmin University in Beijing. If China agreed to cut off oil exports completely, China would use all its tools but not achieve any purpose, and the consequence could be costly.

Since the Korean War, Beijing has avoided prodding North Korea to the point it might collapse, fearing a destabilizing economic blow and the possibility of the U.S. military gaining influence on its border via a unified Korea. That calculation has held even while China's interests have diverged from those of North Korea.

Relations between President Xi Jinping and Kim have been cool -- a shift from prior leaderships in both countries -- with state-run media occasionally sparring. Kim's decision to conduct the nuclear test as China prepared to host leaders from the so-called BRICS nations was seen as a slight to Xi.

Read more on Trump's threat of new sanctions after nuclear test

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin that it is time for the UN to seriously consider to fundamentally block North Korea's foreign currency sources by cutting off crude oil supplies and banning its overseas labor, according to a text message Monday from Moon's office.

China supplies most of North Korea's crude oil, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, but it's hard to know exactly how much: China hasn't reported any volumes in its published customs data since 2013. Based on reported volumes, North Korea's oil use over an entire year would be less than the U.S. East Coast consumes in a single day.

Oil products are transported by North Korean tanker to the port of Nampo, near the capital Pyongyang, while crude oil is sent via an aging pipeline from the Chinese border city of Dandong, Reuters reported earlier this year. While other countries supply the regime with fuel, the total figures are suspected to be under-reported, according to the EIA.

Even if China did agree to ban all oil supplies, North Korea would likely have stockpiles to sustain critical operations for months and could earn cash for its weapons programs from its remaining non-sanctioned exports, Rajiv Biswas, Asia-Pacific chief economist for IHS Markit, said in an email.

Paltry Consumption

These FX inflows may be sufficient to allow the North Korean ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons programs (to continue) operating, he said. It would take a ban on all exports, a complete blockade of fuel and the elimination of remittances from North Korean workers abroad to bring North Korea to the negotiating table, he said.

North Korea's oil consumption last year was paltry. It averaged 15,000 barrels a day, according to an EIA estimate based on reported trade information, compared with almost 2.6 million barrels a day in South Korea and 12.5 million in China.

The agency estimates North Korea crude imports at about 10,000 barrels a day, all of which goes to its only operating refinery, the Ponghwa chemical facility, located near the Chinese border. China also reported sending 6,000 barrels a day of oil products to North Korea last year, according to the EIA, citing UN customs data. Figures from China's General Administration of Customs shows those shipments include fuel oil, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and lubricants.

China says it will only implement sanctions agreed by the UN. In February it banned purchases from North Korea of coal and iron ore for the rest of the year, and in August it supported the Security Council vote to tighten sanctions that targeted about a third of North Korea's $3 billion in exports. Around 90 percent of North Korea's documented trade was with China in 2016.

Economists at Citigroup Inc. said the nuclear test could be the red line sufficient for China and Russia to back additional UN sanctions, including curbs on oil and energy exports. But it's less clear if agreement can be reached for a complete embargo.

It is also unclear if more sanctions would suffice to change North Korea regime behavior, the Citigroup analysts wrote in a note.

An editorial in the Communist Party-affiliated Global Times on Sunday questioned if a ban would deter Kim.

If China completely cuts off the supply of oil to North Korea or even closes the China-North Korea border, it is uncertain whether we can deter Pyongyang from conducting further nuclear tests and missile launches, it said.

Any further sanctions against North Korea would be meaningless, said Shen Dingli, deputy dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies in Shanghai.

Sanctions would be more like gestures, Shen said. North Korea is engaged to develop nuclear weapons, and none of the two powers can change that.







Story assistance by Keith Zhai, Jing Yang, Enda Curran, Dan Murtaugh, James Mayger, and Kanga Kong from Bloomberg.



bloomberg. com / 09 04 2017
Hello Sir - I recently started reading your site after looking for information on Bigfoot in South Dakota. You asked for real-life encounters. I hope this fits the bill.



My family had a scary confrontation in 1992 while RVing. We camped near Wind Cave National Park several times while I was a boy, but stopped going in that part of South Dakota after our experience with something unknown.



We normally camped in the early Summer, but for whatever reason my Father decided we'd go a few weeks before I went back to school. We always enjoyed going into Wind Cave and would spend a full day there. We'd then spend the rest of the week around the RV campground. This particular year we camped further away from Wind Cave in the vicinity of Hill City, not far from Mt. Rushmore. The area was surrounded by thick pine forest and very rugged.



It was a Saturday night and very calm around our campsite. Many people had left during the day, so there were few kids running around. Around 10:30 PM I decided to go to bed. I was bored and my parents were entertaining another couple. I laid down and turned the radio on while I drifted to sleep.



The only thing I remember next is my Mother making lots of noise while inside the RV. I sat up and watched my Father looking for something in a storage bin. The next thing I noticed was him holding his pistol. I was wide awake now, wondering what was going on. I started to ask but was quickly told to be quiet by both of them. They were standing by the door when suddenly something slammed into the back of the RV. I thought someone had hit us with a vehicle. The window in the back was smashed and the curtain was on the floor. I moved towards my parents when again something slammed into the back of the RV, at the same time a deep rumbling sound came from the same direction. I never thought my Mother could scream so loud. My Father raised the pistol and fired through the window opening. We waited quietly for something to happen. Whatever it was must have run off.



By that time, someone was yelling from outside wanting to know what was going on. I think it was someone from the campground. My Father went outside to talk to whoever it was. My Mother was very scared and was visibly shaking. She just grabbed me and squeezed me tight. My Father came back into the RV and said that we were leaving. He grabbed whatever gear was outside, threw it in the RV and we were off. None of us talked much as we drove home, which was about a 4 hour drive.



A few days later my Mother told me what happened that night. My parents were just about ready to go to bed. She said it was about 11:45 PM and she was cleaning up outside when she noticed something large on 2 legs run from behind the RV into the forest. My Father told her that it was probably a bear. Then he saw it duck out and then back into the woods. There wasn't much light other than that from a lantern and the back window from inside the RV. He told her that it was no bear. By that time they were in the RV and heard deep guttural grunts coming from the creature. My Father then slowly opened the door. It was standing no more than 10 ft. away looking directly at him. He quickly slammed the door shut and went looking for the pistol.



My Father has never said much about whatever it was, but from his later descriptions I believe he confronted a Bigfoot.



He described it as covered head to toe with thick dark hair with a wide nose and piercing yellow eyes that glowed in the light. He estimated the height at over 6 ft. and that it weighed over 400 lbs with huge arms and legs. That's basically all he ever said. He refuses to talk to anyone else about it.



We continued camping over the years but we never went back to that area.



I was looking for Bigfoot reports from South Dakota and specially around the Mt. Rushmore area. David M.

Legendary Mt. St. Helens Apemen Called Legitimate



The legend of the apemen of Mt. St. Helens returns, like hay fever, with summer weather.



The story of the apemen of the beautiful conical mountain situated in the Cascade Range of Southwest Washington, is a favorite in the area, but it just may have some basis in fact.



There is more basis to support it than Nepal's Yeti or northern California's "Big Foot" and probably as much as Loch Ness' monster.



Last summer, two different Portland groups who visited the region reported sighting the monsters, usually described as from 7 to 10 feet tall, hairy and either white or beige-colored.



Three persons in a car on a lonely forest road said they saw one of the creatures when it flashed across the headlight beams of their car near the wilderness area which includes such places as "Ape Canyon."



A Portland couple fishing on the Lewis River south of the mountain saw a huge beige figure "bigger than any human" amble off into the brush.



Old timers aren't surprised, just amused. The apeman legend actually is older than the white man's habitation of the Pacific Northwest.



Indian Legend



Forestry employes have investigated many reports of the strange creatures. According to Indian legend, the "apes" were the ferocious Selahtik Indians, a band of renegades much like giant apes in appearance who lived like wild animals in the secluded caves of the Cascades.



The first recorded encounter of the apes with white men was in 1924. A group of five prospectors rushed into Kelso to report that a group of great, ape-like creatures had attacked them in the middle of the night.



The miners said they had been working a mine on the east slopes of Mt. St. Helens. During the daytime, they saw some of the apes and fired at them to halt an apparent attack. One of the apes appeared to have been hit and rolled into a deep ravine. That night, according to the account, the apemen hurled rocks onto the cabin and "danced and screamed until daylight."



Then came the "great ape hunt 0f 1924." Law enforcement officers and a flock of newspapermen made up a posse that went into the area. The armed searchers fired at anything that moved, so the report went. They returned to tell of finding huge footprints, but no apes.



The legend grew from that point for several years, then subsided with only sporadic reports of traces of the apes. Responsible persons, experienced mountaineers and skiers, have given credence to the story.



Bob Lee of Portland, a leader of the 1961 Himalayan expedition and adviser to last year's Himalayan expedition, said last year he had a strange experience. Lee has never claimed to have seen the apes, but said "there was something strange on the high slopes of the mountain."



He was a member of a party that searched for Jim Carter, an experienced skier and mountaineer, who vanished on the mountain in 1950. His disappearance remains a mystery.



Somebody Watched



At the time, Lee was a member of the Seattle Mountain Search and Rescue unit. He described the search for Carter as "the most eerie experience I ever had." He said that every time he was cut off from the rest of the search party he felt "somebody was watching me."



Carter, he said, had climbed the mountain with some companions on a warm, clear Sunday. He left the group to take a picture and said he would ski to the left of the group. He was never seen again.



His tracks, however, indicated that he suddenly took off down the mountain in a wild, death-defying run that no experienced skier would make  unless he was pursued, Lee said.



The track went in the direction of Ape Canyon. But no trace of Carter or his equipment was found although the area was combed for two weeks. Lee recalled stories of about 25 persons who claim they had encountered the monsters during a 20 year period.



The canyon named for the apes, is a lonely, ominous spot in a wild area. It extends to a point near Ape Cave, thought to be the longest unitary lava tube in the world.



There have been many reports of footprints in the area. Some are described as being about 18 inches long and seemingly human.



Unless the creatures are really fuzzy throwbacks, the lost Indian tribe theory seems most likely to some of the fans of the mystery. It has given rise to some suggestions, one of which is to leave well enough alone. The government might take over and shove benefits and subsidies at them  retroactive to the Ice Age.



And that, as well as costing a lot of money, would ruin a very good legend.

All surface evidence of the cabin is gone. A 1936 trail map told us that one could see the cabin from the trail. But that was only 12 years after the incident. In 1968, Fred Beck had heard that the cabin had burnt to the ground. In 1972, hikers told Peter Byrne that they had visited the cabin. Today, its rock, steep slope and trees.



The nature of the site carries a high probability of very little human impact. The area has never been commercially logged as there are so few trees and these are very difficult to get out. The danger of traversing the area makes a high rate of human camp sites unlikely...



..the excitement began with the discovery of the wire, about 16 long with a coiled loop at one end, like for a bailing or a handle, sticking vertically in the ground.. The excitement grew with a nail, a shank nail about 4 inches long...jumping up and down and yelling and vigorous hand shaking ensued with the spoon. A single spoon. Just an old spoon. About 6 underground...



But this was the clincher. We started finding more and more nails and finally got to a rotten horizontal log, again about 6 underground WITH THE NAILS DRIVEN IN TO IT. As best we can tell, we probably found the long, 20 foot side of the cabin, guessing the uphill side.

**********is actually a gorge along the northeast shoulder of Mount St. Helens in Washington state. Of course, the name Ape Canyon didnt come from just anywhere. The name refers to a supposed encounter between a group of miners and several 'apemen' in 1924, an event eventually integrated into Bigfoot folklore.Fred Beck, one of the miners, claimed they shot and possibly killed at least one of the creatures. The death resulted in an attack on the miners' cabin. According to Beck, the men had just settled down to sleep for the night when they were awakened by an attack on their cabin, during which the creatures bombarded it with rocks and tried to break in. The fighting continued all night long, but none of the men were seriously hurt. By morning, an eerie quiet had entered the camp and as the men cautiously exited the cabin, they saw an ape-man in the distance. They shot at the beast several times and it finally fell over the cliff into the canyon. It was the only one of their attackers they would see. The men packed their belongings in a hurry, leaving most things behind, and made their way home, promising each other not to speak of the incident to anyone. The pact didn't last long because the story was leaked and within a few weeks it was reported in the July 16, 1924 issue of, which dubbed the beasts the 'Ape-Men of Mount St. Helens.'The miner's encounter in Ape Canyon is documented on the BFRO website There was another mysterious incident in Ape Canyon that took place in 1950. It involved world ski champion Jim Carter, who disappeared while on a ski trip in the Canyon. He was with some companions and then went off by himself to take some photos. But only his camera case was found. Searchers later reported finding his ski tracks in the snow. Carter had apparently taken off at an incredible rate of speed performing jumps and maneuvers that no skier would have taken unless he was very frightened or being pursued. One of the searchers reported an eerie feeling that he was being 'watched' the whole time. Carter's disappearance remains a mystery.In the June 27-28, 1964 editions of the, the following article appeared:Beck detailed his claims in a 22-page book written in 1967 titled, in which he identified the creatures as 'mystical beings from another dimension'. Beck explained that he had experienced psychic premonitions and visions his entire life of which the apemen were only one component.William Halliday, director of the Western Speleological Survey, claimed in his 1983 pamphlet Ape Cave and the Mount St. Helens Apes that the miners assailants were actually local youths throwing rocks, which camp counselors bringing kids on hiking trips to the Canyon also tried to impart.In July 2013, theclaimed on their Facebook page that Ape Canyon and remnants of the original cabin had been found. They held back directions to the location:
DECATUR  When Decatur schools Superintendent Paul Fregeau was a student, he wanted to be an FBI agent.

They told him he needed street experience first, so he joined the St. Louis (Mo.) county police as a patrolman. During his time on the force, he encountered a lot of troubled kids.

I decided I wanted to help kids on the 'front end,' and maybe keep them from having contact with law enforcement, Fregeau said during a speech at the Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Wednesday.

Fregeau was the featured speaker at the monthly event, and lauded the community for its support of the public schools. He came to Decatur, he said, because it presented opportunity for growth and because Illinois is his home state. His mother lives a couple of hours away and, he added with a chuckle, calls weekly to urge him to visit. And yes, as busy as he is, he's been home to visit.

I want us to be the best district we can be for the kids, Fregeau said. Everywhere I go, everybody asks, 'What do you need? How can we help?'

One way businesses can help, he said, is to provide internship opportunities for students. The schools can teach them math and science and other academics, but businesses can provide the training in soft skills, like being on time, taking direction and dressing properly for work.

He thanked Decatur for making him feel welcome, and shared a video he made on the first day of school, showing students and teachers already at work.

These faces are why we exist, he said. That's why I have the greatest job in the United States. We're going to make you proud of our district. We're going to do great things.

When he opened the floor for questions, they ranged from his plans to update the curriculum to whether the district's $120 million annual budget is sufficient, to facilities planning, which was a community effort before his arrival. A committee of parents, district personnel and community leaders recommended several months ago that Johns Hill and Durfee Magnet schools, the oldest buildings in the district, be razed and replaced with a new building on the Johns Hill campus. First, however, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Regional Office of Education has to approve the use of life/safety bonds to pay for the work.

When the state came in a month ago to look at the buildings, they commended us on what great shape the buildings are in, Fregeau said. Considering (the buildings') age, our maintenance department is doing a great job. We will look at the best use of facilities to serve kids, and what configuration works best.

Jacob Hamm, a junior at MacArthur High School, asked Fregeau how he planned to raise test scores in the district.

Fregeau chuckled and said that was the toughest question of them all, but he does have a plan.

Reading is the key to kids' success, Fregeau said. We need to put a focus on reading at the K-to-3 levels and build on that. We need to have an individual plan of study as students enter sixth grade. What do they want to do? They need to take the right course to chart their future.

What a student plans for a career in sixth grade may not be what he or she wants by high school, he acknowledged, but having a plan early will help the students focus and think about the future and realize that their education is important.
Accenture, the $33 billion (yearly sales) management and technology consultant, says it has agreed to acquire IBB, the 160-person "deep strategy" Philadelphia firm that, since its 2001 founding, has helped counsel Comcast, Verizon, and their rivals on how to cope with and exploit the new digital media technologies. The partners won't disclose terms of the deal.

"We are extremely pleased to have them on board," Greg Douglass, senior managing director for communications, media, and technology at Accenture Strategy, told me in an interview. He said IBB's founding team, including Imran Shah, a Columbia Ph.D. engineer, and Afzaal Ahktar, a former McKinsey & Co. consultant, helped clients learn to "use the new digital technology and services"  from digital video and internet protocol TV to the "internet of Things."

For cable, wireless, and phone companies, IBB championed "the use of mobile applications to deliver services to clients, the use of 'over-the-top' (mobile and laptop) video services, the use of new networks, new IT systems, new means of storing large amounts of data, the idea of being able to watch video anytime, anyplace, any device," Douglass added.

Accenture plans to use the IBB team to enhance its digital strategies to help companies "rotate to The New," as the company calls the digital-first approach to media and communications. "They work with all the major tier one cable, wireless, and core telco providers." The IBB group "will be a key part of our go-forward business" and will remain in Philadelphia, with satellite offices across the U.S. and Australia, Douglass said.
A 1971 Jaguar E Type in Newtown, Pa., can be rented for $365 a day through DriveShare. Read more

Want to drive a 1937 Packard this weekend? A 1973 VW van? A 1931 Model A? DriveShare has your car.

The new company, modeling itself as the "Airbnb of vintage cars," is now offering a peer-to-peer rental service.

Using a database of more than one million vehicles insured by parent company Hagerty, the country's leader in vintage-vehicle insurance, the just-launched DriveShare already has a menu of 300 tasty offerings.

Costing from $99 a day for a Porsche Boxster in Roanoke, Va., to $3,300 a day for a Lamborghini Aventador in Los Angeles, the vehicles are meant to appeal to vintage-car buffs. And the opportunity to make money by renting out one's vehicle can soften the cost of vintage-car ownership.

"We think this might be the future of the vintage-car world," Hagerty chief executive McKeel Hagerty said. "This is an entry point for the next generation, who may not be familiar with vintage cars, and it's also an entry point for a prospective owner who can't quite afford the cost of a vintage vehicle."

Hagerty opened DriveShare in partnership with the regional rental company Classics&Exotics, whose founder, Peter Zawadzki, has joined the insurance giant as director of DriveShare.

Classics&Exotics, a privately funded Massachusetts start-up that Zawadzki launched in 2015, began to interest Hagerty after he received multiple queries.

"I kept bumping into people who would mention Classics&Exotics and ask me, 'Could this work?'" Hagerty said. "I finally realized, yes, it could, if we got behind it."

Overseen by Zawadzki and Hagerty, the new company handled 50 transactions in its beta state. Zawadzki said four of those transactions resulted in vintage-car purchases  after the renter fell in love with the classic-car experience.

As an example, Zawadzki described how a New Yorker who wanted a quintessential California vacation driving experience rented a BMW 2002 from an owner in Los Angeles. The renter enjoyed the car so much, he returned to New York and bought an older BMW for himself.

DriveShare joins a small group of peer-to-peer car-rental services. Best known are two San Francisco ventures: Turo, which oversees a network of 160,000 privately owned cars in 5,000 cities, and Getaround, which operates in eight U.S. cities, soon to launch in Philadelphia, and allows for rental on an hourly basis.

The median DriveShare transaction rate is $275 a day, with prices based on the age, rarity, and condition of each vehicle. The transactions are insured by DriveShare, with the cost of insurance folded into the daily rental rate.

Potential renters are screened as part of signing up for the service. DriveShare accepts or rejects them based on their driving records and what Zawadzki called "a full background check." Anyone with more than two major traffic tickets in the last two years, or with a DUI, need not apply.

Cars are screened for safety and drivability.

The database is searchable by geographic location, category of car (hot rod, classic car, or muscle car, for example), price, and special features.

The service is available nationwide, except in New York, where insurance rental regulations prevent DriveShare from operating.

The most-rented car so far, Zawadzki said, is that 1937 Packard.

The two men who cooked up DriveShare are serious about vintage cars. Hagerty spent part of his time at the recently concluded Pebble Beach car show tooling around in an 1967 Porsche he got as a teenager and has just finished restoring. Zawadzki has in his garage a 1958 MGA, a 1984 Porsche 911, and a 1984 Ferrari 308.

"This is our passion," Hagerty said. "We want to remove all the barriers we can to vintage-car ownership for the next generation of drivers."
After nearly 40 years of working in diners together, Nick and Stella Mitoulis, owners of Sandys Restaurant in Fitler Square, hung up their aprons for good. Read more

Stella Mitoulis was weeping.

She and her husband, Nick, sat Monday afternoon in a window booth of their Center City restaurant, Sandy's, surrounded by the cards and flowers and gifts  tokens of a life spent behind one of the best diner counters in this ever-changing city.

The grill was cold, the lunch crowd had gone. Nick and Stella had but one more shift.

And then, after nearly 40 years: retirement.

Stella's first big vacation  a trip back home to Greece, to beautiful, mountainous Avgerinos to see her mother, Aphrodite  stretched out before her. And Nick, happy at last for a day off, counted the hours to when he could finally retire his egg-beating bowl and hang it in his living room.

"So I can see it every day," he said, smiling, over his Greek salad.

All Stella could do was weep.

"Stella, don't cry," Nick said.

She could not help it. She was going to miss the customers.

"I love my customers," she said.

And so many love Stella and Nick.

I have written about Stella and Nick before  how their homey diner at 24th and Locust made a few blocks in Fitler Square feel more like a neighborhood. How as high-rises skyrocketed around them, Sandy's stayed comfortably the same.

Nick, 66, a bear of a guy, solemnly scanning the booths from the grill. Stella, 61, always with a smile, flitting through the dining room ferrying stacks of plates. When they fought, it was over the good of the customer. It felt like home. There's less and less of that as Center City becomes something new.

For days, regulars have been stopping by to pay their respects.

Jose Huertas, a music promoter who lives at 24th and Spruce, has been coming in for two decades for the grilled chicken and hot sauce, and for so much more than that. When his teenage son died three years ago, Nick and Stella shut the diner doors so his family could eat in privacy.

On Tuesday, Huertas, 38, stopped in not to eat, but to say thank you.

"Thank you for everything you have done for me  through the good and the bad," he said, hugging Stella. "Thank you for treating me like family."

Giovanna Chiti and Beth Tole teared up as they said goodbye. Chiti, originally from Italy, raised three boys in the neighborhood  and on weekends, it was always pancakes at Sandy's. The boys, grown now, came in over the weekend to say goodbye.

Tole first arrived at Sandy's as a transplant from Atlanta.

"Thank you for making Philadelphia feel like my city  like home," she told Stella.

Some customers figured out how to translate their thank-you notes into Greek.

"We lived the American dream," Stella said through her tears  and told of her and her husband's American dream. How Nick and Stella Mitoulis arrived from Greece with $80 in their pockets. How they stood on their feet and worked  worked all those years in the diner. And she told of everything that came from it: the building paid off, two kids through college and into homes, weddings. And now, retirement.

"We want to thank everyone for all the years they supported us," Nick said. "A big, big thank you."

They sold the business, not the building, to two younger restaurateurs, Fredi Loka and George Profi, who both came to Philadelphia from Albania  and worked their way up through the restaurant business. They plan on polishing the place up and offering gourmet Italian while still serving breakfast and lunch.

The two hard workers remind her of Nick, Stella said.

As for Nick, he plans on accompanying Stella to Greece for a long vacation in November. They own a little home in the village they grew up in. Perhaps he'll buy some chickens and sheep, and stay awhile, he jokes with their kids, Costa and Angie.

But first things first. On Wednesday, his first day off after all those years at the grill, he's going to fill up his Toyota and drive  drive from his Delaware County home in whatever direction he feels like. And when he runs out of gas, he's going to fill it up again, and then drive home.

Home to Stella.
I'm accustomed to Fraternal Order of Police president John McNesby denouncing black protesters and white allies who speak out against police shootings of African Americans.

He did so in 2014, using words such as "professional hatemongers" and "convicted thugs" to describe those who protested after grand juries declined to charge the white police officers who killed Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner on Staten Island, N.Y.

But last week, during a "Back the Blue" pro-police rally at FOP headquarters in Northeast Philadelphia, McNesby used the phrase "rabid animals" to describe a mixed-race group of activists led by Asa Khalif of Black Lives Matter Pennsylvania and Isaac Gardner of the Coalition for Justice for David Jones.

Philadelphia Police Officer Ryan Pownall fatally shot Jones in the back in June, and the protesters led a rally outside the officer's home. The pro-police rally was held in response, and, during that rally, McNesby, who could not be reached for comment for this column, engaged in yet another rant peppered with racially insensitive buzzwords. But this time, city councilmen, at least one state representative, and a district attorney candidate were among the overwhelmingly white crowd that witnessed McNesby's outburst.

None of those elected officials said a word to counter the FOP president's assertion that Black Lives Matter activists were animals, and that should alarm every Philadelphian  especially Philadelphians of color  because describing black people as animals is a time-honored racist taunt.

I am appalled that Council Majority Leader Bobby Henon, Councilman Brian O'Neill and Councilman Mark Squilla  all of whom collect city paychecks funded by the tax dollars of black and brown citizens  apparently said nothing to dispute McNesby's words. Black people help to pay their salaries, and if our City Council members won't even defend us against words that have the ring of racism, we need different representation.

The same goes for state Rep. Martina White, who ran for office with FOP support, and proposed legislation to allow police officers who shoot civilians to shield their identities from the public.

Republican District Attorney candidate Beth Grossman  also the beneficiary of an FOP endorsement  didn't say a mumbling word, either.

And in a rally that seemed to take on the kind of hateful characteristics that have turned the thin blue line into a chasm between police and communities of color, our elected officials were complicit. Not only in their refusal to denounce McNesby's comments when they were uttered, but also in their collective decision to remain silent in the ensuing days.

I'm disturbed by that ugly truth, and every Philadelphian should be disturbed, as well.

All of them had ample opportunity to say that, while they might disagree with the confrontational tactics of Black Lives Matter, they don't see them as animals. All of them had numerous chances to say their constituents include people of every hue. All of them had the opportunity to look at the numerous published reports that repeated McNesby's comments, and to distance themselves from the FOP president's racially insensitive words.

None of them did that of their own volition. And even when I called their offices, only three of the five responded by press time.

Squilla said he didn't remember McNesby calling Black Lives Matter activists animals, so I asked him whether he agreed with McNesby's assessment.

"I don't agree with any name calling of people to begin with, but I don't agree with any name calling like that," Squilla said. "I don't remember the name being called at the event

"Understanding when people get called names the first instinct is to call a name back  I know the police were being called racist pigs and [McNesby] was upset about it  but it doesn't improve the situation by calling someone a name. Calling people animals doesn't help the dialogue."

Through a spokesman, White promised to provide a statement, but did not do so by press time.

Grossman did not directly answer a question about her failure to denounce McNesby's racially insensitive remarks. Through a statement, she engaged in finger pointing.

"We can't speak for John McNesby," said the statement, which was emailed by Grossman's campaign manager, James Williams. "But we see no distinction between his language and that of Larry Krasner supporter and endorser Asa Khalif of [Black Lives Matter]'s choice of words referring to cops as pigs and to a resident as white devil crackers."

I pressed for an answer as to whether Grossman agreed with McNesby, and her campaign manager replied by doing what he claimed Grossman couldn't do  speaking for McNesby.

"We don't feel that McNesby was referring to black people, considering the majority of the protesters were white," the statement said. "He was speaking about the protesters at the officer's house, not the Black Lives Matter movement."

I don't believe that. I believe McNesby and other police union representatives all over the country are angry that black people have the audacity to stand up and say our lives matter as much as yours.

I only wish our elected representatives would stand up and say the same.
The University of the Sciences has announced its plan to roll back tuition, and reduce aid, in a tuition reset to better compete for a smaller pool of high school graduates. Read more

Recovering from a deficit and layoffs last spring, the University of the Sciences is announcing a plan Wednesday to roll back its tuition sticker price by 37 percent next year in a bid to appeal to a wider swath of applicants.

Freshmen in fall 2018 will pay tuition and fees of $25,000, down from $39,994 this year. As with other tuition resets, the university also will reduce aid it gives to students, meaning few will actually save anywhere near $15,000.

The aim, said Patricia Vanston, vice president for business development and enrollment management, is to become more transparent about what college actually costs, with an eye towards attracting a broader base of students.

"What we're really trying to get out there is what a wonderful opportunity this school provides," Vanston said. "We think people are not even getting to know that because of the sticker price."

The West Philadelphia university becomes the fourth college in the region to "reset tuition," as colleges locally and nationally struggle to compete for fewer high school graduates.

Rosemont College, a private Catholic school on the Main Line, was the first in 2016, followed by two other private Catholic schools  La Salle University in Philadelphia's Logan section and Immaculata University in Malvern. Their resets take effect this fall.

La Salle, which announced a 29 percent cut in tuition sticker price last September, enrolled 956 freshmen this semester, its largest class in 25 years.

Transfer students also rose from 108 to 142, and some new students came from California and other states which had shown little interest in the school in the past, said president Colleen M. Hanycz. Local interest grew, too, she said. La Salle attracted 21 freshmen from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor, including the class president, up from three in 2016. The private college prep high school is run by the Christian Brothers, the same religious community overseeing the university.

"The tuition reset got people to the table," said Tom Delahunt, La Salle's vice president for enrollment services. "It got folks to consider us who weren't considering us before."

USciences hopes to attract similar interest. In addition to resetting tuition for next year's freshmen, the university also announced that it would freeze tuition and fees for those students at $25,000 for all four years, for a total of $100,000.

Pharmacy and occupational and physical therapy students, whose doctoral degrees take six years, will be locked in at a total of $190,000, she said. Students in these programs will save a minimum of $30,000 over six years, Vanston said.

While current undergraduates will not be reset, their costs will be frozen at this year's rate.

Room and board rates are not part of the reset and could rise. Students will pay about $15,600 this year.

The reset follows a tumultuous spring when the school laid off faculty and staff and cut programs in the wake of a $4.5 million shortfall in its $90 million budget. Enrollment had fallen from about 2,500 in 2011-12 to 2,100 in 2016-17.

The school, Vanston said, had been raising tuition 3.5 percent to 4 percent a year, "a point of dissatisfaction" for students.

Vanston said she reached out to officials at other schools that have reset their tuition. "One question I asked all of them is would you do it again, and they all said yes," she said.

More than two dozen colleges have reset tuition in recent decades with various degrees of success. Lucie Lapovsky, a former college president-turned-consultant, two years ago completed a study on eight colleges that rolled back tuition. Seven saw increases in freshman enrollment the first year, and of the four that made the change several years ago, all had maintained the increase, she found. Five had an increase in tuition revenue as a result of greater enrollment.

At Rosemont, applications rose 64 percent and enrollment 15 percent in the first year. For this fall, applications rose slightly from last year's record, while undergraduate enrollment dipped by a few students. Rosemont officials remain pleased with results of the tuition reset.

"The academic quality of the students entering Rosemont has increased year over year for the past two years," said Sharon L. Hirsh, president.

At La Salle, the largest school in the region to launch a reset, full-time undergraduate enrollment is expected to reach 3,171, up nearly 3 percent from last year, the school reports.

La Salle increased freshman enrollment while improving the quality of the class, said Delahunt. The average GPA of incoming freshmen rose, Delahunt said, and 9 percent of the class is in the honors program, more than in recent years.

University officials, he said, had to spend time educating families on how the new pricing structure works. Receiving less aid, he said, "doesn't mean we love them any less."

On average, La Salle students will pay about $1,700 less under the new structure than if the college had raised tuition 3.5 percent, as it typically had done, Delahunt said. Tuition, fees and room and board at La Salle this year are $43,476, down from $54,680 last year, before aid.

Students seemed to get the message.

"I was looking here before they reset tuition," said freshman Bridget Broscius, 18, of Abington, as she browsed in the bookstore. "That kind of bumped it to the top."

Freshman Harry Scanlon, 18, of Willow Grove, said that he primarily was attracted to La Salle because of its accounting program and internship opportunities, but that the tuition reset ended up sealing the deal.

"I can put myself in a good position for the future and come out with hardly any debt," he said.

La Salle implemented the tuition reset as one component of a plan to bring the school back from a deficit.

At Immaculata, the tuition reset didn't appear to have much impact on freshmen enrollment, which actually dropped by 10 students. But Gerald J. Wargo Jr., vice president for enrollment management, attributed that to timing. Immaculata announced its reset in January, about four months after La Salle.

Transfer students increased by eight. Overall enrollment is projected to be under 870, down nearly 9 percent from last year.

"We're really feeling good for fall 2018," Wargo said. "Everything is in place."
DECATUR  As he walks on the chipped, grassy sections of what are supposed to be sidewalks in the Old Kings Orchard neighborhood, Tyrese Johnson says its clear that work needs to be done.

It looks rough, he said. It would be nice to have some of those sidewalks you see downtown.

After Tuesday nights approval by the Decatur City Council, the Old King's Orchard and GM Square neighborhoods in the heart of the city will see modern sidewalks to replace the dilapidated concrete, thanks to nearly $400,000 from the federal government.

The work, expected to start this week, is funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, money distributed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that pays for a variety local improvement initiatives.

Decatur receives roughly $1.2 million per year in block grant funding. Over time, it has also been used to demolish unsafe properties, provide residential rehabilitation or emergency home repairs for some people who meet income guidelines, and provide education and workforce training to help residents get jobs.

The city has not undertaken a project focused solely on sidewalks since 2010, Public Works Director Rick Marley said. When sidewalk work has occurred in the past seven years, such as during the downtown streetscape enhancement, it was part of larger projects.

A longtime community activist and volunteer in the Old King's Orchard neighborhood, Joyce Keller said she appreciated any efforts by the city to help the struggling area.

We want to try and get it back to where its good for the community, Keller said. Anything that can improve the neighborhood is good for me.

The longest stretch slated for repair is North Edward Street between West Garfield Avenue and the railroad tracks just north of West Eldorado Street. Other sidewalks targeted for improvement include:

East Marietta and West Grand Avenues between North Monroe and North Main Streets

North Monroe, North Church and North Main Streets between West Grand Avenue and the railroad tracks just north of West Eldorado Street

The work is set to be completed by Dec. 8.

Raymond-based Kinney Contractors, Inc., was the lowest of five bidders for the contract. Its bid of $397,047.50 was 27 percent below city engineer estimates, according to records, meaning that just under $150,000 was initially allocated to the work but not spent.

In response to a question from Councilman David Horn, City Manager Tim Gleason said the remaining money represented part of a total $300,000 left over from this year's CDBG funding. Gleason and the council are preparing to launch a sweeping neighborhood revitalization effort in the coming months, and Gleason said community input would help identify what neighborhoods to target for more work.

Well have $300,000 that we can dump right into some of these neighborhoods that are likely to emerge and repair their sidewalks as well, Gleason said.

In other business, several council members suggested that the city should adopt a policy that would give local vendors preferred treatment in public bids.

The discussion came up as council members voted to improve the concrete pads of 12 bus shelters throughout the city. The project was also awarded to Kinney Contractors, as the company's $64,816 bid was the lowest among the four received by the council.

But Councilman Bill Faber and others noticed that the second-lowest bidder was Decatur-based MCGE, LLC, whose own bid was only $2,219 more than the lowest bid.

If this body, if its going to stay true to its word and its philosophy to buy local, we should have a local preference in the awarding of our contracts, Faber said.

Gleason told the council he could look into the matter and provide additional information about how such a policy could work. A study session on the matter could occur as early as next month, Gleason said.
A protest rally outside the Philadelphia offices of the Justice Department. The group marched along Chestnut Street to the Federal Detention Center at Eighth and Arch Streets. Read more

Jason Hernandez's phone was ringing a lot and his email pinging, more than any other day since he started working for Rutgers University on Aug. 1.

Hernandez, an immigrant rights attorney, was hired to help students who have immigration issues get their degree, and his work Tuesday took on even greater meaning.

President Trump ordered an end to the program that protects from deportation young people brought into the country illegally as children, including those who are now college students. Congress has until March 5 to develop a replacement for it, or it dies. The program is known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA.

Rutgers, one of the few campuses locally that has tracked or was willing to release its number of DACA students, estimates it has roughly 500 enrolled at its three campuses in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden.

"There are a number of uncertainties that loom for them," Hernandez said. "We've been trying to determine what all the information provided by the Trump administration means."

For students, the decision was chilling.

"It means that DACA is really over. I have to bring myself to say those words," said Daniela Velez, a Burlington County resident who came to the United States from Venezuela at age 9 and is a junior at New Brunswick's business school.

Trump's action brought swift and firm condemnation from local university leaders, who braced for the impact on their campuses.

"This is a heartbreaking day for our country," said Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania. Trump's decision "threatens hundreds of thousands of young people who were raised in America, love this country, and are an integral part of the American dream."

College leaders vowed to do all they could to protect their students and ensure their chance of completing a degree.

"We recognize the stress that this decision is having on our undocumented students and their families," wrote Rutgers president Robert L. Barchi in an email to the campus community, "and to these students we want to be very clear in saying that nothing has changed for you in regard to your relationship with Rutgers."

Rutgers Law School launched the "Rutgers Immigrant Community Assistance Project (RICAP)" that employs Hernandez. The university previously helped students through its law clinics but found that with the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration the demand was too great, Hernandez said.

"After the election results came in, there was a student outcry for information," he said. "It became clear the clinics would not be able to support all of that need."

He is working to help students whose DACA status will expire by March 5. They have until Oct. 5 to submit their applications for renewal, he said. He also is offering legal consultation and may be involved in legal representation, he said.

"It's a great move," Velez, 23, said of Rutgers' decision to employ Hernandez. "It showcases the support that Rutgers has for" DACA students.

Velez, who belongs to UndocuJersey, which advocates for DACA students, said she's focused on the fight ahead.

Other students are preparing, too.

"It's a mix of emotions," said Maria Castaneda, a political science major at Swarthmore College who is under DACA. "I feel angry, but at the same time I feel anxious and sad."

She came to the United States from Mexico when she was 3. Her parents had her two brothers after the family arrived here.

"Our family is very mixed, where my parents are undocumented, I have DACA, and my two brothers are U.S. citizens," she said. "We encapsulate everything. They are going to have to do something."

Officials on most local college campuses, including Penn, Pennsylvania State, Drexel, Temple, and Lehigh, said they couldn't provide an estimate of how many DACA students attend because there is no official requirement that they report it. National estimates of all people under DACA are around 800,000.

Several campuses in addition to Rutgers reported offering counseling and other services to students.

"Every student at this university has earned the right to be here based on their academic talent and hard work," Penn State president Eric Barron said.

Staff writer Jenice Armstrong contributed to this article.
John Pace (left), a former juvenile lifer, with members of the reentry support group he started in May after being released from prison. From left are Jeffrey Dean, Vincent Boyd, Charles Brown, Stacey Torrance. Read more

For the first time in a generation, Pennsylvania prisons are releasing convicted murderers by the dozen.

In the last year, 70 men and women  all locked away as teens  have quietly returned to the community after decades behind bars. They're landing their first jobs, as grocery store cashiers and line cooks, addiction counselors and paralegals. They are, in their 50s and 60s, learning to drive, renting their first apartments, trying to establish credit, and navigating unfamiliar relationships. They're encountering the mismatch between long-held daydreams and the hard realities of daily life.

These are the first of 517 juvenile lifers in Pennsylvania, the largest such contingent in the nation, to be resentenced and released on parole since the Supreme Court decided that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for minors are unconstitutional.

Many feel they've been granted both an extraordinary privilege and a grave responsibility: to demonstrate that it is, in fact, safe to release many of Pennsylvania's more than 5,000 lifers. So far, not one of the 70 has violated parole.

"We understand the value of having things in place so we don't have the Reggie McFaddens again," said John Pace, 49, who left prison in February after 31 years. The case of Reginald McFadden  the juvenile lifer who received clemency and went on a rape and murder rampage in 1994  effectively ceased such commutations in Pennsylvania.

Still, it has been a more difficult path than many imagined. They said representatives from various reentry organizations had visited the prisons, describing services that would be available to them.

"The ideas that they had us coming out to didn't exist," said Vincent Boyd, 52, who came home in February after 36 years. He's humble, willing to work hard. After earning as little as 19 cents per hour in prison, low wages don't faze him. He now cleans kitchens on an overnight shift, earning $55 a night. But housing, employment, and access to health care remain pressing concerns. "They weren't ready for juvenile lifers to come out here. If we didn't have it on our own, we didn't receive it from anywhere else."

So, the lifers are trying to organize their own reentry program. A peer-support group led by Pace meets monthly. "I believe in self-agency," he said.

A big adjustment

Lifers who returned to Philadelphia and agreed to speak to the Inquirer and Daily News said the best things about being out of prison are, well, just about everything: Trees and squirrels and birds, parks and front porches, ice cream, soft pretzels, bubble baths. Opening up the refrigerator and choosing what you want to eat. Being with family. Being alone. Locking the door of your apartment. Unlocking it.

But the transition has also been jarring, confusing, difficult, and sometimes frightening.

There's sticker shock, of course. Pizza cost 50 cents a slice when Boyd was locked up. Now, $3 seems exorbitant.

There are technological mishaps. Juvenile lifers have, like everybody else, discovered the annoyance of the group text.

Boyd shook his head: "I can't stand that."

They're figuring out how to dress themselves. Almost anything is better than a prison uniform, but fashion can be tricky.

"We're dealing with a different generation," Pace said. "They like a lot of tight stuff. You got to be thoughtful that, when you're buying jeans, they're not skinny jeans."

There are also more serious challenges.

After decades in close confines, the wider world can seem a scary place. It's hard to shake the feeling everyone's watching you after so many decades of being watched. And they find it strange that people will pass them on the street without bothering to say hello.

"Everyone is disconnected, walking down the street with headphones," said John Thompson, 55, who spent 37 years in prisons. He was often held in solitary as punishment for possessing weapons, which he deemed necessary for survival. Yet, he doesn't think the outside world is any safer.

Michael Twiggs, who was locked up for 41 years, often forwards warnings he encounters online, the type of ominous but easily debunked missive that was ubiquitous in the early days of email. "I do see a lot of warnings," he said. "I don't know if it's real or fake, but I do try to pass it on."

Some of their fears have proved justified. Wage theft, in particular, has plagued men who worked for weeks or months without pay. (Joseph Baynes, 59, shrugged it off when it happened to him. "The brother hired me sight unseen when I was in prison. I'm grateful for the experience.")

Many are not yet making a living wage, but some are highly educated.

Pace, for one, has a bachelor's degree from Villanova University, earned over the course of 13 years. He's employed as a trainer for the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program and hopes to earn a master's degree next.

And Twiggs, 59, who for two decades was president of the Para-Professional Law Clinic at Graterford Prison, is now working full-time as a paralegal with the appeals unit of the Defender Association of Philadelphia.

A little help

So far, the lifers who have been released after three or four decades have not faced much public outcry.

Jennifer Storm, Pennsylvania's official victim advocate, expects to hear more concerns from victims' families as lifers who've served less time come up for resentencing.

After all, everyone who is serving a life sentence in Pennsylvania was convicted of murder or felony murder  participating in a felony in which someone is killed.

Pace hit a man with a blackjack while attempting to mug him; the man died 10 days later. Twiggs shot another teen on the street in Southwest Philadelphia. Vincent Boyd and his nephew Courtney, both released this year, were among a group of teens who beat a man for a six-pack of beer and were sentenced to life after he died of a heart attack. Thompson shot a man who was breaking the windows of the North Philadelphia house where he lived. Baynes shot a 64-year-old woman in a robbery on the street.

Advocates say these men have matured and are now rehabilitated. They just need a little help to get back on their feet.

It's hard to come by, though.

The Department of Corrections has helped where it can, working with lifers to obtain identification and offering a six-month housing voucher.

Jondhi Harrell, who runs the Center for Returning Citizens in Nicetown, said that he's been assisting about a dozen lifers with developing life skills and plans, but that he needs funding to do the work effectively. He's also enlisted David Rudovsky, a civil rights lawyer, to help match law firms with lifers who have paralegal experience. Rudovsky said he's gauging firms' interest.

Joanna Visser Adjoian of the Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project said reentry providers have tried to step up. "But there's a real resource issue," she said. Individual counseling would be ideal, but the project is instead launching a website to refer lifers to programs they may be eligible for.

The other challenges of life on the outside they will have to figure out for themselves.

Pace, for one, is navigating a new phase of a romantic relationship that was long-distance for the last eight years. "She said, 'You were so sweet when you were in there!' I said, 'Well, you're around me every day now.' "

Family relationships can be similarly problematic.

"You are always going to have a strained relationship with your family and friends, because you don't see things from the same perspective," Thompson said. "You can't explain it to them. If your leg's never been broken, you really don't know how it feels to have your leg broken."

For many, the only people who know just how they feel are other lifers.

"I consider them my brothers, my extended family," Baynes said.

Baynes left prison in May after 43 years. He's now working as a line cook, and living at a halfway house.

Life outside may be complicated, but his approach to it is simple, almost foolproof: "You got to give back. You got to be grateful. You got to thank God you got a second opportunity, and you got to do the right thing."
Cosmo DiNardo was awake. And he was seeking suggestions from his 2,044 Facebook friends.

"Best methods to fall asleep?" he wrote at 1:19 a.m. on July 6. "Other than [awful] tasting tea oh and working out doesn't make me tired FYI."

It was hours after DiNardo allegedly had killed and buried Jimi T. Patrick of Newtown, one day before three more young men would be gunned down at DiNardo's family property in Solebury, Bucks County, and one week before DiNardo would confess to all four murders.

On Thursday, DiNardo and his cousin Sean Kratz are scheduled for a preliminary hearing in Doylestown, their first court appearance since being jailed without bail in July.

Prosecutors say DiNardo confessed in exchange for a promise that he would not face the death penalty. Kratz was made no such promise; prosecutors are still deciding whether to seek the death penalty against him. One of his lawyers, Craig Pengalese, said Kratz has admitted to being present for three of the killings  not committing them.

The motive for the killings remains a mystery. Prosecutors have said they may never find one. But they have cast DiNardo, the 20-year-old from Bensalem, as the driving force in the crimes, his cousin as an accomplice.

Neither DiNardo nor his relatives has spoken publicly in the months since the days-long, frantic search for the four victims and the discovery of their remains. His lawyers have said little. His friends and acquaintances have been reluctant to discuss him, and the few willing to talk usually do so with a request not to be identified with a suspect believed to have lured four young men to his family's isolated farm, gunned them down, and buried their bodies.

Public records and court documents have offered some details. But perhaps nothing is as illuminating as the online postings from DiNardo and those who know him. He posted frequently on Facebook and Instagram  often more than once a day  desperately seeking friends and women. He posted openly about dealing pot but also at times shared other career aspirations.

Together, the postings offer a portrait of an increasingly lonely and isolated young man, one whose life unraveled in the year before that sleepless July night.

"I watched him change and struggle with his mental health," wrote Chris Hellmuth, who identified himself as a close friend of DiNardo's since the fourth grade, on Facebook after the killings. "The Cosmo I knew for over 10 years would never be capable of anything like this, but his current mental state is not one of a rational human being."

Hellmuth and others pointed to an ATV accident in May 2016 as a turning point for DiNardo. Solebury police said they responded that day to the DiNardo family's Solebury farm, found DiNardo with a broken ankle, and transported him to a hospital for further evaluation.

Two months after that accident, Solebury police got a call for help at Aquetong and River Roads  near the DiNardos' property. He and his mother, Sandra, were having "a verbal altercation" inside their car, police said.

Public documents don't elaborate on the cause of the spat or how intense it got. But later that day, Sandra DiNardo had her son committed for treatment for schizophrenia, according to prosecutors and court documents. Where and how long he was committed haven't been made public.

By that time, DiNardo was already known to police  Bensalem police had records of 88 incidents involving the DiNardo family or calls to police from their household since 1998. But the severity of incidents involving Cosmo DiNardo appeared to worsen in the last year.

And his online persona took a darker and sadder turn. Much of DiNardo's Facebook profile is not public. But after his arrest, one of his Facebook friends posted a public video of the content of his page.

"I am a savage no explanation needed," DiNardo wrote Dec. 27 on Facebook.

He sought women  sometimes aggressively and with vulgar language  in frequent posts asking for people to hang out with him or bemoaning his lack of dates.

"Need new women to talk to hmu," he wrote on Jan. 15, and again on Jan. 19, using "hmu" as an abbreviation for "hit me up."

"The fact that you have to post statuses about needed new women to talk to is the sad part," one woman commented in response. "Why don't you try and make conversation or get out and meet people lol."

A day later, he posted another plea for women.

"Birthday sex anyone ?????" he wrote on Facebook twice on Jan. 20, the day before he turned 20.

"Who wants to go out with me tonight for my birthday," he wrote the next day.

When no one responded, he replied to his own post: "any takers."

And later, he wrote a final birthday Facebook post: "who loves intercourse like me?"

His efforts to find friends weren't completely in vain.

One young woman, Kim Sambrick of Norristown, said she met DiNardo last year when he posted on Facebook looking for new people to hang out with him. She went out with him a few times, but said she did not see their relationship as romantic. DiNardo would give Sambrick rides in exchange for gas money.

"He seemed actually really nice at first," Sambrick said after the killings. "But he started to get really creepy."

On June 30, Sambrick said, DiNardo gave her and a friend a ride home from another friend's house in Philadelphia. He pulled into a Wawa parking lot and told his passengers that one of them would have to perform sex acts on him.

"You don't think I just drove you to Philly for $10 in gas money, right?" Sambrick recalled DiNardo saying. She said she and her friend got out of the car, and found a police officer to drive them to a train station.

Though he sold drugs  "I'm in the firewood business now," DiNardo had announced on Facebook in November, using a slang term for selling marijuana  he seemed to struggle between paths. He had been banned from both his high school and college campuses and in February, was arrested for possessing a firearm. But he took community college courses  passing an English course the week before the slayings.

He also had written on Facebook that he wanted to become a landscaper.

"I currently sell firewood but this spring I am starting my own landscaping business if anyone would like a free estimate call me," he posted in January.

By March, he wrote of becoming a professional hunter.

"Here is how I plan to make my dreams come true," he wrote. "First I am going to go to Montana to do taxidermy school for six months. My second step will be to open a butcher shop in New Hope. After the butcher shop I will use the funds to acquire equipment and a building to make an archery range and paintball course."

Profits would go toward buying land out west, in Florida, and in South Africa, he said, to lead guided hunts and possibly get his own reality television show. DiNardo also posted videos of shooting target practice and photos of deer heads or of himself posing with a deer he had shot.

At the same time, he maintained a fixation with guns. Some who knew him said he sold firearms in addition to drugs. Acquaintances also said he had made other threats and talked about having people killed in the weeks before the murders. A selfie photo that he sent on Snapchat, sneering and pointing a pistol at the camera, added to that image.

Prosecutors say he claimed he offered to sell Patrick, the first victim, a gun shortly before killing him on the family's property in July.

After the four young men went missing, DiNardo's social media posts slowed.

His last Facebook post went up in the middle of the night on July 8. It was hours after he and his cousin allegedly killed Dean Finocchiaro, Thomas Meo, and Mark Sturgis but before the search had begun that would lead investigators to the troubled Bensalem man.

"Time to say bye bye to facebook and hello to more free time," DiNardo wrote at 1:48 a.m.

Later that day, prosecutors say, he and Kratz returned to the Solebury farm. Then they used a backhoe to dig a 12-foot grave and bury three bodies.

Staff writers Erin McCarthy and Colt Shaw contributed to this article.
Former 610WIP weekend radio host Craig Carton, 48, who has cohosted the Boomer and Carton show on WFAN in New York since 2007, was arrested early Wednesday on investment-related fraud charges, allegedly for bilking people out of $5.6 million, according to federal prosecutors.

The charges stemmed from a fake-ticket scam that Carton and business partner Michael Wright allegedly ran. In a plot that sounds like something out of Mel Brooks' The Producers, the two allegedly operated a discount-ticket broker business that didn't exist.

The New York Daily News reported that Carton began the scam after running up millions in gambling debts to casinos and to an unnamed individual.

Carton's "business" involved reselling tickets to popular concerts, but he had no agreements with concert promoters or venues to get the tickets, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged.

"As alleged, Craig Carton and Michael Wright deceived investors and raised millions of dollars through misrepresentation and outright lies," acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said in a statement. "Their schemes were allegedly propped up by phony contracts with two companies to purchase blocks of concert tickets, when in fact, Carton and Wright had no deals to purchase any tickets at all. As alleged, behind all the talk, the Wright and Carson show was just a sham, designed to fleece investors out of millions ultimately to be spent on payments to casinos and to pay off other personal debt."

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: "Carton and Wright thought they could get off easy by allegedly paying off their debts with other people's money. They then attempted to pay off investors with money that would eventually become future debt, as alleged. We see this time and time again, the rise and fall of a Ponzi scheme destined for failure. The truth is, the time will come when your luck runs out. Unfortunately for those arrested today, that time is now."

NBC4 reported that Carton was arrested at his Manhattan home.

"We are aware of the situation and are cooperating with authorities," WIP owner CBS Radio said in a statement. Carton's radio partner Boomer Esiason thought his co-host had called in sick Wednesday morning.

Carton worked at WIP in the mid-late 1990s, primarily as a weekend host, when he was in his 20s, and was known as "The Kid."

In 1994, Carton was first to report that Jeffrey Lurie had purchased the Eagles, according to Merrill Reese's autobiography, It's Gooooood!. In 1997, Carton said on the air that Flyers star Eric Lindros had missed a game because he was hung over. The statement was never disproved, but the Flyers sued WIP. The case was settled out of court.

He also worked for New Jersey 101.5 in Trenton, among many other radio stops. Carton is married with four children.
Tammy Hart-Barnes was set to go to court to resolve a dispute with a neighbor but did not appear because of, she says, confusion with the District Attorneys Office. She displays the paperwork. Read more

Tammy Hart-Barnes has a couple of problems.

I have one, but mine can wait for a bit.

Hart-Barnes' first problem is with a neighbor one door down from her Hunting Park home.

That problem, she says, began last September, when the neighbor began using an orange cone to hold a parking space, which is illegal. Hart-Barnes complained, but it happened again. Bad words, even threats, were exchanged.

It got bad enough for Hart-Barnes to call the cops, who took an incident report but did no further investigating. Hart-Barnes, a 45-year-old widow, eventually filed a private criminal complaint against the neighbor claiming harassment and terroristic threats.

They were ordered to go to mediation, but that didn't resolve the issues.

So off they went to a May 11 hearing at the Criminal Justice Center.

That's where the other trouble began. With both Hart-Barnes and her neighbor present, a postponement was ordered to allow for gathering of further evidence.

A June 7 trial date was selected. Hart-Barnes says Assistant District Attorney Bryan Barth told her she would not have to appear, so she scheduled needed back surgery for early June.

On June 7, court was called to order, but Hart-Barnes was not there. The DA's Office called her to ask where she was and she said she had an operation the day before because Barth had told her she need not appear.

Really?

"Absolutely not," I am told by Barth, who joined the DA's Office on Nov. 7.

"Our biggest challenge often is getting people to come to court," says Michael Stackow, chief of the Municipal Court unit in the DA's Office. It's against the office's ethos to tell people to avoid court, he says.

But Hart-Barnes insists that is what happened.

The case had passed from Barth to Juna Dawson-Murray, who asked the judge for a continuance, but he dismissed the case.

Remember I told you I also had a problem?

Here it is: I have two people telling opposing stories. Whom am I supposed to believe?

Neither? Both? Half and half? Was it a misunderstanding?

I don't know and I can't know.

I've spoken to Hart-Barnes several times and have read her account of what happened. She is focused and well-organized. In May she earned an associate's degree in early childhood education from Community College of Philadelphia. Prior to becoming a full-time student, she had been a pre-K teacher's assistant.

I asked about her bottom line, what she wants to happen to make this right.

First, she wants a court order to keep her neighbor away from her. Second, she wants Barth to be disciplined.

The DA's Office says Barth didn't say or do anything wrong, so he won't be disciplined. As to the first, I asked Stackow if it's possible to refile the charges and go to court.

The office could, but won't.

Why?

Hart-Barnes lacks evidence, Stackow says. It's her word against her neighbor's, and that won't get a conviction.

Stackow met with Hart-Barnes and they "had a good conversation, and I tried to steer her in the right direction once I realized this case was one we wouldn't be able to prove," says Stackow. One option, he says, is for her to bring a civil suit against her neighbor.

"If I have to get a lawyer, I will," Hart-Barnes says.

If she wants justice, she knows she's on her own.
John L. Jack Asher Jr., 83, who was known as The Candy Man because of his and his familys four-generation history as owners of Ashers Chocolates, died from the late effects of cerebrovascular disease on Wednesday August 30 at Artman Lutheran Home in Ambler. Read more

John L. Asher Jr., 83, who was known as "the Candy Man" because of his family's four-generation history as owners of Asher's Chocolates, died of the late effects of cerebrovascular disease on Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Artman Lutheran Home in Ambler.

Mr. Asher, known as "Jack," who assumed leadership of the company with his brother Bob after the death of their father in 1968, retired in April as co-chairman after nearly 50 years in management.

He grew up in Germantown, graduated from Germantown Academy in 1952, and attended the University of Pennsylvania before joining the family business.

His grandfather, Chester A. Asher, who founded Asher's Chocolates as a small candy store near Independence Hall in 1892 and moved to Germantown in 1896, is described on the company website as "a Scottish farm boy from Canada with a passion for chocolates and a knack for getting to the heart of a sugar craving."

Mr. Asher's son John L. III said the company was nearly bankrupt in 1966, when his father and his father's brother Bob took it over and saved it. "What started as two small I Love Lucy chocolate candy lines grew into two large candy factories in Souderton and Lewistown," he said.

"Dad was always a believer in management by walking around," John Asher III said. "He liked to be out on the factory floor, being the final taste tester at the end of the line, making sure the chocolate was thick enough, checking the quality of the caramels or the butter creams. He'd eat between half a pound and a pound of candy every day."

Mr. Asher knew candy quality, his son said, because "back in the day, when we had two little machines coating chocolates, he made every piece of candy we ever had."

Among Mr. Asher's board memberships were the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown and Historic Cliveden, where he sponsored the re-enactment of the Battle of Germantown for 40 years. "He was always out there on battle day," his son said, "directing things. And after the battle, he made sure all the troops had candy to take home with them."

Mr. Asher was a volunteer firefighter for 35 years with the Wissahickon Fire Company in Ambler and the Flourtown Fire Company.

"We had a ringer at the bottom of our steps," his son said. "The fire bell would go off, and it didn't matter whether it was dinnertime or it was the middle of the night or it was February with snow outside, he would run down the steps and out the door. In 1979, my parents were in the middle of their 25th wedding anniversary party when the fire bell went off and he started running out the door. My mom said, 'Where are you going?' My dad said, 'It's a fire!'"

Mr. Asher was honored as the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year in 1988 and was elected to the National Confectionery Sales Association's Candy Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a life member of the Union League of Philadelphia and a founding member of the Keystone State Boychoir.

In addition to his son, Mr. Asher is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn Krimmel Asher; son David B.; daughter Susan; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, 35 W. Chelten Ave., Philadelphia 19144. The family will greet guests following the service. Interment is private.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown or the Keystone State Boychoir Inc., both at the church address above, or the Jack Asher Legacy Fund at Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia 19144.
Mayor Kenney said Tuesday that using "divisive words gets us nowhere" as he responded to the city police union president's calling protesters a "pack of rabid animals" for demonstrating outside the home of an officer involved in a fatal shooting in June.

On Aug. 24, a handful of Black Lives Matter protesters engaged in a provocative demonstration outside Officer Ryan Pownall's home in Bustleton. The officer's home was protected by a large contingent of police, who also had to keep the protesters apart from angry neighbors.

John McNesby, president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, called the protesters a "pack of rabid animals" at a rally in support of police held at the union's Northeast Philadelphia headquarters last week. The comment drew criticism from across the country.

"While a few individuals have engaged recently in rhetoric and actions that crossed the line, for the large part their conduct wasn't illegal, and escalating the rhetoric in response doesn't help. Referring to black people as animals has a long, painful history in this country. Fighting divisive words with divisive words gets us nowhere," Kenney said in a statement first published online by Philadelphia Magazine.

Lauren Hitt, the mayor's press secretary, provided a copy of the statement to the Inquirer and Daily News.

"Fortunately, while others rely on rhetoric, the overwhelming majority of Philadelphia officers who police demonstrations respond to inflammatory, confrontational language with professionalism and a commitment to the First Amendment. Likewise, the overwhelming majority of protesters have engaged in peaceful protest. Together, I believe they will create a stronger, more united Philadelphia," Kenney said.

Asa Khalif, who led the demonstration outside Pownall's home, said Kenney's statement was inadequate and likened it to President's Trump's response to Charlottesville, Va., in which Trump said both sides were to blame.

"He chose to take the coward's way," Khalif said of Kenney.

Khalif also said McNesby's comments were "violent and dangerous," putting himself and other protesters in danger.

"Rabid animals are put down, are usually shot," Khalif said.

McNesby could not be reached for comment, but he told the magazine that he was not making a racial comment.

"I never referred to black people as animals. I referred to the group of small individuals who protested outside that officer's house as rabid animals. They were chanting and screaming things regarding his wife and kids. I don't even know if they were black, white, Asian," McNesby told the magazine.

A day after the protest, the police union went to court and obtained a ruling, agreed to by the city, that while the city can still release the name of an officer involved in shooting a person 72 hours afterward, the union may seek an emergency petition to halt the release of the officer's name. A full hearing on the matter is scheduled for Sept. 29.

The union is supporting legislation that delays the release of an officer's name for 30 days after a shooting

Pownall fatally shot David Jones, 30, in North Philadelphia on June 8. Police said Jones reached for an illegal gun he was carrying and then ran away. Pownall shot him in the back.

When asked if he and other protesters would return to Pownall's home, Khalif said: "Nothing is off the table."
DECATUR  Police arrested 19 people for driving under the influence during a campaign of increased law enforcement for the Labor Day weekend, the Decatur Police Department said in a statement.

The campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, started Aug. 21 and lasted until Sept. 5. Decatur police added 10 saturation patrols in which a large number of officers are concentrated in a specific area to reduce crime or DUIs, as well as the normal enforcement and patrol officers.

Alcohol- and drug-impaired driving has claimed too many lives, and the Drive Sober campaign was a chance for us to help make zero fatalities a reality on Illinois roads, Sgt. Steve Hagemeyer said in the statement. People die every day at the hands of impaired drivers, and our law enforcement officers were out in full force, arresting drivers who were under the influence.

The police also issued 41 seat belt citations, 14 child restraint citations, 14 speeding tickets and 10 cell phone violations.

The crackdown was funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation, police said.
On a No Beach Tag Wednesday in Sea Isle City this summer, beachgoers stake out their territory, which could be considered beach-spreading. Read more

Ah, beach-spreading  touched a nerve, eh?

Officially birthed in Sea Isle City, now banned in Belmar, a phrase coined by, well, us, beach-spreading  the phenomenon in which beachgoers employ tents, canopies, and other devices to take up way more space than they need  is now an official new-word candidate for the Merriam-Webster dictionary, says associate editor and definer Emily Brewster.

The phrase, featured in a Philly.com story and picked up by the New York Times and other outlets, has been officially added to the "new-word spreadsheet" used by Merriam-Webster lexicographers to monitor candidates for the dictionary.

It joins manspreading, the word used to describe the phenomenon on the subway in which people, mostly men, take up more than one seat and the inspiration for beach-spreading, as a candidate for official inclusion in the dictionary.

"It's got as good a chance as any other word," Brewster said. "Manspreading has been doing very well. It's really catching on. I think that beach-spreading has a tougher row to hoe, as they say. It's not as commonly used. You have to be at a beach. It has to be at a crowded beach. It's a seasonal phenomenon."

It could be years before the word would be officially added to the dictionary, if ever, Brewster said. The process is rigorous. Even manspreading is still in the early stages of monitoring, Brewster said. Several times a year, Merriam-Webster lexicographers review the words in the spreadsheet for updates to the dictionary, and monitor usage, ubiquity, and other signs that the new words have staying power.

Note to lexicographers: Look, the word, in its Spanish form (El 'beach-spreading') has even spread globally:

El 'Beach-Spreading' tampoco lo Han inventado los americanos.

The original beach-spreading story, posted on Philly.com July 20 as part of the Shore series that also ran in the Inquirer and Daily News, was widely read, shared, argued about, and commented on almost instantaneously (though some took offense at the allusion to manspreading, a term that itself is polarizing and offensive to some and seen as unfairly critical of men). But it evidently captured a practice on the beaches of New Jersey and elsewhere that had been steadily encroaching (literally) on people's consciousnesses in recent years.

Even CBS This Morning came calling.

As a dictionary candidate, beach-spreading was flagged by author and journalist Stefan Fatsis, a word connoisseur and author of Word Freak: Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players.

Fatsis added the word, its origins, and its subsequent usage to Merriam-Webster's official "new-words spreadsheet" that serves, basically, as a runway for thousands of possible additions to the dictionary.

But not all words are destined for take-off.

"It could take years to make the dictionary," messaged Fatsis, who is writing a book on Merriam-Webster and the future of the dictionary. (He is essentially "embedded" with the M-W definers for his book.) "Usage has to, um  spread!"

In the meantime, towns are grappling with what to do about the practice itself.

Belmar voted Tuesday night on an official ban that would include the possibility of beach-spreading penalties for tents more than three feet square (tiny, by Jersey maximalist standards). And even Sea Isle City has begun to discuss whether legislative action was merited, according to a report that refers to the practice, inexactly, as "tent-spreading."

Brewster says the legal implications could help beach-spreading reach its full potential as a word in the dictionary.

"The thing that could really push beach-spreading is the same thing that has really helped manspreading," she said, "the fact that it's become associated with the mildest echelons of our penal code."
The Richard Allen Homes house where Keonna Thomas lived with her mother and two daughters. Read more

Speaking publicly for the first time since her arrest, a North Philadelphia mother who planned to abandon her children to join an Islamic State fighter she had married over Skype apologized in court Wednesday as she was sentenced to eight years in federal prison.

"I am not an evil or malicious person," said Keonna Thomas, 33, moments before her sentence was imposed. "I was, I guess at one point, impressionable."

But in handing down punishment for a woman whose quiet demeanor in real life hid the fundamentalist firebrand she had become on social media, U.S. District Judge Michael Baylson said he could not ignore the terrorist acts Thomas advocated online.

"What I cannot avoid is that Ms. Thomas took concrete steps to go to Syria and become a martyr," the judge said. "Her becoming a martyr means that somebody else is going to die."

Federal authorities have held out Thomas' case since her 2015 arrest as an example of the "more decentralized, more diffuse, more complicated" threat they face from U.S. citizens self-radicalized over the internet.

More than 17 Americans have landed in U.S. prisons over the last three years after either traveling to Syria and Iraq to support the Islamic State or attempting to do so. At least four have been women convicted in cases involving their seduction by Islamic State fighters online.

Like many of them, Thomas came from a troubled background. But what exactly drove her into the arms of a terrorist organization remains uncertain.

"I don't know that even Ms. Thomas realizes how she got to this point," her lawyer Kathleen Gaughan said. "She was searching for peace within herself and got severely lost."

In court Wednesday, Gaughan painted her client as a woman still scarred by childhood abuse and neglect that had left her so anxiety-ridden as a teenager that she was forced to withdraw from the 10th grade.

Lonely and desperate for social interaction, Thomas began spending 13 hours or more a day in online religious forums after receiving her first computer in 2010, the lawyer said.

She quickly became an outspoken advocate for Islamic fundamentalism. Tweeting under the screen names Fatayat Al Khilafah and Young Lioness, she began spreading terrorist propaganda as early as August 2013.

One of her first postings pictured a young boy holding weapons. The caption read: "Ask yourselves, while this young man is holding magazines for the Islamic state, what are you doing for it? #ISIS."

Another April 2014 tweet contained images of a skull, flames, and a gun. Thomas wrote: "I need a permanent vacation that can only mean one thing." Another Twitter user responded with a word that means "martyrdom."

At some point, however, Thomas' plans moved beyond simply voicing online support. She struck up a relationship with Abu Khalid al-Amriki, an Islamic State recruit newly arrived in the organization's Syrian headquarters, married him in an online ceremony, and planned to travel to the Middle East to join him.

When Amriki contacted her in February 2015 to ask whether she was willing to take part in a suicide attack, Thomas responded: "That would be amazing  a girl can only wish."

Communications like that, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams, show that Thomas was more dangerous than just a lonely heart willing to devote herself to the first man that gave her attention.

Having never traveled inside or outside the country before, Thomas had obtained a passport and a plane ticket to Barcelona, Spain, with plans to travel from there to Syria in the weeks before her arrest.

"She made it very clear in her communications that she intended to travel to ISIS-controlled territories whether she found a husband or not," Arbittier Williams said. "All of the evidence suggests that Ms. Thomas would have left her children behind without warning to her family had the government not intervened."

The punishment Thomas received Wednesday was similar to those handed down to the two other women sentenced for terrorism-related crimes in the Philadelphia region. Both Colleen LaRose and Jamie Paulin Ramirez, who are serving prison terms of 10 and eight years respectively, admitted they joined a nascent al-Qaeda terror cell in Ireland after falling for cell leader Ali Charaf Damache, a man they had met over the internet.

But as lawyers on both sides of the case compared her to those women, Thomas sat quietly at her attorneys' side, occasionally adjusting her head scarf or wiping a tear from her face.

"I know that I put this country in danger," she said. "I really am sorry and remorseful."
Sandra Hernandez holds a protest sign outside the U.S. Capitol as the Senate votes on a failed effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act in July. Read more

With Republican efforts to "repeal and replace" the Affordable Care Act stalled, tentative bipartisan initiatives are in the works to shore up the fragile individual insurance market that serves roughly 17 million Americans.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee started hearings today on "stabilizing premiums in the individual insurance market" that will feature state governors and insurance commissioners. A bipartisan group in the House is also working to come up with compromise proposals.

Before the law, many people with preexisting health conditions could not get insurance at any price. Now, consumers in the individual market often face higher out-of-pocket costs and fewer choices of health care providers and insurers than in past years. More than 12 million people buy that insurance through the ACA's marketplaces, while another 5 million buy it outside of the exchanges. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is slashing funds meant to help people navigate the complicated business of buying policies.

Policymakers generally agree on what immediate efforts to stabilize the market might include. At the top of most lists is ensuring federal payment of subsidies to insurers to pay the out-of-pocket expenses  such as deductibles and copayments  to protect customers with the lowest incomes. Insurers also want the federal government to continue enforcing the requirement that most Americans either have insurance or pay a tax penalty, and continuing efforts to get uninsured people to sign up for coverage during the upcoming open enrollment period, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15. Those efforts are essential, insurers say, to help keep healthy customers in their risk pools to defray the costs of beneficiaries with medical needs.

Here are five proposals that are more controversial but generating buzz.

1. Allow people into Medicare starting at age 55.

Getting slightly younger people into Medicare, the federal program for the disabled and Americans 65 and older, is a longtime goal of Democrats. It dates at least to the Clinton administration and was nearly included in the Affordable Care Act in 2010. A Medicare buy-in is not exactly the same as a "public option," which many Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, have embraced. A true public option would offer government coverage to those of any age.

Lowering the age for Medicare eligibility (whether by allowing people to purchase coverage early or letting them join on the same terms as those aged 65) is controversial. Some Democrats support it as a first step toward a single-payer, Medicare-for-All system. Most Republicans oppose it on those same grounds  as a step toward government-run health care.

But proponents argue it would help the current individual market by excluding the oldest people, thereby lowering the average age of the risk pool. Since older patients, on average, cost more to insure, the change could lower premiums for everyone left in the ACA market. That's the stated goal of a Medicare buy-in bill introduced earlier this month by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and seven other Democratic senators. That bill would allow Obamacare market customers ages 55-64 to purchase Medicare coverage instead, but would also let them use ACA tax credits if they are eligible for those. The cost of such policies, however, has not been worked out.

"The way we've structured it actually both helps Medicare by having younger people in that pool, and it helps private insurance by taking higher-cost individuals out of their pool," Stabenow told The Detroit News.

Conservative health analysts don't buy that, though. "This is just a way of saying we're going to take these people out of the exchanges and put them where there are bigger subsidies," said Joseph Antos at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute (AEI).

2. Allow people to 'buy in' to Medicaid.

Buy-ins to Medicaid, the joint federal-state program for those with low incomes, already exist. For example, in 2005 Congress passed the Family Opportunity Act, which allows families earning up to three times the poverty level to purchase Medicaid coverage for their disabled children who aren't otherwise eligible. Medicaid has typically provided richer benefits for those with disabilities than private health insurance.

Earlier this year, Gov. Brian Sandoval (R-Nev.) vetoed a bill that would have allowed Nevada residents to buy Medicaid coverage through the state's insurance exchange.

Now Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) is pushing a federal Medicaid buy-in plan, which he described to Vox.com last week. It would give states the option to allow people with incomes over current Medicaid eligibility thresholds to pay a premium to join the program. Like the Medicare buy-in bill, it would allow those who qualify for federal tax credits to use them to pay the premiums.

The proposal would also raise the amounts Medicaid pays to doctors, hospitals and other health care providers to the same level as it pays for Medicare patients. Traditionally, low Medicaid payment rates have kept many doctors, particularly specialists, from taking Medicaid.

This buy-in concept does not sit well with conservative policy analysts either. "It's completely unworkable," Avik Roy of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, told Vox. He predicted it would raise Medicaid spending by $2 trillion over 10 years.

3. Get younger adults off their parents' insurance and back into the individual market.

Allowing young adults up to age 26 to stay on their parents' health plans is unquestionably one of the most popular ACA provisions, one Republicans have dared not touch in almost any of their overhaul proposals.

Yet what has been a boon to 3 million young adults (and a relief to their parents) has come at a cost to the individual marketplace itself, where only an estimated 28 percent of those buying coverage in state exchanges were ages 18-34 in 2016. That is well below the 40 percent most analysts said was necessary to keep the market stable.

"Frankly, it was really stupid," to keep those young people out of the individual market, said Antos of AEI. The result has been a lack of people in the risk pool who are "young, healthy and whose parents will pay their premiums."

But rolling back that piece of the law might be nearly impossible, said Antos, because "this is a middle-class giveaway."

4. Require insurers who participate in other government programs to offer marketplace coverage.

One clear shortcoming of the individual marketplace is a lack of insurer competition, particularly in rural areas. While there appear to be no counties left with no company offering coverage for the coming year, the percentage of counties with only one insurer seems certain to rise from 2017's 33 percent.

In an effort to more strongly encourage private companies to step up, several analysts have suggested tying access to participation in other government programs to a willingness to offer individual ACA policies as well.

For example, some have suggested insurers be required to provide policies in the marketplaces as a condition of being able to offer coverage to federal workers. Others have suggested that private insurers who offer profitable Medicare Advantage plans could also be required to offer individual exchange coverage, although the same rural areas with a lack of private individual market insurers also tend to lack Medicare Advantage coverage.

5. Let people use HSA contributions to pay health insurance premiums.

A little-noticed provision in one of the versions of the Senate GOP health bill that failed to pass in July would have allowed people to use money from tax-preferred health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay their insurance premiums. A little-noticed proposal from a group of ideologically diverse health care experts included a similar idea.

HSAs are linked to high-deductible insurance plans, and consumers use the money in the account to pay their out-of-pocket expenses. The money put into the account and the earnings are not taxable.

With a few exceptions, people with HSAs have not been allowed to use those funds to pay monthly premiums. But the change would be one way to provide relief to people who buy their own insurance, earn too much to get federal premium subsidies and cannot deduct premiums from their taxes because they are not technically self-employed. Such people, though likely small in number, have been disproportionately hurt by rising premiums in the individual market since the ACA took full effect.

Still, the change would involve some trade-offs.

Roy Ramthun, who helped design HSAs as a Senate staffer in the early 2000s and helped implement them while at the Treasury Department during the George W. Bush administration, said that, generally, "Republicans have preferred to subsidize insurance premiums through tax deductions and credits and leave the HSA for out-of-pocket expenses." Allowing premiums to be paid from HSA funds, he said, "could eat up the entire balance of the account and leave nothing for out-of-pocket expenses." There are limits to how much money can be put into an HSA. For 2017, the maximum is $3,400 for an individual and $6,750 for a family.
WASHINGTON  House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday that the 800,000 young immigrants who have been protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program can "rest easy" knowing that Congress will take action to allow them to stay in the United States.

Ryan (R., Wis.) spoke to reporters a day after Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that President Trump would rescind the DACA order in March, reversing action taken by his predecessor Barack Obama in 2014 after Congress failed to pass a comprehensive immigration bill.

Ryan said Wednesday that Trump "made the right call" in rescinding DACA because Obama had "overstepped his constitutional bounds." But he added that he was "also encouraged by the fact that he gave us time to work out a consensus, to find a compromise" on the issue.

"Look, I think people should rest easy, and I think the president made the right call, and the president also gave us the time and space we're going to need to find where that compromise is," he said, referring to a March deadline set by Sessions.

Ryan sketched out a compromise that has been floated by numerous congressional Republicans  pairing relief for "dreamers," the colloquial name for immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children, with border security and other enforcement measures supported by conservatives.

He did not mention funding for a Mexican border wall  a Trump priority that is fiercely opposed by Democrats and could prove to be an obstacle to a bipartisan compromise.

"This is a dilemma that in large part stems from the fact that it is a symptom of a larger problem, and the larger problem is that we do not have control of our borders," Ryan said. "It is only reasonable and fitting that we also address the root cause of the problem, which is borders that are not sufficiently controlled, while we address this very real and very human problem that's right in front of us."

He added: "What we don't want to have happen is another DACA problem in 10 years from now. We want to make sure that we fix this issue for these kids, for these young people, and to address the root cause of the problem."

Trump offered support for a congressional fix Tuesday: "I can tell you, in speaking to members of Congress, they want to be able to do something and do it right. And, really, we have no choice. We have to be able to do something. And I think it's going to work out very well. And long term, it's going to be the right solution."

While many Republicans offered guarded support for a compromise this week, there is also a hard-line conservative base that remains inalterably opposed to any relief for illegal immigrants of any age.

Rep. Steve King (R., Iowa) called any bill that would legalize "dreamers" an "amnesty act" and questioned why GOP leaders would spend time on it.

"I don't think Congress needs to have this fight," he said Wednesday. "We have Obamacare to fix, and we also have tax reform to do, and now we're working against the promises of the president of the United States."

Immigration has been a hands-off issue for Republican leaders for more than three years, since then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R., Va.) was defeated in a primary by a hard-right challenger who attacked his efforts to find a compromise. Ryan had also been active in those efforts, working closely with key Democrats to negotiate a deal before Cantor's loss ended the possibility.

When Ryan became speaker in 2015, he faced skepticism from House conservatives at the time who were wary of his past support for comprehensive immigration legislation  an effort that might have given a larger group of illegal immigrants a path to permanent legal residency or even U.S. citizenship. Ryan assuaged those concerns in part by pledging not to bring immigration bills to the House floor unless they had the support of the majority of Republicans.

Ryan stood by that pledge Wednesday, though he put the onus on Trump for building support among Republicans.

"We will not be advancing legislation that does not have the support of President Trump, because we're going to work with the president on how to do this legislation," he said. "If we have legislation coming through here that is worked with and supported by the president, I'm very confident that our members will support that."
WASHINGTON  Representatives of Facebook told congressional investigators Wednesday that it has discovered it sold ads during the U.S. presidential election to a shadowy Russian company seeking to target voters, according to several people familiar with the company's findings.

Facebook officials reported that they traced the ad sales, totaling $100,000, to a Russian "troll farm" with a history of pushing pro-Kremlin propaganda, these people said.

A small portion of the ads, which began in the summer of 2015, directly named Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, the people said, though they declined to say which candidate the ads favored.

Most of the ads, according to a blog post published late Wednesday by Facebook's chief security officer, Alex Stamos, "appeared to focus on amplifying divisive social and political messages across the ideological spectrum  touching on topics from LGBT matters to race issues to immigration to gun rights."

The acknowledgment by Facebook comes as congressional investigators and special counsel Robert Mueller are probing Russian interference in the U.S. election, including allegations that the Kremlin may have coordinated with the Trump campaign.

The U.S. intelligence community concluded in January that Russia had interfered in the U.S. election to help elect Trump, including by using paid social media trolls to spread fake news intended to influence public opinion.

Even though the ad spending from Russia is tiny relative to overall campaign costs, the report from Facebook that a Russian firm was able to target political messages is likely to fuel pointed questions from investigators about whether the Russians received guidance from people in the United States  a question some Democrats have been asking for months.

Read more: Elected officials, social media, and the First Amendment

Facebook reported in its blog post Wednesday that about one-quarter of the ads in question were "geographically targeted," though company officials declined to provide specifics about what areas or demographic groups were the recipients. Of those targeted ads, the company said, more ran in 2015 than 2016.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D., Calif)., the senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said Wednesday that the disclosure by Facebook confirmed one of the ways Russia sought to interfere in U.S. politics and serves as a "profound warning to us and others about future elections."

"This is a very significant set of data points produced by Facebook," Schiff said, adding: "Left unanswered in what we received from Facebook  because it is beyond the scope of what they are able to determine  is whether there was any coordination between these social media trolls and the campaign. We have to get to the bottom of that . . . "

The House panel, whose staff investigators heard briefly from Facebook representatives behind closed doors Wednesday, will follow up with Facebook and other social media companies and platforms to see "to what degree they are able to confirm similar metrics," Schiff said.

An official familiar with Facebook's internal investigation said the company does not have the ability to determine whether the ads it sold represented any sort of coordination.

The acknowledgment by Facebook follows months of criticism that the social media company served as a platform for the spread of false information before the November election. In a statement posted days after the election, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg promised to explore the issue but said that 99 percent of information found on Facebook is authentic and only "a very small amount" is fake or hoaxes. In December, however, the company announced that it would begin flagging articles that had been deemed false or fake, with the assistance of fact-checking organizations.

Facebook discovered the Russian connection as part of an investigation that began this spring looking at purchasers of politically-motivated ads, according to people familiar with the inquiry. It found that 3,300 ads had digital footprints that led to the Russian company.

Facebook teams then discovered 470 suspicious and likely fraudulent Facebook accounts and pages that it believes operated out of Russia, had links to the company and were involved in promoting the ads.

A Facebook official said "there is evidence that some of the accounts are linked to a troll farm in St. Petersburg, referred to as the Internet Research Agency, though we have no way to independently confirm." The official declined to release any of the ads it traced to Russian companies or entities.

"Our data policy and federal law limit our ability to share user data and content, so we won't be releasing any ads," the official said. The official added that the ads "were directed at people on Facebook who had expressed interest in subjects explored on those pages, such as LGBT community, black social issues, the Second Amendment, and immigration."

Clint Watts, a former FBI agent who has studied Russian online influence campaigns, said Wednesday that Facebook's report served as "validation" for findings by him and his researchers, who he said had spotted what they believed to be Russians posing as Americans to press political messages on Facebook as early as 2015.

He said his analysis showed that Facebook ads in 2015 were largely concerned with divisive social messages and were used to identify other Facebook users most susceptible to messaging. Those users were then targeted with election-oriented ads in 2016, he said.

"We had these suspicions, but we could never see who was purchasing the accounts," said Watts, a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. "Facebook's being brave. They probably could have buried this, and they did the right thing by coming forward."

Stamos, the Facebook security chief, said the company is committed to continuing to protect the integrity of its site and improve its ability to track fraudulent accounts. He said Facebook has shut down the accounts that remained active.

"We know we have to stay vigilant to keep ahead of people who try to misuse our platform," he said.

Earlier this year, Facebook announced technology improvements to detect fake accounts and more recently announced it would no longer allow Facebook pages to advertise if they have a pattern of sharing false news stories. Over the past few months, Stamos said, the company has also taken action to block fake accounts tied to election meddling in France and Germany.

The Internet Research Agency has received attention in the past for its activity.

In 2013, hackers released internal company documents showing it employed 600 people across Russia. Ex-employees who have gone public with their experiences at the company in Internet postings and in media interviews have said their work entailed creating fake Twitter and Facebook accounts and using them to circulate pro-Kremlin propaganda. They said Internet Research Agency employees, for instance, spread derogatory information about Putin critic Boris Nemtsov in the days after his 2015 murder.

In 2015, the New York Times Magazine reported that social media accounts linked to the Internet Research Agency had launched social media campaigns in the United States, including a sophisticated hoax that spread false news of a chemical leak in Louisiana in 2014, apparently to sow chaos and fear.

In its unclassified report in January, the U.S. intelligence community concluded that the Internet Research Agency's "likely financier" is a "close Putin ally with ties to Russian intelligence."

In May, Time Magazine reported that U.S. intelligence officials had discovered evidence that Russian agents had purchased ads on Facebook to target specific populations with propaganda. A Facebook spokesman told the magazine that the company had no evidence of such buys.

Under federal law and Federal Election Commission regulations, both foreign nationals and foreign governments are prohibited from making contributions or spending money to influence a federal, state or local election in the United States. The ban includes independent expenditures made in connection with an election.

Those banned from such spending include foreign citizens, foreign governments, foreign political parties, foreign corporations, foreign associations and foreign partnerships, according to the FEC. (Permanent residents who hold green cards, however, are not considered foreign nationals.) Violators face civil penalties, as well as criminal prosecution, if they are found to have knowingly broken the law.

The Washington Post's Andrew Roth, Alice Crites, Matea Gold and Ashley Parker contributed to this report.
Olivia Vazquez, Anel Medina, and Maria Castaneda, all DACA recipients, speak at a rally outside the Philadelphia offices of the U.S. Justice Department. Read more

Pennsylvania, along with 14 other states and the District of Columbia, has filed a lawsuit against President Trump's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, with Attorney General Josh Shapiro arguing the move "violates the rule of law."

Trump's attorney general, Jeff Sessions, announced Tuesday that the administration would spend the next six months "winding down" the Obama-era policy, which protects undocumented immigrants who arrived here as children from deportation. DACA recipients also received work permits and could renew their status every two years. The administration has framed the move as giving Congress a chance to pass its own version of the policy, which benefits about 790,000 immigrants.

The states are seeking an injunction from a federal judge that would bar the administration from rescinding DACA while the case moves through court, and block the administration from using recipients' information to deport them.

"Whether or not you agree with the policy or support President Trump isn't the issue here," Shapiro said in a statement. "The federal government made a promise, they put a program in place and asked these young people who have grown up as Americans to apply, and the rule of law says we can't rip that away from them now."

On Tuesday, Sessions argued that President Barack Obama had no constitutional right to institute DACA. Proponents have countered that the president has the power to decide how laws are enforced and that Trump's decision to upend it would in turn upend the lives of thousands who have relied on the program since 2012.

Shapiro said in an interview Wednesday afternoon that he and other attorneys general began to review the Trump administration's directive on DACA immediately after the rescission was announced.

The suit argues that ending DACA, which overwhelmingly benefits immigrants originally from Mexico, "is a culmination of President Trump's oft-stated commitments  whether personally held, stated to appease some portion of his constituency, or some combination thereof  to punish and disparage people with Mexican roots." That, the states argue, violates the due-process clause of the Fifth Amendment. In addition, they assert that the Trump administration didn't consider the impact of the move on DACA recipients before rescinding it, a violation of law.

Mayor Kenney, who's suing Sessions over an attempt to withhold funds from sanctuary cities such as Philadelphia, said through a spokesperson that he agrees with the lawsuit: "We support the state's effort to protect these Pennsylvanians who are just trying to pursue the American dream."

Anil Kalhan, an immigration-law professor at Drexel University, said he saw parallels between a lawsuit to block the travel ban  which also used Trump's statements about immigration against him  and the DACA suit. He called the claims "reasonably strong" but said it was hard to predict what could happen next: "This is somewhat uncharted territory."

"What they certainly can do is delay the ultimate withdrawal of DACA," Kalhan said. "The effect litigation could have is to just delay things, and allow more time to wrestle with a legislative solution."

Shapiro wrote in the suit that 87 percent of Pennsylvania's 5,889 DACA recipients are employed, generate more than $357 million in the state economy, and contribute more than $20 million in state and local taxes.

Shapiro said he was also concerned that information DACA recipients had shared with federal authorities to claim their status could be used to deport them.

"The president had the option of announcing a desire to have comprehensive immigration reform, and putting an artificial timeline forth to Congress, and leaving DACA in place during that legislative debate," he said. "Rescinding DACA while that debate occurs is unlawful."

Though Sessions had slammed DACA that morning, Trump tweeted Tuesday night that he would "revisit" the issue if Congress couldn't come up with a legislative fix. Shapiro said he wasn't putting much stock in the president's Twitter feed.

"I've learned not to put too much faith into what the president tweets, because most of the tweets are contradictory to one another and very few of them does he actually follow up and follow through on," Shapiro said. "The only thing I've put my faith in is the rule of law, and that is the prism through which I've reviewed his DACA directive."

Pennsylvania joins New York, Washington state, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia in the suit. It was filed in federal district court in New York.

Before Trump announced his decision, nine Republican attorneys general had threatened to sue if he didn't rescind DACA. Shapiro said suing Trump  the state also joined a lawsuit to block the travel ban this year  wasn't a political decision. "I don't sign on to every lawsuit," he said. "I am very careful and deliberative about what I affix the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's good name to."
DECATUR  Tate & Lyle is donating $20,000 to the American Red Cross to help Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts in Texas.

Our thoughts are with the people affected by the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, said Chris Olsen, vice president, community and government, at Tate & Lyle. Our employees from across all our plant sites in the United States are also helping out with contributions of money and supplies.

Archer Daniels Midland Co. also donated to the Red Cross last week, pledging $50,000, with an additional $50,000 to match employee donations of $25 or more.

Harvey slammed into Texas on Aug. 25 as a Category 4 hurricane, but brought the worst flooding to Houston and other areas as a tropical storm. The hurricane and aftermath have been blamed for at least 63 deaths.
The Trump Administration announced its decision to end DACA on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. The group marched from the Philadelphia offices of the Justice Department to the Federal Detention Center at 8th and Arch Sts., where they are shown gathered. CHARLES FOX / Staff Photographer Read more

The fate of nearly 790,000 young undocumented immigrants is in the hands of a deeply divided Congress.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday morning that the administration would "wind down" the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, an Obama-era policy that offers undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children a reprieve from deportation and a chance to work in the country legally.

"DACA deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize," Sessions said, calling it "an unconstitutional exercise of authority." Work permits will begin to expire in six months.

In effect, the administration pushed the onus for a solution onto a Republican Congress that has failed to pass any major legislation under this Republican president and now will have another major item on a legislative agenda already buckling under the weight of several must-pass bills.

Getting rid of the program was an old campaign promise, but President Trump had wavered in recent months, at one point telling DACA recipients to "rest easy." But he had faced intense political pressure to uphold that promise, from his political base and from a cadre of Republican state attorneys general who had threatened to sue if he did not rescind the order by Tuesday. Now, he faces threats of lawsuits from New York and Washington state challenging his plan and a federal lawsuit on behalf of a DACA recipient in Brooklyn, N.Y., that argues the move is racially motivated and unconstitutional.

On Tuesday night, Trump again waded into the issue, tweeting: "Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!"

The decision was greeted with alarm by hundreds of thousands of young immigrants and their supporters, and by Democrats like U.S. Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, who called the move "unjust, immoral, and without regard for basic fairness" on Twitter. In Center City, about 150 people, many of them DACA recipients, rallied outside the Department of Justice's Philadelphia headquarters and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in protest.

Many Republicans signaled their sympathy for DACA recipients while stressing that a fix was Congress' job, not the president's: "President Trump's decision to end this program, while giving Congress six months to come up with a legislative solution, is the right step," said Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.). It's a familiar, if hotly debated, argument against DACA.

But what kind of fix Congress might come up with  if it comes up with one  is anyone's guess.

"It's an uphill battle generally when you're talking about a Republican Congress acting on immigration reform," said Sarah Binder, a political science professor at George Washington University. "And this is a pretty divided Republican Congress that has not been able to do much of anything at all."

The current version of the DREAM Act  a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who arrived as children  has two Republican senators as co-sponsors. But various versions of the bill have failed to pass for about 16 years, pushing President Barack Obama to institute DACA in 2012.

A standalone bill likely would not come without a price  with a DACA fix attached to border wall funding, for example, or the Trump-supported RAISE act, which is designed to dramatically reduce legal immigration.

"I fear that it'll get wrapped up with other pieces of immigration legislation, that DACA students would be a pawn in the fight for funding the border wall," said Sarah Paoletti, an immigration law professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Hardliners hope a fix does get wrapped up with other proposals. "If there is accompanying legislation or provisions that mitigate what would essentially be amnesty for a group of individuals, [a DACA bill] has a much stronger chance of passage," said Andrew Arthur, a resident fellow in law and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies, a conservative think tank.

Others are not so sure. The RAISE act is controversial on its own, and Republican support for a border wall is mixed, too, Binder said.

And all this speculation assumes Congress will even get to DACA in the next six months. Raising the debt ceiling, passing a spending bill that will keep the government open, doling out Hurricane Harvey relief, passing a budget, working out the party's signature policy of tax reform, and stabilizing health insurance markets are all on the docket, said Joshua Huder, a senior fellow at Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute.

By the time DACA is set to expire, many legislators will be looking to 2018, he said. That could mean Republicans try to woo Senate Democrats facing reelection in red or purple states, such as Casey, or it could mean Congress would simply let the program run out.

"The next six months is very, very challenging," Huder said. "Could I see it ending in stalemate? Absolutely. But it seems a lot of people are interested in doing something, too."

At a morning rally in Philadelphia, DACA recipients said that after growing up in this country and working hard in school and at jobs, they were not ready to simply step away from active, productive lives. Members of Juntos, the Philadelphia-based immigrant rights group, invited DACA recipients to stop by its South Philadelphia office for solace and support. A contingent of members was traveling to Washington Tuesday night to protest outside the Department of Justice.

DACA recipient Maria Castaneda came to the U.S. from Mexico at age 3 and is now a Swarthmore College senior, interested in a career in law or education.

"Removing DACA is a horrendously immoral action," she said at Tuesday's rally. "What Trump is doing now, it's an act of white supremacy."

Locally, protesters say they hope to expand Philadelphia's sanctuary city protections and advocate for immigrants in November's district attorney race, said Juntos director Erika Almiron. "We have to ensure the Philly DA takes into account the overcriminalization of immigrants," she said. "Nationally, we're looking to support the DREAM act bill as is. But we'd reject anything that will include enforcement, expansion of detention, expansion of raids or building a wall."

Administration officials wrote in a policy memo Tuesday morning that DACA recipients with work permits  which last two years  would be able to keep them until they expire, and that those whose permits expire by March 5, 2018, could renew them if they apply by Oct. 5. Any pending applications or renewals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. No new applications will be accepted after Tuesday, they said.

According to statistics from the Migration Policy Institute, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services had accepted 7,144 DACA applications in Pennsylvania as of March, and about 21,000 people statewide could have been eligible for the program, including 5,000 in Philadelphia and 3,000 in Chester County. In New Jersey, 71,000 people were potentially eligible for DACA, and USCIS has already accepted more than 25,000 applications.

Philadelphia has been at the forefront of the fight on immigration issues this year. Last week, the city filed a lawsuit over Sessions' attempts to withhold federal funding over Philadelphia's "sanctuary city" status. Mayor Kenney has called for Trump to uphold DACA. City Council members Maria Quinones-Sanchez and Helen Gym slammed the move Tuesday night, and local congressional Democrats were also on the attack. "Heartless and irresponsible," Rep. Bob Brady (D., Pa.) said. "Against American values," said Rep. Donald Norcross (D., N.J.).

Republicans stressed the need for comprehensive immigration reform and in some cases severely criticized sanctuary cities such as Philadelphia, but generally signaled support for DACA recipients. Rep. Lou Barletta (R., Pa.), long known for his far-right views on immigration, was among the few who did not, and he called the move a victory.

"Young people who came to our nation through no fault of their own should not be punished for the illegal actions of adults," said Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R., N.J.), expressing a more common sentiment.

Immigrant-rights activists said that the day had been devastating, but that they were prepared for whatever fight lay ahead.

"There were tears today," Almiron said. "But what was important was that when Jeff Sessions was making his speech, we were in the streets."
In Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and around the country Tuesday, people protested the Trump Administrations stand on DACA. Read more

For 26-year-old Paulina Ruiz, having legal immigration status is about more than going to school or holding a job. It's about staying healthy.

The UCLA graduate, whose parents brought her from Mexico to the U.S. illegally two decades ago, has cerebral palsy, a neurological condition diagnosed shortly after birth.

In the past, Ruiz said, she relied on emergency rooms for her health care and rarely could see specialists. She developed kidney and back problems after years of inconsistent medical care and using an inappropriate wheelchair.

But in 2012, she qualified for the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which temporarily protected her from deportation. In California, that meant she could get Medi-Cal, California's version of the Medicaid insurance program for low-income Americans, and regularly see a doctor.

The Trump administration's controversial decision on Tuesday to scrap the DACA program does more than put nearly 800,000 "Dreamers" in fear of deportation and losing their jobs. It threatens the health care of thousands of young adults like Ruiz, who either have job-based insurance or whose incomes qualify them for Medicaid in a handful of states like California.

"I am very upset," said Ruiz, who organizes for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles and lives near the city. "I don't know what's going to happen to my health."

The decision is set to take effect in six months, unless Congress comes up with an alternative plan. Trump has said the program, started under President Obama in 2012, rewards lawbreakers who hurt Americans by taking their jobs and depressing wages, a claim some economists dispute. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that the program was unconstitutional because it was a unilateral executive action on a proposal that had been repeatedly rejected by Congress.

Trump, who has suggested he has conflicting sentiments about the program, left open the door for Congress to change it. "I have a love for these people, and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly," he said, according to The New York Times. But the newspaper noted that he did not call for bipartisan legislation to restore its protections.

The program allows immigrants between the ages of 16 and 31 who were brought to the United States illegally as children to receive work permits and temporary protection from deportation. Those who qualified were explicitly barred from receiving federal health benefits through Medicaid, Obamacare exchanges or other programs.

But many DACA recipients now have jobs with health insurance. In addition, California, New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota and the District of Columbia have used their own money to cover low-income Dreamers through Medicaid, according to Tanya Broder, a staff attorney for the National Immigration Law Center.

Marielena Hincapie, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, told reporters in a conference call on Tuesday that she expects DACA recipients to start losing their job-based health insurance. Hincapie said she is particularly concerned about the effect of the president's decision on the mental health of DACA recipients.

"The need for mental health services will only be greater," she said.

At a protest in downtown Los Angeles Tuesday against the Trump administration's decision, Jocelin Reyes made a similar point. She said DACA's protections had helped put some young immigrants' fears to rest, as they were able to get jobs, attend college or graduate school and come out of hiding.

"A lot of people don't understand how much fear we had" about being deported, said Reyes, 19, who is about to start school at the University of California-Santa Barbara. "Now that fear has tripled."

Another demonstrator, DACA recipient Maria Garcia, 22, said that losing her job as a hotel receptionist would mean the end of her job-based health insurance  coverage she relies on for physical therapy for a knee injury and any time she gets sick.

"If they take away my DACA, I'll get fired," she said. "And then what will I do for health insurance?"

At Philadelphia's protest, Chester County registered nurse Anel Medina made a similar point. "We want to make this country better. We're doing everything we're supposed to do, in a country that doesn't seem like it wants us here," she said.

California legislator Ricardo Lara said ending DACA would only hurt "the well-being of these American children who have played by the rules." And they could end up having to go to costly emergency rooms for medical care.

The California Medical Association said that terminating DACA could indeed hurt the health care workforce.

"Our nation's health care system has the largest percentage of foreign-born and foreign-trained workers of any industry in the country. Already facing a national shortage of physicians and other health care professionals, revoking DACA could also undermine patient care and disrupt medical schools and hospitals for decades to come," said California Medical Association President Ruth E. Haskins in a statement.

Ana B. Ibarra contributed to this report.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
Daniel J. Belmondo's passion for music never faded  even after he retired in 2010 as a vocal music teacher for Lower Merion High School. He practiced regularly, learning new repertoires, and had a love for playing the piano, surpassed only by his love for his family.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, Dr. Belmondo, 71, of Wynnewood, died at Lankenau Medical Center after a short battle with cancer.

"My father had a unique gift of connecting with people, and I think that's what made him such a great teacher. He not only touched the lives of his students, but with many other people whom he came in contact with in everyday life," said Dr. Belmondo's son, Michael. "He had an amazing sense of humor and always found a way to compliment people and make them feel good about themselves. As accomplished as he was, he was easily impressed and inspired by others  a truly sincere and humble man."

Originally from Brocton, N.Y., Dr. Belmondo, known as "Bel," graduated from the State University of New York at Fredonia. He was then drafted to serve in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star, his family said.

After his Army discharge, Dr. Belmondo resumed his career teaching chorus at Clarence Junior High School, where he met Mary Ellen Tederous, a home economics teacher. One day, Dr. Belmondo, 6-foot-2 with golden brown hair, swung his leg over a chair while teaching. He split his pants and summoned the home ec teacher to mend his trousers. So began their friendship, which led to marriage in 1975.

"He was loving, kind, honest, and friendly," his wife said, recalling that their friendship never faded.

While still living in New York, Dr. Belmondo taught at Depew High School and Williamsville East High School. He earned his master's from the University at Buffalo. The family relocated to the Philadelphia area, where Dr. Belmondo attended Temple University, earning a doctorate.

Dr. Belmondo conducted the Norristown Community Chorale for 17 years and taught at Eisenhower Middle School, also in Norristown, before he was hired at Lower Merion High School in 2001.

"He was very passionate, and he felt very strongly that students should learn to read music," said Aaron Datsko, who taught music in Lower Merion with Dr. Belmondo. He pushed his students to take on challenging pieces, such as Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil, that he turned into musical works of art, Datsko said. "The kids rose to the challenge."

As news of his death spread on Facebook, former students posted notes recalling a dedicated and talented mentor. After retirement, Dr. Belmondo was reluctant to visit the school, saying he wanted to make way for the next generation of teachers. When Lower Merion students performed at Disney World, Dr. Belmondo often attended the performances. He and his wife wintered in Fort Lauderdale each year. The couple also enjoyed time at the Jersey Shore and traveling to such places as Switzerland and Italy where Dr. Belmondo had relatives living near Milan.

"He and my mom loved vacationing in Switzerland," their son said. "One of my fondest memories is when my wife and I came to visit them a few years ago. When we got off of the train in Interlaken, he broke down as soon as he saw us. He was so elated that we were there to share his favorite place with him. It was a beautiful moment. He was my best buddy and I'll always smile when I think of him."

At home, Dr. Belmondo enjoyed playing classical piano and practiced every day when his wife started cooking dinner.

"He was a perfectionist," his wife said. She often told him "Just play it!" He would respond, "You just don't understand." He wanted things done right whether he was playing piano or organizing his closet, she said.

In addition to his wife and son, Dr. Belmondo is survived by his mother, Rita, a sister, and two brothers.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the D'Anjolell Memorial Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall.

Donations can be made to Lankenau Medical Center Foundation, online or at 100 E. Lancaster Ave., Wynnewood, Pa. 19096.
Not long ago, a supporter of mine visiting from California dropped by my Capitol office. A retired military officer and staunch conservative, he and I spent much of our conversation discussing the Republican agenda.

Finally, I drew a breath and asked him about an issue I feared might divide us: the liberalization of our marijuana laws, specifically medical marijuana reform, on which for years I had been leading the charge. What did he think about that controversial position?

"Dana," he replied, "there are some things about me you don't know." He told me about his three sons, all of whom enlisted after 9/11.

Two of his sons returned from the battlefield whole and healthy. The third, however, came home suffering multiple seizures each day. His prospects were bleak.

His medical care fell under the total guidance of the Department of Veterans Affairs, whose doctors came under federal restraints regarding the treatments they could prescribe. (Among the treatments allowed were opioids.) Nothing worked.

Finally, a sympathetic doctor advised our young hero to see him in his private office, where he could prescribe medication derived from cannabis. The prescription worked. The seizures, for the most part, ceased.

"Dana," said my friend, "I could hug you right now for what you've been doing, unknowingly, for my son."

What had I been doing? With my Democratic friend Sam Farr, the now-retired California congressman, I wrote an amendment to spending bills that prohibits the federal government from prosecuting medical marijuana cases in states where voters have legalized such treatment. The amendment passed two consecutive years, the second time with a wider margin than the first, and has been extended through continuing resolutions and an omnibus spending bill.

Surprisingly, given the Obama administration's generally liberal approach to marijuana, its Justice Department tried to interpret the amendment in such a convoluted way as to allow counterproductive raids on marijuana dispensaries. The courts  most recently the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit  repeatedly ruled that our amendment meant exactly what it said.

Unfortunately, my longtime friend Jeff Sessions, the attorney general, has urged Congress to drop the amendment, now co-sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D., Ore.). This despite President Trump's belief, made clear in his campaign and as president, that states alone should decide medical marijuana policies.

I should not need to remind our chief law enforcement officer or my fellow Republicans that our system of federalism, also known as states' rights, was designed to resolve just such a fractious issue. Our party still bears a blemish for wielding the "states' rights" cudgel against civil rights. If we bury state autonomy in order to deny patients an alternative to opioids, and ominously federalize our police, our hypocrisy will deserve the American people's contempt.

More than half the states have liberalized medical marijuana laws, some even decriminalizing recreational use. Some 80 percent of Americans favor legalization of medical marijuana. Only a benighted or mean-spirited mind-set would want to block such progress.

Despite federal efforts to restrict supply, studies continue to yield promising results. And mounting anecdotal evidence shows again and again that medical marijuana can dramatically improve the lives of people with epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, arthritis, and many other ailments.

Most Americans know this. The political class, not surprisingly, lags behind them.

Part of the reason is the failure of too many conservatives to apply "public choice economics" to the war on marijuana. Common sense, as well as public choice theory, holds that the government's interest is to grow, just as private-sector players seek profit and build market share.

The drug-war apparatus will not give ground without a fight, even if it deprives Americans of medical alternatives and inadvertently creates more dependency on opioids. When its existence depends on asset seizures and other affronts to our Constitution, why should anti-medical-marijuana forces care if they've contributed inadvertently to a vast market, both legal and illegal, for opioids?

I invite my colleagues to visit a medical marijuana research facility and see for themselves why their cultural distaste might be misplaced. One exists near my district office at the University of California, Irvine, another at the University of California, San Diego.

Better yet, they might travel to Israel  that political guiding light for religious conservatives  and learn how our closest ally in the Middle East has positioned itself on the cutting edge of cannabis research. The Israeli government recently decriminalized first use, so unworried is it about what marijuana might do to its conscript military.

My colleagues should then return to Washington and keep my amendment intact, declaring themselves firmly on the side of medical progress. Failing that, the government will keep trying to eradicate the burgeoning marijuana business, thereby fueling and enriching drug cartels. Trust me: Hugs from grateful supporters are infinitely better.

Republican U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher represents California's 48th District. He wrote this for the Washington Post.
For almost two decades, education reform has been a source of conflict in the City of Brotherly Love. Much progress has been made, but too much energy is still devoted to fruitless district vs. charter debates. Those invested in such debates should take a look at the nation's fastest-improving big cities, to see what can happen when conflict turns to collaboration.

The most rapid improvement over the last decade has come in New Orleans, where all but a handful of public schools have been converted to charter schools. Charters are public schools operated independently of the district, with freedom from many state and district rules but accountable for performance. If their children are not learning, they are supposed to be closed or replaced by a stronger operator.

Like Philadelphia, New Orleans has intense poverty: more than 80 percent of its public school students are low-income, and an equal percentage are African American. Yet on two key measures  graduation and college-going rates  New Orleans is the first high-poverty city to outperform its state.

New Orleans has doubled the effectiveness of its schools since the state's Recovery School District took over most of them, after Hurricane Katrina, and began converting them to charters. The recovery district and local district have collaborated to resolve a series of challenges: creating an enrollment system that gives everyone equal access, ensuring equal treatment and extra funding for those with disabilities, adopting a citywide discipline policy, and so on.

The next city to visit would be Washington, which has improved faster than every state and all 20 other big cities that take the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Two decades ago Congress created a Public Charter School Board, and today its 120 schools educate 46 percent of public school students in the city.

Competition from charters helped persuade the city council to give the mayor control of the district, which led to profound reforms that have produced rapid improvement. Yet charter schools, which get $6,000 to $7,000 less per pupil every year, perform better on almost every measure. In schools full of poor African American kids, the difference is dramatic. As in New Orleans, both sectors have collaborated on a series of issues.

A decade ago Denver was making the slowest progress of Colorado's 20 largest districts, but since 2012 it has been the fastest improving. What made the difference? A decade ago the superintendent and elected school board embraced charters, giving them district buildings and almost equal funding.

They encouraged collaboration while also emulating charters by giving many district schools more autonomy. Last year 42 percent of their students were in charters or these "innovation schools."

All three cities have two things in common, besides widespread poverty: all have made chartering a core strategy, and all have seen significant collaboration between charters and traditional schools. They have shown that when charter authorizers do their jobs, closing or replacing schools where students are falling behind, cities can double the effectiveness of their schools.

Philadelphia's leaders visited Denver five years ago, before they hired Superintendent William Hite. Under his leadership, the district began authorizing charters again and improved its authorizing practices. After years in which it failed to monitor charter finances or close weak schools, Hite revamped its charter office, hired more staff, and embraced the best practices recommended by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.

Hite's predecessor made accountability for traditional schools real by turning the weakest ones over to charter operators, while requiring that they remain neighborhood schools (called "renaissance schools"). And Hite made it real for charters. Over the last three years, nine of them have closed.

Though they get substantially less funding per pupil, Philadelphia's 86 independent charters perform better on most measures than the almost 200 traditional schools. They have enabled more low-income students to attend high-performing schools, and thousands of families are on their waiting lists.

Philadelphia could pick up the pace by emulating Denver and giving charters  which get almost no public funding for facilities  district buildings. Despite a series of closings, many district schools are still underenrolled. Sometimes the best solution is to share buildings, with a charter on one floor and a district school on another.

To make it easier for parents, who now have to apply to multiple charters, one by one, the district should also adopt one computerized enrollment system for all its public schools  traditional, charter, and Renaissance. This would ensure equal access to high quality schools. New Orleans, Washington, Denver, Newark, and Camden have all done this.

The usual argument against more charters is that they drain money from the district. But we appropriate the money to educate students, and charters are giving those who need it most access to better schools. It's time to move past arguing over money and to start collaborating to do what's best for the kids.

David Osborne, author of "Reinventing America's Schools: Creating a 21st Century Education System," directs a project of the same name at the Progressive Policy Institute. dosborne@ppionline.org He will talk about his book at a Philadelphia Education Fund forum at 8 a.m. Friday at the Union League. For information, email info@philaedfund.org.
Kathia Ramirez, right, holds her son Rowen Salinas, 11 months, as her husband Randy Salinas holds their daughter Fridah Salinas, 2, during a protest in favor of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in Texas. Read more

Republicans who suggest that President Trump had no choice but to stop protecting from deportation immigrants illegally brought into this country as children are trying to cover their backsides for a despicable act that could have been avoided.

Trump supposedly acted to avoid a threatened lawsuit by xenophobic groups that have wanted to kill the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program ever since President Barack Obama created it by executive order in 2012. They argue that Obama overstepped the constitutional authority of the presidency.

The threat of a lawsuit shouldn't mean capitulation before the case is even heard. Trump bad-mouthed DACA while running for president, but later said he didn't want to harm the "Dreamers," many of whom know only the United States as their home and have never violated any other law.

Trump suggested support for legislation that achieves the same goal. "Congress, get ready to do your job  DACA!" he tweeted Tuesday. Later in the day, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said DACA was dead, but that the Department of Homeland Security wouldn't target the program's participants for immediate deportation.

Having a sword dangled over your head by someone who promises not to drop it right away isn't reassuring. Rather than seeking to avoid litigation, Trump could have let any lawsuit run its course while Congress tried to replace DACA before any Dreamers were deported.

That's a heavy lift, but not an impossible one. Several Republicans urged Trump to leave DACA alone before he killed it, including White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, who as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security warned that ending the program would cause unnecessary chaos for immigrant families.

After Sessions' announcement, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) said he hoped Congress can find "a permanent legislative solution that includes ensuring that those who have done nothing wrong can still contribute as a valued part of this great country." Those words are empty unless Ryan and other Republicans resist political expedience.

Trump recently explained why he reversed a campaign position not to send more troops to Afghanistan. "Decisions are much different when you sit behind the desk in the Oval Office," he said.

That's true when you put politics aside to do what's right. But Trump didn't do that with DACA. Politics is the only reason Trump went after the Dreamers. Letting DACA live would have put him at odds with a part of his base that he does not want to offend. Don't count on him to lead the effort to pass legislation that again protects the Dreamers.

Because Sessions said that immigration enforcement agents would not immediately come after the Dreamers, their fate is in the hands of a highly partisan Congress that has consistently proved incapable of working together.

Unless the rallies and protests across America in support of the Dreamers become the catalyst for a bipartisan answer, their fates will remain uncertain. That shouldn't happen in a country built on the dreams of immigrants and others who proved their worth to America when given a chance.
While all Planetary Society Members share the common bond of being citizens of Earth, the Society's 50,000-plus members call more than 100 countries home here on our pale blue dot. From New York to New Delhi, Society members the world over are part of our collective effort to advance space science and exploration.

With the ranks of spacefaring nations poised to expand over the coming decades, The Society is working to mobilize its advocacy capability to engage with international partners and help pave the way forward for increasing international cooperation in space.

The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) is held each year in a different country, and it is the premier gathering for members of the international space science community. The Planetary Society has been actively involved with the IAC for some time, and Society CEO Bill Nye has presented a number of highlight lectures over the years.

This year's IAC is being held in Adelaide, Australia. Thanks to the generous support of our members, The Society's advocacy and outreach capability is rapidly expanding, and we decided to step up our IAC advocacy this year.
Civilians with an educational background in science have skills needed by CSIs in today's world. Photo: Amaury Murgado In less than an hour, television crime scene investigators (CSIs) regularly and easily solve grisly murders and other crimes through fingerprints, DNA, and other forms of futuristic forensic science. These virtual CSIs partner police work with forensic science to get the bad guys off the streets.

However, working as a CSI is far less glamorous than television portrays, and the reality is very different than what viewers see characters Horatio Caine, Temperance (Bones) Brennan, and Abby Sciuto doing on TV.

While these shows have CSIs interrogating suspects and arresting perpetrators, in real life, CSIs shoulder different responsibilities. Their role is to help police detectives solve crimes by collecting and analyzing the physical evidence found at a crime scene, and interpreting what happened during the crime. They do not arrest the bad guys; police officers put on the cuffs.

In a world where the above scenario, not the televised version, is reality, the debate between using sworn and civilian CSIs rages on. There are those who believe that all individuals stepping across the yellow barrier designating a crime scene should be sworn officers, while others find the role of CSI has become so high-tech that the only way to succeed is to go with civilians possessing a scientific background.

However, some departments are finding one way is not necessarily better than the other. POLICE Magazine recently interviewed two departments to learn how they are handling this issue. One department, the Greensboro (NC) Police Department, has been using non-sworn staff to document crime scenes for more than 30 years. The second department employed only sworn CSIs until 2010 when it hired its first civilian CSI. Today, the Raleigh-Wake County City-County Bureau of Identification in Raleigh, NC, relies on the work of both sworn and civilian CSIs.

"Years ago, all of our CSIs were sworn, but we have moved away from that. Now we employ the best candidate for the job, whether it's a sworn officer or someone with a scientific background, and we've found that works very, very well," says Andy Parker, deputy director of the bureau.

Solving Crimes With Science

Raleigh-Wake County City-County Bureau of Identification was created by the North Carolina Assembly in 1937. From its inception, CSIs were to be sworn individuals, which was fine until about 2009, when Sam Pennica, director of the bureau, says they were struggling to get an adequateand qualifiedapplicant pool for open CSI positions. "We needed applicants with a science background, with a passion for and a desire to do crime scene work," he says. "We were getting a lot of applicants chasing a dollar because our pay is good, but we needed more highly trained and educated applicants with training in forensic science."

Eventually, Wake County voted to approve putting civilians in this role, and in 2010 the department hired its first civilian CSI. This employee came to the bureau with a bachelor's degree in anthropology; two master's degrees, one in criminology and the other in forensic science; and on-the-job forensic experience.

"She set the bar pretty high, and she proved to us that there were people out there wanting to get into forensic science who did not want to carry a gun and a badge and be a sworn officer. Our first applicant said she wanted to be able to solve crimes with her brain," Pennica says.

He adds this candidate proved she could do that almost immediately. Pennica says she showed "I can do this job as good as, if not better than, the officers with guns and badges, and she quickly earned everyone's respect."

When this hire was made, the bureau had 22 CSIs, all of whom were sworn. Today, the bureau still employs 22 CSIs, but only eight are sworn.

The Greensboro PD handles things a bit differently. This agency has 18 civilian CSIs, and four civilian CSI supervisors. The field CSIs provide 24/7 service and go to calls on their own, or when an officer takes a report and realizes he needs a CSI at the scene. "Additionally, our non-sworn CSIs respond as solo units, and share call responsibilities with patrol for calls involving property crimes, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglariescalls where the suspect is no longer on the scene," says Kelly Tranter, director of the department's Forensic Services Division.

At these types of calls, the department dispatches a single CSI to take the report and do follow-up processing.

Greensboro also has a forensic team, which consists of four civilian CSIs who hold the position of forensic specialist. These employees work Monday through Friday and maintain an on-call status. Their primary responsibility is to serve as lead CSIs on homicide cases. If there haven't been any homicides, these individuals work in the lab handling trace evidence and other laboratory service requests.

Model a New Mindset

Tranter believes the shift toward the acceptance of civilian CSIs has occurred because of advances in forensic technology. "There is so much to learn now," she says. "It's become more science-based. We now need CSIs who have the education, skills, and mindset to think about a crime scene scientifically."

As this paradigm shift took place, so too did a shift in law enforcement's views on what makes a good CSI. Pennica points out that in the past, the old-school CSI had a mindset that leaned toward law enforcement rather than science, but that mindset doesn't work well in today's high-tech forensic world.

"Basically, we're now looking for sworn officers who think like scientists," says Pennica. "But enforcing laws, stopping cars, interviewing witnesses, and interacting with suspects is a whole different ball game than taking a scientific approach to collect forensic evidence at a crime scene. They are completely different skillsets."

So, what does make a good CSI? Well, Parker says whether someone is sworn or civilian is not on his list.

Photo: Police File What does top his list is a good sense of logical deduction. He explains, "In the crime scene world, you're taking a lot of nebulous information that's being thrown at you from victims, detectives, even law enforcement. Then you have physical evidence you are interpreting in conjunction with all this other information. You have got to be able to sort through that logically to deduce what likely happened. If you do it right, you catch the bad guyand it's the right bad guy."

Parker likens it to putting together a jigsaw puzzle, but without the picture on the box to guide you. "We get this 500-piece jigsaw puzzle and its thrown all over the room, but the box with the picture on it is gone. We don't know what we are trying to build so it's very important we take the physical evidence and put it together correctly to paint a picture for the criminal justice system. But not everyone is good at putting together a puzzle like this."

In this scenario, the Greensboro PD and the bureau look for an educational background in science. "It doesn't need to be a major in science, but candidates do need some sort of scientific background," says Pennica.

Practice Good Policy

Hiring civilians is not possible, however, without full department buy-in for non-sworn CSIs, which begins at the top, agree Pennica and Tranter.

Before making the move, department leaders need to have open discussions with sworn officers about the reason for the change, the skills the department seeks in the civilian counterparts, what will be expected of these hires, and the fact that sworn and non-sworn CSIs will be treated the same.

"The conversation we've had with our sworn CSIs has been, 'How often do you really use your power?'" says Pennica, who notes that in the bureau CSIs are never put in a position where they take enforcement action.

"We've found that the sworn officers who really care about the agency and want to see it flourish accept the change because there are not many cops out there with degrees in forensic science," he adds. "But there are a lot of smart, highly energetic young professionals with these degrees who couldn't care less about the gun and the badge; they just want to use science to solve crimes."

Once civilian CSIs are on staff, it's essential that command staff set the example. "If you have a sergeant showing biases toward civilian CSIs, that's going to trickle down to patrol officers," says Tranter. "There has to be a cultural shift that trickles from the top down."

Policy should also treat everyone the same. At the bureau, everyone is issued the same color uniforms to create greater unity among staff. Its pay scale for civilian and sworn CSIs is also the same. Bureau CSIs start at $43,500 and their pay goes up for every year of experience, if they know a foreign language, if they have a master's degree, and so on.

The bureau also changed its overtime system and made it uniform for sworn and civilian CSIs. Pennica explains that a sworn officer can work 160 hours in a 28-day cycle. They only receive overtime after they exceed 160 hours. Thus, a department can have them work 80 hours one week, 80 hours the next week, and give them the next two weeks off to avoid paying overtime. However, with civilians, they are tied to a 40-hour work week and when they exceed that they receive overtime pay.

"We felt it was fair to treat everyone equally because we could have a sworn CSI working next to a civilian CSI at a crime scene, and one of them is getting overtime and the other has their hours flexed out later and doesn't get anything," Pennica says. "We felt that wasn't fair so we put everybody on the same 40-hour work schedule."

Top it Off With Training

Civilian CSIs need advanced training, however. Though they may come to a department well versed in forensic science, they may be lacking in the fundamentals of police work.

To counter this, the Greensboro PD has launched a 16-week CSI academy to train its non-sworn hires on the fundamentals of CSI work. These employees receive four weeks of training on the core skills of a CSI, including crime scene/evidence documentation protocols, forensic photography/videography, scene diagramming, report writing, testifying in court, the types of evidence, and so on.

This is followed by 12 weeks of field training with certified CSIs.

Because Greensboro's CSIs also do some field work in terms of dealing with victims, witnesses, and interviewing, and carry an ASP, mace, and wear a bullet-resistant vest, they attend parts of the police academy for sworn officers as well.

"We seat our recruits in academy courses that are relevant to them," Tranter says. "There are a lot of topics that are shared because our CSIs' duties correlate so much with patrol's duties."

Tranter adds that putting CSIs in classes with training officers builds relationships from the very beginning. "They get to know each other and have a foundation to build from," she says.

In addition, she says the academy training helps the department create competent CSIs who understand everything from presumptive blood tests, to how to use their cameras, to scientific theories.

The bureau puts all CSIs through the same training, whether sworn or civilian. But sworn officers are still required to qualify on their firearms.

Pennica adds, however, that training is for naught if the right person isn't hired from the get-go. He says using civilian CSIs can be a win for every department, but only if they hire the right person from the start.

"Set the bar high, and make your first [civilian] hire a good oneone that civilians and sworn officers will respect, and the rest will follow," he says.

Ronnie Garrett is a Fort Atkinson, WI-based freelance writer who has specialized in writing about law enforcement issues since 1995.
The Cleveland Browns made national news recently when a dozen members of the team knelt during the national anthem, the largest such protest to date in the NFL. In response, Cleveland's police union has said its officers will not hold the American flag during the anthem prior to Browns games, reports Yahoo News.

NFL players have offered various rationales for kneeling during the national anthem, from systemic injustice to specific critiques of police behavior. However, virtually all players who have spoken on their motivations have stressed that they do so out of a hope to improve the country they love.

That rationale didn't fly with Cleveland's police union. "It's just ignorant for someone to [kneel]," Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association president Steve Loomis told cleveland.com. "It just defies logic to me. The fact that management was aware of what they planned on doing, that's as offensive as it can get."

It's important to note that the Cleveland Police Department is not protesting or boycotting the Browns; this is the officers' union. Cleveland police stressed that they are still committed to fulfilling their duties at Browns games.
An Iowa reserve deputy who was walking on Interstate 70 in the Kansas City suburb of Blue Springs, MO, was struck by three vehicles and killed Saturday night, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said.

Jeffrey M. Koontz, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene, the patrol said. He was a reserve deputy for the Pottawattamie County (IA) Sheriff's Office, reports the Omaha World-Herald.

It was unclear why Koontz was walking in the roadway.
On Sunday Rockford, IL, police officer James Nachampassack delivered his own baby in a parking lot.

The one-year veteran, assigned to the police departments squadrol, or transport van, spent much of his night and early morning transporting arrested individuals to the Winnebago County Jail. What had all the makings of another routine shift changed about 5 a.m. when he got a call from his girlfriend, Phenh Thammavong.

"She said nonchalantly, 'I think Im going to give birth today.'"

Nachampassack informed his sergeant who picked him up at the jail and drove him to the District 3 New Towne Drive headquarters to pick up his personal vehicle. Nachampassack said he drove home quickly and before he could open the door, he heard Thammavong screaming.

Nachampassack loaded up his girlfriend and her belongings into his car and while en route to the hospital, he called dispatch on his cellphone. "I said, 'Can you make sure the emergency room is ready because this baby is coming in hot. Were going to pop right when we get there.'"

Minutes later Nachampassack informed dispatch his girlfriend was giving birth and requested an ambulance be sent to the parking lot of the Alpine Inn, rrstar.com reports.
Only 725 more days in group therapy sessions.

Only 725 more days until the Farm Progress Show returns to Decatur.

725 days of agricultural technological fasting.

725 days of not seeing friends that you only see when the Farm Progress Show opens at Progress City. The group therapy sessions would probably help, but I cant find when and where they meet.

If there was one, I would confess my addiction to brightly painted iron, the ultimate in electronic gadgetry that does more things than I can even understand, and seeing the people.

People who say hello to someone theyve never seen before, and may never see again. Its not like a downtown street, its like Rural Route 4 where you raise a forefinger off the steering wheel to every other vehicle you meet.

The exhibitors are gone, along with most of their equipment. Many of the tents are down, and most of the farm equipment has been trucked off to Grand Island, Nebraska, where Husker Harvest Days begins Tuesday. Those lucky Great Plains folks get to enjoy what we have to wait another 725 days to see.

They will crowd around combines and tillage equipment as it passes through the field, just like we did last week.

They will get to kick tires, ask prices, and emotionally drool over that new paint.

For now, memories will have to suffice of some of the technological masterstrokes that farm equipment makers are generating.

Did you see the new way that GSI has to keep farmers out of a grain bin using a slowly-inflating balloon that rises from the floor and pushes grain toward the sumps in the middle? Amazing!

No more bin sweeps. No more mangled feet. It has the capacity to put OSHA grain bin inspectors into retirement, and close government files on bin sweep injuries to farmers and grain elevator employees.

Did you see the AMVACs ink jet printer? Well, it doesnt really dispense ink. Instead in dispenses herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, and biological soil amendments as the planter moves through the field. It rations it out only by prescription where your drone or other form of agricultural intelligence says there is a crop issue or a potential one. In other words, the entire field is not treated, only the areas which need it. Its like putting a Band-Aid on a cut finger, instead of covering your whole body with several boxes of Band-Aids.

It is the same concept that Becks Hybrids has been researching by putting different seed corn hybrids in a field to optimize changing soil conditions as the planter moves through the field. Their planter in front of the Becks building at Progress City was fascinating. It can plant multiple populations in a given field, in multiple row widths, and even multiple grains. But not many farmers would plant succotash unless Delmonte offered a pretty good contract for food grade corn and beans. There would be a lot of challenges to producing a quality succotash crop.

Those innovations are in the future, near future hopefully, but there are many new innovations that are being installed in current production line farm equipment that will make farmers more productive and more efficient. And that is the main challenge.

With high land costs and low commodity prices, farmers have to increase yields without increasing their input costs, meaning more bushels to sell. The Farm Progress Show exhibitors did their best trying to offer innovations that help reduce cost with a corresponding increase in yield. That is the future in farming.

If you did not attend this years Farm Progress Show, set aside August 27-29 of 2019.

Mark it down today, there are only 725 more days, and then make a point of getting there. If you need a reminder, watch this space and you will get some strong reminders about it. Attendance will be taken.

If a group therapy session can be found, youll be alerted, and you wont have to suffer the severe depression that has consumed me.

But wait! The Farm Progress Show will be in Iowa in only 359 more days.
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Republican Congressman Dan Donovan was torn apart by MSNBCs Chris Hayes on Tuesday after he refused to debunk the Trump administration myth that Dreamers  undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children  are stealing American jobs.

MSNBCs Chris Hayes asked the GOP representative whether someone brought here at age five is stealing U.S. jobs if they are now working as an EMT or serving in the military.

Donovan couldnt find it in him to say a simple word: No.

Video:

GOP Congressman couldnt find it in him to say, no, Dreamers are not taking American jobs. #DACA pic.twitter.com/0w7xhppIrt  Sean Colarossi (@SeanColarossi) September 6, 2017

Hayes asked whether the Republican representative agrees with the myth, and Donovan quickly dodged, saying, I agree that there are immigration policies and our laws here are broken, Chris, and they have to be fixed.

When pressed by Hayes, the Republican congressman again refused to answer the question, and took a different angle, saying that he does not believe that Dreamers have intentionally broken any laws  another refusal to debunk the offensive and racially driven Trump myth that immigrants steal U.S. jobs.

But as The New York Times noted last year, citing a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, immigrants do not steal U.S. jobs or deflate wages for American workers.

We found little to no negative effects on overall wages and employment of native-born workers in the longer term, said Francine D. Blau, a Cornell University economics professor who led the report.

Once again, Donald Trump is perpetuating an offensive lie and stirring up minority resentment to please his base, and Republican members of Congress are too spineless to reject it.
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Quickly moving to protect Dreamers from potential deportation, Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado joined with fellow Sen. Democrat Michael Bennet of the same state to co-sponsor the DREAM Act.

The legislation would give young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children a path to citizenship and protect them from deportation.

The GOP senator threw his support behind the DREAM Act, saying young people who came to America through no fault of their own should not be punished.

The full statement from Gardner:

Im proud to cosponsor the bipartisan #DreamAct with @SenBennetCO that provides certainty to law-abiding Dreamers. Congress must act now. pic.twitter.com/cb9cttH5oQ  Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) September 5, 2017

The GOP senators move comes hours after the Trump administration announced it would roll back protections put in place by President Obama for young immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

As the Denver Post reported on Tuesday, Gardner previously favored a failed effort to block the same Obama program that Trump plans to end, but he changed his mind later on when he was running for U.S. Senate. As the newspaper also noted, 17,000 Dreamers live in Colorado, the state Gardner represents.

The decision by the Republican Senator and frequent Trump critic shows that even the GOP realizes that they cannot continue to denigrate one of the fastest growing voting blocs in the United States.

Still, with Trump in the White House and very little widespread pushback from Republicans over the presidents disastrous policy agenda, it will be hard for GOP members to separate themselves from Trump, no matter how hard they try.
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A leak of the White Houses talking points on ending DACA reveals that Trump is planning on telling Dreamers to self-deport.

ABC News has the talking point:

SCOOP: #Dreamers should be prepared to self-deport & "arrange their departure" from USA, per admin talking points obtained by @CeciliaVega. pic.twitter.com/KltCUbx3BP  Justin Fishel (@JustinFishelABC) September 5, 2017

The talking point states that the Department of Homeland Security is urging Dreamers to use the time that they have left to make arrangements to self-deport. There is going to be no legislative fix, or at least not a legislative fix that Trump will sign. Even if Congress passes a law protecting the status of the Dreamers, it is clear that Trump wants these people out of the United States.

The real intention of the six-month delay in ending the program wasnt to give Congress time to pass a law. It was to give the Dreamers time to voluntarily leave the country before Donald Trump began deporting them. The time is now to pressure Congress to legislatively protect the Dreamers by passing a bill by veto-proof margins.

Trump has no intention of letting the Dreamers stay, which is why the country must work around the President to uphold our values as a nation and do what is right.
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The probe into President Trumps possible collusion with the Russians on their interference in the 2016 U.S. election takes another step forward as Donald Trump, Jr. will speak with the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. He is the first member of the Trump campaign who attended the June 2016 meeting with the Russian lawyer to speak with the committee.

Two Senate sources reportedly told CNN that Donald Trump, Jr. is expected to speak to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday, behind closed doors. This is yet another bad decision by Trump, Jr., as it is a crime to lie to Congress.

News: Donald Trump Jr. is expected speak to the Senate Judiciary Committee behind closed doors Thursday, two Senate sources tell @CNN  David Wright (@DavidWright_CNN) September 6, 2017

Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti weighed in on Juniors very bad decision:

Another very bad decision by Trump Jr. It's a crime to lie to Congress and everything he says can be used against him. https://t.co/xPUAnuETKQ  Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) September 6, 2017

The CNN reporting is a confirmation of a report in The Washington Post based on three Democratic members of the committee regarding Donald Trump, Jrs planned meeting on Thursday.

The meeting is expected to be comprehensive, according to The Washington Posts reporting Tuesday evening, and is the first opportunity that members of the committee will have to grill someone from President Donald Trumps inner circle about the campaigns alleged attempts to engage with Kremlin surrogates, during a period when the intelligence community believes Russia was taking steps to influence the 2016 presidential election in favor of Trumps candidacy.

The problem the Trump campaign members are having is that Paul Manafort is likely facing serious criminal charges, and that makes him more likely to turn on other members.

Manafort and Kushner have already spoken to Senate Intelligence Committee, and Manaforts lawyer is trying to block Special Counsel Robert Mueller from gaining access to that transcript.

The Judiciary Committee is headed by Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who finagled the move to obstruct for 300 plus days former President Barack Obama from having his nominee for the Supreme Court even heard.

In August, a grand jury issued subpoenas in connection with the June 2016 meeting of key Trump campaign members, including Donald Trump, Jr., his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and a Russian lawyer.

Anything Trump, Jr says in the Senate meeting can be used against him and it is a crime to lie to Congress. Sure, the Republicans leading the various Congressional investigations dont seem too keen on protecting the United States from Russias interference, but the thing is, Robert Muellers investigation appears to be moving forward with a purpose and the intelligence community isnt letting up. Republicans cant appear to let the Trump campaign skate from even being questioned completely, since a lot of this is going to come out one way or another.

The real question is if Republicans, who lead both chambers, will take action to protect the United States from Russian interference in the midterm elections. So far, the answer to this question is no. They do not appear interested in taking real action, other than asking questions in committees.
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The White House is complaining because CNN and MSNBC have refused to air President Trumps rambling and fact free North Dakota speech about tax reform.

Special Assistant to the President and Assistant White House Communications Director Steven Chueng tweeted:

So @realDonaldTrump is giving a major tax reform speech in North Dakota. @CNN and @MSNBC decide not to take the speech.  pic.twitter.com/oKkiO6KWaS  Steven Cheung (@scheung45) September 6, 2017

Here is a larger view of the image attached to Chuengs tweet:

It took a bit longer than almost everyone expected, but it appears that MSNBC and CNN have fully caught on to what their audiences want. MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace talked about a series of topics that included DACA, Russia, and Ivanka Trumps declining influence. CNNs Jake Tapper talked about Hurricane Irma, Trump Jr., Russia, and Trumps deal with Democrats on the debt ceiling.

Trumps speech was ignored by two of the three cable news networks. Tax reform is one of those boring topics that cable news largely ignores, but the fact that two of the three networks ignored his speech suggests that that cable news coverage that Trump depended on during the campaign and in the early days of his presidency is fading fast.

The Russia scandal is overshadowing Trump, and the American people are not getting fooled by the same old Republican boiler plate lies about tax cuts for the wealthy will grow the economy anymore.

The cable news networks are finally breaking their addiction to Donald Trump.
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By Scott Malone

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Reuters)  Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in a century, churned across northern Caribbean islands on Wednesday with a potentially catastrophic mix of fierce winds, surf and rain, en route to a possible Florida landfall at the weekend.

Irma is expected to become the second powerful storm to thrash the U.S. mainland in as many weeks but its precise trajectory remained uncertain. Hurricane Harvey killed more than 60 people and caused damaged estimated as high as $180 billion when it hit Texas late last month.

The eye of Irma, a Category 5 storm packing winds of 185 miles per hour (295 km per hour), moved away from the island of Barbuda and toward the island of St. Martin, east of Puerto Rico, early on Wednesday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported. It could hit Florida on Saturday.

We are hunkered down and it is very windy  the wind is a major threat, said Garfield Burford, the director of news at ABS TV and Radio on the island of Antigua, south of Barbuda. So far, some roofs have been blown off.

Most people who were on Antigua and Barbuda were without power and about 1,000 people were spending the night in shelters in Antigua, according to Burford.

Its very scary  most of the islands are dark so its a very, very frightening, he said.

The eye of the hurricane went over Barbuda, which has a population of about 1,600 people, according to ABS radio.

All hearts and all prayers and all minds go out to the Barbudans at this time because they experienced the full brunt, a radio host said on the station early on Wednesday.

Public relations professional Alex Woolfall said on Twitter he was hiding underneath a concrete stairwell as the storm neared St. Maarten.

Still thunderous sonic boom noises outside and boiling in stairwell. Can feel scream of things being hurled against building, he said. Okay I am now pretty terrified so can every non-believer, atheist & heretic please pray for me.

The amount of damage and the number of casualties were not known early on Wednesday. A 75-year-old man died while preparing for the storm in Puerto Ricos central mountains, police said.

Several other Leeward Islands, including Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were under a hurricane warning.

Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion, the Hurricane Center said, warning that Irma will bring life-threatening wind, storm surge and rainfall hazards to those islands.

Along the beachfront of Puerto Ricos capital, San Juan, work crews scrambled to cover windows with plywood and corrugated metal shutters along Avenida Ashford, a stretch of restaurants, hotels and six-story apartments.

I am worried because this is the biggest storm we have seen here, said Jonathan Negron, 41, as he supervised workers boarding up his souvenir shop.

The NHC said Irma ranked as one of the five most powerful Atlantic hurricanes during the past 80 years and the strongest Atlantic basin storm ever outside the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello urged the 3.4 million residents of the U.S. territory to seek refuge in one of 460 hurricane shelters in advance of the storm and later ordered police and National Guard troops to begin evacuations of flood-prone areas in the north and east of the island.

This is something without precedent, Rossello told a news conference.

U.S. President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, mobilizing federal disaster relief efforts, the White House said.

Authorities in the Florida Keys called for a mandatory evacuation of visitors to start at sunrise on Wednesday, and public schools throughout South Florida were ordered closed, some as early as Wednesday.

Residents of low-lying areas in densely populated Miami-Dade County were urged to move to higher ground by Wednesday as a precaution against coastal storm surges, three days before Irma was expected to make landfall in Florida.

Several tiny islands in the resort-heavy eastern Caribbean were the first in harms way.

Hurricane watches were in effect for Guadeloupe, Haiti, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas.

Airlines canceled flights to the region, and American Airlines added three extra flights to Miami from San Juan, St. Kitts and St. Maarten.

Residents of Texas and Louisiana were still recovering from Harvey, which struck Texas as a Category 4 hurricane on Aug. 25. It dumped several feet of rain, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and displaced more than 1 million people.

(Additional reporting by Brendan OBrien in Milwaukee; Editing by Nick Macfie and Catherine Evans)
Juncker sends unpleasant response to letter by Hungarian PM Orban

Solidarity is not an a-la-carte dish," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker replied to a request by Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban that the EU should split the costs of Hungary protecting its own borders, which happen to be the blocks borders as well, from the influx of refugees.

Politico has obtained the letter Juncker has written to Orban as a response to the Hungarian Prime Minister asking the EU to reimburse half of the expenses incurred by Hungary for measures taken for the protection of external borders in the last two years.Juncker acknowledged that the protection of the EUs external borders is a matter of common concern", and that the Commission is assisting all Member States in the protection of the Unions external borders and the management of migratory flows.He reminded Orban that in 2015, when Hungary was affected by the refugee crisis the EC proposed that an emergency relocation scheme would apply to Hungary, alongside Italy and Greece.

Hungary, however, decided, to reject this offer of concrete solidarity, declining the possibility to benefit from relocation of up to 54.000 persons and decided to return nearly 4 million euro of EU funds pre-paid by the Commission to Hungary.

Subsequently, Hungary has challenged the validity of the Council decisions on relocation before the Court of Justice.Juncker also pointed out that Hungary has been able to rely onfrom the Commission and EU Agencies, such as three emergency grants amounting toHungary received in 2014-2015.The President noted that regretfully - given the modest implementation rate by Hungary of these three grants - only around 33% of the funds were used and the unused funds were lost.To support the protection of external borders, Hungary should also rely on the EU funding already allocated under the national envelope of the Internal Security Fund "Borders", amounting tofor the period 2014-2020, the President added.Another form of European solidarity is represented by the, Juncker noted, reminding that Hungary is the 8th largest beneficiary of the European Structural and Investment Funds in the period 2014-2020, with an allocation of

This represents more than 3% of Hungary's GDP annually, the highest of any Member State.

With regard to other forms of assistance, Juncker also noted that the European Border and Coast Guard provides active operational support to Hungary with the deployment of currently 20 European border guards at the border sections with Serbia.Juncker has acknowledge Hungary's contribution to the EU external financial instruments supporting migration related projects in countries of origin and transit.

In this context, if Hungary now wishes to request additional financial support for the protection of external borders in case of specific urgent needs, the Commission is ready to swiftly examine this request and provide the appropriate assistance for a strengthened border control carried out in accordance with EU law

, he said.The President reminded that to respond to the migration crisis, the Commission has provided such emergency assistance to Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Spain, following the examination of their applications.Juncker also responded to Orbans call in his letter for more Europe in the area of migration and border management, building on the principle of solidarity.

Solidarity is a two-way street. There are times in which Member States may expect to receive support, and times in which they, in turn, should stand ready to contribute. And solidarity is not an a-la-carte dish; one that can be chosen for border management, and rejected when it comes to complying with relocation decisions that have been jointly agreed."

Juncker noted that the EC and himself remain committed to working together with Hungary towards a more efficient and fairer European migration and asylum policy, based on responsibility and solidarity.

I count on your active contribution, on the basis of our EU Treaties and our common values

, he concluded
Tax cuts are the centerpiece of President Trump's economic agenda. That's how he'll deliver on his promise to create "millions" of new jobs and restore manufacturing in the heartland, he says.

But for Republicans in Congress, after their failure to repeal President Obama's healthcare law, tax reform is more than just another political battle. It's an existential one.

"If we don't get tax reform done, we're dead," Sen. Mike Lee, the refreshingly blunt senator from Utah, said last week. "We might as well flip up our tent and go home."

If Trump and his allies pass an ambitious tax bill, they will be able to ascribe every subsequent improvement in the economy -- every job created, every spike in the stock market -- to their own handiwork, whether they deserve the credit or not.

If they're stymied, they'll have to prove that they didn't merely inherit a healthy economy from Obama. The increase in business confidence that followed the election, the "Trump bump," may disappear if the promise of tax cuts turns out to be a mirage.

So it's not a good sign that the prospect of passing a tax bill already looks eerily like the repeal of Obamacare: a sure thing that turned into a debacle.

Seven months after Trump's inauguration, the president and his allies still don't have a plan. Trump launched his fall tax campaign last week with a speech in Missouri, but it was largely content-free.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a political neophyte, initially said he hoped to pass a bill by August. Now he promises a "blueprint" will arrive -- not pass -- in September.

It's not clear that GOP leaders in the House and Senate are even on the same page. Democrats, meanwhile, are largely unified in opposition to almost anything the administration is likely to propose.

If you listen closely, you can hear the administration's initial ambitions for its tax bill slowly shrinking. Last week, Trump said he still wants to enact a sweeping reform of individual income taxes, "potentially the biggest ever." But full-scale tax reform -- the kind that lowers tax rates, eliminates deductions and simplifies tax returns -- takes years and, usually, bipartisan cooperation. The last big reform, in 1986, was the fruit of more than three years of talks. Trump and his Republicans have given themselves three months. And they've already decided against seeking help from Democrats, who would have demanded painful compromises.

The president said last week that he wanted to work with Democrats, but charged that they are "looking to obstruct tax cuts and tax reforms, just like they obstructed so many other things." Instead, Trump and his lieutenants are increasingly focused on only one part of their initial broad agenda: a cut in corporate taxes from the current top rate of 35 percent.

There are defensible policy arguments for lowering the top corporate tax rate. Obama proposed a corporate tax cut, too, although not as deep as Trump's. But last week, Trump made it sound like a panacea. "We must reduce the tax rate on American businesses so they keep jobs in America, create jobs in America, and compete for workers right here in America," he said. "Lower taxes on America's businesses means higher wages for America's workers."

The problem with that sales pitch is that it's only partly true -- at best. Nonpartisan studies, including one from the Treasury Department, suggest that about 70 percent of the direct benefits of a corporate tax would go to owners and investors, not workers. Economic theory holds that those owners and investors will use some of that money to expand their businesses, which could include hiring more workers -- a classic "trickle down" effect. But it's not likely to have an immediate, visible impact on jobs or incomes.

Meanwhile, Trump is still promising a broad tax cut for the middle class, one that he may not win. In short, he's already over-promising -- just as he did on healthcare, when he said that GOP bills wouldn't deprive anyone of their health insurance.

The good news for Trump and his allies is that they don't need to persuade every voter. If the tax bill won't blow a hole in the deficit, they need only 50 Republican votes in the Senate.

But there will still be battles, just as there were on healthcare. And Republicans will be waging those battles with the same president who repeatedly disrupted their attempts to repeal Obamacare. As healthcare showed, one GOP strategist told me, "We're a party that doesn't know how to sell ideas any more."

The most likely outcome, especially against a year-end deadline, is that Republicans will opt for a "skinny" lowest-common-denominator bill, which probably means a corporate tax cut. The skinnier the bill, the smaller the impact -- and the weaker the GOP's claim to economic wizardry.
The Internal Revenue Service is giving South Carolina residents and business owners until Feb. 15 to submit various tax returns and make certain payments as part of the government's response to Hurricane Ian. Read moreIan buys SC taxpayers more time to submit some IRS filings
Columbia Bureau Chief

Shain is Columbia Bureau Chief for The Post and Courier. He was editor of Free Times and was a reporter and editor at The State, The Charlotte Observer and The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low around 45F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low around 45F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
In this digital, consumer-driven marketplace in which small businesses operate, it is vital they have an online presence.

SCORE mentors use the resources of SCORE's own website and the experience and data provided by its business partners as we mentor clients. One such partner is Com/.net powered by Verisign, a global leader in domain names and internet security, which enables the world to connect online with reliability and confidence, anytime, anywhere.

Once you've registered your company's domain name, there are a few ways you can use it to build your business's online presence. Two popular options are 1) redirect or forward your domain name to a social media business page that acts as a temporary stand-in for your website, or 2) to build and launch a business website.

Your business ideally should have a website that works in conjunction with your social media presence, but if that's not possible, one or the other still can prove useful if implemented correctly. Here are some thoughts on each method.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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If you're looking for an option that's quick to implement and comes with immediate benefits, one simple technique is to register your own web address via a domain name, and redirect it to the social media page of your choosing. This method enables you to have a business-branded web address that offers credibility and ease when promoting your online presence much better than saying "follow me on Facebook."

There are many multimedia platforms to leverage when using social media as your online presence, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, Instagram and Pinterest.

Pros

 Quick and free  simple to set up and most platforms don't charge a fee.

 Low-commitment  you easily can delete your page or switch to a new provider at any time.

 60 percent of consumers said in a recent survey they were more likely to visit a business on Facebook if they could get there by using a custom domain name.

 Engagement  access to more than a billion potential consumers, which allows you to easily communicate and helps build relationships.

Cons

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 Lack of control/ownership  the social media provider's terms and conditions control what content and promotions can be presented.

 Constrained creativity  social sites offer limited design layouts.

 Open forum  these sites give consumers an open forum to voice their feedback and complaints, which necessitates more monitoring of the site.

 Limited reporting/tools  the level of reporting and features available often are less than with a website.

It might be best to simply start with one or two platforms that reach your target audience. Remember to try to reserve accounts or claim your branded profiles on all sites/platforms you plan to leverage to avoid confusion.

WEBSITE

Sixty-eight percent of small businesses said websites are the most effective online marketing tool for creating awareness and strengthening customer relationships, more than any other online marketing tool.

With a bevy of options, both paid and free, for creating a website for your business, it is easier than ever to build a high-quality website to showcase your products and services, and to establish your brand in a form you can control.

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Pros

 Cost effective  there are a variety of options available. Free websites might be a good starting place as some are created for the nontechnical user with easy-to-use templates.

 Credibility  Eighty-four percent of U.S. consumers believe a business with a website is more credible than one with only a social media page.

 Full control/ownership  even if you decide against a custom build and use a website-builder tool with templates, today's tools offer many customization features so you easily can personalize your website.

 Greater branding and promotional flexibility  a website not only has more space to market your business, but more ways to market as well, such as videos, customers reviews, blogs, special promotional offers, etc.

 Around the clock availability  market products and services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, anywhere in the world.

Cons

 Maintenance  depending on the size of the site, keeping content up-to-date requires time and effort.

 Increased complexity  sites with more sophisticated designs and functionality will most likely require more investment in time and money.

WEBSITE AND SOCIAL: WORKING TOGETHER

Ideally, your website and social media channels should work together. Your website should be the center of your online presence, while you use social media to engage and drive customers back to your website.

Here are some quick tips on how your social media and website can complement each other:

 Use social media to inform your customers of quick or weekly updates you have made to your website.

 Showcase or integrate your social posts (Facebook or Twitter) directly on your website.

 Add visible social media buttons linking to your social media page to the header or footer of your site, offering customers an alternative way to stay up-to-date on your business or promotions.

 For e-commerce businesses, integrate social buttons on product pages so your customers can share socially what they just bought or like on your website.

Remember, it's OK for your social media page to have some of the same content as your website. Social media can help increase your chance of reaching customers who might not visit your website daily.
Following the high-profile fight between Mayo Clinic and SEIU Healthcare Minnesota that began in the summer of 2016, the union's numbers continue to expand in Rochester.

SEIU announced Monday at a Labor Day picnic in Rochester that food service workers at Charter House voted to unionize by a 2-to-1 ratio. Last week's decision affects 84 employees who were transferred from Mayo to Morrison Healthcare as part of last summer's outsourcing decision that prompted two high-profile protests in downtown Rochester attended by multiple state lawmakers .

Charter House is a not-for-profit retirement community owned and operated by Mayo Clinic. It's located adjacent to Mayo's Rochester campus and serves up to 350 elderly residents.

"In order for Charter House to be the preferred place to live, it first has to be the preferred place to work," said Cheryl Ouellette, a food service employee at Charter House. "We knew that the best way to make that happen after everything that has gone over the last year was to join together in the union."

Last fall, 80 non-union food service workers at Mayo overwhelmingly voted to join SEIU , which had represented about 350 employees in Rochester.

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The two affirmative votes means SEIU's numbers in Rochester have increased by about 33 percent since Mayo announced June 2016 that it would be outsourcing its food service department in response to an internal study that found patient satisfaction scores were under 50 percent.

Mayo spokeswoman Ginger Plumbo says Mayo remains committed to providing "the best possible food service experience," regardless of who is signing the employees' paycheck.

"Our focus remains on ensuring that Mayo patients and visitors receive the best possible food service experience, and we continue to work closely with Morrison on a seamless transition for employees, patients, and visitors," Plumbo said via email. "We cannot comment on the vote by Morrison Healthcare food service workers at Charter House, as we are no longer their employer and are not involved in the relationship between Morrison and SEIU."

SEIU's new members at Charter House will start bargaining with Morrison in coming weeks.

Earlier this year, SEIU President Jamie Gulley declared victory in its fight after the initial bargaining sessions resulted in wage increases of up to 42 percent for union members, among other concessions. He's said it's important that union members are "standing up and fighting back" against Mayo to ensure that benefits aren't only extended to the "wealthy and powerful."

Michael Roeder helped lead the campaign to join SEIU because he says Charter House wages haven't kept pace with the increased cost of living in Rochester.

"Because we formed our union, we are ready to join the fight to fix this problem," Roeder said. "Even amidst management's tactics to dissuade us from forming a union, lowballing offers and bringing in union-busters, we persevered because we all ignored their distractions."

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ST. CHARLES  Clean living and lots of laughter.

As Lois Schuchard approaches her 100th birthday on Wednesday, the St. Charles resident credits home-cooking, avoiding vices, a life full of friends and family, and her poetry for keeping her sharp.

"Attitude has a lot to do with it," said Janice Timm, one of Schuchard's six children, five of them daughters. Her mom, Timm said, always had a laugh and a smile, and loved being surrounded by people who were infected with her positive outlook on life.

"Don't look on the dark side of something," Schuchard added.

There was plenty of love and laughter for the woman generations of folks from St. Charles -- whether they were related or not  called "Mom" and "Grandma." All of her living children  her oldest daughter, Doris, died three years ago  came for the party on Sunday. All but one grandchild made the trip. And plenty of other friends, family and people from town came to wish Schuchard a happy 100th birthday.

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Jim Nowicki, a grandson, said they came from near and far. Grandchildren from Alaska, California, Tennessee, Texas and, in Nowicki's case, Florida, made the trek. Whether they've lived in Saratoga Township and St. Charles their whole lives or, like Nowicki, have only ever visited, Grandma Lois' home feels like a family gathering place.

"We all try to come up," Nowicki said. "It's a grounding for us, which is nice."

Growing up, a trip to Grandma Lois' house meant a place to laugh and get a "nice, soft hug."

Born in Saratoga Township on the family farm, Lois Cox attended the country school through the eighth grade, moving around the class as the teacher taught each class in the one-room schoolhouse. "If she was teaching second grade, those ones would move up front, and then you moved up when it was your turn," she said. Eventually, she moved to the high school in St. Charles, located where the elementary school is now.

When the school got new blackboards, her father brought home an old one, and she would bicker with her brother through messages on the blackboard in the house. "He'd draw pictures of me," she said, describing a chalk image of her bent over with her bloomers showing. "Nothing too risque," she said. "Mother wouldn't allow it."

She would respond back with a short-but-scathing poem. "Sometimes I'd lie awake at night thinking of just the thing to say about him," she laughed.

Poems would become a big part of her life, Timm said, especially after Schuchard divorced her first husband  her children's father  Kenneth Burdick, and moved back to St. Charles from Chicago, the only place she ever lived besides western Winona County. "I left him and his girlfriend back there," she said.

The poems kept coming. Serious poems, funny poems, and some slightly naughty poems, one of which almost cost Schuchard her job. She was working at an egg-packing plant in town, and one of her coworkers left a bit of a mess in the women's room. When Schuchard wrote a poem about the scatological untidiness and posted it on the door, her boss threatened to let her go. Only the intervention of the egg inspector saved her job.

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By this time, she had moved back to the St. Charles area and reacquainted herself with an old friend, Walter Schuchard. They married in 1948, about four years after she moved back from Chicago. Though they never had children of their own, he raised Lois' children as his own. "He was a wonderful father," Timm said.

Since then, life has mostly been full of joys. She is a charter member of the St. Charles Bible Church, where she has volunteered for countless events. She belonged to the VFW auxiliary, managing the food booth at the county fair.

Much of her volunteer work revolved around kitchens. Timm laughed when she explained how her mother got mad when they told her she was getting too old to volunteer in the kitchens. She was in her early 80s. "She felt bad when they told her they had younger ladies," she said.

Admittedly, Schuchard wasn't moving around the kitchen as quickly as she once did.

Limited mobility moved her out of her home on East 13th Street. The home was one of the last old homes in St. Charles to get running water back in the 1950s. Before then, there was a well pump in the yard and an outdoor privy.

She admits the town has grown up around her. But more people just means more folks for get-togethers and laughter. The city, of course, loves her back. Wednesday has been proclaimed Lois Schuchard Day in St. Charles.

As she turns 100, Schuchard said she keeps working jigsaw puzzles and still works on poems from time to time. But she's accepted the fact that she's out of the kitchen for good. "I don't have to do the cooking or the dishes," she laughed.
From the Global Anti-Corruption Consortium, a partnership between investigative journalists and anti-corruption activists.

When you have access to state coffers and your country sits on one of the biggest oil and gas reserves in the world, it is hardly surprising that the ruling elite can pretty much do what it wants, irrespective of what is good for its citizens.

That is the case in Azerbaijan. Human rights are routinely threatened and opposition to the government is crushed yet the elites flourish. Azerbaijan ranks 160 out of 180 on the Press Freedom Index and scores just 30 on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index indicating rampant corruption.

A series of investigations across Europe, published on 4 September and led by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), has uncovered a network of illicit financial payments that used reputable banks and secret companies to funnel payments from a US$ 2.9 billion slush fund to buy political influence and launder Azerbaijans international image.

We want to put a stop to this. To do this we are focussing on the people, organisations and financial systems that allow this to happen. Senior politicians, businesses and the Council of Europe, the organisation whose very mandate is to monitor human rights, democracy and the rule of law in its 47 member states, are involved.

It is now apparent that some members of the Council of Europe were paid to vote down a highly critical report on Azerbaijans human rights record and election process. In addition, the investigations show how money was funnelled through secret companies in the UK and the Estonian branch of Denmarks Danske Bank from an Azeri slush fund.

This is not surprising. Danske Bank was at the centre of a previous OCCRP investigationcalled the Russian Laundromat. And Denmark recently received a very poor rating by the Financial Action Task Force for its anti-money laundering procedures.

Transparency International is asking people to sign and send a letter to political representatives from their countries at the Council of Europe calling for a full investigation into the allegations and for sanctions of any wrongdoing. Transparency International and its chapters will use the evidence gathered so far to do the following: On 7 Sept 2017 Transparency International will present evidence to the special corruption investigative group at Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and ask for a full transparency investigation.

In the US, Transparency International will provide a dossier relating to the investigation with the US authorities since the International Bank of Azerbaijan is based in the United States.

Call on the authorities in the Czech Republic, Denmark and Germany to investigate the role of shell companies with secret ownership.

Push for public registers of beneficial ownership in countries that dont already have them.

Call on the authorities to tighten and implement anti-money laundering procedures, particularly in Denmark.

Call for full investigations into those receiving dirty money at the international, regional and national levels to determine whether there was corruption and conflicts of interest.

www.transparency.org
The ribbon will be cut at 10 a.m. Thursday on the 55th Street extension project that started construction 15 months ago.

Here are a few things to know about the project:

1. The ribbon cutting won't open the road.

While traffic won't be flowing as soon as the ribbon is cut, Olmsted County Engineer Kaye Bieniek said the $33 million extension that provides a regional connection between U.S. Highway 52 and U.S. Highway 63 will open later in the day.

While the road will open, she said some finishing work remains. The work is not expected to close lanes.

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2. You are invited to watch the ribbon being cut.

The event is open to the public.

"We're hoping to get some folks to attend," Bieniek said.

Olmsted County commissioners, public works staff and others will join the celebration on the new river crossing bridge, just east of Essex Park.

Parking is suggested at Essex Park, with a short walk to the bridge. Limited parking will be available on the newly constructed, unopened segment of 55th Street, east of West River Road.

3. The bridge is one of the county's longest.

Bieniek calls the new crossing at the South Fork of the Zumbro River a gem in the project.

It is one of the longest structures in the county at 485 feet, and it required approximately 9,500 cubic yards of concrete and more than 2 million pounds of steel.

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With a width of 123 feet, it holds two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, along with a median and pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

4. Planning started more than 25 years ago.

Bieniek said county records show early discussions about the regional connection were held in the late 1960s.

By the late '80s, more earnest efforts were started and three potential routes were outlined.

A preferred alignment was determined in 2007, and design work started.

5. The project was completely funded through local sales tax dollars.

While the county applied for state funding, it was never achieved. Instead the project was funded entirely by the county's share of sales tax funds, making it the largest out-state project funded by a local agency in Minnesota.

Bieniek said the county held out hope that federal dollars would become available and followed the federal process required to make sure it would comply if financing changed.

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6. Mileage exceeds the 1.5 mile realignment.

While the new 55th Street extension adds 1.5 miles of roadway, the county also improved nearly two miles of connecting roadways and local street, added nearly five miles of pedestrian and trail facilities and expanded nearly a mile of Broadway Avenue.

7. The city will gain control of 37th Street.

The new extension will be designated as County Road 22, meaning the portion of 37th Street will no longer be considered a county road.

Ownership of the section west of Broadway will convert to the city, according to Bieniek.

8. There's more to come.

Long-range plans call for eventually extending 55th Street further east to 55th Ave. NE.

Until then, Bieniek said many other projects are in the works, including ongoing construction of a County Highway 5 extension near Pine Island, which has been spread out over four years due to expense.

"There's no doubt our county is growing, so there's some needs, and we're trying to get those needs addressed," she said.
On June 12, 2016, WikiLeaks announced it would soon release stolen computer files that pertained to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

Two days later, CrowdStrike, a computer security company working for the Democratic National Committee, announced that it had detected Russian malware on the DNC's computer server. The next day, a self-described Romanian hacker, Guccifer 2.0, claimed he was a WikiLeaks source and had hacked the DNC's server. He then posted online DNC computer files that contained metadata that indicated Russian involvement in the hack.

Much to the embarrassment of Hillary Clinton, the released files showed that the DNC had secretly collaborated with her campaign to promote her candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination over that of Bernie Sanders. Clearly, the Clinton campaign needed to lessen the political damage. Jennifer Palmieri, Clinton's public relations chief, said in a Washington Post essay in March that she worked assiduously during the Democratic nominating convention to "get the press to focus on ... the prospect that Russia had not only hacked and stolen emails from the DNC, but that it had done so to help Donald Trump and hurt Hillary."

Thus was laid the cornerstone of the Trump-Russia-collusion conspiracy theory.

Since then, the mainstream media have created a climate of hysteria in which this unsubstantiated theory has been conjured into accepted truth. This has resulted in investigations by Congress and a special counsel into President Trump, his family and his campaign staff for supposed collusion with the Russians.

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But in their frenzied coverage, the media have downplayed the very odd behavior of the DNC, the putative target of the alleged hack. For, when the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI learned of the hacking claim, they asked to examine the server and the DNC refused. Without explanation, it continues to deny law enforcement access to its server.

Why would the purported victim of a crime refuse to cooperate with law enforcement in solving that crime? Is it hiding something? Is it afraid the server's contents will discredit the Russia-hacking story?

The answers to those questions are beginning to emerge thanks to an exacting forensic examination of the available evidence by the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity, an organization of former CIA, FBI, National Security Agency, and military intelligence officers, technical experts, and analysts.

Recently, VIPS released its initial investigative findings, and they are stunning. VIPS has concluded that the DNC data were not hacked by the Russians or anyone else accessing the server over the internet. Instead, they were downloaded by means of a thumb drive or similar portable storage device physically attached to the DNC server. Accordingly, VIPS concludes the DNC data theft was an inside job by someone with access to the server.

Up to this point, Russiagate has been notable as an irrational, self-levitating media jihad devoid of any material-supporting evidence. Now, thanks to the VIPS experts, the Russia-hacking story appears to have been affirmatively and convincingly undercut. And this raises many questions concerning the purveyors of the Russia hacking story.

After the DNC denied law enforcement access to its server, the FBI -- under James Comey's flaccid leadership -- meekly agreed to accept the findings of CrowdStrike, the DNC's private computer security firm, as to the server's contents. This was in lieu of the FBI's using the legal process to search the server for Russian malware and evidence of hacking.

Why did Comey and the FBI agree to such an impotent, absurd and self-defeating arrangement? And why to this day has this bizarre situation been allowed to continue?

Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating the alleged Trump-Russia conspiracy. Unlike the feckless Comey, he has used a grand jury and at least one search warrant to obtain evidence. May we expect Mueller to use similar tactics in dealing with the mysteriously recalcitrant DNC? Will the server at long last be subjected to a non-DNC-controlled forensic analysis?

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Or will the unraveling Russiagate fable continue to be a fig leaf for a one-sided, politically motivated effort by Mueller and his staff of Hillary Clinton supporters to undo the outcome of the 2016 presidential election?
Byron York reports that Trey Gowdys House Intelligence Committee has subpoenaed the FBI and the Department of Justice over the origins of the fictitious Russian dossier that was used to smear Donald Trump during the presidential campaign:

In the most significant escalation yet in the wrangling between Congress and the FBI over the Trump dossier, the House Intelligence Committee has subpoenaed the bureau and the Justice Department for documents relating to the dossier, the FBIs relationship with dossier author Christopher Steele, and the bureaus possible role in supporting what began as an opposition research project against candidate Donald Trump in the final months of last years presidential campaign.

There is some reason to believe that the FBI was enlisted to support the Hillary Clinton campaign by promoting, and perhaps paying for, the fake Russian dossier. If that is true, it is a major scandal. The FBI and DOJ are still not cooperating in the committees investigation:

The committee issued the subpoenas  one to the FBI, an identical one to the Justice Department  on August 24, giving both until last Friday, September 1, to turn over the information. Neither FBI nor Justice turned over the documents, and now the committee has given them an extension until September 14 to comply.

The committee has now also subpoenaed FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Jeff Sessions to come before the committee and explain why the requested information has not been supplied. It has been trying to obtain information from the agencies since May, and has been stonewalled.

A subpoena is a tool of last resort in Congress, Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor, said.

This makes zero sense to me. Every auto accident lawyer in America uses subpoenas to compel the testimony of witnesses under oath and the production of documents. I am not, in general, a big fan of Congressional investigations, but if an investigation is worth conducting, I dont understand how it can possibly be done without using subpoenas, putting witnesses under oath and under penalty of perjury, and compelling the production of relevant documents. The Obama administration successfully stonewalled virtually every investigation conducted by Congress because it was treated with kid gloves.

[T]he House committee wants to know the origin of the FBIs involvement in the creation of the [Russian dossier]. They are particularly interested to know whether the FBI or Justice Department ever presented information from the dossier  unverified, possibly from paid informants  to a court as a basis for obtaining a surveillance warrant in the Russia investigation.

We still dont know whether the Obama administration spied on the Trump campaign during the election, although the number of unmasking requests from Obama operatives certainly suggests that such spying went on. If the Obama administration obtained warrants by presenting faked information from Russian sources that was solicited or paid for by the FBI, we have another major scandal, far eclipsing minor matters like Watergate. But Obamas bureaucrats are, it appears, more determined to hide the truth than Congressional investigators are to uncover it.

the House committee wants to know the origin of the FBIs involvement in the creation of the document. They are particularly interested to know whether the FBI or Justice Department ever presented information from the dossier  unverified, possibly from paid informants  to a court as a basis for obtaining a surveillance warrant in the Russia investigation.

Actually, I dont think Jeff Sessions is running the Department of Justice. That agency has been thoroughly politicized to turn it into a tool of the Democratic Party, and Sessions influence is limited at best. But that is a story for another day.
The Ratchet Effect is the well-known theorem that once liberals get a social welfare program in place, it is nearly impossible for a subsequent conservative government to roll it back. Margaret Thatcher did privatize a lot of nationalized industries in Britain, but then socialist or Labour Party governments did the same thing in New Zealand, Australia, and even France back in the 1980s, as the incompetence of government ownership of the means of production was too obvious to be ignored. But not even Thatcher dared attempt to dismantle Britains national health service, despite its well-known shortcomings.

In other words, the best conservative governments have been able to do over the decadessometimes all they aspired to do (see: Eisenhower Administration)is manage the welfare state more efficiently. The repeal and replacement of AFDC with TANFthe welfare reform of the mid-1990sis looking more and more like a one-off anomaly.

The failure to repeal and replace Obamacare is a large data point on behalf of the Ratchet Effect. Even though Obamacare is broadly unpopular, it has acquired enough of a constituency, including among insurance companies who have made their peace with it, that it is proving politically difficult to accomplish.

President Trumps decision to stop the DACA program is another test of the Ratchet Effect. President Obamas own people understood that DACA was legally shaky, but went ahead on the view that once DACA was set in motion, a future administration would be hard pressed to end it. Only someone as bold as Trump would take todays step: can anyone imagine President Jeb Bush or President Rubio doing this? Of course not. The uproar today about Trumps decision to return to the law status quo ante shows how well this game of the left works.

Congress may step in and pass some kind of compromise on DACA that will leave everyone unhappy. (NB: One of the surprises of the APSA over the weekend was the number of times I heard the Senates terrible Gang of Eight immigration bill from 2013 described as a fascist bill, because it didnt result in open borders. Thats how far gone the left is on this subject. Hence, any bill Congress passes on the issue of children brought here by their parents will be bitterly attacked by the left.) But this will be a positive step, as one of the great questions of the Trump presidency is whether it will cause a return to old-fashioned congressional lawmaking, instead of relying more and more on the abuse of executive power. Even if you are pro-immigration, what Trump is doing here is all for the good.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar has been negotiating with the Trump White House over appointments to four federal vacancies in Minnesota (US Marshal, US Attorney and two federal district court judgeships) in exchange for the return of her blue slip blocking consideration of Eighth Circuit nominee David Stras. Stras has received bipartisan support from Minnesota lawyers, judges and former colleagues at the University of Minnesota Law School. It is impossible to conjure a nominee more widely respected for the position than Justice Stras. Klobuchar therefore sought to extract partisan benefit from playing along with the Trump administration on this nomination.

Klobuchar, however, didnt want her machinations over the Stras appointment publicly disclosed. She refused to comment on our reporting about them. She chafed over our disclosure of them. She resented the bad attitude with which we viewed them. She sought to keep the lid on. She denied that she was blocking Strass nomination, although she was  pending some arrangement with the White House that would reward her for turning in her blue slip.

Seeking to appease Klobuchar while it tried to reach an agreement with her, the White House reached out to me. The White House had a favor to ask. It requested that I knock off covering the moves of this highly partisan politician with an incredibly thin skin while it worked something out with her. After all, she prefers to present herself (in the title of her memoir) as the Senator next door and the local media have been happy to play along with her. The Star Tribune, for example, has left the story of Klobuchars machinations over the Stras nomination untouched.

Yesterday Senator Franken announced that he would not return his blue slip on Strass nomination. Franken asserts that President Trump must deliver a consensus candidate. This puts to Senator Grassley the question whether Franken will singlehandedly block Justice Strass from consideration by the Judiciary Committee (Ed Whelan takes up the question here), or whether the Trump White House will turn to a qualified candidate from another Eighth Circuit state to fill the position (Klobuchar takes up the question below). Frankens statement does not touch on these matters; they are of no concern to his patrons and allies at the SEIU and NEA.

With Frankens announcement, Senator Klobuchar declared that Stras was at least good enough to get a hearing. She would have turned in her blue slip to allow for it. Or course, she left her use of Strass nomination for leverage on the Minnesota vacancies unmentioned, and it remains unmentioned in the Star Tribune story by Jennifer Brooks and Stephen Montemayor today. It apparently takes two reporters to overlook the rest of the story.

Franken is supposedly the funny Senator, but Klobuchars statement reads like cold political satire. Whoever wrote this statement for Klobuchar seems to be sending a subversive message: I am a joke! Amy Klobuchar loves everybody:

Justice Stras has served on the Minnesota Supreme Court for seven years. While I dont agree with all of his decisions, I felt it was important to actually look in depth at his record. I learned that for the vast majority of the cases he has respected precedent and sided with the majority, which has included both Democratic- and Republican-appointed judges. He is also supported by former Supreme Court Justice Alan Page. While Justice Stras was not my choice for the 8th Circuit Court, it is my view that he deserves a hearing before the Senate. I am also concerned that this position could simply go to a less independent judge from another 8th Circuit state (Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota or South Dakota) since this is not a permanent Minnesota position. I also respect the fact that Senator Franken has an equal role to play here. Under Senate practice, both Senators from a judicial nominees home state must allow that nominee to have a hearing. Like Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, I support the practice as it is a check and balance regardless of whether a state is represented by two Democrats, two Republicans or one Democrat and one Republican. The policy has resulted in decision-making for judges across party lines. This policy has held true throughout the entire Obama administration, including when Republicans ran the Senate and when Democrats ran the Senate. Changing this policy would have serious ramifications for judicial nominations in every state in the country. Given this important policy, and given Senator Frankens view that Justice Stras should not be allowed a hearing in the Senate, the White House will need to provide additional names for the 8th Circuit position. I have enjoyed getting to know Justice Stras throughout this process and I know he will continue to serve admirably on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

Klobuchar wants us to believe she fits the mold of Minnesota Nice. Her sayonara to Justice Stras in the concluding paragraph, however, shows her to be worse than a phony politician. She is a contemptible human being.
Mother Natures been no friend to dairy producers trying to make forages in the northern part of the United States this year. Particularly in New York and parts of Wisconsin, constant rains through the planting months of April, May, and June put producers behind schedule while early growth remained slow in areas with heavy soil saturation. The weather has also affected the ability of dairies to get alfalfa and grasses off of fields and up dry.

All this help from Mother Nature means dairies need to start planning for careful management of forage inventories in the coming year.

When discussing corn silage, Cornells Joe Lawrence said that dairies need to start predicting what crop will make it to silage. We want to plan which fields have the best chance of making it to maturation, he said during a recent Pro-Dairy webinar.

In New York, he shared that corn that began silking by mid-August should be able to make it to maturity. After that, full-season hybrids will likely struggle to mature.

To improve the chances of getting a quality forage up, Lawrence, along with co-presenter Ron Kuck, extension agent in Jefferson County, N.Y., recommended using an inoculant. The pair also suggested separating storage by quality.

Forage testing is one of the most important things you can do, shared Kuck. He said samples should be taken both as the forage was going into storage and after fermentation. That allows producers to know where they stand and what they lost.

Finally, the pair said to beware of mycotoxins. We do not yet know if they will be a problem, but there is a better chance if plants are damaged, Kuck said.

They left the webinars attendees with this message, Stable forage in the bunk will make stable feed in front of the cows. Focusing on good fermentation can limit the effects of some of Mother Natures worst impact on next years feed.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.
The 2015 annual audit report on the Federation Account has indicted the office of Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF, over alleged delays that kept the submission behind schedule for several months.

But, the OAGF on Tuesday exonerated itself of any blame, saying all documents required for the audit were provided, despite having to work manually on the accounts of over 900 ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs.

The 656-page report signed by the Auditor-General for the Federation, AuGF, Anthony Ayine, and published last month, blamed the OAGF for the delay and some of the discrepancies in the accounts as a result of its refusal to provide vital documents required for the audit.

Of particular concern was the inability to provide records covering about N2.98 billion in the Integrated Payroll & Personnel Information, IPPIS, operation transaction accounts.

IPPIS is an IT-based system that captures the salaries and remunerations of the entire personnel on the federal government payroll.

Also affected was the account of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS, an IT-based system for budget management and accounting of all public expenditures.

The AuGF said in the report that the OAGF failed to produce for audit, vital documents needed to audit the IPPIS operations transactions account between January 1 and December 31, 2015.

The Bank Statements, Cash Book, Mandates and Statement of Affairs of IPPIS Operation Transaction Account in CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria), were not provided for audit, in spite of repeated demands, except the last page of the bank statement showing the closing balance of N2,978,801,068.64 as at 31st December 2015, the AuGF said in its final report.

The inability to produce these documents, despite official requests vide the letters Reference No OAuGF/TAD/VOL.1/166 dated 16th August, 2016, and Reference No OAuGF/TAD/VOL.1/169 dated 25th August, 2016, has denied the audit team in forming opinion about the true position of the operation of the Account, he added.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt the report was published several months behind schedule due to several observed discrepancies in financial statements from the OAGF for the year.

Section 85(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) requires the AuGF to submit the Audit Report to the National Assembly within 90 days of the receipt of the Financial Statements from the Accountant-General of the Federation.

But, the AuGF said his office was constrained to submit the report several months later due to delays in the submission of Financial Statements by the Accountant-General, which he described as a recurring matter.

The AuGF said the submission from the OAGF were returned to the Accountant General twice due to significant omissions observed, before the resubmission on December 22, 2016, and finally on April 24, 2017.

Part of the observed omitted submission may have included details on the IPPIS operation transaction accounts, which the AuGF said the AGF should ensure were produced for audit.

Besides, further review of the financial statements showed that only 29 of the 36 Government Funds and Levy accounts recorded total inflows of N1.24 trillion during the year.

Seven accounts, namely for Police Reward Fund, 10% Cocoa Levy, Service Charge Pool, IMPL Committee on Federal Government Landed Property, Cheque Operational Account, Monetisation (Motor Vehicle) and Privatisation Proceed, had no inflows throughout the year.

The report said no official explanation was also provided by the Office of the Accountant of the Federation on why the accounts had no inflows.

As at May 31, 2017, when the final part of the report was submitted to the National Assembly, Mr. Ayine said only 87 government agencies had complied with requests for the submission of their audited financial statements for the year.

Also, PREMIUM TIMES scrutiny of non-Federation Account revenue collection records by Nigeria Customs Service, NCS (N185.168 billion) and Special Accounts in the OAGF (N157.028 billion) revealed a net difference of N28.139 billion.

The implication is that the revenue record of the Accountant General has been understated by the above amount, the report stated.

The OAGF was said to have explained that the said accounts did not record inflows, as a result of the difference on the cut-off between NCS and the CBN, which depended on the balances from apex banks statement.

Similarly, the report noted several disparities between budgeted and actual expenditure figures in the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System, GIFMIS, and the financial statements.

While the GIFMIS report had an actual expenditure of N156.25 billion, the Financial Statements had only N19.663 billion, a massive difference of about N136.58 billion, the report said.

The OAGF GIFMIS report showed N147.28 billion as the 2015 appropriation, against about N119.515 billion for expenditures, a difference of more than N27.76 billion.

Describing the difference as inconceivable, the AuGF said the Accountant-General should explain the inconsistencies, review and reconcile the figures in line with the 2015 Appropriation Act.

When contacted, the AGF, Ahmed Idris, directed PREMIUM TIMES to the Director, Consolidated Accounts Department, CAD, in his office, Samson Arowojolu, for an explanation.

All information requested for the purpose of the 2015 audit was submitted to the AuGF, Mr. Arowojolu told PREMIUM TIMES in his office on Tuesday adding that the OAGF had done its work.

All issues concerning the 2015 audit process have been concluded. Now, we are trying to complete the 2016 audit process. Immediately the final report was submitted to the National Assembly, it means the AuGF was satisfied with the submission from the OAGF.

Thereafter, all questions on any aspect of the process would be directed to the Public Accounts Committee, PAC, in the National Assembly. For us, we have completed our work.

Mr Arowojolu, who insisted all documents on the IPPIS account were submitted to the AuGF, showed PREMIUM TIMES the cover page of the delivery letter dated December 13, 2016 to the AuGF on the issue.

If they said they were not satisfied with what was given, it would be a different matter. But, to say the documents were not given at all is not true, he said.

The spokesperson in the OAuGF, Olawunmin Ogunmosunle, told PREMIUM TIMES on the telephone that getting specific details on the audit queries answered by the OAGF would be difficult.

The queries are always addressed during the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, which meets regularly to look at all issues raised in the audit report. Getting specific details of the responses by each MDA would be difficult, Mrs Ogunmosunle said.

The two-part report covers the federal governments financial statement for the financial year ended December 31, 2015.

Part 1 covered financial transactions, including losses of cash and store items as well as observations on accounting records of all ministries, extra-ministerial departments, offices and other agencies of the federal government for the year.

Part 2 contained audit observations on financial statements prepared and submitted by the OAGF in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

Section 49(1) and (2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, FRA) 2007, and section 85(5) of the Constitution require the AGF to submit the Annual Financial Statements to the AuGF within 90 days following the end of each financial year.

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The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, has endorsed a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2019 presidential election.

The minister made the endorsement when she led a private visit to Mr. Abubakar, a chieftain of Nigerias ruling All Progressives Congress.

Your excellency, our father and our president by the grace of God, come 2019, she said in Hausa language.

A video of the visit has been leaked and was published by news website, dailynigerian.com

Popularly called Mama Taraba, Mrs. Alhassan was the APC governorship candidate in Taraba in 2015, an election she narrowly lost to the current Peoples Democratic Party Governor.

Her support for Mr. Abubakar will not be surprising for political observers, as the former vice president is believed to be a major financier of the APC in the North-east including Taraba.

Although Mr. Abubakar has not publicly declared his intention to run in 2019, he is believed to be mobilising and getting ready for the election. He came third in the APC presidential primaries in the build up to the 2015 elections, losing to President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-Kano governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Efforts to get Mrs Alhassan to speak on her comments in the video were unsuccessful, especially as President Muhammadu Buhari has not declared that he would not run in 2019. She did not return calls or respond to a short message sent to her mobile number.

Read the full translation of her speech below.

Your excellency, our father and our president by the grace of God come 2019. Before you are your people, your supporters for life, the people of Taraba State. They are here to show our homage and to greet you on the occasion of Sallah and for all that Allah has done to you because Allah has raised your status.

We heard that they are coming to extend their greetings, so we said we have to be part of this and we all come to you. Chairman (Did not mention which chairman), of the party, come out chairman; he is our leader, because he is the chairman of the party, I was only made leader of the delegation.

Here are some of the party officials (pointing at them while sitting). Everybody here is asking to be allowed to say something but I said no Baba should be left alone you are tired.

While the minister was saying this, Mr. Abubakar sat listening.

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The Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, has restated her position that she will support a former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, for the 2019 presidential election.

Mrs. Alhassan, in an interview with BBC Hausa, added that even if President Muhammadu Buhari decides to contest in 2019, she would still support Mr. Abubakar.

Atiku is my godfather even before I joined politics, she said in Hausa. And again, Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019.

Let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister but Baba just like you know I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. If Atiku said he is going to contest.

Mrs. Alhassan, popularly called Mama Taraba, added that she is not scared of being relieved of her job as minister.

If because of what I said, I am sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed that is why

Baba is not a mad man like those calling for my sack. They have been sending it and spreading that if Baba sees this I will be sacked.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how a video leaked of Mrs. Alhassan indicating her intention to support Mr. Abubakar in 2019.

Although the former vice president has not publicly declared his intention, he is believed to be strategizing and building a coalition for the 2019 elections.

President Buhari has also not declared if he will run for a second term despite his health challenges.

Read the full translation of Mrs. Alhassans interview with BBC below:

BBC: Your Excellency, you said you hope former Vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, become the president of Nigeria in 2019, why did you make this statement?

Atiku is my godfather even before I join politics, and again Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019. And let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah I will go before him and kneel and tell him that Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister. But Baba just like you know I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. (That is) if Atiku said he is going to contest; as we are talking now Atiku has not said he is going to contest. Why I said our president in 2019 is because we all hope he is going to contest, but he never told us that he is going to contest. But if he said he is going to contest I will surely do what I told you I will do.

Because if Atiku said he is going to contest and I remain in the cabinet of Baba while Baba also wants to contest, then I have become a hypocrite and I am not one. If I said I am not with Atiku, Buhari himself will not trust me at all because he will say I am a hypocrite.

BBC: Is it not early to start campaigning?

Yes I made this statement when we went for a courtesy call during Sallah festivities, I am not going to stand before him and campaign, besides this is not the time for campaign. Even when my people asked me to come out and start campaigning, I told them this is not the time for that. This is the time to work for the people.

This is the work of my political enemies, they have been going round saying I should be sacked as minister. I never hoped to be a minister, Allah gave it to me If I get sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed; because I believe only Allah do and undo. And you think Baba is a mad man like those calling for my sack? They have been sending it and spreading that if Baba sees this I will be sacked. He will not sack me from being a minister because of this, only if I commit another offence. I am doing my job as a minister with all my heart and I always protect this government because it is a government of APC. And Baba our President, the President of Nigeria and somebody that I respect even before I joined politics. I will continue to respect him as a man of integrity. For those who are saying I will be sacked, they will be shamed. And even if I am sacked, I believe it is my time as minister that has ended. I never asked for it, Allah gave it to me.

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The Police Command in Osun State on Tuesday said it arrested three male suspects, with two human heads and hands in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Fimihan Adeoye, told newsmen in Osogbo that the suspects were arrested on Aug. 29 during a police stop and search operation.

On Aug. 29 at about 1;02 p.m, a police patrol team on a stop and search operation on Ogbomosho/Oyo Road, at Agboro Area, stopped a motorcycle with two persons on it.

The persons on the motorcycle were searched and two severed human hands with gloves and a human head were found with them, and they were promptly arrested, he said

Mr. Adeoye said in a similar case, on the same date at about 11:30 a.m, at Obas compound in Moro, Ipetumodu, one Adeniyi Adeyeye was also arrested with a human skull in his possession.

He said detectives attached to the Ipetumodu Divisional Headquarters arrested the suspect and transfered him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo.

He said the skull found with the suspect was suspected to have been exhumed from a grave and that investigation was still ongoing on the matter.

Mr. Adeoye, however, said all the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation.

(NAN)

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The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has claimed that the announcement that Nigeria was out of economic recession was inaccurate.

In a press statement by his spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, on Wednesday, Mr. Fayose said the statistics upon which the claim was based is meaningless to Nigerians.

The reality is that Nigerians are suffering and dying, with foods and drugs out of their reach and no amount of economic statistics will make meaning to people who cannot afford to eat once daily.

He likened the claim to the earlier one last year by the Nigerian government that the Boko Haram insurgency had been defeated.

Claiming that Nigeria is out of economic recession without any corresponding effect on the living condition of the people is just like they said Boko Haram had been defeated and over 400 people were killed by the insurgents in the last five months.

The governor also described the reason given for the cancellation of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday as funny.

Is it not funny that the same federal government that declared public holiday forgot that there would be a Tuesday after the public holiday and FEC meeting will be held on Wednesday?

Methinks they should look for another lie next week because the reality is that President Muhammadu Buhari does not have the required mental capacity and strength to rule Nigeria and I maintain that he should consider his health as well as the overall interests of Nigeria and resign.

On the news of Nigeria exiting recession being promoted by the federal government, Mr. Fayose asked; If Nigeria is indeed out of economic recession, has price of foodstuffs like rice reduced to N7,000 per bag that it was when Buhari took over power?

Is dollar now N197 to $1? Is petrol now back to N87 per litre that Buhari met it in May 2015? Are Nigerians now feeding comfortably, even if it is once in a day?

Most importantly, are states now getting enough allocation from the federation account to be able to meet their obligations, especially payment of salary?

He said the claim was nothing but another attempt by the President Buhari-led APC to deceive Nigerians ahead of the 2019 elections.

It must be stated that Nigerias foreign reserves, which stood at $28.6 billion by May 2015 that President Buhari took over power declined steadily to $23.89 billion by the last quarter of 2016. It was in 2016 that Nigeria slipped into recession, owing to the bad economic policies and repressive actions of President Buhari

It is sad that the APC government has remained on the path of lies and propaganda and I wonder why the government cant be truthful for once.

However, if this latest lie is about 2019 general elections, they have missed it because Nigerians can no longer be received by the APC lying government.

Nigerians should therefore disregard their lies and keep praying for God intervention in the affairs of the country, the governor said.

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President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda on Wednesday morning started an official visit to Kazakhstan. Economic cooperation is the main point on the agenda of President Duda's visit.

President Andrzej Duda was welcomed by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev at the Presidential Palace in Astana. After the welcome ceremony the presidents held a meeting.

"My visit to Kazakhstan is aimed at further stimulating economic cooperation", President Andrzej Duda said in a statement for the press, after talks with Kazakh president.

President Duda thanked his counterpart for the last year's visit to Poland, which, in his opinion, gave impetus to entrepreneurs and resulted in huge turnover growth in the first half of 2017.

According to the Polish president, exports from Poland to Kazakhstan increased by 50 percent during that time while imports from Kazakhstan to Poland went up by 80 percent. "This is a truly spectacular result", Andrzej Duda emphasised.

May be of interest to you President Andrzej Duda starts visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday "Together with the president of Kazakhstan we carry out very important tasks that lead to stimulating economic exchange between Poland and Kazakhstan", the Polish president pointed out.

Andrzej Duda expressed the hope that joint actions would effectively reverse the downward trend triggered by the political situation, including the conflict in Ukraine and related sanctions. The president said that the interest on the part of entrepreneurs was high. Therefore, representatives of Polish companies came to Astana with him.

President Duda advocates that representatives of the Kazakh business can travel visa-free to Poland. As he added, Poland has raised the issue at the EU forum.

Poland, Kazakhstan sign cooperation deals

Before in the presence of President Andrzej Duda and Kazakh head of state Nursultan Nazarbayev environment protection and economic cooperation deals were signed.

On behalf of Poland, the documents were signed by Environment Minister Jan Szyszko and deputy Development Minister Tadeusz Koscinski, who accompany President Duda on his visit. The two agreements were the first in a series of more than ten deals scheduled to be signed on Wednesday. Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed his country's role as the gateway to the Eurasian Economic Union. He said his last year's visit to Warsaw had been a key moment in the relations between the two countries. Last year 115 companies with Polish capital came to invest Kazakhstan and the inflow of Polish investment amounted to USD 200 mln, the Kazakh president noted.

The Polish president's presence at Wednesday's Polish-Kazakhstan Economic Forum is seen as the culmination of the Polish economic promotion conducted for the past three months and ending on September 10 at Expo 2017.

"Poland is the most important partner for Kazakhstan in Central and Eastern Europe, There are more than 200 Polish companies operating in Kazakhstan and Polish entrepreneurs have invested more than 200 million dollars since Kazakhstan became independent, Kazakhstan's deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vasilenko said at a meeting with Polish reporters at the Polish-Kazakh Economic Forum.

As an example of Polish success in his country, the official pointed out to the investment made by Polpharma generics producer which purchased Chimfarm pharmaceutical company, as well as construction chemicals producer Selena which built two factories and distribution centres in Kazakhstan.

Polish-Kazakhstan Economic Forum

President Duda and his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev attended a Poland-Kazakhstan Economic Forum.

Andrzej Duda stressed the he and Nursultan Nazarbayev were making efforts to increase economic cooperation between their countries. "We are returning to the good path that our countries used to follow three or four years ago. (...) I believe the political involvement of top officials contributes to it", President Duda explained.

Andrzej Duda stressed he would like Polish-Kazakh trade to reach the annual level of USD 3 billion in six years' time.

"We are very interested in increasing the presence of Polish companies on this market. We want Polish business to develop and we want Polish companies to invest also beyond the borders of our country, offering jobs in other countries, in this way contributing to the economic growth of other states and strengthening our friendship and good relations with them, but also making money, building their potential and fostering the further growth of Polish companies on the global level", President Duda said.

The president encouraged Kazakh companies to do business in Poland, which he said was one of the fastest growing countries in the EU.

On Thursday, the Polish president will host the Polish National Day at the Expo exhibition.

The Polish presidential couple will end their visit to Kazakhstan on Friday. (PAP)
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Jean Davidson may be approaching her 80th birthday, but she still loves getting out among the crowds and meeting new people.

I just love talking about fun stories, all the people Ive met, and the experiences Ive had traveling around the world, says Davidson, granddaughter of a founding member of one of the most venerable companies in American history, motorcycle pioneer Harley-Davidson.

The mother of five and grandmother of seven will get the chance to make plenty of new acquaintances Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 7 to 10, as a first-time special guest at the 21st annual Roar to the Shore motorcycle rally taking place throughout town in Wildwood.

The annual shoe parade will likely draw the usual crue of spectators Ill just come right out and say it  speaking as a guy, the Miss America pageant is pretty 

Those seeking to shoot the breeze about the evolution of motorcycles and Harley-Davidsons history, however, may be better off talking with Jon Davidson Oeflein, who co-authored with his mom a book called Harley-Davidson Family Memories, and who will also be on hand at the event. The two will be at the Stark & Stark Law Firm booth from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Jon is vice president of an antique motorcycle club here (in Wisconsin, where Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903), so he can talk more about motorcycles, Jean Davidson says during a conference call that included her son. I want to talk about other fun stuff.

There will be no shortage of fun stuff when Roar to the Shore returns to Wildwood for the 21st year, again serving as a much-anticipated, post-Labor Day sendoff to summer. Roar to the Shore is one of the largest, free-to-attend motorcycle rallies on the East Coast. Thousands of motorcycle aficionados will descend on Wildwood from the far reaches of the East Coast to enjoy hundreds of vendors of merchandise, food and beverage; nearly non-stop live music indoors and out; special events and a grand-prize raffle drawing for a 2017 Harley-Davidson Sportster.

Jean Davidson and her son will be posing for photos, signing autographs and inscribing copies of their latest book, Harley-Davidson Family Memories, which chronicles personal stories and rare family photos of the Harley-Davidson founders and their families.

My mom was nice enough to let me co-author the book with her, and it was quite fun, Davidson Oeflein says. It was a good partnership. The books a collection of photos and memoirs and personal stuff from members of the extended Harley and Davidson families, who we tracked down and asked to contribute memorabilia. Many of the images in the book are from family connections who contributed photos that have never been seen by the public before.

Davidson Oeflein also co-authored a childrens book with his mother called Riding Back in Time. Milwaukee childhood friends, William Harley and Arthur Davidson, hatched the company brainchild in 1901. Arthurs brothers Walter  Jeans grandfather  and William Davidson joined in launching what would become one of the worlds most recognizable brands, Harley-Davidson, as a company in 1903.

Joel Rosenberg, an avid Harley-Davidson motorcyclist and attorney for Stark & Stark, initiated the contact that brought the Davidsons to Wildwood.

Paul Nelson to play a last summer hurrah at S.P. Beach Concert Series If you havent caught one of the free Somers Point beach concerts this summer, you have one last chance. Head to the William Morrow Beach/Muni

My wife and some friends and I were on vacation in central Florida in March 2014, and we stopped in a Harley dealer in St. Augustine, Rosenberg says. Lo and behold, Jean and her son were there. We took some pictures and later I read her book, and I just got it in my mind that it would be awesome to bring her to New Jersey for this Wildwood event.

I gave her a call and was sure she wouldnt remember me  there were a lot of people there that day to meet her  but she said she did, and eventually we were able to put this together, Rosenberg says. We are beyond thrilled to have her and her son at the Wildwood event.

Rockin live musical lineup

An array of food and beer stations and a covered seating area, will be set up Friday through Sunday for folks to enjoy four live bands for free at the Wildwoods Convention Center pavilion (4501 Boardwalk). The inaugural Rock-and-Roar beach concert starts 6 p.m. Friday on the beach adjacent to the Convention Center and features Eddie Money, Foghat, the Michael Allman Band and Dead Fish Handshake. General admission tickets to that show are $39.50.

Friday, Sept. 8

4 to 6 p.m.: Light My Fire, a Doors tribute, free

Saturday, Sept. 9

Noon to 3 p.m.: The Brandon Ireland Band, a classic-rock tribute, free

4 to 6 p.m.: Led Blimpie, a Led Zeppelin tribute, free

7 to 9 p.m.: Decade, a Neil Young tribute, free

Sunday, Sept. 10

Noon to 3 p.m.: The Brandon Ireland Band, free
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Outgoing Miss America Savvy Shields is leaning on an important piece of advice as she prepares to give up her crown, although she cant remember exactly who said it.

You dont become Miss America for a year  Miss America becomes you, and then you continue being yourself, she recalled being told by a former titleholder.

Shields, who will place the crown on her successors head Sept. 10 at Boardwalk Hall, said that advice has guided her through her year as one of the most recognizable people in the United States.

Ive been trying to keep that mindset throughout my whole year so that I stay true to myself and continue to stay Savvy the whole time, she said.

During the past year, Shields traveled throughout the country and internationally. She visited troops and sick children, appeared at parades and other events and carried out the other responsibilities that come with being Miss America.

One place she especially loved visiting was Atlantic City, she said.

Josh Randle, the new president of the Miss America Organization, said he sees Miss America as an ambassador of the city  someone who represents the best of what the city has to offer.

And Shields said she embraces everything that comes with being the ambassador of one of her favorite places by the ocean.

Every time Im in Atlantic City is the time I feel most like Miss America, she said. Its so engrained in the culture and traditions.  Im forever grateful for the home that Atlantic City has given me this year.

Her trips to the resort were sandwiched between trips to 47 states in the nation and visits to Jordan, Kuwait and Germany.

Its a tough job, but one she says she has cherished since the day she was crowned.

Her only regret? She wishes she could remember every detail of her entire year as Miss America.

It goes by so fast and its so jam-packed with so many appearances, airplanes and hotels. Sometimes your memory fails you, she said. Ive been trying to record as much as I can in my journal and on social media, but I look back and it feels like Ive crammed five years into one year, and other times it feels like I was crowned yesterday.

But Shields wont be leaving without making sure her successor is prepared for the challenges ahead. She said the most important thing the contestants can do going into the competition is pace themselves, because the entire thing is a mental game.

Pacing yourself is also good advice for whoever becomes the new Miss America, she said.

Go slow and dont drink coffee too fast, she said, laughing. Its very tempting to watch the year run by you really quickly. Remember to take time for yourself and to rest.

Shields plans to go back to the University of Arkansas in January to finish majoring in art and business, and wants to use the rest of her scholarship money from the Miss America Organization to get her masters degree. But first, she will go on a long-planned hiking trip with friends in Utah and California.

Ive been in a lot of airports and cities and hotels in the past year, she said. Ive really missed being in the outdoors.
There seems to be no shortage of determination from several of the Miss America 2018 contestants, who after numerous attempts will get to perform and compete for the ultimate pageant title.

Victoria Huggins, 23, could have been 76th or 79th, but this was the year she took the title as the 80th Miss North Carolina. Huggins competed for the past five years to win the state crown, knowing one day shed make it.

I just love singing and performing, so I had to keep going, Huggins said.

While only starting pageants at the age of 19, Huggins was no stranger to the spotlight, competing on several talent reality shows, including Its Showtime at the Apollo, Star Search and American Idol, where she placed in the top 100.

Huggins said besides getting to perform her talent, what kept her motivated to continue with pageants was the opportunity to get a debt-free education.

I was really inspired to keep going because of the scholarship money, she said.

Through competing, Huggins has won more than $50,000 in scholarships. She is currently in graduate school at Johns Hopkins University studying government and political communications. Huggins already has a career in the broadcast news industry and aspires to be a political analyst but wouldnt mind continuing with school, if the situation presented itself.

I would even possibly go for a Ph.D. I would never want to waste a scholarship, she said.

Miss New Jersey Kaitlyn Schoeffels name has been in pageant booklets for a decade, first competing in the Miss New Jersey Outstanding Teen when she was 13.

On June 17, the 24-year-old Schoeffel was crowned Miss New Jersey after finishing as second runner-up in 2016 and falling all over the list the previous years.

It took a lot to be able to come back (for a sixth year), Schoeffel said the day after she was crowned. But I think it goes to show that if you keep trying and strive for your dreams, then you can do it.

Schoeffel said she first got involved in pageants because she wanted an opportunity to dance a solo in front of a crowd.

Its kind of funny. I won the state title for Outstanding Teen on my first try and Miss New Jersey on my last try, Schoeffel said.

In 10 years of competing, Schoeffel said, there were moments of discouragement and doubt.

I would ask myself the questions, Am I still enjoying what Im doing, and the answer would be yes. And am I improving as a person by doing this, ... and the answer was always yes, she said.

Schoeffels love of performing inspired her work with her platform Operation Empowerment to get children involved in the arts, as well as her work outside of the pageant world, including a past career as an Atlantic City showgirl and a magicians assistant.

Briana Kinsey, 23, had to travel more than 800 miles to finally get her crown. After competing for five years in the Miss Alabama competition, Kinsey competed for Miss District of Columbia, where she plans to attend medical school in the coming year.

It was my last year of eligibility, Kinsey said, and I still wanted to be a part of the Miss America Organization.

Kinsey said she struggled to keep going, but what kept her motivated was every year I competed, I was able to gain something new to make me a better person. She said competing in pageants helped her gain self-confidence and overcome a fear of public speaking, as well as inspire her platform and help her pick a career.

I started college as a marketing major and through my work with the Childrens Miracle Network, I met a pediatric endocrinologist who inspired me to go to medical school, she said.

Kinsey founded the nonprofit Daring to Defeat Diabetes and has spent her five years as a local pageant winner advocating for the cause.

The dream continues for these three ladies to become the final winner who walks the Miss America runway on Sept 10.
The Atlantic City Fire Department and four volunteer fire companies in South Jersey have received more than $1.2 million in federal funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo announced Wednesday.

The grants will be used to obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources required to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards, according to a news release from LoBiondos office.

Atlantic City will receive $611,364, its seventh AFG award.

The Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company in Mays Landing will receive $241,739its second AFG award.

The Heislerville Volunteer Fire Company in Maurice River Township is in line for $98,355, its third AFG award.

Two fire companies in Middle Township are also receiving grants. The Green Creek Volunteer Fire Company will receive $158,672. The Goshen Volunteer Fire Company will get $162,381. It is Green Creeks fourth AFG award and Goshens third.

With the continued strain on municipal budgets, this federal funding will go a long way to ensure our first responders are equipped and protected for the dangerous jobs they have to do, said LoBiondo, R-2nd, a member of the Congressional Fire Caucus.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency administers the grants.

Fire and emergency response organizations in the 2nd Congressional District, which covers most of South Jersey, have received more than $27 million under AFG since the program started in 2001, according to LoBiondos statement.
WILDWOOD  The 35-year-old man who drowned in the ocean Sunday afternoon appeared to be trying to save two children on a sandbar, police said.

Hany Mohamed, 35, of Middletown, Pennsylvania, drowned at Leaming Avenue, Detective Lt. Kenneth Gallagher said.

Lifeguards entered the water about 12:50 p.m. to rescue several swimmers in distress, police said. Once at shore, it was discovered Mohamed was still missing.

Two children playing on a sandbar were carried into deeper waters, possibly by a riptide, and it appeared Mohamed swam out to help them, Gallagher said.

Police, fire and beach patrol units from Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest, the State Police Marine Unit and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted the search-and-rescue for Mohamed.

Surfers at the beach near Rambler Avenue in Wildwood Crest located Mohameds body in the water about 2:50 p.m., police said.

Wildwood Crest lifeguards retrieved the body and tried to revive him until borough rescue officials arrived, police said.

Mohamed was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

South Jersey beaches experienced an active season of rip currents that created dangerous swimming conditions, leading to five other drownings and hundreds of rescues.

In Atlantic City, three people died this summer. In Sea Isle City, two people died. A Cape May effort involving two firefighters and several lifeguards in August rescued one person.

Staff Writer Waldy Diez contributed to this report.
Dont shift air traffic to government corporation

Much has been said about FAA privatization, which would turn over air traffic control to a non-profit government corporation. One fundamental argument of the congressional members sponsoring and supporting the Aviation Innovation, Reform and Reauthorization Act is that Congress cant be trusted to provide stable and predictable funding for air traffic control modernization.

If privatization occurs, the air traffic control corporation would be governed by a 13-member board of directors representing aviation interests. Since no one who is merely a member of the flying public would serve on the board of this proposed monopoly, FAA privatization would effectively result in self-regulation of the airline industry. In a huge giveaway, the corporation would be the lucky recipient of $70 billion of taxpayer-funded assets.

The air traffic control system is a national public asset and the members of National Federation of Federal Employees Local 1340, of which I am president, strongly believe it should remain in the public trust. We have the worlds largest, safest and most complex aviation system with an average of 43,864 flights flying each day.

Government corporations have been formed to prevent catastrophes and fix broken situations. The U.S. Postal Service was formed to prevent 1 million postal workers from striking and interrupting mail delivery, and Amtrak was formed when private railroads threatened to abandon intercity passenger rail service. There is nothing broken about the air traffic control system other than the failure of a broken Congress to furnish stable funding to modernize it.

Andrea Parker

Egg Harbor Township

Hasnt denounced Trump

I am disappointed with Rep. Frank LoBiondo for failing to unequivocally denounce President Trumps inadequate denunciation of white supremacy groups and for his failure to attend any of the vigils held in South Jersey since the Charlottesville tragedy. While he did strongly condemn hate itself, he did not address the president directly.

I can barely recognize the country that I now reside in. I feel like I am breathing hate, anger and uncertainty in the very air.

Angela Bardoe

Pittsgrove Township

Residents, officials need to clean up Atlantic City

I complained to the Atlantic City Public Works Department about trash on the beach block of Annapolis Avenue. Two people met me that same day, cleaned up all of the trash and returned the next day with a trash can, and also cut the grass.

The trash can is helping, but we the residents of Atlantic City need to take responsibility of cleaning up around our properties and businesses.

Id like Atlantic City code enforcement officials to explain why there are properties that continue to have old furniture, trash, abandoned cars and uncut grass and weeds. The codes need to be enforced.

Lisa DiMedio

Atlantic City
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Adrian Romoff, a 12-year-old piano virtuoso and Bard College at Simon's Rock sophomore, will make his Lincoln Center debut Sept. 16 at 8 p.m.

Berwald, Mendelssohn, presented by American Classical Orchestra, will feature Romoff performing Felix Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor on fortepiano. Romoffwho has been compared to Mendelssohn, a child prodigy himselfhas been playing the piano since age 4. He has performed in world renowned venues like Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Tchaikovsky Music Hall, and the Apollo Theater.

"I love this concerto and look forward to performing it with such an amazing orchestra," Romoff said. For months, he and his mother, Olga, have been making weekend trips to Maine, where the fortepiano on which he practicedand will perform on at Lincoln Centerwas handcrafted. Romoff had the opportunity to meet the maker, Rodney Regier.

The piano prodigy has also excelled academically, finishing high school at age 11, and becoming one of the youngest students to be accepted to Simon's Rock, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Romoff is concentrating in pre-engineering and computer science, and is considering the dual degree program with Columbia University. "I like that Simon's Rock has that opportunity," he said.

He is especially looking forward to the class, History of Video Games. Fluent in English and Russian, Romoff studied French his first year at Simon's Rock and this year, will also be studying Chinese.

"I am very lucky to be in an amazing school like Simon's Rock, and to collaborate with wonderful professors and great friends," Romoff said. "I am glad Simon's Rock believed in me to give me the opportunity to continue my education and my passion for the never-ending accumulation of knowledge."

For more information and tickets, visit http://aconyc.org/concert-event/berwald-mendelssohn/.

ABOUT SIMON'S ROCK

Bard College at Simon's Rock, the Early College is the only college in the country specifically designed for bright, highly motivated students ready to enter college after the 10th or 11th grade. Simon's Rock offers a challenging program in the liberal arts and sciences, taught exclusively in small seminars by a supportive faculty, who are leading scholars in their fields. The College grants degrees in more than 35 majors. The Princeton Review's Best 380 Colleges rates academics at Simon's Rock higher than Harvard and Princeton.

SOURCE Bard College at Simon's Rock

Related Links

http://www.simons-rock.edu


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation today announced the winners of the 2017 Lasker Awards: Michael N. Hall for basic medical research; Douglas R. Lowy and John T. Schiller for clinical research; and Planned Parenthood for public service. The 2017 Lasker Awards, which carry an honorarium of $250,000 for each category, will be presented on Friday, September 15, in New York City.

"This year's honorees have provided insights into fundamental aspects of biology and have saved or improved millions of lives," said Claire Pomeroy, President of the Lasker Foundation. "The decades-long work of this year's Lasker Medical Research Awardees illustrates how critical it is to provide scientists with robust funding so they can pursue rigorous research. The sustained, century-long commitment of our Public Service winner to women's health underscores how vital public and private support is to continuing Planned Parenthood's mission."

"This year's Lasker Medical Research Awards illustrate the power of biomedical investigation to advance human health whether scientists probe basic questions that reveal unforeseen truths or pursue goal-directed projects," said Joseph L. Goldstein, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Chair of the Lasker Medical Research Awards Jury. "Michael Hall showed that TOR proteins control cell growth in response to nutrients and growth factors and thus established that growth is a highly regulated process that is independent of the cell division cycle. Douglas Lowy and John Schiller discovered that a single protein from the capsule of papillomaviruses can self-assemble into virus-like particles, paving the way for HPV vaccines that prevent cervical and other cancers."

"Our 2017 Public Service honoree has been a trusted health resource for families for more than a century," said Alfred Sommer, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Chair of the Public Service Award Jury. "More than a century ago, a group of women began providing fact-based counseling about family planning in an era when reliable information was scarce. Since then, Planned Parenthood's services have expanded to include essential health and reproductive care and advice for women both in the U.S. and internationally."

The 2017 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award :

Michael N. Hall for discoveries concerning the nutrient-activated TOR proteins and their central role in the metabolic control of cell growth

The 2017 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award honors Michael N. Hall, 64, Biozentrum, University of Basel, who discovered the nutrient-activated TOR proteins and their central role in the metabolic control of cell growth.

Disruption of the TOR network contributes to numerous human illnesses, including diabetes and cancer, and has been implicated in a wide range of age-related disorders.

By showing that the TOR system adjusts cell size in response to the availability of raw materials, Hall revealed an unanticipated linchpin of normal cell physiology. Prior to these discoveries, the research community thought of cell growth as a passively regulated, spontaneous process that occurs when nutrients are available, without the help of an underlying regulatory system. These scientific breakthroughs have broadened our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that underlie growth, development, and aging.

The 2017 Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award:

Douglas R. Lowy and John T. Schiller for technological advances that enabled development of HPV vaccines for prevention of cervical cancer and other tumors caused by human papillomaviruses

The 2017 Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award honors Douglas R. Lowy, 75, and John T. Schiller, 64, both from the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Their technological advances enabled the development of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, which prevent cervical cancer and other tumors.

HPV infection causes virtually all cases of cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. More than 500,000 new cervical cancers are diagnosed annually, and each year, more than 250,000 women die from the malignancy.

Lowy and Schiller's research on animal and human papillomaviruses enabled the development of a vaccine against the high-risk HPV16 type, which gives rise to a large percentage of HPV malignancies. They showed that the vaccine is effective in animals and conducted the first clinical trial of an HPV16 vaccine in humans, demonstrating its safety and ability to trigger a strong immune response. Two pharmaceutical companies, Merck & Co., Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), pursued Lowy and Schiller's findings to develop vaccines that combat HPV16 as well as additional HPV types. By 2015, 59 million women worldwide and 20 million in North America had received an HPV vaccine.

The 2017 Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award:

Planned Parenthood for providing essential health services and reproductive care to millions of women for more than a century

The 2017 Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award honors Planned Parenthood for providing essential health services and reproductive care to millions of women for more than a century.

In addition to family planning, Planned Parenthood's services include prevention, testing, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (including provision of HPV vaccinations). The organization also screens for breast and cervical cancer, and these procedures revealed cancer or precancerous abnormalities in almost 72,000 women in 2015. Approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States have received Planned Parenthood's assistance at some point during their lives. The organization's almost 650 U.S. healthcare centers served 2.4 million women and men in 2015, including many individuals who had no other source of adequate care. Its sex education programs reach 1.5 million people every year.

Internationally, Planned Parenthood partners with organizations in countries across Africa and Latin America to deliver reproductive health information and services to people in some of the world's most neglected regions.

About the Foundation : The Lasker Foundation seeks to increase support for biomedical research by celebrating the power of biomedical science to save and improve human lives. Through its internationally renowned Lasker Awards, educational initiatives, and public advocacy, the Foundation recognizes the most important achievements in science and public service, supports and encourages the scientific leaders of tomorrow, and raises awareness of the ever-present need for research funding. Established in 1942 by Albert and Mary Lasker, the Foundation is committed to inspiring robust and sustained support for biomedical research, fueled by Mary Lasker's call to action: "If you think research is expensive, try disease!"

About the Awards : For 72 years, the Lasker Awards, America's most prestigious biomedical research awards, have recognized the contributions of leaders who have made major advances in the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of human disease. Recipients of the Lasker Medical Research Awards are selected by a distinguished international jury chaired by Joseph L. Goldstein, recipient of the 1985 Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Eighty-seven Lasker laureates have received the Nobel Prize, including 40 in the last three decades. More details on the Lasker Award recipients, the full citations for each award category, video interviews and photos of the awardees, and additional information on the Foundation are available at www.laskerfoundation.org. Follow the Awards on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

SOURCE Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation

Related Links

http://www.laskerfoundation.org


Plain Talk: Little folk may end up holding the bag on Foxconn
DENVER, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- National Philanthropy Day, a program created and promoted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, celebrates the contributions of outstanding donors, volunteers, businesses and foundations.

In Colorado, 11 outstanding honorees will be celebrated for their commitment to philanthropy at the National Philanthropy Day in Colorado luncheon, Thursday, November 9, 2017, at the Seawell Grand Ballroom in the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Nearly 800 community members are expected to attend the event.

2017 Honorees:

Outstanding Large Business

IMA Financial Group, Inc.

Denver

Outstanding Small Business

Group 14 Engineering

Denver

Outstanding Foundation

YouthRoots

Denver

Outstanding Philanthropist

Brad Busse

Denver

Outstanding Professional Fundraiser

Mary Feller, Craig Hospital Foundation

Englewood

Outstanding Professional Grantmaker

Letty Bass, Chambers Family Fund

Denver

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

Katie Lindquist

Steamboat Springs

Outstanding Volunteer

Kevin MacCary

Castle Rock

Outstanding Youth

Eric Bear

Golden

Outstanding Youth Group

B.I.O.N.I.C. Team at Pomona High School

Arvada

Lifetime Achievement

Daniel L. Ritchie

Denver

A public selection process, involving a wide-ranging group of community representatives, including members of the nonprofit/foundation, business, and government sectors, is used to determine the winners. The "Outstanding Youth" and "Outstanding Youth Group" winners will receive $2,500 scholarships for continuing education.

For more information about the National Philanthropy Day in Colorado Luncheon, or to purchase tickets, visit www.afpcc.org.

Kayla Arnesen

National Philanthropy Day | Colorado Marketing Chair

[email protected] | (720) 898-5919

SOURCE Association of Fundraising Professionals, Colorado Chapter

Related Links

http://www.afpcc.org


WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Active Schools, a national movement to increase physical education and physical activity in schools, announced its 2017 National Award recipients. Four hundred and fifty-two U.S. schools, representing 37 states plus the District of Columbia, were recognized for their outstanding efforts to create an active school environment.

The Let's Move! Active Schools National Award is the nation's top physical education and physical activity distinction for K-12 schools. The award celebrates a school's commitment to providing students with at least 60 minutes of physical education and physical activity before, during and after school each day.

"The administrators, teachers, staff, and parents in these schools understand that physical education and physical activity are a must-have for students to reach their full potential in school and life," said Charlene Burgeson, Active Schools Executive Director. "They use creativity and determination to overcome challenges and provide students with the movement opportunities they need and deserve." Studies show that Active Kids Do Better. Physical activity not only helps kids stay healthy and strong, but it can also contribute to higher test scores, improved attendance, better behavior in class, enhanced leadership skills and a lifetime of healthy habits.

To earn a Let's Move! Active Schools National Award, a school must have met significant benchmarks in five areas: physical education; physical activity before and after school; physical activity during school; staff involvement; and family and community engagement. Honorees receive a congratulatory letter, certificate, and large display banner.

Check out the honorees: 2017 Let's Move! Active Schools National Award Recipients.

Since its February 2013 launch, through the power of a national collaborative of 42 health, education and private sector organizations, Active Schools has enrolled more than 34,000 individual champions in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, reaching more than 23,000 schools and 12 million students. The Active Schools movement encourages involvement by all who care about active, healthy and happy kids. To join, go to http://www.activeschoolsus.org Everyone has a role to play!

SOURCE Active Schools

Related Links

http://www.activeschoolsus.org


LUXEMBOURG, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Adecoagro S.A. (NYSE: AGRO) ("Adecoagro" or the "Company") today announced that it intends to offer senior unsecured notes (the "Notes") in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and outside the United States to non U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Notes are expected to be guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of the Company's subsidiaries.



The timing of pricing and terms of the Notes are subject to market conditions and other factors. The proceeds from the Notes offering will be used by the Company to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes.



This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities, in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any state or jurisdiction. The Notes and related guarantees have not been registered under the Securities Act, or any applicable state securities laws, and will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. Unless so registered, the Notes and related guarantees may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws.



Any offer or sale of Notes in any Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, the "Prospectus Directive") must be addressed to "Qualified Investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) only.

About Adecoagro



Adecoagro is a leading agricultural company in South America. As of June 30, 2017, Adecoagro owned over 246 thousand hectares of farmland and several industrial facilities spread across the most productive regions of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, where it produces over 1.9 million tons of agricultural products including corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, dairy products, sugar, ethanol and electricity, among others.

Forward Looking Statements



This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "could," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "should," "will," "expect," "objective," "projection," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "outlook," "effort," "target" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terms. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking.







These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause 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 such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to a material difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our filings with the SEC and the following:(i) the company's business prospects and future results of operations; (ii) weather and other natural phenomena; (iii) developments in, or changes to, the laws, regulations and governmental policies governing the company's business, including limitations on ownership of farmland by foreign entities in certain jurisdictions in which the company operates, environmental laws and regulations; (iv) the implementation of the company's business strategy; (v) the company's plans relating to acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic alliances or divestitures; (vi) the implementation of the company's financing strategy and capital expenditure plan; (vii) the maintenance of the company's relationships with customers; (viii) the competitive nature of the industries in which the company operates; (ix) the cost and availability of financing; (x) future demand for the commodities the company produces; (xi) international prices for commodities; (xii) the condition of the company's land holdings; (xiii) the development of the logistics and infrastructure for transportation of the company's products in the countries where it operates; (xiv) the performance of the South American and world economies; and (xv) the relative value of the Brazilian Real, the Argentine Peso, and the Uruguayan Peso compared to other currencies; as well as other risks included in the company's filings and submissions with the SEC.



All forward-looking statements set forth in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on us or our business or operations. Forward-looking statements set forth in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or the occurrence of unanticipated events.



Investor Relations Contact

Hernan Walker

[email protected]

T: +5411 4836 8651

SOURCE Adecoagro S.A.
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC deplores Jerusalem Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar's incendiary attack on Reform Jews, saying they "deny more than Holocaust deniers." Amar, who has previously denigrated Reform Judaism, was one of the leading Haredi rabbis who denounced the historic Western Wall (Kotel) compromise achieved in January 2016, and frozen by the Israeli government earlier this summer.

Amar's comments, revealed today, were made last week in response to last week's Israeli Supreme Court hearing, in which the Court decided that the government must either reinstate the Kotel agreement or explain why it should not force the state to honor the agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Rabbi Amar's comments. "All Jews are part of one family and the diversity of our people should always be respected," said Netanyahu. "I categorically reject any attempt to delegitimize any part of the Jewish people."

"Rabbi Amar's vitriol against liberal expressions of Judaism in Israel only will distance Diaspora Jewry from Israel and weaken both the U.S.-Israel relationship and the unity of Jewish peoplehood around the world," said Steven Bayme, AJC Director of Contemporary Jewish Life. "Rabbi Amar may disagree with Reform Judaism theologically, but his comparison of Reform Jews intent on worshiping at the Wall with Holocaust deniers is a perversion of both truth and traditional Jewish values of love for the entire Jewish people."

AJC hailed the compromise to allow egalitarian prayer at the sacred site in Jerusalem when it was first approved by the Israeli Cabinet in January 2016. AJC has been focusing on issues of Jewish religious pluralism in Israel for decades. At AJC's initiative, the effort was elevated in 2014 with the establishment of the multi-organizational Jewish Religious Equality Coalition (J-REC) to press for recognized alternatives to the Chief Rabbinate on procedures relating to marriage and conversion to Judaism.

"The Western Wall is an historic shrine that belongs to the entire Jewish people. Defining it as an Orthodox synagogue alienates Reform and Conservative Jews from Israel as a Jewish state," said Bayme.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee

Related Links

http://www.ajc.org


HONOLULU, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alexander & Baldwin (NYSE:ALEX) will host an Analyst Day on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET at The Benjamin Hotel in New York City.

Company participants will include Chris Benjamin, president and chief executive officer, James Mead, chief financial officer, and Lance Parker, A&B Properties' president.

The event will be live webcast in listen-only mode and may be accessed in the "Investors" section of A&B's website at www.alexanderbaldwin.com. Presentation slides will be available for download on the "Investors" events section of the website at 7 a.m. ET on Sept. 14. A replay of the event will be available on A&B's website following the conclusion of the meeting for a period of one year.

ABOUT ALEXANDER & BALDWIN

Alexander & Baldwin is a Hawaii corporation, and has elected to qualify as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) beginning with the 2017 tax year. A&B owns, operates and manages 4.8 million square feet of retail, industrial and office space primarily in Hawaii and on the U.S. Mainland, and is the largest owner of grocery/drug-anchored retail centers in Hawaii. Our Hawaii footprint extends beyond commercial real estate and includes interest in land operations, including diversified agriculture, and materials and infrastructure construction, which are operated under a Taxable REIT Subsidiary (TRS). 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. A&B also is Hawaii's largest materials company and paving contractor. Additional information about A&B may be found at www.alexanderbaldwin.com.

Contact:

Suzy Hollinger

808.525.8443

[email protected]

SOURCE Alexander & Baldwin

Related Links

http://www.alexanderbaldwin.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Algebraix Data, developer of a new generation of software built with Data Algebra, is announcing the issuance of a new cryptocurrency to accredited investors in a token pre-sale, or Simple Agreement for Future Tokens (SAFT).

The SAFT involves the issuance of 10 billion ALX Tokens to investors, and comes in advance of a public offering of the tokens to take place in several months. The token pre-sale follows the SAFT process established by FileCoin and Algebraix Data's law firm Cooley LLP.

Algebraix Data is developing a distributed, permission-based advertising network where individuals own their own data and have the ability to monetize it via the ALX Token. The ALX Token is the oil that fuels the network.

"Today, it's just the Internet giants who profit from individuals' personal data," said Robin Bloor, the company's Senior Vice President of Strategy and Communications. "Our permission-based advertising market will begin an Internet revolution. It will change the way people perceive data, and who owns it and how it should be used. The motto printed on our ALX Tokens is 'Ego Meum Indicium Habere,' which is Latin for 'I own my data.'"

The 10 billion ALX Tokens issued in the SAFT will represent 10 percent of the total number of tokens Algebraix Data will issue. While some of the tokens are earmarked for developers, marketers and others, the company will hold a public offering of the tokens once transactions are enabled on its network.

For more information on investing in the SAFT, please visit algebraixdata.com/SAFT

About Algebraix Data

Algebraix Data builds software that applies data algebra(TM) to complex software engineering problems. Data Algebra makes unique algorithmic contributions to improve resource efficiency and enhance scalability. The company will launch a new cryptocurrency to build a secure, blockchain-based data market that will allow individuals to store, manage and monetize their own data for the first time.

Media Contact

Stacy Silver

[email protected]

SOURCE Algebraix Data
"Some customers may live in apartments or in other rental properties, or may not be in a position to invest in solar panels," said Paul D. Koonce, president and CEO of Dominion Energy Power Generation. "And for businesses, it may be a matter of not having enough rooftop space or not being in a position to make a large capital investment right now. We have designed a program that will allow these customers to subscribe for some of their energy needs through solar generation."

The program is another part of Dominion Energy Virginia's plan to invest $15 billion or more over a five-year period to enhance, protect and strengthen the power grid to reduce outages, further improve reliability and customer service, and make more renewable energy available. For example, the company already has buried over 650 miles of underground lines in the most outage-prone areas to improve recovery from storm damage.

Over the last two years, the company has invested nearly $1 billion to add large-scale universal solar generation serving customers in Virginia and North Carolina. The company has 27 solar facilities totaling 444 megawatts (MW) in operation or under construction in Virginia, up from four projects and 1 megawatt just two years ago.

Dominion Energy Virginia's Integrated Resource Plan calls for at least another 5,200 MW of new solar generation by 2042, enough to power 1.3 million homes at peak output. The company also announced last month that it would become the first electric utility in the country to own and operate offshore wind generation. The project will be located off the coast of Virginia Beach.

Dominion Energy Virginia is working on a number of programs that will offer solar energy in a variety of ways to any interested business or residential customer. By early 2018, the company plans to file program options with the Virginia State Corporation Commission that will:

Allow for the purchase of community-based solar generation for a portion of the customer's energy usage. The Community Solar Pilot Program will enable customers to purchase energy from new solar facilities installed in communities throughout the company's Virginia service area.

service area. Include a 100 percent renewable energy option for 100 percent of the time for residential and small commercial and industrial customers.

Enable a business customer to purchase renewable generation equal to a specific portion of their energy usage.

The company will soon seek a request for proposal for solar projects to support these programs.

"While program details are being finalized, we want customers to know that we are working on creative solutions to empower them with the best options to go solar," Koonce said.

To complement these offerings, the company's existing Green Power Program now has nearly 24,000 customers participating where they can purchase renewable energy certificates for up to 100 percent of their energy use.

Nationally, Dominion Energy affiliates, including Dominion Energy Virginia, have invested in more than 2,200 MW of large-scale solar facilities since 2013. Dominion Energy's solar fleet is now the sixth largest in the country, among owners of U.S. electric utilities.

About Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy (NYSE: D) is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 25,700 megawatts of generation, 15,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,600 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion Energy operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 1 trillion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves more than 6 million utility and retail energy customers. For more information about Dominion Energy, visit the company's website at www.DominionEnergy.com.

SOURCE Dominion Energy

Related Links

http://www.DominionEnergy.com


PLANO, Texas, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliance Behavioral Healthcare, a managed care organization (MCO) based in Durham, NC, has chosen Jiva from ZeOmega as its new population health management platform. Responsible for more than 200,000 high-risk and underserved residents of North Carolina's Durham, Wake, Cumberland, and Johnston counties, Alliance will use Jiva to manage services across its network of nearly 2,200 providers.

Alliance manages publicly funded behavioral health services for Medicaid-eligible and uninsured North Carolinians with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use issues. In the early stages of its implementation, Jiva will help Alliance track and analyze provider performance, identify high-risk and underserved members, and manage resources to combat the growing opioid epidemic.

"As an organization, we have made a strong commitment to data-driven population health management, whole person integrated care, and innovation in care coordination," says Alliance Chief Executive Officer Rob Robinson. "Among the tools available to help us realize these goals, Jiva was the right choice for Alliance."

Jiva offers a scalable, flexible solution that supports virtually any population health management need, including data aggregation and integration, evidence-based risk assessment and management, patient-centered care delivery, and care coordination across the continuum. Jiva HIE helps organizations overcome perennial interoperability issues, enabling the integration and bidirectional sharing of data with both electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIEs). Alliance plans eventually to leverage this capability to integrate its system with the state HIE.

ZeOmega Founder and Chief Executive Officer Sam Rangaswamy welcomes the partnership with Alliance as an opportunity to highlight Jiva's potential for integrating physical and behavioral health data. "Whole person integrated care requires weighing all the factors that influence a member's health, including social determinants. Jiva gives MCOs like Alliance a solution that actually makes that possible."

About ZeOmega

Jiva, the HIE-enabled and powerful population health platform from ZeOmega, delivers high-value, strategic solutions enabling payers and care-delivery organizations to improve individual health and provider performance. With deep domain expertise and a comprehensive understanding of complex population health challenges, ZeOmega serves as a true partner for clients, offering flexible deployment and delivery models that leverage an innovative platform designed to integrate workflow, analytics, content, and communication capabilities. By consistently meeting customer expectations and project benchmarks, ZeOmega has earned a reputation for responsiveness and reliability. For more information, visit www.zeomega.com or call 214-618-9880. Follow ZeOmega on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

About Alliance Behavioral Healthcare

Alliance is the managed care organization for publicly-funded behavioral healthcare services for the people of Durham, Wake, Cumberland and Johnston counties in central North Carolina. Alliance works with a network of almost 2200 private providers to serve the needs of 471,000 Medicaid-eligible and uninsured individuals within a total population of 1.8 million.

SOURCE ZeOmega

Related Links

http://www.zeomega.com


AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH), owner of approximately 3,200 single-family rental homes in the Houston market, provides an update on its progress in contacting residents and restoration efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

"Over the last week, our response teams have made significant progress reaching out to impacted residents, resolving issues and restoring homes," stated David Singelyn, American Homes 4 Rent's Chief Executive Officer. "Our main priority is the health, well-being and safety of our residents, and we remain committed to our residents and Houston to help restore and rebuild this community."

American Homes 4 Rent has actively reached out to affected residents and has dispatched numerous response teams comprised of employees, dedicated vendors and suppliers to provide support to impacted residents and restore homes.

Unfortunately, a small number of our Houston homes require significant remediation as a result of Harvey where continued occupancy may pose a health and safety hazard. As such, American Homes 4 Rent has established a Resident Aid Station at its Houston office; assigned dedicated American Homes 4 Rent relationship managers to each displaced resident to assist with finding alternative housing, including transferring to other vacant properties; and engaged a local firm to help our residents obtain FEMA and other relief assistance.

American Homes 4 Rent offices throughout Texas are open. In addition, residents can call our centralized Houston communication center at (844) 854-7804 or visit our website at AH4R - Harvey Info for support.

About American Homes 4 Rent

American Homes 4 Rent 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 June 30, 2017, we owned 48,982 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

Media Relations

Phone: (805) 413-5075

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE American Homes 4 Rent

Related Links

https://www.americanhomes4rent.com


In this undated file image distributed on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017, by the North Korean government, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at an undisclosed location. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)
AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American Homes 4 Rent (NYSE: AMH) (the "Company"), a leading provider of high quality single-family homes for rent, announced today that the Company will make a presentation at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2017 Global Real Estate Conference in New York at The Ritz-Carlton Battery Park. The presentation will begin at 2:10 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 12, 2017.

A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available on the Company's website at www.americanhomes4rent.com under the "For Investors" tab. A replay of the webcast will be available through Tuesday, September 26, 2017.

About American Homes 4 Rent

American Homes 4 Rent 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 June 30, 2017, we owned 48,982 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

Related Links

http://www.americanhomes4rent.com


ST. LOUIS, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hometown pride is real, and it's strongest in rural America, according to a new survey released by The America's Farmers Community Outreach Programs. The survey finds that the vast majority of rural survey respondents are happy with the overall quality of life in their community and say their towns instill a sense of pride in residents, thanks to their communities' friendliness, cost of living, safety and beauty of their natural environment.

The survey was completed as part of the America's Farmers Community Outreach Programs' new 'My Town' campaign, which looks to celebrate rural farming communities and their unique attributes. Through a series of videos, the 'My Town' campaign will highlight small towns that truly embody the altruistic and innovative spirit of rural America, as well as the sense of pride their residents have for their community, including Abbott, TX; Effingham, IL; Leitchfield, KY, and Princeton, MN to start.

"Through the America's Farmers Community Outreach programs, our aim has always been to advocate for local farmers and the areas where they live," said Heather Wolfe, America's Farmers program manager. "While the 'My Town' campaign is focused on telling the unique stories of a few rural farming towns, these communities collectively represent the heart and soul that can be found throughout small towns across the U.S."

The campaign also asks people across the country to share their own stories about where they live, and what makes them proud of where they're from. Those with a personal story to share can use #MyTownProud on their social channels for a chance to be featured on the America's Farmers website and social channels.

The survey also found most rural residents believe farmers have a 'big impact' or 'very big impact' on their lives. Both small town locals and city dwellers had positive things to say about farmers, describing them as hard working and under-appreciated.

The America's Farmers programs, including the Grow Communities, Grow Rural Education and Grow Ag Leaders programs, partner with farmers to celebrate these rural communities and provide them with support and resources. For more than seven years, the America's Farmers Community Outreach Programs has seen first-hand the innovative nature of small towns throughout the U.S., providing more than $42 million to support rural non-profits, school districts and students.

"Through the America's Farmers programs, we've seen first-hand the impact the programs have on these small towns, reaching areas and organizations that need support the most," said Wolfe. "We're excited to have the opportunity to tell these unique stories, showcasing communities throughout the U.S., while learning more about what makes residents in these areas proud to be from their small towns."

For more information on the 'My Town' campaign or the America's Farmers programs visit www.AmericasFarmers.com.

About America's Farmers

The America's Farmers campaign highlights the importance of modern US Agriculture through communications and community outreach programs that partner with farmers to impact rural America. To learn more, visit America's Farmers at www.AmericasFarmers.com .

About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

About the Survey

The survey included respondents from rural, urban and suburban communities. The survey was conducted to better understand how rural residents feel about their communities, innovation and farmers while also seeking information about how urban and suburban residents view rural America. Data was collected between July 31 and August 5, 2017. A total of 2,017 subjects participated in the online survey, which has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Contact Lindsey Herzog, Weber Shandwick, (469) 917-6288

SOURCE Americas Farmers

Related Links

http://www.AmericasFarmers.com


THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Back2School social media contest being run by Digi-Key Electronics, a global electronic components distributor, is offering students in the US and Canada a chance to win a Digi-Key InstaLab kit, free perpetual license for Mentor Graphics' PADS MakerPro design software, and many other prizes. Students with a valid university or college email address can enter by visiting Digi-Key's official Back2School contest page.

Back2School Contest Prizes

"As the 2017-2018 school year launches, Digi-Key is excited about the prospect of partnering with students and faculty while they pursue their passion for education, development, success, and fun," said Bob Brown, Director of Academic Business Development. "These are dynamic times in the electronic and computer industries and we look forward to working together to create solutions for the challenges that students will face this year. We hope this contest will be a fun way to encourage and inspire success this year."

The InstaLab was created with the intention of providing enough gear to turn an electronics student's dorm room into their own maker space. The kit includes over 20 different products from many of Digi-Key's trusted supplier partners.

Mentor Graphics', a Siemen's business, PADS MakerPro is a printed circuit board (PCB) design solution featuring direct access, through PartQuest, to Digi-Key's part catalog for more than a million ready-to-use symbols and footprints, and to PADS AMS Cloud, a free, cloud-based, analog/mixed-signal circuit simulator. PADS MakerPro normally requires a one-time fee of $499, but two winners will receive the upgraded software for free.

About the Back2School contest

Who: Any student in the US or Canada with a university or college email address

Prizes: Three tiers of prizes including:

Digi-Key "swag" backpack

A perpetual license for Mentor Graphics' PADS  MakerPro, educational kits that feature dev boards, plus a swag backpack

MakerPro, educational kits that feature dev boards, plus a swag backpack One InstaLab kit, a perpetual license for Mentor Graphics' PADS MakerPro, educational kits that feature dev boards, and a swag backpack

How to enter: Participants have from September 5-30 to register with the winners being announced the week of October 2nd. Official details and contest rules are available on the Digi-Key website.

About Digi-Key Electronics

Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is an authorized global, full-service distributor of electronic components, offering more than six million products, with over 1.3 million products in stock and available for immediate shipment, from over 650 quality name-brand manufacturers. Digi-Key also stocks over 10,000 boards and modules to assist in any student's design or project. The company's best-in-class website features a wide variety of online resources including Product Training Modules (PTMs), conversion calculators, how-to articles and videos, datasheets, multimedia libraries, and much more. Additional tools and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering can be found at www.digikey.com. Information about scholarships, internships, and more can be accessed online on the Digi-Key website.

Editorial Contact for Digi-Key Electronics

Kayla Krosschell

PR & Marketing Communications Specialist

1.800.338.4105 x1098

[email protected]

[email protected]

SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics

Related Links

http://www.digikey.com


ARMONK, N.Y., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today that the U.S. Army's Logistics Support Activity (LOGSA) awarded IBM a contract to continue providing cloud services, software development and cognitive computing, constituting the technical infrastructure for one of the U.S. federal government's biggest logistics systems.

The 33-month, $135 million contract represents a successful re-compete of work that LOGSA signed with IBM in September 2012. Under that managed services agreement, the Army pays only for cloud services that it actually consumes. The efficiencies created by this arrangement have enabled the Army to avoid about $15 million per year in operational costs  a significant yield for the Army and taxpayers.

In addition to continuing to provide managed services as part of this new contract, IBM also will help the Army focus on:

improving cybersecurity by applying the risk management framework (RMF) security controls to LOGSA's IT enterprise. RMF is the unified information security framework for the entire U.S. federal government; it replaces legacy IT security standards;

by applying the risk management framework (RMF) security controls to LOGSA's IT enterprise. RMF is the unified information security framework for the entire U.S. federal government; it replaces legacy IT security standards; incorporating cognitive computing that enhances readiness by anticipating needs, and

that enhances readiness by anticipating needs, and speeding application modernization.

As part of this new contract, IBM also will help the Army predict vehicle maintenance failures from more than 5 billion data points of on-board sensors that will be stored within this environment. In addition, the Army is adopting Watson IoT services and a new Watson IoT Equipment Advisor solution that analyzes unstructured, structured and sensor data directly from military assets.

The solution, part of the IBM Watson IoT for Manufacturing and Industrial Products product suite, includes IBM Predictive Maintenance and Quality System, an integrated solution that monitors, analyzes, and reports on information gathered from devices and equipment and recommends maintenance procedures. It also includes Watson Explorer, a cognitive exploration and content analysis platform that enables users to securely capture and analyze both structured and unstructured data. With the platform, the Army will look to extract enhanced insights from its vehicle data and recommend optimal repair methods and procedures. By combining tactical vehicle sensor and maintenance data, the Army better understands the health of its vehicles and can take proactive repair measures.

IBM recently completed a proof of concept that demonstrated the effectiveness of Watson cognitive computing for 10 percent of the Army's Stryker vehicle fleet. Under this new contract, LOGSA will increase its ability to provide that predictive and prescriptive maintenance information to the Army.

LOGSA provides on-time integrated logistics support of worldwide Army operations, impacting every soldier, every day. As the Army's authoritative source for logistics data, LOGSA provides logistics intelligence, life cycle support, technical advice, and assistance to the current and future force; integrates logistics information (force structure, readiness, and other logistics data) for worldwide equipment readiness and distribution analysis; and provides asset visibility for timely and proactive decision-making.

"LOGSA and the Army can now take advantage of the technological innovation that cloud offers  especially cognitive computing and analytics  so that the Army can continue to reap cost savings, further streamline its operations and deliver services to its clients," said Lisa Mascolo, managing director, U.S. Public Service, IBM's Global Business Services. "We're pleased to continue our work with the Army to demonstrate the viability of cloud for mission applications and the promised benefits of efficiency and taxpayer savings."

"Over the past four and a half years, LOGSA has benefitted from the business and technical advantages of the cloud," said LOGSA Commander Col. John D. Kuenzli. "Now, we're moving beyond infrastructure as-a-service and embracing both platform and software as-a service, adopting commercial cloud capabilities to further enhance Army readiness."

"When Gen. Perna took command of the Army Materiel Command, he said we cannot conduct tomorrow's operations using yesterday's processes and procedures," Kuenzli added. "He has since emphasized understanding the leading indicators to readiness, and getting in front of the Army's logistics challenges. The services we have received from IBM and the potential of IBM Watson IoT truly enable LOGSA to deliver cutting-edge business intelligence and tools to give the Army unprecedented logistics support at efficient and affordable means."

In addition to private cloud deployments, IBM manages five dedicated federal cloud data centers, including a cloud environment accredited up to impact* level 5 (IL-5). These were built to meet Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) requirements for government workloads.

*The Defense Information System Agency's (DISA's) information impact levels consider the potential impact of information being compromised. IL-5 gives the cloud provider the authority to manage controlled, unclassified information. For IBM's work with the Army's private cloud at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala., the Army expects the company to achieve DISA's IL-6  the agency's highest level  by early 2018, which would certify IBM to work with classified information up to "secret." Presently, IBM is the only company authorized at IL-5 to run IaaS solutions on government premises.

About IBM Cloud

For more on IBM Cloud, visit www.ibm.com/cloud-computing

More about LOGSA

LOGSA is the U.S. Army's leader for achieving the service's top priority  readiness - and is home to the Logistics Information Warehouse (LIW), the Army's official storehouse for collecting, storing, organizing and delivering logistics data. It provides critical logistics information capabilities through analytics tools and business intelligence solutions to acquire, manage, equip and sustain the Army's materiel needs. LIW provides services to more than 65,000 users and 150 direct trading partners worldwide.

Contact Information:

Lisa Meyer

IBM U.S. Federal Media

703 318 1294 | Mobile: 703 309 7758

Tyler Allen

IBM Cloud Media

Mobile: 703 895 4272

SOURCE IBM
CALGARY, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Avrio Capital Inc. ("Avrio") is pleased to announce an update to its investment activities from its third institutional late stage venture fund, Avrio Ventures Limited Partnership III (the "Fund"). During the quarter, Avrio was active, having deployed approximately $20M of capital across three new investments.

"In a typically slow period for deploying capital, we are very pleased to have completed three platform investments that highlight the entire spectrum of the Avrio investment strategy. Flexing from agricultural technology to food tech and encompassing all the novel and innovative agribusinesses in-between, we continue to tune our investment strategy identifying world class companies in our verticals of interest," commented Aki Georgacacos, Managing Partner of the Fund.

In its first deal, Avrio committed C$6M alongside multiple co-investors to support Phytelligence Inc., the Fund's first investment in plant genetics and propagation. The company has developed a novel approach for tree-crops to grow during their early days in a nutrient rich gel which allows for genetically confirmed, virus free and generally more robust plant material. "The MultipHy technology platform engineered by Phytelligence is truly transformative. The speed, genetic certainty, and overall robustness of the plants developed material offers the type of disruptive technological advancement we have been seeking to address worldwide rootstock shortages," commented Mike McGee, Managing Director at Avrio Capital.

On the other end of the continuum, Avrio also participated in the Series A financing for Organic Mushroom Nutrition ("M2"), alongside of White Road Investments, a previous co-investment partner in Fresh Hemp Foods which was awarded CVCA Deal of the Year in 2015. "Functional ingredients promoting health and wellness, while respecting sustainable practices have been a core focus of Avrio's mandate since inception. We're excited about the prospects for expanding the breadth of opportunities to exploit the functional health benefits of mushrooms across multiple channels," commented Jim Taylor, Chairman and co-founder at Avrio.

Lastly, Avrio completed its quarter by completing the purchase of a majority stake in Saskatoon based, Morris Industries Ltd. ("Morris"), one of the last remaining independent manufacturers of innovative, technology based agricultural equipment. Founded in 1929 by George Morris, the Company has grown from its modest Saskatchewan roots to a global business with over 250 dealers worldwide, and 300,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity across four continents. "We are delighted to have attracted Avrio to lead the recapitalization of our company," commented Ben Voss, the incoming Chief Executive Officer. "Their depth of food and agriculture expertise and track record will be essential to re-invigorating the innovation and farmer inspired creativity that has underpinned Morris since its inception. We welcome Steve and Aki onto our Board of Directors, and look forward to working closely with the entire team in building the Morris franchise into the world's leading brand for precision and reliability." Steven Leakos, the lead partner from Avrio on the investment commented: "With its strong market position and a renewed commitment to the Company's core values of innovation and service that has built the Morris legacy, we believe the opportunities to grow this business are limitless."

After completion of these three investments, the Fund has deployed and reserved approximately 60% of its investment capital out of Fund III. The fund which closed with total commitments approaching $110M in January 2016 has finalized nine investments. The fund is actively seeking quality opportunities to deploy $2-$10M in dynamic, growing agricultural and food technology companies seeking growth or expansion capital to address global issues related to health, wellness and sustainability.

About Avrio Capital Inc.

The Avrio group of entities was established in 2002 to identify and invest in innovative food and agriculture companies that provide solutions to global challenges in the areas of health, wellness and sustainability. As the global pioneer in ag and food technology investing, the team has been a very active investor in the space for almost 15 years, having completed over fifty investments since its inception. Avrio is a highly active investor, working closely alongside of their portfolio companies to provide the support and resources needed to transform emerging companies into global leaders. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the Avrio team is one of Canada's longest standing venture franchises.

About Phytelligence

Phytelligence is an agricultural biotechnology company that is revolutionizing food crops. Utilizing its proprietary growing techniques to provide superior quality crops, Phytelligence enables higher grower profit by increasing speed to harvest while reducing input costs. Phytelligence provides additional value to food crop growers and plant breeders through the application of advanced genetics enabling delivery of accurate plants, disease screening, plant repository services, securing of intellectual property, and the ability to co-develop new varieties of food crops. In addition, Phytelligence has a growing pipeline of biological and compound solutions aimed at improving returns throughout the food crop value chain.

About M2

M2 is a leading producer of pure, certified 100% Organic Medicinal Mushroom Powders. Having traveled the world to discover unique mushroom varieties, M2's leadership team has combined the perfect balance of ancient wisdom with modern methodology to grow the highest-quality mushrooms in a state-of-the-art, indoor facility.

About Morris Industries

One of Canada's oldest and most recognizable farm equipment manufacturers, Morris was started in 1929 by Mr. George Morris. Their products are sold globally and are recognized for their durability, simplicity and usability on certain soil types. The Company is headquartered in Saskatoon and has manufacturing facilities in Yorkton and Minnedosa. With a strong and committed workforce and management team, along with over 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space in three facilities, in Western Canada, Morris has a capacity to manufacture and export precision farming equipment that is globally unique. For more information about Morris Industries Ltd., please visit www.Morris-Industries.com

SOURCE Avrio Capital

Related Links

www.avriocapital.com


VIENNA, Va., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kriser's Natural Pet, a multi-unit retailer specializing in natural pet food, supplies and grooming, debuts its sixth location in the DMV Metro Area with a Grand Opening celebration on September 9th & 10th in Vienna off of Maple Ave. W between Lawyers Rd and Center St.

Kriser's brings its trademark remarkably educated staff and warm, welcoming shopping experience to Vienna. The Kriser's Pack invites area pet parents to join its mission of helping pets live happier, healthier lives naturally, with a carefully curated selection of natural food, treats, toys, supplements, supplies and grooming services.

"Kriser's is thrilled to bring our mission of helping pets live a happy, healthy, natural lifestyle to this vibrant community," said Brad Kriser, founder & CEO. "Every day, we strive to provide pet parents with the best natural products, services and education to help care for their furry families. To have the opportunity to do this in Vienna, with its amazing community-centric energy, excites our entire team. We can't wait to become a trusted resource and partner to local pet parents."

Kriser's will offer a number of activities and promotions throughout the Grand Opening weekend:

Free pet nail trimming (Saturday and Sunday from 10-4pm )

) Free Reusable Shopping Bags (Sat & Sun)

Free pet ID tags (Sunday from 10-4)

Free waste bag holders (Saturday only)

Free can lids (Sunday only)

In-store raffles for store merchandise and grooming gift cards

PLUS Doorbuster shopping sprees both Saturday and Sunday, whereby people in line each day at 10 a.m. will have the chance to win gift cards for on-the-spot shopping sprees.

Kriser's will host another event on Saturday, October 7th to celebrate our first month, with free pet/pet parent digital photo portraits, goodie bags for the first 50 pets and more raffles and prizes. For store events, hours and details, visit http://www.krisers.com.

ABOUT KRISER'S NATURAL PET

Kriser's, often referred to by its customers as the "Whole Foods for pets," is a multi-unit pet retailer specializing in natural pet food, supplies and grooming. Founded by lifelong pet owner and healthy pet advocate Brad Kriser, the company has opened 44 locations across the country  Illinois (Chicagoland), Colorado (Denver & Fort Collins), Southern California (LA & Orange Counties), Texas (Houston, Austin & San Antonio), Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia  based on a model of educating consumers about pet nutrition and providing an unparalleled shopping experience in an inviting store environment. All products sold in Kriser's stores are carefully selected by Brad and his team, and endorsed as "Kriser's Approved" only after extensive review. In addition to carrying a large variety of natural food and treats brands, which have no corn, soy, wheat or by-products, Kriser's also offers professional grooming services using gentle, natural products and a wide selection of purposeful toys and supplies.

At the forefront of the natural segment of the flourishing pet industry, Kriser's has grown steadily with an unwavering commitment to pets. Kriser's has been recognized with multiple national honors for its excellence in the pet industry, including Pet Product News International's Retailer of the Year for Employee Engagement and Training in 2016, Best Overall Pet Retailer at the 2015 Global Pet Expo, and 2014 Pet Business Retailer of the Year. For more information, please visit www.krisers.com.

SOURCE Kriser's Natural Pet

Related Links

http://www.krisers.com


TSX, NYSE: BXE

CALGARY, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Bellatrix Exploration Ltd. ("Bellatrix" or the "Company") (TSX, NYSE: BXE) will host an analyst update presentation on September 6, 2017. The presentation will provide discussion of Bellatrix's asset base, key operational areas, and corporate strategy. The event will be held in Calgary for members of the financial analyst community. A copy of the presentation will be available on Bellatrix's website at http://investors.bellatrixexploration.com/presentations.

Bellatrix Exploration Ltd. is a publicly traded Western Canadian based growth oriented oil and gas company engaged in the exploration for, and the acquisition, development and production of oil and natural gas reserves, with highly concentrated operations in west central Alberta, principally focused on profitable development of the Spirit River liquids rich natural gas play.

SOURCE Bellatrix Exploration Ltd.

Related Links

www.bellatrixexploration.com


HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Joel M. Androphy and Sarah M. Frazier of the Berg & Androphy law firm, along with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and 50 state Medicaid programs plus the District of Columbia and the City of Chicago, have reached settlements in False Claims Act (FCA) litigation against Novo Nordisk and their subsidiaries.

Their case, filed on behalf of the U.S. government by the first of multiple whistleblowers to bring suit on similar allegations, charged that Novo Nordisk illegally marketed Victoza and profited from its alleged deception through fraudulently garnered reimbursement from Medicare Part D and Medicaid. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Victoza in January of 2010 for the adjunct treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It carries a so-called black box warning concerning the risk of medullary thyroid cancer.

The settlement encompasses allegations that upon product launch, Novo Nordisk downplayed Victoza's risk of causing medullary thyroid cancer, creating a false or misleading impression with physicians that the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) safety warning that had been mandated by the FDA was erroneous, irrelevant, or unimportant. The settlement encompasses the further allegations that Novo Nordisk encouraged the sale and use of Victoza by adult patients who did not have Type 2 diabetes.

In resolving its liability, Novo Nordisk agreed to pay the United States and the States a total sum of $46.5 million for the release of False Claims Act claims covering the conduct alleged by the suits against the company. Novo Nordisk has also agreed to pay $12.15 million to settle alleged violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).

Ms. Frazier noted, "REMS programs are meant to keep patients safe by ensuring that physicians have full and accurate information about important safety risks. This is a groundbreaking settlement because it makes clear that the False Claims Act is violated when pharmaceutical manufacturers undermine a REMS program and misbrand a drug by downplaying the risk of adverse effects."

The settlement provides a grave warning to drug companies that this conduct is not only illegal but will be pursued by with vigor by the Department of Justice and concerned whistleblowers alike. Berg & Androphy is proud to represent the whistleblower that first came forward at great personal risk in 2010 to bring this conduct to light.

The case is United States of America v. Novo A/S, et al., No. 13-1529 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

About Berg & Androphy

Berg & Androphy, based in Houston, Texas, with offices in New York, and by appointment in Washington, D.C., Denver, and Miami, has a nationwide qui tam practice representing whistleblowers in many large fraud cases, including health care, real estate, financial fraud, and defense contractor fraud cases. The lawyers at Berg & Androphy are trial lawyers who are currently litigating numerous qui tam lawsuits without government intervention. Joel Androphy and Sarah Frazier supervise a team of trial lawyers in this practice area.

Contact: Sarah Frazier, Berg & Androphy, 713.529.5622.

SOURCE Berg & Androphy

Related Links

http://www.bafirm.com


ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomberg BNA today announced the recipients of its 2017 Author Awards for international tax, which were presented at the company's reception during the International Fiscal Association (IFA) Congress in Rio de Janeiro. Patrick Marley of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP received the Leonard L. Silverstein Award for Distinguished Service in International Tax. Peter Glicklich of Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Ana Claudia Akie Utumi of Utumi Advogados, and Lucas de Lima Carvalho of TozziniFreire Advogados were recognized with awards for outstanding authorship.

Patrick Marley was this year's recipient of the Silverstein Award in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the field of international tax. The award is named in honor of Leonard L. Silverstein, a leading practitioner in the field of taxation for more than 50 years and the founder of the Tax Management Portfolios.

Peter Glicklich was recognized as the International Tax Contributor of the Year for multiple contributions to the Tax Management International Journal including "Lessons from Canada and the WTO: The U.S. Should Embrace a VAT," "IRS Should Allow QCIV Self-Designation Under FIRPTA," and "Canada's New Approach to U.S. LLPs and LLLPs."

Lucas de Lima Carvalho and Ana Claudia Akie Utumi received the International Tax Portfolio Author of the Year award for their work on Tax Management Portfolio Business Operations in Brazil.

"Bloomberg BNA is delighted to recognize these very accomplished tax practitioners," said Lisa Fitzpatrick, Vice President and General Manager of Bloomberg BNA Tax & Accounting. "Patrick, Peter, Ana, and Lucas are true thought leaders in international taxation. It is such an honor to recognize the in-depth analysis and practical perspectives they have provided our subscribers for their respective jurisdictions. As the area of international taxation becomes even more complex, the practical insights of these authors and Bloomberg BNA's entire global network of more than 1,100 leading practitioners are critical to our subscribers."

Patrick Marley, a partner in the Toronto office of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, advises on tax issues associated with international tax planning, domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, corporate finance and various other tax matters. He has experience representing clients in various industries including financial services, mining, oil and gas, telecommunications, manufacturing, and technology.

"Receiving this year's Leonard L. Silverstein Award is truly an unexpected honor," said Marley. "I have been fortunate to focus my career in international tax in ways that have allowed me to contribute to developments in the field that matter to governments, to taxpayers and citizens, and to those of us who have a passion for the subject. I am grateful for the opportunity to practice my trade with some of the country's leading tax clients, and for my long involvement with Bloomberg BNA and the Tax Management Portfolios."

Peter Glicklich is a Managing Partner in New York office of Davies, Ward, Phillips & Vineberg, LLP. He has 30 years of experience counselling corporations, institutional investors, banks, and public and private REITs on their international and corporate tax concerns. He advises on the tax implications of mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, cross-border financings, restructurings, reorganizations, spinoffs, and intercompany pricing. Glicklich holds a leadership role in the International Fiscal Association and serves on the advisory boards of a number of prominent industry publications.

"I am very pleased and grateful to have been awarded this prize," said Glicklich. "Bloomberg BNA goes above and beyond in reaching out to its contributors and producing cutting-edge and thoughtful commentary and analysis. I am honored to have been named Contributor of the Year."

Ana Claudia Akie Utumi recently formed Utumi Advogados after serving as the head of the Tax practice group at TozziniFreire for 17 years. She has accumulated broad experience in taxation issues in general, including those arising from cross-border deals, such as mergers and acquisitions, financial and capital markets transactions, and other international tax legislation.

"Receiving this award from a leading publisher of tax research and news is a great honor," said Utumi. "This recognition makes me deeply proud, especially considering that I received it here in Rio during the IFA Congress that I helped to organize. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Tax Management Portfolios and to any other initiatives that Bloomberg BNA may put in front of me."

Lucas de Lima Carvalho is a Senior Tax Associate at TozziniFreire. He has broad experience in assisting Brazilian and foreign companies on tax matters, specifically international taxation, enrollment for special tax regimes, tax aspects of greenfield operations, as well as of the cross-border trade of goods and services, including transactions in the digital market.

"Bloomberg BNA is a leading publisher of high quality business and tax content from around the world, and it is an honor and a privilege to receive the Author of the Year Award, particularly at this early stage of my career and for writing on international tax law, the legal subject which I most appreciate," said Carvalho.

About Bloomberg BNA

Bloomberg BNA provides legal, tax and compliance professionals with critical information, practical guidance and workflow solutions. We leverage leading technology and a global network of experts to deliver a unique combination of news and authoritative analysis, comprehensive research solutions, innovative practice tools, and proprietary business data and analytics. Bloomberg BNA is an affiliate of Bloomberg L.P., the global business, financial information and news leader. For more information, visit www.bna.com.

SOURCE Bloomberg BNA

Related Links

http://www.bna.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Trustees of The Brady Campaign and Center to Prevent Gun Violence announced today it has appointed Kristin Brown and Avery Gardiner, as Co-Presidents of the Washington, D.C., nonprofit.

"The Brady Campaign and Center's mission to cut gun deaths in half by 2025 has never been more urgent," said Kevin Quinn, Chairman of the Board. "Brady has a focused strategy to prevent gun violence, and we need strong leaders with exceptional strategic and operational skills to achieve our goals. We have those leaders in Kristin and Avery. We are confident in the appointment of these two executives to lead this great community of Brady advocates and our organization."

Brown and Gardiner will lead the organization from Washington, with a renewed focus on Brady's three strategic campaigns to: (i) expand Brady background checks to all gun sales; (ii) change the cultural perception that a gun in the home makes you safer; and (iii) shut down or reform the small number of bad apple gun dealers that supply the vast majority of our nation's crime guns. The new leadership brings extensive experience in law, policy, and public health, all of which are critical to leading these three campaigns, which have a core focus in each of those areas.

Kristin Brown was previously the Brady Campaign's Chief Strategy Officer. She began her tenure at Brady as the National Policy Director and has a corporate, policy and legal background, having worked on Capitol Hill for more than 8 years where violence prevention and public health were two of her chief policy issues. Brown served for many years as a member of the Executive Management Board and Chief Legal Officer to a global logistics/airline services company based in Switzerland and, prior to that, represented companies in complex litigation and restructuring cases at the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges.

Avery Gardiner was previously the Brady Center's Chief Legal Officer. She has been responsible for shaping and driving the organization's legal strategy, as well as providing legal advice to all of the organization's departments. She brings extensive litigation and strategic experience to the Brady Center, having litigated and provided strategic advice as a lawyer for a Fortune 15 telecommunications company and at the United States Department of Justice in addition to past roles at major national law firms.

Both Brown and Gardiner already served on Brady's Executive Management Team.

The Board accepted the resignation of Brady's immediate past president, Dan Gross, who will remain with the organization to assist with the transition. According to the Chair of the Board, "Mr. Gross has been an important and influential leader in the gun violence prevention movement for many years, has led Brady, and leaves the organization poised for even greater success. We are grateful for Mr. Gross's service to this issue and organization and wish him the best in his future endeavors."

The appointment is effective immediately.

The Brady Campaign and Center, united with the Million Mom March, is a national network of over 90 grassroots chapter affiliates mobilized to prevent gun violence at the community level. The network has played a vital role in expanding Brady background checks in the six states that have passed legislation since the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut and produced the largest national protest of gun violence in U.S. history -- The Million Mom March, Mother's Day 2000.

For more information, please visit the website at http://www.bradycampaign.org/ and read the Chairman of the Board, Kevin Quinn's statement.

SOURCE The Brady Campaign and Center to Prevent Gun Violence

Related Links

http://www.bradycampaign.org/


BEIJING, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA), China's leading provider of commercial airplanes, projects a demand for 7,240 new airplanes in the country over the next 20 years valued at nearly $1.1 trillion dollars.

Boeing's annual China Current Market Outlook (CMO) was released today in Beijing, with total airplane demand rising 6.3 percent over last year's forecast.

"China's continuous economic growth, significant investment in infrastructure, growing middle-class and evolving airline business models support this long-term outlook," said Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "China's fleet size is expected to grow at a pace well above the world average, and almost 20 percent of global new airplane demand will be from airlines based in China."

Single-aisle airplanes continue to be the foundation of domestic and regional fleets in China. Boeing sees the need for 5,420 new single-aisle airplanes through 2036, accounting for 75 percent of the total new deliveries. Full-service airlines and low-cost carriers have been adding new single-aisle airplanes and expanding new point-to-point services to cater for both leisure and business travel demand in China and throughout Asia.

Tinseth said the backlog from Chinese customers demonstrates that the new 737 MAX 8 remains at the heart of the single-aisle market.

Boeing forecasts the widebody fleet over the next 20 years will require 1,670 new airplanes. Airlines continue to shift to small and medium widebody airplanes for long-haul expansion and flexibility. Primary demand for very large widebodies going forward will be in the freighter market.

"China's outbound travel market continues its rapid growth toward 200 million passengers annually," said Tinseth. "With new technologies, superior capabilities and advanced efficiency, the 787 and 777X families will play a key role in supporting the growth of China's long-haul market."

New Airplane China Deliveries Through 2036

Airplane type Seats Total deliveries Dollar value Regional jets 90 and below 150 $10B Single-aisle 90-230 5,420 $570B Small wide-body 200-300 940 $260B Medium/large wide-body 300 and above 550 $190B Freighter widebody

180 $60B Total ----------- 7,240

(18% of world total) $1.09T

(18% of world total)

Worldwide, Boeing projects the need for 41,030 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years valued at $6.1 trillion dollars. The complete forecast is available at www.boeing.com/cmo.

Today, Boeing jets are the mainstay of China's air travel and cargo system. More than 50 percent of all the commercial jetliners operating in China are Boeing airplanes.

Meanwhile, China has a component role on every current Boeing commercial airplane model  the Next-Generation 737, 747, 767, 777, as well as the world's most technologically advanced airplane, the 787 Dreamliner. Over 9,000 Boeing airplanes fly throughout the world with integrated China-built parts and assemblies.

Contact:

Yukui Wang

Boeing China Communications

+86 10 5925 5505

[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing

Related Links

http://www.boeing.com


SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BrightEdge, the global leader in organic search and content performance, announced today the launch of its new product, BrightEdge Content. AI-powered and natively integrated in the BrightEdge Platform, BrightEdge Content blends the best of search marketing and content marketing practices to power the development, activation, and automated optimization of Smart Content  content is self aware and self-adjusting, improving content discovery and engagement.

AI-powered and natively integrated in the BrightEdge Platform, BrightEdge Content blends the best of search marketing and content marketing practices.

Content marketing is projected to become a $300+ billion industry by 2019 (source PQMedia), with more content being created by brands than ever before. However, marketers report only 20 percent of B2C and 50 percent of B2B content are being engaged with. The net result is the loss of website traffic, conversions and revenue. BrightEdge Content empowers SEO, Digital Marketing and Content Marketing teams to deliver Smart Content for maximum performance in organic search and across all marketing channels. BrightEdge defines Smart Content as having three components, all of which BrightEdge Content serves, which are:

Customer Discovery - driven by a deep understanding of consumer intent

- driven by a deep understanding of consumer intent Always on and always optimized  adaptive dynamic and relevant

 adaptive dynamic and relevant Profitable  primed conversion and easily activated across multiple devices and multiple marketing channels

BrightEdge Content can be used by marketers to create articles, campaign landing pages, blog posts, knowledge center documents, product pages and more. Specifically, it enables:

Content Discovery . Leveraging insights from BrightEdge Data Cube and the machine learning capabilities of BrightEdge DataMind , BrightEdge Content surfaces high-value topics through content briefs that target different content strategies, such as stopping competitive threats, or capitalizing on local demand. Content briefs assess the ROI of new content items and prioritize their development by unveiling insights such as topic opportunity sizing and consumer intent, characteristics of top competing content and recommendations for improving content performance.

. Leveraging insights from and the machine learning capabilities of , BrightEdge Content surfaces high-value topics through content briefs that target different content strategies, such as stopping competitive threats, or capitalizing on local demand. Content briefs assess the ROI of new content items and prioritize their development by unveiling insights such as topic opportunity sizing and consumer intent, characteristics of top competing content and recommendations for improving content performance. Content Development . Using a customizable workflow that adapts to marketers' review and approval needs, BrightEdge Content guides the content production with an automated wizard that scores the quality and relevance of each piece of content produced. A fully fledged content editor automates the most important  and time-consuming  tasks of content production, such as header tags, cross-linking, copy optimization, image editing, highly optimized CTA's that drive performance, and embedded performance tracking of website traffic and conversion.

. Using a customizable workflow that adapts to marketers' review and approval needs, BrightEdge Content guides the content production with an automated wizard that scores the quality and relevance of each piece of content produced. A fully fledged content editor automates the most important  and time-consuming  tasks of content production, such as header tags, cross-linking, copy optimization, image editing, highly optimized CTA's that drive performance, and embedded performance tracking of website traffic and conversion. Content Activation . With a click of a button, marketers can activate new content at any time. Each piece of content is optimized for organic performance and customer experience  such as schema for structure, AMP for better mobile experiences and Open Graph for Facebook. Marketers can amplify their content in social networks for greater visibility.

. With a click of a button, marketers can activate new content at any time. Each piece of content is optimized for organic performance and customer experience  such as schema for structure, AMP for better mobile experiences and Open Graph for Facebook. Marketers can amplify their content in social networks for greater visibility. Automated Content Optimization. To ensure that Smart Content adapts to changes in customer and market demand over time, BrightEdge Content injects dynamic content recommendations into every piece of Smart Content created, as well as any existing website page. The recommendations are relevant to the page content, keeping website visitors engaged and ultimately converting. Additionally, because the search landscape changes so frequently, Smart Content automatically adjusts to changes in content formats and standards.

"Using BrightEdge Content, we have increased our organic search traffic by 60 percent in the past year. Its Smart Content outperforms some of our blog content by up to six times. We really are satisfied with the results that we have seen," said Avi Bhatnagar, Director of Digital Strategy at WhiteHat Security and BrightEdge customer. "BrightEdge Content will help us showcase that WhiteHat Security is a subject matter expert on certain topics on application security and dev sec ops."

Smart Content Benefits For Multiple Types of Marketer

BrightEdge Content offers a wide range of benefits for teams across the marketing department:

Content Writer

Makes it easy to produce the right content at the right time for the right audience

With BrightEdge Content, writers can pair content ideation and strategy with content briefs that will balance content production and performance. Context-sensitive guides ensure that a writer's content adheres to the latest SEO and mobile best practices and outperforms on SERPs, too. With easy review, approval and publication processes, writers can activate and amplify new content faster.

Demand Generation Marketers

Accelerates campaign and top-of-funnel marketing performance

BrightEdge content enables demand generation marketers to get relevant topic suggestions that broaden audience reach by tapping into local demand, identify informational content opportunities for Google Quick Answers and more. Managers can strengthen performance of top-of-funnel campaign assets with leads, opportunities and pipeline using customizable conversion blocks and content recommendations.

Digital Marketers

Provides a simple and failsafe way to meet all technical SEO best practices

Digital Marketers are ensured that their Smart Content automatically stays optimized for search and mobile following publication. As-you-type guides built into the editor surface copy and format suggestions that help digital marketers produce pre-optimized content markup and copy without having to rely on technical SEO know-how.

SEO Managers

Expands reach, elevates role and impact across the organization

For SEO managers, BrightEdge Content drives content creation that accelerates organic search rankings, website traffic and business performance. Machine learning provides powerful analysis that saves time for the analyst so that they can work on more strategic projects. And the optimization engine ensures that each piece of content activated is already primed for performance and discoverability before it is live, savings countless hours of time for search professionals that find out later about site errors and omissions

"While SEO and Content Marketing teams have co-existed for years  working towards the same goal of driving marketing performance  the technology has never been available to bring together these two previously separate functions," said Jim Yu, CEO of BrightEdge. "Built natively within the BrightEdge Platform, BrightEdge Content provides SEO, content and digital marketers with the power to discover demand, create and activate Smart content that drives overall marketing performance."

BrightEdge Content is now available to all new and existing BrightEdge customers. You can read more about this latest innovation and download the datasheet here.

BrightEdge Content Customer Testimonials

Current BrightEdge customers experienced a multitude of awareness, traffic, and conversion successes using BrightEdge Content integrated with the platform's suite of tools.

"BrightEdge Content is truly innovative," said Pauline Montgomery, Digital Marketing Content Specialist, at Duncan Enterprises. "We love the revenue opportunities it uncovers for us through its recommended topics. We look forward to increasing our brand visibility on search engine results pages, and engaging new customers with Smart Content that addresses their key questions and needs."

"BrightEdge Content is delivering solid results for us," said Kenneth W., VP of Operations at Valor Communication. "In the first three months of deploying its Smart Content, organic traffic to these pages increased by 150% cumulatively. Encouraged by the early performance results, we'll be powering additional areas of our website with BrightEdge Content, such as our glossary section. BrightEdge Content helps us soft-launch new products by surfacing content topics that acquire brand new website visitors and customers."

"BrightEdge Content has helped us quickly and easily optimize and publish knowledge-based Smart Content that showcases our deep orthopedic expertise," said Tim Wall, Marketing Director at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute." BrightEdge-published pages now drive 75% of all our online appointment requests."

"BrightEdge Content editor is easy to use, helping us to publish new content quickly," said Benjamin Bykowski, Team Lead, Digital Marketing & Web Ops at Hyland Software. "With automated in-text linking and content recommendations, our Smart Content is quickly found and served on search engine result pages, targeting new market demand. Year to date, we have seen dramatic increase in the number of topics for which our Smart Content was showing up in organic search results."

"We highly appreciate the topic research and discovery capabilities of BrightEdge Content," said Robin Johnson, Listings and Content Coordinator, Society of London Theatre. "They assist us in honing in on key aspects of shows and productions that our audiences are seeking further information about. We leverage the helpful suggestions for evergreen content to garner extra organic traffic. BrightEdge Content has impressive in-text linking that allows us to keep our content well interlinked, discoverable, and navigable. The intuitive nature of the product and its SEO guides help produce well optimised pages. While we've adopted BrightEdge Content only a short time ago, its Smart Content is consistently a strong performer in attracting traffic both organically and, due to its inherent popularity, through social media shares as well."

About BrightEdge

BrightEdge, the global leader in enterprise organic search and content performance, empowers marketers to transform online content into business results such as traffic, conversions and revenue. The BrightEdge S3 platform is powered by a sophisticated deep learning engine and is the only company capable of web-wide, real-time measurement of content engagement across all digital channels, including search, social and mobile. BrightEdge's 1,500+ customers include global brands such as 3M, Microsoft and Nike, as well as 57 of the Fortune 100. The company has eight offices worldwide and is headquartered in Foster City, California.

Visit our website: www.brightedge.com

Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/brightedge

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightedge

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/seoplatform

SOURCE BrightEdge

Related Links

https://www.brightedge.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Carmel Car and Limousine Service announced today that Elly Gross has been promoted to Drivers Liaison, a senior management position within the company.

Gross joined Carmel in July, 2014 and was in charge of implementing Carmel's "Airport Kiosk" program whereby mobile kiosks were placed at Newark International Airport at different departure gates, offering ground transportation to passengers at their point of destination. Gross was in charge of selecting kiosk locations and training the staff manning them.

Prior to joining Carmel Gross served as a member of a command room in the army. As a civilian she worked as an assistant district manager of a cell phone company. Her last position, prior to joining Carmel, was training a sales force that worked in retail booths spread around several malls in North Carolina.

According to Dr. Avik Kabessa, Carmel's Chief Executive Officer, the title of Drivers Liaison is a senior management position in Carmel and holds a seat at the senior management team meeting. "A major part of Carmel's growth rests in the fact that Carmel listens to what affiliated drivers have to say," said Kabessa. He added that there's no better person qualified for the job than Gross. "As one of the most prominent women in our organization, Elly's record and overall performance in Carmel made her a natural choice for the job," added Kabessa.

As Driver Liaison, Gross is in charge of everything that has to do with the communication and cooperation that facilitates a close working relationship between Carmel and its affiliated drivers. In reality, as the Drivers Liaison, Gross is the voice of the drivers in Carmel. It is her job to listen to anything drivers wish to share with her, and spare no effort in trying to help them whenever possible. "She is the direct link between Carmel's drivers and management," concluded Kabessa.

For 35 years, New York City-based Carmel Car and Limousine Service, has been the transportation service of choice for New Yorkers and for visitors, providing affordable, safe, reliable, private transportation to and from all destinations in any of 360 major cities around the world. Carmel's free worldwide mobile APP comes with $36 car cash when the user downloads the APP. It is available at the APP Store, Google Play, or at www.carmellimo.com.

SOURCE Carmel Car and Limousine Service

Related Links

http://www.carmellimo.com


ATLANTA, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The next generation of leisure wellness experience is being defined with the launch of CIVANA  a hospitality and real estate company comprised of spa & wellness industry leaders who originated the Sustainable Wellness position by connecting individual wellbeing to planetary health.

CIVANA has built a platform to tether wellness programming, sustainable design and hotel asset/property management in a proven model promoting 'Sustainable Wellness' for healthier living and travel. By satisfying today's consumer appetite for a deeper guest experience, social connection, and health and wellness environment through its affordable leisure travel and lifestyle platform, CIVANA creates a niche that sets itself apart in a competitive market.

"The established wellness immersion resorts target the top 10% of the affluent travelers, leaving 90% of this market underserved. CIVANA will bring a more attainable wellness experience to a larger target market, designed for today's sophisticated traveler of all ages." - Kevin Kelly, CIVANA Chairman/CEO.

Anchoring the CIVANA platform will be a collection of sustainable wellness resorts and communities; the first is the 189-room Carefree Resort located in the Greater Scottsdale, Arizona area. The $40 million project with funding from Great Western Bank will transform the1964 mid-century modern hotel, began August 2017 that will result in updated rooms and public spaces, world-class spa, movement studios, state of the art fitness center and healthy cuisine with emphasis on sustainable design. The Carefree renovation is scheduled to be completed in September 2018.

CIVANA has assembled a 'best in class' executive team led by former Canyon Ranch President and Chief Branding Officer, Kevin M. Kelly. Furthermore, as CEO and co-owner of the storied Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort, Kelly converted the property into the first carbon neutral resort in North America and coined the term "Sustainable Wellness" to connect individual wellbeing to planetary health. Kelly co-founded The Community of Civano in 1995, the first large scale, master-planned sustainable development in the US that received accolades from the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Governor of Arizona and White House.

CIVANA's seasoned executive team includes the former VP of Finance & Development for Miraval & Canyon Ranch, Larry Lamy, and Spa, Wellness & Brand executive Rianna Riego who assisted Kelly in the rebranding of Two Bunch Palms. Riego also opened and operated several independent spas for Marriott International and KSL Resorts. Advisor and CIVANA board member is former COO of Canyon Ranch, Peter Smith. Smith also held senior officer positions in the international hotel and cruise line industries. The asset will be co-managed by Holualoa Companies, a real estate investment firm with over $2B of transactions founded by Michael Kasser. As an ironman tri-athlete and board member, Kasser has had a lifelong commitment to wellness and fitness.

The additional founding partners and board members include Atlanta based manufacturing entrepreneurs and real estate developers Marc Skalla, Beau King, and Adam Ross. Mr. Skalla is the Managing Partner of Blackshear Capital Management Inc. Blackshear currently has holdings in Wellness, Hospitality, Manufacturing and Real Estate. Mr. King is President of Kim King Associates, LLC, a respected Georgia-based family development company founded in 1972. Mr. Ross has developed both technology platforms and real estate and is co-founder of HEX, a digital consultancy.

The future of wellness just got healthier

SOURCE CIVANA

Related Links

http://civana.com


CHADDS FORD, Pa., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clinical SCORE, the source of breakthrough analytics for drug development, today announced the appointment of Blaine Cloud, Ph.D., to the position of senior vice president. In this role, he will work closely with clients and oversee projects in all three areas of Clinical SCORE's expertise  clinical, commercial and medical affairs.

"We welcome the tremendous talent, energy and enthusiasm Blaine brings to our organization," said Ross Weaver, Clinical SCORE's managing director. "His industry knowledge and experience, along with his track record of providing insightful solutions, will help Clinical SCORE deliver even greater value to our clients."

A former clinician and researcher, Cloud has more than 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in both R&D and commercial roles, having worked on both the manufacturing and consulting side of the business. Following several years in neuropsychological research at Yale, University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, he brought his interview training to GlaxoSmithKline, where he ran both tactical and strategic planning for the Paxil brand team and also worked in marketing research and global strategic planning.

After his tenure at GSK, Cloud helped build the success of a unique company based on ethnographic observation of patients interacting with physicians. He later served as senior consultant at Evolution, where he designed and executed global qualitative and quantitative marketing research projects. Most recently, he was senior vice president at CDM Princeton.

"I'm excited about putting Clinical SCORE's products to work to help clients optimize operations and uncover opportunities," Cloud said.

Reach Blaine Cloud via email or call 877-334-0100.

About Clinical SCORE

Clinical SCORE provides the pharmaceutical industry with breakthrough analytics for drug development. The company's proprietary processes combine traditional market research methodologies with statistical evidence to give sponsors the detailed insights necessary to improve drug development progression. The company's research offerings include ATTUNE Analytics and ENGAGE Assessment to enhance clinical operations and CRO/sponsor relationships, CLINICAL TRIAL INSIGHTS (CTI) and CTI PLUS to optimize post-clinical and commercial marketing efforts, and PARTNER OF CHOICE Analysis to maximize the effectiveness of medical affairs initiatives.

Media Inquiries:

Taryn Chance, MLD, MPhil (c)

Director of Marketing

Clinical SCORE, LLC

877-334-0100

[email protected]

SOURCE Clinical SCORE

Related Links

http://www.clinical-score.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cloud Foundry Foundation, home of the industry-standard platform for cloud applications, today announced six additional keynote speakers will join executives from Allianz, IBM, Pivotal and Swisscom on the main stage at the 2017 European Summit in Basel, Switzerland, from October 11-12 at the Congress Center Basel.

The line-up now includes Julian Fischer, CEO, anynines; Sarah Novotny, Head of Open Source Strategy for Google Cloud Platform, Google; Jouni Peltonen, Director, IoT at KONE Corporation; Emamurho Ugherughe, software engineer, SAP; Bjorn Goerke, Chief Technology Officer of SAP and President SAP Cloud Platform at SAP; Thomas Di Giacomo, CTO, SUSE; and Michael Miller, President, Strategy, Alliances & Marketing at SUSE.

"With the addition of these industry leaders, our European Summit will provide a unique opportunity to learn, network, and meet other Cloud Foundry users," said Abby Kearns, Executive Director, Cloud Foundry Foundation. "With deep technology-focused keynote content, developer-centric tracks, and the only available in-person Cloud Foundry developer certification, this event is can't-miss for anybody serious about cloud-native technologies."

With so many Cloud Foundry users, there is now a track devoted to "Cloud Foundry in the Enterprise," which includes talks from AllState, BNY Mellon, CSAA Insurance, Home Depot, Orange and Renault-Nissan.

In a departure from past events, the European Summit brings a conversational format to the keynote stage. Cloud Foundry Foundation's Executive Director Abby Kearns and CTO Chip Childers will lead discussions tied to the day one theme "Move Fast" and the day two theme "Make Things." This interactive discussion-based style will stimulate critical thinking, draw out ideas, focus more on technical specifics and highlight user stories.

The European Summit comes on the heels of a record-setting Silicon Valley Summit. With support from Platinum sponsors Google, SAP, IBM and Pivotal, the 2017 Summit in North America set new attendance records. Cloud Foundry has seen vast growth worldwide with 2,400 contributors since inception; 51,000 commits in the last 12 months alone; 70,000 people participating in global community events; and 67 total members. According to internal research, Cloud Foundry has 35 percent of the total market across all deployments, making it the industry leader in the growing cloud application platform market. As stated in market research from Gartner, Cloud Foundry's total market value is approximately $2.8 billion, rising to $5.25 billion in a few years.

More than 1,000 enterprise developers, architects, engineers and executives from around the world are expected to attend the highly technical Cloud Foundry Summit in Basel. The EU Cloud Foundry Summit in 2016 sold out. Attendees will learn Cloud Foundry from those who build it and use it every day. They will join other developers and CIOs to gain first-hand access to Cloud Foundry roadmaps, training and tutorials, and to see how others are using Cloud Foundry to support continuous innovation and application portability.

Featured tracks include:

Core Project Updates  with topics such as containers, networking and BOSH

Cloud-Native Microservices hosted by Pivotal  with talks on continuous delivery, Java and the open service broke API

Cloud Foundry at Scale hosted by SAP  with sessions on multi-cloud, cloud-native applications and IoT

Cloud Foundry in the Enterprise  with examples of use cases and stories of digital transformation

Experiments & Extensions  with talks on Kubo and Kubernetes, monitoring and "serverless"

Wild Card Track  with talks on Vulnerability Management, Kubernetes, deploying BOSCH and more.

Hands-on training will be offered for an additional fee. See the schedule and training workshops here: https://goo.gl/3iAbUp. Attendees will also have access to Cloud Foundry Developer Certification (CFDC) at Summit. Performance-based, community-based and independent of any distribution vendor, Cloud Foundry Developer Certification is the guaranteed way to demonstrate cloud skills and allow developers to be highly productive while working on top of Cloud Foundry.

Summit Europe is supported by Platinum sponsors Pivotal, SAP and Swisscom; Gold sponsors anynines, Datadog, IBM, Virtustream and VMware; and Silver sponsors AppDynamics, Cloud Native Computing Foundation, Dynatrace, GrapeUp, Solace and Volkswagen. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Cloud Foundry is an open source technology backed by the largest technology companies in the world, including Cisco, Dell EMC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Pivotal, SAP and SUSE, and is being used by leaders in manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services. Only Cloud Foundry delivers the velocity needed to continuously deliver apps at the speed of business. Cloud Foundry's container-based architecture runs apps in any language on your choice of cloud  Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IBM Cloud, Microsoft Azure, OpenStack, VMware vSphere, and more. With a robust services ecosystem and simple integration with existing technologies, Cloud Foundry is the modern standard for mission critical apps for global organizations.

About Cloud Foundry Foundation

The Cloud Foundry Foundation is an independent non-profit organization formed to sustain the development, promotion and adoption of Cloud Foundry as the industry standard platform for cloud applications. Cloud Foundry makes it faster and easier to build, test, deploy and scale applications. Cloud Foundry is hosted by The Linux Foundation and is an Apache 2.0 licensed project available on Github: https://github.com/cloudfoundry. To learn more, visit: http://www.cloudfoundry.org.

Contact:

Jessica Rampen

Cloud Foundry Foundation

[email protected]

650-787-3548

SOURCE Cloud Foundry Foundation

Related Links

http://www.cloudfoundry.org


CINCINNATI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CommuniCare Health Services now manages 16 skilled nursing centers previously managed by Kindred Healthcare, adding Indiana as a seventh state in the company's growing portfolio of skilled nursing centers and rehabilitation hospitals.

Current staff and staffing are expected to stay in place with focus on a seamless transition and ensuring lack of interruption in delivering high quality care.

Through this acquisition, CommuniCare, a privately held company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, grows to 76 healthcare centers in seven states (Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia).

"It's fulfilling to be able to extend our reach, reflective of serving the growing healthcare needs of a growing population," said CommuniCare Executive Vice President Isaac Rosedale. "Specific to the new health care operations in Indiana, we are committed to continuing the level of quality clinical care and strength of operations that Kindred has provided for years.

"The CommuniCare Family of Companies has now grown to more than 10,000 employees strong, and we consider it a blessing and privilege to deliver excellent care and caring within our new communities."

The newly named CommuniCare Healthcare Centers previously managed by Kindred are:

Allison Pointe Healthcare Center, 5226 East 82nd St., Ind. 46250 Bridgewater Healthcare Center, 14751 Carey Rd., Carmel, Ind. 46033 Great Lakes Healthcare Center (formerly Kindred Dyer Healthcare) 2300 Great Lakes Dr., Dyer, Ind. , 46311 Eagle Creek Healthcare Center, 4102 Shore Dr., Indianapolis, Ind. 46254 Greenfield Healthcare Center, 200 Green Meadows Dr., Greenfield, Ind. 46140 Greenwood Healthcare Center, 377 Westridge Blvd., Greenwood, Ind. 46142 Harrison Healthcare Center, 150 Beechmont Dr., Corydon, Ind. , 47112 Indian Creek Healthcare Center, 240 Beechmont Dr., Corydon, Ind. 47112 Kokomo Healthcare Center, 429 West Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, Ind. 46902 Rolling Hills Healthcare Center, 3625 St. Joseph Rd., New Albany, Ind. 47150 Sellersburg Healthcare Center, 7823 Old Highway, #60, Sellersburg, Ind. 47172 Southpointe Healthcare Center, 4904 War Admiral Dr., Indianapolis, Ind. 46237 Southwood Healthcare Center, 222 Margaret Ave., Terre Haute, Ind. , 47802 Valley View Healthcare Center, 333 West Mishawaka Rd., Elkhart, Ind. 46517 Wedgewood Healthcare Center, 101 Potters Lane, Clarksville, Ind. 47129 Wildwood Healthcare Center, 7301 East 16th St. Indianapolis, Ind. 46219

These centers have licensed capacity of more than 2,000 beds, the largest of which is Greenwood Healthcare Center licensed for 185 beds. Many of the centers will also provide rehabilitation and holistic healing for fast recovery after hospital stays and surgeries.

This expansion is the fourth for CommuniCare during the past two years.

The CommuniCare Family of Companies has been committed to serving the healthcare needs of older adults for more than thirty years and takes pride in the ownership, operations and provision of patient-centered care in skilled nursing rehabilitation centers, long-term care centers, assisted living communities, independent rehabilitation centers and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs).

"We believe that CommuniCare will provide strong leadership for these buildings going forward," said Kent H. Wallace, Kindred's Chief Operating Officer. "We appreciate the dedication of the Kindred employees who provided quality care to the residents and patients in these buildings for many years and wish them all the best with CommuniCare."

Mr. Wallace added: "We are also pleased that CommuniCare will be retaining the services of RehabCare to provide rehabilitation services in these buildings. RehabCare, which is part of our Kindred Rehabilitation Services division, provides contract therapy services in partnership with healthcare providers."

Said CommuniCare founder Steven Rosedale: "We understand and are honored by the responsibility we have for the well-being of those we are privileged to care for, as well as those we are privileged to have on our team. As a family-owned company, we take great pride in the environment and experience we provide for our residents, their families, our partners and our employees. We combine leading technology and quality bedside caregiving with highly skilled clinical teams in order to provide a safe, welcoming and healing place away from home."

About CommuniCare Health Services: CommuniCare Health Services was founded in 1984 and is headquarted in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company currently operates 76 healthcare and rehabilitation centers in seven states [Indiana, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia]. Our centers focus on patient-centered care plans and provide specialized programing in cardiac, pulmonology, memory care & dementia, amputee and behavioral health. Our expert physicians and nurses provide care for the most medically complex residents. For more information, please visit communicarehealth.com.

SOURCE CommuniCare Health Services

Related Links

http://www.communicarehealth.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Corporate Whistleblower Center says, "We are probably the best branded source in the nation for whistleblower rewards for employees exposing their employer for falsely labeling themselves as a minority or woman owned business. As we would like to discuss anytime at 866-714-6466 a Veteran owned business is also mandated to get preference when bidding for federal contracts. On August 10th, 2017, the Department of Justice announced a $16 million-dollar settlement with a company that had been falsely claiming to be a Veteran owned business. In this instance, the whistleblower will receive $2.9 million dollars.

Highway Contractor Corporate Whistleblower Center

"The problem with the process to bid for federal contracts or work is a company can make up facts about who owns or runs the company without it ever being true. In the example, we are citing the company claimed to be Veteran owned. However, we think in most instances the business falsely characterizing itself as a minority or disadvantaged business is a woman owned business-where in reality a man runs and probably co- owns the business with his wife or girl-friend. If you work for an employer like this and you know or can prove the company is unfairly gaming the federal bidding process please call us at 866-714-646 and let's discuss the reward potential of your information. Why sit on a potentially winning lotto ticket without ever knowing what it might be worth?" http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com

The Corporate Whistleblower Center is especially interested in talking to an employee who can prove their employer is falsely claiming to be a minority, women or Veteran owned business for government contracts if they work for a:

Highway contractor or road builder

A food distribution company providing meals for school lunch programs

A company providing private security services

A company providing construction services

A company involved in transportation

A logistics Company

A Moving Company

A company providing engineering services

An architectural firm

Simple rules for a whistleblower from the Corporate Whistleblower Center: Do not go to the government first if you want to become a whistleblower: The Corporate Whistleblower Center says, "Major whistleblowers frequently go to the government thinking they will help. It's a huge mistake. Do not go to the news media with your whistleblower information either. Any type of public revelation of a whistleblower's information could destroy the prospect for a reward. Do not try to force a government contractor or individual to come clean about overbilling the federal government out of millions of dollars, by failing to abide by the terms of contract with the federal government or by falsely claiming to be a minority, woman or veteran owned business."

The Corporate Whistleblower Center wants to emphasize there are high quality whistleblowers in every state, including California, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, or Alaska.

The Corporate Whistleblower is the premier advocate for whistleblowers in the United States. Unlike any group in the US, they assist potential whistleblowers with packaging their information and providing the whistleblower with access to the most accomplished whistleblower attorneys in the nation. For more information a potential whistleblowers in any state can contact the Corporate Whistleblower anytime at 866-714-6466 or visit http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com

For attribution please refer to the August 10th, 2017 Department of Justice press release on this matter.https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/defense-contractor-ads-inc-agrees-pay-16-million-settle-false-claims-act-allegations.

Contact:

Thomas Martin

866-714-6466

[email protected]

SOURCE Corporate Whistleblower Center

Related Links

http://www.corporatewhistleblower.com


FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CSRA Inc. (NYSE: CSRA) will assist the federal government in providing disaster recovery for survivors of Hurricane Harvey by opening an emergency call center based out of CSRA's Integrated Technology Center (ITC) in Bossier City, Louisiana.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) last night awarded CSRA a $95 million task order to aid in the federal government's response to Hurricane Harvey and the affected region's recovery. The award consists of a 30 day, $25 million base period and six 2-week options periods totaling $70 million. This task order will immediately leverage CSRA's Integrated Technology Center (ITC) in Bossier City, Louisiana to implement call center support and access to CSRA facilities for federal personnel.

The task order allows CSRA to expand its support and hire up to 1,500 temporary call agents; of those, 50 percent are from Texas. This includes a significant portion of agents who are fluent in both Spanish and English to support the large Spanish-speaking community within the Houston area.

"We are honored to offer our resources to assist in the recovery of Houston and other affected areas following this devastating hurricane," said Executive Vice President Sally Sullivan, head of CSRA's Homeland Security Group. "CSRA's state-of-the-art ITC facility in Bossier City, Louisiana will serve as a vital call center for those seeking help from the federal government. It will also bring much-needed assistance, allowing federal agencies to focus on saving lives and freeing their resources for immediate relief. CSRA is proud to take immediate action and aid in these recovery efforts. We stand ready to offer any additional support throughout this recovery. #HoustonStrong"

Hurricane Harvey caused historic damage to the affected areas, including the Houston metropolitan area, Southeast Texas, and Louisiana. FEMA responded immediately, deploying resources across the affected areas. By Monday, more than 573,000 people had applied for federal disaster assistance, with $148 million paid out by that point. Over 53,600 people were in emergency shelters. To meet these surging demands, FEMA has acquired Turn Key Call Center support. It will allow FEMA to hire 5,000 private sector temporary employees to serve as call agents and augment the three Recovery Service Centers located in Texas, Maryland, and Virginia.

The General Services Administration's (GSA) USA Contact Center Contractors will provide their call center and 5,000 temporary support staff to respond to incoming calls and perform data entry for individuals and businesses in direct support of Hurricane Harvey. CSRA is proud to be an active participant in support of this critical FEMA humanitarian mission. CSRA will accept applications from individuals and businesses for disaster assistance from the designated geographical area.

Survivors of Hurricane Harvey are encouraged to call the toll-free telephone number 1-800-621-FEMA for assistance.

About CSRA Inc.

CSRA (NYSE: CSRA) solves our nation's hardest mission problems as a bridge from mission and enterprise IT to Next Gen, from government to technology partners, and from agency to agency. CSRA is tomorrow's thinking, today. For our customers, our partners, and ultimately, all the people our mission touches, CSRA is realizing the promise of technology to change the world through next-generation thinking and meaningful results. CSRA is driving towards achieving sustainable, industry-leading organic growth across federal and state/local markets through customer intimacy, rapid innovation and outcome-based experience. CSRA has over 18,000 employees and is headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia. To learn more about CSRA, visit www.csra.com. Think Next. Now.

Forward-looking Statements

All statements in this press release and in all future press releases that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements represent CSRA's intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs, including statements about the actual duration, services delivered, and total value realized by CSRA under customer contracts, the effects of customer contracts on our business, and our ability to enhance mission capabilities of our customers. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of CSRA. These factors could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements. For a written description of these factors, see the sections titled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in CSRA's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any updating information in subsequent SEC filings. CSRA disclaims any intention or obligation to update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of subsequent event or otherwise.

SOURCE CSRA Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sra.com


WOONSOCKET, Rhode Island, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- In its continuing commitment to improve access to affordable health care for all Americans, CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), announced the launch of Project Health, the company's annual free health screening campaign. Over the next four months, 450 Project Health wellness events will deliver more than $5 million worth of free health services in select CVS Pharmacy locations across 10 multicultural communities with a large number of uninsured or underinsured Americans.

"Project Health is part of CVS Health's commitment to improve access to health care and ensure that cost isn't a barrier to important preventive services," said Troyen A. Brennan, M.D., chief medical officer of CVS Health. "Our free health screenings can help identify health concerns or risk factors for participants who may not have access to care otherwise."

Project Health events, which are held from September 7 through December 17, are open to everyone and do not require an appointment. Current CVS Pharmacy locations for the events include: Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., and select CVS Pharmacy stores in Puerto Rico.

Given the catastrophic flooding and ongoing recovery efforts in Houston, all Project Health events in the area are being postponed. CVS Health is committed to rescheduling these free health and wellness events to the residents of Houston when it is safe to do so and when the community will have greater access to these much needed services.

Project Health offers an array of free comprehensive health assessment screenings, including blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), glucose and total cholesterol screenings, which can help detect risk for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Today, 1 in 2 Americans has at least one chronic illness with 85 percent of our health care dollars spent each year caring for Americans with these diseases.1

"These chronic conditions, which can often be life-threatening, can be treated very effectively when identified early, helping to improve a patient's health and well-being, as well as reducing costs for both the patient and the overall health care delivery system," added Brennan.

Once screened, patients have access to on-site consultations with bilingual nurse practitioners or physician assistants who will analyze results and refer patients who require additional medical care and follow up to no-cost or low-cost medical facilities nearby or to their primary care physician.

Since it was established in 2006, Project Health has delivered more than $117 million in free health care services to more than 887,000 people, many of whom lack access to preventive care. Last year, high rates of specific treatable conditions among Project Health participants were detected, including:

49 percent were found to be overweight or obese

39 percent had abnormal blood pressure readings

31 percent had abnormal glucose readings

38 percent were found to have abnormal cholesterol levels

CVS Health will be partnering with YMCAs in Houston, Atlanta and Los Angeles this year to encourage their members to participate in Project Health screenings in these markets.

"As a leading community-based organization dedicated to improving the nation's health, the Y shares CVS Health's goal to deliver preventive care, like screenings, in places where access is a barrier," said Kevin Washington, President and CEO, YMCA of the USA. "Taking health care out of clinical settings and putting it into our neighborhoods can save lives, reduce costs and make our communities stronger."

Project Health events will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at select CVS Pharmacy locations. For a full calendar of Project Health events, visit www.cvs.com/projecthealth (in Spanish: www.cvs.com/proyectosalud).

About CVS Pharmacy

CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health (NYSE: CVS), is America's leading retail pharmacy with over 9,700 locations. It is the first national pharmacy to end the sale of tobacco and the first pharmacy in the nation to receive the Community Pharmacy accreditation from URAC, the leading health care accreditation organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. CVS Pharmacy is reinventing pharmacy to help people on their path to better health by providing the most accessible and personalized expertise, both in its stores and online at CVS.com. General information about CVS Pharmacy and CVS Health is available at www.cvshealth.com.



1 Centers for Disease Control. Chronic Disease Overview. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/overview/

MEDIA CONTACT:



Mary Gattuso

[email protected]

1-401-770-9811

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/358240/CVS_Pharmacy_Logo.jpg

SOURCE CVS Pharmacy
David Clarke, who resigned Thursday as Milwaukee County sheriff, advocates for rounding up Americans who are perceived as threats, suspending their rights, holding them indefinitely, and handling cases with military tribunals rather than the courts. PHOTO BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Daimler Mobility Services has participated as lead investor in a financing round of U.S. peer-to-peer carsharing market leader

At the same time, Daimler peer-to-peer carsharing activities under the Croove brand will be combined with Turo

Expertise and experience of Croove will serve as the basis for Turo to enter the German market within the next year

Investment in Turo is a further step in the implementation of the Daimler CASE themes

STUTTGART, Germany and SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Daimler Mobility Services is investing in the U.S. company Turo Inc., as part of a financing round. With over four million customers and more than 170,000 vehicles, Turo is the market leader in the peer-to-peer ("P2P") carsharing sector in the U.S. The financing round of the start-up has a total volume of 92 million US dollars. The round has been co-led by Daimler Mobility Services and one of South Korea's leading companies, SK Holdings. Turo's strategic insurance partner, Liberty Mutual, also joined the round, as did Founders Circle Capital. All existing investors joined the round as well.

At the same time, the Daimler peer-to-peer carsharing platform Croove will be combined with the U.S. company. After the successful launch of the pilot project at the end of 2016 in Munich, Germany, Croove launched in Berlin in mid-April 2017, as well as in additional German cities. Croove is bringing private car renters and owners together. The expertise and experience of Croove will serve as the basis for Turo to enter the German market within the next year. With the launch in 2018, Croove customers can use the new offers of Turo.

Another step in the implementation of Daimler CASE

The investment in Turo is another step in the implementation of the Daimler CASE themes. The four letters stand for Daimler's mobility themes of the future: "Connected," "Autonomous," "Shared & Services" and "Electric." Daimler Financial Services bundles all mobility services under "Shared & Services" - from carsharing (car2go) and ride hailing (mytaxi) to mobility platforms (moovel). Since the end of 2016, in addition to car2go, Daimler has also been offering private carsharing via Croove, to bring together private car renters and owners  irrespective of the brand of the vehicles.

Jorg Lamparter, Head of Mobility Services at Daimler Financial Services, said about the investment in Turo: "People want access to mobility that goes beyond their own vehicle - anytime and anywhere. We have been meeting this demand already with our mobility services brands  car2go, mytaxi and moovel  for our 15 million customers. The investment in Turo further expands our strong position in the mobility services sphere."

Turo CEO, Andre Haddad, said: "We are proud to welcome Daimler, SK Holdings and Liberty Mutual to the Turo family. This impressive roster of strategic investors joins our existing investors in fueling Turo's mission to put the world's one billion cars to better use, and positions Turo firmly as the global leader in the fast growing peer-to-peer car sharing space. We're thrilled to have them by our side as we work to reshape car ownership and travel worldwide."

15 million customers use Daimler mobility services

Daimler is a pioneer in innovative mobility services. With the free-floating carsharing offer of car2go, which launched in 2008, customers have the chance to rent a car at any time and drive themselves from A to B. mytaxi is a market leader amongst the taxi ordering apps in Europe. The mobility platform moovel offers on-demand access to various mobility offers, including booking and payment. 15 million customers are already registered for Daimler mobility services. Daimler is represented with mobility services in over 100 cities in Europe, North America and China. With the investment in Turo, Daimler is expanding on their strong position in the mobility services sector and strengthening one of the four strategic cornerstones of CASE.

Turo and Croove bring private car renters and owners together

With the private carsharing platforms Turo and Croove, renters can use the app or website to quickly and easily find a private vehicle that suits their requirements and price expectations, and then rent it. This lets them be independent of a fixed rental station. Owners can optimize utilization of their vehicle and reduce running costs.

Turo originally launched under the name RelayRides in Boston and was founded in 2009. Soon thereafter, the headquarters were moved to San Francisco. Since 2012, Turo has been active nationwide in the U.S. Since the end of 2017, the U.S.-based company has also been present in Great Britain.

Further information is available from Daimler on the internet: www.media.daimler.com and www.daimler-financialservices.com

Daimler at a Glance

Daimler AG is one of the world's most successful automotive companies. With its divisions Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Daimler Buses and Daimler Financial Services, the Daimler Group is one of the biggest producers of premium cars and the world's biggest manufacturer of commercial vehicles with a global reach. Daimler Financial Services provides financing, leasing, fleet management, insurance, financial investments, credit cards, and innovative mobility services.

The company's founders, Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, made history with the invention of the automobile in the year 1886. As a pioneer of automotive engineering, it is a motivation and commitment of Daimler to shape safely and sustainably the future of mobility: The Group's focus is on innovative and green technologies as well as on safe and superior automobiles that appeal and fascinate. Daimler consequently invests in the development of efficient drive trains with the long-term goal of locally emission-free driving: from high-tech combustion engines about hybrid vehicles to electric drive trains powered by battery or fuel cell. Furthermore, the company follows a consistent path towards intelligent connectivity of its vehicles, autonomous driving and new mobility concepts. This is just one example of how Daimler willingly accepts the challenge of meeting its responsibility towards society and the environment.

Daimler sells its vehicles and services in nearly all the countries of the world and has production facilities in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Its current brand portfolio includes, in addition to the world's most valuable premium automotive brand, Mercedes-Benz (Source: Interbrand-Study The Anatomy of Growth", 10/5/2016), as well as Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes me, the brands smart, EQ, Freightliner, Western Star, BharatBenz, FUSO, Setra and Thomas Built Buses, and Daimler Financial Services' brands: Mercedes-Benz Bank, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, Daimler Truck Financial, moovel, car2go and mytaxi. The company is listed on the stock exchanges of Frankfurt and Stuttgart (stock exchange symbol DAI). In 2016, the Group sold around 3 million vehicles and employed a workforce of more than 282,000 people; revenue totalled 153.3 billion and EBIT amounted to 12.9 billion.

SOURCE Daimler Financial Services

Related Links

http://www.daimler-financialservices.com


"We're pleased to welcome WOW air to Dallas Fort Worth and look forward to providing our customers with another non-stop trans-Atlantic destination," said Sean Donohue, CEO for DFW Airport. "Reykjavik is a popular tourist destination, a growing market for international business and a convenient connecting point to continental Europe. We look forward to giving visitors from Iceland a warm Texas welcome when they arrive next year."

"WOW air is thrilled to bring our low-fare, transatlantic flight service to Dallas Fort Worth in May 2018," said Skuli Mogensen, CEO and Founder of WOW air. "Dallas Fort Worth is a world-class region and we can't wait to give European travelers the opportunity to experience all that Texas has to offer."

WOW air Service  Inaugural service Thursday, May 24, 2018

Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to DFW

Departs KEF at 9:30pm Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays

Arrives DFW at 12:45am Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

DFW to KEF

Departs DFW at 4:10pm Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Arrives KEF at 4:45am Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays

The new route will open up more travel choices for DFW customers via the WOW air hub in Reykjavik, which serves 22 destinations in Europe and the Middle East.

Travelers from Iceland can take advantage of DFW's Terminal D that features highly efficient customs processing as well as world-class shopping, dining and amenities, and flight service to points across North America, Central and South America.

When it launches service in May 2018, WOW air will be the 16th international carrier to serve DFW International Airport.

About Dallas Fort Worth International Airport:

Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport earned the distinction of the best large airport in North America for customer service in 2016 from Airports Council International. DFW Airport warmly welcomes more than 65 million customers along their journey every year, elevating DFW to a status as one of the most frequently visited superhub airports in the world. DFW Airport customers can choose among 167 domestic and 57 international nonstop destinations worldwide. DFW is elevating the customer experience with modernized facilities and updated amenities, as well as through a $2.7 billion Terminal Renewal and Improvement Program. Centered between its owner cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport also serves as a major economic generator for the North Texas region, producing over $37 billion in economic impact each year by connecting people through business and leisure travel. For more information, visit the DFW website.

Follow Dallas Fort Worth International Airport On:

Twitter.com | Youtube.com | Facebook.com

SOURCE DFW International Airport
NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- GPB Capital has appointed Dan Alper, former CEO of Major Energy Services, LLC, as a Senior Advisor and part of the team to identify and execute potential acquisitions in the retail energy sector.

The increasing trend of energy deregulation, now prevalent in 20 states, along with the ongoing development and customer interest in green and integrated energy solutions, has led to the growth of private companies that can compete with state-run utilities to provide electricity and natural gas to consumers in those markets. GPB Capital will harness Mr. Alper's wide-ranging expertise to evaluate acquisition opportunities in the space.

"Retail energy companies provide a vital service and produce recurring monthly revenue, which is consistent with GPB Capital's strategy of investing in income-generating, recession-resilient businesses," said Carlos Valle, Managing Partner for Energy at GPB Capital. "Dan's experience as both a corporate CEO and M&A dealmaker in the industry makes him a vital resource for us as we consider acquisition opportunities."

During his tenure as CEO of Orangeburg, N.Y.-based Major Energy, which serves electricity and natural gas customers in eight states, Mr. Alper spearheaded growth initiatives as well as solutions to regulatory challenges. Mr. Alper also oversaw the sale of Major Energy to National Gas & Electric, an affiliate of Spark Energy, Inc., in April 2016. After the acquisition closed, he stayed on as CEO of Major Energy.

Prior to Major Energy, Mr. Alper was an attorney in private practice who advised entrepreneurs, emerging-growth companies, private investment funds, and other clients on complex financings, mergers and acquisitions, technology licensing, real estate, and corporate transactions. Mr. Alper was also one of the founding partners of Ibex Financial Services, LLC, a loan originator and investment manager formed to partner with Credit Suisse. Throughout his career, he has led and closed a variety of deals valued in excess of $2 billion.

"The addressable market for retail energy has significantly increased over the past decade, and there are a variety of opportunities for GPB Capital to help independent electricity and natural gas providers increase their customer base," said Mr. Alper. "I look forward to working with the team at GPB Capital to empower companies to transform their current commodity-focused business model into a more value-added approach involving energy management solutions and serviceswhich would enable them to grow faster and remain profitable over the long term."

About GPB Capital Holdings, LLC

GPB Capital is a New York-based alternative asset management firm focusing on acquiring income-producing private companies. GPB Capital provides their portfolio companies with the strategic planning, managerial insight and capital needed to enable strong businesses to achieve the next level of growth and profitability. GPB Capital has over $1.2 billion in assets under managementi and has acquired or invested in more than 100 portfolio companies. For more information, please visit www.gpb-cap.com.

i Which is different and distinct from GPB Capital's "Regulatory AUM."

Media Contact:

Dana Taormina

JConnelly

973.850.7305

[email protected]

SOURCE GPB Capital

Related Links

http://www.gpb-cap.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dataiku Inc., the maker of Dataiku Data Science Studio (DSS) - one of industry's leading enterprise, end-to-end advanced analytics and collaborative data science tools - has today announced a $28M series B funding round led by Battery Ventures and supported by FirstMark, Serena Capital and Alven. Coming off of strong global growth so far in 2017, the company plans to double its team and accelerate marketing efforts globally while further strengthening their platform with new integrations and technologies.

Dataiku comes at a time when there is an incredible growing demand to maximize in-house data production and analysis. As reflected by their growth and profitability since their founding, Dataiku has anticipated this demand with their unique enterprise platform designed for the increased productivity and collaboration of data scientists, programmers, and analysts within and across organizations.

"Data science is no longer a niche subsector of analytics like it was 20 years ago," said Neeraj Agrawal, general partner at Battery Ventures. "It has become mission-critical to all types of businesses. The problem is that there are still a limited number of people with true technical, data science capabilities. Our work over the last year has led us to conclude that Dataiku's approach is the right one for many enterprises in the market: The DSS product enables technical data scientists to work alongside data analysts to help build and deploy models into productions. We feel that a platform that allows users of different skill sets to work together is the future of data science products."

Founded in Europe in 2014, the company has grown into a global brand synonymous with driving innovation through cutting-edge data science and machine learning technologies. The Dataiku platform combines these technologies with collaborative features that allow anyone in an organization to contribute to the data science production process. By effectively 'democratizing data science' it enables each team member, from coders to analysts, to contribute to the data production and analysis process using the tools they know best.

Today, hundreds of companies around the world, from Fortune 500s to SMBs, including L'Oreal, NPR, AXA, Kuka, and many others, use Dataiku on a daily basis to create, build, and deliver data products efficiently.

"Our driving philosophy at Dataiku is the idea that everyone should be able to contribute or gather insight from data science," said Florian Douetteau, CEO of Dataiku. "We adhere to this because, in today's world, we know that the most competitive data-driven organizations are the ones that make the most of all of their data, and the most effective way to do this is to empower people to use the tools they know best. This is why we strive to deliver the best possible platform for collaboration that also combines the most advanced data science and machine learning technologies."

"We are truly honored to be partnered with Battery Ventures. They have an incredible track record of guiding companies onto the global stage. We are thrilled that they have recognized our past successes and the potential our technology has in the years ahead."

With this latest funding round, Dataiku plans to hire 100 new team members in the upcoming months, substantially increase global marketing efforts, and accelerate the development of new features and integrations within their platform. Dataiku is looking mostly for profiles that demonstrate above average analytical as well as customer facing communication skills. As the company consistently strives to build a stimulating work environment where learning, working, and playing collide, it hopes to attract curious people that want to discover, learn, and have a lasting impact on the global data ecosystem. With existing offices in Paris and London, the company's brand new Downtown New York City headquarters were recently featured on Fox 5 NY and Forbes.

Earlier this year, Dataiku was named a "Visionary" in Gartner's 2017 Magic Quadrant for Data Science Platforms. Not long after announcing their expansion into the UK, Dataiku was named "Enterprise Startup of the Year" at the Techies 2017 this February in London.

The company previously raised a $14M series A round, led by FirstMark Capital and previous investors, in October of 2016. "At FirstMark, we are proud to be a part of Dataiku's growth into a disruptive force in analytics," explains Matt Turk, Managing Director. "Leveraging data science and machine learning is evolving from a novelty to a must-have for enterprises, and Dataiku allows them to leverage their data and produce cutting-edge data products that keep them a step ahead of the competition."

To learn more visit: www.dataiku.com

About Dataiku

Dataiku develops Dataiku Data Science Studio, the unique advanced analytics software solution that enables companies to build and deliver their own data products more efficiently. Thanks to a collaborative and team-based user interface for data scientists and beginner analysts, to a unified framework for both development and deployment of data projects, and to immediate access to all the features and tools required to design data products from scratch, users can easily apply machine learning and data science techniques to all types, sizes, and formats of raw data to build and deploy predictive data flows.

Hundreds of customers in industries ranging from e-commerce, to industrial factories, to finance, to insurance, to healthcare, and pharmaceuticals use DSS on a daily basis to collaboratively build predictive dataflows to detect fraud, reduce churn, optimize internal logistics, predict future maintenance issues, and more. Learn more at: www.dataiku.com

About Battery Ventures

Battery strives to invest in cutting-edge, category-defining businesses in markets including software and services, Web infrastructure, consumer Internet, mobile and industrial technologies. Founded in 1983, the firm backs companies at stages ranging from seed to private equity and invests globally from offices in Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, Tel Aviv and London. Follow the firm on Twitter @BatteryVentures, visit our website at www.battery.com and find a full list of Battery's portfolio companies here.

SOURCE Dataiku

Related Links

http://www.dataiku.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DJI, the world's leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, launched an aerial photography contest in partnership with National Geographic. The contest will run on the popular photo-sharing platform Instagram from September 5 to October 31, opened to residents of the United States and Canada.

The aerial contest welcomes amateur and professional photographers as well as first-time drone users. Interested participants can upload their best aerial images to their Instagram account and hashtag their entry with #MyMavicContest and #NatGeoTravel. National Geographic photo editors will shortlist and select the top 5 entries at the end of the contest. Each winner will be rewarded with a DJI Mavic Pro, a portable, powerful and easy-to-use camera drone featuring DJI's most innovative flight technology in a sleek, foldable package that enables creative fun wherever you go.

"We are very excited to work with National Geographic to help more people experience the fun of aerial technology and give them a different perspective of the world from above," said Danny Zheng, Vice President of Marketing at DJI. "In addition to engaging photographers, the photo contest and rental program is a great way to encourage travelers and outdoor enthusiasts to unleash their creativity and expand the infinite possibilities of aerial photography."

Alongside the photo contest, DJI announced the details to its drone rental program, which is opened to everyone around the world. Starting from September 5 thru October 31, users can sign up online for the chance to participate in the rental program. Applicants will have the opportunity to keep the DJI Mavic Pro for two weeks, taking it wherever they go or whenever inspiration strikes to create their next aerial masterpiece. For more details, visit http://events.dji.com/mavicfreerental

"National Geographic has been proud to help pioneer the field of photography ever since our first published picture in 1905. Since that day we've fervently supported ideas and missions that not only go 'above and beyond' to push the limits of human potential and provide our fans with new perspectives, but also to champion new technologies with the potential to have a positive impact on taking us all further. This is why we're excited to work with DJI on this inventive aerial initiative," said Con Apostolopoulos, Vice President and General Manager of National Geographic Partners.

Details of the Aerial Photography Contest (available for residents in United State and Canada)

Contest Duration: September 5, 2017 , 12:01 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) to October 31, 2017 , 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

, to , Award Announcement Date: November 13, 2017

How to Enter: Upload your best images shot with the DJI Mavic Pro to your Instagram account with the hashtags #MyMavicContest and #NatGeoTravel

Prizes: 5 winners, each will be rewarded with the DJI Mavic Pro

For more information about the photo contest, visit: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/mymaviccontest/

Details of the Drone Rental Program (available worldwide)

Program Duration: September 5, 2017 to October 31, 2017

to How to Apply: Sign up online to become an applicant

For more information about the free rental program, visit: http://events.dji.com/mavicfreerental

About DJI

DJI is a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative drone and camera technology for commercial and recreational use. DJI was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable, and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI's global operations currently span across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction, emergency response, agriculture, conservation, and many other industries.

For more information, visit our:

Website: www.dji.com

DJI Store: store.dji.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJI

Instagram: www.instagram.com/DJIGlobal

Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJIGlobal

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/djiinnovations

For more information, please contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE DJI

Related Links

http://www.dji.com


LONDON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DOVU, the blockchain-powered market for transport data, has taken steps to ensure its token sale will be conducted to the highest standards  including crime risk management measures - collaborating with global accountancy firm KPMG on its company and financial structure.

Monday's announcement that Chinese authorities are banning fundraising through blockchain crowd sales for Chinese operators for so-called Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) sent shockwaves through the crypto markets. Since the beginning of 2017, well over $1 billion, mainly in bitcoin and ether, has flowed into such token sales. Blockchain has established itself as a powerful tool for crowdfunding new tech platforms, but still the growing token sale industry also has brought with it the risk of scams, hacks, pump-and-dump schemes, and a general lack of corporate governance and accountability.

DOVU: Raising Standards

Now DOVU, which is backed by Jaguar Land Rover's innovation arm InMotion Ventures, is establishing a new benchmark. DOVU aims to provide the mobility industry with large and high-quality data sets, sourced from a wide range of stakeholders including grassroots users. Businesses will pay for access to this data using Ethereum-based DOV tokens, which are offered through a crowd sale on 3 October.

The DOVU team has spent the last 12 months ensuring that they are structured correctly for a properly managed token integration, working with blockchain legal experts Ramparts to create a distinct corporate entity.

"We are pleased to welcome KPMG, one of the top 4 global accountancy firms, as our advisors, working with us on our company and financial structure."



- Irfon Watkins, Founder and CEO of DOVU

DOVU's most recent adviser is Andrew Hodgson, Senior Partner at KPMG Corporate Finance. Hodgson joins a highly professional team of transport industry and blockchain experts. The project's token sale includes wallet risk profiling and high value customer due diligence processes (using a risk-based approach) to better deal with the risk of crime. With the industry under scrutiny, many will find DOVU's token sale precautions reassuring.

Chinese Ban

The news that China's regulators will prevent Chinese entrepreneurs from raising funds via token sales is likely to bring further focus on this sector in other jurisdictions. Whilst there is some speculation that this is strongly related to concerns about capital flight by Chinese residents, whatever the reasons for the new prohibition in China, it highlights the need for organisations in this sector to carefully structure their sales, consider the risks of crime and the potential applicability of crowdfunding and securities law restrictions.

DOVU's public token sale is scheduled for 3 October, 2017. The presale launched on 4 September.

For more information or to participate in the crowdsale, visit: www.dovu.io/presale.

SOURCE DOVU

Related Links

http://www.dovu.io


VISTA, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. Bronner's, family-owned maker of the top-selling natural brand of soap in North America looks forward to Natural Products Expo East 2017 in Baltimore, MD. The company will host a cocktail hour at its booth to discuss the company's commitment to regenerative organic agriculture; launch its Baby Gift Set with retailers, and promote their new Travel-Size Toothpaste, both of which are available for purchase at retailers nationwide and on the company's web store starting September 1st, 2017.

Dr. Bronner's Hosts Regenerative Organic Agriculture Cocktail Hour

Dr. Bronner's is a founding partner of the Climate Collaborative, which launched at Expo West earlier this year, and was founded to leverage the power of the natural products industry to reverse climate change. The Climate Collaborative is a project of OSC2 and Sustainable Food Trade Association to catalyze bold climate action among natural products companies. They bring manufacturers, retailers, brokers, distributors, and suppliers together to build existing climate solutions to scale and to find innovative, new ways to help reverse climate change. Dr. Bronner's will host an organic cocktail hour at Expo East, to discuss the importance of regenerative organic agriculture, and the opportunity this movement offers brands to become global sustainability leaders in the natural products industry. Organic cocktails and small bites will be served.

Speakers during the event will include: David Bronner, Cosmic Engagement Officer (CEO) of Dr. Bronner's, Ryan Zinn, Dr. Bronner's Fair Trade and Organic Coordinator and Director of Grow Ahead; and Lara Jackle Dickinson, Executive Director and Co-Founder of OSC2 (One Step Closer to an Organic Sustainable Community).

WHAT: Regenerative Organic Agriculture Cocktail Hour with Dr. Bronner's!

WHEN: Friday, September 15th from 4:30pm  5:30pm

WHERE: At Natural Products Expo East in Dr. Bronner's booth: #2419

For more information, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/regenerative-organic-cocktail-hour-with-special-guests-tickets-36784305849?aff=mcivte

Dr. Bronner's Launches Baby Gift Set

Dr. Bronner's new Baby Unscented Gift Set, available in retailers nationwide starting September 1, 2017, combines four specially formulated organic body care products ideal for babies and those with sensitive skin. Pure-Castile Liquid and Bar Soap, 4-in-1 Organic Sugar Soap, and Organic Magic Balm are extra gentle, made with the finest organic and fair trade ingredients to nourish and hydrate. Perfect for all ages, the Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Gift Set contains no synthetic ingredients or petrochemical detergents, but cleans and moisturizes with organic coconut, olive, hemp, and jojoba oils forming a creamy lather that leaves skin and hair smooth and soft. Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled bottles, post-consumer recycled paper and reusable tin, Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Gift Set is perfect for babies, grown-ups, and Mother Earth. For more information, see: https://shop.drbronner.com/baby-unscented-gift-set.

Dr. Bronner's New Travel Toothpaste

Dr. Bronner's peppermint flavored All-One Toothpaste is now available in a 1 oz. travel size and will be available in retailers nationwide September 1st. At Dr. Bronner's booth #2419, Expo East attendees can receive one free Travel Size All-One Toothpaste by participating in a travel-themed social media activity. Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste low-foaming formula reduces plaque, whitens teeth and freshens breathyielding a tingling clean feeling unlike any other. Made with 70% organic ingredients, including fair trade and organic coconut flour and coconut oil which aid as a mild abrasive, Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste is vegan, fluoride-free, non-GMO certified, NSF certified, and contains no synthetic foaming detergents or synthetic flavors. For more information, see: https://shop.drbronner.com/toothpaste.

Dr. Bronner's is a family business committed to honoring the vision of founder Emanuel Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating profits to help make a better world. The company's progressive business practices is part of the company's mission to put into practice the principles that inform the philosophy printed on the company's iconic soap labels written by founder Emanuel Bronner. The company has grown to become the top selling natural soap maker in North America and a major brand worldwide. Based on 2015 sales, a bottle of Dr. Bronner's soap was sold on average every 3 seconds.

For further information on Dr. Bronner's, please visit the website: http://www.drbronner.com.

SOURCE Dr. Bronners

Related Links

http://www.drbronner.com


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Teens were the largest age group reported as distracted at the time of fatal crashes. *

"We hope this study starts conversations around distracted driving and how to reduce it. It's especially interesting that most people recognize this activity is dangerous, yet many people feel confident in their own ability to text and drive," said David Pratt, Business Leader of Usage Based Insurance at Progressive. "Based on early results with users of our Snapshot Mobile app, we're optimistic that personalized feedback will encourage safer behavior. For years we've been helping Progressive customers improve their driving habits and save money with our traditional Snapshot program. Snapshot Mobile takes this to yet another level."

Here are a few key findings from the study:

Young vs. Old

62% of 18-34 year olds are very or somewhat confident in their ability to text while driving, while only 6% of individuals 55 and older felt the same confidence.

Yet, 64% of 18-34 year olds think texting or looking as a phone while driving is the most common cause of accidents.

Men vs. Women

Twice as many men (21%) as women (11%) are "very confident" in their ability to text while driving.

Despite that confidence, 88% of men and 97% of women think texting should not be allowed.

Among All Drivers

More than 65% of individuals polled believe that texting/looking at one's phone while driving is the most common cause of traffic accidents in the US. And 83% of individuals believe police should be able to pull over drivers for texting alone. At the same time, 34% of respondents said they were somewhat or very confident in their ability to text while driving.

Individuals are most likely to think it is ok to engage with the following activities on their phone while driving: listening to music (43%), use a map (30%) and make a call (25%). This also corresponds with ways they interact with their phone when behind the wheel -- Use a map app at a stoplight (37%), Use a map app while driving (35%), Look at an app at a stoplight (22%), Look at an app when stopped in traffic (21%), and Use a virtual assistant (like Siri) to search for a contact to make a call (19%).

The most common feelings evoked when seeing another driver texting is concern (62%) followed by irritation (50%). These top two feelings didn't vary by age, gender.

About the Research

The study of drivers was developed by Progressive Insurance. It was a national online study conducted in August 2017 among general market, insured drivers, who are not Progressive customers. Approximately 1,000 individuals 18 years of age or older responded.

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to understand, buy and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach it whenever, wherever and however it's most convenient  online at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, on a mobile device or in-person with a local agent.

Progressive provides insurance for personal and commercial autos and trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and homes. Home insurance is underwritten by select carriers, including American Strategic Insurance Corp. and subsidiaries (ASI), our majority owned subsidiaries.

Progressive is the fourth largest auto insurer in the country; a leading seller of motorcycle and commercial auto insurance; and through ASI, one of the top 20 homeowners carriers.

Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like Name Your Price, Snapshot, and Service Centers.

The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, trade publicly atNYSE:PGR.

* https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving

SOURCE Progressive Insurance

Related Links

http://www.progressive.com


CLEVELAND, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "Hurricane Harvey is the first major catastrophe in which drones have been used on a large scale by both government and commercial operators," according to Ken Long, an analyst at the Freedonia Group. They are also likely to find widespread use if Hurricane Irma either directly strikes or skirts the east coast of Florida early next week, as current projections show.

In addition to helping keep emergency workers safe by allowing them to look for people trapped by floodwaters and inspect damage in high-risk areas, drone use can speed up the recovery process. Drones can be flown over structures such as fuel tanks, power lines, and railroad tracks before they can be reached by land, enabling government agencies and utilities to identify what is in most urgent need of repair.

They also allow insurance adjusters to more quickly process claims, enabling rebuilding efforts to get underway faster. Farmers Insurance reports that an insurance inspector using a drone can complete up to eight times the number of home inspections each day than he or she otherwise would be able to do.

When Hurricane Harvey first made landfall in Texas on August 25, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) set up a temporary but extensive no-fly zone over Houston and nearby areas to help protect first responders in helicopters and other manned aircraft. This flight ban included all drone operations except those specifically approved by the FAA.

In the 10 days that followed Hurricane Harvey, the FAA issued more than 100 separate authorizations for drone use in the Houston area, according to the Wall Street Journal. Some of the applications for drone use were reviewed and approved by the FAA within hours, an unusually fast turnaround time for an agency that typically takes days or weeks to make decisions.

With the exception of a handful of flights conducted by media firms, all of the approved operations were for drones used in conjunction with, or on behalf of, government agencies. Drones were used to inspect bridges, roadways, and power lines; assess the condition of oil refineries and water plants; and survey coastal damage.

As the flood waters continued to recede and flight restrictions were eased or lifted, a number of insurance companies  including Allstate, Farmers Insurance, Travelers, and USAA  began to use drones to assess property damage and speed claims processing.

However, drone use by insurance companies and other commercial users is currently limited by FAA rules that do not allow them to be flown above 400 feet, outside the visual line of sight of the operator, or above people not directly involved in their operation, unless a waiver is granted.

These regulations could change with a 2018 FAA reauthorization bill being considered by Congress. "The demonstrated usefulness of drones in Hurricane Harvey response and recovery efforts could well influence the content of that legislation," says Long.

Even if the current FAA regulations remain in place, US commercial drone demand will expand rapidly from what is currently an extremely small market base, according to the Freedonia Group's Drones (UAVs) study. "Non-military government use of drones will also climb at a robust rate through 2020," says Long.

Both commercial and non-military government market gains will be fueled by further improvements in drone designs, making them more capable and easier to operate; increased availability of systems customized for use in specific applications; and the cost savings that drone use can provide.

The Freedonia Group Drones (UAVs) study, written by Long, can be accessed here:

http://www.freedoniagroup.com/industry-study/3408/drones-uavs.htm

About The Freedonia Group  The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com, is a leading international industrial research company publishing more than 100 studies annually. Since 1985 we have provided research to customers ranging in size from global conglomerates to one-person consulting firms. More than 90% of the industrial companies in the Fortune 500 use Freedonia Group research to help with their strategic planning. Each study includes product and market analyses and forecasts, in-depth discussions of important industry trends, market share information and profiles of the leading industry players. Reports can be purchased at www.freedoniagroup.com and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.

SOURCE The Freedonia Group

Related Links

http://www.freedoniagroup.com


BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EnergySage published today its fifth semiannual Solar Marketplace Intel Report. Using millions of transaction-level data points generated from the EnergySage Solar Marketplace from July 2016 to June 2017, this report provides unparalleled insight into the evolving dynamics of the U.S. residential solar industry.

This latest edition features new datasets and analyses including snapshots of solar economics across 12 states, results from a community solar shoppers survey, and an examination of how solar panel quality impacts the likelihood of quote selection. Also new to this report is an analysis of surging consumer interest in solar across the country, as based on both Google Trends data and EnergySage organic traffic. The result is that consumer interest is growing from 60 percent to over 150 percent annually.

Additionally, EnergySage again analyzed quotes submitted to Solar Marketplace users in six different utility service territories. EnergySage compared the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of solar to today's electricity rates in territories served by Arizona Public Service, Eversource, Georgia Power, PEPCO, Portland General Electric, and PSEG. In all service areas, the LCOE of solar is lower than the 2017 residential electricity rate offered by the utility. Consumer interest in each utility region has also increased dramatically across the board.

More on key insights in the latest Solar Marketplace Intel Report:

Consumer interest in solar surges as costs fall

EnergySage examined search volumes for solar-related keywords in Google searches and found that since 2014, interest has increased significantly. Google Trends data shows that consumer searches have climbed by anywhere from 25 percent to over 60 percent by H1 2017. During this same time period, the gross cost per watt of solar fell by 18 percent on EnergySage.

Higher quality panels result in higher close rates

Shoppers on EnergySage are more likely to select quotes offering Premium and Premium+ panels by 19.6 percent and 59 percent, respectively, than Standard panels. Even though these quotes are quoted less frequently and come with a higher price tag.

Community solar shoppers are 'on the fence' about buying

EnergySage surveyed shoppers on its Community Solar Marketplace to understand the motives of prospective community solar customers and the barriers to adoption. The survey found that most shoppers were motivated by the financial benefits of community solar, as well as the benefits of supporting local solar projects. However, interest hasn't yet translated into high adoption rates. Higher financial savings and simpler, more flexible contracts were mentioned as two possible ways to convince many skeptical shoppers to move forward.

"This report helps paint the bigger picture about solar in the U.S.," said EnergySage CEO and founder Vikram Aggarwal. "Regardless of the headlines you might read, the bottom line is that American consumers are increasingly aware of and interested in installing solar panels. Rapidly falling costs, greater transparency, and an expanding set of options are driving this growth. The outlook for our industry continues to be very bright."

EnergySage is the country's leading online comparison-shopping marketplace for rooftop solar, community solar, and solar financing, and is uniquely positioned to share solar market insights. This report furthers the company's mission to support the healthy growth of the solar industry via consumer education and empowerment, price transparency, and greater information sharing among all stakeholders.

The latest report can be downloaded for free at: www.energysage.com/data/#intel-5. For those attending Solar Power International 2017 and interested in discussing the report's findings and more, please visit EnergySage at booth 1580.

ABOUT ENERGYSAGE, INC.

EnergySage is the leading online comparison-shopping marketplace for rooftop solar, community solar, and financing. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, EnergySage is the trusted source of information for over 3 million consumers across 35+ states. In 2016, the company sent nearly $1 billion in solar installation requests to its network of more than 400 pre-screened solar installation companies, and served as a high-quality lead source for solar financing companies and powerful distribution channel for solar equipment manufacturers. EnergySage is unique in that it allows consumers to request and compare competing quotes online, unlike traditional lead-generation websites. For this reason, leading organizations like Kaiser Permanente, National Grid, Schneider Electric, and Staples refer their audiences to EnergySage to empower them as they consider solar. The EnergySage formula of unbiased information, transparency and choice helps consumers go solar with confidence  at a higher rate of adoption, and lower cost. For more information, please visit EnergySage and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

SOURCE EnergySage, Inc.
LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson today announced its Epson SureColor P5000 17-inch desktop photography printer has been honored as one of Professional Photographer magazine's 2017 Hot Ones. The selection designates the most innovative products, and some of the biggest product upgrades, launched within the last year to help photographers grow their gear collection, business, and overall success in the photography industry.

"This year's Hot Ones list is a carefully selected collection of the most innovative, state-of-the-art photographic products in the industry," said Joan Sherwood, senior editor, Professional Photographer. "All products selected for the Hot Ones list, including the Epson SureColor P5000, meet our standards and offer the highest quality, performance, and value to industry professionals to produce excellent work."

For 19 years, the Hot Ones guide has provided Professional Photographer's readers with a resource of the newest, most innovative products available in a variety of price ranges. The official magazine of Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographer helps readers advance their businesses and careers through editorial content that addresses the artistic, technological, and business aspects of their work. Professional Photographer editors selected products that ranged from cameras and lenses to albums and displays, and that were deemed exciting, interesting, and worthy of photographers' attention.

"We are honored that the Epson SureColor P5000 has been recognized by Professional Photographer," said Reed Hecht, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc. "Epson continues to raise the bar with professional printing solutions, and the SureColor P5000 is the latest in our commitment to providing photographers with products that exceed their expectations. To receive this honor multiple times over the past several years underscores Epson's dedication to delivering innovative products for photographers."

About the Epson SureColor P5000

Designed to set the benchmark for professional imaging excellence, the Epson SureColor P5000 17-inch printer offers a refined design for enhanced performance and reliability. Ideal for professional photographic output, it features the advanced PrecisionCore TFP printhead and leverages the 10-color Epson UltraChrome HDX pigment ink set1 with new Orange and Green inks to deliver output with a wider contrast ratio and optically clearer, sharper images. UltraChrome HDX, Epson's next-generation pigment ink technology, has achieved WIR Display Permanence Ratings by Wilhelm Research approaching 200 years for color prints and 400 years or more for black-and-white prints. With prints framed under UV-absorbing acrylic or glass  or illuminated with museum quality LED lamps  these permanence ratings will be even higher. Depending upon the particular paper or canvas, these permanence ratings can be more than twice that of the previous generation of ink2.

According to Henry Wilhelm, director of research at Wilhelm Imaging Research, Inc., the world's leading independent print permanence testing laboratory, the improved light stability of the new Yellow pigment in the Epson UltraChrome HDX inks, together with the already high levels of permanence of the Magenta and Cyan pigment inks, provides much longer lasting skin tone colors. "The Epson UltraChrome HDX inks help preserve the warmth, richness and beauty of portraits and wedding photographs. Nobody looks good when the color of their skin starts to shift over time toward blue or green. Especially for portrait and wedding photographers, the greatly improved stability balance provided by the new Epson Yellow pigment ink represents a major advance in the overall permanence of their work."

The SureColor P5000 offers versatile media handling capabilities with auto-switching between the high-capacity front paper cassette and roll media feeder, allowing both sources to be loaded at the same time. For more information about the Epson SureColor P5000 visit: www.epson.com/P5000

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 72,000 employees in 88 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

1 This product uses only genuine Epson-brand cartridges. Other brands of ink cartridges and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly.

2 Ink lightfastness rating based on accelerated testing of prints on specialty media, displayed indoors, under glass. Actual print stability will vary according to media, printed image, display conditions, light intensity, humidity and atmospheric conditions. Epson does not guarantee longevity of prints. For maximum print life, display all prints under glass or lamination or properly store them. Visit www.wilhelm-research.com for the latest information.

Note: EPSON, SureColor, PrecisionCore, TFP, and UltraChrome HDX are registered trademarks and Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.epson.com


PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ERPScan, a leading provider of SAP and Oracle application cybersecurity solutions and services, today announced that it has been identified as a sample vendor in the Gartner "Hype Cycle for Application Security 2017" report[i] for the emerging category of Business-Critical Application Security as well as for mature Static Application Security Testing category for its innovative ERPScan Security Monitoring Suite for SAP and PeopleSoft applications.

The research segmented Business-Critical Application Security as a separate category for the first time ever. We believe there are several reasons behind this game-changing acknowledgement. Business software is increasingly exposed to the Internet, so that financially motivated attackers are targeting ERP, CRM, HR, and other business applications now more than ever. According to ERP Cybersecurity Survey 2017, 89% of security experts anticipate that the number of cyber-attacks against ERP systems will grow.

The consequences of such attacks can be disastrous as an average cost of an SAP security breach is estimated at up to $10m, the ERP Cybersecurity Survey 2017 states.

"By definition, business-critical application security applies to applications critical to the functioning of the business. Downtime of the core ERP system of an enterprise can be catastrophic. Outages and theft caused by hackers should be viewed as critical as downtime caused by hardware or software failures," Gartner analyst Neil MacDonald mentions in the report.

"It's an honor for us to be listed as a Sample Vendor. We are also pleased that the business critical application security was finally recognized by the leading analyst firm as we feel it validates the importance of this area. We started our work in this realm 10 years ago and now we are witnessing that our efforts are yielding results; nonetheless, there is still a lot of work left to go. Some companies have already taken their first steps toward business application protection, but for now it looks like disintegrated actions instead of required strategic approach," commented Alexander Polyakov, CTO at ERPScan.

ERPScan recommends that SAP Customers apply a comprehensive approach to Business-Critical Application Security, which balances traditional defensive mechanisms and proactive measures. To solve this problem, ERPScan introduced SAP Cybersecurity Framework following a Predict, Prevent, Detect and Respond (PPDR) Model designed by Gartner.

Join the "How to prevent SAP cybersecurity incidents?" webinar and learn how to minimize the attack surface and halt malefactors before they breach your company.

Disclaimer:

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

[i] Gartner, Hype Cycle for Application Security, 2017, Published: 28 July 2017 ID: G00314199, Analyst(s): Ayal Tirosh

About ERPScan

ERPScan is the most credible Business Application Cybersecurity provider. It operates globally and enables large Oil and Gas, Financial, Retail, and other organizations to secure their mission-critical processes. ERPScan's primary mission is to close the gap between technical and business security and provide solutions for CISOs to evaluate and secure SAP&Oracle ERP systems.

Contact:

Darya Maenkova

+18314715831

[email protected]

SOURCE ERPScan

Related Links

https://erpscan.com/


SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Extranomical Tours announced today that it has begun offering an all-inclusive 1-day tour of San Francisco with guided visits to Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, Ferry Building, North Beach, Coit Tower, China Town, Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, Civic Center, Union Square, the neighborhood of Haight Ashbury and more. The experience offers photo opportunities of the Golden Gate Bridge and the option of touring the federal prison on Alcatraz Island or Muir Woods National Monument.

"We listen to our guests and they've been saying, 'If I want to see all these places, why do I have to take two or three tours,'" said Gary Lillian, President of Extranomical. "We've created a tour for San Francisco visitors that we think is as efficient as it is affordable," continued Mr. Lillian.

"This is most fun-filled 1-day San Francisco tour available and would make an ideal way to kick off a 3- to 5-day visit to the San Francisco Bay Area," added Marketing Director Linda Bauer. "Our future guests will enjoy convenient hotel pickups in the morning, exclusive discovery stops, a unique waterfront coffee break and always-entertaining commentary from our City Insiders." The Bay in a Day experience runs every day beginning September 9, 2017. Reservations can be made at Extranomical.com or by calling (415) 357-0700.

About Extranomical Tours

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Extranomical Tours is a leading sightseeing and tour company to destinations across Northern California. Since 2002, the company has offered a selection of highly-regarded tours, including: the city of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island, Sausalito, Muir Woods, the Wine Country, Yosemite National Park and Monterey as well as a variety of combo packages that feature multiple destinations. More information is available at www.extranomical.com.

SOURCE Extranomical Tours

Related Links

http://www.extranomical.com


Showcasing these extraordinary women and laced with the narrative of the unique relationship between Burns and Kloss, the campaign features strikingly intimate candid video vignettes and editorial photographs, as well as classically cool styling by Karla Welch. Extraordinary Women, Extraordinary Stories explores the meaningful relationship between Christy and Karlie, bound by a shared desire for purposeful change. Each has been inspired to channel the success of their modeling careers to work toward positively impacting women's lives through their respective initiatives: Kode with Klossy, empowering young women and girls to learn to code as well as become leaders in tech and, Every Mother Counts, providing support to mothers around the world with access to essential maternity care.

Through a rare photo essay and video shorts, Bird captures intimate anecdotes and life lessons shared between Kloss and Burns as they aspire to do more, place passion with purpose, and embody the extraordinary. "When someone is extraordinary," says Karlie Kloss, "they are being genuine to their unique passions and chasing their dreams." Christy Turlington Burns notes, "What any of us do on any daily basis is very ordinary, very routine. Extraordinary is really born from being your best possible self in any of those given moments."

David Maddocks, Chief Marketing Officer and General Manager of Business Development at Cole Haan concurred, "Cole Haan is a rare leader among fashion and lifestyle companies in that we continuously seek to invent or reinvent footwear and accessories through beautiful design, research-based engineering, and with a thoughtful eye to style. For the launch of Cole Haan Collection and the release of the newest silhouettes in our Grand Series of products, we sought two equally rare individuals. What makes Karlie and Christy beautiful isn't what they project on camera; it's what they choose to do off camera. Living extraordinary lives filled with purpose is something everyone can aspire to have in common with them."

Reimagined to feature new silhouettes, materials, and hardware details, the premium fall women's Cole Haan Collection footwear, outerwear and handbags transcend the conventional, integrating both functionality and elegance. Italian leathers and supple velvet, with accents of warm metallic gold round off the footwear, while polished shearling adds subtle opulence to the outerwear styles. Additionally, the Fall 17 Cole Haan Collection introduces a new generation of handbags, including a practical satchel, polished clutch and the perfect on-the-go smartphone crossbody, all featured in luxe ocelot print haircalf with elegant brass hardware details. The Women's Fall 2017 Cole Haan Collection is available on www.ColeHaan.com, and in US and international Cole Haan Stores. Footwear ranges from $360 - $690, outerwear is $850 and handbags range from $250 - $450.

In addition to Cole Haan Collection, Kloss is featured in the GrandEvlution Modern Monk, which is designed with dual density Grand.S foam for ultimate cushioning and energy return within a sleek, modern silhouette. Performance and tradition are integrated in the footwear, offering supreme comfort without sacrificing style. The GrandEvlution collection for women ranges from $200 - $220 and is available on www.ColeHaan.com, and in US and international Cole Haan Stores.

About Cole Haan

Cole Haan LLC, with its Global Headquarters in Greenland, New Hampshire and Creative Center in New York City, is an iconic American lifestyle accessories brand and retailer of premium men's and women's footwear, handbags, leather accessories, outerwear and eyewear. Cole Haan stands for its commitment to craftsmanship, timeless style and design innovation. For more information, visit ColeHaan.com and follow @ColeHaan.

Every Mother Counts Kode with Klossy

For more information, contact:

Kimry Blackwelder, Cole Haan

Phone: +1 (212) 763-3060

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Cole Haan

Related Links

http://www.colehaan.com


SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Federal-Mogul Motorparts today announced the introduction of Garage Rewards Shop, its new program for shop owners to earn loyalty rewards dollars on net purchases. This new program offers the chance to earn reward dollars on purchases of products from Federal-Mogul Motorparts' leading brands, including Abex, ANCO, Beck/Arnley, Champion, Fel-Pro, Ferodo, FP Diesel, Jurid, MOOG, National, Sealed Power, Speed-Pro, and Wagner. Shops that meet a pre-determined amount of accumulated net purchases will be awarded a trip for two to Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. The program begins today and runs through December 31, 2018.

As soon as a shop makes its first purchase, it will begin earning rewards on the net purchase price on qualifying products from authorized Federal-Mogul Motorparts suppliers. For shops that enroll before December 31, 2017, the fee is US$99 per shop. After that, the enrollment price for 2018 will be US$149.

"Our new Garage Rewards Shop is the latest innovative program from Federal-Mogul Motorparts, designed to reward automotive service, parts and repair businesses for their loyalty in purchasing and installing our dependable, premium aftermarket products for both light and commercial vehicles," said Dennis Sheran, U.S. Director, Sales and Support, Federal-Mogul Motorparts. "Through our Garage Rewards Shop Scan App, participants accumulate loyalty rewards dollars with every purchase while enjoying an improved bottom line and exciting new benefits."

For more information about program specifics or any other questions, contact your Federal-Mogul Motorparts representative.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts Garage Rewards Shop Loyalty Program. Starts on August 1, 2017 at 12:00:00 a.m. ET and ends on December 31, 2018 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. Open only to automotive service, parts, or repair businesses who purchase the Sponsor products from a third party provider, have been invited to become a member of the Shop Loyalty Program by a Sponsor sales representative or distributor (each a "Business"), and are located in the fifty (50) United States, the District of Columbia, and Canada. THIS SHOP LOYALTY PROGRAM IS INTENDED FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA ONLY. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IF YOU ARE NOT AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PARTICIPATING ON BEHALF OF AN ELIGIBLE BUSINESS. Void where prohibited. Subject to Terms and Conditions found at www.GarageRewardsShop.com. Sponsor: Federal-Mogul Motorparts LLC, 27300 W 11 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48034.

About Federal-Mogul

Federal-Mogul LLC is a leading global supplier of products and services to the world's manufacturers and servicers of vehicles and equipment in the automotive, light, medium and heavy-duty commercial, marine, rail, aerospace, power generation and industrial markets. The company's products and services enable improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and enhanced vehicle safety.

Federal-Mogul operates two independent business divisions, each with a chief executive officer reporting to Federal-Mogul's Board of Directors.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts sells and distributes a broad portfolio of products through more than 20 of the world's most recognized brands in the global vehicle aftermarket, while also serving original equipment vehicle manufacturers with products including braking, wipers and a range of chassis components. The company's aftermarket brands include ANCO wipers; Beck/Arnley premium OE quality parts and fluids; BERU* ignition systems; Champion lighting, spark plugs, wipers and filters; Interfil filters; AE, Fel-Pro, FP Diesel, Goetze, Glyco, National, Nural, Payen, Sealed Power and Speed-Pro engine products; MOOG chassis components; and Abex, Ferodo, Jurid and Wagner brake products and lighting.

Federal-Mogul Powertrain designs and manufactures original equipment powertrain components and systems protection products for automotive, heavy-duty, industrial and transport applications.

Federal-Mogul was founded in Detroit in 1899 and maintains its worldwide headquarters in Southfield, Michigan. The company employs nearly 53,000 in 24 countries. For more information, please visit www.FMmotorparts.com.

*BERU is a registered trademark of BorgWarner Ludwigsburg GmbH

CONTACT:

Karen Shulhan (Federal-Mogul Motorparts)  248.354.4383

[email protected]

Drew Shippy (Pinnacle Media)  330.688.3500

[email protected]

SOURCE Federal-Mogul Motorparts

Related Links

http://www.fmmotorparts.com


SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 123Net, Michigan's premier business network services provider, has teamed up with a non-profit organization to expand its high-speed fiber footprint in Detroit along the M-1 Rail. The 3.3 mile stretch of 144 count fiber spanning from the Campus Martius to the Fisher Building the latest among many significant investments by the organization to help improve Detroit's network infrastructure.

123Net's Fiber Splicing Manager, Bryan Williams, connecting critical optical fiber at various points along the M1 rail. Fiber strands have been spliced in a capsule, from the capsule, the strands are terminated within the buildings. The newly constructed stadium, and many businesses requiring high capacity internet on the Woodward corridor, are now benefiting from 123Nets fiber expansion.

The expansion runs alongside the full length of the newly opened QLine, supporting growth for Detroit businesses down the Woodward corridor. The high-capacity fiber will improve business connectivity and allow customers to seamlessly transfer large files and applications in seconds, utilizing nearly unlimited bandwidth. It is also more versatile than other services, with quick and easily adjusted scalability.

Detroit businesses will benefit from the nearly constant uptime that the service offers. Reliable, high-speed internet services are essential for any organization that requires high-capacity data transport, and fiber optics is the only solution.

123Net also offers fixed wireless, voice and the area's largest Data Centers, making it a one stop shop for telecommunication services. Over a thousand Metro Detroit customers and more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies trust 123Net as their backbone for business.

"We are continuing to provide services that other organizations cannot offer," said Dan Irvin, CEO at 123Net. "For over 20 years, our diverse team of engineers and problem solvers have and will continue to invest in Michigan's infrastructure. Our combination of local expertise and resources gives us a rare advantage where we can provide agile support and cost-effective solutions for businesses in Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan."

It will give businesses another incentive to stay in Detroit. With continued improvements to network infrastructure, the foundation is being laid to make Detroit one of most important tech cities in the Midwest.

"Connecting buildings directly to fiber will provide the fastest and most reliable internet connection on the market," said Chuck Irvin, Director of Network Development at 123Net. "We are excited about the opportunity to provide growing organizations in Detroit with this service. This project makes Detroit more inviting for global enterprises looking to invest in the city."

This expansion, along with existing infrastructure that 123Net has built in Detroit over the last 15 years, will help businesses connect to new markets across Michigan. The organization is responsible for more than 3,500 miles of fiber throughout Michigan and that number is growing 150 to 200 miles every year. 123Net is a Michigan-based company, constantly expanding its network presence throughout Michigan using local designers, engineers and laborers.

With exciting projects like the M-1 Rail expansion and the Detroit Internet Exchange in the works, Detroit is on pace to become one of the best-connected areas in the country. 123Net will continue to partner with organizations that strive to bring the best technological resources to Detroit's infrastructure to accomplish this.

About 123Net

123Net is a Michigan-based company that has been successfully providing data center, network and voice infrastructure services to enterprises, carriers, ISPs, and technology companies for over 20 years.

Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, 123Net is privately owned and managed by a team of accomplished engineers. Our mission is to provide world-class support and services to customers. Over a thousand Metro Detroit customers and more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies trust 123Net as their backbone for business.

For more information, please visit www.123.net/dedicated-internet

SOURCE 123Net

Related Links

http://www.123.net/dedicated-internet


GLENVILLE, Minn., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fire Chief Matt Webb was heading to work when he heard the 911 call come in over his pager.

It was 9:53 a.m. on Aug. 8. A local farmer had just fallen into a bin of rotting corn in a small, rural community on the outskirts of the county. By the time Webb arrived on the scene less than 10 minutes later, the farmer was engulfed in corn up to his neck.

But thanks to a grain rescue tube and training provided by Nationwide almost two years earlier, Webb and other first responders were able to rescue the man in 1 hour and 44 minutes.

"It felt like an eternity," Webb said. "But the (grain rescue) training came back quickly, and it was a relief we had our own equipment. The program that's out there for these tubes and training is such a life-saving resource in our county."

Webb's fire department is one of dozens in some of the country's top farming communities that have received life-saving grain rescue tubes and training as part of Nationwide's annual Nominate Your Fire Department Contest. Another one of those winners  the Westphalia Fire Department in Kansas  also used their new skills in 2015 to rescue a man who had become entrapped in a grain bin.

"It only takes seconds to become entrapped in grain and less than a minute to become completely engulfed," said Brad Liggett, president of Nationwide Agribusiness, the No. 1 farm insurer1. "Once grain is above knee-level, it is nearly impossible to get out without assistance. Until we can convince all farmers and other grain handlers to develop a zero-entry mentality, we will strive to make tubes and rescue training as widely available as possible."

Since 2014, Nationwide's annual safety contest has awarded tubes and training to 48 fire departments across 18 states. Now, these fire departments are well-equipped to help rescue people who may become entrapped in grain during the normal course of their job. A record 883 nominations were submitted this year in the fourth annual contest, and Nationwide chose 16 winners in 10 states with large rural farming communities:

Dieterich Fire Protection District ( Illinois ) Marion Center Volunteer Fire Department ( Pennsylvania ) Alexandria Volunteer Fire Company ( Pennsylvania ) Elgin-Beaverdam Hose Company ( Pennsylvania ) Livonia Fire Department ( New York ) Union Fire Company No. 1 ( New Jersey ) Bridgeville Volunteer Fire Company ( Delaware ) Florence Township Fire Department ( Ohio ) Braymer Volunteer Fire Department ( Missouri ) Jamestown Rural Fire Protection District ( Missouri ) Jasper Fire Protection District ( Missouri ) Blanchard Township Gilboa Fire Department ( Ohio ) Number One Fire Department ( Tennessee ) New Albin Fire Department ( Iowa ) Thorp Fire & Ambulance District ( Wisconsin ) West Burlington Fire Department ( Iowa )

Grain Bin Safety Week 2017 is supported by Nationwide, CHS, West Side Salvage, Specialty Risk Insurance, ABIS, KC Supply Co., The Scoular Company, Authur J Gallagher & Co., NOHR Wortmann Engineering, Heard Insurance Agency, Ruff & Assoc Inc., Triple M Farms, Sukup, Sump Saver, National Farm Medicine Center and the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.

For more information about the program, purpose or nomination process,

visit www.grainbinsafetyweek.com or watch this video.

Grain Bin Safety Week 2018: February 18-24

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.  2017 Nationwide.

________________________________________

1 Source: 2015 SNL Financial Report. Based on statutory data.

Contact:

Christopher Stollar

614-677-5711

[email protected]

SOURCE Nationwide

Related Links

http://www.nationwide.com


MONTREAL, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - eTaxMan, designed by Allagma Technologies Inc. (Allagma), a Montreal-based IT firm, has been chosen by the State of Washington, US, to monitor and prevent sales tax fraud in the cash economy.

On August 30, 2017, a restaurant owner pleaded guilty in a criminal tax theft case prosecuted by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The owner in question used what is known as a "sales suppression software" in order to hide cash transactions and pocket the collected sales taxes. This landmark case is the first prosecution of its kind in the United States. As part of a plea agreement, the restaurant owner agreed to a unique, real-time monitoring of the business' sales to ensure all applicable taxes are being collected and remitted. The Department of Revenue will monitor the owner and the restaurant for five years, using Allagma's innovative solution, eTaxMan. "Tax fraud in the underground economy is a major global problem that is siphoning billions of dollars from governments around the world, reducing their ability to deliver cost-effective services to citizens," noted Vartkes Melkonian, President of Allagma. "Our eTaxMan solution is multi-modular and its components address the needs of all stakeholders, from consumers to merchants and governments. When everyone pays their fair share of taxes, everyone benefits."

Allagma's innovative solution was accepted by the Attorney General of the State of Washington as the right solution by far, which can monitor the transactions of convicted merchants, instead of sentencing them to prison terms. eTaxMan was designed to record sales-related data the moment a transaction is keyed in, before it is even finalized. Therefore, all subsequent actions of sales suppression activities are also recorded. It provides unprecedented insight to tax authorities as to the various transactional patterns of a particular business. As Steve Adessky, Director of Government Affairs at Allagma, points out, "Our eTaxMan solution was selected mainly because of its superior flexibility to be customized, which was necessary in this implementation, and also because it meets all the requirements set forth by both the prosecution and the defense teams of this case."

eTaxMan was developed after many years of research on tax fraud in the underground economy, with the commitment of making it both tamper-proof and hack-proof. It is considered to be the fourth-generation solution available on the market, circumventing all the technical problems and shortcomings of any other solution in place today. Due to its superior recording function, this advanced software enables tax authorities to have a surgical precision in their auditing initiatives, substantially increasing the probability of positive results, and therefore decreasing both revenue losses and audit costs.

This is a major development for Montreal's Allagma, which was founded in 2000. "We believe that this is an important milestone for our company and establishes us as a Canadian success story in the very important international market of combatting tax fraud," said Viken Attarian, Senior VP Business Development, Marketing and Communications.

About Allagma Technologies Inc.

Allagma Technologies Inc., founded in 2000, is an IT solutions provider based in Montreal. Until 2010, Allagma's core business was providing all-inclusive information technology services and managing the IT infrastructures of medium and large businesses. It has a strong track record of developing multiple innovative technology solutions for various industries which it services, including prominent national retail chains and manufacturing businesses, while also establishing a large customer base in the restaurant industry.

Allagma was involved in Revenue Quebec's implementation of the Sales Recording Module, which was to be installed in all restaurants of the province mandatorily. Since 2010, it has added a new division for developing solutions to combat and reduce the underground economy.

www.allagma.com

SOURCE Allagma Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

www.allagma.com


Hufnal focuses her practice on intellectual property (IP) litigation and covers a wide range of technologies including pharmaceuticals, chemicals and software. She recently co-led the successful defense of a multi-million dollar case for client Microsoft against a patent assertion entity. (Parallel Networks Licensing LLC v. Microsoft Corp., D. Del. May 11, 2017). She also works on some of Fish's highest profile Hatch-Waxman cases  representing branded drug company clients against generics in high-stakes litigation that can have hundreds of millions of dollars at risk.

Hufnal is also head of Fish's Next Gen Initiative, an innovative program that ensures associates receive proper training to develop and sharpen courtroom skills, and combines real-world experience with support from senior lawyers to provide career-building "stand up" courtroom opportunities to junior lawyers. In addition, Hufnal is an appointed member of the ChIPs Next Gen Committee, whose national objective is to train the next generation of great trial lawyers by encouraging judges to give junior lawyers more "stand up" experience in court. She also serves as the Litigation Marketing Leader in the Delaware office, with responsibility for implementing national marketing and business development programs in the local market.

Hufnal currently serves on the District Court Advisory Committee for the District Court of Delaware and volunteers as a guardian ad litem to represent children in foster care in Delaware state court.

Previously, she was active in the Federal Bar Association, and has served as co-chair of the executive boards of the IP section and the civil panel section. As part of her work on the civil panel section, she coordinated the Federal Civil Panel, a group that provides legal assistance to indigent parties in certain civil litigations. She also has served on the Combined Campaign for Justice executive board.

Hufnal received her J.D. from the Washington University School of Law in 2005 where she was the executive notes editor, Washington University Law Quarterly, and her B.S.C.E. in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware in 2002.

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


CHICAGO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 30, 2017, a trial team co-led by Fish & Richardson and Winston & Strawn won a jury verdict of willful patent infringement for the Chamberlain Group (CGI), an industry leader in the garage door industry against Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd (TTI). The verdict followed an eight-day trial in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois. The jury found that Hong Kong-based TTI, the parent company to brands Ryobi, Milwaukee, Hoover, Oreck and others, willfully infringed two of CGI's patents.

One of the infringed patents related to core garage door open connectivity technology, the inventor of which is one of Chicago's most prolific inventors, Jim Fitzgibbon, and the other patent covered the use of a battery from power tools as a back-up battery for garage door openers. The jury awarded CGI the full amount of damages, including lost profits.

With over 400 patents worldwide, CGI invests substantial resources into innovation around the areas of safety, security and connectivity. Today's garage door openers include decades of CGI's innovations. Some of CGI's inventions include photo beams that prevent garage doors from harming people and pets by reversing the garage door upon detection of a person, an invention that is the industry standard and now legally mandated. The company also invented an encryption system that keeps garages so safe that many people use garage doors as the main home entry point with the house door unlocked. In recent years, CGI developed the MyQ Home Control app which allows homeowners to easily connect to their homes from anywhere with a smartphone.

The trial team was led by Fish principal Ben Elacqua, Winston Silicon Valley managing partner Kathi Vidal, and Winston partners George Lombardi and Michael Rueckheim. Fish associate Malena Stiteler and Winston associates Matt McCullough and Shanna Lehrman were also on the team. Susan Bell, general counsel of the Chamberlain Group, guided the litigation strategy from beginning to end.

"This was a hard-fought case and we are thrilled to deliver this win to our client," said Elacqua. "Chamberlain Group's commitment to innovation in the industry is unmatched, from inventors to executives, and it was an honor to stand by their side along with my Fish and Winston colleagues."

"For all of us, both at Winston & Fish, working with the inventors and Chamberlain Group family made this very personal," said Vidal. "We were all humbled to help such an incredible company with family values from top down. We believe that justice was served."

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


ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent news on Cuba travel has raised questions, as the former U.S. administration began relaxing travel restrictions last year, and the new administration is again tightening them. While flying to Cuba via private aircraft offers great advantages to experiencing the island country, regulations, visas and logistics can be confusing. To ensure traveler compliance, Cuba Handling facilitates aircraft permits, visas and bespoke, luxury itineraries.

Commercial airlines and private aircraft can now fly directly to various cities in Cuba, but Americans may not engage in pure tourism, under the modified terms of the 50-year-old embargo, still in effect.

Eric Norber, a Cuba travel specialist, has for the past 27 years owned and operated companies that create specialty travel packages to the island; in 2015 he expanded his business to accommodate private flights with the launch of Cuba Handling. Norber focuses on private aircraft to Cuba providing unique itineraries for exclusive and personalized Cuban experiences; he is listed as a resource on the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) Caribbean Destinations page and regularly presents at National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) conferences on Cuba travel.

"While changes have been made to the current travel policy, the embargo is still in effect and non-compliance can be costly if American travelers are not aware and appropriately guided," says Norber, "I formed my companies, which have been licensed for over 27 years, in an effort to share the culture and beauty of Cuba with my clients. We ensure all travel is legal, and that the experiences in Cuba are authentic."

Norber was in Cuba when President Trump announced proposed changes to the regulations, which will be written by the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) a division of the U.S. Treasury. Cuba Handling published an analysis of the proposed changes on its website, http://www.cubahandling.com, and offers the following summary to clarify questions:

The primary objective of the proposed changes is to limit financial transactions between U.S. travelers and the Cuban military.

Individually licensed travel will no longer be permitted. Licensed group travel, under the direction of a sponsoring organization and pursuant to one of 12 defined categories (including People-to-People Educational Exchange), will be permitted.

travel will no longer be permitted. Licensed travel, under the direction of a sponsoring organization and pursuant to one of 12 defined categories (including People-to-People Educational Exchange), will be permitted. Travelers to Cuba will be required to have a representative of the company that organized their travel, accompany them while in Cuba . This is to ensure itineraries are compliant, and include a full-time schedule of authorized activities.

will be required to have a representative of the company that organized their travel, accompany them while in . This is to ensure itineraries are compliant, and include a full-time schedule of authorized activities. Itineraries may not include content prohibited by OFAC regulations.

"Cuba Handling has everything: the license, staff, experience and understanding of governmental regulations, enabling us to create memorable, exciting and legal travel," says Norber. "I fell in love with the culture of Cuba when I first visited in 1990 and I continue to share my passion for Cuba with each of our clients."

Also a professional corporate jet pilot, Norber has organized thousands of private trips to Cuba for celebrities, media and high profile clients; trips have focused on history, cuisine, arts, music, theater, sports, religion and yoga, among other topics.

Cuba Handling offers the convenience of pre-paying for all services, avoiding cash payments upon arrival where U.S. money is subject to a 13% exchange rate and credit cards are generally not accepted. Cuba Handling facilitates all arrangements: visas, customized luxury itineraries and pre-trip briefings, ensuring easy, enjoyable, worry-free travel.

Contact 1-844-JET-CUBA or visit www.cubahandling.com or view https://vimeo.com/188842844.

Contact: Marilyn DeMartini - 954 646-4904 - [email protected]

SOURCE Cuba Handling

Related Links

http://www.cubahandling.com


MILPITAS, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FleetUp, a provider of comprehensive Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and Hours of Service (HOS) compliance solutions for Intelligent Fleet Management, will be hosting a webinar discussing the upcoming December 2017 ELD mandate on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time. The free 90-minute Q&A session will offer live, expert advice from Samuel Mayfield, retired state trooper, DOT auditor & inspector and FMCSA-certified instructor.

Unique to the industry as the only open discussion of its kind on the ELD mandate, the webinar will include an overview of mandate requirements, the state of political activities to delay the mandate deadline, and will explore the business benefits of an intelligent fleet management system. An interactive, lengthy Q&A session will follow where Samuel Mayfield will answer questions from the audience in real-time and broadcast via live video feed.

"In this event I will demystify the ELD mandate and cut through all the misinformation, much of which is coming from many of the vendors themselves," said Mayfield. "Take Bluetooth ELDs, for example. In our last webinar, as I was discussing the dangers of Bluetooth ELDs, an attendee volunteered that they had failed 17 of their last 23 HOS inspections because of the known connection issues with Bluetooth ELDs not capturing data. Providing an interactive platform where fleet professionals can have all their questions answered demonstrates FleetUp's commitment to effectively educating the industry on all the latest developments."

FleetUp's "Ask the Expert About the ELD Mandate" webinar will address:

Up-to-date information on the ELD mandate and how it affects businesses, including who needs to comply, when and how to leverage technology applications for easy, effective compliance practices

An analysis of the political efforts to delay the mandate and projection of how, if at all, this will affect the mandate timeline

60-90 minutes of Q&A to address audience questions in a live, interactive format

"Now more than ever businesses should be considering how they will maintain productivity, efficiency and overall service excellence as they consider new technology solutions with the ELD compliance date looming," said FleetUp CTO Ezra Kwak. "Samuel's expertise is an invaluable resource for succeeding in the fleet management industry, providing his audience with a firm understanding of how to meet mandate requirements, leverage useful technology solutions for effective management practices and apply simple tips to achieve both compliance and additional business benefits."

For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit https://fleetup.com/webinar-eldmandate/.

About FleetUp

Founded in 2013 and based in the heart of Silicon Valley, FleetUp offers a patented, FMCSA-compliant suite of integrated telematics and GPS applications. FleetUp provides service and distribution companies with unprecedented insight into their operations, empowering them with actionable data to optimize the efforts of vehicles and drivers, allowing for maximum revenue while reducing operating costs. For more information, please visit fleetup.com.

Contact:

Charles Orlando

FleetUp

855-274-2886 x715

[email protected]

Vered Hazanchuk

Walt & Company

408-369-7200 x2976

[email protected]

SOURCE FleetUp

Related Links

http://www.fleetup.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Stratistics MRC, The Global Folding Cartons Market is accounted for $39.6 billion in 2016 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% to reach $56.7 billion by 2023. The market factors such as increase in developing countries with higher production and consumption of products, attractive and appealing packaging to entice customers, eco-friendly packaging and demand for good quality packaged foods are driving the market growth. However, the occurrence of substitutes for folding cartons packaging and economic conditions related to folding cartons manufacturing are inhibiting the market growth. The trend of industries to move towards single serve packs, introduction of smaller packs of their products, increasing requirement for additions to packaging such as QR codes, holographic images, Fresnel lenses and other 3D devices and the development of smart packaging are increasingly driving towards using folding cartons.







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05088987





The food products segment dominated the market due to demand for convenient packaged food products from consumers. The healthcare industry is the largest user of folding cartons, followed by the tobacco industry. Asia Pacific region is accounted for the largest market share as new manufacturing technologies are driving the growth of the market in this region. North America is the second largest contributor to growth of the market, due to the healthcare sector in the region. Europe and Latin America contribute their significant presence in the global market because of personal care and confectionary industries.

The key players in global Folding Cartons market are Amcor Limited, Graphic Packaging International, Inc, Artistic Carton Company, Cherokee Packaging Inc, Craftsman Packaging, Inc, F.P.Woll & Co, Smurfit Kappa, Menasha Packaging Company LLC, Midlands Packaging Corporation, WestRock Company, Laural Packaging Group and Pacific Southwest Container.



Applications Covered:

 Healthcare

 Tobacco Products

 Personal Care

 Food

 Hardware and Electrical

 Paper Products

 Household Care

 Other Applications



Structures Covered:

 French Reverse tuck

 Standard Reverse tuck

 Rectangular Sleeve

 Standard Straight tuck

 Mailer Lock

 Bellows Tuck

 Tuck & Tongue

 Airplane Style Straight



Products Covered:

 Green Folding Cartons

 Plastic Folding Cartons

 Paperboard Folding Cartons





Regions Covered:

 North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

 Europe

o Germany

o UK

o Italy

o France

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

 Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o South Korea

o Rest of Asia Pacific

 South America

o Argentina

o Brazil

o Chile

o Rest of South America

 Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

o Qatar

o South Africa

o Rest of Middle East & Africa





What 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 advancements



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05088987



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.



https://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


In the 100-patient interim analysis, only one event was adjudicated as a Major Adverse Event (MAE) versus the 9 events allowed based on the historical comparator (Covidien's DEFINITIVE LE and DEFINITIVE Ca++ trials)

Based on these strong clinical results, Gardia plans to submit a 510(K) in the coming months, for FDA clearance to market its WIRION EPS as the only device with a label that covers use with all atherectomy devices (orbital, rotational, directional, laser) in Lower Extremity (LE) atherectomy.

CAESAREA, Israel, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gardia Medical, an Israeli Medical Device Company focused on embolic protection solutions, announced that according to the independent Clinical Events Committee (CEC), Gardia successfully met the primary end-point in its WISE-LE study.

The WISE-LE study's objective is to demonstrate the safety and performance of the WIRION EPS in subjects undergoing LE atherectomy for the treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). The Primary Investigator of the Study is Dr. Bill Gray from Lankenau Heart Institute in Philadelphia.

According to the IDE approved study protocol, the primary end-point for the WISE-LE performance-goal study is freedom from MAEs to 30 days post procedure. The performance goal was based on Covidien's DEFINITIVE LE and DEFINITIVE Ca++ trials. Currently, Covidien's SpiderFX in the only embolic protection system cleared for the LE indication in the US.

The study protocol specified enrollment of 153 patients with the primary end point successfully met if 18 (12.0%) or less MAEs occurred according to CEC adjudication. An interim analysis was performed at 100 patients and the study was stopped for success at interim given the single MAE versus the 9 (9%) allowed for success.

Gardia is expecting to receive an Atherectomy Independent Labeling that will cover use with all atherectomy devices. The SpiderFX, the only FDA cleared EPD for the LE indication is limited for use with a specific atherectomy device.

Asaf Alperovitz, Gardia's CEO: "We are excited that Gardia successfully met the primary end-point in the WISE-LE clinical study based on the early interim data while demonstrating an enhanced safety profile. The CEC adjudication of only 1 non-device related major adverse event, versus 9 events which were allowed per protocol, is a major step for Gardia in the process towards FDA clearance for the Lower Extremities Indication."

"Gardia's WIRION EPD is currently FDA cleared for use during Carotid Artery Stenting and has been used in more than 1,000 clinical procedures. The anticipated clearance of the Lower Extremities indication will position Gardia's WIRION as the only protection solution approved for use with all FDA cleared atherectomy devices. This will provide the physician with the most efficient and safe treatment solution for PAD patients who undergo atherectomy."

Alperovitz added, "We strongly believe that the combination of Gardia's advanced proprietary guide-wire independent technology, its strong clinical data in both the Carotid and LE indications, and the unique LE broad labeling, differentiate the WIRION EPD from other Embolic Protection Devices in the market and positions it as the leading protection solution."

About the WIRION system:

WIRION is a unique Embolic Protection System, indicated to protect from blood clots and emboli occurring in the course of catheterization. The system has a proprietary locking mechanism, allowing the physician to use any guide wire throughout the procedure and to place the filter in any location on the guide wire. The flexibility of using the guidewire of choice and placing the filter anywhere along the guide-wire simplifies the procedure, increases is safety profile and makes it more effective  important advantages over other solutions on the market.

The WIRION system also includes a unique catheter for easy, quick and safe retrieval of the filter following the placement of the stent.

The WIRION system is approved for marketing in the US and in Australia for the Carotid indication. In Europe and in Israel, it is approved for use in all cardiovascular indications.

SOURCE Gardia Medical
HOUSTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI),("Group 1" or the "Company"), an international, Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced that senior management will present in New York City at the Goldman Sachs 24th Annual Global Retailing Conference on September 6, 2017.

Goldman Sachs 24th Annual Global Retailing Conference Details:

Location: The Plaza Hotel, New York

Presentation Time and Date: 9:35 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 6, 2017

The corporate presentation for this conference will be available within the Investor Relations section of the Company's website, which can also be accessed at www.group1corp.com/events.

ABOUT GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Group 1 owns and operates 174 automotive dealerships, 228 franchises, and 47 collision centers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil that offer 32 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.

Investors please visit www.group1corp.com, www.group1auto.com, www.group1collision.com, www.facebook.com/group1auto, and www.twitter.com/group1auto, where Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations.

Investor contacts:

Sheila Roth

Manager, Investor Relations

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

713-647-5741 | [email protected]

Media contacts:

Pete DeLongchamps

V.P. Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

713-647-5770 | [email protected]

or

Clint Woods

Pierpont Communications, Inc.

713-627-2223 | [email protected]

SOURCE Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.group1auto.com


The Hangzhou booth consisted of two concentric circles which, when combined with the MICE Hangzhou logo, conveyed the spirit of the brand. The concentric circles were meant to symbolize "being of one mind" with the implied meaning that Hangzhou's MICE professionals joined hands with their peers from around the world in promoting the development of the MICE industry.

At the exhibition, Business Events Hangzhou also hosted an interactive coloring event, inviting exhibitors, buyers and visitors to pick up the brush and paint how they envisioned the city of Hangzhou in their mind.

A new round of overseas promotional events set to increase awareness of the brand

In addition to attending conferences and exhibitions in China and abroad, Hangzhou plans to launch a series of promotional events in the second half of 2017 - Hangzhou MICE Selection and MICE in the Landscape: Global Conference Developers Discover New Opportunities in Hangzhou. The MICE in the Landscape event will be held in close partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). Backed by ICCA's extensive global professional conference organizer (PCO) member base, the event will invite the world's top 20 MICE city PCOs to experience the distinctive resources on offer in Hangzhou. In addition to the local event in Hangzhou, a companion event will be set up in Paris, France for the first time and a real-time video connection will instantaneously transmit the impressions of the PCOs visiting Hangzhou to selected target audiences. Paris was the number one MICE destination in the world during 2016, according to data released by ICCA.

Hangzhou is fast emerging as a new international convention destination

Since the brand MICE Hangzhou was launched last year, Hangzhou's MICE industry has experienced rapid development and attracted attention from around the world, establishing Hangzhou as an international MICE destination. In recent years, Hangzhou's MICE industry has significantly increased its presence. Three editions of the Conference and Incentive Travel Industry Fair helped to build a high-quality platform for the display of the city's MICE resources and the promotion of MICE destinations. The city hosted 918 conferences resulting in 547 million yuan in associated revenue, organized more than 220 delegations of MICE companies which participated in 28 professional MICE events in China and abroad, creating a broader marketing platform for companies, and invited over 20 delegations totaling more than 700 professional purchasers who visited Hangzhou and got an exposure to its extensive MICE resources.

While the 12th CIBTM has come to a successful conclusion, Hangzhou's MICE industry expects to maintain the strong momentum that has been generated as a result of the event. The current period, defined by two important events, one that has already taken place, the G20 Summit, and one that will take place, the pre-Asian Games, provides a new opportunity for the development of the city's MICE industry. Since its inception, the stakeholders in Hangzhou's MICE brand have accumulated quite a bit of experience, giving them a broad perspective on how to better explore the untapped value of its products as well as how to enhance the city's services, allowing the world to rediscover the charm of Hangzhou, recognize the value of the industry and create unlimited possibilities.

SOURCE Business Events Hangzhou
As VP of Product for HealthSparq, Parker will lead the company's efforts to develop and continually improve industry-leading products that meet the needs of their health plan customers, while also helping their members take more control of their health care. He brings a passion for streamlining implementation so that customers are up and running with new products more quickly.

"We are excited to have someone with Matt's expertise and vision leading our product team," said Mark Menton, Chief Executive Officer at HealthSparq. "We're confident that, as we continue to evolve and grow as a company dedicated to helping people make smarter health care choices, Matt will be critical in delivering above and beyond our clients' (and future clients') expectations."

As an outdoor enthusiast, Parker is looking forward to exploring all Portland has to offer. He and his wife have two young daughters, and the family enjoys camping year-round. He's also committed to applying his own experiences as a patient and a parent to his work at HealthSparq.

"Just like everyone else, I am a patient, and I have seen how easy it is to sit back and simply receive care," Parker said. "In order to change the system, we have to stop being passive recipients -- we have to become engaged and empowered to make impactful health care choices. HealthSparq allows for self service, self care, support and ease of accessibility. Its tools allow patients to take control of their health care and become active participants of their own health. That really excites me."

About HealthSparq

At HealthSparq, we help people make smarter health care choices by partnering with health plans to provide members with cost and quality information about doctors, hospitals and medical services, based on their individual benefits. We put people at the core of everything we do by conducting continuous usability testing, eliciting consumer feedback to enhance product development, hosting industry panels featuring everyday people, and bringing human stories to the forefront through our #WTFix campaign. Using these insights, we create solutions to help people understand and navigate the health care system better than ever before.

Growing since our founding in 2008 from our home in Portland, Oregon, we now serve more than 70 health plans and their 74 million members nationwide. Interested in helping us kick the hell out of health care? Contact us at HealthSparq.com or tweet us @HealthSparq.

CONTACT: Lindsay Yale, 503-810-5902, [email protected]

SOURCE HealthSparq

Related Links

http://www.healthsparq.com


ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hello! Destination Management (www.hello-dmc.com) a destination management company (DMC) headquartered in Orlando, FL announced today the acquisition of The Event Team in San Diego.

The Event Team is a full-service destination management company serving the Southern California area since 1992. Founded by Matt Robbins, The Event Team boasts a leadership team that includes Bill Yahres (GM), Romy Linde (Director or Sales) and Paige Weeber (Director of Operations) who collectively have 51 years of experience at the firm. Together, they've built a reputation as a leading DMC in Southern California.

Operations will continue as "Hello! California" and will remain in the greater San Diego area. Hello! California will bring the total number of Hello offices to nine (9) locations throughout the country, including operations in Orlando, Miami, Washington, DC, Las Vegas, Nashville, Scottsdale, Dallas and Austin, serving over 30 destinations.

"We are excited about the opportunity to join forces with The Event Team," said Paul Mears, III, President of Hello! "Matt and his leadership team have a great organization, and they will provide Hello the strongest foundation possible to serve clients in Southern California."

"Hello is considered the best in the business," said Matt Robbins, President of The Event Team. "Their reputation, size and level of resources will ensure our team can continue to raise the bar and exceed our clients' expectations now and in the future."

Hello! is a destination management company based in Orlando. Founded in 1986 with a handful of employees, Hello has expanded to nine (9) offices throughout the country with over 200 full-time employees. Hello! provides outstanding guest experiences for their clients in some of the best destinations in the country. "Outstanding" may be exciting, inspirational, educational or just serene. The Hello formula for success is simple; extraordinary people with local expertise and a passion for designing and delivering superior events, all while having fun along the way!

SOURCE Hello! Destination Management

Related Links

http://www.hello-dmc.com


SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- High school students from across California visited the State Assembly and Senate Aug. 21 to showcase their knowledge for decoding cyber security threats and how they collected and analyzed digital and physical evidence to solve modern-day crimes.

Jacqui Irwin, Chair of the Select Committee on Cybersecurity, California & Assemblymember for the 44th Assembly District. Next to Jacqui (L to R) Darlene Tarin, Leah Alvarez, Kassandra Morin Jose Medina, Chair of Higher Education Committee, California & Assemblymember for 61st Assembly District, (L) Donna Woods, (R) Kassandra Morin

About 30 students traveled to Sacramento to present work completed as part of the CyberPatriot program. The students visited the Capitol at the invitation of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and the California Cyberhub in recognition of the state's ongoing pledge to make California a leader in cybersecurity education and workforce training.

Students presented to the Assembly and Senate and took questions from members on how they became interested in cybersecurity, how their knowledge in the field will impact their future careers, and how state legislators can help cybersecurity education reach more students.

The day at the Capitol also included meetings with individual Senators and Assembly Members and with GO-Biz leadership, including Deputy Director for Legislative Affairs, Maricela Gomez, the state's Small Business Advocate, Jesse Torres and External Affairs Deputy Director Sid Voorakkara, the California Department of Technology Director Amy Tong and California Polytechnic University Cybersecurity Center Director Bill Britton.

Donna Woods of the California Statewide CyberPatriot Program traveled with the students and said she was impressed by the poise and maturity they showed throughout the day.

"I am thrilled and proud of how they served as ambassadors," Woods said. "It was a great opportunity for them to validate their learning and share their experiences regarding everything they are doing related to cybersecurity."

Woods serves as Community Manager for the California Cyberhub, which works with government, industry and academia to promote access to cybertraining and cyber competition for students across California. The Cyberhub serves as a neutral one-stop source for best practices, cross institution collaboration and support for those wishing to participate in California's cyber training efforts.

The trip to the Capitol was funded by the CyberCalifornia coalition, a collection of businesses, state agencies, and educational partners dedicated to reinforcing California's leadership position in cybersecurity, along with GO-Biz and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The trip was coordinated in partnership with Assembly Members Ed Chau, Jacqui Irwin, and Sharon Quirk-Silva.

GO-BIZ Deputy Director of External Affairs Sid Voorakkara said the organization is fully committed to initiatives that will position California as a cybersecurity leader. "For California to continue to lead the economy in the innovation sector, we know that cyber and cybersecurity will be front and center in everything from agriculture to autonomous vehicles and digital health," Voorkkara said.

The Aug. 21 legislative visit continued the momentum generated by the Cyber Innovation Challenge, held June 23-25 at the California Cyber Training Complex in San Luis Obispo. That event brought 16 teams of students together to demonstrate their expertise in cybersecurity, while encouraging students to explore new career pathways in the field.

These efforts will continue with the State of California Cybersecurity Education Summit on Oct. 10. The summit will bring together business leaders, government officials and academics to discuss expanding access to cybersecurity education so California can stay ahead of cyber threats.

About GO-Biz

GO-Biz serves as the State of California's leader in job growth and economic development efforts. GO-Biz offers a range of services to business owners including: attraction, retention and expansion services, site selection, permit streamlining, clearing of regulatory hurdles, small business assistance, international trade development, assistance with state government, and more.

About CyberCalifornia

CyberCalifornia is a cybersecurity initiative focused on educating California businesses about cybersecurity needs and resources, and connecting California's robust workforce development system with the needs of California employers. CyberCalifornia is organized in conjunction with the Innovation Hub (iHub) Network, a program administered by GO-Biz.

About California Cyberhub

The California Cyberhub is a virtual, neutral, nimble on-line organization that is a collaboration of public higher education, K-12, government, business and military working to enable a future workforce of ethical cybersecurity experts in California.

About Cyberpatriots

CyberPatriot the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air Force Association (AFA) to inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation's future.

Contact:

Scott Young

California Cyberhub

[email protected]

866.420.4573

SOURCE California Cyberhub
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Not long after astronaut Sally Ride died of pancreatic cancer in 2012, her life partner, Tam O'Shaughnessy, got a call from Ray Mabus, then secretary of the Navy.

Mabus said the Navy wanted to honor Ride, America's first woman in space, by naming a new research vessel after her. Then he asked O'Shaughnessy if she would serve as the ship's sponsor, a role usually filled by the wife of the man for whom a Navy ship is named.

"I was just kind of blown away," O'Shaughnessy recalled in a new short documentary on UCTV's STEAM Channel. "It was like, wow! 'Don't ask, don't tell' really is history! . . . Sally would have loved that moment."

The program, Honoring Sally: Tam O'Shaughnessy Aboard the R/V Sally Ride, interweaves O'Shaughnessy's candid interview with vivid archival footage to tell the story of Ride's historic achievements at NASA and of her long personal and professional partnership with O'Shaughnessy.

The program also explores the synergy between the two women's work as champions of science education and the research unfolding aboard the state-of-the-art ship, operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

"What Sally and Tam cared aboutprotecting the environment, addressing climate changeoverlaps perfectly with the research agenda on the R/V Sally Ride," said Shannon Bradley, producer of Honoring Sally. "What they cared about is happening on that ship."

Bradley interviewed O'Shaughnessy aboard the R/V Sally Ride during the celebration of the ship's commissioning in October of 2016.

Honoring Sally traces Ride's connection to UC San Diego, where she became a physics professor after retiring from NASA. She and O'Shaughnessy wrote science books for children together, and then in 2001, they and three friends founded Sally Ride Science to inspire young people, especially girls, in science and engineering.

Sally Ride Science became part of UC San Diego in 2015. The nonprofit is based at UC San Diego Extension, and its programs are coordinated jointly by Extension, Scripps Oceanography, and the San Diego Supercomputer Center. O'Shaughnessy is executive director of Sally Ride Science at UC San Diego, which presents innovative STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs and community events.

Edward Abeyta, associate dean for community engagement and director of pre-collegiate and career preparations programs at UC San Diego Extension, sees a bright future for these programs. "Sally and Tam have made such an imprint at UC San Diego, and now, Sally Ride Science at UC San Diego, coupled with the R/V Sally Ride, is a platform to connect research and science to teachers across the country and inspire the next generation of young minds," he said.

In tracking down the remarkable photos and video featured in Honoring Sally, Bradley got help from O'Shaughnessy and Ride biographer Lynn Sherr, as well as cooperation from NASA and Scripps. "NASA and Scripps were very generous in giving me access to their incredible film archive of Sally's career and of the ship," Bradley said.

For instance, in the run-up to her first shuttle flight in 1983, Ride famously endured sexist questions from the media. Honoring Sally includes a segment from a preflight news conference. The camera stays on Ride's face as a reporter asks how she responds when things go wrong during training"Do you weep?"

"Just watching her process that question in real time and seeing the emotions pass in her faceso much of her character came out in that," Bradley said. "We just had to include it."

Whatever she was thinking, Ride deflected the question with a laugh. "Why doesn't anybody ask Rick those questions?" she said, referring to her crewmate Rick Hauck.

In Honoring Sally, O'Shaughnessy recounts joyful moments but also heartbreaking ones, including the shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986 and the day in 2011 when Ride was diagnosed with cancer.

O'Shaughnessy concludes by reflecting how perfectly Ride's legacy is reflected in the ship that bears her name:

"Sally loved science. She loved research. That's what this vessel is all aboutpushing the envelope, trying to learn more and more about the oceans, about how the atmosphere and oceans interact and work togetherand she would love that."

About UC San Diego Extension: As the continuing education and public programs arm of the university, UC San Diego Extension educates approximately 63,000 enrollees a year, which translates to about 33,000 students in nearly 4,300 courses. UC San Diego Extension is recognized nationally and internationally for linking the public to expert professionals and the knowledge resources of the University of California.

Contact: Jennifer Davies

[email protected]

(619) 405-2741

SOURCE UC San Diego Extension
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A bill covering autonomous vehicles that the House of Representatives rushed to pass today threatens highway safety and leaves a regulatory void rather than enacting necessary protections, Consumer Watchdog warned today.

The bill, passed on a voice vote, under rules to expedite consideration, was being touted in some quarters as an example of new-found Congressional bipartisanship.

"Bipartisanship is worthless when it produces a dangerous bill," said John M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog's Privacy Project Director.

The autonomous vehicle bill, called the SELF-DRIVE Act, would leave a wild west without adequate safety protections for consumers, Consumer Watchdog said. The bill pre-empts any state safety standards, but there are none at the national level.

"Pre-empting the states' ability to fill the void left by federal inaction leaves us at the mercy of manufacturers as they use our public highways as their private laboratories however they wish with no safety protections at all," said Simpson.

"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration needs do its job and Congress should give the agency the money to do it," said Simpson. "The sad reality is that President Trump hasn't even bothered to nominate a NHTSA administrator."

The Department of Transportation has completely ignored a committee, the Advisory Committee on Automation in Transportation (ACAT) created by the Obama Administration to offer advice on autonomous vehicle policy. It has not met since Trump took office.

Self-driving car developers claim to worry about a so-called state-by-state patchwork of conflicting safety regulations, that they claim would hamper innovation.

"That's nonsense. If NHTSA enacted Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards covering autonomous vehicles they would automatically preempt state safety regulations," said Simpson. "The House action was show-boating that actually puts Consumers at risk."

Consumer Watchdog's has released an in-depth study, "Self-Driving Vehicles: The Threat to Consumers." Read the report here: http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/resources/self_driving_consumer_threat_report.pdf

Visit our website at www.consumerwatchdog.org

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

Related Links

http://www.consumerwatchdog.org


Setting the Trend to Steer the Infrastructure Resource Pool Revolution

SHANGHAI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Huawei released the new-generation intelligent cloud hardware platform - Atlas. Positioned for scenarios such as public cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC), Atlas rides on the advantages of key technologies including heterogeneous resource pooling and intelligent orchestration to deliver new levels of hardware resource utilization and adapt more flexibly to service demands. As the result of Huawei's Boundless Computing strategy, the Atlas platform makes Huawei well positioned to steer the infrastructure resource pool revolution.

With the rise of AI research and application, AI and cloud computing technologies will be integral to people's daily lives. From applications such as safe city and smart manufacturing to autonomous driving, AI and cloud technologies are spreading. Meanwhile, pivotal to intelligence is having capabilities that allow numerous systems to process in real time the massive volumes of data generated from a world of full connectivity. For example, a city with 100,000 cameras installed can produce 100 billion car plate records and 1 trillion facial recognition records a year. It has become a tremendous challenge for traditional computing systems to deliver the required capabilities in order to process, query, and analyze data of such a high order of magnitude.

Built for the public cloud, AI, and HPC scenarios, the Atlas platform released by Huawei addresses the data processing challenges in the AI era. The Atlas platform is based on Huawei's FusionServer G series heterogeneous servers. The FusionServer G series leverages technologies such as heterogeneous resource pooling and intelligent orchestration to pool resources like GPUs, HDDs, and SSDs, and provides hardware resources on demand to suit the needs of specific service models.

Atlas drives an over 50% higher resource utilization efficiency, and boosts performance by over 10x compared with the traditional x86 architecture, meanwhile slashing the hardware device types for customers. Additionally, Atlas can provision logical servers in different resource configuration ratios, and deploy the servers within seconds, significantly shortening the service rollout cycle while empowering customers with the flexibility to adapt to service changes.

"As the AI era is approaching, traditional hardware cannot meet the requirements on development of AI and cloud technologies." said Qiu Long, President, IT Server Product Line, Huawei. "Positioned as a new-generation intelligent cloud hardware platform, Huawei's Atlas pioneers heterogeneous resource pooling and intelligent orchestration technologies to bring resource utilization and performance to new high levels. Atlas is also the fruit of Huawei's Boundless Computing strategy. Huawei has been inspired by the idea of making computing simple through continuous innovation, and keeps customers' requirements in mind to build servers that are stable, reliable, and high-performing, to help customers better cope with the challenges for successful transformation in the AI and cloud era."

Huawei has strategized Boundless Computing as a major step to building a better connected world. The Boundless Computing strategy advocates innovations around computing and leverages innovative chips, heterogeneous computing, and edge computing in order to push the traditional computing boundaries that used to be confined to CPUs, servers, and data centers. At HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Huawei has released multiple brand new public cloud services based on the Atlas hardware platform, including GPU and FPGA cloud services, empowering AI applications with cloud capabilities and enabling customers to access heterogeneous computing services with more ease and speed.

Huawei servers and the entire IT product line have emerged to the global IT mainstream. Huawei delivers leading performance, and simplified and efficient IT infrastructure to help enterprises accomplish their digital transformation. So far, 197 companies on the Fortune Global 500 list and 45 companies in the Fortune Global 100 have chosen Huawei as their digital transformation partner.

HUAWEI CONNECT, Huawei's flagship event for the global ICT industry, is taking place at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from September 5-7, 2017 under the theme of "Grow with the Cloud". At this global platform for open collaboration, Huawei together with its customers and partners will explore new growth opportunities through digital transformation. For more information, please visit http://www.huawei.com/en/events/huaweiconnect2017/

SOURCE Huawei

Related Links

http://www.huawei.com/en/events/huaweiconnect2017/


CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HubSpot, a leading provider of inbound marketing and sales software, announced today the launch of Content Strategy, a new tool that helps marketers discover and validate topics to write about that match the way people now search and buy.

Google receives more than 3.5 billion search queries per day. For years, the best way to solidify a spot at the top of the results was to focus on creating multiple pieces of content focused on niche, long-tail keywords. Search engines have gotten much better at serving up results that provide value to the searcher, making it much harder to build authority solely based on those specific keywords. A new topic-based model on creating content, called topic clustering, can help adapt and provide better results for people searching, and for marketers creating content. This approach helps marketers drive more traffic and also serves the search engine with better information architecture and more content the crawler can index.

"SEO best practices have changed drastically in the past five years. Unfortunately, many marketers are still using the same old tactics that worked a decade ago, but now only serve to clog up search results with irrelevant content and keep teams from hitting their goals," said Kipp Bodnar, Chief Marketing Officer at HubSpot. "Content Strategy was born out of our own realization that the way we approach SEO had to change. By combining machine learning and hard data, Content Strategy empowers marketers to deliver better results and more traffic with more high-quality, targeted content."

Most SEO tools today focus on the technical aspects of SEO, but don't give marketers the tools to discover new topics to write about and build and structure that content. Content Strategy is the first tool to integrate the methodology right into the tool so marketers can not only learn what works for SEO, but easily apply it without an SEO consultant. The tool uses machine learning to help surface recommendations that are relevant to a user's business, and content that will perform well in search.

Using Content Strategy, marketers can:

Discover topics to write about that are surfaced by HubSpot's machine learning technology, then easily organize them into a topic cluster.

Optimize existing content and build clusters that help increase authority and organic traffic.

Track the views and clicks on each piece of content, as well as the contacts and customers being generated by each topic cluster, to clearly determine what works and what doesn't.

"The Content Strategy tool has been great for helping us map out the content that we will be making," said Ken Mafli, Demand Generation Manager at Townsend Security. "It has insights into the metrics we need to make decisions about which content to create, and maximize the time we spend creating content." Three months after adopting the Content Strategy tool, Townsend Security has seen a 55% jump in organic search traffic, and in March they set a new record for organic search traffic with an 80% growth in leads.

Content Strategy is currently available to all HubSpot Marketing customers. To learn more about the tool and see how it can help your own marketing efforts, please visit www.hubspot.com/products/content-strategy.

About HubSpot

HubSpot (NYSE: HUBS) is a leading inbound marketing, sales, and CRM growth stack. Since 2006, HubSpot has been on a mission to make the world more inbound. Today, over 34,000 customers in more than 90 countries use HubSpot's award-winning software, services, and support to transform the way they attract, engage, and delight customers. HubSpot Marketing includes social media publishing and monitoring, blogging, SEO, website content management, email marketing, marketing automation, and reporting and analytics. HubSpot Sales enables sales and service teams to have more effective conversations with leads, prospects, and customers. HubSpot CRM helps sales teams organize, track, and grow their pipeline. All three platforms integrate right out of the box and are available for free to start. HubSpot has been named a top place to work by Glassdoor, Fortune, The Boston Globe, and The Boston Business Journal.

The company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA with offices in Dublin, Ireland (EMEA HQ); Singapore; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; Berlin, Germany; and Portsmouth, NH.

SOURCE HubSpot

Related Links

http://hubspot.com


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope On Wheels will today present The Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope with a $150,000 Hyundai Young Investigator Grant. The grant funds will support the research of principal investigator Dr. Leo David Wang.

The dual-trained pediatric oncologist and scientist is working in the lab to understand how blood cells develop and grow, and plans to use that information to help patients with cancer live longer and experience fewer side effects of treatment. He is currently building City of Hope's pediatric immuno-oncology program. One of his first efforts will be to bring CAR-T cell therapy for brain tumors to the pediatric clinic.

CAR-T cell therapy is one of the most innovative ways to train the body's own immune system to fight cancer. At City of Hope, this type of therapy has already shown promising results for adults with blood cancers and advanced brain tumors.

This award is part of the organization's efforts during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In September alone, Hope On Wheels will award 40 research grants totaling $8.5 million to institutions nationwide. This brings the organization's donation total to $130 million since Hyundai joined the fight against pediatric cancer in 1998. With this latest grant, Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $350,000 to City of Hope.

"September is a special time for all of us at Hyundai because it's National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It's a time when we honor the courageous children battling cancer while also funding the doctors and researchers that are working tirelessly to provide care and develop new treatments," said Scott Fink, chairman, Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. "Throughout the month we will share stories of the brave children battling cancer through our campaign theme called 'Every Handprint Tells A Story' and invite the public to join our fight."

The $150,000 Hyundai Young Investigator Grant will be officially presented to Dr. Wang today, September 6, 2017 at 9 a.m. Doctors and researchers that receive a grant from Hope On Wheels are named Hyundai Scholars and are presented with a special lab coat.

During the event, Greater Los Angeles Area children battling cancer will participate in the program's signature Handprint Ceremony, in which they'll dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on a white 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. Their colorful handprints on the official Hope Vehicle represent their individual and collective journeys, hopes and dreams.

The Hope On Wheels September campaign theme is 'Every Handprint Tells A Story.' This theme recognizes that there are many stakeholders in the fight to end childhood cancer  the child, family, doctors, nurses, caregivers and researchers. The public is encouraged to visit our website at HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org to view videos of child cancer fighters, learn about the work of Hope On Wheels-funded researchers or add a virtual handprint of support on the website. Supporters are also asked to join our movement to End Childhood Cancer and to share our stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels and to view a complete list of this year's grant winners, please visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org/research. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels, twitter.com/HopeOnWheels or instagram.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS

Hyundai Hope On Wheels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing life-saving research and innovative treatments for the disease. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest non-profit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, and primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 835 U.S. dealers. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $130 million towards childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 835 dealerships nationwide. All new Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as one of only 49 comprehensive cancer centers, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the world. City of Hope is located in Duarte, California, just northeast of Los Angeles, with community clinics throughout Southern California. It is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation, diabetes and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs based on technology developed at the institution. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.

SOURCE Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Related Links

http://www.HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope On Wheels will today present UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital with a $150,000 Hyundai Young Investigator Grant. The grant funds will support the research of principal investigator Dr. Steven J. Jonas with the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital.

This award is part of the organization's efforts during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In September alone, Hope On Wheels will award 40 research grants totaling $8.5 million to institutions nationwide. This brings the organization's donation total to $130 million since Hyundai joined the fight against pediatric cancer in 1998. With this latest grant, Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $925,000 to UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital.

"September is a special time for all of us at Hyundai because it's National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It's a time when we honor the courageous children battling cancer while also funding the doctors and researchers that are working tirelessly to provide care and develop new treatments," said Scott Fink, chairman, Hyundai Hope On Wheels Board of Directors. "Throughout the month we will share stories of the brave children battling cancer through our campaign theme called 'Every Handprint Tells A Story' and invite the public to join our fight."

The $150,000 Hyundai Young Investigator Grant will be officially presented to Dr. Jonas today, September 6, 2017 at 2 p.m. Doctors and researchers that receive a grant from Hope On Wheels are named Hyundai Scholars and are presented with a special lab coat.

During the event, Greater Los Angeles Area children battling cancer will participate in the program's signature Handprint Ceremony, in which they'll dip their hands in paint and place their handprints on a white 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. Their colorful handprints on the official Hope Vehicle represent their individual and collective journeys, hopes and dreams.

The Hope On Wheels September campaign theme is 'Every Handprint Tells A Story.' This theme recognizes that there are many stakeholders in the fight to end childhood cancer  the child, family, doctors, nurses, caregivers and researchers. The public is encouraged to visit our website at HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org to view videos of child cancer fighters, learn about the work of Hope On Wheels-funded researchers or add a virtual handprint of support on the website. Supporters are also asked to join our movement to End Childhood Cancer and to share our stories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information about Hyundai Hope On Wheels and to view a complete list of this year's grant winners, please visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org/research. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at facebook.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels, twitter.com/HopeOnWheels or instagram.com/HyundaiHopeOnWheels.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS

Hyundai Hope On Wheels is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope On Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing life-saving research and innovative treatments for the disease. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest non-profit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, and primary funding for Hyundai Hope On Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 835 U.S. dealers. Since its inception, Hyundai Hope On Wheels has awarded more than $130 million towards childhood cancer research in pursuit of a cure.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through 835 dealerships nationwide. All new Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile fully-transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

Please visit our media website at www.hyundainews.com

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook

SOURCE Hyundai Hope on Wheels

Related Links

http://www.hyundainews.com


HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 3rd to 5th, the BRICS leaders' ninth meeting was held in Xiamen, China, to start the next golden decade together. On the afternoon of September 3rd, at the BRICS Business Forum, Chinese leaders delivered a keynote speech, hoping BRICS to take the opportunities of the new industrial revolution, actively participating in the wave of innovation and development brought by intelligent manufacturing, Internet +, digital economy and sharing economy, and speeding up the old and new energy conversion.

Mohammed Saqib, member of the delegation of India in BRICS, said that enterprises will play an important role in the joint construction of One Belt and One Road of China and India, and India is friendly to cooperative enterprises. He is a well-known Indian economist.

After meeting old friends in the BRICS Summit, Saqib did not rush back to India, for he will attend "BRICS Silk Road- 2017 New Urbanization Summit of West Lake Financial Summit" held by JC GROUP on September 8, and talk about the new urbanization with JC GROUP Chairman Wei Jie.

This is not the first time the two guests appear on the same site . During BRICKS Summit, JC GROUP Chairman Wei Jie was invited to attend the BRICS Business Forum as a core representative of Chinese business community.

On the afternoon of September 8, "BRICS Silk Road- 2017 New Urbanization Summit of West Lake Financial Summit" hosted by JC GROUP will be held in the Concert Hall of Xiamen City International Convention and Exhibition Center.

This forum will invite the most influential industry leaders in business, academic and political circles, as well as in the field of new urbanization at home and abroad, to exchange new exploration and gather new consensus, explore how to help with Jincheng's new urbanization under the historic opportunities of "BRICS+" and "One Belt and One Road", and play a more active and far-reaching model effect worldwide.

In addition to Saqib, the guests attend the forum include: Wei Jianguo, former vice minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China ; Alexander Lukin, Putin's core think tank for China and US issues, vice president of the College of Diplomacy of Russian Foreign Ministry, chairman of Moscow Parliament; Supachai Panitchpakdi, former secretary-general of the United Nations Trade and Development Board, former director-general of the World Trade Organization, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand;

JC GROUP Chairman Wei Jie said that he hoped to seek partners with the same goal as Jincheng among BRICS and other countries with development potential through this forum, more importantly, to promote Jincheng model to the world, and let the world see it.

According to information, JC GROUP has contracted, constructed and operated 58 characteristic towns nationwide, and the contracted amount with the government is more than 570 billion.

"In the country and even the world, Jincheng will have a lot of infrastructure construction to cooperate, and can also integrate the global high-quality resources to equip each characteristic town with the world's top urban and industrial planning, to truly create a full eco-city system integrating 'human, industry, city' with high integration and development, and promote global new urbanization."

JC GROUP will carry the missions and responsibilities, uphold the "BRICS spirit", and boost global "new urbanization" to develop deeper.

SOURCE JC Group
DALLAS, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Viverae, a leader in workplace wellness technology, is proud to announce the addition of two new strategic sales managersRomy Carlson, MBA and Tim McGill CLU, CEBSto their growing team of experienced wellness professionals. The industry veterans will be responsible for building relationships and developing new business opportunities with benefits brokerage and consulting firms throughout the United States. Continuing their distinguished careers and drawing on firsthand knowledge of the health and wellness industry's evolution, their contributions will bolster Viverae's clinical expertise and provide impactful solutions to clients.

With a career that parallels the evolution of modern-day wellness, Carlson's 17 years of wellness experience brings a unique perspective to the Viverae team. She began developing strategic corporate sales plans for the Life Time Fitness health club chain before transitioning to nutrition and weight loss, managing relationships with multi-million dollar accounts for companies like Weight Watchers and Retrofit. Witnessing the impact of technology on wellness, Carlson began creating broader, high-impact population health engagement strategies for Cerner and Humana.

With an understanding that true health starts with prevention and ends with clinical care, Carlson transitioned to community-based programs with a holistic approach to wellness, including financial security, emotional well-being, and vocational purpose. "The wellness industry has to develop bigger and broader thinkers who don't just rely on technology to achieve effective engagement," said Carlson. "I've seen a lot of smart technology solutions, but they don't dial into the things that make the most impact, like prevention and clinical care."

As an accomplished veteran of the benefits and insurance industry, McGill brings 36 years of extensive knowledge in managed healthcare solutions. In 1993, McGill served as the president of the Colorado Group Insurance Association, and was integral in developing market-based legislative healthcare reform. He previously spent 23 years at Mutual of Omaha Insurance, growing sales across multiple product lines, including health, dental, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability. Most recently, McGill spent 13 years at Colonial Life Insurance, achieving $75 million regional sales in 2016.

Throughout his career, McGill has seen the evolution of PPOs and EPOs, and believes clinical support is the only way to truly affect health outcomes. "Companies often struggle to improve employee health, and routinely fail to bend the healthcare cost curve," said McGill. "In order to fundamentally change attitudes about wellness, employers must address the root of the problem with awareness, personalization, and true clinical support."

Ultimately, Viverae clients will benefit from the addition of these industry veterans to the team. "Employers are quickly recognizing that the convergence of technology and service has the potential to deliver impactful results," said Mike Lamb, Viverae president and chief executive officer. "These two talented and accomplished additions have experienced every facet of wellness, and have a firsthand knowledge of which trends and innovations will improve the effectiveness of corporate well-being programs."

With 14 years of expertise designing successful workplace wellness programs, Viverae serves more than 600 clients and 1.2 million members throughout the United States. Its wellness platform can be accessed anywhere internet access is available.

About Viverae

Viverae is a workplace wellness technology company based in Dallas, Texas. Rooted in care and focused on reducing health risks, our innovative application empowers employers to create cultures of health and well-being. We bring clarity. We inspire. We support. Learn more: www.viverae.com.

Viverae's workplace wellness programs are compliant with Affordable Care Act requirements and applicable law, and National Committee for Quality Assurance and national health advocacy group standards.

SOURCE Viverae, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.viverae.com


IDAHO FALLS, Idaho, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- International Isotopes Inc. (OTCQB: INIS) (the "Company" or "INIS") has announced that Dr. Robert W. Atcher, PhD, MBA, FSNMMI has accepted a position on the Company's Board of Directors.

Dr. Atcher recently retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory where, for over 20 years, he worked on various medical applications for isotopes. Dr. Atcher currently serves as the President of the Education and Research Foundation for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, a nonprofit foundation to support research and training for professionals in the field, and he is a past president and fellow of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

Dr. Atcher is a radiopharmaceutical chemist who has focused his work on diagnosis and treatment of cancer and heart disease. His experience ranges from the production and separation of radionuclides, production and purification of radiopharmaceuticals, preclinical testing, and clinical trials of radiopharmaceuticals. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Chemistry, received his PhD from the University of Rochester in Nuclear Chemistry, and his postdoctoral training was done at Harvard Medical School in Boston. Dr. Atcher also holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the Radiopharmacy program at the College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico.

Steve Laflin, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, said, "The Company is very pleased to have Dr. Atcher on its Board of Directors. Dr. Atcher has a wealth of experience in the industry and his participation on the Board will provide INIS with valuable experience and advice on new products the Company plans to pursue."

Dr. Atcher said, "I look forward to working with the Company and continuing my lifelong pursuit of advancing the use of isotopes in medicine. The availability of adequate supplies of medically useful radionuclides and pharmaceutical products is essential for the expansion of their use in molecular medicine. I believe INIS is in position to play an important role in that objective."

About International Isotopes Inc.

International Isotopes Inc. manufactures a full range of nuclear medicine calibration and reference standards and supplies a wide selection of radioisotopes and radiochemicals for medical devices, calibration, clinical research, life sciences, and industrial applications. The Company also manufactures a variety of cobalt-60 products such as teletherapy sources, and provides a wide range of radiological field services on a contract basis to clients.

International Isotopes Inc. Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's future plans and prospects. Information contained in such forward-looking statements is based on current expectations and is subject to change. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Other factors, which could materially affect such forward-looking statements, can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Investors, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made herein are only made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

David Drewitz

Creative Options Communications

Investor and Public Relations

[email protected]

www.creativeoptionsmarketing.com

Phone: 972-814-5723

For more information, please visit the Company web site: www.internationalisotopes.com

SOURCE International Isotopes Inc.

Related Links

http://www.internationalisotopes.com


MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pipeline Foods LLC, the first supply chain solutions company focused on non-GMO and organic food and feed, announced today the launch of its global operations, based in Minneapolis, Minn. With a vision to accelerate the availability of healthy and regeneratively grown food and feed, Pipeline Foods is making significant investments in assets to support growth in organic and non-GMO grains, provide professional expertise to farmers and food companies, and partner with like-minded individuals and organizations.

Though the organic food industry is fast growing and highly competitive, the majority of companies focus on specific segments or individual commodities. In contrast, Pipeline Foods specializes in a wide range of services throughout the supply chain  making it the first company positioned to support both farmers and food companies in a more holistic, transparent way.

"Pipeline Foods is eager to invest in supply chain solutions that bring value to the organic and non-GMO grain and oilseed industry," said Eric Jackson, CEO of Pipeline Foods. "We will put more profits back into the hands of the farmers, create dependability and transparency for food companies, and offer unique investment opportunities for financial partners."

In support of the broader team in Minneapolis and as part of its commitment to establish a local presence in all markets in which it operates, Pipeline Foods has also established regional headquarters in Winnipeg, Canada; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Collectively the global team currently numbers over 40 employees. "In order to capitalize on the opportunity to invest $300-500MM in this sector over the next 3-5 years, we must have a strong team in all operational areas. Having been in agriculture for almost 35 years, I have been very impressed with the quality of the individuals we've recruited to participate in our important mission," said Jackson.

About Pipeline Foods

With headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn., Pipeline Foods is a global organization developing sustainable supply chains in agriculture with a focus on non-GMO and organic grains, oilseeds and ingredients for food and feed. At the core of its business are strong commitments to environmental and social outcomes. Through investments in assets and people, Pipeline Foods is accelerating the adoption of regenerative farming practices, increasing clean label food supply, and supporting organic and non-GMO agriculture with full traceability and transparency. For more information, visit https://www.pipelinefoods.com/.

Contact: Rachel Jackson, 763-999-7556, [email protected]

SOURCE Pipeline Foods

Related Links

https://www.pipelinefoods.com/


TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical professionals are expected to continuously acquire new knowledge and skills while treating their patients. Medical simulations offer clinicians the opportunity for hands-on experience without involving patients. Simulation provides a safe method for teaching necessary skills. Clinicians can carry out procedures, refine techniques and build confidence, without putting patients at risk. Integration of new technology, such as augmented reality, will now provide an opportunity to improve the depth and authenticity of the experience.

"Musculoskeletal disorders have a major impact on society in terms of morbidity, long-term disability and economics," says Dr. Evan Friedman, President of Intronix Technologies. "Patients require ongoing treatment, and to achieve that objective, we need medical personnel who are adept at handling the specialized processes involved."

Canadian-based innovator, Intronix Technologies, will be working with Dr. Roy Eagleson, Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Software Engineering, at Western University to develop new medical simulations to support treatment delivery to patients with these conditions.

"Previously, formal clinician training would occur within a teaching hospital environment, or possibly at an outside course, using live patients," explains Dr. Evan Friedman. "Our new model will address this issue by utilizing augmented reality technology to enhance the training process. We believe this will to help elevate the level of care delivered to patients, and improve treatment outcomes.

"We are pleased to join forces with Dr. Eagleson's team to benefit from their vast experience in augmented reality. This project will create musculoskeletal medical simulations using anatomically accurate models of the body. These models can be palpated, having the look and feel of a live patient. Augmented reality will add the ability to view the underlying muscles, as the injection needle navigates through the tissue to its target. This new training aid will provide feedback beyond what is available using real patients.

"We are extremely grateful to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) for supporting this research and commercialization project," says Dr. Evan Friedman, President of Intronix Technologies. "We look forward to this collaboration with Dr. Eagleson's research team to develop advanced technologies that will lead to development of new generation Intronix devices that will benefit patients undergoing treatment for pain and spasticity."

About the Western University Team

Dr. Roy Eagleson is a Full Professor of Engineering at The University of Western Ontario, is an Associate member of the UWO Brain and Mind Institute, and a founding PI at CSTAR, the Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics Centre. He supervises graduate students in Biomedical Engineering, Software Engineering, Dept. Surgery, and Dept. Anatomy. Research supported by NSERC DG, OCE, NCE, and other agencies, is in the Design and Evaluation of Human-Computer Interfaces, especially those involving immersive interactive VR and AR displays of 3D clinical imaging datasets.

About Intronix Technologies

Located just outside Toronto, Ontario, Intronix Technologies designs and produces portable medical devices for neuromuscular diagnostics and treatment delivery. Its innovative Myoguide Injection Guidance System provides technology that results in a better patient experience. Myoguide DOC Patient Management Software is designed to allow clinicians to document their nerve and muscle injections directly on anatomically accurate graphics, and use pain, spasticity, and capability indexes to track patient treatment outcomes over time. Intronix Technologies is known for its exceptional equipment and comprehensive customer-support programs. For additional information about Intronix, please refer to www.intronixtech.com

Contact:

Dr. Evan Friedman

President, Intronix Technologies Corporation

+01-905-951-3361

[email protected]

SOURCE Intronix Technologies Corporation

Related Links

http://www.intronixtech.com


BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE: IRM) (the "Company"), the storage and information management company, today announced a proposed offering by way of a private placement of a total of $750 million in aggregate principal amount of its senior notes due 2027 (the "Notes"). The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Company's subsidiaries that guarantee each series of its existing notes. The exact terms of the Notes and timing of the offering will depend upon market conditions and other factors.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes and borrowings under its revolving credit facility to fund the redemption of all of the outstanding $1 billion in aggregate principal amount of the Company's 6.000% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "Senior Notes due 2020"). The redemption of the 6% Senior Notes due 2020 will be conditioned upon the completion of the offering of the Notes.

The Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or under any state securities law, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Notes are being offered only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act.

This announcement shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute a notice of redemption with respect to the Senior Notes due 2020. The formal notice of redemption will be provided separately in accordance with the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2020.

About Iron Mountain

Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE: IRM) is the global leader for storage and information management services. Trusted by more than 230,000 organizations around the world, Iron Mountain boasts a real estate network of more than 85 million square feet across more than 1,400 facilities in 52 countries dedicated to protecting and preserving what matters most for its customers. Iron Mountain's solutions portfolio includes records management, data management, document management, data centers, art storage and logistics, and secure shredding to help organizations to lower storage costs, comply with regulations, recover from disaster, and better use their information. Founded in 1951, Iron Mountain stores and protects billions of information assets, including critical business documents, electronic information, medical data and cultural and historical artifacts. Visit www.ironmountain.com for more information.

Investor Relations Contacts:

Melissa Marsden Faten Freiha Senior Vice President, Investor Relations Director, Investor Relations [email protected] [email protected] (617) 535-8595 (617) 535-8404

SOURCE Iron Mountain Incorporated

Related Links

http://www.ironmountain.com


MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- iS5 Communications Inc. releases RAPTOR - A Next-generation Cybersecure Industrial Platform designed for Industrial IoT/Industry 4.0 applications to its first beta customers.

iS5 Communications Inc. ("iS5Com") today announced that it has shipped its first RAPTOR platform to key beta customers. RAPTOR is a hardened cybersecure platform that allows industrial and critical infrastructure customers to build communications networks, and to move their IIoT/Industry 4.0 applications securely to on-premise, as well as, cloud platforms.

Front View

"We are very excited to be able to ship our first RAPTOR units to our customers for beta testing. RAPTOR, is an IEC 61850 platform designed with security from the ground up. Features such as Secure Boot, Layer 2 Encryption, are just some of the security features built into the RAPTOR platform. The stringent requirements of Operational Technology (OT), Information Technology (IT), Cybersecurity, and ease of use were also key requirements for the design," noted, Clive Dias, President and CEO of iS5Com. "RAPTOR marks a milestone for iS5Com, and is a testament for our vision and how we see the industry transforming from legacy flat networks, to more secure, intelligent, and robust digital architectures.

Providing users the ability to connect, secure, and manage their mission critical networks, RAPTOR's core features enables users to take advantage of Seamless Redundancy (HSR/PRP), Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) and third party software applications via application programming interfaces (APIs), as well critical cryptographic technologies that ensure protection from threats that harm SCADA environments. The rise of cyber threats only perpetuates the need for advancements in technology communications to protect critical assets in Operational Technology (OT).

RAPTOR is the culmination of many years of industry experience, trends in the digital markets, IIoT and Cybersecurity, playing an integral part in the RAPTOR design. RAPTOR takes into account the latest technologies and innovations with many industry firsts.

iS5Com's next milestone will be the ongoing enhancement and building of the RAPTOR industrial platform, which will include new additional security features, Layer 3, and software applications.

About iS5 Communications Inc.

iS5Com is a global provider of integrated services, solutions, and platforms designed to meet the stringent requirements for critical infrastructure protection. Our solutions are key enablers for advanced technology implementation in the Smart Grid, Smart Cities, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Rail, Industrial, and Defense applications. iS5Com is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. For more information on iS5Com, please visit www.is5com.com or contact us +1 (905) 670-0004.

Related Images

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Raptor Platform

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Raptor Platform

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Raptor Platform

SOURCE iS5 Communications Inc.

Related Links

http://www.is5com.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following visits to London, Sydney, New Delhi, Oslo and Melbourne, leading Australian winery, JACOB'S CREEK, made a New York City stop this week as part of the global Our Table tour. The initiative brings food lovers together over memorable meals, which celebrates the people who craft the foods. The winery's chief winemaker, Ben Bryant, traveled from Australia's Barossa Valley, the country's oldest wine-producing region, to host the dinner.

"Food and wine experiences are shaped by two groups: those who create the experience, and those with whom we share these moments," Bryant said. "JACOB'S CREEK's Our Table focuses on celebrating both groups over delicious food and wine."

The Our Table dinner featured a menu created by Ginger Pierce, Executive Chef of New York City's 1 Hotel Central Park, specifically paired with JACOB'S CREEK Double Barrel wines. The uniquely-crafted, red wines are first matured in traditionally roasted wine barrels and then finished in aged whisk(e)y barrels, to create a smooth finish. The Shiraz is finished in Scotch Whisky barrels and the Cabernet Sauvignon in Irish.

The menu featured tarragon roasted chicken, braised pasture-raised lamb, risotto and swordfish dishes and was finished with a vanilla bean-amaretti semifreddo dessert.

The JACOB'S CREEK Double Barrel range is available in major markets across the US for $19.99 and pair well with pork spare ribs, lamb chops, rib-eye and porterhouse steaks. For more information or recipe pairings, go to www.jacobscreek.com/ourtable.

About JACOB'S CREEK

JACOB'S CREEK is one of Australia's leading global wine brands, offering quality wines with great varietal expression. The brand was first launched in 1976 and is named after the place where Johann Gramp planted his first vines on the banks of JACOB'S CREEK in 1847. In doing so, Johann founded the Barossa Valley's first commercial vineyard, the Gramp & Sons business and a history of winemaking innovation that dates back over 165 years.

The wines are crafted with great care, with consumers' tastes at the forefront of the winemakers' mind. Having earned over 7,000 medals at wine shows across the brand's portfolio over the last 30 years, JACOB'S CREEK wines are trusted by consumers for their genuine quality.

Follow us:

Twitter: @JacobsCreek

Facebook: facebook.com/jacobscreek

Instagram: @jacobscreekwine

YouTube: youtube.com/JacobsCreekWine

Pinterest: pinterest.com/jacobscreek

SOURCE Jacob's Creek
SHANGHAI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), a global leader in the solar PV industry, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.

Second Quarter 2017 Highlights

Total solar module shipments were 2,884 megawatts ("MW"), an increase of 39.5% from 2,068 MW in the first quarter of 2017 and an increase of 68.1% from 1,716 MW in the second quarter of 2016.

Total revenues were RMB7.92 billion ( US$1.17 billion ), an increase of 37.2% from the first quarter of 2017 and an increase of 39.8% from the second quarter of 2016.

( ), an increase of 37.2% from the first quarter of 2017 and an increase of 39.8% from the second quarter of 2016. Gross margin was 10.5%, compared with 11.2% in the first quarter of 2017 and 18.1% in the second quarter of 2016.

Income from operations was RMB85.3 million ( US$12.6 million ), compared with RMB56.8 million in the first quarter of 2017 and RMB308.8 million in the second quarter of 2016.

( ), compared with in the first quarter of 2017 and in the second quarter of 2016. Net income attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders from continuing operations was RMB47.4 million ( US$7.0 million ) in the second quarter of 2017, compared with RMB60.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 and RMB280.1 million in the second quarter of 2016.

( ) in the second quarter of 2017, compared with in the first quarter of 2017 and in the second quarter of 2016. Diluted earnings per American depositary share ("ADS") from continuing operations were RMB1.48 (US$0.20) .

. Non-GAAP net income attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2017 was RMB61.2 million ( US$9.0 million ), compared with RMB80.4 million in the first quarter of 2017 and RMB344.1 million in the second quarter of 2016.

( ), compared with in the first quarter of 2017 and in the second quarter of 2016. Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ADS from continuing operations were RMB1.92 (US$0.28) and RMB1.88 (US$0.28) , respectively, in the second quarter of 2017.

Mr. Kangping Chen, JinkoSolar's Chief Executive Officer commented, "Second quarter module shipments once again hit a record high, increasing 39.5% sequentially to 2,884MW. Total revenues hit $1.17 billion, an increase of 37.2% sequentially while our gross margin dropped slightly to 10.5%, from 11.2% in the first quarter of 2017."

"Shipments over the past few quarters have surged to new highs, allowing us to continuously capitalize on the growing recognition of JinkoSolar's brand and excellent products and services to increase our market share. While ASPs declined during the quarter, prices along our supply chain remained relatively high and impacting our margins. We also worked with our OEM partners more extensively than expected during the quarter to ensure timely delivery, which adversely impacted our margins. We are currently reviewing our strategy in order to improve profitability and further cut down the use of OEM going forward. Our efforts will also be focused on strengthening inventory management and controlling operating expenses."

"Demand in China was very strong during the quarter, boosted by rush orders before the June 30th Feed-in-Tariff cutoff. This momentum is carrying on into the third quarter with the Top Runner projects, PV Poverty Alleviation projects, and DG projects generating stable demand, which is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year. The long-term demand of Chinese market will be supported by the upwards revision of 5-year targets set by the NEA. The Section 201 petition in the US continues to create market uncertainties. We remain committed to the US market and believe its long-term growth momentum will not change. Demand in emerging markets continued to grow, accounting for a larger portion of our shipments during the quarter. India's 100 GW target by 2022 is solid and will continue to create strong demand going forward. The solar markets of Mexico, Argentina and Brazil in Latin America are rapidly growing in scale while Egypt and Jordan in Middle East have the potential to become GW level markets next year. We expect demand in emerging markets to continue to grow in 2018."

"We are ramping up our mono wafer and PERC cell capacity. Our diamond wire-cutting multiply wafers are now in mass production and are combined with our black silicon cell technology. Our technological focus remains on efficiency and cost. With solid progress being made in the development of new technology, we will continue to maintain flexible and dynamic production capacity in order to meet demand from a rapidly changing market.

"We already have strong visibility in our order book through the rest of the year and have already begun to take orders for next year. We expect ASPs to remain stable during the second half of the year. With our focus now shifting towards profitability, I am confident that we will benefit from the long-term growth prospects of the industry while generating sustainable returns for our shareholders."

Second Quarter 2017 Financial Results

Total Revenues

Total revenues in the second quarter of 2017 were RMB7.92 billion (US$1.17 billion), an increase of 37.2% from RMB5.78 billion in the first quarter of 2017 and an increase of 39.8% from RMB5.67 billion in the second quarter of 2016. The sequential and year-over-year increases were mainly attributable to an increase in solar module shipments, partially offset by the decline of average selling price of solar modules in the second quarter of 2017.

Gross Profit and Gross Margin

Gross profit in the second quarter of 2017 was RMB834.8 million (US$123.1 million), compared with RMB649.0 million in the first quarter of 2017 and RMB1.03 billion in the second quarter of 2016. The sequential increase was mainly attributable to the increase in solar module shipments. The year-over-year decrease was mainly attributable to a decline in the average selling price of solar modules in the second quarter of 2017.

Gross margin was 10.5% in the second quarter of 2017, compared with 11.2% in the first quarter of 2017 and 18.1% in the second quarter of 2016 mainly attributable to a decline in the average selling price of solar modules in the second quarter of 2017.

Income from Operations and Operating Margin

Income from operations in the second quarter of 2017 was RMB85.3 million (US$12.6 million), compared with RMB56.8 million in the first quarter of 2017 and RMB308.8 million in the second quarter of 2016. Operating margin in the second quarter of 2017 was 1.1%, compared with 1.0% in the first quarter of 2017 and 5.4% in the second quarter of 2016. The year-over-year decrease of operating margin was mainly attributable to a decline in gross margin in the second quarter of 2017.

Total operating expenses in the second quarter of 2017 were RMB749.5 million (US$110.6 million), an increase of 26.6% from RMB592.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 and an increase of 4.2% from RMB719.6 million in the second quarter of 2016. The sequential and year-over-year increases were primarily due to the increase in shipping costs, which was in line with the increase in solar module shipments.

Total operating expenses accounted for 9.5% of total revenues in the second quarter of 2017, compared to 10.3% in the first quarter of 2017 and 12.7% in the second quarter of 2016.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense in the second quarter of 2017 was RMB80.6 million (US$11.9 million), an increase of 41.1% from RMB57.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 and an increase of 7.4% from RMB75.0 million in the second quarter of 2016. The sequential increase was due to the interest expense associated with the discounted notes receivable.

Exchange Gain / (Loss), Net

The Company recorded a net exchange loss of RMB34.2 million (US$5.0 million) in the second quarter of 2017, compared to a net exchange loss of RMB5.2 million in the first quarter of 2017 and a net exchange gain of RMB67.1 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Income Tax Expense / (Benefit), Net

The Company recorded an income tax benefit of RMB32.5 million (US$4.8 million) in the second quarter of 2017, compared with an income tax expense of RMB1.5 million in the first quarter of 2017 and an income tax expense of RMB90.4 million in the second quarter of 2016. The sequential change was mainly due to the additional 2016 income tax deduction for R&D costs approved by local tax bureau in the second quarter of 2017.

Net Income and Earnings per Share

Net income attributable to the Company's ordinary shareholders from continuing operations in the second quarter of 2017 was RMB47.4 million (US$7.0 million), compared with RMB60.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 and RMB280.1 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations were both RMB0.37 (US$0.05) during the second quarter of 2017. This translates into basic and diluted earnings per ADS from continuing operations of both RMB1.48 (US$0.20).

Non-GAAP net income in the second quarter of 2017 was RMB61.2 million (US$9.0 million), compared with RMB80.4 million in the first quarter of 2017 and RMB344.1 million in the second quarter of 2016.

Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations were RMB0.48 (US$0.07) and RMB0.47 (US$0.07), respectively, during the second quarter of 2017. This translates into non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ADS from continuing operations of RMB1.92 (US$0.28) and RMB1.88 (US$0.28), respectively.

Financial Position

As of June 30, 2017, the Company had RMB1.90 billion (US$280.1 million) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, compared with RMB1.71 billion as of March 31, 2017.

As of June 30, 2017, the Company's accounts receivables due from third parties were RMB6.47 billion (US$954.5 million), compared with RMB5.93 billion as of March 31, 2017.

As of June 30, 2017, the Company's inventories were RMB5.20 billion (US$767.7 million), compared with RMB5.37 billion as of March 31, 2017.

As of June 30, 2017, the Company's total interest-bearing debts were RMB7.41 billion (US$1.09 billion), compared with RMB6.10 billion as of March 31, 2017.

Second Quarter 2017 Operational Highlights

Solar Module Shipments

Total solar module shipments in the second quarter of 2017 amounted to 2,884 MW.

Solar Products Production Capacity

As of June 30, 2017, the Company's in-house annual silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module production capacity was 6.0 GW, 4.5 GW and 7.5 GW, respectively.

Recent Business Developments

In August 2017 , JinkoSolar supplied 35.46 MW to Gransolar for PV project in Mexico .

, JinkoSolar supplied 35.46 MW to Gransolar for PV project in . In July 2017 , JinkoSolar announced that it has become the first PV module provider to guarantee that all JinkoSolar Standard Mass Produced PV Modules meet IEC62804 double anti-PID standards.

, JinkoSolar announced that it has become the first PV module provider to guarantee that all JinkoSolar Standard Mass Produced PV Modules meet IEC62804 double anti-PID standards. In July 2017 , JinkoSolar supplied 30 MW ac of PV modules for 2 solar projects in Virginia to Hecate Energy, a leading developer, owner, and operator of power plants in North America and abroad.

, JinkoSolar supplied 30 MW ac of PV modules for 2 solar projects in to Hecate Energy, a leading developer, owner, and operator of power plants in and abroad. In July 2017 , JinkoSolar announced that it is partnering with TUVRheinland, an independent provider of technical services for testing, inspection, certification, consultation and training, to develop standardized testing methods for bifacial PV technology.

, JinkoSolar announced that it is partnering with TUVRheinland, an independent provider of technical services for testing, inspection, certification, consultation and training, to develop standardized testing methods for bifacial PV technology. In June 2017 , JinkoSolar signed a JPY4.1 billion syndicated loan agreement up to two years with a bank consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

, JinkoSolar signed a syndicated loan agreement up to two years with a bank consortium led by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. In June 2017 , JinkoSolar entered into an agreement with Quantum Power GK in Japan to exclusively supply 187MW worth of 275Wp modules for three projects located in Ibaraki , Gunma and Mie prefecture.

, JinkoSolar entered into an agreement with Quantum Power GK in to exclusively supply 187MW worth of 275Wp modules for three projects located in , and Mie prefecture. In May 2017 , JinkoSolar supplied 65 MW of high efficiency Eagle Series modules for Energon Solar in Medak, Telangana, India .

, JinkoSolar supplied 65 MW of high efficiency Eagle Series modules for Energon Solar in Medak, Telangana, . In May 2017 , Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Sweihan Solar Holding Company Limited ("Sweihan"), a joint venture between JinkoSolar and Marubeni Corporation and a syndicate of international and local banks entered into financial agreements for the Sweihan Photovoltaic Independent Power Project in Abu Dhabi .

, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, Sweihan Solar Holding Company Limited ("Sweihan"), a joint venture between JinkoSolar and Marubeni Corporation and a syndicate of international and local banks entered into financial agreements for the Sweihan Photovoltaic Independent Power Project in . In May 2017 , JinkoSolar became first Chinese PV manufacturer that passed 160 KWh/m2 UV test in terms of IEC61345 from TUV Rheinland.

Operations and Business Outlook

Strategic Shift in Overseas Downstream Solar Project Business

With the Company's focuses shifting towards its core competencies in manufacturing, JinkoSolar will cease developing new overseas downstream solar projects starting in the third quarter of 2017. The Company will continue to develop, construct and connect to the grid its existing overseas downstream solar projects.

The Company provided a debt payment guarantee in connection with a loan facility granted to Sweihan PV Power Company P.J.S.C, equity investee of the Company for developing overseas solar power project, in a maximum aggregate principal amount not exceeding US$50 million.

Third Quarter and Full Year 2017 Guidance

For the third quarter of 2017, the Company estimates total solar module shipments to be in the range of 2.1 GW to 2.3 GW.

For the full year 2017, the Company estimates total solar module shipments to be in the range of 8.5 GW and 9.0 GW.

Conference Call Information

JinkoSolar's management will host an earnings conference call on Thursday, September 6, 2017 at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (7:30 p.m. Beijing / Hong Kong the same day).

Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows:

Hong Kong / International: +852 3008 1527

U.S. Toll Free: +1 866-564-2842

Passcode: 9936267









Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call.

A telephone replay of the call will be available 2 hours after the conclusion of the conference call through 23:59 U.S. Eastern Time, September 13, 2017. The dial-in details for the replay are as follows:

International: +61 (0) 2 9101 1954

U.S. Toll Free: +1-888-203-1112

Passcode: 9936267









Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of JinkoSolar's website at www.jinkosolar.com.

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is a global leader in the solar industry. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and other countries and regions. JinkoSolar has built a vertically integrated solar product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 6.0 GW for silicon ingots and wafers, 4.5 GW for solar cells, and 7.5 GW for solar modules, as of June 30, 2017.

JinkoSolar has over 15,000 employees across its 8 productions facilities in China (5), Malaysia, Portugal and South Africa, 15 oversea subsidiaries in Japan (2), Singapore, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia and South Africa, and 18 global sales offices in China (2) ,United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico.

To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement its consolidated financial results presented in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), JinkoSolar uses certain non-GAAP financial measures including, non-GAAP net income , non-GAAP earnings per Share, non-GAAP earnings per ADS, and non-GAAP diluted weighted average ordinary shares outstanding, which are adjusted from the comparable GAAP results to exclude certain expenses or incremental ordinary shares relating to share-based compensation, convertible senior notes and capped call options:

Non-GAAP net income is adjusted to exclude the expenses relating to changes in fair value of convertible senior notes and capped call options, interest expenses of convertible senior notes, exchange gain on the convertible senior notes and capped call options, stock-based compensation, allocation of net income to redeemable non-controlling interests, and accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests; given these Non-GAAP net income adjustments above are either related to the Company or its subsidiaries incorporated in Cayman Islands , which are not subject to tax exposures, or related to those subsidiaries with tax loss positions which result in no tax impacts, therefore no tax adjustment is needed in conjunction with these Non-GAAP net income adjustments; and

, which are not subject to tax exposures, or related to those subsidiaries with tax loss positions which result in no tax impacts, therefore no tax adjustment is needed in conjunction with these Non-GAAP net income adjustments; and Non-GAAP earnings per Share and non-GAAP earnings per ADS are adjusted to exclude the expenses relating to the issuance costs of convertible senior notes, changes in fair value of convertible senior notes and capped call options, interest expenses of convertible senior notes and exchange gain on the convertible senior notes and capped call options, stock-based compensation, and accretion to redemption value of redeemable non-controlling interests.

The Company believes that the use of non-GAAP information is useful for analysts and investors to evaluate JinkoSolar's current and future performances based on a more meaningful comparison of net income and diluted net income per ADS when compared with its peers and historical results from prior periods. These measures are not intended to represent or substitute numbers as measured under GAAP. The submission of non-GAAP numbers is voluntary and should be reviewed together with GAAP results.

Currency Convenience Translation

The conversion of Renminbi into U.S. dollars in this release, made solely for the convenience of the readers, is based on the noon buying rate in the city of New York for cable transfers of Renminbi as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as of June 30, 2017, which was RMB6.7793 to US$1.00. No representation is intended to imply that the Renminbi amounts could have been, or could be, converted, realized, or settled into U.S. dollars at that rate or any other rate. The percentages stated in this press release are calculated based on Renminbi.

Safe-Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends, "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company's operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Sebastian Liu

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

Tel: +86 21-5183-3056

Email: [email protected]

Christian Arnell

Christensen

Tel: +86-10-5900-2940

Email: [email protected]

In the U.S.:

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

Christensen

Tel: +1-480-614-3004

Email: [email protected]

JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD.



UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (in thousands, except ADS and Share data)



For the quarter ended

For the six months ended





June 30, 2016

March 31, 2017

June 30, 2017

June 30, 2016

June 30, 2017



Continuing operations RMB

RMB

RMB

USD

RMB

RMB

USD



Revenues from third parties 5,630,411

5,753,080

7,908,533

1,166,571

10,844,943

13,661,612

2,015,195



































Revenues from related parties 36,349

23,724

15,555

2,294

102,960

39,279

5,794



































Total revenues 5,666,760

5,776,804

7,924,088

1,168,865

10,947,903

13,700,891

2,020,989



































Cost of revenues (4,638,350)

(5,127,779)

(7,089,255)

(1,045,721)

(8,834,615)

(12,217,034)

(1,802,108)



































Gross profit 1,028,410

649,025

834,833

123,144

2,113,288

1,483,857

218,881



































Operating expenses:





























Selling and marketing (373,336)

(413,812)

(550,823)

(81,251)

(711,707)

(964,635)

(142,291)



General and administrative (203,360)

(115,950)

(125,029)

(18,443)

(382,342)

(240,979)

(35,546)



Research and development (43,617)

(62,486)

(73,694)

(10,870)

(82,012)

(136,180)

(20,088)



Impairment of long-lived assets (99,328)

-

-

-

(99,328)

-

-



Total operating expenses (719,641)

(592,248)

(749,546)

(110,564)

(1,275,389)

(1,341,794)

(197,925)



































Income from operations 308,769

56,777

85,287

12,580

837,899

142,063

20,956



Interest expenses, net (75,008)

(57,121)

(80,572)

(11,885)

(151,899)

(137,693)

(20,311)



Change in fair value of derivative liability (2)

376

(16,394)

(2,418)

(1,109)

(16,018)

(2,363)



Subsidy income 39,423

55,192

49,038

7,233

74,615

104,229

15,375



Exchange gain/(loss) 140,943

(6,339)

(29,810)

(4,397)

188,535

(36,149)

(5,332)



Change in fair value of forward contracts (24,741)

1,105

(4,341)

(640)

(42,828)

(3,235)

(477)



Change in fair value of convertible senior

notes and capped call options (49,076)

-

-

-

(79,847)

-

-



Other income/(expense), net 1,108

11,943

11,773

1,737

(377)

23,716

3,498



Investment loss (1,158)

-

(194)

(29)

(1,640)

(194)

(29)



Income from continuing operations before income taxes 340,258

61,933

14,787

2,181

823,349

76,719

11,317



Income tax (expense)/benefit (90,410)

(1,528)

32,460

4,788

(190,714)

30,933

4,563



Income from continuing operations, net of tax 249,848

60,405

47,247

6,969

632,635

107,652

15,880



Discontinued operations





























Income from discontinued operations before income taxes 83,867

-

-

-

62,456

-

-



Income tax expense, net (479)

-

-

-

(615)

-

-



Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 83,388

-

-

-

61,841

-

-



































Net income 333,236

60,405

47,247

6,969

694,476

107,652

15,880



Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling

interests from continuing operations (178)

(169)

(121)

(18)

(88)

(290)

(43)



Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling

interests from discontinued operations 2,128

-

-

-

3,723

-

-



Less: Allocation of net income to participating

preferred shares issued

by discontinued operations 3,648

-

-

-

3,648

-

-



Less: Accretion to redemption value of redeemable

non-controlling

interests of discontinued operations 47,555

-

-

-

93,780

-

-



Net income attributable to JinkoSolar

Holding Co., Ltd.'s ordinary shareholders 280,083

60,574

47,368

6,987

593,413

107,942

15,923



































































































































Earnings/(loss) per share for ordinary shareholders,

basic





























Continuing operations 1.99

0.48

0.37

0.05

5.04

0.84

0.16



Discontinued operations 0.24

-

-

-

(0.31)

-

-



Total earnings/(loss) per share for ordinary

shareholders, basic 2.23

0.48

0.37

0.05

4.73

0.84

0.16



































































Earnings/(loss) per share for ordinary shareholders,

diluted





























Continuing operations 1.90

0.47

0.37

0.05

4.73

0.84

0.16



Discontinued operations 0.23

-

-

-

(0.31)

-

-



Total earnings/(loss) per share for ordinary

shareholders, diluted 2.13

0.47

0.37

0.05

4.42

0.84

0.16



































Earnings/(loss) per ADS for ordinary shareholders,

basic





























Continuing operations 7.96

1.92

1.48

0.20

20.16

3.36

0.64



Discontinued operations 0.96

-

-

-

(1.24)

-

-



Total earnings/(loss) per ADS for ordinary

shareholders, basic 8.92

1.92 # 1.48

0.20

18.92

3.36

0.64



































Earnings/(loss) per ADS for ordinary shareholders,

diluted





























Continuing operations 7.60

1.88

1.48

0.20

18.92

3.36

0.64



Discontinued operations 0.92

-

-

-

(1.24)

-

-



Total earnings/(loss) per ADS for ordinary

shareholders, diluted 8.52

1.88

1.48

0.20

17.68

3.36

0.64



































Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding:





























Basic 125,501,184

126,820,607

128,247,292

128,247,292

125,489,224

127,556,967

127,556,967



Diluted 132,545,247

128,179,515

129,493,716

129,493,716

135,035,911

128,859,633

128,859,633



































Weighted average ADS outstanding:





























Basic 31,375,296

31,705,152

32,061,823

32,061,823

31,372,306

31,889,242

31,889,242



Diluted 33,136,312

32,044,879

32,373,429

32,373,429

33,758,978

32,214,908

32,214,908



































UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME















































Net income 333,236

60,405

47,247

6,969

694,476

107,652

15,880



Other comprehensive income:





























-Foreign currency translation adjustments (10,887)

(17,563)

(22,391)

(3,303)

(12,466)

(39,954)

(5,894)



Comprehensive income 322,349

42,842

24,856

3,666

682,010

67,698

9,986



Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-

controlling interests 1,950

(169)

(121)

(18)

3,635

(290)

(43)



Comprehensive income attributable to JinkoSolar

Holding Co., Ltd.'s ordinary shareholders 320,399

43,011

24,977

3,684

678,375

67,988

10,029



































































































Reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP Results(Excluding discontinued

operations)



























































1. Non-GAAP earnings per share and non-GAAP

earnings per ADS





























































GAAP net income attributable to ordinary

shareholders from continuing operations 250,026

60,574

47,368

6,987

632,723

107,942

15,923



































Change in fair value of convertible senior notes and

capped call options 49,076

-

-

-

79,847

-

-



































4% of interest expense of convertible senior notes 10,463

1,555

1

-

23,992

1,556

230



































Exchange loss/(gain) on convertible senior notes

and capped call options 21,224

844

(1)

-

18,219

843

124



































Stock-based compensation expense 13,353

17,402

13,822

2,039

26,023

31,224

4,606



































Non-GAAP net income attributable to ordinary

shareholders from continuing operations 344,141

80,375

61,190

9,026

780,804

141,565

20,883



































Non-GAAP earnings per share attributable to

ordinary shareholders from continuing operations -





























Basic 2.74

0.63

0.48

0.07

3.37

1.11

0.16



Diluted 2.60

0.62

0.47

0.07

3.18

1.10

0.16



































Non-GAAP earnings per ADS attributable to ordinary

shareholders from continuing operations -





























Basic 10.96

2.52

1.92

0.28

13.48

4.44

0.64



Diluted 10.40

2.48

1.88

0.28

12.72

4.40

0.64



































Non-GAAP weighted average ordinary shares

outstanding





























Basic 125,501,184

126,820,607

128,247,292

128,247,292

125,489,224

127,556,967

127,556,967



Diluted 132,545,247

128,179,515

129,493,716

129,493,716

135,035,911

128,859,633

128,859,633



































Non-GAAP weighted average ADS outstanding





























Basic 31,375,296

31,705,152

32,061,823

32,061,823

31,372,306

31,889,242

31,889,242



Diluted 33,136,312

32,044,879

32,373,429

32,373,429

33,758,978

32,214,908

32,214,908



































Results presented herein exclude Jinko Power-related discontinued operations, unless specified otherwise































































JINKOSOLAR HOLDING CO., LTD. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands)



December 31, 2016

June 30, 2017

RMB

RMB

USD ASSETS









Current assets:









Cash and cash equivalents 2,501,417

1,531,000

225,835 Restricted cash 318,785

368,125

54,301 Restricted short-term investments 3,333,450

3,168,027

467,309 Short-term investments 71,301

93,282

13,760 Accounts receivable, net - related parties 1,414,084

786,644

116,036 Accounts receivable, net - third parties 4,753,715

6,470,520

954,453 Notes receivable, net - related parties 610,200

600,000

88,505 Notes receivable, net - third parties 915,315

310,284

45,769 Advances to suppliers, net - related parties 662

-

- Advances to suppliers, net - third parties 325,766

431,100

63,591 Inventories, net 4,473,515

5,204,392

767,689 Forward contract receivables 641

-

- Deferred tax assets 130,676

-

- Other receivables - related parties 79,125

122,484

18,067 Prepayments and other current assets 766,645

1,377,668

203,216 Total current assets 19,695,297

20,463,526

3,018,531











Non-current assets:









Restricted cash 197,214

157,466

23,227 Project Assets 55,063

140,256

20,689 Long-term investments 7,200

8,886

1,311 Property, plant and equipment, net 4,738,681

5,885,094

868,098 Land use rights, net 450,941

449,034

66,236 Intangible assets, net 20,297

23,411

3,453 Deferred tax assets 134,791

265,467

39,158 Other assets - related parties 173,376

336,906

49,696 Other assets - third parties 617,780

341,816

50,422 Total non-current assets 6,395,343

7,608,336

1,122,290











Total assets 26,090,640

28,071,862

4,140,821











LIABILITIES









Current liabilities:









Accounts payable - related parties -

689

102 Accounts payable - third parties 4,290,071

5,986,366

883,036 Notes payable - third parties 4,796,766

4,199,871

619,514 Accrued payroll and welfare expenses 582,276

596,698

88,018 Advances from related parties 60,541

76,089

11,224 Advances from third parties 1,376,920

988,464

145,806 Income tax payable 168,112

63,129

9,312 Other payables and accruals 1,019,419

1,451,915

214,169 Other payables due to related parties 76,034

12,935

1,908 Forward contract payables -

3,116

460 Convertible senior notes - current 423,740

-

- Deferred tax liabilities 17,074

-

- Derivative liability - current 10,364

26,382

3,892 Short-term borrowings from third parties,

including current portion of long-term bank

borrowings 5,488,629

6,633,893

978,551 Guarantee liabilities to related parties 52,711

37,594

5,545 Total current liabilities 18,362,657

20,077,141

2,961,537











Non-current liabilities:









Long-term borrowings 488,520

467,518

68,963 Long-term payables 44,014

125,693

18,541 Accrued warranty costs - non current 511,209

562,863

83,027 Convertible senior notes -

68

10 Deferred tax liability 50,651

67,725

9,990 Guarantee liabilities to related parties

- non current 173,376

147,926

21,820 Total non-current liabilities 1,267,770

1,371,793

202,350











Total liabilities 19,630,427

21,448,934

3,163,887











SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY









Ordinary shares (US$0.00002 par value,

500,000,000 shares authorized, 126,733,266

and 130,186,074 shares issued and

outstanding as of December 31, 2016 and

June 30, 2017, respectively) 18

18

3 Additional paid-in capital 3,145,262

3,240,279

477,967 Statutory reserves 466,253

466,253

68,776 Accumulated other comprehensive income 104,784

64,830

9,563 Treasury stock, at cost; 1,723,200 shares of

ordinary shares as of December 31, 2016

and June 30, 2017, respectively (13,876)

(13,876)

(2,047) Accumulated retained earnings 2,758,268

2,866,210

422,788











Total JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. shareholders' equity 6,460,709

6,623,714

977,050











Non-controlling interests (496)

(786)

(116)











Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 26,090,640

28,071,862

4,140,821

SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.jinkosolar.com


CLEVELAND, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kent Furst, Polymers and Packaging Manager with The Freedonia Group, will present at the Plastic Caps & Closures 2017 Conference in Chicago, IL, on Wednesday September 13, 2017. His presentation entitled The Caps and Closures Market: What to Expect Going Forward will highlight how the caps and closures market is evolving including trends in end markets, materials, competition and growth opportunities.

To learn more about the conference, visit the Plastics Caps & Closures 2017 agenda page:

http://www.cvent.com/events/2017-plastics-caps-and-closures/agenda-d14b655389c64b88a04329e3105d43bc.aspx

According to Mr. Furst, "The caps & closures market is affected by a variety of factors, including food and beverage consumption, container trends, material competition, and product innovation. This presentation will provide a broad overview of the global caps & closures industry, including what's going on within different products, markets, and world regions. Additionally, it will touch on specific areas where there are notable product changes or growth opportunities, such as in wine packaging."

For the presentation, Furst will use his knowledge of the packaging industry including trends formed in the research process of the industry study Global Caps & Closures Market. The study is scheduled to be published in September. For more information regarding the Freedonia Group's Packaging studies or the Plastics & Other Polymers studies please visit:

https://www.freedoniagroup.com/industry-category/pack/packaging.htm

https://www.freedoniagroup.com/industry-category/plas/plastics-other-polymers.htm

About The Freedonia Group, a division of MarketResearch.com  The Freedonia Group is a leading international industrial research company publishing more than 100 studies annually. Since 1985, we have provided research to customers ranging in size from global conglomerates to one-person consulting firms. More than 90% of the industrial companies in the Fortune 500 use Freedonia Group research to help with their strategic planning. Sections and full studies can be purchased at www.freedoniagroup.com, www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.

Press Contact:

Corinne Gangloff

+1 440.684.9600

[email protected]

SOURCE The Freedonia Group

Related Links

https://www.freedoniagroup.com


"We are thrilled to honor these six electricians and their contributions the industry. They are exceptionally skilled professionals who not only provide critical services to their customers and communities, but also serve as role models for future generations of electricians," says Klein Tools' Vice President of Marketing Greg Palese. "Selecting an overall winner to be the official Klein Tools 2017 Electrician of the Year will be as challenging as ever, since all of our finalists exemplify the values and characteristics that the best electricians offer on jobsites every day."

Klein Tools invites the public to vote online for their favorite regional finalist, from Sept. 11-15, 2017. Fan voting results will be combined with those from Klein family members to determine the 2017 Electrician of the Year. The grand prize winner will be announced via Facebook Live on September 27, and receive his choice of trip to one of four iconic American destinations: Charlotte, North Carolina; New York, New York; Las Vegas, Nevada; or Sturgis, South Dakota, to experience the best each city has to offer. The grand prize winner will also receive a one-time order of $1,500 in premium-quality, professional-grade Klein Tools products.

Congratulations to the Klein Tools 2017 Electrician of the Year Regional Finalists!

Brent Heesacker

Region 1 "Northwest"

Brent Heesacker is a general foreman for On Electric Group in Portland, Oregon, specializing in instrumentation and control. As a problem-solver, mentor and leader at work, he demonstrates ingenuity when approaching problems to find a unique solution for his customers. In fact, he developed a device to save a customer thousands of dollars while also creating better efficiencies for the customer's controller and entire system. Heesacker's quality of work and service doesn't end there, however, he also manages and mentors multiple foremen at the company to grow their skills and ensure success for the next wave of electricians.

As a foreman, Heesacker understands that working on live systems is always dangerous. He has trained his crew to be on alert so that they can stop the job whenever they encounter a situation beyond the plan of action and then find a safe and reliable way to resolve the situation.

Heesacker is a foreman by day and a farmer by night. Heesacker Farms raises beef cows to provide meat to the local community. He also volunteers at various blood drives and at the Oregon Food Bank to help sort and deliver food to the homeless.

Jimmy Ferris

Region 2 "Southwest"

Jimmy Ferris, a high-voltage substation electrician with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in California  as well as a journeyman electrician and foreman  has been recognized by many for instilling the value of safety with his crews. He has also led numerous executive-level safety presentations and served on a joint labor/management committee to decrease preventable vehicle accidents from 27 to seven accidents in one year. Even during his off-duty volunteer work, Ferris shares work safety techniques to ensure every crew he works with remains safe while on the job.

Known throughout the community as a selfless and generous person, Ferris has been recognized company-wide for his commitment to others. He was recognized in a company newsletter for taking time out of his day to help an elderly woman change her tire on the freeway  resolving her car trouble and protecting her from a long wait for help on the dangerous roadside. The elderly woman's son was so grateful that he shared Ferris' actions with the company to highlight his dedication to keeping everyone around him safe and well.

Kevin Wick

Region 3 "Central North"

For over 30 years, Kevin Wick, a lineman and master electrician for the city of North Saint Paul Electric Utilities in Minnesota, has had a true passion for his career. In fact, Wick had the ability to retire five years ago, but has continued to work because he enjoys his fast-paced career and the life-long friendships he has made. His commitment to his career has also inspired his son to follow in his footsteps.

In his dangerous line of work, Wick always puts safety first. He always wears approved safety gear and is very cautious about taking care of his body by using proper lifting methods and attending safety programs and electrical safety education classes regularly. Wick also has shared his commitment to safety by training six new apprentices over the last five years to ensure that they are properly trained and ready for the different weather conditions and hazardous situations on the job.

Wick's commitment to his career doesn't stop at the end of the work day  he works until the job is done the power has been restored. Throughout his long career, Wick has worked countless overtime hours and goes out of his way not only to help those in the community but also his friends and family. He also has assisted with various electrical jobs for his community, including rewiring an entire firehouse free of charge. Wick goes above and beyond to get the job done right.

Nathan Guerrero

Region 4 "Central South"

Nathan Guerrero is the lead electrician for the Oklahoma State Fair. This unique position demands extreme versatility from Guerrero every day. While traveling through the complex infrastructure, he can be seen pulling cutouts, changing ballasts, troubleshooting circuits among many other responsibilities. On top of his day-to-day activities, Guerrero also strives to maintain electrical excellence and has converted many lights over to LED to keep up with current codes and standards.

Guerrero knows that safety is the most important part of any electrician's day. Through his International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) training and experience in the United States Army as a qualified combat lifesaver, he learned that education and tools work hand-in-hand to ensure electrical workers make it home every night. When an accident occurred on the fairgrounds earlier this year, Guerrero was able to manage the downed power lines and ensure every electrician was safe during the precarious situation.

Guerrero is a disabled veteran and understands the struggles others encounter when returning home from duty. Because of this, he counsels other veterans and is able to refer them to resources that help ease the stresses of life. He also mentors parents of children suffering from epilepsy as Guerrero's son suffers from this same affliction. Guerrero constantly helps his community, especially the elderly and those in need by making sure costly electrical repairs are taken care of by a professional at no cost. He has a commitment to helping others in all aspects of his life.

Luis Gonzalez

Region 5 "Southeast"

As a fourth-generation electrician in Miami, Florida, Luis Gonzalez loves his career. Starting in a helper position, Luis climbed the ladder to journeyman electrician to master electrician and then to a licensed Florida electrical contractor. Always sharing his passion for the industry with others, he taught an apprentice program at a local technical college as the program director and instilled pride in his students, respect for the trades and has now even hired some of his own graduates.

Gonzalez understands that learning never ends in the electrical industry. He holds regular weekly safety meetings for his employees to provide them with all the knowledge and equipment they need to be safe on the job. Prioritizing safety has ensured zero accidents since the inception of Gonzalez's company almost five years ago.

Gonzalez's commitment to learning doesn't end with apprentices and his employees. Both Gonzalez and his wife teach a basic electricity and robotics class to middle school aged children using a book Gonzalez wrote on the topic. The course teaches children about electricity and electrical safety. He hopes to pass on his enthusiasm for the electrical industry onto future electricians.

Harold Melia

Region 6 "Northeast"

Harold Melia, owner of Halleigh Electric and Construction, devotes himself to the trade and to his customers. His career started 17 years ago as an apprentice under his father, where he learned a lot about the electrical industry in new home construction. Eventually, he joined IBEW local #90 and gained experience in the commercial electrical field. With his experience in these industries, Melia was able to start his own business where he serves farms, residential and commercial properties. His diverse experience in electrical industry allows Melia to serve his clients with the utmost quality and service.

As a small business owner, workplace safety is extremely important. Melia always ensures the job site is safe for the customer and they are well informed about the upgrades needed as well as the safety reason for the upgrade. He makes sure his tools are in proper working order and the machinery is well-maintained and up to OSHA workplace standards. Melia also spends a great deal of time educating customers about the importance of proper safety in the workplace.

Living in a small agriculture town in Connecticut, Melia is dedicated to helping the farmers in his community. He is one of the only electricians in his area who is willing to work in the barns with the animals and remains on call 24 hours a day to ensure the farms can continue to run. For example, a farmer recently called in the middle of the night because his milking parlor wasn't running and Melia did his best to fix the issue immediately. Melia has also volunteered his electrical services to the local agricultural fair by upgrading their electrical systems. With agriculture an important part of his community, Melia ensures the community's needs are met.

For more information on the Electrician of the Year award and the fan voting period, please visit http://www.kleintools.com/eoy.

About Klein Tools

Since 1857, Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.

Klein is a registered trademark and Journeyman is a trademark of Klein Tools, Inc.

SOURCE Klein Tools

Related Links

http://www.kleintools.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines and retired Captain Elgen M. Long, the last surviving Alaska Airlines crew member who participated in the life-saving airlift of 50,000 Yemenite Jews to Israel between 1948-50, will be the honored on September 12 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place in New York. The announcement was made by Shahar Azani, Executive Director of StandWithUs New York.

Last Surviving Crew& Member of Alaska Airlines Yemen Airlift to be Honored

The secret mission was known as the "Operation Magic Carpet" and "Eagle Wings" was the name given to this unique Alaskan Airlines airlift. The airline participated in the majority of the furtive flights after James Wooten, then president of Alaska Airlines was moved by the plight of the Yemeni Jews and agreed to rescue them.

The event, organized by StandWithUs New York in partnership with the American Sephardi Federation and the Alaska Jewish Museum, begins at 7:00 p.m. and is free to the public. A VIP reception will be held at 6:00 p.m. Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel, will speak, together with Azani, Alaska Airlines' Tim Thompson and Leslie Fried, curator of the Alaska Jewish Museum.

Alaska Airlines will be presented with the "StandWithUs Savior of Israel Award." Captain Long will be honored with American Sephardi Federation's "Maimonides Friendship Award" by ASF President David Dangoor, Board Member and Yemenite-Ethiopian Professor Ephraim Isaac and Executive Director Jason Guberman. In addition, there will be a raffle drawing to win two first-class tickets to any destination Alaska Airlines/Virgin America fly.

Azani traveled to Anchorage, Alaska on July 6, 2016 to attend the Alaska Jewish Museum's special exhibit on the airlift, developed by curator Leslie Fried, and titled: "On the Wings of Eagles; Alaska's contribution to Operation Magic Carpet."

Shahar Azani, StandWithUs NY Executive Director: "Yemenite Jews started their return to Israel at the end of the 19th century, a process culminating with 'On Eagles Wings.' My family is eternally indebted to Alaska Airlines and its heroic crew who brought us to the land of our ancestors to live in freedom and dignity. This was a one-of-a-kind endeavor, as Alaska Airlines flew over enemy territory, facing tremendous risks, just to do the right thing. It's a display of human courage and dignity, which is worthy of our honor and profound respect and for which Israel, and the Yemenite Jewish community, shall forever be grateful for."

Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York: In 2017-2018 Israel is celebrating several Jubilees; events that shaped the history of modern Israel. The airlift of approximately 50,000 Yemenite Jews on "Wings of Eagles" is definitely one of them. This historic event, along with others, express the deep bond between the people of Israel and the Land of Israel, as well as a journey of resilience and hope. For 2000 years, Jews, be they from Morocco, Yemen, Poland or Germany, yearned to return to their ancestral homeland. Today, Israel is a modern country and a strong democracy where all citizens have equal rights. Along with the celebration of these achievements, we see this event as a special opportunity to thank the American people and express the State of Israel's gratefulness to the countries and the individuals who have supported the Jewish State and assisted in developing it into the diverse, prosperous and thriving democracy it is today.

To RSVP and purchase a ticket to the VIP reception, click here or contact StandWithUs-NY 212-512-9200, extension 1 or e-mail [email protected]

Contact:

Shahar Azani, Executive Director, StandWithUS Northeast

212.514.9200 Ext. 11

[email protected]

SOURCE Stand With Us

Related Links

http://www.standwithus.com


Thanks to a generous gift from comic novelist and writer Anna Lefler, the University of Dayton's Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop is offering two emerging humor writers the opportunity to dive into their comedy writing without pesky everyday responsibilities.

A "lifelong fangirl and devotee of Erma Bombeck," Lefler says she was inspired to start the program because it has the potential to transform a writer's life.

"The chance to step away from your everyday responsibilities to concentrate on your humor writing AND have access to unlimited tiny soaps? The comedy practically writes itself," says Lefler a Los Angeles-based author of two funny books, Preschooled and The Chicktionary, and a three-time workshop faculty member.

"This is an opportunity for funny writers to deep dive into their comedic voices and create without limitations. I would be thrilled for this program to provide the catalyst for emerging comedy writers to break through with their art," she says.

"Like all serious writers, we expect our residents to fritter some of their time away on social media. Look for updates from the Dayton Marriott under the hashtags #HotelLOL, #RoomServiceWriter and #LaughInn."

Applications are due by midnight (EST) Oct. 6, with winners announced Dec. 4. The program is open to all humor writers regardless of gender or comedic point of view. Writers working on novels, narrative non-fiction, plays, essays, sitcom scripts and other humor writing are encouraged to apply, with special consideration given to emerging writers. Application fee is $25. Entries will be blind-judged by preliminary and finalist judges, all established writers.

Winners also will receive a free registration to the April 5-7, 2018, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop, dubbed the "Woodstock of Humor." Devoted to both humor and human interest writing, it's so popular that it sells out within hours. The Marriott at the University of Dayton is an in-kind sponsor for the workshop and the residency.

For information, visit www.humorist-in-residence.com and www.humorwriters.org.

SOURCE University of Dayton

Related Links

http://www.udayton.edu


She patrols the night shift in Americas fourth-largest city and served a tour in Iraq, but Amber (Schultz) Vick had never been more scared than she was last Sunday.

The Baraboo native had started her shift at a Houston Police Department substation last Saturday evening in a heavy rain. By 3 a.m., the parking lot was impassable. By 8 a.m., the station was taking on water.

The water just started rising real quickly, Vick said.

When the water inside the station became knee deep, the police called for help. Three hours later, as the water level rose to waist deep, first responders trained for water rescues arrived, taking stranded cops to a fire station.

It was pretty scary. We were thinking we werent going to get out of there, Vick said. I thought we were going to drown in there.

Local links

The 2000 Baraboo High School graduates harrowing escape is just one of several local links to Hurricane Harvey, which has claimed at least 60 lives and caused billions of dollars in property damage.

A building in Rockport, Texas, that served as the International Crane Foundations regional headquarters in the South was destroyed. The Baraboo nonprofit was sharing the rental building with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The storm came as ICF was preparing to move into a different facility nearby and expand its staff there from one to four. But that building also may have to be razed, said Tim Grunewald, director of North America programs.

Were dealing with it hour to hour, day to day, he said. Were kind of without a facility in the short term.

ICF wants to maintain its presence in Rockport, as it lies on St. Charles Bay, near a wildlife refuge where whooping cranes winter. Its really the heart of the whooping crane activity, Grunewald said. We have a purpose and reason to be there.

As the Wisconsin National Guard readied troops to respond to the storms aftermath, Wisconsin cheesemakers  including area producers Arena Cheese, Carr Valley Cheese and Foremost Farms Cooperative  sent 17,000 pounds of cheese to Houston.

Nights in jail

Help from home is welcome, Vick said, as resources are tight around Houston. Her department remained on around-the-clock call as the floodwaters receded. Her personal vehicle was totaled, as was most of the stations fleet of squad cars.

Vick spent two nights at the firehouse, then three more at a police substation. She spent two nights sleeping in jail cells, donning a state-issued jumpsuit in lieu of pajamas. Orange is the new blue, she said.

She and her colleagues had to move out of their cells to make room for suspected looters. They slept on cots, air mattresses and even the floor. Evacuees struggled to find food, and Vick is using a rental car.

There was a lot of frustration and chaos, Vick said. Its martial law right now.

Floodwaters neared her home in nearby Katy, but it was unscathed. Vick returned home for the first time last week, to the delight of her Doberman. She only goes home to sleep.

Vick spent eight years as a communications officer in the U.S. Army, serving one tour of duty in Iraq. Shes patrol officer working nights in a city where hundreds of murders are reported every year. She isnt faint of heart. But Harvey chilled her.

I was scared to death, Vick said. I was probably more scared of the flood than anything. I felt so helpless.

Cleaning up

Vick and her southwest substation colleagues continue to operate out of a southeast substation. Once Houston police are no longer in 24-hour operation mode, she hopes to visit Baraboo.

I would really like to spend time with family after all this, she said.

Meanwhile, first responders will continue to give their time to the rescue and recovery effort. Vick said Houston merchants are doing what they can to provide for basic needs as the water recedes.

Local businesses have been extremely generous, she said. Everybody came together.

The International Crane Foundation plans to be part of the effort to rebuild the Houston area. Grunewald said the nonprofit will re-establish its presence in Rockport, even though commercial space will be at a premium. Weve become part of the community, he said, and we want to rejoin the community.
BRUSSELS, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowell & Moring is pleased to announce the arrival of Jules Stuyck to its Brussels office as a senior counsel in the firm's Antitrust and Advertising & Product Risk Management groups. With more than 30 years of experience in European and Belgian law, Stuyck will counsel private clients and European institutions, agencies, and bodies in matters involving competition law, state aid, the customs union, free movement, public procurement, trademark and trade practices law, media law, and environmental law.

"We are excited to welcome Jules to Crowell & Moring," said the firm's chair, Angela B. Styles. "As an authority on competition law in the European Union and specifically in Belgium, he expands the capabilities of our global Antitrust Group."

Stuyck is an experienced litigator, focusing on market practices, competition law, and intellectual property. He has advised several professional associations on issues of commercial practices and various issues of substantive and institutional EU law. He joins Crowell & Moring most recently from the Belgian law firm of Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick.

"I have known Jules for many years and he is one of the top Belgian authorities on competition and unfair competition law," said Thomas De Meese, co-managing partner of the Brussels office. "His knowledge and practical experience will make him an invaluable addition to our team."

Stuyck is a leader within the European competition bar, including as a government adviser and academic authority. The European Commission appointed him to an advisory group on European sales lawThe Expert Group on European Contract Lawand he has been invited on several occasions by the European Parliament's Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection to offer his perspective on unfair trading practices, consumer law, sales law, and internal market issues. Stuyck is an emeritus professor in European law at top universities, including Catholic University Leuven and Raboud Universiteit Nijmegen. He is a guest professor at the Universite Panteon-Assas Paris 2, and a former guest professor at the Central European University Budapest. Additionally, he is the chair of the board of directors of Almancora Societe De Gestion SA., a statutory manager of KBC Ancora SCA, and he is chairman of the SELDIA (the direct selling association) Code Administrator. He is a recognized practitioner in Chambers Europe for his competition experience.

"I am very excited to join the firm's dynamic Antitrust and Advertising & Product Risk Management groups," Stuyck said. "I have had the pleasure of working alongside Crowell & Moring partners Kristof Roox and Thomas De Meese for many years and look forward to working with the firm's lawyers to expand its competition law capabilities in Europe."

Stuyck received his J.D. and doctorate from Catholic University Leuven. He is fluent in English, Dutch, and French, and is proficient in German. He has published more than 400 works, including a leading handbook on commercial practices and unfair competition law. He is also on the editorial board for several Belgian and European legal journals, including Revue de droit Commercial Belge, Journal of European Consumer and Market Law, Journal of Consumer Policy, and European Review of Contract Law.

About Crowell & Moring's Antitrust Group

Crowell & Moring's Antitrust Group is recognized as one of the leading practices in the United States and around the world. Clients engage the firm to help navigate their most complex competition law issues, including: international merger control; private damages actions; cartel investigations and litigation; government investigations; and counseling and compliance. The group's approximately 80 lawyers routinely represent industry-leading companies in some of the largest and most complex mergers and acquisitions in recent history  including successful DOJ clearance of AT&T's $67 billion acquisition of DIRECTV, one of the 20 largest transactions of all time  as well as in both affirmative recovery and defense-side antitrust litigation. The firm's antitrust litigators have achieved major results, including ongoing defense of United Airlines, DuPont, CSX, leading health care distributor Owens & Minor, and Blue Cross plans, as well as the recovery of more than a billion dollars for antitrust clients including Oracle, General Motors, and Motorola.

In Brussels, the Antitrust Group boasts eight antitrust lawyers working on high-profile matters involving cartel investigations, abuse of dominance investigations, transactions, and state aid cases under the jurisdiction of the European Union and the Belgian courts and authorities.

About Crowell & Moring's Advertising & Product Risk Management Group

Crowell & Moring's Advertising & Product Risk Management Group offers a unique, multidisciplinary approach to businesses in identifying and managing the legal risks of advertising, marketing, distribution, and sale of their products and services. Its more than 40 lawyers and policy professionals assist clients in taking innovative and proactive measures to protect their business from the array of challenges before them, from regulatory investigations and tort litigation to false and unsubstantiated claims by competitors. The group is led by former high-level government officials and nationally recognized prominent litigators in advertising litigation and consumer protection.

About Crowell & Moring LLP

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with approximately 500 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity. The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, London, and Brussels.

Media Contact:

An Pham

Manager, Media PR & Communications

+1 202.508.8740

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Crowell & Moring LLP

Related Links

http://www.crowell.com


Canadian retail technology leader launches a limited-time MERCH shop within

NKPR's iconic experiential hub during the Toronto film festival

TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Lightspeed, the most powerful cloud-based commerce solution for independent retail and restaurants, has partnered with Toronto-based public relations agency NKPR, to power retail sales during a five-day MERCH activation, from September 7-11. The IT House x Producers Ball, a two-storey lounge space and experiential hub in the heart of the festival activities, will house the retail concept with limited-time merchandise for sale through Lightspeed's mobile cloud-based POS and ecommerce solution.

Lightspeed is a pioneer in cloud-based omnichannel technology and a champion of independent businesses, empowering entrepreneurs to bring their retail vision to life with the tools they need to sell efficiently, manage inventory, and grow successfully. Evolving IT House merchandise sales this year with a completely integrated omnichannel experience, Lightspeed will have a custom brick and mortar presence at the IT House x Producers Ball, and manage NKPR's ecommerce site.

"Partnering with Lightspeed has evolved our retail capabilities this year and brought our creative vision to the next level with a POS solution that enables us to sell efficiently and with ease, so we can focus our efforts on what we do best," said Natasha Koifman, President of NKPR. "We're excited to bring this interactive retail concept to the IT House x Producers Ball this year."

"Lightspeed is created for the modern retailer and designed to meet the realities of day-to-day management for our customers. Our partnership with NKPR for the IT House x Producers Ball MERCH concept is a strong example of how our tools help entrepreneurs turn their big retail ideas into reality," said Dax Dasilva, Founder and CEO of Lightspeed.

All merchandise sold at the IT House x Producers Ball MERCH shop, powered by Lightspeed, will benefit Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ), a philanthropic effort dedicated to supporting communities in Haiti through programs in education, healthcare, and dignity through the arts.

Shop: http://ithouseproducersball.shoplightspeed.com/

SOURCE Lightspeed POS Montreal
HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston resident and veteran in the home services arena has launched HuricaneServices.org to help fellow residents and business owners get back on their feet faster by connecting them with reputable home services providers who assist with disaster cleanup.

Drying Services Ken Myers

"Being a local home and business owner myself, our family, friends, employees, and clients are experiencing firsthand the effects of Hurricane Harvey. Being in the home services arena since 2000, I know the stress and burden that comes with trying to find reputable contractors to do repair work. I wanted to use my knowledge, skill set, and connections to help my community recover from the flood," said Ken Myers, CEO of Work America Marketing, LLC, owner of HurricaneServices.org.

By working closely with other local business owners including Jacob Robinson, CEO of 1 Stone Solutions, HurricaneServices.org aims to provide referrals to service providers who will directly help home and business owners recover from Harvey. "By providing referrals to reputable companies like 1 Stone Solutions, we are taking the guess work out of finding the right contractor or service provider for home and business recovery efforts," said Myers.

In addition to providing resources and referrals, revenue generated from leads on HurricaneServices.org will be donated to nationally recognized charities who are directly helping with hurricane relief efforts in Houston. "We want to assist our community in any way we can. While we can't fix everything, we certainly can do our part."

Contractors who wish to partner with HurricaneServices.org should send an email to [email protected]. "The greater the number of contractors we can partner with, the greater the impact we can have." Myers also welcomes inquiries from local charities who are directly aiding Houston residents in their recovery efforts.

With a long-term vision of helping other victims of disasters like hurricanes, floods, and fires, through services like HurricaneServices.org, Myers and his team are dedicated to helping people get back on their feet faster while taking away the burden of finding reputable contracts to do home and business repair and recovery work.

To find a local and reputable hurricane repair and recovery service provider, visit www.HurricaneServices.org. There is no cost for referrals.

About HurricaneServices.org

HurricaneServices.org provides a simple way to connect with all of the providers you need to help you get back into your home or business more quickly after a hurricane. All of our providers are verified before they get into our network by us or our partners. It can be hard to find quality contractors. It is HurricaneServices.org's goal to help make that much easier and safer for home and business owners. To learn more, visit the HurricaneServices.org website of visit their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Media Contact:

Ken Myers

(713) 425-8148 or [email protected]

SOURCE HurricaneServices.org

Related Links

http://www.hurricaneservices.org


Galaxy Note 8 Case - Osprey - a unique, modern card case with smooth semi-automatic mechanics that let you access your cards instantly. Secures up to 2 cards in it's compact space while you're on-the-move. Compliant with MIL-STD 810G-516.7 standards. Comes in Metallic Silver, Black Metallic, Blue Cloud, Blue Sea, Gold Sand, Orchid Purple ($14.99) .

. Galaxy Note 8 Case - Gardien - a sleek, pocket-friendly case with a durable dual-layer defense system for extra impact protection. Compliant with MIL-STD 810G-516.7 standards. Comes in Black Metallic, Orchid Purple, Gold Sand, Metallic Silver, and Blue Cloud ($13.99) .

. Galaxy Note 8 Case - Diamont - a clear dual-layer case made to show off your new Galaxy Note 8 and accent its bold colors with matching bumpers. Polycarbonate (PC) and thermoplastic urethane (TPU) are layered with protective UV coating to prevent discoloration over time and preserve color and quality. Compliant with MIL-STD 810G-516.7 standards. Comes in Metallic Silver, Black Metallic, Blue Cloud, Gold Sand, Orchid Purple ($13.99) .

. Galaxy Note 8 Case - Savant - a style-forward wallet case with leather finish that adds a functional yet sophisticated look. Use the carefully crafted slots and pockets to carry your cards and cash with your Galaxy. Comes in Black and Chocolate Brown ($15.99) .

. Galaxy Note 8 Case - Huey - a single-layer case molded from matte, fingerprint-resistant TPU to provide a daily cushion on all sides and corners. Wrap your Galaxy in this snug case and keep it in pristine condition. Comes in Black ($9.99) .

To browse the entire Lumion Galaxy Note 8 case collection, visit amazon.com.

About Lumion

Founded in 2007 and incorporated in Hong Kong, Lumion is the private label OEM brand of Lumion Co., Limited. Guided by the simple philosophy to offer the best quality products at a great value, Lumion is dedicated to creating practical and useful products for any lifestyle. Lumion's customer-centric approach shapes their 3-point risk-free shopping experience. Every Lumion purchase is protected with the Lumion Lifetime Warranty and comes with free shipping and a 30-day money back guarantee. To learn more about Lumion, visit lumionus.com.

Related Links

Lumion Facebook

Lumion Twitter

Lumion Instagram

SOURCE Lumion

Related Links

https://lumionus.com


BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Incentivio's newest customer Mad Radish opened their first location and launched their app in mid July. Mad Radish was founded by David Segal and Stephanie Howarth with one goal  providing healthy food that tastes as good as it makes people feel. David previously founded DAVIDsTEA and grew the company to over 200 North American locations before taking it public. The first Mad Radish location at Albert Street opened on July 14, 2017 and the second location a couple of weeks later.

Incentivio

"With Mad Radish, we set out to create a destination that offers crave-worthy, top-quality salads at the speed of fast food. Giving busy customers the option to order through an easy-to-use and reliable app was a critical piece in delivering on that promise," said Mad Radish Founder David Segal. "The Incentivio platform has been an excellent solution for us  the platform's flexibility gives us great control over how our app looks and how our menu is presented  and the customer experience is seamless."

The app allows customers to search for locations, order and pay for their food and view their social impact (Mad Radish donates food to Community Food Centers Canada in lieu of a traditional loyalty program). Orders are received directly in the Point of Sale system, eliminating the need to train staff or install additional hardware.

"We had tight timelines and a couple of complex integrations, so we were happy to have the Mad Radish app available on the same day as they opened their first store. We're also especially proud of the fact that the app works so seamlessly in both English and French," said Rajat Bhakhri, CEO of Incentivio.

Click here for more information on how Incentivio helps restaurants grow engagement, visits and sales.

Media Contact:

Sash Dias

Phone: 1-888-586-6624

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Incentivio

Related Links

http://www.incentivio.com


TULSA, Okla., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) announced today plans to expand its refined petroleum products pipeline system to handle incremental demand for transportation of gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel to central and north Texas markets.

Supported by long-term customer commitments, Magellan plans to build an approximately 135-mile, 16-inch pipeline from its terminal in East Houston to Hearne, Texas. Magellan will own the newly-constructed pipeline from East Houston to Hearne via an undivided joint interest agreement with Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO). Magellan's ownership interest in this new pipe will provide the ability to deliver additional product north to Temple, Waco and Dallas as well as Magellan's Midcontinent markets, including Little Rock, Arkansas. Magellan plans to reverse an existing pipeline which will connect to the new pipeline segment, providing Magellan an incremental 85,000 barrels per day of refined products capacity originating from the Houston area, for an increase of nearly 50% to service Magellan's Texas, Midcontinent and Little Rock markets.

In addition, Magellan will make a number of enhancements to its existing pipeline and terminal infrastructure, including construction of 1 million barrels of refined products storage on a combined basis at its facilities in Dallas, East Houston and Hearne, and additional connections to third-party refineries, pipelines and terminals within the Houston Gulf Coast region, including Magellan's new Pasadena, Texas marine terminal that is currently under construction and expected to be operational in early 2019.

Magellan currently expects to spend approximately $375 million for its share of the project, with the expanded capacity available in mid-2019, subject to receipt of necessary permits and regulatory approvals.

"Demand for refined petroleum products remains strong along Magellan's extensive pipeline system," said Michael Mears, chief executive officer. "Magellan is pleased to meet the industry's need for pipeline capacity serving the Dallas market and other important demand centers along our refined products pipeline system with an attractive investment supported by long-term commitments from well-known, strong creditworthy customers."

If warranted by additional customer demand, Magellan's pipeline capacity originating in the Houston area could be further increased.

About Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP) is a publicly traded partnership that primarily transports, stores and distributes refined petroleum products and crude oil. The partnership owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with access to nearly 50% of the nation's refining capacity, and can store approximately 100 million barrels of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil. More information is available at www.magellanlp.com.

Portions of this document constitute forward-looking statements as defined by federal law. Although management believes any such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, actual outcomes could be materially different. Among the key risk factors that may have a direct impact on the statements made in this news release are: (1) the ability to obtain required rights-of-way, permits and other approvals on a timely basis; (2) price fluctuations and overall demand for refined petroleum products; (3) changes in tariff rates or other terms imposed by state or federal regulatory agencies; (4) the occurrence of an operational hazard or unforeseen interruption; and (5) willingness to incur or failure of customers or vendors to meet or continue contractual obligations. Additional information about issues that could lead to material changes in performance is contained in the partnership's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2016 and subsequent reports on Forms 8-K and 10-Q. You are urged to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and other disclosures made in those filings, especially under the heading "Risk Factors." Forward-looking statements made by the partnership in this release are based only on information currently known, and the partnership undertakes no obligation to revise its forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances learned of or occurring after today's date.

SOURCE Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Related Links

http://www.magellanlp.com


TSX/NYSE/PSE : MFC SEHK: 945

C$ unless otherwise stated

TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Manulife Financial Corporation ("Manulife") today announced that after having taken into account all election notices received by the September 5, 2017 deadline for conversion of its currently outstanding 10,000,000 Non-cumulative Rate Reset Class 1 Shares Series 9 (the "Series 9 Preferred Shares") (TSX: MFC.PR.I) into Non-cumulative Floating Rate Class 1 Shares Series 10 of Manulife (the "Series 10 Preferred Shares"), the holders of Series 9 Preferred Shares are not entitled to convert their Series 9 Preferred Shares into Series 10 Preferred Shares. There were 193,197 Series 9 Preferred Shares elected for conversion, which is less than the minimum one million shares required to give effect to conversions into Series 10 Preferred Shares.

As announced by Manulife on August 21, 2017, after September 19, 2017, holders of Series 9 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive fixed rate non-cumulative preferential cash dividends on a quarterly basis, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of Manulife and subject to the provisions of the Insurance Companies Act (Canada). The dividend rate for the five-year period commencing on September 20, 2017, and ending on September 19, 2022, will be 4.35100% per annum or $0.271938 per share per quarter, being equal to the sum of the five-year Government of Canada bond yield as at August 21, 2017, plus 2.86%, as determined in accordance with the terms of the Series 9 Preferred Shares.

Subject to certain conditions described in the prospectus supplement dated May 16, 2012 relating to the issuance of the Series 9 Preferred Shares, Manulife may redeem the Series 9 Preferred Shares, in whole or in part, on September 19, 2022 and on September 19 every five years thereafter.

The Series 9 Preferred Shares have not been and will not be registered in the United States under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities in the United States and any public offering of the securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus.

About Manulife



Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services group that helps people achieve their dreams and aspirations by putting customers' needs first and providing the right advice and solutions. We operate as John Hancock in the United States and Manulife elsewhere. We provide financial advice, insurance, as well as wealth and asset management solutions for individuals, groups and institutions. At the end of 2016, we had approximately 35,000 employees, 70,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving more than 22 million customers. As of June 30, 2017, we had over $1 trillion (US$780 billion) in assets under management and administration, and in the previous 12 months we made $26.7 billion in payments to our customers. Our principal operations are in Asia, Canada and the United States where we have served customers for more than 100 years. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we trade as 'MFC' on the Toronto, New York, and the Philippine stock exchanges and under '945' in Hong Kong.

SOURCE Manulife Financial Corporation

Related Links

http://www.manulife.com


Speaking ahead of this month's UN General Assembly and Climate Week in New York, Mr. Reid said the responsibility had never been greater for industry: "If we are to help deliver on the targets agreed in Paris and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, there has to be a huge step change. While many companies have been working on being more sustainable, the current level of progress is nowhere near enough."

"Mars has been in business for four generations and intends to be for the next four generations. The only way that will happen is if we do things differently to ensure that the planet is healthy and all people in our extended supply chains have the opportunity to thrive. We must work together, because the engine of global business  its supply chain  is broken, and requires transformational, cross-industry collaboration to fix it."

Mr. Reid said that when tackling Greenhouse Gas emissions for example, many businesses, including Mars, have made good progress on the impact of their own direct operations, but haven't made enough progress in their broader supply chains. He added that efforts to address poverty and human rights down the global supply chain have been well-intentioned, but have not yielded satisfactory progress.

"Data and connectivity are helping us get smarter about our impact every year. Today, climate science is clear and we understand the environmental and social challenges in our supply chain better than ever before. With this knowledge, it is clear that the scale of intervention needs to be much bolder  now is the time for business to reassess its role and responsibility in the face of the evidence."

As part of its response to these challenges, Mars today announced its "Sustainable in a Generation Plan." The plan includes a set of far-reaching goals and ambitions underpinned by science and a determination to drive impact throughout the extended supply chain. To accelerate progress, Mars will invest approximately $1billion in its Sustainable in a Generation Plan. The plan focuses on areas where Mars can impact change on some of the world's biggest problems, as defined by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainable in a Generation Plan outlines three interconnected ambitions:

Healthy Planet  with an ambition to reduce environmental impacts in line with what science says is necessary to keep the planet healthy  focusing on climate action, water stewardship and land management. For example, Mars has announced a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 67% by 2050  dramatically expanding on previous goals to reduce GHGs in its operations.

Thriving People  with an ambition to meaningfully improve the working lives of one million people in its value chain to enable them to thrive  focusing on increasing income, respecting human rights and unlocking opportunities for women. For example, we have launched the Livelihoods Fund for Family Farming to foster sustainability and poverty reduction in extended supply chains and the Farmer Income Lab, a collaborative "think-do tank" focused on generating the missing insights needed to eradicate smallholder poverty.

Nourishing Wellbeing  with an ambition to advance science, innovation and marketing in ways that help billions of people and their pets lead healthier, happier lives. This continues on its current efforts around food safety and security; product and ingredient renovation; and responsible marketing.

Mr. Reid added: "This plan is about not just doing better, but doing what's necessary. We're doing this because it's the right thing to do but also because it's good business. Creating mutual benefits for the people in our supply chain, and mitigating our impact on the environment are sound business choices. We also know that increasingly our consumers care about these issues as much as we do."

During the UN General Assembly, Mars will reveal plans to engage consumers on this topic through one of the world's biggest brands, M&M's. The new campaign leverages Mars' tremendous reach with consumers to champion the power of renewable energy and highlight the need for action in addressing climate change. Mars purchases enough wind power to offset the electricity needed for all U.S. production of M&M's. Renewable energy also plays an important role in Mars' Sustainable in a Generation Plan and key markets (U.S. & U.K.) already use it to power 100% of operations, with more markets to follow in 2018.

Mr. Reid said: "Through our much-loved M&M's brand, we can inspire consumers on this important topic and shine the spotlight on renewable energy  one of the solutions that will help us to tackle climate change and meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals."

Mars has a history of working on sustainability with others including helping create a united global front to act on climate change. The business spoke out at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP22) in Marrakech last year, by signing a letter urging global leaders to commit to the Paris Climate Agreement, and last year launched its Moy wind farm in the Scottish Highlands to generate renewable electricity equivalent to the company's entire U.K. operations.

Barry Parkin, Mars Chief Sustainability and Health and Wellbeing Officer said: "We know we cannot grow and prosper unless the planet, people and communities on which we rely are healthy and thriving."

"Doing what's right, not just doing better, is at the very core of our new plan. It's about pushing the boundaries and extending our bold ambitions across our extended supply chain. When we do that, and when others join us, only then will we have the greatest impact."

To find out more about the Mars Sustainable in a Generation plan, visit: www.SustainableInAGeneration.com.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved brands: M&M's, SNICKERS, TWIX, MILKY WAY, DOVE, PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, WHISKAS, EXTRA, ORBIT, 5, SKITTLES, UNCLE BEN'S, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD Pet Hospitals. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles  Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom  inspire its more than 85,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated

Related Links

http://www.mars.com


BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Assigning patients just got a whole lot easier for charge nurses.

MedAptus, a Boston-based healthcare technology company, has launched ASSIGN for Nurses, a new software program that matches the right patients with the right nurse by applying a proprietary protocol engine designed to handle the complexities of patient assignments.

ASSIGN for Nurses automates patient assignments.

More than a year in development, ASSIGN for Nurses replaces the cumbersome manual assignment process that most charge nurses or assistants use, which is slow, inefficient and often unfair because of imbalanced workloads.

"This is a sea change when it comes to patient assignments," says Eugene C. Schneider, MedAptus president and chief executive officer. "Not only can ASSIGN for Nurses handle the complexity of balancing multiple protocols, but it does so quickly and easily."

Using ASSIGN for Nurses is straight-forward.

First, ASSIGN automatically taps into a patient census from the EHR, along with data from the hospital's nurse scheduling software. Then, it applies protocols  such as patient acuity, geography, continuity of care and others simultaneously  to intelligently match patients with nurses. Once the assignment process is completed, the final list is then automatically generated and distributed, either electronically or in print. The entire process takes minutes to complete.

"I really like how ASSIGN for Nurses accounts for the many variables that can affect care," said Lisa Quinn, PhD, RN, OCN. "Too often, we just focus on one factor, such as patient acuity, when in fact patient-centered care involves a whole range of variables."

Studies show heavy nurse workloads can have a significant impact on patient safety and satisfaction, length of stays and readmissions. Imbalanced workloads can also lead to feelings of unfairness, frustration and even burnout. That's one reason why developing patient assignment software for nurses was so important to MedAptus.

"We wanted to create a product that specifically addresses one of the most pressing challenges nurses face," said Schneider. "So much is affected by nurse workloads. It's nice to be able to provide software that dramatically improves such an important nursing function as patient assignments."

ASSIGN for Nurses is designed to work in any unit and with any staff size. It also integrates seamlessly with all of the major EHR systems and nurse scheduling software programs, while requiring minimal IT staff involvement during implementation.

The software is the second patient assignment product MedAptus has launched in the past year. Previously, the company unveiled ASSIGN for Physicians, which applies similar rules-based algorithms to rounding assignments. The company is also developing a proprietary software for case managers and therapists as well, creating a full suite of care coordination products.

About MedAptus

MedAptus is a Boston-based healthcare technology company that helps care teams work better together by providing patient assignment, secure communications and charge capture software. The company's solutions have boosted financial performance, improved operations, and enhanced team care coordination for hospitals and other healthcare organizations throughout the United States for the past 18 years. MedAptus has also been recognized as a leader in mobile charge capture software and services by KLAS seven out of the past eight years. www.medaptus.com

Contact:

Gene Pinder

Director of Marketing

919.578.5712

[email protected]

SOURCE MedAptus

Related Links

http://www.medaptus.com


FAIRFIELD, N.J., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced positive results of its Phase 2, multi-center, open-label, maximal use systemic exposure (MUSE) study of MM36, a novel topical, non-steroidal phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor in development for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). The study showed that MM36 appears to be safe, well-tolerated and provides rapid itch relief when applied twice daily to pediatric and adolescent patients with AD.

The study consisted of 32 patients with predominantly moderate or severe AD (based on Investigator Global Assessment) and mean baseline total body surface area involvement of 43.7%. The study's primary endpoint was assessment of pharmacokinetic absorption under maximal use conditions for four weeks, with secondary endpoints of safety and tolerability based on local and systemic adverse events. The study showed that overall blood concentration of MM36 was low and consistent with earlier studies. MM36 appears to be safe and well-tolerated with no serious adverse events observed during the study.

Exploratory efficacy endpoints included assessment of time to itch relief, change in sleep patterns and improvement in disease severity using several validated scales.

Early Itch Relief

Relieving chronic itch, or pruritus, is an integral part of treating AD. Pruritus causes scratching which can lead to significant epidermal barrier damage, worsening of the disease and, potentially, development of infection. Nocturnal scratching is an issue that leads to a significant impact on AD patients' quality of life, including loss of sleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating and anxiety.1



To evaluate the potential ability of MM36 to provide rapid itch relief, the study utilized several validated pruritus measures including the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Verbal Rating Scale (VRS). Patients were assessed during the first 24 hours and through day 29. Results demonstrated:

Median time to itch improvement was 5.76 hours after MM36 application as reported using VRS 2

On average, by hour 4 patients achieved a 60% median reduction in pruritus which was sustained at day 29, as reported by VAS

Patients also reported improvements in sleep during the study, based on both the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) and Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scales.

Efficacy

Additional exploratory endpoints included measuring improvement in disease severity as measured using Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores.

Subjects achieved a 45% median reduction in EASI score by day 8 of the study, and reached 66% improvement by day 29

Disease on the face, head and neck showed a median EASI score reduction of 81% by day 29

"The results of the Phase 2 study represent a potentially significant breakthrough in the treatment of AD. Current therapies, including newly released topical and systemic therapeutics, describe pruritus resolution in days or weeks. The Phase 2 study results of MM36 demonstrate the potential for itch relief in hours, which may improve both treatment outcomes and patient quality-of-life," said Linda Stein Gold, MD, director of clinical research, Department of Dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital. "Considering both the early itch relief and observed safety findings, it appears that MM36 could address an important unmet need in AD management."

"We believe these remarkable rapid itch relief results may be a key differentiating factor for MM36," said Bradley Glassman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Medimetriks. "We are committed to the continued development of MM36 with the goal of improving the lives of AD patients. We expect to hold our End of Phase 2 Meeting with the FDA later this year and start our pivotal trials in the first quarter of 2018, with a goal of filing an NDA in the second half of 2019."

1 Simpson et al. The effects of treatment on itch in atopic dermatitis. Dermatologic Therapy 2013. Mar-Apr 26(2) 110-119.

2 ITT population. The endpoint "time to itch improvement" was defined as achievement of a VRS score of 0 to 1 with a 1 point reduction from baseline.

About MM36

Medimetriks has exclusive US rights to develop and commercialize MM36. Discovered by Otsuka Pharmaceutical at its Ako Institute in Japan and in development there as OPA-15406, MM36 is non-steroidal topical anti-inflammatory PDE4 inhibitor in development for the potential treatment of AD. MM36 is believed to exert anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of cytokines and chemical mediators thought to cause the signs and symptoms of AD. In particular, MM36 exhibits highly selective inhibitory activity against PDE4 subtypes, particularly sub-type B, which may play a significant role in inflammation.

About Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, swollen and cracked skin with intense itching. The onset of AD occurs most commonly between 3 and 6 months of age, with approximately 60% of patients developing the condition in the first year of life and 90% by 5 years of age. The majority of affected individuals have resolution of disease during childhood, although 10% to 30% of patients maintain the condition throughout their lives. A small percentage of the population develops first symptoms as adults. It has been estimated that approximately 18 million people are living with AD in the U.S. and this disease accounts for up to 20% of patient visits to dermatology offices.

About Medimetriks

Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a leading independent branded Dermatology company focused on the development, licensing and commercialization of innovative prescription skincare brands. The Company is dedicated to addressing unmet physician and patient needs with unique therapies that advance patient care.

For more information, please visit: www.medimetriks.com

Media Contact:

David Addis

Senior Vice President, Brand Communication

Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

[email protected]

+1 973 882 7512, extension 569

SOURCE Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.medimetriks.com


Two of the three Bank Mutual branches in the Madison area will close when Associated Bank takes over Bank Mutual, Associated said.

In all, 28 Bank Mutual branches and eight Associated branches will be eliminated, according to the merger applications filed on Friday with the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

The offices affected are all within a short distance of a branch of the other bank. Only six of the 36 locations are more than one mile from another of the banks branches.

Local branches of Bank Mutual slated for closing are Downtown, at 1 E. Main St., and in Middleton, leaving only the West Side office open, at 5521 Odana Road. Three other area Bank Mutual branches will cease operating  in Portage, Beaver Dam and Janesville. None of the Associated branches in south-central Wisconsin are due to shut down as a result of the transaction.

Notices of the applications were published in Milwaukee and Green Bay newspapers last Friday, and confirmed in a news release provided to the Wisconsin State Journal on Tuesday.

The banks holding companies  Associated Banc-Corp, of Green Bay, and Bank Mutual Corp., of Brown Deer  announced in July that Associated plans to buy Bank Mutual in an all-stock transaction valued at $482 million. If approved, the acquisition will be final in the first quarter of 2018.

Associated is the largest bank based in Wisconsin, with $29 billion in assets. Bank Mutual is the largest bank based in the Milwaukee area, with $2.7 billion in assets.

Associated did not say how many employees would be affected by the branch closings but Associated President and CEO Philip Flynn has said the bank, which has 4,400 employees, typically has about 300 openings at any given time.

There will be significant, ongoing opportunities for employees of both organizations to contribute to the organization over the long-term, the most recent news release said.
TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MedStack and Zensurance announced a partnership to bring competitive cyber-liability insurance packages to MedStack customers. Given MedStack's highly secure and stable platform, Zensurance has built an exclusive and highly-competitive cybersecurity offering from North America's largest cybersecurity insurance provider for digital health companies in the MedStack ecosystem.

MedStack, Zensurance

"Our mission at MedStack is to accelerate the creation and adoption of innovative digital solutions in health care for the benefit of patients, families, health researchers and health care providers. That means assuring the sustainability of the businesses that create these solutions," says MedStack Co-Founder and CEO Balaji Gopalan. "We're thrilled to partner with Zensurance to enable our customers to meet the cyber-liability insurance requirements of their health care businesses, along with rapid integration via our platform."

"Cybersecurity insurance is critical for anyone holding sensitive medical information," says Zensurance Co-Founder and CEO Danish Yusuf. "However, in order to get this insurance, one has to convince an insurance company that the underlying technology and databases are highly secure, conform to all regulatory requirements, and are managed by someone with deep experience in the field. MedStack's platform accomplishes this in a consistent, rigorous manner."

MedStack and Zensurance's partnership represents the next evolution for their respective companies. This partnership is a continuation of MedStack's mission to better assure market success for digital health companies, from achieving and maintaining privacy compliance to accelerating business growth and expanding the reach of innovation. Zensurance builds tailored insurance products for each industry segment, and enables a fully digital purchasing experience. Together, MedStack and Zensurance's joint offering provides digital health companies with comprehensive support across the most critical aspects of their business.

Companies running on MedStack's platform meet the highest levels of security and stability, and thus qualify for preferential cybersecurity insurance packages from Zensurance. MedStack customers may take advantage of this unique opportunity by contacting Zensurance and asking for the MedStack cybersecurity insurance package.

Media Contact:

Balaji Gopalan (MedStack)

647-400-7268

[email protected]

Danish Yusuf (Zensurance)

416-627-4369

[email protected]

About MedStack

MedStack, Inc. is a Toronto, Canada-based company focused on empowering broader innovation in health care by removing barriers to digital product development. MedStack's platform provides built-in operations to streamline technical security, privacy legislation and data integration in health care.Over 30 health care companies across North America are powered by MedStack's one-of-a-kind cloud offering. www.medstack.co

About Zensurance

Zensurance is Canada's leading online commercial insurance brokerage. Zensurance is transforming the way startups and small businesses manage all their commercial insurance needs. The company offers curated insurance packages specifically built for each industry and provides a digital experience to purchase and manage policies rapidly. www.zensurance.com

SOURCE MedStack, Zensurance

Related Links

http://www.medstack.co


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely Michigan voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, Michigan voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 803 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics on August 17 and 18 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 3.5 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, Michigan voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 74.6 percent of Michigan voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 15.3 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 71.5 percent to 20.9 percent, Michigan voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Michiganders want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Michigan voters' views on sanctuary policies:

74.6 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An even greater percentage of Hispanic voters, 81.7 percent, support that requirement.

71.5 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

60.9 percent of likely voters want Sen. Debbie Stabenow to support H.R. 3003, including 47.1 percent of Democrats and 65.2 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 47.1 percent of Democrats and 65.2 percent of Independents. 63.0 percent of likely voters want Sen. Gary Peters to support H.R. 3003, including 79.5 percent of Republicans and 65.6 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Cassie Williams

[email protected]

202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely Missouri voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, Missouri voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 604 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics on August 17, 18, and 19 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 4.0percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, Missouri voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 75.2 percent of Missouri voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 15.9 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 70.2 percent to 22.2 percent, Missouri voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Missourians want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Missouri voters' views on sanctuary policies:

75.2 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These views are shared by Hispanic voters, 58.5 percent of whom support that requirement.

70.2 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

65.2 percent of likely voters want Sen. Claire McCaskill to support H.R. 3003, including 55.2 percent of Democrats and 63.2 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 55.2 percent of Democrats and 63.2 percent of Independents. 68.7 percent of likely voters want Sen. Roy Blunt to support H.R. 3003, including 81.7 percent of Republicans and 68.6 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Cassie Williams

[email protected]

202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Stratistics MRC, The Global Mobile Cranes Market is accounted for $9.08 billion in 2016 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% to reach $14.56 billion by 2023. The market is driven by rapid growth in the power distribution sector, demand from utilities sector, expansion in industrial construction and maintenance and increased infrastructure based development. Further, demand for fleet management services is also provoking demand for cranes. On the other hand, lack of skilled and qualified crane operators, stringent emission norms, used and spurious equipment and growing cost of compliance are inhibiting the market growth. Few trends that market is witnessing are growing popularity of telescopic crawlers, demand for mobile tower cranes and rising use of telematics.







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05088984





The construction segment dominated the end user market due to the recovery of the housing market and growth in the non-residential construction industry. All-terrain crane segment dominated the global mobile cranes market. Asia Pacific region is expected to bloom during the forecast period as Countries such as India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines will contribute significantly to the growth of this regional market as well as The government of China's focus on increasing the quality of the country's existing infrastructure is a significant factor. Europe and North America are expected to contribute the future growth of the mobile cranes market.

The key players in global Mobile Cranes market are Hitachi Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Crane Co., Ltd., KATO WORKS CO, LTD, Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd, Liebherr Group, Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd, Tadano Ltd, Terex Corporation, The Manitowoc Company, Inc, XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd and Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd.

Products Covered:

 All Terrain Cranes

 Crawler Cranes

 Truck Cranes

 Rough Terrain Cranes

 Other Mobile Cranes



End Users Covered:

 Oil & Gas

 Utilities

 Construction

 Shipping & Port Building

 Other End Users





Regions Covered:

 North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

 Europe

o Germany

o UK

o Italy

o France

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

 Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o South Korea

o Rest of Asia Pacific

 South America

o Argentina

o Brazil

o Chile

o Rest of South America

 Middle East & Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE

o Qatar

o South Africa

o Rest of Middle East & Africa





What 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 advancements



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05088984



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.



https://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


This year, Moe's isn't just giving away free queso to every guest, the brand has upped the ante by launching a 24-hour Queso Hotline to support and comfort all queso obsessed fans that put queso before everything because queso is life. Plus, on Sept. 1, Moe's launched a Free Queso for Life sweepstakes awarding one lucky fan a lifetime supply of liquid gold (the stakes are high this year!).

"As we move into our 17th year of serving our famous queso, which is now available in over 700 restaurants, we know just how much our fans light up at the mere mention of the liquid gold," said Bruce Schroder, President of Moe's. "It is time once again to celebrate Free Queso Day together, our annual chance to say thanks to our loyal fans and invite queso newbies along to see why Moe's is known for it."

In an effort to support fans nationwide in their passion to indulge in flawless liquid gold  Moe's will launch a 24-hour Queso Hotline at 12:01 AM on Free Queso Day, Sept. 21 for fans to divulge their queso confessions; plus, we've got even more queso surprises for our fans on the line.

Give Moe's experts a call on the Queso Hotline at 1-855-440-6337 if you want to share a confession about:

How much queso you've eaten in one sitting

How often you think about eating queso

The weirdest food you put on queso (when in doubt, do it)

The craziest queso-related thing you've ever done

Additionally, don't miss out on the chance to win a lifetime supply of Moe's famous queso. Here's how to enter the Free Moe's Queso for Life sweepstakes between Sept. 1 and Sept. 17, 2017:

Download the Moe's Rockin' Rewards App on your smartphone;

Make a purchase at Moe's and check in through the app by scanning your receipt; OR

Visit Moe's Facebook page and click on the "Free Queso for Life" ad

On Sept. 21, the winner will be announced during a Facebook Live on the Moe's Facebook page.

For more information about the Moe's Queso for Life sweepstake visit: www.moes.com/rules.

About Moe's Southwest Grill

Welcome to Moe's! Founded in 2000 and based in Atlanta, GA, Moe's Southwest Grill is a fast-casual restaurant franchise that serves high quality and fresh southwestern food. Moe's has an extensive variety of menu items to please the entire family  from burritos to specialty items like quesadillas, nachos and stacks. Whether you visit one of our 700 franchised locations or have us cater your next event, free chips and salsa come with every order, and each restaurant has a salsa bar and serves our famous queso. Moe's Southwest Grill has been recognized as the Brand of the Year in the Fast Casual Mexican Restaurant category for two years in a row based on the 2016 & 2017 Harris Poll EquiTrend Studies. Check us out online at www.moes.com to find a store near you, and then connect with us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE Moe's Southwest Grill

Related Links

http://www.moes.com


TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), established in the 1990s, was intended to keep incompetent doctors, once discovered, from simply setting up shop in another location. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) declared that it could not be used by hospitals to end the careers of physician whistleblowers. However, the nearly absolute immunity conferred on hospitals for peer review has indeed enabled hospitals to retaliate against good physicians with sham peer review, out of anti-competitive or other nefarious motives, writes Lawrence Huntoon, M.D., Ph.D., in the fall issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.

A single Adverse Action Report in the NPDB can ruin a physician's chance of obtaining medical staff privileges at any hospital or acceptance on an insurance panel. Thus, the accuracy of information in the NPDB is of paramount importance. Many questions have been raised about the efficiency and accuracy of this agency. This issue contains a transcript of an interview with NPDB director David Loewenstein.

Loewenstein stated that NPDB receives about 100,000 reports each year. Its review is limited to two things: whether the report was submitted in accordance with NPDB reporting requirements, and whether the information is consistent with the records received. NPDB does not review the underlying merits of the action that was taken.

There are very limited mechanisms for removal of an Adverse Action Report without a request by the reporting entity, one being a jury verdict that overturned a hospital's action.

According to Loewenstein, the NPDB is not intended to be used on its own. "It should be used in combination with other sources that an entity would receive. We ask that those entities do more research when seeing an NPDB report."

However, according to Dr. Huntoon, who is chairman of the AAPS Committee to Combat Sham Peer Review, hospital administrators don't look much farther than the fact that there is an Adverse Action Report when they deny privileges. Hospitals are required by law to query the data bank before putting someone on staff and then every two years thereafter for renewal of privileges.

Loewenstein stated that NPDB collects no data on sham peer review. Its sole function is to collect information as required by statute and to make it available.

The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons is published by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), a national organization representing physicians in all specialties since 1943.

SOURCE Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS)

Related Links

http://www.aapsonline.org


MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AliveCor, the leader in FDA-cleared personal electrocardiogram (EKG) technology, today announced the results of four clinical research presentations that demonstrate that AliveCor's hyper-fast, 30 second, digital EKG can positively impact and potentially even save the lives of millions of people around the world who suffer from Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).

As a medtech leader, AliveCor uses advanced artificial intelligence, mobile, cloud, and micro-electrode technology to change the dynamic in cardiac care. AliveCor empowers patients worldwide to proactively manage heart health and provide the potential to vastly improve the quality of care in the fight against heart disease. AliveCor's Kardia Mobile enables patients and their care teams to easily, quickly, and inexpensively detect and manage possible AFib, the single leading cause of stroke and heart failure.

"Over 35 million people around the world unknowingly suffer from Atrial Fibrillation," said AliveCor CEO Vic Gundotra. "AFib is widely understood to be the leading predictor of stroke and heart failure. AliveCor's app based digital EKG enables patients to conveniently and precisely detect AFib and to deliver clinical grade EKGs to their health care providers."

Key Kardia Mobile-focused findings from the 2017 European Society of Cardiology Congress In Barcelona include:

Patients using Kardia Mobile had a 4X increase in AFib Detection: Professor Julian Halcox of Swansea University Hospital in Wales presented The REHEARSE-AF Study at ESC with simultaneous publication in Circulation , The Journal of the American Heart Association. This randomized study provided AliveCor Kardia units to 500 seniors, who used them to record two EKGs per week for a year and compared the results to 500 seniors who received conventional care from their General Practitioner. At the end of the year, the Kardia group had a 4-fold increase in AFib diagnosis compared to the control group, thereby enabling the initiation of potentially life-saving anticoagulant therapy.

Professor of Swansea University Hospital in presented The Study at ESC with simultaneous publication in , The Journal of the American Heart Association. This randomized study provided AliveCor Kardia units to 500 seniors, who used them to record two EKGs per week for a year and compared the results to 500 seniors who received conventional care from their General Practitioner. At the end of the year, the Kardia group had a 4-fold increase in AFib diagnosis compared to the control group, thereby enabling the initiation of potentially life-saving anticoagulant therapy. Cleveland Clinic study shows Kardia Mobile AFib detection accuracy similar to that of physicians. Dr. Khaldoun Tarakji from the Cleveland Clinic presented the iREAD Study which evaluated the accuracy of the AliveCor automatic AFib algorithm versus expert cardiology over-read of both the Kardia recordings and 12-lead EKGs. Dr. Tarakji found that the Kardia algorithm in 52 patients had a 96.6% sensitivity and a 94% specificity compared to a cardiology over-read of the simultaneous 12-lead EKGs for the diagnosis of AFib. Additionally, over 93% of the patients found the Kardia to be easy to use and that it "lessened AFib-diagnosis anxiety."

Dr. from the Cleveland Clinic presented the Study which evaluated the accuracy of the AliveCor automatic AFib algorithm versus expert cardiology over-read of both the Kardia recordings and 12-lead EKGs. Dr. Tarakji found that the Kardia algorithm in 52 patients had a 96.6% sensitivity and a 94% specificity compared to a cardiology over-read of the simultaneous 12-lead EKGs for the diagnosis of AFib. Additionally, over 93% of the patients found the Kardia to be easy to use and that it "lessened AFib-diagnosis anxiety." Kardia Mobile is able to detect more patients with AFib that were previously undiagnosed: Dr. Bryan Yan of The Chinese University of Hong Kong presented research of over 12,000 patients 65 and older. He found that at each 30-second EKG using Kardia Mobile, his team was able to identify more and more patients with previously undiagnosed AFib. This result demonstrates the empirical value of convenient, inexpensive self-screening using Kardia Mobile.

Dr. of The presented research of over 12,000 patients 65 and older. He found that at each 30-second EKG using Kardia Mobile, his team was able to identify more and more patients with previously undiagnosed AFib. This result demonstrates the empirical value of convenient, inexpensive self-screening using Kardia Mobile. Patients find Kardia Mobile easy to use: Dr. Ngai Yin Chan of Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong presented the AFinder Study which used community volunteers to perform opportunistic screening for AFib using AliveCor's Kardia Mobile in over 10,000 Hong Kong citizens age 50 and older. 244 participants were found to have AFib, with 74 of those previously undiagnosed. This study validates, that using Kardia Mobile, that volunteer senior citizens who were not medical professionals could perform medical screening of their peers with successful identification of a serious medical condition.

AliveCor's FDA-cleared Kardia Mobile continues to be the most clinically-validated EKG solution on the market and is currently recommended by physicians at top cardiovascular health systems in the U.S. For more information: https://www.alivecor.com/.

About AliveCor

AliveCor, Inc. is pioneering the creation of FDA-cleared machine learning techniques to enable proactive heart care and is recognized around the world for transforming cardiac care. The FDA-cleared Kardia Mobile is the most clinically validated mobile EKG solution on the market and is recommended by leading cardiologists and used by people worldwide for accurate EKG recordings. This simple-to-use mobile device and app-based service provides instant analysis for detecting atrial fibrillation (AFib) and normal sinus rhythm in an EKG. Kardia Pro is the first AI-enabled platform for doctors to monitor patients for the early detection of atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia that leads to a five times greater risk of stroke. AliveCor was recognized by Fast Company as one of 2017's most innovative companies in health (#3). AliveCor is a privately-held company headquartered in Mountain View, Calif. For more information, please visit alivecor.com.

For more information on partnership inquiries, please contact the following:

US: [email protected]

International: [email protected]

SOURCE AliveCor

Related Links

https://www.alivecor.com/


MADISON, N.J., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NRT LLC, the nation's largest residential real estate brokerage company, announced today that Laura R. Rittenberg has been named president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Atlanta. In this position, Rittenberg will oversee the daily operations of the company's 11 real estate offices and more than 850 affiliated sales agents and employees serving the Greater Atlanta metro.

Rittenberg most recently served as the president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage on Long Island in New York with direct oversight of 13 real estate offices doing business throughout Nassau, Suffolk and Queens counties. Under her direction, the company boasted more than $1.4 billion in total sales volume in 2016.

"Laura is an experienced leader with knowledge across diverse markets. She is results driven and focused on ensuring that affiliated agents have the resources to help them build their businesses and obtain results," said Kate Rossi, regional executive vice president, Eastern Region of NRT LLC. "I am confident that Laura will be a great benefit to the long-term growth and development of our Atlanta market."

With a successful real estate career that spans more than 30 years, Rittenberg has a proven track record of building and managing successful real estate companies in major markets including Denver, Connecticut, Westchester (N.Y.) and Long Island. She has worked as an agent, sales manager, franchise owner and corporate executive. She has owned and operated two independent real estate companies, a mortgage company and a real estate licensing school and managed sales offices for two national franchises. She joined NRT's Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage when it acquired her brokerage company in 2000.

Rittenberg is replacing former president Charlotte Sears, who has chosen to retire this year.

"Charlotte has made enormous contributions to our organization," said Rossi. "We are thankful for her leadership and dedication to the many agents she has mentored throughout her remarkable career. We wish her much success in her future endeavors."

Sears began her real estate career as a sales agent more than 30 years ago. She was serving as general sales manager for an Atlanta-based company when it was acquired by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in 2002. She was named executive vice president of the organization at that time and was appointed president of the company in 2005.

NRT LLC is the nation's largest residential real estate brokerage firm. NRT owns and operates companies in approximately 50 of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the United States, with approximately 790 offices and approximately 47,500 independent sales associates. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), owns and operates residential brokerage offices nationwide under the brand names of Coldwell Banker, Coldwell Banker Commercial Sotheby's International Realty, The Corcoran Group ZipRealty, and Climb Real Estate.

Media Contact: Roni Boyles (781) 684-5462, [email protected]

SOURCE NRT LLC

Related Links

http://www.nrtllc.com


Optym specializes in optimization solutions for the transportation and logistics industries. Founded in Gainesville in 2000, the global company, which has offices in Armenia, Australia, Chile and India, serves railroad, airline, trucking and mining companies. Since 2015, Optym has been located in its current facility. From 2004 to 2015, Optym had been located at the Gainesville Technology Entrepreneurship Center (GTEC), a Santa Fe College-led business incubator, focusing on technology and light manufacturing. The new expansion will provide additional capacity for ongoing growth, which includes Optym's promise of hiring at least 100 employees through 2018. In addition to expanding their facility, Optym expanded its campus from three to ten acres by acquiring new land, which will allow employees to enjoy their surroundings with plenty of outdoor space.

Dr. Ravi Ahuja, President & CEO of Optym, said, "This expansion will allow Optym to continue to grow in the years to come. We are continually aspiring to make bigger impacts, but we cannot do that without a dedicated team and world-class facilities. This new space will inspire and motivate our team, and will assist Optym to reach new heights."

Rory Causseaux, Chair of Board of Directors of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce said, "A company that has experienced the level of success that Optym has could choose to locate anywhere in the world. The fact that Optym continues to choose to grow in Greater Gainesville is indicative of the strength of our region's industry-focused, talent-rich business ecosystem. We are elated to have this company here and look forward to watching it succeed and grow for years to come."

The close relationship between the University of Florida and Optym has resulted in the company frequently hiring undergraduate and post-graduate students for internships and full-time positions.

A time-lapse video of the construction can be found here: https://youtu.be/X3tQiMquoas

Contact: Sam Ahuja, [email protected]

SOURCE Optym

Related Links

http://www.optym.com


The certificate program was designed to show certificate awardees' high level of competency and commitment to performing high-quality audits. Developed by leading experts and members of AICPS's Employee Benefit Plans Audit Quality Center, the competency-based examination for certification tests one's ability to plan, perform and evaluate employee benefit plan audits in accordance with the latest AICPA standards and Department of Labor and IRS requirements. The certificate acknowledges Mr. Kobernicki's achievement by declaring his dedication to quality and distinguishes his knowledge and expertise in this area.

At ORBA, Mr. Kobiernicki manages audits, reviews and monthly accounting engagements for privately-held companies, including restaurants, manufacturers, maintenance contractors, professional services providers and clients in a range of industries. He also manages audits for not-for-profit organizations and prepares all required tax filings for these clients.

About AICPA

Founded in 1887, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is the national professional organization of Certified Public Accountants in the United States, with more than 418,000 members in 143 countries in business and industry, public practice, government, education, student affiliates and international associates. It sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, non-profit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It also develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination.

Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA) is a full-service accounting, tax and business consulting firm located in downtown Chicago serving privately-held companies, individuals and not-for-profit organizations. ORBA's Certified Public Accountants have experience with accounting and assurance, business advisory services, financial and estate planning, fraud investigation, tax, litigation, and mergers and acquisitions. With some of the highest levels of direct client involvement in the industry, ORBA is where clients go to build long-standing, meaningful and successful relationships with resourceful, proactive business and tax advisors. For more information, visit www.orba.com. Subscribe to our blog www.orbablog.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Contact:

Joy Long

312.670.7444

SOURCE Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA)

Related Links

http://www.orba.com


An energy summit aimed at bringing African leaders and U.S. energy providers, researchers and regulators to Madison this month has been postponed indefinitely because most of the African registrants were denied visas, organizers said.

The US-Africa Energy Summit 2017, which was to be hosted by UW-Platteville and scheduled for Sept. 18-19 at Monona Terrace, was canceled after the U.S. Department of State refused to issue visas to key presenters and attendees, professor and summit organizer John O. Ifediora said.

About 80 percent of the participants from countries including Botswana, Ghana and South Africa were denied visas because they did not meet the minimum requirements for a U.S. visa, Ifediora said.

Kevin Brosnahan of the Department of States Bureau of Consular Affairs said that most visa applications are approved worldwide, but the most common reason for denial on a business or tourism visa application is that the applicant didnt show sufficient ties to his or her home country to compel them to return.

We are working very hard to rectify this problem and reschedule the summit, Ifediora said.

Ifediora noted similar problems at another conference earlier this year in which none of the invitees from Africa could obtain the necessary visas.

The 4th annual African Global Economic and Development Summit was scheduled for March 16-18 at the University of Southern California. But because of bureaucratic hurdles or outright denials, none of the 60 African government and business leaders could obtain visas.

Mary Flowers, who organized the California summit, has worked as an international trade consultant to African countries for more than 25 years. She told the State Journal that obtaining visas seems to have gotten more difficult since President Donald Trump took office.

I dont understand how were going to do business with a continent that has 54 countries if we cant bring them here, Flowers said.

Flowers said she doesnt know why the Department of State was issuing more denials.

Brosnahan said all visas are reviewed based on U.S. immigration law, which has not changed under the Trump administration.

Because visa records are confidential under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Brosnahan said he could not give details on the cases relating to the summit.

Madison Ald. Samba Baldeh, a native of Gambia, said he was registered to attend the sold-out conference. He called the denials part of Trumps policy to deny, stall and obstruct visa requests regardless of their source.

The Department of State has squandered a great opportunity for energy-deprived nations to work with advanced energy providers of the U.S. and Wisconsin, Baldeh said. This policy isolated the U.S. from the business and culture of the rest of the world.

Among the planned speakers and panelists for the summit were former U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, president and CEO of Alliant Energy Patricia L. Kampling, CEO of Africa Global Chamber of Commerce Olivier Kamanzi and more.

Registration fees for the summit will be refunded, Ifediora said.
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. announces the appointment of Michael Wyand, DVM, PhD as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Wyand will also join Oxeia's Board of Directors.

Dr. Wyand brings to Oxeia over 25 years of experience in biopharmaceuticals including general management, clinical development, and technical operations.

"Michael is a veteran biopharmaceutical executive with deep experience to push Oxeia forward into clinical studies of OXE-103 for concussions and other neurotrauma conditions. We are excited to have Michael lead the team to develop this potentially life changing therapeutic," said Amit Munshi, Co-founder of Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals.

Oxeia is preparing to initiate a phase 2 clinical study in concussion patients with OXE-103. OXE-103 is an agent with well-established neuroprotective properties with an extensive safety record.

"I am excited to join the Oxeia team at a stage where we can rapidly initiate clinical studies. Concussions are a major unmet medical need require novel solutions, including therapeutics. I look forward to working with the Oxeia team to move our clinical agenda forward rapidly, " said Michael Wyand, CEO of Oxeia.

Dr. Wyand was previously President & COO of Epirus Biopharmaceuticals after serving as CTO from 2012 to 2016. Prior to Epirus Dr. Wyand was Head of R&D at Percivia, a global J&J/DSM joint venture; SVP of Development at BioAssets Development, acquired by Cephalon; and SVP R&D at Therion Biologics, a pioneering private-equity-financed, cancer vaccine company. At Therion, Dr. Wyand lead the development of PROSTVAC, a pox-virus based immunotherapeutic vaccine for prostate cancer, licensed by BMS in 2015 and managed the design/build of a cGMP manufacturing plant in Cambridge, MA. Dr. Wyand started his career at Genzyme Transgenics where he was President and CSO of Mason Laboratories a wholly owned subsidiary. Dr. Wyand trained in comparative pathology at Harvard Medical School, received his DVM from Purdue University and his PhD in Pathology from the University of Connecticut. He received a BS in Biology from the University of Connecticut where he graduated with honors as a University Scholar.

Please visit www.oxeiabiopharma.com for more information and contact details.

About Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately held clinical stage biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, CA. The company is focused on developing treatments for concussions and other acute neurotrauma conditions.

Oxeia's lead program, OXE-103, uniquely targets the metabolic dysfunction and subsequent neurotrauma underlying acute concussion pathophysiology. The program has maintained a strong safety profile across nine previous clinical studies totaling 345 patients. Oxeia anticipates initiating Phase 2 studies for OXE-103 in concussion and additional neurological indications in early 2018.

Contact:

Kartik Shah, Chief Business Officer

[email protected]

207-232-2863

SOURCE Oxeia Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.oxeiabiopharma.com


CRANBURY, NJ, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE MKT: PTN; "Palatin") announced today that it has entered into a collaboration and license agreement with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Industrial Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Fosun Pharma"), for exclusive rights to develop and commercialize bremelanotide for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) indications in the territories of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong S.A.R. and Macau S.A.R. Fosun Pharma is a leading Chinese healthcare provider with annual sales of more than $2 billion. Bremelanotide is an investigational product designed for on-demand treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women. Palatin previously announced positive Phase 3 results with bremelanotide for treating HSDD in premenopausal women. A New Drug Application (NDA) is anticipated to be filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the first quarter of calendar year 2018.

Under the terms of the agreement, Palatin will receive an upfront payment of $5.0 million and a $7.5 million milestone based on regulatory approval in China. Palatin has the potential to receive up to $92.5 million in sales related milestones and high single-digit to low double-digit royalties on net sales in the licensed territory. All development, regulatory, sales, marketing, and commercial activities and associated costs in the licensed territory will be the sole responsibility of Fosun Pharma.

"We are extremely pleased to have Fosun Pharma as our partner for bremelanotide in mainland China and certain surrounding territories," stated Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin. "Fosun's significant resources and commercial capabilities are uniquely suited to raise awareness and understanding of HSDD and the potential benefits of bremelanotide to health care providers and patients. I am confident that Fosun will drive a successful approval and launch of bremelanotide in China. This collaboration is aligned with Palatin's global strategy to bring bremelanotide to the market for the millions of women who have female sexual dysfunction and are seeking a safe and effective treatment."

Yifang Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Fosun Pharma, commented, "We are pleased to partner with Palatin and further the advancement of the bremelanotide program for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction in China. Female Healthcare is an important area of our growth strategy. Bremelanotide complements our active strategy to bring innovative and first-in-class compounds to market and we look forward to advancing bremelanotide to address the large, unmet medical needs of women with female sexual dysfunction."

Palatin previously announced that it entered into an agreement with AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. granting AMAG exclusive North American rights to develop and commercialize bremelanotide.

About Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)

HSDD, the most common type of female sexual dysfunction, affects approximately 15 million women in the U.S. and is characterized by low sexual desire that causes marked distress or relationship anxiety. Approximately 5.8 million pre-menopausal women have a primary diagnosis of HSDD. Patient awareness and understanding of the condition remain extremely low, and few women currently seek treatment. Recent market research indicates that 95 percent of pre-menopausal women suffering from HSDD are unaware that it is a treatable medical condition. Furthermore, the majority of these women indicated a willingness to try a product like bremelanotide, if recommended by their doctor.

About Bremelanotide

Bremelanotide, an investigational drug product, is thought to possess a novel mechanism of action, activating endogenous melanocortin pathways involved in sexual desire and response.

The two Phase 3 studies for HSDD in pre-menopausal women consisted of double-blind placebo-controlled, randomized parallel group studies comparing a single use, subcutaneous dose of 1.75 mg of bremelanotide versus placebo, in each case, delivered via an auto-injector. Each trial consisted of more than 600 patients randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the treatment arm or placebo with a 24 week evaluation period. In both clinical trials, bremelanotide met the pre-specified co-primary efficacy endpoints of median improvement in desire and decrease in distress associated with low sexual desire as measured using validated patient-reported outcome instruments.

Women in the trials had the option, after completion of the trial, to continue in an ongoing open-label safety extension study for an additional 52 weeks. Nearly 80% of patients who completed the randomized portion of the study elected to remain in the open-label portion of the study, and all of these patients will continue to receive bremelanotide.

In both Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials, the most frequent adverse events were nausea, flushing, and headache, which were generally mild-to-moderate in severity.

Bremelanotide has no known alcohol interactions.

About Palatin Technologies

Palatin Technologies, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing targeted, receptor-specific peptide therapeutics for the treatment of diseases with significant unmet medical need and commercial potential. Palatin's strategy is to develop products and then form marketing collaborations with industry leaders in order to maximize their commercial potential. For additional information regarding Palatin, please visit Palatin's website at www.Palatin.com.

About Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd.

Established in 1994, Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Fosun Pharma"; stock code: 600196.SH, 02196.HK) is a leading healthcare group in China. Fosun Pharma's business covers the whole healthcare industry chain, including pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D, healthcare services, medical devices and diagnosis, as well as pharmaceutical distribution and retail, making contribution to improving people's health. Fosun Pharma maintains a national recognized enterprise technology center and a highly capable international R&D team, with relentless efforts exerted on innovation and research of therapeutic areas including cardiovascular system, central nervous system, blood system, metabolism and alimentary system, anti-infection and anti-tumor. Going forward, Fosun Pharma will adhere to the brand philosophy of "Innovation for Good Health", and will continue sticking to the development strategy of "organic growth, external expansion and integrated development", striving to become a first-tier enterprise in the global mainstream pharmaceutical and healthcare market.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements about future expectations of Palatin Technologies, Inc. such as statements about clinical trial results with bremelanotide, potential actions by regulatory agencies relating to bremelanotide, potential labels and indications for bremelanotide, and market potential for bremelanotide are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Palatin intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Palatin's actual results to be materially different from its historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Palatin's actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements for reasons including, but not limited to, results of nonclinical, preclinical and toxicology studies, result of clinical trials, regulatory actions by the FDA and the need for regulatory approvals, regulatory actions by the USPTO, Palatin's ability to fund development of its technology and establish and successfully complete clinical trials, the length of time and cost required to complete clinical trials and submit applications for regulatory approvals, products developed by competing pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, commercial acceptance of Palatin's products, and other factors discussed in Palatin's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Palatin is not responsible for updating for events that occur after the date of this press release.

References Regarding HSDD

U.S Census Bureau, 2014

Shifren et all, Sexual Problems and Distress in United States Women; Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vol. 112, No. 5, November 2008

U.S. Census Bureau, 2015 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates

Mayo Clinic Proceedings: "Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) Expert Consensus Panel Review," Volume 92, Issue 1, January 2017

Burke Institute: Patient and Economic Flow Study, April 2016

Burke Institute: Patient Segmentation Insights, August 2016

SOURCE Palatin Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.palatin.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely Pennsylvania voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, Pennsylvania voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 813 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics on August 17 and 18 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 3.4 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, Pennsylvania voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 77.1 percent of Pennsylvania voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 14.2 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 72.5 percent to 18.6 percent, Pennsylvania voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that Pennsylvanians want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of Pennsylvania voters' views on sanctuary policies:

77.1 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An even greater percentage of Hispanic voters, 81.8 percent, support that requirement.

72.5 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

64.3 percent of likely voters want Sen. Bob Casey to support H.R. 3003, including 55.0 percent of Democrats and 57.8 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 55.0 percent of Democrats and 57.8 percent of Independents. 68.2 percent of likely voters want Sen. Pat Toomey to support H.R. 3003, including 82.8 percent of Republicans and 61.6 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Cassie Williams

[email protected]

202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

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PURCHASE, N.Y., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PepsiCo, Inc. (NYSE: PEP) today announced that it will issue its third quarter 2017 (ending September 9) financial results on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at approximately 6:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) by posting the results on the company's website at www.pepsico.com/investors. The results will also be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on a Form 8-K, which will be available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

PepsiCo will issue an advisory release on October 4 over a news wire service to announce that the results have been posted and are available on the company's website at www.pepsico.com/investors. The earnings conference call for investors and financial analysts will be webcast at 7:45 a.m. EDT that morning. The webcast will be available at www.pepsico.com/investors under "Events and Presentations."

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated approximately $63 billion in net revenue in 2016, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose  our fundamental belief that the success of our company is inextricably linked to the sustainability of the world around us. We believe that continuously improving the products we sell, operating responsibly to protect our planet and empowering people around the world enable PepsiCo to run a successful global company that creates long-term value for society and our shareholders. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com.

SOURCE PepsiCo, Inc.

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LONDON, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

"Operational excellence is what every company is striving to achieve. Some companies perhaps define this slightly different to the Agile, Lean-Six Sigma approach I'm typically involved in. I think what companies fail at is defining what they mean by operational or process excellence. In terms of department ownership." Says, Martin Rowlson, Global Head of Process Excellence at Uber and key contributor on the 2017 Biennial PEX Network Report: Global State of Process Excellence.

In order to grow as a business every company needs to remain competitive. As a result, the goal for all organizations should be how to find and retain their competitive edge. This requires true understanding of how work gets done and continuous improvement - what your company is now versus what your company should be in the future. This means your company needs a clear vision of what you want to achieve, but also the ability to evolve, in some cases to drastically transform.

"Lot of times a series of events get put under the umbrella transformation, they end up being disparate activities all trying to do the right thing to advance an organization forward. When you start talking about driving fundamental change you need to have a clear, concise vision of where you're trying to get to, and then make sure that the pathway to get there is clear," said John Olson, VP Business Transformation, Johnson Controls in a recent PEX Network interview.

"You don't need to have the journey mapped all the way to the end state, but you need key pieces and intersections identified. These become the harmonizing and unifying factors for driving real and sustained change across an organization," he continued. In order to transform a business successfully, you need to make the case for change internally said Wouter Peters, Chief Operating Officer at Aegon Asset Management to the PEX Network:

"You need a very clear objective of what you are trying to achieve, one that instils or inspires people to actually rally behind it. You need to make sure that you have good executive ownership, not only in name but also in execution and visibility, you also need to have a good plan and approach to how you want to deploy it."

Buy-in from all stakeholders at all levels is crucial for any successful transformation: "If an organization wants to change its culture or business, everybody needs to understand why. Is it related to the mission, vision or values? Is it related to the changing landscape, or in fact the marketplace? Or maybe it is the basic competitive nature [of the business] that things are so nimble you want to make change? I think that the message should be clear to understand for all - from the head of the business to grassroots level," said Sabi Singh, Chief Operating Officer, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.



Access the complete report online: http://www.opexweek.com/annualreport

OPEX Week: Business Transformation World Summit coming January 2018....

The 19th Annual OPEX Week: Business Transformation World Summit 2018 is coming this January, to bring together 1000+ of the world's leading brands and most innovative companies. Operational excellence experts will share real case-studies from the full spectrum of process, technology, culture and business transformation.

Find the complete program, event details and registration information at http://www.opexweek.com/PR , call +44(0)207-368-9809 or email [email protected]

Media contact: If you would like to be considered as invited press for the event please email Jane Cook at [email protected].

SOURCE PEX Network
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Major philanthropic giving by Chinese and Chinese Americans is soaring in the U.S. and China, fueled by a dramatic increase in the number of private charitable foundations from individuals and families in both countries.

Major gifts by Chinese Americans rose nearly fivefold, to just under $500 million, from 2008 to 2014, as the number of Chinese American foundations in the U.S. rose to nearly 1,300, a 418% increase from 2000 to 2014.

In China, philanthropic giving hit $16.7 billion in 2014 as the number of registered charitable foundations totaled 5,545, a 430% increase from 2006 to 2016, according to the China Foundation Center.

These and other trends are captured in "Chinese and Chinese American Philanthropy," a study released today that is the first academic undertaking to examine the size, motivation and impact of giving by Chinese and Chinese Americans in the U.S. and China.

"Major contributions by Chinese and Chinese American philanthropists are having a dramatic and positive effect  widening access to higher education, advancing innovations in health research and science, and supporting the arts and culture," said Stewart Kwoh, who heads the executive committee of the Global Chinese Philanthropy Initiative, a partnership of UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs, the UCI Long U.S.-China Institute and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Los Angeles.

The study examines the giving patterns of Americans of Chinese descent and of those in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau. It identifies giving trends, motivations and the impact of those gifts of more than 60 philanthropists who gave an average of at least $1million in three individual years between 2008 and 2014. The full study and an online database of the philanthropists who were included in it appears on a new website, www.globalchinesephilanthropy.org.

The GCPI's goals are to improve U.S.-China relations by promoting dialogue and collaboration among philanthropists in the two countries, advancing the understanding of philanthropic giving in the U.S. and Greater China through academic research, developing philanthropy among the next generation of Chinese and Chinese American leaders in both public and private sectors, and advancing Chinese Americans and Chinese as positive, contributing role models in the U.S. and Greater China.

"We believe that mutual understanding and interaction among Chinese philanthropists and Chinese American and other American philanthropists can lead to positive exchanges of best practices and collaboration on issues of common concern," said John Long, "This is the first step in what we hope is a five-year effort to gain a broader understanding, and increase the awareness and impact of Chinese giving across the world."

Major gifts from Chinese American philanthropists accounted for 1.2% of all major philanthropic giving in the U.S. between 2008 and 2014  proportional to their representation of the U.S. population, the study found.

Among its other findings:

The surge in the number of Chinese American foundations is relatively recent, with more than 80% of them being established since 2000.

Four Chinese American foundations ( Cyrus Tang , J.T. Tai & Co., Chan Soon-Shiong and Clarence T.C. Ching ) have more than $100 million in assets.

, & Co., and ) have more than in assets. The number of private foundations in China jumped tenfold, to 3,980 in 2016, over the past decade.

jumped tenfold, to 3,980 in 2016, over the past decade. The Lao Niu Foundation dispersed the most gifts of any private foundation in China in 2014, distributing more than $30 million .

In addition to identifying individual philanthropists, the study sought to learn  through personal interviews and research  what motivates them to give, how philanthropy can be encouraged and strengthened, and the barriers and challenges that remain.

The study also makes a number of recommendations to help facilitate greater understanding among philanthropists, community organizations, non-profit executives and policymakers.

The study's findings are being unveiled in a series of major conferences in cities in the U.S. and Greater China, beginning today with one at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. Similar events are planned in Hong Kong, New York, Beijing and other major cities in the U.S. and Greater China in the coming months.

SOURCE Global Chinese Philanthropy Initiative

Related Links

http://www.globalchinesephilanthropy.org/


HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (hereafter "Ping An" or the "Group", HKEx: 2318; SSE: 601318) announced today that Ping An OneConnect, a subsidiary of Ping An, has launched the "Smart Insurance Cloud" in Beijing, unveiling its two latest products: "Smart Verification" and "Smart Fast Claim" to the insurance industry. Adopting the world's latest AI technology, "Smart Insurance Cloud" features O2O interaction capabilities, offering insurance companies smart services and the ultimate experience of "flexible access, fast upgrade, self-development, and close follow-through", enhancing the use of technology in the insurance industry.

"Smart Insurance Cloud" is the first unveiling of Ping An's core technology in its insurance business to the public. Among which, the "Smart Verification" function brings smart innovations to the traditional model of insurers in terms of policy enrollment, claims, customer services and conservation, as well as ample room of growth for the industry for remote, online and mobile services. "Smart Fast Claim" brings about over RMB20 billion revenue for risk leakage control and enhancing the claims efficiency by over 40%.

The press conference attracted over a hundred property and casualty insurance, life insurance companies and agencies. Representative of small to medium-sized property insurance companies, Mr. Ren Tongqing, member of the joint committee of the Small to Medium-Sized Property Insurance Companies, signed a contract with OneConnect. More than 10 companies including China Continent Insurance, Sunshine Insurance, Pearl River Life Insurance, Manulife-Sinochem Life and Kunlun Health have signed Letters of Intent with OneConnect.

Ms. Jessica Tan, Executive Vice President, Chief Operation Officer and Chief Information Officer of Ping An said during the press conference: "Under the guidance of the 'Internet+' strategy of the country, Ping An continues to advance the building of an open platform. Now, with an industry-wide opening of our platform, we are hoping to help small and medium-sized insurance companies to be connected with the most advanced technology with the lowest cost possible, so as to promote the efficiency, risk control capability, cost control, and customer experience in the overall insurance industry, providing our customers with the ultimate service experience through a combination of insurance and artificial intelligence."

From the policy system to the physical person system, "Smart Verification" brings full innovation to insurers' traditional operation model

The "Smart Verification" function released this time on "Ping An Smart Insurance Cloud" uses AI technologies such as face recognition and voiceprint recognition to build a biological record of each customer, which realizes a speedy verification towards the physical person, its behaviors and attributes. This technology enables the insurance industry to transform from policy system, skipping real-name system, directly to physical person verification system combining physical person, physical proof and policy, solving the prolonged problems of being unsafe, inconvenient and not worry-free in the insurance industry.

By speedy verification of the behaviors and attributes of agents and insured persons though Smart Verification, potential disputes arising from the policy selling process will be significantly reduced. With Ping An's smart verification put into use, the new policy surrender rate fell to 1.4%, well below the industry average of 4%. Time taken for a policy enrollment has been shortened by 30 times, time taken for audio and video recording reduced by 75%, while quality control success rate increased by 65%. The "difficult to claim" problem was tackled by the physical person verification technology combining online intelligence, with processing time shortened from three days to 30 minutes, resulting in increased customer satisfaction as well as a doubling of the coverage increase rate. At the same time, smart verification technology could cover more than 90% of the insurance company's customer service, bringing about a qualitative leap in customer service efficiency.

It is worth mentioning that the applications of smart insurance cloud are not limited to the insurance sector. The smart verification technology can be applied to all scenarios involving physical person verifications, such as opening a bank or securities account.

Immediate Damage Identification + Smart Risk Control, "Smart Fast Claim" assists car insurance industry to reduce risk leakage by RMB20 billion

"Smart Fast Claim" is the core function on "Ping An Smart Insurance Cloud" that is introduced to this industry. This product contains four major technical highlights: (1) High-precision image recognition: smart recognition accuracy up to 90% or more of car models, exterior parts and 23 damage levels. (2) Immediate one-click damage identification: using real-life claim images as training samples, automatic damage determination from the appearance of the vehicle exterior using smart machine learning and algorithms, simply upload an image to assess the price of maintenance proposal in a few seconds. (3) Precise price setting: to achieve accurate price setting, prices are generated through three methods- from the main machine factor, data collected among nine data collection sites or production data generation, prices are precise to the prices of automotive parts in various provinces and municipalities. (4) Smart risk control: the risk library from undertaking an insurance to filing claims, application of logical regression, random forest and other machine learning & algorithms, develop more than 30,000 digital claims and risk control regulations, cover all claims processes of "individual" or "group" risks, and follow up with smart lock of risks, smart interception and post-event smart screening. These may help to effectively reduce cost of claims.

"Smart Fast Claim" is the only artificial intelligence platform for loss assessment and risk management that has been implemented in the automobile insurance industry in China. Ping An owns 100% independent intellectual property rights over the platform. Thanks to the "Smart Fast Claim", Ping An Property & Casualty handled over 4.99 million automobile claims in the first half of 2017, with a Net Promotor Score (NPS) of 82% and intercepted approximately RMB3 billion of leakage risks. When fully implemented in the industry, the platform is expected to substantially improve the overall claims efficiency and reduce the number of disputes and risk of leakage, bringing about over RMB20 billion revenue for risk leakage control and enhancing the claims efficiency by over 40%.

Professional, Flexible, Safe, Empowering Industry with High Efficiency

According to Mr. Shao Haifeng, General Manager of Financial OneConnect, the new Smart Insurance Cloud incorporates 17 core technologies such as human face identification, speaker and speech identification, voiceprint recognition and micro expression, as well as 394 patents owned by Ping An Group, making it another testimonial to the Group's leading technology in financial services which features professionalism, flexibility and safety.

Today, Ping An owns one of the largest big data platforms and the most number of patent applications among Chinese financial institutions. Ping An has over 500 big data scientists, over 20,000 technological R&D staff members, an annual investment of over RMB7 billion in this area and many world-leading technologies, such as human face recognition, voiceprint recognition, prediction AI technologies, prescription AI technologies and blockchain, which have been applied to hundreds of scenarios. These industry-leading technologies have been widely applied in the Group's business units such as Ping An Property & Casualty, Ping An Life, Lufax Holding, Ping An Puhui and Ping An Good Doctor, and are also applied externally via different platforms such as Financial OneConnect.

As a financial technology services provider of Ping An Group, which has industry-leading and innovative subsidiaries such as Ping An Life and Ping An Property & Casualty, Financial OneConnect is benefited from the Group's invaluable experience and database. Its "super-fast + super-intelligent" insurance service is poised to enhance client experience and turn a new era for the industry.

For insurance companies, another advantage of "Smart Insurance Cloud" is the offering of flexibility and convenience to their users. "Smart Insurance Cloud", with APP, SDK, API access methods, is able to meet a variety of business requirements. On the other hand, users can access open.jryzt.com, an open platform of Financial OneConnect, to connect the specialized products to their own operating systems through online or offline channels for an instant upgrade in insurance technology services.

When commenting on security, which is always a paramount concern among insurance companies, Mr. Shao Haifeng said that Financial OneConnect focuses on building a platform of fintech services, which provides data encryption to enhance the confidentiality of customers' data, while also providing a two-place/three-center layout for each product to ensure that data is not affected by any unexpected factors. Besides, the Financial OneConnect blockchain platform uses a unique data encryption authorization technology with high-performance MAX bottom frame, proving that its security is already in a leading standard among the industry.

Mr. Ye Wangchun, Chairman and CEO of Ping An OneConnect said:" 'Smart Insurance Cloud' of Financial OneConnect aims to introduce artificial intelligence in the insurance field to the insurance industry, to help the industry in achieving its smart transformation. In the future, more artificial intelligence insurance products will be shared by Financial OneConnect, thereby accelerating the healthy development of the insurance industry."

Appendix: About Financial OneConnect

Ping An Financial OneConnect is the strategy executor in the Ping An Financial Technology 3.0 era, and is also the platform company to export the fintech capacity of Ping An. Ping An Financial OneConnect began exporting its technology capacity three years ago. Until the first half of 2017, Financial OneConnect had cooperated with more than 400 banks and over 1,500 non-banking-financial and quasi-financial institutions, achieving impressive results in banking and internet loan services.

Financial OneConnect launched its one-stop and all-rounded self-service platform  open.jryzt.com  in May this year, providing important segments such as smart bank cloud, smart insurance cloud, smart big data cloud, smart corporate cloud, AI+, developer center, and demo experience. Being the core carrier that delivers fintech services, open.jryzt.com is able to provide fintech products and services to banks, insurance companies and financial institutions. It offers platform support to technology developers, to jointly innovate fintech products for financial institutions, and to establish an open, cooperative, reciprocal, mutually beneficial fintech eco-system. At present, more than 100 banks and non-bank institutions have completed registration, among which over 20 have signed contracts with open.jryzt.com and over 10 are connected to open.jryzt.com.

SOURCE Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.
LONDON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Power Transformers Market, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecast to 2021



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5089146



Summary

Transformers are used to stepup or stepdown the voltage levels in power transmission and distribution (T&D) networks. A power transformer is installed at all substations, from the power generation plant to the last substation in the transmission network. Power transformers generally have a capacity of 10 megavolt amps (MVA) and above. In the distribution level, transmitted power will be usually below 10MVA and deploys distribution transformers.



Power transformers require higher insulation levels; special designs to control short-circuit currents, and increased cooling requirements. Power transformers are usually liquid-filled as they can efficiently dissipate the heat generated from the transformers' core.



Global power transformers market is estimated to reach $15billion plus in 2021, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.69% between 2016 and 2021. In growing economies such as those of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, new capacity addition in the generation and transmission sector to meet the rise in electricity demand is driving the power transformers market.



With its ambitious plans to expand its ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission grid and regional connectivity, China topped the global power transformers market in 2016 with a market value of $2,980.7m. One of the fastest-growing economies consuming more than a quarter of global power consumption,China is undertaking extensive capacity addition in power generation and grid expansion. China represented over 20% of the global power transformers market in 2016.



In the Americas and Europe, replacement of aging grid infrastructure and large-scale integration of renewable are driving the power transformers market. It is estimated that large transmission and distribution (T&D) investment will be made across the globe during and beyond the forecast period in order to accommodate the dynamic requirements of the future grid.



India ranks third, next to the US in the global power transformersmarkets, contributing nearly 5% to the global market. The power grid of India is in the development stage, and new capacity additions are made in generation and transmission to support the economic growth of the country. Utilities are currently focusing on strengthening transmission capacity between regional grids.



The other key countries in the power transformers market include Saudi Arabia, growing with an estimated CAGR of 9.08% between 2016 and 2021. Turkey and Egypt are other key countries that offer significant value for the power transformers market. The UK, Germany, and Russia are the three key countries in the European region, with Russia emerging as the biggest market in the EMEA region in 2016. The integration of European electricity market and RES integration such as offshore wind has encouraged transmission sector investments.



The latest report "Power Transformers Market, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, Key Country Analysis, and Forecast to 2021" offers comprehensive information and understanding of the global power transformers market. The report analyzes the current trend and future potential of power transformers market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa) and key countries (the US, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Japan, the UK, Germany, Russia, and Saudi Arabia) level.



The report analyzes the power transformers market in terms of value and volume, classified by various voltage segments for the historical (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) periods. The report provides insight into the drivers and restraints affecting the power transformers market, competitive landscape, policies and initiatives, and the key upcoming projects.



Companies included within this research report comprise of Tbea Co., Ltd., ABB Ltd., TWBB, Siemens AG, Xi'an XD Transformer Co., Ltd., General Electric, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Crompton Greaves



Scope

The report analyses power transformers market.



Its scope includes -

- Analysis of the growth of power transformers market with a focus on market value in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.

- The report provides power transformers market analysis for key countries including the US, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Japan, the UK, Germany, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

- The report offers country level power transformers market value and volume, classified by voltage, for the historical (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) periods.

- Qualitative analysis of key market drivers and restraints, and analysis of their impacts on power transformers market are discussed.

- The report provides competitive landscape at country level for the year 2016. It also covers key policies and initiatives, and upcoming projects.



Reasons to buy

The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.



It will allow you to -

- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing market data on power transformers

- Develop strategies based on developments in the power transformers market

- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the power transformers market

- Respond to your competitors' business structure, strategies, and prospects



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5089146



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Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

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RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PrecisionHawk, a provider of advanced commercial drone technologies, is making strategic moves to provide its customers with a drone LiDAR solution that matches or exceeds standard manned aircraft data outputs.

The company's first move was to hire LiDAR expert Jamie Young as Director of LiDAR Services. An industry pioneer, Young has over 20 years of experience with leading geospatial firms and has worked across all aspects of LiDAR including sensor development, applications development, data acquisition and data processing. Young is the author of 'LiDAR for Dummies' and serves as a technical advisor and contributing author for LiDAR Magazine.

PrecisionHawk also integrated and added the mini-vux LiDAR by Riegl to its service offering. The LiDAR device has a positional system that doubles the efficiency, by collecting data at a higher altitude, and improves data accuracy, by nearly five times, of any competitive solution on the market. This allows PrecisionHawk to go beyond the capability of any other drone service provider to deliver survey-grade data to its engineering clients.

"As I assessed the drone space, it became obvious that PrecisionHawk was doing leading work to meet the expectations of the broader geospatial industry," said Jamie Young. "I am excited to use my experience building LiDAR systems, providing data solutions and solving problems as we build out a even more advanced offering at PrecisionHawk."

Young's team will work to create LiDAR deliverables with metadata and formats that parallel what PrecisionHawk's traditional geospatial and government clients expect. These standardized deliveries will also have high accuracy, which will help PrecisionHawk integrate LiDAR datasets into existing client programs and other highly specialized commercial applications.

Young's passion for technology and problem-solving manifests itself through his involvement in ASPRS (American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) and CO-MAPPS (the Colorado state chapter of the Management Association of Professional Photogrammetric Surveyors), as well as serving as a technical advisor and contributing author for LiDAR Magazine. Young is also the creator of the Wilder LiDAR blog, which covers all things LiDAR. PrecisionHawk is excited to support these interests as they perfectly align with its goals to grow knowledge about drone data and educate users on its possibilities.

About PrecisionHawk Inc.

PrecisionHawk is a leading provider of advanced commercial drone technologies. The company, founded in 2010, is privately held and located in Raleigh, NC and Toronto, Canada. PrecisionHawk's client list of Fortune 500 companies and market-leading innovators spans 150 countries and the company has existing operations across six continents. PrecisionHawk is funded by leading venture capital firms and global technology investors including Intel Capital, Millennium Technology Value Partners, Verizon Ventures, a subsidiary of USAA, NTT Docomo Ventures, Yamaha Motor, DuPont and Indiana University.

More information about PrecisionHawk can be found at www.precisionhawk.com or on Twitter @PrecisionHawk.

SOURCE PrecisionHawk Inc.

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NORTHFIELD, Ill., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- One out of every three women at a recent "See, Test & Treat" program in southwest Virginia was diagnosed with abnormal test results and received treatment at no cost within days, according to the College of American Pathologists Foundation and the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Medical professionals administered almost 350 services at Norton Community Hospital on Aug. 5.

"Appalachia has demonstrated the power of collaboration within the medical community, and the overwhelmingly positive results that are achieved when a community comes together," said Carolyn Aldige, President and Founder of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. "Well over 300 medical services were provided for residents who lack access to basic health care that we all deserve. This event potentially saved multiple lives and offered a path to a healthier lifestyle for so many underserved women and their families."

The event brought together more than 100 volunteers from Norton Community and Mountain View hospitals and their parent companies, Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System. Each patient received a personal registered nurse escort for the day to provide guidance and to answer any medical or logistical questions about the several services provided.

"These results are stunning, but not surprising. With so many barriers to health care, including great distances and inability to take a day off of work, this is what happens in a community," said Theresa Emory, MD, FCAP, the lead pathologist for the Norton Community Hospital event, and a member of the CAP Foundation's Board of Directors. "But when a neighbor lends a hand, and families are involved, communities themselves get healthier. We see that so often with See, Test & Treat and we are proud to have provided much-needed help in Appalachia."

See, Test & Treat is the flagship program of the CAP Foundation. It offers free breast and cervical screening for at-risk women, in addition to such other services as blood pressure screening, flu shots and important health education for women, their families and their communities. Test results are all provided the same day and if treatment is needed, an immediate care plan is designed and provided by doctors and affected patients.

In an effort to promote screening, vaccination and treatment of certain viruses as a cancer prevention tool, the CAP Foundation partnered with the Think About the Link campaign to offer a unique education experience to women in the Appalachian Virginia area. Think About the Link is an education campaign developed by the Prevent Cancer Foundation to increase awareness of the link between the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and hepatitis C and the many cancers they can cause.

The goals of the program are simple: to provide health care professionals and at-risk groups access to the latest information related to viruses and cancers, bring culturally-appropriate cancer prevention education materials and screenings directly to communities in need, and foster a dialogue between patients and health care professionals.

The Appalachian region has the highest cancer mortality rate in the nation, perhaps as the result of late-stage cancer diagnoses. This event was located in rural southwest Virginia and drew patients from five counties spanning 2,224 square miles.

Local sponsors included: K-VA-T Food Stores/Food City, Wellmont Health System, Mountain States Health Alliance, Plastic Surgery Specialists, the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia-Wise.

Other services offered at the event included HPV testing, blood pressure screenings, flu shots, skin cancer checks, bone density testing and genetic testing.

About Think About the Link

Think About the Link focuses on three viruses that can lead to cancer: HPV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The campaign travels the country to increase awareness of the link between these viruses and cancer, increase immunization rates for HPV and hepatitis B, and increase awareness of and access to treatment for hepatitis C. The ultimate goal of Think About the Link is to prevent virally-induced cancers. Learn more at thinkaboutthelink.org.

About The Prevent Cancer Foundation

The Prevent Cancer Foundation is one of the nation's leading voluntary health organizations and the only U.S. nonprofit focused solely on saving lives across all populations through cancer prevention and early detection. Founded in 1985, the Foundation has catapulted cancer prevention to prominence and fulfills its mission through research, education, outreach and advocacy. Learn more at preventcancer.org or follow on Twitter at @preventcancer.

About the College of American Pathologists and CAP Foundation

As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, read the CAP Annual Report at cap.org.

The CAP Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the College of American Pathologists, supports patient-centered and humanitarian initiatives led by pathologists, striving to connect people in underserved communities with the specialized skills of pathologists. CAP Foundation funding for See, Test & Treat is made possible through the continued generous support of CAP member pathologists, staff, foundations, industry, and private donations. In 2017, See, Test & Treat is generously being supported by organizations such as CVS Health, Hologic, Inc., and the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Learn more and donate: foundation.cap.org. Contact the CAP Foundation [email protected] or follow us on Twitter at @capfndn.

SOURCE College of American Pathologists

Related Links

http://www.cap.org


The Madison Blind closed last month and is being replaced by a more casual bar and restaurant called Camp Trippalindee, its name a reference to the Rodney Dangerfield movie, "Back to School."

The menu will feature items associated with summer camp. Think grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and brats.

The Madison Blind originally opened in August 2015 on the top floor and rooftop of Graduate Madison, part of a small hotel chain owned by a Chicago investment group. It closed for construction and re-branding Aug. 7.

"Camp Trippalindee is going to be a unique concept for Madison. I think it's going to offer a fun, bar vibe to the students who are around here in the school year and to locals and hotel guests in the summer as well," said executive chef Shanna Pacifico, who oversees the new restaurant as well as the ground-floor cafe and coffee shop, Portage Pi.

The bar and restaurant will open in mid-September with a series of soft openings. Pacifico is in the process of hiring and training new staff.

Pacifico started in mid-March and tweaked the Blind's menu. She said sometimes the restaurant was busy, but that wasn't always the case. "I think we felt like we were just missing the mark a little bit."

The remodel aims to make the drab restaurant and bar look more like the hotel's lobby, which has a youthful, splashy style. The seven-floor hotel took over what had been the Campus Inn, 601 Langdon St.

Pacifico describes the new bar and restaurant as offering a fast-casual food environment, "in an elevated way without being pretentious."

She said the name Camp Trippalindee is meant to evoke the 1986 movie "Back to School," filmed, in part, on the UW-Madison campus.

In the movie, Dangerfield plays a businessman who goes back to school at his sons college. The movie ends with Dangerfield performing the impossible "Triple Lindy" dive to win a swim meet.

The name Trippalindee is a play on "Triple Lindy." Since it opened, Portage Pi has had a drink called the "Triple Lindy," a double shot of espresso over iced coffee.

Pacifico made some minor changes to the Portage Pi menu, but it has stayed mostly the same. The shop recently got a walk-up window.

The rooftop patio will have fire pits so customers can roast marshmallows for s'mores. The bar will serve boozy hot drinks, including spiked hot chocolate and mulled cider. Pacifico said it will offer blankets for people who want to sit outside in the fall and winter.

Camp Trippalindee is both highbrow and lowbrow, she said. "Even though you are getting burgers and brats, we're sourcing the meats locally, with some coming from Fox Heritage Farms."

Expect lake fish and cheese curds. The drink menu will feature barrel-aged cocktails as well as an "adult Capri Sun and everything in between," Pacifico said.

Original executive chef, Chris Cubberley, left in February, calling the location "a tough spot, surrounded by students."

He lives in Lake Mills, where in January 2016 he opened The Grist Bar and Table with Andy Haker and Tommy Gohsman, the owners of Madison's bar and restaurant on King Street.

Pacifico, meanwhile, is a first-generation American, whose parents were born in Brazil. She grew up in Florida, and moved to New York when she was 20.

"I've been cooking forever," she said.

She studied at New Yorks French Culinary Institute, now known as the International Culinary Center, and began her career as a line cook at Peter Hoffmans SoHo restaurant Savoy. She later worked in his Back Forty restaurants.

For a brief period she was a chef-partner in a restaurant called Pacificos Fine Foods in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Her parents, who were in the food industry, had a business of that name when she was growing up.

"Sometimes things don't work out," she said. "You figure out what your mistakes were and you move on."

Moving to Madison, where her boyfriend grew up, provided a necessary change. "I became an adult in New York. I became a grown-up and wanted to be part of a more intimate, smaller chef community."
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA) today announced the establishment of the ProAssurance Endowed Chair for Physician Wellness at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. This academic chair is the first of its kind in the United States and demonstrates ProAssurance's commitment to its role as a leading advocate for America's physicians.

The initial $1.5 million gift to the UAB School of Medicine will endow an academic chair and also will support a research team dedicated to addressing health issues that are unique to physicians as they deal with the stress and pressures associated with providing care to their patients in today's rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

As he announced the gift, ProAssurance Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Stan Starnes underscored the importance of the research that will emerge. He said, "Physicians have always been subject to the high levels of stress from a variety of factors such as society's expectations for successful outcomes, the threat of litigation and the effect of their professional obligations on the quality of their lives, and their families' lives. As medicine evolves to address the changing dynamic of healthcare in America, we must find ways to address these pressures."

"UAB leadership is committed at the highest level to provide our physicians, residents, fellows and trainees the same type of world class care they provide for the citizens of Alabama and beyond every day," said UAB President Ray L. Watts. "This generous investment by ProAssurance to fund a first-of-its-kind academic chair will enable us to recruit an expert in the field of physician wellness who can implement well-designed interventions that enhance our sustainable culture of wellness and provide trainees with tools and resources to manage stress and burnout. The result will be more engaged physicians who can provide the highest-quality care to their patients."

ProAssurance also expects to provide an additional gift of $500,000 to fund various initiatives in support of physician wellness. The company's Chief Medical Officer, Hayes V. Whiteside, M.D., said such programs are a logical extension of ProAssurance's role as a trusted partner with physicians and the nation's healthcare community. He said, "Assisting physicians has always been a high priority for ProAssurance. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that today's physicians maintain their commitment to our high calling, and that future physicians are equipped to deal with the realities of their vital chosen profession."

"We are fortunate to have some of the best physicians in America right here in Birmingham as part of our School of Medicine, and it is important that we consistently work to provide them an environment that promotes wellness opportunities to help them flourish in their field," said Selwyn Vickers, M.D., Senior Vice President of Medicine and Dean of UAB's School of Medicine. "Doctors who take care of themselves are better role models for their patients and for their children, have higher patient satisfaction and safety scores, experience less stress and burn out, and live longer. We are grateful to ProAssurance for their gift, which will greatly enhance our training programs and enable them to create a sustainable culture of wellness."

In addition to the funds being committed to addressing physician wellness, ProAssurance plans to make an additional financial gift to the UAB School of Nursing to enhance the future of nursing care in Alabama. "Nurses are a crucial part of the care delivery team in our state, and their role will become increasingly important as our healthcare delivery systems expand to meet the demands that will come with the exponential growth of an aging population," said Starnes.

"Nursing is one of the most versatile  and vital  occupations in the health care workforce, and we strive to train innovative leaders who will transform health care," said Doreen Harper, Ph.D., Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair in UAB's School of Nursing. "The ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and the changing profile of the population demand a fundamental shift in the health care system to provide patient-centered care. More nurses will be needed to deliver primary care and community care, ensure seamless care, foster interprofessional collaboration and enable all health professionals to practice to the full extent of their education, training and competencies. This shift will result in reduced errors, increased safety and the highest-quality care for patients. We are delighted and appreciative that ProAssurance is providing this support to help us shape patient-centered healthcare by preparing recognized nurse leaders who excel as clinicians, researchers, and educators in Alabama, nationally and internationally."

About ProAssurance

ProAssurance Corporation is an industry-leading specialty insurer with extensive expertise in healthcare professional liability, products liability for medical technology and life sciences, legal professional liability, and workers' compensation insurance. The company is recognized as one of the top performing insurance companies in America by virtue of our inclusion in the Ward's 50 for the past eleven years. ProAssurance Group is rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best; ProAssurance and its operating subsidiaries are rated "A" (Strong) by Fitch Ratings.

For the latest on ProAssurance and its industry-leading suite of products and services, cutting edge risk management and practice enhancement programs, follow @ProAssurance on Twitter or LinkedIn. ProAssurance's YouTube channel regularly presents thought provoking, insightful videos that communicate effective practice management, patient safety and risk management strategies.

About UAB

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, UAB is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center and the state of Alabama's largest employer, with some 23,000 employees and an economic impact exceeding $5 billion annually on the state. The five pillars of UAB's mission deliver knowledge that will change your world: the education of students, who are exposed to multidisciplinary learning and a new world of diversity; research, the creation of new knowledge; patient care, the outcome of 'bench-to-bedside' translational knowledge; service to the community at home and around the globe, from free clinics in local neighborhoods to the transformational experience of the arts; and the economic development of Birmingham and Alabama. Learn more at www.uab.edu.

SOURCE ProAssurance Corporation

Related Links

http://www.proassurance.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Below are experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area.

You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network  it's easy and free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/queryform

EXPERT ALERTS

Trump's Decision to End DACA

DACA Students Stuck Between Worlds

Insurance Coverage and Natural Disasters

MEDIA JOBS

Editor, Newsroom Standards  WSJ/Dow Jones (NY)

Contributor, Presidential Daily Brief  OZY (Remote)

Chicago Health Care Reporter  POLITICO Pro (IL)

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES

Find Funding for Your Next Story: 12 Programs Helping Fund Tomorrow's Journalism

Career Crossroads: Former Washington Post Reporter on Life After the Newsroom

Blog Profiles: Donut Blogs

-------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPERT ALERTS:

Trump's Decision to End DACA

Lua Yuille

Associate Professor of Law

University of Kansas

"This announcement brings heightened uncertainty and fear for families that have been worried since the Trump administration began issuing immigration-related executive orders in January of this year. It remains to be seen how and with what speed the 'recision' will be implemented, but I don't expect any actual legislation to be borne from it."

Yuille can discuss the Trump administration's decision to end the DACA program with a six-month delay, as well as immigration, law, possible legislative solutions, DREAMers and related topics.

Contact: Mike Krings, [email protected]



DACA Students Stuck Between Worlds

Dr. Steve Wuhs

Assistant Provost for Internationalization

University of Redlands

"DACA students aren't American citizens, nor are they traditional 'international' students. That leaves them stuck between worlds, and it's that borderline condition that makes them so vulnerable."

Dr. Wuhs is assistant provost for internationalization and professor of political science at the University of Redlands. He has a broad range of expertise, including politics of Mexico and the United States, parties and elections, and political change.

Website: www.redlands.edu

Contact: Jennifer Dobbs, [email protected]



Insurance Coverage and Natural Disasters

Robert Epstein

Shareholder; Co-Chair, National Construction Law Practice

Greenberg Traurig LLP

"All property owners should review their insurance programs to assure that they have the proper coverage in adequate amounts."

Epstein practices in the area of construction law and contracting. He wrote an article in the New Jersey Law Journal about rebuilding New Jersey's infrastructure after Hurricane Sandy, and can speak to similar topics.

Website: http://www.gtlaw.com/People/Robert-C-Epstein

Contact: Sarah Misailidis, [email protected]

****************

MEDIA JOBS:

Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/

Editor, Newsroom Standards  WSJ/Dow Jones (NY)

Contributor, Presidential Daily Brief  OZY (Remote)

Chicago Health Care Reporter  POLITICO Pro (IL)

*****************

OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES:

Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line at [email protected]

FIND FUNDING FOR YOUR NEXT STORY: 12 PROGRAMS HELPING FUND TOMORROW'S JOURNALISM. Great journalism costs money. This is truer today than ever, as the field shifts heavily to digital and mobile innovation. Journalists are crafting bold data experiments, exploring immersive storytelling tools -- like drones, 360 video, virtual reality -- and learning to code. At the same time, news organizations are struggling to replace the rapidly disappearing revenue they used to get from traditional advertising. For the full-time local journalist and independent freelancer, it can be especially challenging to secure budget. If you want to get adventurous with your reporting, but the money isn't there, here are some grant programs that fund stories for journalists that might not otherwise be told: http://prn.to/2xJmNWa

CAREER CROSSROADS: FORMER WASHINGTON POST REPORTER ON LIFE AFTER THE NEWSROOM. Career Crossroads is a series that features journalists, bloggers and freelancers and their professional journalists. In this installment, we caught up with Theola DeBose , a former reporter for the Washington Post who recently launched a podcast, "The Gray Side: Life After Journalism": http://prn.to/2xq7rpt

POST REPORTER ON LIFE AFTER THE NEWSROOM. Career Crossroads is a series that features journalists, bloggers and freelancers and their professional journalists. In this installment, we caught up with , a former reporter for the Washington Post who recently launched a podcast, "The Gray Side: Life After Journalism": http://prn.to/2xq7rpt BLOG PROFILES: DONUT BLOGS. Each week, PR Newswire's Audience Relations team selects an industry/subject and profiles a handful of sites that do a good job with promoting and contributing to the conversation. This week, they look at a few donut blogs:http://prn.to/2xuB8Gu

****************

PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire.

To contact ProfNet: [email protected] or 800-776-3638, ext. 1

SOURCE ProfNet

Related Links

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NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last week's torrential rainfall and devastating destruction have left many in dire need of assistance. On Thursday, September 7, 2017, at 4:00 p.m ET, Practising Law Institute (PLI) will host a free online live One-Hour Audio Briefing, Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey: Disaster Assistance, to anyone interested in providing Pro Bono legal help to individuals affected by Hurricane Harvey. The On-Demand program will be available on Friday, September 8, 2017.

"Our thoughts are with those in Texas and Louisiana experiencing tremendous hardship due to Hurricane Harvey. It is especially at times like these that our commitment is renewed even more to provide the legal community with the most effective training possible in order to help those in need," said Anita C. Shapiro, President of PLI. "Our pro bono initiatives continue to include programs on timely and critical subjects as well as other important access-to-justice topics."

During this One-Hour Briefing, expert faculty from FEMA and Southeast Louisiana Legal Services will provide a broad overview of federal disaster assistance, address eligibility criteria for the Individual and Households Program, and offer an outline of the National Flood Insurance Program. The Briefing will also discuss the Standard Flood Insurance Policy (SFIP), filing claims, the most common reasons for FEMA denials, and practice tips to help survivors overcome FEMA denials.

About PLI  www.pli.edu

Practising Law Institute is a nonprofit learning organization dedicated to keeping attorneys and other professionals at the forefront of knowledge and expertise. PLI is chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, and was founded in 1933 by Harold P. Seligson. PLI provides the highest quality, accredited continuing legal and professional education programs in a variety of formats. This content is delivered by more than 4,000 volunteer faculty, including prominent lawyers, judges, investment bankers, accountants, corporate counsel, and U.S. and international government regulators. PLI publishes a comprehensive library of Treatises, Course Handbooks and Answer Books, also available through the PLI PLUS online platform. The essence of PLI's mission is its commitment to the pro bono community, with over 78,000 program scholarships awarded last year.

SOURCE Practising Law Institute

Related Links

http://www.pli.edu


"Menage a Trois Decadence promises to be the portfolio's most lavish, over-the-top Cabernet Sauvignon yet, and it delivers," said Mark Dunlea, senior marketing director for Menage a Trois wines. "Luxurious, rich and seductive, the seventeenth addition to the Menage a Trois family aims to please." Bold and boundless as the name suggests, full-bodied Menage a Trois Decadence boasts uniquely rich, red berry flavors and aromas with a soft, round mouthfeel and a smooth, chocolatey finish.

Menage a Trois was born from boldly curious founders who famously blended three distinctively different grapes into one wine in 1996. Menage a Trois' eye for innovation ensues today, with the iconic blend brand's deliciously different Decadence release. Decadence works hard to deliver on the rich, sensorial experience expected from largest-dollar-growth varietal Cabernet Sauvignon***. Made with grapes sourced from California's finest growing regions, Decadence is sure to steal the show and leave indulgence-seekers wantingmore.

About Menage a Trois

The Menage a Trois portfolio comprises 17 offerings, including five wine blends, six red wines and six white wines. Menage a Trois originated in 1996 with one wine  a blend of three red varietals  created by two psychiatrists at Folie a Deux Winery in Saint Helena, CA. Menage a Trois wines are wholly owned and operated by Trinchero Family Estates, family-owned Napa Valley vintners since 1948. Please visit www.MenageaTroiswines.com to learn more.

Links

Download Menage a Trois Decadence fact sheet here.

Download Menage a Trois Decadence bottle shot here.

Social Media Handles

Facebook: @MenageaTroisWines

Instagram: @MenageaTroisWines

Twitter: @MenageaTrois

Sources

*Source: Nielsen, Total US Retail, Dollar Sales & Dollar Sales % Change, 52 Weeks Ending 4.22.2017

**Source: Nielsen, Total US Retail, Dollar Sales Change vs. PY=$0, CY 2015, CY 2016, CYTD 4.22.2017

***Source: Nielsen, Total US Retail, Dollar Sales Change, 52 Weeks Ending 4.22.2017

SOURCE Menage a Trois

Related Links

http://www.menageatroiswines.com


WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With aging white Christian groups now accounting for fewer than half of the public and non-Christian groups constituting the country's youngest religious communities, the future of American religion will likely look strikingly different than its past. A massive new survey out today from PRRI reveals seismic shifts in the religious landscape over the last few decades, including the sharp growth of the religiously unaffiliateda category that includes atheists, agnostics, and those who do not identify with any particular religionalong with racial and ethnic changes that are transforming nearly all major Christian denominations.

These are among the major findings from "America's Changing Religious Identity," a report released today by PRRI. The report is based on findings from PRRI's 2016 American Values Atlas, the single largest survey of American religious and denominational identity ever conducted, based on interviews with more than 101,000 Americans from all 50 states conducted across 2016. The report includes detailed information about religious affiliation, denominational ties, political affiliation, and other demographic characteristics.

"This report provides solid evidence of a new, second wave of white Christian decline that is occurring among white evangelical Protestants just over the last decade in the U.S.," says Robert P. Jones, PRRI CEO and author of The End of White Christian America. "Prior to 2008, white evangelical Protestants seemed to be exempt from the waves of demographic change and disaffiliation that were eroding the membership bases of white mainline Protestants and white Catholics. We now see that these waves simply crested later for white evangelical Protestants."

Today, only 43% of Americans identify as white Christian, and only 30% as white Protestant. In 1976, roughly eight in ten (81%) Americans identified as white and Christian, and a majority (55%) were white Protestants.

Fewer than one in five (17%) Americans now identify as white evangelical Protestant, but they accounted for nearly one-quarter (23%) of the public just a decade ago in 2006. Over the same period, white Catholics dropped five percentage points from 16% to 11%, and white mainline Protestants have shed an equal number, decreasing from 18% to 13%.

More evidence that America's future is less white and less Christian: Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and the religiously unaffiliated are all far younger than white Christian groups. At least one-third of Muslims (42%), Hindus (36%), Buddhists (35%) and religiously unaffiliated Americans (34%) are under the age of 30. Slightly more than one in ten white Catholics (11%), white evangelical Protestants (11%), and white mainline Protestants (14%) are under 30.

The report also explores the shifting cultural center of the Catholic Church, the nation's most and least religiously diverse states, and the religious profiles of America's racial and ethnic groups.

View the topline, methodology, and additional analysis here: https://www.prri.org/research/american-religious-landscape-christian-religiously-unaffiliated/

SOURCE PRRI
MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - At a time when a large percentage of the current financial advisor force is drawing closer to retirement, RBC Wealth Management  U.S. aims to attract new talent to the business with a new digital storytelling initiative that shines a spotlight on the role of financial advisors and what it takes to become part of the industry.

The initiative kicks off with the release of a series of documentary-style videos highlighting some of the firm's most successful women financial advisors and the paths they traveled to get to where they are today. The women featured in the videos took disparate routes to their current positions. Some started out as rocket scientists, Beltway politicians, or translators for the Armed Forces, while others stepped into the business directly after college. Together, they speak to the common theme of the initiative: "Everyone's Path is Different. They All Can Lead Here."

"The need and opportunity for female financial advisors has never been greater," said Kristen Kimmell, chief of staff at RBC Wealth Management. "By highlighting the unique stories of some of the women who've built successful careers in this industry, we hope others will be inspired to take that first step down a similar career path."

Women, for a variety of factors, including longer life expectancy, will be the recipients of the majority of an estimated $3.2 trillion in wealth that will transfer to the next generation in the U.S. in the coming years. According to an Insured Retirement Institute study, 70% of women seeking advisors say they would prefer to work with a woman. However, global research and consulting firm Cerulli Associates reports that women currently constitute only 16% of the total advisor workforce.

"Adding more women to our advisor ranks is good for the industry, good for our business, but most of all, good for our clients," Kimmell said. "As a leader in diversity with a client-first culture, RBC is positioned to become the firm of choice for not only female financial advisors seeking to grow their business, but for women with established careers in other industries looking for a change."

About RBC Wealth Management  U.S.

In the United States, RBC Wealth Management operates as a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC. Founded in 1909, RBC Capital Markets, LLC. is a member of the New York Stock Exchange, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, and other major securities exchanges. RBC Wealth Management has $310 billion in total client assets with approximately 1,800 financial advisors operating in 200 locations in 40 states.

RBC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status, Aboriginal/Native American status or any other legally-protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

SOURCE RBC Wealth Management - U.S.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 16, Inc. magazine released its coveted list of the nation's 5,000 fastest growth companies, and Albuquerque-based ANM made its first appearance on the list, one of only four companies to make the Inc. 5000 in the state of New Mexico. The highly anticipated release offers a glimpse of the most successful companies in America's most dynamic segmentits independent small and mid-sized businesses. Well-known companies that made an early appearance on the list include Microsoft, Dell, Domino's Pizza, Pandora and Zillow. ANM, founded in 1994, has now earned its own spot in the national limelight.

Cisco and ANM celebrate

According to Inc., ANM entered the list at 1075, which puts them in the top 20 percent of honorees. ANM reported a whopping three-year sales growth of 394 percent.

"The ANM team takes particular pride in being recognized on this high profile, national list," remarked ANM CEO Raminder Mann. "These are the companies that are innovating, that are leading the way in customer service, and that are inspiring so many others to do the hard work of pushing the boundaries of innovation and technological advancement."

Inc. 5000 leadership concur, reporting that this year's list represents the most competitive crop in the list's historyIT and otherwise. The average company on the list achieved a mind-boggling three-year average growth of 481 percent. The aggregate revenue of the Inc. 5000 firms reached $206 billion and generated a total of 619,500 jobs since 2013.

"The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence I know that the American Dream is still alive," says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. "The founders and CEOs of the Inc. 5000 tell us they think determination, risk taking, and vision were the keys to their success, and I believe them."

The statement describes ANM to a tee. Regarding vision, Mann says ANM has had a "big picture" mindset from the start, working with the world's top vendors and pursuing smart growth in response to customer needs. That vision has yielded a plethora of prestigious recognitions in recent years.

In 2016, ANM achieved Cisco Gold Certification. During the same period, Cisco named ANM its Partner of the Year in New Mexico and Commercial Territory Partner for Western United States. In addition, ANM has received consecutive annual recognitions that include CRN (a brand of The Channel Company) Fast Growth 150, Solution Provider 500, Managed Solutions Providers 500, together with distinctions such as Top Places to Work (Albuquerque Journal). Formal recognitions aside, ANM has proved its stated and long-standing dedication to the customer, achieving an impressive 94.9% Customer Satisfaction rating.

In other strategic moves of note, ANM expanded its offerings a year ago, when it acquired an A/V company (Digital Roads, Inc.). Recently, ANM also strengthened its focus on security by separating its security practice from its core infrastructurethereby increasing expertise and adding jobs. ANM is now working with its top customers to provide strategic security consulting along with compliance related assessment & remediation.

The annual Inc. 500 event honoring all the companies on the list will be held in October at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California. Speakers include outstanding entrepreneurs, including former Ford president Alan Mullaly, FUBU CEO and founder and "Shark Tank" star Daymond John, Dollar Shave Club founder Michael Dubin, researcher and #1 NYT bestseller Brene Brown, and Gravity Payments' Founder and CEO Dan Price.

About ANM

ANM designs, implements, and supports IT solutions from the leading providers of technology, including Cisco, EMC, Microsoft, Citrix, VMware, and F5. By focusing on these industry leaders and technology trendsetters, we are able to deliver a high level of expertise that is unparalleled in the Southwest Region. We have dedicated professionals working with this list of manufacturers to ensure that our engineers are experts in the products we sell. ANM enjoys a customer satisfaction rate of 94.9 percent, as well as an excellent employee retention rate.

ANM has become a recognized leader in the Information Technology industry, serving large and mid-size customers.

ANM is headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico and operates in Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. In addition to Albuquerque, ANM has offices in Denver (Colorado), Colorado Springs (Colorado), El Paso (Texas) and Las Cruces (New Mexico). Visit our site at http://anm.com (see this release at http://anm.com/news).

More about Inc. and the Inc. 5000

Methodology. The 2017 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2013 to 2016. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2013. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent as of December 31, 2016. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.'s September issue and the list in its entirety can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc. Media

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. The National Magazine Award for General Excellence went to Inc. in both 2014 and 2012. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 18,000,000 today. For more information visit inc.com.

Media Contact:

Chuck Robbins, President, aro

704.839.3520 | [email protected] | http://consultaro.com | Skype: macnchuk | PO Box 2293, Matthews, North Carolina 28106 | Fearless & Actionable Consulting: Web Design, PR, Digital Marketing

Related Files

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ANM Recognized as Cisco Partner of the year - West Territory

Related Links

Frontier Airlines

ANM Website

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfEGk_PjOiM

SOURCE Advanced Network Management

Related Links

http://anm.com


MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Tender Offer

The Republic of Uruguay (" Uruguay ") announced today the commencement of an offer to purchase for cash (the " Tender Offer ") bonds of each series of Global USD Bonds and Global UI Bonds listed in the table below (collectively, the " Old Bonds " and each Old Bond, a "series" of Old Bonds) such that the aggregate Purchase Price to be paid for the Old Bonds tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer is equal to a maximum purchase amount to be determined by Uruguay in its sole discretion (the " Maximum Purchase Amount "). The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are set forth in the offer to purchase, dated Wednesday, September 6, 2017 (the " Offer to Purchase "). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Offer to Purchase.

The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon any minimum participation of any series of Old Bonds but is conditioned, among other things, on the pricing, but not the closing, of a new Peso-denominated bond of Uruguay due March 2028 (the " New Bonds ") in an amount, with pricing and on terms and conditions acceptable to Uruguay in its sole discretion, with pricing terms expected to be announced on or about 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2017 (the " New Bonds Offering ").

The Tender Offer will commence at 8:00 a.m., New York time, on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 and, unless extended or earlier terminated, (i) expire at 12:00 p.m., New York time, on Thursday, September 7 for Non-Preferred Tenders (as defined below) (the " Non-Preferred Tender Period "), and (ii) expire at 2:00 p.m., New York time, on Thursday, September 7 for Preferred Tenders (as defined below) (the " Preferred Tender Period "). The settlement of the Tender Offer is scheduled to occur on Thursday, September 14, 2017 (the " Tender Offer Settlement Date "). The purchase price to be paid for each series of Old Bonds tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer will be the fixed price indicated in the table below (the " Purchase Price "). Holders whose Old Bonds (other than the 2018 UI Bonds) are accepted in the Tender Offer will also receive any accrued and unpaid interest on the Old Bonds up to (but excluding) the Tender Offer Settlement Date (the " Accrued Interest "). The Accrued Interest to be received by holders of 2027 UI Bonds (as defined below) accepted pursuant to the offer will be adjusted by the Adjustment UI Factor of 2.231754161 and an exchange rate of Ps. 28.730 to U.S.$ 1.00. Accrued Interest will be payable in cash. Since Uruguay will pay interest on the 2018 UI Bonds on the Settlement Date, the Billing and Delivering Bank will not pay Accrued Interest, but only the Purchase Price, on any 2018 UI Bonds accepted pursuant to the Offer.

Global USD Bonds Outstanding Principal Amount as of Wednesday, September 6, 2017

ISIN

CUSIP Common Code Purchase Price (per US$1,000 Principal Amount) Purchase Price (%) 8.000% Global USD Bonds due 2022 ("2022 USD Bonds") US$563,703,939 US917288BC52 917288BC5 023617129 US$1,229.50 122.95% 4.500% Global USD Bonds due 2024 ("2024 USD Bonds") US$1,537,036,053 US760942AZ58 760942AZ5 096139942 US$1,112.00 111.20%













Global UI Bonds Outstanding Nominal Principal Amount as of Wednesday, September 6, 2017

ISIN

CUSIP Common Code Nominal Purchase Price (per Ps. 1,000 Nominal Principal Amount)(1) Purchase Price (%) 5.000% Global UI Bonds due 2018 ("2018 UI Bonds") Ps.6,564,605,806 (2) US760942AT98 760942AT9 026799236 Ps. 1,023.00 102.30% 4.250% Global UI Bonds due 2027 ("2027 UI Bonds") Ps.12,135,000,000 (3) US760942AU61 760942AU6 029507929 Ps. 1,091.50 109.15% (1) The nominal principal amount of 2018 UI Bonds and 2027 UI Bonds validly tendered and accepted will be adjusted by a factor (the "Adjustment UI Factor") to reflect the increase of the UI Index from the issuance date of the Global UI Bonds to the Settlement Date, which is expected to be September 14, 2017. As of the expected Settlement Date, (i) the Adjustment UI Factor for the 2018 UI Bonds would be 2.314155655, which is the ratio of 3.6603, the value of the UI index at Settlement Date, over 1.5817, the value of the UI index at the time of the issuance of the 2018 UI Bonds, and (ii) the Adjustment UI Factor for the 2027 UI Bonds would be 2.231754161, which is the ratio of 3.6603, the value of the UI index at Settlement Date, over 1.6401, the value of the UI index at the time of the issuance of the 2027 UI Bonds. The Purchase Price of the 2018 UI Bonds and 2027 UI Bonds shall be converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of Ps. 28.730 to US$ 1.00. (2) The principal amount of the 2018 UI Bonds outstanding, as adjusted by the Adjustment UI Factor is Ps. 15,160,392,039.04 as of the date hereof. (3) The principal amount of the 2027 UI Bonds outstanding, as adjusted by the Adjustment UI Factor is Ps. 27,026,844,704.59 as of the date hereof.

During the Non-Preferred Tender Period or Preferred Tender Period, as applicable, a holder of Old Bonds may place orders to tender Old Bonds (" Tender Orders ") only through one of the Dealer Managers (as defined below). Holders will NOT be able to submit tenders through Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V. (" Euroclear "), Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme (" Clearstream ") or the Depository Trust Company (" DTC ") systems. If a holder does not have an account with a Dealer Manager, such holder may place a tender offer through any broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, other financial institution or other custodian that it customarily uses that has an account with a Dealer Manager. Your broker must contact one of the Dealer Managers to submit a Tender Order on your behalf.

HSBC Securities (USA) Inc., as the billing and delivering bank for the Tender Offer (in such capacity, the " Billing and Delivering Bank "), will consolidate all Tender Orders and, upon instruction of Uruguay, accept Old Bonds for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer, subject to proration as described in the Offer to Purchase, prior to 8:00 a.m., New York time, on Friday, September 8, 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Each of Uruguay and the Billing and Delivering Bank reserves the right, in the sole discretion of each of them, not to accept any Tender Orders for any reason. Tender Orders by (i) a holder of a Global USD Bond must be in principal amounts of at least US$1.00 and integral multiples of US$1.00 in excess thereof, (ii) a holder of a 2018 UI Bond must be in nominal principal amounts of at least Ps. 1.00 and integral multiples of Ps. 1.00 in excess thereof, and (iii) a holder of any 2027 UI Bond must be in principal amounts of at least Ps. 1,000 and integral multiples of Ps. 1,000 (" Permitted Tender Amounts ").

There is no letter of transmittal for the Tender Offer. If you hold Old Bonds through DTC, they must be delivered to the Billing and Delivering Bank for settlement no later than 3:00 p.m., New York time, on the Tender Offer Settlement Date. If you hold Old Bonds through Euroclear or Clearstream, the latest process you can use to deliver your Old Bonds to the Billing and Delivering Bank is the overnight process, one day prior to the Tender Offer Settlement Date; you may not use the optional daylight process. Failure to deliver Old Bonds on time may result in any of the following (i) in the cancellation of your tender and in you becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, and/or (ii) in the delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Old Bonds, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities, and/or (iii) in the case of Preferred Tender (as defined below), in the cancellation of your tender and in your remaining obligation to purchase your allocation of New Bonds in respect of your related order for New Bonds. Any holder whose tender is cancelled will not receive the Purchase Price or Accrued Interest. Holders will not have withdrawal rights with respect to any tenders of Old Bonds in the Tender Offer. Old Bonds accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus payment basis with the Billing and Delivering Bank on the Tender Offer Settlement Date in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities.

To the extent the aggregate Purchase Price would exceed the Maximum Purchase Amount and proration occurs, preference will be given to Tender Orders (" Preferred Tenders ") submitted by holders of Old Bonds (i) concurrently with the submission of an Indication of Interest for the New Bond Offering of size equal to the Tender Value (as defined below) of the series of Old Bonds so submitted and (ii) specifying at the time of submission of the Tender Order that such Tender Order is a preferred tender. " Non-Preferred Tenders " are the Tender Orders which are not Preferred Tenders, including any Tender Orders submitted without the concurrent submission of an Indication of Interest for New Bonds in an amount equal to the amount of the Tender Value. With respect to each series of Old Bonds, the " Tender Value " for each Preferred Tender means the principal amount of the New Bonds specified in an Indication of Interest for New Bonds of such Preferred Tender multiplied by the issue price of the New Bond, as allocated among each series of Old Bonds pro rata based upon the relative total Purchase Price of the Old Bonds of each series that are tendered in such Preferred Tender.

All Old Bonds that are tendered pursuant to Tender Orders placed through a Dealer Manager and are accepted will be purchased by the Billing and Delivering Bank in such amounts as Uruguay shall determine and subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer to Purchase. Only the Billing and Delivering Bank will be liable for the payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest, if applicable, for Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted as instructed by Uruguay. Uruguay will not be liable under any circumstances for the payment of the Purchase Price and Accrued Interest for any Old Bonds tendered in the Tender Offer by any holder. The Billing and Delivery Bank shall only have the obligation to sell to Uruguay the Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase that the Billing and Delivery Bank has actually purchased pursuant to the Tender Offer on the Tender Offer Settlement Date. Tender Orders that are not for Permitted Tender Amounts will not be accepted.

The Tender Offer is subject to Uruguay's right, at its sole discretion and subject to applicable law, to instruct the Billing and Delivering Bank to extend, terminate, withdraw, or amend the Tender Offer at any time. Each of Uruguay and the Billing and Delivering Bank reserves the right, in the sole discretion of each of them, not to accept tenders for any reason.

The Offer to Purchase may be downloaded from the Information Agent's website at http://www.gbsc-usa.com/uruguay or obtained from the Information Agent, Global Bondholder Services Corporation, 65 Broadway  Suite 404, New York, New York 10006 (Tel. +1 (212) 430 3774, or toll free +1 (866) 807-2200) Attention: Corporate Actions, or from any of the Dealer Managers.

The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are:

DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC. HSBC SECURITIES (USA) INC. SANTANDER INVESTMENT SECURITIES INC. 60 Wall Street 452 Fifth Avenue 45 East 53rd Street New York, New York 10005 New York, New York 10018 New York, New York 10282 United States of America United States of America United States of America Collect: (212) 250-7527 Collect: (212) 525-5552 Collect: (212) 940-1442 Toll-free: (855) 287-1922 Toll-free: (888) HSBC-4LM] Toll-free: (855) 404-3636

Questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Dealer Managers at the above contact.



Contact information: Global Bondholder Services Corporation

Attention: Corporate Actions

65 Broadway  Suite 404

New York, NY 10006

Banks and Brokers call: +1 (212) 430-3774 Toll free: +1 (866) 807-2200 website: http://www.gbsc-usa.com/uruguay/

Important Notice

The New Bonds Offering will be made solely by means of an offering memorandum relating to that offering, and this announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an order to buy any New Bonds. You may not participate in the New Bonds Offering unless you have received and reviewed the offering memorandum related to that offering, and not in reliance on, or on the basis of, this announce or the Offer to Purchase. The New Bonds will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act, and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction.

This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Old Bonds. The Tender Offer will be made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer, and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offering and Tender Offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer is made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Bonds Offering and the Tender are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders."

In any EEA Member State this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive.

The New Bonds are not authorized for public offering under the Austrian Capital Markets Act (Kapitalmarktgesetz) and no public offers or public sales or invitation to make such an offer may be made. No advertisements may be published and no marketing materials may be made available or distributed in Austria in respect of the New Bonds. A public offering of the securities in Austria without the prior publication of a prospectus in accordance with the Austrian Capital Market Act would constitute a criminal offense under Austrian law.

In the Bahamas, the New Bonds are being offered and sold only to Accredited Investors (as defined in the Securities Industry Regulations, 2012) and will be subject to the resale restrictions contained in Regulation 117. As a condition of the purchase of the New Bonds, each purchaser will be required to attest to the purchaser's status as an Accredited Investor acknowledging that the securities purchased are subject to restrictions on resale.

The New Bonds Offering does not constitute a public offering within the meaning of Article 3, 1 of the Belgian Law of June 16, 2006 on public offering of securities and admission of securities to trading on a regulated market (the " Prospectus Law "). The Tender Offer will not constitute a public offering within the meaning of Articles 3, 1, 1 and 6 of the Belgian Law of April 1, 2007 on takeover bids (the " Takeover Law "). The New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer will be exclusively conducted under applicable private placement exemptions and have therefore not been, and will not be, notified to, and any offer material relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer has not been, and will not be, approved by, the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autorite des services et marches financiers/Autoriteit voor Financiele Diensten en Markten). The New Bonds Offering as well as the New Bonds Offering materials may only be advertised, offered or distributed in any way, directly or indirectly, to any persons located and/or resident in Belgium who qualify as " Qualified Investors " as defined in Article 10, 1 of the Prospectus Law and who are acting for their own account, or in other circumstances which do not constitute a public offering in Belgium pursuant to the Prospectus Law. The Tender Offer as well as the Tender Offer materials may only be advertised, offered or distributed in any way, directly or indirectly, to any persons located and/or resident in Belgium who qualify as "Qualified Investors" as defined in Article 10, 1 of the Prospectus Law and as referred to in Article 6, 3, 1 of the Takeover Law, and who are acting for their own account, or in other circumstances which do not constitute a public offering in Belgium pursuant to the Takeover Law.

The New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer have not been and will not be approved by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, as neither constitute a public offer in accordance with the Danish Securities Trading Act nor the Danish executive order on takeover bids.

No prospectus (including any amendment, supplement or replacement thereto) has been prepared in connection with the offering of the New Bonds that has been approved by the French Autorite des marches financiers or by the competent authority of another State that is a contracting party to the Agreement on the EEA and notified to the French Autorite des marches financiers and to Uruguay; neither the Tender Offer nor the New Notes have been offered or sold nor will be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, to the public in France; the materials relating to the New Notes have not been distributed or caused to be distributed and will not be distributed or caused to be distributed to the public in France; such offers, sales and distributions have been and shall only be made in France to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies), as defined in Articles L. 4112 and D. 4111, of the French Code monetaire et financier who are investing for their own account and are not individuals. The direct or indirect distribution to the public in France of any so acquired New Notes may be made only as provided by Articles L. 4111, L. 4112, L. 4121 and L. 6218 to L. 62183 of the French Code monetaire et financier and applicable regulations thereunder. The other legal entities referred to in Articles L. 3412 1 and D. 3411 of the French Code monetaire et financier are eligible to participate in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer has not been and will not be submitted to the clearance procedures (visa) of nor approved by the Autorite des marches financier.

No action has been or will be taken in the Federal Republic of Germany that would permit a public offering of the securities, or distribution of a prospectus or any other offer materials and that, in particular, no securities prospectus (Wertpapierprospekt) within the meaning of the German Securities Prospectus Act (Wertpapierprospektgesetz) of June 22, 2005, as amended (the " German Securities Prospectus Act "), has been or will be published within the Federal Republic of Germany. In Germany, the New Bonds may not be offered or sold other than to qualified investors within the meaning of  2(6) of the German Securities Prospectus Act.

With respect to persons in Hong Kong, the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer are only made to, and are only capable of acceptance by, "professional investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong (the " SFO ") and any rules made thereunder. No person or entity may issue or have in its possession for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, any advertisement, invitation or document relating to the New Bonds, Old Bonds or the Tender Offer, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong other than with respect to the Old Bonds which are or are intended to be tendered, or New Bonds which are intended to be purchased, only by persons outside Hong Kong or only by "professional investors" as defined in the SFO and any rules made under thereunder.

In Ireland, the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer are not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in Ireland and no offers or sales of any securities under or in connection with the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer may be effected except in conformity with the provisions of Irish law including, but not limited to, (i) the Irish Companies Act 2014, (ii) the Prospectus (Directive 2003/71/EC) Regulations 2012 of Ireland, (iii) the European Communities (Markets & Financial Instruments) Regulations 2007 (as amended) of Ireland; and (iv) the Market Abuse (Directive 2003/6/EC) Regulations of Ireland (as amended).

In Italy, this announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed at, and the Tender Offer documents may only be distributed, directly or indirectly, to qualified investors.

In Luxembourg, this announcement has been prepared on the basis that the New Bond Offering and the Tender Offer will be made pursuant to an exemption under Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of securities.

In the Netherlands, the New Bonds may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, other than to qualified investors (gekwalificeerde beleggers) within the meaning of Article 1:1 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act (Wet op het financieel toezicht).

Neither the communication of this announcement nor any other offer material relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer has been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (as so amended, the " Order ") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Articles 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such other persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.

* * *

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

SOURCE Republic of Uruguay
MOUNT VERNON, Va., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In preparation for Constitution Day on September 18 (observed), George Washington's Mount Vernon has made available a variety of teacher and student resources devoted to the Constitution. Through the website www.mountvernon.org/teachingtheconstitution teachers can download lesson plans and students can explore special interactives along with a dynamic Constitution video, A More Perfect Union: George Washington and the Making of the Constitution. This visually stunning video tells the story of the constitution's creation and is a terrific resources for teachers to utilize in their classrooms. The video's tactile animations and live-action reenactments bring key concepts to our nation's democracy today come to life.

"When we shared A More Perfect Union video with teachers from around the country, they found it compelling and agreed that their students would benefit from the beautiful map animations and the scale images that illustrate the different compromises made during the convention," said Allison Wickens, Mount Vernon's vice president for education. "The lesson plans and quizzes we created as companion to the video focused on providing vocabulary and chronological support so critical to teaching the key concepts in the video."

The video also places Washington at the center of the action, from the call for a convention to its ultimate approval in ratification and the election of the country's first president. This biographical framing is one of the key educational elements that this production uses to give students a better grasp on the chronological details and debates.

Also available on Mount Vernon's website are student quizzes and study tools that integrate the powerful imagery of the film with critical points of understanding including vocabulary, democratic concepts, compromises, and chronology. Teachers can download lesson plans which use imagery as a tool for memory building and conceptual understanding. These lessons integrate research, role-play, and inquiry source analysis that take students from the simple act of video viewing to tasks of increasing complexity and meaning making.

Educators have told Mount Vernon that vocabulary and chronology were important barriers for their students to overcome so they could understand the true accomplishments of the Constitutional Conventionthe compromises that were critical to the forming of the new government. The video, quizzes, and lesson plans can be found at www.mountvernon.org/teachingtheconstitution. Teachers can send students to www.mountvernon.org/constitutionquizzes to test their knowledge of the Constitution.

Each year 300,000 students from across the country visit George Washington's Mount Vernon to see the home of our nation's first president. Focused on the understanding that not every student will be able to visit Mount Vernon, the organization's digital resources for teachers and schools provide opportunities to bring Washington's biography and the story of the founding of the United States government to schools. Visit mountvernon.org/teachingtheconstitution for more information about these new digital resources.

SOURCE George Washington's Mount Vernon

Related Links

http://www.mountvernon.org


LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Revon Systems Inc. announced today that it will support ClinTec International as the symptom tracking technology provider for a year long real world natural history study in the United Kingdom for patients diagnosed with a very rare blood disease.

The Revon Systems platform (REVON) will securely collect patient symptom surveys and patient activity data. Patients will report their symptoms using REVON's software from their smartphones and integrated Misfit activity trackers. The platform also offers robust support for physician reported outcomes from office visits.

Dr. Ted Smith, CEO of Revon Systems said, "We are excited to support such important rare disease research with a world-class biotech clinical research organization. This rare disease study is the perfect project for REVON because of their need for both patient and physician secure data capture on the smartphone or during the office visit."

Dr. Rabinder Buttar, Founder and CEO of ClinTec, said: "Our goal is to help our biotech clients meet their research needs and Revon Systems adds that real world data dimension to this natural history study with their ability to handle patient and physician reported clinical outcomes with Bluetooth connected devices."

About Revon Systems: REVON is a digital health platform that enables patients to self-track their chronic disease signs and symptoms, and communicate more effectively with their healthcare providers. In addition to symptom tracking, REVON is pursuing a therapeutic version of the platform using a machine learning feature that helps patients with certain respiratory conditions make more informed care seeking decisions.

About ClinTec International ClinTec International is a global full service Contract Research Organization (CRO) with an organically grown presence, including legal entities, in over 50 developed and emerging countries and with operational capabilities in more than 80 countries. ClinTec provides innovative full and functional clinical research solutions to 7 of the top 10 pharmaceutical companies in the world, as well as leading biotechnology and medical device firms in oncology, rare diseases and other therapeutic areas. In addition, ClinTec provides support to a diverse range of organizations, including not-for-profit organizations, to develop medicines for infectious diseases in countries where significant unmet needs exist.

SOURCE Revon Systems
Another week of cool weather in Wisconsin is holding back the maturity process for corn and soybeans, but the rest of the state's main crops were doing well, according to the latest crop report.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report for the week ending Sept. 3 said overnight lows dipped to the 40s in most parts of the state and some lows in the 30s were reported in far northern Wisconin.

Rain accompanied the cool weather in parts of Wisconsin, with the rain making fields too wet for machinery.

"Crops look good but they have a long way to go before they are ready," an Adams/Juneau County report said. "Everyone has their fingers crossed that we don't have a frost until the end of October."

The cool weather has continued into September.

"Fall-like weather in August has farmers concerned about what September weather will bring," a Vernon County report said.

Crop condition stayed mainly in the good to excellent range.

The corn crop was 72 percent good to excellent, with 79 percent of the crop in the dough stage or beyond and 33 percent in the dent stage. Some farmers reported they were harvesting corn for silage.

The soybeans crop was 75 percent good to excellent, with 95 percent of the crop setting pods and 12 percent having leaves turning color.

The third cutting of alfalfa was 94 percent complete and the fourth cutting was 45 percent complete.

Oats harvested for grain was 86 percent done and winter wheat planting has started.

The potato crop was 72 percent good to excellent, pasture 72 percent good to excellent and all hay 82 percent good to excellent.

Soil moisture stayed mostly in the adequate to surplus range statewide, except in the southwest part of the state.

Subsoil moisture was 95 percent adequate to surplus statewide, down two points from a week earlier, and topsoil moisture was 92 percent adequate to surplus, one point better than a week earlier.
LOS ANGELES, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

USA News Group -- North of the border in Canada, preparation for the great lifting of cannabis prohibition is also underway, as the country braces for legalization in July of 2018.

In August alone, Health Canada granted 4 separate Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) licences, raising the total in the country to 56. Companies making a mark in the industry include: Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF), Aphria Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTC: APHQF), AmeriCann, Inc. (OTC: ACAN), MYM Nutraceuticals Inc. (CSE: MYM) (OTC: MYMMF)

And now the markets too are more than ready for the surge to come.

At one point in time, Canopy Growth Inc. (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF) was the only cannabis stock access point to invest in, soaring to as high as $13 per share in February of 2017, only to fall more than 40% to under $8 in May of this year.

But even at an over $1.5 billion market cap, Canopy hasn't put its competitors too far in its dust.

Trailing not too far behind in the great cannabis growth race fellow pot powerhouses Aurora Cannabis (TSXV: ACB) (OTC: ACBFF), and Aphria Inc. (TSXV: APH) (OTC: APHQF) who are each closing in on the $1 billion market cap mark, and a relative newcomer to the race MYM Nutraceuticals Inc. (CSE: MYM) (OTC: MYMMF), which is set to make a major splash in the coming year with one of the world's largest cannabis greenhouses, that dwarfs anything the country has seen so far.

GROW, BABY, GROW!

While the legal cannabis industry is still very much in its infancy, the sky is the limit on the value this sector can provide.

Beyond the plant's basic use through straight consumption, whether it's medicinal or recreational, are several other derivatives that provide major potential for the industry as a whole.

In particular is the Cannabidiol compound of the plant, better known as CBD. Used in all types of therapeutic products from topical ointments to beverages to food products, CBD-only products deliver much of the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant, without the high that's typically attributed to cannabis' other product, THC.

Legal in all 50 US states (as well as in Canada), the American CBD market hit $170 million in 2016, and is projected to hit $1 billion by 2020, while the American marijuana industry as a whole is expected to hit $50 billion by 2026.

In order to get to that milestone, however, growth capabilities are going to need to expand, and quite rapidly.

RISE OF THE MEGA GREENHOUSE

Much like in the construction industry's competitive race to build 'megastructures', so too is there an ongoing race to build the biggest and best greenhouses in the world.

The world's largest marijuana greenhouse distinction currently goes to Canopy's Tweed facility in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, which covers 350,000 square feet of greenhouse space.

However, Canopy's competitors at Aurora Cannabis began work on their Leduc facility near the Edmonton Airport, which was to be more than double the size, clocking in at 800,000 square feet of growing space. A facility of that size is capable of 100,000 kgs of cannabis annually.

Set to surpass Aurora's behemoth is AmeriCann Inc. (OTC: ACAN), which announced its plans to build the largest cannabis greenhouse facility in the USA at roughly 1 million square feet, to be located in Massachusetts.

But, like a mega tower that's set to be the tallest in the world, but is surpassed even in the planning stage by an even greater monolith, along comes MYM.

MYM Nutraceuticals and its majority-owned subsidiary CannCanada signed an exclusive deal with the aptly-named Quebec municipality of Weedon, to build a 1.5 million-square-foot cannabis production facility, consisting of fifteen 100,000-square-foot-greenhouses.

This massive marijuana operation will be one of the largest grow operations on the planet, with the potential to produce over 150,000 kgs of cannabis per year-or roughly $750,000,000 annually.

MYM'S MAJOR MOVE

The project in Weedon is unique to the industry, as it's the first time a cannabis producer has worked in tandem with a municipality to create jobs and spark an entire industry in the process.

As it is laid out, the plans will have Weedon itself acquiring the 329 acres of land for MYM to construct upon.

The deal was originally signed between the municipality and CannaCanada. MYM went on to acquire 75% of CannaCanada, and is set to earn an additional 15% to take it to 90% ownership upon completion.

Both the architectural and security plans for Phase One of the Weedon project are complete, which will account for the first 300,000 square feet of greenhouse space, with another four phases still in development.

Along with the Weedon facility, MYM has advanced on another Quebec-based project, with the recent approval and permitting to begin construction on the company's smaller facility in Laval. Phase one of construction for the Laval facility is scheduled for completion by the end of Q4 2017, with the capability of producing 1,000 kgs of cannabis annually.

Through integration, MYM is diversified across much of the cannabis sector, from growth, to formulation and production, to branding and distribution.

At this point it has many of the tools in place to leap into that of a major status among the Auroras, Aphrias, and Canopys of the world. While those companies range from $800 million to $1.5 billion in market caps, MYM Nutraceuticals remains undervalued at a roughly $27 million market cap.

MYM's operations are spread across its assets, ranging from CannaCanada in Weedon, to its other LP subsidiary Sublime in Montreal, to its products and branded entities Joshua Tree, MyHemp Skin Therapy, and HempMed.

Still relatively new to the market, MYM has more than doubled its value since it began trading in March of this year. Acting as an umbrella for several cannabis-related outlets, MYM Nutraceuticals appears to be in line for a promotion to a bigger board in the coming quarters.

POTENTIAL COMPARABLES

Aphria (TSXV: APH) (OTC: APHQF)

Aphria Inc., boasts itself as one of Canada's lowest cost producers, that produces, supplies and sells medical cannabis. Located in the greenhouse capital of Canada, Leamington, Ontario, Aphria provides pharma-grade medical cannabis, and quality patient care. Aphria was the first public LP to report positive cash flow from operations, and the first to report positive earnings in consecutive quarters.

Aurora Cannabis (TSXV: ACB) (OTC: ACBFF)

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Aurora Cannabis Enterprises Inc., Aurora Cannabis is a major LP, operating a 55,200 square foot, state-of-the-art production facility in Mountain View County, Alberta. Aurora made waves when it announced the construction of its 800,000 square foot "Aurora Sky" facility second 800,000 square foot production facility at the Edmonton International Airport. Aurora's also involved in Quebec, with its third 40,000 square foot production facility set to be completed in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, on Montreal's West Island. Aurora also holds a minority stake in leading extraction technology company Radient Technologies Inc., based in Edmonton, and a minority stake in Australian company Cann Group Limited, which was the first in Australia to conduct research on and cultivate medical cannabis. Aurora also owns German wholesale importer, exporter, and EU medical cannabis distributor Pedanios.

Canopy Growth Inc. (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF)

The granddaddy of the corporate cannabis sector, Canopy Growth is the world's largest diversified cannabis company. Canopy boasts a wide offering of distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and capsule forms. Most widely recognized is Canopy's subsidiary Tweed which is the world's most recognized marijuana production brand, as well as an industry educator. Accompanying Tweed in Canopy's portfolio is medical-grade cannabis producers Bedrocan Canada. In total, Canopy Growth's numerous state-of-the-art production facilities total over half a million square feet of GMP-certified indoor and greenhouse production capacity.

For a more in-depth look into MYM you can view the in-depth report at USA News Group from last week: http://usanewsgroup.com/2017/08/29/invest-in-the-marijuana-stock-boom-2/

Article Source:

USA News Group

http://usanewsgroup.com

[email protected]

Legal Disclaimer/Disclosure: This piece is an advertorial and has been paid for. This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. No information in this Report should be construed as individualized investment advice. A licensed financial advisor should be consulted prior to making any investment decision. We make no guarantee, representation or warranty and accept no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of USA News Group only and are subject to change without notice. USA News Group assumes no warranty, liability or guarantee for the current relevance, correctness or completeness of any information provided within this Report and will not be held liable for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained herein or any omission. Furthermore, we assume no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage or, in particular, for lost profit, which you may incur as a result of the use and existence of the information, provided within this Report.

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Contact Information:

E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Phone: +1(954)345-0611



SOURCE USA News Group
MIAMI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) today declared a quarterly dividend of $0.60 per common share payable on October 11, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 22, 2017. This move reflects the company's continuing efforts to increase shareholder returns.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns and operates three global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. We are a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises, a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and a minority shareholder in the Chinese brand SkySea Cruises. Together, these brands operate a combined total of 48 ships with an additional thirteen on order. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 535 destinations on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.royalcaribbean.com


CROMWELL, Conn., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RSA Funding, the innovative nationwide commercial mortgage broker, announces the addition of stated income commercial financing to its roster of loan products.

According to Rob Shea, founder of RSA Funding, "This program will provide a financing option for commercial real estate owners and investors who may fall outside of bankable parameters because of credit or debt to income issues."

Most commercial property types qualify (along with residential 1-4 family non-owner occupied properties). Loan to value can be up to 80 percent depending on the property type. Minimum loan size is 100k. Rates start as low as 8.0 percent and loan closings can take place in as few as two to three weeks.

Shea also added, "This is a competitively priced program and is ideal for self-employed borrowers and property investors who need flexible loan underwriting."

To inquire about RSA Funding's new stated income commercial mortgage program and any of their other innovative commercial financing products contact Rob Shea at 855-475-Fund (3863), or [email protected]

About RSA Funding:

RSA Funding is a nationwide commercial mortgage broker specializing in placing commercial mortgage borrowers in loans through its wholesale lending channels. RSA Funding brokers many different loan types including, but not limited to, Stated Income, Multi-Family, SBA, Bridge and Bankable Loans.

For additional information visit www.rsafunding.com, or contact Rob Shea at 855-475-3863 |[email protected]

Media Contact

Company Name:RSA Funding

Contact Person: Rob Shea

Email:[email protected]

Phone: 855-475-3863

Country: United States

Website:www.rsafunding.com

SOURCE RSA Funding

Related Links

http://www.rsafunding.com


CANTON, Mass., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Patient Safety Act received certification today from the Massachusetts Attorney General's office. The Patient Safety Act will dramatically improve patient safety in Massachusetts hospitals by setting a safe maximum limit on the number of patients assigned to a nurse at one time, while providing flexibility to hospitals to adjust nurses' patient assignments based on specific patient needs. Currently there are no requirements for hospitals to provide an adequate level of nursing care in such areas as the emergency department, medical-surgical floors, maternity units or psychiatric units.

Certification is a critical step in the process. Today's approval by the AG's Office indicates that the initiative has passed constitutional standards and can be brought to the voters in November of 2018. The Committee to Ensure Safe Patient Care, the group backing the initiative, filed it today with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The Secretary has 14 days to develop the official petition language, which will be presented to voters for signature collection.

The Patient Safety Act  certified as the Initiative Petition For A Law Relative To Patient Safety And Hospital Transparency  is supported by a broad coalition from across Massachusetts, including registered nurses, patients and family members, health and safety organizations, community groups, unions and elected officials.

"Every patient has a right to safe and effective nursing care. Unfortunately, outside of intensive care units, there is no law limiting the number of patients that can be assigned to a nurse at one time in Massachusetts hospitals. This must change, for the sake of our patients," said MNA President and RN Donna Kelly-Williams. "Nurses have advocated for patient safety at the bedside, in our hospitals, outside in our communities and at the State House. During that time hundreds of thousands of community members have stood with us, advocating for themselves and their family members. This tremendous support for safe patient limits will mean a resounding 'yes' for the Patient Safety Act in November 2018."

Patient Safety Act Details

The law specifies safe, evidenced-based limits on nurses' patient assignments, with different maximum patient limits for each care area (ED, psychiatric, medical surgical, etc.). For certain areas, like the ED and maternity ward, the law specifies different limits based on a patient's condition.

To provide flexibility in RN patient assignments and to account for patients who require more care, the Patient Safety Act establishes an "acuity" system, which is a tool to measure how sick patients are on a particular unit. Based on the acuity of patients assigned to a nurse, the maximum safe patient assignment would be reduced if those patients require more intensive care.

Hospitals will be required to post in each unit, patient room and waiting area the safe patient limits and how violations can be reported. The Health Policy Commission will publicly post violations of the safe patient limits; any facility refusing to comply will be punished by a fine up to $2,500 for each day the facility is in violation of the law (AG's Office will enforce).

Hospitals would NOT be allowed to meet the safe patient limits for nurses by diminishing other members of the health care team.

A second version of the Patient Safety Act initiative containing a section on hospital financial transparency, including the requirement that all health care facilities receiving funds from the Commonwealth report assets held or invested overseas, was not certified by the AG's Office. At this time, the Committee to Ensure Safe Patient Care plans to appeal this decision.

Why Safe Patient Limits Matter

Dozens of prominent studies have shown these limits are necessary for safe and effective patient care; read the studies at www.massnurses.org/PSAresearch.

While the Commonwealth is recognized as a national leader in health care research, as well as one of the most expensive providers of hospital care in the nation, our state's hospitals rank near the bottom nationally in a number of indicators of patient safety and quality care, including sixth from the bottom nationally for costly and preventable readmissions of patients ( https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/10/11/revolving-door-mass-hospitals/1JqWYNf8n01ZbtrEx3VTBK/story.html ). Preventable re-admissions are directly linked to quality of nursing care. ( McHugh, Matthew D., Berez, Julie et al., Health Affairs, October 2013 . )

An August 2017 study in the Journal of Nursing Care Quality , co-written by Boston College professor Judith Shindul-Rothschild, shows that hospitals in Massachusetts , New York and California with better nurse staffing levels had higher levels of patient satisfaction with pain control ("Beyond the Pain Scale: Provider Communication and Staffing Predictive of Patients' Satisfaction of Pain Control," Pain Management Nursing 2017).

A 2016 study published by Shindul-Rothschild in the Journal of Emergency Nursing on wait times in Massachusetts hospital emergency departments showed that the number of patients ED nurses care for at one time is directly related to how long patients wait for treatment ( http://www.jenonline.org/article/S0099-1767(16)30140-4/abstract?cc=y=) . Wait times in trauma EDs for diagnostic evaluation double for every three additional patients an emergency nurse cares for in 24 hours, according to the study's analysis of 15 Massachusetts hospitals.

77% of Massachusetts RNs report that unsafe patient assignments are a problem, according to "The State of Nursing in Massachusetts ," an annual survey of all RNs in the state that was released in May 2017 ( http://massnurses.org/news-and-events/p/openItem/10476 ).

29% reported patient deaths directly attributable to having too many patients to care for at one time.



63% reported injury and harm to patients.



62% reported longer hospital stays.



71% reported readmission of patients.



73% reported medication errors due to unsafe patient assignments.



87% reported RNs don't have the time to properly comfort and care for patients and families.



83% reported RNs don't have the time to educate patients and provide adequate discharge planning.

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.massnurses.org


HILLSDALE, Mich., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta visited Hillsdale College for the first time on Thursday, August 17 to meet with college president Dr. Larry P. Arnn.

During the visit, the Secretary and Dr. Arnn discussed the work of the department to help American workers, including licensing and overtime reform, and reducing barriers to apprenticeships. Hillsdale graduate Paul Ray serves as Counselor to the Secretary at the Department of Labor.

"Visiting Hillsdale, I learned from Dr. Arnn about his deep passion regarding the impact of Hillsdale graduates on public policy and the national economy," said Secretary Acosta. "At their best, educational institutions offer lifelong lessons, developed minds and inspired hearts. The success of an educational institution is defined, in part, by the contributions and accomplishments of its students, faculty, and alumni. Those contributions come after education makes a handoff to the workforce. Because of that important transition, the Department of Labor opened a dialogue with educational institutions across our nation to ensure that Americans have the best opportunity to find family-sustaining careers. I want to thank Dr. Arnn and Hillsdale for taking the time and joining with me to further that important discussion."

Hillsdale College is a leading employer in southern-central Michigan, providing 725 jobs on its 400-acre campus. The college has a 96 percent placement rate for its graduates. Of those graduates working or attending graduate school, 96 percent are in a field relevant to their career interests.

Photos of the meeting are available here.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College, founded in 1844, has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 3.6 million. More information is available at hillsdale.edu.

SOURCE Hillsdale College

Related Links

http://hillsdale.edu


OREM, Utah, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Providing PCI compliance and data security solutions for over 15 years, SecurityMetrics is actively involved in improving the compliance process for service providers, merchants, ISOs and acquirers alike. Next week, the Utah-based company will attend the PCI North America 2017 Community Meeting in Orlando, where they will demo recently released products and solutions designed to make it easier for customers to achieve PCI compliance. They will also present in two sessions at the conference.

These new products enhance usability, speed and efficiency for all channels:

SecurityMetrics FastPass is available within SecurityMetrics' Partner+ Portal.

is available within SecurityMetrics' Partner+ Portal. For acquirers, ISOs, & Franchise Headquarters



Designed to increase scoping accuracy and reduce merchants' time & frustration



Pre-populates SAQ responses based on FastPass answers



Uses language familiar to users

Robert Reid, SecurityMetrics Director of Product Management, explains, "FastPass is unique in that it makes the PCI experience fit specifically to the merchant. It replaces confusing or irrelevant language with the familiar, and its pre-population feature makes filling out the SAQ much easier."

Role-Based Permissions are now available within the Partner+ Portal.

are now available within the Partner+ Portal. For large acquirers who work with many merchant channels



Ability to assign users different levels of access & permissions





Audit Management Tool revolutionizes the entire audit process and experience.

revolutionizes the entire audit process and experience. For large merchants and service providers who need on-site audits



Gives visibility to customer of audit progress and findings



Provides a simple way for customers to communicate with auditors, download files from SecurityMetrics, and upload customers' documents

"Customers love the way this audit management tool streamlines their experience. They can see the number of outstanding evidence and documentation requests, and see when a QSA has reviewed and submitted documentation. That way, they never have to wonder where they are in the audit process," says Michael Simpson, a Security Analyst at SecurityMetrics.

SecurityMetrics' team will demo these products at booth #130, throughout the conference on September 12, 13 and 14.

The company is also slated to present at this conference. Gary Glover, VP of Assessments, and Matt Halbleib, Director of Assessments, will give a "Remote Access Live Hack Demonstration." And Jack Ady, PCI Product Manager, will contribute to a PCI SSC Small Business Task Force panel called "Simplifying Payment Security for Small Merchants." Both presentations will take place in the afternoon on Wednesday, September 13.

Download the 2017 SecurityMetrics Guide to PCI DSS Compliance:

http://info.securitymetrics.com/pci-guide



To learn more about SecurityMetrics or PCI DSS compliance, call 801.705.5665, email [email protected], or visit www.securitymetrics.com/pci.

For press inquiries, call 801.995.6516 or email [email protected].

About SecurityMetrics (www.securitymetrics.com)

SecurityMetrics protects electronic commerce and payments leaders, global acquirers, and their retail customers from security breaches and data theft. The company is a leading provider and innovator in merchant data security, and as an Approved Scanning Vendor and Qualified Security Assessor, has tested over 1 million payment systems for data security and compliance. Among other things, SecurityMetrics offers PCI level 4 compliance programs, PCI audits, mobile device vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and forensic analysis. Founded in October 2000, SecurityMetrics is a privately held company headquartered in Orem, Utah, USA.

SOURCE SecurityMetrics

Related Links

http://www.securitymetrics.com


LONDON, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

MMDSmart's geographic growth continues. After previously opening offices in the past year in Hong Kong and Russia, MMDSmart, the smart messaging pioneer, and a leading global supplier of innovative communications products, including VoIP and online fax solutions, announced today the opening of its first office in London, and appointed Mr. Dylan Fernando, to manage its UK operations.

Demand for both its voice and messaging solutions have increased dramatically in the last 2 years. While many telecom companies have reported a marked drop in their voice revenue, MMDSmart's business of innovative voice solutions grew by more than 50% in 2016. This occurred simultaneously to the launch of the industry's first results driven enterprise messaging solution, the smart messaging platform, which has also spurred double digit growth in demand for its A2P messaging products.

Globally, the A2P market reached more than $55 billion USD in 2016, and industry sources expect the growth trend to continue as more and more enterprises and organizations of all sizes adopt this trusted and efficient method for communicating with their clients, and constituents.

"London is one of the global centers of the telecommunications industry and it became clear that we needed a local presence to continue to grow our business in the UK and the rest of Europe. Many of our partners have offices or are based in London so it was a natural choice for our first Western European office," said Arie Frenklakh, CEO of MMDSmart. "Dylan has years of experience in the voice business in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, a wealth of industry knowledge and many high-level industry contacts, and we're confident that he will be a valuable asset in expanding our organic growth, and acquiring new partners and business," he added.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Fernando was Senior Carrier Relations Manager at Mundio/ Vectone Mobile, managing the carrier department and operations in London, Chennai & Jakarta. He has also been Strategic Consultant & Accounts Manager at Businessmobiles.com, Head Operations Manager at Nexellent Ltd, and Carrier Relations Manager at Tritel. Born in Colombo, Mr. Fernando is a long-time resident of London and completed his MBA from Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Mr. Fernando added, "I'm thrilled to be joining the MMDSmart team which is well known throughout the industry for its innovative approach and products like the smart messaging platform. This is a wonderful opportunity to expand MMDSmart's presence in Europe, leveraging my own experience to deliver personalized service to our new and existing clients in and around the region. MMDSmart's suite of unique technology solutions position it as a very attractive partner for many leading telecom industry companies."

As part of its growth strategy, the company will participate next week at the Asian Carrier's Conference in Cebu, Philippines. Next month, Mr. Fernando will join other members of the MMDSmart team at the Capacity Europe conference in London from October 24 - 26, 2017.

About MMDSmart

Founded in 2007, MMDSmart Ltd, the smart messaging pioneer, provides smart communications solutions to organizations of all sizes. Its product offering includes voice, fax and chat solutions, with a unique expertise in smart messaging, the first results driven enterprise messaging solution which significantly enhances any organization's customer communications and marketing activities. With headquarters in Tel Aviv, regional offices in London, Hong Kong and Kiev, and a development center in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, it is focused on providing the highest quality communications solutions to its partners and clients, which include many tier 1 companies from more than 100 countries. As it expands its global scope, its initial mission and commitment remains the same; MMDSmart - Connect. Engage. Smile.

Links:

MMDSmart: http://www.mmdsmart.com/

Asian Carrier's Conference: http://www.asiancarriersconference.com

Capacity Europe: http://www.capacityconferences.com/Capacity-Europe.html

Contact:

Ira Cohen

[email protected]

SOURCE MMDSmart
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SolarReviews.com, the leading destination for customer reviews in the solar industry, has partnered with NABCEP, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, to integrate NABCEP certifications and credentials into the expansive SolarReviews.com website. NABCEP is a highly respected and well-established national certification organization for renewable energy professionals. ClicktoTweet

As of September 2017, SolarReviews.com has received more than 22,000 unsolicited reviews on solar installers across the U.S. "With the addition of the NABCEP certifications, our visitors now have more information to aid in their solar decision process further boosting consumer confidence," explained Jamie Lakes, Director of Business Development of SolarReviews.com. "Achieving NABCEP certification is a great achievement in the solar industry and we are proud to partner with them."

NABCEP develops and implements credentialing programs for practitioners in the fields of renewable and sustainable energy and energy efficiency technologies and an accreditation program for residential photovoltaic installation companies. Through the SolarReviews.com platform, consumers can now identify NABCEP Certified individuals, NABCEP Accredited companies, and NABCEP Registered training providers.

Customer reviews of services offered by contractors, like solar installers, are one of the most important ways potential consumers can learn about service providers. They provide customers with invaluable information on the services a contractor offers including their customer service, installation, maintenance performance, whether they performed services on time and as expected, and more.

"We are continually looking for ways to raise industry standards and promote consumer confidence," explained Shawn O'Brien, Executive Director, NABCEP. "By working together, we can provide today's consumers with valuable information about NABCEP Certified Professionals' commitment to achieving and maintaining high industry standards which will assist consumers during the selection process. We're confident that consumers who visit SolarReviews.com to make an informed decision when choosing a renewable energy installation company will see the benefit of selecting NABCEP Certified Professionals and Accredited Companies, and that the value of NABCEP's certifications will be reflected in their reviews."

In addition, SolarReviews.com will create a special section for solar training providers that will include company information, partnerships and accreditations.

SolarReviews.com is exhibiting at the largest solar show in North America, Solar Power International, being held next week, September 10-13 in Las Vegas (booth #2863).

About NABCEP

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is the most respected, well-established and widely recognized national certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. NABCEP offers entry level knowledge assessment, professional certification, and company accreditation programs to renewable energy professionals throughout North America. NABCEP's mission is to develop and implement quality credentialing and certification programs for practitioners by supporting and working closely with professionals and stakeholders in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

About SolarReviews.com

SolarReviews.com is the leading destination for customer reviews in the solar industry, with more than 3,500 solar installer partners and 21,000 customer-generated reviews of solar installers and manufacturers nationwide. SolarReviews.com has more than 3 million unique visitors annually and offers free tools and resources that inform and engage consumers, including its sister sites: Solar-Estimate.org and SolarPanelTalk.com. At SolarReviews.com users can quickly and easily get ratings and reviews of local solar installers simply by inputting their ZIP code. They can also get free, no-obligation, no hassle quotes from solar installers that best fit their criteria.

PR Contact:

Leah Wilkinson

Wilkinson + Associates for SolarReviews.com

703-907-0010

[email protected]

SOURCE SolarReviews.com

Related Links

http://www.solarreviews.com/


WASHINGTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Students at Laing Middle School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, which is near Charleston, will speak with a NASA astronaut living, working and doing research aboard the International Space Station at 10:20 a.m. EDT Friday, Sept. 8. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website.

Expedition 52 Flight Engineer Col. Randy Bresnik is an alumnus of The Citadel, located in Charleston. He will answer questions from students at Laing Middle School. The school is hosting the event with the help of Citadel cadets and The Citadel STEM Center of Excellence. Cadets will lead the younger students as they pose questions to the Citadel astronaut alumnus.

Bresnik launched to the space station on July 28. He is expected to return to Earth in December. A Marine Corps veteran and member of The Citadel class of 1989, Bresnik is one of the college's most visible principled leaders. In May of 2004, Bresnik was selected out of approximately 4,000 applicants to become one of the 11 members of NASA's Astronaut Class 9, becoming the first graduate of The Citadel to have the opportunity to fly in space. Expedition 52/53 is Bresnik's second mission to the space station, the first being in 2009. Bresnik is the commander of Expedition 53.

Media interested in covering the event should contact Kim Keelor at [email protected]. Laing Middle School is at 2705 Bulrush Basket Lane in Mt. Pleasant.

The cadets will lead a two-part event for the eighth grade students, visiting the class first to teach them about Bresnik, the space station, how the live downlink works and conduct an in-class lesson related to the space station. On Sept. 8, they will lead the conversation with Bresnik, guiding the participating students as they ask questions that are expected to revolve around experiments which Bresnik is assisting, as well as space fitness. Middle school students across the South Carolina Lowcountry as well as cadets on The Citadel campus are expected to watch the event on NASA TV. A link to recording will be provided to other teachers wishing to show it in their classrooms.

Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of NASA Education's STEM on Station activity, which provides a variety of space station-related resources and opportunities to students and educators.

Follow the astronauts on social media:

https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts

For more information, videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


As expected, prosecutors on Tuesday re-filed homicide and reckless injury charges against a Madison woman who they say was involved in the July 28 murder of a woman on Madisons North Side.

A revised criminal complaint reinstates charges of being a party to first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless injury against Nicole M. Marco, 35, of Sun Prairie, who was charged along with three others for the role that police said she played in the shooting death of Ciara Philumalee, 24.

Last week, Reserve Judge Amy Smith dismissed the homicide and reckless injury charges against Marco following a preliminary hearing, finding that there was insufficient evidence to show that Marco knew a shooting would occur when she drove three other people to an apartment building on Karstens Drive where Philumalee was shot.

At that point, Deputy District Attorney Matthew Moeser said charges would be re-filed in a complaint containing more evidence against Marco.

Donald Davis Jr., 29, of Madison, is alleged to have fired the shots that killed Philumalee and injured Joseph Jordan. Korey V. Johnson, 33, and Jennifer L. Lovick, 34, both of Madison, are also charged with being parties to the homicide.

The criminal complaint states that Lovick told Davis where to find Philumalee, who Davis had sought because he believed she had been involved in a plot to rob him earlier.

Johnson told police that as the four traveled to Karstens Drive, there was a discussion about how to lure Philumalee outside. He also said that Marco, at Davis direction, gave $200 to Lovick as her reward for finding Philumalee, the revised complaint states.

According to the revised complaint:

Police found a cellphone in Marcos car after her Aug. 8 arrest following a police chase, and data on the phone indicated calls and text messages between Marco and Davis. Shots fired on July 24 outside the Econo Lodge, 4726 E. Washington Ave., where Marco was staying at the time, left behind the same mix of 9mm Luger GFL and Luger Hornady ammunition casings that was left behind at the scene where Philumalee was shot four days later.

A woman told police that Davis had called her on July 24 to say he had shot at someone while at a hotel and needed somewhere to clean himself of gunshot residue.

When Marcos car was searched after her arrest, a box containing intact Luger GFL and Hornady ammunition was found in the car, along with a handgun loader and a handgun magazine.

Marco was jailed on $10,000 bail after appearing in court, and was scheduled for another preliminary hearing on Sept. 14 before Circuit Judge Frank Remington.
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovereign Health, a national behavioral health system, is hosting three continuing education (C.E.) events this month. Each course meets the qualifications for one hour of C.E. credit required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) and the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), and is approved for one contact hour by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

September 14 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PDT  How to Build Your Self-Esteem  Sovereign Health of Los Angeles  Darlene Lancer, a licensed psychotherapist and relationship and codependency expert, will explain the self-esteem, which determines our sense of well-being and ability to enjoy satisfying relationships and pursue goals. She will explain the way to identify the symptoms and signs of low self-esteem and high self-esteem, besides, the useful techniques to build self-esteem in clients during the course. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Mariela Escobar or call 949-324-1280.

September 21 from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PDT  Internal Mastery for Next Level Living  Sovereign Health of Chandler  Cristy Lopez, Ph.D., will explain why our brains are wired for anxiety and why fighting anxiety usually makes matters worse! Further, she will elaborate the importance of anxiety, common reactions and treatment strategies to help clients better manage anxiety allowing them to lead more successful and productive lives. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Caroline Bernard or call 949-324-7513.

September 26 from 1:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PDT  Treating the Personality in the Addictive Personality  Sovereign Health San Clemente  Anthony J. Mele, Psy.D., Chief Clinical Officer at Sovereign Health and a licensed psychologist with more than twenty-five years of experience in behavioral healthcare, will explain the co-occurrence of Borderline Personality Disorder and Substance Abuse Disorders, effects of substance abuse on brain structure and cognitive functioning, and the specific challenges that occur during treatment. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Kimberly Sosa or call 949-573-1648.

Sovereign Health currently operates nine treatment facilities located in Arizona, California, Florida, Texas and Utah. The facilities are licensed in accordance with the regulations of the state where the facility is located. Sovereign facilities have been awarded Gold Seal accreditation by The Joint Commission.

Continuing education programs are offered by Sovereign Health to professionals in the behavioral health and related fields delivering learning opportunities on various topics which are approved by NBCC.

About Sovereign Health

Sovereign Health's mission is to provide a broad spectrum of high-quality behavioral health treatment services for adults and adolescents, including support services for family members. One factor that differentiates Sovereign from other treatment providers has been the company's ability to offer separate mental health and addiction or dual diagnosis treatment programs at its facilities. For more information, visit www.sovhealth.com.

SOURCE Sovereign Health

Related Links

http://www.sovhealth.com


In light of recent events such as the tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia, SFL is making it clear that National-Socialists and their collectivist mentality must be stopped. As the international leader in the youth libertarian movement, SFL is dedicated to supporting free speech, condemning acts of violence, and to promoting peace, love, and liberty. National Socialists and Communists are antithetical to those ideas.

SFL CEO Dr. Wolf von Laer said that "having come from Germany, I know the issue of National Socialism first hand and understand that any form of fascism is dangerous and disgusting. They have nothing to do with liberty. However, these National Socialist groups do have a right to speak and when they do, they are their own worst enemies. We can expose these despicable ideas for what they are  irrelevant and dangerous."

"Despite Germany banning National Socialist hate speech and pamphlets, we still struggle with National Socialist violence and terror. Making it go underground makes these bad ideas even more appealing to people. I was born in Germany, a country with a history that has shown the world the absolute barbaric nature of National Socialism in practice. National Socialism and the people standing up for this genocidal, tribal, white supremacist, and conspiratorial worldview eschew the values that Students For Liberty and the Constitution of the United States uphold: that people are created equal and that liberty is the best system to achieve a peaceful society. It is critical that we don't pick sides between the extreme left or right, but instead defend our free society from its foes on all sides," von Laer said.

SFL is the pro-liberty voice for those who condemn violence. The violence which has erupted between Antifa and the Alt-right has left the majority of Americans without a voice. With increased polarization in American politics, many focus on being "anti-left" or "anti-right." SFL is neither and instead advances a positive political message by being pro-liberty and pro-peace.

"Almost every ideological group thinks they are treated poorly by the majority of society. It's the victimization mentality. By using violence against fringe ideas such as National Socialism, one simply confirms National Socialists in their self-belief that they are victims and need to fight back. If we support stifling free speech, especially with violent means, we are in fact supporting the same policy of censorship put forth in Nazi Germany and Communist Russia," von Laer said.

Students For Liberty's mission is to educate, develop, and empower the next generation of leaders of liberty. For more information, please visit StudentsForLiberty.org.

Students For Liberty, 2221 S Clark St. 12th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202, United States of America

SOURCE Students For Liberty

Related Links

http://www.studentsforliberty.org


DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Suntex Marina Investors LLC (Suntex), the premier owner and operator of best-in-class marina properties, announced today it is providing assistance to those adversely affected by Hurricane Harvey. The company is collecting donations for relief efforts from employees, members and customers through YouCaring.com.

Suntex will also donate 10% of all Marine Center sales made during the Labor Day holiday weekend to local relief efforts. To coordinate these efforts, a social media campaign has been launched with the hashtag #SuntexCares.

"Suntex is a Dallas-based company with strong ties to Southeastern Texas," said Ron TenEyck, vice president of operations. "We are determined to have the greatest impact and do the greatest good for those affected. Therefore, 100% of the funds we raise will be given to local Texas charities with the resources for direct assistance to those who need it most. In addition, our local marinas are each doing their own outreach, for example, Crosswater Yacht Club is running trailers full of items that first responders are in need of and our Dallas-Forth Worth marinas are collecting items for local shelters and churches that are taking in Southeast Texas residents with nowhere else to go."

To learn more about or donate to the #SuntexCares relief effort, please visit https://www.youcaring.com/SuntexCaresSouthEastTexas.

The Suntex portfolio of 45 marinas are located in California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia. For more information on Suntex Marina Investors LLC, or the complete portfolio of Suntex marinas, please contact [email protected] or visit www.suntex.com.

About Suntex Marina Investors, LLC  Suntex Marinas engages in the ownership and management of marina properties. The executive officers at Suntex have over 100 years combined experience investing in, acquiring, and managing marinas. Suntex manages 45 marina properties in the United States, leveraging its ownership and management platforms to provide leadership within the marina sector and to acquire institutional quality marinas to enhance customer experience. Suntex prides itself on a growing reputation in the marina industry for its commitment to superior customer service, experienced marina managers and staff, conscious contributions to marina communities and expansive enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences on the water. www.suntex.com

SOURCE Suntex Marina Investors LLC
BOULDER, Colorado, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Surna Inc. ("Surna" or the "Company") (OTCQB: SRNA) announced today Brandy Keen, Surna Sr. Technical Advisor and Co-founder, will be speaking on the topic of cannabis energy and water conservation solutions at the Cannabis World Congress and Business Expo (CWCBExpo) in Los Angeles Sept. 13-15.

Keen brings more than 10 years of expertise specializing in equipment that creates a sustainable, efficient and healthy indoor grow to the CWCBExpo stage and will educate attendees on best practices to reduce energy cost while increasing crop yield.

"Indoor cultivation is undeniably the future of the cannabis industry and growers need to be educated on best practices to avoid high energy bills and reduce their environmental footprint," Keen said. "Southern California, for example, has battled drought conditions for years and water resources are precious; it's important that cultivators understand how to yield a healthy crop while still being water and energy efficient. When optimized correctly, indoor grows do not require excessive amounts of water like outdoor grows."

A single two-pound marijuana plant in California consumes an average of 480 gallons of water in an outdoor grow. And as for energy usage, indoor cannabis grows in the U.S. account for $6 billion dollars in energy costs annually. Marijuana cultivation is one of the most energy-intensive of the major industries in the United States. It consumes six-times as much energy as the pharmaceuticals industry and requires eight-times as much energy per square foot as the average U.S. commercial building.

Keen will talk through six key ways to conserve energy during her presentation at 11:00 a.m., September 14th in Room 501AB.

"Individuals entering the cannabis industry anticipate a very profitable investment but oftentimes don't understand the overwhelming cost of starting and maintaining an indoor grow." Surna CEO Chris Bechtel said. "Energy and water conservation solutions are very important to our industry and the communities where grows are operated. Every indoor grow-no matter if they are already producing crop or still in the design phase-will benefit from these best practices and will see an immediate return on investment when they are implemented."

For more information on Surna, please see http://www.surna.com.

About Surna

Surna, Inc. is a Boulder, Colorado-based manufacturer of a proprietary line of optimized lighting, environmental control and air sanitation systems for state-regulated cannabis cultivation facilities as well as traditional indoor agricultural facilities (http://www.surna.com). We develop innovative technologies and products that monitor, control and or address the energy and resource intensive nature of indoor cannabis cultivation. Our goal is to provide intelligent solutions to improve the quality, the control and the overall yield and efficiency of controlled environment agriculture. Though our customers do, we neither produce nor sell cannabis.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's future business expectations, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors including Surna's ability to monetize service components, Surna's support of premium prices for existing products, commercialization of research and development efforts and continued expansion of legal cannabis markets. Other risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks related to new products, services, and technologies, government regulation and taxation, and fraud. In addition, the current global economic climate amplifies many of these risks. More information about factors that potentially could affect Surna's financial results is included in Surna's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Statement about Cannabis Markets

The use, possession, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis are prohibited by federal law. This includes medical and recreational cannabis. Although certain states have legalized medical and recreational cannabis, companies and individuals involved in the sector are still at risk of being prosecuted by federal authorities. Further, the landscape in the cannabis industry changes rapidly. What was the law last week is not the law today and what is the law today may not be the law next week. This means that at any time the city, county, or state where cannabis is permitted can change the current laws and/or the federal government can supersede those laws and take prosecutorial action. Given the uncertain legal nature of the cannabis industry, it is imperative that investors understand that the cannabis industry is a high-risk investment. A change in the current laws or enforcement policy can negatively affect the status and operation of our business; require additional fees, stricter operational guidelines and unanticipated shut-downs.

Contact:

Jamie English

[email protected]

+1-303-993-5271 ext. 110



SOURCE Surna, Inc.
"The caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail and a perfect complement to our authentic churrasco," says Rodrigo Davila, director of wine and spirits for the family-owned Brazilian-American steakhouse brand. "This is a day that allows us to toast the culture of Southern Brazil while we welcome guests with the generous hospitality found in Texas," he adds.

The classic Brazilian caipirinha is a refreshing blend of lime, simple syrup, and cachaca, and guests can also choose additional flavors including Strawberry, Mango, Coconut and Passion Fruit at Texas de Brazil during dinner or at the bar and lounge area.

Those dining will begin their experience at an enticing 50-item salad area filled with freshly made dishes, both hot and cold including favorites such as lobster bisque and potatoes au gratin or pineapple carpaccio and vegetable couscous. The full rodizio-style menu also features up to 16 quality meats cooked the authentic Brazilian gaucho way --over open flame using natural wood charcoal resulting in deeper, more intense flavor and just the right amount of smokiness. Tempting selections such as succulent lamb chops, leg of lamb, picanha (sirloin), filet mignon, chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, Brazilian sausages and more are served by costumed gauchos, tableside. Guests pace the gaucho's service with a simple flip of a red and green disc. Green indicates when additional servings are welcome while red indicates a break is needed. The appealing menu offers something to please everyone in the group.

Dinner hours and cocktail specials vary by location. Visit www.texasdebrazil.com for complete details.

About Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil is an authentic churrascaria featuring a continuous dining experience that blends the unique culture of Brazil with the generous hospitality of Texas. The menu features a vast selection of grilled meats, a 50-item salad area and a la carte dessert selections. Founded as a family-owned business in 1998, Texas de Brazil now has 53 domestic and international locations. For more information, visit http://www.texasdebrazil.com.

SOURCE Texas de Brazil

Related Links

http://www.texasdebrazil.com


NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Global Textile Coatings Market: Overview



Textile coatings are special purpose coatings that are used for coating various textiles, fabrics and yarns to shield the materials from various environmental factors such as heat, dust, soil, water, oil, grease, etc. The coatings are specifically applied on the textiles to keep the material durable and away from damage. Rise in quality and performance standards from end-user industries and improvement in living standard in developing countries across the globe is observed to boost the demand for textile coatings.



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05091985



The report estimates and forecasts the textile coatings market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2017 and 2025 based on volume (Kilo 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 textile coatings market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the textile coatings 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.



Global Textile Coatings Market: Key Research Aspects



The report includes Porter's Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the textile coatings market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein applications 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 textile coatings between 2017 and 2025.



The study provides a comprehensive view of the textile coatings market by dividing it on the basis of end-use and geography segments. The textile coatings market has been segmented into geotextiles, upholstery fabric, industrial clothing's, footwear, medical hygiene and others based on end-use. End-users segment have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.



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.



Global Textile Coatings Market: Geographical Segmentation



Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for textile coatings 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 application segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual applications in all the regions and countries.



Global Textile Coatings Market: Competitive Landscape



The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report includes Archroma, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc., BASF SE, Clariant AG, The Dow Chemical Company, Huntsman International LLC and others. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).



The global textile coatings market has been segmented as follows:



Textile Coatings Market  Raw Material Analysis



Thermoplastics

Polyurethane

Polyvinylchloride

Acrylics

Others

Thermosets

Natural Rubber

Styrene Butadiene Rubber

Silicones

Others



Textile Coatings Market  Technology Analysis

Dot Coating Technology

Full Surface Coating Technology



Textile Coatings Market  End-user Analysis

Geotextiles

Upholstery Fabric

Industrial Clothing's

Footwear

Medical Hygiene

Others



Textile Coatings Market  Regional Analysis

North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

Germany

France

U.K.

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

ASEAN

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East & Africa

GCC

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America



Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05091985



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.



https://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


LOS ANGELES, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Accelerated Schools, a pre-K-12th grade network of public charter schools that provides high quality education to students in South Los Angeles, celebrates their grand opening of a new, $37 million campus for its dual language (Spanish/English) school, The Accelerated Charter Elementary School (ACES). This brief reception will honor the hard work and dedication of ACES supporters, staff, and students; including special recognition of donors.

Accelerated Charter Elementary School

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017 from 10:30 11:30 a.m. (Media Check-in 10 a.m.) The corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Main Street, Los Angeles, at 3914 S. Main Street, 90011 (818) 385-7472

(Directly across the street from The Accelerated School's main campus)

Johnathan Williams , Founder of and CEO, The Accelerated Schools

, Founder of and CEO, The Accelerated Schools Eric Johnson , President of the Board, The Accelerated Schools

, President of the Board, The Accelerated Schools Susan Raudry , Principal of ACES (Spanish-language spokesperson)

, Principal of ACES (Spanish-language spokesperson) ACES students (Spanish language) and teachers

Philanthropists, LAUSD Reps and Public Officials

Lively and enthusiastic ACES students

The new ACES construction project has been made possible by grants from the Los Angeles philanthropic and corporate communities; the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD); the State of California through Proposition 55, and taxpayers like you.

philanthropic and corporate communities; the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD); the through Proposition 55, and taxpayers like you. ACES is a "green' school; scheduled for LEED Silver certification.

Project includes 100,000 square feet of new school improvements: 19,000 sq. ft. of play and outdoor teaching space, 11,569 sq. ft. for multipurpose room, cafeteria and lunch shelter space and more.

Gomez & Gomez Dual Language Enrichment model is used for dual language programonly one in Los Angeles .

. The student population at ACES reflects South Central L.A's community: 90% Latino, 5% African-American, 1% White and 4% other.

SOURCE The Accelerated School

Related Links

http://www.accelerated.org


Margarites previously served as CFO of Metalogix, a private equity backed software technology company. He has more than 25 years of financial and management experience from his tenure in both private and public companies, as well as in public accounting.

"Nick brings significant leadership and financial experience to Thycotic," said James Legg, CEO of Thycotic. "His background within the technology industry will have a big impact as we continue to aggressively gain market share and achieve goals for operational excellence."

Margarites will lead Thycotic's financial operations and will report directly to Legg. He previously spent 11 years at Sourcefire, a network security company, holding vice president of finance and chief accounting officer positions. He was an integral part of the executive management team that took the company public. Margarites guided the company from its early stages through the IPO and significant growth periods to its eventual acquisition by Cisco Systems for $2.8 billion. After the acquisition, Margarites spent two years at Cisco leading the accounting and finance integration team.

"I'm thrilled to join Thycotic and focus on greater market penetration and growth," said Margarites. "Thycotic has been the leader in the PAM market and I'm excited to be onboard during a thriving time for the company. There's a strong need for Thycotic's PAM solutions as privileged account breaches become more frequent."

Margarites holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Maryland at College Park and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

About Thycotic

Thycotic, a global leader in IT security, is the fastest growing provider of Privilege Management solutions that protect an organization's most valuable assets from cyber-attacks and insider threats. Thycotic secures privileged account access for more than 7,500 organizations worldwide, including Fortune 500 enterprises. Thycotic's award winning Privilege Management Security solutions minimize privileged credential risk, limits user privileges and controls applications on endpoints and servers. Thycotic was founded in 1996 with corporate headquarters in Washington, D.C. and global offices in the U.K. and Australia. For more information, please visit www.thycotic.com.

For further information, please contact:

Steve Kahan Jacqueline Velasco Thycotic Lumina Communications T: 202-802-9399 T: 408-680-0564 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

SOURCE Thycotic

Related Links

https://thycotic.com


MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- John Himle, founder and CEO of Himle Rapp & Company, Inc., announced he has sold his ownership interest in the firm to Todd Rapp, president and current shareholder. Rapp will be the sole owner and CEO of the re-branded firm, Rapp Strategies, Inc.

Himle originally founded the firm in June of 1982 as Himle & Associates, which was rebranded into Himle Horner Inc. in March of 1989 with the partnership of Tom Horner. Rapp became a minority shareholder in 2008 with the purchase of some of Horner's shares, and Himle and Rapp purchased the remainder of Horner's shares in 2010 after Horner became a candidate for Minnesota Governor. The firm was subsequently re-branded to Himle Rapp & Company, Inc.

Over the years, the company developed a strong portfolio of client engagements providing high-level strategic services related to communications, public affairs, reputation and risk/crisis management.

"After 35 years of a very successful run leading this firm, the time is right for me to pursue some business and professional opportunities that I have been considering for some time," said Himle. "The fact Todd has been associated with the company in a leadership position since December 2001 means that we can facilitate a smooth transition for both clients and staff."

While Himle is formally ending his ownership and employment with the company right away, he will assist Rapp with the transition. Himle has formed a new company, Himle LLC  some of his current clients will follow him to the new firm, plus he is considering some additional business opportunities.

"Ironically, I began my professional relationship with John as a client, subsequently having the privilege to work with him for more than 15 years as an employee and then business partner," said Rapp. "I have no doubt that John will continue to serve as a trusted advisor and strategic executive as he moves into his new ventures."

SOURCE Himle Rapp & Company, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.himlerapp.com


CHEVY CHASE, Md., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Government leaders charged with protecting the nation's cyber assets will convene Sept 13 in Washington, D.C. to examine today's cyber challenges and solutions. The theme of the summit is:

"Today | Tomorrow | The Future: Ensuring Cybersecurity in Uncertain Times."

At the summit, attendees will hear from leading experts in government and industry as they share the most up-to-date information and analysis.

What threats are facing the government, the military, and the private sector?

What are the emerging dangers?

How well prepared are the U.S. and its allies to address today's cyber threats?

What do we and our allies need to do improve our cyber defensive posture?

What should our cyber offensive posture be?

How has the Trump Administration addressed the cyber challenge?

The 8th Annual Billington CyberSecurity Summit is expected to attract up to 1000 attendees at the leading cybersecurity summit in the nation's capital.

With powerhouse keynotes from the Director of National Intelligence, U.S. Central Command, the White House, Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), industry thought leaders, the United Kingdom and Australia, the summit keynotes and speakers will tackle the tough issues of cybersecurity  and will examine where we are headed next.

The Summit takes place at the Walter Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. on Sept. 13.

"These times are unprecedented. The cyber attacks, whether they be WannaCry or Petya, are occurring at record rates; the number of Internet connections, and hence threats, are exploding; the political situation is changing with the new administration, and nation states are more active," said Thomas K. Billington, chairman, and founder of Billington CyberSecurity.

Sessions at the Summit will examine:

The Cybersecurity Threat Landscape2018 and Beyond

Top Cybersecurity Priorities for CIOs and CISOs in FY18--Implementing the Executive Order

Beyond Information Sharing to Prevention: Tackling Spear Phishing, the Insider Threat, Ransomware and IOT

Next Generation Continuous Diagnostics & Mitigation

Securing the Endpoint

Deep Dive into the NIST Framework

Combatant Command CIOs: Cyber Successes, Challenge and Priorities

... and Emerging Cyber Technologies

View the agenda here.

The one-day Summit offers attendees and press a deep dive into the current state of cybersecurity and perspectives on the next challenges and opportunities during this unprecedented time of cyber upheaval.

Sponsor opportunities are available. Please contact Sandy Nuwar at 443-994-9832.

Media Contact:

Helen Hoart

[email protected]

1-203-536-5545

Related Links

Summit Agenda

Summit Speakers

SOURCE Billington CyberSecurity
A Dane County jail inmate has been declared absent without leave after failing to return to jail on Tuesday.

Tiffaney Geier, 26, of Brooklyn, was released from jail at about 8 a.m. Tuesday under the Huber work release rule, for a medical appointment and job interview. She apparently did not go to the appointment but went to the job interview.

She was last seen at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Geier was wearing a white T-shirt, dark jeans, white shoes and a red jacket or sweatshirt.

She is white, 5 feet tall, 100 pounds, brown hair, green eyes, with tattoos on her wrists.

She has ties to the Brooklyn and Oregon areas and friends in Lodi.

Geier is in jail on possession of narcotics and theft charges.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to call 911.
HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Total (NYSE: TOT) announces it has made a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist in the Hurricane Harvey Relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region.

"Our hearts go out to those affected by this unprecedented natural disaster. We remain committed to helping rebuild the communities where we do business. That's why we've partnered with the Red Cross. Our donation of $250,000 will provide assistance to those in our community who have been hardest hit by Harvey," announced Christophe Gerondeau, US Country Representative and CEO of Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc.

With operations all along the Texas Gulf Coast, Total is also supporting its employees who have been affected by the storm. The company is committed to ensuring their safety as well as that of the operations.

Total has 7,500 employees in the United States who work in more than 40 sites in 23 states. For more information, visit www.us.total.com

About Total

Total is a global integrated energy producer and provider, a leading international oil and gas company, and a major player in solar energy with SunPower and Total Solar. Our 98,000 employees are committed to better energy that is safer, cleaner, more efficient, more innovative and accessible to as many people as possible. As a responsible corporate citizen, we focus on ensuring that our operations in more than 130 countries worldwide consistently deliver economic, social and environmental benefits.

Cautionary note

This press release, from which no legal consequences may be drawn, is for information purposes only. The entities in which TOTAL S.A. directly or indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. TOTAL S.A. has no liability for their acts or omissions. In this document, the terms "Total" and "Total Group" are sometimes used for convenience where general references are made to TOTAL S.A. and/or its subsidiaries. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them.

This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TOTAL S.A. nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Total

Related Links

http://www.us.total.com


TSX.V: TIG

OTCMKTS: NFRGF

Frankfurt: 8N61

VANCOUVER, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Triumph Gold Corp., (TSX-V: TIG) (OTCMKTS: NFRGF) ("Triumph Gold" or the "Company") applauds the announcement made on September 2, 2017 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Yukon Premier Sandy Silver committing more than $360 million in combined federal and territorial funding to improve road access in two mineral-rich areas in Yukon, including the Dawson Range in central Yukon. In total, the Yukon Resource Gateway Project will help upgrade over 650 kilometres of road and build or replace numerous bridges, culverts and stream crossings.

In the Dawson Range, four separate public road systems will be upgraded. This includes upgrading the first 82 kilometres of the existing Freegold Road which provides access to Triumph Gold's Freegold Mountain project. The Company's Nucleus and Revenue deposits are accessed by secondary roads that extend less than two kilometres from the Freegold Road. All of the other important showings as well as the Tinta deposit are accessed by secondary roads that branch off the Freegold Road.

Paul Reynolds, President and CEO of Triumph Gold stated, "This funding is a significant commitment from both the Territorial and Federal governments and reaffirms our belief that Yukon is one of the best jurisdictions in Canada for mining exploration".

About Triumph Gold Corp.

Triumph Gold Corp. is a growth oriented Canadian-based precious metals exploration and development company. Triumph Gold Corp. is focused on creating value through the advancement of the district scale Freegold Mountain project in Yukon. For maps and more information, please visit our website www.triumphgoldcorp.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Signed "Paul Reynolds"

Paul Reynolds, President & CEO

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 contains forward-looking information, which involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectation. Important factors - including the availability of funds, the results of financing efforts, the completion of due diligence and the results of exploration activities - that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time on SEDAR (see www.sedar.com). Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company disclaims any intention or obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Triumph Gold Corp.
PHOENIX, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Troxell, a national leader in education technology and collaboration solutions for more than 60 years, is happy to announce Terra Norine's STEM Playground event. This event will be set over the course of four days and will feature innovative STEM and MakerSpace products from Troxell's partners. These partners will display virtual reality, augmented reality, robots, 3D printers, coding tools, and much more. Attendees will be able to experience and test these new technologies firsthand.

"I am very excited to host our first ever STEM Playground," said Terra Norine. "This idea came to life after spending the last year in schools working with teachers and principals seeking to improve their STEM programs. I wanted to provide a format where teachers and principals have a unique opportunity to experience the latest STEM tools on the market. This gives them the opportunity to discuss ways to incorporate these tools into their lessons through examples, sessions, and hands-on experiences."

Terra Norine prides herself in being a lifelong learner and an evangelist of all things STEM. When she was eighteen years old, she was selected to intern as an Information Security Manager for the Department of Defense weapons division. It was during this time that she found her passion and love for technology and collaborative learning. In 2016, she joined the Troxell family to continue working in the field that motivates her the most: education and STEM. Terra is very involved with the districts and schools within San Diego, providing guidance and solutions for their technology initiatives.

The STEM Playground will be from September 11th to September 14th, 2017, and will visit five school districts in the San Diego area. Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in various STEM sessions, have hands on experience with new technologies, and discuss classroom integration strategies with STEM experts. This event will also provide attendees direct access to STEM consultants, manufacturers, and Troxell representatives. For more information and a full schedule, please visit https://fileshare.trox.com/f/f650f48c066c4275a7c9/.

About Troxell

Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Troxell is the nation's leading end-to-end solution provider for technology and collaborative solutions in K-12 and higher ed. With 65 offices nationwide, we combine large-scale purchasing power with the high-touch, consultative approach of a local specialist. Find a location near you.

For Press Inquiries Contact: Raigan Irwin-McCabe, VP of Marketing

SOURCE Troxell

Related Links

http://www.etroxell.com


In the past two years, Turo has quadrupled its signups and vehicle listings. Currently, Turo has over four million users, adding more than one million in the last four months alone, and has over 170,000 cars listed.

"We are proud to welcome Daimler, SK Holdings, Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures and Founders Circle Capital to the Turo family," said Turo CEO, Andre Haddad. "This impressive roster of strategic investors joins our existing investors in fueling Turo's mission to put the world's one billion cars to better use and positions Turo firmly as the global leader in the fast-growing peer-to-peer car sharing space. We're thrilled to have them by our side as we work to reshape car ownership and travel worldwide."

Turo's acquisition of Croove provides an immediate opportunity to expand its presence from existing international markets in Canada and the UK to Germany and more broadly into Europe. Funding co-lead SK Holdings will also provide strategic support and insights as Turo considers expansion into South Korea and other Asian markets.

"People want access to mobility - anytime and anywhere," said Jorg Lamparter, Head of Mobility Services responsible for all mobility services bundled under the roof of Daimler Financial Services. "We have already been addressing this desire by providing mobility services to over 15 million people, and our investment in Turo allows us to further expand our leading position and create a stronger mobility services ecosystem. Daimler's expertise in this sphere and Turo's marketplace complement each other perfectly."

"Attitudes toward car ownership and travel are rapidly changing. We've witnessed these changes first-hand through our investments in SoCar, Korea's leading car sharing service, and SoCar Malaysia, which will launch at the end of this year," said SK Holdings CEO, Dong Hyun Jang. "We are confident that Turo will continue to accelerate these trends and look forward to helping Turo to expand into Asia."

In addition to investing, Jan-Michael Graef, CFO at Daimler CASE organization and SK Holdings VP of Portfolio Management, Jungho Shin, join Turo's board of directors.

Liberty Mutual's investment in Turo builds upon the companies' existing relationship that provides commercial insurance for vehicles on the Turo platform. "We are excited to support Turo's peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace as they reinvent traditional car ownership," said Dan Robinson, Managing Director of Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures. "The sharing economy has been a focal point for the fund, and Liberty Mutual is eager to engage with Turo to explore how we can provide innovative insurance solutions for their customers and our policyholders."

Founders Circle Capital (FCC) participates as a new financial investor in Turo's Series D. "We are focused on finding the most disruptive, highest performing and capital efficient private technology companies. Turo significantly exceeds our strict investment requirements on revenue, growth and profitability. It is clear that, much like Airbnb did in accommodations, Turo has established itself as the category leader in car sharing. We're proud to align ourselves with such a forward-thinking management team and investors as they gain brand momentum and global expansion," said Chris Albinson, Managing Director at Founders Circle Capital.

The $92 million Series D funding brings the company's total funding to $193 million. In addition to its focus on expansion abroad and deepening its expertise in insurance, Turo plans to invest capital from the Series D to enhance the customer experience on both sides of the marketplace, boost customer acquisition and grow the Turo brand globally.

About Turo

Turo is a car sharing marketplace where local car owners provide travelers with the perfect vehicle for their next adventure. Travelers from around the world choose from a unique selection of cars and car owners earn extra money while helping fuel their adventures. A pioneer of the sharing economy and travel industry, Turo is a safe, supportive community where the car you rent is part of a story, not a fleet. Whether it's an F-150 truck to help out on moving day, a Tesla for a luxurious weekend away, or a classic Mercedes-Benz for a picture-perfect road trip, travelers rent the car and own the adventure. Discover Turo at turo.com. Join our mission, work at Turo, turo.com/jobs.

Press contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Turo

Related Links

https://turo.com


COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Two Labs Marketing, LLC, a Columbus-based consulting company, announced it is changing its name to Two Labs, LLC, a Pharma Services consulting company, to better reflect its expanded suite of offerings.

"'Marketing' was an effective descriptor when we started the company, but since then, we have outgrown that name. We need a name that reflects our current portfolio of integrated solutions and a name that reflects our plans to grow into a full pharma services consulting company," said Rich Wartel, Founder and CEO.

Working in the pharma industry for over 20 years, Wartel decided to start a consulting company in 2003 after identifying a need in the industry to educate and train pharma product managers on how to best launch new pharma products in the market. In the beginning, the company offered consulting on marketing, patient out of pocket programs, accounting and financial services. However, over the years, the team has expanded the company's services.

In 2007, the Two Labs team recognized a need for automation with the state licensing process, so they created PharmaLicense. In 2013, the team created eRx Solutions in direct response to a client need to trouble shoot e-prescribing issues which could result in lost rep time in front of a physician and lagging sales.

"We intend to add more services and businesses like PharmaLicense and eRx Solutions, making it more important than ever for clients to see us as one company. Our new name, Two Labs, allows us to brand all of our services and affiliates under one umbrella," said Jessica Krauser, Director of Marketing for Two Labs.

The company received additional capital support in 2017 from Excellere Partners. The strategic investment will help Two Labs achieve its goal to become a preeminent commercialization and lifecycle management consultant for pharma manufacturers.

"Our expansion has been fueled by the addition of subject matter experts in several areas of pharma commercialization. Our capabilities enable us to provide services to companies that are in Phase II, through product launch and post-launch. We are incredibly excited about the future capabilities that we will be able to bring to our clients, "said Wartel.

You can learn more information about Two Labs Pharma Services at www.twolabs.com and by phone at 614-389-4004.

About Two Labs Pharma Services:

Two Labs is a leader in all facets of pharma industry services, working with clients who are in Phase II through product launch and post-launch commercialization. Two Labs is entrusted by pharma and biotech companies, providing services across multiple stages of drug development and commercialization process for a wide array of therapeutic areas. Our unique, integrated approach allows us to manage each detail necessary for timely, successful product launches and projects. Find more information at www.twolabs.com.

SOURCE Two Labs, LLC

Related Links

http://www.twolabs.com/


XIAMEN, China, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China hosted the 9th BRICS Forum in Xiamen from September 3rd to 5th, 2017. BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. This time, not only the BRICS, but also five other countries' leader - Thailand, Egypt, guinea, Mexico, Tajikistan attended the summit. More than 50 of the world's top 500 companies from 25 countries came to Xiamen. Uniview's security solution, including 20,000 cameras and 5 security protection methods, was on duty from the cross-sea bridge, airport, customs, to the media center and overall Xiamen City.

Uniview built a complete video surveillance system with five security protection methods to guarantee the devices and system's stable working, which includes front-end connection protection, video private network protection, aggregation device protection, core device protection and control center protection.

More than 20,000 UNV cameras are installed, which built a compact surveillance network and covered most of the key sites including 4 bridges, 1 tunnel, International Cruise Center, Xiamen Airport, railways, 40 public security and traffic checkpoints, Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center, Yundang College, Hotels for state leaders, Aowangcheng Sport Center, Xiamen University, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University and Kulangsu Island etc.

UNV 44x PTZ Dome, High Duty Laser Pan Tilt, Face Recognition Camera and People Counting Camera are widely used on every important intersection along the state leaders' fleet route. The cameras completely satisfied the need for long distance and wide angle of view and recorded the information from people, vehicles and objects.

In order to satisfy the need of strict security protection for BRICS Business Forum 2017, 6000 UNV Starlight cameras, 700 ITS cameras, 20PB cloud storage are deployed. Moreover, Kunlun all-in-one VMS server, which features with integrated image and video management, is also used. Through its VCA function, data from 150 cameras can be reorganized and extracted according to key features such as car plate number and color.

Based on map and favorites functions, UNV VMS installed in the main control center is able to search video resources, group preview, and fix location by maps. Special event like BRICS Forum has special requirements. In order to make the system easier to make command and dispatch in case of emergency, Uniview developed customized functions such as emergency plan for important areas and safeguard for key persons in important drive lines.

About Uniview

Uniview is the leading supplier of video surveillance products and solutions. With more than 12 years experiences in IP video surveillance, Uniview now is the 7th largest manufacturer worldwide and No.3 in China (IHS Markit). For more information, please visit Uniview's website at www.uniview.com.

Facebook: @UniviewHQ

Twitter: @UniviewTech

Youtube: Uniview

E-mail: [email protected]

Tel: +86-0571-86509000

SOURCE Uniview
LITTLETON, Colo., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE American:URG, TSX:URE) announces that Jeffrey Klenda, Chairman and CEO, will present at the Rodman & Renshaw 19th Annual Global Investment Conference taking place September 10  12, 2017 in New York City.

Mr. Klenda will provide an overview of the Company's business during the presentation and will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors who are registered to attend the Conference.

Ur-Energy's presentation will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017. The presentation will be in the Rutherford Room (4th Floor) at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, New York City.

Global Investment Conferences are held annually and are produced by Rodman and Renshaw. If you are an institutional investor, and would like to attend the Company's presentation, please click on the following link (www.rodmanevents.com) to register for the Rodman & Renshaw conference. Once your registration is confirmed, you will be prompted to log into the conference website to request a one-on-one meeting with the Company.

About Ur-Energy

Ur-Energy is a uranium mining company operating the Lost Creek in-situ recovery uranium facility in south-central Wyoming. We have produced, packaged and shipped more than two million pounds from Lost Creek since the commencement of operations. Applications are under review by various agencies to incorporate our LC East project area into the Lost Creek permits, and we have begun to submit applications for permits and licenses to construct and operate at our Shirley Basin Project. Ur-Energy is engaged in uranium mining, recovery and processing activities, including the acquisition, exploration, development and operation of uranium mineral properties in the United States. Shares of Ur-Energy trade on NYSE American under the symbol "URG" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "URE." Ur-Energy's corporate office is in Littleton, Colorado; its registered office is in Ottawa, Ontario. Ur-Energy's website is www.ur-energy.com.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT



Jeffrey Klenda, Chairman & CEO

866-981-4588



[email protected]



SOURCE Ur-Energy Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ur-energy.com


CINCINNATI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit sitting en banc affirmed the decision of a federal district court judge and ruled today that the Board of Commissioners in Jackson County, Michiganrepresented by First Liberty Institutemay open its meetings with invocations. The commissioners offer invocations on a rotating basis and are free to act according to their own consciences by delivering either an invocation or offering a moment of silence.

"Today's decision further solidifies what the U.S. Supreme Court has now twice said: Invocations before government meetings are constitutional and an important part of our nation's history and heritage," said Ken Klukowski, Senior Counsel at First Liberty.

In Marsh v. Chambers (1983) and Town of Greece v. Galloway (2014), the U.S. Supreme Court found invocations before government meetings to be fully consistent with the Constitution and an important part of America's history and heritage.

First Liberty also represents the commissioners of Rowan County, North Carolina (Lund v. Rowan County), whose case was heard en banc in March 2017 before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In July, the Fourth Circuit ruled against the Rowan County commissioners in a split 10-5 vote. First Liberty is currently considering an appeal of the Rowan County decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.

To learn more, visit FirstLiberty.org/Jackson.

About First Liberty Institute

First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.

SOURCE First Liberty Institute

Related Links

https://firstliberty.org


WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At a unique gathering of the Skal family, including the Skal International--USA Executive Committee, SI Washington, some of its Skal Scholar program participants, and some prospective Skalleagues, the Uzbekistan Embassy hosted this distinguished group of tourism leaders in its efforts to expand its position as an important travel destination in Central Asia.

The event was generated by early introductory discussions resulting from an initial contact by SI Washington Skalleagues Carolyn Howell and Andres Hayes with Uzbekistan Embassy Counselor for Trade and Economic Affairs Kamol Muhtarov.

Uzbekistan is seeking to improve its national economy by stimulating growth through tourism and determined that Skal was an organization which offered an opportunity to do so after several Uzbekistan Embassy staff and Uzbekistan American Chamber of Commerce officials attended a SI Washington dinner meeting.

The Uzbekistan Embassy hosts provided an extensive visual presentation on Uzbekistan culture, history, shopping, dining, and top destination cities, including its capital Tashkent, Samarkand, and Jizzak; a buffet dinner of Uzbekistan cuisine, and access to its ornate diplomatic home filled with cultural items, paintings, and historic photos. Muhtarov and Uzbekistan Charge de Affairs Sirojiddin Yahshilikov facilitated the program and all it entailed.

The entire Skal International--USA Executive Committee, except for one member who was travelling, were in attendance, as well as members of Skal International Washington, participants in its Skal Scholars program, and prospective Skal members, including Her Excellency Arikana Chihombori Quao, African Union Ambassador to the United States.

On behalf of the national executive committee, Skal International--USA President Holly Powers offered the Skal toast, "Happiness! Good Health! Friendship! Long Life! Skal!" and acknowledged the special relationships developed within the industry through Skal, including ones such as those exhibited by Skal International Washington and its outreach to the global diplomatic community in Washington. The club has ambassadors who are members.

Speaking at the event for the Washington club were President James Enright and Vice President Andres Hayes, who coordinated the arrangements with some of the same diplomacy skills offered by the Uzbekistan hosts.

SKAL International USA is currently the largest National Committee in Skal International with 2,000 members and 48 clubs nationwide. For more information on SKAL International and SKAL USA, and to find out more about membership, go to www.skalusa.org

Contact:

Burcin Turkkan

1-404-5477409

[email protected]

SOURCE Skal International USA

Related Links

http://skalusa.org


CONCORD, Mass., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Valerion Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company that specializes in the development of therapies for orphan genetic diseases, today announced preclinical proof-of-concept results providing early validation of VAL-0417 as a potential treatment for Lafora disease, a rare and fatal genetic form of epilepsy, characterized by an accumulation of aberrant glycogen-containing deposits known as Lafora bodies. VAL-0417 is a novel fusion protein that combines Valerion's delivery antibody (3E10) linked to amylase, to uniquely target Lafora bodies present in all tissues of Lafora disease patients. Data from this study were presented at the 2017 Lafora Disease Workshop, a satellite symposium of the 32nd International Epilepsy Congress being held September 2-6, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain.

"Current treatments for Lafora disease are only palliative with patients typically succumbing to their disease within ten years of symptom onset," said Deborah Ramsdell, CEO of Valerion. "Our goal with VAL-0417 is to rescue neurons from degeneration thereby minimizing progression of this devastating and underserved disorder. We look forward to completing the preclinical and IND-enabling studies necessary to initiate clinical studies in Lafora patients."

In a presentation titled "Lafora Body Degradation by a Therapeutic Enzyme for the Treatment of Lafora Disease," Valerion researchers and collaborators from the University of Kentucky demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, the ability to deliver VAL-0417 to the skeletal muscle and brain with retention of up to 24 hours following intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection in Lafora mouse models.

"These early but encouraging data demonstrate preclinical proof-of-concept for VAL-0417 and further validate the Valerion platform," said Tracy McKnight, Ph.D., Director of Translational Research at Valerion. "We look forward to continued evaluation of VAL-0417 as a potential therapeutic approach to Lafora by enzymatically degrading neuronal glycogen to clear Lafora bodies in the brain."

About Lafora Disease

Lafora Disease (LD) is a rare, progressive, autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by intractable seizures, difficulty walking, muscle spasms, neurological deterioration, rapid cognitive decline, dementia, and death typically within 10 years of onset. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in either the laforin gene (EPM2A) or malin gene (EPM2B) and is associated with gradual accumulation of Lafora bodies, aggregates of poorly branched, hyperphosphorylated, insoluble glycogen also known as polyglusan. LD usually begins in late childhood or adolescence.

About VAL-0417

VAL-0417 is a novel fusion protein that combines Valerion's delivery antibody (3E10) linked to amylase to uniquely target neuronal glycogen through enhanced delivery to affected tissues. In preclinical proof-of-concept studies, Valerion and collaborators at the University of Kentucky demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, the ability to deliver VAL-0417 to the skeletal muscle and brain with retention of up to 24 hours following intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection in Lafora mouse models.

About Valerion Therapeutics

Valerion Therapeutics, part of the Alopexx Enterprises portfolio of companies, specializes in the development of therapies for orphan genetic diseases through its proprietary antibody-mediated delivery platform, which enables enhanced intracellular delivery of a range of active therapeutic molecules by way of a transport mechanism present in muscles and neurons. Valerion's unique product candidates target disease tissues via a novel antibody (3E10) with cell-penetrating properties dependent on a tissue-localized membrane transporter (ENT2). Because the ENT2 transporter is naturally enriched in critical organs (ex. skeletal muscle and CNS), Valerion constructs targeted fusion products (proteins, drugs and oligos); providing a novel way to treat a number of diseases with limited or no current therapeutic options. For more information about our platform and pipeline please visit www.valerion.com

Contacts:

Deborah Ramsdell, Valerion Therapeutics

[email protected]

781-775-7688

or

Gina Nugent, Nugent Communications

(Investors and Media)

[email protected]

617-460-3579

SOURCE Valerion Therapeutics
If running a gantlet of strangers lined up with outstretched arms to slap your hand isnt your idea of a welcome, perhaps youre not a Purgolder.

Because thats how they do it, to great effect, at East High School, for freshmen on the first day of school.

As ninth-graders throughout the Madison School District returned to classes Tuesday  along with students in grades K-6, and, starting Wednesday, everyone else  a high-energy welcoming program unfolded at East.

Before 8:30 a.m., members of the new freshman class began streaming into the school gymnasium. It was a long line of around 430 students, some looking a little shell-shocked as they walked through the center of a smiling, cheering, high-fiving mass of teachers, administrators and older students lined up on both sides of them.

I didnt expect (a first day) like this, marveled freshman Clyntavion Bursey, who previously attended Sherman Middle School.

You never know whats going to happen when you put 400 people in a room, added Meghan Willauer, an East High teacher whos seen five of these first-day welcome assemblies for freshmen, all similarly upbeat.

As pounding pop music reverberated off the hardwood floor, the students next made their way to tables filled with name tags. Tags in hand, they took assigned seat sections, filling row upon row of bleachers on three sides.

You will never not have a support system here at East High School, bellowed teacher Kyle Mayne, microphone in hand, as he led the students through a program of cheers, clap backs, standing, stretching, trust games and other activities designed to make them feel more comfortable in the big, unfamiliar school and with each other.

High school is what you make of it, Mayne said, urging the freshmen to be open to new experiences. Get involved and step out of your comfort zone a little bit.

And after some trepidation, most did, or at least played along, seeming to relish the in-the-moment, good-natured spirit of it all.

Im kind of nervous, especially about meeting new people, admitted freshman Ruby Trudell from OKeefe Middle School. But (Im) excited, too.

A new beginning

As the two-hour program continued, Mayne and other staff members peppered it with friendly exhortations about learning to keep promises to yourself, following directions and seizing opportunities for involvement.

Transitioning from being the oldest students at their middle schools to the youngest at East might not always be easy, but thats OK, the students were told.

We all struggle sometimes, adults included, ninth-grade principal Mikki Smith said. If youre having trouble, make sure you reach out. Make sure you have fun, too.

The main thing I want to stress is that this is a new beginning, Smith added. Youre starting fresh.

About 60 juniors and seniors at East also took part in the program, sitting in the stands with the freshmen and, later in the day, leading small groups of them on school tours and in classrooms for more get-acquainted activities.

Wearing easy-to-spot orange T-shirts, the older students had volunteered to act as guides and sounding boards for the freshmen, throughout the year, as needed.

On Tuesday, during the welcome program, senior Faith Patten helped one freshman girl find a bathroom, the two of them walking out of the gym and back in again.

I didnt want her to get lost, Patten said. Were here for them the whole school year. If theyre having a bad day, they can always come find us.

East principal Mike Hernandez also was on hand Tuesday, watching how the program went. In an interview, he said he couldnt sleep the previous night because he was so eager to get started on the new year.

Hernandez is beginning his third year as principal at East after eight years leading Sherman Middle School and additional years as a principal outside the district.

But every year, he said, the first day of school is like wiping the slate clean.

This is my 15th year as a principal, Hernandez said. It feels like my first year.
SALEM, Ore., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran Infrastructure Products LLC (VIP), a Department of Veterans Affairs Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, today announced the acquisition of KnightHawk Protection, a Vancouver, Washington based company. Partial funding was provided by Wells Fargo Bank with a Small Business Administration guarantee. This transaction represents a unique and significant opportunity to enhance the growth of VIP and advance the company's strategic focus on growing its business to business capabilities in a sector where VIP has considerable experience. KnightHawk Protection is a wholly owned subsidiary of VIP, and the existing management team will continue to lead the business.

"We are thrilled to welcome KnightHawk Protection to VIP," said Rusty Rice, VIP President and CEO. "KnightHawk Protection is a stalwart company that has been in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area for more than 17 years, working in the industry and living in the community very close to their operations. We value their team of dedicated employees, and will support them with the resources they need to continue the success they have built over the past 17 years."

Larry Knight, founder of KnightHawk Protection commented, "Our family is very proud of the legacy we have established and nurtured over the past 17 years. As a family run and owned business, we view today's transaction as an opportunity to continue growing our business while joining an even larger family."

KnightHawk presently offers mobile patrol services, fixed post services, alarm response and dispatching, executive protection, and related protection services.

VIP is a federal government contractor headquartered in Salem, Oregon with offices in Washington, D.C. VIP provides administrative, logistical, and technical support to its federal clients. VIP will introduce KnightHawk Protection services for national and international assignments to its federal client base while continuing to expand its business to business base.

Media Contact:

Rusty Rice

Phone: 8556138900

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Veteran Infrastructure Products LLC
ISNES, Belgium, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- VolitionRx Limited (NYSE American: VNRX) today announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Reynolds, its Executive Vice President, Scott Powell, and/or its Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jason Terrell, are scheduled to attend and present at multiple conferences in September.

During their presentations, management will outline Volition's business, clinical, regulatory and operational milestones, as well as the Company's recently announced U.S. clinical trial with the National Cancer Institute's Early Detection Research Network (EDRN).

Details of the conferences are as follows:

Conference: Rodman & Renshaw 19th Annual Global Investment Conference Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Time: 3:50 p.m. EDT Location: Lotte New York Palace Hotel, New York, NY



Conference: MicroCap Leadership Summit Date: Friday, September 22, 2017 Time: 8:30 a.m.5:00 p.m. CDT (Small Group Presentations) Location: Westin Chicago Northwest Hotel, Itasca, IL



Conference: Rocky Mountain MicroCap Conference Date: Monday, September 25, 2017 Time: TBD Location: Coors Field, Denver, CO



Conference: Ladenburg Thalmann 2017 Healthcare Conference Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2017 Time: 3:30 p.m. EDT Location: Sofitel Hotel, New York, NY



Conference: Cantor Fitzgerald Global Healthcare Conference Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Time: 8:00 a.m. EDT Location: InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel, New York, NY



Conference: 2017 Disruptive Growth Company Showcase NYC Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 Time: TBD Location: Grand Hyatt Grand Central Hotel, New York, NY



Conference: Sidoti & Company Fall 2017 Conference Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 Time: 1:20 p.m. EDT Location: Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York, NY



Conference: 18th Annual GCFF Toronto Conference 2017 Date: Saturday, September 30, 2017 Time: TBD Location: Courtyard Toronto Northeast/Markham, Markham, ON

Persons attending any of the above-referenced conferences who would like to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with Volition management during such conference may do so by contacting Tirth Patel of Edison Advisors at [email protected] or Scott Powell, Executive Vice President, at [email protected].

About Volition

Volition is a multi-national life sciences company developing simple, easy to use blood-based cancer tests to accurately diagnose a range of cancers. The tests are based on the science of Nucleosomics, which is the practice of identifying and measuring nucleosomes in the bloodstream or other bodily fluid -- an indication that disease is present.

As cancer screening programs become more widespread, Volition's products aim to help to diagnose a range of cancers quickly, simply, accurately and cost effectively. Early diagnosis has the potential to not only prolong the life of patients, but also to improve their quality of life.

Volition's research and development activities are currently centered in Belgium, with additional offices in London, Texas and Singapore, as the company focuses on bringing its diagnostic products to market first in Europe, then in the U.S. and ultimately, worldwide.

For more information about Volition, visit Volition's website (http://www.volitionrx.com) or connect with us via:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/volitionrx

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/volitionrx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolitionRx/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/VolitionRx

The contents found at Volition's website address, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document. The addresses for Volition's website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube are included in this document as inactive textual references only.

Media / Investor Contacts

Nucleosomics, NuQ, Nu.QTM and HyperGenomics and their respective logos are trademarks and/or service marks of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE VolitionRx Ltd

Related Links

http://www.volitionrx.com


HOLMDEL, N.J., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vonage (NYSE: VG), a leading provider of business cloud communications, has received 19 new patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Vonage now has more than 170 U.S. patents, along with many foreign patents and pending applications in jurisdictions worldwide.

"Vonage's recently granted patents have the power to enable businesses and other users to employ the cloud as reliably  and with more features and functionality - as traditional telephony solutions," said Alan Masarek, CEO of Vonage. "Vonage's recent breakthroughs also have the ability to add rich capabilities to help deliver an enhanced experience for businesses and their customers. We're excited to continue to innovate and explore the possibilities of these services."

In these recent patents, Vonage has reached new milestones in its goal of innovating relentlessly, developing breakthrough technology with the potential to drive better business outcomes.

Pat. No. 9,667,802 advances VoIP capabilities with dedicated Location Routing Numbers to provide direct interconnection and traffic exchange between non-carriers. This is a step forward for VoIP systems in obtaining and controlling a block of telephone numbers available via the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA), allowing organizations a consistent discourse with carrier and non-carrier networks. In 2013, Vonage participated in a government-sponsored trial to connect VoIP systems with existing networks, and in 2015 the FCC granted VoIP providers including Vonage the capability to obtain direct telephone numbers.

Technology behind Pat. No. 9,661,035 provides organizations with visibility into the path of incoming callers, providing insight into direct customer communications. When a customer is forwarded from department to department, information is passed through various means, including caller ID or an audible voice message, to show how the customer's call was received and processed.

Additional Patents:

Some of Vonage's additional new patents include:

Advancements in cloud-based communications for higher quality and more consistent service. These include dynamic and automatic allocation of cloud-based VoIP media relay and SBC resources to optimize voice capacity and quality measurement (Pat. No. 9,647,956) and load balancing of network resources to efficiently establish communications in a hosted VoIP PBX platform (Pat. No. 9,647,943).

Advancements in mobile communications for a more comprehensive integration into broader networks, such as registration of a VoIP provider with a mobile device's home carrier and the roaming network to minimize roaming charges to customers (Pat. No. 9,686,668). They also include presence detection on a partner network to more effectively and consistently locate and deliver communications to VoIP devices (Pat. No. 9,674,233), monitoring of call quality (Pat. No. 9,641,562), and modifications to SIP (the standard most-commonly used to process VoIP communications), allowing for the concurrent handling of multiple actions for improved efficiency (Pat. No. 9,628,540).

A process that automatically assigns virtual numbers to an account based on its telephone activity (Pat. No. 9,712,682). Virtual phone numbers are an important component of both UCaaS and CPaaS services, allowing customers to establish local presence anywhere in the world. Vonage owns several patents covering key aspects of this technology (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,386,111, 7,680,262, 8,213,594, 8,064,582, 8,588,387, and 9,521,112).

A process to identify speakers on a conference call by determining and transmitting identification information associated with call participants (Pat. No. 9,742,823), enabling greater visibility into the identity of parties engaged on a conference call.

About Vonage

Vonage (NYSE: VG) is a leading provider of business cloud communications. Vonage transforms the way people work and businesses operate through a portfolio of cloud-based communications solutions that enable internal collaboration among employees, while also keeping companies closely connected with their customers, across any mode of communication, on any device.

Vonage's Nexmo API Platform provides tools for voice, messaging and phone verification services, allowing developers to embed contextual, programmable communications into mobile apps, websites and business systems. Nexmo enables enterprises to easily communicate relevant information to their customers in real time, anywhere in the world, through text messaging, chat, social media and voice.

The Company also provides a robust suite of feature-rich residential communication solutions. Vonage has earned Frost & Sullivan's 2015 Growth Excellence Leadership Award for Hosted IP and Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) Services and the 2016 North American Cloud Communications Product Line Strategy Leadership Award. For more information, visit Vonage Business.

Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey. Vonage is a registered trademark of Vonage Marketing LLC, owned by Vonage America Inc. To follow Vonage on Twitter, please visit www.twitter.com/vonage. To become a fan on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/vonage. To subscribe on YouTube, visit www.youtube.com/vonage.

(vg-a)

SOURCE Vonage

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NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Weber Shandwick, one of the world's leading global communications and engagement firms, has been honored with the top ranking on The Holmes Report's 2017 Global Creative Index, marking the second time in three years that the agency has been recognized as the industry's leading creative firm. Weber Shandwick's "Daughters of Mother India" campaign with filmmaker Vibha Bakshi also earned top honors as the most-awarded PR program of the past 12 months.

The Global Creative Index is The Holmes Report's annual benchmark of creative excellence in PR, ranking work and campaigns from more than 25 leading public relations, digital and marketing awards programs around the globe. According to The Holmes Report, the rankings this year factored in the "expansion of public relations work across multiple categories of advertising-oriented programs, such as Cannes Lions, recognizing agencies designated for 'idea-creation.'"

"Creativity is at the core of our business. It's not just about big ideas; we're focused on ideas that create impact, earn attention and engagement, and help move our clients' businesses forward," said Andy Polansky, Chief Executive Officer, Weber Shandwick. "We're proud to once again be recognized as a leader in creative excellence in what has clearly become an increasingly integrated marketing services landscape. We celebrate this honor with all of our colleagues and client partners around the world."

"Daughters of Mother India" Recognized as Most-Awarded PR Program of the Year

Weber Shandwick also earned recognition for its client campaigns, including the most-awarded PR program of the year for its work with filmmaker Vibha Bakshi on the launch of the documentary "Daughters of Mother India," which sheds light on the issue of rape and sexual violence against women in India. The campaign engaged police to sensitize India's officers to the issue and inspire change, including the film being added to the National Police Academy curriculum. "Daughters of Mother India" was also named Campaign of the Year at the 2017 PRWeek Global Awards and was honored as a Top Campaign of the Year at The Holmes Report's Global SABRE Awards in 2016. The campaign was shortlisted at the 2016 Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in the Glass Lions category, which recognizes creative work that addresses gender inequality, and the PR category.

Weber Shandwick has received numerous industry honors in 2017, including being named Global Agency of the Year by PRWeek, Asia Pacific's Network of the Year by PR Awards Asia, an Agency A-List Standout by Advertising Age, and North America Agency of the Year and Pan-EMEA Consultancy of the Year by The Holmes Report.

About Weber Shandwick

Weber Shandwick is a leading global communications and engagement firm in 79 cities across 34 countries, with a network extending to 127 cities in 81 countries. The firm's diverse team of strategists, analysts, producers, designers, developers and campaign activators has won the most prestigious awards in the world for innovative, creative approaches and impactful work. Weber Shandwick was the only public relations agency included on the Advertising Age Agency A-list in 2014 and 2015 and the only PR firm designated an A-List Agency Standout in 2017. Weber Shandwick was honored as PRWeek's Global Agency of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2017, The Holmes Report's Global Agency of the Year in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015 and The Holmes Report's Global Digital Agency of the Year in 2016. The firm deploys deep expertise across sectors and specialty areas, including consumer marketing, corporate reputation, healthcare, technology, public affairs, financial services, corporate social responsibility, financial communications and crisis management, using proprietary social, digital and analytics methodologies. Weber Shandwick is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). For more information, visit http://www.webershandwick.com.

Contact: Michelle Giuda

Company: Weber Shandwick

Phone: 2124458088

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Weber Shandwick

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With a mission to help members live better, healthier lives, WellCare focuses on providing the right care in the right setting to its members. Iora Health has practices in six states that are tailored specifically to the population each serves. Iora began serving WellCare members with Medicare Advantage plans effective Sept. 1, 2017.

"At WellCare, we are committed to continually improving the quality of care and service we provide to our members," said Andrew Clifton, WellCare's Medicare executive director of Connecticut, Maine and North Carolina. "Our partnership with Iora is a key component to continue providing our members with a unique and personalized primary care experience."

Unique features of Iora's primary care relationship-based model include:

A team focus that includes the patient and their loved ones, a doctor, health coach and behavioral health specialist who are connected to the community.

Appointments that help solidify relationships, engender trust and ensure patients feel heard and respected.

Close collaboration with specialists so patients have a coordinated care plan that addresses their needs.

Access to Chirp, Iora's proprietary collaborative care platform, designed to support the physician-patient relationship and allows patients to schedule appointments, access their records and communicate with their care team.

"At Iora, we fundamentally believe that relationships heal. Our team, culture, care model and technology are designed to support this," said Duncan Reece, vice president and general manager of Iora Health. "With a mission to restore humanity to health care by delivering world-class patient experience, improving quality outcomes, lowering total medical expenses, and creating a fantastic environment for care teams to work, we look for like-minded companies, like WellCare, to support the delivery of Iora's relationship-based care. We are thrilled to be able to offer Iora primary care to WellCare members."

The Iora Health practice open to WellCare members will be located at 1000 Avery Heights, Suite 100, in Hartford, Connecticut.

As of June 30, 2017, WellCare serves approximately 7,000 Medicare Advantage members and 16,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Connecticut.

About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 4.4 million members nationwide as of June 30, 2017. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.

About Iora Health

Iora Health is building a different kind of health system to deliver high impact relationship based care. With a mission to restore humanity to healthcare and a goal to transform healthcare overall, Iora Health's care model provides extraordinary service to patients to ensure improved health outcomes while lowering overall plan costs. Our patients benefit from better access to care, office and non-office based encounters, an accessible and transparent medical record, and robust educational offerings. Our practices across the U.S. enjoy the benefits of smaller panel sizes, closer relationships with patients, and the opportunity to lead systemic change in health care delivery while working with a true team. For more information, please visit www.iorahealth.com.

SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

Related Links

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new statewide poll of likely West Virginia voters finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, West Virginia voters also indicate that their senator's position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote, which could be an important factor in upcoming mid-term elections. The bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The statewide poll of 401 likely voters was conducted by Zogby Analytics from August 17 through August 20 on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The margin of error is +/- 4.9 percent.

The poll found that, by overwhelming margins, West Virginia voters agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets. 79.2 percent of West Virginia voters support that provision of H.R. 3003, compared with 13.5 percent who said they oppose such a requirement.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By a margin of 74.4 percent to 20.2 percent, West Virginia voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

"The poll shows that West Virginians want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law," said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings of West Virginia voters' views on sanctuary policies:

79.2 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These views are shared by Hispanic voters, 65.6 percent whom support that requirement.

74.4 percent believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

70.6 percent of likely voters want Sen. Joe Manchin to support H.R. 3003, including 63.7 percent of Democrats and 66.8 percent of Independents.

to support H.R. 3003, including 63.7 percent of Democrats and 66.8 percent of Independents. 71.5 percent of likely voters want Sen. Shelley Moore Capito to support H.R. 3003, including 85.5 percent of Republicans and 65.3 percent of Independents.

"Simply put, despite howls of protest from vocal fringe groups, there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens from being deported. There is a rather large and diverse one, however, for common sense and protecting public safety," Stein noted. "The voters want action in the Senate, they want it soon, and they are prepared to hold their own elected officials accountable at the ballot box."

Click here to see the full poll results.

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With more than 1.3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Cassie Williams

[email protected]

202-328-7004

SOURCE FAIR

Related Links

http://www.fairus.org


LONDON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, and Key Country Analysis to 2021



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5089145



Summary

From its position as an emerging fuel source 20 years ago, wind power has today become a commercial electricity-generating technology in more than 80 countries. Technological developments have paved the way for more effective and reliable equipment and machinery, making wind one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the global market. The exponential growth of the wind energy market has been fueled by depleting fossil fuel reserves, declining cost of wind power generation, growing sensitivity toward environmental issues, and support through financial incentives from various governments around the world.



The eight major countries in the world accounted for 80% of the global cumulative wind capacity installations in 2016. In terms of cumulative installed capacity, China is the largest player and contributed 34.2% to the global wind power capacity, followed by the US with 16.9%.



Gearbox is the equipment that connects blades to the turbine, and it is this which, combined with a generator, generates electricity from wind energy. The main types of gearbox used in the wind industry are planetary gearboxes and helical gearboxes.The value of the global gearbox market increased from $3.42 billion in 2011 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.2% till 2016. The main reason for the growth was due to the increase in annual wind capacity additions primarily in the Asia-Pacific region.



During the forecast period, the average cost of a gearbox unit is expected to decline due to economies of scale and maturity of wind gearbox technology. As a result, the value of the global wind gearbox market is expected to decline at a negative CAGR of 2.5% between 2016 and 2021. The market is dominated by independent wind gearbox suppliers, namely China High Speed Transmission Equipment, ZF Wind, and Winergy.



Direct-drive wind turbines, powered by direct-drive generators with no gearbox requirements, improve the performance and reliability over conventional wind turbines.The share of global wind turbine installations accounted for by direct-drive turbines increased from around 24.9% in 2011 to 25.2% in 2016 and is expected to increase another 7% during the forecast period (2017-2021) to reach 32.2% in 2021.



The market is witnessing an uptake in the direct-drive technology due to higher failure rates in some of the wind gearbox components.Some 67% of wind gearbox failures are due to bearings. The axial cracks formed during high- or intermediate-speed stages are the leading cause of bearing failures. Other general reasons for failure are inappropriate design in gearbox unit, extreme weather situations, underestimated design load, torque load, manufacturing errors, misalignment of component in shaft, damage during transportation and assembling or installation, etc.



The German-based Enercon GmbH and the Chinese-based Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (Goldwind) and Xiangtan Electric Manufacturing Group Co., Ltd (XEMC) are major companies currently engaged in the manufacture of direct-drive turbines. Wind turbine original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Siemens and GE that typically use gearbox turbines have started adopting direct-drive turbine technology due to its increased benefits.



The latest report "Wind Gearbox and Direct-Drive, Update 2017 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape, and Key Country Analysis to 2021" offer comprehensive information and understanding of the global wind gearbox and direct-drive market. The report analysis the current trend and future potential of wind gearbox and direct-drive market at global, regional (Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa (EMEA)) and key countries (the US, Canada, Brazil, India, China, Australia, Germany, France, South Africa, and the UK) level.



The report covers, an insight into the market in terms of value and volume for the historic period 2011-2016 and forecast period 2017-2021, drivers and restraints, key projects and competitive landscape for respective countries.



Scope

The report analyses wind gearbox and direct-drive market.



Its scope includes -

- Analysis of the growth of wind gearbox and direct-drive market with a focus on market value in global and regional level including Asia-Pacific, Americas, Europe, and Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

- The report provides wind gearbox and direct-drive market analysis for key countries including the US, Canada, Brazil, India, China, Australia, Germany, France, South Africa, and the UK.

- The report offers country level wind gearbox market value and volume and direct-drive market volume for the historical (2011-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) periods.

- Qualitative analysis of key market drivers and restraints, and analysis of their impacts on wind gearbox and direct-drive market are discussed.

- Report also provides an insight into wind gearbox and direct-drive drivers and restraints, overview of wind power markets showing top countries for 2016, wind turbine cost-component analysis, wind turbine and wind gearbox component failure rate, wind gearbox value-chain analysis, major wind power projects, and competitive snapshot at global and country level for the year 2016.



Reasons to buy

The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner.



It will allow you to -

- Facilitate decision-making by analyzing market data on wind gearbox and direct-drive

- Develop strategies based on developments in the wind gearbox and direct-drive market

- Identify key partners and business-development avenues, based on an understanding of the movements of the major competitors in the wind gearbox and direct-drive market

- Respond to your competitors' business structure, strategies, and prospects



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5089145



About Reportbuyer

Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers

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For more information:

Sarah Smith

Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 208 816 85 48

Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

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The report " Wireless EV Charging Market by Application, Component, Market (Aftermarket/Retrofit and OE Market), Power Supply Range (3-<11 kW, 11-50 kW, and > 50 kW), Charging Type (Stationary and Dynamic), Vehicle Type, and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" , published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 49.38% during the forecast period, from USD 953.9 Million in 2020 to USD 7,094.8 Million by 2025. The major factors driving the growth of the Wireless EV Charging Market are technological advancements, increase in demand for premium electric vehicles, growing infrastructure of fast chargers for electric vehicles, and rising demand for safety and convenience features.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )

Browse 84 Market Data Tables and 54 Figures spread through 181 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Wireless EV Charging Market - Global Forecast to 2025"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/wireless-ev-charging-market-170963517.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report

The 3-<11 kW segment is estimated to be the largest segment of the Wireless EV Charging Market

The 3-<11 kW segment is estimated to hold the largest share of the Wireless EV Charging Market, by power supply range. The growth can be attributed to its wide application for home charging and workplace charging where fast charging is not essential. The growing demand for home charging units has increased the demand for this power supply range.

Download PDF Brochure: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=170963517

Public charging station is estimated to be the fastest growing segment of the Wireless EV Charging Market

The public charging station is estimated to be the fastest growing segment of the Wireless EV Charging Market, by application. As the ownership of electric vehicles is increasing, there is a growing need for publicly accessible charging stations. The increase in government incentives has also contributed to the increase in infrastructure for publicly accessible charging stations.

Make an Inquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=170963517

Asia-Pacific: Largest Wireless EV Charging Market

Asia-Pacific is estimated to be the largest and fastest growing Wireless EV Charging Market, in terms of value. The Asia-Pacific region is estimated to be the most promising market for wireless charging system in the next five years. The key factors driving the adoption of electric vehicles include climate concerns and rising oil prices. The possibility of reducing carbon emissions by electrifying transportation has caught the attention of local and national government officials across the Asia-Pacific region. The use of electric vehicles is highly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region. Further, well-developed and extensive charging infrastructure is provided by the governments of this region. All these factors have contributed to the market growth in this region.

The report covers all the major players in the wireless charging market for electric vehicles such as Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Continental AG (Germany), Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan), Qualcomm, Inc. (U.S.), and Evatran Group (U.S.).

Browse related reports:

Electric Vehicle Market by EV battery Cost, EV Components (Battery, On-Board Charger), Propulsion (BEV, PHEV, HEV, FCEV), Recharging Station (Normal & Super Charging), Govt. Regulation (EV Subsidies, EV Tax Rebates) and Region - Global Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/ev-component-and-infrastructure-market-209371461.html

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market by Charging Station (AC Charging Station, DC Charging Station, Inductive Charging Station), Connector Type (Chademo, CCS, Others), Location (Public, Private), and Geography - Global Trend and Forecast to 2022

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/electric-vehicle-charging-stations-market-21599205.html

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.

Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.

MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets.

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Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/automotive-and-transportation

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Kris and Ron will play a critical part in leading the company's expansion as the Wurl Network continues to grow - adding programming from more video producers and extending its distribution to reach new OTT and cable video services. The Wurl Network powers the distribution of a growing collection of new linear channels, live broadcasts and VOD from leading digital-first video producers including IGN TV, Baeble Music TV, ALT, Tastemade, Conde Nast and others.

Kris Johns was previously Director User Experience at Disney Interactive and, before that, Vice President User Experience at Maker Studios. As VP User Experience, Kris will lead Wurl's product design team to develop new TV viewing experiences and to enhance the company's cloud-based broadcast management platform.

Ron Gutman was previously the founder and CTO of Imagine Communications and, before that, the Director of Customer Solutions for BigBand Networks. As Wurl's VP Broadcast Engineering, Ron will lead a team working closely with Wurl's customers to accelerate the launch of their channels and to develop new viewing and monetization services that combine Internet & broadcast technologies.

"Ron and Kris are great leaders and we're excited to have them join the Wurl executive team," said Mike Woods, Wurl's SVP Product. "They will each play a critical role in our collaboration with leading digital-first studios as we create a global distribution network to power the future of television."

About Wurl

Wurl is a next-gen media company that is redefining TV programming and advertising. Wurl enables leading digital-first video producers to create and manage linear channels, live broadcasts and on-demand content for distribution to pay TV and OTT platforms around the world. Wurl is based in Palo Alto, California. For more information, visit http://www.wurl.com.

CONTACT: Sean Doherty, 1-650-470-7550, [email protected]

SOURCE Wurl, Inc.

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SHANGHAI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Xilinx, Inc. (XLNX) today announced at HUAWEI CONNECT 2017 that Huawei has chosen high performance Virtex UltraScale+ FPGAs to power their first FP1 instance as part of a new accelerated cloud service. The Huawei FPGA Accelerated Cloud Server (FACS) is a platform that enables users to develop, deploy and publish new FPGA-based services and applications on Huawei Public Cloud.

While Huawei's FACS offers a complete infrastructure as a service, the Xilinx technology behind it can provide a 10-50x speed-up for compute intensive cloud applications such as machine learning, data analytics, and video processing. The inherent ability of an FPGA to be reconfigured and reprogrammed at any time is a critical advantage in today's modern data centers. Xilinx FPGAs can quickly change  in less than a second  to a different design that is hardware optimized for its next workload. As a result, FPGAs can deliver the flexibility, application breadth, and feature velocity required by complex and constantly changing cloud application workloads  something that CPUs and custom ASICs cannot.

With a strong team of FPGA experts, Huawei is a global center of excellence with over 15 years of experience in the development of FPGA systems for telecom and data center markets. "The Huawei FACS is a fully integrated hardware and software platform offering developer-to-deployment support with best-in-class industry tool chains and access to Huawei's significant FPGA engineering expertise," said Steve Langridge, Director, Central Hardware Institute, Huawei Canada Research Center. "Xilinx is a clear industry leader in FPGA acceleration and our considerable collaboration, both in the labs and in standards groups, has enabled us to create the best value possible for our customers."

The FPGA Accelerated Cloud Server is available on the Huawei Public Cloud today. To register for the public beta, please visit http://www.hwclouds.com/product/fcs.html.

HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Huawei's flagship event for the global ICT industry, is held at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre from September 5-7. The theme is Grow with the Cloud. Huawei will be exploring how to realize new growth through digital transformation together with its customers and partners at this global platform for open collaboration. For more information, please visit www.huawei.com/huaweiconnect2017. For more information on HUAWEI CLOUD, please visit www.huaweicloud.com.

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Our aim is to enrich life and improve efficiency through a better connected world, acting as a responsible corporate citizen, innovative enabler for the information society, and collaborative contributor to the industry. Driven by customer-centric innovation and open partnerships, Huawei has established an end-to-end ICT solutions portfolio that gives customers competitive advantages in telecom and enterprise networks, devices and cloud computing. Huawei's 180,000 employees worldwide are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers. Our innovative ICT solutions, products and services are used in more than 170 countries and regions, serving over one-third of the world's population. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees.

For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei; http://www.twitter.com/Huawei; http://www.facebook.com/Huawei; http://www.google.com/+Huawei; http://www.youtube.com/Huawei.

About Xilinx

Xilinx is the leading provider of All Programmable FPGAs, SoCs, MPSoCs, RFSoCs, and 3D ICs. Xilinx uniquely enables applications that are both software defined and hardware optimized  powering industry advancements in Cloud Computing, Video/Vision, Industrial IoT, and 5G Wireless. For more information, visit www.xilinx.com.

#1721# AAB850

 Copyright 2017 Xilinx, Inc. Xilinx, the Xilinx logo, Artix, ISE, Kintex, Spartan, Virtex, Vivado, Zynq, and other designated brands included herein are trademarks of Xilinx in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Xilinx

Amy Attard

(408) 879-6924

[email protected]

SOURCE Xilinx, Inc.

Related Links

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"As a result of the substantial investments in XTI over this past year," LaBelle continued, "we've been able to make great strides in our engineering on the hybrid-electric propulsion system, developing our first flying prototype which we plan to fly in about one year. We've also brought on board strategic partners, including Bye Aerospace and Honeywell Aerospace, and we will launch the program publicly at the annual National Business Aviation Association annual convention and trade show in Las Vegas next month."

"Our offering on the StartEngine platform has provided a rare opportunity for hundreds of unaccredited and accredited investors to own a piece of the future of flight. The TriFan 600 which will transform air travel forever," said LaBelle. "We thank all of our investors as well as StartEngine for making this possible."

The TriFan is a major breakthrough in aviation and air travel. The six-seat TriFan 600 will have the speed, range and comfort of a luxury business aircraft and the ability to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter. It will travel at over 300 miles an hour, with a range of 1,200 miles. Using three ducted fans, the TriFan lifts off vertically. Its two wing fans then rotate forward for a seamless transition to cruise speed and its initial climb. It will reach 30,000 feet in just ten minutes and cruise to the destination as a highly efficient business aircraft.

On June 19, at the Paris Air Show, XTI announced its first three orders for the TriFan 600 under the company's pre-sales program. Mr. LaBelle said that the customer is a globally recognized operator who intends to place the airplane into service flying priority passengers and cargo in VIP and Utility missions in multiple challenging environments. "The market is recognizing the value proposition of our unique and revolutionary airplane and its patented technology," said LaBelle. "Vertical takeoff combined with long-range, the speed and comfort of a business aircraft, and our quieter and cleaner state-of-the-art hybrid-electric propulsion system."

XTI launched a formal stock offering in 2016 under SEC Regulation A+, which is open to all unaccredited and accredited investors around the globe. Shares in XTI may be purchased at www.startengine.com/startup/xti providing a unique opportunity for the general public to invest in an aerospace company with a game-changing product, a world-class leadership team, and significant growth potential.

Simultaneously with the equity crowdfunding financing, accredited investors may participate in XTI's $20 million Series B round. Accredited investors seeking more information should contact Mr. LaBelle at [email protected] (571) 216-1594.

ABOUT XTI AIRCRAFT COMPANY

XTI Aircraft Company is a privately owned aviation business based near Denver, founded in 2012. XTI is guided by a leadership team with decades of experience, a deep well of expertise, and success bringing new aircraft to market. XTI is founded on a culture of customer-focused problem solving to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers.

For information and updates about XTI Aircraft Company and the TriFan 600, visit www.xtiaircraft.com . To invest, go to www.startengine.com/startup/xti, or accredited investors may contact Mr. LaBelle at [email protected] (571) 216-1594. For information on reserving a priority position for the TriFan under the Company's pre-sales program, contact Mr. LaBelle.

Media Contact for XTI Aircraft Company:

Diane Simard

Sr. Vice President/Director/Media Relations

Bye Aerospace

[email protected]

Direct: (303) 817-7676

AN OFFERING STATEMENT REGARDING THIS OFFERING HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE SEC. THE SEC HAS QUALIFIED THAT OFFERING STATEMENT, WHICH ONLY MEANS THAT THE COMPANY MAY MAKE SALES OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED BY THE OFFERING STATEMENT. IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE SEC HAS APPROVED, PASSED UPON THE MERITS OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION IN THE OFFERING STATEMENT. YOU MAY OBTAIN A COPY OF THE OFFERING CIRCULAR THAT IS PART OF THAT OFFERING STATEMENT FROM:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1638850/000164460016000093/offeringcircularxti-2.htm

YOU SHOULD READ THE OFFERING STATEMENT BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT.

THIS PRESS RELEASE MAY CONTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION RELATING TO, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE COMPANY, ITS BUSINESS PLAN AND STRATEGY, AND ITS INDUSTRY. THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON THE BELIEFS OF, ASSUMPTIONS MADE BY, AND INFORMATION CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO, THE COMPANY'S MANAGEMENT. WHEN USED IN THE OFFERING MATERIALS, THE WORDS "ESTIMATE," "PROJECT," "BELIEVE," "ANTICIPATE," "INTEND," "EXPECT" AND SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THESE STATEMENTS REFLECT MANAGEMENT'S CURRENT VIEWS WITH RESPECT TO FUTURE EVENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT COULD CAUSE THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS TO DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE CONTAINED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. INVESTORS ARE CAUTIONED NOT TO PLACE UNDUE RELIANCE ON THESE STATEMENTS, WHICH SPEAK ONLY AS OF THE DATE ON WHICH THEY ARE MADE. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE ANY OBLIGATION TO REVISE OR UPDATE THESE STATEMENTS TO REFLECT EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER SUCH DATE OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF UNANTICIPATED EVENTS.

SOURCE XTI Aircraft Company

Related Links

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SEATTLE, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Zipwhip, the leading software platform for two-way business texting, announced today the close of $22.5 million in Series C financing led by OpenView, an expansion-stage venture firm. Previous investors Voyager Capital and Microsoft Ventures also participated. The new capital will be invested in the core network, accelerating the product roadmap and scaling sales and marketing efforts.

Since closing its Series B last October, Zipwhip has increased monthly recurring revenue by 60 percent, hired over 100 new employees, including five new senior leaders, and expanded into larger offices. The growth reflects strong market demand for Zipwhip's conversational texting software, which lets businesses communicate with customers the way they prefer, by texting with any existing landline, VoIP or toll free phone number.

"Email is here to stay, but texting offers a short-format, high-priority channel to escalate important conversations. There are over 200 million business phone numbers in the U.S., and it's only a matter of time until every business line is text enabled," said John Lauer, CEO of Zipwhip. "We're looking forward to OpenView's contributions as they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven track record of working with successful startups to capture SMB markets and move upstream to enterprise."

Texting is a key driver of customer engagement and loyalty across nearly every consumer industry, and major platforms are taking notice. Google's expansion of Rich Communication Services (RCS) texting globally, the new Click-to-Message ad extension in AdWords and the anticipated launch of Apple Business Chat later this year are all undeniable signs of a business-texting market that is going mainstream. Zipwhip is the de facto routing provider for high-throughput A2P (application-to-person) messaging traffic, so mainstream adoption drives demand for its cross-platform texting solutions.

"It's clear that communication today is centered around messaging, but for too long businesses have been behind on delivering an easy and intuitive way for their customers to get in touch. Zipwhip provides the answer through its game-changing software and platform," said Scott Maxwell, founder and Managing Partner at OpenView, who joins the Zipwhip board. "We are thrilled to partner with John and his team to help the company gain further traction and continue to broaden its reach."

Zipwhip's software delivers for business texting what Microsoft Outlook achieves for business email: an application that boosts workplace productivity by supporting real human conversations at scale across any device. "This funding will enable Zipwhip's team to build on its leadership position in providing texting solutions that help businesses connect with their customers," said Bill McAleer, partner with Voyager Capital.

"Texting has become a ubiquitous form of communication, so it's great to see innovators like Zipwhip making it easy for businesses to engage customers through this channel," said Lisa Nelson, managing director, Microsoft Ventures. "Zipwhip's platform is seeing great momentum and Microsoft Ventures is excited to continue to support them in their growth."

About Zipwhip

A Seattle-based SaaS company, Zipwhip is modernizing the texting medium by adding text messaging to existing landline, VoIP and toll free phone numbers. Zipwhip pairs direct network connectivity with easy out-of-the-box software, so businesses of any size can give customers the choice to "text or call" and handle two-way text conversations at scale. Learn more about Zipwhip at www.zipwhip.com.

About OpenView

OpenView, the expansion stage venture firm, helps build software companies into market leaders. Through our Expansion Platform, we help companies hire the best talent, acquire and retain the right customers and partner with industry leaders so they can dominate their markets. Our focus on the expansion stage makes us uniquely suited to provide truly tailored operational support to our portfolio companies. Learn more about OpenView at openviewpartners.com.

About Voyager Capital

Voyager Capital is a leading West Coast information technology venture firm that provides entrepreneurs with the resources, experience and connections to build successful companies. Voyager invests primarily in early stage software, analytics, digital media and IOT companies, where the firm's domain expertise, go-to-market and team building resources help build market leaders. Voyager Capital has $420 million under management with offices in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Menlo Park, California.

About Microsoft Ventures

Microsoft Ventures is the corporate venture arm of Microsoft, the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world. Microsoft Ventures partners with visionary entrepreneurs looking to drive digital transformation. As part of its promise to portfolio companies, Microsoft Ventures offers unrivaled access to go-to-market resources and strategic relationships globally. Microsoft Ventures currently operates in London, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Tel Aviv. Learn more on www.microsoftventures.com.

Contacts

Keena Bean

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360.820.3367

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SOURCE Zipwhip

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Any legal challenge of a court decision related to the construction and operation of a proposed $10 billion liquid-crystal display panel factory in southeastern Wisconsin would go straight to the state Supreme Court under a proposal lawmakers advanced Tuesday.

Lawmakers on the Legislatures finance committee voted 12-4 to pass legislation needed to provide Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn with nearly $3 billion in tax incentives and exemptions from state environmental regulations to convince the company to build its first U.S. factory in Wisconsin.

All Democrats on the committee voted against the bill.

Ahead of the committees Tuesday vote on the bill authored by Gov. Scott Walker, lawmakers added a new provision that would require parties to lawsuits related to the Foxconn project to appeal circuit court decisions directly to the conservative-leaning Supreme Court, bypassing state appeals courts.

A lower courts decision also would be automatically stayed if it is appealed under the proposal.

The new provision is another way Wisconsin lawmakers are proposing to speed up the process of getting the proposed 20 million-square-foot facility off the ground. The Foxconn incentive package proposed by Walker also includes exemptions from sales taxes and environmental-impact analyses.

Environmental groups have said lawsuits were a possibility because of the proposed exemptions.

Democrats on the finance committee blasted Republican authors of the proposal, saying state lawmakers shouldnt be changing the states legal process for one company.

The un-level playing field youre creating in the business community alone is staggering, said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton. Your constituents are being cut out of due process if they happen to live in the area where Foxconn can build.

But finance committee co-chairman Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, on Tuesday emphasized the magnitude of the project, saying its the biggest thing to happen to Wisconsin since the cow.

The Wisconsin work ethic is worth what were investing in it, Nygren said.

The proposed changes introduced Tuesday also include requiring the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to attempt to ensure Foxconn has sought or is seeking to satisfy hiring goals, but the proposal did not include a specific number of new jobs needed before tax credits could be paid.

Under the proposal, the state also would send up to $15 million to local governments that spend money for the Foxconn project and require the Legislative Audit Bureau to review payments sent to Foxconn every five years starting in 2018.

The state Assembly already passed the Foxconn incentive package in August, but the bill the finance committee passed Tuesday would have to be approved by the Senate and then by the Assembly before Walker can sign it into law.
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New Delhi, Aug 30 : Aviation industry major Bird Group on Wednesday said that it has expressed its interest in buying Air India's ground handling subsidiary.

"We have sent a letter to the Ministry of Civil Aviation evincing our interest in buying the Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL)," an authorised spokesperson of the company told IANS.

"We have also suggested to the government to consider selling the subsidiaries separately, so as to get the maximum capital out of the sale, so that the proceeds can be used to pay off the massive debt accumulated by the airline."

According to the spokesperson, AIATSL is a "natural choice" for the company which is also engaged in providing ground handling services.

Bird Group was founded in 1971 with interest in travel technology, ground handling, aviation, hospitality, luxury retail and education services.

At present, it offers ground handling services at seven domestic airports.

The Bird Group's interest in AIATSL was disclosed by Civil Aviation Secretary R.N. Choubey on the sidelines of an industry event held here on Wednesday.

On June 28, the Union cabinet gave its in-principle approval to divestment its stake in Air India, whose debt has mounted to over Rs 50,000 crore besides huge losses.

Subsequently, a ministerial group was formed to look into the modalities of Air India's divestment process ---- Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism -- and is being headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The group has been mandated to guide the strategic divestment process and to decide on key issues such as treatment of AI's debt and hiving-off of its assets.

The demerger and strategic divestment of three profit making subsidiaries, the quantum of divestment and the universe of bidders will also be taken up by the ministerial group which is headed by Jaitley.

Currently, Air India's portfolio of subsidiaries include Air India Engineering Services, Air India Transport Services, Alliance Air, Air India Express and the Hotel Corporation of India. It also has a ground handling joint venture AISATS.

The airline which is under massive debt burden of Rs 50,000 crore had posted an operating profit of Rs 105 crore in 2015-16. For the last fiscal (2016-17), the company is expected to report an improved operating profit margin.

The flag carrier had got a new lease of life on April 12, 2012, when the then UPA government had approved a Rs 30,000 crore turnaround (TAP) and financial restructuring plans (FRP) package spanning up to the year 2021.

After the cabinet's in-principle approval for Air India's divestment, budget passenger airline IndiGo expressed its interest in participating in the stake sale.

The budget airline said it is interested in Air India's international operations and that of its low-cost international subsidiary Air India Express.

In an unrelated development, "Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism" is slated to meet later in the evening on Wednesday.
Mumbai, Aug 30 : Revealing the low efficacy of last November's demonetisation of high-value currency, the RBI said on Wednesday that of the Rs 15.44 lakh crore of notes taken out of circulation, Rs 15.28 lakh crore, or almost 99 per cent, had returned to the system by way of deposits by the public.

"Subject to future corrections based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30, 2017 is Rs 15.28 trillion," the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its annual report for the last fiscal.

According to the RBI, 89 million pieces of the banned Rs 1,000 totalling Rs 8,900 crore had not been returned (by March 2017) out of 6,858 million such notes amounting to Rs 6.85 lakh crore. Thus the figure not returned till end March amounted to a mere 1.3 per cent of Rs 1,000 notes in circulation before the demonetisation announcement on November 8, 2016.

On that day total currency in circulation stood at Rs 17.97 lakh crore, of which 86 per cent, or Rs 15.44 lakh crore, was scrapped by demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes.

The central bank did not provide separate figures in respect of the banned Rs 500 notes which had not returned.

In the report on fake Indian currency notes (FICA), RBI said the past fiscal had yielded 7,62,072 pieces of FICN, which was higher than the 6,32,926 such notes seized in 2015-16.

The RBI also said that the value of banknotes in circulation declined by 20.2 percent during the year to Rs 13.1 lakh crore, reflecting the impact of demonetisation.

The volume of banknotes, however, increased by 11.1 per cent, mainly owing to greater infusion of lower denomination banknotes in circulation following the demonetisation.

The share of Rs 2,000 banknotes in the total value of banknotes in circulation was 50.2 per cent at end-March 2017.

The RBI spent Rs 7,965 crore on printing new currency notes in 2016-17.

Denying that demonetisation failed to achieve its objectives, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said the measure had succeeded in reducing cash in the economy, increasing digitisation, expanding the tax base, checking black money and in moving towards integrating the informal economy with the formal one.

"The objective of demonetisation was that India is a high-cash economy and that scenario needs to be altered," Jaitley told reporters in New Delhi following the release of the RBI annual report for the last fiscal giving the figures, for the first time, of demonetised notes returned to the system.

"The other objectives of demonetisation were to combat black money and expand the tax base. Post demonetisation tariff tax base has increased substantially. Personal IT returns have increased by 25 per cent," the Finance Minister said.

Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram on Wednesday hit out at the government and the RBI over the demonetisation decision, saying that only one percent of the junked notes had not returned to the central bank and it was a "shame."

Chidambaram, a former Finance Minister, said that 99 per cent of the scrapped Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes had been legally exchanged and asked if the demonetisation decision of the Narendra Modi government was designed to convert black money into white.

In a series of tweets, Chidambaram also said that the cost of printing new currency was more than the money gained by the Reserve Bank of India.

The Congress on Wednesday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's apology over demonetisation, saying it had dented India's credibility and the corrupt had made windfall gains while 104 innocent people had lost their lives in the "disaster."

Hinting that the RBI's latest revelations on demonetisation pointed to a "big scam", West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the entire exercise of banning high value currencies was a "flop show".
Dhaka, Sep 1 : Rescuers recovered 15 more bodies on Friday after a boat carrying Rohingya migrants capsized in Bangladesh, raising the toll to 38, officials said.

A senior police official said the bodies were recovered from the Naf river dividing Bangladesh and Myanmar where the boat capsized on Wednesday night, reports Xinhua news agency.

An operation was going on for searching the missing people.

The total number of migrants remain unknown and a probe to determine the cause of the capsize was underway.

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 18,000 Rohingya people had fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar's Rakhine state amid a fresh wave of violence in the region since August 25.
Washington, Sep 1 : The US government has announced that it was ending a rule on gender gap wage data collection, a move supported by President Donald Trump's daughter and senior White House advisor Ivanka Trump, the media reported.

In a memo sent earlier this week, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) informed the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that it was initiating a review and immediate stay of a form that required businesses with over 100 employees to collect pay data by gender, race and ethnicity.

Though Ivanka Trump's initial inclination was to keep the data collection going, she was convinced by arguments from those opposing the rule, a White House official told CNN on Thursday.

"Those against the rule advocated that it was ineffective and burdensome to employers."

"Ultimately, while I believe the intention was good and agree that pay transparency is important, the proposed policy would not yield the intended results," Ivanka Trump said in a statement.

"We look forward to continuing to work with EEOC, OMB, Congress and all relevant stakeholders on robust policies aimed at eliminating the gender wage gap."

Ivanka Trump has made women's economic empowerment a key initiative for her White House portfolio as an advisor to the President, CNN reported.

Her portfolio also includes paid family leave, a childcare tax credit, workforce development, ending human trafficking and promoting education for science, technology, engineering and math.

Women make up almost half the US workforce, but earn 82 per cent of the full-time weekly paycheck of a man, per the Institute for Women's Policy Research's annual report.

Black women earn 63 per cent and Latina women earn 57 per cent of the full-time weekly pay of a white man, the report showed.

Former President Barack Obama initiated the data collection action in January 2016, a move recommended by his administration's Equal Pay Tax Force.
Kochi, Sep 2 : A court near here on Saturday allowed Malayalam superstar Dileep to get a two-hour break from jail to take part in his father's remembrance day prayers on Wednesday morning.

The Angamaly Court which heard his petition on Saturday, despite strong opposition from the prosecution that this would set a bad precedent, allowed him to take part in the function that would be held at two places near here amidst full security cover.

His father passed away in 2008.

On Tuesday, the Kerala High Court for the second time in a row denied bail to Dileep in the actress kidnapping case, in which he is accused of being the key conspirator.

The abduction of the actress was carried out by Pulsar Suni in February, police said. A week later, Suni and all the accomplices in the crime were arrested.

The police probe team arrested Dileep on July 10 after it was able to get evidences linking him with Suni.
Lawmakers next week will take up a two-year spending plan that includes tax cuts for wealthy families and business owners but rejects Gov. Scott Walkers proposals to ease the tax burden on poorer families, under amendments adopted late Wednesday by the Legislatures Republican-controlled budget committee.

The Joint Finance Committee approved the package of tax provisions during its last day of work writing the $76 billion 2017-19 state budget, which was due on Walkers desk more than two months ago.

The committee rejected Walkers proposal to reduce the lowest income tax rate, which would have saved 70 percent of tax filers an average of $44 this year. The committee also rejected Walkers proposal to boost the earned income tax credit for the working poor by $20 million, which would have applied to about 130,000 families.

But the committees Republican majority approved a $74 million cut to the tax businesses pay for machinery and tools and moved to eliminate the states alternative minimum tax beginning in 2019.

The alternative minimum tax, which applies to individuals making between $200,000 and $500,000 annually and is meant to ensure filers with lots of tax deductions pay a minimum amount of income tax, would be eliminated starting in 2019. The change could mean a $7 million tax cut for those individuals.

The package also eliminates the states Working Families Credit, which has given a modest tax credit to about 725 individuals making about $9,000 a year. And the committee rejected Walkers proposal to exempt school supply shoppers from sales taxes during one weekend before the next school year starts.

Democrats blasted the tax package, saying it disproportionately helps Wisconsins wealthiest individuals.

Youre giving tax breaks to millionaires and youre kicking working families while theyre down, said Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point.

But Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, said many of the proposals  including the elimination of the alternative minimum tax and the Working Family Credit  apply to relatively few individuals and their elimination is just cleaning up the tax code.

Before the committee began its final day of work, committee co-chairs Sen. Alberta Darling and Rep. John Nygren told reporters that there wasnt enough money to pay for everything Walker proposed.

Under Walkers plan to reduce the lowest income tax rate, nearly 2.2 million out of 3.1 million tax filers with an adjusted gross income of $30,000 or more would have seen a reduction in their taxes.

But Darling characterized the proposal as a modest cut and said lawmakers decided it wasnt the best bang for your buck.

In other changes, the GOP tax package would:

Limit the amount of tax credits for individuals restoring historic properties to $5 million per property.

Allow families that adopt children from other states and countries to deduct $5,000 for adoption expenses.

Exclude the value of medals won by athletes competing in the Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics from their taxable income.

Provide a tax credit to television and radio station owners and sales tax exemptions for the purchase of broadcast equipment, including satellite dishes and communication towers.

Eliminate the sales tax on internet service.

Exempt beekeepers and fish farm owners from sales taxes.

Also Wednesday, lawmakers voted 12-4 to set up a new regulation system for short-term lodging providers like Airbnb to allow municipalities to enforce local room taxes on such rental providers and require lodging marketplaces to register with the state and obtain a license.

And the committee voted to prohibit local governments from banning short-term rentals if the guests stays were longer than six days and shorter than 29 days, while requiring homeowners who rent out their homes for more than 10 days per year to register with the state.

Voucher changes

The budget also changes how students enroll in the states newest private voucher school program, designed for students with disabilities. The plan is expected to cost around $3.1 million and double the enrollment in the program that began in 2016.

Currently, children applying to be in the program must have applied to a school district under the states open enrollment program, have been denied and have been enrolled in a public school for one school year before applying for a voucher. Those rules would be eliminated under the proposals Republicans adopted Wednesday.

Sometimes kids are locked in a situation that is not best for them, Nygren said. But Democrats said the proposal funnels more money into schools that arent subject to as much public scrutiny as public schools.

Lawmakers also included a change in the amount private schools receive for each student using a voucher for students with disabilities, and for disabled students who attend a school district through the open enrollment program.

The current amount is set at $12,000 per child in each scenario. Under the language lawmakers put in the budget, the payment will be greater than what schools currently get or greater than the actual costs the private schools incur in the prior year to educate the students.

Fewer secret amendments

The panel also took up a general wrap-up motion, an often controversial maneuver legislators deploy at the end of the committees work to add major policy changes to the state budget with little or no public scrutiny. A key feature of the motion is that the lawmakers who sponsor policy components dont attach their names to the proposals  unlike amendments that are brought up in committee and on the floor.

But this years motion contained far fewer dramatic changes than one introduced two years ago, when lawmakers sought to drastically limit public access to government documents, and four years ago when it surfaced in the middle of the night.

In this years omnibus motion, lawmakers adopted a Walker proposal to require the UW System to monitor teaching workloads and report that data to the governor and the Legislature; to move up by a few months 2 percent raises for state employees; and to require an audit of family planning service reimbursements received under the federal medical assistance program between 2013 and 2016.

Overall, the budget will have about a $196 million cushion in its general fund in 2019  up from the $11.6 million Walker proposed.
New Delhi, Sep 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he is looking forward to "productive" discussions at the BRICS summit, which is set to start in Xiamen, China, from Sunday.

In a statement posted on Facebook and Twitter, the Prime Minister also mentioned his visit to Myanmar after the BRICS summit, and hoped it would deepen bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi will be in China for the BRICS summit from September 3-5, and will be in Myanmar from September 5-7.

"India had the privilege of hosting the previous Summit in Goa in October last year. I look forward to building upon the results and outcomes of the Goa Summit. I also look forward to productive discussions and positive outcomes that will support the agenda of a stronger BRICS partnership under the chairmanship of China," Modi said.

"We will also interact with the BRICS Business Council represented by captains of industry from all five countries. In addition, I look forward to engaging with leaders of nine other countries, including BRICS partners, in an Emerging Markets and Developing Countries Dialogue, hosted by President Xi Jinping on September 5," the Prime Minister said.

Modi said he will also meet leaders bilaterally on the sidelines of the summit.

Modi is likely to have a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit, which comes shortly after a period of increased tension following a two-and-half month long standoff between their forces in Doklam, along the Sikkim border, and a scuffle between their troops in Ladakh on August 15.

"India attaches high importance to the role of BRICS that has begun a second decade of its partnership for progress and peace. BRICS has important contributions to make in addressing global challenges and upholding world peace and security," Modi said.

In another post he mentioned his visit to Myanmar, and said he is looking forward to meeting President U Htin Kyaw as also Foreign Affairs Minister Aung San Suu Kyi.

Modi said during the visit, the two sides will review developments in bilateral relations, especially the extensive programme of development cooperation and socio-economic assistance that India is undertaking in Myanmar. New areas to work together will also be explored.

"We will also look at strengthening our existing cooperation on security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, skill development, infrastructure and energy, and culture," Modi said.

The Prime Minister added he is looking forward to visiting the famed heritage city of Bagan, where the Archaeological Survey of India has renovated the Ananda Temple, and will be undertaking further restoration work on a number of pagodas and murals that were damaged in last year's earthquake.

"I will end my visit in Yangon, where I look forward to visiting various historical spots that symbolise the shared heritage of India and Myanmar. I am also keen to meet and interact with the Indian-origin community of Myanmar, whose history goes back more than a century," he said.

"I am confident that the visit will open a bright new chapter in India-Myanmar relations and will help in charting a roadmap for closer cooperation between our governments, our business communities and at the people-to-people level," Modi added.
Abu Dhabi, Sep 2 : Police on Saturday arrested two suspects with 4.2 million captagon tablets from a farm in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The suspects, both from Arab countries, were arrested while attempting to smuggle the drugs hidden under agricultural seedlings on the farm in the Emirates, said police officials.

Lieutenant Taher Gharib Al Dhaheri, Director of the Police Anti-Narcotics Department, said that they had information about these two persons trying to promote captagon tablets for trafficking and selling.

He said the two men were monitored until further investigations confirmed their intention to distribute the narcotics.

"The department coordinated with the General Directorate for Drug Control at the Ministry of the Interior, where a team was formed and a security plan was established leading to the arrest of the two suspects with narcotic pills in their possession," Al Dhaheri said.
Jammu, Sep 3 : Indian and Pakistani troops traded heavy gun fire on Sunday on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

Defence Ministry sources said heavy shelling and firing started between the two armies in Mendhar and Mankote areas.

"After the Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing at Indian positions, Indian military retaliated strongly and effectively," an official said. "Shelling and firing exchanges are going on."

In a significant development on Saturday, no greetings were exchanged between the two armies on Eid-ul-Azha because of heightened tensions along the LoC.
Imphal, Sep 3 : Three human traffickers, including two women, were arrested early on Friday in Manipur when they were transporting three tribal women to Thailand, police said.

The arrests have exposed the flourishing international human trafficking trade in the northeast, the police said.

The rescued women, hailing from poor families in Churachandpur district, are aged between 19 and 27 years.

The women traffickers, Esther Lalpianmoi and Lalngalomi, both 32, were arrested along with driver Lunkhosat Haokip (31) at 2.30 a.m. when they were taking the women towards Moreh, the town on the border with Myanmar. The three are in police custody.

Churachandur district's Superintendent of Police Rakesh Balwal said: "We had received information that some women would be taken towards the border. Two women sub-inspectors of the anti-human trafficking unit laid multiple traps."

"We have learnt that the women were to be handed over to foreign agents at Moreh from where they would be taken to Thailand. They were to be sold as sex workers," Balwal said.

Human traffickers pay money and tell the poor parents in the northeastern states that their daughters would be given lucrative jobs in foreign countries. But they were forced into flesh trade, he said.

The traffickers told the police that they had paid Rs 10,000 each to the parents of the three women with the promise of Rs 90,000 each more once they return from Moreh.

They had assured the parents that their daughters would be employed in Thailand.

Officials said this is not the first case and that many girls from the northeastern states have been lured to foreign countries for flesh trade.

Some years ago, three girls in Manipur told reporters that they were taken to Singapore but managed to return by collecting money from some helpful tourists.

They said: "There are many other girls from northeast who could not escape from the clutches of the traffickers."

Some women traffickers were also nabbed earlier while transporting girls to Chennai. However, till date no women trafficker has been convicted.
New Delhi, Sep 3 : New Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to take charge of her ministry after a couple of days, as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who was holding additional charge of Defence, will be traveling to Japan on Sunday for a bilateral dialogue.

Jaitley, who took additional charge of defence after Manohar Parrikar returned to Goa to take over as the Chief Minister, is leaving on Sunday night for Japan, where he will hold a bilateral dialogue with his Japanese counterpart, ahead of a visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to India later this month.

"I leave tonight for Japan, and normally the new Defence Minister should have been going. But logistically that doesn't seem possible today being a Sunday," Jaitley told reporters.

"It is a very important security dialogue between the two countries ahead of the Japanese Prime Minister's visit and therefore changes are not advisable. I will continue for next two days to complete the dialogue, and Ms. Sitharaman will take the charge as soon as the dialogue ends," he said.
Xiamen (China), Sep 5 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the 9th BRICS Summit here on Tuesday, with Xi calling for "healthy, stable bilateral ties" between the two countries.

In his opening remarks, Modi congratulated Xi for the "very successful" execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit.

The two leaders met in the southeastern city of Xiamen after the three-day Summit and the Dialogue of Emerging Market and Developing Countries.

Xi told Modi that "healthy, stable bilateral ties (were) in line with fundamental interests of the two nations", Xinhua news agency reported.

Indian and Chinese troops last month ended a tense stand-off on the Doklam border which began in June and which seriously affected their ties.

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi held a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Xiamen (China), Sep 5 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on Tuesday agreed to further strengthen their ties at a bilateral meeting here on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

"Delighted to meet President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. We held talks on further strengthening our historical ties," Modi tweeted after their meeting.

He said that el-Sisi "emphasised on India's commitment and endeavours towards expanding development cooperation with other nations, particularly Africa".

The two leaders previously met during the President's visit to India last September.
Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived here on a three-day visit to Myanmar from China, where he had gone to attend the 9th BRICS Summit.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had earlier come here in 2014 to attend the Asean-India Summit.

Later on Tuesday, he will call on Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw at whose invitation he has come.

On Wednesday, Modi will hold bilateral discussions with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's Foreign Minister and Minister of President's Office, following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Both Kyaw and Nobel peace laureate Suu Kyi visited India last year after the National League for Democracy assumed power in the country.

During the course of the visit, Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in the restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon, where he will interact with members of the Indian community.
Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 5 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to Myanmar amid a raging crisis involving Rohingyas in the country's Rakhine state.

Soon after his arrival here, he called on Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw at whose invitation he has come. Prior to the meeting, the visiting dignitary was presented a guard of honour on the Presidential Palace grounds.

"PM @narendramodi welcomed by the President U Htin Kyaw; both leaders inspect the guard of honour," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to India's eastern neighbour. He had come here in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Summit.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral discussions with Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also the country's Foreign Minister and Minister of President's Office. Following the discussions, a number of agreements are expected to be signed.

Suu Kyi is under mounting international pressure to stop the alleged human rights violations against the Rohingyas, who are denied citizenship in Myanmar.

Thousands of Rohingyas are crossing over into Bangladesh -- where they are sparingly given refugee status -- to escape from the violence in Rakhine state. Media reports quoted the UNHCR spokesperson in Bangladesh as saying that at least 123,000 Rohingyas have crossed over.

The latest exodus began on August 25, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

Meanwhile, India has said that it would deport all Rohingyas living in the country illegally but the country's Supreme Court has said that it will hear on September 11 a plea seeking a direction to the central government not to deport about 40,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees back to Myanmar.

This apart, India's capacity building measures and infrastructure development projects are expected to come up for discussion during the Modi-Suu Kyi meeting.

India has committed grant-in-aid assistance amounting to Rs 4,000 crore to Myanmar, out of a total commitment of around $1.7 billion.

The projects include the Kaladan Multimodal Transport Project connecting Sittwe port in Myanmar with the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a trilateral highway connecting northeastern India with Myanmar and Thailand, and the Rhi-Tiddim road.

In terms of capacity building, New Delhi is assisting the eastern neighbour in setting up institutions of higher learning like the Myanmar Institute of Information Technology, Advanced Centre for Agricultural Research and Education, Myanmar-India Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Myanmar-India Centre for English Language Training and India-Myanmar Industrial Training Centres.

India has also provided humanitarian relief following natural calamities like Cyclone Mora this year, Komen in 2015 and Nargis in 2008 and an earthquake in Shan state in 2010.

In a media briefing in New Delhi ahead of Modi's visit to Myanmar, Sripriya Ranganathan, Joint Secretary (Bangladesh and Myanmar) in the Indian External Affairs Ministry, said both sides would take stock of the ongoing infrastructure projects and also discuss the kind of projects which the new Myanmarese government has on its priority list and which they would like to partner India with in the process of execution.

"We will be guided by the government of Myanmar in terms of the choice of projects," Ranganthan said.

"The stated priorities of this government are infrastructure, power and energy and we believe these could be the areas where there is a great deal that Indian agencies can bring to the table."

With both countries sharing a 1,600-km-long boundary, the issue of security cooperation is also expected to come up for discussion.

During his stay in Myanmar, Prime Minister Modi will also visit Bagan, a heritage city where the Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoration work of a temple and some pagodas, and Yangon where he will interact with members of the Indian community.

Modi arrived here from Xiamen, China, where he attended the 9th BRICS Summit from September 3-5.
Tehran, Sep 6 : Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would cooperate on regional issues, media reposts said.

"Saudi authorities ought to come to the conclusion that not only for Saudi Arabia, but also for all other countries in the Persian Gulf region, there is no other option than joint cooperation," Zarif was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency on Tuesday.

"For the time being, there is no clear or definite prospect for a change in Iran's relations with Saudi Arabia, but a shift in the kingdom's policies would be welcomed by Iran," he said.

It was announced here on Sunday that a Saudi Arabian delegation would visit Tehran after Saudi Arabia severed ties with Iran last year, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Saudi delegation simply comes to visit diplomatic buildings because the buildings have been empty after the two countries broke off relations. At the same time, we will visit our buildings in Saudi Arabia," Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said on Sunday.

Qasemi confirmed that the visas for the Saudis have been issued long before, but for "reasons that are related to them, they have not come yet, and their travel has likely been postponed until after (annual Muslim) Hajj ceremonies".

He added that the date for the Iranian delegation's visit has not been set yet.

Saudi Arabia severed its diplomatic relations with Iran in January 2016, following demonstrations held in front of the Saudi embassy in Tehran and its consulate in the northeastern city of Mashhad by angry protesters who set the diplomatic missions ablaze for the execution of top Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr by Saudi Arabia.
Dead carp washing up on the shores of Madison lakes and rivers recently were likely killed by a virus that has been found in area waterways for the first time.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said Wednesday that dead carp found in Lake Kegonsa in August tested positive for the koi herpes virus. The virus likely killed carp recently found decaying along the shoreline of lakes Monona and Waubesa and the Yahara River, according to the DNR.

While the koi herpes virus cant be passed to humans or other animals, DNR fisheries biologist Dan Oele recommended avoiding direct contact with dead carp.

The public is not at risk from the koi herpes virus, and sport fish and forage fish such as shiners have not been harmed, he said.

Although the virus cant be transmitted to humans, decomposing carp can harbor other harmful bacteria.

The virus weakens the immune systems of the invasive species, making them vulnerable to other infections, according to the DNR.

Carp die-offs may continue until water temperatures begin to cool, Oele said. The virus is deadliest when the water is between 71 and 79 degrees.

The virus was first found in Wisconsin in the Rock River near Horicon in 2014, Oele said.

After the 2014 Rock River die-off, the carp population rebounded, and there has been no evidence of another virus-related die-off, he said.

They are tough critters, Oele said.

The virus existence in other states has been linked to the release of ornamental koi fish, the DNR said in 2014.

Oele said fisheries personnel dont have a hard count, but in each of the three lakes they estimate that hundreds to thousands of carp have died since reports started coming in around Aug. 14.

Madisons Clean Lake Alliance has heard reports of an unusual number of dead carp in lakes Monona and Mendota and the section of the Yahara River that connects the two since early last week, said Paul Dearlove, watershed program director for the alliance.

About two dozen foul-smelling, decomposing carp lined the shore of Lake Monona earlier this week at the end of Ferchland Place in Monona. A lakeside condominium resident had been gathering most of the dead carp on the lake shore along her residence and placing them there for the last week.

Dead carp can be buried, put in garbage bins, composted, placed in landfills or used as farm field fertilizer, according to the DNR. In most cases, it is up to property owners to dispose of the dead fish.

Unfortunately, from the property owners perspective, its their responsibility  to remove and dispose of those carcasses, Dearlove said. Its a nasty job.

Unlike past efforts to cull the sediment-churning species in area lakes, like Wingra and Kegnosa, the virus likely wont significantly impact the carp population, he said.

Since its such a minor die-off, its probably not even putting a dent in the population, Dearlove said.

State Journal reporter Steve Verburg contributed to this report.
Washington, Sep 6 : The US, Canada and Mexico have claimed progress in talks to update the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta), despite US President Donald Trump's threat to terminate the deal.

"Important progress was achieved in many disciplines," US Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo said in a joint statement at the end of the five-day second round talks on Sunday in Mexico City.

"More than two dozen working groups comprised of trade experts and technical officials worked diligently to advance the discussions and exchanged information and proposals," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement released by the USTR's office as saying.

It resulted in the consolidation of proposals into a single text upon which the teams will continue to work during subsequent negotiation rounds, they said.

Despite Trump's threat to terminate the 23-year-old trilateral trade deal, the ministers from the three countries "reaffirm their commitment" to an accelerated and comprehensive negotiation, with the shared goal of "concluding the process towards the end of this year".

The third round of the Nafta talks will take place in Ottawa, Canada from September 23 to 27, according to the statement.

As Mexico will have a general election in July 2018 and the US congressional mid-term elections are slated for the next fall, negotiators have hoped that Nafta talks could be wrapped up by early next year.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 : The Karnataka Police is on the hunt to trace and nab the killers of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead last night at her residence here, police said on Wednesday.

"The three special teams set up to crack the case are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are taking the movements of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders," Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M.N. Anucheth told IANS here.

"We have alerted our counterparts in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu as well," said Anucheth.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who had fired a total of seven bullets towards her when she returned home from her office in the city.

"Of the seven fired, four missed the target and hit the wall of the house. Three bullets had hit her -- two in her chest area and one in the forehead," Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar had told reporters on Tuesday night.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 : A Special Investigation Team will probe the killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead here on Tuesday night, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday.

"A SIT has been formed, headed by an Inspector-General-level officer, to investigate the journalist killing," the Chief Minister told the media here after meeting top police officers at the state assembly Vidhan Soudha.

Asked if the investigation could be handed over to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team, Siddaramaiah said: "Have left it to the Director General of Police (R.K. Dutta) who will speak to the state Home Minister (Ramalinga Reddy) and decide."

"I have an open mind," the Congress leader said, adding that if the family members insist on a CBI investigation, the state could think about it.

"This is an organised crime, but let the police look into it," he said, adding, "I have instructed the police to take the case seriously."

"Similar weapons were used in M.M. Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar's killings, but we can't link anything yet," Siddaramaiah said.

"Two persons had written something against Gauri on Facebook and the police is investigating it," the Chief Minister said.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M.N. Anucheth told IANS: "Three special teams were set up to crack the case. They are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are tracking the movement of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders."

"We have alerted our counterparts in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu as well," said Anucheth.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her when she returned home from her office in the city. Two hit her in the chest and one in the forehead.

She was the editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike".

A prominent Left thinker and a staunch critic of Hindutva politics, Lankesh was convicted in November 2016 in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Pralhad Joshi. She was out on bail pending appeal.

The manner in which Lankesh was shot dead was reminiscent of the way Kannada progressive thinker and researcher M.M. Kalburgi was killed in August 2015 at his residence in Dharwad in the state's northwest region, about 400km from Bengaluru.

Activist Narendra Dabholkar, who was at the forefront of a campaign to persuade the Maharashtra government to pass an anti-superstition and black magic bill, was shot dead by unknown assailants in August 2013.

Dabholkar was found dead in a pool of blood at Omkareshwar bridge in Pune. He was also the editor of Sadhana magazine which was devoted to the propagation of progressive thought.

Senior Communist leader Govind Pansare was shot and killed in February 2015. Two men on a motorcycle shot five times at Pansare and his wife from close range outside their house. His wife survived but Pansare succumbed to his injuries.

Lankesh, Kalburgi, Dabholkar and Pansare -- all were known critics of the right wing forces.
Kabul, Sep 6 : As many as eight people, including a woman, have been detained within a week by the CNPA for drug-related crimes, Afghan authorities said on Wednesday.

"The CNPA have captured eight persons involved in five drug-related cases in Kabul, Takhar, Nimroz and Nangarhar provinces within the last one week," Xinhua quoted Counter-Narcotics Criminal Justice Task Force of Afghanistan (CJTF) as saying in a statement.

The Counter-Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) also seized two vehicles and nine mobile phones from those arrested, in addition to confiscating a handful of narcotics, it added.

The arrested woman tried to smuggle about 400 grams of heroin to neighbouring India, the statement said.

The CNPA has after an initial probe handed over the cases to the Central Narcotics Tribunal (CNT) -- a special Afghan court for jurisdiction of major drug cases.

Adult drug addicts in the militancy-hit country are estimated at 1.9 million to 2.4 million, the report said.
Dhaka, Sep 6 : Six bodies have been recovered after a boat carrying dozens of Rohingyas capsized in the Bay of Bengal close to Bangladesh's border with Myanmar, an official said.

It also left an unknown number of people missing, Xinhua news agency reported.

Lieutenant Colonel S.M. Ariful Islam of the Border Guard of Bangladesh (BGB) told Xinhua on Wednesday that "six bodies were recovered this morning".

He could not tell when the boat capsized but guessed that it may have capsized "sometime yesterday (Tuesday)".

On receipt of information, he said the BGB, Bangladesh's Navy and Coast Guard rushed to the spot for rescue operations and to recover the bodies which were floating in the waters near Shah Porir Island, some 292 km from here.

Islam said there was no information about how many passengers of the sunken boat managed to swim ashore. He said usually Rohingya refugees come in small boats which can carry only 25-30 people.
Beijing, Sep 6 : Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will pay an official visit to China on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Wednesday.

Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, Xinhua news agency quoted Geng as saying.

China believes the visit will boost practical cooperation in building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and communication of both sides on international and regional affairs, the spokesperson said.
Bagan (Myanmar), Sep 6 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the Ananda Temple in this ancient city in Myanmar.

"Connecting with history. PM @narendramodi pays respects at Ananda Temple, the most historical and venerated temple in Bagan, Myanmar," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Built around 1105 AD by King Kyanzittha of the Pagan dynasty, this Buddhist temple derives its name from the Venerable Ananda, Buddha's first cousin and personal secretary.

The Archaeological Survey of India is involved in restoration work in this temple and some other historic structures in this city.

Earlier on Wednesday, Modi held bilateral discussions with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw following which the two sides signed 11 agreements.

From Bagan, the Prime Minister will leave for Yangon where he will interact with the Indian community in the evening.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 : Thousands of people bade tearful farewell to renowned Kannada journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh as she was laid to rest with full state honours here on Wednesday.

A police honour guard gave a gun-salute to the slain journalist.

Her mortal remains were buried at a cemetery in Chamarajpet in central Bengaluru.

Gauri Lankesh hailed from the Lingayat community that does not cremate its dead.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy and a host of other leaders were present at the burial ground to pay their last respects to her.

People gathered to witness the funeral chanted "Gauri Lankesh Amar Rahe" (Long live Gauri Lankesh).

Her brother Indrajit Lankesh had earlier told reporters that the family would not be following any religious customs at the funeral.

"She was a rationalist and we do not want to go against her ideologies," he had said.

Gauri Lankesh, 55, was on Tuesday night shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her as she returned home from her office in the city. Two bullets hit her in the chest and one in the forehead.

She was the editor of popular Kannada tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike".

Protests erupted throughout the day as journalists, activists, writers, thinkers, women organisations and others gathered across the country condemning her dastardly killing.
Tokyo, Sep 6 : Deepening cooperation in defence and security, India and Japan have agreed to enhance exchanges between their forces which is likely to translate into more bilateral exercises, as well as more exchanges in the field of technology and equipment as India looks towards increasing its domestic defence production.

This comes after a bilateral dialogue between the Defence Ministers of India and Japan on September 5-6, that took place as Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in China for the BRICS summit from September 3-5.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera, as part of the annual India-Japan Defence Ministerial Dialogue held in Tokyo, exchanged views on the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The talks are likely to have touched on the over 70-day stand-off between India and China along the border in Doklam, even though the statement did not name China anywhere.

However, it did carry a joint condemnation of North Korea's September 3 nuclear test.

Both sides also expressed satisfaction on the India-US-Japan naval exercise Malabar 2017, that took place in the Bay of Bengal in July and led to unease in China.

Jaitley went to attend the bilateral dialogue on Sunday night, hours after Nirmala Sitharaman was named the new Defence Minister, stating that logistics arrangement at the last moment was difficult. Sitharaman will take charge of the ministry formally on Thursday after Jaitley's return.

India and Japan expressed satisfaction at the continued deepening and diversification of bilateral defence cooperation since the signing of the bilateral Memorandum on Defence Co-operation and Exchanges in September 2014 and the two Defence Framework agreements signed in December 2015.

It also observed that through institutionalised dialogues and visits, defence cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened.

In 2018, the Japanese Defence Minister will visit India. The Armies of both nations will explore holding a joint exercise on anti-terrorism next year for the first time. Japan also invited India to participate in an Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise held by Japan Ground Self Defence Force as an observer.

Onodera expressed his intention to have state-of-the-art Japanese assets including P-1 to participate in the next edition of the Malabar exercise in 2018 and Jaitley welcomed his proposal.

"The Ministers noted the importance of bilateral training interactions between Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The two sides will consider inclusion of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training to expand cooperation," it said.

In addition, the ministers agreed to pursue exchanges and training by ASW aviation units such as Lockheed P-3 Orion anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft. The Japanese side proposed to invite Indian Navy personnel to mine-countermeasures training held by JMSDF.

As India looks forward to increasing defence manufacturing within the country, the two sides discussed enhancing interaction between governments and defence industries to encourage equipment collaboration.

Jaitley briefed his Japanese counterpart about recent policy reforms in the defence manufacturing sectors in India, and said it offers opportunities for foreign industries to play an active role.
Male (Maldives), Sep 6 : The World Health Organisation (WHO) needs to pump in over $800 million to eliminate measles from five developing economies of South East Asia (SEA) -- Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Timor Leste -- by 2020, the global health body said on Wednesday.

The deadline for elimination of the highly contagious infection, killing annually an estimated 134,200 children globally, is 2020.

To keep the efforts of the WHO against the viral disease going unhampered, a total of 140 million children are to be reached with the Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine by the end of 2017 and 400 million in 2018.

"Nearly $800 million is required for the elimination of measles from SEA, such as India, Myanmar, Timor Leste and Indonesia, by 2020 -- the targeted time decided by the experts," said Pem Namgyal, Director for Family Health, Gender and Life Course, at WHO's Regional Office for South East Asia.

Observing that currently the WHO had only 30-40 per cent of the resources towards elimination of measles from the concerned countries, Namgyal said immunisation programmes in the region were reaching more than 32.2 million children as compared to around 27 million in 2005.

Two doses of measles vaccine have been included in the vaccination programmes.

"Since 2006, more than 345 million children have been reached with the first dose, and over 132 million with the second dose. Estimations are that more than 5.9 million deaths due to measles have been averted," said Namgyal.

An additional 325 million children have been reached with additional measles vaccine, averting an estimated additional 600,000 deaths due to the viral disease, he added.

Namgyal, among the top public health experts speaking at the 70th Session of WHO's Regional Committee for SEA here, said that with scaling up of immunisation activities in countries, a 66 per cent reduction in mortality due to measles had been observed during 2000-2015.

"It is estimated that about 620,000 deaths due to measles were averted by vaccination in 2016 alone," said Namgyal.

Currently, over 4.7 million children in SEA have not been reached, as per the surveys conducted in 2016.

Eliminating measles from the SEA is part of the global body's resolution to make children free from the disease, as the disease claims over 54,500 children annually in the region.

Among the key strategies used by the WHO with the national governments is high coverage with routine immunisation.

To ensure effective implementation of the programme, a South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission (SEA-RVC) was also established in March 2016, which has so far met twice -- in August, 2016 and April, 2017.

Following an extensive review, the SEA-RVC has verified Maldives and Bhutan as having eliminated the endemic measles.

All countries have a functional National Verification Committee, either as a standalone committee or as part of the National Certification Committee for Polio Eradication.

Informing about the measles control and surveillance facilities in SEA, the expert also stated that all the 11 countries in the region have laboratory supported surveillance for measles and rubella.

According to the Indian government, special initiatives have been taken against measles and TB.

"We are resolute about eliminating measles and we aim to do it by 2020. Special initiatives have been taken and the work is in progress," C.K. Mishra, Health Secretary, Government of India, told IANS on the sidelines of the WHO regional summit.

(Rupesh Dutta can be contacted at rupesh.d@ians.in. He is attending the 70th Session of World Health Organisation Regional Committee for South-East Asia Region in Male, Maldives)
The Wisconsin attorney generals office has spent about $83,000 on promotional items since Republican Brad Schimel took office, including bags, pistol cases, candy and custom-made fortune cookies.

The Associated Press obtained invoices through the states open records law that show Schimel spent $6,269 on messenger bags, $6,000 on pistol cases, nearly $3,200 on candy and $100 on fortune cookies containing custom-ordered messages such as, The time is right to make new friends and no ones been hurt from laughing too much. The spending also included nearly $10,000 for coins promoting Schimels mantra, kicking ass every day.

The items had been purchased since January 2015. Most of it was handed out as gifts to attendees at DOJ conferences.

Liberal group One Wisconsin Now also obtained the invoices through a records request. Joanna Beilman-Dulin, OWNs research director, said in a statement that Schimel should spend the departments money on fighting crime. She noted that thousands of Wisconsin rape kits havent been tested and there have been delays in testing evidence for DNA.

This is about priorities, and Brad Schimels are grievously misplaced, Beilman-Dulin said.

Its unclear whether the DOJs promotional spending is in line with other state agencies. Spokesmen for the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection had no figures immediately available. A spokesman for the Department of Corrections didnt immediately reply to a message.

Democrats criticized Schimel earlier this year when the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the spending on the kicking ass every day coins. He told the Legislatures budget-writing committee in March that he would require higher levels of approval within his department before such expenditures could be made, but he didnt elaborate.

DOJ spokesman Johnny Koremenos said Wednesday that the agency has hosted 187 training seminars for about 10,000 law enforcement professionals since Schimel took office. He said the overall cost of promotional items handed out at the conferences looks high but actually amounts to about $5 per attendee. Its unclear how Koremenos arrived at that figure, since $5 times 10,000 attendees would equate to $50,000, not $83,000.

Koremenos said Schimel has ordered re-training for employees responsible for buying promotional materials to ensure that they are good stewards of state resources. He added that Schimel has ordered his executive staff to pre-approve any proposed spending above a certain threshold. He did not elaborate.

Schimel faces re-election in November 2018. Democrat Josh Kaul is the only candidate running against him so far. Kauls campaign didnt immediately reply to an email seeking comment on the promotional spending.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 : Senior Kannada journalist and social activist Gauri Lankesh was laid to rest with state honours here on Wednesday, a day after she was shot dead by three unidentified assailants, evoking widespread protests and condemnation across the country.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that a Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the killing.

"A SIT has been formed, headed by an Inspector-General-level officer, to investigate the journalist killing," the Chief Minister told the media here after meeting top police officers at the state assembly Vidhan Soudha.

The Congress leader said that if the family members insist on a CBI investigation, the state could think about it. "I have an open mind," he said.

CCTV footage from around the residence has been recovered by police.

The Union Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the Karnataka government on the killing of the senior Kannada journalist.

Media fraternity and activists gathered across the country in cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad among others condemning her murder.

Lankesh, 55, was buried at a cemetery in Chamarajpet in central Bengaluru. Her eyes were donated to be used for the needy, the family said.

She hailed from the Lingayat community that does not cremate its dead.

Her brother Indrajit Lankesh had earlier told reporters that the family would not be following any religious customs at the funeral.

"She was a rationalist and we do not want to go against her ideologies," he had said.

Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her as she returned home from her office in the city. Two bullets hit her in the chest and one in the forehead.

"She was shot dead from a close range at her house in Rajarajeshwari Nagar (in the suburbs) around 8 p.m. as she was entering the house," Bengaluru Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar had told reporters here on Tuesday.

Four of the bullets hit the wall of the house.

"Similar weapons were used in M.M. Kalburgi, Govind Pansare and Narendra Dabholkar's killings, but we can't link anything yet," Siddaramaiah said.

Earlier during the day, Deputy Commissioner of Police, West, M.N. Anucheth had told IANS that three special teams had been set up to crack the case. "They are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are tracking the movement of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders."

"We have alerted our counterparts in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu as well," he said.

Tributes poured in for the popular editor of Kannada tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike" from across the country.

People had gathered at the Town Hall in Bengaluru for a silent protest, holding placards. "You can kill a person but not their ideas," read one placard. A silent demonstration was also staged by journalist groups at the Victoria Hospital grounds, where the autopsy was being conducted.

Journalists gathered at the Press Club in Bengaluru were seen holding placards that said "I am Gauri", implying that the attack could have been possible on anyone of them.

Across the state, protests were witnessed in Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Dharwad and Koppal, among other regions, where citizens took to the streets.

Journalists in Mysuru, wearing black ribbons around their shoulders, also held a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner's Office.

Kannada film actors, writers, activists, state leaders, general public, friends and family of Lankesh's were seen at Ravindra Kalakshetra in the city, paying their homage to the popular Kannada journalist.

The killing also gave way to political parties in the country blaming one another for it.

While the Congress said "muzzling the voices of ordinary citizens and silencing dissent" was the slogan of "new India" under the Modi government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) denied any links between BJP and its allied organisations in Lankesh's killing.

A prominent Left thinker and a staunch critic of Hindutva politics, Lankesh was convicted in November 2016 in a defamation case filed by BJP lawmaker Pralhad Joshi. She was out on bail pending appeal.

She was the daughter of renowned Kannada journalist P. Lankesh, who had started the publication "Lankesh Patrike". Her siblings Indrajit and Kavitha are both filmmakers in the Kannada film industry.

The manner in which Lankesh was shot dead was reminiscent of the way Kannada progressive thinker and researcher M.M. Kalburgi was killed in August 2015 at his residence in Dharwad in the state's northwest region, about 400km from Bengaluru.
Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 6 : India has committed development assistance to Rakhine state in Myanmar where large-scale violence blamed on the minority Rohingya Muslim community has claimed the lives of security personnel and innocent people and triggered a mass exodus, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said on Wednesday.

"I would particularly draw attention to the fact that we have discussed committing Indian assistance to the Rakhine state development programme because we really believe that the medium term way of addressing problems in the Rakhine area is really to look at developmental aspect," Jaishankar said while briefing media persons following delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi here earlier in the day.

"So, we made an in-principle commitment," he said, adding that the modalities in that regard will be worked out.

Thousands of Rohingyas are crossing over into Bangladesh -- where they are sparingly given refugee status -- to escape the violence in Rakhine state. Media reports quoted the UNHCR spokesperson in Bangladesh as saying that at least 123,000 Rohingyas have crossed over in the past few days.

The latest exodus began on August 25, after Rohingya insurgents attacked police posts in Rakhine, leading to a violent offensive by the Myanmar Army.

India also faces the problem of Rohingyas fleeing into the states bordering Myanmar. The government has said it would deport all Rohingyas living in India illegally but the Supreme Court has said that it will hear on September 11 a plea seeking a direction to the central government not to deport about 40,000 such refugees back to Myanmar.

According to a joint statement issued following Wednesday's talks, India and Myanmar shared the view that the situation in Rakhine state had a developmental as well as a security dimension.

"In this context, they agreed to bring about overall socio-economic development in the State by undertaking both infrastructure and socio-economic projects, particularly in the spheres of education, health, agriculture and allied activities, agro-processing, community development, construction of small bridges, upgradation of roads, small power projects, livelihood activity, setting up of training centres, promotion of household crafts, conservation of environment and cultural heritage," the statement said.

"Myanmar welcomed India's offer of assistance under the Rakhine State Development Programme and the two sides agreed to finalise the implementation modalities within the next few months."

Jaishankar also said that India has become for its neighbours an important partner for energy supplies.

"We are looking at fuel, we are looking at power transmission, we are looking at solar, we are looking at LED," he said.

On the capacity building side, the Foreign Secretary said India has built industrial training centres, entrepreneurship development centres, and English language training centres.

"During this visit. I think we heard very strong appreciation of what we have done. The Prime Minister agreed that we would open two more industrial training centres in the near future in Myanmar," he said On the agriculture side, he said India would be scaling up agricultural training.

In the health care sector, the Foreign Secretary said India has upgraded three hospitals in Myanmar, including in Yangon and Sittwe.

"We have now committed to building a hospital at Nay Pyi Taw. That is a new commitment that has come out of this visit," he said.

Modi arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit on his first bilateral trip to Myanmar. He had earlier come here in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Summit.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Amidst all-round condemnation of the killing of activist-journalist Gauri Lankesh, the Congress and the Left parties on Wednesday accused the BJP and RSS of "silencing the voice of dissent".

The saffron party rejected the charges, saying neither the BJP, its government nor any organisation linked to it were behind the killing.

The BJP's rivals used the occasion to launch a scathing attack on it, saying there was a pattern in the killing of Lankesh and the earlier murders of rationalist thinkers Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M.M. Kalburgi -- of muzzling the voice of dissent.

Leading the charge, Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed shock and distress over the murder, saying "this can't and should not be tolerated".

"Known for her fearless and independent views, Gauri Lankesh had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system," an All India Congress Committee (AICC) statement said, quoting Gandhi.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated."

"It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society," Gandhi said.

Her son and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi went a step further and accused the BJP of silencing dissent. It was part of "their" ideology, he said.

"Anyone who speaks against BJP is silenced. People say that the Prime Minister is quiet and he has not said anything. The point is the entire ideology is to silence voices," Gandhi said.

"Sometimes, under pressure, the Prime Minister makes some statements. But the entire idea is to crush dissent," Rahul said, adding that "non-violence is the history of this nation... Murder cannot be justified."

The Congress said "muzzling the voice of ordinary citizens and silencing dissent" is the slogan of 'New India' under the Modi government.

The party said "India is in the throes of a violent clash" between advocates of freedom of speech and the Modi government is determined to "silence dissent and throttle democracy".

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. There is a definite pattern in the murder of rationalists and free thinkers and those who question the government -- Dabholkar, Pansare and Kalburgi and now Lankesh," said Congress spokesmen Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Condemning the killing, the CPI-M called on the democratic forces to lodge a strong protest against what it said was "growing intolerance and hatred" in the country.

In a statement, it said Lankesh's murder "fits into a by now familiar pattern of eliminating voices that dare to speak out against the current climate of hate and intolerance by the RSS and BJP".

It said the killings of Pansare, Dabholkar, Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh "are all interconnected".

"All of them were vociferous in their opposition to superstition, obscurantism and the perpetuation of the communal agenda by the right-wing Hindutva forces," the statement said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed alarm over the killing of Lankesh and demanded justice.

"Saddened at the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. Most unfortunate. Very alarming. We want justice," Banerjee tweeted. She later particiapted in a silent march against the killing.

NCP chief Sharad Pawar described Lankesh as the voice of liberal media and demanded that the culprits must be booked.

Strongly rejecting the opposition accusation, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said the BJP, the government or any organisation could not be blamed for the killing.

He slammed the opposition and said that it was irresponsible on the part of the 'President' of another political party to blame the BJP for the crime.

"There should be a proper probe into the murder. The guilty should be brought to book. Government of India, BJP or any of our organisations are not linked to this murder," Gadkari said.

"The President of one political party has reacted irresponsibly on this incident. The allegation is baseless and a lie. It is unfortunate and not good for democracy," he said.

The senior BJP leader said that law and order is the responsibility of the Karnataka government.

Union Minister H.N. Ananth Kumar said it was for the Congress government in Karnataka to "seriously" probe the case and nab the culprits.

"We urge the Karnataka government to probe the murder of well known journalist Gauri Lankesh with full seriousness, take the case to its conclusion, arrest the killers and punish them," Kumar said.

The Minister accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of not taking previous sensitive criminal cases seriously.

"The Siddaramaiah government failed in expediting the investigation of previous sensitive criminal cases as well as reaching the conclusion during inquiry as expected."
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said there was need for a new law to ensure the rights of fishermen.

Gandhi, addressing the national executive meeting of All India Fishermen Congress, said: "The Congress party will make strong interferences to ensure fishing guarantee for the fishermen in the country. It was the Congress-led governments who have brought Right to Information Act, Right to Service Act, Vanavasi Rights Act, Food Security Act, Employment Guarantee programme."

"In this model a new Act should be formulated for the right of fishermen. All India Fishermen Congress will take the initiation to pressurize the Union government for actions. But it is clear that the BJP-led government is neglecting common men's lives and they are looting natural resources to corporates," he added.

Gandhi said: "When the Congress comes to power, new Act will be brought to give the right of fishermen habitats to the fisheries communities of India."

National chairman of All India Fishermen Congress T.N. Prathapan presided over the session.

AICC General Secretary Janardan Dwivedi, AICC Treasurer Motilal Vohra, AICC In-charge Communication Department Randeep Singh Surjewala, AICC Schedule Caste cell chairman K. Raju, AICC Secretary R.C. Khuntiya were also present.
Bagan (Myanmar), Sep 6 : Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered prayers the Ananda temple in this ancient city in Myanmar.

Built around 1105 AD by King Kyanzittha, this Buddhist temple derives its name from the Venerable Ananda, Buddha's first cousin and personal secretary.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is involved in restoration work in this temple and some other historic structures in this city.

"The Prime Minister was shown a photo exhibit depicting the ongoing restoration work at the temple," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

"He offered prayers and made a parikrama of the temple, during which ASI representatives explained the restoration process," it said.

Modi also signed the visitors' book at the temple, and unveiled a plaque signifying the contribution of India in the restoration of the nine centuries old temple.

Earlier on Wednesday, Modi held bilateral discussions with Myanmar State Counsellor Aung Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw capital city following which the two sides signed 11 agreements.
Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 6 : India and Myanmar on Wednesday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations following bilateral discussions led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi here.

"The two leaders discussed the security situation prevailing along their borders and expressed concern at various incidents of terrorism and extremist-inspired violence that have taken place in their respective territories," a joint statement issued after the talks said.

"Recognising that terrorism remains one of the most significant threats to peace and stability in the region, both sides condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and agreed that the fight against terrorism should target not only terrorists, terror organisations and networks, but also identify, hold accountable and take strong measures against states and entities that encourage, support or finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups, and falsely extol their virtues," it stated.

Myanmar condemned the terror attacks during the Amarnath Yatra in India in July that claimed the lives of eight Indian pilgrims as also various acts of terror perpetrated by terrorists from across the borders.

India condemned the recent terrorist attacks in northern Rakhine state, wherein several Myanmar security personnel lost their lives.

"Both sides agreed that terrorism violates human rights and there should, therefore, be no glorification of terrorists as martyrs," the statement said.

"They called on the international community to end selective and partial approaches to combating terrorism and, in this regard, jointly called for the expeditious finalization and adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism by the United Nations General Assembly."

The statement also said that maintenance of security and stability along the common border was essential for the socio-economic development of the peoples of the border areas.

"Myanmar reaffirmed its respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India and steadfastly upheld the policy of not allowing any insurgent group to utilise Myanmar's soil to undertake hostile acts against the Indian government," it stated, adding that Myanmar also appreciated India for upholding the same principle.

Both India and Myanmar reiterated their mutual respect for the already demarcated boundary between the two countries and "emphasised the need to resolve outstanding boundary demarcation issues as fast as possible through existing bilateral mechanisms and consultations".

The two sides also reviewed the security situation in their immediate neighborhood and agreed upon the special need for enhancing closer bilateral cooperation in maritime security.

They also agreed to foster mutually beneficial and deeper defence cooperation between the two countries.

"Besides institutionalised cooperation through regular coordinated patrolling initiatives, they agreed to focus on bilateral maritime cooperation in non-traditional security domains, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, which are critical for safeguarding the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean as global commons," the statement said.

India and Myanmar signed 11 agreements following Wednesday's talks, including on cooperation in maritime security and coastal surveillance.

Modi arrived here on Tuesday on a three-day visit on his first bilateral trip to Myanmar. He had earlier come here in 2014 to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-India Summit.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a plea challenging the provision of the Indian Penal Code that exempts a person from being charged with rape for having sex with his wife in child marriage -- even if she is below the age of 18 years but above 15 years.

The bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta reserved the order as the central government told the court that despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, by and large the child marriage was an "inescapable factum" in the Indian society, though the practice was on the wane.

Despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, being implemented with full force, senior counsel Rana Mukherjee told the court that the government had tried to strike a balance between the law prohibiting child marriage and the social reality of the prevailing practice.

Appearing for the Centre, Mukherjee told the court that even though the marriage between the age of 15 and 18 years is deprecated, it would not fall foul of Sections 375 and 376 that carved out exemption, leaving out the husband of a minor wife from being charged with rape.

As the senior counsel urged the court to leave it to Parliament as to when and how the legal sanctity of child marriages would go, the court wondered when that time would come and added that more than 70 years have passed since India became independent.

The petitioner NGO Independent Thought has described the exception under Section 375 of the IPC as being discriminatory and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution that guarantees equality before law.

The NGO has contended that the said exception was also not in consonance with other statues, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
Bengaluru, Sep 6 : Senior Editor and social activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified assailants, was a "fearless" journalist but her "activism won enemies for her", said senior journalists and acquaintances who had worked with her for years.

She was "highly opinionated" and a woman of "strong conviction", according to the people who have known her over decades.

Ramakrishna Upadhya, a senior journalist who had known Lankesh for over 30 years, had worked along with her for eight years with the Anandabazar Patrika Group.

"When I worked with her, she was one of the most fearless persons and her writings used to represent all sides without biases," Bengaluru-based Upadhya told IANS here.

"After her father's death, she took over Lankesh Patrike and after a few years started her own Gauri Lankesh Patrike. This was when she turned into an activist."

"As journalists, we may all have our own political stances, but our writings need a balance. She lost this balance after a while," Upadhya said.

"A lot of times, she used to run unverified reports and turned purely into a critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She had unnecessarily created enemies for herself through activism," he added.

But as a person, Lankesh was very "warm" and "highly independent", he said.

"Around 20 years ago, she built a house for herself in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, which was right from then a very scarcely populated place and an almost dangerous place for a woman to come home late at night," he added.

"She should have taken precaution when she was aware of the threats," Upadhya said.

Ravindra Reshme, a senior Kannada journalist, says he has known the Lankesh family since July 1980, when P. Lankesh had started Lankesh Patrike.

"My association with the family goes way back to 1980 starting with Lankesh Patrike and I have worked with Gauri Lankesh for her Gauri Lankesh Patrike till 2007," Reshme told IANS.

"Lankesh had started the tabloid during the post-Emergency period, talking openly about political leaders and it was received very well across the state," he said.

"I had seen her marry her contemporary, Chidanand Rajghatta, also a journalist. They were two very strongly opinionated people and had later separated but remained great friends ever since," he said.

After Lankesh took over her father's paper following his death, she tried to bring "liberal" and "cosmopolitan" views to it, Reshme said.

The Maoist issue in Karnataka had forced Gauri and her brother Indrajit Lankesh, who were running Lankesh Patrike together, to split, he said.

"Gauri became an open sympathiser of the Maoists... although she didn't support their violence, she became very emotional towards their cause."

"The mistake that Gauri committed was to ridicule the Hindu groups. This irked even her followers," Reshme told IANS.

"But no one could question her courage of conviction and sincerity," he added.

Bengaluru-based social activist Prabha N. who was present at the Press Club here on Wednesday, said Lankesh always stood up for fellow women journalists.

"She was not only courageous but also shared that courage with fellow journalists and never hesitated when she had to stand up for one of us," she told reporters.

Many senior journalists and activists from across the country condemned Lankesh's killing.

"Shocked and angry -- after (Narendra) Dabholkar, (Govind) Pansare and (M.M.) Kalburgi, journalist Gauri Lankesh bravely writing against Sangh (Parivar), shot dead in Bengaluru," tweeted Kavita Krishnan, the Secretary of All India Progressive Women's Association.

"In India we bow to frauds like Ram Rahim and kill men and women of reason and inquiry like Pansare, Dabholkar, Kalburgi and now Gauri Lankesh," tweeted senior journalist Barkha Dutt.

Lankesh, 55, was shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her when she returned home from her office in the city. Two hit her in the chest and one in the forehead.

The manner in which Lankesh was shot dead was reminiscent of the way Kannada progressive thinker and researcher M.M. Kalburgi was killed in August 2015 at his residence in Dharwad in the state's northwest region, about 400 km from Bengaluru.

(Bhavana Akella can be contacted at bhavana.a@ians.in)
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Representatives of budget private schools on Wednesday criticised the Delhi government's decision to take over the 449 private schools which were told by the Delhi High Court to pay back the excess fees charged from students.

A total of 531 privately owned and run schools, including some of the most elite of the city, were identified by Justice Anil Dev Singh Committee last year as ones that charged excess fees from the parents to accommodate the wages of their staff following the implementation of Sixth Central Pay Commission recommendations.

The committee had asked the schools to pay back the extra money charged from the parents, after having paid the staff as per the revised wages.

"We will not allow taking over of even a single school. This is just a tactic of the Delhi government of hiding its failures. It does not think about the children's education at all," Kulbhushan Sharma, President, National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA), told the media persons here.

Sharma said that the current policies of the Delhi government barely left small private school owners with any money since they were not allowed to charge higher fees.

He claimed that budget private schools constituted as much as 60 per cent of the total number of schools in the city, and having been established at a time when there was a great dearth of education facilities, they should be rewarded instead.

The schools' rights body demanded that in government schools, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) be made to the students' accounts instead of spending money on him or her.

"We want the children and parents to have the freedom to choose where they want to study. Give them DBT, this will foster competition which will only benefit the education," said Sharma.

Budget private schools are small schools which mostly cater to the people from the lower strata of the society. A representative present at the press meet said that these schools charged as little as between Rs 200 and Rs 1,000 per month from the parents.

Sharma said they had met Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia with their complaints a number of times in the last one year, but all they received in return were assurances and no concrete action.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal last month proposed to take over the 449 schools which had not paid back the excess fees charged. The decision also got the nod of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal.

The government's threat rankled the NISA and allied associations because those told to return the excess fees comprised only a handful of big schools, and mostly were small budget private schools, which claimed they "have no other way of paying wages but to increase the fees".

NISA also announced a "big demonstration" at Ramlila Maidan in November.
New Delhi, Sep 6 : Amid reports of a rift in its Bihar unit, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met several party MLAs in the state and sought to know from them the political situation and also the future course of action.

Of the 27 Congress MLAs in Bihar, about 6-7 MLAs met Gandhi on Wednesday. The rest will meet him on Thursday.

"Rahulji wanted to know from us what was happening in the state in after the Grand Alliance broke and took our suggestions on our future course of action in Bihar," said an MLA who attended Wednesday's meeting.

"It is the high command's prerogative to change the state party leadership. But as of now, there is no infighting in the Congress state unit," the leader added.

Congress General Secretary in charge of Bihar C.P. Joshi said it was a regular meeting with the MLAs and their views were sought about the current political situation in the state.

Congress Legislature Party leader Sadanand Singh told IANS that he did not attend Wednesday's meeting.

Congress Bihar unit President Ashok Choudhary had met party chief Sonia Gandhi on August 31 and said the state unit was united.
After Noah survived the great deluge, God placed a rainbow in the sky as an everlasting covenant with man, promising to never again punish the Earth with such a deadly flood.

Any rainbow sheen you may see today across the Gulf Coast floodwaters is no godly doing. Runoff from chemical plants, petroleum pipelines and at least a dozen Superfund sites risks transforming the destructive rain into a putrid stew filled with lead, arsenic and other toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.

So you cant help but worry when looking at the pictures of the Vita Bella assisted-living center during Hurricane Harvey  an elderly woman calmly knitting in the Dickinson nursing home while the brown waters swirl around her feet.

They could have used an ark.

The image was shocking enough to hasten a rescue, but the damage may have already been done. After all, some of the worst flood hazards cant be picked up by a photograph.

Theres no need to test it. Its contaminated. Theres millions of contaminants, Porfirio Villarreal, a spokesman for the city of Houston Health Department told the New York Times as to the floodwaters.

Nowhere is the risk more worrisome than the San Jacinto waste pits, which sit between the communities of Highlands and Channelview. One of the San Jacinto waste pits, covered by a temporary armored cap, was partially submerged in the river even before Hurricane Harvey. Now theyre totally engulfed.

Last year, the Army Corps of Engineers predicted the protective device might not be reliable under very extreme hydrologic events which could erode a sizable portion of the cap.

Harvey  which has been called a 1,000-year-flood  would certainly qualify. Now we have to worry that the cap was damaged and the toxic mess has spread downriver to Galveston Bay.

As part of the recovery efforts, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt should make time to visit the submerged pits, which were designated a federal Superfund site in 2008.

Pruitt has said he plans to create a top-10 list of key Superfund sites and target sites where the risk of human exposure is not fully controlled.

The pits fit the bill: Theyve been ravaged by weather and contain dioxin, a highly toxic chemical that increases the risk for several cancers, including lung cancer and non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and has been linked to birth defects, liver damage and dermatological disorders.

The EPA actually proposed a solution to the pits last year: Remove about 202,000 cubic yards of contaminated material at a cost of nearly $100 million. Of course, the cost and nature of the remediation may have changed depending on whether the armored cap has been damaged.

Regardless, Pruitt should cut through the bureaucratic red tape that has slowed the cleanup of this site and act boldly in holding companies responsible for past contamination.

This site has been unsafe for over 60 years  longer than many Texans have been alive. It is time to finally clean up our river.

Any Hurricane Harvey recovery bill must fund this sort of ecological repair alongside the economic and infrastructure needs.

For years our communities and local government have told the EPA it is not a matter of if, but when, a storm devastates the pits, Jackie Young, executive director of the Texas Health and Environment Alliance, told the editorial board.

The federal government bears responsibility for Superfund sites such as the San Jacinto waste pits, and it falls on Pruitt to uphold his part of that covenant.
Chennai, Sep 6 : "Baahubali" star Rana Daggubati on Wednesday was appointed the brand ambassador of Telugu Tigers team in the second edition of Premiere Futsal which kicks-off in Mumbai on September 15.

In a statement, it was also announced that Rana is the co-owner of the team.

Deco, the former Barcelona and Chelsea star, has been named as the marquee player for Telugu Tigers.

Rana is confident the team will rock in this year's competition.

"It has been a matter of great pride and honour to be associated with Telugu Tigers in Premier Futsal. I am sure with Deco as a marquee player in the team; the Telugu Tigers will rock this year. I am also sure that my fans will come in large numbers to support my team in Premier Futsal across every centre," Rana said in the statement.

On being signed as the team's marquee player, Deco said: "I am really excited to have got an opportunity to travel to India and play in Premier Futsal. Unfortunately, I could not play last year in the inaugural edition due to injury but this year I am excited and looking forward for the experience."

In Mumbai, the first round of matches will be played till September 17. The next round of matches will be played in Bengaluru from September 19. The semi-finals and final will be held in Dubai from September 26 to October 1.

The inaugural edition of Premier Futsal was played in 2016, and it was won by Mumbai 5s.
Cairo, Sep 6 : Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Wednesday began a two-day visit to Vietnam - the first ever made by an Egyptian head of state - aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang met Sisi on his arrival in Hanoi, and the Egyptian leader was expected to meet the Vietnamese Communist Party's Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong during his trip, according to Egyptian press reports.

Egypt and Vietnam on Wednesday reportedly signed nine memorandums of understanding, including on port and maritime sectors, state-run daily Al-Ahram Online said, citing presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef.

Sisi stressed on Egypt's eagerness strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in different fields, contributing to the historical ties between the two countries, al-Ahram reported.

Egypt and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1963 and the value of bilateral trade reached $350 million last year.

Earlier this week, Sisi attended the BRICS summit in China, where he met various world leaders.
Geneva, Sep 6 : The United Nations on Wednesday praised a ruling by the European Union's top court that rejected a challenge by Hungary and Slovakia to relocation quotas approved at the height of the migrant crisis in 2015.

"Today's decision by the European Court of Justice on the relocation scheme sends a very strong signal on the importance of solidarity and responsibility sharing among EU Member States," UN refugee agency UNHCR said in a statement.

European leaders agreed in September 2015 to relocate a total of 160,000 migrants "in clear need of international protection" from Italy and Greece to other EU countries over two years.

The UNHCR urged EU nations to "increase the pace of relocation for eligible asylum-seekers from Italy and Greece, and to fully meet their relocation commitments as a concrete gesture of solidarity towards countries of first arrival in the EU".

So far less than 28,000 people have been relocated in the face of opposition from several Eastern European countries notably Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Romania also voted against the scheme, which was approved by a majority vote.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed Wednesday's ruling - which is final an cannot be appealed - calling it "appalling and irresponsible" and vowed to use all legal means against the judgement, which he said was "the result of a political decision".

In asking the ECJ to annul the deal, Hungary and Slovakia argued the relocation scheme should have been agreed unanimously and that it put them at risk of Islamist terrorism and threatens their homogenous societies.

If Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic do not cooperate with the relocation scheme, they could be referred to the ECJ and face heavy fines.

The EU has said 160,000 asylum-seekers need to be relocated from Greece and Italy by the end of this month but at the latest count just 27,695 have been - 8,451 from Italy and 19,244 from Greece.

A further 7,000 asylum-seekers who arrive before September 26 can be redistributed to other EU countries from Italy and another 4,700 from Greece, according to the European Commission.
Kolkata, Sep 7 : Two days after the first anniversary of her sainthood, Mother Teresa was declared the co-patron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta at a special mass here.

The decree was read out on Wednesday by the vicar general of the archdiocese Dominique Gomes during the mass at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary.

Ambassador of the Vatican to India Reverend Giambattista Diquattro attended the mass held a day after the nun's 20th death anniversary.

According to Thomas D'Souza, the Archbishop of Calcutta, every diocese has a patron and the Calcutta archdiocese is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier.

"We wanted to make Mother our co-patroness. We seek her intercession and give her the prominence that is due especially in a city like a Calcutta and the archdiocese of Calcutta," D'Souza told IANS.

In 2003, Mother Teresa was beautified as "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta".

She was declared a Saint by Pope Francis before over 1.20 lakh devotees at the Vatican on September 4, becoming one of the fastest Saints in the history of the Catholic church.
Kabul, Sep 7 : Three Afghan civilians were injured after a suicide bomber struck a gate of a main US and NATO forces' base in eastern Afghanistan, an official said.

The blast occurred outside an entry control point at Bagram Airfield, in Bagram District, Parwan Province at 5.38 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, the NATO-led coalition forces said in a statement.

Meantime, a spokesman of Afghan Interior Ministry said that three Afghan civilians were wounded by the explosion, Xinhua news agency reported.

The assailant was killed on the spot.

The coalition forces' statement added that the injured were being treated at Bagram medical facilities.

"Bagram Airfield is secure and the incident is being investigated. More information will be provided as it becomes available," the statement noted.

The Taliban militant group has claimed responsibility for it.

Bagram Airfield, 50 km north of Kabul, has been serving as the main US and NATO military base within the past 16 years.
Washington, Sep 7 : US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that military action was not the "first choice" of his administration on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

On his way to participate in a tax reform event, Trump told reporters that military action against North Korea was "not a first choice, but we will see what happens", Xinhua news agency reported.

In a related development, the White House said on Wednesday that Trump spoke with British and Australian leaders by phone regarding the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

The White House said that in his discussion with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday, Trump stressed that now is not the time to talk to North Korea, and made clear that all options remain open to defend the US and its allies.

Speaking with Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, the leaders confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearize the DPRK, said a statement by the White House.

North Korea on Sunday detonated a hydrogen bomb that can be carried by an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), North Korea's Central Television announced. North Korea's nuclear testing and launches using ballistic missile technology have violated UN Security Council resolutions.

China's permanent representative to the UN Liu Jieyi on Monday condemned the latest nuclear test by North Korea and urged the country to return to the track of dialogue. China will not allow chaos and war on the Korean Peninsula, he said.

Liu said the suspension-for-suspension proposal and dual-track approach put forward by China together with the Russian proposal of a step-by-step approach is a realistic and feasible roadmap for the settlement of the issue.
New York, Sep 7 : New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman plans to announce the filing of a multistate lawsuit to protect beneficiaries of a program shielding children brought to the US illegally on Wednesday afternoon.

Immigration advocates, Dreamers, labour unions, and the chancellor of City University of New York will join Schneiderman at the news conference, Xinhua news agency reported.

The announcement came one day after US Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the program was rescinded, which potentially put about 800,000 illegal immigrants at the danger of deportation.

The program, named the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), was implemented in 2012 to essentially provide a legal status for recipients or renewable two-year term work authorization.

In a written statement, Trump said he is looking forward to working with the Congress to finally address all of these issues "in a manner that puts the hardworking citizens of our country first".

Hundreds of protesters, many of whom are recipients of the DACA program, gathered outside the White House to voice their anger on Tuesday. There were similar protests or rallies in other major cities across the country.
National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences Becomes First Alma Customer in Taiwan as Adoption of Alma Continues Global Growth

Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is pleased to announce the KUAS has become the first university in Taiwan to choose the Alma library services platform.

TAIWAN, September 6, 2017  Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is pleased to announce that the National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences (KUAS) has become the first university in Taiwan to choose the Ex Libris Alma library services platform. Alma and the Ex Libris Primo discovery and delivery solution will be replacing a number of the librarys current systems, including an integrated library system, electronic resource management system, and discovery system.

KUAS chose Alma and Primo primarily to optimize the integration of workflows between libraries located on two separate campuses. Another factor in the decision was the Alma platforms support for collaboration with partner libraries, a major element of the universitys strategic vision. The Alma and Primo cloud-based technology and security meet the high standards that KUAS requires of its vendors.

KUAS Library Director Chun-Hsien Kuo commented, We have begun our plan to update our library to provide state-of-the-art services to our patrons. The changes involve not only a renovation of our physical infrastructure but also the modernization of our systems and organizational restructuring. We are pleased that we have found a solution that aligns with our strategic plan."

Ziv BenZvi, vice president of Ex Libris Asia Pacific, noted, We are delighted that National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences has chosen Alma as a cornerstone of the library transformation now under way. We welcome KUAS to the Alma family as the first Alma adopter in Taiwan and look forward to working with the university as it creates a new library experience for staff, students, and instructors.

About National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences (KUAS)

National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences (KUAS) consists of four colleges offering top-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that serve more than 13,000 students. KUAS was awarded the Plan for Developing Technological University Paradigms grant by the Taiwan Ministry of Education, which, along with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has established more than 10 research centers at KUAS. The school will soon be incorporating two other universities into its system, which will then become the largest technological university in Taiwan. For more information, please visit http://www.kuas.edu.tw/.

About Ex Libris

Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is a leading global provider of cloud-based solutions for higher education. Offering SaaS solutions for the management and discovery of the full spectrum of library and scholarly materials, as well as mobile campus solutions driving student engagement and success, Ex Libris serves thousands of customers in 90 countries. For more information about Ex Libris, see our website, and join us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

About ProQuest (http://www.proquest.com)

ProQuest is committed to supporting the important work happening in the worlds research and learning communities. The company curates content that matters to the advancement of knowledge, assembling an archive of billions of vetted, indexed documents. It simplifies workflows so that people and institutions use time effectively. And because ProQuest connects information communities, complex networks of systems and processes work together efficiently. With ProQuest, finding answers and deriving insights is straightforward and leads to extraordinary outcomes.

ProQuest and its companies and affiliates  Ex Libris, Alexander Street, Bowker  stand for better research, better learning, better insights. ProQuest enables people to change their world.
The Small Business Showcase and Albany Job Fair is Wednesday, October 4th at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center on Rt 9 at 400 Old Loudon Road, Latham New York. The SBA Showcase is underwritten by Albany Broadcasting and SEO Web Mechanics. The event opens with Speed Networking from 7:30a-9:00a and a full line up of exciting speakers and presenters from 9:00a to 4:30p. Admission to the Albany Job Fair, SBA Showcase, Speed Networking, and all Seminars is free.

7:30a-9a The SBA Showcase Breakfast Meetup and Speed Networking Event is free to attend and light fare will be available to all participants. Come grab a cup of coffee and network with area business owners, recruiters, marketing experts, social media managers and marketing executives.

9a-4:30p Open networking with exhibitors in the Atrium Ballroom, meet and greet and find that perfect business to start, join, network with or create a new customer relationship. Over 30 Companies will be recruiting, many hiring on the spot! Bring your resume and dress for success.

9a-4:30p Seminars will run all day, across 4 conference rooms; Teleconference Room, Executive Boardroom, and Conf Rooms C & D will be offering business, marketing and Career Growth topics. Seminars start at 9am and run through 4:30pm. Featured presenter, Google, will be in the Teleconference room at 10am & 2pm followed by Adwords Best Practices & Google Plus Best Practices respectively by Darcy Knapp, Google Certified Partner. The seminar schedule offers a variety of topics from Social Media to Disaster Recovery, Copyright and Accounting to Business Funding, Resume writing and Networking to find your next job. There are enough seminars and events to keep the small business owner, entrepreneur and job seeker busy all day.

Check out the full line up of seminars across the venue at http://smallbusinessalbany.com/. There are a variety of seminars to help business succeed in the digital age including topics: Digital Advertising, Podcasting, App Development, Legal Issues facing businesses, Facebook & Facebook Advertising, LinkedIn Networking, YouTube Marketing. Google Presents at 10a & 2pm, the Franchise Forum is at 1pm and the Veterans Employment Panel will be from 3p-5:30p. There are businesses and recruiters ready to talk from their exhibitor tables all day. Job seekers can find a variety of businesses recruiting at the show as well as seminars on choosing the right career path and interviewing skills.

The SBA Showcase features seminars for business owners and managers, all seminars are educational and information based. Job Seekers can find a full day of hiring tips seminars in Conference Room C. All seminars are open to attend. The SBA Showcase offers a full day of informative sessions for business and job seekers.

Get Your Complimentary Public Admission Tickets: https://sba2017.eventbrite.com and save having to register at the door. For Google Seminars please pre-register (Seating is limited) https://sbagoogle2017.eventbrite.com

Exhibitor and seminar space is available. Please register online http://smallbusinessalbany.com/ or contact:

Darcy Knapp, Event Chair, O: 518.872.1707 or C: 518-366-1707 Darcy(at)SBAShowacase(dot)com
Business executives, managers, and lean management leaders, can learn how to better align people with the companys purpose and objectives at the presentation Strategy Deployment and Alignment Through Hoshin by Lean Enterprise Institute COO Mark Reich.

Reich will give the presentation October 10, 2017, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., at the Iowa Lean Consortium Fall Conference, in Altoona, IA. The Iowa Lean Consortium organizes the conference annually.

Many organizations struggle with how to define annual objectives and develop peoples capabilities based on those objectives.

Strategy deployment, also known as hoshin planning, has the answers, said Reich, a former executive with Toyotas corporate strategy division where he implemented the automakers strategy deployment process.

During the presentation, hell cover:



A fundamental strategy deployment framework for successfully aligning an organization vertically and horizontally.

How to effectively align functions and activities with strategic objectives.

How managers can build a culture where management is purposeful in its approach.

How hoshin planning can be utilized as a key component of leadership development.

The long-term benefits of hoshin planning.

About Mark Reich

Mark Reich is chief operations officer of the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI). He oversees day-to-day operations, strategy, publishing, training, and leads the Co-Learning Partners program that assists companies engaged in lean transformations. Prior to LEI, he spent 23 years at Toyota, most recently as general manager of the Toyota Production System Support Center, where he doubled the number of companies supported from 20 to 40. He transitioned it to nonprofit status to better support its mission of strengthening North American manufacturing. Previously, Reich was assistant general manager, corporate strategy division. He is author of the forthcoming book, Managing on Purpose.

About Lean Enterprise Institute

Lean Enterprise Institute Inc. (LEI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Cambridge, MA, with a mission to make things better through lean thinking and practice in order to create more value and prosperity while consuming the fewest possible resources. Founded in 1997, by management expert James Womack, PhD, LEI conducts research, teaches educational workshops, publishes books and ebooks, organizes conferences, and shares practical information about lean thinking and practice through lean.org.
Vicon Industries, Inc. (VII: NYSE-MKT) (Vicon), designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, announced today the expansion of its A&E Services division, with the addition of David Busco, who will manage Vicons relationships with the A&E community throughout the eastern United States. David has over 25 years experience within the security industry, during which he has demonstrated an ability to support the needs of architects and engineers through design work, technical knowledge and product expertise. At Vicon, he will augment those skills with Vicons existing tools and programs to deliver an unparalleled support experience for A&E specifiers of Vicon solutions.

David previously served as A&E Sales leader for Interlogix, a UTC company, where he successfully built out the companys A&E program and executed a growth strategy. His experience representing a broad range of IP security products positions him to well to communicate the value of Vicons comprehensive portfolio, which includes Valerus VMS, VAX Access Control, cameras and storage options.

David is based in Chicago, IL, and will be responsible for all territories east of the Mississippi.

Vicon has developed a new go-to-market strategy focused on delivering innovative, powerful and easy-to-use solutions that will improve the client experience without compromising quality and support. I am excited to be a part of this strategy, explains David.

Learn more about Vicons A&E services at http://www.vicon-security.com/partners/ae-partner/.

About Vicon Industries, Inc.: Vicon Industries, a designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, delivers security solutions that simplify all aspects of the customer experience, including system deployment, management and operation. Vicon and its leading-edge systems are trusted by a customer base that spans the globe, representing every type of industry. For more information about Vicon, please visit: http://www.vicon-security.com. ViconSimple Solutions for a Complex World.
"I really enjoy helping to develop others and getting to work with our junior staff." - Timothy Nichols | Practice Leader, Architecture Learning and sharing with other healthcare-dedicated staff is invaluable to me as I begin my architecture career and I look forward to Tims guidance as I delve into my first years in the field. - Mina Bellare, Architectural Designer with Array.

Timothy Nichols, Principal and Engagement Manager, has been named Array Architects Practice Leader, Architecture. With more than 20 years of architecture design experience, the last five with Array, Tims technical expertise and project leadership make him an integral part of Arrays leadership team. Tim is based at the firms headquarters in Conshohocken, PA and works with staff across all offices.

In an era where time is of the essence and everything is urgent, design firms are searching for new mentoring and knowledge-sharing methods. As Array Architects continues to grow and evolve its process, the need for a project architecture leader became apparent. My mission, in addition to introducing the perspective of the project architect and engagement manager into the process, is to supplement traditional mentoring and knowledge-sharing methods so our project architects can learn, grow and develop in their careers, Nichols said.

Tim, a Drexel University graduate, encourages and promotes innovation across all Array offices while instilling technical proficiency in each of their project teams. He does this with a profound understanding of the depth of the firms human and technological resources. Tims positive personality and ability to make lasting personal connections allow him to effectively collaborate with staff, practice leaders and clients to produce unexpected results, noted the firms Chief Operating Officer, George Shmidheiser. He understands that a firms strength comes from its people.

As a professional services firm, Array provides advisory, planning and design services, as well as technology solutions, to healthcare clients nationwide. Array believes that each staff member contributes a unique knowledge and perspective and every employee is empowered to make extraordinary contributions to the firm. By providing mentors for each discipline, Arrays knowledge gain can increase exponentially and staff can continue their lifelong education in the planning, design and advisory fields.
"Australia is an important market for our global customers as well as a key priority for our expansion in Asia, said Mark Skalabrin, CEO of Redline.

Redline Trading Solutions, the premier provider of high-performance market data and order execution systems for automated trading, today announced certification of its Order Execution Gateway solution by the Australian exchange, ASX.

Australia is an important market for our global customers as well as a key priority for our expansion in Asia, said Mark Skalabrin, CEO of Redline. Our customers may now submit futures, options and spread orders from our ultra-low latency order gateway to the new ASX 24 Trading Platform, he adds.

Today Redlines solutions interface to over 150 trading venues for equities, futures, options, foreign exchange, and fixed income.

For more information, contact Redline at sales@redlinetrading.com.

About Redline Trading Solutions, Inc.

Redline Trading Solutions, a pre-eminent financial technology firm, empowers trading with high-performance market data and order execution solutions that solve todays toughest latency and reliability challenges while reducing costs. With offices in Boston, New York, London, Hong Kong and Belfast, Redlines customers include leading investment banks, brokers, exchanges, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms. http://www.RedlineTrading.com

# # #

Redline is a trademark of Redline Trading Solutions, Inc.

Other products mentioned may be trademarks of their respective holders.
West and Education Funding Partners (EFP) today announced a partnership that will give Wests SchoolMessenger Presence website customers a turnkey funding solution through EFP adNet. The tool programmatically serves digital advertising which is seamlessly displayed on school district and school websites. Since 2010, EFP has developed and managed marketing partnerships between the K-12 public school community and top U.S. corporations that generate sustainable new revenue for districts.

This fall, EFP adNet will integrate with the SchoolMessenger Presence website platform and give its customers the optional ability to turn-on adNet and begin running ads from a proprietary, carefully vetted list of education-friendly brands. Districts and schools determine the placement of the brands digital ads on their website pages to drive revenue  just in time for back-to-school. EFP adNet is simple to set up and requires little time to manage. The adNet tool is available for SchoolMessenger Presence website templates and custom websites and utilizes the SchoolMessenger Passport single sign-on product.

Wests SchoolMessenger solutions takes its mission of being the trusted platform for parent and community engagement seriously and we are proud to be part of another transformational solution for districts like EFP adNet, said Robert Iskander, executive vice president and general manager of Wests Education group. "In addition, our partnership with EFP provides our SchoolMessenger solutions customers the ability to activate new funding solutions to support school and student programs, starting with SchoolMessenger Presence and later extending to our other products.

Our countrys schools need new ways to generate revenue to fund priorities for their students that otherwise wont happen. With EFP adNet, we provide districts a no-cost, safe and sustainable solution which is gaining great momentum, said EFP CEO Tom Weeks. Our partnership with West enables us to offer our turnkey adNet solution to school districts across multiple platforms that they can control.

EFP has relationships with education-appropriate brands like Walmart, CVS, Target and Amazon Rapids, which want to connect with parents and teachers through trusted school district website environments. Revenue generated through EFP adNet is used to help fill in funding gaps.

About Education Funding Partners

Education Funding Partners (EFP) puts the power of Fortune 500 marketing resources to work for public education by linking carefully selected brands and forward-thinking school districts to build successful partnerships. Leading companies engage with millions of parents, students and educators through a new, scalable and comprehensive marketing platform, while districts impacted by the ongoing budget crisis gain sustainable funding solutions. Through a national school district network built by EFP, brands invest in the K-12 community by preserving educational and enrichment programs. EFP (http://www.edufundingpartners.com) is a certified B Corporation, a for-profit company guided by comprehensive social performance standards. EFP has been Awarded Best for the World by B Lab for the past four years and was named one of Five Bright Ideas for Education by Harvard Business School. EFP is a division of 2017 Abundant Venture Partners, LLC (http://www.abundantventurepartners.com). To learn more about EFP, please contact: Nancy Kerbs, Education Funding Partners at (508) 333-3488 or nkerbs(at)edufundingpartners(dot)com

About Wests SchoolMessenger Solutions

West Corporation is the trusted provider of SchoolMessenger solutions. More than 63,000 schools and other educational institutions in all 50 states and Canada depend on SchoolMessenger products and services from notifications and websites to custom mobile apps and social media. School leaders have relied on the SchoolMessenger platform since 1999 to engage with their communities in multiple languages and on any device. To learn more about SchoolMessenger products, visit http://www.schoolmessenger.com or call 888.527.5225.
Effective immediately, QuadraNet, Inc., the leading provider of dedicated servers, colocation, managed hosting, DDoS mitigation, and data center solutions in Los Angeles, has finalized the addition of China Telecom CN2 into its premium Los Angeles network mix. With this additional carrier, clients will benefit and receive significant network latency and throughput improvements for traffic that is being sent to, and received from, China.

The inclusion of this telecom providers routes will not only improve the network traffic performance for QuadraNets own clients, but it will also make a meaningful impact for the global Internet community -- benefiting the millions of connections that are processed through QuadraNets Los Angeles network on a daily basis. Clients with traffic primarily in China will, for the first time, be able to reach Mainland China locations directly -- no longer will such traffic be subjected to less efficient routes. QuadraNet maintains private uplinks to both China Telecom and China Unicom.

Expanding upon the issue in greater detail, Kate Gerry, QuadraNets Director of Networking discloses, Historically, users sending traffic to the United States from China or Taiwan have experienced quality of service challenges due to saturation of peering ports operated by Chinese residential internet service providers. These users suffer the detrimental effects of high latency and packet loss which not only diminishes their Internet experience on websites hosted in the USA, but can also seriously impact businesses and their bottom lines. Im excited to share with both our clients, and the community, that latency and routes to Asia will see a significant and immediate improvement.

As a service provider that has a long-standing history of making significant and client-focused investments that provide optimized dedicated server, colocation, and cloud hosting services to territories in Asia, QuadraNet continues to reach this goal with the embracement of China Telecom CN2 into its Los Angeles self-healing network blend.

For more information be sure to visit https://www.quadranet.com.

About QuadraNet, Inc.

QuadraNet Inc., since 2001, has been a leader in hosting and data center solutions as a telecommunications provider in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. QuadraNet has grown to become one of the largest providers of dedicated servers, colocation, cloud hosting, and bandwidth services. In addition to Los Angeles, QuadraNet has expanded to offer services in Dallas, TX, Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, and Secaucus, New Jersey. With a team of highly-skilled professionals that are passionate and excel at designing and implementing the perfect solution for clients and their businesses, QuadraNet has a chief focus on providing consistent and exceptional service and support. Facilities and services are staffed and monitored 247 to assist with everything from routine memory upgrades to advanced systems troubleshooting.
Our mission at the Quality Institute is to make sure we only pay for health care that is truly valuable to patients, and we think payment reform can drive quality and reduce costs.

Catalyst for Payment Reform (CPR), a non-profit corporation working to improve the quality of health care while also reducing costs, has selected New Jersey as one of three states where the progress of payment reform will be measured.

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute will serve as CPRs lead New Jersey partner to help facilitate CPRs Scorecard on Payment Reform. The Scorecard will measure how much and what type of payment reform is happening in New Jersey.

We are pleased to work with CPR so all of us in New Jersey can learn what progress weve made in implementing payment reform, said Linda Schwimmer, President & CEO of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute. Our mission at the Quality Institute is to make sure we only pay for health care that is truly valuable to patients, and we think payment reform can drive quality and reduce costs.

CPR also selected Virginia for the pilot program and a third state will be announced shortly.

Schwimmer said the Scorecard will be helpful for several Quality Institute initiatives, including the Maternity Episodes of Care workgroup, a sub group of the Medicaid 2.0 initiative, which is designing a global episode payment for maternity care in Medicaid. The Scorecard will also provide valuable information for the Quality Institutes QI Collaborative, which is working on New Jerseys Transforming Clinical Practice Initiative to help providers prepare for their participation in alternative payment models.

CPR is an independent, non-profit corporation working to catalyze employers, public purchasers and others to implement strategies that produce higher-value health care and improve the functioning of the health care marketplace.

The organization has measured the implementation of payment reform since 2013 at both state and national levels. The new Scorecard creates a new era of tracking progress by assessing not only how much and what types of payment reforms health insurance plans have been implemented, but whether these payment reforms are having their intended impact on the quality and costs of health care.

Payment reform encourages value-based payments, which means that payment for health care reflects performance, especially quality and safety, and that payment methods are designed to spur efficiency and reduce unnecessary spending.

Alternative payment models were created to better align the way we pay for health care with the outcomes we want for our health, Schwimmer said. The scorecard will report on the kinds of payment models that are being implemented in New Jersey and how they are working to improve outcomes and lower costs. We hope they are doing both.

Suzanne F. Delbanco, PhD., Executive Director of CPR, called the Quality Institute the right New Jersey partner for the pilot program.

We selected the Quality Institute because of the organizations independence and its history of creating and executing initiatives that drive improvements in health care quality and help to contain costs, said Suzanne F. Delbanco, PhD., Executive Director of CPR. We are excited to partner with the Quality Institute on this pioneering effort and hope it will support efforts toward better, more affordable health care for the citizens of New Jersey.

The development and piloting of the new Scorecard are funded by grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Laura and John Arnold Foundation. Results will be published in August 2018.

About the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute is the only independent, nonpartisan, multi-stakeholder advocate for health care quality in New Jersey. The Quality Institutes mission is to undertake projects and promote system changes that ensure that quality, safety, accountability and cost-containment are closely linked to the delivery of health care services in New Jersey. Learn more about us at http://www.njhcqi.org.
Therapies combining gamma-delta T cells with CARs have an enormous potential to transform the lives of cancer patients

Scottish immunotherapy company TC BioPharm (TCB) has announced it has signed an agreement to work alongside clinical academics at University College London (UCL). The agreement will see TCB and UCL progressing innovative gene-modified T cell therapies capable of treating childhood and adult cancers of the blood such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the UK alone this disease affects over 3,000 new patients annually.

At UCLs Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, a pioneering research team led by Professor John Anderson and Dr Jonathan Fisher has developed a new chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T), which significantly enhances the innate ability of gamma-delta T cells to attack blood cancers such as AML. They are doing so by targeting CD33, a cancer antigen highly expressed in AML. This key intellectual property has been licensed to TCB by UCL Business (UCLs technology commercialisation company) to further strengthen TCBs IP position in the gamma-delta CAR-T space.

Novel cancer treatments, such as CAR-Ts, are generating interest based on recent encouraging clinical data. CAR-T treatment involves removal of a patients white blood cells, insertion of a gene which targets a specific cancer antigen/type, followed by re-injection of the cells primed to attack the tumour. Harnessing the innate anti-cancer properties of gamma-delta T cells, TCB has developed an innovative, safe CAR-T therapy which overcomes toxic side effects seen with other treatments.

Working with UK-based cancer-research hematologists, TCB and the UCL clinical academics aim to bring next-generation safe CAR-T technology to patients during 2018. Work is ongoing at TCBs cleanroom facility in Scotland to manufacture a GMP-compliant CD33 CAR-T product.

Professor Anderson of UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health said: I welcome the opportunity to work with TC-Biopharm. Together we are committed to accelerate the translation of new cancer immunotherapies to the clinic.

Dr Fisher, Wellcome Trust clinical postdoctoral fellow, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, commented: This is an exciting opportunity to open a new avenue in cellular immunotherapy, with the aim of making it safer and more targeted.

Cengiz Tarhan, managing director, UCL Business, added: Therapies combining gamma-delta T cells with CARs have an enormous potential to transform the lives of cancer patients, and the expertise of UCL Professor John Anderson and Dr. Jonathan Fisher will enable this novel approach to be rapidly developed to treat AML.

Commenting on the collaboration with UCL, Dr Michael Leek, chief executive at TCB, said: Im delighted and excited to be working with Professor Anderson and Dr Fisher. Their passion and innovative vision of treating cancer patients using novel CAR-T therapies is perfectly aligned with TCBs goal of improving patient heath and quality of life. Having established a robust intellectual property platform, TCB will develop a range of safe and effective CAR-T products which harness the innate ability of gamma-deltas to target and kill cells transformed by cancer.

About TC BioPharm (TCB)

Headquartered at the Pentlands Science Park outside Edinburgh, TCB is registered in Scotland (SC 453579). Becoming operational from February 2014, the company is developing ImmuniCell, an autologous anti-cancer immuno-therapy which involves expansion of gamma-delta T cells over several weeks - formulating a treatment for a wide-variety of different tumour types.

In January 2015, TCBs cell therapy manufacturing facility at Maxim Office Park in Glasgow was awarded a Manufacturer's Authorisation for Investigational Medicinal Products MIA (IMP) which permits manufacture and release of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) for use in clinical trials. Further to obtaining an MHRA manufacturing license, TCB was granted a Clinical Trial Authorisation (CTA) by the MHRA in September 2015. Phase II/III clinical studies of TCBs unmodified core technology (ImmuniCELL) are ongoing throughout the UK.

Europe is experiencing an unprecedented cancer epidemic, driven by an ageing population. Traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have demonstrated very limited efficacy for patients with late-stage disease and often cause considerable side effects. Cell therapies are the next breakthrough in oncology, but autologous cells must be harvested from each patient, expanded for several weeks in vitro and re-administered to the same patient while hospitalised. TCB is developing a novel gamma-delta CAR-T platform (ImmuniCAR) where T cells are supercharged using gene-therapy to target and kill specific cancer types. ImmuniCAR represents a truly disruptive, step-changing approach to the treatment of a wide variety of cancers with potential to overcome many of the safety problems previously seen with conventional early-generation CAR-T products. In addition to CD33 for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia, TCB is developing CAR-T products to target cancer antigens CD19, EGF-R and GD2.

About the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (ICH)

The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health is part of the Faculty of Population Health Sciences within the School of Life and Medical Sciences at UCL. Together with its clinical partner Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH), it forms the largest concentration of children's health research in Europe.

About UCL Business PLC

UCL Business PLC (UCLB) is a leading technology commercialisation company that supports research and innova-tions arising from UCL, one of the UKs top research-led universities. UCLB has a successful track record and a strong reputation for identifying and protecting promising new technologies and innovations from UCL academics. UCLB has a strong track record in commercialising medical technologies and provides technology transfer services to UCLs associated hospitals; University College London Hospitals, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Royal Free London Hospital. It invests directly in development projects to maximise the potential of the research and manages the commercialisation process of technologies from laboratory to market. For further information, please visit: http://www.uclb.com
#MotherOfRealDragons As the internet buzzes with conversations about dragons and season finales, WWF jumps on the opportunity and appeals to Emilia Clarke to come save Varanus komodoensis, the last real dragons left alive.

The seventh season of the most epic show ended last week on a cliff hanger that virtually broke the Internet with conversations around #dragons and the pain of losing a dragon child.

WWF jumped on this opportunity by creating a personalised film and delivered it via Instagram, to Emilia Clarke. In the film she was invited to visit the remote and mystical Komodo Islands, in Eastern Indonesia, the only place left on Earth where dragons still live.

The vulnerable dragons seek a mother to stand up and protect them.

Varanus komodoensis, or Komodo Dragons, as theyre more commonly known, are the largest Lizard on the planet, and have been here for millions of years. However in modern times these fantastical creatures have come under threat because not only their islands but even the waters surrounding them are endangered by waste and irresponsible fishing and tourism. Less than 350 breeding females are left alive in the wild, and that number is set to fall.

WWF hopes this campaign will help shine a light on the plight of these rare and fascinating creatures. They have also alluded to a second phase of this campaign where they aim to inspire strong, Independent female leaders of the world to adopt the Dragons and fight to protect their home.

You can get behind the campaign by appealing to Emilia Clarke using the hashtag - #motherofrealdragons.
New HR Certification Institute (HRCI) Board of Directors add to organization's HR experience, expertise and commitment to HR certification excellence.

The Board of Directors for HR Certification Institute (HRCI) welcomes four new members: China Gorman, Global Business Executive and Current Lead for the Future Talent Council; Dr. Sandy Miles, SPHR, GPHR, Hutchens Distinguished Professor at Murray State University; Dr. Jonathan H. Westover, Professor at Utah Valley University and a Human Capital Leadership and Performance Management Consultant; and Nelson Zivic, SPHR, GPHR, Head of HR for the Food Division of Newell Brands.

"HRCI is pleased to add this group of seasoned professionals - each has demonstrated the highest levels of HR experience and expertise to govern and oversee HRCI strategy," said HRCI Board Chair Gardiner Hempel Jr., CPA, GPHR, a Retired Partner of Deloitte LLP. "They are important additions to the HRCI Board of Directors, devoted to the continued success of HRCI as the market leader for providing HR credentials that demonstrate excellence in the field."

The HRCI Board of Directors provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance to HRCI. Board members serve a three-year term and are eligible for reappointment for one additional term. The new board members are:

China Gorman

Gorman is a global business executive in the competitive Human Capital Management (HCM) sector. She leads the startup team of the Future Talent Council, a global NGO that brings together senior leaders from the world's largest employers, academic institutions and government/policy making bodies to prepare the world for the future of talent. Previously, Gorman served as the CEO of the Great Place of Work Institute, COO and interim CEO of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) and President of Lee Hecht Harrison.

Dr. Sandy Jeanquart Miles, SPHR, GPHR

Dr. Miles is the Hutchens Distinguished Professor in the Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business at Murray State University. In addition to being a current HRCI board member, she serves as the U.S. Chair to the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Technical Committee (TC) 260. ISO TC 260 was commissioned with setting global standards in the human resource management area in 2011. Dr. Miles is also one of nine global experts commissioned with advising the ISO TC 260 Chair through the ISO/TC 260 Chairman's Advisory Group (CAG).

Dr. Jonathan H. Westover

Dr. Westover is a Leadership and Performance Management Consultant and Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership and Ethics in the Woodbury School of Business and Director of Academic Service Learning at Utah Valley University, where he previously served as the Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Ethics. A Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Westover has also been a Fellow at many other institutions and is a regular visiting faculty member of international graduate business programs worldwide. He is currently a Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism Faculty Fellow, a Center for the Study of Ethics Faculty Fellow, a Global/Intercultural Faculty Fellow and a Service-Learning Faculty Fellow.

Nelson D. Zivic, GPHR, SPHR

Zivic serves as the Head of HR for the Food Division at Newell Brands, based in Atlanta, Ga. He was previously the HR Senior Director of the Latin American Region for Newell Brands. He was also an HR Leader at Dell, where he held increasingly responsible HR positions in the company's U.S. and Latin American operations. Trained as a lawyer, Zivic began his career as a Labor Attorney in Argentina. He is a longtime HRCI volunteer as a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) exam reviewer and an item writer and reviewer for the Professional in Human Resources - International) (PHRi) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources - International (SPHRi). Zivic recently served as the First Chair of the newly formed HRCI Certification Council.

"The new HRCI board members provide strategy and govern decision-making with integrity and trust," said HRCI CEO Amy Schabacker Dufrane, Ed.D., SPHR, CAE. "They bring to the table business acumen from the areas of academic and research, leadership in performance management, human capital management, culture and innovation, as well as a boots-on-the ground HR leader of a global consumer goods company."

The HRCI Board of Directors:



Gardiner Hempel Jr., CPA, GPHR, Chair

Ronnie Charles, SPHR, GPHR, IPMA-CP, Immediate Past Chair

O. David Jackson, MBA, SPHR, PMP, Secretary/Treasurer

Iona Harding, SPHR, GPHR, Strategy Chair

Dr. Amy S. Dufrane, SPHR, CAE, Chief Executive Officer

Manjushree M. Badlani, MA, SPHR, Board Member

Brian Baxter, MPA, SPHR, Board Member

Angeles Cordova, MBA, PHR, Board Member

China Gorman, Board Member

Kay Kutt, GPHR, SGMS-T & SCRP, Board Member

Jim Lewis, SPHR, GPHR, Board Member

Dr. Sandy Jeanquart Miles, SPHR, GPHR, Board Member

Jonathan Pearce, GPHR, Board Member

Steven T. Peluso, JD, MBA, Board Member

Dr. Jim Steele, GPHR, SPHR, Board Member

Dr. Jonathan H. Westover, Board Member

Nelson D. Zivic, GPHR, SPHR, Board Member

Responsible for determining the organization's mission and purpose, the board serves to ensure effective strategic planning, to monitor and strengthen programs and services, to guide decisions for sound financial planning, to protect the legal and ethical integrity of HRCI, and to enhance the organization's strong public standing.

The board governs the HRCI premier suite of seven HR certifications, including the Associate Professional in Human Resources(aPHR), the Professional in Human Resources(PHR), the Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca), the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), the Global Professional in Human Resources(GPHR), the Professional in Human Resources - International (PHRi), and the Senior Professional in Human Resources - International (SPHRi). All HRCI credentials are fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

About HRCI

HR Certification Institute (HRCI) is the premier professional credentialing organization for the HR profession, setting the standard for HR rigor, excellence and expertise worldwide for more than 40 years. HR practitioners and organizations trust HRCI to ensure, strengthen and advance the strategic value of HR through credentials such as the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). All HRCI certifications are fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), including six practice-based credentials and the Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) for line managers, students and others who are just starting out in HR. HRCI certifications are proven marks of distinction for various levels of competence, commitment, skill and knowledge in the HR field. Visit HRCI at https://www.hrci.org.
Active Aging Week 2017 Over the past 14 years millions of people have come together to embracing their potential, no matter their age, and to help shift perceptions of aging in their local communities.

Each year hundreds-of-thousand of adults aged 50 years and over gather at local senior living communities, parks, community and senior centers, wellness centers, health and fitness clubs and studios, YMCA, JCCs and other venues to celebrate Active Aging Week.

This internationally recognized event--USA, Canada, and Australiahighlights the passion that all people have for life and new experiences, irrespective of age. This is why the campaign organizer, International Council of Active Aging (ICAA), chose the theme IGNITE YOUR PASSION to celebrate 15th year of Active Aging Week.

Over the past 14 years millions of people have come together to embracing their potential, no matter their age, and to help shift perceptions of aging in their local communities.

During the last week of September, 24  30, 2017, over 3,000 host organizations will connect with older adults to help advance active, healthy aging in their center, community, city, state or country.

Now in its milestone year, thousands of organizations will be hosting events during Active Aging Week. Expect everything from dancing and drumming to ziplines and yoga, brain games to barbecues, cooking classes to skin health and footcare. Indoors or out, big or small, physical, emotional, mental or spiritual, the options are endless when it comes to an interest that sparks the mind, body or soul. Hosts are encouraged to be creative in designing events that capture the imagination of their participants and encourage expression of their enthusiasm for vibrant living.

With no cost attached, an entire week of fun, free events will seek to encourage participation, and showcase the vast wealth of options any individual can choose to help ignite their own passions.

To host an event and participate, organizations need only to create a free event, register it online at: activeagingweek.com and promote it. The ICAA has all the resources and campaign planning tools needed to help hosts achieve successful events and draw tens or even hundreds of eager participants. On the ICAAs website, activeagingweek.com, they can learn how to host an event and even choose a pre-organized theme like AquaDance, Get Skin Health Smart or Eat Healthy/Stay Strong. They can access free campaign materials including t-shirts, posters and social media tools, and download resources like planning guides, worksheets and webinars.

Those adults and family members wanting to attend and participate in local events should check with local senior living communities, parks and recreation departments, community and senior centers, hospital wellness centers, YMCA, JCCs, and others to see whats already planned.

About Active Aging Week

Website: http://www.activeagingweek.com

Active Aging Week was started in 2003 by the International Council on Active Aging as an international event celebrating aging and active living by engaging older adults in wellness activities in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. It is held every year in the last week of September.

About the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA)

http://www.icaa.cc

The ICAA, a professional association that leads, connects and defines the active-aging industry, supports professionals who develop wellness facilities, programs and services for adults over 50. The association is focused on active aging  an approach to aging that helps older adults live life as fully as possible within all dimensions of wellness  and provides its members with education, information, resources and tools. As an active-aging educator and advocate, ICAA has advised numerous organizations and governmental bodies, including the US Administration on Aging, the National Institute on Aging (one of the US National Institutes of Health), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Canadas Special Senate Committee on Aging, and the British Columbia (Canada) Ministries of Health and Healthy Living and Sport.
New leadership at Stratford Schools Melrose campus in Los Angeles.

Stratford School, an award-winning private preschool through 8th grade school founded in Silicon Valley, is proud to announce the school leadership appointments of Ms. Rebecca Coen, Head of School, and Ms. Jamie Patrick, Director of Lower School, for the Melrose campus in Los Angeles.

Ms. Coen brings to Stratford School more than 15 years of educational experience as a teacher and administrator in the United States and Canada. Most recently, she has lead schools in the Los Angeles area. In her new role with Stratford, she embraces an emphasis on its exceptional educational and staff development programs, as well as ensuring a positive experience for its growing school community.

Ms. Coen holds a bachelors degree in English from the University of British Columbia and a masters degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from California State University - Northridge. She is an alumnus of the Art of Leadership program at Harvard Graduate School of Education.

In July, Stratford welcomed Ms. Jamie Patrick, Director of Lower School to the leadership team. Ms. Patrick has extensive experience in education both as a teacher and an administrator. Most recently, she was Assistant Director of Education at Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment in Los Angeles. She holds a bachelors degree in child development and a masters degree in human resources management from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minn.

We are so pleased to welcome Rebecca Coen and Jamie Patrick to the Stratford School family said Sherry Adams, Stratford School Founder. Maintaining standards of teaching excellence and supporting student achievement in a nurturing, positive environment are key elements of our culture. This exceptional leadership team will help us continue that mantra at our Los Angeles Melrose campus.

About Stratford School

Established in 1999, Stratford School is a leading independent private school founded on the belief that education is a significant influence in the life of a child. Stratford offers an accelerated curriculum from preschool through eighth grade with an emphasis in the areas of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) that incorporates music, physical education, foreign language, and social skills development. Stratfords goal is to prepare and mentor students for admission to competitive high schools and colleges. All students are provided the necessary tools to excel, and are encouraged to participate actively in leadership, community service, and extracurricular activities. Visit http://www.stratfordschools.com for more information.

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Here in Portland, we are confident that the FastTrackGov Vehicle for Hire Regulation and Reporting software will provide ease-of-use and improved functionality that will meet our needs now and allow us to evolve and grow in the future.

Mitchell Humphrey & Co. is pleased to announce the Portland Bureau of Transportation as its newest client. Mitchell Humphrey & Co. will be automating the Bureaus licensing, permitting, inspection, enforcement, and reporting activities for the Private for Hire Transportation Program (PFHTP).

The Portland Bureau of Transportations Regulatory Division works in a rapidly evolving and growing market. In order to provide effective oversight and efficient client service in such a dynamic environment, PBOT needed a truly robust and creative software platform.

With Mitchell Humphrey & Co.s platform, PBOT can update its current processes and provide enhanced levels of service to Portlands private-for-hire sector.

FastTrackGov Vehicle for Hire Regulation and Reporting Software solution is built specifically for the Vehicle for Hire industry by a software vendor who has made a commitment to knowing, understanding, and serving this industry.

Here in Portland, we are confident that the FastTrackGov Vehicle for Hire Regulation and Reporting software will provide ease-of-use and improved functionality that will meet our needs now and allow us to evolve and grow in the future, said Mark Williams, Regulatory Division Manager in Portland.

About Portland, OR

The City of Portland is the largest city in the state Oregon with a population of more than 2 million. Portland is recognized as one of the worlds most environmentally conscious cities because of its high walkability, large community of bicyclists, farm-to-table dining, expansive network of public transportation options, and over 10,000 acres of public parks.

About Mitchell Humphrey & Co.

Mitchell Humphrey & Co. offers a broad range of software including Financials, Community Development, and Vehicle for Hire Regulation applications. Visit http://www.fasttrackgov.com or http://www.mitchellhumphrey.com to learn more.
Industry Leader in Cloud-Based Dental Practice Management Many dental groups are experiencing rapid growth, which compels them to find a software provider that is capable of supporting their growth and that understands the challenges of scaling quickly.

Planet DDS (PDDS), the nations leading provider of cloud-based enterprise dental practice management software and a member of the 2017 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies, announced today that Xavier Gardner is joining the company as its new Senior Account Manager.

Xavier was most recently the Operations Manager for one of Pacific Dental Services highest-producing offices. He has worked for nearly five years in dental operations, managing three unique offices in Southern California. At Pacific Dental Services, Xavier opened a new office and grew it to profitability; he also managed the implementation of software projects that he helped roll out to over 600 offices.

Im really excited to join Planet DDS, noted Gardner. I can see why the software, services and team are so attractive to established and growing dental groups. The company has built a fully-functional practice management solution and the team has the knowledge to help practices become more successful through the use of that software. I cant wait to apply my experience managing successful practices to the development of our products and to ensuring the success of our clients.

In response to the growing demand for its Denticon enterprise cloud-based practice management software and other services, Planet DDS has increased the size of its team in the last year to keep pace with a rapidly changing industry.

Eric Giesecke, CEO of Planet DDS, stated, Many dental groups are experiencing rapid growth, which compels them to find a software provider that is capable of supporting their growth and that understands the challenges of scaling quickly. Xaviers extensive experience operating successful dental practices will prove invaluable in translating these challenges to the rest of the team and to our software development process, which in turn will make us a better partner to our clients.

Denticon by Planet DDS is a powerful, flexible, cloud-based practice management software platform trusted by thousands of dental professionals across the country. Solo practices and large dental groups alike operate with far greater efficiency in the Denticon cloud than they could with cumbersome desktop software. Planet DDS also offers outsourced business services to dental offices. The company is a member of the 2017 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing privately-held companies in the United States. Learn more about Denticon at http://www.planetdds.com.
Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD Women with gynecologic cancers turn to our physicians...at Mercy for their skilled expertise as gifted diagnosticians and for their exceptional surgical talent... said Thomas R. Mullen, President & CEO, Mercy Medical Center

Mercy Medical Center has achieved initial certification in Uterine and Ovarian Cancer Care from The Joint Commission, Disease-Specific Care Certification process. Mercy is the first hospital in Maryland to achieve Uterine and Ovarian Cancer care certification, and is only one of five institutions nationwide to be so honored.

Mercys programs in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine and ovarian cancer were reviewed this past August following surveys that reviewed the fulfillment of specific and comprehensive criteria.

An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 U.S. health care organizations and programs. Joint Commission accreditation and certification is recognized nationally as a symbol of quality that reflects an organizations commitment to meeting a variety of performance standards.

This certification represents the hard work and dedication of everyone in our department to provide quality care for our patients, said Dr. Dwight Im, Director of The Neil B. Rosenshein, M.D., Institute for Gynecologic Care.

The Institute for Gynecologic Care at Mercy is one of the top rated Gynecologic Cancer Centers in Baltimore and throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Mercy's renowned cancer center provides advanced treatment options for ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers.

The physician team includes renowned surgeons consistently ranked among the best in the Maryland region. Renown gynecologic oncology surgeons Dr. Neil Rosenshein, Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes, Dr. Jennifer Ducie and Dr. Hyung Ryu work with Dr. Im in the Center.

Describing Mercys staff as collaborative and confident, the Joint Commission surveyors strongly commended Mercys competencies, compassion, engagement and evidence-based protocols. Patient comments spoke highly of the quality of treatment and the experience of health-care delivery.

According to Dr. Rosenshein, Director of The Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute at Mercy, the Joint Commission certification is indicative of Mercys efforts to make the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer and related gynecologic disease a priority.

With the opening of The Lya Segall Ovarian Cancer Institute in 2014, a National Center of Excellence, Mercy became was the first hospital in the region to open a center specifically designed to the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer. This certification is further evidence of Mercys commitment to advance the cause of ovarian cancer treatment and to provide top quality care for our patients, Dr. Rosenshein said.

Our integrated care team brings together medical experts from a variety of clinical disciplines to determine each patients best treatment options, creating care plans tailored to each individuals health risk factors and personal needs, Dr. Rosenshein added.

Women with gynecologic cancers turn to our physicians and clinical staff at Mercy for their skilled expertise as gifted diagnosticians and for their exceptional surgical talent, utilizing the latest in treatment modalities, said Thomas R. Mullen, President and CEO, Mercy Health Services, Mercy Medical Center.

Mercy offers gynecologic cancer patients a variety of cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including the Voluson E8 ultrasound/sonography device which enables clinicians to see more anatomical detail and a greater field of view. Ultrasound imaging can include an assessment of the anatomy such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and endometrium. Ultrasound can help in surgery planning, as well as helping to detect abnormalities and cysts. In addition, Volusons 4D high frequency transvaginal probe can detect anatomical detail in gynecological exams.

The Joint Commissions mission is to improve health care for the public by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value.

Founded in 1874 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a university-affiliated medical facility with a national reputation for womens health care. Mercy is home to the $400+ million, 20-story Mary Catherine Bunting Center. For more on Mercy, visit http://www.mdmercy.com and MDMercyMedia on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.
Maker Faire San Diego Who better to raise a disabled kitten than a disabled veteran?

San Diego native Karolyn Smith is a survivor. An Iraq war veteran and U.S. Army machine gunner, she suffered spine and brain injuries from a roadside bomb in 2005. After years of surgeries and therapies, Karolyn suffered from PTSD but wanted to learn to cope with her pain and trauma without medication. To that end, she adopted a kitten with three legs.

When Smith met Sophia she thought, Who better to raise a disabled kitten than a disabled veteran? Sophia was born with the umbilical cord around her hind leg that damaged its development, requiring amputation. Inspired by her work with military veteran amputees, Smith was determined to help her new kitten.

A self-styled vetrepreneur, she decided to see if a prosthetic leg could be designed that would make Sophias life easier. Connecting with San Diego-based design lab Fab Lab, they invented the prototype of a prosthesis that could be manufactured on a 3D printer.

Three years and three prototypes later, Smith has become an avid inventor, constantly pushing to create the ideal prosthetic. She will be presenting her invention, and telling her story, at the upcoming Maker Faire San Diego in Balboa Park October 7-8, 2017, a hands-on celebration of technology, arts, crafts, science, and the Do-It-Yourself mindset.

Smith continues to push to make her furry friends life as comfortable as possible. Self-funded, she hopes Maker Faire San Diego will help raise awareness and backing for her cause. She has published a childrens book to both help raise money and to educate kids about amputation. Sophia, The Bionic Cat was published in 2016. Animal Planet is currently airing a feature on Smith and Sophia on My Cat From Hell with Jackson Galaxy, and Smith is in the process of writing a screen play to tell the story of how technology has helped her and Sophia live better, richer lives as an inspiration to kidsthe worlds future inventors.

Smith has been honored locally as the 71st Assembly Districts 2014 Veteran of the Year for the sacrifices she has made for her country, and her meaningful, long-time work with veterans groups. San Diegans can hear her story firsthand and meet Karolyn in person at Maker Faire San Diego.

PRESS MATERIALS: Photos and logos

WEBSITE: http://sandiego.makerfaire.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/SDMakerFaire

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SDMakerFaire

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/sdmakerfaire/

HISTORY OF MAKER FAIRE

The first Maker Faire launched in May 2006 in the San Francisco Bay Area and was quickly followed by Faires in Austin, Detroit and New York City, as well as others around the world. Technology has lowered the barriers to becoming a Maker and this has launched the Maker Movement, which fuels Maker Faire. Maker Faire was designed to be forward-looking, showcasing Makers who are exploring new forms and new technologies. But it is not just for exhibiting what is new in technical fields - Maker Faire features innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance, and craft.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO MAKERS GUILD

The San Diego Makers Guild is a nonprofit that is committed to fostering the maker community and to promoting, showcasing, and encouraging adoption of making by individuals and public and private institutions, with the goal of advancing education, innovation, commerce and lifelong learning. Our vision is to help develop San Diego into a nationally known maker city. Learn more at http://www.SDMakersGuild.org.

ABOUT BALBOA PARK CULTURAL PARTNERSHIP

Balboa Park Cultural Partnership is a nonprofit organization through which 30 arts, science and cultural institutions in Balboa Park collaborate to achieve shared goals. By helping these groups achieve greater organizational efficiency, innovation and excellence, it seeks to contribute to the vitality and sustainability of Balboa Park. For more information visit http://www.bpcp.org.

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Steven Gray, President of The Control Group With the core of The Control Group still being centered in innovation, I believe we have just scratched the service of what our consumer product offerings could be, and I am truly excited to help shepherd this company through its next round of growth.

Steven Gray has joined The Control Group as President of its online people search properties. As President, Gray will lead the companys growth strategy while looking to innovate its core people finder product, extend its customer reach and elevate the customer experience.

After a long tenure and a series of increasingly responsible senior leadership roles with Harte-Hanks, Gray joined Money Mailer in 2007 as COO responsible for sales, IT, marketing, services and franchise operations. In this role, Grays main focus was transformational in nature, moving a 20-year traditional direct marketing operation into a multi-channel marketing powerhouse that supported over 30,000 small and medium-sized businesses nationwide. By introducing digital and mobile customer engagement strategies, Money Mailer was able to extend its customer reach and improve both acquisition and retention results.

After a successful PE acquisition of Money Mailer in 2010, Gray became COO of iLoop Mobile, transitioning the company from a pure SaaS company to a mobile marketing services leader. Gray oversaw sales, marketing and services and helped grow the company across new vertical markets in retail, healthcare and Latin America.

After growing the top-line revenue and creating a stellar customer base, iLoop was acquired in 2012. From there, Gray went on to join Peak Performance as COO and CRO. His core responsibilities were OEM management, field sales, OEM sales, marketing and account management. Gray led the growth of the company through new digital innovations and year-over-year account revenue increases from brands like Lexus, Porsche and VW. Peak Performance was successfully sold in 2016, and Gray began a successful private equity consulting practice, which led to the introductions of The Control Groups founders, Kris Kibak and Joey Rocco.

In July 2017, Kibak and Rocco decided to bring Gray on as President to oversee the business operations for all company brand initiatives.

Kibak stated, Steven has proven to be a successful and trusted leader and brings to this position a strong reputation for developing people and inspiring teams. His wealth of experience across our products will be a valuable asset as we continue to accelerate growth through our long-term vision and strategic actions. We could not be more pleased about his appointment to this critical role at this important time at The Control Group.

With the core of The Control Group still being centered in innovation, I believe we have just scratched the surface of what our consumer product offerings could be, and I am truly excited to help shepherd this company through its next round of growth, Gray said.

About The Control Group

Created in 2011, The Control Group is one of the fastest-growing technology companies headquartered in San Diego. Their expertise is in web development and internet marketing. The company is the developer of InstantCheckmate.com, one of the top people search engines in the world, and NextGen Leads, an extremely high-quality insurance leads platform focused on streamlining lead acquisition. Because the company is already profitable, it has been able to develop a company culture that is shaking up the technology sector. At the core of its company culture, The Control Group seeks to make a positive impact in its community by volunteering, supporting and getting involved in numerous important causes.

Media contact:

Kristle Khoury, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

kristle.khoury(at)thecontrolgroup(dot)com

3111 Camino Del Rio N Suite 400

San Diego, CA, 92108
With the rapid growth of the healthcare industry, we feel these programs are an excellent fit for our community, and the short-term nature of the training makes it a great fit for those looking to get into the workforce quickly.

Career Step, an online provider of career-focused education and professional training, is pleased to announce West Texas A&M University as its newest academic partner.

West Texas A&M University strives to offer their community the best education programs with the goal of helping individuals quickly gain the skills they need to be well prepared to enter the workforce, said Glade Tidwell, Career Step Vice President of Academic Partnerships. We are excited to partner with them as they work to make a difference in the lives of their community members.

West Texas A&M University joins more than 150 other educational institutions in Career Step's network of academic partners. This network includes University of Central Missouri, Cal State San Bernardino and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee among many others.

The new partnership adds several Career Step courses to West Texas A&Ms catalog. The new courses include Healthcare IT, Medical Office Manager, Professional Medical Coding and Billing with PCS, Medical Transcription and Editing, Medical Administrative Assistant with EHR, Computer Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Executive Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing, Veterinary Office Manager, and Inpatient Auditing. These programs are all designed to help students gain the career skills they need to start working in their chosen field or advance their careers in a year or less.

We are excited to offer these new, online programs to provide more opportunities for career training, said Tracy Shea, Training Coordinator at West Texas A&M University. With the rapid growth of the healthcare industry, we feel these programs are an excellent fit for our community, and the short-term nature of the training makes it a great fit for those looking to get into the workforce quickly.

Career Step has partnered with higher learning institutions for more than a decade to offer its industry-leading career training courses through schools continuing education departments. These partnerships provide the institutions with a turnkey solution to prepare more students for successful careers.

More information about Career Steps partnership with West Texas A&M University is available at CareerStep.com/wtamu. To learn more about Career Steps academic partnership program, please visit CareerStep.com/partner.

About Career Step

Career Step is an online provider of career-focused education and professional training. The company has trained over 100,000 students for new careers as well as more than 100,000 healthcare professionals through its various continuing education courses. More than 150 colleges and universities nationwide have partnered with Career Step, and the company provides training for several of the largest and most respected healthcare employers in the nation. Career Step is committed to helping students and practicing healthcare professionals alike gain the skills they need to be successful in the workplaceimproving lives, advancing careers and driving business results through education. More information can be found at http://www.careerstep.com or 1-800-246-7837.
Certrec, a leading licensing and regulatory compliance service provider that supports NRC and NERC compliance, announced today that industry veteran Scott Head has joined its staff to serve as the Office of Licensing and Compliance Business Development Director.

Mr. Head recently retired from the STP Nuclear Operating Company. During the last nine years, he was responsible for all safety and environmental activities performed to support obtaining and maintaining the Part 52 Combined Licenses for South Texas Project Units 3 &4. He has over 40 years of experience in the areas of Licensing, Project Management, Engineering, and Compliance.

Were very pleased to have someone with Scotts industry experience join our OLC team, said Ted Enos, Certrec President. I have known Scott for many years and I am excited to have his energy and expertise on our talented team. He helps round out our professional team with his licensing and new plant experience.

In his role as Licensing Manager for STP Unit 1&2, Scott led the effort for the Licensing of the Special Treatment Exemptions that directly led to the development of the 50.69 Rule. He also led the effort that resulted in the first application of Risk Informed Technical Specifications.

This is a critical time in the nuclear industry. We are excited to have Scott Head join the Certrec team. His licensing expertise and leadership will greatly assist our clients.  Ted Enos, President of Certrec.

Certrec is doing things in the industry that few can match, says Head. Their collaborative tools and processes were vital to us as we teamed with an international consortium to license STP 3&4. I have always regarded Certrec as a premier leader in providing regulatory services and support. I have worked with Certrec since the 90s and continue to be impressed with their people, professionalism, and support of the nuclear industry.

I am excited to be a part of this solid company, says Head, as I strongly believe that Certrec is in an excellent position to help the industry deliver the nuclear promise.

Founded in 1988, Certrec is an engineering and technology based organization providing regulatory support services in the electric power industry. With over 1,000 cumulative years of direct industry experience (including nuclear, fossil, and renewables), Certrec has developed exceptional capabilities to support regulatory activities emanating from regulatory entities such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation and Regional Entities (NERC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and others regulatory agencies. Certrec's Office of Licensing and Compliance (OLC), Office of Assessment and Recovery (OAR), Office of NERC Compliance (ONC), and Office of New Plant (ONP) services are used by utilities and entities across the United States to help manage the regulatory process to their advantage.

Certrec offers support from highly skilled and experienced industry professionals including degrees in a variety of engineering disciplines (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Nuclear). Additionally Certrec's staff has multiple degreed personnel in physics, communications, a variety of MBAs, and information technology. This highly skilled team of personnel has direct working experience in all regulatory areas of licensing, compliance, and engineering including nuclear, fossil, and renewable generation and transmission.

For over 25 years, Certrec has been utilizing its hundreds of years of industry experience to help clients develop and manage solutions to complex regulatory issues. Combining this direct industry experience with Certrec's Information Technology assets has led to development of technology-based solutions and tools directly targeted to the electric power industry and specifically focused on helping clients manage regulatory issues.
"Were grateful to Park Place Dealerships for inviting us to participate and look forward to this worthwhile and exciting event," says Gilvar.

On September 9, 2017, The Trade Group will join forces with Park Place Dealerships and a host of other organizations to sponsor the 2017 Luxury and Supercar Showcase at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas.

Along with featuring some of the worlds most coveted luxury and high-performance vehicles  Maserati, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Lexus, Jaguar, LandRover, Volvo and others  the showcase will also offer a variety of high-end culinary, fashion and kid-friendly events.

According to The Trade Groups Co-Owner and EVP Malcolm Gilvar, Our team is delighted to support Park Place Dealerships at this exciting, one-of-a-kind event. Along with putting on a spectacular event for luxury lifestyle and automobile aficionados, Park Place will raise funds for the Momentous Institute in Dallas, an organization committed to helping children achieve their full potential.

Park Place turned to The Trade Group to provide 12 branded tents with seating and two air conditioned portable OiO units, so executives of the automobile brands participating in the event have a semi-private space to meet with VIPs in attendance.

In addition, The Trade Group will also provide one of its new, contemporary AirClad XPO 6x5 mobile structures for use as a VIP lounge at the event. Our design and event planning experts will customize the XPO portable structure inside and out and stock the space with seating, a place to charge cell phones, cold water and more, Gilvar says.

From design services to materials to installation, The Trade Group expects to donate more than $35 thousand toward sponsoring the event.

Gilvar and The Trade Group management team welcome the opportunity to support an event of this magnitude and the children who will ultimately benefit. As he explains, The Luxury and Supercar Showcase is a big event for Park Place, the community of Las Colinas and the Momentous Institute. Were grateful to Park Place Dealerships for inviting us to participate and look forward to this worthwhile and exciting event.

To learn more about trade show, live event and experiential products and services available through The Trade Group, call 800-343-2005 or visit http://www.tradegroup.com.

About The Trade Group:

The Trade Group is a full-service, award-winning provider of products and services for trade shows, corporate events, retail environments and an endless array of face-to-face experiences and activations. The organization helps clients share their unique stories through a comprehensive suite of solutions that includes: exhibit design and fabrication, graphic design and production, exhibit management, digital applications, experiential marketing activations, event coordination and production, videography, strategic marketing and more.
Lindsey Hunter-Ellul, MD Its an honor and a privilege to educate and treat patients for their skin conditions  and to help them cope with the emotional component of chronic skin disease, says Dr. Hunter-Ellul.

Dr. Lindsey Hunter-Ellul is joining the Tyler office of U.S. Dermatology Partners, formerly Dermatology Associates, following two years in private practice in the Houston/Clear Lake area. Hunter-Ellul, a board-certified dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, is thrilled to be a part of the Tyler community and closer to family.

She received her undergraduate degree with honors at the University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and minor in biology. She then attended the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston for medical school. Dr. Hunter-Ellul went on to complete her internal medicine internship and dermatology residency at UTMB.

She has served on several committees for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and Texas Dermatological Society and was the physician editor for the AAD Directions in Residency newsletter. Dr. Hunter-Ellul has worked as a dermatologist in private practice in the Houston/Clear Lake area since 2015. She is also a clinical assistant professor of dermatology with UTMB, training and mentoring medical students.

Dr. Hunter-Ellul has been interested in the field of dermatology almost all of her life. Her family has been affected by skin cancer, and she pursued a job at her own dermatologists office in high school. She was hired immediately and has been focused on research and patient care ever since. Dr. Hunter-Ellul enjoys working with communities to promote sun protection and skin cancer awareness by volunteering at health fairs, participating in Miles for Melanoma walks, and providing skin cancer screenings. She is particularly interested in treating skin cancer, psoriasis, acne, aging skin, and hair loss.

Its an honor and a privilege to educate and treat patients for their skin conditions  and to help them cope with the emotional component of chronic skin disease, says Dr. Hunter-Ellul. I especially enjoy when we find a treatment plan that best manages or alleviates their condition so their skin concerns can take a back seat in their everyday lives.

Dr. Hunter-Ellul looks forward to getting involved in the Tyler community. She and her husband have two young children, and they enjoy photography as a shared hobby.

U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler, formerly Dermatology Associates

U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler provides comprehensive dermatology services in nine clinics throughout East Texas. The medical team consists of 21 providers, including board-certified dermatologists, fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeons, and fellowship-trained dermatopathologists, as well as physician assistants and nurse practitioners. The practice has been caring for the dermatologic needs of the East Texas community for more than 20 years.

About U.S. Dermatology Partners

U.S. Dermatology Partners is making it easier for people to connect with a dermatologist and gain access to the very latest in dermatology care and state-of-the-art treatment for skin diseases for the entire family. As the third largest physician-owned dermatology practice in the United States, patients not only have access to general medical, surgical and cosmetic skin treatments through its coordinated care network, but also benefit from the practices strong dermatology subspecialty thought leaders and medical advisory board. To be the best partners to its patients, U.S. Dermatology Partners is fervently focused on providing the highest level of patient-first care, and its team therefore includes recognized national leaders in sub-specialties including psoriasis and Mohs Surgery. To learn, more visit usdermatologypartners.com.
With less than a day's work, organizations of any size can easily determine how exposed their user's credentials are, and determine an appropriate response plan.

VeriClouds, the leader in credential verification services, today announced that Steve Tout, CEO, will deliver a keynote address on "Risk Aware IAM for an Insecure World" at Kuppinger Coles Consumer Identity World USA 2017 from September 12  13 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington. VeriClouds is a Platinum sponsor of this years event.

Tout's keynote address, "Risk Aware IAM for an Insecure World" will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 from 9:40  10:00 a.m. PDT. Tout will keynote along with respected senior leaders from Capital One, IBM, Gigya, Microsoft and Deloitte Advisory during the event. During Tout's presentation, he will discuss opportunities for business and IT leaders to transform risk insight into real time policy enforcement for data protection and delivering safer online experiences.

"Now more than any time in history, Risk Aware IAM requires business processes to be enhanced by deeper integration with modern security solutions for rapid visibility  to continuously assess what is going on  and reduce the time to resolution," said Tout. "With less than a day's work, organizations of any size should be able to easily determine how exposed their user's credentials are, and determine an appropriate response plan."

For more information about VeriClouds visit https://www.vericlouds.com. For more information about CIW 2017, visit https://www.kuppingercole.com/events/ciw2017usa. Follow the CIW conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #CIW17.

About VeriClouds

VeriClouds is a credential verification services company helping organizations detect compromised credentials before hackers do, using the same data attackers do, proactively monitoring the dark web and systematically reducing user-centric risk. VeriClouds provides the best approach for eliminating the biggest cause of massive data breaches, the weak and/or stolen password. VeriClouds was founded in 2014 by Rui Wang, a former security researcher at Microsoft with a PhD in cyber security, and Stan Bounev, a successful entrepreneur with over 16 years of corporate and startup experience in the banking and technology industries. VeriClouds has built one of the largest commercially available databases including breach data from the dark web and diverse data sources using privacy preserving principles and strong encryption. To learn more visit http://www.vericlouds.com or @vericlouds.
Grand Rapids Ophthalmology (GRO) is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Tholen to its growing team of medical professionals. She is the latest in GROs continued commitment to providing patients superior treatment with its expansive team of ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Dr. Tholens keen ability to connect with patients of all ages and her wide range of clinical experience makes her an excellent addition, said Bill Hughson, Chief Executive Officer of GRO.

Dr. Tholen received her Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry and is a graduate of University of Iowa. Most recently, she was an Optometrist with Burke-McLoughlin Eye Associates in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Her experience includes fitting a variety of contact lenses, post-operative care, managing pathology, and treating myopia progression and amblyopia. Dr. Tholen provides comprehensive eye care ranging from routine examinations to full-scope optometry to patients of all ages, including children as young as 6 months. She is currently accepting new patients.

About Grand Rapids Ophthalmology (GRO)

Founded in 1982, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology is the largest fully-integrated eye care medical group in West Michigan. It offers a full suite of eye care services from routine eye exams, contact lenses and glasses, to the most advanced medical and surgical treatments such as LASIK, cataract, cornea, retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics, pediatric, and both cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. GRO employs the largest number of eye care specialists and professionals in the region: 11 ophthalmologists, 19 optometrists, 40 certified opticians, and 300 support staff in 12 locations throughout West Michigan. For more information, visit: http://www.seeitclear.com.

About Sterling Partners

Sterling Partners is a private equity firm with a distinct point of view on how to build great companies. Founded in 1983, Sterling is guided by its stated purpose, INSPIRED GROWTH, which describes Sterling's approach to investing in differentiated businesses and growing them in inspired ways. Sterling focuses on investing growth capital in middle-market companies in the healthcare services and business services industries. Sterling provides valuable support to the management teams of the companies in which the firm invests through a deep and dedicated team of professionals, including a strong network of outside directors and advisors. The people at Sterling believe in ideas and ideals, in people and in partnerships that drive long-term success. For more information, visit: http://www.sterlingpartners.com.
Lindsey's dedication to quality, integrity, and excellence in customer service has given Eco Achievers a strong reputation.

Eco Achievers has appointed Lindsey Elton as Eco Achievers next President, with responsibility for all operations and project management. Elton, who previously served as the companys Director of Rating Services, has already assumed her new role and will be expanding the companys multi-family and commercial building performance services. A Board of Directors, chaired by company founder, Jason LaFleur, will work with Elton to develop new strategies for the future.

Lindsey is a proven leader with an exceptional skill set that has been vital to Eco Achievers growth, said LaFleur. Her dedication to quality, integrity, and excellence in customer service has given Eco Achievers a strong reputation, and Lindsey has built a knowledgeable and dedicated team that is working together to make a seamless transition for our clients.

Since joining the Eco Achievers team in 2014, Elton has spearheaded third-party building certification services and execution of over 100 multi-family and single-family projects, representing thousands of certified green homes. She has been the architect of several successful growth initiatives and strategic shifts at the company, most notably Eco Achievers strategy to expand into multi-family and commercial building performance services. She is a passionate champion of sustainability through her ability to inspire, lead, and connect with employees and customers.

Ever since joining the team, I have treated it as my own. I am honored to lead such an innovative and unique company that cares as much about our clients as we do our core mission, Elton said. The opportunities ahead for Eco Achievers are tremendous, and require a clear focus on meeting the evolving needs of our clients.

In addition to installing Elton as its new President, Eco Achievers has added a Board of Directors to its organizational structure that will serve to assist and guide Elton and her staff with the future direction. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to further our vision of a more sustainable future, continued Elton. I would also like to thank Jason for his leadership, mentorship, and friendship over the last several years. He will be missed in all capacities. Its an honor to be succeeding him as President, and I look forward to his continued guidance as chairman of our board.

Additional team members at Eco Achievers include Energy Analyst, Reece Krishnan; Assistant Project Manager, Emily Rhea; Operations Manager, Jennifer Wattier; Building Diagnostics Manager, Graham Giovagnoli; Multifamily Market Manager, Jamie Carr; and Director of Research and Development, Timothy Heppner.

About Eco Achievers

Eco Achievers, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2017, partners with multi-family developers and owners to achieve sustainable homes by providing green building certification, HVAC design services, home energy ratings, and multifamily certifications that achieve net zero energy performance. Based in Chicago, Eco Achievers has provided building science and performance consulting for over a decade on projects throughout the United States and Mexico.

To learn more, visit:

http://www.ecoachievers.com

http://www.twitter.com/ecoachievers

http://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-achievers

http://www.facebook.com/ecoachievers

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RBTS logo

Leaders of two revolutionary efforts to transform vertical flight in major cities around the world  Ubers Elevate and Airbus Voom  will share their aviation successes at the Rotorcraft Business & Technology Summit here next month.

The Rotorcraft Business & Technology Summit is hosted by Rotor & Wing International, the business resource for rotorcraft management worldwide. The event, Rotor & Wing Internationals third annual summit, will be held Sept. 20 and 21 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. For more information, visit http://www.rotorcraftsummit.com.

Keynoting the event on Sept. 20 is Uber Technologies Inc.s director of aviation, Mark Moore, who will present the ridesharing giants Elevate initiative. Uber has launched a bold transportation vision to provide an alternative to ground transportation gridlock for large cities, with plans to do so in Dallas beginning in 2020. Elevate plans to develop a new market ecosystem that will bring about a new generation of electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft. Immediately following the Uber presentation, Moore and a panel of experts from Bell Helicopter and other Uber partners will be taking questions during the evenings reception.

The Sept. 21 keynote focuses on Airbus vision for urban mobility and its new Voom subsidiary. Voom CEO Uma Subramanian will detail that on-demand helicopter services recent success in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and its plans to expand across North America and Latin America.

Leonardo Helicopters, headquartered in Milan, Italy, is sending an experimental test pilot to update attendees on its AW609 civil tiltrotor, which was developed in part here and in Arlington, Texas.

The Rotorcraft Business & Technology Summit is the venue for exploring the frontier where advanced technologies meet day-to-day commercial and military helicopter operations and examining the promise of entrepreneurship, passion and vision to transform vertical flight here and around the world," said the Summits host, Rotor & Wing International Editor-in-Chief James T. McKenna.

The day-and-a-half Rotorcraft Business & Technology Summit will provide attendees the opportunity to hear firsthand from the vertical-flight manufacturers and operators who are pushing the bounds of technology. In addition to urban mobility, subject matter experts from industry, aviation regulators and vertical-flight researchers will speak on areas including advanced uses of data to improve helicopter safety and efficiency analysis, the growing use of drones and commercial businesses and research and development of advanced vertical-flight capabilities.

Speakers include regulators and researchers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Army and national and international businesses. In addition to Uber, Airbus, Bell and Leonardo Helicopters, those businesses include BNSF Railway; Irving, Texas-headquartered CHC; Dallas-based SevenBar Aviation; Truth Data of Fort Worth; Metro Aviation of Shreveport, Louisiana; and Fairfax, Virginia-based Helicopter Safety Alliance.

Associations with representatives speaking at the summit include the Airborne Law Enforcement Association (ALEA), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), American Helicopter Society International (AHS) and HeliOffshore

Registration is open. Rates can be found online at the Rotorcraft Business & Technology Summit website. Registration packages include access to all sessions, refreshments, receptions, networking breaks and breakfast.

Link: http://www.rotorcraftsummit.com/

Agenda: http://www.rotorcraftsummit.com/agenda-2/

Registration: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=214128&

About Rotor & Wing International

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Rotor & Wing International is the business resource of rotorcraft management, and has been since 1967. It publishes a print magazine and digital edition, weekly newsletters and daily online news and organizes webinars and podcasts providing insights to vertical-flight industries.

About Access Intelligence

Access Intelligence is a privately held, b-to-b media and information company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, serving the media, PR, cable, healthcare management, defense, chemical engineering, satellite and aviation markets. Leading brands include PR News, Ad Exchanger, AdMonsters, Cynopsis, Cablefax, Folio, Event Marketer, LeadsCon, Chief Marketer, Media Industry Newsletter; Defense Daily Network, AviationToday, Studio Daily; Power, and Via Satellite. Market-leading shows include LeadsCon, AdMonsters OPS and Publisher Summits, The Folio Show, Experiential Marketing Summit, SATELLITE 2018, OR Manager, LDC Gas Forums, Clean Gulf, Electric Power, and Western Power Summit.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who announced the move in front of cameras Tuesday morning, said that DACA recipients were "mostly adult illegal aliens" and that President Barack Obama's executive order "contributed to a surge of unaccompanied minors on the southern border that yielded terrible humanitarian consequences" and "denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens."

DACA shields from deportation and provides work permits to roughly 800,000 immigrants who came to the US as minors and are living in the country illegally.

Sessions additionally called for the US to "set and enforce a limit on how many immigrants we admit each year" and said "all can not be accepted."

In a sense, Sessions provided what a top reporter at the far-right website Breitbart News termed as "going full Breitbart" in his announcement. His tone was dramatically different from that of the acting secretary of homeland security, Elaine Duke, who aimed to be more sympathetic to DACA recipients in a series of press releases timed to Sessions' announcement.

Duke described the administration's hand as being forced, saying a lawsuit left it with only two options: "wind the program down in an orderly fashion that protects beneficiaries in the near-term while working with Congress to pass legislation; or allow the judiciary to potentially shut the program down completely and immediately. The Administration chose the least disruptive option."

In pointing to the judiciary, Duke was highlighting the handful of state attorneys general who were seeking to shut down the program through the courts.

Duke said she was "very aware of the consequences of this action," adding that she sympathized "with the DACA recipients whose futures may now be less certain."

"But I am also frustrated on their behalf," she said. "DACA was never more than deferred action  a bureaucratic delay  that never promised the rights of citizenship or legal status in this country. The program did not grant recipients a future, it was instead only a temporary delay until a day of likely expiration. And for that reason, DACA was fundamentally a lie."

Obama "had genuine intentions for DACA, and was clearly frustrated by his inability to maneuver through the legislative process," she continued. "But a secretarial memo  even if intended to be temporary  is not a substitute for a law passed by Congress and signed by the president."

She called on Congress to pass new legislation if it thought "current laws do not reflect our country's values," and she said the Department of Homeland Security "would be glad" to work with Congress to help it consider a solution.

"There is much wrong with our current immigration system  not just DACA  and this is an opportunity to make it better, fairer, and more beneficial for the nation," she said. "What this decision makes clear is that we are overdue for real answers. No more stopgap measures, no more temporary options, and no more kicking the tough decisions down the road in the hope they become too painful to ignore for someone else.

"We need to do this the right way. And we need to do this now."

In a statement released shortly after Sessions delivered his address, Trump used language that was more similar to Sessions' statement than Duke's.

The president chose to focus on the idea that DACA recipients were taking jobs from Americans, and he called for a similar limit on immigration to the one his attorney general did.

He called for a solution that "puts the hardworking citizens of our country first."

"The decades-long failure of Washington, DC, to enforce federal immigration law has had both predictable and tragic consequences: lower wages and higher unemployment for American workers, substantial burdens on local schools and hospitals, the illicit entry of dangerous drugs and criminal cartels, and many billions of dollars a year in costs paid for by US taxpayers," Trump said. "Yet few in Washington expressed any compassion for the millions of Americans victimized by this unfair system. Before we ask what is fair to illegal immigrants, we must also ask what is fair to American families, students, taxpayers, and jobseekers."

Trump called for "the DACA issue" to be solved "with heart and compassion" while "ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve."

"We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans," he continued. "Above all else, we must remember that young Americans have dreams too. Being in government means setting priorities. Our first and highest priority in advancing immigration reform must be to improve jobs, wages and security for American workers and their families. It is now time for Congress to act!"

Read Sessions full statement:

Good morning. I am here today to announce that the program known as DACA that was effectuated under the Obama Administration is being rescinded.

The DACA program was implemented in 2012 and essentially provided a legal status for recipients for a renewable two-year term, work authorization and other benefits, including participation in the social security program, to 800,000 mostly-adult illegal aliens.

This policy was implemented unilaterally to great controversy and legal concern after Congress rejected legislative proposals to extend similar benefits on numerous occasions to this same group of illegal aliens.

In other words, the executive branch, through DACA, deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorize on multiple occasions. Such an open-ended circumvention of immigration laws was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the Executive Branch.

The effect of this unilateral executive amnesty, among other things, contributed to a surge of unaccompanied minors on the southern border that yielded terrible humanitarian consequences. It also denied jobs to hundreds of thousands of Americans by allowing those same jobs to go to illegal aliens.

We inherited from our Foundersand have advancedan unsurpassed legal heritage, which is the foundation of our freedom, safety, and prosperity.

As the Attorney General, it is my duty to ensure that the laws of the United States are enforced and that the Constitutional order is upheld.

No greater good can be done for the overall health and well-being of our Republic, than preserving and strengthening the impartial rule of law. Societies where the rule of law is treasured are societies that tend to flourish and succeed.

Societies where the rule of law is subject to political whims and personal biases tend to become societies afflicted by corruption, poverty, and human suffering.

To have a lawful system of immigration that serves the national interest, we cannot admit everyone who would like to come here. That is an open border policy and the American people have rightly rejected it.

Therefore, the nation must set and enforce a limit on how many immigrants we admit each year and that means all can not be accepted.

This does not mean they are bad people or that our nation disrespects or demeans them in any way. It means we are properly enforcing our laws as Congress has passed them.

It is with these principles and duties in mind, and in light of imminent litigation, that we reviewed the Obama Administrations DACA policy.

Our collective wisdom is that the policy is vulnerable to the same legal and constitutional challenges that the courts recognized with respect to the DAPA program, which was enjoined on a nationwide basis in a decision affirmed by the Fifth Circuit.

The Fifth Circuit specifically concluded that DACA had not been implemented in a fashion that allowed sufficient discretion, and that DAPA was "foreclosed by Congresss careful plan."

In other words, it was inconsistent with the Constitutions separation of powers. That decision was affirmed by the Supreme Court by an equally divided vote.

If we were to keep the Obama Administrations executive amnesty policy, the likeliest outcome is that it would be enjoined just as was DAPA. The Department of Justice has advised the President and the Department of Homeland Security that DHS should begin an orderly, lawful wind down, including the cancellation of the memo that authorized this program.

Acting Secretary Duke has chosen, appropriately, to initiate a wind down process. This will enable DHS to conduct an orderly change and fulfill the desire of this administration to create a time period for Congress to actshould it so choose. We firmly believe this is the responsible path.

Simply put, if we are to further our goal of strengthening the constitutional order and the rule of law in America, the Department of Justice cannot defend this type of overreach.

George Washington University Law School Professor Jonathan Turley in testimony before the House Judiciary Committee was clear about the enormous constitutional infirmities raised by these policies.

He said: "In ordering this blanket exception, President Obama was nullifying part of a law that he simply disagreed with..If a president can claim sweeping discretion to suspend key federal laws, the entire legislative process becomes little more than a pretenseThe circumvention of the legislative process not only undermines the authority of this branch but destabilizes the tripartite system as a whole."

Ending the previous Administrations disrespect for the legislative process is an important first step. All immigration policies should serve the interests of the people of the United Stateslawful immigrant and native born alike.

Congress should carefully and thoughtfully pursue the types of reforms that are right for the American people. Our nation is comprised of good and decent people who want their governments leaders to fulfill their promises and advance an immigration policy that serves the national interest.

We are a people of compassion and we are a people of law. But there is nothing compassionate about the failure to enforce immigration laws.

Enforcing the law saves lives, protects communities and taxpayers, and prevents human suffering. Failure to enforce the laws in the past has put our nation at risk of crime, violence and even terrorism.

The compassionate thing is to end the lawlessness, enforce our laws, and, if Congress chooses to make changes to those laws, to do so through the process set forth by our Founders in a way that advances the interest of the nation.

That is what the President has promised to do and has delivered to the American people.

Under President Trumps leadership, this administration has made great progress in the last few months toward establishing a lawful and constitutional immigration system. This makes us safer and more secure.

It will further economically the lives of millions who are struggling. And it will enable our country to more effectively teach new immigrants about our system of government and assimilate them to the cultural understandings that support it.

The substantial progress in reducing illegal immigration at our border seen in recent months is almost entirely the product of the leadership of President Trump and his inspired federal immigration officers. But the problem is not solved. And without more action, we could see illegality rise again rather than be eliminated.

As a candidate, and now in office, President Trump has offered specific ideas and legislative solutions that will protect American workers, increase wages and salaries, defend our national security, ensure the public safety, and increase the general well-being of the American people.

He has worked closely with many members of Congress, including in the introduction of the RAISE Act, which would produce enormous benefits for our country. This is how our democratic process works.

There are many powerful interest groups in this country and every one of them has a constitutional right to advocate their views and represent whomever they choose.

But the Department of Justice does not represent any narrow interest or any subset of the American people. We represent all of the American people and protect the integrity of our Constitution. That is our charge.

We at Department of Justice are proud and honored to work to advance this vision for America and to do our best each day to ensure the safety and security of the American people.

And read Dukes full statement:

This Administrations decision to terminate DACA was not taken lightly. The Department of Justice has carefully evaluated the programs Constitutionality and determined it conflicts with our existing immigration laws. Given the Supreme Courts decision on DAPA, they do not believe DACA is legally viable, and thus the program should be ended.

As a result of recent litigation, we were faced with two options: wind the program down in an orderly fashion that protects beneficiaries in the near-term while working with Congress to pass legislation; or allow the judiciary to potentially shut the program down completely and immediately. The Administration chose the least disruptive option.

I am very aware of the consequences of this action, and I sympathize with the DACA recipients whose futures may now be less certain. But I am also frustrated on their behalf. DACA was never more than deferred actiona bureaucratic delaythat never promised the rights of citizenship or legal status in this country. The program did not grant recipients a future, it was instead only a temporary delay until a day of likely expiration. And for that reason, DACA was fundamentally a lie.

I believe President Obama had genuine intentions for DACA, and was clearly frustrated by his inability to maneuver through the legislative process. But a Secretarial memo  even if intended to be temporary - is not a substitute for a law passed by Congress and signed by the President.

For several years before becoming the Acting Secretary, I taught civics to people who were going through the naturalization process. I taught them the principles of American democracy, like the three branches of government, the separation of powers, and how our system of checks and balances works.

I taught them that the Constitution was the supreme law of the land.

And I taught them the rule of law: How everyone in our country must follow the law, no matter who they are.

The DACA program violates those basic civics lessons that are fundamental to our country and our citizens.

It is a dangerous precedent to systematically ignore the law, regardless of ones intent or purpose. It is also dangerous to encourage and reward illegal immigration.

We must find a better way. And we must do so within the Constitution of the United States.

If our current laws do not reflect our countrys values, then I urge Congress to use its Constitutional authority to write and pass legislation that does. I believe the President shares my confidence in the Congress.

DHS would be glad to provide Congress with data and information to help them consider the situation, and find a legislative solution. There is much wrong with our current immigration systemnot just DACAand this is an opportunity to make it better, fairer, and more beneficial for the nation.

What this decision makes clear is that we are overdue for real answers. No more stopgap measures, no more temporary options, and no more kicking the tough decisions down the road in the hope they become too painful to ignore for someone else.
According to the White House, the declarations authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster-relief efforts in the three regions, all of which are forecast to be battered by the hurricane this week. The hurricane could reach Puerto Rico as early as Wednesday afternoon before making its way toward the continental US.

The announcement came in three separate White House statements Tuesday evening.

Forecasters have described Irma as a "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 storm and one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded.

The massive storm comes as Texas and Louisiana still reel from Hurricane Harvey, which dumped more than 50 inches of rain in some areas and claimed dozens of lives.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott ordered state officials to suspend tolls Tuesday evening as thousands of residents prepare to evacuate. He also activated members of the Florida National Guard on Tuesday, and said all 7,000 members will report for duty on Friday.
Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, started slamming the southeastern Caribbean islands early Wednesday as a Category 5 storm with devastating winds, heavy rains, and catastrophic storm surges.

As of 8 a.m. ET on Monday, the tropical storm was battering northern Florida with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The National Hurricane Center said the hurricane was cruising northwest toward Georgia at 18 mph.

The NHC reports that Irma made landfall at Cudjoe Key, one of the lower Florida Keys, at 9:10 a.m. on Sunday as a Category 4 storm, and made another landfall at Marco Island, on the west coast, at 3:35 p.m. on Sunday as a Category 3.

"There is the danger of life-threatening storm surge flooding along portions of the coasts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina," the NHC wrote Monday morning. "Irma is a large hurricane, and hurricane-force windgusts and sustained tropical-storm force winds extend far from the center."

Whats next

The National Weather Service's latest forecast still has many parts of Florida, as well as most of Georgia and South Carolina, in the storm's crosshairs.

The storm is expected to travel across Georgia on Monday, Alabama on Tuesday, and reach Tennessee as a tropical depression by early Wednesday morning.

Tropical storm warnings are in effect along the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, from Bonita Beach to the Okaloosa/Walton County Line, from Jupiter Inlet to the South Santee River, and in Lake Okeechobee.

Storm-surge warnings are in effect from South Santee River south to the Flagler/Volusia County line, from Cape Sable northward to the Ochlockonee River, and in Tampa Bay. Those areas could face "life-threatening inundation" from the quick rise in water caused by a hurricane's strong winds.

Life-threatening winds

While Hurricane Harvey brought devastating floods late last month, Irma's biggest threat has been its strong winds and storm surge.

Irma is now a tropical storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale, which measures a hurricane's strength based on its wind speeds. The scale goes up to 5, but if it had been extended to classify Irma's highest sustained wind speeds of 185 mph, the storm could have been considered Category 6 at one point. That's not an official designation, though.

Some hurricane-force gusts above 75 mph are still being reported in northern Florida. The winds have also been churning up tornadoes, and some counties in northeast Florida and southeast Georgia and South Carolina could face tornadoes.

Part of what makes this storm so dangerous is its sheer size  hurricane-force winds still extend up to 60 miles from Irma's center, and tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 415 miles, according to the NHC.

Florida's peninsula is only about 140 miles across at its widest, so Irma engulfed the entire state.

NASA satellite images show ... @ Rebecca Harrington

Dangerous flooding

Many areas, including Miami and the southwest coast where the hurricane made landfall on Sunday, saw storm surges many feet high, which flooded roads and beached boats.

The National Hurricane Center suggests that if the storm surge hits at high tide, water levels could rise 2-4 feet above ground from Cape Sable to Captiva and in and around Tampa Bay, 3-5 feet from Captiva to Ana Maria Island, 1-2 feet from North Miami Beach to Cape Sable including the Florida Keys, 4-6 feet on the east coast of Florida from South Santee River to Fernandina Beach, 4-feet on the west coast of the state from Clearwater Beach to Ochlockonee River, and 3-5 feet from Fernandina Beach to Jupiter Inlet.

*ALERT: There is imminent d... @ NWS Miami

The NHC expects an additional inch of rain in the Florida Keys, and another 1 to 3 inches in central Florida.

Northern Florida into southern Georgia can expect another 3 to 6 inches, bringing the storm totals to 8 to 15 inches.

Central Georgia, eastern Alabama, and southern South Carolina could get 3 to inches of rain, with some areas seeing up to 10 inches.

The Florida Panhandle, western Alabama, northern Mississippi, southern Tennessee, northern Georgia, northern South Carolina and western North Carolina could also get 2 to 4 inches.

Tracking the path

Though Irma's catastrophic hurricane status was reclassified to a tropical storm by Monday, forecasters advise residents to heed the advice of local officials and get ready if they are in the projected path of the storm.

An estimated 7 million people were ordered to evacuate in Florida. The Florida Keys and the southern tip of the state have most likely seen the worst effects of the storm as Irma continues to weaken over land.

Forecasters are predicting the storm will travel over Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and parts of Missouri and Arkansas. But Irma is so big that the Carolinas are projected to see heavy rainfall and even storm surge on the coasts.

"Since Irma is a large hurricane, [forecast] users are reminded to not focus on the exact forecast track since tropical-storm and hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge extend far from the center," Daniel Brown, a senior hurricane specialist at the NHC, wrote on Tuesday.
According to the Registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat Kingsley Agyemang, the free SHS policy which will take off next week, does not replace the Northern Scholarship enjoyed by SHS students in the northern region.

He said "As far as the Northern Scholarship is concerned I wish to place on record that continuing students in the second and third years will continue to enjoy their scholarships."

He added that "the introduction of the Free SHS is only coming in as an add-on to rope in other students who hitherto would not have benefitted from Government scholarship."

Mr Kingsley Agyemang addressing the press at a news conference in Tamale said the Northern Scholarship policy would now be valid to only continuing students and would be rescinded in the next two years when the Free High School Policy is fully running.

"The Northern Scholarship was just feeding grants and payment of exams registrations, now, we are going to have a more comprehensive package, so it means that the Northern scholarship after two academic years from now, 2019, and 2018 would give way for the full implementation, mainstream of the Free SHS policy," he added.

READ ALSO: Ministry of Education extends SHS placement deadline

Earlier, there were reports in the region that the introduction of free SHS meant the abolishment of the Northern Scholarship for continuing students as well as a central system of procurement, which would require all purchases including foodstuffs to be done from Accra.
. To do so, first type the original number into the text box. Then click on the "Scientific Notation" option located at the top of the floating window. Finally, click on the "Standard" button found beneath the text box to display your result. This program is useful for scientists and engineers working with decimal-based numbers. It provides easy access to those who need to convert those numbers into more compact forms without having to do heavy math calculations first.

Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers. It is used in physics, chemistry and other fields where large numbers are common. Those numbers are written as a power of 10 followed by a number with an exponent. For example, 1,000,000 (one million) is written as 1  103. The exponent shows how many zeros are after the first digit. For example, 1,000,001 is written as 1  102. Scientific notation is a useful tool for making calculations easier. You can use it to write down very big or very small numbers in one step instead of writing out both the large and small numbers separately. You can also use it to express large or small numbers in terms of other units like centimeters or millimeters.

Scientific notation solver is an online tool that can be used to convert any number into scientific notation. Simply enter any number to the left of the decimal point and it will automatically convert it into a scientific notation equivalent. This web tool can be very helpful when you need to convert a large number into scientific notation. However, please note that this online tool can only convert numbers that are in scientific format. For example, it cannot convert a non-scientific number like "1,085" into a scientific notation equivalent. It is also important to keep in mind that this web tool only works when converting numbers from one particular format to another. For example, if you want to change a non-scientific number like "1,085" into standard format, then you will have to use another online tool like NumberFormatting.com.
It is reported that the police stopped the man after Security camera footage from a road in Bengbu, Anhui Province, showed the man striking a pose while standing on the roof of his car as it rolls nearly 2,000 feet down the road.

Police officials said the man was seen reaching his foot down through the open sunroof to steer the car as it moved through traffic at a low speed.

The man allegedly climbed back into the car in an attempt to escape when he spotted police nearby, but he was stopped and cited for reckless driving and DUI.
Thomas Kofi Owusu injured his seven year- old stepson in the course of the incident at Dankyira in the Ga West Municipality.

On August 5 this year when he appeared in court for his case to be heard, Thomas Owusu collapsed and it took the intervention of the Police and court officials to resuscitate him. He was rushed to the hospital soon after the case was adjourned.

When he appeared before the court on Tuesday, the court presided over by Mr Worlayo Kotoku asked him how he was doing.

On Tuesday, when Owusu appeared before the, he told the judge that I am unable to sleep after the incident. In fact, I dont remember the last time that I slept.

However, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Apiorsornu informed the court that Owusu has been receiving treatment at the Police Hospital.

The court therefore directed the Police to make available Owusus medical records to the court.

READ ALSO: Passenger banned from travelling by air

Prosecuting Chief Inspector Apiorsornu prayed the court to adjourn the case because Owusus Bill of Indictment was not ready.

Per the Police records, Owusu is alleged to have smashed the heads of the deceased and her son with a hoe several times last year following a misunderstanding. He further allegedly locked the deceased and her injured son in a room and reported himself to the Police at Amasaman.

The 56-year-old is facing charges of murder and causing harm..

Presenting the case to the court, the Prosecution said 40-year-old Faustina Esinu Owusu was the wife of Thomas Owusu and they had been married for the past four years.

READ ALSO: Law student likely to face sanctions for allegedly mocking ISIS

Owusu and Faustina lived at Danchira, near Amanfrom in the Greater Accra Region.

According to the prosecutor, accused and Faustina lived with the victim Benedict Agboada, the son of the deceased and Comfort Akoto, niece of the deceased aged 13 years.

On October 30, last year at about 8:30 pm, Owusu went to Amasaman Police station and reported that he had killed his wife Faustina and injured his stepson Agboada and locked them up in their room.

Prosecution said the Police immediately arrested Owusu and escorted him to his house and found his wife dead in a pool of blood in their living room while his stepson, Agboada was also found lying beside his mother with severe wounds to his head gasping for breath.

According to the Prosecutor, Agboada was rushed to the Amasaman Government Hospital for treatment and later transferred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where he is receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit.

The Prosecutor said the body of Faustina was initially deposited at the Police Hospital but has since been transferred to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital Morgue awaiting autopsy.

Prosecution said Owusu in his investigation caution statement admitted killing his wife and causing harm to his stepson.

According to the prosecutor, preliminary investigations conducted revealed that on October 30, last year at about 8:00pm while the couple were retiring to bed, a misunderstanding ensued between them in their bedroom.

In the process, prosecution said Owusu pulled deceased from the bedroom to their living room and hit her head with a hoe several times till she fell unconscious and died.
The constable and his accomplice, 35-year-old businessman, Yaw Boadi, who lives at Abeka Lapaz in Accra were arrested after they succeeded in robbing one Nicolas Baffoe of GHC7, 800.

The Police constable suspect was with the Kasoa police station prior to his interdiction recently after joining the police service about five years ago.

The Agona Swedru District Police Commander, Superintendent Seth Panti Yirenkyi said the robbery incident occurred at about 1300hours on Tuesday at Mensakrom, near Agona Duakwa. He said Nicolas Baffoe, who resides in Agona Odoben came to the Agona Swedru branch of HFC Bank, to withdrawn GHC7, 800 and after the transaction, he boarded a commercial vehicle heading to his destination. The Superintendent Yirenkyi revealed that the interdicted police constable Asamoah and Boadi dressed in military uniforms and chased the commercial vehicle in a taxi cab with registration number 5248-17, and crossed it at Mensakrom.

He said the two suspects ordered the victim to come down from the vehicle to answer fraud charges in which he was involved.

READ MORE: I am unable to sleep since October last year  'Wife killer' tells court uperintendent Yirenkyi said the suspected robbers snatched the bag containing the GHC7,800 from the victim as soon as he disembarked and sped off. He added that, the victim who looked traumatized and confused narrated his ordeal to some commercial motorbike (Okada) riders at Mensakrom and Agona Duakwa.

The okada riders reportedly sent the information to their colleagues at Agona Otopiase who quickly barricaded the road and the two suspects were arrested, but the taxi driver escaped.

Superintendent Yirenkyi further disclosed that, the very taxi cab used by the suspects was used to rob a student of the University of Education, Winneba of his GHC 7,000 on the streets of Agona Swedru last week.
French holding companies LVMH and Kering, which own dozens of top brands between them, unveiled a charter "to ensure the well-being of models" which will also outlaw the hiring of girls under the age of 16 for adult shoots or events.

In May, a French law requiring models to present a doctor's certificate attesting to their good health was introduced to try to tackle the problem of the industry promoting thinness and unattainable beauty ideals.

The two French groups said they wanted to go beyond this requirement and would only use female models who were size 34 or over according to the French system, and men sized 44 or over.

Size 32 in France corresponds to XXS, or size 6 in Britain and size 0 in the United States.

"Respecting the dignity of all women has always been both a personal commitment for me and a priority for Kering as a group," the company's billionaire chairman Francois-Henri Pinault said in a statement.

"We hope to inspire the entire industry to follow suit, thus making a real difference in the working conditions of fashion models industry-wide," he added.

Building new standards

As well as the age and size stipulations, the charter includes other measures such as banning the serving of alcohol to models under 18 and ensuring they have a guardian or chaperone present at all times.

"As the leader in the luxury sector, we believe it is our role to be at the forefront of this initiative," said Antoine Arnault, a board member of LVMH and son of owner Bernard Arnault, in a statement.

"We have the responsibility of building new standards for fashion and we hope to be followed by other players in our sector," he added.

Speaking to AFP, Arnault explained that some unnamed designers worked with size 32 models.

"That's finished now, the size will be 34 and above, which is already quite small," he said.

LVMH is a luxury goods behemoth that owns classic French brands Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior and Givenchy as well as other high-end European names including Fendi and Marc Jacobs.

Kering owns Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent among others.

In 2015, Saint Laurent had to withdraw a magazine advertisement in Britain over its use of of an "unhealthily thin model" and earlier this year, it caused outrage with a poster campaign around Paris.

In those pictures, a reclining woman in a fur coat and fishnet tights was pictured opening her legs, while another extremely thin model was photographed in a leotard and roller skate stilettos bending over a stool.
Powell saw 30-year-old Matthew Lloyd reach inside the bag for what Powell thought to be a gun, and in that instant, his student got to see what Powell, a 34-year-old amateur lightweight fighter for Bas RuttensElite MMA, could really do. Heres how he described stripping the loaded handgun from Lloyd to KTTV.

My instincts kicked in, I used my judo training to go ahead and subdue him, got the weapon away from him before the cops arrived, Powell told KTTV. One of my guys here who was training called the police and I just subdued him until the police showed up.

The news clip shows Lloyd sitting on the curb outside the gym, disoriented, face fully bloodiedas one tends to be after putting himself on the wrong end of a trained mixed martial artist. The gym owner later told reporters that Lloyd is a war veteran who was struggling psychologically and had met Powell for martial arts training; Powell says he doesnt wish to press charges and hopes Lloyd gets help.
"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child," reads the statement, which the Palace tweeted out Monday morning. "The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news. As with her previous two pregnancies, the Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer carry out her planned engagement at the Hornsey Road Children's Centre in London today."

This isn't the first time Kate Middleton has dealt with extreme morning sickness during pregnancy. The Duchess of Cambridge also experienced Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a pregnancy complication also called HG, when she was expecting George, now 4, and Charlotte, now 2. Because the condition is a very severe form of morning sickness, she had to announce those pregnancies earlier than planned.

"The cause of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is believed to be rapidly rising blood levels of a hormone called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is released by the placenta," according to the CDC, which notes that intensive treatment may be needed for some women.

According to the Palace's statement, The Duchess is getting the medication care she needs at Kensington Palace.

There's no word yet on how far along Kate Middleton is in her pregnancy.

When Prince Harry was asked about the news before heading into a meeting in Manchester, he said "Fantastic, great, very, very happy for them," according to a video tweeted by Daily Express reporter Richard Palmer.
We asked University of Texass Exercise Science program director, Hirofumi Tanaka, Ph.D., to help us debunk some of the biggest outdoor workout myths (you know, while the weather is still on our side). Here, four things you need to stop believing ASAP.

MYTH: STRETCHING PREVENTS INJURIES

Probably one of biggest myths people still believe is that stretching reduces injuries, says Tanaka. But it turns out this widely held fitness tenant is actually stretching the truth (yes, pun intended). Even though Tanaka says stretching tendons before a big outdoor run might seem logical, studies show that it doesnt actually have a positive effect. A 2011 study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that stretching before a run had no impact on injuries. And a 2003 Military Medical Journal study which followed military recruits doing rigorous outdoor training programs had similar results. In fact, Tanaka warns that some athletes might actually want to avoid stretching before games for performance reasons. Tendons are like springs, he says. If the spring stretches out, your jump height and sprinting activity goes down, which is actually detrimental. Instead, warm up with a brisk walk or slow jog, or try some of these mobility exercises.

MYTH: ITS BETTER TO RUN ON A SOFT SURFACE

While running outside, you may have noticed many people opt for a softer running trail over a paved road. That's because it's a common belief that softer surfaces are better for joints, Tanaka says. The funky thing is that theres no evidence for that, he says. Tanaka actually warns runners to be extra vigilant when theyre on softer surfaces, since they tend to be more irregular than pavement, and may lead to falls and twisted ankles. It could actually be worse for you!

MYTH: YOU BURN MORE CALORIES IN THE HEAT

The next time you consider scheduling your workout during a heatwave (for those extra calorie-torching benefits), think again. According to Tanaka, a three-mile run in 60-degree weather will burn virtually the same number of calories as a three-mile run in 85 degrees. The energy expenditure is usually pretty similar because you are doing the same amount of work, he says. The only difference is if youre exercising in heat for a prolonged period of time. If you are exercising in higher temps for 45 to 60 minutes or more, you might experience a cardiovascular drift, which causes a major increase of sweat and climbing of your heart rate. At this point, Tanaka says you might have a 5 to 10% increase in how many calories youre burning, but the increase will be slight. Exercising in extreme heat can also be dangerousmake sure you take these precautions before venturing out in the blazing sun.

MYTH: WATERS ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU HYDRATED FOR ALL OUTDOOR WORKOUTS

It really depends on how long an exercise session youre doing, Tanaka says. If youre going for a run-of-the-mill 5K in the park, then sure, waters got your hydration needs covered. But for more strenuous activities, like triathlons or other long-distance endurance events in the summer heat, youre going to need to add a little something extra to your H20.
Ghana and Ivory Coast are seeking a resolution over the dispute at the International Tribunal following Ivory Coasts accusation that Ghana is using the development of its oil industry to annex a part of its territory which does not belong to it.

It filed its suit based on Article 287 Annex VII of the 1982 UNCLOS.

Cote dIvoire in February 2015 filed for preliminary measures and urged the tribunal to suspend all activities in the disputed area until the definitive determination of the case, dubbed: Dispute Concerning Delimitation of the Maritime Boundary between Ghana and Cote dIvoire in the Atlantic Ocean.

But the Special Chamber of the ITLOS on April 25, 2015 declined to suspend production activities in the disputed area with the explanation that in the view of the Special Chamber, the suspension of ongoing activities conducted by Ghana in respect of which drilling has already taken place would entail the risk of considerable financial loss to Ghana, and its concessioners and could also pose a serious danger to the marine environment resulting, in particular, from the deterioration of equipment.
According to The Finder Newspaper, the Mahama-led administration awarded a contract to Messrs Santa Baron to purchase equipment and upgrade the security infrastructure for Ghana.

In such contracts, it is expected that the National Security Coordinator will be informed as well.

However, the immediate-past National Security Coordinator, Yaw Donkor, said he was not aware of the said contract.

This raises questions about the contract since a contract meant to beef up the security infrastructure of Ghana would not be awarded without the knowledge of the then National Security Co-ordinator.

However, the contract was signed by the then former Deputy Minister of the Interior, James Agalga in August 2016 on behalf of the government of Ghana.

Agalga admitted signing the contract on behalf of the government and was certain that they did no wrong.

He explained that the intended infrastructure was meant to beef up counter-terrorism efforts of Ghana to protect Ghanaians since the threat of terrorism was real as witnessed in neighbouring countries.

He argued that the equipment was still needed today.

However, Agalga said he would not comment on the fact that the National Security Coordinator was not aware of the contract since the issue was under investigations.

Meanwhile, the contractor, Messrs Santa Baron, has allegedly told the government that it has already placed orders and the equipment are ready to be shipped to Ghana for the project.

The company has, therefore, threatened to go to court if the government fails to pay the money anytime soon.
On his programme on Tuesday, 5 September, Mr Adom Otchere said he decided to associate himself with Mr Agyepong, owner of more than 40 companies including waste management firm Zoomlion, because, in my small reading of economics, it is not politicians who build a country, it is entrepreneurs who build a country and when you have entrepreneurs, the politicians are supposed to support them

From the time of Rockefeller in the 19th century, the American establishment has supported Rockefeller as a businessman, as an entrepreneur. Im not saying when they do wrong, dont say it, you can say it, but the reason why I am close to him  and it took me about four years to find him. Sometimes you call him and he wont pick, he is still like that, six weeks you wont find him, but when you find him, hes able to tell you so many things that shock you: his ideas and youll see that his entrepreneurship is a gift  so as far as I am concerned, this man, Joseph Siaw Agyepong, he is not a liability to Ghana, he is an asset.

He [Siaw Agyepong] may have his wrongs but he is an asset to this country and everyone will recognise that a man who can take your brand to Liberia  look this is a guy that the World Bank said he had done something in Liberia and they had put him on suspension, he worked so hard with the World Bank that the World Bank came out and said that he is now the template for good corporate governance and award of contracts. Such a person, Siaw Agyepong is an asset to this country, he is not a liability. We are prepared to support local businesses; that is the only way our country can be built, Mr Adom Otchere added.

Mr Adom Otchere extolled the entrepreneurial acumen of Mr Agyepong while responding to a comment posted on Facebook about him by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni in connection with a statement issued by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) which cautioned the media to avoid trying local business people in the media.
He said the revocation of its exploration license is ill-intended and political adding that the decision by government will incur judgment debts.

According to him, "I can see it is ill-intended and it may be as a reason of Ibrahim Mahama linkage to his brother whom he secured that contract under his presidency."

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Peter Amewu, had explained that the directive was issued because the companys three mining leases were invalid.

Mr. Amewu explained that the companys failure to provide key documents covering its acceptance of the lease, notice of pendency, environmental impact assessment and other statutory requirements rendered the leases invalid.

In a letter to Exton Cubic, Mr. Amewu said "the absence of publications of the Gazette of notice of the pendency of the companys applications and service of the notice on the various entities specified in the law is contrary to both section 13(2) of Act 703 and Regulation 177 of L.I. 2176 [Minerals and Mining Regulations.]."

Kwesi Pratt speaking on the revocation of the Exton Cubic's license said government maybe right to withdraw licenses signed under the erstwhile administration but that should be done in a way it will not bring judgment debts.

"The government can review every contract signed by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) but that should be done in a way it will not bring judgment debts.

READ MORE: Exton to drag government to court over withdrawal of exploration permit

"Per my information, Exton Cubic Group has license to mine at the Tano-Offin forest reserve. .I dont know all of a sudden; the minister is saying their license has to be revoked," Kwesi Pratt said on Accra-based Peace FM.
Professor Kwame Awuah-Offei was appointed among other members to advise the Academic and Public Interest Groups.

He is the only African appointed to the Board.

Academic background

From St. Johns Secondary School, Sekondi, and St. Augustines College, Cape Coast to the University of Mines & Technology (UMaT) where he received his BSc in Mining Engineering.

He pursued his PhD in Mining Engineering at University of Alberta, Canada and Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T), USA, receiving his PhD at Missouri S&T.

Kwame Awuah-Offei is currently an associate professor of mining engineering at Missouri University of Science & Technology.

He previously served as an assistant professor at the same institution.
The two, Zhang Ming Alias Gary, 37, and Chu Yong Shuai, 29, have been charged with the offence of importing tilapia fish in commercial quantity into Ghana without permit contrary to the section 130 (1) and (3) of Fisheries Act 2002, (Act 625).

They are believed to be hiding around Madina in the Greater Accra Region or perhaps outside the country.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Olivia Turkson, said that the two suspects on January, 2016 imported 1,310 cartons of tilapia into a cold store in Tema for sale.

According to her, the police invited the the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to inspect the imported tilapia to find out whether the fish were wholesome for human consumption or not.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Pimp remanded into police custody

The FDA, however, realized that the fish were unwholesome.
The controversial musician was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to substantiate claims of corruption at the Flagstaff House.

He said he still stands by his corruption allegation against the two deputy Chiefs of Staff Samuel Abu Jinapor and Francis Asenso-Boakye.

He said "I just gave a statement and provided the evidence they needed and its best that we allow the Police to do their work, I gave my evidence and told them why I said the people are corrupt and that was it."

A-Plus after questioning by the police said he is not willing to release his statement and evidence to the public but they have the right to demand it from the Police.

READ MORE: Kennedy Agyapong names corrupt officials at the Flagstaff House

In a Facebook livestream announcing the fact that he had presented his statement and evidence of corruption to the CID, A-Plus warned members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be careful because they rode on his reputation to win the 2016 general elections.

"I have told the Police what have to tell them. I am not releasing what I said to the Police but I am warning you, I am warning you. You dont understand politics because you have everything to lose not me. Those of you who have the deliberate attempt to destroy me, you are trying so hard to finish the reputation that I used to push your campaign now its done you are in power so lets finish A Plus. Go to the Police and tell them to release what I gave to the public," he said.

Background to allegations

A-plus has descended heavily on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for appointing thieves into his government.

According to him, the seven months of President Akufo-Addos government have been good so far except for appointing two criminally minded people as Chief of Staff.

A-Plus has labeled deputy Chief of Staff Francis Asenso-Boakye and Samuel Abu Jinapor as stupid and corrupt appointees.

READ MORE: Kennedy Agyapong names corrupt officials at the Flagstaff House

In a Facebook post, A-Plus who declared his support for the NPP wondered why the two personalities were appointed to serve in government.

He said "NPP delegates congress. 7 months of NPP government. So far so good except appointing some very corrupt officials including the two very stupid deputy chief of staffs. Its amazing how Nana was able to appoint thieves whose level of stupidity is the same. Arrogant and corrupt fools. You think youll be in power forever. Even John Mahama I was not afraid of him then you."

A-Plus, however, did not state the basis for his allegation.
"The Syrian Arab Army has advanced on the Brigade 137 base front on the western side of Deir Ezzor city and broken the siege imposed by the Daesh organisation," state news agency SANA said, using the Arabic acronym for IS.

Syrian government troops and allied fighters, backed by Russian air support, have been advancing for weeks towards Deir Ezzor city, capital of oil-rich Deir Ezzor province, which borders Iraq.

Government forces and tens of thousands of civilians in the city have been trapped under IS siege for over two years, facing food and medical shortages.

Early this year, the government-held parts of the city were cut in two by an IS offensive.

The army's advance to the Brigade 137 base Tuesday breaks the siege on the northern part of the city, to which it is connected by a road.

But a southern government-held section, including the key military airport, remains surrounded.

Government forces are heading towards the southern sector, however, and are currently around 15 kilometres (nine miles) away, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor.

Around 100,000 people are believed to be inside government-held areas of Deir Ezzor, with perhaps 10,000 more in parts of the city held by IS.

Earlier Tuesday, a local journalist inside the government-held northern part of Deir Ezzor reported the sound of fierce clashes and heavy artillery as the army approached.

He said the national flag had been raised throughout the area in anticipation of celebrations upon the arrival of government soldiers.
According to him, members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must be careful because they rode on his reputation to win the 2016 general elections.

The musician has been in a war of words with two deputy Chief of Staffs.

The NPP sympathiser said his words against the two deputy Chief of Staffs, [Samuel Abu Jinapor and Francis Asenso-Boakye] were inappropriate.

READ MORE: Kennedy Agyapong names corrupt officials at the Flagstaff House

He described the two government appointees as "very corrupt" and "stupid."

The controversial musician was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to substantiate claims of corruption at the Flagstaff House.

He said he still stands by his corruption allegation against the two deputy Chiefs of Staff.

A-Plus after questioning by the police said he is not willing to release his statement and evidence to the public but they have the right to demand it from the Police.

In a Facebook livestream announcing the fact that he had presented his statement and evidence of corruption to the CID, he said some members in the party want to destroy his hard earned reputation.
The 55-year-old, who was shot dead by three unknown gunmen on a motorcycle as she entered her home in the southern city of Bangalore in Karnataka state late Tuesday, was a fierce critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's right-wing government.

The Editors Guild of India said her death was "an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on the freedom of the press", calling for a swift and thorough investigation.

India has a historically poor record on journalists' safety, although most deaths occur in remote rural areas away from the major urban centres.

But critics of Modi's government say dissent is being stifled as nationalist sentiment grows in the world's largest democracy.

In April, Reporters Without Borders ranked India 136th of 180 countries in its world press freedom ratings, blaming "Hindu nationalists trying to purge all manifestations of 'anti-national' thought from the national debate".

The press freedom group says 25 journalists have died in India since 2010.

The latest death follows the assassinations of vocal Indian secularists including M.M. Kalburgi, who was shot dead in 2015 in Karnataka, allegedly by Hindu radicals.

Lankesh was a target of right-wing trolling on social media and had complained of facing "rabid hate" that made her fear for free speech in India.

Last year she was found guilty of defaming a lawmaker from Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a 2008 article about alleged corruption. She was appealing against the conviction.

"The murder must be investigated effectively and with urgency," the All India Democratic Women's Association said in a statement.

Lankesh's murder was a "grim indicator of the intolerance and violence that have been let loose by the increasing influence of right wing forces in the country", it added.

Human Rights Watch's South Asia director, Meenakshi Ganguly, called on politicians to "condemn violence over beliefs".

"Dissent, engaging with criticism, are strengths of a democracy, but in India, they are being drowned by allegations of causing offence to faith or nation," she told AFP.
Internet speeds are slow and access to social media platforms has been limited, BBC reports.

A protest in the country last month left seven people dead and about 27 arrested.

The protest was to challenge the presidency of Faure Gnassingbe.

The Gnassingbe family has been ruling Togo since 1967 after a coup by Eyadema.

READ ALSO: Chaos in Lome as protesters declare another day of demonstration

Faure who is also the new chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has won three presidential elections.

But many argue that he won those elections under controversial circumstances.

Residents of Togo are now demanding that the Constitution be amended to prevent his familys continued stay in power.

READ ALSO: Women go topless to demand resignation of President

The government spokesperson Gilbert Bawara told a local radio station that internet access has been restricted.

"Even in most developed countries, authorities take control of telecommunications in some cases," he said.

Mobile internet had been shut down in the capital, Lome, but wi-fi networks are still working, AFP news agency reports.
According to Accra-based Joy FM, the women did this in front of the security.

They are demanding the end of the 50-year rule of the Gnassingbe dynasty after Faure's father, Eyadema ruled the country for 38 years before his death in 2005.

READ ALSO: GIS cautions Ghanaians against travelling to Togo on Friday

In a video, on social media, the protestors are seen dragging their buttocks on the ground while the security looked on.

In many African societies, it is a curse when women go naked and drag their buttocks on the ground in demand for or against something.

There have been anti-government protests which turned violent and led to the death of at least 3 with several others injured.

READ ALSO: Togolese cross border to Ghana

Subsequently, several supporters of the governing Union for the Republic ("Unir" parti), all dressed in white T-shirts bearing the image of President Faure Gnassingbe, marched through the streets of Lome in support of the president.

Meanwhile, Togolese president Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema is the current Chair of ECOWAS.
From all indications, it is likely that despite those numbers, both of Illinois' U.S. Senators - Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth - would oppose the passage of the measure.

WASHINGTON DC  New polling of likely voters in eleven swing states finds overwhelming support for passage of the No Sanctuary for Criminals (H.R. 3003) Act by the Senate. Moreover, with the critical mid-term elections just 14 months away, voters indicate that their senators position on H.R. 3003 would likely affect their vote.

H.R. 3003, already passed by the House of Representatives, would hold state and local governments responsible for so-called sanctuary policies that protect deportable criminal aliens from being removed from the country.

The polling was conducted by Zogby Analytics in mid-August on behalf of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The eleven states included in the survey are Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The polls found that, by lopsided margins, voters in each of these states agree with provisions of the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act that would require state and local police to comply with federal requests to take custody of deportable foreign criminals, rather than release them back onto the streets.

Voters also strongly favor holding local governments accountable if criminal aliens are released back onto the streets and re-offend. By wide margins, voters approve of a provision that would allow victims of crimes committed by deportable criminals released under sanctuary policies, or their family members, to sue those jurisdictions.

The poll shows that Americans want their state and local governments to cooperate with federal efforts to remove criminals from the United States. They demand accountability for these policies from the local governments that make them and they are also prepared to hold their federal officials accountable if they block this much needed legislation from becoming law, said Dan Stein, president of FAIR.

Notably, support for federal legislation to eliminate policies that prevent state and local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities cuts across political, racial, ethnic, and socio-economic lines.

Among the key findings about voter opinion on H.R. 3003:

In the eleven states in the survey, an average of 77.6 percent believe that police and sheriffs must comply with detainer requests by Immigration and Customs enforcement. An even greater percentage of Hispanic voters, 83.5 percent, support that requirement.

An average of 73.4 percent of likely voters in those states believe sanctuary jurisdictions must be held accountable for crimes committed by people who were returned to the community because of those policies.

Hispanic voters support H.R. 3003 by similar, or even larger majorities, than other segments of the electorate.

Significant majorities of voters in all eleven states indicate that they are more likely to vote for Senate candidates who support H.R. 3003 and less likely to vote for those who oppose the bill.

It is time for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to schedule debate and a vote on H.R. 3003, declared Stein. The bill has broad support from voters, particularly in states where there will be hotly contested Senate seats in 2018. All senators need to be put on notice that there is no constituency for protecting criminal aliens at the expense of public safety and that blocking the No Sanctuary for Criminals legislation from reaching the floor of the Senate will come at a high political cost.

When it comes to putting criminal aliens back on the streets, voters demand accountability from the local officials who establish sanctuary policies and from federal lawmakers who block sensible legislation that would end these dangerous policies, Stein concluded.

Click here to see the full poll results.
"It's thanks to word of mouth that we always learn about these things," said Josue Rosse, as he crouched next to a tree trunk that he was digging out to make boat.

"We live on the edge of the sea but no one in authority has come to tell us what's what," he said.

Residents of Shada, a poor community on the banks of the Mapou river, also were surprised to learn that a major storm was headed their way.

"I didn't know a hurricane was coming, because we don't get electricity here, so we can't get the news," said Jacquie Pierre, pointing to a small television set covered with a placemat.

Since the start of the year, the 25-year-old's house has been flooded twice. The prospect of a hurricane terrifies her.

"I am afraid, not just for my life or my children's, but for everyone, for every Haitian. We are like a family," she says, tightly hugging her three-year-old daughter.

Overhearing this, her neighbor Pierre Valmy sticks his head out of his house, a rustic cabin built from wooden planks and metal sheeting.

"If you say a big hurricane is coming here, then it's the end of the world for us," he despaired, turning his gaze to the ground.

Lack of shelter

The US National Hurricane Center forecasts tropical storm conditions to begin on the north coast of Haiti on Wednesday night, escalating into full-blown hurricane conditions on Thursday.

On the outskirts of Cap-Haitien, Haiti's second largest city, the emergency operations center has yet to launch a public information campaign because they are still doing an inventory of available equipment and personnel.

A UN stabilization mission known as Minustah ended in mid-October, and peacekeepers withdrew with the heavy equipment that had been used routinely in responding to seasonal floods in the Cap-Haitien region.

"We no longer have the support of Minustah and there aren't many NGOs involved in risk management in the department, which makes for a difficult situation," said Jean-Henri Petit, the technical coordinator for civil protection in Haiti's Department of the North, of which Cap-Haitien is the capital.

In Port-au-Prince, 120 miles (200 kilometers) from Cap-Haitien, Haiti's civil protection director Jerry Chandler is trying to accelerate the public information campaign and prepositioning of emergency supplies.

"I don't know what is happening," he said. "Since last week, local committees had received instructions to inform the population. We are going to reinforce the media campaign," he said.

In Cap Haitien, fisherman blames corruption for the official indifference and massive poverty.

"When something like this happens, they are happy because they've amassed a lot of money. They say they are going to help the poor but no help arrives, ever," he said, emphatically.

More than a million people live in the storm's path, but there are only three ambulances in the whole Department of the North. Gullies and drainage channels are choked with garbage because there is no systematic trash collection.

At the operations center, the dearth of emergency supplies is cruelly evident.

More worrisome still is the lack of shelters. Ninety percent of the houses in Cap-Haitien have sheet metal roofing incapable of withstanding powerful winds.

'No place to go'

"We have learned lessons from Matthew and we are going to direct people to shelters for their protection," said Petit, referring to the Category Four storm that ravaged southern Haiti in October last year.

But as there are not enough shelters, the authorities also intend to advise people that their best bet may be to take refuge with family or friends who have houses made of concrete.

On the banks of the Mapou river, residents of Shada feel completely abandoned by the authorities.

"Now that I know a hurricane is approaching, I am going to put my important papers in a plastic sack and tie it to a roof beam because this is my only house and I have no place to go," said Valmy, who has a wife and two children.

Aware that the polluted river that flows a few meters away could sweep him and his family away, Valmy is resigned to whatever may come.
"I've been here for 25 years, since I was a baby," Ceja, a computer science student, told AFP by telephone.

"I'm very vulnerable to deportation without DACA," Ceja said of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program which was rescinded by President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday.

DACA, put in place by Barack Obama in 2012, protected undocumented immigrants who arrived as children from deportation and allowed them to work and attend school.

The so-called "Dreamers" now have between six months and just over two years until they are declared illegal US residents and subject to potential deportation.

Ceja, the co-founder of Undocumedia.org, an immigrants rights group, said that if he was deported "I would do whatever it takes to come back, take the risks to cross the border.

"This is the only country I know," Ceja said. "My future is here. I'm not going to go without a fight."

Martin Batalla Vidal, 27, explained how DACA has benefitted him, during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday organized by the National Immigration Law Center.

"DACA has really changed my life for the better and allowed me to pursue my dreams," said Batalla Vidal, who arrived in New York from Mexico when he was seven years old.

Batalla Vidal, who is studying nursing, said the repeal of DACA, however, had him thinking "what will happen when I graduate?"

"Will I be able to actually work in the field I studied for?" he asked.

'You are hunted'

"Dreamers" Angel Romero and his sister Jennifer were among some 200 demonstrators who attended a protest outside the White House in Washington as Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of DACA.

The pair, who were brought to the United States from Mexico by their parents when they were children, expressed concern about being forced to leave the United States.

"That is a fear for me -- that I might have to leave the country and go back to my home country," said Angel Romero.

"I was brought here at the age of two and so I have no recollection of my home country," he said.

"I have very few memories of (Mexico)," added Jennifer Romero, "and we really don't know where we would go."

Greisa Martinez Rosas, 28, who was born in Mexico and now lives in Dallas, Texas, also attended the protest outside the White House.

Martinez Rosas, who works for the United We Dream association, said she came to the United States when she was eight years old.

"I'm part of this society," she said. "I came to this country knowing that I would live a better life.

"My parents are undocumented and living like that is not normal," she said. "You are hunted by (immigration) agents, deportation agents and by police.

"You can't do the things normal people do," she said.

Justino Mora, 28, was brought to the United States at the age of 11 by his mother, who fled a life of poverty and domestic violence in Mexico.

Mora said he was not surprised by the move by President Trump, who campaigned for the White House on a pledge to be tough on immigration.
"Please note that per information the HRC Secretariat just received, President Maduro of Venezuela will not address the Human Rights Council. Instead (Foreign) has been scheduled to address the Council on the opening day of the session" on Monday, council spokesman Rolando Gomez said in an email.

Rights activists had mounted a swift condemnation of the planned appearance by Maduro, who is accused of dismantling democracy in his nation, including a violent crackdown on the opposition.

Speaking in Geneva shortly before the appearance was scrapped, Human Rights Watch executive director Ken Roth said that "the idea of President Maduro coming to the UN to speak about human rights is laughable".

Roth added that council members needed to denounce Maduro publicly in order to avoid "an embarrassment" for the UN's top human rights body.

Maduro appeared at the council in November 2015, in a widely condemned speech.

International powers accuse Maduro of taking over state institutions in order to resist opposition pressure for him to quit, amid an economic crisis that has caused shortages of food and medicine.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin declared Washington's demand for a vote on new UN sanctions to be "useless," while US President Donald Trump promised Japan and South Korea new advanced arms.

And, while China may be concerned about a threat to the military balance in the region, the North Korean regime itself remained undaunted, vowing to send Washington "more gift packages."

The disagreements appeared to be splitting the world into familiar opposing diplomatic camps, with China and Russia resisting pressure for more action from London, Tokyo and Washington.

Japanese officials, meanwhile, warned that Sunday's test may have been more successful than initially feared and involved a bomb eight times more powerful than that which destroyed Hiroshima.

Secondary sanctions

Washington's tough-talking ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, is expected to unveil yet another new UN sanctions package targeting Kim Jong-Un's regime this week.

She had demanded a vote as early as Monday -- while Washington is in parallel considering slapping secondary sanctions on Russian and Chinese firms and finance houses that have dealings with the North.

The UN route appears likely to be a dead end. China generally resists pressure on its unruly neighbor, and Putin -- locked in his own showdown with Washington -- appeared in no mood for compromise.

"Resorting to just any sanctions in this situation is useless and inefficient," he told reporters in the Chinese city of Xiamen after a summit of the five-nation BRICS club of emerging economies.

"All of this can lead to a global planetary catastrophe and a great number of victims," he said, implying that Washington's stance is as much to blame for the tension as Kim's nuclear brinksmanship.

Trump's administration has said it cannot accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed power with missiles capable of reaching US cities -- but recent tests have shown the limits of its options.

Aside from secondary sanctions, and amid questions about whether a pre-emptive US attack could be effective, Trump has decided to flex US muscle by arming China's regional rivals Japan and South Korea.

Advanced arms

"I am allowing Japan and South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," the president said, in a tweet.

Trump did not elaborate on what he had in mind, but the White House has said the president may approve the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" to Seoul.

Seoul was restricted to a maximum warhead weight of 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) on its ballistic missiles under to a 2001 agreement with the United States, but this limit has now been lifted.

Heightened allied military preparations will alarm Beijing and Moscow, where Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov"urged against giving in to emotions" in a call to his US counterpart Rex Tillerson.

Russia backs a Chinese proposal for peace talks based on a freeze of North Korea's nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of US-South Korean military drills.

But Haley has rejected this option as "insulting."

"When a rogue regime has a nuclear weapon and an ICBM pointed at you, you do not take steps to lower your guard. No one would do that. We certainly won't," the US ambassador said.

'Gift packages'

US ally Britain backed the US call for stronger sanctions.

And UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against "confrontational rhetoric," urging world powers to come up with a single strategy to address the crisis.

But one power was certainly not toning down its language.

"The recent self-defense measures by my country the DPRK are a gift package addressed to none other than the US," North Korean envoy Han Tae Song told the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.
He said that they have received orders for the Flying Spur (sedan) and Continental GT (two-door coupe) even though Kenyans prefer the Bentley Bentayga, an SUV.

We also expect the Mulsanne to be available in the near future, he said.

It will cost a buyer between Sh30 million ($290,000) to Sh45 million ($435,000) to purchase the luxurious car, depending on the level of customization.

The starting price is $265,000 (Sh27.2 million) and sky is the limit, considering all the personalisation possibilities Bentley is offering to the customers. Bentley is the synonym to extraordinary luxury and performance combined, Mr Karakoulas said.

The entry of Bentley underlines Kenyans increased spending on expensive objects of personal enjoyment thanks to overall economic expansion and a rally in the price of specific assets including real estate.

Early this year, the British automaker of luxury cars & SUVs announced the appointment of Multiple Group as the sole authorised importer of Bentley motor cars in the country.

Mutiple Group, a leading provider of transport and logistics solutions in East Africa, already represents German luxury automaker Porsche, a brand that also targets the growing number of high net worth individuals in the country.
Democratic Sen. Al Franken of Minnesota on Tuesday refused to sign off on President Donald Trump's nomination of a judge for a vacancy on the 8th US Circuit Court of Appeals, highlighting perhaps the biggest challenge Trump faces as he tries to remake the federal judiciary.

Franken said he could not support the nomination of Minnesota Supreme Court Judge David Stras, nominated by Trump in March, and would not be returning a blue slip to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The "blue slip" process is a tradition in which US senators can give their blessing to judicial nominees from their state. It is not entirely uncommon for home-state senators to deny providing the blue slip for a judicial nominee  several of President Barack Obama's judicial nominees met the same fate  but the move comes as Trump tries to rapidly fill more than 130 federal vacancies.

"As I have familiarized myself with Justice Stras's record  not just his past decisions, but his professional experience and past statements  I have grown concerned that, if confirmed to the federal bench, Justice Stras would be a deeply conservative jurist in the mold of Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia, justices who the nominee himself has identified as role models," Franken said.

The obscure move from Franken emphasizes the roadblocks Trump could face in landing Democratic support for his judicial nominees in the roughly 30 states with at least one Democratic senator.

While the denial of a blue slip does not legally restrict a judge from being approved, Glenn Sugameli, an attorney who is an expert on judicial nominations, told Business Insider in an email that "no circuit court nominees have been confirmed over objection of one (or two) home state senators  including under Obama."

In his early judicial blitz, during which he has nominated far more district court and circuit court judges than Obama, Trump has largely avoided making nominations in states that are represented by at least one Democrat.

More than 80% of his 36 nominations to district or circuit courts are from states that are represented by two Republican senators. Just two of the 36 nominations hail from states with two Democratic senators.

At the same point in his presidency back in 2009, Obama had nominated nine people for vacant district court seats and seven candidates for circuit court openings. Of those, 56% were from states represented by two Democratic senators  meaning 44% faced the scrutiny of at least one member of the opposition party before they could be advanced in the Senate.

The intent of the blue-slip process is to have a more bipartisan consensus on judges who will serve in or represent a senator's home state when the president is of the opposition party, encouraging communication between the White House and home-state senators before a nomination.

A White House official told Business Insider in July that the Trump administration was "working with and extensively consulting all senators nationwide in order to complete the nomination process." The official added that the White House was "committed to filling all the ... vacancies as quickly as possible."

Sugameli said the past two chairmen of the Senate Judiciary Committee  Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa  blocked every Obama nominee who was unable to obtain both blue slips.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a fellow Minnesota Democrat who did not make a formal announcement about whether she would provide the blue slip for Stras, said in a statement following Franken's move that she was concerned Trump would nominate someone from an 8th Circuit state with two Republican senators  such as Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa, or South Dakota  instead of finding a consensus judge from her home state. She also warned against changing the practice.

"Changing this policy would have serious ramifications for judicial nominations in every state in the country," she said. "Given this important policy, and given Sen. Franken's view that Justice Stras should not be allowed a hearing in the Senate, the White House will need to provide additional names for the Eighth Circuit position."

Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, also expressed hope that the practice would be continued, and she showed support for Franken's move.

"It's the prerogative of home-state senators to evaluate potential federal judicial nominees and determine whether or not they are mainstream and well-suited to hold these important positions of public trust, which have real-world consequences for their constituents," she said in a statement. "The purpose of the blue slip is to ensure consultation between the White House and home-state senators on judicial nominees from their states. I expect the committee to honor Sen. Franken's decision not to return a blue slip, as was always done when Republican senators didn't return blue slips on President Obama's nominees."

The sheer speed with which the Trump administration is nominating judges to fill the many vacancies has "created some problems," Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor who is an expert on judicial selection, told Business Insider in July.

Namely, he said he did not think enough consultation with home-state senators had taken place.
Uganda is wooing the manufacturers to relocate to Kampala owing to big growth opportunity in the country for manufacturers of quality packaging material.

We have laws to protect and allow investors to repatriate their profits as they deem fit. Likewise, their expatriate staff can come in easily, says a letter sent to the manufacturers authored by the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA).

Uganda is flaunting its economic growth rate of between five and seven per cent to entice Kenyan manufacturers.

Many Ugandan enterprises are missing out on opportunities in larger markets because their packaging does not meet international standards. In order for Ugandan processed honey, fruit juices, mineral water, herbal medicines and chemicals, among other products to be competitive nationally, regionally and globally, the packaging has got to be of high quality, says the letter.

The invite signed by UIA investment executive Robinah Magoba says most Ugandan companies import plastic packaging material from Kenya where the Pre-Export Verification of Conformity to Standards Programme (PVoC) packaging technology was in use.

Still, a number of Kenyan firms are said to have set up subsidiaries in Uganda and the invitation is intended to persuade them to re-locate their machinery.

The Kenyan government imposed the world's toughest law against plastic bags. A Kenya Gazette notice signed by Environment cabinet secretary Judi Wakhungu outlawed the manufacture, import, sale or use of plastic carrier bags in the country.

ALSO READ:What Kenya can learn from these African countries that have tried to ban plastics

Failure to adhere to the law will attract a fine of up to Sh4 million or a two-year jail term.

The ban has led to loss of thousands of jobs as manufacturers suspended operations to avoid steep fines stipulated under the law.
Facebook said the ads were part of elaborate "information operations" in which "organized actors," including governments, used social media to deceive the public and distort political sentiment.

A sharp turnaround

Facebook said Wednesday that its analysis of ads purchased before and after the US presidential election were consistent with the information operation tactics it had previously outlined. About one-quarter of the ads were geographically targeted, and most touched on divisive topics, from LGBT rights to immigration and gun rights, the company said.
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Ojuola, of no fixed address, is facing a charge of stealing.

The Prosecutor, Insp Akpan Ikem, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 4 at Ori Oke, Itoga area of Badagry.

Ikem said the accused stole the number plate of a car belonging to one Gideon Olu.

The car was parked on the street when the accused stole the number plate. He has been on the run since then and was just apprehended, he said.

The offence, he said, contravened Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Jimoh Adefioye, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 and one surety in like sum.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Johnson Okunade, said that the defendants of no fixed addresses committed the offence sometimes in September, 2017 at new Omisanjana Area in Ado-Ekiti.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 390 of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and their counsel, Mr Babatunde Falade, and Mr Busuyi Ayorinde, urged the court to grant them bail.
Oluwatosin, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a charge of assault.

The Prosecutor, Insp Caleb Leranmo, told the court that the accused and others at large, committed the offence on Sunday at about 8:30 a.m. at Atikankan Area of Ado-Ekiti.

He said that the accused and others at large assaulted one Tope Babalola by using a stone to hit him in several places on his forehead and caused him harm.

He asked the court for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.

Oluwatosin, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and his counsel, Mr Busuyi Ayorinde, urged the court to grant him bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Adesoji Adegboye, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fimihan Adeoye, told newsmen in Osogbo that the suspects were arrested on Aug. 29 during a police stop and search operation.

On Aug. 29 at about 1;02 p.m, a police patrol team on a stop and search operation on Ogbomosho/Oyo Road, at Agboro Area, stopped a motorcycle with two persons on it.

The persons on the motorcycle were searched and two severed human hands with gloves and a human head were found with them, and they were promptly arrested, he said

Adeoye said in a similar case, on the same date at about 11:30 a.m, at Obas compound in Moro, Ipetumodu, one Adeniyi Adeyeye was also arrested with a human skull in his possession.

He said detectives attached to the Ipetumodu Divisional Headquarters arrested the suspect and transferred him to Osogbo State Criminal Investigation Department.

He said the skull found with the suspect was suspected to have been exhumed from a grave and that investigation was still ongoing on the matter.
It was the day Legend Extra Stout brought famous Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga to give residents of the capital city a taste of the Real Deal Experience.

As the headline act for Legends Real Deal Experience, the Chairman crooner, M.I Abaga, didnt disappoint his fans who had turned up in large numbers at the venue despite the heavy downpour of rain. The loud ovation that greeted his appearance on stage was enough testimonial to his popularity amongst the local fans.

Known for his smooth lyrics and energetic stage presence, alongside a full complimentary live band, M.I dished out back-to-back hits as the ecstatic audience reveled in an unending sing-along with the star.

It was indeed a fun night with plenty to eat and drink as the fans sang and interacted with the artiste while enjoying an endless supply of Nigerias first locally brewed stout, Legend.

Speaking after the show, M.I said: First, I have to commend Legend Extra stout for putting this show together. Its not a mean feat pulling this off; you can feel the energy, the fun, no doubt the fans had a great time and all these wouldnt have been possible without Legend, so big ups to the brand.

Asked about his impression of the event, he added: For me, any opportunity to interact face-to-face with my fans is one Ill never pass up on. We had great fun here today. At a time, there was practically no song I sang there on stage that the fans didnt sing along. Its pure joy man and I want to say a big Thank You to my Abuja fans for all the love.

Legend Extra Stout also gave out a N50, 000 cash prize to the winners, Rigid Emcee and Magic Steppers of its online talent competition, which held on the Brands social media pages and live at the event. Fans and consumers of Legend also got to experience the different unique elements of Legend stout in a live simulation room just as in previous editions, while many also went home with exciting prizes like flat screen TVs, generators, refrigerators, among other household items.

Speaking on the success of the event, Portfolio Manager - Mainstream, Lager and Stout brands Nigerian Breweries, Emmanuel Agu said:

Time and time again, we continue to deliver the best experience to our loyal consumers. Tonights event is yet another way we appreciate our fans and consumers in Abuja just as we have done in several other cities across the country. I am super-impressed with the turn-out at the venue and M.Is performance was breath-taking. As you can see, I had plenty fun too as I wouldnt let myself be outdone by the other attendees. We look forward to visiting more cities before the year runs out, so watch out for us in your neighborhood.

The Real Deal Experience tour by Legend Extra Stout brings Nigerias biggest music stars to various cities around the country to entertain fans and give them the wonderful experience they crave for. The event also rewards Legends consumers with exciting gifts such as flat screen TVs, generators and refrigerators etc.

The Real Deal Experience tour 2017 kicked off in February in Nnewi and its on schedule to hit more cities in Nigeria in the coming weeks.

Legend Extra Stout is a unique bitter tasting premium stout, fully brewed from the finest ingredients and bottled under the highest quality standards. The stout, which was launched into the Nigerian market in 1992, was named Legend because it suggests solid reputation and authenticity.

The Real Deal Experience will be visiting other major cities in Nigeria in the coming weeks as it has already made stops in Abuja, Uyo, Aba, Enugu, and Nnewi.
Mixed print kaftans, shift dresses with tassel embellishments, kaftan shirt dresses in vibrant prints, midi contrast dresses, tassel embellished jumpsuit, kimono, handpainted maxis and more eye catching pieces were featured in the collection shown on the runway at Dakar Fashion Week in Senegal.

The brand launched in Lagos in 2007 showcased at the South Africa Fashion Week 2016 as well as Angola Fashion Week 2016.

ALSO READ:Style Temple collaborates with Tokyo James for Resort 2018 film

About Osuare

Osuare derives her inspiration from a cosmopolitan culture that has pervaded Africa in recent times. The muse had been to have African women proudly wear African-made pieceswith a global appeal anywhere in the world and feel comfortable and sassy doing so. The idea remains the same to date.

The pieces come in all shapes and sizes for women including bespoke and ready-to-wear apparels. The motifs are carefully collected for your seamless fitting. The pieces are carefully embellished with ornaments made out of the ingenuity of seasoned craftsmen. The garments are meticulously made to be distinctively personal, elegantly enduring and stylishly timeless. Osuares distinctive niche is the use of dye tye fabrics, hand-painted patterns, clean cuts, impeccable finishing and urban suave all knitted together for an unforgettable experience.
That's why you're happily doing with that your partner, what you swore to your friends to never do in a relationship.

Of course no one is judging here. We perfectly understand that those are some of the things that happen when love is on the brain.

That's the explanation for why this Japanese princess chose to be with her fiancee, even though it would cost her her place in the Japanese monarchy.

And it is exactly what once gave birth to the #NeverAgainBro hashtag on Twitter, where babes and guys are reminiscing on some of the hurt they suffered for being 'too in love.'

Even long before Twitter, men and women have been doing crazy things because they were in love. Just ask Adam, for example. Or ask everyone who took part in the war that ensued when Prince Paris fell in love with Helen who was betrothed to King Melanaus of Sparta and stole her back to Troy.

Helen and Paris of Troy portrayed by Orlando Bloom and Diane Kruger in the movie 'Troy' [Credit - LegendLoveStory] Pulse Nigeria

So, as it has been since the days of old, it remains till this day. Adam and Prince Paris may be long gone, but love is still making people do outrageous things, and here are some of them, provided by young Nigerians.

1. Scammed my parents

"I scammed my parents for money in Uni and bought my boyfriend a 43K wrist watch.

"I actually do not regret it." - Adeola.

2. Elope

"I and my boyfriend had an agreement that if any of our parents say no to us getting married, we will elope, get married and have a child before returning.

"He's a Muslim, I'm a Christian.

"Thank God the relationship broke up before it got to that." - Shalewa.

A man and his girlfriend take a selfie [Credit: Videoblocks] Pulse Nigeria

3. Help my crush get her crush

"I was a poet back in High School. I'll write poems for my crush to give her crush." - @iamtopmaestro on Twitter.

4. Spent my allowance on calls

"My daily allowance in uni was about 3k per day.

"I spent most of that calling my boyfriend who was abroad at the time.

"I couldn't afford most of the stuff I needed. Of course, we didn't end up marrying each other." - Olamide.

Men cheat, women cheat but women forgive more than men do. Muswada

5. An apartment for his sidechick

"I borrowed nearly half a million for him to rent an apartment because he got a new job in a new city.

Dude actually moved into the new apartment with his baby mama." - @therealsoba on Twitter.

6. Lost my prized guitar

"I'd saved all my stipends to buy a guitar and because I was eyeing one babe, I gave the guitar to her brother who has never returned it till this day.

"Of course, I never even got to date the babe. Smh" - Chinedu.

7. A dangerous inter-state trip

"Drove from Lekki to Ife around 10pm to pick up a girl cos she claimed no transport. Got there, babe's phone was switched off." - @Prodeegy on Twitter.

You may find out that you are actually your boyfriends side chick [Credit: Peathegee Inc / Getty] Pulse Nigeria

8. Risked my relationship to meet my ex

"I had not properly gotten over my ex and I actually still loved him despite having another boyfriend who was, to be honest, very caring and nice.

"So I agreed to travel all the way from Jos to Lagos by road to meet my ex after lying to both my boyfriend and my NYSC supervisor.

"He cancelled the trip at the last minute. I really would have gone because I was still so in love with him.

"Not anymore." - Judith.

Woman stares blankly into space [Credit: All This] All This

9. Risked my education for him

"I abandoned my med classes to do final year project for final year engineering student.

I'd wash clothes, cook and clean daily." - @Yemithatiscray on Twitter.

10. I was just her airtime supply

"Then I dated Nurphisat Busty. Ha mo ma jiya o! [How I really suffered!]
Ambode made the pledge at the opening of three-day maiden edition of International Statistical Conference, organised by the Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA) on Wednesday in Lagos.

Ambode was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh.

The governor said the administration was determined to provide funding to ensure that reliable, acceptable and right statistics were provided in good quality and timely.

He said the administration was also determined to support statistical infrastructure, to provide quality data to help take appropriate actions that would give dividends of democracy, through good governance, to the people.

We will also encourage effective dialogue between you as experts, the policy makers and researcher as key users of statistics, the governor said.

Ambode said the state was aware of the problem of data explosion or data revolution in its statistical system.

As the structure of government is expanding, the amount of data we need to gather and process to govern our complex economic, social and environmental system is daunting and enormous.

The demand for data about the state from development partners at household level, firms/industry, various organs of government have continued to expand.

These are areas, I feel your conference will help to provide workable solutions to.

The volume, variety and speed of data required to monitor and evaluate social-economic activities in this century is huge, he said.

The governor, however, expressed optimism that the outcome of the conference would help the state to redefine strategies for improving statistical data production, usage and dissemination.

Also, Mr Molla Asmare, Acting Head of Data Technology Section, African Centre for Statistics, UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Ethiopia told the participants about the projects of the commission.

Asmare said ECA had been implementing a project on the use of mobile devices for data collection in 11 countries in Africa.

He said that the project had convinced many countries to use mobile technology for the 2020 round Population and Housing Censuses and other surveys and census.

We are aware of the open data initiatives at global, regional and at country levels; these initiatives alluded to the fact that open data brings diverse benefits and efficiency.

The economic benefit from an easier access to data and statistics contribute to better social services and creation of economic benefits as well as create transparency to the society, he said.

The official also said that the organisation had an initiative on making official statistics by default, adding that the initiative garnered lots of attentions during the first world data forum.

We have piloted this initiative in Ethiopia and planning to roll out other African countries.

We promote the use of big data for official statistics which requires lots of research and devising methodology.

All these work can only be achieved with close collaboration with training and research institutions and professionals in the field like you, Asmare said.

In a lecture, Mr Michel Mouyelo-Kataoula , International Statistical Consultant, spoke on the topic How Useful are our Statistics to Government at all Levels and Ordinary Citizens.

Mouyelo-Kataoula said the government needed to work on data culture and create more awareness on data right and data language.

We need to review the way statistics is reported. We need to let every citizen know the usefulness of data and encourage them to use data, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of CBN, University of Lagos, National Population Commission and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) also spoke at the ceremony.

The conference, which started on Monday with two day pre-conference workshop to update members on new techniques of data gathering and processing, will end on Friday.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Makurdi that the camp was in compliance with international standards.

The camp was set up following flood which displaced more than 100,000 persons in Benue and affected21 local governments.

Iorhuna said a total number of 4,775 persons, including children, women and men were so far registered at the camp.

He added that we have so far registered 1,387 male children, 1,349 female children, 531 men, 642 women,585 children under the age of five, 92 pregnant women, 115 nursing mothers and 74 physically challenged persons.

The camp manager said UNICEF had already provided water and 40 toilets at the camp, while other basic needs of the IDPs were being met.

Mrs Joy Leva, a mother of twins living at the camp, appealed to government, donor agencies and individuals to assist her in feeding the children.

Leva, however, said that her children who were suffering from catarrh as a result of the flood and their stay in the camp were responding to treatment after being attended to by medical team at the camp.

She added that I have four children in all out of which two are twins. We were first displaced from the Airforce area as a result of the Jukun/Tiv crisis few months ago before we relocated to Gyado villa where our house was flooded.

We were sleeping when the incident occurred and we were unable to take anything out of our thatch house before it collapsed.

At the moment, the only thing we have were items giving to us by camp officials.
Obono-Obla, who is also the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution made this known when the Say no Campaign, a civil society organization, paid a courtesy call on him in Abuja.

He said that there was need for the government to collaborate with civil society groups in order to search out properties of looters of national treasury.

I want the houses taken over, that is where CSOs will have to work together with us.

We have to take over those building and sell them and maybe put the money into education for our children.

I was appointed to work to galvanise the anti corruption war this assignment is a very important one and I will do it well , he said.

Obono-Obla said that there was a law known as the Recovery of Public Property special provisions Act which had been in existence for the past 40 years without being implemented by successive regimes.

He said that if that law was used corruption would have been reduced drastically in Nigeria .

He said that the law stated that anyone who lied about their assets would go to prison for 21 years and if they had assets more than their earning their punishment was life imprisonment.

The prosecutor said that his office was ready to collaborate with civil society groups to fight corruption .

He urged them to submit the names of people who own properties illegally, especially public servants.

This is because I have been asked to focus on public sector corruption.

Obono-Obla said that public sector corruption was the endemic worm adding that bankers could also be investigated including anybody who could not explain the source of his wealth .

He said that the law had been in existence since Sept.30 1979 so anybody who had been in the local, state and federal governments from that period till date could be investigated .

Earlier, Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, one of the conveners of the Say no Campaign, said the campaign was birthed to fight against corruption, impunity, rape and election rigging.

Nwagwu said that the group sought partnership with the prosecution office because of his passion to fight against corruption adding that his appointment as chair would help the prosecution in Nigeria.

He said that the group had been worried about prosecutions in Nigeria especially that of anti corruption agencies because sometimes there were compromising issues that were involved .

So we want to be able to screen out particular areas where we will be coming in to assist you and if there are collaborative areas you think we can also collaborate, the CSOs will be able to do.

Nwagwu said that there were empty houses wasting in Abuja and most of them had been built for over 10 years and nobody lived in them .

He said that the group would partner with the office to ensure that the fight against corruption was intensified.

Mr Jaiye Gaskiya, another convener of the group said that there was a need for property identification scheme in Nigeria so property owners could have numbers just like the BVN.
Alhaji Ali Rabe, the Chairman of the association, made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Daura, Katsina State, on Wednesday.

Rabe said that the open door policy and engagement of experts in the business of governance as well as the anti-graft crusade of the government tremendously contributed to the feat.

He lauded the consistency, resilience, determination and commitment of current leadership which led to the exit of the country from recession.

The association chairman described the recent arrival of President Buhari in Daura to celebrate Eid-el Kabir as `morale booster to Nigerians, especially supporters of the APC and other well-wishers.

He said the seven days spent by the President in Daura had enhanced political loyalty, brotherhood and raised the hope of residents, adding that we are grateful to the President.

Rabe said that during the visit, the President met with different shades of opinions like youth associations, politicians, clerics and his blood relations.

NAN reports that the amalgamation comprised of 42 associations which cut across the five local government areas of Daura, Sandamu, Maiadua, Zango and Baire.
According to a report by Premium Times, doctors currently observing one year National Service Corps and doctors on internship, have been asked to resume duty pending the resolution of the on-going strike by resident doctors.

In a statement on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, the Ministry of Health stated that the minister gave the directive as a counter measure to the resident doctors strike so as to ensure continual health service delivery in the country.

This directive was contained in a circular Ref. No. C. 3132/Vol. V/116, of September 5, 2017, addressed to all Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of federal tertiary health institutions across the country.

The minister in an attempt to get the hospitals functional for continued service delivery to the public had earlier directed the heads of of federal government hospitals to ensure that all other doctors in various strata are deployed to fill the vacuum.

Adewole, it was further reported, issued the circular in an attempt to reduce the increased workload of consultants, NYSC doctors and House officers thereby preventing reduction in quality of service delivery to patients.

The minister had earlier approved the use of Armed Forces, Police and Federal Road Safety Health Facilities in ensuring continuous provision of health care services in the hospitals.

ALSO READ: Resident doctors demand serious commitment from FG

This was to ensure that patients get medical attention and are not turned back as resident doctors are known to attend to the bulk of the patients in government hospitals.

The government and the executives of the striking doctors are expected to meet today, Wednesday, September 6, 2017 for continued talks.

Resident doctors are post-graduate doctors on training at secondary and tertiary health institutions in Nigeria especially teaching hospitals. They are also under the employment of the federal government during their residency.
President Muhammadu Buhari made the promise on Wednesday while addressing the Internally Displaced persons (IDPs) at the International Market camp in Makurdi.

Represented by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the President expressed optimism that the dredging of the river would provide permanent solution to the problem.

He also hoped that the dredging would not only tackle flooding but also creates job opportunities for the youth.

We need to look at a realistic solution to this problem, the dredging of River Benue is very important in addressing this flood issue and we will do something about it, the President said.

Buhari said government was not only concerned about this years flood disaster but the 2012 disaster too and would find permanent solution to Benue incessant flooding.

The intention of the Federal Government is not just to assist flood victims but also to find ways of providing real opportunities to help Nigerians improve their standard of living.

Buhari reiterated his administrations determination to fulfill all its campaign promises to the citizenry.

Earlier, Gov. Samuel Ortom, while welcoming the President, appealed to the Federal Government to assist the state in dredging the river and complete ongoing drainage system in the state.

Ortom also commended the President for his prompt response and provision of relief materials to the flood victims.

He said that the state had received eight-truck load of relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), adding that five were on the way.

ALSO READ: Funmi Iyanda berates Sterling Bank over Benue flood post

He said Nasarawa State Government also donated four trucks of relief materials.

The governor commended the Nigerian Air force for the provision of healthcare system to the IDPs and other civil society groups for their various contributions as well.
The CJN said this while reacting to reports that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to Vanguard, Onnoghen said that he is ready to surrender himself to the anti-graft agency.

He also said that he is committed and ready to pay the price of making Nigeria a better place.

The CJN, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Awassam Bassey, said Our attention has been drawn to media reports quoting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as probing the Hon. The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, GCON, for yet-to-be disclosed reasons.

The reports in the media mentioned the reason for the investigation as intelligence which for now we take to be abstract.

However, the Hon. CJN wishes to use this medium to say that it is the first time he is being aware of any allegations or intelligence against him, neither has he been invited or called upon to offer any explanation on any impropriety.

However, the Hon. CJN wishes to assure the public that he has nothing to hide and is open to investigation.

As a committed patriot who has spent all his adult life in the temple of justice, the Hon. CJN is ready to pay the required price to make the nation a better place.

The commitment of the Hon CJN to the efforts of the current administration to rid the country of corrupt practices is unwavering and he will stop at nothing to see a new dawn in Nigerias Judiciary.

He will also not be distracted in his avowed reformative efforts to make the Nigerian Judiciary a beacon of well-rounded justice which the entire citizenry will be proud of.

The public is encouraged to keep faith and trust in the present administrations fight against corruption and be assured that the CJN is doing his best to reform the Judiciary accordingly.

EFCCs Head, Media & Publicity at the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren told newsmen that the report was not issued by the agency, Vanguard reports.
Okowa made the the remark shortly after the State Security Council meeting in Warri.

The meeting was held with the heads of security agents in the state.

Addressing newsmen, the governor said the synergy between the state and the security agencies, especially in information sharing had helped to reduce crimes and promoted peace in the state.

Every two weeks, we sit with security chiefs to analyse security situation in the state.

Today, it is heartwarming to note that issues of kidnapping and other security challenges came up, it was discovered that they are on downward trend.

I assure that this administration will continue to encourage the good working relationship with the security agencies, he said.

Okowa commended traditional and other community leaders for the effective collaboration with the state government to engage the youth to embrace peace.

He, however, expressed displeasure that the issue of illegal oil bunkering still persisted in spite of several measures adopted by the security agents to halt the menace.
The unions are made up of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

A statement jointly signed by Mr Sani Suleiman, Mr Chris Ani and Mr Samson Ugwoke, Presidents of NAAT, NASU and SSANU made this known in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ugokwe said that the Federal Government was taking the non-teaching staff of universities for granted as it had breached the implementation of agreement of 2009 and Memorandum of Understanding signed with JAC in January 2017.

He said the unions had waited for eight years for the government to implement the agreement it freely entered into with them.

According to him, eight years after the agreement, government has not been responsive to the demands of the unions and no action appears to have been taken on any of the issues.

Our demands includes, the payment of earned allowances to our members, a review of the governance system in our universities.

Improved funding in line with UNESCO recommendations, provisions of infrastructure in universities and payment of salary shortfall being owed members.

Implementation of the National Industrial Court judgment on University staff schools, registration of NUPEMCO, implementation of CONTISS 14 and 15 for technologists, improvement of teaching and learning facilities in the universities.

Stemming the tide of corruption in the university system, showing more commitment and seriousness in the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/University unions agreement, among others, he said.

He said that during the strike, there would be no provisions of services, no matter how skeletal.

He said that concessions would not be granted while all our members are to stay at home till further notice unless as directed by JAC through their respective presidents.

He, however, noted that the unions had engaged in various consultations and dialogues with government on the issues at stake and had written several letters and embarked on several protest to no avail.

Rather than address the demands of the union as contained in the agreement, universities have continued to deteriorate.

Also, poor governance system has become the order of the day and has brought the universities to their knees, he said.
When Alhassan led a delegation to the home of former Nigeria Vice President and APC chieftain, Atiku Abubakar this Sallah, she all but endorsed the 2019 presidential ambition of her host.

"Your excellency, our father the next president come 2019, God willing, Alhassan said.

Pause.

As far as gaffes go (if well consider this one), that has to be right up there among the very best.

In politics, you don't just abandon your boss for another. The English call that a betrayal.

Alhassans boss, President Muhammadu Buhari hasnt ruled himself out of a reelection contest in 2019 even though hes been battling health concerns midway through his first term.

Alhassan continued in Hausa: In your presence are your people, your supporters who will continue supporting you till forever.

"The people of Taraba State came to give their felicitations for the Sallah celebration and to rejoice with you on the achievement God has given you. For sure, God has already blessed you, this is like a reminder.

"It was an opportunity for seeing that my people are coming to greet you that is why I used the opportunity to join the entourage to come pay our homage.

"We are all here, this is the party chairman and the other chiefs, I was only chosen to lead the entourage and also as a member of the party (APC)."

Look, we do not know if Buhari will seek reelection in 2019. The best we know is that just last month, a top ranking Aso Rock official revealed to Pulse that Buhari is fit enough for the rigours of another gruelling presidential campaign.

"Buhari is fine. He is very, very fine. He is stronger than he was shortly before he left Nigeria for London, the top ranking presidency official told Pulse.

Pressed on whether Buhari has fully recovered and if Nigerians should be worried about seeing their president take to the skies soon to tend to his health troubles again, the aide shot back:

Buhari even runs these days. Thats how fit he is. He has fully recovered. The Doctors didn't keep him in London this long just to have him return there after only a few days.

Buhari is strong enough to run in 2019. He is physically strong enough for the rigours of another electioneering campaign. Yes. I believe he is even stronger now. Buhari isnt the kind of person to act dramato put up a show for the cameras. I worked with Buhari during the electioneering campaign of 2015. I knew how he was, up close and personal and I know how he is now".

It is the clearest indication yet, that Buhari may well seek reelection come 2019.

Or maybe Ministers and Federal Executive Council (FEC) members like Alhassan already know that Buhari wouldnt run again? Maybe hes told them he wont be running? Is that why Alhassan can refer to Atiku as the 'next President come 2019'?

Is Alhassan bored from working in Buhari's cabinet and just wants out?

Alhassan who is fondly called 'Mama Taraba' is no political greenhorn herself and must have chosen her words carefully on the day. She lost the Taraba governorship throne by a judicial ruling. She certainly won't choose to speak off the cuff at a gathering like the one in Atiku's home.

Lets be clearAtiku has never hidden his intention to someday run Nigeria as president. Hes been asking for the nation's top job since 1992 when Nigeria had two political parties in SDP and NRC.

Atiku fell out with his then boss, Olusegun Obasanjo, at the inception of the fourth republic because he was considered too ambitious for Baba Iyabos liking.

Atiku has swapped political parties recently because he just wants to be President.

He lost the PDP primary to Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 and lost the APC primary to Buhari in 2014.

Becoming president is what keeps Atiku up at night. Its what drives him.

Atiku will become President or die tryin'.

And you can bet hell be back in 2019 to ask for votes in his quest to become President.

Maybe Alhassan has shot herself in the foot and could well lose her job for publicly endorsing Atiku at a time her boss hasnt ruled himself out of the top job for another term?

No one knows just yet.

But one thing we do know is that she just called Atiku the next President of Nigeria in 2019. And coming from a serving minister in Buhari's cabinet, that's huge.
Alhassan called former Vice President Atiku Abubakar "Nigeria's next President in 2019...God willing" during a Sallah courtesy call at the home of the Turakin Adamawa.

Asked by BBC Hausa if her endorsement of Atiku won't get her axed from the cabinet, given that Buhari hasn't ruled out a reelection come 2019, Aisha said: "I am not afraid of Buhari, he can sack me from work".

Pulse has learned from presidency sources that 'Mama Taraba' already knows she won't make the cut when the cabinet is reshuffled in a few days.

According to Premium Times, Alhassan says she'll choose Atiku over Buhari if the latter's name is on the ballot in 2019.

"Atiku is my godfather even before I joined politics, she said. And again, Baba Buhari did not tell us that he is going to run in 2019.

Let me tell you today that if Baba said he is going to contest in 2019, I swear to Allah, I will go before him and kneel and tell him that Baba I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve your government as a minister but Baba just like you know I will support only Atiku because he is my godfather. If Atiku said he is going to contest.

If because of what I said, I am sacked, it will not bother me because I believe in Allah, that my time has elapsed that is why

Baba is not a mad man like those calling for my sack. They have been sending it and spreading that if Baba sees this I will be sacked.

Presidency insiders say a cabinet reshuffle is imminent and could happen in a few days.

Alhassan could be one of those dropped, top ranking Aso Rock officials disclosed.

Aisha Alhassan represented the people of Taraba North in the Senate between 2011 and 2015.

She made an unsuccessful run for the governorship of Taraba but lost that contest to Darius Ishaku.
Shittu made the call in Lagos on Wednesday at the Indo-Africa ICT Expo 2017, organised by the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council.

He said the partnership would ensure that Nigerian businesses could tap from the knowledge of their Indian counterparts to develop solutions for Nigerian and African markets.

According to him, there are numerous opportunities for partnerships between the public and private sectors in Nigeria and India.

I implore Indian investors to explore areas to further enhance the lives of our people through technology."

Nigeria has huge unmet ICT demand. Businesses were apprehensive until they realised the potential of ICT and are now willing to invest in this sector."

The unmet ICT demand in Nigeria offers huge opportunities for Indian companies in security, telecommunications, education, capacity building and other sectors, he said.

Citing the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Shittu said that out of the 940 million people living in the least developed countries, most of them being in Africa, only 89 million people use the internet, corresponding to a 9.5 per cent penetration rate.

He said that the ITU had projected that by the end of 2017; only 50 per cent households in developing countries would have internet access, compared with more than 80 per cent in the developing countries.

According to him, the statistics are a clear call for the need to identify opportunities for collaboration, sharing best practices and exploring inclusive technologies to drive the world into a truly connected community.

For business people looking forward to investing in Africa, Nigeria offers the best opportunity for your hub activities.

We have a robust economy with many opportunities for collaboration, a well educated population, pro-investor policies and focus and when we mean business, we mean big business.

Our commitment towards ICT innovations has made Nigeria well known in the tech space as at today.

We have over 145 million mobile subscribers, representing a penetration of 85.5 per cent, while internet penetration rate stands at about 70 per cent, he said.

The minister said that Nigeria was the fastest growing ICT market in Africa and in the worldwide, which was attributable to the improving conducive business environment.

Shittu said that India had proven its capacities in the ICT sector and was acknowledged as a preferred destination for services and outsourced research and development.

The Indian Minister of Communications, Mr Manoj Sinha, said that with Indias experience and expertise, the country could contribute in achieving ICT goals in Africa.

With ICT at the heart of national development, India and Africa could jointly enhance the well-being of the people.

Nigerias ICT policy has a mission to fully integrate ICTs into the socio-economic development, in other to transform Nigeria into a knowledge-based economy.
Under a deal reached with Sitarail's parent company, the French group Bollore, 400 million euros ($462 million) will be committed to modernising the route, Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Alpha Barry said.

The first phase, costing 130 million euros, will last four years, Barry said, without giving a completion date for the overall project.

"The work will start on September 15, there will also be orders for new material, new locomotives," said Eric Melet, chief executive for development at Bollore Transport and Logistics.

"It will go ahead very quickly."

The unelectrified single-line track traces its origins back to the late 19th century, when France was looking for ways to link the colonised Sahel to its trading posts on the Atlantic.

After many interruptions, the line began operation in 1954. After an economic crisis in the 1990s, management of the railways was handed to Sitarail.

The line plays a key role for landlocked Burkina Faso in transporting cotton and manganese exports to the coast, and in importing oil, cement and fertiliser.

But it suffers from poor track and ageing rolling stock, limiting train speed.

Rehabilitation of the line had been announced in September 2015 but work did not advance.

In September 2016, all traffic was stopped for two weeks after a bridge on the Ivorian side collapsed as a goods train was passing over, although without causing casualties.

"Economic growth between Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast is dynamic and there are lots of goods which have to be transported by rail," Melet said.

By rehabilitating the northern branch of the line to the mining town of Kaya, 100 kilometres north of Ouagadougou, "a million tonnes of minerals could be transported over the next four years," he said.
"I am allowing Japan & South Korea to buy a substantially increased amount of highly sophisticated military equipment from the United States," Trump said in a tweet.

Trump's statement came after North Korea on Sunday detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile, sparking global alarm with what was by far its most powerful test to date.

On Monday, the South's military launched a volley of ballistic missiles simulating an attack on the North's nuclear test site.

Trump did not elaborate on the kind of weaponry and equipment he had in mind, but the White House has said the president is willing to approve the sale of "many billions of dollars' worth of military weapons and equipment" to Seoul.

The White House statement also confirmed an earlier announcement by Seoul that the United States would lift restrictions on South Korean missile payload capabilities.

Seoul was previously restricted to a maximum warhead weight of 500 kilograms (1100 pounds) on its ballistic missiles, according to a bilateral agreement with the United States signed in 2001.
"It really worries me that the French president is currently undermining the pillars of the European Union and trying to introduce protectionism, striking at the free market and the circulation of people and services," Szydlo said on the TVP Info news channel Szydlo said on the TVP Info news channel.

"These are worrisome signals. I think now is the time when at least some of the EU's leaders must answer the question of whether unity is important to them... or whether some of these leaders want to divide the European Union."

Macron made overhauling the so-called Posted Workers Directive one of his key election promises, and is set to push for it at an EU summit on October 19-20.

The regulation lets companies send workers from low-wage countries like Poland to wealthier economies on short-term assignments without paying the host country's social charges.

The rule has caused resentment in western countries like France, Germany and Austria, which argue it amounts to "social dumping" that creates unfair competition on their labour markets.

But there has been staunch resistance in eastern and central Europe, where most of the less expensive workers come from. Poland is the EU member that benefits most from the regulation.

Addressing Warsaw's opposing views on the matter last month, Macron said Poland was "a country that has decided to go against European interests in many areas" and risks finding itself "on the margins" of the EU in the future.
But conditions in the camps have been widely criticised by doctors and refugee advocates, who say some asylum-seekers have suffered mental health problems due to their prolonged detention.

A deal was struck in June to avoid a trial, more than three years after lawyers mounted the class action against the government and two service providers operating at Manus, claiming they breached their duty of care.

The compensation package was approved by Victoria's Supreme Court on Wednesday. Nauru was not involved in the legal case.

Justice Cameron Macaulay told the court the settlement was "fair and reasonable".

The Manus centre is due to shut next month after a PNG Supreme Court ruling last year declared that holding people there was unconstitutional.

Lawyers for the group participating in the settlement said they hoped to get the compensation to them before the closure.

"These detainees came to Australia seeking refuge, compassion and protection, which were all denied to them by successive Commonwealth governments," said Rory Walsh of law firm Slater and Gordon.

"Today, the group has finally been delivered justice through the Australian legal system and the Supreme Court of Victoria.

"The result that has been achieved in this case - against significant odds - will allow meaningful compensation to be paid to group members much more quickly than would otherwise have been the case."

Money 'not the issue'

Distribution of the settlement will be supervised by the court, with a further hearing in October to determine when payments will start.

Some 72 percent, or 1,383, of the 1,923 detainees held at the centre from November 2012 to December 2014 joined the class action, with the court approving a two-and-half-week extension, allowing others to register if they chose.

While lawyers said most detainees were happy with the outcome, some opted out of the agreement, including Iranian refugee Amir Taghinia who said money was not the most important factor for him.

"Getting that money is not the issue," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation Wednesday, adding that little had changed regarding his situation on Manus.

"We are still in the same situation, we are still suffering from the same conditions. It is absolutely not in favour of any of the detainees in here, but it is in favour of the law firm and the defendant."

The government had no immediate comment Wednesday, but has said previously that the payout was not an admission of liability, but to avoid a costly six-month trial.
The statement, signed by the heads of the Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Lutheran and other churches, condemned an Israeli court decision allowing a pro-settlement group to take control of church land in a mainly Palestinian area of annexed east Jerusalem, as well as a bill in the Israeli parliament relating to church land.

"We see in these actions a systematic attempt to undermine the integrity of the of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, and to weaken the Christian presence," the statement said.

On July 31, a Jerusalem court upheld controversial real estate deals involving Israeli pro-settlement organisation Ateret Cohanim and the church for two hotel properties near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City.

The Greek Orthodox church has denied selling the land and called the ruling "politically motivated".

Separately a proposed bill in the Israeli parliament would transfer to the state all previously church-owned land that was sold to private investors, in exchange for compensation, Israeli media have reported.

The bill has yet to be passed but could damage future church property deals.

The statement said the two measures threatened a decades-old agreement between religions about the governing of sites in Jerusalem.

"We cannot stress strongly enough the very serious situation that this recent systematic assault on the status quo has had on the integrity of Jerusalem and on the well-being of the Christian communities of the Holy Land," it said.
The suspects are being held "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism", British police said in a statement.

Authorities said the four suspects arrested on British soil were aged between 22 and 32 and came from Birmingham, Ipswich and Northampton in England and Powys in Wales.

The defence ministry later said that some of the suspects were serving soldiers, but did not reveal how many.

"We can confirm that a number of serving members of the Army have been arrested under the Terrorism Act for being associated with a proscribed far right group," it said in statement.

"These arrests are the consequence of a Home Office Police Force led operation supported by the Army," it added.

One of the soldiers was detained in Cyprus, a defence ministry spokesman confirmed to AFP, and is to be transported to the UK where he will be arrested.

According to a British military source, the suspect is a soldier from the Anglian regiment based at Dhekelia garrison, outside Larnaca in southeast Cyprus.

Cyprus became independent from Britain in 1960, but the former colonial power retains sovereignty over some 99 square kilometres (38 square miles) of the island and has more than 7,000 military personnel stationed at its bases there.

The Anglian regiment has only recently arrived on the island for a tour of duty.

"The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led; there was no threat to the public's safety," the British police statement said, adding that raids were also being carried out on "a number of properties".

Cox, an MP from the main opposition Labour party, was shot and stabbed to death in her constituency by far-right nationalist Thomas Mair in June 2016.

Mair shouted "Britain first!" as he killed her.

National Action, which had praised Mair's actions, was banned in December.
Saakashvili, 49, is credited with pushing through pro-Western reforms in his native Georgia which he led from 2004 to 2013.

But he is currently wanted in his homeland for alleged abuse of power during his tumultuous nine years as president that saw him fight and lose a brief war against Russia in 2008.

He left in disgrace for Ukraine in 2015 to work for the country's pro-Western authorities as governor of the key Odessa region on the Black Sea.

But he quit in November 2016 amid a dramatic falling out with President Petro Poroshenko, who stripped him of his Ukrainian citizenship while he was out of the country.

Saakashvili wants to return to challenge that decision and to resume his political action.

"Every step taken against me in Georgia and in Ukraine was illegal. And I have people on my side, both in Ukraine and Georgia," he told AFP late Tuesday in a telephone interview.

He says Georgia's extradition request was driven by "oligarchs" who fear his presence in Ukraine, where he fought against corruption, and claims Tbilisi's accusations of "abuse of power" are politically motivated.

But he considers "the law is on my side" in both countries and wishes to defend himself against extradition in the Ukrainian courts.

"Now they are directly menacing to deport me to Georgia. But even for that, for me to be extradited, I need to be in Ukraine, physically. I need to be allowed in Ukraine, I need to go through judicial procedures in Ukraine," he said.

"I am a Ukrainian patriot because I spent many years of my life in Ukraine," he said.

"I have a political party which I am heading in Ukraine... I have obligations towards people who joined my party, who support me.

Saakashvili lost his Georgian citizenship when he was granted a Ukrainian passport in 2015, as the country bans dual citizenship, and so now is effectively stateless.

"For me, Ukraine is not a finished business, we need to fight and finish reforms there. That's why I am so motivated to go back," he said, explaining why he refuses to take citizenship of another European country.

Saakashvili said he expects to be greeted at the border by "dozens of Ukrainian MPs, by many thousands of our supporters".

He said he was not afraid of being "kidnapped" when he arrives and sent to Georgia but "it would be a gross criminal act ordered by the president".

On Wednesday he heads to Brussels to meet European parliamentarians and said the "silence of the European Commission is not helpful".
He had taken a room in the hotel while he looked for new lodgings in the Uruguayan capital after he had fought with his wife, his lawyer Alejandro Balbi said.

Local media said registering for new accommodation would have helped expose Morabito, who had been on the run for 23 years.

Now Uruguay authorities are investigating how he managed to quietly live in the resort town of Punta del Este for the past 13 years without being detected.

So far their investigation has found that he had obtained Uruguayan residence papers after presenting a Brazilian passport in the name of Francisco Capeletto in 2004.

Until their recent separation, Morabito had lived with his wife -- an Angolan national with a Portuguese passport named as Paula Maria De Oliveira Correia -- and their daughter, according to the interior ministry.

By all accounts, he lived a quiet life in Punta del Este, a resort known as a playground for South America's rich about 90 minutes drive north of Montevideo.

However, last February he threw a big coming-of-age party for his daughter who was turning 15 -- a tradition in Uruguay -- inviting classmates and their parents to one of the town's trendy venues.

It seems the Uruguayan authorities had begun to take notice around then. The interior ministry said his arrest was part of a police operation code-named Calabria which began in March.

-- Low Profile --

Morabito, a capo with the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta, Italy's most feared organized crime gang, is being held in a Montevideo prison, accused of forging identity documents, pending the arrival of an extradition request from Italy.

The Italian justice ministry said extradition documents are being prepared.

Morabito's family had been renting a house in a well-heeled part of Punta del Este since last June, the owner of the property Daniel Puig told AFP.

Real-estate broker Puig met Morabito three years ago when he sold him a 600-hectare country estate with a Tuscan style farmhouse located some 40 kilometers from Punta del Este.

The family lived there until last year.

Puig and other Punta del Este residents were stunned to learn of the real identity of their acquaintance.

"He's not a drug dealer type, someone who goes out to restaurants, having a luxury car. He was low profile," Puig said. Morabito even drove around in a "super modest Chinese car."

"He was a good person. He lived for his daughter," he said.

According to a man who worked for the family, Oliveira was an enthusiastic buyer of artworks, and the estate had many paintings, dinnerware and expensive objects.

Morabito, on the other hand, "liked to cook. The kitchen was full of spices," said the man, who wished to remain anonymous.

Another neighbor described Oliveira as "an elegant lady, she seemed high-class. She wasn't nouveau riche. And she didn't speak about him."

Oliveira has made no comment and has reportedly taken refuge in a hotel with her daughter.

-- King of Cocaine --

Morabito arrived in trendy Milan from his hometown of Africo in Italy's poor southern region of Calabria at the age of 23, and quickly carved out a reputation as the city's "king of cocaine".

Nicknamed 'U Tamunga' in reference to a German military vehicle, the Dkw Munga, in Milan the young Morabito became a charismatic figure who frequented bars and parties, according to Italian press reports.

He quickly came to the attention of Italian anti-Mafia investigators and they regularly tracked him delivering suitcases filled with millions of lira to Colombian drug traffickers in a Milan piazza.

Police finally moved in on his birthday as he made what would be his last delivery, in October 1994, but the capo managed to escape.
A US-drafted resolution obtained by AFP also called for banning textile exports and ending payments made to North Korean laborers sent abroad, further depriving the regime of revenue to pursue its military programs.

The United States circulated the proposed resolution to the 14 other council members two days after Ambassador Nikki Haley called for the "strongest possible measures" to be imposed on North Korea.

Haley said the United States was seeking a vote on the new sanctions on Monday, but it remained an open question whether Russia and China, which have veto power at the council, would back the tough measures.

The draft text takes aim directly at North Korea's leadership with a freeze on leader Kim's assets as well as those of the ruling Worker's Party of Korea and the government of North Korea.

Kim would be added to a UN sanctions blacklist that would subject him to a global travel ban, along with four other senior North Korean officials, according to the draft.

The state-owned Air Koryo airline would be hit with an assets freeze, as would the Korean People's Army, the ruling party's central military commission and seven other government or party departments.

All countries would be authorized to seize and inspect North Korean cargo vessels on the UN sanctions list, according to the 13-page document. An annex adds the names of nine ships to the blacklist.

Will China, Russia support sanctions?

North Korea on Sunday triggered global alarm when it detonated what it described as a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile, which was followed by signs that Pyongyang was preparing a new missile launch.

The United States presented the new raft of measures after President Donald Trump spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and told him that military action against North Korea was not his "first choice."

China, North Korea's main ally and trading partner, and Russia argue that sanctions alone will not resolve the North Korea crisis and are calling for talks with Pyongyang.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has said a vote on Monday on the sanctions was "a little premature" and warned that any new measure must not worsen the humanitarian crisis in North Korea.

Experts say a ban on oil supplies would be devastating for ordinary North Koreans.

"People will be forced to walk or not move at all, and to push buses instead of riding in them," said a report by the Nautilus Institute think tank. "There will be less light in households due to less kerosene."

The ban will lead to more deforestation, the report said, as North Koreans will be forced to cut down trees to produce charcoal, leading to "more erosion, floods and more famine" in the already impoverished country.
Authorities believe there may have been three people on board -- one from Mexico and two from Colombia -- based on identity cards found.

"The body was really decomposed, so we couldn't identify it with the ID cards we found on the boat," Likiep Atoll Mayor Veronica Wase said.

The IDs were for a Mexican and two Colombians -- one of whom was a fisherman for "ornamental fish" according to another document found on the boat.

Two fishermen from Likiep found the boat last Friday and alerted local officials with Wase calling in government, law enforcement and health officials from the capital Majuro.

The body was left on the atoll, 386 kilometres north of Majuro, until it was cremated earlier this week to avoid any health problems for local residents, authorities said.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff said they were communicating with the Mexican embassy in the Philippines about the find.

Three years ago an El Salvadoran, Jose Alvarenga, survived 14 months adrift from Mexico, floating into Ebon Atoll in the Marshall Islands on a similar size fibreglass boat.

Another fisherman with Alvarenga died during the voyage.
"Peace is what Colombia has sought for a long time, and she is working to achieve it: a stable and lasting peace, so that we see and treat each other as brothers and not as enemies," the pope said in a video message on Monday.

"Peace reminds us that we are all children of the same Father, who loves and consoles us," he said ahead of the five-day tour, which will see him meet both those persecuted and their tormentors.

The Colombian conflict has left 260,000 people confirmed dead, 60,000 unaccounted for and seven million displaced.

Efforts to break the bloody cycle have proved controversial: Colombia's biggest guerrilla group, the FARC, disarmed under a historic peace accord, but critics say the rebels are getting off too lightly.

Colombians narrowly rejected the peace deal in a referendum last year.

The pontiff had tried unsuccessfully to mediate between President Juan Manuel Santos and the lead opponent of the accord, conservative leader Alvaro Uribe.

Santos and the FARC then tweaked their agreement and the government pushed it through congress in spite of continuing resistance from Uribe's side.

Testimony from survivors, oppressors

Vatican experts said Francis would be walking a diplomatic tightrope on the trip between calls for justice and mercy.

"Church officials are insisting Francis isn't going (to Colombia) to support the agreement itself," said Ines San Martin, correspondent for the specialist religious website Cruxnow.com.

"A distinction must be made between the common desire for peace and the signing of the agreement," she wrote.

The 80-year old Argentine, who will be making his 20th foreign trip as pope and fifth to his native Latin America, will touch down late afternoon Wednesday in Bogota, where he will be serenaded by traditional musicians.

There he will meet with Santos and leaders of the Catholic Church in Venezuela who have been attempting to help mediate in their country's crisis.

Based at the Vatican mission in the capital city, Francis will then make daily excursions by plane to the cities of Villavicencio, Medellin and Cartagena.

In Villavicencio, he will beatify two Catholic priests killed during the conflict, before presiding over a prayer for national reconciliation with victims of violence, former guerrilla members and ex-military fighters.

On stage with Francis will be the Bojaya Crucifix, which was badly damaged in a 2002 explosion in a church where hundreds of people had sought refuge from fighting. At least 79 of those sheltering inside were killed.

The pontiff will also meet with orphans in Medellin, considered the cocaine capital of the world during the reign of ruthless 1980s drug-kingpin Pablo Escobar.
The United Nations said 123,600 had crossed into Bangladesh in the past 11 days following an uptick in fighting between militants and Myanmar's military in strife-torn western Rakhine state, which raised fears of a humanitarian disaster.

The latest violence, which began last October when a small Rohingya militant group ambushed border posts, is the worst Rakhine has witnessed in years, with Erdogan last week accusing Myanmar of "genocide" against the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Erdogan has stepped up diplomacy and spoke on the phone with Muslim leaders during the Islamic Eid al-Adha festival, seeking ways to solve the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. He also spoke with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In the phone call with Suu Kyi, a former political prisoner of Myanmar's junta, Erdogan said growing human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims "deeply concerned" the entire world, sources from his office said.

Suu Kyi has come under fire over her perceived unwillingness to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or chastise the military.

Erdogan said Turkey "condemns terror and operations against innocent civilians", adding that the developments in Myanmar had turned into a "serious humanitarian crisis which caused worry and resentment."

The Turkish leader had previously said he would bring up the issue at the next UN General Assembly in New York later this month.

Guterres on Friday said he was "deeply concerned" by the situation in Myanmar and called for "restraint and calm to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe".
The two forces have "dismantled a jihadist terror cell made up of six individuals, one of whom was arrested in Melilla and five in Morocco," said a statement from Spain's interior ministry. Melilla is a tiny Spanish enclave in North Africa.

The arrests came nearly three weeks after a group of jihadists, many of them of Moroccan origin, killed 16 people in two deadly attacks using vehicles and knives in Barcelona and another seaside resort in northeastern Spain.

"An investigation by the Moroccan security services found evidence that this group was planning large-scale terror attacks, holding discreet nighttime meetings during which they carried out physical training and simulated murder by decapitation," the ministry said.

A similar statement issued by the Moroccan interior ministry and quoted by MAP news agency, referred to group members "training how to slit throats with knives."

The agency said the cell became active in Beni Chiker, a town in the northeastern province of Nador, with its members "planning to carry out a range of execution operations in Morocco and Spain."

Five of the suspects are Moroccan nationals, one of whom had residency in Spain, while the sixth was a Spanish national of Moroccan origin, it said.

Police in Spain said the leader of the cell was a 39-year-old Spaniard of Moroccan origin living in Melilla. He was arrested by the security forces while visiting Morocco.

"He used his position as an assistant teacher in a centre for reeducating minors to carry out recruitment activities and to radicalise young people in a vulnerable situation," the interior ministry said.
The Circa '21 Speakeasy in downtown Rock Island will host its 3rd-annual Laugh Hard Challenge, a stand-up comedy competition this month.

There will be two preliminary rounds -- this Saturday night, and the next, Sept. 16, with the finals on Sept. 30. The winner of the competition will receive $1,000.and the title of Laugh Hard Champion. There are 30 comedians competing, from as far away as Denver, Colo., and St. Charles, Mo., as well from across Iowa and Illinois (including Quad-City comics).

"We are very excited to be hosting this regional competition for the third year," said Brett Hitchcock, Circa's director of audience development. "Over the past six years, comics have told us all the time The Speakeasy is one of the best venues for stand up comedy in the Midwest. I think that's one of the reasons comics come from all over to perform in this competition."

"We are also excited to have several club owners and managers from other stand-up clubs in the Midwest coming to be judges for us," he said.

Fifteen comedians will perform in each preliminary round and the top five from each will move to the finals, Mr. Hitchcock said. The comics will be judged on originality, creativity of content, stage presence, and audience response. Each comic will do a five-minute set.

Tickets for the shows (at 1818 3rd Ave., Rock Island) are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show and can be reserved by calling 309-786-7733, ext. 2, or at thecirca21speakeasy.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the shows start at 8 p.m.
CAMBRIDGE -- Geneseo police received a call Aug. 24 about an individual passing a fake $20 bill and ultimately arrested Demetri L. Tyler, 24, of Matteson, Ill., on 14 counts of forgery.

At a preliminary hearing for Mr. Tyler Tuesday in Henry County Circuit Court, Geneseo Police Det. Ben Sleaford testified that Beck Oil initially ran the $20 through a machine that checks for counterfeit bills. He said Bill Schenk of the Secret Service verified the bill was fake.

Officer Darren Jaros found the suspect's vehicle, a hired Chevy Tahoe, and an additional 13 bills were found in the back seat -- all verified as counterfeit. Three subjects were found in the back of the vehicle, and store surveillance video was used to identify Mr. Tyler as the individual making the transaction at Beck's. According to the detective, Mr. Tyler first identified himself as Shannon Tyler.

Mr. Tyler later admitted to authorities he knew some of the money was counterfeit, according to Det. Sleaford.

Judge Jeffrey O'Connor found probable cause to believe a felony had been committed, and a Sept. 21 pretrial hearing was set.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  Illinois public health experts say they're seeing fewer human cases of the West Nile virus this summer but still asking residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites, which cause the infection.

Fewer pools of mosquitoes and fewer dead birds across Illinois are testing positive for the virus this year compared to last year, said Melaney Arnold, spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health.

The state has so far received 16 reported human cases this year, compared to nearly 90 statewide this time last year, the Springfield Journal-Register reported . Still, officials are urging the public to keep taking steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

Sangamon County has treated places where mosquitoes breed and has also supplied larvicide to municipalities to reduce the mosquito population, said Jim Stone, director of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health.

West Nile inflames the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, according Steven O'Marro, an infectious-disease specialist with Springfield Clinic.

About 70 to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile don't exhibit any symptoms, while 20 to 30 percent may get West Nile fever and feel weak and get muscle aches but require no medical treatment, according to Dr. David Warren, an infectious-disease specialist at Washington University School of Medicine. He said only about 1 to 2 percent of patients get severe complications that result in hospitalization and sometimes death.

"I'm a big proponent now of people taking precautions," said Jack Handy, a Springfield man still recovering from the West Nile-related encephalitis he acquired last year.

Handy said he never took any of the recommended precautions when he was affected, such as avoiding outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, applying repellent, and wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside.

Warren said it's important to reduce risk of mosquito bites because West Nile is just one of several diseases spread by the insect.
ROUND LAKE, Ill. (AP)  The mother of a suburban Chicago man who was shot and killed by a police officer is suing, claiming excessive force was used.

The (Arlington Heights) Daily Herald reports that Arona Musson filed the lawsuit in federal court in Chicago on Friday. It alleges that Round Lake police officer Valerie Liss didn't have reasonable cause to kill 22-year-old Michael Musson of Grayslake in September 2016.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, claiming excessive force, wrongful death and battery.

Liss fatally shot Musson during a struggle after he allegedly tried to break into a residence. Round Lake Village Administrator Steven Shields says the village hasn't been served the lawsuit and couldn't comment.

Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim in July said the shooting was justified after a 10-month investigation.
MILAN -- Adjustments will need to be made to the budget for the village to stay on track, a result mostly attributed to state budget changes.

According to finance director Mark Hunt, there originally was set to be a $20,000 surplus in the general fund budget. Now, due to the state of Illinois taking more in taxes from local government, the village's general fund will be $11,000 in the hole if the budget goes as planned.

According to Mr. Hunt's calculations, Milan will be short more than $80,000 from the original budget estimate. To make up for that, nearly $49,000 has been cut from various spots in the budget.

Mr. Hunt says one place many of the cuts will come from is deferring maintenance for various projects around the village.

"Some of these things will come back to haunt you later," he warned the board, explaining that the downside is that while it may save money now, it could cost more in the future when those projects become a higher priority.

However, "to be prudent, I think it's in the best interest of the village," he said, adding that it could affect bond rates and other factors since the village will be acting in a more fiscally responsible manner than by taking it all from reserves.

Mr. Hunt says that while projects that have an immediate need will still be done, others will fall by the wayside to save money, such as removing old picnic shelters or other projects that can wait.

However, he and administrator Steve Seiver say it's important to note these are internal changes only -- and that budgets are always subject to change because things come up.

Both the general fund and police pension fund (which is seeing just over a $17,000 deficit) are seeing the biggest hits, but Mr. Hunt and Mr. Seiver both say they are fortunate to have enough in reserves to cover everything.

"We're not in near as bad of a situation as many communities are," Mr. Seiver said.

"I think we're doing equal to or better than other communities, especially when it comes to police pension funding," Mr. Hunt echoed.

The board also:

-- Learned the former Blackhawk Auto Plex building has been purchased by a developer who has plans to bring something new to Milan. The plans are still in the early stages, but inspector Steve Moller says he is excited at what is to come.

-- Approved the semi-monthy and miscellaneous bills totaling $64,717.49

-- Discussed what is to come for QComm911, the emergency dispatch center that will be a joint effort between Milan, East Moline and Silvis. Layouts are in the works for the center, which will be based in Milan.
MOLINE -- Democrat Brandon Sanchez has announced his candidacy for the 36th District of the Illinois State Senate, challenging the seat currently held by Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia.

He will face Democratic opponent and East Moline resident Gregg Johnson in the March 2018 primary.

Mr. Sanchez, 22, works as a special education paraprofessional at Lincoln Irving Elementary School in Moline. The native of Moline and Hampton graduated from Moline High School in 2013. He is two classes away from earning his bachelor's degree in history from Carthage College, with a minor in political science.

Mr. Sanchez said he first became interested in politics during Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2007 when he attended a rally at Bettendorf High School.

He volunteered for several campaigns, including the re-election of U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, and Rob Zerban, who ran against U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan for the 1st Congressional District in Wisconsin in 2014.

From 2014 to 2015, he was an activist for a group called Wolf PAC, a non-partisan political action committee whose goal is to overturn Citizens United, the ruling that eliminated restrictions on political spending by corporations.

"We were trying to get an Article 5 convention called," Mr. Sanchez said. "It would be an amendatory convention to have all states call to amend the Constitution. We want an amendment to overturn Citizens United. We need to get big money out of politics."

To promote the cause, Mr. Sanchez traveled to Springfield to canvass at the Illinois State Fair for signatures. He gathered the support of former legislators Mike Smiddy, Pat Verschoore, and Mike Jacobs, who supported the resolution, called SJR 42.

Mr. Sanchez's hard work was rewarded when SJR 42 passed the General Assembly.

"Illinois became the third state in the country to call for that convention," he said. "I was really proud of that work. We fulfilled our goal to get Illinois on that list of states. I believe very strongly in it.

"I am not going to take any money from corporations, billionaires, or PAC (political action committee) money. Politicians shouldn't be beholden to big donors. They should work for the best interest of their constituents."

Mr. Sanchez said he was inspired to run for office because he didn't like what he saw in Washington and Springfield.

"There is a lot of work that has to be done," he said. "There are things that need to change. If I'm not going to get involved, what's the point of just being the guy who types out on Facebook how angry he is?

"Sometimes I think about the Civil Rights movement and I think what would I do in a situation like that? Then I see (white supremacist marches) in Charlottesville, or I see Black Lives Matter protesters being called terrorists. Well, Martin Luther King Jr. was called a terrorist.

"I'm living in the time when I would ask myself, what would I do? I'm not doing my civic duty if I'm not getting involved in some way."

In 2016, he continued supporting other Democratic candidates by working as a communications director for Wisconsin's 1st District Congressional candidate Tom Breu.

After Hillary Clinton secured the Democratic nomination in 2016, Mr. Sanchez worked as a fellow for the Democratic National Committee in Racine, Wis., focusing on the campaigns of Secretary Clinton, U.S. Senate candidate Russ Feingold, and down ballot candidates.

Mr. Sanchez said the incumbent, Sen. Anderson, has "tried to campaign as a moderate, but not govern as one."

He criticized Sen. Anderson for saying he supported state funding for schools, but then voted against Senate Bill 1, the original legislation written to provide more equitable funding between rich and poor school districts.

"He voted against appropriating that money three separate times. Illinois has the least equitable school funding in the country," Mr. Sanchez said.

"What I offer is an inspirational proactive agenda. This state has a unique opportunity right now. For so long, people have felt like their government isn't fighting for them. Everyone deserves to be fought for."

Mr. Sanchez also supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, noting 70 percent of the economy is supported by consumer spending, and 59 percent of the workforce are hourly workers.

"The minimum wage of $8.25 is not enough. You can't work at minimum wage and afford an apartment. It's just not a reality. People shouldn't have two jobs just to survive."

Mr. Sanchez advises phasing in the wage increase to allow businesses time to adjust.

He also supports giving tax credits and subsidies to companies and small businesses willing to use green energy.

"I think one of the biggest arguments for clean energy is the Kentucky Coal Museum just switched to solar panels because it's cheaper than coal energy.

"Even I can see that Illinois is not going the way it should be. People of this district deserve better. Everyone deserves to have someone fight for them in government.

"I am trustworthy, I am honest, and I have honor. I am motivated to make a difference."
ROCK ISLAND -- Helping students achieve their goals is the function of the Rock Island-Milan School District, Superintendent Mike Oberhaus said Tuesday.

"We help build their dreams every day," Mr. Oberhaus said during the annual State of the Schools address Tuesday at a joint Kiwanis/Rotary meeting.

He said helping students be successful also is the responsibility of the community at large and thanked the Kiwanis and Rotary members for their contributions. These included Kiwanis members gathering school supplies for students and Rotary members helping Earl Hanson Elementary and the district's entrepreneurship class.

The State of the Schools address, in its 22nd year, outlines what the district anticipates for itself and its students in the coming year, and covers what happened the year before.

Among student achievements already accomplished in the 2017-18 year are 26 students coming into their senior years as Charles O. Austin Scholars, a designation earned for holding a consistent 3.5 grade-point average for a number of quarters, according to a release issued with the talk.

Another accomplishment was student MyKeisha Walls receiving the Rock Island Youth Citizen of the Year award, the release states.

Other things underway or expected this year, according to Mr. Oberhaus and the release:

-- Revenue from the recently passed sales tax for school capital projects has allowed the district to begin building a secure entrance for Ridgewood Elementary.

The roofs of several schools, including Rock Island High School, already have been replaced this summer using the money, he said.

-- Enrollment as of early Tuesday afternoon was 5,916 across the district. That is down about 57 students compared to last year, but Mr. Oberhaus said students still were enrolling for the new school year.

Mr. Oberhaus said enrollment of students from poor households and those who do not speak English has increased. About 634 students could qualify for English Language Learner programs, and about 75 percent of the entire student body are eligible for free or reduced-cost meals this year.

-- The district has launched an initiative to encourage student attendance. The Challenge 5 program is an attempt to keep a student's absences to five or fewer days per school year.

-- Recent changes in the state funding mechanism for schools means the district is expecting about $2 million from the state, but that has been counter-balanced by the loss of $1.2 million in other tax revenue.

Mr. Oberhaus and the release also highlighted a number of the happenings from the 2016-17 school year:

-- Rock Island High School had 17 Illinois State Scholars and students from Rocky's Entrepreneurship program won a $7,500 award for their company in a national competition.

-- Junior high students from Edison and Washington did well during the MathCounts competition.

-- High school music students, art students and athletes also performed well.

-- Logan Haskill, a high school student, received the Prudential Community of Spirit Award for services performed for the community.

-- Almost 400 students graduated in June, the release states.

Mr. Oberhaus said about 90 more in that cohort did not, though there are students in that latter group who could graduate this year or the next.

"We have much work to do to ensure that every child has the opportunity for success," Mr. Oberhaus said.
SAFFORD, Ariz. (AP)  An Iraqi student jet fighter pilot was killed when an F-16 jet crashed during a training mission in southeastern Arizona, authorities said Wednesday.

First Lt. Lacey Roberts of the Arizona Air National Guard's 162nd Wing said the Air Force is investigating the crash, which occurred Tuesday about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Tucson.

The pilot's identity was not released. His death was the second of an Iraqi pilot flying an F-16 that crashed in Arizona in recent years.

Roberts said the plane belonged to the Iraqi air force and that the routine training mission was being conducted in conjunction with the 162nd Wing, which is based at Tucson International Airport.

The jet crashed in desert terrain, leaving a crater and scattered debris, said Graham County Undersheriff Carl "Jeff" McCormies.

The U.S. military is training Iraqi pilots to fly F-16s at the request of Iraq's government, Roberts said.

In July 2015, an Iraqi brigadier general flying from the 162nd died when his F-16, a newer model recently delivered to the Iraqi air force, crashed during night training near Douglas.

In January 2016, a Taiwanese pilot on a training flight from Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix was killed when his F-16 went down in Yavapai County.

The 162nd Wing is the Air Guard's biggest F-16 training operation and conducts training missions across southern and central Arizona military ranges.

The wing has hosted training since 1990 and has trained pilots from Iraq, Singapore, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Oman, Belgium and the Netherlands.
GENEVA (AP)  Syrian President Bashar Assad's air force conducted a sarin-gas attack that killed at least 83 civilians in April, one of 20 chemical weapons attacks perpetrated by the Syrian government in the past four years, U.N.-mandated investigators said Wednesday.

The investigators also appealed to the U.S.-led coalition to better protect civilians as it strikes at Islamic State militants in the east.

The latest report by the Commission of Inquiry on Syria offers among the strongest evidence yet of allegations that Assad's forces carried out the April 4 attack on Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib province in which dozens of people were killed. The United States quickly blamed the Syrian government and launched a punitive strike on Shayrat air base, where the report says the Sukhoi-22 plane took off.

Syrian government officials have denied responsibility, and said last month that they would allow in U.N. teams to investigate. Russia says the United States and its Western allies rushed to judgment and blamed the Syrian government without ever visiting the site.

"We have analyzed all the other interpretations" of who might have conducted the attack, commission chairman Paulo Pinheiro said at a Geneva news conference. "It is our task to verify these allegations, and we concluded ... that this attack was perpetrated by the Syrian air force."

Wednesday's report, the 14th by the commission since it was set up by the U.N.'s Human Rights Council in 2011, covers little more than four months, from March to early July. The report is based on information retrieved from satellite images, video, photos, medical records, and over 300 interviews.

"The commission finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Syrian forces attacked Khan Sheikhoun with a sarin bomb at approximately 6.45 a.m. on 4 April, constituting the war crimes of using chemical weapons and indiscriminate attacks in a civilian inhabited area," the report said.

The commission said the Khan Sheikhoun chemical attack killed at least 83 people and wounded 293. It was among four chemical attacks the commission tallied over the span of its investigation  including the use of "weaponized chlorine" in three other locations.

However it documented 25 incidents of chemical weapons use in Syria between March 2013 and March 2017, of which 20 were perpetrated by government forces and used primarily against civilians.

The report, which also documents violations by al-Qaida's branch and other militant groups in Syria, said the commission is gravely concerned about the impact of coalition air strikes on civilians in Raqqa, where U.S.-backed Syrian forces are battling IS. It also accused U.S. forces of failing to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians when attacking a mosque near Aleppo in March.

The report comes as Assad's forces have advanced on a number of fronts against IS and other insurgent groups. De-escalation zones set up by Russia, Iran and Turkey have meanwhile sharply reduced the fighting in some areas.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russian and Iranian firepower and troops, on Tuesday broke a nearly three-year siege by the Islamic State group over parts of the eastern city of Deir el-Zour.

Syrian activists on Wednesday said fierce fighting is underway between pro-government forces and IS militants around a garrison in Deir el-Zour, after an IS counterattack late Tuesday involving multiple suicide bombings. The fighting was centered around the military base of the 137th Brigade on the outskirts of Deir el-Zour, where the siege had been breached the day before.

The advance of government forces in Deir el-Zour was a breakthrough against the militants for Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies, and could soon provide relief for tens of thousands of civilians besieged by IS since early 2015 who have been reliant on erratic air drops for survival.

The U.N.'s Syria envoy, Staffan de Mistura, expressed hope that lifting the siege on Deir el-Zour will soon allow for humanitarian access to flow into the besieged eastern city in a much cheaper and more effective way.

The Lebanese militant Hezbollah group whose fighters are among Iranian-backed forces pushing toward Deir el-Zour congratulated the Syrian leadership.

In a statement Wednesday, it said this latest achievement is a "prelude for the liberation of all remaining Syrian territory." It described it as a victory also for Syria's allies who stood by it.

The commander of the Russian forces in Syria, Col. Gen. Sergei Surovikin, said Russian jets have carried out more than 2,600 airstrikes in the past two weeks to support the government's efforts to drive IS from Deir el-Zour.
It had been the better part of four decades since he had heard the voice, but it was

still so "Wyoming,'' so "Cowboy.''

" 'Hey, Hooter,' came from the other end of the phone,'' said Moline native "Hooter'' Van Houtte, otherwise known as retired Marine Sgt. Michael F. Van Houtte.

"It was Cowboy (Dave Gustafson), and it was like we had talked the day before and not 40-plus years ago,'' said Van Houtte, an ever-gracious and humble man who grew up in Moline, served his country gallantly as a U.S. Marine, and then spent the rest of his life in La Mirada, Calif.

"I knew that voice. He asked me if I received my medal. I said all of us who got clipped a little received Purple Hearts. He said he was talking about the Bronze Star (with 'V' for Valor). I told him I didn't know anything about that. Well, I soon found out what was going on.''

Truth is, Cowboy, knowing what then Lance Cpl. Michael Van Houtte did on an April day in 1967, joined forces with other members of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division in Vietnam to make sure their pal was honored for his heroism.

After four years of submissions and numerous personal accounts shared by those involved, Van Houtte finally was recognized for his valor. The ceremony honoring the 68-year-old took place at Camp Pendleton, Calif., 50 years after his heroic act. Col. Christopher Gideon, commanding officer of 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, presented Van Houtte with the Bronze Star with the "V" device.

According to the citation that accompanied the medal, Lance Cpl. Van Houtte's company reinforced another infantry company that was pinned down in a rice paddy in the Que Son valley. The valley was seen as one of the keys to controlling South Vietnam's five northern provinces during the war.

Under heavy fire, Van Houtte and his squad returned fire on the enemy that had dug in on the far side of the rice paddy. Van Houtte left his covered position and fearlessly traversed the fire-swept terrain multiple times and pulled several wounded Marines to safety. He continued leading his squad in the counter attack until he was wounded by an enemy mortar round, sustaining injuries to his head and neck, and had to be evacuated.

"It was Vietnam, and if they put in for something like a medal, you never knew what was going to happen with the paperwork,'' said Van Houtte, who served in the Marine Corps from March 1966 until January 1971. "Guys were coming and going so fast that you might not have been in the place where they thought you were to give it to you. And hey, I was just another guy doing his job that particular day, so I never thought much of it.''

Van Houtte said he was honored and touched by what transpired. He is forever grateful that so many sought to have him honored and that he was able to share the day with family and friends. He and his wife, Vicki, are proud parents of eight, grandparents of 19, and great-grandparents of one.

"It was a proud moment,'' said Van Houtte, who retired after working many years in the trucking industry and as a sales associate. "Things are so different today than they were when we came home from Vietnam. There is appreciation today -- unlike then -- for what we were asked to do.''

An honest and open sort, Van Houtte said he struggled to find his way as a youngster in Moline, but the Marines afforded him a new lease on life.

"I guess by today's standards, I wasn't such a troubled kid, but I had a hard time figuring it out while I was growing up,'' he said. "But the Marines changed all that. I had an opportunity to get things right, and it was the best decision I could have made. I got nicked up a bit that day, but I was just doing my job.''

After 50 years, it's great to see Van Houtte recognized for doing more than just his job.
Celebrating Our Service Members

Friday, November 11 is Veterans Day, when we honor and show gratitude to all members of our Armed Forces  those currently serving, those who...

Transit Equity Starts With QueensLink

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G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now!
We see a danger that the transalpine intermodal railway system, which has been built up over decades and functioned well for years and on which so many logistics companies have collaborated so effectively, will fall to pieces, says Mr Robert Breuhahn, managing director at Kombiverkehr.

Kombiverkehr transports more than 350,000 truck consignments over the Gotthard and Brenner routes to and from Italy every year. It says the problem is made worse by the fact that alternative routes between Germany and Italy are plagued by lack of capacity and resources, border controls, poorly coordinated infrastructure works, and problems relating to line profiles and electrification.

Hupac, Switzerland, is also calling for action. The intermodal operator has released an open letter addressed to Germany and the EU Commission for Transport, and signed by 20 leading representatives of the European rail logistics sector, which points out the immense damage being done to this branch. It says that many trains have had to be cancelled, and while alternative routes by road or waterway can be used, they cannot meet demand.

It is still unclear for many railway experts to understand why the total closure of the line could not have been avoided or significantly shortened by the building of a temporary, single track replacement line immediately after the damage of the Rhine valley line due to construction works, the letter states.

The letter calls for various measures to be taken, including the creation of a task force at EU level for such eventualities, simplified operating procedures and short-term reinforcement of the driving pool.

The line, which suffered from subsidence caused by construction of a new railway tunnel beneath the existing track, is being completely rebuilt and is not due to re-open until October 7.

The new double-track line will bypass Rastatt with twin tunnels and was originally planned for inauguration in 2022 as part of the 182km Karlsruhe - Basle upgrading project to provide a four-track rail connection from central Germany to Switzerland and the new Alpine base tunnels. However, there are now doubts as to whether this will be possible because the damaged tunnel has now been filled with concrete. The second tunnel was not affected.
Short line operator Patriot Rail Company LLC has merged with Diversified Port Holdings LLC, part of a plan to offer bundled rail/sea services to shippers.

The Jacksonville companies are owned by SteelRiver Infrastructure Partners. DPH is the parent of stevedores Seaonus and Portus. The merger was effective Sept. 1.

The companies now report to Patriot Rail Chief Executive John Fenton. Ten corporate positions at DPH were eliminated in the restructuring.

The merger is a strategic initiative to combine capabilities to meet a market need, Fenton told the Jacksonville Business Journal.

Patriot Rail operates 12 short line railroads in 14 states. DPH operates 10 terminals in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Fenton said the merger makes Patriot Rail the only blue water/rail-services company in North America, and that the sister companies previously offered a bundle of port and rail services.
A Colorado commission is exploring plans for a commuter rail line connecting cities along the states Front Range.

The commission, which includes government representatives from Denver to Trinidad, has until Dec. 1 to submit a detailed plan including funding options to the Legislature.

The state Department of Transportation estimated a commuter rail line from Fort Collins to Pueblo would cost $5 billion to $15 billion.

A closer objective is the proposed rerouting of Amtraks Southwest Chief to include stops in Pueblo and Walsenburg.

The 13-member commission will meet for the second time this week, and plans to convene at least once a month, according to media reports.

The repurposed commission, signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper in May, was created in 2014 to plan for the rehabilitation of more than 100 miles of track on Amtraks Chicago-to-Los Angeles line, which stops in Lamar, La Junta and Trinidad in the southeast corner of the state, and consider expanding the Chiefs services.

The commissioners have been tasked with finding millions of dollars needed to rehabilitate about 50 miles of track and the Pueblo station. p> Pueblo voters in November 2016 approved a ballot question that would let the county spend excess revenues that otherwise would be returned to taxpayers under the Taxpayers Bill of Rights, or TABOR, to fund projects including the re-route.

But paying for the project likely would voter-approved taxes, or an the first increase in the state gas since the early 1990s.

The line is considered essential to keeping pace with other growing areas such as Salt Lake City. The Front Range is expected to grow from more than 4 million residents to more than 6 million by 2040.
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Deputy CEO of Gazprom Neft subsidiary detained on embezzlement charges

MOSCOW, September 6 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  Deputy CEO of Gazpromneft-Hantos, a subsidiary of Gazprom Neft oil company, has been placed in detention in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area in a 23-million-ruble embezzlement case (about $400,500), the Investigative Committees regional department announced on Wednesday.

Investigators claim that Gazpromneft-Hantos allocated money for release of young sturgeons into Siberian rivers in 2015. During the agreement conclusion, the companys managers were misled, and the funds in the amount of 23 million rubles were embezzled.

According to investigation, an employee of the Federal Fishery Agency, a businessman, who was to provide the supply of sturgeons, and two other persons are involved in embezzlement.

The Gazprom Neft subsidiarys executives cooperate with investigators in the case, the statement reads.
Moscow court sentences participant of June 12 rally to 2.5 years in prison

MOSCOW, September 6 (RAPSI, Yevgeniya Sokolova)  The Tverskoy District Court of Moscow has sentenced a participant of June 12 rally in Moscow, Rasim Iskakov, to 2.5 years in a penal colony for violence against a law enforcement officer, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom on Wednesday.

Earlier, prosecutor asked the court to sentence the defendant to three years in prison while Iskakovs lawyer asked the court not to choose punishment involving incarceration. The defendant admitted his guilt in full.

According to investigators, during unauthorized rally on Tverskaya Street in the central Moscow Iskakov used initiated physical violence against a special unit officer and a police officer by kicking them. Both officers were found victims in the case. On June 29, Iskakov was put in detention.

On June 16, the Basmanny District Court ruled to put another participant charged with violence against representatives of law enforcement, Mikhail Galyashkin, under house arrest. Investigators believe that on June 12 he sprayed tear gas in the eyes of a special unit officer of the National Guards Main Directorate. The officer received an eye burn as a result of the incident.

On June 13, Moscows Simonovsky District Court detained Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny for 30 days in relation to the unauthorized rally. Navalny was found guilty of violating rally organization rules specified in the Russian Code of Administrative Offences.

Initially, Navalny has agreed with the city's authorities a rally at Academician Sakharov Avenue in Moscow on June 12. However, shortly before the beginning of the rally he called his supporters to change the rally location to Tverskaya Street in the central Moscow. On June 12, he was arrested by the police and later sentenced to a 30-days term in custody.
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Members of hacking group receive 3 years in prison

MOSCOW, September 6 (RAPSI)  The Moscow City Court has sentenced members of hacking group Shaltai-Boltai, or Humpty Dumpty, Alexander Filinov and Konstantin Teplyakov to three years in a penal colony each, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom on Wednesday.

Earlier, prosecutor asked the court to sentence the defendants to 2.5 and 3 years in penal colony settlement. Filinovs lawyer Natalya Zemskova believes that penal colony is a disproportionate punishment for such a case and may be appealed.

Both defendants were charged with getting illegal access to computer information in collusion or within an organized group. Although Teplyakov has pleaded guilty, Filinov denied his involvement in the crime.

Earlier, the Moscow City Court sentenced Vladimir Anikeyev, the leader of Shaltai-Boltai, to 2 years in prison, although prosecution sought 2.5 years behind bars for him. Anikeyev has pleaded guilty to the charges.

Anikeyev was found guilty of getting illegal access to computer information in collusion.

According to investigators, from 2013 to 2016, Anikeyev and his accomplices hacked computers, cellphones and tablet computers of Russian citizens and stole their data. In some cases, they offered the stolen information for sale on the Internet.
MOSCOW, September 6 (RAPSI, Yelizaveta Ponomareva) - Russian opposition activist Sergey Udaltsov wrote on his Twitter account on Wednesday that was summoned to the Investigative Committee for questioning in the Bolotnaya Square riot case.

Udaltsovs interrogation has been scheduled for September 8.

On August 8, Udaltsov was released from prison. The activist has fully served his sentence.

Over 400 people were arrested and scores injured in the Bolotnaya Square protests that turned violent in May 2012. Dozens were later charged with inciting riots and assault on law enforcement officers.

Riot organizers Leonid Razvozzhayev and Udaltsov were sentenced to 4.5 years in prison each based partly on testimony by Konstantin Lebedev, who was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison but released on parole.

Other convicts in the riots case received punishment ranging from suspended sentences to four years in prison. Several defendants were pardoned; one is undergoing compulsory mental treatment.
It may have been just a passing tweet, but President Trumps threat to cut off trade with all countries trading with North Korea tells us a lot about mercantilist thinking: The notion that because importers on net send money to exporters, they have all the leverage  as though all of the benefits of trade flow in one direction. The worlds reaction to the bluff  a combination of amused disbelief and terror at the economic implications  demonstrates that trade is a symbiotic relationship: Buyers and sellers need each other.

When a consumer purchases an iPhone, it is because it offers good value for the price, not to do a favor to Tim Cook or Apple shareholders. Not only is this true for end-use consumers, it is also true for intermediate producers and middleman-companies. When Apple assembles iPhones in China, it is because it is an efficient place to produce them. That benefits the consumers who buy the phone as much as the company that sells it and the people who make it. Purchases are not charitable donations. Ultimately, the greatest value is derived by the person making the purchase; we dont buy in order to earn, we earn in order to buy.

Trade is not a cudgel to be brandished by an importer. Rather it is a two-edged sword, and trying to wield it as a weapon will draw blood from the wielder as well as the intended target. Boycotting all countries that trade with North Korea wouldnt just hurt the sanctioned countries, it would hurt all American companies and consumers that do business with them. Just check the prices of goods you buy from developing countries, and ask yourself how much you would like to pay 30-40 percent more for them. WalMart and Amazon wouldnt like it any more than you would.

But the intended audience for this threat is not every country that trades with North Korea, just one: China, which engages in about 80 percent of North Koreas trade. Actually, any effort to get China to pressure North Korea is an implicit recognition that the advantages of trade are two-way. If the seller truly was the sole beneficiary of a trade relationship, China would have no leverage over North Korea, as the Chinese sell more to the North Koreans than they buy. If China does have the upper hand in the relationship, it is because it is North Koreas principal supplier. Moreover, if the buyer really held all of the cards in a trading relationship, the United States would easily be able to impose its will on China, which has a $350 billion surplus in trade in goods between the two countries. But just imagine the impact of ending it: Trade with China makes up a bigger share of U.S. GDP than was lost during the 2008-09 recession. And a national economy is not indivisible. Despite its trade deficit in goods, the United States has a $40 billion surplus in services trade with China. It isnt nearly as large, but if you are selling computer software, it is more important to you. Even when it comes to trade in goods, a number of U.S. industries are net exporters to China, including big-ticket manufacturers like aircraft and autos. An American farmers and agribusinesses find China an especially lucrative market, with large sales of soybeans, pork, corn and cotton. But Americans dont just benefit when they sell to China, they also benefit when they buy. Electrical products, toys, shoes and other products are a lot cheaper than if they were made in the United States or other industrialized economies  which is why Americans purchase them. Anyone who wants to cut off imports is in effect saying stop me before I buy again.

The threat to cut off trade with China and other countries doing business with North Korea is no doubt an idle bluff. But its sheer folly reminds us of one thing: Whether a country runs a trade surplus or deficit, trade is beneficial to all  importers as well as exporters. Rather than threaten to turn it into a weapon of mass economic destruction, trade should be promoted as a driver of economic production and wealth creation. It is not just the seller who must beware of trade disruptions, but also the buyer.
The fundamentally regional nature of tensions surrounding the DPRK's weapons procurement and development has recently taken a new turn. Ukraine, a country on the opposite end of the Eurasian landmass, has found itself embroiled in a controversy over whether or not it had a major role to play in assisting with the development of North Korea's ballistic missile capabilities. The scandal over the ultimate source of North Korea's missile technology  primarily over the question of whether it was Russia or Ukraine  follows diplomatic disagreement between Russia and the United States over whether or not the DPRK did indeed launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in July.
It is all too natural for Americans to view North Korea's nuclear and missile programs in terms of what seems to be an irrational threat to the United States: From a narrow U.S. perspective, North Korea's action seem almost suicidal. North Korea is creating a threat to the United States that could lead the U.S. into preventive strikes against North Korea and either force it back down or trigger a conventional war that it would lose catastrophicallyalbeit at immense cost to South Korea. Or, if the United States does not respond with effective preventive strikes or diplomacy, actually North Korea will acquire a nuclear capability to strike at the United States whichif ever exercisedwould trigger a level of massive U.S. nuclear retaliation that muchor mostof North Korea would not survive.

There is, however, a different side to North Korea's actions. The key aspects of the military balance involve South Korea, Japan, and China far more directly than the United States. North Korea is the most militarized nation in the world, and any all-out conventional war on the Korean peninsula would do immense damage to South Korea and produce massive civilian casualties.

The Limits to North Korean Conventional Warfare Capability

At the same time, most of North Korea's conventional weaponry is aging, some is obsolescent, and it has a remarkably limited economy and infrastructure that is highly vulnerable to precision conventional strikes, "stealth," and the full spectrum of U.S. SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense) technology and weapons. South Korea is far better equipped, and its conventional advantage is improving over time.

South Korea is steadily adding precision strike missiles to its inventory and has reached agreement with the U.S. to double the range-payload of its longer-range strike systems. This gives it the potential to offset North Korea's advantage in conventionally armed ballistic and cruise missiles, and to threaten North Korea's fragile economy with precision strikes in ways that offset North Korea's advantage in being able to attack South Korea's capitalSeoulfrom sheltered artillery and missile sites on North Korean just across the DMZ from South Korea.

The U.S. has the broader strategic advantage of its alliance with both South Korea and Japan, and U.S. basing facilities in Japan, Guam, its carrier task forces, and its cruise missile forces. North Korea has no meaningful ability to strike at key components of these forces, and its present conventionally armed missiles lack the accuracy and lethality to do critical damage to either targets in Japan or Guam.

A lucky hit with a conventionally armed ballistic or cruise missile will do as much damage as a random lucky hit by one 500 to 2,000-pound bomb. It can kill some civilians and do limited strategic or military damage. As the use of such missiles during the "war of the cities" in the Iran-Iraq War, the missile exchanges in the 1991 Gulf War, and Hezbollah's missile and rocket attacks on Israel have made clear, however, the damage will be limited. If anything, North Korean escalation will justify greater retaliation in kind with U.S. and South Korean precision conventional weapons. Unless North Korean makes a massive conversion to precision-strike conventional missiles, it is likely to do more to provoke to its own territory than produce any major military effect.

North Korea's Uncertain China Card

North Korea's China card is also becoming steadily more uncertain. China is no longer a fragile power. It is already the largest military power in Asia and the second most important military power in the world. It clearly still wants a North Korean buffer, but it has no reason to want a Kim Jong Un buffer or care if North Korea loses an escalation contestas long as South Korea and the U.S. do not control the north. Kim Jong Un must realize that China would prefer a leadership that followed the Chinese economic model rather than relied on being hardline Cold War era threat.

North Korea must also cope with the fact that China's primary strategic interests are economic. South Korea and China are steadily growing trading partners, they signed a free trade agreement that went into force on December 20, 2015, and China has become South Korea's major trading partner despite tensions over South Korea's acceptance of U.S. missile defenses.

South Korea exported $137 billion worth of goods to China in 2016 (vs. $70 billion to the U.S.) and imported $90 billion worth of goods from China (vs. $44 billion from the U.S.). South Korea is of vastly more economic importance to China than North Koreawhich is little more than an expensive and irritating economic liability. North Korea can only offer China geography and a political buffer that has the disadvantage of being an embarrassing third-generation hereditary fascist dictatorship cloaked in the name of communism, a failure in every area where China has succeeded, and a potential risk of being dragged into another Korean War.

North Korea's Reasons for Going Nuclear

There is no way to know exactly how Kim Jong Un and his closest advisors see this balance, or view the risk that South Korea and the U.S. might actually invade or try to overthrow his dictatorship. The problem with North Korea's exaggerated, almost paranoid rhetoric about such threats is that they may, to some extent, reflect real fears, may be used to persuade North Korea's people that they face a threat that leave North Korea with no choice other than militarization and support of the leader, and/or may be used to give North Korea and its leader status and influence which they otherwise could never gain and leverage in manipulating China's fears that it could lose North Korea as a buffer state. Mindreading a dictator is no more meaningful that any other of psychic guessworkregardless of whether the would-be psychic concludes that the dictator is an ultra-rational bargainer or a madman.

The fact remains, however, that Kim Jong Un's decision to go nuclear at the peninsular, regional, and intercontinental level removes the current level of South Korean and U.S. escalation dominance, and Japan's and Guam's near sanctuary status. It will radically alter the balance by creating a situation where a war will be so costly that South Korea and the U.S. cannot escalate to the point where they can "win." It will confront South Korea, Japan, and the United States with the prospect that each year from some point in the near future, any conflict that posed an existential threat to the Kim Jong Un regime could end in a nuclear exchange that targets their cities with weapons 25 to several hundred times more lethal than the bombs that hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

North Korea's going nuclear also confronts China with the risk that escalation will reach a nuclear level where the U.S. guarantees South Korea and Japan extended deterrence and that it will treat any North Korean nuclear attack on either state as cause for a U.S. nuclear attack on North Koreaor that South Korea will go nuclear. South Korea has agreed with the U.S. not to reprocess or enrich uranium, but it has examined a nuclear weapons option in the past. Its state-owned Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) manages a set of power reactors that provide roughly one-third of the nation's electricitywith 25 reactors and at least 11 more to come on line by 2029.

The problem for China would be whether to offer North Korea extended deterrence in return, or threaten it (and then potentially have to use such weapons) if a conflict escalated to an existential level. North Korea potentially acquires a 'trigger force" and a whole new form of leverage over China.

The Uncertain Cost of Preventive Options

There are no good options here, and this is a bad time to bluster. Preventive strikes may be possible at levels that would not necessarily trigger a major war. No one outside a narrow circle in the Pentagon and NSC can know the quality of U.S. targeting of the North Korean nuclear effort and stockpile of fissile material, and key missile stockpiles and production facilities.

No one can know just how large a strike it would take to deprive North Korea of so much of its capability to make a critical and lasting difference, or how sustained an effort would then be necessary to keep North Korea's programs suppressed. No one can know just how North Korea would play out the nuclear equivalent of a game of "chicken"a struggle for escalation dominance in which the side least willing to escalate loses.

No one outside that circle in the Pentagon and NSCand probably within itcan know the time window that still exists for a preventive strike before North Korea gets a real world mix of nuclear armed missiles reliable and accurate enough to use in the kind of city-busting that it would have to deploygiven its near-term inability to develop any meaningful counterforce strike capability.

And the Future Without Them

What one can predict is that the failure to exercise preventive options will have its own cost. It will either trigger a near miracle in diplomacy or trigger a major regional arms race. North Korea (and China and Russia) will have to plan on steadily improving South Korean, Japanese, and U.S. missile defenses, precision conventional missile strike capabilities, and efforts to locate, target, and prepare strike plans to hit North Korean nuclear and missile facilities.

Within no more than five years, this could mean North Korea will create enough nuclear armed missiles to survive such strikes, dispersing them, and probably completing ongoing North Korea sold-fuel missile developments to create rapid reaction launch capability, long-time dispersal capability, and high mobility.

North Korean targeting capability could go from a few U.S. cities to many, and South Korea and Japan's population centers will all be vulnerable. North Korean warhead and re-entry capability will be fully tested. Proven and reliable boosted and thermonuclear warheads will be tested. Missiles will be fired at long enough ranges at known aim points in the Pacific to prove they have the accuracy and reliability to hit American cities. North Korea may follow in Pakistan's footsteps and deploy tactical and theater nuclear weapons to limit U.S. and South Korean escalation and conventional strikes.

If there are no successful preventive strikeswhich seems the most likely casethe U.S., South Korea, and Japan will have to do more than respond with missile defenses and conventional missiles. It already is not enough for the United States to imply extended deterrence. The U.S. mustat a minimumpledge nuclear guarantees in explicit terms. It may well have to release South Korea from its agreement not to go nuclear, and/or redeploy U.S. nuclear weapons on South Korean soil. Both actions present the risk that they could sharply increase the cost of any nuclear exchange, even if they sharply raise the level of nuclear deterrence. Both present problems for China and possibly increase the risk of a "trigger force" exchange.

The challenge to Japan of being tied to a U.S. tied to South Korea  and the interactions with the other tensions between China and Japan/South Korea/US in Northeast Asiawill all increase. Almost inevitably, this nuclear arms race will have somenow totally unpredictableimpact on the U.S.-Russian nuclear balance, and the actions of other proliferatorsas well as competition in asymmetric, cyber, chemical and biological warfare. Today's nascent North Korean threat may seem minor compared to the things to come.

The military issues discussed in this analysis are explored in more depth in two other detailed CSIS reports:

Anthony H. Cordesman and Charles Ayers,The Military Balance in the Koreas and Northeast Asia, January 31, 2017, https://www.csis.org/analysis/web-book-military-balance-koreas-and-northeast-asia

Anthony H. Cordesman and Joseph Kendall,Chinese Strategy and Military Modernization in 2016, December 8, 2016, https://www.csis.org/analysis/chinese-strategy-and-military-modernization-2016
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By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 09/06/2017



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Paradise

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

welcomed Jaimi King but eliminated twins Emily Ferguson and Haley Ferguson during Tuesday night's Season 4 broadcast on ABC.The episode began with Dominique Alexis explaining to the cameras how there was potential for Dean Unglert 's relationship with Danielle "DLo" Lombard to take off now that Kristina Schulman was no longer in the picture, because Dean and Danielle could focus on each other.Dominique noted that Taylor Nolan and Derek Peth were going to become the next Jade Roper and Tanner Tolbert from 2, while Robby Hayes and Amanda Stanton were like "Barbie and Ken." Raven Gates and Adam Gottschalk were hitting it off, along with Jack Stone and Christen Whitney Dominique revealed that Daniel Maguire and Lacey Mark were still tight and "being weird" -- but "somehow it kind of works." And last but not least, Dominique was having a great time with Kenneth "Diggy" Moreland , saying she really liked him a lot. She didn't believe any girl could enter Paradise at this point and break up a couple.And that's when Jaimi arrived at the Mexican resort. Diggy thought she was really cute and found her piercings attractive, but since Jaimi is bisexual, no one knew what move she was going to make. The girls, however, joked about how Christen -- a virgin whom they dubbed "Scallop Fingers" -- was curious about Jaimi.It turned out that Jaimi was interested in Diggy. She didn't want to be "a homewrecker," but at the same time, she said no one was engaged. Much to Dominique's surprise and dismay, Diggy accepted Jaimi's date invitation. Dominique feared the couple would hit it off, and she felt uncomfortable and pissed off because she had become pretty invested in her relationship with Diggy.During a lunch date, Jaimi expressed to Diggy how she dates a person based on whether she is feeling him or her in the moment. Jaimi said she doesn't strictly like women or men some percentage of the time, but rather she "flowed" and didn't set any rules for herself.Diggy embraced Jaimi's differences and said he never met someone like her before, and Jaimi definitely felt chemistry with him. Dominique had a feeling Diggy would like Jaimi because she's more expressive and open.Meanwhile, Danielle felt a weight lift off her shoulders because Dean finally made up his mind about which bachelorette he'd like to continue dating. Danielle thought their romance was evolving, but then The Bachelor twins arrived to Paradise.Emily came to the resort solely interested in Dean, while Haley only had eyes for Derek. The girls assumed most bachelors and bachelorettes would be coupled up, but they didn't care and said they were willing to break up any bonds to get what they wanted.Emily and Haley walked into Playa Escondida with a joint date card for a double-date experience. Jonathan "Tickle Monster" Treece called the twins "hot," while bartender Wells Adams dubbed the girls "a national treasure."The twins decided to pull their best friend, Amanda, aside for a chat in order to learn the lay of the land.Amanda revealed Jack was "really fun" and Jonathan was also available, adding that Derek and Dean would probably reject a date invitation because Derek was invested in Taylor from Day 1 of the process and Dean was finally getting a chance to know Danielle without any distractions.Since Haley was convinced Derek was going to say no to her date, she decided to ask out "the serial killer" Jack instead. Jack said "of course," insisting that Christen would have "no problem" with it.Emily, however, still went after Dean because she traveled to Mexico to date someone she was really excited about. Dean told Emily that his relationship with Kristina just "dissolved" and he was left with Danielle. Emily told the bachelor that the show "saved the best for last," and she made Dean laugh.Dean initially declined Emily's request for a date, but she kept pushing. Although Dean thought Emily was beautiful and seemed to have a great personality, he admitted going on a date with her would be "a disservice" to both Kristina and Danielle since he arguably put them both through hell this season.Dean wasn't in a committed relationship, and Emily kept insisting she refused to go out with anyone else, but Dean felt guilty about potentially taking advantage of another dating opportunity.Emily was convinced that Dean really wanted to go out with her but he was just afraid to make Danielle angry, so the twin decided to ask Danielle for permission.Danielle told Emily that the situation was entirely up to Dean, and Christen was surprised how "mild and vanilla" Danielle was behaving. The group agreed that if Dean actually took Emily out on a date, Danielle would flip out and go nuts.In the end, Dean stood his ground and decided to stick with Danielle. Emily complained that Dean had made the situation much harder than it needed to be, and he agreed.With no options left, Emily asked Jonathan out on a date, and he was fully onboard."Turns out [Dean and Derek] are dating shallow, ugly whores and we don't want to be a part of that," Emily vented to the cameras."I think DLo's hot -- if you enjoy talking to a wall," Haley added.Meanwhile, Taylor and Derek loved to escape the drama ofwith each other. Derek told Taylor that he was falling in love with her, and his confidence and vulnerability made her want to "lean into that with him." Taylor was happy about the future, and Derek believed Taylor was going to be his life partner."I feel like I'm about to finally get my happy ending," Taylor gushed.Right before the date, Jack vented to Jonathan about how the twins asked him out fourth behind most of the other guys and he didn't appreciate that. So instead of going on a date, Jack admitted he wanted to spend more time with Christen.Jack therefore blew off the twins and apologized to them, saying he wanted to make the most of every minute he had left in Paradise and the best way to do that would be to stay with Christen and continue getting to know her. Jack saw real potential in his romance with Christen.With that being said, Emily was "livid" and said she didn't really want to go out with "a serial killer" anyways. The twins were angry and told the cameras they were "too good for this sh-t."Emily and Haley therefore left Paradise throwing scallops and screaming, "F-ck everybody here!"Because of how they behaved, Jack was convinced he had made the right decision not to date one of them. He could really see himself falling in love with Christen and maybe even marrying her one day.As for the other remaining couples, Dean and Danielle had "undeniable chemistry" and felt good about their relationship. Robby wanted to continue progressing his romance with Amanda slowly but surely."I can absolutely say that I'm in love with her," Derek said of Taylor before the penultimate episode wrapped."I could see myself falling in love with Raven, and I just want to keep that momentum going forward," Adam noted.host Chris Harrison then arrived at Playa Escondida and told the remaining cast members it would be their last day in Paradise.
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Tim Denson, the president of Athens for Everyone, believes, despite the fact that many are new to Athens, students serve an integral role in the culture of the city and should seek to be as involved as a long-time resident.
On Nov. 13, members of Athens and the University of Georgia came together at the Cine, not for a movie screening, but for a discussion on the 
There are currently over 23,400 recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in the state of Georgia, none of which are eligible for in-state tuition for colleges under the Georgia Board of Regents.
A lot goes on around campus, and sometimes it's hard to keep up. From new high-rise apartment complexes to cross country invitationals, The Red & Black complied five of the top stories not to miss this week.
'Lakhs of engineers graduate every year in India and the IT industry used to be the primary recruiter. That is going to end.'

IMAGE: 'We expect significant job cuts in areas like software testing, system engineering, data entry operators, server maintenance, etc.'

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

According to research conducted by Simplilearn Career Data Labs, millions of jobs in the IT sector will vanish in the next five years due to automation.

Some of the job profiles that may get affected include software test engineers, system engineers, data entry operators, etc.

At the same time, new jobs will be created in cyber security, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, big data, etc, says the report.

Kashyap Dalal, an IIT-Bombay and IIM-Lucknow alumnus, is the chief business officer at Simplilearn.

Dayal, who founded Inkfruit.com and was its CEO before he moved to Simplilearn, analyses the future of the Indian IT sector in a conversation with Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.

The Simplilearn report says 150,000 software test engineers and 260,000 system engineers, among others, will lose their jobs in the next five years. Is automation the reason?

We expect significant job cuts in areas like software testing, system engineering, data entry operators, server maintenance, etc.

These are slightly low-end jobs in terms of the amount of innovation needed.

We have already started seeing the signs in these fields; for example, software testing is automated and automation tools are being used by the testers themselves to increase their efficiency.

Eventually, you will see a greater amount of automation happening in these fields.

Technology change in actual programming jobs will cause an additional impact.

The kind of technology used for the bulk of the work, and the kind of projects IT companies used to get four years ago, will change considerably.

The new projects will be in digital transformation areas like big data, cloud computing, cyber security and so on.

Since the global projects are moving to new age areas, a large pool of IT talent is going to be affected -- some, due to automation; others, due to the changes in technology.

IMAGE: Kashyap Dalal believes the IT industry has to 'upskill on a war footing to retain its competitive edge.' Photograph: Kind courtesy Kashyap Dalal

Are Indian IT companies in the service sector and IT professionals upgrading themselves to face the new challenges?

Companies have been doing a lot of work in this area; many professionals are also looking at upskilling themselves.

Companies like Accenture, Infosys, Wipro, TCS, IBM, etc, have announced plans to train and upskill their employees.

It is a crisis situation for both the companies and the professionals; they have realised that hundreds of thousands of people have to be upskilled in the next 2, 3 years.

I believe this has to be done on war footing for the IT industry to retain its competitive edge.

War footing?

Yes.

The IT industry employs close to four million people.

There are large companies, with an employee strength of 500,000 upwards. They will have to have innovative ways to upskill their workforce.

Do you think these companies will help their employees learn new skills or will they opt for, and train, fresh engineers?

Their priority will be to upskill their employees. It is not easy to hire new people in such large numbers and train them.

Hiring those who know big data and cloud computing is not easy.

Talent trained in these new skills is not readily available so training is absolutely essential.

IMAGE: 'It is definitely going to be two years of introspection and resetting the requirements in terms of new skill sets.' Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

How is this situation going to impact the IT industry, which was one of the fastest growing sectors in India?

The next 2 to 5 years are going to be very challenging for the IT sector.

Indian IT companies will have to re-position their entire workforce, re-skill them and develop strength in the areas where future global businesses are expected.

It is definitely going to be two years of introspection and resetting the requirements in terms of new skill sets.

From a long-term perspective, India will continue to be service providers to the world.

Global companies will need somebody as IT partners and India will continue to fill that role.

The advantage we have is that Indian companies are well established globally and work with leading Fortune 500 companies. It will not be easy for any other country to replace them.

But in the next two, three years, it is absolutely essential that they re-skill their employees so that they can work with the new technologies and continue their dominance in this field.

You mean no other country is in a position to replace India.

Yes, I don't see any other country replacing India.

The bulk of the IT work will continue to happen in India.

So the job cuts won't be as alarming as predicted by various reports?

The word 'alarming' is subjective.

It is not as if the Indian IT industry is going to collapse or lose its global position as service providers to the world.

Yes, the next couple of years are not going to be that great, but its global position will not be affected in the long run.

But if you look at it from the individual's perspective, it is going to be very alarming.

IT professionals have to be very proactive in re-skilling in the right technology to continue to be in demand.

If not, the impact on their career will be quite significant.

IMAGE: 'If you are working in an area which is likely to go away, you are in trouble.'

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

In what way do you think will it affect the life of an IT professional?

More than IT professionals, I see this situation affecting engineers fresh out of college.

Lakhs of engineers graduate every year in India and the IT industry used to be the primary recruiter. That is going to end.

The industry will be re-skilling and re-training their employees hereafter.

Times are going to be challenging for fresh engineering graduates. They will have to skill themselves in the new technologies.

So the era of IT companies hiring in thousands is over?

Yes. The IT industry is definitely going to recruit fresh engineers, but in much lower numbers.

Colleges are feeling the impact of low recruitments.

They will have to come up with innovative solutions and ensure their students pick the right skills so that they are recruited outside campus, if not within.

The bigger social problem we are going to face is that a youngster who passes out of college may not be able to find a job. This will impact the entire family.

Is it not going to be a big challenge for Narendra D Modi as well if young graduates are unable to find jobs? He has promised millions of jobs.

Narendra D Modi has multiple challenges; this is just one of them.

The Indian IT industry employs 4 to 5 million people, which just 0.5% of the total population.

This will be a factor in urban India, since IT was the primary sector hiring youngsters.

But from the prime minister's perspective, the larger issue is to create jobs; the IT sector is only one part of it.

There are so many other sectors that employ people in large numbers.

Though the IT industry is the most visible industry, its issues will not impact the Indian economy as such.

IMAGE: 'Those who have the skills required now will have a very rewarding career as companies will be willing to pay them higher salaries.'

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

While jobs are going to be cut in certain areas in the IT sector, will jobs be created in the new areas?

Our report was to find out where we are losing jobs and where we are going to create jobs.

Our prediction is that the number of job created in new areas will be equal to the number of jobs lost.

For example, if 50,000 jobs are going to be lost in software testing, more than 50,000 jobs will be created in big data, cloud computing, etc.

The difference is that the skill sets needed for these new jobs are quite different.

Those who have the skills required now will have a very rewarding career as companies will be willing to pay them higher salaries.

IT companies are not going to reduce the head count.

The only difference is that the head count increase will now be lower, but it will definitely increase.

Will IT professionals belonging to the lower level be affected the most by these changes?

Whether you are a senior or a junior, if you are in the right area, you will be in demand.

If you are working in an area which is likely to go away, you are in trouble irrespective of whether you are senior or junior.

Where do you see the Indian IT sector in the next five years?

I would see the Indian IT sector in a stronger position, with a workforce aligned to the new technologies that will be in demand in the global economy.

I also would expect Indian IT companies to get back to high growth by then.

Yes, the next two years will be challenging, but I don't see any other country challenging India's dominance in the IT sector.
The investment will be made through a joint venture with Toshiba and Denso. The battery is the most expensive single part of an EV.

Indicating a shift in stance, the country's biggest car maker, Maruti Suzuki, says it will not hold back investments in electric vehicles (EVs).

It says it will start work on these as soon as consumer preference for EVs is visible.

EVs, it has been decided, are to attract a low Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 12 per cent, compared to a minimum of 29 per cent on small petrol cars and a GST (and cess) of 43 per cent for hybrid cars.

"The government has announced a programme to rapidly promote the use of EVs.

It is a very laudable policy, as it will greatly enhance the usage and, over time, lead to a cleaner environment," Maruti chairman R C Bhargava told shareholders at the company's 36th annual general meeting.

Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Maruti's parent entity, Suzuki Motor Corporation, was also present in the meeting.

The government has an ambitious plan to have an all-EV fleet in the country by 2030.

"Your company will not hold back in the segment. As soon as we can determine the customer preference, we will come up with such models.

Meantime, the focus will be to increase fuel efficiency (in current models) and bring new technologies," said Bhargava.

In April, Suzuki Motor had announced an investment of Rs 1,200 crore (Rs 12 billion) to set up an automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing unit in India, its biggest market.

The investment will be made through a joint venture with Toshiba and Denso. The battery is the most expensive single part of an EV.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) already produces EVs, though the volume is small.

Tata Motors is said to be working on an electric car. Hyundai of Korea is preparing a plan to introduce electric cars in the Indian market; it shelved an earlier hybrid plan midway after the GST rates were announced.

EESL, a company backed by power public sector units, has floated a tender to purchase 10,000 electric cars over the next 12 months, to be used by government departments and offices.

M&M, Tata Motors, Hyundai & Renault-Nisaan attended EESL's pre-bid meet last week.

Maruti Suzuki managing director Kenichi Ayukawa had said in July that they were awaiting a road map from the government on electric mobility.

"You can import cars from a company like Tesla but people are not looking for such options. People expect an affordable vehicle; else, they will not opt for it. They look to buy electric cars in a price range of Rs 5-10 lakh. We have to study options in this range. At this moment, a limited solution is available," he'd said.

Maruti Suzuki has been expanding sales at double-digits annually. It says it expects the industry to clock a double-digit growth rate over the next three to five years.

Bhargava said the company was on track to achieve annual sales of two million vehicles by 2020.

The company sold 1.44 mn units in the domestic market during 2016-17.

On a shareholder's suggestion that the company should now look at producing for the defence sector, Bhargava said, "It is something which needs to be carefully thought about".

Photograph: Neil Hall/Reuters
About Rs 2,000 crore of realty money has flown into stocks in the National Capital Region in the months after demonetisation.

N Sundaresha Subramanian reports.

Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

A head of research of a Mumbai-based brokerage, who was in the capital a few weeks ago, says he met a new kind of investor -- he's rich, has investible funds in crores of rupees, but has never bought stocks.

Of the 15 to 16 potential clients he met on the trip, about a dozen had made money in real estate.

"They have taken a call that real estate is going nowhere for the next three to five years. So, they are looking for opportunities in the stock market. They are eager to know various options and avenues that are available to them," the head of research said.

"Many of these clients have recently exited real estate and have funds in the range of Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore (Rs 30 billion to Rs 100 billion). But they have never invested in stocks before. It was a new experience because you earlier saw new investors in the market come in with much lesser funds.

"And, you didn't find it worth your time explaining the basics to them," he added.

But given the higher ticket sizes these first timers are sitting on, brokerages are willing to spare their time and top resources on these investors.

A South Delhi broker corroborates this trend, which has picked up in the last few months with the stock market hitting new highs driven by liquidity, defying concerns over bleak earnings and unjustifiable valuation.

"Three large South Delhi-based business groups have deployed large amounts of money with me," the broker said, pegging their total exposure at close to Rs 200 crore (Rs 2 billion).

In the days after demonetisation, the broker added, several business families, including developers, with large cash-based operations have moved their money to the stock markets.

"New guys have come and the existing clients have increased bets manifold. It is more a call on what returns would be available over the next three years," he said adding, "In any case, most people in the North are already over exposed to real estate."

According to some estimates, about Rs 2,000 crore (Rs 20 billion) of realty money has flown into stocks in the National Capital Region in the months after demonetisation.

A good portion of this is cash held in the form of currency notes which was converted on payment of 10 to 15 per cent charges during the note ban days.

Brokers said non-banking finance companies, which do margin funding have cashed in on the trend.

"Add the margin funding, which is typically at 50 per cent at these levels, you have exposure of close to Rs 4,000 crore to Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 40 billion to Rs 50 billion)," the broker quoted earlier said.

Karthik Srinivasan, Group Head, financial sector, ICRA Ratings, said there is not much granular data to support the anecdotal claims of rich realty investors moving to stocks.

But, he said, "Over the last couple of years, retail savings had been more towards gold and real estate. That has slowed down. With demonetisation, a lot of savings is coming into financial instruments."

Not just stocks, even mutual funds and insurance "have been growing at 20 per cent."

According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds of India, flows coming in from B-15 cities (non-metros) have gone up in the last couple of years.

"Those segments are steadily going up. You could give credit to efforts of the industry, partly helped by the environment, helped by demonetization," Srinivasan said.

Another instrument that has grown substantially from a small base is Alternative Investment Funds with commitments touching Rs 50,000 crore (Rs 500 billion).

"When you compare with the Rs 20 lakh crore AUM of MF industry, it might be small but the absolute number itself is not very small," Srinivasan said.
The Jeep Compass is an absolute thrill on all kinds of terrain because it's here that it shows off its four-wheel drive capability, says a delighted P Tharyan.

The rain was pelting down and the off-road track that led to the jungles had turned into a deep and slushy path. Though it was around noon, day had almost turned into night and the thick foliage all around gave it an eerie appearance.

With the wipers of the Jeep Compass swaying wildly, I turned the drive mode to "Mud".

The four-wheel drive vehicle transformed itself into an intelligent beast, with traction control being distributed smartly across the four wheels.

All I had to ensure was the vehicle did not stall, while doing a foot dance with the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals.

The SUV meandered its way through the water-soaked, mud-baked jungle path and refused to be bogged down by the steep inclines and drops.

I also got an opportunity to wade through a shallow stream. It was pure Jeep thrill. I was driving the "lord of the jungles".

The Jeep Compass comes in three variants -- Sport, Latitude and Limited.

It also comes with two powertrain options -- 1.4-litre Multiair petrol and a 2-litre Multijet II diesel engine.

While the petrol model has an option of a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed Dual Dry Clutch Technology Automatic, the diesel model is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

I was driving the diesel Jeep Compass Limited 4X4 variant.

Interior trim levels, alloy wheel designs and a few other features distinguish these different variants.

All variants have 60:40 split rear seats. Two front airbags and a reverse camera with sensor are standard in all variants, along with safety features like ABS, hill-start assist, ESP and electronic roll mitigation.

With the Jeep Active Drive, the Jeep Compass is an absolute thrill on all kinds of terrain because it's here that it comes out with flying colours, showing off its four-wheel drive capability.

It is equipped with Selec-Terrain Traction Management System.

The SUV comes with a Driveline Disconnect Technology that essentially disconnects the drive that goes to the rear wheels automatically when not required. This obviously helps in fuel saving and assists safer driving.

This five-seater SUV also has Frequency Selective Damping.

This technology provides variable damping that adjusts to road undulations.

These shock absorbers use a special valve inside to enable an optimal ride at both high and low frequencies.

The Jeep Compass has more than 50 safety and security features and looks like a baby Grand Cherokee with its seven-slot grille with chrome rings.

The square wheel arches, the ribbed roof in a dark shade that is different from the body colour, roof rails and an integrated rear spoiler along with a high mounted stop light give it a very sporty look.

The vehicle sits on smart 225/60 R17 Firestone tyres that are mounted on a five-spoke alloy wheel with distinct double fins.

I wish the Compass also had a sunroof and rain sensor wipers.

Mckinley leather upholstery with ruby red stitching greets you once you are inside.

There is enough leg and head room for all seats. Boot space, too, is more than adequate, which can be further expanded by dropping down the rear seats.

The centre console boasts of an Uconnect 7-inch touchscreen in piano black finish.

The infotainment system comes with six speakers and has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also allows Bluetooth audio streaming.

On the floor console is a large black knob that, once touched, engages your 4X4 lock. By rotating it, you can choose the different modes for driving on different terrains: Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud.

Earlier, when it was not raining, I drove the Jeep Compass on both tarred roads and rocky paths.

At high speeds it held its weight well and while braking, it stopped almost instantly without a whimper.

With minimal body roll and great stability, the Jeep Compass is an absolute delight to drive, behaving perfectly on and off the road.

Photographs: Courtesy, knowyourcompass.co.in
The results will give an indication whether Nilekani would continue with the software plus services strategy adopted by Sikka, or tweak it to reflect his worldview of the explosion in data.

Infosys, Indias second-largest information technology (IT) services firm, has deferred announcing its second-quarter (Q2) results by nearly two weeks - the first time in recent years.

The bellwether IT services firm generally discloses its quarter numbers within 15 days of the beginning of the next quarter but this time, however, it has set October 24 as the date of announcement.

Infosys has attributed this delay to logistics issues. The following week has holidays on account of Diwali, resulting in a further delay by a week.

Sources aware of the development said non-executive chairman Nandan Nilekani had engagements on the earlier scheduled dates, and they were fixed before he rejoined the company.

The Infosys numbers are eagerly watched by analysts and investors because its performance indicates the future of the $117-billion technology services sector.

This time certain logistics issues during the early second week (12th or 13th of the month) and the festivities the week after have resulted in a deferment, said an Infosys spokesperson.

An analyst with a brokerage pointed to the completion of the share buyback set for the first week of October.

Infosys has announced that the voting window on the share buyback and other resolutions will remain open till October 8.

The shareholders voting process will take its own time. So Infosys will require time before it could announce its financials, said the analyst with a brokerage firm.

The July-September results will be the first after Nandan Nilekanis return to the company, which he has rejoined as non-executive chairman.

Nilekani returned last month to head Infosys, which he had co-founded with N R Narayana Murthy and five others, after a three-year experiment with an outsider as chief executive officer (CEO) had failed.

Vishal Sikka, the first non-founder CEO, quit Infosys, citing personal attacks on him, for which the company, under its previous chairman R Seshasayee, blamed Murthy.

Murthy had publicly raised concerns over corporate governance in the severance pay given to Rajiv Bansal, former chief financial officer who had raised the red flag in the acquisition of Panaya, an Israeli technology firm.

Murthy had also sought making public an investigation report that looked into the Panaya acquisition and had given the companys management the clean chit.

The resulting public spat between the Infosys board and Murthy depressed investor confidence with the stock losing more than Rs 32,000 crore (Rs 320 billion) in market capitalisation in the next two days.

This also made investors and a few board members, along with the founders, to persuade Nilekani to return. When he took charge, Seshasayee and two independent board members, Jeffrey Lehman and John Etchemendy, quit the company.

Subsequently Nilekani outlined his plan: Hiring executive search firm Egon Zehnder to help in selecting a CEO; and asking board members D N Prahlad and Ravi Venkatesan to take stock of Sikkas strategy and also to look at the investigation report on Panaya.

The results will give an indication whether Nilekani would continue with the software plus services strategy adopted by Sikka, or tweak it to reflect his worldview of the explosion in data and how Infosys could help traditional companies battle competition from start-ups that rely on data to disrupt businesses and sectors.

Photograph: Jagadeesh NV/Reuters
Liv.Ai makes speech recognition software that allows people to transact in their native languages. Ranju Sarkar reports.

Apple's Siri uses voice queries and a natural language user interface to answer questions, make recommendations, and perform actions by delegating requests to a set of internet services.

Liv.Ai wants to offer language understanding tailored to generic as well as specific use cases.

Photograph: Rediff.com Archives.

Many customers calling phone banking numbers of a bank hate wading through automated messaging before they can find their way. Soon, however, if you have lost a credit or debit card, you can simply say 'block my card' in your native language and the bank will instantly do this.

Similarly, elderly people find it difficult to type on touchscreen phones to use services like WhatsApp or e-mail. Soon, they could speak in their local language and a software would convert their speech into text.

Enabling these and more is a speech recognition software for Indian languages developed by start-up Liv Artificial Intelligence Pvt Ltd.

"We offer customer care automation software with dialogue systems, speech recognition, and language understanding tailored to generic as well as specific use cases," says Subodh Kumar, co-founder and an alumnus of IIT-Kharagpur and IIM-Bangalore.

The core of artificial intelligence is that machines can be as smart as humans and you can work with these.

Speech recognition is one of the most important mediums through which you can communicate with machines, says Kumar, a native of Gaya, Bihar, who founded the start-up about 40 months earlier with two other alumni from IIT-Kharagpur.

"Touch phones are 10-15 years old, but are an unnatural way to communicate. Voice is the most natural way to do so, and voice typing is three times faster than typing on touch phones. This is a right time for a speech innovation start-up," says Kumar.

The market for speech and language-based technology is worth billions of dollars.

Big companies have emerged in this space in the United States (Nuance, $2 billion annual revenue) and in China (iFlyTek; over $500 million revenue)

The product could appeal to banks, any large customer-facing company or makers of consumer devices. The start-up is running experiments with a bank, a large multinational entity, to enable these companies to make intelligent devices.

Liv.Ai has around 200 users, including many early adopters in the language market. For instance, it is being used by Lipikaar, which develops keyboards in multiple regional languages.

Like other SAAS (software as a service) entities, the company makes money through licence fees. Every time a customer uses its technology, the company gets a small fraction as licence fee.

Siri, the intelligent personal assistant app from Apple, uses voice queries and a natural language user interface to answer questions, make recommendations, and perform actions by delegating requests to a set of internet services.

Amazon Alexa is a device which talks to you.

The start-up is in the midst of raising an undisclosed amount in funding from Astrac Ventures, according to a media report. As the company is yet to close the deal, Kumar refused to share details or comment on it.
Don't settle for an ordinary babymoon. Get inspired by these six celeb-inspired destinations to visit before your due date.

Who wouldn't want a vacation before your baby is born?

That's one of the reasons why babymoons -- a relaxing and romantic holiday taken by the parents-to-be before the baby is born -- are trending, not just among celebrities but also regular travellers.

The popular destinations are beaches and tropical places, where the couple can relax. However, London and Europe are hot favourites too!

Here's our roundup of popular places you can head to for your babymoon.

1. Mauritius

It's the perfect short haul international destination.

Yummy mummies, who are beach lovers and water babies, will love travelling to Mauritius.

Babymoons are about relaxation. Soak up the sun like TV personality Binky Felstead, above, as you spend a relaxing day on the beach.



Photograph: Courtesy Binky Felstead/Instagram

2. Austria

The ideal babymoon destination for a couple who loves history and hillside vineyards :)

Not everyone's as lucky as Celina Jaitly to own a beautiful estate in Austria, where you can spend time plucking apples from your orchard.

But who says you can't take a vacation in Austria, which is known for its mountain villages, rugged terrains and baroque architecture!



Photograph: Courtesy Celina Jaitly/Instagram

3. France

Serena Williams, above, went on a babymoon to France. One look at her pics and you'll want to visit France right now!

It is one of those places that you just can't hate given its fashion and art world and impressive history through its architecture. Scroll down to see another splendid pic for Serena's babymoon album!



Photograph: Courtesy Alexisohanian/Instagram

If the location is so relaxed and beautiful, the couple will surely have a relaxing time before welcoming the little one. This pic was shared by Serena's fiance Alex Ohanian. Stunning, isn't it?



Photograph: Courtesy Alexisohanian/Instagram

4. London

It's a 21st century city with history dating back to the Roman era. Soha Ali Khan took a trip to London for her babymoon and we need to say that her choice of destination was perfect.

Be an art lover, foodie or fashionista, London with its old world charm offers an experience that is unparalleled.



Photograph: Courtesy Soha Ali Khan/Instagram

5. Greece

This pic is from Esha Deol's babymoon in Greece.



A country steeped in history, Greece's ancient Acropolis and Parthenon, Venetian forts and 5th-century B.C. landmarks will keep you mesmerised and enthralled during your trip there.



Photograph: Courtesy Esha Deol/Instagram

Falling in love with Athens

6. Thailand

There is a reason why Thailand is called the 'golden land'.

Its sandy beaches and stupa-studded mountains will transport you to a bohemian culture that is so unique.

Victoria's Secret model Bar Refaeli enjoyed a relaxing babymoon in Thailand.

Watching her soak up the sun on the island of Koh Samui made us go green with envy.



Photograph: Courtesy Bar Refaeli/Instagram
'She must first change the Rules of Business 1961 that makes the defence secretary and not the defence minister responsible for the defence of the country!' advises Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Congratulations to the new defence minister on breaking yet another glass ceiling by becoming the first full time woman defence minister.

Women entered the armed forces some time ago and it was only a matter of time that they crossed the final frontier, so to speak. But it would be unfair to dwell excessively on the gender of our new defence minister.

She has obviously proved her mettle as commerce minister and deservedly got this promotion.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faces a daunting task.

With the exception of Manohar Parrikar's brief tenure, the defence ministry suffered from a ten year-long 'inertia' under the honest but 'status quoist defence minister A K Antony.

In fact, one needs to go even further into the past to understand that the defence sector as a whole has virtually stood still while the rest of the government machinery has undergone a sea change since the 1991 economic reforms.

The winds of change of introducing competition and entry of private players has toned the rest of the economy as well as public sector industry, but the State monopoly with all its attendant ills, continues to rule the roost in the defence industry.

As a former commerce minister, the first task before the new minister is to speed up the opening of the defence sector to competition from private players.

Here she will face opposition from the usual suspects on the Left as well as the powerful trade union lobbies under control of her own party (the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh).

Simultaneously with the creation of competitive environment in defence industry she will have to carry out drastic surgery in the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) Empire.

Centralisation of research is a bad idea and goes against the very grain of research activity. While the 'development' aspect could remain centralised under DDO (Defence Development Organisation), research activities must be separated and dovetailed with other research bodies like universities and IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology).

This revamping and restructuring of defence industry and research could then form the foundation for the 'Make in India' initiative.

It is a matter of shame as well as alarm that 70 years after Independence we remain critically dependent on the import of weapons for even essential items of defence needs.

The whole Nehruvian structure that still remains intact was created with the laudable objective of keeping the 'military industrial Complex' from developing vested interest and influence over policies of war and peace.

US President Dwight D Eisenhower had warned the US about this in his farewell speech. The leaders of the earlier era were influenced by the 'merchants of death' in the shape of international arms manufacturers who had no qualms in supplying weapons to both sides during World War I.

The deeds of companies like Krupps and Vickers Armstrong are well documented. But the failure of our State controlled defence industry and the sloth in DRDO put us at the mercy of the foreign military industrial complex.

The new minister will quickly learn how foreign suppliers twisted our arms and made windfall profits during a crisis like the Kargil border skirmish.

Reform of defence production and research is capable of adding new jobs, spur the economy and put our defence on sound footing so that we cannot be blackmailed during a crisis. It is indeed a win win situation.

This reform alone can boost the national GDP by 1 to 2 percent, ease our balance of payments and promote employment.

Lieutenant General D B Shekatkar (retd)'s report has suggested rationalisation of manpower and logistics. This indeed is a welcome step and must be implemented.

But mere rationalisation will not result in much gain unless basic structural reforms are carried out in higher direction of war and the ministry of defence.

Merger of the armed forces headquarters with the ministry will lead to huge savings in manpower plus smoothen decision making.

We are a parliamentary democracy like Britain. There is a need to follow the British model of integration since that suits our system of permanent secretaries and transient ministers.

But to begin the reform, the new defence minister must first change the Rules of Business 1961 that makes the defence secretary and not the defence minister responsible for the defence of the country!

In fact, the 1961 exercise (mainly by the ICS officers of the British era) was not an exception but a rule in the copycat systems that we inherited.

Do we remember the old days when the foreign exchange rules permitted only $8 for Indians travelling abroad? I always wondered why $8, and not $10 as would be logical. I found the answer to this mystery when the archives showed that it was the same limit that the British had put post World War II to conserve foreign exchange!

Even the number of guests permitted at 1960s weddings (under the Guest Control Order) was the same that the British had imposed in the 1940s.

Is it not time to take a fresh look at the British era legacy and use our own brains to write our own regulations?

Ms Sitharaman is lucky that she will have a competent set of professionals in the service chiefs to advise her. But she should be aware that the military always thinks of fighting the past war!

She will have to craft a higher defence organisation as part of her defence ministry that creates realistic scenarios and not a worst case basis for defence planning.

In this she would be well advised to form a Blue Ribbon Panel on American lines to take stock of 10 to 15 years of threat perceptions.

Obviously, all this is a tall order and may well take more than 5 years to fully implement.

One hopes for the sake of the country that Ms Sitharaman has a long stay at the ministry to implement all of this.

Best of luck to the first full time woman defence minister!

IMAGE: Nirmala Sitharaman signs the register after taking the oath as a Cabinet minister at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, September 3, 2017. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo

Colonel Anil A Athale (retd) is a military historian.
'The BRICS anthem has to necessarily be an anthem of Vedic times -- Walk together, Dream together, Achieve together.'

'And who knows it better than Modi?' says Tarun Vijay.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi prepares to shake hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping (not pictured) at the BRICS summit in Xiamen, China, September 4, 2017.

In case you missed it: The Modi-Xi bonhomie in China!

Photograph: Wu Hong/Reuters

Having finished his talks with President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra D Modi boarded Air India One for Nay Pyi Taw with a smile.

He was candid in his discussions with President Xi -- stressing that peace and tranquility in border areas must be maintained for walking together.

The Chinese side too came forward with not only becoming a signatory to name Pakistan-based terror outfits (without mentioning Pakistan though, which hardly matters) in the Xiamen declaration, but also specifically underlining the need to push forward Sino-Indian ties on the 'right track', and adding that stable Sino-Indian ties are in line with fundamental interests of the people.

Xi also said that China was prepared to work with India to seek guidance from the five principles of Panchsheel.

Before leaving for China, Modi had achieved what he needed in Doklam and completed a reinvigorating cabinet reshuffle.

He gave a refreshing face to his ministry, specially with Nirmala Sitharaman getting defence, Piyush Goyal railways and Alphons Kannanthanam becoming the first Christian minister from the south in his council of ministers. The rejig pleasantly surprised his friends and foes alike.

He showed his prowess in selecting the best go-getters, re-assigning new responsibilities.

The power of democracy and the mission to take everyone along for a better, stronger and more progressive India was reflected once again in his decisions.

With this, his presence in the highly significant BRICS summit at Xiamen assumed a colour of confidence and power.

Though the Chinese were worried that the Doklam standoff could influence his participation, those who knew Modi were sure of his arrival as India has as much stake in the success of BRICS as any other member. And being the fastest-growing economy among all BRICS nations, it was but natural that Modi would not have missed it.

WATCH: At the Modi-Jinping meeting in Xiamen

Video: ANI

Though bilateral issues are not expected to be raised at a multilateral forum like the BRICS summit, yet when two giants share a dais it is their relations too that make headlines.

Diplomacy is an art of safeguarding your nation's interests without loudly announcing a victory. Both leaders know that in contrast to the ugly rhetoric and war-mongering in the Chinese media, Indian restraint stood out.

It is hoped that walking the long miles with China can be a possibility still, though, post-Doklam, it will be tinged with extra caution.

There are Chinese scholars and academicians who have been appreciating India's development saga under Modi. They do not subscribe to the extreme views that have hurt relations. While analysing India-China relations, we should take note that space has been given to such opinions also.

BRICS is an extension of that ancient Indian idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- the world is one family.

Gandhiji had said we should always keep our doors and windows open to all the noble thoughts from all over. And Modi has shown, with his foreign policy, that he wants to realise these dreams by weaving a future of togetherness.

It is a dream that depends on how India and China walk together.

Most of the Chinese I have met still cherish the picture of Modi with Xi on a swing in Gujarat.

We see a hundred success stories of Indian entrepreneurs in China, specially in the field of textiles and machinery.

There are conversely also stories of Chinese protectionism and denying Indian entrepreneurs their due. Indian mangoes were refused entry into China; Indian cotton attracts an atrocious levy of 28 per cent, while the same cotton from Pakistan invites a mere 3 per cent and Myanmar cotton 8 per cent. Indian pharmaceuticals and information technology products face undue delays, which is another way to deny entry in their market.

But all such issues can be resolved within the spirit of Astana's Modi-Xi joint message -- that differences should not be allowed to turn into disputes and rather be taken as opportunities to resolve matters through dialogue. This was my theme at the BRICS seminar on governance last fortnight.

With this spirit, the BRICS success can show a larger picture of hope to the world where we see islands of richness in a sea of poverty, in the spread of violence and terrorism and in the growing demands for a better future among the youth.

WATCH: Why BRICS nations need to speak in one voice.

Video: ANI

Representing 3.6 billion people, or above 40 per cent of the world population, all five members are in the top 25 of the world by population and four are in the top 10.

The five nations have a combined nominal GDP equivalent to (approximately) 22 per cent of the gross world production. The World Bank expects BRICS growth to pick up to 5.3 per cent growth rate in 2017.

Bilateral relations among BRICS nations have mainly been conducted so far on the basis of non-interference, equality and mutual benefit.

It is the ancient cultural and civilisational threads that play a pivotal role in enhancing mutual understanding and giving a sense of belongingness to each other in an inseparable bond of friendship and trust.

India enjoys the ancient civilisational bond with China, Africa and all other BRICS nations and that has been a foundation of our togetherness shown in the shared vision for creating a world of peace, amity and good governance.

Having fought with colonial powers for long, India attained freedom in 1947, and we just celebrated our 71st Independence day.

It has been a great journey as we rose from having 0.00001 per cent growth rate during 1900 to 1947, to becoming the fastest growing economy in the world under Modi's dynamic leadership.

The march of a billion people towards creating a new destiny was never so thrilling and reassuring to the world. As the vibrant and biggest democracy of the world, India today stands as the centre of pluralism, harmony and peaceful development seen in the growing popularity of Modi in various parts of the world.

It is this image of India that is soothing and reassuring to other nations like Brazil, South Africa and Russia.

The quintessential Indian touch is what BRICS need today. Hence, the importance of Modi's participation at Xiamen.

WATCH: Modi discusses emerging markets and developing countries at the BRICS summit.

Video: ANI

BRICS has to be made a successful multilateral forum that can effectively provide an alternative to Western hegemony through the Bretton Woods institutions that have long been seen as tools to spread and strengthen Western control over the economies of developing nations.

It is the leadership of the Indian ethos of togetherness with BRICS nations that will pave the new path of progress and define the success of BRICS as a credible alternative.

In areas of solar power, IT, medical education, engineering and skill development, India can help Brazil and South Africa and enhance trade relations with Russia and China, bridging the huge trade imbalance, too, with the latter.

It is from this perspective that India's participation in the BRICS summit was significant from the strategic viewpoint; it was an opportunity to forge solidarity on issues that are crucial to humanity.

Terrorism is, of course, one significant issue that gets specially underlined with Modi's participation.

One country's terrorist can't be declared a 'shielded person' by another country's diplomatic strategy. BRICS will have to come together on combatting terrorism firmly in the spirit of the BRICS Goa summit.

The Xiamen declaration on terrorism assertively endorsed this stand with China being a signatory to it.

It is in the interest of BRICS nations to use their potential for development and removing hurdles to achieve greater cooperation.

In the centenary year of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, it is necessary for us Indians to introduce his philosophy of Integral Humanism, which speaks of removing poverty (antyodaya), as the first priority and calls for an integrated approach to all human problems encompassing nature and all living beings in its circle of concerns.

The BRICS anthem has to necessarily be an anthem of Vedic times -- Walk together, Dream together, Achieve together.

And who knows it better than Modi?
Even aside from the Aadhaar scheme and legislation, the SC's decision by itself will substantially alter the landscape of fundamental rights, how they are interpreted, and how they are enforced, says Rahul Narayan.

The Supreme Court decision on the right to privacy is a ringing endorsement of human dignity and liberty and surely merits mention as one of the great decisions on civil liberties and fundamental rights.

In concurring judgments that are lucid, vigorously reasoned, well-researched, and moving, the Supreme Court has laid out unanswerable rationales for the recognition of the inalienable right to privacy in our Constitution and has persuasively rejected each objection to the same put forward by the government and by the Unique Identification Authority of India.

In doing so, the court has once again proven itself to be a watchdog of civil liberties and a worthy sentinel of our essential freedoms.

The court has correctly refrained from defining privacy or delineating definitively its contours. Privacy will develop and evolve on a case by case basis.

Considering the long journey of privacy protection from feudal law in Semayne's case decided in 1604 to the exigencies of the information age, such forbearance can only be admired.

Like freedom or liberty, each generation will have the chance to define privacy for its age.

As Justice (D Y) Chandrachud records in the majority opinion, "The Constitution must evolve with the felt necessities of time to meet the challenges thrown up in a democratic order governed by the rule of law."

"The meaning of the Constitution cannot be frozen on the perspectives present when it was adopted. Technological change has given rise to concerns which were not present seven decades ago and the rapid growth of technology may render obsolescent many notions of the present.

"Hence the interpretation of the Constitution must be resilient and flexible to allow future generations to adapt its content bearing in mind its basic or essential features," he observed.

The court has grappled also with the challenges to the right of privacy in the information age in some detail and has sought to build a framework in which such challenges can be dealt with in future, in relation to threats that arise from the state and from non-state actors both.

The finding that privacy entails a positive obligation on the state to pass a law on data protection is welcome. One only hopes that the government will keep them in mind while a new law on data protection is to be drafted.

The learned ruminations on the nature and aspects of the right of privacy will surely resonate in our Constitutional law for a long time to come, not in the least over the issues of informational privacy that will be addressed by the court when the Aadhaar scheme and legislation are argued on merit, and the violation of privacy would have to be justified by law that is just, fair, reasonable, and proportional.

Even aside from the Aadhaar scheme and legislation, the decision by itself will substantially alter the landscape of Fundamental Rights, how they are interpreted, and how they are enforced.

As a unanimous decision by nine judges, this judgment places beyond the pale of controversy the interpretation of obligations from international human rights covenants into fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution.

This legal position is different from the United Kingdom and the United States and stands as a hallmark of the creativity of our court in dealing with human rights challenges as the worlds largest democracy.

The court's categorical rejection of originalism as the governing philosophy of constitutional interpretation also merits praise. Our Constitution is a living organism not bound by the dogmas of the past.

The court has expressly overruled its infamous decision in ADM Jabalpur and has held that life and liberty are inalienable rights that were recognised by Article 21 in the Constitution, not conferred by it.

The recognition that freedom and liberty are not the gift of the government but are inherent in all people as part of natural law is welcome. Forty years down the line, Justice H R Khannas memorable dissent has been rightly affirmed to be the law of the land.

Further, the court has all but overruled its decision in Naz Foundation, which re-criminalised consensual sexual acts between adult persons overruling the landmark decision of the Delhi high court -- a judgment that has been the subject of much opprobrium and criticism and to remedy which curative petitions remain pending.

There has been much public comment that the right to privacy is an elitist construct and that such esoteric rights must give way to the right to welfare.

The court has categorically rejected this view confirming that, "The refrain that the poor need no civil and political rights and are concerned only with economic well-being has been utilised though history to wreak the most egregious violations of human rights."

In 2015, when privacy was referred to the Constitution Bench, the court had the option of choosing to affirm either the fortieth anniversary of the narrow understanding of human rights in its decision in ADM Jabalpur or to celebrate the 800 years of the principles of freedom laid down first in the Magna Carta.

It has chosen the latter path and this must be universally applauded.

Rahul Narayan is one of the lawyers who appeared for the petitioners in this case.

Photograph: Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters.
The 155-millimetre, 52-calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System demonstrated its potential to be a world-beating system, reports Ajai Shukla.

IMAGE: The ATAGS, which looks much like the Bofors FH-77B -- the infamous 'Bofors gun'. Photograph: PTI Photo

On Monday, Septenmber 4, in trial firing at the Pokhran ranges in Rajasthan, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System being indigenously developed for the Indian Army demonstrated its potential to be a world-beating system.

The 155-millimetre, 52-calibre gun-howitzer fired three shells out to a world-record distance of 47.2 kilometre from the gun position.

This was achieved using special, long-range ammunition called 'high explosive -- base bleed' (HE -- BB).

In comparison, 155-millimetre, 52-calibre guns in service worldwide fire this ammunition to maximum ranges of 40 to 45 kilometre.

The achievement coincides with Nirmala Sitharaman's appointment as defence minister.

The ATAGS is being developed by the Defence Research & Defence Organisation on two parallel tracks -- one prototype in partnership with Tata Power (Strategic Engineering Division) and another with Bharat Forge. The prototype that broke the record was the Tata Power gun.

Earlier, on Saturday, September 2, the same gun had broken another record by firing 'high explosive-boat tail' (HE-BT) ammunition to a range of 37.2 kilometres.

Range, accuracy and consistency are the key attributes of an artillery gun.

A longer range allows more area to be engaged from a 'gun position' without having to redeploy (or shift) the guns.

The secret of the ATAGS longer range is its larger chamber -- 25 litre, compared to 23 litre in most 155-millimetre guns like the French Nexter and Israeli Elbit guns the military has evaluated.

A larger chamber packs in more high explosive propellant, which shoots out the warhead further.

The need to cater for this higher 'shock of firing' makes the ATAGS a heavier gun. It weighs in at 17 to 18 tonne, while comparable guns worldwide weigh 14 to 15 tonne.

So promising is the ATAGS that both existing prototypes were paraded on January 26, 2017 in New Delhi.

After the gun successfully completes development and firing trials, the army is likely to procure at least 2,000 ATAGS.

At an estimated Rs 15 crore (Rs 150 million) apiece, that will result in Rs 30,000 crore (Rs 300 billion) in business for the production eco-system, benefiting a large number of private defence firms.

With the current round of 'summer trials' having successfully concluded in Pokhran, the ATAGS will now undergo modifications and prepare for 'winter trials' in December, probably in Sikkim.

Each vendor will build three more ATAGs gun prototypes to expedite trials.

The first ATAGS firing trials were carried out in Balasore, Odisha, last December.

While ATAGS looks much like the Bofors FH-77B -- the infamous 'Bofors gun' that India bought 410 of in the 1980s before scandal derailed indigenous construction -- the ATAGS is in face significantly bigger than the 155-millimetre, 39-calibre Bofors.

When talking about a 155-millimetre, 52-calibre gun, the first figure denotes the 'bore' of the gun, or the width of the gun barrel; while calibre relates to barrel length.

The higher the calibre, the longer the barrel and, therefore, the greater its range.

A third parameter is chamber size, which determines how large a projectile can be fired from the gun, and therefore how much damage a round can inflict on the target.

Another global first in the ATAGS is its all-electric drive, which supersedes the more unreliable hydraulic drives in other towed guns.

The all-electric drive operates all the ATAGS gun controls: ammunition handling, opening and closing the breech, and ramming the round into the chamber.

The ATAGS is the world's only gun with a six-round 'automated magazine' that fires a six-round burst in just 30 seconds.

Most other existing 155-millimetre, 52-calibre guns have three-round magazines, which must be reloaded after firing three rounds.

A high 'burst fire' capability will provide the army a significant advantage since artillery causes most casualties in the initial burst of fire, when enemy soldiers are caught in the open (and not after they dive into their trenches).
A Gaya court on Wednesday awarded life imprisonment to Janata Dal-United MLC Manorama Devis son Rakesh Kumar Ranjan alias Rocky Yadav and two others for the murder of teenager Aditya Sachdeva in an incident of road rage over a year ago.

Manorama Devis husband Bindeshwari Prasad alias Bindi Yadav, a Rashtriya Janata Dal leader known for money and muscle power, was sentenced to five years imprisonment for sheltering their son who was on the run after the killing.

The other two awarded life imprisonment by additional district judge-1 Sachidanand Singh are Manorama Devis bodyguard Rajesh Kumar and Rocky Yadavs cousin Teni Yadav.

The judge also slapped a Rs one lakh fine on Rocky Yadav, Rs 50,000 on Bindi Yadav, while a Rs 10,000 penalty was imposed on each of the other two life convicts.

The court also rejected Bindi Yadavs prayer for bail.

All four convicts are in judicial custody.

The court had held Rocky Yadav, Teni Yadav, Rajesh Ranjan and Bindi Yadav guilty on August 31 in the murder case of 19-year-old Aditya, a class 12 student and son of a Gaya-based businessman.

While Rocky Yadav was found guilty under sections 302 (murder), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 427 (mischief causing damage) and section 27 of the Arms Act, his father Bindi Yadav was convicted under section 212 (harbouring offender) and 177 (furnishing false information) of the IPC.

Teni Yadav and police constable Rajesh Kumar too were found guilty under sections applied to Rocky Yadav.

Rocky had fatally shot at Aditya, when the teenager was returning in a car to Gaya from Bodh Gaya with his friends. Rocky had got angry after the youngsters vehicle overtook his SUV on May 7, 2016.

Rocky fled the spot thereafter and had taken shelter at his fathers factory in Bodh Gaya from where he was arrested 48 hours later. Both his parents were also arrested and charged under different sections of law.

The police had filed a chargesheet against the accused a month after commission of the crime.

During the trial, Adityas four friends, who were with him in the car during the incident, turned hostile but the prosecution pressed on the charge on the basis of scientific investigation against Rocky and others.

The JD-U MLCs son was later granted bail by Patna high court on October 19 last. But the state government challenged the order in the Supreme Court, which cancelled his bail on October 27.
The Karnataka government decided to form a Special Investigation Team to probe the killing even as the Union home ministry sought a report from the state government.

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pays last tributes to the mortal ramains of journalist Gauri Lankesh. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

The body of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was laid to rest with state honours a day after she was gunned down by unidentified assailants, as the damp weather condition in the city matched the sombre mood.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, multi-lingual actor Prakash Raj, playwrights, theatre personalities, journalists and social activists were in attendance.

Besides, a large number of people thronged the TR Mill crematorium to pay their last respect to Gauri. Rains washing away their tears.

As the body was laid to rest in the Lingayat burial ground in the crematorium, slogans like Gauri Lankesh Amar Rahe and Gauri Lankesh Zindabad filled the air.

Rains could not dampen peoples respect for 55-year-old Gauri, known for her anti-right wing stand.

IMAGE: Journalist Gauri Lankesh's mother Indira, brother Indrajit Lankesh and sister Kavitha Lankesh grieve near her mortal ramains in Bengaluru. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

Earlier, the Karnataka government decided to form a Special Investigation Team to probe the killing even as the Union home ministry sought a report from the state government.

Briefing reporters after a meeting with top police officers and state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the SIT will be headed by an inspector general of police level officer.

IGP Intelligence BK Singh to head SIT Karnataka Intelligence Inspector General of Police B K Singh will head the Special Investigation Team set up by the state government to probe the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) M N Anucheth will be the Investigating Officer of the 21-member SIT, state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said. The government has passed an order in this regard, he said.

His government, the chief minister said, was firm on tracking down the killers at the earliest and directed the state director general of police to form the SIT.

The chief minister said he has an 'open mind' for Central Bureau of Investigation probe in the case.

'But let the SIT investigate. If family members are very particular, I am with an open mind,' he said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh directed Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to get a report from the state government, a home ministry official said.

The Karnataka government has been asked to provide details of the crime and the steps taken to arrest those involved in the killing, the home ministry official said.

IMAGE: Citizens protest journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder in Bengaluru, September 6, 2017. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

The journalist, known for her Left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot at her home in Bengaluru on Tuesday night.

Lankesh had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when the motorcycle-borne killers fired at her indiscriminately.

Two bullets hit her in the chest and one on her forehead. She died instantaneously.

The Congress on Wednesday condemned the killing with party president Sonia Gandhi saying it was a chilling reminder that 'intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society'.

"The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated," Sonia Gandhi said in a statement.

"It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society," she said.

Sonia and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi spoken to Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the killers to book.

"Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state," she added.

"Anybody who speaks against the ideology of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed," Rahul Gandhi told reporters.

The Congress vice president attacked Prime Minister Narendra D Modi and described him as a 'skilled Hindutva politician', what he said had a different meaning for his base and another one for the world.

"No one can suppress the truth. The RSS and BJP ideology is trying to suppress the truth, but this cannot happen in India," Rahul Gandhi said.

Asked about Modi's silence on the issue, Gandhi said, '...the entire ideology is to silence voices'.

"When sometimes the prime minister feels there is too much pressure to speak, then he says something, but the entire ideology is to crush dissent and this is resulting in a serious problem in India," he said.

"The idea is there should be only one voice in this country. There should not be any other voice except one voice and that is just not the nature of this country," he said.

IMAGE: Relatives mourn Gauri Lankesh. Photograph: PTI Photo

The BJP has asked the Karnataka government to swiftly probe the murder and arrest the guilty.

Union Minister Ananth Kumar -- who was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bengaluru South -- targeted Siddaramaiah for what he said was the poor law and order situation in the Congress-ruled state.

"Senior journalist of Karnataka Gauri Lankesh has been murdered mercilessly. We strongly condemn this heinous murder. We request the state government and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to do a swift probe, arrest the guilty quickly and punish them severely," Ananth Kumar told reporters.

The Siddaramaiah government, the Union minister said, had not succeeded in taking murder investigations to their logical conclusions.

The Supreme Court, he added, had on Tuesday handed over the probe into the mysterious death of Deputy Superintendent of Police Ganapathy to the CBI while questioning the state government's investigation.
United States President Donald Trump said that a military strike was not his first option for dealing with a nuclear-armed North Korea, but he did not rule it out completely.

Trumps comments came during his telephonic conversation with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to discuss the situation in the Korean Peninsula after North Korea carried out its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date.

His latest comments were less harsh than ones he made last month where he threatened fire and fury against the Pyongyang regime.

The US has urged China, which is the Norths main trading partner, to put more pressure on the reclusive nation to limit his controversial missile programme.

Trump said he has had a strong and frank conversation with Xi about North Korea.

I believe that President Xi agrees with me 100 per cent. He doesnt want to see whats happening there, either, Trump told reporters.

President Xi would like to do something. Well see whether or not he can do it. But we will not be putting up with whats happening in North Korea, Trump said.

Responding to another question, Trump said military option is not his first choice but he has all options open.

Were going to see what happens. Well see what happens. Certainly, thats not our first choice, but we will see what happens, Trump said when asked if he is considering military action.

Trump said Washington has been deeply concerned over the ongoing situation on the Korean Peninsula and attaches importance to Chinas essential role in resolving the issue.

He pledged to step up communication with the Chinese side in a bid to find a solution as early as possible.

Also during the talks, Xi said China attaches great importance to Trumps visit to China later this year, hoping both sides can work together to ensure the visit a success.
Over 50 people dead, 30,000 displaced, over $190 billion worth of destruction.

Thats the effect of Hurricane Harvey, which struck Houston and southeast Texas.

Inch by accumulated inch, more than 20 trillion gallons of water pooled in southeast Texas, swamping hundreds of thousands of homes, cutting off roads, and spurring thousands of rescues.

However, people arent the only ones trying to get back on their feet after Tropical Storm Harvey. Dogs, domestic animals and livestock took a hit from the record-breaking rainfall, surging floodwaters and brutal winds.

A teeming multitude of pets and other assorted animals are among those still being rescued from Hurricane Harvey-ravaged parts.

Heres some of the most heart-warming images from the rescue.

Senior Airman Austin Hellweg, 129th Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, carries a dog and leads a family into an HH-60 Pavehawk for extraction to a safer location during the relief effort for Hurricane Harvey in Beaumont, Texas.

Photograph: Staff Sgt Jordan Castelan/US Air Force/Getty Images

A cat tries to find dry ground around an apartment complex after it was inundated with water following Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas.

Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Dogs are carried to a rescue boat from a home which is surrounded by floodwater after torrential rains pounded Southeast Texas following Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey causing widespread flooding. Harvey, which made landfall north of Corpus Christi August 25, has dumped nearly 50 inches of rain in and around areas Houston.

Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Andrew White helps a neighbour down a street after rescuing her from her home in his boat in the upscale River Oaks neighbourhood after it was inundated with flooding.

Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Naomi Coto carries Simba on her shoulders as they evacuate their home after the area was inundated with flooding in Houston, Texas. On August 29, a weather station in Southeast Houston registered more than 51 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Harvey. This means Harvey has broken the record for the greatest amount of rain recorded from a single tropical storm or hurricane in the continental United States.

Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Volunteers and officers from the neighbourhood security patrol help to rescue residents and their dogs in the upscale River Oaks area in Houston.

Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Steve Culver cries with his dog Otis as he talks about what he said was the, "most terrifying event in his life," when Hurricane Harvey blew in and destroyed most of his home while he and his wife took shelter there in Rockport, Texas. Harvey is being reported as the strongest hurricane to hit the United States since Wilma in 2005.

Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

To deal with the influx of desperate creatures, busy rescue groups and shelters have been sending their animals to facilities outside of Texas in order to make room for those found in flooded areas.

Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images



Best Friends Animal Society, the first animal rescue on the ground during Hurricane Katrina, has deployed its disaster response team to Texas to help rescue stranded animals, deliver supplies and transport displaced pets.

Photograph: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Pets and animals affected in Texas are being moved to New Jersey in order to to make room in shelters for pets that got separated from their owners during Harvey.

Photograph: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A dog rescued from Harvey floodwaters in Houston, Texas, waits to be relocated to a shelter.

Photograph: Rick Wilking/Reuters

Lacey Dougharty saves some of her chickens after Tropical Storm Harvey in Orange, Texas.

Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

A man helps cows that were trapped in flood water in a field escape in Winnie, Texas.

Photograph: Carlo Allegri/Reuters

A cow struggles to keep its head above floodwaters during Hurricane Harvey near Fulton, Texas.

Photograph: Rick Wilking/Reuters
In a 35-minute address to the Indian diaspora, the prime minister said that his government was not afraid of taking big and tough decisions in the interest of the country.

IMAGE: Narendra Modi addressing the Indian community event at Yangon, Myanmar. All photographs: Press Information Bureau

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday justified demonetisation which has come in for criticism, asserting that his government was not afraid of taking big and tough decisions in the interest of the country.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Yangon, Myanmar, he said his government could take such decisions because it considers the country above politics.

Along with demonetisation announced on November 8 last year, he named the surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir last year and the GST which was rolled out on July 1 as the big and tough decisions taken by his government.

In the national interest, we are not afraid of taking big and tough decisions because for us, the country is above politics. Whether it be the surgical strikes, demonetisation or GST, all decisions were taken without any fear or hesitation, Modi told the gathering.

Referring to the note ban, the prime minister said the step was taken to curb black money and that it had helped identify lakhs of people who had crores of rupees in bank accounts but never paid income tax.

IMAGE: The PM said his government had initiated massive changes and rules were being eased to unshackle the potential of the country.

He also said that registration of over two lakh companies had been cancelled in last three months as those had been found to be indulging in laundering of black money.

To deal with corruption, we banned currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination. A handful of corrupt people were making 125 crore people pay for their misdeeds. This was not acceptable to us, Modi said in 35-minute address.

There used to be no clue as to from where black money was coming and where it was going, he said.

His justification of demonetisation came against the backdrop of criticism of the decision by the Opposition.

The Congress has dubbed the note ban as a disaster and said it had utterly failed while the corrupt made windfall gains.

The prime minister also talked about GST, saying an atmosphere of doing business with honesty had been created in the country within a span of two months after its launch.

IMAGE: Modi interacts with the Indian Community at the event at Yangon, Myanmar.



Modi said over the last three years, his government had initiated massive changes and rules were being eased to unshackle the potential of the country.

Now, the people of the country have begun believing that India can move forward. The shackles can be broken, he said.

We are not merely reforming India but transforming India. We are not changing India, but we are building a new India, he said, adding 2022 was the target year to achieve this as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the countrys independence.

In the context of building a new India, he talked about the pledge to rid the country of problems like terrorism, communalism and corruption.

The prime minister also said that India believes in sharing the benefits of its development with its neighbours and also help them in the times of need.

He referred to the launch of South Asian satellite a few months back and said its benefits were being availed of by all the neighbouring countries which had joined it. Pakistan had refused to associate with the project announced by Modi soon after he became the prime minister in 2014.

Talking about helping the neighbours, he said India was the first responder in the times of need and in this context, mentioned earthquake in Nepal, water crisis in

Maldives and cyclone in Myanmar. We fulfilled the responsibility of a good neighbour, he said.

He also mentioned the evacuation undertaken by India in West Asian nations, including those of other countries, and said, while doing so, we do not check the colour of their passports.

IMAGE: The PM underlined the need for enhanced cooperation with Myanmar and other East Asian nations.

Underlining the need for enhanced cooperation with Myanmar and other East Asian nations, Modi, who is on a three-day visit, said the Kaladan multi-modal transport project should become a development corridor.

He told the gathering that the Indian government had already taken decisions to merge Overseas Citizenship of India and Persons of Indian Origin cards and do away with police reporting for those having long-term visas among various measures for their benefit.

He also showered praise on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, saying she was always there, ready to help any Indian in trouble anywhere in the world.

People facing problems anywhere in the world contact Sushmaji through tweets without any hesitation... I do not think there will be any foreign minister like Sushmaji anywhere in the world who actively helps the countrymen in trouble just on the basis of a tweet, Modi said.

The prime minister, who is on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar, talked about the historical importance of Myanmar in the context of Indias freedom struggle.

Naming Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore and Bahadur Shah Zafar, he said Myanmar had become the second home for those who had to leave their own homes during the freedom struggle.

He said communication infrastructure between India and Myanmar was being upgraded to facilitate increased trade and people-to-people contacts.

He said a road between Imphal and Moreh, the border point with Myanmar, is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 1,600 crore, as part of enabling greater trade and travel between the two countries.
Slain journalist Gauri Lankesh was on Wednesday held up as a symbol of free speech and dissent, as journalists and activists across the country warned against treating her killing as an isolated incident.

DELHI

IMAGE: Swaraj Abhiyan founder Yogendra Yadav with others during a candle light vigil at India Gate in New Delhi on Wednesday against killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo

The murder of the editor of Kannada publication Gauri Lankesh Patrike should be seen in the context of a climate of hate and intolerance in the country, speaker after speaker said at a condolence meeting attended by hundreds at the Press Club of India in Delhi.

Voices in the nearly two-hour-long meeting also expressed concern over the reaction in social media from a section that greeted Lankeshs chilling murder with glee and tasteless jibes at the political views she held.

The voices that were celebrating Lankeshs killing are products of the political climate that has been created. We have created a society where it smiles around your corpse, said television journalist Ravish Kumar.

We are seeing the space for free-thinking shrinking. They want to silence the people who want to hold truth to power. We cannot remain silent, because that is what they want. Dont keep quiet. That would be their success, he said.

Members of the media fraternity, including the Editors Guild, as well as rights organisations and student activists, condemned the incident, describing it as a brutal assault on the freedom of the press.

The press club meet also saw the presence of Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury, CPI national secretary D Raja, Dipankar Bhattacharya of the CPI (ML), Aam Aadmi Partys Ashutosh and Sanjay Singh, Congresss Shobha Oza and former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, among others.

Veteran journalist H K Dua said it had to be kept in mind that Lankesh was killed as she dissented against the prevailing philosophy and fought for the right to free speech and the right to report.

IMAGE: A protester holds a placard during a protest rally against the killing of Gauri Lankesh in New Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

The issue of celebratory tweets after Lankeshs killing by social media hate mongers, who were followed on Twitter by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was also repeatedly flagged by the speakers.

They also criticised the Congress government led by Siddaramaiah in Karnataka for having failed to bring the assailants of rationalist scholar M M Kalburgi to book till date and also referred to the lack of progress in cracking the murder cases of CPI leader Govind Pansare and rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in Maharashtra.

Pansares daughter Megha, who was among the speakers, said the probe into her fathers death picked up a little only when the Bombay high court intervened and directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to redouble its efforts to trace the culprits.

Kanhaiya, who said Lankesh was a mother-figure to him, referred to the slander campaign against her on the social media, where she has been described by many as a Maoist ideologue.

Today those who proudly proclaim their allegiance to a brand of hyper-nationalism should remember that in future they can also be in the line of fire, he said, while political activist Yogendra Yadav held that Lankesh was silenced as she stood for a culturally rooted secularism.

Lawyer Vrinda Grover, who was present at the protest meet, expressed her horror over the killing, and said, We are living in very dangerous times.

This was not a one-off, random case. Lankesh was killed because she stood and fought for ideas of justice and values enshrined in our Constitution -- liberty, equality, she said.

Many spoke about the urgent need to fight intolerance.

This is not good. We cannot go on gathering at condolences, Ravish Kumar rued.

Student leader Kanhaiya stressed that the times were difficult for journalists and activists. But bullets cannot kill ideas, he said.

MUMBAI:

IMAGE: Journalists participate in a protest in Mumbai on Wednesday to protest condemn the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh. Photograph: Shashank Parade/PTI Photo

A candlelight vigil was organised in the financial capital on Wednesday evening as various media organisations and representatives, including the Mumbai Press Club and Bombay Union of Journalists, condemned the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh.

IMAGE: Journalists pay tributes to journalist Gauri Lankesh, in Mumbai. Photograph: PTI Photo

The vigil was held at the Azad Maidan in south Mumbai and several members of the Mumbai media fraternity took part in it.

IMAGE: Shabana Azmi and other social activists protest against the killing of Gauri Lankesh in Mumbai's Bandra area. Photograph: Sahil Salvi/Rediff.com

Some social activists also organised a protest meeting at the Carter Road Amphitheatre in suburban Bandra in the evening to condemn the killing of the journalist.

To protest and condemn the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh, members of the Mumbai Press Club, TV Journalists Association, Photographers Association and Network of Women in Media joined the protest, Press Club secretary Dharmendra Jore said.

BENGALURU:

IMAGE: A protester in Bengaluru holds a placard as she shouts slogans against the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants outside her residence. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

Journalists took out a march from the Press Club in Bengaluru to the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking immediate action to bring the culprits to book.

IMAGE: Journalists condemned the murder, calling it an attempt to silence the people who want to hold truth to power. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media, the memorandum said.

Press Club of Bengaluru president Sadashiva Shenoy, who was closely associated with Gauri, said, Divisive forces cannot muzzle the liberal voices by resorting to killing.

We demand that a judicial committee should be constituted headed by a sitting high court judge to probe the brutal killing, Shenoy said.

HYDERABAD:

In Hyderabad too, protests and a vigil was marked to honour Lankesh. Under the aegis of Press Club Hyderabad, a group of journalists raised slogans condemning Lankeshs killing.

Holding placards that read I AM ALSO GAURI, You cannot curtail freedom of expression through murder, the journalists later also participated in a march from the Press Club to Khairtabad Circle.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:

IMAGE: Journalists have demanded a CBI inquiry into Lankesh's death. Photograph: Shailendra Bhojak/PTI Photo

Journalists, writers, artists and politicians in Kerala condemned the killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh.

Protest marches were taken out in different parts of the state by media personnel, who sported black badges and held placards condemning the shooting of Lankesh by unidentified assailants at her residence on Tuesday night.

The marches were organised by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur and various press clubs.

At the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, journalists paid floral tributes to a portrait of the veteran editor and lit candles.

BHOPAL:

In Madhya Pradesh, the journalists condemned her killing. Senior journalist and Friends of Free Media group convenor Deepak Tiwari, on behalf of the city-based mediapersons, demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry.

It was an attempt to curb the voice of free media. We strongly condemn it and demand a CBI probe into it, he said. The group also observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect for the deceased.

IMAGE: Members of different organisations during a silent protest against the killing of Gauri Lankesh in Patna. Photograph: PTI Photo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday presented Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi with a special copy of the original research proposal she submitted for her fellowship in 1986.

IMAGE: Modi meets Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Photograph: Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters

Presented Daw Aung San Suu Kyi a special reproduction of the original research proposal she submitted for fellowship at Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla in May 1986, Modi said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Modi is on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar where he held wide-ranging talks with Suu Kyi. After the meeting, Modi gifted the 72-year-old Nobel laureate a copy of her original research proposal titled The Growth and Development of Burmese and Indian Intellectual Traditions Under Colonialism: A Comparative Study.

IMAGE: The copy of the original research proposal --The Growth and Development of Burmese and Indian Intellectual Traditions Under Colonialism: A Comparative Study -- she submitted for her fellowship in 1986. Photograph: @NarendraModi/Twitter

Suu Kyi has a strong connection with India. She studied political science from the Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and graduated in 1964.

She was also a fellow in Shimla at the prestigious Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Suu Kyi had also spent time with her husband Michael Aris and two sons Kim and Alexander in the former summer capital of the British India.

Modi arrived on Tuesday on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.
IMAGE: PM Modi pays respects at Ananda Temple, the most historical and venerated temple in Bagan, Myanmar. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.

'Prime Minister Modi and Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi meet in Myanmar, discuss further cementing of India-Myanmar relations,' PMO said in a tweet.

'Meeting a valued friend. Prime Minister Modi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi,' External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The PM said that India shares Myanmar's concerns over the 'extremist violence' in the Rakhine state and urged all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the country's unity.

The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation with Modi emphasising that it was important to maintain stability along the long land and maritime borders of the two countries.

Modi's first bilateral visit comes at a time when the Myanmarese government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is facing international pressure over the 1,25,000 Rohingya refugees that have poured across the Bangladeshi border in just two weeks after Myanmar's military launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state.

Modi, in his joint press statement with Suu Kyi after the talks, said India understands the problems being faced by Myanmar.

He said India shares Myanmar's concerns over the 'extremist violence' in the Rakhine state, especially the loss of innocent lives of the people and the military personnel.

"When it comes to a big peace process or finding a solution to a problem, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution which respects the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar," Modi said.

At the same time, the solution can bring about peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all, he said.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi held a meeting in which both sides signed 11 agreements in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr

After Modi-Suu Kyi talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.

Modi, in his statement, stressed on scaling up security cooperation, saying that being neighbours, the two countries have similar security concerns.

Taking a strong stance on terror, Suu Kyi said, "Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries."

Suu Kyi also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine state last month, killing 12 security personnel.

Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

He said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit the country.

"We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our Sabka saath sabka vikaas initiative," Modi said.

He also lauded Suu Kyi's leadership in Myanmar's peace process.

The meeting between Modi and Suu Kyi came on a day she was quoted as telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that global outrage over Myanmar's treatment of its Rohingya Muslims was being fuelled by 'a huge iceberg of misinformation'.

Sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by 'a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists', Suu Kyi was quoted by an official statement as telling Erdogan in a call.

Suu Kyi has come under fire in recent days for failing to speak out against violence targeting Rohingyas, particularly given her previous image as a champion of human rights.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 1,25,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.

Modi arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- Summit.

On Tuesday, Modi called on Myanmarese President Htin Kyaw, describing it as a 'wonderful meeting'.

They had discussed steps to deepen the 'historical relationship' between the two neighbours.

IMAGE: PM Modi said India shares Myanmar's concerns over the 'extremist violence' in the Rakhine state. Photograph: Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

India and Myanmar also signed 11 agreements in a range of sectors, including one on maritime security cooperation, to further strengthen their multifaceted partnership.

The Memorandums of Understanding were signed after Modi held wide-ranging talks with Suu Kyi.

India and Myanmar signed an MoU to strengthen maritime security cooperation.

The two sides also signed an agreement for sharing white shipping information to improve data sharing on non-classified merchant navy ships or cargo ships.

The 11 MoUs also include one between the Election Commission and Union Election of Myanmar, the national level electoral commission of Myanmar.

An MoU was also signed to organise cultural exchange programme for the period 2017-2020, according to a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs.

The two countries also signed agreements on cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and Press Council of India, extension of agreement on the establishment of India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of Information Technology skill.

They also signed agreements to cooperate in 'Medical Products Regulation' and in the field of health and medicine.

They also signed an MoU on enhancing the cooperation on upgradation of the women's police training centre at Yamethin in Myanmar.
'Earlier, they used to give hints and then kill; now they have started killing without any hints.'

Shivsunder, a columnist for Gauri Lankesh's Lankesh Patrike, on the journalist's murder.

There were no immediate death threats to her in the sense that somebody would murder her, but there was a continuous heated exchange of words between her and goons.

There were the usual threats and intimidation from right wing goons in Karnataka, but there was no particular threat.

Three months ago, when the annual issue of Lankesh Patrike, the weekly which Gauri edited, was being celebrated, Yogesh, one of the magazine's columnists, was assaulted when he went out for a cup of tea.

Maybe they wanted to target Gauri that day, but since Yogesh went out for tea instead of Gauri, they must have decided to send a message across to Gauri by attacking Yogesh.

Since 2005, Gauri has been continuously exposing the wrongdoings and hate campaigns of the right wing for which she finally paid the price.

For the last 15 years she has been facing many defamation cases.

When she could not attend court after repeated reminders she was taken into custody for an hour in the court premises and given bail.

There has been continuous danger to her life ever since she began writing against the right wing.

I can't remember a single day when she was not verbally abused or targetted on Twitter and other social media.

They are now brazenly, shamelessly, celebrating her murder.

One rightwing organisation posted: 'One goon of India has been killed, let us celebrate. One criminal has been killed, let us celebrate'.

Right wing groups are celebrating Gauri's murder on Facebook.

I spoke to Gauri the day before (her murder on September 5). We discussed the special Deepavali issue of Lankesh Patrike.

She wanted me to contribute a column and we discussed the subject.

Lankesh Patrike would hit the stands on Wednesdays and we regularly discussed the contents and cover stories.

Earlier, they used to give hints and then kill; now they have started killing without any hints.

Gauri, one of the vocal liberal voices, has been silenced forever.

We demand a special investigation team under judicial supervision to investigate Gauri's murder.

As told to Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore

IMAGE: Gauri Lankesh with Kanhaiya Kumar, the Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader, who she considered a son.
The nuclear test of September 3 proved that North Korea's hydrogen bomb is capable of being loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile, heightening the real danger to global security.

North Korea is unlikely to strike first, but its response in retaliation, if attacked, could be massive even at the expense of its own destruction, says Rajaram Panda.

FAQ: All you need to know about North Korea's H-bomb

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspects a nuclear device in Pyongyang on September 3, 2017.

In case you missed it: Planet Earth's most brutal ruler

Photograph: KCNA via Reuters

In continuous defiance of world opinion, North Korea yet again rattled the world by conducting successfully the sixth nuclear test, claiming that it has now developed the 'perfect' hydrogen bomb.

In 2016, it had conducted two nuclear tests.

Subsequently it launched a series of missiles, the latest ones being two last July and one in late August, each demonstrating further advance in weaponisation.

Pyongyang hailed the test of the 'two-stage thermonuclear weapon' as a 'perfect success'. The hydrogen bomb is potentially more destructive than an atomic bomb.

It was North Korea's sixth nuclear test since 2006, and first since Donald Trump moved to the White House in January 2017.

When the 5.6 magnitude seismic event was detected approximately 10 km from North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site, Japanese government examined the data and concluded that it was a nuclear test.

The event was also felt in neighbouring northeast China.

The national security councils in Japan and South Korea convened emergency meetings to discuss the next step.

North Korea last conducted a nuclear test on September 9, 2016. The tremors caused by the test of September 3 were at least 10 times as powerful as those generated by the atomic bomb detonated in September 2016.

According to NORSAR, a Norwegian earthquake monitoring agency, the estimated yield was 120 kilotons, a figure significantly higher than the 15-kiloton 'Little Boy' bomb dropped on Hiroshima and the 20-kiloton 'Fat Man' dropped on Nagasaki in August 1945.

The State-controlled KCNA reported that the hydrogen bomb, with 'super explosive power' was indigenously crafted and had explosive yield 'adjustable' to hundreds of kilotons.

The nuclear test of September 3 proved that the hydrogen bomb is capable of being loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile, presenting the United States and its allies with a new and more potent challenge.

North Korea's nuclear weapons institute boasted in a statement that the test was carried out 'to examine and confirm the accuracy and credibility of the power control technology and internal structural design newly introduced into manufacturing H-bomb to be placed at the payload of the ICBM'.

It further claimed that the test 'marked a very significant occasion in attaining the final goal of completing the state nuclear force'.

Kim Jong-un was believed to have inspected the hydrogen device and watched the weapon being loaded onto an ICBM.

Earlier, in July, when North Korea conducted two successful ICBM tests with experts putting Chicago and Los Angeles within range, there were doubts regarding North Korea's ability to mount a warhead on the tip of a missile that can survive the rigours of atmospheric re-entry. That doubt seems to have been removed with the sixth nuclear test, heightening the real danger to global security.

SEE: What the UN chief has to say about North Korea's provocation.

Recommended for you: Dealing with North Korea: What are the world's options?

Videos: ANI

As was expected, global condemnation poured in, but no US military action looked imminent.

The US and its allies resolved to seek tougher United Nations sanctions. The immediate focus was to tighten economic penalties.

Leaders in Russia, China and Europe issued condemnation.

Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo slammed the test as 'absolutely unacceptable'. Japan lodged a protest with Pyongyang through its embassy in Beijing and condemned the test in the 'strongest language possible'.

It decided to call for convening an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss taking even stricter measures against Kim Jong-un's regime.

As measures thus far have yielded little result in prevailing over Pyongyang to change its policy and actions, Japan is considering a request to freeze oil shipments to Pyongyang, a step that could paralyse the nation.

This, Japan feels, is one of the multiple options that could be more effective than the previous ones.

India too strongly condemned North Korea's nuclear test and asked the reclusive State to refrain from actions that adversely impact peace and stability in the Korean peninsula and beyond.

Disapproving Pyongyang's violation of its international commitments, a statement issued by the external affairs ministry expressed concern about proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies, which has adversely impacted India's national security.

The North Korea-Pakistan nuclear nexus is no secret to the world and remains a matter of worry to India.

US President Donald J Trump reacted by saying that by continuing to flout the international community, Pyongyang is engaged in very hostile acts that are dangerous to the US and the world. Labelling North Korea as 'a rogue nation', Trump repeated his threat of military action.

At the same time, he blasted South Korean President Moon Jae-in's talk of appeasement as the preferred option to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapon programme.

Trump and Abe had three teleconferences, rather rare for world leaders to engage that way in such frequency, since North Korea's intermediate-range missile firing on August 28 that flew over Hokkaido and into the Pacific Ocean to analyse and seek.

They mean to put more pressure on North Korea to make it change its policies. The preference for holding teleconferences underlined the close personal ties that both leaders share.

Trump has often issued bellicose statements, matching the language that Kim Jong-un often uses -- undiplomatic, reiterating his stance that 'all options' (an allusion to military action) remain on the table for reining in the isolated country.

Though China continues to remain North Korea's only ally, it has too expressed its frustration with North's behaviour and slammed it for its 'wrong actions'.

It urged Pyongyang to 'completely comply with relevant resolutions of the Security Council' and asked it to 'come back to the track of resolving the problem through dialogue'.

It remains unclear, however, if China is sincere in its disapproval of Pyongyang's actions.

On his part, Trump has accused Beijing for not doing enough to induce Pyongyang to change its nuclear path.

This time, in a clear departure from his earlier preferred appeasement strategy, Moon Jae-in also joined the chorus for tougher measures and vowed to push for 'the most powerful sanctions' at the UNSC in a bid to completely isolate the communist state.

He has also reviewed his earlier stance on the deployment of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) with request to the US to deploy the remaining four batteries soon.

Pyongyang has consistently maintained that it is under constant threat from a 'hostile' US, and, therefore, justified maintaining a credible nuclear deterrence, crucial to the survival of the Kim regime and the state.

Though it has faced seven rounds of stinging Security Council sanctions, these punishments have failed to halt the North's atomic march. It is acceptable for the North, therefore, to cope with the harsh measures by the US and its allies.

Kim Jong-un feels proud that the indigenous development of the hydrogen bomb has been achieved even though at 'a great price'.

There is a sense of pride in North Korea that it could succeed in possessing a nuclear device, which it justified as in accordance with the Juche philosophy.

,em>Juche, or self-reliance, is North Korea's homegrown go-it-alone ideology, which is a mix of Marxism and extreme nationalism.

Widely preached by the founder Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-un's grandfather, the younger Kim is proud to have perfected further the plans started by his father and grandfather.

There are various interpretations by experts on the manner in which Kim is likely to use the nuclear weapon in a conflict situation.

Adam Mount, at the Centre for American Progress in Washington, DC, believes that 'the assertion that this warhead is variable-yield capable of specialised weapons effects implies a complex nuclear strategy'.

According to him, North Korea is likely to consider 'limited nuclear strikes for escalation control -- not just massive assured retaliation against an aggressor'.

This shows that North Korea could use even before a conflict erupts and also in a wider range of circumstances.

Hans Kristensen, a nuclear weapons expert at the Federation of American Scientists, however, feels that North Korea probably will need to do more tests before achieving a functioning hydrogen bomb design.

Notwithstanding the scientific analysis of the blast -- on which opinions could differ -- the truism is that North Korea has proved to the world that it is accelerating its push to field a nuclear weapon that can target all of the US mainland.

This situation creates political complications for the US as it has to reassure its allies standing by its decades-long commitment to deter nuclear attack on its two Asian allies, while at the same time secure its own security from possible attack from North Korea.

An objective view after considering variables from all possible perspectives can lead one to take the position that North Korea is unlikely to strike first, but its response in retaliation, if attacked, could be massive even at the expense of its own destruction.

Kim Jong-un would know that if he strikes the US or Japan or South Korea first with nuclear weapons or otherwise, its own annihilation would be guaranteed and this consideration alone would deter Kim to launch the first strike.

At the same time, despite his threat of invoking military option and use of similar language as that of Kim, Trump too would not be unwise and strike North Korea first militarily for clear knowledge of immediate reprisals from Pyongyang.

Such a scenario leaves all stakeholders with only option: Dialogue and discussion.

Tightening more economic sanctions are unlikely to work either; it has been tried before and proved ineffective and more sanctions are unlikely to be different.

If such is the case, will Moon Jae-in's talk of appeasement have any merit that needs support?

At the moment, the answer would be both 'Yes' and 'No'.

Dr Rajaram Panda is currently the Indian Council for Cultural Relations India Chair Visiting Professor at Reitaku University, Japan.

The views expressed are the author's own and do not represent either of the ICCR or the Government of India.

SEE! North Korea tests its most powerful nuclear bomb yet
By PTI: Mumbai, Sep 6 (PTI) Fifteen people died during idol immersion proceedings this Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra, as thousands of devotees bid adieu to the elephant-headed God in various corners of the state.

Till last night, 11 deaths were reported across the state. The figure rose to 15 today, officials at the state police headquarters here said.

Three persons drowned during Ganesh idol immersion in the Shivnai lake near Bidkin in Aurangabad district yesterday, while four people lost their lives in Pune, two in Jalgaon and one each in Nashik and Beed districts.

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According to police, four more deaths were reported today - one each in Nashik, Ahmednagar, Satara and Parbhani.

However, the exact detail of the deaths is not yet known.

The famous Lalbaughcha Raja idol was immersed in the Arabian Sea off Girgaum Chowpatty in south Mumbai this morning after a 22-hour long procession.

The Dagduseth Halwai Ganesh idol in Pune was immersed after a 20-hour long procession.

The immersion processions of Ganesh idols had begun yesterday amidst much fanfare and tight security, marking culmination of the Ganesh festival that began on August 25.

Around 7,000 sarvajanik (public) idols and over 33,000 gharguti (home) idols were immersed here till 7 am today at various spots, which included beaches, natural and artificial ponds, an official from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) told PTI.

Many idols were immersed in artificial ponds, set up by the BMC to prevent pollution of natural water bodies.

Chanting Ganpati Bappa Moraya, pudhchya varshi lavkar yaa (Lord, come back quickly next year), devotees from all walks of life and age groups flooded the streets.

The lengthy processions could not dampen the spirit of the devotees who were seen singing and dancing on the streets.

The prime locations for the idol immersion in Mumbai were Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu beach, Powai lake, Dadar Chowpatty, Madh jetty and Marve.

The authorities had also deployed helicopters and drones for surveillance.

Lifeguards were deployed at various water bodies, while control cells and first-aid centres were set up across the city. Motor boats and ambulances were also kept ready for any exigency.

The civic body had also set up portable toilets.

As many as 9,000 BMC employees oversaw the immersion proceedings.

The BMC had appealed devotees to inform the civic authorities if they needed any assistance or if they were stung by jelly fish or sting ray along the beaches. PTI VT DC GK SRY

--- ENDS ---
Cambodia: Drop Case Against Opposition Leader

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 6 September 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Cambodia: Drop Case Against Opposition Leader, 6 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afbcd94.html [accessed 14 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 Cambodian government should end its politically motivated prosecution of the opposition party leader and release him unconditionally, Human Rights Watch said today. Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) President Kem Sokha faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted on pending charges of treason and "colluding with foreigners" under article 443 of Cambodia's penal code. The authorities are pursuing these baseless charges despite Sokha's constitutionally guaranteed immunity as a member of parliament.

"The Cambodian government has concocted treason charges against Kem Sokha for political purposes, aiming to end the 2018 election campaign before it even begins," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Prime Minister Hun Sen is apparently not going to let democratic principles get in the way of his continued rule. Countries that contributed for years to Cambodia's rebuilding should denounce this betrayal of the 1991 Paris Peace Accords."

The Cambodian government has concocted treason charges against Kem Sokha for political purposes, aiming to end the 2018 election campaign before it even begins.

Phil Robertson

Deputy Asia Director

Shortly after midnight on September 3, 2017, about 200 police arrived at Sokha's home in Toulkork, Phnom Penh. The police dismissed requests to produce a warrant, forced their way into the residence where Sokha and his wife, Te Chanmono, were sleeping, and detained him. The police then confiscated his mobile phone and led him away in handcuffs to an undisclosed location.

Government-aligned media outlet Fresh News was the first to report the arrest by linking a video from the Cambodian Broadcasting Network allegedly showing footage of Kem Sokha discussing secret plans of a conspiracy between him and "other foreigners to harm the Kingdom of Cambodia."

Prime Minister Hun Sen presaged the charges on August 23, 2017, when he made a speech in which he accused the CNRP of "conduct[ing] traitorous [acts] to the nation and its people." Hun Sen also recently stated that he will not let "outside powers" interfere in Cambodia's internal affairs, ordering that there be a further investigation about any foreigners who are involved with Sokha for allegedly "betraying his own nation."

Fresh News has since named others that the government has linked as possible suspects to Sokha's case, including members of parliament such as Pol Ham, the recently named acting CNRP party president, and Son Chhay; as well as party spokespersons Nhem Ponnarith and Ou Chanrith; and Sokha's daughters, Kem Mona and Kem Samathida.

On September 5, prosecutors formally began criminal proceedings against Sokha by filing an introductory submission, and an investigating judge then questioned Sokha, who will remain a suspect under judicial investigation until the investigating judge decides whether to charge Sokha.

"Prosecuting Kem Sokha for treason would be a devastating setback not only for human rights in Cambodia, but for the country's hopes of future democratic development," Robertson said. "Once again the government is using its control over the judiciary to manipulate the legal system to silence political opponents."

Cambodia's human rights situation has rapidly deteriorated during the past year as the July 2018 national elections approach. After the opposition mounted a strong showing in national elections in 2013 that caught the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) by surprise, Prime Minister Hun Sen has overseen an alarming increase of threatening political rhetoric, including repeated threats of violence and other forms of intimidation by government officials directed at dissidents and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). This was especially evident in the lead-up to this year's commune elections. Hun Sen and several senior military and ministry figures, including Defense Minister Tea Banh and CPP spokesperson Sok Eysan, have repeatedly warned that the military would "smash  teeth" of protesters and "not be neutral" when it comes to siding with the CPP. Hun Sen added that any election victory by the political opposition would likely lead to "civil war," and he threatened to use violence against persons who mount a "color revolution," a term that attempts to portray organized peaceful dissent as the violent overthrow of the government.

While campaigning prior to the 2017 commune elections, Hun Sen publicly said he would be "willing to eliminate 100 to 200 people" to protect "national security," and that the opposition should "prepare their coffins." After the vote, Hun Sen repeated this claim and made a transparent reference to exiled former CNRP party leader Sam Rainsy, suggesting that Rainsy knew he would be targeted for violence. On August 2, Minister of Social Affairs Vong Sauth said that protesters who disputed the outcome of the 2018 elections would be "hit with the bottom end of bamboo poles" - a chilling reference to a punishment technique used by the Khmer Rouge - and threatened civil servants in his ministry with termination if they did not support the CPP.

The CPP-dominated parliament passed two sets of repressive amendments to the Law on Political Parties in 2017. These changes allow authorities to dissolve political parties and ban party leaders from political activity without fair or transparent procedures or an appeals process. The amendments contain numerous restrictions tailored to create obstacles for opposition parties, most notably provisions that compel parties to face dissolution unless they expel leaders who have been convicted of a criminal charge. This provision bars Sam Rainsy from involvement in the party, and poses a threat to Kem Sokha, who would lose party leadership if convicted of treason or other charges. The ministry of interior also enjoys broad authority to indefinitely suspend a party based on broad, vaguely defined restrictions that violate due process and rights to free expression and association. Cambodian law provides the government a powerful tool to weaken the opposition or dissolve parties outright, Human Rights Watch said.

Sokha's arbitrary arrest aligns with government pronouncements that they will do whatever is necessary to maintain their more than 30-year rule, as Human Rights Watch has extensively documented in previous reports.

"Cambodia's political allies and donors should be publicly alarmed by the outrageous charges Kem Sokha faces and this attack on the democratic process," Robertson said. "They should put Hun Sen on notice that if he doesn't reverse course, it will be impossible to consider next year's elections free and fair."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Morocco: King Brushes Off Evidence of Police Abuse

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 5 September 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Morocco: King Brushes Off Evidence of Police Abuse, 5 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afbe074.html [accessed 14 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.

King Mohammed VI should press for effective investigations into allegations that Morocco's police forces tortured people suspected of participating in the 2017 "Hirak" protests in the Rif region, Human Rights Watch said today. Instead, in a televised address to the nation on Throne Day, July 30, the king appeared to whitewash the police's handling of the unrest in Al Hoceima, the main Rif city, saying that security forces showed "restraint and commitment to the rule of law." The king's comments ignored reports by forensic doctors who examined a group of detainees arrested around the Rif protests and found injuries they said corroborated the detainees' accounts of police violence. The doctors, who examined the detainees at the request of the National Human Rights Council (Conseil National des Droits de l'Homme, or CNDH), an independent state body, also noted that many detainees said the police forced them to sign written statements unread. Many are now serving prison terms, while others remain in pretrial detention. "The king's unconditional praise of the security forces despite the allegations against them will only encourage the belief that those who abuse detainees will never face any consequences," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. In his Throne Day speech, to date his only public comment on the Rif protests which began almost a year ago, the king chose to lambaste the public administration for its failure to implement development polices in the embattled region, while singling out the security forces for "bravely and patiently fulfilling their duty  as they maintained security and stability." The Hirak movement sprang from an incident in October 2016, in which a fishmonger was killed while trying to rescue his goods that authorities had just confiscated. Since then, the movement has staged several mass protests to end what they say is the government's discrimination against the region with regard to economic and social development. Authorities have tolerated many of the Hirak demonstrations, although they prohibited a major one planned for July 20 in Al Hoceima, and used teargas to disperse those who attempted to defy the ban. The demonstrations have been peaceful, with some exceptions, mostly stone-throwing. There has been one death, of 25-year-old Imad Attabi of Al Hoceima, who was fatally wounded on July 20 in circumstances that authorities promised to investigate. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights, an independent group, said a teargas canister fired by the police hit him in the head, fatally wounding him. In late May, after seven months of sporadic protests, authorities started cracking down and arresting protesters. According to well-informed sources, 216 protesters are behind bars, including 47 in Casablanca's Oukacha prison awaiting trial and 169 in Al Hoceima's regional prison, some sentenced and others awaiting trial or appeals. On July 3, Moroccan media published a leaked copy of medical reports that indicated severe police abuse of detained protesters. The National Human Rights Council, which had commissioned leading forensic doctors to prepare the reports, said that the reports had not been finalized and were thus unofficial. But the next day, Justice Minister Mohamed Aujjar announced that he had ordered copies forwarded to prosecutors at the Al Hoceima and Casablanca courts trying these defendants "to include these reports in the case files  [and] take necessary legal measures." On June 14, a first instance court in Al Hoceima convicted all 32 defendants in a mass trial of Rif protesters, including 11 of the men the forensic doctors examined. The charges included insulting and physically assaulting members of the security forces, armed rebellion, and destruction of public goods (articles 263, 267, 300 to 303, and 595 of Morocco's penal code). The court imposed 18-month prison terms on 25 and suspended sentences for the others. Human Rights Watch has reviewed the court's written judgment. An appeals court on July 18, after the doctors' reports were available, upheld the convictions but shortened the sentences; its written judgment is not yet available. Human Rights Watch has also reported on allegations of violence during the arrest of a Hirak leader, Nasser Zefzafi, who is in detention awaiting trial in Casablanca; the excessive force used to disperse a peaceful sit-in in Rabat in support of the Hirak; and the jailing of a prominent journalist after he criticized the ban on the July 20 protest. On July 29, the eve of Throne Day, King Mohammed VI pardoned 1,178 prisoners, including 42 members of the Hirak movement, but they did not include the group sentenced by the Al Hoceima Court or those the forensic doctors had examined. Morocco's 2011 constitution includes a prohibition on abusive force: "No person, whether a private citizen or public agent may, under any circumstances, harm the physical or moral integrity of anyone else The practice of torture, by any person and in whatever form, is a crime punished by the law." Under Morocco's code of penal procedure, no statement prepared by the police may be admitted into evidence if it is obtained through coercion or violence. In practice, however, courts routinely admit into evidence contested "confessions" and base convictions on them, without opening investigations into allegations of torture and other physical mistreatment. This approach of ignoring allegations of torture and other abuses by the police can only be reinforced by the king's support of the police handling of the Rif protests despite the lack of investigations into such allegations there, Human Rights Watch said. "King Mohammed VI said on Throne Day that Moroccans 'have every right and ought, in fact, to be proud of their law-enforcement authorities,'" said Whitson. Wouldn't they be even prouder if allegations of police abuse were met with credible investigations, and if the courts refused to convict on the basis of tainted confessions?" The Court Judgment Human Rights Watch examined the 62-page judgment in the trial of 32 suspected Hirak protesters before the Al Hoceima Court of First Instance, case 76-2103-2017, with Judge Mourad Abdessoulami presiding. The guilty verdicts against all 32 men, who were tried according to flagrant delit ("caught-in-the-act") procedures, are based on the defendants' "confessions" to the police, which they all repudiated before the prosecutor and trial judge. The court, which announced its verdict on June 14, 2017, dismissed all claims by the defendants that the police had coerced the majority of them to sign their statements without reading them. The judgment says that 23 defendants told the prosecutor, and later the trial judge, that police beat them during their arrest or at Al Hoceima's main police station, or both. The defense team requested that the prosecutor, who, according to the judgment, observed signs of violence on 10 of the detainees, order a medical examination. The prosecutor complied, but the examinations focused on providing care for the men rather than determining whether their physical condition could be consistent with their allegations of mistreatment, two defense lawyers told the court and confirmed later to Human Rights Watch. The lawyers then requested that the court order a proper forensic medical examination of the detainees who complained of police abuse. The judge denied the request on the grounds that a court "does not order an expert analysis unless it expects to rely on that analysis to help it form its intimate conviction as to whether to convict or acquit." The judgment continues, "the motive behind requesting an expert analysis in this case is to impose responsibility on a party for the alleged torture and coercion. Therefore, fulfilling the request would cause the court to lose its neutrality, turning it into a prosecutorial rather than adjudicatory body, which would be contrary to the law." The court also contended that a medical examination to determine the cause of the injuries that the prosecutor observed would be inconclusive because any number of incidents could have caused them, such as bodily contact with fellow protesters as they attempted to escape, or with police forces as they resisted arrest, or stones thrown by fellow protesters. The court's refusal to order forensic medical examinations of defendants who made torture allegations seems incompatible with Morocco's obligations under the Convention against Torture, and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. The medical report commissioned independently of the trial by the National Human Rights Council and prepared by two high-level forensic doctors (see below for details) showed that such examinations could provide strong indications about the credibility of the defendants' allegations. The statements attributed by the police to the 32 defendants included confessions that they had thrown stones and bricks at police forces on May 26, to prevent them from arresting the Hirak leader Nasser Zefzafi, while he was addressing protesters from the rooftop of his parents' house in Al Hoceima. In a video of that speech, Zefzafi repeatedly asks protesters to remain nonviolent using the Arabic word silmya, which means peaceful. According to the written minutes of at least 18 of the defendants' statements to the police, silmya was in fact a code word, previously agreed on by Zefzafi and his supporters, indicating an order to attack the police violently. All the defendants interrogated by the judge about this allegation strongly denied the existence of any code word, and stressed that silmya had no meaning other than peaceful. All 32 men repudiated their police statements both before the prosecutor and the trial judge, denying that they had stoned or used other forms of violence against police forces. At least 25 said they were not allowed to read the minutes of their statements to the police before being pressured to sign them under threat, including in some cases, of sexual violence. Many said they were threatened with "transfer to Casablanca," with the implication that there they would face graver charges, including terrorism and harming the state's internal security, a crime punishable by death. While a few defendants refused to sign their statements, the vast majority did. The defense team asked the court to invalidate the statements on the grounds that they had been coerced. The court rejected the request, reasoning that the threat to transfer suspects to another city was not a credible one since it was not the police's prerogative to do so. The court also stated that the fact that some detainees refused to sign their statements despite their claims of being pressured to sign was a basis to dismiss all coercion claims. The first instance court sentenced 25 of the 32 defendants to 18 months in prison on charges of "armed rebellion" and attacking police forces. The other seven received suspended prison sentences between two and six months, and a fine. The first instance court issued its verdict in this case before the National Human Rights Council-mandated doctors had completed their draft reports indicating that some of the defendants had been physically abused. Those reports, however, were available to the Al Hoceima Appeals Court when it opened its appeals trial of the defendants. Minister of Justice Mohamed Aujjar had ordered on July 4 that those medical reports be submitted to the courts, and the appeals judge had agreed to admit those reports into evidence, a defense lawyer, Abdel Majid Azaryah, told Human Rights Watch. Nevertheless, on July 18, the appeals court upheld the convictions but reduced the sentences of the 25 who had 18-month sentences to 7 months. Because the written verdict is not yet available, it is not possible to know the appeals court's reasoning for convicting the defendants, or how it weighed the medical reports of the National Human Rights Council, which suggested physical abuse by police and allegations that the confessions were coerced. The Medical Reports The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has criticized the state of forensic medicine in Moroccan courts, commenting in a 2013 report that when it came to court-ordered examinations of defendants, "these are usually assigned to medical practitioners included on the lists of the court of appeal experts; most of whom have no prior training in the examination and assessment of physical injury." The CNDH added, "Reporting duties are not standardized by the courts. Experts' practices are also uneven, both in terms of procedures and report drafting. The report rarely includes a discussion of the expert's findings, and the injuries are often described in a peremptory manner." As of this writing, government ministries have drafted a law on forensic medicine that, among other things, would oblige doctors who forensically examine defendants who allege torture or mistreatment adhere to international standards for such examinations. Parliament has not yet taken up the draft law. In the case of arrested Rif protesters, the CNDH appointed two forensic experts who were granted access to examine groups of detainees, to prepare reports for the CNDH on their allegations of police torture and mistreatment. Dr. Hicham Benyaich, head of the forensic medicine institute at Casablanca's Ibn Rochd Hospital, and Dr. Abdallah Dami, a member of that institute and vice-president of the Moroccan Association of Forensic Medicine, conducted one-on-one physical examinations between June 14 and 18 of 34 men arrested in late May or early June. Fifteen were being held in Al Hoceima's regional prison, one was provisionally free in Al Hoceima, and 19 had were in pretrial detention in Oukacha Prison in Casablanca, after having been interrogated at the headquarters of the National Brigade of the Judiciary Police. Twenty-five of the 34 detainees told the doctors that the police who arrested them beat them, severely in some cases, slapping and punching them in the face, kicking them, and clubbing them with batons, police helmets, walkie-talkies, and a stapler, both on the head and on other parts of the body. At least two prisoners said police officers put filthy mops on their mouths. One said a police officer pulled hair from his beard and threatened to burn his beard by flicking a cigarette lighter close by. The doctor who examined him said irritation marks on his chin corroborated his account. Many of the prisoners said some police officers covered the lenses of video surveillance cameras in Al Hoceima's police station before beating them or fellow detainees. One prisoner said officers took him to the bathroom, took his shirt off and tied his feet with it, and beat him on the soles of his feet. Nearly all of them said the officers taunted them with vulgar insults directed at them and their relatives. Another prisoner told the judge during his trial that a police officer took out a knife and threatened him with it. According to the council's reports and also the Court judgment, at least 16 detainees identified a particular police officer in Al Hoceima by his first name, as responsible for violent beatings and repeated insults and threats, including threats to rape or sexually assault the detainees and their female relatives. One of the doctors recommended to "urgently and thoroughly investigate the actions of the police commissioner" that they named, due to the accumulation of accusations against him. It is not known whether judicial authorities have opened an investigation into these allegations. Among the conclusions one of the doctors reached in their reports:

The testimonies received from those arrested about the use of torture and other ill-treatment during their arrest and detention in the premises of the Al Hoceima police station are as a whole credible by virtue of their consistency and coherence, and the existence of physical and psychological symptoms and sometimes physical traces highly compatible with the alleged abuse. The accounts provide a pattern of reported events which, if confirmed, involve a range of acts constituting acts of torture and other ill-treatment and violations of the constitutional and legislative guarantees that should be enjoyed by any person arrested or detained.

Both doctors called on judicial authorities to investigate these allegations, and recommended medical and psychological care for many of the detainees they examined.

Legal Requirements

The Convention Against Torture requires states to "ensure that its competent authorities proceed to a prompt and impartial investigation, wherever there is reasonable ground to believe that an act of torture has been committed in any territory under its jurisdiction,  that any individual who alleges he has been subjected to torture in any territory under its jurisdiction has the right to complain to, and to have his case promptly and impartially examined by, its competent authorities,  [and] that any statement which is established to have been made as a result of torture shall not be invoked as evidence in any proceedings, except against a person accused of torture as evidence that the statement was made."

Morocco's penal code, as amended in 2006, penalizes the act of torture, defined as, "any act, committed intentionally by a public official or someone acting at his behest or with his express or tacit consent, by which acute physical or mental pain is inflicted on a person in order to intimidate him or her, or to pressure that person, or someone else, to obtain information or indications, or confessions; to punish that person for an act that he or she, or a third person has committed or is suspected to have committed, or when such pain or suffering is inflicted for any other reason based on any type of discrimination." (article 231.1)

The Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Fair Trial and Legal Assistance in Africa, drawn up by the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, state that, "Any confession or other evidence obtained by any form of coercion or force may not be admitted as evidence or considered as probative of any fact at trial or in sentencing. Any confession or admission obtained during incommunicado detention shall be considered to have been obtained by coercion." The principles also state that, "When prosecutors come into possession of evidence against suspects that they know or believe on reasonable grounds was obtained through recourse to unlawful methods, which constitute a grave violation of the suspect's human rights, especially involving torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or other abuses of human rights, they shall refuse to use such evidence against anyone other than those who used such methods, or inform the judicial body accordingly, and shall take all necessary steps to ensure that those responsible for using such methods are brought to justice." Morocco joined the African Union in January 2017.

Morocco's Code of Criminal Procedure obliges the prosecutor, with narrow exceptions, to order a medical examination if he or she observes signs of violence on the suspect. If the suspect complains of police violence or requests a medical examination, the prosecutor must order an exam before he or she commences questioning the suspect. The code imposes a similar requirement on investigating judges, but not on trial judges. However, the code's requirement to exclude from evidence any statement obtained through the use of "violence or coercion" imposes an obligation on trial judges to ensure that any statement was obtained voluntarily before using it as incriminating evidence.

Article 290 of the code, however, undermines the obligation to exclude coerced evidence, providing that for offenses occasioning punishments of five years or less of prison time, statements prepared by the police are to be deemed trustworthy unless the opposite is proven, thereby imposing the burden on the defendant to prove that his "confession" to the police was false. The written judgment of the first instance trial of 32 Hirak detainees cites article 290 as a reason to dismiss the defendants' allegations, arguing that statements to the police can be invalidated only by producing "highly probative evidence such as the testimony of a witness or an expert's analysis, or something comparable in the form of legally valid documents - but mere allegations without proofs cannot be considered a counterproof."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Myanmar: Rakhine attacks mark a dangerous escalation in violence

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 25 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Myanmar: Rakhine attacks mark a dangerous escalation in violence, 25 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afc2584.html [accessed 14 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 attacks by Rohingya militants in Myanmar which left at least 32 people, including 11 security personnel, dead, Josef Benedict, Amnesty International's Deputy Campaigns Director for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said:

"These attacks are a dangerous escalation in violence and could put ordinary people in Rakhine State at risk, in particular as tensions have been reaching a boiling point in the region recently. We urge all sides to show the utmost restraint and ensure that ordinary people are protected from human rights violations and abuses.

"The investigation into these criminal acts must be prompt, thorough and effective, and comply with international human rights standards. Any prosecutions must respect fair trial rights and not result in the death penalty.

"This cannot lead to a repeat of last year's vicious military reprisals responding to a similar attack, when security forces tortured, killed and raped Rohingya people and burned down whole villages. Although the government has an obligation to protect people, this cannot be seen as giving the army a blank cheque to commit atrocities against parts of the population.

"It is crucial that the government makes every effort to address the long-standing and systematic discrimination in Rakhine State, which has left people trapped in a cycle of violence and destitution. As a first step, authorities must push forward with implementing recommendations outlined in the recent report by the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State."

Background:

Following fatal attacks on police outposts by Rohingya militants in northern Rakhine State in October 2016, Myanmar authorities launched major security operations in the area. Amnesty International documented wide-ranging human rights violations against the Rohingya during these operations, including unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, rape and other sexual violence, as well as destruction of homes and property. The organization concluded that the Myanmar security forces may have committed crimes against humanity.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Military stranglehold brings misery to Myanmar's minorities

Publisher Amnesty International Author Matthew Wells Publication Date 25 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Military stranglehold brings misery to Myanmar's minorities, 25 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afc2fe4.html [accessed 14 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 soldier held a knife to Dau's* nose, threatening to slice it if he didn't answer the questions "correctly". Dau had faced the same questions all daydid he fight for an armed group, did he provide fighters food, where were those fighters now.



A procession of Myanmar Army soldiers had tried to one-up each other in extracting answers. The less creative ones stomped Dau with their boots, smacked him with their fists and rifles. Another soldier burned his face and neck with a lighter. One thrust a knife towards Dau again and again, pulling back just before stabbing him.



The scariest, for Dau, was when they stuffed him in a sack and zipped it shut. "It was very difficult to breathe," he recalled several weeks later. "I was really struggling."



Dau and another torture survivor told me they had been arrested along with six others, including two women, on the morning of 7 July 2017, when more than 100 soldiers from two of the Army's infantry battalions stormed into their village in Manton Township, northern Shan State. The Army had been ambushed nearby the night before by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), one of several ethnic armed groups fighting Myanmar's military in a region near the China border.

Worsening Conflict

After a historic general election in November 2015, long-time democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi became the de facto leader of Myanmar's quasi-civilian government, following decades of military rule. She made the peace process and national reconciliation her top priorities, providing hope of resolution to decades of on-again, off-again fighting in Myanmar's borderlands, and to deep-rooted discrimination against ethnic minorities.



Yet the promise of this potential turning point has been undermined as Myanmar's military remains wedded to its brutal tactics of old, with little apparent pushback from the civilian leadership. The last year has in fact seen an escalation of conflict and abuse. In Rakhine State, Amnesty International and others have warned that Myanmar's security forces are implicated in potential crimes against humanity against the Rohingya minority.



Though it has received far less international attention, the military has carried out similar patterns of abuse in northern Myanmar. An Amnesty International report released in June documented war crimes and other human rights violations against civilians in Kachin and northern Shan States, including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture, indiscriminate shelling, forced labour, and restrictions on humanitarian access.



In late July, humanitarian officials working on northern Shan State, who asked not to be named, told me that the situation has worsened in recent weeks. They cited more frequent targeting of civilians by the Army, amidst heavy fighting with the TNLA.

Collective Punishment

With each blow, Dau told the soldiers yet again that he was a rice and tea leaf farmer, that he had been cutting wood when he heard the skirmish the night before and promptly hid until it was over. But the soldiers didn't believe him, or didn't care.



Dau and the others arrested and tortured from morning to evening that day are from the Kachin and Ta'ang ethnic minorities. Kachin and Ta'ang civilians told us that even during lulls in the fighting, they are treated with suspicion by the Myanmar Army, for their perceived support for the ethnic armed groups in the area. When something like the 6 July ambush on the Army happens, soldiers often launch reprisal attacks against civilians in nearby villages, in cruel acts of collective punishment.



Two weeks earlier, on 23 June 2017, the TNLA and Myanmar Army fought near the Ta'ang village of Man Lan, also in northern Shan State. The next morning, scores of Army soldiers descended on the village. They initially arrested a small group of people, before forcing everyone into the local monastery, where they were held for four days and three nights.



Daw Aye Hman, 66, was with her husband and son when soldiers arrested them in their home and demanded they go to the monastery. "They were pointing their guns at us and shouting," she recalled. "They were cursing at us. We were very afraid."



The soldiers removed and tortured several people, including relatives of alleged TNLA fighters, according to witnesses I interviewed and local human rights defenders who investigated the incident. The soldiers also photographed and questioned all the men.



Daw Aye Hman's son, Kyaw Aung, 38, was among those interrogated. Born with a developmental disability that also affected his physical movements, Kyaw Aung still lived with his parents and helped them out on their farm.



"He can't reply well to questions," Daw Aye Hman said. "They were asking if anyone was a [TNLA] soldier, and my son, he didn't know how to respond. They also saw a scar on his face, from when he had fallen down. [From the scar], they suspected he was a soldier."



Several Myanmar Army soldiers struck Kyaw Aung repeatedly on the head, with their fists and pieces of wood. Witnesses saw soldiers beat him inside the monastery, before taking him away. Kyaw Aung's corpse was later found discarded between Man Lan and a neighbouring village.



"My son won't be in the village," Daw Aye Hman said, still displaced more than a month after the incident. "I don't want to go back."

Military Stranglehold Persists

As relations normalize between Myanmar and the international community, the Army appears unwilling to shed the heavy-handed tactics that contributed to the country's decades-long status as a pariah state. Even war crimes go unpunished in all but the rarest of cases, as the military still controls its own judicial processes.



Among more than 100 victims of human rights violations Amnesty International has interviewed in northern Myanmar during the last five months, not one had filed a legal complaint. Most laughed at the idea. They said it was more likely they would be killed or jailed themselves than see a credible investigation into a soldier or commander suspected of responsibility. Past experience backs that up.



Many people from northern Myanmar's ethnic minorities believed the 2015 elections would spur changes to this legacy. Now they describe Aung San Suu Kyi's government as complicit, after watching it fail to take action against, or even to denounce, the military's violations against civilians. Indeed, the government has supported the military in undermining humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas.



The government has also announced it will deny access to a UN fact-finding mission, mandated to investigate human rights violations in the country. By shielding the military's actions from independent examination, Aung San Suu Kyi's government has doubled down on the military's culture of impunity.



When we last spoke at the end of July, Dau told me that some of the same soldiers who tortured him were still based in his village. He is forced to see them regularly, as he walks to his farm.



"We don't want to be afraid," Dau said. "We need the Myanmar military to live peacefully with the ethnic communities. I don't want them to torture us again."



*Dau is not his real name. His name has been changed, and the name of his village withheld, in order to protect him against reprisals.



NOTE: This feature originally appeared in The Diplomat.

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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.
By PTI: Shimla, Sep 6 (PTI) Three persons suffering from scrub typhus disease have died at the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Hospital here, a senior hospital official said today.

The three died at the hospital last night, with this the total number deaths due to this disease in this season has gone up to 10, he added.

The deceased have been identified as 49-year-old Pratap from Shimla, 52-year-old Krishan from Kullu and 65-year-old Banglu Devi from Kullu, Senior Medical Superintendent IGMC Dr Ramesh Chand said.

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So far, he said, 250 patients have tested positive for scrub typhus and released from hospitals after treatment.

The state government had also launched an awareness campaign about the swine flu and the scrub typhus this year.

The doctors have advised people to take precautions as cases of scrub typhus are expected till October.

The scrub typhus or mite-borne typhus is an infectious disease caused by the biting of a specific type of bacteria called (Orientia tsutsugamushi), spread and maintained by the larvae (chiggers) of mites.

The bite of this mite leaves a characteristic black eschar that helps the doctor for diagnosis of the disease, he added.

As a precautionary measure, the doctors have advised general public to avoid places where mites are known to be present in a large number, wear protective clothing when travelling to an endemic area, use of mite repellents to exposed skin. PTI PCL SMJ

--- ENDS ---
Myanmar: Restrictions on international aid putting thousands at risk

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 4 September 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Myanmar: Restrictions on international aid putting thousands at risk, 4 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afc3754.html [accessed 14 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 Myanmar authorities' restrictions on international aid in Rakhine state is putting tens of thousands of lives at risk in a region where mainly Rohingya people are already suffering horrific abuses from a disproportionate military campaign, Amnesty International said today.

Aid workers told Amnesty International of an increasingly desperate humanitarian situation in Rakhine state, where the military has been engaged in a large-scale operation since attacks on dozens of security posts on 25 August, claimed by the armed group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army.

"Rakhine state is on the precipice of a humanitarian disaster. Nothing can justify denying life-saving aid to desperate people. By blocking access for humanitarian organizations, Myanmar's authorities have put tens of thousands of people at risk and shown a callous disregard for human life," said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International's Director for Crisis Response.

"These restrictions will affect all communities in Rakhine State. The government must immediately change course and allow humanitarian organizations full and unfettered access to all parts of the state to assist people in need."

Aid activities have been suspended in the northern part of the state for the last week, while in other parts authorities are denying humanitarian actors access to communities in need, predominantly people from the Rohingya minority. According to humanitarian workers, restrictions on their activities and access began in early August but deteriorated significantly since the 25 August attacks.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee from their homes since the violence began. According to latest UN estimates 90,000 Rohingya refugees have crossed the border into Bangladesh, while the Myanmar government has evacuated over 11,000 people belonging to other ethnic minority communities living in northern Rakhine State.

Thousands of people - mostly Rohingya - are believed to be stranded in the mountains of northern Rakhine State, where the UN and international NGOs are unable to assess their needs or to provide shelter, food and protection.

One humanitarian official working on Rakhine State told Amnesty International:

"The Muslims are starving in their homes. Markets are closed and people can't leave their villages, except to flee. There is widespread intimidation by the authorities, who are clearly using food and water as a weapon."

Rohingya refugees who have fled into Bangladesh have spoken of witnessing horrific abuses by the Myanmar security forces, including killings of people trying to flee and burning of whole villages.

In late 2016, the Myanmar army launched a vicious campaign in response to an attack by Rohingya militants. At the time, Amnesty International documented violations by the army including rapes, killings, torture and burning of villages, which may have amounted to crimes against humanity.

"The Myanmar military has responded to the militant attacks in a completely disproportionate way. Its campaign of violence is again targeting ordinary Rohingya people on the basis of their ethnicity and religion and must end immediately," said Tirana Hassan.

"The Myanmar authorities are obliged under international law to treat all those living in Rakhine State, including the Rohingya, without discrimination. Instead they have chosen to treat a whole population as an enemy which may be attacked, killed, deprived of homes and uprooted indiscriminately."

The government has further exacerbated the situation by accusing international humanitarian workers of supporting the Rohingya armed group, after INGO-branded food items were found in an alleged militant camp in northern Rakhine State.

"The accusation that international humanitarian organizations are supporting armed actors in Rakhine State is both reckless and irresponsible. Humanitarian workers have for decades supported the Myanmar people, providing aid and assistance in times of need, and often when the government has been unable to do so itself. The Myanmar authorities must immediately stop spreading misinformation and circulating unfounded and inflammatory accusations," said Tirana Hassan.

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Human rights activist arrested by Palestinian security forces over Facebook posts

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 4 September 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Human rights activist arrested by Palestinian security forces over Facebook posts, 4 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afc3ca4.html [accessed 14 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 arrest of a Palestinian human rights defender today who criticized the Palestinian authorities on Facebook is a shameless attack on freedom of expression, said Amnesty International.

Issa Amro, a Hebron-based coordinator for Youth Against Settlements and a former field researcher for the Israeli NGO B'Tselem, was detained at around midday local time today by Palestinian Preventive Security Forces, after he posted comments on his Facebook page criticizing the arrest of a local radio journalist yesterday by the same Palestinian security forces.

"It is outrageous that a prominent human rights defender has been arrested simply for voicing his opinion online. Criticizing the authorities should not be a criminal offence. Issa Amro's arrest is the latest evidence that the Palestinian authorities are determined to continue with their repressive campaign against free speech," said Magdalena Mughrabi Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

"We have seen an alarming escalation in the Palestinian authorities' clampdown on freedom of expression in recent months. Instead of continuing to step up their efforts to quash dissenting voices, the Palestinian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Issa Amro and stop harassing and intimidating activists and others for daring to speak their minds freely."

Amnesty International recently highlighted a chilling escalation in attacks on media and freedom of expression by both the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and the Hamas de facto administration in Gaza, detaining a string of journalists and shutting down opposition websites.

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Lake Chad region: Boko Haram's renewed campaign sparks sharp rise in civilian deaths

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 6 September 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Lake Chad region: Boko Haram's renewed campaign sparks sharp rise in civilian deaths, 6 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afc49c4.html [accessed 14 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.

At least 381 civilians have been killed by Boko Haram since April 2017 in Cameroon and Nigeria amid a spike in suicide bombings

Millions remain in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and protection as attacks and increased insecurity hamper aid efforts

A major resurgence in Boko Haram attacks and suicide bombings in Cameroon and Nigeria has left at least 381 civilians dead in the five months since the start of April 2017, with casualties more than double the previous five months, Amnesty International said today.

According to data collected by the organization, a sharp rise in civilian deaths in the Far North region of Cameroon and the Nigerian states of Borno and Adamawa has been driven by the armed group's increased use of suicide bombers - often using women and girls who are forced to carry explosives into crowded areas.

"Boko Haram is once again committing war crimes on a huge scale, exemplified by the depravity of forcing young girls to carry explosives with the sole intention of killing as many people as they possibly can," said Alioune Tine, Amnesty International's Director for West and Central Africa.

"This wave of shocking Boko Haram violence, propelled by a sharp rise in suicide bombings, highlights the urgent need for protection and assistance for millions of civilians in the Lake Chad region. Governments in Nigeria, Cameroon and beyond must take swift action to protect them from this campaign of terror."

Boko Haram attacks in Nigeria have killed at least 223 civilians since April, though the real figure may be higher still as some attacks may have gone unreported. Between May and August, seven times' more civilians were killed than in the preceding four months, while 100 civilians were killed in August alone.

The deadliest recent attack came on 25 July, when the armed group shot dead 40 people and abducted three others in an ambush on an oil exploration team in the Magumeri area of Borno state.

Boko Haram suicide bombers have killed at least 81 people in Nigeria since April, while 67 people have been abducted - mostly women and girls - since the start of the year.

There have been two reports of raids on villages in August, in which Boko Haram fighters rounded up and shot civilians, burned down homes and stole from people's houses, shops and markets.

In Cameroon, Boko Haram have killed at least 158 civilians since April - four times more than in the preceding five months. The recent spike in casualties has been driven by increased suicide attacks, with 30 - more than one per week - carried out since the beginning of April.

The deadliest attack took place in Waza on 12 July, when 16 civilians were killed and at least 34 injured after a young girl was forced to carry and detonate a bomb in a crowded video game centre.

The town of Kolofata, in the Mayo-Sava district, has been especially targeted with nine attacks since April. Mora, the second largest urban centre in the Far North region, has also been hit three times.



The displacement of Boko Haram fighters from the Sambisa Forest in Nigeria to the Mandara Mountains in Cameroon, following operations conducted by the Nigerian military, may explain some of the increase in attacks in Cameroon.

Across the Lake Chad region, millions of civilians are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance as a result of Boko Haram violence.

A total of 2.3 million people have been displaced across the region. This includes 1.6 million internally displaced people and refugees in Nigeria and 303,000 in Cameroon. Another 374,000 are displaced in Chad and Niger.

More than seven million people across the region face serious food shortages, including five million in Nigeria and 1.5 million in Cameroon. There are 515,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, more than 85% of them in Nigeria.



The recent increase in insecurity has made humanitarian operations difficult, or even impossible, in some inaccessible areas of northeast Nigeria.

"Governments across the Lake Chad region must increase their efforts to protect the hundreds of thousands of civilians at grave risk of being targeted by Boko Haram violence, abductions and abuses," said Alioune Tine.

"Meanwhile, the international community should also rapidly scale up its commitment to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the millions in the region who need it."

BACKGROUND

Amnesty International has been documenting human rights abuses and serious violations of international humanitarian law that amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Boko Haram since 2010.

Amnesty International has compiled and analysed media reports of Boko Haram attacks and casualties, which demonstrate a sharp increase in activity since April 2017 compared to previous months and comparable periods in 2016. The real numbers are likely to be higher, with some deaths unreported.

In 2017 Boko Haram has also killed civilians during at least 10 attacks in the Diffa region of Niger.

All parties to the conflict, including Boko Haram, are bound by the rules of international humanitarian law, which explicitly prohibits any direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects.

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Colombia: Bilateral ceasefire with the ELN, a historic step forward

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 5 September 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Colombia: Bilateral ceasefire with the ELN, a historic step forward, 5 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afc5234.html [accessed 14 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 announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Colombian government is a historic step forward in efforts towards a just and sustainable peace in Colombia. Peace negotiations must ensure that all responsible for serious violations and abuses of human rights are held accountable, Amnesty International said.

"Colombia is taking yet another step towards an end to a five-decade-long armed conflict that has shattered millions of lives," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

"It is imperative that all parties to the conflict end attacks on civilians and other crimes under international law and that the parties prioritise human rights and accountability during peace negotiations."

The ceasefire has been signed for a four-month period, after which the Colombian government and the ELN will start discussing a potential peace agreement.

The news comes as new reports have emerged of increasing paramilitary activity in areas historically controlled by guerrilla groups, including the ELN and the FARC (the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) - who signed a peace agreement with the Colombian government nearly a year ago.

Amnesty International has documented how armed confrontations between the ELN, paramilitary groups and state forces in the department of Choco in west Colombia have caused a deterioration in the humanitarian situation of the Wounaan and Embera Indigenous people since the signing of the peace accord in November 2016.

Last month, an indigenous woman was killed after she was caught in the crossfire. Reports have also emerged of forced recruitment of indigenous children, forced displacement and confinement, as well as the presence of land mines which have seriously injured a number of community members.

"Any peace agreement with guerrilla groups will be meaningless unless Colombian authorities ensure that paramilitary groups are no longer operating in the country. Dismantling paramilitary groups and ensuring full respect for human rights must be a top priority in the Colombian government's agenda," said Erika Guevara-Rosas.

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NGO websites latest targets of Egypt's online clampdown

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 5 September 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, NGO websites latest targets of Egypt's online clampdown, 5 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afcb5d4.html [accessed 14 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 today that the Egyptian authorities have blocked access to the website of the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International's Head of Campaigns for North Africa said:

"The decision to block access to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms website is the latest signal that the Egyptian authorities are determined to silence independent voices and stamp out online criticism of their human rights record.

"In recent months the Egyptian authorities have cut off access to dozens of news websites with a wave of digital censorship, and now it looks like human rights NGOs are set to be the next target. Last month, access to the Arab Network for Human Rights Information, one of the oldest NGO websites in Egypt, was also blocked.

"Human rights groups in the country have already come under unprecedented attack through asset freezes and travel bans against their staff, and a draconian NGO law signed earlier this year which has imposed harsh restrictions on their work.

"Instead of arbitrarily censoring online websites the Egyptian authorities should stop lashing out against journalists, human rights groups and other online critics, and end their repressive clampdown on freedom of expression."

According to the Association for Freedom of Thought and Expression, access to an estimated 424 websites, including Egyptian news site Mada Masr and the freedom of information and press NGO, Reporters without Borders, has been blocked since May 2017.

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Nicaragua: Authorities threaten protest against construction of canal

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Nicaragua: Authorities threaten protest against construction of canal, 16 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afcc074.html [accessed 14 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.

For several hours yesterday, Nicaraguan police officers prevented communities from participating in a peaceful march against the construction of the Interoceanic Grand Canal in Nicaragua.

The march, organised by the National Council in Defence of our Land, Lake and Sovereignty, was the 91st protest against the project which will affect thousands of people. The renowned human rights defender Bianca Jagger also participated in the massive demonstration.

The police temporarily stopped the protestors from arriving in buses to the starting point for the march taking place in La Fonseca, approximately 300km from the Nicaraguan capital.

"Once again, the Nicaraguan police have violated people's right to peaceful protest. These kinds of actions are, quite simply, acts of intimidation designed to suppress any expression of disagreement with the policies of Daniel Ortega's government," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

This is not the first time that police have repressed people's right to peaceful protest. Security forces, as an intentional and recurrent practice, block roads and restrict transport during marches organised by the communities.

Amnesty International launched the report "Danger: Rights for sale. The Interoceanic Grand Canal Project in Nicaragua and the erosion of human rights" in Nicaragua last week.

The document reveals the obscure legal framework that led to the concession of the project and the consequences the project could have on hundreds of families who could face forced eviction.

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Indonesia: At least 60 killed as police shootings of drug suspects skyrocket

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 16 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Indonesia: At least 60 killed as police shootings of drug suspects skyrocket, 16 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afcc5f4.html [accessed 14 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 number of police killings of suspected drug dealers has skyrocketed in Indonesia this year, an alarming rise which signals that authorities could be looking to emulate the murderous "war on drugs" in neighbouring Philippines, Amnesty International said today.

At least 60 suspected drug dealers have been killed by police - some of whom have been seconded to the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) - since 1 January 2017, compared to 18 in all of 2016, according to data gathered by Amnesty International.

"This shocking escalation in unlawful killings by the police sounds serious alarm bells. While Indonesian authorities have a duty to respond to increasing rates of drug use in the country, shooting people on sight is never a solution. Not only is it unlawful, it will also do nothing to address the root causes that lead to drug use in the first place," said Usman Hamid, Director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

"The authorities must remember that everyone, including people suspected of drug offences, have a right to life that must be respected at all times."

A significant number of the killings have taken place around the capital Jakarta or Sumatra, a known hub for drug trafficking.

Six people have been killed already in August 2017. In one of the most recent incidents, police shot dead a 50-year-old man after police alleged he tried to reach for a gun while being arrested in East Java on 12 August.

Police claim that all the killings have been in self-defence or because suspects tried to flee the scene. But as far as Amnesty International is aware, authorities have not conducted independent investigations into any of these incidents.

The stark rise in deaths comes in a year when several high-ranking Indonesian officials have advocated for tougher measures to address drug-related crime, including unrestrained lethal force against suspected traffickers.

In late July, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said during a speech in Jakarta: "Be firm, especially to foreign drug dealers who enter the country and resist arrest. Enough, just shoot them. Be merciless." Of those killed in 2017, at least eight have been foreigners, including three Chinese men.

"It is deeply worrying that foreigners appear to be targeted by the authorities. This could point to a deliberate policy to scapegoat non-Indonesians," said Usman Hamid.

The national police chief General Tito Karnavian this month told police officers "not to hesitate shooting drug dealers who resist arrest". Gen. Karnavian has also hailed the Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs" as an example of how to make drug dealers "go away".

In the Philippines, thousands of people have been killed by or at the behest of the security forces in what may amount to extrajudicial executions since President Duterte announced a "war on drugs" in June 2016. Amnesty International has documented how the police force has come to resemble a criminal enterprise, killing mostly poor people suspected to be drug users or sellers, or paying others to kill them.

"President Duterte should not under any circumstances be considered a role model for Indonesia. Far from making the Philippines safer, his bloody 'war on drugs' has led to the deaths of thousands without any form of accountability," said Usman Hamid.

Under both Indonesian and international law, police are only allowed to use force as a last resort, and even then can only do the bare minimum to prevent further loss of life.

"These killings must be promptly investigated by independent and impartial authorities, and any police officer found to have violated human rights should be held responsible," said Usman Hamid.

"Indonesia has a long and troubling history of failing to bring police officers to justice for abuses, which cannot be allowed to continue. Authorities must reiterate that the unlawful use of force will not be tolerated and reject any 'shoot to kill' policy."

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Sierra Leone: Housing and environmental failures behind shocking scale of mudslide deaths

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 17 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Sierra Leone: Housing and environmental failures behind shocking scale of mudslide deaths, 17 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afcfbc0.html [accessed 14 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 terrible aftermath of the mudslides in Sierra Leone, which have left more than 3000 people homeless, grimly illustrates the human cost of the government's failure to implement housing and land policies, said Amnesty International.

Over 400 people were killed in the mudslide, which struck in the early hours of Monday 14 August in the Regent community of the capital, Freetown, with victims largely those living in informal settlements. With hundreds of people still missing, the shocking death toll is expected to rise substantially.

"Right now, Sierra Leone needs immediate assistance to save lives and provide for those who have lost their homes, but we should also ask why so many people died. While flooding is a natural disaster, the scale of the human tragedy in Freetown is, sadly, very much man-made," said Makmid Kamara, Amnesty International's Deputy Director of Global Issues.

"The authorities should have learned lessons from previous similar incidents and put in place systems to prevent, or at least minimise, the consequences of these disasters. Devastating floods are now an annual occurrence in the country's capital. Yet, due to a lack of regulation and insufficient consideration for minimum standards and environmental laws, millions of Sierra Leoneans are living in dangerously vulnerable homes."

The right to adequate housing under international law requires that every home be 'habitable', which includes providing protections against disasters such as this. However, poor regulation and failures to ensure environmental factors are part of urban planning in Sierra Leone often result in structures being built that are both unsafe and situated in dangerous locations.

In 2015, more than 10 people were killed and thousands more left homeless after flooding hit the capital. Hundreds were forced to camp in the national stadium for weeks while alternative accommodation was found for them.

"We call on the international community to support the emergency relief efforts of the Sierra Leonean government. The thousands of men, women and children who have lost their homes urgently need temporary accommodation and access to proper sanitation and healthcare," said Makmid Kamara.

"We would also urge that at this critical time, the government ensures all emergency support is delivered in a completely accountable and transparent manner. There must be no repeat of the mismanagement and corruption that blighted the response to the country's Ebola crisis."

Thursday 17 August marks the second of seven days of national mourning for the tragedy.

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Hong Kong: "Vindictive" jail terms for pro-democracy leaders

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 17 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Hong Kong: "Vindictive" jail terms for pro-democracy leaders, 17 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afcff34.html [accessed 14 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 Hong Kong authorities' relentless pursuit of jail terms for three leaders of the pro-democracy movement is a vindictive attack on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, Amnesty International said.

On Thursday, Hong Kong's Court of Appeal handed Joshua Wong, Alex Chow and Nathan Law between six and eight months in prison for their roles in a demonstration that helped spark the city's 2014 pro-democracy Umbrella Movement. Prosecutors pursued harsher punishments for the trio, after they were originally given non-custodial sentences at their first trial a year ago.

"The relentless and vindictive pursuit of student leaders using vague charges smacks of political payback by the authorities," said Mabel Au, Director of Amnesty International Hong Kong.

"The real danger to the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Hong Kong is the authorities' continued persecution of prominent democracy activists. Prosecutions aimed at deterring participation in peaceful protests must be dropped."

The convictions relate to a specific incident on 26 September 2014 at the beginning of the student-led pro-democracy protest outside government headquarters in Hong Kong. On that day several students pushed their way and climbed into a fenced-off forecourt of the legislative complex, commonly known as Civic Square. The square had been a popular site for previous peaceful protests on other occasions, before the authorities' restricted access to it in the summer of 2014.

At their first trial, Joshua Wong and Alex Chow were found guilty of "taking part in an unlawful assembly". Nathan Law was found guilty of "inciting others to take part in an unlawful assembly".

Joshua Wong and Nathan Law had previously been ordered to carry out community service but this was increased to six months and eight months prison terms respectively at today's hearing. Alex Chow's original three-week suspended prison sentence was increased to seven months in jail.

The vague provisions of Hong Kong's Public Order Ordinance, on which this prosecution was based, have been repeatedly criticized by the UN Human Rights Committee for failing to fully meet international human rights law and standards on the right of peaceful assembly.

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South Africa must reassert commitment to human rights as it prepares to lead SADC

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 18 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, South Africa must reassert commitment to human rights as it prepares to lead SADC, 18 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afd0314.html [accessed 14 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.

South Africa must take a strong lead in addressing ongoing threats to basic human rights across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, Amnesty International said ahead of the 37th Heads of State Summit in Pretoria.

The country takes over from Swaziland as chair of the regional bloc at a time when several member states - including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia and Zimbabwe - face major political instability linked to elections that has put freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in jeopardy.

The SADC summit began on 9 August and will conclude with the Heads of State Summit on 19 and 20 August.

"Under the leadership of Nelson Mandela the 'new' South Africa brought hope to the region - and to the world - that human rights violations of the past would be redressed and there would be justice and equality and respect for the human rights of all. As the country prepares to lead the region for the year ahead, this is the time to recapture that hope and give reality to the values that inspired it," said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's Regional Director for Southern Africa.

"This will also require the cooperation of other heads of state, who must do more to protect basic human rights and freedoms in their countries amid volatile political circumstances."

In Angola, journalists and human rights defenders have repeatedly faced intimidation for exposing corruption and human rights violations ahead of the election due to take place on 23 August. Those taking to the streets to demand their rights have faced arrest and excessive use of force by police. In February, the police reportedly set dogs on a group of peaceful protesters in a pre-election related dispute.

In the DRC, the government missed its 2016 deadline to organize presidential elections on schedule. Since January 2015, protests against delays in organizing the elections were frequently met with brutal repression, including arbitrary arrests, detentions and unlawful killings by security forces.

Lesotho has been hit by a political and security crisis, resulting in a spike in human rights violations since 2014. Amnesty International has documented a pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions of opposition party members, journalists, human rights defenders and members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF).

In Madagascar, the use of lengthy pre-trial detention against human rights defenders and journalists has been used to suppress freedom of expression. Several human rights defenders have been in pre-trial detentions for lengthy periods for exposing corruption and human rights violations.

In South Africa, the media is under attack for exposing corruption, including allegations of 'state capture' against President Jacob Zuma. News editors and journalists have been threatened and harassed, including being followed home by non-state actors and placed under surveillance. The country's Sunday Times newspaper said it has increased security measures to protect investigative journalist Mzilikazi wa Africa, whose safety is believed to be at risk after he exposed corruption at the state electricity company, Eskom.

In Zambia, opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and five of his employees were detained since 11 April on trumped-up treason charges after they allegedly failed to give way to a presidential convoy. They allege that they were beaten, teargassed and pepper sprayed on their genitals by the police during their arrest. They were released on 16 August after charges against them were dropped.

In Zimbabwe, parliament has failed to realign laws with the constitution adopted in 2013. The authorities continue to use oppressive laws such as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) as well as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA) to suppress dissent and against journalists. Since last year, they have ramped up a clampdown against human rights defenders, suppressed peaceful public protests and in some cases prohibited public meetings. Police are regularly deployed to forcefully break up peaceful protests.

"South Africa must use its tenure as leader of the SADC to put a stop to the downward spiral in human rights in the region," said Deprose Muchena.

"Leaders across southern Africa cannot ignore the plight of citizens who are being targeted for attempting to exercise their basic human rights."

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) In order to curb road crashes, which kill over 400 people every day -- nearly half of them in the 18-35 age group, the states should utilise a portion of the central road fund (CRF) to fix "accidental spots", Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said today.

Releasing the Road Accidents in India - 2016 report, the Road Transport and Highways Minister said while overall road accidents last year declined by 4.1 per cent, the fatalities were up by 3.2 per cent, meaning more than 400 people lost their lives daily on roads.

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The report mentioned that as many as 17 people died in 55 road accidents per hour on average last year, with 46.3 per cent of them in the 18-35 age group.

The working age group of 18-60 years constituted 83.3 per cent in the total road accident fatalities, it added.

Overall, 4,80,652 road accidents took place in India last year resulting in the loss of 1,50,785 lives and inflicting serious injuries on 4,94,624 persons.

"We are working to reduce fatalities not only on National Highways but on state highways and district roads as well. I have asked all state governments to utilise 10 per cent of the CRF in addressing flaws at accidental spots," Gadkari said.

Besides, Road Safety Committees should be constituted in districts, headed by senior most MPs with Deputy Collector as Secretary, and they will look into all aspects of accidents at that level, he said.

The minister said the target is to reduce the fatalities by 50 per cent in next two years and Road Safety Bill pending in Parliament, if cleared in the next session, will prove to be a milestone in addressing it.

Indicating a slew of steps to minimise accidents, Gadkari said these included installation of crash barriers and correcting design and engineering flaws in projects besides identifying about 786 black accidents spots and steps to correct these through an expenditure of about Rs 12,000 crore.

"I have no hesitation in admitting that faulty road engineering is also responsible for road accidents which we are now amending," he said, citing the example of Delhi-Jaipur highway where underpasses were constructed.

Based on the data reported by the police, drivers fault was the single most important factor responsible for road accidents (84 per cent), killings (80.3 per cent) and injuries (83.9 per cent).

The report said 13 states accounted for 86 per cent of accidents. These are Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Haryana, Kerala, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

It said: "The number of road accidents relative to population, registered vehicles and road length are on a general declining trend from 2010.

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"Number of accidents per lakh population declined from 42.5 in 2010 to 37.9 in 2016. Number of persons injured per lakh population decreased from 44.8 in 2010 to 39.0 in 2016. Number of persons killed per lakh population marginally increased from 11.4 in 2010 to 11.9 in 2016."

The National Highways constitute about 2 per cent of the total road network of India, but they accounted for 29.6 per cent of total road accidents and 34.5 per cent of total number of persons killed.

The State Highways accounted for 25.3 per cent of total accidents and 27.9 per cent of the total number of persons killed in road accident in 2016.

The report said maximum number of accidents occurred on two lane roads (1,90,800) followed by single lane (1,77,067) , four lane with median (67,179) and more than two lanes road without median (35,290) in the calendar year 2016.

Among the vehicle categories, two wheelers accounted for the highest share in total number of road accidents (33.8 per cent), followed by cars, jeeps and taxis (23.6 per cent), trucks, tempos, tractors and other articulated vehicles (21 per cent), Buses (7.8 per cent), Auto-Rickshaws (6.5 per cent) and other motor vehicles (2.8 per cent).

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The report said the share of two wheelers in total road accidents has increased from 28.8 per cent in 2015 to 33.8 per cent in 2016.

"Any road accident is multi-causal... Within drivers fault category, exceeding lawful speed accounted for a highest share of 66.5 per cent in accidents and 61.0 per cent of accident deaths," it said.

"However, in the total road accidents and total road accident killings, over speeding accounted for 55.9 per cent and 49.0 per cent respectively," it added. PTI NAM SA

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Chile: Partial decriminalization of abortion, an important win for human rights

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 21 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Chile: Partial decriminalization of abortion, an important win for human rights, 21 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afd0d11.html [accessed 14 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.

A decision by Chile's Constitutional Tribunal today to support the decriminalization of abortion under three circumstances represents an important win for human rights and for the protection of the lives and health of women and girls across the country, Amnesty International said.

Today's ruling confirms that Chile's Constitution allows for the decriminalization of abortion when the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest, when the life of the pregnant woman is at risk, and in cases of fatal foetal impairment.

"Chile has finally moved one step closer to protecting the human rights of women and girls," said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.

"This victory is testament to the work of millions of women across the Americas and the world who fight against draconian laws that punish women and push them to seeking clandestine and dangerous abortions, putting their health and lives at risk."

"The real test now is to ensure the law is actually enforced, that women and girls are fully able to access the comprehensive health services they need and that this reform opens the door for them to be able to fully enjoy their sexual and reproductive rights."

Chile was one of the few countries in the world with a total ban on abortion. Now, only seven countries criminalize abortion without exceptions, six of which are in the region: Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Suriname.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Iran: Mass hunger strike by political prisoners in protest at inhumane conditions

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 22 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Iran: Mass hunger strike by political prisoners in protest at inhumane conditions, 22 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afd19b4.html [accessed 14 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.

More than a dozen political prisoners, including prisoners of conscience, have gone on hunger strike in protest at the cruel, inhuman and degrading conditions they have been forced to endure at a maximum-security prison in Karaj, Alborz province, Amnesty International said today.

Political prisoners at Raja'i Shahr prison were recently transferred to a newly opened area where conditions have been described as suffocating. They are held in cells with windows covered by metal sheets, and deprived of access to clean drinking water, food and sufficient beds. They are also barred from having in-person family visits and denied access to telephones, which are usually available in other parts of the prison.

"The fact that detention conditions have become so poor that desperate prisoners feel they are forced to go on hunger strike to demand the most basic standards of human dignity is disgraceful and highlights the urgent need for reforms to Iran's cruel prison system," said Magdalena Mughrabi, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director for Amnesty International.

"The Iranian authorities must urgently ensure that adequate food, drinking water, medicine, health care and sanitation are available to all prisoners in Raja'i Shahr prison."

On 30 July about 53 political prisoners were violently transferred to Section 10 of Raja'i Shahr prison. Among them are prisoners of conscience including human rights defenders, trade unionists, journalists, students, peaceful political dissidents, and members of Iran's persecuted Baha'i community.

At least 17 political prisoners went on hunger strike in protest at the transfer. Human rights defender and trade unionist Reza Shahabi joined the hunger strikers on 16 August following his arrest and transfer to the same section.

According to information obtained by Amnesty International, in early August, some of the prisoners who went on hunger strike were held in solitary confinement for up to 12 days as punishment for their peaceful protest.

"By detaining dozens of prisoners of conscience after grossly unfair trials the Iranian authorities are already shamelessly flouting their human rights obligations. These are people who shouldn't even be behind bars in the first place, yet instead of being released from custody they are being punished further by being held in appalling conditions," said Magdalena Mughrabi.

Amnesty International has learned that the prison authorities have covered windows in Section 10 with metal sheets and sealed all the doors and exterior openings, making the rooms virtually airtight. This has resulted in limited air circulation and damp rooms, endangering the health of prisoners, particularly those already suffering from serious medical conditions.

Prisoners have also expressed outrage at the unprecedented measure of installing dozens of security cameras and listening devices throughout that part of the prison, including in the toilets and shower rooms, which amounts to a serious violation of their right to privacy.

These repressive measures, along with the ban on phone calls and family visits, appear to be part of a concerted effort by Iran's authorities to cut off political prisoners from the outside world and limit leaks of information about the catalogue of human rights violations they regularly suffer in Raja'i Shahr prison.

In recent days, several prisoners have been transferred to the prison medical clinic following a deterioration in their health, including Baha'i prisoners Adel Naimi, Farhad Dahandaj and Peyman Koushak Baghi, postgraduate student Hamid Babaei, journalist and blogger Saeed Pour Heydar, and human rights defender Jafar Eghdami. Prison doctors have warned that some of them urgently require specialized medical care outside of the prison but the head of prison is refusing to authorize their transfer to hospitals.

Prisoners held in Section 10 also do not have access to safe drinking water, as the water purification devices that they had purchased at their own expense were not moved after their transfer. The authorities also failed to transfer the fridge, food and kitchenware that the prisoners had gradually bought with their own funds over the years, forcing them to survive on prison food, which is known to be both inadequate and insufficient. As a result, prisoners usually need to buy food from the prison shop and prepare meals at their own expense.

"The horrendous conditions at Raja'i Shahr prison point to a pattern of cruel and inhumane treatment that has repeatedly characterized Iran's ruthless attitude to prisoners in its custody," said Magdalena Mughrabi.

"All prisoners should be treated with dignity and humanity, in line with international human rights standards. Those in need of specialized medical care must be transferred to hospitals outside of the prison."

During the transfer to Section 10, prisoners said they were beaten by guards and were also prevented from taking their prescribed medication and personal belongings, including clothes, books and letters with them. Some of their personal possessions, including notebooks, photos, letters and other mementos which were their last source of comfort in an otherwise dire situation, were subsequently destroyed.

The prisoners on hunger strike have made a series of demands including the return of their belongings, compensation for damage, and for the authorities to immediately address the dreadful conditions which are putting their physical and mental wellbeing at serious risk.

Amnesty International is calling on the Iranian authorities to allow international monitors, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, to conduct independent, unannounced inspections of Raja'i Shahr Prison and other prisons across the country.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Libya: Six years on path of return for displaced Tawarghas remains blocked

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 22 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Libya: Six years on path of return for displaced Tawarghas remains blocked, 22 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afd2004.html [accessed 14 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.

Six years since the Tawarghas were displaced from their hometown by Misratah militia forces in August 2011, the community of about 40,000 people are still unable to return safely to their homes, Amnesty International said today.

Two months ago, in June 2017, a political agreement was signed paving the way for their return. However, the terms of the deal not been implemented and some of those who have attempted to make the journey home since have faced threats and intimidation. The agreement also fails to ensure access to justice and reparations for the horrendous abuses Tawarghas have endured in recent years.

"The failure to hold anyone accountable for the catalogue of abuses the Tawargha have suffered since they were displaced demonstrates the catastrophic consequences of years of lawlessness in Libya, where militias have committed gross human rights abuses with complete impunity," said Heba Morayef, North Africa Research Director at Amnesty International.

"Without clear political will to enforce the agreement to ensure the Tawargha's safe return home, the public commitments made in June will be little more than an empty gesture."

In August 2011, fighters from Misratah attacked the neighbouring town of Tawargha, which was being used as a base to launch attacks by forces loyal to Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi. The Misratah forces drove out all of Tawargha's inhabitants, looting and burning their homes and converting it into a ghost town.

Over the following six years, the Tawargha community has faced relentless reprisal attacks from Misratah forces, including arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions. To date, there has been no investigation into these abuses and no one has been held to account for these crimes.

Previously, military and political leaders of Misratah have repeatedly stated that they would not allow the Tawarghas to return to their hometown. The town's former residents are now displaced throughout the country, living in makeshift accommodation, often in appalling conditions.

Failure to tackle impunity

The agreement, signed on 19 June 2017 between leaders from Tawargha and Misratah, the Government of National Accord and other officials, fails to ensure accountability for the crimes under international law and other grave human rights abuses committed against the Tawargha people, therby reinforcing a climate of impunity. Many in the Tawargha community welcomed it because it appeared to at least guarantee the conditions for a safe return.

"An agreement that blatantly ignores the horrific crimes committed against the Tawarghas was always doomed to failure. Only a deal that ensures the right of the community to return safely and prioritizes justice by ensuring that those responsible for atrocities are held accountable for their actions can offer a real way forward," said Heba Morayef.

Return home blocked

The first Tawargha families attempted to return three days after the agreement was signed in June. Despite public support for the deal from Misratah officials, the families were threatened and intimidated at a checkpoint by individuals from Misratah and forced to turn around and go back to Tripoli.

Emad Irqayh, a Tawargha activist, told Amnesty International that he set out for the town in a convoy of 35 cars on 22 June, after coordinating with individuals from Misratah who were supportive of the return. He said he was 1km away from the last checkpoint when he saw two cars turning back. "They told me they were stopped and threatened. So I called the other families who were in cars behind me and told them to turn back to avoid escalation, some of the women began crying," he said.

On 29 June, during Eid, a smaller group of families made another attempt to return. One member of the Tawargha community, travelling with his 87-year-old mother, described the heartache and disappointment he felt upon his return to the town and their inability to stay there."It was a very emotional moment I won't lie to you, I had tears in my eyes, but the level of destruction of our home town is devastating," he said, adding that he and his mother spent just a few hours there before having to head back.

"Libyan political factions must ensure Tawarghas are protected from all forms of intimidation, threats and attacks and order all affiliated-militias to allow the community to return safely to their hometown," said Heba Morayef.

"It is essential that the Government of National Accord and officials in Misratah, including the Misratah Local Council, take the lead in enabling and securing the safe return of the Tawarghas. This includes monitoring the return and settlement process, rehabilitation of homes, schools, and infrastructure of the town."

As well as ensuring the safe return of displaced families to Tawargha, Amnesty International calls on officials in Misratah, members of the Misratah Municipal Council and Libya's Presidential Council of the Government of National Accord and the Ministry of Justice to uphold the right of Tawargha victims to seek truth, justice and reparation for the human rights violations they have endured and continue to suffer.

For more information about the atrocities carried out against the Tawarghas see:

Libya:'We are not safe anywhere': Tawarghas in Libya

Barred from their homes: Continued displacement and persecution of Tawarghas and other communities in Libya

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Philippines: Senate hearing highlights deadly consequences for children in 'war on drugs'

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 24 August 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Philippines: Senate hearing highlights deadly consequences for children in 'war on drugs', 24 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afd35b4.html [accessed 14 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 Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and their rivals, the de-facto Hamas administration in Gaza, have both tightened the noose on freedom of expression in recent months, launching a repressive clampdown on dissent that has seen journalists from opposition media outlets interrogated and detained in a bid to exert pressure on their political opponents, said Amnesty International.

In the West Bank, the Palestinian authorities have arrested six journalists in August so far, shut down 29 websites and introduced a controversial Electronic Crimes Law imposing tight controls on media freedom and banning online expression and dissent. In the Gaza Strip, Hamas security forces have arrested at least two journalists since June and hampered others from freely carrying out their work. At least 12 Palestinians, including activists, were also detained by Hamas for critical comments posted on Facebook.

"The last few months have seen a sharp escalation in attacks by the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza, on journalists and the media in a bid to silence dissent. This is a chilling setback for freedom of expression in Palestine," said Magdalena Mughrabi, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director at Amnesty International.

"By rounding up journalists and shutting down opposition websites the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip appear to be using police state tactics to silence critical media and arbitrarily block people's access to information."

The Electronic Crimes Law, adopted by President Mahmoud Abbas in July, violates citizens' rights to privacy and freedom of expression and blatantly flouts the State of Palestine's obligations under international law.

The law imposes heavy fines and permits the arbitrary detention of anyone critical of the Palestinian authorities online, including journalists and whistleblowers. It could also be used to target anyone for simply sharing or retweeting such news. Anyone who is deemed to have disturbed "public order", "national unity" or "social peace" could be sentenced to imprisonment and up to 15 years hard labour.

"Instead of presiding over a chilling campaign designed to silence dissent, intimidate journalists and breach the privacy of individuals, the Palestinian authorities must stop arbitrarily detaining journalists and drop charges against anyone prosecuted for freely expressing themselves. They must also urgently repeal the Electronic Crimes Law," said Magdalena Mughrabi.

In June, several weeks before the Electronic Crimes Law came into force, Palestinian authorities arbitrarily ordered internet service providers in the West Bank to block access to 29 websites, according to the Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms (MADA). They include websites belonging to political parties, opposition and independent media outlets and the al Quds network, a volunteer-run community online news outlet.

Instead of presiding over a chilling campaign designed to silence dissent, intimidate journalists and breach the privacy of individuals, the Palestinian authorities must stop arbitrarily detaining journalists and drop charges against anyone prosecuted for freely expressing themselves At least six people in the West Bank have been detained and charged with defamation or spreading information that "threatens the state" since the Electronic Crimes Law came into force in July. They are currently awaiting trial. At least 10 journalists were summoned for interrogation by Palestinian security forces in June and July. In the Gaza Strip, Hamas security forces arrested two journalists in June, blocked journalists from reporting in some areas, and restricted the work of a foreign journalist. At least 12 activists and journalists were detained and questioned over comments and caricatures posted on social media deemed critical of Hamas authorities. Amnesty International also gathered evidence suggesting at least one of the activists was tortured and otherwise ill-treated in custody including by being beaten, blindfolded, and forced into stress positions for prolonged periods. "Hamas must immediately release anyone held solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression and urgently investigate allegations of torture and other ill-treatment of detainees by security forces," said Magdalena Mughrabi. According to MADA, the Palestinian authorities in the West Bank are responsible for 81 attacks on media freedom since the start of the year. Hamas authorities in Gaza have been responsible for 20 such attacks. For further information including a full analysis of the Electronic Crimes Law please see: State of Palestine: Alarming attack on freedom of expression

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
By PTI: By Anisur Rahman

Dhaka, Sep 6 (PTI) Bangladesh today summoned Myanmars envoy here to protest against the fresh influx of Rohingya Muslim minority into the country and ask Naypyidaw to take steps to de-escalate violence in Rakhine state.

Charged affairs of the Myanmar embassy Aung Myint Than was summoned by director general (Southeast Asia) at the foreign ministry.

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In the past 10 days, Than has been summoned for the fourth time. He was handed a protest note as influx of refugees is estimated to have exceeded 1,50,000 since the outbreak of violence in Buddhist majority Rakhine state.

Bangladesh also expressed concern at the reported laying down of anti-personnel landmine close to the zero line of the border by Myanmar security forces.

According to reports, Myanmar was laying landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh for the past three days while Bangladesh officials feared the purpose may have been to prevent the return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence.

The foreign office in a statement said Dhaka demanded immediate Naypyidaw steps to de-escalate violence in Rakhine and effective measures on urgent basis to stop the ongoing influx.

Bangladesh also regretted that appropriate measures for protection of civilian population (Rohingyas) have not been ensured during the military operation (Rakhine) that compelled huge number of desperate people to seek shelter in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought UN intervention in sending back Rohingyas.

"The UN should act in such a way to put pressure on Myanmar for immediate repatriation of their nationals," Hasinas press secretary Ihsanul Karim quoted her as saying. PTI AR NSA

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Cambodia: Onslaught on Media, Rights Groups

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 25 August 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Cambodia: Onslaught on Media, Rights Groups, 25 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afe0514.html [accessed 14 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 Cambodian government should end its escalating campaign of politically-motivated harassment, intimidation, and legal action against the media, nongovernmental groups, and human rights defenders, Human Rights Watch said today.

The government of Prime Minister Hun Sen is widening its efforts to curtail or silence independent voices in the country.

During the week of August 21, 2017, the Cambodian government announced the expulsion of the nongovernmental, US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), threatened to close the independent nonpartisan daily newspaper the Cambodia Daily, and forcibly ended broadcasts by the stations operated by Mohanokor Radio, which is owned by an opposition member of parliament, and stations operated by Voice of Democracy (VOD) Phnom Penh, which airs independent reports and viewpoints. The government also rescinded licenses to Voice of America and Radio Free Asia to broadcast in Cambodia on baseless allegations of registration and tax violations.

"The Cambodian government's shutdown of independent media outlets and a respected democracy promotion group shows that Hun Sen is intensifying efforts to curb criticism of his rule," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director. "Diplomats and donors should put Hun Sen on notice that if he doesn't reverse course, elections in 2018 won't be considered credible."

On August 23, Cambodia's foreign affairs ministry informed NDI that it must "stop operations and expel foreign staff from the Kingdom," citing the repressive Law on Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations (LANGO). The arbitrary action, based on unsubstantiated allegations that the group failed to follow proper registration and taxation procedures, is the first forced closure of a nongovernmental organization using authority under that law. Human Rights Watch and other groups have severely criticized provisions of the law as violating the rights to freedom of expression and association.

The US Embassy in Phnom Penh issued a statement in support of NDI, which is funded by the US Democratic Party. It cited the group's valid memorandum of understanding with the National Election Committee (NEC), its long history of impartial capacity-building activities with all political parties including the ruling Cambodian People's Party, and its previously unchallenged submission of registration documents required under the new law in September 2016.

The Cambodian government has also set the stage for shuttering the Cambodia Daily, an independent and well-regarded source of news in English and Khmer operating since 1993. On August 5, 2017, tax authorities hit the newspaper with an arbitrary US$6.3 million tax bill despite refusing to review financial records provided by the publisher. The government alleged non-payment since 2007, and gave the newspaper 30 days to pay or "pack up and go," as stated in a recent speech by Hun Sen, in which he also described the Cambodia Daily as a "thief." In Davos in May, Hun Sen also criticized the newspaper for its critical coverage and referred to its reporters as "servants of foreigners."

"The Cambodia Daily has served as an important mainstay of independent news and objective criticism for 25 years even as the government's tolerance for critical views has markedly declined," Robertson said. "Closing the Daily would be a devastating blow to freedom of the press that would have an impact well beyond the paper's readership."

The Cambodia Daily's editor-in-chief Jodie Dejonge stated this week that she expects the paper will be raided and closed by authorities on September 4, the tax department's deadline for payment.

The government has also taken steps against a consortium of nongovernmental organizations that worked together as the election-watch "Situation Room," which reported on irregularities in the local commune elections in June. The government recently put the Situation Room under investigation for allegedly violating the new law on nongovernmental groups and serving as a base for a possible "color revolution" to topple the government.

Since the government ordered the Situation Room to stop its monitoring activities, three respected consortium organizations have received notices that they must address potential back tax issues. The three groups are the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO), the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), and the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (COMFREL).

"The list of news, human rights and democracy-promoting organizations under attack by the Cambodian government seems to grow by the minute," Robertson said. "Hun Sen's authoritarian rule is being chiseled in stone."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Azerbaijan: Independent News Director Jailed

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 25 August 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Azerbaijan: Independent News Director Jailed, 25 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afe0b24.html [accessed 14 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.

Azerbaijani authorities have jailed Mehman Aliyev, the director of the country's last remaining independent media outlet, filing charges on alleged tax and other offenses against him in retaliation for his journalism, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities should drop the criminal charges against Aliyev and immediately free him.

Aliyev (no relation to Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev) is the director of Turan, an independent news agency that has reported on a wide range of political, economic, and social issues since its founding in 1990. On August 25, 2017, a court in Baku placed Aliyev in pretrial detention for three months during the investigation against him on charges of tax evasion, abuse of office, and illegal business activity. If convicted, Aliyev could face a maximum seven-year prison sentence.

"Aliyev, and Turan, are the latest victims in the government's campaign to erase independent media in Azerbaijan," said Rachel Denber, deputy Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Instead of locking up journalists, the Azerbaijan government should just let them do their work."

Thorbjorn Jagland, the secretary general of the Council of Europe, and the French Foreign Ministry have publicly expressed concern about Aliyev's arrest and about the investigation into Turan.

The charges stem from an investigation that the Taxation Ministry opened into Turan on August 7. The ministry told media outlets that Aliyev is accused of violating Azerbaijani law on grants, which requires groups to register all grant contracts. The ministry stated that Aliyev bore responsibility for the agency's failure to register 148,310 AZN (US$87,268) in grants that it received from 2010 to 2014, and for its failure to pay AZN 60,080 (US$35,352) for the period 2010 to 2016.

Human Rights Watch and other groups have repeatedly called on the Azerbaijani government to reform its laws imposing overly cumbersome grant-registration requirements, which allow the authorities virtually unlimited powers to deny the registration of grant funds.

Turan's bank accounts have been frozen, and its staff announced in a statement that it would suspend its activities starting September 1.

Turan and Aliyev had fully cooperated with the investigation, but authorities raided the agency's office on August 16, confiscating documents and the accountant's computer. On August 24, Aliyev went voluntarily with his lawyer to the Taxation Ministry for questioning, in response to a request from an investigator and a prosecutor.

Officials refused to allow Aliyev's lawyer, Fuad Agayev, to be present, claiming that Aliyev's status in the investigation had changed from "witness" to "suspect," and that Agayev would need to get official permission to represent his client. This was not possible because it was the end of the working day. Regardless of the time of day or night, an individual in interrogation custody has the right to a lawyer, Human Rights Watch said.

Azerbaijan has a long record of state antagonism toward independent and opposition media, Human Rights Watch said.

Azerbaijani authorities have used bogus tax-related and other charges to jail critical journalists and bloggers. In July, authorities sentenced Faig Amirli, financial director of the already closed, pro-opposition Azadlig newspaper, to three years and three months in prison. Aziz Orujov, head of the recently-closed Kanal 13 online TV channel, has been awaiting trial on tax-related charges since June.

Aliyev's arrest and the investigation against Turan are the latest government moves in its vicious crackdown on critical media in the country. Reporters Without Borders ranks Azerbaijan 162 among 180 countries for press freedom. At least eight journalists and bloggers are in prison on politically motivated charges. Among them is Mehman Huseynov, one of the country's most popular journalists and bloggers, who is serving two years in prison on bogus defamation charges.

Azerbaijani authorities have permanently blocked the websites of some major media outlets critical of the government, and in March amended laws to tighten control over online media.

Turan told Human Rights Watch that high-level government officials had in recent weeks offered Aliyev "some government-backed 'financial aid' for Turan's operations in exchange of 'loyalty,' . . . [and] things became rather complicated when [Aliyev] publicly criticized the government's campaign" to give free apartments to journalists on National Press Day.

Starting in 2014, the authorities used the same combination of tax and illegal business activity charges that Aliyev is facing against a number of the country's leading independent human rights groups and their leaders. The leaders were imprisoned, and most were released by 2016. The organizations had to close following spurious tax audits and criminal investigations.

"Who at this point can seriously believe that this is not politically motivated case to silence a strong, independent voice in Azerbaijan's deserted independent media landscape," Denber said. "If the Azerbaijani authorities truly have well-founded financial claims against Turan, there is no reason these could not be sorted out without resort to prison or other excess. It's not too late for Azerbaijani authorities to come clean, and free Aliyev."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
The government has tightened the noose further today on shell companies and black money hoarders. Directors or representatives of shell companies now face jail from six months to 10 years.

By Rahul Shrivastava: The government today took one more step to instill the fear of law into black money hoarders a day after it cancelled the registration of 2.1 lakh companies for suspect transactions and froze their accounts.

The government has announced that in case the director or the authorised signatory of any "struck off" company tries to siphon off money without authorisation from its bank account, he/she may attract imprisonment of six months to 10 years. If found that the fraud involves public interest, the punishment shall not be less than 3 years and a fine which would be three times the amount involved in the fraud may also be imposed.

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The new rules also mean that the directors of companies which lose their licence and siphon money may get barred from holding similar offices in future. It also means that soon at least 2-3 lakh of disqualified directors of such companies will get barred and may not be able to lead any venture.

The Department of Financial Services had earlier sent instructions to all the banks that the directors or their authorised signatories had been restricted from operating the bank accounts of such companies and they cannot siphon off money from the accounts of these companies which have been "struck off".

STRICT ACTION AGAINST SHELL COMPANY DIRECTORS

The latest tweak to the rule is that strict action will still be taken against directors who even made attempts to siphon off money from these accounts.

The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by the Minister of State for Corporate Affairs PP Chaudhary today.

It was also decided that directors of such shell companies, which have not filed returns for three or more years, will be disqualified from being appointed in any other company as director, or from being reappointed as director in any of the companies where they had been directors.

A government source said all efforts are also being made to identify the real beneficiaries and persons behind such shell companies apart from the action restricting the operation of bank accounts of these companies and consequential effect on directors.

TAX AND ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AT WORK

Thousands of tax men and enforcement agency officials are said to be mining data for profiles of lakhs of directors. Agencies are trying to ascertain their background, antecedents and their role in the operations or functioning of shell companies.

"Identification of more shell companies is in progress. The professionals, chartered accountants or company secretaries or cost accountants associated with such shell companies and involved in illegal activities have been identified in certain cases and the action by professional institutes such as ICAI, ICSI and ICAoI are being monitored," a top finance ministry official said.

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"The exercise of weeding out shell companies would not only help in checking the menace of black money but also would promote an ecosystem of ease of doing business and enhancing investors' confidence," said Minister Chaudhary.

CHOKE AVAILABILITY OF SLUSH FUNDS

Sources say that the financial status of the companies would be reflected in a fair and transparent manner to minimise the possibility of frauds and tax evasion.

"The idea is also to choke the availability of slush funds for illegal purposes," the minister added.

On Tuesday, the ministry had struck off the registration of 2,09,032 shell companies. The Department of Financial Services had directed all banks to restrict operations of bank accounts of such companies by the directors of such companies or their authorised representatives.

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Guatemala: Presidential Order Threatens Rule of Law

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 28 August 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Guatemala: Presidential Order Threatens Rule of Law, 28 August 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59afe1934.html [accessed 14 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.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales's order to expel the head of a United Nations-supported anti-corruption commission is a grave threat to the rule of law in Guatemala and should be reversed. On Sunday August 27, 2017, Morales ordered Ivan Velasquez, the head of the UN-backed International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), to be expelled from Guatemala. The move came two days after Velasquez and Guatemalan Attorney General Thelma Aldana announced they were investigating the president's party for illegal campaign financing and filed a petition with the courts to lift the president's immunity. "Rather than submit to an independent investigation, President Morales has cast his lot with the powerful mafias who have come to fear justice since Velasquez showed up, and are desperate to see him gone," said Daniel Wilkinson, Americas managing director at Human Rights Watch.

Hours after the president's announcement, the Constitutional Court provisionally granted three appeals in favor of Velasquez and suspended the expulsion order pending final rulings by the court, which could take weeks.

In a televised statement, Morales claimed that Velasquez had exercised "illegitimate, illegal, and unconstitutional" pressure on the Guatemalan Congress by advocating in favor of the constitutional reforms currently under discussion. He also said that Velasquez had violated the right to the presumption of innocence by publicly announcing the cases that CICIG is investigating. However, such announcements have long been common practice, while the agreement between the Guatemalan government and the UN expressly authorizes CICIG to propose public policies and legal reforms.

Since Velasquez's appointment as commissioner in 2013, Guatemala has made unprecedented progress in tackling corruption and the abuse of power by government officials. Most notably, in 2015, joint investigations by the commission and the Attorney General's Office exposed multiple corruption schemes, implicating officials in all three branches of government, and prompting the resignation of the country's then-president and vice president. The two are now in jail awaiting trial.

Daniel Wilkinson

Managing Director, Americas Division

Morales took office in January 2016 and in April of that year, asked the UN to extend the commission's mandate - which had been set to expire in 2017 - until September 2019. In September 2016, the commission and the Attorney General's Office announced that they were investigating the president's son Jose Manuel Morales and brother, Samuel Morales, for alleged fraud committed prior to his term. The two were arrested in January and are awaiting trial.

The president's political party is under investigation for alleged illicit financing during the 2015 presidential campaign. Initial investigations revealed evidence that the party failed to report at least US$900,000 in campaign funds to the relevant authorities. At a news conference held on August 25, Aldana and Velasquez announced that they had presented a request to strip the immunity of President Morales - who was secretary-general of his political party during the campaign - in order to proceed with investigations.

The president's decision has been strongly criticized within Guatemala. The national human rights commissioner, the solicitor general, and the national comptroller all issued statements expressing their disagreement with the president. Several senior administration officials resigned in protest, including the minister for public health and social assistance, the national commissioner for competitiveness, the country's three deputy health ministers, and the vice-minister for foreign affairs. Aldana, who announced on August 22 that she would resign as attorney general if the president expelled Velasquez, expressed support for the commissioner and said she would remain in office for the time being after the Constitutional Court suspended the president's order.

"The expulsion of Velasquez could have devastating consequences for Guatemala's efforts to combat corruption and organized crime," Wilkinson said. "Democratic leaders and institutions in Guatemala, as well as international allies and partners, should join forces in pressing President Morales to reverse this outrageous and dangerous order."

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Female mobility was an important means of cultural exchange in the Bronze Age.

By Indo-Asian News Service: In the early Bronze Age nearly 4,000 years ago, European women travelled far from their home villages to start their families, bringing with them new cultural objects and ideas, while men usually remained in the region of their birth, a research has showed.

The findings, which shed light on the importance of female mobility for cultural exchange in the Bronze Age, showed that the practice persisted over a period of 800 years during the transition from the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age.

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This played a significant role in the exchange of cultural objects and ideas, which increased considerably in the Bronze Age, in turn promoting the development of new technologies, the researchers said.

For the study, published in the journal PNAS, the team examined the remains of 84 individuals buried between 2500 and 1650 BC, and found that at the end of the Stone Age and in the early Bronze Age, families were established in a surprising manner in the Lech, south of Augsburg, in present-day Germany.

The majority of women came from outside the area, probably from Bohemia or Central Germany, while men usually remained in the region of their birth.

Also Read: Kanyakumari to Leh: Two women bikers are heading out for a record-breaking journey but for a reason

"We see a great diversity of different female lineages, which would occur if over time many women relocated to the Lech Valley from somewhere else," said Alissa Mittnik from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Germany.

This so-called patrilocal pattern combined with individual female mobility was not a temporary phenomenon, but persisted over a period of 800 years, they said.

The study allowed researchers to view the immense extent of early human mobility in a new light.

"Individual mobility was a major feature characterising the lives of people in Central Europe even in the third and early second millennium," said Philipp Stockhammer, from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen.

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Kem Sokha, head of the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, was formally charged with treason Tuesday in a case that has drawn widespread international condemnation. Fifteen month before his arrest on Sept. 3, Khem Sokha spoke to Vuthy Huot of RFAs Khmer Service while under the threat of arrest on other charges and while CNRP leader Sam Rainsy was in exile to avoid arrest. Following are excerpts from Kem Sokhas interview on May 30, 2016 at the CNRP headquarters in Chak Angre Leu commune, Phnom Penh.

RFA: Should there be any event leading to your arrest while leader Sam Rainsy remains in exile, could the CNRP be plunged into the situation you have spoken of in which the (ruling party) seeks to select specific individuals to assume the CNRPs leadership? Are you concerned about this and have you made any specific arrangements?

Kem Sokha: We knew about this earlier and we have had a lot of discussions about this matter. Our local leaders are the major force. They serve as the foundation of the policy of the CNRP. Therefore, if ever the top echelons or the middle leadership wanted to do anything that was deemed improper, they could not sell out the CNRP to others because our party is strong from the bottom up. This is what I trust.

RFA: So you hope that the CNRP will remain strong even in the event that you yourself may be subject to arrest while the party president is living in exile?

Kem Sokha: It all depends on our struggle. Should the CNRP remain on the correct course, by struggling for the genuine will of the citizens, the party will retain the support of the people. Otherwise, if the party happens to change its stance or turn against the will of the people, then the people will stop supporting the party and then the party will be in trouble. But I trust that this party will never change its course and its political goals.

RFA: Should you get arrested today or tomorrow or any day in the future, do you have any hope that you can serve from your place of detention as a symbol for encouraging your supporters and Cambodian citizens?

Kem Sokha: I believe that if I were arrested and detained in jail, it would work as an incentive for the will of the people to rise further in struggling for freedom and justice. This is what I believe  that in such a situation, our people can no longer stand such oppression, suppression and injustice. The way they would treat me is not just as an individual named Kem Sokha alone. I represent citizens in my constituency and I myself am also a leader of the CNRP that represents almost half of the population.

RFA: Should for any reason the president and vice-president of the CNRP become involved in unresolved crisis, say leading to the dissolution of the CNRP, what measures would you take to rescue the party?

Kem Sokha: Dissolving the CNRP means dissolving the representative of half of the population of this country. Our citizens know and understand exactly whether they agree to let anyone to dissolve their will, which is equal to half of the nations population. The CNRP represents the will of half of our countrys population.

RFA: While you still enjoy your freedom, and hopefully you continue to enjoy your freedom, should by any manner authorities happen to arrest you and the National Assembly wins court approval to pursue legal procedures against you, and then the court issues an arrest warrant against you, do you have any words of advice to your supporters, and Cambodian citizens?

Kem Sokha: First, I want to state that I can be physically arrested, but my conscience cannot be detained. Second, I want to say that without any risk, there wont be any change. Third, I want to say that freedom is not handed over for free. If we want freedom, we must dare and take risks to struggle. The only one thing that I request is that our citizens please continue the struggle. Struggle for what? Struggle for positive change, struggle on a non-violent basis, struggle for the survival of all Khmers. We must dare to devote ourselves for the survival of the Khmers and for the survival of our nation as a whole.

Translated by Sovannarith Keo.
Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday vowed to remain in power for another decade, a day after a court charged the head of the countrys opposition party with treason for allegedly trying to topple the government.

Speaking to around 10,000 garment industry workers at a factory in the capital Phnom Penh, Hun Sen, 65, said he would run for two more terms as prime minister to defend the stability of the nation before considering whether to step aside.



Earlier I had a mixed feeling about when I should stop being the prime minister, said the strongman, who has led Cambodia for 32 years.



But thanks to the recent developments in connection with the treacherous activities of the Cambodian who has been arrested  I have decided to continue for at least another 10 years, he added.



May I ask foreigners not to get jealous with me? I am the longest-serving prime minister in the world.



Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) won commune elections held on June 4, but the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) received nearly 44 percent of all votes to the CPPs 51 percent, in an outcome that many see as a bellwether for general elections scheduled for July 2018.



In recent weeks, the government has launched a crackdown against the independent media, NGOs, and the political opposition, drawing global condemnation for what is widely seen as a bid to stifle dissent ahead of next years ballot.



CNRP chief Kem Sokha was arrested over the weekend in Phnom Penh after government-aligned media outlet Fresh News released a heavily edited video from Australia-based Cambodian Broadcasting Network (CBN) it said showed the opposition leader was working with the United States to unseat Hun Sen.



On Tuesday, a Phnom Penh Municipal Court deputy prosecutor formally charged Kem Sokha with conspiring with a foreign power to foment hostilities or acts of aggression against Cambodia, in accordance with Article 443 of the countrys Criminal Code. The opposition leader faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.



The Seiha Facebook account, which regularly leaks documents attacking the opposition, recently released a list of people it said had acted with Kem Sokha and would be taken into custody, including CNRP deputy president Pol Ham; lawmakers Yem Ponhearith, Ou Chanrith, and Son Chhay; and Kem Sokhas two daughters.



The U.S., the European Union, and the United Nations have issued statements expressing grave concerns over the arrest, although a spokesperson for Chinas Foreign Ministry said Beijingone of Hun Sens closest allies in the regionsupports the Cambodian governments efforts to protect national security and stability, when asked about Kem Sokha at a recent press briefing.



Cambodias government has said it acted in defense of national interests, and in a statement Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that its senior minister Prak Sokhorn had briefed foreign diplomats on Kem Sokhas arrest the day he was taken into custody, emphasizing that how [the CNRPs] strategy [to gain power] is built and who is behind it was what constituted an offence.



Prak Sokhorn claimed that the video showed Kem Sokha had been conspiring with the U.S. since 1993 to overthrow Hun Sen and told ambassadors that the opposition leaders video statement was deemed in flagrante delicto, allowing police to arrest him despite his parliamentary immunity.



The senior minister also reminded the diplomatic corps about the respect for independence, sovereignty, neutrality, Cambodian laws and the non-interference in internal affairs of Cambodia, and urged their countries to let our people decide freely on who to lead them.



Cambodias Ministry of Justice also defended the arrest in a statement Wednesday, and called on opposition party members to refrain from misleading the public by saying the act was in violation of the law.



From left to right, Kem Sokha, Pol Ham, Mu Sochua, and Eng Chhay Eang at an extraordinary congress in Phnom Penh, March 2, 2017. Credit: RFA Party threatened



Meanwhile, Reuters news agency quoted Council of Ministers spokesperson Phay Siphan as saying that the government could dissolve the CNRP if it does not move to appoint a new president, after the party said there were no plans to replace Kem Sokha.



CNRP deputy president Eng Chhay Eang had told RFAs Khmer Service Tuesday that in view of Cambodias deteriorating situation, it makes no difference who assumes the position of president of the party, as the election cannot be free and fair, and suggested the opposition would boycott next years ballot unless the political situation returns to normality.



Phay Siphan responded by telling Reuters they have to appoint an acting president, adding that if they dont comply with the law, they will not exist and have no right to political activity  Its their choice, not my choice.



Ministry of Interior spokesperson Khieu Sopheak was also cited by the Phnom Penh Post as saying that the CNRP would be dissolved if its members continue to support Kem Sokha, and that once the party was disbanded, all of its lawmakers and elected officials would lose their positions.



Former CNRP president Sam Rainsy resigned in February in order to preserve the party in the face of a law that bars anyone convicted of a crime from holding the top offices in a political party, among other changes. He has been living in self-imposed exile in France since 2015 to avoid convictions many see as politically motivated.



Wider protests



Amid the condemnation over Kem Sokhas arrest, around 100 Cambodians and Cambodian-Americans gathered in Lowell, Massachusetts Tuesday to demand the opposition leaders release and the restoration of democracy and human rights to Cambodia.



A group of Cambodian-Americans are planning to stage a similar protest in Washington on Sept. 15, while members of the Cambodian diaspora in Australia, Canada, and France will also stage demonstrations over the next two weekends.



Since Aug. 22, Cambodias government has expelled U.S.-funded NGO the National Democratic Institute (NDI), suspended some 20 radio stations that aired content by U.S. broadcasters Radio Free Asia and Voice of America, and forced the closure of the English language Cambodia Daily newspaper after giving it one month to pay an alleged U.S. $6.3 million in back taxes.



Despite the Cambodia Dailys decision to close on Monday, the Ministry of Economy and Finances General Department of Taxation has said the paper will still be held accountable for its debt, and department chief Kong Vibol ordered the countrys immigration officials to bar its owners, Deborah Krisher-Steele and Douglas Eric Steele, from leaving the country.



On Wednesday, deputy prosecutor Ly Sophanna of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court announced he had received lawsuits filed by the General Department of Taxation against Krisher-Steele, Steele, and Krisher-Steeles father, Bernard Krisher, as managers of the Cambodia Dailys parent company, Bernard Krisher Jimusho Co. Ltd. Two separate defamation lawsuits were also filed against Krisher-Steele.



In addition to the tax debt, the General Department of Taxation is demanding 800 million riels (U.S. $200,000) in compensation for tax evasion and obstruction of the implementation of Cambodias tax law.



Reported by Sereyvuth Oung and Neang Ieng for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
A pro-independence banner campaign on the campus of one of Hong Kong's most prestigious universities has sparked warnings that public calls for the city's secession from China may be "seditious."



Executive councillor and barrister Ronny Tong said students who put up large black banners reading "Independence for Hong Kong" on the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) campus could have "broken the law."



"There were student activities on the site, distributing pamphlets and there were other posters put up advocating the independence of Hong Kong," Tong told government broadcaster RTHK.



"Such action has the risk of infringing section 9 of the Crimes Ordinance, which provides that if any publication is published with seditious intent then it may well be an offense."



The banners reappeared on after authorities at the university's main campus, which saw one of the biggest student demonstrations during the student strike that launched the Occupy Central movement in 2014, took them down on .



The removal of banners on the CUHK campus sparked the appearance of similar banners and posters on campuses across the city, including the University of Hong Kong, the Education University, City University and the University of Science and Technology.



On , university officials warned students by letter that public talk of independence was a breach of Hong Kong's miniconstitution, the Basic Law, and university regulations.



Freedom of speech

The student union has rejected the criticisms, saying students will defend their right to exercise freedom of speech.



"We are still looking for people who can stand guard over these banners and posters in Culture Square," union leader Justin Au told journalists.



"We will try to persuade them, and to question the rational basis for trying to remove the banners in a place where students congregate," he said. "However, we will do our utmost to prevent physical clashes of any kind."



Former Occupy Central student leader Tommy Cheung said Tong's claims made no sense, however.



"What law has been broken; they will have to say what law has been broken," Cheung said. "Nobody has been charged over this, for just talking about Hong Kong independence ... when there has been no concrete action."



"Just discussing something doesn't break the law, but this attempt to move the goalposts is very problematic," he said. "Freedom of speech and the autonomy of the students' union are inviolable, regardless of their stance [on independence]."



Hong Kong University student union leader Wong Ching Tak said CUHK had overreacted.



"Regardless of whether or not you support the idea of Hong Kong independence, I think it was important to take this action based on our support for universal values," Wong said.



Traditional freedoms seen eroding

Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam, has vowed to fight "pro-independence forces" in the city and begin fostering a sense of Chinese identity among very young children, sparking fears that she will try to brainwash them into loyalty to the ruling Chinese Communist Party.



Lam, who took office on the 20th anniversary of the , 1997 handover to Chinese rule, said her administration would "strictly" enforce existing law, which she said bans "pro-independence behavior."



Recent opinion polls by the University of Hong Kong found that 37 percent of respondents identified as Hongkongers, and 21 percent as Chinese, while others chose more ambiguous options like "Hongkongers in China" or "Chinese in Hong Kong."



But only 3.1 percent of the 18-28 age group said they identified as Chinese, the lowest result since the poll began in 1997.



And a recent opinion poll commissioned by the pro-Beijing group Silent Majority for Hong Kong showed that while more than 70 percent of respondents overall strongly supported Beijing's view that independence for the city will never be an option, only 51 percent of people aged 18-29 agreed with the Communist Party's position.



Some 43 percent said they disagreed.



In June, Zhang Xiaoming, the ruling Chinese Communist Party's envoy to the city, warned that young Hong Kong people would be unable to realize their life goals if they were "led astray" by such ideas.



Hong Kong was promised a "high degree of autonomy" and the continuation of its existing freedoms of speech, association and publication under the terms of the 1997 handover to China.



But a string of legal interpretations by China's parliament of the Basic Law, as well as cross-border detentions of five Hong Kong booksellers, have left many fearing that the city's traditional freedoms, and its judicial independence, have been seriously eroded.



Reported by Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Authorities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong have been holding an activist for more than a month since he took part in a seashore memorial for late Nobel peace laureate and political prisoner Liu Xiaobo, his wife told RFA.



Zhuo Yuzhen, who hails from the southeastern province of Fujian, was formally arrested by police from his hometown and has been sent back to Guangdong to face investigation and prosecution.



His wife, who declined to give her name, said he was detained at the railway station in his hometown of Putian city.



Now, his case is being handed over to police in the Guangdong city of Jiangmen, who have also detained a number of other activists including Qin Mingxin.



"The railway police got in touch with the Putian police, who in turn got in contact with the Jiangmen police, and they decided to keep him in the detention center until officers from Jiangmen could travel there to size up the situation," Zhuo's wife said.



"He was still free to contact people at the time of his detention, and he called me himself to tell me about it," she said.



Both men took part in an online memorial campaign that involved taking photographs on the seashore in memory of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo, who died in custody of liver cancer on , and whose ashes were buried at sea.



Zhuo is the latest in a string of "like-minded people" in Guangdong province to be detained in connection with the memorial.



The activists were detained at the beach in Xinhui, near Guangdong's Jiangmen city, as they marked a full seven days since Liu's death on.



Hong Kong media have named another detainee as Li Zhaoqiang.



'String of arrests' creates fear

Guangdong-based rights activist Wang Aizhong said Zhuo was initially held in the Putian No. 2 Detention Center, but that staff there didn't know where he had been taken after that.



"Quite a lot of people took part in this event, and the authorities are hoping to create fear among social activists with this string of arrests," Wang said.



A Putian resident surnamed Zhou said Zhuo had likely been caught by additionally tight security in Fujian during the BRICS summit that ended in its port city of Xiamen on .



"Usually these outlying places are pretty lax, but they had tightened up a lot lately because of the BRICS summit," Zhou said.



Calls to the Putian city police department rang unanswered during office hours on .



At the time of his death at the age of 61, Liu had been serving an 11-year jail term for "incitement to subvert state power," linked to his online writings promoting democracy and constitutional government. They included Charter 08, a document that was signed by more than 300 prominent scholars, writers, and rights activists around the country.



In the document, the former literature professor called for concerned Chinese citizens to rally to bring about change, citing an increasing loss of control by the Communist Party and heightened hostility between the authorities and ordinary people.



Liu's late diagnosis, and the refusal of the ruling Chinese Communist Party to allow him to go overseas on medical parole, had sparked widespread public anger, with the governments of Germany and the U.S. offering him the best possible treatment.



Now, concerns are growing over the mental and physical health of Liu Xia, who has reportedly asked to be allowed to go overseas to seek treatment herself, but who remains under close surveillance by state security police.



Reported by Hai Nan for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Xin Lin for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.


Dhaka on Wednesday demanded that Myanmar de-escalate violence in Rakhine state that has produced an unbearable and unprecedented influx of Rohingya refugees into Bangladesh, in a third diplomatic protest lodged in less than two weeks amid a burgeoning humanitarian crisis.



Also Wednesday, the bodies of five people allegedly shot by Myanmar security forces were found near a river bank near the border in Ukhia district, a local policeman told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.



Earlier in the day, five children drowned when their boat capsized in the river, and, in a separate incident, a womans body was found floating in the Naf River that separates the two countries, officials said.



At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, police recovered five shot-dead bodies, including a woman, from the Anjumanpara border point of Palangkhali union [in] Ukhia, said Abdul Khayer, the officer in charge of the local police station.



Rohingyas standing in no mans land, informed us that the woman and four men were shot dead inside Myanmar by their military near the border, he added.



In Dhaka, Bangladeshs foreign ministry again summoned a senior diplomat at Myanmars embassy to air its displeasure over the crisis that has now seen nearly 150,000 Rohingya refugees spill across the border since Aug. 25, according to figures updated by the U.N. on Wednesday.



Bangladesh expressed deep concern on the escalation of violence in the Rakhine State resulting in huge influx of affected civilian population entering into Bangladesh to escape from violence and save their lives, the ministry said in a statement.



Bangladesh demanded immediate measures from Myanmar to de-escalate the ongoing violence in the Northern Rakhine State and immediate effective measures from the Myanmar authorities to stop the ongoing influx of Myanmar nationals into Bangladesh and requests Myanmar to address the real cause of such unprecedented exodus, it added.



The latest influx started on Aug. 25, following an outbreak of violence and fighting between government forces and an insurgent group called the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in Rakhine state.



Suu Kyi: An iceberg of misinformation



Before then, at least 400,000 Rohingya refugees were already living in camps and settlements scattered across southeastern Bangladesh.



Bangladesh must not be a victim of repeated violence and instability in Rakhine, the ministry added, saying it was also concerned about the reported laying down of anti-personnel land mine[s] close to the zero line of the border by Myanmar security forces.



Myanmar officials have denied allegations that government forces are targeting Rohingya civilians or burning down villages in Maungdaw Township.



State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been widely criticized abroad for failing to stop or speak against violence against the stateless Rohingya minority, on Wednesday issued a rare statement on the issue.



Worldwide outrage over Myanmars treatment of Rohingya Muslims was the result of a huge iceberg of misinformation, she said in a statement issued by her office, according to reports.



Suu Kyi said her government had already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible and warned against misinformation that could mar relations with other countries.



Land-mine injuries



Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officials said Myanmar security forces had been planting land mines along the border near areas of Coxs Bazar district.



We have heard the sound of blasts of anti-personnel land mines along the bordering areas such as Tambru and Ghundum, Lt. Col. Monjurul Hasan Khan, the local BGB commander, told BenarNews.



Three days ago, an injured Rohingya woman came to us. One of her legs was blown away by the blast as she tried to cross [into Bangladesh], he said.



On Tuesday, two juvenile Rohingya came to us with injuries. One of the boys lost one of his legs while the other boy was seriously injured by the blast of land mines. We are treating them at our hospital, he said.



In Teknaf, another sub-district of Coxs Bazar, officials said they found the bodies of five children who had drowned.



We recovered five dead bodies of children aged between seven and eight years, from the Shahporirdwip area, Mayeen Uddin Khan, officer-in-charge of the Teknaf police station, told BenarNews.



146,000 and counting



An estimated 146,000 people have now fled to Bangladesh since the violence in Rakhine erupted late last month, according to Joseph Tripura, a spokesman for the U.N. refugee agencys (UNHCR) office in Dhaka.



However, Dipayan Bhattacharyyaan, an official with the U.N.s World Food Program, told Reuters that U.N. officials were revising their estimates for the total number of refugees from the new influx to as many as 300,000 from an original forecast of 120,000.



Meanwhile on Wednesday, a BenarNews correspondent in Coxs Bazar reported that huge numbers of refugees were crossing over the frontier through some 30 entry points, including at Neela, Hoaikong, Khanjorpara, Ulubunia, Shahporirdwip, Teknaf sea beach and Lombabeel.



Their infiltration continues, but between dawn and morning on Wednesday, we stopped 2,649 people from entering Bangladesh, Lt. Col. S.M. Ariful Islam, the chief of the border police in Teknaf, told BenarNews.



Those who made their way to Bangladesh were herded to Putubunia, where the BGB had built temporary shelters for new refugee arrivals, he said.



But we are not forcing anyone to go to Myanmar. We are behaving humanely with them, he said.



Md. Shah Alam, 45, was among the Rohingya refugees who made it across the frontier on Wednesday.



Myanmar military forces and hardline Buddhists, whom he referred to as Moghs, were burning down villages in Rakhine, he said.



The Rohingya men are sending the women and children to Bangladesh for safety, Alam told BenarNews.



The military were killing Rohingya men, he alleged.



So, they have been hiding in the jungles and hills without food and water. Those who can are crossing to Bangladesh [to save] their lives, Alam said, adding,

They will obliterate us.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar take shelter in the hills of the Hoaikong area in southeastern Bangladesh, Sept. 4, 2017.

Bangladesh said Tuesday it was scrambling to build camps for Rohingya refugees in the southeast of the country, as an influx of people fleeing violence in Myanmar soared to 123,000, according to U.N. estimates, and international pressure on both countries intensified sharply.

Government officials and relief agencies said there hardly was space left at established camps to accommodate new arrivals spilling across the border, and they were trying to find new land to house the refugees as well as mobilize humanitarian aid for them.

The U.N.s estimate of new arrivals in Bangladesh since Aug. 25 shot up to 123,000 Tuesday from 73,000 on Sunday. At least 58 people have drowned trying to cross the Naf River that separates the two countries, said Ali Hossain, the deputy commissioner of Coxs Bazar district.

They have been coming and coming. We are trying to convince them to stay at their homeland, Rakhine, but it is not always working, Lt. Col. Ariful Islam, the commander of the Bangladesh Border Guard in Teknaf, Coxs Bazar, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, on Tuesday.

Before the violence in Rakhine exploded in late August, at least 400,000 Rohingya who fled past flare-ups in the neighboring Myanmar state were living in refugee camps and settlements scattered across districts in southeastern Bangladesh.

Since Monday, we have erected new camps in Potubunia, in Teknaf, so that the newly arrived Rohingyas can stay there. As of Tuesday, more than 20,000 people have taken shelter there, Islam said.

Authorities were looking for land in the Balukhali area in Ukhia, another sub-district of Coxs Bazar, to build shelters for newly arrived refugees, District Magistrate Khaled Mahmud told BenarNews.

Mounting international concern

In Geneva, the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) expressed grave concern about the violence in Myanmar and the escalating humanitarian crisis in southeast Bangladesh.

With hundreds of new refugees arriving every day, Kutupalong and Nayapara camps are at breaking point , UNHCR spokeswoman Duniya Aslam Khan said in a statement.

She said there was an urgent need for additional shelters and land to house the refugees and for coordination to ensure that life-saving assistance gets to those who need it most.

Most have walked for days from their villages  hiding in jungles, crossing mountains and rivers with what they could salvage from their homes. They are hungry, weak and sick, Khan said.

In Dhaka, Robert Watkins, the United Nations resident coordinator in Bangladesh, said U.N. agencies were trying to raise U.S. $18 million to meet the basic needs of new refugees.

UNCHR is providing emergency assistance to those Rohingya who arrive in the two official refugee camps. IOM [the International Organization of Migration] is doing the same for those outside of the camps, including food, shelter, basic health, water and sanitation services, Watkins told BenarNews.

In addition, the World Food Program, UNICEF, and UNFPA were concentrating on rushing food aid to the southeast, and delivering sanitation and health services, as well as hygienic and dignity kits for women, he said.

I heard that they were killed

The violence broke out Aug. 24, when members of an insurgent group, the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), launched multiple attacks on Myanmar police posts in the state.

Since then, Myanmar security forces and militias linked to them have been accused of targeting Rohingya civilians in mass killings. At least 400 people have been killed, including 370 insurgents, Myanmar officials said late last week.

Hundreds of Hindu families are among the tens of thousands of refugees pouring in from Rakhine. A Hindu woman, Bakul Bala, described how a band of masked men attacked her village in Maungdaw Township.

The armed masked men whisked away my husband, Kalu Rudro, daughter, Sondhya Bala, and grandson Bappu. I heard that they were killed, she told BenarNews.

In Brussels, Christos Stylianides, the European Unions commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, called on all sides in the Rakhine conflict to de-escalate tensions and refrain from targeting civilians.

He also called on Bangladesh to allow refugees to come through.

They must not be turned back or deported . The assistance and protection of the Bangladeshi authorities regarding these new refugees is crucial until the situation in Rakhine State has stabilized and they can safely return, Stylianides said in a statement.

On Tuesday, Reuters quoted H.T. Imam, a political adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as saying that the government was reviving a plan to move tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees from Coxs Bazar to Thengar Char, a flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal.

Indonesian, Indian diplomacy

The violence in Rakhine and rapidly unfolding humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh was the focus of a flurry of diplomatic activity in several countries.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held talks on Tuesday with Bangladeshi officials after arriving from Myanmar, where she pressured the government to end the violence in Rakhine.

The security authorities need to immediately stop all forms of violence there and provide humanitarian assistance and development aid for the short and long term, Retno said after taking part in meetings in the Myanmar capital, according to Reuters.

Also on Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a visit to Myanmar, where the Rohingya issue figured on the agenda. Last month, his government announced that it planned to expel to Myanmar some 40,000 Rohingya people sheltering in India.

In Dhaka, Retno met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmood Ali to discuss the Rohingya issue.

At a news conference, Retno said Indonesia was ready to help in easing the burden of the government of Bangladesh in relation to the Rohingya crisis, but she gave no details.

Elsewhere, Turkey announced it was sending 1,000 tons of aid to Myanmar and dispatching its foreign minister to inspect the humanitarian situation in Coxs Bazar. Last week, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused Myanmar of carrying out genocide against the Rohingya people.

And in Malaysia on Tuesday, the foreign ministry slammed Myanmar for doing little to stop the violence, saying it had summoned the Myanmar ambassador to voice its displeasure over this.

Malaysia believes that the matter of sustained violence and discrimination against the Rohingyas should be elevated to a higher international forum, Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said in a statement.

The ministry said that Aman had spoken by phone on Monday with his counterparts from Iran and Turkey. The foreign ministers discussed the plight of the Rohingya, including a proposal to convene a special meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on this topic.

Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
"The content and consumers of child pornography are growing at a sharp rate. There are no exact statistics but our findings show that search engines get over 1,16,000 queries every day related to child pornography," Indian Cyber Army director Kislay Chaudhary said.

By Shashank Shekhar: India has emerged as one of the biggest contributors and consumers of child pornography despite a crackdown against such material on the Internet.

Cyber experts told Mail Today that a new smut video is created in India every 40 minutes and Kerala tops the list in uploading such content while Haryana leads in viewing it, on mobile.

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Alarmingly, 35-38 per cent of the total porn uploaded on the web is related to children or teenagers. Keywords like "schoolgirls", "teens" and "desi girls" are among the top searched as they lead to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Analysis by cyber security experts showed that 35-40 per cent of content downloaded daily from India is pornography, which would be in several thousand terabytes.

"The content and consumers of child pornography are growing at a sharp rate. There are no exact statistics but our findings show that search engines get over 1,16,000 queries every day related to child pornography. The volume of such content can be estimated as every second around 380 people are looking for 'adult' content on search engines. Around 25 per cent of all search engine queries are related to pornography which will be about 68 million search queries a day," said Kislay Chaudhary, director of the Indian Cyber Army (ICA).

C.S.A.M. CONTENT: TIER 2, 3, 4 CITIES MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS

Recent trends show that maximum CSAM content is being shot on mobile devices and tier 2, 3 and 4 cities have emerged as major contributors. Children in rural areas and from underprivileged backgrounds are soft targets but a large number of school students in urban areas are also vulnerable.

Pawan Duggal, noted lawyer and IT expert, told Mail Today that despite stringent directives by the Supreme Court, content related to CSAM is growing. "There is a massive demand for Indian content in the global market as it is much cheaper for them to buy. Websites are flooded with child pornography," he said.

Duggal explained that there are stringent punishments under the IT Act against viewing and sharing of such material but enforcement is lax. He pointed out that the government is aiming to block the websites but is not checking the source of the content.

The focus on the matter grew after Delhi police found objectionable photos of 15-20 children in a phone and laptop of an arrested British national who allegedly sexually assaulted three visually impaired minor inmates of the National Association for the Blind (NAB) in south Delhi's RK Puram.

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The ICA research shows Kerala is a major contributor of CSAM content while states like Haryana, Assam, Bihar, Punjab, Delhi and West Bengal are high in viewing it.

URBAN CHILDREN USING DATING, MESSENGER APPS VULNERABLE

Cyber investigator Rakshit Tandon explained that urban children are falling prey to dating and messenger apps from where their personal pictures are getting leaked and are being uploaded on porn websites.

"Young children are glued to the latest dating and messenger apps but they do not know about the side-effects," he said.

There is no fresh government study on the spread or volume of explicit content but official data shows that there was a 100 per cent increase in cases of publication or transmission of obscene material, including child pornography, using electronic means in just one year - 2012 to 2013.

Acting strict against Internet majors like Google, Yahoo and Facebook as well as instant messaging application WhatsApp, the Supreme Court on Monday directed them to furnish details of complaints they have received in India about the uploading of objectionable content on child pornography, rape and gang rape.

Duggal explained that the country has no central database of such crimes and offenders. According to experts, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics do not provide any information on child pornography cases.

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CENTRE BLOCKS 3,522 WEBSITES

However, the Centre recently told the Supreme Court that it has adopted several steps to curb online child sexual abuse content, including blocking 3,522 websites carrying child pornographic materials in June this year.

The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has ordered the Internet Service Providers Association of India and the department of telecommunication to disable or remove access to child pornography sites by adopting the IWF list to prevent the distribution and transmission of online CSAM in India.

Earlier, cyber security officials, who function under the CBI, had told the bench that the Internet was a "wild highway" and blocking objectionable content at the source was a technical challenge for which clear guidelines are needed to stop circulation of such material.

A blocked website is up and running again in a matter of days because the business is so lucrative. "Trading of CSAM on the darknet is a bigger worry as it has become a huge market for trading such content. Global buyers are directly buying content from India which gets uploaded to thousands of porn websites," said Amit Dubey, cyber crime expert and ethical hacker.

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ALSO READ

Narendra Modi govt takes Interpol help to crack down on online child pornography

Pakistan: Man arrested for selling child pornography online

ALSO WATCH

Karnataka MLC posts porn photos on WhatsApp group, exits after realising mistake

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By PTI: By K J M Varma

Beijing, Sep 6 (PTI) China said today it has invited Pakistans Foreign Minister for talks, in an apparent move to assuage Islamabads concerns after the BRICS countries for the first time named Pakistan-based terrorist groups like LeT and JeM in the groupings declaration.

Foreign Minister Mohammed Asif will pay an official visit to China on September 8, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, he said.

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"China and Pakistan are all weather strategic partners. The two sides have seen their relationship growing with a sound momentum, frequent high level exchanges and fruitful outcomes of political cooperation," he said.

Asif was supposed to travel to China, Russia, Turkey and Iran this week to drum up support for Islamabad after US President Donald Trump warned Pakistan of consequences if it continues to support terror groups.

Asifs visit will be "another important event between the two sides which will further the cooperation consensus reached between the two leaders, deepen political cooperation centered on the China Pakistan Economic corridor (CPEC) and promote coordination and communication on international and regional affairs," he said.

India has protested to China over the USD 50 billion CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"Two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest," he said without mentioning the concerns in Pakistan over BRICS, (Brazil Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries naming Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Haqqani networks in their declaration.

The declaration of BRICS, of which China is a prominent member, had expressed "concern" over the security situation in the region and the violence caused by the Taliban, ISIS, al- Qaeda and its affiliates including Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) active in Chinas Xinjiang and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the Haqqani network, LeT, JeM, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Hizb ut-Tahrir.

At the just concluded ninth BRICS Summit in Xiamen the BRICS leaders also condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever committed and by whomsoever. They stressed that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism.

The naming of the JeM outfit in the declaration also sparked speculation whether China would continue to resist efforts by India to bring about a UN ban on its leader Masood Azhar.

China has blocked the resolutions tabled by India and later by the US, backed by the UK and France, in the UN by putting repeated technical holds.

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Pakistan yesterday rejected the BRICS declaration, saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

Chinas endorsement of BRICS declaration, which is also seen as a significant diplomatic victory for India, was sharply criticised by a Chinese think tank, saying that it would strain close relations between China and Pakistan.

"It is beyond my understanding how China agreed to this. I dont think it is good idea," Hu Shisheng, Director of the official China Institute of Contemporary International Relations told PTI.

"This will irritate Pakistan. I dont think when the BRICS declaration is made, Pakistan is consulted. In the coming days Chinese diplomats have to explain to Pakistan. This is too costly to China. Pakistan will be very upset. After Trump denouncement of Pakistan, it is already feeling pressure. I feel little strange," he said.

Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told state-run Global Times today that "stressing counter-terrorism shows that the BRICS summit, which started from business cooperation, has expanded its cooperation to a more comprehensive level".

"China is also a victim of terrorism and is firmly against any kind of terrorism, and thats the main reason that the organisations are named in the declaration," Hu said.

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Song Zhongping, an expert on international relations, said that terrorism could impact the BRICS mechanism.

"The organisations are already defined as terrorists by global society, and have threatened the security of the world and BRICS countries," Song said.

"The BRICS nations have named the organisations as the first step, and the next steps are to share information and build a security mechanism," Song added.

"In the future, sharing intelligence, building a drill mechanism and normalising these actions are the methods that the BRICS should refer to on counter-terrorism cooperation," Hu said. PTI KJV MRJ AKJ MRJ

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Armenian Food Festival, Lucy Dacus at the National, Stone's Thrown Down in RVA, Jon Bellion and Shockoe on the Half Shell this weekend.

Friday, Sept. 8-Sunday, Sept. 10

Hye burgers, pomegranate wine and cheese beoregs are just a few of our favorite things on the menu at the Armenian Food Festival. One of Richmonds longest-run festivals, the Armenian Food Festival serves up three days of dancing, music and delicious home-made Armenian food . A favorite with Richmond families. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-7 p.m. Sunday at St. James Armenian Church, 834 Pepper Ave. Free. (804) 282-3818 or www.armenianfoodfestival.com.

Friday, Sept. 8

Richmond musician Lucy Dacus has been touring a bit and returns this weekend for a blow-out show at The National before heading out for more big sets in Brooklyn and Los Angeles. With Big Thief and Molly Sarle. 8 p.m. $16 in advance, $21 day of show. The National, 708 E. Broad St. thenationalva.com or (888) 929-7849.

Saturday, Sept. 9

Stone Brewing opened roughly a year ago in Richmond and now theyre ready to show their appreciation by hosting a throwdown festival on Browns Island with plenty of frosty craft brews and fiery hot music from Jeff the Brotherhood, No BS! Brass Band and Lettuce, just to name a few. Stone beers like the Delicious IPA, the Stone Ripper and the Tangerine Express IPA will be on tap for $5. Plus food trucks and lawn game tournaments. 1 p.m.- 10 p.m., gates open at noon. $10. Browns Island. www.stonebrewing.com/stonesthrow.

Saturday, Sept. 9

New York-based Jon Bellion made it big in music by sharing his music directly with his listeners. His single All Time Low was all over the place on local radio last year. Hes currently on tour for his full-length debut The Human Condition from Capitol Records/Visionary Music Group. 8 p.m. $33 in advance, $38 day of show. The National, 708 E. Broad St. thenationalva.com or (888) 929-7849.

Sunday, Sept. 10

Dig into Virginia oysters served roasted, fried, smoked, and on the half shell at Enrichmonds Shockoe on the Half Shell. The Savory Grain will be there, as well as oyster harvesters from the Eastern shore. Plus local craft beer, cider, live music by the Center Stage Band and National Oyster Shucking Champion, Deborah Pratt. Noon-5 p.m. At temporary location 1615 E. Broad St., one block from the 17th Street Farmers Market which is under construction. $1; food and beverages for sale. www.enrichmond.org.

Also recommended:
To celebrate the first anniversary of tapping the first craft beer brewed in its Richmond plant on July 8, 2016, Stone Brewing is throwing a party.

At Stones Throw Down in RVA on Browns Island on Saturday, Sept. 9, Stone will present six live bands, serve several of its own beers as well as those from other craft brewer friends, and donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the event to local nonprofit organizations.

Dominic Engels, CEO of Stone, reached by phone at Stones headquarters in San Diego, said the event is a good time to take a pause and celebrate.

Stones Throw Down will also reflect aspects of Stones business philosophy, such as community involvement. Proceeds from the event will benefit Venture Richmond, The Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton Hill, the James River Association, and the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.

Stones big focus is the Fulton neighborhood, where its facility is located. Were in Fulton, and we want to be a part of Fulton, Engels said. We want to help develop that community. Our community involvement is from the nucleus of Fulton going outward.

Lizzie Younkin, public relations manager for Stone, says the brewer gave about $30,000 to Richmond charities in 2016.

Stone, twice named All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth by Beer Advocate magazine, is also big on collaboration with local craft brewers.

Thats just part of beer in general. Stone was smaller once, so we remember that, and we are forever beer geeks. We love meeting new craft brewers, seeing the passion and new ideas, Engels said. We want to be brothers and sisters to them, support them, celebrate the whole category. That keeps us humble.

Stone is happy to reach out to local brewers, Engels said.

If they need a lab, or an ingredient, or some advice, we want to be available, be helpful. Thats whats great about craft beer, he said. So much of the business world is cut-throat, and the craft beer business is a really refreshing thing in contrast. I hope thats something we can hold on to as the industry matures.

In that spirit of cooperation, Alewerks, Blue Mountain, Buskey Cider and Trapezium will also be present along with Stone.

We want it to be the freshest beers and the most novel beers, Engels said.

James Frazer, head brewer of Trapezium Brewing Co., is a big fan of Stones Go To IPA, which has a tremendous hop presence while being light-bodied, with a low ABV. It will be served at the Throw Down.

Frazer also is excited about a collaboration with Stone: We are brewing Vezachata, an Imperial Cream Ale with lactose, vanilla and cinnamon on Sept. 6. I love their whole crew. Theyre real professional and know how to have fun.

Elle Correll, Buskey Ciders marketing director, is pleased to have a growing friendship with Stone. Weve hung out with their brewers and other staff both on and off the clock.RVA Cider, Tart Cherry Cider, and Apple Shandy Cider will be our three offerings, Correll said.

Stone itself will serve several IPAs, including Tangerine Express IPA. Jeff Martin, recently promoted to head brewer of East Coast operations, says it pours light golden with an aroma thats bright, juicy and tropical. We used whole tangerine puree and whole pineapple for a subtle, yet lingering tropical back note, and eight different hops were used to create a dank and refreshing bitterness. High-quality fruits were key to achieving the balance of flavors here.

Engels looks forward to attending the celebration, along with Stones cofounder Greg Koch.

I dont know how crazy its going to be, (but even if its just) having a couple of pints of just amazing beer, and listening to an act or two that you really love, then thats going to be an awesome time, Engels said. Im not sure its going to be one giant mosh pit or anything like that. Its more a bringing together a real feast of the senses between beer and music.
WRVAs Jimmy Barrett will wrap up 16 years as host of the stations morning show on Thursday, say his goodbyes, then wake up at his usual 3 a.m. on Friday and point his Chevy Tahoe toward his next gig  Houston, a city ravaged by Hurricane Harvey.

See if I can outrun Irma, he said with a laugh earlier this week. Im starting to take this personally, all these hurricanes.

Barrett will be doing similar work with similar hours as co-host of KTRHs Houstons Morning News, a program that airs from 5 to 8 a.m. weekdays. He starts Monday.

On the way out of Richmond, hes taken a lot of ribbing about his destination and the timing of his move, considering the misfortune his new city has experienced.

I get all the joke calls like, Whats your going-away present? A life vest? he said.

On the other hand, he should have plenty to talk about in his new job.

This gives me an opportunity to get in there and try to help them, he said. Itll give me a chance to bond with the audience, which is a good thing.

He did the same sort of audience-bonding early in his Richmond tenure in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

At 63, Barrett wasnt looking to make a move, but opportunity came looking for him. KTRH, a sister station to WRVA in the iHeartMedia corporate family, was seeking a replacement for Matt Patrick, a popular on-air personality who died of cancer in July. Barrett said he was perfectly happy in Richmond, but he was approached to see if he had interest in the Houston job. He did. The chance to move from the 54th-largest radio market in the nation to the sixth-largest is not one that comes along too often. The circumstances, of course, are somewhat delicate  replacing a popular figure  but Barrett came to Richmond to follow the well-loved Tim Timberlake, who had anchored the WRVA morning show with the legendary Alden Aaroe, so he knows a little about navigating through treacherous waters.

I think they looked at what Id done in the past and thought I might be a good fit, Barrett said. Not everybody can step into that situation and know how to handle themselves.

Besides 9/11, Barrett said the D.C. sniper shootings also stand out, as far as the way he was able to connect with listeners. Then there was Ask the Governor, the monthly interview with the sitting governor that lasted through five administrators, beginning with Jim Gilmore and ending last week with Terry McAuliffe, who for a send-off brought Barrett a good bottle of Virginia wine and a gubernatorial proclamation that noted, among other things, that Barrett has provided traffic-and-weather together on the fives (and later, on the tens) for nearly four thousand mornings.

Barrett came to Virginia from his native Michigan, where he had worked in radio and done side work as the last Detroit Tigers public address announcer in old Tiger Stadium. That was a dream job for a kid who had grown up rooting for the Tigers and even was present  sitting behind the visiting Yankees dugout  with his dad for Mickey Mantles last game in Detroit in September 1968. (Tiger 30-game-winner Denny McLain memorably served up a fat pitch that Mantle clubbed for a home run in the eighth inning.)

In Richmond, in addition to his day job at WRVA, Barrett handled public-address duties for the Flying Squirrels, with enthusiasm, for the first seven years of the teams existence.

Jimmy has the ultimate voice, and the way he delivers it is smoother than silk, said Todd Parney Parnell, the Squirrels vice president and chief operating officer. But it is the depth of his thinking that makes his listeners so loyal to him. He connects with people through the airwaves in a very unique and special way.

I asked Barrett if the Astros had called him. He laughed.

No moonlighting in Houston, he said.

His wife, Elisabeth, will join him in Houston, along with their three cats and their most recent addition, a South Korean rescue dog named Swiper. (From Dora the Explorer, Barrett explains. He looks like a little fox.)

He was rescued from the meat market, Barrett said. Hes living high on the hog here. Hes gone from worst to first in a hurry.

And now hes going to Houston.

Weve enjoyed our life here, Barrett said. This was not an easy decision. We have a lot of very good friends here. Its all very comfortable and very familiar. Its tough to leave, but Im at the point in my career that Ive got one last big adventure in me, and this is going to be it.

I think it also keeps you kind of young and young at heart when youre willing to break the mold a little bit and try something different and something new.
As a handful of major insurance companies prepare to leave Virginias health exchanges for good, the Hampton Roads-based insurer Optima Health announced Wednesday that it will likely scale back its participation in some marketplaces next year.

In the 2018 Affordable Care Act exchanges, Optima Health will offer coverage only in locations where there are Sentara Healthcare hospitals and physicians, including Hampton Roads, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, and Halifax and Mecklenburg counties.

Optima is a subsidiary of Sentara, which is the largest health system in Hampton Roads.

The decision by the company is a reflection of the tumultuous individual market, and insurers are making similar moves nationwide. The vast majority of the counties in Virginia are projected to have only one carrier on the exchange next year, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Michael M. Dudley, Optimas CEO and president, said in a news release that the insurer made its decision while seeking a way to remain in the exchange.

We believe it is important to continue serving as many people as we can and fulfill our mission to improve health every day, Dudley said. The only other alternative would have been to completely exit the exchange, and that goes against our mission.

Other insurers, such as Anthem and UnitedHealthcare, have exited the exchanges completely for 2018.

In 2016, Optima offered coverage statewide, with the exception of Northern Virginia, according to a Sentara spokeswoman. It scaled back for this year, though. The insurer currently covers individuals only in Blacksburg, Hampton Roads, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke and Winchester.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe issued a statement in response to Optimas announcement, calling on President Donald Trump to take action. McAuliffe said Optima and other insurers are being driven by instability and uncertainty.

Insurers have been exiting the exchanges as the marketplace grows increasingly volatile. Based on the idea that healthy people will offset the cost of caring for sick people, the exchanges havent attracted as many healthy people as it needs in order to flourish.

That, combined with the fact that insurers arent sure that the federal government will continue to cover the cost sharing reductions that the ACA requires they offer lower income members, means premiums have risen and are likely to rise even higher.

Until they really come up with a viable fix for this at the federal level, the path forward is just too murky for a lot of health plans, said Peter Cunningham, a professor of health behavior and policy with Virginia Commonwealth University. The path that were going down now is just not sustainable.

Cunningham said something needs to be done to save the individual market, or more insurers will continue dropping out of the exchanges, further reducing options for members.
POWHATAN  Some Powhatan County voters in Districts 1 and 3 will be heading to a new polling place to cast their ballots starting with the General Election on Nov. 7.

The Powhatan County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved changing the locations of two polling places during its meeting on Monday, Aug. 28.

Karen Alexander, director of elections, presented the issue to the board in a public hearing at the meeting to give the reasons for the changes before the board voted.

In District 1s Subletts Precinct, voters who previously voted at Fine Creek Volunteer Fire Department, which is located at 1825 Huguenot Trail, will now be casting their ballots at St Lukes Episcopal Church, 2245 Huguenot Trail. The new polling place at the church is about 1.8 miles west of the old location.

Likewise, in District 3s Bethesda Precinct, people who voted at Bethesda Church of God, 2480 Academy Road, will now be voting just across the street in the library at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School, 2501 Academy Road.

With the District 1 move, Alexander asked to change the polling places mainly because the fire stations bay, which is used for voting, does not have heating or air conditioning. This can be a problem in different times of the year, depending on the election, especially since poll workers are at their locations for 16 hours straight, she said.

This was very troublesome back in June. It was, I think, the hottest week of the year and that bay was not air conditioned, Alexander said, referencing the June primary. We had emergency spot coolers sent out at an unbudgeted cost to the county, and it barely kept our poll workers at a normal 80 degree temperature for that 16-hour day. It was rough.

On the flip side, the lack of heating can be a problem when the elections fall in colder months, she said. Poll workers at the station have been known to triple layer for warmth, she added.

Luckily the voters are in and out very quickly so they dont feel the brunt of the issue as much as the poll workers do. But I have gotten complaints from voters about how uncomfortable it is, she said.

Alexander also cited issues with ADA accessibility and adequate parking, especially in busier elections.

Having the polling place at St. Lukes instead addresses all of the issues  regular heating and air conditioning, ADA accessibility and plenty of parking, she said.

Sandi Kerner, rector of St. Lukes Episcopal Church, said in a separate interview that when Alexander approached the church about being a polling place, she took the issue to her vestry, or governing board. They agreed it fit with the churchs goal to be involved with and serve the community.

We are not in the Village so we are not easily accessible for a lot of people to do things here. This is one way we thought we could serve. That was the consensus of the vestry, she said.

The one concern the church had was a standing AA meeting that meets there on Tuesdays, but the group assured them they could make other arrangements a few times a year as needed, Kerner said.

With the District 3 change, Alexander explained to the board that Bethesda Church of God told her it could no longer accommodate the polling station and asked it to be relocated. She said she approached Blessed Sacrament and found the school amenable to allowing the polling place to make a simple move across the street.

They are willing to close school for us on Election Day. That would deal with any safety concerns with children. No school bus traffic issues, she said. They have a great location in their library. It is right off the parking lot and we can easily pinpoint it to voters with signage.

Paula Ledbetter, Blessed Sacraments head of school, said the decision to become a polling place was based on the fact that it was a need for the county, and the school was able to help in a time of need.

In our county, we have to help each other out when we are able to, she said.

The school will not have classes on Election Day; but it is a parent/teacher conference day, which was originally scheduled for another day that week but was swapped to make this situation work.

After no one spoke during the supervisors public hearing held on the polling place change, Chairman Bill Melton, who represents District 4, said it was incumbent upon the board to support the registrar and the electoral board in their selection of making sure that their poll workers and the citizens are in a safe environment.

It gives them the ability for better ingress, egress and parking, and that is what this is all about, he said. The other situation was the church was nice enough to let us to use it, and unfortunately through growth they decided they need to use the facility for their needs. Luckily we were able to find a location that meets the need almost across the street.

The board then voted unanimously to make the polling place location changes.
The Army chief said Pakistan could take advantage when India is engaged with China and they have to be prepared for a conflict on the northern and western borders.

By Sudhi Ranjan Sen: A two-front war - where India has to fight Pakistan and China at the same time - cannot be ruled out, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has warned.

"War is very much in the realm of reality," Chief of Army Staff General Rawat said at a seminar today in New Delhi.

General Rawat said it is a "myth" to assume that "democracies or nuclear armed" neighbours don't go to war.

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Pakistan believes that India is its main enemy and has launched a proxy war against India. "Differences with Pakistan is irreconcilable," he said.

Referring to the recent stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam plateau in Bhutan General Rawat said China has already started flexing it's muscles.

The General said more incidents like the stand-off at Doklam plateau in Bhutan cannot be ruled out.

China, he said, will continue to try and nibble away Indian territory. Taking away territory gradually - salami slicing will continue as China tests our limits and thresholds is something India will have to be prepared for, he said.

Drawing out a scenario, the Army chief said, Pakistan could take "advantage" when India is engaged with China. "We have to be prepared for conflict on the northern and western borders," he said.

General Rawat said believing there will no war - as some are akin to - affects the modernisation of forces. Such thinking affects budgetary allocation, he said and added that militaries don't only go to war, nations go to war for which we must prepare ourselves accordingly.

On a separate plane, General Rawat also drew attention to the "shrill media" and the effect it has on decision making.

Also read:

How Pakistan is trying to escalate tensions between India, China using fake news

Doklam: What China stands to lose if it goes to war with India

Pakistan admits that terror outfits Lashkar, Jaish are operating from its soil

Also watch:

Big diplomatic win for India: Pakistan terror groups mentioned in BRICS declaration

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Petersburg police are seeking information on the whereabouts of a 14-year-old city girl missing since Monday.

Police said Ashayla Woodson was last seen between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. at her residence in the 600 block of Cottonwood Drive. The girl is a student at Vernon Johns Middle School but did not show up for classes on Tuesday.

Police said Woodson has been reported missing before and usually has been located within the Petersburg city limits.

Anyone who has seen Woodson is asked to call Petersburg police at (804)732-4222 or Det. R. Mason at (804) 400-1780.
Ed Gillespie, a real-life Irish immigrants son, might be thinking a lot these days about a fictional Sicilian immigrants son: Michael Corleone.

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in, Corleone says in The Godfather Part III, exasperated that his effort to trade the crime business for legitimate business is thwarted, because the present catches up with the past.

Nice guy Gillespie presumably would have preferred running the kind of cheerful, center-right campaign for governor that lifted fellow Republicans George Allen and Bob McDonnell to the office in 1993 and 2009, respectively. Bully boy Donald Trump laid waste to that.

On Tuesday, the president junked an Obama-era executive order that protected from deportation young illegal immigrants  those brought to the United States by their parents  and that allowed them to obtain two-year, renewable work permits and drivers licenses and to qualify for in-state tuition discounts.

These are the so-called Dreamers, more than 12,000 of whom live in Virginia.

Many are educated, employed in the professions and technology and are settled in the suburbs  a dramatic contrast with the stereotypical image of illegal immigrants as non-English-speaking laborers who work construction or harvest crops and are shoe-horned in rundown housing and preyed upon by gangs such as MS-13.

The Trump decree further nationalizes a gubernatorial election in a Southern state that increasingly reflects the nation as a whole.

Virginia is no longer a place where one is either black or white. Hispanics and Asians, largely unheard a generation ago, each account for about 6 percent of the population. The Native American population, while small, is recognized for a history that long preceded white European colonization.

Gillespie is being forced  again  to reconcile his soft sell with Trumps snarl.

Gillespie, from Fairfax County, where 182 languages or dialects are spoken in the homes of elementary school students, endorsed protecting Dreamers, making a point, however, of commending efforts by Tom Cotton of Arkansas, the U.S. Senates leading anti-immigration hawk after Jeff Sessions of Alabama became attorney general.

Gillespie, whos running a TV commercial that depicts Ralph Northam as namby-pamby on immigration, said that these young people should not be held responsible for their parents lawbreaking. Still, Gillespie renewed his call for denying tuition breaks to illegal immigrants and for deporting those who commit crimes.

Northam is now under pressure to focus  even more  on the vote-rich, ethnically diverse suburbs already riled by Trumps perceived Muslim ban.

Northam does so at the expense of the Trump-friendly countryside, where his Eastern Shore origins were supposed to be an inducement for rural Virginians to consider something many of them they havent done in more than 20 years: vote Democratic.

But Northams now-you-see-me, now-you-dont visit on Labor Day to Buena Vista, forsaking the Blue Ridge citys bipartisan holiday parade to plumb the eastern urban vote troves of Richmond and Newport News, is ammunition for editorialists and Republicans to question his commitment to rural Virginia.

Nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants are covered by the Obama program  Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. The estimated 12,100 Dreamers in Virginia contribute more than $711 million to the states economy, according to the liberal advocacy organization Progress Virginia.

For a guy who grouses that the current governor, Democrat Terry McAuliffe, isnt promoting prosperity in benighted corners of the state, would not Gillespie invite a blow to the Virginia economy by potentially consenting  in that needle-threading manner hes used time and again in this campaign  to the deportation of income-earning immigrants?

I dont believe that children should be punished for decisions that were not their own, but at the same time, it is important for us to enforce our laws, Gillespie said in a written statement.

If an illegal immigrant commits a crime, he should be deported. And we should not allocate scarce tax dollars for in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, and provide them scarce slots at our public colleges and universities over Virginia citizens.

Northam, in a news release, said that Trumps action  it is paired with a call that Congress adopt its own version of DACA within six months  lacks moral sense and lacks economic sense.

Northam said that 97 percent of Virginia Dreamers  they constitute a sliver of an undocumented population that the left-leaning Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy says ranges from 225,000 to 400,000  are employed or enrolled in school and generate nearly $35 million in local and state taxes.

This is a community that adds to Virginias rich diversity, and has been important contributors to our society, Northam said. Sending them back to countries they barely know is cruel.

But this is more talk than action, considering how Virginia  as a state where Democrats are ascendant  responded to Trumps earliest attacks as president on immigrants.

In January, and again in March, Trump signed an executive order blocking citizens of about a half-dozen predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. Attorney General Mark Herring, a Democrat seeking a second term, was among attorneys general across the country who successfully blocked the initial ban in federal court.

The Democratic attorneys general of Washington state and New York state are now pledging to ask the courts to stop Trump from ending the DACA program. Through his spokesman, Herring wouldnt say Tuesday whether he would join that effort or initiate one of his own.

On a high-decibel issue such as immigration, such silence is deafening.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu today assured full support to start-ups and removal of obstacles to promote the sector in the country.

In a video message to budding entrepreneurs on Twitter, the minister said the government has created a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore and has also decided to give guarantees to the tune of Rs 2,000 crore.

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The government is in the process of setting up a Rs 2,000 crore credit guarantee fund with a view to provide funding facilities to start-ups.

"We are committed to promote start-ups in India. We are committed to remove obstacles, help you move forward. You will get tailwinds. Earlier you were getting headwinds," the minister said.

"I will ensure that I will do my best to make the start- up community become successful, they shine, succeed and excel," he added.

Prabhu further said future is bright for those who are willing to take risks and start thinking differently.

Top companies of the world are the ones which were born recently and "this should give you a confidence that you will be the leading companies of tomorrow," he added.

He said the world around is changing fast and "if you just look around, opportunities are knocking at our door because change provides opportunity".

"Start-up is an opportunity to take advantage of change but start-ups itself is a trigger for change. So you are actually a change agent for society," he said.

In January 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a slew of incentives to boost start-up businesses, offering them a tax holiday and inspector raj-free regime for three years, capital gains tax exemption and Rs 10,000 crore corpus to fund them. PTI RR SBT

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Pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging its authority to do so, the city of Charlottesville will remove two Confederate statues depicting Robert E. Lee and Thomas Stonewall Jackson.

After 11 p.m. Tuesday, following an extended public hearing regarding a recent white nationalist rally organized to protest the councils previous vote in February to remove just the Lee statue, the City Council passed a resolution to also remove the Jackson statue.

The resolution, introduced by Councilor Wes Bellamy, was unanimously approved. Earlier this year, Mayor Mike Signer and Councilor Kathy Galvin voted against removing the Lee statue.

Following a Ku Klux Klan rally on July 8 and the Unite the Right rally on Aug. 12, however, both Signer and Galvin said they can no longer support keeping the controversial statues of the Confederate generals. The Aug. 12 rally resulted in the death of Heather Heyer, 32, after a car plowed into a crowd of counter-protesters at the intersection of 4th and Water Streets.

Since February, there's been many assaults made on our city, Galvin said. And the Jim Crow narrative which inspired the making of those statues was really brought to life on both July 8 and Aug.12.

In those two episodes, they became a clear and present danger, she added. They were no longer symbols of the past  they had been resurrected and animated once again as the tools of a very oppressive white supremacist regime.

Clearly, they become magnets for people who are evil, and who want to turn us against ourselves and destroy a certain part of America and make it into something that no one in their right mind would want it to be, Signer said.

"...[T]he surest way to repudiate that effort is to reject the celebration of these statues in our downtown civic spaces ... ," he said, going on to compare the events in Charlottesville to the racially-motivated shooting of nine people in a historic African American church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015.
NEWPORT NEWS  Williamsburg couple Jim and Mona Overturf are having an impact on lives more than 200 miles away from home.

The Overturfs teamed up with national nonprofit Canine Companions for Independence, which provides trained assistance dogs to adults and children with disabilities.

The couple, who travel to Richmond twice a month for classes that teach them how to raise assistance dogs, trained an assistance dog for an 11-year-old boy with disabilities in Connecticut.

For a year and a half, the Overturfs trained yellow Labrador retriever Joanie III from the time she was 8 months old.

The couple recently said goodbye to Joanie  for a good cause: She was matched with Thomas Hastings of Windsor, Conn., who uses a wheelchair.

The dog is trained to respond to 40 commands, turn light switches on and off, collect items, and open and close doors as a result of the Overturfs work.

Joanie is a very special dog, and we hope to have many wonderful years with her, said Brad Hastings, Thomas father. I cant thank Mona and Jim Overturf enough.

The couple prepared the dog before she was sent to advance training for six months at Canine Companions Northeast regional headquarters in Medford, N.Y.

Mona said they received report cards and photos while Joanie was at training camp. She compared it to sending a child away to college.

The report card at the end of the month lets you know what the dog is learning, what they are doing and what they need to work on, Mona said. They will send photos every once in a while.

Their work was on a volunteer basis. They said they were ecstatic to see it pay off when Joanie finally was matched with a human companion during a two-week team training class at the Northeast Regional Center owned by Canine Companions for Independence.

During the camp, assistance dogs train with their human companions before leaving together to resume their normal lives. Once finished, they graduate from the program, and initial trainers such as the Overturfs must say goodbye.

We got to meet the family, and thats very special to see where the dog is going to, Mona said. Its a time filled with mixed emotions. Youre really happy the dog youve raised made it and you get to meet the family.

It wasnt easy for the Overturfs to give Joanie up, and they still stay in contact. They said Thomas sends them photos, emails and video updates.

The Overturfs have been involved with the Canine Companions for Independence for more than 15 years. They started as donors.

When their own dog died a few years ago, they decided to become puppy raisers. The puppies stay with a family for a year and a half before moving to the training center.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
As the most legitimately divisive movie of the moment, right alongside (and more urgent than) Detroit, the unnerving crime thriller Good Time moves like a streak, barely able to keep up with its characters.

The reckless, selfish, charismatic man at its core, Constantine Connie Nikas, is a small-time Queens, New York, hustler of Greek-American extraction. Hes played by Robert Pattinson. The actors Twilight vampire career afforded the young, minimally impressive actor the chance to get better at his line of work, one uncommercial movie at a time, as he worked with interesting directors on daunting material.

This impulse brought Pattinson to New York filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, writers and directors and brothers. For Daddy Longlegs (2009), the Safdies drew on their own, perilous childhood with a loving but risk-prone father. Heaven Knows What (2014) bridged documentary and fictional narrative, using the journals of then-homeless Arielle Holmes as the basis of a clammy, tightly wound study in addiction and escape. Their work is bleak but charged with wit, with the street-level excitement of real cinema.

The cruelty inherent in their stories takes on a propulsive new dimension in Good Time, the Safdies two-man leap into the dictates of genre filmmaking. Its also their first project blending expressive non-actors with a handful of established names, including Pattinson and Oscar nominees Jennifer Jason Leigh and, from Captain Phillips, Barkhad Abdi.

Pattinson, as many have noted, is nearly unrecognizable here as Connie, a twitch in perpetual motion, a fast talker and a user of everyone around him. There are times when you catch him acting; some of the physical mannerisms and, especially, the vocal work and the dialect flourishes, seem like calculation, not quite absorbed into the fabric of the overall performance. But its a real performance, and Pattinson isnt showboating here. The character of Connie is a fabulist and a weasel, and Pattinsons characterization makes each sweaty chapter of this crime story fascinating.

Its not simply Connies story. The opening scene belongs to the other brother, Nick (played with perfect pitch and emotional nakedness by co-director Benny Safdie). In tight, intimidating close-ups, we see Nick in a drab office with a court-appointed psychiatrist (Peter Verby). As the doctor questions the developmentally and hearing-challenged young man, we learn bits and pieces of what Nick and Connie have endured living with their abusive grandmother, who enters the story later. Its an extraordinarily deft overture: just enough exposition to tell us what we need to know about the stories leading up to this one.

Connie bursts into the room, interrupts the session, and busts his brother out so that they can embark on the adventure of their lives, for better or worse. Theres a bank robbery on the agenda. Connie convinces Nick he can do it; he tells him he has the stuff it takes to commit a crime.

Wearing racially provocative dark-skinned masks (stop messing with it! Connie tells Nick), the Nikas boys dash with the money, but right away, the good times promised by the title prove slippery. In short order the robbery goes flooey, and Nick winds up in the hospital after a brutal beating he suffers on Rikers Island. Where the Safdies take the story from there becomes a dizzying and dizzyingly plausible odyssey of improvisation, a survival game of perpetually shifting rules.

Two key supporting characters, two among many to suffer at Connies hands, are black. Several critics have leveled charges of racism at Good Time, and at the Safdies. The racial undercurrents in Good Time are harsh and not entirely resolved (some of its cruel, period), but I think its part of a legitimate and seriously affecting picture of where we are in America today.

Most crime movies, even alleged indies, make it easy for the audience to take sides and establish clear rooting interests. Good Time is better than that: Its not always easy to take, yet you cant look away.
Members from the media fraternity and supporters from various walks of life marked their presence at the meet.

Gauri Lankesh, who was the editor of a weekly Kannada tabloid magazine Lankesh Patrike, was killed last night after being shot at least three times

By Pooja Shali: A condolence meet for journalist Gauri Lankesh was organized today at Press Club of India (PCI), New Delhi. Members from the media fraternity and supporters from various walks of life marked a presence at the meet. Around 500 people were seen as the prayer meet began at 3PM

The meeting was organized by the PCI, in association with Indian Women Press Club (IWPC) and the Editors Guild.

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Raj Chengappa, Editorial Director, India Today Group and President, Editors Guild of India, "This is a huge shock for all of us. She carried out a crusade fearlessly, this murder is an assault on democracy. We demand the culprits be arrested. This remains the demand of Editors Guild Of India."

Journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta said, "Gauri was one of the few editors, who despite her impeccable English and available options for English publications, instead chose to take on the mantle from her father to work with Lankesh Patrika in Kannada language. This made her vulnerable. Right wing forces feared her."

In the morning, a separate protest was organized as a civil society initiative that included students of JNU and colleagues of Gauri Lankesh. Slogans were raised against right-wing forces demanding culprits be brought to book.

Siddharth Varadarajan, Editor of a news website said, "There should be no doubt about her work as a journalist. There has sadly been celebration against her murder on social media, it is condemnable. She was attacked because she was raising questions. Times are tough for journalists."

Senior politicians from the Left such as Sitaram Yechury, D Raja and Mohd Salim joined the meet.

Mohammad Salim from the CPM while condemning the attack drew parallels with similar examples from neighboring countries Pakistan and Bangladesh where people were hacked to death for dissenting views.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury, alleging a conspiracy behind the murder, said that Lankesh was targetted because of her efforts. "What happened is a reflection of the communal forces emerging since past few months in the country," Yechury added.

Gauri Lankesh, who was the editor of a weekly Kannada tabloid magazine Lankesh Patrike, was killed last night after being shot at least three times. She was shot by a helmet-wearing assailant while entering her home in Bengaluru.

ALSO READ:

Gauri Lankesh murder: Attacker fired 7 bullets, 3 hit her, one on forehead

I&B minister Smriti Irani condemns Gauri Lankesh's murder, calls for speedy investigation

Protests planned across country over Gauri Lankesh's murder, Press Club calls attack outrageous, dastardly

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ALSO WATCH: Gauri Lankesh's murder: Bengaluru top cop says probing all angles, attacker was wearing helmet

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Roanoke-based Attention Point announced Wednesday a collaboration with a company that uses brainwaves to aid in diagnosing ADHD.

Sam English, CEO of Attention Point, said his companys DefiniPoint that uses online tools to diagnose and manage ADHD will be used along with NEBA Healths FDA-approved device that uses EEGs to confirm the diagnosis.

At Attention Point we believe that technology can help clinicians more easily and accurately conduct ADHD assessments and provide better care for individuals diagnosed with ADHD, English said in a news release. By working with NEBA Health we believe together we can help the many children and adults that struggle with ADHD to lead a better and more productive life.

English started Attention Point in 2012 with a DefiniPoint online screening tool that is used by parents and teachers to provide information on a childs behavioral patterns so that clinicians can better diagnose and manage ADHD. NEBA Health is headquartered in Augusta, Georgia with a manufacturing plant in Colorado. Its devices uses brainwaves to confirm an ADHD diagnosis.

The cost of its test, according to its website, is less than $425 and is covered by some insurers.

About 6.4 million children between 4 and 7 have been diagnosed with ADHD, according to a 2011 survey by the Centers for Disease Control.
Dozens of landowners potentially affected by the Mountain Valley Pipeline or the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and other foes of the controversial projects have filed a federal lawsuit that challenges eminent domain provisions of the Natural Gas Act.

The suit contends that these provisions, as implemented by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, violate Fifth Amendment constitutional protections by allowing private, for-profit pipeline companies to wield eminent domain to acquire easements across private properties without evidence that the projects are needed or will serve the public good.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, contends that FERCs approval of the pipelines is virtually certain and imminent and it asks the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to intervene. The plaintiffs and their attorney, Carolyn Elefant, a former FERC lawyer, implore the court to stop FERC from issuing the certificates of public convenience and necessity  which the pipeline companies need to begin construction or to exercise eminent domain  until the lawsuit can be litigated.

Defendants include the two pipeline companies, each a limited liability company incorporated in Delaware, as well as FERC and its three commissioners.

A few of the plaintiffs and Elefant gathered Wednesday morning outside the FERC building in Washington, D.C., for a news conference. The group included Carolyn and Ian Reilly, co-owners of a farm in Franklin County that is on the route of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Carolyn Reilly works with Bold Alliance, which is also a plaintiff.

Tamara Young-Allen, a FERC spokeswoman, said the agency does not comment on court cases or matters pending a commission decision.

Other plaintiffs include Jerry and Jerolyn Deplazes, whose Giles County property would be affected by the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

Jerolyn Deplazes said there is no proven need for the project.

This is a private company asking the government for other peoples land for profit, Deplazes said. This must not stand.

Both the 303-mile, $3.5 billion Mountain Valley Pipeline and the 600-mile, $5.1 billion Atlantic Coast Pipeline would transport natural gas at high pressure. Each would bury a 42-inch diameter pipeline that would begin in West Virginia and travel into Virginia. The Atlantic Coast project would continue into North Carolina.

Aaron Ruby, a spokesman for Atlantic Coast, responded Wednesday to the lawsuit.

First, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will serve a critical public need, Ruby said. It will provide cleaner electricity and home heating for millions of Virginians and North Carolinians, and it will power local businesses across the two states.

Ruby said existing pipelines in the regions served by the Atlantic Coast project are fully tapped and are unable to meet the growing energy needs of public utilities and the economy. He said a FERC order granting approval of the pipeline will evaluate public need.

Mountain Valley did not respond to a request for comment.

Executives with RGC Resources, whose subsidiaries include a partner in the Mountain Valley project and Roanoke Gas, have said Roanoke Gas plans to install two taps on the pipeline, including one to supply more natural gas for the Roanoke Valley and another to provide gas to Franklin County. The company has said the two transmission pipelines that currently supply its natural gas are at full capacity.

The lawsuit alleges that FERCs standard of proof for project need is so low as to be meaningless.

When former FERC Chairman Norman Bay resigned in February he suggested the commission ought to consider refining its evaluation of the need for new natural gas pipelines to guard against overbuilding.

Bay observed that private property advocates have alleged land is being taken by for-profit companies for projects that do not serve a public use. And he referenced the debate about which criteria FERC should examine to establish need, including considering whether agreements to reserve capacity on the pipeline are largely signed by affiliates.

A federal lawsuit filed in Roanoke in July by lawyer Justin Lugar on behalf of property owners along the route of the Mountain Valley Pipeline also targeted FERCs authority to grant private companies the power of eminent domain. The suit noted that FERC has allowed supply contracts with affiliates of companies building pipelines to demonstrate need.

Five of six shippers on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline are affiliates of partners in the joint venture building the project. All shippers on the Mountain Valley Pipeline are affiliates.

A hearing has not been scheduled for the lawsuit filed by Lugar.

The suit filed Tuesday also targets what it describes as FERCs encouragement of pipeline companies to negotiate easement agreements with landowners in advance of the agencys issuance of a certificate. That support for pre-certification easement agreements can lead landowners to feel intimidated into negotiating with pipeline companies before the power of eminent domain kicks in, the complaint alleges.

Ruby countered that Atlantic Coast has reached mutual easement agreements with more than 70 percent of landowners along its route.

All of these agreements were signed voluntarily by the landowners, after mutual negotiation and concessions on both sides, Ruby said.

Meanwhile, Bill Limpert, whose family farm in Warm Springs would be impacted by the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, noted that FERC is funded by the industries it regulates, a reality he said makes the commissions power to authorize eminent domain even harder to take.
Americans for Prosperity is launching a seven-figure ad campaign, seeking to fault Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam for what it terms lax oversight as a failed economic deal in Appomattox cost Virginia taxpayers $1.4 million.

The TV ad, to run in markets around the state and in Washington, refers to a failed deal in Appomattox County with Chinese-owned Lindenburg Industry LLC. Northam, the lieutenant governor and the Democratic nominee for governor, at that time was an ex-officio member of the board of directors at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

The Roanoke Times has reported that in late 2014, based on a recommendation by VEDP, Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed off on payment of a $1.4 million grant to Lindenburg Industry LLC.

A Roanoke Times investigation found that staff members at VEDP relied on a company website that contained false information and accepted representations about Lindenburg by a company-paid site consultant, rather than independently assessing the soundness of the company and its planned project.

Americans for Prosperity, a national conservative policy advocacy organization backed by billionaires Charles and David Koch, is making a push in Virginia in an effort to defeat Northam in November.

The 30-second ad faults Northam for missing meetings in his role as an ex-officio member of the VEDP board. It says in part: Ralph Northam missed nearly 60 percent of meetings for a board that could have prevented cronyism and corruption. Instead, he let a fake Chinese company with a false address and phony website take $1.4 million of our money.

Ralph Northam didnt show up. He doesnt deserve a promotion.

A November report by the states watchdog agency, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, found disarray at VEDP, created in 1995 under then-Gov. George Allen, a Republican. Virginia has since doled out millions in incentives to companies under Republican and Democratic administrations.

Northam appeared with McAuliffe at a December news conference at which the governor proposed reforms to increase oversight of VEDP. Northam called for a culture of accountability at the economic development partnership.

Ed Gillespie, the Republican nominee for governor, has been criticizing Northam over the issue for months. In January, during the formal kickoff of his campaign, Gillespie charged that Ralph Northams VEDP squandered $1.4 million in taxpayer money on a Chinese company with a fake website.

David Turner, a spokesman for Northams campaign, said at the time: Well put the record of the current administration creating jobs up against Ed Gillespies record as a D.C. lobbyist for Enron from now until November.

VEDP is operating under a revamped structure as a result of changes, supported by McAuliffe and GOP legislative leaders, implemented following the JLARC report. Among many changes, the position of lieutenant governor is not listed among ex-officio board members.
By PTI: Mumbai, Sep 6 (PTI) The head of Maharashtra real estate regulator `MahaRera today called for better coordination with other authorities and also between related legislations to protect the interests of home-buyers.

Gautam Chatterjee, chairman of MahaRera, was speaking at an interaction organised by the Mumbai Press Club here.

Referring to the recent case of Jaypee Infratech, Chatterjee said, "There is a need to coordinate between the acts and the authorities, especially when it comes to safeguarding the interests of consumers."

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On September 4, the Supreme Court stayed the National Company Law Tribunals order initiating insolvency proceedings against Noida-based developer Jaypee Infratech, thus giving a relief to over 30,000 home-buyers.

"Weve so far received 98 complaints, primarily involving delays in project delivery. If due to any reason, be it bankruptcy or unavailability of funds, the developer defaults in payments and if the ongoing project is stuck, consumers will be at loss," Chatterjee said.

"We will have to work on this together and go back to government and see what can be done in such situations as certain issues do not fall under the purview of Rera," he said.

Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, consumers have the first right of refusal to carry out development work in case the developer indulges in any fraudulent practise, he pointed out.

"But in the recent (Jaypee) case, the lender initiated insolvency process. In such a situation there could be overlapping of certain provisions in various laws. There is a need to find a way how to take the project forward," Chatterjee said. PTI PSK BEN KRK

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RICHMOND  Former Del. Lacey Putney returned to the Virginia Capitol on Wednesday for a final, fond farewell.

Putney, 89, who died on Aug. 26, was remembered as the gentleman from Bedford by House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, whose eulogy extolled the 52-year legislator for his character and integrity.

Howell  speaking to a crowd that included about 30 members of Putneys family, three former governors, and countless legislators past and present  said the courtly delegate once asked his permission to ask Carmela Bills to dinner. Bills was an employee of the House Clerks Office whom he would marry in the House of Delegates chamber in 2007.

I said, Why would you feel you need to ask my permission?  the speaker said he asked Putney, who replied that since Bills worked for the clerks office he wanted to be sure there was no question of conflict of interest.

 I dont want anything to reflect poorly on the House or the clerks staff. 

Putney, a former Democrat who turned independent, is the first member of the House to lie in state in the Rotunda since former Speaker A.L. Philpott, a formidable Democratic leader from Henry County, in 1991. Since then, two former chief justices of the Virginia Supreme Court also have lain in state in the historic Rotunda  Justice Leroy Hassell in 2011 and Justice Harry L. Carrico in 2013.

It is so apt that we gather here in this historic Capitol Rotunda  the very heart of our commonwealths civic life and ongoing experiment in representative self-government  to show our respect, gratitude and abiding admiration for the longest-serving member of the Virginia General Assembly, House Clerk G. Paul Nardo said.

Lying in state is a fitting tribute to a towering figure, said Nardo, a longtime aide to Howell, in opening remarks for a solemn ceremony before more than 150 people around the Houdon statue of President George Washington and close to 100 more in the third-floor gallery.

The audience included three former Republican governors  George Allen, Jim Gilmore and Bob McDonnell  as well as former House Clerk Joseph Holleman, Supreme Court Justice William Mims (who had served in the House and Senate and as attorney general), Court of Appeals Judge Marla Decker, former Attorney General Richard Cullen, and two members of the State Corporation Commission, Judges Mark Christie and Judith Jagdmann.

The occasion also prompted the return of some retired legislators, such as Del. W. Tayloe Murphy Jr., D-Westmoreland, and two former chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee  Sen. John Chichester, R-Stafford, and Sen. Walter Stosch, R-Henrico.

Putney chaired the House Appropriations Committee from 2008 until his retirement before the 2014 session. Current Chairman Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, and members of the committee staff, as well as staff from Senate Finance and Secretary of Finance Richard D. Ric Brown, were among the dignitaries gathered in the Capitol on Wednesday.

Sen. Stephen Newman, R-Lynchburg, who serves as president pro tempore in the Senate, gave the opening prayer, referring to Putney as Virginias 10th great man in a chamber that includes busts of Marquis de Lafayette and seven Virginia born presidents, in addition to Washington.

Newman called Putney a statesman of all statesmen who loved his family and his state, and prayed to raise up the next generation of leaders for our commonwealth in the mold of this great man.

Bills was first to pay respect to Putney, gently kissing the Virginia flag draped over the casket at the foot of Washingtons statue, followed by family, dignitaries, longtime lobbyists and others.

Putney was to lie in state until mid-afternoon. A funeral service is planned on Thursday in Bedford.
Thomas Road Baptist Church Pastor Jonathan Falwell and his wife are stranded in the Caribbean in the path of Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, according to a Tuesday night TRBC Facebook post.

According to the post, Falwell and his wife, Shari, were on a trip to the island of St. Martin to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, but airlines canceled flights before they could return to the United States.

Hurricane Irma is bearing down on the Caribbean and made landfall early Wednesday morning with maximum winds of 185 mph, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The storm is the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history, according to the Associated Press.

Contacted via text message, Becki Falwell, wife of Jonathan Falwells brother Jerry Falwell, said she had texted Shari Falwell, who confirmed they were in a shelter and safe as of late Tuesday evening.

"Our family is grateful for all of the prayers on their behalf," she said.

Becki Falwell added her sister-in-law said it was an "unforgettable 25th anniversary."

TRBC Executive Pastor Jason Schonfelder said Falwell learned the flight was canceled sometime Tuesday morning.

They canceled the flight, but then also the airport was closed, he said.

Schonfelder said he expects Falwell to speak at the church this weekend.

And so were looking forward to that and really hopeful that everything goes smoothly, and theyll be able to return home this week, he said.

Irma, which was moving west-northwest at 15 mph late Tuesday, is predicted to attack Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly hitting Florida over the weekend.

The place where they were staying has them secured in a shelter, so theyre going to ride the storm out, Schonfelder said.

The Falwells are huddled together with hundreds of others, he said. As of Tuesday evening, Schonfelder said the Falwells were trying to find an alternative way home, and as of Tuesday night, the Falwells were in a place where they had access to electricity.

Were hoping that all [the] infrastructure stays, he said.

Schonfelder said TRBC is praying for the many, many thousands that are in the projected path of this hurricane.

Its obviously devastating, projected to be very, very powerful, and it could impact many, many thousands of people, he said. The [purpose] of the [Facebook] post was to keep everybody in our prayers, certainly not just [Jonathan] and his wife.

Staff writer Josh Moody contributed to this report.

Earlier: Thomas Road Baptist Church Pastor Jonathan Falwell and his wife are stranded in the Caribbean in the path of Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, according to a Tuesday night TRBC Facebook post.

According to the post, Falwell and his wife, Shari, were on a trip to Saint Martin to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, but airlines canceled flights before they could return to the United States.

TRBC Executive Pastor Jason Schonfelder said Falwell learned the flight was canceled sometime Tuesday morning.

Hurricane Irma is a Category 5 storm that is the most powerful Atlantic Ocean hurricane in recorded history, the Associated Press reported. The storm is predicted to attack Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba before possibly hitting Florida over the weekend.
By PTI: (Eds: With additional details)

New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Talking tough, the Supreme Court today asked all states to take stern steps to stop violence in the name of cow protection by appointing a senior police officer as nodal officer in every district within a week and act promptly to check cow vigilantes from behaving like they are "law unto themselves".

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Such acts "must stop", directed a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra which asked the states to form a dedicated task force in every district to stop such acts and directed their chief secretaries to file a status report giving details of actions taken to prevent incidents of cow vigilantism.

"The senior police officer shall take prompt action and ensure (that) vigilante groups and such people are prosecuted with quite promptitude," the bench, also comprising Justices Amitava Roy and A M Khanwilkar, said while issuing notice to the Centre and others on the PIL filed by Tushar Gandhi, the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.

"The people should not take law into their hands and they should not behave as if they were law unto themselves. This must stop. Such acts are not permissible," the bench said in a stern message.

The bench asked the Centre to respond to the submission that it could issue directions under Article 256 (obligation of states and Union) of the Constitution to all state governments on issues related to law and order.

"Steps have to be taken to stop this. Some kind of planned action is required so that vigilantism does not grow. Efforts have to be made to stop such vigilantism," the bench said, adding "how will they (states) do it, is their business but this must stop."

The court also asked state governments to ensure highway patrolling after it was pointed out that such incidents took place on highways on the pretext that vehicles are carrying beef.

At the outset, senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for Tushar Gandhi, referred to several incidents of mob lynching and assaults in the name of cow vigilantism.

She said such incidents were "no longer a law and order issue" and have become a nationwide phenomenon which need preventive action.

"We do not want to come to the court after people are dead. Rather, we want people to be saved," she said and referred to the statement of Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar that the central government did not approve of such incidents of people taking law into their hands.

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Jaising raised the issue of cooperative federalism and said that such incidents were violative of the concept.

The bench agreed with the contention and said, "efforts should be made to stop this vigilantism".

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for Maharashtra, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat, said there was a law and the states should take action in such offences.

The ASG said that even the Centre has categorically said that it did not support any such activity and sought time to peruse the pleas and file a response.

When another senior lawyer Colin Gonsalves, appearing for another petitioner, raised the issue of alleged provocative statements made by leaders of the ruling party, the ASG vehemently objected and said the governments were before the court and not the political party.

"I do take strong objection to all this. This (PIL) is a cheap publicity gimmick and politically motivated," the ASG said.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on September 22 and asked the states and others to file responses in the meantime.

The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by Gandhi seeking various reliefs, including a direction to all the governments to take preventive measures against cow vigilantism.

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Besides Gandhi, Congress leader Tehseen Poonawalla had earlier filed a similar petition. PTI SJK ABA RKS ARC

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By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Dr Reddys laboratories today said it has launched Bupropion Hydrochloride extended-release tablets used in treating a major depressive disorder in the American market.

It has also launched Metaxalone tablets used to ease discomforts associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in the US market.

The company has launched Bupropion Hydrochloride extended-release tablets USP (XL) in the strengths of 150 mg and 300 mg, Dr Reddys said in a filing to BSE.

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The tablets are generic versions of GlaxoSmithKline LLCs Wellbutrin XL tablets, it added.

As per IMS Health, the Wellbutrin XL brand and generic had US sales of around USD 754 million MAT for the twelve months ended July, 2017, Dr Reddys said.

The company has also launched Metaxalone tablets USP 800 mg in the American market, it added.

The tablets are generic versions of King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development Incs Skelaxin tablets.

"The Skelaxin brand and generic had US sales of around USD 139 million MAT for the most recent twelve months ended July 2017, according to IMS Health," Dr Reddys said.

Shares of Dr Reddys Laboratories were trading at Rs 2,194.95 per scrip in the afternoon trade on BSE, down 0.62 per cent from the previous close. PTI AKT ANU

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By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Farm equipment maker Escorts today unveiled a range of tractors, including an electric concept, for both export and domestic markets.

The company has launched tractors ranging between 22 HP to 90 HP under Farmtrac and Powertrac brands that are compliant with emission norms of various markets including Europe and the US.

The new range would cater to customers in various markets including the US, Europe, Latin America, Africa and ASEAN countries apart from new generation farmers in India.

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"Escorts is on a transformational journey of developing products for global markets and offering products of quality with specifications that would be competitive and attractive to buyers," Escorts Ltd Chairman Rajan Nanda said in a statement.

The company is spreading its operations to reach countries across the globe, he added.

Escorts Managing Director Nikhil Nanda said the new products would create a new user experience in comfort and precision farming globally.

"Escorts is extremely proud to launch electric tractor concept displaying our frugal engineering to offer Indias best to the world," he added. PTI MSS SBT

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By India Today Web Desk: Gaya road rage: JD-U leader's son Rocky Yadav gets life sentence for killing Aditya Sachdeva

Aditya Sachdeva, a teenager was shot dead by Rocky Yadav on May 7, last year when he was coming back to Gaya from Bodh Gaya after attending a birthday celebration.

With Modi in Myanmar, a look at how Burmese Indians met similar fate as Rohingyas in 1960s

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Much like the Rohingyas today, a nationalisation drive forced thousands of ethnic Indians in Burma to leave the country and return to India in 1960-70.

Harshvardhan Kapoor to play Abhinav Bindra. 5 biopics that are already making news

Harshvardhan Kapoor is all set to play Abhinav Bindra in his biopic.

Historic 9-0 sweep beckons India as Sri Lanka tour draws to an end

India thumped Sri Lanka 5-0 in the recently-concluded ODI series and swept the Test series 3-0 prior to that.

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An artist's impression of what the extension would look like

PLANS for a proposed 300 million extension to the Meadowhall shopping centre are due to be approved next week  despite Rotherham Borough Council formally objecting.

Sheffield City Councils planning board will discuss the application, which includes a cinema, restaurants, bars, gym, and bowling alley under a glazed roof at a meeting on Tuesday.

Rotherham council bosses claim the impact would have a significant adverse impact upon the vitality and viability of Rotherham town centre.

But applicant British Land insist it would not have any unacceptable trading effects.

The plans were amended to remove a proposal for a good store and impose restrictions to limit the new retail space and the conversion of previous leisure space.

Significant transport investments will also be carried out, if approved.

Rotherham planners are also concerned for the proposed 43 million leisure development at Forge Island which will include a cinema and hotel.

But a report to the planning board said: Given its poor starting position a small impact is likely to be more critical. The poor state of health of the existing centre is a consequence of development already permitted at Meadowhall and Parkgate Retail Park, the effects of which will already have been felt.

Given this, the relatively small impact of the proposal, and the different retail offer of the two centres, it is judged that the level of impact on Rotherham town centre is not sufficient to be considered to be significantly adverse which is the planning test for refusing permission.
Luxury items find it hard to compete with e-gadgets

(Vedomosti) - Russian diamond manufacturers will not be able to survive without state support. This opinion was expressed by the President of ALROSA, Sergey Ivanov at the session "Diamond Vladivostok - Let's Get Down to Diamond Cutting."

Now Russia manufactures about 2% of polished goods produced worldwide. But in recent years the amount of polished production in the country was halved to 500,000 carats. The largest diamond manufacturers, which are Smolensk-based Kristall and Brillianty ALROSA, account for the major part of polished goods produced, Sergey Ivanov said. However, there are also optimists in this field: for example, some of Yakutias banks are ready to cooperate with local diamond manufacturing operations, he added, noting that this gives hope.

Alexander Pshenichnikov, Corporate Management Head at the Ministry of Finance, reminded that the State was helping diamond cutting enterprises in Russia, as Gokhran purchased their products in difficult years.

Profitability of the diamond cutting business is catastrophically falling, Sergey Ivanov said. The industry is suffering from disproportion after the abolition of export duties (6.5%) for diamonds. Currently, diamond manufacturers are forced to pay more for raw materials, Maxim Shkadov, CEO of Kristall, said expressing his discontent.

These problems are exacerbated by the generally difficult situation in the industry due to the fact that millennials prefer to buy e-gadgets instead of diamonds, the participants in the discussion lamented. However, Indian diamond manufacturers see some prospects for the Russian market. Sandeep Kothari, Managing Director of KGK Group is among them. On the eve of the Vladivostok forum, President Vladimir Putin launched the company's diamond manufacturing factory in this city.

Despite stopping the largest Mir Mine, ALROSA will increase diamond supplies to the Russian market by 10%. This is one of the measures to support the diamond cutting industry, Sergey Ivanov said.




De Beers earned $505 million from its seventh sales cycle of the year compared to $639 million, a year earlier, according to Anglo American, which has an 85 percent stake in the diamond company.

The companys sixth cycle of 2017 raked in $576 million.

De Beers chief executive Bruce Cleaver said they had anticipated the dip in sales, as some demand from Indian diamantaires had been pulled forward from the latest sight.

This allowed them to make rough diamond purchases in sufficient time to complete their polishing before the holiday begins.

"As expected, rough diamond sales were somewhat lower in the seventh cycle of the year, with some midstream demand having already been brought forward into Cycle 6 due to Diwali being earlier than normal in 2017, he said.

Meanwhile, Cleaver said businesses in the diamond industry's midstream segment were adopting a watchful approach as attention now turns to the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair in mid-September.

The groups rough diamond production jumped 21 percent to 16.1 million carats during the first half of the year compared with 13.3 million carats, a year earlier, in line with the higher production forecast for 2017.

Its diamond output was expected to remain in the range of between 31 and 33 million carats this year, subject to trading conditions.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




Diamond prices remained under pressure in August, according to a monthly report issued by Rapaport. Trading slowed during vacation period. Liquidity and profitability tightened during the summer, but suppliers are optimistic that trading will improve ahead of the fourth-quarter holiday season.

The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI) for 1-carat diamonds fell 0.6% in August and declined 3.8% since January 1.

As the Rapaport monthly report notes, polished inventory is rising, with steady manufacturing and sluggish demand as dealers prepare for the holiday season. Liquidity concerns deepened following reported defaults by manufacturer InterJewel and wholesaler Ankur Diamonds.

Manufacturers are under pressure, as rough prices rose an estimated 3% in the first half of 2017 and polished inventory levels continue to rise. The number of diamonds listed on RapNet has risen 22% since January to 1.44 million on September 1.

Rough trading slowed in August after a robust first half, with De Beers boxes selling at low average premiums on the secondary market. Rough demand is expected to slow in the coming month due to the tight manufacturing profit margins and possible oversupply of polished. Indian cutters brought forward their pre-Diwali purchases, since the festival is earlier than usual this year, on October 19.

Suppliers are hoping the September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair will spur stronger polished trading. Chinese buyers are pushing for higher discounts as they prepare for the October 1 National Day. Dealers are trying to hold prices firm in anticipation of stronger demand as retailers purchase their holiday inventory.

Improved earnings at Signet Jewelers and Tiffany & Co., along with increased industry marketing budgets, have raised expectations for the holiday season. Attention is focused on De Beers branding and the Diamond Producers Associations generic campaigns to stimulate demand and higher polished prices.



Theodor Lisovoy, Rough&Polished, Moscow




The assailant fired seven shots. Four missed Gauri. Two hit her in the chest, one on the forehead. Gauri died at the gates of her house. Police said the shots were fired from a close range.

Gauri Lankesh was shot dead right outside her house in Bengaluru on September 5.

By India Today Web Desk: The attacker who targeted senior journalist Gauri Lankesh outside her house in Bengaluru on Tuesday night had made up his mind. He wanted her to die.

The assailant fired seven shots. Four missed Gauri. Two hit her in the chest, one on the forehead. Gauri died at the gates of her house. Police said the shots were fired from a close range.

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"A total of seven bullets were fired out of which four missed the target and hit the wall of the house. Three bullets had hit her - two in her chest area and one in the forehead," Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar told reporters.

Sources said she was followed by people in a car after she left her office in Basavanagudi at 7.30PM.

Gauri ran a weekly Kannada tabloid - Gauri Lankesh Patrike and was a known critic of rightwing forces.

Police have detained a man in Chikmagalur for tweeting remarks against Gauri Lankesh. The man named Manju Mallyarjun and another named Sandeep are being currently quizzed by the police. A police team has been sent to Chikmagalur and Mangaluru to look for leads linked to Gauri Lankesh's murder.

Police suspect involvement of only one person in the veteran journalist's murder.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR

CCTV footage shows a man wearing a black jacket with a helmet closing in on Gauri as she approaches the main gate of her house. The video shows the attacker waiting for Gauri to reach the entrance of her house. As soon as the 55-year-old journalist reaches the gate, the man opens fire. Police said the crucial evidence could be of great help to nab that attacker and others involved in the murder. Cops are also examining CCTV images installed in the vicinity of Gauri's house to obtain more evidence. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has condemned the cold blooded murder. "Absolutely shocked to learn about the murder of renowned journalist Gauri Lankesh. I have no words to condemn this heinous crime," he tweeted. A prominent Left thinker and a staunch critic of Hindutva politics, Lankesh was convicted last year in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker Prahlad Joshi. She was out on bail. Her siblings Indrajit Lankesh and Kavitha Lankesh are both film-makers in the Kannada film industry. Indrajit has demanded a CBI probe into the murder of his sister. "She was an activist, she was doing her job, there were no threats as of now as far as we know," said Indrajit Lankesh. Karnataka police chief R K Dutta said Lankesh had not voiced apprehension about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had with her. The manner in which Lankesh was shot dead was reminiscent of the way Kannada progressive thinker and researcher MM Kalburgi was shot dead in August 2015 at his residence in Dharwad, about 400km from state capital Bengaluru.

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(Inputs from Rohini Swamy in Bengaluru)

ALSO READ:

Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead at her Bengaluru home, kin demands CBI probe

Gauri Lankesh murder: Press Club calls attack outrageous, dastardly; protests to be held today across nation

Delhi journalist Aparna Kalra attacked in public park, battling for life with multiple brain injuries

WATCH: Bengaluru: Journalist Gauri Lankesh's brother wants CBI probe into her murder

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HRD Antwerp announced that last week two more rough stones were submitted to it for examination. This time the stones felt like rough diamonds, and even diamond testing pens (based on thermal conductivity) pointed to diamonds. But the density measurements clearly indicated that these were again imitations; more precisely, moissanite. The stones had been cut to resemble rough diamond, weighing each 7.14 and 5.01 carats, and have a slight greenish colour.

Moissanite is an important diamond imitation on the market, usually used as a substitute for polished diamonds. The US company, C3 Inc., developed and put it on the market in 1997. Since then, many manufacturers entered the market. Natural moissanite is extremely rare.

Synthetic moissanite, being silicon carbide, has fooled many experienced jewellers with its very high hardness (9.25 on the Mohs scale) and high (2.6  2.7). Synthetic moissanite has a very high thermal conductivity, which has rendered some tests useless.

Problems may arise when stones of polished moissanite are mixed into rough diamond parcels, warns HRD Antwerp.



Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels




Office of Governor David Ige

Hawaii Gov. David Ige signed a bill that includes a $2.4-billion package to fund the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit (HART) rail project's full 20-mile build out.

This is a strategic investment in Hawaiis future. We must move this forward and complete this project, said Gov. Ige.

The bill, Senate Bill 4, was passed by the state legislature during a special session last week. The legislation extends the general excise tax (GET) surcharge and increases the hotel room tax in order to provide the city and county of Honolulu with enough funding to complete the $8.2-billion project. The bill also requires a state run audit of the rail project, as well as annual financial reviews. Local funding now accounts for $7.4 billion of the total project cost.

In December 2012, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the city signed a Full Funding Grant Agreement committing the federal government to providing $1.55 billion for the elevated rail system with 21 stations between East Kapolei and Ala Moana Center. With project cost estimates increasing, transit leaders faced an estimated $2.4-billion funding shortfall and asked FTA to increase the funding commitment to the project. The request was denied and in July, FTA sent a letter to HART asking for an updated financial plan to be submitted by Sept. 15 that showed the funding shortfall would be covered.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell praised the bills signing and said he was ready to work with city, state and federal partners to update the projects financial plan and ensure its completion.

The signing of the rail funding bill into law shows Gov. Iges commitment and leadership in completing the rail project as promised to the people of OahuOnce fully built this driverless train will add fuel to the economic engine that helps power the entire state of Hawaii by promoting smart development, generating much-needed affordable housing and creating multi-modal communities that all of us are striving for. The city is working closely with HART on an updated financial plan that takes this new funding mechanism into accountGov. Iges signing of the rail funding bill also allows the Honolulu City Council to approve Bill 45, which extends Oahus half-percent surcharge to the state general excise tax another three years and is a key component of the updated financial plan the FTA requires by September 15. Meanwhile, my administration continues to work closely with our federal, state and city partners on implementing all of the mandates of the rail funding bill, in particular more state oversight of rail construction and the timely transfer of tax revenues to the city, said Mayor Caldwell.

HART Executive Director and CEO Andrew Robbins, who officially began Sept. 5, the same day the bill was signed into law, said, Without question, rail will provide numerous benefits for the people of Oahu, the residents of this state and for our visitors for generations to come. This project will serve as a centerpiece for our community and its commerce and I am proud to take the reins to help see this project through to its completion.
Factory orders data from Germany is due on Wednesday, headlining a light day for the European economic news.

At 2.00 am ET, Destatis is scheduled to issue Germany's factory orders data for July. Orders are forecast to grow 0.2 percent on month, following a 1 percent rise in June.

At 3.00 am ET, the Czech Statistical Office is set to publish foreign trade, and industrial and construction output figures. The trade deficit is seen at CZK 0.6 billion in July.

Half an hour later, industrial orders and production reports are due from Sweden. Economists expect industrial output to fall 0.2 percent on month in July, reversing a 0.8 percent rise in June.

At 4.00 am ET, Italy's Istat is set to issue retail sales for July. Sales are forecast to fall 0.2 percent on month, reversing a 0.6 percent rise in June.

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Destatis issued Germany's factory orders data for July in the pre-European session on Wednesday at 2:00 am ET.

After the data, the euro changed little against its major rivals.

As of 2:01 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.9145 against the pound, 1.1381 against the Swiss franc, 1.1925 against the U.S. dollar and 129.64 against the yen.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Forex News
European stocks were trading lower on Wednesday, on track for a third day of losses as geopolitical tensions continued to simmer and investors waited for the outcome of the European Central Bank's (ECB) policy meeting, scheduled for Thursday.

Worries about Hurricane Irma as well as disappointing factory orders and construction activity data from Germany also weighed on .

The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was down 0.4 percent at 372.16 in late opening deals, heading for its third straight session of losses.

The German DAX was moving down 0.1 percent, France's CAC 40 index was declining 0.3 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was losing 0.7 percent.

Banks traded mixed after the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield fell to a 10-month low of 2.054 percent amid dovish discussion from two Fed officials.

Denmark's Jyske Bank lost more than 4 percent after BRFholding reduced its stake in the lender.

Barratt Developments shares tumbled 3.2 percent in London after the housebuilder provided a cautious outlook, saying it would "carefully" monitor Brexit's impact on the housing market.

Similarly, Berkeley Group Holdings lost 2.8 percent after warning over the impact of Brexit uncertainty on London's property market.

Royal Mail lost 1 percent after reports that the Communications Workers Union will vote on industrial action.

German automaker Daimler rallied over 3 percent on speculation of a change in its corporate structure. Rivals BMW, Volkswagen, Renault and Peugeot climbed 1-2 percent.

British software group Micro Focus soared almost 8 percent after posting improved third-quarter results for the newly-acquired software of Hewlett Packard Enterprises.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
German factory orders declined unexpectedly in July on weak domestic bookings and stagnant demand from foreign .

Factory orders fell 0.7 percent month-on-month in July, in contrast to a revised 0.9 percent rise in June, figures from Destatis revealed Wednesday.

This was the first fall in three months. Orders were forecast to climb 0.2 percent in July.

Domestic orders slid 1.6 percent, while foreign orders remained flat in July. Orders from the euro area decreased 1 percent, which was offset by a 0.6 percent rise in incoming orders from other countries.

Excluding volatile bulk orders, new orders increased 0.6 percent on the previous month in July.

On a yearly basis, factory orders expanded 5 percent in July, slightly slower than June's 5.1 percent increase.

Germany is not performing as well as implied by the very positive sentiment indicators, Ralph Solveen, an analyst at Commerzbank, said.

With production in July likely to have dropped as well, a somewhat smaller growth contribution from manufacturing appears to be on the cards in the third quarter, the analyst added.

Manufacturers of intermediate goods saw new orders fall by 0.4 percent compared with June. Orders for capital goods dropped 0.7 percent and that for consumer goods decreased 3 percent.

Data showed that the manufacturing turnover dropped 0.1 percent in July, reversing a 0.5 percent rise in June.

The ministry said German companies received as many orders as they had before the outbreak of financial crisis in 2008. Indicators signal that solid upturn in the manufacturing sector is continuing, the ministry added.

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What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
While President Donald Trump has decided to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the results of a Morning Consult/Politico poll found that a majority of voters think the undocumented immigrants protected by the Obama-era policy should be allowed to remain in the country.

Fifty-eight percent of voters said the undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers should be allowed to stay and become citizens if they meet certain requirements.

Another 18 percent of voters said the Dreamers should be allowed to stay and become legal residents but not citizens, while just 15 percent favor deportation.

Allowing the Dreamers to stay and become citizens is supported by 71 percent of Democrats and 56 percent of independents, as well as a 46 percent plurality of Republicans.

The poll was conducted before Trump officially announced the decision to rescind the DACA program, which provides certain illegal immigrants who were brought to the country as children protection from deportation and eligibility to apply for work permits.

The administration revealed that it will be phasing out the program over six months, giving Congress time to act to address the approximately 800,000 undocumented immigrants granted protection.

Trump said in a post on Twitter on Tuesday that he will "revisit the issue" if Congress is unable to legalize DACA in the next six months.

The poll found that voters are split over which party they trust more to handle immigration, with 40 percent saying Democrats and a matching 40 percent saying Republicans.

Voters are also divided over the larger question of how to handle the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants residing in the country.

Forty-nine percent said the illegal immigrants should be allowed to stay and become citizens, 21 percent said they should be allowed to stay and become legal residents but not citizens, and 22 percent said they should be deported.

The Morning Consult/Politico survey of 1,993 registered voters was conducted August 31st through September 3rd and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

(Photo: Fibonacci Blue)

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Political News
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he is open for a CBI probe into the murder of veteran journalist Gauri Lankesh.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he is open to CBI probe into Gauri Lankesh's murder. (File Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today said that the probe into the murder of veteran journalist Gauri Lankesh would be carried out by a Special Investigation Team led by the Inspector General of Police (IG).

Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked the Home Secretary for a report concerning the journalist's murder as outrage over the killing gathered storm within India.,

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A number of politicians from across party lines, journalists and others have come out to sharply condemn the murder and have demanded that the investigation into her killing be fast-tracked. The United States too spoke on the issue, with its embassy in New Delhi releasing a statement condemning the murder.

"The US Mission in India joins advocates of press freedom in India and world-wide in condemning the murder of respected journalist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru. We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Lankesh," a statement released by the embassy read.

As demands for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Gauri Lankesh's murder grow, the Karnataka CM said he is open to rope in the central agency.

"A Special Investigative Team, headed by an IG will be constituted. I have given directions to DGP and IGP to constitute the SIT. The team will exclusively investigate this case," Siddaramaiah told reporters in Bengaluru. "Currently three teams are involved in the investigation and the attackers will be arrested quickly. It looks like an organized crime," he added.

Replying to a question, the chief minister refused to link Gauri's murder with that of other progressive thinkers, rationalists like MM Kalburgi, Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare.

"Law and order in Karnataka is good. We have provided protection to all rationalists. I have instructed the police to give police protection to all free thinkers," he added.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier called the murder an "assassination on democracy".

Gauri Lankesh, who ran a weekly Kannada tabloid, was shot dead outside her house in Bengaluru.

PROTESTS IN BENGALURU

There is outrage in Bengaluru over the cold-blooded murder of Gauri Lankesh. Journalists and common people have come out in open condemning and expressing shock over the incident.

Journalists from across the country have also come together to denounce the killing and demanded a speedy probe.

"The Editors Guild of India is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the murder of Gauri Lankesh, senior journalist and Editor, Lankesh Patrike. Gauri Lankesh was a known critic of the Central government on key issues and had fearlessly expressed her views in the newspaper she edited as well as in other forums. Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on the freedom of the press. The Editors Guild of India demands that the Karnataka Government acts with alacrity to bring the culprits to justice apart from instituting a judicial probe into the killing," a statement issued by Editors Guild of India said.

Bengaluru: Family members & friends gather as mortal remains of #GauriLankesh were brought to Ravindra Kala Kshethra. pic.twitter.com/WYzFJKIXvv- ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2017

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GAURI SHOT FROM CLOSE RANGE, CCTV SHOWS

Gauri Lankesh, known for her progressive and fearless writing, was shot dead at close range by unknown assailant at her home in Bengaluru on Tuesday night.

The 55-year-old journalist had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when she was fired upon indiscriminately. Two bullets hit her in the chest and one on her forehead, video from the CCTV installed at the front door of her house showed.

A man wearing a black jacket and helmet is shown firing at Gauri from a close range.

A prominent Left thinker and a staunch critic of Hindutva politics, Gauri Lankesh was convicted last year in a defamation case filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Prahlad Joshi. She was out on bail.

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ALSO READ:

Gauri Lankesh murder: Attacker fired 7 bullets, 3 hit her, one on forehead

I&B minister Smriti Irani condemns Gauri Lankesh's murder, calls for speedy investigation

Protests planned across country over Gauri Lankesh's murder, Press Club calls attack outrageous, dastardly

ALSO WATCH: Gauri Lankesh's murder: Bengaluru top cop says probing all angles, attacker was wearing helmet

WATCH VIDEO | Confident SIT will arrest those behind Gauri Lankesh's murder, says Siddaramaiah

--- ENDS ---
The European ended Wednesday's session with mixed results. After struggling in early trade, the markets climbed around midday, ahead of the opening bell on Wall Street.

Traders remained in a cautious mood due to the tensions between North Korea and the United States. Investors are also looking forward to tomorrow's policy decision from the European Central Bank.

Shares of insurance companies were under pressure Wednesday. Following the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas, residents in Florida are now bracing for Hurricane Irma.

The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index advanced 0.08 percent. The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone blue chip stocks increased 0.38 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, added 0.26 percent.

The DAX of Germany climbed 0.75 percent and the CAC 40 of France rose 0.29 percent. The FTSE 100 of the U.K. declined 0.25 percent and the SIM of Switzerland finished lower by 0.11 percent.

In Frankfurt, Daimler rallied 3.12 percent on speculation of a change in its corporate structure. BMW increased 1.73 percent and Volkswagen added 1.43 percent. Renault advanced 3 percent and Peugeot climbed 1.78 percent in Paris.

In London, Barratt Developments tumbled 4.57 percent after the homebuilder provided a cautious outlook, saying it would "carefully" monitor Brexit's impact on the housing market.

Similarly, Berkeley Group Holdings lost 2.53 percent after warning over the impact of Brexit uncertainty on London's property market.

Royal Mail fell 0.70 percent after reports that the Communications Workers Union will vote on industrial action.

Software group Micro Focus soared 6.16 percent after posting improved third-quarter results for the newly-acquired software of Hewlett Packard Enterprises.

Jyske Bank dropped 5.02 percent in Copenhagen after BRFholding reduced its stake in the lender.

German factory orders declined unexpectedly in July on weak domestic demand, figures from Destatis revealed Wednesday. Factory orders fell 0.7 percent month-on-month in July, in contrast to a revised 0.9 percent rise in June. This was the first fall in three months. Orders were forecast to climb 0.2 percent in July.

Germany's construction sector logged a softer growth in August but remained strong in the context of historic survey data, IHS Markit reported Wednesday. The headline construction Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 54.9 in August from 55.8 in July.

A report released by the Commerce Department on Wednesday showed the U.S. trade deficit came in slightly wider in the month of July. The Commerce Department said the trade deficit widened to $43.7 billion in July from a revised $43.5 billion in June.

Economists had expected the deficit to widen to $44.6 billion from the $43.6 billion originally reported for the previous month.

After reporting a slowdown in the pace of growth in U.S. service sector activity in the previous month, the Institute for Supply Management released a report on Wednesday showing a rebound in the pace of growth in the month of August.

The ISM said its non-manufacturing index climbed to 55.3 in August after falling to 53.9 in July, with a reading above 50 indicating growth in the service sector. Economists had expected the index to rebound to 55.8.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Market Analysis
(Agencia CMA Latam) - Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer has announced a purchase request for E-Jets by U.S. SkyWest. The order is worth US$ 1.1 billion, based on current list prices, and will be included in Embraer's order book for the third quarter of 2017.

Embraer should deliver the 25 aircraft in 2018. The order includes fifteen E175 SC jets that will fly under an agreement with Delta in a 70-seat configuration, while the remaining ten E175 jets will fly under a deal with Alaska Airlines configured with 76 seats.

SkyWest said in a statement that it expects to invest approximately US$90 million in cash to acquire these 25 new aircraft, and to finance the balance of the purchase price with 12-year fixed rate debt.

by Agencia CMA Latam

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Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - Bilateral trade between Argentina and Australia grew 29% during the first half of 2017 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the first consultations between both countries, held Tuesday in Buenos Aires.

At the meeting, Argentina and Australia representatives stressed "the excellent level of the bilateral ties and agreed to continue promoting high-level exchanges, as well as the promotion of reciprocal trade missions," the Argentinean Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Argentinean and Australian officials also stressed the existing opportunities in the mining sector in Argentina and celebrated the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, signed in 2015. Both countries also analyzed new possibilities for cooperation on nuclear, space, Antarctica presence, gender equality, fiscal, sports, and education issues.

The meeting was chaired by Argentina's Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Gustavo Zlauvinen, and by the deputy secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, Penny Williams.

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - Geddel Vieira Lima, a former minister from Brazilian President Michel Temer's administration, allegedly stored R$ 51 million (US$ 16.38 million) in cash in an apartment, according to the police. The money was inside paper boxes and bags.

Located in an upscale neighborhood in Salvador, Bahia state capital, the apartment was opened under judicial order by the federal police after collecting information related to Operation Cui Bono, which investigates a fraud scheme within a public bank, Caixa Economica.

Geddel, who was a vice-president at Caixa Economica from 2011 to 2013, and former House of Representatives speaker Eduardo Cunha, are singled out as the primary articulators of the scheme.

Geddel was a minister under Michel Temer and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Before that, he was a federal representative for the PMDB, Temer's party.

The former minister is also investigated for participating in a corruption scheme linked to the construction of the Adutor Castanhao - a water transposition system - and was arrested for trying to interfere in the Cui Bono operation's investigation.

According to the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF), Geddel was trying to prevent Cunha and the financial trader Lucio Funaro from signing a plea-bargain deal by ensuring that both received undue advantages.

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - The Venezuelan government denounced before the United Nations Human Rights Council the military threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump against the South American country.

"This threat has been rejected by governments and peoples from all over the world. The governments of Latin America and the Caribbean have condemned this unusual threat that, if materialized, would endanger regional peace and international security," said the ambassador Jorge Valero, Venezuela's permanent representative to the UN.

In August, after imposing sanctions against the Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump said that he did not rule out military action against Venezuela, classifying the country's current situation as "dangerous chaos."

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
(Agencia CMA Latam) - A Colombian delegation presented for more than two hours to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) the work carried out to eradicate a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the country.

Headed by the Colombia's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Aurelio Iragorri, and the general manager of the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), Humberto Martinez, the delegation outlined the technical guidelines and containment plan under which allowed for the containment and elimination of the active cases of foot-and-mouth disease.

Then, Iragorri and the ICA directors requested the OIE Director, Monique Eloit, and the Deputy Director, Jean Philippe, to restore Colombia's status of a country free of FMD through vaccination, suspended after the outbreak confirmation.

Last month, the Colombian Agricultural and Livestock Institute (ICA) confirmed that 3,325 livestock slaughterings occurred in the municipalities of Tame, Arauca, Yacopi and Tibacuy in the department of Cundinamarca and also in the rural area of Cucuta, near the border with Venezuela. Iragorri said that since then there had been no further outbreaks.

by Agencia CMA Latam

For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
By PTI: (Eds: Updates with fresh inputs)

Bengaluru/New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) The cold-blooded murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru unleashed outrage across the country today even as the Karnataka government quickly set up an IGP-headed Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing.

As the media fraternity and members of civil society reacted with horror and staged protests in Bengaluru, Delhi and several other cities, leaders cutting across party lines condemned the murder. However, top leaders of the Congress and the BJP were locked in a spat over the killing last night.

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"Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on freedom of press," the Editors Guild of India said in a statement.

In an audacious attack, unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants pumped bullets into 55-year-old Gauri, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, as she left her car after reaching her home.

The body of Gauri was buried with full state honours in the evening.

With tears in their eyes and amid rains, a large number of people thronged the TR Mill crematorium in Bengaluru to pay their last respects to the outspoken journalist..

As the body was laid to rest in the Lingayat burial ground in the crematorium, slogans like Gauri Lankesh amar rahe and Gauri Lankesh zindabad rent the air.

With the killing in poll-bound Karnataka sending shock waves, Chief Minister Siddaramaiahannounced a SIT probe headed by an Inspector General of Police(IGP). He also said his government had an "open mind" to an investigation by CBI, which the slain journalists family has demanded.

Stating that the murder of the senior journalist was an "organised crime", the chief minister also instructed the police to identify and give protection to freethinkers and those involved in the Left movement.

Briefing reporters after chairing a meeting of senior police officials with Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy to take stock of the investigation, Siddaramaiah said he had told the police that the case should be taken "very seriously."

No deadline has been fixed for the SIT, but they have been asked to take up the work immediately, said Siddaramaiah, who heads a Congress government.

Reddy said that IGP (Intelligence) B K Singh will head the SIT. Since dusk, candlelight vigils were held in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram. Investigators pinned their hopes on the CCTV footage to get some clues about the identity of the killers. When asked about the evidence gathered so far, Siddaramaiah said there were four CCTV cameras installed at Gauris house, and one of them had caught the image of a person wearing a helmet entering the gate and firing at her after which she collapsed two to three feet away.

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Scores of journalists gathered at the Press Club of India in the national capital and demanded justice amid calls for standing up to "forces" trying to "muzzle" the voices of dissent.

Author and senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta termed the killing as "a defining moment" in the history of Indian media.

Journalists took out a march from the Press Club in Bengaluru to the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking immediate action to bring the culprits to book.

"We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media," the memorandum said. Press Club of Bengaluru president Sadashiva Shenoy, who was closely associated with Gauri, said, "divisive forces cannot muzzle the liberal voices byresorting to killing."

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"We demand that a judicial committee should be constituted headed by a sitting high court judge to probe the brutal killing," Shenoy said. The Union Home Ministry also sought a report from the Karnataka government over the incident.

Gauris murder comes just days after the second anniversary of the killing of noted Kannada writer and rationalist Dr M MKalburgi (77), who fell to bullets fired by two unidentified men at his residence at Dharwad in north Karnataka on August 30, 2015.

Asked whether there was any similarity between the killings of Gauri and Kalburgi, Siddaramaiah said, "investigation is in the preliminary stage. It is true that it is an organised crime, let police look into it." Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said the "series of killings" of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives.

Echoing her views, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi asserted that anybody who speaks against the ideology of BJP and RSS, is "pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed." Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari hit back, terming as "irresponsible, baseless and false" the Congress allegation seeking to link the killing of Gauri to the BJP or people following its ideology.

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Slamming the statements of Sonia and Rahul, he said levelling "untrue" allegations against the BJP is injustice to his party and detrimental to democracy.

"The present government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh," Gadkari told reporters. Another BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao accused Rahul of trying to seek "political capital" out of the murder,. After being in the mainstream media, working with The Times of India at its Bengaluru edition, Sunday magazine and a Telugu T V channel, Gauri took over the mantle from her father P Lankesh, a progressive writer, to run "Lankesh Patrike". A family feud led her to start her own tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike" in 2005. With Left leanings, Gauri, an outspoken activist, was also actively involved in bringing Naxals into the mainstream and often came in conflict with rightwing outfits.PTI TEAM GSN

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: (Eds: Correction in Para 5)

Bengaluru/New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) The cold-blooded murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru unleashed outrage across the country today even as the Karnataka government quickly set up an IGP-headed Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing.

As the media fraternity and members of civil society reacted with horror and staged protests in Bengaluru, Delhi and several other cities, leaders cutting across party lines condemned the murder. However, top leaders of the Congress and the BJP were locked in a spat over the killing last night.

advertisement

"Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on freedom of press," the Editors Guild of India said in a statement.

In an audacious attack, unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants pumped bullets into 55-year-old Gauri, known for her left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, as she left her car after reaching her home.

The body of Gauri was buried with police (rpt) police honours in the evening.

With tears in their eyes and amid rains, a large number of people thronged the TR Mill crematorium in Bengaluru to pay their last respects to the outspoken journalist..

As the body was laid to rest in the Lingayat burial ground in the crematorium, slogans like Gauri Lankesh amar rahe and Gauri Lankesh zindabad rent the air.

With the killing in poll-bound Karnataka sending shock waves, Chief Minister Siddaramaiahannounced a SIT probe headed by an Inspector General of Police(IGP). He also said his government had an "open mind" to an investigation by CBI, which the slain journalists family has demanded.

Stating that the murder of the senior journalist was an "organised crime", the chief minister also instructed the police to identify and give protection to freethinkers and those involved in the Left movement.

Briefing reporters after chairing a meeting of senior police officials with Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy to take stock of the investigation, Siddaramaiah said he had told the police that the case should be taken "very seriously."

No deadline has been fixed for the SIT, but they have been asked to take up the work immediately, said Siddaramaiah, who heads a Congress government.

Reddy said that IGP (Intelligence) B K Singh will head the SIT. Since dusk, candlelight vigils were held in Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram. Investigators pinned their hopes on the CCTV footage to get some clues about the identity of the killers. When asked about the evidence gathered so far, Siddaramaiah said there were four CCTV cameras installed at Gauris house, and one of them had caught the image of a person wearing a helmet entering the gate and firing at her after which she collapsed two to three feet away.

advertisement

Scores of journalists gathered at the Press Club of India in the national capital and demanded justice amid calls for standing up to "forces" trying to "muzzle" the voices of dissent.

Author and senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta termed the killing as "a defining moment" in the history of Indian media.

Journalists took out a march from the Press Club in Bengaluru to the Vidhana Soudha, the state secretariat, and submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking immediate action to bring the culprits to book.

"We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media," the memorandum said. Press Club of Bengaluru president Sadashiva Shenoy, who was closely associated with Gauri, said, "divisive forces cannot muzzle the liberal voices byresorting to killing."

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"We demand that a judicial committee should be constituted headed by a sitting high court judge to probe the brutal killing," Shenoy said. The Union Home Ministry also sought a report from the Karnataka government over the incident.

Gauris murder comes just days after the second anniversary of the killing of noted Kannada writer and rationalist Dr M MKalburgi (77), who fell to bullets fired by two unidentified men at his residence at Dharwad in north Karnataka on August 30, 2015.

Asked whether there was any similarity between the killings of Gauri and Kalburgi, Siddaramaiah said, "investigation is in the preliminary stage. It is true that it is an organised crime, let police look into it." Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said the "series of killings" of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives.

Echoing her views, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi asserted that anybody who speaks against the ideology of BJP and RSS, is "pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed." Union Minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari hit back, terming as "irresponsible, baseless and false" the Congress allegation seeking to link the killing of Gauri to the BJP or people following its ideology.

advertisement

Slamming the statements of Sonia and Rahul, he said levelling "untrue" allegations against the BJP is injustice to his party and detrimental to democracy.

"The present government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh," Gadkari told reporters. Another BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao accused Rahul of trying to seek "political capital" out of the murder,. After being in the mainstream media, working with The Times of India at its Bengaluru edition, Sunday magazine and a Telugu T V channel, Gauri took over the mantle from her father P Lankesh, a progressive writer, to run "Lankesh Patrike". A family feud led her to start her own tabloid "Gauri Lankesh Patrike" in 2005. With Left leanings, Gauri, an outspoken activist, was also actively involved in bringing Naxals into the mainstream and often came in conflict with rightwing outfits.PTI TEAM GSN BSA

--- ENDS ---
In 2016, 122 journalists and media professionals were killed globally, 93 of them in targeted killings while others in natural disasters and accidents.

Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, a well-known critic of the right wing forces, was shot dead at her house in Bengaluru.

By Praveen Shekhar: The brazen killing of noted journalist Gauri Lankesh, outside her house on Tuesday, has once again come back to haunt the fraternity of journalists in India. It was just two years ago that noted scholar MM Kalburgi was murdered in a similar fashion.

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF JOURNALISTS REPORT

According to an International Federation of Journalists annual report, in 2016, India saw the killings of Tarun Mishra, Bureau Chief of Jan Sandesh Times, died on 14 February; Indradev Yadav, Journalist with Taaza TV, on 16 May; Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief of Dainik Hindustan on 13 May; Kishore Dave, Bureau Chief of Jai Hind on 22 August and Dharmendra Singh, Correspondent of Dainik Bhaskar on 12 November.

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In 2016, 122 journalists and media professionals were killed globally, 93 of them in targeted killings while others in natural disasters and accidents. India witnessed death of five scribes and was eighth on a list topped by Iraq.

REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS REPORT

"Journalists are increasingly the targets of online smear campaigns by the most radical nationalists, who vilify them and even threaten physical reprisals," said Reporters Without Borders in its 2017 World Press Freedom ranking. The report put India at 136 in a list of 192, based on measuring the amount of freedom journalists in the country have."

COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS REPORT

The data on the killings of journalists from 1992-2017 by Committee to Protect Journalists, says that in India, 40 journalists have been killed with a confirmed motive, while 27 journalists have been killed in cases where the motive has not been confirmed.

GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER

The Committee to Protect Journalist listed India as one of the countries on its 'Impunity Index'. CPJ's Impunity Index calculates the number of unsolved murders over a 10-year period as a percentage of each country's population.

The detailed report on India counts 13 journalists killed over the last decade with complete impunity and suggested that these were mostly rural and small-town reporters who covered local corruption, crime and politics, and they were likely to face violence from criminal and political groups and government officials.

CPJ also says "In addition to failing to solve any journalist's murder, India has never responded to UNESCO's requests for the judicial status of journalist killings in the country."

JOURNALISTS KILLED IN RECENT PAST NOVEMBER 12, 2016: BIHAR: Dharmendra Singh - a 35-year-old reporter with vernacular newspaper Dainik Bhaskar - was killed by three motorcycle-borne people at Amratola, Sasaram NOVEMBER 11, 2016: BIHAR: Ramchandra Yadav, a journalist-turned-village head of Kewatgama panchayat in Darbhanga gunned down by unidentified miscreants AUGUST 22, 2016: Kishore Dave, Bureau Chief of Jai Hind, was stabbed repeatedly in the chest while he was writing a story MAY 16, 2016: Indradev Yadav, also known as Akhilesh Pratap Yadav,a Journalist with Taaza TV was shot dead by unidentified people near his home in Kolkata while he was on his motorcycle. MAY 13, 2016: Rajdeo Ranjan, Bureau Chief of Dainik Hindustan, shot dead in Bihar's Siwan when a group of five criminals on motorcycles shot two bullets at him when he was on his way home from office on a bike. FEBRUARY 14, 2016: Tarun Mishra, Bureau Chief of Jan Sandesh Times, was shot dead. OCTOBER 3, 2015: Hemant Yadav, was gunned down by unknown assailants on a motorbike in Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh. Yadav worked for the Hindi news channel TV 24. AUGUST 13, 2015: Sanjay Pathak a part-time reporter for a local Hindi daily in Bareilly district, was killed allegedly by two persons in August. JUNE 1, 2015: Jagendra Singh killed by setting him on fire in Shahjahanpur, U.P. Singh used to run a Facebook page called Shahjahanpur Samachar.

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Clearly, India continues to be extremely unsafe for journalists.

Also Read:

Gauri Lankesh murder: Attacker fired 7 bullets, 3 hit her, one on forehead

Gauri Lankesh murder: I&B minister Smriti Irani condemns her killing, calls for speedy investigation

Also Watch:

WATCH | When Lankesh said death threats had become 'a common factor' in Karnataka

--- ENDS ---

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Dear Editor,

I had to laugh at Olos reasons.

No control over your employees... dude?

Im beginning to dislike you and honestly, I liked you. If there are security issues with your bar then fix the damn thing.

Whats this bulls**t about no control over your employees, may I suggest sacking their stupid a**es out of a job?

Youre the boss, the buck stops with you. Fights at other places is not a justification for you to be blind and stupid at your own irresponsibility.

This is not the Cowboys and Indians of the wild west. Your security is there to protect your place, not the long arm of the law.

Can you enlighten the public on what grounds are you suing the board for the unfairness of the ruling upon your business?

Dont waste your breath on a stupid lawsuit, youre only wasting your time and money on nothing. The formula is nothing x time x money = nothing.

Steve
The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor, has promised protesters that their voice on West Papua will be heard by the leaders attending the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week.

Dame Meg delivered the promise when she personally appeared before protesters in front of Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel this morning where the meeting is taking place.

West Papua may not have had a seat at the Pacific Leaders Forum table this week but they were not forgotten by Samoans who showed up to demonstrate on their behalf.

The protest was led by prominent lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu.

Between 30-35 members of the New Zealand Dairy Workers Union, Samoa First Union, Pacific Climate Warriors and Free West Papua supporters, joined forces to demonstrate outside the P.I.Fs meeting.

Forum Secretariat Dame Meg Taylor came out to personally acknowledge the protestors before heading into the Sheraton.

Supporters of the moment chanted Freedom for West Papua and sang songs from the Mau making the connection back to our own ancestors struggle for Samoan Independence and Sovereignty.

The demonstrators made their message loud and clear to the delegates, leaders and onlookers this morning as P.I.F members made their way to the Sheraton to begin the first day of official talks after last nights opening.

The group was later asked to disperse an hour into their demonstration by Police Spokesperson Salaa Sale Salaa.

The group did not have a permit to protest.

Jerome Mika from the New Zealand Dairy Workers Union spoke with Salaa and agreed to leave the area until a permit could be processed.

The Free West Papua supporters were satisfied with their efforts this morning and will be aiming to return at the end of the business day hoping to catch the Leaders - and perhaps the worlds attentions again.
There is room for three more new member to be part of the Polynesian Leaders Group, one of the founding members Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi welcoming Wallis and Fatuna to the fold.

The French territorys is now the ninth member of the PLG since the group was formed six years ago in Apia.

And it was accepted with open arms during the PLGs annual meeting in Apia in the eve of opening the 48th annual Pacific Island Forum Leaders meeting.

But Tuilaepa reminded the group to expect more new members, with Hawaii, Easter Island and New Zealand Maoris in waiting.

The three potential members have formally registered interest to be included in the group and Tuilaepa urged the PLG to consider the three applications.

We need to be more formalized in our structure.

I think we have reached the stage where the issues have become sophisticated in some of these issues, said Tuilaepa. And we (PLG) are right at the center.

Other members of the PLG are French Polynesia, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands, Niue, American Samoa and Tokelau, while Easter Island and Hawaii attend as observers.

The PLG was brainchild by Tuilaepa who initiated a meeting with the leaders of Tonga, Tuvalu, the Cook Islands and Niue on the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Auckland in 2011.

The initial talks led to a second meeting in Apia in November that led to a memorandum of understanding formally establishing the Polynesian Leaders Group (PLG).

Announcing the launch, Tuilaepa said the member countries would work together through this group to seek a future for our Polynesian people and countries where cultures, traditions and values are honored and protected.

It target is for members to achieve sustainable economic prosperity, observe democratic values, human rights and to promote and protect as well as uphold the rule of law.

It was also designed for the countries to cooperate in the fields of education, culture and language, transport, environmental conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation, health, agriculture and fisheries, tourism, trade and investment.
The beautiful contestants of the McDonalds Miss Samoa Pageant 2017 visited two of the pageants sponsors, the Samoa Observer and Ford Samoa, yesterday.

Their first stop was at Vaitele at the Samoa Observer headquarters.

There, the contestants were welcomed by the Samoa Observers Owner and Editor-in-Chief, Gatoaitele Savea Sano Malifa.

Gatoaitele said the Samoa Observer is happy to be part of the pageant, which promotes Samoa to the world. He was grateful to everyone involved in organising and making sure the event continues.

The Samoa Observer is doing its part to make sure that we have a pageant like this and we have to be very thankful for those who are involved, he said.

Our country is a small country, a peaceful country, a beautiful country, and looking at you, we are proud to know that you are part of that country, that you are daughters of that country. Having said that, I wish you all the best.

The contestants were given Our Heritage, the Ocean books as gifts from Gatoaitele.

Miss Samoa Victoria, Adele Faaosofia, acknowledged him on behalf of all the other contestants.

The contestants then visited Ford Samoa where they were welcomed by Finance Director, Georgina Lui.

Were proud supporters of the Miss Samoa, she said.

We are your transport sponsor and thats our support to Miss Samoa and were very happy to be linked to the Miss Samoa.

Miss Samoa N.S.W., Fasi Faitafa Liolevave, acknowledged Ford on behalf of all the other contestants.

Nine contestants are vying for the crown with the Miss Samoa Pageant 2017 finale on Saturday, this week.
Its hard to believe, but in 2017, there are still people living without electricity in Samoa.

Tavae Faigafa, 34, of Samusu, is among them. He and his young family live inland at Samusu.

Tavae is a father of three. He used to work but he found travelling to and from his job too difficult and with very little pay, he decided to stay home.

That leaves his wife, who works at a shop in Fagalii, as the sole bread winner for the family. Because of the distance, she spends the weekdays at Fagalii, only coming home during the weekends.

The family said they have been at their new house for six months.

Despite not having electricity, Tavae is not fussed.

At the moment, we can still manage, he said.

Light is not a problem, we still use kerosene lamps and other forms of light.

For now, me and my wife are saving up money so we can build a better home. Its only when weve finished building our home that we will consider getting electricity.

For us, its about taking one step at a time, working through it step by step.

At home, Tavae has a plantation.

He harvests the crops and sells them for their upkeep.

Its only a little money but its still a help for my family, he said. My responsibility is to work on our plantation and gather coconuts, then sell them to my regular customers or people who want crops.

Also, to help out with our living costs, I sell vegetables from my plantation -- mainly cucumbers, cabbages and tomatoes

This is my way of contributing.

Tavae was asked why he chose to stay home and let his wife work instead.

Its true that men were supposed to work while women stay home to take care of the children and do basic chores, like cooking, laundry and other chores, he said.

However, it is not the case for me. My wife is from Faleula and this is my village, Samusu, so for that reason, I cant let my wife stay here alone with our children because she is not familiar with our village environment.

I believe its safer for her to work and come back home on weekends while I stay here and look after our children.

The 34-year-old added that they dont have regular access to water and they fetch it from other families.

We fetch water every day, he said.

I hope to get our water connected to main water supply soon.
Avele Aumua is a father of four.

He owns a plantation at Aleipata but he and his family live at Matatufu.

When the Village Voice caught up with Mr. Aumua, he was working on his plantation. He says his work is the continuation of a legacy left by his folks, who were also farmers.

The main purpose of this is that if we cant get a good jo, or do well in school, then its time to return to the soil, he told the Village Voice.

This is the life of most of us are living in the rural areas and this is how we provide for our families and especially, our children.

I have come to continue the work of our forefathers who worked so hard back in the day, through their plantations, so that they could provide for their families.

Aumua said he does not live around the area -- he and his wife and children live on the other side -- and he only comes here because of his plantation.

I come from a very wealthy family, one of my brothers is the Assistant Commissioner at Poutasi Falealili, my sister works at A.N.Z. Bank in Vaitele, and my other brother owns a shop at Saleapaga; the other little ones help out with our mother at home as our father has passed away already.

Our mother is a strong woman and she is a teacher at Lotofaga Primary School.

So you see, my family is wealthy but for me, I believe that this is where I belong and I can provide for my family in so many ways through my plantation.

I love doing this and I believe that farming is a profession of hope.

Aumua went on to say that last week he took his taro to the market because it was their congregations yearly offering (faigataulaga).

I took about 260 taro to the market and I was able to make $680 Tala in just one day, he told the Village Voice.

That money went on our offering and the rest went on the kids school fees, as well as their lunches because as you know, if the kids lunch is not okay, they wont be okay to go to school.

There are also some people here who want a tau talo so I would give it to them for $20 Tala; I would say that I get more money in a day than some people who work in an office.

Aumua was also asked if it had ever crossed his mind to become involved in the government programme of exporting goods overseas, such as taro, but he said he doesnt want to.

I have thought about it but there is a reason I decided not to, he said.

The demand is very fast and it will ruin my plantation because even though my taro may not yet be ready to harvest, they would need it -- as a farmer, I have to think of the hard work that I have put in to my plantation.

We should be thinking of the sweat and working in the sun and rainy days; whether taking the taro as it is would be worth it.

So thats why I have decided not to join. Its good for those who have big plantations but as for me, I dont think its worth it and I would rather be satisfied with the quality of the taro than getting heaps of money when the quality is not good.
The Small Island States (S.I.S.) Leaders Meeting kicked off a series of meetings in the build up to the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Apia, which was officially opened last night.

Members of S.I.S. include Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau and Tuvalu. The Smaller Island States grouping was established in 2005 to facilitate special assistance to those Forum countries that experience limited development capacity and a fragile and vulnerable environment.

Later on Monday, the Polynesian Leaders Group held their meeting at the same hotel. Yesterdays proceedings started with the Pacific A.C.P. Leaders Meeting, prior to the official opening last night.

Hundreds of delegates are in Samoa for the Forum. Here are just some of the faces. Photos: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
Re: U.S. envoy tells UN: North Korean leader is begging for war

What the media has failed to mention about the North Korea missile test, is that for the last three weeks, Japan, South Korea and the US have been engaged in large-scale joint-military drills on Hokkaido Island and in South Korea.

These needlessly provocative war games are designed to simulate an invasion of North Korea and a decapitation operation to remove the regime.

Kim Jong-un has asked the US repeatedly to end these military exercises, but the US has refused.

The US reserves the right to threaten anyone, anytime and anywhere even right on their doorstep. Its part of what makes the US exceptional.

Mike Whitney
A day after the killing of activist-journalist Gauri Lankesh, Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani condemned the attack.

By India Today Web Desk: Information and Broadcasting minister Smriti Irani condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh today morning. Smriti Irani called for a speedy probe in her murder.

Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted & justice delivered. Condolences to the family.- Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) September 6, 2017

Gauri Lankesh, editor of weekly Kannada tabloid magazine Lankesh Patrike, columnist in newspapers, a panelist on TV channels and an activist, was shot dead outside her house in Bengaluru on Tuesday night.

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According to sources, the attackers followed Lankesh after she left work at 7.30, and attacked her right when she was entering her house.

"A total of seven bullets were fired out of which four missed the target and hit the wall of the house. Three bullets had hit her - two in her chest area and one in the forehead," Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar said.

The Editors Guild of India also condemned the attack and has launched a campaign deamanding judicial probe into her killing.

"The Editors Guild of India is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the murder of Gauri Lankesh, senior journalist and Editor, Lankesh Patrike. Gauri Lankesh was a known critic of the Central government on key issues and had fearlessly expressed her views in the newspaper she edited as well as in other forums. Her killing is an ominous portent for dissent in democracy and a brutal assault on the freedom of the press. The Editors Guild of India demands that the Karnataka Government acts with alacrity to bring the culprits to justice apart from instituting a judicial probe into the killing."

Meanwhile, The Press Club of India (PCI), the Press Association and Indian Women Press Corps condemned what they called a "dastardly and outrageous armed attack", and called for protest march .

"A fearless and independent journalist who gave voice to many causes and always stood up for justice has been shot dead in a most brutal manner in order to silence her voice," the three organisations said in a joint statement.

The PCI, the Press Association and Indian Women Press Corps will hold a protest meet at 3 pm today in Delhi. Protests are already underway in Bengaluru and Mangalore

PROBE INTO GAURI LANKESH'S MURDER

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also condemned the killing and said that Lankesh's murder is an "assassination on democracy".

In fact, this is an assassination on democracy. In her passing, Karnataka has lost a strong progressive voice, and I have lost a friend.- Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) September 5, 2017

Karnataka Police has launched a manhunt to nab Gauri Lankesh's killers.

"The three special teams set up to crack the case are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are taking the movements of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders," Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) MN Anucheth told IANS.

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"We have alerted our counterparts in the neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu as well," said Anucheth.

Also Read

Protests planned across country over Gauri Lankesh's murder, Press Club calls attack outrageous, dastardly

Gauri Lankesh murder: Attacker fired 7 bullets, 3 hit her, one on forehead

WATCH VIDEO | Gauri Lankesh's murder: Bengaluru top cop says probing all angles, attacker was wearing helmet

--- ENDS ---
The European Union and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (P.I.F.S.) signed a funding agreement of 13 million euros to address the root causes of gender inequality and violence against women and girls in the Pacific.

The signing ceremony was held at the P.I.F.S. Media Center at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel where the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting is taking place.

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor, said the signing is significant.

Recognising the high levels of violence against women in our region, this assistance is timely and will effectively assist the region in concretely addressing this issue, she said.

It is now five years since our Leaders adopted the Gender Equality Declaration in the Cook Islands. The Declaration highlighted, amongst other things, the importance of implementing progressive and holistic packages of essential services for women and girls who are survivors of violence.

Furthermore, the Declaration encourages the development of legislation for violence against women across the region.

She said with this funding, the European Union recognises the importance of addressing gender inequality and violence against women. Violence against women is a complex and multi-dimensional issue.

It requires support from civil society, faith based groups, the private sector, government and development partners  we all have an important part to play. According to Taylor the support for the Pacific women will build on and strengthen our regions common commitment to ending violence against women.

According to press statement, Australia will provide an additional EUR 5 million (AUD 6.5 million) to this program, which will further strengthen the EU-Australia cooperation to support Pacific responses to gender inequality in the region.

The program will support activities at the regional level as well as in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Ambassador Jacobs reaffirmed the role of the EU as a reliable partner of the Pacific and highlighted its commitment to jointly tackling gender inequality in the Pacific region.

''The EU is committed to working alongside its partners in the Pacific region to improve gender equality.

Pacific leaders have acknowledged that gender inequality is imposing a high personal, social and economic cost - the time to act is now! Together, we must work to enhance awareness and practice of respectful relationships, ensure equal opportunities in life for women, men, girls and boys, and increase access to relevant services for women and girls who have suffered violence,'' said Ambassador Jacobs.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and American Samoa Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga met on the side of the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting yesterday. But both leaders have declined to comment on the issues they talked about, according to a media statement issued by the government last night.

The media statement says that out of respect for his American Samoa counterpart, Prime Minister Tuilaepa has declined to reveal details of their closed-door meeting.

He only revealed that they have agreed to proceed with the 2 Samoa talks in Apia in early October.

After the talks in Apia, all will be revealed, he said.

Among the long outstanding issues expected to be addressed then includes Trade and Economic Integration, Agriculture, Immigration, Health, Education, Transport, Telecommunication, and Tourism.

In terms of exports, the Agricultural Sector remains optimistic that their American Samoa counterparts will assist with a request from Apia to the United States Department of Agriculture to certify the two mobile abattoirs and the soon to be built permanent and Central Abattoir that will open up the lucrative meat export markets to the United States via American Samoa.

And of course, the taro ban imposed by the territory on taro exports although Samoa officials have furnished the clearance from lab tests in Germany clearing local taro from any threatening disease.

Then there is the Tui-Samoa fiber optic cable that Prime Minister Tuilaepa is hoping for the territorial government to come to the negotiating table and become part of the Tui-Samoa family which now includes neighboring Pacific Island countries.

The target is for improvement on telecommunication connectivity at affordable rates for residents of the 2-Samoas.

Immigration issues which include the current reciprocal permit regime between the two countries is another issue expected to be revisited during the talks in bids to minimize the red tape in processing entry permits.

The long awaited trade agreement that would be mutually beneficial to Samoa and American Samoa.

The talks is geared at providing focus areas that includes the identification of improvements to the immigration, customs, taxes, business creation, and foreign investment rules of the countries that would benefit economic integration.
The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg Taylor, has promised protesters that their voice on West Papua will be heard by the leaders attending the 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting this week.

Dame Meg delivered the promise when she personally appeared before protesters in front of Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel yesterday.

Led by Jerome Mika and Unasa Iuni Sapolu, members of Samoa First Union and Pacific Climate Warriors demonstrated in a passionate display of solidarity with West Papua - a country that has been occupied by the Indonesian government since 1963 and whose people have experienced brutal abuse by its military police.

Between 30-35 members of the New Zealand Dairy Workers Union, Samoa First Union, Pacific Climate Warriors and Free West Papua supporters, joined forces to demonstrate outside the P.I.Fs meeting.

Unasa had a message for Pacific Leaders and in particular Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Honourable Prime Minister of Samoa, stand up, she said. Stand up for the future of millions of people who are being oppressed in the Pasefika.

Okay we might get a few dollars for not standing up because weve got to go with the mainstream donors but thats not going to get us anywhere.

Its not going to get the peoples human rights anywhere. You know how we sang the song earlier on about the Mau? Well, we are now fighting for the other members of the Pasefika family.

The memory of the Mau movement was not far from peoples minds and the Free West Papua movement were not going to let people forget it either as the group sang Tamasese and chanted Free West Papua ,Samoa mo West Papua to stunned on lookers.

As Pacific leaders come together this week to engage in talks of cooperation that enhance Pacific security and prosperity, the Samoan wing of the West Papua movement wanted to remind and urge P.I.F members that freedom for all Pacific Islands should be at the top of their priority list.

And they did get the attention of someone very important earlier than they expected

In a bold move, the Secretary General Dame Meg came out to personally acknowledge the demonstrators and assure them that their voices would be heard. The demonstrations continued once Dame Meg returned to the Forum

Jerome Mika, a representative from the New Zealand Dairy Union explained that it was important for Samoa, a nation who understands the path of struggle for Independence to add their voice in demanding the de-colonisation of West Papua.

I think its really important even as a nation of Samoa, he said.

Weve enjoyed our independence since 62 and the whole thing with West Papua is, they have been colonised since 1963.

So its a really important thing that we stand with them. We enjoy our independence but we should also be standing up for our Pacific brothers and sisters of West Papua.

We are calling on Samoa to add their voice to the decolonisation of West Papua. We think its important that there are some issues around the world to deal with but we should be looking after our Pacific cousins in our background.

Many Samoans waking up and going to work may have been confused by yesterdays energetic disruptions.

But both Mika and Unasa thought it was necessary to spread awareness within our communities all the way up to the national and international governments.

We have got to put pressure on the Pacific Forum, said Unasa.

They are the ones who are at the height of discussions of these sorts of issues. Dont just talk about money, dont just talk about jobs lets talk about the freedom of all Pacific islands.

For Melanesians and for the Micronesians who have been battered by military and obviously Korea with Guam. Lets just stand up collectively as the people of the Pacific, dont just sit back and relax and have a holiday in Samoa.

There are deeper issues at hand, the issues of Indigenous freedom and weve got to fight for those freedoms.

The Free West Papua Group was asked to disperse due to being unable to produce a permit for demonstrating in a public space.

Spokesperson for Police, Salaa Sale Salaa warned the group that their demonstration was unlawful under the Crimes Act .

They were asked to apply for a permit for another demonstration that the group had scheduled at 4pm.
The Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland QC, will release a report on a study, which examines whether current development strategies set the Pacific islands region on the right track.

The report on A Sustainable Future for Small States: Pacific 2050 is to be released by the Commonwealth today at 48th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel.

Secretary General Scotland has been in the country since Sunday.

Yesterday, she met with the Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, following a meeting with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi the day before.

Today, she is expected to address Forum participants during one of the panel sessions where she will discuss the report.

The Pacific 2050 report promotes innovative approaches to ocean governance, said Patricia Scotland QC.

The study examines whether current development strategies set the Pacific islands region on the right track.

While some Commonwealth small states might achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the report notes that others will miss their S.D.G's even by 2050.

The Pacific 2050 report calls for improvements in key areas.

These include strengthening political will, addressing data challenges, strengthening governance at all levels; establishing effective partnerships; securing sustainable finance; enhancing capacity development, and accounting for population dynamics.

While in Apia, the Commonwealth Secretariat is also promoting a A Blue Charter to guide oceans development, as part of a wider effort to promote sustainability.

The Blue Charter is based on principles in the Charter of the Commonwealth, said Ms. Scotland.

It has particular relevance for small island states, whose main territorial assets are the oceans and their exclusive economic zones.

The charter will promote responsible and sustainable use of the oceans.

This will be actioned through principles agreed upon by governments; toolkits for managers, and information sharing hubs.

The charter is one of several Commonwealth initiatives being promoted by the Secretary General at the Forum this week.
The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Miroslav Jenca, is in Samoa. He was warmly welcomed by the U.N. Resident Coordinator, Lizbeth Cullity, to address all U.N. personnel at the F.A.O. Conference Room yesterday.

In his address, he underscored several important messages and answered questions from the U.N. personnel. In particular, he emphasized the growing importance of the Pacific Sub-Region.

The Pacific becomes more and more relevant as highlighted in the SAMOA Pathway with commitments to the 2030 Agenda and in the context of Pacific regionalism, he said.

He highlighted the U.N. Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres priorities of:

(i) prevention in terms of building resilience (preparedness viz a viz natural disaster, climate change, NCDs, and so on) and

(ii) (ii) conflict prevention (e.g. in Solomon Islands and PNG).

At present the SG is focused primarily on three schemes of which reform of the peace and security architecture in the UN (with emphasis on prevention and early warning), being one of them.

He has already met with the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi of which he was astounded by the P.M.s offer of more adjacent buildings to the U.N. if the building offered was not big enough.

He regarded this as a significant show of confidence the Samoa Government has in the United Nations in Samoa and stands out as a positive note.

He also reassured U.N. personnel that despite funding cuts to the U.N. from some Member States, the cuts would unlikely be as severe as had been previously reported.

The A.S.G. is currently in the country for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting held this week in Apia and will depart at the end of the week.
The work of eight journalists and six organizations  including government ministries - were honoured yesterday by Conservation International.

One of the Global Conservation International Awards was presented to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, for her leadership on Oceans and Climate Change.

Two Samoa Observer Reporters were also awarded in the media category of the awards. Chief Reporter Joyetter Feagaimaalii-Luamanu and Aruna Lolani received C.I. Awards along with other colleagues from the media.

Mrs. Luamanu was awarded for her coverage of Oceans and Climate change as an issue that threatens livelihoods in Samoa while Ms. Lolani received the award for best news feature on ocean health national coordination.

Global Conservation International C.E.O, Dr. Sanjayan congratulated the recipients.

I am pleased to be here to present these awards to you as part of Conservation Internationals continuous engagement with the people and Government of Samoa, said Dr. Sanjayan.

Acknowledging your hard work through Government, N.G.Os, Private Sector and the media is something we take pride on because it is through our partnerships with you that we can continue to conserve and protect what is important to the Samoan islands, your rich and diverse ecosystems and environment."

I acknowledge the government of Samoa through the Ministry of National Resource and Environment for the partnership we have had for many years in conservation."

To our N.G.O. partners Samoa Conservation Society and Samoa Voyaging Society thank you for letting us be a part of your journey and our journey together."

To our friends in the media, this work is important we all know this, but your work is integral to ensuring that our communities are informed and are aware of how they can play their part and how we can work together in conservation.

AWARD WINNERS

NATIONAL PARTNER AWARD:

 Fiame Naomi Mataafa  Minister of M.N.R.E for her leadership on oceans and climate change and key national stewardship role at the national and regional level.

 M.N.R.E.

 Ministry of Agriculture  Fisheries Division

 Samoa Voyaging Society

 Samoa Conservation Society

 Youth Climate Action Network

MEDIA AWARD:

 Joyetter Luamanu  Samoa Observer

 Aruna Lolani  Samoa Observer

 Mila Muliagatele  TV3

 Jack Seumanutafa  TV1

 Matilda Nuulua Faleafa  EFKS TV

 Radio Polynesia

 Seia Ualesi  Savali Newspaper

 Tipi Autagavaia  RNZI
The winner of the 2017 Miss Samoa Pageant will receive 12 months free medical care from one of the most sought after private doctors in the country, Dr. Tanyamarie Petaia.

The offer was made yesterday during a session on health as part of the road to the Miss Samoa Pageants finale on Saturday night.

But that was not the most important part. Dr. Petaia is the Clinical Director and owner of Plaza Healthcare Medical Clinic (formally known as Savalalo Medical Clinic). A qualified pediatrician, Dr. Petaia now works as a General practitioner and one of the eight doctors from all over the world to sit on the Global Medical Advisory Committee at Washington D.C.

The discussion yesterday was frank and to the point.

The rate of unwanted pregnancies in Samoa is on the rise and we not only need to realize the consequences but also the impact on your life and that of your families, she told the contestants.

So arm yourself with the knowledge on what is available on the market, talk with a trusted ally. There are a few of us who are female medical doctors around so come and talk to us if you want to learn about protection and all the other methods because you can pass on this knowledge to your other friends.

Sexually transmitted diseases is another major problem.

The increasing number of sexually transmitted diseases is alarming and theyre getting younger and younger and younger.

I just want to share this with you; two days ago I was on my way to the wharf to pick up somebody from the first boat. On the way back, just passed the Chinese Construction company; there were like ten young Samoan females; walking out of that gate; I can only conclude one thing and these are the hot spots that the Ministry of Health has to target.

About her journey, Dr. Petaia said becoming a doctor was not an easy path. It was very challenging for her especially when she entered a male dominated profession.

For me, being one of the few female U.P.Y. (University Preparatory Year) Science students back then was hard and when we wanted to go into Medicine; there were 12 of us and there were only four scholarships so some of us had to opt for other options.

When I did get into Medical School; the thought of six years was daunting enough and I havent even started first year. It wasnt an easy road; in fact the struggle was very real. After the tribulations and the celebrations of graduation; reality sunk in when I entered into a male oriented field.

We also met some resistance from our own female counterparts; it was very hard trying to get on the nurses good side. They didnt like getting told or being dictated by a female doctor.

And in the first six months of working; I depended on my parents because my paycheque came after six months and some of the clients or patients especially the relatives did not say the nicest things.

In life, there will always be challenges.

Im sure one of you is dreaming of becoming Miss Samoa then who knows Miss Pacific Islands and then theres the Miss World. Whatever it is; one thing we might all have in common is that we wish that life is stress-free and free of all the struggles, Dr. Petaia said.

But in this life; whatever difficulties we may go through, it is rare to give anything in life without some little effort unless of course were winning the lottery.

One of proudest moments was becoming a mother.

Ive been blessed with two gorgeous boys; 3 and 4. I had my first baby at 39. I celebrated my big 40 with my second one. In fact they are only 13 month apart, she said.

I am here today not as a doctor, not as a guest speaker but Id like to think that I can be a motivator in encouraging you to keep moving forward, keep reaching for your dreams, whatever that may be, dont stop when you reach a hurdle. Dont give up when its not going your way. You can make it better.

Dr. Tanyamarie Petaua wears many hats in her profession.

A board member of the Loto Taumafai, she is also the Medical Doctor for the Special Olympics Samoa; and the President Elect for the Samoa Medical Association, Clinical Director for the Digicel Medical Outreach, and also a panel doctor for the Immigration New Zealand amongst others.
The nine contestants of the McDonalds Miss Samoa Pageant 2017 are counting down to the big moment when the winner will be announced on Saturday night.

Yesterday as part of the pre-pageant programme, the contestants visited the Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B.) as well as McDonalds Family Restaurant, who are key sponsors of the Pageant.

At S.S.A.Bs Megastore, Togafuafua, the contestants were welcomed by the President of the S.S.A.B. Group, Fiti Leung Wai. She encouraged the contestants and wished them all the best.

I am a lawyer by profession but have opted to become a businesswoman, said Mrs. Leung Wai. I juggle life as a mother and running a business which employs 150 people in three countries.

My major project at the moment is establishing a bed factory in Samoa to try and employ some of our people who used to work for Yazaki. Why am I sharing this with you? I am sharing this with you as I want you to know that we girls can do anything when we have God with us.

There is a popular Samoa Proverb. E au le inailau a tamaitai. This Samoan saying originated from the village of Falealupo. Literally, the proverb means The womens row of thatch was completed but metaphorically, the proverb reflects the strength of the tamaitai Samoa whose legacy is that of total achievement. O tatou o teine Samoa, e fai mea mafai ma fai mea maeaea. (Read Mrs. Leung Wais speech)

The second stop for the contestants was McDonalds Family Restaurant where the girls were welcomed by the Acting General Manager, Herbert Tautolo.

Its definitely an exciting time for us, he said. Were honored to be able to be named as the main sponsor for the Miss Samoa Pageant.

Not only all of them are beautiful but they are well educated which is an important message we stand behind.

Herbert said the Chief Executive Officer of McDonalds Charlie Tautolo strongly believes in giving back to the community.

So you know any chance that he has to give back; he will and this is just another example of that.

The pageants finale will be on Saturday night at Gym 1, Tuanaimato.
A 20-foot container full of donated equipment was opened yesterday at the Yazaki EDS Samoa factory in Vaitele.

Representatives from the Rotary Club of Apia and Yazaki gathered to open up the container for distribution of selected items to be delivered to the Mapuifagalele Rest Home in Vailele and also to the Samoa Cancer Society.

Items from the container include wheelchairs, walking frames, crutches, commodes and assorted seating.

Representing the Cancer Society were Faavaivaiomanu Fiu, Manoifoa Afamasaga and Doris Tulifau.

Funefeai Oliva Vaai represented Yazaki. He has been the key coordinator for the donated equipment coming into Samoa through Yazaki.

Between himself and Fred Fawke from the Rotary Club of Belconnen in Canberra, they have managed to facilitate two container deliveries.

From Canberra, Fawke has been the driving force behind this, the second such container to be delivered to Samoa.

Fawke leads a dedicated group of Rotarians and other volunteers called Donations in Kind.

The goods were obtained from a number of sources within the ACT community. They are often, as in the case of the tilt wheelchairs, given by the families of deceased persons who are anxious that use is made of items that would otherwise be disposed of for scrap metal or as general waste, said Fawke.

A wide range of community minded individuals, government employees and agencies refer donors to the Rotary Club of Belconnen and District Donations in Kind as they are aware of our operations both within the community to recycle medical aids and when excess items become available arrange for their transfer overseas.

Yazaki EDS Samoa provided free freight, warehousing of the container and safe storage until the container could be accessed for distribution.

Yesterday, one of the recipients for equipment was the Mapuifagalele Rest Home. Rotary Club of Apia has arranged transport to have the equipment delivered to the home.

The other recipient organisation receiving some of the equipment is the Samoa Cancer Society. Talks between Cancer Societys Executive Officer, Shelley Burich and Rotary identified a need for certain items.

The needs of some of the Cancer Societys patients vary considerably.

Having access to medical and mobility equipment that can be utilised for cancer patients at home, has been an ongoing priority for the Samoa Cancer Society, as it enables patients and their families the ability to live in a comfortable and qualitative environment at home during their cancer journey, said Ms. Burich.

Second-hand hospital beds and wheelchairs are always at the top of a familys list of needs for their loved one. So many of our patients have nothing more than a mattress on the floor which can be a challenge not only for the patient to be more mobile and comfortable but for the family as well, when they need to move and turn them.

The equipment donated today by Rotary Samoa and Australia, is greatly appreciated and we are extremely grateful that it will help give comfort and mobility for our cancer patients and their families. We thank the Rotarians and their network of individuals and organisations for thinking of the Samoa Cancer Society as a recipient for these items and acknowledge their support to palliative care in Samoa.

It is hoped that the continuation of the Donations in Kind program delivering medical equipment into Samoa will continue despite the recent closing down of the Yazaki plant.

Fawke and the team at Donations in Kind have high praise for the support and assistance that Yazaki EDS Samoa have provided over the years.

The cooperation of Yazaki in the transfer of goods has been the essential element of the operation that facilitated Rotary in meeting its aim of, Service above Self to the needy in the community.

The Rotary Club of Apia expresses their deep gratitude to Yazaki EDS Samoa for their valuable assistance in helping our community, and also to the Rotary Club of Belconnen, especially Fred Fawke and his team at Donations in Kind for their continual help and support to the people of Samoa.
Samoa is blessed by the Polynesian Leaders Group (P.L.G.) to proceed with full speed and develop the One Polynesia I.C.T. policy.

Tabled at the groups meeting in Apia this week, the One Polynesia document is designed to overcome the expensive cost of internet facing the 9 P.L.G. member countries.

The challenge that we have is that we lack buying power, says Chairman of the Tui-Samoa Cable, Pepe Christian Fruean. in his presentation to the group.

We go to the market as individual countries and as individual countries we are buying in increments.

Basically the cost for per megabit is $65 US dollars but if we were to work as a buying group we are able to aggregate all our capacity to achieve cost reductions to a dollar 75cents US per megabit.

Unless we make changes from how we purchase, we cant support the digital change that we are looking for because it cost too much.

For example he noted that four Pacific Island countries are already connected to the Tui-Samoa Cable which will provide wholesale purchasing leverage.

For Samoa just by reducing the price of internet we will be able to stimulate our economy by 30 US million dollars a year and its not insignificant that by reducing the price we are improving the livelihood of our people , offering new employment opportunities etc.

Another opportunity for the wholesale buying power to be best put into practice is the Manatua Consortium, a partnership connecting Tahiti, Cook Islands Niue and Samoa and will complement the Tui-Samoa and other cables in the region.

The One Polynesia Policy will also provide back-up for the fiber optic network that will ensure back-up support is available.

And Samoas ingenuity did not go unnoticed with praises from Tuvalus Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga.

They are innovative ideas and they support the Groups aspirations. Why not? said the Premier.

Thats the whole idea of partnerships.

For small islands like Tuvalu with big oceans between the islands, communications is extremely important, its critical.

I am thrilled and fully support any means to improve my countrys I.C.T. capacity. It will provide feeling of security amongst the people particularly those on the outer islands.
After Punjab Police seized and searched Dera Sacha Sauda in Sangrur, Punjab, they found a metallic yellow Porsche Cayenne GTS worth Rs 1.43 crore parked and hidden inside a specially designed aluminium cabin.

By India Today Web Desk: Since Gurmeet Ram Rahim's conviction, it has been a deluge of revelations. The once self-styled godman has many things to worry as they come back to haunt him.

One revelations hails from Sangrur in Punjab. At the Dera Sacha Sauda in Sangrur, an expensive Porsche stood for six months. It was made sure that the Porsche Cayenne GTS worth Rs 1.43 crore was parked inside a specially designed cabin made of aluminium.

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The expensive car was parked inside the aluminium cabin so as to hide it from the world.

After Punjab - Haryana High Court ordered a search and the Dera in Sangrur was seized and thoroughly scanned, it shed light upon the Porsche Cayenne GTS with Haryana registration HR 24T 0025.

Porsche Cayenne GTS found in Sangrur

What comes as a surprise is that the local administration is devoid of any information on the car.

People involved in keeping the car a secret also made sure that they have safely put the papers and documents of the car out of sight so as to hide the identity of the owner of the Porsche in question.

Punjab Police in their efforts also contacted the automobile company Porsche in order to find out if the owner of the expensive car is Gurmeet Ram Rahim or one of his family members.

The expensive Porsche Cayenne GTS dons a metallic yellow colour. The metallic colour comes at an extra cost of Rs 8 lakh.

According to Punjab Police, the car was deliberately concealed at Dera in Sangrur and was Gurmeet's one of the expensive toys meant for satisfying his extravagance, which is an antithesis of his present condition in jail.

The police suspects that to avoid the tax, Gurmeet hid the car in Sangrur, Punjab.

Sangrur DC Amar Pratap Singh Virk said that the local administration is trying to collate all information about the newfound Porsche Cayenne GTS.

FYI || Truth behind rape convict Gurmeet Singh's chopper photo that went viral ||

FYI || Like father, like daughter: Diving deep into Honeypreet Singh Insan's social media accounts ||

WATCH: Exclusive: Inside look of Dera chief Ram Rahim's luxury headquarters in Sirsa

--- ENDS ---
An experimental drug for type 2 diabetes significantly and safely lowered blood glucose, San Diego drug developer Ligand Pharmaceuticals said Tuesday. The results open a path for further testing, and if all goes well, to approval of the drug.

Ligand is looking for a partner to commercialize the drug, named for now LGD-6972. Patients can monitor Ligands website at www.ligand.com for any updates on the drugs status.

A total of 166 people took part in the study. They were assigned to one of four groups, three with different doses of the drug given daily for 12 weeks. The fourth group took a placebo.

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The primary target was change in the hemoglobin A1c test, which measures the amount of glucose bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells. This indicates the average level of blood glucose over the past two to three months.

Those taking 5mg of LGD-6972 experienced a reduction of 0.9 percent; those taking 10mg had a 0.92 percent reduction, and those taking 15mg had a 1.2 percent reduction. In the placebo group, the level fell 0.15 percent.

No serious drug-related adverse events were detected, Ligand said.

More detailed results from the Phase 2 study will be reported at scientific conferences and in a publication, Ligand said in a statement.

The drug acts against the hormone glucagon, which tells the liver to make glucose. By inhibiting or antagonizing glucagon, the drug reduces the level of blood sugar.

Those with type 2 diabetes make insulin. However, their body doesnt respond efficiently to it, a state known as insulin resistance. This makes them vulnerable to excessive blood glucose, which causes a variety of health problems.

Efforts to treat type 2 diabetes often focus on re-sensitizing the body to insulin. A glucagon antagonist represents a new approach, said two University of California San Diego diabetes experts quoted in the statement.

A safe and effective small molecule glucagon receptor antagonist would be a major advancement in the treatment of type 2 diabetes  said UC San Diego professor of medicine Robert Henry, M.D. He is also director of the Center for Metabolic Research at VA San Diego Healthcare system.

Moreover, such an inhibitor could help with type 1 diabetes, said study leader Jeremy Pettus, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine in endocrinology at UCSD.

Whether development for type 1 diabetes also takes place will be determined later, Ligand CEO John Higgins said in the statement.

We look forward to presenting the full data set at an upcoming conference and to exploring potential partnership opportunities for this program, Higgins said.

Shares of Ligand closed Wednesday at $133.55 each, up $2.68 for the day. On Jan. 3, Ligand closed at $102.50.

Science Playlist  On Now In a first, scientists rid human embryos of a potentially fatal gene mutation by editing their DNA On Now Space station flyovers visible from San Diego this week 0:55 On Now UCSD's 'ghost drivers' begin testing people's reaction seemingly empty cars 1:29 On Now 10 interesting facts about Mars On Now Kids can add years to your life On Now LA 90: SpaceX launches recycled rocket On Now Big passions, big giving: Malin Burnham 2:30 On Now Big passions, big giving: Darlene Shiley 2:40 On Now Big passions, big giving: Joan and Irwin Jacobs 2:45 On Now Ocean temperatures warming at rapid rate, study finds

bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1020
There are still hurdles remaining but Sempra Energys massive acquisition of the company with the largest electric transmission and distribution system in Texas took a big step toward becoming reality Wednesday.

A judge in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware approved a merger agreement Sempra entered into with Energy Future Holdings Corp., the bankrupt parent of Oncor Electric Delivery Company.

In a deal last month that received national attention, Sempra swooped in and bested an offer from legendary billionaire Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway investment firm by promising to pay $9.45 billion in cash to pick up Oncor.

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Berkshire Hathaway had offered $9 billion.

Oncor is a well-managed, top-tier utility, operating in one of the strongest U.S. growth markets, Debra Reed, Sempra CEO said in a statement after the judge signed off on the deal. We believe it will be an excellent strategic fit with our portfolio of utility and energy infrastructure businesses, while opening up a new avenue for our long-term growth.

Next up for Reed and Sempra executives is receiving approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which has blocked two other offers made by prospective suitors.

The San Diego-based Fortune 500 company and Oncor are expected to make a regulatory filing with the commission in October in a joint application.

Under the terms of the deal, Sempra will acquire Energy Future and its 80 percent ownership stake in Oncor. Energy Future, based in Dallas, filed for bankruptcy in 2014, beset by low natural gas prices that made its company debt unsustainable.

However, Oncor has been called a jewel asset by some energy analysts for its steady performance. In 2016, Oncor posted $431 million of profit and earned similar returns in three years prior.

Sempra officials hope to complete the transaction in the first half of 2018 and add to earnings at the start of next year. Executives have received financing commitments from RBC Capital Markets and Morgan Stanley to help fund the acquisition.

Sempra has promised to keep Oncor in Dallas, maintain the independence of Oncors board of directors and will keep in place ring-fence measures to help insulate Oncor from Energy Futures bankruptcy proceedings.

The deal is the biggest ever for Sempra, which was founded in 1998. Sempra, whose subsidiaries include San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas, had 2016 revenues of more than $10 billion.

Oncor employs nearly 4,000 workers and delivers power to 3.4 million homes and businesses in Texas, with transmission and distribution lines covering some 122,000 miles.

Business

rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski

ALSO

Sempra makes a big splash, buying Texas power company

Sempra buys solar company in Fresno County

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Some local employers are raising concerns that a pool of increasingly well educated workers could be diminished with the decision Tuesday by President Donald Trump to phase out a program that shields young unauthorized immigrants from deportation.

While its difficult to know how much of a presence such immigrants have among individual employers, they are seen by some as a valuable asset at a time when its becoming more challenging to fill certain positions in the local economy.

RELATED: San Diego dreamers vow to fight

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This absolutely limits our ability to get the best and most committed people into the teaching professions, San Diego City Unified School Board President Richard Barrera said of the Trump administrations move to gradually end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. If you take a large group of people out of the potential pool of applicants youre limiting the quality of applicants in the pool. Thats true across the economy.

Whats most concerning to the schools, Barrera said, is the impact he expects the DACA phaseout could have on the districts efforts to diversify its workforce to better mirror its increasingly diverse student population.

It makes complete sense that a student who grows up in our district and is undocumented and then qualifies for DACA and has a dream to become a teacher, that student is exactly the kind of student we want in our district, Barrera added. If they become a teacher in our classrooms theyll be able to connect to students in our district in a way that no one else can because theyve experienced what students are going through as young people.

The DACA program, originally instituted by former President Barack Obama, has allowed about 800,000 young adults, brought to the United States illegally as children, to work legally in the United States.

It is estimated that there are roughly 40,000 residents in San Diego County eligible for DACA.

While San Diego City Schools has not released an estimate of how many of its employees are participating in the DACA program, the district says there are as many as 6,000 students who requested transcripts over the last four years to pursue a DACA application.

Similarly, the San Diego Community College District did not identify how many employees it has under DACA, but across its four institutions, it has 466 students  less than 1 percent of its student population  who would be affected by the termination of the program.

In any circumstance, any action that would prevent the district from filling open positions would be unwelcome and contrary to the districts goals and values, said district spokesman Jack Beresford.

San Diego entrepreneur Olin Hyde, who runs the locally based startup LeadCrunch, said the presidents decision has his young company reevaluating where to grow the business.

The challenge of staying in San Diego is that there is a shortage of specialized skills for B2B, software-as-a-service companies going through hyper-growth, Hyde said. It takes us several hundred applicants to get one hire.

LeadCrunch develops lead-generation software, powered by artificial intelligence, that helps clients, including NetSuite and Oracle, predict customers who are most likely to buy from them. Founded in 2013, the upstart currently employs 23 people, including 17 in San Diego. None are presumed to be DACA participants, but Hyde doesnt know for sure.

By the end of 2018, LeadCrunch hopes to grow its head count to between 80 and 100 people -- albeit somewhere international such as India, Russia or Mexico.

Were not going to slow down because of DACA. Well just change where we grow, Hyde said.

The California Chamber of Commerce, in a statement released Tuesday, raised serious concerns about the ability of employers to fill the growing number of positions in the states burgeoning technology sector. California far outpaces all other states in the number of residents with approved DACA applications  222,795.

As things stand today, California cannot find enough home grown engineers and scientists, the chamber said. We need to reform our inadequate H-1B visa program. Without reform, our jobs leave for offshore locations which would not be a good outcome for the state.

UC San Diego researcher Tom Wong, who collaborated with pro-immigrant groups on a survey of DACA recipients across the country, found that 91 percent of respondents are employed, and after qualifying for DACA, 69 percent of respondents reported moving to a job with better pay.

They are increasingly contributing to the overall economy, Wong said the survey showed, and at least 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies have employed DACA recipients.

San Diego hotel general manager Joe Eustice said he expects the hospitality industry will feel the effects of a DACA pullback as it looks to fill entry-level jobs from front desk clerks to banquet cooks and servers.

It is getting harder and harder to find hospitality workers, so that has caused us to have more of a direct relationship with the community colleges, four-year colleges, and technical schools, said Eustice, general manager of the Wyndham San Diego Bayside. We would certainly encourage our national legislators to take a close look at how we can continue to educate these kids.

Perhaps just as significant as a potential shortage of workers, the DACA programs demise could negatively impact company morale at area businesses where employees families or friends are affected.

Thats a top concern at Classy, a San Diego technology company that makes software to help nonprofits with online fundraising efforts. Classy employs 212 workers in San Diego, none of whom are thought to be DACA workers. The firm expects to grow to 250 employees by years end.

We did have morale issues (with the presidents travel ban). Employees who might be married to folks of Middle Eastern descent were worried about their spouses and parents, said Dina Rulli, the director of people operations at Classy. The (DACA decision) is a topic of conversation internally. ... Morale, culture and business needs, we are concerned on all those fronts.

Business

lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-2251

Twitter: @loriweisberg
Medical aid in dying will be among the topics at a national symposium on caring for dying patients Sept. 28-29 hosted by the CSU Institute for Palliative Care at California State University San Marcos.

The symposium, which draws faculty and researchers from across the country, features guest panelist Dr. Jessica Zitter, known as a crusader for dying well.

Zitter, a critical-care physician and palliative-care specialist based at Highland Hospital in Oakland, is author of Extreme Measures  Finding a Better Path to the End of Life, and was featured in the Academy Award-nominated short subject documentary, Extremis. She is co-founder of Vital Decisions, a telephone-based counseling service for patients with life-limiting illness.

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Zitter recently wrote a New York Times Opinion piece about the struggle some physicians face when critically ill patients seek help shortening their lives with prescription medications under the End of Life Option Act, which went into effect in California last year.

Zitter will join Jennifer Moore Ballentine, incoming executive director at the CSU Institute for Palliative Care, in a discussion on Getting the Rubber to Hit the Road: Medical Aid in Dying at the Intersection of Research, Policy, Practice, and Education. The presentation is scheduled for 3:45 p.m. Sept. 28.

The two-day gathering includes presentations and workshops by palliative care academic leaders and clinicians.

The cost to attend the symposium is $225. A discount is available for students by calling (760) 750-7289.

Register at csupalliativecare.org/symposium or call (760) 750-4006.
Nearly 800 children of enlisted military families at Camp Pendleton recently participated in a free shopping spree for new school clothes thanks to seven area chapters of the Assistance League.

This is the 13th year that local chapters of Assistance League have teamed up to offer the shopping event at Camp Pendleton as a way to say thank you to area military families.

Members of the Assistance League chapters were on-hand to help the 790 children and their parents during the event. Participating chapters included Rancho San Dieguito, North Coast, Inland North County, Saddleback Valley, Long Beach and Capistrano Valley.

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Children went home with new tops, pants, sweatshirts, underwear, socks, hygiene kits and a voucher for new shoes.

The local chapters are part of the National Assistance League, a volunteer-run nonprofit focuses on helping communities through its 120 chapters and more than 25,000 members nationwide.

Visit assistanceleague.org
One day at a time.

Thats the way 19-year-old Felicia Hurtado lives her life.

The National City teen learned of the phrase inside a rehabilitation center, where criminal offenders, drug addicts and alcoholics end up.

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But she would had never learned to slow down and focus on whats in front of her if she didnt receive a scholarship from a reading program to help her turn her life around after constant stints in Juvenile Hall.

Hurtado began her delinquent life as an adolescent, which continued as a teenager for running away from home and breaking curfew.

She would ultimately get picked up by police and taken to Juvenile Hall, where she estimates she spent about seven months over three stays.

It was the instability of her home life that Hurtado said led to her making poor life choices. She grew up with a drug-addicted father and alcoholic mother.

My mom would leave before I would wake up, so at 7 years old Id have to get dressed and walk two miles to school by myself, she said. I was more of a grown up than she was.

Hurtado was 12 when she started drinking and smoking cigarettes, then pot  decisions her mom led her to believe were OK.

I was more frustrated than angry at myself and the choices I made because I knew I was smarter than that.

But she felt stuck.

That changed when I started going to school and finding something positive to do with my time, she said.

That something positive started with reading.

While attending the South County Blended Tech Academy in National City, she participated in Words Alive, a San Diego nonprofit that helps underserved, low-income, at-risk children, teens and families discover the importance of reading.

The idea for the program started in 1999 with an adolescent book club for at-risk populations and then expanded from there.

The Words Alive program is run in partnership with the county Office of Education. Its a comprehensive literacy program that includes writing workshops and discussions centered around novels.

It awards scholarships to program participants to help them pursue higher education at the college or vocational level.

San Diego philanthropist Ruth Westreich created the Words Alive Westreich Scholarship Program in 2007, with the first scholarships awarded the following year.

Each year, 10 to 15 students from its teen services program receive between $500 and $2,000 or more.

Words Alive awarded a total of $36,000 in scholarships to 13 students for the 2017-18 academic year.

Jessica Fryman is the teen services program manager and leads the selection panel for scholarship applications.

Felicia is shy and very humble but she has overcome a lot in her life and is determined to create a better life for herself, Fryman said. The way shes chosen to do that is to pursue higher education.

All recipients have overcome some kind of adversity, from homelessness to family alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency.

The word that comes to my mind is resilient  theyve all faced obstacles that most of us couldnt imagine, Fryman said. They are bright students, kind, giving and a lot of them volunteer their time to give back to their community.

The program also matches each recipient with a mentor who provides guidance, direction, and often emotional support to students throughout the school year.

I liked it a lot because I was reading and I was able to express my feelings about what I read, Hurtado said.

This is the second time shes received a scholarship for $1,200.

Words Alive definitely made college a possibility for me.  It kept me in school and helped me not feel stressed or lost, she said.

Hurtado is studying English at San Diego City College where she began taking courses during her senior year in high school.

She now works full time and takes two classes each semester. Shes thinking of transferring to San Diego State University.

Hurtado said she wants to teach, something thats come naturally to her as an older sibling to a 7-year-old half-sister.

I taught myself how to read when I was 4, she said. I always got really high grades on reading tests and enjoyed being good at something.

However, she said her sister is behind in school.

Seeing her and other kids that struggle with reading makes me want to help kids with disabilities, she said.

One of the things Hurtado said helped with her self-confidence was the opportunity to receive praise from peers for their work.

For one project, students were asked to read a graphic novel, then write one that relates to their lives.

Honestly I didnt want to do it, I dont know how to draw. I didnt even give myself the benefit of the doubt, she said.

They explained the project was something just for her.

I ended up doing it and drew a whole scene of getting out of Juvenile Hall and adjusting to real life again.  I had never felt proud of myself before.

She said that project was a pivotal moment in her life.

I realized it reflected a part of who I am but doesnt define me. I was never told, its OK to make mistakes, its about putting in the effort to make your life better.

Hurtado said the Words Alive program has helped her grow up and that her life has gone from chaotic to balanced.

Im still getting on my feet but its where I should be, she said. Im taking the steps to get where I need to go.

In 2016, 15 students were awarded, with 10 students attending community college, four students attending a four-year university, and one student pursuing a masters degree.

Roughly $300,000 in scholarships has been given to students since 2008.
Most military forces based in California that rushed to Texas after Hurricane Harvey are returning home, just as a potentially deadlier storm threatens Florida.

On Tuesday, both the U.S. Navy and California Air National Guard announced the redeployment of troops who flew to Texas after Harvey, the wettest tropical cyclone in Americas recorded history. After making landfall on Aug. 25 near Corpus Christi, the storm unleashed flooding across coastal Texas and Louisiana and triggered tornadoes across Tennessee and Alabama.

By Aug. 27, the first personnel from the California Air National Guards Silicon Valley-based 129th Rescue Wing and the 146th Airlift Wing from the Channel Islands arrived near Houston, supporting local, state and federal agencies before moving with the flood waters to Beaumont, Port Arthur and other hard hit communities straddling the border between Texas and Louisiana.

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On Friday, they were joined in Texas by a Navy detachment that included crews from North Islands Blackjacks of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, the Wildcards of HSC-23, the Merlins of HSC-3, the Indians of HSC-6 and the Search and Rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash.

California Air National Guard helicopter pilot Lt. Col. Tom Keegan said hell never forget the severity of the flooding, particularly in Beaumont, or the civilian volunteers, often in fishing boats, who flocked to save people trapped on rooftops in communities along the Gulf of Mexico.

I mean, it was really a community effort, said Keegan, a former Marine who also directs California National Guard public affairs. You saw people from all over that southern region who lined up to provide any type of support that they could and that was amazing.

The California Air National Guard provided two MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, a pair of HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and a Pararescue Guardian Angel team of combat search-and-rescue experts, while the 146th Airlift Wing flew troops to Texas in a C-130J tanker.

Theyre credited with saving 113 people.

Keegan and the 129th Rescue Wing rotated to California early Sunday morning but the crews from North Island and Whidbey Island wont return home until late Wednesday, according to Cmdr. Justin Juice McCaffree, commander of the California-based Navy mission to Texas.

On Saturday, McCaffrees detachment began relieving the Virginia-based Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7, the Dragon Whales of HSC-28, the Vanguard of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, the Blackhawks of HM-15, crews that performed the bulk of the Navys rescue operations across Texas.

The crews from the Navys Atlantic and Pacific coast crews combined to fly 102 sorties, rescuing 357 people, 20 dogs and five cats. They also airlifted about 63 tons of emergency supplies, according to the Navy.

It was a huge honor to be called and to support the folks in Texas. It absolutely was, McCaffree said.

McCaffree flew both Saturday and Sunday and described as surreal the sight of Beaumont and other Texas communities along the flooded Interstate 10 corridor. He recalled a weekend mission when he retrieved a team of U.S. Coast Guard officers who needed to check out chemical plants and pipelines for bubbling that might indicate toxic leaks.

We picked them up in a Sears parking lot, and across the street was a McDonalds and folks were going through the drive-through and getting some food, no problem, McCaffree said. And then on the way out  were crossing over sections of I-10 that look essentially like a river.

In the midst of both hurricane and wildfire season, Californias military units are expected to remain busy throughout the summer.

The California Air and Army National Guard counts six UH-60 Black Hawk crews, plus three refueling trucks and about 350 Burbank-based soldiers already assisting the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Although the Black Hawk crews have focused on fires near Fresno, handcrews are training at Camp Roberts in the Salinas River Valley and will deploy wherever Cal Fire needs them by the end of the week.

A C-130J tanker equipped with special firefighting equipment also has been dropping water and fire retardant across the state for the past two weeks, according to the California Guard.

Hurricane Irma will drop far more water on Florida. The storm is slated to make landfall along the southern tip of Florida on Sunday afternoon after rampaging across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, U.S. Air Force hurricane hunter aircraft clocked Irmas maximum sustained winds at 185 mph. The National Hurricane Center declared Irma to be the largest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.

A Category 5 storm, Irma is now wider than the state of Ohio and is being shadowed by Tropical Storm Jose, which is building strength in the Central Atlantic.

In a Tuesday message on Twitter, White House Homeland Security Adviser Tom Bossert said President Donald Trump already has declared emergencies for Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Were kind of contingency planning and keeping an eye on Irma, said the California Guards Keegan. Were poised and ready to deploy if need be.

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cprine@sduniontribune.com
Even amid enormous challenges facing the U.S.-Mexico relationship, Rafael Fernandez de Castro sees opportunity.

Regardless of what politicians think about integration, its taking place between the United States and Mexico, said Fernandez, the new director of the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at University of California San Diego. His appointment was formally announced this week.

A Mexican-born political scientist, Fernandez has worked in academia as well as the public sector. He served early in his career in Mexicos foreign service, and from 2008 to 2011 worked as chief foreign policy advisor to Mexican president Felipe Calderon.

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Fernandez holds a masters degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a doctorate from Georgetown University. He has been a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C.

To take the job at UCSD, he left a position Mexico Citys Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico, known as ITAM, where he founded the School of International Relations and most recently served as its dean.

Fernandez assumes the directors position as some sensitive and defining issues in the bilateral relationship are being played out: The renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, President Donald Trumps plan for a border wall, and the uncertainty now facing some 800,000 Dreamersmany of them young unauthorized Mexican-born U.S. residents.

I see immense opportunity, especially at this juncture, Fernandez said. The U.S. has a new person in the White House, and Mexico will have a new president next year. Its a wonderful opportunity to re-think U.S.-Mexican relations in a globalized world, but in a world with a lot of nationalistic challenges.

In addition to leading the center, Fernandez will be on the faculty at UCSDs School of Global Policy and Strategy. Fernandez brings an unprecedented level of academic and public-policy expertise in U.S.-Mexico relations, said Gordon Hanson, the schools acting dean.

Harvard University professor Jorge Dominguez has known Fernandez for two decades, collaborating on a number of projects on U.S.-Latin American relations. He said Fernandezs expertise on NAFTA, migration, and violence and crime in the region are amazingly valuable in the times in which we live.

Fernandezs efforts also have over the years helped build a community of internationalists in Mexican and Latin America, with a special interest on relations with the United States, Dominguez said.

Fernandez begins this academic year teaching two courses. One is U.S.-Mexican Relations and the other is Drugs and Violence in Latin America.

The Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies is a campus think tank that focuses on policy-focused research on a broad range of subjects, from the North American Free Trade Agreement to immigration to the maquiladora industry. Since it was founded in 1980, it has housed more than 700 fellows, and also runs its own research projects on subjects that include migration, health and cross-border supply chains.

Fernandez said he hopes to look at the relationship of communities on the U.S.-Mexico border. The center recently has agreed to serve as the secretariat of the U.S.-Mexico Border Mayors Association.

I know the intensity of the border is very important for U.S.-Mexican relations, Fernandez. I want to get the attention of the capitals from here, and I know well be able to do it.

sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com

@sandradibble
Los Angeles politicians on Tuesday criticized the Trump administrations decision to scrap protections for young men and women in the United States without legal status and urged Congress to pass legislation to aid so-called Dreamers.

Los Angles County supervisors Hilda Solis and Janice Hahn and L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti rallied downtown to join supporters of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The program, put in place by then-President Obama, shields those brought to the country illegally as children from being deported.

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Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions said Tuesday that the administration will phase out DACA beginning in six months, a move that pushes the issue to Congress.

Sessions announcement marked one of those dark days in our history, said Solis, whose district includes many immigrant communities, including El Monte and Boyle Heights.

Solis called on Republican leaders supportive of DACA to take action. Now more than ever we need them. We need Sen. Lindsay Graham, she said.

Graham, of South Carolina, along with Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) reintroduced the Dream Act in July to allow immigrant students a path to legal residence and eventual citizenship.

Garcetti talked about his grandfather, who was brought to the U.S. from Mexico as a baby.

I couldnt be the mayor of this incredible city if I hadnt had the courage of a dreamer behind me in my family, Garcetti said.

 Mayor Garcetti responds to Trump administration ending DACA program.

A study by the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute found one in every four DACA participants lives in California.

Sessions said that Obamas action in creating DACA went beyond his legal authority and was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch.

Several Republican state attorneys general have also threatened to challenge the program in court.

Solis and Hahn planned to introduce a motion at Tuesdays Board of Supervisors meeting to demand that Congress find a solution for DACA recipients and to urge state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra to protect them.

The motion also would bar county employees from traveling to any of the nine states that have threatened to sue the Trump administration over DACA.

They threatened legal action, Solis said. Well, guess what were going to say? Were going to say that the county of Los Angeles shouldnt do business [with those states].

Hahn became emotional when describing one of her staffers who has benefited from DACA, calling him just as American as I am. And he belongs here, with his family, with his friends, as much as I do.

Francia Cruz, a sociology student at East Los Angeles College, said she has been employed ever since enrolling in DACA in 2012.

DACA has allowed me to come out of the shadows, where I hid for a long time because of fear and rejection, she said. I refuse to go back into hiding under Trumps administration  under any administration, for that matter.

In Spanish, she urged those worried about the future of DACA to stay organized and to keep fighting.

The community that is united will never be defeated, she said.

1 / 24 Victoria Sandoval, 22, left, of Los Angeles, a DACA recipient, is consoled by sister Maria Sandoval, 20, a U.S. citizen, while protesters gathered at City Hall to demonstrate against changes in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 24 Javier Ortega, 23, of Los Angeles takes part in the City Hall protest. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 24 Demonstrators at Los Angeles City Hall. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 24 Bonny Gonzalez, 22, left, of Hawthorne and Hewdy Pego, 21, of San Pedro at the downtown Los Angeles protest. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 24 Rosa Pimentel, 20, of Hollywood joins the demonstration. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 24 DACA protesters gather at the intersection of Temple and Spring streets in downtown Los Angeles. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 24 Docnary Reyes, 21, joins other protesters in downtown Los Angeles to denounce the Trump administrations move to phase out protections for DACA unless Congress acts on a plan. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 24 Members of the Service Employees International Union gather with other protesters at the L.A. County Hall of Administration to protest the possible phasing out of the DACA program. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 24 Service Employees International Union members arrive by bus to join protesters in downtown Los Angeles denouncing the decision to possibly phase out the DACA program. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 24 Jose Torres attends the DACA protest in downtown Los Angeles. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 24 The Rev. Thomas Carey hugs DACA student Maria Jose Vides of La Puente after a news conference in front of the Hall of Administration in Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 24 Guisell Flores Martinez, 43, cries as she video tapes speeches about DACA during a press conference, in front of the Hall of Administration in Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 24 Protesters gather at Trump Tower in New York in opposition to the announcement by President Trump that the DACA will end. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 24 Gloria Mendoza, age 26, is a Dreamer. She is originally from Mexico City and took part in the protests at Trump Tower in New York. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 24 Activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are arrested by New York City Police officers after sitting in the street and blocking traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 24 Immigration activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are arrested by New York City Police officers as they sit in the street and block traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 17 / 24 An immigrant holds a sign reading GOP you killed our dreams, as immigrants and supporters rally after President Trump ordered an end to DACA in Los Angeles. (David McNew / Getty Images) 18 / 24 Immigrants and supporters rally after President Trump ordered an end to DACA in Los Angeles. (David McNew / Getty Images) 19 / 24 From left, Paola Soria and Karla Collaguazo, both 20 and dreamers originally from Ecuador, listen to Attorney General Jeff Sessions remarks on ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program on a smartphone before a protest in Grand Army Plaza in Manhattan. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 20 / 24 Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department on President Barack Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) 21 / 24 Immigration activists protesting the Trump administrations decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program sit in the street and block traffic on 5th Avenue near Trump Tower. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) 22 / 24 A person holds up a sign in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, and Temporary Protected Status programs during a rally in support of DACA and TPS outside of the White House. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) 23 / 24 Rosemary Segero, of Washington, who is originally from Kenya, rallies in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, outside of the White House. President Donald Trumps administration will wind down a program protecting hundreds of thousands of young immigrants who were brought into the country illegally as children, Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared Tuesday. (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) 24 / 24 Immigrants and supporters demonstrate during a rally in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in front of the White House. President Donald Trump has rescinded the program, ending amnesty for 800,000 young immigrants brought to the US illegally as minors and who are largely integrated into US society. (ERIC BARADAT / AFP/Getty Images)

dakota.smith@latimes.com

Twitter: @dakotacdsmith

nina.agrawal@latimes.com

Twitter: @agrawalnina
The Dera campus has buildings designed like replicas of iconic buildings like Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal.

By India Today Web Desk: Before security forces stormed and sanitised Dera Sacha Sauda's Sirsa headquarters in Haryana, India Today got access to Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's empire.

Spread over about 800 acres, the headquarters of the controversial cult sect houses luxury hotel, spas, villas, lavish restaurants, educational institutions, markets, hospital, private stadium, etc.

A walk inside the premises of the Dera, which calls itself a spiritual organisation, makes one feel inside a luxury resort with all amenities for leisure.

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After Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was jailed for 20 years for raping 2 disciples, the Dera headquarters, once symbolising the lavish lifestyle of the 'Baba of bling', now resembles a deserted look.

The Dera campus has buildings designed like replicas of iconic buildings like Eiffel Tower and Taj Mahal.

One of the restaurants is in the middle of a waterbody and is said to be rotating.

The Haryana government has got a nod from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to conduct a search inside the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters which according to eyewitnesses will be a mere eyewash as it is being conducted nearly a week after the Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was jailed for 20 years on August 28 for raping two female disciples.

According to eyewitnesses, Dera had enough time between August 28 and August 31 to dump the illegal weapons and cash.

Watch video:

Exclusive: Inside look of Dera chief Ram Rahim's luxury headquarters in Sirsa

Also read:

Away from Ram Rahim's Sirsa fleet, new Porsche found in Sangrur dera

Gurmeet Ram Rahim's Dera ashram search an eyewash? Illegal weapons, cash already moved out, witnesses say

Gurmeet Ram Rahim to run Dera Sacha Sauda from jail, Honeypreet has no role to play

--- ENDS ---
The clues that the main spillway at the Oroville Dam could fail were embedded deep in state records, but officials did not recognize the evidence before the structure broke apart in February, investigators said Tuesday.

A history of damage when the spillway was used, cracking in the concrete surface and unexpectedly large amounts of water exiting drains under the deck should have raised suspicions that something was wrong. But annual inspections gave the state false confidence that the spillway could handle a big flood event, investigators found.



For the record: This article identifies the leader of the independent investigation into the failure of the Oroville Dam spillway as John French. The team leaders name is John France.

Then, on Feb. 7, when the Department of Water Resources sent 55,000 cubic feet of water per second down the ramp, far short of the design capacity of 300,000 cubic feet per second, it began to crumble.

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Physical inspections, while necessary, are not sufficient to identify risks and manage safety, said an interim investigation report made public on Tuesday.

Instead, dam operators should go back to the original design and construction documents to see whether the standards are consistent with todays practices, said John French, who leads the independent investigation team.

The main spillway at the Oroville Dam broke apart when underground water pressure lifted a massive section of the concrete floor into the flow of water and caused rapid erosion of the foundation, the interim report found.

The underlying causes included a combination of aging, design flaws and maintenance shortcomings. The report found an inadequate drain system under the spillway, thin sections of concrete and repaired fissures that allowed water to penetrate into the foundation.

But all of those clues didnt add up beforehand.

When you put all those pieces together, there is the possibility we could uplift the slab, said French, an engineer who spent much of his career at Los Angeles-based AECOM. They were all there in the files.

The Department of Water Resources said late Tuesday that it agrees with the [independent forensics team] that dam owners need to reassess current procedures as visual inspections would not have caught the February failure. The additional spillway evaluations already underway are the start of that process.

The agency said the repair efforts at Oroville will bring the dam up to todays standards, adding that the lessons are important for every dam across the nation.

The seven-page report, which was released through the Assn. of State Dam Safety Officials and the U.S. Society on Dams, found a wide range of related factors combined to undermine the spillway.

The report noted that the standards for removing loose rock and soil from the foundation of the spillway were relaxed during construction.

The anchors that held the spillway to a mountainside were not strong enough, the report said, and the drains under the spillway were not designed to handle all of the water that penetrated into the foundation.

Other findings included: Crack repairs or new damage allowed more water to penetrate under the spillway; shallow voids developed under the concrete; metal rebar in the concrete corroded; and the concrete deck in the area where the spillway covered drain pipes was only seven inches thick, not the 15 inches that was supposed to be the minimum design thickness.

Also, the uplifting force exceeded the weight of the concrete deck and all of the water that was rushing down the spillway. It also exceeded the anchoring system that tied the deck into the hillside, the report found.

Robert Bea, a UC Berkeley professor emeritus and co-founder of the schools Center for Catastrophic Risk Management, called the independent investigation teams effort a good progress report. Bea had done his own independent appraisal of the failure and reached some of the same conclusions.

French said the forensics team has largely completed its work examining the physical causes of the failure but is still working on its evaluation of the human and institutional factors that played a role.

A final report is expected later this year.

ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com

Twitter: @rvartabedian

UPDATES:

5:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from the report and reaction.

This article was originally published at 1:25 p.m.
For years, his schedule was unforgiving. Juan Casas left his Boyle Heights home after midnight, loaded produce onto trucks from 2 a.m. until noon in downtown Los Angeles, then drove to school and caught a nap in the Cal State L.A. parking lot before classes.

Now 28, Casas has an electrical engineering degree and works for an aerospace company.

On Tuesday morning, Casas took a break from his job to call his mother with the news that DACA  the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program  was being terminated. He and 800,000 others brought to the U.S. illegally when they were too young to understand immigration law, or have a say in the matter, now could be deported.

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She was full of emotion, Casas said of his mother, who had just gotten off her graveyard shift at a Los Angeles factory. I had a feeling this was coming, but it just really broke me down.

 Juan Casas loaded produce trucks on the graveyard shift, working his way through college. He earned an electrical engineering degree at Cal State L.A. and now works for an aerospace company.

For Casas, there is no solace in knowing hes not alone.

Gabriela, inspired by her mothers determination to rise above the poverty they were born into in southern Mexico, earned a Cal State political science degree and then a masters at a private university in Northern California, majoring in international studies.

Today at 26, she works for a Silicon Valley social media company and volunteers with a faith-based social justice nonprofit.

When the news came in Tuesday morning, she messaged me from work.

My heart is heavy for the sacrifice my family made, she wrote, asking that her full name not be published.

This is how it went Tuesday, as word of the DACA decision spread. There were tears, feelings of betrayal, and vows to keep fighting.

But no one could have been surprised by what happened. During his campaign for president, Donald Trump promised to end DACA if elected. Then he changed his mind, saying DACA kids could rest easy because this is a case of heart.

No one trusted that, given Trumps relationship with the truth, and no one was shocked to learn that Trumps heart had calcified. On Tuesday, he pivoted again in a murky, cowardly way. He sent Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to the stage to say DACA was an unconstitutional overreach by President Obama.

So is it over?

Yes. And no.

DACA is being phased out, Sessions said. Not immediately, and some of those already in the program may have a chance to extend their temporary legal status. But unless Congress comes up with a replacement, DACA will be done. And this is a deeply divided Congress that cant agree on anything.

Booting people to countries many of them barely know isnt just callous, its bad economics. While the constitutional implications of DACA may be debatable, youd think a president who passes himself off as a brilliant businessman might have risen above a base instinct to exploit the politics of race.

If youre a DACA participant, theres a pretty good chance youre a striver. Youve got to be in school or working, or both.

Its one thing to root out criminals, said USC demographer Dowell Myers. But DACA kids are not criminals. Theyre like manna from heaven. Weve already invested in them. Theyre required to be good kids to be part of the program. And you would chase them away?

Yes, apparently, and just as theyre becoming taxpayers.

At age 25, every kid becomes a net contributor, no matter their education level, but the more educated you are, the bigger contribution you make, Myers said.

Thats critical because as the nation ages, weve got a shortage of children, thanks in part to a slower birth rate. We could be looking at critical labor shortages at a time when more retirees rely on employee contributions to Social Security and Medicare. Will there be enough working people to buy the homes of retirees, to take care of seniors, to support the safety net institutions they rely on?

Everyone looks at disparities, Myers said of division over immigration. But were all connected.

The DACA participants Ive spoken to have similar stories about discovering  usually when the college application process began in high school  that they were not citizens. With Trumps rise, they tended to worry first and foremost about their families rather than themselves because in signing up for DACA and providing family information to the government, they took a risk.

My biggest fear is to come home and hear that my relatives have been picked up by [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] ICE, Casas said.

He was 2 when he came north. He has no recollection of that but said his mother had only one goal: a chance for her son to have more opportunity than she had ever known.

Shes pretty much my hero, Casas said.

Gabriela said the same.

To get to a point in your life where you have to risk everything for your children to survive, I cant imagine that, she said of her mother.

Casas looked crestfallen Tuesday after work, when he met with a longtime mentor, Alma Marquez, at a Boyle Heights cafe.

He had played by the rules, acting in good faith, only to be undermined. He said he and his mother still hold out hope that Trump, as a father, will ultimately decide not to tear families apart.

We have to come together and try to get Congress to do the right thing, Marquez said as she wiped away tears, saying she thought the day might have played out differently. Many in the business community, and even in the Republican Party, had pushed for keeping DACA.

So she began the day with hope. Then, when Trump sent Sessions before the cameras rather than deliver the grim news himself, it was like a slap in the face to Dreamers, Marquez said.

Up north, Gabriela sounded as if, for her, the fight had just begun.

There needs to be a fire that awakens people to tell their stories. Enough is enough, she said. Theres an evil narrative  that were evil, were rapists, were x, y and z. Im a daughter. Im a worker. There are so many things about me as a person, aside from a status I have no control over.

Itll be months before we know whether Congress or the president  who just pardoned notorious anti-immigration former Sheriff Joe Arpaio  will actively round up and deport hardworking young people who came to the U.S. as innocents, rather than focus instead on those who break the law.

But the uncertainty alone is an act of cruelty. And the threat of deporting some of the nations best and brightest  coming from a president too craven to deliver the news himself  is hateful, un-American and cause for shame.

So what to do? I asked that question of Casas.

Keep working, he said. Keep doing the right thing. Keep fighting.

All we can do is continue taking care of our responsibilities.

Alma Marquez, President and CEO of Del Sol Group/La Comadre, a mentor to Juan Casas, wipes away a tear discussing the possible end of the DACA program. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez.

ALSO

How to find help if youre a Dreamer

Decision on DACA opens a new period of worry and uncertainty for Dreamers

Trumps DACA decision could have a sweeping effect on who controls the House in 2018, especially in California

UPDATES:

6:40 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Casas mentor and other details.

This article was originally published at 11:40 a.m.
Sarcasm can be a tricky thing. Just ask Andrew James Harris, who, according to court records, discovered the joke was on him when he ended up the subject of an undercover drug sting.

It all started at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Mission Valley on March 26, where Harris got into a friendly conversation with a woman and two men relaxing in the hot tub. He asked the reason for their stay, and one of them jokingly responded: Their crack lab had blown up.

But the wisecrack was lost on Harris. He excitedly disclosed he was in the drug business, too, according to investigators.

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Little did he know, his three new acquaintances were off-duty sheriffs deputies from Marin County who were in San Diego for a two-week specialized narcotics training. And they were about to get some hands-on experience.

The meeting and the investigation that followed are outlined in a search warrant affidavit written by an El Cajon police officer working on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations Narcotics Task Force. It was unsealed in San Diego federal court last week.

One of the detectives in the hot tub said in an interview Wednesday that it was especially surprising that Harris fell for the crack lab joke. Crack labs cant blow up.

We let him lead the conversation, she said, take it where he wanted to go. She said they had a great story for their class the next day. The detective works drug cases as part of Marin Countys Major Crimes Task Force and asked not to be named due to her undercover work.

The next night, the three deputies were in the hot tub again, this time with six other law enforcement officers also in town for the training, when Harris came wandering up, according to the detective.

Hey guys, I think I have something youll be interested in, Harris told them, she said. Harris came back with an eight-ball of cocaine in a hat, she said. She told him she was in her bikini and had nowhere to put it, but theyd talk later, she said.

The deputies later reached out to the narcotics task force officer teaching their class, and the decision was made to run with the scenario.

The next day, the deputies met with Harris at a restaurant and introduced him to the undercover task force officer as their uncle, a hippie from Ocean Beach interested in buying LSD. The officer bought 4 grams of cocaine and 50 tabs of LSD for $600, according to the affidavit.

The deputies eventually went back home to Marin County, and the undercover officer continued the sting. On April 7, the officer and Harris met for another deal at a Point Loma Starbucks parking lot, where about 3.5 grams of cocaine and 20 tabs of LSD were purchased for $360, the affidavit states.

On April 27, the officer and another undercover special agent met Harris at a Point Loma Home Depot parking lot. When he attempted to sell them 30 grams of cocaine and 100 tabs of LSD for $2,000, he was arrested, according to the court document. Besides the drugs for sale, Harris was also in possession of $4,100 in cash, suspected drug proceeds, investigators said.

That day, a San Diego Superior Court judge had signed a search warrant for Harris apartment on Barnard Street and his Nissan. (Harris had told the undercover deputies that he was at the hotel waiting to move in with his girlfriend to a new place.)

At the Dylan Point Loma Apartments, investigators found 180 grams of cocaine, 30 grams of Ecstasy, 90 tabs of LSD, 3 grams of psychedelic mushrooms and several bottles and vials of what are believed to be anabolic steroids, according to the affidavit.

A digital scale, $2,600 cash, hundreds of tiny plastic baggies printed with designs and a Savage Model 10, 6.5 mm bolt-action rifle with ammunition were also discovered, the records state.

Harris was arrested at first on state charges, but the case was dropped so one could be filed in federal court. A federal grand jury indicted him June 8, and he was arrested on June 15.

He has pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges. He was released on $30,000 bond.

The Marin County detective, who has five years on the force, said the case made for a unique experience.

This was totally bizarre, she said. This is probably a career case for me. I dont think it will ever happen again.

I work undercover on a regular basis and have never encountered anything like this.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
A federal jury on Tuesday sided with a San Diego police officer in the 2013 shooting death of an unarmed parolee during a SWAT operation.

The verdict in the wrongful death lawsuit against Officer Kristopher Walb came after about two days of deliberation.

Walb was sued for excessive force, battery, negligence and wrongful death by the family of Chula Vista gang member Angel Lopez, 27, who was fatally shot in the back during a confrontation with police in a dimly lit hallway in a College Area apartment complex.

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The jury heard all of the evidence and agreed that the officer acted in defense of himself and his fellow officers, City Attorney Mara Elliott said in a statement Tuesday. Our police officers have a tough job to do. Not many of us would run toward danger the way these officers did. They put their lives on the line each day they put on their uniforms.

Eugene Iredale, one of the Lopez familys attorneys, saw the verdict differently: The city got away with murder, he said Wednesday. This was a man who was unarmed, obviously shot in the back and the back of the head. He was going down at the time he was shot in response to the officers order to get down.

SWAT officers were called to help parole officers arrest Lopez, who was wanted for violating parole, at an apartment on Jan. 17, 2013. He and his father were also suspects in a possible kidnapping involving a male victim and drug-traffickers, according to testimony at trial. Police supervisors told the SWAT team that the duo were involved in a drug cartel, dangerous and likely carrying concealed guns, according to testimony. Lopez had a robbery conviction and history of gun- and drug-related offenses, according to records.

The SWAT team went to the complex on Reservoir Drive, and an officer observed the suspects in a maroon Ford in the parking lot. When police tried to stop and arrest them, the suspects ran in different directions.

Meanwhile, a group of SWAT officers headed up a stairwell toward an apartment connected to Lopez.

As they neared the third floor, Lopez opened the door to the third floor landing, apparently unaware of the advancing officers, Walb said.

Lopez slammed shut the door and ran down the hallway, ignoring Walbs commands to stop, the officer testified.

Angel Lopez kept his hand in his pocket the entire time I saw him on the third floor, Walb said, adding that Lopez at times made a motion as if he was tugging on something inside.

Lopez then stepped into an alcove, yanking on the door of an apartment, but appeared unable to get inside.

By this time, fellow SWAT officers were also noticing Lopezs hand placement, testified retired Officer James Pickett, who was behind Walb.

Another officer yelled out a warning: His left hand! Watch his left hand! Pickett testified.

Lopez continued down the hall away from the officers, but then stopped or slowed, Pickett said. Lopez began to turn toward the officers, to the right, and thats when Walb fired, he testified. Lopez was shot twice in the back and once in the back of the head.

In 2013, a suspected parolee is taken into custody after a San Diego police SWAT officer shot and killed Angel Lopez, an unarmed parolee, at a College Area apartment. (K.C. Alfred/U-T)

Pickett backed up his fellow officers actions, saying he felt like his life and the lives of his colleagues were in danger. I thought we were ready to engage in gunfire.

The officers did not go to the fallen Lopez because they did not want to cross in front of the apartment, fearing they may be attacked by others inside, Walb testified. Another team of officers came in from the other end of the hallway and dragged Lopez away for medical treatment, but he died.

Lopez was determined later to be unarmed. In his pockets were drug bindles, a box cutter, handcuff keys and a syringe, the City Attorneys Office said. Toxicology reports found methamphetamine and opiates in his blood.

Iredale said the testimony of the three officers was contradictory when it came to Lopezs hand in his pocket. He said the hand-in-the-pocket or waistband defense is a convenient one for officers after a fatal shooting, and that it made no sense for Lopez  faced with machine-gun toting officers to be grabbing at something in his pocket when he was unarmed.

Pickett agreed in testimony that shooting an unarmed person is not what were trained for. Still, police are trained  and the law is on their side  that they dont need to wait for sight of a weapon to fire if they reasonably feel their lives or the lives of others are in immediate danger.

What is faster, action or reaction? Pickett testified. Action would be much faster, reaction would be slower.

The District Attorneys Office, which investigates all officer-involved shootings, determined Walb reasonably feared for his life when he fired and that he would not face criminal charges.

Iredale said he plans to file a motion for a new trial and to appeal the verdict.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis

UPDATES:

11:20 a.m. Wednesday: This article was updated with comments from the Lopez family attorney.

This article was originally published at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday.
For at least the past decade, Tijuana vendors put in special orders for designer merchandise, dispatching teams of shoplifters to malls around the country to steal more than $20 million in loot that could be resold at lower prices in Mexico, according to an indictment unsealed in San Diego federal court Wednesday.

The highly organized shoplifting ring targeted malls around San Diego County  from Fashion Valley to Horton Plaza to Plaza Bonita  and as far away as Washington, Illinois, Oregon and Maryland, prosecutors said. They used sophisticated techniques to lift everything from Louis Vuitton shoes to Victorias Secret lingerie to Abercrombie & Fitch clothing.

And when necessary, the suspected thieves used violence  knocking down an infant in a stroller or breaking a loss prevention officers arm  to get away with their crimes, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

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On Wednesday, more than 250 law enforcement officers spread throughout the county with warrants, arresting at least 14 people by the afternoon and searching three homes in Lemon Grove, Chula Vista and San Diego.

A San Diego federal grand jury indicted 22 people in the scheme. Three of those arrested were already in custody. Some remain fugitives.

Agents seized about $30,000 in cash as well as about a dozen trash bags bursting with new clothing with tags and security devices still attached. Numerous brands were represented in the haul, including Guess, Express, Hollister, Calvin Klein, Puma, Armani and Adidas.

Piles of new Louis Vuitton shoes, as well as jewelry and perfume, were also confiscated.

Sara Portilla, who manages a boutique in Tijuana, and Maria Angelica Mendez Valdivia, both San Diegans, are accused of fencing the stolen goods in the store and at Mexican swap meets with the help of Jose de Jesus Mora, said David Shaw, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego.

At times they would make specific requests for special items, such as an order for Tommy Hilfiger, or other items not found in stores in California, according to the indictment.

The shoplifting crews were organized by team leaders, who would scout stores and choreograph the heists using cellphones and hand signals, prosecutors said. Blockers would distract store employees or shield the movements of the mules, who would use metallic-lined booster bags to hide the merchandise and defeat store security sensors.

The 38 thefts in the indictment range from June 13, 2008, when one defendant is accused of trying to drive over an Abercrombie & Fitch employee in National City, to July 27, 2017, when several defendants stole about $5,500 in merchandise from an Abercrombie store in San Diego.

The thieves typically stole thousands of dollars in merchandise each time, including $5,000 from an American Eagle store in Visalia, $4,500 from a Victorias Secret in Escondido, $10,600 from a Tommy Hilfiger store in San Clemente and $6,700 from a Las Vegas Victorias Secret, the indictment alleges.

Some of the thefts got physical.

Sergio Manuel Montano Nava is accused of knocking over an infant in its stroller and injuring the father to flee after stealing from a Hollister in Schaumburg, Ill., in November 2009. Jose Damazo Herrera, Robin Macias and others are accused of driving vehicles through a crowd in November 2012 during their getaway from another Hollister store theft in Fashion Valley Mall.

In March 2013, a suspect grabbed a loss prevention officer by the throat and threw her to the ground while running from a theft at Abercrombie & Fitch at the Plaza Bonita Mall in National City.

Others are also accused of intimidating a witness from talking to law enforcement, including throwing a rock through a car window, prosecutors say.

Theyre not just shoplifting, said David Shaw. Theyre using violence to get what they want.

The stolen merchandise was then sold in Mexico, prosecutors allege. For example, in October 2013, Mendez had more than $482,000 in merchandise that had been lifted from at least 57 stores, bound for south of the border, the indictment alleges.

The indictment includes charges of conspiracy and receiving and possessing stolen goods. Seven defendants are also charged with being in the U.S. illegally.

The mall is supposed to be a safe place for families to shop, eat and enjoy themselves, Acting U.S. Attorney Alana Robinson said in a statement. Instead, a prolific and violent group of thieves has stolen millions of dollars in merchandise as well as peace of mind from mall employees and customers. With todays action, we are protecting customers and businesses both physically and economically, and we are restoring and preserving the safety of our community gathering spots.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
Billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer is scheduled to speak Thursday at St. Pauls Cathedral in San Diego.

Hosted by local environmental group SanDiego350, the free event runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will include a question and answer session. The address is 2728 Sixth Ave. in Bankers Hill.

The California hedge-fund manager turned climate crusader is slated to speak about the work of his nonprofit NextGen America. His talk will include a broad discussion of political strategies to address global warming and associated natural disasters.

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The wealthy activist in recent years has considered running for governor and spent tens of millions on various progressive campaigns, often attacking politicians who deny human-caused climate change. He has routinely opposed development of new fossil fuel pipelines and other infrastructure.

He spent more than $11 million to help raise Californias tobacco tax in November, and recently announced that his organization will put up $2 million to elect Democratic candidate for governor in Virginia Ralph Northam.

Steyers most recent political strategy has included a multimillion-dollar effort to register and mobilize young voters. He has also has attacked President Donald Trump, calling for his impeachment.

He founded his group in 2013 as NextGen Climate but since rebranded as NextGen America to include a broader political focus, such as on abortion rights and health issues.

San Diego Councilman Chris Ward will introduce Steyer at Thursdays event.

Councilwoman Barbara Bry will also be on hand to give a talk on community choice aggregation, a government-run alternative to San Diego Gas & Electric. The program, which gives elected officials control over the buying and selling of power within their jurisdiction, has been billed as a way to help satisfy the citys pledge to dramatically reduce its greenhouse emissions.

For more information and to register for the event, visit sandiego350.org. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and refreshments will be provided. There is a suggested donation of $10 that will go to help fund SanDiego350.

Twitter: @jemersmith

Phone: (619) 293-2234

Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
While supporters of President Donald Trump quietly celebrated the end to a program that protected unauthorized immigrants who came to the U.S. as children from deportation, dreamers and their allies in San Diego County vowed to fight to stay and work in the country.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced early Tuesday that the deferred action for childhood arrivals program, or DACA, created by former President Barack Obamas administration about five years ago, will end in six months. Trump indicated on Twitter that the window is meant to allow Congress time to pass legislation, like the Dream Act, that would give a way for dreamers to live in the U.S. permanently.

RELATED: Employers concerned about diminished labor pool with DACA phaseout

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San Diego dreamers criticized Trump for not delivering the message himself, and many took issue with Sessions rhetoric during the announcement.

1 / 28 Vianey Martinez from Normal Heights is recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and came out to show support for todays rally at the County Administration building on Tuesday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 28 Supporters for DACA listened to various guest speakers during a rally held on the steps of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 28 Christian Ramirez spoke to the crowd at the County Administration building before turning over the rally to DACA recipients. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 28 Standing on the step to the County Administration building, several groups address the crowd during a rally to show support for DACA. Included in the group were many individual recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 28 Sophie Thompson from Clairemont came out to support for DACA at Tuesdays rally held in front of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 28 Supporters for DACA listened to various guest speakers during a rally held on the steps of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 28 Supporters for DACA listened to various guest speakers during a rally held on the steps of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 28 Supporters for DACA listened to various guest speakers during a rally held on the steps of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 28 Brisa Johnson shared a song during Tuesdays rally for DACA at the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 28 Supporters for DACA listened to various guest speakers during a rally held on the steps of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 28 Supporters for DACA listened to various guest speakers during a rally held on the steps of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 28 Supporters for DACA listened to various guest speakers during a rally held on the steps of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 28 Supporters made signs before the start of Tuesday rally for DACA in front of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 14 / 28 Supporters for DACA listened to various guest speakers during a rally held on the steps of the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 15 / 28 Stephanie Garper recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and came out to show support for todays rally at the County Administration building on Tuesday. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 16 / 28 Standing on the step to the County Administration building, several groups address the crowd during a rally to show support for DACA. Included in the group were many individual recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 17 / 28 Brisa Johnson shared a song during Tuesdays rally for DACA at the County Administration building. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / San Diego Union-Tribune) 18 / 28 People protest President Trumps decision to end the DACA program while on Via Rancho Parkway in front the Westfield North County shopping mall. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 19 / 28 Diana Solano holds a sign as she and other people protest President Trumps decision to end the DACA program while on Via Rancho Parkway in front the Westfield North County shopping mall in Escondido. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 20 / 28 People protest President Trumps decision to end the DACA program while on Via Rancho Parkway in front the Westfield North County shopping mall. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 21 / 28 Melinda Nieto uses a loudspeaker to yell chants as she and other people protest President Trumps decision to end the DACA program while on Via Rancho Parkway in front the Westfield North County shopping mall. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 22 / 28 A motorist gives a thumbs up in support of people protesting President Trumps decision to end the DACA program. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 23 / 28 A motorist gives a thumbs down in disagreement of people protesting President Trumps decision to end the DACA program. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 24 / 28 A cyclist shows his support for people protesting President Trumps decision to end the DACA program. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 25 / 28 People protest President Trumps decision to end the DACA program while on Via Rancho Parkway in front the Westfield North County shopping mall. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 26 / 28 Christine Jackson uses a loudspeaker as she and other people protest President Trumps decision to end the DACA program while on Via Rancho Parkway. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 27 / 28 Kelsey Sportsman holds a sign as she and other people protest President Trumps decision to end the DACA program while on Via Rancho Parkway. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 28 / 28 People protest President Trumps decision to end the DACA program while on Via Rancho Parkway. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune)

When Dulce Garcia, 34, an immigration attorney and DACA recipient, heard the Attorney Generals announcement, she said, she was furious.

Every statement just broke me down more and more, she said after a news conference. The administration could have just done nothing, and it would be better than what they did to us today.

She said that Sessions was wrong when he described DACA recipients as benefiting from things like the social security program.

We contribute to the social security program without getting any benefit from it, Garcia said. I dont expect to see that money ever.

She hopes that the six-month window will push Congress to act though it hasnt passed similar legislation in previous sessions.

Were exposed. We have an expiration date, Garcia said. Congress knows it cant leave us in limbo anymore.

Osmar Abad Cruz, 29, who was brought from Mexico when he was five, works as a human resources professional for a local nonprofit. He had been quiet about his immigration status in the past, and he decided he needed to speak up after the DACA announcement.

DACA has helped me realize my full potential here in the country I call home, Abad Cruz said after a news conference. I used to be in the shadows, and I refuse to go back into the shadows.

Nestor Venegas, spokesman for the San Diego Dream Team, a group that advocates for dreamers and their families, said that the group had already received many messages Tuesday morning from members of San Diegos immigrant communities wanting to know what this would mean for them.

There are a lot of people that are angry, and there are a lot of people that are scared, Venegas said. A lot of people are asking, What do we do right away? We can all come together and find some way of supporting each other.

The DACA program was created under former President Barack Obama, and it allowed dreamers to get renewable, two-year deferrals on deportation along with work permits. To be eligible, dreamers had to be in school or already graduated and had to pass a background check.

A 10-state coalition led by Texas threatening a lawsuit against the program gave Trump a deadline of Tuesday to get rid of DACA. Over the weekend, Tennessee pulled out of the coalition.

Peter Nunez, a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California and who views the DACA program as an unconstitutional amnesty, said he thought Trumps choice was the best way for him to go.

The pro-dreamers, the pro-illegal alien crowd, whatever he did they were going to be opposed to. You will hear over the next few days the anguished cries from all of these people going crazy about the dreamers. That was inevitable, Nunez said. What you dont hear so much about is the people who voted for Trump in the first place are probably real happy that something has been done to end the program and force Congress to do its duty.

Nunez hopes that Congress will include other legislation that increases immigration enforcement with any bill that gives dreamers permission to stay in the U.S., he said.

I want Congress to fix our immigration system comprehensively, Nunez said, listing examples like making e-verify mandatory and funding more border agents. If that includes dealing with these dreamers, so be it.

Ted Hilton, president of the Taxpayer Revolution Foundation, said that he didnt believe dreamers were taking full advantage of the educational opportunities offered to them under DACA. He believes that the system should prioritize American workers, including helping the homeless and those receiving public assistance find jobs, before it makes room for dreamers, he said.

If we have a real need for these workers, then its a closed discussion, Hilton said. We have to find a way to incorporate them, legalize them. But, I know that theres a huge population of Americans who need to be transitioned into work.

Employers who employ dreamers will now have to decide whether and when to replace them. As DACA recipients permits expire, they will no longer be legally allowed to work in the U.S. A study from the left-leaning Center for American Progress estimated that more than 30,000 people will lose their jobs each month as DACA work authorizations expire.

Dreamers had to be at least 15 years old to apply for DACA, so those affected the soonest by Tuesdays announcement will be dreamers who turn 15 in the next several months and are now not able to apply.

No new applications will be accepted, but first-time applications submitted by Tuesday will still be processed. Recipients whose permits expire before the six-month cut off will be allowed to renew if they apply within the next month.

Richard Barrera, president of the San Diego Unified School Board, said that the end of the program could deter high school students from achieving their potential.

A few days ago, every student in each of those classrooms was preparing for their future, Barrera said at a news conference. Today, many students in each of our classrooms are left in a situation where they dont know if they work hard, if they do all the right things that their classmates on one side or the other of them are doing, that theyre going to be able to move forward and go to college and work and contribute to this society.

Dreamers at colleges and universities will have to figure out how theyre going to pay for school once their work permits expire. Even if they are able to find under-the-table jobs, their incomes will likely decrease significantly.

Ignacio Hernandez, 21, a DACA recipient and president of the Associated Students Government at San Diego City College, said he was worried the end of the program would mean that he cant transfer to UC Los Angeles. He currently works five jobs, he said, and he wouldnt be able to pay for school without work authorization through DACA. He has friends who recently transferred from community colleges to universities who might have to drop out, he said.

I have a lot of goals. Now I might not even get to reach any of them, Hernandez said. I still want to continue with school. I still want to work. All of the things I have planned, its on Congress to decide.

Ginger Jacobs, an immigration attorney in San Diego, advised DACA recipients to renew if they can and not to panic because the final outcome could still change.

The silver lining of this horrible news is that they may end up with a more lasting benefit if this makes Congress pass the Dream Act, Jacobs said.

At Palomar College in San Marcos, more than 100 people attended a rally in support of DACA on Tuesday afternoon.

Today, Im pretty frustrated, said Nedy Velazquez, 20, a DACA student who attend the rally organized by the campus club Supporting, Empowering, Engaging Dreamers, more commonly known as SEED. Im angry. But at the same time, sad.

Velazquez graduated from Palomar College in May and is studying political science at UC San Diego. She said her parents came to the United States when she was young, then overstayed their visa.

DACA became law when she was about 15, around the age when she was ready to drive and thinking about work, she said.

It was kind of the opportunity for me to say, I can do those things now, she said. It was awesome to know I could immigrate into the nation.

Mixed in with her feelings of sadness and frustration on Tuesday, Velazquez said she also had a feeling of empowerment.

Theres still hope, and we can still fight it, she said. The community as a whole, we have a voice. I feel strength and resilience.

San Diegos congressional delegation split along party lines in their reactions to the end of DACA.

The President and his Administration are betraying the values that make America great and turning the lives of families across the country into a nightmare. Congress must act and pass legislation that will protect these young people from a President who is attempting to put an end to their American dream, Rep. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, said.

Republicans said Trumps decision fixes an overreach in executive power taken by the Obama administration, but they too said that Congress must now act on immigration legislation.

The Administrations decision today puts the onus on Congress to address this challenge in the right way: for the long-haul, with respect for our nations laws, a desire to enhance the integrity of our borders, and a sense of compassion for those who were brought here in their childhood years ago and wish to stay as productive members of our communities, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista said.

Activists planned to protest the decision at 6 p.m. Tuesday evening both in downtown San Diego at Waterfront Park and in North County at Westfield Mall.

Alliance San Diego will host information sessions across the county in the coming weeks for dreamers.

Gary Warth and Josh Stewart contributed to this report

Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence

Follow me on Facebook for live updates about immigration news

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on Twitter
A man sought in the shooting of an off-duty sheriffs deputy and a bystander in the Gaslamp Quarter last month was arrested in Tijuana Wednesday, authorities said.

Police had been looking for 37-year-old Ray Pitoau in connection with the Aug. 7 shooting that wounded Deputy Jason Philpot and another man.

Around noon on Wednesday, Baja California state police and a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force located Pitoau on the southern outskirts of Tijuana, said San Diego police Lt. Ernesto Servin.

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He said Pitoaus arrest was the result of a week-long joint operation between the two agencies in the U.S. and Mexico that ultimately led them to a home south of Tijuana, where Pitoau had been hiding.

After he was arrested, Pitoau was brought back to the U.S. and taken into custody by San Diego police. He was booked into jail on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Philpot, an 11-year-veteran, was shot three times in the shoulder as he tried to wrestle a gun away from a man near Island and Sixth avenues, San Diego police said. Philpot was out with a group of friends, including his brother, when the shooting occurred.

After the shooting, officers found a handgun and detectives later obtained video from surveillance cameras in the vicinity.

Two days after the shooting, SWAT officers surrounded a Spring Valley home where they thought Pitoau had holed up, but he was not inside when they entered four hours later.

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com

UPDATES:

8:10 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 4 p.m.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary today took charge as Minister of State for Coal, with his senior colleague in the ministry Piyush Goyal saying that his support would help taking on "newer challenges".

"First of all, I want to thank our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi)... (and) Piyush Goyal, and we know each other for years and we will work together to take this ministry ahead," Chaudhary said.

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Chaudhary, who is also holding the portfolio of the Minister of State for Mines, said he will work with full dedication.

"I along with Piyush Goyal will do good work," he said. Goyal, who has been promoted as the Cabinet minister for coal and railways ministries, welcomed the new MoS in the coal ministry.

"I heartily welcome Haribhai...I am delighted to have him as a colleague in the ministry. Where earlier in the three- and-a-half years, I did not have any support, now with him I will be able to take newer challenges," Goyal said.

The government, he said, wants to take up very quickly important issues like wage settlement with Coal India unions.

"So, I am delighted to have an able colleague like Haribhai working with me. Together, we will continue to steer the coal ministry to meet new challenges," Goyal said. PTI SID MKJ

--- ENDS ---
A 20-year-old man suffered a minor stab wound to his stomach after a melee erupted Tuesday in a City Heights street involving eight to 10 people, San Diego police said.

The fight was reported around 11:13 a.m. on Menlo Avenue near University Avenue, said police Officer Billy Hernandez. As police arrived, a red vehicle was seen leaving the area.

Police stopped the vehicle about a block away on Wightman Street and found that one of the passengers had suffered a stab wound to the stomach.

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The man was transported to the hospital with a wound that was not considered life threatening, Hernandez said.

No arrests were made. Gang detectives are investigating the incident.

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
San Diego police have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with an attack on a homeless man in City Heights that left the victim with severe head trauma and on life support.

Officers arrested the man, Jorge Rodriguez as he was sitting in his car on Orange Avenue near 45th street around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, said homicide Lt. Mike Holden.

Rodriguez was booked into jail on suspicion of murder and robbery.

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Detectives identified Rodriguez after looking at video surveillance of the attack on the victim, 46-year-old Somphan Bangphraxay, on a City Heights street Sunday morning.

He attacks our victim, the victim goes to the ground and (the victim) remained motionless, Holden said. The suspect is seen taking something out of Bangphraxays pocket, although the lieutenant declined to say what it was.

After the attack, the video showed the assailant dragging Bangphraxay from the middle of the street to the gutter and leaving him.

Police dont know what the motive was for the attack, whether it was robbery or if it may have been unprovoked, Holden said.

Police found Bangphraxay lying on the street on Highland Avenue near 38th Street after someone called 911 shortly before 9 a.m. He was unconscious when they arrived, his upper body on the curb and lower body in the street, with no visible signs of trauma.

After he was taken to the hospital, police said, medical staff determined Bangphraxay had sustained internal head trauma and would not survive his injuries. He remains on life support in the hospital.

karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography will help lead one of the largest efforts in decades to understand the forces that influence surf, currents, eddies, and the nutrients that are essential to the marine food chain.

The $11 million project is funded by the Office of Naval Research, which is partly interested in developing safer ways for ships to operate in shallow waters.

But the project is mainly focused on helping recreational boaters, fishermen, surfers, divers, coastal planners, and engineers who monitor how pollution moves along the shore.

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Understanding these complicated physical processes (occurs) in the coastal ocean is crucial for everything from the health of our fisheries to pollutant dispersal, plus the science is fascinating! said Jennifer Mackinnon, an oceanographer who is helping lead the Scripps end of the project.

Scripps is working with co-lead Oregon State University, which says the project will involve up to 100 scientists from more than a dozen universities and agencies who will study the so-called inner shelf between Pismo Beach and Point Conception.

The term refers to the area from the surf zone out to a depth of about 160 feet. This is where a lot of wave energy dissipates as it reaches shore. That dissipation affects everything from waves to currents to erosion.

Were going to give this inner shelf region a complete physical, OSU oceanographer Jack Barth said in a statement.

The two-month project, which is about to get underway, will involve an array of instruments from airborne sensors to drones to satellites to seafloor platforms.

Mackinnon said, Some (Scripps) groups are doing aircraft flights, some (are) working by small boats in the surf zone, some people are installing radar from shore that cna see surface ocean currents.

The work includes two Scripps research ships, Sally Ride and Sproul,

The data that these and other vessels take could be useful for such things as staunching beach erosion, designing better jetties and harbors, and managing fish that congregate near shore.

Barth is hoping that the new project will be as productive as the Coastal Ocean Dynamics Experiment, a landmark project conducted in the early 1980s.

Other UC San Diego stories

UC San Diegos Birch Aquarium exploring major expansion

Backstory: Why we chose to honor Scripps oceanographer Walter Munk

Scripps oceanographer Walter Munks 100 birthday stir memories of institutes golden era

Meet the incoming director of UC San Diegos new Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation

UC San Diego Nobel laureate donates $4 million and his medal to campus

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Twitter: @grobbins

gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
A good Samaritan was critically injured after he offered to pay for the food a homeless person was stealing and the man responded by bludgeoning him with a hatchet in a West Hollywood attack recorded on surveillance video.

The horrific incident unfolded Saturday about 4 a.m. at a 7-Eleven store on Santa Monica Boulevard where the victim saw the transient shoplifting and said he would pay for the items, according to a Facebook post by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Sheriffs officials called what happened next brutal and unbelievable.

Instead of accepting the generous offer, the man became enraged and a struggle ensued.

He is then seen walking outside the store holding a bag and taking a few steps back as the victim comes out right behind him. The suspect then immediately produces a double-sided hatchet and violently swings it at the man who is knocked to the ground.

The attacker then hits the him again and again and again and again. Another man is then seen coming outside where he appears to yell at the assailant.

The man with the hatchet then walks away but he comes back again and strikes the victim at least two more times before he walks off.

The witness makes a phone call as two other men run up and try to help the badly wounded victim.

Sheriffs officials posted the video and a photo of the man online and, on Tuesday, the department announced they had made an arrest in the case.

Kisu Brown, 41, was taken into custody after he was found not far from where the attack took place. He was booked into jail on charges of attempted murder and is being held on $500,000 bail.

Sheriffs Sgt. Jeff Bishop said the victim was a decent citizen trying to help someone down on their luck.

"What you think youre doing is a nice and generous thing, and somebody just takes it out on you like this. [Its] incomprehensible, Bishop told the Los Angeles Times. Very unfortunate.

The injured man is said to be in critical but stable condition with a crushed skull and a severe laceration to his hand.

According to the Times, Brown has had previous convictions, including assault with a deadly weapon.

619-293-1710

debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com

twitter.com/Debbi_Baker
Last week, Californias Supreme Court restored the peoples initiative power as one of the most precious rights of our democratic process by removing limitations on voter-initiated tax measures.

The courts ruling is a significant win for the ability of people to reasonably shape the revenues and expenditures of their own local governments at the ballot box by a majority vote. This opens the question on whether taxes raised by special districts, or used for specific purposes, need to be passed by a supermajority, or two-thirds, vote. In comparison, only a simple majority of voters is needed to approve non-property taxes used for general purpose government.

Related: Court ruling on tax increases benefits labor unions

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It is ironic that Proposition 218 in 1996, which imposed the supermajority requirement on special taxes, did not itself receive a supermajority approval by voters. It received 56 percent of the vote, failing to pass the threshold it set on other measures. In effect, these limits were presented as checks on local government by peoples initiatives that turned out to be limits on peoples initiatives themselves. As the California Supreme Court pointed out, nowhere in the materials is there any suggestion that Proposition 218 would rescue voters from the measures they might, through a majority vote, impose on themselves.

The artificial barrier between general and special taxes creates inefficiencies in local government. Voters cannot be promised specific benefits in return for raising general taxes.

Although the public supports special taxes more than general taxes, the rate of passage of special taxes is lower than that of general taxes. This is because public support for a revenue measure increases when there is accountability as to what it will pay for, but the addition of these accountability provisions triggers a higher voter threshold for passage.

The city of San Diego experienced this dilemma in 2004, when a 2.5 percent increase in the Tourism Occupancy Tax was presented to voters both as a general tax and as a special tax. Voter support was higher and would have easily passed a 50 percent threshold when the expenditures were specified for police and fire emergency services, roads, parks, tourism, etc. However, voter support fell below 50 percent when the same increase was presented to voters as a general tax. Both measures failed. No special tax has been passed by a supermajority in the city of San Diego.

It makes no sense to impose a higher voter threshold as a penalty for promising voters what they will get in return for their tax dollars.

No other state, to my knowledge, has a supermajority requirement for a public vote on special taxes. The differential treatment of revenue sources does not mean that the specific expenditures cannot be made in the budgetary process. Hence, cities often raise the sales tax as a general tax, camouflaged with unenforceable wish-lists in the ballot question.

The potential for citizen initiatives to raise specific taxes with a majority vote, makes it politically viable to address many of our funding needs:

Address homelessness and affordable housing

Expand the San Diego Convention Center

Address street, stormwater and flooding-related infrastructure deficit

Build a 21st-century mass transit system

Youth and active-recreation facilities

From our roads to our schools, our region has a backlog of needs in targeted spending. In addition, creative solutions to our mega-project quagmire may become politically navigable. Such solutions could involve a publicly funded and publicly owned multisport venue.

However, it is critically important for voter trust to be maintained in the process. Citizens signing on initiatives and voting on them must be empowered with reliable and transparent information. Therefore, paid signature gatherers should not be providing false and misleading statements.

The process for raising taxes should allow for deliberation between public agencies and ballot proponents, so that voters are assured of the best deal for taxpayers. And there must be collaboration between ballot proponents and community stakeholders so that public funds are not usurped by a few special interests with deep pockets.

It is time to work together, to ensure that we have the proper revenues to meet the needs of our growing region. A well-known saying from Justice Oliver Holmes Jr. comes to mind: Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.

Baxamusa is director of planning and development for the San Diego Building & Construction Trades Councils Family Housing Corp.
The pillorying of Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein for suggesting last week that Donald Trump could learn and change and become a good president shows how invested many on the left are in the politics of outrage and umbrage. Trump may embody qualities that many progressives hate, but  as Feinstein said  hes likely to remain president until 2021. That means hes a force to be reckoned with  not shunned  if this nation is to deal with its many problems.

The wisdom of Californias senior senators approach to the president was borne out Wednesday when he sided with Democratic congressional leaders over their Republican counterparts in backing a plan to package emergency Hurricane Harvey relief funding with three-month extensions on the debt limit and funding the government.

The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board has criticized Trump over and over and over and will no doubt do so again. But weve never lost sight of the fact that hes president and that opposition for oppositions sake is not good for Trumps most persistent critics or for the country at large. Nor have we given up hope that the president may grow on the job and maybe even realize that at least some of the criticism he has faced was accurate and should be heeded. Wednesdays deal-making just might be a welcome sign the president has a learning curve.

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UPDATES:

This editorial was updated at 3 p.m. Sept. 6 to reflect new developments.
President Donald Trumps decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in six months is both a cruel act that will hurt some 800,000 innocent people and a fresh display of the presidents inability to grasp how Washington works. DACA could have been a bargaining chip to win other immigration concessions, starting with the presidents much-touted border wall, or fence.

But the simple fact is now it is up to Congress to decide the fate of these young dreamers  people who were brought to America by their parents while minors and who have graduated from high school or served in the military and have constructive, positive lives through two-year work permits. Ultimately, this is in the best interests of democracy.

However well-intentioned they may be, presidential executive orders should not be allowed to overrule existing, plainly written federal laws because that violates the Constitutions separation of powers among the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Before he issued the DACA order in 2012, that was for years President Obamas stated view. A belief that the Constitution must be heeded is why The San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial Board has criticized far-reaching executive orders from both Obama and President George W. Bush.

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In less polarized times, congressional action to preserve DACAs protections would have seemed likely. The Democrats sympathetic to these hardworking young men and women would have teamed with Republicans who had heeded warnings from more than 400 business leaders that continuing to issue permits to this group would strengthen the U.S. economy. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin  who has offered increasingly strong support for dreamers in recent weeks  would work with Democrats to shape legislation that by itself would offer reassurance to the nearly 600,000 young immigrants whose work permits will expire after March 5 and now cant be renewed. The president  who claimed Tuesday to love the dreamers  would offer encouragement to Ryan and to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, to enact reforms while explaining to his base that his hardline views on unauthorized immigrants who entered the U.S. without permission as adults remained in place. The humane sentiment expressed Tuesday by Obama would be heeded: Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldnt threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us.

But our fear is Trump will let Attorney General Jeff Sessions take the lead on the issue, as he did Tuesday, when the DACA-loathing former Alabama senator  not the White House  announced the programs days were numbered. Sessions is no more likely to support a congressional version of DACA than he is to change his retrograde views on criminal justice. Ryan will issue platitudes but wont risk his political capital by taking on the House Freedom Caucus. And in six months, the U.S. government  with DACA residents addresses provided when appropriate by Homeland Security officials to immigration enforcers  could begin a crackdown.

That would likely please millions of Americans who support Trump and who want immigration laws rigidly enforced. But heartlessly dashing the hopes of 800,000 well-meaning dreamers would be a self-defeating act that would mar Americas image as a beacon around the world. Ryan and McConnell need to rescue more than DACA. They need to rescue the idea of America as a land of compassion.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

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Public opinion is usually formed in ignorance, but the DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) demonstrators and those advocating a lawsuit to stop the president from doing what has already been done bring ignorance to a whole new level.

The only DACA program which ever existed was an executive order by the prior president. That order essentially created a law, which the president may not do. There are pending lawsuits to assert just that, and legal scholars agree the program is unconstitutional and will be disallowed.

Our president, completely within his rights to reverse a prior executive order (lawsuits will be a waste of money), is actually trying to save the program by asking Congress to make it a matter of law. If the protestors and others want to have any impact at all, they will up the pressure on Congress members. That is where laws are made, not by the president.

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I, for one, have already pressured my representative. I wonder if any of the vocal group will do it, or will they just continue to scream, blame the current president and stay ignorant.

Ernest Price

Rancho Bernardo

(Hayne Palmour IV/San Diego Union-Tribune)

Perhaps the San Diego Union-Tribune will explain someday to its readers the action taken by the Justice Department over DACA was warranted under the Constitution.

According to Jeff Sessions and legal scholars, President Obama by executive order created this program, which is in violation of federal immigration law. By invalidating DACA with a six-month period of grace, Trump has put the responsibility on Congress to change the law.

The constitution is the basis of our laws. No president, political party, undocumented citizen or college campus has the legal authority to violate the laws of the land. Obama did not have legal authority to create this waver of law. By creating DACA he took pressure off of Congress, which has doing nothing for the past 15 years, to solve this immigration issue.

Peter Malaspina

Carlsbad

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Hurricane Irma, a dangerous Category 5 storm containing the most powerful winds ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, is already ravaging the Caribbean and could be headed for Florida, forecasters say.

The small islands of the northern Leewards, including Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispanola, the Bahamas and Cuba were all directly threatened by maximum sustained winds that reached 185 miles per hour on Wednesday.

Forecasters predict Irma could turn north toward the eastern United States by the weekend with its path targeting Puerto Rico late Wednesday or early Thursday, the Dominican Republic and Haiti on Thursday and Bahamas and Cuba on Friday.

Puerto Rico and Florida had both declared states of emergency by Tuesday.

Heres a look at how people across the region were preparing and facing the monster storm.

Evacuations across the region

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said on Wednesday his government was evacuating six islands and taking residents to the capital city of Nassau  the largest storm evacuation in the countrys history.

Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levin is asking residents to voluntarily evacuate.

This is so serious. There are so many people that may want to get off this island, said Levine. If you can, begin making plans now to leave Miami Beach.

Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez said mandatory evacuations could begin as early as Wednesday evening on the coast.

Officials in the Florida Keys were set to begin mandatory evacuations for visitors on Wednesday morning and residents in the evening.

Tolls roads open for free

Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced on Tuesday that starting at 5 p.m. local time, toll roads in the state would be free to allow for evacuations and the transfer of supplies.

Ensuring the safety of Florida families and visitors is our top priority and suspending tolls statewide will help people quickly evacuate and make it easier for all Floridians to access important hurricane supplies to ensure they are fully prepared, Scott said.

Schools are closing

Miami-Dade public schools were scheduled to shut down after class on Wednesday. Broward and Palm Beach public schools planned to close down Thursday.

The Miami Herald is keeping a running list of closures here.

University of Puerto Rico has also canceled classes.

Heres a look at some of the other schools and colleges canceling class in the region, including Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica.

A race for supplies

Across Florida, reports of long lines and empty shelves were coming from stores where people were stalking up on food, water, gasoline and other emergency supplies on Tuesday.

We ordered water off Amazon because the stores were out and also ordered food, said Eastin, a 43-year-old lawyer in Florida told The Associated Press. Seeing the devastation in Texas is a sad reminder that you have to take the events very seriously.

Sand bags were also a hot commodity. Check out some of the scenes in the storms projected path.

Puerto Rico

Miami Beach

Miami

Jacksonville

Saint Martin

Troops to be deployed

On Tuesday, Gov. Scott announced the deployment of 100 Florida National Guard members to help with preparations and also called for all 7,000 members to be on duty on Friday.

Puerto Ricos Gov. Ricardo Rossello also activated its National Guard.

For ongoing coverage, the Miami Herald is offering unlimited digital access throughout the storm here, and so is the Sun Sentinel here.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin

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By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) The Delhi High Court has dismissed Vodafones petition against the consultation process adopted by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for fixing interconnection usage charges (IUCs) between cellular and fixed line operators.

"The petition is dismissed," Justice Vibhu Bakhru said.

IUCs are charges paid by operators of telecommunication services on whom the call originates to operators on whose end the call terminates. The charges are currently determined in accordance with the Telecom Interconnection Usage Charges Regulations 2015.

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Vodafone had moved the court earlier this year against consultation papers on IUCs floated by TRAI, in an attempt to make the regulator reveal the cost models gathered to determine the revised rates on the grounds of transparency.

The plea had claimed that if the data was not shared with them, the entire consultation would be violative of the principles of natural justice in accordance with the TRAI Act and other provisions of law. PTI PPS SKV ARC

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The center of the storm was about 15 miles (25 kilometers) west of St. Martin and Anguilla about 8 am today, the hurricane center said. It was heading west-northwest at 16 mph (26 km/h).

By AP: Hurricane Irma roared into the Caribbean with record force early today, its 185-mph winds shaking homes and flooding buildings on a chain of small islands along a path toward Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and likely Florida by the weekend.

The strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever recorded passed almost directly over the island of Barbuda, causing widespread flooding and downing trees. France sent emergency food and water rations to the French islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, where Irma ripped off roofs and knocked out all electricity.

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The regional authority for Guadeloupe and neighboring islands said the fire station in Saint Barthelemy was flooded by more than 3 feet (1 meter) of water and no rescue vehicles could move. The government headquarters on Saint Martin was partially destroyed.

There were no immediate reports of casualties but the minister for overseas territories, Annick Girardin, said "We have a lot to fear for a certain number of our compatriots who unfortunately didn't want to listen to the protection measures and go to more secure sites... We're preparing for the worst."

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the twin-island nation appears to have weathered its brush with Hurricane Irma with no deaths, though there were widespread reports of damage.

The center of the storm was about 15 miles (25 kilometers) west of St. Martin and Anguilla about 8 am today, the hurricane center said. It was heading west-northwest at 16 mph (26 km/h).

The huge eye of Category 5 Hurricane #Irma completely engulfed the island of Barbuda last night, captured by the Suomi NPP #VIIRS overpass. pic.twitter.com/BKNFgx8r4V- UW-Madison CIMSS (@UWCIMSS) September 6, 2017

As the eye of Hurricane Irma passed over Barbuda around 2 am, phone lines went down under heavy rain and howling winds that sent debris flying as people huddled in their homes or government shelters.

The storm ripped the roof off the island's police station, forcing officers to seek refuge in the fire station and at the community center that served as an official shelter. The Category 5 storm also knocked out communication between islands.

The US National Hurricane Center said Irma's winds would fluctuate but the storm would likely remain at Category 4 or 5 strength for the next day or two. The most dangerous winds, usually nearest to the eye, were forecast to pass near the northern Virgin Islands and near or just north of Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump declared emergencies in Florida, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma was moving over water that was 1.8 degrees (1 degree Celsius) warmer than normal. The 79 degree (26 Celsius) water that hurricanes need went about 250 feet (80 meters) deep, said Jeff Masters, meteorology director of the private forecasting service Weather Underground.

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Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region, but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which usually have warmer waters. Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005's Wilma, 1988's Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Keys storm all had 185 mph winds.

Video of a flight through the eye of #Irma on #NOAA42. Flights on both the WP-3D Orion and G-IV #NOAA49 continue. Credit Nick Underwood/NOAA pic.twitter.com/9ini4bOnYF- NOAAHurricaneHunters (@NOAA_HurrHunter) September 5, 2017

The northern Leeward Islands were expected to see normal tide levels rise by as much as 11 feet (3.3 meters), while the Turks and Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas could see surge of 20 feet (6 meters) and higher waves later in the week, forecasters said.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating six islands in the south because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the "potentially catastrophic" wind, flooding and storm surge. People there would be flown to Nassau in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the country's history.

"The price you may pay for not evacuating is your life or serious physical harm," Minnis said.

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The U.S. National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irma's magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

"The dangerousness of this event is like nothing we've ever seen," Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said. "A lot of infrastructure won't be able to withstand this kind of force."

The eye of the storm was expected to rip westward on a path taking it a little north of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba.

The northern parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti could see 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain, with as much as 20 inches (50 centimeters) in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

The storm seemed almost certain to hit the United States by early next week.

"You'd be hard pressed to find any model that doesn't have some impact on Florida." said University of Miami senior hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy.

In Florida, people stocked up on drinking water and other supplies.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott activated 100 members of the Florida National Guard to be deployed across the state, and 7,000 National Guard members were to report for duty Friday when the storm could be approaching the area. On Monday, Scott declared a state of emergency in all of Florida's 67 counties.

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Officials in the Florida Keys geared up to get tourists and residents out of Irma's path, and the mayor of Miami-Dade County said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most coastal areas.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the voluntary evacuations could begin as soon as Wednesday evening. He activated the emergency operation center and urged residents to have three days' worth of food and water.

The Hurricane Center in Miami said hurricane-force winds extended 50 miles (85 kilometers) from Irma's center and tropical storm-force winds extended 175 miles (280 kilometers).

Also Wednesday morning, a new tropical storm formed in the Gulf of Mexico off Mexico's coast. Tropical Storm Katia had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph (65 kph) with some strengthening forecast over the next two days. But the hurricane center said Katia was expected to stay offshore through Friday morning.

And another tropical storm farther east in the Atlantic was expected to become a hurricane by Wednesday night. Tropical Storm Jose's maximum sustained winds had increased to near 60 mph (95 kph). The storm was centered about 1,255 miles (2,020 kilometers) east of the Lesser Antilles and was moving west near 13 mph (20 kph).

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--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Rakhine state: PM

(EDS: Updating with more quotes of PM)

Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 6 (PTI) India said today that it shares Myanmars concerns over "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state from where 125,000 Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the countrys unity.

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Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, asserted that it was important to maintain the security and stability of the land and maritime boundaries of the two countries.

The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation.

Modis first bilateral visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is facing international pressure over the 125,000 Rohingya Muslims that have poured into Bangladesh in just two weeks after Myanmars military launched a crackdown in the Rakhine state.

Modi, in his joint press statement with Suu Kyi after the talks, said India understands the problems being faced by Myanmar.

He said India shares Myanmars concerns over "extremist violence" in the Rakhine state, especially the loss of innocent lives of the people and the security personnel.

"When it comes to a big peace process or finding a solution to a special issue, we hope that all stakeholders can work together towards finding a solution which while respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar ensures peace, justice and dignity for all," Modi said.

His remarks came a day after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said Rohingyas are illegal immigrants and will be deported from India.

Rijiju had asserted that nobody should preach India on the issue as the country has absorbed the maximum number of refugees in the world.

After Modi-Suu Kyi talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.

Modi, in his statement, stressed on scaling up security cooperation, saying that being neighbours, the two countries have similar security concerns.

Taking a strong stance on terror, Suu Kyi said, "Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take root on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries."

Suu Kyi also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmars Rakhine state last month, killing 12 security personnel.

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The meeting between Modi and Suu Kyi came on a day she was quoted as telling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that global outrage over Myanmars treatment of its Rohingya Muslims was being fuelled by "a huge iceberg of misinformation".

Sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by "a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists", Suu Kyi was quoted by an official statement as telling Erdogan in a call.

Suu Kyi has come under fire in recent days for failing to speak out against violence targeting Rohingyas, particularly given her previous image as a champion of human rights.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmars Rakhine State.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 125,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region.

Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

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He said that India has decided to grant gratis (no-cost) visa to Myanmarese citizens who wish to visit the country.

Modi highlighted the development initiatives India was undertaking in Mynamar especially in capacity building, which Suu Kyi said her country needed the most.

"I believe the democratic experience of India is relevant for Myanmar and that is why we are proud of our massive support in the capacity building of the executive, legislature, election commission and press council and other institutions in Myanmar," Modi said.

Talking about Indias assistance to Myanmar, he said the work on the Paletwa Inland Waterways Terminal and Sittwe port under the Kaladan project has been completed.

Modi also noted that the high-speed diesel from India has started coming through trucks to meet the needs of Upper Myanmar.

Under the development partnership, Modi highlighted Indias assistance in the development of high quality education and healthcare and research facilities in Myanmar.

He said in future also India would take up projects that will be according to the needs and priorities of Myanmar.

"Todays agreements will strengthen our all-round bilateral cooperation," the prime minister said.

He also lauded Suu Kyis leadership in Myanmars peace process.

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Earlier, during the delegation-level talks, Modi said, "We would like to contribute to Myanmars development efforts as part of our Sabka saath sabka vikaas initiative."

He said deepening the relationship with Myanmar was a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of the Act East Policy.

Later in the day, Modi flew to Bagan and paid respects at the Ananda Temple there.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip after he travelled to the southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS Summit.

Yesterday, Modi called on Myanmarese President Htin Kyaw, describing it as a "wonderful meeting".

They had discussed steps to deepen the "historical relationship" between the two neighbours.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur. PTI ASK UZM AKJ ASK

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For more about Gay Haubners life in the North Country, read the other chapters in her serialized memoir. The Post will publish a new segment each week.

The back to school letter from Congdon did not bring good news. The enrichment program at Endion was supposed to be for two years: fifth and sixth grade. But yet another revolution in educational theory had hit Congdon, and the school pulled the five of us smarty pants out of the program, so we could enjoy all the benefits of the new system.

A modern extension had been wadded on to the old brick school building for Congdon fifth and sixth graders; we were to be the guinea pigs for a new modular elementary education. Someone had finally realized that teachers who graduated from college before World War II, and whose educational ideal was a pin-drop quiet classroom with seasonally decorated bulletin boards might not be capable of instructing students in higher math skills or science that wasnt a slowly dying terrarium. Miss Ritchie, Im afraid they were looking at you.

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Instead of a single classroom teacher, we now had four, each one with a specialty: English, Social Science, Math, and Science. The new teachers were all under forty and to our shock, two of them were maleI didnt think men were allowed to be elementary school teachers. The teachers each had their own room with new lightweight desks, so we had four different desks to keep our stuff in. Since each class of students moved from room to room during the school day, none of us except the most anal of twelve-year-old girls ever had the right books, pencils, or writing paper for the class we were in. The first ten minutes of every class was spent repositioning our desks in small groups or a big circle or in rows, or an original configuration, if the teacher could think of one, with chair legs screeching against the linoleum, and ouches and ows as we banged into each other, jockeying for position next to the most popular kids. The next ten minutes was spent scrounging for supplies that had been left in the previous classroom. Under this new regime, art and music fell by the wayside. I guess the amount of time we had spent in previous years creating shoebox dioramas and learning to sing White Coral Bells as a round was considered adequate.

The male teachers took over gym, and competitive games ruled. Out went square dancing, in came high velocity dodgeball. I was not only always chosen last, but also managed to get hit as soon as possible by placing myself directly in front of the first ball languidly tossed over by a girl on the other side. In this way I avoided being concussed by one of the boys vicious fastballs, and I got to spend gym period sitting dreamily on the sidelines, missing my wonderful enrichment class and imagining I was watching the Olympics in ancient Greece before strolling down to the Acropolis. During one particularly brutal game, when it got down to two players on each side, husky Mr. Levine, nominally our math teacher, pointed at Billy Shaw and called Out! to which Billy Shaw replied F**k you, Mr. Levine. Mr. Levine charged Billy like a freight train and proceeded to beat the shit out of him all around the gym. The rest of us huddled together, like wildebeests watching one of our own being devoured by a lion, and tried to get as far away as possible from the pummeling. This incident did not result in a dodgeball ban, or even in a reduction of the fierceness of the competition, which remained at major head injury level; there was just less audible cursing from the boys, and I continued to be able to avoid getting any exercise in gym.

For the first time in our collective student memory, there was a new girl in our class. Becky Sweet, a blonde so slight and pale she looked in danger of toppling over, was a pro at being the new kid: her father was a minister of some obscure Nordic-based Protestant denomination and was assigned to a different Minnesota town every few years. Becky had vast experience in recognizing which girl needed a friend the most and lit on me as her new best friend. I had never had another kid choose me for anything before, and fell into best friendship without a thought.

Becky was obsessed with sex and George Harrison and had the oddest family life I had every seen. She would not come to my home, but insisted that I sleep over at her house every Friday. I never once met her father. His work took him all around upper Minnesota and Wisconsin, driving to small farm towns to stand in for ministers who had dropped dead or shot their wives or been caught tampering with the livestock. Or he was at church, counseling parishioners, or rarely, in his study, NOT TO BE DISTURBED.

Beckys mother was also a ghostly presence. I would catch a glimpse of her when I walked into their house, wafting from room to room before vanishing into her bedroom. Becky and I were left with her older sister, who supervised the making of huge bowls of popcorn, dinner for the three of us, washed down with Hawaiian Punch, about as transgressive a dinner as I could imagine. Then a car pulled up, a boy shouting and blasting the horn, and big sis would take off for the night. Becky and I settled down on her couch to watch the Friday Night Fright Fest, old black and white sci-fi movies where radiation would create giant women, tiny men, and plants that could walk and eat people. When the Duluth broadcasting day ended at midnight, Becky and I climbed into her bed, back to back. I fell asleep listening to her explicit fantasies about having sex with George Harrison, the important details of the act having been supplied to her by her sister. Had I met Becky the year before, I wouldnt have cared about missing the Becoming a Woman educational film and I would have been voted Most Knowledgeable About Sex at Camp Wanakiwin. Beckys obsession was almost innocent: she didnt try to touch me and I dont think she touched herself. Unlike the other Beatle-crazed girls I knew, Becky didnt press me to pick a favorite Beatle. I was the audience for her stories about George Harrison and his undying lust for her pre-pubescent body To me it was far from erotic; it was just another piece of Beckys Bizarro World, like the missing parents, the wooden crosses on every wall, and the fridge that held nothing except can after can of Hawaiian Punch.

These Friday nights were a dark, musky secret at the heart of our friendship. My mom was too busy with an infant and a missing six-year-old to ask about my sleepovers at Beckys, so she never knew about the popcorn dinners, staying up until midnight, or the lack of adult supervision. Since Mrs. Sweet never seemed to leave the house, she was far out of my mothers social orbit; mom felt no compunction to invite Becky to sleep over at our house, as she would for a daughter of a matron of long Duluth standing. Becky never showed the least desire to come to my house; a real dinner might have been a serious blow to her digestive system.

Then in the spring, Becky was gone, her father sent off to another parish. Because I had been away from Congdon at the enrichment program for half the year during fifth grade and held in isolation by Becky Sweet for most of sixth, I was now completely friendless. I read, watched TV, held my baby sister, and kept an eye out in case Lani reappeared.

***

The street where I lived, Lakeview Avenue, was on the very border of zoning for two Junior High Schools, Ordean and Woodland, so I could opt to go to either one. I was the only one in the Congdon sixth grade to occupy this geographic odd spot; all of the other kids lived in the Ordean zone and were headed there.

I took stock of my friendless state and decided that I needed a fresh start. I was the four-eyed bookworm, the eternal teachers pet, the kid you did not want on your dodgeball, volleyball, or softball team. But if I went to Woodland Junior High, I could re-invent myself! I could be a woman (girl) of mystery. Girls would want to whisper to me about other girls and pass notes about which boys they liked, and boys would want to walk me home, carry my books, and hold my hand. I could be cool.

My fantasies were not unlike Beckys. Somehow she would meet George Harrison and he would be smitten with love for her. Somehow I would enter Woodland Junior High and be popular. Before our pre-school shopping trip to Minneapolis, I pored over Seventeen magazine, noted that grape and rust were the in colors for fall. From the Back to School racks of clothing I carefully selected skirts and dresses in those hideous shades, all at a slightly above knee length, as I had been instructed by Seventeen. My mother, the shopaholic and former beauty queen, was delighted that I was turning into a real girl.

I thought I was ready to conquer Woodland Junior High, an uninspired white brick two-story building, bland as boiled rice on the outside; inside held a disturbing whiff of chlorine from the pool and all the miseries of being a pre-teen girl. The boys contributed their own smell: sweat, Clearasil, Right Guard, and the Jade East cologne worn by sophisticated ninth graders. This smell permeated the halls we streamed through, every hour, year after year, as we traveled from one classroom to the next.

I had been overconfident in my ability to transform myself; the scratchy new sweater the color of Welchs Grape Jelly and the coordinated plaid skirt were not enough. Clothes do not make the seventh grade girl, a lesson I seemed incapable of learning.

The first morning of Junior High was filled with the excitement and confusion of a hundred new students trying to find their different classrooms, prompted by a confusing buzz of the school bell every fifty minutes, overseen by bored teachers trying to determine if you were in the right class. When the noon bell sounded, I followed the seventh grade shift of lunchers into the gigantic cafeteria.

I waited in the endless school lunch line and wished I had brought a packed lunch, looking out at the tables already crowded with kids pulling sandwiches out of brown paper bags. When I finally got my tray I stood in the center of the cacophony in my new duds, grinning like Alfred E. Newman, and waiting for someone to wave me to their table. My stomach and my heart squeezed together as I realized that my plan was not going to work. All the girls already had their cliques from elementary school; new comers need not apply. And I am sure that not a single seventh grade boy noticed that I was dressed out the pages of a Seventeen magazine.

I tossed the contents of my tray into the garbage and spent the rest of the lunch hour weeping silently in a bathroom stall.
Karen J. Williams Courtroom

One of the more dramatic features of the new law school building, the Karen J. Williams Courtroom seats 300 and is suitable for jury trials and appellate arguments, moot court and mock trial competitions. The space, which features an 1870s heart pine judges bench originally used in a State House courtroom alongside modern media technology, will also be used as a classroom and auditorium.

In the old law school, we could bring a court in for certain purposes, but they were on a stage in an auditorium. It felt like a makeshift court, like pretend. This is going to be the real thing, says Wilcox, adding that the courtroom also helps establish expectations for students hoping to pursue a career in law. This room conveys an important message to students, which is, Youre entering a different kind of profession. All the dignity represented by this room  thats what you need to have as you enter this profession.

And the fact that the courtroom is named after Karen J. Williams, the first woman chief judge of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, only reaffirms that message.

In addition to being smart and a trailblazer, when I think of Karen, and when I think of the courtroom thats now named in her honor, I think of dignity, says Wilcox. You would never meet a more dignified person. She just represented what a lawyer ought to be.

Its a sentiment echoed by many in the S.C. legal community, among them former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Carolina Jean Toal, 68 law, who mentored Williams during and after law school.

She certainly had people who wondered if she was up to the challenge, says Toal. These were people who didnt know her very well. She was more than up to the challenge.

Ultimately, Williams was appointed to the Fourth Circuit in 1992 and served as chief judge from 2007 until her retirement in 2009. Williams name was also floated as a potential nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court during the administration of George W. Bush.

Karen was just such a beacon of encouragement to so many women. At the same time, her legacy is so much broader than that, says Toal. She was a brilliant jurist who went to the very top of the legal profession in this country, but her head was not turned by her great success.

Williams died from early-onset Alzheimers in 2013. Her portrait now hangs on the wall to the right of the bench in the courtroom that bears her name.
Genetic variants linked to Alzheimers disease and heavy smoking are less frequent in people with longer lifespans, suggesting that natural selection is weeding out these unfavorable variants in some populations, according to an analysis of the genomes of 210,000 people in the U.S. and UK.

New favorable traits evolve when genetic mutations arise that offer a survival edge. As the survivors of each generation pass on those beneficial mutations, the mutations and their adaptive traits become more common in the general population.

Though it may take millions of years for complex traits to evolve, say allowing humans to walk on two legs, evolution itself happens with each generation as adaptive mutations become more frequent in the population.

The genomic revolution has allowed biologists to see the natural selection process in action by making the genetic blueprint of hundreds of thousands of people available for comparison.

By tracking the relative rise and fall of specific mutations across generations of people, scientists can infer which traits are spreading or dwindling.

In a large-scale study, Columbia University researcher Hakhamenesh Mostafavi and colleagues analyzed the genomes of 60,000 people of European ancestry (GERA cohort) genotyped by Kaiser Permanente in California, and 150,000 people in Britain genotyped through the U.K. Biobank.

Our global understanding of adaptation in humans is limited to indirect statistical inferences from patterns of genetic variation, which are sensitive to past selection pressures, the authors explained.

We introduced a method that allowed us to directly observe ongoing selection in humans by identifying genetic variants that affect survival to a given age.

We applied our approach to the GERA cohort and parents of the U.K. Biobank participants.

Two population-level mutation shifts stood out. In women over 70, the researchers saw a drop in the frequency of the ApoE4 gene linked to Alzheimers, consistent with earlier research showing that women with one or two copies of the gene tend to die well before those without it.

They saw a similar drop, starting in middle age, in the frequency of a mutation in the CHRNA3 gene associated with heavy smoking in men.

They were surprised to find just two common mutations across the entire human genome that heavily influence survival.

The high power of the analysis should have detected other variants had they existed. This suggests that selection has purged similar variants from the population, even those that act later in life like the ApoE4 and CHRNA3 genes.

It may be that men who dont carry these harmful mutations can have more children, or that men and women who live longer can help with their grandchildren, improving their chance of survival, said co-author Dr. Molly Przeworski, an evolutionary biologist at Columbia University.

Most traits are determined by dozens to hundreds of mutations, and even in a large sample like this one, their effect on survival can be hard to see.

To get around this, the team examined sets of mutations associated with 42 common traits, from height to body mass index (BMI), and for each individual in the study, determined what value of the trait they would predict based on their genetics, and whether it influenced survival.

The scientists found that a predisposition for high cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol, high BMI, and heart disease was linked to shorter life spans. To a lesser extent, a predisposition for asthma was also linked to earlier death.

They also found that those genetically predisposed to delayed puberty and child-bearing lived longer  a one-year puberty delay lowered the death rate by 3 to 4% in both men and women; a one-year childbearing delay lowered the death rate by 6% in women.

The researchers take the results as evidence that genetic variants that influence fertility are evolving in some U.S. and Britain populations. But they caution that environment plays a role, too, so that traits that are desirable now may not be in other populations or in the future.

The environment is constantly changing. A trait associated with a longer lifespan in one population today may no longer be helpful several generations from now or even in other modern day populations, Mostafavi said.

The results are published in the journal PLoS Biology.

_____

H. Mostafavi et al. 2017. Identifying genetic variants that affect viability in large cohorts. PLoS Biol 15 (9): e2002458; doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2002458
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) German Ambassador to India Martin Ney today stressed on the need for having right energy mix, saying that focus must be on both energy efficiency as well as renewables.

"The need of the hour is to set the priorities right. There is a variety of complex issues, the solution is an intelligent energy mix coupled with focus on both energy efficiency and renewable energy," Ney said at an international conference on "Large-Scale Grid Integration of Renewable Energy" here.

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The US Agency for International Development and Deutsche Gesellschaft fAr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), under the bilateral cooperation with the power ministry and the ministry of new and renewable energy, jointly hosted the conference.

More than 300 representatives and energy experts from 28 countries including the US and Germany are attending the three-day conference to share their experiences, highlight challenges and develop India-specific solutions for integrating large-amount of renewable energy into the system.

India plans to deploy an unprecedented 175 gigawatts of renewable energy into its power grid by 2022, which can greatly strengthen the country?s energy security and reduce carbon intensity.

Highlighting the importance of the conference, Mark Anthony White, USAID Mission Director to India, said: "The Government of India has set a precedent in the world and USAIDs commitment toward helping India achieve its clean energy goal is strong and unrelenting."

The conference aims to stimulate interdisciplinary thinking between renewable energy developers, power transmission and distribution industries, as well as education and research institutions. The opening day covered deliberations between representatives from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Central Electricity Authority, Central Electricity and Regulatory Commission, Power System Operation Corporation Limited on technical and economic issues.

Over the next two days, the conference will focus on renewable energy grid integration aspects ranging from forecasting, reliable system operation, transmission and market operation for reliable grid operations under high variability that accompanies clean energy. PTI KKS MKJ

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HEMINGWAY, S.C.  This September, the Williamsburg County Library is joining with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide for Library Card Sign-up Month.

The library wants to make sure that every student has the most important school supply of all: a free library card.

Libraries build a foundation for childrens future success starting from the earliest stages of development helping children with the basic tools for school readiness by teaching families the components of early literacy. As of 2010, childrens programs accounted for nearly two-thirds of library programming in the United States, with more than 2.3 million childrens programs nationwide.

Older students also can find tools for success at local libraries where they can access high-speed internet and digital tools, as well as working with trained professionals on how best to use the available resources. Close to 90 percent of libraries offer digital literacy training to help students of all ages navigate todays changing world.

Resources in the Kingstree, Hemingway and Greeleyville branches are available to anyone with a library card. Students can turn to the library for materials, programs and knowledgeable staff.

Our library system provides access and programs for students of all ages, says Trisha Harrelson, Hemingway branch manager. For preschool children, we offer early literacy resources and story times to encourage school readiness. Older children and teens enjoy supplemental education with multidisciplinary programs. For nontraditional students, we have GED resources. Theres really something for everyone and its all free  with a library card.

Watch for the Hemingway library to host and post its superpower graphics that coordinate with its sign-ups honorary chairs, DC Super Heroes the Teen Titans.

For more information about how to sign up for a free library card, visit the Williamsburg Country Library in Hemingway, Kingstree or Greeleyville. You can also visit mywcl.org or find the library on Facebook.
NICHOLS, S.C.  The Nichols Town Hall staff and Nichols Disaster Relief Steering Committee held a second town hall meeting at the Nichols Special Events building to discuss the latest rehabilitation efforts.

Among the discussions were code enforcement in Marion County and FEMA base flood elevation.

Youd be required to bring in that flood elevation certificate, James Turner said. Then were in a high-wind zone. Anything structural will require a set of plans from a South Carolina registered engineer.

Palmetto Disaster Recovery also talked about the need to apply for assistance before November.

Program management director J.R. Sanderson said the mission is to put as many people back in their homes as quick as they can through more than $52 million in relief aid. Nichols was devastated by flooding from Hurricane Matthew last year.

We have hired a contractor in Horne LLP as disaster specialist, Sanderson said. They will have a presence in Marion County.

Sanderson said rebuilding, repairing and replacing homes are about bringing residents back to a safe and sanitary environment.

Residents with questions regarding the Town of Nichols Disaster Recovery Funds and Grants are encouraged to visit the Nichols Town Hall.

Distribution of the funds is addressed at each Disaster Recovery Steering Committee meeting. The South Carolina Disaster Recovery Office can be reached at 803-896-4068.
By India Today Web Desk: It seems like actor Jamie Foxx and actress Katie Holmes are not hiding their relationship any more as they were seen enjoying some public display of affection in Malibu.

It took four years, but the Hollywood couple finally let go of their inhibitions, and indulged in some good ol' public display of affection on Monday in Malibu, hand in hand in the sand, reported tmz.com.

Katie Holmes looks like the damsel in distress whose been rescued by Prince Charming from the Evil King. Get your happily ever after, girl. pic.twitter.com/smpsP29Ueq- Hanna Flint (@HannaFlint) September 6, 2017

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They've reportedly been together since 2013, about a year after Holmes split from Tom Cruise.

Holmes was also seen with a ring on her finger in March 2016 but Foxx's representative said it wasn't from him. A year before that, Foxx denied they were even a thing. However, the photos that are all over social media, have something else to say.

(with inputs from IANS)

ALSO READ: Katie Holmes still trapped by Tom Cruise?

ALSO READ: Tom Cruise not over Katie Holmes?

ALSO WATCH: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes divorce after 5 years

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By PTI: message

By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Sep 6 (PTI) The nomination of Ken Juster as the next US Ambassador to India has been welcomed by a new trade body here which said the move sends the right message that Americans value this partnership.

Trump yesterday sent to the Senate his nomination of Juster as the next US Ambassador to India. The position has been laying vacant since January 20.

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"Ken is an inspired choice. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience in the relations between our two countries. For example, he played a major role in developing the US-India- civil nuclear agreement," John Chambers, chairman of the US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), said.

Chambers said Juster also had the vision to put in place the High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG), which was the need of the hour back then.

"I have no doubt that Ken will seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact in further strengthening the relations between the two countries. We look forward to working with him and his team to tap into the immense strategic partnership opportunities between the US and India," Chambers said.

"President Donald Trump?s nomination of Kenneth Juster as the new Ambassador to India sends the right message that the United States values this partnership. Having served President Trump and worked closely with members of his White House team, Ken will have the ability to work at the highest levels of both the governments," said Mukesh Aghi, president of USISPF. PTI LKJ NSA

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Badole's daughter Shruti badole was granted Maharashtra government's scholarship meant for Schedule Tribe students to pursue a PHD at Manchester university in UK.

Badole's daughter Shruti badole was granted Maharashtra government's scholarship meant for Schedule Tribe students to pursue a PHD at Manchester university in UK

By Kiran Tare, Sahil Joshi, Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Rajkumar Badole has come under the scanner for misusing his position to secure scholarship for his daughter.

Badole's daughter Shruti badole was granted Maharashtra government's scholarship meant for Schedule Tribe students to pursue a PHD at Manchester university in UK. The scholarship is meant for ST students whose parents' income is less than 6 lakh rupees per year.

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The son of secretary of social justice department has also been awarded a scholarship.

Questions are now being raised on Badole's daughter being given the scholarship granted by his own ministry. According to the cabinet minister, his daughter has an excellent educational record and has been elected as per merit. Badole added that income criteria for grant of the scholarship did not apply to those students who had secured admission in top 100 universities across the world.

He clarified that he and his secretary both detach themselves from the process of selection and a committee under chief secretary was responsible for selecting the students eligible for the scholarship.

Opposition Congress has alleged that the incident is a clear case of misusing ministerial power and has demanded an inquiry. This is not the first time that a minister in Devendra Fadnavis government has faced charges of misusing their position.

Two years back, senior minister Eknath Khadse had to resign for misusing his power as minister to buy land belonging to Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.

Also read | Sidelined BJP leader Eknath Khadse targets Fadnavis government in Maharashtra Assembly

Also read | No prima facie evidence to register FIR against Eknath Khadse in land scam case, say police

WATCH: Maharashtra farmers' strike over loan waiver affecting fruit, vegetable markets in Mumbai

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Dileep on Wednesday performed the death anniversary rituals of his father at his home in Aluva.

By India Today Web Desk: Superstar Dileep reached his home at 8am this morning to perform his father's death anniversary rituals. Reports suggest that the rituals were held at his residence, which is about two kilometers from the Aluva sub-jail, where Dileep has been lodged for two months now.

According to a report in Online Manorama, scores of people gathered to get a glimpse of Dileep, who was arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy in the sensational Malayalam actress abduction and molestation case. The report further states that Dileep was received by his mother, wife Kavya Madhavan and daughter Meenakshi.

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Earlier this week, the first class magistrate court in Angamaly granted permission to Dileep on humanitarian grounds to attend his father's rites. Dileep was strictly asked not to use mobile phones. Following the rituals, the actor returned to Aluva sub-jail at 9.45am.

Dileep's bail plea was rejected by the Kerala High Court for the second time on August 29.

Meanwhile, prime accused Pulsar Suni has named Dileep's wife Kavya Madhavan as the "madam" he allegedly took instructions from.

A popular actress was abducted on February 17 while she was on her way home after a shoot. Some men got into her car on the way to Kochi and allegedly sexually assaulted her. They also took photos and videos of the act to blackmail the actress.

ALSO READ: Dileep gets permission to attend father's rites

ALSO READ: Dileep's bail rejected by HC for the second time

ALSO READ: How the Malayalam actress abduction case drama unfolded

ALSO READ: Mollywood celebs knew of Dileep's plans regarding Kerala actress abduction?

ALSO WATCH: Dileep's bail plea rejected by Kerala HC for the second time

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The seven new berths, costing RMB12.8bn ($2bn) to build, will add 4m teu of capacity a year, with plans to further expand the capacity to 6.3m teu a year. The new berths will officially come on stream on 10 December this year, according to an official with Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), cited by South China Morning Post.

Shanghai port, which houses the Yangshan deepwater port, is already the worlds busiest container port with an annual throughput of 37.13m teu in 2016.

Shanghai is determined to stay ahead of the competition in terms of port development. Authorities and operators have been prioritising technologies and management to enhance the port of Shanghais international status, Xiao Yingjie, president of the Merchant Marine College at the Shanghai Maritime University, was quoted as saying.

Yangshan harbour is equipped with some of the most technologically advanced cranes, lifts and carriers with the ability to swiftly load, discharge and tranship cargoes. As many as 130 automated guided vehicles (AGVs) will be deployed at the port.

Shanghai port first overtook Singapore in 2010 to become the busiest container port in the world. Most of the ports activity served domestic trade and commerce, with only around 7.2% of the traffic is categorised as international transhipment.

In 2016, Shanghai municipality set a target for the port to achieve 15% for international transhipment by 2040.

China-based research house Shanghai International Shipping Institute (SISI) highlighted that container transhipment will help to boost throughput at ports, even though it cannot generate direct economic benefits. It added that transhipment ports will need to adopt price competitive approach and offer favourable rates to international transhipment containers, which is what Shanghai port is doing.
The placement transaction was entered into with JP Morgan (S.E.A.) Limited, which has agreed to either procure subscribers or itself subscribe for the 137m shares.

The company intends to use up to 50% of the net proceeds to fund new investments and business expansion through acquisitions, joint ventures and/or strategic alliances as and when opportunities arise, with the remainder to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes of the group, including the repayment of bank borrowings and loans, Yangzijiang stated.

The placement shares will be priced at SGD1.53 per share, representing a discount of approximately 4.07% to the volume weighted average price of around SGD1.59 for trades done on 29 August, being the day immediately preceding the date that the placing agreement was signed.

Singapore-listed Yangzijiang said its associated firm Yangzi International Holdings will lend the 137m ordinary shares in the capital of the group for sale to subscribers.

Yangzi International is beneficially owned by the YZJ Settlement, where Yangzijiangs executive chairman Ren Yuanlin has a deemed interest.

A settlement date of 6 September has been scheduled for the placement agent to deliver the gross proceeds to Yangzijiang.
Meghan talks about her royal love story for the first time in an interview.

By India Today Web Desk: They've been spotted together often enough, and rumours about how serious their relationship is have been doing the rounds since last year. But, for the first time in months, we have more than just a confirmation about the relationship between Britain's Prince Harry and actor Meghan Markle.

Of course, a member of the British Royal family would never have been expected to go public about the details of the relationship, given how private the Queen's family likes to be.

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But Harry's statement from Kensington Palace last November, where he slammed the British media for a "wave of abuse and harassment" against his "girlfriend, Meghan Markle", proved that the relationship was publicly acknowledged.

Also Read: Is Prince Harry really dating this actress from Suits?

And now, Meghan has actually shared details about this royal British-American love story during an interview with Vanity Fair.

Meghan, who's gracing the cover of this magazine's October 2017 issue, shared that the couple had been dating since July 2016, after they met for the first time in London.

Meghan Markle is on the cover of Vanity Fair's October 2017 issue. Picture courtesy: Instagram/vanityfair Meghan Markle is on the cover of Vanity Fair's October 2017 issue. Picture courtesy: Instagram/vanityfair

"We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people's perception," she revealed.

Despite all the public curiosity and the challenges, Meghan believes that they can work things out. "I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriend's support," she said.

Also Read: The Royal Palace just said something VERY important about the Prince Harry-Meghan Markle dating rumours

Explaining that she has "never defined myself by my relationship", Meghan believes that she's "still the same person". "We're a couple. We're in love. I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time," she added.

Meghan Markle says that she and Prince Harry are happy in love. Picture courtesy: Instagram/vanityfair

So while speculations about the couple and their future increase ever day, all Meghan is concerned about is "a great love story".

"I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it's really simple. We're two people who are really happy and in love," she revealed. And we dearly hope that it stays that way, Meghan.

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General VK Singh, Minister of State of External Affairs, would be heading to Iraq as per the developments.

39 Indians, mostly from Punjab, have been held hostage by ISIS terrorists in the Iraqi city of Mosul

By Manjeet Negi: India is going to resuscitate its search operations for tracing the missing 39 Indians who are reportedly in the custody of the Islamic State (ISIS).

General VK Singh, Minister of State of External Affairs, would be heading to Iraq as per the developments.

"There are areas near Badush which have to be cleared of ISIS terrorists by Iraq government and as soon as that happens General VK Singh would be sent there," MEA sources told India Today.

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Once the Iraqi forces clear all corners of the cities including Tal-Afar of ISIS terrorists, the Indian delegation would initiate efforts to locate the missing Indians.

39 Indians, mostly from Punjab, have been held hostage by ISIS terrorists in the Iraqi city of Mosul since 2014. Their last reported location was Badush Jail which was reportedly destroyed by ISIS while escaping from there.

Earlier in June, VK Singh was asked to go to Erbil after Iraq PM Haider al-Abadi declared that Mosul had been liberated from ISIS. Singh will coordinate with the Iraqi government and facilitate the return of the Indians stuck there.

ALSO READ |

India Today first to reach Mosul after ISIS fall. No sign of missing 39 Indians

No confirmed information on 39 missing Indians, Iraqi ambassador tells India Today

How a group of 46 Indian nurses cheated death in ISIS captivity in battle-hit Iraq

ALSO WATCH | Mystery over 39 missing Indians deepen: A ground report from Mosul, Iraq

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Sen. Bam: Support for Marawi City homeowners still lacking

Sen. Bam Aquino urged the government to assist owners of private properties destroyed during the Marawi conflict as part of its efforts to rehabilitate the war-torn city.

The senator issued the call during the initial hearing of the Special Committee on Marawi City Rehabilitation, of which he is a member for the minority.

"Napansin ko sa mga footage na karamihan sa mga nawasak sa labanan ay mga pribadong ari-arian. Dapat nating siguraduhin na may mekanismo ang pamahalaan para magbigay ng suporta sa mga may-ari ng pribadong ari-arian na nasira sa labanan," said Sen. Bam, who is looking into possible legislation to address the issue.

"Wala kaming mahanap na probisyon that allows for government support for damaged private property para sa ating kababayang nawalan ng tirahan dahil sa combat operations," he added.

The Department of National Defense (DND) said its legal support group is looking into the legality of extending assistance to owners of private properties.

"For government offices and public schools, I am confident we can find funding and rebuild quickly. Ngunit kailangan rin nating tulungan ang mga kababayan nating nasiraan ng bahay at kabuhayan," Sen. Bam insisted.

During the hearing, Sen. Bam underscored the minority's full support for the government's efforts to rehabilitate Marawi City as soon as the conflict is over.

"This is one of those efforts where we need to work together to ensure that the benefit of our countrymen can be felt," said Sen. Bam.

The senator also wants to invite officials from the local government unit (LGU) of Marawi and members of a non-government organization in the area to serve as voice and check and balance in the planning and implementation stages.

Sen. Bam also emphasized that the committee might visit Marawi City when the fighting stops in the area for a closer look at the extent of the damage in the area and to determine the pressing needs that needs to be addressed first.

There are currently 359,680 internally displaced persons (IDPs) or 78,466 displaced families due to the conflict in Marawi.
Press Release

September 6, 2017 Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement on the impeachment complaints vs Ombudsman Conchita Morales and Supreme Court Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno

Dispatch from Crame No. 152 Duterte has shifted his gunsights on the Ombudsman and the Chief Justice because these strong women are in charge of the remaining independent institutions capable of checking the abuses of the President and his men. It's no wonder that the attack on OMB Morales came at a time when cases have started being filed against the men of his administration, not to mention the members of his Davao Death Squad and his own son. It is not enough for him to simply wait for the end of the Ombudsman's term middle of next year. In the case of the Chief Justice, the attack came with the endorsement of the impeachment complaint against CJ Sereno. The objective of course of the attacks is to eliminate the remaining institutional obstacles to Duterte's exercise of absolute power. At the maximum, the plan is to remove the independent Ombudsman and Chief Justice and replace them with subservient allies. At the minimum, the intention is to keep them off-balanced and looking out for themselves, instead of performing their mandate of checking the executive's exercise of his power and upholding the rule of law during these times of impunity. In the face of repression, it is easier to go with the flow of the despot's designs rather than to protest and oppose. I was to serve as the first example and lesson for those who dare to go against the President and expose the bankruptcy of his political movement and the disaster that it spells for the country. This is also the reason why sycophants and lackeys now dominate top posts in government. The reward for Duterte apologists and rabid supporters are juicy, never mind if these people are the most incompetent individuals who could possibly be appointed to government office. This is a time when men and women of integrity and independence are persecuted, while con-artists, shysters and frauds are honored and glorified. These are dark times indeed, and Duterte's impunity only assures us that this will continue to be a government of the most depraved grovelers. With public officials like these, it is indeed an honor to be among the ranks of those who choose to stand with their principles, rather than those who bend the knee for a taste of power and corruption.
Press Release

September 6, 2017 CHIZ BUCKS PROPOSAL TO RENAME SORSOGON COLLEGE AFTER LATE FATHER A pending bill in Congress converting the Sorsogon State College (SSC) into a state university to be named after the late congressman Salvador H. Escudero III may not get a counterpart support in the Senate from Senator Chiz Escudero himself. Escudero, son of the late congressman, said he will not adopt the bill in its present form out of delicadeza and will instead refer the proposal back to its original form, which proposes SSC's university conversion to be known as Sorsogon State University. "While our family appreciates the move of my late father's colleagues in the lower house to name the Sorsogon College after him, I will not and cannot adopt the same once the bill is transmitted to the Senate for conflict of interest. I will refer the bill back to its original form as filed," the senator said. House Bill No. 6203 seeks to convert the Sorsogon State College into a state university with Rep. Evelina Escudero, the senator's mother, and Representatives Deogracias Ramos and Anthony Bravo as authors. During the period of amendments, House Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas moved and got the majority's support to endorse SSC's conversion but to also name it after the late Congressman Escudero. "I am throwing my support all the way for the conversion of this gem of an educational institution in my province. It has already earned its rightful place to be conferred a university status by producing top-notch graduates who can compete globally. But I will not, during my term in the Senate, advocate to name a government project after my father or any relative for that matter," Escudero said. The SSC has been granted its present status from an arts and trades college through the late Congressman Salvador H. Escudero III's authorship in 1993. "SSC has earned its stripes. It deserves to become a state university. To maintain objectivity and fairness to the public and its money entrusted to the government by way of taxes, SSC should be converted and should be rightfully named Sorsogon State University," the senator said.
Press Release

September 6, 2017 Gatchalian Asks HOR to Reconsider P1000 ERC Budget Senator Win Gatchalian on Wednesday appealed to the House of Representatives to reconsider its decision to drastically cut the 2018 budget of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) as he cautioned his fellow legislators of its potentially devastating impact on the stability of the power sector. The senator's comments came a day after the House approved a P1000 budget for the ERC, which had originally requested an allocation of P365 million to fund its operations next year. Under the current energy regulatory framework, the ERC is responsible for approving power rates and issuing key permits required to get pending power projects off the ground. Gatchalian expressed concern that the massive budget cut would severely hamper the ERC's ability to fulfill these functions. "The ERC plays an indispensable role in the energy sector as its foremost regulatory institution. I fear that this budget cut will send a bad signal to energy investors and breed uncertainty in terms of electricity supply and power rates," said Gatchalian, the chairman of the Senate Energy Committee. He also expressed concern about the effect of the budget cut on the rank-and-file employees of ERC, noting that the P365 million deleted from the budget of the regulatory body included a P14 million appropriation for retirement and life insurance benefits. With these concerns in mind, Gatchalian urged his congressional peers to consider adopting more constructive means of addressing the issues of corruption and inefficiency which have plagued the ERC as of late. "It would be better to aggressively pursue administrative and criminal charges against erring ERC officials instead of punishing the entire agency as a whole for the sins of the higher-ups," said Gatchalian, noting that several cases against ERC Chairman Jose Salazar and the ERC commissioners are already pending before various bodies. The senator also encouraged the members of the House to support his initiative to legislate institutional reforms in the ERC. Gatchalian has filed Senate Bill No. 1490, also known as the ERC Governance Act of 2017, which seeks to enhance accountability and transparency within the regulatory body by instituting structural reforms and liberalizing access to information concerning the Commission's deliberations and output. He urged House members interested in cleaning up the ERC to champion these reforms in the lower chamber. "I agree with my peers in the House when they say that the ERC really needs to shape up, and I believe that legislating long-term institutional reforms is the most constructive way of making this happen," Gatchalian said.
Press Release

September 6, 2017 Palawan Power Stakeholders Must Answer for Brownouts - Gatchalian The Senate Committee on Energy will pursue all possible legal remedies to hold accountable the parties responsible for the continuing power interruptions in many parts of Palawan, Senator Win Gatchalian said on Wednesday. Gatchalian has directed the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to look into the liabilities of private generation companies and the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO), whose inaction has led to the prolonged power shortage, which started since January this year. "The most glaring problem that has caused the power outages is the failure of the gencos to deliver on their commitments. We can hold these gencos for breach of contract, and the PALECO for possible mismanagement of the utilities," said Gatchalian, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, during another dialogue with Palawan power stakeholders. He stressed that the power supply of Palawan needs to be stabilized "as soon as possible", specifically taking to task the DMCI Power Corporation (DMCI) for its failure to deliver the 25-megawatt (MW) Guaranteed Dependable Capacity in its Power Supply Agreement with the PALECO. DMCI has submitted an Action Plan to the committee, indicating that it has already met its power supply obligation with a total of 26.6 MW available power as of the end of August. DMCI, during the previous months, has been delivering less than its power supply commitment, which the PALECO and the Senate Committee on Energy have earlier said was the primary reason for the power shortage situation in PALECO's jurisdiction. Gatchalian has ordered the DMCI to submit by today its strategy on how to sustain its supply of power to Palawan, noting the genco's claim that it is expecting the construction of additional high-speed diesel generation units as standby power in case of unscheduled power maintenance setbacks. The senator also required DMCI to submit its performance report on a per generation set basis for the last 60 days. At the same time, Gatchalian asked the NEA to require the PALECO to submit a performance report on the three gencos which have existing power supply agreements with the electric cooperative. "It is time for NEA to flex its muscles in extracting info from PALECO," he said lamenting that the EC has been stonewalling the committee's requests for documents and reports. "Let us all move forward and solve this problem. The status quo is not acceptable to the people of Palawan," Gatchalian stressed.
Press Release

September 6, 2017 HONTIVEROS TO DUTERTE: YOUR WORDS HAVE EFFECT AND WEIGHT OF POLICY, SET INTO MOTION KILLING OF THOUSANDS President Rodrigo Duterte said that the recent killing of two young people at the hands of the police does not make a policy. This is a reply to my statement that there seems to be a policy that encourages the culture of killing in our country. The president, quite expectedly, even launched a verbal assault against me, calling me "bobo." I am not a genius but I know that while two deaths do not make a policy, thousands of dead, without remorse, regret, or action from the government, do. 8-13,000 people have already died in this bloody war on drugs, mostly from the ranks of the poor. Ang libong mga namatay ay hindi bunga ng aksidente. May intensyon, may nagdikta, may sistema at polisiya sa likod ng mga patayan. How could the number of dead reach such catastrophic levels if there is no guiding principle and policy behind it? In fact, the Duterte government already acknowledged this policy. Justifying the recent killing of 69 suspects in Bulacan, Caloocan and Manila in just one week last month, the President's spokesperson said that there is "rhyme and reason" behind the killings. Even the Chief of the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) admitted before media that there is a pattern to the killings. President Duterte may insult me but he cannot deny the fact that the words coming from his lips, or those of any head of State, have the effect of policy. And the truth is, the President has a well-documented record of encouraging violence against drug dependents and suspected drug pushers. "Shoot suspects if they fight back, make them fight if they don't", "kill all criminals", and "makapatay lang tayo ng another 32 every day, then maybe we can reduce what ails this country." When they come from a President, these are not just words. They have the effect and weight of policy. Understanding this idea is the reason why Presidents and heads of state practice diplomacy, because they are keenly aware of the effect their words have on their citizens, much more on the state's uniformed services. I don't need engage in an exchange of petty personal attacks and insults with the President to remind him of this. The President cannot wash his hands of these killings. Through his words and endless provocation, President Duterte set into motion the killing of thousands. He has smeared the image of the police force. He inspired this culture of killing and impunity. I call on the honest and selfless rank-and-file members and leaders of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to help us stop this climate of death. I am not unfamiliar with the police community. I am a PNP widow. I know many of you are honorable and patriotic. I know many of you have worked hard to professionalize the police force. I know many of you are hurting from the actions of a few corrupt and abusive within your ranks. It's time to end this madness. Let us redeem the reputation and integrity of the PNP. We start this by rejecting the policy that encourages the culture of killing.
Press Release

September 6, 2017 Co-Sponsorship Speech of Senator Loren Legarda

Confirmation of the ad interim Appointment of Gloria Jumamil-Mercado to the rank of Commodore, Armed Forces of the Philippines (reserve) Mr. President, fellow members of the Commission on Appointments, Last August 17, 2017, we celebrated the 54th Foundation and Alumni Homecoming of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP). It is an annual tradition wherein graduates get together. It is also a time when our Alma Mater honors its alumni who were promoted, appointed to higher position or are recognized for their contribution to nation building and making the world a better place for our children. This year, I am much honored to receive the highest award for alumni--Gawad Katiwasayan. Thus far, this award was bestowed to two very distinguished former Presidents of the Republic--President Diosdado Macapagal as the father of NDCP and a fellow alumnus, President Fidel V. Ramos. But this speech is not about me. It is about a classmate of the Regular Class 27 Master in National Security Administration who that night was also honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, Dr. Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, who is currently an Undersecretary at the Office of the President and designated Deputy Cabinet Secretary. Prior to this post, she was the Senior Vice President of the Development Academy of the Philippines and Dean of the Graduate School of Public and Development Management. If I recall her citation as a Distinguished Alumna: As Undersecretary of the Cabinet Secretary's Office, she spearheaded the conduct of 33 sectoral summits, round table discussions and the adoption of the development and security framework of the Duterte Administration and many other reforms and redirections along streamlining the bureaucracy now embodied in Executive Orders 6, 9 and 24. She is the first female Commodore and she earned it being Commander of the Naval Forces Reserve Eastern Visayas who undertook early relief operations during Typhoon Yolanda and worked with then OPARR Secretary Panfilo Lacson on a reconstruction program to capacitate the 189 municipal and 14 provincial planners in the Yolanda Corridor. She is also the Founding Chair of the Women in National Development and Security (WINDS), an advocacy and support group for meaningful inclusion and mainstreaming in the security sector. I could go on with her credentials, but as someone who sat with her for a year in class and interacted both in our professional and personal lives, I vouch for her integrity as a public servant of 39 years, starting as a MASICAP scholar of then Trade Minister Vicente Paterno. She climbed the bureaucracy. She earned her position. She is in fact, a rare resource with a PhD in Mainland China Studies from the National Sun Yat-Sen University and one of the few who grew professionally in security and development. Mr. President, I therefore move for the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Gloria Jumamil-Mercado to the rank of Commodore, AFP (reserve). Thank you.
Press Release

September 6, 2017 100K arrested for drugs boost BJMP jail pop to 150K Inmate population in 466 Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-run jails in the country soared to 142,282 by end of last June, doubling since 2013, or in just 42 months. This rapid rise, according to Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto, is putting a strain on state resources as taxpayers cough up P81,732 to feed, house, and guard one BJMP inmate annually. And the BJMP is just one of the three agencies holding prisoners, Recto pointed out. The Bureau of Corrections keeps watch over 41,258 sentenced felons in eight penitentiaries, while Philippine National Police runs 458 town jails in addition to precinct-level "holding cells." "It is safe to assume that the BJMP population has surpassed the 150,000-mark by now," Recto added. In June, the inmate population peaked at 148,393, but went down due to the release of inmates. Behind the jails' "population explosion," Recto explained, "is the surge in drug-related arrests." Two in three BJMP inmates are charged of violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 1992, the senator said. As of June 30, BJMP records show that 97,321 inmates were in for "drug use, or possession, or trafficking, or sale, or manufacturing," Recto said. "That's more than six Araneta Coliseums-full of mostly alleged shabu sellers or users." "Just for comparison, the total BJMP inmate population in 2013 was 73,282, in 2011 it was 67,149. Ngayon, violations pa lang ng RA 9165, halos 98,000 na ang nakakulong. By the way, 'yang 98,000 by this time ay lampas 100,000 na," Recto said. Recto said most of "RA 9165" detainees were male (83,281) or between the ages of 22 and 39 (56,469). Women detained for narcotic violations totalled 13,956, including 63 girls below 17 years of age. At the other end of the age spectrum are "senior inmates", with 1,110 of them, including 224 women, standing trial for drug offenses. Recto said government should brace for a steep climb in the BJMP population due to the government's relentless anti-drugs campaign. "From January to June, ang nahuli ng pulis dahil sa RA 9165 ay 127,760. Ngunit ang monthly take-in ng BJMP ay 8,000 lang. Ibig sabihin, marami pa ang nasa pipeline. Dahil marami ang nahuli at mabagal ang korte, clogged na ang sistema. Marami sa mga police holding cells ay naghihintay ng transfer to BJMP." Under the country's "penal division of labor", the BJMP runs jails that holds detainees awaiting or undergoing trial, or those who have been sentenced to not more than three years in jail. "Imagine, out of 142,000 BJMP inmates, 2,400 lang ang sentensyado. Yung 140,000 hini-hear pa ang kaso, o naghihintay ng sentensya, ang marami walang pampyansa. Yung iba dyan ang itinagal sa loob ay lampas pa ng maximum na years of sentence," Recto said. As a result of the surge in its inmate population, BJMP jails have registered a 600 percent congestion rate. "The total national cell space of 97,789 square meters is ideal for 20,793 inmates, ngayon parang corned beef na siniksik doon ang 142,000 plus na preso," Recto said. "Sa report ng BJMP, mayroong mga jails na 3,590 percent, 2,603 percent, 2,494 percent congestion rate. Ibig sabihin, imbis na apat lang na preso ang kasya, 159 ang patayong natutulog sa 20 square meters na selda, tulad doon sa isang jail," Recto said. BJMP has a budget of P11.63 billion for 2017, and a proposed budget of P14.29 billion for 2018. "Mahirap mag-base ng funding on a certain assumption sa bilang ng preso kasi siguradong ma-o-overrun sa dami ng paparating," he said. "Sa pagkain na lang, the per day allowance is P60, based on preso tipid meals na 'yan. Ma-off lang ng 5,000 ang estimate mo, deficit ka ng 300,000 a day, o P109.5 million a year," he said. Recto said the congestion rate should prod government to initiate reforms in the country's penal and criminal justice system "so that there will be fast trials, and minimum court hearing postponements." "If we won't do it, harsh jail conditions could make them hardened criminals, trained in jails that serve as masteral schools for a career in crime," Recto warned.
By PTI: (Eds: Updates with more details)

Nay Pyi Taw, Sep 6 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the famous early 12th-century Ananda Temple in Myanmars ancient city Bagan which is being renovated with Indias assistance after it was damaged in a tremor last year.

The Buddhist temple, one of the surviving masterpieces of the Mon architecture, is believed to have been built around 1105 by King Kyanzittha, one of the greatest Burmese monarchs.

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The temples architecture shows Mon and Indian influence.

"Connecting with history. PM @narendramodi pays respects at Ananda Temple, the most historical and venerated temple in Bagan, Myanmar," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The second largest temple in the Bagan region was first damaged in an earthquake in 1975, and again when a 6.8 magnitude quake shook Myanmar last year.

India and Myanmar signed an agreement in 2010 to restore the Ananda Temple and New Delhi allocated USD 3 million to the project being carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India. The ASI will also restore a number of pagodas and murals damaged by last years earthquake.

Modi was briefed on the progress of the restoration by officials and through a photo exhibit at the temple. He prayed and also did a parikrama of the temple during the visit.

Modi, in his address with Myanmar State State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, said he was excited to pay tributes to the monuments of religious and historical importance.

According to a legend, King Kyanzittha built the temple after eight monks from India visited him and told him about a cave temple in the Himalayas. The vision of a snowy landscape so impressed the king that he decided to replicate the temple in Bagan. PTI ABH AKJ ABH

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Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi blamed "terrorists" for "a huge iceberg of misinformation" on the violence in Rakhine state but she made no mention of the exodus of Rohingya since violence broke out there.

By Reuters: Nearly 150,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar for Bangladesh in less than two weeks, officials said on Wednesday after the United Nations chief warned there is a risk of ethnic cleansing in the former Burma that could destabilise the wider region.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi blamed "terrorists" for "a huge iceberg of misinformation" on the violence in Rakhine state but she made no mention of the exodus of Rohingya since violence broke out there on Aug. 25.

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She has come under increasing pressure from countries with Muslim populations, including Indonesia, where thousands led by Islamist groups held a rally in Jakarta on Wednesday, to demand that diplomatic ties with Buddhist-majority Myanmar be cut.

In a rare letter to the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern that the violence in Rakhine could spiral into a "humanitarian catastrophe".

Reuters reporters in the impoverished Cox's Bazar region of neighbouring Bangladesh have witnessed boatloads of exhausted Rohingya arriving near the border village of Shamlapur.

Click here to Enlarge Rohingya refugee children walk on a muddy path after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, in Teknaf, Bangladesh, September 6, 2017. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

According to the latest estimates issued by U.N. workers operating in Cox's Bazar, arrivals in just 12 days stood at 146,000. This brought to 233,000 the total number of Rohingya who have sought refuge in Bangladesh since last October.

Newly arrived Rohingyas told authorities that three boats carrying between them more than 100 people capsized in the early hours of Wednesday. Coast guard Commander M.S. Kabir said six bodies, including three children, had since washed ashore.

FAKE INFORMATION

The surge of refugees - many sick or wounded - has strained the resources of aid agencies and communities already helping hundreds of thousands from previous spasms of violence in Myanmar. Many have no shelter, and aid agencies are racing to provide clean water, sanitation and food.

"People have come with virtually nothing so there has to be food," a U.N. source working there said. "So this is now a huge concern - where is this food coming from for at least the elderly, the children, the women who have come over without their husbands?"

Suu Kyi spoke by telephone on Tuesday with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who has pressed world leaders to do more to help a population of roughly 1.1 million he says are facing genocide.

In a statement issued by her office on Facebook, Suu Kyi said the government had "already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible" and warned against misinformation that could mar relations with other countries.

Rohingya refugees walk on a muddy path as others travel on a boat after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, in Teknaf, Bangladesh, September 6, 2017. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui Click here to Enlarge Rohingya refugees walk on a muddy path as others travel on a boat after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, in Teknaf, Bangladesh, September 6, 2017. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui

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She referred to images on Twitter of killings posted by Turkey's deputy prime minister that he later deleted because they were not from Myanmar.

"She said that kind of fake information which was inflicted on the deputy prime minister was simply the tip of a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different countries and with the aim of promoting the interests of the terrorists," her office said in the statement.

Suu Kyi on Wednesday met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said he shared Myanmar's concern about "extremist violence" in Rakhine state. Modi's government has taken a strong stance on an influx into India of some 40,000 Rohingya from Myanmar over the years, vowing last month to deport them all.

REFUGEE ISLAND PLAN REVIVED

The latest violence in Rakhine state began when Rohingya insurgents attacked dozens of police posts and an army base. The ensuing clashes and a military counter-offensive killed at least 400 people and triggered the exodus of villagers to Bangladesh.

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Suu Kyi has been accused by Western critics of not speaking out for the minority that has long complained of persecution, and some have called for the Nobel Peace Prize she won in 1991 as a champion of democracy to be revoked.

Myanmar says its security forces are fighting a legitimate campaign against "terrorists" responsible for a string of attacks on police posts and the army since last October.

Myanmar officials blame Rohingya militants for the burning of homes and civilian deaths. But rights monitors and Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh say the Myanmar army is trying to force them out with a campaign of arson and killings.

Rohingya refugees get off to the boat as they arrive in Bangladesh by boat through the Bay of Bengal in Teknaf, Bangladesh, September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain

Officials in Bangladesh said the government would press ahead with plans to develop an isolated, flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal to temporarily house tens of thousands of Rohingya.

The plan to develop the island and use it to house refugees was criticised by humanitarian workers when it was proposed in 2015 and revived last year. Bangladesh insists it alone has the right to decide where to shelter the refugees.

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The U.N. source said Bangladesh may have revived the island plan to keep pressure on the international community, and not be left to handle the crisis on its own.

"Bangladesh is getting desperate in wanting to get some political traction on this Rohingya issue. They feel incredibly isolated," said the source, who declined to be identified.

Myanmar has been laying landmines across a section of its border with Bangladesh for the past three days, two government sources in Dhaka said, adding that the purpose may have been to prevent the return of Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence.

Bangladesh will formally lodge a protest on Wednesday against the laying of land mines so close to the border, said the sources who had direct knowledge of the situation but asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

A Myanmar military source said landmines were laid along the border in the 1990s to prevent trespassing and the military had since tried to remove them, but none had been planted recently.

Photo: Reuters

Also Read

With Narendra Modi in Myanmar, a look at how Burmese Indians met similar fate as Rohingyas in 1960s

SC to decide Rohingya Muslims' fate in India: Here's why they are fleeing Myanmar

ALSO WATCH | India, Myanmar must work to maintain security on our territorial, maritime boundaries: Modi

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BART handed out nearly $3.5 million worth of free rides to 17,000 workers, their families and law enforcement officers last year, district records show  and now at least one of the transit agencys board members is calling on the cash-strapped system to sharply curtail the practice.

If you are a system that is constantly struggling to balance the budget year after year  and you are looking at budget deficits for years to come  you have to start cutting expenses, said board member Debora Allen. Shes calling for a full accounting of BARTs free pass policy for employees and others.

BART gives free passes to its 13,000 employees, retirees and board members, along with their immediate family members. Its been that way since trains started running in 1972.

Some 4,000 local, state and federal law enforcement officers also get free rides.

In all, the 17,266 pass holders took 895,187 free rides on the system last year  or an average of 26 round trips annually per person, according to BART records provided to us under a state Public Records Act request.

At an average cost of $7.80 per round trip, that works out to a $200 yearly perk per pass holder on average.

Records show that BARTs 3,615 active employees took the greatest advantage of the free rides, averaging 52 round trips apiece last year. Retired employees took an average of eight free round trips.

The 6,940 dependents of active and retired employees averaged 17 round trips apiece.

The nearly 4,000 Bay Area law enforcement officers averaged about 26 round trips each. The free passes for public safety officers were meant only for officers who were cleared to carry a gun while off duty. However, a recent BART investigation found that the annual law enforcement passes  which can be had for a $35 administrative fee  were also going to 146 San Francisco probation officers who were not cleared to carry firearms.

BART has moved to tighten the passes.

Allen said that as far as shes concerned, the only people who should be getting free rides are BART employees  and only when its part of their job to ride and monitor the trains.

BART spokesman Jim Allison said the free passes dont cost the system anything, because the cost of running trains would be the same with or without the free rides.

In any event, there may be a big roadblock in the way of any changes: BART board President Rebecca Saltzman said the free passes for workers and their families was something negotiated in (union employees) contracts among a whole lot of other stuff.

If Allen or anyone else wants to re-evaluate the program, Saltzman said, they can bring it up in the next contract negotiations  in 2021.

But if there is a change, Saltzman said, we are probably going to have to negotiate (to give the unions) something else.

Belly up: State Sen. Scott Wiener is not ready to give up on his drive to extend bar hours for cities that want to party hearty till 4 a.m., despite having had his legislation 86d last week.

Im absolutely not giving up on this bill, Wiener, D-San Francisco, said upon his return to the state Capitol after Fridays 11th-hour ambush of the bill by state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego, chair of the Appropriations Committee.

The bill would have given cities the option to stay open an extra two hours past 2 a.m. It was a matter of local choice, Wiener said.

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.

The measure had already passed the state Senate, and Wiener said the votes were there in the Assembly. Gonzalez Fletcher, however, used her power as Appropriations chair to gut the bill and create a task force to study the issue until sometime next year.

There is nothing to study, Wiener said. Nightlife is becoming increasingly important culturally and to the economy of cities like San Francisco. It makes no sense to have a one-size-fits-all approach.

Most of the states law enforcement agencies were neutral on the bill, but there were plenty of opponents, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Marin and Sonoma county boards of supervisors, and the Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association of Gonzalez Fletchers home turf, San Diego County.

Gonzalez Fletcher did not return calls Tuesday seeking comment.

We are going to bring the bill back next year and limit it only to cities (spelled out in the measure) that want the ability to make the change, Wiener said.

Those cities include San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Long Beach and West Hollywood.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
President Trumps decision to phase out protections for about 800,000 immigrants who entered the U.S. as children fulfilled a campaign promise while prompting alarm from the young people often called Dreamers, whose deportations could begin as soon as March unless Congress steps in.

The presidents announcement that he was ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, ended months of speculation and parsing of his sometimes cryptic statements on the issue. On Tuesday, Trump said he had great love for DACA recipients even as he rolled back the program created in 2012 by former President Barack Obama.

But it set in motion what may be months or years of conflict, with Trump inviting lawmakers to act and some state attorneys general, including Xavier Becerra of California, warning they were poised to sue the administration if the young immigrants were no longer granted work permits and protection from deportation.

DACA recipients, who have been in limbo since Trump took office, said in interviews Tuesday they were anguished as they considered uncertain futures. They have been in the country for more than a decade, and many have no meaningful connection to their countries of birth. Some do not speak any language except English.

The administration will wind down the program over the next few years by not accepting any new requests for DACA, while allowing those with current two-year work permits to use them until they expire, officials said.

Those whose protections were set to end before March 5 will be able to apply for a renewal by Oct. 5. After March 5, tens of thousands of people could be subject to deportation as the first batch of permits expires.

At a news conference in Washington, D.C., Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the administration was forced to rescind the program because it was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch. Nine states led by conservative attorneys general had threatened to sue to halt DACA, and the administration said they had a winning case.

Trump called on Congress to take on the issue, saying in a statement, We will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion  but through the lawful democratic process  while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform we adopt provides enduring benefits for the American citizens we were elected to serve.

The decision to cut a program popular with many Americans  a poll administered by NBC News and Survey Monkey and released last week found that 64 percent of people backed it  marked the latest front in a wider immigration crackdown favored by Trumps staunchest supporters. It was met with condemnation by many California politicians, including some Republicans, as well as business leaders and immigrant advocates.

The impact could be profound in California, where close to 223,000 of the more than 787,000 DACA recipients lived when they were approved. Leon Rodriguez, who headed up the federal agency that administered DACA from 2014 to 2016, said the loss of more than 200,000 Californians who fall out of the legal economy would, over time, result in not only a decrease in workers but a drop in consumption.

Its going to have a terrible impact on the economy in California, he said.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, called the decision a deeply shameful act of political cowardice.

Among those weighing in was Obama, who posted a statement on Facebook. Ultimately, this is about basic decency, he wrote. This is about whether we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way wed want our own kids to be treated.

But Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Republican from Costa Mesa (Orange County), was among those who supported the decision. He said that while we may sympathize with DACA recipients, we in Congress must work to prevent such cynical loopholes from being created again by executive fiat.

The program offered protection from deportation and a two-year work permit for people who had come to the country before the age of 16, had lived in the U.S continuously since 2007, and were in school or had graduated. Any felony or significant misdemeanor convictions disqualified applicants.

Now, unless Congress acts, recipients will have their work permits taken away when they expire, and will be forced to either return to their country of birth  typically Mexico  or make difficult choices such as trying to live under the radar and working lower-paying off-the books jobs that dont require citizenship or a work permit.

Trump said DACA recipients will not be considered priorities for deportation unless they commit crimes, but his administration has deported people with clean records. A White House memo obtained by CNN states that Homeland Security urges DACA recipients to use the time they have left to prepare for and arrange their departure.

One person considering his next steps on Tuesday was Gabe Belmonte, a 35-year-old San Jose engineer whose sons mother is also a DACA recipient and whose work permit runs out next September. He watched a few minutes of Sessions news conference on YouTube, then went on a walk at his networking companys campus for 20 minutes to clear his head.

He reflected on his life before DACA, how he barely got by working manual labor and restaurant jobs after he graduated from San Jose State University with an engineering degree. He was depressed for years because he didnt know where his life would go.

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.

Then he thought of his life after DACA  a six-figure job in the field he studied, the opportunity to provide a home for his green-card-holding parents who had lost theirs in the recession, and the ability to better care for his 6-year-old son, who is a citizen by birth. He thought of how hed paid more than $100,000 in taxes since he got DACA.

As he walked around the campus, watching his colleagues arrive in their cars, he thought about how they were the same at work, but somehow so different.

Whats going to happen to my parents house? Whats going to happen to my son? What is going to happen to my job? If anything happens to me and his mother, what am I going to do? he said.

Belmonte has been in the country for 28 years, since he was brought in as a 7-year-old from Mexico. He has never been back.

DACA recipient Silvia Perez, a 26-year-old architect for a firm in Oakland, said she was already pondering her worst-case scenario  selling her possessions and leaving the country for Mexico so she could continue to provide for her family. She came to the U.S. at age 8, graduated from UC Berkeley in 2013, and has never been back to Mexico. She has protection until January and will apply for renewal before October.

She said she took offense to Sessions argument Tuesday that DACA recipients took jobs from Americans.

I did not take anyones job. I worked  through school and now. Ive earned everything that I have, she said.

Another recipient, Karina Camarena Heredia, a 20-year-old UC Berkeley junior studying to be a doctor, said she has no memory of her life in Mexico, which ended when she was 5.

I may not have been born here, but I was definitely raised here, she said. Theyre trying to send me back to a place I dont call home.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
San Francisco is rallying behind its former schools superintendent Richard Carranza, who is in the thick of recovery efforts in flooded Houston, where he moved to run one of the largest school systems in the country.

Carranza, who had been working for less than a year in Houston when Hurricane Harvey hit, is now working to reopen the citys 300 schools. Hes doing it with seven-figure financial backing from the Bay Area, including $1 million from Salesforce.com founder Marc Benioff.

The money, which also includes donations from San Francisco school officials, teachers, parents and philanthropic organizations, is already feeding families in Houston school facilities and providing cash to fill needs, including trauma counseling, clothing, supplies and more for many students and teachers rendered homeless, Carranza said.

The rebuilding is going to take longer than anyone has even expected, he said Tuesday by telephone. There are tragic stories about people in abject poverty who have been even more devastated.

The Houston Independent School District will start classes Monday, two weeks late, but at least 20 school sites are too damaged to open, Carranza said. The district is still determining how many students and teachers will be able to return and where they will go.

The community has been devastated, he said. Were doing whatever we need to do to try to get everyone up and going again.

In addition to Benioffs personal donation, the Salesforce.org foundation gave $150,000 to support Carranzas efforts.

Richard is in urgent need of discretionary funding to provide emergency support to his students and staff, Benioff said. We know from his leadership at SFUSD that Richard is an exceptional leader and will make excellent use of the funding.

Carranza has opened several schools and is providing three meals a day to anyone who needs them. Hes also contracting crisis counselors to help students deal with the loss.

San Francisco officials jumped in to help after contacting Carranza to see how he was faring, said Hydra Mendoza, school board vice president and Mayor Ed Lees education adviser.

He just sent us this really crazy note, saying he had never before seen something like this in his entire life, Mendoza said. He talked about his families needing food, a place to lay their heads.

Carranza told his old colleagues that many of his districts families are homeless and that members of his staff dont have professional clothes to wear when they return to work.

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.

So we started to call around, Mendoza said.

The donations from the Bay Area have ranged from $1 to $1 million, Carranza said.

We are completely indebted and thankful to our friends in the Bay Area, he said. It feels good to have that big hug from our family in San Francisco.

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

How to help

To donate to the Houston Independent School Districts hurricane recovery efforts, go to www.houstonisd.org.
The Board of Trustees of the State Bar of California voted 6-5 Wednesday to send three recommendations on the passing score of the states bar exam to the California Supreme Court  including two options to lower the score. The court will have the final say on an intense debate about the score, which some argue is too high.

Californias bar exam passing score of 144 is the second-highest in the nation, after Delaware, though states give different exams. The score has not changed for more than three decades. Just 43 percent of test-takers passed the July 2016 California bar exam  the lowest figure in more than 30 years.

At no time previously in the State Bars history have we conducted ... a formal cut score study, State Bar chief operations officer and incoming executive director Leah Wilson said. Our current effort is both long overdue and historic.

The trustees will present a range of options to the Supreme Court: maintain the current cut score of 144; adopt a cut score of 141.4, at least temporarily; or adopt a temporary cut score of 139. These recommendations came from a staff report based on a study commissioned by the bar and feedback from a public comment period.

ALSO SF settles with firm it says misrepresented immigration services

If the California Supreme Court makes a decision soon, it could impact the pass rates for the July bar exam. (Those scores are usually released in November.)

The discussion has mobilized all sectors of the legal community. Some 5,000 comments were submitted to the State Bar during a three-week period in August. More than half of the public comments suggested maintaining the current bar cut score of 144.

A survey sent out to all licensed attorneys received 34,000 responses, an overwhelming number, said Karen Goodman, chair of the committee of bar examiners, at the Wednesday meeting. The majority of these respondents favored keeping the current cut score of 144. But nearly half the people who took the July bar exam also responded to a survey, with the vast majority saying the cut score should be lowered.

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Theres ... no statistical relationship that relates high cut scores to greater protection of the public, said Mitchel Winick, president and dean of Monterey College of Law and a member of the Law School Council, at the board meeting. The council, which consists primarily of California law school deans, recommended that the California Supreme Court adopt a passing score between 135 and 139.

The State Bar will send recommendations to the court within a week, according to spokeswoman Rebecca Farmer. The court is under no official deadline to make a decision, though it would need to take action this fall for any change to apply to the July bar exam scores.

The passing score is just one of the topics under examination by the State Bar. A study examining whether the California bar exam tests the right subjects to predict success as a lawyer will be completed in October. Another study on law school performance could face potential delays due to privacy laws regarding student data.

Isha Salian is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: isalian@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Salian_Isha
The heat of last week is history, but its likely that the temperature will rise again. So as a public service for those suffering in San Francisco, I am offering this remedy for relief:

Get over to City Hall and plant yourself on the stairs that lead up from the middle of the Rotunda. They are marble; they are cold; you paid for them with your taxes, so your fanny has earned this cooling treat. I discovered this on Friday when the thermometer was soaring past 100 degrees, and I attended a Rotunda performance of Scott Wells & Dancers. The dance was a cultural treat, leaving me grateful and happy. The sublime, however, was experienced upon planting my bottom on that staircase.

And other notes from the heat wave:

Lary and Judy Schiller tried to cool off at the movies, and went to see Wind River at the Presidio on Chestnut Street. Five minutes into the movie, when they realized there was no air-conditioning, they asked for their money back. And got it.

Mike Lano, who has three hummingbird feeders in his East Bay backyard, says it was so hot the hummingbirds just sat on a tree branch, panting with their beaks open and looking miserable. ... Went out there with a misting hose and they were swarming within it.

We went to take a walk Friday night, Sept. 1, on Ocean Beach, which was as crowded as Coney Island, so packed it was difficult to find a parking place. The scene was peaceful ... except for two drones, one that looked as though its path would intersect that of a flight of pelicans soaring above the water. Ocean Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and drones are banned there. Citations are sometimes issued, says the GGNRA, but less often on busy weekends when water rescues have top priority.

On Muni on Friday, Joanne Bloomfield overheard a fellow passenger say, Im dying of heat prostitution.

At Original Joes on Saturday, Abe Battat saw people declining seats at the counter, which is usually a prime location for watching the chefs play with fire.

After a procession from the Ferry Building, opening ceremonies for the 114-year-old Commonwealth Club, which has been preparing its new digs at 110 The Embarcadero for a couple of years, will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12. Among the many aspects of this celebration will be a performance of a Fanfare for the Commonwealth Club, composed for the occasion by San Francisco Conservatory of Music graduate school student Michael Smith. The composer was the winner of a Conservatory competition sponsored by Carol Fleming, a Commonwealth Club board member. It will be played by a brass quintet from the San Francisco Symphony, in a performance sponsored by another board member, Bill Ring.

Noe Valley, writes Alan Benjamin, seemed particularly brimming with French tourists this summer. Walking on 24th Street, bilingual eavesdropper Benjamin overheard a French man trying to remove dog poop from his shoes, telling his wife and kids in an angry voice, Merde, on dirait quon est toujours a Paris!? (Merde  which may refer to the situation or the offensive product itself  youd think we were still in Paris.)

Another local reference to the international scene: The photos of smoke rising from the Russian Consulate in San Francisco made Anthony Barcellos wonder if they had elected a pope, as in Habemus Putin. Then he realized it couldnt be. The smoke is black. They have to try again.

Camp Okizu, a getaway near Berry Creek (Butte County) for kids with cancer, normally has a family camp over Labor Day weekend. Some 52 families were planning to attend last weekends festivities, until the whole weekend had to be canceled because of forest fires in the area. Learning of this, the San Francisco Giants donated 100 tickets to the families for Saturdays game.

(Buster and Kristen Posey pitch in to help the camp, along with other institutions devoted to children with cancer. On Sept. 14, their Buster and Kristen Posey Fund hosts a BP28 gala  cocktails and dinner on the field for 200 guests  to benefit the Childrens Cancer Fund at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital.)

P.S.: Okizu recently received a $1 million challenge grant from Art and Deb Ablin. Art Ablin, who died a few weeks ago, was one of the pediatric oncologists who founded Camp Okizu. All donations made in September will be tripled.

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

Public Eavesdropping

The codpieces in this production arent as pronounced as in the Broadway production.

Discriminating theatergoer assessing Something Rotten, overheard by Marilyn Cooper
Scotch: too expensive, too elitist, too mossy-tasting for cocktails. At least thats the prevailing logic among publicans in this town, who could write you a foolproof business plan for a cocktail bar themed on Tequila, gin, rum or even the Moscow Mule.

But scotch? Stuffy, gilded, paternal scotch? Its a spirit for sipping, not for mixing  which makes it an uneasy bedfellow for our citys obsession with cocktails. Bourbon, sure. Rye, definitely. These days, if a San Franciscan is going to geek out over a whiskey category, its likely to be Japanese.

Enter Duggan McDonnell, the veteran bartender and San Francisco cocktail historian whos behind Cold Drinks, the bar in the upstairs level of China Live, the 6-month-old Chinese food emporium on Broadway.

(While its hard to miss China Live, its easy to miss Cold Drinks, whose entrance isnt marked at street level. When you arrive at 644 Broadway, instead of turning left into China Lives main entrance, look for a set of stairs on your right, which lead to the bar.)

Cold Drinks is a scotch bar for the cocktail generation. It takes its name from a long-ago mythic (McDonnells words) bar in Shanghai called Cold Drinks, which was popular because it had ice  a legend upon which China Live owner George Chen seized. The name came first; the Scotch idea, all McDonnells, came after.

There isnt a spirit that has such breadth of flavor and pairs so well with Asian flavors, and where anyone is having this much fun, McDonnell says.

Hes right. While you can find any number of tropical thunderstorms and steaming volcanoes around town to enhance your mai tai experience, theres no other place in town where you can throw back a single malt in a room that so perfectly enacts your drinks lavish, hedonistic pleasures.

But this is not your dads leather bound-books, rich-mahogany kind of Scotch lounge. In fact, theres not even a scotch list, apart from a short selection of sipping suggestions on the cocktail menu (which includes smart options like Springbank 15 and Compass Boxs Lost Blend).

This is the Instagram age, McDonnell says. Cold Drinks, whose space was designed by AvroKo, is cool  almost painfully photogenic.

Even more photogenic than the room are the cold drinks themselves. For example, the Nothing Sacred (Dewars 12 Reserve and Spring 44 honey vodka with mango puree, ginger beer, habanero bitters and Dolin Blanc; $16)  a svelte, canary-colored tower of a drink, as beautiful as it is chuggable. The Als Cut  a vegetal take on the gimlet with black pepper, peat syrup, and teapot and mushroom bitters ($18)  is icy silver, with the translucence of frosted glass, a lone radish sliver floating on its head.

And it was hard to resist gramming immediately when the Long Islay Iced Tea arrived, in an enormous, shiny copper pineapple domed high with crushed ice and garnished with a terrariums worth of plant matter ($22). Wisely, the bartender stuck two paper straws in either end of it; my friend and I sucked it down in tandem like the proverbial float-sharing couple at the malt shop.

(Incidentally, the Long Islay Iced Tea has just been moved to front-runner in the Best Cocktail Name of the Year category. Youve got until December to beat it, San Francisco.)

Leah Millis/The Chronicle

Dont let the associations with spring-break blackouts fool you: The Long Islay Iced Tea was the most peat-forward concoction I tasted at Cold Drinks. Based on Bruichladdich and Laphroaig whiskys with Absolut Elyx vodka, oolong tea syrup, Pellegrino Chinotto (a.k.a. the best orange soda) and orgeat, its intensely savory, a little spicy, barely fruity. Its honey, its acid, its smoke. The crushed ice eases the burn of the liquor, evolving it as you empty the copper pineapple. Scotch, after all, loves water.

McDonnell figured the general population averse to extreme doses of peat  hence the split base of every cocktail on the menu, balancing scotch with a different liquor. Hence, too, the split back bar: one side full of Highland scotch, the other full of Islay, or as McDonnell calls it, the vegetal angry salt monster side. He assumed customers would gravitate toward the milder, more agreeable Highland bottles  I guessed it would be 80-20, he says  but so far his customers have proven him wrong.

People want bold flavors, hes learned. Women want bold flavors. I think of it as parallel to this era of mezcal, and people drinking more spirit-forward cocktails.

Drinking like this doesnt come cheap. The least expensive menu items at Cold Drinks ring in at $16 (including the bars signature cocktail, an Old Fashioned made with Speyburn 10 thats infused with Peking duck fat from China Lives restaurant downstairs). Several cost more than $20.

The most expensive drink, Im sorry to say, costs $52. Its called the Royal Salute Rob Roy, and its made with Chivas Royal Salute 21 and Glenlivet 12 (its the Royal Salute, mostly, that knocks the price up), two vermouths (Lustau and Chinato) and bitters. It arrives in a Japanese coupe garnished with torched-to-order star anise.

Its a beautiful drink, for sure, not copper-pineapple beautiful but understated, classic beautiful. It smells like dark fruit, black cherry, with a roasty, rich coffee note; scotch-forward, but not herbaceous; nicely structured, with an acid backbone girding its soft, subtle fruit. It prompts a descriptor Im normally loath to use: smooth.

But $52 for a cocktail? Would I order it again if I werent expensing it for a review? No. The Royal Salute Rob Roy exposes that fundamental problem of a scotch cocktail bar, and helps explain why there arent more of them: If youre going to shell out $52 for a glass of scotch, wouldnt the logical thing be to get a glass of scotch, unadulterated by bitters and vermouth?

Leah Millis/The Chronicle

Still, I get why the $52 cocktail exists here  at Cold Drinks, and at China Live. The bar is dealing in a certain shade of luxury that requires audacity. Yes, the ingredients cost a lot, but its not just that: The whole place is also just designed for you to gawk at it, a little bit. Luxury is play is how McDonnell succinctly puts it. Its an aesthetic I think we can expect from the forthcoming Eight Tables, the gilded tasting menu palace adjacent to Cold Drinks, set to open later this month.

Its also what makes Cold Drinks successful. McDonnells bar realizes gorgeously exactly what it sets out to achieve  audacious, extravagant decadence. For those who would seek out such a place, its a fine specimen.

Theres one problem, however. McDonnell, who conceived this pleasure den more than a year ago and brought it into the world a scant six weeks ago, is leaving China Live next week. Its a work-life thing: It just hit that wall, he says. Hes got a family; the 10 a.m. to midnight shifts are wearing on him. Hell be moving into a marketing role for Pernod Ricard, passing the torch to Cold Drinks current head bartender, Yong Zhu.

McDonnell says he loves how Cold Drinks turned out, returning luxury to Chinatown. Whether it will continue to justify that luxury after McDonnells departure remains to be seen.

Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine, beer and spirits writer. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob

To order: Long Islay Iced Tea ($22), Nothing Sacred ($16), Als Cut ($18)

Where: Cold Drinks, upstairs at China Live, 644 Broadway, S.F. (415) 788-8188 www.chinalivesf.com

When: Sunday-Thursday: 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday until midnight
It wont be open season on the nearly 800,000 so-called Dreamers  immigrants who entered the U.S. without legal papers before turning 16 and have maintained a clean record  if Congress doesnt pass a law protecting them. But they wont be able to breathe easy.

I dont think were going to see wholesale arrests of former DACA recipients, said Bill Ong Hing, a University of San Francisco law professor and founder of the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that President Trump plans to terminate.

But virtually every week, Hing said, we read about people who are not enforcement priorities, not criminals. They would go in for a routine check and they would get arrested and placed in deportation proceedings. The same fate, he said, awaits DACA recipients who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The program, established by President Barack Obama in 2012, grants participants a renewable two-year reprieve from deportation and allows them to seek employment.

In California, the 230,000 Dreamers will remain eligible to attend college with tuition breaks and financial aid like other residents, said Pratheepan Gulasekaram, an immigration law professor at Santa Clara University. But theyll be likely to hide that status from classmates and co-workers, he said, because of their ineligibility for above-ground employment and the constant threat of deportation.

Trump, who at times during the presidential campaign promised to deport all 11.5 million unauthorized migrants, has backed off since taking office  for financial reasons, among others. But he has revoked Obamas guidelines that put certain classes of criminals and repeat entrants at the top of the list for deportation while holding out the possibility of reprieves for others.

A local example of the Trump administrations policy came last month when Maria Mendoza-Sanchez, an Oakland nurse, and her husband, Eusebio Sanchez, were deported to Mexico. The couple had lived in the U.S. for more than two decades, owned a home, had clean records, raised children who have legal status, and had been granted earlier reprieves from deportation.

Any time an (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent encounters someone believed to be in violation of immigration laws, there isnt a priority for dangerous criminals, said Jayashri Srikantiah, a Stanford law professor and founder of the schools Immigrants Rights Clinic. Under this administration, she said, agents have taken the position that deportation is mandatory for all categories.

Gulasekaram said earlier administrations chose different targets for removal. Under President George W. Bush, he said, enforcement often focused on high-profile raids on meatpacking plants and other sites where 50 or 100 immigrants might be working illegally.

Obama, after taking office in 2009, said he would focus on deporting criminals and others posing risks to public safety. But both Gulasekaram and Hing said the ground-level agents charged with carrying out the presidents guidelines often disregarded them  prompting Obama to enact DACA by executive order in June 2012, after legislation to the same effect was scuttled in Congress.

Obama nonetheless oversaw a record 3.1 million deportations during his two terms, though some analysts say the numbers were inflated by reclassifying many Border Patrol rejections of would-be entrants as deportations. Under Trump, arrests by immigration agents have increased, but deportations have declined slightly from their pace under Obama.

In announcing his plan Tuesday to revoke DACA in six months unless Congress enacts it by law, Trump said he would allow current participants in the program to apply for a final two-year renewal. He declared his love for the Dreamers and said they would not be singled out as targets for deportation if their program expired.

That might not reassure Jessica Colotl, a 28-year-old college student in Georgia whose DACA status was challenged by federal agents after she became an outspoken advocate of changing immigration laws.

Saying Colotl had made false statements in a court case six years ago, the Trump administration removed her from DACA in May and cleared the way for her deportation to Mexico, which she had left with her parents at age 11. A federal judge issued an injunction in June that allows her to remain while she reapplies to the program.

Observed Gulasekaram: It looked like the administration was going after people who were vocal.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
On the last afternoon of her months-long break, Mong Thu owner Kim Lien Nguyen was almost too excited to stand still. Her eyes darted constantly to the tasks left to do. Signs to put up in the window, a kitchen to rearrange. So much food to prep.

Nguyen and her family reopened her 28-year-old Tenderloin Vietnamese cafe this week. The city, which in January had told Nguyen she couldnt serve the dishes the restaurants regulars loved best, had helped her reopen as well.

Im ready, she said in Vietnamese, her daughter acting as interpreter, then switched to English: Im very happy.

There are more than 6,000 restaurants in San Francisco, and hundreds close every year, with restaurateurs citing unfriendly regulators, hikes in the minimum wage, rising rents, changing tastes and other factors. Mong Thus reopening shows how one small, family-owned neighborhood restaurant persisted despite its challenges.

The Nguyens arrived in San Francisco in 1984, bringing with them a clutch of tiny daughters. A brother-in-law first rented the Hyde Street cafe in 1989, but realized after four months that he couldnt make it profitable.

Little Saigon, as the strip has come to be called, was still coalescing, and there were few Vietnamese cafes back then. Kim Nguyen had spent eight months in a nail salon, but the work didnt suit her. Cooking did. So did being her own boss. And so she took over running the cafe, which then only served coffee and Vietnamese sandwiches. Six years later, the family transferred over the paperwork to make it officially hers. Nguyen named the business Mong Thu after one of her daughters, who has since died.

The cafes kitchen was never any bigger than a coat closet, but as the years passed, Nguyen added more dishes to her list of banh mi. First she served beef porridge and seafood noodle soup. Then she slowly rolled out additional soups, each requiring a different broth. Shed try new dishes on her family until she found the right formula before adding it to the menu.

Mong Thu became known for its soups, such as the spicy pork-and-beef bun bo hue, bun mang vit (duck and bamboo-shoot soup with a duck-meat salad on the side), and Kim Nguyens favorite, bun mam, with its sweet and pungent fish broth. The only problem was that the kitchens ventilation was so paltry that she wasnt supposed to be prepping or cooking inside the cafe. The family tried renting a commissary, which was expensive. And yet, for more than 20 years, they made it work.

Mong Thu has become a steady presence in Little Saigon. A lot of the client base is Vietnamese, so she knows a lot of the people who come here, daughter Linh Nguyen says. She knows their family, their kids, whos getting married, who died. Its very close-knit.

One daughter, a graphic designer, set up a website and redesigned Mong Thus restaurant, while another painted the walls a pale mint green that reminded the Nguyens of Vietnam and some of their American-born customers of 1950s diners. Even after the owners of the building refused to renew the lease for Lafayette Diner next door, they offered Mong Thu another five years.

In January 2017, the city, however, finally stepped in. In January, Kim Nguyen was forced to give up making soups, serving only the sandwiches allowed in her health permits. Her daughter Linh began negotiating with the city, as well as contractors, to find a way to legally cook in the space.

The Office of Workforce and Economic Developments SF Shines program, which primarily helps local businesses improve their facades, kicked in $47,514 in design services and technical assistance. SF Shines helps 12 to 15 businesses a year, with grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

Three months ago, the Nguyens closed Mong Thu and rebuilt the kitchen and the dining-room counter.

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.

Despite the fact that neighbors would tell them how much they missed Mong Thu, the past three months have been stressful for Kim Nguyen. There were obstacles to everything we did, Linh Nguyen says. Every month, as they paid rent on a closed business, they fretted more: Would they be able to finish the renovations before their money ran out?

The compromise the health department settled on with the Nguyens suits Mong Thus short menu: a more powerful stovetop hood plus a set of four induction burners, which can heat big pots of broth quickly and efficiently without any hint of fire. During the hiatus, the daughters posted regular updates on the restaurants Instagram page, culminating in an announcement on Friday that the final permit had come through.

As the cafe resumes its regular schedule  7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily  its back to 5 oclock mornings and 12-hour days for Kim Nguyen. And she couldnt be happier. When shes sleeping, shes still smiling, Kims daughter wrote on Instagram. The chef celebrated by returning to the kitchen.

Jonathan Kauffman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jkauffman@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @jonkauffman

If you go

Mong Thu: 248 Hyde St., San Francisco, (415) 928-6724, www.mongthu.com. Open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on his first bilateral visit to Myanmar, today met Aung San Suu Kyi. India shares Myanmar's concerns regarding the extremist violence in Rakhine, PM Modi said in refrence to the massive refugee crisis that has been sparked by the crackdown on Rohingya militants.

By India Today Web Desk: Deepening relationship with Myanmar is a priority for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he met state counselor Aung San Suu Kyi a day after meeting President U Htin Kyaw.

Modi spoke on development and terrorism, while announcing that India would begin giving Myamarese citizens visas free of charge.

The prime minister also addressed the situation in Myanmar's Rakhine, where a crackdown on Rohingya militants has sparked an enormous refugee crisis. "We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine state&violence against security forces & how innocent lives have been affected," Modi said, standing next to Suu Kyi at a joint press briefing.

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Suu Kyi responded saying, "Would like to thank India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently."

"We hope that all stakeholders together can find a way out in which unity and territorial integrity of Myanmar is respected. At the same time we can have peace, justice, dignity and democratic values for all," PM Modi further said.

"Being neigbours, we have similar security concerns. Important for us to work together," Modi also said. Suu Kyi added, "Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take roots in our country, on our soil or in neighboring countries."

"We would like to contribute to Myanmar's development efforts as part of our 'Sabka saath sabka vikaas' initiative," Modi also said. Going to to talk about Suu Kyi, Modi said, "Your (Aung San Suu Kyi) courageous leadership to the Myanmar peace process needs to be lauded.

Modi announced that India will start given gratis (free-of-charge) visas to Myanmarese citizens wishing to visit the country and added that 40 Myanmarese citizens who are currently in Indian jails will be released soon.

Soon after Modi and Suu Kyi's delegation-level meeting and press briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs, via Twitter, announced that a number of memorandums of understanding had been signed between India and Myanmar. These included MoUs between the countries' respective election commissions and press councils.

REFUGEE CRISIS

Modi's bilateral visit to Myanmar, his first-ever, comes amid a spike in ethnic violence in the Buddhist nation's Rakhine state that has exacerbated a refugee crisis.

An army crackdown triggered by an attack on Aug. 25 by Rohingya insurgents on Myanmar security forces has led to the killing of at least 400 people and the exodus of nearly 125,000 Rohingya to neighboring Bangladesh, leading to a major humanitarian crisis.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants who previously arrived in the country, and has been considering deporting them. Around 40,000 Rohingya are said to be staying illegally in India.

Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi has come under international pressure and has also faced criticism in some quarters for not commenting on the Rohingya Muslim exodus.

Rohingya refugees get off to the boat as they arrive in Bangladesh by boat through the Bay of Bengal in Teknaf, Bangladesh, September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain Click here to Enlarge Rohingya refugees get off to the boat as they arrive in Bangladesh by boat through the Bay of Bengal in Teknaf, Bangladesh, September 5, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain

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Suu Kyi on Wednesday blamed "terrorists" for "a huge iceberg of misinformation" on the violence in Rakhine state but made no mention of the nearly 125,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled over the border into Bangladesh.

In a statement issued by her office on Facebook, Suu Kyi said the government had "already started defending all the people in Rakhine in the best way possible" and warned against misinformation that could mar relations with other countries.

MODI's FIRST BILATERAL TRIP TO MYANMAR

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

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This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit. The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.

(With inputs from agencies)

ALSO READ | Narendra Modi in Myanmar: Beyond photo-ops, India would like to win over a key ally in the East

ALSO READ | Supreme Court seeks Modi government's view on Rohingya Muslim refugees

WATCH | India, Myanmar must work to maintain security on our territorial, maritime boundaries: Modi

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Update: This story originally misstated the name of the native tribe that originally occupied the area; it was the Coast Miwok.

The Headlands Center for the Arts in Marin County is a fiercely contemporary institution that traces its bloodline to the Coast Miwok people, who harvested the bounty of the nearby marshes. It is a collection of historic structures made by humans yet deeply connected to nature; a temporary shelter for artists that assumes a permanent place in their careers; a place to work that is itself a work of art.

On Sept. 17, Headlands will unveil the Commons, a substantial new space that is part site-specific art, part venue for outdoor events. A free daytime celebration with plenty of family-oriented fare is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m.

The love many people have for the center goes beyond respect, to something nearing reverence. Yet because its primary mission is to serve artists, Headlands is not widely known among the public. This, despite seasonal (three per year) open house events when people can freely roam the grounds, visit the studios of some 45 artists from around the world who are supported with experience-rich residencies of four to 10 weeks, and explore a romantic old military facility that has been ingeniously reconceived by prominent artists such as Ann Hamilton, David Ireland and others. Theres also a Project Space where innovative exhibitions, free and open to the public, are on view much of the year on a rotating basis.

And heres a tip for hikers and cyclists traversing the often-chilly Headlands hills: Theres usually warm shelter and a pot of free hot coffee in the Mess Hall.

The Commons, designed by CMG Landscape Architecture of San Francisco, comprises a concrete apron and a small plaza/amphitheater that will seat about 100, linking the Headlands two main buildings. It serves several functions: event venue, handicap access, hangout spot, emergency roadway. Huge hunks of reclaimed eucalyptus, minimally carved by Michael Cran into casual seating, are strewn about.

Set into the concrete is a pair of striped terrazzo decks or Welcome Terraces, one in front of each building, into which are incorporated fragments of the former walkway. Designed by Ball-Nogues Studio, a Los Angeles duo with work in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the decks embrace the ethic of frugal stylishness apparent throughout the campus.

A mushroomy-looking Doubledrink water fountain by San Francisco artist Nathan Lynch, not yet installed when I previewed the project in late August, will encourage people to look one another in the eye as they drink, aware of their shared consumption of a precious resource. It will also be a convenient bottle-filling station for those hikers and bikers.

A third big art project, Wall Space by Dutch artist Chris Kabel, was viewable in prototype on my visit. A system for outdoor mounting of short texts, it will be curated in its first season by Claudia La Rocco, editor in chief of the online publication Open Space.

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.

In an interview, Headlands Executive Director Sharon Maidenberg made the project sound, if not easy, at least straightforward. The $1.8 million cost was covered by just 26 donors. We havent done a project of this scale since 1999, she said, but a plan to rehabilitate parts of the campus has been in the works for over a year.

The Commons, a new entry for the Headlands Center for the Arts, would seem also to be the portal to much more.

Charles Desmarais is The San Francisco Chronicles art critic. Email: cdesmarais@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Artguy1

The Commons, Headlands Center for the Arts  Inaugural Celebration: Noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 17. Free. Headlands Center for the Arts, 944 Simmonds Road, Sausalito. (415) 331-2787. www.headlands.org
The Trump administrations announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allowed hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to live without fear of deportation, was not unexpected.

That doesnt make it any less cruel or shortsighted.

Nearly 800,000 Dreamers have benefited from the DACA program, which was enacted by the Obama administration in 2012.

By all metrics, they are the kind of hardworking, law-abiding young people any country would love to have.

The largest study to date of DACA recipients, released this month by the Center for American Progress, found that 97 percent of DACA recipients were either working or in school. Of those who were working, 69 percent reported moving to a job with better pay.

Other studies have shown the program has created positive economic impacts for both the dreamers and the communities in which they live. Fewer than 0.2 percent of recipients have had their status rescinded due to crime.

For all of these reasons, the DACA program is widely popular: It has the approval of 64 percent of Americans, according to an NBC/Survey Monkey survey released last week.

Theres not a single compelling reason to end the DACA program.

Thats probably why the Trump administration is trying to avoid blame for doing so.

The announcement came with a six-month delay, presumably so Congress can sort out the matter.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who made Tuesdays announcement, claimed the Trump administration was merely properly enforcing our laws as Congress passed them.

Sessions also blamed the Obama administration for implementing unilateral executive amnesty.

A handful of state attorneys general from mostly conservative states wrote a letter to Trump earlier this summer, asking him to rescind DACA or face a lawsuit.

The Department of Justice had a choice: It could have defended the program in court, and it might have won. For better or worse, U.S. presidents enjoy wide-ranging enforcement discretion, both systematically and on a case-by-case basis.

This administration chose not to defend DACA. Now its up to Congress to pass legislation it should have passed years ago.

This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
Last month, thousands gathered in San Francisco and Berkeley to defeat the hatred of fascism and white supremacy. A united front of labor, clergy, students, socialists, anarchists and others successfully prevented the fascists from holding their rallies.

This is antifa  a broad movement of people who stand against the violence of white supremacists and fascists, violence emboldened by the ascendancy of Donald Trump to the presidency.

Despite our victory, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin called for antifa to be classified as a criminal gang. The lesson here is that we cannot depend on the government to meaningfully intervene and prevent the rise of fascism. That is up to us.

The National Lawyers Guild, an organization of thousands of lawyers, law students and legal workers across the country, has supported free speech and assembly for all progressive and radical movements for 80 years. But The Chronicles coverage of the Aug. 27 rally would have you believe that it is the alt-right that seeks to protect speech. This couldnt be further from the truth.

Here are some examples of what the far right does when no one is filming:

Our volunteer attorneys, legal workers and clients have received death threats and their personal information publicized to promote harassment, as a result of our defense of antifa activists;

One attorney was stalked inside the courthouse by a man with a swastika tattoo and a shaved head wearing quasi-military-type attire. He then left, and shortly thereafter she received threatening messages and had to seek protection at a safe house;

A group of men wearing military-like attire, and one with a swastika tattoo, was seen waiting outside Santa Rita Jail for arrestees to be released;

National Lawyers Guild phone lines have been inundated with hate calls.

But we are prepared to defend ourselves, and are implementing security plans to ensure the safety of our members, allies and partners. This is hatred and violence, not speech.

As an antiracist organization, we refuse to support white supremacists. That does not mean that we oppose free speech.

We believe far-right extremists have successfully twisted the right to free speech to cast themselves as victims of exactly what they strive to promote  hate and violence.

The far right, however, is not the only problem. The government appears to be colluding with the far right to target antifa. Of six protesters held overnight in jail, only one has been charged with a crime  a woman with a service dog who was brutally pinned to the ground by police, allegedly for throwing an apple. Another was arrested for allegedly pulling their T-shirt over part of their face when photographed by fascists.

This campaign to recast antifa as a violent, leftist suppression of speech is a dangerous effort eerily reminiscent of the left-baiting that accompanied the Nazi rise to power.

The National Lawyers Guild wont stand by as fascists and white supremacists seek to take power in the streets and halls of government. We stand in solidarity with all who fight hatred. We will continue to show up, to defend activists who challenge fascism, and we call on all people of conscience to do the same.

Nina Farnia is the president of the National Lawyers Guild  San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. Rachel Lederman is chair of the Demonstrations Committee, National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. Meredith Wallis is a member of the Demonstrations Committee.
While President Trumps opponents took to the streets Tuesday to protest his decision to end Obama-era protections for young undocumented immigrants, his core supporters loved it.

Politically, Trumps decision Tuesday to rescind the 5-year-old Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was a valentine to his base, the 39 percent of Americans who approve of the job hes been doing and for whom immigration is a driving issue.

The question is whether any near-term support Trump gains from his base is worth the long-term damage he may incur by potentially alienating the rapidly growing Latino and Asian American voting blocs  particularly in California, home to an estimated 200,000 people in the DACA program, more than any other state.

However, to Trump supporters like Randall Jordan, the presidents decision was a matter of keeping a campaign promise to end former President Barack Obamas immigration policy, which was implemented by executive order.

Jordan, a San Luis Obispo contractor, appreciated seeing action on immigration reform after years of watching Congress accomplish nothing. He believes Trump was trying to deal compassionately with the young immigrants, known as Dreamers, who were brought here as children, even though the presidents action could ultimately cause them to lose legal protections against being deported.

Plus, Jordan thought Tuesdays move was good public policy.

Hes doing the right thing  presidents shouldnt be making executive orders, Jordan, said referring to Obamas original DACA order. And hes being compassionate  hes giving (the Dreamers time) to figure out what to do.

Jordan represented the 79 percent of Trump voters for whom immigration was an important issue, behind only the economy and terrorism, in the 2016 election, according to a Pew Research survey. It was far lower on the priority list for Hillary Clinton backers.

Conservatives like West Walker, a schoolteacher from Stockton who is state chairman of Californians for Trump, feel that immigrants covered by DACA are a privileged class  they were getting special rights. That isnt right at a time when theres a lot of needs in the state.

But attitudes toward undocumented immigrants are more sympathetic across California. Half the states residents say they worry a lot (30 percent) or some (21 percent) that someone they know could be deported, according to a May survey from the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California.

Now Playing: Young undocumented immigrants must be "freaking out" after it was announced that DACA is ending, says San Francisco Chronicle political reporter Joe Garofoli Video: KTVU

Despite that compassion, few conservatives expect the fate of the DACA program to swing many voters in the 2018 midterm elections  even in the nine California Congressional districts held by Republicans where Clinton received more votes than Trump and that have been targeted by Democrats. Several of those districts, located in the Central Valley and Southern California, have significant numbers of Latino voters.

Orange County Republican Party chairman Fred Whitaker said the four targeted GOP Congressional members whose districts touch his county all opposed Obamas DACA executive order because they felt it was unconstitutional, not because they wanted to throw anyone out of the country.

Even though Orange County has an increasing number of new immigrants, Whitaker said, I dont think this is going to move any voters either way.

If anything, some Trump supporters said the president may gain from his action, which was forced by nine Republican state attorneys general who said they would take legal action if Trump didnt end DACA by Tuesday.

San Diego resident Woody Woodrum said the president was backed into a corner, knowing that Obamas order would likely be overturned by the courts. He applauded Trump for telling Congress to pass comprehensive immigration legislation that would include protections for the Dreamers.

The president is doing what a good executive does, said Woodrum, who is president of the California Screaming Eagles, a conservative group.

Still, he remained skeptical of Washingtons taking action. How rapidly has Congress acted in the past? In the past, they havent taken to the task.

California Republican Party Chairman Jim Brulte hopes that changes.

The California Republican Party favors comprehensive immigration reform and urges Republicans and Democrats in Washington to work with the Trump administration to craft a comprehensive immigration package that addresses DACA and every other element of the immigration debate, Brulte said in an email.

Yet while a few Congressional Republicans, like House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., have expressed sympathy for those covered by DACA in recent days, there are no votes in the House for legislation to protect them, said Jim Carafano, a policy analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank. The hope of passing a comprehensive immigration package is even more remote, he said.

If an immigration bill were to surface, even one tailored narrowly just to cover those covered by DACA, Carafano said conservatives would try to kill it by saying, It starts with the Dreamer kids. Then youll want their parents to get amnesty, too. Then, hey, why not do it with everyone who is in the country illegally?

On Tuesday after his decision was announced, Trump tried to appeal to both his base and those outside it, saying that he had a love for these people, and hopefully, now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly.

Fred Schein, president of the Log Cabin Republicans of Marin County, had mixed feelings.

I dont want to see them punished for their error of their parents, said Schein, who lives in Mill Valley. But at the same time, he didnt think it was right for Obama to bestow protections on them through executive action. It may be one of those situations where there is no happy solution.

Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli

DACA discussion

To see a Facebook live discussion of DACA with Chronicle senior political writer Joe Garofoli and editorial page editor John Diaz, go to: http://bit.ly/2eIwpfZ
State Sen. Scott Wiener is not ready to give up on his drive to extend bar hours for cities that want to party hearty till 4 a.m., despite having had his legislation 86d last week.

Im absolutely not giving up on this bill, Wiener, D-San Francisco, said upon his return to the state Capitol after Fridays 11th-hour ambush of the bill by state Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego, chair of the Appropriations Committee.

The bill would have given cities the option to stay open an extra two hours past 2 a.m. It was a matter of local choice, Wiener said.

The measure had already passed the state Senate, and Wiener said the votes were there in the Assembly. Gonzalez Fletcher, however, used her power as Appropriations chair to gut the bill and create a task force to study the issue until sometime next year.

There is nothing to study, Wiener said. Night life is becoming increasingly important culturally and to the economy of cities like San Francisco. It makes no sense to have a one-size-fits-all approach.

Most of the states law enforcement agencies were neutral on the bill, but there were plenty of opponents, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Marin and Sonoma county boards of supervisors, and the Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association of Gonzalez Fletchers home turf, San Diego County.

Gonzalez Fletcher did not return calls Tuesday seeking comment.

We are going to bring the bill back next year and limit it only to cities (spelled out in the measure) that want the ability to make the change, Wiener said.

Those cities include San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, Long Beach and West Hollywood.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
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In the last week or so Ive witnessed two extremes  the intense excitement of something new and different on the dining scene, and the disappointment of food served without care.

As a restaurant critic I never quite know what Im going to find when I check out a restaurant, but in most cases I end up enjoying the experience, even if Im critical of the food.

As part of an upcoming Civic Center roundup I went to Dobbs Ferry. It opened in 2011, and I visited soon after it opened. But I didnt feel that the restaurant brought enough to the table to be worth a full review.

However, in doing the current roundup I thought that anything that survives six years must be doing something right, so I decided to check Dobbs Ferry out again. Service was scattered but good compared to the food. Fritto misto ($13) with shrimp and vegetables was soggy and limp. The gristly steak ($27) was too tough to eat. Chicken Scarpariello ($25) looked like a a mess on the plate: The nearly room-temperature chicken sat atop a sauce filled with fried potatoes, chunks of sausage and pickled peppers.

Fortunately, the margarita ($9) wasnt too sweet and had just the right boozy balance to get me through the dinner.

It obviously wont be in this years Civic Center roundup, nor will a couple other established places I tried that seem indifferent to serving good food.

Dobbs Ferry: 409 Gough St. (at Hayes); (415) 551-7700 or www.dobbsferrysf.com.

Michael Bauer/The Chronicle

Khamsa

The experience at Dobbs Ferry was balanced by two other places worth checking out.

Khamsa is a new Moroccan restaurant on 15th Street and Van Ness. The modern interior is pleasant, but on warm days and evenings most people prefer the adjoining patio. The clean lines and patterned tile in the dining room dovetail with the menu that incorporates California influences.

While the menu is still a work in progress, I saw glimmers of what it could be in such dishes as the Tanjia ($28), a slow-cooked lamb dish brought to the table in a pot and spooned into the center of the plate ringed by charred Brussels sprouts, purple and white potatoes, and cherry tomatoes. There was also a promising calamari dish ($13) with lemon and tomatoes and roasted cauliflower with argon oil sauce and creme fraiche ($11). Its a place Ill check out again.

Khamsa: 1503 15th St. (at Van Ness); (628) 233-1503 or www.khamsasf.com

Michael Bauer/The Chronicle

Aina

I also played catch-up with Aina, the 2-year-old modern Hawaiian restaurant in Dogpatch. Chef-owner Jordan Keao started it as a pop-up more than two years ago, opened the brick-and-mortar location in spring of 2016 and quickly gained a reputation for brunch. It opened for dinner six months later.

I was impressed with the imaginative combinations and presentations on many dishes, including Big Island kampachi ($16) with Buddhas hand ponzu. The dish that heads to the top of my must-try list was Kiawe-smoked char siu ribs ($13) where the meat was so caramelized and tender it fell cleanly off the bone with only minimal prodding with chop sticks. We didnt even need the wet towels they brought us to clean the hands.

This one is definitely worth a return visit or two.

Aina: 900 22nd St. (at Minnesota); (415) 814-3815 or ainasf.com
Much like the Rohingyas today, a nationalisation drive forced thousands of ethnic Indians in Burma to leave the country and return to India in 1960-70.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day bilateral visit to Myanmar, met state councillor Aung San Suu Kyi today and expressed concern over the violence in Rakhine province.

According to the United Nations, at least 1.23 lakh Rohingyas fled Myanmar into Bangladesh since last month following a military crackdown.

The worsening Rohingya crisis coincides with the Modi government's decision to deport 40,000 illegal Rohingya immigrants back to Myanmar, a matter on which the Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response.

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As the world condemns the persecution of Rohingyas in Myanmar's Rakhine province, a similar crisis was witnessed in 1962 when several hundreds of Burmese Indians were forced to leave the country after General Ne Win seized power through a military coup.

General Ne Win's 'Burmese Road to Socialism' policy led to isolation and expulsion of foreigners, including ethnic Indians, known as Burmese Indians. Most of these Indians had been living in Burma for generations--many were running successful businesses in the country while many were employed in government services during the British rule. In 1948, close to 4 lakh ethic Indians were living in Burma.

Private ventures, many of them run by Burmese Indians, were nationalised as part of a large-scale nationalisation drive undertaken by the military junta under General Ne Win. No compensation was offered to the affected businesses and neither did the government provide them any assistance to return to India.

The then Indian government had arranged ferries and aircraft to help Burmese Indian reach India. According to some analysts, nearly 1 lakh Burmese Indians were forced to return to India by 1964. This expulsion of Burmese Indians continued all through the 1960s and 70s till Ne Win's isolationist policy continued.

General Ne Win's policy and subsequent eviction of Burmese Indians from Myanmar took the India-Myanmar relations to an all-time low. More than 50 years since Ne Win's 'Burmese Road to Socialism' policy was launched, the relations between the two countries have been just about cordial, never bordering on being warm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Myanmar during the visit, may help the two countries move beyond their past and start afresh in reviving centuries-old cultural ties.

ALSO READ:

PM Modi meets Suu Kyi as Myanmar's Rohyinga crisis worsens, lauds her 'courageous leadership'

Narendra Modi in Myanmar: Beyond photo-ops, India would like to win over a key ally in the East

Will rather die in India than return to Myanmar: Rohingya refugees on deportation reports

ALSO WATCH: India, Myanmar must work to maintain security on our territorial, maritime boundaries: Modi

--- ENDS ---

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A fawn and its mother were shot and killed by a Tiburon resident who was tired of them eating his bushes, police said.

Tiburon officers identified the shooter of the black-tailed deer doe and her fawn as 54-year-old Mark Dickinson of Tiburon. He was arrested on suspicion of felony animal cruelty and jailed before being released on bail.
Facebook says it found about $100,000 in ad spending connected to fake accounts likely run from Russia that aimed to stir political controversy in the U.S. ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

While the majority of the ads, run between June 2015 and May 2017, did not directly reference the election, they amplified divisive social and political messages across the ideological spectrum, Facebook said. They were connected to about 470 fake accounts and pages on the social network. The Menlo Park company is sharing its findings with U.S. investigators.

Our analysis suggests these accounts and Pages were affiliated with one another and likely operated out of Russia, Facebook said. The ads align with a broader strategy to misinform the public through a new category of attack Facebook calls information operations, outlined in a white paper this year.

Facebook has deleted the accounts and pages since it discovered them. The company also looked for other ads that may have originated in Russia, in a broader search that included U.S. computers with the language set to Russian. In that review, the company found $50,000 spent on 2,200 ads that were potentially political.

Toys

Lego cutting

1,400 jobs

Lego Group is being forced to retrench after years as a toy-industry standout during which the Danish company leveraged its plastic brick sets and swiveled-arm characters with licensed films, video games and theme parks to double its annual revenue to $6 billion.

Lego said Tuesday that its revenue for the first half of this year fell 5 percent from a year earlier to $2.4 billion, its first revenue decline in 13 years. Profit fell 3 percent to $544 million. Lego said the pullback was especially notable in mature markets such as the United States and parts of Europe.

In response, the privately held firm said it planned to reset the company and would eliminate 1,400 jobs, or nearly 8 percent of its worldwide workforce of 18,200, as part of an effort to streamline its operations. Lego toys are sold in 123 countries.

Courts

$687 million

Madoff deal

The Irish investment fund that helped open a floodgate of European cash for Bernard Madoffs bogus securities firm in the early 1990s agreed to pay $687 million to victims of the fraud to resolve a trustees lawsuit  the biggest settlement in the case in six years.

The deal was struck with Thema International Fund, part of a web of offshore entities linked to Austrian banker Sonja Kohn and the Benbassat family of Swiss investment professionals. They gave Madoff vital access to cash as his Ponzi scheme began to lose steam, the trustee, New York attorney Irving Picard, has said.

Details of the accord were filed on Wednesday with U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stuart Bernstein in Manhattan. An approval hearing is scheduled for Oct. 25. The deal will boost total recoveries for victims to about $12.7 billion, or about 72 cents for every dollar in principal that was wiped out by the fraud.

Airlines

Harvey hits

United hard

United Airlines says Hurricane Harvey and a fare war contributed to a loss of $400 million in expected revenue, and the storm saddled the company with higher prices for jet fuel.

The company said Wednesday that a key revenue-per-seat figure would fall by up to 5 percent for the third quarter.

United suffered more than any other airline from Harveys deluge. The Continental side of the company has longtime roots in Houston, and United still operates one of its biggest hub operations at Bush Intercontinental Airport, which was closed for nearly a week by flooding.

United canceled 7,400 flights because of the storm, and it doesnt expect to resume a full, pre-storm Houston schedule until late this week. Even then, Houstonians might be traveling less than before, the airline said.

Autos

Smart Fortwo

engine fires

A nearly nine-month investigation by U.S. auto safety regulators has found 27 reports of engine fires in tiny Smart Fortwo cars, including one that caused an injury.

The finding of the unusually high number of fires prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to upgrade its probe from a preliminary investigation to an engineering analysis. Thats the last step before issuing a recall, but it may not necessarily result in one.

Federal Reserve

Vice chairman

to step down

Stanley Fischer, vice chairman of the Federal Reserve, will step down in mid-October after three years at the central bank, the Fed announced Wednesday.

Fischer, 73, cited personal reasons in a short resignation letter to President Trump.

Chronicle News Services
The Board of Trustees of the State Bar of California voted 6-5 Wednesday to send three recommendations on the passing score of the states bar exam to the California Supreme Court  including two options to lower the score. The court will have the final say on an intense debate about the score, which some argue is too high.

Californias bar exam passing score of 144 is the second-highest in the nation, after Delaware, though states give different exams. The score has not changed for more than three decades. Just 43 percent of test-takers passed the July 2016 California bar exam  the lowest figure in more than 30 years.

At no time previously in the State Bars history have we conducted ... a formal cut score study, State Bar chief operations officer and incoming executive director Leah Wilson said. Our current effort is both long overdue and historic.

The trustees will present a range of options to the Supreme Court: maintain the current cut score of 144; adopt a cut score of 141.4, at least temporarily; or adopt a temporary cut score of 139. These recommendations came from a staff report based on a study commissioned by the bar and feedback from a public comment period.

ALSO SF settles with firm it says misrepresented immigration services

If the California Supreme Court makes a decision soon, it could impact the pass rates for the July bar exam. (Those scores are usually released in November.)

The discussion has mobilized all sectors of the legal community. Some 5,000 comments were submitted to the State Bar during a three-week period in August. More than half of the public comments suggested maintaining the current bar cut score of 144.

A survey sent out to all licensed attorneys received 34,000 responses, an overwhelming number, said Karen Goodman, chair of the committee of bar examiners, at the Wednesday meeting. The majority of these respondents favored keeping the current cut score of 144. But nearly half the people who took the July bar exam also responded to a survey, with the vast majority saying the cut score should be lowered.

Theres ... no statistical relationship that relates high cut scores to greater protection of the public, said Mitchel Winick, president and dean of Monterey College of Law and a member of the Law School Council, at the board meeting. The council, which consists primarily of California law school deans, recommended that the California Supreme Court adopt a passing score between 135 and 139.

The State Bar will send recommendations to the court within a week, according to spokeswoman Rebecca Farmer. The court is under no official deadline to make a decision, though it would need to take action this fall for any change to apply to the July bar exam scores.

The passing score is just one of the topics under examination by the State Bar. A study examining whether the California bar exam tests the right subjects to predict success as a lawyer will be completed in October. Another study on law school performance could face potential delays due to privacy laws regarding student data.

Isha Salian is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: isalian@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Salian_Isha
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The last company Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur and angel investor Ted Rheingold advised was one that helps an overlooked segment of American consumers improve their credit scores.

So Bloom Credit was a prime example of the profit from purpose business model that Mr. Rheingold, who died Monday in San Francisco, hoped would redefine what motivates entrepreneurs.

Perhaps you can understand this isnt just a job to me, this is a purpose, the founder of early social media sites Dogster and Catster wrote in a June 17 post on Medium. Id personally like to show that true profit-from-purpose models arent just a possibility, but a reliable, repeatable, defensible business model. ... And that thousands of such businesses can exist concurrently.

In a series of candidly raw yet inspiring posts on Medium, Mr. Rheingold, 47, detailed how his life changed abruptly after he was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer in April 2016. In one post this year titled As I Lay Dying, he noted how a new drug, Opdivo, gave him some relief, to the point where he was finally able to lift his young daughter Mabel when just weeks before I couldnt even lift myself up.

A number (but not all) of my grudges, entitled expectations, self-assumed responsibilities, judgments are simply gone, he wrote. I have no FOMO (fear of missing out). ... Im simply content to be alive and living my life. I have no bucket list. Life is the bucket. Meanwhile, Im entirely at peace if I die. I am ready for life to end at any point, yet also ready to use each day, month, year I get towards a long arc of purpose of my life.

News of Mr. Rheingolds death brought an outpouring on social media from tech luminaries, including retired venture capitalist and Shark Tank guest judge Chris Sacca.

Its true, @tedr passed away today. But as you can see by the mentions on Twitter, we definitely didn't lose him, Sacca tweeted on Monday. Take some time to read through the cheers and laments. He brightened so many lives.

Born in New Rochelle, N.Y., on May 28, 1970, Mr. Rheingold graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor of arts in international relations. He also was a member of the schools ski team. In 1993, Mr. Rheingold started a yearlong fellowship in Bangladesh with the International Development Exchange.

That fellowship and other world travels helped him gain a strong sense of connection to people, which impacted his lifes work, his wife of 13 years, Molly Ditmore, said in an email. His enthusiasm for creating profit from purpose led him to work with companies in developing nations as well as in underserved communities here at home.

In 2001, he founded business website developer One Match Fire. In 2003, he decided to start his own site, co-founding Dogster, an online community for dog lovers, and its companion site, Catster.

Longtime friend and Dogster co-founder Steven Reading said Mr. Rheingold always sought to use technology to empower communities to share stories and ideas.

The social communities for pet lovers were acquired by Say Media in 2011, which sold them to publishing company Lumina Media three years later. Dogster and Catster are now in print as well, having replaced Luminas Dog Fancy and Cat Fancy magazines.

Dogster helped lead the development of a community-based product which could be powered by affinity groups, where you could build a business around a community without exploiting your user base, Hunter Walk, a partner at the venture capital firm Homebrew, said in an email. (Mr. Rheingolds) legacy is about bringing your human self to your work.

Mr. Rheingold left Say Media in 2013 and became an adviser and later chief operating officer of Tala, which uses mobile phone technology to bring credit and financial services to underserved markets in developing nations.

He was also an avid skier, urban cyclist and hiker who delighted in being close to the ocean, the Sierras and the oyster farms of Tomales Bay, where he would take his wife, daughter and dog on spontaneous road trips, Ditmore said.

My husband @tedr was a king among men, she said in a tweet. He made the world better.

Mr. Rheingold also is survived by his parents Joyce and Paul Rheingold of Rye, N.Y.; brother David Rheingold of New York City; sister Julia McCartney of Rye; sister Susan Rheingold of Philadelphia; and rescue dog Moxie.

The family plans a private memorial service and suggested donations in Mr. Rheingolds name to the Northern Sierra Partnership.

Benny Evangelista is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: bevangelista@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChronicleBenny
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A California trial over whether coffee sellers owe it to their customers to warn them about cancer risks is officially underway, and all your favorite big coffee retailers are in it.

Tuesday marked the opening statement in a suit filed by the Council for Education and Research on Toxics seven years ago. The suit targets more than 70 companies, including Starbucks, Whole Foods Market, Costco and Trader Joes, along with other grocery stores, coffee companies, and food giants.

The Council argues that these retailers were in violation of state law Proposition 65, which requires businesses to provide a clear warning when they expose individuals to acrylamide, a chemical that causes cancer.

The chemical is a byproduct of roasting coffee beans at a high heat; it may also be found in other foods like cooked vegetables and baked goods.

CERTs argument is that since its classified as a carcinogen under California law, these companies are required to warn their customers, exposing millions to acrylamide without proper labeling.

The suit was originally filed in 2010 by the nonprofit against the coffee purveyors. After Starbucks lost its first-phase defense (claiming that the carcinogen is below a level that would create a significant risk of causing cancer), companies are now appealing the decision by stating that there is an acceptable and alternative risk level that even a lifetime of exposure to acrylamide from their coffee wont add up to.

From the outset, the drafters of this regulation determined there were appropriate circumstances under which the people of the State of California could be exposed to risk levels, attorney Raoul Kennedy said in an opening statement for the coffee companies, according to Law360.

And theres nothing in here that says Heres how you go about calculating an alternative risk level. I submit that's for a very good reason.

Council for the nonprofit, however, wasnt buying it.

I think it is insufficient legally and scientifically to claim that coffee has some health benefits and therefore a higher [alternative significant risk level] should apply, regardless of the detriments of coffee consumption, CERT attorney Raphael Metzger told the courtroom.

According to CERT, the language of Proposition 65 holds that both the benefits and detriments of consuming coffee need to be weighed, as well as the drinks cancer risk.

If CERT wins, theyll be looking for a civil penalty of $2,500 per day for each violation of the California law  which, since they allege the violation has been happening since June of 2002, is a lot of money from the dozens of companies.

That would be a major get though. Though scientists have long debated the benefits of coffee (not to mention the various studies that call it a boon or a bust to cancer), most agree that you would have to drink well over the average of one cup a day to see carcinogenic effects.

Based on the animal studies, you would have to drink probably over 100 cups of coffee a day in order to get to that dangerous dose, so it is totally absurd, Stanley Omaye, a professor of nutrition and toxicology at the University of Nevada, told Chemistry World of the lawsuit in 2014.

Indeed, in the second phase of the trial the coffee collective has said that they have a rich and diverse set of evidence and experts to back up that very assertion.

The bench trial is set to proceed before Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Elihu M. Berle.
San Franciscos Turo, which helps people rent their cars to other people, has landed $92 million in funding, co-led by Germanys Daimler and South Koreas SK, a major conglomerate. The investment brings total backing for the peer-to-peer marketplace to $193 million.

Daimler and SK have very strong footprints in Europe and Asia, so we are looking forward to accelerating our international expansion, Turo CEO Andre Haddad said in an interview. Turo currently operates in 49 U.S. states  with a heavy concentration in metropolitan areas  four Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom.

As part of the deal, Turo is buying Daimlers Croove, which it said is the leading peer-to-peer car rental marketplace in Germany and will facilitate its rapid expansion in that country.

The $35 million investment by Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, underscores how carmakers seek to adapt to a rapidly changing transportation landscape.

Daimler and SK will both add representatives to Turos board. Insurance company Liberty Mutual, which provides Turos insurance for its car rentals, also participated in the round.

Haddad, who is armed with statistics on how people can pay for their vehicles by renting them out on Turo, hopes that Mercedes  and other carmakers  will pass that message along to car buyers.

Daimlers motivation is to make cars more accessible and affordable, he said. They know a lot of customers would like to buy their cars but cant make it work financially. We dont have any specific co-marketing or commercial announcements with dealerships just yet, but were working on it.

Turo changes the economics of car ownership by enabling hosts to earn enough money to pay a substantial part of their costs, he said. For instance, the premium Tesla Model S can bring in about $1,000 in just one week of Turo rentals, covering its typical monthly car payment, he said. Lower down the car chain, Honda Civics can cover their monthly payments of $283 in 11 days on Turo, he said.

Turo takes a 25 percent commission on rentals. For renters, its cars cost about a third less than traditional car rentals, Haddad said. While Turo, like most startups, loses money, Haddad said its gross margins are extremely positive and promising.

Turo now lists some 171,500 cars for rent and has almost 4 million people whove signed up as renters at some point. Thats minuscule compared to car-rental giants like Enterprise, with 1.29 million cars in the U.S. in 2016; Hertz, almost 500,000; and Avis with 375,000, according to Auto Rental News.

Turos main U.S. competitor for peer-to-peer rentals is Getaround, also a San Francisco company. Turo rents cars by the day, week or month. Getaround offers hourly rentals, as well as longer-term ones, and installs a device on cars allowing them to be unlocked via a cell phone. Turo requires its car owners and renters to meet in person to exchange keys, unless the car owners have installed remote unlocking themselves.

Getaround also has financial backing from mainstream carmakers, such as Toyota, and has had partnerships with the likes of Audi promoting it to people buying or leasing cars.

Another peer-to-peer rental company, San Franciscos FlightCar, which specialized in airport rentals, abruptly shut down a year ago. Mercedes-Benz bought its remaining assets. TravelCar, a French company also focuses on peer-to-peer airport rentals, recently launched in the U.S.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
"We want to normalise the situation on the campus and therefore, we have decided to suspend the services of all volunteers," said Prashant Ranjan Verma, general secretary of NAB.

By Ajay Kumar: After the shocking news of child sexual abuse by a 54-year-old Brit came out in the open, the National Association for the Blind has suspended the services of all volunteers and asked them to stay away until internal protocol would not define the status of volunteers again.

NAB is also waiting for the suggestion of Delhi Police on this matter before resuming their services. "We have not expected such behaviour from highly educated person like Murray Denis Ward. It was extremely shocking, disgusting and criminal breach of trust made by him, it is necessary to follow the suggestion and guidelines of Delhi Police so that such incidents do not repeat," said Prashant Ranjan Verma, general secretary of NAB.

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Delhi Police have taken prompt action in this case as soon as the NAB officials reported the matter.

"Safety and dignity of our students is top priority of NAB and hence when the incident came into the light, we informed police without any delay. Since, the accused is a foreigner, we knew that organisation will face media glare and hardship in pursuing long legal battle. So we have gone a step ahead and done right thing by filing the FIR with the police," Verma said.

"We want to normalise the situation on the campus and therefore, we have decided to suspend the services of all volunteers. We have also celebrated Teachers' Day today to send a message among students and parents," Verma added.

Unlike any other non-governmental organisation, NAB, a charitable organisation, depends on volunteers and donors for sustaining its activities. There are more than 100 volunteers of different fields, giving their services with NAB.

HOW WARD WAS CAUGHT

"It has appeared during preliminary investigation, the accused was very skillful and eloquence to attract students and take them into the confidence. He used to come here with gifts as well but students come under the influence him due to his good communicating straight and eloquence rather than lucrative offers," said Mukesh Sharma, director program of NAB.

NAB has 32 CCTV cameras installed here to cover entire campus except hostel rooms and bathrooms. Interestingly, Ward knew the directions of CCTV cameras and hence he had managed to avoid coming under its radius. As a result, his sexual acts were not captured.

"It was an alert guard who suddenly saw his objectionable activities and captured it in mobile phone. He was the one who informed management about the incident. We have conclusive evidence against Ward to prove him guilty. That mobile phone was submitted with Delhi Police to preserve the video evidence," Sharma said.

"NAB is taking more steps to ensure safety and security of the students. It is unfortunate that the wrong doing of one person will now subject many well-meaning volunteers, parents and visitors to additional restrictions. We hope to get their same cooperation in future," Sharma added.

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ALSO READ

British national arrested in Delhi for sodomising visually-challenged students

Kerala priest arrested for sexually abusing minor boys

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Delhi Police arrests UK national for allegedly sodomising visually-challenged students

--- ENDS ---
A man standing on a street corner in San Franciscos Richmond District was shot shortly after midnight Wednesday by men who had asked him for a cigarette, police said.

Police said the victim was standing at California Street and 22nd Avenue when two men in their 20s asked him for a cigarette. When the victim declined, one of the men reached into his hoodie pocket. The victim felt afraid, pepper sprayed them, and then took off running, police said.
One of four Alameda County sheriffs deputies charged with felonies in an inmate abuse case choked a prisoner unconscious, prosecutors said Tuesday.

A criminal complaint filed against the deputies states that an inmate at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin alleged that Deputy Erik McDermott entered his cell while he was sleeping and assaulted him by placing pressure around his neck until he was unconscious.

It was one of several accusations that led the Alameda County district attorneys office to charge McDermott and fellow Deputy Justin Linn with assault under color of authority, witness intimidation and conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Former Deputy Stephen Sarcos and Deputy Sarah Krause were each charged with felony assault under the color of authority, officials said.

The deputies made their first court appearance Tuesday at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin, where a judge postponed the case to Monday, when the defendants may enter a plea. Efforts to reach their attorneys were not immediately successful.

Prosecutors requested that Linns bail be raised to $340,000 and McDermotts to $320,000. The court raised the amount but gave the deputies, who are out of custody, until the next court date to post bail, said district attorneys office spokeswoman Teresa Drenick.

Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the sheriffs office, said Tuesday, We feel that weve done a thorough and complete investigation up to this point. The district attorney has taken that investigation and charged these four defendants as a result of our case.

In court papers, sheriffs investigator Deputy Patrick Smyth detailed a series of abuse allegations that dated back to June 2016, when an inmate was allegedly choked unconscious. One inmate first alerted a staff member about mistreatment on Nov. 20, 2016, the sheriffs office said.

The office launched its investigation in January, officials said, and interviewed more than 40 people. Sarcos resigned following the nine-month probe, while Krause, Linn and McDermott were placed on administrative leave.

According to Smyth, a witness told jail staff in a note that Linn and McDermott had allowed an inmate to exit his cell without restraints  which is against protocol  and spray shampoo bottles of urine and feces on other prisoners, including one who was mentally ill. The act is known a gassing.

After the investigation began, Linn and McDermott pulled another inmate aside to tell him the person who initially reported the abuse was snitching, Smyth wrote. They purportedly asked the inmate to take the word to others in the jail.

In two gassing incidents from September 2016, the sheriffs office said, inmates reported being locked in their cells and sprayed with feces. The inmate who sprayed them later told investigators that Sarcos and Krause helped him by unlocking the door to the cells, the complaint states.

Sheriff Gregory Ahern said in a statement following the deputies arrests last Thursday that the alleged acts were egregious and shocking.

The deputies were released from custody within a day. Linn and McDermott each posted $135,000 bail before it was reset Tuesday. Sarcos and Krause posted $35,000 bail.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
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Before Robin Sloan begins writing, he lets himself experience other things, allowing inspirations to come from outside of the pages. That meant, before his new book, Sourdough, even began to take form, learning how to bake bread.

Following the unexpected smash success of his debut novel, Mr. Penumbras 24-Hour Bookstore, Sloan was in a daze, without a plan for what was next.

Imagine walking off an amusement park ride or something, Sloan says by phone from his Berkeley home. Youre pleasantly dizzy, and just, Uh, OK! You have to find your bearing again.

Life between books meant working on tech-related projects (Sloan, 37, used to work at Twitter before authorship called) and dabbling in bread-making with the help of a book from San Franciscos Tartine Bakery and a piqued interest in food while his partner attended the University of Gastronomic Sciences (like the Hogwarts of food).

I started my first sourdough starter, baked my first bread, and I did that for a long time, Sloan says. Ironically, as the books coming out now, I do a little bit less now in part because I have finally had to acknowledge that I am just not a talented baker at all.

Neither is Lois, the protagonist of Sourdough, a computer programmer in the Bay Area who falls upon a mysterious sourdough starter mix and is unwittingly swept into the world of baking and the futuristic potential and primal essences of food. Like Sloans first book, where books and computer code collide, the anciently human is juxtaposed with evolving technology  in this case the inner workings of bread-making and the science of manipulating food.

Sloan writes of the two with a sort of magic and aliveness, less at odds with one another than simply in a relationship. Its definitely not a battle, I know that for sure, Sloan says. I dont know if its a harmony either.

In some senses, it might be wrong to cleanly delineate opposite sides. Books and bread are their own forms of science and progress, Sloan says he learned  centuries-old albeit, but human inventions nonetheless.

The thing Im trying to do with both books is transmit some of that wonder and some of that sort of recategorization of the things that we think of as being old and traditional and give them more credit as being really important and powerful technology, Sloan says.

There are, of course, dubious crossroads in modern technology, ones that Sloan remains fascinated by and why he cannot imagine setting his works outside of the Bay Area, where these conflicts are constantly playing out. His next work, Sloan says, might be about artificial intelligence.

Such a topic could be a predictable segue into dystopia, but Sloan seems unlikely to build a world flatly demonizing tech. Most of what surrounds us has, at one point or another, been a new form of science and technology.

I dont think its a scary thing, Sloan says. To kind of just see it all as choices that we have made in the past and are making now, I personally find that heartening and empowering because it means we can keep making those choices.

Sloan celebrates the release of his book Thursday, Sept. 7, at Green Apple Books on the Park.

Brandon Yu is a Bay Area freelance writer.

Book events

Robin Sloan book release party: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. Green Apple Books on the Park. 1231 Ninth Ave, S.F. (415) 742-5833 www.greenapplebooks.com.

Nancy Pearl discusses and celebrates the release of her new book, George and Lizzie. 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. Book Passage. 1 Ferry Building, S.F. (415) 835-1020. www.bookpassage.com.

Robert Hass and Matthew Zapruder discuss their new books on poetry and form. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. Le Fevre Theater. 1928 St. Marys Road, Moraga. www.stmarys-ca.edu.

Studio One Reading Series presents live readings from poets Paul Ebenkamp, Lara Durback and Angel Dominguez. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8. Studio One Arts Center. 365 45th St, Oakland. (510) 597-5027. http://studioonereadingseries.blogspot.com.

Poetry in Parks is an all-ages arts festival that includes live readings and music, and other book-related activities. 10.a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Free. Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. 1150 Carroll Ave, S.F. www.parks.ca.gov.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 Darren Yamashita Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy of J-POP Summit Show More Show Less 3 of 3





The American craze for Japanese pop culture  from manga and anime to J-pop music  has only intensified over the years.

Thats why the 2017 J-Pop Summit, San Franciscos ninth annual celebration of Japanese pop culture at Fort Mason Center on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9-10, is expected to attract more than 20,000 people for one of the largest events of its type in the world.
A San Francisco man on his rowboat in the bay was approached by something much bigger than his vessel Saturday.

Phil Reiff was stunned when a humpback whale tail splashed out of the water only about 20 feet away from him.

"It was crazy!" Reiff told KTVU Tuesday. "It started coming toward me. I was like 'holy crap!'"

The whale was so close, Reiff said, that he could smell its breath and see the barnacles on its tail.

"You can smell a whale, it's like rotten fish when they breathe out. You know you're really close if you can smell the whale."

Reiff was out on the water as a member of the Dolphin Club to protect swimmers participating in an organized event from other vessels.

This year has been insane for whale watching in Monterey Bay and San Francisco Bay. The heightened activity is largely attributable to two major factors: a killer whale feeding frenzy and loads of krill in the area.

SF CHRONICLE: Why eye-popping whale shows off the California coast are the new normal

"The number of killer whales we've seen this spring has been exceptional," Nancy Black, a marine biologist with Monterey Bay Whale Watch said in June.

The activity didn't slow over the summer, especially not off the coast of San Francisco. Humpbacks were spotted time and time again near the Golden Gate Bridge.

MORE VIDEO: Watch Phil Reiff's entire interview with KTVU

Now Playing: Phil Reiff takes a spectacular photo of a whale in the San Francisco Bay Video: KTVU

The whales have been around so much, it has even caused some problems. In June, a boat was caught on video colliding with a humpback whale in the San Francisco Bay. Two weeks later a whale was seen just barely dodging an oncoming sailboat.

CLOSE CALL: Whale barely dodges sailboat in SF Bay

Bill Keener, a marine biologist with Golden Gate Cetacean Research, said the major influx of whales in the San Francisco Bay has tempted some people to get too close.

"It's a wildlife spectacle so it's always attractive to people," Keener said. "My advice is if you see whales concentrated in an area, give them a wide berth. If they're feeding and they come up from the depths to lunge up, you don't know where they're going to come back up."

Even Reiff has noticed the increased whale presence. "Everyone who has spent any time on the bay this year has probably seen a whale. It wasn't like this five or six years ago."

As frequent whale sightings not far offshore become the new normal, wildlife officials warn that getting too close may constitute a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

"People getting close to marine animals is not good for the animals and it's against federal law," National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration spokesperson Jim Milbury said. "But more importantly, or as importantly, people can get hurt."

Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com.
By PTI: By Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Sep 6 (PTI) Nepal Police launched a manhunt to nab a Chinese couple they believe masterminded the smuggling of 88 kg of gold into Nepal through the China border, the biggest seizure of the precious yellow metal in the country.

Wan Wei Ming, 50, allegedly operated the racket under the cover of running his tourism business in Thamel, a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu frequented by foreign tourists.

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His wife Yang Wei Wing had managed to escape when the police yesterday arrested Manoj Adhikari, the driver of the vehicle carrying gold worth NRs 430 million, the police said.

The gold was smuggled into Nepal from China via the Rasuwagadi-Kerung border checkpoint, north of Kathmandu.

Learning that the police were following them, the Chinese couple fled their Thamel-based residence.

The police succeeded in seizing their car, which was used to transporting the smuggled gold, the police said.

The police is questioning the driver.

Authorities have alerted all police units and the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu abouth the couple. "We are committed to bringing to book any person directly or indirectly involved in the smuggling," said senior police officer Jaya Bahadur Chand. PTI SBP ABH

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Editor's note: Elizabeth Gerson and Kiley Roache were SFGATE's summer interns for 2017. They helped us out on many levels, including writing some of our top stories of the summer. Before they headed back to school, they wanted to share everything they learned as newcomers to the city.

There's no doubt that the Bay Area is its own world, and, in all honesty, we can't say we were well-equipped to face it every hour of every day. Moving from the Midwest to stay in the Bay this past summer presented such a variety of new challenges, joys, delights, expenses, and surprises that there was never a day that went by where we felt truly unstimulated.
Given recent events, dystopian films such as 1984 and Planet of the Apes are seeming more and more like documentaries than flights of fancy vision.

But one thing hasnt changed: Theyre a lot of fun, even if now they might induce an extra heaping of increased panic. From the days of Metropolis through next months Blade Runner 2049, filmmakers have warned against totalitarian and fascist states, nuclear war, climate change disasters and loss of freedom, often with a bleak, eye-popping vision.

So amid a nuclear standoff with North Korea, fake news and a nations inner battles with racism, immigration and free thought, Bay Area programmers are proudly presenting two films guaranteed not to reassure you: Jean-Luc Godards Alphaville and Andrei Tarkovskys Stalker.

Alphaville (1965), showing twice this weekend at Alamo Drafthouses New Mission, is the hipper of the two. Its a French New Wave version of a James Bond spoof in which secret agent Lemmy Caution (Eddie Constantine) is sent from the Outlands to a dystopian, totalitarian (but still glamorous) Paris, renamed Alphaville. His mission is to kill the creator of Alphaville, a fascist called Professor von Braun (Howard Vernon) and destroy his computer, the Alpha 60.

Caution, a.k.a. Agent 003, enlists the help of the professors daughter Natacha (Anna Karina). Raoul Coutards gleaming black-and-white cinematography uses glass and mirrors to create alienation and distance in a society where all emotion  indeed, even words that indicate emotion  are banned. The film is entertainingly narrated by the Alpha 60, one of the weirdest-sounding narrations in movie history.

Stalker (1979), screening twice, at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, is a film made under the suppressive Soviet Union, and it feels like it; but its far bleaker. A troubled production  Tarkovsky had a heart attack during filming  it is Tarkovskys deepest assault on the loss of personal freedom, even personal thought, in the Soviet regime. And yet it is such a subtle (though unmistakable) attack that the Soviet government approved the script. It would be the last film he would make in the Soviet Union; Tarkovsky later fled to Western Europe to make his final two films before his death.

In this film, it is the outer lands where the proletariat is confined in Tarkovskys sepia-toned color scheme. The outer lands surround the more colorful Zone, a forbidden area guarded by the military. No one knows exactly what the Zone is  rumor is its a mystical place, with the Room at its center. Enter the Room, and all your wishes and dreams come true.

A Stalker (Alexander Kaidanovsky) acts as a guide in and out of the Zone  even though hes never been in the Room. He leads the Writer (Anatoly Solonitsyn) and the Professor (Nikolai Grinko) on a journey to the Room, and along the way they engage in an exploration and confrontation of their fears, desires and philosophy.

Oddly, for such bleak visions of the future, both films end on a hopeful note. Alphaville turns out to be the quest for the free expression of this phrase: I love you. And, well, Stalker is more inscrutable. Wont spoil it, but lets say that unexpectedly, there is a clue that the solution to the oppressive society lies with the next generation.

Indeed, as citizens of the Soviet Union would find out in about a decades time, that is what happened.

Alphaville screens at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, and 12:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. Alamo Drafthouses New Mission. 2550 Mission St. S.F. (415) 549-5959. www.drafthouse.com/sf

Stalker screens at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, and 7 p.m. Sept. 22. BAMPFA, 2155 Center St. Berkeley. (510) 642-0808. http://bampfa.org

Bogie, Bacall and ... David Thomson: Bay Area author David Thomsons new book Warner Bros: The Making of an American Movie Studio is the genesis behind the current Warner Bros. series, which runs through Oct. 2 at the Stanford Theatre. Thomson will sign copies of his book at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, amid the Humphrey Bogart-Lauren Bacall double feature To Have and Have Not and The Big Sleep, both directed by Howard Hawks. Thomsons book works as an investigation into the American cultural psyche, according to The Chronicles Carlos Valladares in last months review. The double feature screens Saturday, Sept. 9, through Monday, Sept. 11. To Have and Have Not screens at 5:40 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.; The Big Sleep at 7:30 p.m. (plus 3:25 p.m. Saturday and Sunday). Stanford Theatre, 221 University Ave., Palo Alto. (650) 324-3700. www.stanfordtheatre.org

G. Allen Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BRfilmsAllen
For fans of classical radio in the Bay Area, tuning in to KDFC during the early hours of the day has long meant that the musical offerings will come with a distinctive flavor. That inviting quality  folksy, mellifluous, almost preposterously agreeable  is the trademark of Hoyt Smith, the stations longtime morning DJ.

But later this month, after nearly 17 years on the job and a career in radio spanning more than four decades, Smith is planning to walk out of the studio and into a well-earned retirement. Its safe to say that the airwaves wont sound quite the same without him.

And anyone who imagines that Smith is displaying any angst or agitation about his decision has probably never heard him in action. The same unruffled, easygoing sonorities that inform his on-air work are there in person.

Theres never going to be a good time to retire, he said during a recent interview at the KDFC offices in San Francisco. Thankfully, Im in an amazing position, and I love the work Im doing.

But my wife retired from United as a flight attendant a year or two ago, and Ill be turning 66 in November. I dont want to be that guy who hangs on too long.

During his years at KDFC, Smith has worked out a reliable but flexible formula for framing the carefully selected music that makes up the stations morning fare. Its a combination of historical and biographical tidbits, all modulated through the energetic warmth of his own personality.

Those were the qualities that first drew him to the attention of station president Bill Lueth, when Smith was working at KKSF during its days as a purveyor of smooth jazz. The two stations were housed in the same building, and Lueth says he would hear Smiths voice resounding through the halls.

I used to think, that guy should be on our station, Lueth says. Hes got a great voice, to begin with, and then through that announcer-y voice hes so personable and friendly.

He sounds like a guy youd want to hang out with. He doesnt take himself too seriously, and I wanted that for classical radio.

Thats not to say that the transition was easy. When Smith began at KDFC in 1999, he had plenty of experience in radio, but none as a classical announcer.

There was a steep learning curve, and for the first six months I was scared to death, Smith recalled. I thought I am the biggest fraud, going on the air and pretending to know what Im talking about.

In his first weekend on the air, he says, he mispronounced the first name of violinist Pinchas Zukerman, calling him Pinch-us instead of Pink-us.

This woman called up and said, Oh honey  sit down. But people have been very patient.

It helps that Smith has never made or implied any great claims to expert authority on the subject. He sounds like what he actually is  a guy with a lifelong interest in classical music who has turned up an interesting yarn or angle that hes eager to share with listeners.

Theres so much to talk about with these composers, everything from the lascivious  like Wagners taste for wearing silk underwear  to information about what the times were like or the inspiration for a particular piece.

You have to have a native curiosity to undertake all that research. Pulling together some of those features is a big part of doing the show.

Smiths enthusiasm has clearly rubbed off on his listeners, in ways that have reverberated. One South Bay listener, he says, regularly sends in long, stream-of-consciousness letters about the music shes heard on the station that has moved her. At a recent event for schoolkids, Smith was greeted by listeners as young as 8 eager to meet him face to face.

And last year, Smith  along with his fellow on-air personality Dianne Nicolini  was inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, a recognition that fills him with considerable pride.

When I look at the immense talents who received that honor, Im just humbled to be part of it.

Not bad for a guy who spends his days, as he describes it, sitting in a little padded room talking. I just talk and hopefully people are listening and hopefully they like it.

Smiths infatuation with radio dates back to his childhood in San Anselmo. He remembers listening to oldies on KEWB, and being impressed by the disc jockeys at KSFO. At 16, he landed a job as a gofer for the renowned Don Sherwood, coming into the KSFO station at 6 a.m. before school to open Sherwoods mail, make his coffee and wake him after the previous nights exertions.

I wanted to be a Top 40 guy, but I didnt have that kind of persona. They were bigger, more swaggery, larger than life, and I couldnt pull that off.

My influences were people like Carter B. Smith, or even Dave Garroway  this real low-key guy that you just trusted and who could amuse you or youd be amused with him.

After getting involved with college radio as a student at San Diego State University, Smith returned to the Bay Area and a series of gigs with various stations. Some of those stints lasted longer than others  radio is a field that can be notable for frequent personnel turnover  but, he proudly notes, hes been fortunate enough to have been mostly gainfully employed ever since.

Smith says he doesnt have any particularly pressing plans for retirement  do some traveling, catch some music festivals, and maybe learn a little more about the classical repertoire that hasnt crossed his path during the KDFC years.

I play a fairly narrow window of music on the morning shift. I mean, its a good-sized library, but a lot of it is Vivaldi, and there are plenty of composers I would never play.

Im still learning about the Mahler symphonies.

Smiths last day on the air will be Sept. 29. As far as he knows, nothing is planned to mark the occasion.

Im just going to come in and do my show like any other day. Although who knows, I may be a total wreck  weeping Hoyt. Ill be sure not to wear mascara.

Joshua Kosman is The San Francisco Chronicles music critic. Email: jkosman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JoshuaKosman
DACA is short for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects certain people who were brought into the country illegally as children from being deported. Former President Barack Obama launched the program in 2012, saying he wanted to provide a reprieve for young immigrants who have established lives in the U.S., often dont know any other home, and sometimes dont speak a language besides English. For those who qualify, deportation is deferred two years, with a chance to renew. Recipients can legally obtain work permits.

Who is covered by DACA?

About 800,000 people nationwide, and more than 200,000 in California, have been approved for DACA protection. To qualify, applicants must have been younger than 31 on June 15, 2012, when the program started, and have come to the U.S. before they were 16, living here continuously since at least June of 2007. The majority of recipients, often called Dreamers, are from Mexico.

What did President Trump do?

The Trump administration, which claims that Obamas move creating DACA was an unconstitutional overreach, announced Tuesday that it would wind down the program, which will take a few years. Recipients will remain protected through their current term. But new applications for DACA will no longer be accepted, and those with current protection must renew their two-year legal status by Oct. 5. Starting March 5, tens of thousands of recipients will begin to see their status expire, and could be deported.

What happens next?

By ensuring there will be no deportations of DACA recipients for six months, the Trump administration is giving Congress time to pass legislation that would determine the fate of Dreamers. Many in Congress, including Republicans who favor tighter immigration policy, such as House Speaker Paul Ryan and Arizona Sen. John McCain, have supported protection for DACA recipients, but lawmakers for years have been unable to reach consensus.

What happens

to Dreamers?

If Congress doesnt enact a policy by March 5, those who lose protection will be subject to removal. Trump said he told immigration officials that DACA recipients should not be considered priorities for deportation unless they are criminals, are involved in criminal activity, or are members of a gang. But since Trump took office, the government has deported people with clean records.

 Kurtis Alexander
TROUTDALE, Ore.  A growing Oregon wildfire covered parts of Portlands metropolitan area Tuesday with ash and prompted the shutdown of a lengthy stretch of highway through the states scenic Columbia River Gorge.

It was one of dozens of wildfires burning in Western U.S. states that sent smoke into cities from Seattle to Denver  prompting health warnings and cancellations of outdoor activities for children by many school districts.

The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, a federal agency that coordinates wildfire-fighting, said 80 large fires were burning on 2,200 square miles in nine Western states.

The 16-square mile fire east of Portland forced hundreds of home evacuations. Embers from the fire drifted in the air across the Columbia River  sparking blazes in neighboring Washington state.

The wildfire grew rapidly late Monday and overnight, giving authorities just minutes to warn residents on the Oregon side of the river to leave their homes.

A closure of one section of Interstate 84 because of thick smoke and falling ash was extended 50 miles east of Portland because flames reached the roadway, said Dave Thompson, a spokesman for Oregons Department of Transportation.

If it jumps the road, youd be driving through a wall of flame, he said. Its just not safe.

People in Oregon covered their faces to shield themselves from the smoke and the ashes falling on them.

 You cant really stand outside without getting rained on by ash, said Joanna Fisher as she walked to work at a Troutdale, Ore., naturopathic clinic with Calla Wanser, who was wearing a red bandanna around her mouth to keep the ash out of her lungs.

Elsewhere, a fast-moving wildfire in northern Utah swept down a canyon Tuesday morning  destroying structures, forcing evacuations and closing highways.

A least one home burned and more than 1,000 people were evacuated as high winds fed the flames in the canyon north of Salt Lake City. Thick black smoke closed parts of two highways as firefighters struggled to fight the blaze fueled by winds gust at up to 40 mph.

A fire in Montanas Glacier National Park emptied its busiest tourist spot as wind gusts drove the flames toward the doorstep of an iconic lodge.

Lake McDonald Lodge, a 103-year-old Swiss chalet-style hotel, sits on a lake as the famed Going-to-the-Sun-Road begins its vertigo-inducing climb up the Continental Divide, making it an endearing park symbol for many visitors.

Outside Californias Yosemite National Park, a wind-fueled fire made its way deeper into a grove of 2,700-year-old giant sequoia trees on Labor Day. Officials said the fire had gone through about half the grove but had not killed any trees.

Giant sequoias are resilient and can withstand low-intensity fires. The blaze burned brush and left scorch marks on some big trees that survived, said Cheryl Chipman, a fire information officer.

Elsewhere in Northern California, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses.

The fire burned 14 square miles in the community of Helena about 150 miles south of Oregon.

In Washington state the U.S. Department of Defense has agreed to assign 200 active-duty soldiers to help fight a wildfire.

People in the Spokane, Wash. region were advised to stay remain indoors.

Air quality alerts were issued for parts of Idaho as well.

Gillian Flaccus and Nicholas K. Geranios are Associated Press writers.
WASHINGTON  The Washington labor lawyer tapped to be the Trump administrations top civil rights attorney offered assurances Wednesday that he is sensitive to voting rights and hate crimes, in the face of criticism of his record of defending large companies against discrimination claims.

Rights groups have opposed Eric Dreibands nomination, citing his private-sector work and uncertainty about his stances on key areas such as gay rights, criminal justice and policing. But his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee was largely devoid of fireworks, and there are no apparent obstacles to his confirmation to lead the Justice Departments civil rights division.
CHINO, San Bernardino County  Leslie Van Houten, the youngest of Charles Masons murderous followers, was granted parole by a California board Wednesday.

Van Houten, who was 19 when she killed for Manson during a series of murders that terrorized Los Angeles over the summer of 1969, appeared before a parole panel for the 21st time.

The decision now goes through a process of review in which Gov. Jerry Brown may uphold, reverse or modify the decision. He could also send the matter to the full Board of Parole Hearings, or take no action, in which case the parole decision would stand.

A similar panel at the California Institution for Women in Chino, where Van Houten is incarcerated, granted her parole last year but was overruled by the governor.

Van Houten has candidly described how she joined several other members of the Manson Family in killing Los Angeles grocer Leno La Bianca and his wife, Rosemary, in their home on Aug. 9, 1969.

She was not with Manson followers the night before when they killed pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others during a similar bloody rampage.

At her parole hearing last year, Van Houten said she helped hold down Rosemary La Bianca while another Manson follower stabbed her repeatedly. She then took up a knife herself and added more than a dozen stab wounds.

I dont let myself off the hook. I dont find parts in any of this that makes me feel the slightest bit good about myself, she said.

Since she was incarcerated more than 40 years ago, Van Houten has been a model prisoner and earned college degrees.

Manson, now 82, remains behind bars.

John Rogers is an Associated Press writer.
The first lawsuit challenging President Trumps planned repeal of the program allowing nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States argues that the order is a thinly disguised act of discrimination against Mexicans  and that Trumps own words are the best evidence.

Its no coincidence, lawyers for New York, 14 other states and the District of Columbia said Wednesday, that most participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are Mexican, and that Trump has referred to some Mexican immigrants as rapists and drug dealers, accused a federal judge of bias because of his Mexican heritage, and sought to build a wall on the Mexican border.

Ending DACA, whose participants are mostly of Mexican origin, is a culmination of President Trumps oft-stated commitments  whether personally held, stated to appease some portion of his constituency, or some combination thereof  to punish and disparage people with Mexican roots, the states said in a suit filed in federal court in New York.

The suit comes a day after Trump announced that he would phase out DACA, starting in March, unless the Republican-controlled Congress enacted a law authorizing the program.

President Barack Obama established the program by executive order in 2012, allowing immigrants who had entered the U.S. without authorization before age 16, and had no serious criminal records, to apply for renewable two-year reprieves from deportation and work permits.

About 230,000 people in California are among those enrolled in DACA. Californias attorney general, Xavier Becerra, said Tuesday he would also sue to overturn Trumps order, but the state has not joined the New York lawsuit.

The suit also contends Trumps order amounts to a change in federal regulations that must be submitted for public notice and comment before it can take effect. A federal judge in Texas relied on a similar argument in 2015 to invalidate Obamas attempt to grant reprieves from deportation to several million parents of U.S. citizens and legal residents.

Bill Ong Hing, an immigration law professor at the University of San Francisco, said Wednesdays suit contained substantial arguments that might be persuasive to a judge. He said the discrimination claim bore some resemblance to the arguments that have prompted lower courts to block enforcement of Trumps ban on U.S. entry by residents of six mostly Muslim countries  that Trumps past advocacy of a Muslim ban showed his illicit intent.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Trump could enforce part of the travel ban, at least until the court decides in its next term whether the order is constitutional.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
WASHINGTON  President Trump and congressional leaders agreed Wednesday to increase the debt limit and fund the government until mid-December, after the president sided with Democratic leaders over reluctant Republicans on a deal that would set up a fiscal showdown for years end.

Democrats announced the agreement moments after the House passed a first installment of relief after Hurricane Harvey. Trump confirmed it aboard Air Force One.

We essentially came to a deal, and I think the deal will be very good, he told reporters. We had a very, very cordial and professional meeting.

The agreement came after the House overwhelmingly approved nearly $8 billion in disaster aid in response to Harvey, taking quick action to help victims of the devastating flooding in Texas. The aid measure passed 419-3. The no votes were Republican.

The disaster aid proved to be an engine strong enough to pull along tricky if short-term solutions to a slew of pressing fiscal matters that faced Congress this month, including raising the statutory debt limit. On Wednesday morning, Democrats had offered to support the three-month debt limit increase along with Harvey aid, but Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin resisted.

But Trump backed the idea of loading a debt ceiling increase and stopgap spending measure to Harvey relief.

We all very much agree, the president said.

The House vote took place five days after the White House requested about $7.9 billion in emergency aid. The vast majority of that money would go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and $450 million would go to the Small Business Administrations disaster loan program. And with Hurricane Irma barreling toward Puerto Rico and Florida, more disaster aid is likely to be needed quickly.

Help is on the way, said Rep. John Culberson, R-Texas.

The Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, has voiced support for a speedy vote to approve the disaster aid in that chamber. The No. 2 Senate Republican, John Cornyn of Texas, told reporters that McConnell had decided to attach the debt limit increase to the Harvey measure.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has urged Congress to raise the debt limit by Sept. 29. He said in an interview on Fox News Sunday that he and Trump wanted the debt limit measure to be tied to the Harvey aid, warning that failing to raise the borrowing limit could imperil getting aid to Texas.

Speaking Tuesday on the Senate floor as Congress returned from its summer recess, McConnell embraced that argument, quoting from Mnuchins interview.

Thomas Kaplan is a New York Times writer.
MANDAN, N.D. President Trump made an overt pitch Wednesday for Democrats to support his tax overhaul plan, singling out a North Dakota Democratic senator whose vote would be prized by the White House.

Delivering an outdoor speech to a crowd of hundreds at an oil refinery, Trump called for the states governor and congressional delegation to join him on stage, including Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, the only statewide elected Democrat in heavily Republican North Dakota.

Everybodys saying: Whats she doing up here? Trump said of the first-term senator, adding: I hope well have your support and calling her a good woman.

Heitkamp, up for re-election next year, traveled to the state with Trump aboard Air Force One as the president sought to frame the tax overhaul as a once in a generation opportunity to cut taxes and simplify the tax code.

But while Trumps White House is talking hopefully about bipartisanship, GOP leaders in Congress have made clear theyre pursuing a go-it-alone strategy on taxes that has shut Democrats out of the negotiations.

Trump used the event to sell his plan, but its details are still to be determined. He said hed be getting into great detail on the plan in the next two weeks. Overall, it calls for a major simplification of the tax code and lowering personal rates, especially for the middle class, by raising the standard deduction, among other changes, and lowering business taxes to about 15 percent.

Its your money, not the governments money, Trump said.

During his first tax speech last week in Missouri, the states Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill stayed away. In his remarks there, Trump urged people to vote her out of office if she did not support lowering taxes.

Heitkamp is expected to face a tough challenge in next years midterm elections.

Jill Colvin and Ken Thomas are Associated Press writers.
By PTI: seizes Rs 2.2 cr

New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Swooping down on few traders and alleged hawala dealers, the NIA today carried out searches at 27 places in various parts of the Valley and Delhi and seized nearly Rs 2.20 crore in cash in raids relating to probe into terror-funding activities in the state.

During the operations, that began in the morning, houses and business establishments of those suspected of channelising funds to fuel secessionist and anti-India activities were searched, an NIA spokesman said here.

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"During the searches, cash amounting to approximately Rs 2.20 crores were recovered," he said.

The spokesman said various digital devices including laptops, mobile phones and hard drives have also been seized during the searches.

Diaries pertaining to contacts of hawala operators/ traders, ledger books containing accounts of cross-border LOC trade of various trading companies have been recovered. Some details of bank accounts of Jammu and Kashmir were also recovered, the spokesman said.

Travel documents of some entities indicating their visits to the UAE have also been recovered, he said, adding that some of the suspects were being questioned about the recoveries made from them.

The raids come a day after the NIA arrested two persons, including a freelance photo-journalist, who allegedly indulged in stone-pelting and mobilising support against the security personnel through social media.

These raids and arrests by the NIA is part of its investigation in a case registered on May 30 in which the leader of the Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa and banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hafiz Saeed, was named as an accused.

The NIA has arrested seven persons in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley to fuel unrest there.

The case was registered for raising, receiving and collecting funds through various illegal means, including hawala channels, for funding such activities.

It also included causing disruption in the Valley by stone-pelting, burning schools, damaging public property and waging war against India.

This is for the first time since the rise of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in the early 1990s that a central probe agency has conducted raids in connection with the funding of terrorist and separatist groups.

The searches were also part of NIA probe into the alleged irregularities in cross-LoC trade. In this connection, the NIA had carried out searches on traders at trade facilitation centres at Salamabad in Kashmir regions North Kashmirs Baramulla district and Chakan-da-bagh in Poonch district of the Jammu region.

During its probe, the NIA found that after clothes and dupattas, California Almonds has emerged as the new product in cross-LoC trade in Jammu and Kashmir that is being used a mode of terror-funding.

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According to the cross-LoC trade agreement between India and Pakistan, products grown in both sides of Jammu and Kashmir will be exchanged under barter system. The products included badam giri that is grown in parts of Pakistan- occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

The traders from PoK were sending and receiving California Almonds and it is alleged that the money was used for funding of terror groups in the state.

The NIA, in its FIR, had alleged that there was a large scale transfer of funds from Pakistan to India through the import of California Almonds (badam giri) via the cross-LoC trade mechanism through the trade facilitation centres located at Salamabad and Chakkan-da-Bagh.

"This is in gross violation of the state policy of prohibition on trade in third-party origin goods through this mechanism and information indicated that these funds are being used for fomenting terrorism and separatism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir," the NIA said. PTI SKL TIR

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A new federal appeals court panel in San Francisco will decide whether employers can pay a woman less than a man for the same work if the man was paid more at his previous job.

A three-judge panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in April that paying a male employee a higher wage based on his previous pay level does not violate federal laws against sex discrimination, even though it may have the effect of maintaining a wage gap between men and women. But a majority of the full court has voted to set that ruling aside and order a new hearing before an 11-judge panel, at a date not yet scheduled.

The ruling will have only a limited impact in California, however, because a state law that took effect in January prohibits paying different wages to men and women with equal qualifications by relying on their previous pay levels.

The Ninth Circuits rulings are binding on federal courts in California and eight other Western states.

The case involves Aileen Rizo, who had worked as an Arizona schoolteacher for 13 years before being hired by the Fresno County schools in 2009 as a consultant for math teachers. She was paid $62,733, nearly $10,000 more than her previous salary.

In 2012, Rizo said, a man who had just been hired for the same job told her he was making about $79,000 a year. She learned that other consultants, also male, were being paid more than she was, and was told by county officials that the differences were based on the employees salaries at their previous jobs, plus a raise of at least 5 percent.

In denying Rizos claim of sex discrimination, the countys lawyers said the policy was gender-neutral  it had actually benefited some female employees  and was applied consistently, without favoritism and based on objective facts.

The federal Equal Pay Act bars sex discrimination in wages but allows pay differentials based on a factor other than sex. The initial appeals court panel ruled 3-0 that the law allows employers to base a newly hired workers pay on a previous salary if that is part of the employers established, reasonable business practices. The panel said a federal magistrate should decide whether Fresno Countys justifications were reasonable practices.

Instead, the larger panel will take up the issue, considering a similar 1982 Ninth Circuit ruling in an equal-pay case and conflicting decisions by two other federal appeals courts. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the American Civil Liberties Union and a dozen womens rights organizations joined Rizo in asking the court to rehear the case.

A lawyer for those organizations, Jessica Stender of Equal Rights Advocates in San Francisco, said Tuesday she hopes the court recognizes that reliance on prior salary in setting pay is often a proxy for pay discrimination barred by federal law.

Meanwhile, Michael Woods, a lawyer for Fresno County, said the county has changed its salary practices in response to the new California law and now pays Rizo as much as her male colleagues.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
By India Today Web Desk: Hours after veteran journalist Gauri Lankesh was found lying in a pool of her blood outside her home in Bengaluru, politicians have begun slugging it out, trading accusations.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who was among the cross-party voices that commented on Gauri Lankesh's murder yesterday, today seemingly linked "BJP-RSS ideology" to the killing.

Lankesh, who was an outspoken critic of right-wing forces, died last night after being shot multiple times by a helmet-wearing assailant. The killing sparked protests in Bengaluru and the rest of India and has seen Chief Minister Siddharamiah come under the spotlight.

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"Anybody who speaks against the ideology of the BJP, against the ideology of the RSS is pressured, beaten, attacked and even killed," Gandhi said while speaking to media persons.

"The idea is that there should only be once voice in the country." Rahul seemingly also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commenting, "Sometimes the PM speaks under pressure but the entire idea is to crush dissent and this is resulting in a very serious problem in India."

"PM [Narendra Modi] is a skilled Hindutva politician. Unke shabdo mein 2 meanings hote hain. Unke base ke liye ek hota hai, baaki duniya ke liye alag (Modi's words have two meanings - one for his base of supporters and the other for the rest of the world)," Gandhi said.

Anybody who speaks against the RSS/BJP is attacked &even killed. They want to impose only one ideology which is against the nature of India- Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) September 6, 2017

The Congress vice-president's press briefing sparked an angry reaction from Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari who slammed Gandhi's "nonsense". There is no proof behind Gandhi's comments and such allegations are baseless, Gadkari said, adding that PM Modi is not in the country and that it should not be expected of the prime minister to speak on every issue.

Gauri Lankesh, who was the editor of a weekly Kannada tabloid magazine Lankesh Patrike, was killed last night after being shot at least three times. She was shot by a helmet-wearing assailant while entering her home in Bengaluru.

Lankesh was critical of the Hindutva brigade and was last year convicted in a defamation case filed by MP Pralhad Joshi who had objected to a report against BJP leaders.

Also Read

Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead at her Bengaluru home, kin demands CBI probe

Gauri Lankesh murder: Attacker fired 7 bullets, 3 hit her, one on forehead

I&B minister Smriti Irani condemns Gauri Lankesh's murder, calls for speedy investigation

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Jacom Stephens/Getty Images

A brush fire near Novato prompted officials to close one lane of northbound Highway 101 on Wednesday afternoon, causing delays that were expected to last into the evening commute, officials said.

The California Highway Patrol closed the right lane of the highway near the San Antonio Road off-ramp between Novato and Petaluma around 2:20 p.m. as firefighters battled a nearby grass fire.
Susanne Neal/Dreamstime/TNS

WASHINGTON  The Lasker Awards, among the most prestigious in medicine, will go to two National Cancer Institute researchers whose work led to the development of vaccines that prevent cervical cancer, and to Planned Parenthood for providing essential health services and reproductive care to millions of women, the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation said Wednesday.

In announcing the awards, sometimes referred to as Americas Nobels, the foundation lauded the recipients efforts to protect and enhance womens health. Its praise of Planned Parenthood seemed designed to counter attacks on the nonprofit by President Trump and top congressional Republicans, who want to end all federal funding to the organization. Planned Parenthood, the nations biggest abortion provider, already is barred from using federal dollars for abortions.
'Papa's angel' is on the run. Honeypreet Insan is currently being hunted down by the Haryana Police, who are conducting raids in areas bordering Nepal.

By India Today Web Desk: Weeks after rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's sentencing, police is now on the lookout for his key followers, Honeypreet Insan, Ram Rahim's so-called daughter, and Dera spokesperson Aditya Insan.

Police today conducted raids in Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri, which borders Nepal. Haryana Police said it was in touch with forces in other states and was hopeful Honeypreet and Aditya would soon be arrested.

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"We are hopeful of nabbing them soon," said Haryana Director General of Police B S Sandhu.

Police suspects Honeypreet may have fled to Nepal through the porous India-Nepal border.

IS HONEYPREET IN NEPAL?

Haryana Police on September 1 had issued a lookout notice for the two, fearing that they could leave the country.

"We are conducting raids at various places and our teams have gone to different areas including Mumbai and the Nepal side. We are also in touch with the local police of other states," Sandhu said.

The DGP said the Dera Sacha Sauda had also appealed to the two to cooperate with the police.

Sirsa-headquartered Dera chairperson Vipassana Insan had earlier said Honeypreet and Dera spokesperson Aditya Insan should help the investigations.

She had also claimed the Dera had no contact with them.

To a query on the whereabouts of the two, the DGP said the police was working on some leads.

"We are making efforts to nab them. We have some leads," he said.

The police initiated efforts to trace Honeypreet, the adopted daughter of Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who describes herself as "Papas angel", after it arrested and questioned another sect functionary, Surinder Dhiman Insan, in connection with an alleged conspiracy to help Ram Rahim escape after his conviction by a special CBI court in Panchkula on August 25.

"We will also question both (Honeypreet and Aditya) after arresting them in order to verify what Surinder Dhiman Insan has told the police and find out what actually happened in the whole matter," the DGP said.

An FIR was earlier lodged at the Panchkula Police Station following a statement by a newspaper reporter against Aditya and Surinder Dhiman. The duo have been booked for sedition.

Police had also said they needed to question Honeypreet on the basis of certain other disclosures made by Surinder, which turned the spotlight on her role in the chain of events connected to the issue.

Violence broke out at Panchkula after Ram Rahim's conviction, leaving 35 dead, while six others were killed in violent incidents in Sirsa.

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Honeypreet, said to be in her mid 30s, is considered among Ram Rahim's possible successors as the head of the sect.

However, Vipassana had earlier said there was no move to immediately name a successor.

The 50-year-old Dera chief, who is lodged in the Sunaria Jail in Rohtak, had been sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment by the CBI court for the 2002 rapes of two of his followers.

Earlier, five Haryana policemen, who were part of Ram Rahim's security when he travelled from Sirsa to the CBI court on August 25, were charged with sedition and dismissed from service over the alleged conspiracy to help him escape.

Honeypreet had accompanied Ram Rahim when he was brought to the special court for the pronouncement of the verdict in the 15-year-old rape cases.

She also travelled with him in a chopper which ferried them to Rohtak from Panchkula after the conviction.

Honeypreet acted in the film MSG 2 - The Messenger and had a cameo role in MSG - The Warrior Lion Heart, in which the Dera chief played the lead roles.

[With inputs from PTI]

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SFPD / /

A 25-year-old San Francisco man who works as a driver for ride-hailing services was arrested for possessing hundreds of child pornography videos and images, police said Tuesday.

Esam Abualshaar was busted Aug. 29 when San Francisco police raided his home on the 200 block of Summit Street, officials said. At the home, investigators found numerous media devices containing more than 600 files of child porn, police said. Abualshaar was not home when officers arrived, but he later showed up as detectives were going through his things.
There were 50 workers inside, but none of them were injured.

Visual from the site of the fire (Photo: ANI)

By India Today Web Desk: A fire broke out today at a Haldiram's factory in Noida's Sector 68.

Chief Fire Officer Arun Kumar Singh said there were as many as 50 workers inside.

But all of them were evacuated safely, and none were injured, he said.

32 fire tenders are working to douse the blaze.

(With inputs from PTI)

ALSO READ

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Three charred to death as car catches fire in Gurgaon

--- ENDS ---
North Korea detonated a hydrogen bomb on September 3, in its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date. Pyongyang has warned of more 'gift packages' for Washington.

By Santosh Chaubey: US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged ideas for the resolution of the North Korean nuclear crisis during a phone conversation, China Global Television Network (CGTN) reported.

North Korea detonated a hydrogen bomb on September 3, in its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date. Pyongyang has warned of more 'gift packages' for Washington.

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"President Xi stressed that China is committed towards denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and relies on dialogue and negotiations to appropriately resolve the issue," CGTN said in a release

In response, Trump expressed deep concern over the North Korean threat, and pressed for more communication with China with a view to resolve the crisis as soon as possible.

MILITARY ACTION NOT FIRST CHOICE: TRUMP

Trump today said military action against North Korea isn't the US' first choice, and that he'd like to exhaust other options first, Reuters reported.

This is in stark contrast to Trump's earlier remarks.

Last month, Trump had warned North Korea of "fire and fury" in case of a nuclear threat. He spoke of military action on different occasions, and said direct talks were "no more an option."

On Tuesday, he even allowed US allies South Korea and Japan to buy more highly sophisticated US weapons.

The U.S. has been talking to North Korea, and paying them extortion money, for 25 years. Talking is not the answer!- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2017

China and Russia do not favour the military option. Nor do the South Koreans, for that matter. All them are focussing on talks and sanctions.

Russia advocates a diplomatic approach, and has said the military hysteria surrounding North Korea could lead to a global catastrophe.

Meanwhile, the emergency UN Security Council meeting held after North Korea's hydrogen bomb test failed to reach a conclusion on a decisive action against Pyongyang.

ALSO READ

After North Korea's nuclear test, Trump gives 'conceptual approval' for South to buy weapons worth billions from US

North Korea tests hydrogen bomb; What it means for the US, China and the rest

ALSO WATCH

Kim Jong-Un's hydrogen bomb dare: How to contain North Korea?

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Bhubaneswar, Sep 5 (PTI) After implementing recommendations of the seventh Pay Commission for regular employees and pensioners, the Odisha govenrment today decided to enhance the remuneration of the contractual employees by about 25 per cent.

A decision to this regard was taken at the Cabinet Meeting presided over by chief minister Naveen Patnaik.

"The monthly consolidated remuneration of contractual employees will be increased by about 25 per cent at their initial appointment and 10 per cent increase every year till their regularization as per rules," chief secretary A P Padhi told reporters.

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Padhi said the Cabinet also approved amendment of the Odisha Group-B Posts (contractual Appointment) Rules, 2013 and Odisha Group-C and Group-D Posts (Contractual appointment) Rule, 2013 in a bid to enhance the remuneration of the contractual employees.

The chief secretary said the revised remuneration will come into effect from January, 2016. Annual increase in remuneration will be payable after completion of one year from the next date on which employee completes one year of continuous service subject to satisfactory performance.

The increased remuneration will be paid from the month of September, 2017. "The contractual employees will also avail the arrears like the regular employees," said finance secretary T K Pandey.

While the minimum remuneration for the lowest category of contractual employee will be Rs 8,070 at the time of joining, the highest initial amount is fixed at Rs 16,880.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the implementation of fitment committee?s recommendation on 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) scales on pay and pensionary benefits for the state government employees.

The formulation of pay and pension as per the revised scale approved by State Cabinet will be in 17 different levels starting from level 1 with minimum pay of Rs 16,600.

"Pay and pension are to be fixed in the revised structure by multiplying a factor of 2.57," Padhi said adding that the prevailing revised assured career progression (RACP) scheme is substituted by modified assured career progression (MACP) scheme on the lines adopted by the Government of India, he said.

Dearness allowance will be included with emoluments for determination of Death cum Retirement Gratuity (DCRG). The earlier gratuity was calculated on the basic pay only, he said.

The existing ceiling of gratuity of Rs 7.5 lakh is enhanced to Rs 15 lakh, Padhi said adding that the minimum pension/family pension is determined as Rs 8,300 in the revised rate.

However, the employees appointed on or after January 1, 2005 and are governed on the new pension scheme, will be extended with DCRG on same terms and conditions as applicable to the employees governed on the OCS (pension) rules, 1992. PTI AAM BBN JM

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By PTI: Jammu, Sep 6 (PTI) A prominent Shia leader today alleged those creating hurdles in the settlement of the Ayodhya land dispute were working at the behest of Pakistan which was trying to destabilise India by exploiting religious sentiments over the issue.

"This (Ayodhya) dispute is not getting addressed because Pakistan has the biggest hand in it. Those representing the Muslim community in the Supreme Court on the issue have direct links with Pakistan and want bloodshed to destabilise the country," Syed Waseem Rizvi, chairman of the Shia Central Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh, said here.

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Last month, the Shia Central Waqf Board told the Supreme Court that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a "reasonable distance" from the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The Shia leader, who is on a campaign to mobilise public opinion in support of the Shia Waqf Boards proposal to allow Hindus to build a Ram temple at the disputed site, and a mosque in the Muslim-majority area, alleged that Pakistan is funding members of the Sunni Waqf Board and Babri Masjid Action Committee as part of its nefarious designs.

"We do not want a solution from the Supreme Court. We want to build a consensus among the Muslims of the country and we are on a mobilisation tour so that the issue could be resolved through dialogue between the two communities.

"Muslims of the country are real patriots because they chose to stay back in India when the doors were open for their migration to Pakistan at the time of Partition. We want brotherhood among communities to remain intact," he said.

He said his team is visiting Kashmir in the next couple of days to hold talks with the Muslim leadership there.

"After that we are going to Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and other places where there is a possibility of riots to make the people aware about the nefarious designs of Pakistan and the role of mullahs and moulvis who are misleading the innocent people," he said.

Demanding stern action against "mullahs and moulvis on Pakistans payroll", he said "We dont want to hold talks with those who are working at the behest of Pakistan".

"All those who do not want to talk on Babri Mosque issue have got exposed. They are misleading the people at the behest of Pakistan because they are getting funds from there. Intelligence people are aware of their activities and we are hopeful that action will be taken against them," he said. PTI TAS AB KUN

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By PTI: (Eds: Updating)

Islamabad, Sep 6 (PTI) Pakistans Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has warned that the country will continue to face "embarrassment" if terror groups like the LeT and JeM are not reined in, according to media reports.

Asifs admission came two days after the BRICS grouping that includes China, for the first time named terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) among the internationally banned outfits operating from within Pakistan.

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US President Donald Trump had also criticised Pakistan for being a "safe haven" for terror groups like the Haqqani network.

Asif acknowledged the existence of LeT and JeM among the internationally banned outfits operating from within Pakistan.

"We need to tell our friends that we have improved our house. We need to bring our house in order to prevent facing embarrassment on the international level," Asif said while speaking to Geo News yesterday, days ahead of his visit to Beijing to meet the Chinese leadership.

According to Asif, the BRICS declaration should not be considered as Chinas official stance as other countries ? Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa ? are also a part of the group.

The inclusion of LeT and JeM in the BRICS Declaration at Xiamen is considered a setback to Pakistan, Chinas "all weather" friend as Beijing had succeeded in blocking efforts to name these Pakistan-based terror outfits in the outcome document at the five-member groupings summit in Goa last year.

But Asif said that "friends should not be tested [every time], particularly in the changed scenario".

"Instead, we should impose some restrictions on the activities of elements like LeT and JeM, so that we can show the global community that we have put our house in order," he said.

"We need to ask ourselves have we acted upon the National Action Plan (NAP) in letter and spirit? Did we take the measures we had decided on, besides Operation Zarb-i-Azb, Raddul Fassad and Khyber 4, during the last three years? Did we show the world that we acted according to the resolve we made in 2014?", Asif asked.

Clarifying the position of the government, he said that for the first time, the Foreign Ministry published an advertisement, requesting people to avoid donating hides of sacrificial animals to proscribed organisations, including the the LeT and JeM.

"Despite all these efforts, in some isolated instances, the organisations were allowed [to collect hides] at some places," he acknowledged.

He reiterated that Pakistan must put its affairs in order, given that the "entire world is pointing fingers towards us."

"I am not making a political statement but telling you a fact: we will continue to face such embarrassment till the time we keep our eyes off these [militant] organisations in our country," he was quoted as saying.

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"We need to make a clean break from our past; in 1979, we made a wrong decision and acted like a proxy for the entire next decade. After 9/11, we again made a wrong decision and adopted a war which was never ours. We have bore uncountable losses of lives and properties in this war," he said.

Pakistan Army has done its part, said Asif, asking, "But did we do our work; did we implement the NAP, did we complete the process of de-radicalisation, did we bring the activities of banned outfits to a halt or are they active and even participating in politics with changed names?"

The minister rejected the narrative that the Pakistani soil is being used for terrorism, adding that "we will have to convince the world that Pakistan has nothing to do with the terrorism." PTI AKJ ZH

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Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asifwas was quoted by Pakistani media as saying that they should impose restrictions on the activities of LeT and JeM.

By India Today Web Desk: As international pressure escalated on Pakistan to act against terror groups following a BRICS declaration, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted that outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) are operating from their soil.

"Friends (China) should not be tested (every time), particularly in the changed scenario. Instead, we should impose some restrictions on the activities of the elements like LeT and JeM, so that we can show the global community that we have put our house in order," Asif said.

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Pakistani media houses quoted him as saying this in an interview.

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) had recently voiced serious concern over violence perpetrated by various terror groups including Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Pakistan's best friend China was also a part of the declaration. It is for the first time that China had agreed to include Pakistan-based terror groups in BRICS declaration.

Following the BRICS declaration, Pakistan had rejected it saying there was no "safe haven" for terrorists on its soil.

The Pakistan minister tried to dilute China's role in the BRICS declaration saying that it should not be considered as China's official stance as other countries - Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa - are also a part of the group.

Asif, however, praised China's role in ensuring that the declaration also highlighted the name of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, which he claimed is based out of Afghanistan but carries out terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

The foreign minister said Pakistan needs to ask itself have they acted upon the National Action Plan (NAP) in letter and spirit.

"Did we take the measures we had decided on, besides Operation Zarb-i-Azb, Raddul Fassad and Khyber 4, during the last three years? Did we show the world that we acted according to the resolve we made in 2014?"

Clearly perturbed after the BRICS declaration and increasing pressure from the Trump administration, Asif said Pakistan must put its affairs in order, given that the "entire world is pointing fingers towards us."

He went on to say that: "I am not making a political statement but telling you a fact: we will continue to face such embarrassment till the time we keep our eyes off these [militant] organisations in our country."

"We need to make a clean break from our past; in 1979, we made a wrong decision and acted as a proxy for the entire next decade. After 9/11, we again made a wrong decision and adopted a war which was never ours. We have bore uncountable losses of lives and properties in this war," he said.

Pakistan Army has done its part, said Asif, asking, "But did we do our work; did we implement the NAP, did we complete the process of de-radicalisation, did we bring the activities of banned outfits to a halt or are they active and even participating in politics with changed names?"

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ALSO READ

Pakistan rejects BRICS statement, claims they have no safe haven for any terror outfit

BRICS backs India on Pakistan-backed terror without naming the country

BRICS declaration names Pakistan terror groups in big diplomatic win for India

ALSO WATCH

India, China join hands at BRICS to condemn Pakistan-based Lashkar, Jaish, Haqqani

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SACRAMENTO  California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said Tuesday that California will sue the federal government to protect the thousands of immigrants temporarily shielded from deportation under a program the Trump administration said it is rescinding.

Withdrawing the program after immigrants disclosed their undocumented status on condition of having that protection could violate their due-process rights, Becerra said.

Calling the move unconstitutional, Becerra joined lawmakers in saying they will explore all options for protecting immigrants who were brought to the country as children and applied for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The 2012 program implemented by then-President Barack Obama allows immigrants who came to the U.S. before age 16 to remain here and receive a work permit for two years if they have lived in this country continuously since 2007 and were in school or have graduated from high school. Of the 800,000 participating immigrants, more than 200,000 live in California.

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Tuesday that the Trump administration will no longer accept new DACA applications. He said people currently in the program can continue in it until March 5, 2020, if they apply for the required renewals.

Becerra said immigrants stepped out of the shadows to take part in the federal program, paid hundreds of dollars in processing fees, and relied on the representation of the federal government. He said California will look to partner with other states whose leaders have urged President Trump not to end DACA.

We will take a look at every aspect of what the president is now ordering, and we will make a decision on how to defend these individuals because they stepped forward, Becerra said. No one should be treated this way by their federal government.

Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, said a team of lawyers is reviewing the states current protections for immigrants and is determining whether additional legislation is needed. The state Legislature would have to act quickly, however, since the legislative session ends Sept. 15.

The Legislature is already considering several high-profile bills to extend protections to immigrants living in the country without documentation.

SB54, by de Leon, would prohibit law-enforcement officers from carrying out federal immigration laws, such as helping Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with arresting, detaining or investigating a person for entering the country illegally. Such protections would not be extended to people living in the country illegally who have been convicted of serious or violent crimes, but law-enforcement groups say that exemption still leaves out many offenses. The bill passed the Senate and is facing a tough vote in the Assembly.

The state also set aside $45 million this year to help immigrants in the state fight deportations.

Donald Trump wants to push those bright young minds back into the shadows, and in doing so he endangers Californias economy, de Leon said.

Dozens of lawmakers crammed into a news conference to lend their support, with many of them noting that they themselves are children of immigrants.

One of them was Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego.

By the grace of God I was born on this side of the border, she said.

Gonzalez said the Trump administrations announcement immediately sent fear into immigrant communities, leaving young DACA participants, often called Dreamers, unsure what to do. Gonzalez urged them to go to school or work just as theyve been doing, and said its important to know that the order doesnt immediately change anything for them.

California will continue to fight, whether its through litigation or whether its through legislation or whether its through activism and advocacy, said Secretary of State Alex Padilla.

Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, addressed his message to the Dreamers out there.

We are standing beside you, he said. If there is something you need, call our offices for support. Call our offices to get information so you know what rights you are entitled to in our state and our country.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico  Hurricane-force winds from Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms ever recorded, started to pummel the first Caribbean islands in its path early Wednesday as the mammoth Category 5 hurricane took aim at Puerto Rico and other islands.

Wind gusts around 50 mph arrived in Antigua and Barbuda late Tuesday but picked up significant strength as the center of the storm swirled several dozen miles offshore. The authorities cut off power on those islands before midnight, forcing residents to listen to the latest forecasts on transistor radios in the darkness.

Residents throughout the Caribbean on Tuesday scrambled to rush out of flood zones, stock up on the last available water, food and gas, shutter their homes and brace for the storm. On Antigua, many residents were spending the night in nearly 40 shelters set up before the storm because of concerns that their homes, even when boarded up, would topple in the destructive winds.

We have to prepare for an event that we have never experienced here, Gov. Ricardo Rossello of Puerto Rico said at a news conference earlier Tuesday, calling the hurricanes arrival imminent and its potential catastrophic.

Packing winds of up to 185 mph, Irma threatened havoc and widespread destruction across Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory of 3.4 million people, the nearby island of Hispaniola (home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, among others. Cuba was also threatened. The storm was expected to rake or sideswipe Puerto Rico on Wednesday.

President Trump declared a state of emergency in Puerto Rico, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday.

Hurricane Irma is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, according to the National Hurricane Center and Bryan Norcross, the hurricane specialist at the Weather Channel. The hurricane center said Irma had winds of up to 185 mph as it approached the Leeward Islands. There have been other storms with comparable winds in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, where the warm waters fuel particularly dangerous hurricanes.

With Harveys destruction still fresh on peoples minds, Florida hustled into action. Gov. Rick Scott activated the state National Guard to help with hurricane preparations and suspended tolls. The governor declared a state of emergency on Monday and spoke with Trump, who offered the full resources of the federal government, Scott wrote on Twitter.

Most of the latest projections have Irma slamming into the state by Sunday, although it is unclear where it may make landfall.

But Puerto Rico and the nearby northern Leeward islands are expected to face Irmas potentially catastrophic winds first. It has been nearly a century since Puerto Rico was hit by a Category 5 storm, Norcross said.

Puerto Rican officials have warned that the islands fragile electrical grid could be shut down for days, weeks or even months in some areas.

Ivelisse Rivera and Lizette Alvarez are New York Times writers.
1 Somalia air strike: A U.S. military drone strike killed three members of the al-Shabab extremist group in Somalia, the U.S. Africa Command said Wednesday. The air strike was carried out Tuesday about 45 miles west of the capital, Mogadishu, the U.S. statement said. The U.S. military has carried out several air strikes against fighters with the al Qaeda-linked al-Shabab in the Horn of Africa nation since President Trump approved expanded military operations against the group. A 22,000-strong multinational African Union force has been helping to support Somalias fragile central government after more than two decades as a failed state. Both it and the U.S. military are trying to prepare Somalias armed forces to take over the countrys security by the end of 2020.

2 Refugee crisis: The European Unions top court on Wednesday rejected legal action by Hungary and Slovakia seeking to avoid accepting refugees under an EU-wide plan, a decision seen as a victory for those countries bearing the greatest burden of Europes migrant influx. In a long-awaited test case, the European Court of Justice said it had dismissed in its entirety the actions brought by Slovakia and Hungary. Hungary branded the ruling outrageous and irresponsible, while Slovakia said it would accept the verdict even if it still opposes legally binding EU refugee quotas.
By PTI: Coimbatore, Sep 6 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami today claimed his government enjoyed the support of "all the AIADMK MLAs" in the Assembly even as the legislators loyal to sidelined party deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran continued to stay put at a Puducherry resort.

"There are 135 MLAs in the party, including the speaker, and the government has the support of all of them," he told reporters at the airport here, before leaving for Erode by road.

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Stating that 109 MLAs had attended the meeting convened by him in Chennai yesterday, Palaniswami said the other party legislators could not be there due to various reasons.

But he asserted that his government had the support of all of them.

His comments come a day after state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar claimed that 111 MLAs had attended the meet convened by the chief minister.

According to reports, as many as 17 rebel AIADMK MLAs are currently lodged at a resort in neighbouring Puducherry.

A group of 19 MLAs, loyal to Dhinakaran, had met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on August 22, expressed lack of confidence in the chief minister and demanded his ouster.

This was a day after the merger of the AIADMK factions, led by Palaniswami and current deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam respectively.

The strife in the ruling party prompted the opposition parties to allege that the Palaniswami government had lost the majority in the Assembly. They have been pressing for a floor test in the House.

In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, which has one seat vacant (R K Nagar, represented by late J Jayalalithaa), the AIADMK has 134 MLAs, excluding the speaker, while the DMK-led opposition has 98 legislators.

Replying to a question on the National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test (NEET), Palaniswami said the state government had exerted "maximum pressure" on the Centre, seeking an exemption to Tamil Nadu from the ambit of the exam.

However, he added that the state had to comply with the Supreme Court directive in this regard.

The recent suicide of a 17-year-old medical aspirant, Anitha, who was believed to be upset over her poor NEET score and the state not getting an exemption from the common eligibility test, had triggered an outrage in Tamil Nadu.

The daughter of a daily wage earner, Anitha was found hanging at her house in Ariyalur district on September 1.

On DMK working president M K Stalins criticism about his government, Palaniswami said the opposition leader had been levelling allegations from day one and added that whatever he said was "incorrect". PTI NVM ROH VGN TVS RC

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GENEVA  U.N.-mandated investigators said Wednesday that Syrian President Bashar Assads air force conducted a sarin gas attack in the spring that killed at least 83 civilians and sparked a retaliatory U.S. strike.

The investigators also appealed to the U.S.-led coalition to better protect civilians as it strikes at Islamic State militants in the east.

The latest report by the Commission of Inquiry on Syria offers among the strongest evidence yet of allegations that Assads forces conducted the April 4 attack on Khan Sheikhoun in rebel-held Idlib province in which dozens of people were killed. The United States quickly blamed the Syrian government and launched a punitive strike on Shayrat air base, where the report says the Sukhoi-22 plane took off.

Syrian government officials have denied responsibility, and said last month that they would allow in U.N. teams to investigate.

We have analyzed all the other interpretations of who might have conducted the attack, commission chairman Paulo Pinheiro said at a Geneva news conference. It is our task to verify these allegations, and we concluded ... that this attack was perpetrated by the Syrian air force.

Wednesdays report, the 14th by the commission since it was set up by the U.N.s Human Rights Council in 2011, covers little more than four months, from March to early July. The report is based on information retrieved from satellite images, video, photos, medical records, and over 300 interviews.

The commission finds that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Syrian forces attacked Khan Sheikhoun with a sarin bomb at approximately 6.45 a.m. on 4 April, constituting the war crimes of using chemical weapons and indiscriminate attacks in a civilian inhabited area, the report said.

The commission said the Khan Sheikhoun chemical attack killed at least 83 people and wounded 293. It was among four chemical attacks the commission tallied over the span of its investigation  including the use of weaponized chlorine in three other locations.

The report, which also documents violations by al Qaedas branch and other militant groups in Syria, said the commission is gravely concerned about the impact of coalition air strikes on civilians in Raqqa, where U.S.-backed Syrian forces are battling the Islamic State. It also accused U.S. forces of failing to take all feasible precautions to protect civilians when attacking a mosque near Aleppo in March.

The report comes as Assads forces have advanced on a number of fronts against Islamic State and other insurgent groups.

Jamey Keaten and Zeina Karam are Associated Press writers.
The decision by the Trump administration to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programan Obama-era executive order that allowed undocumented immigrants brought here as children to legally apply for work permitswill directly affect hundreds of people in Santa Fe and scores more of their friends and families.

The US Department of Homeland Security justified its decision in a statement published Tuesday in which it claimed that the program faced a potential shut down by the judiciary should it head to a federal court. Guidelines set forth by the department will allow DACA recipients whose work permits expire within the next six months to renew their enrollment before Oct. 5.

Because renewals last for two years, this means that some DACA participants could remain enrolled in the program until 2019, about two years after DACA will officially be phased out. However, no new applications to enroll into the program will now be accepted.

The Oct. 5 deadline will keep the Santa Fe Dreamers Project busy over the next month, says Allegra Love, director of the project and an immigration attorney.

"I don't want to say it's good news, it was a devastating announcement, but we probably have [150] people here who fall into that window of being able to renew, and we have 200 pending cases as well," Love tells SFR. "So the good news is that that's still hundreds of kids who will have valid work permits for quite some time."

Terminating the DACA program, even with the six-month phase-out, is a highly controversial move.

For years, immigration advocates have held up DACA recipients (or "Dreamers," named after the DREAM Act that would provide a path for permanent residency for the DACA-eligible population) as model residents who are educated and employed in white-collar industries, often contrasting them with undocumented people who have criminal records. Former President Barack Obama on Facebook called the repeal of his executive order "cruel."

Not only has the federal government's decision punctured the idea that some immigrants are more deserving of protection than others, but through their participation in the program, DACA recipients may have also set themselves up to be more easily targeted by the Trump administration's deportation apparatus. That's because each time a person renews their DACA status, they have to submit tax forms and other materials listing their addresses. Many live with their parents, who are often undocumented as well.

In a press conference announcing the end of DACA Tuesday morning, Attorney General Jeff Sessions declined to answer a reporter's question whether the federal government would use such information to target DACA recipients for easier deportation.

"The young people essentially trusted the government with making a deal with them and that in return, they would be allowed to pursue their life as productive residents of this country," says Richard Ellenberg, the chairman of New Mexico's Democratic Party, in a telephonic press conference. "They are totally making themselves available for deportation, and yet having played by the rules and having done everything expected of people living in this country, they have exposed themselves to easy deportation. It's a great concern and it's immoral and it's wrong."

On Wednesday at noon, the New Mexico Dream Team helped lead a rally at the main entrance of Santa Fe Community College. Several speakers, including several DACA recipients and City Councilor Renee Villarreal, condemned the federal government's decision.

"We will continue fighting in any way we can to keep DACA, and those of you who are under that status, that we can continue to make sure you feel safe," Villarreal says to the crowd. "I just wanted to say we should not defend [DACA recipients] solely based on immigrants playing a valuable role in our economy, even though that is true, I do want say that it's not just about the economy."

About one hundred students who bussed to the college from Monte del Sol Charter School participated in the short rally. As the event wrapped up, high school student Michael Acosta, who has several family members enrolled in the DACA program, sat with two friends holding a sign proclaiming "every race is beautiful."

"A lot of family on my dad's side, we have a lot of people from Mexico who are not legal," Acosta says. "This morning I got really sad and I called my mom and I was crying. That's the first time I cried in a long time, [and] I wanted to come over here and show people this isn't alright. It's time to stop ignoring it."

Acosta's classmate, Brianna Archuleta, has a brother enrolled in the DACA program.

"You can't just take it away from people, people are going to suffer and it's going to be hard on them," she says. "It's really just gonna ruin lots of people's lives and we really don't want that. We want to have a happy life and not be worrying about stuff like this."

Deporting DACA recipients also presents their family members who are legal residents or citizens with the choice of whether or not to follow their loved ones out of the country if and when they leave.

"Family comes first. I would definitely go with him back to Mexico," says Debbie Gallegos, speaking about her brother, who is in the DACA program. "He does not stand alone. We're all one big family together."

Others say that they plan to stand up for their classmates.

"I think that our government should just stop thinking about itself and the big things and start focus on little things, like more schools and education, for us because we're the future of America," says Nefi Givar.

His friend, Allen Ruiz, chimes in.

"Stand up for what you believe in, stand up for DACA and stand up for everybody else," he says. "Defending your rights or someone else's right."

He pauses. Then Nefi reaches out and clasps Allen's shoulder.

"I got you, man," Nefi tells his friend.

Santa Fe Reporter
Seeing pictures of the flooding and fallout from Hurricane Harvey is hard for Santa Fe Fire Department Assistant Chief Jan Snyder. He seems to be a rescue guy at heart. While his city job is largely administrative now, Snyder cant help but think back to when he was one of those people wading into a disaster with a confidence borne from knowing you can help.

More than 220 men and women made up New Mexico Task Force One; doctors and nurses, firefighters and paramedics, K9 searchers and even accountants. Split into three teams who were ready to deploy to a disaster like a tornado, a building collapse or massive flooding in just hours, NMTF1 was part of an elite Federal Emergency Management Agency network of less than 30 teams.

Fo r the last decade of its existence, the New Mexico task force could not get its act together. There was expertise, no question; hours and days of training. But the teams last deployment was to Hurricane Rita in 2005. Its recordkeeping and administration under the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management was so bad that FEMA suspended New Mexico Task Force One before eventually defunding and removing it from the national response network in late 2015.

"It's frustrating," Snyder says of sitting on the sidelines now. But it was harder sitting on the sidelines while the task force still existed; scores of team members trained and waiting. "It's not that we lost the capability to act; we lost the capability to respond.  Sometimes we'd sit here and watch [the FEMA task force from] Phoenix drive by on their way to Texas. Or watch Colorado drive through."

New Mexico Homeland Security Secretary Jay Mitchell told a TV station last year that he felt his department would have little trouble finding the money to keep the task force together on a state level. But FEMA has taken much of its equipment back from the task force warehouse, and the state has now made leftover detection kits, infrared cameras and other tools available to local governments.

At the most recent City Council meeting, Santa Fe approved grants from the state of three chemical and radioactivity detection kits for the fire department and a thermal-imaging camera for the city's SWAT team.

It appears the elite disaster-response team has come to a disastrous end.



A thermal-imaging camera like this one is a piece of the equipment from states urban rescue team that has now been donated.

Ironically, the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said it was too busy assisting with the response to Hurricane Harvey to provide any details about what had become of plans to keep the team around, how much equipment was still in state and where it had gone.

SFR requested a five-minute interview with Secretary Mitchell, but was told he was also too busy with the response to Hurricane Harvey. Karen Takai, the department spokeswoman, would not detail for SFR the extent of the state's emergency response. Last week, however, the department announced on Facebook that it had elevated operations at its Emergency Operations Center to Level 3the same response it would have to a hail storm, a small wildfire or minor flooding. State guidelines say that means no extra hours worked and only partial staffing at the operations center.

There's little doubt that whatever New Mexico is doing for Harvey victims now, the state would have been able to provide a much bigger and presumably much more helpful response if the urban search and rescue task force had become more organized in the decade that FEMA gave it to get up to speed. The problems began during the Richardson administration and continued under Gov. Susana Martinez.

The state not only flubbed the logistical part of managing the task force, but it also appeared that at least one team member had been forging certifications in an apparent effort to shore up recordkeeping.

Then, in April, the New Mexican reported that agents with US Homeland Security had served a search warrant on the state, suspicious that the task force chief and an administrative assistant had been taking online certification courses on behalf of team members. The agency did not provide any information about that investigation to SFR. No charges have been filed.

Much of New Mexico's task force equipment is now in New Jersey, where the state-funded team that responded to 9/11, Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy had an easy time transitioning into the national response system.

"We were greenlighted to be operational on Oct. 4 [2016], and we were deployed to Hurricane Matthew on Oct. 6," says Laura Connolly of the New Jersey State Police. "And we didn't have any of that [New Mexico] equipment at that time. So we deployed with our state equipment."

New Jersey Task Force One, as it's now known, sent a water-rescue team of 19 people last month to assist with disaster response in Texas and Louisiana.

"They do this because it's a passion," Connolly tells SFR.

Jan Snyder knows all about that passion. He says local departments have long had a smaller-scale, local response network. It works well, he says. But sending a team now to respond to a disaster such as Hurricane Harvey without the logistical support that NMTF1 had?

"That would be like getting into a truck and driving into the wilderness and saying, 'Okay, we're here. Now what?'"



Santa Fe Reporter
DACA demonstrations

Thousands of students and supporters across New Mexico left class yesterday to protest President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. There's a one-month window for young people who have work permits that expire in the next six months to renew them. That renewal should last two years. It may or may not be up to Congress to pass a law that addresses DACA immigrants, as the president has signaled both that he wants them to come up with a solution or he could act on his ownsomething for which Republicans excoriated President Obama when he created the program.

High and dry

A dozen years ago, New Mexico sent scores of highly trained urban search and rescue team members to Louisiana and Texas to help as hurricanes battered the Gulf Coast. Today, the elite task force is defunct and defunded by the feds, its equipment given to a more mission-ready team in New Jersey and what's left over is apparently being parceled out to communities who say they can use it. SFR looks at what went wrong and why the state agency that oversaw the FEMA-approved task force doesn't want to talk about it.



Judge won't stop radio ads

State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn lost his bid to force campaign ads off the air. The ads, run by Santa Fe Democrat and candidate Garrett VeneKlasen, raise questions about Dunn's purchase of a ranch just months before a power company announced plans to build a transmission line through it. The ranch is now for sale. A judge said the ads were snarky and implied they didn't offer much in the way of valuable political discourse, but said he'd rather have that than curtail free speech. Dunn, by the way, isn't running for reelection. He'll try for Steve Pearce's open congressional seat in southern New Mexico.



LANL director to retire

Charles McMillan is calling it a career at Los Alamos National Lab. The director told employees he plans to step down at the end of the year. As with many lab heads in recent years, his tenure has been a mixed bag. The lab has seen its budget and hiring increase over the past few years, but it's also been at the heart of a mistake that shut down the nation's only nuclear waste facility. Hazardous material handling and safety concerns at the lab remain an issue.

WIPP expansion plans

A federal report says the transuranic waste facility should be expanded before it hits capacity in less than a decade. That could mean upgrading the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad to handle higher-level nuclear waste. WIPP recently reopened after the accident mentioned above caused a shutdown of the facility.



Martinez goings-on

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez' publicly available calendar recently got a multi-month makeover. The governor's staff added three months' worth of appointments and phone calls to the calendar, which hadn't been updated since early June. Among the items on her agenda are a phone call with the US Secretary of the Interior and a regent interview with New Mexico State University.



Smoky skies

Wildfires throughout the West are to blame for our nasty visibility and hazy skies. While New Mexico's fire season was relatively tame, recent weeks have been awful further west. A high pressure system parked over Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming is whipping the smoke our way. Highs today should hover around 80.



Thanks for reading! The Word thinks there's a distinct lack of innovation in the peanut butter-flavored breakfast cereal world.



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Santa Fe Reporter
Alliance Group will invest $1.7 million in two plants in order to meet growing demand for New Zealand-sourced blood products.

In Pukeuri in Oamaru it will build a new facility created to help boost the recovery of blood-based products for sale to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries, the cooperative said in a statement. The meat processor will also improve the recovery of offal and upgrade the pet food area, it said.

Blood products are used in the development of vaccines, cancer treatments and drugs to treat neurodegenerative, haematological and endocrine disorders, according to Alliance. A spokesman said the cooperative supplies New Zealand companies that then sell to their own customers.

It will also invest in its Lorneville plant near Invercargill to extract more value from blood products. The cooperative has installed a laboratory-standard blood processing facility at the plant, it said.

Alliance, the world's largest processor and exporter of sheepmeat, had seen a "substantial lift" in demand from the pharmaceutical industry for New Zealand-sourced blood products, chief executive David Surveyor said.

The range of beef offal captured at Pukeuri is currently limited due to the size of the space at the plant. Part of capturing more value is optimising the collection of blood products from processed animals. This upgrade will boost the capacity of our bovine offal and blood capture facilities significantly," he said.

New Zealand currently exports about $92 million of blood products to the European Union and $36.5 million to the US for pharmaceutical purposes each year, according to government figures, although the data doesn't differentiate between animal and human sources.

(BusinessDesk)

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The New Zealand dollar dropped to a 15-month low against the Canadian dollar after the Bank of Canada unexpectedly hiked its benchmark rate, and declined against the greenback and the euro.

The kiwi fell to 87.90 Canadian cents as at 8am in Wellington, the lowest since May 2016, from 89.57 cents late yesterday. It fell to 71.90 US cents from 72.25 cents yesterday.

The Canadian dollar soared, reaching a two-year high against the greenback, after the Bank of Canada raised its overnight lending rate by 25 basis points to 1 percent, saying the increase was warranted given an unexpectedly strong second quarter of economic growth, surprising some economists who had expected it to wait until October. The kiwi fell against the US dollar after US President Donald Trump agreed a deal with congressional leaders including Democrats to extend the US debt limit until Dec. 15.

The Canadian rate hike "surprised the market with respect to timing," said Jason Wong, currency strategist at Bank of New Zealand. The Bank of Canada "tried to hose down expectations of further tightening by citing risks including continued excess capacity, subdued wage and price pressures, geopolitics, the higher Canadian dollar and elevated household indebtedness, but this didnt prevent the CAD surging further ahead."

The greenback strengthened after reports of Trump's deal, which would avoid a default on US government debt if it is approved by the Republican-led Congress and would ensure relief funding was available for victims of Hurricane Harvey. Meanwhile, Hurricane Irma is bearing down on Florida.

The greenback rose sharply "on news that President Trump and the Democrats had agreed on kicking the debt ceiling can a short way down the road," said Sharon Zollner, senior economist at ANZ Bank New Zealand. Also helping the US dollar was a gain in the US August ISM non-manufacturing composite index, she said.

In other US news, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Stanley Fischer announced he will step down in October. With no economic news due out in New Zealand today, traders may watch for July retail sales and trade in Australia.

The kiwi fell to 89.93 Australian cents from 90.52 cents yesterday when figures showed the Australian economy grew 0.8 percent in the second quarter, accelerating from a 0.3 percent pace in the first quarter although undershooting expectations for a 0.9 percent gain.

The trade-weighted index dropped to 74.98 from 75.42 late yesterday.

The kiwi traded at 78.59 yen from 78.53 yen yesterday and slipped to 60.35 euro cents from 60.64 cents. It fell to 55.13 British pence from 55.43 pence and declined to 4.6900 yuan from 4.7226 yuan.

(BusinessDesk)

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Tegel Group, New Zealand's biggest poultry producer, reiterated that it expects this year's underlying earnings to be ahead of last year's as it benefits from population growth and protein competition that still favours poultry.

"Domestic volume and market growth is underpinned by increased poultry consumption of around 5 percent since 1990. We see those trends continuing and they will impact favourably on our business," said chief executive Phil Hand in speech notes published ahead of the annual general meeting. Tegel currently has a 52 percent domestic market share and it expects to retain that position in the current financial year.

According to Tegel, chicken is a much "more affordable option for consumers" than beef and lamb and now commands 53 percent of 'share of plate', double what it was 16 years ago.

The Auckland-based company reported underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose to $75.6 million in the 53 weeks ended April 30, from $74.9 million in the year-earlier 52-week period, in late June.

Tegel launched new branding and packaging this year and "will continue to drive free range expansion which attracts higher margins," said Hand. Free range product growth increased 28 percent year-on-year in the 53 weeks to April 30.

The company is forecasting capital expenditure of around $30 million in FY18 across a range of initiatives including a hatchery expansion in New Plymouth, brand investment and new product innovation. It launched 29 new products in the last financial year and "new product development is a major focus for us," said Hand.

Exports market plans include new range launches in the second quarter in Australia and shoring up market presence across the Tasman, and building its position in Asia and the Middle East. Tegel will launch its first products in Bahrain in the first quarter. It will also seek in-market partners in Japan and to gain market access in Singapore, Korea and Taiwan.

Its aim is for export revenues to represent approximately 25 percent of total revenues in four years. In the last financial year, export revenue was $103 million while total revenue was $614 million.

The poultry group, taken public by private equity firm Affinity Equity Partners, first traded at $1.69 in May last year, having sold in the initial public offering at $1.55 apiece. The shares last traded at $1.23 and have fallen 26 percent over the past 12 months. Affinity was the second buyout firm to own Tegel, having acquired the business in a leveraged buyout from Pacific Equity Partners and ANZ Capital in early 2011. PEP had, in turn, bought Tegel from HJ Heinz in 2005.

(BusinessDesk)

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Shane Scott, who was accused of operating a Ponzi scheme to defraud friends and close associates of $5.4 million, has changed his plea to guilty.

In the Auckland District Court today, Scott pleaded guilty to four charges of obtaining by deception, 20 of theft by a person in a special relationship, one of using a document with intent to defraud, and two of obtaining by false pretence, the Serious Fraud Office said in a statement. Scott first appeared in the court on Jan. 17 and initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The white-collar crime investigator said Scott operated a Ponzi scheme, using funds from new investors to pay returns to existing ones, and that there was no evidence of any legitimate investments in the case. It had previously said the long-term investors believed Scott was investing their money in brokering deals in Thailand and other assets, including the diamond trade, South African trade deals and a chicken farm in New Caledonia, and today said short-term investors believed they would get high returns from property developments and import/export deals.

"Mr Scotts admission provides the victims with some closure and the SFO welcomes the opportunity to save public money as the result of the matter not going to trial," SFO director Julie Read said. "We do, however, want to reiterate the importance of checking that investment information is legitimate, whether you are investing with friends, associates or strangers."

Scott will be sentenced in the Auckland District Court on Oct. 13.

(BusinessDesk)

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By PTI: Bhubaneswar, Sep 6 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said he had doubts about the BJPs target of winning 120 of the 147 seats in the 2019 state Assembly polls.

Asked about the Mission-120 goal, set by BJP president Amit Shah for Odisha, he told reporters, "I doubt very much whether they (BJP) will get so many seats."

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Patnaiks statement came shortly before Shahs arrival here today.

Countering the remark, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said it was the people of Odisha who had now developed doubts in the chief minister.

"The people of the state are fed up with backwardness, misrule and corruption during the BJD rule and they are eagerly waiting for a taste of the good governance of the BJP, whose popularity is growing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he added.

Union minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar, who also arrived here to take part in the programmes of Shah, said the saffron partys mission for the 2019 general elections would be successful in Odisha.

"Enough is enough," he said, adding, "The people of Odisha are disillusioned with the BJD rule of the last 17 years and are now keen to bring about a change in order to be a part of the development process."

The Union human resource development minister said the BJPs impressive performance in seven backward districts of Odisha in the rural bodies polls earlier this year showed that the support for the party was growing in the state and added that Shahs three-day visit would provide fresh energy to the party workers for the next Assembly polls.

Reacting to Patnaiks comments, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "I welcome his doubts and compliment him.... It is the people of the state who will decide the outcome of the next election."

Pradhan had yesterday voiced confidence that the BJP would achieve its goal of winning 120 of the 147 Assembly seats in Odisha.

"He (Shah) has entrusted the job of achieving this goal with lakhs of party workers in the 36,000 booths across Odisha. The target would certainly be met," he had said. PTI SKN SUN KK RC

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Chandigarh, Sep 6 (PTI) All necessary arrangements have been made for carrying out "sanitisation" of the sprawling Dera Sacha Sauda sect headquarters at Sirsa, a top Haryana police officer said here, a day after the high court gave permission for the exercise.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had appointed retired District and Sessions Judge A K S Pawar as Court Commissioner to oversee the sanitisation process. Senior officials of the police and civil administration will be part of the exercise. "The Court Commissioner is expected to reach Sirsa soon," DGP B S Sandhu said. The formalities enabling Pawar to oversee the mammoth sanitisation exercise were being completed, official sources said here. DGP Sandhu said "as far as our arrangements are concerned, we are prepared (for sanitisation process)". He said that while the sanitisation process will be overseen by the Court Commissioner, Haryana police personnel, paramilitary forces, duty magistrates, executive magistrates and revenue officials will part of the exercise. "Anti-sabotage team, dog squad, bomb disposal squad will also be pressed into service to carry out the sanitisation of Dera Sacha Sauda at Sirsa, which is spread over a huge area. The process will be started soon," Sandhu told reporters in Panchkula, near here. Notably, the Dera premises in Sirsa is spread over nearly 800 acres, and houses educational institutions, markets, hospital, stadium and houses. The police and the Dera management have maintained that licensed weapons have been deposited by most Dera followers at Sirsa with the police authorities.

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Asked if there were still some licence holders who have not deposited their weapons at Sirsa with the police, DGP said, "The number of such persons is very less."

To another related query, he said, "these persons are missing. We have registered cases against them and started the process to cancel licences of their weapons". He voiced confidence that the sanitisation process will be carried out in a "smooth manner" and there was no cause for concern. Asked about reports that two names including of a Dera functionary from Panchkula had cropped up for their alleged role in inciting violence there on August 25 after Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted in rape case, DGP said, "We are looking into this and the matter is under investigation.

"Whatever action is made out as per law against them will be taken".

The DGP, meanwhile, said that peace prevails in the state and no untoward incident has occurred after August 25. The high court order by a full bench on sanitisation came yesterday after Haryana government filed a plea on Friday seeking permission to hold the exercise under "judicial supervision". The sanitisation process will be videographed, Haryanas Advocate General Baldev Raj Mahajan had said earlier. A report of the whole process will be submitted to the high court by the court commissioner, with a copy to be given to the state government.

The high court had earlier taken up a PIL filed by Ravinder Dhull, a Panchkula resident, who had raised concerns over the law and order situation. Large-scale violence broke out in Panchkula after the Dera chiefs conviction in rape cases, leaving at least 35 people dead. Six others died in incidents of violence in Sirsa. Ram Rahim was later sentenced to 20 years in prison in the rape case.

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Over 100 Namcharcha Ghars, associated with the Dera, have been sanitised in the state. The sect management had earlier maintained that the state government could carry out a search of its premises any time and it will cooperate with the authorities. PTI SUN CHS RT

--- ENDS ---
At the BRICS summit in China, Vladimir Putin was asked if he was disappointed with Donald Trump and his presidency. The Russian president, staining the 'bromance', said, "I am not his bride, nor his groom."

By India Today Web Desk: Donald Trump and his relationship with Vladimir Putin has often been narrated as 'bromance'. Well, the recent BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit in China's Xiamen has downplayed the relationship between the two leaders.

Russian President Vladimir Putin at the event said that he is neither Trump's wife nor husband.

The contention kicked off a few days ago when Washington announced the closure of Russia's consulate in San Francisco, as well as diplomatic properties housing trade missions in New York and Washington.

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The US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and the two nations remain far apart, courtesy US sanctions and its aforementioned decision.

When Putin was asked about his opinion of US President Donald Trump during the just concluded BRICS summit in China, Russian president brushed aside the query saying Trump "is not my bride".

Photo Credit: Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a news conference after BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit in Xiamen, China

"I am not his bride, nor his groom," Putin said on Tuesday when asked whether he was disappointed with Trump and his presidency.

This was on the sidelines of the 2017 summit held in Xiamen, Xinhua quoted the Washington Post.

Calling it a "naive" question, Putin said he and Trump were both working for their governments and only engaged in state activities.

CLOSING TIME

Regarding the two countries recently closing diplomatic properties belonging to the other, Putin said Russia's Foreign Ministry will file a lawsuit against the US.

When asked to comment on the US probe into alleged ties between Trump's campaign team and Russian intelligence, Putin said, "It's America's internal political issue and not Russia's business."

FYI || Donald bump: Putin plays with pregnant Trump, and no it cannot be unseen ||

FYI || Bromance: Portrait of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump kissing is going viral ||

--- ENDS ---
BJP is hopeful that Raje-Shah combo can do what party has been doing in Gujarat, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh through hattrick of victories.

By Rohit Parihar: With Assembly Elections in Rajasthan due next year, the state seems to have caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On August 29, Modi visited Udaipur, one of his rare visits to Rajasthan. Following the visit, he inducted Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MP from Jodhpur as Minister of State for Agriculture. He also promoted Rajyawardhan Singh Rathore as MoS, independent charge, for sports.

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The other three ministers of state CR Chaudhary, PP Chaudhary and Arjun Meghwal too got good portfolios in the reshuffle. If this was not enough, Modi also appointed two bureaucrats from Rajasthan, Rajiv Mehrishi, outgoing union home secretary as Comptroller and Auditor General and Sunil Arora, already superannuated, as election commissioner of India.

On August 18, when Bhartiya Janata Party appointed Chandrashekhar as organising secretary of Rajasthan it said a lot about its strategy for assembly elections that are due in December next year. Immediately after taking over, he has been going across the state and holding meetings, often in company of the BJP state president Ashok Parnami to get feedback about what all needs to be done to improve the party's prospects in elections next year.

For eight years, the party has been without one despite the post being considered as a crucial link between it and the RSS, which nominates persons from its cadre for the job because in the past, such nominees often ended up working at loggerheads with Vasundhara Raje, undisputed leader of the party in the state.

That he held the same office for Varanasi when Prime Minister Narendra Modi contested parliamentary elections from there in 2014 showed significance of deputing him here. The development comes after Amit Shah, the party president, made a three day visit to Jaipur last month to assess state of the organisation.

The developments seem to indicate that Rajasthan has started getting Modi's attention. It is thus clear that BJP-RSS will put every effort to retain Rajasthan.

CHANGED EQUATION BETWEEN RAJE AND SHAH

The equation between Raje, Modi and Shah had been far from cordial until last year given each has a strong personality but that is a history now. Shah's visit dashed any hope about him fuelling rumours of instability about the Raje led government.

Shah who met a cross section of workers, MLAs, ministers and prominent persons didn't allow them to blame the government or highlight its flaws and snubbed any one who tried to indulge in casting aspersions on its efficiency. He made them speak on what they had done and what ought to be done to strengthen the party.

He made sure that Raje was a part of every feedback meeting unlike his visit in January 2016 when he met with ministers in private too. In the end , Shah said that unlike Congress, there was no issue of leadership in the state with her around. He told ministers point blank that they must shed their ego and be responsive to the party workers and was categorical that the centre was extending every help to the state.

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"He rejuvenated the party. We have been half way on our programmes but he energised the party to quicken our pace," Raje told India Today about Shah's visit.

After his departure, she had a meeting with Ashok Parnami, president of the state BJP and V Satish , a RSS worker deputed in charge of the state. Post Shah's visit, Parnami has started extensive tour of the state and holding meetings at grassroots levels.

"Shah's visit has out us in election mode," Parnami says.

WHY RAJASTHAN IS IMPORTANT FOR BJP

Rajasthan gave 163 seats in assembly out of 200 and all 25 seats in parliamentary elections but Rajasthan has voted out incumbents in last four polls. But when Shah was asked if he was worried about the state not returning to the ruling party, he retorted that it can happen as it had happened earlier too.

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In 1990 and 1993, BJP had won. But that requires Shah's organisational skills to work with Raje's governance and an urge in voters to give Modi another chance at the centre. That is why, Raje has been maintaining cordial relations with the RSS and party too has responded by deputing state in charge like Satish and Avinash Rai Khanna to work for strengthening Raje led government instead of working to embarrass her as happened during her previous tenure.

Party has been asked to publicise Raje government's achievements that concern masses such as building Gaurav Path roads inside villages, transferring subsidies, medical insurance and grants directly to bank accounts through Bhama Shah cards, ensuring guaranteed delivery of ration through biometrics of customers and strengthening schools.

RSS BACKED MINISTERS TO BE ELEVATED

Raje has been asked to explore possibility of shifting some of her ministers like Rajendra Rathore of rural development and Kalicharan Saraf of health and medical education who have a long tenure in government to strengthen the party and elevate RSS backed lot like Vasudev Devnani , minister of state with better portfolios and cabinet rank.

The results for student union elections in the state indicate that ABVP has been doing well but nowhere it is seen that it has full control over student politics. NSUI is half way behind but if Sachin Pilot, Pradesh Congress Committee president starts focusing on emerging leaders and new voters, BJP could be in trouble.

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BJP is hopeful that Raje-Shah combo can do what party has been doing in Gujarat, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh through hat-trick of victories more so since Congress face in the state, Sachin Pilot, its PCC chief faces lot of resistance from rivals Ashok Gehlot and CP Joshi. That is why, party may go in for holding elections to such states along with parliament polls to compliment votes for Modi with votes for respective chief ministers.

ALSO READ | Jamshedpur limps back to normalcy after lynching of 7 men over WhatsApp rumour

ALSO READ | Delhi: Man beaten to death for stopping 2 youths from urinating in public

ALSO WATCH | Rajasthan activist lynched for objecting to women being photographed

--- ENDS ---
RBI said notes are being verified for their authenticity by processing them on high end currency verification machines.

By Rahul Shrivastava: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has informed a parliamentary panel that the completion of the process of verification of currency returned during demonetisation exercise will take time in view of the large volume involved.

The indication is that the counting process is far from over.

RBI's response to the queries raised by members of the standing committee for finance says that "notes are being verified for their authenticity by processing them on high end currency verification machines. The process is currently on at full swing with most RBI offices working in double shifts of 10 hours each, including Saturdays and holidays.

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The staff gets rest on Sundays and machines are given a maintenance day off. To further expedite the process, additional machines have been hired by RBI from commercial banks and efforts are still on to take some more machines on lease from vendors or purchase new ones.

The RBI annual report released last week conclusively laid down that almost 99 percent or 15.28 trillion of the 15.46 trillion rupees demonetised currency came back into the system. But this is only an estimation.

The RBI, responding to questions from members of a parliamentary panel, has admitted what it said in its annual report - that as on June 30 estimate of Rs 15.28 trillion is subject to future correction as some of the SBNs accepted by banks and post offices deposited in currency chests and issue offices of RBI are yet to be verified for numeric accuracy and authenticity.

This is giving top guns in the government sleepless nights as the Opposition has been teeming note ban as a flop after virtually all demonetised money came back into the banking system. The government is hoping that in the end there remains at least a notional gap between the notes banned and notes received.

RBI added in its response that the value of the SBNs received by the currency chests have been credited to banks on said to contain basis.

"All the SBNs are required to be brought to RBI offices for verification. Some of these SBNs are still lying in the currency chests."

Currency chests are select branches of scheduled banks, which are authorised by the RBI to facilitate distribution of notes and coins. In these branches, notes and coins are stocked on behalf of the RBI. These currency chests are expected to distribute notes and coins to other bank branches in their area of operation.

Last week, the annual report of RBI had said that money from cooperative banks and currency from Nepal are yet to be accounted for.

Simple calculation show that if note ban made 15.44 lakh crore worth currency "not legal tender" and 15.28 lakh crore has come back - only 16000 crore has stayed out of the system. If there is cash lying in currency chests and cooperative banks, the possibility of the total receipts reaching the 15.44 lakh crore mark can't be ruled out.

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Also read:

RBI annual report suggests note ban was a lot of pain for very little gain as 99% of demonetised notes came back

India Today Mood of the Nation poll: Note or vote, India banks on PM Modi

Rs 1.75 lakh crore under scrutiny post note ban: PM Narendra Modi

Demonetisation hits coins supply, but RBI sits on surplus production

Post demonetisation, time for overhaul of currency presses, paper mills

ALSO WATCH VIDEO| 70 years of Independence: From Nehruvian socialism to liberalisation, demonetisation and GST

--- ENDS ---
It is ten years since Apple entered the mobile phone market and changed the smartphone landscape completely. This year, Apple is reportedly planning to shake the mobile phone market to the core by the release of its latest piece of artistry, the iPhone 8. Well, the phone may well take on another name, such as iPhone X, iPhone pro, or something entirely different. Information about Apples latest device remain scanty, and a subject of speculation. However, here is what we know about Apples next mobile device so far.

Release date

So, when is the next iPhone coming out? No one can answer the million-dollar question conclusively, but we have done some digging about, and we have reason to believe we have a clear insight on when the latest mobile device from Apple is likely to hit the market. It is not lost on many that Apple has a major event coming up on September 12 and that the giant phone company may use the occasion to release their new smartphone edition. You may also find it interesting that Apple has been churning out its flagship devices in September, and not any other month.

Whats in a name?

A little scrutiny will reveal that Apple has been consistent in calling its auspicious line of phones. The mobile phone manufacturer has been adding a single number to its brand name to create a name for their high-end devices  the iPhone 5, iPhone 6 and iPhone 7. Rooting our view in this trend, we expect the latest device to bear the name iPhone 8. Nevertheless, Apple may want to mark its ten years in the market by coining a new name, such as iPhone 10, iPhone X or iPhone Pro.

The Design: Whats New?

We are expecting a bold change in the latest iPhones screen-to-body ratio, as is the case for Samsung Galaxy S8 and LG G6. We assume that Apple has taken the cue and will most likely have the screen cover the entire front part of the device. If this is the case, Apple would have to do away with the home button and the fingerprint scanner to make the bezels as thin as possible. Given the removal of the Touch ID, the company must have had to come up with alternative security features, and we expect 3D facial recognition sensors at the top of the display. The general understanding that the new phone will feature a glass back and metal sides, it is likely to feature wireless charging technology.

The twist in the specs

Reports from The Korea Herald, Bloomberg, the president of Sharp, Tai Jenk-Wu, and The Wall Street Journal suggest that Apple will follow in the footsteps of its biggest rival, Samsung, and fit an OLED screen to their upcoming device. The new phone is likely to choose from three display sizes: 4.7 inches, 5.5 inches and 5.8 inches. As for photography, we expect Apple to carry over the dual-lens camera with the optical image stabilisation capabilities.

Price

Well, the prices of the iPhones have been going up with every release, with the last device retailing at 599. It would be far-fetched to expect the latest mobile device to cost anything less than its previous release. Considering that its rival, the Galaxy S8 and S8+ go for 689 and 779 respectively, the iPhone 8 is likely to cost anything between 800 and 1,000. Whatever happens, brace for a hefty price tag on the upcoming Apple device.

It may not be clear when Apple will launch its latest device, but you can expect this September anytime. You can look forward to the amazing OLED display covering the entire face of the phone, and an enhanced battery life.
The Home Ministry advisory comes a day after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that all Rohingyas living illegally in India would be deported.

Rohingya refugees walk on the muddy path after crossing the Bangladesh-Myanmar border in Teknaf, Bangladesh, September 3, 2017. (Photo/REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain)

By India Today Web Desk: The Centre has asked all the state governments to identify Rohingya Muslims living illegally while raising concern over terror groups trying to use the migrants to trigger trouble in the country.

An advisory issued by the Home Ministry has asked all state governments and Union territories to identify Rohingyas while indicating that they could pose grave security challenges.

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"These illegal immigrants not only infringe on the rights of Indian citizen but some also pose grave security challenges," the advisory said.

Around 14,000 Rohingyas living in the country are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, while about 40,000 are said to be staying illegally.

The government's advisory comes a day after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju made it clear that Rohingyas would be deported.

"I want to tell the international organisations whether the Rohingyas are registered under the United Nations Human Rights Commission or not. They are illegal immigrants in India," Rijiju told reporters.

The minister of state for home said that since they are not legal immigrants, "they stand to be deported".

"As per law, they stand to be deported because they are illegal immigrants. We are a nation with great democratic tradition. India has absorbed number of refugees in the world so nobody should give India any lessons on how to deal with refugees," Rijiju said.

ROHINGYAS LINKED TO TERROR?

This is not for the first time that the government has raised concern over Rohingya terror links.

The serial bomb blasts in and around Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya on July 7, 2013, was targeted at international Buddhist tourists to avenge the killings of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

This was revealed by arrested SIMI and Indian Mujahideen suspect Mohammed Umair Siddiqui.

Siddiqui was arrested by the Chhattisgarh Police for his suspected role in the Bodh Gaya and October 27, 2013 Patna blasts.

ALSO READ:

With Narendra Modi in Myanmar, a look at how Burmese Indians met similar fate as Rohingyas in 1960s

Will rather die in India than return to Myanmar: Rohingya refugees on deportation reports

SC to decide Rohingya Muslims' fate in India: Here's why they are fleeing Myanmar

Myanmar Rohingya exodus nears 150,000 as Aung San Suu Kyi blames 'terrorists' for 'misinformation'

India to deport all Rohingya Muslims regardless of UN registration

--- ENDS ---
The missile system gives India the capability to track all Pakistani air bases, while bringing the Chinese assets in Tibet in its striking range.

The missiles, manufactured by Russia's Almaz Antey, consist of radars, missile launchers and command posts that can track between 100 and 300 targets

By Ajit Kumar Dubey: Moving a step closer towards acquiring the formidable Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system, the Indian Air Force has completed the trials of the missiles, which can shoot down fighter and surveillance aircraft, cruise missiles and drones at the range of 400 kms over enemy airspace itself.

"The field evaluation trials of the Russian air defence system have been completed by the Indian Air Force in Russia and they have been quite successful. The trials were conducted on two separate occasions and it performed to the satisfaction of the users," government sources told MAIL TODAY.

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After the completion of trials, the defence ministry will now start the process of initiating the contractual negotiations with Rosoboronexport, the Russian agency which handles defence deals with foreign countries, including the fixation of price, the sources said.

Despite the high price tag attached with the five S-400 systems India is planning to acquire, the Indian Air Force is extremely happy to get the weapon system as it will give them an edge over Pakistan and bring them on par with the Chinese who have already installed this system, the sources said.

WHAT CAN TRIUMF DO?

The missile system manufactured by Russia's Almaz Antey consists of a set of radars, missile launchers and command posts and the radar of each system can track between 100 and 300 targets simultaneously.

With a tracking range of 600 km, the missile system can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously within a range of 400 km.

The missile system gives India the capability to track all Pakistani air bases, while bringing the Chinese assets in Tibet in its striking range.

COST COULD BE LOWER THAN EXPECTED

An intergovernmental agreement on the sale of S-400 was signed in October 2016 at the 17th India-Russia summit between President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was earlier speculated to be pegged at Rs 54,000 crore.

After the top level negotiations, the deal is likely to cost less than Rs 40,000 crore and may go down even further in the Russian Triumf to give India edge over China tough negotiations on price with the Russians.

The Russian missile system would be used by the IAF, along with the other new air defence systems coming up in the country including the India-Israel joint venture Medium range-Surface to Air Missile system and the SPYDER systems that India recently acquired from Israel.

India has also developed its own air short range air defence systems including the Akash air defence missiles while the Missile complex of DRDO has also successfully tested the new Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile system.

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Air defence missile systems which can strike incoming targets at different ranges are deployed in tandem all over the world so that if one misses, there is a backup system to take down the enemy at the other level.

ALSO READ

India prepares Israeli SPYDER air defence missile system for Pakistan border

Russia to supply S-400 missile system to India: Why Pakistan, China should worry

ALSO WATCH

Sky Guardians Of Tomorrow: India Today flies the LCA Tejas

--- ENDS ---
The bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra directed chief secretaries of each state to file a status report giving details of action taken to prevent incidents of cow vigilantism.

Several incidents of cow vigilantism have been reported in the last few months. Photo for representation: PTI.

By PTI: The Supreme Court today directed all state governments to appoint a senior police officer as a nodal officer in each district to ensure that incidents of cow vigilantism are prevented and dealt with effectively.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also directed the chief secretaries of every state government to file a status report giving details of the action taken to prevent incidents of cow vigilantism.

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The bench, also comprising Justices Amitava Roy and A M Khanwilkar, asked the Centre to respond to the submission that it (Central government) could issue directions under Article 256 of the Constitution to all state governments on issues related to law and order.

The Supreme Court was hearing a PIL filed by Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, seeking various reliefs, including a direction to all the governments to take preventive measures against cow vigilantism.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for Tushar Gandhi, referred to various incidents of lynching and assault on the pretext that the victims were either carrying or in possession of beef or had eaten it. She also referred to an earlier statement of Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar that the Central government did not approve of such incidents of people taking law into their hands.

Besides Gandhi, Congress leader Tehseen Poonawalla had earlier filed a similar petition on the issue.

ALSO READ:

Cow vigilantes defy PM Modi yet again, attack drivers transporting cattle in Assam

Mob lynching India's shocking war within, a challenge Narendra Modi must confront

Alwar gau rakshak attack: Murdered man was dairy farm owner, had come to Rajasthan to buy milch cows

ALSO WATCH: Man lynched despite PM's warning: Why is mob vigilantism rampant in BJP-ruled states?

--- ENDS ---
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By PTI: London, Sep 6 (PTI) Scientists have identified the second-fastest known pulsar, spinning at more than 42,000 revolutions per minute and located between 3,200 and 5,700 light-years away.

A pulsar is the core of a massive star that exploded as a supernova. In this stellar remnant, also called a neutron star, the equivalent mass of half a million Earths is crushed into a magnetised, spinning ball no larger than Washington DC.

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The rotating magnetic field powers beams of radio waves, visible light, X-rays and gamma rays. If a beam happens to sweep across Earth, astronomers observe regular pulses of emission and classify the object as a pulsar.

By following up on mysterious high-energy sources mapped out by NASAs Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, the Netherlands-based Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) radio telescope detected the pulsar.

The object, named PSR J0952-0607 - or J0952 for short - is classified as a millisecond pulsar and is located between 3,200 and 5,700 light-years away in the constellation Sextans.

The pulsar contains about 1.4 times the Suns mass and is orbited every 6.4 hours by a companion star that has been whittled away to less than 20 times the mass of the planet Jupiter.

At some point in this systems history, matter began streaming from the companion and onto the pulsar, gradually raising its spin to 707 rotations a second, or more than 42,000 rpm, and greatly increasing its emissions.

Eventually, the pulsar began evaporating its companion, and this process continues today.

Due to their similarity to spiders that consume their mates, systems like J0952 are called black widow or redback pulsars, depending on how much of the companion star remains.

Most of the known systems of these types were found by following up Fermi unassociated sources.

"LOFAR picked up pulses from J0952 at radio frequencies around 135 MHz, which is about 45 per cent lower than the lowest frequencies of conventional radio searches," said Cees Bassa at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON).

"We found that J0952 has a steep radio spectrum, which means its radio pulses fade out very quickly at higher frequencies. It would have been a challenge to find it without LOFAR," said Bassa.

Theorists say that pulsars could rotate as fast as 72,000 rpm before breaking apart, yet the fastest spin known - by PSR J1748-2446ad, reaching nearly 43,000 rpm - is just 60 per cent of the theoretical maximum. PTI MHN MHN

--- ENDS ---

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By PTI: Ahmedabad, Sep 6 (PTI) The state government today told the Gujarat High Court that there was a shortage of specialist doctors at community health centres as they were generally unwilling to work in rural areas and small towns.

In an affidavit filed in response to a PIL seeking the courts direction to the state to provide better diagnosis and treatment facilities to control vector-borne diseases, the government said that it was fully equipped to tackle the swine flu outbreak which has killed over 350 people this year.

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"Specialists and expert doctors are hardly available for full-time service. There are vacancies of specialist doctors at community health centres, because specialist doctors are generally unwilling to join government services as they are required to work in rural or small towns," it said.

The affidavit was filed before the division bench of Justice M R Shah and Justice B N Karia.

It said he government was availing the services of such doctors on a part-time basis.

"Since 2010, the state government has appointed 3,730 doctors, with 1,868 having joined on different terms and conditions, including on contract basis. In addition, 680 doctors who have given bond to join rural services (for having studied at government hospitals) have also joined," it said.

The petitioner, in his rejoinder filed during last hearing, had said that 58 per cent posts of specialist doctors and 38 per cent posts of medical officers in state-run hospitals and CHCs were vacant.

The petitioner had also said that there were only nine laboratories in the state to test swine flu cases.

Replying to this, the government today said that it had added three laboratories since 2015, and the capacity to test samples went up to 800 per day from 300 earlier.

"Laboratories for influenza viruses require special provisions...Five private laboratories have also been permitted for testing on no-profit condition," it said.

The petitioner, Mensavi Thapar, had in his PIL filed through his lawyer, K R Koshty, sought the courts direction to the government to take necessary steps to provide facilities for diagnosis and treatment as well as compensation to victims of vector-borne diseases.

In its reply filed earlier, the government had told the court that mortality rate in swine flu has come down to 10 per cent this year compared to 16.8 per cent recorded in 2009.

It had said that several measures, including house-to- house rapid surveillance and close monitoring as well as awareness programmes using mass media, had been undertaken to bring the disease under control. PTI KA PD NP AAR

--- ENDS ---
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With two BMX world titles under her belt, a rockin' platinum bob and kick arse attitude to personal excellence, is it any wonder some of the world's biggest brands pay Canberra's Caroline Buchanan to spruik their products?

The four-time mountain bike champion has more than 220,000 followers across her social media channels. Harley Davidson, Subaru Australia and Oakley Eyewear are just some of the labels that pay to have their products mentioned in Buchanan's Instagram and Facebook posts.

Buchanan is an influencer for Harley Davidson and Oakley. Credit:Karleen Minney

And now there's a Canberra brand in the mix.

Capital Airport Group has signed Buchanan, as an 'influencer' for the next three months, with the 27-year-old due to front marketing campaigns for almost every facet of the airport's business.
Canberra's Coptic community hopes the Coptic Orthodox pope's visit to the region will shine a light on the plight of Copts across the Middle East.

Pope Tawadros II visited Canberra for the first time yesterday meeting Kaleen's St Mark Coptic Orthodox congregation after earlier meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Young members of Canberra's Coptic community wait for the arrival of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II at St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Church in Kaleen. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong

Father Michael Zamer said it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet the patriarch of the church.

"We are all very excited, we don't know if we'll ever get this opportunity again," he said.
A former Defence Department chief engineer alleges that an aggressive Army Colonel tried to bully him out his job causing him to suffer a major depressive episode.

However, his subsequent claim for compensation has been rejected after an independent tribunal found the Colonel's behaviour was reasonable and even compassionate.

A former Defence Department chief engineer has lost a Comcare bid for compensation.

Dr George Favas was the former chief engineer at the Defence Department's Joint Fuels and Lubricants Agency, responsible for advising the department on petroleum and oil use, as well as fuel quality control for aircraft and ships.

Concerns about his performance in the role culminated in an informal meeting with the agency's director, Colonel Mark Harnwell, in March 2014.
Canberra's new city land agency chief says the historic Melbourne and Sydney buildings are a key part of redevelopment plans, but owners are still waiting for action on numerous long-standing issues.

City Renewal Authority chief Malcolm Snow will oversee land development in the CBD, Haig Park and along the light rail corridor to Dickson, as well as the future of the two prominent heritage buildings.

Aldo Cataldo owns part of the Melbourne building and is welcoming Malcolm Snow's appointment, but is concerned about parking in the area. Credit:Jamila Toderas

He said he wanted to "pull together" with the various owners of both sites, to ensure the historic buildings played a key role in revitalising the city centre, but stopped short of detailing specific plans for the sites.

While several building owners and tenants welcomed his comments, they said they were still waiting for action on issues ranging from lighting to footpaths, verges and rubbish disposal and help to open the Odgers and Verity lanes to coffee shops and bars.
When Jacob Ross was a little boy you could find him spending his days either playing with Lego or hiding in the corner reading about space.

Flash forward to 2017 and Mr Ross, 26, has combined his two passions to be the centre focus of his PhD at the Australian National University.

Jacob Ross, 26 has has combined his two passions to be the centre focus to his PhD at the Australian National University.

"I was always reading about space and stuff as a kid and science was always my favourite subject at school," Mr Ross said.

"I must confess - I had a lot of Lego."
Chief executive Gillon McLachlan has hit back at allegations the AFL is "incompetent" at dealing with racism, saying that recent responses have made it a "leader in the country".

Former Collingwood star Heritier Lumumba painted a frank picture of his old AFL club in a recently released documentary and in an interview with Fairfax Media last month, saying he was nicknamed "Chimp".

Gillon McLachlan hits back on allegations the league is incompetent in dealing with racism. Credit:AAP

Lumumba also opened up about the aftermath of Magpies president Eddie McGuire's racial vilification of Adam Goodes in 2013.

Lumumba has since told Guardian Australia that the "AFL is incompetent in dealing with and addressing" the issue.
A licence to lend money does not give you a licence to break the law and leave others to foot the bill, no matter how big you are.

When the law is broken, you should be held to account and required to compensate the victims of your wrongdoing, no matter how big you are.

Since Maurice Blackburn announced its class action against the Commonwealth Bank of Australia for its failure to disclose alleged breaches of national money laundering and terrorism financing laws, there has been some fatuous criticism levelled at those pursuing the case including: the bank's failures to disclose its misconduct were not material and the class action involves shareholders suing themselves.

The argument about materiality stretches credulity.
The Union Health ministry will bring 10 faith leaders under one platform in the national Capital to break down myths and barriers standing in the way of the life-saving act.

By Priyanka Sharma: Though they primarily focus on matters of the soul, India's spiritual gurus will now encourage people to pledge parts of their body in a massive organ donation campaign.

The Union Health ministry will bring 10 faith leaders under one platform in the national Capital to break down myths and barriers standing in the way of the life-saving act. Yoga guru and tycoon Baba Ramdev, mystic Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Delhi Jama Masjid imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari and others including representatives from Christianity and Sikhism would participate, sources told MAIL TODAY on Tuesday.

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The ministry in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Urology Society of India (USI) will conduct the National Organ Donation Awareness Programme in October.

GAP BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND

India has a huge gap in demand and supply of organs. 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.

Dr Anup Kumar, head of the urology department at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital, told MAIL TODAY, "The health ministry is continuously working on awareness programmes for organ donation. This is the first time that we are inviting 'dharm gurus' under one roof to circulate the message to donate organs. And external affairs minister Sushma Sawraj is likely to be the face of this National Organ Donation Awareness Programme."

Swaraj underwent a transplant surgery in December at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi with the kidney from an unrelated donor.

"People have misconceptions in donating organs and mostly it is of cadaver donation. People still think that if they will donate an organ, in their next birth they will be born without that particular organ, and are also afraid of body disfigurement after death. There is a need to clear minds of the people and it should be done at a community level by including their religious gurus," said Dr Kumar, who is the national convener of USI.

Health experts say that a brain dead person can save at least seven lives and at a given point of time in any big city about 10 patients referred to ICU have suffered brainstem death - when a person has permanently lost the potential for consciousness and the capacity to breathe.

"Even though we have one of the highest populations in the world, we rank the lowest (in organ donation). It is worse in the category of cadaver donation, which is 0.8 per million population. Spain ranks first with 32 per million population followed by USA with 25."

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LAKHS OF PATIENTS IN NEED OF TRANSPLANTS

At any time, there are about 20 lakh patients in the country who need organ transplant and a lakh each for liver and corneal transplant. About two lakh kidney patients require renal transplant, but only, 5,000 receive the organ.

Similarly, nearly 50,000 heart patients require transplant every year. But in 24 years, about 350 surgeries have been conducted. Doctors say that every year they see about 90,000 cases of road accidents where victims suffer brainstem death.

"Even if we are able to retrieve organs from these declared brain death cases, we would be able to fill about 20 to 25% of the gap in organ donations," said Dr Kumar.

The country's apex organ donation agency - the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation - is training doctors in organ retrieval and transplant procedures.

The latest session was held in Delhi at Safdarjung's department of renal transplant and the next one will be in Kanpur. "In Odisha, Bengal, Punjab, Kanpur, J&K, Himachal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, not a single organ transplant is happening," NOTTO director Dr Vimal Bhandari told MAILTODAY.

"Many hospitals are still lacking specialist surgeons capable of recovering organs from brain-dead patients even when the relative of a deceased agrees to the donation."

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ALSO READ

Delhi: 25-year-old brain dead man gives fresh lease of life to four

Director Runjiv Kapur brings alive tale of organ donation through movie

ALSO WATCH

FROM NOVEMBER 2016: Senior citizen offers his kidney to ailing Sushma Swaraj

--- ENDS ---
Exactly who is looking after the national interest when it comes to the environment or energy security? Is it Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull or Andy Vesey - the bloke who runs one of the nation's largest energy suppliers, AGL?

The fact is that successive governments - particularly Coalition governments - have been incapable of formulating a national policy framework on energy due to political hazards.

The resultant energy crisis - and the massive energy price rises consumers are having to endure - have galvanised the government into a short term response, which has culminated in the absurd spectacle this week of Turnbull attempting to shame or browbeat AGL into extending the life of its NSW coal-fired power station for five years beyond its slated closure.

Turnbull suggested on Tuesday that Vesey was open to extending the life of AGL's NSW power station Liddell or to selling it to another operator.
Billionaire Network Ten backer Bruce Gordon and the Murdoch family's 21st Century Fox have each made last-ditch pushes to thwart the purchase of the failed network by America's CBS.

Lawyers for Mr Gordon are arguing that administrators should have considered selling the business to Mr Gordon's private company Birketu and Lachlan Murdoch's Illyria Nominees Television which were shareholders in the group ahead of its collapse.

WIN Corporation, which is majority owned by Mr Gordon, made an urgent application to the NSW Supreme Court on Wednesday to allow it bring on a court hearing later this week.

The application by WIN was made on behalf of its CEO and Ten director Andrew Lancaster who claims he has not been paid his directors fees.
A marketing campaign for lamb, which was intended to promote inclusivity, has angered the international Hindu community, which is calling for the "ignorant and insensitive" ad to be banned.

Meat & Livestock Australia's latest campaign for lamb features a number of religious figures - including Jesus, Buddha, Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard and Greek goddess Aphrodite - sitting around a lamb lunch.

The Hindu deity Ganesha is also depicted digging in, despite being considered a vegetarian by followers of the religion.
Australia has kicked "a national own goal" after letting states seize control of the energy market by setting their own energy targets and gas access arrangements, says Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques.

Mr Jacques told a Minerals Council event in Parliament House in Canberra, that Australia was "an energy-rich country" and it "should have affordable, secure and flexible supply".

But within a decade the country had gone from having some of the "most competitively priced energy in the developed world to having nearly the most expensive".

"The future of many operations  mining, manufacturing, agriculture  and businesses large and small are at risk. The lessons of the past decade would suggest less state-based intervention and more national coordination," Mr Jacques said.
Jakarta: Indonesia has complained to the World Trade Organisation over a protectionist tariff imposed by Australia on paper imports, in a move that could overshadow the last months of sensitive free-trade negotiations.

The latest salvo comes as the Indonesian government also expressed its "deep concern" after Australia launched an investigation into the alleged dumping of steel rods exported from Indonesia.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. The two leaders have committed to reaching a free-trade deal by the end of the year. Credit:AAP

The leaders of Indonesia and Australia have committed to reaching a free-trade deal by the end of the year.

However, Australia announced in April that it would impose dumping duties on A4 paper exported from Indonesia and three other countries in a crackdown on "unfair dumping into the Australian market".
Sarah O'Reilly has just spent $500 on clothes and cosmetics. On a spring trip to Melbourne from Perth the 46-year-old and her teenage daughter Maddison had also just enjoyed a lunch out - which they say they normally do about once a week.

The pair, complete with their bags from Dangerfield, Glue and Mecca, could be part of what looks like an emerging recovery in retail.

The latest official GDP figures released on Wednesday showed 1.6 per cent growth for the retail industry. This was the largest rise since the 2012 June quarter.

Shopping in the CBD, the O'Reillys spent over $500 on clothes and cosmetics on Wednesday. Lunch was also included in their spending spree.
A legal exemption that allows employers to refuse to hire someone who knew they were pregnant when they applied for the job is being targeted for abolition.

Two subsections in the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 allow employers to dismiss women who knew they were pregnant when they applied for a job.

NSW Greens MP Mehreen Faruqi will introduce a new bill to Parliament to repeal the two subsections of the act. Credit:Fairfax Media

NSW Greens MP and spokesperson for the status of women, Mehreen Faruqi, will introduce a new bill to Parliament to repeal the sections.

"It's time for NSW to come into step with all other state and federal laws on sex discrimination and remove these exemptions that protect employers who have been discriminatory towards pregnant women," Dr Faruqi said.
A breakthrough by a Swiss chocolate maker expands the industry's hues beyond just dark, milk and white.

Barry Callebaut AG, the world's largest cocoa processor, has come up with the first new natural color for chocolate since Nestle started making bars of white chocolate more than 80 years ago. The Zurich-based company refers to the product with a pinkish hue and a fruity flavor as "ruby chocolate."

The new product may help boost sales in a struggling global chocolate market that producers hope has touched bottom. As Hershey cuts 15 per cent of its staff and Nestle tries to sell its US chocolate business, ruby chocolate raises the possibility that next Valentine's Day may arrive with store shelves full of naturally pink chocolate hearts.

The innovation, based on a special type of cocoa bean, comes after about a decade of development, Chief executive officer Antoine de Saint-Affrique said. Unveiled Tuesday in Shanghai, the chocolate has a natural berry flavour that's sour yet sweet, according to the company, which works behind the scenes to produce chocolate sold by all the major producers including Hershey and Cadbury.
The third House of Representatives seat now allocated to the ACT is a big prize. The question is: for whom?

Is it a prize for ACT voters? For Bill Shorten and the Australian Labor Party? Or is it a prize for a small handful of careerists who see themselves in the running to win the seat? Perhaps the best answer is that it's a prize for all three.

Furthermore, is it a largely symbolic prize or one with significant practical import? The symbolic value depends on where you sit. For those Canberrans inclined to be complacent or dismissive about this latest development, first consider the reaction of voters in South Australia, which has yet again lost a seat, its number now falling from 11 to 10 (the lowest number of SA seats since 1954).

South Australians see the trend as catastrophic, an indication in the words of the Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, that "we are in decline as a state". Predictably, he blamed the state Labor government. The SA Property Council declared the development was "hurting our national level of political influence". Pyne pointed out that whereas in 1999 both Western Australia and SA had 13 seats, from the next election WA would have 16 and SA 10.
By PTI: Tokyo, Sep 6 (PTI) Scientists, led by an Indian-origin researcher, have found that an active component found in sugarcane and other natural products may alleviate stress and help you get a sound sleep.

Currently available sleeping pills do not address stress component and often have severe side effects.

Sleep loss is associated with certain other diseases including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, depression, anxiety, mania deficits etc.

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Researchers from University of Tsukuba in Japan found that octacosanol reduces stress and restores stress-affected sleep back to normal.

Octacosanol is abundantly present in various everyday foods such as sugarcane (thin whitish layer on surface), rice bran, wheat germ oil, bee wax etc.

The crude extract is policosanol, where octacosanol is the major constituent. Policosanol and octacosanol have already been used in humans for various other medical conditions.

The team, led by Mahesh K Kaushik, orally fed octacosanol to mildly stressed mice.

They found that Octacosanol reduced corticosterone level in blood plasma, which is a stress marker. The octacosanol- administered mice also showed normal sleep, which was previously disturbed due to stress.

The team therefore claims that the octacosanol mitigates stress in mice and restores stress-affected sleep to normal in mice.

The sleep induced by octacosanol was similar to natural sleep and physiological in nature. However, authors also claimed that octacosanol does not affect sleep in normal animals.

These results clearly demonstrated that octacosanol is an active compound that has potential to reduce stress and to increase sleep, and it could potentially be useful for the therapy of insomnia caused by stress, researchers said.

Octacosanol can be considered safe for human use as a therapy, because it is a food-based compound and believed to show no side effects.

"Future studies include the identification of target brain area of octacosanol, its BBB permeability, and the mechanism via which octacosanol lowers stress," Kaushik said.

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. PTI APA MHN MHN

--- ENDS ---
Most of the research on phone addiction and deprivation is done on students. It's not just the "kids these days", though. At 45, I'm a recovering addict. It's been four months since I uninstalled social networking apps, three months since I last posted on Facebook, and two months since I turned off all notifications on my smartphone. Before I started the detox program, I checked my phone about five times an hour. That's about half as often as the average Millennial but about three times as often as most people of my generation in the US. Now, I'm down to once an hour. I think I got hooked because of my job. When I started out as a reporter in the late 1980s, you used your legs to get a story and teletype or dictation to file it from a remote location. It got progressively easier with email, the internet, search engines, social networks, and mobile communication. I could follow developments in several countries through a network of Facebook friends. I told myself that maintaining accounts on every social network was necessary for work, but that was absurd: Most of these posts and videos were useless to me as a journalist. We touch our smartphones more than 2500 times a day. Credit:Glenn Hunt I was submerged in the cozy haze of smartphone addiction, and it's hard to say how it differed from substance abuse. "Comfort kills, discomfort creates," wrote Jean Cocteau in his personal account of opium detoxication. So, like someone trying to wean himself off a substance, I started experimenting with discomfort. That's when I lost the Facebook and Twitter apps, which were eating up most of my screen time. I figured that out from battery use statistics. At first, I felt such acute deprivation that I had to open Facebook and Twitter in a browser. That was less convenient, and my phone use dropped a little, but I wasn't able to completely swear off Facebook for a few more weeks. FOMO  the fear of missing out  ruined several mornings; I reverted to peeking for a couple of days, then forced myself to stop.

After having kicked opium, Cocteau still had alcohol and cocaine. I kept updating and reading Twitter, although I gradually cut down on arguing with people on it  that had been time-consuming and sometimes emotionally draining. Now, I'm down to 30 minutes of Twitter a day: That's enough for work. We touch our smartphones  tap, click, swipe  more than 2500 times a day. That's probably 100 times more often than we touch our partner. The reason we do it is that the phone constantly demands attention by sending us notifications. It does so every time someone wants to connect with us, every time something changes in an app, every time an artificially intelligent entity decides we need information. Notifications have a barely veiled commercial purpose: Once we start playing with the phone, we're likely to open more apps, see more ads, buy more stuff. It's relatively easy to retake control; I went into my phone's settings and banned every one of the 112 apps from sending notifications. Now, I only check my personal and corporate email accounts, as well as two messenger apps, when I want to, not when my device wants me to. That means my friends must wait longer than they used to for a response. They haven't noticed  or at least they haven't commented on it. We overestimate the need for immediacy in communication; perhaps our kids don't because they live their addiction to a greater extent than we do, but an adult finds it easy to wait for a response. Recovering addicts know it's impossible to be perfectly clean: Even if you don't use your favourite substance, you miss it. At the end of his opium essay, Cocteau wrote wistfully that perhaps "the young" might someday discover "a regime that would allow one to keep the benefits of the poppy" without getting addicted. That remains impossible for drugs but maybe not for smartphones. After reasserting control over my digital life, I'm nearly ready to take further steps. My next goal is to be able to use it as an electronic book reader without ever switching from the Kindle app to the browser or the email and messenger apps. I expect a boost in reading speed, another way to battle my FOMO. A forced experiment during a two-week holiday in the south of France without high-speed internet produced hopeful results.






(MA) 85 minutes

Critics have often, rightly, noted that Australian cinema is preoccupied with failure  and more still, by a fear of not measuring up. In a strange but ingenious way, that fear is the subject of That's Not Me, a low-budget comedy written by its director Gregory Erdstein in collaboration with its star Alice Foulcher.

The film casts Foulcher as Polly Cuthbert, a Melbourne actor whose mind is a tangle of neuroses centred on the difficulty she has in finding work  and in getting out of the shadow of her identical twin sister Amy, who's well on the way to international stardom (first stop: an HBO show with Jared Leto). The two are regularly confused, usually to Polly's embarrassment, though she also finds ways to use the mistake to her profit.

Most of the film follows Polly as she blunders semi-farcically through mundane situations  meals with the parents, nights out  in a manner familiar from local TV comedy-drama. More interesting are the later scenes after she takes off for Hollywood, reconnecting with a fellow actor, played by Isabel Lucas, who has found some degree of success.
One of the most powerful hurricanes to develop in the Atlantic basin is shaping up to be a perfect but "potentially catastrophic" storm as it remains on course to hit the US state of Florida by Sunday.

Phil Klotzbach, an atmospheric research scientist at Colorado State University said the descriptor of hurricane Irma as perfect was "fair" given its huge size and shape.

Latest imagery of super hurricane Irma as it neared the island of Barbuda. Credit:NOAA

"Storms don't get much more impressive on satellite than Irma right now," Dr Klotzback told Fairfax Media. "That's the hurricane paradox - so amazingly beautiful from afar and so terrorising if you're in one."

Irma has already begun to challenge the record books as it intensified on Tuesday, local time, into a category 5 hurricane with sustained winds reaching 185 miles per hour (297 km/h).
One Nation staffer James Ashby has been referred to the aviation watchdog after flying a drone near a Queensland power station.

But Pauline Hanson's chief of staff said he did not do anything wrong.

James Ashby flying a drone over Stanwell power station near Rockhampton on July 13.

Fairfax Media has obtained an image which shows Mr Ashby apparently operating a remote control while standing beside a ute outside the Stanwell power station, near Rockhampton.

It is understood a security guard approached Mr Ashby on July 13 about 5pm after witnessing him using a drone near the power station.
Prince William has spoken publicly for the first time since the "very good news" broke that he and the Duchess of Cambridge were expecting their third child. While Kate remained at Kensington Palace with an acute form of morning sickness known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum, the Duke of Cambridge opened up about becoming a father again while attending the National Mental Health and Policing conference in Oxford.

The royal admitted that like most parents expecting another child there is "not much sleep" going on in his household, however all is well. Kensington Palace officially announced the news of a royal addition on Monday, after the Duchess was forced to cancel several of her public engagements due to her Hyperemesis Gravidarum, the condition she suffered in her previous pregnancies.

Prince William spoke about the baby announcement at the National Mental Health and Policing conference in Oxford. Credit:AP

Prince William was congratulated by the chairman of the Oxfordshire County Council, Zoe Patrick, to which he replied "Thank you, it's very good news." He also revealed that the Royal Family had only been able to "start celebrating this week" after an "anxious" few weeks, according to People magazine.

"We just need Catherine to get over this first bit, then we can start celebrating next week. It's always a bit anxious to start with, but she's well," Prince William said.
Melbourne has reaffirmed its status as the style capital of Australia with the Victorian government throwing its support behind the city's fashion festival for a further four years.

In the same week as the Andrews government dumped its support of the Logies due to a lack of economic benefit to the state, it is pumping millions into the Melbourne Fashion Festival.

Bye Logies, hello fashion ... the Victorian government has renewed its funding of the Melbourne Fashion Festival for a further four years. Credit:Simon Schluter

On Wednesday, Minister of Tourism and Major Events John Eren said the government had pledged a new multimillion-dollar funding arrangement to the festival.

"The Melbourne Fashion Festival is a shot in the arm for our economy  bringing visitors to Victoria from right across the globe, creating jobs and supporting businesses," he said.
The Macquarie Group told Fairfax Media that it takes all allegations of inappropriate behaviour very seriously and denied that any current staff members were involved in any of the allegations.

An ex-Macquarie staffer claimed a former stockbroker cut off a woman's ponytail at the office. "He put the hair on her desk, right in front of her. She was so shocked she didn't say anything," they said. Complaints were made but no action was taken.

Up-skirting, "alpha-male culture", "predatory behaviour towards a female staff member" and stalking are among the claims made in a letter from lawyers planning a class action against the investment bank.

Anyone following the recent spate of stories about sexual harassment and exploitation of girls in Australia's elite schools and universities might find Tuesday's allegations of "a toxic culture of harassment and predatory behaviour" at Macquarie Group eerily familiar.

It's difficult to imagine a modern workplace where men could assault women and it's not just seen as normal behaviour, but a "funny story" to tell around the office. But perhaps looking at the path these men take to get to such positions might explain how it might happen.

When the "young sluts" Instagram account set up by boys from Brighton Boys Grammar was reported in the media last year, headmaster Ross Featherston said the school was taking the matter very seriously. The Age reported at the time that "a Melbourne mother who spoke out in disgust... told Fairfax Media that she received a threatening phone call from an 'old boys' club' parent'."

When boys from Melbourne Grammar were filmed rating girls on a scale of one to 10 and being told not to bring anyone under a seven to the end of year formal the following month, headmaster Roy Kelley said the school was taking the matter very seriously.

When a series of group sexual assaults at Trinity Grammar in Sydney was exposed in 2000, the school hired a public relations firm to divert the media reporting to an issue of "bullying"  rather than the systemic rapes of children, watched and applauded by large groups of students. Four students eventually pleaded guilty to various offences and were given good behaviour bonds.

An in-depth examination of the culture at Trinity looked into the long history of so called elite schools and concluded that "bullying, brutalisation, and 'hardening' [is] characteristic of the production of ruling-class masculinity".
Questions over the death of a five-year-old boy after he was sent home from a Sydney hospital have opened state health budget estimates hearing on Wednesday.

Opposition health spokesperson Walt Secord held up a photograph, identifying the boy and his parents by their first names as he told Health Minister Brad Hazzard that a fundraising page had been set up to pay for the boy's funeral.

Opposition health spokesman Walt Secord identified the boy in estimates. Credit:Andrew Taylor

Fairfax Media has decided not to identify the boy or his family without their permission. The committee chairman gave instructions after the estimates hearing that their names be redacted.

The five-year-old died at Sydney Adventist Hospital on Thursday less than 10 hours after he was sent home from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. The case has been referred to the coroner.
The High Court will decide on Thursday whether the controversial same-sex marriage postal plebiscite will go ahead.

With ballot papers ready to be sent out next week, the Turnbull government has vigorously rejected claims that the postal vote is unlawful and ought to be struck out.

The claims were made earlier this week as part of a High Court legal challenge brought forward by two loosely aligned groups, comprising marriage equality advocates, independent MP Andrew Wilkie, and Greens Senator Janet Rice.

However, speaking on Wednesday during the final day of the hearing, government Solicitor-general Stephen Donaghue argued that the plaintiffs  some of whom are part of same sex couples  did not have the legal standing to mount a court challenge, and dismissed their earlier concerns that the postal vote would cast aspersions on their relationships.
By PTI: Ludhiana, Sep 6 (PTI) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal today lashed out at the Congress government, alleging that it had organised a "fake" job mela that had left several unemployed youths "disappointed".

The former Punjab deputy chief ministers remarks came a day after the Punjab government said that 27,000 appointment letters, including 3,000 for government posts, were given to unemployed youths at mega job fair in Mohali.

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Sukhbir asked the state government to stop "enacting dramas like fake job fairs" and claimed that just 300 job letters were distributed at the end of the Rozgar Mela in which four lakh youth had registered.

Addressing a party conference at the Chappar mela, around 40 km from here, the SAD leader further alleged that the state government had "shown" routine placement drives organised annually by technical colleges as job fairs.

"The government had failed to even deliver on this front. The government sponsored job fairs are a flop because it failed to create norms for recruiting technically qualified students. Students who had been promised jobs through these fairs feel cheated and betrayed," he said.

Stating that the Punjab government had "failed" on all fronts, Badal claimed that it was for the first time in the history of the state that any government had "defaulted" on disbursing salaries to its employees.

He said thet every section of the society was paying for the Congress governments "failure".

Facilities such as the old age pension, scholarship to Dalit students, cycles to girls and even medical insurance to farmers had been withdrawn, Sukhbir claimed.

"Even development works have been put on halt. The government has recalled grants given to villages. Sewerage work in several towns has been halted. Even ongoing road work has been stopped. Such a paralysis in governance has never occurred in the state earlier", he said.

The SAD president gave a call for reopening investigation against Congress Khanna MLA Gurkirat Singh Kotli.

Earlier at the conference, former minister and core committee member Maheshinder Singh Grewal moved a resolution to this effect which was passed unanimously.

He said that a French national had accused Kotli of molesting her in 1994, but had not been able to record her statement in court of law due to various kinds of "pressures".

There was provision in law to get this done even now and that the case should be reopened to ensure justice to the foreign national, Grewal claimed.

Earlier, senior leader Bikram Majithia while speaking on the occasion, said it was unfortunate that ministers Manpreet Badal and Navjot Sidhu were "befooling" Punjabis.

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He asked Manpreet to explain if he was cheating people by promising them Rs 90,000 crore loan waiver when he had no intention of keeping his promise.

Majithia said similarly Sidhu was resorting to a new "drama" every day even as he failed to make any contribution to the state. PTI COR CHS ANB

--- ENDS ---
A man is recovering in hospital after being shot several times while talking to his girlfriend outside a house in Sydney's west.

Mohammed Shamery, 21, was outside the Merrylands house about 8.30pm on Wednesday when he was shot a number of times in the leg.

Police were told the gunman fired shots at the man before getting into a white Audi 5 with two other men and driving away.

The car, believed to be stolen, was found burnt out in Chester Hill a few hours later.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the victim at the scene before taking him to Westmead Hospital where his is in a stable condition.
The police officers did not know whether they were attending to a shooting or a stabbing when they were called to a house in Riverwood, in Sydney's south, shortly before midnight on January 3 last year, so they wore their bulletproof vests.

But as they entered the granny flat where the event had occurred, the scene that confronted them was that of a woman cradling the head and upper body of a man, who lay prostrate in her arms while she held a white towel over his chest.

Qian Liu arrives at the NSW Supreme Court, where she is standing trial for murder. Credit:Daniel Munoz

"It's all right," the woman, Qian Liu, replied when asked what had happened, a court heard on Wednesday.

"We had an argument. I stabbed him. We argued and I was mad. Is there an ambulance coming?"
Serial child killer Kathleen Folbigg was "stressed" about the status of a judicial review of her case when she "snapped" and punched a fellow inmate in the stomach during an argument over a toaster in a protection wing at Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre, Newcastle District Court has heard.

Folbigg, 50, who is 14 years into a 25-year minimum jail term for killing her four children, appeared in court on Wednesday via audio visual link [AVL] from Cessnock Correctional Centre to appeal the severity of the four-month jail term she received for common assault.

Kathleen Folbigg said she was "stressed" when she "snapped" and punched a fellow inmate. Credit:Anita Jones

Perched on a chair in a tiny AVL suite, the Singleton woman had her hair cut short and wore a green prison-issued jumper.

In 2003, a NSW Supreme Court jury found Folbigg guilty of murdering three of her babies, and guilty of the manslaughter of another.
Two men have been found guilty over the death and sexual assault of Lynette Daley on a remote northern NSW beach nearly seven years ago.

Ms Daley, 33, died from injuries sustained in the violent sex act with her "'on-again-off-again" boyfriend Adrian Attwater, 42, and Paul Maris, 47, on a 2011 Australia Day camping trip to Ten Mile Beach.

Following a five-week trial at the Coffs Harbour Supreme Court, a jury on Wednesday found Attwater guilty of manslaughter and aggravated sexual assault, and Maris guilty of aggravated sexual assault and hindering the discovery of evidence.

An autopsy found Ms Daley died from blood loss from horrific internal and external injuries after a violent sex act was performed on her.
The Jewish vote has become a battleground in a heated council campaign in Sydney's eastern suburbs, spurring claims the Liberal Party has sought to use the Jewish community as "political pawns."

At the centre of the furore is a Liberal Party flyer, which has been slammed as "sectarian" and "offensive" by Labor, who claim it was distributed with the intention of damaging Labor's standing within Waverley's Jewish community.

Waverley mayor Sally Betts has stood by a controversial pamphlet distributed by the Liberal Party during the council election campaign. Credit:Sarah Keayes

The flyer, which was endorsed by the Liberal Party's Waverley branch was dropped into thousands of letter boxes across the Waverley council electorate, ahead of Saturday's council election.

Aimed at Waverley's large Jewish population, where over 17 per cent of residents identify their religion as Judaism, the flyer juxtaposes a list of Liberal Party positions and policies concerning the Jewish community, with those purportedly held by Labor and the Greens
Saumya Shahmardani's husband was relaxing in the sun in the courtyard of their Parramatta home when he realised he had company.

"He just spotted a red-bellied black snake very close to him, also sunbathing," she said. "The snake wasn't doing anything but I have a toddler and I was really worried about his safety."

Snakes are most active during the spring and summer, breeding and hunting for food in the warmer weather - and they don't just stay in the bush.

But there is another reason they are becoming more prevalent in Sydney's suburbs: urban development.
A former Brisbane financial planner has pleaded guilty to more than 20 fraud charges relating to the misuse of about $10 million in former clients' self- managed superannuation funds.

Bradley Thomas Sherwin was arraigned in the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to 24 counts of fraud with a circumstance of aggravation.

Bradley Thomas Sherwin was arraigned in the Brisbane District Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to 24 counts of aggravated fraud and one count of dishonestly failing to exercise his duties as a company director. Credit:Darren England

He also pleaded guilty to one count of dishonestly failing to exercise his duties as a company director.

Before his fortunes turned, Sherwin was the principal of Sherwin Financial Planners and chairman of Wickham Securities, which both folded in 2013 with a combined $60 million owing to creditors.
Speaker Peter Wellington has issued a stern warning to Queensland politicians following accusations an MP invited a guest who "posed a risk" into the parliamentary precinct.

It is understood the independent member for Cairns Rob Pyne signed Petros Khalesirad into the Queensland Parliament on Monday.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga with her husband Wayne. Credit:Queensland Labor

Mr Khalesirad had previously pleaded not guilty to stalking member for Keppel Brittany Lauga, with the case adjourned until December.

It was alleged the Rockhampton freelance journalist harassed Ms Lauga online.
You tell me whether this wanna-be Catholic priest should be sacked or not.

Five years ago, in 2012, as complaints against the church flooded in and the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse was announced, he took a fondness to an altar girl.

Is this the type of person the Catholic Church should be celebrating, as the stench of abuse continues to keep young people away from the church?

By the standards of some in the church, it amounted to inappropriate touching; a foolish and serious mistake where he touched a girl on the back and squeezed her shoulders. He also followed her down to a change room, where he asked why she wasnt getting changed there.

To her family, it amounted to so much more than that. He had also squeezed her around the hips, and followed, or stalked, her - an accusation amounting to sexual abuse. Thats supported by the wording in the Towards Healing document which defines sexual abuse as any kind of harassment, molestation, and any other conduct of a sexual nature which is inconsistent with the integrity of a pastoral relationship.
An Epping man has told of jumping from the second floor of his home as he fled four balaclava-wearing armed men who were smashing their way through the front door in one of two terrifying home invasions in Melbourne's outer north this week.

"This is a movie, this is something surreal, I'd never imagined this was going to happen to me, ever," John, 35, who asked not to have his surname published, said on Thursday.

"I just jumped out the window, the adrenalin kicked in, I didn't feel any pain. I jumped over the fence and ran through on gravel and everything with bare feet."

In an earlier home invasion that police believe was linked to the Epping raid, three men armed with a handgun and metal poles burst into a Mount View Road, Thomastown, home about 12.40am on Tuesday and demanded drugs.
By India Today Web Desk: From a contestant on the reality show Bigg Boss to a bona fide Bollywood star with millions of fans, Sunny Leone has come a long way since she decided to make a career in India in 2011. The actor got candid on a recent podcast about her journey from Karenjit to Sunny and her dorky side. Here are 5 revelations made by her on the show:

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1. Sunny Leone was boycotted at an award function in her early days

Sunny has not had an easy journey in Bollywood. Perhaps it was because of her past as an adult star that B-Towners maintained their distance from her at an award show in her early days. When most refused to go up on stage with her, Chunky Panday graciously came to her rescue. Sunny said that she was new and perhaps people perceived her as "shady".

"I think there is some sense of curiosity. Plus, at that moment, there were probably many women who didn't like me. I'm okay with that, I don't really care. But it was weird to sit there, and I was sitting there for very long because they couldn't find somebody to go on stage with me," she said.

2. Sunny Leone has no real friends in Bollywood

By her own confession, Sunny is poles apart from her onscreen persona. "What I find is that people get so weird and shallow...it's not me that they want to get to know, it's someone else," she said, when asked if she has any real friends in Bollywood. However, Sunny has found some great pals in her Splitsvilla co-host Rannvijay Singh as well as VJ Andy.

3. When Sunny first met her now-husband Daniel, he thought she was dating her lesbian friend

Sunny Leone and Daniel Weber have been happily married for more than six years. But did you know when they first met, he thought she was dating her lesbian friend Reena? Sunny revealed that when she was recently single, she decided to go to a club in Las Vegas with Reena. This is where Sunny first met Daniel. Trouble is, Reena did not dress in a very feminine manner, and Daniel mistook her as Sunny's girlfriend.

Thankfully, misconceptions were cleared and Daniel decided to ask Sunny out, because the rest, as they say, is history.

4. Sunny was "shaking from being overwhelmed" in Kochi

When Sunny Leone arrived in Kochi for an event, thousands of fans showed up just to catch a glimpse of her. In fact, the "sea of love", as Sunny calls it, gave rise to a bunch of memes. Some even shamed the people of Kochi for turning up in hordes for Sunny. The Ek Paheli Leela actor said that she was really angry when the city and its people were called names.

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"They had nothing but love and respect. Their crowding wasn't an aggressive or negative crowding; they were happy," Sunny said, adding that she was "shaking from being overwhelmed".

5. No political career for Sunny Leone

It is not uncommon for actors to enter politics, and given her huge pull with the audience, it is safe to say that Sunny would get a lot of votes if she were to follow their footsteps. However, she has no political ambitions whatsoever, and said, "I don't think entertainers should get into politics."

ALSO SEE: Sunny Leone shares a passionate kiss with husband Daniel Weber

ALSO SEE: Sunny Leone's bathtub pictures with Daniel Weber are too hot to handle

ALSO WATCH: Sunny Leone's sexy moves

--- ENDS ---
A man who admitted raping and murdering six-year-old Kylie Maybury in 1984 has been attacked in jail, with boiling water poured on his groin.

In the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday morning, Gregory Keith Davies' defence lawyer David Gibson asked for an extension of time before his client's plea hearing and sentence.

Gregory Keith Davies is recovering after having boiling water poured on his groin in prison Credit:Jason South

Davies, who is still being treated and is in "extreme discomfort", did not appear in court.

Kylie had walked to the shops in suburban Preston East to buy sugar for her mother but never returned.
Allegations that hundreds of thousands of dollars have been rorted from MPs' printing budgets to pay for ALP memberships have fuelled a chaotic session in State Parliament, with both sides accusing the other of impropriety.

Question time in the lower house erupted in roars from both sides as accusations of criminal behaviour flew across the chamber.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy asked Premier Daniel Andrews whether Keilor East printing company FM Printing had been used by Labor MPs to "fraudulently produce invoices for printing they haven't done" to siphon-off taxpayer money to pay for Labor party memberships.

Mr Andrews replied that no one would take "lectures on probity" from Mr Guy.
Victoria faces a higher risk of blackouts this summer due to a shortage of reserve power in the national energy market.

Australia's energy market operator, AEMO, has warned that the nation faces an "increased risk of energy shortfall over the next 10 years", and that the biggest risk of blackouts is in Victoria and South Australia in 2017-18.

Victoria faces a 39-43 per cent risk of energy shortfalls this summer. Credit:Max Mason-Hubers

The risk of power shortfalls over the next decade is driven by the possibility of extended summer heatwaves, and the risk of an unplanned loss of output from major generation sources, including coal-fired power, wind and solar.

"The overall responsiveness and resilience of the system is at risk," the market operator said in its 10-year forecast of the nation's energy outlook, released on Wednesday.
Highly flammable polyethelene cladding  used on thousands of Australian skyscrapers in the past two decades  must be immediately banned from sale and importation, a Senate inquiry into dodgy building products has recommended in the wake of London's deadly Grenfell fire.

The Senate inquiry into non-conforming building products in the Australian construction industry handed down its interim report on Wednesday, demanding builders immediately stop the use of the flammable aluminium cladding on towers across Australia.

Fire raced up Dockland's Lacrosse tower in 2014 in just 15 minutes, as flammable aluminium cladding caught alight. Credit:MFB

"This product, polyethelene core panelling, it should be treated like asbestos and banned at the border," said Senator Kim Carr, one of the members of the inquiry.

An estimated 10,000 Australian high and medium-rise buildings have the cladding on their exteriors.
Labor has again found itself embroiled in a branch-stacking controversy in its western suburbs heartland, unproven but with a familiar, unsavoury smell.

Khalil Eideh is a senior member of Labor's upper house team, with more than 10 years' experience in the Victorian parliament, but the Lebanese-born MP had a remarkably low profile until the Donald Trump administration blocked his entry to the US in July.

The late George Seitz, branch-stacker extraordinaire. Credit:Craig Abraham

On Wednesday he was accused by Liberal leader Matthew Guy in Question Time of being part of an elaborate rort, in which MPs' printing budgets were fraudulently used to pay for party membership fees.

The allegations have come from anonymous Labor members, and initial reports did not name Mr Eideh, but Mr Guy used parliamentary privilege to single out the western metropolitan MP and deputy president of the legislative council as complicit in the alleged scam.
A senior Labor MP has come under intense pressure to respond to allegations that his office was involved in rorting taxpayer funds allocated for printing.

While the claims against Upper House deputy president Khalil Eideh remain unproven, the Andrews government conceded the behaviour, if true, could not be defended.

Labor MP Khalil Eideh, left, with Senator Kim Carr at Melbourne Airport in July. Credit:Luis Enrique Ascui

The Victorian Parliament is now investigating claims that the printing budgets of some MPs were instead funnelled into paying ALP memberships.

State Parliament erupted in chaos on Wednesday as each side accused the other of impropriety.
Schoolchildren across Western Australia may be exposed to lead-contaminated water because the same plumbing materials plaguing Perth Children's Hospital could also be in schools, an expert has warned.

Peter McCafferty, chief executive of the state-run ChemCentre, told a parliamentary inquiry on Wednesday the same brass fittings responsible for leaching lead into the drinking water supply at the beleaguered project were probably used in schools across the state.

The same brass fittings responsible for leaching lead into the drinking water supply at the beleaguered project were probably used in schools across the state.

Schools were at an even greater risk of lead leaching due to water stagnation over the long summer holiday period, he said.

Mr McCafferty recommended flushing pipes before the start of every school year.
The RAC Rescue Helicopter has taken one person to hospital after a two car crash on Indian Ocean Drive on Tuesday morning.

The incident is believed to have occurred at around 11.35am near the intersection of Lancelin Road in Karakin.

The RAC helicopter was called to assist. Credit:Mathew Hayes

It is believed firefighters freed two people who had become trapped in the wreckage.

One person has been rushed to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment.
Loyola Marymount University student and dreamer Maria Carolina Gomez joins a rally in Los Angeles in support of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Credit:AP He declared: "The policy was implemented unilaterally, to great controversy and legal concern  [Obama] deliberately sought to achieve what the legislative branch specifically refused to authorise on multiple occasions." Claiming to be delivering on Trump's campaign promise to end DACA immediately, Sessions added: "We are people of compassion, and we are people of law, but there is nothing compassionate about the failure to enforce immigration law." US President Donald Trump. Credit:Bloomberg Only a quarter of the 800,000-plus DACA beneficiaries are expected to be able to renew their two-year permits in the coming six months, meaning that, if Congress can't agree on a new deal, as many as 600,000 would be liable for deportation to countries of which they know little and the languages of which they have only a smattering.

By some recent opinion polls, public support for DACA is as high as the mid-70s, but it is loathed among Trump's rusted-on supporters. Attorney-General Jeff Sessions said Americans had rejected an "open border" policy. Credit:AP In a statement, Obama said: "It is precisely because this action is contrary to our spirit, and to common sense, that business leaders, faith leaders, economists, and Americans of all political stripes called on the administration not to do what it did today. "This is about young people who grew up in America - kids who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag. People hold up a banner during an event in Las Vegas to protest against President Donald Trump's decision to revoke the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Credit:AP

"These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper. They were brought to this country by their parents, sometimes even as infants. They may not know a country besides ours. They may not even know a language besides English. They often have no idea they're undocumented until they apply for a job, or college, or a driver's license." Denouncing Trump's decision as wrong, cruel and self-defeating, Obama ripped into his successor as he explained his own executive decision: "And because it made no sense to expel talented, driven, patriotic young people from the only country they know  my administration acted to lift the shadow of deportation  so that they could continue to contribute to our communities and our country." Freighted with political calculations, the decision will be welcomed neither by Trump's most ardent supporters, who wanted a simple and immediate shutdown, nor by moderate Republicans and a sweep of business, faith, education and other lobbies that have demanded that DACA be preserved. More than 400 big-name chief executives have signed a petition demanding continued protection for dreamers. The timeline for the wind-down and any congressional debate feeds into the primary ballots that precede the 2018 mid-term elections, which means that Republican lawmakers will be wary of being seen to be soft on DACA, lest they face a hard-right challenge for their party nomination. And the administration and some in Congress, who will want to parade their hardline credentials, can be relied on to demand that the passage of any DACA II that might be put to a Congressional vote be coupled with funding for Trump's border wall or some other immigration crackdown.

Trump, on the other hand, seems to be setting up Congress as the fall guy. If lawmakers can't decide on a replacement program, he will blame Congress, not his administration, for killing off DACA, the beneficiaries of which he described in February as "these incredible kids", insisting: "I love these kids. I love kids! I have kids and grandkids." And though Trump is not one to be constrained by past utterances, he also spoke enthusiastically of DACA in 2011, telling a TV interviewer: "You have people in this country for 20 years. They've done a great job, they've done wonderfully, they've gone to school, they've gotten good marks [and] they're productive. Now we're supposed to send them out of the country? I don't believe in that." And by Tuesday evening, it seemed that Trump did want to be seen to be in charge. The immigration activist group United We Dream tweeted: "No Donald - you don't get to wash your hands. You have the power to keep DACA until Congress passes clean bill #defendDACA."

Vanita Gupta, president of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, described the decision as "inhumane, cruel and shameful". She told reporters: "There is no legal, ethical or moral justification for ending DACA, which is a lawful program. President Trump manufactured this unnecessary crisis. Congress must now act immediately to pass the Dream Act without any partisan, divisive amendments to permanently protect these young people." Explaining the timing of the decision, the White House explained that Tuesday was the deadline set by a group of states, including Texas, that were threatening a legal challenge on DACA, which Sessions recently informed Trump he would not defend in court. Now, Trump faces a challenge from Democrat-controlled states. In a joint statement, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and his Attorney General Eric Schneiderman warned: "New York State will sue to protect the 'dreamers' and the state's sovereign interest in the fair and equal application of the law.

"Ending this policy represents an assault on the values that built this state and this nation ... upend[ing] the lives of hundreds of thousands of young people  including roughly 42,000 New Yorkers. It will rip families apart, sow havoc in our communities and force innocent people - our neighbours, our friends, and our relatives - to live in fear." Even as Trump duck-shoved the issue to Sessions and to Congress, there were reports that perhaps the President didn't quite understand what he'd done. As reported by The New York Times: "As late as one hour before the decision was to be announced, administration officials privately expressed concern that Mr. Trump might not fully grasp the details of the steps he was about to take, and when he discovered their full impact." Loading Administration assurances that DACA records - including beneficiaries' addresses, social security numbers and their admissions that they were in the country illegally - would not be passed to immigration enforcement officers were met with scepticism  and warnings by legal experts that to do so would constitute entrapment.
Phnom Penh: A second Australian man has been arrested in an undercover police sting for allegedly selling illicit drugs in the Cambodian coastal city of Sihanoukville.

Dino Rossetto's arrest comes only weeks after Sydney man Mark Robert Coutelas, a one-time star of Solo Man soft-drink advertising in Australia, was arrested in a similar operation.

Police say they confiscated a package of addictive substances, a scale and a bottle from the room of Australian Dino Rossetto. Credit:Cambodia Police

Police provincial drug officer Chum Sokunthy said Mr Rossetto, 50, from Orange, NSW, faces charges relating to offering to sell a $US70 ($87) package of drugs to an undercover officer.



Police seized further 40 grams of the drug and scales from Mr Rossetto's room.

Police also allege he was an active distributor of crystal methamphetamine in nightclubs and beaches.
Present laws, under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP), do not allow abortion after 20 weeks.

The minor girl's mother had moved the apex court, seeking its permission to terminate the pregnancy of her daughter. (Image for representation)

By India Today Web Desk: The Supreme Court today allowed the termination of a 31-week-old pregnancy of a 13-year-old rape survivor. The rape survivor will undergo abortion on September 8 at Mumbai's JJ Hospital.

"How can a 13 year old become a mother?" questioned Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. The minor girl's mother had moved the apex court, seeking its permission to terminate the pregnancy of her daughter.

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The matter had come to light when the girl's family took her to a local doctor to know the reason behind her bloated stomach. The doctor advised them to get her utra-sound test done. The test revealed that the girl was pregnant.

The accused had been arrested from Charkop in suburban Kandivali and was booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Earlier, on July 28, the top court had rejected a petition, on medical grounds, filed by another 10-year-old rape victim, who sought permission to terminate her 32-week-old pregnancy.

In the last hearing, the apex court directed the Chandigarh administration to give immediate financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to the victim and her mother.

The order came after reviewing the medical reports, which said, abortion would neither be good for the girl, nor for the foetus.

Present laws, under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MTP), do not allow abortion after 20 weeks.

(With inputs from Anusha Soni in New Delhi)

Also Read:

Chandigarh: 10-year-old rape survivor denied abortion by Supreme Court gives birth to a girl

Supreme Court rules out abortion for 10-year-old rape survivor due to medical reasons

Also Watch:

DCW issues notice to school that barred rape-survivor student from attending classes

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IRMA strongest Hurricane in the Atlantic packing 185MPH

Hurricane Irma, a dangerous Category 5 hurricane, is currently blasting the islands of St. Martin and Anguilla. Irma is now heading toward the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hispanola, the Bahamas and Cuba before posing a serious threat to Florida and parts of the Southeast beginning this weekend.

Irma first passed over Barbuda, an island of 1600 residents, with gusts of at least 155 mph overnight into Wednesday morning. Early Wednesday morning, the eye of Irma then moved over St. Martin and Anguilla, where sustained winds of 117 mph were measured.

Irma became the strongest hurricane in the Atlantic basin, outside of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, on record on Tuesday morning, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Below is everything we know about Irma right now, including its latest status, along with potential forecast impacts in the U.S. and the Caribbean Islands.



Irma's Latest Status, Timing

The center of Irma is located around 15 miles east of St. Martin and 15 miles west-southwest of Anguilla and is moving west-northwestward at about 15 mph.

Irma moved directly over the island of Barbuda between 1 and 2 a.m. AST, bringing sustained winds of 118 mph before the anemometer broke. Pressure dropped to 916 mb before the barometer on the automated station also broke. A storm surge of about eight feet was also recorded.

Irma's maximum sustained winds are steady at 185 mph based on data from NOAA and Air Force Hurricane Hunter aircraft. Based on wind speed, Irma is the strongest Atlantic hurricane since Wilma in 2005 which also had maximum sustained winds of 185 mph.

Additionally, Irma is just the 5th Atlantic hurricane to have maximum sustained winds of 185 mph or greater, according to Dr. Phil Klotzbach, a tropical scientist at Colorado State University. Hurricane Allen occupies the top spot with 190 mph winds in 1980.

Hurricane warnings have been issued for the northern Leeward Islands, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This includes Antigua, Barbuda, Anguilla, Montserrat, St. Kitts, Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius, Sint Maarten, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, Guadeloupe, Vieques and Culebra.

Additionally, a tropical storm warning is in effect for the southern coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano westward to the border with Haiti.

A hurricane watch is also in effect for the north coast Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Le Mole St. Nicholas, Cuba from Matanzas Province eastward to Guantanamo Province and the central Bahamas.

Low wind shear, increased mid-level moisture and ample oceanic-heat content favor that Irma will remain a powerful hurricane (Category 4 or stronger) for the next several days, though some intensity fluctuations are likely at times. At this intensity, small deviations in wind speed will not change impacts. A direct hit will be catastrophic.

For the next five days, Irma will move west-northwest on the south side of a ridge of high pressure called the Bermuda high, centered in the central Atlantic.

By this weekend, Irma will begin to turn north in the direction of a departing southward dip in the jet stream that will set up in the eastern United States. Where that northward turn occurs will be critical for what impacts Irma may bring to parts of the southeastern United States.

Here's a general overview of the timing for impacts from Irma into this weekend.

Potential Impact Timing

Leeward Islands: through Wednesday

Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands: Wednesday-early Thursday; tropical storm force winds will arrive during the early morning hours

Dominican Republic/Haiti: late Wednesday-Thursday; tropical storm force winds will arrive Wednesday night or early Thursday

Turks and Caicos: Late Thursday-Friday

Bahamas: Friday-this weekend; tropical storm force winds may arrive as early as late Thursday

Cuba: Friday-this weekend; tropical storm force winds will may arrive as early as Thursday night

Southeast United States: This weekend into early next week, beginning in south Florida Saturday.



Forecast: Leeward Islands

Leeward Islands

Irma will make a direct hit on the northern Leeward Islands through Wednesday morning as a Category 5 hurricane, the strongest to hit that area since Lenny in 1999. Islands that are most likely to take a direct hit by the eyewall of Irma are Barbuda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin and Anguilla.

Destructive winds, capable of widespread tree damage, long-lived power outages, and structural devastation can be expected. Storm-surge flooding, high surf and rip currents will also be dangers, and heavy rain could contribute to flooding and mudslides, as well.

The NHC says that a storm surge of 7 to 11 feet above normal tide levels is possible in the extreme northern Leeward Islands near and north of where the center tracks. Battering waves will ride atop the surge, capable of additional damage and erosion at the coast.

Rainfall totals in the Leeward Islands may total 8 to 12 inches, with locally 20 inches in spots, especially in elevated spots.

Conditions should improve by Wednesday night.

Weather.com Report



Click here to view photos of the damage done by Hurricane Irma.
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This photo of Sushmita Sen with her daughter Renee is the best thing you'll see today.

By India Today Web Desk: It's been 18 years since Renee entered Sushmita Sen's life, and the actor calls it a 'night of epiphany'. Sen, who made heads turn 18 years ago by adopting a girl child, is a happy mom. And as her daughter turned 18 recently, Sushmita couldn't contain her happiness and posted an endearing message for her daughter on her special day.

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Sen, who partied hard with Renee, took to Instagram to give a glimpse into the celebration, and wrote, "We are #Eighteen. A night of #epiphany. my petite #firstlove turned #18yrsold yesterday as I turned 18yrs old as a #maa. what a journey it's been!!!!Happyyyyyy Birthday My beautiful Rene Shona, welcome to being an Adult!!!! May God always fill your life with great health, happiness and courage, may you saunter through life in those #stilettos in great balance!!! bring it on Renster!!! I love you..beyond!!!! Maa. cheers (sic)"

If Sushmita looked ravishing in a black dress, her daughter too made a pretty picture in a peach outfit.

Here she is!!????????ThankU all 4 ur precious wishes!! Rene turns 18 n I celebrate being a #maa for 18 memorable yrs!???????To life n my 1st love??? pic.twitter.com/b5ix4gH6Ex- sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) September 5, 2017

Sushmita, a doting mom, adopted Renee when the actor was only 25. In 2010, Sen adopted her second daughter Alisah.

ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan charms Sushmita Sen's daughters Renee and Alisah

ALSO READ: These adorable photos of Sushmita Sen with daughters Renee and Alisah will wipe off your Monday blues

ALSO WATCH: Sushmita Sen gets candid about marriage

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By Bhupinder S. Liddar

New Canadian Media

Nestled in the scenic and stunning rolling dry desert hills and mirror lakes of Okanagan Valley in beautiful British Columbia is the town of Oliver  the wine capital of Canada!

Olivers population of 5,000 is made up of about 1,000 Sikhs. If one drives along the towns Main Street, one is bound to see a turbaned Sikh or a Sikh lady in Punjabi dress, as well as the Sikh Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship). And as one proceeds through the scenic Okanagan Valley one is struck by the greenery of wineries and fruit orchards, and depending on the time of the summer, one will drive by cherry, peach, apple, and perhaps prune trees all along Highway 97.

Olivers Mayor Ron Hovanes describes his town as an authentic farming community. Other than driving along the fruit-tree-lined highway, one can pull into one of the many wineries for tasting, buying, or even a meal.

The Sikhs started migrating and buying orchards and vineyards in Oliver and the Okanagan Valley about three decades ago. Farming is in the Sikh genes. Their ancestral home state of Punjab is the breadbasket of India. Sikhs are also successful farmers in Australia, Kenya, Fiji, among other countries.

The Sikhs bought orchards/vineyards predominantly from the Portuguese, who had migrated here in the 1950s. Mayor Hovanes explains the origins of Oliver are in the irrigation canal built in 1926 under British Columbia Premier John Oliver, after whom the town is named. The intent was to settle returning British veterans of the First World War.

The British migrants were followed by Germans in the 1930s and Hungarians in the 1940s and 1950s. Sikhs own about 70 per cent of orchards and wineries. The average holding is about 1012 acres, and according to farmer Bhupinder Singh Karwasra, an acre generates an income of about $8,000 to $10,000. Prices of land have doubled or tripled since Sikhs first bought land at $4,000 an acre.

Apart from farming, Sikhs are venturing into other trades and commercial enterprises. Paramjit Singh Chauhan owns and operates East India Meat Shop on Highway 97, down the road from Oliver. Similarly, Surjit Singh Aulakh this month set up a hairdresser shop on Olivers Main Street.

Oliver-born Baljeet S. Dhaliwal, a graduate of Simon Fraser University, is now a manager at one of BC Tree Fruits packinghouses. Others, such as Toor twin brothers  Randy and Jessie, have set up an 80-acre, state-of-the-art Desert Hills Estate Winery on what was once an apple orchard. They are the second Sikh family to settle in the area, in the footsteps of Major Dhaliwal. The Toor brothers, from Village of Ucha Jattana, immigrated from India to Canada in 1982 and settled in Winnipeg. On the urging of their sister Lucky Gill, who is involved in the hospitality industry, they moved to Oliver in 1988. Randy Toor was elected to one term on Oliver Town council in 2005.

Olivers major communities  indigenous, Portuguese, Caucasian, and Sikhs live in silos, with little or no informal social interaction other than in schools, shopping centres and workplaces. Mohinder Singh Gill, president of the Sikh Gurdwara, attributes this partly to lack of English speaking skills among Sikhs. For instance, the Sikh seniors meet at the Gurdwara instead of going to the central seniors centre.

The indigenous Osoyoos people, almost all live on a reservation adjoining Oliver.

Punjabi was offered at Oliver High School until recently and the search is on for a Punjabi instructor.

Fortunately, days of ugly racism are almost over, though I was told of schoolyard fights among indigenous, Sikh and white students.

According to Mayor Hovanes, there is no overt racial tension, and former Town councillor Randy Toor observes there is very little evidence of racism and it is fading away.

The future looks promising for the Sikh community in Oliver, though many young Sikhs are opting to head to urban areas and into professions other than farming. But for now, most Sikhs make up a dynamic, vibrant and growing community in Oliver and the Okanagan Valley.

Bhupinder S. Liddar is a Kenya-born Sikh and a retired Canadian diplomat.

This piece was originally appeared in New Canadian Media.

See http://forum.newcanadianmedia.ca/component/k2/42156-sikhs-make-world-go-round-in-oliver
India and Canada will jointly issue commemorative postage stamps on the theme of Diwali, the Indian government announced.

The stamps will be released on September 21 as per a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the postal departments of the two countries.

India and Canada have a long-standing close relationship based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, equality for all and rule of law. Strong people-to-people contacts and the presence of a large Indian Diaspora in Canada provide a strong foundation for the relationship, said a statement from the Indian government.

It said the theme of Diwali was chosen considering the large presence of Indian Diaspora in Canada.

The decision on the issue was first made in February this year after a meeting between BV Sudhakar, secretary, department of posts, India, and Deepak Chopra, the Canada Post president. Chopra is a Canadian of Indian descent.

The stamps will be released in celebration of Diwali and of Canadas 150th anniversary, Canada Post had said then in a statement.

Issuing a joint stamp celebrating Diwali is a meaningful way to recognise the importance of this relationship to both countries, Sudhakar was quoted as saying at the time. Chopra had said then, This stamp  to mark the festival of Diwali  is Canada Posts first joint issue with India. Not only will it represent our countrys proud diversity, it will celebrate the close bond between both countries.

It was announced that both India and Canada will come up with a design each, and both stamps will be issued at the same time. Canada Post director of stamp services Jim Phillips said both versions of the stamps will be available in both nations, the publication added. The stamps, which will be in general circulation, will be valid for 10 years.

This is, however, not the first stamp released in Canada on the occasion of the Diwali festival. Two stamps on the theme were issued in 2011, but since they were not meant for mass circulation, they are not available any more. The stamps that will be out in September will, however, be like any other ordinary stamp. People will be use them for Canadian and Indian mail.

Canada had also released a postage stamp on the theme of Eid earlier this year, and will come up with one for the Jewish festival of Hanukkah as well.
Notebook: Notre Dame keeps blocking punts, WR Braden Lenzy hauls in amazing TD catch

Jack Kiser became the sixth different player with a blocked punt this year for Notre Dame.
NIA carries out raids at various parts of Srinagar, Delhi and Gurgaon in connection with the hawala terror funding case.

By India Today Web Desk: In an ongoing probe into the terror funding case in the Valley, the National Investigating Agency conducted searches at 11 locations in Srinagar and five places in Delhi.

"The raids have been carried out in several places in Delhi, Srinagar and Gurugram in connection with terror funding. There are links of hawala operators, funders and cross LoC traders have emerged based on which raids are being conducted," DG NIA Sharad Kumar said.

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India Today's sting in May this year first exposed how Hurriyat leaders were receiving funding from Pakistan to stoke unrest and kill people in the Kashmir Valley.

Seven seperatists leaders were then arrested in July.

Among the leaders arrested are Syed Ali Shah Geelani's son-in-law Altaf Shah, Nayeem Khan, Ayaz kbar Khanday, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Peer Saifullah (all from Geelani's faction of Hurriyat), Shahid-ul-Islam (of the Hurriyat faction led by the Mirwaiz) and Bitta Karatay (Farooq Ahmed Dar) of a faction of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front.

Also Read

India Today Impact: Naeem Khan, Bitta Karate, 5 other separatists arrested by NIA over Pak funding of terror

Caught on Camera: How Pakistan funds Kashmiri separatists to burn the Valley - India Today Exclusive

WATCH VIDEO | NIA raids 11 locations in Srinagar, 5 in Delhi and Gurgaon in terror funding case

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By PTI: Hospital

Mumbai, Sep 6 (PTI) The Tata Memorial Hospital here, one of the biggest cancer hospitals in the country, today sought the governments intervention to counter the "behind-the- scenes campaign by the tobacco lobby to stall anti-tobacco initiatives".

"We seek the governments intervention to counter a behind-the-scenes campaign by the tobacco lobby to stall anti-tobacco initiatives," Tata Memorial Hospitals Director (Academics) Dr Kailash Sharma wrote in a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

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He claimed that an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report on anti-tobacco activities in India said restrictions on tobacco use would encourage the consumption of more injurious "toxicants" such as alcohol and narcotics and highlighted the "adverse economic impact of the forced closure of tobacco- related farming/industry on 3.5 crore people".

"I have been following the reports that the intelligence wing of your ministry has labelled tobacco control as an unhealthy activity. Please investigate if the report has been instigated by the tobacco lobby to derail the efforts of the government," a statement from the hospital quoted Dr Sharma as saying.

He questioned the use of the phrase, "anti-tobacco lobbying", in the report, saying that the so-called lobbying saved lives.

"The IB report conveniently ignores certain facts. International tobacco industries have also hugely invested in Indias cigarette companies. The Indian tobacco industry has consistently challenged the countrys tobacco control policy in several courts," Dr Sharma said.

"Tobacco is responsible for nearly 50 per cent cancer cases in India and 90 per cent of mouth cancers. Half of the mouth cancer patients die within 12 months of diagnosis. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco addiction is a disease," said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, professor and surgeon, Tata Memorial Hospital, in the statement. PTI AP KRK RC

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The pharmacy at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital was one of the biggest donors to this year's Stuff the Bus campaign. In this photo, Darrell Willm, pharmacy director, and Kelly Edwards, assistant director, have some fun "driving" supplies collected by the department.
By PTI: President Donald Trump defended his decision to scrap an amnesty programme that granted work permits to 800,000 people, including Indians, who arrived in the US illegally as children, saying "American workers" must come first and the move was in the country's best interest.

Trump's Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced to rescind DACA (Deferred Action for Children Arrival), a move likely to impact more than 7,000 Indian-Americans.

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"As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognise that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws," Trump said in a statement after his decision to end the amnesty invited widespread criticism.

He said that in the best interests of the country, and in keeping with the obligations of his office, the Department of Homeland Security will begin an orderly transition and wind- down of DACA, one that provides minimum disruption.

"While new applications for work permits will not be accepted, all existing work permits will be honored until their date of expiration up to two full years from today. Furthermore, applications already in the pipeline will be processed, as will renewal applications for those facing near-term expiration," Trump explained.

"This is a gradual process, not a sudden phase out. Permits will not begin to expire for another six months, and will remain active for up to 24 months. Thus, in effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," the president said.

Congress, he said, now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first.

"Our first and highest priority in advancing immigration reform must be to improve jobs, wages and security for American workers and their families," Trump said.

"We are facing the symptom of a larger problem, illegal immigration, along with the many other chronic immigration problems Washington has left unsolved. We must reform our green card system, which now favors low-skilled immigration and puts immense strain on US taxpayers," he said.

"We must base future immigration on merit ? we want those coming into the country to be able to support themselves financially, to contribute to our economy, and to love our country and the values it stands for. Under a merit-based system, citizens will enjoy higher employment, rising wages, and a stronger middle class," he added.

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Senators Tom Cotton and David Perdue have introduced the RAISE Act, which would establish this merit-based system and produce lasting gains for the American People, Trump said.

With widespread protest against his decision, Trump assured the country that he will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion ? but through the lawful Democratic process ? while at the same time ensuring that any immigration reform his administration adopts provides enduring benefits for the American citizens they were elected to serve.

"We must also have heart and compassion for unemployed, struggling, and forgotten Americans," he said.

Earlier in the day, Sessions sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security explaining that DACA was not statutorily authorised and was therefore an unconstitutional exercise of discretion by the executive branch.

The White House said Sessions found that DACA, given pending litigation, would likely face the same outcome as the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programme, which was enjoined by the courts.

"The Trump Administration is taking responsible action to wind down DACA in an orderly and minimally disruptive manner. If President Trump allowed DACA to go to court, it is likely that the court would abruptly enjoin the programme," it said.

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If Trump had refused to act, many States were prepared to pursue litigation to end DACA by court order, it added.

Under the change announced today, current DACA recipients generally will not be impacted until after March 5, 2018, six months from now. That period of time gives Congress the opportunity to consider appropriate legislative solutions.

"DHS enforcement priorities remain in place. However, absent a law enforcement interest ? which is largely the standard that has been in place since the inception of the program ? the Department will generally not take actions to remove active DACA recipients," it said.

Also Read

After North Korea's nuclear test, Trump gives 'conceptual approval' for South to buy weapons worth billions from US

Here's why Pakistan had to reject the BRICS declaration even though it wasn't named

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By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Sep 6 (PTI) US President Donald Trump discussed the latest nuclear test by North Korea this week with the British and Australian leaders as part of his outreach to international leaders, the White House said today.

Trump, in his separate phone calls to Theresa May and Malcolm Turnbull yesterday, ruled out any talks with North Korea over its nuclear weapons programme, it said.

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The US president has been making phone calls to other world leaders as well since the North detonated what it calls a hydrogen bomb, the biggest nuclear device it ever tested.

Trump called South Korean and Japanese leaders several times over the week to discuss the crisis on the peninsula.

The White House said that Australian and British leaders agreed with Trump that "this latest reckless act only strengthens the worlds determination to confront the growing North Korean threat."

"President Trump reiterated that now is not the time to talk to North Korea, and made clear that all options remain open to defend the United States and its allies against North Korean aggression," it said.

Trump and Turnbull condemned North Koreas "belligerent actions" and confirmed that their two countries will intensify joint efforts to denuclearise North Korea.

"President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to defending the homeland, territories, and allies of the United States, using all available diplomatic and military capabilities," the White House said.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis also spoke with his South Korean counterpart Song Young-moo on the nuclear tests.

"Mattis assured minister Song that the US remains ironclad in its commitment to the defence of the ROK (South Korea). He further emphasised that any threat to the United States, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response," Pentagon chief spokesman Dana W White said.

"Mattis and Song discussed avenues for improving bilateral, trilateral, and regional defence cooperation in light of the threat posed by North Korea and to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region," the White House said.

In a separate statement, NATO called the threat posed by North Korea a problem for the wider international community and demanded a unified response. PTI LKJ ABH

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Asylum seekers whose applications are approved would be permitted to travel to Europe. But some EU member states are already refusing to accept more refugees. In the past two years, only a tiny fraction of the 160,000 migrants originally slated to be distributed among other European countries have actually left Greece and Italy. Negotiations over a permanent distribution mechanism have ground to a halt.

Nothing More than an Illusion

Dimitris Avramopoulos, the EU commissioner for migration, home affairs and citizenship, appealed to member states last week to increase their efforts to resettle refugees and migrants from Egypt, Libya, Niger, Ethiopia and Sudan. Europe has "the legal and moral obligation to provide protection to those who truly need it," he wrote in a letter to German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere.

The situation is even more complicated for those asylum seekers whose applications are denied. Every applicant has the right to contest the decision in court. But in which court in Chad would asylum seekers lodge their appeals?

Besides, most of the people who currently traveling via the central Mediterranean route are not civil war refugees, but young men from Nigeria, Guinea or Bangladesh who are looking for work. Their prospects of achieving asylum are slim, and they would most likely continue trying to reach Europe by sea.

Europe's seemingly attractive plan, in other words, is nothing more than an illusion. In the run-up to German parliamentary elections on Sept. 24, Merkel wants to create the impression that she has the refugee crisis under control. And Macron wants to portray himself as Europe's savior. But the truth is that Europe has already decided to seal itself off. Italy is pushing ahead with its plan to close down the Mediterranean route and Austria is shutting down the Brenner Pass. Merkel is the main beneficiary of these actions, because they enable her to remain the refugee chancellor, even as borders in the south are being sealed.

The agreement with Turkey has ensured that very few people now make it across the Aegean Sea to Europe, and even those who do are usually stuck in Greece. Now Merkel is trying to create a similar project in Africa, by essentially shifting Europe's external borders to North Africa. Ultimately, however, cooperation with African countries could prove to be even more difficult than with Turkey.

In Libya, Europe must deal with two opposing governments and countless militias. The EU supports the weak unity government of Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj by sending it millions of euros, so that it will stop migrants from crossing the Mediterranean while Italian warships ensure that the Libyan coast guard forces refugee boats to return to land. Most private aid organizations have been forced to abandon their efforts to rescue refugees.

Strategically Unwise

Italy also supports an agreement between the unity government and two Libyan militia groups, Brigade 48 and Al-Ammu. Until recently, the two groups controlled the migrant smuggling trade from western Libya to Europe, but now they are being paid to prevent boats from putting out to sea.

In taking these measures, Europe is placing the protection of its external borders in the hands of criminals - a move that is both morally questionable and strategically unwise, because it makes Europe susceptible to blackmail. Most of all, though, the humanitarian situation in which these migrants find themselves is likely to become even more desperate. The vast majority of those who arrive in Libya lack the money necessary for a return journey. What, though, should happen to the people in the camps?

Still, the strategy has been a success if one looks only at the numbers. After reaching a record high in June, the number of crossings has now declined, with August seeing 87 percent fewer migrants reaching Europe than in August 2016. As a result, the number of drownings has also declined.

The drop, though, is likely only to be temporary. When one route is closed, migrants quickly find a new one. Crossings from Morocco to Spain are now increasing, for example, and within Libya, migrant smuggling operations could shift to the eastern part of the country, which is not controlled by the Sarraj government.
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STAMFORD  Our dreams are not illegal, read one sign. Dreamers make America great, read another.

That is the message DACA recipients and their allies were sending Tuesday outside Stamfords Trump Parc.

Angel Mendoza, 11, of Bridgeport, began the demonstration with a rendition of John Lennons Imagine, and the crowd joined in.

If there was sadness among them, it wasnt apparent.

President Donald Trumps decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which was announced Tuesday by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, sparked recipients and supporters to speak out against the administration.

DACA is an Obama-era initiative meant to protect from deportation those brought to the U.S. without documentation as children. Trump had until Tuesday to make his decision after attorneys general from 10 conservative states called for the program to be eliminated.

Trump does not hold an equity stake on the the Trump Parc tower. He received a seven-figure sum for the use of his name in the building.

After Angel finished singing, Angelica Idrovo, 21, who lives in Danbury and attends the University of Connecticut-Stamford, spoke. She has been in the U.S. for eight years, meaning she was not eligible for DACA. But she spoke out for other undocumented youth and DACA recipients.

These past eight years have not been easy for my family. We live in constant fear, fear of being torn apart, she said. Imagine thinking that you could get home and not find your parents anymore?...I stand here today because I am tired of fighting for my dignity. I am tired of fighting for my existence.

She led the crowd in chants throughout the event, such as Undocumented, unafraid; no papers, no fear.

In an announcement to the UConn community, university President Susan Herbst said UConn is reviewing the order to determine the exact scope and impact, and is hopeful Congress will pass legislation granting a permanent pathway.

These bright young people are striving to succeed, Herbst said. That sense of hope and opportunity represents the great promise of the United States and our higher education system. (Tuesdays) action would have us turn our backs on them. That is cruel, unjustified and ultimately self-defeating.

Stamford Mayor David Martin attended the event.

We should be trying to bring this country together and not drive wedes between every possible group we can think of, he said.

Organizations being represented at the demonstration included CT Students for a Dream, a nonprofit resource for undocumented youth in Connecticut, Building One Community, which focuses on helping immigrants succeed in their community; and Connecticut Working Families, an independent political organization.

These Dreamers are American by everything but a piece of paper, said Building One Community executive director Catalina Horak. Ninety percent of DACA recipients are employed. They came to this country as children and have amazing stories of hard work, determination, disciline and heart. They are wonderful human beings who call our community home.

Horak introduced Wendy Cardenas, a DACA recipient from Peru and a parent organizer at Building One Community. Cardenas came to the U.S. at 12 because her family could not find work to support each other. She graduated from Stamford High School.

When my DACA application was approved in 2013, it changed my life, she said. I began to dream of a better future for myself and a better way to achieve my goals.

After graduating high school, she spent the next few years working and taking one class at a time at Norwalk Community College.

If a program like DACA had been in place then, I could have taken more classes and gone to a four -ear school to earn my bachelors degree, she said.

Carolina Bortolleto, communications manager for CT Students for a Dream and a DACA recipient, came to the U.S. at 9 and has been in the country for 20 years.

The thing about being undocumented is that you can dream for the future you want, but you cant plan for the future you want, she said. Many DACA recipients are the main bread winners of their family ... Because of DACA, they have been able to help their families get out of poverty, and live with a sense of dignity, but most of all, a sense of belonging in this country.

tclark@stamfordadvocate.com, 203-964-2265, @travclark2
NORWALK  Last week, Faye Phillip received an email from Connecticut Students for a Dream. The organization was organizing a bus from Hartford and Norwalk to Washington, D.C., on the morning of Sept. 5  the day the White House planned to announce whether it would rescind Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Phillip herself is enrolled in DACA. She arrived in Norwalk 17 years ago, when she was 11. As rumors flew about what action President Donald Trump might take, Phillip made the decision to travel to the nations capital to participate in the protest.

So on Tuesday morning, before the sun rose, Phillip got up to board the bus as television cameras watched. About 40 people took the bus to the protest, according to Carolina Bortolleto, the communications manager at Connecticut Students for a Dream.

Despite the early start, the protesters were still on the bus when Attorney General Jeff Session announced that DACA would be revoked in six months.

Phillip remembered another protester on the bus saying, Well, its all done, before some on the bus dissolved into tears.

Its just disheartening, Phillip said. But were trying to be strong too ... Somewhere inside, you still have that fire and that fight after you get through that initial hurt.

Phillip also came to the conclusion that a legislative solution was necessary so future progress would be more difficult to undo.

We need laws to protect us, she said.

When the bus finally arrived, Phillip said she was greeted by the inspiring sight of people of all ages, from toddlers in strollers to seniors, speaking different languages but standing for the same cause. As the protestors walked down to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, Phillip said she was handed bottles of water and given thumbs up from the people she passed by.

It was amazing. Just to know ... they think we deserve to be called Americans, Phillips said. We are Americans, but to be called that.

Bortolleto said that Connecticut Students for a Dream will have resources for undocumented students to move forward in their lives.

Well also have actions for allies on pressuring Congress to protect immigrant youth, she said.
By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Sep 6 (PTI) President Donald Trump has sent Kenneth Ian Justers nomination to the US Senate for the next American ambassador to India.

A confirmation hearing of the Senate on his nomination is likely to be scheduled to be held soon.

Juster, 62, played a key role in the Indo-US ties under the Bush Administration. He would replace Richard Verma as the top American diplomat to India if his name is confirmed.

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The position has been vacant since January 20 after Verma put in his papers as Trump took over as the US president.

Juster served as the under secretary of commerce for industry and security from 2001 to 2005 and was also the deputy assistant to Trump for the International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of National Economic Council from January-June this year.

Last Friday, the president had announced his intent to nominate Juster as his top envoy to India.

The nomination was sent by him to the Senate yesterday. PTI LKJ ASV

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By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Sep 6 (PTI) Former US president Barack Obama has decried his successor Donald Trumps decision to end an amnesty for 800,000 people brought to America illegally as children, calling it "wrong," "self-defeating" and "cruel."

"To target these young people is wrong, because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel," he said in a statement yesterday hours after US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has been rescinded.

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"What if our kids science teacher, or our friendly neighbour turns out to be a Dreamer? Where are we supposed to send her? To a country she doesnt know or remember, with a language she may not even speak?" Obama questioned.

He said the move was not "required legally", while terming it a "political decision".

Trump scrapped the Obama-era amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children, a move likely to impact 800,000 undocumented workers including more than 7,000 Indian- Americans.

"Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldnt threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us.

"They are that pitcher on our kids softball team, that first responder who helps out his community after a disaster, that cadet in ROTC who wants nothing more than to wear the uniform of the country that gave him a chance. Kicking them out wont lower the unemployment rate, or lighten anyone?s taxes, or raise anybodys wages," Obama said.

He said it is precisely because this action is contrary to the American spirit, and to common sense, that business leaders, faith leaders, economists, and Americans of all political stripes called on the administration not to do what it did today.

"And now that the White House has shifted its responsibility for these young people to the Congress, its up to members of the Congress to protect these young people and our future. Im heartened by those whove suggested that they should. And I join my voice with the majority of Americans who hope they step up and do it with a sense of moral urgency that matches the urgency these young people feel," he added.

The announcement by the Trump administration, which was anticipated for the past few days, was greeted with protests from across the country.

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India ranks 11th among countries of origin for DACA students, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services statistics available till March 31, 2017.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House demonstrating against Trump.

The former US president said opposing the decision will determine "we are a people who kick hopeful young strivers out of America, or whether we treat them the way wed want our own kids to be treated."

Obama said the Trump administrations decision on DACA is not about fixing the immigration system.

"This is about young people who grew up in America ? kids who study in our schools, young adults who are starting careers, patriots who pledge allegiance to our flag. These Dreamers are Americans in their hearts, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper," he said.

"Over the years, politicians of both parties (Democrats and Republicans) have worked together to write legislations that would have told these young people, our young people, that if your parents brought you here as a child, if youve been here a certain number of years, and if youre willing to go to college or serve in our military, then you?ll get a chance to stay and earn your citizenship," he said.

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Obama claimed that during his tenure as the US president he had asked the Congress to send him such a bill but it could never be done. PTI LKJ ASV

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People in the US are widely protesting President Trump's repeal of the DACA program (Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: US President Donald Trump's announcement of scrapping Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an immigration program, has stirred nationwide protests.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the US would end the DACA program in March 2018 which will led to deportation of almost 800,000 people, Guardian reported.

What is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program started by the Obama government in 2012 which proves temporary legal immigration status to people who arrived in the US illegally as children. People protected under this program are called Dreamers and are given temporary right to live, study and work legally in the United States.

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They are screened for any criminal history or threat to national security, if passed then their deporting is deferred for two years. The eligibility criteria demands the age of the applicant be under 16 at the time of arrival at the United States and should have lived continuously since 2007.

According to a report by Guardian, there are 787,580 "Dreamers" and most of them are from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras and are in the age range of 15 to 36.

Prior to the DACA program, the Obama administration came up with a Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act but that failed to pass by the Congress. The DREAM Act would have given those children a chance of permanent legal residency.

IF NOT DACA THEN WHAT?

Donald Trump has asked the Congress to replace the immigration program with a new legislation before March 5, 2018. Within these six months, if the Congress does not come up with an alternative then the Dreamers could face deportation back to their home countries.

The US government will not accept any new applications from the undocumented immigrants seeking the DACA status. But the existing work permits will be valid till until their date of expiration up to two full years from today.

"I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act," the president said.

According to Trump, Congress now has the opportunity to advance responsible immigration reform that puts American jobs and American security first.

WHY IS TRUMP SCRAPPING DACA?

US President defended his decision to scrap DACA saying "American workers" must come first.

"As President, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognise that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws," he said.

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President Trump said that he will resolve the DACA issue with heart and compassion but through the lawful democratic process. If the DACA gets scrapped, 7,000 Indian-Americans will be affected by it.

Also read: Over 7,000 Indian-Americans to be hit as Donald Trump scraps Obama-era amnesty program

"We are facing the symptom of a larger problem, illegal immigration, along with the many other chronic immigration problems Washington has left unsolved. We must reform our green card system, which now favors low-skilled immigration and puts immense strain on US taxpayers," he said.

REACTION TO TRUMP's DECISION

Widespread protests erupted across the United States after the announcement of scrapping DACA, school children took to the streets protest against it. Social media users too posted their stance using #DefendDACA which was trending in the country.

Protesters gathered outside the White House were yelling "shame" and protesters outside the Trump Tower in New York were arrested.

Many people are against this move and have given the argument that these children came to the US when they were young and do not even know the language of their native countries.

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By PTI: By Yoshita Singh

United Nations, Sep 6 (PTI) UN chief Antonio Guterres has condemned North Koreas latest nuclear and missile tests and offered to support any effort to denuclearise the Korean peninsula.

On Sunday, North Korea said it detonated a hydrogen bomb designed for a long-range missile and called it a "perfect success", inviting worldwide condemnation and promises of tougher US sanctions.

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"Yet again, North Korea has broken the global norm against nuclear test explosions," UN Secretary-General Guterres said yesterday.

Guterres unequivocally condemned the latest nuclear and missile tests.

Pyongyang has defied the Security Council resolutions.

"North Korea has needlessly and recklessly put millions of people at risk ? including its own citizens already suffering drought, hunger and serious violations of their human rights," he added.

Guterres reiterated his call on North Korean authorities to comply fully with its international obligations, including the various UN Security Council resolutions.

He welcomed the most recent meeting of the Security Council, saying: "The unity of the Council is crucial in addressing this crisis. That unity also creates an opportunity to engage diplomatically to decrease tensions, increase confidence and prevent any escalation ? all aimed at the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula".

The Secretary-General stressed dialogue and communication as necessary to avoid miscalculation or misunderstanding.

"Confrontational rhetoric may lead to unintended consequences," he added. "The solution must be political. The potential consequences of military action are too horrific".

"As Secretary-General, I am ready to support any efforts towards a peaceful solution of this alarming situation, and as I said, to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," he said.

In response to a question on which of the global challenges he thought would be most focussed upon at the forthcoming General Assemblys High-Level Week, Guterres said, the "most dangerous crisis" the world faces today is the crisis related to the nuclear risk in relation to North Korea.

"We all have the experience of the First World War. Wars usually do not start by a decision taken in a moment by the parties to go to war. If you look at the history of the First World War, it was on a step-by-step basis, one party doing one thing, the other party doing another, and then an escalation taking place?This is the risk we need to avoid in relation to the situation of North Korea," he said.

He added that all members of the Security Council must come together and make it clear to North Korea that they need to negotiate in order for the achievement of the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

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"I know that the leverage of the UN is limited. I know that our capacity is limited. Ive just signalled to the parties that Im entirely at their disposal, but I recognise that what is crucial here is the unity of the Security Council and the capacity of countries to come together with a single strategy to deal with North Korea," he added. PTI YAS UZM AKJ UZM

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Martin Hill of Centennial, Colorado, has been around aviation for a long time. He particularly enjoys piloting balloons.

The balloon that Hill flew this past weekend in the Old West Balloon Fest was named C3H8, which he says is the chemical nomenclature for propane. That is what we burn. All these other guys [who pilot balloons] have real cute names like Babys Breath in Spring. Theres only one balloon here that matches its name, and that is Big Top because it has a combination of posters from Carson and Barnes Circus. I flew in that balloon here two years ago.

Hill said hes been flying balloons since 1985. He got his airplane pilot license in 1967.

I havent hurt anybody yet, he said.

Hill explained how he got involved in aviation.

I couldnt afford the boat I wanted, he said, laughing. Actually, when I was a little kid, Central Airlines, which eventually merged with somebody else and became Frontier Airlines, was giving familiarization rides because people didnt fly on airlines much in the 1950s.

Hill will never forget the first time he got to fly.

I got to sit in the front seat of a DC-3 and fly over Denver at night, he said. I thought to myself, I have to learn how to do this. I promised Mrs. Applebaum, who was my Sunday school teacher, that I would get a pilots license and give her a ride. I kept that promise.

Hill made the switch to piloting balloons because it is very, very basic.

He added, It is a social event as much as it is a flying event. You can take people in a balloon when they wouldnt have the nerve to get into an airplane. I like taking people flying.

It takes a lot of energy to move a balloon, Hill said.

This balloon carries 30 gallons of propane, he said. I teach students to try to land with at least one third of their propane left. We will burn probably 20 gallons in a given flight. You cant make it move, and if you have to stay up in the air to avoid a hazard, you need extra propane left over.

Hill flies frequently.

I go up at least once a week in the summer, he said. If were not flying this balloon, I have a contract with RE/MAX. Im the pilot for the RE/MAX balloon. Some weekends I have the opportunity to fly both, and thats real fun.

Each flight is a different length, according to Hill.

How long you can stay up depends on the weight you are carrying and the temperature, he said. If youre going to Aspen, and they say its 78 degrees, were weight limited, and if youre carrying three people, someone has to get off. We can have the same situation here. It has to do with how much oxygen you can get out of the atmosphere.

Hill said he has had some memorable moments flying balloons, but he added, I try to avoid memorable as much as possible. The only horrifying thing that ever happened to me was when I had someone descend on top of my balloon during a national competition. It was a lot scarier to live through than it actually was in practice.

Hill said that setting up a balloon is a physical activity.

The basket weighs about 250 pounds, and with the fuel onboard, its more than that, he said. The balloon weighs about 150 pounds. The volunteers come out and help us with this.

Hill said he has no plans to quit piloting balloons anytime soon.

Its a fun hobby, and it gives you something to talk about when the weather is bad, he said. I am a commercial pilot. I have done some airplane commercial flying. If you have seen guys towing banners around stadiums and stuff, I have done that. I was in Wray, Colorado, flying a banner for someone who graduated from high school. Her dad was a crop duster pilot, and he told me I was crazy. He said he would never do that. We are well-trained, but it makes you think.

Hill doesnt just fly balloons for his own pleasure. Hes a licensed balloon instructor. He enjoys teaching others how to pilot a balloon.

Youve got to be able to make it go up and down, he said. It is like any other pilot license. There is a written test that you have to take and pass, and then there is a practical test that you have to do with a representative of the government to prove that you can conduct the flight. It is not extremely difficult.

Hill said balloon pilots enjoys lots of freedom in the air.

There are rules of the road for aviation and you have to follow those. You dont want to run into any other aircraft, he said. If you are flying outside of the big airports in the United States, you do not have to be in contact with the government. We have the privilege to fly almost anywhere. There are few places on the map that you cant  like where the president is, and were restricted around stadiums. But the rules that we live by are very few. We are free to go almost anywhere and do almost anything in an aircraft. It is still a free country in the air.

Rick Patterson of Firestone, Colorado, is a ground crew chief and was with Hill during the Old West Balloon Fest.

I met Hill in 1984; we wore his balloon out, he said. I got to a point in my life where it was not safe for me to fly, so I gave my balloon to Hill. I have been working with Hill and helping him out when he flies the balloon. His balloon is over 30 years old, but they last a long time if you take good care of it and if you have a good repair station for when you dont take very good care of it.

Patterson said Hills flight during the Old West Balloon Fest went well.

They only took out 10 corn stalks when he landed, he said.

Hill said he plans to participate in the Old West Balloon Fest again next year.
After more than a decade at Western Nebraska Community College, one local woman has learned her position has been eliminated.

According to WNCC President Todd Holcomb, the college is an organization that receives taxpayer funds and it must constantly examine its efficiencies.

WNCC recently went through a reorganization analysis and decided to eliminate the position Judy Amoo has held for 13 years. For 12 years, her position was the dean of economic and community development before it was changed last year to executive director of the John M. Harms Center.

Holcomb said a new executive level position has been created and he hopes to enhance WNCC's outreach services to businesses.

Amoo said it is hard to describe how she feels and she is still processing the decision. Amoo has spent 25 percent of her life at WNCC, first as a student, then as an employee.

The college launched her career. It also provided her with a career to help launch other people's careers.

"My goal was to return here and contribute to the making of other people's dreams because that's what the school did for me," she said. "It's been a joy and a privilege to work here."

She has served thousands of clients over the years, contributing to the betterment of the lives she was involved in.

"It was a great fit for me here," she said.

Amoo sat on 10 boards of directors, at least 25 community committees and launched dozens of initiatives for WNCC in her 13 years.

Her position will be eliminated in December. Amoo plans on cramming in a lot of work in the next few months. She's trying to tie up all the projects she has started in an effective and efficient manner, she said.
The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers will be meeting in Scottsbluff and Mitchell on Sept. 8 and 9.

The tour starts Friday at 1:30 p.m., at the Virgil and Diane Hagel Farm, 2 miles south of Bayard on Highway 92 (10033 US 26). The Hagels have an outstanding herd of Boer goats. Later, the tour will travel to Mark Dalbys and Scott Schanemans farms, which have commercial, white face ewes and where lambs are finished. The last stop will be at Ivan Rushs farm where commercial black faced ewes and finishing lambs will be discussed. At 6:30 p.m., producers will gather for conversation and a roast leg of lamb meal at the Legacy of the Plains museum, Gering.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, starting at 9 a.m., an educational program for sheep and goat producers will be held at Redz Cafe in downtown Mitchell. Dr. Dennis Burson, University of Nebraska Meats Specialist will conduct a lamb cutting demonstration where various lamb cuts will be displayed and cooking methods discussed and the value of the lamb from the live animal to the retail cut will be calculated. This will be followed by two sheep producers talking about their operations. Brock Terrill, Hay Springs has an excellent presentation on how they graze and manage 1,600 head of white faced ewes in combination with a large cow herd. The Terrills use and have a lot of experience in growing cool season annual crops  often referred to as cocktail crops for grazing which lowers the amount of harvested feeds fed. The next producer will be the Halligans of the Irish Cream Dairy, Bushnell, who milk around 600 ewes twice daily. This is a unique and one of the largest sheep dairies in the U.S. It is a business that is currently growing in the U.S.

Because the lambs are weaned soon after birth, they have experience with hundreds of what some would call bum lambs. They will discuss the feed and management of these young lambs, which would also apply to young goats.

A wool quality expert, Angus McColl, with Yocom-McCool Wool testing Lab, Denver Colorado, will discuss characteristics of wool which determine value and qualities that fit into the various wool products. McColls lab is known worldwide and he has developed precise analytical equipment used by the wool industry and sheep breeders to improve their flock.

In the afternoon, the group will adjourn to the Scotts Bluff County Fairgrounds where the Fiber Fair will be taking place, allowing participants to enjoy the many fiber products and demonstrations. A stock dog demonstration can be viewed as well as a discussion on wool grading.

The tour is free, but there is a cost for meals and the educational programs. For more information and to register, visit the Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers on Facebook or contact Ivan Rush at irush1@unl.edu or 308-641-1234.
By PTI: Lucknow, Sep 6 (PTI) The Congress today accused the Yogi Adityanath government of trying to take credit from the previous dispensation in the state for the Lucknow Metro and wasting money on a "second inauguration" for the project.

"To take the credit Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath yesterday performed the second inauguration of the Metro. A huge amount of public money was wasted on advertisements. It was because the second inauguration was performed in a hurry that it developed a technical snag on the second day itself," Congress spokesman Sanjay Bajpai said.

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"People are being forced to bear the brunt for BJPs desire to take credit for the works performed by the previous governments," he said.

The spokesman also accused the BJP governmnet at the centre of taking credit for infrastructure projects started by the UPA government. PTI SAB BSA

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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.
By MARK EVANS mevans@stegenherald.com Westover and Smith roads, on the far western edge of the county, will get paving priority for 2023. Country commissioners and Scott Schmieder, county road and bridge foreman, decided at last Thursdays commission meeting to go ahead and seal up that corner of the county. That way, graders will not have
By PTI: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, Sep 6 (PTI) US Defence Secretary James Mattis told his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera today that America would help Japan enhance its ballistic missile defence capabilities following the biggest nuclear weapons test by North Korea, the Pentagon said.

Mattis and Onodera condemned the Norths latest nuclear test as a "destabilising provocation" that threatens regional and global security, chief Pentagon spokesman Dana White said.

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During a phone call, Mattis said the US commitment to defend Japan, including its extended deterrence commitment, remains ironclad. "Mattis underscored the US would work with Japan to enhance its ballistic missile defence capabilities," White said.

The two defence officials reiterated their intent to continue working trilaterally with South Korea to strengthen deterrence and maintain peace and security in northeast Asia.

North Korea conducted its sixth nuclear test on Sunday in what it claimed was a detonation of a hydrogen bomb built for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of hitting the US mainland.

Mattis separately also spoke to his South Korean counterpart Song Young-moo.

"Mattis assured minister Song that the US remains ironclad in its commitment to the defence of the ROK. He emphasised that any threat to the US, its territories, or its allies will be met with a massive, effective, and overwhelming military response," White said.

"Mattis and Song discussed avenues for improving bilateral, trilateral, and regional defense cooperation in light of the threat posed by North Korea and to maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region," she said. PTI LKJ ABH

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European Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu, on an official visit to Romania on Thursday and Friday, will meet Prime Minister Mihai Tudose together with the Deputies' Chamber Speaker and the Senate President and will attend, alongside Karl-Heinz Lambertz, President of the European Committee of the Regions, the "Dialogue with the Citizens" event.

According to a press release sent to Agerpres by the European Commission Representation in Romania, Corina Cretu will meet Deputy Prime Minister Sevil Shhaideh, Transport Minister Razvan Cuc, Minister Delegate for European Funds Rovana Plumb and Minister Delegate for European Affairs Victor Negrescu. On Friday, alongside the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Corina Cretu will engage in a dialogue with the citizens.

During the visit, the European Commissioner will meet with Bucharest General Mayor Gabriela Firea and will visit Triumphal Arch, rehabilitated within a project with European funding, the quoted source further shows.
The modifications to Justice laws, human trafficking and collaboration between the UK and Romania in the area were among the topics Justice Minister Tudorel Toader and UK Ambassador in Bucharest Paul Brummell discussed on Wednesday. "We have discussed about the collaboration between the UK and Romania in the Justice area. We have a very close collaboration. (...) We have discussed the modifications to the judiciary system of Romania. I have underscored that Romania must decide according to the Constitution and the parliamentary procedures. I have stressed that we appreciate what Romania has done in respect to the fight against corruption. Romania has institutions that are working very well. The modifications to Justice laws must be discussed with all involved parties. The Minister explained the purpose of the modifications," Brummell said at the end of the meeting at the Justice Ministry headquarters.

In respect to the modifications to the Justice laws, Paul Brummell pointed out that during the discussion he underscored that Romania must decide which the most suited justice system is, adding that there are institutions such as the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA), which, in his opinion, are working very well. "We have discussed the modifications of the judiciary system in Romania and I highlighted that, of course, it is for Romania to decide according to the Constitution and according to the parliamentary procedures what justice system you want, what is the suited system for Romania. We underscored we appreciate very much what Romania did last year in respect to the establishment of the rule of law and the fight against corruption. I underscored that Romania has institutions such as DNA that (...) are working very well and our point of view is that any modification should be done with all involved parties and the modifications should be aimed at strengthening the rule of law in Romania and the fight against corruption."

Asked if Tudorel Toader said that he supports the fight against corruption, the Ambassador said: "Yes. He said it, too, is important for Romania." Brummell also pointed out that he is the one who initiated the meeting on Wednesday with Tudorel Toader.

Agerpres..
By PTI: By Shakoor Rather

Male, Sep 6 (PTI) More than USD 800 million is needed to eradicate measles from India and four other countries in South East Asia by 2020 - the deadline for eliminating the highly contagious viral disease that kills an estimated 134,200 children worldwide annually, the WHO said today.

For an unhampered progress against the viral disease by the Word Health Organisation (WHO), a total of 400 million children in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Timor Leste and Indonesia must receive the Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine by 2018, while 140 million should be reached by the end of 2017, said Pem Namgyal, Director for Family Health, Gender and Life Course, at the WHOs Regional Office for South East Asia.

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The figures are much higher against 6.8 million children reached in 2016 and 18 million in 2015, he said, speaking at The Seventieth Regional Committee session of WHO Southeast Asia Region here.

"Nearly USD 800 million is required for the elimination of measles from SEA countries such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Timor Leste and Indonesia by 2020 - the targeted time decided by the experts," said Namgyal.

Observing that the WHO currently has only 30-40 per cent of the resources towards elimination of measles from the concerned countries, Namgyal said immunisation programmes in the region were reaching more than 32.2 million children as compared to around 27 million in 2005.

Indias Health Secretary C K Mishra, representing the country at the meet, noted that initiatives have been taken by the government to ensure the deadline for eliminating measles is met.

"We are resolute about eliminating measles and we aim to do it by 2020. Special initiatives have been taken and the work is in progress," Mishra told PTI on the sidelines of the WHO regional summit.

Namgyal noted two-dose measles vaccine has been included in the vaccination programme.

"Since 2006 more than 345 million children have been reached with the first dose, and over 132 million with the second dose. Estimations are that more than 5.9 million deaths due to measles have been averted," said Namgyal, adding that an additional 325 million more children have been reached with additional measles vaccine, avoiding an estimated 600,000 additional deaths due to measles.

Namgyal said that with the scale up of immunisation activities in the member countries, a 66 per cent reduction in mortality due to measles was observed from 2000-2015.

"It is estimated that about 620,000 deaths due to measles were averted by vaccination in 2016 alone," the climate expert said.

Currently over 4.7 million children in SEA region have not received measles vaccination as per the surveys conducted in 2016.

Eliminating measles from the SEA is part of the global bodys resolution to make children free from the viral disease as every year the disease claims over 54,500 children annually in the region, according to WHO figures. PTI SAR ABH

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Updated at 4:45 p.m.

OTTAWA  Canada, embroiled in a dispute with Boeing Co. over the planned purchase of 18 new Super Hornet fighters, could buy older jets from Australia instead, the defense ministry said on Wednesday.

The Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suspended talks with Boeing over the planned acquisition after the U.S. firm launched a trade challenge against Canadian planemaker Bombardier Inc. in April.

Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan says Canada needs the 18 jets to act as a stopgap measure until it is able run an open competition to replace its veteran CF-18 fighters, a process that could take five years. The CF-18 is the Canadian version of the F-18 Hornet, a design that is 40 years old.

"In light of Australia recently notifying all allies about their intent to dispose of their F-18 fleet, Canada visited them to inquire about the state of their equipment and spare parts," Sajjan's office said in a statement.

"It is too early to provide detailed information about other options," it added.

Trudeau on Tuesday complained about what he called Boeing's "unfair and aggressive" trade challenge against Bombardier, which the U.S. firm alleges is dumping passenger planes in the American market. Trudeau said he'd spoken to Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens to outline his concerns. Super Hornets are made at Boeing's plant in north St. Louis County.

Boeing's Canadian network of aerospace suppliers has urged Trudeau to buy the Super Hornets, noting the firm supported more than 17,000 jobs in Canada.

"Our partnership is deep and enduring, but it needs your engagement," said a letter from 10 firms, a copy of which was seen by Reuters.

Signatories included CAE Inc., Heroux Devtek Inc. and Honeywell International Inc. as well as the Canadian arms of General Electric Co. and Raytheon Co.

CAE, which has close ties to Bombardier, later noted the letter had not mentioned the Boeing dispute.

Asked for a reaction to the letter, a source familiar with government thinking said the Canadian aerospace sector supported many jobs in the United States.

Australia bought 24 Super Hornets as an interim fleet until it could take delivery of F-35 planes from Lockheed Martin Corp.

Canada's former Conservative government said in 2010 it would buy 65 F-35s but later scrapped the decision, triggering years of delays and reviews.

Ahead of the 2015 election that brought him to power, Trudeau campaigned against buying the F-35 on the grounds it was too expensive. Officials now say the plane would be eligible to participate in the competition.
By PTI: New Delhi, Sep 6 (PTI) Chinese handset maker Lenovo today said it is not worried about slipping on the pecking order in the hyper-competitive Indian smartphone market, instead keeping its focus on devices that meet consumer needs.

Lenovo, which sells Motorola phones, was the number two player in the Indian market in the July-September 2016 quarter with 9.6 per cent market share, data from research firm IDC showed.

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However, it slipped to the fifth spot with 7 per cent market share in April-June 2017 quarter. "We arent worried. It isnt a number game. We are focused on bringing devices that meet consumer needs," Lenovo India Mobile Business Group (MBG) Country Head Sudhin Mathur told PTI.

Samsung continues to dominate the top spot with 24 per cent share at the end of June 2017. Interestingly, the other four spots in the top 5 tally are occupied by Chinese players -- Xiaomi, vivo, Oppo and Lenovo.

The market share of Indian vendors like Micromax and Lava remained limited to 15 per cent of overall smartphone market at June-end.

On the other hand, China-based vendors, with their massive ongoing marketing spend and channel expansion, accounted for 54 per cent share of the quarters shipment.

Lenovo today unveiled its new device -- K8 Plus -- priced at Rs 10,999 that will be available on e-commerce platform Flipkart from September 7. The device features 5.2-inch display, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage (expandable up to 128 GB), 13 MP and 5 MP dual rear camera and 8 MP front camera and 4,000 mAh battery. PTI SR ARD

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ST. LOUIS  On Sept. 5, 1947, St. Louis Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter quietly instructed Catholic schools to admit Black children. Protests erupted as classes began in September.

About 500 angry white parents gathered in Capstick Hall, 5815 Easton Avenue (now Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard), on Sept. 9 to oppose Ritter's decision. Said meeting co-chairman William T. Rone, "We do not want Negro children alongside our children in the schools."

Ritter refused to meet their leaders. His spokesman said, "He is the father of the whole flock and must care for all, regardless of race."

In a follow-up meeting, 700 parents resolved to take Ritter to court. They scheduled a bigger rally for the evening of Sunday, Sept. 21.

That morning, John P. Barrett, a painting contractor and chairman of the new Catholic Parents Association, attended Mass at St. Edward's Church, Clara and Maffitt avenues. The priest read a letter from Ritter to all parishes, warning that participants in any such suit will face "the serious penalty of excommunication." It would bar them from church practice.

The meeting that night drew 700 to the St. Louis House, 2345 Lafayette Avenue, but Ritter's letter threw it into turmoil. "I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize my religion," said Barrett, who already had pulled his children from St. Edward's School.

St. Louis University integrated in 1944, but area Catholic high schools and grade schools remained segregated  as were the public schools.

St. Louis' Black population had almost doubled since 1930, and many Black families wanted out of the crowded slums near downtown. Most were Protestants, but black Catholics had been part of St. Louis since colonial days. In 1946, when Ritter was appointed archbishop, their children went to a few inner-city parochial grade schools and St. Joseph's High School, 4132 Page Avenue.

The Catholic Parents Association offered $25 as a "gesture of friendliness" to St. Malachy's, a black parish west of Union Station. The pastor wouldn't take it.

Organized opposition collapsed two weeks later at another emotional meeting, where Barrett was booed while obtaining a vote to disband. That year, Black children enrolled in previously all-white Catholic schools, including St. Edward's.

St. Joseph's High closed in 1951. Public schools were integrated three years later, after a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision. Barrett was a Missouri state senator from 1954 to 1965 and died in 2000.

Ritter died in 1967. A decade later, the archdiocese created Cardinal Ritter College Prep on the North Side, and moved it to a new campus in midtown in 2003.
Police have asked the St. Louis circuit attorney for roughly 20 months to identify what evidence can be purged from an overflowing drug vault. They were largely met with silence from the circuit attorney's office.
ST. LOUIS  A woman was knocked unconscious in a neighborhood brawl that included attackers as young as 11 years old, police say.

The fight erupted Monday afternoon in the 3700 block of Bamberger Avenue, on the southern edge of the city's Tower Grove South neighborhood. The victims and suspects all live on Bamberger, police say.

The fight began, police say, when the attackers came down the street to confront the victims about a previous incident. Neighbors say the victims are refugees. Neighbors are raising money to help them with medical bills.

Police say they got multiple calls at about 1:30 p.m. Monday for a disturbance. They found four victims who had been assaulted: two women, ages 27 and 29, and two men, 20 and 19.

The 27-year-old woman is the one who had been knocked out before officers arrived. She was taken to a hospital, where she was stable. Police did not release information about her medical condition and injuries. The other victims declined medical treatment, police said.

The victims lived on the same street as seven suspects, who ranged in age from 11 to 22. Police have not released the identities of the suspects.

Police said they took three people into custody: a woman, 22, and two girls, ages 14 and 15. They are seeking four other suspects  an 11-year-old boy, an 11-year-old girl, an 18-year-old male and another man.
JEFFERSON CITY  Two police officers were injured Friday afternoon north of downtown St. Louis when a man spotted them approaching, opened fire and fled, authorities said.

Last Monday, a new state law took effect allowing the Missouri Highway Patrol to send out suspect descriptions in alerts when police officer lives are threatened.

But on Friday, the state issued no so-called Blue Alert.

Why not?

We want to leave that up to the agency thats actually conducting the investigation, said Capt. John Hotz, spokesman for the Highway Patrol.

In this case, he said, the Highway Patrol contacted the St. Louis Police Department, and the department declined to issue a Blue Alert.

A Blue Alert was not issued as detectives knew the identity of the suspect, Schron Jackson, spokeswoman for the police department, said in a brief statement. The department is still working to establish protocol as it relates to the new Blue Alert law.

Hotz said the last thing the Highway Patrol would want to do was jeopardize an investigation by sending out a Blue Alert to the public. In general, he said, there are times when investigators may not want to issue suspect descriptions, such as when suspects dont know theyre being pursued.

The shooting took place about 1:40 p.m. Friday afternoon. In addition to the officers, resident Tamara Collier, 24, was critically injured when one of the bullets ripped through her familys home, hitting her while she was doing laundry.

About 8 p.m. that night, acting Police Chief Lawrence OToole said police had arrested two suspects.

The injured police officers have since been released from the hospital. Collier remained hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday, Jackson said.

Devonte Morgan, 24, of St. Louis, was charged Saturday. Another suspect, 22, was arrested Friday but not charged.

Court documents say Morgan opened fire on the two officers Friday afternoon in a parking lot near his house. The officers were sitting in an unmarked Pontiac Grand Prix. One of the bullets missed the car and instead struck Collier.

According to the new state law  one of the highest-profile pieces of legislation signed this year  the state can issue a Blue Alert when an officer is killed, seriously injured, missing or if there is a credible threat to law enforcement. An alert will go live if the department sees a benefit to its investigation and gives the state the go-ahead.

When police departments want to issue a Blue Alert, they will fill out a form, which is handled by the Highway Patrol. The Highway Patrol disseminates the suspect descriptions.

Information is then supposed to appear on highway message boards. TV and radio stations are supposed to broadcast the information as part of their emergency alert systems. And cellphone users are supposed to receive notifications.
Ashley Jost Ashley Jost is the higher education reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Ashley Jost Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Another Missouri college leader could be planning a departure.

Chuck Ambrose, president of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo., is one of four finalists to be the next president at the University of Montana.

Ambrose has been at the helm of UCM since 2010, during which the campus has seen double-digit enrollment growth.

The Missoulian reports Wednesday that Ambrose is one of four finalists who will visit campus this month, including Mirta Martin, senior education adviser to former Mexican President Vicente Fox, Andy Hale Feinstein, the provost at San Jose State University, and Seth Bodnar, a senior executive at General Electric Co.

The University of Montana has about 13,000 students, similar to UCM. Unlike the Warrensburg campus, the Montana campus is a flagship university.

The Montana newspaper reports Ambrose will visit campus for interview on Sept. 25-26.

Ambrose is the chairman of the Council on Public Higher Education's board of college leaders, which includes all 13 public campus leaders in Missouri.

He's one of few college presidents who doesn't shy away from difficult topics on social media, from the state budget cuts to higher education to the ongoing changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

If Ambrose leaves he will be the the fourth Missouri college leader to vacate their post in 2017.
An independent schools plans to discipline a group of students who exchanged racial and sexual slurs in leaked private Snapchat messages have raised issues of digital privacy and questions about how much schools can regulate student social media use.

But private schools have ample right to discipline students in such cases when student actions violate the schools mission statement or code of conduct, said Claudia Daggett, president of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. It was on those grounds that leaders at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School acted this week.

The students in an independent school are electing to be there, so by electing to be there, they are agreeing to abide by the schools rules, Daggett said.

MICDS, a prestigious pre-K-12 private school in the affluent suburb of Ladue, has said it plans to discipline students who used racial and sexual slurs in a leaked series of private Snapchat messages.

The slurs included the N-word. In one message thread, one of the students who used offensive language claimed that we were all joking. All the students who sent the offensive Snapchats were freshmen girls.

Another student who did not receive the messages posted leaked screenshots of the Snapchats on Twitter on Sunday, leading to widespread condemnation of the messages.

Theres no situation in my mind where referring to somebody as a (N-word) is a joke, said Tabari Coleman, education director for the Anti-Defamation League in St. Louis, who is African-American. In 2017, there shouldnt be a need to tell anybody that using (the N-word) is not funny or not a joke.

Lisa Lyle, MICDS head of school, said the Snapchats violated rules in MICDS student handbook, which prohibits verbal conduct and social media use that includes insulting, abusive, or degrading language based on an individuals race or color  or other protected characteristic.

She also said the messages violated the schools mission statement, which declares that the country needs responsible men and women who  embrace all its people with compassion, and that the next generation needs people who stand for what is good and right.

These inflammatory postings are clearly inconsistent with the MICDS mission and our communitys values, Lyle wrote in a letter Monday to school families.

In an interview, Lyle went so far as to say that the Snapchats compromised the schools learning environment, even though the messages werent necessarily exchanged in a school setting. The influence of social media is far-reaching and pervasive, Lyle said, and can easily invade and disrupt a school environment.

When the decisions are so egregious that they jeopardize the social, emotional health of the community or the physical health of the community, thats a different thing, and we take that very seriously, Lyle said. Students must be mindful that their social media activity is public and permanent and impacts how their peers experience them.

The issue of how students social media activity affects a schools learning environment is key. And it has particular bearing in public schools, where educators are more limited in how they can crack down on objectionable social media activity.

Kelli Hopkins, associate executive director of the Missouri School Boards Association, said in most cases the law does not allow administrators to punish students for off-campus social media activity  like the postings in MICDS incident.

But it is clear that if students use racial slurs or engage in other forms of discrimination on campus or in a way that interferes with the schools educational environment, public schools can punish them, Hopkins said. That kind of protection is mandated by federal law.

You dont get to engage in racial discrimination, Hopkins said. Even if its not a protected class, like race or religion, were still not going to tolerate the mistreatment of anyone based on anything.

But if public school students use racial slurs off campus or on their own personal time, their school wont be able to discipline them if there isnt a clear nexus to the school, she said. One way for that to occur, she said, is if a social media post poses a clear threat to school safety.

Two incidents of objectionable social media activity surfaced at Clayton High School, a public school, last school year. The school first disciplined a group of students who made anti-Semitic comments on an Instagram post. A few months later, a former student posted an anti-Semitic photo of a student on Snapchat.

The incidents prompted the school board to begin studying possible changes to the districts bullying and discipline policies.

Experts say the key to addressing such situations has as much to do with education as with policies.

The Anti-Defamation League, for example, has provided anti-bias training and education to students and school staff in St. Louis since 1987, Coleman said. The national organization provides free lesson plans on a number of topics that include slurs and offensive jokes.

Researchers at Harvard University are among those who say its becoming increasingly important for schools to teach digital ethics and safe and responsible social media use.

Young people may only rarely consider the learning opportunities, risks, and the related question of what it means to be an ethical, socially responsible citizen on the Internet, the researchers wrote.

While there are ways to use social media with some degree of privacy, some say the idea of social media being private has become a misnomer. The ease with which even private social media posts or messages can migrate to a wider public audience creates risks for both teens and adults.

Social media is by nature public, Daggett said.
JEFFERSON CITY  Chatter about a special session to coincide with the Legislature's annual veto session next week is intensifying, with Lt. Gov. Mike Parson expected to urge a special session in a news conference Thursday.

In a press release, the lieutenant governor's office says Parson wants the Legislature to address cuts to in-home and specialty nursing care services.

Parson, a Republican, also wants the Senate to "discipline" state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, after she hoped for the assassination of President Donald Trump in a Facebook post last month.

Rather than having the governor call a special session, Parson wants the Legislature to muster a three-fourths vote in both chambers to call itself in, according to the release.

The health care cuts affect 8,000 Missourians' access to specialty and in-home services they receive through Medicaid.

Chappelle-Nadal made her comment in August, and less than two weeks later, state Rep. Warren Love, R-Osceola, hoped for the hanging of vandals who splattered paint on a Confederate monument in Springfield. Parson did not mention Love in his release.

The cuts are taking hold after Gov. Eric Greitens vetoed a last-minute proposal that would've allowed the state to sweep $35.4 million in unused funds from other state accounts to stave off proposed eligibility restrictions, calling the maneuver unconstitutional and a "one-time, fake fix to a real problem."

Ever since, Democrats have urged a veto override of House Committee Bill 3, something opponents of the veto will have to conjure 109 votes for in the House  an impossible scenario, said state Rep. Justin Alfterman, R-Hermann.

"I would say there is no possible way HCB 3 will be overriden," Alferman said. He said even if lawmakers overrode the governor, the governor could still choose not to sweep the funds from other state accounts.

Alferman, vice chairman of the House budget committee, said an alternative would be starting over through a special session.

"If we were actually focused on restoring those benefits for those 8,000 individuals, then a special session would need to be  or could be called  to where we could find a solution," Alferman said.

Alferman said lawmakers are floating another fund-sweep scheme and revisiting an ill-fated reform of the so-called "circuit breaker" tax credit for low-income seniors. Both ideas could free up money for the health care program.

"I think both of those proposals are probably on the table," Alferman said Wednesday. "Those discussions are being had by both House and Senate leadership at this moment."

Rep. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, said House and Senate leaders are in discussions about a potential fix, one that could be put on the fast-track if leaders decided to move forward with a special session.

Engler said it would make sense to have legislation ready for next week, when lawmakers are already scheduled to be in the Capitol for the veto session on Sept. 13.

"If they can come up with a basic agreement that both sides can take to their caucuses and say 'yes, we will do that,'" Engler said, "then that makes sense to call it."

Alferman said the governor calling a special session is more likely than the Legislature calling itself in.

"I would hope by at least Friday some indication would be made known," Alferman said. "It takes time to get these things done."

The Legislature may also take action against Chappelle-Nadal and Love.

Chappelle-Nadal has refused to resign, prompting Parson and Greitens to threaten to force a Senate vote to expel her if she did not resign by veto session.

Since then, a Republican senator said he would not vote to expel Chappelle-Nadal, meaning it is unclear whether Chappelle-Nadal's opponents have the votes to remove her.

Last week, Love said on Facebook that vandals who splattered paint on a Confederate monument in Springfield should be hanged.

Greitens has said the two lawmakers should not hold office for their remarks.

Senate staff have said they believe the Legislature would have to enter a special session to take action against Chappelle-Nadal.

On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the Senate Republican majority said there was no news on a possible special session. A spokesman for Greitens could not be reached. And a spokesman for the House also had no news to report.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Claire McCaskill released documents Wednesday that she says show how one pharmaceutical company pushed potentially dangerous opioids onto clients, in one case allegedly leading to the death of a patient suffering from back and neck pain.

The company, Insys, based in Chandler, Ariz., had a half dozen of its former executives indicted by the federal government in December on racketeering charges. Its new president and CEO say that the company has improved its practices and safeguards around its powerful cancer-pain drug, and that Insys had fired and replaced a significant number of employees.

McCaskill said her staffs review of internal Insys documents showed significant efforts Insys has taken to reduce barriers to the prescription of Subsys, its powerful fentanyl product.

An internal Insys document suggests Insys apparently lacked even basic measures to prevent its employees from manipulating the prior authorization process and received clear notice of these deficiencies, McCaskills report said.

The report, which is likely to be the first of several as part of a broader investigation by McCaskill, D-Mo., focused heavily on the case of a New Jersey patient Sarah Fuller, who died after being prescribed Subsys.

The report says that McCaskills staff received an audio recording of conversations between an Insys employee and (pharmacy benefit managers) related to a Subsys prescription for Sarah Fuller, who later died from an alleged fentanyl overdose.

The recording shows, McCaskill said, that the Insys employee misidentified herself as being with Fullers doctor, and that the Insys employee misled pharmacy benefit managers about the condition for which Fuller was being treated.

Insyss new president and chief executive officer, Saeed Motahari, told McCaskill that the company has taken appropriate steps to place ethical standards of conduct and patient interests at the heart of our decision.

In a Sept. 1 letter, Motahari said the actions described in McCaskills report are not indicative of the people that are currently employed at Insys.

McCaskill said at a press conference on Capitol Hill that her staff was going through 1 million documents from opioid manufacturers, as part of an investigation she expects to take at least a year. She said that it was an all-hands on deck moment for public health and the opioid epidemic, likening it to the challenges of AIDS or flu pandemics of previous decades.

In March, she launched a wide-ranging probe of pharmaceutical companies by requesting internal documents on sales and marketing strategies, internal studies on addiction and contributions to advocacy groups.

The Center for Disease Control said that, in 2015, the drug overdose rate in the United States was 2.5 times higher than the 1999 level. McCaskills report said that in Missouri, the rate of prescription opioid-related inpatient hospitalizations and emergency room visits more than doubled from 187 per 100,000 to 424 per 100,000 between 2005 and 2014.
By PTI: By Shakoor Rather

Male, Sep 6 (PTI) Building health systems resilient to climate change, improving access to essential medicines for all and intensifying efforts to end tuberculosis were among the key issues discussed at a meeting of health ministers and officials of 11 countries of WHO Southeast Asia Region, including India, that began here today.

The Seventieth Regional Committee session of WHO South- East Asia Region, the annual governing body meeting of WHO in the region, is being hosted by Maldives and will last till September 10.

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The inaugural session of the five-day meeting was attended by health officials from member countries and representatives of partner organisations. India is being represented by Health Secretary C K Mishra at the meeting.

"Sustained investment in health is a vital weapon if governments wish to ensure that hard-won economic progress continues," WHO Regional Director Poonam Khetrapal Singh said.

She said the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is the best and most powerful means we have at our disposal for changing peoples lives through better health, emphasising how sustained investment in health will ensure hard-won economic progress continues.

"In this region we are committed to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage. Every single country is making headway and we have powerful means to measure progress," said Singh.

A strong health system is vital not only help to keep people healthy, but is also the best defence against outbreaks and epidemics, the WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom, said.

"There is nothing better you can do for the people of your countries than to invest in strengthening your health systems. This includes ensuring the right number of health workers with the right skills, in the right places, to give the right care, at the right time. It means ensuring that essential medicines are available, and that people do not have to choose between buying medicine and buying food," WHO Director General said.

WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South-East Asia Region, Amitabh Bachchan, will also join the meeting to advocate for urgent action against viral hepatitis, a preventable disease that kills about 410,000 people in the region every year.

Strengthening primary health care and the health workforce and progress towards universal health coverage are among other priority issues being addressed at the meeting, reflecting the Region?s drive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal for health.

The focus of the meeting is on climate change ? on how to build health systems resilience to climate change. A well prepared and responsive health system is crucial for preventing and minimising the increasing health risks posed by climate change.

During the five-day event, the ministers and health representatives will also deliberate on accelerating efforts to end tuberculosis as the region bears a disproportionate 45 per cent of the global TB burden.

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As the regions health needs evolve, countries are facing increasing challenges in ensuring equitable access to a growing range of quality essential medicines at affordable prices.

To overcome these challenges, ministers will discuss ways to strengthen inter-country cooperation in areas such as medicines procurement and pricing, and regulation of medical products, as well as ways to enhance appropriate use of medicines, especially antibiotics.

The meeting will also deliberate on the action needed to cut down road traffic injuries, which cause 316,000 deaths in the region every year.

Vector control will also figure prominently at the governing body meeting, as countries across the Region bear a high burden of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and lymphatic filariasis.

The Regional Committee will also review recent progress on priority programmes and discuss next steps to safeguard the health of people throughout WHO South-East Asia Region.

Both Tedros and Singh complemented the member countries of WHO South-East Asia Region for a series of recent public health achievements, including region-wide elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus, elimination of malaria and lymphatic filariasis by Maldives and Sri Lanka; elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis by Thailand; yaws elimination by India, and most recently measles elimination by Bhutan and Maldives and lymphatic filariasis elimination by Thailand. PTI SAR ABH

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JEFFERSON CITY  Letters are being sent to more than 17,000 former Missouri state employees asking if they want to cash in early on their pensions.

For former workers, the move could mean exchanging a monthly pension check from the state for a lump sum payment worth about 60 percent of their normal retirement annuity.

For the state, it could clear the books of an estimated $7 million in annual costs and help shore up a pension system that is operating at about 69 percent of full funding.

The voluntary program is part of an initiative outlined in legislation approved earlier this year aimed at helping the Missouri State Employees Retirement System.

The savings would come because MOSERS would pay out a percentage of what a regular pension would be worth over time and would no longer have to pay the administrative fees associated with tracking all 17,500 beneficiaries.

According to a calculation provided in the letters that began being sent out last week, a former worker who was expecting to receive $586 per month once they reach retirement age of 62 could instead receive a lump sum payment of $36,283 that could be rolled into a private retirement account or used for other expenses.

MOSERs said the average person affected by the program worked for the state for nine years. The average lump sum, one-time payment would be $18,450.

The application period runs through Nov. 30.

In the letter, MOSERS suggests that former state workers consult with a financial expert or a tax advisor to understand the implications of taking the money.

For example, MOSERS says it is required to withhold 20 percent of the taxable portion of a cash distribution for federal income tax.

And, the letter notes, If you are younger than age 59, an additional 10 percent early distribution federal tax penalty may apply.

The pension system also said potential applicants should be patient.

We anticipate heavy call volume and additional email during this time, the letter reads.

The program is available only to state workers who left the payroll before June 30.

The first wave of letters was mailed to 3,500 former workers who live out of state or have complicated work service history.

The second wave of letters will be sent to about 7,000 former state workers in mid-Missouri in the week of Sept. 18.

Former workers who reside in St. Louis and Kansas City will receive letters sometime after Sept. 25.
By PTI: Toronto, Sep 6 (PTI) Practicing brief sessions of Hatha yoga and mindfulness meditation can significantly improve brain function and energy levels, a study has found.

Hatha yoga is one of the most common styles of yoga practiced in Western countries.

It involves physical postures and breathing exercises combined with meditation. Mindfulness mediation involves observing thoughts, emotions and body sensations with openness and acceptance.

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The study found that practicing just 25 minutes of Hatha yoga or mindfulness meditation per day can boost the brains executive functions, cognitive abilities linked to goal- directed behavior and the ability to control knee-jerk emotional responses, habitual thinking patterns and actions.

"Hatha yoga and mindfulness meditation both focus the brains conscious processing power on a limited number of targets like breathing and posing, and also reduce processing of nonessential information," said Peter Hall, associate professor at University of Waterloo in Canada.

"These two functions might have some positive carryover effect in the near-term following the session, such that people are able to focus more easily on what they choose to attend to in everyday life," Hall said.

Thirty-one study participants completed 25 minutes of Hatha yoga, 25 minutes of mindfulness meditation, and 25 minutes of quiet reading (a control task) in randomised order.

Following both the yoga and meditation activities, participants performed significantly better on executive function tasks compared to the reading task.

"This finding suggests that there may be something special about meditation - as opposed to the physical posing - that carries a lot of the cognitive benefits of yoga," said Kimberley Luu, lead author of the study published in the journal Mindfulness.

The study also found that mindfulness meditation and Hatha yoga were both effective for improving energy levels, but Hatha yoga had significantly more powerful effects than meditation alone.

"There are a number of theories about why physical exercises like yoga improve energy levels and cognitive test performance," said Luu.

"These include the release of endorphins, increased blood flow to the brain, and reduced focus on ruminative thoughts. Though ultimately, it is still an open question," she said.

"Although the meditative aspect might be even more important than the physical posing for improving executive functions, there are additional benefits to Hatha yoga including improvements in flexibility and strength," said Hall.

"These benefits may make Hatha yoga superior to meditation alone, in terms of overall health benefits," he said. PTI MHN MHN

--- ENDS ---

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State Rep. Warren Love, R-Osceola, does not actually want to see petty criminals lynched; he has apologized for a recent social media post suggesting otherwise. Likewise, state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, D-University City, does not actually want to see President Donald Trump killed; she has apologized and sought forgiveness for a recent social media post suggesting otherwise.

These two legislators initial statements were shocking and deeply offensive. Both were immediately condemned by Republicans and Democrats alike, including calls for the lawmakers resignations. In response to those calls, Love and Chappelle-Nadal each clarified that they did not mean what they said in their ill-advised social media posts, and both have stated that they will not resign their seats in the legislature.

Some are suggesting that apologies are not enough, and that the legislators should vote to remove these officials from office. The Missouri Constitution does authorize each house of the Legislature to expel members, but there are several important reasons that the Missouri House and Senate should not use this authority in regard to Love or Chappelle-Nadal.

The most important consideration is that our system of government depends on the idea that voters hold the ultimate authority to decide who would best represent them in office. Expelling an elected official from office means that a group of legislators from outside of a district would be overriding the will of the voters who chose that official to represent them. Since 2004, Chappelle-Nadals constituents voted five times for her to represent them in Jefferson City. Loves constituents elected him three times since 2012. Unless these legislators ill-advised comments on social media have generated a true wellspring of outrage coming from within their own districts, there is no legitimate justification for depriving these voters of their chosen representatives.

The First Amendment raises another important concern. In 1965 voters in Georgia overwhelmingly elected a legislative candidate who had publicly opposed the Vietnam War and stated that he admired the courage of people who burned their draft cards. Based solely on these controversial statements, the Georgia House of Representatives denied the candidate his seat in the legislature. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that, in excluding the candidate from the office to which voters had elected him simply because of his controversial statements, Georgia had violated the First Amendment. The same principles apply to the social media statements that Love and Chappelle-Nadal made. However ill-considered and offensive the statements might have been, they neither violated any laws nor disrupted legislative proceedings; expulsion is only being discussed because other legislators object to the ideas expressed in those statements. The Constitutions protections for free speech do not permit a government entity to penalize citizens  even members of the Legislature  solely because they made a statement that others found to be offensive.

But the Legislature should not expel Love or Chappelle-Nadal because doing so would perpetuate the political gamesmanship that has been damaging our nation and alienating voters. The political insiders who control both major parties have for decades prioritized scoring political points by tearing down opponents (even those within their own parties) rather than working together to find solutions to societys challenges. But the interests of political insiders do not necessarily align with the interests of the ordinary citizens, who simply want people they trust and respect to represent them in the government. This elevation of political expedience over people is why so many voters have become disillusioned with our political process.

The Post-Dispatch editorial board has suggested that Chappelle-Nadal, in particular, might now be unable to serve her constituents and that she might damage her party if she remains in office. But if Chappelle-Nadal is expelled from the Senate, her district likely will not have any representation at all in the next legislative session. Remaining in office would not only ensure that her district would have representation, it would also serve to combat the idea that the opinions of pundits and political insiders are more important than voters having their voice heard in Jefferson City. And to the extent that either political party is willing to marginalize, ignore or expel a legislator because its members choose not to forgive an ill-advised social media post, perhaps any damage that party might suffer is self-inflicted. Ordinary Missourians are faced with problems far greater than whether two legislators made foolish statements online that they did not actually mean and for which they have apologized. Expelling Chappelle-Nadal would not get the legislature any closer to solving those problems.

Dave Roland is the director of litigation for the Freedom Center of Missouri, a nonprofit, nonpartisan law firm devoted to protecting free expression and voters rights.
Regarding two tragic deaths at nursing homes in Florissant, here are some facts the public needs to know.

Nursing homes for the most part keep staff low, perhaps one nurse to upwards of 50-60 people.

In the March 2016 death at St. Sophia, the aide that left an 88-year-old lady in the tub room was overworked. That being said, a staff member should always be present with a patient in a tub in a nursing home. Personal one-one-one monitoring by staff is really the only safe solution.

Also, many times medications are given in nursing homes by technicians who have minimal education on this. Its a dangerous practice.

Regarding the man who died from wrong medicines (Florissant nursing home cited in death of resident given wrong medicine, Sept. 2), it sounds like there was no investigation into why he had extremely low blood sugar. The first time should have triggered a problem-solving red flag to alert nurses and physicians.

Statistics show 60 percent of medical errors happen when a patient is admitted, sent out to another facility or discharged. In this gentlemans case, he had recently been sent to an outside facility and then been readmitted.

Also doctors should be the ones writing admission orders in person, not just approving them over the phone. Had the doctor come to the facility to readmit the patient, rather than just verifying over the phone, he hopefully would have noticed the medication papers were mixed up.

Nursing homes need oversight and alertness of senior staff to ensure these issues do not occur.

As nurses, one of our most important jobs is to problem-solve. Alertness and vigilance is vital to the health of our precious patients. We have to be advocates for those more vulnerable than us to look out for health, for mistakes, for good care and for best practices at whatever facility they are being treated by. That is a nurses job.

Jerry S. Hutter  Florissant
Three years after the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, long-overdue systemic reform of St. Louis Countys municipal court system is underway.

For decades, many residents  especially those of color  felt they had been victimized and denied their constitutional rights by law enforcement and municipal courts in St. Louis Countys hodgepodge of 89 municipalities.

Some municipalities used police to generate revenue to keep inefficient city operations afloat. Others ran municipal courts like debtors prisons, jailing indigent citizens for days or even weeks when they were unable to pay fines for minor offenses like broken taillights or uncut grass, wreaking havoc on their personal lives. And if folks didnt show up for court, their fines kept growing.

Now, with new state law, new Missouri Supreme Court minimum operating standards and new local court rules in place to compel reform, the hard work of change is moving forward.

Although historically they have operated independently, municipal courts are, in fact, divisions of the circuit court. With nearly 80 divisions in St. Louis County to monitor, it is a painstaking and, at times, frustrating process. Old ways die hard.

But, make no mistake: Change is happening. We are beginning to see greater consistency, accountability, transparency and equity in St. Louis County and across the state, just as the law demands and the public deserves.

Today, more municipalities are complying with state law that requires them to report records of conviction statistics on moving violations.

Fewer citations are being written by police officers for minor traffic offenses. There are fewer arrests, fewer warrants and fewer individuals going to jail.

The percentage of municipal general revenue generated by fines and costs has been reduced dramatically. In most municipalities in St. Louis County, that percentage is at or below the 20 percent cap set by state law.

Indigent defendants are being allowed to present evidence of their financial condition when fines or fees are set, as required by law. Payment plans are required for those who need them. And, for residents who cannot afford to pay their fines, community service is being offered as an alternative.

Communities that have consolidated their municipal court operations are using consistent protocols, procedures and fee schedules. This means that a ticket for a noisy muffler costs the same in the six municipalities now operating out of the St. Ann Consolidated Courts and the nine operating out of Normandy. Fifteen courts consolidated into two is real progress.

In Ferguson  whose municipal court has made significant strides under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Justice  fines can no longer be doubled or tripled whenever a charge is changed to another charge of the same classification.

Training, including implicit bias training, is being provided to help professionalize municipal judges, court clerks and prosecutors on a statewide basis to ensure they follow the law.

All those involved in the day-to-day administration of justice  from city attorneys and municipal judges to prosecutors and police chiefs  are working to improve cooperation that is essential to progress.

Are all municipal courts in St. Louis County operating as they should? Not yet.

Are there still serious issues to resolve? Yes.

Are we on the path of progress? Absolutely.

Taking the steps necessary to improve the municipal courts in St. Louis County is my top priority.

Reaching our shared goal of fair and impartial justice for everyone in our court system is a journey of 10,000 steps.

Together, we will get there  one step at a time.

Judge Douglas R. Beach is the presiding judge of the St. Louis County Circuit Court.
Tracey Petersen and Paul Merrony are reopening The Bower House

The Bower House restaurant in Shipston reopens tonight (Thursday) with Australian duo, chef Paul Merrony and his partner Tracey Petersen, at the helm. Over coffee they tell Gill Sutherland about their plans to make the family-run restaurant an asset for everyone in the town

Youve owned a couple of successful and critically acclaimed restaurants in London (La Giaconda in Soho and Shoe Shop in Kentish Town) how did your involvement with The Bower House come about?

Paul: We had a meeting with Andrew [Knight, the chairman of Times Newspapers and Bower House owner] when this was just a shell in February last year. We have been working for ourselves for a long time so we decided not to take it any further, but now through various quirks of fate we find ourselves here.

Tracey: Weve always run restaurants ourselves and never been involved with anyone else, but this suits everybody  Andrew is bonkers busy and 77, and it was time for us to get out of London and regroup. So were renting a house in Shipston area, and really enjoying it.

You work as a dynamic duo  how did you first meet?

Tracey: We have always run restaurants together  Paul is the chef and I do front of house.

Paul: Yes shes Batman to my Boy Wonder!

Tracey: We met at a restaurant in Sydney where I was a waitress and he was in the kitchen. Then I got married and he got married

Paul: Then I got divorced, and she got divorced, as you do. We hooked up and here we are.

Tracey: We have two children between us  our son Oliver who is 12 and Pauls daughter Imogen, 25, who lives in Australia.

What attracted you to the UK?

Paul: I came over here when I was 18 to do an apprenticeship; then did another three years in France [training with the Roux brothers] and I suppose I am a European cook as opposed to an Australian cook  so in a way it was a bit of a homecoming. It might be viewed as being crazy, upping sticks and moving halfway across the world but you know youre dead a long time. And its something Id always wanted to do.

Tracey: We love the fact that Paul can get great produce here; in Australia you are very limited because you are so far away from the rest of the world.

What do you envisage for The Bower House  who do you want to attract and what will be on the menu?

Paul: Its a work in progress. The vision for the place originally was that it was somewhere people would come to on a weekly basis: whether its a coffee on a Tuesday, a bite to eat with your girlfriends a few days later, then a meal with your partner or your family because you cant be bothered cooking  that was Andrews original idea.

Its accessible to all, whether popping in for a lazy brunch or dressing up on a Saturday night. Its got to be a reflection of the neighbourhood. Yes, there are a lot of wealthy people in the area but we are in Shipston and we have got to appeal to a broad church of people. If we just did Michelin-type food then we would probably be dead in the water. People go to those sort of places to tick off the box. We need to be sympathetic to the community rather than being perceived as stuck up.

In terms of the menu we are not trying to reinvent the wheel or make people feel uncomfortable or for them to walk out of here going oh that was weird or leave here starving  we want people to have had a good feed.

Tracey: Pauls food is very honest and rustic. You put one of Pauls meals in front of you and you go oh I could cook that at home until you taste it and you go actually no I couldnt! Its really quite special but not fussy at all.

Paul: We want to look at this place as an embellishment to the community. Cafes and shops set the tone of a place. Weve only been here six weeks, but we know that Shipston, Stratford and the whole area has got every type of person you could imagine  we like to think that everyone will feel comfortable coming here.

Tracey: The menu will be quite large. I would say there are six or seven dishes that people cant live without and they are as simple as a gratin, chicken liver pate, green bean salad  and theyll always be a staple steak and chips.

Paul: I cook French-ish food and the perception is that its all cream and offal, fat duck and wobbling beef  but thats just one side of French cooking, there are plenty of vegetarian dishes, for example.

Tell us about your approach to running a restaurant  how do you make sure you get it right?

Tracey: We are confident in our product and thats what we find is the hardest thing about running a restaurant  that confidence without being show-offy.

Paul: You need to feel the place is in control. Theres nothing worse than walking through the door and theres no staff  people need to feel comfortable when they walk in.

Tracey: Its important in a restaurant to make sure the floor and the kitchen are in tune and I suppose thats why Paul and I work so well together. My aim is to have every staff member working in this restaurant to have the same knowledge that I have on every single thing. Its important that were all doing everything together; even the littlest person in the restaurant should know whats going on  they shouldnt have to say oh Ill go and get the manager And Paul doesnt call himself chef, its just Paul.

What are the challenges of working together?

Tracey: Huge challenges, but I dont think Paul would be able to work without me

Paul: Its reassuring having Tracey there. We talk about stuff but its also osmotic.

What restaurants do you admire?

Tracey: The River Cafe [in Hammersmith, London] is pretty special.

Paul: I am a bit of a grub  I quite often go to cafe Bruno in London, its like the last greasy spoon in Soho, but I wouldnt say its good!

Tracey: We like to travel, go to restaurants under the bridges, behind the alley  where theres no menu kind of places. Its about the spirit and delicious food and thats how we like to present our food. Its not a fussy big deal, just a lovely plate of food to enjoy.

Paul: Im not a big Michelin sort of person, thats just one arm of the restaurant business. A lot of people seem to chase that but there needs to be all sorts of restaurants. We went to El Bulli [the three-star Michelin restaurant in Spain] and it had silly sort of food, there were 40 courses, just stupid. Its the classic thing to go and tick it off  they probably dont have regulars, or there a regular is someone who pops in every five years. Id rather have had a paella on the beach.

Youre opening the second week of September, how are you feeling about that?

Tracey: We want to be discreet  we dont want to hype ourselves up.

Paul: Yeah were just going to open and do a good job. The worst thing we could do is come out saying we are going to do this, this and this and then dont deliver  its important that we under promise and over deliver.

We wont open up fully formed. Theres a lot of trial and error. I heard someone say the other day that they built their entire business on mistakes and thats the same in the restaurant business. You try a dish and it doesnt work so you vary it; you try afternoon teas and it doesnt work so you come up with something else  its going to take a while for us to be fully formed but well find it. n

The Bower House is open from Tuesday to Sunday lunchtime, from 8am to 9pm, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, or customers are welcome to go in for just a coffee or a drink. Starters range from 7.50 to 11.50; mains from 15; puddings range from 4.50 to 7.50. The lunch menu costs 18.50 for two courses and a glass of wine or three courses. For those wanting a light snack, various croques  Monsieur, Madame, d'Alsace and Florentine  are available in the afternoon from 5.50. See www.thebowerhouseshipston.com for more details or call 01608 663333
A misquoted story of a Christian teenager who was allegedly lynched in Burewala district of Punjab shocked human rights activists across the country but police sources and parents of teen tell a different story.

Though Pakistan, a majority Muslim state is battling the allegations from supporting extremism to forced conversions but another incident was used by specific elements over last weekend to create a divide between Christians and Muslims co-existing peacefully in the country.

The incident relates to the death of Sharoon Masih,17 who was a student of 9th Grade and lost his life in Burewala city of Punjab over a petty skirmish in class.

Initially, it was revealed that Sharoon was lynched to death by his Muslim class fellows as he was attending his class at MC Model Boys Government High School Burewala last week.

The reason for the killing was believed to be xenophobic and it was alleged that Sharoon faced a discrimination owing to his faith prior to his death.

It was also widely propagated that the Christian student was lynched by a group of Muslim students in the school, contrary to the facts.

According to the details available with Daily Pakistan, there was no such element of ethnic or religious animosity behind the death of Sharoon and it all triggered due to a trivial class skirmish.

The father of Sharoon, Elyab while in a telephonic conversation with this scribe described that his son tried to walk through the class room where one of his class fellows was sitting with his legs stretched that became an impetus for the conflict.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Zulfiqar Ali threw weight behind Elyab and confirmed that there was no religious element involved in Sharoons death.

According to the FIR lodged on Aug 30, the day Sharoon passed away, one of the students Hamid Raza who alongwith another boy was fighting with Sharoon, kicked him in the belly due to which he fell on the ground.

The Christian student was then taken to the hospital where the doctors pronounced him dead said the police officer and added that the accused Hamid was sent to judicial remand and would be presented before the area magistrate on Saturday.

When pressed further whether Sharoon was killed for his faith, Zulfiqar replied with a NO and added that not even the parents of deceased mentioned any such thing in the complaint.

He further added that the police was conducting inquiry into the incident but was waiting for post mortem report which would further clear the air.

Describing the overall situation of Yaqoobabad town, where Sharoon attended his school, the policemen claimed that the overall situation was pretty good and there was no incident of such kind in past as well.

A sizeable majority of Christians reside in the area and neither the plaintiff nor the local community complained about any discrimination noted Zulfiqar Ali who signed the FIR regarding Sharoons death.

Zulfiqar also maintained that the elected representatives of Christian community including the local counsellor did not file complaints regarding the lynching, as misquoted on social media.

It bears mentioning that as soon as Sharoon passed away, a few websites claiming to be advocating Christians rights in Pakistan, peddled the narrative that the shining star Sharoon was abused, bullied and finally killed intentionally.

A few Twitterati also apparently added fuel to the fire and called upon the international organizations to take notice of discrimination in the country.

Nonetheless, it is visibly evident that Sharron did lose his life after a fight with his Muslim friends, even then religion was not the decisive factor in this regard.
General Elections - September 2020

Bay of Plenty

Tricia Lawrence

Tricia is a first-time candidate for New Zealand First, representing the Bay of Plenty electorate.

She resides here after moving from Auckland to be near family and to complete her education diploma.

Tricia has a broad and expansive professional range of skills, and knowledge, gained from prior careers in various sectors including small business, global organisation Air New Zealand, and government entity Tourism New Zealand.

As a child, Tricia spent time growing up in small-town New Zealand, where rising inequality became obvious, especially during a time of major economic reform. Since then, basic life expectations for Kiwis have become out of reach for many New Zealanders. New Zealand First policies, shaped by its founding 15 fundamentals, sets out to deliberately address these issues with balanced decision making. It is for these reasons, Tricia is drawn to politics and New Zealand First.

Authorised by: T Lawrence, 17 Blanche Road, Papamoa, Tauranga, 3118.

Todd Muller

I've felt privileged being the MP for Bay of Plenty since 2014. Representing the Bay in Parliament is an honour, fighting for our region to receive the services we need to match our growing population.

As New Zealand's fifth largest and fastest expanding city, we need a continued strong voice for our key local issues. I will be working hard for rural fibre roll-out, better Police resourcing, increased capacity for addiction rehabilitation and after-hours A&E care in Papamoa East.

The Bay of Plenty needs greater investment in infrastructure and I intend to argue hard for increased central government funding for our state highways, new schools and health services.

I've lived here for nearly 45 years. Michelle and I chose to raise our family in this area because we love the Bay and we are excited about the potential for our region to lead New Zealand's economic recovery through innovation and export success.

Tauranga

Erika Harvey

NZ First Candidate Erika Harvey is an avid supporter of small businesses and human rights. Her action-based approach has been integral to solving an array of community challenges to date. Her experience in Small Business is extensive, crossing a number of varied areas, including ownership, innovation, human resources, labour and employment (HR), health and safety, compliance and finance.

Erika understands first hand the challenges facing Tauranga's econom and continues to champion a number of local industries, which has led her to being on TCC's Marine Precinct Advisory Committee.

Erika and her husband Dan live locally in Tauranga. As the mother of a child with autism, Erika is passionate about improving equity and accessibility for all New Zealanders. She is the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at Greerton Village School, a Business Mentor for Mentors NZ and also on the board for Tauranga Youth Development Team. Visit www.ErikaHarvey.co.nz for more.

Jan Tinetti

I am delighted to be Labour's candidate for Tauranga as part of Jacinda Ardern's team.

I love this beautiful city and am honoured to have had the opportunity over the past three years to represent the locals on issues that matter to them and identify areas of change to make things better.

As we rebuild after COVID-19, I will be a strong advocate for investment in Tauranga.

I am a staunch defender of our quality public education system. Every New Zealander deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure services are provided to achieve this goal.

I am passionate and energetic about the values at the heart of the Labour Party. We put people at the heart of all we do. I look forward to continuing to make a positive difference for the people of Tauranga now and into the future.

Simon Bridges

It's a huge privilege being your MP.

I'm concerned many issues are getting worse under this Government. Making ends meet, getting around and feeling safe is getting harder. In the last three years no new roads and few new state houses have been built here. Gangs and crime are getting worse.

I will stand up for the issues that matter.

My plan for Tauranga will deliver:

A stronger economy and more jobs.

Investment in transport and housing.

A safer community.

Here are some specifics from the plan:

Reduce regulation for businesses.

The Tauranga Northern Link.

Start work on Hewletts Road and Totara Street.

More four-laning to Hamilton and a solution for Tauriko.

Transforming old state houses into fit-for-purpose homes.

Free up land for housing

A Tauranga Museum

A specific police unit to manage growing gang problems.

A plan to combat begging in our shopping villages.

More support to address homelessness.

Tracy Livingston

The NZ Outdoors Party stands for People and Environment before Profit and Poisons

 Our policies:

 Natural conservation instead of 1080 and brodifacoum which are killing our native species

 Stop exporting our fish for less than $1/kilo and dumping thousands of tons of 'unwanted' fish. Stop destructive corporate fishing practise, protect our fish for future generations.

 Government subsidies for organic, regenerative, soil building agriculture to reduce environmental toxins and pollution

 Moratorium on 5G, as no proof that radiation waves of 60 billion cycles/second is safe for humans, animals or plants.

 Support good health by subsidising natural medicine to work alongside conventional medicine

 It's not the governments job to drive people into poverty, so we say no tax on income under $40,000 (or the current living wage).

 Change legislation to allow alternative building such as tiny homes and community housing

 www.outdoorsparty.co.nz

Independent

Yvette Lamare

ONE TICK for me when voting is the only way I, Yvette Lamare an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE will become a NEW MP TAURANGA.

I'm a 2017 New Zealander of the year 'Local Hero'. A 21st Century Poet.

With passion and respect I've been welcoming and serving you to BK Tauranga for over 17 years.

My 4th General Election.

Serving you in Parliament is where I'm longing to be.

Together we can make a difference to climate change, promote good health and wellbeing. Create employment and witness a dramatic decrease in many serious problems we face today.

I'm a direct descendant of Rangatira Eruera Patuone and feel compelled to revive his enduring years of work as a warrior of peace, good health and betterment for people.

With my courage, commitment, determination and purpose your vote empowers me to represent you.

Please vote Yvette Lamare.
A group of students at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology are busy raising the last few funds they need for a trip to Queenstown.

The Diploma in Tourism and Travel students have planned the trip of their own accord, in order to better understand the thriving tourism market.

Although the September 18 trip isnt part of the course curriculum, the students think it would provide invaluable experience, giving them a taste of one of the industrys hotspots  the tourism hub of New Zealand, as student Massey Laing puts it.

Its definitely an educational trip, says classmate Rhiannon Dadley. We decided on it at the start of the course, and have been fundraising since then.

Raffles and sausage sizzles have been the bread and butter of their fundraising so far, but they still need around $1000 to get them over the line. On Thursday theyre holding a carwash at Toi Ohomais Windermere campus between 11am and 1pm  and at $5 a pop, its a real bargain for anyone who wants to freshen up their vehicle.

The week-long trip will allow the students to meet with different tourism operators and see how the market works down there. They hope to bring some of the knowledge and skills back to Tauranga, which has a reputation for drawing in a lot of cruise ship passengers  who promptly board buses and head to Rotorua.

All of the students agree that needs to change, and are passionate about the idea of more tourists staying in this city.

The aim is to bring more people and travellers to Tauranga, and set our region up as a tourist destination, which in turn will hopefully bring more employment and income into the region, says student Jessie Bidois.
The ACT Partys Bay of Plenty candidate Bruce Carley will be supporting David Seymour when he comes to Tauranga on Saturday.

The marketing manager is standing to help promote ACTs particular brand of social liberalism and economic conservatism.

Bruce, and ex-Aucklander who moved south in 2013, has previously worked in marketing communications for several technology companies. Hes now employed by a chain of outdoor power equipment stores across Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

I joined ACT in early 2014, but had supported the partys ideals of personal choice and self-responsibility for several years before that. A couple of family members have been active in the party for quite some time, and we definitely have a similar outlook.

Im drawn to ACTs social liberalism  that is, letting people do what they like with their own money, own bodies and own lives, provided theyre not harming anybody else  and their economic conservatism  reducing wasteful government spending so taxpayers can keep more of their earnings to spend on the things and causes that are important to them.

He says its not about what ACT can do, but what it can enable people, communities and businesses to do.

ACT wants to reduce the unnecessary involvement of government in how people go about their lives and livelihoods. We have policies like replacing the RMA in urban areas with legislation that encourages and incentivises councils to free up land so housing can be developed.

We also want to sell government-owned farms to fund the great work of the many struggling conservation groups, and provide more choice in education so parents can help their children make the most of opportunities.

Bruce will be among the ACT Party candidates joining leader David Seymour when he visits Tauranga on Saturday.

David will be delivering a speech in Red Square at 11am, which Bruce says will include a new policy announcement.

He says because David Seymour will win Epsom, every party vote for ACT counts.

Every party vote for ACT is important and vital to electing more ACT MPs, to ensure a centre-right partner for National in the next government, says Bruce.
The weather forecast today is for showers and fine spells with gusty westerlies.

Its a one-clothing layer day today with a high of 16 and an overnight low of 9 degrees.

This day in NZ history in 1868 The Prussian soldier of fortune Gustavus Ferdinand von Tempsky was killed during an assault on Titokowarus south Taranaki pa.

His exploits during the tumultuous 1860s had made him a folk hero for many settlers.

Aged only 40 when he died, von Tempsky had earned a reputation as one of the most colourful characters of nineteenth century New Zealand.

This day in NZ history in 1909 NZs heaviest gold nugget was found.

Messrs Scott and Sharpe found it at Ross on the West Coast.

Weighing in at 3.09 kg (99.63 ounces), it was named the Honourable Roddy after the minister of mines, Roderick McKenzie.

Mounted in a fitting setting, it became New Zealands decidedly handsome Coronation gift to King George V.

When enquiries were made 40 years later, it was discovered that the nugget had been melted down to make a royal tea service.

Todays quote from Nickey Gumbel - "A lot of problems in the world would be solved if we talked to each other instead of about each other."

Check out activities happening around the Bay today on our Whats On page.

Have a great day!
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Onondaga Citizens League's yearlong study on "How CNY Works" identified six industries in Central New York that show promise for future economic development.

The study also looks at what kind of work people do in the region and examines how much of Syracuse's high concentration of poverty is tied to the ability or inability of area residents to find gainful employment sufficient to support themselves and their families.

Onondaga Citizens League will present the findings and recommendations from the "How CNY Works" study at Thursday Morning Roundtable, a weekly public forum. The forum will be held at 8:15 a.m. Thursday at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Study co-chairs Mel Menon and Craig French will explain the study and discuss the findings.

The study found the following areas show promise for economic growth:

Unmanned Aerial Systems Traffic Management:

Creation of an Inland Port:

Semiconductors:

Agriculture:

Energy Industry:

Climate Technologies:

The study set out to answer questions about what kinds of work CNYers do, what opportunities are and will be available, and who is included in the workforce. The study did not result in a complete understanding of these issues, according to the report.

"We found that there is a lack of clarity regarding the work people do in CNY and how much they earn for it," the report says. "There are many CNY residents who are disconnected from work, concentrated in communities which are situation in generational poverty. There is a lack of transparency and public involvement in economic development."

The study gives recommendations for the public, elected leaders, business and community leaders, educators and economic planning bodies. Some of the recommendations include the following:

Conduct a broad ecological survey of work in CNY

Examine employer recruitment and hiring practices

Foster stronger connections and increased collaboration between employment service providers, as well as education/training programs to optimize use of expertise and resources

Introduce neighborhood or community "navigators" to work with residents to foster better connections between job seekers and resources

Promote and expand social ventures that put people to work and help them build skills while also generating revenue to fund programming

To learn more about the "How CNY Works" study, visit the Onondaga Citizens League's website.
Syracuse, N.Y. -- Regan Shetsky would have turned 4 in March. But she is forever 3.

Shetsky was killed in a car accident Jan. 4 in the parking lot of her preschool.

Her parents, Kelly and Mark, are asking people to spread kindness in Regan's memory. They started a Facebook page, Regan's Acts of Kindness, shortly after her death. And now they are asking people to leave painted rocks for strangers to find.

They are teaming up with 315 Rocks, a Facebook group for kindness rock hiders and discoverers in Central New York.

A picture of rocks painted and hidden for strangers to find in memory of Regan Shetsky.

Kindness rocks have been growing in popularity across the nation: people paint rocks with encouraging messages or images, then leave them someplace for a stranger to find.

"This is the perfect way for us to spread Regan's joy," Kelly Shetsky said. Regan loved arts and crafts, and would have delighted in finding the painted rocks her parents are encouraging others to find, her mother said.

Shetsky asked that people note the address of Regan's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/regansactsofkindness. She also is asking that people take pictures of the rocks they hide and the rocks they find. The photos will be shared between Regan's page and the 315 Rocks page.

Regan's family has also donated playground equipment to Holy Cross School in DeWitt and created Regan's Corner at the Wild Animal Park in Chittenango. Shetsky said more projects in her daughter's name are underway.

Regan's father, Syracuse firefighter Mark Shetsky, was also injured when the car hit his daughter. He was holding her hand. He has since recovered from his injuries.

Regan's family has created Regan's Corner at The Wild Animal Park in Chittenango and donated playground equipment to Holy Cross School in DeWitt. More projects are underway.

Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246
LIVERPOOL, NY - Nearly 250 neighbors of a proposed apartment complex in Liverpool have signed a petition opposing the development.

Developer Cosimo Zavaglia wants to construct 108 apartments on seven acres at 1225 Tulip St. in the village. The Meyer Manor project would include four three-story buildings along with an office.

A public hearing on a required zone change for the access driveway is set for Sept 18 in the village of Liverpool. The zone change is for half an acre of the property earmarked for the driveway - the rest is already zoned for multiple-family dwellings.

The apartment complex would be built on a narrow strip of land which is bordered by Tulip Street, the New York State Thruway, and the Johnson Tract neighborhood in the town of Salina.

Residents in the 57-home Johnson Tract have banded together with neighbors who live on the other side of the Thruway to oppose the project. They say the apartment complex is too large and too dense for the site, and will result in increased traffic and congestion. Some are village of Liverpool and some are town of Salina residents.

"We already have a problem with traffic and accidents on Tulip street, and we think this will make this an even more dangerous area within the village," said Jan Quitzau, one of the opponents. "Also, the speed limit changes to 30 mph just before the Thruway bridge, right where the driveway is proposed. That would be dangerous."

Residents have started a Facebook page -Neighbors Against Meyer Manor - to outline their concerns. They say the project would strain their sewer system, harm the environment and lead to more light pollution and noise in their neighborhood.

The project was first proposed in 2015. The zone change is a first step in the village planning board's review of the project.

If the zone change isn't approved, it may mean the project has to be abandoned, Quitzau said.
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Drayton Manor has lifted its ban on Sikh visitors wearing ceremonial swords.

The U-turn follows complaints after a primary school teacher was denied entry to a childrens party at the popular Tamworth theme park in June. Top brass considered the Kirpan - a holy dagger - posed healthy and safety risks.

Following that incident, reported in the Birmingham Mail, members of the Sikh Council UK have held discussions with bosses. The organisation pointed out wearing a Kirpan is mandatory for those who have gone through the Sikh equivalent of baptism. It is not a choice.

Today, Jasveer Singh, press officer for the Sikh Press Association, welcomed Drayton Manors change of heart.

He said: A lot of people might not use the word victory, but it is justice. Drayton Manor has taken our concerns on board.

We could understand it (the ban), from someone who had no understanding of the issue, but at Drayton Manor this issue has come-up before.

Wearing the Kirpan is not a choice and there is simply no evidence to back-up claims it presents a danger.

The theme park was accused of religious discrimination after the Coventry man was told he was not welcome while wearing his Kirpan. According to one eyewitness, a staff member was concerned the dagger could fall off on a ride.

He said: I cannot explain the Sikh familys embarrassment and how their pride was deeply dented by this pure humiliation as though they were criminals.

If you take off the Kirpan then essentially you are breaking your oath  which is like removing part of a limb for a baptised Sikh.

At the time, a spokeswoman for the attraction pointed out an alternative was available  a necklace worn next to the skin in exchange for the Kirpan.

She added: These reasonable alternative steps were taken in liaison with Sikh elders, and after the park commissioned and received an independent engineering report from a renowned health and safety specialist who confirmed that the wearing of a sheathed dagger, or any similar article, posed a viable compromise to safety whilst on a ride.

The alternative did not satisfy the Sikh Council. It stated: In this day and age where the Kirpan can be taken into Parliament, it is disappointing to see an amusement park ban this article of faith from their grounds.

Today, A Drayton Manor spokeswoman told the Mail: Drayton Manor Park is a family run business which operates within a multi-cultural society enriched with different creeds and beliefs and its staff welcome and embrace this.

As with any business we continually review and update our policies. In this instance, through in-depth consultation with the Sikh Council UK, Drayton Manor Park has resolved to welcome Sikh visitors wearing Kirpans adhering to mutually agreed health and safety guidelines.

Together, Drayton Manor Park and the Sikh Council UK has developed strict guidelines designed for the benefit of all, while ensuring Sikh visitors sacred traditions are upheld.

Those guidelines are:
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Police are hunting a the driver of a white van who tried to lure a young boy into the vehicle .

Staffordshire Police said the lad was approached in Broadlee, Tamworth, at around 2pm on Tuesday.

He refused and ran home, where the alarm was raised.

There were no further sightings of the man or the van following the alert, the Tamworth Herald reported.

A police spokesman said: "A young boy was approached by a male in a white van and was asked to get in the van.

"The boy said no and ran back home to which there were no further sightings of this male or the van."

Anyone with information should call 101 or 07812 071 722.
YouTube-to-MP3 ripping has become a common practice for folks who need to extract audio from YouTube videos, presumably to pirate music instead of purchasing them. One of the most popular sites that enable this, YouTube-mp3.org, will soon shut down as the result of a settlement.

Popular YouTube MP3 Ripping Site Will Shut Down Soon

Last year, the Recording Industry Association of America sued the ripping site's operators for copyright infringement. A complaint filed in a California federal court accused YouTube-mp3.org of circumventing YouTube's copying protection mechanism, which violates the DMCA.

Both parties have now come to a conclusion a year later, as TorrentFreak reports. The site's owner has agreed to pay a settlement, the details of which remain undisclosed. Additionally, a proposed injunction prevents anyone with ties to the site from creating or being associated with "streamripping" sites going forward. The operators have also agreed to hand the site over to the RIAA, which will keep the domain.

The site will shut down as part of the settlement. At the time of writing, the site itself is still live, but converting a YouTube video into an MP3 file no longer works. The settlement and the proposed injunction, however, have yet to be approved and ordered by the court. Still, some apps that offer a similar functionality are being removed. According to MacRumors, ProTube was pulled from the App Store last week. Google made several requests to have it taken down. Google, for the record, owns YouTube.

YouTube Piracy

YouTube has, for a long time, been a wellspring of piracy. Its platform essentially invites it, for lack of a better term. The site has tons of different types of content, from music to podcast to several films illegally uploaded. YouTube audiences can use third-party ripping sites that can extract content from YouTube easily.

Music videos and legitimate audio uploads by artists are prime targets for this. Users can simply extract audio and transfer it to their mobile devices  no need to open up the video again. This is perhaps why videos on the YouTube mobile app stop playing when the device is locked because, otherwise, users may essentially turn YouTube into a music player.

The settlement is a victory for the RIAA, but surely, YouTube-mp3.org isn't the lone MP3 ripping site on the internet. Piracy is an opponent of epic proportions, and the RIAA has to hope this is a crucial first step in defeating it altogether.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The list of devices capable of Netflix HDR streaming remains tiny, but it continues to grow, if a little slowly. Thankfully, there are now two new devices in the mix: Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and Sony Xperia XZ1.

Both phones have yet to be released, of course, but those planning to own either one of two will be pleased to know that they'll be able to stream their favorite films and series in glorious HDR quality.

The other two devices that support Netflix streaming in HDR include the LG V30 and the Xperia XZ Premium. It remains unclear how Netflix decides which phones get HDR playback support, but the determining factor isn't the display, that's for sure, since the aforementioned phones are a mix of OLEDs and LCDs.

Perhaps the feature requires phones to have at least a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip, 4 GB of RAM or more. It's also worth noting that these phones are all "HDR10 compliant," so that might be it.

Netflix notes compatible devices must have the latest firmware to enable HDR playback.

Will Netflix Bring HDR Streaming To Other Phones Going Forward?

As for Samsung, the company started supporting HDR playback on its high-end smartphones and TVs last year. As SamMobile notes, the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 was the first Samsung phone to support HDR, in fact.

The Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus also have HDR-capable displays. Netflix previously failed to support viewing HDR content on Samsung devices, but that seems to be changing now. It still remains to be seen whether Netflix plans to extend the feature to Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus owners.

Netflix HDR Streaming Requirements

It's not enough to have a mobile device that supports Netflix HDR streaming alone  one has to keep in mind other requirements, too. First, HDR requires the highest tier in Netflix's subscription plans, which costs $12. Second, the user's internet connection speed must be at least 25 Mbps, or else HDR viewing won't be as smooth. Not having these means one isn't eligible for Netflix HDR streaming, so keep that in mind before buying the phones mentioned above.

In May, the LG G6 became the first phone to support Netflix in Dolby Vision quality, which is a type of HDR format. It remains the only phone in the list that supports such a format. Netflix offers tons of titles in 4K and some of them are available in HDR. But be aware of the requirements first before going all-in on Netflix's highest subscription tier.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Arguably, the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 deserves an A+ on all accounts, particularly for its Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display. Almost.

From the look of things, the South Korean brand didn't exactly manage to cram in a secure facial recognition lock into its flagship, or in other words, it can be easily tricked.

Galaxy Note 8 Doesn't Recognize Faces Well

Web developer Mel Tajon or @MelTajon put the Galaxy Note 8's facial recognition technology to the test with a demo unit at Best Buy, finding out that no one has to break a sweat to deceive it with a flat photo.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Facial Recognition Test: pic.twitter.com/dVooMPMgfh  Mel Tajon (@MelTajon) September 2, 2017



What this tells us is simple: Don't rely on the Galaxy Note 8's facial recognition prowess to keep it secured from prying eyes. In other words, it's safer to stick with PIN, the fingerprint sensor, or the iris scanner.

Galaxy Note 8's Facial Recognition Technology Is Not For Security

Samsung isn't saying that this simple circumvention is a flaw at all either. According to CNET, the company told it that it's just a convenient way to unlock the Galaxy Note 8.

"It is important to reiterate that facial recognition, while convenient, can only be used for opening your Galaxy S8 and currently cannot be used to authenticate access to Samsung Pay or Secure Folder," Samsung told the news outlet.

That's all fine and well, but in Tajon's video, the Galaxy Note 8 clearly says that facial recognition is "easier and more secure than using your PIN." Needless to say, that definitely doesn't coincide with Samsung's statement, or put simply, it's a tad misleading.

At any rate, in Samsung's defense, Tajon does say that this disappointing performance may not indicative of what users will get  that is, if the company plans on making it a security feature rather than a touch of convenience. However, at this point, that's still just a big "if."

Is it possible the demo is not reflective of actual software? Absolutely. And Id love to see vids by others proving/disproving my test.  Mel Tajon (@MelTajon) September 6, 2017

iPhone 8 To Blow The Competition Out Of The Water

The Galaxy Note 8's facial recognition could be considered a foretelling of how far the technology for mobile devices has come so far, and Tajon's example may have shown the extent of that.

However, Apple seems like it'll change the tide of sorts with the upcoming iPhone 8, which is set to be unveiled on Sept. 12 and rumored to roll out on Sept. 22.

That said, back in February, the Cupertino brand acquired RealFace, an Israeli startup that works on facial recognition whose software is said to be capable of creating 3D representations of faces. In contrast, the Galaxy Note 8 relies only on 2D, and as a result, it can be fooled pretty easily, which is evidenced by the clip above.

Things are still up in the air, though  Samsung may improve its software, while Apple may or may not develop secure facial recognition for the iPhone 8. Nevertheless, Samsung's current product is still far from impressive, and no one in their right mind should bother with using its mobile facial recognition technology to keep their Galaxy Note 8 and Galaxy S8 phones safe.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
For the first in about eight years, Google has finally upgraded its street view cameras  yes, those globe-shaped shooters mounted on top of its self-driving cars that take street pictures as it travels the whole world.

The new camera setup will be smaller, now down to seven cameras instead of 15, all of which are 20-megapixel sensors. These, according to a report by Wired, will take clearer, higher-resolution street view photographs, in addition to having more vivid colors. It also includes two cameras that take still HD photos, along with two "cans" on both the front and back for laser radar.

All that's mentioned above, however, are just means to an end. These higher-res cameras only serve to help Google's machine learning technology. Photos of streets, highways, roads, and all sorts of pathways will help the company build a sort of mapped index of the world  in ways that will offer more information than a map will ever be able to give.

In short, thanks to the upgraded cameras, machine learning will have better pictures to work with, and in turn, it will be able to do its algorithm magic more efficiently. It will piece together information present in those photographs  identifying business names, street signs, and maybe even opening and closing hours of stores.

Google Street View And Machine Learning

What's machine learning for, anyway? Well, Google says location queries have gotten tougher these days. In the early heydays of Google Maps, one might have only searched for their own address and several famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower. Now, they've gotten a lot more specific. For instance, a person wants to know "a Thai place open now that does delivery to my address," which is far less specific than looking for the Stonehenge.

In the future, thanks to machine learning, Google VP and mapping head Jen Fitzpatrick says Google Maps might be able to answer more complex questions about certain locations such as, "What's the name of the pink store next to the church on the corner?" Fitzpatrick says the only possible way to answer that kind of question is by having richer and deeper information.

Google's machine learning tech has improved a lot since Street View cameras started taking photos in 2007. It has learned to figure out shorthands, as in "AV" stands for "avenida," Portuguese for avenue.

Google Street View Rigs

Google's street view team not only includes cars, but snow mobiles, tirkes, and a trolley, as well. There are even special rigs that can be snapped onto a backpack, mainly used to index places inaccessible to cars, such as narrow pathways.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Rory Peck Trust has announced the finalists of the Rory Peck Awards 2017, its awards dedicated to the work of freelance cameramen and camerawomen in news and current affairs worldwide.

From Aleppo and Mosul to La Paz and Washington, this years finalists explore communities under siege and under attack from government, militias and military. The underbelly of war  including alleged war crimes  is also revealed.

In the Rory Peck Award for News, Syrian freelancers Fadi Al Halabi and Adham Al Hussen are finalists for their coverage of the immediate aftermath of a chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Northern Syria which killed 92 people, including 33 children.

Syrian camerawoman Waad Al Kateab is shortlisted for her report from East Aleppos last functioning hospital, Al Kuds, where she captures the daily horrors for those trapped in the citys diminishing enclave. Mstyslav Chernov, from Ukraine, is a finalist for his coverage of the recapture of Mosul from the so-called Islamic State (IS) by Iraqi forces, which shows the complexities of urban warfare and the plight of civilians caught up in battle.

In the Rory Peck Award for News Features, Iraqi freelancer Ali Arkady  a photojournalist with the VII agency  has been selected for his footage showing members of Iraqs Interior Ministry Emergency Response Division  a special forces unit  torturing detainees during the campaign against IS. British filmmaker Olly Lambert is shortlisted for his film exploring the daily realities of life for the US media at the White House west wing, as they struggle to report on a Presidency that has quickly labelled them fake news. French freelancer Olivier Sarbil is a finalist for portrait of the battle to free the people of Mosul, told through the eyes of a group of young men from Iraqs 1st Battalion.

In the Sony Impact Award for Current Affairs, four young Syrian freelance journalists, Siraj Al Deen Al Omar, Mojahed Abo Al Jood, Basim Ayyoubi, Ahmad Hashisho are recognised for their story of the fall of East Aleppo, told through their own experiences in documentary, Goodbye Aleppo, which judges described as a love story to the city they will lose forever. Dan Fallshaw and Violeta Ayala are finalists for their film following a group of disabled protesters in Bolivia who travel across the Andes to the capital La Paz to lobby for improved rights and benefits where they are met by riot police, tear gas and water cannon. And British producer/director Patrick Wells, another former Rory Peck finalist, is shortlisted for his film investigating torture, execution and the sectarian cleansing of Sunni refugees by Shia militias who are fighting alongside the Iraqi army in their battle to rid the country of IS.

The work of this years Rory Peck Awards finalists show us that brave and truthful journalism is being produced by freelancers across the world and across platforms, said Tina Carr, Director of the Rory Peck Trust. As journalists comes under increasing attack, freelancers are always the most vulnerable, especially those with cameras. Many of this years finalists have overcome enormous pressures to bring important stories to our attention. Without them our knowledge of whats happening in the world suffers. They need our support more than ever.

This years winners will be announced at the Rory Peck Awards 2017 ceremony which takes place at Sadlers Wells on Monday 23rd October.

The full shortlist:



Rory Peck Award for News

Fadi Al Halabi (Syrian) and Adham Al Hussen (Syrian)

Syria: Gasping for Life in Khan Sheikhoun

Filmed in Syria, April 2017

Self-funded. Footage licensed from Aleppo Media Centre (AMC). Broadcast by CNN

On 4th April 2017, a chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun in Northern Syria, killed 92 people, including 33 children, leading to the first US airstrikes against the regime of Bashar al Assad. One month later, CNN broadcast this never-before seen footage of the immediate aftermath of the attack, shot by Syrian freelancers Fadi Al Halabi and Adham Al Hussen who braved extremely difficult conditions to document, in unvarnished close-up, the horrific effects of the attack on the towns men, women and children. They also capture scenes of chaos at the local hospital and show devastated families burying their loved ones.



Waad Al Kateab (Syrian)

Inside Aleppo: The Last Hospital

Filmed in Syria, November 2016

Commissioned and broadcast by Channel 4 News / ITN

As rebel-held east Aleppo began its fall into the hands of the regime, Syrian freelancer Waad al Kateab was holed up in its last functioning hospital, Al-Quds, filming scenes of the devastation on the citys civilians. She captures the daily horrors for those trapped in Aleppos diminishing enclave  the moment a distraught woman tells how her entire apartment block collapsed on her and her family; the silent, traumatised toddler, her face caked in dust and dried blood. This is a rare glimpse of what thousands of families have gone through in East Aleppo during the last six years.



Mstyslav Chernov (Ukrainian)

Mosul

Filmed in Iraq, November 2016  March 2017

Commissioned and broadcast by Associated Press

Mstyslav was embedded with the first division of the Iraqi special forces as they moved into east Mosul in November 2016, encountering fierce resistance from so-called Islamic State (IS) fighters and sending thousands of civilians fleeing. He returned in March, 2017 where Iraqi forces battling IS group militants continued their approach on the mosque in the western part of the city. This series of video stories, shot and edited for Associated Press, shows the difficulties encountered by Iraqi forces, the complexities and dangers of urban warfare and the plight of vulnerable civilians and families caught up in the conflict.

Rory Peck Award for News Features

Ali Arkady (Iraqi)

The Torture Tapes

Filmed in Iraq, October to December 2016

Self-funded. Footage licensed from VII Photo Agency and broadcast on ABC News Nightline

Alis footage shows members of Iraqs Interior Ministry Emergency Response Division  a special forces unit that had been praised by the US  torturing detainees in Mosul during the campaign against IS. Ali had originally embedded with the unit to tell a good news story of sunni and shia muslims fighting together to defeat IS. But after several months he discovered they were torturing detainees and began to document the atrocities with his camera. He released his footage to ABC News after fleeing Iraq and now lives in exile. In August, an investigation by the Iraqi government concluded that clear abuses and violations had been committed by the unit.



Olly Lambert (British)

The President V. The Press

Filmed in United States, February 2017

Commissioned and broadcast by BBC Newsnight

Ollys film goes behind the scenes at the White Houses west wing to reveal the daily realities of life on the job for Americas media as they struggle to report on a Presidency that has quickly labelled them fake news. During a tumultuous week in February, which sees the resignation of Trumps security advisor, Michael Flynn and Donald Trump call his first solo press conference as President, Olly studies one of the most important fault lines in Americas new US administration  the relationship between the President and the Press  revealing the very real challenges that continue to confront the Washington press corp as Trump declares respected news outlets the enemies of the people.

Olivier Sarbil (French)

Battle for Mosul

Filmed in Iraq, October and November 2016

Commissioned and broadcast by Channel 4 News/ITN

Olivier spent six weeks on the frontline in Mosul following a group of young soldiers from the 1st Battalion  a special unit of Iraqs elite Golden Division  who are spearheading the battle against IS. He follows the soldiers as they push into IS territory, facing fierce resistance from snipers, suicide bombers and shellfire, and shows the daily challenge of hunting ISIS militants who are hiding among the local population. This is an intimate, unvarnished portrait of the slow and grinding battle to free the people of Mosul, told through the eyes of a group of young men fighting for the future of their country.

Sony Impact Award for Current Affairs

Siraj Al Deen Al Omar, Mojahed Abo Al Jood, Basim Ayyoubi, Ahmad Hashisho (Syrian)

Goodbye Aleppo

Filmed in Syria, November and December 2016

Commissioned and broadcast by BBC Arabic

The story of the fall of East Aleppo told through the personal experiences of four young Syrian journalists. Siraj, Mojahed, Basim and Ahmed were commissioned by the BBC to film themselves and each other during the last days of East Aleppo as the Syrians, Russians, Iranians, and Iran-backed militias took the city from opposition fighters in December 2016. Their cameras reveal what life is like for a population under siege as the city is about to fall, bombarded from the air and encircled by troops. The battle for Aleppo was one of the most important battles in the Syrian civil war. This film captures the immediacy of events through the personal insights of four young men.

Dan Fallshaw (Australian) and Violeta Ayala (Bolivian/Australian)

The Fight

Filmed in Bolivia, April  August 2016

Produced in collaboration with the Sundance Institute Short Documentary Fund and John D.and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Broadcast by The Guardian

People with disabilities are among the most discriminated against in Bolivia. Dan and Violetas film follows a determined group of activists as they cross the Andes into the countrys capital, La Paz, to lobby for improved rights and benefits. They capture violent scenes as the protesters in wheelchairs set up camp a block away from the citys main plaza and are met by riot shields, tear gas and water cannon. For the first time in Bolivias history, police erect three meter high barricades, station tanks and hundreds of riot officers to stop the protesters from entering the plaza. This is the story of an extraordinary fight between a government and a group of citizens.

Patrick Wells (British)

ISIS and the Battle for Iraq

Filmed in Iraq, October  December 2016

Quicksilver Media for Channel 4 Dispatches

As Shia militias fight alongside the Iraqi army to rid the country of the so-called Islamic State (IS). Patricks film investigates allegations of torture, execution and sectarian cleansing of Sunni refugees by the militias. With reporter Ramita Navai and producer Mais Albayaa, Patrick spent more than a year gaining access to high level whistleblowers and eyewitnesses to bring to light new information about abuses against Sunni civilians and the way in which Shia Militias are infiltrating the Iraqi government and security forces to brutally settle sectarian and historic scores. The film also lifts the lid on a network of secret prisons being run by the militias, in which innocent people are being tortured and killed.

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A second former Louisiana State Penitentiary guard pleaded guilty to federal charges Wednesday in the brutal beating of a handcuffed and shackled Angola inmate and cover-up of the 2014 assault.

Ex-Capt. John Sanders, 32, of Marksville, pleaded guilty to deprivation of rights under color of law and conspiracy to obstruct justice. He admitted punching the inmate repeatedly in the head in retaliation for an earlier incident.

U.S. District Judge John deGravelles did not set a sentencing date.

Last fall, former Angola correctional officer Scotty Kennedy, 48, of Beebe, Arkansas, pleaded guilty to depriving the inmate of the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Kennedy has not been sentenced.

The inmate, identified Wednesday in Baton Rouge federal court only as J.S., suffered fractured ribs, a punctured lung, dislocated shoulder and other injuries in the January 2014 assault, Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Menner Jr. said in court.

Former Angola Maj. Daniel Davis, 40, of Loranger, and ex-Capt. James Savoy, of Marksville, also are charged in the case. They were indicted in November along with Sanders. Kennedy was charged separately by federal prosecutors and pleaded guilty the day before a federal grand jury in Baton Rouge indicted Davis, Savoy and Sanders.

Sanders' attorney, Mike Small, declined comment outside deGravelles' courtroom after his client pleaded guilty.

Former federal prosecutor Ian Hipwell, who represents Davis, was in the courtroom for Sanders' guilty pleas and said afterward that he and Davis are preparing for trial in January.

Sanders told the judge he worked at the Louisiana State Penitentiary for nine years.

The grand jury accused Sanders, Davis and Savoy of beating J.S. and plotting to cover up their misconduct by falsifying official records, lying in sworn statements and tampering with witnesses and physical evidence.

Davis, Sanders and Savoy, according to the indictment, falsely stated that they used reasonable force to get the inmate under control after he got out of his cell and fought with officers.

The guards also instructed subordinates to clean up the inmates' blood before internal investigators could document it, falsified official prison reports and records, ordered subordinates to lie to internal affairs investigators and lied under oath in a federal civil proceeding that arose from the incident, the grand jury alleged.

Prosecutors accused Kennedy, who resigned in February 2014, of standing by while other correctional officers beat the inmate. He also was accused of conspiring to cover up what prosecutors have called an "unjustified assault" by making up a false story, falsifying prison records to corroborate the story, and tampering with witnesses and evidence.

Menner said in court Wednesday that Sanders and Davis had prior excessive force complaints filed against them, but Kennedy had a clean record. So Kennedy, Davis, Sanders and Savoy decided to falsely document that Kennedy was the only guard who used force on the inmate, believing that internal affairs investigators would view allegations against Kennedy with less scrutiny, the prosecutor said.
Law enforcement officials are examining ways to improve oversight and security of the state Department of Corrections work-release program after a prisoner who walked off a job site and, authorities say, killed his girlfriend.

The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections and the Louisiana Sheriffs Association are considering GPS tracking of inmates and requiring the state and parish prisons that operate the program to visit the job sites more often. McNeese State Universitys criminal justice department will conduct a study of the program and make additional suggestions.

Alvin Dixon was one of the more than 3,000 inmates bused daily from prisons across the state to job sites through the state's Transitional Work Program. Zachary Police said 39-year-old Dixon walked off his job in Zachary about 2 p.m. Aug. 26 and killed 35-year-old Aleisha Dixon less than an hour later on La. 19 near Lowery Zachary Road. Police believe he then drove her car to the Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge and jumped off. His body has not been recovered.

Perry Stagg, deputy assistant secretary of the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections, said the department was not immediately contacted about Alvin Dixons disappearance. Deputies at the East Feliciana Parish prison, where he had been housed, had not realized until 6:30 p.m. that day that he was gone, after the death of Aleisha Dixon. Alvin Dixon and Aleisha Dixon are not related, although she had been his girlfriend.

Stagg said Alvin Dixon, who started the program in February and was set to be released in June, was on paper a perfect candidate for work release because of his nonviolent offenses.

Stagg also said the employers should have notified them sooner.

The department will complete the investigation into Alvin Dixon's case before deciding if any other work-release inmates will be assigned to Premier Produce in Zachary, Stagg said, adding that Dixon had been the only inmate assigned to the site at the time.

Were always looking to improve in every way we can, Stagg said. Every time there is an incident  if we uncover something in that particular case that will help us improve the program overall, then we will do it.

One of the biggest proposed changes would be adding GPS monitoring of all 3,000 inmates in the program, a measure that work-release programs in other states have taken, Stagg said.

Its, obviously, very costly, and so that issue certainly has to be looked at because you know how budgets are in the state right now, Stagg said.

The Department of Corrections conducts random work site visits as part of its annual inspections, but there were calls for more visits after Alvin Dixons escape. Stagg said more DOC inspections would be impossible of the 5,000 approved job sites.

Instead, he said, DOC is asking officials from the 38 prisons that have work-release programs to conduct more frequent work site visits. The prison officials are already required to conduct such visits every 90 days. Employers now will be required to give a signature confirming site visits.

After a 2016 legislative auditors report, the department required stricter oversight by prison officials and employers in the form of a signed annual agreement, according to a Tuesday news release from the department. The agreement states that employers must maintain supervision of offenders and notify the prisons with any issues or concerns.

The Department of Corrections claims escapes from the program has steadily decreased over the past decade. In 2016, some 70 of the 5,353 inmates in the program escaped, according to the department.

When inmates are caught walking off their job site or escaping a facility, Stagg said, they are disciplined, removed from the program and often re-arrested on simple escape.
Most states that offer college aid like the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students rely on a dedicated revenue source, a veteran of the issue said Wednesday.

But Louisiana is not on that list, and initial hopes that gambling revenue would finance the assistance never happened, said James A. Caillier, executive director of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation. The foundation is named for the founder of the scholarship.

Caillier made his comments to a 10-member legislative committee that launched a study of TOPS, and lawmakers have said ensuring long-term funding for the program is their key goal.

The panel is expected to meet five more times in September, October and November, and may recommend legislation for the 2018 regular legislative session.

TOPS pays tuition for college students who meet modest high school and college academic requirements. About 50,000 students get the assistance.

The state is spending about $290 million for TOPS, with 80 percent coming from Louisiana's general fund and 20 percent from the tobacco settlement fund. The program, which began in 1998, initially served about 23,000 students at a cost of $54 million.

TOPS is fully funded for the current academic year after being trimmed for the first time during the 2016-17 school year amid state budget problems.

Georgia finances its version of TOPS with lottery dollars.

Others with variations of the Louisiana plan include Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina, Texas and Tennessee.

Caillier said funding for TOPS has to be stabilized since students spend four years in high school to meet the core curriculum requirements.

Without reliable state aid, he said, "the students will give up. Secondly, the student will go out of state."

Former state Rep. Charles McDonald, who sponsored the 1997 bill that launched TOPS, said 801,909 students have been served by the assistance.

TOPS was preceded by other college financial aid including one begun in 1989 and pushed by Taylor, who was a member of the LSU Board of Supervisors.

It was limited to students of families with incomes of less than $25,000 per year.

Caillier worked with Patrick Taylor, the late oilman who founded Louisiana's program. Caillier said the original purpose of the aid was to better prepare students for college at a time when up to 50 percent of students had to take remedial courses at the university level.

Even the U.S. Department of Justice was telling state officials that improvements had to be made, especially for minority students. "TOPS was intended to improve students chance for success in college," Caillier said.

He said that, while the program has always been merit based, it was aimed at helping students from low-income families, who made up a big share of students forced to take remedial classes in college.

McDonald, a member of the Louisiana Board of Regents, said TOPS was meant to be a merit based scholarship.

Some lawmakers contend it should be changed to focus more on financial need, not classroom performance.

Caillier said there is a wide range of misconceptions about TOPS, including comments that it finances all college costs.

He said the assistance typically pays for about 55 percent of college expenses and about one third of costs at LSU.

The most common form of TOPS is called TOPS Opportunity.

Students have to achieve at least a 2.50 grade point average on the core curriculum, and at least a 20 on the ACT, a national test of college readiness.

A total of 49.9 percent of TOPS dollars goes to students in the University of Louisiana System and 39.6 percent to those in the LSU System, according to figures provided by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The Southern University System accounts for 1.1 percent of the money.

TOPS students graduate in four years at a rate roughly double the rate for non-TOPS recipients  31 percent to 15 percent  and about the same over six years  62 percent to 34 percent.

Sujuan W. Boutte, executive director of LOFSA, said TOPS spending accounts for 2.7 percent of Louisiana's general fund.

Boutte also said 81 percent of TOPS recipients have earned a college degree, another credential or they are still enrolled. She said that figure does not include TOPS students who attend private schools since the state does not have an agreement to get those numbers.

The study stems, in part, from the fact that lawmakers this year offered a wide range of bills to change TOPS, including tougher GPA requirements.

Since 1997 more than 75 laws have changed TOPS out of 350 or so proposed.

A key measure approved in 2016 decoupled tuition hikes from being automatically included in TOPS awards, which is aimed at stabilizing funding.
Louisiana officials walked through how they will respond if the state gets hit by a major hurricane while parts of the Gulf Coast are recovering from Hurricane Harvey.

Tuesday's "tabletop exercise" came as Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storm Jose lurked in the Atlantic Ocean. Gov. John Bel Edwards called for the preparation exercise.

The Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says the exercise envisioned a Category 3 hurricane moving across Florida and impacting New Orleans and other south Louisiana parishes.

.@LouisianaGov participates in a tabletop exercise based on current conditions along the gulf coast. #Lagov #HurricaneIrmaTracking pic.twitter.com/a432tij7MW  Gov John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) September 5, 2017

The practice session assumed that Texas emergency officials  who have historically helped Louisiana respond during disasters  would be unavailable to help because they're still coping with Harvey's aftermath.

The emergency planning also accounted for Louisiana residents still living in temporary housing after last year's flooding.

Officials held a similar table-top exercise during a recent visit with FEMA administrator Brock Long in Baton Rouge before Harvey made landfall.
The idea that the Pearl River needs restoration and not more disturbance is gaining traction with state agencies in Louisiana and Mississippi that are now discussing the decommissioning of the Pearl River Navigational Canal. The Pearl has the fourth-largest fresh water discharge in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, so it is very important to swamps and coastal wetlands in Louisiana and Mississippi. Compared to the river systems to the east, like the Pascagoula; and those to the west feeding Lake Pontchartrain, the Pearl River has suffered more disturbance and needs restoration.

The Pearl has seen many man-made changes since 1950. Gary Parker, of Bogalusa, has lived through them and keeps a running list. He is retired now, but this Pearl River enthusiast learned in his youth to navigate, fish and hunt along the lower river. Downstream of navigation locks near Bogalusa, Parker and others have watched a hazardous, mile-long log jam grow since Hurricane Isaac. Log jams have formed and have been removed over the years, but this one is now receiving some needed attention from state agencies. Since 1963, the river below Jackson, Mississippi has been at the mercy of the Ross Barnett Reservoir and the management of its dam floodgates. Reservoir outflow amplifies both annual low and high water periods downstream.

The Pearl is a "working" river basin with more than 100 permitted dischargers in Mississippi and Louisiana. Small businesses discharge a few thousand gallons of treated wastewater per day, while major industries and bigger cities individually can add between one and ten million gallons per day. Flow is a big deal in permits because there must be enough flowing water to dilute wastewater. The Walkiah Bluff diversion structure is meant to divide flow between the East and West Pearl channels. It can be hard to predict water movements due to flooding or storm surges because the Pearl's lower flood plain has been changed since the 1970s when Interstate 10 and Highway 59 changed flow patterns with roadways elevated above swamp level and acting like dams.

Proposed Pearl River project in Mississippi raises fears in St. Tammany A Mississippi flood control district that unsuccessfully sought to dam the Pearl River and c

A new dam and lake project proposed for the urban section of the Pearl River in Jackson, Mississippi wont ease water quantity issues downstream. Plans for this "One Lake" project for flood control and riverfront development should be published for comment this fall by the Rankin Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District. Promoters are selling the idea that a lake can provide both flood control and riverfront business development. The project needs a close examination by those living downstream who have seen the worst of nearly 70 years of change.

The Pearl has long provided quality habitats for wildlife and fish, but Parker says ecological changes and invasive species are stressing the river and its wetlands. He cites the explosion of the feral hog population and their constant rooting that wrecks vegetation along stream banks, disturbs soil and adds to erosion and sediment problems. Our native wildlife and fish are suffering the effects, says Parker.

Hurricanes flatten swamps; saltwater intrusion changes swamp to marsh, amplified flooding carries more plastic and household trash downstream. It seems to be increasing every day, Parker says; At this pace, the basin cannot and will not survive. With Mississippi pouring millions of dollars into marsh and oyster restoration at the mouth of the east Pearl, he asks: How will that survive without a healthy river system upstream of it? Restoration of the Pearl and the coastal wetlands in both states is less likely to succeed if another dam and lake are built near Jackson and adversely affect basic flow.

The Pearl River is crying out for help, Parker says, and until now not enough people have been listening; but there is hope for change. On Saturday, Sept. 23, the Pearl River Clean Sweep will be the first trash cleanup attempted over the rivers full 490 miles from its headwaters near Philadelphia, Mississippi to the mouth at Lake Borgne. The Pearls Riverkeeper, Abby Braman, is coordinating this event. State Rep. Malinda Brumfield White, of Bogalusa, has been very supportive of the Pearl Clean Sweep and Abbys efforts. To learn more or volunteer, visit www.pearlriverkeeper.com. Gary Parker, Abby, and many volunteers will be in boats removing trash and making a statement that this September, there is a new outlook for this river.

Andrew Whitehurst is water program director for Gulf Restoration Network and focuses on Mississippi water and wetland issues.
An Australian fugitive businessman holed up in Thailand has been extradited to face charges relating to misconduct at a company now led by financial entrepreneur Mark Bouris.

John Falconer was refused bail yesterday at Sydney Central Local Court after being extradited from Thailand on Tuesday on charges relating to a $6.25 million heist on the company.

Australian businessman John Falconer, pictured in 2013. Credit:Facebook

Mr Falconer has been charged with 16 counts of dishonest conduct and two counts of giving false or misleading information to the Australian Securities Exchange.

He faces up to five years for each count.
"Why are Asian women's feet so small? So they can stand closer to the sink!" a male employee joked with his Asian colleague, then got angry when she didn't like it.

"Why are you so uptight?" he asked. "You're misconstruing what I'm saying."

She replied: "That's not it, it's just that I want to be treated with respect."

Explicit bias, racist and sexist comments and offensive "jokes" are rife in corporate Australia, according to a report from Diversity Council Australia and the University of Sydney Business School, which asked 230 culturally diverse businesswomen (defined broadly in the report as someone with a non-Anglo Saxon background) about their experiences in the workplace.
If I were going to render one of Albert Einstein's quotes in a fashionable typeface and post it on LinkedIn it would probably be this one: "Let every man be respected as an individual and no man idolised." I wouldn't, of course.

For one, what would possess me to post inspirational quotes on a professional networking website? And, perhaps more importantly, contained within the quote itself is Einstein's explicit recommendation not to represent the opinions of a single person as some kind of gospel.

To be a massive fan can be to take it too far. Credit:Fernando Vergara

Anyway, I still like the sentiment. Idolisation is a bit much. Admiration seems like the healthier option, the one less likely to lead to obsession, glorification and, ultimately, dystopia. Or at least disappointment.

I admire Don Watson, but I don't have a little shrine to him with joss sticks and mandarins. I admire Lucy Kellaway but that Financial Times paywall didn't get any cheaper, if you catch my drift. I admire Margaret Atwood, but I haven't read all of her books.
Persecution of Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar's security forces has escalated to its worst level in years, becoming one of the world's most pressing humanitarian crises.

So extreme is the systematic brutality against this stateless, downtrodden and demonised minority of 1.1 million people in a nation of 54 million, 90 per cent of whom are Buddhists, that the United Nations is suggesting it is tantamount to ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.

Credit:AP

The Australian government is one of the biggest aid donors to the region in which the Rohingya live, Rakhine State. Our government has urged Myanmar's security forces to have a "measured response" to a small group of Rohingya who have taken up arms in the face of mass killings, the beheading of children, gang rape and the burning of village after village. Australia should take a far more prominent and proactive approach to this atrocity in our region.

In recent days, as many as 100,000 Rohingya have fled towards neighbouring Bangladesh, which has refused a UN request to open its borders. Tens of thousands of desperate people are trapped in a no man's land between the two nations. An unknown number have been slaughtered. Myanmar refuses to give them citizenship, despite the fact they have lived there for many generations.
When Tony Abbott did it Labor said it was destructive, desperate, a distraction; part of the longest dummy spit in political history and a symbol of the then-Liberal leader's relentless negativity.

But now Bill Shorten's opposition has embraced the same tactic - disrupting Parliament with endless suspension motions - with such enthusiasm it is beginning to rival Abbott's record-setting wrecking.

Labor on Wednesday moved their seventh consecutive Question Time suspension motion - breaking Abbott's record of six in a row.

Abbott moved to "suspend standing orders" in the House of Representatives 84 times in the three years of Julia Gillard's minority government, turning what had been a relatively rare occurrence into an almost daily spectacle.
If the new policy requiring students in NSW to pass literacy and numeracy tests to be eligible for their HSC stays in place, Sabine Piller is looking at moving her family to Victoria or Queensland.

Her daughter, Karissa, who is in year 8 at Catherine McAuley and has dyslexia, will "never have the chance" to pass the tests, Dr Piller said.

"We have definitely started looking at how different states treat students with disabilities and we're seriously looking at moving because you want to give your kids the best options and it's hard to justify taking all of those away," said Dr Piller, a senior lecturer at Western Sydney University's school of science and health.

After school on Wednesday, Karissa travelled to the city from Westmead with her mum to join dozens of other students and parents outside Parliament House to protest the changes to the Higher School Certificate.
Six Australian universities have been listed among the top 100 institutions in the world, amid warnings that they could soon be overtaken by Chinese universities that are quickly rising in the global rankings.

The University of Melbourne is the top-ranked Australian university with an overall rank of 32, followed by the Australian National University at 48 in the latest Times Higher Education world university rankings, which were released on Tuesday.

Another four Australian universities are ranked in the top 100, including the University of Sydney at 61, the University of Queensland at 65, Monash University at 80 and the University of NSW at 85.

Each of the top Australian universities fell between one and seven places from last year's rankings with the exception of the University of Melbourne, which gained one place.
A NSW driver has fled after striking a police officer in a hit and run incident in Sydney's south-west on Tuesday.

The officer was conducting speed enforcement duties on Roberts Road, Greenacre, when he was struck by a dark blue Mazda 3 hatchback shortly before 8.30pm.

The vehicle was clocked travelling at 121km/h when the incident occurred on the corner of Roberts and Rebecca roads, a 70km/h zone.

Video footage of the incident shows the officer wearing a reflective vest, signalling to the driver to pull over with a torch and sign.
It was only five days ago that Belinda Stoleski and her fiance Mathew Bieganski posed in a happy photo on Facebook, beneath cartoon crowns and the caption "King & Queen Darlinghurst."

But on Wednesday those crowns came tumbling down when the two were denied bail at Central Local Court, both facing multiple charges for the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

They were among four to face court on Wednesday, all arrested during early morning raids on properties in Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Redfern on Tuesday.

The raids were the culmination of a two-month police operation, coined Strike Force Pirrama, which was targeting the ongoing supply of heroin and ice in the Kings Cross area.
A Melbourne woman has wept in the dock after being jailed for 2 years over a crash that led to a baby's premature birth and subsequent death.

Personal carer Dimple Grace Thomas, 32, was behind the wheel of a car which collided with one driven by Ashlea Allen, who was 28 weeks pregnant, in Cranbourne on August 8 last year.

Dimple Thomas, seen outside court in November, has been jailed for 2 years. Credit:Eddie Jim

Ms Allen suffered severe abdominal pain and underwent an emergency caesarean in hospital, but her daughter, Melarniah, died two days later.

Thomas should have turned left onto the South Gippsland Highway when leaving a car park after a gym workout, but instead drove across three lanes in an attempt to enter a gap in the central median strip and turn right, the County Court heard.
Finally, the answer to the Mystery Melbourne. Not many people got this one.

The answer to today's Mystery Melbourne is in the caption. Credit:Microfilm

I gave an oblique clue that it would be easier as the blog progressed, and you may have noticed the same photo appeared in the 'On this day in The Age' post from about 8.30am this morning.

Reader Reita was first with the answer.
The wild weather buffeting Melbourne and Victoria for the past few days has passed but don't expect it to feel like spring any time soon  well, not until Sunday at least.

It's worse for the Alpine region where some remote areas are facing an increased risk of avalanches due to a forecast of heavy snowfalls and strong wind.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Tom Delamotte said the severe weather was only affecting the coastal fringe in Gippsland and was expected to ease by Wednesday afternoon.

"We are not expecting any hail," Mr Delamotte said.
Happier times... with Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop and former Premier Colin Barnett. "I don't think she's recognising the huge community concern and the fact that it's bringing the City of Perth into disrepute. "If she really loved the City of Perth, as she says she does, the best course of action would be to go now." Opposition leader Mike Nahan said Ms Scaffidi was entitled to go through the legal process but it was not good for the city. "She should have resigned already," he told reporters.

Hope five star - let them know, I don't stay in trash. "Some of the breaches are quite significant." Talkback radio was inundated with calls for Ms Scaffidi to go, with the majority saying the saga was a joke that had gone on way too long. A non-scientific poll of more than 5500 readers by WAtoday in May revealed more than 90 per cent of readers want the disgraced Perth Lord Mayor gone. A Radio 6PR poll by the Perth Live program after Monday's decision was also overwhelming, with 93 per cent of respondents wanting Ms Scaffidi gone.

Local Government Minister David Templeman told Radio 6PR he would seek an extraordinary Lord Mayoral election take place as soon as possible, pending the appeal determination. 'Too busy' is not an excuse: SAT SAT Justice Jeremy Curthoys, in his judgement on Monday, said Ms Scaffidi had demonstrated "gross carelessness" when completing her annual returns, but had not done so intentionally. "It was plain in the Lord Mayor's oral evidence that she simply forgot her obligations, or didn't turn her mind to them when she was completing her annual returns and therefore undermined one of the fundamental aspects of the LG Act," he said. "The tribunal concluded that this was not a case of intentional wrongdoing but rather that the Lord Mayor breached the LG Act with gross carelessness."

However, the Tribunal was not satisfied Ms Scaffidi had any genuine insight into her conduct. "It is of significant concern to the Tribunal that Ms Scaffidi continues to blame others for her own failures," Justice Curthoys said. "The obligation to complete the relevant forms is a personal obligation. "The tribunal does not accept that her failure to comply with her statutory obligations arose as a result of an inadequate reporting system." The tribunal concluded it had little confidence that Ms Scaffidi would comply with statutory reporting in the future, therefore making a suspension penalty "inadequate".

"Ms Scaffidi also gave evidence that she was 'busy'," Justice Curthoys said. "A person is not excused from complying with statutory requirements because he or she is busy. "Given the importance placed on these obligations by Parliament, and the public importance in providing proper disclosure by way of the annual return, the Tribunal considers that Ms Scaffidi did not appreciate at the relevant time, and continues to fail to appreciate, where her priorities should lie." High-flyer trips up Ms Scaffidi took 65 international and 47 interstate trips from January 2008 and October 2015.

Following a 2015 Corruption and Crime Commission investigation into her travel activities - and an inquiry of its own in 2016 - the Department of Local Government recommended disciplinary action against the former Lord Mayor, alleging she breached its Act 45 times during 33 of the trips. Ms Scaffidi, however, refused to stand down from her role, instead choosing to fight the findings at the State Administrative Tribunal during a hearing in February. The 57-year-old admitted to five of the breaches including a $36,000 BHP Billiton-funded trip to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a trip to Margaret River and a Hawaiian Investments-funded visit to Broome Cup in 2008. Both BHP Billiton and Hawaiian Investments (as part of a business conglomerate) had matters before the council which Ms Scaffidi voted in favour of. For the remaining 40 alleged breaches, Ms Scaffidi argued she was unaware her travel or accommodation was being paid for by third parties or she was unaware she needed to declare them.
A man who fatally stabbed the uncle of a boy who stole a bike later told police the victim should not have brought a stick to a knife fight, a Perth court has heard.

Rickie Lee Penny is accused of murdering father-of-two Daniel Ernest Edwards, 41, outside units in Bentley in April 2016.

Coolgardie Street, Bentley, was cordoned off after the death of a man in April. Credit:Heather McNeill

Prosecutor David Jubb told the WA Supreme Court on Wednesday that a 12-year-old boy took Penny's bicycle and when he returned, Penny grabbed the child by the neck and punched him.

The boy ran away and Penny, then aged 36, shouted after him: "Wait 'til I see you again! I will be kicking you! Bring your whole family, I'll slice their throats!"
Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
[September 06, 2017] Cloud Foundry Announces New Keynotes at 2017 Europe Summit

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cloud Foundry Foundation, home of the industry-standard platform for cloud applications, today announced six additional keynote speakers will join executives from Allianz, IBM, Pivotal and Swisscom on the main stage at the 2017 European Summit in Basel, Switzerland, from October 11-12 at the Congress Center Basel. The line-up now includes Julian Fischer, CEO, anynines; Sarah Novotny, Head of Open Source Strategy for Google Cloud Platform, Google; Jouni Peltonen, Director, IoT at KONE Corporation; Emamurho Ugherughe, software engineer, SAP; Bjorn Goerke, Chief Technology Officer of SAP and President SAP Cloud Platform at SAP; Thomas Di Giacomo, CTO, SUSE; and Michael Miller, President, Strategy, Alliances & Marketing at SUSE. "With the addition of these industry leaders, our European Summit will provide a unique opportunity to learn, network, and meet other Cloud Foundry users," said Abby Kearns, Executive Director, Cloud Foundry Foundation. "With deep technology-focused keynote content, developer-centric tracks, and the only available in-person Cloud Foundry developer certification, this event is can't-miss for anybody serious about cloud-native technologies." With so many Cloud Foundry users, there is now a track devoted to "Cloud Foundry in the Enterprise," which includes talks from AllState, BNY Mellon, CSAA Insurance, Home Depot, Orange and Renault-Nissan. In a departure from past events, the European Summit brings a conversational format to the keynote stage. Cloud Foundry Foundation's Executive Director Abby Kearns and CTO Chip Childers will lead discussions tied to the day one theme "Move Fast" and the day two theme "Make Things." This interactive discussion-based style will stimulate critical thinking, draw out ideas, focus more on technical specifics and highlight user stories. The European Summit comes on the heels of a record-setting Silicon Valley Summit. With support from Platinum sponsors Google, SAP, IBM nd Pivotal, the 2017 Summit in North America set new attendance records. Cloud Foundry has seen vast growth worldwide with 2,400 contributors since inception; 51,000 commits in the last 12 months alone; 70,000 people participating in global community events; and 67 total members. According to internal research, Cloud Foundry has 35 percent of the total market across all deployments, making it the industry leader in the growing cloud application platform market. As stated in market research from Gartner, Cloud Foundry's total market value is approximately $2.8 billion, rising to $5.25 billion in a few years.



More than 1,000 enterprise developers, architects, engineers and executives from around the world are expected to attend the highly technical Cloud Foundry Summit in Basel. The EU Cloud Foundry Summit in 2016 sold out. Attendees will learn Cloud Foundry from those who build it and use it every day. They will join other developers and CIOs to gain first-hand access to Cloud Foundry roadmaps, training and tutorials, and to see how others are using Cloud Foundry to support continuous innovation and application portability. Featured tracks include:

Core Project Updates  with topics such as containers, networking and BOSH

Cloud-Native Microservices hosted by Pivotal  with talks on continuous delivery, Java and the open service broke API

Cloud Foundry at Scale hosted by SAP  with sessions on multi-cloud, cloud-native applications and IoT

Cloud Foundry in the Enterprise  with examples of use cases and stories of digital transformation

Experiments & Extensions  with talks on Kubo and Kubernetes, monitoring and "serverless"

Wild Card Track  with talks on Vulnerability Management, Kubernetes, deploying BOSCH and more. Hands-on training will be offered for an additional fee. See the schedule and training workshops here: https://goo.gl/3iAbUp. Attendees will also have access to Cloud Foundry Developer Certification (CFDC) at Summit. Performance-based, community-based and independent of any distribution vendor, Cloud Foundry Developer Certification is the guaranteed way to demonstrate cloud skills and allow developers to be highly productive while working on top of Cloud Foundry. Summit Europe is supported by Platinum sponsors Pivotal, SAP and Swisscom; Gold sponsors anynines, Datadog, IBM, Virtustream and VMware; and Silver sponsors AppDynamics, Cloud Native Computing Foundation, Dynatrace, GrapeUp, Solace and Volkswagen. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Cloud Foundry is an open source technology backed by the largest technology companies in the world, including Cisco, Dell EMC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Pivotal, SAP and SUSE, and is being used by leaders in manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services. Only Cloud Foundry delivers the velocity needed to continuously deliver apps at the speed of business. Cloud Foundry's container-based architecture runs apps in any language on your choice of cloud  Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), IBM Cloud, Microsoft Azure, OpenStack, VMware vSphere, and more. With a robust services ecosystem and simple integration with existing technologies, Cloud Foundry is the modern standard for mission critical apps for global organizations. About Cloud Foundry Foundation

The Cloud Foundry Foundation is an independent non-profit organization formed to sustain the development, promotion and adoption of Cloud Foundry as the industry standard platform for cloud applications. Cloud Foundry makes it faster and easier to build, test, deploy and scale applications. Cloud Foundry is hosted by The Linux Foundation and is an Apache 2.0 licensed project available on Github: https://github.com/cloudfoundry. To learn more, visit: http://www.cloudfoundry.org. Contact:

Jessica Rampen

Cloud Foundry Foundation

[email protected]

650-787-3548 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cloud-foundry-announces-new-keynotes-at-2017-europe-summit-300514173.html SOURCE Cloud Foundry Foundation

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[September 06, 2017] Fortem Technologies Appoints Tech Veteran Marty Smuin As Chief Strategy Officer And Head Of Development

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortem Technologies, the leading provider of real-time AI-enabled airspace security and safety solutions for drones, announced today that it has appointed Marty Smuin as the company's Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Development. Smuin has nearly three decades of executive leadership in high impact technology enterprises. As a key addition to the executive team at Fortem Technologies, Smuin will examine and develop domestic and global market opportunities for the company with a focus on balancing growth and execution. Smuin will report to Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Bean. "We are incredibly fortunate to have Marty join the Fortem leadership team," said Chief Executive Officer, Timothy Bean. "He has an outstanding pedigree for managing complex, high-growth companies while maintaining the vision and discipline necessary to execute on critical deliverables for customers and partners. He is immensely well respected in a number of industries from wireless telecoms to supercomputing, and we are thrilled to have him on board." Prior to joining Fortem Technologies, Smuin served as CEO of Adaptive Computing, the world leader in dynamically optimizing large-scale computing environments. Adaptive was recently acquired by a private firm. Prior to joining Adaptive Computing, Marty served as Preident of Aircom International, Inc. Headquartered in the UK, Aircom is a leading independent mobile network planning and optimization company, providing software and services to more than half of the world's wireless carriers.



Before Aircom, Smuin served as GM and VP of Sales at Bytemobile, Inc. There he was a key member of the senior management team, leading strategy and execution across critical business initiatives. Prior to joining Bytemobile, Smuin held the position of VP of Sales and Business Development for Openwave Systems, and before that was COO of ACCESS Global. Prior to being promoted to COO, Marty served as VP of Sales and Marketing at ACCESS Systems.

Before joining Tokyo based ACCESS Systems, Marty was Executive VP of Business Development and sales at i-drive, one of the fastest growing peer-to-peer sites in Internet history, where he led the development of the company's mobile strategy and international expansion. Prior to i-drive, Marty spent several years at USA, Inc. (now known as IACI) serving as VP of Strategic Alliances for USA Interactive and Director of Business and Corporate Development at HSN, Inc., a subsidiary of USA Networks. Earlier in his career, he gained extensive international business experience as Manager of New Markets at Comcast/QVC, Inc. Marty is a graduate of University of Oklahoma. He has had numerous Board seats, with a focus on advising startups. About Fortem Technologies

Fortem Technologies is an innovative leader in AI-enabled airspace security and safety. The company provides real-time intrusion detection and detect-and-avoid solutions. Fortem delivers a military-tested, commercially available solution that alerts, identifies and classifies drones and other unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs). Based in Salt Lake City, UT, the company is privately held and backed by Signia Venture Partners and Data Collective. More at www.fortemtech.com Press Contact

Jen Colton / Wildwood Productions

415-420-5516

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A second Texas A&M student rescued from Lake Bryan during storms related to Hurricane Harvey has died.

Shalini Singh, 25, died Saturday. She was a master's candidate at the Texas A&M School of Public Health.

She wanted to do research on diseases. She aimed to serve the humanity. That was her motto and it remained so, until I last saw her before she left India, Singhs father told The Times of India, the third-largest paper by circulation in that country.

According to the paper, Singh arrived in the U.S. in August to pursue a two-year masters degree. She previously earned a degree in dental surgery from ITS Dental College in Uttar Pradeshs Greater Noida, the paper reported.

Authorities said Bhatia, Singh and two other international students were swimming at Lake Bryan on Saturday when the two began to struggle in the water. The other two students flagged down bystanders to assist them. A group of bystanders and a Bryan police officer pulled Bhatia and Singh out of the water and administered CPR until additional officers and medical personnel arrived.

Singh died days after Nikhil Bhatia, also an Indian student at A&M who had been swimming in Lake Bryan. Bhatia was 24 and enrolled in a doctoral program at the university.

Singhs younger brother and uncle flew from New Delhi on Aug. 30, and were with her when she died, according to The Times of India.

Bhatia was cremated on Friday, and Singh will be cremated sometime this week, the paper reported.
Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young released a statement Wednesday morning that all students, faculty and staff of Texas A&M University are here legitimately, working and/or pursuing their degrees, and that we benefit from their presence in many ways including scholarship and friendship.

Youngs statement comes in response to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessionss Tuesday announcement to rescind the executive order for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, giving Congress the responsibility to pass a legislative solution to the popular programs rescinding.

I sincerely hope that the U.S. Congress can find a way through the various considerations to determine a solution that honors the unique circumstances of these young people and their commitment to lawfully pursuing the American Dream of education, employment and tangible contributions to our society, Young said.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday the end of the DACA program, which allowed its recipients -- commonly known as Dreamers -- to attain a drivers license and legally work, making Dreamers vital contributors to their families financial success. The popular program was created to help undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. before their 16th birthdays, and who were age 30 or younger as of June 2012.

There are 800,000 Dreamers nationwide, and 120,000 in Texas.

In a statement released Tuesday, Trump said, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws. He also urged Congress to come up with a legislative fix for DACA being phased out before the six-month deadline passed.

Sessions called DACA on Tuesday an open-ended circumvention of immigration law through unconstitutional authority by the executive branch, since President Obama created the program through an executive order instead of signing a bill into law given to him by Congress.

Sessions announced in the press conference that DACA would be phased out over six months, on March 5. Dreamers permits are valid for two years, after which they can reapply. Those Dreamers whose permits expire between now and March 5 can apply for a two-year renewal by Oct. 5, allowing those permits to be eligible for an additional two years. First-time applicants will be rejected, but those who already hold DACA and work permits will continue to be a part of the program until those permits expire.

DACA also made college more accessible for young undocumented immigrants. According to the immigrant youth-led nonpartisan United We Dream, the social security number given to Dreamers allows them to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, allowing them to receive a Student Aid Report.

Though Dreamers are ineligible for federal student aid, that report can demonstrate need and help students apply for other scholarships and institutional aid. Texas is also one of four states that grants financial aid to undocumented students. Non-citizen students, including some undocumented immigrants, pay in-state tuition at public universities in the Lone Star State thanks to a 2001 state law, provided they prove they lived in Texas for at least three years, graduated from a Texas high school or earned a GED and sign an affidavit pledging to pursue a path to permanent legal status should one become available.

The number of Dreamers who attend Texas A&M University was not immediately available.

Youngs statement also included a link to the International Student Services website, which will post updates and fact sheets, as well as a link to Student Counseling Services, where counselors can offer support for emotional and mental well-being.

We know that Aggies take care of Aggies, Young said. We are truly blessed to be among the worlds largest and best universities, made stronger still by the students, faculty and staff who join us from countries around the world."
Cinthya Guerrero cried the day she found out she was going to become a "Dreamer."

"I can't even explain it. I think I cried so much that day, I was so excited," said Guerrero, a 25-year-old hairstylist who graduated from Bryan High School in 2010.

Guerrero came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 6. She had been pregnant when she found out she qualified for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Becoming a DACA recipient -- commonly known as a Dreamer -- meant she would be able to take care of her new son without having to rely on government assistance. Her plan was to go back to school, earn a degree and become a medical assistant for children.

But a Tuesday morning press conference in Washington, D.C., put that future in jeopardy.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday an end to DACA, created in 2012 through an executive order issued by President Barack Obama that protects almost 800,000 young undocumented immigrants nationwide from deportation and allows them to legally work for two-year periods, after which they can reapply to the program. Those who wish to become Dreamers must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; have come to the U.S. before their 16th birthday; be in school, or have obtained a high school degree or GED; and not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor or three or more other misdemeanors, among other qualifications. There are 121,000 Dreamers in Texas, the second most of any state, according to the Pew Research Center.

"As president, my highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws," Trump said in a statement. The president urged Congress to come up with similar legislation before DACA begins phasing out March 5, 2018.

Those Dreamers whose permits expire between now and March 5 can apply for a two-year renewal by Oct. 5. First-time applicants will be rejected, but those who already hold DACA and work permits will continue to be a part of the program until those permits expire.

Guerrero's permit expires in December, but assuming she is granted another, she will still be a Dreamer until December 2019. She said her and her son's futures are now uncertain, and that her now-4-year-old son -- a U.S. citizen -- doesn't speak any Spanish.

"It makes me feel devastated," Guerrero said.

Speaking at the Justice Department on Tuesday morning, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the DACA program was an "open-ended circumvention of immigration law through unconstitutional authority by the executive branch."

Ten states -- including Texas -- threatened to sue the White House if the Trump administration did not rescind the program by Tuesday, and Sessions said DACA was unlikely to withstand judicial scrutiny. According to a page on the Department of Homeland Security's website, Trump faced a dilemma because of the unconstitutionality of DACA: "do nothing and allow for the probability that the entire DACA program could be immediately enjoined by a court in a disruptive manner, or instead phase out the program in an orderly fashion."

U.S. Rep. Bill Flores called DACA "well intentioned" but an abuse of constitutional authority, since the Constitution "clearly states that the legislative branch is responsible for writing all laws; not the president."

"The decision to rescind this program now brings the important job of fixing our broken and inadequate immigration system into focus for Congress to work out a legislative solution," Flores said. "When it comes to the Dreamers, those children and young adults who are here through no fault of their own, I believe Congress should quickly find a solution to ensure they can stay in the United States, which for many is the only home they know."

Felipe Hinojosa, associate professor of history at Texas A&M University, said the DACA news left him "all torn up."

"It just breaks my heart," he said.

Hinojosa said that, aside from his emotional reaction to the news, he thought rescinding DACA was an "irresponsible policy move."

There are various bipartisan bills that could replace DACA, a program that is popular among both Democrats and Republicans. Hinojosa said he was not optimistic Congress would come up with a legislative solution, but thinks it is up to citizens to "step up and contact our representatives."

Hinojosa said it is unclear how many dreamers currently attend A&M, but "the spirit of Aggieland would take a huge hit" if they could no longer attend the "global institution."

"You need to have people from a variety of backgrounds that can have conversations about the makings of a democracy," he said.

Jacquelyn Huff, associate professor of practice at Texas A&M University's Engineering Academic and Student Affairs at the College of Engineering and a former high school math teacher at Bryan High School, said she was disappointed to hear the news about DACA. Huff said Dreamers were in an "impossible situation" and that she is "sure I've known more [Dreamers] than I've realized."

Huff said local teachers' jobs is to serve their students as best as they can, regardless of their citizenship status.

"Kids come to your classroom, and you're charged with teaching them, and it doesn't really matter what their situation is," said Huff, who also is running for a position on the CSISD school board.

Diana, a 20-year-old who came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 8 and who asked that her last name be withheld, said becoming a dreamer "gave me a feeling of finally fitting in in this country."

"We just have the same dreams as everybody else. I'm just a normal person except for the fact that I wasn't born here," she said.

Guerrero said she recently went to Houston to help care for victims of Hurricane Harvey. She says that she considers herself a patriot, that the United States is "my country," but she doesn't know what's going to happen now. She wants the public to know that Dreamers can be anyone: hairstylists, doctors, neighbors, and they may be afraid of identifying themselves because they "are still scared of saying they're Dreamers because they're afraid of how people are going to judge them."

Guerrero said she had a hard time at work Tuesday. She said she put a smile on her face for her customers, but she didn't eat lunch and spent a lot of time thinking about all the years she has lived in America. Then she went back to the break room and did the same thing as about five years ago when she found out she would become a Dreamer: She cried.

"It was just heartbreaking that all of that stuff didn't matter," she said of all she has done over the years since coming to the U.S. "I don't know what's going to happen, but I love this country. This is my country"
Local law enforcement agencies will join Bryan-College Station fire departments Thursday for an event to kick off National Night Out.

The event, which will be at the Target at 3061 Wildflower Drive, will start at 4 p.m. and end at 7 p.m. The Bryan Police Department, College Station Police Department, Texas A&M University Police Department and the Brazos County Sheriff's Office will be joined by local fire departments and other organizations for the event.

The kickoff is preparation for the National Night Out event on Oct. 3 and will provide residents with an opportunity to sign up for their own neighborhood block party. Thursday's event will feature vehicle displays from local police and fire departments, a bounce house, Ka-boom with the Brazos Valley Bombers and batting cages, the Bryan Police Department Safety Pup, K-9 search and rescue officers, bucket truck rides courtesy of Bryan Texas Utilities and fingerprints and photographs for child identification.

The event is free.
[September 06, 2017] NGINX Launches New NGINX Application Platform for One Stop Application Development and Delivery

NGINX, Inc., the engine delivering sites and applications for the modern web, today announced the launch of several new products to form the foundation of the new NGINX Application Platform. Offering a complete application deployment and delivery suite, the NGINX Application Platform enables teams to build or modernize applications with the most efficient DevOps tools and best practices, including cloud, containers, and microservices. The platform lets businesses innovate safely, while maintaining the performance, reliability, security, and scale necessary to support their users. The NGINX Application Platform is a suite of products, built on open source technology, that together will help organizations offer faster, more capable, and more robust web applications to a broader, truly global audience. By combining application delivery, an application server, and comprehensive, policy-driven management and monitoring into one solution, the platform provides a number of key benefits to businesses, including added agility, stability, governance, and visibility. The platform is comprised of: NGINX Plus , a combined load balancer, content cache, and web server. NGINX Plus extends open source NGINX with advanced features and award-winning support for an enterprise-ready solution. Hundreds of enterprise customers already rely on NGINX Plus to ensure their applications are delivered without downtime or delay. Now on its 13th release, NGINX Plus is the software-based application delivery controller (ADC (News - Alert)) for the modern web.

, a combined load balancer, content cache, and web server. NGINX Plus extends open source NGINX with advanced features and award-winning support for an enterprise-ready solution. Hundreds of enterprise customers already rely on NGINX Plus to ensure their applications are delivered without downtime or delay. Now on its 13th release, NGINX Plus is the software-based application delivery controller (ADC (News - Alert)) for the modern web. NGINX Controller , a centralized management and monitoring platform for NGINX Plus. It orchestrates the delivery of applications across multiple environments, enabling companies to continuously deploy and update applications using tested and proven policies. From a "single pane of glass," organizations can see how traffic is being routed through all NGINX Plus instances, and define and execute policies that control how NGINX Plus peforms load balancing, content caching, and other key application delivery functions.

, a centralized management and monitoring platform for NGINX Plus. It orchestrates the delivery of applications across multiple environments, enabling companies to continuously deploy and update applications using tested and proven policies. From a "single pane of glass," organizations can see how traffic is being routed through all NGINX Plus instances, and define and execute policies that control how NGINX Plus peforms load balancing, content caching, and other key application delivery functions. NGINX Unit, an application server that supports PHP, Python, and Go, with more language support coming soon. With increasing adoption of microservices, organizations are deploying new features and functionality more frequently. Current application servers designed for static monolithic environments struggle to keep up. NGINX Unit is a new, lightweight application server built for modern apps. Its revolutionary design lets organizations run multiple applications written in different languages and language versions on the same server. Service disruptions can be avoided with seamless application updates. For building a service mesh, NGINX Unit is the foundational building block. Just like the NGINX web server, NGINX Unit is open source.

an application server that supports PHP, Python, and Go, with more language support coming soon. With increasing adoption of microservices, organizations are deploying new features and functionality more frequently. Current application servers designed for static monolithic environments struggle to keep up. NGINX Unit is a new, lightweight application server built for modern apps. Its revolutionary design lets organizations run multiple applications written in different languages and language versions on the same server. Service disruptions can be avoided with seamless application updates. For building a service mesh, NGINX Unit is the foundational building block. Just like the NGINX web server, NGINX Unit is open source. The NGINX Web Application Firewall (WAF), powered by ModSecurity, which protects web applications against various Layer 7 attacks and provides DDoS mitigation, real-time blacklisting, and audit logging. This was first introduced as part of NGINX Plus Release 12 in May 2017. Today, more than one million sites depend on ModSecurity to protect against a broad range of attacks.



In addition to launching the NGINX Application Platform, NGINX has added the ability to use NGINX Plus as a Kubernetes Ingress Controller. Based on the open source NGINX Ingress Controller for Kubernetes, this new feature of NGINX Plus empowers organizations to deploy applications within Kubernetes and Red Hat (News - Alert) OpenShift Container Platform anywhere across a cluster so they can be reached by outside traffic.

Find more information on the NGINX Application Platform here, and join the conversation by following @nginx on Twitter (News - Alert). About NGINX, Inc. NGINX is the heart of the modern web - helping the world's most innovative companies deliver their sites and applications with performance, reliability, security, and scale. The company offers an award-winning, comprehensive application delivery platform in use on more than 300 million sites worldwide. Companies around the world rely on NGINX to ensure flawless digital experiences through features such as advanced load balancing, web and mobile acceleration, security controls, application monitoring, and management. More than half of the Internet's busiest websites rely on NGINX, including Airbnb, Box (News - Alert), Instagram, Netflix, Pinterest, SoundCloud, and Zappos. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, with its EMEA headquarters in Cork, Ireland, and additional offices in the US and Europe. Learn more at https://www.nginx.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005656/en/

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Even as Iraq continues its fight to push the Islamic State group out of its borders, some familiar with Iraqi politics are already looking forward to where the nation goes next after the job is done.

Experts on Iraq and the political climate of the region gathered at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center in College Station on Tuesday to discuss the uncertain future of the Middle Eastern country and the U.S. role in its development.

Hosted jointly by the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M and the department of international affairs, the event -- titled "The Future of Iraq: Stability, U.S. Role and the Defeat of ISIS" -- featured former Iraqi ambassador to the U.S. Lukman Faily, Philadelphia Inquirer foreign affairs columnist Trudy Rubin, and Raad Alkadiri, a senior director at BCG's Center for Energy Impact.

Although Faily, Rubin and Alkadiri each had their own take on Iraqi politics and how best to proceed in building a stable foundation for the future, the three agreed the establishment of strong government institutions is a fundamental key.

"You have to have institutional forms that make the state work," Alkadiri said. "... You have to build up effective, independent institutions that are going to leave the state and government accountable to its people."

Among the issues ahead that the three discussed as important factors and conflicts to look for moving forward included the nation's relationship with -- and influence by -- Iran; finding a way to provide all citizens with benefits for their support and participation despite historical conflict between certain factions; a continued campaign for Kurdish independence in Iraq; and a lack of necessary funding to pay for the extensive recovery efforts that will be needed after the Islamic State group, also known as ISIS or IS, is gone.

Following a panel with the three experts, former U.S. ambassador and dean of the Bush School Ryan Crocker shared his opinions and described the findings of the panel to be a "realistic" assessment of the situation.

Crocker, who chairs the Atlantic Council's Task Force on the Future of Iraq, said he believes the policy direction taken by the Obama administration and now continued by the Trump administration is not as engaged as they should be.

He said in terms of the U.S. role in Iraq, he believes officials in Washington, D.C., should be playing "the long game" in the country and treating the situation with the importance that it deserves.

As for how he would like to see the situation in Iraq handled, Crocker pointed to the Trump administration's recent handling of Afghanistan -- specifically the choice to let conditions, not timetables dictate strategy in the county.

However, he said he is not going to "hold my breath" on there being a substantial change to the U.S. approach to Iraq. Crocker also warned of the potential dangers of continued disengagement, a path he said could lead to unfavorable outcomes for the U.S.

"If we follow the customary American pattern to say, 'We're done here, it's not our problem, it's someone else's.' That's exactly what our adversaries count on, and it's exactly what our allies fear," Crocker said. "... Is the United States going to continue to lead in the world -- not dominate it or give orders? Because if we decide it's too hard and too expensive and too long, others will step up, and it will not be to our benefit."
Karl Joseph Koenig was born on January 9, 1920, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Winnie and August Koenig. The family moved to Chicago, Illinois, in 1924 and he attended elementary and high school there. In 1937, he attended the University of Illinois and graduated in 1941 with a degree in Geology and a Second Liuetenant's Commission in the Army Reserve. He was called into the service in June 1941 where he served as a Platoon Commander in a light tank battalion in Combat Command A of the 1st Armored Regiment. He was sent overseas to Northern Ireland and later to England where he was transferred to Combat Command Headquarters because of his ability to speak German. In December of 1942 his unit was sent to North Africa and was deployed to western Tunisia. He participated in the battles of Faid Pass and Kasserine Pass and received the Purple Heart for wounds during the final victory over the German African Corps at Bizerte, Tunisia. Ultimately, he was transferred to the Reconnaissance Company and moved to Italy where he took part in the landings at Anzio, Italy. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor at Anzio. On June 4, 1942, he was severely wounded and returned to the United States for recovery. He was retired a Captain in September of 1945 and returned to the University of Illinois to obtain his Master's and PhD degrees in Geology.
Making a return to our two favourite summer locations, Mount Maunganui and Nelson in early January 2023, we've got whiff of the first release lineup and me oh my, yes boy
To entice foreign travelers to the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will give away a condominium unit, a car or P200,000 shopping spree and roundtrip international tickets for Filipinos abroad who can bring a foreign friend to the country.

Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo said the DOT will give away incentives to Filipinos abroad in line with the revival of the Bring Home a Friend program.

The program encourages Filipinos living abroad to become ambassadors of goodwill to help the DOT sell the Philippines to the international market.

Teo said the winners will receive a condominium unit from Megaworld, a car or shopping spree worth P200,000 at Duty Free Philippines and international and domestic roundtrip tickets from Philippine Airlines. A raffle draw will be held as part of the program.

I know you are all eager to do it for free. But just the same, the DOT with the private sector will be giving away incentives to those who can bring home a friend from Sept. 1, 2017 to March 2018, Teo said when she met with the Filipino-Canadian community in Ontario.

Teos announcement was made through a four-minute video posted on her official Facebook page.

In the video, Teo also urged Filipinos abroad to coordinate with DOT officials assigned in their region for more information on the grand raffle draw.

Teo also announced that the DOT will reopen its office in Toronto, Canada.

This is just the beginning of a stronger tourism promotion in Canada as we prepare to reopen the DOT office in Toronto, she said.

In her Facebook page, Teo posted photos of her in Toronto on Monday where she was seen speaking at city hall for the culmination of the 19th Mabuhay Philippine Festival 2017, which aims to encourage Filipinos longing to come back to the Philippines.

The Secretary, encouraged Filipinos living in Canada to spread the word about the positive developments in the country.

This is an opportune time for our kababayans to help spread the word about the good things and positive developments now taking place back home under the leadership of President Duterte. Do find time to visit and bring along a friend to experience the Filipino hospitality, Teo said.

She also assured Canadians that the Philippines is not just a beautiful place to have fun but also a place to retire and invest.

Meanwhile, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia echoed that it is indeed the perfect time to re-establish a DOT office in Canada to take advantage of the growing interest in traveling to the Philippines.

Canada is a country of immigrants and it recognizes the Filipino's role in the community. There is a growing curiosity where the Filipinos came from. Also noting that the Philippines as the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia, more Canadian businessmen are also interested in the Philippines, Garcia said.

During her stay, Teo met with representatives of Canadas Snowbird Association (CSA), with a 100,000 membership that promotes and facilitates travel during Canadas winter season.

Teo said having Snowbird members spending up to six months in the Philippines can yield higher tourism revenues for Filipino tourism stakeholders.

According to Teo, South Korea remained as the top tourist market for the country, posting 795,085 arrivals, representing 23.68 percent share of total inbound traffic; followed by the United States with 513,443 (15.29 percent); China, 454,962 (13.55 percent); and Japan, 294,080 (8.76 percent).

Teo noted the surge in tourist arrivals from emerging markets, as well as China, as a significant factor to the higher figures and better tourism industry performance. Chinese arrivals jumped 33.44 percent with 454,962 visitors compared to last years 340,958.

Notable increases were also gained by India at 23.41 percent (54,663 arrivals) and Canada at 18.41 percent (108,243).

Teo said the spike in visitor influx in January with 631,639 arrivals set the momentum for steady increases over the first six months of the year.

In the face of challenges, the country continued to receive the growing influx of tourists from across the globe, desiring to see our world-class destinations and experience the renowned Filipino hospitality, Teo said.

Among those helping to boost tourism in the Philippines is Canadian beauty queen Siera Bearchell who represented Canada in the 2016 Miss Universe pageant held in Manila.

I am partnering with @philippinestourism + @cebupacificair and some of the BEST resorts and hotels, she wrote in an Instagram post.

At present, Canada remains to be the countrys eighth largest tourist source market, accounting for 175,631 visitor arrivals to the Philippines in 2016, or a 12.23 percent growth rate from 2015.

Behind the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Canada hosts the largest Filipino community overseas, where Tagalog ranks the sixth most-spoken language.

More than 700,000 Filipinos reside in Canada. The countrys third largest immigrant group and almost half of whom reside in Toronto while many other Filipinos live in Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Calgary.

Meanwhile, the Canadian government is advising Canadians visiting the Philippines to exercise a high degree of caution to the threat of terrorism and the high level of crime.

Global Affairs Canada is advising against all travel to the Mindanao Region due to the serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping. The Government of Canadas ability to provide consular assistance in this region is limited, it says.

Similarly it advises against all travel to the Sulu Archipelago and through the southern Sulu Sea, including the waters off southern Palawan Island, due to the threat of piracy and kidnappings in this area.

It is also advising against non-essential travel to the urban areas of Davao City, due to security concerns and the implementation of martial law in the Mindanao Region.
[September 06, 2017] The 2017 cPanel Conference Tops 300 Registered Attendees and Announces Its Sponsors

HOUSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- cPanel, Inc., the Hosting Platform of Choice, is excited to announce record attendee registration, and to celebrate our sponsors for the 2017 cPanel Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Sept. 26 and Sept. 27. This conference is focused on technology and integrations, and our sponsor lineup shows it! Our very first sponsor, BoldGrid, signed up with us to sponsor the cPanel Conference 2017 while we were at WHD in Germany this year. BoldGrid is a website builder created on top of WordPress, and we welcome them to the cPanel family. Our Latinum sponsor this year is Comodo! Comodo is a global leader in cyber security solutions. With more than 85 million security software installations, 600,000 business clients, 8,000 partners and affiliates and #1 branded Certificate Authority in the world. Our other sponsors include WHMCS, CloudLinux, LiteSpeed, SiteLock, JetApps, Hivelocity, and Platinum Server Management. Ken Power, VP of Product Development who headed up planning for this year's conference had this to say: "The 20th Anniversary cPanel Conference is promising to be the best conference cPanel has ever had. With record numbers of registered attendees already, both new and continuing sponsors, and afew exciting announcements in the works, we promise this is gonna be one for the record books."



Registration will remain open until the first day of the conference unless we reach capacity. Anyone wishing to find more information about the conference can do so on the cPanel conference site, https://conference.cpanel.com. For business inquiries, email [email protected].

Since 1997, cPanel has been delivering the web hosting industry's most reliable and intuitive web hosting automation software. The robust automation software helps businesses thrive and allows them to focus on more important things. Customers and partners receive first-class support and a rich feature set, making cPanel & WHM the Hosting Platform of Choice. For more information about cPanel, visit https://cpanel.com. "cPanel" and "cPanel & WHM" are registered trademarks of cPanel, Inc. Media Contact:

Benny Vasquez  Manager of Community Engagement

Phone: (832) 433-4005

Email: [email protected] Related Images image1.png image2.jpg image3.png Related Links cPanel Conference Site cPanel.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-2017-cpanel-conference-tops-300-registered-attendees-and-announces-its-sponsors-300514921.html SOURCE cPanel, Inc.

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By Rob Fleming

Minister of Education, B.C.

As a parent with young children, I know first-hand the important role our schools play in the lives of kids, families and communities. I see my kids growing excitement as a new school year approaches and ask, will the year ahead help them grow as caring human beings and develop the skills they need for the future? As your new Minister of Education, Ill do everything I can to make sure it does for all children and families.

No investment is more important than a quality education. We need to make sure kids get the time, attention and resources they need to succeed. Its the key to a better future and a strong economy.

We have had a tumultuous time in the education system over the past 16 years. For too long, students were left behind in overcrowded classrooms, without the learning supports they needed and deserved. Its time we worked together to do things differently  to invest in public education and look ahead to what a sustainable, strong and properly resourced education system can deliver for all British Columbians.

Our first priority is to make sure students are getting the support they need in classrooms this fall. We will fully cover the costs of the agreement on class size and composition. Districts are creating smaller class sizes and hiring 3,500 new teachers. There are some recruitment challenges, especially for specialist positions and in rural areas. To help school districts hire the teachers they need, weve set up a $2-million fund to coordinate recruitment and provide incentives for new teachers, including a national and international effort to attract qualified educational professionals to rural areas.

Our schools should be welcoming and safe. The previous government neglected to keep our schools up to standard or build much needed new schools. They made a lot of promises, but they did not keep up on seismic upgrades. We will increase the pace of investments in school capital, speed up repairs and replacements, and fast-track seismic upgrades to keep our kids safe. We are also committed to reducing the number of portables, to make sure our children are learning in proper classrooms.

Equal access and opportunity are at the heart of our approach to education. It is why we eliminated tuition fees on Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning programs starting Sept. 1. Its why were committed to lifting individuals out of poverty through stronger social programs and a higher minimum wage. Families that are struggling in our communities also have children in our schools; those children also deserve the best possible start.

There is so much more we can do to support children when we work together. We can make extra efforts to engage the 64,000 Aboriginal learners in our schools and help them to build pride in their culture and communities. We can work together to make sure that children in care are supported to be successful.

We can make sure students have a strong start in our schools by investing more in early childhood education and childcare. And we can do more to help students transition from school to work or to further education.

I believe in the power of public education to build a better future for our kids and our province. Lets work together to give our children the quality education they deserve.
Last year, my mother and I visited the Curtin Dairy Farm in Rocky Mount and became smitten with its goat herd.

The goats, as friendly and gentle as golden retrievers, are the source of the delicious cheeses made at the farm. Along with Franklin Countys other farms and nurseries, the Curtin Dairy Farm helps make Franklin County the 10th largest agriculture producer in Virginia. The 2017 Franklin County Agricultural Fair, Sept. 13-16, will showcase the countys historical and present day agricultural vitality.

With tradition comes innovation. This years agricultural fair incorporates the technology of the digital age. One of the foundations of the fair is to celebrate Franklin Countys farming and cultural heritage, including traditional arts, crafts, music, food and food preservation. Putting a modern day spin on this theme, the Franklin County Library and Lowes of Rocky Mount will host an outdoor selfie studio with life-sized wood cutouts that display rural and agricultural scenes. Cutouts will depict farm animals, barns, crop fields and one of the most classic paintings of American rural life, Grant Woods American Gothic.

Said Shayne Lee, assistant store manager at Lowes: Lowes partnered with the library because together we can create enriching experiences for children and families. We combined our specialties, from carpentry and painting to community engagement, to be a part of the fair.

Fairgoers can stop by the librarys bookmobile to pose with the cutouts and, if they want, upload their photos to personal archives, social media pages or the librarys Facebook page, facebook.com/Franklin.County.Public.Library.Main.

Another special selfie opportunity will be at the LOVEwork display. Fairgoers can snap pictures there and share them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using the hashtags #LOVEVA and #FCAGFAIR.

If you need a digital detox during the fair, do not miss its contests and displays of locally grown and locally made touchstones of rural life. Enjoy the vast talents of our fellow Franklin County residents in canning and pickling, woodworking, quilting and more.

For information on the Franklin County Agricultural Fair, see fcagfair.com

Christine Arena is coordinator of programming and outreach at the Franklin County Public Library
Chris and Danielle White have two goats on their farm in Penhook. The goats are not the reason for the Whites budding business, but they did inspire its name.

Two Goat Hops is in its third season growing the popular beer ingredient. Chris White said he hopes this hobby will turn into a business, but admits there needs to be more growers in the area to make that a possibility.

White, a Roanoke City firefighter, said he got the idea to start growing hops from an article.

I was just sitting around one day at work trying to think of something to do to make a little money, or be a hobby, and I read a story about growing hops and the craft brewing industry starting to boom, White said.

Most hops, used for brewing beer, are grown in the Pacific Northwest.

Its a crop that would be well-suited to our soils, and generally speaking to our climate, said Scott Baker, a Bedford County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources. We might not be able to get the yields they get in other parts of the country and we may have a little more trouble with pests and disease because of our humid climate, but we can grow them.

Baker does not know of any hops growers in Bedford County, but said he has been getting questions from residents, who are interested. He said that some extension agents are conducting research to see how valuable of a crop hops could be commercially for Virginia.

Virginia Tech has an enology lab to test wine, weve expanded that to test hops for things the brewers look for; for example, alpha and beta acids, said Chris Brown, Franklin County extension agent for agriculture and natural resources. Well do different testing based on the values the brewers would like to see. And they can use that information to know how its going to affect the batch or what they need to blend with it to make it right.

White has already harvested his hopyard, the term for a field of hops. Hops grow vertically. White says they have a small yard of about 104 plants. He wants it to increase, but he and his wife are taking it slowly since they recently had their first child.

The third year is full maturity of the plant, and this was our third year, White said. The first year we got 25 pounds. The second year we had roughly 50 to 55 pounds. So, I was hoping to get around 70 this year, but we were back down to the 30 to 40 range.

White said the long dry period in July impacted his harvest. This year the hops were ready to be harvested in late August. You can tell by feel, White said. You smash them in your hand, and if they fluff back up and feel like paper, and they make that papery sound, thats pretty good indication they are ready for harvest.

White said it takes work to harvest the hops by hand. If he had a larger hopyard, White said he would consider buying a pelletizer to process the hops that people like to brew with more than green hops.

What we lack here in this part of the country is a processor that could dry and pelletize the crop, Brown said. Unless you have a contract with a brewer, its kind of a hard thing to market because they have a perishable product. When youre ready to harvest, the brewer should have room for them, the capability to store them or use them.

Picking hops by hand can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour per plant, White said. He would like to see more growers in the area so they could share the cost of a harvester and pelletizer. Eventually he would like to see local growers supplying local brewers.

And word about growing hops is spreading as Virginia Tech is set to host the 2018 South Atlantic Hops Conference on March 2 and 3.
A turn lane will be added and another will be extended in hopes of making safer one of Franklin Countys most dangerous intersections.

Work at the Hardy Road-Booker T. Washington Highway intersection near Westlake Corner is expected to begin in spring 2020, said Virginia Department of Transportation spokesman Jason Bond. Officials say the project will cost $2.7 million and finish in early summer 2021.

Crews will make two turn lane improvements from Washington onto Hardy, adding a left turn lane on one side and extending an existing right turn lane on the opposite side. Other work will include shoulder improvements and the elimination of one of two business entrances.

From 2010 to 2015, there were 37 crashes at the intersection, five of them fatal, according to a project application Franklin County sent to VDOT. Fourteen of 19 crashes from 2012 to 2015 were rear-end collisions.

This project is about improving safety around the intersection, Bond said.

Adding the left turn lane on Washington will allow traffic to flow through the intersection instead of slowing or stopping for vehicles turning onto Hardy. Officials say this also will reduce rear-end crashes.

The extension of the right turn lane on Washington as well as the closure of one of two commercial business entrances will improve safety for drivers turning onto Hardy. The turn lane improvements also will improve safety and efficiency for drivers traveling past the intersection along Washington.

Its too early to say whether the intersection will be open to through traffic or closed during construction, Bond said.

We would expect to minimize as much disruption as we can, Bond said.
After all those come-ons that aired before and after "Game of Thrones," HBO viewers are doubtless aware that "The Deuce," a serious and provocative new drama from co-creators David Simon and George Pelecanos, is about a seedier era in the history of Times Square, circa 1971, when it was full of prostitutes, pimps and peepshows.

For your money and their effort, the show promises a sensual yet sufficiently gritty, occasionally violent and nostalgically illicit act of time-travel, kicked off with Curtis Mayfield's "(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go" as its theme song. Along the way you'll meet dishonest cops, ruthless mob hands, corrupt union reps, tenderhearted pornographers and, of course, a whole lot of fascinating, streetwise women whom you'll frequently see naked, while feeling a mixture of sympathy and admiration for them. (For what it's worth, there are also fleeting glimpses of naked men, but you won't feel much for them.)

So how about it, baby - wanna date?

Easily the most ambitious drama among this fall's first wave of new shows, "The Deuce" (premiering Sunday) focuses mainly on establishing its milieu rather than hammering home its theme. The initial task is to resurrect the sights and sounds of a dirty, John Lindsay-era New York while keeping everyone who still remembers the half-disaster that was 2016's "Vinyl" from saying "Ugh, New York in the early '70s? Again?"

The show uses CGI magic to return Times Square to its slimiest state. An early panoramic shot in the first episode features James Franco (who stars as morally differentiated twin brothers) crossing on foot through the traffic of Times Square near "the deuce" (an old nickname for 42nd Street) and the overall effect is breathtaking in its attention to detail. The people who made this show are desperately in love with the New York of a half century ago, which will delight some viewers just as sure as it could bore others. (After all, who among us hasn't had to sit through some New Yorker's recollections of the city in a more authentic period?)

"The Deuce" re-creates this world so it can study it on a personal and communal level, rather than ogle it like a perv. Where "Vinyl" was addicted to atmospherics and its eventually tedious tales of excessive rock 'n' roll living, "The Deuce," in the more subtle way we've come to expect from Simon, is an earnest venture that sets out to retrace the latter-day history of the sex industry.

An overall theme (amply demonstrated but never directly stated in these eight episodes) could be about the mutual exchange of power between men and women, law and justice, boss and employee - all of it seen at a messy, intimate and even biological level. "The Deuce" returns us to the familiar, "Wire"-esque territory of the corrupt transaction and its place in human nature.

Please note that I did not write: It's like "The Wire," only with hookers! "The Wire" was "The Wire" (and "Treme" was "Treme" and "Show Me a Hero" was "Show Me a Hero") and a viewer who keeps expecting Simon and company to replicate "The Wire" could easily make a "Treme"-type mistake of missing the artfully complicated story that's being told here.

Franco plays both Vincent and Frankie Martino - a role that requires a little camera magic and a considerable if not always successful effort by both the actor and the writers to ensure that we don't constantly mix them up.

Hard-working Vincent is a manager at two bars, one of them in a failing Korean restaurant in Times Square. The less trustworthy twin, Frankie, is a gambling addict in hock to bookies and criminals. Vincent has just left his philandering wife (and their kids) and moved into a fleabag hotel; Frankie is always on the run. Through mob backing, Vincent gets a chance to operate his own bar off Times Square, and Frankie comes around, wanting a piece of the action. You can get all the way through the series and still never quite understand why it needs the Martino brothers front and center, if at all. Franco's performance(s) are fine, but not exactly standout.

Maggie Gyllenhaal co-stars as Eileen Merrell, who works Times Square as a prostitute named Candy. Nearing 40, Candy is something of a curiosity among the younger women with whom she shares the sidewalk - she is self-employed and doesn't have a pimp. For what she gains in independence, Candy sacrifices in protection, but her motivations for keeping 100 percent of her earnings are soon made clear: She's giving money to her mother, who takes care of her son.

Gyllenhaal, who has proved time and again that she can excel in just about any part out there, is sublime in every episode of "The Deuce," serving as a strong, constant reminder that this story really belongs to its female characters, despite an oversupply of male characters and male dominance.

She's also the surest path to an overall through-line that hints at potential future seasons, as Candy develops an interest in producing pornographic films just as New York begins to loosen (or neglect) the obscenity laws that prevented dirty movies from showing explicit acts. The 1972 big-screen premiere of "Deep Throat" serves as an obvious but meaningful - pardon the expression - climax. If nothing else, "The Deuce" offers a good opportunity for those of us living in the age of Pornhub to stop and consider what got us here.

Other than Gyllenhaal, the show's most notable asset is the ensemble of supporting players who play the prostitutes and pimps. It should come as no surprise that they're the star attractions, given the subject matter, but it is notable, after so many years of stereotyping those in the sex trade, that they are given a sense of dignity, in a way that makes me wonder if Simon and Pelecanos and their co-writers have been paying special attention to Netflix's "Orange Is the New Black."

As soon as you meet someone like Darlene (Dominique Fishback), Ashley (Jamie Neumann), Ruby (Pernell Walker) or fresh-off-the-bus Lori (Emily Meade), you'll want to know everything about them, including how they arrived at sex work. Even when it spends far too much time on cops and precinct politics and mafia machinations, "The Deuce" seems committed to giving these women more than just an auxiliary presence, which is striking, given how many Times Square prostitutes over the years have been sacrificed at TV's altar of the almighty crime procedural.

Likewise, "The Deuce" skillfully lends just enough shape and depth to a trio of pimps named Larry, C.C. and Rodney (Gbenga Akinnagbe, Gary Carr and Cliff Smith), whose garish wardrobes and abusive behaviors hew to the very image that turned "'70s pimp" into a distasteful Halloween costume. While "The Deuce" avoids over-humanizing these misogynistic manipulators, it respects them as something other than just menacing brutes. They are carrying along a set of cultural traditions - twisted, perhaps, but similar enough to the cultural roots of the Irish cops and Italian mobsters who get in their way.

"The Deuce" doesn't endorse the world it portrays and, perhaps underscoring its anthropological or reportorial tendencies, it introduces a character named Sandra Washington (Natalie Paul), a young journalist who works for an African-American newspaper and starts hanging out at Times Square, hoping to write an in-depth story about prostitutes, pimps and their cyclical encounters with the law.

She's interested, you're interested, I'm interested - at its most elemental, "The Deuce" is a show about the mysteries and power and infinite market potential of sex. How could we not be interested and still call ourselves human?

---

"The Deuce" (90 minutes) premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
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NEWTOWN - A key allowing a teacher to lock her classroom was missing from its folder the day of the Sandy Hook massacre, said an attorney for two families who have filed a lawsuit.

If you have a lockdown procedure and you are not provided the key, how are you supposed to lock down? said Donald Papcsy, the attorney for the families who are suing Newtown for negligence. This is going to be a big part of our case moving forward.

Papcsy received a judges permission in mid-August to inspect the emergency folders taken by police from two classrooms where teachers and students were slain during the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre.

School district officials had maintained in court documents that every classroom had an emergency folder with a key to lock the door against an intruder. But Papcsy on Friday inspected the folder taken from the classroom of Lauren Rousseau, a substitute teacher who died in the massacre, and said it was empty.

This has been a mission to find out the truth, because that is what the victims of this tragedy deserve, Papcsy said on Tuesday. We deserve to have a safe environment where our kids can go to school.

Monte Frank, one of the attorneys defending Newtown and its school district against the lawsuit, was present on Friday in Ridgefield during the inspection of the classroom folder. He declined to say anything about the contents.

I am not going to comment on pending litigation, he said on Tuesday.

Newtown asked a state Superior Court judge in July to throw out the lawsuit, arguing it was the 20-year-old shooter Adam Lanza - and not the town or the schools - who was responsible for the worst crime in Connecticut history.

The families are preparing a response. The case is scheduled for trial in March.

The case is separate from a higher-profile lawsuit brought by 10 families against the maker of the rifle used in the attack. That lawsuit was thrown out of court in 2016 and is being appealed in state Supreme Court.

The parents of two slain first-graders who are suing Newtown are also part of the higher-profile case against the gunmaker Remington.

Parents Neil Heslin, Scarlett Lewis and Leonard Pozner offered to settle their lawsuit against Newtown for $5.5 million each in 2016.

The towns defense is a bunch of language saying they are not responsible, Papcsy said on Tuesday.

They are saying Yes, we wrote this lockdown policy but everything is discretionary and nobody is responsible for anything, he said. Obviously we dont believe that could ever be true.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
Life at a startup is unpredictable. You need to roll up your sleeves, think outside the box and take on more than just your job responsibilities. As the CEO of a startup, Ive learned that its inevitable that youll experience anxiety at least once every day. From worrying about business strategy to product development, financials and company culture, being a startup CEO is both the most fascinating job in the world and possibly the most destructive.

Related: 10 Habits That Will Dramatically Improve Your Life

You are expected to be strong by investors, employees and even your loved ones. You are expected to show grit, courage, inspiration and drive. You are expected to pull through every single challenge. You are expected to be Superman!

Is that true though?

In the book Feeling Good, author David D. Burns shares that nearly 2,000 years ago, the Greek philosopher Epictetus stated that people are disturbed not by things, but by the views we take of them. Your feelings are a result of messages you send to yourself. As Burns himself indicates, Your thoughts often have much more to do with how you feel than what is actually happening in your life.

Do your investors, employees and loved ones expect you to be strong or is that an extreme distortion of what you think they expect? Have you ever asked them? If you are in this position, I advise you to do so, as the answer may surprise you.

In my startup journey, I have developed my own mechanisms to cope with anxiety, which include showing vulnerability, stepping back and asking myself questions, embracing surprises, sharpening the saw and educating myself.

Show vulnerability.

Being vulnerable is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.

This was a big revelation for me. Through all the effort I put into showing how strong I was, I was actually making myself weaker. The stronger you want others to perceive you, the bigger the gap between reality and fantasy.

Show vulnerability. Its OK to say, I dont know or, I havent figured it out. Recently, one of my investors asked, Did you get punched in the mouth today? I answered, YES! His response was, Good, that means youre learning.

Related: Sleep In and Make Millions: Why You Don't Need to Wake Up at 5 A.M.

Step back and ask.

When you work for a startup, you have a million things to do, and the majority of them are not as important or as urgent as you think. Some of these tasks may actually turn out to be a total waste of time.

As you approach a new project, ask yourself:

Will this matter in a year from now?

What would your friend say about this?

Is this important or just urgent?

These type of questions have helped me reprioritize and refocus my energy on the most important tasks at hand, and ultimately become a more efficient worker and leader.

Embrace surprises.

I have developed a ritual where every morning I take the 40 minutes to walk to my office. During that time, I will repeat to myself, Today you are going to be surprised. While I dont know what type of surprise that will be, positive or negative, from employees, investors or customers, I am not only mentally prepared for it, I actually look forward to and embrace them. I always say, If you know that there are going to be surprises, you cant be surprised.

Related: Lifestyles of the Rich and Frugal: 7 Thrifty Millionaires and Billionaires

Sharpen the saw.

There is nothing more important than your well-being. And for those who have read the book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, you will already know this concept. Sharpen the saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have -- you. Its easy to forget, and there is no instruction for how to do this. I personally journal, cook and exercise. If you are not happy and healthy, its next to impossible to bring positive change to the world -- which startup CEOs typically aspire to do.

Learn it, do it, teach it.

Maggie Perry, one of our advisors and a doctor of psychology, argues that one of the first things to do when coping with anxiety is to educate yourself. Use self-help books, see a therapist and read relevant sources. But alone, education is not enough; you must also practice what you learn. Otherwise, you become just a bank of unused knowledge. The final step in the process is to teach it. Anxiety is part of your life and others cant simply understand you; you need to teach to them what you learned.

These mechanisms have helped me, but they are by no means a recipe for everyone. Each individual will have their own methods and tips for coping with anxiety that will work best for their life, schedule, work environment and personality. Sharing your experiences with others and trying new things will only help us all become more aware and present, whether you are the CEO of a startup or a recent college graduate about to embark on your career.

Related:

Just Because Something Goes Wrong in Your Business Doesn't Mean You're a Failure

Do You Feel Like You Got Punched in the Mouth Today? Follow These Tips to Cope With the Anxiety of Running a Startup.

16 Things That Lack of Sleep Can Do to You, According to Science



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


Given today's 24-7 news cycle, local and national broadcasters, bloggers and publishers are all looking for their next story. And the resulting amount of content that is published online alone is amazing. Most sources estimate that more than 2 million blog posts are uploaded daily.

Related: 5 Crisis Management Tips for Your Digital Brand

When you add in the stories published through traditional media like radio, television and newspapers, the amount of content becomes overwhelming. If you or your organization becomes the center of this attention, do you know what to do?

A business we work with found itself in this position just a few weeks ago. One of its customers identified a security issue. Unfortunately, the employee to whom the customer reported the problem handled the whole thing poorly. The next thing the company knew, a reporter and camera crew from a local news station were at its door asking the employee involved to comment. And the employee did just that.

The comment wasn't helpful. The company suffered several days' worth of negative publicity. It eventually moved to fix the situation, but the damage was already done.

Clearly, public relations issues can happen in both small and large organizations. When they do, the most important factor is your response. Here are five tips to help you prepare, should these situations happen to you.

Related: Worried About Managing a Company Crisis? Take These 4 Proactive Steps

1. Have a plan for dealing with the media.

Your first decision is whether to agree to an interview on the story. If you choose not to comment, that wont stop the media outlet from running the story, regardless. It will probably say that you declined comment. However, you will not avoid the hot seat, and the potential for being made to look bad. Your face (via file photo) will likely turn up on camera in any case.

If you do choose to comment, beware of several things:

You are highly unlikely to convince the reporter not to run your story.

Your interview will be edited.

The media outlet can choose to take your comments out of context and may simply misstate what you are trying to say.

Therefore, if you are going to accept an interview, have a very simple message, and stay on point. Dont get sucked into conversations for which you are not prepared.

2. Determine who at the company will speak to the media.

Whether you plan to speak to the media or not, you dont want to have random employees, who may not know the whole story, participate in interviews. Communicate to your employees that they are to refer all requests for interviews or statements to a specific person.

If you are going to communicate with the media, identify a specific person to be the spokesperson. In a small business, this will likely be the owner or a senior manager. In larger concerns, an employee such as the head of HR will be the one to communicate with the media. Regardless of who speaks, make sure that the person has a concise message and stays on point.

3. Consider hiring professional help.

Depending on the size and severity of the story, you may be well advised to hire a professional who has experience in crisis management. Such people can provide useful input into how to handle a difficult situation. If you are likely to face criminal or civil charges as a result of the report, consult an attorney who has experience with these types of issues.

4. Dont take actions that will make the situation worse.

If you are facing charges such as unsafe working conditions in your plant, this is not the time to give the VP of manufacturing a big bonus. This may seem obvious, but it is amazing how often companies make mistakes like this when they are under the spotlight.

Our advice is to be very careful about handing out bonuses, promoting people or holding company celebrations. Dont let your actions make it look like you arent taking the issue seriously.

5. Own up to your shortcomings.

If you have made mistakes, our advice is to own up to your shortcomings, fix them and take what you have coming. Trying to cover things up almost always makes matters worse. With this said, if you are facing criminal or civil prosecution, follow the advice of your attorney.

Of course, you will be better off to avoid such situations in the first place by not engaging in activities that are illegal, immoral or unsafe. Further, it is important to create a culture in your company that doesnt tolerate such behavior.

Related: 10 Principles for Creating an Effective Public Relations Plan

Having checks and balances, so that it is unlikely that one rogue employee can consistently behave in a way that will get the company in trouble, is critical. However, if the time comes when you and your company are in a bad spot, these five tips will be helpful -- especially if you have done the requisite advance planning.

Related:

If a PR Crisis Happens to Your Company, Will You Know What to Do? 5 Tips.

5 Ways to Keep Your Head When Things Get Testy in the Workplace

SEC Guidance Almost Shut Down My Business Before It Launched. Here's How You Can Handle These Types of Unexpected Challenges.



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


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NORWALK The Norwalk police officer who was accidentally shot Tuesday afternoon during training is recovering from his wound, as detectives investigate the circumstances.

The incident occurred about 2:45 p.m. inside police headquarters at 1 Monroe St. Police called it an accidental discharge of a weapon, but further details, including who was injured, have not been released.

Norwalk Police Lt. Terry Blake said that there have no gun range accidents in recent memory and that safety protocols are posted there.

The safety protocols are all covered during the training sessions, Blake said. Additionally there is signage displayed at the range regarding proper firearms handling and range rules.

Despite safety measures, accidents do occur. According to Police  The Law Enforcement Magazine, there have been a number of law enforcement training accidents nationwide in recent years. They include:

A San Bernardino County (California) sheriffs deputy was hospitalized in May after he accidentally shot himself during a weekly SWAT training exercise ...When the deputy re-holstered his sidearm, a negligent discharge took place striking him in the lower extremities.

More News Norwalk officer shot in shooting range mishap

A sergeant with the Lebanon, Indiana, Police Department shot himself in the foot in November 2016 as he was cleaning his handgun after a training exercise.

In Aug. 2016 a Punta Gorda, Fl. Police Department officer accidentally fatally shot a 73-year-old woman during a citizens police academy role-playing exercise.

A police cadet in Napoleon, Oh. was critically injured after being accidentally shot in the back by one of his classmates on a shooting range in April, 2016. The shooter was either cleaning or oiling his 9 mm.handgun, and thought the firearm was empty when it discharged.

In April, 2015 Ocala, Florida, Police Department Officer Jared Forsyth, 33, died after he was accidentally shot during firearms training. He was struck by a bullet from another officer's gun. The officer was wearing a bulletproof vest, but the bullet went through his arm and entered his side.

In October 2014, a 26-year-old Pennsylvania state trooper was killed during a firearms training exercise in suburban Philadelphia when another troopers gun accidentally discharged

The FBI reports that in 2016, three officers died on duty as a result of accidental shootings.
Small and medium businesses represent 90 percent of all businesses, and consume 40 percent to 50 percent of the nations energy. One in 10 small business owners states that energy is his or her single greatest cost -- more than wages, salaries, materials and supplies. Another 25 percent say that energy is their second or third largest business cost. But, often, small businesses struggle to reduce their energy bills through improved efficiency.

Related: You Can Embrace Green Building Without Breaking the Bank

Why arent more small businesses going green?

For business owners who work around the clock, energy improvement often takes a backseat to other time-sensitive priorities. This constraint is especially difficult to overcome for organizations that dont have dedicated energy managers on staff.

Many small businesses and startups are also hesitant to invest capital in energy-efficient equipment when the non-efficient versions are working properly, such as a new fryer in a restaurant kitchen or standard office equipment for employees.

Misconceptions about energy-efficient products create more barriers for businesses. Many retail, hospitality and grocery organizations believe that these products arent able to create the same desired environment preferred by their customers. Forty years ago, that may have been true. Since then, however, technology has evolved and improved, with an increasing variety of products that often improve the customer experience and employee productivity.

Related: The Unexpected Benefits of Energy Efficiency

Overcoming these challenges has never been more achievable. A key step in this process is to partner with your local utility -- the very same company that sells you energy in the first place. Most utilities have better energy-efficient programs and support for small business than ever before. Yet, only 2 percent of small businesses participate in these programs each year.

The time is now for small businesses to seek ways to reduce their energy costs, and there are four easy strategies to do so:

1. Think of your utility company as a trusted energy advisor.

Its no surprise that utilities understand how to manage energy, but they are often an undervalued resource. Utilities can make unbiased, comprehensive recommendations by evaluating the top sources of energy consumption and operational considerations for a customer -- such as business hours, temperature requirements and supply chain schedules -- and help improve how businesses operate. Utilities understand that small businesses have diverse needs, and they can analyze data from their energy meters to develop a unique solution that works for any organization. Data analytics provide significant value for organizations when it comes to managing energy resources.

One of our customers, Sharis Cafe & Pies, found that the dipper wells used to clean ice cream scoops were wasting 8 million gallons of water each year with their perpetual flow systems -- so the company switched to a new system that instead adds water in regular increments. This shift reduced water usage by an average of 35 percent and reduced natural gas by 15 percent to 20 percent.

Related: How This Company Is Driving Down Energy Bills

2. Tap into utility incentives.

Many organizations are unaware that their utility providers subsidize the cost of implementing energy-efficient technology, which can dramatically increase their return on investment. The average small business that operates around 50 light bulbs can save more than $500 each year simply by switching to LEDs, which also last 25-50 times longer than standard light bulbs. Businesses can work directly with their local energy management contractors or distributors to install the latest high-efficiency products and appliances in their facility.

When Mitchell's Ice Cream in Ohio partnered with public power COSE for its Energy Assessment Program to conduct an energy audit and identify the most efficient light bulbs, insulation and thermostats, the small business saved thousands and became more sustainable.

3. Review financing options.

For small businesses looking to begin their sustainability journey and cut down on energy costs, green financing options are increasingly available through financial organizations, utility providers and state agencies. Its now possible to pay loans back through the energy bill, whether its a loan for a full efficiency transformation with new smart and connected equipment or just to purchase new lighting.

Related: 15 Ways to Take Control of Spiraling Energy Costs

4. Market the success.

Energy management not only saves money, but also can help bring in more business by appealing to customers that increasingly identify with sustainable businesses and products. Marketing successful initiatives once theyve been completed will help engage customers that consider a businesss environmental impact in their purchase decisions. A recent international study revealed that one-third of consumers now choose to buy from brands they believe are doing social or environmental good.

Another of our customers, furniture retailer Havertys, benefited from this green trend after it was prominently recognized by the Department of Energys Better Buildings Challenge for LED upgrades that reduced electricity use by over 40 percent and lowered heating loads, which reduced HVAC tonnage by 20 percent. Ssmall businesses that inform their utility company of their energy efficiency achievements can also increase their visibility as a spokesperson for sustainability with the local community.

By embracing energy efficiency, small businesses can significantly save money and improve their customer engagement. New connected technology, from lighting controls to smart thermostats and energy management systems, can cut energy costs and reduce maintenance headaches for years to come. Beyond operational efficiencies and savings, sustainable initiatives help businesses build stronger relationships with environmentally focused customers and create more jobs for a rapidly growing energy management market.

Related:

Your Small Business Could Save Thousands of Dollars by Working With Your Energy Utility

You're Free! So Cut the Cord and Save Money Like the Millennials Do.

How to Build a Financial Nest Egg While Growing Your Startup



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved



This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com


MATTOON  The City Council on Tuesday modified the city's Midtown Tax Increment Financing District policies and approved related funding for emergency roof repairs to the Maison Blanche office building.

Phase one of the Midtown TIF District centers on downtown. Phase two includes some neighborhoods to the south, east, and west. The city uses part of the tax revenue generated by the district to fund public improvements and private building repair grants within this district.

Due to the large size of phase two, City Administrator Kyle Gill said the city TIF Committee in the past has only approved grant requests there for the demolition of existing buildings as part of redevelopment projects. However, Gill said the committee has received grant requests in phase two, and this has led the panel to identify an area of unique historical and architectural interest there.

This area of interest encompasses the south side of Charleston Avenue from 14th Street to the railroad, both sides of Wabash Avenue from 14th to the railroad, and both sides of Lake Land Boulevard from Charleston to Edgar avenues. The committee intends to consider grant applications for facade improvements, emergency structural repairs, and code compliance for commercial buildings in this area.

To make this change, the council amended Midtown TIF policies to allow an increase in the amount of grant funds available to properties in phase two. Gill said the grants will be limited to 50 percent of the eligible improvement costs with a maximum cumulative total of $40,000 per year, instead of $80,000 in phase one.

In a related matter, the council approved an agreement for a $35,508 Midtown TIF grant for emergency roof repair and replacement work at the Maison Blanche structure, 1521 Wabash Ave.

The agreement is with a trust administrated by First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, not First Mid itself. First Mid is the title holder for the Maison Blanche, but is not the beneficiary of the trust and is not an occupant of this building.

Also Tuesday evening, Illinois Department of Transportation representative Scott Christiansen presented the Mattoon Police Department with an award honoring its participation in a statewide campaign this year to deter motorists from driving while using handheld cellphones. He said Mattoon's campaign took a comprehensive approach that included law enforcement and community outreach.

Police Chief Jeff Branson thanked Capt. Ray Hall for overseeing the distracted driving campaign and other special details, and the entire police force for helping with these efforts. He noted that the department's patrols near schools at the start of the fall semester resulted in 20 citations and 38 warnings. He said officers encountered less traffic violations than anticipated, which is a good sign for traffic safety.

In other matters, audience member Shirley Bell expressed concerns about the city possibly cutting Mattoon Fire Department personnel next year when the department's ambulance service is eliminated. Bell also urged the city to repair crumbling sidewalks in the neighborhoods southeast of Ninth Street and Oklahoma Avenue, south of Mattoon Middle School.

Other council actions included:

Hiring Feutz Contractors for $313,393 to carry out paving work around the new Public Works Building along DeWitt Avenue East.

Employing Stephen Sudkamp as plumbing and building inspector.

Reappointing Ed Dowd and Don Freesmeier to the Tourism Committee.
Fierce rains and 185-mph winds pelted the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Wednesday afternoon as Hurricane Irma continued pushing northwest on its relentless path across the Atlantic Ocean.

While the Category 5 storm writhed below, a crew with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) took to the air on Tuesday to survey the hurricane from within.

See footage from their flight in the above video.

Calm prevailed as the crew reached the inner circle of the storm. Inside the eye, the immense pressure forces the cloud wall to curve upwards in a phenomenon known as the "stadium effect."

By early Sunday, Irma is expected to hit Florida, where Gov. Rick Scott said he planned to activate 7,000 National Guard members by Friday and warned that Irma is "bigger, faster and stronger" than Hurricane Andrew. Andrew pummeled south Florida 25 years ago and wiped out entire neighborhoods with ferocious winds. Trump also declared an emergency in Florida and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

National Weather Service director Louis Uccellini said he was concerned about states from Florida to North Carolina.

"We're very worried about the impact of the winds and surge on the Keys as the storm approaches," Uccellini said. "Be ready for all the hazards associated with this storm (storm surge, high winds and heavy rain). They are all going to be dangerous."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Read Michelle Robertsons latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.




Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested a Phillips man after a pursuit and lengthy search Tuesday in rural Hamilton County.

Levi Johnson, 27, was arrested more than five hours after the pursuit began.

Shortly after 5 p.m., a trooper attempted to stop a vehicle for speeding on East 12th Road in Hamilton County. The vehicle accelerated and the trooper began a pursuit, winding through several county roads in rural Hamilton County.

The State Patrol successfully deployed a spike strip, but the vehicle continued driving for a short period of time before coming to a stop at 10th and X roads. The driver exited the vehicle and ran into a cornfield. A passenger stayed in the vehicle and surrendered. The passenger was released without charges.

The State Patrol initiated a search of the area, including assistance from the Patrols Aviation Support Division and NSP K9 units as well as the Hamilton and York county sheriffs departments, Aurora Police Department and Sutton Police Department. After three hours, the suspect was reported to have approached a residence asking for assistance. That resident called authorities and the State Patrol was able to arrest the suspect at about 10:45 p.m.

Johnson was taken to Memorial Community Health in Aurora for medical clearance. After clearance, he was arrested and lodged in Hamilton County Jail on suspicion of willful reckless driving, flight to avoid arrest and driving under suspension.
Hall County District Court Judge Teresa Luther issued a bench warrant Wednesday for the Florida woman who drowned a puppy in a Central Nebraska Regional Airport restroom in 2015.

Cynthia Anderson, whose probation was revoked in May after she was arrested in October, was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday afternoon in Hall County District Court. But she did not show up.

Anderson was arrested in Oct. 16 in Edgewater, Fla., in possession of a dog.

One of the terms of her probation was that she not possess, own or live with animals for five years. On July 30, 2015, Luther placed Anderson on 24 months probation.

Anderson, 59, did appear in Hall County District at a May hearing to determine whether she violated the terms of her probation. According to court documents, Anderson admitted to the allegations. The court found by clear and convincing evidence that she violated probation.

Vicky Kenney of the Hall County public defenders office told Luther Wednesday that she assumes Anderson is in Florida. Kenney said shes tried to determine her whereabouts. Normally, Anderson is good at keeping Kenney informed when shes not incarcerated, Kenney said.

Luther and Kenney theorized that disarray caused by Hurricane Irma might possibly have something to do with Anderson being a no-show.

Kenney made a motion for a continuance, which Luther denied. Prosecutor David Medlin made a motion that Andersons bond be revoked, which Luther approved.

Sentence was scheduled to be imposed upon the original conviction on Aug. 4, but an extension was granted.

Anderson pleaded no contest in May 2015 in Hall County District Court to cruel neglect of animals, which is a Class 4 felony. She also paid $100 in restitution.

The puppy that Anderson drowned on Jan. 23, 2015, was 3 weeks old. A day earlier, she had attempted to fly with two dogs and three puppies, but the puppies were too young to fly. She gave two of the puppies to relatives and returned to the airport on Jan. 23 with one of the puppies and the two adult dogs. Anderson was again prohibited from flying with the puppy, and it was later found dead.
PETA is calling on the Hall County attorney to consider filing criminal charges against JBS workers in Grand Island for shooting cattle in the head on at least four dates since April 2016.

The animal welfare organization says U.S. Department of Agriculture records show JBS Grand Islands operations have been suspended four times in the last 17 months for shooting cows and steers multiple times during inept stunning attempts. PETA cites USDA records for April 1 and Oct. 14 of last year and Jan. 21 and Aug. 16 of this year.

PETA says it sent a letter Tuesday calling on the Hall County attorney to investigate and, as appropriate, file criminal charges against the JBS Grand Island workers responsible for repeatedly shooting cattle in the head on at least four occasions and for shackling and hoisting a full conscious cow  causing the animal to struggle and cry out.

Hall County Attorney Jack Zitterkopf said Tuesday he had no comment.

JBS officials in both Grand Island and Greeley, Colo., could not be reached for comment.

In January, workers fired three captive-bolt blasts at a cow who bled from the nose as five minutes passed between the first and final shots, says a PETA news release. On Aug. 16, workers shackled a bright, alert and responsive cow by the leg and hoisted the flailing animal upside-down, with his or her head dangling about 3 feet above the floor, before shooting the cow twice with a captive-bolt gun.

PETA notes that the conduct appears to violate Nebraskas Livestock Animal Welfare Act, which makes it a crime to fail to provide a cow with care necessary for the animals health.

In calling for the probe of the Grand Island beef plant, PETA says it is armed with damning U.S. Department of Agriculture records.

The press release has links to four letters sent to JBS by the Denver district of the USDAs Food Safety Inspection Service. The letters are addressed to Manlio Medellin, general manager of the JBS Grand Island facility. The letters provide written confirmation of very suspensions given earlier.

The letters point out that the Federal Meat Inspection Act is meant to prevent the inhumane slaughtering of livestock.

PETA is calling for a criminal investigation of this slaughterhouse and the workers who caused animals to endure repeated blasts to the head during botched stunning attempts, PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch says in the news release. Theres no difference between the terror and pain that these cows felt and how dogs or cats would feel if they were shot multiple times or shackled by the leg and hung upside-down while still conscious.
As a senior citizen who went to the State Fair on Older Nebraskans Day, I have some thoughts I would like to share with your readership and the State Fair organizers.

I will start with my concerns. Most volunteers are very pleasant and helpful, but we encountered some who were less than positive when help was requested.

The extremely long line for the Ronnie Milsap concert was both unexpected and left us wondering why there were bag and purse checks before entering the concert. Senior citizens are not a threat, and the check was not done last fall at either the Price is Right show or the Oak Ridge Boys concert.

It was a warm, humid day as to be expected in August, but there was toll taken on those who had to stand in line for a fairly long time. The concert was to begin at 2 p.m. but wasnt able to get underway until a half hour later due to the bag/purse check.

With all of the hype for our states 150th birthday, there were very few new or interesting things to see and do at this years fair. This was disappointing.

Now to the positives. The Ronnie Milsap concert was very good and those assisting people who needed help finding their seats did a great job. The sand art display at the Raising Nebraska building was amazing and outstanding.
There's a reason that Stephen King's 1986 novel about a demonic clown who terrorizes a group of children is called "It" and not "Him." In King's tale, which is now a feature film, it's not the bogeyman, but fear itself - that ephemeral, foglike, ungraspable emotion - that haunts its pages.

Oh, there's a monster in the new movie - you'd have to be living under a rock not to have caught a glimpse of Pennywise the Dancing Clown in your Twitter feed lately - but he (or, rather, it) is never one thing, taking on the form of whatever scares you the most.

Pennywise's journey from page to screen came in fits and starts. Originally, Cary Fukunaga ("Beasts of No Nation") was set to direct a two-movie version of King's book about a shape-shifting entity that most often appears in the form of a circus clown. But when the budget was cut, Fukunaga stepped aside to let director Andy Muschietti ("Mama") take over, with writer Gary Dauberman ("Annabelle") tweaking the script that Fukunaga had put together with Chase Palmer. It's impossible to know what was lost or gained in the process, but this first chapter of the saga is nothing to be ashamed of. If it doesn't rewrite the rules of horror, it calls attention to them, in a manner that is not just flamboyant, but also baroque.

Call it a symphony of orchestral meta-horror, an elaborate waking nightmare in which you, as the dreamer, are constantly reminded of what the film is trying to do, and yet are powerless to stop it.

Set in 1989 in the town of Derry, Maine, the story takes place against a backdrop of dismal, blue-collar misery. Although the main protagonists are a group of seven innocent teenagers on summer break, the all-too-grown-up world they bump up against is one of economic decline, hopelessness and moral rot. Chronic, violent bullying, sexual abuse and miscellaneous adult misbehavior ranging from verbal haranguing to neglect are pervasive in a grimy universe of slaughterhouses and decaying ironworks that seems perpetually under-lit, as if it's hiding something.

If the film is trying to suggest that everyday life is much scarier than the literal monsters that Hollywood likes to dream up - and I'm not sure it isn't - that would make for one heck of a subtext. As it is, that idea is a mere whiff here: an unsettling, and unanswered, question that lingers in the air like an unpleasant odor. King has described "It" as his most personal novel, which should raise concerns about his own childhood.

The inciting action of the story is the disappearance of Georgie (Jackson Robert Scott), a small boy who vanishes, quite gruesomely, down a storm drain in the first 10 minutes after encountering the aforementioned Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard). Why Georgie stops to talk to some creep hiding in the sewer, instead of running home to Mom and Dad, is odd, but no real mystery: Pennywise isn't there to scare Georgie, but you.

And he - or, rather, it - will.

Georgie's older brother (Jaeden Lieberher) and six of his pals, known as the Loser Club, go looking for the missing boy in a town that, we soon learn, has a missing-persons rate six times the national average. The members of the search party are, as is often the case in movies about children, initially more easily recognized as shorthand types than as individuals. There's the fat kid (Jeremy Ray Taylor); the black kid (Chosen Jacobs); the Jewish kid (Wyatt Oleff); the asthmatic weakling (Jack Dylan Grazer); the smart mouth (Finn Wolfhard of "Stranger Things"); and the girl, Beverly (Sophia Lillis). To its credit, the screenplay eventually fleshes out these stock characters nicely. By the end, they feel whole, well-rounded, worthy of our sympathy and concern. They'd better be, considering there's a second movie planned about them as grown-ups.

And concern they get. Not only are they being stalked by a devil in face paint, but they're also being persecuted by a psychopathic older teenager (Nicholas Hamilton). And Beverly - Lillis is the film's most delightful discovery - appears to be the victim of paternal incest. A fiend in the waterworks? What else you got?

Over the course of a somewhat overlong 2 hours, 15 minutes, "It" throws the book at them, culling tropes from the catalogue of movie horror, including an abandoned house, a well, a flooded cellar, a possessed bathroom sink, zombies, paintings that come to life, ominous messages written in blood and an antagonist with a telescoping jaw, a la "Alien." These aren't just tricks pulled from a director's toolbox of worn-out cliches, but an arsenal that comes from the clown himself, who tailors his scares to each victim's deepest fear. If the filmmakers haven't seen a few too many horror films, Pennywise certainly has. (Inside jokes include a movie marquee advertising "Nightmare on Elm Street 5.")

Of course, all this may or may not be real, as the kids ultimately have to figure out. The idea of an entity that doesn't just feed on fear, but that carefully curates it, like the sadistic program director of a Halloween film festival, may not be exactly new. It is, however - like "It" itself - surprisingly effective.

---

Three stars. Rated R. Contains bloody violence, horror and strong language. 135 minutes.

Ratings Guide: Four stars masterpiece, three stars very good, two stars OK, one star poor, no stars waste of time.

End advance fri sept. 8
Tickets are selling fast for Bens Bluegrass, BBQ, and Beer Bash. The Bash will be held on Sept. 9 at the Col. Benjamin Stephenson House from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Friends of the Benjamin Stephenson House put on this event. This is the third annual bash.

Its here, Roxann Raisner, Director of the house, said. Ive heard rumors that its going to be at the First Christian Church, but it will be here. Well have parking at the church.

Pre-sale tickets are available now, Raisner said, and people should purchase them soon if they are interested. We might sell out, she said. In the past couple of years, we sold tickets at the door, but this year, we may not have any.

Tickets are available online at the Stephenson House website. We had 140 people last year, which was more than the previous year, she said. Each year we get a little bit more.

The Bash will be catered by Fire and Smoke in Troy. The restaurant will bring a buffet of pulled pork, turkey breast with cranberry barbecue sauce, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and bread. Recess Brewing will provide the beer and wine. There will also be free soda at the family-friendly event. Adult tickets are $25 and include the barbecue buffet and one beer or wine. Childrens tickets are $10 and include the buffet. Additional beer and wine will be available for purchase.

The bluegrass will be provided by Keith Dudding and his Mountain River Valley Boys Bluegrass Band.

The event is held on the lawn of the house. There will be a tent, Raisner said, so there is no worry about rain.

This event is technically a friend-raiser, Raisner said. You can buy tickets or you can buy a membership and get the tickets with it. People joining at the Landmark Level for $100 will receive two tickets to the event. Those joining at the Heritage Level for $250 will receive four tickets to the event. The house is a non-profit and a portion of the membership is tax deductible.

Guests are asked to bring a lawn chair. There will be a limited amount of tables available.
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Linkedin Christian Spillmann (Agence France-Presse) Strasbourg, France  Wed, September 6, 2017 09:39 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af661af 2 Lifestyle employees,employer,workplace,boss,work Free

Europe's top rights court ruled Tuesday in favour of a Romanian man fired by his employer over private messages sent at work, overturning a previous decision with wide ramifications for privacy in the workplace.

The apex body of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) backed 38-year-old Bogdan Mihai Barbulescu who said his privacy was violated when he was sacked in 2007 for sending private messages over the Yahoo messaging system.

The decision on Tuesday by the 17 most senior judges at the Strasbourg-based court in France modifies a ruling in January last year when the court found that employers were justified in snooping on their employees.

The judges said that Barbulescu's bosses and Romanian courts had "not adequately protected (his) right to respect for his private life and correspondence."

In a judgement published on the court's website, it said that it was unclear whether Barbulescu had been warned about the monitoring, or whether he was aware of the extent of the intrusion into his private life.

It also said that Romanian courts had failed to determine why the monitoring measures were justified and whether there were other ways of checking on him "entailing less intrusion" into his private life.

Read also: Why getting fired is worse than divorce or death of a spouse

Private messages

The case revolves around messages sent by Barbulescu over the Yahoo messenging platform, which the software engineer was required to use to liaise with clients.

He was sacked after being found to have also chatted with his fiancee and brother on the system.

He argued that his employer invaded his right to privacy by spying on messages which included details about his health and sex life.

In an initial decision in January last year, the ECHR ruled that it was not "unreasonable that an employer would want to verify that employees were completing their professional tasks during working hours."

But the Grand Chamber of the court, the apex body comprising the 17 judges, agreed to reexamine the case at Barbulescu's request.

The judges held a hearing on November 30 last year, at which it heard arguments from experts and the European Trade Union Confederation.

The union group criticised the initial ruling last year, judging it to be too harsh.

It recommended that a verbal warning should be the first stage of any disciplinary process with dismissal only possible for repeat offenders or serious misconduct.

Experts also say that companies should also have a clear policy governing the use of professional software and the internet during work hours.

Topics : employees employer workplace boss work
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Linkedin Khristian Ibarrola (Inquirer.net/Asia News Network)  Wed, September 6, 2017 10:31 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af688d6 2 Science & Tech Google,search-engine,#SearchEngine,#Google Free

Its safe to say that most of us have relied on the ever dependable Google to answer some of our questions related to our everyday tasks.

The phrase Google it has been popularly used around the world. The search engine recently released its most searched how to questions during the earlier part of this year.

As it turns out, the items on the list were not so complicated as expected.

Recently, we noticed that how to searches have increased by more than 140% since 2004, and much of that search interest is directed towards how to fix thingswhether its a lightbulb, window, washing machine, or even the toilet, Googles data editor Simon Rogers said in a Telegraph report.

How to perfectly tie a necktie emerged as mankinds most common question, while knowing how to properly kiss ranked second.

Other searches included in the top 10 revolved around cooking, dating, money, dressing and health.

Read also: Google lets you virtually explore 'Game of Thrones' filming locations

Check out the full how to list below:

how to tie a tie

how to kiss

how to get pregnant

how to lose weight

how to draw

how to make money

how to make pancakes

how to write a cover letter

how to make french toast

how to lose belly fat

Meanwhile, data journalist Xaquin Gonzalez Veira attributed peoples desire to fix stuff themselves to the high number of how to questions.

We looked at what things we need the most help with around the house, from the simplest how-to-fit-a-bulb kind of fixes, to those fixes for which we know we need a professional, but our ego makes us take upon ourselves to at least try, he said.

Topics :

This article appeared on the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin Isis Almeida and Corinne Gretler (Bloomberg)  Wed, September 6, 2017 14:32 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af7b8b8 2 Food chocolate,food,#food,Barry-Callebaut Free

A breakthrough by a Swiss chocolate maker expands the industrys hues beyond just dark, milk and white.

Barry Callebaut AG, the worlds largest cocoa processor, has come up with the first new natural color for chocolate since Nestle SA started making bars of white chocolate more than 80 years ago. While it has a pinkish hue and a fruity flavor, the Zurich-based company prefers to refer to it as ruby chocolate.

The new product may help boost sales in a struggling global chocolate market that producers hope has touched bottom. As Hershey cuts 15 percent of its staff and Nestle tries to sell its U.S. chocolate business, ruby chocolate raises the possibility that next Valentines Day may arrive with store shelves full of natural pink chocolate hearts.

The innovation, based on a special type of cocoa bean, comes after about a decade of development, according to Chief Executive Officer Antoine de Saint-Affrique. The chocolate, unveiled in Shanghai Tuesday, has a natural berry flavor thats sour yet sweet, according to the Zurich-based company, which works behind the scenes to produce chocolate sold by all the major producers including Hershey Co. and Cadbury.

"Its natural, its colorful, its hedonistic, theres an indulgence aspect to it, but it keeps the authenticity of chocolate," the CEO said in a telephone interview. "It has a nice balance that speaks a lot to millennials."

The new product may also appeal to Chinese consumers, a nascent market for chocolate, De Saint-Affrique said. The company has tested the product in the U.K., U.S., China and Japan through independent consumer research carried out by Haystack and Ipsos.

"We had very good response in the key countries where we tested, but weve also had very good response in China, which for chocolate is quite unusual," he said, adding the color is attractive in that market.

Innovations in chocolate often take years because of the complex structures and the challenge of maintaining texture and taste. Nestle SA scientists have found a way to reduce the amount of sugar in chocolate by as much as 40 percent, though it wont be available in confectionery products until next year. Barry Callebaut also sells chocolate that withstands higher temperatures, a goal chocolate companies had sought to achieve for decades.

Read also: Scientists working on anti-aging chocolate

Ruby discovery

Barry Callebauts research department came across the possibility of ruby chocolate by chance about 13 years ago as it studied cocoa beans, and Germanys Jacobs University in Bremen cooperated in the development.

It could be excellent news if the taste works for consumers, as it offers a new branch of manufacturers to explore, said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Duncan Fox. If they can use less sugar to make a nice bar, then it will an addition to the current market.

The beans used to make ruby chocolate come from Ivory Coast, Ecuador and Brazil and the unusual color comes from the powder extracted during processing, De Saint-Affrique said. No berries or colors are added. While other companies including Cargill Inc. already produce red cocoa powder, this is the first time natural reddish chocolate is produced.

"You could try and copy the color and try to copy the flavor, but making a real chocolate, which is just made out of your normal chocolate ingredients, with that taste and with that color would be extraordinarily difficult," De Saint-Affrique said.

The development comes at time when a large global surplus has sent cocoa futures traded in London more than 30 percent in the past year, resulting in a crisis in Ivory Coast. The top grower earlier this year cut the price paid to farmers by 36 percent for the smaller of two annual crops that started in April.

If Africa is going to extract more value from cocoa, it has to move away from being a bulk supplier of generic beans and instead focus on enhancing its speciality production, said Edward George, head of soft commodities research at Lome, Togo-based lender Ecobank Transnational Inc. This has much higher margins.

Barry Callebaut shares rose 1.1 percent to close at the highest in four weeks.
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Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 11:38 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af6f1cb 1 Science & Tech technology,#technology,Elon-Musk,tesla,#Tesla,SpaceX,#SpaceX,artificial-intelligence,#ArtificialIntelligence,AI Free

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has shared his concern on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to cause World War III.

On Monday, referring to an article published on The Verge titled Putin says the nation that leads in AI will be the ruler of world," Musk tweeted, China, Russia and soon all countries with strong competition science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of World War III, in my opinion.

China, Russia, soon all countries w strong computer science. Competition for AI superiority at national level most likely cause of WW3 imo.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 4, 2017

He also said this in reply to one of his followers, [World War III] maybe not initiated by the country leaders, but one of the AIs, if it decides that a preemptive strike is the most probable path to victory.

Read also: Tech leaders warn against 'Pandora's box' of robotic weapons

Prior to the tweet, Musk had expressed his concern regarding the potential of wars caused by AI. On Aug. 14, he tweeted, If youre not concerned about AI safety, you should be. Vastly more risk than North Korea.

If you're not concerned about AI safety, you should be. Vastly more risk than North Korea. pic.twitter.com/2z0tiid0lc  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 12, 2017

He had previously suggested that governments should regulate AI to avoid public danger.

Musk reportedly was among the 100 robotics and artificial intelligence entrepreneurs that signed a letter to the United Nations, asking the organization to prevent the development of autonomous weapons.

Musk and British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking have repeatedly expressed their opinions about the dangers of AI. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Paris  Wed, September 6, 2017 14:25 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af7b36e 2 Lifestyle Kate-Middleton,magazine,topless,Duchess-of-Cambridge Free

A French court ruled Tuesday that a French celebrity magazine must pay more than 100,000 euros in damages to Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate over topless photos published of the duchess in 2012.

The court also ordered Closer magazine's editor and owner to each pay 45,000 euros ($53,000) in fines, the maximum possible.

The grainy snaps of Kate Middleton sunbathing in a bikini bottom were taken while she was on holiday in September 2012 in the south of France with her husband, the second in line to the British throne.

The couple were snapped with a long lens relaxing by a pool at a chateau belonging to Viscount Linley, a nephew of Queen Elizabeth.

Read also: Royals seek 1.5 mn euros in damages over topless Kate pics

The pictures triggered a furious reaction from the royal family in Britain, where several newspapers had rejected an offer to buy the pictures.

Closer, a glossy gossip magazine, was the first to splash them on its cover, and they were later reproduced in several other European publications, including Chi in Italy and Ireland's Daily Star.

The royals -- who announced Monday they are expecting a third child -- filed a criminal complaint for invasion of privacy and obtained an injunction preventing further use of the images.

In a letter read out in court, William said the case reminded him of the paparazzi hounding of his mother, princess Diana, who was killed in a car crash in Paris 20 years ago.
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Linkedin Jessicha Valentina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 17:03 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af82e56 1 Environment Citarum-River,environment,#environment,#plastic-waste,plastic-waste,waste,waste-management,#WasteManagement Free

On Aug. 14, 22-year-old Gary Bencheghib and his brother, 20-year-old Sam Bencheghib, hopped on two canoes made of plastic bottles and bamboo and started their expedition along Citarum River, West Java.

Dubbed the #PlasticBottleCitarum expedition, the Frenchmen spent a total of two weeks cruising the river, starting from Majalaya to Pantai Bahagia, located at the river's mouth to the Java Sea. During the expedition, they documented their experiences and local initiatives they encountered throughout the journey.

Fresh off the canoe, Gary sat down with The Jakarta Post on Saturday to share his experiences.

The filmmaker-slash-environmentalist said the idea of kayaking on plastic bottle canoes was to give waste a second life. Prior to this, Gary and his friends had paddled down the Mississippi River in the United States. However, at that time, he did not find enough shocking visuals to change peoples mindsets on waste.

Read also: Indonesia to declare battle against marine plastic debris

The brothers not only saw plastic trash, but also dead animals, trash fires and waste from textile factories along the river. (Make A Change World/File)

The brothers then decided to go to Citarum River, the worlds most polluted river, in search of shocking visuals to change peoples mindsets about waste disposal and encourage people to reduce their consumption of plastics.

Gary added that since the brothers were raised in Bali, they wanted to do something for Indonesia.

The first few days, I was a pessimist. [The view] was worse than you could imagine, said Gary, explaining that he saw plastic waste, dead animals, trash fires and waste from textile factories along the river.

The journey also led Gary to discover three main issues facing the Citarum River, namely a lack of education, a lack of proper waste management and a lack of support from the government.

The provincial administration has been doing a lot; encouraging eco-villages all along the river. But we need more help from the government, he said. I think we need to change the habits on all fronts, not only individuals."

Read also: West Papua villagers fight for forest rights

They also encountered local initiatives, namely Pak Sariban, Ibu-ibu Bersih and Jurig Runtah. The individuals and communities involved are said to have made efforts to clean up the environment.

Videos have been posted on the Make A Change Worlds Facebook page, a media outlet the brothers founded eight years ago.

In addition to documenting the situation, the brothers also visited local schools to educate the students about zero-waste lifestyles.

"We also donated our [plastic bottle boat] to a corporation of pemulung [trashpickers] called Bangkit Bersama to help them clean the river," said Gary.

The expedition is said to be just the beginning. Gary said that as they met people and came to understand the issues, they realized they could actually do something.

People from around the world have been asking how they can help, he said, adding that he was still thinking about the exact call of action. (kes)
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Linkedin Marcel Thee (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 09:19 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af64863 4 Art & Culture the-world-of-ghibli-jakarta,studio-ghibli,#StudioGhibli,My-Neighbor-Totoro Free

Studio Ghiblis work may not yet be as embedded in the landscape of Indonesian pop culture aficionados as some of the countrys other exports, such as its drama series and girl groups like AKB48 or even more mainstream animation and comics (manga) such as Dragon Ball or Naruto.

But the studios prestigious output and earned- respect  it has won Oscars, for instance  is slowly but surely attracting the attention of Indonesians.

And the exhibition, which runs until Sept. 17 at the Ritz-Carlton in Pacific Place Jakarta, aims to instill even more of that growing fascination.

Among the displays and exhibits being featured at the exhibition  a collaboration between The World of Ghibli Jakarta, Marubeni and Hakuhodo, together with Studio Ghibli  are the first 8.5 meters of Howls Moving Castle installation.

Read also: Tips before you go to The World of Ghibli Jakarta exhibition

Others include a replica of the Totoro and Nekobus (a bus shaped as a giant cat) characters from My Neighbor Totoro; the Laputa robot and Laputas Flapter from Castle in the Sky; the beach and aircraft from Porco Roso; Ponyos wall from Ponyo; and Baby Ohmu from Nausica of the Valley of the Wind.

Totoro (The World of Ghibli Jakarta/File)

[We] want to gain awareness and spread the positive message of Ghibli in the Southeast Asia market, especially now, when the demand for world-class exhibitions is growing. We want to show the capabilities of Indonesian and Japanese artists through this exhibition, explains Ignes Dea, the events volunteer and representative.

We hope to spread the value and philosophical approach that Studio Ghibli represents.[] We recognize there is a delay in several installations caused by technical difficulties, and were very sorry to the customers, she said, adding that a special pass ticket was given to the affected visitors to allow them to visit the exhibition again.

Aware of the studios underdog status here, the exhibition, which was preceded by limited screenings of its movies, aims to change that.

Honestly, we feel that Studio Ghibli exposure in Indonesia is still quite low, thats why we need to make a big splash with this exhibition, for people to recognize Studio Ghibli and the spirit it represents, she says.

Howl's Moving Castle (The World of Ghibli Jakarta/File)

The organizers are confident that the values found in Ghibli films will connect with Indonesians.

Talking about connection, a lot of Studio Ghibli movies have a philosophical approach, like nature, female heroines and the balance between good and evil, so we think it relates with many people, including the Indonesian market, she says.

For example, Princess Mononoke is a movie about balance and conflict between nature and man, and one of the movies signature objects is a sacred forest. And Indonesia is home to many forests and amazing nature.

Read also: Welcoming Totoro: Why its never too late for Ghibli

The World of Ghibli Jakarta Exhibition made the Mononoke Forest installation especially, so that Indonesians understand the value of forests and nature. We want to spread a positive message about the importance of balance, Agnes says.

As an example of that balance, a lot of Indonesian designers were part of the exhibition.

The blueprints of the installations were all made by Indonesian artists and craftsmen with the support and assistance of Studio Ghibli representatives.

The World of Ghibli exhibition is an attempt to celebrate one of the worlds most respected animation studios and one of Japans most recognized pop-culture exports. (The World of Ghibli Jakarta/File)

These Indonesian artists are young and talented, Studio Ghibli is very impressed with their work, says Ignes, proudly.

These blueprints were then submitted to local vendors and production began under the close supervision by the artists and Studio Ghibli representatives.

Some are first-time installations that you will not see anywhere else in the world, such as the Laputa robot which is bigger and a lot closer in interpretation to the animation, compared with the Laputa robot in Museum Ghibli, Mitaka.

Moreover, the Nekobus cat bus at Jakartas exhibition is also bigger than the one in the museum. Photographing the original Nekobus in Japan is not allowed, unlike in Jakarta.

Ignes said anyone with a passing interest in Japanese pop-culture should come and visit.

This is a collaboration between Indonesian and Japanese craftsmanship. This is the biggest exhibition in the history of Studio Ghibli, so we want to bring the imaginative world of Studio Ghibli to life, she says.
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 07:00 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af6148e 1 City Ade-armando,blasphemy,police Free

The Jakarta Police are set to reopen an investigation into a case of alleged blasphemy involving University of Indonesia (UI) lecturer Ade Armando following a South Jakarta District Court ruling on Monday.

The court's sole judge Aris Bawono Langgeng has fulfilled a pretrial hearing request filed in February by Johan Khan, a man who accused Ade of blasphemy in 2015, to challenge the polices issuance of an investigation termination warrant (SP3) regarding the case.

Aris said the police had not examined some evidence provided by Johan, meaning that the SP3 was illegal and the investigation should continue.

The director of the special crimes unit, Sr. Comr. Ade Deriyan, said on Tuesday the police would reinvestigate this case.

We will reopen the investigation after receiving a copy of the court ruling, Ade said at the Jakarta Police headquarters.

He said that the police decided to terminate the case in February because they could not find criminal elements.

The case began when Ade, a communication science lecturer, wrote a statement that read Allah is not Arabic on his Facebook account in May 2015.

Johan has demanded that Ade apologize publicly but the latter refused.

Ade went to the Jakarta Police in June last year to clarify himself over the case.
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 15:22 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af7e2bd 2 City Myanmar,embassy,rally,Muslims Free

Thousands of Muslims protested outside the Myanmar embassy in Central Jakarta on Wednesday demanding an end to violence against the countrys Rohingya Muslim minority.

The demonstrators, many in white Islamic robes and skullcaps, walked through the capitals streets to converge outside the embassy in downtown Jakarta.

Persecution of the Rohingya, reviled as illegal immigrants and mostly denied citizenship in Myanmar, has been a lightning rod for anger in Indonesia and across the Muslim world.

Protesters shouting "God is greater" and holding banners that read "Stop killing Muslim Rohingyas" gathered to condemn the worsening humanitarian situation in Rakhine state.

"I think this is not only a religion issue, but moreover a humanitarian issue. What is happening there is very cruel," Tita Fatmawati, a teacher from Bogor, West Java, told AFP.

About 6,000 armed police and military officers were deployed to guard the embassy, which was cordoned off behind barbed wire, Jakarta's police spokesman told AFP.

Authorities have been on alert since Sunday after a molotov cocktail was thrown at the embassy.

Nearly 125,000 mostly Rohingya refugees have crossed the border to Bangladesh in recent weeks, fleeing a security sweep by Myanmar forces who have been torching villages in response to attacks by Rohingya militants on August 25.

Foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, wrapped up a two-day visit to Myanmar on Tuesday, where she urged Suu Kyi as well as army chief General Min Aung Hlaing to help resolve the crisis.

Topics : Myanmar embassy rally Muslims
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 20:42 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af8a344 1 City angkasa-pura,soekarno-hatta-airport,runway Free

State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura (AP) II has yet to acquire land for Soekarno-Hatta International Airports third runway in Banten on account of land price issues.

The operator plans to acquire land from residents in Rawa Rengas and Rawa Burung villages in Tangerang regency.

"There is no certainty about the [land] price," said Rawa Rengas village secretary Muklis Muslim on Wednesday, as quoted by kompas.com.

He added that officials from the Tangerang National Land Agency (BPN) had visited the village to negotiate land price but residents said the price was much lower than that offered to their neighboring area.

Therefore, residents asked for a new assessment to determine the price.

Separately, AP II spokesperson Yado Yarismano said the operator needed to recalculate the value.

"It is planned that in the fourth week of September, we'll discuss it again," Yado said.

AP II said earlier that the development of the third runaway was urgent because of high aircraft activity. (wnd)
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Linkedin Ezra Fieser (Bloomberg) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic  Wed, September 6, 2017 11:59 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af70e57 2 World US,weather,Hurricane-Irma,Carribean,global-warming Free

The tiny Caribbean islands first in line to receive the brunt of Hurricane Irmas potentially catastrophic winds and rainfall went into lock down Tuesday night, preparing for the biggest storm in decades.

Irma, a category 5 storm, is expected to batter a dozen small islands overnight with winds of 185 miles per hour, as much as 20 inches of rain and a storm surge the National Hurricane Center warned is potentially life threatening. Officials prepared emergency shelters, shuttered airports, and ordered residents to take stay off the streets Tuesday.

The Caribbean has not seen anything as monstrous as this storm for some time, said Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in a phone interview hours before the storm was forecast to hit. This will surely rank among the top 5 of all time when everything is said and done.

Browne, who spent most of the day addressing the countrys 100,000 residents by radio and television, said the storm is certain to cause serious damage, including to the vital tourism sector. Natural disasters in the region cause damage equal to about 2 percent of gross domestic product every year, according to Moodys Investors Service, putting added fiscal pressures on governments already carrying among the highest debt loads in the world.

We cant afford the storm, we cant afford any negative impact from the storm, because we are still in reconstruction mode post tropical storm Erika, and we all know of the tremendous cost of association with this reconstruction, said Dominica PM Roosevelt Skerrit on Monday, referring to a 2015 storm.

With Irma expected to start hitting the islands around midnight, officials said they were waiting and praying.

The winds are slowly picking up, said Raja Kadri, economic adviser in Montserrat, a tiny island of 5,000 people that was devastated by volcanic eruptions in the 1990s. You can sense that eerie calm.

The last category 5 storm to hit the region came less than a year ago when Hurricane Matthew killed more than 600 people, mostly in Haiti, and caused more than $15 billion in damages.
Civil servants (top right) eat while hundreds of residents on the other side of the partition jostle to get a package of staple food from the Eng An Kiong Buddhist Temple in Malang, East Java, on Tuesday. The temple distributed 10,000 staple food packages to residents during the Bumi Boo Tho ceremony.(JP/Aman Rochman)(top right) eat while hundreds of residents on the other side of the partition jostle to get a package of staple food from the Eng An Kiong Buddhist Temple in Malang, East Java, on Tuesday. The temple distributed 10,000 staple food packages to residents during the Bumi Boo Tho ceremony.(JP/Aman Rochman)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 16:15 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af80ba6 1 Business Islet-C-and-D,construction,ban-revocation Free

The Environment and Forestry Ministry has revoked a ban on the construction of islets C and D in the Jakarta Bay by PT Kapuk Naga Indah (KNI), a subsidiary of property giant Agung Sedayu Group.

Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya said in Jakarta on Wednesday that the company had fulfilled all the requirements for the continuation of the islets construction.

The construction project was halted in July last year after a team had found a number of problems in the construction process.

The developer has detailed the [environmental] impact of the project in a 45-page report. It needed 14 months to improve the document, said Siti, adding that the revocation had been discussed in a meeting chaired by Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan on Wednesday.

Some people considered it a moratorium, but Siti said it was only an administrative punishment.

Siti said PT KNI had implemented 11 points before the government finally allowed it to continue the project.

They include the improvement of the environment document, cancelling the construction of Islet E, reporting the source of sand used for land reclamation and separating islets C and D.

The developer has provided us with detailed data on the sources of sand and other materials, said Siti, as reported by tempo.co, adding that an official letter on the revocation would be sent to the Jakarta administration next week. (bbn)
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Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) Male, Maldives  Wed, September 6, 2017 11:44 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af70d07 1 World vaccination,measles,WHO Free

The two largest countries in Southeast Asia are left behind in the battle against measles, as misconceptions hamper vaccination efforts.

According to the Southeast Asia Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO SEARO) 3.1 million one-year-old children in India and 1.1 million in Indonesia did not get measles vaccination in 2016. Together they account for 91 percent of unvaccinated children in the region.

Health officials have expressed concern about the situation, since measles still kills an estimated 134,200 children worldwide every year, which includes more than 54,500 in Southeast Asia.

There is no global goal or big fund to eradicate measles, so countries should allocate funds for it, especially India and Indonesia, where the largest numbers of unimmunized children reside, said Pem Namgyal, the WHO SEARO director of family health, gender and life course, on the sidelines of the offices 70th regional committee meeting.

He said the two countries were still far behind the Maldives and Bhutan, which have been declared free of measles.

India and Indonesia, home to 1.3 billion and 261 million people, respectively, are the regions most-populous countries.

One of the largest misconceptions about the measles vaccination, usually called MMR or MR vaccines, is that it can cause autism. In a predominantly Muslim country like Indonesia, there is also resistance due to the widespread view that the vaccine contains pork gelatine, which is forbidden in Islam.

Namgyal dismissed all the misconceptions, explaining that the vaccine was harmless.

Topics : vaccination measles WHO
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Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 14:45 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af7caab 1 Business LNG,power-plants,Singapore,Indonesia,Luhut-Binsar-Pandjaitan Free

The government is considering a swap deal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) with Singapore-based firm Keppel Offshore and Marine to fuel power plants in several areas.

"There is a possibility of a swap [deal] for LNG. We will assess the cost. If its cheaper, we will consider [the offer]," Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said on Tuesday.

Under the arrangement, the firm would offer to supply LNG to Indonesia at a price of US$3.8 per mmbtu, said the minister, adding that the price includes other benefits, such as storage facilities.

Previously, he said that the government would buy LNG from the company to fuel several power plants, including those in Nias, North Sumatra and Lhoksemauwe, Aceh.

If it is signed, the swap deal would encourage domestic LNG suppliers to become more competitive, Luhut added.

However, state-owned electricity company PLN procurement director Supangkat Iwan Santoso said Keppel only offered to rent out its storage facilities to store LNG from Indonesia. Singapore has gas storage facilities. They can use small vessels to deliver [the LNG], said Supangkat on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, PLN oil and gas head Chairani Rachmatullah said the offer was due to the countrys proximity to Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands. It says using its storage facilities will drive the cost down, said Chairani.

Supangkat said PLN was studying the offer, as the firm was planning to build power plants with a combined capacity of 240 megawatts in Tanjung Pinang and Natuna, Riau Islands. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) New York, United States  Wed, September 6, 2017 14:40 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af7c74c 1 Business palm-oil,environment,standards,protection,industry Free

The government is seeking support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) standard.

Musdhalifah Machmud, the official in charge of food and agriculture at the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister, told a UNDP forum in New York on Tuesday that the Indonesian government had made the ISPO mandatory for all palm oil companies to improve sustainability in production.

The ISPO has been seven years in implementation. We need your recognition and support, so that we can make sure that we plant palm oil sustainably, Musdhalifah told the forum, which was also attended by representatives from international NGOs.

The ISPO system was launched in 2011 based on a decree on sustainable palm oil certification. The government requires all producers to apply for the program by September 2015 and receive their certificates by March 2017.

As of last month, 304 companies of a total of 1,200 oil palm companies have received ISPO certificates.

The Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (GAPKI) has said that the ISPO certification has yet to bring any benefits to companies joining the program, because the ISPO standards lacks international recognition.

Musdhalifah said the government had taken several steps to ensure sustainability of palm oil production, but the international community seemed to apply double standards in the sustainability of palm oil versus other vegetable oils, most notably rapeseed, soy and sunflower.

There is a double standard between palm oil and other commodities, which makes palm oil production challenging, she said.

She added that the UNDP should support the ISPO standard, considering the importance of palm oil for Indonesia, especially its important role in reducing poverty and creating jobs in rural areas.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 11:19 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af6e8d7 1 Business Japan,infrastructure-development,patimban-seaport,trans-sumatra,MRT-Jakarta Free

The Japanese government has expressed its wish to take part in several major infrastructure projects in Indonesia, Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said after accompanying President Joko Jokowi Widodo to meet with Japanese guests at the Presidential Place on Tuesday.

Basuki said that during the meeting Hiroto Izumi, special advisor to the Japanese prime minister on infrastructure affairs, expressed the wish of his government to accelerate the construction of Patimban port in Subang, West Java and a 70-kilometer toll road, connecting the port with Karawang Industrial Estate.

The Japanese government agreed to finance the project. We will soon propose the loan to the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Basuki said.

The Patimban port is designed to have a container capacity of 1.5 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) once it is partially completed in 2019 and 7.5 million TEUs by 2027, about half the capacity of the countrys busiest port, Jakartas Tanjung Priok.

The Japanese government also sought involvement in the construction of the medium speed Jakarta-Surabaya railway, said the minister, adding that President Jokowi would soon make decision on several options related to the project.

The third project is the Trans Sumatra Toll Road  particularly the Bukit Tinggi-Padang and the Bukit Tinggi-Pekanbaru section  for which the Japanese government agreed to provide financing to state-owned developer PT Hutama Karya, Basuki explained.

The other projects are the Greater Jakarta East-West MRT line project, development of several outer islands and the construction of a waste management system. (bbn)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6 2017

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) summoned on Tuesday Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo for questioning as a witness in its investigation into graft suspect and House of Representatives speaker Setya Novanto in the e-ID case.

Ganjar, who served on House Commission II overseeing home affairs, talked about money allegedly promised to him in connection with the e-ID procurement project while serving as a witness in a trial session in March.

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Shrewsbury International School

Job Opportunity

Position / Job Specification: EAL Specialist

Posting Date: 5th April 2017 .

Closing Date: 21st April 2017

Department: Academic

Salary: This is a Local Hire Position, and salary would be dependent on experience

Position Summary:

The EAL Specialist reports to the Director of EAL and will typically be expected to engage in a full timetable of 50 periods per ten day cycle. Our highly motivated, experienced and flexible team of EAL specialists, working across all age phases, have good knowledge of the National Curriculum for England, and support its delivery through an EAL model of sheltered immersion. The EAL specialists also play key roles in the promotion and development of EAL strategies for all. They do this by working closely with mainstream teachers at the planning and delivery stages, and through leading staff training. English language learning is one of the main pillars of the schools mission, and our expectations of the children are very high. The solid foundation set at the primary level and the development, consolidation and refinement of our students proficiency in English as they move through the school is crucial to meeting these aspirations. EAL Specialists at Shrewsbury are exceptional practitioners who understand the nature of second language acquisition and how best to support it in a specific setting such as this.

General:

Shrewsbury is one of South East Asias outstanding international schools, with enrolment of 1600 students from Early Years to Sixth Form, exceptional examination results and particular strengths in the creative arts, design and sport. The school itself enjoys a delightful and spectacular setting, right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok. The school is readily accessed by road and has its own boats, which provide an easy and quick link to Bangkoks Skytrain and the city centre. The link with Shrewsbury School UK (www.shrewsbury.org.uk) is taken very seriously and, year-on-year, develops into a world-class educational partnership.

Candidate Profile:

The successful candidate:

will be qualified (holding at least a bachelors degree, or equivalent, and an entry-level TESOL qualification) and experienced, preferably within an international school setting;

have sufficient up-to-date knowledge of the key issues in Second Language Teacher Education;

have sufficient knowledge of/experience of teaching EAL within mainstream curriculums;

will have either experience of working with English Language Learners or a desire to broaden his/her experience and skills in EAL teaching and learning strategies;

be motivated, enthusiastic, imaginative and innovative;

have excellent interpersonal skills;

be aware of and sensitive to the demands of working in a cross-cultural setting;

will be a dedicated teacher capable of inspiring students;

will have a working knowledge of the National Curriculum for England and an ability and aspiration to attain high standards;

will have assessment for learning skills;

will have a flexible approach to working within the school curriculum and structures;

will have demonstrated an appreciation of the value of the extra-curricular dimension in developing the potential of students;

will have a positive approach to professional development, particularly in the areas of EAL and ICT;

will be happy to commit to and apply all school policies;

Child Safeguarding:

Shrewsbury International School is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to

attend in-house Child Safeguarding programmes

promote and safeguard the welfare of all students in the school

report to the Child Protection Officer any concerns they have for the welfare of a student. This may include unsafe practices witnessed within the school as outlined in the schools Speak Out (Whistleblowing) Policy.

keep professional relationships with students where personal boundaries are respected and maintained

seek advice from a Line Manager or Child Protection Officer with issues or concerns related to Child Safeguarding.

Requirements:

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) prior to the start of contract.

Formal proof of identity with photo ID (Original Driving License / Passport).

2 signed, confidential references (one of which will be from the candidates current headteacher) before the start of contract.

Verification of original qualifications.

How to Apply:

Applications will only be accepted on the official Shrewsbury International School Application Form, which is available on the school website Job Vacancies page.

Further Details:

Full details of the school are available on our website at www.shrewsbury.ac.th.

Any queries should be forwarded to james.c@shrewsbury.ac.th
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Linkedin (Bloomberg) Washington, United States  Wed, September 6, 2017 10:30 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af676ec 2 World Obama,trump,immigration,illegal-foreign-workers Free

Former United States president Barack Obama blasted on Tuesday the decision from his successor Donald Trump to rescind an immigration order shielding some children of undocumented immigrants from deportation.

Writing in a post on Facebook hours after President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the decision, Obama called the decision "cruel and self-defeating."

"To target these young people is wrong -- because they have done nothing wrong. It is self-defeating -- because they want to start new businesses, staff our labs, serve in our military, and otherwise contribute to the country we love. And it is cruel," said Obama, who earlier pledged that he would only speak out against Trump if his signature policies were undone by Trump.

In the statement, Obama also said that Trump's latest decision was political.

"It's a political decision, and a moral question," Obama wrote. "Whatever concerns or complaints Americans may have about immigration in general, we shouldn't threaten the future of this group of young people who are here through no fault of their own, who pose no threat, who are not taking away anything from the rest of us."

Trump's decision will put an end the Obama-era program that has prevented the deportation of immigrants illegally brought to the U.S. as children, putting in legal limbo about 1 million people who consider themselves Americans.

Trump will delay the end of the program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA, for six months in the hope that Congress can pass legislation to codify the protections President Barack Obama created. In a tweet Tuesday night the president said hed revisit the issue if lawmakers fail to take action by then.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) New York, United States  Wed, September 6, 2017 16:47 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af82cb5 1 Business palm-oil,UN,sustainability,protection,environment,Indonesia Free

Amid mounting international pressure, the Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) has reassured the United Nations of its strong commitment to the sustainable production of palm oil in Indonesia.

GAPKI chairman Joko Supriyono told a forum hosted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in New York on Tuesday that palm oil producers had no choice but to adopt the sustainable production of palm oil.

The industry has a strong commitment to implementing sustainable production of palm oil through various government regulations, particularly those related to deforestation and peatland, Joko said on Tuesday.

He said Indonesia had regulations to prevent further deforestation and protect peatland that companies had to abide by. Joko said that companies could be prohibited from operating if they flouted prevailing regulations on environmental protection.

Indonesia's palm oil industry has come under fire, especially from the United States and the European Union, on suspicion that it has failed to abide by regulations and that it benefits from massive subsidies.

Joko added that the commitment to sustainability is evident in the increasing number of companies adopting the Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) standards, from only 10 companies in 2013 to 226 companies last year and 304 companies as of August 2017.

Palm oil is Indonesias main non-oil and gas export, contributing US$18.5 billion in exports last year. The sector also absorbs more than 5 million workers and encourages economic growth in rural areas.
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Linkedin Ilya Arkhipov and Kanga Kong (Bloomberg) Vladivostok, Russia  Wed, September 6, 2017 12:41 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af73346 2 World South-Korea,Putin,Nuclear,kim-jong-un Free

South Korean President Moon Jae-in sought to find common ground with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to prevent the situation on the Korean peninsula from spinning out of control.

If we fail to stop North Koreas provocations now, it could sink into an uncontrollable situation, Moon said in opening remarks before a meeting with Putin in Vladivostok, Russia, on Wednesday. I want to seek a fundamental solution to resolve the North Korea nuclear problem here.

Putin, who derided increased sanctions as useless and ineffective a day earlier, said that he welcomed the opportunity to discuss North Korea with Moon. Russia and China both hold vetoes on the United Nations Security Council, which is considering new sanctions against Kim Jong Uns regime after it conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test on Sunday.

Theyll eat grass, but they wont abandon their program unless they feel secure, Putin told reporters Tuesday at an emerging markets summit in Xiamen, China, which was hosted by his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

North Korean has been seen readying another launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that could come before it marks the anniversary of its founding on Sept. 9. Kim claimed on Sunday that he could fit a warhead onto an ICBM capable of striking the continental U.S.

President Donald Trump, who has warned North Korea of fire and fury if it continues threatening the U.S., plans to speak Wednesday evening with Xi, the White House said in a statement. Trump has threatened to cut off trade with all countries that do business with North Korea, a group that includes China.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also plans to visit Vladivostok for talks with Moon and Putin. He told reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday that he wants North Korea to understand it has no bright future if it continues on its current path.
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Linkedin Eva Aruperes (The Jakarta Post) Manado, North Sulawesi  Wed, September 6, 2017 21:43 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af8c351 1 National Minahasa,North-Sulawesi,boat-accident,boat-captain,boat-crash Free

Two people died when a boat was hit by a large wave and sunk in Serei waters, North Minahasa regency, North Sulawesi, on Tuesday.

Ten passengers were swept away by the wave, two of whom were later found dead. The incident occurred in waters located in between Lihaga and Gangga islands, in West Likupang district, at 4 p.m. local time.

The incident happened when the Gracia, a 40-horse-power boat captained by Yoseph Pantulu, a Gangga resident, with two crew members, departed for Gangga Satu from Munte Port at 3 p.m. The boat was carrying 10 passengers and construction materials.

Gangga Satu resident Adi Patric Kuada said the boat was hit by a 3-meter-high wave at 4 p.m. in Serei waters, after which it capsized.

Crew members of the Long Bech boat captained by Roli Salindeho rescued Yoseph, two crew members and eight of the passengers.

Gangga Satu residents found the body of Didi Ngala in Serei waters at 5 p.m. on Tuesday while the body of another passenger, Refli Tulung, was found on Wednesday. It is suspected the boat was overloaded. (ebf)
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Linkedin Sebastian Partogi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 7 2017

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) launched its new brand Passion Made Possible in Indonesia today in Jakarta and Surabaya. The new brand captures the spirit and attitude of Singapore, and tells a fuller Singapore story beyond tourism.



STB is launching a number of joint visual art projects involving Indonesian and Singaporean artists to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Passion Made Possible is the embodiment of Singapores track record and tenacity to fulfill passions and continually create new possibilities. The new brand is in line with Singapores aspirations to attract Quality Tourism. The approach will go beyond what you can do in Singapore to invite visitors to think about what you can be there. May it be pursuing their passions as a Foodie, an Explorer, a Collector, an Action Seeker, a Socializer, or a Culture Shaper, the destination will feed their spirit to pursue their aspirations. And they are not alone because in Singapore, they will find many more likeminded people to share their passions.



The launch of the new brand is timely as this is the year when Indonesia and Singapore celebrate 50 years of bilateral relations. The close tie between the two countries is transcended to the personal level where there are many examples of people from Indonesia who have in their pursuit for their passion a story to tell that has a link to Singapore.



Two emerging female Indonesian mural artists, Bunga Fatia and Karina Deagusta, went to the city-state for a 12-day residential experience in August to learn and create with renowned Singaporean street artist Ceno2.



Bunga started to explore street art over a decade ago and established Indonesias first association of street artists, a community called Ladies on Wall. The community currently has more than 30 members. Karina, who is known by her nickname Kare, is one of the communitys members.



According to Bunga, the reason for establishing the community is that it is not easy to find and hang out with fellow female mural artists in Indonesia in a scene that is still largely dominated by men. Furthermore, it is quite difficult for local mural artists to seek advice and mentors to develop their own arts, leading some of them, including Kare, to study the art in an autodidactic manner.



Kare said she started sketching and creating street art without any tutors, drawing her inspirations from the Instagram accounts of other mural artists during her spare time.



In Singapore, the two emerging artists got the opportunity to hone their skills by collaborating with Ceno2, who is already an established mural artist in Singapore. Graduated from the Western Painting department of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, he has established a creative arts company called Artkhalytis, which serves as a platform to use street art for commercial and private projects.



His works have been exhibited across Singapore, the United States and Polynesia.



During the first three days of our stay in Singapore, we traveled around the ethnic precincts of Chinatown and Little India  which are rich with street art  and embark on mural-hunting, in order to seek inspiration for our work, Kare told the Post recently in a telephone interview.



Meanwhile, according to Bunga, the final output of the learning experience in Singapore was to paint mural in the Kampong Glam area  a Malay cultural enclave in Singapore  to create works of visual street art connecting Singaporean and Indonesian culture.



For instance, we juxtaposed pictures of jasmine and orchids  the national flowers of Indonesia and Singapore, respectively  in our graffiti. We also featured batik patterns, such as the mega mendung (cloudy) pattern, she explained.



Both artists said they explored new boundaries in their art by working closely with Ceno2.



I observed how Ceno2 is very delicate in presenting color gradation. For example, when he draws color gradation from red to white, you can see also a spectrum of pink and fuchsia in between. Thats just how detailed his coloring technique is. Hes also very neat; he never draws an object out of line, Bunga said.



Meanwhile, Kare, who concentrates on lettering, said that she learned new lettering styles, including one that incorporates realism, while working with Ceno2.



Both said they agreed that international exposure like this would help their careers greatly in terms of expanding their portfolio. They said they were looking forward to going overseas and expanding their artistic skills.



One of the most memorable events I attended in Singapore in June 2014 was The Rebel Daughters. There, I was able to meet other female mural artists from Southeast Asia, and we painted at Queens Street and Esplanade area together. I hope I can visit Singapore again. I know there is a famous mural art located at the Piedra Negra restaurant along the Haji lane; besides that, I want to go on yet another mural hunt and discover lesser known works in places like Tiong Bahru and Everton Park, Bunga said.



Kare, meanwhile, who said the Singaporean experience had been her first time traveling overseas. She said that coming to Singapore was a stepping stone for her to explore other countries in her artistic career.



Their experience in Singapore is a memorable one and both are excited that their passion for what they love to do has been taken to a higher level under the mentorship of Ceno2.

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Linkedin Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto (The Jakarta Post) Canberra  Thu, September 7 2017

Strategic uncertainties mark the 50th anniversary of Indonesian-Singapore relations this week. The challenges of terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and maritime piracy of late emerged alongside geopolitical repercussions of great power rivalry in Asia.



Similar to 50 years ago, the two countries are once again facing the prospect of a destabilizing and less secure Southeast Asia. As they face these and other challenges in the next 50 years, regional security and stability should become the raison detre of Indonesia-Singapore defense ties.



In the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) this year, Singapores Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen reminded delegates of the importance of security and stability as preconditions to flourishing trade. For trade was and still is key to Southeast Asias continued economic growth and prosperity.



Singapores role as a regional maritime hub, and Indonesias aspirations to become one, rests on the assumption that Southeast Asia remains secure and stable as a conduit of trade between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.



In 1966-67, however, the strategic environment was bleak. Then Indonesia and Singapore were still reeling from traumatic crises of their lifetimes amid a politically turbulent Southeast Asia. Singapore had just recovered from Indonesias bellicose Konfrontasi (Confrontation) policy and the separation from Malaysia. Meanwhile, the rise to power of anti-communist Gen. Soeharto in Indonesia coincided with a violent dissolution of one of the worlds largest communist parties.





All this occurred while the American war in Vietnam was raging and the fear of communist subversions and insurgencies was spreading throughout Southeast Asia. Moreover, the rivalry between China, the then Soviet Union and the United States to seek Southeast Asian clientele and proxies threatened to drag the region deeper into the Cold War.



In the face of such adversity, Indonesia and Singapore established ASEAN with Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand in August 1967. They believed that a conflict-ridden Southeast Asia would deny their countries the opportunity to concentrate on domestic political stability and economic development. ASEAN thus became the standard-bearer of regional stability and security.



Common stake in regional security and stability, as ASEAN symbolizes, aligned Indonesian and Singaporean strategic perceptions. It ushered a golden period of Indonesia-Singapore defense relations. The two countries conduct regular joint naval exercises and coordinated patrols since 1974, followed similarly by their army and air force counterparts.



The proliferation of these activities since 2010s made Singapore Indonesias closest bilateral defense cooperation partner in ASEAN. That defense cooperation has so matured between Southeast Asias largest and smallest countries is a testament that a difference in size hardly matters when the two countries can realize what is at stake.



Its necessary, however, that bilateral defense ties should find a self-sustaining momentum by making its dividends reverberate across Southeast Asia and possibly, beyond.



First, Indonesia and Singapore as founding members of ASEAN must see the grouping continues to find relevance. The widening scope of ASEAN plus activities in defense should directly contribute to the lessening of regional suspicions and tensions. For example, growing number of submarine operators in Southeast Asia should motivate Indonesia and Singapore to co-organize a working group under the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting on submarine safety and rescue. This is important since current initiatives on regional submarine cooperation have largely proceeded outside ASEAN purview, such as under the Western Pacific Naval Symposium and the US Pacific Command.



Second, a disaster-prone Southeast Asia is an opportunity for Indonesia and Singapore to mobilize regional defense contribution in disaster response and mitigation. The two countries should improve cooperation between the Jakarta-based ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) Center and Singapores Regional HADR Coordination Center (RHCC) to find areas of complementarity. For instance, they can establish shared regional protocols specific to defense and military contexts in disaster response and management.



Third, industrial and technological cooperation seems an underdeveloped area of bilateral defense cooperation. Although Singapore is far ahead than Indonesia in developing unmanned technology or drones, the appetite and scope of demand from the latter for such technology might provide an incentive for joint research, design, and development with the former.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Thu, September 7 2017

Today, both Singapore and Indonesia are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the establishment of their bilateral relations. President Joko Jokowi Widodo will join Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to participate in the historic celebrations in Singapore. In connection with the RISING (Republic of Indonesia and Singapore) 50 celebrations, The Jakarta Post is publishing an eight-page special supplement today. To find out more about RISING 50, the Posts Supplement desk editor Veeramalla Anjaiah interviewed Singaporean Ambassador to Indonesia Anil Kumar Nayar recently. The following are the excerpts of the interview.

Question: This year, both countries are celebrating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Indonesia. What were the milestones in both countries relations during the last five decades?



Answer: Diplomatic relations between Singapore and Indonesia were officially established 50 years ago, on Sept. 7, 1967. However, links between both countries can be traced back for centuries. For example, visitors to Singapore can see our shared history with Indonesia in the names of places like Kampung Java and Bugis Village. Many Singaporean families can also trace their ancestry to locations in Indonesia, from Sumatra and Java, to Sulawesi and Kalimantan.



The governments of our two countries have developed a strong working relationship over the past 50 years. The late Lee Kuan Yew (former Singaporean leader) worked closely with Indonesian leaders such as the late president Soeharto to ensure that both Singaporeans and Indonesians enjoyed economic development, peace and prosperity.



Successive leaders have continued to build on this foundation and also developed warm ties with one another. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo work well together, and meet regularly to discuss ways to further strengthen Singapore-Indonesia relations.



Singapore and Indonesia have helped each other in times of need. Singapore appreciated Indonesias search and rescue assistance in the aftermath of the crash of SilkAir Flight MI185 in Palembangs Musi River in December 1997.



Following the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, Singapore was the first country to help disaster relief efforts in Aceh and Meulaboh through military and humanitarian assistance.



The Singapore-Indonesia relationship includes strong ties and ongoing cooperation at the regional level in Indonesia.



For example, Singapore is the largest cumulative investor in the provinces of North Sumatra and Kepulauan Riau (KEPRI or Riau Islands), and accounted for about 50 percent of tourist arrivals to KEPRI in 2016. The upgrading of Singapores consulates in Medan and Batam to consulates general in August this year reflects Singapores commitment to deepening our engagement of the provinces, in addition to strengthening mutually beneficial government-to-government cooperation.



The year 2017 marks an important milestone for both countries. We have adopted the tagline of RISING 50 for this year  R-I for the Republic of Indonesia and S-I-N-G for Singapore. Rising also characterizes the positive upward trajectory of our relationship, and describes our shared aspirations for the future of bilateral relations and cooperation.



Over the last nine months, both countries have marked the RISING 50 Golden Jubilee with: The exchange of the Instruments of Ratification of the Eastern Boundary Treaty by Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi in February; a coding challenge hackathon in Batams State Polytechnic in May; and ongoing exchanges of high-level visits, most recently in August 2017 by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean to Jakarta, and by Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan to Medan and Batam.



In addition, the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta has organized a series of commemorative events, such as a futsal tournament in April, and a gala dinner featuring Singaporean Michelin-starred Peranakan chef Malcolm Lee in May.



Later this year, the embassy will host a special performance by Singapore ensemble Tang Quartet, together with Indonesian pianist Airin Efferin. Our hope is that such events will help to further strengthen and deepen our long-standing people-to-people ties through the shared appreciation of sport, food and music.



What is the present state of your countrys overall relationship with Indonesia?

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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, September 7 2017

As a nearby and popular destination for vacationing Indonesians, Singapore has launched a marketing campaign targeting tourists from its biggest neighbor in Southeast Asia.

The campaign, dubbed Passion Made Possible, portrays the city-state as a place for visitors from Indonesia to fulfill their travel dreams and pursue any passion, whether as food bloggers, explorers, collectors or socializers.

Consumers are becoming increasingly driven by their passions in making travel decisions. We want to communicate that Singapore can fulfill the passions of tourists and visitors, said Edward Koh, executive director of the Singapore Tourism Board, during the launch on Wednesday.

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Linkedin Jocelyn R. Uy, Leila B. Salaverria and Marlon Ramos (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) Manila  Wed, September 6, 2017 14:15 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af7a95d 2 SE Asia #Philippine,#Philippines,#drugs,#Duterte,#Police Free

The Philippines top police official broke down in Senate, insisting that there was no state policy or order from President Rodrigo Duterte to kill drug suspects.

I swore on my life, the President did not order me to kill drug suspects, the chief of the Philippine National Police said crying on Tuesday as he faced a Senate investigation after the killing of another teenager by Caloocan City policemen.

PNP Director Gen. Ronald dela Rosa broke down as he protested Sen. Risa Hontiveros statement that there was a policy to kill drug suspects in President Dutertes fierce war on drugs.

Dela Rosa told Hontiveros at the second hearing on the police killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd delos Santos that he was hurt by her statement and asked how he could defend the 175,000-strong police force that was just doing its job with that conclusion.

Thousands of killings in his war on drugs notwithstanding, President Rodrigo Duterte issued a statement rejecting Hontiveros observation.

Do you think two killings, even if it is illegal, will make a policy? he said.

Lets say its murder. I ask Hontiveros, is that already a policy? Is that a baseline policy? She is so stupid, he said.

Later, he said: One swallow makes a summer? Two killings make it a policy of the Republic of the Philippines? Why would we kill innocents?

Thousands have been killed in the Duterte administrations war on drugs, according to official and independent estimates.

The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on Tuesday resumed its hearing on the killing of Delos Santos who was shot dead by Caloocan police on Aug. 16 allegedly because he was a drug runner.

The committee also tackled for the first time the Aug. 18 killing of Carl Arnaiz, a 19-year-old former student of the University of the Philippines whom police claimed they shot dead when he fought back after robbing a taxi driver in Caloocan City.

The almost four-hour-long hearing also saw a 31-year-old woman identified only as MC who pointed to two of the three policemen who were seen dragging away Delos Santos before the boy was killed near his house in Caloocan City.

Also on Tuesday, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said a primary witness to the killing of Delos Santos, identified only as Choleng, had been provisionally admitted into the Witness Protection Programme.

Aguirre said the parents of Arnaiz, who are disputing the police account of the boys killing, likewise had been provisionally admitted into the programme.

Hontiveros was in her second round of questioning when she stated that there was a government policy of killing drug suspects.

Dela Rosa reacted, saying he felt alluded to.

Hontiveros said she was not referring to Dela Rosa but to someone higher than you and that the policy was wrong because the PNP should not be turned into a killing machine.

Dela Rosa said Hontiveros was referring to Duterte, but he denied that the President had ordered the killing of drug suspects.

Let me die now on my seat but we never made such policy of widespread killing of drug suspects, Dela Rosa said.

If you can prove there is such a policy, right now I will go home to Davao and remove myself as PNP chief, he added.

Hontiveros said she heard him and she hoped he would be part of the solution.

Persida Rueda-Acosta, chief of the Public Attorneys Office (PAO), also cried as she denied Hontiveros statement to the committee that her office saw a pattern in the police killings of drug suspects.

The PAO has not made any announcement of pattern in police killings. The government has no such policy, Acosta said.

She clarified that what she had said was seeing similarities in the killings of Delos Santos and Arnaiz.

But Hontiveros stood her ground, saying Acosta spoke about the case of Arnaiz in a radio interview.

The senator asked the PNP to submit reports on the killings of Delos Santos and other drug suspects.

Dela Rosa replied that if Hontiveros already had a prejudgment that there was a policy of killing drug suspects, then probably the PNP did not have to submit documents anymore.

I swear to God

Dela Rosa swore to God that there was no policy to kill drug suspects and cautioned Hontiveros to be careful with her words.

He insisted the senator knew him personally.

I will not allow the police to be used, he said.

After the hearing, Sen. Panfilo Lacson, the committee chair, said he was inclined to believe Dela Rosa.

For him to tell that God knows, that he swore on his life that there was no order to kill drug pushers, Im more inclined to believe that he was telling the truth, Lacson told reporters.

But Lacson said his committee was trying to establish if indeed there was a pattern of police shooting first before asking questions.

Topics :

This article appeared on the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 19:04 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af88f7a 1 News El-Tari-International-Airport,Airport,#airport,Chartered-planes,foreign-tourists Free

El Tari International Airport in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has reportedly removed landing and parking fees for chartered planes carrying foreign tourists.

State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I's El Tari airport general manager, Wahyudi, told Antara news agency on Monday that the move aimed to support efforts to increase tourism in the province.

Recently hundreds of tourists from Australia visited NTT through the airport using chartered planes to explore tourist destinations in the region.

Read also: Porter service at Soekarno-Hatta airport now available for free

The stimulus also aims to support the Komodo Travel Mart program slated for Oct. 18-21 in Kupang.

Wahyudi was hopeful the free landing and parking services would continue in order to achieve NTT's target to attract 1.5 million tourists this year.

"Last year [NTT] welcomed up to 1 million tourists, which is not a small number. That's why we are targeting to increase the number to 1.5 million," said NTT Tourism Agency head Marius Jelamu. (kes)
Company: Trivelles International

Place of Work: Bangkok

Working hours: 6 days a week

Our property development and investment company based in London have successfully been selling properties internationally for a number of years. We specialise in developing a range of projects such as residential, commercial, hotel and student properties; designed to meet any client requirements. Our expertise in the market has allowed us to provide innovative developments with great returns for our worldwide investors. Our excellent track record has allowed us to enter global markets and successfully sell our developments in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Dubai, Kuwait, Qatar and Thailand. We continue to provide new developments and investment opportunities to our clients as we are constantly expanding into new countries.

We are looking for an Intelligent, career driven Sales Manager capable to recruit and develop a sales team and work with sales agents within Thailand and neighbouring countries. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to progress in real estate market.

The primary responsibilities are detailed below:

Prepare and launch exhibtions

Respond to client enquiries, provide information regarding our current projects.

Work as a team with other overseas employees

Research new agents and sign them up

Writing weekly reports to the head of sales

Deal with the full sales procedure

Prepare power point presentation and conduct seminars

Full training will be provided upon commencement of employment. If required to travel, expenses will be covered.

Qualifications:

Male or Female

At least 2 years experiences in real estate

Good command of English

Benefits:

Salary: 30,000 THB to 32,000 THB plus Commission 1% for each sale.

Requirements - At least 2 years Real Estate experience required

Trip to the UK to visit our developments





Contact Details to Apply please send your cv to the email below;

Phone: +44 (0)208-596-5138

Email: sahar@trivellesinternational.com

Whatsapp: +44 (0)7503 728 440

Website: www.trivelles.com
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 13:06 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af7407c 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,bali Free

Lovina Beach in the northern coast of Bali is set to host a four-day festival starting from Sept. 14.

Activities of the Lovina Festival 2017 will be centered at Kalibukbuk Beach and supported by Buleleng as part of efforts to improve its tourism, said Culture and Tourism Agency head I Nyoman Sutrisna.

Themed "Enjoy the Difference", the opening event will feature a series of performances and activities, such as Baleganjur , Gebogan Parade, Gong Kebyar, Ki Barak Panji Sakti dance, bull race in Kaliasem village and wayang (shadow puppets) performance.

On the second day, the festival will host Yoga Asana Health & Beauty activity, handicraft and culinary exhibitions, dance performances and Sampi Gerubungan.

The next day will be filled with art and music performances, bonangan race and gong kebyar wanita Kalibukbuk Bondres.

Meanwhile, activities scheduled in the last day include Megangsing Parade, Keb yar performance, Megenjekan and Gong.

Lovina is a black sand beach that is known to be the place for watching common bottlenose dolphin swimming and jumping out of the ocean. Arriving here, visitors will be greeted with a five-meter dolphin statue located close to the entrance gate.

Read also: Rethinking tradition: From dolphin killings to zoo performances

The best time to meet these mammals is early in the morning during sunrise.

The location of Lovina Festival 2017 itself will be 9 kilometers away from Singaraja and 80 km (three to four hours drive) from Denpasar.

From Denpasar, tourists need to take a mini bus from Ubing bus terminal in North Denpasar and go to Singaraja, which is 11 km from the eastern part of Lovina. The fare from Singaraja bus terminal to Lovina or the western part of the island is around Rp 30,000 (US$ 2.25).

If the starting point is from Ngruah Rai International Airport, tourists can hail a cab to Lovina. It takes at least four hours to get to Lovina and the taxi fare is around Rp 300,000. For a more affordable option, visitors can take a taxi only to the Denpasar bus terminal.

For those coming from Gilimanuk, the travel duration to Lovina is around four hours whilst from Ubud is around three hours, and visitors will still have to take a bus from Singaraja bus terminal. (kes)
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta  Wed, September 6, 2017 14:07 1894 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af79d69 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Semarang,violin,music,Competition Free

The city of Semarang in Central Java recently hosted a two-day event dubbed the 3rd Semarang Open Violin Competition on Sept. 2-3.

Up to 90 percent of the competitions participants reportedly hailed from outside the city, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Bogor, Cirebon, Pekanbaru, Bintan and Batam.

The event also attracted many foreign visitors, especially expats who love classical music.

There has been a sharp increase in the number of foreign tourists from Europe and United States. They love classical music and the city itself as it is home to the Old Town that adopts Dutch architectural design, the perfect atmosphere for classical music, said Tourism Ministrys Communication Department special staff Don Kardono.

Semarang Deputy Mayor Hevearita Gunaryanti Rahayu said that Semarang's Old Town or also known as Little Netherlands is the best place to perform classical music.

Read also: The return of Semarangs Old Town

Two weeks ago there was a piano competition in Semarang, and now a violin competition. I suggested these two events to be merged into one where they will compete for the Semarang Mayor Trophy, said Hevearita.

The winner of the adult category in the competition would be given the opportunity to do a solo performance at Jakarta Sinfonietta Orchestra and take home a prestigious violin from Jerome Thibouville Lamy Workshop in Mirecourt, France, that was made in 1929. He or she would keep the violin for one year before passing it to the winner of next years competition.

Meanwhile, during his speech, Don also encouraged the attendees to vote for Wonderful Indonesia short tutorial video at indonesia.travel/vote4id.

Unlock your smartphone, turn off the Wi-Fi connection and use mobile data instead because one IP address or one email can only vote once [] enter your name, email and choose the Wonderful Indonesia video and click submit, said Don. (kes)
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Linkedin Anggara Mahendra (The Jakarta Post) Gianyar  Wed, September 6, 2017 09:04 1895 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97af645b2 4 News bali,Bali-tourism,village-economy,village,tourist-village,Gianyar,paddy-farmers Free

Paddy fields are a part of the Balinese communitys rituals dedicated to Dewi Sri, the Goddess of Fertility.

Today, instead of functioning as a food supplier, paddy fields in Bali are shifting to tourism. The paddy fields of Ceking in Tegalalang, Gianyar regency, for instance, are famous for their well-maintained terraces that attract numerous tourists enchanted by the gorgeous views.

My family gets Rp 10 million [US$750] a month from the village for a plot of just one hectare, said Vitri, a Sebatu villager married in Tegalalang.

This allowance is provided to help farmers maintain their paddy fields in Tegalalang. In another area, Wayan Runia, a 90-year-old farmer, receives Rp 2 million a month for his rice fields, which can be easily seen from the road separated by a small river and a small cliff.

Green territory: A red and white flag is seen in the middle of a green paddy field in Ceking, Tegalalang, Gianyar, ahead of the countrys Independence Day in August. Paddy field terraces are popular tourist destinations in Bali. (JP/Anggara Mahendra)

Runia asks for donations from passing tourists who use a bridge constructed from iron pipes and bamboo to get to his rice field. Some tourists donate money while others show some reluctance as they already pay an admission fee at the main gate and make voluntary contributions at the trekking entrance.

Becoming a farmer in this modern era, Runia says, is difficult because farmers can only enjoy the fruits of their crops every five months, while prior to this they have to spend money on fertilizer and farm laborers. At his age, he is physically no longer capable of working in the fields.

The Tegalalang tourist destination has several zones of paddy field, with some parts allowing free passage and others seeking donations. The more creative owners turn some corners of their plots into food stalls and places of attraction. They seem unwilling to jettison the sweet delight of tourism.

Step by step: Foreign tourists climb down the paddy terrace wall in Ceking. (JP/Anggara Mahendra)

Daily offering: Vitri, a resident who lives in Sebatu village, Gianyar, says her family receives a monthly stipend to take care of their paddy fields. (JP/Anggara Mahendra)

On progress: Wayan Arnawa (center) builds a simple kitchen around the paddy field tourist site in Ceking. (JP/Anggara Mahendra)

Ride the ship: Nyoman Wastu creates his own tourist attraction from bamboo. His paddy field is located far from the main street, so he has to make an effort to attract tourists. (JP/Anggara Mahendra)
People interested in becoming a Nebraska state senator who are living in Omaha's District 6 have about three weeks to submit their applications for the job.

The position is open because of the sudden resignation of Sen. Joni Craighead, who had announced just days before that she would run for re-election. She cited work and family complications for her decision. Her last day is Friday.

The district already has an announced candidate for the 2018 election: Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha, the daughter of former Democratic Congressman John Cavanaugh, announced her candidacy in July.

District 6 had 26,806 registered voters as of the end of August, including 10,812 Republicans, 9,519 Democrats, 6,157 nonpartisans and 319 Libertarians.

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Wednesday he would begin taking applications immediately.

The successful applicant will be paid $12,000 a year, plus a per diem. Work is full-time during the legislative session, which runs January to mid-April in the short session or early June in the long session.

The appointment is for one year, until January 2019.

Those interested have until 4 p.m. Sept. 29 to apply. Applicants must have lived in the district for one year, be registered to vote and at least 21 years old.

Ricketts said he could seek additional qualified candidates beyond the application process.

This will be the fourth state senator Ricketts has chosen or appointed. Those he has appointed in the past were Nicole Fox of Omaha to District 7 and Robert Clements of Elmwood to District 2. When Ricketts was governor-elect he selected David Schnoor of Scribner to serve District 15, but Gov. Dave Heineman did the official appointment.

Fox was defeated in the 2016 primary election. Schnoor was defeated in the 2016 election.

The district's boundaries are within Douglas County. A map of the district is available online.

Those interested can complete an application at Governor.Nebraska.gov. Click on the boards and commissions tab.

A cover letter, resume and additional background materials may be included with the application.

Questions about the application process can be directed to Kathleen Dolezal at 402-471-2256, or kathleen.dolezal@nebraska.gov.
A fringe festival is one that occurs literally on the fringe of another festival, usually an arts festival. Fringe festivals are run by the International Fringe Festival Association, which exists to support the entire fringe community: made up of venue staff, performers, press and industry, sponsor, audiences and more.

The first, and arguably most famous, fringe festival is the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which takes place throughout August every year. It was born in 1947 when eight performers showed up and performed in unusual venues outside of the first Edinburgh International Festival. Since then, the fringe community has expanded throughout the world and there are now over 250 fringe festivals.

With over 50,000 performances of 3,500 shows and almost three million tickets sold, the 70th Edinburgh Festival Fringe was bigger than ever. It's sadly now over, but here are some alternative fringe festivals taking place in September.

Melbourne Fringe Festival

14th September - 1st October

Established in 1982, the Melbourne festival is Australias second largest arts festival - behind Adelaides counterpart. The festival hosts hundreds of performers, almost 450 events and is likely to attract thousands of excited attendees.

Vancouver Fringe Festival

September 7th - 11th

The festivals organisers ensure equal performance opportunities for every artist by drawing the performers names out of a hat when deciding who performs in the festivals biggest venues: thus giving both experienced and novice acts an equal chance to get into the main stages.

Amsterdam Fringe Festival

September 7th - 17th

If Adelaide and Vancouver are a little far away, another popular September Fringe festival takes place in Amsterdam - also from the 7th to the 17th. This is one of the largest Fringes in the world and is a member of the World Fringe Alliance: a group of the biggest international Fringe festivals that includes Adelaide, Brighton, Edinburgh and more.

The Amsterdam Festival Fringe caters for non-dutch speakers by offering both an English program and also a No Language program: a collection of shows that dont involve words or any language at all. Its estimated that over half of the festivals programme is suitable for non-dutch speakers.
Today is National Read a book day, so what better excuse (not that we needed one!) to grab a book and a cup of tea and escape for an hour or two!

However, if youre struggling for some literary inspiration, a few of our writers and editors have shared what theyre getting stuck into today.

Lydia Venn is reading Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood.

For everyone obsessed with Margaret Atwood at the moment (thank you Handmaids tale), you will not be able to put this lesser known classic of Atwoods down. The novel highlights the dangers of what happens when humans try and play God; painting a scarily possible picture of what our future could hold. In a post apocalyptic world, Snowman grapples towards his future whilst coming to terms with his past.

Alex Giovanni Graham is reading Backwards and in Heels by Alicia Malone.

Backwards and in Heels is LA-based Aussie Film reporter Alicia Malones first book, and taking a carefully curated look at the expansive history of women in film. It takes the reader on a journey from the cinematic trailblazers of the early 20th century, through the vital roles women played  both on and off camera- during the increasingly male-dominated decades of the industry, all the way to the talented visionaries of the present day, such as Ava DuVernay. Malones relentless passion for film bleeds through every page of this collection of fascinating, inspiring and often lesser known tales of an industry that still has a way to go before it truly finds its happy medium.

Elsa Maishman is reading On Beauty by Zadie Smith.

If you havent already discovered Zadie Smith, you need to get your hands on something of hers ASAP. On Beauty twines around the political, cultural and racial differences of a cast of eccentric characters, whose lives we dip in and out of in slow, beautiful detail.

George Caulton is reading Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East needs a sexual revolution by Mona Eltahawy. .

Headscarves and Hymens presents a passionately bold account of several womens attitudes to misogyny throughout the Middle East. In a world which is bypassing the horrific epidemics of the Middle East, Mona Elthaway raises crucial questions about FGM, sexual harassment and most importantly, what it means to be a Middle Eastern Woman.

Lucy Miller is reading Trying to Float by Nicolaia Rips.

An autobiographical account from a 17-year-old who grew up alongside a massive range of quirky characters in New York's Chelsea Hotel. Rips has such a unique, insightful voice - a wonderful peak into growing up in the bohemian heart of New York City.

Daniel Sharp is reading Thomas Paines Rights of Man by Christopher Hitchens.

I am currently reading Thomas Paines Rights of Man, a wonderful study by the late Christopher Hitchens on the life and 1791 work by Paine defending the French Revolution from Edmund Burkes attack. Paine is an important radical figure, and Hitchens study is enlightening and nicely written, fleshing out ideas that motivated the first international revolutionary.
You will probably recall the days when September 1st rolled around, and you knew that school was starting again.

We moaned and groaned about having to go back to multiplication tables and rhyming words. However, we were very fortunate to be receiving this education - and whilst thousands of children are starting their first day of school this week, the same cannot be said for the 32 million children living with disabilities across developing countries.

According to UNESCOs Global Education Monitoring Report, the completion rate of primary school children is 48% for low-income countries, whereas 95% finish primary school in middle-income countries.

Children with disabilities are even less likely to finish primary school in these low-income countries. In Africa, having a disability not only means you are less likely to finish primary school but means you are also not even likely to start primary school.

Of course, no child should be denied the right to make friends, learn and play.

One of the main issues these disabled children and their families face is the lack of inclusive education. Nafisa Baboo, Senior Education Advisor for Light for the World, says: Inclusive education calls for schooling the vast majority of children within a mainstream setting, where all children, including those with disabilities, are given the opportunity and support to learn together in the same classroom.

This education reduces out-of-school rates, tackles discrimination in society and reduces unemployment, meaning its great for the entire community.

However, if this is such a great solution to an awful problem, then why is there not more inclusive education? According to a recent costing equity report developed by the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) led by Light for the World and supported by the Open Society Foundation and other international NGOs, there is a lack of financial and technical resources to enable inclusive education.

Nafisa, who authored the costing equity report, has stated that something can be done in order to change this education imbalance by making the approval for education funding on disability inclusion easier and by earmarking funds for disability inclusive education.

Light for the World wants to get away from the stigma of special schools, which segregate the community and instead, move towards an inclusive society - with education for all being at the forefront of this.

Light for the World is an international disability and development organisation, with one of their main aims being to ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030.

The organisation works throughout the world on different projects; one of these projects is working with CEFISE Inclusive School in Burkina Fasos Ouagadougou. The school is inclusive, teaching both children with and without disabilities. 500 out of the school's 3,882 children have a disability.

In Burkina Faso, Light for the Worlds work extends beyond the classroom.

When Rihanata Ima was five years old, she contracted malaria and was left temporarily paralysed. When her condition didnt improve, her parents took her to a local health post, where they were unfortunately told nothing could be done for her condition. However, a few weeks later a Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) worker, supported by Light for the World, noticed Rihanata during a field visit in her village. The CBR workers often go house to house in order to find out who needs support. Consequently, from this visit, Rihanata was accepted into the rehabilitation programme by Light for the World. After spending four weeks at the Morja rehabilitation centre in Kaya, Rihanata was already able to sit on her own. After another stay at the centre, she was also able to move one of her hands. She has since returned home where her parents help her with her physical exercises and she is visited by a rehabilitation worker once a month. Most importantly this rehabilitation centre has enabled her to attend school, which she travels to using a wheelchair, surrounded by her friends.

Light for the World also works with Callan Services, which has 19 Inclusive Education Resource Centres ( IERCs ) in Papua New Guinea, preparing children with different disabilities to enter mainstream schools and support their education.

Jill was one of 500 children to receive their support. Aged five, she contracted malaria and soon became deaf; however thanks to Callan services Jill was enrolled in the resource centre at Barro primary school, where she had access to Melanesian sign language and an education.

Now she is 23 and in her last year of school. She will soon move onto college, where she will learn to be a teacher as she wishes to make sure that other deaf kids get access to education, like I did. Everyone can do it. They just need to be given a chance.
Protests have ramped up over the past few days in response to Donald Trumps decision to scrap his predecessors Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) immigration scheme.

Passed as an executive order in 2012, the programme aims to protect from deportation immigrants who were brought to the US before the age of 16.

Randy and Kathia Ramirez hold their children, a two-year-old girl, and an 11-month-old boy, during a protest in favour of Daca (Nathan Lambrecht/AP)

The policy was a response to an increasing number of undocumented immigrants among the US student population, and has allowed around 800,000 young people, often known as dreamers, to obtain their stay and work permits for a renewable two-year period.

Some 1.1 million people are eligible for the programme, according to the Pew Research centre, but Trumps call threatens their future.

Heres what you need to know.

Why is it being abolished?

Attorney General Jeff Sessions (Susan Walsh/AP)

In a press briefing on Tuesday, US Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who strongly opposes the policy, said it was an unconstitutional exercise of authority by the executive branch.

Although Trump has previously said the dreamers are terrific and reportedly struggled with the decision, close advisers, including former chief strategist Steve Bannon, have pushed him to scrap the programme.

Trump said the move would be a gradual process, not a sudden phase-out.

He added: I am not going to cut Daca off but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act.

Earlier on Tuesday, President Trump echoed his America First rhetoric and tweeted: I look forward to working w/ Ds + Rs in Congress to address immigration reform in a way that puts hardworking citizens of our country 1st.

Will it be replaced?

Congress, get ready to do your job  DACA!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2017

The Trump administration has given Congress six months to produce a replacement.

A cross-party effort has swung into action since Tuesdays announcement. Democrat Dick Durbin joined forces with Republican Senator Lindsay Graham to push for the the DREAM Act to protect undocumented immigrants who are currently under Daca.

Graham has urged Trump to find a consensus.

Where does that leave dreamers?

New applications for Daca will be stopped, but applications in the pipeline will still be processed.

In a statement , Trump said existing work permits will be honoured until their date of expiration up to two full years from (September 5).

Congress now has 6 months to legalize DACA (something the Obama Administration was unable to do). If they can't, I will revisit this issue!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2017

He said that although he doesnt want to punish children for the actions of their parents, young Americans have dreams too.

The decision has prompted the Mexican government to respond.

In a statement, the countrys Foreign Relations department said: It is undoubtedly the sole responsibility of US citizens and institutions to determine US immigration policy but in the current situation, the Mexican government has a moral imperative to act.

What has been the political reaction to the decision?

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, centre, speaks at a news conference after US Attorney General Jeff Sessions announcement (Jeff Chiu/AP)

Immigration is a contentious topic within the Republican party, with one Democrat Representative suggesting this legislative move could lead to a civil war within the GOP.

Republican Florida representative, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, tweeted:

Another false hope by @potus for #Dreamers? What does he mean? This isn't a game. Para jugando.800K decent young ppl at stake. Let them stay https://t.co/WODDkZLqyl  Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) September 6, 2017

Senator John McCain called the decision the wrong approach, adding: I strongly believe that children who were illegally brought into this country through no fault of their own should not be forced to return to a country they do not know.

Across the political divide, House minority leader Nancy Pelosi said Trumps decision should break the hearts and offend the morals of all who believe in justice and human dignity. She urged Congress to pass safeguarding legislation.

Senate Minority leader Chuck Shumer, a Democrat, said the heartless Daca decision is ripping apart families.
As a result of the advent of the internet (as well as a history that spans almost fifty years), the modern extreme music scene is saturated and very firmly underground, prizing the avant-garde and experimental, with acts like Gojira , Venom Prison, Zeal & Ardor and Sleep Token all gearing up to be the breakthrough titans of tomorrow. Thirty years ago, things were much simpler. In the aftermath of the gargantuan New Wave of British Heavy Metal (or NWOBHM), which heralded such names as Iron Maiden, Motorhead , Judas Priest, Diamond Head , Def Leppard, Tygers of Pan Tang, Saxon, Budgie and Angel Witch, heavy music saw its stock rise immeasurably, taking a small, national genre to international heights. The bands of the era fused heavy guitars and powerful rhythms with big, operatic vocals and enormous melodies, and, as a result of NWOBHMs key dichotomy, it in turn spawned two splinters of heavy metal: the extreme side, focusing on the genres heaviness, and the more accessible side, which prioritised its massive harmonies. The more melodic turn would spell immediate commercial success for rock in movements like glam and power metal: Bon Jovi, Motley Crue and Poison remain some of the most recognisable heavy acts in the mainstream, but their pop-inclined sound and dolled-up, effeminate look makes them, at best, controversial in the metal scene itself. Meanwhile, the first more extreme take on the blueprints laid out by the NWOBHM emerged in San Francisco in the early-to-mid-80s, in a movement led by Exodus Metallica , Slayer and, later, Megadeth and Testament . The movement was quickly coined thrash metal in 1983, with the subgenres early records like Kill Em All (1983), Killing Is My Business and Business Is Good (1985) and Show No Mercy (1983) revolutionising rock, but having nowhere near the mainstream impact of Bon Jovi or Whitesnake. Then, in 1986, Metallicas third album,(1986), blew the door down for extreme metal. After three years of thrash silently bubbling away in the United States, Master of Puppets earnt both the style and Metallica worldwide recognition. Suddenly, the eyes of music fans across the globe turned to a group that, just a few years prior, was playing intimate shows in Californian rock bars. Metallica became the next Iron Maiden, with 1986 marking the final year that the band would ever be a supporting act when out on-tour. With Master of Puppets infectious guitar-work and grandiose, epic songwriting (as displayed on Disposable Heroes, Orion and a now-classic title track), the band became the natural successor to the NWOBHM, relying upon the same, adventurous spirit, but with tunes that are undeniably more dangerous. Despite their knack for pushing the envelope both technically and aurally, Metallicas grassroots origins and DIY attitude and image made them one of the most relatable metal groups to break through to the mainstream. Sure, there are traces of the progressive on Master of Puppets and more, but the gritty delivery of both the track and the album as a whole had a whiff of punk about them: not surprising given their very clear affinity for Anti-Nowhere League and the Misfits. Because of that, Metallica felt down-to-earth in a way that fellow titans like the theatrical Kiss or the leather-donning Judas Priest never could. The band were four normal metalheads from outward appearances, giving the rock n roll fanbase four relatable icons to aspire toward in the process.However, this is all dancing around the topic at hand: the context and origins of Metallicas sound and image (and how they marked a union of key tropes in both metal and punk) were instrumental to the groups inevitable success, but lets get down to the nitty-gritty and analyse Master of Puppets as the individual piece of game-changing art that it is. One of the greatest achievements of Master of Puppets that surprisingly few seem to talk about is its expert mastery of tone, letting the music communicate messages complimentary to the lyrics. Truly, such a feat is a lost art form. For example, on the immense The Thing That Should Not Be, the lyrics are Lovecraftian in origin and describe the monster Cthulhu. In a similar fashion to how a gargantuan sea monster would drag its body through the waves, the songs guitar riffs (kindly provided by the prolific duo of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett) are slow, ominous and weighty, slugging at a slow, foreboding pace. On the other hand, Battery and Disposable Heroes  the former being a thrashing track about assault and anger while the latter is an anti-war message  are both fittingly frantic and fast-paced. Disposable Heroes open-string guitars mimic the fast fire of machine guns, with anarchy and panic being perpetuated throughout its eight-minute running time. Welcome Home (Sanatarium) tells of an implied riot or uprising in an insane asylum, its music, which builds from slow, clean verses to a speedy climax, similarly suggesting a sense of slow-brewing unrest followed by a giant, violent conclusion. On paper, these feats seem somewhat rudimentary. However, the thematic union of words and music is very often overlooked in heavy metal, which has a (admittedly, sometimes unfair) reputation for prizing brutality over aura. In turn, this taps into another of Master of Puppets best qualities: its penchant for experimentation. As previously mentioned, the album packs a plethora of lengthy songs, but it is the diversity of the records individual parts that punctuate them. Such is the way with many of metals greatest records, every song on Master of Puppets is a stand-out, each of them bringing at least one moment that breaks the typical metal mould: Battery has the offsetting acoustic introduction followed by ceaseless aggression; Master of Puppets has an expansive bridge packed with glorious guitar; The Thing That Should Not Be slows the pace to a crawl; Welcome Home (Sanatarium) is effectively a ballad, not giving in to all-out heaviness until halfway through; Disposable Heroes has an eerily melodic refrain given the subject matter; Leper Messiah is one of Lars Ulrichs greatest achievements as a drummer; Orion is a masterpiece of the bass (and, trust me, well get to that in a minute); and Damage, Inc. is the primal, rousing closer that reinjects the album with raw, thrashing venom. There is no weak link to be found on the entire thing, with Metallicas constantly forward-thinking nature on full display as they add more and more variety to their ever-expanding canon.Furthermore, the albums use of the bass guitar is among the best to ever be put onto tape. Period. The late, great Cliff Burton, who played in Metallica from 1982 through to his tragic and sudden death in 1986  mere months after Master of Puppets hit shelves  is often hailed as one of the best to ever grace the four strings, with very good reason. Although his work got some fantastic moments to shine on For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Call of Ktulu from Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets is often heralded as showcasing Burton at his best. The show-stealer of the immense instrumental Orion is the fusion of bass and distortion pedal, letting the bass rise to at times dominate the mix. Burtons solos in that mammoth song are among the best bass performances of all time, giving the instrument an edge that very, very few before him had ever been able to tap into, especially to the degree of technicality that he demonstrated. Combining this with the fact that Master of Puppets was Cliffs favourite Metallica record, as well as his death shortly after its release, and the album has become synonymous with the bass player: Orion was notoriously played during his funeral. With Master of Puppets as a cornerstone of his legacy, Cliff Burton has been heralded for thirty years as a heavy metal martyr, tragically perishing while out on-tour, playing the music he loved. A more impressive legacy it would be impossible to have, because, for more than three decades, Master of Puppets has been the must-have in every single metalheads collection. If you dont have a copy of that orange graveyard-fronted sleeve on your shelf, you are not a full-blooded rock fan. Its a rite of passage; a measuring stick of how metal you are. Not only is it one of the greatest albums of all time, metal or otherwise, but, as a result, it has become a de facto representative of extreme musics most lauded era. It is safe to say that, without Master of Puppets, metal as we know it today would not exist. For that alone, whether you love the record or not, thousands upon thousands of people are eternally indebted to this heavy rock masterclass.
After achieving three A* A-Level grades and a place at Oxford University, student Brian White was unable to begin his course.

But on Monday, the Home Office approved Brian application to stay in the UK - meaning he can now take his place at Oxford to read Chemistry.

Brian moved to the UK at the age of six when he was fostered by the White family from a Zimbabwean orphanage. At the age of

At the age of

15

he was granted Limited Leave to Remain, which cast his future in doubt as he could only accept a university place with Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Despite phenomenal grades at A-Level (A* A* A* A) White was unable to accept his place at Oxford as his status meant he was not eligible to receive student finance. However, in recognition of Brian's achievements, Oxford saved his place for him.

petition Luke Wilcox, a friend of White's, started ademanding that the Home Office reverse their decision. In two weeks the petition gained 100,000 signatures and support from journalist Caitlin Moran, amongst others.

18-year-old Wolverhampton maths genius about to be deported because of a PAPERWORK ERROR, ffs. Petition here: https://t.co/pYBCQLdQVL  Caitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran) August 25, 2017

In a Facebook post, Brian thanked his friend for all his hard throughout the campaign.

A spokesperson for the Home Office confirmed that they had been in contact with Brian's legal representatives to confirm that he had been given an Indefinite to Remain.

Lead image courtesy of Luke Wilcox

Article image courtesy of Brian White
Many people choose to stay out of politics. Although I am not one of those people, I definitely understand why people choose to opt out. If you are like me and try to stay up to date on what is happening in this world today, then I have five platforms that you need to try.

Weather you're a democrat or republican, here are some online platforms that have the goal of allowing you to talk (not scream) to people on both sides, to find common ground, and/or give you lots of information.

1. Civ.Works

Civ.Works is a platform similar to Facebook in its features, but it's an amazing place to talk to people with many different political opinions.

If you are looking to get more involved, Civ.Works is an amazing place to start because of its vast amount of post for opportunities to get involved in your local community. It only cost 3.99 for an account, plus it's free if you are a student.

You can make an account here

2. We the People

This app allows you to anonymously discuss politics with a community of online people. So, if you are looking for a platform where you can express your political believes, without getting backlash from people you may know, this is the app for you.

It also gives breaking news, tweets, and other news of importance. Plus, another feature that is really cool is called the "heat map". The Heat Map allows you to see who the people around you are supporting.

You can download the app here

3. ICitizen

This app is great for getting the news you actually want to see. It has a feature that allows you to organize your news feed based on what you are interested in.

Another feature in this app is the ability for easy contact with politicians so you can call, email, and take polls that go directly to the politician.

You can download the app here

4. Congress+

This is an app you should go for if you are looking for information on any of the 535 members of congress.

This app gives you al the information you would ever need on any member of the house and senate including biographical information, contact information, campaign information, and more. Another cool feature is the ability to track legislative activity in real time.

You can download the app here

5. White House

This app is directly from the White House and can give you information regarding the White House press briefings , blogs, live streams, and presidential

activity.

You can download the app here

Do you use these apps? Would you add any to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
A Nebraska State Penitentiary inmate sent three staff members to the hospital to be checked out after an early morning assault Tuesday.

Dawn-Renee Smith, a prison spokeswoman, said the staff members went to the inmate's cell around 2:15 a.m. about a medical emergency after seeing the inmate agitated and blood in the cell.

When staff opened the cell door, Smith said, the inmate struck one of them in the head, then struck another in the head and shoved his head into the wall, before hitting the third staff member in the head, as well.

Smith said staff used force to subdue him.

She said all three staff members went to the local hospital to be checked out. One suffered a sprain, and another a possible concussion.

The Department of Correctional Services is investigating the incident for possible prosecution. Smith said a misconduct report also will be completed and a disciplinary hearing will be held about incident.
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Two judges have been chosen to sit with Johnson County District Judge Vicky Johnson to determine if a Tecumseh state prison inmate who killed his cellmate deserves to get the death penalty for his crime.

Last month, Patrick Schroeder, a lifer, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for killing Terry Berry, his cellmate, on April 15.

In an order last week, the Nebraska Supreme Court randomly selected Lancaster County District Judge Robert Otte and Buffalo County District Judge John Marsh to the three-judge panel that will consider if Schroeder has committed a prior murder or has a substantial history of serious assaults, as the state alleges.

He already is serving a life sentence for killing a 75-year-old Pawnee City farmer in 2006.

The panel also will weigh mitigating circumstances to determine if he should be put to death for it.

A hearing date hasn't yet been set.
Taylor motorists now have the opportunity to settle traffic tickets more quickly and efficiently through an innovative online resolution system the district court is launching. Instead of having to wait in line at the courthouse, citizens can now access the court 24/7 using their smartphone, tablet, or computer when resolving traffic violations.

Judge (Joseph) Slaven and I recognize that taking time from work, school, or other obligations to wait in line at the courthouse can be frustrating, Judge Geno D. Salomone said. Now citizens can pay or contest tickets from the comfort of their own home, at the time of their choosing. They dont have to take time off from their job or arrange for transportation to and from the court.

The online platform, called MatterhornTM, walks individuals through a series of qualifying questions and allows them to submit their position online as if they were speaking in court. A law enforcement officer then reviews their case. From there, a judge or magistrate determines next steps, including assessing fines that a litigant can pay online. Throughout the process, litigants receive emails and text messages updating them on the status of their case.

Court Innovations Inc., an Ann Arbor-based software company that originated in the University of Michigan Law School, developed the Matterhorn platform.

Taylors judicial system is taking a big step forward by adopting technology that makes it fast and simple for people to have their voice heard and for justice to be served, said Court Innovations CEO MJ Cartwright. Across the board, when courts adopt Matterhorn, the time for a case to be resolved drops dramatically, and citizen satisfaction with the courts improves significantly.

Matterhorn allows courts throughout the United States to handle many types of high-volume infractions completely online, saving time and money for citizens and courts. Rather than limiting judicial or law enforcement discretion, Court Innovations software gives decision-makers the ability to resolve cases more equitably and rapidly. Its 24/7 access and education component also empowers defendants to work with the court to resolve minor violations informally, and at a convenient time.

Taylor is one of 16 district courts across Michigan offering this online option to their citizens. In Metro Detroit alone, six courts have adopted Matterhorn to resolve several different types of cases online, including failure-to-pay and failure-to appear-warrants for qualifying litigants.

Motorists who have recently received a civil traffic infraction violation in Taylor, Michigan, can visit www.courtinnovations.com/MID23 to resolve the matter online. For more information about the Matterhorn technology and how it works, visit www.CourtInnovations.com.

Source: City of Taylor
Lincoln police used a spike strip to end the pursuit of two teenagers suspected of stealing a van early Tuesday.

An officer first spotted the van, which was stolen from a home at 29th and Apple streets, at 1:30 a.m. near 20th Street and Cornhusker Highway, said Officer Angela Sands, a police spokeswoman.

Police suspected the people inside had been involved in a recent string of auto thefts, Sands said. One officer tried to stop the van near 35th and Cornhusker, but it sped off.

That's when an officer near 48th Street set out the spike strip, deflating the van's tires as it passed. The van kept moving until 176th Street and U.S. 6, Sands said.

Nebraska State Patrol troopers and Lancaster County sheriff's deputies helped take the 15-year-old driver and his 18-year-old passenger, Tyrone Kometscher, into custody. Kometscher had recently escaped from Kearney Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center.

Investigators are looking into whether the two are involved in auto thefts in Waverly and Lincoln over the weekend, Sands said.
When 10-year-old Briella McLaughlin and her younger brother Major woke up a week and a half ago, their dad was gone.

Their mother, Jaclyn, broke the news to them that their dad, Omaha Fire Capt. Mickey McLaughlin, had been deployed to Texas during the night on Friday, Aug. 25, to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts as part of Urban Search and Rescue Nebraska Task Force 1.

"There were a lot of tears," Jaclyn said.

Her oldest son, 13-year-old Maxwell, had been awake when the call came in, so he had the chance to say goodbye and help his dad pack to head into a disaster scene that thousands were desperately trying to flee from.

It was scary and sad, Maxwell said, but he's proud of his dad -- the whole family is. When they were finally reunited Tuesday night, the pride and love could not be missed.

All three children bounced up and down as they held poster board signs to help stand out among the crowd of friends and families gathered at the Municipal Service Center, 901 W. Bond St., to welcome the 80 task force members home.

While in Texas, Nebraska crews helped rescue over 1,500 people and 120 animals.

"It's scary when they're going into cities where people are evacuating by the masses," Jaclyn said. "But a lot of them are firefighters and their families are firefighters, so we deal with that fear everyday of them walking into burning buildings people are running out of -- that's just what they do."

When the line of white caravans carrying crews finally pulled into the parking lot, tensions were high. Briella dropped the sign and started to run -- her hero was home.

Many other families felt the same sense of relief as they held their loved ones in their arms.

Friends Kim Davis and Denise Dolezal were glad to have their husbands, who both work for Lincoln Fire and Rescue, back home safely. But Hurricane Harvey wasn't the first time the women had worried about their husbands.

The men had both been deployed to several disasters in their more than 30 years with the fire department. They responded to Hurricane Katrina, 9/11 and the Moore tornado in Oklahoma, Davis said.

Davis and Dolezal were thankful their husbands had working phones and were able to call frequently to help ease their worries. But, the best stress-relief was having each other to talk with.

"It's a great support system," Dolezal said. "She knows what I'm going through and I know what she's going through."

For the men and women of the task force, coming home means time to process and a chance to relax after working tirelessly for long shifts each day they were deployed.

Medical specialist Kathleen Brown of LFR said she looks forward to eating a salad with fresh vegetables and sleeping in a bed.

As her first deployment, the work allowed Brown to "get her feet wet, literally and figuratively" and put her training to use. The experience was eye-opening, she said.

She remembers watching a family reluctant to leave their home finally make the decision to go, the hardest decision they said they'd ever had to make because they were leaving everything they'd worked for behind. Despite that, they were thankful to be safe and thankful to be together.

"It's given me a really nice macro view of the world and it's easy to think of some of the things I might consider problems in my life right now that when you get down to the nitty-gritty aren't that big of a deal," she said. "I know where all my family members are, we all have a place to stay, we all have a way to get to work. We're all healthy and happy and everything else is just icing on the cake."
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln topped 26,000 students this fall for the first time in school history, notching record enrollment for the third straight year.

The university said Wednesday that 26,079 undergraduate and graduate students are enrolled this year, a 0.7 percent increase over last years enrollment figure of 25,897 taken on the sixth day of classes.

Chancellor Ronnie Green attributed the sustained growth  UNL has grown by 11 percent over the last decade  to superior programs, exceptional faculty and an ability to prepare students for successful careers.

I have often said that our university is the DNA of the state and an increasingly essential gateway to a more successful, more prosperous Nebraska, Green said. When there is positive enrollment news for the university, it is also positive news for our state.

The increase at UNL came despite several challenges that came up during the last years recruiting process, said Amber Williams, assistant vice chancellor for academic services and enrollment management.

A budget shortfall required NU to cut $30 million across the system, and NUs Board of Regents in June approved two years of tuition increases  5.4 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.

Also, fallout from the 2016 presidential campaign seen as hostile toward immigrants and a proposed travel ban by the Trump administration against seven predominantly Muslim countries created uncertainty at U.S. universities that enroll foreign students  including UNL.

While the 3,356 international students enrolled at UNL this year is an increase over last years 3,232 international students, the number of first-time international enrollees dropped by 43 students.

We werent immune to some of the national and global trends, but I do feel like we were able to minimize the impact as much as we could, Williams said.

And, finally, a change to the filing process for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, allowed families to complete the application sooner, giving students more time to shop around.

Students nowadays are applying to seven or more schools, Williams said. It wasnt like that when I started in higher education 17 years ago, so we have to compete at a higher level than we have in the past.

According to the enrollment figures released Wednesday, UNL seemingly succeeded.

Once again, UNLs growth is driven by the largest freshman class in school history. This years 4,905 first-year students surpass last years class of 4,860.

Other highlights from the 2017 enrollment report:

* The number of Nebraska students attending UNL, both in undergraduate and graduate courses, is 17,597. Williams said UNL plans to double down on its efforts to recruit students from within the state going into next year.

* UNL is also boasting its most-diverse population in school history. Minorities make up more than 15 percent of the undergraduate population  a total of 3,173 students.

Across its four campuses and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, NU grew by 0.3 percent this year to 52,516 students  also a record  even as the total undergraduate student population dipped slightly.

NU President Hank Bounds said while he is pleased to be serving the most students in the universitys history, he hopes to find ways to accelerate growth in the future.

You always have to be happy when its the largest enrollment in your history, but I would be more comfortable if we were growing at a 2 percent or 2.5 percent clip, he said. We will look at every strategy and see where our opportunities are to grow.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center set an enrollment record for the 17th year in a row, topping 3,908 students despite a 1.8 percent drop in its undergraduate enrollment from last year.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha also grew this year, to 15,731 students, driven by its largest-ever freshman class. The newest Mavericks are the most-diverse in school history: one-third are minorities, while 44 percent are the first in their families to go to college.

Enrollment dropped by 2.1 percent at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and by 7.3 percent at the ag college in Curtis.
OMAHA  A 7-year-old Omaha student says he fell asleep before his bus arrived at school and awoke later  and alone  at the bus contractor's depot.

Tamara Bailey says grandson Quintan Wells-Harris boarded the bus around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday but didn't get off at Standing Bear Elementary, ending up at the depot. He says "it was scary, because no one was in the bus."

The district had the contractor check its yard after learning the second-grader wasn't at school. Quintan was found unharmed around 10:30 a.m.

District spokeswoman Monique Farmer says drivers are supposed to check their buses at least twice, including upon returning to the depot. She says the driver of Quintan's bus won't be permitted to drive for the district any longer.
SOUTH SIOUX CITY  A 33-year-old woman died after being shot in a police station parking lot in northeast Nebraska early Wednesday.

Officers inside the Law Enforcement Center in South Sioux City who heard the gunshots around 8:10 a.m. ran outside and found Mei Huang lying on the sidewalk with severe injuries. She was rushed to a Sioux City, Iowa, hospital where she died around 11, police Chief Ed Mahon said.

Her husband, Bei Sheng Chen, 41, was spotted leaving the scene and was placed under arrest. He was later charged with first-degree murder and other felones.

He was in the Dakota County Jail awaiting arraignment Wednesday afternoon.
Burlington Senior Center

The Burlington Senior Center is at 201 N. Main St., Burlington. For more information, call 262-767-9880, go to www.burlingtonseniorcenter.com.

Weekly schedule

DAILY: Nutrition Program, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 262-833-8766 by 9 a.m. the preceding day for reservations. Suggested donation is $3.50.

LIBRARY: Borrow or donate books.

50 PLUS SPORTS: Volleyball, 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays.

MONDAYS

Every Monday: Party Bridge Club and Sheepshead, 9-11 a.m.

TUESDAYS

Every Tuesday: Chocolate City Card Club, 12:30 p.m. Euchre, Pinochle, Hand and Foot, and Sheepshead are played.

WEDNESDAYS

Every Wednesday: Sheepshead, 9-11 a.m.

First through fourth Wednesdays: Our Harmony Club, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (registration required).

Second and fourth Wednesday: Dominoes, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Third Wednesday: Jam Session Music Sing-along, 1 p.m.

THURSDAYS

Second Thursday: Bingo, 10 a.m.

FRIDAYS

Every Friday: Party Bridge Club, 9-11 a.m.; Sheepshead, 9-11 a.m.; Bowling, 1 p.m.

Second Friday: Bunco Party, 1-3 p.m., with prizes and refreshments.

Caledonia Senior Club

The Caledonia Senior Club invites residents ages 55 and older to join their club from noon to 4 p.m. every Wednesday at East Side Community Center, 6156 Douglas Ave., Caledonia. The main activity is the card game of schafskopf but groups willing to play other games and socialize are welcome. A $6 annual fee is required to join. Call 262-995-8866 for more information.

Friendship Center

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 2417 Drexel Ave., 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Thursdays, open to all. Card games in the morning and afternoon, and lunch at noon. No membership fee, donations accepted for lunch. Call 262-634-7998 for more information.

Lucyniors

The Lucyniors, St. Lucys senior citizens club, meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday in the St. Lucy Church conference room, 3035 Drexel Ave. Cards are played. Lunch is available for a fee. For more information, call Rich or Barb Tworek at 262-554-5205.

Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department

The following is a list of Senior Adult Clubs offered by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. People 50 years of age and older are welcome to visit any senior adult club up to three times before deciding to join and are welcome to join more than one club. For more information, contact the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department at 262-636-9455.

Dr. John Bryant Senior Adult Center, 601 21st St.

The Dr. John Bryant Senior Adult Center, 601 21st St., is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Senior citizens 50 and over are invited. For more information on center activities, call 262-636-9235.

Activities

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Open puzzle table, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fitness Walkers, 8-10 a.m.; Cards, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS: Ceramics, 9 a.m.-noon.

TUESDAYS: Knitting, Crocheting and Quilting, 1-3 p.m.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: Zumba Gold, 3:30-4:30 p.m., suggested $3 donation; Scrapbooking, 9 a.m.-noon; Pitty Pat Card Club, 9 a.m.-noon.

WEDNESDAYS: Ballroom Dancing Club, 9:30-11:30 a.m., $2.50; Bingo, 1-3 p.m. (third Wednesday).

THURSDAYS: Card making, 9 a.m.-noon.

FRIDAYS: Ceramics, noon-3 p.m.; Sheepshead, 1-4 p.m.

Humble Park Center, 2200 Blaine Ave.

MONDAYS: Forward Together, noon-3 p.m., various card games.

TUESDAYS: Washington 68, noon-3 p.m., bridge.

WEDNESDAYS: Zumba, 10-11 a.m.

THURSDAY: Rainbow Mixers, noon-3 p.m., various card games.

FRIDAYS: Humble Niners, noon-3 p.m., various card games.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 1134 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Pinochle, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY: Pickleball, 9-11 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Zumba, 10:30-11:30 a.m., $1 donation.

THURSDAYS: Hand and Foot Card Club, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

SATURDAYS: Zumba, 10-11 a.m., $1 donation.

Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2221 Douglas Ave. (handicap accessible; off street parking).

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Fitness Walkers, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Open Billiards, 9 a.m.-noon.; weight room open, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

MONDAYS: Dartball, 1-3 p.m.

MONDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAY: Pickleball, 9-11:30 a.m.

TUESDAYS: Pleasant Hours Club, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., various card games.

WEDNESDAYS: Art Group, 8:30-11 a.m.; Jolly Times Club, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Woodcarvers, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS: Softball at Island Park, 9-11 a.m. (volleyball will be played indoors if too cold or wet); 55 & Over Volleyball, 9-11:30 a.m.

THURSDAYS: Scrabble, 12:30-3 p.m.; Dominoes, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

FRIDAYS: Merry Makers Club, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., various card games.

Tyler-Domer Community Center, 2301 12th St.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Pickup Pickleball, 9-11 a.m.

MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS: Ping Pong, 9-11 a.m.

THURSDAYS: Quilting, 9-11 a.m.

Racine Senior Center

Racine Senior Center, located at United Lutheran Church, 3825 Erie St. (entrance at back of church), is open to seniors of all faiths every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 262-639-2038 for more information.

Weekly schedule:

Cards and fellowship, 10 a.m.-noon

Homemade lunch and dessert, noon, $5.

Various programs at 1:15 p.m. (bingo, movies, speakers, travel, slides).

A parish nurse is available from 11 a.m. to noon on the third Thursday of each month for blood pressure screening and advice.

Exercise, 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Senior Citizens Drop-In Center, 1901 Washington Ave., is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for ages 60 and older. You do not have to be a member of the Salvation Army. Lunch is served at noon. Cost is $3.50. Call in reservations one day in advance, 262-833-8766. Low-income seniors with ID can sign up for commodity boxes. For more information, call the senior director at 262-632-3147.

Weekly schedule

MONDAY-FRIDAY: Cards, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

TUESDAY: League of Mercy (nursing home visitations), 1 p.m. Open to seniors interested in singing, fellowship and visiting nurse home residents.

WEDNESDAY: Billiard Tournament, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Field trips are scheduled through the month. Call for the schedule.

Senior Friendship Center

Living Faith Lutheran Church, 2915 Wright Ave. Hours are 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on first and third Wednesdays of each month. Open to all seniors ages 55 and older. Bingo, Dominoes and other games are played and lunch is served (suggested $3 donation). Call 262-637-5671 for more information.
Security was tightened around the Dera Sacha Sauda headquarters near Sirsa town on Wednesday following the Punjab and Haryana High Courts approval to search and sanitise the sect premises.

The local administration and security forces are awaiting the arrival of retired District and Sessions Judge A K S Pawar, who was appointed as the Court Commissioner on Tuesday to oversee the operation by the Haryana government.

The Dera is spread in two campuses, 600 acres and over 100 acres each, about eight km from Sirsa town.

Armed security personnel from the central paramilitary forces and Haryana police were stationed outside the sect premises. Bomb disposal and dog squads have also been stationed near the Sirsa headquarters.

The sprawling Dera headquarters houses a stadium, hospital, educational institutions, a resort, houses, markets, and other infrastructure. Huge bungalows of the sect chief (spread over nearly 100 acres) and his family members are also located inside.

Curfew in the area around the Dera premises was relaxed for one hour on Wednesday to enable people inside and outside the sect campus to buy essential items.

Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) B S Sandhu said the security forces were ready for the search and sanitising drill.

There is complete peace in Haryana since August 25. There are 131 companies of paramilitary forces deployed in the state, the DGP said.

Dera administration chairperson Vipassana, who is a close aide of the disgraced sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, told the media on Tuesday that the Dera management was fully prepared for the security operation.

We are cooperating with the local administration. All weapons of the Dera and individuals inside (the premises) have been deposited with the authorities. We have nothing to hide. The premises can be searched anytime, Vipassana said.

The Haryana government had sought the High Courts indulgence to undertake the sanitisation drill, Haryana advocate general Baldev Raj Mahajan said.

Authorities in Haryana have carried out sanitisation of 117 Naam Charcha Ghars associated with the Dera, where its followers assemble for prayers and discussions.

Weapons and other objects that could be used in violence were seized from the campuses, informed sources said.

Some objectionable items were seized during searches at these premises following the arrest of the Dera chief, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said on Monday.

Hundreds of people and sect followers live permanently inside the mini-township of the Dera campus and work there.

Ram Rahim was convicted by a CBI special court in Panchkula on August 25 for the rape of two female disciples in 1999. His conviction led to wide spread violence within hours of the verdict in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana, leaving 38 people dead and 264 injured.

Isolated incidents of violence were also reported from Delhi and several other places in Punjab.

He was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment on August 28.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has finalised the partys strategies for three poll-bound non-BJP ruled northeastern states  Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram, a party leader said on Wednesday.

Amit Shahji held meetings with the party leaders of Tripura, Meghalaya and Mizoram on Tuesday in New Delhi and asked them to strengthen the party organisation from the booth level of each assembly constituency, Tripura state BJP President Biplab Kumar Deb said over the phone from the national capital.

He said: A host of the partys central leaders, ministers and members of Parliament, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party President Amit Shah, would lead the campaign in all the poll-bound states from next month.

According to Deb, the Prime Minister and Amit Shah are scheduled to visit Left-ruled Tripura in October and November.

He said the BJPs alliance with the local and regional parties would be finalised after a meeting of NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) in Guwahati. Various regional and local parties of northeastern states are being invited to the NEDA meeting, expected to be held in the third or fourth week of this month.

Former Congress leader and incumbent Assam Minister for Finance, Education and Health Himanta Biswa Sarma is the Convener of the BJP-led alliance  NEDA.

Tripura is currently ruled by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Front and Meghalaya and Mizoram by the Congress. These three northeastern states, besides Nagaland, will go to polls to constitute new assemblies next year. The BJP is a partner of the Naga Peoples Front (NPF)-led ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN).

The Tripura BJP chief said that in the New Delhi meeting, state party chiefs and other prominent leaders from Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh participated.

Deb said: BJPs poll thrust is the development of the northeast India and making the region Congress and Left-mukt (free of Congress and Left). The three-year-old BJP government at the Centre has done much more work for the region than the Congress had in the last 65 to 70 years.

Left parties have also been a failure in ensuring the development of Tripura and the people of the state, though it has been in power for several decades, he added.

With a population of 45.58 million, the eight northeastern states collectively account for 25 Lok Sabha seats.

Until early last year, the Congress was in power in five of the eight states  Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Manipur. But the political equation has been reversed in just about a year, with the BJP and its local allies now ruling in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Sikkim.

In Left-governed Tripura, the BJP made a breakthrough last month by getting six Trinamool Congress legislators to defect. Thousands of the Congress, Trinamool Congress and other party leaders and members have also joined the BJP in Tripura.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday participated in a protest rally organised by Kolkata Press Club to condemn the killing of senior Kannada journalist Gauri Lankesh.

Hundreds of journalists joined the rally with posters banners and holding candles condemning the murder of the Bengaluru-based journalist and social activist.

Participated in a candle vigil from #Kolkata Press Club till Gandhi statue to condemn the murder of journalist GauriLankesh, Banerjee said in a tweet.

Lankesh was shot dead on Tuesday night by unidentified men at her residence. On coming to know about the incident, Banerjee had described the incident alarming and demanded justice.

The club condemned the killing of journalist and demanded that the culprits should be booked at the earliest.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami on Wednesday claimed his government enjoyed the support of all the AIADMK MLAs in the Assembly even as the legislators loyal to sidelined party deputy general secretary TTV Dhinakaran continued to stay put at a Puducherry resort.

There are 135 MLAs in the party, including the speaker, and the government has the support of all of them, he told reporters at the airport here, before leaving for Erode by road.

Stating that 109 MLAs had attended the meeting convened by him in Chennai on Tuesday, Palaniswami said the other party legislators could not be there due to various reasons.

But he asserted that his government had the support of all of them.

His comments come a day after state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar claimed that 111 MLAs had attended the meet convened by the chief minister.

According to reports, as many as 17 rebel AIADMK MLAs are currently lodged at a resort in neighbouring Puducherry.

A group of 19 MLAs, loyal to Dhinakaran, had met Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao on August 22, expressed lack of confidence in the chief minister and demanded his ouster.

This was a day after the merger of the AIADMK factions, led by Palaniswami and current deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam respectively.

The strife in the ruling party prompted the opposition parties to allege that the Palaniswami government had lost the majority in the Assembly. They have been pressing for a floor test in the House.

In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, which has one seat vacant (R K Nagar, represented by late J Jayalalithaa), the AIADMK has 134 MLAs, excluding the speaker, while the DMK-led opposition has 98 legislators.

Replying to a question on the National Eligibility-cum- Entrance Test (NEET), Palaniswami said the state government had exerted maximum pressure on the Centre, seeking an exemption to Tamil Nadu from the ambit of the exam.

However, he said the state had to comply with the Supreme Court directive in this regard.

The recent suicide of a 17-year-old medical aspirant, Anitha, who was believed to be upset over her poor NEET score and the state not getting an exemption from the common eligibility test, had triggered an outrage in Tamil Nadu.

The daughter of a daily wage earner, Anitha was found hanging at her house in Ariyalur district on September 1.

On DMK working president M K Stalins criticism about his government, Palaniswami said the opposition leader had been levelling allegations from day one and added that whatever he said was incorrect.

Later, Palaniswami along with Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and others attended government-sponsored centenary celebrations of AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran in Erode.

At the function, Panneerselvam said some opposition parties were trying to topple the Palaniswami government.

This is a strong fort built with public support and not a sand fort, he said advising the opposition to make constructive suggestions for development of the state.

He said that the present government was following the ideals of MGR and Amma (late chief minister Jayalalithaa) and serving the people.
Hollywood star Naomi Watts said she was shaken when she learned about her ex-boyfriend Heath Ledgers death.

The star dated the actor, who died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs in 2008, aged 28, from 2002 until 2004.
Actor Karan Tacker is set to host the first edition of Yash Raj Films Bollywood Awards on Facebook on September 12.

It is the banners first Bollywood Awards show on the digital platform. It will use Facebooks Live feature for the show.

It has been a gratifying journey for me to see the kind of opportunities that have come my way, and how I have been the choice of such big names and entities in the industry. I hope to continue inspiring thousands, Karan said in a statement.

It is the love that I receive from so many towards my work and me that gives me immense joy and pride in what I do, added the actor-host, who was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modis peace delegation in Israel in July.

He has also hosted and appeared in shows like Nach Baliye, Halla Bol and The Voice India.
In the last two weeks, my team at People for Animals has been examining all the religious sites on the Net to see what kind of nonsense is being put on it in the name of Hinduism. Ever since I learnt about the Hathajodi magicTalisman, which is just the sexual organ of the giant monitor lizard being sold by sites that claim it brings health, wealth and attraction, we have been looking for more rubbish being sold.

Siyar Singhi is supposedly the horn of a jackal. For one thing, the jackal is protected from killing by the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. For another, the jackal does not have a horn. The sites selling this agree that it normally does not have a horn. But when it hoots (they probably mean howls) with its head facing downwards (a technical impossibility) then suddenly a horn emerges from its forehead. If the jackal is killed and the horn is taken with a tuft of hair on it, the hair will keep growing forever and in different colours as long as it is kept in vermillion powder.

It supposedly keeps away evil spirits  if you do regular havans round it for which, of course, you have to get havan priests and spend a lot more. Otherwise it doesnt work (of course, then it is your fault).

This nonsense about the Siyar Singhi doesnt just extend to Hindus. It seems to be all pervasive in Muslims and Buddhists as well. In Sri Lanka some illiterates use it (its called narric  combo) as an amulet to win in gambling. The Tharu tribes of Nepal and India believe it will grant the men the ability to see in the dark and seduce women. In Bengal it is placed in safes (as is the hathjodi) to increase wealth. However, since this can only be done if a puja is done before the safe, the gang that passes off as priests usually take the opportunity to rob it later. Some sites have gone even further and said that the Bible has written that the jackal is the mother of the Devil and so keeping the horn of the mother will ensure that the devil stays away.

The Golden Jackal had 13 subspecies. It is now down to 7. It is a small dog-like animal that eats fruit, insects, small reptiles, birds and small rodents. The family lives together in small groups of parents and children. They are portrayed in the Jatakas and Panchatantra as intelligent creatures and to hear a jackal howl was a sign of good luck. The Jackal is associated with the goddesses Kali, Chamunda. The jackal is eaten by Koli and Vaghir tribes of Gujarat and Rajasthan and by the Narikaruravas in Tamil Nadu who eat anything from rats and squirrels and stolen pet dogs and cats from Chennaishouses.

But the real reason for the decline is this mumbo jumbo rubbish of people wanting an imaginary bone in its head to bring them luck. According to these sites, which are now on the radar of the police and will be shut down and the owners arrested, this bone of a scavenger considered unclean by most of the shastras will now bring wealth, win law cases, help you get on with your married partner, restore health, acquire property, remove depression. Ifactivated (this means a set of expensive poojas running into lakhs) it will cure autism, mental diseases, Panic Disorders, Attention-deficit or hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Eating disorders, Schizophrenia, Substance abuse etc.

You, of course, have to recite mantras that vary from site to site  and religion to religion  Mumkaraya Kuru Namah,Om Padma Shrim, Om Hariram Purva Dakshin Uttar Paschim, Adhik taralpadarth sabhi janya agyakari kuru kuru nama, gidar singhi amuk mother vashayankuru kuru sawah. None of them make any sense in Sanskrit but, depending on the site, you have to say these, ranging from 21-108 times. And even then it wont work unless a crystal mala is bought from the same site and charged regularly- which costs even more money.

The Muslims are told that Allah has put a special power inside it. And buying just one is not good enough. You have to get a male and female. According to them the horn is collected only on the waning moon on a particular nakshatra which is only known to the masters.You must put the siyar singhi in your hand and say I own you my name is so and so you have to obey me and then put this in a silver box along with 3 cloves and 2 cardamoms. You can use this item to cause extreme pain and even death to your enemies.

In order to make it even more expensive, the sites have gone into incredible detail: The jackal is not any jackal, but a rare species called Motiya. And not any motiya either. It has to be the leader of the pack. And how will you know that he is the leader and carries the horn. Because he dies after he hears a regular outburst of strange voices.

He cannot be old, as the singhi disappears from his head, so he has to be a young leader of a pack -which is even rarer. How does one make out the horn is real? Put the singhi in mercury (the kind you get in old thermometers). The horn will eat it up! If that wasnt bad enough, one type of Siyar Singh, called Linga SiyarSinghi which comes from the male jackals sexual organ is now being pushed as a sacred object. I suppose it is easier to verify than an imaginary horn.

Every site claims that every other site and shop selling this Siyar Singhi is selling fakes taken from dogs and pigs and stuck onto bones with glue. In the 21st century if you believe that a bone and a hank of hair can get you what you cant get through work, prayer, education and ambition, then go ahead and make these fake site owners rich!

To join the animal welfare movement contact [email protected] www.peopleforanimalsindia.org
Importance of teaching

International Literacy Day, celebrated on 8 September, is an initiative by the United Nations to reiterate the thought that it is one of the main factors affecting an individuals life in the society as well the development index of the country at large.

When it comes to India, views regarding the increase of literacy rate are subject to much argument. Excessive population along with numerous regional languages create the greatest barrier to the drive of increasing literacy rate. But with the initiatives like Sarbashiksha abhijan, Kanya shree and Beti parao beti bachao drives the objective of educating each and everyone towards a better future has a probable fulfillment.

In a society where girls are doomed to confinement, especially in rural areas, these drives come as a blessing to all and answer on the face of lame excuses for not being able to educate ones wards. Another problem is the poverty ridden state of those families where sons are considered just another source of income, thus being pushed towards child employment at the tender ages of seven-eight years.

The delicate hands of these children are only fit to hold books and pencils and not shovel and bricks which wears them out. Fortunately, government actions have been able to restrict the practices of child labour to some extent. But then with the uneducated lot of our country, the free flow of development gets obstructed.

The mindless superstitions, existent till date, calls for the light of education. In this case the initiative by the government to open education homes is a commendable move. Now coming to the highlight of this article, which is to aware the readers that most problems have their roots to the lack of education. Such are the grave state of affairs, not only in the villages but also in the cities, where ignorance calls for heinous acts of crimes like disrespecting each others religious faith.

This way we are only encouraging the terrorists to destroy the world. Those who guides them, takes advantage of the ignorance of common men. It is the growing crime rates and the bacteria-like growth of vigilant groups due to the lack of education that calls in for the importance of education and thus the international literacy day.

The greatest possible solution to this growing problem is the involvement of those belonging from the education sphere, alongside the government. As well depicted in numerous essay books , its indeed true to resonate a similar voice calling students, especially in college, to take the initiative by their own organising programs to go for education drives in rural areas. The light of education must reach the places which are yet to witness electricity.

School or college authorities must initiate such plans along with the students. In these cases help should be sought from international organisations and NGOs. Even the school students can contribute in their own ways, for instance, by donating old books to that beggar standing opposite to their school gates to help him understand the value of literacy.

As the saying goes knowledge increases when shared, they can also take the initiative of teaching the poor child of their housemaid and educate him/her.

So this Literacy Day, lets spare a thought for the less fortunate and try and educate them in the minimal possible way from our end. Let the light of education enlighten even the darkest corners of this world.

(Sayan Chandra, Coordinator, Class XII, St ThomasBoys School)

The biggest gift of life

Literacy is the golden key to knowledge and the very base of self-identity. We usually tend to neglect a not conversant person but dont realise that a country can never prosper without literacy. Half the population who are untutored are below poverty level.

That is why literacy doesnt hold any importance to them. Every citizen has a right to education not only to develop ones own self but also for the betterment of the society.

Literacy helps one express his or her individuality. Nowadays, even underprivileged children are getting opportunity to study due to many government initiatives but this was not the case during their parents times. So it is the responsibility of those children to educate their parents rather than looking down upon them or being embarrassed for their illiteracy.

Otherwise there is no use in that kind of education which does not teach us to respect our parents. We must try to bring light into the lives of those who have always been suppressed into darkness, and make them realise that they also deserve to learn and that education is the biggest gift of life. Such small initiatives today have the potential to bring about a revolution in future.

Instead of criticising the administration lets encourage their welfare steps towards eradicating illiteracy and let them know that we have our support.

(Oindrila Gupta, Coordinator, Class XII, St Joseph and Marys School)
In a meeting with the Journal Times Editorial Board last week, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Congress, not the president, needs to find a humane solution for the approximately 800,000 youth who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Those under that program are people who came over to the United States as minors and dont know any home other than the United States.

Under the DACA program, every two years such people are able to apply for renewal of their status, a status that allows them to live here legally, makes them eligible for things such as a drivers license and eligible to work.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump gave Congress a six-month deadline: The Department of Homeland Security will stop processing any new applications for the program as of Tuesday, the Trump administration announced. But the administration will renew permits for anyone whose status expires in the next six months.

Now is the time for Congress to act  that means the House and the Senate need to agree on a solution.

Typically, when important issues such as immigration come up, interested parties overcomplicate the matter by adding in 10 other issues and addressing every single issue under the sun related to immigration.

In this case, Congress should work to concentrate on the fate of the DACA recipients.

Some of these youths have been renewing their DACA status for years. Those youths are now entering adulthood and are contributing members of society. They should be allowed a path toward citizenship.

One such example is Pablo Davalos-Alonso, 24, of Racine. He is a DACA recipient who came over to the United States when he was very young. He went on to graduate from St. Catherines High School; he now owns a personal training company, is a business partner at Mt. Sinai Gym, 2045 Lathrop Ave., and co-manages Anytime Fitness, 7115 Durand Ave., Sturtevant.

He is a great success story. Yet, if DACA goes away completely, he wouldnt be able to continue in business here.

There needs to be a solution for Davalos-Alonso and all others in his situation. This solution cannot wait.

In six months, we cannot be talking about the expiring deadline.

As Ryan said in a press release issued Tuesday: However well-intentioned, President Obamas DACA program was a clear abuse of executive authority, an attempt to create law out of thin air. Just as the courts have already struck down similar Obama policy, this was never a viable long-term solution to this challenge  but now there is more to do, and the president has called on Congress to act.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday expressed shock and distress over the murder of senior Kannada journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, saying this cant and should not be tolerated.

Known for her fearless and independent views, Gauri Lankesh had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system, an All India Congress Committee (AICC) statement said quoting Gandhi.

The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This can not be and should not be tolerated.

It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry are raising its ugly head in our society.

Lankesh was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Condemning the debilitating attack, the Congress stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity, Gandhi said.

The AICC statement said that Gandhi had spoken to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and urged him to swiftly bring the culprits to book.

Every possible measure should be taken to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere in the state, she added.

Expressing her deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lankesh, Gandhi offered her prayers.
Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat on Wednesday said the country should be prepared for a two-front war, insisting China has started flexing its muscles, while there seems to be no scope for reconciliation with Pakistan whose military and polity saw an adversary in India.

Referring to the 73-day long Dokalam standoff, the Army chief warned that the situation could gradually snowball into a larger conflict on the northern border.

He said there is a possibility that these conflicts could be limited in space and time or can expand into an all out war along the entire frontier, with Pakistan taking advantage of the situation.

We have to be prepared. In our context, therefore, warfare lies within the realm of reality, he said, adding the Armys supremacy among the three services must be maintained to successfully combat external security threats.

The comments by Gen. Rawat came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on a forward-looking approach to Sino-India ties, putting behind the Dokalam standoff.

The Army Chief said India cannot afford to let its guard down against China.

As far as northern adversary is concerned, the flexing of muscle has started. The salami slicing, taking over territory in a very gradual manner, testing our limits of threshold is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations emerging which could gradually emerge into conflict, he said.

In military parlance salami slicing denotes divide and conquer process of threats and alliances used to overcome opposition.

He was speaking at a seminar organised by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies.

The Army chief also talked about China engaging in a psychological warfare by using the media and information technology against India during the Dokalam face-off.

The Army chief rejected the notion that credible deterrence could prevent war and pitched for adequate budgetary allocation for the armed forces.

Talking about Pakistan, Gen. Rawat said there was no scope for any reconciliation with that country.

As far as our western adversary is considered, we dont see any scope of reconciliation, because their military, the polity, and the people in that nation have been made to believe that there is an adversary, India, which is all out to break their nation into pieces, he said.

Gen. Rawat also wondered how long the country will continue to tolerate the proxy war by Pakistan and when it would conclude that Pakistan has crossed the threshold limit, adding the scope of a possible conflict is difficult to predict. He said it was for the political masters to take a call on the issue.

Rawat also explained that credible deterrence does not take away the threat of war.

Nuclear weapons are weapons of deterrence. Yes, they are. But to say that they can deter war or they will not allow nations to go to war, in our context that may also not be true, he said.
The friendship between India and Russia is solid like a rock, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov here on Wednesday.

According to a tweet by the Indian Embassy in Russia, Sushma Swaraj also said that there was no way this friendship could get weak.

Earlier in the day, she addressed the third Eastern Economic Forum, which is aimed at improving relations between the international investment community, Russian business and federal and local governments.

It is also aimed at making a comprehensive expert assessment of the economic potential of East Russia, as well as the improvement of the competitiveness and investment attractions of the region, both at the Russian and international levels.

Sushma Swaraj also held a meeting with Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.

Her visit here follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June this year.
The Press Council of India (PCI) today expressed concern over the murder of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh and asked Karnataka government for a detailed report on the incident.

The Kannada journalist-activist, known for her left- leaning outlook and forthright views on Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence last night.

PCI has noted with great concern the murder of Gauri Lankesh the Press Council has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and is issuing a notice to the state government for its detailed report, it said in a statement.

It said the governments should ensure the safety of the journalists and take timely preventive and remedial actions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The prime ministers visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India in 2016.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Amid reports of a rift in its Bihar unit, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met several party MLAs in the state and sought to know from them the political situation and also the future course of action.

Of the 27 Congress MLAs in Bihar, about 6-7 MLAs met Gandhi on Wednesday. The rest will meet him on Thursday.

Rahulji wanted to know from us what was happening in the state in after the Grand Alliance broke and took our suggestions on our future course of action in Bihar, said an MLA who attended Wednesdays meeting.

It is the high commands prerogative to change the state party leadership. But as of now, there is no infighting in the Congress state unit, the leader added.

Congress General Secretary in charge of Bihar C P Joshi said it was a regular meeting with the MLAs and their views were sought about the current political situation in the state.

Congress Legislature Party leader Sadanand Singh said that he did not attend Wednesdays meeting.

Congress Bihar unit President Ashok Choudhary had met party chief Sonia Gandhi on August 31 and said the state unit was united.
A 13-year-old rape survivor from Mumbai was granted permission by the Supreme Court (SC)on Wednesday to medically terminate her seven-month-old pregnancy, after considering a medical opinion of doctors.

The girl was allegedly raped by her fathers business partner. The accused is in Mumbai police custody.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Amitava Roy and AM Khanwilkar examined the medical report filed by a board of doctors of JJ hospital, Mumbai, set up by the court, and granted the permission for termination of pregnancy.

According to sources, the court asked the hospital authorities to conduct the termination of pregnancy on8 September. The girl would be admitted to the hospital a day before, reports said.

A petition was filed by the girls parents, seeking permission from the apex court for medical termination of her pregnancy, after they realised the reason of her obesity was not thyroid but pregnancy.

According to police sources, until that moment, she had not informed her parents about the sexual assault.

The 13-year-olds family resides in Charkop, Mumbai. Her father is a street vendor while mother is a homemaker.On August 13, she was released from Asha Dan shelter home in Byculla.

The 23-year-old accused lived with the girls family in Charkop and is suspected to have raped the girl on multiple occasions.

In August, a 10-year-old rape survivor from Chandigarh was denied permission by the SC to terminate her pregnancy as courts allow medical termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and only make an exception if the foetus is genetically abnormal.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday condemned the killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh at her Bengaluru home and demanded a speedy investigation.

Condemn killing of Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted and justice delivered. Condolences to the family, Irani said in a tweet.

Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted & justice delivered. Condolences to the family.  Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) September 6, 2017

Lankesh, 55, editor of a Kannada tabloid, was shot dead by three unidentified men who fired seven bullets at her after she returned home from her office.

Karnataka Police has launched a probe in to her killing. The three special teams set up to crack the case are on the lookout for the suspected assailants. We are taking the movements of people and vehicles at check posts and inter-state borders, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) MN Anucheth said.

Of the seven fired, four missed the target and hit the wall of the house. Three bullets had hit her  two in her chest area and one in the forehead, Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar had told reporters on Tuesday night.

In November, Lankesh was convicted in a defamation case against two BJP leaders and was out on on bail. She has published articles on them in 2008. She was sentenced to six months in jail and asked to pay Rs. 10,000 penalty.
Three militants of the banned Peoples Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK) were nabbed on Wednesday morning at Moreh, a town on the India-Myanmar border in Manipur, police said.

We received intelligence inputs to the effect that some militants may be coming to Moreh, said Sarangthem Ibomcha, Superintendent of Police of Tengoupal district under which Moreh falls.

Police and personnel of 12 Assam Rifles intercepted the three self-styled corporals at Sun Rise club ground in Moreh town. No weapons were found, he added.

PREPAK is an armed insurgent group in Manipur demanding a separate and independent homeland.

Ibomcha said that they had come to Manipur from their camps in Myanmar to carry out activities prejudicial to India.

Intelligence sources said that it is being examined whether they had deserted their camps in no mans land.

Ibomcha said: Police and security forces had beefed up security along the Manipur-Myanmar border to check possible influx of displaced Muslims from Myanmar.

However so far no displaced Rohingya has come towards India via Moreh, he added.

The arrests come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a three-day visit to Myanmar, starting Tuesday.

There have been arrests of some militants in the past few days who had sneaked into Manipur from no mans land.

Meanwhile, there is no indication when work on the 10 km long boundary fence at Moreh will be resumed. The work was suspended following complaints from Myanmar that its territory was being encroached upon.
Was the allocation of the heavyweight defence portfolio to the relatively junior Nirmala Sitharaman a snub from Narendra Modi to his senior ministers? According to the buzz in BJP circles, Modi is annoyed with some of the senior leaders in his cabinet because they refused to accept a change in their portfolios despite being asked to shift.

At least two senior ministers are believed to have said no to the defence portfolio while a third is supposed to have rejected a move to the railways ministry. They must have had their reasons but Modi must have seen it as a sign of unacceptable recalcitrance.

Sitharaman was a last minute decision. And by giving such a huge leg-up to someone who was just a minister of state with independent charge till the rejig, BJP circles feel that Modi has sent a warning to his senior ministers that he can promote or remove anyone at will. No one should feel that he or she cannot be touched because of seniority or connections to the RSS.

Sitharaman has been given a double promotion with her appointment as defence minister. She will now sit in the all important cabinet committee on security as an equal with those who were her mentors till yesterday. The other members are Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj, who inducted her into the BJP, and Arun Jaitley who pushed for her to join the Modi government in 2014.

Anchorman

BJP president Amit Shah anchored the last cabinet reshuffle on behalf of Narendra Modi. He asked for the resignations of ministers who were dropped and he informed the new ministers about their induction into the cabinet.

But this time, BJP organising secretary Ram Lal also played a leading role. Outgoing minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy must have known what was in store for him when he was summoned to meet Shah. But he must have also been surprised to see Ram Lal sitting with Shah when he walked into the room.

According to the buzz in BJP circles, when Rudy was informed that he was being dropped, he asked who he should give his resignation letter to. He was told to hand it over to Ram Lal. Although surprised that the organising secretary was being asked to handle the resignations, he turned to Ram Lal and asked when he should send him the letter.

Ram Lal airily said a couple of hours was fine. Rudy apparently retorted that he would not wait for two hours. He said he would submit his resignation immediately. And so he did, to Ram Lal, not Amit Shah.

BJP circles are wondering what the significance is of including Ram Lal in sensitive discussions related to the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Is it a signal of Ram Lals new clout in the party?

RBI data

Theories abound on the timing of the damaging demonetisation data released by the RBI. The data has come out on the eve of the cabinet reshuffle. Political circles wonder whether there is a message in this because the RBIs facts and figures have exploded the governments claims about the positive impact of demonetisation.

But the RBI may not have had an option. It was under tremendous pressure from Parliament to come clean on the amount of cash recovered in the demonetisation drive. At the last meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on finance in the second half of July, RBI governor Urjit Patel faced many tough questions from opposition leaders.

Congress leader Digivijaya Singh was particularly vocal and fired a volley of embarrassing questions at Patel. At one point, Singh got so exasperated that he asked Patel whether the demonetisation data would be made public before the 2019 Lok Sabha election!

Singhs crack drew a round of hearty laughter from the other MPs present, including Manmohan Singh. Significantly, in an earlier meeting, when Patel came under fire on the demonetisation issue from the same committee, it was Manmohan Singh who rescued the RBI governor. Having been an RBI governor himself, Singh warned the MPs that they should not attack a key institution like the central bank lest it lose it credibility, leading to a loss of faith in the countrys currency.

Smritis hands full

Smriti Irani has her hands full these days. Apart from running two ministries, she is also preparing to contest the Amethi seat against Rahul Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

She is believed to have drawn up a tough schedule for herself to spend at least three days every month in the constituency and get to know every nook and corner. She is also learning the local dialect so that she can endear herself to common folk in Amethi.

Actually, Irani has a gift for languages. She speaks fluent Bengali and Marathi apart from English, Hindi and Punjabi. In fact, Irani makes it a point to talk to Trinamool MPs in Bengali and totted up many brownie points on a personal level with them because of this. Similarly, she speaks to MPs from Maharashtra in Marathi.

Once she grasps the local dialect in Amethi, she will certainly have an advantage over Rahul who has only recently become fluent in Hindi.
88 kg gold smuggling: 2 more drivers arrested

Police have nabbed two more drivers in connection to the 88 kg gold smuggling case.
China fought its last war in 1979 against Vietnam. But it wasnt an unqualified success because Hanoi gave back as good as it got.

India fought its last war in 1971 ~ Kargil in 1999 was no more than a border skirmish ~ and it was quite a triumph since India succeeded in cutting its adversary, Pakistan, into two. It needs to be said, however, that both the 1979 and 1971 wars were not in the same league as the worldwide conflicts of the mid-20th century which were fought in land, air and sea and lasted for half a decade.

By that token, both China and India were spared the trauma of a prolonged warfare in the recent past. This may be the reason why China hasnt hesitated in the matter of provoking a perceived enemy ever since it was able to overcome the disastrous events in the aftermath of the Communist takeover of the country when it experienced famine and an internal power struggle exemplified in the cultural revolution and the flight and the death in an air crash of Lin Biao, a challenger to the Great Helmsman, Mao Zedong.

Having emerged from those near-apocalyptic events to become a powerful economic and military power, China is now seemingly bent on letting the world know about its strength.

Not surprisingly, it has been targeting India if only because the latter poses, more than any of Chinas other neighbours, a political threat by being a democracy in contrast to Chinas one-party dictatorship (which doesnt earn it much international respect) and a nuclear power whose military prowess, though not as formidable as Chinas, is not negligible.

China has appeared keen, therefore, to test Indias resolve by, first, doing away with the 2005 agreement not to disturb areas where there are settled populations and, secondly, via incursions along various points along the 4,057 km border between the two countries. Doklam in the trijunction of India, Bhutan and China saw the latest of these intrusions. But it may well turn out to be one of the last because China has realized that India has decided to take it on frontally even at the risk of a war.

It is possible that 20 or 30 years earlier, China would not have minded a short, sharp war as in 1962. Hence, perhaps, the repeated references to that year in its bellicose semi-official communiques during the Doklam standoff.

The Chinese probably believed that India would take fright at the possibility of being vaporised, as the Chinese media threatened. But when this did not happen and India remained cool and unperturbed, Beijing apparently lost the plot because it realized that a war is inadvisable in the present era of trade.

Its dilemma was all the greater because it knew that even a short, sharp war would undermine its vaunted Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the South Asia region and perhaps elsewhere as well because the conflict would show up Chinas reckless belligerence which would be out of sync with commercial enterprises. It is evident that projects like the BRI and the emphasis on trade as a result of globalization have had a dampening effect on warmongers.

North Korea is an exception because of its closed economy. But since nearly all the countries are now interlinked in myriad ways through trade and commerce, none of them is eager for a major disruptive misadventure. Neither is China.

All that it wants to do at present is seemingly to throw its weight around so that the others will simply back off, whether in the South China Sea or in South Asia. But for all its sabre-rattling, it is unlikely to opt for war.

The fallout of this compulsive recourse to restraint on Chinas part is that India can breathe easy since even there are more Doklamtype provocations, as the Indian army chief, Gen. Bipin Rawat, has warned, the chances of a war are minimal.

At the same time, it will be unrealistic to expect that China will opt for a harmonious settlement of the border question since it will be difficult for it to pull back after having ratcheted up its demand like the one for the virtual annexation of Arunachal Pradesh, which China calls southern Tibet. Besides, war or no war, China is scared about being seen as a country which has thrown in the towel.

A dictatorship simply cannot afford to be seen as being weak lest it encourages its captive population to demand a greater say in governance. Indeed, the present de-escalation of the crisis in Doklam is bad news for President Xi Jinping on the eve of the party congress, for the lowering of the tension with India and Bhutan has scuttled his plans for posing as the new Mao.

This explains why China says that it is continuing to exercise its sovereign rights in Doklam and may even restart the project of building the road ~ if weather permits ! ~ which has been put on hold in the aftermath of the entry of the Indian troops into the plateau.

(The writer is a former Assistant Editor, The Statesman)
Since Independence, a common failing of successive Governments has been a noticeable gap between promise and performance. Tall promises are made for the betterment of every conceivable thing, expectations soar but the situation on the ground hardly ever changes. Repeated failures of the Government to deliver on its promises have led to a deep mistrust of politicians and bureaucrats in the minds of the common people.

It is not as if all persons in authority are necessarily corrupt or do not care for the public good. Well thought-out schemes are rolled out, enough funds are allocated but the results are generally not on expected lines. An unbiased systemic study of the reasons for the failure of Government in providing essential services and the monumental inefficiency of Government enterprises like the Railways and Air India has not been attempted so far. Based only on my long association with the Government, I daresay that the non-performance of the lower level of Government functionaries is responsible for most of the failures of the Government.

Consider a simple case; most of the roads in cities are never cleaned. Who is responsible? Obviously, the municipal employees entrusted with the task of cleaning those particular roads. However, such defaulting employees are never even identified, let alone penalised. Probably, the Municipal Commissioner is afraid that if he acts against even a single employee the entire municipal work force will go on strike and he (the Commissioner) would be transferred out with an adverse remark. Consider this: enforcement of biometric attendance in New Delhi Municipal Corporation in 2009 revealed that 18 per cent of its employees were non-existent. More than massive corruption, this showed that the performance of the municipal staff was so dismal that their absence was not even noticed.

Though there have been news reports and articles on the Gorakhpur deaths and the Khatauli derailment, but the common thread running between the two tragedies ~ the callous attitude of Class 3 and Class 4 Government staff ~ has not been adequately highlighted. Preliminary reports of the rail mishap suggest that railway gangmen removed a part of the track without warning, even when they were fully aware that a number of trains were to pass on the tracks soon. Surprisingly, topmost railway officers have been punished for the default of the junior most staff. After the Gorakhpur tragedy, the Government has acted against senior doctors but has not probed the role of the persons actually managing the oxygen supply. The UP Chief Minister blamed lack of sanitation for the deaths, but he did not even name the persons responsible for the poor sanitation in the hospital.

Such mishaps occur despite detailed operating procedures being laid down for gangmen, sanitation staff etc. (such instructions are often prominently displayed on walls or posters) because such procedures are almost never followed; the junior staff being almost totally unaccountable in Government offices. Since the entire accountability for their juniors default lies on seniors, complaints to higher officials only elicit helplessness. After the roads in Ahmedabad and Mumbai were washed away by rains, it emerged that all roads were constructed under the supervision of six municipal employees. Everyone conveniently blamed road-building contractors for the broken roads, but the major part of the blame lies with the road supervisors who acquiesced in the construction of such substandard roads. This is the reason why the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (BMC) went hammer and tongs after the DJ who sang that innocent ditty about poor roads.

One of the reasons for the tyranny of non-gazetted staff is that they outnumber their officers by 20 to 1. Junior staff is generally non-transferable so they also enjoy a home turf advantage. Additionally, government staff in every office is heavily unionised. By experience, the staff know that when it comes to the crunch they can browbeat their seniors. In case of strife between officers and non-gazetted staff, the Governments stand is consistent and clear; it always favours the staff. In such cases, officers are cautioned to be tactful, i.e. not to precipitate a conflict at any cost.

Disciplinary procedures in the Government are so convoluted that it is next to impossible to punish a delinquent employee. The process is such that only a brave and foolhardy person would even think of initiating disciplinary proceedings against anyone. In practical terms, the maximum punishment meted out for the gravest default is a transfer, which for junior staff means going to another section in the same organisation.

Lack of suitable remuneration is not the reason for non-performance of lower-level government functionaries who earn much more than their private sector counterparts. For example, senior government drivers and peons are paid more than Rs 60,000 per month. Viewed in this context, the lack of devotion to duty of junior staff is inexcusable. Can we bring the recalcitrant government staff to heel? Yes, if the Government is prepared to risk the wrath of its employees, who are a valuable votebank and who also conduct elections all over India. On the other hand, if the Government can make its lower-level employees work, it would be able to implement any agenda fully.

In this context, the much reviled Emergency revealed an unknown facet of public servants. During the Emergency, public servants would do their jobs without fuss and would consistently achieve almost impossible tasks like running trains on time. This has a valuable lesson for the present; the Government can perform well if the fear of God was put in its minions.

The armed forces are probably the only organisation in the country left with credibility and effectiveness which is due only to the discipline of its soldiers. Whenever the situation gets out of hand, be it floods, an earthquake or civil unrest it is the army which is called in by civilian authorities. If we had that kind of discipline in the civilian sphere we would have long surpassed the rest of the world in every field.

A beginning in enforcing discipline could be made by taking employees and unions on board about the proposed changes in the Governments work ethic. The Government should state clearly that henceforth non-performance would not be tolerated and non-performers would be suitably dealt with. Second, the Government can empower middle level officers to discipline the staff working under them. Currently, only very senior officers have the necessary disciplinary power, which is seldom put to use. Finally, disciplinary procedures have to be simplified so that quick and meaningful action can be taken against delinquent employees. Our present Government is making a sincere attempt to bring about a quantum change in many spheres, but to succeed the Government needs to sharpen and reshape the tools at its command.

Otherwise, as Robert Burns told the mouse:

But, Mousie, thou art no thy lane [you arent alone]

In proving foresight may be vain:

The best laid schemes o mice an men Gang aft a-gley, [often go awry]

An leae us nought but grief an pain,

For promised joy. ( To a Mouse, 1786)
However distresssing, it is a well-grounded trend in two very different parts of the world. In Pakistan and Kenya, the Head of Government and State have been disqualified by the respective Supreme Courts. Given the circumstances in both countries, there can be no life in the debate on judicial intervention in governance. Less than two months after Nawaz Sharif was disqualified on corruption charges, the victory of Uhuru Kenyatta in the recent presidential election has been declared invalid with an order to hold another vote within 60 days. For Kenya, the directive to nullify the result is historic and will doubtless sharpen the contest for the presidential palace in Nairobi between Kenyatta and veteran opposition leader, Raila Odinga.

It is a watershed development in the east African nation and sets a unique precedent for the continent. While Kenyatta has called for peace, peace, peace that is the nature of democracy, his pledge to fix the judiciary over the poll annulment is decidedly at odds with his rhetorical address to the nation. The six-judge Bench has ruled 4-2 in favour of a petition filed by Odinga, who claimed the electronic voting results were hacked and manipulated in favour of the incumbent.

Kenyatta was declared the election winner with 54 per cent of the vote, a signal of victory that has been trashed by the court. Markedly, the judiciary has neither blamed Kenyatta nor his party, but the Election Commission ~ It has failed, neglected or refused to conduct the presidential election in a manner consistent with the dictates of the Constitution. Implicit in that indictment is the reality in Kenya, specifically that the EC has played the Presidents game.

If the judgment was greeted with whistles, song and dance, it is suggestive of the unusually independent assertion of the judiciary which has traditionally acted on the whims of the presidency. The decision has surprised many in Kenya and Africa in the wider canvas. In the whole world, all eyes were on this Supreme Court and the judges did the right thing, was the general refrain. The court has set an exceptional example for all of Africa, was the immediate response of the National Super Alliance (Nasa) coalition leader, Raila Odinga. Our judiciary now knows they have the power.

We thank the Supreme Court for standing up for the truth. The judiciary has pronounced its verdict even at the risk of political chaos in east Africas biggest economy, indeed a country with a history of disputed elections and political violence. The chief cause of surprise must be that the court took as long as it did to speak bravely and well. The judgment has no precedent anywhere in Africa; it signifies a triumph of democracy and the rule of law.
Across the world, there is a growing problem with antibiotics  there have been years of misuse by patients, doctors and even farmers seeking greater yields from livestock, with the result that microbes have learned to live with these once potent drugs.

Ramanan Laxminarayan, formerly of the Public Health Foundation of India and now director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy in Washington DC, has highlighted how the greatest burden of resistant disease falls on low and middle-income countries. India, in particular, has an issue with antibiotic use, surpassing even China for the highest number of sales in 2014. Growing economic success may give India the dubious privilege of achieving not just the highest use in humans, but also in animals  in 2030 India is predicted to be the greatest user of antibiotics in livestock.

Clearly, one solution to this global crisis would simply be to use fewer doses of antibiotics, to help preserve them for the most serious infections. However, without a long campaign of education and the watertight enforcement of bans on inappropriate antibiotic use, this approach is doomed to failure. Can we develop new antibiotics quickly enough to overcome the rise of resistance?

Again, this approach may be destined to fail because microbes have been fighting each other with natural antibiotics for billions of years and somewhere in nature there probably already exists an answer to drugs that kill microbes, or slow down their rate of growth. Worryingly, many microorganisms have the ability to cooperate to build structures called bio-films that provide physical protection from drugs; bugs in bio-films live in sufficient proximity to each other to allow the exchange of the pieces of genetic information required for resistance. Resistance, then, seems an almost insurmountable problem.

Given such issues, many scientists are now looking for an alternative route to protection against microbes. Simply separating people and bugs has always been an effective strategy  washing hands is one of the most valuable lessons taught to young children, and campaigns such as SuperAmma have seen significant changes in behaviour that should lower the burden of disease.

Can we find other ways of separating ourselves from microbes that would be useful in preventing the infections of skin wounds such as burns, lowering the numbers of dangerous bacteria that we carry in our noses and throats (such as the bacteria that cause a form of meningitis or pneumonia) or that can protect our eyes from devastating fungal infections? Even better, can we do this without causing the microbes to fight back with drug-killing resistance?

The approach that we have taken at the University of Sheffield came originally from a study of how our cells stick together to form tissues such as skin. There are structures on the surfaces of cells that resemble Velcro  highly organised patches of adhesive molecules that enable cells to cling tightly together. In some cases, these are long-lasting and static, providing leak-proof seals around blood vessels. In other cases they are shortlived and dynamic, allowing mobility, for instance when our white blood cells are travelling through tissues to get to the site of an infection.

We discovered that some types of bacteria and yeasts can hijack the dynamic sites, to allow them to stick to our tissues even when our defences try to dislodge them with mucus, tears or rapidly-flowing blood. This is the starting point of an infection, when a colony of microorganisms attaches and starts to grow, often penetrating deeper into tissues to cause serious disease. Even superficial infections can cause problems, by preventing the healing of bed-sores and ulcers in the elderly, for example. Different types of microbes use different types of human molecules to cling to and targeting all of them would be very expensive. Our approach is not to target the molecular hooks themselves but the material in which they are held to form the sticky patches. On Velcro, hooks are embedded in a base layer of woven material but on our cells this is formed by a sort of molecular raft called a microdomain.

We have discovered how to weaken one type of microdomain, in a way that is analagous to stretching Velcro, pulling the molecular hooks further apart and significantly lowering the stickiness of the patches on cells. By addressing only one type of microdomain, we have found that we do not affect the normal behaviour of our cells, but we do make bacteria and fungi much easier to wash away.

In a sophisticated three-dimensional model of human skin, we lowered the burden of a common hospital-acquired infection (Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA) using a cheap and simple application of natural protein fragments called peptides. These peptides did not prevent wound-healing in the skin and, importantly, they did not affect the growth of the bacteria. In the absence of a direct action on the bugs themselves, resistance cannot spread through a population and so the peptides should be an effective, long-term treatment for infections.

Our more recent work has also shown that combinations of peptides and conventional antibiotics are able to prevent infections, even when using drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. We believe that combinations of new and old approaches may be an important way of fighting infections in the future, giving new life to existing antibiotics and extending the life spans of new ones when they reach the clinic.

The writer is professor of immunology, University of Sheffield, UK
The scrapping of the Obama-era amnesty programme known as Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA) by US President Donald Trump has not gone down well with the american tech giants. The top bosses of companies, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, have expressed displeasure over the move and pledged to stand by their employees after the Trump administration scrapped the amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children.

Former US President Barack Obama, too, deplored the move on his Twitter handle. He also posted the link of his Facebook page to access the detailed statement on the issue.

To target hopeful young strivers who grew up here is wrong, because theyve done nothing wrong. My statement: https://t.co/TCxZdld7L4  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 5, 2017

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday scrapped an Obama-era programme known as Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA), a move likely to impact 800,000 undocumented workers including more than 7,000 Indian-Americans. Microsoft and Apple are offering the most full-throated defence of Dreamers undocumented individuals who have been in the US since they were young and registered with the federal government to get work permits.

Apple CEO Tim Cook condemned the Trump administrations decision and pledged in a note to employees to offer any employees affected by the change the support they need, including the advice of immigration experts.

250 of my Apple coworkers are #Dreamers. I stand with them. They deserve our respect as equals and a solution rooted in American values.  Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 3, 2017

Apple will fight for its Dreamers, Cook tweeted. #Dreamers contribute to our companies and our communities just as much as you and I. Apple will fight for them to be treated as equals, he tweeted.

#Dreamers contribute to our companies and our communities just as much as you and I. Apple will fight for them to be treated as equals.  Tim Cook (@tim_cook) September 5, 2017

Youre going to have to go through us to deport Dreamers who work here, Microsoft said, adding it will stick by its employees affected by any change to DACA, even in court. If Congress fails to act, our company will exercise its legal rights properly to help protect our employees, Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith wrote in a blog post.

If the government seeks to deport any one of them, we will provide and pay for their legal counsel, Smith wrote, of the 39 Dreamers who work at Microsoft. He said the company would also seek to intervene in those cases. Dreamers make our country & communities stronger. We stand for diversity and economic opportunity for everyone. Legislation to protect 800,000 #Dreamers is an economic & humanitarian imperative. Congress needs to act quickly, Nadella tweeted.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, meanwhile, spoke out against the decision to rescind DACA and encouraged users to call Congress to support a measure that would enact the DACA program created by an executive order by then-President Obama into law.

Googles India born CEO Sundar Pichai took to Twitter to call on Congress to act to defend the DACA. Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co- workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers, Pichai tweeted.

Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co-workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers  Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) September 5, 2017

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shared his thoughts on the DACA repeal in a tweet, Its against our values to turn our backs on #DREAMers. Everyone deserves a chance to work, study and contribute  the #AmericanDream!

There currently are nearly 800,000 individuals in the US who arrived in the country as undocumented immigrants when they were children.

(With inputs from PTI)
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has denied any warming of relations with regional rival Iran after Tehran thanked Riyadh for its handling of the annual hajj pilgrimage.

If Iran wants to have good relations with Saudi Arabia, it has to change its policies. It has to respect international law, Jubeir told a press conference in London on Tuesday.

The hajj is a religious obligation, it has nothing to do with politics, he added, referring to the pilgrimage which forms one of the five pillars of Islam.

Despite the two countries having severed diplomatic relations in January 2016 after Iranians stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran, some 86,000 Iranian pilgrims took part in the hajj last week.

Iranians had been unable to participate in 2016 after talks collapsed over security concerns, following a stampede the previous year which killed up to 2,300 people, including hundreds of Iranians.

On Tuesday Iran had thanked Saudi Arabia for running a successful hajj this year, saying it opened the way for negotiations.

We thank Saudi Arabia for adopting a new approach in dealing with Iranian pilgrims, said Ali Ghazi-Askar, the head of the hajj organisation in Tehran, according to the state broadcaster.

He added that it marked an opportunity for the two sides to resolve their bilateral issues in other fields.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was more cautious, saying he had yet to see a clear prospect for change in the relationship.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif will pay an official visit to China on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said on Wednesday.

Chinese leaders will meet Asif and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him.

China believes the visit will boost practical cooperation in building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and communication of both sides on international and regional affairs, the spokesperson said.
Unnerved by the raids of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe terror funding in Kashmir by Pakistan, the three top separatist leaders, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin malik, on Wednesday announced their decision to court arrest at the NIAs Delhi headquarters on Saturday.

The Mirwaiz and Malik sat on dharna with their supporters at the Jamia Masjid in the old part of Srinagar and announced their decision in a joint press conference while the NIA was busy searching eleven places in Kashmir and five places in Delhi in connection with terror funding. They alleged that the NIA had launched a vilification exercise against the separatist leadership, but we are not afraid of such tactics, they said.

We have decided to fly to New Delhi on 9 September, and hold a demonstration there. We will court arrest at the NIA headquarters because we are their main targets, said the separatist leaders.

They said that the central agency has terrorised the whole Kashmiri by repeatedly raiding houses of separatists and traders. The Modi government is using the NIA to harass the leaders, businessmen and student community, which has been at the forefront of peaceful protests, alleged Mirwaiz.

They alleged that the NIA investigations against prominent separatist leaders and businessmen of Kashmir were an attempt to divert the attention from the Kashmir issue. The government does not want to solve the Kashmir issue and is now using NIA to divert the attention from it, they claimed.

Mirwaiz alleged that the electronic media and social media were being used for a vicious propaganda against Kashmiris.

Mirwaiz and Malik said they were not afraid of jails, which are already full of Kashmiri leaders and youth under preventive custody. We are not afraid of going to jail but we will not allow vilification and insult of the people of Kashmir for demanding their right to self-determination. We will continue our struggle. Let them keep the jails ready, we are ready to face it, Mirwaiz said.

Seven separatists have already been arrested by the agency on the charges of waging war against the country in an alleged case of funding.

The Mirwaiz tweeted invitation for the very important press conference at 1 pm in the Jamia Masjid where he delivers sermons to the people during the Friday prayers.

The NIA had first raided several places in Srinagar, Jammu, Haryana and Delhi after a separatist leader in a TV sting claimed they were getting money from Pakistan for fanning terrorism, burning schools and organize stone pelting at the security forces. Thereafter, raids were conducted from time to time as interrogation of the arrested separatists progressed.

Geelani and Mirwaiz have almost every day been issuing statements against the NIA eversince Geelanis son-in-law was arrested and his two sons were summoned by the NIA for interrogation. A politically connected businessman of Kashmir accused of routing hawala money to the separatists has been arrested and was being questioned in Delhi. A photo-journalist who allegedly fanned unrest and also pelted stones has also been arrested by the NIA.

The separatists had called for Kashmir bandh last month against the NIA raids.
The son of former Honduran President Porfirio Lobo has been sentenced in New York to 24 years in prison after revealing his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.

Fabio Lobo, 46, pleaded guilty in May 2016, admitting yesterday that he worked with drug traffickers and Honduran police to ship cocaine into the United States. US District Judge Lorna G. Schofield also fined him 50,000 and ordered him to forfeit 267,000.

Lobo confessed to a 2009 to 2014 conspiracy, nearly matching the years from 2010 to 2014 when his father was president.

The charge carried a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.

Lobo was brought to the US in May 2015 to face charges he conspired to smuggle over 5 kilograms of cocaine into the country.

Prior to the announcement of the sentence, Lobo cried and apologized.

In a release, Acting US Attorney Joon H Kim said Lobo had sought to assist traffickers and enrich himself.

Lobo used his fathers position and his own connections to bring drug traffickers together with corrupt police and government officials, Kim said.

Prosecutors said Lobo had connected large-scale Honduran drug traffickers with high-level officials such as sitting Honduran congressmen as well as customs, military and law enforcement personnel.

They said he began engaging with drug traffickers while his father was running for president in 2009, enabling his father to receive bribes from members of a drug organization known as the Cachiros. Prosecutors said the organization used connections with politicians, military personnel and law enforcement to transport cocaine.

According to the release, the US government discovered that the drug organization paid over USD 500,000 to Lobos father to secure political protection from law enforcement investigations, to prevent extradition to the US and to obtain contracts from Honduran government agencies for money laundering front companies used by the drug organisation.
Three Afghan civilians were injured after a suicide bomber struck a gate of a main US and NATO forces base in eastern Afghanistan, an official said.

The blast occurred outside an entry control point at Bagram Airfield, in Bagram District, Parwan Province at 5.38 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, the NATO-led coalition forces said in a statement.

Meantime, a spokesman of Afghan Interior Ministry said that three Afghan civilians were wounded by the explosion, Xinhua news agency reported.

The assailant was killed on the spot.

The coalition forces statement added that the injured were being treated at Bagram medical facilities.

Bagram Airfield is secure and the incident is being investigated. More information will be provided as it becomes available, the statement noted.

The Taliban militant group has claimed responsibility for it.

Bagram Airfield, 50 km north of Kabul, has been serving as the main US and NATO military base within the past 16 years.
Australia announces Rs 160 million aid for Nepal flood survivors

Australian government has announced an aid of two million Australian Dollar (around Rs 160 million) for the rehabilitation of flood-affected people in Nepal.
Since January, On Rock has taken on 100 more families onto their food basket program.
Bajhang women sceptical about effective implementation of law

More than a decade after the Supreme Court ruled against Chhaupadi, an ancient Hindu practice that banishes women during menstruation and after childbirth, Parliament on August 9 enacted a new law criminalising the centuries-old custom. The move was hugely welcomed by rights activists
Two people, including a child, hospitalized following one of three crashes in just over an hour in St. John's Sunday night

Two people were sent to hospital following one of three crashes in just a little more than an hour in St. Johns Sunday night. One of the crashes happened on the Robert E. Howlett highway at Heavy Tree Road at about 7:40 p.m. and left a pickup and an ...
DPM Mahara off to China for six-day visit

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, left for Beijing, China, leading a four-member delegation on a six-day official visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday.
Festive offers to encourage buying

Its that time of the year where automobile companies in Nepal are offering their festive offers to celebrate two of Nepals biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar.
But the tribe has a long way to go
Oil prices slipped on Wednesday as crude demand remained subdued due to the refinery closures that followed after Hurricane Harvey hit the US Gulf coast 10 days ago.

Although many refineries, pipelines and ports that were knocked out by Harvey are now restarting, analysts said it will take weeks before the US petroleum industry is back to capacity.

As of Tuesday, about 3.8 million barrels of daily refining capacity, or about 20 per cent, was shut, though a number of the refineries were in the process of restarting. Several others were running at reduced rates, according to company reports and Reuters estimates.

Focus was also being drawn to massive Category 5 storm Hurricane Irma, which is barrelling towards the Caribbean and Florida and could knock out other refineries.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $48.58 barrel, eight cents, or 0.2 per cent, below their last settlement.

Fuel storage data due for release later on Wednesday by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and on Thursday by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) is expected to give a better view of how big Harveys impact was on US fuel inventories, although analysts said it will take a few weeks longer to get a complete picture.

In international oil markets, Brent crude futures dipped 19 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $53.19 a barrel.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Irma churns towards Caribbean islands and the United States.

With another hurricane threatening to hit the US coast, traders still remain cautious, ANZ bank said on Wednesday.

Around 250,000 barrels of daily refining capacity in the Dominican Republic and Cuba lies in the immediate path of Irma, Thomson Reuters Eikon data showed, with several tankers seen on satellite images changing their routes to avoid the storm.

Maximum sustained winds are near 185 mph (295 km/h) with higher gusts. Irma is an extremely dangerous Category 5 hurricane ... Irma is forecast to remain a powerful Category 4 or 5 hurricane during the next couple of days, the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

There is also another tropical storm on Irmas heels in the Atlantic, and another one active in the Gulf of Mexico.

Longer-term, the oil industry outlook is for ample supplies and low prices as crude output remains high among the three biggest producing regions: Russia, the Middle East, and North America.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday he expected the 2018 price of Brent crude to be in the range of $45 to $55 per barrel.

Analysts said oil companies had adjusted to lower prices by cutting costs and thanks to improved refinery margins.

The oil majors are looking more comfortable at lower oil prices, posting strong quarterly results in Q2 despite weaker upstream revenue, BMI Research said in a note.
Ibrahim Ghunaim, or MC Gaza as he likes to be called, raps to a different beat in an Islamist-ruled Palestinian enclave rocked by internal conflict and three wars with Israel over the past decade.

The 25-year-old, who grew up listening to American rapper Eminem, began rapping when he was 13 and hopes for an international career one day. I believe I was born to become a rapper, said Ghunaim.

It took years to change the public perception of hip hop in the conservative Gaza Strip, which the Hamas movement seized in 2007 from forces loyal to Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Rappers in Gaza did not have an easy start, and their first performance in 2005 to celebrate Israels withdrawal of troops and settlers did not go down well.

At the show, a pioneer rap band had to flee the stage after a crowd was angered by what it viewed as offensive hand gestures by the performers.

Ghunaims songs focus on Gazas high unemployment, womens rights, young Palestinians jailed by Israel for alleged security offences and the absence of peace. This year alone, hes written 25 songs. He sings mostly nationalist songs, about social issues and about our life, Ghunaims mother, Adeeba, 64, said as he helped her prepare lunch.

But while social and political tensions and violence provide ample material for his lyrics, Gaza itself is far from fertile ground for nourishing hip hop careers.

It is tough enough for ordinary Palestinians to make a living in the tiny coastal territory hemmed in by Israel and Egypt. Citing security concerns, the two countries have contributed to Gazas woes by keeping tight restrictions on the movement of people and goods across its borders.

Many local hip hop performers have either migrated or stopped performing because they cannot find sponsorship, Ghunaim said, adding that he was also looking to leave, though not before he makes his mark at home.

He is working on a new album that he says will be his final one in Gaza.

I am making it the best of all of my works. I am using 10 kinds of music merged together, and that is the first time in the rap art here and abroad, he said.

I want to become famous before I quit Gaza.
The awards night at the LIFFT India Filmotsav 2017 had filmmaker Leena Yadav's Parched and Mangesh Joshi's Lathe Joshi take home three awards, while Mango Dreams bagged two awards.

The evening began here on Wednesday, with the melodious musician Vidya Shah enthralling a houseful of enthusiasts which included, veteran actress Tanuja, director Avinash Das, journalist Nandita Puri, veteran filmmaker Govind Nihalani, actress Mita Vasishth, former director of National School of Drama and veteran actor Ram Gopal Bajaj, among others. Musician Leslie Lewis rocked the night with some of his personal numbers which are yet to see the daylight but were exclusively played at the extravaganza.

Before the winners were announced, late actor Om Puri was remembered. The festival honoured Narayan for his work in Fine Arts.

Parched won three trophiesBest Cinematography which was won by Russell Carpenter, Best Ensemble Cast and Best Costume which went to Ashima Belapurkar. Mango Dreams bagged two awards with Pankaj Tripathi winning the Supporting Role Category Male and John Upchurch for the Best Screenplay. Lathe Joshi on the other hand took home the Best Feature Film, Best Supporting Actor Female won by Ashvini Girl and the Best Director Award by Mangesh Joshi.

There were a total of 29 categories of awards. The jury which consisted of Gopal bajaj, Dolly Thakore, Gyan Sarah, Atul Tiwari, Suhail Tatami, Shefali Bhushan and Parag Chhapekar, chose Peter Engleman from Hungary for his project #Help under the category Best Student Film.

While filmmaker Govind Nihalani's debut Marathi film Ti Ani Itar and Sunaina Bhatnagar's Dear Maya bagged the Jury Award. Eh Janam Tumhare Lekhe bagged the Best Biopic award.

Ricardo Herrera won the Best Actor Male for his performance in Shining Moon while Jaya Seal took home the Best Actor Female for her work in Alifa.Sandeep Kothari clinched the Best Child Actor Male award for his performance in Pinti Ka Sabun.

Gun Mihani won the Best Child Actress award for her work in Mum, while Pramod Pathak's Pinti Ka Sabun took home the Best Children's Film.

Best Producer was won by Pragati Kolage for her first Marathi film Palyadwasi. Best Debut Director was bagged by William Gonzalez for She, The Sergeant Matache.

Iranian director Sadegh Jayaraj clinched the award for Best Documentary for Weavers of Imagination. Best Green Film, Stolen river which is based on Indian river Ganga by Christina Danka.
BJP national president Amit Shah has reached Bhubaneswar on Wednesday on a three-day visit to Odisha. One of the main purposes of Shah's visit is to make the party workers battle ready for the 2019 assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The party chief will address one lakh BJP office bearers on Friday at Janta Maidan in the capital city where partys national executive was held in last April. Shah is accompanied by Union minister Prakash Javadekar.

This is Shahs fifth visit to the state after becoming the party chief. He was in the state in July and visited three districts, including Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks home turf Ganjam, in connection with the booth contact programme. During the visit, Shah had expressed confidence that the BJP will get 120 out of 147 seats in state assembly polls due in early 2019.

During the three-day visitnamed 'vistrit pravas' (prolonged stay)Shah will focus mainly on interaction with party workers. He will meet party office bearers, leaders of frontal wings, MLAs, ex-MLAs, MPs and ex-MPs and district leaders. The party chief will also meet with intellectuals and eminent citizens in the state.

Dharmendra Pradhan, who has just been promoted to the rank of Union cabinet minister, compared Shahs visit to an army general visiting his troops. Pradhan, who is being considered as the party's chief ministerial candidate, said Shah's meeting with the party workers is important for the BJP's 'mission 120' programme.

Pradhan's elevation from Union minister of state (independent) to cabinet minister in the recent reshuffle and granting him the additional department of skill development besides his petroleum and natural gas ministry has emboldened the state BJP. The promotion of Pradhan has also indicated that the saffron party is serious about 'mission 120' in the state.

During his address of party workers, Shah is expected to exhort them to reach every nook and corner of the state and prepare for the election. According to party sources, the one lakh party office bearers, who will attend the address by the party chief, will be told to get 100 votes each to ensure that party secures one crore votes, making it possible for the party to reach the target of 120 seats.

After breaking alliance with the BJD, the vote share of BJP was 26.74 lakh in 2009 general election which came down to 12 lakh in 2014. However, in the last panchayat election, the party managed to win 55 lakh votes. The office bearers will be asked to focus on the anti-incumbency, weakness of the Congress and the good work being done by the Narendra Modi government.

The saffron party was in cheerful spirits after the good performance in Februarys rural body elections as the BJP pushed Congress to a poor third position besides reducing the dominance of the BJD. The next challenge the party faces is the urban body polls due in the later part of 2018. Since there are speculations that the general election may be advanced and may take place by 2018, both the BJP and the BJD are trying hard to work on their organisational strength.

Commenting on Shah's visit to the state, BJD spokesperson Rabi Narayan Nanda said such high drama will not work in the state, adding that people of Odisha have been with Patnaik and will continue to stay with him. BJD president and CM Naveen Patnaik too is confident that the saffron party won't be able to achieve its 120 target.

While the BJP and the BJD have an active organisational front, the Congress is trying to bring in changes in the PCC with a new PCC chief taking over. The internal bickering in the Congress is the reason for the party's downward slide.

BJDs senior ministers Surya Narayan Patra and Bijoyshree Routray said the party is confident that its strength will increase from 117 to 123 after the assembly elections. However, BJD spokesperson Prashanta Nanda said Patra and Routray have expressed their personal views, adding that the party is working to win all 147 seats.

Not to be left behind, the Congress, notwithstanding its numerous problems, said it hopes to win at least 85 seats. Senior party leader Suresh Kumar Routray, who is the father-in-law of PCC president Prasad Harichandan said the party will return to power in the state, winning 85 seats. The Congress was in power in the state till 2000 in the state.
Five days after the death of Anitha, a dalit medical aspirant from Ariyalur, who had gone to the Supreme Court demanding exemption for Tamil Nadu students from the National Eligibility and Entrance Test, protests across the state have intensified.

Students holding placards and shouting slogans like 'Justice for Anitha' and 'Ban NEET' protested at the memorial of former chief minister Jayalalithaa at the Marina beach in Chennai.

During her election campaign at Palayamkottai last year, Madam Jayalalithaa had promised that students like us would not be put to stress in the name of NEET and that NEET would not come to Tamil Nadu. But now the ministers from her own party have got us NEET and thereby killed Anitha, said Manohar Rajan, a protesting student.

Hundreds of students, belonging to the SFI, boycotted their classes and gathered at Marina on Wednesday afternoon. They began meditating in front of her grave demanding a ban on NEET.

When EPS (Chief Minister Edappady Palaniswami) and OPS (Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam) can sit in meditation here, why cant we meditate? This is a public place. The police are not allowing us to meditate here, said one of the girl students. The protesting students were forcibly evicted by police from the memorial. Minutes later, the beach-side grave of Jayalalithaa, which witnessed Panneerselvams rebellion, V.K. Sasikalas three-time vow and the coming together of EPS and OPS factions, was closed for public entry.

Meanwhile, a few kilometers away from the memorial, the students at New College launched an indefinite sit in protest demanding a ban on NEET. At Loyola College, while the gates were closed, the students boycotted their classes to take part in protests. The students raised slogans against NEET and condemned the state and central governments for Anithas death.

Everyone is responsible for Anithas death including the state and Central governments. The politicians cant just escape. They will definitely feel the pinch when there is an election, said Radhika Vijayan, a first year student.

The state has been witnessing massive protests by students unions and youth outfits ever since Anitha allegedly committed suicide on last Friday. Her death came a week after the Supreme Court refused to give exemption to Tamil Nadu from NEET.
West Bengal BJP has asked the state government to exhume the body of MP Sultan Ahmed and send it for postmortem. Ahmed died on last Sunday at his home after suffering severe heart attack. He was declared brought dead at a private hospital at around 12.15 pm. Postmortem was not conducted and his body was buried on the same day.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed the central government for the death of Ahmed, who was a prominent Muslim leader of West Bengal.

He was chased by CBI in Narada case. Even on the day he died CBI sent him a notice. He died after that, an angry Mamata told reporters after visiting Ahmeds house.

The BJP said that the normal procedure when a person is declared brought dead at the hospital is to send the body for postmortem. But in Ahmeds case it was not done. I dare the West Bengal government to exhume his body and send it for postmortem. Lot of things would be unraveled, said Dilip Ghosh, BJP president in West Bengal.

Ghosh said that Ahmed was pressured by his own party as he had divulged too much information to the CBI regarding the Narada sting operation and about the accused in the case.

He was hounded by the Trinamool leaders for speaking up. Such a big leader in the state died in such a situation but there is no murmur. There were no tears in the eyes of the leaders of his party,said Ghosh.

A former Union minister and a standing MP, state government has not ordered any probe into the death of Ahmed. Also, there was no state mourning. According to sources in CBI, Ahmed had admitted to taking money for the party. He was recently removed from the chairmanship of the West Bengal minority and financial development corporation.

The BJP accused Mamata government of gross negligence in the matter.

Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee told her party leaders not to be tensed and asked them to appear before the CBI or ED.

Go and meet the investigators. Dont be tensed or depressed, she told the leaders.

Following the assurance, on Tuesday, MP Prasun Banerjee visited the CBI office in Kolkata for interrogation. Sougata Roy also visited CBI office on Wednesday morning for several hours of interrogation. He is still being interrogated.

Asked about Ghoshs remarks, Trinamool Congress Secretary General Partha Chatterjee called the BJP president mad. He is mad. He always dreams about Saradha and Narada. I cannot comment on his remarks, said Chatterjee.
Even as the Army launched strikes on the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) insurgents along the Indo-Myanmar border in Arunachal Pradesh and killed a militant, the Centre declared yesterday that the talks with the pro-talks faction of the NSCN (Isack-Muivah) is in an advanced state and the Naga Peace Agreement would soon see the light of the day.

Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju said, The Naga framework agreement has been drafted and the agreement will be finalised soon. Talks are in a very advanced stage and there is a hope of an early breakthrough.

On August 3, 2015, the Modi government signed a framework agreement with the NSCN (IM) in New Delhi. Present on the occasion was the prime minister and top NSCN (IM) leaders headed by general-secretary T. Muivah. The other top gun of the militant group, Isac Swu, seriously ill at that time, had signed from his hospital bed. Swu has since passed away.

However, the task of framing the final agreement is a daunting one. It is a sensitive issue as it concerns other north-eastern states like Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh that have vowed not to part with an inch of their respective territory. Besides, the other formidable militant group of the NSCN (Khaplang) is not on board.

In what is being seen as a pressure tactic on the recalcitrant NSCN (K), who lost their president SS Khaplang on June 9 this year, the troops of the Assam Rifles have been carrying out aggressive operations against them in the jungles of southern Arunachal Pradesh.

Operating on specific input, about the likely presence of NSCN (K) cadres near Votnu village in Tirap district, the troops of Assam Rifles launched a swift and stealthy operation on Monday, resulting in destruction of a temporary hideout, eliminating a hardcore cadre and injuring another, who later escaped.

This operation has tightened the noose around the group and a massive search operation in underway to capture the escaped militant. One AK-47 with ammunition has been recovered from the slain terrorist. Several other militants managed to escape into the nearby dense forest due to heavy fog in the area. Combing operation is on.

This operation is a follow up to the elimination of another cadre near Kunnu village on September 1. Interestingly, the strike came a day before the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Myanmar for his first bilateral meeting.
FIR Lodged. LOC issued, PO declared but no action agst Ramandeep who ruined my life by deserting me days after marriage. Pls help @SushmaSwaraj, tweeted Chand Deep Kaur, a young married woman from Kapurthala, sometime in April.

Chand was married in July 2015 to Ramandeep Singh, an accountant from Auckland. The next month he left her at his parents' home in Jalandhar and went back to New Zealand. He returned to Punjab again in December that year, and left the next month. Thereafter he has not shown up in India. The young bride had spent a total of about 40 days with him, with no signs of her joining him. One fine day, her in-laws told her that they had disowned Ramandeep, and that she could go back to her parents.

Chand had urged External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to deport Ramandeep from New Zealand and get his passport cancelled. Chand used the social media to highlight her plight that she shares with thousands of other women in the Doaba region of Punjab, who were hastily married to NRIs (non-resident Indians) only to be used and dumped by them.

These holiday wives have been running from pillar to post, to resolve their status. Some would like to sort out the issue and join their husbands, forgiving them their trespasses. But many say they do not know whether they are married, divorced, dumped or widowed, and want a clarity. Chand, for instance, wants to divorce her husband and start life afresh.

Rakesh Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, said that a law to protect Indian women who are abandoned by their NRI husbands or foreign partners would be finalised soon.

Such a law has long been in the wish list of the women of Punjab and Gujarat, the two states that are believed to contribute the majority of cases to an all India estimate of over 20,000 women who have been married to NRI men, only to be deserted.

Most of them have claimed to have fancy jobs and fancy lifestyle in the foreign country, and these women have been fed on dreams of a secure future and comfortable life that will include the migration of their unmarried siblings and aged parents.

After years of struggle, and through the constant pressure by Balwant Singh Ramoowalia who founded the Lok Bhalai Party with these women's welfare as its one point programme, the police in Punjab have begun registering cases at the instance of the abandoned girls. The regional party that never made a dent in the assembly elections, has since merged with the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The details of the draft bill have yet to be finalised, but it appears that the government is serious in its intention of passing a bill to protect these women. Bouyed by the response to the push it gave to the triple talaq issue and subsequently the verdict, the Modi government, sources say, wants to implement suitable strategies and women-friendly laws to ensure that women have equal opportunities to enter and enjoy decent work in a just and favourable environment, including fair and equal wages, social security measures, and occupational safety and health measures.

India has been ranked 87 out of 144 countries in the latest World Economic Forums Gender Gap Report 2016, according to ASSOCHAM.

The government's efforts will not be short on symbolism. Krishna Raj, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare revealed that they intend celebrating October 15 as Women Farmers Day.
For the good of all

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deubas visit to India occurred about the same time as the announcement by President Donald Trump of US policy on Afghanistan and South Asia, the China-India standoff at Doklam and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yangs visit to Nepal.
The country has lost yet another soul who did not give in to repeated threats and stood steadfastly for progressive thinkingGauri Lankesh, who had become the spirited face of independent journalism.

Gauri Lankesh is the daughter of prominent journalist P Lankesh. A native of Shivamogga in Karnataka, P Lankesh fought relentlessly against communalism fueled by his undying zest for freedom. He was also known as a poet, writer and screenwriter. He resigned his job as a teacher in Bangalore University and founded Lankesh Patrike in 1980. He was its editor until he passed away in 2000.

Gauri took over Lankesh Patrike in 2005. Since taking charge of the weekly, the anti-communal and anti-Sangh Parivar views of the weekly spawned a lot of controversy. Under her headship, the weekly decided not to entertain advertisements from government or large-scale companies. Gauri notably said several times that those who justified the murder of Kalburgi and celebrated the death of Dr U R Ananthamurthy are trying to silence her.

She often penned columns in various media. She was active in television-channel discussions and was in the forefront of human-rights movements. She also played a pivotal role in bringing the Maoists of coastal Karnataka into mainstream.

Apparently, Gauri was active in social media just hours before she was gunned down. Her Facebook profile picture was that of Rohit Vemulas. Her concern over the plight of the Rohingya Muslims was also shared in social media.

Gauri was among the strongest critics of right-wing outfits despite being personally targeted. She was also actively involved with Karnataka-based organisations that worked for religious harmony. Her fearless firebrand journalism has brought so much trouble to herself which includes a number of defamation cases being charged against her.

In November 2016, Gauri was sentenced to six-month imprisonment for having mentioned the names of three BJP leaders in the news related to an ornament-cheating case in 2008.

Kavitha Lankesh, Gauris sister and movie director has also taken a reformist road. She uses her films as medium to fight social evils.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinas President Xi Jinping met on Tuesday at the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen against the backdrop of the easing of tensions over Doklam, which had worsened the India-China ties. The two leaders held talks on the sidelines BRICS Summit. There were rumours earlier that Modi might boycott the BRICS Summit in view of the Doklam issue. The absence of India, one of the biggest powers in Asia, would have taken the shine off the summit. Xi Jinping was keen on avoiding any criticism over border tensions in the upcoming Chinese Party Congress.

India and China, two nuclear-armed neighbours, have been able to keep the 3,500km border more or less peaceful for the last about 40 years. The focus on bilateral economic relations by both the nations was mainly responsible for keeping disputes and disagreements at bay. At Tuesdays meeting with Modi, Xi Jinping stressed that the two countries could continue to concentrate on topics regarding development.

India is one of the biggest markets for China-made goods, while a lions share of Indias exports to China is raw materials. China is far ahead of India in trade and the trading possibilities India offer is the reason China wants to keep India in high spirits. China needs to invest capital heavily in India in order to bridge the trade gap, but political issues as well as lack of trust are the obstacles in Chinas way to achieving this.

It is a matter of relief that the two countries, which were on the brink of a military conflict, have arrived at an atmosphere of peaceful talks. The two leaders have agreed to let bygones be bygones and focus on subjects that are beneficial to both countries. It is hoped that India and China will not only try to better bilateral ties but also take them ahead in a fruitful manner.

The Chinese leaders exhortation to maintain peace on the border based on mutual trust raises hopes in India. Chinas retraction from its threatening stance over Doklam is widely considered as Indias diplomatic victory. Major global powers, including Japan, sided with India on the Doklam standoff. Besides, China is not on good terms with its neighbours. These unfavourable conditions clearly motivated Chinas president to call for keeping India-China relations healthy. One hopes that India and Chinatogether accounting for one-third of the worlds populationwould explore ways for meaningful cooperation instead of opting for confrontation. At the same time, experience has taught India that it should not slacken on its alert.

The final declaration at the BRICS Summit named and deplored those terrorist organisations that operated from Pakistans soil even though Pakistan itself was not named. This could be considered as a victory for India as this is the first time that a BRICS declaration is naming terrorist outfits. China had so far taken the stance that BRICS Summit was not the forum to discuss terrorisma stance India has always opposed. It is to be noted that all member-nations of BRICS unanimously passed the declaration deploring terrorism, which amounts to accepting Indias stand. Pakistan, as could be expected, lost no time in rejecting the BRICS declaration.
A day after senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was murdered in Bengaluru, a number of protest meetings were held in Delhi decrying the incident as a murder of an ideology and criticising the government for its silence.

"Lankesh was killed and even after death, attacks on her continued on social media. People who carry such kind of attacks, that kill elderly ladies in darkness, are rewarded with plum posts in the party and are followed by prime leaders," said Prashant Bhushan, senior Supreme Court advocate, addressing one such meet outside the Press Club.

Referring to unsavory comments about Gauri Lankesh emanating from BJP followers on social media, author and former journalist Ajay Bose said: "There seems to be no rule of law now. Earlier, such acts would be punished. But in the age of social media, a dangerous precedent is that people are getting away with it."

Bose and Bhushan said that they will take this forward with law makers and legal luminaries, to ensure that this incitement for killing and violence on social media becomes a punishable offence. "Those who incite violence on social media cannot be allowed to get away any longer," said Bhushan.

Recalling Lankesh's contribution in Karnataka, Githa Hariharan, author and editor, said her friend was killed for her involvement with popular mass movements targeting BJP in the state. "She was killed for being a non-conformist. This is not a political murder but murder of an ideology."

Senior journalist and author Paranjoy Guha Thakurta was another friend of Lankesh, who was seen attending almost all the protest meets held in the city in her name.

"Gauri had worked in the Sunday magazine. She chose to work in the regional language space and helped uplift the Karnataka society out of caste bias. She was talking about a secularism that is ingrained in our ancient societies, which was making the Hindutva brigade uncomfortable. That is the reason she was targeted," said Guha Thakurta.

Gauri Lankesh was editing and publishing Lankesh Patrike which was founded by her father P. Lankesh, an English lecturer, litterateur and film maker, who decried caste system and other ill-conceived religious practices in the state.

"This is an attempt to silence the society and to throttle their voices. This is an attempt to scare journalists. Defamation remains a criminal offence in India though all other 190 countries have made it a civil offence. Politicians of a particular ideology are resorting to this as a weapon to silence any dissenting voice," said Guha Thakurta.

In a joint protest meet hosted by the Indian Women Press Corps, Press Association, Press Club of India, Kerala Union of Working Journalist, Indian Writers Forum, Editors' Guild, National Broadcasters Association and a number of other rights based organisations, a gathering of around 10,000 people assembled at Press Club of India.

Speaking at the occasion, T.K. Rajalakshmi, vice president of IWPC, said that the attack on Lankesh was not an isolated incident but was a pre-planned one. "This is a battle of ideas and we must chose our sides now. Irrespective of our gender and position we must think if we will tolerate such attacks on our profession in future as well."

Political activist and psephologist Yogendra Yadav said that the attack on Gauri was an attack on anti-communalism. It was on similar lines to attacks on rationalists like Dabholkar, Pansari, Kalburgi and victims from the minority community like Pehlu Khan, Ahklaq and Junaid who were lynched by the same people, said Yadav.

Noted TV anchor Ravish Kumar urged journalists to ensure that they do not just meet at such meetings to mourn, but find future course of action.

"Prime Minister Modi should unfollow such people who cannot speak either for the dead or an elderly woman with respect on social media. He should send a strong message to those who are murdering Lankesh's reputation on social media after her death," said Kumar, adding that such 'social media murderers' are on everyone's timeline.

"It is our defeat that we are getting together only for obituaries," Kumar told the gathering. After today's meet the journalists, broadcasters, writers bodies and social activists passed a resolution seeking punishment for the killers at the earliest.

Other initiatives which are being chalked out include dicriminalising defamation charges and framing punishments for those who incite violence on social media.

"This is not going to end with one protest meet. This is a brutal assault on press freedom, of which Gauri was a strong supporter. Over the next two days we will be meeting with various bodies who are present here to formulate a five-point list of demands, which will be sent to the government," said Jaishankar Gupta, president of Press Association, a body of accredited journalists.
The assailants came on a two-wheeler, waited patiently for a time that suited them, preferably at a place that is closer to their target's home and pumped bullets from point-blank range at their targets. On September 5, Gauri Lankesh, a firebrand liberal journalist, was shot dead by unknown assailants who came and fled on a two-wheeler.

The same had happened on August 20, 2013 when Dr Narendra Dabholkar, a rationalist, was shot dead by two assailants on a bike near his house in Pune while he went for his morning walk. This was repeated on February 16, 2015 in Kolhapur when comrade Govind Pansare, as he was returning from his morning walk, was shot at by two killers waiting for him on a motorcycle. Uma Pansare, his wife, was seriously injured as well. Pansare succumbed to his injuries on February 20. In the same year, on August 30, renowned scholar M.M. Kalburgi a was shot dead early morning at his home in Dharwad by two assailants who had come on a motorcycle.

Also read: Karnataka CM orders SIT probe into journalist Lankesh's killing

As per the ballistics reports and the investigation into the first three murders, Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department, Central Bureau of Investigation and Special Investigation Team had concluded that one weapona pistolwas used in all the three murders. Ajit Nimbalkar, then Director Inspector General, CID, Karnataka had submitted his report to the court. Samir Gaikwad and Dr Virendra Tawde, both of Sanatan Sanstha, were arrested and charged in the murder of Govind Pansare.

T.B. Jayachandra, Karnataka's law minister, agreed that there are similarities in the murder of M.M. Kalburgi. The two-year-old murder is yet to be solved and the suspects are still on the run. The links between the two murders cannot be ruled out, said Jayachandra.

Meanwhile, police have managed to recover video footage from the password-protected CCTV installed outside Gauri's house. Indrajit Lankesh, Gauri's brother told PTI, The camera has recorded the entire crime incident and the culprits should get caught very soon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.

"Prime Minister Modi and Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi meet in Myanmar, discuss further cementing of India-Myanmar relations," PMO said in a tweet.

"Meeting a valued friend. Prime Minister Modi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The prime minister's visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence against Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter- terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modi's first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.
Many, including Alphons Kannanthanam himself, were surprised when he was inducted as a minister with an independent portfolio in the Union cabinet. Alphons was not even a Rajya Sabha MP when he was picked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last Saturday. However, the real reason finally appears to be out.

BJP chief Amit Shah appointed Alphons, an IAS-turned-politician, as election in-charge for Meghalaya, where elections are to be held in February next year. The state, where the party was finding it difficult to make inroads, has over 83 per cent Christian population. As Alphons has become the first Christian minister in the Modi cabinet, he is being put to strategic use by the party.

Alphons has been given the portfolio of Tourism department, a ministry which has stakes in states of Meghalaya and Kerala where he belongs. Alphons' selection was also aimed at wooing the Christian community in Kerala as BJP was keen on improving its performance in the state. During his visit to the state in June, Shah had met delegations of Chruch leaders.

Shah is expected to visit the state again soon. However, this time he would have something to showcase to the state as he has picked up a local leader from the state.

Apart from the political considerations behind his selection in the Union cabinet, Alphons comes with a rich administrative experience. He has served as an IAS officer in Kerala and then in Delhi Development Authoritythe tenure that built his reputation as a no-nonsense officer.

After leaving civil services he contested as a Left supported candidate in Kerala in 2006 and even won the polls. However, he surprised everyone by joining the BJP in 2011.
Coming in the backdrop of the Supreme Court's judgment on privacy as a fundamental right, the issue of decriminalisation of gay sex is likely to be heard by the apex court on September 8.

The SC is scheduled to hear a curative petition challenging the Constitutional validity of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code so far as it criminalises gay sex. Significantly, the apex court's verdict on privacy could have a bearing on the case, with the judgment identifying gender identity and sexual orientation as integral aspects of an individual's privacy.

The section, which criminalises gay sex, had been read down by the Delhi High Court on July 2, 2009 as it criminalised sex between two consenting adults. Justice A.P. Shah, the then chief justice of the high court, had pronounced the decision acting on a petition filed by the NGO Naz Foundation. The penal provision relates to sexual intercourse which is against the order of nature. The high court order had left out of the purview of its decision non-consensual sex involving minors.

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices G.S. Singhvi and S.J. Mukhopadhyay had, however, overruled the high court's verdict.

In the privacy judgment authored by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the court made a critique of the decision of the two-judge bench. Writing on behalf of four judges including himself, Chandrachud said there were serious flaws in the overruling of the Delhi High Court's verdict on section 377. It called the decision of the two-judge bench a discordant note in the evolution of the idea of right to privacy.

Sexual orientation is an essential attribute of privacy. Discrimination against an individual on the basis of sexual orientation is deeply offensive to the dignity and self-worth of the individual, the judgment read.

Equality demands that the sexual orientation of each individual in society must be protected on an even platform. The right to privacy and the protection of sexual orientation lie at the core of the fundamental rights guaranteed by Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution, it further said.

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul wrote in his judgment that the privacy of the home must protect the family, marriage, procreation and sexual orientation which are all important aspects of dignity.

The Naz Foundation had in February 2016 filed a curative petition for a review of the judgment of the two-judge bench of the SC.

Speaking to THE WEEK earlier, Anjali Gopalan of Naz Foundation had said that the privacy judgment gave the LGBTQ community hope for a favourable decision on section 377. Five out of nine judges spoke about section 377, and found fault with the Supreme Court's overruling of the Delhi High Court's decision. They agree that sexual orientation is a private matter of the individual, and it is protected by his or her right to privacy, Gopalan said.
A top North Korean diplomat on Tuesday warned that his country is ready to send more gift packages to the United States as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyangs latest nuclear weapons test.

Han Tae Song, ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday.

"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US, Han told a disarmament conference, using the acronym for the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, the countrys formal name.

The US will receive more gift packages... as long as it relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK, he added without elaborating.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Monday accused North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of begging for war with a series of nuclear bomb and missile tests, and urged the 15-member Security Council to impose the strongest possible sanctions to deter him and shut down his trading partners.

But Russias UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said on Tuesday a US bid for the Security Council to vote on September 11 on new sanctions is a little premature. Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and wields veto power.

I dont think well be able to rush it so fast, Nebenzia told reporters. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier on Tuesday said imposing more sanctions was a road to nowhere.

Sanctions have done little to stop North Korea boosting its nuclear and missile capacity as it faces off with US President Donald Trump who has vowed to stop Pyongyang from being able to hit the mainland United States with a nuclear weapon.

Haley acknowledged on Tuesday that further sanctions on North Korea are unlikely to change its behaviour but would cut off funding for its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

Do we think more sanctions are going to work on North Korea? Not necessarily, she told the American Enterprise Institute think tank in Washington. But what does it do? It cuts off the revenue that allows them to build ballistic missiles.

North Korea said it tested an advanced hydrogen bomb for a long-range missile on Sunday, marking a major step in its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile that puts the US mainland within range.

Satellite imagery appears to show the blast caused numerous landslides at North Koreas Punggye-ri test site, according to 38 North, a Washington-based North Korean monitoring project.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said on Tuesday Trump continues to see denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as the priority in how it responds to the latest nuclear weapons test.

Sanders said all options are on the table, including diplomatic and economic measures, but said talks with Pyongyang were not the current focus for the White House.

Diplomats have said the Security Council could consider banning North Korean textile exports, barring its airline and stopping supplies of oil to the government and military.

Other measures could include preventing North Koreans from working abroad and adding top officials to a blacklist aiming at imposing asset freezes and travel bans.

China accounted for 92 per cent of North Koreas trade in 2016, according to South Korea. Chinas foreign ministry said on Tuesday it would take part in Security Council discussions in a responsible and constructive manner.

Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May agreed in a telephone call on Tuesday that China must do more to persuade North Korea to cease its missile tests, a spokesman for May said.

South Korea said an agreement with the United States to scrap a weight limit on Seouls warheads would help it respond to North Koreas nuclear and missile threat.

US lawmakers and Americas biggest business lobby urged Trump not to scrap a free trade agreement with longstanding ally South Korea, especially at a time of heightened tensions.

Analysts and South Korean policymakers believe North Korea may test another weapon on or around September 9, its founding day.

North Korea says it needs to develop its weapons to defend itself against what it sees as US aggression.

South Korea, after weeks of rising tension, is talking to the United States about deploying aircraft carriers and strategic bombers to the Korean peninsula, and has been ramping up its own defences.

Trump and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, agreed on Monday to scrap the warhead weight limit on South Koreas missiles, South Koreas presidential office said, enabling it to strike North Korea with greater force in the event of war.

South Korea and the United States are technically still at war with North Korea after the 1950-53 Korean conflict ended with a truce, not a peace treaty.

Each side has thousands of rockets and artillery pieces aimed at the other across the worlds most heavily armed border.
The de facto leader and Myanmar Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi has publicly responded to the ongoing crisis in Rakhine state, that led to over 400 deaths and triggered an exodus of over 120,000 Rohingya Muslims.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a telephone call that her government makes "sure that all the people in our country are entitled to protection of their rights", according to an Information Committee statement issued on Wednesday.

Suu Kyi has been widely criticised for not acting on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Rakhine state, which is home to over a million Rohingyas, Efe news reported.
IBN to call for bids to build urea plant

Investment Board Nepal (IBN) is preparing to call for global tenders to build a urea fertilizer plant under the public-private partnership model in Dhalkebar, Dhanusha in southeastern Nepal.
Life is too short to do anything small. Masayoshi Son, the billionaire founder of the Japanese technology giant SoftBank, lives by this credo. His latest investment, $2.5 billion in Flipkart, provides roaring proof of this. It is the highest ever funding received by an Indian startup and the third highest globally. For Son, size does matter. Vision Fund, a technology fund he launched last year to help unleash a new age of innovation, has $100 billion in commitments.

It is this chase of the enormous that drove Son to Flipkart, Indias largest e-commerce company. Experts say he might want to replicate the success he had with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. SoftBank was one of the early backers of Alibaba, when it was a struggling startup founded by Jack Ma. Its $20 million investment in 2000 turned into a $41 billion cheque when Alibaba went for an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014.

In India, Sons bet on the online marketplace Snapdeal did not turn out the desired way. And, Flipkart seems to be his ladder to a big room in the e-commerce jungle. India is a land of vast opportunity, he said. We want to support innovative companies that are clear winners in India because they are best positioned to leverage technology and help people lead better lives. As the pioneer in Indian e-commerce, Flipkart is doing that every day.

However, it is unlikely to be a windfall like Alibaba. For the simple reason that India is not China, said Neha Khanna, director at Valpro Consulting. It is not only about Amazon. India is a highly competitive market. Funds alone do not decide the winner or loser. For now, SoftBank seems to have backed the right horse, but this is going to be a closely contested battle between Son and [Amazons] Jeff Bezos.

Alibaba trumped Amazon in China, and Bezos seems to have learnt his lessons there. Amazon is leaving no stone unturned in India in its quest for market leadership. And, it is fast closing in on Flipkart. According to Praxis Global Associates, Flipkart has 35 per cent market share, and Amazon 29 per cent, in the last financial year. While Flipkarts gross merchandise value (total value of merchandise sold over a period) grew 29 per cent between FY15 and FY17, Amazons GMV grew 104 per cent.

Amazon is trying every trick in the book to get the customer hookedfrom a subscription service (Prime) and video content to a wallet and private labels. Some of them are working well. One in every three customers subscribes to Prime. Amazon has been pushing customers to use its wallet, Amazon Pay, with tempting offers. The company has also been trying innovative methods for faster delivery, such as Service Partner Network, where individuals or small businesses act as courier partners, and I Have Space, where neighbourhood stores act as pickup points.

Amazons moneybag is loaded. Bezos has committed $5 billion to the Indian business. Amazon looks better positioned to lead the e-commerce wave, for they have moneythe most critical factorand global expertise in running online retail. Amazon has also gone slightly heavier on discounts, attracting more customers. Their service excellence and India-centric innovations have worked in their favour, said Aryaman Tandon, director of Praxis Global Alliance, a management consulting firm.

Flipkart has also been filling its war chest. It raised $1.4 billion earlier this year from Microsoft, eBay and Tencent Holdings. With the SoftBank investment, its funding woes seem to have been sorted. This is a monumental deal for Flipkart and India. Very few economies globally attract such overwhelming interest from top-tier investors. It is recognition of Indias unparalleled potential to become a leader in technology and e-commerce on a massive scale. SoftBanks proven track record of partnering with transformative technology leaders has earned it the reputation of being a visionary investor, said Binny Bansal and Sachin Bansal, founders of Flipkart.

While Flipkart is yet to reveal its plans on using the money, experts say it would invest it in strengthening technology, expanding categories, getting into new areas and even acquiring some companies. It acquired eBays Indian business earlier this year, and has the fashion portals Myntra and Jabong under its fold. It has also been doing pilot projects for grocery business (Amazon has established itself as a strong player in this sector). To improve customer experience and to expand customer base, Flipkart might experiment with the offline model. It opened a store in Bengaluru in March for Roadster, a private label from Myntra.

Of late, Flipkart has been struggling to retain talent. Some of the funds might be utilised for that. They need to innovate big time and create a differentiated product, going beyond the plain vanilla marketplace model. They need to work on faster deliveries and customer stickiness. Applying new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in customer acquisition could be a big plus for them, said Harish H.V., partner at professional services firm Grant Thornton. Flipkarts brand equity is stronger than Amazon in tier 1 and tier 2 towns, and they should build on that. Flipkart is the market leader in the mobile business, and commands a 23 per cent market share in apparels sales.

In Flipkart, SoftBank is looking for a flagship winner. A lot of its investments in India have gone wrong. It incurred a loss of $1.4 billion on its investments in the e-commerce sector. In February, it lost $350 million on investments in Snapdeal and cab aggregator Ola. Its other investments in India include Housing, Inmobi, Grofers and Paytm.

Some experts, however, doubt if the money is good enough to take on Amazon. While it seems like a lot of money, half of it will probably go to Tiger Global, one of the earliest shareholders, to give them a partial exit, said Arun Natarajan, founder of Venture Intelligence, a data provider on private equity deals. Also, the valuation at which this fund raise has happened is lower than their 2015 round. Raising money at marked down valuation is no fun.

And, it might not be a two-horse race as it is said to be. Snapdeal is still a force to reckon with, and Shopclues, another marketplace, has been steadily adding customers. Our niche is different. We target the middle income population residing in tier 3 and tier 4 towns, those who did not have access to such a wide variety earlier. If the competition is like a mall, we are more the Sarojini Nagar or Fashion Street version of it, said Harneet Singh, senior vice president (marketing), Shopclues. He said the company would come up with an initial public offering next year.

While Shopclues is comfortable in its niche segment, it is Paytm which might be the dark horse in the Indian e-commerce sector. Having raised $1.4 billion from SoftBank in May, it is spending aggressively on Paytm Mall, its online marketplace. The company recently announced that it would spend $5 million to add offline vendors to its platform. Moreover, with a payments bank licence in hand, it could work out a lot of financing deals for large purchases through its site, said Khanna.

Add to that the financial might of its two marquee investors, SoftBank and Alibaba, which would take care of its future funding needs. Son might even consider merging Paytm with Flipkart at some point to create a behemoth to take on Amazon.

Sreedhar Prasad, consultant at KPMG, said whichever way the market dynamics would play out, the Indian consumer would be the winner. The number of online buyers is currently pegged at around 70 million. This is just the tip of the iceberg, said Prasad. The actual opportunity is huge and that is why we have seen people like Son betting on e-commerces potential through Flipkart. India is large enough to accommodate many unicorns. This will make the industry larger and will subsequently benefit allied services such as logistics and warehousing.
Indian journalist Gauri Lankesh shot dead outside Bangalore home

A prominent Indian journalist critical of Hindu nationalist politics has been shot dead in the southern state of Karnataka, media reports said quoting Indian police.
(VIDEO IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Walmart Stores said it has activated its Emergency Operations Center for Hurricane Irma to get those shelves stocked as soon as possible, said Ragan Dickens, director of national media relations. This is an all-hands-on-deck operation.

He said 800 truckloads of supplies were deployed Tuesday from its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, and are on the way to Florida with water, flashlights, batteries, ready-to-eat foods and other supplies. They will be routed to the stores with the most needs, he said.

The Home Depot has also been mobilizing supplies to the area as quickly as possible, said spokesman Matt Harrigan. We will continue to do so all week. Many of those trucks come from a network of distribution centers where weve pre-staged loads of hurricane supplies ahead of the hurricane season, including our hurricane distribution center in Lakeland.

(AP)
With a slew of corruption scandals closing in on him, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is dropping what remains of his statesmanlike persona in favor of an angry nationalism thats popular with his base.

Casting himself as an innocent outsider, the long-serving prime minister blames Israels old guard elites for the array of inquiries into his financial conduct. He has been lashing out against the media and an all-powerful left wing for supposedly conducting a witch-hunt against him, while associates have taken to sniping at the court system and police as well.

Recent days headlines have been dominated by arrests of Netanyahu confidants, a court ruling forcing him to reveal phone records, leaks from inside the investigation and indications that his wife Sara will be indicted for fraud.

With each new complication Netanyahu seems to grow more bellicose.

Last week he visited a West Bank settlement and vowed never to evacuate any settlements on occupied land  his latest indication of backing off from a past pledge to pursue a two-state solution to the long conflict with the Palestinians. We have returned here for eternity, he said. At his weekly Cabinet meeting Sunday, Netanyahu pledged new roads and other infrastructure projects for the settlements.

Netanyahu has also pledged to expel tens of thousands of African migrants who managed to enter illegally before Israel fortified its border with Egypt several years ago. At the Cabinet meeting, he spoke at length about the supposed suffering of residents of south Tel Aviv who live in poor neighborhoods alongside a large population of African migrants. He even visited the neighborhood twice  including an undercover mission that allowed him to view conditions firsthand.

We have already removed some 20,000 illegal infiltrators, whose place is not here, he said. The suffering is unbelievable and the future implications of the burden on the state of Israel  require action now.

His comments were triggered by a Supreme Court ruling last week that Israel could not indefinitely incarcerate migrants to pressure them to leave, and a resulting uproar among some nationalists.

Netanyahu also held a boisterous rally recently at which he lashed out at the fake news industry, apparently borrowing a page from U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he is close.

Though he has dismissed the suspicions against him as background noise, they have piled up at a dizzying pace.

The first investigation reportedly concerns allegations he improperly accepted lavish gifts from wealthy supporters, including Australian billionaire James Packer and Hollywood producer Arnon Milchan. A second investigation reportedly concerns Netanyahus alleged attempts to strike a deal with publisher Arnon Mozes of the Yediot Ahronot newspaper group to promote legislation to weaken its main competitor in exchange for more favorable coverage.

Netanyahu has been questioned in these cases, and police say they suspect him of being involved in bribery, fraud and breach of trust. One of his closest former aides has become a states witness against him.

Another investigation has engulfed his close associates and dominated news in Israel. The probe relates to a possible conflict of interest involving a $2 billion purchase of German submarines. Netanyahus personal attorney, who is also his cousin, represented the German firm involved and is suspected of trading his influence over the prime minister in return for a hefty cut of the deal. A former Cabinet minister and top former navy and security officials have been questioned by police.

Erel Margalit, a lawmaker from the opposition Labor Party who has traveled to Germany on his own to investigate the submarine case, said Netanyahu should have resigned already and claimed the prime ministers combative behavior toward public institutions was damaging to the countrys democracy.

He has been doing things that are creating smoke screens and noise to take peoples eyes off the criminal issues, he said. It is very worrying because it implies or suggests that he is carrying out this kind of behavior because of his personal issues against the state.

In another embarrassing blow, a court forced Netanyahu to reveal the number of phone conversations he held over the years with his political patron, American billionaire Sheldon Adelson, and the former editor of Adelsons pro-Netanyahu newspaper, Israel Hayom.

The disclosure of the dozens of phone calls has raised suspicions that Netanyahu himself was dictating headlines and the papers overall editorial bent  another potential legal complication.

Over the weekend, police arrested a former chief of staff suspected of accepting bribes, fraud, breach of trust and conspiracy. According to one report, Netanyahus wife Sara is headed toward an indictment for fraud regarding their household expenses.

His Likud party and coalition partners are sticking with him for now, and his public approval ratings remain largely unchanged, despite virulent opposition from many on the left. Unless he is indicted, he is unlikely to face any serious demands to step down.

But Yoaz Hendel, a former spokesman for Netanyahu, said the prime minister is feeling the pressure and is now turning to his base.

Netanyahu was always above the fray and maintained a statesmanlike appearance, said Hendel. This is the fight of his life and that can rattle anyone, especially someone like him with a historical perception of himself.

(AP)
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon signed the required documents permitting the import of 560 tons of honey before Rosh Hashana, only having to pay reduced taxes. This was done in light of predictions there will be a shortage of honey during the Tishrei Yomim Tovim.

The regulation states that two duty-free quotas will be opened for importing honey:

The first is the quantity of 400 tons, which refers to large packages of more than 50 kg, and is intended for industry. The rate of import duty on honey in large packages, excluding the exempt quota, is NIS 10.60 per kilogram, but not more than 255%.

The second is a quantity of 160 tons, which refers to packages of up to 1.5 kg, and the rate of importation of honey in small packages, excluding the exempt quota, is NIS 16.33 per kilogram, but not more than 55%.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, 15 Elul, at the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, addressed the traditional toast ahead of the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday:

We are holding the toast early due to success, since we are going to make an historic visit; it seems that this will be the first time that a sitting Prime Minister of Israel will be traveling to the countries of Central and South America. This is a gigantic bloc that we have not yet visited.

Today we are in a different place; the alliance with the United States  with North America as a whole  is stronger than ever, as are ties with Europe, including developing ties with Eastern Europe. The great breakthrough is to all continents. Regarding our return to Africa, we are expanding the scope of technology assistance and it is leading to great interest across the continent. The breakthrough is also finding expression in major efforts in Asia. There had not been any real contact with China or significant contact with India and Japan, to say nothing of the Muslim countries, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. This changed at a stroke in the past two years.

There is also a great change with Russia, and this is a major change regarding both joining economic and cultural interests and, of course, to achieve  as much as possible  a coordination of expectations and intentions on a strategic level and you understand how critical this is at present. The link is being fostered and strengthened by us and by Russia itself.

These are great changes, a sea change that is happening now, and we will not forget Australia which we visited.

We are currently developing ties with Latin America. It is a great market in a large bloc of important countries. There is a breakthrough here. And I will explain why this is happening because the fundamental assumption was that if we made an agreement with the Palestinians, which we have wanted and still want, it will open the world to us. There is no doubt that it will help, but the world has opened even without it, and it does not detract from the importance of considering tracks and the diplomatic process and normalization.

And I will point out one bloc of countries toward which Israel has made a breakthrough  the bloc of Arab states. What is actually happening with them has not happened in our history even when we signed the agreements. There is cooperation in various ways, on various levels, but is not yet out in the open. But what is not yet out in the open is much greater than in any other period in Israeli history. This is a major change. The entire world is changing. This is not to say that it is changing in international forums  the UN and UNESCO.

What there is here is a great change and it is happening despite the fact that, to our regret, the Palestinians have not changed the conditions for a diplomatic agreement which are unacceptable to a large portion of the public, and it is still happening.

It is happening because we are cultivating two kinds of strength, which together are bringing a third. We are cultivating as policy, economic-technological strength which allows us to cultivate Israels military-intelligence strength and their combination gives diplomatic strength and this is a different concept.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Hurricane Katia has formed in the Gulf off the coast of Mexico with sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph). The government of Mexico has issued a hurricane watch for the coast of the state of Veracruz from Tuxpan to Laguna Verde.

Katia is anticipated to drift toward the coast on Thursday.

The announcement of Hurricane Katia came minutes after the U.S. National Hurricane Center said Hurricane Jose had formed in the open Atlantic, far from land and well east of Hurricane Irma.

Jose has winds of 75 mph (120 kph) and is quickly strengthening, but poses no immediate threat to land. Meteorologists do warn the storms path could change.

Active hurricane season an understatement. Currently have:

 Hurricane #Irma Cat 5

 Hurricane #Jose Cat 1

 Hurricane #Katia Cat 1 pic.twitter.com/KWrsT1IVtb  Dan Linden (@DanLinden) September 6, 2017

These developments come as heavy rain and historic, 185-mph winds lashed the Virgin Islands and Puerto Ricos northeast coast Wednesday as Hurricane Irma roared through Caribbean islands on its way to a possible devastating hit on Florida.

The strongest Atlantic Ocean hurricane ever measured destroyed homes and flooded streets across a chain of small islands in the northern Caribbean, passing directly over Barbuda and leaving the island of some 1,700 people incommunicado.

UPDATE: 5pm Advisory from NHC on #Irma. Remember, track can be anywhere within the shaded area. #abc7ny pic.twitter.com/IbChZBpWA0  Jeff Smith (@JeffSmithABC7) September 6, 2017

This is only the second time since satellites started tracking storms about 40 years ago that one maintained 185 mph winds for more than 24 hours, said Colorado State University meteorology professor Phil Klotzbach. The other was the massive killer typhoon Haiyan that killed more than 6,000 people in the Philippines in 2013.

Its a humdinger, he said.

This thing is a buzzsaw; Im glad Floridians are taking it very seriously, Klotzbach said. This is going to be a bad storm. I dont see any way out of it.

France sent emergency food and water rations to the French islands of Saint Martin and Saint Barthelemy, where Irma ripped off roofs and knocked out all electricity. Dutch marines who flew to three Dutch islands hammered by Irma reported extensive damage but no deaths or injuries.

While France received no immediate reports of casualties, the minister for French overseas territories, Annick Girardin, said: We have a lot to fear for a certain number of our compatriots who unfortunately didnt want to listen to the protection measures and go to more secure sites  Were preparing for the worst.

By early Wednesday afternoon the center of the storm was 20 miles (35 kilometers) east-southeast of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and 90 miles (150 kilometers) east of San Juan, Puerto Rico and heading west-northwest at 16 mph (26 kph).

The U.S. National Weather Service said Puerto Rico had not seen a hurricane of Irmas magnitude since Hurricane San Felipe in 1928, which killed a total of 2,748 people in Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico and Florida.

We have to prepare for the worst, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said. If we dont, it could be devastating.

Puerto Ricos public power company has cut back on staff and maintenance amid a deep economic crisis and the agencys director warned that some areas could be without power from four to six months because the infrastructure has already deteriorated so badly. Outages were reported in some neighborhoods well ahead of the storm, with more than 285,000 homes without power and nearly 4,500 people without water by mid-afternoon Wednesday. Nearly 1,000 people were in shelters along with more than 100 pets.

The federal government has stepped in, with President Donald Trump this week approving an emergency declaration for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. That means that the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other agencies can remove debris and give other services that will largely be paid for by the U.S. government.

EPA officials said their biggest concerns were oil spills and power disruptions to water supply systems.

No matter what precautions we take, the coastal flooding will impact oil tanks, said Catherine McCabe, a regional administrator.

Another concern is the 20 Superfund sites in Puerto Rico and the three in the U.S. Virgin islands, given that most are near the coast, she said. She said EPA officials in New Jersey are on standby to fly down after the hurricane passes through.

State maintenance worker Juan Tosado said he was without power for three months after Hurricane Hugo killed dozens of people in Puerto Rico in 1989.

I expect the same from this storm, he said. Its going to be bad.

Tourist Pauline Jackson, a 59-year-old registered nurse from Tampa Florida, puffed on her last cigarette as a San Juan hotel prepared to shutter its doors ahead of the storm.

Im in a hurricane here, and when I get home, Ill be in the same hurricane. Its crazy, she said.

She tried to leave ahead of the storm but all flights were sold out, and she now worries about her home in Tampa.

When youre from Florida, you understand a Category 5 hurricane, said Jackson, who is scheduled to fly out on Friday.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Irmas winds would fluctuate, but the storm would likely remain at Category 4 or 5 for the next day or two as it roared past Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba, the Turks & Caicos and parts of the Bahamas.

By early Sunday, Irma is expected to hit Florida, where Gov. Rick Scott said he planned to activate 7,000 National Guard members by Friday and warned that Irma is bigger, faster and stronger than Hurricane Andrew. Andrew pummeled south Florida 25 years ago and wiped out entire neighborhoods with ferocious winds. Trump also declared an emergency in Florida and authorities in the Bahamas said they would evacuate six southern islands.

Experts now worry that Irma could rake the entire Florida east coast from Miami to Jacksonville and then head into Savannah, Georgia and the Carolinas, striking highly populated and developed areas.

This could easily be the most costly storm in U.S. history, which is saying a lot considering what just happens two weeks ago, said University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy.

The mayor of Miami-Dade County said people should be prepared to evacuate Miami Beach and most coastal areas as soon as Wednesday evening. He activated the emergency operation center and urged residents to have three days worth of food and water.

The State Department authorized voluntary evacuation of U.S. diplomats and their families from the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba, where the storm was expected to arrive by Friday.

Warm water is fuel for hurricanes and Irma was moving over water that was 1.8 degrees (1 degree Celsius) warmer than normal. Four other storms have had winds as strong in the overall Atlantic region, but they were in the Caribbean Sea or the Gulf of Mexico, which usually have warmer waters. Hurricane Allen hit 190 mph in 1980, while 2005s Wilma, 1988s Gilbert and a 1935 great Florida Keys storm all had 185 mph winds.

Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said his government was evacuating six islands because authorities would not be able to help anyone caught in the potentially catastrophic wind, flooding and storm surge. People there would be flown to Nassau in what he called the largest storm evacuation in the countrys history.

The northern parts of the Dominican Republic and Haiti could see 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain, with as much as 20 inches (50 centimeters) in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.

The website cruisecritic.com said that 28 cruises had been canceled, shortened or had their itineraries changed as a result of the hurricane.

(AP)
NC, Maoist Centre working on alliance

Coalition partners Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) are working for electoral alliances in at least eight local federal units of Province 2.
Landlords who have four or more properties could find it impossible to get a mortgage under tough new checks by banks.

Money Mail can reveal that three lenders  Santander, Principality BS and Platform, a subsidiary of The Co-operative Bank  have stopped accepting mortgage applications from landlords with this number of houses as a result of new rules being introduced by the banking watchdog.

From September 30, lenders will have to carry out stricter checks on landlords who have these big portfolios.

At present, most banks and building societies assess a buy-to-let application based on the rental income and value of the property they are lending against.

Santander, Principality BS and Platform, a subsidiary of The Co-operative Bank  have stopped accepting mortgage applications from landlords with four or more properties

Under the changes, every time a so-called portfolio landlord applies for a new loan, or refinances an existing one, they will be grilled in detail about all the properties they own, including how much rent they charge and the size of their loans.

Around 11 per cent, or 210,000, of Britain's 1.9 million landlords have four or more properties, according to UK Finance, the trade body for banks.

But the rules affect only those with mortgages, of which there are around 100,000.

Some banks have already tightened their criteria and are turning borrowers away.

Many are insisting landlords charge more rent and put down bigger deposits in order to protect themselves financially should their tenants fail to pay.

Others are refusing mortgage applications if landlords have owned their buy-to-let properties for less than two years in a bid to weed out those with little experience of running big property portfolios.

Some lenders have hiked their minimum salary requirements and are even demanding landlords provide a business plan to prove they can afford a loan.

David Hollingworth, of mortgage broker L&C Mortgages, says: 'It's pretty clear that landlords with multiple properties are going to find it much more difficult to get a mortgage.

'What is worrying is that this could force landlords to increase their rents. That will be very painful for their tenants.'

It is yet another blow for landlords, who have been hit with two big tax hikes in the past year.

From September 30, lenders will have to carry out stricter checks on landlords who have big portfolios

Since April last year, landlords have had to pay an extra 3 per cent stamp duty on top of the ordinary rate when they buy a new home. On a 250,000 property, they now have to pay 10,000 instead of 2,500.

On top of this, a perk which allowed landlords to claim tax relief on their mortgage interest is gradually being removed over the next three years.

Fewer landlords are already investing in buy-to-let as a result of the changes because it just isn't profitable.

Now experts fear the tough new lending rules will force lenders to ditch buy-to-let, leaving a dearth of options for landlords, particularly those with big portfolios.

Britain's biggest buy-to-let lender, BM Solutions, part of Lloyds, is asking portfolio landlords to collect more rent from tenants and insisting they earn at least 30,000 a year.

Small landlords with a couple of properties must ensure their rent is at least 125 per cent of their total mortgage payments.

Landlords with four or more mortgaged properties must collect 145 per cent, or 1,450 if their mortgage payments are 1,000.

The Mortgage Works, a subsidiary of Nationwide and Britain's second biggest buy-to-let lender, and Skipton BS are also forcing landlords to ask for more rent.

The Mortgage Works will insist big portfolio landlords charge at least 145 per cent of their mortgage payments, while basic rate taxpayers with three or fewer buy-to-let mortgages must collect 125 per cent.

Skipton BS will only lend to portfolio landlords who earn at least 45,000, although rental income from other properties can be factored into the application. The minimum salary for smaller landlords is 20,000.

Its minimum rent requirement for borrowers is 150 per cent of the mortgage, or 145 per cent for smaller landlords.

Accord Mortgages, part of Yorkshire BS, is asking landlords to charge at least 135 per cent of their mortgage payments in rent to qualify for a loan.

So, in theory, if you charge 125 per cent of your mortgages in rent on three properties, you'd have to charge 165 per cent on the fourth property to meet its new requirements.

Experts fear landlords with properties in high-rent areas won't be able to charge more, and so won't qualify for a loan.

OneSavings Bank will require landlords with more than three mortgaged properties to provide a business plan, a statement of assets and liabilities, and a cash flow statement to prove they can afford a loan.

David Whittaker, of buy-to-let broker Mortgages for Business, says: 'These rules are a potential minefield for landlords with four properties or more, so it's important you get advice.'

p.thomas@dailymail.co.uk
Audiences at the American musical Hamilton in London's West End might spare a thought for Aveva, the FTSE 250 software treasure house, which is about to fall under the spell of French electrical giant Schneider.

At first blush this might look like a great deal for UK plc. Schneider is to inject much of its high-tech capacity (some of it acquired from Invensys) into the London-quoted company and promises to keep group headquarters in Cambridge.

The pledges are intended to assuage those in Britain who care about the way in which Britain's high-tech genius is being sacrificed on the altar of Mammon.

Look at the small print in the prospectus and you learn that Schneider, with 60 per cent of the equity, will be in charge. After two years it will have the right to raise its stake to 75 per cent before eventually taking full control.

Takeover: French electrical giant Schneider is set to take a controlling stake in FTSE250 software pioneer Aveva

It is taking a staggered route to full command just at the moment that Aveva's skills are in demand for Hinkley Point and Britain's new nuclear plans.

What would Alexander Hamilton, America's brilliant late 18th century Treasury Secretary, think? Hamilton was an early proponent of 'infant industry' policy under which young industries  in the US case leather, cotton and textiles  are nurtured to maturity through subsidy and tariff.

No one is suggesting that the UK go down that route to protect Aveva, Worldpay, Paysafe and other UK tech companies currently in the bargain basement because of the sterling exchange rate.

But there is a strong case for the mergers to be scrutinised for the risk of loss to intellectual property. The sales could affect Britain's efforts to become the high-value, high-tech economy vital once the UK escapes from the treacle pudding of Brexit talks.

Predictably, all the focus around the Aveva deal is on the financials and making sure that the biggest investors, including Standard Life Aberdeen and Fidelity, are kept sweet with dividend and capital distribution bribes.

The reality is that this is another staggering blow to the UK's future as an engineering powerhouse.

Norman conquest

The revolving door at Marks & Spencer stopped briefly this week with the arrival of Archie Norman as chairman and the switch of Jill McDonald from roof boxes at Halfords to clothing. McDonald's sage, if obvious, advice is that you have to stay as close as possible to customers.

But it is Norman who is most fascinating. He comes with a reputation for looking at the numbers, identifying weaknesses and ruthlessly achieving change. This worked at Asda and ITV if not in government.

The big questions at M&S are: how will the relationship with chief executive Steve Rowe work, and will he heed a more intrusive chairman who is less imbued in the M&S culture?

The criticism is that Norman, McDonald and Rowe lack the female fashion expertise which is still at the core of the enterprise.

A more effective executive team and another online makeover could yet deliver for all stakeholders.

Not so Smart

Readers of this space may know that I am a long-term holder of shares. My rule is buy and declare on thisismoney.co.uk and never sell because of potential conflict.

My broker was American discount firm Charles Schwab, the UK arm of which was bought by Barclays in 2003 for 800m. This transmogrified into Barclays Stockbrokers and has generally been plain sailing to use.

In the last month my postbox and email has been flooded with correspondence from Barclays announcing the arrival of Barclays Smart Investor, accompanied by new separate phone and online account numbers.

This is described as being for customer convenience. But navigating the Smart Investor website is tricky, requiring telephone waits when the system fails to process the access codes sent.

It then becomes apparent that this is part of a cunning plan to put Barclays online banking customers on a single platform.

Customers such as me, transferred from the stockbroking service, are sort of second- class citizens. Those wanting to head for the door may find that Barclays IT has slammed it closed for the time being.

All most of us desire is a simple dealing service but what we have is online complexity. Thanks so much to Barclays boss Jes Staley and friends.
Boost: The UK is on course for expansion of 0.3 per cent between July and September

ECONOMY GROWING Britain looks set to clock up another quarter of economic growth  confounding warnings that the Brexit vote would trigger a painful recession.

A closely-watched health check of the economy yesterday put the UK on course to expand 0.3 per cent between July and September  the fifth consecutive quarter of growth since the vote to leave the European Union.

BANKER MOVES Banker Jean-Baptiste Petard has been poached by Citi from UBS to run its global industrial business from London.

NORWAY INVESTS The worlds largest sovereign wealth fund, the Norway Government Pension Fund, which holds 800billion of the nations oil wealth, is piling into British assets as it ditches debt in Japan, and pulls out of emerging markets.

TECH BOOST New technology helped revenue at accountants Ernst & Young climb 7.8 per cent to 24.2billion in the year to June. It bought 13 tech firms in the period.

REVENUE UP Defence firm Chemring has posted a 13.5 per cent rise in revenue, to 156.7million, boosted by orders from the US government for the four months to August 31.

DIAMOND DIP Diamond firm De Beers sold 389million worth of rough diamonds during its seventh sales cycle of the year, compared to 492million during the same cycle last year.

CONTRACT WIN Embattled oil services firm Petrofac has won a 311million contract to help develop onshore gas pipelines and a receiving terminal in Turkey.

AIRLINE FLIES Budget airline Ryanair grew its traffic by 10 per cent last month to 12.7m passengers while load factor rose 1 per cent to 97 per cent.

TURBINE PLAN International conglomerate GFG Alliance wants to build a 54-turbine wind farm in the Scottish highlands to generate 178MW of electricity to power its aluminium smelters and steel mills.

THEFT TOLL More than 184million worth of items were stolen from UK businesses in just three years  with 842,752 cases of reported theft between 2013 and 2016, a freedom of information request by storage company Space Station found.

VIDEO SWOOP Online advertising firm RhythmOne will buy New York-listed video ad firm YuMe for 143million to create an ad giant to compete with Google and Facebook.
A British tech darling working on Hinkley Point nuclear plant was on the brink of being snapped up by overseas rivals last night.

Cambridge-based Aveva has been targeted in a 3billion bid from France's Schneider Electric.

It plans to buy a controlling stake in the business that would leave Aveva under Schneider's control.

Takeover target: Aveva makes software used to design oil rigs, ships and nuclear power stations, including by EDF for Hinkley Point (pictured)

However, the French claim they will leave the firm with a UK headquarters and it would be listed in London.

Aveva, which makes software used to design oil rigs, ships and nuclear power stations, including by EDF for Hinkley Point, yesterday said it could not yet confirm if there would be job losses but said the takeover would help it 'better compete on the global stage'.

Jean-Pascal Tricoire, the boss of Schneider Electric, added: 'We believe that through increased scale and complementary footprint, the transaction will generate synergies that will benefit customers and shareholders alike.'

It was also the latest example of a company with links to Britain's infrastructure being sold to foreign buyers.

The deal has sparked fresh calls for a review of takeover rules. Prime Minister Theresa May pledged to defend businesses that were important to the economy in July last year.

Since then several large firms have been snapped up. National Grid's gas pipeline network was sold for 13.8billion to investors from China, Qatar and Australia, and WS Atkins, one of the contractors hired to build the HS2 railway, was bought by Canada's SNC-Lavalin for 2.1billion.
Up to 1m businesses are stuck without a bank manager at HSBC  forcing them to deal with anonymous call centre staff who can block their accounts.

The bank was attacked this week for freezing the accounts of hundreds of entrepreneurs in a botched crackdown on crime.

Innocent business owners were quizzed by staff in call centres who they had never spoken to before and who are expected to handle more than 1,800 appointments a year each.

Those who failed to satisfy HSBC's demands were punished with a freeze, leaving them unable to pay suppliers, launch new products or pay staff.

HSBC has left up to a million small firms without a bank manager leaving them to deal with anonymous call centre staff

Many victims of the tactics told the Mail that their problems were made worse by lack of a bank manager who knew their business well.

Linda Turner, 61, runs an interior design business in Cambridgeshire and was told her account would be shut down because she had failed to fill in a questionnaire promptly enough.

She said: 'They've not had an in-house business person for a while, so you're reliant on the cashier ladies at the desk.

'When I asked them what the problem was, they said nobody in the branch could tell me anything.'

Turner only managed to reverse the decision after asking her MP for help. In the last three years, HSBC has axed 168 branches as more customers move online.

It has also scrapped 1,719 of the commercial staff who look after businesses across Europe. It claims UK numbers have been static at 5,000 for several years.

Mike Cherry, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: 'When times are tough, there's no replacement for help from a known and trusted bank branch contact.'

The account-freezing scandal was triggered by HSBC's efforts to clean up its act after a 1.2billion fine in 2012 for laundering money for Mexican drug gangs.

US authorities installed an independent monitor to examine its crime-stopping procedures.

Terrified of losing its US banking licence HSBC has introduced stringent checks on companies  including the entirely blameless ones whose accounts were wrongly blocked.

Many checks are run from a call centre in Nottingham, where staff on salaries of around 20,000 are expected to conduct 30-minute calls with seven firms a day, according to a job advert.

This equates to more than 1,800 surveys a year. HSBC insiders said that number would include some companies contacted more than once.

The advert said staff would find 'most customers are small businesses where there is no dedicated relationship manager service, with around 1m customers'.

HSBC claimed its own advert was incorrect, saying that the 1m figure also included medium and large firms which would have a bank manager.

A spokesman said: 'Our business specialists and relationship managers work with our small business customers, supported by the Know-Your-Customer team.

'We train re-mediation officers to help customers through the review process by phone and the information they gather is then checked thoroughly before the review is completed.

'At particularly busy times we may from time-to-time supplement our team with short-term staff.'
Night travel ban along Beni-Jomsom extended in wake of continuing landslides

The night travel ban along the Beni  Jomsom route has been extended to September 16.
MBABANE  Finally the cat is out of the bag. Former MTN South African Joyous Celebration star Sphumelele Mbambo has finally released her new album under a local stable.



Mbambo who shot to fame with her Zion style dance moves and vocal prowess during MTN Joyous Celebration shows, has signed up with local stable, Umlilo Music. The stable is under the leadership of Mduduzi Gawuzela Simelane of Izinceku Zamagagwugawu.

The album was released a week ago and is already receiving airplay in the various radio stations which include the Voice of The Church and the Swaziland Broadcasting and Information Services (SBIS).



The album which was recorded at the Down Town Studio at Sidwashini has 15 tracks. All of which seem to be favourites as a number of listeners took to social media to applaud Mbambos album.

Songs in the album includeLishonile Ilanga, Labakhi, Thandanani, Lolothando, Jesu Wethu, Worthy, Mina Ngithembu Jesu, Imfuyo and Umeli.



The top three most requested songs on VOC are , Sengenziwe, Izono, Ngifihlwe NguJesu and Jesu Ungukukha. All songs have been composed and arranged by Sphumelele while the album has been produced by Gawuzela. Mbabmbo thanked all those who have supported her in the music industry. She also thanked her local fans who accepted her, adding that they way they accepted her made her to take a decision of joining a local stable.












NHLANGANO  In a rather embarrassing incident that saw police officers springing into action, thinking criminals were after his vehicle, a constituency headman had his car attached over an initial debt of a paltry E2 000 with a shylock.



The vehicle is valued at over E100 000.

The drama unfolded on Thursday after Themba Xaba from Mahlalini, who is Indvuna YeNkhundla for Shiselweni II Constituency, sought the help of the police the moment he received a call from a court messenger, who was reminding him about his long overdue debt.



Reports are that the court messenger informed the politician that he stood to lose his vehicle, a Toyota Hi-Lux, after he was dragged to court over the long over-due debt which had accumulated interest, reaching slightly above E10 000.



It is understood that, at the time, the elderly man made an attempt to negotiate terms of repaying the money. A time frame was set with the consent of the messenger.

However, a twist of events occurred when the court messenger later received a surprise call from the police, instead of one from the debtor.



Police were brought to the fore after Xaba made frantic efforts to stop the attachment of his vehicle.

It is understood that Xaba, who could not handle the prospect of losing his car, allegedly sought the assistance of the police.



Officers initially got the impression that some people were out to con the elderly man, and jumped into action. However, they later got to understand the issue after the court messenger explained everything. After the matter was put into the correct perspective, the officers were obliged to allow the court process.
MBABANE  The glass door of the Ministry of Education and Training had to be heavily guarded by police as students from the Swaziland Christian University engaged in a toyi-toyi on Tuesday.



The over 100 aggrieved students, who are still pleading for the re-opening of the institution, spent the better part of Tuesday at the entrance to the ministry.



Employees and members of the public had difficulty coming in and out of the building as the students literally blocked everything.

The students, accompanied by representatives of their parents, arrived at the ministry at around noon.



There were close to 20 police officers who had to make a wall at the door to ensure that the students did not force their way in and had to now and again push them away.



Other officers were camped at the main entrance of the premises which also houses the Revenue Offices and the Ministry of Public Service, to ensure that operations were not disturbed.

As the students danced and sang, some employees were seen peeping through the windows of the tall buildings, something which angered the students as they shouted at them.



Struggle songs were the order of the day as the students, who were carrying placards with messages directed to the Minister Phineas Magagula, sang and danced, calling for the institution to be re-opened.



In their songs and placards, they made it known that they were ready to face the minister. This eventually did not happen.

By 3pm, they were still singing and dancing and even had lunch and snacks delivered there.






Nominations for Province 2 polls today

Nominations will be filed on Wednesday for the last phase of local elections that are scheduled for September 18 in eight districts of Province 2.
Nominations filed for third phase of polls in province 2

Political parties filed nominations for the last phase of local elections in eight districts of province 2 on Wednesday.
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By Naeisha Rose

Robert Pisani, a deli-owner allegedly involved in asking the publisher of The Forum weekly in southeast Queens to silence a witness against him in a sexual assault, is facing two court dates in the Howard Beach cases, according to a spokesman for Brooklyn federal court.

The father of the alleged victim accused Patricia Adams, also the founder of The Forum, of trying to use her newspaper to humiliate his daughter, according to FBI agent Andrew Campbell. The FBI has a 2-hour recording of Adams allegedly threatening to smear the victim in The Forum from a tape made by the father.

Pisani could face up to one year in prison if convicted on the forcible touching charges.

The owner of the All American Deli in Howard Beach is alleged by the FBI to have ties to the Bonnanno crime family and is set to go before a judge twice within two weeks for cases involving sexual assault and racketeering.

Pisani is expected in Brooklyn federal court Sept. 18 to face charges of racketeering, operation of illegal gambling businesses and debt extortion, according to the FBI.

He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the racketeering charges, according to a spokesman for the federal court.

He is scheduled to appear in Queens Criminal Court two weeks after that Oct. 5 on separate charges of forcible touching, sexual abuse and harassment, according to a spokeswoman for the Queens DA.

Pisani was arraigned March 28, 2017, on racketeering charges with nine other alleged associates of the Bonnanno crime family, according to the criminal complaint filed by the federal court. The crime family operated throughout Queens and ran an illegal gambling ring in Ozone Park, according to the FBI.

If all of the alleged associates are convicted, the Justice Department would collect $26 million in forfeitures from the racketeering charges, according to a spokesman for the court.

Pisanis bail under the racketeering charges included two properties and a $500,000 bond, which was co-signed by his wife Jamie, according to the FBI.

When he was arrested May 4 on charges of forcible touching an employee at his All American Bagel & Barista Company in Howard Beach, he violated the terms of his bail, according to the FBI.
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By Naeisha Rose

Glenn Greenidge, the executive director of the Sutphin Boulevard Improvement District, held another Hate Has No Business Here campaign Sunday.

The gathering on the steps of the Civic Court Plaza in Jamaica came a few weeks after the unrest in Charlottesville and the death of activist Heather Heyer on Aug. 12.

Heyer, 32, was in Virginia counter-protesting neo-Nazis and white supremacists, who were rallying against the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. She was later hit by a car driven by suspect James Fields, who is alleged to have ties to the neo-Nazihate group, according to police from the Charlottesville Police Department.

Given the national events taking place in Charlottesville, Va., we felt it was necessary to reinforce the stand that we are for our community and we are not alone with the other 21 BIDs around the city participating, Greenidge said. Queens being the most diverse county in the country, it is even more important that the resident population know that the business leaders of this community will not tolerate hate and intolerance of any kind.

The purpose of the 21 BID movement, which also has chapters in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan, is to protect business owners and their customers from hate and bigotry, while promoting equal rights for all, according to Greenidge.

Throughout the event, Greenidge referred to Rufus King, one of the architects on the Constitution.

The Constitution states: The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all the privileges of citizens in the several states,  Greenidge said, quoting King. It did not state to be fearful because of your religion or skin color or sexual preference.

Those who assembled with Greenidge held up the Hate Has No Business Here symbol during the event, which has the 50 stars in the American flag replaced by one heart.

Another King mentioned in his speech was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Greenidge said Dr. King taught us a lot about non-violence and loving thy neighbor as ourselves. He said, Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. It is no wonder why the heart was chosen in our campaign. We at the Sutphin Blvd. BID stand united against hate.
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By Philip Newman

A Queens daycare operator, who allegedly endangered a 4-year-old boy in his care by losing him in Juniper Valley Park and failing to notify police or the childs parent, has been charged with child endangerment and other charges, the Queens District Attorney said. The child was later found by a park police officer wandering the park.

DA Richard Brown identified the defendant as Oscar Jaramillo, 32, of 85th Street in Woodhaven, who operates a daycare center with this wife at their residence.

Jaramillo was arraigned Aug. 30 before Queens Criminal Court Judge Danielle Hartman on a criminal complaint charging him with abandonment of a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

Hartman ordered Jaramillo held on $10,000/$5,000 bail. He also issued a full order of protection for the child.

Jaramillo, who faces up to four years in prison if convicted, was ordered to return to court on Sept. 29.

Police Officer Rico Albacarys observed 4-year old Emiliano Marquez walking inside Juniper Valley about 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 29, the criminal complaint said.

After asking several parkgoers if they were looking for a lost child, Officer Albacarys called 911.

According to police, four hours later after the child had been taken to the 104th Precinct, Jaramillo appeared and said, I was walking in the park with my daughter and Emiliano Marquez and I lost him.

Brown said he later further admitted that I looked around the park for a little while and left without notifying the police or Emilios parents that I lost him.

As a daycare operator, the defendant was entrusted with protecting the children that parents left in his care and ensuring that they were safe from physical and psychological harm, the DA said. According to the criminal charges, the defendant failed to do the job he was paid to perform, and in the process, endangered the life of an innocent 4-year-old who was left alone to wander the park. Luckily, the child was not harmed.
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By Bill Parry

The property manager of a Sunnyside condominium, which is under three separate investigations for Nazi and Confederate displays in its lobby, was arrested Sunday on stalking and harassment charges, according to the NYPD. Neal Milano, 70, was busted at JFK International Airport Sunday as he returned from an overseas vacation over a separate complaint that he stalked and harassed a former tenant at 47-55 39th Place between September 2016 to July 2017. The probes were launched following reports from City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) that tenants and condo owners were subjected to a hostile environment due to alleged harassment by Milano, who sits on the condos board.

The people of this building have been terrorized for far too long, Van Bramer said. We have an obligation to ensure that tenants are safe in their own homes and that there are no acts of retaliation for speaking out against harassment and intimidation. With the arrest of Mr. Milano, I hope the people of this condominium can feel safer, more secure, and find peace of mind knowing that the NYPD and our city government are ready and able to act and monitoring the situation in the condominium closely.

Milano is accused of harassing the unnamed 43-year-old woman 20 times, at one point warning he was going to burn the building down, according to the criminal complaint. Milano allegedly attacked the resident on two occasions, grabbing her neck and arm and yelling threats and obscenities, according to the NYPD.

He was arraigned at Queens Criminal Court Monday on attempted assault, stalking, and harassment charges. Milanos bail was set att $2,500 bail and he was due back in court Sept. 8, according to the Queens district attorneys office.

Meanwhile, the NYPD, the citys Commission on Human Rights, and the state Attorney General Eric Schneidermans office were continuing their separate probes of tenant harassment and intimidation at the Sunnyside condo. Under the citys Human Right Law, it is illegal to discriminate against or harass tenants because of their race, color, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation and other protected classes.

The NYC Commission on Human Rights continues its investigation into allegations of tenant harassment and discrimination, CCHR spokesman Seth Hoy said. The arrest of Neal Milano over the weekend does not change that investigation.

Residents of the building are also encouraged to submit complaints to Schneidermans office at 1-800-771-7755.
Did you vote in the midterm elections as if your countrys existence depended on it?

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RJP-N Mahottari presidium member quits to become CPN (MC)'s mayoral candidate

Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) Mahottari District Presidium member has resigned from party's general membership citing he was not nominated to run in the forthcoming local level elections.
The Upstate Venture Capital Association of New York has decided to change its name to the Upstate Capital Association of New York in a move it says better reflects the wide range of companies that it helps.

The nonprofit, which used to be based in Albany but is now based in Rochester, works to connect businesses with investors and bankers, not all of whom are venture capitalists.

The change also allows it to ditch its previously shortened name of UVANY for Upstate Capital instead.

"Under its new name, the organization will continue to facilitate access to capital for companies and deal flow for investors, while expanding a robust network of deal makers, transaction professionals, company founders, executives and capital providers across the state," the group's web site says in explaining the change.

At a time when crowd funding and other innovative means have supplemented venture capital for potential funding mechanisms for early stage companies, the term venture capital has become too narrow to describe where companies turn for funding. For example, angel investing, using money from wealthy individuals, has also become a popular funding source since the association was founded in 2003. Private equity firms and online crowdfunding sites have also proliferated.

"I am enthusiastic for this evolution," Noa Simons, executive director for Upstate Capital, said in a statement. "The organization is a great platform for connecting people across New York state and beyond, and this new brand more accurately represents all the constituents who belong to the organization and gives us a broader platform to simplify access to capital for companies, while continuing to provide meaningful value for our investors, members and partners."

Upstate Capital is the only organization that supports the investment and entrepreneurial communities through all stages. As the market has evolved and matured, venture capital and private equity investors have been joined by private and institutional lenders, angel investors, and family offices to share knowledge and build relationships.
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WASHINGTON  The Trump administration Tuesday brought the curtain down on DACA, leaving it to Congress to legislate relief for 800,000 immigrant dreamers  42,000 in New York  who hope for continued life in the only country most of them have ever known, the United States.

''Congress must lead where the president won't,'' said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. ''America does not merely tolerate immigration  we thrive on it, and we are better than needlessly targeting hardworking young adults to score crass partisan points.''

In rescinding DACA  Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals, promulgated by then-President Obama in 2012  President Trump was appealing to voters who got him elected on a platform in part promising deportation of all undocumented immigrants and construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

But both Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who announced the revocation, pulled their punches.

''I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents,'' Trump said in a statement. ''But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws.''

Ending DACA ''does not mean (dreamers) are bad people or that our nation disrespects or demeans them in any way,'' said Sessions. ''It means we are properly enforcing our laws as Congress has passed them.''

Sessions said the Department of Homeland Security would take the time necessary to ''wind-down'' DACA.

Trump in his statement said work permits would no longer be issued for dreamers, except those facing ''near-term expiration.''

Renewals in the pipeline would be processed and current ones would be honored until expiration  a period that could last up to two years.

''In effect, I am not going to just cut DACA off, but rather provide a window of opportunity for Congress to finally act,'' Trump said.

Later Tuesday, Trump told reporters ''I have a love for these people, and hopefully now Congress will be able to help them and do it properly.''

DACA provided temporary legal status and work permits for youthful immigrants whose parents brought them illegally to the U.S. at a young age. Applicants approved under DACA mostly are in school or working and have not had serious brushes with the law.

Their backers, including Republicans such as House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., urged understanding of the dreamers' circumstances, and even President Trump last week told reporters ''we love the dreamers.''

Revocation of DACA brought swift condemnation from New York Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said: ''The human and economic toll of rescinding DACA will be far reaching and Democrats will do everything we can to prevent President Trump's terribly wrong order from becoming reality."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo characterized the ending of DACA as ''feeding the beast of bigotry red meat. That's all this is about."

Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, put some distance between himself and his party's conservative wing. The Hudson Valley moderate has co-sponsored two bills that would give legal status to dreamers.

''We did not support the way President Obama established this program and usurped the law and usurped congressional law making authority,'' Faso wrote to House Speaker Paul Ryan this past Friday along with Rep. Martha McSally, R-Ariz. ''However, these individuals have come forward and provided the federal government with their personal information and biometrics. It would be wrong to go back on our word and subject these individuals to deportation.''

White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters a DACA legislative fix would have to be part of an immigration-reform package with money for ''border security''  a controversial wall that Trump promised to build along the U.S.-Mexico border, with Mexico paying for it.

Democrats said linking the two was a non-starter.

''Conditioning protection for dreamers upon a broader immigration bill is nonsensical, given the fact Republicans can't pass anything,'' said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. ''It would be a disaster to hold dreamers hostage to dysfunction of Congress.''

Trump and Sessions characterized DACA as fomenting a humanitarian crisis, prompting youthful Central Americans to flood the U.S-Mexico border. Among them were youthful members of criminal gangs such as MS-13.

But DACA defenders pointed to economic data suggesting dreamers account for significant increases in GDP  $16.1 billion in New York, according to an estimate of the liberal Center for American Progress.

''This announcement is about tearing apart immigrant families and attacking youth like me,'' said Antonio Alarcon of Queens, N.Y., youth organizer for Make the Road New York who came from Mexico at age 11.

''It will not make anyone safer.''

Matthew Hamilton contributed to this article.
ALBANY  The state and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are teaming up to offer law enforcement training on investigating animal cruelty next week.

The training session will take place Monday and Tuesday at Mohawk Valley Community College in Oneida County. Law enforcement agencies statewide are invited to attend at no cost. The ASPCA is paying for the training, including for experts and materials, organization spokeswoman Alyssa Fleck said.
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- A Corinth man was arrested Wednesday morning for assaulting a Saratoga County sheriff's deputy at Saratoga Hospital, the sheriff's office said.

Troy T. Charoensook, 40, of 255 Main St., had been taken to the hospital from his Corinth residence for treatment, deputies said. At the hospital, Charoensook allegedly struck the deputy in the face, the sheriff's office said.
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TROY  A lawsuit has been filed to stop development of the 1 Monument Square site as the city Planning Commission has scheduled a Sept. 12 meeting to act on the environmental review and plans for the proposed 11 movie theaters.

Judge Development Corp. through its affiliates 251 River Street, LLC and 225 River Street, LLC, argues in its lawsuit that the city has committed errors in the environmental review and the theaters will be built on city parkland, which would require the State Legislatures permission.

It is our position that an 11-screen movie theatre at 1 Monument Square with all its attendant traffic and parking implications would cause irreparable harm to Downtown Troy and adversely affect our tenants, adjacent properties and the Downtown community in general. Furthermore, the disposition of public park land is not permitted under State law, a statement issued Tuesday by attorney James Hacker on behalf of Judge and the law firms E. Stewart Jones, Hacker, Murphy and Tuczinski, Gilchrist, Cavalier & Tingle, in the case.

City officials have not yet seen the lawsuit, said John Salka, a spokesman for Mayor Patrick Madden.

The lawsuits asks for the State Supreme Court to annul the City Council ordnance authorizing the Madden administration to enter a land development deal with Bow Tie Cinemas, LLC. The properties at 225 River St. and 251 River St. are the next door neighbors of the proposed movie theaters.

Bow Tie has proposed a $22.7 million project that includes the 11 movie theaters and parking for 105 vehicles. Bow Tie executives have said they want to begin construction this fall in order to open the theaters in time for the 2018 holiday season.

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Bow Tie must secure the planning commission and zoning board of appeals approval for the project to move forward. An earlier lawsuit filed by Judge has led the ZBA to rescind its passage of a sign variance due to the State Environmental Quality Review Act not being properly followed.

The public has a vested interest in the fate of 1 Monument Square. The processes by which projects are vetted and approved is of vital importance since a development on this site, and of this scale, will impact Downtown Troy for generations. Clearly, the City of Troy has a long way to go in order to ensure the planning and approval processes are performed responsibly, (publicly) and according to the law, Hackers statement continued.

The Bow Tie project is the fourth one proposed for the former City Hall site. The previous three failed to proceed due to problems arising in negotiations for the projects. The city dropped the Judge Development Co. proposal, which was the second project of the four, when the company declined to disclose financial information.
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Gap Inc. announced Wednesday that it will close about 200 "underperforming" Gap and Banana Republic locations while opening 270 new Old Navy and Athleta stores.

A spokesperson for San Francisco-based Gap Inc. said the company is not releasing further information about specific locations set for closure.

There are 834 Gap stores, 596 Banana Republic stores and 138 Athleta stores throughout the United States. The company operates 68 of its namesake stores and 42 Banana Republic locations in New York, including Gap stores at Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center and a Banana Republic store at Crossgates Mall in Albany.

There are also Gap and Banana Republic locations in Saratoga Springs.

In a statement, Gap Inc. said it expects sales at Old Navy to top $10 billion with Athleta sales surpassing $1 billion over the next few years, fueled by online and mobile sales. The company is investing in artificial intelligence, personalization and other customer experiences and services.

"Over the past two years, we've made significant progress evolving how we operate  starting with getting great product into the hands of our customers, more consistently and faster than ever before," said Art Peck, president and CEO of Gap Inc., in a statement "With much of this foundation in place, we're now shifting our focus to growth. We will leverage our iconic brands and significant scale to deliver growth by shifting to where our customers are shopping  online, value and active."

Last year the company said it would close 175 stores and shuttered more than 100 stores the previous year. Gap Inc. joins a number of other retailers, including Sears, Payless, Kmart, JC Penney and Gymboree, that are closing store locations.

miszler@timesunion.com  518-454-5018  @madisoniszler
RJP-N Gen Secy Raya quits

Jangilal Raya, general secretary and lawmaker of Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N), has resigned from the party, expressing dissatisfaction over the selection of candidates for the upcoming local level elections in Province 2.
Jonathan Weiner www.jweinerphoto

In an interview with the website Blabbermouth.net, Miss May I vocalist Levi Benton waxed effusive about the video for "Lost In The Grey," the first single from their latest album, this year's "Shadows Inside," calling it "by far the most extreme video we have ever done." The video features a boy setting off on an apparently perilous quest, morphing into a young man in a very Hobbit-like cloak and facing down fate with the help of a silver metallic mask of a lion's face. "The song is about finding that hope and drive to push you to a new and better life. The lion has always represented hope and ambition and now with this video it's physical and represented as a mask that one needs to show them there is a better life for everyone, if you push for it."

Granted, the positive message is delivered amid a sonic maelstrom of heavy guitars and drums and Benton's guttural, choking vocals, but a band does not earn the sobriquet of "metalcore giants" (Invicta magazine) by playing it soft and easy. The members of Miss May I met as school chums in Troy, Ohio  no word on the band's website about any surplus of hipsters in their Troy  and hit the ground running in 2007 with their debut album, "Apologies Are for the Weak," which made the Billboard charts. It may help to get a sense of their sound to know that their music was used in a "Saw" movie soundtrack and the video game Saints Row: The Third. Lovers of music that packs a punch will not want to miss this.
Maybe it's the recent announcement of a new Joker origin story, or perhaps just 2017's general specter of clownish grotesquerie, but something feels perfectly timely about Pennywise.

The villain from Stephen King's "It" terrified when he was left to childhood imaginations in the author's 1986 doorstopper. And he is likely to send similar shudders after appearing, in the form of young Swedish actor Bill Skarsgard, in the new Warner Bros. release opening Friday.

One of the great fixtures of modern literary evil, Pennywise, with the help of the 27-year-old Skarsgard, is attempting to jump mediums and give a new generation an injection of fear.

Though he appears only intermittently before the film's climax, Skarsgard's Pennywise makes a deep impression.

As the embodiment of evil  or is it a manifestation of our fears?  Pennywise terrorizes a small Maine town every 27 years. He's at it again in the 1989 edition of the film, in events that particularly affect a group of nerdish pre-adolescents known as the Losers' Club.

Lurking in the town's sewer system, Pennywise's face often clenches into a malevolent smile, and his eyes pop with evil curiosity. His voice can be jolly, almost inquisitive, until it gives way to a crushing wickedness; witness how he courts then consumes a young boy who's lost his toy in the film's first section.

On the other hand, such lack of definition also gives him a certain elasticity. Pennywise might be a fear of mortality, or a representation of childhood anxieties, or  yes  a concern about certain political figures.

"There's a quote in the book that goes something like, 'although a great mocker of emotions, he never felt one of his own,' " Skarsgard said.

"It's a little like a destructive relationship, the force of the character. You don't even know you're in it. But when it's off you, you feel it."

"There is something inexplicable about Pennywise, and it should be that way," Skarsgard said from the makeup chair. "Heath Ledger's Joker is rooted in the real; you can break down the psychology. But Pennywise is not"  he laughs  "a real person."

Playing the villain in this post-Nolan moment requires a certain brand of subtlety. Too much makeup or too many twitches and it becomes out-of-date, cartoonish. Skarsgard  who will incarnate another character in the burgeoning King universe with Hulu's "Castle Rock"  says he was on guard against that with this role.

Still, understatement wouldn't be the word to use here. Said director Andres Muschietti of the character: "Pennywise as a shapeshifting monster requires a certain treatment, a certain vision. I didn't want to be small in those aspects."
An assumed expectation exists for people who bring children to restaurants: Kids ought to be well-mannered and not disrupt the dining experience of other patrons. When children aren't, ire falls on the parents of said naughty tykes. The same will soon be true for the human "parents" of the fur-babies that accompany them.

Perhaps the future of dining out will include a basket of chew toys for rowdy dogs that serve the same purpose as four-packs of crayons and coloring sheets. Dogs are the new kids, and more of them are appearing at local cafes, bars, bakeries and other eateries.

"We've never technically advertised as being dog-friendly, but dogs have always been allowed outside," says Deanna Deeb-DeBonis of Ted's Fish Fry. Her family's restaurant chain does not serve food exclusive for pups, but regular customers will order a milk shake or mini hotdogs for their four-legged companions. (Deeb-DeBonis' labradoodle, Buddy, often indulges in these treats on Ted's patios.)

That's changing: More eateries are beginning to feature dogs-only dishes on their menus in an attempt to cater to canine palates and keep pet owners happy. In 2015, New York state eased health laws prohibiting dogs from outdoor seating areas at restaurants. Now, dogs can accompany their owners at sidewalk seating and outdoor decks and patios, a welcome change for a growing number of dog owners in America. According to research group Mintel, half of Americans have a dog, with 75 percent of 30-somethings counting themselves as dog owners.

The bump in the millennial generation dog ownership numbers is attributed to the concept of pets as "starter-children." Millennials are half as likely to be married as previous generations, according to Pew Research Center, but still see value in having children. They are simply having children later in life, choosing to practice their child-rearing skills on pets.

The American Pet Product Association says Americans spent $66 billion on pets in 2016, mostly on food. APPA estimates that food spending will increase by more than $1 billion in 2017. Ice cream stands like Moxie's in Wynantskill and The Snowman in Troy provide doggie sundaes for the dog days of summer, and local bakeries like Fifth Tier Baking Studio in Albany offer gluten-free dog biscuits  "Buster Bones"  among the traditional pastries; the dog-friendly treats sell for $1 each or a "barker's dozen" for $10.

"I believe that you will see this as a more common trend. More than ever, our culture caters to our dogs as if they were children. They are such a huge part of our lives in this country; and with good reason, such loyal and loving companions," says Lyle S. Houston, who owns Fifth Tier.

Lucas Confectionery in Troy, was perhaps the first local restaurant to publicize the inclusion of dogs in traditional dining establishments. Heather LaVine, who co-owns the confectionery under the Clark House Hospitality umbrella, said the idea came from traveling with dogs, especially to locations like Inn by the Sea near Portland, Maine. Besides having a dog-focused menu that includes beef tips over rice, the resort also offers pet-focused getaway packages that feature a personalized L.L. Bean dog bed with nightly turndown service and an in-room massage for the dog.

"Vic (Christopher) and I have dogs. At one time, one of our favorite things to do was to sit outside with a glass of wine and our dogs," says LaVine.

The Yappy Hour program began on Sundays in late summer 2013. While dogs were previously allowed on the outside patio (before the state law was passed, but with permission from Rensselaer County's health department), Yappy Hour drew in pet owners for an enjoyable time in a safe environment with their dogs. LaVine says they provided happy hour pricing on beverages for human guests and dog treats were available for pets, noting that, "people are pretty responsible," and she cannot recall a time when a dog was an issue. Yappy Hours were held in collaboration with dog-focused businesses and charities on occasion.

"It's not like it once was," LaVine says, likely because of the ubiquity of similar programs at other establishments. Since the passage of the dog-dining law, the number of eateries in the Capital Region that allow dogs in outdoor seating areas has grown.

Bring Fido, the website and app created to help pet owners find dog-friendly restaurants and services, lists 59 eateries in the region that are pet-friendly. (And there are others, like Ted's, the Hill at Muza in Troy, Powers Pub in Clifton Park and Veronica's in Altamont that welcome dogs but are not listed.)

National chains such as Starbucks are also offering dog-focused menu items. Publications from Cosmopolitan to Business Insider have exposed the secret menu item known as the "puppuccino," an espresso cup filled with whipped cream exclusively for dogs. Instagram lists the #puppuccino hashtag as having more than 42,000 posts (to wit), though a spokesperson from Starbucks states in an email, "Starbucks does not offer a menu for pets. All customers have the ability to order extra whip cream for a beverage and we've seen customers order this for their dogs. We recommend that pet owners consult with their vet on what treats are best for their pets."

Outdoor seating is seasonal for upstate New York, but that does not stop some establishments from extending an invite to dogs in colder months. "As long as the owner feels comfortable bringing the dog, we feel comfortable having the dog," says Alejandro del Peral, owner of Nine Pin Cider in Albany. He allows dogs in his indoor tasting room, mentioning that one four-legged regular takes a chair when convening with human companions.

LaVine says dog-inclusive dining is here to stay, and growing. "It's more of an everyday opportunity versus once a week," she says, adding that she plans to extend the Yappy Hour idea to her establishments throughout the week. You expect the clanking of forks and rustling of plates while dining, but now, expect the plasticine whinny of a squeaker toy from under your neighbor's table, too.

Deanna Fox is a food and agriculture journalist. www.foxonfood.com @DeannaNFox
Craig Couture was never a baker. He'd been an enthusiastic cook since childhood, when, with parents who worked late at times, he started to cook for himself out of necessity. His sole restaurant employment was a teenage job at McDonald's, but Couture continued to pursue cooking with an avidity second only to his enthusiasm for fast vehicles. (Dissatisfied with the speed of his special-edition, high-powered Jeep, he added a supercharger. Yes, he takes a Jeep to the drag strip.)

But though Couture, now 41, always cooked for friends and family, and though he's entered about 10 local competitions for amateur cooks over the years, he didn't bake. He was one of those cooks for whom the presumed scientific exactitude of baking  recipes that demanded precisely 1/8th of a teaspoon!  was off-putting, as was the fact that the magic happened slowly, in the oven, away from the cook's hands.

And then, suddenly, "I thought I should try it," he says. "I mean, I love bread, and I was seeing bakeries getting $5 (or) $6 for a loaf that has just a few ingredients. I wanted to see if I could do it. I was surprised at how easy it was. ... Even that first loaf was pretty good."

Today, about a year after baking that first loaf, Couture makes an expert Italian bread, with a sturdy crust and an interior that soaks up garlic butter, pasta sauce or sandwich spreads. He's baking it these days in the just-built Stillwater home that Couture and his wife of eight years, Kendra, moved into a few weeks ago with their son, Case, who turns 5 at the end of this month. The open kitchen has expansive countertops, a gas stove and a range hood that vents outside. This last part was an essential feature of the new house, at least in Couture's mind.

More Information If you go Saratoga Wine & Food Festival Friday 10 a.m.: Road Rally & Luncheon: 90-minute drive on backcountry and Adirondack roads with many exotic cars from SPAC to the Lake George Club for lunch. $100. 7 p.m.: Grilling competition on the SPAC lawn featuring chefs from eight area restaurants, wine, beer and cocktails. $85; $135 for meet-and-greet with celebrity guest and baseball star David Ortiz. Saturday 1 p.m.: Grand Tasting & Concours d'Elegance: Food from more than 20 Capital Region chefs, culinary demonstrations and competitions, live auction, cocktails, wine and beer. Also, the Saratoga Automobile Museum will present a show of luxury collector cars, including classes of Shelby Cobra, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, Lancia, Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini and more. $85; $175 for admission at noon and access to VIP tent with gourmet food, fine wine and live music. Info: 518-584-9330 or www.saratogawineandfood.com See More Collapse

His wife, however, was at first unconvinced: "She said, 'Do we really need to spend $1,200 to do that?'" says Couture. He reminded her of the many times he'd set off smoke alarms in their previous home, when a steak cooked in cast iron led to open windows and fans, even in winter, to silence the shrieking detector. She relented.

The stove is less than a month old, but Couture is hoping he'll be able to replace it after this weekend, when he competes in the finale of Home Rangers, a cooking competition co-sponsored by timesunion.com, the Table Hopping blog, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and Adirondack Appliance. Now in its fifth year, the series of cook-offs pits amateurs against one another during events held at SPAC prior to summer performances by the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra. In a new twist this year, the home cook who won the semifinal  that would be Couture  receives a choice prize package from SPAC of dozens of tickets to classical events next year and also gets the chance to take on a professional chef to win a $3,600 pro-style range from BlueStar, a manufacturer represented by Adirondack Appliance.

Couture, who teaches social studies at Schalmont High School in Rotterdam, will be facing Melissa Doney, executive chef of Brown's Brewing Co. in Troy, in the finale, being held Saturday during the grand tasting of the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival. The tasting, on the SPAC grounds, showcases thousands of global wines, beer and spirits, and food from dozens of regional chefs. The wine-fest weekend also includes an exotic-cars component, with an Adirondack drive during the day on Friday and exhibit during the grand tasting. There is also a grill-off on Friday night at SPAC.

"I was very impressed by what I saw of his food," says Doney, 39, who scoured the Table Hopping blog for photos of the courses Couture presented during the quarter- and semifinal rounds of Home Rangers. She says, "It's going to be a tough competition."

She ought to know: Seven years ago this fall, Doney was on "Hell's Kitchen," a reality show tyrannized by foulmouthed British celeb chef Gordon Ramsay. She lasted six episodes.

"It was probably the best learning experience of my life," says Doney. "It really helped me develop into the kind of chef and leader I've become in the kitchen."

She learned mostly through negative example. In other words, Ramsay was a monumental jerk. "My goal is always not to be that," Doney says.

And so she won't trash-talk Couture, whom she's never met, either in advance through a newspaper story or when they face each other on Saturday.

"He's very talented, and he has great presentation," she says. "I think I've got a few things to worry about."

One of them won't be Couture's bread. Though it takes about 15 minutes to prepare and half an hour to bake, the dough also requires two hours to rise, meaning he won't be able to make it fresh for the cook-off. The competition lasts just one hour.

"I don't know if I've got a good shot," Couture says, "but I'd really like that stove."

sbarnes@timesunion.com  518-454-5489  @Tablehopping

CRAIG COUTURE'S BREAD

6 1/2 cups bread flour

1 tablespoon salt

1/2 teaspoon sugar

3 cups water (1 cup should be warm)

1 packet dry yeast

Activate yeast in 1 cup of warm water while the rest of the ingredients are added to the bowl of a stand mixer. Using a dough hook on low speed, mix in yeast until the dough comes together, about three or four minutes.

Let dough rest at room temperature for two hours. The dough can then be used anytime after it has risen or refrigerated for a number of days. When ready to bake, use floured hands to form into desired loaf shape.

To bake the bread, preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Once it's up to temperature, put a baking stone on a middle rack to preheat, with a low pan containing an about an inch water on the rack below it, to add humidity to the baking environment. Heat stone for at least 30 minutes. Once the stone is hot, remove it and sprinkle with cornmeal.

Place room-temperature raw loaf on the hot stone with cornmeal and bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, until the exterior is a deep tan to brown. Let cool for at least 30 minutes on the baking stone to allow for the bread to crisp on the bottom.
Pittsfield, Mass.

The fallout continues from the Berkshire Museum's controversial decision to sell dozens of artworks to establish an new endowment fund and bankroll a fundamental overhaul of its mission and direction.

The museum has ended its affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, an arrangement that offered the Pittsfield institution access to Smithsonian resources and reciprocal admission at more than 200 Smithsonian affiliates.

The change was prompted by Berkshire Museum's move to auction 40 works of fine art from its collection, including two by Norman Rockwell, the beloved mid-20th-century painter and illustrator who for years lived and worked in nearby Stockbridge, where there is a museum named after him. The auction, expected to happen this fall, is projected to raise $50 million of the estimated $60 million needed for a "reinvention plan" that will refocus the museum's mission away from fine art to science and history.

Such a sale violates the code of ethics of the American Alliance of Museums, which requires member organizations that sell works of art to put the proceeds back into the museum's collections, not be used for fundraising purposes or capital improvements. The alliance and the Association of Art Museum Directors condemned the Berkshire Museum's proposed sale when it was announced this summer.

"Actions such as those being proposed by the Berkshire Museum," the statement said, "undermine the public's trust in the mission of nonprofit museums."

The Smithsonian requires its partner institutions to follow the alliance's standards, according to a spokeswoman. The disaffiliation of the Berkshire Museum was initiated by the museum's executive director, Van Shields, according to a museum representative. The decision to formally end the relationship was mutual, the Smithsonian spokeswoman said.

"The Smithsonian accepted our reasoning for withdrawing from the program and generously refunded a pro-rated portion of the annual fee the museum pays to participate," Shields said in a statement. The statement continued, "We are grateful for their collegiality and generosity during the museum's exciting time of growth and transition." Museums pay $3,000 annually to be Smithsonian affiliates.

The reinvention plan and auction drew widespread criticism on local and national levels, including from members of the Rockwell family. The artist personally donated to the museum the two works included in the auction, "Blacksmith's Boy  Heel and Toe (Shaftsbury Blacksmith Shop)," from 1940, and, from 1950, "Shuffleton's Barbershop."

In addition to the public outcry, the Massachusetts attorney general's office has launched an investigation to the proposed sale, telling Artnet News and other publications, that it is "reviewing the transaction for how it comports with applicable charities law." A spokeswoman for the office declined provide further details about the investigation.

Berkshire Museum leadership, which had expected some negativity, was nonetheless stung by its intensity and has spent the past two months trying to reiterate its message: Without such a drastic change, the financially ailing museum surely would be forced to close in less than a decade.

The museum, founded in 1903, in recent decades has positioned itself as a community space, aiming to attract mostly local residents and school groups, not competing in the rarefied fine-art air of the high-flying Clark Art Institute in Williamstown and MASS MoCA in North Adams. With such a community position and programming, the museum lacked a deep-pocketed funding base that might have helped build an endowment that could have put an end to the ongoing structural deficit, but it was sitting on a trove of art that, if sold, could raise tens of millions of dollars.

Shields said in August that financial losses in recent years amounted to million-dollar annual budget shortfalls on a yearly budget of $2.4 million. The institution had struggled with deficits for 30 years, he said, and needed to fundamentally reinvent itself  or face closure.
BALLSTON SPA  A disgraced former priest convicted in 2003 of sexually molesting a 13-year-old boy on Long Island is facing new allegations in Saratoga County of sodomy, sexual abuse and using a child in a sexual performance.

Michael Hands, 51, who was previously sentenced to two years in jail, also cooperated with investigators at the time in a probe of sexual abuse within the church because he too was a victim.

Now, he is charged in a nine-count indictment which accused him of abusing a new victim on July 24 in the town of Charlton. Authorities said he met the victim online and arranged for a meeting.

The indictment charged Hands with using a child in a sexual performance, a felony which carries up to 15 years in prison; disseminating indecent materials to minors in the first-degree, a felony which carries up to seven years in prison; four counts of committing a criminal sex act, a felony which could each carry up to four years; and promoting a sexual performance of a child, a felony which carries up to four years.

He also faces charges of misdemeanor charges of sexual abuse and child endangerment.

Hands, represented by attorney James Tyner, is being held in the Saratoga County jail on $75,000 bail following an arraignment Tuesday before Saratoga County Judge James A. Murphy III.

Hands was sentenced to two years in a Long Island jail for his earlier conviction.

During his last case, Hands told the New York Daily News he was different than other abusers.

"There's a lot of public outrage -- and rightfully so -- but what is disappointing is that there seems to be a lumping together of all allegations against priests involving sexual misconduct," Hands said at the time. "Each case is distinctly different. . . . There's a big difference in my case."

At his sentencing, Hands was assailed by his victim's mother who told him, "YOu have taken my son from me," the Associated Press reported at the time.

Suffolk County Court Judge Stephen Braslow sentenced Hands two consecutive one-year sentences after the priest pleaded guilty to two sodomy charges involving the teen while he was assigned to St. Philip Neri Church in Northport, according to the AP.

The sentence was part of a plea deal with prosecutors in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Hands case stretched on for more than 20 months because he cooperated with a grand jury investigation into abusive priests throughout Long Island.
HUDSON FALLS  A woman died and a police officer rescued a man trapped on the roof Wednesday morning when fire tore through a home on North Street, firefighters said.

The woman's remains were found on the second floor after firefighters were able to search inside 11 North St., Hudson Falls Fire Chief Michael Fitzgerald said.

But a man whom was also living there was rescued by Hudson Falls police officer Sean Smith. When he arrived with his partner Ed Ackley at 4:50 a.m., they spotted the man on the roof above the second floor bedroom. Neighbor Duane Sharland grabbed a ladder from his home so Smith could climb up and save the man.

The Washington County Sheriff's Office later released a body-camera footage that shows the desperate efforts made to save the man and fight the fire.

"There was heavy smoke, but they noticed the man," said Hudson Falls police Chief Randy Diamond. "I'm definitely glad that he was all right."

The man was taken to Glens Falls hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. Authorities were withholding their names until relatives can be told about the tragedy.

Fitzgerald said that he lives down the street and was at the house minutes after the 911 call. The woman who died made the call saying that she was trapped by the flames.

"By the time I got here, it was out of control," Fitzgerald said. "To know we couldn't save her is a horrible feeling. We are a small village and are able to quickly respond. We don't experience a lot of fires that get out of control this quickly and with extreme conditions. It's just so unfortunate."

Neighbor Karen Pike, who didn't know the residents of the rental home, said she saw all the commotion from her window early Tuesday morning.

"Flames were shooting out of the front of the house," Pike said. "It's so scary because all of our homes are wooden. It could have easily caught other homes on fire."

The mother of the woman just died in the home on Sunday, Aug. 27, Diamond said. An autopsy revealed she had a heart attack.

Diamond said the blaze was Hudson Falls first fatal fire in decades. A firefighter, Paul MacMurray, died in a Hudson Falls fire in 1994 when a hotel when up in flames.

The three alarm fire drew fire departments from around the region including Fort Edward, Kingsbury, South Queensbury and Fort Edward EMS. Argyle, Hartford, Queensbury and South Glens Falls fire departments were on standby.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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MILTON  The League of Women's Voters' Milton candidates forum, set for Thursday night at the Community Center, has been canceled.

Charlotte Druschel of Saratoga County's League said it was forced to cancel the event because not all of the Republican primary candidates for town supervisor and town board were able to participate.

"We can't do it if not everyone can come," Druschel said.

Republican endorsed supervisor candidate Scott Ostrander said he and others didn't want to participate because the forum was requested by the unendorsed board candidate Jim Frey.

"It was planned by the other party," Ostrander said. "The questions would not have been neutral."

Drushel admits that Frey did reserve the room and put down the initial payment at the center for the event. But her group agreed to reimburse Frey, which the League has.

She also insists the League is unbiased and would have handled the forum like they do every other forum, objectively, giving each candidate equal time to talk about the issues important to voters.

"We didn't plan it the right way," Drushel admits. "I didn't know we had to go to town hall to reserve the center. I went to the center and it was all locked up. Jim offered to do it and we agreed to pay him back."

Meanwhile, Frey's check that paid for the center's room and his home insurance binder, used to insure the room, have been circulating on Facebook. It was posted by Ballston Journal Publisher Angela McFarland after a Freedom of Information request was filed for the information at Town Hall.

Frey was horrified. "I was just trying to help. Now my bank account, routing number and my home insurance policy is posted online."

Frey has gone to State Police to report his information being publicized on Facebook. Police advised him to place a stop payments on his bank account. They also told him that no crime has been committed, but if his identity is stolen, because of the information released, to contact them immediately. Another man, who did not want to be identified, complained to Facebook.

McFarland said she posted the unredacted check and insurance policy because she wanted the truth about the League's event to come out.

"The reason I showed the public that Jim Frey paid for the community center was to authenticate the fact that this was not a League initiated event," McFarland said.

McFarland also said she contacted the League's Washington, D.C., office so it can investigate the matter.

Historically, it is not uncommon for candidates to ask the nonprofit League, which promotes citizen participation in government, to host an event. For example, the League is doing a forum in Thurman this year, as per a request from candidates. They also did one last spring in South Glens Falls at the behest of its village candidates.

"Most candidates are very happy to do a League sponsored event," Drushal said.

But who put the down payment on the room was just one of the problems candidates had against the Milton forum. Ostrander complained that board candidate John Frolish was not invited.

Drushel said Frolish was invited with a mailed invitation and via two messages to his Facebook page. He just didn't respond to any of the invitations.

"We didn't have his email address, but I had his home address," she said. "We did invite him."
ALBANY  Kaweeda Adams pulled a diploma from a corner of her new office and set it on a table.

Behind its glass frame, the once-white parchment had been rippled with moisture and stained brown with time. In a thick, Old English font, the words "Bishop College" were faded but intact  a point of pride for Adams and her parents and her grandparents.

"This is exactly how far back it goes  to 1920, when my grandfather got his college degree from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas," said Adams, the new superintendent of the Albany City School District, nodding toward the keepsake.

"Three of my four grandparents had their college degrees," she said. "My parents had their college degrees. So that kind of shaped not only our family, but our belief about education and the things that a good education could do for you."

A newcomer in a city that's wary of outsiders, Adams was named superintendent of the 9,700-student district in July and started the job last month following a 28-year stretch on the other side of the country in Nevada's Clark County School District, the fifth largest school district in America.

Though its population is much smaller, the Albany school district has no shortage of problems that Adams will now inherit, starting with a staggeringly high number of students living in poverty.

Achievement reflects that: this year only 15 percent of students scored proficient on the state math tests compared to 19 percent on the reading tests. Graduation rates, though improving, are also low with just 58 percent of students making it out of high school in four years. And the academic divide between white students and students of color remains the largest in the area.

On top of all that, the district can't manage to keep a superintendent on the job for much more than a three-year stretch. In the past eight years, the district has churned through four different superintendents. But none of that seems to scare the 51-year-old Adams, whose entire family worked in education and whose goal is to ingrain in students a belief passed down from generations before her  that education is not an option but a necessity.

"One of the things that was instilled in me was regardless of what you choose to do in life, you have to have an education to do it," she said. "You have to have knowledge about whatever it is you choose to do with your life. It may not be a college education. But it has to be an education, no doubt. If I'm an auto mechanic and I don't get an education in how cars work and how to repair them, I'm not going to be a very successful mechanic."

Education's in her blood. Her mother and father were teachers. Her grandmothers were teachers. Her grandfather was a principal for 30 years.

Her own path to education wasn't so clear-cut, though. She wanted to be an X-ray technician, then an attorney, then a politician before deciding to go into teaching.

After nearly three decades in Clark County schools, a district encompassing the 24-hour resort city of Las Vegas, Adams has a unique view on student achievement and family engagement that defies some traditional thinking.

"It might be shocking to hear from an educator, but success doesn't always mean college," she said.

For her grandparents, who grew up in the segregated South, college was the only path to a quality middle class life. But for the families of her Vegas students, it wasn't. Work at the nearby casinos could afford them a decent lifestyle, college degree or not.

"When we talk about preparing students for college and careers, we need to rethink that as preparing them for life, and ensure they have the skills necessary to be successful  however it is that they determine success," she said.

In Albany, she hopes to do this by listening to teachers, pinpointing their needs and providing them with more training opportunities. She wants each classroom to have a quality teacher, and each teacher to provide a rigorous education  one that relies less on the traditional "teacher stands at the front of the classroom and talks" model and more on forcing students into critical thinking by participating in and talking about their own learning.

And she wants to bring local businesses into the schools to show students how their time in school can eventually translate into the real world. This is actually how Adams first decided to teach  by tagging along with a friend on a job-shadowing experience in college and discovering she loved being surrounded by and helping kids.

In the whirlwind days before school started up again Tuesday, Adams spent her time visiting with teachers and staff, listening to concerns and hopes for a new year.

"The No. 1 thing that people should know about me, I think, is that I'm willing to listen," she said. "It doesn't mean that everything that's brought to the table is going to be able to be done. That's not realistic. But I am always willing to listen."

At the district's annual convocation last Friday, in which the superintendent addressed more than 1,600 faculty and staff to kick off the new school year, Adams brought with her her grandfather's old diploma and told her story to the crowd. According to district spokesman Ron Lesko, it was the first time in 11 years that a superintendent received a standing ovation.

Reflecting later that day on her move to Albany with her husband, her two grown kids who live afar and her feelings about her new home, Adams wondered aloud.

"I've been here three weeks but I don't even remember not being here," she said. "I just don't remember not being here. It feels like I've been here all the time."
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The group that wants to preserve the city's commission form of government has accused the League of Women Voters of being unfair and has refused to participate in the league's discussion of the new charter, set to go before voters in November.

The community event, planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, was going to include a 30-minute session with three members of the Saratoga Springs Charter Review Commission discussing the changes to the charter. That would be followed by a 10-minute presentation from It's Time, a group that is for charter change, and then a 10-minute presentation from SUCCESS, the group that opposes charter change.
Sarlahis rural voters dont know how to vote

Many voters in remote areas of Sarlahi do not know how to cast their votes in the September 18 local level election, though the District Election Office has claimed that it has mobilised 501 people for voter education programme.
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State Police are looking for the public's help as they search for fugitives wanted for a variety of charges including drunken driving, heroin possession and theft.

Saud M. Alsubayal, 29, is wanted by State Police in Albany on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Troopers said they stopped Alsubayal's vehicle for traffic infractions on May 18, 2014 and determined he was intoxicated. A bench warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court.

Legrande Cooper, 28, is wanted by State Police in Poughkeepsie after they said he fled from a police chase that ended with a collision in the town of Pleasant Valley. The chase occurred on Aug. 31, troopers said. Troopers said Cooper was in possession of cocaine when the crash occurred.

Atrayu N. Felix, 20, is wanted by State Police in Montgomery on a weapons charge. Troopers said they arrested Felix after a traffic stop on Interstate 84 in Newburgh and caught him with a switchblade and three grams of heroin. An arrest warrant was issued after Felix did not go to a court appearance.

Brandon Jean-Louis, 27, is wanted by State Police in Lake Success for criminal contempt, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and traffic violations. Troopers said they charged Jean-Louis after a 2016 traffic stop on Northern State Parkway. A passenger in the car had an order of protection that forbid Jean-Louis from being in contact with him.

Christina J. Keeter, 26, is wanted by State Police in Colonie on a warrant that charges her with driving while intoxicated and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. The charges stem from an arrest in the city of Cohoes. Troopers said they arrested Keeter after she was caught driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Julian R. Sandoval, 19, is wanted by State Police in Whitney Point for allegedly failing to appear in court to answer a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. A warrant was issued for Sandoval's arrest on Jan. 9.

Jeffrey Scott, 49, is wanted by State Police in Rochester for allegedly driving drunk. Scott was arrested on Interstate 390 in Rochester for unsafe lane changes and was charged with driving while intoxicated.

Dallas T. Spear, 20, is wanted by State Police in Lewis on a bench warrant that accuses her of failing to pay a fine connected to a petty larceny arrest. Troopers said she failed to appear in court on April 13, 2017.
Albany

The 2018 elections are still more than a year away, but some of New Yorks major public employee unions are starting to mobilize  not so much for political candidates, but for their own members.

Rather than setting up the familiar get-out-the-vote operations such as phone banks and door-to-door campaigns, leaders of unions like the Civil Service Employees Association and the Public Employees Federation are working to educate their rank-and-file about the benefits of being in a union, even if it means a weekly paycheck deduction.

Thats because labor experts believe the U.S. Supreme Court, after failing to do so in 2016, may render a decision next year that would ban agency fees or the practice in which union members are compelled to pay union dues whether they want to or not.

If mandatory agency fees are outlawed on the federal level, unions ranging from PEF and CSEA to the New York State United Teachers would no longer be able to automatically collect dues from their members.

Instead members would have to affirmatively agree to pay the dues, which are usually a small percentage of their pay.

Without enough dues coming in, large unions could be hard-pressed to maintain their operations, including contract bargaining and political activity that often includes financial support for the campaigns of elected state officials.

Indeed, unions like PEF, CSEA and NYSUT have long enjoyed broad influence in the state Capitol, thanks to their political donations and, even more importantly, their ability to launch get-out-the vote efforts to help candidates who support their cause.

Donations and get-out-the-vote organizing, however, takes money, which comes from dues.

Some unions are already considering budget cuts.

A report earlier this week found that the New York City teachers union  the United Federation of Teachers  was mulling ways to cut its $182 million budget in the event that the Supreme Court decision leads to a ban in agency fees.

They predicted that an adverse decision for them could lead to a 20-30 percent membership loss by teachers who might decide not to pay the fees, which in their case runs about $112 per month.

CSEA officials also believe that a Supreme Court ruling against mandated union dues could lead to a loss of 20 percent of dues-paying members.

PEF officials in 2016 expressed similar fears.

Back then, the Supreme Court was considering the case of a Los Angeles public school teacher who objected to paying the mandatory agency fee to her union.

That case, known as Friedrichs vs California Teachers Association, was before the U.S. Supreme Court when Justice Antonin Scalia, a staunch conservative who was expected to vote against the agency fees, died. The court was then deadlocked four to four.

Since then, however, President Donald Trump has appointed another conservative jurist to the bench, Justice Neil Gorsuch.

Another labor case pending before the Supreme Court, Janus vs AFSCME, is expected to be accepted by the Supreme Court this fall, even though a decision probably wouldnt come until the next spring. In that case, Mark Janus, a child support specialist for the state of Illinois, is objecting to paying dues to his union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Were picking up where we left off with Friedrichs, said Dan De Federicis, executive director and counsel for the PBA of New York State.

With time to prepare for a ruling, unions are doing more than scrutinizing their budgets.

Were definitely trying to be proactive, CSEA spokeswoman Emily Cote said. Were literally going worksite to worksite and door to door to talk to our members."

They are also asking members what theyd like to see from their union.

Likewise at PEF, spokeswoman Jane Briggs said all of our work has been under the umbrella of membership engagement.

Last winter, working with the affiliated American Federation of Teachers, PEF ran a membership engagement blitz, speaking one-on-one with members in their workplaces and communities, she said.

NYSUT spokesman Carl Korn added that our main focus is on strengthening the relationship between individuals and their local, state and national unions. Korn said theyve also been watching their budgets for some time now.

Cote said educating workers about the advantages of union membership is doubly important in heavily unionized New York in order to guard against taking it for granted.

Were fortunate enough to be in a pretty unionized state so our members are sometimes insulated to what is going on in a lot of the other states, she said. Were using it as an opportunity to go back to those grass roots.

rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU
[September 05, 2017] Taiwan relies on Thales to reduce travel time and alleviate busy traffic thanks to a new Light Rail Transit

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Key Points Thales wins third LRT contract (Ankeng) in New Taipei City in Taiwan.

Contract includes signalling, communications and Operation Control Centre (OCC) systems.

This third successful contract establishes Thales as a leading provider in the transportation industry in Taiwan . Thales won a new contract for the future Ankeng Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Taiwan. Under the planning of the New Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems, the Ankeng LRT project is part of the transportation expansion plan in the Greater Taipei region that aims to reduce travelling time between regions and to alleviate the busy traffic volume within the metropolitan area. This is the third win for Thales in Taiwan following successful LRT contracts awarded for Danhai and Kaohsiung. Awarded by the China Steel Corporation, this contract involves the delivery, design and manufacturing of signalling, automatic vehicle localization, priority management, passengers and security services, communications and Operation Control Centre (OCC) systems. The Ankeng LRT line will be one of the new lines connecting passengers coming from other districts/regions within Taipei to the Greater Taipei metro network, providing convenient transportation-route options and addressing incresing demand. It is scheduled to enter service in early 2022.



The turnkey solution comprises signalling, automatic vehicle localization, priority management at road crossing, passengers services (public address, passengers information, security services such as video protection), communications technology (telephony, radio, clock, backbone), Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA), project management, as well as installation, testing and commissioning to be performed locally in Taiwan. Thales is the world leader in ground transportation solutions with successful deliveries of numerous transportation projects in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Japan and Mainland China. This third successful LRT contract for Ankeng firmly establishes Thales' leading position in the Taiwanese transportation market.

"This contract is a new demonstration of the commitment from Thales to enhance its skillsets and expertise in the Taiwanese transportation market, aligned with Thales Taiwan's goals to strengthen its local industrial capabilities with our partner China Steel Cooperation. We want to continue being recognized as a trusted partner to Taiwan's transportation authorities as it works towards developing a robust transportation network serving the needs of its growing population. We are confident that other countries in the region can also leverage our expertise for their Tramway growth plans," said Jean-Louis Moraud, Country Director for Thales in Taiwan. For more information, please visit Thales Group and Transport, or follow the company's Twitter @Thalesgroup. About Thales Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 64,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of EUR14.9 billion in 2016. With over 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its exceptional international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world. SOURCE Thales

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Six held for gang rape, murder of 57-yr-old woman in Kavre

Police have arrested six persons for gang-rape and murder of a 57-year-old woman of Banepa Municipality-10, Kavrepalanchok.
[September 05, 2017] Travel Insurance Claims Advice if Hurricane Irma Ruins Your Trip, Explained by Squaremouth

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurricane Harvey forced more travelers to cancel their trips than any other single event this year, according to claims data from travel insurance comparison site, Squaremouth. With powerful Hurricane Irma approaching the Caribbean, Squaremouth expects even more claims for trip cancellations. As Hurricane Irma begins to halt travel through several Caribbean destinations and parts of Florida, Squaremouth explains when travel insurance can refund travelers if Hurricane Irma ruins their trip. Travel Insurance Claims Advice for Hurricane Irma Flight Cancellations

Travel insurance policies with Trip Cancellation coverage can refund a traveler's entire trip cost if weather causes a lengthy delay or outright cancellation. In order for a traveler to be refunded, they must have bought a policy before Irma was named on August 30th. If Irma causes flight cancellations that force a traveler to cancel their trip, Squaremoth recommends they keep a copy of their original itinerary, and obtain a statement from their airline or an updated itinerary substantiating the cancellation.



Travel Insurance Claims Advice if Your Destination is Hit by Hurricane Irma

Caribbean islands are some of the most popular destinations for U.S. travelers, according to Squaremouth sales data. With Irma moving through the Caribbean, travelers may be covered to cancel their trip if their destination is in the storm's path. Travel insurance can refund travelers who cancel their trip if there is a mandatory evacuation at their destination, or if their hotel is uninhabitable. Squaremouth recommends travelers provide documentation, such as a local news story announcing the evacuation or a statement from their hotel, proving they couldn't travel.

Squaremouth created the Hurricane Irma and Travel Insurance Information Center with up-to-date information for travelers whose trips are affected by the storm, including answers to FAQs and statements from travel insurance providers. The information center will be updated as events unfold. ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH

Squaremouth compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third-party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare insurance products side-by-side. More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com Available Topic Expert:

Steven Benna

[email protected]

(727) 619-7262 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/travel-insurance-claims-advice-if-hurricane-irma-ruins-your-trip-explained-by-squaremouth-300514263.html SOURCE Squaremouth

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[September 05, 2017] IBM Recognizes Aegis School of Data Science for Building Skills in Analytics & Data Science

BENGALURU, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At IBM Solutions Technical Conference in Bengaluru on 1st Sep 2017, Aegis was recognized for 'Building Capabilities in the areas of Analytics & Data Science for the students and working professionals using IBM Software' by Yeo Hwee Lee, Director, Software Services, Software Group Asia Pacific and Paramantapa Dasgupta, Career Education for IBM India & South Asia. Accepting the recognition, the Dean, Dr. Abhijit Gangopadhyay said, "It's overwhelming to be recognized by IBM in the Analytics & Data Science domain. This recognition reflects our continued commitment and created a niche demand for Aegis School of Data Science candidates globally." With data science and analytics increasing relevance across various sectors, the global demand for big data, analytics, AI, machine learning, cognitive computing and data science professionals is on a rise. All companies, irrespective of the size, rely on data and analytics for decision making. Heightened competition and pricing pressure from clients have compelled IT services companies across the globe to focus on automation, new revenue sources from disruptive areas like data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, big data, ec. At the same time, individual-level growing job insecurities, layoffs, automation and technology upgradation have put stress on professionals compelling themselves to upskill and reskill to adapt to newer technologies. However, machine learning, big data, and data science skills are the most challenging areas to recruit for and potentially can create the greatest disruption to ongoing product development and go-to-market strategies if not filled. There is huge shortage of skilled manpower with deeper level of knowledge with applied skills.



Amid this, in 2015, Aegis School of Data Science in association with IBM launched a world-class full-time and Executive Post Graduate Program in Data Science, Business Analytics and Big Data. This program is unique and it covers all the three aspects: analytics, data science and big data. In no time the program became one of the best and most successful programs with deep inputs on Machine learning, NLP, Statistics, R, Python, Hadoop, Spark, Cognitive computing, IBM SPSS, IBM infosphere biginsight, IBM watson, IBM Cognos, Cognitive Computing and many more technologies and tools taught by the best data scientists, Aegis faculties and IBM subject-matter experts. This program has trained hundreds of college passouts and working professionals with upto 30+ years of experience. In addition to its mission to bridge the talent gap in analytics, Aegis and IBM have joined hands earlier this year to develop the high-end skills in the Cyber Security domain and to help companies with 21st century's greatest threat.

About Aegis School: Aegis School of Business, Data Science, Cyber Security & Telecommunication is run by Aegis Knowledge Trust, started in 2002 with Bharti Airtel support to develop cross-functional leaders in Telecom. In 2015, Aegis in association with IBM launched PGP in Data Science, Business Analytics and Big Data. In the year 2017, Aegis with support of NVIDIA started a course on Deep Learning to develop skills in Deep Learning and in association with IBM, Aegis also launched a Post Graduate Program in Cyber Security. For more information please visit http://www.aegis.edu.in or https://www.muniversity.mobi/aegis. Media Contact :

Shweta Chavan

[email protected]

+91-8433969263

Aegis School



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[September 06, 2017] GSTSTAR and WITHDIA: Bringing GST, Technology and Knowledge Together

BANGALORE, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- gststar.com and withdia.com recently announced their collaboration where they have integrated the flagship GST Solution by GSTSTAR with the GST Knowledge Base provided by DIA. GSTSTAR is a leading GST solution, with multiple deployment options available for various requirements and types of customers. It caters to the GST compliance needs of businesses, tax consultants and large enterprises. GSTSTAR is conceptualized and built around the three pillars of technology, knowledge management and services - thus making it a comprehensive and relevant solution. WITHDIA combines a rich repository of Q&A and related content with search technologies, knowledge about the query and user context into a single framework in order to provide the most appropriate content for a user's information needs. With this collaboration, clients of GSTSTAR will have access to the comprehensive knowledge database of GST related content that is curated by tax experts. In a nutshell, withdia.com has made it quick and easy to access the plethora of information on GST. GSTSTAR believes that this initiative will make access to the domain knowledge easy and available to a larger group of people. It can be accessed at gststar.com/knowledge. Vishnu Bagri, Co-founder, wihdia.com introduced their platform as an online collaborative platform for organizing curated inputs from experts and making it available to users 'in context' and 'on demand'.



Commenting on the launch of the collaboration, Shailesh Agrawal, Co-founder of GSTSTAR says, "Most businesses do not have access to reliable information on GST. With this integration with DIA, GSTSTAR provides a significant advantage to our customers, who along with using our robust solution, now have access to relevant and bankable information around GST. Our aim is to align with #DigitalIndia in not only providing a comprehensive and easy-to-use GST technology solution, but also to provide the relevant access to GST information from one portal itself." P V Srinivasan, an early user and an investor of DIA stated, "With the GST law evolving continuously, the need to be updated and be able to disseminate the tax positions across teams and people is imperative. The partnership brings compliance and knowledge support on a single screen for users across organizations - small as well as large and make the transition to #OneNationOneTax a success."

About GSTSTAR GSTSTAR is a comprehensive GST solution catering to the GST needs of businesses, professionals and large organizations. Based out of Bengaluru and founded by Infosys veterans Shailesh Agrawal and Balaji G S Rao, GSTSTAR offers products and services for GST compliance and will help businesses transition to the GST era smoothly. The company is backed with seed funding of USD 1 million by software industry leaders and ex-Infosys directors T V Mohandas Pai and V Balakrishnan among others. Company Website: http://www.gststar.com About WITHDIA withdia.com is an intelligent and an intuitive application for enterprises and individual professionals to manage their legal, tax and other regulatory roles. It aggregates content/solutions curated by experts and is already amongst the largest question and answer bank on GST in the country. It combines the content with search technologies, knowledge about query and user context into a single framework in order to provide the most appropriate content for a user's information needs. Company Website: http://www.withdia.com Media Contact:

Alen Hilary

Public Relations

Team Pumpkin Pvt Ltd

[email protected]

91-9446741007



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[September 06, 2017] MDxHealth Prepares for Growth with Executive Team Expansion

Michael K. Brawer, MD Appointed as Chief Medical Officer PRESS RELEASE / REGULATED INFORMATION



IRVINE, CA, and HERSTAL, BELGIUM - 07:00 CEST, September 6, 2017 - MDxHealth SA (Euronext: MDXH.BR) today announced the appointment of Michael K. Brawer, MD as Chief Medical Officer in a series of executive hires to prepare the Company for growth in the second half of the year and beyond. Dr. Brawer is an accomplished urologist and former professor of urology and pathology, with over 25 years of industry experience leading clinical affairs for urology-focused diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies. Most recently, Dr. Brawer served as Vice President of Medical Affairs, Urology at Myriad Genetics where he led all clinical aspects of development, education and commercialization of their prognostic prostate cancer assay. Previously, Dr. Brawer held senior leadership positions for GTx Inc, Tokai Pharmaceuticals and Threshold Pharmaceuticals. Prior to his corporate career, Dr. Brawer was a practicing urologist and the Director of the Northwest Prostate Institute for almost a decade, after holding teaching positions in pathology and urology at the University of Washington and University of Arizona. Over the first seven months of 2017, in addition to bringing on Dr. Brawer, MDxHealth has expanded its executive function with the appointment of Jean-Marc Roelandt as Chief Financial Officer, Shalon Roth as Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs and Paul Marr as Executive Vice President of Sales for North America. "MDxHealth has made industry-changing advancements to improve prostate cancer diagnosis with its portfolio of tests, and commands a leading position in molecular diagnostic testing for urology," stated Michael Brawer MD, CMO, MDxHealth. "I am thrilled to work with this highly experienced executive management and clinical affairs team to help the Company build upon its proven success in the market." "We are excited to welcome such an accomplished medical professional to our Executive Leadership Team and are confident that Dr. Brawer's extensive industry experience will help further dvance our clinical and commercial strategy," commented Dr. Jan Groen, CEO, MDxHealth. "Dr. Brawer's arrival rounds out our 2017 campaign to expand our executive team, alongside our goal to nearly double our US sales force, in preparation for a sustained growth phase."



About MDxHealth MDxHealth is a multinational healthcare company that provides actionable molecular diagnostic information to personalize the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The company's tests are based on proprietary genetic, epigenetic (methylation) and other molecular technologies and assist physicians with the diagnosis of urologic cancers, prognosis of recurrence risk, and prediction of response to a specific therapy. The Company's European headquarters are in Herstal, Belgium, with laboratory operations in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and US headquarters and laboratory operations based in Irvine, California. For more information, visit mdxhealth.com and follow us on social media at: twitter.com/mdxhealth, facebook.com/mdxhealth and linkedin.com/company/mdxhealth.

For more information: Shalon Roth, EVP Corporate Communications

MDxHealth

+44 (0)7393 906278

[email protected] This press release contains forward-looking statements and estimates with respect to the anticipated future performance of MDxHealth and the market in which it operates. Such statements and estimates are based on assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable but may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict, may depend upon factors that are beyond the company's control, and may turn out to be materially different. MDxHealth expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this release to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based unless required by law or regulation. This press release does not constitute an offer or invitation for the sale or purchase of securities or assets of MDxHealth in any jurisdiction. No securities of MDxHealth may be offered or sold within the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or in compliance with an exemption therefrom, and in accordance with any applicable U.S. securities laws. NOTE: The MDxHealth logo, MDxHealth, ConfirmMDx, SelectMDx, AssureMDx, PredictMDx and UrNCollect are trademarks or registered trademarks of MDxHealth SA. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. The foregoing information on Kaiser Permanente and the General Service Administration contract awards is not intended to serve as an endorsement of MDxHealth or ConfirmMDx by Kaiser Permanente or the US Government. Attachments: //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7466780-2976-48e8-894c-6a7f52316ca7

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[September 06, 2017] GSMA Highlights US$1.8 Trillion IoT Revenue Opportunity for Mobile Network Operators

The GSMA today announced that mobile network operators are set to benefit from an estimated US$1.8 trillion Internet of Things (IoT) revenue opportunity by 2026 boosted by the early deployment of commercial Low Power Wide Area Networks in licensed spectrum, according to new figures in the IoT Forecast Database Research1 published by analyst house Machina Research. The new findings highlight the huge growth opportunities for mobile operators delivered through new Mobile IoT applications and services. To date, 12 mobile operators have launched 15 commercial Mobile IoT services, including AT&T, Telstra and Verizon (News - Alert) (LTE-M), as well as China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Deutsche Telekom, M1, Turkcell, Verizon and Vodafone (NB-IoT).2 The research also indicates that the Americas region will account for an estimated US$534billion, or approximately a third of the total revenue. "There is a real sense of momentum behind Mobile IoT networks in licensed spectrum, with multiple commercial launches around the world, as well as the availability of hundreds of different applications and solutions, but there is still much to be done," said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. "Many operators are already reaping the benefits of deploying Mobile IoT and we encourage others to act now to capitalise on this clear market opportunity and further accelerate the development of the Internet of Things." The new findings highlight that consumer demand for connected home (US$441 billion), consumer electronics (US$376 billion) and connected car technologies (US$273 billion) represent the biggest revenue opportunities for IoT. However, other areas such as connected energy look set to reach US$128 billion by 2026 as a result of local governments and consumers seeking smarter ways to manage utilities. Similarly, revenues from connected cities are forecast to reach US$78 billion by 2026. Mobile operators are enhancing their licensed cellular networks with NB-IoT and LTE (News - Alert)-M technologies which utilise globally agreed 3GPP standards to scale the IoT. Mobile IoT networks are expected to have 862 million active connections by 2022 or 56 per cent of all LPWA connections3. These new Mobile IoT networks are designed to support mass-market IoT applications across a wide variety of use cases, such as industrial asset tracking, safety monitoring, water and gas metering, smart grids, city parking, vending machines and city lighting, requiring solutions that are low cost, use low data rates, require long battery lives and can operate in remote locations. Mobile IoT Momentum (News - Alert) The GSMA Mobile IoT Initiative was created to help the industry deliver commercial LPWA solutions in licensed spectrum. It is currently backed by 74 global mobile operators, device makers and chipset, module and infrastructure companies worldwide. In the space of a year, it has helped to establish market standards for LPWA, published by 3GPP, that will play a fundamental role in the growth, development and adoption of the technology as well as securely and cost effectively connect the billions of new devices making up he IoT. For further information on the Mobile IoT Initiative, visit www.gsma.com/iot/mobile-iot-initiative/.



Mobile IoT Innovators The GSMA has also established the GSMA Mobile IoT Innovators project, which was designed to encourage the development of new LPWA solutions and now has over 650 members. The GSMA will host the GSMA Mobile IoT Innovators Showcase at 4YFN in the Moscone Centre, South Hall, Stand Number: 2300A during Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) Americas, demonstrating the different stages of Mobile IoT development, from standalone development kits and modules to companies with first prototypes and commercially available products. The showcase will feature innovative companies from a range of industries, including asset tracking, smart street lighting and flood monitoring and will highlight the opportunities of developing with the latest Mobile IoT technologies.

Mobile IoT at Mobile World Congress Americas 2017 At Mobile World Congress Americas in San Francisco next month, the GSMA's Internet of Things programme will host the '5th GSMA Global Mobile IoT Summit' on Monday, 11 September, from 14:00 - 17:00. The Summit will explore the ongoing commercialisation of licensed spectrum LPWA networks and their power to deliver service to billions of new devices. The GSMA Internet of Things programme will also be present in the GSMA Innovation City, showcasing how the IoT is transforming enterprises, governments and peoples' lives across the globe in an immersive urban environment. Get Involved at Mobile World Congress Americas 2017 More information on Mobile World Congress Americas 2017, including how to attend, exhibit or sponsor, is available at www.mwcamericas.com. Follow developments and updates on Mobile World Congress Americas on Twitter (News - Alert) @GSMAEvents using #MWCA17, on our LinkedIn Mobile World Congress Americas page https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsma-mobile-world-congress-americas or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MWCAmericas/. -ENDS- Notes to Editors 1. Machina Research, IoT Worldwide, 2016-2026, (All IoT (Total) Connected Car (Total) Connected Cities (Total) Connected Consumer Electronics (Total) Connected Energy (Total) Connected Home (Total) 2. https://www.gsma.com/iot/mobile-iot-commercial-launches/ 3. Machina Research, April 2017 About the GSMA The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences. For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005118/en/

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[September 06, 2017] Macro Software Systems CEO Wins Two Top Executive Awards with Business Worldwide Magazine

LONDON, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative, customer focused software executive Qais Al Lamki has been awarded two accolades in the prestigious 2017 Business Worldwide Magazine (BWM) CEO Awards. The awards, which celebrate the personalities behind industry leading companies, recognise the dedication and innovation that are required to lead a successful international business. Qais Al Lamki has reached the top spot in two categories; Best CEO IT/Technology Industry (Oman) and Most Innovative CEO of the Year (Oman). Macro Software Systems (MSS) was launched in the late 1990s, with the aim of making business in and around Oman Y2K compliance. Innovation has always been at the core of the company and since its launch Qais Al Lamki and his team have remained at the forefront of international IT trends and developments. The company offers a range of services, from ERP and Managed Services to Infrastructure, Service Management and Strategy. The core business is based in Oman but the company also works across Middle and Eastern Africa, Tanzania and UAE. When asked the secret of his success, Qais Al Lamki cites a combination of technological innovation, strong customer relationships and happy employees. He told our reporter, "Our business model, which emphasises good ustomer relationships and happy employees, is ideally suited for the context in which we work. Globally, businesses face many economic and political uncertainties at the moment. But we've weathered economic turbulence before, and we aim to build long-term relationships with clients which have helped us remain stable and become very successful."



The company has enjoyed 100% success rates on all its projects to date, working with clients from a range of industry sectors including Government, Finance and Oil & Gas. Next plans for MSS include Software as a Service (SaaS) and mobile computing, with other the development of other millennial technologies also on the horizon.

BWM Spokesperson said: "We are delighted to have awarded Qais Al Lamki with two of our most prestigious accolades and look forward to watching Macro Software Systems grow even more in the coming years. It is the dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence that puts CEOs like Qais Al Lamki at the forefront of the IT Industry, and we are very happy to be able to provide him with an international platform." You can find further details about BWM Awards and this year's CEO winners here: http://www.bwmonline.com/awards/ceo-awards-winners-2017/ To find out more about Macro Software Systems, go to http://www.macro-soft.com/ An article on the company can also be found on BWM website http://www.bwmonline.com/2017/08/20/navigating-the-challenges-of-digital-innovation-2/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes of CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. www.bwmonline.com Contact

David Jones

Awards Department

E: [email protected]

W: www.bwmonline.com

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[September 06, 2017]

Generational Equity Advises Pre1 Software in Sale to Bauer Software Group

DALLAS, Sep. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client, Pre1 Software, to Bauer Software Group, Inc. The acquisition closed second quarter 2017.

Pre1 Software, based in Portland, Oregon, designs and builds software for newspapers, magazines and digital publications. The company's premier cross-platform, ad management software suite, SmartPublisher, offers contact relations management, order entry, production trafficking, billing and extensive reporting.

Bauer Software Group, Inc., based in Ashburn, Virginia, is an active investor in software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies and web development firms that bring added value to itscurrent portfolio holdings.







Generational Equity Managing Director Stephen Crisham's team, led by trusted affiliates Curtis Case and Trevor Hill with support from Generational Equity MD Lori Galloway, successfully closed the deal.

"Bauer Software Group, Inc. was quite attracted to Pre1's technologies and its innovative approach in adapting them to current and future demands faced by its publisher clients," said Case. "While there was considerable buyer interest, we believe that Pre1 was wise in selecting Bauer Software Group, Inc. as its buyer and they will, going forward, serve the needs of their clients with the highest level of expertise."

About Generational Equity

Generational Equity, part of the Generational Group headquartered in Dallas with over 200 professionals located throughout North America, helps business owners release the wealth of their business by providing merger, acquisition and strategic growth advisory services. Their four-step approach features exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, and M&A transactional services. The M&A Advisor recently named the company its 2016 Investment Banking Firm of the Year. For more, visit http://www.genequityco.com or the Generational Equity press room.

For more information:

Carl Doerksen

972-232-1125

[email protected]

View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/generational-equity-advises-pre1-software-in-sale-to-bauer-software-group-300512509.html

SOURCE Generational Equity
[September 06, 2017] Participants of the Future Energy Forum Discuss the Rules for Cooperation on Global Energy Economy Issues

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 11th conference "International Economy and Policy in Environmental Protection" was held on August 28-29 at the International Specialized Exhibition Astana EXPO-2017. The key issues raised at the conference included problems and political aspects of globalization, models and future sustainable development scenarios, interaction between international trade and the green economy, as well as energy market reform. Professor Mohan Munasinghe who received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on climate change spoke about the three bases of a global eco-civilization. "The use of Sustainomics, i.e. balanced and consistent consideration of the three dimensions of the sustainable deveopment triangle (social, economic and environmental), will help find the path to Balanced Inclusive Green Growth (BIGG). The second key concept is Making Development More Sustainable (MDMS). The third concept is transcending conventional sustainable development boundaries with innovation and fresh ideas, which means fostering important ethical and moral values among young people," said Munasinghe.



Speakers at the 11th Conference also included Peggy Liu, Chairperson of JUCCCE (Joint US China Collaboration on Clean Energy), the former Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Djoomart Otorbayev, Director of The Prince of Wales's Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) Jill Duggan, and Monika Griefahn, Managing Director of the Institute for Environment, Media, Culture and Chair of the Right Livelihood Award Foundation. The British writer and TV host Vivienne Perry, who is famous for medical and scientific programs on BBC Radio 4, was a moderator at the conference.

The results of all twelve conferences will be included in the Astana EXPO-2017 Manifesto of Values and Principles. About Astana EXPO 2017

The International Specialized Exhibition Astana EXPO 2017 dedicated to Future Energy is an expositional and recreational event held between June 10 and September 10, 2017 in Astana. The exhibition will last 93 days and will be one of the most spectacular cultural venues in 2017. As part of Astana EXPO 2017, global policy documents will be drafted in order to promote an energy-efficient lifestyle and wide use of renewable energy sources. Natalia Kostikova

[email protected]

+7(903)-209-35-00



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[September 06, 2017] First-of-Its-Kind Criminal Case on Sales Tax Fraud - Montreal-Based IT company is chosen by Washington State to monitor illegal sales activities

MONTREAL, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - eTaxMan, designed by Allagma Technologies Inc. (Allagma), a Montreal-based IT firm, has been chosen by the State of Washington, US, to monitor and prevent sales tax fraud in the cash economy. On August 30, 2017, a restaurant owner pleaded guilty in a criminal tax theft case prosecuted by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson. The owner in question used what is known as a "sales suppression software" in order to hide cash transactions and pocket the collected sales taxes. This landmark case is the first prosecution of its kind in the United States. As part of a plea agreement, the restaurant owner agreed to a unique, real-time monitoring of the business' sales to ensure all applicable taxes are being collected and remitted. The Department of Revenue will monitor the owner and the restaurant for five years, using Allagma's innovative solution, eTaxMan. "Tax fraud in the underground economy is a major global problem that is siphoning billions of dollars from governments around the world, reducing their ability to deliver cost-effective services to citizens," noted Vartkes Melkonian, President of Allagma. "Our eTaxMan solution is multi-modular and its components address the needs o all stakeholders, from consumers to merchants and governments. When everyone pays their fair share of taxes, everyone benefits."



Allagma's innovative solution was accepted by the Attorney General of the State of Washington as the right solution by far, which can monitor the transactions of convicted merchants, instead of sentencing them to prison terms. eTaxMan was designed to record sales-related data the moment a transaction is keyed in, before it is even finalized. Therefore, all subsequent actions of sales suppression activities are also recorded. It provides unprecedented insight to tax authorities as to the various transactional patterns of a particular business. As Steve Adessky, Director of Government Affairs at Allagma, points out, "Our eTaxMan solution was selected mainly because of its superior flexibility to be customized, which was necessary in this implementation, and also because it meets all the requirements set forth by both the prosecution and the defense teams of this case." eTaxMan was developed after many years of research on tax fraud in the underground economy, with the commitment of making it both tamper-proof and hack-proof. It is considered to be the fourth-generation solution available on the market, circumventing all the technical problems and shortcomings of any other solution in place today. Due to its superior recording function, this advanced software enables tax authorities to have a surgical precision in their auditing initiatives, substantially increasing the probability of positive results, and therefore decreasing both revenue losses and audit costs.

This is a major development for Montreal's Allagma, which was founded in 2000. "We believe that this is an important milestone for our company and establishes us as a Canadian success story in the very important international market of combatting tax fraud," said Viken Attarian, Senior VP Business Development, Marketing and Communications. About Allagma Technologies Inc. Allagma Technologies Inc., founded in 2000, is an IT solutions provider based in Montreal. Until 2010, Allagma's core business was providing all-inclusive information technology services and managing the IT infrastructures of medium and large businesses. It has a strong track record of developing multiple innovative technology solutions for various industries which it services, including prominent national retail chains and manufacturing businesses, while also establishing a large customer base in the restaurant industry. Allagma was involved in Revenue Quebec's implementation of the Sales Recording Module, which was to be installed in all restaurants of the province mandatorily. Since 2010, it has added a new division for developing solutions to combat and reduce the underground economy. www.allagma.com SOURCE Allagma Technologies, Inc.

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[September 06, 2017] Rite Aid Corporation Announces Leadership Changes

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE:RAD) has announced that President of Rite Aid Corporation and CEO of Rite Aid stores Ken Martindale, will leave Rite Aid, effective immediately, in order to assume a leadership position at another company. Rite Aid also announced it has promoted Bryan Everett, currently executive vice president in charge of store operations, to the newly created position of chief operating officer of Rite Aid stores. In this position, Everett will be responsible for the company's store operations, merchandising, distribution and logistics. Everett will report to Rite Aid's Chairman and CEO John Standley. "Since joining Rite Aid two years ago, Bryan has had a significant, positive impact on Rite Aid's store operations as well as in other areas of our business," said Rite Aid's Chairman and CEO John Standley. "His exceptional leadership skills, strong industry knowledge and his proven track record of operational expertise and success make him the right person to lead key areas of our organization durig this important time as we move forward to drive our business, create a great customer experience and deliver value for our stakeholders."



"We also wish to thank Ken for his significant contributions to our company since joining Rite Aid in 2008," Standley added. We have all benefitted from the opportunity to have worked with Ken and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors." Everett is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience in store operations. He joined Target (News - Alert) Corporation in 2002, where he held various store operations positions of increasing responsibility. While at Target, he most recently served as senior vice president of store operations. In this role, he focused on talent management, operational efficiency and integrated technology solutions. In addition, he led new format, new store and remodeling programs while also overseeing pharmacy and clinic operations. Before joining Target, Everett also held store operations management positions at Fleming Wholesale and ALDI Inc.

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with more than 4,500 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2017 annual revenues of $32.8 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at www.riteaid.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005907/en/

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TU scraps affiliation to National Medical College

Amid criticism from various quarters, the Tribhuvan University on Wednesday scrapped the affiliation to National Medical College.
[September 06, 2017] SKYGEN USA Company Wonderbox Technologies Named to Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies for the Second Year in a Row

MEQUON, Wis., Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SKYGEN USA, an organization dedicated to transforming the delivery of health benefits through innovative, technology-enabled solutions that drive down the cost of care while promoting better outcomes for all Americans, today announced that its company Wonderbox Technologies has been ranked No. 3689 on the prestigious 36th annual Inc. 5000 ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. Each year the list recognizes the most successful companies within America's most dynamic economic segment  independent small businesses. SKYGEN USA company Wonderbox Technologies joins past honorees such as Microsoft, Dell, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many others, all of whom gained their first national exposure on the Inc. 5000. "Uncertainties and rapid changes in the health insurance marketplace have created a new urgency for payers to find more efficient ways to serve their members and providers," said Craig Kasten, chairman and co-founder of SKYGEN USA. "They have come to realize the solutions they implemented before there was widespread access to the Internet no longer meet the requirements of the Digital Age. Our continued rapid growth, and our presence on the Inc. 5000 for the second straight year, shows that payers of all sizes recognize SKYGEN USA for its technology-enabled solutions that transform businesses from being largely dependent on slow, manual processes to bringing them up to lightning speed through continuous automation." SKYGEN USA is focused on transforming the way health benefits are deivered through technology advancement. Its clients include commercial and government payers in the medical, dental and vision markets. The powerful capabilities and flexibility of the company's flagship technology platform, the Enterprise System, have been critical in helping clients adjust to market forces, such as the growing consumerization of healthcare; the need to lower administrative costs by consolidating medical, dental, and vision benefits on a single SaaS platform; the continued transition from fee-for-service to value-based care; and the pressure to deliver greater efficiency in Medicaid programs to free up more dollars to provide better care and access to more members.



The average company on the Inc. 5000 List achieved a mind-boggling three-year growth of 481 percent. The Inc. 5000's aggregate revenue is $206 billion, and the companies on the list collectively generated 619,500 jobs over the past three years. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. "The Inc. 5000 is the most persuasive evidence I know that the American Dream is still alive," says Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. "The founders and CEOs of the Inc. 5000 tell us they think determination, risk taking, and vision were the keys to their success, and I believe them."

The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring all the companies on the list will be held from October 10 through 12, 2017 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, CA. Speakers include some of the greatest entrepreneurs of this and past generations, such as former Ford president Alan Mullaly, FUBU CEO and founder and "Shark Tank" star Daymond John, Dollar Shave Club founder Michael Dubin, researcher and #1 New York Times bestseller Brene Brown, and Gravity Payments' founder and CEO Dan Price. "The Inc. 5000 List is an outstanding measure of an organization's achievement because it is completely performance-based," said Greg Borca, co-founder of SKYGEN USA. "The fact that we have continued to grow rapidly while health insurance in America generally is in such a state of flux is a tribute both to our solutions and the people behind them. The list of organizations that either are on the list today or were at one time places us in great company. We are proud to be named to it for the second consecutive year." Tweet this: [email protected] company @WonderboxTech named to Inc. 5000 for 2nd consecutive year | #healthinsurance http://bit.ly/2voOnv4 About Wonderbox Technologies

SKYGEN USA company Wonderbox Technologies is a distinguished, agile software company focused on building technology-enabled solutions that allow health insurance payers to manage medical, dental and vision benefits on a single platform. The company's Enterprise System technology enables payers to manage benefits more effectively by using one of the country's most innovative and flexible technology platforms to dramatically improve automation, achieve compliance and reduce the cost of delivering healthcare benefits. To learn more, visit www.wonderboxtech.com. About SKYGEN USA

SKYGEN USA is dedicated to transforming the delivery of health benefits through innovative, technology-enabled solutions that drive down the cost of care while promoting better outcomes for all Americans. By developing and employing world-class software solutions, the organization provides unprecedented levels of automation and cost savings, creating the most efficient health plans in the country. The SKYGEN USA client roster includes the nation's largest healthcare insurers with clients operating in over 100 markets, serving 35 million member lives on its technology platform, and 10 million member lives through its outsourcing solutions. For more information, please visit www.skygenusa.com. For media inquiries, please contact: Christine Rudella

Director of Marketing

SKYGEN USA Family of Companies

262-834-4145

[email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skygen-usa-company-wonderbox-technologies-named-to-inc-5000-list-of-americas-fastest-growing-private-companies-for-the-second-year-in-a-row-300513144.html SOURCE SKYGEN USA

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[September 06, 2017] United States Medical Robots Market - Forecasts to 2023 - Key Players are Intuitive Surgical, Stryker Corporation, Hansen Medical, Accuray Incorporated & Omnicell - Research and Markets

The "United States Medical Robots Market: Prospects, Trends Analysis, Market Size and Forecasts up to 2023" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering. The report on United States Medical Robots Market is a customer intelligence and competitive study of the United States market. Moreover, the report provides deep insights on demand forecasts, market trends, and, micro and macro indicators in United States market. Also, factors that are driving are restraining the Medical Robots Market are highlighted in the study. This is an in-depth business intelligence report based on qualitative and quantitative parameters of the market. Additionally, this report provides readers with market insights and detailed analysis of market segments to possible micro levels. The companies featured in the United States, Medical Robots Market, include Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Hansen Medical, Inc., Accuray Incorporated , and Omnicell (News - Alert), Inc. Segments Covered The report on Medical Robots Maret provides detailed analysis of segments in the market based on Application, And Product.



Segmentation based on Application: - Laparoscopy

- Orthopedics - Neurology - Special Education - Neurology Segmentation based on Product - Medical Robot Systems - Instruments & Accessories - Others Report provides detailed insights into: 1) Demand and supply conditions of Medical Robots Market 2) Factor affecting the Medical Robots Market in the short run and the long run 3) The dynamics including drivers, restraints, opportunities, political, socio economic factors, and technological factors 4) Key trends and future prospects 5) Leading companies operating in Medical Robots Market and their competitive position in the United States. 6) The dealers/distributors profiles provide basic information of top 10 dealers & distributors operating in (United States) Medical Robots Market 7) Author Matrix: to position the product types 8) Market estimates up to 2023. Companies Mentioned Intuitive Surgical Inc.

Stryker Corporation

Hansen Medical Inc.

Accuray Incorporated

Omnicell Inc. Key Topics Covered: 1. Report Overview 2. Executive Summary 3. Overview 4. United States Medical Robots Market by Application 5. United States Medical Robots Market by Product 6. Company Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/wvj3hz/united_states View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005988/en/

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[September 06, 2017] AIM Consulting, Navint and Frazier & Deeter Partner with Pramata to Drive Revenue for Customers

BRISBANE, Calif., Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pramata, the commercial relationship operations company, today announced its recent partnerships with AIM Consulting, Navint and Frazier & Deeter to provide customers with innovative business solutions that help uncover critical data to unlock quantifiable business value. In partnering with these companies, Pramata is fostering collaboration among complementary businesses and expanding its own network across various industries.

The partnership with AIM Consulting, a technology consulting services and solutions delivery company, strengthens Pramatas systems integrations expertise to offer unrivaled value to customers. AIM Consulting has a specialty in operationalizing data within various technology sectors and industries that will expand Pramatas footprint and help companies deliver more meaningful insights. Pramata is also joining forces with Navint Partners LLC (Navint). Navints vast experience and leadership in end-to-end enterprise transformation combined with Pramatas unique ability to operationalize commercial relationships will provide the required capabilities across strategy, operations and technology to solve some of todaysbiggest business challenges.



Pramatas partnership with CPA and advisory firm, Frazier & Deeter, will help customers navigate complex regulatory and compliance issues. Frazer & Deeters Process Risk and Governance Group will advise on requirements within contracts, ASC 606 rules and billing, areas of risk, as well as help customers navigate other regulatory requirements. The addition of these partners will help to propel our business forward, said Robert Hultslander, VP of Alliances at Pramata. The work were doing with AIM Consulting, Navint and Frazier & Deeter has already expanded our resource pool so we can continue to support our customers ongoing success.

Were excited to be able to leverage Pramatas commercial relationship operations solution for our customers, said Jon Day, Client Partner Executive at AIM Consulting. Pramatas solution connects contract data with business applications in one platform. This is a relatively new space that we believe is a missing piece that provides critical analysis for our enterprise clients to grow their businesses. Our partnership with Pramata enables our enterprise clients to drive even greater success from recurring revenue business models by creating the foundations to leverage and control continuous customer relationships, said Stephen Terry, Director, at Navint. In turn, I know our businesses will want to utilize Pramatas commercial relationship technology to uncover millions of dollars in new revenue opportunities. Frazier & Deeters partnership with Pramata gives our team the opportunity to help more businesses and hone our skills in compliance and risk consulting, said Sabrina Sarafin, Partner and National Practice Leader of Process, Risk and Governance at Frazier & Deeter. Pramatas aggregation of data will help us assess risk in a new way and bring additional value to our joint customers. Pramatas commercial relationship technology not only uncovers revenue opportunities within a companys customer base, but also bridges the gaps in and grows value throughout the customer lifecycle. Many of Pramatas large enterprises have realized an increase in customer retention of over four percent and a three percent to five percent reduction in revenue leakage. Pramatas innovative commercial relationship operations platform serves as the foundation that helps companies grow value throughout the customer lifecycle. If you are interested in learning more about Pramata's Partner Program or wish to become a partner, please visit: www.pramata.com/partners or email: [email protected] About Pramata

Pramata operationalizes the details of commercial relationships so large organizations can maximize revenue, reduce risk and drive business efficiencies. Pramata has created millions of dollars in value for some of the largest companies in the world, including Allergan, CenturyLink, Comcast Business, FICO, HPE, NCR, Novelis and Vertafore. Pramata is headquartered in Brisbane, Calif., with offices in Kansas City, MO and Bangalore, India. For more information, please visit: www.pramata.com.

Media Contact: Marina Greenwood Activa PR for Pramata 415.776.5350 [email protected]

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[September 06, 2017] Vineti expands its platform to support provision of American Red Cross allogeneic apheresis collections for cellular therapy

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vineti, Inc., the leading software and analytics company for cell and gene therapies, today announced that it will be expanding its technology platform to support the provision of American Red Cross allogeneic apheresis collections for cellular therapy. The Red Cross, the nations largest single provider of blood products, is already a key provider of autologous apheresis collection services for cellular therapy.

The Vineti digital platform supports next-generation therapies by integrating and tracking the entire cell therapy process, from ordering and logistics to manufacturing and clinical data. This technology will help the Red Cross expand patient access to cell therapy products and set standards for this emerging field. We developed the Vineti platform to help innovative treatments reach the patients who need them the most. We strongly believe that the right leaders, setting standards early in this new field, will create an essential environment of patient safety and trust, said Amy DuRoss, CEO at Vineti. Vineti is proud to provide this service to the Red Cross to expand patient access to these critical therapies. With multiple fixed sites across the country and staff experienced in apheresis collections, the Red Cross is exceptionally well-positioned to provide cell collection services to biotechnology and pharmaceutical ompanies.



The Red Cross has been involved in performing apheresis collections in support of cellular therapy for over ten years, and currently performs thousands of such procedures each year, said Geoff Kaufmann, Vice President of Patient Services at the Red Cross. Access to a technology platform to support allogeneic collections will enhance our cellular therapy offerings. Vinetis configurable, cloud-based platform improves cell and gene therapy product performance overall, promotes regulatory compliance, and enables faster, safer, broader access for patients. Caregivers, suppliers, and pharmaceutical pioneers are empowered to reach more patients sooner by partnering their products and therapies with a digital, data-driven platform focused on scalability, efficiency and safety.

The Vineti platform is available directly from Vineti. Patients, clinicians, suppliers, and pharmaceutical developers can learn more at www.vineti.com. About Vineti, Inc. Vineti is the first commercial cloud-based platform to expand patient access to life-saving cell and gene therapies. Vineti was co-founded by GE and the Mayo Clinic to solve the key challenges patients, medical providers, biopharmaceutical companies and regulators face in the delivery and commercialization of 21st century medicine. The Vineti platform integrates logistics, manufacturing and clinical data to improve product performance overall. Caregivers and pharmaceutical pioneers are empowered to help more patients more effectively and safely, treatments are better understood and improved over time, and most importantly, theres an opportunity to provide greater health outcomesand curesto patients in need. For more information, please visit www.vineti.com. Sign up to follow @vinetiworks on https://twitter.com/vinetiworks. NOTE: Vineti and the Vineti logo are trademarks of Vineti , Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. Media Contact: Kaustuva Das Thermal PR for Vineti 415-659-1970 [email protected]

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[September 06, 2017] Cog Systems Names immixGroup as Distributor to U.S. Local, State and Federal Government

SYDNEY, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cog Systems, maker of secure solutions for the connected world, announced today that it has aligned with immixGroup as its public sector distributor. Under the agreement, immixGroup has added Cog Systems' D4 Secure software, products and services to its U.S.-based nationwide local, state and federal government purchasing vehicles. "D4 Secure technology provides defense-grade security to commercial devices," said Carl Nerup, CMO, Cog Systems. "The agreement with immixGroup will make it easier for government agencies to both find and procure the cybersecurity solution they need and trust." With the addition of Cog Systems' D4 Secure product line, immixGroup gains a new distribution relationship that provides world-class cybersecurity solutions for the connected device ecosystem, on commerial devices at commercial prices.



Cog Systems has a long heritage in designing and implementing 'hardened' mobile devices for select governments. The company leverages their D4 Secure Platform to develop software for specific categories of connected devices. D4 Secure SDKs protect organizations and their users with an unparalleled level of data and system security without sacrificing the flexibility to run any application - safely and securely. The company launched the HTC, Secured by D4 in February. The device is currently in use by the U.S. Department of Defense and is the first virtualization-based smartphone security system to be certified on the U.S. Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) list. The D4 Secure Platform running on HTC is the first cybersecurity smartphone solution to be listed on the NSA's Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) program that uses virtualization, which the NSA has only required on more powerful devices such as PCs and laptops.

D4 Secure software, products and services are available immediately from immixGroup. For more information, contact Corey Lim at immixGroup at 703-639-1898. About Cog Systems Cog Systems designs and develops solutions for the connected world. As the Internet becomes more hostile, Cog makes security solutions and high assurance universal among smart devices and offers unrivaled protection. Cog is well positioned to tackle the emerging trust and security challenges of the Internet of Things (IoT) by using advanced embedded solutions and technology. For more information, visit http://cog.systems/. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cog-systems-names-immixgroup-as-distributor-to-us-local-state-and-federal-government-300514628.html SOURCE Cog Systems

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[September 06, 2017] Huawei Releases the New-Generation Intelligent Cloud Hardware Platform Atlas

Setting the Trend to Steer the Infrastructure Resource Pool Revolution SHANGHAI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Huawei released the new-generation intelligent cloud hardware platform - Atlas. Positioned for scenarios such as public cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC), Atlas rides on the advantages of key technologies including heterogeneous resource pooling and intelligent orchestration to deliver new levels of hardware resource utilization and adapt more flexibly to service demands. As the result of Huawei's Boundless Computing strategy, the Atlas platform makes Huawei well positioned to steer the infrastructure resource pool revolution. With the rise of AI research and application, AI and cloud computing technologies will be integral to people's daily lives. From applications such as safe city and smart manufacturing to autonomous driving, AI and cloud technologies are spreading. Meanwhile, pivotal to intelligence is having capabilities that allow numerous systems to process in real time the massive volumes of data generated from a world of full connectivity. For example, a city with 100,000 cameras installed can produce 100 billion car plate records and 1 trillion facial recognition records a year. It has become a tremendous challenge for traditional computing systems to deliver the required capabilities in order to process, query, and analyze data of such a high order of magnitude. Built for the public cloud, AI, and HPC scenarios, the Atlas platform released by Huawei addresses the data processing challenges in the AI era. The Atlas platform is based on Huawei's FusionServer G series heterogeneous servers. The FusionServer G series leverages technologies such as heterogeneous resource pooling and inteligent orchestration to pool resources like GPUs, HDDs, and SSDs, and provides hardware resources on demand to suit the needs of specific service models.



Atlas drives an over 50% higher resource utilization efficiency, and boosts performance by over 10x compared with the traditional x86 architecture, meanwhile slashing the hardware device types for customers. Additionally, Atlas can provision logical servers in different resource configuration ratios, and deploy the servers within seconds, significantly shortening the service rollout cycle while empowering customers with the flexibility to adapt to service changes. "As the AI era is approaching, traditional hardware cannot meet the requirements on development of AI and cloud technologies." said Qiu Long, President, IT Server Product Line, Huawei. "Positioned as a new-generation intelligent cloud hardware platform, Huawei's Atlas pioneers heterogeneous resource pooling and intelligent orchestration technologies to bring resource utilization and performance to new high levels. Atlas is also the fruit of Huawei's Boundless Computing strategy. Huawei has been inspired by the idea of making computing simple through continuous innovation, and keeps customers' requirements in mind to build servers that are stable, reliable, and high-performing, to help customers better cope with the challenges for successful transformation in the AI and cloud era."

Huawei has strategized Boundless Computing as a major step to building a better connected world. The Boundless Computing strategy advocates innovations around computing and leverages innovative chips, heterogeneous computing, and edge computing in order to push the traditional computing boundaries that used to be confined to CPUs, servers, and data centers. At HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Huawei has released multiple brand new public cloud services based on the Atlas hardware platform, including GPU and FPGA cloud services, empowering AI applications with cloud capabilities and enabling customers to access heterogeneous computing services with more ease and speed. Huawei servers and the entire IT product line have emerged to the global IT mainstream. Huawei delivers leading performance, and simplified and efficient IT infrastructure to help enterprises accomplish their digital transformation. So far, 197 companies on the Fortune Global 500 list and 45 companies in the Fortune Global 100 have chosen Huawei as their digital transformation partner. HUAWEI CONNECT, Huawei's flagship event for the global ICT industry, is taking place at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from September 5-7, 2017 under the theme of "Grow with the Cloud". At this global platform for open collaboration, Huawei together with its customers and partners will explore new growth opportunities through digital transformation. For more information, please visit http://www.huawei.com/en/events/huaweiconnect2017/ View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/huawei-releases-the-new-generation-intelligent-cloud-hardware-platform-atlas-300514688.html SOURCE Huawei

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[September 06, 2017] Continuity Recipient of Marcum Tech Top 40 Award; Tenth Annual Event to Honor Continuity as one of 40 Fastest Growing Tech Companies

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Connecticut Technology Council (CTC) and Marcum LLP announced Continuity, a provider of automated compliance management technology for financial institutions, has made the Marcum Tech Top 40 (TT40) list of fastest growing technology companies in Connecticut. Continuity will be honored alongside 39 other TT40 companies at an awards ceremony September 19 at the Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford.

The Marcum Tech Top 40, now celebrating its tenth anniversary, has honored over 360 Connecticut technology companies since 2008. The awards recognize technology leaders in six industry sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Energy/Environmental, Life Sciences, New Media/Internet/Telecom, IT Services, and Software. Companies are both privately and publicly held and have at least $3 million in annual revenue and a demonstrated record of revenue growth in each of the preceding four years. Continuity has been named a Tech Top 40 in the software category. Continuity is a recipient of this award due to strong revenue growth of at least $3 million in annual revenue as well growth in each of the preceding four years. Marcum is proud to extend enthusiastic congratulations to all of this years fastest growing technology companies, said Michael K. Brooder, CPA, managing partner of Marcums Hartford, Connecticut, office. Marcum is proud to help celebrate the tech sector, one of the examples of growth and innovation within Connecticuts business ecosystem. The Marcum Tech Top 40 is our long-standing way of recognizing this and celebrating the achievements of some of the most disruptive and forwardingthinking companies in the state. It is an honor to partner with the Connecticut Technology Council on this outstanding event for the tenth year running.



Connecticut has become a community of highly innovative technology companies and we are proud to be included in this highly prestigious listing, said Mike Nicastro, CEO of Continuity. Our automated compliance management technology has proven its worth in our industry and is truly the reason for our successful, continued growth. Bruce Carlson, CTCs President and CEO added, Connecticut is proud of its unique history of innovation and entrepreneurship. Growth in Connecticut must and does come, at least in part, from the technology sector, and these Marcum Tech Top 40 companies are exemplary of the achievements of the growing tech sector in the state. We look forward to celebrating tech growth achievements for another decade and beyond.

The September 19 awards program will include an exhibition featuring the Marcum Tech Top 40 companies. One company from each of the six industry verticals will be named overall winner for demonstrating the greatest percentage growth in revenue across all the technology verticals. To register, visit the CTC website. About The Connecticut Technology Council

The Connecticut Technology Council is a statewide association of technology oriented companies and institutions, providing leadership in areas of policy advocacy, community building and assistance for growing companies. Speaking for 2,500 companies that employ some 200,000 residents, the mission of the Connecticut Technology Council is to spark innovation, cultivate tech talent, foster business growth, advocate for industry-beneficial law and policy, expand the scope of industry networking and professional development, and celebrate industry achievements in the state. The CTC seeks to serve Connecticuts technology ecosystem by providing leadership, support, mentoring, and advocacy to companies across every industry and at every stage of growth. For more information, visit http://www.ct.org About Marcum LLP Marcum LLP is one of the largest independent public accounting and advisory services firms in the nation, with offices in major business markets throughout the U.S., Grand Cayman and China. Headquartered in New York City, Marcum provides a full spectrum of traditional tax, accounting and assurance services; advisory, valuation and litigation support; and an extensive range of specialty and niche industry practices. The Firm serves both privately held and publicly traded companies, as well as high net worth individuals, private equity and hedge funds, with a focus on middle-market companies and closely held family businesses. Marcum is a member of the Marcum Group, an organization providing a comprehensive array of professional services. For more information, visit www.marcumllp.com. About Continuity New Haven, Connecticut-based Continuity is a provider of regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions that automate compliance management for financial institutions of all sizes. By combining regulatory expertise and cloud technology, Continuity provides a proven way to reduce regulatory burden and mitigate compliance risk at a fraction of the cost. Our solutions are designed to automate all aspects of compliance management, from interpretation of regulatory issuances through intuitive task delegation, vendor management, and board reporting. Continuity serves hundreds of institutions across the United States and its territories. For more information about Continuity, visit Continuity.net. CONTINUITY MEDIA CONTACT: Debbie Harris 678-781-7220 [email protected]

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[September 06, 2017] Mocana to Showcase Cutting Edge, IoT Security Solutions at the Inaugural Mobile World Congress Americas Event

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mocana Corporation, the leading provider of mission-critical IoT security solutions for industrial control systems and the Internet of Things, today announced that the company will be exhibiting its IoT Security Platform at the GSMA Mobile World Congress Americas (MWCA) event, September 12-14, 2017.

GSMA Mobile World Congress Americas, which in 2017 replaced the CTIA Super Mobility Week show, is expected to be the premier mobile industry event for the Americas, attracting 800 operators and 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including cloud, IoT, security, device makers, equipment providers and Internet companies. The MWCA will also feature an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge mobile technologies, products, and services. What: Mocana will be exhibiting its IoT Security Platform at Mobile World Congress Americas (MWCA) 2017. Where: Mobile World Congress Americas, Moscone Convention Center, 747 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Exhibition location: South Hall, Booth #2356. Dates: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 through Thursday, September 14, 201 from 9am-5pm PDT each day.



Mocana provides a comprehensive IoT security solution for embedded systems, industrial devices, networking equipment, and IoT cloud providers. Hundreds of industrial automation and manufacturing companies use Mocanas IoT security platform to defend against cyber attacks and maintain safety and uptime. The company's IoT Security Platform is deployed across a variety of critical infrastructure sectors, including manufacturing, communications, defense, energy, transportation, and healthcare. Companies interested in scheduling a meeting with Mocana at MWCA 2017 should visit https://www.mocana.com/meet-mocana-at-an-event.

Topics: IoT Security, MWCA 2017, Mobile World Congress Americas About Mocana Corporation Founded in 2002, Mocana provides mission-critical IoT security solutions for embedded systems, industrial controls and the Internet of Things (IoT). Our proven cybersecurity software goes beyond traditional security approaches by making IoT and ICS devices trustworthy and enabling secure device-to-cloud communications. Mocana's full-stack platform operates across complex, multi-vendor environments where performance and security are critical to ensuring safety and reliability. Hundreds of industrial and IoT companies depend on Mocana's military-grade technology to protect millions of IoT devices, controllers and embedded systems. www.mocana.com Press Contact: Jeannette Bitz Witz Communications 510.599.5499 [email protected] On-site Contact: Keao Caindec, Vice President of Marketing Mocana Corporation 415-307-7324 [email protected]

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[September 06, 2017] Augmenix Announces Positive Five-Year Long-Term Data Highlighting Significant Bowel and Sexual Quality of Life Benefits for Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel

Augmenix, Inc., a medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and sells proprietary absorbable hydrogels that separate and protect organs at risk during prostate radiotherapy (RT), announced that the International Journal of Radiation Oncology* Biology* Physics (IJROBP), also known as the Red Journal, has published 5-year data on patients treated with SpaceOAR hydrogel prior to RT at the RWTH Aachen University Department of Radiation Oncology, Aachen, Germany. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005545/en/ SpaceOAR hydrogel separates the prostate and rectum during radiation treatment (Photo: Business Wire) SpaceOAR hydrogel is the only FDA cleared medical device intended to temporarily position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy for prostate cancer and in creating this space it is the intent of SpaceOAR hydrogel to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the anterior rectum. The publication reports Quality of Life (QOL) outcomes from 114 patients receiving external beam radiotherapy to the prostate with 54 patients receiving SpaceOAR hydrogel prior to RT and 60 patients receiving RT without SpaceOAR hydrogel (Control). The study used the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) survey to document patient QOL at baseline (before RT), at the last day of RT, and at 2, 17 and 63 months following RT. Significant increases in mean bowel bother QOL scores (>10 points from baseline) were reported over 5X more often by Control patients at 17 months follow up (32% vs. 6%, p<0.01) At 5-year follow-up, 5% of SpaceOAR hydrogel treated patients reported a significantly increased mean bother score vs. 14% of Control patients (p=0.2). SpaceOAR hydrogel treated patients had significantly less moderate to big problems with bowel urgency at 17 months (0 vs 13%, p<0.01) and at 63 months (0 vs 14%, p=0.01), when compared to Control patients. Five Control patients required invasive bowel procedures compared to 1 SpaceOAR hydrogel patient (polypectomy).



A significant finding in terms of sexual QOL was also reported, with SpaceOAR hydrogel treated patients having an 8 times greater likelihood of having erections sufficient for intercourse at 5-years post-treatment (24% vs. 3% p<0.01). "These long-term results further validate previous 3-year data of the SpaceOAR System and highlight the long-term bowel and sexual Quality of Life benefits it can provide to prostate cancer patients who are treated with radiotherapy," said Michael Pinkawa, MD, PhD, radiation oncologist at MediClin Robert Janker Klinik, Bonn, Germany and lead author of the study.

"This 5-year data confirms previously reported 3-year outcomes from our randomized, multi-center trial and continues to build a growing portfolio of studies supporting the use of SpaceOAR hydrogel spacing during radiotherapy for prostate cancer," said John Pedersen, CEO of Augmenix. "We remain committed to furthering the spacing concept that we believe will help many patients return to and maintain pre-treatment quality of life following prostate radiotherapy." About SpaceOAR System Radiation therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer can cause unintended radiation injury to adjacent healthy tissue (organs at risk). This injury can lead to a range of bowel, urinary and sexual symptoms that can affect patient health and quality of life during radiotherapy, and for years afterward. In recent years, radiation oncologists have considered use of "spacing" techniques to reduce the risk of radiation injury to surrounding tissue during radiotherapy. SpaceOAR System is intended to temporarily position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate during radiotherapy for prostate cancer and in creating this space it is the intent of SpaceOAR System to reduce the radiation dose delivered to the anterior rectum. The SpaceOAR System is injected as a liquid into the space between the prostate and rectum where it pushes the structures apart and then solidifies into a soft hydrogel. The hydrogel remains stable for three months and then liquefies and is completely absorbed by the body after radiation treatment is over. The SpaceOAR System is FDA cleared and is currently being used in the majority of leading cancer centers in the United States. It is also CE marked, approved in Australia and Japan and licensed in Canada. See the Instructions for Use for complete information on potential risks, warnings and precautions. About Augmenix, Inc. Augmenix, Inc. is a privately held company based in the Boston area focused on the development and commercialization of radiation oncology products using its proprietary hydrogel technology. Focusing initially on protection during prostate radiation therapy, the Augmenix next-generation products will address spacing and marking applications throughout the body to improve radiotherapy and interventional oncology procedure outcomes. The company was founded by Incept LLC in 2008 and is funded by several leading venture capital groups. More information about Augmenix and the SpaceOAR System can be found at http://www.Augmenix.com. 1) Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et al. Continued Benefit to Rectal Separation for Prostate Radiation Therapy: Final Results of a Phase III Trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Phys; 2017 Apr 1;97(5):976-985

2) Hamstra DA, Mariados N, Sylvester J, et al. Sexual Quality of Life Following Prostate Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) with a Rectal/Prostate Spacer: Secondary Analysis of a Phase III Trial. Pract Radiat Oncol. 2017;In Press. doi:10.1016/j.prro.2017.07.008. SpaceOAR is a registered trademark of Augmenix, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005545/en/

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Working to formulate media-friendly policies

Minister for Information and Communications Mohan Bahadur Basnet has said the ministry has been working to prepare a mass communication policy that would help develop a media-friendly environment in the country.
[September 06, 2017] Cerebrotech Appoints Neurovascular Veteran Martin Dieck to Executive Chairman

Cerebrotech Medical Systems, an innovative medical device company focused on the development of a portable brain bioimpedance monitor, today announced that board member Martin Dieck, an experienced entrepreneur with expertise in developing novel neurovascular solutions, will step up to executive chairman, effectively immediately. "I am thrilled to have Martin move into a more substantial role as we enter the next exciting phase of our company," says Mitch Levinson, President and CEO, Cerebrotech Medical Systems. "The strong relationships that Martin has built with experts in the neurotechnology field and his deep experience and understanding of the stroke marketplace are invaluable to Cerebrotech. I am looking forward to working closely with him in his new role." With nearly 25 years of experience in the neurovascular industry, Dieck has successfully directed several neurotechnology companies. Dieck co-founded and was CEO of Lazarus Effect Inc., a novel vascular interventional device to improve acute ischemic stroke treatment, which was acquired in 2015 by Medtronic for $100 million. Dieck also led Nfocus Neuromedical, Inc., a developer of neurovascular intravascular devices, and Concentric (News - Alert) Medical, Inc., which developed the first cleared thrombectomy device to treat arge vessel ischemic stroke, which were acquired by Covidien and Stryker respectively. He is currently chairman of Synchron, Inc., which is developing the world's first endovascular brain-machine interface.



"I am eager to take on this new role. Cerebrotech's technology has the potential to transform the care of patients suffering from stroke and other brain diseases," commented Martin Dieck. "Getting appropriate stroke patients to the right center remains one of healthcare's greatest challenges. Frequently, hours are lost correctly identifying stroke patients, thereby delaying their treatment, leading to higher costs and, most importantly, poorer patient outcomes. This technology can lead to millions of lives saved." In July, Cerebrotech presented the VITAL study results of its proprietary VIPS technology for emergency stroke patients at The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery annual meeting. The results demonstrated that Cerebrotech's non-invasive visor-like neurological device can identify those patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes and large hemorrhagic strokes versus those with less urgent strokes, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent further brain damage.

About Cerebrotech Medical Systems Cerebrotech Medical Systems, Inc., is a venture capital-backed company dedicated to designing neurotechnology solutions to improve the care of brain-injured patients worldwide. The company is developing a portable, noninvasive neuro-monitoring device that allows for earlier detection of potentially life-threatening conditions such as large vessel occlusion stroke, cerebral edema, traumatic brain injury, and others. Founded in 2010 and based in Pleasanton, CA (News - Alert), Cerebrotech's core intellectual property is licensed exclusively from the University of California at Berkeley. Cerebrotech is backed by Tri-Star Health Partners, a healthcare focused venture capital firm, Mountain Group Partners, a life sciences and technology focused venture capital firm, Neuro Technology Investors, a group of physician investors in the neuro space. For more information, visit www.cerebrotechmedical.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006150/en/

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[September 06, 2017] AICPA Names Skip Braziel Vice President for State Regulatory and Legislative Affairs

Skip Braziel has joined the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) as vice president of state regulatory and legislative affairs. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006191/en/ Skip Braziel (Photo: Business Wire) Braziel will be responsible for building strong, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders on state legislative and regulatory issues. He will serve as the AICPA's primary voice and contact on those matters, working closely with state CPA societies, state boards of accountancy, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, and elected state legislative and executive branch officials. "Skip brings a wealth of leadership and knowledge to the AICPA, with more than 19 years of experience building consensus and reaching solutions with legislative, regulatory and community stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels," said AICPA Executive Vice President for Advocacy Mark Peterson. "He will lead our state advocacy program, with an emphasis on issues that impact the CPA profession at the state level in both the legislative and regulatory arenas, representing our positions before tate boards of accountancy and in other venues."



Braziel joins the AICPA from MetLife, Inc., where he served as assistant vice president of government relations and prior to that as the company's government relations counsel, in New York City and Washington, D.C. Before that, Braziel was vice president for state and local government relations for LaSalle Bank in Chicago, Ill. Prior to that, he served as vice president of community relations for J.P. Morgan Chase in Chicago. Earlier, he was director of government relations for the National Association of Dental Plans in Dallas, Texas. Braziel holds a JD from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, an MA in History from the University of Texas in San Antonio, and a BA in English from the University of Texas in Austin.

About the American Institute of CPAs The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with more than 418,000 members in 143 countries, and a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education and consulting. The AICPA sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, nonprofit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, builds the pipeline of future talent and drives professional competency development to advance the vitality, relevance and quality of the profession. The AICPA maintains offices in New York, Washington, DC, Durham, NC, and Ewing, NJ. Media representatives are invited to visit the AICPA Press Center at www.aicpa.org/press. About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) is the most influential body of professional accountants, combining the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA (News - Alert)) to power opportunity, trust and prosperity for people, businesses and economies worldwide. It represents 650,000 members and students in public and management accounting and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues. With broad reach, rigor and resources, the Association advances the reputation, employability and quality of CPAs, CGMAs and accounting and finance professionals globally. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006191/en/

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[September 06, 2017] Mad Radish Redefines Healthy Eating in Ottawa

BOSTON, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Incentivio's newest customer Mad Radish opened their first location and launched their app in mid July. Mad Radish was founded by David Segal and Stephanie Howarth with one goal  providing healthy food that tastes as good as it makes people feel. David previously founded DAVIDsTEA and grew the company to over 200 North American locations before taking it public. The first Mad Radish location at Albert Street opened on July 14, 2017 and the second location a couple of weeks later. "With Mad Radish, we set out to create a destination that offers crave-worthy, top-quality salads at the speed of fast food. Giving busy customers the option to order through an easy-to-use and reliable app was a critical piece in delivering on that promise," said Mad Radish Founder David Segal. "The Incentivio platfor has been an excellent solution for us  the platform's flexibility gives us great control over how our app looks and how our menu is presented  and the customer experience is seamless."



The app allows customers to search for locations, order and pay for their food and view their social impact (Mad Radish donates food to Community Food Centers Canada in lieu of a traditional loyalty program). Orders are received directly in the Point of Sale system, eliminating the need to train staff or install additional hardware. "We had tight timelines and a couple of complex integrations, so we were happy to have the Mad Radish app available on the same day as they opened their first store. We're also especially proud of the fact that the app works so seamlessly in both English and French," said Rajat Bhakhri, CEO of Incentivio.

Click here for more information on how Incentivio helps restaurants grow engagement, visits and sales. Media Contact:

Sash Dias

Phone: 1-888-586-6624

Email: [email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mad-radish-redefines-healthy-eating-in-ottawa-300514227.html SOURCE Incentivio

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[September 06, 2017] MedStack and Zensurance Announce Partnership to Accelerate Digital Health Innovation

TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MedStack and Zensurance announced a partnership to bring competitive cyber-liability insurance packages to MedStack customers. Given MedStack's highly secure and stable platform, Zensurance has built an exclusive and highly-competitive cybersecurity offering from North America's largest cybersecurity insurance provider for digital health companies in the MedStack ecosystem. "Our mission at MedStack is to accelerate the creation and adoption of innovative digital solutions in health care for the benefit of patients, families, health researchers and health care providers. That means assuring the sustainability of the businesses that create these solutions," says MedStack Co-Founder and CEO Balaji Gopalan. "We're thrilled to partner with Zensurance to enable our customers to meet the cyber-liability insurance requirements of their health care businesses, along with rapid integration via our platform." "Cybersecurity insurance is critical for anyone holding sensitive medical information," says Zensurance Co-Founder and CEO Danish Yusuf. "However, in order to get this insurance, one has to convince an insurance company that the underlying technology and databases are highly secure, conform to all regulatory requirements, and are manged by someone with deep experience in the field. MedStack's platform accomplishes this in a consistent, rigorous manner."



MedStack and Zensurance's partnership represents the next evolution for their respective companies. This partnership is a continuation of MedStack's mission to better assure market success for digital health companies, from achieving and maintaining privacy compliance to accelerating business growth and expanding the reach of innovation. Zensurance builds tailored insurance products for each industry segment, and enables a fully digital purchasing experience. Together, MedStack and Zensurance's joint offering provides digital health companies with comprehensive support across the most critical aspects of their business. Companies running on MedStack's platform meet the highest levels of security and stability, and thus qualify for preferential cybersecurity insurance packages from Zensurance. MedStack customers may take advantage of this unique opportunity by contacting Zensurance and asking for the MedStack cybersecurity insurance package.

Media Contact: Balaji Gopalan (MedStack)

647-400-7268

[email protected] Danish Yusuf (Zensurance)

416-627-4369

[email protected] About MedStack MedStack, Inc. is a Toronto, Canada-based company focused on empowering broader innovation in health care by removing barriers to digital product development. MedStack's platform provides built-in operations to streamline technical security, privacy legislation and data integration in health care.Over 30 health care companies across North America are powered by MedStack's one-of-a-kind cloud offering. www.medstack.co About Zensurance Zensurance is Canada's leading online commercial insurance brokerage. Zensurance is transforming the way startups and small businesses manage all their commercial insurance needs. The company offers curated insurance packages specifically built for each industry and provides a digital experience to purchase and manage policies rapidly. www.zensurance.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/medstack-and-zensurance-announce-partnership-to-accelerate-digital-health-innovation-300514772.html SOURCE MedStack, Zensurance

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[September 06, 2017] Indian Delegation Member Mohammed Saqib to Visit JC GROUP After the BRICS Summit

HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 3rd to 5th, the BRICS leaders' ninth meeting was held in Xiamen, China, to start the next golden decade together. On the afternoon of September 3rd, at the BRICS Business Forum, Chinese leaders delivered a keynote speech, hoping BRICS to take the opportunities of the new industrial revolution, actively participating in the wave of innovation and development brought by intelligent manufacturing, Internet +, digital economy and sharing economy, and speeding up the old and new energy conversion. Mohammed Saqib, member of the delegation of India in BRICS, said that enterprises will play an important role in the joint construction of One Belt and One Road of China and India, and India is friendly to cooperative enterprises. He is a well-known Indian economist. After meeting old friends in the BRICS Summit, Saqib did not rush back to India, for he will attend "BRICS Silk Road- 2017 New Urbanization Summit of West Lake Financial Summit" held by JC GROUP on September 8, and talk about the new urbanization with JC GROUP Chairman Wei Jie. This is not the first time the two guests appear on the same site . During BRICKS Summit, JC GROUP Chairman Wei Jie was invited to attend the BRICS Business Forum as a core representative of Chinese business community.



On the afternoon of September 8, "BRICS Silk Road- 2017 New Urbanization Summit of West Lake Financial Summit" hosted by JC GROUP will be held in the Concert Hall of Xiamen City International Convention and Exhibition Center. This forum will invite the most influential industry leaders in business, academic and political circles, as well as in the field of new urbanization at home and abroad, to exchange new exploration and gather new consensus, explore how to help with Jincheng's new urbanization under the historic opportunities of "BRICS+" and "One Belt and One Road", and play a more active and far-reaching model effect worldwide.

In addition to Saqib, the guests attend the forum include: Wei Jianguo, former vice minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of China ; Alexander Lukin, Putin's core think tank for China and US issues, vice president of the College of Diplomacy of Russian Foreign Ministry, chairman of Moscow Parliament; Supachai Panitchpakdi, former secretary-general of the United Nations Trade and Development Board, former director-general of the World Trade Organization, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand; JC GROUP Chairman Wei Jie said that he hoped to seek partners with the same goal as Jincheng among BRICS and other countries with development potential through this forum, more importantly, to promote Jincheng model to the world, and let the world see it. According to information, JC GROUP has contracted, constructed and operated 58 characteristic towns nationwide, and the contracted amount with the government is more than 570 billion. "In the country and even the world, Jincheng will have a lot of infrastructure construction to cooperate, and can also integrate the global high-quality resources to equip each characteristic town with the world's top urban and industrial planning, to truly create a full eco-city system integrating 'human, industry, city' with high integration and development, and promote global new urbanization." JC GROUP will carry the missions and responsibilities, uphold the "BRICS spirit", and boost global "new urbanization" to develop deeper. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/indian-delegation-member-mohammed-saqib-to-visit-jc-group-after-the-brics-summit-300514801.html SOURCE JC Group

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[September 06, 2017] DJI Announces Aerial Photography Contest in Partnership with National Geographic

NEW YORK, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW/ -- DJI, the world's leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, launched an aerial photography contest in partnership with National Geographic. The contest will run on the popular photo-sharing platform Instagram from September 5 to October 31, opened to residents of the United States and Canada. The aerial contest welcomes amateur and professional photographers as well as first-time drone users. Interested participants can upload their best aerial images to their Instagram account and hashtag their entry with #MyMavicContest and #NatGeoTravel. National Geographic photo editors will shortlist and select the top 5 entries at the end of the contest. Each winner will be rewarded with a DJI Mavic Pro, a portable, powerful and easy-to-use camera drone featuring DJI's most innovative flight technology in a sleek, foldable package that enables creative fun wherever you go. "We are very excited to work with National Geographic to help more people experience the fun of aerial technology and give them a different perspective of the world from above," said Danny Zheng, Vice President of Marketing at DJI. "In addition to engaging photographers, the photo contest and rental program is a great way to encourage travelers and outdoor enthusiasts to unleash their creativity and expand the infinite possibilities of aerial photography." Alongside the photo contest, DJI announced the details to its drone rental program, which is opened to everyone around the world. Starting from September 5 thru October 31, users can sign up online for the chance to participate in the rental program. Applicants will have the opportunity to keep the DJI Mavic Pro for two weeks, taking it wherever they go or whenever inspiration strikes to create their next aerial masterpiece. For more details, visit http://events.dji.com/mavifreerental



"National Geographic has been proud to help pioneer the field of photography ever since our first published picture in 1905. Since that day we've fervently supported ideas and missions that not only go 'above and beyond' to push the limits of human potential and provide our fans with new perspectives, but also to champion new technologies with the potential to have a positive impact on taking us all further. This is why we're excited to work with DJI on this inventive aerial initiative," said Con Apostolopoulos, Vice President and General Manager of National Geographic Partners. Details of the Aerial Photography Contest (available for residents in United State and Canada)

Contest Duration: September 5, 2017 , 12:01 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) to October 31, 2017 , 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

, to , Award Announcement Date: November 13, 2017

How to Enter: Upload your best images shot with the DJI Mavic Pro to your Instagram account with the hashtags #MyMavicContest and #NatGeoTravel

Prizes: 5 winners, each will be rewarded with the DJI Mavic Pro

For more information about the photo contest, visit: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/mymaviccontest/ Details of the Drone Rental Program (available worldwide) Program Duration: September 5, 2017 to October 31, 2017

to How to Apply: Sign up online to become an applicant

For more information about the free rental program, visit: http://events.dji.com/mavicfreerental About DJI DJI is a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative drone and camera technology for commercial and recreational use. DJI was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable, and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI's global operations currently span across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction, emergency response, agriculture, conservation, and many other industries. For more information, visit our: Website: www.dji.com

DJI Store: store.dji.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJI

Instagram: www.instagram.com/DJIGlobal

Twitter: www.twitter.com/DJIGlobal

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/djiinnovations For more information, please contact:

[email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dji-announces-aerial-photography-contest-in-partnership-with-national-geographic-300514810.html SOURCE DJI

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[September 06, 2017] New Star Media Commences a New Online Marketing Platform for Conventional Ads, With More Individualized Strategic Solutions.

TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- New Star Media announced that its latest website solutions platform finally made its sparkling debut in 2017, just like the company's name. Patrick Zeng, its CEO, warns managers to stay alert because users will hit its platform like a tsunami. The platform aims to provide full online marketing solutions to its users by communicating with them directly. That's right  full solutions. Numerous affiliates, ad networks and online agencies have been utilizing the system to automatically send traffic to users with limited targets, which was formerly the end product of business. New Star Media's approach is similar but friendlier, with user-oriented solutions: their dedicated account managers, who speak the users' language, are ready to provide strategic campaign management one-on-one. For technical solutions, the system provides contextual and big-data driven targeting to its users for more focused routing. New Star Media's contextual targeting uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify relevant and matching content to users' targeted keywords and channels. Furthermore, the big-data driven targeting component facilitates self-evolving prescriptive analytic algorithms, consistently resulting in audiences that are likely to result in best returns. However, users become more skeptical of the traffic sources as they work with networks. As a result, New Star Media created a fraudulent traffic detector, which filters any unsuitable contents, incorrect geographies and bot and VPN traffic. The traffic is scored by recognizing any inferior operation and grades of impressions; hence, users are finally able to gain more traction and control regarding their ad expenses by avoiding unnecessary impressions. Patrick believes that online marketing in 2017 and upcoming years should focus on a more user-friendly interface, clearance of fraudulent traffic, and less competition in a vat pool. How does the company achieve these goals? By assigning a dedicated account manager who speaks the user's language for support, uncovering fraudulent traffic, and allowing more diversity in the targeting system.



Targeting availabilities include: Keyword/ Channel targeting : Setting up with more than 100 keywords/channels to drive possible relevant traffic to a user's Ad. Worried about receiving unnecessary traffic? Their prescriptive analytic algorithms will deep learn and facilitate the optimization automatically.



: Setting up with more than 100 keywords/channels to drive possible relevant traffic to a user's Ad. Worried about receiving unnecessary traffic? Their prescriptive analytic algorithms will deep learn and facilitate the optimization automatically. Retargeting : Most customers don't make their purchase decisions upon first encountering an ad. New Star Media's retargeting technology allows users' Ads to be displayed to those who previously visited users' websites.



: Most customers don't make their purchase decisions upon first encountering an ad. New Star Media's retargeting technology allows users' Ads to be displayed to those who previously visited users' websites. GEO targeting : Their GEO targeting allows criteria as specific as cities.



: Their GEO targeting allows criteria as specific as cities. Time targeting : Save your time! Users can plan the duration of their Ads, as well as when they are displayed, saving cost and users' time by specifically targeting high ROI hours.



: Save your time! Users can plan the duration of their Ads, as well as when they are displayed, saving cost and users' time by specifically targeting high ROI hours. OS/Device targeting : Their OS/Device targeting allows tech-savvy advertisers who are willing to launch their products for certain OS/Device users.



: Their OS/Device targeting allows tech-savvy advertisers who are willing to launch their products for certain OS/Device users. Internet Service Provider targeting : Have demands for ISPs? The system can target diverse ISPs in different countries.



: Have demands for ISPs? The system can target diverse ISPs in different countries. Language targeting: Account managers who can speak users' language can help the user to target websites where a certain language is spoken. Online advertising may sound difficult and somewhat frustrating to start-up companies, or any companies that have never advertised online before. However, New Star Media believes that online marketing should not be a privilege of large dominating tech companies, but open to any small to large  including local  businesses. New Star Media is a humane company, with passionate employees who are willing to communicate with users to draw the best solutions possible.

"No matter small or big, we are ready to sail together in the sea of global marketing," said Patrick, the global marketing pro. "The wind is blowing and it is time to row for a head start with New Star Media." New Star Media is growing fast and bigger, and has already managed to partner with Aliexpress, Gearbest, Etoro, and others. About New Star Media New Star Media had its fine debut in mid-2017, and has set its sights on global media business. The company knows how to provide high ROI solutions to users, amid the overwhelming volume of information on the internet. New Star Media realizes the need for generating maximum returns for users; thus, it strives to provide customized services to a targeted audience that will take full advantage of its solutions. Last, but certainly not least, its real-time monitoring dashboard endows users with the ability to detect fraudulent traffic, or pinpoint best conversion-generating traffic, so its account managers may achieve automatic AI optimization. Now New Star Media is prepared to revitalize and dominate this global marketing field in the coming weeks. Related Links Website View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-star-media-commences-a-new-online-marketing-platform-for-conventional-ads-with-more-individualized-strategic-solutions-300514837.html SOURCE New Star Media Inc.

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[September 06, 2017] DHS S&T Awards Apcerto $1.6M to Enhance Mobile App Security Solutions

ASHBURN, Va., Sept. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apcerto, Inc. of Ashburn, Virginia, was awarded a Cooperative Agreement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) in the amount of $1.6M to research and develop solutions for normalizing and rating mobile applications based on predefined standards as well as to develop a framework for orchestrating the entire mobile application security process.

The solution is based on a machine learning mobile applicationRisk Rating Frameworkdeveloped by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory. Apcerto, having commercialized the technology, seeks to provide a testbed for mobile application security orchestration and the normalization of results to standards including the National Information Assurance Partnership, the Open Web Application Security Project, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and the SarbanesOxley Act. "Government clients need an automated way to orchestrate mobile securit to keep up with mission demand," said Tom Suder, President of Apcerto. "We are pleased to partner with DHS S&T on this important effort."



A priority element within Apcertos research and development effort is to support DHS S&Ts partnership with the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Static Analysis Tool Exposition research project in its newly introduced mobile application testing tool analysis component. Apcerto will integrate with security tool vendors and translate their respective outputs to a scoring system. The platform will provide a sustainable model of security analysis as a service that enables the public and private sectors to vet mobile applications and create secure mobile solutions. Apcerto recognizes the critical need to partner with different domains of the mobile security ecosystem and aims to bring them together in a unified platform. For example, by integrating with AirWatch VMware, a partner on Apcertos team, and potentially other enterprise mobility management solutions in the future, Apcerto will enable a high level of automation in the detection and remediation process of potential privacy or security issues introduced by mobile apps. Apcertos team also includes Acumen Security, the Advanced Technology Academic Research Center, Perfecto Mobile, Red Hat, and Samsung.

About Apcerto

Apcerto, a mobile security orchestration company, brings the benefits of enterprise mobility management (EMM) to mobile application security. Apcerto normalizes and rates mobile applications based on predefined standards and provides frameworks for orchestrating the entire mobile application security process. Apcerto helps agencies and enterprises create custom security policies, standards and criteria to meet their mission specific challenges. Contact Marika Robertson [email protected] 571.293.1161

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[September 06, 2017] Fordham Law School Launches Professional Track LL.M Program

Fordham Law School has launched the Professional Track LL.M. program, a flexible executive master's program for busy, foreign-trained lawyers and law graduates. The Professional Track LL.M. program was designed for working global practitioners whose professional demands do not allow them to complete a traditional nine-month LL.M. residency. The program provides students with the flexibility to begin their first 4.5 month semester in either August or January, take up to 15 months off, and then return to complete a second 4.5 month semester. Students who complete the program within two years can become eligible to sit for the New York State bar exam. Students in the Professional Track LL.M. program can specialize in one of eight areas: Banking, Corporate and Finance Law

Corporate Compliance

Fashion Law

Intellectual Property and Information Technology

International Business and Trade Law

International Dispute Resolution

International Law and Justice

U.S. Law Professional Track LL.M. students will also have the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive networking opportunities with their Professional Track peers as well as members of the extensive global Fordham Law alumni network. Professional Track students will have a dedicated academic advisor to help them register for classes, monitor their academic progress, and facilitate their return to the program following a break in their studies.







DATE: September 6, 2017 LOCATION: Fordham Law School 150 West 62nd Street New York, NY 10023 CONTACT: Anthony Agolia Director, International and Non-J.D. Programs 212-636-6883 [email protected] law.fordham.edu/protrackllm

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006373/en/

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[September 06, 2017] MEDIA ADVISORY: PeopleReady Hiring to Immediately Fill 2,000 Jobs For Houston Recovery Effort

PeopleReady (NYSE:TBI): What: PeopleReady, one of the nation's largest industrial staffing providers, announced today that is looking for 2,000 people to work in the Hurricane Harvey recovery effort. Job seekers can sign up at any of PeopleReady's 11 branches in the area. They can also sign up at the PeopleReady mobile unit that arrived in Houston last night. The mobile unit will be visiting emergency shelters and hard-hit areas to speak directly with people looking for work. How: Once job seekers have applied for work, they can use a mobile app to find and accept jobs. Who: PeopleReady President Sean Ebner is in Houston and is available to discuss the jobs that need to be filled and how businesses can partner with PeopleReady to get the workers they need. Ebner can provide context on this recovery operation compared with others the company has aided including Hurricane Katrina and Super Storm Sandy. Availale with Ebner are Market Manager Moises Solis, Director of Construction John Chism, and Regional Vice President Smith Williams.



Where/When: PeopleReady President Sean Ebner will be at the PeopleReady branch at 1620 Gessner Drive from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. CT, then at the mobile unit until 1 p.m. Call him directly at (214) 604-3918 for current location. The mobile unit will be at various locations to make it easier for people to sign up for work. Once registered, workers can use PeopleReady's JobStack mobile app to search for jobs without having to go to a branch office.

Background: The company expects to put more than 2,000 people to work toward the area's recovery. In addition to rebuilding the community, these jobs are a valuable option for residents who have been displaced from their work due to the storm and floods. The work will mostly involve removal of debris and damaged materials, as well as construction activity during rebuilding. Businesses can also contact PeopleReady for assistance in restoring and reopening their facilities. About PeopleReady PeopleReady provides a wide range of staffing solutions for blue-collar, contingent on-demand, and skilled labor to a broad range of industries that include construction, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, energy, retail, hospitality, and others. People Ready helped approximately 122,000 businesses in 2016 and connected more than 414,000 people with work. PeopleReady has a network of 670 branches across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006396/en/

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By Ruth Anderah & Samuel Ssebuliba

Judicial officers have unanimously resolved to end their strike and return to work to give government time to implement their salary increment proposals.

According to the Uganda Judicial Officers Association president Godfrey Kaweesa, the members decided to suspend their strike to a later date in case government does not implement its promises to improve their working conditions.

Kaweesa reveals that the salary enhancements for judicial officers are expected by November 2017 as other welfare demands including cars, office equipment and security are being worked on.

He says they resume work tomorrow but have given government upto December 11th to have all their concerns addressed.

In a related development, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Gen. Kahinda Otaffire has informed the judicial officers that the Judiciary and Administration Bill will be tabled before parliament on Friday this week for discussion.

Earlier, the Chief Justice Bart Katureebe has applauded judicial officers for their boldness to take an unprecedented action of laying down their tools in protest of the continued marginalization of justice in relation to the other 2 arms of govt.

Katureebe has informed a gathering of judicial officers including judges, magistrates and registrars and Justice Minister Kahinda Otaffire at the High Court this morning that their 2-week strike has proved a point that enriching working and personal conditions of judicial officers is paramount hence a commitment from government to address these issues.

The CJ has also decried some forces in the other 2 arms of government; cabinet and parliament which frustrate the judiciarys demands and unfairly treat it with low budgetary allocations.

He has however reminded judicial officers of the pain felt by the public to whom they owe this judicial power and called upon all Judges and magistrates to return to work as their leaders to continue engaging cabinet and parliament on their demands.

The judiciary has been asked to consider expeditious means of administering justice now that they have called off their strike to reduce the overcrowding in prisons.

According to Frank Baine the prisons services spokesperson, they have twenty nine thousand inmates on remand across the country and out of these, at least ten thousand should have appeared in courts for bail application and hearing.

Speaking to KFM earlier today, Dr.Livingston Ssewanyana the Executive Director Foundation for Human Rights Initiative said the two-week strike by judicial officers has increased the pre-trial population from 52% to about 60%.

He describes this as a serious crisis that must be urgently addressed to clear pending cases.
[September 06, 2017] ERYTECH to Host Second Quarter 2017 Conference Call and Business Update

Regulatory News: ERYTECH (Paris:ERYP) (ADR:EYRYY), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies by encapsulating therapeutic drug substances inside red blood cells, today announced that it will host a Second Quarter 2017 conference call and webcast on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at 2:30 PM CET/8:30 AM EST to discuss operational highlights. The call is accessible via the below teleconferencing numbers, followed by the Conference ID#: 54851684#:







USA: +1 6467224907 United-Kingdom: +44 2030432440 Switzerland: +41 225809022 Germany: +49 69222229031 France: +33 172001510 Belgium: +32 24029640 Sweden: +46 850334664 Finland: +358 942599700 Netherlands: +31 107138194 Spain: +34 914142021

The webcast can be followed live online via the link:

http://www.anywhereconference.com?UserAudioMode=DATA&Name=&Conference=135310581&PIN=54851684 An archived replay of the call will be available for 90 days by dialing (US & Canada): +1 877 64 230 18, (UK): +44(0) 203 367 9460, (France): +33(0)1 72 00 15 00, (Spain): +34 917896320, Conference ID # 310581# An archive of the webcast will be available on ERYTECH's website, under the "Investors" section at investors.erytech.com. About ERYTECH: www.erytech.com Founded in Lyon, France in 2004, ERYTECH is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for rare forms of cancer and orphan diseases. Leveraging its proprietary ERYCAPS platform, which uses a novel technology to encapsulate therapeutic drug substances inside red blood cells, ERYTECH has developed a pipeline of product candidates targeting markets with high unmet medical needs. ERYTECH's initial focus is on the treatment of blood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), by depriving tumors of nutrients necessary for their survival. ERYTECH, which plans to pursue regulatory approvals for its lead product candidate, eryaspase, also known under the trade name GRASPA, reported positive efficacy and safety results from its completed Phase 2/3 pivotal clinical trial in Europe in children and adults with relapsed or refractory ALL. ERYTECH also has an ongoing Phase 1 clinical trial of eryaspase in the United States in adults with newly diagnosed ALL, and a Phase 2b clinical trial in Europe in elderly patients with newly diagnosed AML, each in combination with chemotherapy. ERYTECH believes that eryaspase also has potential as a treatment approach in solid tumors and has completed a Phase 1 study and a Phase 2b clinical trial in France, evaluating eryaspase in patients with second line metastatic pancreatic cancer. Eryaspase consists of an enzyme, L-asparaginase, encapsulated inside donor-derived red blood cells. L-asparaginase depletes asparagine, a naturally occurring amino acid essential for the survival and proliferation of cancer cells, from circulating blood plasma. ERYTECH produces eryaspase at its own GMP-approved and operational manufacturing site in Lyon (France), and at a site for clinical production in Philadelphia (USA). ERYTECH has entered into licensing and distribution partnership agreements for eryaspase for ALL and AML in Europe with Orphan Europe (Recordati Group), and for ALL in Israel with TEVA, which will market the product under the GRASPA brand name. The European Medicines Agency (EMA (News - Alert)) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have granted orphan drug designations for eryaspase for the treatment of ALL, AML and pancreatic cancer. In addition to eryaspase, ERYTECH is developing two other product candidates that focus on using encapsulated enzymes to target cancer metabolism and induce tumor starvation. ERYTECH is also exploring the use of its ERYCAPS platform to develop cancer immunotherapies and enzyme replacement therapies. ERYTECH is listed on Euronext regulated market in Paris (ISIN code: FR0011471135, ticker: ERYP) and is part of the CAC Healthcare, CAC Pharma & Bio, CAC Mid & Small, CAC All Tradable, EnterNext PEA-PME 150 and Next Biotech indexes. ERYTECH is also listed in the U.S. under an ADR level 1 program (OTC, ticker EYRYY). Forward-looking information This press release contains forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates with respect to the clinical development plans, business and regulatory strategy, and anticipated future performance of ERYTECH and of the market in which it operates. Certain of these statements, forecasts and estimates can be recognized by the use of words such as, without limitation, "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "plans", "seeks", "estimates", "may", "will" and "continue" and similar expressions. They include all matters that are not historical facts. Such statements, forecasts and estimates are based on various assumptions and assessments of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which were deemed reasonable when made but may or may not prove to be correct. Actual events are difficult to predict and may depend upon factors that are beyond ERYTECH's control. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline product candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. Therefore, actual results may turn out to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements, forecasts and estimates. Documents filed by ERYTECH Pharma with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers (www.amf-france.org), also available on ERYTECH's website (www.erytech.com) describe such risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, no representations are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates. Furthermore, forward-looking statements, forecasts and estimates only speak as of the date of this press release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. ERYTECH disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statement, forecast or estimates to reflect any change in ERYTECH's expectations with regard thereto, or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement, forecast or estimate is based, except to the extent required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906005963/en/

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[September 06, 2017] Sanford Heisler Sharp Asks Federal Court To Compel Oracle To Arbitrate Wage Claims

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Attorneys at Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP today filed a petition in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to compel Oracle America, Inc., ("Oracle") to proceed with arbitration on all wage claims against the company. Attorneys for lead plaintiff, Marcella Johnson, and the proposed class of other sales representatives who were shorted on commission wages are David Sanford, Chairman and co-founder of Sanford Heisler Sharp, Michael Palmer, and Andrew Melzer co-chairs of the firm's wage and hour practice, associate Danielle Fuschetti and Xinying Valerian, founder of Valerian Law in Oakland, CA. "Oracle has violated California wage and hour laws by retroactively changing commission plans," said Sanford. "Although Oracle forced a mandatory arbitration agreement on Ms. Johnson  giving her zero say in the matter  it has flatly refused to participate in arbitration and has actively obstructed the arbitration process." The Petition asserts Oracle has refused to pay its share of the arbitration fee or participate in the selection of an arbitrator. Johnson filed her original lawsuit as a class action in mid-February in the same federal court, after which Oracle produced her signed mandatory arbitration agreement. Although she subsequently dismissed the federal suit and filed an arbitration demand with JAMS-San Francisco, as required by the arbitration agreement, the company contends its relationship with Johnson is governed by a second aritration agreement that prohibits class arbitration.



"Oracle has no legal basis for stonewalling the arbitration process," said Palmer. "Pursuant to the mandatory arbitration agreement, Ms. Johnson filed this employment dispute with JAMS. There is no question that this dispute should now be arbitrated, including the issue of whether class-based arbitration procedures are available." The Sanford Heisler Sharp team argues class action arbitration procedures are available under both versions of Oracle's arbitration agreement, because the Ninth Circuit's 2016 ruling in Morris v. Ernst & Young makes the class action ban in the company's second arbitration agreement void and unenforceable.

"Oracle is unnecessarily delaying arbitration and bogging down the court system and arbitral forum with its inaction, hoping Morris will be overturned," said Melzer. "This behavior is unfair to our courageous lead plaintiff, Ms. Johnson, and to other members of the class, who have been suffering from Oracle's compensation policies. About Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP is a public interest class-action litigation law firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C, Nashville, San Francisco and San Diego. Our attorneys have graduated from the nation's top law schools, clerked for judges throughout the United States, and amassed extensive experience litigating cases that have earned over one billion dollars for our clients. The Firm specializes in civil rights and general public interest cases, representing plaintiffs with employment discrimination, labor and wage violations, predatory lending, whistleblower, consumer fraud, and other claims. Along with a focus on class actions, the firm also represents individuals and has achieved particular success in the representation of executives and attorneys in employment disputes. For more information go to http://www.sanfordheisler.com/ or call 202 499-5200 or email [email protected]. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @sanfordheisler For more information, contact Jamie Moss, newsPRos, 201-788-0142, [email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sanford-heisler-sharp-asks-federal-court-to-compel-oracle-to-arbitrate-wage-claims-300514908.html SOURCE Sanford Heisler Sharp, LLP

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Unum Group to present at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference, New York

Unum Group (NYSE: UNM) announced today that Rick McKenney, president and chief executive officer, will be representing the company at the Barclays Global Financial Services Conference, Tuesday, September 12, 2017, in New York City.

McKenney is scheduled to speak at 9:45 a.m. eastern and will discuss the company's business strategy and future growth prospects. There will be a live audio webcast of the presentation available on the Investors section of the company's website, www.investors.unum.com, on the News and Events page.

ABOUT UNUM GROUP

Unum Group (www.unum.com) is a leading provider of financial protection benefits in the United States and the United Kingdom. Its primary businesses are Unum US, Colonial Life, Starmount and Unum UK. Unum's portfolio includes disability, life, accident and critical illness, dental and vision coverage, which help protect millions of working people and their families in the event of an illness or injury. Unum also provides stop-loss coverage to help self-insured employers protect against unanticipated medical costs. The company reported revenues of $11 billion in 2016, and provided $6.9 billion in benefits.







For more information, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170906006589/en/
[September 06, 2017] Zipwhip Closes $22.5M Series C Funding Round to Meet Growing Demand for Business Texting

SEATTLE, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Zipwhip, the leading software platform for two-way business texting, announced today the close of $22.5 million in Series C financing led by OpenView, an expansion-stage venture firm. Previous investors Voyager Capital and Microsoft Ventures also participated. The new capital will be invested in the core network, accelerating the product roadmap and scaling sales and marketing efforts. Since closing its Series B last October, Zipwhip has increased monthly recurring revenue by 60 percent, hired over 100 new employees, including five new senior leaders, and expanded into larger offices. The growth reflects strong market demand for Zipwhip's conversational texting software, which lets businesses communicate with customers the way they prefer, by texting with any existing landline, VoIP or toll free phone number. "Email is here to stay, but texting offers a short-format, high-priority channel to escalate important conversations. There are over 200 million business phone numbers in the U.S., and it's only a matter of time until every business line is text enabled," said John Lauer, CEO of Zipwhip. "We're looking forward to OpenView's contributions as they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and a proven track record of working with successful startups to capture SMB markets and move upstream to enterprise." Texting is a key driver of customer engagement and loyalty across nearly every consumer industry, and major platforms are taking notice. Google's expansion of Rich Communication Services (RCS) texting globally, the new Click-to-Message ad extension in AdWords and the anticipated launch of Apple Business Chat later this year are all undeniable signs of a business-texting market that is going mainstream. Zipwhip is the de facto routing provider for high-throughput A2P (application-to-person) messaging traffic, so mainstream adoption drives demand for its cross-platform texting solutions. "It's clear that communication today is centered around messaging, but for too long businesses have been behind on delivering an easy and intuitive way for their customers to get in touch. Zipwhip provides the answer through its game-changing oftware and platform," said Scott Maxwell, founder and Managing Partner at OpenView, who joins the Zipwhip board. "We are thrilled to partner with John and his team to help the company gain further traction and continue to broaden its reach."



Zipwhip's software delivers for business texting what Microsoft Outlook achieves for business email: an application that boosts workplace productivity by supporting real human conversations at scale across any device. "This funding will enable Zipwhip's team to build on its leadership position in providing texting solutions that help businesses connect with their customers," said Bill McAleer, partner with Voyager Capital. "Texting has become a ubiquitous form of communication, so it's great to see innovators like Zipwhip making it easy for businesses to engage customers through this channel," said Lisa Nelson, managing director, Microsoft Ventures. "Zipwhip's platform is seeing great momentum and Microsoft Ventures is excited to continue to support them in their growth."

About Zipwhip A Seattle-based SaaS company, Zipwhip is modernizing the texting medium by adding text messaging to existing landline, VoIP and toll free phone numbers. Zipwhip pairs direct network connectivity with easy out-of-the-box software, so businesses of any size can give customers the choice to "text or call" and handle two-way text conversations at scale. Learn more about Zipwhip at www.zipwhip.com. About OpenView OpenView, the expansion stage venture firm, helps build software companies into market leaders. Through our Expansion Platform, we help companies hire the best talent, acquire and retain the right customers and partner with industry leaders so they can dominate their markets. Our focus on the expansion stage makes us uniquely suited to provide truly tailored operational support to our portfolio companies. Learn more about OpenView at openviewpartners.com. About Voyager Capital Voyager Capital is a leading West Coast information technology venture firm that provides entrepreneurs with the resources, experience and connections to build successful companies. Voyager invests primarily in early stage software, analytics, digital media and IOT companies, where the firm's domain expertise, go-to-market and team building resources help build market leaders. Voyager Capital has $420 million under management with offices in Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and Menlo Park, California. About Microsoft Ventures Microsoft Ventures is the corporate venture arm of Microsoft, the leading platform and productivity company for the mobile-first, cloud-first world. Microsoft Ventures partners with visionary entrepreneurs looking to drive digital transformation. As part of its promise to portfolio companies, Microsoft Ventures offers unrivaled access to go-to-market resources and strategic relationships globally. Microsoft Ventures currently operates in London, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Tel Aviv. Learn more on www.microsoftventures.com. Contacts Keena Bean

[email protected]

360.820.3367 Lydia Fakhouri

[email protected]

971.246.7896 Related Video https://youtu.be/Kg6j24ib0IQ View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zipwhip-closes-225m-series-c-funding-round-to-meet-growing-demand-for-business-texting-300515117.html SOURCE Zipwhip

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[September 06, 2017] Forest Sector Launches Website Campaign to Share Facts on Caribou

OTTAWA, Sept. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has launched a new website - cariboufacts.ca - to share facts with Canadians about caribou herds and to urge the federal government to build caribou plans that address the many complex factors that are impacting caribou populations across the country. FPAC also wants to ensure that the government's plans don't unnecessarily put rural and northern jobs at risk. "We can all agree that we want caribou populations to be around for generations to come. We are urging the federal government to ensure that it's doing right by caribou and right by forest workers in communities across Canada by building caribou plans that are based on sound science. This will help us achieve a balanced and sustainable way forward for all," said FPAC CEO Derek Nighbor. "We believe that if the current process is not carried out appropriately, it will jeopardize thousands of jobs in rural and northern Canada and the well-being of hundreds of communities -- while not reaching the important caribou recovery goals that we all want to achieve. It is important that land-use decisions are based on the most up-to-date research and sound sience and we want to ensure all Canadians, including Members of Parliament, have access to the facts on caribou," added Nighbor.



Cariboufacts.ca went live today and provides facts based on the latest research. It includes information on how our warming climate is changing forest conditions, which is leading to changes in the caribou's food supply and regional predator-prey relationships. In addition to fire and human disturbance, it is important that government consider all factors when developing its plans. From British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada is a diverse country with significant regional differences in forest ecosytems. It is critical that the federal government incorporate these unique regional differences in plans to support caribou. Cariboufacts.ca provides a direct link for Canadians to quickly and easily write a letter to their Member of Parliament encouraging them to develop caribou plans that are based on sound science and to commit to study the socio-economic impacts on rural and northern communities before making any final decisions. The website is part of a broader campaign to encourage the federal government to make sure it's taking the right approach to supporting caribou populations.

"We believe in a collaborative approach to supporting caribou populations and we're asking Canadians to send a clear message to Ottawa - let's develop caribou plans that will balance important environmental goals with economic ones," said Nighbor. "It's critical that the federal government take the time to get this right the first time. The future of caribou and our nearly 1 million workers who depend on forestry in our rural and northern forest communities depend on it." FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $67-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2 per cent of Canada's GDP and operates in over 600 communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country. Follow FPAC on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC SOURCE Forest Products Association of Canada

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By Ssebuliba Samuel:

President Kenyatta has Uhuru Kenyatta has continues to open attack the justice system following nullification of the recent presidential election results.

Speaking during campaigns in Kajiado County yesterday Kenyatta reiterated his claim that the top court in the land ignored the will of the people to please one man-according to daily nation

Kenyatta said that much as he respects the courts decision, he knows he fairly won the August 8 presidential poll by more 1.4 million votes.

In a related story.

The Election observers have criticized President Uhuru Kenyattas continued attack on the judicial system ahead of the 17th October election re-run.

Since the annulment of his election, Kenyatta has repeatedly criticized Kenyas Chief Justice and the whole judicial system for wrongfully nullifying his victory.

According to Crispy Kaheru the coordinator citizens coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda, Kenyatta still represents the executive arm of the government that his attack on the judiciary defeats rule of law.

He said that due to the volatility of Kenyan political setting, all candidates must choose their words carefully to avoid creating animosity.
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Symantec revealed that a group called Dragonfly has been targeting energy companies in the U.S., Turkey, and Switzerland since late 2015. So far the group has focused on gathering information, but the company warned that this could be a precursor to attacks on these countries' power grids. (Unless, of course, the energy companies use its security products, of course.) Attacks like that could result in serious physical and financial harm.

This isn't the first time Dragonfly's targeted energy companies; the group ran a similar campaign from 2011 to 2014. Symantec said in a blog post (opens in new tab) that the first campaign appears to "have been a more exploratory phase where the attackers were simply trying to gain access to the networks of targeted organizations." This new campaign, however, shows that Dragonfly "may be entering a new phase" of its attack.

Here's how Symantec attributed these recent espionage efforts to Dragonfly:

There are a number of indicators linking recent activity with earlier Dragonfly campaigns. In particular, the Heriplor and Karagany Trojans used in Dragonfly 2.0 were both also used in the earlier Dragonfly campaigns between 2011 and 2014.Trojan.Heriplor is a backdoor that appears to be exclusively used by Dragonfly, and is one of the strongest indications that the group that targeted the western energy sector between 2011 and 2014 is the same group that is behind the more recent attacks. This custom malware is not available on the black market, and has not been observed being used by any other known attack groups. It has only ever been seen being used in attacks against targets in the energy sector.

The company also said the attackers were careful to cover their tracks. Dragonfly is said to have relied on off-the-shelf malware anyone can use, to have avoided using zero-day exploits, and to have used both Russian and French in various code strings to avoid giving away the country of origin via the language used. All of these factors led Symantec to hold off on officially attributing Dragonfly's actions to a specific country.

Others haven't hesitated to call out Dragonfly's origins. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the FBI previously linked Dragonfly to Russian intelligence services. With that in mind, it makes sense for Symantec to notice an uptick in activity from the group in 2017. Relations between Russia and the West have grown increasingly strained recently.

Symantec has updated its products to defend against Dragonfly's snooping efforts. The company also outlined best practices for energy companies to follow, most of which are sound advice no matter how critical you are to a nation's infrastructure. Use strong, unique passwords. Learn how to identify spear-phishing campaigns. Encrypt sensitive data. These are all things you should be doing, too.

Campaigns like this are going to become more and more common. Cisco reported earlier this year, for example, that attackers were experimenting with fun new ways to spear-phish energy company employees. In Ukraine, attackers successfully caused a blackout using sophisticated malware. It's clear that energy companies are and will continue to be prime targets for ambitious hackers.
The MSI GE63VR Raider is a solid contender with great performance and an incredible display. However, we cant help but feel that the Raider chassis was intended to be used with a lower end GPU, and the price doesn't make it competitive.

Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Introduction & Product Tour

Weve tested quite a few high-end laptops lately, ranging from the luxurious Max-Q Asus ROG Zephyrus up to the $9,000 Acer Predator 21 X. Many of these laptops perform excessively well, but typically also suffer some sort of drawback you wouldnt expect, like suspect build quality, poor thermal performance, or out-of-sync price. We think most gamers simply want solid performance without all of the gimmicky features.

The GE63VR Raider, one of MSI's latest, gets an Nvidia GTX 1070 GPU and the Core i7-7700HQ CPU. Thus, it lives at the upper end of what we'd call a mid-range gaming laptop these days. Time to put it through its paces.

Specifications

Packaging

Image 1 of 6

The GE63VR Raiders packaging features MSIs signature over-the-top gamer aesthetic. On the front cover, youll find a mechanical dragon tearing through an earthy backdrop. The rear cover lists the Raiders features, including its per-key RGB keyboard, 120Hz display refresh rate, cooling technology, etc. MSIs dragon shield emblem is present at every angle. The top of the package has a red plastic handle for easy carrying.

Image 1 of 4

The box opens like a clamshell, revealing the Raider, which is wrapped in black cloth. Two slabs of closed-cell foam secure the laptop, and a final cardboard slab secures it from the rear. The rear slab functions as a compartment as well, holding the Raiders 230W power supply. To the left, youll find an additional compartment for the AC power cord.

Beneath the Raider, youll find a hidden compartment housing the Quick Start Guide, Recovery booklet, Limited Warranty card, and an invitation to MSIs rewards program.

The Raiders package doesnt stand out much, but it also doesnt disappoint. You can rest assured that your laptop will remain safe in this handheld box, but thats about it.

Exterior

Image 1 of 6

The GE63VR Raiders lid is constructed in typical MSI fashion, with a sleek, black-brushed aluminum surface that retains oils easily, so youll have to clean it often. There are two angled accents running from the bottom of the lid to the top. Right next to the accents are two red light bars that illuminate when the system is powered. At the very bottom, right next to the hinge, a subtle RAIDER is engraved into the metal surface. Finally, MSIs company logo and dragon shield adorn the middle of the lid. Like the light bars, the shield glows when the Raider is powered. The lid will flex with a fair amount of pressure, but not so much that the displays safety is compromised.

Image 1 of 7

Moving inside, youll find the same brushed aluminum construction surrounding the input devices. Fingerprints and smudges are exacerbated because this surface will be touched often, so make sure to keep a cloth handy. The surface caves in around the keyboard, with additional accents engraved at the top. More engraving can be found on the left via the Dynaudio and Steelseries logos, a departure from the usual white printed logos on previous MSI laptops. The touchpad contrasts the rest of the black surface with its red border. Finally, there are three buttons to the right of the keyboard. These power the system, launch the SteelSeries engine, and maximize the fan speed.

Image 1 of 4

The Raiders 15.6 display is surrounded by a relatively thin bezel. The sides are 0.5625 wide. The top bezel is also 0.5625 at the slimmest point and 0.75 at the widest point. The bottom bezel is the longest at 1. There are two feet on each side bezel, two on the bottom bezel, and four on the top bezel to prevent the display from making contact with the laptop when closed. At the top, youll find a 2.0 megapixel camera surrounded by array microphones. Finally, the company logo is engraved on the bottom bezel in dull silver.

Image 1 of 4

The sides of the laptop are split into two layers. The top layer is part of the aluminum construction and wraps its way around to the edges. The other half is made out of hard plastic, which is part of the bottom panel. The front edge angles inward, and is decorated by small indentations on each side. In the middle, youll find three status indicators. The side edges host two exhaust vents to expel heat. Moving to the back, youll find two larger vents that are designed like supercar exhausts. In between runs a red border for decoration.

Image 1 of 12

Continuing from the edges, the bottom panel eschews the brushed aluminum surface in favor of hard plastic. The bottom panel adopts a much more aggressive aesthetic than the sleek brushed surfaces, instead using hard angles, numerous stabilization feet, and even an engraving of the MSI dragon in the middle. There are four large rubber feet, one small rubber foot in the middle, and eight plastic feet keeping the Raider stable. The bottom cover is also littered with perforations. In the middle, two large vents allow heat to escape from the motherboard, while two smaller vents near the back act as air intakes for the cooling fans. There are two other groups of engravings on both sides, but these dont have holes. Finally, there are cutouts near the front edge that allow audio to seep through.

Image 1 of 2

Speaking of speakers (pun intended), the Raiders audio system is facing downward. In the past, we've criticized downward-facing speakers because of their muffled audio, but we're inclined to make an exception for the Raider. The size of the speakers more than make up for the misplacement, and the subwoofers complement them nicely, especially at high volume.

Image 1 of 2

Unlike the outward-facing metal surfaces, the hinge is constructed out of plastic. It feels smoother and softer than the plastic used on the bottom panel, perhaps to complement the sleek metal surfaces. There are two angled accents in the middle of the hinge, a continuation of the accents from the lid. At the corners you'll find contrasting, red plastic. The hinge offers an impressive 150 of extension, which is more than you'll get with most gaming laptops.

Image 1 of 2

The GE63VR Raider doesnt have very many I/O ports. On the right side, youll find a card reader, two USB 3.0 ports, and the DC power port. On the left side, youll find an RJ-45 LAN port, an HDMI port, another USB 3.0 port, Thunderbolt 3 over Type-C, a headphone jack, and a microphone jack.

Display

The GE63VR Raider features a standard 15.6 Full HD (1920x1080) IPS display, with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time. Many gaming-oriented laptops include G-Sync, but MSI doesn't include the variable refresh technology with the Raider.

The laptop includes HDMI 2.0 and Mini DisplayPort 1.2, although we usually see mDP 1.3 at this price range. This shouldnt be a major issue, because resolutions above UHD are uncommon. Additionally, the Thunderbolt 3 over Type-C port can connect an external GPU dock or yet another display.

Input Devices

Image 1 of 4

The MSI Raider features a full-length keyboard and number pad, courtesy of SteelSeries. As with all MSI laptop keyboards, the keys are evenly spaced and have a crisp, bumpy actuation, creating a comfortable typing experience. The keycaps have a white translucent font that allows the LED backlighting to shine through the keycaps with minimal backlight bleed.

The function row includes the following: F2 opens the Project menu, F3 toggles touchpad functionality, F4 launches a user-determined application, F5 switches the power setting to a power-friendly ECO profile, F6 toggles webcam functionality, F7 shifts between power profiles, F10 activates airplane mode, and F12 puts the Raider to sleep. In addition, Fn + Arrows and Fn + Num 0 adjust audio settings. Finally, Fn + Num - and Fn + Num + adjust the keyboard backlighting brightness. The keyboard has a nifty feature that dims key lighting to just the function compatible keys when the Fn key is activated.

The touchpad offers excellent accuracy and comfortable tracking, although a film will build up over time. If the oil layer gets thick enough, youll experience some surface drag, but keeping the touchpad clean will ensure a seamless tracking experience. The touchpad offers no clicking functionality; MSI instead includes two separate left and right click buttons beneath the touchpad. These buttons offer a satisfying tactile feedback. Design-wise, the touchpads black surface complements the rest of the build, but it has a contrasting red border to highlight it.

Interior

The bottom panel is attached to the chassis with 10 screws. The panel will take a bit of effort to loosen; use a credit card or an opening tool to separate the panel from the side and from the front. With the panel removed, you can easily locate all of the interchangeable components.

Youll find the M.2 slots buried beneath a removable PCB on the far right. To access the slots, remove three screws: two securing the small PCB to the bracket and one securing the bracket to the motherboard. Lifting the left speaker (which is on the right when looking at the Raider from the bottom) will grant easy access to the last screw.

Image 1 of 4

Next to the M.2 slots are four DDR4 memory slots; our Raider contains 32GB of DDR4-2400 RAM from Kingston. To the left youll find an Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 8265, which handles the Raiders wireless needs. Right next to it is a 2.5" SATA slot occupied by a 1TB 7200RPM HDD. Near the front lip of the laptop, you'll find the hefty sound system, consisting of two speakers and two subwoofers.

Image 1 of 6

The cooling solution sits in the back right next to the 51Wh battery. It consists of two large exhaust fans, each accompanied by two sets of heat fins. There are two primary heat sinks: the one on the right cools the CPU, inductors, and MOSFETs. The left heat sink cools the GPU and its memory. Three heat pipes are dedicated to the GPU alone, while another heat pipe covers the GPU heat sink, inductors, and MOSFETs. One pipe hits the CPU heatsink, while the adjacent pipe passes over the heat sink and over the GPU memory. Finally, one pipe is dedicated solely to GPU memory.

Software

As with all MSI systems, the GE63VR Raider comes with several proprietary applications pre-installed to manage the laptops settings. Most notable is Dragon Center, which is MSIs hub software.

From Dragon center, youre given a handful of categorized tabs. The first tab is the App Portal, and from here you can create shortcuts to your favorite programs. You can even create and name subcategories for your shortcuts.

System Monitor gives you a glimpse at your systems resources. You can see resource usage percentages, fan speeds, power plans, clock rates, temperatures, and network connectivity.

The System Tuner gives users comprehensive control over the Raider, and offers several subcategories through which to adjust the laptops settings. The subcategories we use most are the Shift, Fan Speed, and True Color tabs.

The Mobile Center tab allows you to connect your mobile phone to the Raider. If you dont have MSI Dragon Dashboard installed on your phone, Dragon Center offers QR codes that will direct you to their download pages on the iTunes and Android stores. Once your phone is synced with the Raider, you can monitor its resource usage, tune the system to your liking, and even adjust RGB backlight settings.

Finally, the Tool & Help tab offers support options for new users. Here you can find the user manual, backup or recover your system, reach MSIs help desk, register the Raider, calibrate your battery, or navigate through the Raiders features.

In addition, MSIs partnership with SteelSeries lets you use Steelseries Engine to adjust the keyboards settings. From here, you can adjust the per-key backlighting with a variety of effects, such as color shifting and multi-colored breathing. If you have SteelSeries peripherals with RGB functionality, you can sync the Raiders keyboard and your peripherals using PrismSync.



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MAYOR SLY JAMES FAILED TO DELIVER THE NEW AIRPORT RECOMMENDATION TO HIS PALS @ BURNS & MAC!!!

NO MORE STUPID GEORGE BRETT COMMERCIALS!!!

Just now, the KC Airport Selection Committee reveled thatis their recommendation.Right now City Manager Troy Schulte along with Council members Jolie Justus and Jermaine Reed are attempting to explain the process . . . Horribly.I'm surebut this is really Burns & Mac losing big more than anything else.Last month we told our blog community that. . . Not to mention the attempt at rigging the process from the outset.But better than all of this is . . .This is actually a good thing for everybody including Mayor Sly . . . The Burns & Mac FAIL takes awaythat actually did scare City Hall insiders and the move offers a new start for the idea of a new airport.However . . .It also means that the KC campaign will take a hit . . . Again, good news . . .Caveat . . . The selection of a contractor still has to go to the Council but selecting Burns & Mac at this point would be even more dangerous . . .Now we move toward a November election where politicos and an out of town company attempt to sell KC on an airport that only a few losing corporate cronies wanted in the first place.Developing . . .
TONGANOXIE, Kan. - Tyson Foods plans to invest $320 million in a new chicken-processing plant in northeastern Kansas that will employ 1,600 people, but not everyone in the community is happy about it. The company announced its plans Tuesday during a news conference with Kansas Gov.
Jackson County legislators to address jail deficiencies Breaking News The Jackson County Legislature is planning to address an audit of the detention facility that has been the site of repeated scandals. The 21-page document obtained by KMBZ News recommends items CRA Incorporated says are needed immediately. Those changes include: intercoms in cells, in case of emergencies, improvements to sanitation and new mattresses.

Follow-up on an important story whilst local politicos have never been so interested in Hurricane Harvey, North Koreaa and other more important news that steals the spotlight from this horrific situation still unchecked:
On September 5, 1997, 1,500 people packed 18th Street between the Paseo and Highland. In the Gem theater, Harry Belafonte and Billy Dee Williams hosted a black-tie gala. The stars performing included Tony Bennett, Al Jarreau, George Duke, Diane Reeves, David Sanborn, Pat Metheny and Jay McShann.
Congressman Cleaver Opposed to the Rescinding of DACA

(Washington, D.C.)  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II denounces President Trumps decision today to terminate the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and reaffirms his commitment to protecting our countrys Dreamers. Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the administration will end DACA with a six month delay.DACA allowed determined and hopeful youth to come out of the shadows and into the light. These children trusted their government to take care of them which is why they came forward. Now, this administration is turning their backs on them and I will not turn my back on them, said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.In Missouri, DACA has allowed more than 3,500 young people to come forward. They passed background checks and currently live and work legally in this country. A recent survey found that after receiving DACA, recipients moved to jobs with better pay that matched their education and training. Ending DACA would cost Missouri more than $209 million in annual GDP losses according toSince the program was established in 2012, over 800 thousand young people have come forward who were granted temporary protection from deportation.There simply is no reason for this immoral decision. DACA recipients have grown up in this country, served in this countrys military, have attended school in this country, and worked hard for this country. It is up to us in Congress now to work together to protect the Dreamers and allow them to stay here with their families, said Congressman Cleaver.########
Sen. Claire McCaskill Campaign Mailer: "Heartless and Counterproductive"





I want to be very clear about what President Trump's decision to get rid of DACA really means: It means 800,000 young Americans who were brought to this country through no fault of their own would be kicked out of the only home many of them have ever known. We would lose nearly a million students, workers and servicewomen and men who contribute to our country in so many ways.





The Trump administration's announcement to rescind DACA is not a solution to immigration issues in America. Instead, it plays politics with the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and young people. It is as heartless as it is counterproductive.





Dreamers deserve to stay. Period. And I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that Congress protects them.





 Claire

########

A bold promise from the leading Missouri Democratic Party lady to campaign on an issue on which most Missouri voters might agree with the Prez or possible hold even more strident views . . .Checkit:You decide . . .
TKC READER: A Single-Terminal Named FUBAR

Even odds on the KCMO Council pulling the plug on the current KCI single-terminal selection process, during an announcement WED/THUR of this week.What a total "FUBAR" scenario it has been!!Mayor James poisoned the well from the beginning. Old habits are hard to change, and "Sly" James continues to stumble into one mess after another . . . Poor style, no finesse, and headstrong bullying antics to get his way. Mayor James seems intent on assuring every KCMO resident that he only knows how to lead by intimidation, bullying, and colluding with contributors.City Manager Troy Schulte deserves a formal reprimand, if not something more severe, for his surrender of duties as KC's top hired fiscal watchdog and exemplar of professional municipal management. A very big disappointment from a supposed apolitical manager. With residents depending upon Schulte to play by the rules, and not succumb to political shenanigans . . .Councilwoman Justus would be well-advised to resign, and take some private time to reflect. As soon as the hush-hush no-bid billion dollar deal for Burns and McDonnell was revealed as illegal and unethical, why did she go on to chair the terminal selection committee? Does Jolie Justus have no concept of proper ethics? Is she so completely blinded by her ambition to be Mayor that she no longer comprehends the bright red boundary lines separating right from wrong?######You decide . . .
Hauled in first place overall thanks to their extraordinary scenery and people. Photos: Pixabay.com

Greek Islands are the best in the world according to Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Travel Awards 2017

The internationally acclaimed travel magazine notes that when it first appeared in 1997, Ibiza was trancing out many of you - so much so that it utterly failed to make the top 20 in our debut awards. This year the Balearics came second, for all-round good times; though when it comes to beaches and hotels you'd rather go the distance to the Maldives, and thought Malta best value for money. And while the appetite for Sicily's food was hearty, the Greek Islands hauled in first place overall thanks to its extraordinary scenery and people.

Here are the 20 best islands in the world:

1. Greek islands

2. Balearics

3. Sicily





4. Maldives

5. Ko Samui, Thailand

6. Bali

7. Seychelles

8. Malta

9. Sardinia

10. Santa Lucia, Carribbean

11. St Barth's

12. Bahamas

13. , 

14. Bora Bora

15. Mauritius

16. Barbados

17. Hawaii

18. Capri

19. Jamaica

20. Corsica





Read more here.

Source: cntraveller.com

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:pixabay.com








He presented the positive developments in the Greek economy, the business potential of French companies and Greece's interest in investments

Greece's Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs George Katrougalos met on Tuesday with France's business confederation MEDEF International in Paris, as part of the Greek government's efforts to attract French investors to Greece, two days before the official visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Athens.

He presented the positive developments in the Greek economy, the business potential of French companies and Greece's interest in investments. The meeting was attended by senior executives of 19 major French business groups, including:

-Air Liquide, natural gas for industries, environment

-Alstom, rail transport market

-RATP Developpement, public transport operator

-SAUR, managing of water supply and wastewater services

-SUEZ, water, electricity and natural gas supply

-THALES, aerospace, defence, transport, security

-TOTAL, oil company

-VALOREM, wind park projects

-VINCI, construction company

French banks Credit Agricole CIB and Rothschild also took part in the talks.

The meeting was presided over by MEDEF Vice-President and Vice-Chairman of Vinci SA Yves-Thibault de Silguy, who asked the first question to Katrougalos: whether the Greek banks are ready, what are the developments with the non-performing loans and what will happen with the capital controls.

Responding, the minister noted Greek banks that passed the stress tests are recording profits for the first time and that NPLs are lowering. On capital controls, he said there is some relaxation of the rules today adding the government wants to abolish them on August 2018.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Source: ANA-MPA
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The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has announced that it will provide up to $210 million in debt financing towards a renewable energy project in Egypt, which includes the building of 11 greenfield solar power plants with an aggregate capacity of 490 MW.



The solar power project will increase Egypts power generation capacity, reduce the countrys dependence on gas and fuel for electricity generation, and will help the country meet its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement as it moves towards an environmentally sustainable energy mix, said a statement.



Egypts huge solar resources, together with its strategic vision for green growth, will allow this project to generate global environmental benefits by avoiding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of more than half a million tons of CO2 per year, it said.



A syndicate of lenders including the bank will provide long-term debt financing on a limited recourse project finance basis, it added.



D J Pandian, vice president and chief investment officer, AIIB, said: Investing in clean, renewable energy is a big part of our strategy to promote a sustainable and low-carbon future for Asia.



We are supporting this project because it contributes to Egypts renewable energy capacity, and it will help position the country as a regional energy hub, which will have economic benefits for the entire region, he said.



The programme will increase Egypts generation capacity so it can export energy during peak hours and improve its connectivity in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa, said a statement.



The project will be co-financed by AIIB and the International Financial Corporation (IFC), and is attracting additional lenders from the private sector and bilateral financial institutions, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Latin American nation Chile has announced participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.



Through its overall theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, Expo 2020 Dubai will offer participants a platform to foster creativity, innovation and collaboration and give many millions of visitors a glimpse into the future, guided by its three interwoven themes: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.



This will be the ideal platform for Chile, a country with great natural and human potential, to demonstrate how it is working to include environmentally sustainable production processes in a number of economic sectors, said a statement.



Examples include the increased cultivation of organic foods, care and management of the oceans, and the use of non-conventional renewable energy sources, which now account for 17 per cent of Chiles energy grid and are expected to reach 70 per cent by 2050, it added.



Manal Al Bayat, senior vice president, Business Development and Integration at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: Innovation and the environment are at the heart of world Expos, which is why we are delighted to welcome Chile as the latest nation to formally announce its participation at the Expo.



We look forward to working with Chilean firms and officials in these areas as we travel together on the journey to Expo 2020 Dubai and beyond, Al Bayat said.



Chile announced its participation at Expo 2020 Dubai following an official visit by a delegation from the UAEs Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Expo 2020 Dubai.



Alejandro Buvinic, director, ProChile, said: The Expo will be an unmissable opportunity for Chile to showcase to a global audience the hard work we have undertaken to improve production processes in every area of our economy, including the export service sector.



Chile boasts unrivalled conditions for producing fresh, pure, healthy and good quality food which is enjoyed in many countries around the world. Our country is a natural laboratory for new-tech and green business initiatives, and has developed the ideal conditions for future clean energy to lead the fight against climate change in the region. These will be among the concepts that Chile will present at Expo Dubai 2020, he said.



We will also show what we have been doing to help our SMEs take their products and services out into the world, and to incorporate innovation within each of their enterprises, he added.



World Expos, which date back to the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, have always celebrated the latest in innovation and technology. Expo Live has an allocation of $100 million to support projects that offer creative solutions to pressing challenges that impact peoples lives or help preserve our world  or both, said a statement.



The Expo Live programme, which was publicly launched in January following a pilot phase last year, will support the winning projects through funds, business guidance, promotion and acceleration of their creative solutions. They will also be able to showcase their work at Expo 2020 Dubai, it said.



Chile and the UAE share strong bilateral relations, with Chile being Dubais second largest export market in Latin America - after Brazil  with a 13 per cent share of trade volume, and non-oil trade between the two countries totalling $163 million in 2015.



In announcing its participation, Chile joins more than 120 countries from around the world that have made a commitment to take part in Expo 2020 Dubai, which opens on October 20, 2020, and closes six months later, on April 10, 2021.



More than 200 participants including nations, multilateral organisations, corporations and educational institutions are expected to take part, with further national participation announcements expected in the coming months, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain has been voted as this years best expat destination worldwide by the Expat Insider 2017 survey , which offers an in-depth analysis of life abroad.



In addition to Bahrain, this years top 10 destinations for expats are Costa Rica, Mexico, Taiwan, Portugal, New Zealand, Malta, Colombia, Singapore, and Spain.



Aside from hard factors such as economy and politics, Bahrain scores high with regard to topics involving softer factors, like friendliness, family life, and personal happiness in the survey. More than eight in 10 expats in Bahrain (87 per cent) are happy with their life in general.



The survey ranks 65 countries by a variety of factors such as quality of life, working abroad, and settling in.



While the Gulf states are close to each other in geographical terms, the local expat population sees them very differently, the survey said. Oman ranks above the worldwide average on a solid 17th place, while Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait trail far behind. The main issue in these countries seems to be a lack of friendliness towards foreign residents, the Expat Insider 2017 survey revealed.



With nearly 13,000 respondents living and working abroad, it is one of the most extensive expat studies, conducted yearly by InterNations, the largest expat community worldwide.



Low taxes and personal safety in Gulf states

Expats see both the lack of personal income tax and the economy in the GCC member states as potential benefits prior to moving there. After their arrival, one-third of expats working in Qatar have a household income of more than $100,000 a year, which is significantly more than in the other GCC member states.



More than five in 10 expats in Bahrain (53 per cent), Kuwait (62 per cent), Oman (63 per cent), and Saudi Arabia (52 per cent) have a yearly income of less than $50,000. However, most expats seem to be satisfied with their annual household income, as the majority in each country said it is enough or more than enough to cover their daily expenses, the study said.



In Saudi Arabia, over one in five expats (22 per cent) even have a lot more than what they need. Additionally, more than six in 10 expats in each Gulf state (from 63 per cent in Oman to 76 per cent in Qatar) believe that their income is a lot higher than what they would earn in a similar position back home.



An Indian expat living in Saudi Arabia states that the cost of living is low and the income is good compared with my home country.



Apart from the economy, the political stability is also rated positively across all Gulf states. In fact, fewer respondents in each country are unsatisfied with this factor than the global average of 23 percent. Oman and Qatar in particular stand out with only four and three percent respectively rating the local economy negatively (the survey was conducted before Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UAE cut ties with Qatar).



A cool welcome in the desert

Aside from hard factors such as economy and politics, Bahrain also scores with regard to topics involving softer factors, like friendliness, family life, and personal happiness. While more than eight in 10 expats in Bahrain (87 per cent) are happy with their life in general, only about half of the expats in Kuwait (49 per cent) agree. This makes Kuwait the country with the unhappiest expats worldwide! One of the reason for this low ranking might be that Kuwait also receives the most negative rating for friendliness towards foreign residents.



In addition, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are particularly challenging places to settle in: more than a third of expats (37 per cnet and 38 per cent respectively) do not feel at home in the local culture and 11 and 16 percent respectively believe they never will. These results are clearly above the global average of only 7 percent of all expats feeling this way about their respective destination.



The contrast is even more striking compared to Bahrain: exactly one-quarter of expats in Bahrain felt at home there nearly right away, and another 58 percent started feeling this way within the first two years. This impressive result might be, among other things, due to a warm welcome by the local population. Nearly nine out of 10 expats in Bahrain (86 per cent) rate the factor friendliness towards foreign residents positively.



Bahrain is this years place to be

Bahrain is the star among the GCC member states: jumping from rank 19 to 1 overall, the country improved significantly compared to last years Expat Insider survey, especially in terms of personal finance, working abroad, and ease of settling in. In fact, the small country even beats Mexico, which has ranked first in terms of settling in ever since the first Expat Insider survey was conducted in 2014. Bahrain is also excellent for finding friends as 73 percent of expats living there are satisfied with making new friends abroad.



A Filipino expat living in Bahrain said it is a home away from home. The locals are very friendly and helpful.



Even though Bahrain is among the five expat-friendliest countries worldwide, only three percent of expats are mostly friends with locals. In fact, 45 percent are mostly friends with other expats, and 53 percent state that they belong to a fairly mixed social circle. The simple fact that foreign nationals make up an estimated 30 to more than 80 percent of the population in the various GCC member states, might explain this result. All in all, expats seem to enjoy life in Bahrain and nearly a third (32 per cent) plan to stay longer than five years, while 11 percent can even imagine staying forever.



A heartwarming welcome

For the first time since the Expat Insider survey was introduced, none of the previous years top three destinations lead the ranking: Surprise winner Bahrain even leaps from 19th position to 1st place, winning the overall ranking. The Gulf state makes it easy for expats to feel at home due to its friendly local residents  nearly nine out of ten expats (86 per cent) rate the friendly attitude of Bahrainis towards expats positively. In addition, about three-quarters of expats in Bahrain (73 per cent) are satisfied with their jobs, compared to a global average of 64 percent.



Runner-up Costa Rica and Mexico on third place also rank among the top 20 in terms of working abroad, but are even more valued for their extremely friendly local population. In fact, nearly nine in ten expats (87 per cent) rate the friendly attitude of locals towards foreign residents positively in both countries, compared to a global average of only 67 percent of expats feeling this way about their destination.



The countries featured in the bottom three, on the other hand, have remained the same for the third year in a row: Greece has now hit rock bottom, ranking last overall, as well as in terms of working abroad, personal finance, and family life. Half of the respondents in Greece say that their household income is not enough to cover their daily expenses, which is more than twice the global average (23 per cent). The main issue in Nigeria and Kuwait, 63rd and 64th out of 65 countries, remains the constant struggle with the quality of life: more than two in 10 expats in Kuwait (23 per cent) are unhappy with their life in general, compared to only 10 percent of expats worldwide. In Nigeria, safety and security cause additional problems, with nearly seven out of 10 (68 per cent) rating their personal safety negatively.



The annual survey covered 166 nationalities living in 188 countries or territories to provide information on various aspects of expat life, as well as their gender, age, and nationality. Participants were asked to rate 43 different aspects of life abroad on a scale of one to seven. - TradeArabia News Service


Travellers mesmerised by the beauty of Azerbaijan can now travel to the popular destination at a moment's notice as the government offers visas in just three hours.



Until recently, Azerbaijan was a stalwart on the 'Hardest visa to get' list. But, this new inclination for Azerbaijan as the hot spot destination has had the Azerbaijani government reconsider their policies on visa application to the state. Now, the whole process of getting a visa to Azerbaijan has been simplified with applicants being able to obtain visas to Azerbaijan within three hours, be it a weekend or a holiday.



The decision comes as a positive gift to the visitors in GCC who love the country for its proximity and wish to visit more often on different purposes beyond its exquisite nature and culture.

This resolution will increase the tourists flow to the country not only for the beautiful autumn season but also for the rest of the year. Rashid Al Noori, chairman, Representative Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan in GCC Chairman said. He noted that the influx of tourists to Azerbaijan increased by 15 -20 per cent this summer, compared to the same period of last year.



Arab tourists take the first position among travellers visiting Azerbaijan, followed by travellers from Russia. In July, 330,000 people visited the country, and we anticipate that the figure will go up significantly, considering we have direct flights from Kuwait, Qatar and Dubai, and we expect to inaugurate direct flights from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to Baku soon.



Tourism in Azerbaijan is progressing at a great momentum, contributing 4.5 per cent to the national GDP. The country strives to strengthen its tourism share with brand new experiences that include shopping festival, rail tourism and many others.



Just recently, the country launched the electronic visa, making the process of obtaining correct entry documents a little cheaper and quicker - in three days. And now, theyve made it even easier as visitors will have their e-visas in just three hours.



The application and approval process will be managed online and the visas will be issued after three hours. The fees are substantially lower too and citizens of 93 countries will be able to get the electronic visa for up to 30 days stay in the country.



This is excellent news for us, because this means that everybody can now plan a weekend getaway to Azerbaijan without uneasiness, or even work out a joint vacation that encompasses Azerbaijan and another nearby destinations adding to the allure of Azerbaijan as a hot spot destination. Al Noori said. - TradeArabia News Service


Louvre Abu Dhabi today announced it will open its doors to the public on November 11. It is the first museum of its kind in the Arab world, a universal museum that focuses on shared human stories across civilisations and cultures.

The opening celebrations will include a wide range of public programmes, including symposia, performances, concerts, dance, and visual arts by renowned contemporary and classical artists, said a Wam news agency report.

Pritzker Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel has designed a museum city, or Arab medina, under a vast silvery dome. Visitors will be able to walk along promenades overlooking the sea beneath the museums 180-m dome, comprising almost 8,000 unique metal stars set in a complex geometric pattern. When sunlight filters through, it creates a moving rain of light beneath the dome, reminiscent of the overlapping palm trees in the UAEs oases, it said.

On display will be the museums important collection of artworks, artefacts and loans from Frances top museums. These span the entirety of human existence from prehistorical objects to commissioned contemporary artworks, highlighting universal themes and ideas and marking a departure from traditional museography that often categorises according to origin. In addition to the galleries, the museum will include exhibitions, a childrens museum, a restaurant, a boutique and a cafe.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) said: "Louvre Abu Dhabi embodies our belief that nations thrive on diversity and acceptance, with a curatorial narrative that emphasises how interconnected the world has always been. The museum represents the latest innovation in a long-standing tradition of cultural preservation nurtured by the founding leaders of the UAE.

"Louvre Abu Dhabi forms one element of Abu Dhabis cultural strategy, which safeguards our rich heritage and catalyses creativity. Investment in a vibrant cultural ecosystem supports the UAEs economic diversification and development as a modern, dynamic society. Louvre Abu Dhabi will inspire a new generation of cultural leaders and creative thinkers to contribute to our rapidly-changing and tolerant nation," he said.

Louvre Abu Dhabis story will begin in the "Great Vestibule", where visitors are introduced to important themes such as maternity and funerary rituals. The dialogue between works from different geographical territories, sometimes far apart, highlights similarities between the canons despite each having its own mode of expression. The galleries will be both chronological and thematic, and subdivided into 12 chapters. Displays include works from the earliest empires, including the first figurative representations, such as the Bactrian Princess created in Central Asia at the end of the 3rd Millennium BCE, funerary practices of ancient Egypt illustrated by a set sarcophagi of Princess Henuttawy, and the creation of new economies with a Decadrachm coin of Syracuse signed by the artist Euainetos.

A gallery dedicated to universal religions will feature sacred texts: a leaf from the "Blue Quran", a Gothic Bible, a Pentateuch and texts from Buddhism and Taoism. The artistic exchanges on the trading routes during the Medieval and Modern periods are brought to the fore through an important number of ceramic works. Between Asia and the Mediterranean, and then between Europe and America, guests will appreciate how the worlds horizon gradually expanded. A set of screens from the Japanese Namban demonstrate the dialogue between the Far East and Europe. From the image of the Prince throughout the world, illustrated by an important Ottoman Turban Helmet, to a more intimate vision of a new art of living, the museum presents an exceptional chest of drawers made in Red Chinese lacquer by Bernard II Van Risenburgh (1696 - 1766), created in France. In a section about Modernity are Edouard Manets (1832 - 1883) the Gypsy, Paul Gauguins (1848 - 1903) Children Wrestling, Piet Mondrians (1872 - 1944) Composition with Blue, Red, Yellow and Black. Also on show will be a monumental work by the artist Ai Weiwei (1957- ) and his questioning of globalisation.

Louvre Abu Dhabis first site-specific works, installed in the outdoor areas by renowned contemporary artists, interact with the spirit of the museum and the fabric of the architecture, it said.

American artist Jenny Holzer (1950 -) has created three engraved stone walls named 'For Louvre Abu Dhabi, 2017'. These cite important historical texts from Ibn Khaldun's Muqaddimah, the Mesopotamian bilingual (Akkadian / Sumerian) Creation Myth tablet, and the 1588 annotated edition of Michel de Montaigne's Les Essais.

Italian artist Giuseppe Penone (1947 - ) has produced several works specifically for Louvre Abu Dhabi. Leaves of Light (2017) is a vast bronze tree with mirrors placed in its branches to reflect the rain of light. Propagation (2017) is a wall of porcelain tiles that depict hand-drawn concentric circles originating from the fingerprint of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAEs founding father. It was produced in collaboration with the workshops of Sevres  Cite de la ceramique in France.

Francoise Nyssen, the French Minister of Culture, said today in Abu Dhabi: "The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on 11th November 2017 will be a milestone in the development of the cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and France, ten years after the signature of the intergovernmental agreement. This museum is one of the most ambitious cultural projects in the world, brought to light by Jean Nouvels exceptional architectural masterpiece. With the expertise of its cultural institutions and loans from its national collections, France is particularly proud to play a significant role in the completion and the life of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, for now and for several decades to come.

"Endowed with an innovative scientific and cultural project combining the expertise of 13 French museums and institutions steered by Agence France-Museums, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will offer visitors a unique experience: a brand new journey through major works of art from different civilisations, mirrored to reveal our common humanity. The Louvre Abu Dhabi therefore carries a message of tolerance and peace and stresses the unwavering commitment of our two countries to promote culture and education as a shield against extremism.

"The inauguration week will also feature two prestigious events coproduced under the French-Emirati Cultural Programme, that was initiated over a year ago by our two countries and supported by the creative momentum generated by the Louvre Abu Dhabi. I have the hope that the Louvre Abu Dhabi will always bring this energy further, inspire new callings, promote mutual understanding, and always reinforce the strong bonds uniting the United Arab Emirates and France."

Manuel Rabate, director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: "With a unique global narrative and a vision to explore the history of art in a fresh context, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a place where visitors can come to understand their own and others cultures. Its ground-breaking architecture complements a presentation of exceptional treasures that represent a snapshot of humanitys creativity, and paves the way for new discussions."

In the galleries, important artworks on loan from 13 leading museums in France will be presented. Highlights include Leonardo da Vincis (1452 - 1519) La Belle Ferronniere (on loan from Musee du Louvre), Vincent van Goghs (1853 - 1890) self-portrait (Musee d'Orsay et de l'Orangerie), a rare ivory saltcellar from the Benin Empire (Musee du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac), a Globe by Vincenzo Coronelli (1650 - 1718) (Bibliotheque Nationale de France), a pair of gui vessels (Musee National des Arts Asiatiques Guimet), Jacques-Louis Davids (1748 - 1825) Napoleon Crossing the Alps (Chateau de Versailles), Auguste Rodins (1840 - 1917) Jean dAire from the group 'The Burghers of Calais' (Musee Rodin), a 13th century reliquary chest (Musee de Cluny - Musee National du Moyen Age), a Chinese ewer of Persian shape (Musee des Arts Decoratifs), a Breastplate of Marmesse (Musee d'Archeologie Nationale - Saint Germain en Laye), the Apollo Belvedere statue by Primatice (1504 - 1570) from Chateau de Fontainebleau, and Standing Woman II by Alberto Giacometti (1901 - 1966) from Centre Pompidou.

The inaugural special exhibition, 'From One Louvre to Another: opening a museum for everyone', opens on December 21, and traces the history of Musee du Louvre in Paris.

Divided into three sections, the exhibition will look at the royal collections at Versailles under King Louis XIV, followed by the residency of the Academy and Salons in this palace for artists, and conclude with the creation of the modern Musee du Louvre. It will feature approximately 145 significant paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and other pieces from the collections of Musee du Louvre and Ch?teau de Versailles. The exhibition is curated by Jean-Luc Martinez, President-Director, Musee du Louvre, and Juliette Trey, Curator, Prints and Drawings Department, Musee du Louvre.

The intergovernmental agreement includes the loan of the Musee du Louvres name for 30 years and 6 months, temporary exhibitions for 15 years, and loans of artworks for 10 years.

Tickets for the museum will cost Dh60 for general admission and Dh30 for ages between 13 and 22 and UAE education professionals. Admission will be free for members of the museums loyalty programme, children under the age of 13, Icom or Icomos members, journalists, and people of determination, along with a companion.
Capture the beauty of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel and get a chance to win a three-hour private sunset shoot on hotel's helipad and a stay at The St. Regis Mauritius Resort.



In partnership with Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA), The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is celebrating innovative talent and a commitment to supporting creativity amongst the local and wider UAE community.



Aspiring photographers and social media fanatics of all ages are invited to partake in the competition, which runs till September 18. To enter, images that feature The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel, captured either inside, outside or from the hotel, on a mobile device, should simply be posted via Instagram, and tagged with #MyStRegisSonyMoment #LiveExquisite. Participants also need to be following and can mention @StRegisAbuDhabi, @SonyMEA and @StRegisMauritius Instagram profiles for consideration.



All entries will be judged and a shortlist of five top finalists will be announced on September 20. The top five finalists will be invited to shoot the worlds highest suspended hotel suite, the Abu Dhabi Suite using the Sony 7R II (model ILCE-7RM2) camera. The Sony 7R II, Sonys flagship mirrorless camera features 42.4 MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, in-camera five-axis image stabilisation, internal 4K video recording, silent shooting, fast hybrid AF and more. The Abu Dhabi Suite shoot final five photos will be posted via Instagram where voting will commence, and the winner will be announced on September 26.



The grand prize will feature a three-hour private sunset shoot on The St. Regis Abu Dhabi helipad and a stay to remember at The St. Regis Mauritius Resort.



The St. Regis Abu Dhabi helipad is the highest active helipad in the Middle East at 255m, currently accessible for only 20 guests exclusively at the highly popular once-monthly Helipad Sunset Supper experience; the citys most exclusive photoshoot location. The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will welcome the winner and guest for a five-star luxury retreat situated on the south-western side of the island. Soft white sands of Le Morne Beach and its turquoise lagoon create a magical setting amid picturesque Mauritius. The prize experience features a three-night stay for two including daily breakfast, St. Regis signature butler service and ultimate relaxation in the award-winning, refined and timeless Iridium Spa with a treatment each. - TradeArabia News Service
Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites has announced a new wine-themed room designed and decorated by Soledad-based Carmel Road Winery.



(TRAVPR.COM) USA - September 6th, 2017 - Carmel, CA, September 6, 2017  Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites has announced a new wine-themed room designed and decorated by Soledad-based Carmel Road Winery.

Carmel Road wines are inspired by the wind and the waves that define Monterey, which in turn inspired the vision for the Carmel Road wine room at the Vendange Inn.

We were honored to be selected to bring one of their suites to life with the Carmel Road look and feel, says Chrissy Gray, Carmel Road tasting room manager. We chose cool blue and seafoam green tones to give guests that tranquil feeling of being at the beach. Think upscale picnic with your toes in the sand  with a wine glass in hand, of course!

Gray says they wanted to bring to life the coastal, peaceful vibe found in Carmel, as well as in their tasting room, so they created several large photo canvases showcasing the nearby ocean, with a wine-themed twist. Theres also a beautiful nook under a wine rack where guests can sit and simply relax with a glass of Carmel Road Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

To really give guests a sense of what Carmel Road Winery has to offer, in the room they will find a selection of Carmel Road wines for purchase, information about their wine club as well as the winery, beautiful etched glasses, stone coasters, plush throw blankets, and complimentary tasting cards for up to four people.

Carmel Road is a sense of place, and we hope the guests in this room come to discover that special feeling for themselves, says Gray.

Carmel Road joins 14 other wineries in partnership with Vendange to sponsor wine-themed rooms. From the McIntyre Vineyards room with its impressive 100-year-old grapevine section to J. Lohrs wine barrel on the balcony, every winerys room offers a signature luxury experience. The participating wineries include: Blair, Cima Collina, Dawns Dream, Galante, Holman Ranch, J. Lohr, Joullian, Manzoni, McIntyre, Otter Cove, Tudor, Twisted Roots, Mesa Del Sol and Ventana.

About Carmel Road Winery

Inland from Montereys rugged coastline, yet still directly in the path of the oceans relentless influence, Carmel Road Winery creates vibrant Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Pinot Grigio that capture the essence of this remarkable region. The winery tailors its viticulture and winemaking techniques to capture the compelling character of this windswept area. Since its founding in 1997, the family-owned and operated winery has worked continually to improve farming and winemaking practices, creating complex wines while also preserving the ecosystem for future generations. Carmel Road is certified by SIP (Sustainability in Practice) and CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) and recognized as a leader in water conservation, energy efficiency and land restoration. Learn more at www.CarmelRoad.com.

Carmel Road Winery

800-273-8558

info@carmelroad.com

http://www.carmelroad.com



Visit our tasting room in Carmel-by-the-Sea

O: 831.624.1036

C: 503.730.7727

Lincoln between Ocean and 6th

P.O. Box 2314, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Tasting Room Manager: Chrissy.Gray@carmelroad.com

Photography Available; https://www.dropbox.com/sh/17e8jjd9rzjtq1p/AABLlUEj7AMCKTTNBzZD5aFfa?dl=0



About Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites

Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites is at 24815 Carpenter St. in Carmel, a short drive from the Monterey Peninsula Airport, just off of scenic Highway 1, with free parking for guests. Its minutes from downtown Carmels shopping, fine dining, scenic 17-Mile Drive, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.



In France, vendange means the annual grape harvest. In Carmel, it means a celebration of the bounty of Monterey Countys vineyards at Vendange Carmel Inn and Suites.



Vendange creates a unique guest experience through its partnership with 15 local wineries, each sponsoring one room or suite by providing their own creative touches.



For 2017, Vendange has put together some interactive packages that combine the luxury and convenience of the inns Carmel location with the adventure and romance of the nearby wine country.



Telephone (831) 624-6400; email: reservations@vendangecarmel.com; website: www.vendangecarmel.com.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.vendangecarmel.com

###
Houston, September 6

US tech giants, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, have pledged to stand by their employees after the Trump administration scrapped an amnesty programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday scrapped an Obama-era programme known as Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA), a move likely to impact 8,00,000 undocumented workers, including more than 7,000 Indian-Americans.

Microsoft and Apple are offering the most full-throated defence of Dreamers  undocumented individuals who have been in the US since they were young and registered with the federal government to get work permits.

Read: Indian immigrants in US fear deportation post DACA repeal

Apple CEO Tim Cook condemned the Trump administrations decision and pledged in a note to employees to offer any employees affected by the change the support they need, including the advice of immigration experts. Apple will fight for its Dreamers, Cook tweeted.

#Dreamers contribute to our companies and our communities just as much as you and I. Apple will fight for them to be treated as equals, he tweeted.

Youre going to have to go through us to deport Dreamers who work here, Microsoft said, adding it will stick by its employees affected by any change to DACA, even in court.

If Congress fails to act, our company will exercise its legal rights properly to help protect our employees, Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith wrote in a blog post.

If the government seeks to deport any one of them, we will provide and pay for their legal counsel, Smith wrote, of the 39 Dreamers who work at Microsoft. He said the company would also seek to intervene in those cases.

Dreamers make our country & communities stronger. We stand for diversity and economic opportunity for everyone.

Legislation to protect 800,000 #Dreamers is an economic & humanitarian imperative. Congress needs to act quickly, Nadella tweeted.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, meanwhile, spoke out against the decision to rescind DACA and encouraged users to call Congress to support a measure that would enact the DACA programcreated by an executive order by then-President Obama into law.

Googles India born CEO Sundar Pichai took to Twitter to call on Congress to act to defend the DACA.

Dreamers are our neighbors, our friends and our co- workers. This is their home. Congress needs to act now to #DefendDACA. #WithDreamers, Pichai tweeted.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi shared his thoughts on the DACA repeal in a tweet, Its against our values to turn our backs on #DREAMers. Everyone deserves a chance to work, study and contribute - the #AmericanDream!

There currently are nearly 8,00,000 individuals in the US who arrived in the country as undocumented immigrants when they were children. PTI
Vijay C Roy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 6

The Punjab Government has proposed a slew of incentives for startups, including 100% reimbursement of net State Goods and Service Tax (SGST) for seven years, creation of incubators, accelerators and common infrastructure etc in the draft industrial policy. However, the startups are of the view that the government should walk extra mile if it really wants to nurture startup culture in the state and create employment.

They stressed that there was a need to create Startup Fund on the lines of other states, provision of acquiring technology from startups besides creating the entire ecosystem in letter and in spirit.

Besides other incentives, the draft policy states that the state would encourage private sector-led incubation centres and accelerators and provide them necessary support.

However, entrepreneurs are of the view that mere creation of incubation facility will not serve the purpose.

Incubation centres will give output only when a proper ecosystem comes into existence. The UP Government has announced Rs 1,000 crore for startups. Similarly, Karnataka has announced funds of Rs 35 crore for the startups. Apart from this, 100 startups that have been selected by the Karnataka Government will have access to fund of Rs 400 crore. But these things are not prevalent in our state as there is no ecosystem in place. The need of the hour is to develop an ecosystem which will help the startups to boom. The government should also provide the startups with monetary support so that they can grow and deliver, said KS Bhatia, CEO, Pumpkart.com.

Technology is the main domain of startups but finding a market is tough initially. So there should be a provision in the policy that a certain part of the government purchase should be procured from the startups, said a Mohali-based startup.
Faizan Mustafa

Faizan Mustafa

Everyone knows that fear is a socially pervasive human emotion. Both Christianity and Islam talk of it as the first human emotion when Adam experienced fear of God after eating the forbidden fruit and faced possible consequences of violating God's command. In the movie, PK, the character played by Aamir Khan, rightly says that all religions thrive only on the business of fear. In the memorable words of Cicero, "peace is liberty in tranquility." "The political liberty of the subject is a tranquility of mind arising from opinion each person has of his safety. In order to have his liberty, it is requisite the government be so constituted, as one man need not be afraid of another," said Montesquieu in the celebrated The Spirit of Laws. Political liberty is all about security or people's opinion that they have security.

The brutal murder of Gauri Lankesh was intended to instill fear in the minds of independent journalists.

A few weeks ago, talking of the right to security and freedom from fear, this is what Hamid Ansari had said: "Yes, it is a correct assessment. From all I hear from different quarters, the country. I heard the same thing in Bengaluru, I have heard from other parts of the country, I hear more about it in north India. There is a feeling of unease, a sense of insecurity is creeping in."

People on social media immediately started criticising him and went to the extent of saying that the Hindu-majority India gave him such a high constitutional office, yet he is talking of insecurity. His critics proved him right.

There is absolutely no denial of the fact that India continues to be a great place for minorities, in general, and Muslims, in particular. Indian Muslims really enjoy much greater freedom than Muslims anywhere in the world, particularly in the so-called Islamic world. But then it is neither here nor there because we are not supposed to compete with the worst examples. India as a liberal democracy has to compete with itself.

The nine-judge Bench privacy verdict is a milestone in the history of human rights in India. In this judgment too, Mr Justice Nariman explicitly held that the definition of human rights under Section 2 of National human Rights Commission Act includes human rights under various international covenants. The court in one voice also said that the right to live with human dignity is so fundamental that it permeates the core of all fundamental rights. "Dignity is the core which unites the fundamental rights because fundamental rights try to achieve for each individual the dignity of existence," observed Mr Justice Chandrachud. This right to dignity means individual autonomy and includes the right to take vital decisions. Privacy too was held as a facet of dignity and everyone is free to decide what to eat, what to wear, which religion to follow and, of course, what to write or speak etc. Ansari, as a seasoned diplomat, was aware that the right to live with dignity includes freedom from fear.

Freedom from fear certainly does not cover irrational and unfounded fears. Was Ansari guilty of having such fears or did he exaggerate fears beyond reason? Gauri's murder yet again has proved him right. If a young boy is killed in a train and no one, including the police, comes forward to rescue him; if a person is killed on mere allegation of possessing beef in his refrigerator at home; when most victims of mob lynching are from a particular community and when a man is killed in spite of having valid papers for the purchase of a cow for the purposes of his dairy business and when Dalits are not only brutally beaten up but also the culprits themselves have the audacity to put the video tapes in the public domain and now killing of this senior journalist etc. These incidents may justifiably create a sense of insecurity. Of course, to say that such incidents did not happen under earlier regimes will also be wrong.

Ansari's critics were probably following Thomas Hobbes who was of the view that if no one is actually interfering with your freedom of action at present, your present freedom is unimpaired. Fear, to Hobbes, is something in your head, not in the world. You must learn to live with it. Speaking of the great depression, Roosevelt did tell the Americans: "You have nothing to fear but fear itself."

Fear can be a self-realising state. A person's opinion is a joint product of multiple factors. Fear is s subjective state of mind, based on some objective facts. Freeing people from fear requires sincere reassuring. Prime Minister Modi was conscious of this when he condemned cow vigilantes in the strongest possible terms and directed state governments to take stern action against these anti-social elements. Mr Justice Deepak Mishra, Chief Justice of India, too yesterday without mincing words said that killings in the name cow-vigilantism must stop at once.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948, has identified in its preamble freedom from fear as one of the four "highest aspirations of mankind." Two Covenants of 1966 too repeated it with explicit statements that freedom from fear can be achieved only when conditions are created for the realisation of both civil and political as well as socio-economic and cultural rights.

Our Supreme Court has taken liberty or freedom to a very high pedestal in the privacy judgment. It is the fear rather than actual direct interference with freedom which has the greatest adverse effect on liberty. No government has either the resources or the desire to cause physical restraints on each and every citizen. They will be far more satisfied if people on their own out of fear themselves impose self-restraints. Fear can have a huge "chilling effect" on human rights. The ongoing Rohingya refugee crises does demonstrate that these unfortunate people are leaving their country due to 'well-founded fear of persecution'. Refugee Convention explicitly recognizes significance of fear.

Both French and American revolutions did promise freedom from fear through right to 'personal security' which included uninterrupted enjoyment by each individual of his life, his limbs, his body, his health, his reputation and his opinions. The US Bill of Rights,1791 clearly acknowledged the right of the people "to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects." The human right of security of person is explicitly mentioned both in the UDHR (Article3) as well as the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights,1966 (Article 9). Article 5 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination,1965 goes a step ahead and guarantees the right to security of person and protection by the state against violence or bodily harm, whether inflicted by the government or by the government officials or by any individual group or institution. Section 12(1) of the South African Constitution takes right to security at a different level when it specifically includes in it the right to be free from all forms of violence from public or private sources. Thus, this right is available against non-state actors as well as such ones who killed Gauri Lankesh and the Congress government in Karnataka certainly failed in protecting her right to 'security of person'.

Just like the right to privacy, the Indian Constitution does not explicitly mention the right to security but it is an integral part of the right to life and personal liberty. Mr Justice Chalmeshwar did say in the privacy judgment that constitutional silences too can be invoked to expand fundamental rights. In fact, the foremost reason of creating state in the state of nature was security of person and properties. Let us not create conditions similar to state of nature.

Let governments be different from religions and they should desist from creating fear in the minds of citizens.

The writer is Vice-Chancellor, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
G Parthasarathy

G Parthasarathy

AFTER waiting anxiously for six months to learn how the Trump Administration will deal with Afghanistan, Pakistan was rudely shaken when President Trump virtually read out the Riot Act to the generals in Rawalpindi and politicians in Islamabad. Never given to sophistry, Trump made it clear that the Af-Pak region is the epicentre of global terrorism, stating: Pakistan gives safe haven to agents of chaos, violence and terror. He added: We have been paying Pakistan millions of dollars at the same time that they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting. He pledged his support to strengthen the Afghan government, while praising Indias role in Afghanistan and across the Indo-Pacific Region. He made it clear that he would do what it takes to act against Pakistans safe havens for terrorist organisations, like the Taliban. The Secretaries of State and Defence, and the US Commander in Afghanistan have echoed the Presidents comments.

Shocked by Trumps condemnation, Pakistan responded by calling a meeting of its military dominated National Security Council (NSC), chaired by stand-in PM, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The NSC avoided responding directly to Trumps remarks. It called instead for eliminating safe havens inside Afghanistan, with focus on border management, return of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and reinvigorating the peace process, for a political settlement in Afghanistan. Rather than responding to the view across the world that Pakistan should end support to terrorism, as demanded by Trump, Pakistan is now a nation in denial, changing the narrative from ending terrorism to its sacrifices in the war on terror. The emphasis is not on terrorism, but on getting a dialogue between the Taliban and the Afghan government, in which the Taliban will talk from a position of military strength. In Pakistans perceptions, Afghanistan should be its client state, ruled by universally reviled terrorists it backs.

Not surprisingly, Pakistan has received backing for its stand from its all-weather friend China. Beijing has asked the US to show understanding of Pakistans views and concerns. Not to be left behind, President Putins loquacious special envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, has spoken like the special envoy of the Taliban. US NATO allies have pledged to support and supplement the US decision to expand its military presence in Afghanistan. While the US would support a dialogue between the Afghan government and Taliban, Trump has made it clear that while his aims include preventing the Taliban from taking over Afghanistan, he would only accept elements of the Taliban in any political settlement in Afghanistan. The US and its allies will, therefore, not accept a government dominated by the Taliban, as China and Russia would evidently acquiesce in.

It is crucial for India to see that it is involved in and influences the emerging political process within Afghanistan, in consultation with the Afghan government. Rejecting US proposals for early dialogue, Pakistan has indicated that it will enter into such a dialogue only after serious consultations with China, Russia and Turkey. It has also indirectly held out the threat that it could close US supply routes to Afghanistan if it finds US actions unpalatable. It remains to be seen how the US reacts to this. The American public and political opinion, especially in the US Congress, are becoming increasingly impatient and angry at Pakistans duplicitous role.

The Trump Administration is said to have consulted Washingtons former Ambassador to Kabul, Zalmay Khalilzad, who hails from Afghanistan, on shaping its Af-Pak policies. Khalilzad has held that Pakistan would test Trumps resolve to implement what he had stated. Khalizad has urged that the increase in the US military presence should be accompanied by a strong diplomatic push to coordinate the actions Trump has proposed. He envisages Pakistan-backed attacks by the Taliban and Haqqani Network on American supply lines and advocates precision drone strikes on the Taliban within Pakistan, like the attack that killed the former Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour in Balochistan. He also recommends US air strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and initiating action to put Pakistan on the list of states sponsoring terrorism. Most importantly, he urges: Washington should also suspend all American aid to Pakistan and use its influence with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to do the same. Moreover, he believes that the ISI and other Pakistani officials, with links to terrorist groups, should face travel bans and other US sanctions.

India would do well to encourage congressional and political opinion in the US to work in the direction Khalilzad has proposed. The Pakistani bluff about closing US supply routes has to be met by the US and its allies resolutely and frontally. The financial sanctions will be particularly effective at a time when the balance of payments position in Pakistan is far from comfortable and the much-touted Chinese assistance for the CPEC is largely made up of tied loans, with a negligible grant element. This credit squeeze on Pakistan could also be extended to loans from Asian Development Bank. The Trump Administration wields substantial clout with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Leading members of the GCC like Saudi Arabia and the UAE could be very effective in persuading Pakistan see reason!

India can best contribute to the squeeze on Pakistan by proceeding on its present course of replacing SAARC with BIMSTEC as the primary organisation for regional cooperation in South Asia, while stepping up trilateral cooperation with Iran and Afghanistan on issues of trade, transit and aid to Afghanistan, despite Tehrans recent contacts with the Taliban. The obvious collusion between the Supreme Court and the military in Pakistan to oust Nawaz Sharif makes it clear that the Pakistan army is going to fully call the shots on cross-border terrorism in J&K and elsewhere in India. There should be no illusions on this score, while determining policies on our relations with Pakistan. It is important that we now finalise an imaginative five-year plan for economic assistance to Afghanistan and coordinate policies with Kabul to deal with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism internationally more effectively. We should also ask ourselves whether any Indian interest is served by denying more military equipment from our stocks of Soviet-era equipment to Afghanistan, especially when two of the four attack helicopters supplied by us to Afghanistan are not operational for want of spare parts.
Washington, September 6

A gurdwara in the US state of California has been vandalised with hate messages scrawled on its walls, including one calling for nuking Sikhs.

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The incident took place at the Vermont Gurdwara in Los Angeles, also known as the Hollywood Sikh Temple.

A witness confronted the vandal and caught him on cell phone footage walking away from the gurdwaras wall without any explanation, NBC Los Angeles reported.

I said I was going to call the police on him at which point he said he felt threatened, Karna Ray, the witness who filmed the vandalism, said. He said, I will slit your throat.

The Hollywood police were investigating the hate messages written on the wallsof the gurdwara.

Ray, who is from New York, was visiting a friend on Thursday when he saw the man writing long incoherent messages with a black marker on the pristine white wall of the gurdwara and started recording him with his cell phone.

He then uploaded the video on Facebook and received thousands of comments.

Ray was particularly disturbed by one of three separate passages calling for the nuking of Sikhs, according to Fox 11.

According to a Facebook post by Ray, the vandal flashed a razor at him as he made his threat.

Ray said the hateful message left on the walls of the gurdwara counters everything the Sikh community stands for.

A member of the gurdwara hoped to invite the vandal to a service so he could experience what the community believes in.

I would love to invite the person in the temple, make him, show him what he is missing, Sarab Gil was quoted as saying.

Nirinjan Singh Khalsa of Californias Sikh Council is in close contact with the Los Angeles Police Department about the case.

This particular incident isnt a matter of swastikas and go home, ragheads, which we get sometimes, Khalsa said.

This seems to be a diatribe by someone who may or may not be mentally imbalanced, he said. PTI
Chandigarh, September 6

Female disciples or 'sadhvis' of the controversial Dera Sacha Sauda sect were forced to seek 'mafi' (pardon) from its chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, at his whims and fancies.

For those who did not know what 'mafi' meant, it turned to be rape by the man whom they considered their god.

These gory details have emerged in the judgment, which recently convicted Ram Rahim for the rape of two female disciples in 1999.

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The DSS chief, who turned 50 last month, was sentenced by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court judge Jagdeep Singh to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment, 10 years for each count of rape.

Investigations by the CBI, as quoted in the judgment, describe a 'gufa' (cave) of the accused inside the sprawling 600-acre campus of the DSS sect near Sirsa town in Haryana.

One of the rape victims told the court and the CBI that she heard of the word 'mafi' from other sadhvis.

"The other sadhvis used to ask her (Victim A) as to whether 'pitaji' (father, as Ram Rahim is referred to by his followers) had granted 'mafi' to her or not, but at that time she did not understand the meaning of the word. When she used to ask from them as to what was the meaning of 'mafi, they used to laugh at her," the judgment, quoting the statement of one of the rape victims, said.

It was on the night of August 28, 1999, that the victim was taken by DSS ashram in-charge Sudesh to the 'gufa' of the self-styled godman. The victim gave details of what happened inside the gufa and how she was raped by the person whom she considered her god.

The victim said that Ram Rahim told her that she had become 'apavitar' (unholy) because of her past deeds and that he was going to purify her. The Dera chief, who was watching a porn film when the victim entered his room, even had a pistol on the bed to intimidate her. After committing the rape, he warned her against relating the incident to anyone, failing which she and her family would be eliminated.

The same victim was again raped by the sect chief after a year.

Almost a similar modus operandi was adopted while committing rape on Victim-B in September 1999.

The CBI investigation revealed that out of the 133 sadhvis residing in two hostels of the DSS campuses, 24 had left during 1997-2002. The CBI, which was entrusted the inquiry into happenings at the DSS campus after an anonymous letter of rape and sexual exploitation of sadhvis by the sect chief emerged in 2002, could trace only 18 sadhvis who had faced exploitation during their stay.

"Both the prosecutrix, i.e. prosecutrix-A and prosecutrix-B, have stood like rocks and credibility of these witnesses/victims could not be impeached despite very lengthy cross-examination and they have consistently deposed that they were ravished by the accused while residing in the Dera campus," the 167-page conviction judgment noted.

IANS
Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 6

The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) today decided to release 5 per cent additional Dearness Allowance (DA) and capital allowance, uniform and washing allowance to employees, besides granting a special pay of Rs 750 to drivers of the taxis being run by the corporation in Shimla.

Transport Minister GS Bali, who presided over a meeting of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the HRTC, said besides accepting the demands of the employees and releasing financial benefits, the corporation would also ply seven-seater electric buses on 40 routes and orders for the purchase of the buses had been placed. The scheme would be named HRTC Him Sewa.

The scheme was being launched after the successful trial of electric vehicles.The HRTC would also run super-deluxe bus services with ordinary bus fare and also ply buses on 55 routes at a fixed fare of Rs 1-per km, he added.

Bali said the HRTC had released Rs 50 crore to the Public Works Department for erecting crash barriers.

The 5 per cent additional DA would be paid from August 2017 while capital allowance, uniform allowance and washing allowance be hiked from Rs 275, Rs 100 and Rs 30 to Rs 400, Rs 200 and Rs 60. It would benefit 7,000 employees.

Besides, remuneration of drivers trained under skill development had been raised from Rs 15 per hour to Rs 25 per hour and they would also get night allowance of Rs 70.

Bali said HRTC employees had been given financial benefits to the tune of Rs 609 crore.

A sum of Rs 10 crore had been released for payment of medical, overtime, night allowance, leave encashment and gratuity of employees. Pension for August had been released.

During the present tenure of the government, 3,323 persons, including 1,575 drivers, were given employment,1,450 employees were promoted, 3,308 contractual employees were regularised and process was on for recruitment of 1,300 temporary multipurpose associates, he added.

Sops time
Arteev Sharma & Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 6

Even after a lapse of three years since the devastating floods hit the state in September 2014, the government seems to have learnt no lesson as illegal settlements and encroachments along the water bodies continue.

Much to the common mans disappointment, the encroachers have been enjoying the political and bureaucratic patronage, hindering the eviction process started by the authorities.

The Tawi banks in Jammu, proposed to be developed on the pattern of the Sabarmati riverfront, have witnessed illegal constructions and encroachments after the 2014 floods but the authorities have turned a blind eye to it.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court had, in a public interest litigation, directed the authorities to map the entire land along the Tawi banks from Nagrota to Phallian Mandal. It had also directed identification of the encroachers to initiate stern action, including demolition of unauthorised structures, whether private or government.

To comply with the High Courts directions, the Jammu divisional administration had on August 20, 2016, constituted a multi-departmental committee with the Jammu Deputy Commissioner as its convener. The committee decided to approach the National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad, for satellite images of the entire area along the banks of the Tawi from Nagrota to Phallian Mandal (about 30-km stretch) to ascertain the level of encroachments, a senior district official said on condition of anonymity.

The official said the committee had identified over 800 encroachments. Some of the encroachers were government agencies, including Jammu Municipal Corporation, Jammu Development Authority and the Department of Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control.

Some of the encroachers were issued eviction notices but no follow-up action was initiated against them. Even the administration did not provide the details in its report to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court with regard to the action taken against the encroachers, the official said.

Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Rajeev Ranjan claimed the issue was being monitored by the High Court as a PIL had been filed on it.

We have submitted the lists (with regard to the identified encroachments) and are regularly appearing in the court, Ranjan said.

He said the Revenue and Flood Control departments had started demarcating the land on the banks of the Tawi.

Under the survey, the extent of the flood area of the Tawi is being marked. As per the plan, the buildings and houses which fall within the flood area would be demolished after the survey, he further said.

Raman Sharma, one of the petitioners in the High Court, said it was the responsibility of the administration to implement the court directions but the authorities seemed to be hand in glove with the land mafia and had taken no necessary action in this regard.

Political considerations are becoming a hindrance in taking action against the encroachers along the river banks. The land mafia, under the patronage of some influential people, have deliberately settled down some families, mostly from other parts of Jammu, on the banks, said Bushan Parimoo, an environmentalist.

During the 2014 floods, a bridge on the Tawi in the Phallian-Mandal area, which connected 45 villages with Jammu city, had got washed away while some pillars of the artificial lake barrage had also suffered damage mainly due to encroachments, which had reduced the drainage area of the river considerably at many places.

Political patronage a hindrance
Samaan Lateef

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 6

The NIA on Wednesday conducted searches at 16 locations in Kashmir and Delhi on traders who were allegedly indulging in hawala operations and using the money for funding terror and separatist activities.

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Raids were conducted at 11 places in Kashmir and five in Delhi.

"The NIA is conducting searches at 11 locations in Srinagar and five locations in Delhi in connection with the terror funding case in Jammu and Kashmir. The searches are going on, NIA Inspector General Alok Mittal told The Tribune.

The raids come a day after the NIA arrested two persons, including a freelance photo-journalist, who allegedly indulged in stone pelting and mobilised support against security personnel through social media.

The central agency described them as "chronic stone pelters".

These raids and arrests by the NIA is part of its investigation in a case registered on May 30 in which the leader of the Pakistan-based Jamaat-ud-Dawa and banned terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hafiz Saeed, was named as an accused.

NIA has arrested seven persons in the case of alleged funding of terror and subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley to fuel unrest there on June 24.

It also arrested an influential businessman Zahoor Watali last month for his role in alleged terror funding.

Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association president Mian Qayoom has also been summoned by the agency in connection with the case.
New Delhi, September 6

Condemning the ghastly murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, the AAP on Wednesday expressed fears that its key leader and former scribe Ashish Khetan could meet a similar fate for taking on extremist elements.

The AAP also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that he follows those on social media who spew venom, thus emboldening right-wing extremists.

AAP leader Ashutosh said Lankesh was silenced the way rationalist thinkers Narendra Dabholkar and Govind Pansare, and Kannada writer MM Kalburgi were killed.

Lankesh, a journalist-activist, known for her Left-leaning outlook and forthright views against Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified assailants at her residence in Bengaluru yesterday.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said Khetan faces a similar threat for his reportage on right-wing extremists, but fell short of asking for security for the AAP leader.

Khetan had claimed to have received similar threats with the latest one on May 13 this year. Following this the scribe-turned-politician also approached the Supreme Court, seeking protection for his life.

In July, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition filed by Khetan alleging death threat from right-wing organisations and asked him to approach the Delhi High Court.

Are the probe agencies waiting for Khetan to be killed? The Delhi Police and other agencies are not so naive to not know the people behind those sending death threats to Khetan, Singh said.

When asked whether the party was demanding security for Khetan, Singh said the probe agencies are well aware of what is to be done.

Referring to a tweet by one Twitter user who used inappropriate words against Lankesh after she was murdered, Singh said the person is followed by the prime minister on the social media website.

Such things embolden right-wing extremists because when the PM follows them they get a message that they have the backing of the most powerful person of the country, Singh said.  PTI
A special stamp and tours of a 100-year-old school are new twists in the 2017 version of West Salems Hamlin Garland Days.

Started in 1976, West Salems celebration of the legacy of native son and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hamlin Garland is now in its 41st year.

Garland Days has been around for a while, West Salem Historical Society President Errol Kindschy said, noting that the celebration, held as close as possible to Garlands Sept. 14 birthday, is a quieter kind of event.

Were more of a family type thing  we dont have loud music or beer, he said.

Things get underway Sept. 15 with the all-village rummage sale. Maps for that popular two-day affair are available at Kwik Trip, Hansens IGA, Village Hall and Le Coulee Cheese Castle. The sale goes on all day Friday and Saturday.

Meanwhile, for stamp aficionados the West Salem Post Office will be using a special Garland Days cancellation stamp on Friday afternoon. This time were celebrating the 100th anniversary of the school on Garland Street, Kindschy said.

That school is now known as Coulee Christian School, but when it was built in 1917 it housed Grades one through 12 for the West Salem School District. The school will host a Saturday afternoon open house from 3-5 p.m., with tours and presentations by historical society members playing the parts of Ida Tilson and Congressman H.W. Griswold.

Tilson was a teacher and world traveler whobesides leaving money to build the gymalso helped establish the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Griswold, meanwhile, was a school board member during the time the school was built in 1917.

Prior to the Open House Saturday afternoon, the nearby Garland Homestead will be ground zero for a number of activities. A Pioneer Stew lunch will be offered from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will also be a silent auction from noon to 4 p.m., and again Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

As in previous years, music will be provided by Kelly and Karen Bleigh from 1-4 p.m. and again on Sunday afternoon. New this year is a guided cemetery walk from 1-3 p.m. at the Hamilton Cemetery.

Well be honoring 13 Civil War heroes, Kindschy said.

The cost for the walk is $5.

Later that evening there will be a candlelight ceremony at Hamlin Garlands grave at the Neshonoc Cemetery. As has become the custom, people will read excerpts from some of Garlands writings at that ceremony.

Sundays full day of activities begins at the Palmer-Lewis Octagon House near the dam with a display of antique cars entitled The Gathering of the Ts and As. Its one of Garland Days most popular events and will run from 11 a.m until 2 p.m.

This is our fifth year doing this and its been attracting more and more neat cars, Kindschy said. Its open to cars built prior to 1932 and well have barbecue, pie, chips and ice cream available.

Also available will be old time hats and clothing so people can bring their cameras and get one-of-a-kind pictures of family members dressed in vintage clothing as they pose next to or inside the antique cars.

Back at the Garland House, Kelly Kreig-Sigman, director of the La Crosse Public Library, will give a 2 p.m. presentation about a famous La Crosse murder as well as provide details about the mysterious disappearance of Evelyn Hartley in October, 1953.

Following Kreig-Sigmans talk, free cake and ice cream will be served in honor of Hamlin Garlands birthday. If he were alive, he would be 167 this year.

After 3 p.m., Kindschy will sign copies of his latest bookTaking Care of Business the West Salem Way: 1927-1941.

Garland Days will finish up with the West Salem Historical Societys annual dinner at the American Legion. Beef tips and ham are the featured entrees and the event, like all other Garland Days events, is open to the public. Cost of the dinner is $15 and reservations are required. Interested parties should call Kindschy at 608-786-1675.

After the dinner at about 7 p.m., the day will come to a close with a humorous presentation by The Three Boomer Broads, Lynn Wing, Sara Slayton and Terry Visger. They are the authors of the book, Three Boomer Broads: Remembering While We Still Can.
Nay Pyi Taw, September 5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had a wonderful meeting with Myanmar President Htin Kyaw during which they discussed steps to deepen the historical relationship between the two neighbours.

Modi called on President Kyaw soon after he arrived in the country on his first bilateral visit. Had a wonderful meeting with President U Htin Kyaw, Modi tweeted along with some pictures of the meeting.

He also presented the Myanmar President a reproduction of a 1841 map of a stretch of the Salween river (that flows from the Tibetan Plateau into the Andaman Sea) and a sculpture of the Bodhi tree.

Modi reached Nay Pyi Taw on the final leg of his two-nation visit after attending the BRICS Summit in China. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted a few images of Kyaw welcoming Modi. Act East and Neighbourhood First Policy. PM @narendramodi calls on President U Htin Kyaw, discusses steps to deepen historical relationship, he said in a tweet. The two leaders also inspected the guard of honour.

The Prime Ministers visit comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state.

Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with Myanmars State Counsellor and de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi tomorrow. He is expected to raise the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian Government is concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingya are said to be staying illegally in India.

Ahead of his visit, Modi had said India and Myanmar were looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit. The Myanmarese President and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states, including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur.  PTI
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 6

Despite a credible deterrence, a two-front wara situation where India has to fight Pakistan and China simultaneouslycannot be ruled out, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat warned here today. It would predominately be a land war, he added.

War is very much in the realm of reality, General Rawat said while speaking at a seminar here.

He said it was a myth to assume that democracies or nuclear armed neighbours dont go to war.

Pakistan believes that India is its main enemy and has launched a proxy war against it. Differences with our western adversary (Pakistan) are irreconcilable. We dont see any scope of reconciliation, because their military, polity, and people have been made to believe that there is an adversary, India, which is all out to break their nation into pieces, he said.

Referring to the recent standoff between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam in Bhutan, he said more incidents like that could not be ruled out.

China, he said, would continue to try and nibble away at Indian territory. Terming it as salami slicing, he said China would continue to test our limits and threshold. India would have to be prepared for that, he said.

He said Pakistan could try to take advantage whenever India got engaged with China. We have to be prepared for conflict on the northern and western borders, the Army Chief said.

Believing that there would be no war could affect modernisation of forces and budgetary allocations. Only militaries dont go to war, nations go to war; and we must prepare ourselves accordingly, he said.

Credible deterrence does not take away the threat of war Nuclear powers dont go to war and that nuclear weapons are weapons of deterrence, yes they are. But to say that they can deter war, they will not allow nations to go to war, in our context that may also not be true, Gen Rawat said.

Gen Bipin Rawat says...

On Pakistan: Differences with our western adversary (Pakistan) are irreconcilable. We don't see any scope of reconciliation, because their military, polity, and people have been made to believe that there is an adversary, India, which is out to break their nation into pieces

On China: Salami slicing (taking over territory in a very gradual manner), testing our limits of threshold is something we have to be wary about and remain prepared for situations emerging which could gradually emerge into conflict
Kutch, September 6

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday detained two Pakistani nationals and seized three boats from Harami Nalla in the Arabian Sea off Gujarat coast.

The Pakistani nationals and their boats were apprehended by the central security agencys patrolling team near pillar number 1,166 at Harami Nalla, the BSF said.

At least five other Pakistani nationals managed to escape, leaving behind the boat in which they were travelling, it said.

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Following the apprehension, the BSF intensified combing operation in the area.

An initial investigation revealed that fishing material was being carried on the boats, the BSF said.

In April this year, the border forces had seized an abandoned Pakistani fishing boat from the same area off Gujarat coast in Kutch district.

The BSF patrolling team had also seized four such boats off Sir Creek area in February this year, even though the occupants had managed to escape across the border to the neighbouring country following a chase.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had also seized a Pakistani boat with nine crew members in March 25 this year.

In another major operation, the ICG had apprehended 26 Pakistani fishermen with five boats off Jakhau port on December 20 last year. PTI
Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 6

Amid the massive political battle erupting within minutes of activist-journalist Gauri Lankeshs murder, political parties are now involved in a no-holds-barred slugfest, ascertaining the motives and also the culprits.

So while the Congresss and Left parties raised fingers at the BJP, the saffron hit right back castigating Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for poor law and order situation in the Congress-ruled state and also wondering if the fear of losing political ground by political parties (read Congress and Left) was not the reason behind the killing of Lankesh.

The BJP condemned the killing and slammed as irresponsible, baseless and false Congresss and Lefts allegations linking the killing to the saffron party or its cadres. Also condemning Congress/Left-orchestrated protests, including in the capital, BJP leader GVL Narsimha Rao said it was shocking that the death of a journalist has been converted into an event by the hate-Modi, hate-BJP brigade to vent frustration.

"It is shocking that a death has been converted into an event to vent their frustrations by the hate-Modi, hate-BJP brigade. The strong hate-BJP brigade is celebrating their marginalization in Indian politics and Indian political mainstream. These are fringe elements and vestiges of Congress and Left in intelligentsia, academia and media," he said. We suspect it (murder) could be an orchestrated attempt to raise the bogey. Is it someone within their establishment who silenced her?

It is a fight of ideologies and political parties can be opposed to each others points of view. But does that mean that wherever something happened the BJP and RSS were held responsible, senior minister Nitin Gadkari questioned.

Slamming Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi and son Rahul for levelling baseless and false allegations against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gadkari said: It is detrimental to democracy. The present government, the BJP or any of its organisations have no connection with the killing.

The Prime Minister is being accused of remaining silent despite people knowing that he is on a foreign visit. The reaction on this incident by the president of a political party is very irresponsible, baseless and false, he added without naming the Congress chief. If there is a murder and somebody is accused of it, unless and until there is any evidence, that person cannot be pronounced guilty. Some people are unable to digest the good work by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister and are levelling such false and baseless allegations that will democracy.

The countrys prime minister is not of one party and is the nations honour. For a responsible leader of a political party, levelling such baseless and untrue allegation is unfortunate. It is not good for Indian democracy, he said on Rahul Gandhis statement

Meanwhile, Ananth Kumar, who targeted Siddaramaiah poor law and order situation in the Congress-led state, said 18-19 political murders, including that of rationalist M M Kalburgi, had taken place in the State in the last last two and a half years but the Congress-led State government had not succeeded in taking the murder investigations to their logical conclusions.
Bengaluru/New Delhi, September 6

The cold-blooded murder of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru unleashed outrage across the country today, even as the Karnataka Government set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the killing. The media fraternity and members of civil society staged protests in Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and several other cities.

Edit: Murder of dissent

As the slain journalist was laid to rest in Bengaluru with state honours, Gauri Lankesh amar rahe and Gauri Lankesh zindabad chants filled the air. The damp weather made the mood even more sombre. A large number of people thronged the crematorium to pay their last respects, the rain washing away their tears.

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Unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants had on Tuesday night pumped bullets into 55-year-old Gauri, known for her Left-leanings and forthright views against Hindutva politics, sending shock waves in poll-bound Karnataka.

Calling the murder an organised crime, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced an SIT headed by Inspector General BK Singh, saying his government was open to a CBI probe, as sought by the slain journalists family. He instructed the police to give protection to free thinkers and those involved in the Left movement. On the evidence so far, he said of the four CCTV cameras installed at Gauris house, one had captured the image of a person wearing a helmet entering the gate and firing at her.

Meanwhile, amid widespread condemnation, the Centre sought a detailed report from the Karnataka Government on the killing. The US Embassy in New Delhi too issued a statement condemning the murder.

In the national capital, scores of journalists, who gathered at the Press Club of India, demanded justice amid calls for standing up to forces trying to muzzle the voices of dissent. Senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta called it a defining moment in the history of Indian media.

In Bengaluru, journalists took out a march, saying, We strongly believe that such silencing methods are an attempt of divisive forces in a democratic system to stifle the media. As politicians condemned the murder, those from the BJP and Congress were locked in a spat.

After a stint with ToI, Sunday and a Telugu TV channel, Gauri took over the mantle from her father P Lankesh, a progressive writer, to run Lankesh Patrike. She started her tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike in 2005.  PTI
Ahmedabad, September 6

The Congress on Wednesday approached the Gujarat Assembly Speaker, seeking disqualification of rebel leader Shankersinh Vaghela and 13 other former MLAs from contesting election for six years for violation of anti-defection law.

The petition was submitted to the office of Speaker Ramanlal Vora, senior Congress MLA Shailesh Parmar said.

It requested the Speaker to disqualify 14 rebel leaders, including Vaghela, for "defying party whip and giving votes to BJP candidate in the (August 8) Rajya Sabha polls", Parmar said.

"The cross-voting was a violation of anti-defection provisions in the 10th schedule of the Constitution," he said.

Though six of the rebel MLAs including Balwantsinh Rajput had resinged before the election (and therefore didn't vote), they had done so after a whip was issued by the Congress regarding the voting, Parmar said.

Eight others including Vaghela cross-voted and later resigned as MLAs.

"The law says we have to approach the Speaker first before moving the court. As per the law, they (upon disqualification) can't even contest as independent candidates for six years," said Parmar.

Speaker Vora said he hadn't seen the petition. "I am not aware of the content of the petition...I have to see the petition before making any comments," he said.

In all thirteen Congress MLAs, all loyalists of Vaghela, quit the Congress ahead of or after the August 8 election, along with Vaghela himself.

Ten of them have joined the ruling BJP. Vaghela hasn't made his plans clear yet.

Despite cross voting, Congress candidate Ahmed Patel defeated Balwantsinh Rajput, who was fielded by the BJP after he switched the sides. PTI
Xiamen, September 5

India and China on Tuesday agreed to move on from their Doklam border row, with Chinese President Xi Jinping telling Prime Minister Narendra Modi he wants to put the relationship on the right track.

Days after the prolonged standoff in the Doklam area of Sikkim was defused, the two leaders held an hour-long meeting, which Modi described as fruitful.

Edit: Modi in china

The leaders agreed that the two countries should make more efforts, including strengthening cooperation between their security personnel, to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Held fruitful talks on bilateral relations between India and China, Modi tweeted.

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The Indian leader thanked the Chinese government and the people for their warm hospitality during the three-day BRICS Summit.

On his part, Xi said healthy and stable relations between China and India were in line with the fundamental interests of their people. We need to show to the world that peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is the only right choice, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang quoted Xi as telling Modi. In his opening remarks, Modi congratulated Xi for the very successful execution of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit.

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the approach was forward-looking during the constructive meeting in which it was reaffirmed that maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas was a prerequisite for the development of India-China relations. The two leaders also emphasised the need for making efforts to enhance and strengthen mutual trust.  PTI

Follow Panchsheel: Beijing

China is willing to work with India on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) to improve political mutual trust, promote mutually beneficial cooperation and push Sino-Indian ties along a right track. Xi Jinping to Modi

Mutual respect must: Delhi

Both (India and China) know what happened. So, this was no backward-looking conversation, this was forward-looking conversation... It is natural that between large powers there would be areas of difference and it should be handled with mutual respect. S Jaishankar, foreign secy
Nay Pyi Taw, September 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India will grant gratis visa to Myanmarese citizens wanting to visit the country.

Modi made the announcement during his joint press statement with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi after the two leaders held wide-ranging talks here.

I am pleased to announce that we have decided to grant gratis (no cost) visa to all the citizens of Myanmar who want to visit India, Modi said.

He also announced that India has decided to release 40 Myanmarese citizens, currently lodged in various jails in India.

We hope that they will soon be able to meet their families in Myanmar, the Prime Minister said.

Modi also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

I am confident that in future we will work together to create a strong and close partnership for mutual benefits, Modi said.

Earlier, during the delegation-level talks, Modi said, We would like to contribute to Myanmars development efforts as part of our Sabka saath sabka vikaas initiative. He said deepening the relationship with Myanmar was a priority for India, as a neighbour and also in the context of the Act East Policy. PTI
Washington, September 6

Thousands of people from India, who arrived in the US illegally as children, are fearing deportation after President Donald Trump decided to repeal an Obama-era amnesty programme, a South Asian Advocacy group has said.

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Trump repealed the Deferred Action for Children Arrival (DACA) programme that granted work permits to immigrants who arrived in the country illegally as children, a move likely to impact 8,00,000 undocumented workers, including more than 7,000 Indian-Americans.

Read: Trump ends amnesty, 7,000 Indians to be hit

Trump repeal of migrant amnesty wrong, cruel: Obama

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12 arrested in New York during protest over DACA elimination

Trump says great love for young immigrants after DACA repeal

The number of people from India who arrived in the US illegally as children, could be more than 20,000, according to an estimate carried out by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).

US Attorney-General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday announced the rescinding of the DACA. The announcement, which was anticipated for the past few days, was greeted with protests from across the country.

Over 27,000 Asian Americans, including 5,500 Indians and Pakistanis, have already received DACA. An additional estimated 17,000 individuals from India and 6,000 from Pakistan respectively are eligible for DACA, placing India in the top ten countries for DACA eligibility, SAALT said.

With the termination of DACA, these individuals could face deportation at the discretion of the administration, it said.

The Presidents decision to terminate DACA puts 8,00,000 individuals at risk of deportation from the only country theyve ever called home. Ending DACA is the latest evidence of this administrations utter lack of commitment to our nations founding values of equality and fairness, Suman Raghunathan, executive director of SAALT, said.

Our current patchwork of immigration policies and programs is broken, and we demand the Congress does its job to craft a commonsense immigration process that creates a road- map to citizenship for aspiring new Americans.

This is the only way to align our immigration laws with the values Americans hold dear, she said.

In a statement, South Asian Bar Association (SABA) president Rishi Bagga said DREAMERS were brought to the US by their parents in hopes of a better life.

As children, they did not choose to break the law. Most of these young men and women have never returned to the countries of their birth, and many do not even speak the language of their native countries. Rescinding DACA effectually takes away these young peoples right to live in the only country they have ever known, Bagga said.

SABA said when the DACA programme ends, the 800,000-plus registrants who relied upon the federal governments representations by coming out of the shadows and willingly shared their information with the federal government will be in danger of deportation.

In the vast majority of cases, DACA recipients who are gainfully employed in a variety of professions, including as doctors, lawyers, and engineers, will be unable to work legally in the United States.

This number includes over 10,000 South Asian DACA recipients, it said. PTI
New Delhi/Bengaluru, September 6

The Karnataka government on Wednesday decided to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing of senior journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh.

IGP (Intelligence) B K Singh will head the SIT, Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said in the evening.

Earlier, briefing reporters after a meeting with top police officials and the Home Minister, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state government was firm on tracking down the culprits at the earliest, and directed the Director General of Police to form the SIT.

To a query, the chief minister said he had an open mind for a probe by the CBI in the case.

But let the SIT investigate. If family members (of Gauri) are very particular, I have an open mind, he said.

The murder of Lankesh, an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, who was shot dead at her Bengaluru house on Tuesday night, has drawn shock and outrage from across the country.

Lankesh, 55, had returned home in her car and was opening the gate when motorcycle-borne assailants fired at her indiscriminately, with two bullets hitting her in the chest and one on her forehead, police officials said. She died instantaneously.

Her body has been shifted to Victoria hospital for post-mortem and the cremation will take place on Thursday.

Lankesh was the editor of the Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a magazine described as an anti-establishment publication. She was the elder daughter of P Lankesh, a man who brought in a new brand of Kannada journalism.

She had faced opposition and criticism for her alleged Leftist and anti-Hindutva views. In November 2016, she had been found guilty of defamation in a case involving BJP MP Prahlad Joshi and sentenced to six months in jail. She was out on bail.

She never complained of threat: Police

Bengaluru Police Commissioner T Suneel Kumar said Gauri Lankesh did not complain of any threats, adding that if there were any, they would be thoroughly investigated.

He said Lankesh was found lying in blood and four empty cartridges were found from the scene. Out of four, how many entered Gauris body, only the post-mortem report will tell, Kumar said.

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Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy said there were two CCTV cameras near Lankeshs house; three teams had been formed and the footage was being scanned to identify the murderers.

Karnataka Law Minister TB Jayachandra termed the murder as shocking saying, Tuesday night, when I came to know that she was brutally killed, I immediately came here. She was always committed to secular credentials. It is very sad that she has been killed. There must be some conspiracy behind this. It is a serious matter, we will take it up, he said.

Brother hopeful of breakthrough

Indrajit Lankesh, Gauris brother and a filmmaker, meanwhile, has expressed confidence that the culprits will be traced soon with the help of concrete evidence from the CCTV footage and the journalists mobile phone.

The CCTV camera (in the premises) has captured the whole incident. I am confident the culprits will be caught soon, he told reporters.

In fact, her mobile phone contains a lot of evidence and clues. Investigation is underway. I will provide details later in the day, he said.

Noting that the police had secured the CCTV hard disk, Indrajit said, I am requesting them to open it in front of me or my mother.

The two CCTV cameras (near the gate and door) even without lights have captured the whole incident and in fact from the footage we can make out what actually happened there. Planning and execution, everything is recorded there, he added.

Indrajit said that after the post-mortem, the mortal remains would be taken to Samsa outdoor auditoriums at Ravindra Kalakshetra for well-wishers and friends to pay their last respects.

The body will, thereafter, be taken to Chamarajapete burial ground for the last rites, he said.

IB Minister Irani condemns killing

Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani condemned the killing and hoped there would be a speedy investigation and justice delivered.

Condemn killing of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh. Hope speedy investigation is conducted and justice delivered. Condolences to the family, the minister said on Twitter.

This should not be tolerated: Sonia

Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed shock and distress over the murder saying this cant and should not be tolerated.

Known for her fearless and independent views, Gauri Lankesh had extraordinary grit and determination to take on the system, an AICC statement quoting Gandhi said.

The series of killings of rationalists, free thinkers and journalists in the country has created an atmosphere that dissent, ideological differences and divergence of views can endanger our lives. This cannot be and should not be tolerated.

It is an extremely sad moment for our democracy and a chilling reminder of the fact that intolerance and bigotry is raising its ugly head in our society.

Condemning the attack, the Congress stands as one with the rationalists, thinkers, journalists and the media fraternity, Gandhi said.

Journalists slam attack on press

Press Club of India (PCI) president Gautam Lahiri lamented the death and deemed it as a sad day for democracy.

Lahiri said, As the President of the Press Club of India, I think it is a sad day for democracy and freedom of press. A journalist who exposed the wrongdoing of the country was shot dead. It is difficult to accept this as a journalist.

The PCI president urged the journalists around the country to come together in support of the murder. He said, The government should explain how this happened. They should book the culprit without further delay.

The Puducherry Journalists Association also condemned the murder. Association president D Sivakumar, in a release here, termed the murder as beastly and highly condemnable.

The moment the news of Lankeshs murder broke out, fellow journalists, activists and celebrities took to Twitter to express their shock and anger.

Senior journalists termed the incident highly despicable and called on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to order an immediate probe to find out the perpetrators.

What happened was highly despicable. I expect the Karnataka government to order an immediate probe and find the guilty and punish them, journalist S Venkat Narayan said.

Bollywood mourns death

Bollywood celebrities, including Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das have expressed grief over the death.

Akhtar wrote on Twitter, Dhabolkar, Pansare, Kalburgi, and now Gauri Lankesh. If one kind of people are getting killed which kind of people are the killers.

Urging punishment for the culprits, Azmi wrote on her Twitter handle, #Gauri Lankesh shot dead outside her home. Shocking, devastating. Dabholkar Pansare Kalburgi Culprits must be punished.

Nandita, who was one of the admirers of the late journalist, tweeted, Shocked & devastated...A person I knew & admired. In recent times we have seen a sharp decline in human rights, free speech, civil liberties.

Filmmaker Shirish Kunder wrote, When intellectual becomes an abuse, words are replied with bullets. RIP #GauriLankesh.

Co-producer of T-Series Films Priya Gupta shared, A dissenting voice is the backbone of a democracy. Murder of #GauriLankesh is a shame & a crime. Handover her case to CBI. With agencies
Besides all the other activities associated with the Garland Days weekend, there is going to be a book signing on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the Garland Homestead. That is the date and place where Errol Kindschys second book on West Salem businessesentitled Taking Care of Business the West Salem Way: 1927-1941will first become publicly available.

After hundreds of hours of poring through old newspapers and historical records, Kindschythe president of the West Salem Historical Societyhas become, in essence, the institutional memory of West Salem. While his first business book covered all the villages businesses that he could identify from 1851 on up until 1926, this new book only covers 14 years, yet it is roughly the same size as the first one.

Kindschy says theres good reason for the shortened time span.

There were a lot more things to talk about, he said. Basically it is covering the Depression and what is happening with every organization and business. I had to stop at 1941 because World War II changes everything.

The book is far more than a listing of businesses, however.

I look at whats going on economically, socially and politically, Kindschy said. You learn whats going on in the communitythe prices of goods, what movies people were seeing and how serious it was when you could no longer buy things on credit.

A handy feature of this latest book is that its totally indexed. People can easily find the pages where a business, a person or a relative they are interested in are mentioned.

History is fun, Kindschy said. and people need to know their backgrounds and what was going onboth the fun things and the serious things.

Among the enjoyable things Kindschy discovered while researching the book was an unlikely event called The Womanless Wedding in which men in the community dressed in drag.

It was a farce first put on by the Presbyterian Church, but then it just grew and grew, Kindschy said. They even had people come in from outside to direct. It was a big deal and a lot of fun from everything I was able to read.

Of course the Depression and its effects over shadow most of the book. Kindschy emphasized how difficult the cash only economy became.

He said the refusal to allow people to buy on credit started with the garages and then worked its way up until it included all businesses.

Then there was the bank holiday when you couldnt get money out of the bankyou could put money in, but you couldnt take it out, Kindschy said. Believe me, things got really scarce.

The book also references now-forgotten controversies like the period when the federal government and state governments like Wisconsin celebrated Thanksgiving on different Thursdays.

It was a political hot potato, Kindschy said. Roosevelt changed Thanksgiving to the third week in November, but Governor Heil kept it on the last Thursday of the month.

Kindschy said that much of the credit for the book needs to be shared with Marilyn Silbaugh.

Shes my editor, my typist and my advisor, Kindschy said. Shes put in many, many hoursat least as many as I have.

He added that he and Silbaugh have already started work on a third book. This one will cover only nine years, from 1942 up until the villages centennial in 1951. I guess Im getting windier, Kindschy said.

Copies of this latest book will be available at Le Coulee Cheese Castle and the West Salem Health Mart Pharmacy after Garland Days. People can also call Kindschy at 608-786-1675 if theyd like the book signed.
Bengaluru, September 5

Senior journalist Gauri Lankesh, an outspoken critic of Hindutva politics, was shot dead by unidentified men at the entrance of her residence here today, Karnataka police chief RK Dutta said. Lankesh, in her 50s, edited a Kannada tabloid Gauri Lankesh Patrike besides owning some other publications.

The Press Club of India, the IWPC and the Press Association will hold a protest meeting in Delhi tomorrow.

Dutta said Lankesh had not mentioned about any threat to her life during a couple of meetings he had held with her. He refused to hazard any guess. Lankesh was convicted in a defamation case filed by BJP MP Prahlad Joshi over a report published in her tabloid against some saffron party leaders.

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Several people in the media and public life took to twitter to express shock at Lankeshs killing. As a friend, colleague & admirer for decades shocked & shattered to hear of the murder of Gauri Lankesh, one of Indias gutsiest journalists, wrote eminent media personality Vir Sanghvi.

Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan tweeted: Shocking & tragic! Brave journalist Gauri Lankesh who exposed the BJP has been shot dead in her home in Bangalore!

AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhis office said: The truth will never be silenced. Gauri Lankesh lives on in our hearts. My condolences & love to her family. The culprits have to be punished.  PTI

Eerie pattern

Parallels are being drawn between the gunning down of Lankesh and rationalists Narendra Dabholkar and MM Kalburgi, allegedly by fringe Hindu groups. Dabholkar was shot in August 2013 and Kalburgi in August 2015.
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 6

It seems Dera Sacha Sauda, under its head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, was a law unto itself and those managing its affairs didnt care two hoots about government agencies. For example, none of the residential colonies in the vicinity of the old dera building are approved by Haryanas Town and Country Planning Department.

The dera authorities register all sale deeds and the sellers/buyers do not have to visit the tehsildars office. If the buyer and seller reach a deal, the dera authorities issue an allotment letter in favour of the buyer and cancel the one issued earlier in favour of the seller, explained an insider, adding it was entirely up to the dera management whether or not to transfer any flat/house ownership in localities raised by it.

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The dera initially did not seek approval for raising buildings inside the new dera where most of the stadia, colleges, hospitals, manufacturing units and cinema halls are located. Later, realising that approval of site plans was a must for other approvals, dera officials reportedly influenced successive governments into including the area in the lal dora (municipal limits) to circumvent the need for change of land use (CLU). Pressure tactics were used to get approvals from the registering authorities and rules were seldom followed.

Also, as per the Haryana State Blood Transfusion Society rules, any organisation aiming to collect more than 500 units of blood at a donation camp needs the approval of the state authorities. But the dera organised camps where more than 15,000 units were collected and no permission was ever sought.

An official with the Child Welfare Council (CWC) pointed out that despite registering its orphanages (Shahi Betiyan Basera and Shahi Asra Basera) under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, the dera had not cared to follow the laid-down rules.

Children are to be produced before the council and those below the age of six given for adoption. But the dera refused to do so even after Jyoti Bainda, chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Children Rights, issued specific orders to this effect, he said.

The dera officials arbitrarily erected huge gates on the Chopta road opening into the forest land. A forest officer admitted that they could not muster the courage to question them about the grave violation.

The dera had its own security protocol that even senior visiting officials could not skip. When a team went inside the dera on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to check if ex-servicemen were imparting arms training to volunteers, they were frisked and asked to leave their gunmen outside. Also, a senior police officer was stopped from carrying his service revolver inside, claimed Lekh Raj Dhot, a senior advocate from Sirsa.

Report loss: Haryana

Chandigarh: The Sirsa district administration has issued a public notice asking people to report and claim compensation against the loss and damage during the August 25 violence, which broke out after the conviction of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The victims will have to report their losses within 15 days. PTI
Nay Pyi Taw, September 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wdnesday met Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the two leaders are expected to discuss wide-ranging topics.

Meeting a valued friend. PM @narendramodi with the State Councillor Aung San Suu Kyi, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

The Prime Ministers visit to Myanmar comes amid a spike in ethnic violence with Rohingya Muslims in the Rakhine state.

He is expected to raise the issue of the exodus of the ethnic Rohingyas into neighbouring countries.

The Indian government is also concerned about Rohingya immigrants in the country, and has been considering to deport them. Around 40,000 Rohingyas are said to be staying illegally in India.

India and Myanmar were also looking at strengthening existing cooperation in areas of security and counter- terrorism, trade and investment, infrastructure and energy, and culture, Modi had said ahead of his visit.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur. PTI
Nay Pyi Taw, September 6

India and Myanmar on Wednesday signed eight agreements in a range of sectors, including one to strengthen democratic institutions in this country, to further build their multifaceted partnership.

The MoUs were signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The eight MoUs include one between the Election Commission and Union Election of Myanmar, the national level electoral commission of Myanmar. An MoU was also signed to organise cultural exchange programme for the period 2017-2020, according to a statement issued by Ministry of External Affairs.

India and Myanmar also signed agreements on cooperation between Myanmar Press Council and Press Council of India, extension of agreement on the establishment of India-Myanmar Centre for Enhancement of IT skill.

The two countries also signed agreement to cooperate in Medical Products Regulation and in the field of health and medicine.

They also signed MoU on enhancing the cooperation on upgradation of the womens police training centre at Yamethin in Myanmar.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip during which he travelled to southeastern Chinese city Xiamen where he attended the annual BRICS summit and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders.

This is Modis first bilateral visit to Myanmar. He had visited the country in 2014 to attend the ASEAN-India Summit.

The Myanmarese president and Suu Kyi had visited India last year.

Myanmar is one of Indias strategic neighbours and shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states, including militancy-hit Nagaland and Manipur. PTI
Nay Pyi Taw, September 5

India said on Wednesday that it shares Myanmars concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state and asked all stakeholders to preserve the countrys unity and territorial integrity, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

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Modis first bilateral visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government is facing international pressure over the 1,25,000 Rohingya refugees that have poured across the Bangladeshi border in just two weeks after Myanmars military crackdown in the Rakhine state.

The Prime Minister, at a joint press statement with Suu Kyi, also asserted that India stands by Myanmar amid the challenges the country is facing.

Modi and Suu Kyi held talks and discussed ways to further cement the bilateral relations.

After the talks, Modi said India shares concerns over the violence in the Rakhine state where there has been a loss of innocent lives of people and military personnel.

He said that when it comes to the peace process or solving a problem, We want all stake holders to work towards preserving Myanmars unity and territorial integrity. Suu Kyi, in her remarks, thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.

She said together India and Myanmar can ensure that terrorism is not allowed to take root on their soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries.

Hundreds have died since Rohingya militants raided police posts in Myanmars Rakhine State las month.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the Muslims of Rakhine state to be given either nationality or legal status, and voiced concern about violence that has since late August forced nearly 1,25,000 people to flee and risk destabilising the region. PTI
Naypyitaw, September 6

India said today that it shares Myanmars concerns over extremist violence in the Rakhine state from where 1,25,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the countrys unity.

Modi, who held wide-ranging talks with State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, asserted that it was important to maintain the security and stability of the land and maritime boundaries of the two countries. The two leaders also vowed to combat terror and boost security cooperation.

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After the talks, 11 agreements were signed between the two sides in areas like maritime security, strengthening democratic institutions in Myanmar, health and information technology.

Modis visit here comes at a time when the Myanmarese government led by Nobel laureate Suu Kyi is facing international pressure over the 1,45,000 Rohingya Muslims that have poured into Bangladesh in just two weeks after Myanmars military crackdown in the Rakhine.

Taking a strong stance on terror, Suu Kyi said, Together we will ensure that terror is not allowed to take root on our soil or on the soil of neighbouring countries. Suu Kyi also thanked India for taking a strong stand on the terror threat that Myanmar faced recently.  PTI

Research proposal as gift

Modi presented Suu Kyi a special copy of original research proposal comparing Burmese and Indian intellectual traditions under colonialism she submitted for fellowship at Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, in May 1986.

Modi visits Bagan temple

PM Modi visited the famous early 12th-century Ananda Temple in Myanmar's ancient city Bagan which is being renovated with India's assistance after it was damaged in a tremor last year.

India grants gratis visa
Yangon, September 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday justified demonetisation which has come in for criticism, asserting that his government was not afraid of taking "big" and "tough" decisions in the interest of the country.

Addressing the Indian diaspora here in Myanmar, he said his government could take such decisions because it considers the country above politics.

Along with demonetisation announced on November 8 last year, he named the surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir last year and the GST which was rolled out on July 1 as the "big" and "tough" decisions taken by his government.

"In the national interest, we are not afraid of taking big and tough decisions because for us, the country is above politics. Whether it be the surgical strikes, demonetisation or GST, all decisions were taken without any fear or hesitation," Modi told the gathering.

Referring to the note ban, the prime minister said the step was taken to curb black money and that it had helped identify lakhs of people who had crores of rupees in bank accounts but never paid income tax.

He also said registration of over two lakh companies had been cancelled in last three months as those had been found to be indulging in laundering of black money.

"To deal with corruption, we banned currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 denomination. A handful of corrupt people were making 125 crore people pay for their misdeeds. This was not acceptable to us," Modi said in 35-minute address.

"There used to be no clue as to from where black money was coming and where it was going," he said.

His justification of demonetisation came against the backdrop of criticism of the decision by the Opposition.

The Congress has dubbed the note ban as a "disaster" and said it had "utterly failed" while the "corrupt made windfall gains".

The prime minister also talked about GST, saying an "atmosphere of doing business with honesty" had been created in the country within a span of two months after its launch.

Modi said over the last three years, his government had initiated massive changes and rules were being eased to unshackle the potential of the country.

"Now, the people of the country have begun believing that India can move forward. The shackles can be broken," he said.

"We are not merely reforming India but transforming India. We are not changing India, but we are building a new India," he said, adding 2022 was the target year to achieve this as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the country's independence.

In the context of building a new India, he talked about the pledge to rid the country of problems like terrorism, communalism and corruption.

The prime minister also said that India believes in sharing the benefits of its development with its neighbours and also help them in the times of need.

He referred to the launch of South Asian satellite a few months back and said its benefits were being availed of by all the neighbouring countries which had joined it. Pakistan had refused to associate with the project announced by Modi soon after he became the prime minister in 2014.

Talking about helping the neighbours, he said India was the "first responder" in the times of need and in this context, mentioned earthquake in Nepal, water crisis in Maldives and cyclone in Myanmar.

"We fulfilled the responsibility of a good neighbour," he said.

He also mentioned the evacuation undertaken by India in West Asian nations, including those of other countries, and said, "while doing so, we do not check the colour of their passports".

Underlining the need for enhanced cooperation with Myanmar and other East Asian nations, Modi, who is on a three-day visit here, said the Kaladan multi-modal transport project should become a "development corridor".

He told the gathering that the Indian government had already taken decisions to merge Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) cards and do away with police reporting for those having long-term visas among various measures for their benefit.

He also showered praise on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, saying she was always there, ready to help any Indian in trouble anywhere in the world.

"People facing problems anywhere in the world contact Sushmaji through tweets without any hesitation... I do not think there will be any foreign minister like Sushmaji anywhere in the world who actively helps the countrymen in trouble just on the basis of a tweet," Modi said.

The prime minister, who is on his first bilateral visit here, talked about the historical importance of Myanmar in the context of India's freedom struggle.

Naming Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Rabindranath Tagore and Bahadur Shah Zafar, he said Myanmar had become the "second home" for those who had to leave their own homes during the freedom struggle.

He said communication infrastructure between India and Myanmar was being upgraded to facilitate increased trade and people-to-people contacts.

He said a road between Imphal and Moreh, the border point with Myanmar, is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 1,600 crore, as part of enabling greater trade and travel between the two countries.  PTI
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 6

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed a 13-year-old rape survivor from Mumbai to terminate her 32-week-old pregnancy after a medical board favoured abortion.

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A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra asked the minor to report on Thursday evening to JJ Hospital where the procedure will be carried out on Friday.

This is the first case where the top court has allowed a 32-week-old pregnancy to be terminated. Last month it had refused permission to a 10-year-old rape survivor from Chandigarh to abort her 32-week foetus. She later gave birth to a baby and the court had ordered Rs 10 lakh compensation to her.

The Bench  which did not order any compensation to the minor in this case  chose to ignore the objections raised by Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar who pointed out several discrepancies in the medical report prepared by a team of doctors from Mumbai.

Showing the medical report to the Bench, Kumar said: I am joining issue with it. It has several discrepancies. According to the report the expected date of delivery is November 31. How can it be?

He said an earlier report prepared by a government hospital gave the expected date of delivery as October 10. If we go by the latest report, then the delivery would be after 10 months, he pointed out.

A doctor from the ministry of health, present in the court during the hearing, also told the court that abortion after 32 weeks of pregnancy would not be safe. But the court went by the report of the private hospital.

The order comes a week after the top court asked the Centre to issue instructions to all the states and union territories to set up a permanent medical board to promptly decide cases of unwanted pregnancies that have crossed the statutorily permissible limit of 20-week.

Under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, a woman is not permitted to abort her foetus after the pregnancy crosses 20 weeks, unless the mother's life is at risk. Its for this reason that often pregnant women move the top court for permission to terminate pregnancy that has crossed 20 weeks.

The medical panels report said the pregnancy posed a risk to girls life. Both termination and carrying on with the pregnancy for the full term of 36 weeks would pose equal risks to the minor girl, it said.

It said the baby born would be pre-term and will have its own complications needing neonatal intensive care unit admission.

The minors parents came to know about her pregnancy in the 29th week of her pregnancy, when the mother took her to a local doctor as she had put on a lot of weight. There was an FIR lodged and the person who sexually abused her was arrested. They approached the top court on August 23 for permission for termination of pregnancy.
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 6

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to furnish the details a probe against lawmakers whose income shot up manifold within a short span of time.

A bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar  which expressed strong displeasure over the government not sharing with it details of a probe being conducted by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) against politicians  said it must place a fresh affidavit before it by 10.30 am on September 12.

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The affidavit you have filed is not even worth the piece of paper its written onWhen an affidavit was placed before this court, all information about any inquiry going on should be placed," the bench said.

The information in CBDT affidavit is not complete. Is this the attitude of the Government of India? What have you done till now? said the bench which is hearing a PIL filed by Lok Prahari, an NGO, on disclosure of sources of income by the candidates when they file nomination for elections.

While filing their nomination papers, candidates were disclosing their assets, assets of their spouse, children and other dependents, but they do not reveal the sources of income, SN Shukla of Lok Prahari contended. The petitioner wants inclusion of a column in the nomination form to list details of a candidates sources of income.

According to Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) that works for electoral reforms, assets of four current Lok Sabha MPs have increased by 12 times while 22 others declared five-fold increase in their assets.

Read: 77% of income of BJP, Cong in 2015-16 came from unknown sources

A newly-elected Rajya Sabha MP declared an asset growth of over 21 times since his last affidavit. Seven other newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs have declared two-fold asset increase, said ADR  an intervenor in the case.

The Centres counsel referred to CBDT affidavit to show that the government was serious about its intention to cleanse the electoral system. But as he tried to explain, the bench said, "You better file a detailed affidavitDo not make vague statements. If the CBDT has taken some action, please disclose what action has been taken.

"If you think certain information cannot be disclosed to public, you can file it in a sealed cover with reasons (as to) why you do not want it to be made public. But please disclose it to the court," Justice Chelameswar said.

On Wednesday, the Centres counsel asserted that the government was all for electoral reforms. The Swachh Bharat (Abhiyan) is not only about cleaning of garbageits also about free and fair election cleaning of the electoral system, the Centres counsel said.

But the bench was not impressed. "The government is saying they are not averse to some reform. Necessary information should be there on record (in the court),"

Earlier, in an affidavit filed in the top court the Centre had said it was ready to amend the Conduct of Election Rules to make it mandatory for a candidate contesting elections to declare his/her sources of income along with those of his/her spouse and dependents at the time of filing nomination papers. But, it had refused to accept the demand to make furnishing of false information a ground for disqualification, saying it was for the legislature to take a call on the issue.

The Election Commission has supported the NGOs plea, saying disclosure of sources of income was necessary for healthier democracy. Under the current law, a candidate is required to disclose details of assets and liabilities for self, spouse and three dependents in Form 26 at the time of filing of nomination paper but not the source of income.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 6

Journalist organisations today came together to condemn the cold-blooded murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh and called upon the Karnataka Government to nab the culprits at the earliest.

The Press Club of India, Indian Womens Press Corps, Editors Guild of India and Press Association organised a joint protest meeting on the Press Club premises in the capital. The meeting was widely attended by mediapersons and politicians, both speaking against the murder and saluting the spirit of Gauri Lankesh, known for her fearless journalism.

PCI President Gautam Lahiri opened the meeting, vowing further action until the killers of Lankesh were brought to book. Editors Guild President Raj Chengappa, IWPC President Shobhna Jain, senior journalists HK Dua, Paranjoy Thakurta Guha, Siddhartha Vardarajan, Mrinal Pande and Sushma Ramachandran and television anchors Ravish Kumar and Barkha Dutt spoke on the range of issues Lankeshs murder throws up.

The meeting resolved for expeditious justice in the matter and expressed outrage at the murder which exposed the perils being faced by Indian media. Speakers lamented the fact that journalist after journalist was being murdered and governments everywhere were dragging their feet on the issue. Various speakers pointed out how five journalists had been killed in 2016, including Rajdeo Ranjan (Dainik Hindustan) in Bihar, Tarun Mishra (Sandesh Times) in UP, Indradev Yadav (Taaza TV) in Kolkata and Kishore Dave (Jai Hind) in Gujarat.
LA CRESCENT, Minn. -- William Bill J. Gilles of La Crescent died at the La Crescent Nursing Home Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, a few days after celebrating his 91st birthday.

Bill was born Aug. 9, 1926, to Sylvester and Irene (Kolefsky) Gilles.

In 1948, he married Helen (Schultz) Gilles. Helen died in 2012. He is survived by four children, Teresa (Richard) Walter, James (Anne) Gilles, Joseph (Anne) Gilles and Michael (Joan) Gilles. He also has 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He loved his family, and helped build their houses, decks, and farms. He was happiest helping others, especially family (brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, children).

Bill is survived by his sisters, Joan Viner and Rosemary Malzacher and sister-in-law, Yvonne Gilles. He was preceded in death by siblings, Colleen and George Gautsch , Jim Gilles, Wayne Viner and Lawrence Malzacher.

Bill graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse and attended St. Johns University in Minnesota, until serving in the Army in World War II. He was a consummate citizen. He served as a mail carrier to roughly half of La Crescent, his smile and friendliness always visible. He also served as postmaster in Hokah and on the La Crescent city council and planning commission. Bill was a long-term member of Crucifixion Church, singing in the choir, serving on the parish council, reading, ushering, or doing anything he could do. He was, until his death, a member of the La Crescent American Legion. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as treasurer for many years. He cared deeply for his neighbors, his community, his church.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Friday, Aug. 18, at the Church of The Crucifixion, La Crescent. The Rev. Gregory Havel will officiated. Burial was in the Crucifixion Catholic Cemetery. A visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Crucifixion Church in La Crescent and again Friday until the time of services. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crescent assisted with arrangements. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.

Memorials may be given to the La Crescent Library or any charity of donor's choice.
Azhar Qadri

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 6

Three top separatist leaders today announced that they would go to New Delhi later this week to hold a demonstration outside the headquarters of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is extensively inquiring into terror funding that has led to arrest of several mid-ranking separatists.

Yasin Malik, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Geelani  part of a loose coalition jointly headed by them  said that they would go to Delhi on Saturday and dare the investigating agency to arrest them. It will be for the first time that the three will be in Delhi since the formation of their alliance last year. Their visit will coincide with Home Minister Rajnath Singhs arrival in Srinagar.

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The announcement was made at a hurriedly conv- ened press conference. Geelani, who remains under house arrest, spoke via phone. They (authorities) are trying to scare and defame us through the NIA (probe) that is why this leadership has decided to straightaway go to the NIA headquarters and dare them to arrest us, Malik said.

If they have got anything against us, make it public. We will fight NIAs terrorism in every lane of Kashmir, Malik warned.

The move comes at a time when the separatists are under increasing pressure over the NIA probe into money laundering aimed at financing separatism, which has led to a crackdown and arrest of several close associates of the trio.

Mirwaiz said the narrative of the Kashmir dispute was being deliberately distorted.
Bengaluru, September 6

The body of senior journalist Gauri Lankesh was laid to rest with state honours a day after she was killed by unidentified assailants.

As the damp weather matched the citys sombre mood, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy, JD (S) MLA B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan, multi-lingual actor Prakash Raj, playwrights, theatre personalities, journalists and social activists were among those attended the funeral.

Besides, a large number of people thronged the TR Mill crematorium to pay their last respect to Gauri. Rains washing away their tears.

As the body was laid to rest in the Lingayat burial ground in the crematorium, slogans like 'Gauri Lankesh Amar Rahe' and 'Gauri Lankesh Zindabad' filled the air.

Rains could not dampen people's respect for 55-year-old Gauri, known for her Left-leaning and anti-right wing stand.

She was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants from close range at her residence here last evening.

The killing has drawn widespread condemnation. PTI
Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 6

Amid rising incidents of cow vigilantism from various parts of the country, the Supreme Court today asked states to appoint a senior police officer in every district as a nodal officer to stop violence in the name of cow protection.

The order came from a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Deepak Mishra, which said: The senior police officer shall take prompt action and will ensure vigilante groups and such people are prosecuted with promptitude.

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Steps have to be taken to stop this. Some kind of planned action is required so that vigilantism does not grow Efforts have to be made to stop such vigilantism. How they (states) will do it, is their business but this must stop, the Bench said after senior counsel Indira Jaising submitted on behalf of petitioner Tushar Gandhi that there had been 66 incidents of mob lynching and assault since July.

Tushar Gandhi, great- grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, has moved the top court seeking direction to states to check cow vigilantism. Activist Tehseen S Poonawalla too has approached the court on the issue.

Directing states to comply with its order within a week, the Bench said the nodal officers would have to ensure that cow vigilantes did not become a law unto themselves.

Refusing to accede to a request by Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represented several BJP-ruled states, not to issue any directions, the Bench also asked the Centre to see what action can be taken against states that fail to check such vigilantism.

While maintaining that it did not support violence in the name of cow protection, the Centre submitted that law and order was a state subject and it did not have any role to play in it.

Cattle traders, transporters and farmers and meat traders have been at the receiving end of cow vigilante groups as many victims, including those in Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal, have been killed.

States were required to list the measures taken to step up security on highways, where cow vigilantes often target cattle traders.

On behalf of Gandhi, Jaising said the latest was reported from West Bengal where cow slaughter was allowed.

During the hearing, Justice AM Khanwilkar  who is part of the Bench  wondered why the activists were not taking up the cause of animals found slaughtered in Bihar a few days ago.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 6

Journalists and social activists from Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh staged a protest against the murder of noted journalist Gauri Lankesh. Gauri (55), a critic of the Hindutva politics and the editor of Kannada weekly Lankesh Patrike, was murdered in Bengaluru on Tuesday night.

A protest meeting was organised at the Chandigarh Press Club followed by a march in Sector 17. While expressing concern about growing attacks on journalists across the country, Sandeep Dikshit, Deputy Editor, The Tribune, said Gauri, to whom he knew since late 1980s, was an odd ball. Many countries have tried to change their social system with the red line and in a bid to change fast, most deaths have happened in these countries, he gave examples of China, Iran and Saudi Arabia. He said by killing an unarmed woman journalist, the killers have crossed the same red line in India too. He said if we did not resist immediately, it would be too late and the nation would bear the brunt for decades.

The gathering was addressed by Balwinder Jammu, former president of the Chandigarh Press Club, and other veteran journalists. Describing the killing as the blackest day in the history of journalism, the clubs senior vice-president Saurabh Duggal demanded protection for all journalists to guarantee the freedom of the press. He said the government should crack the case without any delay and arrest the assailants. If the communal forces think they can suppress our voices with violence, they live in a fool's paradise, Duggal said.

In the evening, a large number of writers, teachers, students, social activists and advocates held a protest in Sector 17.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 6

The state government today slashed the collector rates in an effort to give a fillip to the real estate sector. The collector rates in all urban areas of Punjab have been cut down by 5 per cent and in rural areas by 10 per cent, with immediate effect.

A notification issued by the Punjab Revenue, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Department says the reduction in rates is applicable only to the basic land rates and will not apply to the rates for super structure.

Sources say the reduction is more in the rural areas because of the sagging rural economy. Besides, the urban real estate sector has already got a boost with 3 per cent reduction in stamp duty.

Though the final decision to cut down the collector rates was taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today, the seeds were sown in the last Cabinet meeting held earlier last month.

The council of ministers was unanimous in their opinion that the collector rate should be reduced, which would propel the sale of property in the state.

The cut in collector rate along with reduction in stamp duty will rationalise the cost of land and the transaction cost in buying property, thus giving a boost to the real estate sector, said Vini Mahajan, Additional Chief Secretary, Housing, who had been pursuing this and was largely responsible for the decision.

Figures available with The Tribune show that there has been a dip in revenue from stamp duty and registration fee. As against Rs 1,000 crore collected under this head till August 31, 2016, the revenue collected this year is around Rs 800 crore. The audited financial results of the state government till July 2017 show that the revenue collected from stamp duty and registration charges was Rs 732.45 crore, against Rs 2,400 crore that Punjab expects to collect by the end of this financial year.

One of the major reasons for the fall in this revenue head was delay in bringing an ordinance for reducing stamp duty.

Sources in the Revenue Department said the reduction in circle rates (collector rates) would mainly impact sale of property in both rural and urban areas of Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar, besides land pockets abutting the GT Road, Chandigarh-Patiala Road and Patiala-Bathinda highway. In some select pockets of Mohali and Ludhiana, the collector rate was higher than the prevailing market rates.

Though the collector rate is to be reviewed by the deputy commissioners in April each year, this year, it was not done by many deputy commissioners. Thus, a decision was taken to cut the rates across rural and urban areas, said KS Pannu, Secretary, Revenue Department.

As a lot of sale purchase in property across Punjab still happens through Power of Attorney (PoA), the government is hopeful that the reduction in collector rate will pave way for the people to move from shortcuts like PoA to get clear property titles registered.
Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Sept 6

Aam Aadmi Party state president Bhagwant Mann has accused the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bhartiya Janta Party of ruining the state through corruption and mismanagement during the last three decades.

Addressing the party conference at Chhapar Mela, Mann rued that leaders of these parties had been trying to grab power by making false promises during elections. However, once they ride the horse, they remember only their own interests, said Mann in his satiric style.

He alleged that more than 200 farmers and labourers had allegedly committed suicide because Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had backtracked from his promise to waive all agricultural loans including those from commission agents.

The enhancement of old age pension to Rs 2,500 per month, jobs to unemployed youth, complete eradication of corruption, drug peddling and various kinds of mafia were among the promises which are yet to be fulfilled, he said.

Mann said the farmers were also exposed to fake insecticides and low-quality seeds, which forced them to plough back their cotton fields.

Lok Insaaf Party patron and legislator Balwinder Bains lambasted the Congress and the SAD-BJP alliance for auctioning natural resources, particularly water. Bains demanded an Assembly resolution for the recovery of royalty of water amounting to Rs 16 lakh crore from Rajasthan and other states.

Convener of the conference Darshan Singh Shankar, leader of Opposition Sarvjit Kaur, state secretary Gulshan Chhabra, chairman of Kisaan Sangarsh Samiti Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Professor Baljinder Kaur, Meet Hayer, Pirmal Singh, Amarjit Singh Sandhoa (all MLAs) also spoke on the occasion.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 5

Acting on a contempt petition alleging that Kapurthala SSPSandeep Kumar is purposely not initiating action as highly placed political leaders are backing Radhe Maa, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today issued notice of motion to the officer.

The notice by Justice Daya Chaudhary came on a petition filed by Surinder Mittal. He was seeking directions for initiating contempt proceedings against the officer for the alleged willful disobedience of order passed by the High Court on December 15, 2015.

Radhe Maa, aka Sukhvinder Kaur, is a spiritual leader based in Borivali suburb of Mumbai. In his petition, Mittal alleged that it was clear that the respondent had intentionally violated the HCorder and made himself liable to be proceeded against under the contempt of court Act.

Mittals counsel had told the High Court in December 2015 that Sukhwinder Kaur by posing herself as an incarnation of a Hindu goddess had hurt his religious sentiments. His counsel KS Dadwal had added that the allegations mentioned in his complaint constituted cognisable offence, warranting an inquiry or registration of FIR.

Taking up the matter, the Bench had observed that the arguments raised by the counsel for the petitioner regarding commission of offence on the basis of the material in the complaint appeared to be debatable.

The Bench had added: Without entering into the controversy whether any cognisable offence is made out and leaving it to the authorities concerned, I deem it appropriate to dispose of this petition by issuing a direction to the Kapurthala SSP to look into the authenticity of the allegations and determine if any cognisable offence qua the petitioner is made out from the allegations.
Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, Sept 6

The largest rural fair of the north India, Chhapar Mela, proved to be a rare arena where mudslinging turned out to be free-for-all.

While leaders of the ruling party blamed the Opposition for unnecessary criticism for getting cheap publicity and remaining in the limelight, SAD, BJP, AAP and SAD(A) leaders exploited the event for proving that the Congress had grabbed power in the state by making false promises.

Addressing Congress activists and the gathering, Local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu alleged that the Badal clan would be remembered for its alleged involvement in economic exploitation of the state exchequer and Punjabis.

The SAD-BJP regime will be remembered as the period of economic terrorism, said Sidhu. Terming the Zabar Virodhi Lehar of the SAD a political gimmick, Sidhu said Badals had no right to criticise the present government as they had been known for their cruelties and excesses. Sidhu cited a number of criminal cases in which the victims were denied justice during the previous SAD-BJP regime. Sidhu announced a grant of Rs 20 lakh for the development of Chhapar village.

Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal said loans of deserving farmers would be waived in near future.

Forest Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot alleged that the state was reeling under financial crisis due to non-cooperative attitude of the Union government. He said, Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh had come to the rescue of the Punjab government even when Parkash Singh Badal was the Chief Minister. But now the Modi government is not helping the state. President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) Sunil Jakhar said the Congress would repay the support and faith posed by each voter in their candidates.
Bamako, September 6

The United Nations mission in Mali said two peacekeepers were killed and two others seriously injured when a convoy hit a mine in the northern Kidal region.

The mission said in a statement on Tuesday that the two injured peacekeepers were immediately evacuated after their vehicles hit the explosives about 15 kilometers (9 miles) outside Aguelhok.

A UN official said the peacekeepers were Chadian. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the press on the matter.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack and reiterated that attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

The peacekeeping mission in Mali is the deadliest of the UNs 16 global peacekeeping operations.

Unidentified gunmen last month attacked the UN peacekeeping headquarters in Timbuktu, killing at least seven people and injuring others. AP
Phnom Penh, September 6

Cambodias government has raised the possibility that the main Opposition party could be ruled out of elections if it does not replace its leader, Kem Sokha, who has been charged with treason.

The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) has said it will not replace its leader and the comments reinforced its fears that Prime Minister Hun Sen plans to cripple it before next years elections.

The arrest of Kem Sokha on Sunday drew Western condemnation and marked an escalation in a crackdown on critics of Hun Sen, who has ruled for 30 years and could face possibly his toughest electoral challenge from the CNRP next year.

They have to appoint an acting president, government spokesman Phay Siphan told Reuters on Tuesday.

If they dont comply with the law, they will not exist and have no right to political activity... Its their choice, not my choice.

Kem Sokhas daughter, Kem Monovithya, who is also a party official, said the party would not appoint a new leader. Kem Sokha was only named in February after his predecessor resigned in fear the party would be banned if he stayed on.

The ruling party can drop their divide-and-conquer plan now, she said.

Opposition officials accuse Hun Sen of trying to weaken or destroy the party ahead of the election, after it did well in June local elections, in which it nonetheless came well behind Hun Sens Cambodia Peoples Party.

More arrests possible

Hun Sen, one of Asias longest serving rulers, said on Wednesday there could be more arrests after the act of treason and it had reinforced the need for him to stay in office.

Ive decided to continue my work - not less than 10 years more, he told garment factory workers, jabbing his finger in the air for emphasis.

Kem Sokha became leader after opposition veteran Sam Rainsy resigned because of a new law that forbids any party having a leader who is found guilty of a crime. Sam Rainsy fled into exile to avoid a defamation conviction he says was political.

Cambodian law says a political party has 90 days to replace a president if he or she dies, resigns or is convicted of an offence.

Western countries have condemned the arrest of Kem Sokha and a crackdown on critics of Hun Sen, including independent media.

We dont care about people outside, Phay Siphan said. We care about our national security. We dont belong to anyone. China, Hun Sens close ally, has voiced support for Cambodia on steps to ensure its security.

Kem Sokha was formally charged with treason on Tuesday. His lawyers have dismissed the evidence presented against him so far - a video publicly available since 2013 - in which he tells supporters he is getting support and advice from Americans for the campaign to win elections.

The government and the ruling CPP have manufactured these treason charges against Kem Sokha for political purposes, aiming to try and knock the political opposition out of the ring before the 2018 electoral contest even begins, said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director of New York-based Human Rights Watch. Reuters
FAIRCHILD, Wis./BLACK RIVER FALLS  Gerald R. Fox, 56, of Fairchild, formerly of Black River Falls died unexpectedly Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, in Eau Claire, Wis. Funeral services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at the United Methodist Church, Black River Falls. Burial will be held at a later date. Family and friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to time of service Friday, both at the church. Buswell Funeral Home of Black River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bogota, September 6

Pope Francis headed to Colombia on Wednesday to try to help heal the wounds of Latin Americas longest- running armed conflict, bolstered by a new cease-fire with a holdout rebel group but fully aware of the fragility of the countrys peace process.

During a deeply symbolic five-day visit starting today, Francis is expected to press Colombian leaders to address the social and economic disparities that fuelled five decades of armed rebellion, while encouraging ordinary Colombians to balance their need for justice with forgiveness.

In a video message on the eve of his departure, Francis urged all Colombians to take a first step and reach out to one another for the sake of peace and the future.

Peace is what Colombia has been looking for and working for such a long time, he said.

A stable and lasting peace, so that we can see one another and treat one another as brothers, not as enemies, he said.

A year after the Colombian government signed the peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, the nation remains bitterly divided over the terms of the deal even as guerrillas have laid down their arms and begun returning to civilian life.

Even the Catholic Church hierarchy, which was instrumental in facilitating the peace talks and is now spearheading the process of reconciliation, was divided over what many Colombians saw as the overly generous terms offered to rebels behind atrocities.

Former President Alvaro Uribe, a fierce opponent of the peace deal, wrote a letter to the pope yesterday expressing concern that the deal with the rebels had fuelled a rise in drug trafficking and created economic uncertainties with the potential to destroy Colombias social fabric.

Your Holiness, we all want peace, but we have to build it with laws and the determination to guard against and punish violence that spreads hopelessness and distances us from Gods word, Uribe wrote in the letter, which was leaked to local media.  AP
Yangon, September 6

Global outrage over Myanmars treatment of its Rohingya Muslims is being fuelled by a huge iceberg of misinformation, Aung San Suu Kyi said on Wednesday, after the UN-led calls for her government to end violence that had forced 1,46,000 people to flee to Bangladesh.

Rohingya refugees have poured over the border with Bangladesh, fleeing a massive security sweep in western Rakhine state by Myanmar forces following a series of deadly ambushes by Rohingya militants on August 25.

Suu Kyis government has faced growing international condemnation for the armys response with refugees bringing with them renewed stories of murder, rape and burned villages at the hands of soldiers.

But in her first public comments since last months ambushes, she said sympathy for the Rohingya was being generated by a huge iceberg of misinformation calculated to create a lot of problems between different communities and with the aim of promoting the interest of the terrorists.

The comments were made in a statement put out by her office following a call with Turkeys president Recep Tayyip Erdogan who has been particularly critical of Myanmars treatment of the Rohingya, dubbing it genocide.

But Suu Kyi defended her governments actions saying her administration was defending all the people in Rakhine state.

The statement highlighted a now-deleted tweet last week by Turkeys deputy prime minister Mehmet Simsek showing a series of gruesome pictures of bodies he wrongly claimed were of dead Rohingya.

Supporters of both the Rohingya and Myanmars government have a track record of posting emotive images that are not from the conflict.

Myanmars Rohingya are the worlds largest stateless minority and have lived under apartheid-like restrictions on their movement and citizenship for years.

They largely eschewed violence but in October a new militant group called the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army launched a series of deadly ambushes on border police prompting a massive army-led crackdown.

More than 2 lakh Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since October.

That includes 1,46,000 in the last two weeks, piling huge pressure on an impoverished neighbour that already hosted 4 lakh Rohingyas who had fled Myanmar over the past four decades.

The number is growing every day, UNHCR spokeswoman Vivian Tan, told AFP. Its a growing humanitarian crisis.

An AFP reporter on Tuesday witnessed scores of new refugees wading through neck-deep water as they crossed the Naf river into Bangladesh after lengthy jungle treks.

I walked seven days with my family, carrying my 90-year-old mother on my back, exhausted refugee Ali Ahammad, 38, told AFP.

Gul Bahar, a mother of six, said she had traded her wedding jewellery with a boatman.

We safely arrived by Allahs will but now were nothing but penniless refugees, she said.

The latest violence has also hit Rakhines Buddhist and Hindu populations with nearly 27,000 people displaced and fleeing in the opposite direction and some saying Rohingya militants had murdered their kin.

UNICEF said 80 per cent of the refugees coming into Bangladesh were women and children placing a huge burden on the countrys overstretched refugee camps.

Aid agencies have also had to end food distribution in northern Rakhine because of the fighting. UNICEF said it was currently unable to reach some 4,000 children in the Rakhine towns of Maungdaw and Buthidaung it was previously treating for malnutrition.

Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who spent years under house arrest when Myanmar was under military rule, has come under intense pressure over her refusal to speak out against the treatment of the Rohingya or rein in the army.

Public anger is particularly acute in Muslim countries.

Thousands protested in Jakarta on Wednesday outside the Myanmar embassy.

I think this is not only a religion issue, but moreover a humanitarian issue. What is happening there is very cruel, Tita Fatmawati, a teacher from nearby Bogor, told AFP.

Police in Jakarta have previously stopped two attempts by militants to bomb Myanmars embassy.

Analysts say Suu Kyis obduracy despite the years of pressure from rights groups is a sop to the powerful army and surging Buddhist nationalism in the Southeast Asian country.

The Rohingya are widely dismissed in Myanmar as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh despite many tracing their lineage back generations.

They are not formally recognised as an ethnic group and are derided by many in Myanmar as Bengalis-- making supporting them hugely unpopular.

She also has little control over the army, which has a long track record of rights abuses and using overwhelming force against domestic insurgencies.

But detractors say Suu Kyi is one of the few people with the mass appeal and moral authority to swim against the tide on the issue, adding she has routinely defended the militarys response.

Earlier this year, United Nations investigators said Myanmars military had used devastating cruelty in its security crackdown in what might constitute ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya.

Suu Kyis government has dismissed those allegations and has refused to grant visas to UN officials charged with investigating reports of atrocities. AFP
Geneva, September 6

United Nations war crimes investigators said today they had evidence that Syrian government forces were behind the chemical attack that killed dozens of people in Khan Sheikhun in April.

In the first UN report to officially blame Damascus, the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Syria said it had gathered an extensive body of information showing the Syrian airforce was behind the horrific sarin gas attack on April 4.

All evidence available leads the Commission to conclude that there are reasonable grounds to believe Syrian forces dropped an aerial bomb dispersing sarin in Khan Sheikhun, the report said.

At least 83 persons, a third of them children, were killed and nearly 300 wounded in the attack on Khan Sheikhun, a town in the opposition-held northern province of Idlib, it said. Other sources have given a death toll of at least 87. Syrias government has denied involvement and claims it no longer possesses chemical weapons after a 2013 agreement under which it pledged to surrender its chemical arsenal.

A fact-finding mission by the UNs chemical watchdog, the OPCW, concluded earlier this year that sarin gas was used in the attack, but did not assign blame.  AFP
KABUL, September 6

A senior US commander in Afghanistan apologised on Wednesday for a "highly offensive" leaflet that contained a passage from the Quran used in the Taliban militants' banner superimposed on to the image of a dog.

The dog is considered unclean in Islam and associating an image of the animal with one of the religion's most sacred texts prompted indignation. The Taliban said the leaflet showed American "hatred" of Islam.

The image, distributed by US forces in Parwan province, north of Kabul, on Tuesday, showed a white dog with a section of the Taliban's banner superimposed on its side. The banner contains a passage from the Quran in Arabic.

"The design of the leaflets mistakenly contained an image highly offensive to both Muslims and the religion of Islam," Major General James Linder said in a statement.

"I sincerely apologise. We have the deepest respect for Islam and our Muslim partners worldwide," he said, adding that an investigation would be held "to determine the cause of this incident and to hold the responsible party accountable".

Parwan Governor Mohammad Hasem condemned the leaflet as "unforgivable".

"Those who have committed this unforgivable mistake in the publicity, propaganda or media section of the coalition forces will be tried and punished," he said.

The incident highlights one of the challenges facing international forces in Afghanistan, most of which are from non-Muslim cultures, despite the efforts Western forces have generally taken to avoid stoking anti-foreigner sentiment.

The Taliban issued a statement saying the leaflet made clear "that this war is a war between Islam and unbelief".

In 2012, US commanders were forced to apologise after copies of the Quran and other religious texts were mistakenly burned at Bagram Air Base near Kabul. The incident sparked large demonstrations in Kabul and other provinces in which several people were killed.

On another occasion, a film of US Marines urinating on the bodies of dead Taliban fighters caused widespread offence, prompting an investigation and criminal charges.

So-called information operations conducted by government and coalition forces have long been used to try to persuade local people to turn against the Taliban and other insurgent groups.

Above the picture of a lion and the dog, the leaflet urged people to report insurgents to the authorities.

"Take back your freedom from the terrorist dogs and cooperate with coalition forces so they can target your enemy and eliminate them," it said.  Reuters
Holiday weekends like Fourth of July or Labor Day bring thousands of people into Jackson County who want a chance to enjoy the parks and campgrounds.

The unfortunate part of bringing so many people in who are looking to enjoy themselves is the increased risk of drunk driving incidents.

On weekends like this, the Jackson County Sheriffs Office and other agencies step up their presence in an effort to combat the problem.

Drivers impaired by alcohol, prescription medication, or other drugs endanger everyone, said Sheriff Duane Waldera. During the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative, our officers will patrol in greater numbers and for longer hours to help prevent impaired drivers from killing or injuring themselves or an innocent victim.

According to information from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were over 24,700 convictions for drunken driving in Wisconsin last year.

Sargent Evan Mazur with the Jackson County Sheriffs Office said it isnt about just arresting people though, its about changing the culture around drinking.

When we do these, I dont ask the deputies to change their habits or hand out more tickets, Mazur said. We just want to increase our presence and let people know that we are out there.

Labor Day weekend falls under the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign that works in tandem with agencies to provide grants for extra patrols and overtime hours.

In years like this one where the sheriffs office might not receive the grants, they still provide statistics to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and DOT along with having the officers out and patrolling the county.

Its very helpful to have those grants, Mazur said.

He explained that by getting the grants, the sheriffs office can put money in other programs that might help them get equipment like traffic safety vests.

Grants and funds from these programs can mean a lot to a small agency making the best of what they can with a tight budget.

Its still important to the sheriffs office that they are out and visible on busy weekends like this, according to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System from 2009 to 2013, alcohol impaired driving accounted for 22 percent of driving deaths.

Ive been doing this 15 years and I used to arrest 50 to 60 people a year for drunk driving and other people were doing similar numbers, Mazur said. Its not like that anymore, its a good sign that hopefully were gaining ground on it.

In counties like Jackson, the problem is made a little tougher as there is not only the local population, but a large number of people moving through the county and a lot of road to cover for the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office isnt alone though as state patrol and other agencies help where they can, which Mazur is grateful for.

Finding drunk drivers also isnt as easy as just finding someone swerving a little bit and stopping them. In reality, deputies follow cars for a bit to see if they notice other errant driving, and even then drinking may not be the issue, it could be looking at a cell phone or someone who is simply tired.

Mazur has been noticing a shift in culture over the years though that hopefully point to things getting better.

Part of the change has been due to the rise of cell phones and more people willing to call in problems when they see them, and the rise of services like Uber and Lyft have been able to provide people with rides home.

Theres also things like party buses or taxi services that provide safe rides home for people who may have drank one too many.

Some of what were seeing too is more and more people calling us and saying Hey my buddys trying to drive drunk, we dont want you to arrest him but can you come down and talk some sense into him? Mazur said.

As with every Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over event, the hope is to continue battling the drinking culture in Wisconsin and getting more people to be smarter and safer when it comes to drinking and getting themselves home.
Are employees who use emotional support dogs entitlted to the same ADA protections as other service dogs? DoD photo by EJ Hersom

CRST has asked a Florida court to either dismiss or transfer a lawsuit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that alleged the carrier failed to accommodate a prospective employee with a service dog, according to a Forbes report.

The driver in the case, Leon Laferriere, is a veteran who uses his service dog to help control anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. He applied to be a truck driver at CRST in Fort Meyers, Florida, and signed up for the drivers certification course with CRSTs partner training company.

After being accepted but before attending training, Laferriere allegedly disclosed his disabilities and use of a trained service dog. After completing the training course, Laferriere was allegedly told he could not advance to the on-the-road program due to CRSTs no-pet policy and was not hired by the company.

CRST has not yet addressed the allegations directly, so far only requesting that the case be dismissed entirely or moved to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Cedar Rapids Division, nearer to its headquarters.

The EEOC claims that this incident violates the Americans with Disabilities Act for failing to provide a reasonable accommodation for Laferrieres disability and for not hiring him because of a disability. It also claims that the company retaliated against Laferriere by not allowing him to re-apply for the job after CRST developed a new process for service dog accommodation.

Ogletree and Deakins, a law firm specializing in labor and employment litigation, commented on the lawsuit and said that Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act expressly separates emotional support dogs from other service animals trained to do work or perform a task for an individual with a disability.

However, Title I of ADA, which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to job applicants and employees, is silent on the issue of service dogs. An EEOC document released in December 2016 dealing with workplace accommodation of mental health conditions was also silent on the issue of service or support animals. However, the author of the Ogletree blog post from March, James M. Paul, said that this case seems to indicate that EEOC may be taking the position that service animals, including those for emotional support, should be considered a reasonable accommodation for employers to make in certain circumstances.
STILLWATER  Standing silently against gusting winds outside Oklahoma State Universitys Edmon Low Library, Yeider Perez pondered his fate as dozens of fellow immigrants and allies stood by his side.

The architectural engineering student has spent two years as an OSU Cowboy after his acceptance in the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, designed to protect from deportation young adults who were brought to the United States as children without authorization.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trumps administration announced the end of the program. U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions said the government would give Congress six months to come up with a legislative solution before it stops renewing the two-year permits.

Perez said the decision means his years as an OSU student will be irrelevant if he loses his status.

For now, it seems like Ill have to go back to hiding, I guess, Perez said. I really plan on finishing college somewhere. Theres other options, but you have to meet certain credentials for that. But being DACA, some of those dont apply to me. Were DACA, and were good citizens. I dont see why we have to be looked at as the enemy or some kind of villain.

The protesters stood on a short brick wall across from the librarys foundation without saying a word as students passing by took photos and watched.

DACA students right now feel helpless, said student Amanda Sandoval, president and founder of OSUs chapter of Voto Latino, the student engagement group that organized the protest. Were just unsure as to whats going to happen and what we can do.

Among the protesters were some administrators, including Vice President for Institutional Diversity Jason Kirksey, Vice President for Administration and Finance Joe Weaver and Vice President for Student Affairs Lee Bird.

Anything that affects our students impacts all of us on campus and in our community, Bird said. These are law-abiding, taxpaying folks that have much to offer not only the university and our area but also our country and the world. I think limiting that opportunity by rescinding DACA will be heartbreaking.

Oklahomans enrolled in DACA have few, if any, options to become documented, said University of Tulsa associate clinical professor of law Elizabeth McCormick, who teaches in the Immigrant Rights Project Clinical Program and has expertise in immigration, refugee and asylum law.

There is nothing that happened today creating new options for them, McCormick said. For them having been in DACA status for whatever period doesnt create any type of legal relief for them. What I would recommend to anyone who has DACA is to consult with an experienced immigration attorney about options to them. There arent a lot of options. Thats why most of these kids applied for DACA in the first place.

To become documented, current law would require a DACA recipient to leave the country, ask for a pardon, serve a 10-year ban, apply for a visa with a qualifying family or employer sponsor, and then wait up to a decade for approval. Immigrants with a family or employer sponsor might be better off than others, depending on a host of factors from closeness of relation to type of work.

We do have the Dream Act, which Congress has been attempting to pass for 17 years, McCormick said. There is no legislative pathway that creates an opportunity for these children, now adults, to remain in the United States. Many of them dont have immediate options.

DACA was implemented by President Barack Obama in 2012 using presidential memos out of frustration with Congress, which has let the Dream Act languish since 2001. DACA mirrors the features in the pending legislation. They include being at least 18, having been brought to this country before age 15 by parents without legal authorization, having completed high school, having no criminal history, and working or attending post-secondary education.

While DACA was heralded by many immigration advocates, it was actually a legal limbo. It was not a way of becoming a legal resident or citizen, but the protection staved off deportation and allowed participants to work legally.

The reason we have DACA is because Obama wanted to provide protection to qualifying individuals after year after year of Congress not granting that protection because of being in a deadlock, McCormick said. Now we have a new president and new administration revoking DACA, and in both circumstances, the executive action is to get Congress to move on the issue of passing an immigration bill that has a comprehensive impact that is not all about border security and is about creating avenues for immigration status.

For the past few decades, U.S. immigration policy has focused on security by adding bans on re-entry and narrowing or eliminating opportunities for admittance. Congress hasnt addressed antiquated quotas or sponsorships or evaluated the U.S. system in relation to the current and projected labor market.

McCormick said it has been at least 50 years since laws regarding the avenues for legal immigration were updated.

If we dont change the laws in a way that creates avenues for legal immigration to the United States, it will never fix the problem entirely, McCormick said.

Laws in general are organic and change over time, and no law is perfect forever. But nothing has been done to bring the immigration system in tune with our reality for years and in recent decades has only been about enforcement. Weve had nothing really significant about creating avenues to come into the United States.

Critics of DACA, including 10 state attorneys general, argued that President Obama didnt have the authority to issue such orders. However, 20 other state attorneys general signed a letter supporting the program. Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter did not sign either letter.

At the University of Oklahoma, President David Boren released a statement saying, In my opinion, it would be un-American and grossly unfair to deprive these young people of the opportunity to continue to live in the United States, where they are making a significant contribution to this country.

I fully support our Dreamer students. They work hard in pursuit of their education and have become members of the OU family. Many of them serve as outstanding student leaders on our campus.

As Senator (James) Lankford has recently pointed out, in this country we do not punish young people for decisions made by older adults including parents or guardians. I urge Oklahomas congressional delegation to give their unanimous support to any legislation that is required to keep these outstanding young people in the United States and to put them on a path to full protected citizenship.

America is the only home these young people have ever known. They are already giving of their talents and service to the country. To force them to leave this country would be against everything America stands for.

Oklahoma business leaders working in partnership with New American Economy released a statement opposing the revocation of DACA.

Ending DACA and removing the hundreds of thousands of workers from the U.S. economy would also result in great economic losses here in Oklahoma, said Erika Lucas, founder and chief executive officer of Oklahoma City-based consulting and project management firm StitchCrew. Immigration plays a major role in the daily lives of Oklahomans. At a time when we are taking on another year of revenue deficits, it is crucial that we dont take immigrant contributions for granted.

New American Economy is a bipartisan organization supporting immigration reforms to help American and foreign-born workers build a better economy.

The business leaders cite an analysis showing that 93.2 percent of the Oklahoma DACA-eligible population are at least 16 years old and are employed, earning nearly $146.3 million annually. Also, the Oklahoma DACA group contributes more than $20.3 million in taxes  $12 million of which goes to local and state coffers.

All over this country, there are children who arrived in the U.S. at a young age and are growing up as Americans, said Renee Porter, president of Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School. Our goal should be to ensure these children get a good education and are prepared to contribute to our economy and our tax base. To do anything less is counterproductive, wasteful and beneath the dignity of a nation that prides itself on respecting human rights and dignity.
Jay attorney Winston Connor II on Wednesday sued a district attorney who last week implicated Connor in a criminal investigation into a drug ring allegedly run out of prison by a murderer.

Connor filed a libel, slander and defamation lawsuit against District Attorney Kenny Wright, claiming statements Wright made to the media last week about his conversation with the target of a drug ring investigation damaged his reputation and practice.

The lawsuit, filed in Delaware County District Court, states, Wright knew that the statements and insinuations he made regarding the audio recording of the one and only telephone conversation between Slint Tate and Plaintiff Connor were false and misleading, yet he published such statements with malice, evidencing some ulterior and illicit purpose.

The lawsuit seeks actual damages in excess of $75,000 on each of the three claims as well as punitive damages of $500,000 or twice the amount of actual damages, whichever is greater.

Wright, the district attorney for Delaware and Ottawa counties, told the Tulsa World last week that prosecutors were looking at Connors possible involvement in crimes that include destruction of evidence, assault and murder solicitation.

The telephone conversation between Tate and Connor is part of a collection of hundreds of taped calls and text messages made public by Wright following a court hearing last month associated with the prosecution of several related drug trafficking cases.

As many as 28 individuals have been charged in connection with the drug trafficking ring. Neither Tate nor Connor has been charged in connection with the drug cases.

However, Wright said Connor has come under scrutiny as a result of a telephone conversation he had with Tate on May 4, 2016.

In the 16-minute call captured in the court-authorized wiretap of Tates telephones he maintained while housed at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, Tate and Connor can be heard discussing the retrieval of a vehicle owned by a Connor associate.

In the audio recording, a copy of which was provided to the Tulsa World by Wright, Connor is heard talking about destroying a cellular telephone that Wright said had been linked to Tates drug trafficking.

This phone never goes f----  anywhere, a man identified as Connor is heard saying in the conversation with Tate. OK, Ill destroy it. Ill burn it. Ill take it in pieces and put it in the bottom of the f----  lake personally.

In his lawsuit, Connor acknowledges talking to Tate but states that the two merely engaged in a telephone conversation.

There was no conversation of any kind between Plaintiff Connor and Tate regarding any involvement of any kind by Plaintiff Connor in the alleged drug ring activities of Tate or in any other allegations of organized and corrupt behavior of which Tate and his alleged associates are accused, Connor states in his lawsuit.

Regarding the claim about destruction of evidence, Connor states in his court petition: In order to claim that Plaintiff Connor engaged in behavior sufficient to accuse him of being suspected of destruction of evidence, there would have to have been evidence that Plaintiff Connor had willfully destroyed a thing knowing that it was about to be produced in evidence at some trial, proceeding, or investigation authorized by law and that such destruction was committed with the intent to prevent the item from being produced.

Nowhere on the recording is there a mention by Connor that shows he knew that the telephone was to be produced as evidence or, for that matter, that the telephone had been destroyed, according to the lawsuit.

Connor also denies there is evidence on the recorded audio conversation that he solicited murder or engaged in an agreement that the person who took his associates vehicle should be assaulted.

In the conversation with Tate, Connor talks about a man who raped and murdered a Tulsa woman and assaulted another woman Connor had been dating at the time. The man is serving a life-without-parole sentence.

Wright said subsequent communications from Tate made it clear that he understood Connors story as a request to murder the guy and began taking steps toward accomplishing that goal.

Tate is serving a life sentence. In 2001, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the July 1999 shooting death of Vernie Milford Roberts, a Delaware County reserve deputy. Roberts, 65, and his wife, Betty Jean, were taking Tate, then 16, from the Delaware County Jail to the Tulsa County Juvenile Detention Center.

Wright said he has not charged Tate, in part, because he is already serving life without parole.

Wright did not respond Wednesday to a request for comment.

Connors attorney, Stan Monroe, said his client was concerned about how Wrights comments could potentially affect Connors reputation as well as his business.

And so, in considering everything thats happened, we decided to take this course of action, Monroe said.
An Owasso man was arrested Tuesday on allegations that he targeted homeless people Monday in a pair of hit-and-run incidents, one of which was fatal.

Jeremy Thacker, 40, is being held without bond on a first-degree murder complaint in the Monday morning death of 46-year-old Shawn Birdo, who was run over by a pickup while he slept under the Interstate 244 overpass in the 500 block of North Cheyenne Avenue.

Thacker also is accused of hitting a man with a pipe outside a convenience store shortly before the hit-and-run incident that killed Birdo and injured two other people under the bridge, which is near a downtown homeless shelter.

He did not provide a statement to police before being escorted out of the Detective Division in downtown Tulsa and transported to the Tulsa Jail, where he will remain when he makes an initial court appearance by video Wednesday morning.

Police said the two Monday hit-and-run incidents deliberately targeted the homeless population.

Thacker faces five related counts of assault with a deadly weapon for injuries to Cynthia Wallace and James Russell in the incident in which Birdo was killed, as well as for reportedly hospitalizing an unidentified woman after running over her legs outside a QuikTrip at 14th Street and Carthage Avenue on Monday evening. The second hit-and-run left another man injured with a laceration to the back of his head.

An arrest report released Tuesday afternoon states police believe Thacker went to the same QuikTrip just before 5:30 a.m. Monday, where he approached a man sleeping on a bench and hit him in the arm with a metal object similar to a pipe, leaving a cut. The report states the victim managed to fight off his attacker and yell for police but said the man fled the store in a white truck.

Tulsa Police Officer Jeanne MacKenzie said the Fugitive Warrants team apprehended Thacker after a neighbor called authorities around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to report seeing a white truck in the 13700 block of East 46th Street North. MacKenzie released photos Monday night of an older-model white single-cab pickup with dark rims and a bed liner, which she said were surveillance clips of the vehicle seen leaving both scenes.

She said an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper on the scene determined the truck had been registered to Thacker and, noticing it matched the police description, called Tulsa Police for assistance arresting Thacker at his nearby residence.

The arrest report indicates the neighbor told police he asked Thacker what happened to his truck that caused it to sustain a broken windshield, and said Thacker denied that his truck was the one shown on local news. MacKenzie also said the CrimeStoppers line received a tip about Thackers vehicles whereabouts within 30 minutes of the call to authorities.

Russell told the Tulsa World on Monday evening that he woke up under the bridge to the sound of a loud crash and saw Birdo and Wallace, whom he believed were a couple, had been run over about 15 feet away from him. He suffered an abrasion on his left leg where he says the truck hit him.

The Rev. Steve Whitaker, CEO of the nearby John 3:16 Mission, said Monday that all three people hit in the morning have received services from his organization. He said the surveillance footage of the attack was like nothing he had seen in his nearly three decades in the Tulsa area.

The timeline of Thackers Facebook profile indicates he shared a photo around 11:15 p.m. Aug. 7 that casts aspersions on a homeless man asking for money to buy food. Another man can be seen in the photo holding a sign stating Walmart is hiring. The original photo caption says, This actually made me laugh out loud.

On Oct. 28, 2015, Thacker posted a photo he apparently took of a red truck that had a sign reading, Stranded far from home. Need food and gas, and captioned it, Get a job b----!! Lmfao.

However, Larry Wagoner, a lifelong friend of Thackers, told the World he doesnt believe the posts are indicative of any long-standing issue Thacker had with the homeless or needy.

This is a guy that would give his shirt off his back to a homeless person. If they asked for a dollar, he would give away his last dollar or his last cigarette, Wagoner said.

He called the attacks and his friends subsequent arrest completely shocking.

I know hes been having some hard times here lately, but never anything like this, Wagoner said. Hes been down on himself here lately. He gets to a place in his head where life is great and then a week later, he hates his life. It hasnt always been like this.

Wagoner said the two met as children and Thacker worked for Wagoners plumbing company for two or three months about seven or eight months previously before going to work for another plumbing company owned by Wagoners father.

When asked for more details about the hard times he said Thacker experienced, Wagoner said his father told him Thacker had been prescribed medicine but was unsure what it was.

He was also trying to lose weight and the medication made him eat a lot. My dad said, Whenever hes on it, hes normal. Whenever hes not, hes not,  Wagoner said. I still love the guy like a brother, (but) he just makes me mad sometimes.

Court records indicate Thacker received a two-year suspended sentence under Oklahoma Department of Corrections supervision in 2008 after pleading guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in an October 2007 altercation near Pine Street and Yale Avenue.

A report in that case states a convenience store clerk told officers Thacker pulled out a knife and said, Im going to get you b----es. The arresting officer said Thacker told him, I f---ed up and admitted threatening the clerk while under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine.

A judge at the time ordered Thacker to complete treatment at the Choctaw Nation Recovery Center as a condition of his probation.

Andrea Eger contributed to this story.
Today is Randy Eddy Day in La Crosse but, given his druthers, the longtime North Side businessman probably would opt to rename it Community Spirit Day.

Community spirit has been the driving force behind the 76-year-old Onalaska dynamo in his unbridled advocacy for the North Side  his endeavors to bring school children into community events; his role on the original board of Freedom Honor Flight, which takes aging veterans to the nations capital; his involvement with every fest in town, whether its prefix is River-, Irish- or Oktober- ... and the list goes on.

There are so many opportunities to become involved in the community, said Eddy, who owned Carrier Insurance at 1228 Caledonia St. before selling it to his son, Randy Jr., and the late Lonnie Carrier, who died six years ago.

Ive been blessed with a great staff over the years, and that allowed me to be involved in the community, Eddy said.

If you push for a successful project and you dont stop until you succeed, people want to be involved, said Eddy, whose conversation is filled with references to others who have contributed to the winning string.

Names such as longtime friend and fellow community sparkplug Pat Stephens; former Police Chief Ed Kondracki; contractor Deke Swanson; Shirley Krause of what then was Exchange State Bank; La Crosse Common Council Member Andrea Richmond; the late Pat Zielke; La Crescent Mayor Mike Poellinger; Marilyn and Jerry Arndt, and Kenny Wing, a retiree from what then was Western Wisconsin Technical College. Any names missing from that list are attributable more to a reporter slow pen than Eddys lack of spreading the credit.

Safety poster contest the favorite

Eddy, who joined Carrier in 1982 and joined what then was the Caledonia Street Merchants Association in 1983, kicked off his community boosting in 1984 when he started a Safety Poster Contest for North Side schools.

The contest, in which the winners received U.S. Savings Bonds, remains one of his favorite projects because it reminds him of his own school days. When he was a kid, youngsters brought nickels to school and put them in special folders to accumulate enough to buy a bond, he said.

He cited that when asked which project he is proudest of but added, That would be selfish, because if I identified one, people involved in others would feel slighted.

But emotionally, the safety poster contest was a tie to my youth, said Eddy, who attended grade school in Onalaska when his family lived there, and Lincoln Middle School and Central High School after they moved to La Crosse.

Each project had a great amount of sweat and tears and working chickencues in the rain  its unbelievable what people will do. Good is infectious, said Eddy, who is so upbeat and positive and complimentary that the sweetness rubs off on those around him.

Pat Stephens, another community activist cut from the same cloth, said, Ever since high school, Id been called positive Pat. I thought that was nice  until I met Randy. He always looks at the bright side and says he feels blessed.

The close link between Stephens and Eddy  Eddy refers to their relationship as bookends  reaches back to 1972, when they sold insurance for different companies, Stephens said.

Hes been a great mentor, a great mentor. Hes much, much older than I am, Stephens said with his mischievous Irish laugh to cover the fact that he himself is just a week short of 69.

Pat is wearing about 14 hats, and Ive got 13 of them, too, Eddy said. When hes got something going, he calls me, and when Ive got something going, he calls me.

He finds way to get it done

Equally laudatory of Eddys contributions is Nick Roush, president of the North La Crosse Business Association, an office that is one of many Eddy has held over the years.

The thing I see with Randy is that, when something needs to be done, he finds a way to get it done, either with personal connections or community contacts, said Roush, owner of Root Down Yoga and Roush Rentals.

As far as Eddys advisory roles to younger businessmen whose stars are rising, Roush said, Hell give direct suggestions if youre the type of person who can take it. Hes also got the knack to get you in touch with the right people.

Perhaps one of the best examples of knowing whom to call for what is Eddys intervention that spurred the effort to build a new Black River Beach Neighborhood Center in 2010.

Eddy and his wife, Judith, have two grown children  Randy Jr. and Tanya  and four grandchildren, three of whom are girls. One afternoon, the couple took off from the Clinton Street boat ramp to ply the waters of the Black and Mississippi rivers.

It was the most interesting revelation, Eddy recalled. Wed gone three blocks and the girls have to go to the bathroom  and its not just one but all three.

Wife furious over Black River bathroom

So he pulled ashore at the nearby Black River Beach so Judith could accompany the girls to the beach house bathroom.

Two minutes later, my wife came back and she was furious. There were holes where the toilets had been, and the bathroom was a mess, he said.

The next day, I called Andrea Richmond, and the rest is history, Eddy said.

Richmond remembers that conversation, recalling, I got that phone call, and he said, You ought to check that out  its horrible. Theres mold all over, and it was falling apart.

She credits Eddy with much of the success in obtaining the new beach house, saying, He knew how to pull strings.

We ended up with the most beautiful and well thought-out building. Parks and Rec outdid themselves. Its a wonderful thing, Eddy said.

Eddy also fondly remembers being recruited for the advisory committee to help plan the new North Side Elementary School in 2013.

It was so enjoyable, he said. It had cooks, teachers and administrators. They could show where janitors needed supply rooms, cooks where they needed delivery and counselors where they needed several rooms in a row.

It was well thought out, and workers had the opportunity to say what they needed, Eddy said.

Also close to Eddys heart was the development of the North Side playground in response to Franklin Elementary School Principal Gerald Berns request for new teeter-totters.

As with the planning for North Side Elementary, the playground effort enlisted the opinions of the end users, he said.

Kids took bus rides to Stoddard and La Crescent to look at parks and say what kinds of equipment they wanted, said Eddy, who as able to secure a Community Development Block Grant to cover some of the cost. Fundraisers, the La Crosse Community Education Foundation and the city covered the rest of the $151,000 project.

It was a fun project in which the kids and everybody participated. It was pride in the community  and the North Side is community. The parents helped construct the equipment, he said.

Even today, Eddy said, he gets a thrill every time he drives past the playground.

I see the kids playing, and it just makes me feel a lot better, he said.

He felt a degree of uncertainty the day Kondracki summoned him to Police Station No. 2, recalling that he fretted as he drove to the station, Whats going on? What did I do?

As it turned out, Eddy was among a group asked to offer suggestions on how to renovate the station, which was an old construction building that had been moved from elsewhere.

It just took three seconds, he said. Knock it down. Keep the antique bench in there, but knock the building down.

Old-fashioned barn-raising for station

Eddy suggested making the experience like an old barn-raising to let students from nearby Jefferson Elementary School observe a community building project.

Kenny Wing from WWTC enlisted his students to put their book learning to use and help build the new station, while Jefferson students trekked to the site and watched it rise.

It has a special safety feature. If the kids are ever in trouble, we told them to run to the police station  the door is always open  and hit the panic button. If an officer is there, help is right away. If not, it rings downtown, he said.

A list of what Eddy considers major accomplishments features his usual crediting of others and failure to mention his own leadership and contributions  requesting that the Torchlight Parade route be changed to feature merchants on Caledonia Street; spaghetti dinners and chickencue fundraisers with the help of Pogrebas restaurant; establishing an Oktoberfest pancake breakfast on the North Side with the help of the Mindoro and North La Crosse Lions clubs, North La Crosse merchants and past parade marshals; helping create the Torchlight Parades Light Up the Night Contest and rebranding Old Towne North.

If you count on Eddy to toot his own horn, youd never know about his own service, including two years of active duty in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Independence and four years in the Naval Reserves, his selection as a Torchlight Parade marshal, the Eddys creation of the La Crosse Public Education Foundations Judy and Randy Eddy Sr. Fund, the naming of the Randy Eddy Math-a-thon for Multiple Sclerosis or receiving the Chairs Community Service Award from the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce.

His tapping as a Riverfest Commodore in 1997 resulted in a humorous caricature that hangs in his office, depicting him as commodore and Judith proclaiming, Commodore my foot  start paddling!

The caricature was Judiths idea when she saw the cartoonist working the fest, he said, but the idea was to show me all puffed up, with all my ribbons, and her saying to paddle.

Its no surprise to most that Eddy is anything but puffed up, with Roush noting, He does what it takes, and he will do what is necessary, but he is completely selfless.

Eddy adds a simple reflection: If you can have fun in life, thats not so bad, either.
OKLAHOMA CITY  On a night when historians reported that Wheeler Elementary School was not named after a Confederate general after all, Oklahoma City Public Schools announced plans to dedicate the school in honor of a former city father.

The district will acknowledge its namesake as James Wheeler at a future ceremony, an official said Tuesday night.

Oklahoma City Public Schools historian Barbara Stueve and Oklahoman reporter Steve Lackmeyer told the school board that Wheeler, 501 SE 25th St., was named after early civic leader James Wheeler, not Confederate General Joseph Wheeler.

Stueve, Lackmeyer and Larry Johnson, head archivist and historian with the Metropolitan Library System, examined old school board meeting minutes and sorted through lots of historic documents.
ONALASKA  Allie Klein knows what its like to lose everything.

Four years ago, before she had enrolled as a Salon Professional Academy student, Klein was working and living above a bar in Waukon, Iowa, when the town flooded. Because of the damage, she lost her job, and when the power was turned back on, the bar started on fire, taking her home and most of her belongings with it.

When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and the Texas coast a week ago, Klein knew she wanted to do something to help. She had friends in Texas and felt terrible watching the news and seeing what those families were going through.

Klein, who now lives in New Albin, Iowa, started at the salon academy in March and hopes to finish the 13-month program in April. She said she asked the academys co-owner Sue Kolve-Feehan if they could do something to help raise funds for the victims and the salon decided to donate half of this weeks sales to the Professional Beauty Association Disaster Relief Fund.

Any time I see the students get involved in the community is just fantastic, Kolve-Feehan said. For the students to want to do this is great.

Harvey slammed into Texas on Aug. 25 as a Category 4 hurricane and lingered over Houston and other areas as a tropical storm. The rain totaled nearly 52 inches in some spots, at least 60 deaths are attributed to the storm and Texas officials say it could take years for communities damaged to recover.

With how devastating that (fire) was for me, I couldnt even begin to imagine what it must be like for them, Klein said.

Established in 1995 by the National Cosmetology Association, the funds website said the program is designed to assist salon professionals in rebuilding their lives with quick cash for immediate and short-term needs such as clothing, food and paying bills. Since 2011, more than $215,000 has been raised to help 239 people and their families.

All of the students are happy to be participating in the fundraiser, Klein said, and are working to get the word out.

There were about 24 appointments scheduled for Wednesday but Klein and Education Director Penny Nelson said there are still openings for the rest of the week.

The stylists are so excited to help, Klein said. Its the most amazing feeling ever. I love being able to help people and it is rewarding in so many ways.
Todays decision by the Court of Justice of the EU on the relocation scheme sends a very strong signal on the importance of solidarity and responsibility sharing among EU Member States.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been continuously advocating for a prompt implementation of the EU relocation scheme. We are encouraged by the emphasis in the Courts ruling on the need to support Member States under pressure while facilitating access to protection for asylum-seekers.

As we now enter the final phase of the relocation scheme, UNHCR urges Member States to increase the pace of relocation for eligible asylum-seekers from Italy and Greece, and to fully meet their relocation commitments as a concrete gesture of solidarity towards countries of first arrival in the EU.

As the relocation scheme is coming to an end, the need for a robust asylum system in the EU is even more pressing. This is required to ensure access to territory and to properly allocate responsibility for asylum-seekers among Member States, also in exceptional circumstances. UNHCR also urges more solidarity at the global level.

* The EU relocation scheme was set up following two decisions by the Council of the European Union in September 2015 which outlined the transfer of 160,000 asylum seekers from Greece and Italy to other EU Member States.

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How to fund Wisconsins roads and bridges, the much-debated question that has delayed passage of the states two-year budget, now may be answered by a plan that cuts funding for highway maintenance, hikes fees on hybrid vehicles and ends a minimum-pay requirement for public works projects.

The plan, the contents of which were made public Tuesday night, also trims Gov. Scott Walkers road-borrowing blueprint and moves the state incrementally closer to collecting highway tolls.

The state Legislatures budget-writing Joint Finance Committee passed a motion including the plan late Tuesday on a party-line 12-4 vote. It now is on track to advance to the full Legislature as part of a larger budget bill.

The finance committees co-chairman, Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, said the committee on Wednesday will finish its budget work by taking up a tax plan and a catch-all wrap-up motion, the contents of which are not yet known.

That puts lawmakers on the verge of ending the monthslong standoff over the states budget and establishing spending levels for state government through June 2019.

There was debate Tuesday on how the transportation budget motion will affect the timeline for highway projects currently under construction.

Nygren said he doesnt expect the plan to cause additional delays beyond what was proposed in Walkers budget. He specifically said it would not delay an ongoing expansion of Verona Road in Fitchburg, south of the Beltline. Another local project now underway is rebuilding and expanding Interstate 39-90 from the Madison area to the Illinois state line.

But transportation advocacy and road-building groups question how the plan can avert such delays.

The plan borrows slightly more than $400 million for transportation, compared to Walkers budget, which borrows $500 million. Relative to Walkers budget, the plan cuts funding for major highway projects outside southeastern Wisconsin by 15.8 percent, or $106 million.

Its hard to understand how you could have a 15 percent cut and have no impact, said Craig Thompson, director of the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin.

I just dont see any way that you cant have delays, said Patrick Goss, director of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association.

The plan cuts funding for highway rehabilitation projects, which includes resurfacing and maintenance projects, by about 5 percent, or $82 million, relative to Walkers budget  and by about $79 million relative to the last budget.

The plan will impose new state registration fees of $100 for electric vehicles and $75 for hybrid vehicles. Walker first publicly acknowledged last month that he and lawmakers were considering the new fee in this budget. Walker, Nygren and other Republican supporters of the move have described it as a matter of fairness, since electric or hybrid vehicle owners pay no, or much less, fuel tax than owners of gas- or diesel-powered vehicles.

Another blow

to unions

Repeal of the New Deal-era prevailing wage requirement would mark another historic defeat for Wisconsin labor unions.

Two years ago, GOP lawmakers and Walker partially repealed prevailing wage, the minimum pay requirement for workers on public construction projects, by removing it from projects funded by local governments.

The budget plan would abolish it entirely by removing it from state-funded projects, effective in September 2018. Only projects with federal funding would remain subject to the federal prevailing wage requirement, known as Davis-Bacon.

The budget plan also will enable the state Department of Transportation to further study tolling federal highways in the state, eliminate 200 Wisconsin Department of Transportation positions and limit the ability of local municipalities to restrict certain quarry operations.

Nygren cast the plan as a fiscally responsible approach to the states road-funding woes.

This budget shows youre not going to make a commitment that you cant pay for, Nygren said.

At the same time, Nygren called it disappointing that the measure doesnt reconcile the states transportation funding ledger for the long term, as Assembly Republicans sought.

Im concerned today where were going to be two years from now when the next budget is crafted, Nygren said.

During Tuesdays debate, Democratic Rep. Katrina Shankland, of Stevens Point, called the prevailing wage repeal plan an attack on workers. Others said the plan shows Republicans arent serious about fixing the states long-term transportation funding shortfall.

Theres no fix in here, said Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton. Taxing my moms Prius isnt going to do it.

Earlier in the day, owners of businesses on and near Verona Road told reporters that they fear how prospective delays to the project could affect their bottom lines.

Deirdre Garton, co-owner of Quiveys Grove, said business at her restaurant has declined by 20 percent in the last year as construction on nearby Verona Road has ramped up.

DOT plans for the project to be done in 2020. If that date is delayed, we would have to do some major cutbacks in terms of expenses, Garton said.

Heading into this budget cycle, the state faced a transportation funding gap that, by one measure, was about $1 billion.

To fill part of that gap, Assembly Republicans pushed for new revenue, likely through a gas tax or vehicle fee increase. Senate Republicans and Walker resisted, except for the relatively small amount of revenue expected to be generated by the electric-hybrid fee hike.

Assembly Republicans countered by saying Walkers proposed level of transportation borrowing must be reduced because, without more revenue, the state cant afford it.

Wrap-up

still unknown

The wrap-up motion set to be taken up Wednesday refers to a grab-bag of legislative odds and ends that, in past years, has been deeply controversial.

Two years ago, as part of the last state budget, such a motion proposed a sweeping curtailment of open-records requirements. Lawmakers quickly removed that provision amid a fierce, bipartisan public backlash.

Nygren said this years wrap-up motion will be less extensive.

Theres really not a lot of issues in there other than technical changes, Nygren said.

Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, who sits on the finance committee, has said lobbyists for the states rent-to-own industry have boosted lobbying efforts in recent days to convince lawmakers to relax consumer protections on the industry.

Nygren, asked Tuesday about such changes being included in the wrap-up motion, said he generally supports them.
September 6 2017

East Lothian Council has given its blessing to a development of 140 apartments at Mall Avenue, Musselburgh , by Dundas Estates and Development.Designed by Michael Laird Architects the properties will occupy a former car park overlooking the River Esk, building on an existing outline consent to deliver a scheme of detail and finesse.Arranged around a central landscaped area the homes are finished in brick and metal, specified to reference the sites industrial past, with entrance provided by a new pedestrian avenue flanked by twin feature gable ends.Explaining their intent the architects observed: The configuration of the proposed buildings aims to establish an urban grain within the site to match that of the surrounding context.Pedestrian routes lead through a range of spaces whether it is the narrower areas between buildings or the larger landscaped or parking courtyards. The access from Mall Avenue leads pedestrians through a landscaped courtyard and allows for a future pedestrian route to the adjacent site to the south. The spaces are enhanced by the landscaping where low level walls, informal seating and feature planting and trees help define the spaces create routes and offer a mix of public and private spaces.Located near to Musselburgh Primary Care Centre the proposal takes the place of a former Tesco supermarket.
UTSA architecture students set the datum on the Original Dining Room at Taliesin West in 2014.

(Sept. 6, 2017) -- A team of University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) students instructed by Sue Ann Pemberton, FAIA, assistant professor in practice in the UTSA College of Architecture, Construction and Planning, has been named the first place winner of the Charles E. Peterson Prize, a national student competition of measured drawings. The award is given annually for the best documentation of a historic building submitted by an accredited school of architecture in the United States or its territories. Pemberton and her students were honored for their documentation of the Original Dining Room at Taliesin West, the 620-acre Arizona compound designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Frank Lloyd Wright treated Taliesin West as a place for experimentation for his ideas and changed various aspects of the site and its buildings almost on an annual basis.

This is still this case, said Pemberton. Our greatest challenge in documenting the site is identifying subtle changes in the color of the concrete and going through old photographs to understand the transformation of a building over time. We document what is there today, knowing that the preservation of Taliesin West relies on continued experimentation of materials and detailing.

The competition is juried by architects representing the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) of the National Park Service, the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Historic Resources Committee. Currently in its 35th year, it honors Charles E. Peterson, FAIA (1906-2004), a founder of the HABS program, and is intended to heighten awareness about historic buildings in the United States and to augment the HABS collection of measured drawings at the Library of Congress.

As a result of their first-place win, Pemberton and her students have also been honored with the Kenneth Lanier Anderson Prize, which is awarded annually to the highest-ranking Peterson Prize entry from a Texas university. Administered by the Texas Architectural Foundation, the Anderson Prize was established to honor the memory of Kenneth L. Anderson, former principal architect and later chief of HABS. Students instructed by Pemberton also received the Anderson and Peterson Prizes in 2009 (Peterson  Fourth Place), 2010 (Peterson  Third Place), and 2011 (Peterson  Third Place).

Students in Pembertons Architectural Surveys and Measured Drawings class have traveled to Taliesin West to complete documentation work for four consecutive summers. The project is an ongoing collaboration between UTSA and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation in which students measure, prepare field drawings, sketch, photograph, research and dig into historic archives to understand how the buildings came into existence. The Original Dining Room was documented in 2014 as part of the pilot class, while students moved on to Frank Lloyd Wrights public office, the Cabaret building, and the drafting studio in subsequent years. At the end of each project, the Foundation receives the students documentation files for baseline information. Archival quality documents are then submitted to the National Park Service and the Library of Congress for the public to view.

The UTSA student team honored with the Peterson Prize for their documentation of the Original Dining Room at Taliesin West consists of Maria Cortez, Juan Dominguez, Sara Jacobs-Davenport, Michael Jay Rodriguez, Augustin Salinas, Antonio Sanchez, and Ana Villarreal. Final drawings were completed by Jonathan Rafael Gonzalez. They will be presented with their award on November 10, 2017 at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. Montana State Universitys School of Architecture took second place, while the Polytechnic University of Puerto Ricos School of Architecture placed third. Honorable mentions were received by Louisiana Tech Universitys School of Design and the Preservation Design Program in the Savannah College of Art and Designs School of Building Arts.

UTSA is ranked among the top 400 universities in the world and among the top 100 in the nation, according to Times Higher Education.
(Sept. 6, 2017) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is opening enrollment to undergraduate students who were planning to attend colleges and universities in areas of the state that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. Vice President for Student Affairs Sam Gonzales and Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Mauli Agrawal have approved expedited processes to allow Enrollment Services and Academic Advising to work individually with affected students to accommodate them.

"We are honored to be able to open our doors to students who have been displaced by this disaster, just as we did in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina," said Agrawal. "We are asking all of the UTSA community to support and ease the transition for any new students who may be arriving on our campuses."

Students who previously applied and were accepted to UTSA and now wish to enroll due to the hurricane should contact Erika Cox, erika.cox@utsa.edu or 210-458-4859. The orientation requirement would be waived for these students.

Students who had not previously applied to UTSA should contact Gilbert Ugalde, gilbert.ugalde@utsa.edu or 210-458-4616. The application fee and orientation requirement would be waived for these students.

Classes at UTSA began Aug. 22, with the university enrolled nearly 31,000 students.
Save the Date: Free Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Available to UW Students

The University of Wyoming Student Health Service is offering free sexually transmitted disease (chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV) testing for UW students Thursday, Sept. 28, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Center Ballroom. Free pizza will be available to students.

Student Health Service, in partnership with the Wyoming Department of Health, Albany County Public Health, Wyoming Public Health and the Wellness Ambassadors, is sponsoring the event.

According to health data, one in 17 individuals in Wyoming between the ages of 15-24 has chlamydia. And more than half of those infected with chlamydia, and many more infected with gonorrhea and those with HIV infections (until AIDS develops) may not have any symptoms, says Joanne Steane, UW Student Health Service director.

At the free testing event, students will collect their own specimens in the bathroom. Males will collect a urine specimen in a cup and should not urinate one hour before testing; women will collect a vaginal sample. Students who want to be tested for HIV will have a fingerstick blood sample obtained. No physical exam is involved, Steane says.

The Wyoming Union is not a confidential setting. If this is a concern, students should consider making an appointment for private testing at the Student Health Service, she adds.

To make an appointment, call 766-2130. Students can obtain a voucher from www.knowyo.org for free chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV testing during a scheduled appointment.

If you have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, you will not obtain treatment at this event, Steane says. Please consider making an appointment for testing at the Student Health Service, where you can receive testing, an examination -- if appropriate -- and treatment in one visit. Students also can obtain a voucher for free testing.

For more information, call Student Health Service at 766-2130.
UW Religion Today: Liberty, Equality and the Meaning of Religious Freedom

By Paul V.M. Flesher

The Declaration of Independence placed the Enlightenment ideal of liberty at the heart of the American soul. It cites liberty among the reasons for creating our new country. 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.

The basic meaning of liberty is the ability to do what one wants. Of course, even schoolchildren know that unbridled liberty is impossible. If one person decides he or she wants to kill another -- an extreme example -- the second persons liberty is violated, to say nothing of his or her life.

Liberty as a political or governing policy thus consists of balancing of each individuals ability to behave as he or she wishes against others freedom to do the same. The goal is to achieve an equality of liberty for everyone, with everyone attaining as much freedom as possible.

Another widely used definition of liberty is one of freedom from oppression; as the Merriam-Webster dictionary puts it, freedom from arbitrary or despotic control. This notion of liberty inspired the Puritans to leave England and come to the New World. They wanted the freedom to believe and worship as they were convinced that God wanted them to.

If Americas notion of liberty began with this bid for religious liberty, the result was initially disappointing. True, in 1620, the Puritans established a colony at Plymouth where they followed their faith freely.

But, the Puritan notion of religious freedom was limited to themselves and their own beliefs and practices. It did not extend to anyone who believed different from them. In that, they were no different from the Church of England, which had developed its discriminatory policies under King James (d. 1625).

When Roger Williams and, then, Anne Hutchinson developed theological positions that differed from those of the Puritans, they were banished. Williams fled to Rhode Island where, in 1636, he founded Providence as the first community run on the basis of religious freedom. Hutchinson and her followers later settled there.

Although we often call Williams the founder of religious liberty, what he really created was religious equality. The practical effect of bringing together several groups with different religious beliefs in Rhode Island set up an ironic conundrum: Religious freedom had to be restricted to achieve the highest level of religious liberty.

Each group in Rhode Island was free under the second definition of liberty -- that of freedom from oppression and control. But, they were not free under the first one -- that of the unlimited ability to do as they wished. Where one groups free expression of belief and practice impinged upon anothers, they had to work out a compromise to prevent that. These compromises usually limited both sides freedom although, ideally, with as little limitation as possible.

Americas great reputation for religious freedom is therefore the reputation for religious equality. Every religion and every version of a religion are free to worship and believe as each one chooses, as long as it does not impinge upon the rights of others. The clarion call we still sound for religious liberty is a call for equal rights of all religions.

That is what makes America the standard bearer for religious freedom. Religious refugees from around the world flock to our country because they know they can worship without persecution here.

What is opposite of equal rights for all religions? Despotism.

If a country allows one religion to worship and act in accordance with its beliefs at the expense of other religions, then that country no longer has freedom of religion but the religious equivalent of political dictatorship.

This is the situation for many countries around the world. They have a political system that favors one religion or even one version of a religion. That preference permits the members of the favored religion rights and privileges others do not have.

This is true whether the religion is Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and even Christianity. The difference in rights between the religion in favor and those out of favor range from mild to extreme, from Englands support of Anglicanism with public taxes, to Israels allowing Judaisms Orthodox wing of Judaism to control marriage law, to frequent persecution of Christians for blasphemy in Islamic countries.

Only equal rights for all religions and all religious people, as well as nonreligious beliefs and people, ensures the most religious freedom possible. Any other position penalizes those who do not follow the privileged faith.

Flesher is a professor in UWs Department of Religious Studies. Past columns and more information about the program can be found on the web at www.uwyo.edu/RelStds. To comment on this column, visit http://religion-today.blogspot.com.
Vietnams education sector remains attractive for foreign investors as the government attempts to ease regulations.

We discuss Decree 86 and Decree 99  recent laws that have allowed for more foreign investment in the sector.

In addition, we also highlight four drivers for Vietnams education sector and list relevant steps to set up various educational institutions in Vietnam.

Vietnam has become a growing destination for foreign investment in Southeast Asia. The demand for high-quality education is reaching new heights, proving favorable opportunities for foreign investors looking to enter the market. Decree No. 86/2018/ND-CP (Decree 86), which was introduced in August 2018, to regulate foreign investment in the education sector in Vietnam, is expected to ease regulations allowing foreign-funded schools to enroll more students.

Nevertheless, investment in education remains challenging. Investors should therefore carefully study the countrys regulatory environment when considering options for market entry.

Vietnams young population and the governments commitment to improving education offer opportunities for investments. Since 2000, the government has committed approximately 15 percent to 20 percent of public expenditure on education  one of the highest in ASEAN.

Vietnams local rising middle class prefers the private education sector over the public school method due to the better quality of services. This has translated into a strong market for private institutions and vocational schools and services.

Drivers for Vietnams education sector

Vietnamese consumer: Underlying the demand for education in Vietnam is a rapidly emerging middle class. Reporting from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in 2013 showed that Vietnam had the fastest-growing middle class in Southeast Asia. The report projected the middle and affluent classes (MAC) in Vietnam to double in size between 2014 and 2020, from 12 million to 33 million. Accompanying MAC growth is a clear uptick in confidence from those within Vietnams current middle class. Survey data provided as part of the BCG report indicated that 90 percent of MAC respondents believe their living conditions are higher than that of their parents. On top of this, respondents in the report confidence that conditions will continue to improve for their children.

Demographic tailwinds: On top of growing incomes and confidence in the future, Vietnams demographics also stand to have a positive impact on the education market. Nearly 60 percent of Vietnams population of nearly 90 million is under 35 years of age. With more disposable income than in years prior, young Vietnamese, with the support of their parents, are eager to obtain the skills and knowledge which meet the ever-increasing demands of the labor market.

Talent shortages: As investment in childrens education is given increased priority, the demand for sending children to an international learning environment for a higher quality of education is on the rise, making the market more attractive to step into. Vietnam is facing major skill gaps, and local qualifications in many fields are not well acknowledged. International qualifications are therefore seen as a valuable advantage, and in some fields, they are almost essential.

Government support initiatives: In addition to the rising demand for international education providers, investors can also find new opportunities offered by the government, especially after the countrys participation in WTO. Education remains a national priority for the government as it believes it will determine the economic success of the country. The government is also working on improving access to schools and improving the quality of education in Vietnam

How do I set up an education institution

Vietnams education institutions are either public or non-public. Non-public institutions are further distinguished in three types such as semi-public, institutions founded by individuals and private.

Regardless, all educational institutions must use the same curriculum and operate as per Vietnamese laws.

As per Vietnams commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO), investors can have a 100 percent foreign-owned education institution in Vietnam.

As per the recent Decree 86, pre-schools and elementary, junior and high schools, which are compulsory, can have up to 49.9 percent of Vietnamese students per foreign program as compared to the 10 percent previously.

In addition, the government allows a foreign-owned company to form foreign education institutions such as short-term training institutions, pre-schools, compulsory education institutions, higher educational institutions and branch campuses of foreign-invested higher education institutions.

In the below infographic we list minimum capital requirements for educational institutions in Vietnam.

Investors are also required to apply for an investment registration certificate (IRC) and an establishment registration certificate (ERC). Investors will then be required to get approval as a decision to establish the foreign-invested education facility, followed by the license for educational activities.

We list out the relevant steps and approvals required for setting up various educational institutions in Vietnam.

DPI  Department of Planning and Investment

DOC  Department of Construction

MET  Ministry of Education and Training

DET  Department of Education and Training

MPI  Ministry of Planning and Investment

Decree 99 on higher education

The government issued Decree 99/2019/ND-CP (Decree 99) effective February 15 providing guidance on higher education in Vietnam. The decree sets out conditions for establishing campuses in Vietnam of foreign higher-education institutions, regulations on boards as well the autonomy and accountability of such institutions.

As per the new regulations, such higher education institutions must have a minimum capital investment of US$21.5 million (VND 500 billion). The educational programs must be accredited or approved by a competent state agency. In addition, the higher educational institution must establish a governing board by August 15, 2020, six months from when the regulation goes into effect.

Higher education institutions have also been granted greater autonomy under the new regulation. They can now decide their academic activities, staff, training, and education structure as long as they are not in conflict with locals laws and regulations.

Note: This article was first published in September 2017, and has been updated to include the latest developments.
The oldest version of Honda CRV now offers a record low price in Vietnam (Illustration)

Paving the way for the new model

Mazda CX5, Innova, Kia Sorento, and Mitsubishi Outlander were heavily influenced by the declining price of Honda CRV. As reported by the newswire Dan Tri, with the new price, Honda CRV can pose a threat to the sales of Toyota Fortuner, one of the best selling cars in the first half of 2017.

According to many experienced automobile dealers, the newest Honda CRV model sold in Vietnam is the five-passenger version, not the seven-passenger model currently popular in Thailand. This model is assembled in Vietnam and it does not have significant changes compared to previous versions from 2015 or 2016.

Thus, before the discount programme, Honda CRV found it hard to compete with other models in the same segment, such as Huyndai Tucson, Volkswage Tiguan or Mazda CX5.

However, in July 2017, Honda CRVs seven-passenger model was introduced in Ho Chi Minh City. Many people have predicted that the discount programme for the five-passenger models aims at paving the way for the new model. So far, Honda Vietnam has not released any information about these rumours.

Peddlers resort to price war

VND778-788 million ($34,232-$34,672) is a record low price for the Honda CRV, but it is not the only brand that have come out with such an attractive discount programme. Many other automobiles also follow the trend, which has created a race among automobile distributors in Vietnam.

One of the reasons for the declining price of cars in Vietnam is the discount programmes of various brands from India and Thailand, two of the largest car exporters in Vietnam. Also, many Vietnamese giants joined the race.

For example, the price of the Mazda CX5 model distributed by Truong Hai Auto decreased from over VND1 billion ($44,000) to slightly over VND840 million ($36,960).

Many of Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Suzukis best-selling SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks are also on discount.

Recently, Toyota Vietnam announced that its discount programme would last for two months and would apply to the Vios and Innova models. Accordingly, when purchasing Vios and Innova models in September and October 2017, Toyota Vietnam will take care of the registration fees, which are estimated to be VND15-30 million ($660-$1,320), based on each model and edition.

Similarly, another Japanese brand Nissan also supports its customers by paying registration fees and offers an additional special promotion by gifting VND5-35 million ($220-$1,540) to its customers. Along with some other car accessory packages, in total, Nissan offeres up to VND50 million ($2,200) for each purchase.

In July 2016, the import tax on cars from the ASEAN was proposed to be reduced from 40 to 30 per cent. The policy came into effect from 2017. Nevertheless, experts widely claim that this decline in tax will not translate into a sharp decrease in prices.

Instead, these experts said that as 2018 is coming, and in accordance with the ASEAN Free Trade Area commitments, imported cars from ASEAN countries will be soon enjoying zero tax. Thus, domestic automobile distributors will have to reduce car prices. In particular, they said that from now to 2018, there would be more discount programmes for automobiles.
European workers including nurses, social workers and teaching assistants demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Feb 20, 2017, before lobbying members of Parliament over their right to remain in the UK. (Justin TALLIS/AFP)

European workers including nurses, social workers and teaching assistants demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Feb 20, 2017, before lobbying members of Parliament over their right to remain in the UK. (Justin TALLIS/AFP)

The 82-page document outlines Home Office proposals to manage migration after Britain leaves the European Union, putting an end to free movement from the bloc.

"Put plainly, this means that, to be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but also make existing residents better off," the document says.

The government envisages a dual system for EU citizens arriving after Brexit, with those wishing to stay long-term needing to apply for a two-year residence permit.

Those deemed "highly-skilled", however, would be allowed to apply for a permit for up to five years under the proposals.

In the lengthy document, marked "sensitive", Britain's interior ministry also says it may "tighten up" the definition of family members allowed to accompany EU workers in Britain.

Partners, children under 18 and adult dependant relatives are the suggested limit.

Changes will also be seen at Britain's borders, with the document detailing government plans to require all EU citizens to travel on a passport rather than a national identity card as currently allowed.

This latter measure could be imposed as soon as Britain leaves the bloc - set for Mar 29, 2019 - but the Home Office promises "adequate notice" will be given.

A period of at least two years following Brexit is foreseen to fully implement the plans.

A spokesman for the Home Office told AFP the government would not comment on the leaked draft.

"We will be setting out our initial proposals for a new immigration system which takes back control of the UK's borders later in the autumn," the spokesman said.

The issue of citizens rights has been labelled a top priority by the EU during Brexit negotiations, which are being held in stages and hosted by Brussels.

In June the British government outlined plans for EU citizens in the country before Brexit, which would see them apply for "settled status" granting indefinite leave to remain.
P&G officially launches its Signal Accelerator in Vietnam

In parallel with the SME Ministerial Meeting of APEC 2017, P&G Leadership College for SMEs took place, attracting more than 100 leading SMEs from across Northern Vietnam. It focuses on improving leadership skills for SMEs in Vietnam.

The workshop highlighted one of the top priorities of the Vietnamese government from now until 2020, which is to position SMEs as the engine of economic growth. This is one of the key mutual goals discussed among ministers responsible for the SME sector in the APEC. Improving the capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises will bolster Vietnams ties with other APEC economies.

P&G Leadership College for SMEs in the ASEAN was first launched in Singapore in 2014, aiming to boost cooperation for mutual benefits among large multinationals and SMEs in the region via transferring knowledge and experiences as well as enhancing management competency and competitiveness, and promoting innovation initiatives.

Todays seminar enabled more than 100 SMEs in Vietnam to access useful knowledge and relevant skills in business innovation shared by Satyajit Sengupta from Singapore-based P&G Innovation Center.

At the workshop, P&G also introduced P&G Signal Accelerator to Vietnam. A global programme working as part of P&Gs innovation strategy, P&G Signal Accelerator seeks out breakthrough innovations and business solutions to address P&Gs business challenges and opportunities.

By launching Signal Accelerator in Vietnam, P&G invites Vietnamese SMEs and startups to a global innovation playground where they can submit their ideas and solutions that can facilitate P&G to resolve challenges and seize business opportunities, by for instance improving the product quality and consumer experience.

Nguyen Hoa Cuong, deputy head of MPIs Enterprise Development Agency

Nguyen Hoa Cuong, deputy head of MPIs Enterprise Development Agency, said, P&G is one of the few multinational enterprises providing Vietnamese SMEs with realistic support thanks to their rich experience and knowledge. Through P&Gs help, SMEs competitive capacity has seen significant enhancement. I hope that P&G will become a pioneer in holding such events, so that SMEs in Vietnam will be provided with timely support.

With the local launch of Signal Accelerator, Vietnamese SMEs and startups can now compete with their peers around the globe through innovative ideas and embrace the opportunity of becoming P&Gs innovation partners and gaining access to pilot funding by P&G. This way, P&Gs Signal Accelerator can paves the way for any Vietnamese startup that has the curiosity to learn, the mastery to create, and the passion to win, to join the global players in game-changing innovation.

Omar Channawi, vice president of P&G Asia-Pacific

Vietnam is one of P&Gs important markets. We are proud to continue our unwavering commitment to support and grow with local enterprises in a sustainable way. Vietnam is among the first nations in Asia where P&G introduces both P&G SME Leadership College and Signal Accelerator. We hope that these two programmes not only help to build capabilities for SMEs in Vietnam, but also connect them with great business opportunities that will help position Vietnam on the global innovation map, said Omar Channawi, vice president of P&G Asia-Pacific.

P&G has been operating in Vietnam for over 20 years and was one of the first US firms to make an investment after the two countries announced the normalisation of diplomatic relations.

Since then, P&G has invested in three production plants in Vietnam, notably the world-class Gillette plant in the southern province of Binh Duong, one of three Gillette factories in Asia with the most advanced technology run by Vietnamese technicians and engineers who were professionally trained in Europe and America.

P&Gs commitment to Vietnams development also extends to investments in nurturing the local talent pool. Specifically, P&G has run long-term programmes in partnership with Vietnams top universities, including P&G Leadership Talks, P&G CEO Challenge, and P&G Dream Internship.

P&G invests $100m in Gillette razor plant Procter & Gamble (P&G) Viet Nam yesterday (March 26) announced an investment of US$100 million to build a Gillette razor plant in Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park II, in Ben Cat District in Binh Duong Province, in a ceremony to celebrate its 20th anniversary in the country.

P&G plans to Pamper the world Procter & Gamble Vietnam (P&G Vietnam) commenced the construction to expand its Pampers diaper manufacturing plant in Ben Cat district, southern Binh Duong province last week.

P&G Vietnam to enjoy more fantastic growth in Vietnam On the eve of the opening of a new office in Ho Chi Minh City last week, P&G Vietnam general manager Emre Olcer told VIR about the companys 17 years of fantastic growth and its long-term commitment to further invest in Vietnam.
The concert will take place at Vietnam National Academy of Music in Hanoi on September 8 and at HCM City Conservatory of Music on September 11.

Pianist Trang won second prize at the national piano competition Concour Fall 2007 and the new artist award at the Hanoi International Piano Competition in 2010. She also triumphed at the Asia International Piano Academy Festival and Competition in the RoK in 2011.

Jisoo Kim started to study piano at the age of eight and has also won several international piano awards.

The duo, both born in 1993, will perform four-hands and duet piano performances composed by Mozart, Schurbert, Mendelsohn, Brahms, Lutoslawski and Infante.

According to the organiser, a piano duo is considered the most challenging type of concert for a pianist, as it is high-demanding technically but also needs understanding between the duo, and harmony in every note.

Inspired by the name of a constellation in the Western zodiac, Gemini is the first piano duo concert in Vietnam.
According to newswire VietQ, a few days ago Hue shared on his private page the following message: I would like to congratulate Vinfast on its ground-breaking ceremony. I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that I joined Vingroup as deputy CEO-Automotive a few days ago, to oversee the Vinfast project.

Hue said he left Robert Bosch Vietnam with a heavy heart, but the move opened up opportunities for the Vietnamese automobile industry.

One of Vingroups important strategies to develop Vinfast is recruiting talented people, and Hue was the first choice due to his deep knowledge and achievements in the automotive engineering sector.

After graduating from a university of Germany, he immediately started working as an engineer for BMW Group, one of the worlds leading automobile makers. Then he was assigned as chief representative of BMW in Egypt for six years before coming back to Vietnam to work as CEO of Robert Bosch Vietnam Co., Ltd. in 2006.

From running Robert Bosch Vietnam with the initial capital of $1 million, Hue himself built the manufacturing and business plans for the factory. In May 2008, Robert Bosch Vietnam received the investment certificate to develop a factory manufacturing push-belts for continuously variable transmission (CVT) in automobiles with an investment capital of 52 million ($62 million), which was increased to 100 million ($112 million) one year later. Then, the factory was expanded to manufacture spare car parts.

Robert Bosch Vietnams products are exported to Japan and are present in the worlds leading automobile brands.

Hue played an important role in developing Robert Bosch Vietnam from a representative office in Ho Chi Minh City to one of the largest European-invested firms in Vietnam with more than 3,300 associates to date. The company now has established activities in four fields, including research and development (R&D), manufacturing, sales, and services.

Thus, Hue is considered one of the most knowledgeable people in international-standard automobiles manufacturing in the country.

Hue said that his devotion to Robert Bosch Vietnam is important, however, so is developing Vietnam, thus, he announced on his private page that he believes joining Vinfast will be the exciting next step in continuing to pursue his dream of transforming Vietnam into a dominant technology hub in the ASEAN bloc.
A study led by Ruth Etzioni of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, concluded that screening men over age 55 can significantly reduce the risk for prostate cancer death.
Keith Schiller, deputy assistant to the president and director of Oval Office operations, talks to President Donald Trump during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on June 12.
The Central Intelligence Agency seal is seen on the floor during at the CIA headquarters in Langley, Va.
Hobbies and Work  How to Make Time for the Things We Love

As technology advances, our minds grow increasingly complicated. With task after task being added to an already long to-do list, making time for things like hobbies seems nearly impossible. How many of us long to make time for a hobby or project, but feel too busy dealing with daily demands?
Photo-Illustration: Maya Robinson/Vulture and Photos by Getty Images

In May of this year Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankees Despacito became the first Spanish-language hit to crack the No. 1 spot on the U.S. charts in some 20 years. By late July, it was the most streamed song of all time. Leaving aside the profound question of whether this pop-chart diversity could somehow be a counterweight to an emboldened nativist movement afoot in the streets, it has definitely been a shot in the arm for reggaeton, the Latin Caribbeans particular take on dancehall reggae. Mostly centered in Puerto Rico (and New York) the reggaeton sound has, for the most part, been bubbling along off the radar of pop culture since the last time Daddy Yankee cracked the charts circa 2005. What sort of side effects the shot will have remain to be seen but, if nothing else, lets take the ubiquity of Despacito as a good excuse for a brief history lesson of the sound and its essential tunes, not to mention the different dance cultures that have fed it, from Panama to Jamaica to, um, Bollywood.

Nando Boom, Ellos Benia a.k.a. Dem Bow (1989)

Before there was reggaeton, there was reggae en Espanol  a wave of Panamanian records that, as the name implies, mainly translated Jamaican boom tunes directly into Spanish to create local hits. Though Panama has its own long tradition of Afro-diasporic dance music, the love for reggae is a relic of the massive labor force that migrated from Jamaica and other islands circa 1903 to construct the Panama Canal. One of these cover version/translations  of Shabba Ranks homophobic/anti-colonialist Dem Bow  is so foundational that throughout the Latin Caribbean dembow has become the accepted name of the marching-tempo dancehall rhythm that anchors the genre. Recorded in Long Islands HC&F studios, Nando Boom (b. Fernando Brown) and his Jamaican-born producer Phillip Smart reverse engineered Steely & Clevies original beat for Shabba into a minimal, timbales-heavy version of the dancehall track. The resulting composition Ellos Benia is best described as prehistoric reggaeton.

El General, Te Ves Buena (1990)

If any artist besides El General can claim to be the godfather of reggaeton, its his fellow Panamanian El General, born Edgardo Franco. Franco was the most prolific and original MC of reggae en Espanol in the late 80s and early 90s. Teves Buena (You Look Good)  an improvised lyric over a Jamaican riddim created by Steelie & Clevie  was one of his biggest hits, and more or less established the template for reggaeton as an original art form (See also Pu Tun Tun).

El General, Buduff Kun-Kun (1989)

A much more modest hit for El General, the untranslatable Buduff Kun-Kun is nevertheless a prime early example of how Panamanian dancehall could cease to be simply reggae en Espanol and become its own thing. New Yorkbased Panamanian-American producer Michael Ellis created the spare rhythm track from an echoey synthesized horn loop that more naturally suggests an early 90s Nuyorican house track, but chopped up into a reggae pattern. Hip-hop and house were in fact secret ingredients of the reggaeton sound even before it had a name, a fusion that happened in New York as much as Panama or Puerto Rico (and in fact, another of El Generals biggest hits is the house-tempo Boriqua Anthem  the official unofficial anthem of New Yorks Puerto Rican Day Parade).

Tego Calderon, Pa Que Retozen (2002)

Spanish reggae was arguably introduced to the island of Puerto Rico by Ellis and the stable of Panamanian artists he worked with, who toured throughout Latin America. But reggaeton proper was really created by mixtape DJs like DJ Playero, DJ Negro, and DJ Nelson who chopped up a handful of reggae riddims including Dem Bow and Fever Pitch into their own homemade party breaks. Although he was not the first vocalist to rap over these beats, Tego Calderon was among the most lyrical and therefore most widely embraced in New York and beyond. With its more complex couplets and carnivalesque synths, Pa Que Retozen perfectly illustrates how translating the essence of those mixtape beats into original recordings brought in elements of cumbia, bomba y plena, salsa, and merengue that further transformed reggaeton. (See also Dominicana.)

Ivy Queen, Yo Quiero Bailar (2002)

The rare example of a Puerto Rican track that abandons the original dembow template borrowed from reggae circa 1989 for a newer dancehall feel, Yo Quiero Bailar incorporates large segments of Jeremy Hardings 2001 Liquid riddim (which also backed Elephant Mans Log On and Sean Paul & Ceciles Can You Do the Wuk) into its dembow, notably on the harpsichord-laced intro. It was Ivy Queens lyrical prowess, however, aided by her tough, throaty, androgynous vocal tone that made the track a standout both on New York radio and in the Caribbean.

Lorna, Papi Chulo (2003)

A last gasp of sorts for the Panamanian wave, Papi Chulo was also a crossover dancefloor hit (especially in Europe) which shaped the direction of the emerging reggaeton sound in a faster, clubbier direction, with an accompany anything-goes, sampla-delic ethos. Exhibit A: the marriage of the dembow pattern to a hippie-chick bassline previously lifted from a Herbie Hancock record for Deee-Lites Groove Is in the Heart.

Daddy Yankee, Gasolina (2004)

Generally recognized as the King of Reggaeton, Yankee attained the throne not only via crossover success but through dues paid as well, making his rapping debut on a DJ Playero mixtape circa 1992. By the release of 2004s Gasolina he (and his producers DJ Nelson and Luny Tunes) had helped to craft a Puerto Rican sound that was anchored by reggae drums, but drew heavily from other Latin sounds, as exemplified by this mega-hits dramatic Matador-inspired intro and merengue double-time tempo. All these elements are assembled into a framework as beholden to the Dirty South as Panama or Jamaica, right down to its Say Yes to Drugs chorus (Gasolina being slang for cocaine). It was also the biggest worldwide hit imaginable for a reggaeton track  that is, until Yankee teamed up with Luis Fonsi for Despacito more than a decade later.

N.O.R.E. f. Nina Sky, Oye Mi Canto (2004)

Although both Tego and Daddy Yankee had collaborated with New York rappers like Fat Joe and Nas, N.O.R.E. (formerly of the Queens duo Capone n Noriega) was the first New Yorkbred artist to openly embrace the reggaeton explosion as part of his signature sound. Combining the new beat from Puerto Rico with his own gritty rap style and an R&B hook from fellow New Yorkers Nina Sky, the more accessible bilingual lyrics of Oye Mi Canto helped push it to No. 12 on the U.S. charts, a peak for reggaeton. To his credit N.O.R.E. promptly recruited both Tego and Yankee to contribute guest verses on a remix of the track, and took them along for the crossover ride.

Don Omar, Dile a.k.a. Otra Noche (2005)

Along with Yankee and Tego, Don Omar can be credited for solidifying the sound of the mid-2000s golden age of reggaeton. With a more melodic style than either of those contemporaries (who started out as Spanish language rappers more than reggae artists) Don Omar paralleled their use of slower dembow beats with other elements (for instance the distinctive segunda guitar pattern of the intro, borrowed straight from Dominican bachata) but added a soaring call-and-response melody that guaranteed Dile would inspire revelers to sing along with the repeated phrase Otra otra  otra /  Otra nochayyyy from 2005 till infinity.

Daddy Yankee, Mirame (2005)

Coming on the heels of Gasolina and its worldwide success, Mirame represented a departure for Daddy Yankee and a rehearsal of his versatility. It was also the signpost for a fresh source of inspiration for the entire genre  a fascination with South Asian and Middle Eastern sounds. The opening melodic hook, with its Hindi lyric, is lifted more or less wholesale from Eli Re Eli, a song from the 2001 Bollywood film Yaadein. Sung by producer Luny Tunes multilingual sister Deevani, the success of the fusion paved the way for a remix deal between Yankees label Machete Music and U.K.-based Bhangra crew Tigerstyle and ushered in one of reggaetons most interesting phases.

Wisin y Yandel, Rakata (2006)

With crossover buzz in full effect, its not surprising that some in the reggaeton scene began to look inward in the mid-2000s, stripping away outside influences for a rawer, tougher attack. Rakata, with its stark, tightly compressed drum track and the shouted staccato of its chorus, was exactly what the sound needed in 2006, signaling that the genre had developed to the point of sustaining both a hard core scene and experiments in crossover fusion.

Baby Ranks f. Notch, Verme (2007)

Though originally buried under Daddy Yankee hits on the 2005 compilation Mas Flow 2, Verme really didnt find its moment until the release of Notchs 2007 album Raised by the People. Born in the states to a father of both Jamaican and Afro-Cuban heritage, Notch represented something of a secret weapon in reggaetons mid-2000s explosion. Able to sing in fluent Spanish or patois (as on organic dancehall hits like Nuttin a Go So), he also brought a more versatile sense of flow and tempo to reggaeton hits like Hay Que Bueno. Verme added yet another level, transposing an atmospheric Afro-Latin hand drum into a faster ragga soca pattern to underscore a bilingual ballad that seems to foreshadow the more melodic afrobeats sound currently dominating many New York dancefloors.

Don Omar f. Lucenzo, Danza Kuduro (2010)

Another innovative moment powered by an influx of outside influence, Don Omars Danza Kuduro rode the same wave of Angolan Kuduro dance tracks that inspired Diplo, M.I.A., and Buraka Som Sistema circa 20078. Despite the title, however, the tracks uptempo, accordion-driven groove sounds more like Kuduros older French Antillean cousin Zouk than the raw drum machine snares and over-modulated bass of the Luandan Kuduro craze. Transposing the somewhat nostalgic carnival feel with an Afro-Latin club vocal, Omar took more than a note or two from Wyclef and Pitbulls success in distilling world sounds into radio crossover hits.

Doble T & El Crok, Pepe (2011)

Even as the sound of Puerto Rico was exploding, another nascent scene was gearing up to do to reggaeton what it had done to the original Panamanian sound  take it and run with it. DJs and producers in the Dominican Republic also latched onto the dembow beat, treating those foundational 1990 reggae rhythms more the way that Baltimore Club does the Think break: speeding it up, stripping it down, and repeating it endlessly as a bed for club-friendly call-and-response shouts. Dominican dembow, as the variant is known, was born. Doble T & El Croks huge 2011 club anthem Pepe is as strong an exemplar of the subgenre as you could ask for, but Prendelo by El Shick or Yo Soy Jevito by El Mayor Classico are also standard bearers of this faster, dirtier dembow sound.

Ceky Viciny, Klok Con Klok (2017)

Even as Despacito has conquered airwaves (well, airstreams) with its, ahem, slower tempo and romantic melodic conceits  a sort of self-conscious backlash to the faster dembow trend  reggaeton has continued to change in a pace and trajectory set by Dominican dembow (although Cubaton also has its place). A faster, grimier rap style has evolved to match the faster tracks, as exemplified by Ceky Vicinys 2017 anthem Klok Con Klok. Likewise a more self-conscious interpolation of club and ghetto house synths, basslines and snare claps augment what is still essentially a stuttery dancehall reggae beat. Its too soon to say where reggaeton will go from here, but if the current underground iteration of dembow impacts the mainstream the way its predecessors did, we may look back on the Despacito phenomenon as more of a throwback than a milestone.
Photo: TriStar Pictures

As summer turns to fall, bombastic blockbusters are giving way to a barrage of horror-movie legacy properties. Leatherface and Jigsaw will arrive in October, and this Friday, theres It, the second screen adaptation of Stephen Kings classic novel about a group of friends tormented by a malevolent force inhabiting their hometown of Derry, Maine. But there are so many try-hard reboots and hollow sequels in horror that it can be hard to remember that some legacy properties can (and should) be properly dusted off. In that spirit, Vulture has compiled a list of scary-movie remakes that are truly worth your time: thrill rides that either improved upon their source material, matched wits with the classics that came before them, or, in a few cases, nobly committed to turning bad first movies into highly entertaining second efforts. From alien parasites lurking in Antarctic research facilities to girls getting picked off on sorority row, here are the horror remakes that are definitely worth your time.

The Crazies (2010)

Anyone whos seen even one episode of Justified knows that Timothy Olyphant was born to play a small-town lawman. And just before he put on the signature Raylan Givens hat in 2010, he was local sheriff David Dutten of Ogden Marsh, Iowa, a small town on the brink of oblivion after the inhabitants contract a virus through the water supply that turns them into savage killers. The 1973 version of Crazies is a just-okay movie from legendary director George A. Romero, but the 2010 take is a perfectly gory white-knuckler thats got Olyphants likability as an X-factor that raises its game. Romero executive-produced this updated take on his work, and it did right by his legacy.

The Thing (1982)

While Howard Hawkss 1951 film The Thing From Another World is a great movie, John Carpenters 1982 remake is arguably the definitive adaptation of John W. Campbell Jr.s novella, Who Goes There? Kurt Russell stars as R.J. MacReady, a helicopter pilot at an Antarctic research station thats about to be laid to waste by an extraterrestrial parasite that infiltrates host bodies and imitates their traits. The slowly building paranoia that turns the Antarctic group against one another still holds up, and the groundbreaking VFX continue to provoke a sort of visceral terror.

The Fly (1986)

How do you top one of the great science-fiction horror films of all time, especially one starring the incomparable Vincent Price? You tap David Cronenberg to direct your remake and cast the just-as-incomparable Jeff Goldblum. The 1986 Fly focuses on a brilliant scientist who slowly morphs into a man-fly hybrid after a teleportation experiment goes terribly awry, and it showcases one of the most truly disturbing feats of practical effects in all of movie history. That part is no surprise, considering Cronenberg is the undisputed king of gruesome screen transformations (see: Videodrome, Scanners, Naked Lunch, The Brood, and so on), but the emotional weight that Goldblum and his co-star Geena Davis bring to the relationship between Seth Brundle and Veronica Quaife sets the physical horror up to be so very devastating in the end. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Evil Dead (2013)

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If this remake of The Evil Dead had tried to recapture the campy tone of the beloved original, theres a good chance it would have fallen flat. Instead, Uruguayan director Fede Alvarez pumped the concept full of steroids and turned it into a bloody, outright horror film. In the Sam Raimi original from 1981, a group of friends set out for a happy-go-lucky weekend in a secluded cabin, where Ash (Bruce Campbell) accidentally summons the dead by reading from the dreaded Necronomicon. In the reboot, a group of friends are gathered to help Mia (Jane Levy) kick her heroin habit once and for all  but that same book of the dead is still sitting around, just waiting to be discovered by the wrong person. This movie isnt silly  its dark and grotesque  but Alvarez makes sure its still one hell of an aggressive good time.

I Spit on Your Grave (2010)

Rape-revenge movies are largely a relic of horrors exploitation era. Movies like Ms. 45, Act of Vengeance, and the original I Spit on Your Grave from 1978 were a kind of dirty power grab for women, a cinematic fuck you for the constant persecution they endured in genre films and in real life, too. No matter the decade, though, I Spit on Your Grave is a hard movie to get through, as it follows a woman who is repeatedly raped by a group of disgusting townies, prompting her to seek backwoods justice. The 2010 remake serves up a modern amount of blood-lusting revenge for its heroine  and her proxies in the audience  to get righteously worked up about, if youre into that sort of thing.

Halloween (2007)

There are eight movies in the original Halloween universe, starting with John Carpenters classic first film in 1978 and ending with Halloween: Resurrection in 2002. Instead of trying to elbow in and make number nine, director Rob Zombie chose instead to start from scratch. He reinvented the origin story of Michael Myers with his signature trash-horror style, but without taking it into full blown House of 1,000 Corpses territory. Everything in this reboot is a little more intense, a little more uncomfortable, and a lot more metal, as we get a closer look at Michaels time in psychiatric care as well as his murderously arrested development. Its also got Malcolm McDowell, which should tip you off to exactly how fucked up this movie is going to be.

The Ring (2002)

This Gore Verbinski remake of the 1998 Japanese classic may just be the scariest PG-13 movie of all time. Naomi Watts stars as a Seattle journalist whose niece dies after watching a mysterious tape. After she and her son both watch the same tape, Wattss character has one week to find out what happened to the creepy little girl from the home movie  and how to keep herself and her son from falling victim to her curse. This stylish and disturbing winner may have opened the floodgates for a wave of lesser American attempts at bringing J-horror home (The Grudge, Dark Water, Pulse, etc.), but The Ring lives on as a triumphant adaptation.

Fright Night (2011)

Has there ever been a vampire with a less-intimidating name than Jerry Dandridge? Both the original movie from 1985 and the 2011 remake focus on a teenage boy who discovers that his sexy, charismatic neighbor Jerry is actually a demon bloodsucker that he must kill if he wants to protect his neighborhood and his family. The strength of the newer version is its star, Anton Yelchin, whose too-short life and career were defined by quirky roles that ascended thanks to his odd, undeniable charm. Colin Farrell is excellent as an update for Chris Sarandons original Jerry, and the supporting cast is rounded out with Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Imogen Poots, David Tennant, and Toni Collette.

Piranha 3D (2010)

Joe Dante of Gremlins fame directed the 1978 version of this movie, in which flesh-eating piranhas are released into the rivers of a popular summer-vacation destination. Alexandre Aja, the mad mind behind New French Extremity exhibit A, High Tension, directed this gonzo horror comedy that follows the same premise, except in an Arizona lake town right before spring break. It stars Elisabeth Shue, Adam Scott, Ving Rhames, Jessica Szohr, Christopher Lloyd, Richard Dreyfuss, Dina Meyer, Eli Roth, and Jerry OConnell as a Girls Gone Wildstyle pornographer. Piranha 3D is totally ridiculous and totally fun.

Sorority Row (2009)

Most of the movies on this list had to accomplish the tall task of meeting or exceeding the quality of an excellent original film. Sorority Row, on the other hand, is a modernized take on one of the worst slashers youre likely to see. 1983s The House on Sorority Row is classic terrible horror, so low-budget that a boom mic drops into the frame of a shot near the beginning. And even though Sorority Row isnt great, it is a truly great time, the best of the aughts-era remake fever that brought forth stylized, sexy versions of crucial films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Black Christmas, and Nightmare on Elm Street. Its got one of those ridiculous ensemble casts that feels like names were pulled from a bin marked Trending!: Jamie Chung, Audrina Patridge, and Rumer Willis play sorority sisters starring, inexplicably, alongside a shotgun-toting Carrie Fisher, who plays the acerbic house mother. There is no greater good in Sorority Row, but there is a girl with the nickname Chugs and a foam party.

Let Me In (2009)

Based on the Swedish movie Let the Right One In from 2008, Let Me In could have easily become of those American remakes that just didnt get the original tone and traded in Scandinavian restraint for homegrown gratuitous violence. But it didnt  instead, it became an early preview of the coming art-house horror renaissance were experiencing today. Before taking over the revived Planet of the Apes franchise or assuming the controls of the next Batman, director Matt Reeves delivered this quiet, modern vampire tale that doubles as an adolescent love story. Its tender, tense, and a fantastic update to the deeply entrenched vampire narrative thats been around longer than horror movies themselves.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

The original Body Snatchers came out in 1956, and it remains one of the great American horror films this day. In an incredibly impressive feat, the same can be said for the 1978 remake starring Donald Sutherland as a San Francisco man witnessing the takeover of humanity by an alien race in need of a new home planet to colonize. The performances are outstanding. The practical effects are chilling. And that final shot featuring Sutherland with his finger pointing and his mouth agape is iconic.

Quarantine (2008)

The Spanish horror film [REC] is a found-footage zombie movie from 2007 that spawned three sequels and this American remake. And even though the Stateside version didnt kick off its own franchise, this tight, terrifying tale of an outbreak contained within an apartment building is one hell of a stressful good time. Quarantine accomplishes exactly what a great found-footage movie should: It makes you forget what youre watching is fake, and the frenetic, panicked pace is able to sustain an awful kind of tension throughout the duration of the film. When youre under quarantine, no one is coming to save you.

We Are What We Are (2013)

The original Mexican version of this movie, 2010s Somos lo que hay, is good. The 2013 American remake is better. The movie revolves around a strange family living on the outskirts of a small town; after the death of the mother, Emma, her two daughters must step up and help their father carry out a dark family ritual thats persisted through generations. To say more would ruin the surprise, but this dark American gothic is like The Witch in its presentation of the family versus the self, of tradition versus autonomy, all playing out on a rural homestead. Bill Sage is an ominous, commanding presence as the Parker patriarch Frank, and Julia Garner and Ambyr Childers beguile as his fair-haired daughters who are coming into maturity just as they must decide whether to walk the path of their ancestors, or to set out on their own. Brace yourself for a truly special final scene.

Silent House (2011)

This remake of the 2010 Uruguayan film La casa muda did not get a great reception when it debuted, and that is, frankly, an injustice. Elizabeth Olsen stars in this incredibly claustrophobic haunted-house thriller about a young girl named Sarah whos fixing up an old house with her father and uncle. After a series of strange sounds prompts Olsens character to try and flee, she finds she has been fully trapped inside the house, with the doors all locked and windows boarded up. As Sarah works her way through the house trying to evade capture by an unknown assailant, she experiences time jumps, witnessing past events in the house playing out before her. The head-swivel camera movement keeps you constantly terrified about what lies outside the frame, and the collapsing timelines lead Sarah to a terrible revelation.

The Amityville Horror (2005)

Another one from the Its the 2000s, so lets reboot all the classics! phase, The Amityville Horror is a respectable remake of the famous original from 1979. It tells the story of the Lutz family, a husband, wife, and daughter who move into a grand home in the woods where a man once murdered his entire family. The trauma of that heinous crime has infected the home in Amityville, and as the past surfaces, the new inhabitants are tormented. Like we said before, the years of music-video horror were great for putting attractive people in extreme duress, but Amityville became the example nonpareil, with star Ryan Reynolds showing off his iconic shirtless in pajama pants look. The movie mostly came and went, but its possible that naked torso Reynolds chopping wood and wearing those barely hanging on PJ bottoms launched his career as we know it today.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920)

The classic tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was remade a handful of times at the start of the 20th century, but well refer you to the 1920 version of the movie starring John Barrymore as Dr. Henry Jekyll. The silent film was groundbreaking in its presentation of Jekylls transformation from the good doctor to the fiendish Mr. Hyde, utilizing minimal makeup and almost no effects, relying instead on Barrymores ability to contort his face to properly monstrous effect. It was a shock for cinema fans of the day, and one of the first truly great American horror films.
David Lynch. Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

All of David Lynchs projects are disturbing to varying degrees  but in real life, tales about the director are more quirky than they are unsettling. Did you know about his days as an amateur weatherman? Or how about the 20 cups of instant coffee he would drink daily? What a guy! If youre looking for some postTwin Peaks: The Return reading, look no further than this collection of silly David Lynch stories.

He loves Mad Men so much, he refuses to call the actors by their real names.

Back when the AMC drama was still on TV, Lynch had the opportunity to meet Peggy Olsen and Don Draper (or, Elisabeth Moss and Jon Hamm) at a party. Theyre great characters and whoever cast that show did a sensational job. Its great writing, great atmosphere, he said, refusing to acknowledge Moss and Hamm as separate entities. Thats who they are to me. I called Peggy, Peggy. Naturally, the duo didnt mind, according to Lynch: No, not a bit. I met them in Cologne, Germany, and my wife and I had drinks with Peggy in Paris. A few years later, Moss relayed her side of the story during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! From the very beginning of the drinks, he called us by our character names, Don and Peggy. It kept going and we went with it, she explained. Then he emailed me afterwards and he wrote Dear Peggy and finished it with Give my love to Don.

He used a cow to campaign for Laura Derns Inland Empire Oscar nomination.

While it sadly proved to be unsuccessful, Lynch used an unconventional method to put Dern in the awards-season spotlight for Inland Empire: He sat at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea in Los Angeles for an entire day, next to a live cow and a large poster of Dern. You know, there are a bunch of Academy members and all sorts of other awards activity going on out there. And people solve problems with money normally. Well, I dont have any money, he later told Wired. Honestly, Im out there with the cow, and meeting the greatest bunch of people. It was so beautiful, such a great day, out with Georgia the cow, beautiful piano music, meeting so many great people.

Photo: Chris Pizzello/REUTERS

He did the Ice Bucket Challenge  with iced coffee.

Ever the charitable fellow, Lynch accepted the ALS-fundraising challenge from both Laura Dern and Justin Theroux in the summer of 2014, in which he played Somewhere Over the Rainbow on a trumpet and got soaked with iced coffee and regular ice water. He nominated Vladimir Putin to do it next.

He was very, very sweet when he declined directorial duties for Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Before Cameron Crowe ultimately settled on Amy Heckerling to direct his seminal coming-of-age film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the screenwriter, intrigued by Lynchs work in The Elephant Man and Eraserhead, initially offered him the gig. Lynch hadnt a damn clue why this would be a good idea. He had a very wry smile on his face as I sat talking with him. He went and read it. We met again, Crowe recently explained. He was very, very sweet about it, but slightly perplexed we thought of him. He said this was a really nice story but Its not really the kind of thing that I do, but good luck. He got into the white VW bug and drove off.

He spent many years (unofficially) reporting on the weather.

If you were a lucky subscriber to Lynchs website in the mid- to late-2000s, you wouldve been privy to occasional weather reports he recorded from his home, where he marveled about the muted golden sunshine or the sub-white clouds encompassing Los Angeles on any given day. Its a shame he stopped, but hey, the Twin Peaks revival was calling.

He used to drink 20 cups of instant coffee a day.

The obsessive coffee consumer starting knocking back cups of Joe when he was a teenager, eventually reaching a point in adulthood where he would drink 20 large cups of instant coffee a day. (Hes since dialed it down to about seven.) In fact, the caffeinated bean is such an important part of Lynchs life that he was inspired to write all about it in a Huffington Post essay. Coffee became tied to what I called The Art Life. I loved to go to diners and drink coffee and try to catch ideas for the work. Coffee has always seemed to facilitate thinking and catching ideas. Not only that, but the flavor of coffee is beyond the beyond good, he wrote. Even bad coffee is better than no coffee at all.

He pissed Mattel off with a coffee commercial.

In 2011, Lynch began selling a legitimate  and apparently quite tasty  coffee line called David Lynch Signature Cup. He promoted the caffeinated beverage with a humorous video that showed a Barbie dolls head talking in the palm of his hand. As it turns out, Mattel didnt love seeing one of its products utter phrases like Is it organic? and Can I have some? The company kindly asked Lynch to remove the video from the posted outlets.

He loves eating quinoa so much, he created a surrealist video all about it.

So you, too, can experience the joys of quinoa. Quinoa is something that I like to have for dinner every chance I get, he explained before launching into a 20-minute tutorial. Watch the whole thing and youll even get his recipe!

He really felt the Bern.

While Lynch maintains an official Twitter account  he begins every tweet with Dear Twitter Friends  hes not an active user, mostly choosing to send out messages into the social-media sphere when he wants to raise awareness for his foundation or other charitable causes. But in 2016, he got so jazzed up about Bernie Sanders running for president, he sent out a slew of tweets to excitedly voice his support. As he perhaps puts it best here: YAY! BERNIE SANDERS FOR PRESIDENT!!!

Dear Twtter Friends,

YAY! BERNIE SANDERS FOR PRESIDENT!!!  David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) March 29, 2016

California for Bernie !!! Please !!! Bernie is for the people !!!  David Lynch (@DAVID_LYNCH) June 3, 2016

He is very good at text messaging.

Lynchs sense of humor perhaps best comes across in a texting exchange with his longtime friend Naomi Watts about an afternoon meeting, which soon turns into a fake narrative about Twin Peaks: The Returns Jones family. Im Janey-E and I will come when I want to!!! she texts Lynch. Of course, he responds. Jeez what was I thinking please dont be mad at me  should I go up with Dougie to say goodnight to Sonny Jim? Wattss cheeky insistence on bothering Lynch during his me time soon warrants a reprimand: Dear sweet Janey-E. Im trying to meditate now. Im sorry darling but this is sort of trying my patience  STOP IT BITCH!!!!
Kara Walker, Christs Entry into Journalism (detail), 2017.

James Baldwin once said that no true account really of black life can be held, can be contained, in the American vocabulary. Kara Walkers devastating new exhibition suggests that such an account might be given visibly. Or at least that Walker is coming close. Witness her mad Boschian American Babylon of race, irredeemable evil, barbarity, hatred, demons, white people self-cretinizing, lynchings, dominance, submission, rage, modern Black Power figures, shuffling black cleaning ladies, beneficent whites, Civil War soldiers, plantation owners drawn and quartered by rebellious slaves, pickaninnies and Sambos sexually servicing white masters or being castrated. Taken together, this show is as terrifyingly beautiful as Goyas masterpiece of Saturn devouring his children, a shadow of something as dark and mysterious as Melvilles Pequod.

It is not, and should not be, a surprise that Walker has achieved something this monstrously magnificent. Ive written on Walker since 1994, the year I was thunderstruck when I saw her student work at RISD  a drawing, rendered in chocolate, of a white child trying to wash the color off a black child. Immediately, I saw a coming avenging angel. Beginning with the cut-paper silhouette mural she exhibited at the Drawing Center that same year, which also focused on historical brutality and ugliness, Walker has been exactly that. And has also been attacked by established artists of color who said  and still say!  shed gone too far, making artworks they felt were a disservice to their political cause. Since then, shes only gotten better, braver, stronger, more skilled, fearless.

The name of her show is written in barker banter. (Walker is tremendous with language.) It reads, in part: Collectors of Fine Art will Flock to see the latest Kara Walker offerings, and what is she offering but the Finest Selection of artworks by an African-American Living Woman Artist this side of the Mississippi. It continues: Students of Color will eye her work suspiciously and exercise their free right to Culturally Annihilate her on social media. Parents will cover the eyes of innocent children  The Final President of the United States will visibly wince. Empires will fall  An accompanying artists statement, meanwhile, reads as a manifesto for many artists of color: I am tired, tired of standing up, being counted, tired of having a voice or worse being a role model. Tired, true, of being a featured member of my racial group and/or my gender niche. Its too much  my capacity to live in this Godforsaken country as a (proudly) raced and (urgently) gendered person is under threat by random groups of white (male) supremacist goons who flaunt a kind of patched together notion of race purity with flags and torches and impressive displays of perpetrator-as-victim sociopathy. It concludes:  in how many ways will the racists among our countrymen act out their Turner Diaries race war fantasy combination Nazi Germany and Antebellum South  states which, incidentally, lost the wars they started, and always will, precisely because there is no way those white racisms can survive the earth. Were optical geographers in Walkers grotesque phantasmagorical landscape of American racial dreams  a United Failed States of America. Walker is reclaiming her name, essentially saying, I am an artist  not a black artist  who is sick and tired of the long American night of racism and will now use my art as a weapon of mass destruction to attack it head-on.

In addition to a number of smaller paintings, the show contains two large poisonous masterpieces, The Pool Party of Sardanapalus (After Delacroix, Kienholz) and U.S.A. Idioms. These are done in a process new to Walker but so drop-dead obvious its extraordinary she didnt hit on it sooner (to solve problems that arise when compositions get large and cant be changed). It also stops her surfaces from dying a little. She deploys cutout images drawn in sumi ink onto giant white sheets of paper by blowing up her drawings, which allows her to move them around her giant compositions (rather than never being able to change a single part without affecting the whole). This points to whole new possibilities of scale, surface, and spatial organization, and even to the raising of drawing to the level of history painting and to Walkers doing with collage and drawing what she did so well with silhouette. Included in these two audacious works are images of slave children seeking rescue from a tree topped by a Confederate banner, slaves burying dead soldiers, and an urban gangster knifing a shirtless black man as a white man tries to restrain him. Finally, a black woman (Walker?) sticks a knife or pen into the bloated belly of a fat, hands-up, naked Donald Trump. Its extraordinary to see an artist responding so well to the incredible political storm blowing all around us. I am told that these giants have been done in the last few months.

Another work, however, rises above these two standouts. Along with Walkers gigantic 2014 sugarcoated sphinx Aunt Jemima, it is perhaps the greatest work about America made in the 21st century. The title of the painting is Christs Entry into Journalism. It should be installed permanently next to the Mets Washington Crossing the Delaware as a postCivil War/contemporary counterbalance. It is as big as a barge, an inchoate Sadean vision of almost 100 figures drawn in Walkers signature Brueghel-Daumier-Goya-Ensor way.

The work echoes James Ensors gigantic 1888 masterpiece Christs Entry into Brussels in 1889. In it, Walker depicts an uncentered mystic mountain of murder, pillage, carpetbaggers, lumpen golems, and historical figures including Trayvon Martins hoodie-clad head presented on a platter borne by a white lady (maybe an allegorical figure of Justice) surrounded by a Batman fleeing with a mummy-wrapped Uncle Benlike man while a black church lady begs for the boys body.

Elsewhere in the composition, a black man is clubbed by a white policeman in riot gear who videos it on his iPhone. Walker is out for blood. An explorer applies calipers to the naked ass of Sarah Baartman (17891815), who was taken into captivity in Africa, brought to Europe, and humiliated before throngs as the Hottentot Venus. A process-haired James Brown belts into a microphone, marchers with protest signs march, a naked Mandingo with an enormous penis performs cunnilingus on a screaming naked black woman as a white church lady strikes him with her umbrella. At the bottom right is Martin Luther King. Lest you think you are projecting identities onto these figures, near the top are two birdman figures or Klansmen. One has a thought balloon that reads OBVIOUSLY WERE CONTEMPORARY REFERENCES.

This brings us to the crescendo of this empire-destroying machine. At the bottom, a Black Pantherlike figure stands beside a Frederick Douglass look-alike. He gives the Black Power salute and holds aloft by the hair the severed head of Donald Trump. On its forehead is a penciled-in swastika. You just sense this brand was placed post-Charlottesville. Finally, at the top of this pile, a corpulent, double-hooded Klansman stands between the two birdmen. From beneath the legs of this KKK member, an impish personage lifts robes and sticks his tongue out at us while excreting. And there he is again, Donald Trump. Nearby, two swinging black girls perform trapeze from a branch with a lynched body hanging from it. The scene encapsulates Walkers lethal ability to mix the historical grotesque with carnivalesque madness in ways that horrify and accuse, sparing no oneand that keeps us forever afire in a volcanic vent of psychic perdition. It will be a crime if this work doesnt end up on permanent display in a prominent New York museum.

The most Astounding and Important Painting show is at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. through October 14.

*This article appears in the September 4, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
On Tuesday night, many late-night shows returned from hiatus and went straight back into the business of blasting President Trump. All of the politically hard-hitting comedians were particularly ready to admonish the Trump administrations decision to rescind DACA, the Obama policy that allowed young immigrants who came into the United States illegally as children to legally stay and work in America, the only country many of them have ever known. Seth Meyers used his signature Closer Look segment to hit home the idea that Trumps decision was unpopular even with other politicians within the Republican Party. Meyers quipped, GOP congressman Duncan Hunter summed up the core ideology of the modern GOP best when he said of Trump on Friday to a group of Republicans, Hes an asshole, but hes our asshole.

TONIGHT: Stephen returns from vacation just in time to chronicle the nightmare President Trump is creating for the country's Dreamers. #LSSC pic.twitter.com/3uIJOpvFBS  The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) September 6, 2017

Over on The Late Show, Stephen Colbert took aim at Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who made the policy announcement on Tuesday morning. You are right, Jeff, Colbert said. Deporting innocent children does not mean they are bad people. It means you are a bad person.

Jimmy Kimmel thought Trumps decision had to do with the 45th presidents feelings toward his predecessor. This is what Trump wants to do away with  mostly because President Obama is the one who ordered it, Kimmel said. It seems like his main agenda is just to undo everything Obama did. I hope he doesnt bring Bin Laden back to life.
Photo: Warner Bros

The Pennsylvania town of Lititz, just north of Lancaster, is having some fun with the imminent release of It. Some not-good Samaritans have apparently been tying floating red balloons onto sewer grates around the city, a nod to poor little Georgie Denbrough, who followed his paper boat into a storm drain and got snatched away by the now-infamous clown agent of Satan known as Pennywise. In response, the local police department posted a Facebook message saying they were removing the balloons because theyre freaking people out, and asked the pranksters to please refrain from doing any more creepy things:

A certain movie is coming to theaters in two days, and a local prankster took it upon themselves to promote the moviewe give points for creativity, however we want the local prankster to know that we were completely terrified as we removed these balloons from the grates and we respectfully request they do not do that again. If youre not sure what were talking about, search It and watch the preview, but we suggest watching the preview with a friend or coworker with all the lights on and the sound down low :D

Youll float too

The Pennsylvania State Police also recently warned citizens to be on the lookout for a resurgence in unsanctioned clown activity with the new movie on the way (wed take ominous red balloons over creepy clowns).

PA police department asks 'local prankster' to stop tying red 'It' balloons to sewer grates https://t.co/fKecOVrddZ via @WNEP pic.twitter.com/fPAGJo7eMJ  WNEP (@WNEP) September 6, 2017

Perhaps seizing on a slow day at the office, the LPD posted an update about the forensic investigation being carried out to find the clown responsible for tying the balloons up around Lititz. Fortunately, the station had a red wig on hand to properly outfit its detective.
Ive spent the end of the summer going through the old files, unvisited cardboard boxes and packing crates at the back of the cellar where things are placed for safe-keeping  or merely laid to rest without the dignity of being discarded.

Ive been busy recollecting my life, literally and figuratively.

The literalism of the word recollection has struck me as I find myself re-collecting, re-organizing and recovering sometimes forgotten pieces of my past, now that theres so much of it.

Lets say Im in the car listening to the radio and a song I never even liked (Nobody Does It Better from The Spy Who Loved Me) comes on. Suddenly, Im seeing the summer of 1977 again.

Its like accidentally clicking on a computer icon that causes the entire episode to unfold instantaneously, splashing into every corner and going full-screen.

Not only are there paperbacks, cassette tapes and cheap trinkets from 1977 that my 20-year-old self never would have imagined her 60-year-self examining with such interest, but the incidents and emotions conjured up by these somehow manage to surprise both of us.

Most odd is the telescoping of time: Ill be overwhelmed by my immediate recall of details from more than half a lifetime ago.

I remember the pattern on the sofa where we napped and studied, the texture of my favorite dark-green T-shirt and the taste of chocolate chip ice cream from the local place.

Embedded in such details, the smallest incidents are moments of the irrevocable, the initial forging of links and connections that would give gravity and beauty to the rest of my life.

You never know what will be the beginning of things until youre in the middle; its only in retrospect that you learn the importance of what started it all.

In the summer of 1977, I was at college taking three classes, which were required before studying abroad.

Initially upset because I couldnt stay at home earning money at a summer job, those months between sophomore and junior year was when I became a real student. I took a comparative literature course, an introduction to astronomy and a class on Greek and Roman mythology.

Those courses fit into each other like measuring spoons and, along with my own appetite for learning, provided the recipe for a real education.

I stared at constellations in the sharp, clear New Hampshire sky, understanding not only the provenance behind their names, but reciting poems they inspired.

1977 was also the summer of boyfriends.

Practicing a sort of emotional catch-and-release routine, I was far more interested in getting attention than in cultivating the sincere affections offered by earnest young men who could recite verse and recognize and explain the significance of Orions Belt.

Less than a month later, I would be the one caught and not released. London captured me, ensnared if not enslaved my imagination and changed everything I thought I knew about myself. That was 40 years ago, and yet those emotional lessons feel fresh as a wound even now.

My enchantment and enthrallment, my capitulation to a place, my falling in love with everything about England  including a boy in it  illuminated for me that Id never been in love before, despite all the star-gazing.

A different London boy, a friend, painted a portrait of me that year, which he exhibited as part of his final project at the Slade School of Fine Art.

It had been carefully wrapped and preserved, but I decided yesterday to hang the portrait in my office. Glancing at it as I write, it brings back the afternoon light, the noise from the street of buses grumbling past the window and Steeleye Spans All Around My Hat playing in the background.

Pictures of me no longer look much like the portrait of the girl in 1977, but Im still there from certain angles. My artist-friend caught the luminousness that 20-year-olds carry with them, I see it in my students, the way iridescent colors briefly flash in the edges of cut-glass mirrors.

As our own life portraits grow complex, as the backgrounds fill and grow in depth, we need to recollect our memories, being generous to those whom we were before we became ourselves.
The remnants of Hurricane Harvey continue to plague motorists at the gas pump, as the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded jumped 34 cents in Greater Waco during the past week, according to GasBuddy.com.

But GasBuddy petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan said he sees relief on the horizon despite a likely jump of another nickel this week.

I think the pace of the increases is slowing, DeHaan said. The wholesale price of gas is drifting back down as more refineries get back online. Thankfully, the track of Hurricane Irma does not take it anywhere near the energy infrastructure along the Gulf Coast.

The Motiva oil refinery in Port Arthur, the largest in the country based on output, closed late last week because of flooding. But DeHaan said company officials have announced it will ramp up to 40 percent of its 603,000-barrel daily refining capacity sometime this week.

We are beginning to see fewer gas stations with shortages. Panic is starting to subside, which is a good sign, AAA Texas spokesman Daniel Armbruster said.

Statewide, the average price of regular unleaded had risen to $2.53 per gallon by mid-afternoon Tuesday, up from $2.19 a week earlier, Armbruster said. Locally, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded stood at $2.48 Tuesday afternoon, up from $2.14 a week earlier.

The Star USA on North 19th Street and a Kwik Stop on Bellmead Drive were selling regular unleaded for $2.25 a gallon, the least expensive in Greater Waco, while a Valero-branded convenience store on Robinson Drive was charging $2.69 a gallon, among the highest in the area, according to GasBuddy.com, which polls more than 124 local gas stations.

To give you an idea of what Hurricane Harvey has done, the statewide average a month ago was $2.17 a gallon. A year ago, we were at $2.01 a gallon, Armbruster said. But an interesting fact is that Texas did not make our Top 10 list of states experiencing price increases.

Harvey has led to the biggest weekly increase in gas prices since Katrina hit in 2005, DeHaan wrote in a press release.
The El Chico Cafe on Wacos traffic circle has closed after more than 50 years of serving Tex-Mex food because of the planned widening of Interstate 35 and construction of a frontage road where the restaurant now stands.

We have been honored to serve Waco for more than five decades, Vice President of marketing Bill Watson wrote in an email. Our restaurant has closed to make way for the expansion of Interstate 35.

He asked residents to please dine with us in Temple but made no mention of a new El Chico in Waco. The Dallas-based chain did not return calls for additional comment.

The closure caught the attention of longtime customer Cathy Ward, 61, who said in an email she has been dining there since high school or maybe even before that.

They had such a wide variety of food to choose from, and it was always delicious. Ward wrote. Weve never had any problems with the food. I would love a plate of brisket tacos right now.

Local leaders to accept phased I-35 widening through Waco Local leaders still would like to widen and rebuild Interstate 35 through Waco in a single p

Ward said the number of diners appeared to remain steady at Wacos El Chico, which opened in 1963, about the time the growing chain was popularizing a television commercial with the words, Like Mama, Like Son, True Mexican, which showcased company founders, the Cuellar brothers.

Today, El Chico operates as one of several concepts under the Consolidated Restaurant Operations umbrella. It has 91 full-service locations, including 24 franchised restaurants, and operates in 17 states, the United Kingdom, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

Texas Department of Transportation spokeswoman Jodi Wheatley said the proposed expansion of I-35 from three to four lanes in both directions between North Loop 340 and South Loop 340 would clip the corner of the El Chico building if it remained standing.

Demolition of the restaurant will accommodate construction of a continuous frontage road near the traffic circle, Wheatley said.

We are acquiring 176 properties to secure right-of-way, a process that has been ongoing for about two years, she said.

The parking lot of Texas Roadhouse near El Chico will lose a handful of spaces because of construction, but the building will remain intact.

The project will not affect Magnolia Table, which is taking shape in the historic former Elite Cafe building.

The former Elite Cafe space should see no changes that would limit access, Wheatley said. LaSalle Avenue provides the main access, and that will not change. The addition of a frontage road to the north of the building should make it easy to enter and leave the site.

Elite Cafe will become Magnolia Table The historic Elite Cafe will become Magnolia Table under the ownership of Chip and Joanna Ga

Waco real estate agent Jim Peevey said he wonders about parking next to Magnolia Table, considering how big of a draw it likely will become.

Ive heard in meetings that officials with the city of Waco envision two- to three-hour waits for seating, Peevey said.

Kyle Citrano, managing partner of the Georges Restaurant on Hewitt Drive and president of the Waco Restaurant Association, said he regrets the loss of a local dining institution such as El Chico.

But if there is any category that can absorb such an occurrence, it is Tex-Mex, Citrano said. We have 70 to 80 Mexican restaurants in Greater Waco, including several chains that have arrived in the recent past, Chuys and On The Border, just to name a couple.

Citrano said Waco remains a competitive restaurant market.

Several other businesses along the path of I-35s widening either have been or will be affected.
BARABOOAs the nations highest court prepares to hear a case that found Wisconsins 2011 redistricting process to be unconstitutional, the Sauk County Board may weigh in on the issue.

Supervisor Peter Vedro of Baraboo has proposed a resolution that would encourage state lawmakers to create a nonpartisan procedure for redrawing political boundaries. The Monroe County Board of Supervisors passed a similar resolution by a 10-6 vote last month, and the La Crosse and Jackson count boards have also voted in favor of reform.

The Sauk County boards five-person Executive and Legislative Committee will consider the proposal during a meeting Tuesday morning. If the committee approves it, the resolution would then be considered by the full board later this month.

Vedro said partisan redistricting  such as the process used by Wisconsin lawmakers  is flawed, because it allows politicians to pick their voters, rather than the other way around.

So you get skewed results that are anything but democratic, Vedro said. And those have serious repercussions on how government is run. So its a critically important issue.

Vedro also is working with the local chapter of a national political movement spawned by supporters of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, and his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. The local group, part of Our Wisconsin Revolution, is seeking signatures in support of an advisory referendum on redistricting reform.
McLennan County commissioners accepted a gift of almost 190 acres of park land and the resignation of a department head Tuesday.

Power generator Luminant handed over ownership of 190 acres near Tradinghouse Lake that the county has leased since 1969 for $1 a year.

The county received a $264,970 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to improve the location, County Administrator Dustin Chapman said.

Negotiations have been underway for some time, and the county is happy Luminant decided to simply give the property to the county, said Herb Bristow, an attorney the county hired.

County Judge Scott Felton, who lives near Tradinghouse, said the property is a jewel for local recreational opportunities, with access to one of the best fishing and boating lakes in the county.

We dont take the gift lightly, Felton said. We appreciate it very much.

Luminant gives Tradinghouse park land to McLennan County Power generator Luminant is giving almost 190 acres of park land near Tradinghouse Lake to M

Tradinghouse Lake provided an important alternative to Lake Waco in recent years when flooding cut off access to Lake Waco for several months, Commissioner Ben Perry said.

Maintenance director

During Tuesdays meeting, commissioners also accepted a two-week notice from Herschel Miller, county building maintenance director. Millers last day will be Sept. 15.

Felton said Miller has accepted a new role at Texas State Technical College, where he started his career.

He was tickled to death to go back, Felton said. They made him a good offer and inspired him. He liked working at the county but he and his family thought that would be the best route for them.

Felton said he tried to convince Miller to stay on with the county.

County to revise policy after department head gives himself raise McLennan County leaders are looking to implement a new procedure to review payroll status fo

County leaders implemented a new procedure in June to review payroll status forms after Miller gave himself an unauthorized $14,000 raise that went uncorrected for months. Miller paid back the $5,784.21 he had already received in error by the time the it was discovered. Several county leaders at the time said they believed Miller made an honest mistake on a form.

Felton said while he is sure that situation was uncomfortable for Miller, the department head did not mention that incident in resigning.

Felton said he is not sure how long it will take to fill the role, but commissioners directed staff Tuesday to start advertising the opening.

An important position like that, the process where all the commissioners are involved in it, its hard to move very fast, Felton said.
Mildred Faye Hollifield

Nov. 4, 1939 - Aug. 31, 2017

Mildred Faye Buck Hollifield, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2017. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, September 9, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Boulevard, Waco, Texas. The family will receive friends at a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 8, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Mildred was born November 4, 1939, in Banner Elk of Avery County, North Carolina. She was a 1959 graduate of Cranberry High School in Elk Park, North Carolina. She attended Lees McRae's College from 1959 to 1961, and graduated St. Andrews Presbyterian College in 1963. She spent over 40 years as a high school and junior high school teacher. She resided in Copperas Cove, Texas, from 1974 to 2011, where she taught 7th grade English during most of her tenure. Mildred had spent the last six years as a resident of the Stilwell Retirement Residence in Waco, Texas, where she served as their librarian.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Vesper Buck, Sr., and Estella Amanda Caraway Buck; and sister, Lillian Bell (Buck) Gutzke.

She is survived by her son, Larry David Hollifield, Jr., and wife, Sheryl; grandson, Ryan; granddaughter, Kaitlyn, of Bastrop, Texas; her son, Kenneth Allen Hollifield; grandsons, Commerce, Gains, and Price, of Murphy, Texas; brother, Roy Vesper Buck, Jr., and his wife, Mary Ann, of Oak Ridge, North Carolina, and their children, John Clint Buck and wife, Jamie, and daughter, Lillian, Christopher Ray Buck, and Sarah Amanda Buck; and sister, Kathern Sue Buck Hollifield of DeRidder, Louisiana.

Mildred will be cremated following the services as part of her wishes. We will have a service in Avery County, North Carolina, during the Thanksgiving Holiday. The place and time will be announced. Her ashes will be spread among the trees that she so loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to support reforestation with the Arbor Day Foundation (https://shop.arborday.org/donate-general.aspx) or to the Stillwell Retirement Residence library. Books may also be donated to the library in large print format. Please contact Executive Director Joel Wright, 254-772-4644.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals executive directive signed by President Obama in 2012 has now been pulled by his duly elected successor. And quite expectedly, Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is leading the way in stirring up the masses about how wrong it is to not act in a bipartisan manner.

Well, excuse me, but the executive directive stopping removal of illegal aliens was not exactly conducted in bipartisan fashion. And Republicans hollered loudly about it.

President Trump is to be commended for engaging in a completely unconventional exercise in Washington, D.C. He is following through on his campaign promises. Many longtime politicos deem this quality dangerous to the ghost infrastructure in our nations capital. However, I was always told that if you make a promise, you better keep that promise.

Where the president has become dangerous is in the probability that his value as a leader has increased significantly. Perez sees lawlessness in President Trumps action Tuesday and this sentiment is now being echoed throughout immigrant communities nationwide. However, for many others across America the Trump administration is providing fresh ventilation as he lowers the swamp levels, just as promised. Draining a swamp, after all, will bring forth unpleasantness as the submerged garbage and carcasses become visible and a temporary stench is raised in the bright light of day.

To accuse Trump of lawlessness, as some critics now do, is tantamount to advocating real criminality. As Attorney General Jeff Sessions made clear in quoting George Washington University Professor Jonathan Turleys testimony before Congress, . . . President Obama was nullifying part of a law that he simply disagreed with . . . This is not an authority granted to the president under any circumstances. It violated the separation of powers our Framers instituted when they wrote the Constitution.

Perez and others claim President Trumps actions are contrary to the American way. He is being blamed for actions that will break up families and turn hundreds of thousands of children into criminals. But the real blame is more appropriately placed with parents (or other relatives) who brought the so-called Dreamers here when they entered our nation illegally. Suspension of enforcement of immigration statutes did not demonstrate a legal right of illegal aliens but, rather, denied the right of U.S. citizens to be safe and secure in their homes and persons.

Further, DACAs suspension of the rule of law could be viewed as only a start down a path of lawlessness by our government. The claim is that its more compassionate to disregard immigration laws because these Dreamers did not ask to be placed in this position and that scrapping DACA would create a hardship for them and their families by sending them to countries that have become alien to them. But where would this suspension of the law then stop? Would it become defensible to not prosecute a person who robs a bank to pay for medical treatment of a child? The bank robber, after all, might have a legitimate reason for stealing someone elses money.

Most people who claim that President Trump is violating the rule of law do not understand what the rule of law is. Rule is not a noun, it is a verb meaning that we are ruled by the law, not by person or persons. Ive heard it said that jury nullification was a key part of common law and was legally used during colonial times in response to the feeling that a law from an unfeeling king in England and a remote Parliament was wrong. But we are not colonies anymore. We expelled the crown. We opted for the law to rule over us and provide us with safety and security.

By rescinding DACA, our nation is on track to being ruled once again not by emotion or sentiment but by law, the dispassionate sort of justice necessary for safety and prosperity. True justice is blindfolded but not blind. Propriety determines our course and the rule of law drives us in the right direction.

So dont blame this president for the situation, blame those who broke the law and got away with continued criminal behavior. Abide by the law!
Tuesdays announcement by the Trump administration that it was rescinding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals executive policy has sparked outrage nationwide, much of it justifiable in terms of American values. Of all those swept up in the furor over immigration, few are more worthy of genuine sympathy and understanding than the Dreamers  those brought to our country illegally by parents or guardians and now Americans in every sense of the word except for the letter of the law. President Obama implemented this policy by executive order to give Congress time to decide the fate of this young population, reportedly some 800,000 strong.

For five long years now, Congress has instead passed the buck, all while complaining Obama did something unconstitutional.

Theres plenty of good reason to vent about President Trumps decision to now scrap DACA. For one thing, it brims with the hypocrisy and inconsistency that mark his seven chaotic months in office. For instance, if DACA is unconstitutional, as Attorney General Jeff Sessions claimed Tuesday, why then is the administration reassuring Dreamers that their DACA applications will continue to be processed? Its either constitutional or it isnt. And if rule of law is such a priority, how does the presidents action square with his Aug. 25 pardoning of former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio, whose use of racial profiling to harass Hispanics in Maricopa County continued even after a federal court told him to stop? Finally, as constitutional attorney Andy Pincus accurately noted in a teleconference with the press Tuesday, DACA rests on long-established executive-branch authority  both to defer removal and to grant work authorization  that has been invoked by prior administrations, Republican and Democratic, for over 50 years.

All that said, Trump has done one thing worthy of at least some praise: He has told a dysfunctional Republican Congress the life of this executive directive is now ticking away  and that if Congress really wants to save the concept behind DACA, then it should act now on immigration reform in toto or accept complicity in subsequent deportations. A new Politico poll suggests 76 percent of Americans, including 69 percent of Republicans, back legal status for the Dreamers.

This newspaper took some heat last winter when it defended Republican Congressman Bill Flores after he was vilified by alt-right media for his saying that, under Article I of the Constitution, Congress  and not President Trump  should craft laws, including those for immigration. We agree  and we happen to believe Flores has excellent ideas about the fate of Dreamers in America, including a path to U.S. citizenship under specific conditions. In his congressional tenure, Flores has impressed many colleagues with his leadership skills. Now is the time for him to actually lead on immigration. Yes, it will require political courage and no one will get everything he or she desires in the end. But if Flores and other GOP lawmakers are not up to this mighty challenge, then what are they doing in Washington? The irony is that President Trump may well force them into action and resolve.
ASHLAND  Two years after coming back to run the restaurant at Mahoney State Parks Peter Kiewit Lodge a second time, a vendor is terminating their contract with Nebraska Game and Parks.

Jim Swenson, parks director for Game and Parks, confirmed last week that Company Kitchen, formerly known as Treat America, is ending operations at the restaurant as of Sept. 30.

That means the state park service is looking for a new vendor.

We will get back into the process of soliciting for finding another vendor, said Swenson.

In the meantime, Game and Parks is looking for a temporary vendor to provide breakfast options for overnight guests to the park until the new permanent vendor is chosen.

We will rely on the services of surrounding restaurants and catering for noon and evening meals and catered functions, Swenson added.

Swenson said Company Kitchen/Treat America ended their contract because they were not reaching the expectations and goals they had set for themselves.

That was having an impact on both of us, Swenson said.

This came about even though the company hired a new chef in June and had implemented new menu items in an effort to improve operations.

It wasnt enough, Swenson said.

It can be difficult for companies to be successful in food service in general because of issues and challenges that are faced, including a lot of competition and difficulties finding good staff, Swenson said.

The current contract with Company Kitchen/Treat America began in 2015. It was the second time the company had attempted to run the restaurant at Mahoney State Park. Treat America was the first vendor awarded a contract after Game and Parks privatized the restaurant.

Treat America opened The Lodge Steakhouse, a fine dining restaurant, in December 2010. But after less than a year, the company asked to be let out of their contract, citing financial reasons.

Jeff and Emily Parker, owners of Parkers Smokehouse were awarded the bid to operate the restaurant in 2012, renaming the establishment Mahoney Grille. The Parkers opted not to renew their contract at the end of 2014.

Game and Parks opened the restaurant in 1991 and operated it until privatization was chosen to save the state money.

Swenson said Game and Parks would not able to take over restaurant operations again because their full-time staff positions at the restaurant were terminated or transferred to other duties.

We have no personal services budget to staff the full-time needs of food service, he said.

Despite the setback, Swenson is optimistic about the restaurants future.

Obviously this is a very disappointing situation for us given the expectations the public has when it comes to the parks need for food services, he said. We will do the best we can to recover and move forward in a positive way.
A Viroqua police officer was decorated after he resuscitated a deceased woman inside her home.

During the early morning hours of July 15, Officer Robert Raasch was on duty. Emergency dispatch alerted him a woman in Viroqua suffered a heart attack. When Raasch arrived at the residence, he began to take in the scene. A window was open and he saw a man standing inside his bedroom.

It was still dark in the pre-dawn hours. He was outside the home of Laura and David Tryggestad.

When I first pulled up, I could see a man in distress, Raasch told the Broadcaster. He saw through an open window into the bedroom where David Tryggestad was attempting to revive his wife, Raasch said. Raasch said he exited his squad car, grabbed an automated external defibrillator, and went inside the home.

Raasch said thats when he saw Laura Tryggestad on the bed. She didnt have a heartbeat and was not breathing, he said. Raasch moved her onto the floor and administered two shocks from the AED, which uses electrical stimulation to restore heart rhythm.

The AED worked. Laura Tryggestad was brought back to life.

It was definitely a feeling of relief, Raasch said. It was a good feeling to have her come back, obviously, and to have her husband right there.

In honor of Raaschs work, the Viroqua Police Department awarded him with medal. He was given the decoration  a small pin with a medical cross  earlier this month during a ceremony. In attendance were Laura and David Tryggestad and their daughter.

The reunion allowed Laura Tryggestad to thank Raasch, she told the Broadcaster. They hadnt seen each other since the day of her heart attack.

It was a bit emotional, Laura Tryggestad said. She said the two spoke briefly and posed for photographs. Were just very grateful.

Daron Jefson, Viroqua police chief, said the call that morning came into dispatch at 4:07 a.m., and within four minutes, Raasch was on the scene. Jefson said his officers quick response and actions saved a life. He described Raasch as calm and level-headed.

Jefson said it had been many years since a Viroqua officer earned the life-saving medal. All the citys squad cars contain a AED unit, which were donated by the Viroqua Lions Club, he said.

As for Raasch, seeing Laura Tryggestad with her husband and daughter was a powerful sight. To see her standing there with the rest of her family  I thought that was pretty special that shell be able to spend that extra time with them, Raasch said.

But Raasch said he was just doing his job.

I know that any of the guys on the department wouldve done the same thing, he said.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, every second is crucial for a heart-attack victim. The NHLBI reports that each minute after a sudden heart attack represents a 10-percent decrease in the likelihood to recover.
Household spending is growing faster than household income, and has been for five quarters; the longest unsupported boom in spending since before the global financial crisis.

The steady increase in spending, funded by a steady decline in saving, has propelled economic growth to 0.8 per cent in the June quarter and a better than budgeted than 1.9 per cent in 2016-17, a result Treasurer Scott Morrison said showed the "better times ahead" forecast in the budget were beginning to emerge.

Australia's household saving ratio fell to 4.6 per cent in June, down from 8.7 per cent when the Coalition took office in 2013. Mr Morrison defended the slide saving saying it was a sign of improving confidence.

"It's how people see things out over the next 12 months, two years and so on and how they see things moving," Mr Morrison said. "There's undoubtedly lots of volatility in the global economy but the global economic position, as we've been saying now since the beginning of the year, has been improving and that's a positive thing. It's not surprising that households, families, businesses will reflect that in a lot of their own decisions and the actions that they're taking in the economy."
Florida Gov. Rick Scott says to expect more evacuations across the state ahead of Hurricane Irma, the powerful Category 5 storm plowing through the Caribbean.

"If you're told to evacuate, get out quickly," Scott said Wednesday. "We can expect additional evacuations as this storm continues to come near our state."

Based on Irma's projected path, which includes Florida's heavily populated eastern coast, the enormous storm could create one of the largest mass evacuations in US history, CNN senior meteorologist Dave Hennen said. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties combined have about 6 million people.

Monroe County, home to the Florida Keys, has already ordered mandatory evacuations. Broward County, which includes Fort Lauderdale, issued a mandatory evacuation Wednesday for areas east of Federal Highway.

Other eastern Florida population centers could also see similar evacuations soon, depending on the path of the hurricane, which is expected to near Miami on Sunday.

But an evacuation of that scale could lead to miles-long gridlock, as happened with attempted mass evacuations during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Rita in 2005. When Hurricane Harvey began threatening southeast Texas about two weeks ago, Houston officials decided not to issue voluntary or mandatory evacuations, partly because of memories of those problems.

Gov. Scott said he was aware of the potential for extensive gridlock and advised residents who are told to evacuate to do so immediately.

"Evacuation orders are going to be given in a timely manner so people have time to evacuate," Scott said. "But if you wait, that's when the problems are going to happen."

Limited evacuation routes

One issue with a mass evacuation is that Florida relies on two primary highways that go north and south: I-95 along the east coast and I-75 further west. Those highways, as well as the Florida Turnpike, US-27 and other smaller roads that run north, will be "tremendously" clogged if the storm hits, Senator Bill Nelson of Florida said.

"If this monster comes right up the peninsula of Florida, you're gonna have a mass out-migration from the south to the north, and it's gonna clog the roads something tremendously," Nelson said. "Therefore, if you are going to evacuate, once the evacuation order is given, don't wait around."

Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said that evacuations in Monroe County and parts of Miami Beach were already putting strain on highways headed north.

Indeed, Florida Department of Transportation cameras already showed heavy traffic on I-75 near Tampa midday Wednesday.

Nowhere to hide

As Harvey bore down on Texas, residents there could flee north, east or west to escape the storm. In South Florida, however, they can only go north.

Hurricane Irma's cone of potential landfall currently includes the entire state of Florida, meaning that residents may not be able to flee to the state's Gulf coast to avoid its wrath.

Florida is relatively narrow. Fort Lauderdale on the east coast and Naples on the west coast are separated by just over 100 miles. Even in the central part of the state, only 130 miles separate Clearwater on the west coast from Melbourne on the east coast.

For comparison, tropical storm-force winds from Irma cover over 65,000 square miles -- about the size of the entire state.

"A storm of this size can have effects statewide, and everyone must be prepared," Gov. Scott said.

Hurricane Floyd's traffic jam

Major evacuations have created significant problems in the past when millions of residents took the roads at the same time.

Florida saw this in 1999 during Hurricane Floyd. The storm was headed toward Jacksonville, in the northeast corner of the state, and officials there ordered evacuations. The storm ultimately turned further north and made landfall in North Carolina.

In all, about 3 million people across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina attempted to evacuate, making it the largest evacuation effort in US history, according to a FEMA press release from 2000.

Many of those evacuees became stuck in gridlock in what FEMA charitably described as a "frustrating effort."

"They sought only to flee the hurricane's landfall. Instead, they created the largest, longest, and most incredibly snarled traffic jam ever known," FEMA wrote.

Sen. Nelson said that one lesson from that storm is that Florida officials should make entire interstates one-way to better accommodate the flood of evacuees.

"Back then they did not, and that's why people were stuck in traffic," he said. "They actually had to turn around and go back home because there was no egress out of the city."

Houston's non-evacuation

Mindful of past problems with mass evacuations, Houston officials last month told residents to hunker down in their homes until Hurricane Harvey passed. As the city flooded and residents became trapped in their waterlogged homes, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner defended his decision not to evacuate.

The alternative, he said, could have been worse.

"You literally cannot put 6.5 million people on the road," Turner said last week. "If you think the situation right now is bad, you give an order to evacuate, you are creating a nightmare."

Houston experienced that firsthand during Hurricane Rita in 2005, when officials issued mass evacuation orders.

During that evacuation, a bus carrying elderly evacuees caught fire and exploded, killing at least 24 people and jamming a major evacuation route. Others died during the evacuation due to heat exhaustion, according to the National Hurricane Center.

"You issue an evacuation order and put everyone on the highway," Turner added, "you are really asking for a major calamity."

Airlines adding flights

For Floridians who don't want to risk chaos on the highways, a flight out is another option.

Delta Air Lines said it has added flights out of Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Key West to Atlanta, its largest hub. The airline also is allowing passengers affected by Irma to rebook flights without paying a fee.

American Airlines and United Airlines also said they are waiving change fees for passengers whose travel plans are impacted by Irma.

However, American Airlines said it will wind down operations Friday afternoon at its Miami hub as well as other south Florida cities. Operations will be canceled throughout the weekend, the airline said.

CNN's Dave Hennen, Cheri Mossburg, Dakin Andone and Brandon Miller contributed to this report.
Cella White in the anti-gay marriage advert. Girls in dresses: Protect their modesty. Be objects. No wonder White wants out of that lark. Me too. Dresses should be banned at schools, no matter what your gender. You have to ask yourself why Cella White has such a horror of her son in a dress. The answer is this: dresses impose a set of behaviours that she doesn't think fit her idea of what a son should be. She wants sporty and free but I always wanted that for my daughters, too.

French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu applied the word illusio to explain how we all come to agree on stuff. I'm reading him for my PhD and I thought illusio was a good way to describe how we have built a common understanding of what gender is, which basically limits women and men. Our illusio of gender, as exemplified by dresses, is women must learn to be adorned. That their clothing is not fit for purpose but fit for objectification. And Amanda Mergler wants that to stop. Girls Uniform Agenda began when she realised she would have to move her kids from their very local school because her daughter loved shorts. While the school policy itself said girls could wear the shorts available to boys, girls had learned to police femininity even in year one. Her poor daughter was told she had to use the boys' toilet because she was wearing boys' shorts. "They wanted her to perform in ways that would limit her. She wanted to run and play and her dress would get in the way," she said. "Her brother was allowed to wear shorts and she wasn't. I refused to say to her because you are girl your brother can wear shorts to school but you can't." Her two children have now moved to a school where everyone can wear the same comfy cotton elastic-waisted shorts with the pull cord.

Mergler doesn't want to name the school in Queensland because she says there is no point in shaming individual institutions  plus it's everywhere. She says every week her new organisation is being contacted by more and more parents wanting to make change. The latest success is in Western Australia. Now Girls Uniform Agenda is Australia-wide and researching the sad truth about Australian schools. Public schools are much more likely to allow girls to wear pants. Private schools are a hotbed of frocks. Ascham School in Sydney's Edgecliff: shorts and pants are only available for sport. Same at Melbourne Girls Grammar, Brisbane Girls Grammar, St Peter's Collegiate Girls School in South Australia. Canberra Girls Grammar has just introduced pants, bless their neatly folded cotton socks. St Michael's Collegiate School in Hobart has optional pants for winter. They need it there. Canberra Girls Grammar principal Anne Coutts said, "Our decision to offer pants was led by students, parents and staff and in all cases the view was that choice was a good thing and we are glad to provide that." She's English and the schools there offer pants all the time and no-one has died. No-one even raises an eyebrow, she says. Strangely, when I called these schools, some responded in absolute horror that the uniform policy might come under public scrutiny. "We are a very private school," said one. Real hotbed of reproducing class and gender structures right there not wanting to be examined too closely. Girls at those schools: rise up! Demand the freedom to wear what's comfortable and suitable. Or tell the blokes on your governing councils to start wearing tunics to work and see how that feels.

I asked Peter McNeil, a fashion historian and author, to explain why the whole dress thing unleashes all these feelings. He says it's only been for the past 600 or so years that men have worn pants. "The irony is that when men began wearing pants, all the moralists complained about them. Bernardino de Siena said parents were pimping out their sons by putting them in trousers." And trousers provide free movement for all. Which brings me back to Cella White. I'm on board with her at least for pants. Vote yes for pants for girls and boys. And yes for same sex marriage. Thanks for putting me straight, Cella.
Dick Smith is launching an advertising campaign against ABC TV news and current affairs, which he says has warped the debate he has tried to spur over Australian population growth.

He claims both Labor and Liberal politicians have told him they agree that Australia needs to cut its immigration intake to avoid future social and environmental fracturing, but they say they cannot say so publicly because the ABC will label them racist.

"This is warping our democratic process, it is basically treasonous," the businessman and publisher told Fairfax Media.

He claims ABC television's news and current affairs has deliberately ignored his campaign over the issue. In recent weeks Mr Smith has spent $1 million in advertising promoting his campaign to have Australia adopt a policy that would slash immigration numbers to around 70,000 - around the levels of the Hawke and Keating era - in order to see population level off at around 30,000,000.
A government-controlled parliamentary committee has rejected tough new English language rules at the heart of Immigration Minister Peter Dutton's proposed citizenship crackdown, warning they could prevent migrants who went on to become valuable members of the community from settling in Australia.

In the report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday night, the Senate committee rejected several elements of the package, which already appeared doomed in its current form.

The proposal, which passed the lower house, would introduce a four-year waiting period for permanent residents before they can apply for citizenship, tough English language requirements and a test on "Australian values".

While the committee recommended the package be passed in the Senate  albeit with key measures wound back  the legislation looks set to fail, with the Nick Xenophon Team telling Fairfax Media it would block the bill as it stood.
End of the day for me. What happened?

the High Court will announce its decision on the same-sex marriage postal vote challenge tomorrow afternoon ;

will ; in a neat bit of timing, the announcement will come just after the beginning of question time ;

; today, the government picked a fight with energy giant AGL about the future of a NSW power station;

about the future of a NSW power station; this suits the government because it wants to talk about energy rather than, say, citizenship;

rather than, say, citizenship; Malcolm Turnbull said he had a "warm" conversation with Donald Trump about North Korea ;

said he had a about ; the pair agreed further sanctions could be necessary to prevent conflict on the Korean peninsula.

My thanks to Andrew Meares and Alex Ellinghausen for their super work. And thanks to Farrah Tomazin for her updates from the High Court.

You can follow me on Facebook.

Alex, Andrew and I will be back in the morning. We hope to see you then. Until then, go well.
Neighbours have been left reeling after gun shots were heard outside a Ballajura home late on Tuesday evening.

A neighbour is understood to have called police after hearing the shots outside a home on Northridge Drive at around 10.30pm.

9 News reporter Scott Cunningham said some neighbours had been too frightened to come out of their home. Credit:9 News Perth

After investigating, forensic police located seven bullets and found three had hit and damaged the front of the property.

One bullet is understood to have grazed the render of a brick wall at the home, and two others were found closer to the ground.
The state government has ordered an urgent review of the state's TAFE cyber security systems after hackers accessed the private details of 13,000 students at North Metropolitan TAFE.

Education minister Sue Ellery told Radio 6PR the breaches occurred on August 28 and September 5 when an unauthorised person gained access to the TAFE's IT system via remote access.

A cyber attack on one of Perth's TAFEs has exposed the state's poor cyber safety record.

The breaches come two months after the McGowan government announced a revised digital security policy aimed at addressing weaknesses in the security of public sector IT systems repeatedly identified by the state's Auditor General.

Ms Ellery said the hacker accessed staff and student details including names and addresses, some encrypted password files and internet protocol addresses.
Will WA households be hit hard in the hip pocket by the WA State Budget? Credit:Michel O'Sullivan Another hint there is going to be some "tough love" in the budget is the ubiquitous "drops" to the media have been rare, with the $120 million upgrade of the Ocean Reef boat harbour the only real "announcement" ahead of the budget. So how will the McGowan government go about "balancing the books"? Labor has hosed down any ideas of selling off state assets to reduce debt, which was the plan under the Liberal government. Premier Mark McGowan has repeatedly said his government would not introduce any new taxes or increase existing ones.

It would be crucified by the public and the state opposition if there was any hint of tax hikes especially with households paying close to $440 more a year after a range of increased fees and charges were announced in June. Executive Director of the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy John Phillimore said while it's hard to predict what measures the state government will use to rein in debt, he said expect a small number of revenue raising initiatives. "I expect there to be a combination of expenditure restraint (except for election promises)  including reorientation of Royalties for Regions spending ," he said. "But it won't want to take an axe to spending as the economy is not really strong enough to withstand that. "An increase in some mining royalties is more likely, and there is also the potential for a variant on the bank tax, given the Commonwealth and South Australia have already gone down this route."

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said in April there were plans to overhaul the Royalties for Regions program to give it a stronger focus on job creation. The program, which was first proposed by former Nationals WA leader Brendon Grylls, has invested more than $6 billion in the regions since 2008. Any meddling with Royalties for Regions would see the Nationals attack the McGowan government with both barrels. Labor has also flagged it is looking at a bank levy. Former Queensland Labor Premier Anna Bligh, who was appointed chief executive of the Australian Bankers' Association earlier this year, warned the WA the government a tax on banks would be dangerous for its economy.

"A move like this would significantly impact the West Australian economy at a time it needs support," she said in a statement in July. Labor has promised a staggering $5 billion in election commitments, including $2.5 billion for its pet rail project Metronet. But don't be surprised if only part of the funding for Metronet appears in the budget. And don't be shocked further down the track the finishing date for Labor's ambitious rail plan blows out beyond 2023. Professor Phillimore said Labor would find it difficult to squeeze in all its elections promises this time around.

"It is unlikely they will all necessarily be included in the 2017-18 financial year but I expect space will be found for election promises over the four year period," Professor Phillimore said. " A significant share of those promises are for capital items such as Metronet that won't impact in the first instance on the operational deficit." The government has also hinted at a $270 levy for people with investment properties in WA. The tax would be linked to water rates with properties with a gross rental value of $24,000 or more. Whatever red herrings pop up in Labor's first budget on Thursday, there is bound to be a lot of unhappy campers.
Copenhagen: Swedish journalist Kim Wall died when she was accidentally hit by a heavy hatch cover on board a home-made submarine, the Danish owner of the vessel who is accused of her killing testified in court on Tuesday.

Peter Madsen, who denies killing her, said he was holding the hatch for Wall as they sailed in the strait between Denmark and Sweden last month on the UC3 Nautilus submarine he had built.

With the vessel at the surface, he said he had crawled out through the hatch and was standing on top, while holding it open to let Wall follow him. At that moment, the submarine was rocked by a wave from another boat.

"I lose my foothold and the hatch shuts," he told the Copenhagen court, saying Wall was knocked to the floor. "There was a pool of blood where she had landed."
Geneva/Seoul: A top North Korean diplomat warned on Tuesday that his country is ready to send "more gift packages" to the United States as world powers struggled for a response to Pyongyang's latest nuclear weapons test.

Han Tae Song, ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, confirmed that North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), had successfully conducted its sixth and largest nuclear bomb test on Sunday.

"The recent self-defence measures by my country, DPRK, are a gift package addressed to none other than the US," Mr Han told a disarmament conference.

"The US will receive more 'gift packages' from my country as long as its relies on reckless provocations and futile attempts to put pressure on the DPRK," he added without elaborating.
Drive through a quaint renovated small village or town in Wisconsin and you are likely seeing a downtown renovated with Historic Tax Credits.

In my opinion, the Historic Tax Credit is the most successful rural and small town economic development program administered by Gov. Scott Walkers Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. As the Legislature considers venturing into the great unknown on high-tech manufacturing with checks from our taxpayers for 15 years, that same Republican majority is planning to cap the Historic Tax Credit program.

This cap is defended as needed as an austerity measure. But clearly these budget cuts are not needed elsewhere. The Republican compromise budget announced by Sen. Scott Fitzgerald earlier this summer caps total spending on the Historic Tax Credit at $20 million and limits the funding a project can receive at $5 million. These limits will have a significant impact on the programs success.

In 2014, 60 percent of the Historic Tax Credit projects renovated buildings that had been vacant for more than 20 years. The return on investment for taxpayer investments in the Historic Tax Credit has been proven to be 8 to 1. Capping the program will jeopardize projects that will revitalize our communities and provide a known payback to taxpayers. I have heard from local leaders from all over the state and the 27th Senate District asking to leave the program alone, so I know other Legislators have received contact as well.

I cannot figure out why Gov. Walker has continually tried to kill this program and why Republican legislators would consider allowing it to happen. Last year brought 38 projects into the Historic Tax Credit  projects all over Wisconsin, including La Crosse and Prairie du Chien. I know of projects in the works in the 27th District as well.

In the last three budgets the Historic Tax Credit destruction has been defeated, but it appears we are at the cusp of a victory for Gov. Walker limiting the Historic Tax Credit for communities all over Wisconsin in planning phases for redevelopment. I truly hope that the final budget will save the Historic Tax Credit again and deter those that wish to punish communities that are working to redevelop their downtowns.

Please contact members of the Legislature and ask them to support the Historic Tax Credit. The Legislative Hotline is (800) 362-9472 or you can email from the Legislative website: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/.
As part of the WCO-Norad Project on Customs Capacity Building in Nicaragua, a mission was held 14-18 August 2017 to review the country's Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Pilot Programme. The WCO-Norad Project has been providing capacity building and technical assistance in support of this programme since 2013, including the development of a stakeholder engagement strategy and AEO training and sensitization.

The WCO worked with senior staff of Nicaraguan Customs (DGA) and representatives from the private sector to review the Pilot AEO Programme. The result included recommendations for a way forward that will see a revised pilot implemented with 3-6 key exporting companies initially.

The outcomes of this mission were integrated into the initial diagnostic that was conducted under the framework of the Mercator Programme. The diagnostic will help place Nicaragua on track to implement its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The TFA itself contains important provisions to which the AEO Programme, supported by the WCO-Norad Customs Capacity Building Project, naturally contribute. As the WCO-Norad Project comes to an end this year, linking with Mercator Programme activities will help ensure sustainability of these changes.

The WCO-Norad Customs Capacity Building Project 2012-17 aims at delivering technical assistance to seven countries: Timor-Leste, Liberia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Tanzania and Vietnam. For more information, please contact the Project Manager, Ms. Andrea Hampton (Andrea.Hampton@wcoomd.org).
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Angelenos are used to driving past billboards advertising everything from Angelyne to thesanctity of celebrity marriage, but an inscrutable new ad campaign has commuters across the city flummoxed. Giant billboards reading "Netflix Is A Joke" have sprung up in L.A. and New York over the last few days, with people flocking to Twitter to speculate about what the signs mean.

Anyone know what's up with these @netflix is a joke ads up in Hell's Kitchen in NYC? pic.twitter.com/nm1k4LWW8S  The Laugh Button (@thelaughbutton) September 5, 2017

We hoped the "Netflix Is A Joke" signs might be the handiwork of a rival streaming service hoping to tear Netflix down, like the time talent agency WME elegantly owned its competitor CAA by putting up "CAAN'T" attack ads all over town. Sadly, it appears this one is an inside job; the billboards are part of a marketing campaign by Netflix itself, Variety reports. It remains unclear what, exactly, the campaign is advertising, though we would surmise that it might have something to do with Netflix's comedy programming. LAist reached out to Netflix for comment about the ad campaign, but did not immediately hear back.

Apparently, Netflix couldn't stand to sit idly by and let Hulu get all the guerilla-marketing attention with that real-life Handmaid's Tale stunt. A classic case of streaming-service sibling rivalry; no need to act out for attention, Netflix, we still love you, no matter how many U.S. subscribers you have.
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[Update: 9/6/17]

The public pools at Sylmar (Sylmar Pool), Tujunga (Verdugo Hills Pool) , and Pacoima (Ritchie Valens Poo) have gotten schedule extensions on Wednesday. They'll be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1p.m. to 5 p.m. through September 29.

We may have beaten one of the worst heat waves in recent memory, but that doesn't mean another one won't be in store for the future. As such, L.A. City Council voted on Tuesday to extend the schedules of the public pools at Pan Pacific Park and Griffith Park. While the pools were slated to close after the Labor Day weekend, they will now remain open on weekends through September 29, reports City News Service.

The pools at Pan Pacific Park and Griffith Park will be accessible from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. As noted at CNS, the cost is $3.50 for adults ages 18-64 and $1 for children under 17 or seniors 65 and older.

Was the recent high heat a main motivator in the council's Tuesday decision? "Most definitely," Estevan Montemayor, Councilman David Ryu's communications director, told LAist. An even more abbreviated answer: duh.

The council will also vote on Wednesday to extend the schedules of public pools in Hollywood, Sylmar, Tujunga and Pacoima.
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By WestKyStar & UT Martin Staff Sep. 05, 2017 | 07:35 PM | MARTIN, TN

Washington Monthlys 2017 college guide and rankings publication lists the University of Tennessee at Martin among the best bang for the buck schools in the southern United States.

UT Martin comes in at number eight on this annual list, up significantly from 17th in 2016. It is the top-ranked Tennessee school in this category, with Tennessee Wesleyan College being the only other in-state school to break the top 20.

Washington Monthly bases its best bang for the buck rankings on a series of criteria designed to help students of all income brackets obtain a marketable degree for a reasonable price. Evaluation categories include such items as student loan repayment rates, estimated post-graduation earning potential and percentage of first-generation college students selected for admission.

Washington Monthly rankings are released each September and focus on data gathered in the previous 12-month period.
AT THIS POINT, MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS.

PARDEE HOSPITAL UNC HEALTH CARE A PART OF THE ANNOUNCED "PARTNERSHIP"

UNC HEALTH CARE AND CAROLINAS HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

Local health care, and the county-owned Pardee Hospital, have gone through many changes in the last decade. Most physician are now hospital-employed, and there are health care alliances, affiliations, and "partnerships" all over the map among hospitals, physicians, universities, and other providers. Now, a proposed new "partnership" involving two of the largest hospital systems in North Carolina (of which Pardee Hospital will be a part) will likely create one of the largest health care systems in the country. Both systems are huge economic engines.

"A positive move for all of us."---Pardee CEO Jay Kirby

As the UNC Health Care system, which manages Hendersonvilles Pardee Hospital under a contract agreement with Henderson County which still owns the hospital, moves toward a partnership with Carolinas Health Care system...there are a lot of questions about how this will affect local health care and local patients and physicians,

First of all, as we have reported, this proposed partnership is not a full-fledged merger...at least for now, its only a partnership between the two very large health care systems. But partnerships can lead to mergers.,.and if that happens with these two health care systems, the merger will create one of the largest health care systems in the country, involving more than 50 hospitals and over 90,000 employees.

The Chapel Hill-based UNC Health Care system is part of the University of North Carolina, and relies of state money for funding. For that reason alone, the announced partnership will likely come before the N.C. General Assembly...possibly for review, scrutiny, changes, and probably even for final approval.

A key budget writer in the legislature, State Representative Chuck McGrady from Henderson County, told WHKP News last weekend that he knew only what has been reported in the media about the "partnrtship" and hell have to learn more before taking a position on the partnership.

McGrady did point out that clearly, health care systems are merging in advance of possible Obamacare repeal and reform and before any Medicaid reforms. He said hes sure to hear from Pardee Hospital and other hospitals on this issue. As part of the process, legislators like McGrady will also be hearing from lobbyists on both sides as the partnership issue moves forward and towsrd the General Assembly. And it is worth noting that former and powetful Henderson County state senator Tom Apodaca, now reportedly lobbying in Raleigh, represents the UNC Health Care system.

The bottom line is...at least right now, how the partnership will finally shape up depends on a number of factors, including whats done in the General Assembly.

The new partnership will reportedly have its own over-all board to answer to, so its not clear how accountable that board and the partnership will be to system-managed local hospitals like Pardee and to local patients and other local stakeholders like Henderson County which owns the brick ans morotar at Pardee and the ground on which it stands.

But the day the partnership was announced, Pardee CEO Jay Kirby made it clear that ...we (Pardee) are a local hospital and will retain our own local board. Kirby said, I know there will be questions and possibly even concerns. But in a statement to hospital employees, physicisns and to the public, he said I want to assure you that this will be a positive move for all of us.

The next step in this partnership process is apparently rounding up legislative support by both hospital systems.

But a lot of questions about this partnership are still hanging out there, including where home base will be for the new arrangement. UNC Health Care is based in the Chapel Hill area, while Carolinas Health Care is in Charlotte. The prospect of a health care "monopoly" is a legitimate concern, along with the co-mingling of state or public (UNC Health Care) with private (Carolinas Health Care) assets. And the possible loss of local accountability as a large system grows even larger is another big concern.

UNC Health Care has more information available at www.togetherinhealthcare.org.

By Larry Freeman, whkp.com.

09/05/17
The Minnesota Court of Appeals on Tuesday affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging teacher tenure.

Lead plaintiff Tiffini Forslund and other Minnesota parents sued the state and several school districts last year claiming that Minnesota statutes protect ineffective teachers and contribute to the states achievement gap between white students and students of color.

The plaintiffs challenged requirements that teachers be laid off in order of seniority when the district and the local union have not negotiated an alternate plan. They also challenged steps schools are required to follow before they can fire tenured teachers.

The suit was dismissed by Ramsey County District Court in October. The appeals court judge affirmed that decision saying the complaint is an issue for the Legislature, not the courts.

Appellate Judge Tracy Smith wrote that the plaintiffs did not identify a standard for what quality of teaching is constitutionally required, and that setting that standard is not the courts responsibility.

State and teacher union officials praised the decision.

Our states rigorous laws protect due process for teachers, Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius said in a statement. When followed, these laws provide school administrators and school boards with the authority to remove teachers.

These due process laws permit [teachers] to speak out for what their students will need this year, said Denise Specht, president of the Education Minnesota union, which was not a party to the suit.

Jesse Stewart, the attorney who represented the plaintiffs, called the decision disappointing and said plaintiffs may take the case to the Minnesota Supreme Court. That will be something that were discussing in the upcoming days and weeks, he said.

Since the lawsuit was originally filed several parts of the laws in question have changed.

A bill passed last session requires districts to negotiate local procedures for laying off teachers and removes the default that seniority be used in case of no local agreement.

The bill did not modify the process for granting tenure or firing tenured teachers.
The driver of a semitrailer was injured Monday afternoon in a one-vehicle accident in Caledonia Township.

Larry Lee Jones, 62, of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, was driving the 2017 Peterbilt semitrailer north on Hwy. 76 in Caledonia Township just before 12:30 p.m. Monday when he reached for a water bottle and veered right and off the road.
A Sauk County committee put its stamp of approval Tuesday on a resolution that calls on state lawmakers to enact nonpartisan reforms to the way political boundaries are drawn.

The Executive and Legislative Committees 4-1 vote sends the resolution to the full board for consideration at its Sept. 19 meeting. If approved, the Sauk County Board would join at least 20 other county boards throughout the state that have passed similar resolutions. The actions are nonbinding.

I think its good for you to stand up and represent your constituents, who I believe the majority of them are really against the process that we have, said Doug Mering, a Baraboo School Board member and one of two people who spoke during a portion of Tuesdays meeting set aside for public comment. Both speakers encouraged the committee to approve the resolution, which was proposed by Supervisor Peter Vedro of Baraboo.

A federal court ruled last year that the process used by state Republicans in 2011 to redraw district boundaries was unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, and oral arguments are set to begin in October.

Executive and Legislative Committee member Dennis Polivka of Spring Green cast the only vote against the resolution that went before the committee Tuesday.

I honestly dont believe there is a fair system out there, because you always have the human factor, Polivka said, alluding to the idea that it is impossible to eliminate partisanship from the redistricting process because every person has political leanings.

Supporters of the Iowa model of redistricting  in which an appointed panel redraws political boundaries  say safeguards are built into the process to prevent biases from seeping in.

The panel must follow criteria written into the law that prevents it from redrawing district maps in favor of one party, a process known as gerrymandering.

The resolution that will go before the county board does not recommend one particular reform model.

Executive and Legislative Committee member Joan Fordham of Baraboo offered an amendment  which was unanimously approved  to change language in the resolution from insisting that the Legislature enact reforms to urging that it do so.

Sauk County cannot insist, Fordham said. Sauk County can recommend. Sauk County can urge.

Board Chair Marty Krueger of Reedsburg, who chairs the committee, proposed additional language encouraging the Legislature to allow local governments to produce and provide their numbers, wards and district information before beginning work on state maps. An amendment to add that language also was approved.

Local governments traditionally have completed redistricting before the Legislature begins its work. However, state Republicans reversed that course of action prior to the controversial process they undertook in 2011.

Krueger said he would encourage the Wisconsin Counties Association to incorporate the amended language into any resolution it may consider for adoption during its annual conference.

In other business, the Executive and Legislative Committee approved the following items, forwarding them to the full board for consideration later this month:

A resolution amending the boundary between county supervisory districts 21 and 14 to account for property that was annexed from the town of Baraboo to the city of Baraboo.

Recommended the appointment of Principal Assistant Corporation Counsel Debra ORourke as interim Sauk County corporation counsel until a full-time replacement for longtime county attorney Todd Liebman is hired. The committee also approved a resolution honoring Liebman for his years of service.

Approved forwarding several resolutions passed by other counties to department heads for possible consideration by their oversight committees. The resolutions are to be considered by the Wisconsin Counties Association later this month.
Dodge County farmers were offered a different perspective on the regions water resources Aug. 31 during a tour of Beaver Dam Lake.

The Dodge County Alliance Healthy SoilHealthy Water group aims to build stronger ties between conservation groups and those involved in agriculture and invited farmers to get out on the water.

We hope that they will understand what we are doing and well understand what they are doing, said Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association President Bill Boettge.

He said he was surprised to learn many of the farmers in the Alliance had never been on the lake. More than 90 farmers signed up for the 30-minute lake tour on a pontoon boat that launched from The Springs Pub and Grill.

The Alliance formed a year ago and is made up of farmers, lake property owners and advisers from Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, UW-Extension and the Dodge County Land and Water Conservation Department.

We are building something that is not only beneficial for the lake and the farmers but is a good organization, Boettge said.

Bringing farmers out on to the lake will allow them to see the lakes low clarity due to high phosphorus levels and other aspects that could be improved. Boettge said he and others can educate people on the efforts the group is doing to clean up the lake and how farmers can play a role as well.

Lake Improvement group member Bill Foley said that one aim of the tour is to raise awareness and develop programs to decrease the nutrients deposited into the lake in the future. Limiting the amount of fertilizer farmers use should decrease the amount of erosion and run-off into Beaver Dam Lake.

Foley said the lake is in stable condition, but added there is a lot of phosphorous, sediment and excess carp that should be addressed. He said the Association is attempting to identify carp spawning grounds and eliminate them  in addition to harvesting them from the lake.

Foley said that the estimated 34 inches of rain that has fallen this summer has helped the lakes condition.

The group will meet again from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at The Watermark, 209 S. Center St. for a town hall style meeting with the Beaver Dam Lake Improvement Association and UW-Madison Water Resources Management students. The group also plans to meet Oct. 18 for a Fall Field Day. No location or time has been set yet. Boettge said time around farmers would teach lake owners a few things like what no-till farming is and why farmers use cover crops.
A legacy of perfect smiles will continue in downtown Beaver Dam now that Dr. Alex Schwab is taking over the orthodontics practice of Dr. Thomas J. Triller in downtown Beaver Dam.

Triller, DDS, is retiring after 44 years and said he is grateful to have the skills of Schwab, DDS, MS, available to the people of Dodge County.

Triller grew up in Juneau, where his father operated a dental office for many years. He graduated from Marquette Dental School in 1968, and from the Loyola University orthodontics program in 1973. He practiced general dentistry with his father for a year, and after two years in the orthodontist program took the next big step in his career.

I moved to the big city, said Triller, referring to his new practice in Dr. Komers upstairs dental office at 133 Front St.

He stayed there for 10 years.

It was not an easy start, as the country was then suffering an economic downturn.

The first bank I went to wouldnt give me a loan, Triller recalled. They didnt think a dentist could just do orthodontics in a city this small. I never got a loan, but they gave me a line of credit where I could get some of the things I needed. I think I bought a chair and an X-ray machine. I had to use some of Dr. Komers equipment. I did work for an orthodontist in Milwaukee one day a week, and then went back and taught one day a week for about the first four years. Eventually it got busy enough that I could just be here.

Space was at a premium in the upstairs office, and eventually a storefront across the street  the 140 Front St. address where his practice has been ever since  came to Trillers attention.

This building had been Mahals Appliance and was empty at that time, he said. We found some early pictures of the building and wanted it to look the way it was around 1900. Dick Cromheecke remodeled it and we were very pleased with the way it turned out.

It was an easy choice to relocate nearby.

I always liked being downtown, Triller said. When I was going to move, I surveyed my patients and they all wanted me to stay here rather than moving to an outlying area. Another thing about being here is that were in walking distance of most of the schools.

Schwab was one of those patients, along with two of his siblings, who walked to appointments from Beaver Dam Middle School.

Its very convenient for both children and for those who dont drive, Schwab said. Thats one of the appealing things about this office.

Maintaining character

The building remains the downtown areas poster child for building restoration, which is something the new owner strives to maintain by following Beaver Dam Landmark Commission preservation guidelines. The guidelines prefer signs attached flat on the buildings facade, illuminated by goose-neck lights.

Its easy to get approval if you just follow the guidelines, Schwab said. We did change the colors a little bit, but otherwise its pretty much the same as Dr. Triller had it.

Interior changes include new paint, removing wallpaper, adding new examination chairs and a few other minor alterations.

Schwab grew up in Beaver Dam, the son of Allen and Carol Schwab. He graduated from Marquette Dental School in 2013, and practiced dentistry for two years before returning to the schools orthodontics program. He continued to work part-time during his residency program. He graduated from the orthodontics program in August of this year.

Coming to Beaver Dam to start his practice was an easy choice, although he and his wife (Kelley) and son (Emmett) reside in Wauwatosa.

Dr. Triller approached me when we were at a Wisconsin Society of Orthodontists meeting, Schwab said. He talked to me a little bit about the office and coming back to Beaver Dam. We talked some more after that and I saw it as a nice opportunity to give back to the community that supported me so much both as a child and through college through the scholarships they provided. Ive been given a lot of opportunities by the people in my hometown.

Profession advances

Triller has seen many changes in the profession over his many years in practice, and Schwab is aware of those advancements.

They used to put metal bands all around the teeth, and they attached them to individual metal brackets, Schwab said. Then they came out with more aesthetic things like ceramic brackets. They still have metal, which is still very popular. They also have clear plastic aligners which are good for some limited cases as well.

Other changes include advanced computer X-ray displays, digital teeth impressions and more on the horizon.

Every advance saves time and makes it easier to get amazing results, said Triller, who has kept up with the changes for his patients benefit.

Triller is not sure what he will do in retirement, but looks forward to finding out.

I ride a bike and I row a boat, he said. Maybe Ill travel a little bit.

He now resides with his wife, Jane, in a cottage between Montello and Wautoma. They have three sons, Tom, John and Mark, along with two deceased children, Anne and Michael. He has commuted to Beaver Dam to serve his patients over the past four years. He will continue to work one day a month until January.

Two of Trillers staff members will remain, although they are aware things undoubtedly will change.

Im very thankful that Alex agreed to continue to operate this as an orthodontic office, Triller said. Hes continuing a legacy here.

Im proud to be part of that, and look forward to serving my patients as well as Dr. Triller and his staff have done for decades, Schwab said.